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BUSINESS
AUGUST 2018
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2018
EDITORIAL | POLITICS | HEALTH | INSURANCE
EDITOR’S CORNER Lito Mendoza Velasco
Lahat ng lider ay tinutuligsa.
Kung di ka handang mapuwing; Huwag kang maglakad sa mabuhangin. oooOooo
Ang Karunungan
Binigyan ka nga naman daw ng sapat o labis na karunungan upang ikaw kumita o sa ika bubuhay ay iyong magamit; hindi upang ikaw ay pagkakitaan o pagamit. oooOooo
Framing-up: Toppling down from the stage
In the US, a frame-up (frameup) or setup is the act of framing someone, that is, providing false evidence or false testimony in order to falsely prove someone guilty of a crime. Sometimes, the person who
is framing someone else is the actual perpetrator of the crime. In other cases it is an attempt by law enforcement to get around due process. Motives include getting rid of political dissidents or "correcting" what they see as the court's mistake. Some lawbreakers will try to claim they were framed as a defense strategy. (Wikepedia) Beware! Persons of deceiving characters are like epidemics that persistently spread out to contaminate you. Not everybody who smiles is
Looking back and looking forward By Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, MP for Edmonton Millwoods
O
n July 18th, 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed me Minister of Natural Resources. This sector is a source of tens of thousands of good,middle class jobs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast and I am grateful to have been given this responsibility. I look forward to working on this important file and making sure that we develop our natural resources in a responsible manner while ensuring we find new export markets – we need to ensure we’re getting the best price for Canadian resources. Together with industry partners and Canadians, I believe we can build a cleaner, greener Canada. When I was initially appointed as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, I was reminded of the importance of being locally focused. A new bridge does not just connect two sides of a waterway; it connects communities and brings people together. I like to think of my work there as symbolic of the work our government is doing in so many places – bringing people, communities and ideas together. I was particularly proud that our government delivered on its commitment to double federal infrastructure investments. We developed a program that responded to the needs of towns and cities, provinces and Indigenous communities. We made the effort to consult extensively on local priorities. Our plan is making a real difference in communities across Canada, helping build the infrastructure that Canadians need to live happy and healthy lives. All told, I personally approved over 4,100 infrastructure projects with a combined investment of over $39 billion dollars. What do these numbers mean to Canadians? Better transit systems that help people get to work, greener buildings, cleaner drinking water, and modern recreational facilities for families. It was a great privilege to work with municipal, provincial and territorial leaders to implement our Investing in Canada Infrastructure plan. As a former City Councillor and bus driver, I saw first-hand the impacts of our investments in local public transit to build stronger communities for Canadians. It really was my life coming full-circle. My wife Sarbjeet often joked, I went from paying for the bus, to driving the bus, to paying for the bus again! We put a major focus on innovation, with a focus on evidence-based policy and data. In the coming weeks, we will see the results of a survey program we developed with Statistics Canada called the Core Public Infrastructure
high profile. The Bible says: “Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” 1 Peter 5:8
Framing on: Staging onto pedestal
Issue-after-issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal have been testifying to the credibility of those personalities who have been featured in one of our columns entitled “Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo.” It is of course presumed that their lives have already served as living testimonies and exemplars to those who are able to attentively read about their stories of success. If you know someone else whose life has been intricate yet managed to excel; then, let us bring his or her life, works, and amazing experiences to the knowledge of our kababayan (fellowmen)—Let’s frame his/her name on the wall of fame. Learn to praise in public and blame in private! Learn to pay respect! Learn to bring others to the top! The more you learn, the more you realize how much you need to learn!
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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WHAT's Inside: A reader's guide Editor’s Corner Looking back and looking forward Jan The Man’s Note Migrants' Voices From a Vantage Point AFJ Team Just Listen Why Is Alberta’s Oil Cheaper? Philippine Consular’s Advisory (FreeDX) Hosts Picnic Radyo sa Dyaryo Photo Potpourri Sports Journal From Dream Into Beam From Migration to Immigration Greetings General Point Of View Filipinavigation Perezcope Making Gospel Reading Trending Artospective Kalampagan 2018 Father and Son Concert
3 3 6 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 20 21 23 24 25 27 29 30
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
ARTS AND CULTURE | BUSINESS
AUGUST 2018
Karilagan Competes in the World Dance Competition at Disneyworld
W
ith 26 individuals from their supportive families cheering them on, 28 dancers of the Karilagan Dance Society took to the stage at the WorldShowPlace in Epcot, Disneyworld,
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Florida to compete in the World Dance Competition held last June 26-29. Karilagan had 3 entries out of 37 others from around the world and each of the 3 entries was awarded the silver medal. Aside
from competing, they were also given the chance to participate in the Disneyworld Parade. Congratulations to the Karilagan Dance Society from all of us at the Alberta Filipino Journal.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
INSPIRATION | BUSINESS
AUGUST 2018
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Filipinos Success' Stories:
Kaya Ko, Kaya Mo! If I can, You surely can! By Marjorie Carmona Newman
Faye Sales Edmonton’s Pride In The Search For Mrs. Philippine Ambassador
Faye is a Clinical Aesthetician who completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Our Lady of Fatima University in the Philippines. She moved to Canada with her family and made Edmonton home and worked for Misericordia Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Faye had to work two part-time jobs, one of which was working with mentally handicapped children.
At a young age, Faye struggled It is her passion for greatness was able to make their day a whole with acne breakouts which made and the hunger for stability in life lot better. her conscious of her appearance. that drove Faye to fulfill her dreams Her advice to kababayans who She invested a great deal in finding and the ability to pay it forward to desire to open their own business solutions for her acne problem those who are in need. is “To know your passion, focus on and took matters into what you want to achieve in her own hands when life. This will require time, she pursued a career in effort and money before you Clinical Aesthetics in Las can achieve your goal. Never Vegas, Nevada. She was give up and lose hope, it is determined to succeed, part of the process. Learn knowing that someday she [about] the business that would have the ability to you want to open, gather as help people who suffered much information as you can as she did. In 2011, Faye and surround yourself with finally opened her own the right people. Most of all, business called “La Bello”, do not forget to give back to formerly known as “Le people who helped us Famous Hollywood actress Audrey the Derma Skin Clinic”. She and gave us guidance and Hepburn once said “True beauty support.” attributed the continuing success of her business Faye is a candidate for in a woman is reflected in her to her loyal clientele and Mrs. Philippine Ambassador. soul.” This is Faye Sales' guiding She wants to share her journey supporters. She recalls with the world, her hard principle in life. encountering many challenges upon What makes Faye proud of work and the things she achieved her arrival in Canada, especially her work is nothing more than a in life. Most of all, she wants to be setting up her business. These smile from her many customers an inspiration to women all over challenges did not discourage her who love her service and results. the world. She strongly believes that from pursuing her dream and She is fulfilled in knowing that she hard work will pay off someday if worked extremely hard to the point is an instrument of transformation you set your mind and heart to it. of working several jobs in order to for her clients who wish to build As a beauty expert, beauty finance her studies. their self-confidence and that she comes in different forms and it is
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having the confidence, motivation, drive, and courage that gets you to where you want to be in life. In closing, appreciate and stay grateful to the people who helped and guide you in your journey. True to Audrey Hepburn’s famous line ”true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul”. Good luck Faye, we wish you all the best. In the eyes of your kababayans, you’re a real winner!
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
BUSINESS | POINTS OF VIEW | COMMUNITY
AUGUST 2018
Edmonton’s Annual Heritage Festival
T
he City of Edmonton’s atmosphere heightens every time the August long weekend comes around as heralds the arrival of the annual Heritage Festival. The Heritage Festival is one of the biggest events of the summer here in Edmonton as a numerous amount of people from around the city gather together at William Hawrelak Park and indulge in mouth-watering deliciousness and refreshing beverages. The Heritage Festival started in 1974 and has been a recurring tradition ever since to celebrate the cultural diversity in the great provinceof Alberta. If you haveyet to travel the world but have always wanted to, attending the Heritage Festival is a good place to start as it gives one the opportunity to venture into the pavilions of many countries and taste unique dishes not traditionally servedhere in Alberta. Moreover, the festival is a great time and place to relax with friends and family to enjoy the different cuisines of the world while also taking in the beautiful scenery of the park.
JAN THE MAN’S NOTE JANUEL CEDRICK IBASCO Januel Cedrick Ibasco is a proud Filipino-Canadian and is currently a student at the University of Alberta studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Sportsmanship is a big slice of his cake. He is highly-spirited when playing golf, volleyball, and basketball and loves reading, writing and volunteering at church. Jan looks forward to taking up law after his undergraduate degree.
During the Heritage Festival this month, I had the opportunity to enjoy the festival in a different light. Instead of being a spectator and going around the park, I was working behind the scenes of the Peruvian Pavilion which involved helping prepare food, setting up tables, and interacting with customers. Furthermore, during this experience I learned that running a pavilion takes months of preparation and dedication to successfully execute
the goal of wonderful food, excellent service, and an increased appreciation and awareness of the many beautiful countries the world has to offer. By the same token, I am very thankful that I was apart of this year’s Heritage Festival as it was an experience that was very special for me. I hope to be involved in it for years to come. Meeting new people, trying some unique food, and fellowship is what the Heritage Festival is all about. Happy Summer Everyone!
The Peruvian Pavilion at Heritage Festival, August 4th, 2018.
The First Filipino Food Truck in Canada’s Top Restaurant
T
he food truck started when the owner Jamie went for a vacation in Los Angeles where he came across a Filipino food truck that sold street food. When he found that food truck he was hooked! He ended up spending over $200 on his trip because he missed the Filipino style street food that his mother used to make. Immediately after that trip he couldn't stop thinking about opening up his own food truck. 6 months after returning he had purchased his truck and opened for business! Jeepney JayTee is really known for their Sisig Pork Taco's and Fries. Another big favourite Bistek Shawarma is a Filipino Beef Steak. Everything is made in house including the sauce and meats. People travel from all over Canada to come and visit the food truck! A real authentic Filipino street food experience. They constantly have people lined up and enjoying the wonderful Filipino food. The Owner Jamie has an absolute passion for the business and the truck has almost 400 Five Star reviews on Facebook.
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
OPINION | EDUCATION
AUGUST 2018
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
7
VIRTUAL REALITIES: From Cassette to Facebook
E
very time I open my Facebook account, all sorts of information (or misinformation) bombards me in my newsfeed. It’s not fun scrolling down and deciding which ones will I read. Many of these are articles that are satirical in nature, conspiracy theories or downright fake news. The boom of Facebook was a blessing and a curse to the immigrant communities. With 2.23 billion users, Facebook has become the number one social media site in the world. It was a blessing because through it, separated migrant families are able to connect in real time. However, it is also a curse because it has become a venue for the proliferation of misinformation. Communicating then and now My father was an OFW. He was a seaman. Like many OFWs today, he left his family in order for us to have a better life. He would leave for six months at a time and when he returned home, would only stay for about a month until he had to leave again. Every six months became yearly. We didn’t hear from him for long periods of time. When we did, it came in the form of a cassette tape. A cassette tape is a type of recording device. My father would record his voice in it and he would tell us stories about what was going on with him on the ship, what he wanted from us and when he would be coming home. We would receive four or five cassette tapes at a time. My mother would call us all to the dinner table to listen. Being around a cassette player and listening to my father’s voice was
Migrants' Voices MARCO LUCIANO mluciano2@gmail.com
Marco Luciano is the Global Council Representative of Philippine based Migrante International. He is also the current Secretary General of its chapter Migrante Canada.
a family affair. We were excited and looked forward to it. Then came the prepaid international phone cards in the nineteen eighties. Migrants (and members of our community) often use these cards to call family and friends in the Philippines. These cards were easy to use and a low-cost way to make overseas calls. This is what I used in order to communicate with my family when I came to Canada in the eighties. It gave me a chance to directly talk to them and hear their voices. It was something that I looked forward to every end of the month. Technology truly is blazing forward faster than we thought it would. In the mid-nineteen nineties, when the internet was being introduced to the public through dial-up phone lines, many communications digital platforms were introduced. There were emails and chatrooms. Internet companies like AOL (America Online) and MSN (Microsoft Network) introduced the instant messaging systems. Groups and “Forums” were also introduced; these were the predecessors of Facebook.
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Many of these, albeit in a more developed format, still exist today. When the internet became mainstream, every Generation Xer, myself included, had an ICQ account. It was an instant messaging client whose name was derived from the English phrase “I seek you”. Soon after, MySpace and Friendster were born. Consecutively, two of the giants in social media world were launched, Facebook in 2005 and Twitter in 2006. Social Media and Migrants As the means of communications evolve, so do the ways migrants abroad communicate with their families. They are always on the hunt for the cheapest and quickest way to reach their families back home. Facebook gives them the space not only to communicate directly, but also to be able to virtually raise their families from afar. With the mushrooming and accessibility of smart phones, parents that are working abroad are able to monitor the growth of their children, their school, do homework
etc. Pictures are shared among each other. Children can also share their grades from school, their birthday parties, etc. And parents in turn can share photos of the nice picturesque places they've been to and the food that they had. It’s definitely light-years from my time. On the other hand, some experts say that the wanton use of smartphones, tablets and social media create isolation for the children. In an article from Fortune magazine entitled “How Smart Phones and Social Media can Steal Childhood”, it wrote that “A study led by Jean Twenge, a psychologist at San Diego State University, found that U.S. teens who spend more time online are less happy than those who pursue other activities. In other research, Twenge sited that social media is contributing to a rise in teen depression”. Many children, and not just the ones left behind by their parents, are into smart devices. Jenny Radesky, a clinical instructor in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at Boston University suggests that some research would argue that educational television and interactive media can help a child learn vocabulary and reading. On the other hand, Radesky also voiced her concern through an online website Big Think that “over the use of gadgetry as a substitute for learning, as she fears it could impair a child's ability to empathize and problemsolve—social nuances that are learned during unstructured play”. This of course has a greater impact on the children of migrants who are separated from their parents. Listening to their mom or dad who is an OFW through Facebook or Skype has become individualized.
Dependency on social media In the article that was released by Philippine news outlet ABS-CBN News in February of this year, it stated, “For the third year in a row, the Philippines emerged as the country that spent the most time on social media”. The Inquirer.Net further said that “there were 67 million accounts on Facebook in the Philippines” that spend“an average of 3 hours and 57 minutes a day on social media sites, mainly on Facebook”. This does not mean that these many people are well informed about what’s going on in the world. Many migrants and Filipinos engaged in social media have become “Facebook readers”. I coined the phrase to point out the people that read the headlines and immediately “like” or “share” whatever they saw without reading the content or the whole article. I’m most definitely sure that you got one of those. However, this topic constitutes another separate article that I will be doing next. Migrant children have become dependent on smart gadgets and social media and networking. It became their substitute parents, giving them guidance on what they should do in life in the absence of their own parents. With the explosion of fake news in the last few years, the issue has become worrisome. Will I suggest going back to cassettes in the communication of separated migrant families? Definitely not. However, the bigger issue still remains unanswered. Why do we have to leave the Philippines in the first place? Why do families have to be separated in order to have a better life?
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
RELIGION | AFJ TEAM
AUGUST 2018
The Excellency of Preaching The Cross of Christ From a Vantage Point TITO S.VENIDA
Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a studentleader during his college days and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced fraternities. His immensurable love for the human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity-from a mere brotherhood into sainthood. Tito authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.
OUR TEXT "For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS
I. Its Character. A. Simple in its facts. B. Humiliating in its doctrines. C. Startling in its announcements. II. The Result.
Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales & Advertising CP: 780-916-7677 Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com Lito Mendoza Velasco Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales & Advertising 780-993-5503 mangeles@albertafilipinojournal.com Mark Destacamento Promotions, Sales & Advertising Lianne Angeles Proofreader l Contributing Writer Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Photographers/Videographer: Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida Ida Beltran-Lucila, Katrina Marielle U. Cereno Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Moses Billacura Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Nicky Gocuan Giselle General, Rosalyn Estoque, Perry Diaz Contributing Writers: Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Nilo Belvis Macapinlac, Riana Torrejon, Fr. Jhack Diaz The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life in service to the Filipino Community. We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.
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A. Foolishness to them that perish. B. The power of God unto them that are saved. THE WORD OF THE CROSS In 1 Corinthians 1:17 the apostle Paul had renounced the "wisdom of words." It is clear, therefore, that there is an eloquence which would deprive the Gospel of its due effect. This "wisdom of words"-1. Veils the truth which ought to be set forth in the clearest possible manner. 2. Explains the Gospel away. It is possible to refine a doctrine till the very soul of it is gone. Under pretence of winning the cultured intellects of the age, it has gradually landed us in a denial of those first principles for which the martyrs died. 3. Is frequently used with the intent of making the Gospel appear more beautiful. They would paint the rose and enamel the lily, add whiteness to the snow and brightness to the sun. With their wretched candles, they would help us to see the stars. To adorn the Cross is to dishonor it. One of the old masters found that certain vases which he had depicted upon the sacramental table attracted more notice than the Lord Himself, and therefore he struck them out at once: let us do the same whenever anything of ours withdraws the mind from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4. Is employed to augment the power of the gospel. Paul says it makes it of no effect (see 1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Having cleared our way of the wisdom of words, we now come to the word of wisdom. A. The Word ofThe Cross. This is exactly what the Gospel is. From which I gather that the Cross-1. Has one uniform teaching. There are not two Gospels any more than there are two Gods: there are not two Atonements any more than there are two Saviors (1 Corinthians 3:11; Galatians 1:8-9). 2. Is one word in contradistinction from many other words which are constantly being uttered. Christ’s voice from the Cross is, "Look unto Me and be ye saved"; but another voice cries aloud, "This do and thou shalt live." The doctrine of salvation by works, or feelings, is not the Word of the Cross. Much less is the word of ceremonialism and priest craft. 3. Should be allowed to speak for itself. It cries, let us hear this Word of the Cross, for in effect our text says, "Let the Cross speak for itself.” B. The Word ofIts Despisers. 1. They call the doctrine of the atonement “foolishness.” 2. These gentlemen-C. The Word of Those Who Believe. What do they say of the Cross? They call it power, the Power of God. 1. The phenomenon of conversion is a fact. Men and women are totally changed, and the whole manner of their life is altered. The word of the Cross has delivered us from-2. The power with which God created and sustains the world is no greater than the power with which He made us new men in Christ, and by which He sustains His people under trial; and even the raising of the dead will be no greater display of it than the raising of dead souls out of their spiritual graves. Conclusion: Believe in the Power of the Cross for the conversion of those around you. Do not say of any man that he cannot be saved. The blood of Jesus is omnipotent. (C. H. Spurgeon.) TWO CLASSES OF GOSPEL HEARERS I. The one is perishing, the other is being saved. The perishing and the saving are gradual. A. There is a class gradually losing sensibility-contracting fresh guilt. They are not damned at once. B. There is a class gradually being saved. Salvation in its fullest extent is not an instantaneous thing, as some suppose. II. To the one class the gospel is foolishness,
to the other the power of God. A. It is foolishness to them that are perishing, because it has no meaning, no reality. B. It is a Divine Power to them that are being saved. Enlightening, renovating, purifying, ennobling. The Power of God stands in contrast with mere human philosophy and eloquence. (D. Thomas, D. D.)
E. What a fact is a believer’s obligation to devotedness and love. If we have been bought at such a price, we are no more our own, but our Purchaser’s. F. What a fact is the guarantee of a believer’s faith! "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 KJV).
THE DISPENSATION OF THE GOSPEL AND ITS EFFECTS I. Its Theme--The Cross. II. Its Dispensation--The Excellency of Preaching. III. Its Reception-A. To them that believe not, both the subject and the means are foolishness, because they harbor human pride, discountenance merit, embrace the wisdom of this world. B. To them that believe it is the Power of God in the conscience, the heart, the life.
CONCLUSION: I. How wonderful it is that God should be pleased thus to deal with men! II. What a thought it is for ungodly men that there is a Divine Power in the Gospel, and that in it God puts forth all His powers of persuasion. III. And it is for us to remember that the Gospel is a Power for all the exigencies of the Christian life. (J. H. Hinton, M. A.)
IV. The Issue--Those That Perish--Those That Are Saved. THE GOSPEL THE POWER OF GOD I. By The "Preaching of The Cross." By the Excellency of Preaching the Cross, we understand the preaching of the Gospel. There are two circumstances which may have led to the use of this name. A. The apostle Paul did not so preach the Gospel as to conceal the Cross. This has sometimes been done. The Roman Catholic missionaries that went out to the East held back the fact that the great Savior had died in ignominy upon the Cross. They told their hearers only of those facts concerning Him which had a glorious appearance, such as Christ's resurrection and ascension. And the first disciples may have sympathized in such a feeling. The Cross tended to attach dishonor to Christ and to His Gospel. But the apostles did not do so; they told the whole story. B. The crucifixion supplied, and was the whole origin of, the great topics which their preaching of the gospel contained. It would have been nothing for the apostle Paul to have preached the resurrection, if he had not preached Christ's death. These facts have no evangelical glory or meaning if you separate them from the Cross. Take away the Cross, and you take away the very Life and Soul of the Gospel itself. II. This Gospel Is Perverted. A. By those who say that it derives its power not so much from the Death of Christ, but mainly from His Life. Now, I do not mean here to depreciate the Life of Christ, which was superlatively grand and striking in all respects. But the presenting to the world of a life of virtue will not in any degree be influential in its regeneration, and as for presenting an aspect of the benignity of God this is infinitely exceeded in the Death of Christ. What the apostle Paul preached was not Christ’s Life, but Christ’s Death. B. By those who say that the Death of Christ has an influence, but that it is not an Atonement. What is it then? It is a "way of speaking"! To this I would say-III. The Gospel Is A Power. In that it presents a set of topics and considerations intended to work upon men’s hearts and consciences. If the Atoning Death of Christ be a fact-A. What a fact must sin itself be! He is God making a vast provision by the humiliating death of His own Son for the expiation of the sin of the world. What a proof it is of the lost state of man! B. What a fact is God’s justice! The sinner says, "Well, I have sinned, but God is merciful." Well, now, come again with me to the Cross. See a dying Saviour; there is God’s vengeance against man’s representative. C. How great the Love of God to a rebellious world. See to what an expense He has gone to save us. D. What a fact is the Foundation of a sinner’s hope. None need despair; whosoever believeth in Him shall be saved.
Salvation and Destruction: A Continuous Processes A slight variation of rendering, which will be found in the Revised Version, brings out the true meaning of these words. Instead of reading "them that perish" and "us which are saved," we ought to read "them that are perishing," and "us which are being saved." (See Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:9). That is to say, the apostle Paul represents the two contrasted conditions, not so much as fixed states, either present or future, but rather as processes which are going on, and are manifestly, in the present, incomplete. That opens some very solemn and practical considerations. Then I may further note that this antithesis includes the whole of the persons to whom the gospel is preached. In one or other of these two classes they all stand. Further, we have to observe that the consideration which determines the class to which men belong is the attitude which they respectively take to the preaching of the Cross. First, let us look at the two contrasted conditions, "perishing" and "being saved." We shall best understand the force of the darker of these two terms if we first ask what is the force of the brighter and more radiant. If we understand what the apostle Paul means by "saving" and "salvation," we shall understand, also, what he means by "perishing." If, then, we turn for a moment to Scripture analogy and teaching, we find that wellworn word "salvation" starts from a double metaphorical meaning. It is used for both being healed or being made safe. In the one sense it is often employed in the Gospel narratives of our Lord’s miracles. It involves the metaphor of a sick man and his cure; in the other it involves the metaphor of a man in peril and his deliverance and security. The sickness of soul and the perils that threaten life flow from the central fact of sin. And salvation consists, negatively, in the sweeping away of all these, whether the sin itself, or the fatal facility with which we yield to it, or the desolation and perversion which it brings into all the faculties and susceptibilities or the perversion of relation to God, and the consequent evils, here and hereafter, which throng around the evil-doer. The sick man is healed, and the man in peril is set in safety. But, besides that, there is a great deal more. The cure is incomplete till the full tide of health follows convalescence. When God saves He does not only bar up the iron gate through which the hosts of evil rush out upon the defenseless soul, but He flings wide the golden gate through which the glad troops of blessings and of graces flock around the delivered spirit, and enrich it with all joys and with all beauties. So, the positive side of salvation is the investiture of the saved man with throbbing health through all his veins, and the strength that comes from a Divine life. It is the bestowal upon the delivered man continued on page 24 ►
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2018
COMMENTARY | BUSINESS
A wake up call for Trudeau
I
always try to look at the positive side of things. When the Federal Government bought the TransCanada Mountain pipeline, I was happy to see that the Government was serious about helping Alberta get back on its feet after the oil crash that crippled Alberta’s oil industry and affected Canada’s overall economy. No matter what the Trudeau Government does, it must understand that oil is still Canada’s number one export product. Sadly, in the past year, workers in Alberta have experienced massive layoffs from companies because of the weak economy. While measures to try to stop the slide is in place, the reality cannot be ignored that many Canadians especially Albertans worry about their future. Recently, I received information of another mass layoff. So when will this slide stop? Figures show there are a lot of companies hiring but in the real world, how many are truly hiring? Some individuals have handed out hundreds of resumes without receiving any response from prospective employers. I hope the provincial government will have a better way of tracking these in order for them to know how many companies are actually hiring and that these are not mere job postings to collect resumes. *** The Filipino people is starting to lose respect for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau because he has not acted on the three sea cans’ worth of garbage that was shipped from Canada to the Philippines. They could not understand why a first world country like Canada was not aware that the sea cans contained garbage. Has the shipper been identified? If yes, why are the 3 containers still sitting at the ports of Manila? What is causing the delay? I hope the Mr. Trudeau can give us some concrete answers
Just Listen NICKY GOCUAN ngocuan@yahoo.com
As a journalist with over 14 years of experience, I have covered different events from rallies on the street, entertainment and international sports events like the Asian Games. My favorite pastime is singing. I have always believed that life would be boring without music.
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL From page 3
Looking back and... Initiative that will give us much needed data on the state of infrastructure in this country. We also successfully launched the Smart Cities Challenge, which encourages communities to collaborate with the private sector and civil society and use technology to solve our biggest infrastructure challenges. We launched the Canada Infrastructure Bank, which will marry public interest and private sector capital to build projects where it makes sense. It will also free up public resources to fund important projects that Canadians need. Another highlight was witnessing the amazing progress on the Champlain Bridge in Montreal. Once completed, the Champlain Bridge will provide a safe and reliable connection between Montreal and the South Shore that will benefit tens
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of thousands of commuters. Finally, I am incredibly proud of one of our last achievements: breaking ground on the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor, a crossing that will increase trade between Canada and the United States by easing congestion at our busiest land border crossing. I am grateful for the incredible team at Infrastructure Canada; together we laid the foundation for a better country. As I look ahead in my new role, I am excited by the challenges and opportunities in front of us. Canada’s Natural Resources sector is one of the most innovative and vibrant of our economy. It creates thousands of good, well-paying middle class jobs and is a source of pride for many Canadians, particularly in Alberta. Together, we will lead the way towards a cleaner, more prosperous economy where Canada reaffirms its place as a global leader in the natural resources sector.
REYNALDO CAMPOS, CPA, CGA CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT
CHARLES KRUPA / AP
as to when he will act on the three sea cans filled with garbage. *** I recently had a chance to visit a very good friend, Undersecretary Joel SyEgco of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) at his office in Malacañang. It isn’t easy to be in his position investigating all these media killings. It takes a lot of dedication and time and is very risky because you really do not know who you are up against. But I can tell you he is the best person for the job
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for he is very dedicated to what he is doing and is genuine in his efforts to help media practitioners. He has already solved numerous cases and continues to work on high profile cases, the latest being the killing of Albay Broadcaster Joel Llana. I know the good Undersecretary will not leave any stone unturned and get to the bottom of each case. On behalf of the Philippine Media Association of Alberta (PMAA), good luck to the Undersecretary and we pray for your guidance and safety.
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POINTS OF VIEW | PHILIPPINE CONSULAR’S ADVISORY | BUSINESS
AUGUST 2018
Why Is Alberta’s Oil Cheaper? By Payman Parseyan
Alberta is the heart of Canada’s oilsands and economic engine. It’s no secret that the oilsands have helped to fund roads, schools, hospitals and other major projects for over half a century. We know that the world will eventually shift to less carbon-based energy sources. This doesn’t mean that we must forget our vibrant and innovative oil & gas sector. 100,000’s of employees feed their families, clothe their children and pave our highways (figuratively and literally) because of this sector. The international energy agency predicts that the earlier the globe will peak its demand for oil is 2045. That means that
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we can have this vibrant sector to continue providing our means for AT LEAST the next 25+ years. It’s also important to remember that a non-partisan study was done on the top oil producers of the globe and Alberta has, by far, the highest standards when it comes to this industry. Regulatory, consequential, application, worker rights, labour standards, and the HIGHEST environmental regulations are the factors that make our products the most ethical on the planet. In the global fight for climate change, buying Alberta oil means, supporting companies that innovate newer, less environmentally invasive technologies, Albertan/Canadians employees/employers, Alberta/Canadian public projects, accountability
and ensuring that one drop less is provided from areas of the globe where basic human rights are disregarded, nevermind the grotesque environmental records. One major problem is that we are selling our oil at a steep discount. Part of it is because we have heavier oil and cost of transporting it but our largest contributor to this is the LACK OF PIPELINES. Oil is identified by its producer and its API-G, a system of rating the “weight” of the oil. The higher the number, the lighter the oil. WTI (West Texas Intermediate) is about API-G of 40 degrees. Brent Crude is 38 degrees and Dubai oil is 31 degree. Alberta’s oil WCS (Western Canadian Select) is much heavier, sitting at about 20 degrees. This means it costs more money to further upgrade/refine the product to similar levels of WTI/Light crudes. The refinement costs plus the transportation to refineries in the united states sits at roughly $13USD/ barrel. That means if global prices for WTI is $67.20 ($87.78 CAD)/Barrel, our prices should be around $54($70.54CAD)/Barrel. Our oil today is selling for $38.14($49.82CAD)/
Barrel. That’s a differential of about $38CAD ($29USD)/Barrel. That means we are selling our product for a discount of $21CAD/ Barrel. We are exporting 3.3Million Barrels/ Day and 2.55Million of that is WCS. That means we are underselling $53,550,000/day or $19,559,137,500/Year. That is enough to build 16 state-of-theart hospitals, EVERY YEAR. Lack of pipelines and a bottleneck of getting resources to the right places is the main driver in this price differential. This was proven in the United States with the 2014 gulf coast pipeline which alleviated the bottle necks and helped to close the gap between Brent crude and WTI prices. It is the duty of our provincial and federal politicians to get pipelines built. Our province and our country have sat back for too long and given our products away for far too long. It’s time we start acting like a major oil producer and get our product to markets, alleviate pipeline/ infrastructure bottlenecks and start getting real value for our products. What do we want? PIPELINES! When do we want them? NOW!
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2018
RELIGION | COMMUNITY | BUSINESS
Miraculous Patron ‘Santa Marta’ of Pasig
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Filipino Radio Enthusiasts of Edmonton (FreeDX) Hosts Picnic at Miquelon Lake Park It was three days of fun-filled picnicking and camping for the FreeDX members to end the summer’s season. Carmel Restauro, president of the radio enthusiasts thanked the members who came to camp and visited for the food trip, karaoke, games and camaraderie.
The Santos, Prasad, Geronimo and Elstone families of Pasig once again held the feast of Santa Marta at the Emily Murphy Park last Saturday, July 21, 2018. Devotees and well-wishers flocked to the park to join the procession of the miraculous statute of Santa Marta. Hon. Jason Kenney, Leader of the United Conservative Party (UCP) joined the procession to honour and revere the saint along with the devotees.
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
RADYO SA DYARYO: Magkatulong Sa Pamamahayag At Pag-Aliw Sa Lipunang Pilipino
MEDIA | COMMUNITY
AUGUST 2018
Ang Pagtatagni-tagni ng mga balitang pang-masa sa saliw ng mga awiting Pinoy sa pamamagitan ng Tahanan ng OPM-Himig Pinoy-101.7 World FM. Kakambal nito ang isa sa pangunahing dyaryo sa Albertaang Pulso ng Lipunang Filipino sa Alberta – Alberta Filipino Journal!
DJ Jo-Ann, Mr. and Mrs. Brian & Arlene Dahl, owners of Salu Salu Food Truck, South Common Farmers Market, A&B Kettle Popcorn, DJ Rolan.
From left: DJ Jo-Ann Aguilar, Nelson Rodriguez-Owner of Maligaya Travels and Tours and his Team: Ranz, Kat, and Janice, DJ Rolan Latorre.
Alessandra Emma Angeles - Little DJ On Training at 101.7 World FM - Himig Pinoy
DJ Rolan, Lemm - Genghis Rex Band’s Vocalist, Mia - DJ On Training, and Rick genghis Rex Band’s Boom Box player.
DJs Rolan Latorre and Jo-Ann Aguilar, Attorneys Joseph and Katrina Angeles and their lovely daughters, AFJ Editor Lito Mendoza Velasco
DJ Jo-Ann, Monica Arango of Right in Town Realty, DJ Rolan
DJ Jo-Ann, Bryan Aller - President of Jam For A Cause Society, and DJ Rolan Latorre.
“Touch a heart, Change a Life” is the theme for this year’s ANCOP Walk which will be held on August 2018 in 19 locations across Canada. In Edmonton, the 2018 ANCOP Walk will be held on August 25, 2018, Saturday, morning at Millwoods Park, 66 Street corner 23 Avenue. Registration for Walkers starts at 8 am. Join this year’s walk and be an instrument in changing the lives of poor children in developing countries, namely: the Philippines, India, Kenya, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Uganda and Nigeria. For further details, please visit ANCOP’s website at: walk.ancopcanada.org. Or call Greg Parillas, ANCOP Edmonton Coordinator at (780) 982-9152.
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2018
COMMUNITY | BUSINESS | PHOTO POTPOURRI
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RIGHT PHOTO: The "Maya" bird, a long-time national bird of the Philippines before it was replaced by the Philippine eagle in 1995, is a symbol used by a dental clinic which recently opened its doors to Edmontonians. The dentist, Dr.Donna B. Rivera has served clients for 10 years now. LEFT PHOTO: Maya Dental Clinic's marketing in-charge Millie R. Mercado (extreme right) talks about the newly-opened dental clinic while Dr. Donna B. Rivera (center) waits her turn to answer questions from Benjie Lindo Live Updates host Benjie Lindo, August 11. The new clinic is located at Unit 109 1803 91 Street.
Photo potpourri
by the Journal Photos by
MOSES BILLACURA
Myles Noel of Quality Sleep Care and Alberta Medical Supplies answer guestions about their services during the Association of Batanguenos in Alberta Picnic, August 11, at the Emily Murphy Park.
Lawyers Joseph and Katrina Angeles get a guided tour from Alberta Medical Supplies co-founder Kris Salumbides during the Quality Sleep Care/Alberta Medical Supplies Open House, July 29, in Edmonton.
Marjorie Newman (8th from right) with some friends and supporters during her UCP Nomination Meet and Greet, August 11, at Coronation Park.
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Arlene C. Dahl, owner of Salu-Salo Food Truck, talks about how they prepared Filipino food during the South Common Farmers' Market event, August 11. Interviewing her are Benjie Lindo of the Benjie Lindo Live Updates and guest Charla Cabagbag of Robinsons Land.
Miss Canada Wheelchair Vahen King with (left-right) Alberta Filipino Journal columnist Marjorie Newman, Alberta Medical Supplies cofounder Kris Salumbides, AMS marketing's Mia Mulingtapang and AMS co-founder Jesse Tallon during the Quality Sleep Care/AMS Open House, July 29, in Edmonton.
Father Joseph Vadassery (standing) thanks committee members and volunteers, August 9, for helping in the recent Corpus Christi Parish golf tournament that raised money for the Building Fund. The next tournament is in August next year.
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SPORTS | COMMUNITY | BUSINESS
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
AUGUST 2018
Donate sports equipment for Kids of Marawi, Team Quality Care Group at Mud Hero, Pinoy sportsfest in the works Professor Henry Daut of the Mindanao State University-Marawi Campus is a colleague in the Sports for Peace Mindanao project established by Philippine sportsman William "Butch" Ramirez. Sports for Peace Mindanao, Inc. is a non-government organization (NGO-SEC Reg.No. CN200827885) with a mission "to make sports a vehicle to strengthen the emotional well-being of individuals, the character of peoples and the souls of the nation; to make sports a way to promote dialogue, harmony and understanding among nations and communities of different cultures, traditions and beliefs; to make sports an avenue for people to share cultures, values, and beliefs thereby fostering greater understanding, respect, and brotherhood among nations and communities." Despite the absence of funding, Prof. Daut has continued the work focusing especially on his work in Marawi with the help of his friends. Marawi City, if you can remember, was devastated by a five-month battle between Al Qaeda-linked Maute Group and government troops. Prof.Daut and his friends have started helping rebuild Marawi
SPORTS JOURNAL MOSES BILLACURA mo.sports@gmail.com
Moses Billacura was a sports correspondent for national newspapers in the Philippines since 1992 and served as sports editor and columnist for a community paper before moving to Canada in 2010. He loves photography, manages pinoyedmontonnews.com and cheers for the Edmonton Oilers.
through sports, conducting events for the Kids of Marawi. I am writing about this because he needs sports equipment donations. It is my hope that the Filipino community here in Alberta has some extra tennis rackets and balls that they no longer use and other sports equipment that the kids can use. By all means, let us know if you'd like to donate. I believe that if we are able to collect enough equipment, we will then seek help from Philippine Business Society of Alberta president Celso Andrade, owner of Sunfreight Cargo Forwarders or from Annie Chua of Assured Cargo International to send the equipment to Marawi City. I met Homer Lising of UMAC
Express Cargo in Edmonton during the Filipino Family Day and who knows he may also help ship the equipment to Marawi. Mga mahal naming mga Kababayan, puwede ba nating gawin 'yan para sa mga bata sa Marawi City? If you can help, contact any officers of the Philippine Media Association of Alberta (PMAA) such as Nicky Gocuan, Lito Velasco, Rolan Latorre, Kuya Jun Angeles or please give us a call at (780) 807.4743. Thank you very much! *** Team Quality Care Group was among the hundreds of teams that continued on page 15 â–ş
Team Quality Care Group of Companies at the Mud Hero event, August 12 in Red Deer. (Contributed photo)
Biboy Gonzales of the Leduc Warriors fires a three-point shot against a defender from Slave Lake in the 2018 NWEBC Invitational, July 28, at the Saville Centre. The Warriors reached the quarterfinals. (Photo by Moses Billacura)
Batanguenos in Alberta hold annual picnic By Moses Billacura
Members of the Association of Batanguenos in Alberta (ABA) led by their president Gaudy Gonzales successfully organized their Annual Picnic, August 11, at the Emily Murphy Park. The Batanguenos and their guests enjoyed fun games and also won prizes donated by various sponsors and received raffle prizes from Quality Sleep Care and Alberta Medical Supplies. QSC and AMS co-owner Jesse Tallon awarded the prizes to the winners. "We are so delighted to have this kind of fellowship," said ABA officer Philip Aseron.
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Association of Batanguenos in Alberta president Gaudy Gonzales The Association of Batanguenos in Alberta organized fun games (5th from left) and fellow officer Philip Aseron(5th from right) with for its members and guests during the Annual ABA Picnic, guests including Quality Sleep Care and Alberta Medical Supplies August 11, at the Emily Murphy Park. co-owner Kris Salumbides (6th from left), August 11, at the Emily Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal Murphy Park.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
SPORTS | BUSINESS
AUGUST 2018
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Edmonton representatives at the Junior Development Nationals in Toronto
I'm back!!!!! For those of you that don't know me, my name is Syla Celeste. I recently competed at the Junior Development Nationals in diving. I worked hard all
year to qualify and ended up coming in 7th place in the 1 meter springboard C1 event and 8th in the 3 meter springboard C1 event. It was fun to see all my friends from across the country who also qualified for Nationals. We finished the week off with a fancy banquet and a fun filled day in Wonderland. I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to represent my age category and am hoping to qualify again next year. It will be hard work but I will do my best. For now I am enjoying the break over the summer! See you next year.
From page 14
Donate sports equipment for Kids... joined 2018 Mud Hero, August 12, in Red Deer. Quality Care Group, which runs sister-companies Quality Sleep Care, Alberta Medical Supplies and Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy, formed a team composed of company directors Kris Salumbides, Jesse Tallon and Jacob Christian, their Calgary manager Roy Recoco and friends Danino Policarpio, Rog Edoloverio and Raygen Nicolasora. The 10-kilometer, 25 plus obstacle course wrapped up with the exciting drop to the mud pit. "It was exhilarating and we did it," said Salumbides. Congratulations Team Quality Care Group! *** Currently in the works right now in the Pinoy community is a scheduled sportsfest involving billiards, darts and table tennis. We've seen a growing number of players in those three events, so we are sending a message this early and if you are interested in playing or becoming an event volunteer, please let us know. Email mocolumnist@ albertafilipinojournal.com.
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Hi to the readers of the Filipino Journal! My name is Aylah Angeles. I had an amazing experience at my first Junior Development Nationals in Toronto. I came in 4th in the D11M springboard event, 5th in the D1 tower event and 7th in the D1-3M springboard event. I got to meet divers from the east who spoke French and got my friends to translate which was pretty neat! I had so much fun with my teammates and will never forget my first Nationals. I'm gonna work hard and hope all my teammates do well so that we all can experience Nationals in Regina SK next year!
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BUSINESS | POINTS OF VIEW
AUGUST 2018
Panciteria de Manila owners Community Resource Article: on Learning eager to serve Pinoy food fans Resources New Topics Online
By Moses Billacura
Lorena Alcantara, husband Bayani and their children have been very busy these days because they will soon be opening a new location of Panciteria de Manila at 12832-137 Avenue NW, Edmonton. Panciteria is scheduled to have
its grand opening on September 8 and they have sent out many invitation letters including one to Mayor Don Iveson. Faced with a growing Filipino community and Edmontonians, who have become fans of Pinoy food, Lorena and Bayani started looking for a new location and found a new
spot that would accommodate more than 200 guests. "We are just so excited to open and serve our Filipino food fans," Bayani, who is vice-president of the Philippine Business Society of Alberta told the Alberta Filipino Journal, August 12.
By Giselle General
L
Lorena Alcantara (extreme right) with Panciteria de Manila staff (left-right) executive chef Rogel Reyes, Joseph Rainier Ilag, Lester Resurreccion, Angela Sarmiento, Arvi Apostol, Maria Sarmiento, Luisa Rubia, Benny Geronimo, Dhana Oreste, Gezila Rubis Theriault, Drazen Agub and chef Christian Mirabueno at their new location, 12832-137 Avenue NW, Edmonton. (Photo by M.Billacura)
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ife is a never-ending journey of learning new things about everything around us. School has also taught us many pieces of information which help to build our skills and competencies. It is understandable though that for reasons outside of our control, it is possible that many are not as exposed or not as knowledgeable about certain topics. In this article I have listed a few online resources for some topics where I felt that supplementing my knowledge is valuable. In some conversations and observations with fellow Filipinos – and fellow adults actually – I came to realize that learning more about these can help increase awareness and improve not only our own lives, but of those around us.
1. The School of Life: Education on Self and Relationships - The School of Life has both a website and a YouTube channel, and it focuses on thought-provoking articles on relationships, ethics, psychology, self-awareness and more. For me, this resource has been particularly helpful since growing up, I had limited access to people with whom I could have those “heart-to-heart” conversations about values, relationships, trauma, self-esteem and philosophy. The links are: a. Main Website: https://www. theschooloflife.com/ b. YouTube Channel: https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UC7IcJI8PUf5Z3zKxnZvTBog continued on page 23 ►
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2018
COMMUNITY | EDUCATION | GOVERNMENT
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Quezonian Club Frolics In Summertime After a short hiatus, the Quezonian Club of Edmonton under the presidency of Totie Mendoza, organized a summer picnic last Saturday August 11, 2018. Once again Quezonians of Edmonton gathered at Rundle Park, to renew the camaraderie of the members.
FROM DREAM INTO BEAM MERVIN MENDOZA CERENO
Your Guide to Your Professional Engineering Status in Alberta (For International Educated Engineers)
mmcereno@gmail.com
Your Guide to Your Professional Engineering Status in Alberta (For International Educated Engineers)
Mervin Cereno is a Filipino Engineer, Academician and Entrepreneur who chose to migrate to Canada. He got his Provisional License* as Professional Engineer from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) after only 8 months from the time he landed in Canada in March 2016. Presently, he is pursuing a Master’s Degree at the University of Alberta. For pieces of advice and queries on licensing procedures in Alberta, you can contact him through email at cereno@ualberta.ca. *Provisional Licenses are granted after satisfying all the requirements of the APEGA Board of Directors except One Year Canadian Experience in the field of engineering.
T
his is the same article featured a couple of months ago. Due to several emails and queries from “kabayans” on how they will start the licensing process, below are the procedures and specific instructions. In recent year, the Alberta Filipino Journal, has been very instrumental to bringing my researches towards its
voracious readers. On the other hand, my articles could have somehow helped the Filipino engineers to be recornized as “Engineers” here in Canada. To summarize the entire procedure, the steps below and the chart will simplify all the requirements.
Gained at Least One Year of Engineering Canadian Work Experience
Register to APEGA’s Website and Obtain Member Id Number
Submit TOEFL or Signed Handwritten Letter to APEGA
Submit Documents to WES
Submit Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residency
Wait for APEGA’s BOE Recommendation
Pass the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) Exams
OR Complete your WER
Complete Character Declaration Form
Pass One or More Technical Exams
Wait for APEGA’s BOE Recommendation
Pass the National Professional Practice Exams (NPPE)
Professional Engineer Status (P. Eng)
continued on page 25 ►
Trans Mountain Pipeline means more money for what matters most. Roads, schools & hospitals. KeepCanadaWorking.ca
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IMMIGRATION SERVICES | LEADERSHIP | RELIGION
Sponsorship Under The Family Class Criteria
AUGUST 2018
There's a New Deacon in Town!
From Migration to Immigration MARJORIE CARMONA NEWMAN info@mcncanadaimmigration.com 780-758-2045
Marjorie Carmona Newman is a REGULATED CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT based in Edmonton, Alberta. She previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Director. Marjorie is a three-year recipient of CAPIC's Service Award.
W
hile hosting the Entertainment part of the Philippine Pavilion at the Heritage Festival this weekend, a kababayan from Grande Prairie approached me and asked about sponsoring an adult sister for permanent residence to Canada. She then opened her tablet and showed
me Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website which provides the following information: "Whom may I sponsor using this application package? You can use this application package to sponsor: - a child whom you adopted outside Canada and you were a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living
in Canada at the time the adoption took place, or a child whom you intend to adopt in Canada. Consult the Appendix A. - your brother or sister, nephew or niece, grandson or granddaughter, if he or she is an orphan, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship; - any other person, regardless of age, with whom you have a family relationship if you do not have a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, continued on page 23 ►
by Lianne Angeles
I
n a solemn but joy-filled ceremony presided over by Archbishop Richard Smith, which took place at St. Joseph's Basilica in downtown Edmonton on Saturday, August 11, Ramon Morales, finally achieved his dream of being ordained a deacon along with two other ordinandi. Deacon Ramon was born on August 26, 1959 in Taytay Rizal, Philippines. He comes from a family of devout Catholics and is one of seven sons born to his parents. He attended a private Catholic high school and graduated at the University of Santo Tomas, which is considered the oldest and only Catholic university in the Philippines, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. He worked overseas, in countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Singapore for over 15 years, before moving to Canada with his family in 2001 as landed immigrants. Ramon is very active in the faith community, assisting in masses as an adult server at St. Agnes Catholic Church since 2003. He decided to apply for the Permanent Diaconate Formation and Study Program in 2013 and was accepted in 2014. After four years of dedication, perseverance, study and never faltering in his deep, abiding faith, Ramon completed his diaconal formation. At his ordination, he was supported by his loving wife, Elizabeth, his two sons, Franz and Marion and they were joined by more of his close friends who were proud and eager to celebrate this special day with him. “I owe everything to God. With His grace and mercy, I was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton,” says Deacon Ramon. Congratulations to Deacon Ramon from his proud kababayans at the Alberta Filipino Journal.
Photos by Mon's Couples for Christ family
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
COMMUNITY | BUSINESS
AUGUST 2018
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
19
Edmonton Arts Council Hosts Free Public Art Picnics
F
or the second year in a row, the Edmonton Arts Council is hosting three free neighborhood Public Art Picnics. Taking place from 12:00 pm 4:00 pm on the Sundays of August 12, August 26 and September 9, each Public Art Picnic offers programming for all ages, including live entertainment, art activities, and summer treats. Food trucks will be on site at all events for guests to purchase food and drinks from. Alternatively, guests can bring their own picnics. “After the great success of last year’s public art picnics, we’re thrilled to bring this programming back into the community again,” Sanjay Shahani, Executive Director of the Edmonton Arts Council says. “Public Art Picnics help us engage communities outside of the core and bring attention to the public art that is placed throughout the city.” On August 12, take in three public art pieces —“The Ballroom,” “Wheatfield with Crows,” and “Sculptures in Landscapes” at Meadows Recreation Centre and Library, and enjoy the jazz sounds of AC/Dixie band led by Don Berner. On August 26, gather at Stony Plain Road & 152 Street by “The Musicians” sculpture while enjoying a variety of performances. TrinCan Steel Orchestra will provide upbeat steel band tunes, while Celeigh Cardinal and her band will lend
“Musicians” by Bella Totino-Busy and Verne Busby: Photo by PK Photography
Public Art Picnics poster: Illustrated and designed by Valéry Goulet of Valéry Design Wrks
Public Art Picnics 2017 photo: Courtesy Edmonton Arts Council
their smooth, soulful sounds. Then watch Firefly Theatre perform engaging renditions of “Crosswalk Theatre,” a take on James Corden’s Crosswalk the Musical. Finish off the series on September 9 at Castle Downs Park Pavilion by the lenticular art piece “Mountain Brother” and create your own lenticular art while enjoying live entertainment and other activities. About 200 guests are expected to attend each event. Programming will take place rain or shine. Event details can be found online on Facebook and the Edmonton Arts Council website.
The Edmonton Arts Council is a notfor-profit organization that supports and promotes the arts community in Edmonton. The EAC works to increase the profile and involvement of arts and culture in all aspects of our community life. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Breanna Mroczek Communications Officer bmroczek@edmontonarts.ca On site event contact: Bob Rasko Churchill Square Programmer, Edmonton Arts Council (780) 970-7766, email: brasko@edmontonarts.ca
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
PARA-LEGAL SERVICES | GREETINGS
AUGUST 2018
Adelina Antonio Angeles: The Golden Lady A loving husband Allan Angeles and the entire clan, in the presence of their friends, had blissfully celebrated the 50th birthday of his beloved wife at the Palabok House last August 11, 2018.
Front Row: RestyReyes, Lydia Jimenez, Marly Manaois, Mrs. Democrita Antonio, a visitor who also celebrated her 76th birthday just recently, the golden lady, Adelina Angeles (Allan Angeles’ wife); Marita Antonio Maglalang and Allison Angeles (Allan and Adelina Angeles’ daughter). Second row from left: Erica Manaois (Marly Manaois’ daughter), Teresa Reyes, Elsie Jimenez (Democrita Antonio’s son- in-law, and Mrs Liezl Antonio Jimenez (Democrita’s daughter).
Arjay Laygo turns another leaf By Moses Billacura
Registered massage therapist Arjay Laygo was supposed to be in Whitecourt for his birthday celebration but it was raining. Due to this, he and his family decided to celebrate at their humble home with clients and friends joining them despite the rain. "I'm very happy to be with my family and friends. Thank you Lord for another year," said Laygo.
Arjay Laygo (center), owner of Arjay Laygo Massage, turned another leaf, August 12 and celebrated with his family and friends. Among his long list of clients are Journal publisher Jun Angeles and Jeepney Jaytee food truck owner Jamie Balmores.
Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal
Nanay Sedes Cereno Enjoys Her First Birthday in Canada The Mendoza, Cereno, Umali, and Velasco Families had thrown a birthday bash to Mrs. Maria Nieves Mendoza-Cereno last August 5, 2018 at the Minano’s Residence, Rosenthal Subdivision, Edmonton.
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2018
BUSINESS | POINTS OF VIEW
Beauty products that maybe doing more harm than good #AllergyAlert
E
ver try a new moisturizer only to end up with red, itchy skin instead of the promised dewy glow? No matter how great a beauty product may seem, reactions or contact dermatitis can happen. If you’ve experienced a bad skin reaction, you’re not alone. Studies show that one in three people have allergy symptoms like contact dermatitis. Genuinely natural personal care and cosmetics brand Human Nature has come up with five allergy facts all beauty junkies need to know. Fact 1: Contact dermatitis have two categories: irritant and allergic. When a product causes immediate harm to the skin barrier, irritation can happen on the surface of the skin. Skin irritations are characterized by any of the following: burning sensation, redness, flaking and itchiness. Meanwhile, allergic reactions build up
over a long period of time and are the immune system’s response to substances that are attacking the body, called pathogens. Some face cleansers may deliver a slight tingling sensation. However, certain chemicals inside products can be too strong for delicate skin types, resulting in a painful burning sensation. If your face care routine results in stinging and redness, you need to switch to milder products. Fact 2: Skin irritations can be triggered by common cosmetic ingredients like fragrances, preservatives (parabens) and detergents. Human Nature reminds beauty lovers to read the label carefully and check for potential allergens. According to a study conducted by Amersham Hospital in the United continued on page 22 ►
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
21
My Journey through Media Exposure
A
few months ago, one of the YouTube channels I follow released a 12 – part online course series on media literacy; which they aptly named “Crash Course: Media Literacy”. I found it informative and entertaining. I also feel great knowing that being connected to the internet makes accessing information easier. This prompted an opportunity to reflect on how much – or in some cases how little – access to various forms of media I had growing up and then upon moving to Canada. Living in a rural mining village with the typical 90’s antenna TV, most households like ours would get access to the major TV stations and some smaller ones. When my parents were still alive, we had a routine of having dinner while watching whatever was on TV at 7 PM. A lot of times, it would be an episode of an anime, followed by a telenovela. Whoever is at home at 6 PM gets to watch the news. Watching TV on the weekends gave usa chance to see shows from other countries like ‘The Simpsons’. Most advertising is on the radio and TV, with different strategies to entice viewers, from catchy dialogues like “Naku germs! Hindi ah!”, to having a brand persona like “Lumen and her family” for a laundry detergent. In elementary school, we had a monthly magazine subscription that covered a combination of history, current events and geography articles for our HEKASI (aka Social Studies) class. We were sometimes asked to bring the local newspaper to class for us to look through. I would say this is how I started gaining awareness
GENERAL POINT OF VIEW GISELLE GENERAL
gqgeneral@gmail.com
Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region on the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, she now dedicates her business training to the nonprofit sector, both in employed and volunteer capacities. She works at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides free legal help to low-income Edmontonians. She channels her creativity by writing in her personal blog, General Point of View, and has recently published a book of her poems and artwork titled The Humanity of Me.
continued on page 25 ►
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
COMMUNITY | BUSINESS
AUGUST 2018
The Privileged Hour At The Fly Friendly Travel And Tours’ Office
Birthday Greetings from Fly Friendly Travel and Tours’ Team
Resty Reyes, the President of Fly Friendly Travel and Tours opens their office’s door to DJ Rolan Latorre of 101.7 World FM Tahanan ng OPM as well as to Lito Velasco of Alberta Filipino Journal in order to show the sophisticated walls being designed and installed by Edge Grabador. This is where FFT&T Staff happily and effectively serving the customers. Resty has extended his assurance to YVR Japan Airlines’ General Manager, Ms. Janice Wong of their continued support by bringing good number of passengers to JAL day-in-and-out. RIGHT PHOTO: From Left: Rosemarie Joy MagnoTejano and Michael Tejano, Owner of Joyce Travel & Tours, daughter Gezella and Jarmela Tejano, Alma C. De Guzman and Noli D. De Guzman; Teresa and Resty Sta. Maria Reyes of Fly Friendly Travel and Tours. From page 16
Beauty products... Kingdom, 23 percent of women and 13.8 percent of men reported an adverse reaction to a personal care product over the course of a year. “Allergic reactions are triggered by allergens. Some people can be allergic to natural ingredients like lavender while some can be allergic to chemical ingredients. That’s why it’s important to check product labels closely before using anything new on your skin,” emphasizes Rushelle Aguirre, Human Nature’s research and testing head. Fact 3: The dry flakes on your hair
and scalp could be caused by your shampoo. Most synthetic shampoos use sulfates as lathering agents. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can dry out the scalp and cause it to itch and flake. When flakes appear, most people will reach for anti-dandruff shampoo, which usually has antimicrobial agents like selenium sulfide that can further dry out and irritate the scalp. Jojoba oil also works as great skin soother: use a drop on your face to nourish dry or soothe irritated skin. Plus, jojoba oil contains wax esters similar to skin’s natural sebum — the oily, waxy substance that the skin produces. When used on the face, jojoba oil helps prevent the overproduction of
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Alma C. De Guzman
sebum, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. Fact 4: Air pollution can make your skin more prone to irritation. Regular exposure to air pollutants (a.k.a your daily commute) can lead to inflammatory or allergic skin conditions. As such, it’s not surprising that skin irritation is more common among residents of urban areas like Metro Manila.
Marly C. Manaois
Aguirre. She adds that if in doubt, finding going to a dermatologist for a patch test is advisable. Those with sensitive skin are also advised to test a product on a small area of skin for 24 hours or more before using on the whole face or body.
Learn more about our Goodness List at https://humanheartnature.ca/tropical/index/ Find the perfect match for your sensitive skin today at https://www.humanheartnature.ca
Fact 5: A patch test could save your life. “If there is an allergic reaction and the cause is not known, it is best to see a doctor to determine what the cause of the allergy is,” explains THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2018
POINTS OF VIEW | CONTINUATIONS
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
23
Journal Entry of a Young Bakasyonista
D
uring my recent trip to America, I was able to visit beautiful New York City and observe its hustle and bustle. I enjoyed watching the dance between vehicles moving forward at full speed whilst the unblinking pedestrians darted through the gaps between these vehicles, both parties focused solely on their destinations. It is truly a concrete jungle worthy of a safari. New York is well known for being the city that holds quite a diverse population. I learned from the American Immigration Council that “one in five New Yorkers is an immigrant,” which confirmed my observations that many of the citizens I passed were from all over the world as the city boomed
From page 16
Resources on Learning New Topics Online O. School and Sexplanations: Resources on Reproductive Health – There is so much to learn about sexuality and reproductive health. The most important benefit I gained is learning not only about the medical terms of men and women’s body parts, but the natural processes that occur at different occasions. A huge benefit is harm prevention for adults and children. It is important to be able to identify when and how certain behaviours are inappropriate as well as what to do about it. The other part is empowerment and
From page 18
Sponsorship Under The Family Class Criteria uncle, aunt, niece or nephew who is a Canadian citizen, a registered Indian, a permanent resident or whom you may sponsor as a member of the family class." https://www.ca nada.ca /en/ immigration-refugees-citizenship/ services/application/applicationforms-guides/guide-5196-sponsorshipadopted-children-other-relativessponsor.html She asked if her sister qualifies even if she is not a minor. Because if you were to understand what’s written on the website it seems that “any other person” in the 3rd option does not include the 2nd option, which includes brothers and sisters, but only those under 18 years of age. The way this is written implies that “brother or sister”, and “any other person” are mutually exclusive. It seems like point #2 puts restrictions on the sister (and brother, niece, nephew options) and the third point doesn’t explicitly lift them. I’m impressed that she took the time to get all the information to check if she can sponsor her sister under the Family Class. We are always reminded by
Filipinavigation RIANA TORREJON torrejonriana@gmail.com Riana Torrejon is a twelfth-grade student who is a passionate advocate for human rights. In her spare time, she loves to write and sing. She also runs her school’s Student Council, chairs for ECSD’s Student Senate, and is an actress for Emma the Musical. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of her greatest inspirations.
not only with the vrooms of cars rushing past one another—often accompanied with honks—but the sounds of different languages being spoken as well. America is often referred to as a melting pot, but I would like
to disagree, at least in New York city’s case.
enjoyment, especially for those who are having intimate relations with others. The links are: a. O.School Main Website: https://o. school/ b. Sexplanations YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCkxMlA7rt-mnIc1AjbyAsPw
in the community where I grew up. With the greater awareness about the topic these days, this helped me understand why some people have certain conditions, and how they can be supported to live healthy and successfully. The links are: a. How to ADHD Main Website: https://howtoadhd.com/ b. How to ADHD YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC-nPM1_kSZf91ZGkcgy_95Q
How to ADHD: Awareness on Mental Health – This YouTube channel is a great one for mental health. It also contains a lot of the resources that can help anyone. I stumbled upon the channel when I was researching how to set up my bullet journal, which is like a handwritten planner. Talking about mental health issues is hardly discussed
speakers during our immigration seminars that it is absolutely critical to always read what the law says before relying on the IRCC website. Please don’t get me wrong, the website can be helpful, but the content is simply IRCC’s interpretation, which can sometimes be confusing and at times even be patently incorrect. What I’m saying is that the website is NOT the law. I told her that sheseemed to be confusing the use of a particular application package for multiple different kinds of Family Class sponsorships, including the “adopted child” type, “orphaned relative” type or the “lonely Canadian type.” The citation is talking about three totally different classes of sponsorable relatives. Going back to the first principles, the list of relatives eligible for sponsorship in the Family Class is found in s.117 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations(http:// laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/ sor-2002-227/page-27.html#h-71). There are EIGHT different classes of relatives who are sponsorable. The comprehensive list is as follows: 117 (1) A foreign national is a member of the family class if, with respect to a sponsor, the foreign national is:
For New York, I have this to say: Blurs of colours from each person’s complexion to their clothing’s hues vary and the music of different
The Financial Diet: Financial Advice and Strategies – I liked this channel mainly because the hosts are ‘millennials’ like myself, young adults who are figuring out the journey to being more financially stable • (a) the sponsor’s spouse, commonlaw partner or conjugal partner; • (b) a dependent child of the sponsor; • (c) the sponsor’s mother or father; • (d) the mother or father of the sponsor’s mother or father; • (e) [Repealed, SOR/2005-61, s. 3] • (f) a person whose parents are deceased, who is under 18 years of age, who is not a spouse or common-law partner and who is o (i) a child of the sponsor’s mother or father, o (ii) a child of a child of the sponsor’s mother or father, or o (iii) a child of the sponsor’s child; • (g) a person under 18 years of age whom the sponsor intends to adopt in Canada if o (i) the adoption is not being entered into primarily for the purpose of acquiring any status or privilege under the Act, o (ii) where the adoption is an international adoption and the country in which the person resides and their province of intended destination are parties to the Hague Convention on Adoption, the competent authority of the country and of the province have approved the adoption in writing as conforming to that Convention, and o (iii) where the adoption is an international adoption and either the country in which the person
languages that arise from tongues which evolved from different backgrounds come together. Each person is a speck in the crowds of thousands, but identities remain through the stories they tell with their respective chosen vehicles for expression. I see Saris brush past suits, smell the scent of kimchi wafting from the restaurant down the street, and hear stand up comedians busking in Central Park. There are areas in which cultures are preserved as you can walk for a few blocks and find yourself in Koreatown or a mom and pop shop which has been in business longer than the years I’ve spent on Earth. There are also areas which blend cultures together, as fusion food is also available if you continue walking.
Being immersed amid it all, I do not see a melting pot, but rather street art. For me, together, it all forms a mural spray-painted onto a concrete wall. The blend of fine and coarse when it comes to smooth concrete captures the feeling of the tough, hardened skin that New Yorkers seem to innately have. Meanwhile, the array of colours dance around as they travel across the wall, swirling together for some parts of their journey and remaining pure for other parts. Altogether, they allow the observer to appreciate a beautiful image of elements that somehow manage to remain in harmony with one another and even enhance each other’s unique beauty no matter how contrasting they may seem to be on their shared wall.
and organized. They cover a wide range of topics that directly impact us such as finances and budgeting, or indirectly impacts us but are beneficial, such as meal planning, thrifting and having uncomfortable conversations with those who are affected by our financial decisions. The links are: a. Main Website: https:// thefinancialdiet.com/ b. Youtube Channel: https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UCSPYNpQ2fHv9HJq6MIMaPw
food. Aside from the few cooking lessons in high school, I had limited opportunities to learn how to cook myself. When I used to live with my relatives, hanging out with my uncle, our ‘resident cook’ was a bit intimidating. The comprehensive ingredients and instructions list and the accompanying video for each recipe make it easy to follow for those who may be intimidated in the kitchen like I once was. The links are: a. Main Website: http://panlasangpinoy. com/ b. YouTube Channel: https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UCIjw46txjW6oD4NU6FHaj_w
Panlasang Pinoy: Filipino Cuisine – This is my go-to website for learning how to cook Filipino resides or the person’s province of intended destination is not a party to the Hague Convention on Adoption (A) the person has been placed for adoption in the country in which they reside or is otherwise legally available in that country for adoption and there is no evidence that the intended adoption is for the purpose of child trafficking or undue gain within the meaning of the Hague Convention on Adoption, and (B) the competent authority of the person’s province of intended destination has stated in writing that it does not object to the adoption; or • (h) a relative of the sponsor, regardless of age, if the sponsor does not have a spouse, a common-law partner, a conjugal partner, a child, a mother or father, a relative who is a child of that mother or father, a relative who is a child of a child of that mother or father, a mother or father of that mother or father or a relative who is a child of the mother or father of that mother or father o (i) who is a Canadian citizen, Indian or permanent resident, or o (ii) whose application to enter and remain in Canada as a permanent resident the sponsor may otherwise sponsor.
As you can see from the above list, s.117(1)(f) refers to orphaned relatives being sponsorable in certain circumstances. It also refers, totally separately, to any other relative, regardless of age, if the sponsor has NO relatives in the given list who are either PRs or citizens, or otherwise sponsorable from outside Canada. I assume that her sister is over the age of 18 and is not adopted by the sponsor. This means that the only way she could potentially qualify for sponsorship is under s.117(1)(h). I forgot to ask the sister in Canada (Sponsor) if she has a spouse, a common-law partner, a conjugal partner, a child, a parent, a sibling, a niece/nephew, a grandparent, or an aunt/uncle who is either a PR or a Canadian citizen, or who is otherwise eligible for sponsorship from abroad. Such situations are rare, but they do sometimes occur. If the answer is yes, then the adult sister is not sponsorable under this subsection. If however the answer is no, then she is sponsorable according to the criteria in s.117(1)(h). Source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
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24
OPINION | RELIGION
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
AUGUST 2018
Is Duterte reaching out to Uncle Sam?
F
or the most part of his administration, President Rodrigo Duterte has manifested and demonstrated his Anti-American policies, which is based on what he claimed as his personal hatred of the Americans. Indeed, on several occasions, Duterte threatened to sever relations with the U.S. including the expulsion of American troops who were helping the ill-equipped Philippine military fight terrorism in Mindanao. When he visited China in October 2016, Duterte, addressing his Chinese audience, called for a military and economic "separation" from the United States. “From now on,” he told his audience, “it’s the Philippines, Russia and China against the world.” And what made him think that he was at par with Russia and China? He must have been daydreaming, bedazzled by the display of Chinese opulence. But would China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin take Duterte as an equal partner, or would the two superpowers accept and treat Duterte as a “water boy”? Upon Duterte’s return to Manila, he lashed out anew at the U.S., saying she could forget a bilateral defense deal. He said that he hated having foreign troops in his country and told the U.S. not to treat his country “like a dog with a leash.” Duterte, who had expressed his admiration for Xi –- “He is a great president,” he once said – indicated that he would raise the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) arbitration award -- which favored the Philippines -- with Xi at a latter date when bilateral relations between the two countries has improved. He was hoping that China would provide low-interest loans and infrastructure investments in billions of dollars. “We’ll go to war” Seven months later, in May 2017, Duterte visited Beijing again. Duterte discussed with Xi the PCA arbitral award. The PCA ruling From page 8
The Excellency of Preaching... of everything that he needs for blessedness and for duty. This, then, being the one side, what about the other? If salvation be the cure of the sickness, perishing is the fatal end of the unchecked disease. If salvation be the deliverance from the outstretched claws of the harpy evils that crowd about the trembling soul, then perishing is the fixing of their poisoned talons into their prey, and their rending of it into fragments. Secondly, the progressiveness of both members of the alternative. All states of heart or mind tend to increase, by the very fact of continuance. Look, then, at this thought of the process by which these two conditions become more and more confirmed and complete. Salvation isa Progressive Thing. In the New Testament we have that great idea looked at from three points of view. Sometimes it is spoken of as having been accomplished in the past in the case of every believing soul--"Ye have been saved" is said more than once. Sometimes it is spoken of as being accomplished in the present--"Ye are saved" is said more than
Perezcope PERRY DIAZ PerryDiaz@gmail.com
clarified Philippine sovereign rights in her 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) including the Reed Bank, which is just 85 nautical miles off the Philippines’ coast. The PCA ruling also invalidated China’s “nine-dash line,” which delineated her claim over most of the South China Sea. At their meeting, Duterte told Xi: “We intend to drill oil there, if it’s yours, well, that’s your view, but my view is, I can drill the oil, if there is some inside the bowels of the earth because it is ours.” Xi responded: “We’re friends, we don’t want to quarrel with you, we want to maintain the presence of warm relationship, but if you force the issue, we’ll go to war.” Whoa! That was blunt! In no uncertain terms, Xi reminded Duterte to stay out of the South China Sea! Duterte wasn’t prepared to hear that. Indeed, it was a rude awakening for him. He must have felt like the sky had fallen down on him.
China’s “secret undersea exploration” in the Benham Rise area. The report said that China discovered massive mineral deposits. It also said that the volume of natural gas deposits in the area was at par with what was discovered in the Spratly Islands.” If China decides to claim all or part of Benham Rise, the Philippines would be helplessly unprepared to defend it. And China knows that. It’s just a matter of time for China to make her move, which begs the question: How can the Philippines defend her territory from Chinese invasion? The answer is: No, she can’t, which would bother Duterte to no end.
Benham Rise Since then, the Philippines stayed clear of Chinese vessels seen in the South China Sea and the Benham Rise, an underwater region larger than Luzon in the Philippine Sea. Chinese spy ships were also observed in the Benham Rise, a clear sign that China has set her eyes on the mineral-rich region. In my column, “China sets eyes on Benham Rise” (September 30, 2016), I wrote: “In February 2016, the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that several Chinese ships were seen in the Benham Rise. The following July, China Daily published a report about
Reaching out On May 20, 2018, a highpowered Philippine delegation went to Hawaii to meet with U.S Pacific Command (PACOM) Chief Admiral Harry Harris Jr. The delegation consisted of: Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin Jr. After the meeting, the DFA announced: "The Philippines and the United States have reaffirmed their firm resolve to bolster their enduring alliance anchored on common values and interest, historic ties, and the Mutual Defense Treaty, in high-level discussions
once. And sometimes it is relegated to the future--"Now is your salvation nearer than when ye believed," and the like. But there are a number of New Testament passages which coincide with this text in regarding salvation as, not the work of any one moment, but as a continuous operation running through life. As, for instance, "The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47 KJV). By one offering He hath perfected forever those that are being sanctified. So, the process of being saved is going on as long as a Christian man lives in this world. That notion of a progressive salvation, at work in all true Christians, has all but faded away out of the beliefs, as it has all but disappeared from the experience, of hosts of us that call ourselves Christ’s followers, and are not a bit further on than we were ten years ago; are no more healed of our corruptions (perhaps less, for relapses are dangerous) than we were then. Growing Christians are not the majority of professing Christians. And, on the other side, as certainly, there is progressive deterioration and approximation to disintegration and ruin. I am sure that there are people in this place who were far better, and far happier, when they were poor and young, and could still
thrill with generous emotion and tremble at the Word of God, than they are today. The apostle Paul treats these two classes as covering the whole ground of the hearers of the Word, and as alternatives. If not in the one class, we are in the other. If we are not more saved, we areless saved. Further, what a light such considerations as these, that salvation and perishing are vital processes--"going on all the time"-throw upon the future. Clearly the two processes are incomplete here. We get the direction of the line, but not its natural termination. And thus a heaven and a hell are demanded by the phenomena of growing goodness and of growing badness which we see round about us. Lastly, notice the determining attitude to the Cross which settles the class to which we belong. There are two thoughts suggested which sound as if they were illogically combined, and yet both are true. It is true that men perish, or are saved, because the Cross is to them respectively "foolishness," or "the Power of God." And the other thing is true, that the Cross is to them "foolishness," or "the Power of God," because respectively they are perishing or being saved. That is not putting the cart before the horse, but both aspects of the truth are true.
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in Honolulu. The Philippine delegation had a very substantive exchange with Admiral Harris on regional challenges and both sides agreed that the alliance remains consequential to the preservation of regional stability and development.” The mention of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) signifies the two allies’ readiness to defend each other, which begs the question: Did they discuss the mechanism of invoking the MDT in the event China goes to war against the Philippines? The meeting with PACOM officials came in the wake of reports that China has installed missiles on Mischief (Panganiban) Reef in the Spratly Islands, which China grabbed in 1994, two years after the Philippine Senate closed all U.S. bases in the country. On June 21, 2018, in another diplomatic move, DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano led a delegation to Washington, DC, which included Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez and National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. They met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The two diplomats agreed to work closely together to further reinforce the partnership between the Philippines and the United States. They also explored opportunities to enhance bilateral trade, and “increase security cooperation.” While the meeting appeared to be cordial by diplomatic standards, the haste with which it was arranged suggests that there was urgency to meet with Pompeo. With China’s deployment of missiles and aircraft on the reclaimed and militarized Mischief Reef, Manila would be within minutes of striking distance of Chinese missiles. That’s is too close for comfort, which gives Duterte sleepless nights. What’s cooking? It’s pretty obvious that something is cooking. The visit of several members of Duterte’s National Security Team – DFA Secretary Cayetano, DOD Secretary Lorenzana,
and NSA Esperon – to Washington, DC to meet with U.S. State and Defense officials to discuss closer US-Philippines bilateral relations, was a far cry from when Duterte expressed disdain and disapproval of the Philippines’ relationship with the U.S, including the stationing of American troops on Philippine soil, which makes one wonder: What prompted Duterte’s sudden change of heart in his attitude towards America? Could it be presumed that China’s creeping invasion of Philippine territory is a big factor in swaying Duterte away from China and reach out to the Philippines’ century-old ally, Uncle Sam? During the Philippine-US Friendship Day last July 4 in Manila, reporters asked U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim about the prospects of a second meeting between Duterte and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kim responded that both the Philippines and the U.S. have “strong interest” in pursuing Duterte’s visit to Washington, DC. Kim mentioned that Trump had invited Duterte to the White House during a phone conversation in May 2017. He said that it’s just a question of scheduling, and noted that Duterte and Trump have a “strong relationship.” Last July 27, 2018, presidential spokesman Harry Roque confirmed that a visit of Duterte to the U.S. and another meeting with Trump are being worked out. Earlier, Duterte said that his trip to the U.S. upon the invitation of his “friend” Trump “has something to do with the schedule” and “not because of anybody or any place there.” This is quite the contrary to when Duterte vowed never to set foot on American soil. But as the saying goes: “There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests.” And if there is one “permanent interest” shared by the Philippines and America, it’s the South China Sea.
If we see nothing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and His Death for us all, except "foolishness," something unfit to do us any good, and unnecessary to be taken into account in our lives, that is the condemnation of our eyes, and not of the thing we look at. If a man, gazing on the sun at twelve o’clock on a summer day, says to me, "It is not bright," the only thing I have to say to him is, "Friend, you had better go to an oculist." And if to us the Cross is "foolishness," it is because already a process of "perishing" has gone so far that it has attacked our capacity of recognizing the Wisdom and Love of God when we see it. But, on the other hand, if we clasp that Cross in simple trust, we find that it is the Power which saves us out of all sins, sorrows, and dangers, and "shall save us," at last, "into His heavenly kingdom." That message leaves no man exactly as it found him. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
them by the preacher of the gospel. (Prof. Godet, D. D.)
The Gospel Not a Wisdom This the apostle Paul demonstrates-1. By the irrational character of the central fact of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). 2. By the mode of gaining members to, and the composition of the Church (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). 3. By the attitude taken in the midst of
The Excellency of the preaching of the gospel is demonstrated-In them that perish--they deem it foolish-yet it confounds their wisdom--succeeds where it has failed. In them that are saved--because it conquers their opposition--and becomes in them the Power of God and the Wisdom of God.
The Triumph ofThe Gospel Over the Wisdom of This World Look at-A. The Means--The Simple Preaching of The Cross--which-1. Is foolishness to the wise. 2. Yet triumphs over human wisdom. 3. Effects what the wisdom of this world has failed to do. 4. And in spite of the opposition of the Jew and the philosophy of the Greek demonstrates Christ the Wisdom and the Power of God. B. The Agents--"not many wise, not many noble are called." 1. God has chosen the most unlikely instrumentalities. 2. And made them successful through Christ. 3. That no flesh might glory in His presence. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2018
POINTS OF VIEW | RELIGION | CULTURE
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Making Gospel Reading Trending
From page 21
My Journey through.. about political affairs and world news. I remember visiting the home of a wealthier classmate, who had subscription to cable TV. That was the first time I was enamoured by the stunning visuals from National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. Soon after, whenever my legal guardian let me stay in his house, I would watch shows from these channels with my cousins. I learned how cable TV provided a greater variety of shows on many topics – from robots, to sea animals, and to travelling to other places. In 2004, in my small sari-sari store in the village, my TV broke and it was soon followed by my radio. I didn’t know anyone who can fix it, so I didn’t have access to media for about a year and a half. When I moved to the city to finish high school, my media exposure accelerated with having to use the internet for school, along with having the TV turned on almost all of From page 17
Your Guide to Your Professional... 1. Register to APEGA’s Website (www. apega.ca) and obtain the APEGA Member Id Number. 2. Have your University or College gained Bachelor Degree and/or Master Degree transcript of Records and Diploma sent directly in sealed envelope to World Education Services (WES). You must obtain the International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) Course-byCourse Evaluation. Take note of the specific instructions given by WES. See their website at www.wes.org. 3. Complete your online Work Experience Record (WER). Instructions and online forms are available at the APEGA’s website.
time in the house. Fast forward to Canada in 2007, I had access to a home computer all the time, got my first laptop in 2009, then my first touch screen smartphone in 2010. After my brother arrived in Canada in 2011,for the first time, our household had to come up with rules and restrictions in an attempt to control how much time our teenager spends on the internet. It’s fascinating and overwhelming dealing with the volume, as well frequency of these messages and images that compete for attention. The intensity expressed by the tone and graphics, or inflammatory headlines can cause distress and misinformation. It is also just as important, and just as challenging having to take time to filter what is relevant, what is complete, and what is true. On a personal level, I observe how my friends and relatives share parts of their lives online. I wonder how my young relatives will react years from
now after finding out their baby photos were published online by their parents. It’s interesting how people argue their viewpoints about politics and social issues and share information about topics that matter to them the most. The online course I watched also mentioned that with the fast pace of technology these days, it has made our world more interconnected and more divided at the same time and is more public about what used to be private. The world of algorithms and artificial intelligence is completely new territory and will impact how we access, process and act on the information we receive. It sounds like these days, on top of financial literacy and emotional intelligence, the skill of media literacy is a valuable life skill to have. For many, being more connected to people from everywhere and being more aware of events and information at a much faster pace is now part of regular life.
If you start applying for Professional Engineer after May 2, 2018 you must use the Competency Based Assessment Tool and to submit two forms to confirm your work experience: THE Work Record Validator List (WRVL) and the Competency-Based Assessment Too (CBAT). A detail explanation of these procedure will be discuss in the next issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal. 4. Submit your Citizenship or Permanent Residency Documents. 5. Submit your English Language Competency Requirement. You can show your skill in English in either two ways: A score of 100 or more on TOEFL Exam or Send APEGA a signed and dated Handwritten Letter showing your English Competency. Instruction is on the APEGA Website.
6. In the online application system of APEGA, complete the Character Declaration Form. 7. After the Board of Examiner (BOE) review, you might be assign to take and pass the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) Exams or one or more Technical Exams. 8. After passing the FE or Technical Exams, take and pass the National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE). 9. Gain at least one-year of engineering Canadian Working Experience under the supervision of a Professional Engineer. 10. After completing all the requirements, wait for the BOE final decision for your Professional Engineering Status.
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FR. JHACK DIAZ Rev. Fr. Raldy "jhack" Diaz is the first Filipino priest ordained in the Diocese of St. Paul Alberta. He is currently the Pastor of St. Jean de Brebeuf Parish, Mallaig, Alberta.
Make Our Daily Gospel Reading Trending The Faith of a Canaanite woman Matthew 15: 21-28 Never be discouraged. Be persistent. This is what I think is the message of today’s Gospel for us. If you’re dreaming of something that is impossible to attain, this message is perfect for you. If you find life burdensome and you’re trying to quit, today’s Gospel is for you. Are there people in your life that instead of helping and encouraging you they try to put you down? Well, listen to the Words of Jesus for you today. Keep trying! Never give up. Find a way to make it happen. Always live for your dreams. Don't give up because of one bad page in your life. Keep going. Your story doesn’t end here. If the plan doesn't work, change the plan but never the goal. Never give up just because of what people may say. Use that as motivation to push harder. Stars can't shine without darkness because most of the time the darkest night
produces the brightest star. There are always different forms and faces of problems but if you are persistent, God will surprise you with a great prize. It is difficult to wait but I think it is more painful to regret. Friends, keep your eyes on the prize and not on the problems. “Let it be done for you as you wish.” Finally, if we have problems, seek help directly from the master and not of his servants. Go straight to the boss, not to his associates. Immediately approach the president, not his representatives. In seeking solutions for our miseries look for Jesus. You do not need to look elsewhere. (Ang taong mahilig sa palakasan system, sila kadalasan ang napapahiya at nasasabihan ng hindi maganda.) Lumapit sa pangulo at umiwas sa mga pang-gulo. Blessings Fr. Jhack
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
SHORT STORIES
AUGUST 2018
Ang Batang si Beatriz, si Inang, at ang kaniyang Langguay Author: Bittermelons and Mimosas, a Philippine memoir When Thunderclaps Is Rain Nieves Catahan Villamin, a retired state employee, and sometimes writer, lives with her gentleman farmer husband in Creston, Ca. USA. She was born and raised in Sumacab, Cabanatuan City, Philippines. She immigrated with her family to the United States in 1972. Children’s Books: Taguan With Eden and Friends A Rainbow Feast One Moonlit Night of Magical Creatures Available at Amazon.com Or: email nievesvillamin@aol.com
Ang Away ni Inang at Ka Ruping
Gabi-gabi pagkatapos ng hapunan, si Inang ay pumupuwesto na sa kanyang paboritong lugar. Sa sulok ng sementadong sahig sa ibabang palapag ng aming bahay. Mayroon siyang maliit na baul, katabi ng papag na tulugan sa silong nang aming bahay na dalawang palapag at yari sa kahoy at yero. Dating may sariling silid tulugan sila ni Tatang sa itaas. At sa bukas na silong nakatira ang aming mga alagang manok at baboy. Subalit isang tag-araw hiniling ni Inang kay Tatang na kubkubin ng semento at hollow blocks ang silong namin at gawin daw niyang munting tindahan. Nakaaway niya kasi si Ka Ruping, ang may-ari ng tindahan sa tapat ng aming bahay. Dinagdagan daw kasi ang listahan ng utang namin noong siya ay dumalaw sa mga kamag-anak niya sa Aliaga, Ecija. Kami daw mga bata ay bumili ng pakumbo noong wala si Inang, sabi ni Ka Ruping. Wala namang umamin sa aming mga bata dahil hindi naman namin ginawa ang ibinibintang sa amin. At hindi kami puwedeng mangutang nang walang pahintulot si Inang. At iyon din naman ang bilin niya kay Ka Ruping. Ipinilit ni Ka Ruping ang kaniyang bintang, hanggang sa na-uwi sa pagtatalo ang kanilang usapan. Ang malakas nilang sagutan ay umabot sa pandining ng mga kapitbahay. Agad-agad silang nagsipuntahan sa tindahan para mag-usyoso. Mabuti na lamang at dumating si Tatang galing sa bukid pamaya-maya. Nang makita sila ay inawat ang dalawang babae na parang tandang na nagsasabong sa pagpapalitan ng paratang. Bigong nagsi-uwi ang mga kapitbahay. Hindi sila nakapanood ng sabunutan. Ang away na iyon ang pinagmulan ng hindi pag-iimikan ng aming mga pamilya ng sa matagal na panahon. Kahit pa na malapit na magkamag-anak, magpinsang- buo si Tatang at ang ama ni Ka Ruping. Kahit pa na magkaharap ang aming mga bahay at kalsada lamang ang pagitan ng mga ito.
Ang Bakuran ng magkapatid na Ruping at Sena
Noong ako ay lumalaki, natatandaan ko ang malaking puno ng akasya na pinagkukunan namin ng pangggatong, at ang sampalok, kamatsile na laging hitik ng bunga tuwing tag-araw sa aming likod bahay na malapit sa ilog. Isang umaga, pagkaraan ng malakas na ulan ng buong magdamag, ang tumambad sa aking paniningin ay ang dambuhalang ilog na nagpupumilit umahon sa aming kalsada. Nang humupa ang baha, lumayo ang ilog. Sa kaniyang paglayo tinangay nito ang mga puno na nagbigay sa amin ng tuwa at lugod noong aming kabataan. Ang maluwang na bakuran nina Ka Rupng at Sanseng Sena ay malayo sa ilog, ngunit malapit sa sapa. Ang sapa kahit malalim ay tahimik kapag bumabaha,. Di katulad ng ilog na dumadagondong ang alon kapag umaapaw. Ang harap ng bakuran na ginawa nilang taniman ng kampupot ay napapaligiran ng puno ng saging, at langka. Kung Mayo at Hunyo ang pinagsamang amoy ng ulan sa lupang natigang, nahihinog na prutas at samyo ng bulaklak ay nakakalasing. Tangay ng hangin, ang halimuyak na iyon ang gumigising sa aming mga bata. Ang likuran ng bakuran ni Sanseng Sena ay tirahan ng sari-saring namumungang punong kahoy. May bayabas, langka, saging, mangga, kasoy, at kamatsile. Kapag nahinog ang mga prutas na halos sabaysabay; sa isipan ng isang batang tulad ko, ‘di bale ng mapunta sa purgatoryo dahi sa pagnanakaw! Napakasarap kaya ng hinog na balubad, bayabas, langka, saging na tampuhin na humahalimuyak kapag hinog, Mula ng mag-away si Inang at Ka Ruping hindi na kami nakakapunta sa kanilang bakuran. Kaya kadalasan kaming mga bata ay umaakyat ng mga puno na walang pahintulot ni Sanseng Sena. Nanggigilid kami sa sapa papunta sa kaniyang bakuran upang hindi matanaw
Minsan sa aming katuwaan dahil sa kaylalaki ng hinog na bayabas, ay hindi namin pinansin ang kahol ng aso na kasunod si Sanseng Sena na may hawak na malaking kawayang pamalo. Tumalon kami sa may mababang parte ng bakod na alambre. Nasabit ang aking binti at nagdugo, pero hindi ko pinansin sapagkat ang aking bibig at bulsa ng palda ay puno ng bayabas. Ang dalawa kong kasama ay walang galos na tinamo sa katawan, pero wala silang naitakas na bayabas. Ang peklat sa aking binti ay itinuring kong isang masayang pananda ng aking kabataan. Pagdating ng Mayo at Hunyo, ibang mga bata na ang tinawag ni Sanseng Sena upang tulungan siyang mamitas ng bulaklak na kampupot at gawing kuwintas upang ipagbili sa bayan. Kaya kami ng isa kong kaibigan ay gumgising ng maaga upang mangunggot ng bulaklak para may maibigay kami sa aming paboritong guro sa paaralan.
Ang Munting Tindahan ni Inang
Ang di pagkakaunawaan dahil sa utang ang nagbigay-daan sa pagiging dalawang palapag ng aming bahay. Ang unang kalahati ng silong ay naging tindahan ni Inang. At ang kabilang kalahati ang naging silid- tulugan nila ni Tatang at ng bunso naming kapatid na si Beatriz. Katabi nila sa pagtulog ang aming bunso hanggang sa edad niyang sampung taong gulang. Kapag tinutukso namin ang aming bunsong kapatid ng “bebe” noon, dinadahilan niya na mas mainam daw na matulog sa sahig ng papag na gawa sa kawayan. Ang hanging malamig na sumusundot ay parang humihilot sa kaniyang likod. Hindi na niya kailangang magpahilot kay Mang Kanor kapag taglamig tulad ng ginagawa ng matatanda sa aming purok na ang akala ay pilay, hindi rayuma, kaya sumasakit ang buong katawan. Nakapila sila sa balkon ng bahay ni Mang Kanor tuwing umaga kapag Disyembre, may dalang tig-itigisang bote ng langis nag niyog para magpahilot. At ang pagtulog sa matigas na papag daw ay nakakalis ng kaniyang pagod, sabi pa ni Beatriz. Nakakpapagod daw kasing lubha ang maglakad mahabang lakarin papasok at pauwi mula sa paaralan. Noon ay naglalakad lamaang kami pagpasok sa paaralan. Sana nga daw ay mayroon kaming dyip na katulad nila Henya, na anak ni Aling Salud na taiga-Luasan. Inihahatid-sundo siya ng sasakyan umaga, tanghali, at hapon. Aba, sosyal na bata. Kapag sinasabi ito ni Beatriz, tinanong namin siya, “Kami kayang nakakatanda mong kapatid ay hindi naglakad katulad mo upang makapag-aral?” Ang sagot niya ay isang ngiti na kahalintulad ng silay ng bumubukadkad na araw sa silangan. Ang sahig sa itaas ng bahay ay tabla. Walang pagitan na sinusuot ng malamig na hangin kaya ayaw niyang matulog doon. Kung hindi pa namin sana alam na kumukupit siya ng barya sa tindahan ni Inang. Hindi namin sinasabi kay Inang, kasi si Beatriz ay bunso, at siya ang paborito naming kapatid. Pero maaaring alam ni Inang yon, hinahayaan lamang niya ito. Total sina Kuyang at Sanse ay nagtatrabaho na sa Maynila at nagpapadala ng pera kay Inang buwan-buwan kaya medyo maginhawa na ang buhay namin noon. Ang munting tindahan ay parang libangan lamang niya at ng bunso naming kapatid. Hindi marunong bumasa at sumulat si Inang. Pero siya ay matalino at mapamararan. Ang kaniyang memorya ay parang kamera. Na sa isang klik ay nakokopya ang mukha at anyo ng tao o bagay na kinukunan ng larawan. Kung sinabi ni Inang na mali ang tala ng utang na nasa listahan, iyon ay talagang mali. Ganoon kataimtim ang paniniwala namin sa katalinuhan ni Inang. Hindi lamang iyon, mapamaraan si Inang sa paghahanapbuhay. Sa kasipagan ay walang kaparis. Kaya nga siya ay iginagalang ng kaniyang mga kabaro at ka-edad sa aming lugar. Kaya noong nag-away sila ni Ka Ruping, marami ang kumampi kay Inang. Nagkamali
daw ng pananda si Ka Ruping, at nakahiyaan nganga ko.” nagparaya na si Inang dahil nauto ng bunsong anak. nang aminin. Ang pagkatanda ko noong panahon namin, kapag kami ay nangatwiran at nagpakita ng tigas Ang Bisyo ni Inang ng ulo, sa sahig at nakadapa ang lagi naming Pumuwesto na si Inang sa kaniyang nagiging hantungan. Bakit nagkaganoon? Pero paboritong sulok kung saan nandoon ang baul nagngitian lang kaming nakakatandang kapatid. na pinagtataguan niya ng langguay. Doon niya Dikdik … dikdik … at dikdik, pa sa nganga. itinatago ang langguay para hindi paglaruan ng Hanggang sa maging pino ang lahat. Isusubo ni mga batang apo niya. Ang baul ay taguan din niya Inang sa bibig. Ngunguyain ito Inang, tapos sa ng ilang larawan at mga paborito niyang baro idudura niya at itatapon ang kaunting katas. at saya na isinusuot lamang niya kapag piyesta Maiiwan ang sapal sa loob ng kaniyang bibig. sa Gapan tuwing Enero. Namanata si Inang ng Dahil dito, pumupula ang bibig at labi ni Inang, pagsimba doon tuwing Kapiyestahan ng Tatlong parang may lipstik. Hari bilang pasasalamat sa pagkakalikgtas kay Ang sabi ng iba, ang nganga daw ay Beatriz at sa apo niyang si Arsenia na muntik nakagi-ginhawa ng katawan. Siguro nga, dahil nang malunod noong sila ay limang taong gulang ito ay parte na ng buhay ni Inang noong siya ay pa lamang. nabubuhay. At dahil sa labing-isa kaming iniBuwan ng Agosto noon umulan nang anak niya, siguro nga kailangan niya ng nganga malakas ang ilog ay napuno at umahon ang tubig para pang-alis ng araw- araw na hirap dulot ng sa kalsada. Ang dalawang bata ay tuwang-tuwa sa kunsyumisyon ng mga anak. pag-ahon ng tubig kaya nagtampisaw sa baha. Kung sila ay nausog pa nang kaunti sa may pampang, malamang na sila ay nalunod. Nang humupa ang Ang Tala sa Mundo ni baha ay naiwan ang mga bakas ng dalawang bata Inang at Tatang sa malapit na pampang kinabukasan. Noon na Ang pagmamahal ng magulang lalo na sa nag-umpisang namanata si Inang. At sa aking bunsong anak ay tulad ng matinding pagkasabik pagkatanda, nahinto lamang iyon nang simula ng tigang na lupa sa mailap na patak ng ulan sa siyang magkaroon ng karamdaman. tag-araw. Matindi at kung maaari lamang ay Ang baul ni Inang ay yari sa kahoy ay huwag mahaluan ng lungkot at daloy ng patak ng gawa sa kahoy. Hindi ko na natatandaan kung luha. Kahit na ang sa pangkaraniwang nagyayari anong klase ito, pero ang hugis at anyo nito ay ay sumusuko sa anak ang magulang. nakalarawan pa rin sa aking balintataw. Gawa Pambihira lang namang gawin ni Beatriz rin ni Tatang, ang langguay na yari sa kahoy ang mamilit kay Inang ng panghingi ng baon. na akasya, makinis, at barnisado ito. Hindi ito Karaniwan kasi ay nangungupit siya kapag lata o aluminyo na tulad ng pangkarinawang tumatao sa munti naming tindahan. Hindi gamit ng ibang babae na may parehong bisyo naman napapansin o puwede rin namang hindi ang pagnganganga. na pinapansin ni Inang. Ang langguay ay sisidlan ng mga kailangan Ang mga mata ni Inang ay malabo kung ni Inang sa paggawa ng nganga o itso, ang tangi ang pag-uusapan ay ang pagkukulang ng bunso niyang bisyo. Ikmo, bunga, apog, at maskada niyang anak. Ang mga tenga niya ay bingi sa ang mga sangkap sa paggawa ng nganga. Ang sumbong ng ibang kapatid na nakakatanda. ikmo ay mula sa Penaranda na ipinagpapalit ng “Inang, si Beatriz ay dumudukot sa kahon ng palay o mais ni Tandang Sepa. Ang maskadang pera kapag hindi ninyo nakikita.” Dahil kasi tabako ay inaani ni Dikong sa kaniyang tumana. kapag nagsusumbong ang mga ito ay may Ang apog ay nakalagay sa dating basyong bote kasamang hagikgik. Ganoon nila kamahal ang ng pomada ni Kuyang nalimutan ko na kung bunso nilang kapatid. saan nanggagaling. Nakita ni Beatriz ang liwanang ng mundo Ang maliit na dikdikang yari sa bato at noong halos limampung taong gulang na ang semento ay binili ni Iang sa tindahan ng intsik aming Ina. Limang taon ang agwat ng kanilang sa bayan. At ang kalukati na kasabay niyang edad ni Amy, ang kapatid na tinawag naming binili ay hugis- gunting pero mas malapad ang “Unso” dahil akala namin ay siya na talaga ang talim at gawa sa aluminyo. Ito ang gamit ni bunso. Magandang bata si Beatriz nang isilang. Inang sa pagbabalat at paghahati sa maliliit na Mamula- mula ang kutis, medyo singkit, at piraso ng kaniyang bunga. Kung bagoong hasa mahahaba ang mga biyas, kaya medyo mataas ni Tatang, na gamit ang kaniyang hasaang-bato, siya sa pangkaraniwang bata. ang kalukati ay mas matalim pa sa kutsilyong Lumaki siyang laging tinutukso na hindi gawa sa Batanggas. siya tunay na anak nina Inang at ni Tatang. Napulot lamang daw siya at natagpuan sa tabi ng taing- kalabaw sa tumana. Pero hindi Ang Blackmail ni Beatriz “Beatriz, anak! Saan mo na naman itinago naman siya naniniwala, kasi ang aming Sanse ang aking langguay?” Pumaibabaw ang boses ni ay mestisahin din. Siguro sa linya ng dugo ng Inang sa suleras ng aming bahay at lumusot sa aming Ina at Ama ay may dugong mestisuhin. “Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silanganan,” sahig na tabla. Wala kasi sa loob ng baul ang kumakanta pa si Betariz ng ibigay ang langguay kaniyang langguay. “Malay ko po, hindi ko itinago ang langguay kay Inang. Parang nagpapraktis sa flag ceremony mo, Inang,.” Ang sagot ng smapung taong Beatriz para sa kinabukasan. Paano nga, may beintemula sa itaas ng bahay. Gumagawa ng takdang- singko sentimos na siyang nadukot sa kahon ng aralin si Beatriz, hindi pa handang matulog kaya pera sa tindahan na hindi namalayan ni Inang kanginang hapon. Kaya bukas, singkuwenta hindi pa bumababa. “Bumaba ka na dito, anak. Matutulog na sentimos na ang kaniyang baon. Marami na tayo. At ilabas mo na ang langguay ko.” Kahit namang kaibigan niya ang matutuwa pagpasok himig pakiusap medyo lumakas na lalo ang niya kinabukasan. Ibibili niya ng kepeng si Arsie, tira-tira si boses ni Inang. Sumungaw si Beatriz sa may puno ng Toning, crushed ice si Cora, at belekoy na kendi hagdan na nasa loob ng bahay. Medyo mahina si Margie. Tapos, ang matitira, isasama niya sa ang boses upang hindi marining ng kapitbahay perang iniipon niya. May gusto siyang bihin na ang kanilang usapan. Marunong din palang clip ng buhok may velvet na ribbon para pangmahiya ang batang mahusay mangatwiran, ipit sa bangs upang hindi lumalawit sa noo at tumatabing sa kaniyang mga mata. ‘Yuoong mayroon yatang ibubuga paglaki! “Sige, ililitaw ko ang langguay mo, pero pinakamaganda sa tindahan ni Aling Buro ay ipangako mo sa akin na bibigyan mo ako ng nagkakahalaga ng piso. Napangiti sa sarili si Beatriz dahil malapit na baon para sa pagpasok ko ng eskuwela bukas ng umaga. Kung hindi, wala kayong nganga.” siyang makaipon ng pambili ng clip na may velvet para dekorasyon sa kaniyang buhok. Mayroon Buwisit na bata, nanakot pa! “Bakit kailangan mo ang baon araw- kasi siyang kaweskuela na Bert ang pangalan na araw?” tanong ni Inang. “Ang mga kapatid mo itinutukso sa kaniya. Nagkataon naman na “crush” noon, hindi nanghingi ng baon maliban na lang din n iya si Bert. Kaya kailangang maganda ang kung may kailangang gamit na bibilhin.” Ang ayos ng kaniyang buhok pag gumawi sa lugar nila sa paglalaro ng basketbol. Tiyak dadaan ‘yon tanong ni Inang. “Inang, eh, saan naman ako kukuha ng sa tindahan upang bumili ng coke. Kinabukasang pagka-gising, nakahanda pambili ng lapis at papel at meryenda? At sa recess, nakahikahiya kung nakatanghod lang na ang isang pandesal at kape sa may ulunan ni ako sa mga kaeskuwela ko habang bumibili sila Beatriz. Ito ang bumabati sa paningin ni Beatriz ng crushed ice at kepeng.,” Ang sabi ng batang tuwing umaga. Bumili si Inang sa magpapandesal na nakabisikleta kanginang madaling-araw mapilit at ayaw pasukol! “Mayroong tayo diyan sa tindahan, magbaon ng tatlong pandesal, dalawa kay Tatang, at isa ka na lang. Isang itlog o kaya ay bukayong niyog. kay Beatriz. Hindi lahat kami ay nagpapandesal sa Paborito mo ang mga iyon, di ba?” matiyagang umaga bago mag-almusal. Sa langit ni Inang na paliwanag ni Inang. “Inang, hindi naman tayo mahirap dahil may maraming bituin, may dalawang talang kaiba ang tindahan naman tayo ah, bakit ako magbabaon?.” ningning. Sina Beatriz at si Tatang, sila lamang Baluktot na pangangatwiran ni Beatriz.“ At dalawa ang nagpapandesal. Malalaki ang pandesal noon. Busog at hindi saka ano ang gagawin ko kapag nandoon ang mga kaweskuela ko at bumibili sa tindahan ni malambot, hindi tulad sa ngayon ma mukhang Impong Buro? Tumanga na lang?” Basag na ampaw dahil ang loob ay kulang sa laman. Mas ang boses, medyo parang naiiyak na si Beatriz. malaki ito kaysa kamao ni Ddikong Unti na subok na matibay dahil minsan ay pinatumba niya sa Napaka arteng bata! Sobra! “Sige na nga. Bibigyan na kita ng beinte- isang sikwat si Sianong magnanakaw. Hawak na singko sentimos bukas ng umaga. Ilabas mo na ni Siano ang lubid ni Inahin, ang aming gatasang ang langguay ko at nang makagawa na ako ng kalabaw at aakayin ng papunta sa Kaingin nang
masabat siya ni Dikong Unti na medyo nahuli lamamng sa pagsundo sa kalabaw na nanginginain sa pastuolan. Subalit hindi inamin ni Siano ang kaniyang masamang tangka. “Dadalhin ko lamang siya sa iyo,” ito ang kaniyang katwiran. Kaya pinalampas na ni Dikong Unti ang katwiran ni Siano at hindi na nagreklamo sa Kapitan ng baryo. -Paano nga naman, kami ay malalapit na magkakapitbahay. Sina Inang at si Tatang ay maagang bumabangon. Nagpunta na sa tumana si Tatang upang bisitahin ang mga tanim niyang singkamas at pakuan. Si Inang naman ay nasa labas na ng bahay. Ngpapakain na siya ng mga alagang manok at baboy at pagkatapos ay magwawalis sa bakuran. Pagkatapos kainin ang pandesal at inumin ang kape sa baso ay naligo na si Beatriz upang pumasok sa eskuwelahan kasabay ng ilan naming kapitbahay. Si Unso ay nasa high school na noon at sa Maynila na nag-aaral.
Ang Nurse na si Beatriz
Kay- ganda ng umaga! Kay bango ng malinis na hangin na nanggagaling sa pampang ng ilog. Ang huni ng mga kalapati na hindi pa nililisan ang kanilang mga pugad upang maghanap ng kanilang pagkain na nakapaligid sa sibi ng aming bahay ay parang musikang nagsasalimbayan ngunit may himig na napakagandang pakinggan. Ang mga halaman sa harap ng bahay na bagong dilig ay tila nag-sisipagsayaw sa ihip ng hangin, napasigla ng dampi ng tubig na malamig sa kanilang mga katawan. Pamaya-maya pa ay nagpulasan na ang mga bata palabas ng bahay upang pumasok sa eskuwelahan. Si Beatriz, may ngiti sa mga labi ay nagpaalam, “Inang, uuwi ako sa tanghalian.” Ang sagot ni Inang, “Sige, anak, mag-aral kang mabuti, ipagluluto kita ng paborito mong ulam.” Par ko pang nasasamyo ang bango ng luto ni Inang. Pakiw na bangos at tinumis. Ang lasa ng mga ito ay walang kaparis! Mahal naming lahat ang aming bunsong kapatid. Palibhasa kahit maliit pa lamang ay mahusay ng mangarinyo. Dahil nga siya ay “menopause baby”, tinutukso namin siya ng bo…bo…! Row 4! Hindi naman napipikon sia aming mga biro. May katutubong kabaitan siguro dahil sa siya ay pinalaki sa pagmamahal ng aming mga magulang at naming mga nakakatandang kapatid. Ginantihan niya ang aming panunukso isang araw pagkaraang maipasa niya ang board sa pagiging nars nang siya ay dalawanpo at tatlong taong gulang. Habang ipinapako ni Tatang ang kaniyang kahoy na karatula sa labas ng dinging ng aming bahay, “Sino sa atin ang bobo, may karatula ba kayong ganito?” Tawanan kaming magkakapatid tuwing maririnig namin ang kuwento. Ang kaligayahang nakita namin sa mga mata ng aming mga magulang ay puedeng ikumpara sa kinang nang ginto ng pailan-ilan na alahas ng aming mga ninuno. Subalit ng makatapos ng PHD ang aming kapatid na panganay na lalaki, may nakatabi na ang plaka niya at doctor pa ang nakalista! Ito pa nga ang nakakatuwa. Dahil isang doctor at nurse, akala ng mga tao sa aming purok ay nagbukas kami ng clinic. Isang umaga, nagulat sila ng may mga taong nakapila sa harap ng bahay na gusting magpagamot! Sarap ng katuwaan nila. Lalo na si Beatriz! Pak … pak … pak … ang ingay na galing sa maliit na dikdikang bato ay pumaibabaw at abot- dinig namin sa itaas ng bahay. Pamaya maya, nguya na nang nguya si Inang ng kaniyang nganga. Pamaya-maya ay tatawagin na niys si Beatriz upang matulog na sila. Isang araw, may naglipat ng baul ni Inang. Nawala ito sa dating kinalalagyan. Ang dating papag na kawayan ay napalitan mg yari sa nara at may yantok na higaan. Ang langguay at dikdikan ni Inang ay kasamang naglaho ng baul. Si Beatriz ay hindi umalis sa tabi ng aming mga magulang hanggang sa kanilang huling hantungan. Sa tulong ng iba ko pang mga kapatid ay naging masaya at maginhawa ang naging mga huling araw sa mundo ng aming mahal na Tatang at Inang. Dahil wala na ang aming mga magulang, si Beatriz ay nangibang-bansa upang magamit ng husto ang kaniyang pinag-aralan. Ang aming bahay na dating puno ng pagmamahal at halakhak ni Inang, Tatang at ni Beatriz ay kinubkob na ng nakakabinging katahimikan. Pak.... pak ...pak ... ang ingay na dulot ng dikdikang bato ay naglaho na nang tuluyan, tangay ang laman nito: ikmo, bunga, apog o nganga ni Inang. Sana ang buhay ng tao ay parang pagkuha ng larawan na ang mag-leletrato ay pumipili ng magagandang puwesto na kinukunan. Ang larawan puwede mong balik-balikan upang tingnan. Maglaho man ay mas matagal. Katulad ng larawan, ang mga alaala na hinabi at binuo nina Inang at Tatang at ang batang si Beatriz ay hindi mabubura, bagkus ay lalo lamang itong tumatatak sa aking puso at isipan habang lumilipas ang mga araw.
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Rommel Tingzon and Gordon Snyder:
A Filipino-Canadian Story of Arts Patronage Artospective - an artist’s point of view IDA BELTRAN-LUCILA ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com
he is the most comfortable and secure. Even with no formal art training, his artworks are striking, bold and impressive. Rommel signs his works with a mirror image of his signature, to convey to the viewer that the work is a reflection of himself. Excited as I was about Rommel’s discovery and journey, I was more deeply touched by Gordon Snyder’s unselfish support to the young artist.
In the same way the Medici family was to Michelangelo and Queen Elizabeth was to Shakespeare, arts patrons enable artists to pursue whatever they want in style, subject, concept, and medium. The chance of a benefactor appearing, especially in rural Philippines, is unlikely, and in addition, with a triple whammy gift of education, exhibit, and travel. As an art student, Gordon was mentored by Illingworth Kerr, an
artist who studied with the Canada Group of Seven and became the Head of the Alberta College of Art. Gordon explains, “He was someone who saw more talent within me than I saw in myself and helped bring it out of me.” This is the same belief that propels his support for Rommel. “In my mind, I see Rommel gaining that same confidence in himself - that someone so believes in him (and not only his talent) that he can learn and grow and perhaps someday work with me. I want him to have time to mature, study art history, improve his English skills and prepare himself for a career in the arts. I want to encourage his independence and recognize the uniqueness of his personal journey. Many years are spent building networks and nurturing relationships. Getting him an exhibition at The Works and taking him to Canada, and sending
him to FEU shows him dreams can come true if you work hard and are true to yourself. When the time is right, I'd like to find a good gallery in Manila to represent him. Right now, I don't want money to be his main concern. If I can write about him and promote his work, I would enjoy that. Ultimately, it is the quality of his work that is what is important.” continued on page 28 ►
I
n the recent The Works Art & Design Festival, a young Filipino painter from Palawan, Rommel Tingzon, had his own exhibition entitled Portraits of the Philippines, at the Manulife Place, up until the end of August. There is no doubt that Rommel is talented but he is also undeniably fortunate to have an advocate for his talent and work, in the person of Gordon Snyder, Canadian artist and curator. Gordon, who lives part time in Palawan, met Rommel in 2017 and was stunned to find 200 recent paintings rolled up in a small room, distinguishing Rommel as the most prolific painter in the area, and marking him as a true artist who really just wants to draw and paint. From then on, Gordon worked on having Rommel featured at The Works Festival, and for financially setting him up for post-secondary studies at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute for Architecture and Fine Arts this year. Rommel’s exhibit at The Works, according to Amber Brooke, Executive Artistic Director, is significant in terms of “cultural exchange as well as in the invitation and inclusion in The Works Festival of the substantial Filipino community in Edmonton.” It is also the first time that an artist from the Philippines has had a solo exhibition at The Works. It also marked Rommel’s first ever exhibition! It was well-received and garnered a lot of media attention. The local art critic cited one of Rommel’s works as being his favourite of all the works in the 2018 festival. When I met Rommel during The Works, he had that bewildered look with him - perhaps due to jet lag, or the surrealness of travelling to, and having an exhibit in, Canada. He is soft spoken, introverted but deeply reflective. Painting for him is a means of expression and a safe zone, where
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Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) Rondalla of Boston Wins the Hearts of Calgarians
The officers and members of the IP Rondalla of Boston, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, and the Philippine Cultural Center Foundation after the IP Rondalla's successful concert in Calgary's Marlborough Park Community Center.
2 August 2018, CALGARY – The City of Calgary has become the latest witness to the virtuoso performance of Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) Rondalla of Boston. On its first stop for a four-city “Reveries and Rhythms 2018” tour of Canada, the IP Rondalla dazzled the Calgarians on 1 August 2018 with its beautiful rendition of Filipino folk songs, Philippine contemporary music, original Filipino-American compositions, and American contemporary music - all performed on bandurias and octavinas (mandolins), guitars and a double bass - at the Marlborough Park
PCCF President Fred Molina (left) and Consul General Gilberto Asuque delivering their welcome remarks.
Community Centre in Northeast Calgary. The Rondalla arm of the Iskwelahang Pilipino was formed a decade after IP’s founding in 1976 by a group of Filipino parents in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, who came together to provide their children with an environment to learn about their Filipino heritage. Under the initial instruction of classical guitarist Michael Dadap of New York, IP developed its own rondalla instructional program that eventually taught its cultural school’s students and some of their parents how to play rondalla instruments imported from the Philippines. The
free IP Rondalla concert in Calgary was made possible through the joint efforts of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary and the Philippine Cultural Center Foundation (PCCF). The PCCF Sinag Kultura Performing Arts Group and IP Rondalla also had a joint performance during the show. In his welcome remarks, Consul General Gilberto Asuque attributed the Spanish influence in the spread of rondalla music in the Philippines, which has now become part of the rich Filipino culture. Explaining that “ronda” is a Spanish word for “serenade,” he said that the IP Rondalla concert was a way of crooning the Calgarians with Filipino music. Mr. Fred Molina, PCCF President, noted the common advocacies of PCCF and IP in spreading Filipino language and culture as he urged the Filipino-Canadians to get their children and grandchildren more involved in community events. Among those who graced the concert were Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda and Japanese Consul General Shigenobu Kobayashi. Ms. Consuelo Munar, an officer of the UP Alumni Association of Alberta, was one of those who heaped praises for the IP Rondalla’s performance. “A
very talented group of musicians indeed. The performance last night (1 August) was exhilarating ... the sweet beautiful sound of the rondalla filled and uplifted the soul,” she remarked. Ms. Fe Tolentino, an immigration consultant, likened her experience to watching a “C$100-worth concert.” As its last activity in Calgary, IP Rondalla will partner with PCCF in conducting a music workshop on 3 August 2018 at the PCCF office located at Unit 206, 4656 Westwinds Drive, Northeast Calgary. From Calgary, the 20 members of IP Rondalla will continue their Canadian tour in Edmonton (6 August), Toronto (10 August) and Winnipeg (12 and 13 August). More information about the upcoming concerts can be found from www. ipbahay.org. The IP Rondalla has brought its talents to a wide array of audiences across the U.S., Europe and the Philippines and it has performed for several Philippine presidents. On 1 August, it came to Calgary for its first-ever performance in the city and it was enough to win the hearts of the Calgarians.
(L-R) Consul Kohei Sakamoto, (Japan), Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron, Consul General Gilberto Asuque, Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda, Japanese Consul General Shigenobu Kobayashi, and Consul Pamela Durian-Bailon before the start of the concert.
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Rommel Tingzon and Gordon Snyder...
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I have written features of Filipino artists working within the Canadian setting - of overcoming hurdles and of maximizing the opportunities in the adoptive country. This is my first story of a budding Filipino artist from
the Philippines, provided unsolicited support by a Canadian artist, bringing him exposure in Canada and at the same time providing a pathway to artistic success and economic stability. This is a true and unique Filipino-Canadian arts dynamic, and an inspiring story on arts patronage. Gordon’s support, however, is not an unlimited free pass - “I do have limited funds and hope he will work hard and get some scholarships.” But it is a far-reaching one that hopefully will be picked up, or supplemented, by other arts patrons as well. Because there is no doubt that Filipino artists are immensely talented. And wherever they are, in any discipline, in whatever form, we must support our artists. Because investment in the artist, is a cultural and social investment. Rommel Tingzon’s exhibit will be up at Manulife Place in downtown Edmonton until end of August. For inquiries or interest on his works, email snyderfinearts@yahoo.com. To comment on this article, go to https://www.philippineartscouncil. com/blog .
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