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OCTOBER 2019 • Volume 12, Number 10
AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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Federal Election 2019
THE WISEST ALWAYS SELECTS THE NICEST!
JUSTIN TRUDEAU
ANDREW SCHEER
JAGMEET SINGH
Canadian voters will be heading to the polls on October 21, 2019 after what is expected to be a heated federal election campaign. Justin Trudeau still aims to run for re-election as the Liberal Party leader; while Andrew Sheer’s Conservatives, Jagmeet Singh’s New Democrats, Elizabeth May’s Green Party, Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada, and Yves-François Blanchet’s Quebecois jockey for power. P24, 25 ►
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Business
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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AFJ Staff | Editor's Corner | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
EDITOR’S CORNER Lito Mendoza Velasco
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 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Lianne Angeles Proofreader l Contributing Writer Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Photographers/Videographer: Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Angeline Escano 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, Riana Torrejon, Hermo Pagtakhan Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Jhack Diaz Bing J. Jaleco
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MORE POWER!
his prevalently famous remark can be viewed as a cliché. An apparent gesture of tangible goodness yet devoid of essential reality of goodwill. An expression of either compliments or mockery. This has long positively been heard: • For a job well done • For a better awareness and understanding of an issue • For an art of questioning • For a smart answer to the questions or dealing with interviews • For winning a competition • For singing a song melodiously • For acquiring new properties • For winning the court case • For spearheading and aiming to rebuild the new Philippine Community Center • For opening up a new business establishments • For bagging the ELECTIONS • For so many reasons MORE POWER! This quite heart-warming remark is a usual practice that a person can daily tell-and-hear. It is conspicuously observed in this modern-contemporary world that our utterances may seem to destruct the substantial form or essence of the word’s
original context. Its contextualization has been ruined by mental reservations. Wherein, the connotations have always been altered by the cultural orientations of the speakers, which is not bad; but not correctly right. Why? Analogously, the licence to drive is not the licence to overspeed or use the wrong lane. The privilege to be given a credit line is not the licence to own the bank. Our power then, has limitations or boundaries that remind us to just move within the bounce of our means and capability, and most of all, law. Hence, think before we speak. Lower our power! Very true. Polarization requires both positivity and negativity. There are funny situations in the use of cliché in the Philippines. Have you heard someone teasing you that you look like a “doll.” A witch doll! This ambiguous term is used to tell you that you are ugly (a form of mockery or insulting remark). Did someone tell you that you smell-like a “rose?” Rose Vinegar! (In the Philippines, we have a vinegar product we called Rose Vinegar). When someone tells you that, it means you smell like as pungent as vinegar—you stink. (Once again, a form of mockery or obloquy). These funny situational examples bear the
connotations of our illusive perfection in creating words depending upon our perceptions yet hiding or diverting the real meaning so others would know their defects or mistakes. Well, that’s how we have been oriented by our society. Sometimes, there is a tendency in us to deceive and use power as reason; instead of reason as a power. On the other side of the wall, there is something looming at the peak of its horizon. Election time is just around the corner. Election time is the time. Maybe, the time to appreciate and exercise the Art of Politics as an art per se; rather that an art of leading. This may be the time to observe people with their elegant hidden meanings and agenda. A time to build and demolish one’s reputation (as read and heard from newspapers, social media and radio stations). The time to cluster into groups and parties. This is not bad. As we said, polarity or art of selecting. Just hope for something better after the election time. The question is: “Will the red, blue, green, orange, light blue, and purple, or whatever colour be ready to blend with the victorious colour in order to form and create a more colourful country?” “After election, will political leaders and supporters being segregated by the political party’s stances be ready to convene and professionally concede to congratulate and tell More Power to our newly elected leaders?” Well…well…well, we better go out and vote wisely. Politicians’ powers do always proceed from the voters’ powers. Their positions have always been derived from voters’ decisions! MAY THE POWER OF THE VOTE NOT BE BOUGHT! NEVER SELL POWER TO EXCELL! MAY THE RIGHT PARTY WIN!
WE ARE FAMILY!
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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To date, the Alberta Filipino Journal is not just a team but family. In compliance with our motto: “The Pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta,” we have increased our numbers in order to align with and match the population of Filipino-Canadians who we are serving here in Alberta.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Sports | Business
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Kudos to the Flying Eagles Team
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n August 8, 2016, Tim San Pedro, Jas Sanghera and Red Nacianceno formed the Flying Eagles basketball team. They started with just seven players. Today, they have 45 in their line-up. What interest me was when I learned that they organized a Kiddie Basketball Camps for Free last September 14 with the support of Splash Brothers Sportswear, Sandra and Jeff Mainit, Jekasa, Crosstown Auto Centre, Quickly Premium Bubble Tea, Amirax, JILC, Cebuchon BBQ and PSA Basketball. My first impression is that basketball teams are just formed to join the Pinoy leagues as a form of recreation. Later I learned that these Flying Eagles are more than just a basketball
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.
team and a group of friends. Red said before coming to Canada in 2015, he and his friends have been holding basketball camps in the Philippines already. So when he arrived in Canada, they formed a basketball team and decided to hold similar basketball camps for the kids for free. Awesome! Red and his team have closely coordinated with their friends in the
Eric Sangalang of the Flying Eagles (No.12) takes off against a guarding Lemuel Baui of The Full House at the start of the 2019 Philippine Sports AssociationCrosstown Auto Centre Fall/Winter Basketball League, Oct.12, at the Trinity High School. Full House won this game, 100-85. Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal
Philippines to continually support a free basketball camp for the kids. They are planning to hold another one in December in coordination with former PBA star Philip Cezar, now coach of the Manila Stars in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Red, who like Cezar is a graduate of the Jose Rizal University (now you see the connection?), said they will be giving away shoes and balls to their beneficiaries to encourage them to keep on playing basketball.
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Good job Flying Eagles basketball team in Edmonton. Mabuhay kayo! ***
Dear readers, keep us informed of your sports events by sending us an email to mocolumnist@albertafilipinojournal.com. Maraming salamat po.
Referee JR Eje signals a call in the opening day of the 2019 Philippine Sports Association-Crosstown Auto Centre Fall/ Winter Basketball League, Oct.12, at the Trinity High School. The Flying Eagles hold a free basketball camp for the kids, Sept.14, in Edmonton. (contributed photo)
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Politics
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
Making life more affordable for middle class families Introduced and increased the Canada Child Benefit to give more money every month to 9 out of 10 families. Cut taxes for the middle class, and raised them on the wealthiest 1%. Will lower taxes even further for the middle class to save the average family up to $600 a year. Will lower cell phone bills by 25%.
Authorized by the registered agent for the Liberal Party of Canada.
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Points of View | Community | Business
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Thoughtfully Thinking about Food Waste
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ne of the key things to adjust to when it comes to living outside of the Philippines are the habits regarding preparing and consuming food. I would say that to a larger extent here, it’s so easy and so convenient to buy food, and lots of it. Ordering take-out food can sometimes lead to ordering too much and that gets tossed out because no one wants to eat it the next day. Many households are also used to cooking for lots of people even though the household size here is smaller, especially when living alone or with roommates. I remember when I first moved out, I had to adjust to the idea of using a much smaller rice cooker and cooking only one cup of rice every single time. Between my non-Filipino boyfriend, who I was living with, and myself, I was the only one who eats rice. Not being mindful of how much I cook resulted in most of it being thrown in the garbage after the third or fourth day. When I first came to Canada and lived in Ontario, there was a separate bin where you would throw away compost and organic materials, such
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.
as vegetable peels and leftover food. The bin can be a bit gross and smelly if you don’t do it properly, but the system itself wasn’t too surprising to me. It reminded me of the system called ‘kanin baboy’ that was popular in many places in the Philippines. A local family would usually go from home to home, collecting leftover and spoiled food in
order to feed the livestock they have in their backyard. It was a bit surprising that this system wasn’t in place in Edmonton, and leftover food scraps go into in your regular garbage bin or your black garbage bag. It seems like more people are taking it upon themselves to follow home-based solutions like having their
own compost system, which is nice. It is important to consider how much food we waste, both for the sake of the environment, our wallet, and the economy. In 2017 the National Zero Waste Council conducted research on household food waste in Canada. Some key information is as follows. The average Canadian household generates amounts of up to 140 kilograms of wasted food per year – at a cost of more than $1,100 per year. Vegetables, fruits, and leftovers are the largest categories. 2.2 million tonnes of wasted edible food can fill up landfills pretty quickly. It can be argued that the cause of food waste is because we buy too much, cook too much, or don’t store food properly. So, there are many ways of reducing this. One is to not be ashamed of eating the same dish for multiple meals for the sake of finishing it all. Not cooking something new before all of the leftovers are eaten is a handy strategy. Freezing something into meal-sized portions that can be conveniently popped into the microwave
Filipino youth in Edmonton defining their identity
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ell-knownperformance artist and cultural activist Carlos Celdran passed away on Tuesday October 8, 2019. His friends and colleague see him as a lovely man, brave and colourful. He was a voice for so many worthy causes and stories but for the many who knew Carlos Celdran or know of him, he contributed to the way people see Manila, the Philippines and being a Filipino. He embraced Filipino identity and educated people about it. The Filipino identity is complex. One of my favourite historians, Renato Constantino said in one of his books - IDENTITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS: THE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE: “A people learn about his identity during the emergence of a national consciousness. In the case of the Filipino, he started learning about himself in the time of the development of his consciousness as a people
national consciousness in particular. “De-Filipinization eroded unity of identity and consciousness which resulted in confusion, ambivalence and a lack of definable goals. It is this disparity between identity and consciousness that produced the ambiguous pattern of Filipino behavior. They had always been a confused people. It is even said that the Filipino is an uprooted race. This is due to distortion of our own history during the American occupation where Filipinos were deprived of their true history. especially during those times of awakening. It was during the first Philippine revolution that The Philippine revolution was the Filipino started to discover his identity but the fatal entry of a new colonizer aborted presented just as a protest against this emerging national consciousness”. To him, identity is tied to people’s consciousness, the Spanish,” he added.
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later is a technique I learned from a family friend during my first year in Canada. A mom of one of our roommates realized that we always don’t have time to cook, so she would make a pan of pasta for us. Afterwards, we would pack the leftovers in sandwichsized Ziploc bags and put them in the freezer. Remembering that you have these food items in the freezer is just as important though. Finally, following bylaws and keeping up to date with changes in our area is a good way to help the community and our own households. With this, I wait with excitement for the city-wide implementation of policies that help reduce food waste.
The over 300 years of Spanish Colonization devalued social and national pride. Filipinos lost their sense of social worth and dignity as a people. This was strengthened by the Spanish legacy of ignorance where the Spaniards were regarded as a superior class and race which if followed and imitated, the natives or “Indio” would be continued on page 10►
Ugat: Filipino Identities organizing committee are Lyla, Reika, Mavi, D and Doreen
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Immigration Consultancy Services | Politics | Points of View
Super Visa - Can an application for a super visa be processed inside Canada? 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 is currently the Prairie Rep in the Lobbying and Governance Committee and previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education committee. Marjorie is a recipient of CAPIC's Service Award for three consecutive years (2015-2018) and has been nominated for the 2019 ATB Women Entrepreneurs Award. In December 2018, she received the Excellence in Community Service for Edmonton given by the Filipino Champions of Canada for her contribution and service to the Filipino community.
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had a question from a kababayan I met last weekend at a Filipino event. Her parents are visiting their grandchildren in Canada on visitor records. The inviters and the applicants meet all the eligibility requirements for the super visa. Before I answer the question, let me provide a background on the super visa. It is a multi-entry visa that allows multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years. What is the difference between a regular TRV and super visa? A TRV allows someone to enter/ remain in Canada for up to 6 months on initial entry, whereas a super visa allows a stay of up to two years, on initial entry, without having to apply for an extension. To answer the above question, let us examine section 119(2) of IRPR, Place of application for temporary resident visa, work permit or study permit – An application for a temporary
resident visa – or an application for a work permit or study permit that under these Regulations must be made outside Canada – must be made to an immigration office that serves as an immigration office for processing the type of application made and that serves, for the purpose of the application, a) the country in which the applicant is present and has been lawfully admitted; or b) the applicant’s country of nationality or, if the applicant is stateless, their country of habitual residence other than a country in which they are residing without having been lawfully admitted. Based on the above, an application for a super visa can be submitted in person or by mail at a visa application centre abroad, or it can be submitted online. An application submitted online is processed based on the applicant’s current country of residence. It is not
VIEWPOINT BING J. JALECO bingjaleco@yahoo.com
Raleigh “Bing” Jaleco was a veteran journalist and public relations consultant in the Philippines. He started out as a correspondent for Ang Pahayagang Malaya and then moved on to be a reporter, and then an editor, of The Manila Chronicle. He also served as news editor of The Manila Standard, business editor of The Manila Times, and sub-editor at the Manila Bulletin. He landed as a permanent resident in Canada in 2016.
Immigration and social growth
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mmigration has generally been accepted as a national policy based on humanitarian considerations. Developed nations also adopted policies based on immigration’s emerging role as an economic driver. Many immigrants came to distant shores to escape poverty or persecution, worked hard to have a new life, and worked even harder to bring their family to their adopted land. An academic study entitled “Immigrants and the Making of America,” by Sandra Sequeira, Nathan Nunn and Nancy Qian, found that counties in the US “with more historical immigration have higher income, less poverty, less unemployment, higher rates of urbanization, and greater educational attainment today. The long-run effects seem to capture the persistence of short-run benefits, including greater industrialization, increased agricultural productivity, and more innovation.” The paper, which studied the effects of European immigration to the U.S. between 1850 and 1920 on www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
economic prosperity, was published in Review of Economic Studies. The study concluded that the positive impact of immigration in America that began more than 100 years ago continues to be felt today. It is no different in Canada, where immigration is a deeply embedded national policy and also a critical pillar in the strategy to boost the country’s long-term growth. Immigration is often cited as a strong economic driver and catalyst, where a nation such as Canada benefits from a broader labour pool and from a source of creativity, competence, and expertise. Immigrants transformed Silicon Valley in the U.S. and played a big part in growing some of the world’s biggest tech companies. The success of companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google and Facebook can be partly attributed to the talent pool that was available during the developing years of these firms. But immigration should not be
the applicant’s choice to have his or her application processed at a specific office; rather, the application is processed at a visa office based on where the applicant resides and has been lawfully admitted. Please note that applicants cannot include dependents on their application for a super visa. Any accompanying dependents would have to apply for a regular TRV. If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@ mcncanadaimmigration. com Source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation (IRPR) A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing with ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCICs.
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
Amarjeet Sohi: Because I am one of you
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have lived in Edmonton Mill Woods for nearly 35 years, and raised my daughter here with my wife, Sarbjeet. Like my neighbours, I worked hard to stretch every dollar I earned and put food on the table for my family. In this community, I made a life as a bus driver, went on to be elected as a city councillor and your Member of Parliament, and appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to two Cabinet positions. Our community gave me the opportunity to succeed, and every single person in our community should have that same opportunity. This is one of the reasons I have made fighting racism and intolerance, as well as building a more inclusive community, a priority. As a city councillor, I led our Immigration, Multiculturalism, and Racism Free Edmonton initiatives. Over the last four years while I have been in Ottawa, we have taken concrete action to build a stronger, more welcoming Canada. I greatly appreciate the friendships I have developed over the years with so many members of Edmonton’s Filipino community. It was a very special day in the House of Commons when we unanimously passed the motion brought forward by my Liberal colleague, to declare June Fillipino Heritage Month, and I so enjoyed celebrating this occasion with you this year. Living in this community, I have shared countless experiences with you. During our casual conversations, I have listened to your hopes, fears, and aspirations. This has allowed me to better understand your needs, advocate on your behalf, and deliver results. To make living more affordable, we lowered taxes for the middle class by raising them for the wealthiest 1%,
seen in purely economic terms. While immigrants have helped make Canada more prosperous, the contribution of immigration should be viewed from other perspectives as well. One important benchmark is social growth. Again, we should look to our neighbor in the south: how did immigration shape America? How did American society evolve with the influx of immigrants, first from Europe and then later from Asia and Central America. Did immigration make American society better or worse? We should ask the same questions, if only to have a better perspective of immigration as a national policy of Canada. An article published in the Globe and Mail recently written by Parisa Mahboubi, a senior policy analyst at the C.D. Howe Institute, said that while high immigration by itself is still inadequate to address the issue of an aging population, “it has been the major contributor to Canada’s population and labour-force growth.” “Yet according to recent polling, 37 per cent of Canadians hold negative views toward immigration. Among their reasons might be concerning about labour-market effects. But there is no evidence to support that fear even with higher immigration levels planned for the coming years,” the article adds. The federal government is embarking on a three-year program that seeks to bring in up to one million immigrants by 2023. This will no doubt give the economy a big boost. But given the 37 per cent negative view of the general public, should there be cause for alarm that immigration is slowly being viewed as a threat to Canadian society despite its obvious economic contributions?
and introduced the tax-free Canada Child Benefit that has cut child poverty in Alberta in half. We increased income support for seniors and lowered the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement after the Conservatives raised it, and boosted Canada Student Grants. These changes have put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of working-class people in Edmonton. After a decade of underinvestment in our province and our city’s infrastructure, I advocated for and delivered projects to keep our growing city moving. We are building an overpass at the 50th street rail crossing, turning Yellowhead into a real freeway, and expanding the LRT — so you can spend less time in traffic and more time with your family. Thousands of jobs are being created because of the three major pipelines we either approved or support — including the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, which I worked hard to get shovels in the ground on. We have also unlocked $9 billion in petrochemical investments, and doubled funding for economic diversification, to create well-paying jobs and diversify our economy. If re-elected, we will continue to make living more affordable. We will save your family over $1,500 by eliminating federal taxes on the first $15,000 you earn and slashing cell phone bills by 25%. We will also increase the CCB in a child’s first year, boost OAS for seniors after the age of 75, and provide up to $4,200 in grants for post-secondary students. We will make citizenship more affordable by eliminating the application fee for those who have obtained the requirements to obtain it. Edmonton and Alberta need a strong voice in a reelected Liberal government — and I have demonstrated that I am a strong, effective voice. If I am re-elected, I will continue fighting and delivering for you, your family and our community, because I am one of you. -- Amarjeet Sohi, your Liberal candidate running for re-election in Edmonton Mill Woods
Interview: Tariq Speaks Through The AFJ Get to Know: Tariq Chaudary Tariq Chaudary has been a resident of Edmonton for over 20 years. He is running as the Liberal candidate for MP in Edmonton-Riverbend. Some people confuse me with a person who has same first name with different middle name and different spelling for last name. I was never conservative and had nothing to do with UCP. I had the honor of being the liberal candidate for Edmonton-Riverbend, part of Team Trudeau during 2015 federal election too. Tell us a little about yourself. My wife and our three daughters have lived in Riverbend for over 13 years. I have recently retired as a business professional with over 38 years’ experience working in both the public and private sectors. I have also been an educator at Adelphi University in New York, where I received three of my four master’s degrees [Physics, Math & Computer Sciences, and Business Administration in Financial Management]. I strongly believe in getting involved in the community and have been on the executive of the Whitemud Hills Homeowners Association, Oak Hills Community League, Terwillegar-Riverbend Advisory Council, and the SouthWest Advisory Council. Additionally, I volunteered at the Edmonton Food Bank and local festivals. In my free
time, I enjoy barbecuing, golfing, traveling, and spending time with my two grandchildren. Why are you running for elected office? Through my involvement in the community, I have noticed an apathy developing in its residents towards the government due to growing concerns that the average citizen’s voice is not heard. My family and I are devoted to public service and it is through my advocacy and leadership that I have found my calling. My goal is to increase community engagement in the democratic process and encourage current and future generations to take a stand for their beliefs. As an ordinary citizen, I will fight to have your voices heard in Ottawa. If elected, what do you plan to focus on? My overall goal is to increase the quality of living for the residents of Edmonton. I plan to do this by increasing funding for education to reduce the financial burden of post-secondary students, incentivising youth entrepreneurs to start small businesses, reducing taxes on seniors, and working to create sustainable long-term jobs in Alberta. Additionally, I want to improve access to healthcare and medications for all Canadians. For more information, please visit tariqchaudary.liberal.ca
ADVERTISE WITH US 780-916-7677 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Community | Business
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Today’s Topic: “Keeping Our Undas Tradition Alive In Canada” HINDI DAPAT PAGTAKHAN
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HE FILIPINO UNDAS TRADITION "This is the only occasion where the burial ground ceases to be the symbol of grief, as all sorrows are banished from the mind of the living, while enjoying the company of the dead, in a picnic like setting." (Hon. (Philippine Judge) Ray Alan T. Drilon) "UNDAS 2019 SA EVERGREEN" Keeping our Filipino "Undas" Tradition Alive Please join us as we commemorate this special event in our community. Please pre-register your dearly departed relatives for inclusion in the Prayer Services and in the Mass Petitions. WHERE: Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery 16102 Fort Road, Edmonton, Alberta T5Y 6A2 WHEN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 From 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Prayers and Memorial Service Celebration of Holy Mass for our departed loved ones Blessing of the Filipino Garden Himlayang Filipino Lunch Reception & Entertainment Everyone is welcome! For more information call: RSVP to Hermo T. Pagtakhan: 780-905-9288 ************************************ SIGNIFICANCE OF UNDAS: IT IS BOTH A RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL TRADITION 1. UNDAS (TODOS LOS SANTOS or ALL SAINTS DAY) is the 3rd biggest and most celebrated Philippine National Catholic holiday after Christmas and Easter.
(Unquestionable)
HERMO TORIBIO REYES PAGTAKHAN hermopagtakhanlaw@hotmail.com Cell: (780) 905-9288 (Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan of Edmonton, Alberta is a Lawyer who practised for more than 25 years in the Philippines and in Alberta and an Index Options Trader in Wall Street. He is currently a Family Counselor with Arbor Memorial Gardens whom he joined in 2013. In 2005 He had his Epiphany and metamorphosed into a Servant Leader and has since been sharing his Insights and Experiences for the Benefit of those who may need it and whomever may find it useful). “I aspire to inspire before I expire! My Talent is God’s Gift to me. What I do with it is my Gift back to God. Yes, I know I am not Perfect. I also know I am a persistent Sinner who is struggling every day to find my Way to Holiness. I VOW to USE my TALENT to be a WITNESS for HIM and to USE IT for HIS GLORY! God bless all!”
2. There is a UNIQUELY FILIPINO WAY of celebrating UNDAS: “FIESTALIKE Celebration of UNDAS” One very good observation regarding the unique practice of celebrating Undas as mentioned above is that "This is the only occasion where the burial ground ceases to be the symbol of grief, as all sorrows are banished from the mind of the living, while enjoying the company of the dead, in a picnic like setting." 3. Philippine Fiestas like UNdas are cultural anchors helping Filipinos define their national character. 4. Celebrations and specialty fiestas endure in this country because “it is rooted in the communitarian and expressive instincts of human nature, is a durable venue for Filipino cultures and expressions, and is a symbol of Filipino sense of community.” 5. “It is to this small community, that
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is annually recreated by the fiesta that he goes home to renew his identity and sense of belonging – belonging to a home and familial village.” This appears to be the best explanation of why the Filipino goes home every Christmas, Holy Week and Undas. And why there is gaiety and merrymaking in the cemeteries. This uniquely Filipino way of celebrating worldwide Catholic feasts is living evidence that there is a distinct Filipino culture that serves to bond us all together as one people. No matter in what corner of the world we may be, we remain truly Filipino." II. UNDAS ACTIVITIES (PHIL): "Christian Filipinos customarily remember, honor, and pay respect to the dead on All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). The grave sites
are cleaned, visited, and adorned by family members, relatives and friends on the eve of November 1, to stay at the cemetery, to light candles, to pray, to lay flowers, and bring food for the consumption of the attendees. Others, like the Ilocanos, offer food for the dead. Some children habitually gather candle wax during this time for the purpose of play or reselling to candle makers." (Source: Wikipedia)
III. KEEPING THE UNDAS TRADITION ALIVE IN EDMONTON: As much as we would want to, most of us Filipinos residing or working overseas (including those in Canada) are unable to go back to the Philippines to honour our dearly departed. A lot of our Filipino "Kababayans" here in Edmonton have been asking me through the years WHY, we as a community, DO NOT celebrate this very important and significant Philippine national and religious holiday here in Edmonton. So in 2014, I thought our community should start our own Undas celebration in Edmonton. It is totally a community function that can be participated in by various community organizations. We are just providing the venue (our Chapel and Reception Centre)
and the complimentary food and refreshments. IV. UNDAS IN EDMONTON: Some of the Highlights of this Special Event include: 1. Prayers for the dearly departed and a memorial service; 2. Celebration of the Liturgy for our dearly departed loved ones; 3. Symbolic lighting of memorial candles; 4. Blessing of the Memorial Book of Remembrance; 5. Blessing of the Filipino Garden "HIMLAYANG FILIPINO"; 6. Lunch Reception, entertainment and more!!! We hope to see you there, mga Kababayan!
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
Scheer was focused and calm under pressure; Singh’s great ideas were a bold prediction; the surname that starts with an S will be the next Prime Minister
NICKY GOCUAN, PMAA 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.
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few days ago, advance voting started for the Federal Elections slated for October 21, 2019. In the most recent TV debate in English, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer was clearly focused on his task of showing Canadians the mistakes of Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and going to the extent of calling him a phony and a fraud who does not deserve to lead this country. While the Trudeau tried to defend himself, he was clearly bothered by
the debate that exposed a lot of his weaknesses even as he tried to turn the tables on Scheer. But, the Conservative leader pointed out tax exemptions that Trudeau has given to mass polluters. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also pointed out that the Liberal leader gave a $14 billion tax cut to biggest corporations. Sheer also pointed out that he will stop the carbon tax but Trudeau believes it has to continue because there is a climate emergency. Peoples Party Leader Maxime Bernier does not
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Migrant's Voices better off. From the beginning it had been a distorted perception of their own identity resulting in a warped sense of values, equating progress and development with the assimilation of the colonizers' way of life. The colonial mentality of the Filipinos further deepened during the 50 years of American occupation where Americanization was the primary strategy. Through education, Filipinos were deliberately taught admiration and glorification of American ways. This new culture was taught to be superior to Philippine society. Filipinos were made to desire American goods and it was inculcated in their minds that America is the land of opportunity and a greener pasture. This explains the reason why going to America is always part of the dreams of common Filipinos. Neo-colonization continued and Americanization prevailed. Since our colonization, with the idea of www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
Care. Singh mentioned that the NDP is the only party that can really face the pharmaceutical industry and say no to them. The NDP Leader alleges that the Conservatives and Liberals cannot do that. One thing for sure is that I know Canadians are smart enough not to VOTE for someone who will burden them with more taxes in our overly taxed society. While I agree that we must do our part to cut greenhouse gas and pollution, there are other ways to do it than penalizing the people and get them to pay more taxes. Do not be deceived. So Please Go Out and Vote; think about all the points that have been mentioned and how this can help your family and our country in the next four years. ***** Alberta’s Budget is just about to come out after the Federal Elections and we all do hope that it will not bring cuts to Healthcare and Education as what Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews said in our interview with him. One thing for sure is that they will try to make the system more efficient. Toews says that Alberta is spending
Resources on Dementia and Alzheimer’s
National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, was formerly assigned as provincial police director. Summoned were Major Rodney Raymundo Louie Juico Baloyo IV, Capt.
Joven De Guzman Jr., Master Sergeants Jules Maniago, Donald Roque, Ronald Santos, Romel Vital, Alcindor Tinio, Eligio Valeroso; Staff Sergeants Dindo Dizon, Gilbert De Vera, Encarnacion Guerrero Jr., Dante Dizon and Corporal Anthony Lacsamana. The subpoena is in connection with Justice Department Order No. 528 dated October 7 issued by Secretary Menardo Guevarra requiring the 13 police officers to participate in the "reinvestigation of the complaint and to submit any additional evidence on October 16". The subpoena was signed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Q. Suarez and Assistant State Prosecutors Josie Christina T. Dugay and Gino Paolo S. Santiago. The case involves the automatic review of the dismissal of the case by the Pampanga prosecutor against the policemen who were facing charges in violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) for misappropriation, mis-application or failure to account for seized drugs, and planting of evidence. (PNA)
s Canada’s population of elderly individuals increase, there will be more people who will experience Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This can have a huge impact on the life of the person who was diagnosed, as well as their loved ones, who may be overwhelmed with the news and have to make adjustments to their lives. Here are some resources and programs that can help loved ones who are experiencing this. On Learning about How the Illness works 1. Differentiating Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Learning the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s is really important in order to have clear communication with service providers and other people who are involved. Dementia is the term applied to a group of symptoms that negatively impact memory, but Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease of
greener pastures, thousands of Filipinos migrated to distant territories, first as recruited workers for the Hawaii sugar plantations, and then as seamen, U.S. navy personnel, nurses and doctors, and so on. There are approximately 10-12 million Filipinos around the world. Close to a million in Canada but millions more in America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere. Since the Marcos martial-law regime, the labour export accelerated massively. Every day, over 6000 Filipinos leave to work abroad. With about 10 percent of the Philippine population scattered around the world as cheap and disposable labour, mainly domestics and semi-skilled workers, the Philippines has become the supplier of what is euphemistically called human capital—in actuality, hands to do work for minimal pay, producing enormous surplus value (profits) for transnational corporations as well as for affluent families in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. This is the context that we as Filipinos needed to grasp in order to define our identity.
Reika, one of the organizers of a youth forum that will be held in Edmonton this month said when asked about identity - “It’s knowing who I am as a person and not let anyone define who I am. It’s important to have that connection with the motherland and we have that shared history, that shared identity. It’s important because it’s easy to get lost in Canada with all the influence and all the noise. And not knowing where we came from, mas madali tayong maapi.” A group of young Filipino/a/x is organizing a forum called UGAT: Filipino Identities. “It is a gathering with workshops and a panel talking about Filipino identity, exploring what it means to be a Filipino, and our role as migrants here on turtle islands and how can we be a part of the movement here and back home in the Philippines,” says Mavi, who identifies as a queer Filipinx. To D, one of the organizers, “The theme of the event is Ugat, it means root or it can also mean vein. It’s an exploration of Filipino identity in Canada and the diaspora and our various experiences and these intersections. Understanding
our identity and our roots is important to reclaim ourselves as Filipinos and to heal and share our stories” Another organizer of the event, Doreen who was also born in the Philippines and came to Canada 10 years ago said, “I feel that it’s important to know our roots because it gives us a sense of belonging. [It] Makes us realize why our parents are the way that they are. The things that they teach us and the things that were not taught to us”. When asked about the general attitudes of her parents and the Filipino community: “I think the older community were separated from them like there are walls between us. Also, the Filipinos that were born here, they’re not taught Tagalog or any other Philippine languages. They create their own image of what we are,” she said. Mavi added “Older Filipinos think we’re disrespectful, because times are changing and we know more of social issues that affect our community; we’re not isolated anymore.” “We understand the sacrifices of our parents, what their expectations are, and that we have to follow the script that they lay down for us as Filipino youth.
DOJ summons 'ninja cops' in 2013 Pampanga drug raid
MANILA -- State prosecutors on Thursday subpoenaed 13 police officials tagged in the legislative inquiry into the recycling of seized illegal drugs in Pampanga in 2013 where Philippine
believe there is a climate emergency while Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is firm on her stance that we need to act now, because there is a climate emergency. What was very glaring in this debate was how Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet was very un-Canadian, saying “what can’t a Quebecer not do that a Canadian can do?” which clearly shows a separatist attitude. What was very clear is that Trudeau will continue his Carbon Tax Plan and it is very evident that Green Party Leader Elizabeth May favors him over Scheer because the Conservative Leader wants to cut the carbon tax. The Green Party Leader even stated that Scheer is not going to win the October 21st Federal Election. What is very evident in this debate though, was that great ideas were coming from NDP leaderJagmeet Singh, who is the dark horse that no one can ignore. The biggest thing we should note from his platform was Universal Pharmacare which even the Green Party leader agreed needs to be seen to. The NDP leader wants also to provide Free Dental
$10.4 billion more per capita compared to other provinces and we cannot continue to spend money we do not have. This makes sense because if we do, then we fall deeper into the hole that our future generations will suffer from. Toews adds that Alberta does not have a revenue problem. But the problem is the Mackinnon report, which suggests that the tuition freeze be lifted. This would definitely not sit well with students. The report has also taken into consideration that Alberta Wages are higher than other provinces and Toews believes that in due time, this will bring our cost in line with other provinces. While it is easy to bring the wages in line with other provinces, especially since Alberta is in a recession, what needs to be discussed regarding the plan of the Provincial Government to lower the cost of daily living? It is easy to cut wages but how about making it more liveable for Albertans? Our groceries cost more than Toronto or Vancouver because they are beside ports. Our food has to be transported inland so if our wages are a little higher there is a reason as to why this is so. This is to compensate for the cost of living. I just hope that when they come out with the budget, the Alberta Government should consider all these factors.
By: Giselle General
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the brain that slowly causes impairment in memory and cognitive function. One useful article is: https://www.alzheimers. net/difference-between-alzheimersand-dementia/ 2. Alberta Health Services Health Link: Either online at https://www. albertahealthservices.ca/assets/healthinfo/ link/index.html or by calling 811, anyone needing information about Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease can get a wealth of information and where they can turn to for support. On Support for Caregivers 1. Alzheimer Society Alberta and Northwest Territories: This organization provides aid for people who are supporting those suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. They have locations across the country, and you can find more information at https://alzheimer. ca/en/ab/About-us/alberta-offices 2. Brochure on Reducing Caregiver Stress: There is a user-friendly brochure continued on page 11►
We want to change that narrative and how the older generation sees us. Ugat is a foot in the door with which we are able to start the conversation that dialogue that is needed. It's long overdue. I also want to have a conversation on how solidarity looks like here in Canada. Solidarity with other communities as well,” said D. Another organizer of the event, Lyla Luciano said, “Definitely this is not a one time event. This is a start of, not just of conversations but determining our identities, our futures through organizing and mobilizing. We’re here and we will make our presence felt.” UGAT: Filipino Identities will be on October 19th at 2pm. It will be held at the University of Alberta Department of Education Rm: N2-103. For more information, contact: ugat. yeg@gmail.com or call 780-952-5908. The event is supported by Alberta Public Interest Research Group, Migrante Alberta, The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, YEG Edmonton Community Foundation and Filistix.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Health Tips | Business
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
from page 10
Resources on Dementia... and other resources that can help caregivers manage the strong emotions that come from caring for someone with the condition. You can find it at https:// alzheimer.ca/en/Home/We-can-help/ Our-services/Support and it is called “Reducing Caregiver Stress”. On Direct Support for the Person with the Condition 1. Database – Home Care: Many elderly people want to be as independent as possible and stay in their own homes for
as long as they can, but they can benefit from help with getting certain tasks completed, such as cleaning their home or taking a bath. Homecare services can help with this. There are multiple resources to check out, such as
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https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ cc/Page15488.aspx 2. Seniors Groups in Edmonton: The Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council is a comprehensive database of groups and resources that serves the needs of seniors. The weblink is https:// seniorscouncil.net/ While this is in no way an exhaustive list, the goal is to encourage seeking information and assistance for any type of challenge, no matter how big or small, whether common or not. For any readers who are not directly served by the area where the outlined programs are listed, it is likely that equivalent resources are available by searching the topic and adding the name of your location.
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Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
Potato Corner Opens in Edmonton
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his is the only corner I know of that is situated in the center. Yes, Potato Corner has already been famous in other countries before its introduction to Albertans, especially to the Edmontonians. Nelson Rodriguez, the owner, has availed of a good spot inside the also famous West Edmonton Mall for its first location. That only means Potato Corner is not physically sitting in the corner because of its strategic location. Rodriguez said that he is planning to have another 16 branches open soon within the province of Alberta. This means that a lot of job opportunities will be opened for Albertans. There are a lot of mouths to feed with this very delicious, affordable, and Filipinoproduced food. Rodriguez mentioned that they were about to break Singapore’s record and other Asian branches in terms of sales during the first day of soft-opening; yet, it didn’t happen because the potato supplier, Sysco, ran out of potatoes. “We were poised to beat Singapore’s grand opening sales record on our first day of opening, but at exactly 6:30 PM, we ran out of potatoes. The following day, Sysco had to scramble to get our supply of fries as they ran out here in Edmonton,” Nelson added. “On our second day of the soft opening, we eventually beat Singapore’s grand opening sales record. And during our grand opening, we beat our own sales record by double,” he said. Can you Imagine this, if Sysco was faced with a shortage of potato supplies with just the WEM Branch open, will it be able to support the remaining 16 branches that will soon be in business? Does this mean that Alberta farmers have to plant more potatoes too? What about planting potatoes in our backyards or vacant lots in order to sustain Potato Corner in the province? The Rodriguez family was also crowned with felicity when Elyanna Peralta Jose, a child from Fort Mac Murray said, “I love Potato Corner so much as it’s like my vitamins!”
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They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the FilipinoCanadian Community for patronizing their businesses! Potato Corner owner in Edmonton meets prominent leaders in the Philippines: Invading the World with Potato Jose T. Pardo is the Chairman of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. and the Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines. Bienvenido E. Laguesma is the Chairman of Social Security Commission/ Social Security System. Richard Juico Gordon, known as Dick Gordon, is a Filipino politician and broadcaster who currently serves as a Senator in the Philippines and chairman of the Philippine Red Cross. Nelson Rodriguez directly heard heartwarming words while meeting up with some of the prominent leaders in the Philippines. He sent text messages to the AFJ Editor: “Pare, they are very happy that I’m bringing to Canada, brands from the Philippines! They know it’s not easy but also amazed of the success of the brands I already brought and the number of Filipinos that my company was able to help. Especially Potato Corner, they said I was able to elevate it, dito daw sa Pilipinas eh sa kariton lang sa manga. While in Canada it’s in a really nice place. Nakakataba ng puso pare. My way of giving back to our motherland… and showing I’m proud of what we have to offer to the world!”
A day before grand opening, Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron visited Potato Corner in West Edmonton Mall. There was a small ribbon cutting ceremony and a lunch with the Potato Corner PH team and Potato Corner Alberta team. They discussed the 15 stores which they are planning to open over the course of two years. They saw this as a great employment opportunity for Albertans, especially for our fellow kababayans here, to become part of the Potato Corner family. It will also open doors for Filipinos who want to work in Canada in the future. As the CEO of KC EN JP Inc. quoted, “I want to help my fellow kababayans by opening jobs for them. As you notice, some of our suppliers and partners from the preparation up to the grand opening were Filipinos. I believe I had a chance to show to everyone, how good and talented Filipinos are.”
Photos by Dario Juanillo | Alberta Filipino Journal
Ms Ranz Divinagracia of Maligaya Travel, Dylene Contigno, Hazel Sazon, Kathryna Manalo and Irene Amado of Potato corner Phils, Rabhiveer from Coca Cola Canada, Mc Cain Canada, Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron, Rudy Buenaventura, Elyannah Peralta Jose, Rolan Latorre
VIPs: Dean Aguillion-Operation Director of Edo Japan, Faymas Production,
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Inspiration | Entertainment | Business
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Mitoy at Palabok House
Filipinos Success' Stories:
Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo! If I can; You surely can!
Juan (JP) Dublado Interviewed by Marianne Rosal Marianne Rosal graduated from the Faculty of Engineering from the University of Alberta. She appreciates a good cup of coffee, and enjoys books, music and traveling in her spare time.
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his column, Kaya Ko Kaya Mo brings to our attention another culinary success, River Cree Resort and Casino's Chef de Cusine, Juan (JP) Dublado. Juan Dublado is one of Edmonton's reknowned chefs of Filipino descent. Where did his passion for cooking first start? His inspiration came when he first moved to Edmonton. When he first moved to Canada, he worked in different corporate kitchens. "I realized that I liked to cook and discovered that I'm pretty good at it," he said. At the time, he looked up to chefs who inspired him to pursue cooking. He recalls, "I wanted to be one as well some day." To follow his dreams, he took a culinary course at SAIT, and gained some experience. "I worked in different kitchens since i moved to Canada. I went to SAIT and took the 2 year professional cooking program, then I worked 5 years
at the best restaurant that I know of, which is River Cafe in Calgary.” In his journey to become a professional chef, his career was marked with struggles and obstacles. "It's been a long and hard journey, long hours, late nights, missing out on family functions, neglect of health. It takes a different kind of person to love this profession, not many are willing to sacrifice a lot to become a Chef, you have to love what you're doing in order to succeed." As a chef, the aim is to create perfection in every dish. For Juan, "[E]ach dish has to be perfect, always evolve and learn from mistakes.” To work at such a fast-paced and demanding job, chefs have to learn how to handle stress. However, Juan has learned how to hone skills to overcome the stress in the kitchen. “Working in kitchens my whole life taught me just to be organized and not stress about a busy service, I've done thousands of them. Just be organized in your head and take it one step at a time.” When asked what advice he would give to young aspiring chefs who want to follow a similae profession, he says, "My advice would be, never stop grinding and pushing yourself to be better every single day[.] [I]f you're not learning from your current work place its [sic] time to move on and find something better, its [sic] a very long and hard journey just keep your head down and listen to your Chef, and most importantly, Love what you do.” When asked what advice he would give to his 18 year old self, he says, "I would advise the 18 year old me to push even harder and keep doing what you're doing and be more friendly to people and don't let anything stop you to achieve your goals." As Chef de Cusine of River Cree, Juan Dublado
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Mitoy’s fans took the opportunity to pose with him after being granted permission by Lydia Jimenez, owner of Palabok House. This well-known Filipino singer and performer was so cool and humble. This was taken the day after he and his group performed at the Manila Grill Restaurant.
Edmontonians Want OPM Hitmakers Back curates a selection of Western fine dining meals. It comes as a natural question to wonder if this Filipino chef would open a restaurant to display Filipino cusine. When asked if he plans on opening a Filipino restaurant one day, he answers, "Yes, that is the next goal for my career, to celebrate Filipino cuisine through my restaurant using locally sourced ingredients with Filipino flavors." Finally, when asked what his favourite dish is, Juan answers, "My mom's Goat Kare Kare."
PINOY HITMAKER’s fans cannot stand to wait for their another year of performance. For that reason, Lydia Jimenez and Doctor Rod Montano will again be forced to bring them back sometime next year. The HitMakers’ Final Tour Part 2 then, will be pursued.
Photo by Noel Granado
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Arts and Culture | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
Celebrating Philippine Culture for Canada Culture Days 2019 Artospective - an artist’s point of view IDA BELTRAN-LUCILA ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com
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very year, a national celebration of arts and culture is commemorated as
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Culture Days on the last weekend of September (Friday-Sunday). Thousands of events across the country are
offered free of charge, highlighting the importance of arts and culture in our communities. The mandate of Culture Days is “to eliminate barriers to access and participation, and stimulate understanding, appreciation and exploration of arts and culture—so that every person in the country has a deeper connection with themselves, their communities, and Canada”. This year, two events focusing on Philippine culture have been selected as Official Celebration Sites by the Ministry of Culture and Multiculturalism, and Status of
Women - Philippine Arts Council’s Kalinangan and Pinoy Roots Rondalla’s Ugnayang Kultura. Kalinangan, in its many variance of use, is the Tagalog word for culture, way of life, or cultivation of learning. This is Philippine Arts Council’s third offering of Kalinangan and has been selected twice as a featured Celebration Site. This year’s Kalinangan was a two-day event, with the first day held at Lynnwood School and the
second at Mill Woods Seniors and Multicultural Centre. On its second year at Lynnwood School, the students participated in workshops on Philippine dance and martial arts provided by The Lucila Project and Philippine Warrior Arts Society. By dismissal, parents and siblings came to the school and participated or observed the workshops. Former continued on page 23 ►
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OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Business | Community
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Saranay Celebrates 40 Years of Dedicated Service to the Filipino Canadian Community
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n a message delivered by PM Justin Trudeau, he praised and extend greetings to Filipino-Canadian Saranay Associations of Alberta in the celebration of its 40th Anniversary. "Since it was founded in 1979 , the Filipino-Canadian Association of Alberta has been committed to preserving Filipino culture and supporting the Filipino-Canadian community." One of the oldest surviving non-profit Filipino organizations, Saranay listed numerous achievements and accomplishments too many to enumerate. Presently Saranay has 15 recipients in an on going scholarship for South-East Asian Studies at the University of Alberta. Beside the voice and advocate of many victims of Caregiver Program and Human Trafficking, they pioneered
the establishment of the Filipino language and culture school in Edmonton. Saranay showcased Filipino culture at the recent 2019 Edmonton Heritage Festival with their famous String Rondalla and award winning Dance and Choral Groups. FORTY YEARS and counting, Saranay executives, the founders and members of this organization should be praised for their dedication in serving the Filipino-Canadian community in general. Thank you President Cesar Daus, Vice President Eduardo Picardal and the mover and shaker of this organization, the secretary/treasurer Dr. Josephine Pallard . The well attended 40th Anniversary Celebration at the Emperor's Palace held last September 27, 2019 truly reflected the mission and vision of this dedicated organization.
Photos by Dario Juanillo | Alberta Filipino Journal
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Entertainment | Announcement
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
Fans troop to Pacific Hut Restaurant to meet Sarah Geronimo; Annie Lux, Overdrive Band perform to brighten up the night
Singer and song writer Annie Lux, daughter of Pacific Hut Restaurant owners Ron Ala and his wife Maria Teresa, with Sarah G. Sept. 21 at the Pacific Hut Restaurant in Calgary. Photo by Moses Billacura Pacific Hut Restaurant's Ron Ala uses a film camera in taking a photo of his daughter Annie with Sarah G., Sept.21 at the Pacific Hut Restaurant in Calgary. Photo by Moses Billacura
This little girl finally had her chance to have a photo with her idol, Sarah G., Sept.21 at the Pacific Hut Restaurant in Calgary. Photo by Moses Billacura By Moses Billacura
CALGARY --- Pacific Hut Restaurant was packed with fans for a “meet and greet” event with famous Filipina singer and actress, Sarah Geronimo. Sarah G. posed for photos with her fans and thanked them for coming. Then after the photoshoot that Saturday night, Sept.21, she went back to her hotel to rest. She performed the next day, Sept. 22, at the Grey Eagle Event Centre. It was a quick visit that was successfully hosted by Pacific Hut owners Ron Ala and wife Maria Teresa, whose restaurant has been a venue for up and coming bands and singers to perform. The crowd did not go home after seeing Sarah G. because that night turned out to be a treat for them as Calgary-based singer Annie Lux performed with the Overdrive Band. Band members Mimi Tan and Genesis Tumacder belted out songs too to the delight of the fans. Annie Lux, daughter of Ron and Maria Teresa, is a song writer too whose song “A-Side” was featured on hit Disney Channel show “The Next Step” and has over two million views on YouTube. In 2015, Annie released her first solo EP “Lux”. She studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston and has already signed with Viva Records as a recording artist, hoping to build a career in the Philippines. Her debut single “Yesterday” was released in April 2017, followed by her latest single “Honey” which hit the airwaves in September. Overdrive’s two lead singers pumped up the night with various song selections that brighten up the night. Mimi Tan, in her 20’s and Genesis Tumacder, 16, surprisingly, learned the Filipino language by listening to Original Pilipino Music (OPM). www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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Hospitality | Religion | Business
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`OPM Hitmakers’ promoters Great San Lorenzo Ruiz, Smile Dental, Palabok House The First Filipino Saint thank sponsors; treat volunteers By Moses Billacura
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fter hosting a successful event featuring the “OPM Hitmakers” in Edmonton, co-promoters Great Smile Family Dental and Palabok House hosted a dinner treat to volunteers and thanked the sponsors. Dr.Nimrod Montano of Great Smile Family Dental and Lydia Jimenez of Palabok House hosted the evening of fun, Sept.26, at the Palabok House Restaurant. After the sumptuous meal, the volunteers rendered some songs to spice up the evening. Jimenez announced that Rey Valera is coming to Edmonton next year after missing last month’s concert with Hajji Alejandro, Nonoy Zuniga and Marco Sison. Valera missed the concert due to medical reasons, according to Dr.Montano.
The OPM Hitmakers last September 14 was supported by Filipino Drives, Skin Leueur Aesthetics and Laster Centre, UMAC Express Cargo, Maligaya Travel, Tony Surtida, Arbonne’s JoAnn Aguilar, MCN Immigration’s Marjorie Newman, Sinclair Dental, Ed and Editha Emmanuel, Tamon Architecture, Michelle Lucena-Abesamis, Remax’s Nora Ragadio, Goldenbucks Bakeshop, Alberta Filipino Journal, Panciteria de Manila Restaurant, TFC, Sunlife Financial, Prestige Vision Centre, Noel Granado, Coco’s Nest Restaurant, Ellwood Daycare, Bravo Studio, Pinoy Times, 101.7 World FM, CJSW 90.9 Radyo Pilipino, Romelie
Bakery, Lexus, Talaluv Radio 94.7 FM and Chester Tiongson of Crosstown Auto Centre.
Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
The Knights of Columbus Nazareno Council No.12904 hosted the yearly celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz at St. Anthony Parish in Edmonton last September 28, 2019.
Photos by Dario Juanillo | Alberta Filipino Journal
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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Opinion | Business | Media Partners
Another specialist joins Medicus Family Clinic & Pharmacy
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
Another Oilers Season Begins 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.
A By Moses Billacura
EDMONTON --- Another specialist has joined Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy. Dr.Salem Alewan is a specialist physician in respiratory and sleep medicine, according to Medicus Clinic co-founder Kris Salumbides. "If Albertans are looking for a doctor who specializes in asthma, COPD, lung diseases and sleep problems, they can now book an appointment at Medicus for consultation," said Salumbides. Medicus, established in 2017 by Salumbides and business partners Jesse Tallon and Jacob Christian to serve Albertans in the growing
Southside of Edmonton, is located at 1536 91 Street SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 1M5, can be reached at telephone number (780) 757-7713 and followed on https://www.facebook. com/medicusfamilyhealthclinic/. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has certified Dr.Alewan as a specialist in 2015 and with him coming on board, this will bring the total of specialists to three at Medicus. Dr.Mary Jean Silvano is a specialist in diabetes, obesity, hypertension and thyroid issues while Dr. Maria Angelica Oliva is a pediatrician. Family physicians are Dr. Rieza Zara and Dr. Jennifer Riess.
fter a long offseason, the Edmonton Oilers are ready to get the season started and are in pursuit of a playoff spot as their last berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs was just over two and a half years ago.
With a new GM (Ken Holland) and new head coach (Dave Tippett) the Oilers are looking for a fresh start for the better. Along with these new members, part of the management and coaching departments for the Oilers
organization the team also acquired new players during the offseason. A few new players were added to the Oilers’ key core, including 32 year old forward James Neal who was acquired from the Calgary Flames for Milan Lucic and a conditional 2020 third round draft pick. Another key addition to the team was goaltender Mike Smith, who was also acquired from the Flames. He brings not only experience to a young Oiler team but also an ability to handle the puck aggressively and efficiently compared to many other goaltenders in the league. Other key notables to join the team include Tomas Jurco and Joakim Nygard, who look to provide a strong bottom nine presence. Dave Tippet’s speciality in emphasizing the importance of defense is one of the main reasons why Holland decided to hire Tippett. A key area where the team looks to improve on is shrinking the goals against number (GAA) and to improve on the powerplay. Captain Connor McDavid looks to get back to his prime self, coming off an injury from the end of last season, after which he worked hard throughout the summer to be ready by opening night. A s the hockey season is well underway, hockey fans from across the city and Alberta are excited for a season of opportunity for this club to be successful. I guess for now, all we can say is, “GO OILERS GO!”
RADYO SA DYARYO: Magkatulong Sa Pamamahayag At Pag-Aliw Sa Lipunang Pilipino Sinasaliwan ng musikang sariling atin ang pagtatagni-tagni ng mga balitang pang-masa, pagbalangkas sa mga makabuluhang dagdag kaalaman, at makatarungang pagpuna sa mga kamalian. Ang Tahanan ng OPM-Himig Pinoy-101.7 World FM ay masusubaybayan mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes, 5-6 PM.
Samantala, naabot na rin ng Alberta Filipino Journal ang 94.7 FM-Tala luv’z Radio sa Calgary upang makatuwang na rin sa magkaparehong adhikain. Mapapakinggan tuwing Huwebes sa ganap na ikapito hanggang ika-walo ng gabi. Bukas-palad ang Alberta Filipino Journal sa pagtataguyod ng panlipunang pagtututungan upang isaayos ang relasyon ng bawat-isa dito sa bansang ating dinayuhan.
DJ Rolan, Jester Talusig, winner of a free admission ticket for David Pomeranz’s concert, DJ Jo-Ann Aguilar. Earl Baldisimo, RJ Zion, Ken Hustlin, Frenzel Torres, Ives Tolentino, Jester Reyes, DJ Jo-ann, DJ Rolan and Jomari Denuro
Richmond Delizo, Rhoda Pia B. Delizo - Personal Banking Spec., Customer Obsession at ATB Entrepreneur Centre in Edmonton, DJ Rolan Latorre.
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DJ Jo-ann, Bro. Henry and Millet Gutierrez, ANCOP Area Coordinators in Edmonton and Mission Areas, DJ Rolan.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Volunteerism | Religion | Business
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Child Abuse Prevention Month Filipinavigation RIANA TORREJON torrejonriana@gmail.com Riana Torrejon is an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta who is a passionate advocate for human rights. In her spare time, she loves to write and sing. She is also the Fundraising and Events Director for the Child Advocacy Society of University of Alberta and a writer for Happy Columns. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of her greatest inspirations.
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
T
h e Zebra Child Protection Centre does so much good work as it is made up of a team of dedicated law enforcement, specialized assessors, medical professionals and Zebra Centre staff working to create a safe space for children who have undergone or are undergoing child
abuse. Meanwhile, our role as the Child Advocacy Society is to help promote awareness about child abuse on campus. We want to equip students and professors by educating them on how to identify the signs of abuse, how to handle if someone comes forward to you and asks for help, and more. Many university students may have a career working with children in the future and it is imperative that they are exposed to this knowledge. This summer, I was fortunate
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Celebrating Philippine... students visited from their junior high schools to dance folk dances they have learned before. It was a fiesta atmosphere with students decorating the school with self-made Philippine flags and posters, and baking cassava cake to serve to guests. Some parents made pancit (noodles), and Loriz Bakery and Golden Bucks Bakeshop provided generous food donations, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the school community. It was heartwarming to see the children enthusiastically embrace Philippine culture. It also empowered and instilled pride in the Filipino students and parents to witness the support and enthusiasm by the school community. Young students were asking us so many questions about the Philippines, the food, and especially the language. It was amusing and at the same time touching to watch them engage in Tagalog conversations with their Filipino classmates. With their parents’ arrival, students have asked for music to be played so they can be videoed dancing what they have learned. Teachers shared their Filipino experiences too - whether through Filipino friends, food, or information they have read or seen. At the Mill Woods Seniors and Multicultural Centre, Kalinangan featured workshops on: Parol (Christmas lanterns) Making by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association Edmonton (UPAAE); Learning the Language through Song and Dance, by Koro Filipino; Filipino Martial Arts by Philippine Warrior Arts Society; and Philippine Folk Dance, by Jojo Lucila. Other activities included: colouring of Philippine-themed illustrations by Katrina Cereno, and indigenous designs and patterns of Mindanao from Lumad, a colouring book project by Salupongan Internaitonal; Historya exhibit by the UPAAE; Kwento’t Litrato exhibit by Migrante Alberta; and tables of Philippine products and businesses by Akia Crafts, Love Thy Planet, and Human Nature Canada. Members of the Legislative Assembly and Parliament also came to give messages of support and fellowship: MLA Christina Gray (Edmonton-Millwoods), MLA Sarah Hoffman (Edmonton-Glenora), MLA Jasvir Deol (Edmonton-Meadows) and MP Amarjeet Sohi (Edmonton-Mill Woods, and federal Minister of Natural Resources). On the third day of Culture Days, Pinoy Roots Rondalla held Ugnayang Kultura at the West Edmonton Mall with rondalla performances, Philippine folk and Polynesian dances by Pacific Island Dance Troupe, crafts and displays of Filipino instruments and
enough to work with the Child Advocacy Society of the University of Alberta, to create the fundraising campaign, Herd for Help. Our goal is to fund resources that provide support and programs for individuals that have been or are currently being affected by childhood abuse. A majority of the funds will go towards the Zebra Child Protection Centre and a portion will go to the Child Advocacy Society of the University of Alberta. Making any social change requires a village, or as we like to say...it takes a herd. :D Please check out our website at herd4help.org to see how you can help! There are many resources to further educate yourself about the multifaceted problems our society must battle with child abuse. As well, please visit zebracentre.ca to learn more about the programs they offer and the work that they are doing. We hope you can support us in our mission to help the Zebra Child Protection Centre and aid children in need.
clothing, Zumba by Manny Arban, and dances by the Edmonton Indonesian Community Association. MLA Sarah Hoffman was again there to provide messages, along with MLA Lorne Dach (Edmonton-McClung) and MLA Jon Carson (Edmonton-West Henday). In summation, it was a good Culture Days year with offerings on Philippine culture provided in every single day of the Culture Days weekend - a result of Philippine Arts Council and Pinoy Roots Rondalla coordinating to avoid any schedule conflict because I have found out through the years, that there is a good percentage of people who take advantage of this Culture Days weekend, research on calendar activities and map out an itinerary of events to go to. It is a testament to our society for embracing diversity, an earnest desire to learn more about art and culture, and its importance in our daily lives. It is for this very reason that we are steadfast in featuring Philippine art and culture, and establishing our stamp in this multicultural community. To comment on this article, go to https://www.philippineartscouncil. com/blog .
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Make Our Daily Gospel Reading Trending
Like it and share it! 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.
“No servant can serve two masters” Luke 16:1-13
O
ur gospel for today is teaching us a good lesson from a very wicked example. There is an admiration for the dishonest steward; not for his dishonesty but for his ability to figure his way out of a mess that he had created. Folks, whom do you serve? The Mighty Lord or the mighty dollar? Today, we are reminded that our prosperity can sometimes lead us to greed or to improving the lives of others. Our wealth can give us gain or can inflict pain on others. We must not use others’ misfortune or shall I say, the poor and destitute for our own advantage. We are challenged to use our resources to help the poor. (Huwag ponating pagkakakitaan ang mga mahihirap.) To be gifted with riches is a blessing. We all wanted to live in abundance and prosperity, right? There is nothing wrong with being well-off because wealth is a grace from God. In the book of prophet Amos 8:4-7, he warns those rich individual who exploit the poor in order to enrich themselves. Mga kababayan, deceiving others to gain more money is evil. Let us use money to help people. Do not use people to make more money. Money is good; but too much love for it may sometimes make man evil. Guys, be careful of the non-economic end of money: it can buy people’s integrity, it will treat humans as commodities, money can make people selfish and greedy, money can break marriages
and destroy relationships. Money is good. However, putting our trust and confidence in money is idolatry. Bear in mind that money cannot substitute God. God is irreplaceable. I invite you to invest more in relationships than in temporal riches. Strive for material blessings that are honestly acquired. The coming 21st of this month, we will be having a Federal election. Mga kababayan, let us pray and beg the Lord to send us good and honest leaders. A leader like Jesus. In Timothy 2:1-8 we are called to pray for our leaders that they that may lead us into a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. May our leaders both in the church and government not be blinded by the deception of wealth. Finally, to all parents, please teach your children how to earn money but don’t forget to teach them how to pray. Let me conclude my insights with 3P’s People are more important than money; Pray for our politicians and church leaders; Prosperity will be yours if you chase your passion, not your pension. Blessings Fr. Jhack
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ADVERTISE WITH US 780-916-7677 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com All photos and articles available online. Follow us
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24
Election Canada 2019
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
2019 federal election platform tracker: Where the major parties stand so far FISCAL PLAN Bloc Quebecois • No specific proposals to date Conservatives • Balance the budget in five years by taking a “measured approach to spending growth” • Deficit would peak at $23 billion in 2020, before dropping to $5 billion in 2023, moving into a surplus in 2024. • Cut consultant costs, scale back travel and hospitality, and sell federal real estate to downsize government spending. The party estimates savings will reach $5 billion in the fifth year of the plan. Greens • Balance the budget by 2024 Liberals • Make new investments amounting to $9.3 billion in 2020-21, rising to $17 billion by 2023-24 • Increase the deficit to $27.4 billion next year before reducing it to $21 billion by 2023-24 • Lower the debt-to-GDP ratio to 30.2 per cent by 2023, from 30.9 per cent in 2020-21 • Preserve Canada’s AAA credit rating NDP • Run a deficit of $32.7 billion in 2020-21 (including a contingency fund) before lowering it to $16.6 billion in 2023-24. • Says debt-to-GDP ratio (including contingency fund) would fall to 30 per cent by 2023-24 from 31.3 per cent in 2020-21. People’s Party of Canada • Balance the budget within two years HOUSING Bloc Quebecois • Wants more funding for social and affordable housing in Quebec Conservatives • Propose changing mortgage stress tests for first-time homebuyers and reviewing the removal of the test from mortgage renewals • Increase amortization periods on insured mortgages to 30 years for first-time buyers • Launch an inquiry into money laundering in real estate • Make federal real estate available for housing developments Greens • Legislate housing as a legally protected fundamental human right for all Canadians and permanent residents • Appoint a Minister of Housing to strengthen the National Housing Strategy so it meets the needs of affordable housing in each province • Eliminate the first-time home buyer incentive recently implemented by the Liberals • Restore tax incentives for building purpose-built rental housing and provide tax credits for gifts of lands to community land trusts to provide affordable housing • Refocus the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s mandate on supporting the development of affordable, non-market and cooperative housing, as opposed to one of its primary activities of providing mortgage loan insurance Liberals • Introduce federal speculation tax on non-residents and a higher
cap on the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, which was implemented in early September. • Increased the amount first-time buyers can withdraw from their RRSPs to $35,000 from $25,000 in budget 2019. NDP • Spend $5 billion building 500,000 affordable homes • Allocate $125 million each year to removing GST from the construction of new rental units • Re-introduce 30-year terms for insured mortgages for first-time homebuyers • Double the first-time homebuyers’ tax credit to $1,500 • Implement a 15 per cent foreign buyers' tax on purchases of residential property by foreign corporations or people who are not citizens or permanent residents • Work with provinces to create a public beneficial ownership registry to increase transparency about who owns properties in an effort to stop money laundering • Offer up to $5,000 in rental subsidies for nearly 500,000 families struggling to pay for housing People’s Party of Canada • No specific pledges to date PERSONAL TAXES Bloc Quebecois • Wants Revenu Québec to collect federal income taxes, rather than the Canada Revenue Agency, so that Quebeckers only have to file one return Conservatives • Boost the Adoption Expense Tax Credit to $20,000 and make it fully refundable • Gradually reduce taxes on the lowest income bracket to 13.75 per cent from 15 per cent • Re-introduce the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and Children’s Arts and Learning Tax Credit. The credits would allow parents to claim up to $1,000 per child for expenses related to sports and fitness classes and up to $5,000 per child for expenses related to arts and educational activities • Re-introduce a 15-per-cent tax credit for public transit passes • Remove federal income tax from Employment Insurance maternity and paternity benefits by providing a 15-per-cent tax credit for any income under the two programs • Eliminate GST from home heating and energy bills • Establish a single tax return for Quebec residents • Introduce a 20 per cent refundable tax credit for anyone who spends between $1,000 and $20,000 on energy-saving home renovations • Improve access to the federal disability tax credit by reducing the required number of hours spent on managing a disability, and expand the types of activities that can qualify • Expand a tax credit on supplies for volunteer firefighters, and search and rescue workers, by lowering the number of required service hours from 200 hours a year to 150 for eligibility Greens • Close tax loopholes that benefit the wealthy, such as ones on
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executive stock options and capital gains Liberals • Cap employee stock option deductions for high-income earners in large and mature companies to $200,000 annually (as per 2019 budget) • Raise basic personal amount to $15,000 • Introduce a 10-per-cent tax on luxury cars, boats, and personal aircraft valued at $100,000 or more NDP • Expects $5.6 billion in revenue in 2020-21 from the “super-wealth tax” that applies a one-per-cent tax to those worth over $20 million • $709 million revenue gain expected from a 12-per-cent luxury tax on aircraft, boats, and vehicles valued over $10,000 • Sees $8 billion in revenue in 2020-21 by raising capital gains rate to year 2000 levels • Increase the amount of investment profits subject to capital gains taxation to 75 per cent, the rate that was in place in 2000, from 50 per cent • For Canadians making over $210,000, will increase the top marginal tax rate by two points to 35 per cent, raising over half a billion dollars annually. People’s Party of Canada • Abolish the capital gains tax • Cut the federal tax to 15 per cent on income between $15,001 and $100,000, and 25 per cent tax rate on income above $100,000 JOBS AND ECONOMY Bloc Quebecois • Implement measures to protect Quebec jobs and corporations from foreign takeovers • Launch an investment fund aimed at promoting the province’s high-tech sectors such as gaming, green technology, aerospace and pharamceutical • Offer a remediation agreement with SNC-Lavalin • Establish a tax credit for young graduates who move to Quebec, matching an existing provincial credit • Transfer responsibility for the foreign workers program from Ottawa to Quebec • Establish incentives to hire Aboriginal workers • Establish loans and loan guarantee programs for companies looking to automate in the face of labour shortages • Plan to consult with unions and socio-economic groups on adjusted taxation and reduced tax rate for overtime work Conservatives • Appoint a Quebec Minister of Canada Economic Development and a political minister from Quebec • Launch a judicial inquiry into the Liberal government’s involvement in SNC-Lavalin’s criminal prosecution • Shelve the Canada Infrastructure Bank, which the Liberals gave $35 billion in funding to over 10 years to finance infrastructure projects. Instead, the Conservatives promise to prioritize spending on projects that reduce commute times • Spend $187 billion on
infrastructure investments over 15 years instead of the 12 years currently promised by the Liberals. Greens • Develop a Sustainable Generations Fund to invest in green trades and apprenticeship training, as well as education facilities • Enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy by creating a Community and Environment Service Corps. that will provide $1 billion annually to municipalities to hire Canadian youth • Study the impact of adopting a shorter work week • Ban unpaid internships in private sector workplaces • Raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour • Implement a “robot tax” that companies would have to pay every time they replace a worker with a machine. The revenue would be used to fund educational and retraining programs for workers Liberals • Extend EI sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks at a cost of $507 million by 2023-24; implement a new Career Insurance Benefit for people who have worked continuously for the same employer for five or more years, and are laid off when the business closes • Aim to award at least five per cent of federal contracts to businesses led by Indigenous Peoples • Add an additional $9 million over three years to help more visible minority newcomer women find work NDP • Ensure part-time and contract workers are compensated equally to full-time workers • Establish a federal minimum wage of $15 per hour • Ban unpaid internships outside of education programs • Replace the troubled Phoenix pay system for federal government employees • Create a National Automotive Strategy with all levels of government and industry leaders to help retain jobs and attract investment. • Restore the Automotive Innovation Fund and prioritize made-in-Canada vehicles. • Give Export Development Canada a stronger mandate. People’s Party of Canada • Limit the number of temporary foreign workers • Privatize Canada Post • Privatize airports ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT Bloc Quebecois • Promises to end fossil fuel subsidies • Committed to meeting the Paris Agreement targets on climate change, and has goals to exceed them • The party is against the proposed Energy East pipeline that would have run through Quebec, and wants to have a veto over any pipeline that would need to go through the province Conservatives • Repeal Bill C-69, which overhauls the review process for resource projects in Canada • End Bill C-48, which bans
oil tankers that are carrying more than 12 500 metric tons of crude oil along northern British Columbia • Enact legislation to clarify roles of proponents and governments in consultations • End foreign-funded interference in regulatory hearings • Provide certainty on approval timelines and schedules • Eliminate the Trudeau government’s carbon tax • Introduce a 20 per cent refundable tax credit for anyone who spends between $1,000 and $20,000 on energy-saving home renovations • Create a national energy corridor that would carry oil, gas, hydroelectricity and telecommunications from coastto-coast. The Conservatives say the plan would help the federal government address environmental concerns upfront, increase investor certainty and help get critical projects built Greens • Upgrade Canada Post’s fleet to electric vehicles • Broaden postal carriers’ mandate to check in on those who live alone or have mobility issues, particularly during extreme weather events • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2050 • Cancel the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion • Make electric vehicles affordable, expand charging stations and ban the purchase of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030 • Mandate energy retrofits for all buildings by 2030 • Regulate the CPP Investment Board to require divestment of coal, oil and gas shares Liberals • Get Canada to net zero emissions by 2050 • Spend $150 million by fiscal 2023-24 to give one-fourth of land and ocean waters protected status and expand the Learn to Camp program, which gives travel bursaries to lower-income families to spend up to four nights in one of Canada's national or provincial parks • Cut taxes in half for companies that develop zero-emissions technology • Give homeowners and landlords an interest-free loan of up to $40,000 to help retrofit 1.5 million houses so they are more energy efficient • Spend $100 million in skills training for workers to conduct energy audits, retrofits and netzero home construction • Create a national flood insurance program and develop employment insurance benefits for those struck by natural disasters • Ban single-use plastics by 2021 • Offer new incentives to buy electric cars, including up to $5,000 on new vehicles under $45,000 (as per budget 2019) • Plant two billion trees over the next decade, which the Liberals say will create 3,500 seasonal jobs, as part of a $3-billion plan to fight climate change • Invest the expected $500 million in corporate tax revenue from the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project into natural climate solutions and clean energy projects • Launch an Employment Insurance Disaster Assistance Benefit in 2021 at a cost of $100 million
to help households who have been impacted by a federallydeclared disaster • Invest $1 billion over the next decade into the Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund NDP • Create a publicly-funded "climate bank" to increase clean energy investments • Build an east-west corridor to carry clean energy across Canada • Expand federal funding by $2.5 billion for diaster relief and adapting infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events • Introduce federal incentives for zero-emissions automobiles • Electrify transit and other municipal fleets by 2030. • Power Canada with net carbonfree electricity by 2030 and move to 100 per cent non-emitting electricity by 2050 • Ban single-use plastics. • Continue carbon pricing, including rebates to households that fall under the federal backstop plan; roll back the breaks to big polluters • Create a $40-million Coastal Protection Fund to defend wild salmon, remove derelict vessels, clean up the coast, and improve Coast Guard equipment and training • Allocate $1.5 billion for green transit and transportation spending each year • Generate $611 million in revenue in 2020-21 from eliminating fossil fuel subsidies People's Party of Canada • Find a private buyer for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project • Repeal Bill C-48 and Bill C-69 • Scrap the federal carbon tax • Withdraw from the Paris Accord, an international agreement to fight climate change signed in 2016 • Remove subsidies for green technology IMMIGRATION Bloc Quebecois • Introduce a bill to ensure that those who are applying for citizenship in Quebec have sufficient knowledge of French • Require the federal government to grant Quebec a veto on any federal decision to expel refugees • Suspend Canada’s Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. • Allow Quebec to impose conditions for granting permanent residence Conservatives • Renegotiate the Safe-Third Country Agreement with the United States and put an end to illegal border crossings at unofficial points of entry • Improve language training, credential recognition and make it easier for new Canadians who have existing skills that meet the country’s standards to apply their trades • Will prioritize people facing true persecution • Move existing Immigration and Refugee Board judges to common illegal border crossing points. • Hire an additional 250 border guards. • “Listen carefully to provinces” on immigration issues, including a willingness to discuss the foreign resident selection with the Quebec government and possible amendments to the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration. continued on page 25 ►
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Sports | Election Canada 2019 | Community | Travel
Jesus Is Lord Church Sportsfest
T
he 3rd ECV-DJV Cup, the Jesus Is Lord Church Area 1 Sporstfest, culminated on October 5, 2019 at Gametime Indoor Playground & Sports Centre. After the smoke was cleared, South Edmonton, for the third straight year, captured the overall championship. The defending champion reigned supreme in Volleyball Men and Badminton by subduing Edmonton Main-PM and St. Albert, respectively. Its basketball team, though, failed to get to the podium as it placed only fourth after bowing to Leduc, the dethroned champion. But its players in the board games provided a strong showing by capturing gold in Chess through Nunrod Evan Canete & bronze in Scrabble courtesy of Jenny Agaton. In basketball competition, Edmonton Main-PM won the most coveted crown when it defeated Sherwood Park in an exciting finals game. It also finished a strong second in the overall standing with respectable finishes in Volleyball Men (2nd), Badminton (3rd) &
Chess (2nd). Edmonton Main-AM, after finishing second overall last year with podium finishes in almost all events, could only finish second in Volleyball Women and third in Volleyball Men. Leduc continued its dominance in Volleyball Women for three years in a row and in Scrabble after Mary Blanch Gawat defeated Faith Peredo of Sherwood Park for the second straight year. Sherwood Park showed improvement with runner-up finishes in Basketball and Scrabble, and 3rd place finish in Volleyball Women. Although St. Albert placed last in the overall standing, it placed second in Badminton and third in Chess. Vhejhay Auman of South Edmonton emerged as the best performer after bagging the MVP award in Volleyball Men & Best Single Player in Badminton. His teammates, Rannie De Jesus and Venus Aguila, took home the Best Doubles Players award.
Mythical selection in Volleyball Men included Alfie Alipio & Glenn Segundo of South Edmonton, Charlie Mediado & Erwin Mayuga of Edmonton Main-PM, and Josh Delos Santos & Josh Cayanan of Edmonton Main-AM. In the distaff side, Crystal Omega took the MVP honors for the third straight year. The Mythical 6 included Jellie San Pedro & Leny Ollanes of the Champion team, Che-che Delos Santos & Alexa Esteban of Edmonton Main-AM, and Agasino sisters, Alexis & Allysa, of Sherwood Park. Dondon Tagufa of Edmonton Main-PM was adjudged as the MVP in Basketball. Jimpy Esusa & Alex Maravilla of Edmonton Main-PM, Adrian Agasino & Ayen Lamusao of Sherwood Park, and Arem Miciano of Leduc rounded up the Mythical 5. Area 1 Pastor, Paul Narido, led the awarding of trophies & medals to the winners and was assisted by Pastors & Coordinators – Pastora Aida Romero of South Edmonton, Pastora Arlyn Orpilla
of St. Albert, Sis. Lourds Cruzat of Sherwood Park, Sis. MJ Caron of Leduc, and Sis. Allyn Auxtero of Edmonton Main-PM. This year’s edition adopted home-and-away in the group plays. On September 7, 2019, Sherwood Park and St. Albert played host to Edmonton Main-AM and Leduc, respectively. In the following Saturday, it was Leduc’s turn to host Edmonton Main-PM while Sherwood Park visited South Edmonton. On September 28, 2019, Edmonton Main-AM welcomed South Edmonton & Edmonton Main-PM hosted St. Albert. The event was supported by A4 Oriental Store & Bake Shop, thru Bro. Lito & Vilma Agasino, Bro. Ruel Ponce of Passion Auto Repair & Transmission, Bro. Alfie Alipio of Arm Shop, Mark Destacamento of Alberta Honda, Chester Tiongson of Crosstown Chrysler, & Faye Sales, owner of La Bello Aesthetics.
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2019 federal election...
Greens • Ensure professionals being considered for immigration have licensing requirements for their professions clearly explained before entry • Allocate greater funding for training in official languages for new immigrants • Eliminate the Temporary Foreign Workers Program and address labour shortages by increasing immigration, working with employers to establish paths to permanent residency • Terminate Canada’s Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. Liberals • Establish a Municipal Nominee Program to allow local communities, chambers of commerce, and local labour councils to sponsor permanent immigrants directly • Make the Atlantic Immigration Pilot permanent • Make it free for permanent residents to apply for Canadian citizenship at a cost of $110 million by 2023-24 NDP • Work with the provinces to address gaps in settlement services and improve foreign credentials recognition. • End cap on applications to sponsor parents and grandparents; take on the backlogs that delay reunification People’s Party of Canada • Lower the number of immigrants and refugees Canada accepts to 150,000, down from 350,000 • Make birth tourism illegal
EDUCATION Bloc Quebecois • Intends to call for increased funding for university research Conservatives • Increase Ottawa's contribution to the registered education savings plan to 30 per cent from 20 per cent for every dollar added, up to $2,500 per year Greens • Make college and university tuition free for all Canadian students • Forgive the portion of existing student debt that is held by the federal government Liberals • No specific proposals to date NDP • Spend $278 million removing interest from fedral student loans in first year of power, up to $542 million by 2023-24 Please follow our facebook page and website for more election platforms: 1. Supply Management 2. Corporate Taxes 3. Jobs and Ecocomy 4. Trade 5. Child Care 6. Retirement And Seniors 7. Pharmacare And Healthcare 8.Technology 9. Small Business 10. Cannabis Source: www.bnnbloomberg.ca/ Latest update: Oct. 11, 2019
Filipino Community Continues to Grow at the University of Alberta
By Nicole Sanchez
EDMONTON --- PhilSA (University of Alberta Philippine Students’ Association) hosted its annual Meet & Greet last September 27 and the event was a huge success with
approximately ninety attendees. Every year, the Filipino student group hosts this event to kick-off the academic year and bring forth a welcoming environment to new and old members of the
Filipino community on campus. The student organization aims to foster a community that allows the young generation of Filipinos to meet, interact, and build lasting relationships in and outside of
There is nothing like Boracay
Byahe ni Kat KATRINA MARIELLE U. CERENO Katrina is a senior high student at St. Francis Xavier High School. She enjoys the beauty of art and creativity. At her young age, she wants to share her travel experiences with others.
B
oracay is a small island in the Philippines. Boracay Island and its beaches have received awards from numerous travel publications and agencies. Apart from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also famous for being one of the world's top destinations for relaxation. As of 2013, it was emerging among the top destinations
like island hoping, snorkeling, helmet diving and many more is a great itinerary to start your day. Just make sure to start off really early so that you will be able to do more water activities. When we went there, I was able to do many things that I just couldn’t forget. Helmet diving is my top list. I was capable to witness the underwater beauty of Boracay. School of fish swims around me making me feel very welcome to their humble home. To be honest, I was scared at first knowing there
the University. The Meet & Greet was open to all students, but almost 95% of attendees were Filipinos. The event started with a Filipino Food Bake Sale, which included Filipino pastries and delicacies like crinckles, turon, puto, leche flan, and sapin-sapin. Alma’s Bakery also sponsored cupcakes for the student group to sell. The donations collected from the food sale will be put towards the Gala. Following the Bake Sale was a small introduction of the club and the members, and icebreakers to introduce everyone to each other and get to know one another. Manila Express sponsored the
food for the event – providing pancit and caldereta for the attendees. The event ended with games like calamansi relay, copy-cut, and musical chairs. Everyone left the event with new friends, a full stomach, and a night full of laughter. The organization hosts an event almost every month – including Bake Sales (a fundraising event for the upcoming Gala), Paint Nite, Karaoke Night, Christmas Party, and the biggest event, PhilSA Gala (which includes a silent auction to fundraise for a chosen charity). These events are targeted to better the experience of Filipinos at the University of Alberta community. Through these events, it allows
could be sharks coming at me anytime soon but no, local people were able to put limits and ecological preservation to their lovely island. I wanted to do snorkeling because I know it will be more exciting but I was too young back then, well, when I come back home to the Philippines, Boracay will be on my top destination to go to. Aside from that, kuya and ate’s are selling some coconuts while we are island hopping. Yes, they are on small boats too which amazes me because we all know it’s hard to balance on a boat alone. What more with coconuts! 3 memorable days is not enough to go around the island because there are handful activities and places that you could go to and discover. Enjoying sunset at Boracay? The best. It is very magical, and it sends me a very aesthetic feeling. An extremely great place to have a golden hour selfie too! Private hotels also have their own swimming pools if you feel like just staying at your hotel. During the night, it is where a lot of people are out drinking beer, dancing on open bars, bonfire, buffets and a lot more fun activities.
PhilSA to not only have a stronger sense of Filipino community on campus, but also to have fun and give back to the community. Bea Rubio, this year’s PhilSA President, said that “studying in a huge university can be very stressful and lonely. PhilSA gave me a family I can come to destress and have fun with, making my university experience much easier and memorable!”. Having an organization like PhilSA forms an environment for Filipinos on campus that understands the struggles of being an immigrant, and one that nourishes and values the Filipino culture while essentially creating a family.
Bop music and colorful street lights adds more fun to the nightlife at Boracay. You’re lucky if there would be a fireworks display. Boracay has it all. It is a sweet escapade. You will be able to overlook your problems and just live your life to the fullest.
for tranquility and nightlife. This is the place for a perfect escaped. Walking along the sandy streets filled with tiangge, souveneir local stores, karindera, hena tattoo and hair braid stalls around you is an adventure. You can’t take off your eyes with the colorful stores and designs placed around the palm trees. During the day, activities
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Religion | Education | Opinion
The Essence of Free Will
From a Vantage Point TITO S.VENIDA
FOUNDING FATHER
Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a student-leader 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.
F
ree will is the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one's own discretion. "How does God's sovereignty work together with free will?" It is impossible for us to fully understand the dynamics of a Holy God molding and shaping the will of man. Scripture is clear that God knows the future (Matthew 6:8; Psalm 139:1-4) and has total sovereign control over all things (Colossians 1:16-17; Daniel 4:35).
The Bible also says that we must choose God or be eternally separated from Him. We are held responsible for our actions (Romans 3:19; 6:23; 9:1921). How these facts work together is impossible for a finite mind to comprehend (Romans 11:33-36). People can take one of two extremes in regard to this question. Some emphasize the sovereignty of God to the point that human beings are little more than robots simply doing what they have been divinely programmed
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019 to do. Others emphasize free will to the point of God not having complete control and/or knowledge of all things. Neither of these positions is biblical. The truth is that God does not violate our wills by choosing us and redeeming us. Rather, He changes our hearts so that our wills choose Him. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19), and “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). What are we to do then? First, we are to trust in the Lord, knowing that He is in control (Proverbs 3:5-6). God’s sovereignty is supposed to be a comfort to us, not an issue to be concerned about or debate over. Second, we are to live our lives making wise decisions in accordance with God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:5). There will be no excuses before God for why we chose to disobey Him. We will have no one to blame but ourselves for our sin. Last but not least, we are to worship the Lord, praising Him that He is so wonderful, infinite, powerful, full of grace and mercy—and sovereign. THE PROBLEM OF FREE WILL The classic problem of free will is to reconcile an element of freedom with the apparent determinism in a world of causes and effects, a world of events in a great causal chain. Determinists deny any such freedom. Compatibilists redefine freedom. Although our will is determined by prior events in the causal chain, it is in turn
How the Alberta’s Bill 11 –
Fair Registration Practices Act benefit Filipino Engineers that are already in Alberta and have not started their Professional Registration Application? ENGINEER IN ACTION MERVIN MENDOZA CERENO mmcereno@gmail.com
Mervin Cereno is a Filipino Engineer, Academician and Entrepreneur who chose to migrate to Canada. He is working on his research to complete his Master’s Degree from the University of Alberta. Presently, he is working on his Canadian Professional Experience to eventually earn his Professional Engineering Status in the Province of Alberta soon. For more advice on a specific case in pursuing your application – please contact me at cereno@ualberta.ca or mmcereno@gmail.com.
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n Alberta, Filipino Engineers can be recognized in their profession by these two Accrediting Bodies: The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and The Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET). The academic qualifications for both are the same except that the quality of experience acquired by Filipino engineers inside and outside of Canada will matter in their registration process. The difference between APEGA and ASET was discussed in my previous article in theAlberta Filipino Journal. Presently, there are requirements and procedures in place when applying to either of these two accrediting bodies. The steps to be followed, the requirements and the cost of your professional registration application are on their websites. For most of the applicants, they find the procedure and the requirements too tedious and not realistic since most of the Filipino immigrants here in Canada have been out of school for no less than 10 years. What Filipino engineers carry on their shoulders is the vast experience that they gained outside of Canada. Then, when these Filipino immigrants realize the intensity of the application process and www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
the technical and non-technical exams they have to undergo, they feel hopeless and this eventually discourages them from continuing their application. The introduction of Alberta’s Bill 11, better know as the Fair Registration Practices Ac, will help to encourage applicants to pursue their application for the following two major reasons: 1. The Code imposes a general duty on regulatory bodies to carry out registration practices that are transparent, objective, impartial and procedurally fair. For most applicants, the application process is not transparent and fair when it comes to the Education Assessment, since it is done by a third party who has no clear basis of assessing the Education Credential as to the equivalent of a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Canada or a Diploma Equivalency as per the Canadian Education system. Filipino Engineers who graduated from a 5-year Engineering Degree in the Philippines eventually end up with a 2-year Diploma graduate assessment as their Canadian Equivalency of Education. The board will decide on this assessment and will eventually ask the applicant to take at least 10 technical exams. In this case, the applicant will eventually decide to not
pursue the application process. 2. Timely decisions, responses, and reasons. “Interim registration decisions” with respect to an application for registration must be made within 6 months of receiving the application and all information required by the regulatory body in respect of the application. Regulatory bodies are required to have an interim decision on the submitted documents of the applicant if he/she is qualified on what he/she is applying and provide a written reason to the applicant within a reasonable time of this decision. Presently, registration application is a “waiting game”. The timeline is unreasonable for most of the applicants since it usually takes a year or more after submitting all the requested documents. This Bill 11 will encourage Professional Immigrants to pursue their Professional Registration. For most Engineering applicants, this is only a piece of cake that needs to be addressed. Education recognition for Internationally Educated Engineers will step up the hope of these immigrants. Yet, the Experience Requirements imposed by these Professional Accrediting Bodies will not be covered by Bill 11. Regulating bodies requires Canadian Experience for you to be fully registered. But, very few Canadian companies will accept Engineers and Technologists without Canadian Experience. We now come to the problem – it is a chicken and egg concern for the Internationally lEducated Immigrant – how can they be recognized as Canadian Engineers or Canadian Technologist if they will not be employed by a Canadian Company? How can they gain the required experience if they cannot be employed by these Canadian Companies? This is a valid question and still, no further action is taken on the part of the Alberta Government, for now. But, everybody is hopeful that Bill 11 will serve as a catalyst so that immigrants can join the workforce in their professions as soon as they arrive in Canada. The “doctors driving taxis” and “The engineer Uber driver” will become a fallacy in the future.
causing and determining our actions. Compatibilists say that determinism by our will allows us to take moral responsibility for our actions. Libertarians think the will is free when a choice can be made that is not determined or necessitated by prior events. The will is free when alternative choices could have been made with the same pre-existing conditions. Freedom of the will allows us to say, "I could have chosen (and done) otherwise." In a deterministic world, everything that happens follows ineluctably from natural or divine laws. There is but one possible future. In the more common sense view, we are free to shape our future, to be creative, to be unpredictable. From the ancient Epicureans to modern quantum mechanical indeterminists, some thinkers have suggested that chance or randomness was an explanation for freedom, an explanation for the unpredictability of a free and creative act. A truly random event would break the causal chain and nullify determinism, providing room for human freedom. Freedom of human action does require the randomness of absolute unpredictability, but if our actions are the direct consequence of a random event, we cannot feel responsible. That would be mere indeterminism, as unsatisfactory as determinism. Moreover, indeterminism appears to threaten reason itself, which seems
to require certainty and causality to establish truth, knowledge, and the laws of nature. Most philosophers in all ages have been committed to one or more of the dogmas of determinism, refusing to admit any indeterminism or chance. They described the case of "indeterminism is true" as a disaster for reason. They said chance was "obscure to human reason." They found "no medium betwixt chance and necessity." Many scientists agree that science is predicated on strict causality and predictability, without which science itself, considered as the search for causal laws, would be impossible. For those scientists, laws of nature would not be "laws" if they were only statistical and probabilistic. Ironically, some laws of nature turn out to be thoroughly statistical and our predictions merely probable, though with probabilities approaching certainty. Fortunately, for large objects the departure from deterministic laws is practically unobservable. Probabilities become indistinguishable from certainties, and we can show there is an "adequate determinism" and a "soft causality." On the occasion of the 51st Founding Anniversary of the Triskelion Grand Fraternity, have a blessed celebration and live a life of moderation. God bless all of you.
Through a Teenager’s Eyes KRISTIAN CERENO Kristian Cereno is a Grade 9 Student of St. Mark’s Catholic School in Edmonton. His hobbies include writing poems, composing songs, and playing volleyball. In the long run, he hopes to learn to play hockey the Canadian way.
What is Love? A lot of people ask about love - how to love and how to be loved. Love is not easy, and it is neither a game nor sport. Love is not a race. Love is not doing the things that you want and what you should not. Love should not be forced. Love is…what is love, really? Love is explained in a lot of contexts, in a lot of books and a lot of ways. The Bible says, “Love is patient, Love is kind. Love is not boastful or envious or arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” St. Paul, First Letter to the Corinthians Chapter 13 verses 4-7. Thoreau, a famous poet and essayist once said, “There is no remedy for love, but to love more.” And Mahatma Gandhi said that, “Where there is love there is life.” Love is described in different quotes, different books, and by different people. Love can be very unpredictable and very unsure. Love can be wrong but love can be right. Love can be full of hope but it can also be full of despair. Love is unsure. But what really is love? Is it properly described by the songs we love hearing? Those that always seem to remind us of the people who made us feel loved and those who hurt us? Where they say,
I have died every day waiting for you. Darling don't be afraid I have loved you. For a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more. Is love all about the rhymes and the message from poems? Like what Elizabeth Barrett Browning would said in Sonnet 43: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. Is love all about the quotes that we say we can “relate” to? Where you believe in “Love at First Sight” and say that “Love is in the air”, are those really true? Is that what you believe in? This is LOVE: I believe that family is love because a family helps you to become a better person. Arguments and misunderstandings may happen, but at the end of the day, they are still your family. From the day your mom gave you life until the day you die, they are still your family. A family that will love you even if the world turns its back on you. Even when the skies go dark. Even when the world shakes. Even when you are happy, sad, excited; they will always be there for you. Family is not an important thing. It's everything. Your family is your “shoulder to cry on”. During every struggle, and at every stage continued on page 27 ►
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Government | Greetings | Business
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
MacKinnon Panel Sept 10, 2019 Ethnic Media Roundtable
T
he roundtable was attended by 7 different ethnic outlets (Alberta Filipino Journal, Himig Pinoy, Sur Sangam Radio, Times of Asia, Viva Yeg Latino, Diversity Magazine, World FM Ukrainian show) with 10 representatives. Main concern: Will health care and education be affected by the budget cuts, and if so, what specifically will be targeted? Will the average citizen be affected in a large way, does this affect their way of life, their getting basic medical help, blood tests. Etc.? from page 26
What is Love? of your life, they will help you.
par with other parts of the country, why is it when you go to Millwoods you see some classrooms are still in portables? Why are we giving tax breaks, when our basic infrastructure is lacking? A. Our government is committed to continue to build schools where necessary and health facilities as required. We are committed to focusing on key infrastructure that is vital to our global competitiveness. We will be focusing on infrastructure that will bring jobs and opportunities. Some of the questions asked were: Questions Radio Sur Sangam (Punjabi) Mr. Buttar: Q. The realities between AB and BC are quite different; we are having a hard time keeping our graduates in AB now, with the slow economy and bad weather. If we were going to do a public sector wage freeze equivalent to other provinces, why would I stay in AB? A. Minister: AB is a better province to live in I would suggest. The panel did compare wage levels with BC, ON and Quebec and it found AB’s spending was high on many fronts. The panel’s recommendations were that AB would bring its costs in line with the other provinces. Q. Our education system is not at
Ukrainian program 101.7 World FM Yuliana: Q. How will these cuts be for the regular person, if I am to see the Dr. or need basic government programs? A. We will not be cutting spending in healthcare and education, which makes bringing our budget to balance even more difficult. We will make the departments more efficient and find redundancies, particularly in the case of healthcare, finding new transformational ways to deliver healthcare. We are committed to delivering high quality front line services to Albertans. AFJ – Alberta Filipino Journal – Lito and Nicky: Q. The problem is spending, but how did all of this come about? When did this start in Alberta? A. The previous government certainly inherited a high spend government, and the last government
as the economy slowed down found ways to spend even more. The problem began shortly after we brought this province to balance after Ralph Klein. Our excessive spending developed when economy was doing well. The previous government they did not adjust the spending, and Albertans are now left with a larger problem. Dr. MacKinnon was clear, she said do not delay in bringing your budget to balance, if you delay this then balancing will be much more difficult. Minister’s remarks: If we are not living within our means, we are downloading our costs onto the next generation and we are robbing from them. That is why it is so critically important for us, that we bring our budget to balance. We will be looking at eliminating redundancies, and ensuring that we are most efficiently providing high quality services to Albertans. We will be taking Mackinnon report recommendations seriously, as we finalize our budget. The Mackinnon panel reports findings show we do not have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem relative to other provinces. We take this recommendation seriously and we will make sure that the hard-earned tax dollars of Albertans are going to the areas that really need it.
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Ms. Ludy Juanillo Birthday Happy Birthday Ms. Ludy Juanillo, October 14, 2019. Greetings coming from her husband and kids.
This is LOVE: I believe that God is love, for He made so many miracles in life that really moved me. God is our creator! I’ve had so many problems to the point where I felt like giving up. Problems including family, friends, and school. All of that changed when someone invited me to their “Sunday Youth Service”, where they talk about God. I became such a believer. Whenever I have problems, I just pray and talk to God because I believe. The definition of love is an extreme affection for something or someone. Most of us pray to God and show our extreme affection for God. The name of God revolves around us all the time, during morning prayer, the church or temple and so on. We take the name of the Lord in happiness and sadness. This is LOVE. I believe friends are love, for they are the ones who will also help you when you need them the most. They will always be there for you, whenever and wherever you need them. A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. Friends will always stay by your side, even when the future looks bleak. Friends can form a very strong bond with each other, this love and bond is based on care and concern for one another. Friendship will not be easily broken even through the inevitable conflicts, that bond will continue to thrive and will always lead friends back to each other. Love is not just about two people loving each other. It is not just about having a girlfriend or a boyfriend. Love is not just about romance. It is all about what’s in your heart. It is about the people who stayed in your life “for better or for worse”, “for richer, for poorer”, “in sickness and in health”. Spread Love not Hate. That is why God put our hearts leaning on our left side, because loving is not always supposed to be right. Love is all about doing the things to make the people you love, feel loved. Love is also a sacrifice. Love can be the right person but during the wrong time. Or, Love can be found at the right time but with the wrong person. Love is what it is. All photos and articles available online. Follow us
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Greetings | Event
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
Anson Jericho Chua Turns 14 Last October 12, 2019
Mama Maggie’s 70th Birthday Celebration
He is a shy boy who captured people’s hearts tremendously when he was a front act performer and sang “Hello” at Alden Richard’s concert last March 2016. Anson Jericho Chua is a handsome lad who has started to acquire more charism through the power of his voice. It would be no wonder if, by this time next year, he will be prolifically flourishing in his singing career. Anson was joined by his parents Andy and Elvie Chua, sister Julia Marie, relatives, friends, and guests for the celebration.
Mama Maggie, mother of Fr. Nilo Macapinlac celebrates her 70th Birthday last October 13, 2019 at St. Matthew Parish Hall in Edmonton. The celebration was attended by close friends and relatives from Edmonton, Wetaskiwin and Toronto.
Happy 14th Birthday, Anson Jericho Chua.
Photos by Dario Juanillo | Alberta Filipino Journal
Happy Birthday Kirby! Alpha Phi Omega fraternity members organized and threw a birthday banquet for their brother Kirby Fadriquela last September 27, 2019 at Max’s Restaurant in Edmonton. Truly, a life lived surrounded by friends is a life filled with blessings.
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FREE-DX Members Celebrate Birthdays Congratulations to Erly Gallardo, Jess Bilo, Jun Aller and Dom of the Filipino Radio Enthusiasts of Edmonton (FREE-DX) birthdays celebrants for the month of October 2019. Celebration was attended by family, members and friends of FREE-DX.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Sports | Community | Business
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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U-9 Warriors Clinch Gold Active Members of TAU GAMMA PHI in Canada
Congratulations to Team Warriors for clinching gold at the recent soccer Millwoods Invitational Tournament. The players’ team effort was key in winning this hard-fought invitational. Aaliyah Angeles’ first taste of gold is exceptionally sweet and unforgettable. Good job, Team Warriors.
Celebrate its 51st Founding Anniversary!
O
ne of our Founding Fathers said: “Quocunque Jeceris Stabit -Wherever you throw it will stand.” That statement significantly implies the essence of a genuine Triskelion. A Triskelion doesn’t have to be always in the company of his or her fellow Triskelions in order to affect others. He or She doesn’t have to be an elected leader. Instead, he or she has to be a servant-leader. Hence, leading while serving and serving while leading. A Triskelion, in his or her own capacity and good examples has to glow and grow amidst diverse culture. A Triskelion life has to create and influence a radical change in the society of a non-Triskelion! oooOooo Ang Tatak ng isang Triskelion, Siya ay: Malakas; hindi sumisipsip upang magpalakas - (Fortis). Malaya; hindi bilanggo ng bisyo at ng pansariling interes - (Voluntas). Kapatid; hindi pumapatid – (Fraternitas). Pag-asa; hindi palaasa. Inspirasyon; hindi kunsumisyon! Isa ng a ba ng-lingkod; hindi pinaglilingkuran! Kapwa mo; Abutin mo! oooOooo TGP CANADA would like to thank the Facebook for always connecting us. Through this very noble accomplishment by the facebook messenger creators, distance is no longer an issue nor a reason to be sad when we are miles away from our loved ones. TGP is also thanking the ALBERTA FILIPINO
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JOURNAL for publishing its historic event. Hence, distance never-ever separates us from one another. We also had the chance to hear an actual Anniversary message from one of our founders Tito S. Venida. This is the reason why, Triskelions and non-Triskelions from all over the planet could have been able to keep in touch. For instance, some Triskelions in Edmonton were able to get connected to other points of Canada; particularly with the Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto Triskelions headed by its current chairman and founder Brother Boy Valiao.
cutting of cake from left to right... Eric sales (EX-Chairman), Boy Valiao ( Current Chairman and Canada Founder), Noel Barlaan ( Triskelion Canada Founder), Rey Quilacio ( Triskelion Canada Founder), and Lu Ocampo (Ex-Chairman).
Brothers Alec San Pedro, Nilo Rue Aboy, Arwin, Arjay Moral, Al San Pedro, Levy Reyes, Lito Velasco, and Albert Dizon, Abong Tayag (insert)
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Business
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
OCTOBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Business
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Business
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA