2017 January Issue

FCM

Health | Family | Career | Business | Community | Inspiration IDEAS INSIGHTS IMPACT

January 2017 filcanmagazine.com

$2.99

Filipino Canadian Magazine

A LESSON ON ADVERSITY Michael Siervo

A FILIPINO YOUTH’S PERSPECTIVE Nicole San Gabriel

FIVE TOXIC FILIPINO MINDSET Abel Pagaling

Entrepreneurs GUEST CONTRIBUTORS: STEPS TO ENJOYING HOME-OWNERSHIP David Robinson

COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING Mark Kolke

BUYING A BUSINESS: SHARE VS. ASSET PURCHASE

Mydene Cuevas

FIVE TIPS FOR TAX SEASON

Caroline Battista | FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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CONTENTS FEATURES:

HEALTH

16 35

Stay Motivated and Achieve Your Fitness Goals for 2017! | Gelyne Cayetano Five Toxic Filipino Mindset That Holds You Down | Abel Pagaling

FAMILY

30 The Steps to Enjoying Home-Ownership | David Robinson 31 The Lifelong Learner: Professional and Personal

27 Estelita Garbino

Development | Judianne Jayme

CAREER

29 Building Resilience | Cornelia Bota 32 Chasing Your Dreams, Finding the Right Career for You | Marie Joy Lomboy 33 5 Simple Tips to Prepare for Tax Season | Caroline Battista

24 Mydene Cuevas

BUSINESS

13 “Me” Inc. | Ariell Xavier Arevalo 14 Filipino Canadian Brings New Excitement to Canadian Winter Sports | Cheryl Madriaga

28 Dave and Roxanne Obiso

34 Buying a Business: Share vs. Asset Purchase | Mydene Cuavas COMMUNITY

7 FCM’s Successful Magazine Launch in Calgary | FCM 12 Communication Is Everything It Is Supposed To Be | Mark Kolke 18 A Youth’s Perspective: The FCM Formula | Nicole San Gabriel 36 TFCC’s Successful 2016 Gala | FCM

25 Matthew Antolin

INSPIRATION

10 Brewing a Lesson on Adversity 4

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Through a Cup of Coffee | Michael Siervo

22 Adobo Experience

Message from FCM What It Takes To Become a Successful Entrepreneur

It’s easy to marvel at what successful entrepreneurs have achieved.

We praise and congratulate them. We admire their accomplishments.

But to become a successful entrepreneur is a difficult process.

When we look at a successful entrepreneur, the achievement we see is the tip of an iceberg. Look below the surface, and you’ll see sacrifice after sacrifice, stress, conflict, unpredictability, debt, and always being on your toes. As an entrepreneur myself, I’ve experienced this firsthand. I’ve talked to many entrepreneurs, and they always tell me, “It’s not easy,” especially if you’re just starting.

So what does it take to become a successful entrepreneur?

After doing numerous interviews on this subject, reading books and magazines, listening to successful entrepreneurs, and reflecting on my experience, here are nine things I suggest are needed to become a successful entrepreneur: 1. STRONG BELIEF: You have to believe in what you’re doing. No one else will believe it for you. If “desire is the starting point of all achievements,” according to Napoleon Hill, then “strong belief” is what makes achievements possible. It’s your belief that will spill over to your partners, investors, your team, and most importantly, to your customers.

2. THINK LONG TERM: Success is a series of small steps done correctly over an extended period. For entrepreneurs, it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a monthly, weekly, daily, hourly process. Your patience will be tested. Your resources will be stretched. People in your team will come and go. Results come very slow at times. Prepare for the long haul 3. EMOTIONAL STRENGTH: As an entrepreneur, your emotional strength is more important than your mental or IQ strength. There will be setbacks, conflicts, missed opportunities, and mistakes (lots of them) as you figure out the path ahead. These will take emotional toll on you. You’ll need emotional strength to pull through time and time again.

7. LOOK FORWARD: Entrepreneurs are forward thinkers. They see the potential of what their business could become long before everyone else sees it. Unfortunately, setbacks, pressures, mistakes, distractions, and criticism can often take an entrepreneur’s eyes of the target. Avoid distractions. Stay steady and always look forward.

8. WORK HARD: Starting a business is like giving birth to a child. It requires hard work to raise one, particularly in the beginning. You need to roll up your sleeve and get to work. Here’s a business advice that stuck with me: “Don’t expect 100% result for 10% effort”. To build a successful business, there’s no substitute for hard work.

9. BUILD YOUR TEAM: Last but not least, build a strong team! To have a successful business that can expand and grow, you need a strong team. Building a team is full of personal growth opportunities.

You will learn from your team, and they will learn from you. Learning is an essential part of growth, in life, and in business.

Entrepreneurship is not easy, but NOT impossible. If you’re employed now, it’s because someone started the company you’re working for. If others can do it, I’m positive you can too.

Enjoy our second issue, and have a great 2017!

Abel Pagaling CEO FICA Media Inc.

Photo Credit: Armand Flores

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ictionary.com defines an entrepreneur as, “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.”

4. SEEK HELP: No one does it alone. Your time, energy, and resources are limited. As an entrepreneur, I had to accept that I don’t know everything and can’t do everything. I need help. To grow a business, seek help from those who can assist you, and seek often.

5. PLAN, BUT EXECUTE MORE: Without execution, plans are just daydreams. Successful entrepreneurs have a “just do it” mentality.

That’s how they deliver results. The faster you execute, the faster you learn. The faster you learn, the fewer mistakes you’ll make moving forward.

6. EMBRACE RESPONSIBILITY: Don’t pretend to be an entrepreneur.

People who say they’re entrepreneurs but don’t work hard or do what it takes to meet their goals are just pretending. If you’re an entrepreneur, embrace all the responsibilities that come with it.

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FCM One-on-One

Kelvin Dela Pena - PBA Player Founder of Rise Up Hoops

Yves Philidor - Muay Thai Coach

FCM FCM – Filipino Canadian Magazine PUBLISHED BY | Fica Media Inc. EDITOR | Abel Pagaling CO-EDITOR | Annabelle Cayetano Pagaling MAGAZINE DESIGNER | Eric Cordero COVER FEATURE CO-DESIGNER | Hanes Anotado PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNERS | PROFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY with: Armand Flores Sam Flores www.profoliophotography.com CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE | Michael Siervo, Mydene Cuevas, Caroline Battista, Abel Pagaling, Judianne Jayme, Mark Kolke, Ariell Arevalo, Cheryl Madriaga, Gelyne Cayetano, Nicole San Gabriel, Cornella Bota, David Robinson, Marie Joyce Lomboy Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in FCM are not necessarily the views of the publisher. To submit an article to FCM, Email: info@filcanmagazine.com.

Submissions will be considered.

Janus Pinca - President of Modtech Global Canada

Jerry Caingcoy - Founder of The Filipino Champions of Canada

FICA MEDIA INC. Suite 300, 160 Quarry Park Blvd SE Calgary, Alberta T2C 3G3 Toll free: 1-888-844-1633 Filcanmagazine.com info@filcanmagazine.com Facebook: facebook/filcanmagazine Twitter: @filcanmagazine Instagram: @filcanmagazine CEO | Abel Pagaling COO, CFO | Eric Cordero EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR | Vicky Cordero SOCIAL MEDIA ADMISTRATOR | Annabelle Pagaling ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Juvanie Cabbab Bowen BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM | Brent Anotado, Hanes Anotado , Armand Flores, Ning Becada Vicky Cordero, Flory Daloos, Marietta Pangan, Allan Sergio Isidoro VIDEO ADMINISTRATOR | Jonathan Cordero

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Jeff Angeles and George Maliwat Co-founders of Adobo Experience

Phone: 1-888-844-1633 advertise@filcanmagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, email: info@filcanmagazine.com 1 year: $38.50 (GST not included)

FCM is published 12 times a year. Written consent must be obtained from the publisher to reproduce any of the content.

Conrado Lorenzo and Jay Devera Owners of Guaranteed Auto Care

To read their story please visit www.filcanmagazine.com

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FCM’s Successful Magazine Launch in Calgary, Alberta!

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ur first issue, LEADERS and MOVERS, was launched successfully on November 12, 2016 at Country Hills Toyota!

We’ve come a long way since May of this year when we first introduced our website and Facebook page.

It’s remarkable what we can accomplish when we have the vision, knowledge, plan, execution, teamwork, and most importantly, passion for making an impact in the community!

The launch became a reality because of teamwork and collaboration with four key partners – PUSTURA, PROFOLIO Photography, Country Hills Toyota, and TFCC – The Filipino Champions of Canada. We want to especially recognize the following individuals and organizations who made our launch possible:



Jenefer Ayunan Padilla and Hanes Anotado of PUSTURA clothing line (www.lovepustura.com), for the beautiful dresses worn by our featured ladies on the magazine’s front cover, and for the fabulous fashion show they put together to help us with our launch and fundraising event for the FCT – Filipino Champions Talk Youth!

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BA Production’s Mr. Brent Anotado for the promotional videos for FCM and the overall set-up and production of our launch event!



Armand and Sam Flores of PROFOLIO Photography (www.profoliophotography.com) for the amazing photos for the front cover of the magazine. Armand and Sam also donated amazing photos for exhibition at the launch event.



Mr. Michael Bickert, for contributing a very inspirational and insightful article titled, “Beaten, But Not Defeated.”!

Thank you!

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Country Hills Toyota (www.chtoyota.com) – for allowing us to hold our grand launch of the magazine in their beautiful showroom! Country Hills Toyota is a big supporter of the Calgary’s Filipino Canadian community!

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Mr. Matthew Antolin, a.k.a. Acetrife (www.acetrife.com), thank you for the incredible magic you performed at our launch! You truly are one of the best!

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Mr. Alan Sergio Isidoro – for playing a key role in the setup of Country Hills Toyota and for being one of our emcees of our launch event

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Mrs. Anna Pono, who was our other emcee at FCM!

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Mary Kate Aquino and Berlyn Asparo for performing at our launch event.

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Mr. Michael Siervo, for giving a very inspirational keynote speech!



Mr. Jerry Caingcoy, founder of TFCC and Mr. Kiko Celis, TFCC Director, for their excellent speeches!



Mr. Franz Lorenzana, our DJ at our launch event!

Continue next page...

Photos by Profolio Photography

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

For all the attendees, photographers, and volunteers who took part at our launch event, thank you!

Please let us know how we can collaborate with you in the future. Email: info@filcanmagazine.com



Diaryo Filipino and Marietta Pangan for featuring FCM under the Community News section of the December Issue.



Last but not least, thank you to our first featured individuals and contributors! Your stories and insights will be forever part FCM’s journey! Keep shining and keep inspiring!

We want to thank the following establishments for their support in distributing our magazine! Thank you for your support!

You can purchase a copy from our pick-up locations.

Calgary   

  

Tatak Pinoy 26 Midlake Blvd. SE , Calgary AB T2X 2X7.

(403-244-8083) Smart Choice Suite #102, 909 – 7 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1A5.

(403-500-4999) Adobo Experience (3 Locations) 7-3745 Memorial Dr. SE Calgary. (403-984-8400) 4303 17th Ave. SE Calgary. (403-475 9188) 2770 Glenmore Trail SE Calgary. (587-437-5147) Loriz Bakery (2 Locations) 13-8330 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary. (403-278-8660) 25-2525 Bridlecrest Way SW, Calgary. (403-256-8604) Roc’s Grill Unit 311, 2525 Woodview Drive SW, Calgary.

(403-891-5158) Remedy’s RX 5268 Memorial Dr NE, Calgary, AB. (403-455-8139)

To purchase a copy of our first issue, email info@filcanmagazine.com, along with your full name, phone number, and your complete mailing address.

Again, this has been an incredible journey!

It’s only going to get better from here! But to make this happen, we need your input. You can help us by sending an email to info@filcanmagazine.com and tell us what you think about our magazine.

Thank you once again. I hope you enjoyed our first issue, “LEADERS and MOVERS.”

Abel Pagaling CEO FICA Media Inc.

* If you want to partner with us and be on our pick-up location list, email us at info@filcanmagazine.com

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Photos by Profolio Photography

On behalf of the FCM team,

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Inspiration

Brewing a Lesson on Adversity Through a Cup of Coffee

By Michael Siervo

I

have always believed that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. Our perspective and how we handle adversity will greatly affect the quality of our life. Currently, we live in a very divisive world where both mental and physical walls are being built. Political, cultural, and social differences have created a chasm so wide that understanding, respect, and perspective will be the foundation of any effective bridge.

In business as in life, your perception is your reality and if we were to create a bridge of understanding it would begin with our own personal philosophies. These philosophies, or our own internal truths, are based on our point of view and how we perceive the world.

Most recently I spoke at the launch of the Filipino Canadian Magazine. I shared a story on how we can redefine our perception, and thus shape a different quality of life. As everyone in the world goes through their own struggles, I am always reminded of a story about overcoming adversity called “Are you a Carrot, An Egg or a Coffee Bean?” Here’s how it goes.

After a rough start to the year, a young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. School was difficult, the kids at school were mean, and she felt she didn’t belong. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. Life seemed like one problem after another. The constant fighting and struggling seemed endless.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and the last she placed ground coffee beans.

Without saying a word, she let them sit and boil as she continued to listen to her daughter. In about twenty minutes she turned off the stove. She took out the carrots and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in another bowl. Then she filtered the coffee into a cup. She then turned to her daughter and asked, “Tell me what you see?”

“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” the daughter replied.

The mother handed her daughter the carrots and asked her to describe them. She said that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and crack it on the counter. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to take the cup and sip the coffee. With a smile, she said she tasted its rich, flavourful aroma.

The daughter asked, “What’s the point of all this?”

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity, boiling water.

However, each reacted differently when exposed to it. Initially, the carrots went in strong, hard and firm. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg initially came in fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its soft liquid interior. Over time, the boiling water changed the egg and made its insides became hardened. However, ground coffee beans were unique. While being in the boiling water, the coffee was able to change it.

“Which are you?” she asked the daughter. “When you are faced with adversity, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?”

Think of this as we approach today’s problems, drama and adversity. Am I the carrot that seems strong initially but with pain and struggle do I wilt, become soft, and lose my strength?

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Am I the egg that starts with a soft heart but changes with the heat? Did I have a gentle interior, but after death, a break up, a financial hardship, or some other crisis, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very situation that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you rise up, get better and change the situation around you.

At a time when life seems bleak, and the circumstances around us seem grim, do you elevate and rise above the challenge? Does the situation change you, or do you change the situation for the better?

As I ended my speech, it dawned on me that those who took the time to attend were leaders. Many were a bunch of coffee beans whether they knew it or not. There were Filipinos in the audience that illustrated courage and moved to a new country in order to better their lives. There were some who might have been inspired for the first time and hopefully not the last. Some were there to change the very stigma that has held back the profile of the community and in many ways themselves. For some (including many Non-Filipinos) the perception of Filipinos was simply of a hard working culture of friendly people. However we were comprised of students, parents, business owners, immigrants, mentors and individuals who simply wanted more. Leaders or champions were a new moniker that they were on the cusp of adapting. The belief was there. The desire was there. Most of what is needed to overcome adversity was there.

Despite our best intentions and motivations, it is easy to allow negativity, hardship and the mundane issues of life bring us down.

Regardless, by reminding ourselves that changing our internal truths, our belief system and ultimately our perception of ourselves, we can rise up and all brew an inspirational cup of coffee called life! Life is tough nonetheless but I walked away with the utmost confidence that we were on the path to something great. Besides, isn’t it common practice to brew a Starbucks for a little pick me up anyways?

As they say, throw us to the wolves and we will come back leading the pack. Or in this case, a couple packs of delicious coffee beans! _____________________________________________________________________________ Michael Siervo Originally born in Toronto, Ontario from Filipino parents, Michael experienced first hand the challenges & successes of an immigrant family. He used his experience and the hard work synonymous to Filipinos as the platform for future success. With almost 20 years of financial services and business experience, he has held positions in several Fortune 500 companies. Michael became the first visible minority in Western Canada to hold a District Vice President title for one of the largest and oldest Financial Institutions in the world. While breaking the barriers, this paved the way for a younger generation of minorities to hold Director and Vice President positions. In addition, he has been the CEO of a private conglomerate that has had ventures in Automotive, Restaurants, Financial Services, Custom Clothing & Real Estate. In addition to his many entrepreneurial projects, he also sits on the Board of Directors for the Calgary Bridge Foundation For Youths and has been a benefactor to multiple philanthropic causes including the Michael and Vivienne Siervo Scholarship Fund.

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Community

Communication Is Everything It Is Supposed To Be

By Mark Kolke

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ommunication is easy!

or bridges.

Being understood, another matter.

It's hard to reach out to someone who is different. Communication across language and culture can be a difficult wall unless we treat those opportunities as doors to be opened.

Speaking on a stage, asking directions on street corners or answering questions at a job interview – we are all in the communications business.

Communication comes in two forms – effective and not effective; two more forms – one-way or two-way; two more forms – public and private. And a few more: communication, on public airwaves (TV, Cable, Satellite, Radio) print media (newspapers, magazines, junk mail) and the internet (websites, blogs, emails, SPAM) – all one-way communications – someone is shouting to get your attention, your eyeballs, and your business.

And, more communication – two-way kind, emails, texts, phone calls and talking with someone is, to quote Charles Dickens, “it is the best of times, it is the worst of times”.

That’s a lot of communicating – but is it effective?

Did we say what we wanted to say? Were we understood?

Were we heard clearly, were we cared about, did we matter?

These are important questions when parents talk to children, wives to husbands, when neighbors solve a problem, when businesses work together or compete, when preachers preach, and congregations congregate.

Where we break down most is in communicating with people who are different.

They look different, sound different, and we don’t know them.

The obvious – when people have a different first language, race, culture, and homeland.

Too often these commonalities keep us insular when we might otherwise build relationships, bridges and successes with others. This depends, I believe, on whether we build walls

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I’ve often seen these issues magnified when dealing with people with disabilities – a field I’ve spent a lot of time in over last thirty-five years, because speaking with someone with an obvious physical and/or developmental disability seems uncomfortable at first – not because it is scary or dangerous, but because we expect we will have trouble communicating. Taken further, think about communicating with a Canadian First Nations person, or a homeless person. Seems scary too, at first, until you’ve tried it.

So what about you? When someone is different – their culture, language, race, religion – do they see you as hard to approach, difficult to communicate with, or are they just uncomfortable?

The answer, for most of us, is ‘probably’. Until we take a step. Until we offer a smile. Until we offer a handshake, a nod, a “hello”.

Most people – whether they’ve lived here all their lives or they are newcomers, see themselves as ‘easy to get along with’. We all often perceive others as ‘difficult to communicate with.' Sometimes we are.

Sometimes not. We don’t know until we try.

Start with a smile, a nod. Then a handshake offered, a greeting offered, speak: “Hello, how are you today? My name is __________.

Could you help me please? Or, could I help you?” _______________________________________ Mark Kolke is a Calgary freelance writer, public speaker and real estate professional. He can be reached at kolke@markkolke.com or through his website: http://getospeak.com/ markkolke.html

Business

“Me” Inc.

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By Ariell Xavier Arevalo

id you know that you are already a business owner?

continue reading. As an employee, there are 2 ways to increase your income: Working more hours, and accepting a “But I am just an employee.” higher paying role. When you work more “…Sales is not for me.” hours, what it means is that you sell more “…I can’t be a business owner.” of your time to your customer (your “but I prefer to be an employee.” employer). There is nothing wrong with These are statements I hear over and over that, but just remember that we have 24 again from people who say they can’t own hours in a day, and not all of it could be used to work. When you accept a higher their own business or start their own business. I always say this: there is nothing paying position, usually this is done at the employer’s discretion and/or availability of wrong about being an employee. What the higher paying positions. In a typical most people don’t realize is that they are corporate structure, you won’t have the already in business. opportunity to be promoted every month.

What is a business? A business offers How else could you increase your income? solutions to problems for a profit.

The only other logical solution is to Restaurants solve people’s hunger for a profit. Apartment buildings solve people’s increase the number of people/customers you serve. A lot of people (myself shelter problems for a profit. These are just a couple of examples of business. You included) have worked a second or third job, meaning you sell your time and may say, “But I am employee! I am not a business person!”, but the truth is, you are expertise to a second and maybe a third employer. There isn’t anything wrong with CEO of your own company [Your Name this approach, but we have to realize that Here] Inc. most likely the only thing that will happen As an employee, you have one product, is that you will get tired from working long your time and expertise, that your hours, and if you have a family, there will customer (your boss/employer) purchases be adverse effects on your relationships for your hourly wage/annual salary. Once with them if all the time is taken away you get your head wrapped around this from them. concept, you will think of things a whole Aside from working at another job, how lot differently. Yes, you are already in sales, even if you say selling is not for you, else could you increase the number of your customers? Take this tip: Start a because if you are employed, you are business (if you haven’t started already)! continuously selling your time to your Even if it is from home. There are many employer, and especially in a tough business opportunities around that you economy, continuously proving that they could start part-time without quitting your still need your product (your time and job. By doing this, you are able to keep expertise). your existing employer (read: customer), If you work for only one employer (read: while gaining more customers on the side! customer), your business is running at a If you don’t know where to start, find an big risk. If your lone customer stops opportunity to sell a product/service you purchasing (read: fires you) your product are passionate about. Don’t worry if the (read: your time), then your business’s first opportunity doesn’t work out. 9 out of income suddenly stops. Would you agree 10 businesses fail within the first year, so that it is risky to open up a store with the my advice is fail often, and fail fast… until intention of just having one big customer? you find that business that could When I explain this to people I personally eventually allow you to bring in an income mentor, it creates a paradigm shift in the greater than your job. way they think.

Once you have your business up and Growing your business’s profits running, work on eventually replacing yourself so that your business could Would you like to increase your income? continue to run even without you present.

99.9% of you reading will say “YES.” If so, That topic is for another article.

Ariell Xavier Arevalo is happily married to his beautiful wife Lady Dyan Arevalo. Both Ariell & Dyan are semi-retired, meaning they work because they want to, and not because they have to. Both have been focusing their time on mentoring would-be business owners and investors, as well as serving as Senior Vice President of a growing Canadian financial services brokerage and having business interests in a local insurance brokerage. Ariell could be reached at a.x.arevalo@gmail.com.

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Business “Everyone was curious and wanted to try this cool, new product.”

Filipino Canadian Brings New Excitement to Canadian Winter Sports

By Cheryl Madriaga

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

W

hen we step out of our comfort zone, we learn to push the boundaries, exceed expectations, and grow in ways we never thought possible.

One year ago, I stumbled upon a new winter sports product. Ready to try something different, snowskating would soon become my new favorite winter activity.

I showed the product to my fiancé and Sled Dogs Canada Co-Founder, Jordan Davies.

After inquiring into where we could buy or rent snowskates, we soon found out that Canada did not yet have a distributor, as this product was just hitting the slopes in Europe.

Believing this could be the start of something big, we negotiated with the president of the company in Norway to begin distribution in Canada.

By becoming a distributor for the product, we got to try out the snowskates ourselves. I am not

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good at ice skating or rollerskating, so I was worried that I would have the same difficulties I had with snowboarding. My first years of learning to snowboard were filled with frustration, pain, and bruises. But snowskating was so easy! My first time taking them out to the mountains, I went down the hill with ease, and quickly started building confidence and having fun.

I didn’t think it was possible to embrace two winter sports, but snowskating definitely has its benefits. For one, the equipment doesn’t take up much room. On snowboarding trips, I was always the unlucky person who had to squish in the back with all of the gear.

Now, the only real gear I need is my snowskates on my feet – no more heavy equipment to carry and pack.

I can even walk around inside with my snowskates when it’s time to break for lunch.

I hated having to leave my board sitting outside, unsupervised and unsecured. You never want to come back outside after a meal and have your skis or your snowboard go missing!

Snowskating has also been a great way to stay active during the winter months. It is great for cardiovascular health, weight loss, and overall fitness. Plus, it’s so easy and fun that I often

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forget that I’m exercising, and time just flies by.

We couldn’t wait to get them out and have people trying them, so we started holding free demo events at local ski hills around Edmonton and Calgary. Everyone was curious and wanted to try this cool, new product – parents who wanted to snowskate with their children, adventurous people who wanted to try tricks and jumps, experienced instructors, and first-timers. The best part was everyone had fun, and the feedback was amazing!

We have many events, sponsorships, and possible partnerships planned for the upcoming winter season. With all of the positive feedback we have received, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Sled Dogs in the future. I’m so excited to be a part of introducing this new sport to Canada and the Filipino community. It just goes to show that if you open yourself up to opportunities, you never know what may come your way. So take risks and dream big! _____________________________________ Cheryl is from Calgary, Alberta.

She is a Co-founder of Sled Dogs Canada.

Sled Dogs Canada Email: canada@sleddogs.com www.snowskates.ca

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Health

Stay Motivated and Achieve Your Fitness Goals for 2017!

By Gelyne Cayetano

O

nce you’ve embarked on a fitness journey, it has no finish line. You keep going to maintain your health and to stay active.

Whatever your reason might be to stay fit, making your way to the gym, doing a morning run or working out in the evening can be difficult.

It requires personal motivation.

The question is, motivated?

how do you

stay

Here are four ways that can help you.

1. Set goals that are important to you What are goals? Goals are ambitions to work towards and succeed on.

Before you start your fitness journey, always make sure you have a goal that you can clearly see yourself achieve within the next 3 or 6 months.

make and how far you will go to reach your goals. Do something that you can realistically do given your current life situation. Don’t create goals you can’t reach.

2. Have a fitness agenda If you’re busy and you find yourself juggling time for yourself, work, house chores, etc., or if you’re a parent, a student, or whatever life situation you’re in, write yourself a fitness agenda.

Time management and day planning is essential. If you can plan out what time you have to get up in the morning and be at work, you can plan out the time you will be exercising.

Losing track of time without an agenda is easy. Writing down your schedule each day can help you stick to your fitness plans. Do this consistently over time and fitness will become a regular part of your day.

It’s also important to ask how you will accomplish your goals.

3. Make your health a priority

Make your goals meaningful so you can stay focus on achieving it.

Work, school, your favorite TV shows these can be important to you, but make your health a priority.

When you set your goals, know that it won’t be easy to achieve them. Be ready to face many challenges, sweat, and pain.

Have a focused vision of what you want to achieve every day - before you sleep and when you wake up. Think about your goal and repeat them in your head.

Tell yourself that you will reach them.

One mistake people make is that they set goals that are beyond their limits. Be realistic with your fitness goals. Think of your lifestyle and the changes you must

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Your health is always going to be with you. The last thing you want throughout your life is health complications. You can’t go to work if you don’t take care of yourself. You can’t take care of your family if you’re feeling sick or weak all the time.

When you realize that poor health is one of the leading causes of negative emotions, it’s time to do something about it. When you focus on putting your health first, the motivation to keep yourself healthy and fit will come easy.

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

4. Surround yourself with positive people who believe and inspire you Having individuals who surround you with positive vibes will help motivate you in accomplishing your goals.

There is this awesome spiritual feeling you get when you have people around you who truly believe in you. They cause you to find that courage to believe in yourself.

Their energy and support tell you you’re not alone. Just as they inspire you, the goals you accomplish will also inspire them. When they tell you that you have impacted them, it makes you want to keep moving forward.

I believe that not having positive people in life is the reason why most people fail.

If you don’t have people supporting you, you might not continue with your goals.

Having negative people around you can take away your motivation. That’s why it’s so important to be with the right people so you can stay positive.

We all want to become better. To do so, we need to be around people who will lift our spirit and truly make us feel great about ourselves. _____________________________________________ Gelyne Cayetano, fitness enthusiast, started her fitness journey on Oct 1 2014.She battled with being overweight.

She’s now lost 70 lbs. She’s a full time student and single mother with two kids. She loves to empower anyone around her especially those who are struggling or needing some guidance. Her journey helped changed her life. Her goal is to change people’s lives – to make them believe and achieve their goals.

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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Community

A Youth’s Perspective: The FCM Formula

By Nicole San Gabriel

F

ishball, Kikiam, Isaw, Betamax, Pugo, Sago’t gulaman..

It will help you grow in the new world this new country. Find support groups that make you strive harder and be better.

Yes. Who does not miss these foods that kept you satisfied to the last coin in your wallet? These were foods that kept you alive after a stressful week of school and extracurricular activities. These were the kind of turo-turo that suits either rain or shine

Support groups come in different sizes. The best support is from the closest people in your heart--your family. You should never feel afraid to tell your parents or siblings about how you feel.

No, it is not a sign of weakness rather it is a sign of strength.

Luckily, you have your favorite barkada to share these foods and memories with. The unending laughter and tears you shared with each other made every moment count. Traffic is not a big deal as long as you have your barkada with you.

But...oh yeah. You moved to Canada.

Welcome to the real world. Welcome to Canada.

What could possibly go wrong? You had good marks in your English subject in the Philippines. You prepared for this milestone in your life a couple of years ago, right? There’s nothing to be afraid of. You’ll be fine. Things will turn out great.

These were the phrases that kept me alive as I set my foot in this new place. A place where opportunities are found everywhere.

A place full of lessons to be learned. A place where you will get to know yourself better. A land of milk, honey and maple syrup.

A land with reachable stars.

Remember the times when you belittle yourself as you face the big opportunities ahead of you? Never do that again. You are here for a purpose. You are here because God has better plans for your life. You are here because you deserve to be here.

Coming to Canada was a tough journey, but how did I survive?

Well, as a teenager, living in this new country is neither a bed of roses nor a bed of thorns. It’s in between.

I had my ups and downs, but I always make sure to keep my focus straight on my goal. I always want to become a better version of myself. I always try to make every moment be an opportunity for me to learn greater things.

Good thing that I found the best formula to help me adjust.

Formula F-C-M. FCM does not just stand for the Filipino Canadian Magazine, but it also gave me the key to the door that leads to the betterment of myself. The acronym F-C-M will help recently immigrated youths adjust faster in this society.

Find Support. YOU. ARE. NOT. ALONE. This might be the most cliché, two-word advice that you will hear over and over again, but this is most effective.

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| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

Have the courage to speak up about your situation. At first, it might feel awkward, but you’ll feel better afterward. Your family will always be your number one fan as you run the race of life.

They will always want the best for you, so you can count on them!

Another support can be found in groups that share a common interest with you. I believe that people connect easily when they share a common thing between them.

If you like to perform, look for a group that focuses on performing arts. If you like to play sports, be part of a sports group. If you like to know God better, then join youth ministries.

There are a lot of support groups available for you. You just need to put your effort in finding one.

Speak up! These support groups will help you discover your capabilities and flaws. These groups will encourage you to climb the ladder that leads to your dreams.

Comfort

zone.

RELEASE yourself from your personal

bubble. Get out of your comfort zone.

There are so much more in you. I believe that every individual has their own strengths and weaknesses. I believe that when you are weak, then you are strong. These strengths and weaknesses can either be a pro or against you if it is used in a wrong manner.

Use your flaws as a motivation to strive harder, and use your assets to make yourself stand out.

In my high school, our principal taught us that we should never let ourselves be categorized as mediocre. He always tells us to never be afraid to try new things and to get out of our comfort zone.

In Canada, there is a never-ending list of opportunities for you when you decide to free yourself from your shell. You can join the school sports team. Be in the school band. Perform in a theater production. Be a part of the school fair. Be a mentor.

Volunteer with different organizations. Write an article. Be a model. Lead a ministry. Be a worship leader. Sing in the choir.

Get an honor roll certificate.

Name an opportunity, and you’ll have it in front of you! You just need to let yourself remove the “not” from “cannot” and make it a “can”! You can do it!

Manage

your time.

TIME is GOLD. Every second is

significant in an individual’s life. Always use your time in the best way you can.

I remember when I always tell myself that sleep is renewable, but grades are one-shot chances, so I slept for a maximum of 2 hours per day.

I can affirm that this is unacceptable because instead of getting good grades, I have suffered from mental blocks, uneasiness, and zoned-out mind.

Never deprived your health in exchange for good grades.

MANAGE your time wisely.

I know you have tons of schoolwork and tons of extracurricular works. We are in the same boat, but don’t forget to live your life.

Sometimes, we are so busy living the life we were expected to live, and we forget the life we want to live.

Be organized so you can balance your time with God, your family, your friends, and yourself. Theses are the components of the seesaw of life that we need to keep balanced.

First, spend time with God because faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God.

Another one is to spend time with your friends. You cannot survive all these stresses without having fun. Do not outcast yourself from the crowd just because you want to get good grades.

Share your thoughts and ideas with another person, and help each other to have the F-C-M formula.

Lastly, spend time with yourself. Rest, travel, or take yourself on a date once a year. Do this because you deserve it. You overcame your fears and anxiety caused by your adjustment to your new home. You deserve a treat for yourself. Give yourselves a pat on the back because you are amazing!

__________________________________________________________________ Nicole San Gabriel Nicole is currently in her 12th year in Sir Winston Churchill High School in Calgary. During her spare time, she focuses on spending time with her family more than anything else.

Nicole is one of the leaders of the youth ministry in The Way Christian Mission Fellowship church. She is also a part of the dance ministry where she showcases her love for God through dancing. Also, she volunteers under youth organizations such as Volunteer Churchill and Youth Central.

Nicole arrived in Canada in May 2015. She strongly believes that her faith in God and her family are the two most important influencers in her life.

By having faith in God, you’ll be able to trust Him, and He shall direct your path.

Also, spend time with your family because as you grow taller, your parents grow older. Show them that you love them in any way that is possible.

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

19

The Entre Dave Obiso

Mydene Cuevas

Matthew Antolin

PHOTO by PROFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY Make Up by Blend Beauty 20 | FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

Roxanne Obiso

epreneurs Ronaldo Nunag

George Maliwat

Jeffrey Angeles

Estelita Garbino

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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Photo by Profolio Photography

Founders of ADOBO EXPERIENCE Jeffrey Angeles, George Maliwat, Ronaldo Nunag and Don Simon Monte

T

Jeffrey connected with three of his friends and former coworkers – Ronaldo, George, and Don – to start their first restaurant at 17th Avenue northeast of Calgary, Alberta.

With very little capital – some borrowed from their credit cards – they opened a small restaurant in 17th Avenue SE Calgary. They worked hard, working full-time jobs, raising their families, and taking turns to “grow” their business.

“I saw the potential to start a business,” said Jeffrey. “I worked with an East Indian manager. If they can do it, I know we can do it. George and I met in our spare time, and said why don’t we start a business? We’re both hard-working, and we’ve worked in the restaurant. He said yes, let’s do it. So we started to look for a place.”

he founders of Adobo Experience immigrated to Canada to work as “kitchen helpers.” After a few short years, they took a gamble in the restaurant industry and started their own restaurant business in 2015.

Today, Adobo Experience has six restaurants – five in Alberta, and one in British Columbia.

They are one of the fastest growing Filipino owned chains in Canada. It is an amazing feat for these four individuals who were OFW’s – Overseas Foreign Workers.

“I came June 1, 2010, with an open work permit,” says George. “My wife came first then I followed her. I worked at the same restaurant as Jeff. That’s where we met. For three years I worked two jobs. During those times I only slept for 4 hours a day.”

“I arrived April 2011 as a contract worker,” says Jeffrey Angeles. “I was a cook at a restaurant. I worked there for one year. Then after I finished my contract, I worked for a pizza place. I worked there for three years.

That’s where I learned management skills.”

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Starting their restaurant wasn’t easy. Funding was a problem. The founders had to pull together their own funds to get started. In May 2015, they opened their doors to the public.

“It was tough,” says Jeffrey. “We were at the planting stage. There was a lot of work and many sleepless nights. Many times, we didn’t know if we can continue. But we persevered.”

Their perseverance paid off. Word spread quickly in Calgary of the new restaurant, drawing in Filipinos and Canadians customers.

Their first restaurant was a big success.

But the founders did not stop there. They wanted to grow and expand. After a few months, they opened a second restaurant in Calgary, drawing in partners to help fund and

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

run the new chain. A few months after that, they opened two more in Calgary, and then in Edmonton. They now have a restaurant in Fort St. John, British Columbia, and recently opened another chain in Red Deer, Alberta.

“We Filipinos have a worker mentality,” says Jeffrey. “But we have tools and experience to be business owners. We just have to do it.”

The founders of Adobo Experience are determined to continue growing their restaurant business. Adobo Experience is quickly becoming an established brand in Alberta’s Filipino community, and soon in Western Canada and beyond.

“Within five years, we want to be international,” says Jeffrey. “We want to showcase the authentic Filipino cuisine… If we managed to open four locations in one year, imagine what we could accomplish in five years if we have the right people.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, here’s what George has to say: “Have patience, work hard, and get started. If you want to get into a business, do it. Or you’ll be working forever. If you want to start, then start.”

To see FCM’s exclusive interview with the founders of Adobo Experience, visit filcanmagazine.com.

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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Mydene Cuevas Business Lawyer Entrepreneur

M

ydene Cuevas is a corporate commercial lawyer with a prominent firm in downtown Calgary. She was also an immigrant to Canada in 1989 along with her parents and two younger brothers.

Mydene attributes her stubborn determination and obstinate resilience from her parents, Dante and Myrna Cuevas. In particular, she credits her mother for not being able to understand the word “can’t”. One of the many instances Mydene’s mother exemplified perseverance was by attending evening classes at the University of Alberta and obtaining her Certified General Accountant designation while working as a part-time bookkeeper and caring for three young children. Rather than lamenting on how her accounting degree from the Philippines did not transfer, Myrna got down to work and earned another one instead.

Because Mydene was raised in an environment thinking she could do anything she put her mind to, she had the courage to try a lot of things. Some of the things she tried worked: she earned a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Alberta; she taught English for the Miyagi Board of Education in Japan for three years; she, along with her husband, Michael Manzano, owned an English as a second language school in Edmonton; she earned her law degree from the University of Calgary; and she has summited Mount Fuji in Japan despite her aversion to heights.

While some of the things she tried worked, it was in times of difficulty that her character was built and her perseverance strengthened. For example, in her first year of undergraduate studies, she thought she would make an excellent scientist, until she failed what everyone else said was the easiest biology course in the program. It was experiencing the difficulties and challenges of owning her own business that Mydene developed a great appreciation for entrepreneurs. She is passionate about her career as a corporate commercial lawyer because she was once a business owner, and as a former business owner, she wants to see her clients succeed.

Photo by Profolio Photography

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| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

Now parents of two young children, Mydene and Michael desire to instill the same spirit of determination, resilience, and gratitude that Mydene’s parents had instilled in their children. She hopes that one day when her children hear the word “can’t” their response is to say “why not” and then give it their very best to do what someone said they couldn’t. Even if they fail, in their failure she hopes they develop resilience and a strong character.

Acetrife - Matthew R. Antolin Close up Illusionist Acetrife Entertainment - www.acetrife.com

M

atthew started magic when he was 16 years old. When asked how he got into it, he said, “You don’t really get into magic; it gets into you.”

Growing up, he was inspired by the simplicity of the art, and at the same time amazed on how strong it impacted people in different ways. “Regardless of your age, race, religion, political background, rich or poor, there’s common denominator that all people have, and it’s that they all react,” says Matthew.

“That’s what’s powerful about the art. It crosses all boundaries. It affects people positively and makes people question.”

As an artist coming straight out of high school, Matthew got into the industry and tested all his materials on the streets, bus stations, and all over his school before performing professionally for corporations at the age of 18 years old.

“I started off self-taught; no books, no DVS, just pure inspiration and the support of a loving family and peers. As time progressed I learned the sleights of the art and applied it to everyday objects using the principles of magic, allowing me to build a stronger repertoire and be more diverse. It’s a never-ending journey with magic; you truly never master a trick. You just keep going.”

Matthew was discovered on the bus by an agent who owned an entertainment company. “He was blown away by the effects he saw me producing, simply because of the fact I was only doing it for two years.”

During his post-secondary years, Matthew performed and studied at the same time, eventually completing a Business program, majoring in Marketing – Management. “To establish myself in the industry, I had to perform for a solid 23 years before being a full-time student in school. This needed to be done to establish myself in the market,” says Matthew.

Being a business student while pursuing his passion allowed him to market himself much stronger, appealing to more corporations rather than kids’ birthday parties. One successful program he implemented in 2010- 2013 was with the Calgary Airport Authority, where the objective of the program was to perform for delayed passengers.

“After receiving the statistics of the program, the project was a complete success for the corporation and myself. Not only did it help my brand, but it also kept me busy throughout my journey of being a student and an illusionist. I’d have to say the biggest benefit I got out of magic, other than paying for school, it helped me express myself as a person, getting me more out of my shell. And that’s something I’ll always value as I grow as an individual.”

Today, Matthew continues to perform for many repeat and new clients. He has performed for corporations such as The Bay, West Jet, First truck/Freightliner, Spruce Meadows and the University of Calgary.

“I’ve also had the pleasure to perform for various celebrities, athletes and Olympians around the world sharing my brand of magic,” says Matthew. “I’ve also been fortunate enough to get media coverage for various TV appearances across the country, newspaper articles, and even a TV appearance in Asia, the Philippines- Showtime.

“Magic is not about fooling you, but more about building that relationship,” says Matthew. “At the end of the day, obviously, most of the effects are all illusions.

But it’s not about that. It’s about focusing on the outcome; seeing people smile, even something as simple as making someone’s day, or making someone believe that the impossible is possible.”

Matthew has a stage name – Acetrife, which means “Ace” to perfect, and “strife” means to struggle. “If you’re able to overcome your fears or struggles, you can achieve anything you want. In life there will always be problems for everyone out there, but it’s about growing past them that defines you.”

Matthew can be contacted at info@acetrife.com.

Photos by Profolio Photography

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

Estelita Garbino Owner of ESG Child Learning Centre

E

stelita’s journey as an entrepreneur started when she was a child. She came from a poor family with seven siblings. As the eldest child, she felt a great responsibility to support her siblings. “My only desire is to help my family,” says Estelita. Her parents could not afford to send her or her siblings to high-school.

“I had the biggest desire to send my siblings to high-school,” says Estelita. “I believe that education is the only route to get away from poverty.”

At a young age, she started to look for ways to make money. While tending to animals in the field, she looked for things she could sell in the village market in her home town of Iloilo in the Philippines.

The money she earned was used to buy food and supply for her family.

At 15 years old, she worked as a house maid for her auntie and uncle. During the day, she worked in the house. In the evening, she studied. “It was a big challenge for me back then,” says Estelita, “working during the day and studying in the evening, but I persevered.”

The money she earned, she used to fund the education of her siblings. She wanted them to finish their high-school and university studies. She put aside her own desire to go to school because she believes that for her siblings, “Education with hard work and determination is the passport for their future success.”

Estelita continued as a domestic helper for several families. The opportunity to work outside of the Philippines came when her American employer living in the Philippines went for a holiday in the U.S. While in the U.S., she met with her friends who were seeking work as nannies in Hong-Kong. One of the applicants did not show up for the interview. “The secretary approached me to be interviewed instead… and it went very well. My English was good. I did not finish high-school, but my English was developed while working with the American family.”

She was offered a job in Hong-Kong in 1980. She worked for a family with two children. After that, she found employment for a Swiss family who also had two children.

After 5 years in Hong-Kong, her application to work in Canada as a nanny was approved. She worked as a nanny, and then as a caregiver for an elderly lady which she calls “mom”. “I had an opportunity to travel with mom to Hawaii for six months, every year, for 10 years. I looked after her until she passed away.”

While working, she continued to upgrade her English skills. “I wanted to have a restaurant one day, so I took courses in computers, accounting, typing, and cooking.”

She was persistent in her education and enrolled in an international correspondence school. In 1994, she obtained her high-school diploma. She was 44 years old. “I’m very proud that I finally got my high-school diploma. It inspired me to work more.”

Estelita completed a degree in nutrition and a diploma for Hotel and Restaurant management. “I wanted to have a restaurant, but I ended up having a daycare business.”

To prepare herself for her business, she studied and completed an accounting certificate and child development assistant certificate. She also took insurance and mutual funds courses. Now, she owns and manages two of Calgary’s largest daycare centres – ESG Child Learning Centres (www.esgdaycare.com). Her centres are licensed to have 260 children.

Photo by Profolio Photography

“I know there are a lot of Filipinos here in Canada who is struggling for a new life. If you work hard, and persevere… you can have a bright future here in Canada.” | FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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Dave and Roxanne Obiso Network Marketing Leaders

Dave’s brother gave him a book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki.

“That’s really what’s changed the course of my life, and the reason why I’m where I’m at today,” said Dave. Through that book, he realized that there are different paths to becoming successful financially. “It opened my mind to business,” says Dave.

In 2004, Dave made a career transition from engineering to network marketing business in the financial services industry. It was then that he met Roxanne. “In 2007, he was my trainer in the financial services business,” said Roxanne. “I was ambitious. I wanted to become a lawyer.

But when I was introduced to business, I realized that I could make my dreams come true by having my own business.”

After getting married, Dave and Roxanne continued in the network marketing industry.

“Network marketing opened my mind on how to build your network,” said Dave. “I fell in love with the personal development side of it. I fell in love with reading books. In my belief, if someone wants to start a business, or if someone wants to stretch their business muscle, then they should consider a home based network marketing business.”

Dave and Roxanne are very passionate about network marketing and the advantages of the business model over the traditional business model.

“When you start a business and don’t have the experience, you have to build every component of the business. That’s tough. There’s a lot of moving parts when you start your own business. With network marketing, the heavy lifting of starting the business has been done for you.“ Over the years, Dave and Roxanne have seen many individuals grow in their personal development and their network marketing business. Dave has personally seen himself mature because of the personal development and business experience he acquired. “Before, I was very insecure. The first time I gave a presentation on my business, I was shaking. I couldn’t say a word. But from there I developed to where I’m at now, teaching and building my team and helping other network marketers.”

Photo by Profolio Photography

Today, Dave and Roxanne are doing two things in the industry. They’re helping network marketers grow their business, and they also have a health and fitness network marketing business. “We’re branding ourselves as an authority in the network marketing industry because we want the industry to grow. The majority of our clients already have a business, but they come to us for solutions. Some of them don't have a company, so we end up working with them.”

As for the advantages of working together as business partners and husband and wife, Roxanne said it’s more fun to be in business together.

“We benefit from each other’s strength. Dave is more creative. I’m good with people. So we compliment each other.”

“One of the biggest advantages of working together is that our thoughts are aligned,” says Dave. “We read the same books, we go to the same seminars, and we are big on personal development. So, we’re always growing.”

D

ave started his career as an engineer in early 2002 after graduating at SAIT – Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. After two years in the engineering field, he realized that engineering wasn’t for him. “I was searching for something, but I didn’t know what it was,” says Dave.

That’s when he picked-up and read his first self-development book, Awaken the Giant Within You, by Anthony Robins. “After reading that book, I realized a lot about myself,” says Dave.

After that, he began reading more books. “When you’re in pain and your searching for something, you’re looking for answers.”

28 | FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

Dave and Roxanne have the following set of advice for couples who are looking to start a business together: 1. Identify what your strengths and weaknesses are from the very beginning. Focus on each other’s strengths. Support each other’s strength. Don’t make your partner do something that he or she is not good at.

2. Allocate time every week for “marriage time.” Go on a weekly date and reconnect with each other.

3. Work towards the same goals. Plan together. Set a time each year to do your yearly planning.

To know more about Dave and Roxanne, go to www.daveandroxanneobiso.com.

Career

Building Resilience

R

esilience, as Oxford Dictionaries defines, is “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, toughness”1.

By Cornelia Bota

When the body is out of alignment from overworking, we waste a vast amount of mental and physical resources trying to return to balance before we can move forward.5

During our life, we face tragedies, misfortunes, adversities or threats.

If you’re trying to build resilience at work, you need adequate internal and external recovery periods.

Resilience is that quality that “allows some people to be knocked down in life and come back stronger than before.”

Internal recovery refers to the shorter periods of relaxation that take place within the settings of the workday, in the form of short scheduled or unscheduled breaks, by shifting attention or changing to other work tasks, when the mental or physical resources required for the initial task are temporarily drained or exhausted.

Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes.

Psychologists have identified some of the factors that make someone resilient. Among them are positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback.”2 A lot of time, we understand resilience as that rough tactic, that the longer we go through it, the tougher we become. And the tougher we are, the more successful and popular we will be.

We envision a boxer going one more round, or a football player picking himself up for one more play, or an injured dancer performing in a dance competition. But science proved us wrong.

Studies confirmed that the shortage of recovery period affects our capacity to be resilient and successful. Research has found that there is a direct correlation between lack of recovery and increased incidence of health and safety problems.

Lack of recovery, whether by disrupting sleep with thoughts of work or having non-stop mental stimulation by watching our phones, is costing our companies billions a year (that’s billion, not million) in lost productivity.

And just because work stops, it doesn’t mean we are recovering. We “stop” work sometimes at 5 PM, but then we spend the night wrestling with solutions to work problems, talking about our work over dinner, and falling asleep thinking about how much work we’ll do tomorrow.

External recovery refers to actions that take place outside of work, e.g. in the free time between the workdays, and during weekends, holidays or vacations.6 If after work, you lie around on your bed and get riled up by political commentary on your phone or get stressed thinking about decisions about how to renovate your home, your brain has not received a break from high mental arousal states.

Our brains need a rest as much as our bodies do.

If you want to build resilience, you can start by strategically stopping.

Give yourself the resources to be tough by creating internal and external recovery periods.

Instead of swimming upstream, relax, meditate, sleep, watch movies, color books, or listen to entertaining podcasts. By doing this, you’ll feel invigorated and ready to return to your “operational” zone.

Recommended reading: 1.

Bridges, William, “Managing Transitions: Making the most of Change,” September 22, 2009

2.

2. Huffington, Arianna “The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time”, April 5th, 2016

________________________________________________________

In a study, researchers from Norway found that 7.8% of Norwegians have become workaholics3. The scientists cite a definition of “workaholism” as “being overly concerned about work, driven by an uncontrollable work motivation, and investing so much time and effort to work that it impairs other important life areas.”4 The key to resilience is trying hard, then stopping, recovering, and then trying again.

This conclusion is based on biology, the ability of the brain to continuously restore and sustain its well-being.

Cornelia Bota, CIP, born and raised in Transylvania (Romania).

She immigrated to Canada 10 years ago and started a career in the Home and Auto insurance industry. A business analyst (project claims system) with Intact Insurance, she enjoys being part of a small but passionate team devoted to bringing innovation and data mining to the traditional insurance industry .

1. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/resilience 2. Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/resilience 3. http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/12/health/work-addiction-adhd-norway/ 4. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/JMP-05-2013-0143 5. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-homeostasis/ 6. https://hbr.org/2015/06/are-the-people-who-take-vacations-the-ones-who-get-promoted

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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Family

The Steps to Enjoying Home-Ownership

By David Robinson

F

or most of us, buying a home is often our largest financial outlay we will ever make.

Whether a brand new home or previously occupied, it is important to be informed of the steps and procedures that you need to be aware of before taking that plunge in becoming a home owner! If you are also selling a property with plans to buy another, make sure you have spoken with a financial expert in case you need to carry two mortgages during the process. You don’t want to get caught not being able to afford one or the other due to multiple payments needed.

Of the many important things to consider before you start shopping are what community has the amenities you want and what size/style of home will suit your needs best? If you want to be highly involved in your community, checking out the local community centre first will be a must. Many offer regular or seasonal community events, along with sports teams that might be of interest to your family. Location will also play a part when you consider the proximity to stores, recreational centres, entertainment areas, and medical facilities. A great way to decide what area works best is to spend some time visiting different communities and experiencing what they have to offer in regards to what is important to your lifestyle and family plans. Perhaps a local selection of restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance is just your thing!

Land prices vary widely due to location, so this must tie into a solid financial plan during the buying process. Spots near a park, ravine or lake while visibly more appealing, can be considerably higher to purchase, thus adding to the mortgage amount you require. This is apparent with all styles of homes including a single detached building or a condominium. In comparison, locations closer to main roads and highways can cost less, but at the potential expense of having more road traffic and noise within the home. It’s all about balancing your needs versus wants.

What are the most important attributes for that new purchase, and how do they fit into your budget?

If your family is growing or downsizing in the foreseeable future, you may consider a larger or smaller dwelling than you are presently in to suit those needs better. With a huge variety of sizes and styles in the market, you have a vast array of choices to pick from. The important part is deciding which type will fits your needs best. A standalone home is the ultimate in privacy and space offered, but typically at a higher cost. Condominiums offer a more care-free lifestyle as many offer exterior maintenance and common grounds care as part of the ownership thus giving you more free time if you don’t like spending time cutting grass or landscaping projects, but then you need to consider monthly condo fees into your budget. Parking needs are also a big part of what you need to consider. In colder climates, it is always a treat to park indoors protected from the rain and snow. Even nicer when in a heated area! Of course these extras add to cost, and options vary with either a detached or attached garage, or a condominiums with heated underground parking.

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When purchasing a property with a mortgage in mind, depending on your situation an initial down payment is typically needed to secure a property when you decide to make an offer, along with having a pre-approval from a mortgage specialist so you know what you can afford for payments. A solid budget plan is super important so you are able to keep up the regular mortgage payments and property taxes along with other commitments you may have such as a car payment, credit cards, student or other loan payments. As well, it is very important to think of related costs when purchasing and or selling, along with legal fees too. This can vary due to many factors, so consult with your realtor, mortgage contact, financial planner and lawyer as applicable before you decide to start shopping. Other expenses you may want to consider budgeting for are hiring an inspector to check the new property before you commit to the sale and then potential costs to complete upgrades should you decide to change something once take possession. The lending institution you are using may also require an appraisal of the property you are purchasing. It is wise to keep a reserve fund aside to pay for these possible extra costs over and above the actual home purchase.

It is also an important time to consider property insurance, your utility hook ups and disconnection arrangements and fees, along with your internet, phone and TV entertainment services needed at your soon to be new home. Then there are your basic needs of furniture and personal items that you may want to replace, or simply add more of in a new home.

There is nothing like the wonderful feeling of owning your own house or condo … knowing you can enjoy a comfortable place to call Home and become part of your community. Also knowing you are helping to build a sound financial future for your family!

The most important part is making sure you have a solid step by step plan in place, coupled with a budget that suits your family’s needs to ensure that new home experience is as smooth and trouble free as possible! ________________________________________________ David's background in real estate stems from many years of experience as a licensed Real Estate agent and a Residential Property Appraiser in a wide base of property situations.

The results are effective market awareness and analysis providing accurate results during real estate transactions - Knowledge is Power!

Naturally inspired to pursue an entrepreneurial life, he is enthusiastic and results oriented while working to ensure clients’ respective goals are met. Whether seeking that new place to call home or bespoke advice and guidance in selling your property, David’s Real Estate passion Will Work for You! David Robinson, cra 780-910-3764 Remax Excellence www.davidrobinson.realtor

Family

The Lifelong Learner: Professional and Personal Development

By Judianne Jayme

D

uring my two years in the Faculty of Education, there were a few phrases that quickly lost its novelty. We heard them all the time. One phrase was the notion of being a “lifelong learner.” Yes, things will always change in our field. Yes, new and more efficient ideas will always come up. Yes, we will adapt. But when you’re a student, itching to get out into the real world, this concept was just that: an idea. We were growing weary of hearing about constantly learning.

We wanted to do, do, and do. We wanted to take action.

It didn’t take long for my first year of teaching that this concept was put into practice. My students, to this day, five years later, continue to ask me “You’re going to another workshop?” “Miss Jayme, what are you going to learn this time?”

While my first year training workshops were mandatory, the years of professional and personal development have been by my own initiative. I continuously challenge myself and push past my comfort zone.

The comfort zone is cozy, but it’s also a place that gets you fast-tracked to boredom and restlessness.

Months into my first year of teaching, I replied to my students’ questions with, “Kids, as we move through life, we need to adapt. We need to keep learning new ideas. We are, after all, lifelong learners.” I cringed the first time I heard myself say it, but I knew it was true. The concept was finally a part of me. I am a lifelong learner.

Adaptability in any profession is crucial to your growth in it. With the speed that innovation, technology, and information spread in our society, you have to make

space in your toolbox of knowledge and ideas. You must be a learner. To sit back passively is to be left behind. As a lifelong learner, you don’t have to continuously change your beliefs or values. You adapt your practices to accommodate new innovation, information, and ideas that will help you work smarter, not harder in your field.

Parent tip: learn with your kids.

A comment I receive annually comes from parents who want to help their students with certain subjects, but either do not remember the concept, or are unfamiliar with the concept the student is asking about. My advice to these parents, and to you, is to begin with a conversation with your child. Admit that that’s a challenging concept/task and you need to work through it together. Ask them what they understand about that question or idea. If you have access to books or the internet, turn to that for further information, strategies or tips. Show them that you are a lifelong learner, and they will value that quality in themselves! ____________________________________________

Judianne Jayme Educator & Mentor - Winnipeg School Division jjayme@shaw.ca http://blogs.winnipegsd.ca/jjayme/ Founder & Owner - JudiMeetsWorld info@judimeetsworld.com http://www.judimeetsworld.com

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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Career

Chasing Your Dreams, Finding the Right Career for You

By Marie Joyce Lomboy

A

woman faces many changes in her lifetime and often has to wear many hats at the same time to fulfill her everchanging roles. One of the biggest and probably the most important role she may take is becoming a mother. A common struggle faced by many mothers is juggling between family and career. I went through this experience as I started my family and became a mother myself. At some point, I put my career on hold to raise my two daughters. Yes, I held a fulltime job, but it was not where I wanted to be. I knew I have so much more potential in me. Deep inside I yearned to explore my untapped talents. I’ve always been fascinated by beautiful homes and often pulled inspiration by visiting show homes when I needed cheering up. The thought of studying while working and taking care of family can be very overwhelming or even fearful to some. With much contemplation, prayers, and support from my husband, one night I made a decision to put doubts and fears aside, and to chase my dreams. I took an online course and studied Interior Design.

How do you fulfill your dreams even when you are already a mother?

I have five tips for you: 1. Time Management It can be challenging especially when you have little children, but you have to try to set aside a few hours each day. I did this by reading on the bus to and from work, studying in my office at lunch time, and even studying late at night when everyone at home was asleep. At times, I even used vacation time to do school work.

2. Discipline and Focus Set a goal and stick to it. Set attainable timelines for you to finish each assignment and keep distractions away.

At times when I felt like giving up, I imagined what it would be like to be at the finish line; holding that diploma and thinking about the possibilities of designing beautiful homes.

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3. Motivation When times get tough, think about why you started. Think about the people that inspire you. Think about the people that will cheer for you to keep going, and will be the first to rejoice with you in your victories.

4. Support System It helps to surround yourself with positive and supportive people who will encourage you and boost your spirit. My husband (Cristobal Lomboy) was this person for me. He believed in me. He often says, “I got your back.”

Lastly, and don’t forget this…

5. Reward Yourself You have to celebrate your achievements.

Reward yourself when you accomplish even your smallest goal. Go out to dinner with family, go shopping, take a day off from studying. Do whatever makes you happy.

With much determination and discipline, I am proud to say that I now have another diploma (that I earned with flying colors) to add to my achievements.

Currently, I am still working on my next big goal for my career. I have yet a long list of dreams to fulfill and a long journey ahead of me, but what is important is that I have made a step closer. I am a believer that if you can dream it, you can make it happen. So, come out of your comfort zone and start working on your dreams.

Let me close by leaving you a couple of my favorite quotes by Les Brown. “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” _________________________________ Marie Joyce Lomboy is a wife and a mother of two beautiful girls. She is an IT professional who has worked with prestigious IT and oil companies in Calgary.

She has a passion for designing and decorating and an eye for color. She recently completed an Interior Design course and is an aspiring Interior Designer.

5 Simple Tips to Prepare for Tax Season

By Caroline Battista, senior tax analyst at H&R Block

W

hen it comes to taxes, a little preparation now will go a long way to helping you during tax season. It will make filing easier and help you get the biggest possible return. Here are five tips to help you prepare for the upcoming tax season.

Keep a calendar with key dates Because timing is everything, keep a calendar with key tax filing dates. The deadline for filing your 2016 personal tax return is May 1, 2017, but June 15, 2017 for the self-employed. You can begin preparing your return once your T4s and other slips arrive.

Ask questions To make sure you claim all the tax credits you qualify for, find out how major life events you may have had over the year can affect your tax situation. Did you have a child, suffer from an illness, or contribute to charity? These are all

questions that help determine if you are eligible for additional benefits.

Stay organized It is never too early to begin preparing for tax season so make sure you stay organized as you gather all your slips and receipts. Try to sort and label your income slips separately then bring together supporting documents like bills, tuition and education receipts and other major expenses.

Decide on your filing method When it comes to filing, there are numerous tax preparation firms across the country that can offer support, with more than 1,200 H&R Block offices alone.

There is also online DIY tax filing, including H&R Block Personal Tax Software.

Know who should file If you are a newcomer to Canada, know that all Canadian residents are required

to file their taxes regardless of their citizenship. So if you have arrived here under a refugee status, you are also required to file your taxes. Also, if you are a Canadian resident with little or no income, not filing a tax return means you will be missing out on some benefits that you may be entitled to, like the quarterly GST/HST credit or the Canada Child Tax Benefit. So get filing! _________________________________ Caroline Battista, senior tax analyst at H&R Block Caroline joined H&R Block as a tax professional in January 2008 after leaving behind a career in the film industry. Steadily promoted within her district, Caroline leveraged her acting skills to act as the local spokesperson and community representative for her area.

Promoted to Senior Tax Analyst in 2014, Caroline continues to support the field as a tax instructor and acts as H&R Block`s national spokesperson. She provides commentary on tax law changes and regulatory developments as well as translating tax into simple language.

| FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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Business

Buying a Business: Share vs. Asset Purchase

By Mydene Cuevas

Y

ou’ve done your research. You’ve obtained advice from different business professionals. You’ve entered into discussions with potential business partners. Now you feel ready to buy a business. Before you do, however, consider the implications of purchasing the shares or assets of the company. Generally, and for reasons given below, sellers prefer to sell shares of the company while buyers prefer to buy the assets*. In a sale of shares, the buyer effectively steps into the shoes of the seller, and inherits all of the assets and liabilities of the corporation.

Here are 4 things to consider when deciding whether an asset or share purchase is more appropriate for you:

1. Liability: the buyer in a share purchase transaction assumes all of the seller’s liabilities, including those which are unwanted or unknown. This is because all of the company’s assets and liabilities remain with the company. For this reason, share sales require higher levels of due diligence, as it may mean greater risks to the buyer.

In an asset sale, the buyer may generally pick and choose which assets and liabilities it wants to assume. Certain exemptions to this apply, however, and even in asset sales a purchaser will be liable for such things as environmental contamination. Always talk to a business lawyer before signing a purchase agreement or other documents that bind you to a contract.

2. Contracts: unlike in an asset purchase scenario, a buyer purchasing shares assumes all the contracts of the corporation.

Beware, however, as the contracts signed by the corporation may have a clause that prohibits the assignment of the contract without the proper consent or approval of the other party to the contract; and an “assignment” is sometimes defined as a transfer of shares or control of the corporation. For example, in a commercial lease agreement, the contract may include a term that stipulates that the transfer of shares or control of the corporation constitutes an assignment of the lease, and any assignment must have the landlord’s prior written consent. In this case, if obtaining the leased premises is an important element to the buyer, it is imperative that prior written approval from the landlord is included in the condition precedent of the purchase agreement.

Another important term, among many others, in the purchase agreement is the buyer’s indemnification for any contractual breach or default that occurred prior to the closing date of the purchase transaction.

3. Employees: in an asset purchase, the buyer has the option of making an employment offer to whomever he or she chooses. However, in making employment offers, the buyer

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should be careful not to discriminate based on any of the prohibited grounds under the applicable human rights legislations. The buyer must also be aware that when the employment offer by the buyer has been accepted, the accepting employee’s employment is deemed to be continuous and uninterrupted by the sale. This means that the buyer must acknowledge the employee’s length of service with the seller for the purpose of identifying the employee’s rights under the employment standards of Alberta.

In a share purchase, the buyer assumes the employees of the seller, which means the buyer must consider the employee’s period of service when calculating the employee’s termination and severance entitlement.

Note that the employees in this Paragraph 3 are assumed to be non-unionized employees.

4. Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE): this is a $750,000 gross deduction available throughout the taxpayer’s lifetime on the disposal of the shares of the qualified small business. If you are a business owner, talk to a qualified tax professional to see whether your business is a qualified small business corporation and whether you qualify for the LCGE. Finding the appropriate structure of the sale is critical to a successful transition. Because of the many considerations involved in a purchase and sale transaction, involve a business lawyer at the outset to find the appropriate structure for you. If you are thinking of buying or selling a business, or would like to sign up for a free legal seminar geared toward business owners, contact Mydene Cuevas at mcuevas@milesdavison.com.

*Every business transaction is unique. Please contact a qualified professional (business lawyer and tax accountant) to obtain professional advice. The content in this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind

_________________________________________________________ Mydene Cuevas, JD Mydene is a business, corporate and commercial lawyer with Miles Davison LLP. As a former small business owner, she is passionate about assisting business owners through the many legal aspects of owning and operating a business – from incorporation through to the sale of the business and everything in between. She may be reached at mcuevas@milesdavison.com or (403)298-0334.

Health

Five Toxic Filipino Mindset That Holds You Down 4. “Mas Matanda siya sa Akin.” (The person

by Abel Pagaling

is older than me) At some point, we all become adults. But the Filipino culture has this invisible ceiling on age.

If someone is older than you, there is this expectation that you should give them more respect. If it’s an older Filipino, you’re expected to abide by their advice.

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While I believe in giving respect, the mentally of “mas matanda siya sa akin” discourages critical thinking. I don’t know how many times I’ve run into issues with older Filipinos for questioning their thinking. Somehow age is seen as proof of wisdom, and that challenging the thought of an older Filipino is disrespectful.

ne of my favorite quotes is from the book As a Man Thinketh.

“A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.”

I spent the first 12 years of my life in the Philippines before coming to Canada.

Although it was a brief period, it was enough to be fully immersed in the culture. To this day I still speak three dialects and observe many of the Filipino traditions.

I will admit that my mental attitude is more Western than Filipino. While I can honestly say that I’m very proud of my ethnic heritage, there are several things I sincerely dislike.

There are mindsets I’ve observed that are prevalent amongst Filipinos that I believe hold us down. Here are my top five:

1. “Bahala na ang Diyos.” (I leave it in God’s hands) I’m a born and bred Christian. I understand Filipinos’ strong love for the Almighty. But I find it irresponsible to use this as a default response to difficult circumstances in life. It’s disempowering. It says I’m a victim. It says bad things are meant to be.

Remember the story of David in the Bible?

While the Israelites stood in fear at the sight of Goliath and cried “Bahala na ang Diyos,” David took action and faced the challenge head on with the belief that his God is greater.

We all know the outcome of his bravery.

So when faced with a difficult situation, asked yourself what role are you playing in your

situation. Are you Goliath (the trouble maker), the Israelites (“bahala na ang Diyos”), or David (the brave one)?

2. “Darating Din ang Araw.” (The day will come) I’ve heard Filipinos say this in a negative context as to indirectly wish or hope for someone to suffer. I will admit, I used it a few times. I will also admit, it’s a toxic mentality.

People who wish that one day someone they dislike will get their butt kicked hold grudges.

And grudges are like army backpacks that weigh a ton. Imagine carrying this around with you all the time.

People with this mentally are fixated on the wrongs instead of what could go right. It robs them from seeing the beauty in others.

3. “Wala Akong Magagawa.” (There’s nothing I can do) This thinking is another self-defeating mentality. It reeks of powerlessness. The reality is almost everyone can do something about their circumstance. If you don’t believe me, just look at all the successful people around you. It’s a matter of willingness to do something.

It frustrates me when I hear people say this.

They’ve forgotten how talented they are.

They’ve given up control and responsibility for what goes on around them.

In my opinion, saying “wala akong magagawa” is an excuse. It’s an easy way out that lets a person dismiss his responsibility to face his situation.

Filipinos who surrender to this mentality can become victims of flawed decisions. Their ability to think critically has not developed.

They lack the confidence needed to speak critically but respectfully. They make good followers but have difficulty leading people who can think for themselves. This mentally creates passive followers and encourages a “dictatorship” mentally among older Filipinos towards younger people.

5. “Nahihiya Ako” (I’m shy) Filipinos who say this show lack of confidence in themselves. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this from Filipinos who just recently arrive in Canada. It bothers me when I see someone with this mentality. I think people who say this would rather protect their ego and self-image than ask for something they need.

A person with this attitude restricts his ability to move forward, excel, or even become successful in life.

The Master once said, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” If you want to be successful and make it big in life, abandon this mentality. As the saying goes, “You can’t feed five thousand if you’re too shy to ask for two fish and five loaves of bread.” _____________________________________ Abel Pagaling the CEO and cofounder of FCM. He is a manager, an entrepreneur, a writer, a community servant, and a motivational speaker. His passion is personal development and leadership.

Email:abel.pagaling@filcanmagazine.com

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Community Congratulations TFCC on your successful GALA and Awards night for 2016, at the Ranchmen’s Club in Calgary, Alberta.

Great photos wonderfully captured by Mr. Armand M. Flores, one of Calgary's top photographers! www.profoliophotography.com Congratulations as well to PUSTURA for a successful fashion show! www.lovepustura.com TFCC is a not-for-profit organization that unites the Filipino-Canadian community by its core mission CONNECT, SHARE, INSPIRE! www.facebook.com/thefilipinochampions The gala was both a celebration of this year's achievement and also a celebration of TFCC's "CHAMPION" speakers.

Congratulations to this year's awardees!

Champion Story of the Year Estelita Garbino Federico Causapin Jr. Career Achievement of the Year Lawrence J Macaraeg Career Achievement of the Year Antonio Echevarria Youth Leader of the Year Mary Kate Dichoso Champion Youth of the Year Levynne Joshua Balatbat Artist of the Year Mary Kate Aquino Community Service Awardee Nate Vedoya Champion Speaker of the Year Valen Vergara Wilmar Teves Entrepreneur of the Year Ariell Xavier Arévalo Maria Andrea De Luna JayTee Balmores Sportsman of the Year Kelvin Dela Peña Fitness Champion of the Year Gelz Valdez

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Photos by Armand Flores

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Photos by Eric Cordero of FCM

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PHOTO by ARMAND FLORES of PROFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY | FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |

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For inquiries email: info@filcanmagazine.com | FCM | filcanmagazine.com | January 2017 |