ABSOLUTELY FILIPINO MAGAZINE WINTER 2014

FILIPINO

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magazine

A Peek into the Life of an Accomplished Theatre Director Wanderlust: A trip to Palawan Joey Albert, Ray An Fuentes and Dennis Lambert Christmas Through the Eyes of A Child

The Tropical Christmas Spirit

Ray An Fuentes

Man Extraordinaire

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advertorial

What’s Inside

WINTER 2014

24 Differentials 26 Qualification For Nurses Blueberry Turon 27 Pasko... Noon, Ngayon 28 at Kailan Man A Concert Review

By Dwight Simon

By Dwight Simon

By Vicente A. Valdez Jr.

29 of A Child

Christmas Through The Eyes

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True Filipino Gentleman: Where Are They Now?

By Niña Angela P. Cabasco

By Alessandra Mercurio

La Filipina: The Tropical Christmas Spirit

By Kurt Zubieta Message from Philippine Consulate General

By Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer

COVER Photo by MARLON MERCURIO

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Backstage: A Peek into the Life of an Accomplished Theatre Director

By Niña Angela P. Cabasco ON THE COVER RAY AN FUENTES

By Jinkee Mercurio Q & A with Michael Lim The Reality of Elder Abuse

By Joandrea Santiago

Wanderlust: A trip to Palawan

By Merryl Catherine V. Talan

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PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

magazine

JINKEE PORTA-MERCURIO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DWIGHT SIMON VICENTE VALDEZ JR. NIÑA ANGELA P. CABASCO KURT ZUBIETA JOANDREA SANTIAGO MERRYL CATHERINE TALAN ALESSANDRA MERCURIO GUEST CONTRIBUTING

JENNIFER PRITCHETT COPY EDITOR

OLIVIA OREDINA GINA GELLA LAYOUT AND DESIGN EDITOR

JOJO GAMBOA

jojocgamboa@yahoo.com

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LUKE 1:37: “FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.”

Editor’s note A CANDID TALK FROM THE HEART

P Hair & Make-up by Susan Guevara

eople keep on asking me why I decided to publish a magazine. The answer is I honestly don’t know. Being a nurse by profession, I should have put up a group home instead of a publication, right? That was my original plan. My best friend and I have been praying for that for a long time. And yet sometimes things don’t always work according to our plans. Maybe because there is a higher authority that is working among us, and apparently, His plans are bigger than ours. Other reasons that made me decide in putting up a magazine business are my belief and confidence in the Filipino people. I am always proud to be a Filipino, and I want to bring out the best in us all the time. All over the globe, we are known to be pleasant and kind-hearted people. Most of us are just waiting for the perfect timing to shine conspicuously. That made us extraordinary. Above all, it is my ambition to inspire our Kababayan to reach their goals and maximize their potentials.

There’s always ups and downs in the life of a Filipino immigrant as well as the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Living and working abroad can be arduous and difficult at times. But in spite of the difficulties that we are going through, I believe that there is always hope in the future. Proper timing is everything. We may have wrong choices in the past; there is always a chance to undo our mistakes in our today and the coming future. Willingness and desire to make things right and to put things in order are extremely crucial. Plus, don’t forget to be more patient, humble and persistent. Always remember to look back and to count every blessing in our lives. In that way, we can all regain our inner strength to face every challenge that we have.

In this season, in behalf of Absolutely Filipino Magazine, we hope that peace, love, and happiness will overflow in your hearts abundantly. Please allow us to inspire you with the real-life stories of various people from different walks of life. Allow this magazine to remind us who we are as a Filipino.

Once again, I thank you all for your tremendous support to Absolutely Filipino Magazine. I also thank all the people who helped us in making this magazine as well as our partners and supporters. I would like to thank our Philippine Consulate General Neil Frank Ferrer and the rest of his team, for giving us a very inspiring message. By the way, there is one thing for sure; I cannot do it on my own without the aid and help of our Almighty God, all the honor and glory belongs to Him. Mabuhay ang Filipino! Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! #UPLIFTINGPINOY JINKEE PORTA-MERCURIO Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Disclaimer: Absolutely Filipino Magazine is an inspirational and lifestyle magazine. The articles written in Absolutely Filipino do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of the publisher. All articles are designed for educational and informational purposes only, and no one should use it as a replacement for any expert’s advice. Sponsors and advertisers are solely responsible for the content and legitimacy of information published within their ads and are not necessarily supported and recommended by the publisher. All material submitted for publication is considered to be the property of the advertiser. Advertisers who doesn’t have their own art and asked Absolutely Filipino Magazine to aid in making the art are responsible for its content.

Absolutely Filipino Magazine’s publisher, staff, and other persons involved in the production, or distribution of the magazine (in any format or content) do not assume any obligation or responsibility for the correctness, completeness, or efficiency of any report or information presented in the magazine. Guest contributors are responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of the content of their articles. Absolutely Filipino shall not be liable for any incidental, direct, indirect, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from the usage of the magazine.

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DREAMSTIME.COM

True Filipino Gentlemen: Where Are They Now?

By Niña Angela P. Cabasco

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nother long and tiring day of work just ended, Vanessa grabbed her handbag and headed to the bus stop, where a lot of people were already waiting. The Lucena bus finally arrived after thirty minutes and the crowd alighted at once, filling the (really few) empty seats left. Vanessa was one of the many who found themselves standing at the aisle. She looked around and saw that those who were seated were mostly males that seemed to be in their 20s-30s. Her legs were beginning to get sore; it would take about two hours to reach her destination.

Beside her was a pregnant woman who muttered, “Ano ba yan, parang hindi mga gentleman.” The man in front of them closed his eyes and drifted off into dreamland. A few minutes passed and no one has offered the pregnant woman a seat. Vanessa held on to the rail to steady herself and just focused on the action movie that was playing.

I have lost count of the number of people who have told me they have had the same experience as Vanessa (or the pregnant woman). This seems to be a common complaint among my female friends and relatives: able-bodied guys are not offering

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their seats to females (including pregnant women, of course) and the elderly. Worse, I’ve read instances online where a female is taken advantage of (groped) by the male seated beside them. This somehow leads them to the conclusion that there aren’t a lot of gentlemen anymore nowadays.

Surely this can’t be the only basis for saying whether someone is a true gentleman or not. If you ask me, I will tell you that a gentleman is someone who’s polite, considerate and opens doors for you. He also dresses nicely, has that sweet smile, plays the piano, and has a nice voice. I may or may not have just described to you my dream guy, and that’s exactly where he’s staying — in my dreams. Someone like this may not even exist in this country or even the entire universe.

Since I can’t rely much on my judgment, I asked some people about their thoughts on what makes someone a gentleman. This is what they said: “A true gentleman is someone who is sincere in their thoughts, actions and feelings. ’Yung hindi plastic, ganun. Someone who commands respect and in turn, respects other people. Someone

who is educated and more importantly, wise. Someone who is steadfast, but not a pushover either. Someone who cares about other people just as much as he cares about himself.”

– Ken Martin, 21 “Ang true Filipino Gentleman knows, follows and respect this one Golden Rule: Wag na wag mong babastusin, lolokohin at sasaktan ang babae regardless of their age and looks.”

– Domini, 21 “I think that a gentleman knows how to respect. He is courteous and humble. He is a good listener and sensitive to your feelings or feelings of others.”

– Ms. Pansol, 21 I think this shows that we each have our own standards when it comes to this issue. There isn’t a handbook with a list of characteristics that a man should have to be considered a gentleman that everyone agrees on. However, it seems that the respondents agree on these aspects: a gentleman respects and cares about the feelings of others.

So based on their own definition, do they believe that there

are still gentlemen nowadays? “Meron pa naman, impossibleng hindi,” says Ken Martin. “Kaso probably konti na lang talaga.

Most of us can’t adhere to those standards, if not partially.”

Domini, on the other hand, believes that Filipino gentlemen are “rare specimens” and also says, “Yung iba nakatago.”

Which is probably true.

Like Ms. Pansol says, “Siguro di ko lang masabi na gentleman yung ibang mga lalaki na klasmeyt/relative/friend kasi hindi ko sila ganun ka-close. I don’t know well their character.”

So, where are the true Filipino gentlemen now? Maybe in your school, your office, your house, or it could even be you. I think it still boils down to your definition of the word. And hey, there isn’t really an authority on this, right?

I think I’ll just stick to labelling the behavior and acts as gentlemanly or ungentlemanly instead of immediately judging a person’s being a gentleman. Besides, wouldn’t it be nicer to not rely on men to act properly and politely and do the same regardless of your gender?

Contact: BERNARD ALBINDIA at Tel.: 604-813-1865 Email: twins.electric@yahoo.ca

Telephone: 604-839-6259 • Email: rolandmedequip@msn.com #154-3495 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC

Contact: JAMES at Cell.: 604-807-7626 • Tel.: 604-575-0855 Fax: 604-5750856 or Email: jamesmilo76@yahoo.com

Tel.: 604-589-5449 • Cell.: 604-375-4258 • 14977 108th Ave., Surrey BC V3R 1W3

‘A true gentleman is someone who is sincere in their thoughts, actions and feelings. Yung hindi plastic, ganun.

Someone who commands respect and in turn, respects other people.’

people k

Bac

Peek into the Life of an Accomplished Theatre Director

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By Niña Angela P. Cabasco

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t was a warm sunny day of 1986, when a small group of people with painted faces, expressed their thoughts wordlessly in one of the streets of Mariveles, Bataan. They were conveying emotions, actions and facial expressions while telling a comic story accompanied by music. Somewhere in that crowd was the 10-year-old Dennis Gupa, wondering about the inner workings of the theatrical performance. He immediately told himself, “I want to be a part of this. Not just a participant but the one organizing this.” Since then, he has been always fascinated with the Philippine traditional performances like moro-moro, the pasyon during the cuaresma, the sarsuelas and other festivities during fiestas.

Dennis received his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Communication, Radio, Television and Drama from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 1997.

Later, he earned his Master’s Degree in Theatre from the University of the Philippines in 2004. He is currently an assistant professor at the Department of Humanities College of Arts and Sciences University at the University of the Philippines (Los Baños).

In 2011-2012, his interest in Indonesian puppetry and dance brought him to Bali, Indonesia. In Bandung, he studied with contemporary theatre director Mas Rachman Sabur. “For nine months, I was just visiting villages and watching traditional performances, and that spoke deeply to me, their art and their craft,” he recounts. “Everyone in Bali, they’re all artists. So there is no exact word for an artist because everything in Bali, is an art.” He then went on to New York know more about the western directing tradition and spent most of his time observing theatre directors in rehearsals. It was there when he realized that he wanted to go back to school to sharpen his directing skills and prowess.

He is now taking his Master of Fine Arts Degree in Directing at the University of British Columbia.

He is on his second year in terms of both his studies and his stay in Canada. He has also worked with Co.

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‘I want to be a part of this. Not just a participant but the one organizing this,’ says Dennis Gupa.

“I would like to travel more, to read more and to expand my imagination by collaborating with people who are not only in the theatre,” says Dennis Gupa.

Erasga as a dramaturge on “Colonial.” He directed an Irish play entitled “Lovers”, and devised a performance on the written pieces of Filipino poet Carlos Bulosan called, “I Am Not a Laughing Man.” These are just a few titles on his repertoire that will no doubt be expanded even more in the future. Dennis continues to enrich his knowledge and experience in theatre, working not only with Filipino influences but also those from other cultures.

When being asked about uncertainties and fears prior going to Canada as International student, he simply replied, “You will always have those fears and aspiration. But if you believe in that aspiration, then you just need to face fears. So while we have fears, these fears can also be transformed into inspirations for you to get going, to fuel your journey, and to quicken your drive for that journey.”

Moreover, he recalls feeling of homesickness due to separation with his family and friends during his first year in Canada. However, he was able to overcome it through theatre — by working with other people and keeping himself busy.

His personal ambition is central to his survival. He also wants to bring theatre to a larger audience, especially here in Vancouver. He likes to see more and more Filipinos who would go to the theatre and connect to the arts and culture of Vancouver to find artists of colors. “I would like to travel more, to read more and to expand my imagination by collaborating with people who are not only in the theatre,” he said.

Dennis is very grateful with the people who helped him and supported his journey as an artist in Vancouver. According to him, Marilou Carillo, Nora Angeles, Alvin Tolentino and his new found friends in Canada are the people who believed in his art and his potential as a Filipino artist.

In his adventure, he has learned that transformation and change are constant. He also mentioned, “There are constant things in life that we need to accept in order for us to survive. You need to be sensitive and focused during the process and the time of transformation. Although it could be very painful, it could also be a moment of joy and bliss.”

“Art is beautiful. The theatre can change lives. I believe that the art and the theatre can be a temple; a theatre can be a church. Theatre can offer something that could bring you closer to things that you have been searching. You can experience many emotions in the theatre, and I am quite convinced that it can offer healing and illumination,” he added.

So, what’s in store for Dennis in the near future?

He is currently working on his thesis production, The Bacchae 2.1, a modern adaptation by Charles Mee of Euripides’ Greek tragedy. He is working with Professor Steven Malloy who is according to Dennis, is a fantastic teacher of theatre and a brilliant director that is why he is so proud to be working with him. It will run from the 22nd of January next year until the 7th of February at the Frederic Wood Theater in University of British Columbia.

As for his plans after finishing his studies, he says, “I see myself moving around countries. I’d like to be working with people of many cultures. I see myself collaborating and working with different artists of different persuasions, not just Filipino [but of] different ethnicities.”

Inside Frederic Wood Theatre at University of British Columbia.

Photos: © Absolutely Filipino Magazine

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on centre stage

Ray An Fuentes

on What Makes a Man

By JINKEE MERCURIO

Extraordinary J

ohn Burroughs says, “A somebody was once a nobody who wanted to and did.” We all want to become successful in life, to have a happy family, to have a perfect health, to have a great career and to live our lives to the fullest. That’s a fact. Becoming somebody is one’s ultimate dream and desire.

Ray An Fuentes is best-known for his song, “Umagang Kay Ganda” but still some people doesn’t know who he is. Before evolving into a man with a strong moral principle and high integrity, he had to face a huge dilemma in his past. Twenty-eight years ago, he needed to choose a higher calling in his life over his prominent status as a high-caliber singer and performer in the Philippines. Nowadays, he is a singing minister, and he resides in Vancouver Canada.

THE BIRTH OF SPECTACULAR STAR Growing up in a broken family, Ray An and his two siblings were raised by his mother, with the help of his grandmother. His mother worked as a telephone operator by day and a nightclub singer during the night. As a child, he already knew that he has an innate talent in singing, and he used to criticize the not-so-good amateur singers in the contests during fiestas in Cebu.

He took Fine Arts at the University of the East and Women’s University after his father agreed to shoulder his school expenses. On his third year in the university, he was offered singing opportunity that led him to drop out altogether from the university. The Fourth Congregation was his first band, he recalls. Later on, Circus band persuaded him to join in their band. Eventually, it paved the way to his stardom. Initially, his main purpose of joining the band was to gain money. But after obtaining so much popularity in Philippines’ show business, he admitted he meld into the system and became a very proud person who thinks himself highly than the rest. In spite of that, Ray An was living a double life, laughing on the outside but crying on the inside. He had so many insecurities brought by sad childhood memories when his father left them, as well as his speech difficulty that was causing him to stammer whenever he was having conversation. As far as he can remember, it was a life of pretense. At the stage, he can portray whatever image he want to present to the audience, but offstage, he confessed, he couldn’t even engage in a small talk.

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Photos by MARLON MERCURIO

Turning Point In 1981, Ray An was with Leah Navarro and Basil Valdez in Hong Kong, when he met some people from Campus Crusade, and it was his first time to hear the word of God. He was not yet ready to accept any change in his life that time. In 1986, there was an abrupt occurrence in the Philippines’ economic, social and political system that made him want to go to America. Although he was very confident that he will make it in America, he still developed some doubts, which urged him to consult a fortune teller. The fortune teller told him that he would be very rich, but he will never see his family again. He was very sad upon hearing his impending future. That made him realize how messy his life was. He called one of his friends and that particular friend, shared him about Jesus. He eventually accepted Jesus Christ in his life. Gradually, there was a tremendous change in his mind, lifestyles, and his reputation as a womanizer.

His constant swearing and cursing, however, disappeared instantly. One of his turning points was forgiving his father.

He was invited to a family reunion wherein he was hesitant to attend because he knew his father would be there. He prayed to God, “Lord I’m lifting everything to You.” During the party, when he saw his father, with no explanation, he was flooded with love and forgiveness towards him. They hugged each other tightly, and Ray An told his father how much he loved him.

Change can sometimes be painful and hard to endure.

There are a lot of things to consider that’s why people tend to stay where they are inside their comfort zones. In Ray An’s case, it was also a hard decision because the future of his family when it comes to financial stability was at stake specially, he was not train to do any other jobs. It took him a while before responding to God’s calling, and he required to have some vivid confirmations before actually embracing God’s plan in his life.

He and his family moved to Canada in 1997. It was in connection with his evangelistic ministry. It allows him to go to different places and nations conveniently due to its geographical location. According to him, God brought him to North America miraculously, but his life struggles doesn’t end there. There were many instances that he worried a lot for his family, for their food and even for their future. “What gives a man satisfaction and fulfillment in the sense of pride is to be able to provide for his family,” he says. In a life of an evangelist, entrusting everything under the mercy of God is

the only thing he can do. It is a continuous struggle because he has no regular income and sometimes, he gets depressed whenever he couldn’t provide well for his family. But despite of it all, it has been seventeen years that they are living in Vancouver, and according to him, God has been so faithful to them. His life is not perfect, but he has a perfect God. Ray An only left his singing career, but he never stop singing, and this time, it’s for God’s glory. What made him extraordinary is not based on human judgment and nature, but it’s his heart’s desire to follow the calling of his Maker.

Not all people can come up with a monumental decision of giving up their chosen pursuit, and that made him go above and beyond social expectations as a person and as a man of God. As a Filipino Advocate Even before, his main ambition is to see the Philippines prosper the way God wants it to prosper. Ray An even recorded a song entitled, “Kumusta Ka Bayan” and it was dedicated to our beloved country. In Canada, he is dreaming to have more Filipino representatives in the branches of government and agencies so that we can have a voice in the Canadian community just like any other ethnic groups. He urges the Filipinos to be selfless and to present our good Filipino values in the society. “Who cares whoever gets the credit as long as we can prop up the good Filipino culture so that the people may see the good side of the Filipino,” he added. To have an elevated mindset, and elevated culture based on the word of God are his visions for every Filipino people. He wants to encourage our Kababayans to change for the better because he believes that we can always excel in everything that we do. “Ang galing ng Pinoy,” he proudly said.

“Before the truth sets you free, it will piss you off.”

— Ray An Fuentes In behalf of Absolutely Filipino Magazine we would like to thank the following for accommodating us last october 11, 2014:

Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel 15269 104th Avenue Surrey, British Columbia t--(604) 582-9288 www.sheratonguildford.com

Linda McCrossin

Director of Catering and Event Management t — 604.587.6108 m — 604.582.9288 f — 604.582.9712 linda.mccrossin@sheratonguildford.com

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Q AMichael Lim and

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ABSOLUTELY FILIPINO MAGAZINE: Where were you born and raised?

MICHAEL “MICO” LIM: “I was born and raised in Nueva Ecija, Philippines.”

When did you move to Canada?

“I moved to Canada when I was 20 years old.”

Can you tell us about your first few years in Canada?

“The first few years were tough. My family gave up our comfortable life in the Philippines for a chance to have a better future here in Canada. I had to put on hold my studies to work odd jobs in order to help out my mom in buying a house and to support my siblings. Looking back now, I can see that my mom made the right decision for us.”

Tell me about how you got into your line of work?

“I’ve always wanted to become a nurse. I was able to go back to school and complete my studies only right after my siblings started working.”

Do you like your job? What do you enjoy the most in your job?

“I love being a psychiatric nurse. It gives me a sense of fulfillment knowing that I’m able to touch someone’s life in a positive way.”

How proud are you to be a Filipino? Why? “I’m proud to be a Filipino because of our values and optimistic attitude towards life.”

What kind of recent project or activity you are into?

“I’m into bodybuilding. I just finished competing in the Sandra Wickham Fall Classic last November 8, 2014 at the Massey Theatre. It was my very first time competing in the physique category.

Even though, I didn’t make it to the top 5, I’m still proud of myself. Of course, I will join again.

Regardless of what my result now, it wouldn’t be a hindrance for me to grab that top spot in future competition. Fitness training is indeed a lifestyle. It’s like taking a shower each day or brushing your teeth regularly, as

simple as that. What do I value from this experience? Hard work and discipline. There will always be a set back and endless frustrations; but, you should always have faith and believe in yourself. You need to be resilient and maintain good focus.

It could be physically or mentally agonizing but always trust the

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“What do I value from this experience? Hard work and discipline.

There will always be a set back and endless frustrations; but, you should always have faith and believe in yourself,” says Mico Lim.

process.”

What made you inspire to join in that competition?

“My best friend, a former figure competitor inspired me to get into bodybuilding. It’s amazing how this contest preparation had made me stronger, mentally and physically. It was beyond my expectations.”

What are your preparations for the event?

“I’ve always been into fitness, but my actual contest preparation started a year ago. I had to change my eating habits and workout program. I also had to make sure that I get enough rest between work and working out. It was tough in the beginning not being able to eat out as much as I want, but the changes in my physique make it worth it. Thanks to Natalie and Jeff from H2L training for helping me prepare for my first show.”

Is there any goals in life that you would like to attain?

Courtesy of Mico Lim

“I want to be able to inspire others to live a healthy lifestyle and work hard to pursue their dreams no matter what circumstances they are currently in.”

social awareness

The Reality of

Elder Abuse

By Joandrea Santiago

F

or us Filipinos, our Lolos (grandfathers) and Lolas (grandmothers) are much-loved members of our nuclear family. In our culture, the elderly are respected and are put in high regard and care, live with us at home even if we’ve already a family of our own.

Sadly, elder abuse is an ubiquitous reality in Canada and as Filipinos, we may or may not be aware of it because we aren’t used to it. Or if we do observe it, we may not know what to do or how to act upon it.

Here’s what you need to know: The Statistics One out of five Canadians do believe that they know of a senior who might be experiencing some form of abuse. In Ontario alone, a study has shown that close to 10% of their elderly people have experienced abuse. With the seniors being the fastest growing segment in the country, this statistic is bound to increase.

Understanding what elder abuse will help us recognize its signs. By being aware of what it is, we can prevent such events from happening in the first place, thus exercising our belief that such actions and circumstances are against our values as Filipino-Canadians.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder Abuse is any form of harm or neglect towards the elderly, be it from a family or non-family member, healthcare workers, caregivers, and service providers, in either private residences or public institutions.

What are the types and signs of elder abuse?

• Neglect Unkempt appearance, lack of appropriate clothing, eyewear, hearing aid, dentures and other necessities, malnutrition and poor physical hygiene, unsafe living conditions are forms and signs of neglect.

• Physical Abuse Any form of physical harm that are visible in untreated or unexplainable injuries such as bruises, cuts, punctures, strains, black eyes, bondage marks, dislocations, welts, and bleeding.

• Psychological Abuse It is sometimes called emotional abuse. It could be in the form of verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, or other mistreatments that can diminish the dignity and self-worth of the older adult. The elderly may show signs of depression and social withdrawal, as well as anxiety and fear.

• Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Any form of sexual behavior towards an elderly without his full knowledge or consent. It can be visible through torn, stained or bloody underclothing, bleeding or bruises in the genital area or anus.

Photos Courtesy of Efrecina Rubia

In our culture, the elderly are respected and are put in high regard and care and oftentimes live with us at home even if we’ve already a family of our own.

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Filipinos are generally concerned citizens, “may pakialam sa kapwa,” especially when it comes to the elderly because we put them in such high regard.

The presence of venereal disease and genital infections on the elderly can also be indicative of sexual abuse.

• Financial Abuse It is the misuse of an older adult’s funds and assets without his full knowledge or consent. This includes misuse or overuse of power of attorney, coercing an elderly person into signing documents, cheques, contracts or wills, misusing a senior’s money and possessions against his best interest, and forging an elderly’s signature. Seniors facing financial abuse often fail to meet their financial obligations or have irregular unexplained banking withdrawals.

• Others Other forms of abuse are restricted liberty, rights to privacy and access to information, as well as restricted spiritual rights or practices of customs or traditions.

What Should You Do If You Suspect That An Elder Person is Being Abused?

The first step is to break down isolation. Reach out and talk to the person. Ask questions such as: How are you doing? How can I help you? Oftentimes, the abused senior is only waiting for someone to listen earnestly to their problems.

Listen and believe the person. Do not judge the person, listen to what they are telling you even if you may know the abuser and have doubts regarding the truthfulness of what the elder is saying.

Acknowledge the reality of the situation. Do not shrug off or deny the reality of the abuse, doing so will only isolate the senior further and would discourage him from reaching out to anyone.

If the abused senior asks you to do something for him with regards to the abusive situation, only offer or agree to do things you can do and are comfortable doing.

Do not confront the abuser directly. It can cause more harm than good. In some situations, confronting the abuser may trigger more violent or abusive behavior towards the senior or bring trouble towards yourself.

Do not expect that change can occur immediately between abusive relationships especially if it’s between an elder person and his family member. Sometimes immediate measures are necessary; however that may not be the case all the time.

Educate yourself on the resources available in your community. There are many support groups and support lines available in your community that the elder person may be unable to or is prevented from gaining access to by himself. Being aware of your community’s support agencies can help you point the abused senior towards the right people: to professionals and consultants, or officers of the law, who can handle the situation better.

Filipinos are generally concerned citizens, “may pakialam sa kapwa,” especially when it comes to the elderly because we put them in such high regard.

Knowing the signs and acknowledging this reality prepares us on how to handle such situations should we encounter them. There is always something that we can do to help these abused Lolos and Lolas and it need not be huge steps or actions. Sometimes, opening the door for conversation, showing your concern, earnestly listening and pointing them to the right direction are already enough.

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business report Ricarse Insurance and Financial Services Celebrates Client Appreciation Night

By Kurt Zubieta

V

ancouver — In connection with the celebration of Thanksgiving Day, a Client Appreciation Night was held last October 18, 2014 at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall in Burnaby, BC, hosted by a husband-and-wife team of licensed Insurance Brokers, Roy Ricarse and Gigi Grey-Ricarse. Helping them out that night is their administrative assistant, Melissa Gamban-Burg, who meticulously organized the entire event. Nearly 250 people were in attendance, most of whom are clients of Roy and Gigi. Also gracing the event are the couple’s supporters, business partners and special guests. The client appreciation night was Royal Palace Banquet Hall Burnaby, BC, headed by Roy Ricarse and Gigi Grey-Ricarse

Grand prize winner, Mr. Marco Castillo, who won a free round trip plane ticket to the Philippines

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a way for the couple to give thanks to the people for their trust and confidence in the service they provide as insurance brokers.

The event started as Roy and Gigi welcomed clients and guests arrive at the beautiful venue. Cocktail was served while the photographer was busy taking pictures of clients and guests at the photo booth. A welcoming remarks was given by Gigi Grey-Ricarse to formally start the program.

Thereafter, a sumptuous and superb dinner was served to the enjoyment of everyone.

Roy and Gigi later on gave a short presentation about the company including the launching of their logo, Facebook page and website. They also showed the different products and services they offer. As a token of appreciation and to

make the event exciting, the company gave away numerous raffle prizes for their clients and guests including the major prize of a round trip plane ticket to the Philippines. The grandiose prize was awarded to the lucky winner/ client of the night, Mr. Marco Castillo.

The event unfolded with exciting rounds of live performance by the amazing Musical Moments Band. They provided the crowd with groovy music that got all the people moving on the dance floor. The band played a variety of music ranging from the 80’s, R & B, alternative rock, disco and pop. It was such a funfilled party! Indeed, the client appreciation night was a huge success!

Putting clients’ interest first before their own “Your protection is our passion” is the company slogan of Ricarse Insur-

Gorgeous looking clients at the photobooth.

The band played a variety of music ranging from the 80’s, R & B, alternative rock and disco music

ance and Financial Services.

Their motto in business is to always put their clients’ interest first before their own.

Roy and Gigi consistently take time and effort to listen carefully to their clients to ensure they give the best plan that meets their unique needs. May it be in the protection they require, affordability they need, flexibility of the plans or advice on segregated funds and investments. They discuss the different options available when unfortunate events like disability, sickness or death remove them and their family from their main sources of income or if those circumstances would lead to the risk of losing their hard earned savings. The company is open for all people who are living and residing in Canada,

Gigi, Melissa (lady in blue, bottom) and some of the amazing people who helped organize the succesful event.

Photos by DWIGHT SIMON

particularly in British Columbia.

Its founder, Roy and Gigi Grey-Ricarse, are both Filipinos who were born and raised in Davao City. They both graduated from the Ateneo de Davao University and have enjoyed successful careers back home. They immigrated with their two children in Canada on June 2005. Aside from their work as insurance brokers, Gigi is a commercial model and a TV host of the Canadian Talk Show called “The Big Shift--A New Life in Canada”. Currently, Gigi sits as one of the board of directors of the Ateneo Alumni Association of BC. She is also an entrepreneur, public speaker and an advocate for non-profit organizations while her husband, Roy is one of the Board of Directors of the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS).

Aside from their work as insurance brokers, Roy and Gigi are passionate about helping other people in the community. They selflessly share their resources, gifts and talents to serve others and they also do fundraising events for charities. They believe that reaching out is an effective way to touch the lives of others.

They strive hard to help and support our Kababayans, especially the hard-working immigrants, caregivers and temporary contract workers whose only desire is to provide for their own families.

Roy and Gigi are grateful to God for guiding them in the path of helping others through their work and through their service in the community.

To learn more about the couple and what they do, please visit their website: www.ricarseinsurance.com. And for more beautiful photos of the event, go to their facebook page: www.facebook. com/ricarseinsuranceservices.

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TRAVELOGUE

Wanderlust: A trip to

Palawan W

By Merryl Catherine V. Talan

hen Mom called me that Wednesday afternoon, my work table was a mess. Papers were everywhere, and I had an ex bugging me to reconsider the relationship that has long been over. My mind was rushing to an unknown direction. My work and personal life got out of hand. Everything was a clutter. “Hi Ate! How does a trip to Palawan sound to you?

If you can, may you accompany me to Puerto Princesa for five days?” Upon looking at my cluttered table, I had no room for second thoughts.

The plane ride to Palawan lasted for an hour and 30 minutes.

I was traveling with my Mom for the first time together with her two friends. At the time of touchdown to Puerto Princesa, I felt the familiar heat of the island near to the body of water. Hot but not humid, I knew the beaches were close somewhere. I need this.

I thought to myself.

“We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us.”

— Anonymous Baker’s Hill First stop was lunch at Baker’s Hill. The place showcases landscape arrangements and a breathtaking view of a vast expanse of greeneries Palawan surely boasts. Baker’s Hill can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike as there are walkways for lovers, cottages for families and a playground for the young ones. The restaurant where we ate serves a wide variety of dishes from veggies, seafood, and meat. Of course, we ordered Crocodile Meat Sisig!

Not bad. It actually tasted good. It was the softer and tasteful version of a regular Sisig. I also found out that visitors are constantly buying their Hopia and so I did. No regrets; they were affordable

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Photo by OMAR ECABEZA

Travelling is not just about discovering new places.It is also discovering/rediscovering oneself that measures the true worth of your last journey.

Photo by OMAR ECABEZA

Photos by Merryl CatherinE Talan

Photo by OMAR ECABEZA

and delicious. One box of Hopia costs P50, and there are probably 10-12 pieces in a box. Different flavors are also available like Ube (which is my personal favorite), Monggo and Pork.

Underground River It was a two-hour travel by land and another 30 minutes travel by water (from our hotel in Puerto Princesa), I found myself riding a small boat floating on yellow water.

I have no idea how it became like that. I was more concerned of how deep it can go. The tour guide casually said, “Oh, that goes 25 meters deep,” I strapped on my life vest very tight. Each boat can carry about 4-6 people.

The tour guide goes dual purpose as the one who paddles and talks.

Off we go into the pit of one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Underground River, which is officially declared part of the 7 wonders in January 28, 2012 alongside Amazonia, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo Island, and Table Mountain. Going inside, one can see absolutely nothing. It was pitch-dark, like entering the realm of the unknown. I volunteered to hold the lamp so I could see clearly. A little bit deeper and the view made me skip a heartbeat. It was glorious! The stalactite/stalagmite formations were mind-blowing! One can see a resemblance to the Last Supper, 3 Wise Men, Zeus, vegetables in the market, a very sexy lady and many more.

Bats were everywhere. According to our tour guide, the underground river still goes a long way. One has to pay an additional fee to be able to explore deeper recesses for another 8-9 hours. Overall, it is a must-see. The fees are affordable and worth it.

Honda Island Imagine swimming in an island now, snorkeling and board diving and transferring to another island to do the same thing?! How awesome is that? The tour allowed us to see a glimpse of four white sand beach islets and each has its own “specialty.”

Luli Island Luli Island got its name from its tendency to appear

and disappear. It shows up during low tide and cannot be seen during high tide, “lulubog-lilitaw” in Filipino.

You will enjoy board diving in this island. A beautiful showcase of sea denizens can also be witnessed during snorkeling. You can chill with your friends over various beverages, chips, and beach volleyball. If you’re the type who wants an encounter with school offishes, you’re free to grab some bread and swim at the beach. You’ll surely be swarmed with different colors and sizes. Those fishes have an enhanced sensory capacity for food within 100 meters and an unexpected strong appetite for wheat.

Starfish Island By the name itself, one would easy recognize the gift this island has. Yes, tons of starfish scattered and seen through clear waters meters away from the shore. Taking one home sounded so tempting but the local ordinance prohibiting removal from its natural habitat had prevented me to do so. Like Lilu, snorkeling and swimming are the must-do’s there. And for the first time, I got to see Nemo and his Sea Anemone in real life! I went near and cracked a joke to no avail.

Pandan Island A few number of folks in Palawan said Pandan Island attracts the most tourists. I agree. The powdery white sand and wide space for recreational activities can make the visitors think to feel free and savor every bit of wanderlust they have in them. Cottages are everywhere, all facing the majestic blue waters of Palawan. Due to the exquisiteness of the place, soon it became crowded that the government decided to open another islet for the tourists to explore.

Cowrie Island The last one to complete the Power 4 of Honda Islands, Cowrie offers an equally stunning view of the beach. We ate there, and the buffet tasted great! You got to try their shake! Cowrie and Pandan Islands are almost the same when it comes to amenities. The island got its name from the small-large sea snail, marine gastropod mollusk called “cowrie.”

“The city is humanity’s laboratory, where people flock to

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TRAVELOGUE

dream, create, build and rebuild.”

— The Triumphant City, Edward L. Glaesser City Tour • First Stop: Iwahig Prison Iwahig Prison is a community where the inmates rebuild their lives again after a few misfortunes. The land area is so huge and vast that, according to our tour guide, no inmate has even tried escaping. This particular visit in the city tour made me appreciate my freedom. I realized right there and then that if one government has a poor justice system, crime rates will go up and there would be merciless, brutal killings. I met Adam (not his real name), and according to him, he surrendered to authorities after avenging his sister who committed suicide after an incident of forced sexual assault. Sometimes it takes a heavy reason for one to commit something as heavy as what Adam did. And Iwahig prison allows them to rebuild themselves and find a whole new meaning in life through recreational activities like crafts-making, agriculture and the likes, which they sell to visitors.

• Second Stop: Crocodile Farm Palawan is so rich in natural resources no wonder animals of different kinds are found there as well. I think crocodiles fancied Puerto Princesa above all other places.

Crocodile Farm is the dwelling place of the crocodiles.

Its role is to make sure they don’t become instinct. One can see the bones and skin of the longest crocodile (before Lolong was found) ever existed. Lolong also died just a few years back but still holds the record of being the largest croc ever at 20 feet and 3 inches.

• Third Stop: San Miguel Tiangge It is imperative to buy souvenirs for your friends and officemates especially if they all knew that you just came from Palawan. So my Mom and I went to San Miguel Tiangge where all pasalubongs are said to be affordable and of good quality. On with the girl talk, any lady would be swooned by the beauty of the South Sea Pearl. Once has the option to buy it in any form of jewelry- necklace, bracelet, earrings, etc. Visitors could also choose to print Palawan shirts. I bought one and I tell you; no regrets at all. The quality of the shirt is superb. They also have unconventional designs to choose from. I <3 Palawan is such cliché. Magnets, ashtrays, stuffed toys carved in crocs, Pawikan (Turtle), and the likes are also visible in almost all stores.

“Laughter is brightest where food is best.”

— Irish Proverb Where to eat • Badjao Restaurant Located in Abueg Road in Puerto Princesa, this floating restaurant has a unique way of surprising its clients. To reach the place, one has to pass by a bridge overlooking mangroves, one of the tallest ones I’ve seen my entire life.

This unique restaurant serves seafood and a variety of foods at a very affordable prices. P300-P400 is enough to make your tummy full.

• KaLui Restaurant The Bahay-Kubo inspired restaurant offers exquisite dishes of seafood and vegetables. Like Cowrie Island, their shake is a must-try. The restaurant pulls off a museum type interior design filled with paintings and an array of Filipino arts. Client wouldn’t be bored waiting to

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Photos by Merryl CatherinE Talan

get a table as there are a lot to see in the place. Five stars for this one!

• Kinabuch Bar and Grill It was love at first sight for me and Kinabuch bar and grill. Seeing the wide screen outside where car park is located, I immediately teleported to old time America where lovers would park in an open space to watch romantic movies from a wide screen. One can enjoy a variety of dishes in the air-conditioned restaurant that can exude a romantic and sporty vibe at the same time. The Krispypata is a must-try as well as their seafood. With a budget of P300 per head, I can guarantee a full stomach after.

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

— The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R Tolkien Travelling is not just about discovering new places, meeting new people and posting selfies in Facebook with that awesome background of sapphire waters of the sea.

It is also discovering/rediscovering oneself that measures the true worth of your last journey. My trip to Puerto Princesa made me realize it is more important to know who you are after the trip. Those five days in Puerto Princesa had convinced me that our relationship was indeed over.

I also missed work. I guess that was His way of telling me that quitting is not the answer. I just needed to reinvent on how I do things and perhaps tweak my approach towards challenges. Above all, my favorite part of this trip was how I got to know my Mom better. At 44, she’s still a go-getter. I found a new travel buddy in her. I love her for everything she is and everything she is not.

I had to get lost in the beauty of Puerto Princesa in order to be found again. I don’t mind getting lost again in my future trips because I’m learning something new about places and more importantly, about myself.

health

MASSAGE FOR ELDERLY

By Jennifer Pritchett

A

massage is long perceived as a luxurious experience that was reserved for special occasions. In recent years, however, many physicians and massage clinics have discovered the medical benefits of consistent and regular massage sessions. While massage can work for all ages, new research is revealing the incredible effect that massage can have on the elderly.

Elderly patients must be treated differently compared to patients that are in their prime. The elderly have a different set of challenges to meet and problems to face. Elderly patients often experience intense pain that cannot be effectively communicated or adequately treated. People who are experiencing the rapid aging process that occurs in the later years of life also have to deal with increased stress and worry, emotional fluctuations, feelings of mortality and abandonment, and depression. Not only does massage ease muscle and joint pain, it also reduces stress.

Many retirement homes across the country, have changed its model from focusing on illness to focusing on wellness. Residents are now using massage services as a way to deal with multiple symptoms caused by chronic ailments.

The positive effects of massage rest on sound science. Even a gentle massage has proven an effect on blood circulation and the nervous system. These two body systems are especially vulnerable to the effects of aging. It is important for those who are being treated for Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease, diabetes, depression and many other conditions requiring regular medications.

There are many age-related conditions that can be improved with massage. One study has shown that tactile massage reduces aggressiveness and stress level in patients with dementia.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21131675 - National Institutes of Health PubMed. Touch Research Institute: http://www.hearttouch.org/about-2/bibliography-and-resources/

Towngate Dental Centre Dr. Nanette I. Olivar

nanette@towngatedental.ca #3, 9965 152st, Surrey, B.C. V3R 4G5 Telehone: 604.588.3633 Fax: 604.588.3661

health Vaccines: How It Works And The Ethical Issues That Surround It Greg Hinson via flickr.com

V

By Joandrea Santiago

accine is considered as one of the most important discoveries in the field of health and medicine.

It was man’s first attempt and success in preventing a disease from infecting the body before it ever occurred.

Imagine if there was a vaccine for HIV or cancer? But first...

How do vaccines work?

A vaccine is commonly administered through a hypodermic needle but can also be given through the mouth or nose. It contains either a weakened or dead form of a disease or bacteria (antigens). Upon exposure, our immune system will identify them as foreign objects after which our white blood cells (lymphocytes) will produce proteins called “antibodies” that will kill the infection.

Our immune system has this amazing capacity to remember how to fight off a specific disease so that when we are exposed to it again in the future, our body remembers how to fight it off. Notice how people who previously had chickenpox are not concerned about being exposed to those who have it during chickenpox season?

The vaccine was able to trick our bodies as if it already had the full-blown disease, thus being able to finish the immunization process without costing us harm. Nevertheless, it is possible to have a mild fever or symptoms after vaccination, but compared to having the actual disease infect you, the latter would have produced a strong and dangerous illness. Note also that people with compromised immune systems (i.e. people undergoing cancer treatment or those with lupus), should be treated differently.

They should follow their doctor’s advice when it comes to immunization because their reaction to the vaccine may be different or weaker.

What are the two types of vaccines?

There are two types of vaccines, live attenuated and inactivated vaccines.

Live attenuated vaccines are those that have the virus alive but very weak. When our body is exposed with a virus, i.e. the Ebola virus, the virus multiplies thousands,

or sometimes hundreds of thousand times in our cells.

On the other hand, a vaccine is made so that it can only reproduce to about 20 times, thus preventing serious illness. This is just enough so that our bodies can finish the immune system response of killing the disease.

On the other hand, inactivated vaccines are made from dead pieces of disease-causing matter. Because the antigens are dead, there is almost zero chance of developing a symptom or reaction.

However, sometimes these vaccines need to b e administered through multiple doses or more than once over a period of time because they are less effective.

Ethical Issues: If vaccines are so great, what are people fighting about?

Mandates: Some objections come about regarding vaccinations due to religious and philosophical beliefs, as well as ethical dilemmas. For example, some US states want to mandate vaccination for girls aged 11-12 of Human Papilloma Virus, which is a kind of sexually transmitted disease. The mandate raises issues on the values of abstinence and religion, and may encourage sexual activities if they know they are already immune to this disease.

However, studies have shown that individuals who practice religious or philosophical exception from taking vaccines are at a greater risk of contracting and spreading disease to their community. Thus, there is an ongoing struggle between protecting public health and respecting individual rights.

Research and Testing: During the early development of a vaccine, tests must be made for controlled or vulnerable groups such as children or those immunocompromised. Hence, concern arises whether it is worth the risk and ethical to expose these groups to vaccination testing.

Informed Consent: People who took part in malaria vaccine trial in Mali had difficulty understanding the concepts of the trials. It was not clear to the participants the possible side effects and risks that came along with testing. They were also unable to differentiate whether they were participating in a “vaccination testing” or “therapy/ treatment.” Informed consent requires that the participants are fully aware of the risks and the purpose of the tests they are about to undergo and receive.

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magazine

Business and ethics: Ethical issues also arises from the business side of developing a vaccine because it requires millions of dollars of funding and if not deemed profitable, will not be prioritized by pharmaceuticals. For example, there is not enough incentive for pharmaceuticals in developing an Ebola vaccine because the affected is only a very small percentage of the world population. The virus is mainly concentrated in an identifiable area and is not an airborne disease.

Access Issues: The socioeconomic status of individuals, communities, and countries also affect whether they can access vaccines. For example, people without health insurance, poor families and developing countries without access to health facilities are unable to receive this form of preventive care.

Here, the ethical question arises on whether to prioritize health care before other social issues such as poverty, crime or infrastructure development.

Public Health Agency of Canada: Immunization and Vaccines The PHAC works with national and international health experts to provide the safest and most effective vaccination programs for Canadians. Quarterly reports, regulations and

laws for use, as well as a monitoring system are in place and can be accessed through its website. PHAC even has a mobile phone app called “ImmunizeCA” that gives access to vaccination schedules. It lets you record and store your family’s vaccination information, as well as provide access to updated and well researched information about vaccination statistics and studies.

People in Canada have a choice whether to receive or refuse the vaccines, which is either for themselves or their children. If you are a healthcare provider, and if you don’t receive the flu vaccine, you are then obliged to wear a mask at work all the time during flu season.

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‘My goal as a dentist is to provide a comfortable and friendly environment for all patients that visit our clinic.”

– Dr. Ma Rowena Balleza Contact as at:

Surrey - 604-583-1088 Langley: 604-534-3887

www.ballezadmd.com

concert review

Joey Albert, Ray An Fuentes and Dennis Lambert live at Michael J Fox Theatre

I

Text and photos by DWIGHT SIMON

n the 21 years since it has opened its doors, Michael J Fox Theatre in Burnaby, BC has hosted many acts, large and small. Recently, the theatre played host to Ms. Joey Albert, one of the Philippines’ most legendary performers.

If you have read our last issue or have been alive for the last 30 years, you know that Ms. Albert can rock any concert hall all by herself. Never on to rest on her laurels, she enlisted the help of Ray An Fuentes and Dennis Lambert.

Ray-Ann Fuentes is a soulful singer from back in the 70’s and 80’s. He made his name by playing old R&B covers in clubs in the Philippines. He eventually wrote, recorded and performed his own original material to the delight of audiences across the Philippines. He truly lived the life of a rock star until he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in 1986. Since then, he has been a singing minister.

About Dennis Lambert, unless you are not a hardcore

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Ms. Joey Albert, one of the Philippines’ most legendary performers with Ray An Fuentes and Dennis Lambert

The crowd had no choice but to give the trio a standing ovation!

music trivia buff, you will not know his name. If you spent any amount of time in the 70’s and 80’s, you probably knew his work. In that 20-year period, he literally helped to shape the pop music landscape. He penned songs like “Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got)” for the Four Tops, “Rhinestone Cowboy” for Glen Campbell and even Player’s “Baby Come Back.” He also wrote and produced Jefferson Starship’s “We Built This City.” Love it or hate it, I think we can all agree; those are iconic songs.

The concert started off with Joey addressing the crowd as usual. Joey is such a great performer but what makes her so special is that she can also share the spotlight, and she is enjoying it. Joey was the headliner of the event, but the show was truly a team effort. Not long after Joey had her set, Ray An Fuentes took the stage. Next thing you know the both of them were in the middle of a set of Motown classics! The set ended off with Ray An singing an a capella cover of Stevie Wonder’s “For Once In My Life.”

Doing a cover of any Stevie Wonder song requires a combination of skill, bravado and craziness, but doing it a capella is another thing altogether. The crowd enthusiastically responded with a standing ovation.

After Ray An was done, he and Joey welcomed Dennis Lambert to the stage. He entered with the grace of a seasoned veteran and sat down at the keys. Joey and Ray An gave way to Dennis, and he started off his set with “Ashes to Ashes.” Then he belted off hit after hit and included “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Joey and Ray An returned to the stage and joined him in a rendition of “Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I Got).” That song is one of his best. Not only because of its success in the Motown era, but also

because Jay-Z breathed a new life into it in the 90’s when he sampled it for “Ain’t No Nigga.” The crowd, as well as your writer, had no choice but to give the trio a standing ovation!

The music stopped for a minute, and Dennis went into story telling mode. The first story started with his special relationship with the Philippines. As a songwriter, he almost never gets into the limelight. People usually know the song, but not the person who wrote the song. Dennis Lambert realized that he was bona fide star in the Philippines when he decided to go there for a tour. In fact, he had a sold out show at the Araneta Coliseum.

The second story started with Dennis waking up in the morning and getting a phone call from his son. Apparently, the Rolling Stone had written up an article on their blog with a list of the 50 worst songs of all time. According to the Rolling Stone, the worst song of all time is none other than Jefferson Starships’s “We Built This City.” The whole Lambert family was shocked, dismayed and insulted.

So, in response to that, Dennis ended the concert with a smoothed out, jazz remix of the Jefferson Starship classic with Joey and her backup singers as the backing vocals.

I was born and raised here in Canada, and Joey Albert has always been a household name in my family. I never knew why until I had the pleasure of covering one of her shows. She’s not the typical diva because she knows when to step back and be a fan at the same time. Joey, I can’t wait for your next show!

Truly, there is no shortage of Filipino talents. Let us continue to support all our Filipino artists whenever they come to visit us here in Canada, and do not forget our very own local Filipino artists, too.

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fyi (For International Nurses)

Qualification differentials For nurses

Photo by MARK HERNANDEZ

Photo by KYLIE ANN JOSE

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t is somehow an excellent idea to meet with other nurses from different Health Authorities once in a while. Through that, you will learn some information that sometimes you don’t learn in your workplace especially if you are a new nurse. For example, have you heard about the Qualification Differential for Nurses? Do you know the valuable role of International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES) in obtaining that incentive?

According to Health Match BC, Special Clinical Preparation – an additional $50/month incentive is paid to nurses working in difficultto-fill specialties (OR/PAR, ER, ICU/CCU). This incentive is prorated for part-time nurses. Employees with BScN preparation can receive an additional $100/month. Take note, this reward is only applicable to full-time employees. This incentive is also available to nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in psychology. A bachelor’s degree in health sciences (Advanced Psychiatric Nursing) where this qualification is utilized in the course of the nurse’s performance of her normal job duties. Nurses with a master’s degree in nursing preparation can receive an additional $125/month. This allowance is also paid to nurses who have a master’s degree in psychology.

Role of ICES in getting the Qualification Differential According to the website of British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), ICES evaluates the credentials of people who have studied in other provinces or countries and determines comparable levels in British Columbia and Canadian terms. The results of an ICES assessment are provided in evaluation reports that are objective, consistent, and reliable. You can submit the ICES report to the Human Resources in order for them to give you the Qualification Differential that you deserve when you become a full-time employee.

Document Requirements for ICES You must submit: • A full set of original educational documents for each fully or partially completed educational program to be evaluated.

• A complete and legible photocopy of the front and back of each educational document including translations. The photocopies need to be the actual size of the documents; reduced or enlarged sizes are not acceptable. If you do not submit adequate photocopies, you will be charged a $20 service fee. Notarized copies will always be returned to the client; note that notarized copies do not replace the need for clients to submit photocopies. Reports will not be released until all fees are paid in full. You need to pay $128.00/credential for Basic Evaluation, $230.00/credential for Comprehensive Evaluation, $128.00/credential for Supplemental Evaluation. $153.00/credential for an Upgrade Fee (If you have already completed a Basic Evaluation with ICES and now require a comprehensive report).

When submitting your original educational documents, you must submit: • The document awarded upon completion of the credential (may be called a diploma, diploma, degree certificate, certificate, or other name depending on the country from which it was issued). In many countries, people hang this document on their walls.

• The academic record, showing the courses or subjects studied, the grades earned, and the hours of study or number of credits for each course. It can be called a transcript, detailed marks card, relevé de notes, examination report, extract, student’s book, index, or other name depending on the country from which it was issued.

The application forms and the credential must be submitted directly to ICES office in Burnaby BC. As for those who have been in a full-time position for quite a while, please ask your Human Resources Representative if you will be still eligible for this incentive.

Sources: healthmatchbc.org bcit.ca/ices

zest and flavour

Blueberry Turon

T

By DWIGHT SIMON

uron! One of the greatest Filipino desserts ever! Banana deep fried in a Lumpia wrapper and covered in a caramel coating. In some parts of the Philippines, some people put langka or jackfruit on it, which is a perfect match for it! I believe in sourcing my ingredients locally and, unluckily, langka does not grow naturally here in Canada. Our only option is to get a canned jackfruit. Unfortunately, we do not use canned fruit here at Absolutely Filipino Magazine! So I have a little solution to the problem.

Blueberries are a natural match for bananas! So we are going to make a blueberry compote. When you freeze berries at the height of its ripeness, it locks the flavour and sweetness in and works well for pies, desserts, and sauces. As for the bananas, most grocery stores carry Manzano bananas these days. They are a shorter, stubbier cousins of the regular Cavendish (long, yellow) banana that most of us here in Canada are used to. You can tell they are ripe when they looked bruised, blackened and with a sweet fragrant aroma, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect bananas.

Blueberry Turon (Serves 10) Ingredients: 5 ripe Manzano bananas 2 cups fresh or frozen ripe blueberries 2 tablespoons brown cane sugar (will vary according to taste and sweetness of fruit) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 package large lumpia wrappers white sugar to coat Turon before frying Method: 1. Start with the blueberry compote. Add your blueberries, brown sugar and vanilla to a small saucepan along with a splash of water. Turn the heat on high and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium and simmer until your sauce reaches a thick sauce consistency. The liquid part should be able to coat the back of a spoon. Take it off the heat immediately and put the pot onto a baking sheet lined with ice cubes. This will cool the sauce down and prevent the berries from overcooking.

2. Take the Lumpia wrappers in the package after placing them in the fridge overnight. Once they are open, set them onto a plate and cover with a damp cloth. At this time, you will want to set up your workstation. Leave enough space in the middle for wrapping and have that flank for your cooled sauce, bananas and a small bowl of cool, clean water.

3. Peel your bananas as you go, so they do not have a chance to turn brown. Separate each banana into two segments. Lay two Lumpia wrappers down, take a spoon of your cooled sauce and spread it in a line near the edge of the circle. Keep about an inch away from the very edge. Lay your half banana along the line of sauce. Take a clean hand, dip it in the water and paint the edges of the wrapper. This will serve as your glue. Roll until banana is covered in a wrapper. Fold the edges in, sealing the two holes. Continue until completely rolled. Repeat until all bananas are wrapped. The Lumpia wrappers will dry out and crack very quickly. Make sure you work fast!

4. Take a deep frying pan and fill it with enough vegetable oil to cover the Turon, ž of the way up. Heat to 360 degrees F. Lay out a baking sheet and cover the bottom with white sugar. Roll your Turon in the sugar and make sure each piece gets a liberal coating of sugar. Once the oil is hot, add the Turon and fry until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd your pan. Leave enough space in between each piece. While frying the Turon, the sugar will melt leaving it with a crispy coating of golden brown caramel.

You might want to make extra because I guarantee your family will be fighting over your special Turon!

FILIPINO

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27

POETRY GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Psalm 90:17

“Let the kindness of the Lord our God be with us.

Make us successful in everything we do.

Yes, make us successful in everything we do.”

PASKO... NOON, NGAYON AT KAILAN MAN

By Vicente A. Valdez Jr. Ang Poong Maykapal ay mahal ang mundo Bugtong na anak ay kanyang isinugo Kaligtasaan na Kanyang ipinangako Totoo nga at tunay, di Nya tayo binigo.

Espiritong banal sa tao nagwika “Purihin natin ang Diyos at Anghel n’ya.”

“Sa Bethlehem isinilang ang Messiah”.

“Siya ang Kristo Hesus, Diyos na dakila”.

Dito nag-umpisa ang Pasko sa lahat Pagdakila sa kanya’y bukas na aklat Pag-big niya ang simula at wakas Sa tao ang gawa ng ikaliligtas.

Sa lahat ng pagbubunyi’t pagdiriwang Ang araw ng Pasko’y pinaghahandaan Makulay ang araw ng kapanganakan Si Hesus ang Pasko ng ‘sangkatauhan.

Mapapansing maraming mga palamuti Adornong ilaw at mga “Christmas tree” Bulaklak ng Poinsettia’y namumutakti At nakalasong regalo sa “grocery”.

Katotohanan nga’ng Pasko’y pambata Sa “Mall” mamamasyal, kakain ng pizza Sa karnabal maglilibot at sa perya Kay Santa Klaus manonood ng parada.

Mga Ninong at Ninang ... huwag magtago At bigyang pansin ang inaanak ninyo Minsan lang maging bata ang mga ito Maligaya sila kung may mga regalo.

Mano po mga Ninong..mano po mga Ninang Narito po ako para kayo’y ambagan Ng aginaldong biyaya ng Maykapal ‘Pagkat no’ng bata ako’y inyong minahal.

Mayaman at mahirap man sa lipunan Naghahanda sa araw ng kapaskuhan Halakhak,tawanan at pati na kulitan Kuntodo saya sa sayawa’t awitan.

Sa probinsiya, sa bayan at mga baryo Kaiba ang saya sa Araw ng Pasko Lamig ng panahon’y simoy aginalado Sa mga dadalo ng “Misa de Gallo”.

Simbang Gabi atin ngang nakagawian Panatang tatak Pino’y kinawiwilihan, Ng Kristianong pamilyang nagmamahalan Sa gitna’y si Hesus, Hari ng kaligtasan.

Sa sobrang abala natin sa trabaho Ay nakakaligtaan natin ang Pasko Sa “Noche Buena” ay hindi makasalo May “business trip” sakay ng eroplano.

Kaya lang sa “Skype” ay presente na rin Sa “internet” kausap ang pamilya’t “Friend” Babawi daw ng regalo at kakanin Pagbabalik niya’y gustong ipatikim.

Dati-rati’y talamak tuwing Nobyembre Mga “Chritmas cards” nakasilid na sa sobre Ipapadala agad kasi’y importante Para huwag matabunan ng bagahe.

Ngunit ngayo’y iba na ang laban May mga aplikasyon nang nakalaan Sa Facebook, “My space”, Twitter at Instagram Pagbati’y sing bilis ng hanging nagdaan.

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FILIPINO

Absolutely

Noon..ay araw-buklod pamilya Ngayon.. nagbibigayan ang bawat isa Kailanman..bagong buhay at pag-asa Maligayang Pasko’t pagpalain nawa.

Christmas Through the Eyes of A Child

By Alessandra Mercurio

I

love Christmas because on that day we celebrate Jesus and his birthday. I have a few favorite Christmas songs: In Excelsis Deo, Joy to the World, Feliz Navidad and Just One Candle.

I love Christmas because we worship God and celebrate Him in our lives. I also enjoy the gifts and presents from my family and friends during Christmas. Most of the time, children find presents under the Christmas tree. Last year, my family and our family friends had a Christmas party at Tita Alaine and Tito Ryan’s house. They gave me lots of presents, and I was very

Alice and her friends (from left): Jeremiah, Alice, Nina and Niel

I love Christmas because we worship God and celebrate Him in our lives.

Photos by MARLON MERCURIO

happy and thankful to them for all those gifts.

I had three clothes, one make-up design, photobook, mittens and of course, toys. According to my Mom, our family will be hosting our Christmas party for this year. I am so excited to see my friends.

I love Christmas because we can be together

as a family. We pray for each other and tell bible stories, and we eat warm soup. And the best thing, we sleep together! Because Christmas is a family night, so it simply means, NO cell phones allowed! Even though we are doing it each day, it is still the best time to talk and hug our family.

My Dad said, we are going to have Turkey on Christmas Eve, but I think it’s ridiculous. Turkey is only for Thanksgiving, isn’t it?

Anyhow, Christmas is always best to celebrate with our family!

FILIPINO

Absolutely

29

filipino tradition

La Filipina:

The

Tropical

By Kurt Zubieta

T

Christmas Spirit

he joy, Christmas carols, gifts and family — Magandang Pasko po (Merry Christmas)! Every place has their own Christmas tradition, and the Philippines, well, has the longest celebration of all. It starts from December 16 where the “Misa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi)” begins until January 6 where the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings is being celebrated. Apparently, Christmas has already come to light when “Ber” month has arrived, and that is from a Filipino perspective. It is a Filipino culture and tradition to spend time with their families and friends during this season.

We could simply say, “It is more fun in the Philippines.”

As we all know, Philippines has only two seasons, wet (June to October) and dry (April to May). December falls in between these two seasons. Even though there is no winter in the Philippines, it is still very cold.

Food from every Corner It is not Christmas without Bibingka (Rice Cake) and Puto Bumbong (steamed rice cake topped with margarine and shredded coconut with brown sugar).

Bibingka is cooked in a traditional way using a mud furnace (pugon) and putting the coals on top of it. For the Puto Bumbong, the glutinous rice turns its colors into violet once it is cooked by simply steaming it inside the bamboo tubes. You can only find it here in our beloved country. These treats made Filipino-American Hollywood actor Rob Schnieder’s favorite, in fact, bibingka appeared in one of his movies. As you can see, Philippines has the finest delicacies that you cannot find in any other countries because the food is not just cooked but made with warm Filipino hearts.

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FILIPINO

Absolutely

It is a Filipino culture and tradition to spend time with their families and friends during this season.

PAROL photo: © Jimmy Hilario via Flickr.com

Puto Bumbong photo: © Byron Villegas via Flickr.com

Noche Buena is an open-house celebration for family, friends, and neighbours.

the last mass for Simbang Gabi and followed by a feast called Noche Buena. Noche Buena is an open-house celebration for family, friends, and neighbours. This feast is laid out with lots of delicacies adapted from different countries such as hams, spaghetti, pizza and other chinese and Filipino foods like Tikoy, suman, etc. It is also the time to open the gifts which kids enjoy the most.

It’s all about Christmas Christmas is a lifestyle based on established Filipino practice. We hunt our Ninong (Godfather) and Ninang (Godmother) for our Aguinaldo (Christmas gifts). You can see on the neighborhood, lots and lots of children walking along the streets wearing new shoes and new fancy clothes. Toys are everywhere.

No one is hungry during this season. A couple of pounds of weight gain is highly anticipated right after Christmas. That is the tricky part.

The Belen is another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol that depicts the birth of Christ with Joseph, Mary, shepherds and the three wise men surrounded by angels with a star on top of the stable.

It represents a complete family. You can spot it on churches, houses,

parks and offices.

The Philippines is the only Asian country that has almost 80% of Filipinos are Christians. For that reason, Christmas became an integral part of every Filipino household, and everyone is observing this distinct occasion, as the most wonderful time of the year.

The Spirit of Christmas Family gatherings are one of the most important things to consider when Christmas season starts. Every Filipino wishes and hopes for a happy family. Family reunion is a fun way to celebrate it. Sometimes it is not that easy to organize it because some might be a thousand miles away (those working and living abroad), some are still working, and some relatives had moved to another province. It’s hard to see an incomplete family during this season.

It is not the gift that is more important, but the spirit of love and sharing with everyone – a family is the greatest gift that a man could ever have – Christmas is for everyone. Every smile is a simple reflection of our completeness, a smile that symbolizes Pinoy Christmas as the happiest celebration that ever existed in the world.

HOHOHO! It’s not Christmas without gifts, and these gifts came from a Pinoy Santa Clause who sneaks in the house during midnight to put gifts on the plastic bags or socks that were hung by the children. You can witness door-to-door Christmas Carol in every street. If Christmas Tree is the iconic Christmas symbol in the Western part of the world, the Philippines has the Parol (starshaped lantern), and without it, Filipino Christmas will never be complete. As time goes by, the making of the Parol has completely evolved from simple star-shaped decor to splendid Christmas decorations in various shapes and forms, with corresponding cheerful and festive lights.

Noche Buena Christmas Eve is the best part of the holiday that we stay awake and wait until midnight. It is also Christmas Tree © Arlene Aguirre

FILIPINO

Absolutely

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