Diaryo Filipino January 2015 by Diaryo Alberta

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Vol. 5.9|January 2015

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Pope Francis visits Vol. 4.07 | November 2013 the Philippines By Cheryle Posadas-Guinsatao

A Dare to Defend Freedom p02 On the threshold of New Year p03

Winter in Canada p04

Tagpi-tagping Malasakit p07 January 2015

The Main Ingredient

p09

Featured Chef:

Tony Ballesteros Balintag

Pope Francis has arrived in Manila, the Filipino capital, for the second leg of his pastoral visit to Asia. After a six and a half hour flight from the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, the papal plane was greeted by cheering, singing and dancing crowds as it touched down on January 15 Thursday morning at Villamor Air Base close to the international airport in Manila named after the assassinated Filipino leader ‘Ninoy’ Aquino. Francis is the third pontiff to visit the Philippines, known as the Catholic heartland of Asia, following two trips by Pope John Paul and one by Pope Paul VI in November 1970. The stay started January 15 until January 19. The pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines is being dubbed as a “mercy and compassion visit,” said Hardy Del Castillo, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus San Lorenzo Ruiz in Calgary. Like many of the 500,000 Filipinos living in Canada, Del Castilllo intended to closely follow coverage of the Pope after he landed Jan. 15 in Manila. He is impressed that “he is primarily lending support and solidarity with those in the southern region of the Philippines,” an area still recovering from Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. “I couldn’t be more excited for Filipinos, especially for those who have been directly affected by the ravages of the natural calamities,” he said. “It’s almost that Filipinos are being visited by the light to cast out the

darkness of the devastation... Viva el Papa!” Meanwhile, forty elderly Filipinos living in the United States and Canada, mostly wheel-chair assisted, have made the long trip home in hopes of catching a glimpse of the pope during his visit to the Philippines. Catching a connecting flight from Taiwan, they said that while they started out as strangers, they have banded together on the journey. Pacita Venezuela is heading with her husband and her 81-year-old mother Conchita to their hometown in Tacloban in eastern Leyte province. Francis is scheduled to visit Leyte on Saturday to celebrate a Mass and have lunch with survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the province on Nov. 8, 2013. “It continued on page 04

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Editorial

JANUARY 2015

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A Dare to Defend Freedom

Editorial Cheryle Posadas-Guinsatao

“I do not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend it to the death your right to say it.” - Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, once said, paraphrasing Voltaire.

It was the first time since the liberation of Paris in August 1944 that so many people took to the streets and join the unity march as show of support and solidarity to the victims of Charlie Hebdo magazine. Parisians of all ages, religions and nationalities turned out en masse in the Paris boulevard named after Voltaire, the French Enlightenment writer, historian and advocate of freedome of religion and speech. Days before the march, gunmen who claimed to belong to Al-Qaeda have attacked the offices of French magazine killing 12 people including the editor and celebrated cartoonists. Apart from the unity march in Paris, rallies condemning the attack took place across the world, including one in Quebec, Canada. There is such an outpouring of grief, solidarity and defiance to show respect not only to the victims but also as a sup-

port for the values of the Republic: “liberte, egalite, fraternite”- freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The mood at the time brought to mind the different stories where freedom of expression and the press was curtailed by violence. But what’s behind this universal yearning to set thoughts to paper, despite the ardurous process, the danger and the uncertain results? When I was young, I have this picture on my mind of my father’s solitary figure at a desk with a pen, a typewriter, papers and books- this became an object of fascination and desire within me. Edna Ferber, novelist writer, statement capture it all for meshe said that a “ writer is a writer because she cannot help it. It is a compulsion. Sometimes its called a gift but actually it is an urge for expression that simply can-

not be denied.” In time with this recent event, I believed that we in the media continue to express because one has to create a world in which one can live. This world is becoming stifling with war, ethnic clensings, brutal murders, indifference to the most vulnerable, disrespect of one’s beliefs and rights, corruption, materialism, and a total disregard to life itself. Imagination and passion, which is a quality people in the media must have, does not mean only the ability to weave stories out of nothing. It is a response to what is going on- a sensitiveness to which outside things appeal. It is a composition of sympathy and observation. When a discussion occur amongst us in the media regarding this event, various valid pointers became topics of heated arguments and passionate debate. Let me quote some of these

points of discussions- (a) “What is more insulting to the Prophet Mohammad than satirical cartoons are those who murder innocent people in his name.” (b)“ Freedom of expression needs to take human nature into account and this means it must be prudent, which is another way of saying it must be polite.” (c)“True satire is about using humour to expose the absurdities of life; at the same time, it forces us to question our beliefs and our values.” (d) “We are angry – with good reason – but it is important to be clear what we are angry about. Muslims who don’t want images published are not the problem. That is their right in a free society, as is the legal pursuit of that objective. They have the right to argue a point of view, even if the rest of us don’t understand it.” In those discussions, we all agree that a violent re-

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action to an offence, to a provocation is not acceptable. Yet we know that such things still occur inevitably. Personally what happened there made us in the media more courageous, more ob-

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/yr

servant, more passionate in proclaiming the truth and in revealing unjust and inhuman occurences around the world. We believe that risk is scary and continued on page 06

Feature Article

JANUARY 2015

Feature Article Santa Aquino-Posadas

FEATURE ARTICLE

On The Threshold of the New Year Take an honest look at the current situation in every life endeavors and begin the New Year with an effective plan of action. New life comes from shedding old skins and pressing through the darkness towards the light. Make the year 2015 the season of new beginnings and of growth with much faith, hope and prayer. To the ALMIGHTY FATHER- A new year is a gracious gift. It is a time to look back and honestly appraise our use of the year just ended. We are given another year in life to reflect on the time we spent for the whole year round of 2014.The first month of the year is indeed a time when we all look behind at the year just past and anticipate new year what lies ahead. The year 2015 is a time to dream

dreams that will express our most precious hopes for our family, lovedones and for our fellowmen. In any such assessment in our every aspect of life the way we should do is to look forward with positive attitude and gratitude coupled it with hope, trust and great faith to our creator. We have to be reminded of the lessons and experiences , good and bad for the past year and resolve to make life better this year. Every year in life is a challenging year and the general outlook is a potentially even more challenging one in the year 2015. The constructive thing to do now is to think of what we can do to minimize if not avert the difficulties, trials and challenges of life. We must remain flexible and open. As the years go by life does

not get any gentler or any easier. We can take on major challenges regardless of how old we are. We can use our experiences, our knowledge and our wisdom to grow and to continue to discover new things. Let us be ready to face life’s challenges. Take into mind that we are greater than the problems and the obstacles that life puts on our path. New year is a time to make new resolutions. Many people make resolutions for the new year. They seek to make decisions to put an end to old habits, to develop new ones or to achieve objectives that are important to them. Sometimes we succeed in keeping our resolutions, but often after the new year begins. We put our good intentions aside the decisions or the resolution is in opposition to an older resolution or the powerful force of our habits. Before making a resolution we should evaluate the effort needed to break old habits, our level of intention and the true desire to see our resolution achieved. It is interesting to determine and the information that have led to develop certain habits or behaviors that we

now want to change. This small process will help to prepare the groundwork we need to succeed. Make a resolution that will be adapted to reality and to your desire to change. Have your resolutions as a guiding way to start day by day, to make them real to our own life and through us, real in the lives of others. Resolutions serve us to help get the relief we are looking for. It should not have a high success rate. Many still set at least one starting from the scratch and change of the calendar. It has always had the appeal of a clean slate. This is for the idea of making oneself for the better. As a natural pursuit though new year is an arbitrary date , it gives us a substantial starting point to prepare for the shifts we plan to make. In our present day, wanting to make resolutions even if broken

down the road know that we still have faith in our ability to make changes for the better, just the process alone of selling a specific resolutions helped make the vision of the goal more feasible. As for me , I am always reminded that I should resolve to be bolder and courageous enough in facing life challenges, grasping the possibilities of faith and trust to the Almighty Father with both hands and not letting go. We have to keep on believing , hoping, trusting and praying unceasingly . New year is a reflection moment. When we look back on the year gone by to assess it we must be brutally honest with ourselves. Did we reach our major objectives? Are we happier than we were a year ago? Have we grown in the right direction? Have we made the efforts needed to free ourselves

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of the excess baggage that slows our personal development? This is the time to reflect on the many things you want for your life. On the mistakes you want to correct, on the kind of attitude in life that you want to change and have, on the kind of love and service you want to give to your family, lovedones and for others but most is how you will make yourself responsible for your life especially on choices and decisions you will have and how you can make yourself a blessing to others. We can add to this asking the Lord for HIS love and guidance to fulfill them in good faith all through the year. Let us enter the year 2015 with hope knowing that we can do nothing for ourselves, we have to walk in faith until that faith continued on page 12

JANUARY 2015

Community News

By Len Chan

The Centre For Newcomers hosted a Christmas event for new immigrants last Dec. 13 at their office 999 36 St NE, Calgary. It was called “Winter Wonderland” and it aims to give information for newcomers to Canada that have not experienced winter conditions. Some attendees have been here for several years, but

WINTER IN CANADA

other members of their family have only arrived recently. A great get together for fun and games with the highlight of receiving Christmas presents from Santa were among the many activities during the event. One of the stimulating game is the Human Christmas Tree contests. Three teams were involved

and with a time limit they were asked to make the best Christmas Tree. The Team of Erwin Quiroz came out on top. An information sharing was also done on how to dress properly in winter and a presentation of winter sports like skiing were well received by the audience.

GOLDEN GENERATIONS SENIORS CLUB CHRISTMAS AND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION The Golden Generations Seniors Club held their Christmas and Birthday Celebration Dec. 19 at Marlborough Park Community Association. The evening included

honoring the many volunteers, celebrating birthdays and an entertainment number from the Golden Generations Dancers. When Ms. Teofy Bulura

acting as emcee of the event, asked if anyone over 90 yrs was present , one who come forward was a 97 year old senior. Many seniors received birthday prizes and gifts.

continued from page 1

Pope Francis visits the Philippines is my biggest opportunity to see him in Tacloban, and it is very emotional because of what happened in Tacloban, it affected my family and relatives,” said Venezuela, who has lived in Canada since 1990 and still has siblings in the city. “I thank God,” she said, “that Pope Francis, he had a heart to see the people of Tacloban and the Philippines.” The Pope’s visit will include a Jan. 17 trip to Tacloban, a region especially hard hit by Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 6,000 people and destroyed countless homes and buildings. He will lunch at the archbishop’s residence with some 30 survivors of the typhoon, many of whom lost close relatives in the disaster. A day earlier, he was to meet in Manila with various families, including one led by

its 100-year-old matriarch, accompanied by her greatgreat-grandchildren. His trip will culminate in what is being called a “megaMass” on the same site where St. John Paul celebrated Mass for World Youth Day in 1995 before more than four million people — often described as the largest live crowd in history. That record may be broken by Pope Francis, with some predictors anticipating up to five million people will pack Manila’s Rizal Park. Faith is second nature “to most, if not all Filipinos,” especially those who were raised in the Philippines and grew up in a Catholic home, said Del Castillo. Many also are looking ahead to the International Eucharistic Congress to be held in the Philippines in 2016.

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Footprints & Dots

JANUARY 2015

Footprints and Dots on ‘DEVOTION’ spiritual side on several occasions. It is Diaryo Filipino’s 1. Simbang Gabi ( enough that you will privilege to open this NEW include one or all in your Early Dawn Mass)- This is and REGULAR Column a Catholic way in devoting bucket list be checked which will cover various 9 consecutive days as you go in this part of topics about culture, between three and four Southeast Asia. traditions, festivals, am in the morning to For the purpose of this characters, behaviours, attend a holy mass in topic, DEVOTION is food, cuisines and way of preparation for Christmas term as the spiritual or life among Filipinos, both religious practice among Day. A very challenging to be treasured and valued faithfuls. undertaking for several or somewhat otherwise. people including The idea of taking It is up to the person to children and teenagers, the topic on ‘devotion’ consider it as footprint, a but can be rewarding was conceived in early trace to be followed) to be November 2014, as soon and enjoyable for most. valued or a dot ( a speck Filipinos devote their as i confirmed my flight on a clean sheet) to be hour or two everyday for that i will be spending erased. my 1st Christmas after 17 this practice in the hope This segment also to welcome the newborn years celebrating this hopes to show the Saviour-Jesus Christ as holiday in The Great true way of life to help well as the hope of getting White North. Added foreigners and tourists their wishes or petitions to it is the fact that my that are planning to visit Canadian born husband come true should they the Philippines be aware will be experiencing it as finish the whole course. and familiarize themselves as well for the first time. It is culminated with while in any parts the Lastly, the time that I was Christmas Eve Mass ( Misa archipelago including heading back to Calgary De Aguinaldo). ‘balikbayans’ who have 2. Prusisyon para sa is the arrival of Pope not seen the country mga Patron ( Procession of Francis 1st visit to the after a long period of stay Patron Saints)- Each town Philippines. Needless to overseas. May you find or city in the say, it has to be on how this column interesting Philippines devote one to Filipinos show their By Marietta Pangan-Dutkoski

three days to pay tribute and give thanks to their patron saint. Every month particularly in the month of January any town or city whose patron saint is Santo Nino (baby Jesus) or Itim na Nazareno (Black Nazarene), there is for sure a celebration of ‘Fiesta’ (Festival). The devotion have different renditions. If it is feast of the Santo Nino, the welcoming the child Jesus, the celebration is colourful, with lots lively street performances, contests and programs. Residents devote great deal of their time and money for this occasion. To show their respect and thanksgiving to their patron, several people walk along the entire village or downtown with candles on hand or participating in the street programs. Others stay at home preparing a banquet or waiting for

relatives, friends or even complete strangers, it doesn’t matter, everyone is welcome to partake on the offerings at the dining table! Few of the well known festivals of this kind are Ati-Atihan, Sinulog and Dinagyang. The feast of the Black Nazarene, on the other hand, portrays more on the suffering of Jesus Christ on the Cross on His way to Calvary. Here people prefer to devote 12-18 hours of walking on the street with the patron saint on foot, year after year in the hope that their petitions be granted for themselves or loved ones. The most famous of this is Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. Millions of people from different parts of the country attend and participate despite of long hours without food and drinks, physical strain and even sometimes tragic lost of life as a result of

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stampede, suffocation and dehydration. This devotion is considered by most Catholics very heroic particularly if a life is lost. 3. Visita Iglesia (Visiting Churches)Most Filipinos that are Catholic, believe that whenever you visit a new place, it is a must to visit their church or chapel to receive the blessings and safety of the ongoing trip or travel and bring home some blessings. Here, each traveller, devote 5-15 minutes of their time to pray, pay respect and give thanks to the Divine Guidance that has been favoured while on the road. Being a culture vulture as I am, I think this is one the most rewarding experiences both culturally and spiritually as there hundreds of centennial churches all over the Philippines. continued on page 13

JANUARY 2015 calgary • edmonton • red deer • leduc • grande prairie • drumheller • lethbridge • medicine hat • brooks • high river • fort mcmurray • drayton • fox creek • regina • banff • canmore

[ Long Term Care ]

Possibilities & Issues

Volunteers needed for community conversations on issues and possibilities within long-term care in Calgary, Alberta 

Are you Health Care Aide interested in sharing your vision and ideas about key issues and possibilities within long-term care in Alberta?

If so, we invite you to participate in a research action project on issues and possibilities within long-term care. In this project, we use the term, ‘long-term care’ to include the continuum of care provided in Alberta for older adults and others requiring ongoing care other than the acute hospital setting The purpose of this project is to explore various individuals’, groups’ and communities’ perceptions of issues and possibilities within long term care (LTC) in Alberta, using Calgary as a case example. The findings of this project will be used to develop a policy brief (both in a written and video format). The policy brief will be used as a catalyst for further community conversations about LTC and to provide recommendations to service providers and decision makers. We will be asking you to participate in a 1.5 hour audio-taped focus group about issues and possibilities, then (at a later date) a two hour feedback session to review and edit the draft of the policy brief: Date: Tuesday March 10th, 2014 Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM Location: TBD For more information about this project, or to volunteer for this project, please contact Crystal Kwan at 403-383-8389 or crystalyeegitkwan@hotmail.com. This project is being completed by the Gerontology Social Workers Action Group and Faculty of Social Work. This study has been reviewed by, and received ethics clearance through, The Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (CFREB) at the University of Calgary.

continued from page 02

A Dare to Defend Freedom uncomfortable but there can be no growth and little glory without it. But despite of our significant role in the society, media people get attack in a daily basis. We are also human and we cannot please everyone. We recognize the public’s rights and freedom as well. We just hope before attacking us in the media, the public should also realize its roles in the propagation of truth and freedom. After the Charlie Hebdo, media were bombarded with why news on Baga Massacre in Nigeria not given as much emphasis as the attack in Paris. The 2015 Baga massacre is a series of mass killings believed to have been committed by Boko Haram in the Nigeria town of Baga and its environs that happened between January 3- 7. Fatalities have been reported to be “heavy” but their extent is unclear. Local officials and resident who ahvefled have been quoted as saying that “over 2,000” people are thought to have been killed. Some commentators criticized international media for a perceived lack of

coverage of the massacre, especially in comparison with Charlie Hebdo attack which occurred around the same time. But the media in Borno state has been suppressed, where witnesses with information frequently lack contacts with the media and statement by the military are unreliable. Also, the ongoing violence since last year desensitized the people. Even its President Goodluck Jonathan nor the five former head of state with a Northern Nigerian background were willing to publicly speak out against the killings. Yes, the pen is mightier than the sword. But we in the media without the support of the public will not be able to do our role in the society. So I hope that eventhough you do not agree with what we do you still defend our freedom to express as we defend your freedom and rights for truth, justice and democracy. If we want to overcome terrorism and ethnic cleansing, we need to fight for the values we hold dear. For many on the left, tolerance

comes easily. But economic disarray has sapped the will to defend our principles of rationalism and individual liberty. Terrorism and terror related crimes cannot be stopped by the security and intelligence services alone. It has to be fought culturally and economically. So often the world sits idly by, watching ethnic conflicts flare up, as if these were mere entertainment rather than human beings whose lives are being destroyed. Environmental degradation, overpopulation, refugees, narcotics, terrorism, world crime movements, and organized crime are worldwide problems that don’t stop at a nation’s borders. These all affects us. The media may have the power but our strength and our voice can only be effective if the public decides to take on their role to defend their own rights and freedom. In the end-Thank you for your continued support to Diaryo Filipino! With your support, Diaryo Filipino will continue its role in many years to come.

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News Feature

JANUARY 2015

Why do you need brake 1. Tagpi-tagpi patches service Sampung Salita

MAKIALAM Ni Kiko Ibarra

Tagpi-tagping Malasakit Hindi pa man magpapasko at magbabagong taon ay pumutok na ang balita sa ilang mga katrabaho, kaibigan at kakilala na nawawala si Dhing (hindi tunay na pangalan) na sana’y nag-overtime sa trabaho subalit hindi sumipot. Mahigit dalawampu’t apat na oras na ang nakalipas ay wala pa siya kaya napagpasyahan ng kanyang misis na ireport ito sa mga pulis. Palaisipan sa bawat nakakikilala kung nasaan na nga kaya si Dhing? Bago pa man ako nakapag-isip ng malalim na haka-haka, diin ko sa aking kukote na ang nais kong higit ay matagpuang ligtas siya na gaya din ng pagnanais ng kanyang pamilya. Katrabaho ko si Dhing, nasa katanyagang edad, masayahin at hindi siya ang tipong makakitaan ng problema.Masipag siya sa kanyang trabaho at may maayos na pakikisama. Kasabayan pa namin siyang kumakain tuwing break time, kain kami ng kanin at ulam sa umaga, salo-salo, at sa tanghali tinapay na lang. Kami yung tipong hindi nagpapakabusog, basta may laman ang tiyan ay pwede na. “Power nap” din kami ng konti, kanya-kanyang diskarte ng puwesto. Ilang araw din ang nakalipas ay nahanap din si Dhing at ligtas siya. Nagkakaso pala siya dala

ng isang pagkakamali, dinala siya sa remand centre at pagkatapos sa kulungan. Ito ay ayon na rin sa kaibigan niyang katrabaho din namin. Batay sa proseso ng pangyayari ay hindi naman naabuso ang kanyang pantaong karapatan at siya na rin ang nagpasyang huwag na munang kumuha ng abogado. Nitong Pebrero 2015 ay makakalaya na rin siya. Walang nakakabatid sa amin ang ganitong pangyayari sa kanya,maging ako ay hindi nakakaalam ng kanyang buong istorya. May mga sarili siyang kapasyahan,ganyan siya, ganito ako, sino ako para maghusga? Bagamat iniisip ko rin kung ako kaya bilang katrabaho niya ay may kahinaan at pagkukulang din sa kahinatnan ng pangyayari? Mahirap magmalasakit sa kapwa-tao kapag hindi natin alam ang kalagayan o sitwasyon niya sa buhay. Makulay at masaya sa panlabas subalit sa kaloob-looban pala ay may mabigat na pasanin o suliranin. Mahirap naman pumapel kung wala namang papel. Nasa tamang panahon, ito’y hinihiling at dapat makabuluhan ang pakikialam sa buhay ng iba. Ano kaya kung kaaway mo pa siya, magmamalasakit ka pa rin ba? Tingin ko, madamot magmalasakit kung may

iniipong sama ng loob. Sa pagpasok ng 2015 at pagbabalik sa trabaho, kainamang nalaman ko na sagana pa rin ang pagtulong ng mga kakilala ni Dhing sa nangangailangang pamilya niya.Ilan sa amin ay nag-abot ng tulong pinansiyal. Bagamat ilan na nakakaalam ng pangyayari ay maaring naging ningas kugon na lamang o marahil ay walang kakayahang tumulong. Minsan,sa tunay na buhay, kahit ano mang magandang layunin, ang tao ay tao pa rin, may pagkukulang at kahinaan… mga tagpi-tagping malasakit bagamat sa huli, ito pa rin ay nakakatulong. At sa bawat malasakit, puspos man o tagpi-tagpi ay naihahatid natin ang pag-asa. Kay Dhing, nawa’y sa kanyang pagbabalik ay may natutunan siya mula sa kanyang karanasan ,maging bukas-bibig nawa siya na humingi ng tulong sa panahon ng kagipitan at dalangin ang higit pang magandang ugnayan bilang katrabaho. Kabayan,ating paigtingin ang pagmamalasakit higit sa kapwa-tao na nangangailangan .Ang pagtulong ay higit na usapin ng may pusong maka-Diyos na nagturo sa atin na magmalasakit. Patuloy nawa ang pagpapala ng mga biyaya na ating natatanggap upang higit pang makatulong sa iba.

2. malasakit concern, care

By Manuel Perez

Why do you need brake service? Recognizing potential problems before they become 3. pumutok serious is the key to cost-efficient auto repair. Since explode brakes are one of the most critical safety components of your vehicle, being able to identify symptoms of 4. kukote brake failure will help you avoid costly brake repairs brain, mind and breakdowns. You don’t need to know the physics behind how brakes work to identify these signs that 5. kaloob-looban you need brake service or repair: innermost •Screeching, Grinding and 6. puspos Squeaking – Squealing and other unnerving noises point to a possible problem with brake pads filled or shoes. Just like the tread on your tires wears down 7. karanasan with regular use, so too do your brake pads. Worn pads cause damage to other brake parts, which leads experience to more costly auto repairs. So if you hear grinding, squeaking or screeching when you press the brakes, get 8. kagipitan into your local auto repair shop as soon as possible! tough times •Vibration while Braking – If you notice 9. paigtingin pulsing or vibrating sensation through your foot on the ignite brake pedal or your hands on the steering wheel, the cause may be worn brakes, get them checked out by a 10. biyaya professional. blessings continued on page 10

Francis Pesa’s

First Trial Hearing Case against Drunk Driver Kulwinder Singh By Cheryle Posadas-Guinsatao

Francis Pesa’s loved ones wept in Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench at 601 - 5 Street SW last January 8 as they read victim impact statements to the man who pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing the death of the 20-year-old. Kulwinder Singh Chohan entered the guilty plea through his interpreter. Chohan, 37, was initially charged with impaired driving and failing a breathalizer. The charges were later upgraded to impaired driving causing death and causing death with a blood alcohol of more than 0.08. A Dodge Ram, driven by Chohan — father of two daughters with a third child on the way — had side-swiped a Mazda before crashing into the BMW driven by Francis Pesa. Pesa and his girlfriend Christina Quach were driving the BMW on

Metis Trail N.W. on New Year’s Day 2014 to pick up food for his family. Pesa and his family had just returned from the Philippines, where he had spent a month visiting and helping family following the devastating Typhoon Haiyan. The disaster killed thousands of people, including 40 of Pesa’s relatives. Pesa and Quach were rushed to Foothills Hospital. Medical staff tried to save Pesa but he succumbed to his injuries five days later. Chohan declined to address the court and showed no emotion as Pesa’s loved ones, many of them wearing T-shirts bearing Pesa’s image, took turns expressing how his death had affected their lives. “I have been handed a life sentence,” said Pesa’s mother, Grace Pesa, as supporters filling half a courtroom sniffled loudly

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and wiped away tears. Court heard that a bottle of Crown Royal was found in the passenger side of the Ram. Chohan’s blood-alcohol level was well over the legal limit. Quach was too distraught to attend court Thursday. But in a statement read aloud by a friend, she said she had lost her best friend. “I did not ever imagine that at my age I would have to watch the love of my life take his last breath and feel the warmth of his hands leave me.” Lian Tolentino, a close friend of Francis posted in her Facebook page, “We shared the most intimate moments of grieving that we never shared with anyone but did today simply because we needed the court to know just how devastating it has been to lose Francis, today we all bared our souls to the continued on page 13

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Main Ingredient

JANUARY 2015

PHOTOS BY MARK DUTKOSKI

January 2015

The Main Ingredient Featured Chef:

Tony Ballesteros Balintag By Marietta Pangan-Dutkoski

Savoury Entree:

Seafood En Papillote

Meet our next budding and making a name for himself featured Chef here at The Main Ingredient, Chef Tony Ballesteros Balintag. Chef Tonzz as fondly called by his friends and colleagues, is the second of 3 siblings. He was born and raised in the northern Philippines, Mateo, Isabela. Chef Tonzz inspiration to cook even when he was young was his mother. His career started 2006, overseas as a steward in a prominent golf club. As short as 6 months, our featured chef receive promotion as cook in an Italian restaurant. Chef Tonzz owed his culinary skills and talent to his mentor Chef Emiliano Bernasconi who took him under his wings. His success soared after and he became part of the preopening team of an international chain hotel. Chef Tonzz then continue working abroad and that includes places such as Turks and Caicos where he had a pleasure cook ing for the rich and famous, celebrities and several influential business people. Just before left for Canada , he still shared his skills and talents part of the Kitchen Team as the Chef de Partie in one of the well know pizza chain in Manila. Currently working at Aristocrat at International Avenue, SE he is on his way to become Kitchen Supervisor in the new branch the restaurant will be opening in downtown Calgary. If you want to enjoy more of his food and cooking, visit Chef Tonzz at the Aristocrat Calgary, 17 Avenue SE.

Ingredients: 15 Mussels 15 g Squid 15g Clams 15 g Salmon (cut in cubes) 15g Prawn 1/2 teaspoon Shallots 1/2 teaspoon Ginger 1/2 teaspoon Garlic 2 pieces medium Tomato, sliced 1/2 cup clam broth 1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce 15 g Enoki Mushroom

PROCEDURE 1. In a bowl mix squid,clams,salmon,prawn,shallots,ginger,g arlic,slice tomato,fish sauce,salt and pepper. 2. Put the mixture on parchment paper. Add the seafood mixture and the clam broth. Note: Parchment paper=fold the edges tightly in 1/4 inch folds to create a half moon shaped. 3. Baked for 12-15 minutes. Add the enoki mushroom after cooking and chopped parsley. 4. Serve hot Yield: 4 servings Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Savoury Entree:

Marinated Crab Meat in Baked Wonton Basket Ingredients: 150 grams Crab Meat 20 grams Fresh Chilli Pepper, sliced 20 grams Garlic 20 grams Ginger 15 pieces Baked Wonton Wrapper 10 grams Cilantro, chopped Salt and Pepper 3 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil PROCEDURE 1. Sautee garlic, ginger and fresh chilli pepper in oil. Let it cool and blend after. 2. Flake crabmeat and add the paste. Add the chopped cilantro and salt and pepper to taste 3. Baked the wonton wrapper by forming a basket in a cupcake tray. 4. Put the crabmeat mixture in the wonton basket and sprinkle more chopped cilantro Yield: 4 servings Preparation/Cooking Time 30 minutes

MORE RECIPES ONLINE Grilled Prawn with Quinoa Manila Clams Linguini Pasta

The Main Ingredient would like to thank: Aristocrat Restaurant Calgary for all the ingredients and they provided during the filming presentation and of Chef Tony Balintag’s cooking demonstrations. Address: 3460 17 Ave SE Calgary Contact: 403-452-7776 Web: www.aristocratcalgary.com

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Letters

JANUARY 2015

MadameKC “Madalas ang babae parang “Adobo”... hindi kumpleto pag walang toyo...” Dear Madame KC, Una sa lahat maraming salamat kung sakali mang mapili mo ang aking liham. Ako po ay isa sa maraming taga-subaybay ng Madame KC. Hindi man tayo personal na magkakilala ngunit nais ko na sana kahit dito man lang sa aking liham ay maparating ko sa inyo ang aking pasasalamat sa mga payo na naibibigay ninyo. Tawagin nalang po ninyo akong si Jaime, pwedeng Jimmy nalang din. Hindi ko na sasabihin ang aking buong pangalan o kung saan man ako dito sa Canada upang maproteksiyonan ko ang mga taong

Dear Jaime, Una sa lahat, ako ay nagpapasalamat sa ‘yong pagtangkilik at pagsuporta ng Madame KC. Totoo ang kasabihan na hangga’t di mo nakakasama ng matagal sa isang bubong ay hindi mo makikilala ang totoong pag-uugali ng isang tao.

pwedeng mabanggit dito sa aking kwento. Sa kasalukuyan, ako ay may asawa’t dalawang anak na kambal na babae. Bago kami kinasal ni misis eh kami ay nagtanan muna (highschool sweetheart kung baga). Dahil noon mga bagets na walang pera, nakitira kami sa basement ng aking mga magulang. Sa unang buwan ng aming pagsasama wala naman kaming naging problema. Siya ay malambing at maasikaso. Maliban sa reklamo ng aking asawa na noon ay gf ko palang na hindi nya kayang pakisamahan ang aking mga magulang. Natural mahal ko sya kaya naisip ko mahirap talagang makisama sa magiging biyenan

Muli mo sana s’yang kausapin at pag-usapan ng masinsinan ang inyong problemang mag-asawa. Lahat ng bagay ay madadaan sa mabuting usapan. Pakikinig at pagbibigayan lamang ang solusyon sa inyong problema. Naniniwala akong

lalo sa sitwasyon namin. Napilitan kaming mapatira sa bahay ng mga magulang niya. Pero higit na problema pala ang aking kakaharapin doon. Lumabas ang totoong pag-uugali ng aking asawa. Madalas pag-awayan namin ang pagseselos niya. Inaaway n’ya ako sa harapan ng nanay o tatay n’ya. Kaya naman nagpasya na akong pakasalan siya para mawala na ang lahat ng kanyang pagdududa sa aming relasyon. Pero sa pagkakataong ito, ako pala ay nakatapak na sa isang mas malaking kumunoy. Dahil kami ay magasawa na, mas dumami ang mga reklamo n’ya sa akin. Nariyan

mahal mo ang iyong asawa at mga anak, dahil hanggang ngayon ay nagtiis ka pa rin at pilit mong inaabot ang kaligayahan ng iyong asawa. Ipaintindi mo sana sa asawa mo na hindi ninyo kailangang makipagsabayan sa inyong mga kaibigan. Hindi importante kung anong meron sila o kayo wala.

na ang kailangan bumili na kami ng sariling naming bahay. Kasabay nito na dapat ay may bagong sasakyan at mga bagong kasangkapan sa bahay. Hindi naman kami nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral, wala rin kaming makitang magandang trabaho. Kaya kahit hindi kaya ng suweldo ay kinaya parin namin. Para hindi narin siya mapahiya sa kanyang mga magulang at sa aming mga kaibigan na noon pa man ay nakakaangat na. Lumipas pa ang ilang mga taon at kami nabiyayaan ng kambal na anak. Dito mas lalong naging materyosa na si missis. Bawat may bago sa aming mga kaibigan, gusto niya itong

Kahit kailan hindi mabibili ng pera ang kaligayahan. Mas importante ang pagmamahalan at maayos na pagsasama. Hindi rin naman masamang mangarap. Bakit hindi ninyo sabay pagsikapan para makamit ninyo ang inyong mga pangarap? Walang imposible

tapatan o mahigitan. Kahit hirap ako sa pagtatrabaho at baon sa utang, iinisip ko ginagawa ko yun dahil mahal ko siya at ang aming mga anak. Minsan, hindi ko na nakayanan ang hindi niya pagiging kuntento sa buhay. Kinausap ko siya na kung puwede ay mag hinay-hinay kami sa mga gastusin at hindi naman kalakihan ang aming suweldo at kahit anong gawin namin ay hindi namin kayang tapatan ang kung sino. Ito ay nauwi sa isang malaking argumento. Bigla nalang siyang nagwala at tinakot ako na kung sakasakali mang maghihiwalay kami ay sa kalye ako pupulutin. Dahil kahit isang

Jaime, nakatapos ka man o hindi ng pagaaral nasa pagsisikap at tiyaga iyan. Ikaw lamang at ang asawa mo ang makakasagot at makakaayos ng inyong problema. Huwag mo rin sanang kakalimutan ang ating Panginoon, S’ya ang mag bibigay ng gabay sa inyong magandang pagsasama.

kusing ay walang mapupunta sa akin. Hindi ko rin na daw makikita na ang aming mga anak. Sabi nga nila hindi mo makikilala ang isang tao hangga’t hindi mo ito nakakasama ng matagal sa iisang bubong. Mahal ko si Misis, ngunit sa mga ugali na pinapakita n’ya sa akin sa pagdaan ng maraming taon, pagmamahal parin ba o obligasyon na lamang ba ang nararamdaman ko sa aking asawa? Sana Madame KC mabigyan linaw ninyo ang aking isipan. Salamat, Jaime

Sana ako ay nakatulong sa’yo at umaasa na maging maayos na ang inyong pagsasama.

Hanggang sa muli.. Madame KC

“The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.” Send your email to madamekc@hotmail.com continued from page 07

Why do you need brake service

•Squishy, Less Effective Brake Pedal – If your brake pedal feels ‘squishy,’ meaning you have to press it down further than normal to stop, than you’re driving a dangerous, potentially deadly vehicle. If you’re ability to stop quickly is compromised

in any way, visit an auto shop today. •Pulling – If your vehicle ‘pulls’ to one side or the other while braking, then there’s likely an issue with the brakes. You may find that all the brakes need is some adjustment or additional fluid.

News In and Around

Citizenship Fees Hike

For the second time in a year, the Conservative If you recognize any government has hiked of these symptoms, it’s the fee it charges to make essential that you get into someone a citizen. The an auto repair shop right new price for processing away. Brake inspection is citizenship documents generally quick, easy and has been set at $530 as of Jan. 1, up from the cheap if not free. It’s not formerly new price set last worth the safety of yourself February 2014 of $300. and your passengers When citizenship to ignore these signs of processing fees were first increased from $100 potential brake failure.

to $300 in February, it was the first time since 1995 there had been a raise. Then, opposition politicians slammed the jump for appearing haphazard, arguing no specific justification was given for setting the new price. At the time, the government argued raising the fee to cover the full cost of processing would be going too far.

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“Increasing the service fees for grant and resumption applications to reflect 100 per cent cost recovery would have imposed too large a fee increase and too much hardship on applicants,” the department said in its analysis for that fee change. The new fee structure is in addition to the $100 continued on page 13

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JANUARY 2015

Metaphors from a Priest

Unity begins with a us By Fr. Edmund F. Vargas

January is the month when we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, praying for the cause of unity of all Christians and all peoples of good will from many other religions working together for the good of all humanity. As we reflect on Christian unity, we have to address our own respective sense of unity within our own respective churches. We cannot really speak about unity with other Christians when we don’t appreciate and exercise our own commitment to unity among ourselves as members of our respective communities. In turn, we can only speak about such commitment to unity in our community when we live the unity and peace that should characterize our personal relationships in our loved ones in our respective families. In the absence of this sense of unity, some people have decided to fashion a life of aloneness and loneliness to escape the hurtful experiences in community and companionship. In a way, we have learned to avoid relationships in order or avoid being hurt. We avoid reaching out. We avoid getting involved in the activities and programs because we want to be left to ourselves. But as Christians,

we have to reach out. Spreading the Good News is possible through our personal interaction with people. Like the original apostles who were chosen by Christ in our gospel today, we are sent to proclaim the Good News of peace, love and unity to all peoples, starting with our own families and communities. It is ironic that the major conflicts in our world today are related to religion. Religion, which teaches that we have to love one another, has become the cause of division and violence. Marriage and family, which most religions consider sacred, have become the venue for unspeakable physical, psychological and sexual abuse. Churches, which act as the guardian of sexual ethics, have become in recent years the respondent for sexual abuse crimes. Religion has become more and more the reason for terrorist activism. Unity, based on mere human efforts, is an illusion. Unity has to be referred to Someone beyond ourselves. The transforming power of Christian love is what can make our life in community bearable and even beautiful. As we come together for the Eucharist which is the sacrament of unity, let us be reminded that Christ’s love for all of us is the source of our unity and strength as God’s people.

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On The Threshold of the New Year will grow and grow. We will begin to understand that HE can do all things in us. In total simplicity and childlikeness, in faith , in a love that celebrates with an untarnished hope we can do it with determination and will. We can face the year without fear . We have the LORD with us in every midst of our lives, let us uphold each other in love and joy and in faith for HIM and for ourselves. Faith is a precious virtue we must have.

It is because our Almighty knows that we shall need it all through life. It is not easy to walk in faith but this is the only way that is open to us., when one can almost hear the world cracking apart with war, terrorism. Tragedies and killings and calamities, Be hopeful and trusting and remain to be the people of faith. The new year is ours to shape. What we need today is more prayers and

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concerns for each other. Be reminded that life is fragile so we must handle it with prayer. According to POPE FRANCIS- “The world seeks success, power and money GOD tells us to seek in humility, service and love.” We are weary of many things in life . We are seeking answers to our weariness in prayers for ourselves and for others. We believe prayers can change things. Prayers can soothe our spirit to go on and act. Prayers can eliminate our fears, Prayers help us to have closer connection to our creator and prayers can do the impossible things The year 2015 for all

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the Filipinos in the Philippines is a blessed and meaningful year. It is because we are given a precious gift from the lord for the coming of his holiness POPE FRANCIS to bless us, to show us the example of a truly faithful servants and to share us his words of love and wisdom. We are sincerely grateful that his visit in our country will inspire and uplift everybody more, to be truly Christian in words and in action, to be humble, to extend simple act of kindness to everybody, to give love and service to the poor, to the needy, and to the helpless and most of all to spread peace and instill

the gospel of the LORD. To have greater faith in HIM in every aspects of life. It is the only faith within us that we can rely on to this life. Let us ask our LORD to guide our thoughts and actions, to place life in HIS hands to relinquish to HIS will and HIS goodness. Let us seek to be an instrument to all those who cross our path. Let us keep on the fight to be right, to win at all costs and relinquish our fate to the LORD, to HIS greatness and to HIS love for every human being. Let this prayer be in all the midst of our daily life endeavors

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LORD, I place my worries, cares and troubles into your hands….. LORD, I place my path, direction and my goals into your wisdom. LORD, I place my life into your love and mercy. . A BLISSFUL AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!! WELCOME 2015 !

Seniors Corner

JANUARY 2015

Better Hope Better Life By Precy Atienza

Life is but a dream, dreams that each and every one of us wants to attain something in our lives. Since we were young everyone needs an inspiration, to gain confidence so that all aspirations that we need will be fulfilled in our journey. Each and every one had a path to consider in our lives. The ups and downs, which we had challenged in our lives. We need to reflect all the good deeds that we had done to our fellowmen it’s a feeling that you’ve been a part of it. We need to give a little of ourselves by sharing with them the love and joy, and happiness, consider all the memories in the past,

because the past makes us strong and calm. Everything we did in our fellowman is a success in our lives and everything we do is an inspiration for us. Because life is too short let us make our lives be fruitful and enjoyable. We need to maintain our physical and mental health by socializing, make more friends, relatives, and talk to the community agencies. Reflect upon your present blessings which everyman/ woman has many, not on your past misfortune all have some. Because we are a creation of God. We need to reflect, the divine qualities of creativity and love. Wisdom comes from reflection, the outer

world is a reflection of our inner selves. The future lays before you, it’s like a field of driven snow. As a senior we need time to think to read many things because reading is the foundation of wisdom, we need to be aware for our community so that we can have the opportunity to help others. The future lays at hand of the leadership of the community for every step that a leader does, it is the success of the life of the association. Despite the facts that aging affects all of us, there are also negative attitudes towards older people. The reality is that older people are fit, active independent and

Priscilla Atienza is the recent president of New Canadian Seniors Association in Calgary – NEWCASA. She’s been a writer and a poet in Filipino and English of the Manila Teachers Club and a master teacher of P. Burgos Elementary School. For the forthcoming issues, expect to read more about Senior’s association activities. Let’s welcome her!

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incapable of responding to our advance technological society. To be worthy in our society we must do interesting and more meaningful activities so that you won’t be bored example by joining seniors associations. Older adults have a lifetime of wisdom and experience who wants to use the skills and experience by joining art and music so that in that way you can create a very meaningful task in your life. There is a time for everything we do, to dream, to laugh, and time to give, love and to be loved because its God’s greatest gift to mankind. Let us be aware on everything we do that the dreams that we desire will be fulfilled for every step will show continuously in our daily life. Be worthy seniors. People are more valuable than objects, they deserve to be loved and treated with dignity, above all clothe yourself with love which binds everything in perfect harmony.

continued from page 10

Citizenship Fees Hike right-of-citizenship fee which gets returned if a citizenship application is not accepted. Anyone who applied for citizenship prior to Jan. 1 2015 will still pay the old fee. The opposition also said that it was unfair to hike fees when people were waiting years to receive their citizenship; at the end of 2013, the

backlog of cases was close to 400,000 cases. But with the new fees comes a promise by the government that they’re making headway on cutting through the pile. The department says wait times for new citizens will fall to under 12 months at some point in the next fiscal year.

continued from page 07

Francis Pesa’s

First Trial Hearing Case against Drunk Driver Kulwinder Singh mercy of the court and shared details.” Pesa’s three brothers and friends painted the picture of a happy, athletic young man, always the designated driver for his friends, who was about to start business studies at SAIT and was planning a future with his girlfriend. Many are still struggling with their loss. Outside court, Grace Pesa told reporters she felt disappointed by the day’s events. She said she had reached out to

Chohan for a private meeting but he did not accept the invitation. She called him a coward. “He should have thought of his children, his mother, his family,” she said, “This is so preventable, so preventable. Again, I’d like to re-emphasize, I’m not against drinking. Just don’t drive.” The Crown is seeking a three-year sentence and a five-year driving prohibition. A sentencing date will be set January 26.

continued from page 05

Footprints and Dots Every town and city has their 400-700 old structure that are fascinating to wander around. From the bell tower to the holiest of holy part of the altar. Even the facade and the inside, definitely feast on the eye of each visitor. If finding old structures/ museum is something you are fond of, this is definitely a small amount to devote your time. Note: As there hundreds of the old churches, kindly search them base on the town or city you are planning to visit. His Holiness Pope Francis Visit to the Philippines 2015- Being roughly 85% of the Philippines are practicing Christians and most are Catholics, the visit of head of the Catholic Church with no less than the Pope himself, is one of the biggest deals since its announcement in June 2014. If my senses serves me right, it maybe compared to the Olympics of the

Filipino faith. Several Popes have visited the country and all are equally important in the past, however, this recent has a deeper sense of meaning among Filipinos as the people’s Pope announced that he included the areas of Tacloban and Palo in Leyte, two of the most devastated areas during the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the central Philippines in His itinerary. Since the beginning of January, both the church and state devoted time, money and human resources to prepare for the Pope’s arrival. The visibility of order are also in place among men in uniforms. Most Catholics, have devoted long hours of their time volunteering as ushers or marshals in several points of stops where His Holiness will celebrate mass or parade will take take place. The entire country is getting the dry run on how to keep

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the devotees and participants organize and disciplined as well. From the heightened security at the international airport to the per hour announcement in the media, the country is getting so called Pope Fever’. Even q public offices and schools and of course the parishes all over the archipelago. For most of the Filipinos, being part of this celebration is Faith in Action and devoting few hours or few days of their time cannot be compared to the reward of having a close encounter with the holy of hollies and practicing feeding their spirits. Therefore, whether in a short glimpse or a lifelong practice, Filipinos are generally devotees and you will encounter in every corner. So, respect and value what they believe in, even if if it make sense to you or not to enjoy the journey and experience.

JANUARY 2015

Ymor or Less

More thoughts for less talk

FILCAHRA

Christmas Party: Way to go Kabayan! By Ymor H. (aka Romy Honorio)

More than 500 young and old Pinoys filled the Highwood Memorial Centre in High River for the 2nd Annual Filipino-Canadian High River Association (FILCAHRA) Christmas Party on December 27th. When Diaryo Filipino staff settled in to their table, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly festive thanks to the number of people, foods on the table, wall decor, and the gifts under the tree, colourful balloons, and friendliness of the crowd. First few minutes I wondered how the officers of FILCAHRA managed to pull off such an amazing event. Looking around, it made perfect sense to me. The set up was executed well. All the officers were busy doing their respective responsibilities. Everything went as planned.

Highlights of the party included giving away gifts. Some of the major prizes included iPads, sacks of rice, an MK bag, a 50” LG Flat Screen TV, and a round trip ticket to the Philippines. Both the adults and children’s games were hilarious. The food was excellent. Catching up with old friends and making new ones made the evening worthwhile. A touching moment of the evening was the presentation of the officers singing of Christmas carols. Donations received were given to Rowan House in High River. Driving back to Calgary some observations surfaced (as always). Tickets were not sold to members yet the group was able to give away gifts worth thousands of dollars. However, members

were encouraged to bring their share. Sponsors (including Diaryo Filipino) attested to the fact that the group is one worth supporting. Their effort in putting the interests of members first was best exemplified by the event. The many years I have lived in Calgary I have never been to a Pinoy Christmas party of this kind and magnitude. The event was simple and hilariously filled with memories for everyone. FILCAHRA exemplified the true spirit of Christmas by giving away joy, hope and gifts to each member. With only two years under its belt FILCAHRA was able to provide holiday joy and an unforgettable experience. Way to go kabayan! Romy Photos

The choice is yours! By Ymor H. (aka Romy Honorio)

“Right after graduating from high school Tatay wanted me to be a school teacher.” Marylou was sharing her dad’s wish for her many years back in the Philippines. “What was the reason?” I implored. “He told me that I would be set for life if I taught”, was her reply. “He indicated that when I get older (wrinkles on my face and hands) the bank will replace me for younger people. So, it will be hard for me to get employed again.” She added. Quite reasonable, I said to myself. Marylou is a nice, pleasant, pragmatic and intelligent woman who immigrated to Canada several years ago with her family. Her career experience in the Philippines was good enough to land her a job she always wanted and was happy to do. “You ended up working in your town’s Rural Bank, right?” I was confirming her story. “I told Tatay I respected his opinion. I went to Manila to finish my education,” She said. “I guess

Tatay was so upset when he found out that I studied finance and accounting to pursue my dream job with a bank.” Marylou was stubbornly smart. After many years of hard work, the position of bank manager was given to her. Along the way with her business acumen, she was able to put up and operate other business interests in town. Weeks before immigrating to Canada, her Tatay realised the merit of letting her decide for her future. Now, she manages a store in one of the busiest establishments in downtown Calgary. Unlike other parents, Marylou was very supportive of her kids’ career interest. She set an example of how important choice is for one’s life and destiny. With her mentoring I am confident her children will be prepared with what their career life has store for them. Then there was a time when I was at a young parents’ gathering. One couple was happy bragging

about how their child was following their footsteps. The other couple was frustrated that one of their children went astray. In the course of our sharing time it occurred to me how important it is for us parents to help and support our kids to gain the skills and knowledge they need to survive the challenges of tomorrow. Our role is to prepare and equip them holistically. The foundation of this preparation is the process of making responsible choices (decision making). And responsible choices are hinged on one’s belief system. The evidence of believing in God is compelling and life changing. Have you heard of Manny Pacquiao’s bout with God? The evidence of not believing God can be morally inept, exhausting and wavering lifestyle. 2015 is now with us. The best gift we can give to ourselves, children and family is the gift of choice that is reflective of our belief in God.

2015 a year of more loving and giving! It was the morning of December 13, 2014 and five below zero outside. Snow was an inch-thick in the parking lot. The orientation room was cozy and no questions were asked after the 15 minute session. About 50 people, including our group, were led to the processing facility. The lady in a red apron gave another round of instructions before we begun our task. Three job categories were spelled out. First was pre inspection. The person assigned at that station separated donation ($) and card envelops from the shoe boxes. Second station was final inspection. Three individuals made sure the contents of the box had the allowed items. The third task was taping. I’m a pro at taping. My office record for “red taping” many years back in the Philippines was...well...never mind. I was situated roughly 15 meters away from the packaging area manned by a man and a woman. For every minute on average, 10 taped shoeboxes were placed on the conveyor belt then into the waiting hands of volunteers.

The processing of shoeboxes went well in the first thirty minutes. Quick familiarity of the steps and procedures made our job easy. The background Christmas carols brought strength and joy to everyone. Halfway through our 3-hour volunteer shift at Samaritan Purse, the man at the packaging area tapped my shoulder. I was reminded to tape the boxes well. One side of the box he was holding was not properly taped. I smiled and said, “Ok, thank you for informing me.” The fun went on. A moment later the lady advised me to make sure I did not tape over the label. That, I could do. Twenty minutes before our shift ended, the lady again approached me and instructed me to patch boxes that had holes as mice tend to find their way in them. “Wow!” was I the star taper? Were they watching me the whole time? It seemed all the mistakes fell on me. Maybe because I was the oldest black hair guy in the group. The rest of my group wondered,

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too. I told them, “This is the consequence of my being a red tape expert.” All of us LOL! Oh, well! I let it pass knowing that I was there to volunteer and open for new task and information that will help me do my job properly. We were in the parking lot ready to head off with a sense of accomplishment when it dawned on me how blessed Canadians are. This year more than 600,000 shoeboxes in Canada were processed for children less fortunate all over the world. What a rewarding and warming feeling to be part of this initiative. We were warm in spirits. We gave our time not because we were expecting for something in return. We all left the place with a renewed understanding and appreciation of the importance of love in action. As the sayings go,” it is better to give than to receive” and “You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving!” Let us make 2015 a year of loving!

Travel & Adventure

JANUARY 2015

Travel & Adventure

Photos & text by Lito de Jesus

Barbados

Surprising Sophisticated Colorful vegetation and turqouise blue Caribbean sea

Fishing boat near the fishing village

Sunny blue sky and temperate climate all year round punctuated with colorful vegetation, architectures and friendly environment is what describe this small island in the Caribbean. Barbados is well known for many as a sun and beach getaway primarily due to its comfortable temperature having just above 75% humidity and average daytime high of 30°C. Located just north of the equator, the north east trade wind provide a cooler and refreshing temperature makes it great for tanning. Getting around this island is quite easy though the roads are narrower much like nearby islands, it is almost flat and very few areas are only slight steeps. Though most of the travels can be done using a bicycle or a motorcycle, it is discouraged because of tight 2 lane roads and just enough for 2 vehicles to go through. Riding a bicycle could be very dangerous. The housing market in

the island varies and not as prevalent as the land where the house is situated. By surveying the neighborhood, it is common to see old houses and one might judge it as substandard condition standing right beside a million dollar mansions. It is not much of the building that has much of value but the land especially on the ocean front could be worth not much less than the mansion beside it primarily to its location. Foreigners will gobble them up and will pay premium to any house right beside the shore tear them apart and build their dream home. Fishing villages is one of the major attractions for the locals and for visitor in the island. On the weekends, it is bustling with activities and hundreds come to enjoy fish fry and many local and traditional delicacies with island music add to the ambiance for a memorable evening out. Oistin is the most popular to delve into Barbadian culture. Education is fashioned

Passengers in precarious situation in Speighstown village

St. Johns Church

after the British system and it’s provided free of charge on all levels i.e. primary, secondary and tertiary. Attendance is strictly enforced bringing their literacy rate to 98% - one of the highest in the world. Island lifestyle is very affordable and simple; you can get by with very minimal clothing as one requires only summer clothes. The cost of goods and food items are somewhat higher since most stuff has to be brought in from the US mainland and some from Europe. It costs an average 3 to 10% more and some are double than what we pay for majority of goods. The most expensive item in the island are cars, it is not uncommon to see a

typical US made sedans costs twice as much. The cost of shipping and tariffs drives the prices to almost unaffordable level for many. Dining in the restaurants always costs a lot more mainly they cater to tourists. For the locals, it is often unaffordable. Typical 3 course meal would costs an average $75.00USD. For the same dish in the US would cost around $30.00USD. A great thing living in the island is you can plant your own vegetable garden all year round and you can go fishing, or you can go to the fishing village to buy your own fish to cook at home. There are many famous Bajan (Barbadian) that

Speighstown fishing village

put Barbados on the map. My short list of some of the notable Bajans are: Rihanna (singer, songwriter), Rayvon (singer) Jackie Opel (musician) Alan Emtage (inventor of the first search engine but did not patent it). If sun destination is on your must of see places this winter, Barbados should be one of them. For the adventurous soul, definitely there are endless activities such as parasailing, zip lining, trekking, and scuba diving to name a few. And much definitely for romantic escapade, there are

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several over the top luxury hotels, a room with a view of the Caribbean Sea with a room enough to party with 50 people, will set you back daily around $6,000.00 to $10,000 at Sandy Lane Hotel. As I passed through some of these hotels and found out their rates on my search for future accommodation, I reconfigured my search criteria –I can rent an apartment for a month for half of that and I could enjoy everything the island offers for a lot less but without the view of the sea.