February2012

FREE COPY

Volume 5, Number 2 • February 2012

The best of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

How to travel as a family

Alberta Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Traveling as a family rediscovers the Philippines

Page 23 ► Page 7 ►

An evening to celebrate 18th birthday of Monica Trisha Cruz

Page 21 ►

How to contour the crease

Fiesta at Navotas with Katie , Aylah and Mike

A little deed goes a long way to the hearts of the Filipinos in the Philippines

Page 22 ►

Page 16 ►

The orphanage children

2 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 2012

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

Filipino Journal

Alberta

3

4 Filipino Journal

Alberta

Filipino-British TV host is Echo’s new gf

Matinee idol Jericho Rosales has admitted for the first time that a Filipino-British TV host is his new girlfriend.

In the Wednesday episode of “KrisTV,” Jericho revealed to host Kris Aquino the identity of his lady love, Kim Jones, and even showed her photos to viewers.

Kim was born to a halfFilipino, half-Spanish mom and British dad. She grew up in Australia and presently in the country to explore the possibilities of starting a local career.

Currently, Kim is the on-thescene reporter for “Etcetera,” the

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Ogie Alcasid braces for busy months

After his successful Valentine’s (Eugene Domingo) who is a concert with wife Regine caterer, and Pol (Ogie Alcasid), Velasques, composer-actor Ogie a songwriter while Tracey is Alcasid will be busy this March the daughter of Nick (Gary and April doing I Do Bidoo, Bidoo Valenciano) and Elaine (Zsa Zsa Padilla). The two youngsters will and Boy Pick-Up The Movie.

In I Do Bidoo, Bidoo, Ogie have to face each other's family will be with fellow singers Mr. in the province after Tracey got Pure Energy Gary Valenciano pregnant by Rock. and Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Ogie said he didn’t think Also in the movie are Eugene twice doing the musical project Domingo, Sam Concepcion, and as it will be a sort of tribute to APO's music which he considers Tippy Dos Santos.

The plot revolves around the music of his generation.

Aside from the famous sweethearts, Rock (Sam Concepcion) and Tracey (Tippy actors and singers, the movie Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme (2009), newest show of cable channel Dos Santos), who are both nursing also boost of a talented director Here Comes the Bride (2010), ETC, where she updates the students in Manila. and writer in Chris Martinez. Hit Temptation Island (2011), at Ang stylish young on the latest events, Rock is the son of Rose films to his credits include Kimmy Babae Sa Septic Tank (2011). trends, fashion and beauty tips.

Jericho said their relationship became official only last Christian Bautista, Karylle together in first concert December. He also shared that Singers Christian Bautista and reconciliation. Also included in Kim is very close to his family Karylle will be featured in a post- the show is a medley from “The and to his fans.Reports say that Valentine concert titled "Love Kitchen Musical” which will Kim is also a surfing aficionado, and Laughter" which will be held surely delight the audience. a perfect match for Jericho who at the Newport Performing Arts Although the two singers has been known for his passion Theater of Resorts World Manila never had the chance to work on a for surfing. in Pasay City on February 29. concert together, they previously The actor-model dated ABSThe concert promises to starred in the musical “West Side CBN showbiz reporter Cesca be not just a night of music but Story” and international series Litton before being committed to also a funny post-Valentine show “The Kitchen Musical,” the Fil-British host. with the addition of comedienne Karylle, who was once Nanette Inventor who will romantically linked to Bautista, provide the hilarious side of the is in a relationship with Sponge onstage show.

Cola vocalist Yael Yuzon.

Christian and Karylle will Directed by Freddie Santos, perform different themes of tickets for the show are available memorable love songs from at the Resorts World Manila Box falling in love to heartbreak to Office and all TicketWorld outlets.

Filipino Cultural talent show The Univeristy of Alberta Philippine Students’ Association (PhilSA) is proud to host the first ever U of A Filipino Cultural Talent Show on Saturday, March.10, 2011 @7pm in Dinwoodie Lounge located in the Student’s Union Building at the University of Alberta Campus. The allages event will consist of astounding talent both from the Campus itself and the surrounding community. Ranging from dancing and singing, some of Edmonton’s top performers from Artists Emerge and YouTube ™ sensations are competing in the talent show. Renowned names such as White Chocolate, United 1NE, ADD, Shadow Twins and many more! Not to mention guest judges and guest performers

will be participating in the show as well.

The winner(s) of the competition will take home the grand prize of $500! To conclude the night, there will be an after-party at Red Square Vodka House on Whyte Avenue to celebrate. All proceeds go towards PhilSA’s International Development Project affiliated with Streetlight Philippines.

Tickets: General Admission- $20.00 Children- $15.00 Press Contacts: University of Alberta Philippine Students’ Association uofa.philsa@gmail.com or Facebook uofa. philsa

2012 Migration Advocacy and Media Awards On behalf of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto wishes to announce that the nominations to the Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards 2012 are now formally open.

Conceived in 2011 by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas for the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants day in the Philippines (December and December l8, respectively, every year) chaired by the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) and co­chaired by the CFO, Migration Advocacifand Media (MAM) Awards aim to recognize the significant role of media in the promotion and advocacy of migration and development.

Eligible for the Awards are works by any individual, government and private media outlets, institutions and practitioners in the fields of print, radio, movie and television, advertising and internet based in the Philippines and abroad. Entries must have raised public

awareness ori issues on Filipino migration, advocated the cause of Filipinos overseas, and/ or promoted a positive image of Filipinos overseas, and migration and development.

Entries to the Awards must be submitted on or before 30 September 2012 to MAM Awards’ Secretariat, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Citigold Center, 1345 Pres.

Quirino Avenue corner Highway (South Superhighway), Manila, Philippines 1007.

The results will be released on or before 15 November 2012.

Awards will be given in the following categories: Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism, Film Media, Interactive Media, and Advertisement.

For more infomation on the Awards, please call the MAM Secretariat at (632) 561-8291 (telefax), (632) 552-4766 or email at c/o Ms. Arrlarie S. Ornaga, or c/o Mr. Frenoel Tingga.

A Primer containing the rules and guidelines for the MANIA as well as the nomination form may be downloaded at www.cfo.¿ov-Qh.

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

5

2012 Toyota Camry: Completely Redesigned

by Ron

Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

I

remember my uncle was passionate about his Camry back when I was in high school.

He took that car on so many long drives all over Canada. I was a teenager at the time and thought the Camry was an old man’s car.

My uncle wasn’t that old, I was just young and it was always fun driving with him as we skipped across the province.

The Camry I drove last month was the newly redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry SE and remains as Toyota’s foundation for other Toyota and Lexus models including the Highlander which I drove last summer. Other models that the Camry is built on include the Avalon, Sienna, Venza and the ES350. The RX350 which I also reviewed last month is also built on the same Camry foundation. You

can expect the review of the Lexus RX350 in an upcoming issue of the Filipino Journal.

The Camry comes in many models - L, LE, SE, SE V-6, XLE, XLE V-6, Hybrid LE and the Hybrid XLE. The model tested was the Camry SE 4-cylinder 178 horsepower 2.5-litre engine, while quick and smooth, it can still provide you the utility for most of your driving needs. The 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 option would certainly provide more power and punch.

As a driving enthusiast, I’m all for more power and performance. Why drive with 4 when you can ante up to 6? For the long drivers out there, more power on the highways is always a good thing.

The car has been completely redesigned for 2012, inside and out. On the outside, the Camry is lower, wider and makes the car a bit sportier. My uncle would of approved.

The interior, is a bit more refined and provides some of the more luxury touches you might see in a Lexus. Larger cabin with more knee and headroom, and more trunk space. Higher grade, softer-to-thetouch materials and next generation seats that offer full body support.

The entertainment features found in the Camry are pretty standard with many mid-size sedan

offerings. You can easily connect external audio devices through your audio mini-jack input, UPS port and streaming Bluetooth capability.

Text-to-voice and voice-controlled navigation is also an option.

Toyota has jacked up the fuel efficiency of the Camry with new aerodynamic styling, reducing

overall weight reduction in both 4-cylinder and V-6 models. Gas mileage for the 4-cylinder is 8.2l/100km (city) and 5.6l/100 (highway) and for the V-6 its 9.7l/100kms (city) and 6.4l/100kms (highway).

Overall, the 2012 Camry comes with many features you

would find in other cars in the same class with trim and option features you’d expect to see in luxury models. Other vehicles in the midsize sedan class include the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima and the Honda Accord.

What is Corona hiding?

PEREZCOPE

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

A

storm is brewing at the Senate impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. In a move to prove charges of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust against Corona, the House of Representatives’ prosecution team subpoenaed his bank records, which makes sense if conviction is to be secured. It did not then come as a surprise that Corona’s defense team opposed every attempt to delve into Corona’s bank records, particularly his secret dollar account, which many believe is the repository of his alleged ill-gotten wealth.

The prosecution claimed that Corona and his wife Cristina’s account won P1 million in Philippine Savings Bank’s “Monthly Millions” raffle draw and that the couple “had time deposits, money market placements, and dollar accounts in the bank.” But the defense team’s spokesman,

Tranquil Salvador III, said, “Why should the Chief Justice be faulted if he really won the raffle? If he’s just lucky, is it a sin? I don’t think there’s a problem with that or if any law was violated.”

I agree that Salvador was right in that sense. But would he agree that for the Coronas to qualify for the P1-million monthly raffle, they should have had a huge deposit in that bank?

So, how much moolah do the Coronas have stashed in the banks?

Secret dollar account What prompted the prosecution team to request the impeachment court to subpoena Corona’s bank records was when one of the prosecutors received documents provided by an “anonymous source” that showed Corona had opened a bank account in 2008 for more than $700,000 (approximately P34 million).

Last February 6, Day 12 of the impeachment trial, the senator-judges decided by majority vote to allow the impeachment court to subpoena Corona’s bank records and bank officials over the opposition of Corona’s defense panel.

Indeed, opening Corona’s bank records would be like opening Pandora’s box; it could be damaging to Corona’s defense. It is for this reason that the defense panel vehemently opposed the testimony of bank officials and the admission of Corona’s bank records as evidence. If his bank records – particularly his secret

dollar account -- reveal a huge amount of cash deposits that he did not declare in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), he would have difficulty vindicating himself.

Corona seeks TRO Last February 8, in a desperate attempt to suppress damaging evidence against him, Corona filed before the Supreme Court an urgent petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for immediate issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and writ of preliminary injunction. Also, Corona’s defense team filed a letter before the Senate impeachment court, which asked to defer or delay the enforcement of the subpoena until after the Supreme Court has acted on Corona’s petition. Corona’s defense team also requested the impeachment court “to defer the enforcement of the subpoenas it issued to the Philippine Savings Bank and the Bank of the Philippine Islands.” The impeachment court immediately denied the defense’s two motions; thus, allowing Pascual Garcia III, President of Philippine Savings Bank, to be put on the witness stand.

Garcia, who was subpoenaed to bring 10 specific bank records of Corona, presented only five accounts, which showed that as of December 31, 2010 he had a total deposit of P19,728,555.39. He did not bring the other five accounts, which were dollar accounts, claiming that he was prohibited to

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

disclose them under Republic Act 6426 (Foreign Currency Deposit Act). However, even without the dollar accounts, his disclosed bank deposits appear to far exceed the net worth he stated in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) for the year 2010. This is the “smoking gun” that proves that he lied in his SALNs, the gist of Article 2 of the impeachment complaint.

Discrepancies in net worth Two days prior to the testimony of Garcia, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares was cross-examined

by Corona’s lead defense lawyer, Serafin Cuevas, who asked her if she found any discrepancies in Corona’s SALNs. She answered in the affirmative and indicated that as a result of the discrepancies the BIR is now investigating the Coronas for tax liability.

This prompted the prosecution to re-direct Henares. Over the objection of Cuevas, Henares said that nine properties and several others were not included in Corona’s SALNs. She testified that in 2003, Corona stated his net worth at P7 million instead of P14 million; P7 million in 2004 instead of P21 million; P8.3 million in 2006 instead of P31.224 million; P11 million in 2007 instead of P24 million; P12 million in 2008 instead of P25 million; and P14.5 million in 2009 instead of P52 million. In 2010, his net worth went down when the Coronas sold

their La Vista property to their daughter for P18 million.

Betrayal of public trust With the testimony of Henares, the prosecution team breached Corona’s first line of defense. While Corona is far from defeated, Corona’s defense is weakened. However, to convince the senator-judges that Corona’s actions constitute betrayal of public trust, the prosecution team must prove without a shadow of a doubt that Corona indeed committed these impeachable acts.

Although Enrile had manifested from the get-go that the impeachment complaint was neither a criminal nor civil case wherein conviction beyond “reasonable doubt” is required in criminal cases and “preponderance of evidence” in civil cases, “clear and convincing” evidence is all that is needed to convict the respondent in an impeachment trial. However, it is not going to be an easy task.

In a few days, the Supreme Court would rule on Corona’s petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for immediate issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and writ of preliminary injunction. If the high court rules in his favor, it could trigger a constitutional crisis.

Would the Senate impeachment court subordinate itself to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and not to the sovereignty of the people for which it was created?

The people are watching the development with anticipation.

6 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

February 2012

The invention of an artist

by Miya Villarena Miya Villarena is a native of Quezon City who currently lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her parents and brother. She enjoys art, mathematics, chess, and a good book along with a cup of coffee on a winter day, as well as writing stories in her spare time. She is also fond of cats and surfing the internet. When asked who her muses are, Miya considers her greatest literary inspiration to be Mary Hoffman, and her favorite artist to be Brett Helquist.

A

rt is the ultimate form of human expression.

Art is the essence of creativity in its purest form. Art is around us each day.

Do we bother to stop and think for a second how we are surrounded by art on our way to school or work?

Most of us probably would not even give a thought to the fact that everything around us is art, nor would anyone remotely find himself or herself staring at rain creating patterns on a dusty pavement, thinking that art is being made each second of the downpour.

All people possess creativity and artistic abilities. Whether they’ve unlocked it or not is the ultimate question.

Every single one of us is an artist, in his or her own way.

Being an artist, I can fully relate to many people on how I discovered art and the beauty of appreciating it.

From an early age, I was fascinated with drawing. I drew mostly stick figures of princesses, knights in shining armor, and contraptions that were humanly impossible to build.

I look back into my childhood days and remember drawing unrealistic scenarios, mostly based off fairy tales that I had been reading during the time.

Since I had no other means of being creative without being messy, I kept on with my stick figures until my first year of high school in the Philippines. Being homeschooled from grade 3 to grade 6, I displayed minor artistic capabilities, let alone the ability to draw things from reference.

High school, however, introduced me to a new way of life, and most certainly, a new kind of art that I had never tried before. On the first day of our technical writing class, we were asked by our teacher to find a partner. I was paired up with a tall and bright eyed girl, who happened to keep a sketchbook in her backpack all the time.

Fascinated, I asked her if I was permitted to leaf through it. I opened the sketchbook, turned the first page, and fell in love, all in a second.

Her art was more of a cartoon style, a hybrid, almost, of the Japanese

manga style and the American cartoon style. The sketches flowed gracefully across the pages, moving in their own stationary circadian rhythms. I looked across the desk at her, as she drew these effortlessly and with so much emotion etched on her face, and I was sure that if it was remotely possible, she could resonate with each character that she brought life to on the smooth, white paper.

I told myself then, “Why don’t you become an artist, Miya? What’s holding you back?”

I knew nothing was holding me back, except for the sheer prospect of failure upon trial. Failure and inferiority still scare, and plague me each day of my life. We must learn, however, that despite failures and mishaps in life, to never give up on something you’ve set your sights on.

Failure may only be an obstacle, if you let it stand in your way.

Yes, I’ve failed before. I still fail. I am human after all. So in that very moment I asked myself that question, I also instantly answered myself, “Yes.” I asked my friend that if it was not too much of a bother to her, to teach me how to draw. I asked her what her secret to drawing so well was. She laughed and told me to just keep on practicing, even when I felt like I didn’t want to go on. She also told me, that the moment I accepted failure as a whole, then I would cease to achieve my dream of being good at art.

All I can say is that, through the five years that I have done art ever since I made that decision, I am happy. If I never dared to step out of

my comfort zone and confront my fear of failure, then I would never have discovered I had any artistic prowess at all.

During my second year of high school, I was switched to a different section,, where I met another artist.

She was more inclined to the realistic style of Japanese manga, and realism in general.

I didn’t know her when we first started class together, but gradually, I began to become curious about the way she drew things. She was an experimental artist, in several ways. Today, I still carry around that tendency to experiment with various art styles, picking and choosing from the characteristics in each style that I would prefer to keep and to leave out, thus creating my own personalized style of artwork that is unique to only me.

Lastly, another artist I will forever admire and will never forget is my cousin. I look up to him constantly and I am so proud to say I am related to him. Without my cousin, I can say that I would have never been driven or motivated to be an artist at all, certainly not this dedicated or driven.

My cousin was, and is still a genius.

Artistically, he’s a professional.

During our sembreak, I would go to his place and hang out with him, asking him to help me in my art projects and color composition, and I would look through his elementary school notebooks where I would find pen sketches of Spiderman, Batman, or jut any superhero type figure. He would color his son’s superhero coloring books for fun, rendering them in realistic tones and shades

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

so powerful that you would’ve been convinced it was an actual comic book cover. His unspoken passion and inclination towards creativity liberated my own sense of artistic fervor and passion, something I will keep forever for the rest of my life.

In the months that I had before leaving for Canada, I strove to learn and to absorb as much information from these two artists who had changed my life and had steered it in a completely unexpected direction, somewhere I had never imagined being in. I knew that when I left home, I would always be an artist, and I would always remain one, no matter what happened. Being here in Canada has provided me with unlimited access to art supplies and materials, with endless opportunities I never had in the Philippines. My only wish is that I could share this blessing with the people who had encouraged me to become an artist.

Five years have passed and I still stand by what I have said.

I am an artist, and will forever be an artist.

I know many yearn to be good at art, or to be good at something.

Art is not limited to just pictures; it encompasses the full spectrum of creativity that lies in the mind of a human being.

You are never too old to be an artist. It is never too late to be creative.

Anyone can do it. I have certainly proven it. Failures are not an obstacle; they’re a fresh start. If anything, they are catalysts in the development of any artist.

Any true artist would tell you so.

As one, I confirm it.

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

How to travel as a family....

Traveling as a family rediscovers the Philippines; discovers family bonding

by Jose Angels, Jr.

F

or over a month, the Angeles family ventured to travel to the Philippines in a one family group. This time,a family of eight consistedof my wife and I; my son, Mike with his wife, Katie British Canadian and their two daughters, Aylah and Aalliyaha 3 year old and a six month old respectively;my son Mark, a bachelor; and Melanie, my daughter, joined with a common bond of rediscovering our native county.It looked perfect as we all geared up in our travelling gadgets.

But surviving bytravelling together as a family is a lesson as well as an experience in life that could not be found in any academic textbooks or anytravel guides. As we travelled as a family, we survived the grueling venture is a miracle to becalled.

The fun or trouble started not from the destination apparently from the point of origin, Edmonton City.

First thing to tackle was on how to schedule our holiday together.

Getting permission from employers is a hassle. My wife and I don’t have a problem, my son Mike and his wife, Katie, and their two daughters Aylah and Aaliyah were our concerns.

Travelling with two kids is beyond our imagination especially Katie is a nursing mother to her infant Aaliyah and a constant guard to herterrible 3 year old daughter Aylah. Mark my younger adult bachelor is not allowed to take vacations on certain dates because of the nature of his work; and Melanie is hesitant to travel with thefamily as she might have thought that she might end up as a baby-sitter for her two nieces.

Finally, we agreed to a final datefor our holiday. After deliberations and compromises we were able to schedulethe whole month of January and part of February for the vacation.A mild and cooler weather in the Philippines prevailed.

And to help other families to organize a trip, based on real situation, I do offer some friendly tips: Travelling tip number 1: travel light. Notwith the Angeles family based on our experience. We are allowed two 50-pound baggage per person. Seven adults would mean fourteen baggages, plus seven carry-on bags. Travelling to the Philippines is to bring everything you can carry. We had 8 balikbayan boxes, six suitcases and sevencarryon bags. Why in the world would my wife, who is a seasoned traveler, bring all the stuffs that she can easily buy in the Philippines. The reason is out of logic, she wants to buy

all the pasalubongs and bring all amenities that she would need in the Philippines.She was almostbringing the house itself to the Philippines.

Then Katie, my British –Canadian daughter-in-law, packed four balikbayan boxes full of goodies to donate to an orphanage.

Tip number 2: Weigh your baggage in advance to make sure it won’t go overboard on the legal weight limit. If I were the counter attendant I would duck not to serve this family who is travelling together.

First of all, it is a chaotic event, weighing the luggage and making sure it has the right weight. We are fortunate that the hand carries were not checked but the strollers and the car seat had to be checked in on top of those fourteen baggages.

Allow yourselves at least an hour time allowance just to check in at the custom section. We survived in and finally we were en route to our final destination: the sunny Philippines.

Tip no. 3. Travel directly to your destination without any stopovers and layovers. Unlike other airlines, the Philippine Airlines spares you the hassles and extra expensesbrought bythe connecting flights.

We finally reached our destination. A sense of feelingof excitement and apprehension was overwhelming. Excitement over the things we have yet to discover and apprehensions that we might run into someproblems. It was late in the evening when we arrived and coming out of the plane, we were greeted with smiling airport workers waving and saying welcome. They gave us a warm feeling, a sigh of relief, a feeling of appeasement to some of our apprehensions. Getting a porter is surely the best way to manage our luggages. They are efficient and reliable. Tipping is a must, but it’s worth every penny.

The fun began after we settled down into our accommodations.

We stayed in our condo while my son, Mike and his family stayed in a rentedsuitelocated in the same complex. The place is well guarded and securely monitored.

After a couple of days of adjustment, we decided to go to Cebu and Bohol. Travelling as a family tested our patience, empathy, resourcefulness and sanity. We wanted to stick together as much as possible but must realize that each hastheir own likes and dislikes.

The young ones wanted the beach and the sun, while my wife and I took a shelter under the coconut trees or whenever thereare some shades available. We wanted native food while our siblings like Italian

or Chinese food. The advantage part of the family trip is sharing of expenses. When they were young we would of course take care of all theexpenses but now that they are adults and have jobs,our sons and daughtersautomatically share the expenses.

We enjoyed our trip to Subic Bay.Itis a four-hour drive from Manila. We actually visited Subic twice. The first time, was with our family friends, Letty and Robert Tria. Subic, a former American Base, is a nice little place with pristine beaches. After the Americans abandoned Subic, it has been a free port where foreign investors manufacture, imports and exports products. We stayed at the Papagayo Resort, a small resort but complete with all the amenities. It has a beautiful open porch where you can stay as late as you can andhave dinner while listening to the waves of the ocean and romantic songs. It has its own beach front where you can swim anytime of the day or night. The employees are courteous and pleasant. They treat the guests as royalties with utmost courtesy and care.

My family fell in love with Subic that we decided to go back.

This time we stayed in White Rock Resort. It is a huge resort, complete with seven pools with slides and a wave pool. This is a paradise not only for the kids but for the adults as well.It has sandy white beach and the water clear and warm. You can stay at one of patios with “duyans” or hammocks where you can sway and snooze the hours away. Since we have meal tickets for breakfast, lunch and dinner our family for the first time, ate together, laughed together and chatted together. We were as carefree as the tigers, the birds, the monkeys and the crocodiles of the ZooSafari. It is a place where you can ride into the jungle and run into the wildlife.

But like all stories, there is a beginning and there is an end. We bid goodbye to a country where we created thousands of beautiful memories. It is hard to say goodbye to places where noise is music and the traffic could be dreadful, beaches where water runs clear and cleanses your spirit, where every minute creates a scene of beautiful experiences that will be embedded forever in our minds to reminisce, to recall and to dream.

But most of all, the fun and the bonding together with a family that almost became strangers, renewed by the time as we travelled together.

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

White Rock Beach

Aylah and Katie

Native Aeta Performing a Dance

Fund Raising Marathon Sponsored by Times at Fort Bonifacio

Alberta

7

8 Filipino Journal

Alberta

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Parent involvement in children’s education Parents must play a major role in children’s learning

Minister’s Ethnic

by Honourable Thomas A. Lukaszuk Minister of Employment and Immigration, Deputy Government, House Leader, and MLA for Edmonton - Castle Downs.

Ensuring Alberta students continue to get a world-class education is a job I take very seriously, but it is not something government can do alone. The many teachers, principals, support staff, school boards, trustees and superintendents who work towards creating a bright future for our children are critical.

However, above all else, Alberta’s

parents understand our children best.

You know when your child does not understand a subject or is being bullied at school. You are also often the one who takes action, or you want to take action but do not know how.

Parents are teachers from the early grades are a key source of information about what is working and what is not. Parents not only have some good ideas about how to improve the student experience, you have a duty to make informed decisions about your child’s education.

This is why, as part of the 10-point plan on education I introduced in January, I am dedicated to creating a stronger voice for parents.

To be actively engaged and make informed decisions,

Cities key to welcoming newcomers Edmonton leads discussion, action Community leaders representing a range of non-profit and immigrant services agencies met with City Councillors and members of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to share insights on how City services contribute to the successful transition of immigrants in Edmonton.

The meeting follows the publication of Starting on Solid Ground: The Municipal Role in Immigrant Settlement, an FCM report highlighting specific areas where municipal governments play key roles as front-line supporters to Canadian newcomers.

“Thriving cities rely on attracting and retaining new immigrants, so municipalities are now key players in defining a larger outlook on immigration and settlement in Canada,” said Councillor Karen Leibovici, the First Vice President of the FCM. “This meeting is an important opportunity to start a dialogue with communities here in Edmonton - to share and learn from each other and address the recommendations in this report as a collective voice.”

Key recommendations in the report include: • Engaging other orders of government to support and recognize the services municipalities offer local immigrant communities

• Continued support for efficient and accessible public transportation • Incentives towards available and affordable housing • Clear targets for successful longer-term, expanded settlement services “Edmonton was one of the first municipalities in Canada to establish an immigration and settlement policy, so we are in a unique position to meet with FCM about their report and recommendations,” said Councillor Amarjeet Sohi. “We know this topic is important to many Edmontonians and we’re glad to see FCM adopting the approach on this level.”

City Councillors along with administration plan to continue the dialogue with FCM and the community and are currently considering ways to keep the conversation flowing.

“Edmonton is a welcoming and supportive community and our effort to make the city livable for everyone is ongoing,” said Councillor Ben Henderson. “The conversation doesn’t stop here. We are now in a position to take this feedback back to FCM to assist in their continued work on strengthening the immigrant experience in Edmonton and Canada as a whole.”

Ronald Cantiveros

Publisher/Chief Operating Officer VP-Business Development Managing Editor

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

Jose (Jun) Angeles, Jr.

Associate Publisher - Alberta 246 Lindsay St. Edmonton, AB T64 2T2 email: angeles.associates@gmail.com

Jose “Pepito” Magpayo Associate Editor/Marketing (403) 264-5605

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal 1987-2008

parents need to understand what the school system is doing, accomplishing, and spending.

My first step was to hold teleconferences with parent school council representatives to discuss education priorities.

Introduced in late 2011, both the frequency and the number of telephone lines will be boosted so more groups of parents can take part. To listen to a recording of my past teleconferences with parents please go to: http://ideas. education.alberta.ca/engage/ have-your-say/minister%27steleconference-with-parents.

New information about school jurisdictions and charter schools has just been posted online.

These information sheets identify: trustees, student demographics, capital plans and recent projects, number of schools and teaching

staff, operating budgets and surpluses. The information sheets also summarize data including: high school completion, performance on provincial assessment programs and parent’s involvement.

Boards have long been reporting this information to the government. It is time to share that information with parents so they can see how schools are doing and how much funding they received as part of the province’s budget for 2012.

I also want to bring your attention to an Alberta Education program called: The Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI.) Since 1999 many school programs have been funded through AISI. These projects focus on student engagement,

learning and performance. Often these projects are initiated by parents, teachers, support staff and administrators.

Many school based projects through AISI have shown that there is a strong relationship between parents and community and the success of students. When schools successfully engage parents this leads to improved student learning and attendance, especially when parents are seen as valuable sources for sharing their knowledge, talents and gifts.

I encourage you to explore the many ways you can be involved in your child’s education. To find out more about AISI visit: www. education.alberta.ca/aisi.

For resources on a parent’s role in education, please check out this website: http://www.education. alberta.ca/parents.aspx.

Harper Must Make Shannen’s Dream A Reality First Nations schools receive less than provincial systems; NDP motion calls for equal funding OTTAWA – New Democrats today tackled the inequality the plagues First Nations education by introducing a motion calling on the government to close the funding gap between what First Nation schools receive from and what provincial school systems receive.

“First Nations students are living as second-class citizens,” said New Democrat Leader Nycole Turmel.

“There’s simply no excuse for why First Nations students receive less from the government than everyone else. Stephen Harper is selling their futures short.”

Turmel pointed out that the graduation rates of First Nations students is nearly half that of other students, and cited poorly funded schools on reserves as a major cause.

The Harper Conservatives maintain a punitive 2 per cent funding cap on First Nations education.

“It’s unacceptable that, in a country as wealthy as Canada, First Nations children can’t even get the kind of quality education that other students take for granted,” Turmel said.

The New Democrat motion calls for the government declare that First

Nations students have an equal right to quality education, and to work with First Nations leaders on an action plan that ensures students on reserves receive a properly funded, culturally sensitive education.

“First Nations students have heard many promises over the years— but they are still waiting for action,” said New Democrat MP Jonathan Genest-Jourdain (Manicouagan), who introduced the motion. “Our motion lays out a practical action plan to give First Nations students the education they deserve.”

NDP urges Ottawa to keep investing in aerospace

Conservatives must maintain R&D funding to industry employing tens of thousands of Canadians OTTAWA – With the next Conservative budget looming, NDP leader Nycole Turmel called on the federal government to protect the research and development support programs that Canada’s aerospace industry relies on.

Turmel said her Official Opposition New Democrats will fight to protect the aerospace industry, which generates tens of thousands of jobs, mainly in Quebec, from reckless

Conservative cuts and misguided choices.

“Canada’s aerospace industry employs 40,000 people in Quebec, with annual revenues of $12-billion, making it the world’s fifth largest. This sector exports no less than 80 percent of its production and generates enormous wealth for this country. This profitable industry need to be protected,” said Turmel.

Turmel stressed that the

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually

aLfie vera mella Associate Editor

Official Opposition will not allow the Conservatives to blindly slash research and development programs. She also underlined her support for industry leaders’ calls for more funding for R&D. “The Conservatives’ disastrous economic record doesn’t give them the right to slash hugely successful industries like aerospace. We won’t let them,” concluded Hélène LeBlanc, NDP critic for Science and Technology.

Published Quarterly

Webco Leduc

A Division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Leduc, AB Printer

Official Photographer Noli Granado

Contributing Writers: Reis Pagtakhan Melanie Angeles Tony Surtida Perry Diaz Jon Salvador Perry Diaz Dennise Yambao

Johnny Cantiveros Carl Benito Gem M. Anis Danilo Donor Lito Cleofe Dolly Punsalan Castillo

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/ Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

Published by Molave Publishing Company, Inc. 46 Pincarrow Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3 •Tel: 888-489-8894 Fax: (204) 489-1575 •info@filipinojournal.com •www.filipinojournal.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032612 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Molave Publishing Company, Inc. 46 Pincarrow Road, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

Shown in photo from left to right are Mr. Achilles Reyes, VP Global Remittance Operations and Sales; Ms. Janet Tayag-Ong, EVP, Global Remittance Team; Ms. Cecilia C. Borromeo, EVP/Head, Institutional Banking and Subsidiaries Sector; and Mr. Roberto S. Vergara, FVP/Head, OFW Remittance Group.

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

9

LBC, Land Bank seals remittance partnership LBC Express Inc., and Land Bank of the Philippines recently entered into a money remittance memorandum of agreement, as part of LBC’s mission of Linking and Bridging Customers.

Through this partnership, Land Bank depositors, both in the Philippines and abroad, can now go to any LBC branch to have

their remittances deposited to their Land Bank accounts through LBC’s Credit-to-Bank service.

Land Bank depositors may now also enjoy the convenience of having their remittances deposited to their accounts even on weekends through LBC. Shown in photo from left to right are Mr. Achilles Reyes, VP

Global Remittance Operations and Sales; Ms. Janet Tayag-Ong, EVP, Global Remittance Team; Ms. Cecilia C. Borromeo, EVP/ Head, Institutional Banking and Subsidiaries Sector; and Mr. Roberto S. Vergara, FVP/Head, OFW Remittance Group.

LBC strengthens partnership with RCBC ------------------------------ END OF DOCUMENT -----------------------------

LBC Express Inc., recently strengthened its ties with the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) in making money remittance services much more accessible. Under the signed memorandum of agreement, the

LBC Send & Swipe Card will be made more readily available thru LBC’s more than 1,000 branches nationwide.

LBC has also entered into an agreement with RCBC to have RCBC ATM’s installed soon in

selected LBC branches. RCBC EVP for Retail Banking Group Ismael Sandig said that this partnership is important to serve the non-banking sector.

LBC and RCBC have been steadfast partners in the money

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

remittance service. In 2011, LBC and RCBC entered into an agreement enabling LBC branches worldwide to reload RCBC MyWallet cards.

Shown in first photo, from left to right are Mr. Achilles Reyes, VP Global Remittance Operations and Sales; Ms. Janet TayagOng, EVP, Global Remittance Team; Mr. Ismael Sandig, EVP/

Group Head, Retail Banking; Mr. Remo Garrovillo, SVP/Division Head, Channel Management and Product Development; Ms. Michelle Dee, FVP/Head, Research and Development.

Shown in second photo from left to right are Mr. Oliver Valentin, SVP, LBC Express Philippines; and Mr. Ismael Sandig, EVP/ Group Head, Retail Banking.

10 Filipino Journal

Alberta

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

ADVERTISE in the

Filipino Journal AND FEEL THE WARMTH OF THE UNIQUE FILIPINO CULTURE IN CANADA! NOW SERVING ALBERTA - EDMONTON, CALGARY, RED DEER, FORT MCMURRAY, MEDICINE HAT, GRAND PRAIRIE and NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

WINNIPEG

ALBERTA

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Winnipeg!

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta!

The Filipino Journal is published twice a month in Winnipeg. We are committed to help you attain your marketing, sales, and company objectives. Your company advertisement in our newspaper will surely appeal to 50,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers. Advertisers can expect to get their message to its readers and consumers in this area. People read the Filipino Journal because of its very informative news, entertainment sections and useful everyday information on living in Canada.

Filipino Journal is the no.1 Filipino-Canadian Newspaper in Alberta that published 10,000 copies once a month. We are the largest and fastest growing Filipino-Canadian newspaper, with 70,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers.

With a unique message that will attract readers and consumers. Advertising your products and services is one of the most strategic business decisions you can make.

Call 888-489-8894

info@FilipinoJournal.com

www.FilipinoJournal.com

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Filipino Journal SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES

Social media marketing brings your company to the fastest growing networking hubs on the Internet.

We can help you reach out to, collaborate with, and market effectively to targeted audiences in their on-line haunts.

Social Media Marketing services include: Social Media Strategy - finding your potential clients on-line and figuring out how to reach them.

Corporate Facebook Pages – building and managing effective Facebook presences; Twitter Services – using Twitter the right way.

Our social media marketing services can: * * * * * * *

increase brand awareness; create buzz; promote and advertise products and services; generate sales; establish expertise; drive more web site traffic showcase and demonstrate product effectiveness.

Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and YouTube get millions of visitors daily. Tap into this vital social phenomenon and reach a vast new audience, contact the Filipino Journal today to find out how.

FJ

Ron Cantiveros (204) 489-8894 ron@FilipinoJournal.com

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

11

12 Filipino Journal

Alberta

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program from employer)  Pregnancy or parental leave (letter from doctor or hospital documents)  Periods of unemployment (Record of Employment (ROE) slip, EI application, etc.)

Immigration News

by Columbio (Jon) Salvador, BSc.

Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant

(About the writer: Jon Salvador is a licensed immigration consultant and a member in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). He has more than 20 years of management and business experience in Canada. Prior to establishing his immigration consulting company, he worked for a U.S. based computer company and then at TELUS, the 2nd largest telecom company in Canada in various management positions.

He is originally from Manila, Philippines and graduated from DLSU (De La Salle University) in Manila with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also studied Business Management at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. If you would like to request articles on other immigration topics for future “Alberta Filipino Journal” publications, you can contact Jon at (403) 241-6276 or at jon@nuerainc.ca or the publisher of this newspaper.

I have been requested to re-publish the changes previously announced by the Canadian government regarding Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs). To answer recent questions posed by TFWs, here is the summary of the announcements.

On April 1, 2011 the Canadian government implemented changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program regulations to limit the stay of TFWs – who have not applied for or not eligible to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada, protect foreign workers from poor treatment of employers, ensure employers are complying with the terms and conditions of their approved LMOs (eg. wages, overtime pay, employee benefits, working conditions, etc.).

The TFW program regulatory changes include the following: Four (4) Year Limit for TFWs working in Canada

If the officer is satisfied with proof or supporting documents provided by the TFW, then the cumulative duration calculation will be adjusted accordingly.

Exemptions from the four (4) year limit It is important to note that not all TFWs are subject to the 4 year limit. The following TFW workers will be exempt from the new 4 year cumulative duration regulation: a. TFWs in managerial (NOC Category: 0) or professional occupations (NOC Category: A) b. TFWs who have applied for permanent residence and have received:  a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) certificate, if applying as a provincial nominee;  an approval in principle letter, if applying under the Live-in Caregiver Class;  a positive selection decision, if applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Class;  a positive selection decision, if applying under the Canadian Experience Class.  a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) if applying as a Quebec Skilled Worker; c. TFWs who are employed in Canada under an international agreement, such as NAFTA, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, or another agreement. d. TFWs who are exempt from the LMO process, including:  Spouses and common-law partners of international graduates participating in the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program;  Skilled TFWs (NOC Category: B) – eg. supervisors, high skilled workers  Charitable or religious workers;  Entrepreneurs, intra-company transferees, researchers and academics;  Others for purposes of selfsupport (refugee claimants) or humanitarian reasons (destitute students, holders of Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) valid for at least six months)

with the terms and conditions outlined in their approved LMO applications can be charged under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. TFWs should request to get a copy of the approved LMO from their employers to check, if their employers are paying them the correct wages, giving them the employee benefits, etc. – that their employers put in their LMO application. TFWs can report their employer complaints to Temporary The April 1, 2011 TFW program Foreign Worker Advisory Office regulatory changes also include the at (780) 644-2584 or toll free at 1-877-944-9955. following: a. more rigorous assessment of the Genuineness of the Job Offer genuineness of the job offer; b. two (2)-year period of Starting April 1, 2011, the Canadian ineligibility for hiring temporary government will now more foreign workers for employers rigorously assess the genuineness who fail to meet their commitments of employer job offers to TFWs by with respect to the approved LMO considering the following four (4) conditions (ie. wages, overtime factors: pay, employee benefits, working a. The employer is actively engaged in the business (ie. how long has the conditions, type of work), etc. c. four (4) year cumulative limit on business been operating, how many the length of time some temporary employees on staff, etc) foreign workers may work in b. The job offer is consistent with Canada before returning home. the needs of the employer (ie. how (Some of the exceptions are listed big is the company, what kind of staff would this type of company towards the end of this article.) need? etc.)

To protect Temporary Foreign c. The employer is reasonably able Workers, all employer Labour to fulfill the terms of the job offer ( Market Opinion (LMO) applications ie. does the company have enough and the corresponding job offers revenue to pay the employee’s will be assessed on the following salary, does the company have enough customers to justify hiring criteria: 1. The genuineness of the job additional staff, etc.) offer, including a review of four d. The employer has complied factors for all TFWs and an with federal/provincial/territorial additional three factors for Live-In laws regulating employment in the province/territory where the worker Caregivers (LIC).

2. The consistency of the job offer will be employed. with the terms of any federal/ provincial/territorial agreement For employers seeking to hire and whether the foreign worker, Live-In-Caregivers (LICs), the their spouse or common-law Canadian government will assess partner or dependents are eligible the following three (3) factors: to participate in particular pilot a. Will the caregiver be residing in a private household in Canada and projects.

3. The history of the employer in providing child care, or senior home hiring temporary foreign workers support care or care of a disabled over the previous two (2) years to person in that household; determine whether the employer b. Will the employer provide has complied with wages, working adequate accommodation to conditions and occupation the LIC in the household that is substantially the same as the adequately furnished and private conditions set out in their approved (room with a door and key); and LMOs and corresponding job c. Does employer have sufficient financial resources to pay the offers.

4. The accumulated length of time caregiver the wages offered (ie. that the foreign national being hired proof of income such as CRA Notice of Assessment, T4s, Employment has worked in Canada.

Certificate, etc.)

It is anticipated that the new regulations will reduce the number Consistency of Job Offer with of TFWs who are being victimized the Terms of Federal/Provincial/ by unscrupulous recruiting or Territorial Agreement employment agencies (who Some provincial and territorial charged them a fee to secure an governments have entered into employer) and find out upon arrival bilateral agreements with Canada and Citizenship in Canada - that the job offer or the Immigration supposed employer does not exist. (CIC) with respect to temporary foreign workers, and some of those NOTE: In Alberta, TFWs who have agreements include pilot projects been victimized by unscrupulous aimed at improving the program’s employment agencies or effectiveness in those jurisdictions. employers should report their Canadian employers should consult complaints to Service Alberta the terms of these agreements to Consumer Contact Centre at check, if there are provisions that (780) 427-4088 or toll free 1-877- may apply to foreign workers that they intend to hire.

427-4088. to apply for PR status within the allotted 4 year period. Depending on the education, work experience, language proficiency, age, etc., there are several ways a TFW could become eligible to apply for PR. TFWs should consult with a licensed immigration consultant regarding the best possible options or what steps they could take to improve their eligibility to apply for PR status within the 4 year limit.

As of April 1, 2011 many temporary foreign workers will be subject to a four-year ‘cumulative duration’ limit on the length of time they may stay and work in Canada. This new regulation is not retroactive.

Therefore, all TFWs regardless of how long they have already been in Canada have up to April 1, 2015 With the new regulation, after a to reach the four-year cumulative TFW work has reached their four duration limit.

(4) year cumulative duration limit, they will not be granted another TFWs should keep detailed records Work Permit in Canada for the to clearly document the time they subsequent four years. The TFW have spent actually working in has leave and exit Canada. After Canada. The worker must be able to four (4) years has elapsed, the provide to the CIC or CBSA officer worker will again be permitted to documents that prove if there were come back and work in Canada. any legitimate breaks from work during the time period covered Given the above changes in by their previous Work Permits. regulations, TFWs interested to Examples of legitimate breaks from become Permanent Residents (PR) work would include: of Canada should find ways on With the new regulations in place, Provide Working Conditions  Extended unpaid leave (letter how they could become eligible employers who do not comply ‘substantially the same’ as listed

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

in the Job Offer In the new regulations, the Canadian government Officer will have the authority to undertake an assessment of whether an employer has, in the last two (2) years, provided the wages, overtime pay, employee benefits, working conditions, etc. as listed in the approved LMO and in the past job offers.

If non-compliant information is found by the Officer about a specific employer and the information appears to support a negative assessment, the employer will have the opportunity to provide reasonable justification before government penalties are imposed.

Examples of reasonable justification would include:  A change in a federal, provincial or territorial law.  A change in the collective bargaining agreement at the worksite.  Dramatic changes in economic conditions that affect the workplace.

An employer may be granted the opportunity to rectify the problem by providing the appropriate compensation to the employee and complying with the terms of the approved LMO. NOTE: Employers who have failed to meet LMO commitments as promised in past job offers, and who have failed to provide reasonable justification or to rectify the situation by providing appropriate compensation to the affected employees would be penalized as follows: a. Refusal of work permit applications for any foreign national offered employment by the employer; b. Become ineligible to hire TFWs for a period of two (2) years c. Their company name listed on CIC’s website – Companies Ineligible to Hire TFWs TFWs are advised to protect themselves by consulting CIC’s website prior to entering into or extending an employment contract to determine if the employer they are planning to work for has been deemed ineligible to hire TFWs. TFWs cannot enter into an employment contract, or an extension of an existing employment contract, with an employer who has been deemed ineligible to use the TFW program. If the TFW does any of the above, it will have negative effect on the TFW’s temporary resident status in Canada.

Legal Disclaimer: This news article is designed for general information only. The information presented in this article should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a consultant/client relationship. Each individual situation is different and people should seek proper advice on their specific cases with a licensed immigration consultant of their choice.

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

13

Jam for a cause raises funds for typhoon Sendong victims Jose Angeles

T

he much awaited benefit concert for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro showed multi-talented Filipinos in their finest jamming contemporary

music that the young crowd appreciated. The evening turned into a lively night turning the sold out crowd swaying and gyrating to the bands electrifying performances. Bands like SAGA,

EXILE, HEADCAKES, JARX, JUANMAN'S ARMY, C.O.P., MISTAH, and DJE performed at the Aldergroove Community last February 11, 2012.

The money raised in this

concert will be given to the TSADA Edmonton, a community association in whose members are from the ravaged area of Cagayan de Oro. Bernard Aller through the support of his friends,

the FREEDX and the Regional Songfest of Alberta Society took the time to orchestrate this event to help the victims of the Typhoon Sendong in the Philippines, a project worthy of a cause.

Jam for a cause concert donates to Tsada Edmonton

Bernard Aller handing over a cheque to President of Tsada Edmonton, Martin Penaco

T

he money raised for the typhoon Sendong by the Jam For A Cause , a benefit concert for the Northern Mindanao Typhoon Sendong Victims held

last February 11, 2012 was handed over to Tsada Edmonton. Bernard Aller, one of the proponents of this charitable act handed over a cheque to the President of Tsada

Edmonton, Martin Penaco. The sold out concert in which nine bands perform incliding SAGA, Exile, Headcakes, Jarx, Juanman's Army , C.O.P., BS, and DJE. It was an resounding success that calls for another concert Part II, The beneficiaries of this concert, Tsada Edmonton and ABC-CBN Charity Foundation are grateful to the supporters of this cause. Filipino Radio Enthusiasts of Edmonton (FREEDX) headed by president Carmel Restauro and The Regional Songfest of Alberta Society, headed by president Jun Angeles and co-publisher of Alberta Filipino Journal.

ATTENTION:

Recruiting Agencies and Educational Agents Do you need a licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant to handle and process your client's LMOs, Work Permits, Study Permits, TRVs, Permanent Resident applications and other related immigration matters?

In Alberta, effective June 30, 2011, as per Bill C-35 the new Federal law, it is now illegal to provide immigration advice, represent a client, handle and process for a fee - LMOs, Work Permits, Study Permits and other related immigration matters unless a person is a licensed Immigration Consultant ( ie. registered member of ICCRC) or a licensed Lawyer (eg. registered member of the Law Society of Alberta). Penalties range up to 2 years in jail and/or up to $100,000 in fines.

NOTE: Employers caught not in compliance with the approved LMO terms and conditions, Alberta Labour and Employment Standards, and applicable Federal laws would be blacklisted by the Canadian government (HRSDC/SC) and banned from hiring foreign workers (TFWs) for up to 2 years.

For appointment, you can call: Jon Salvador, BSc. - Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant

(780) 246-4131 or (403) 241-6276 Email: jon@nuerainc.ca

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

OFFICE ADDRESS: 213 Hamptons Landing, NW Calgary, Alberta, T3A 5R4

14 Filipino Journal

by

Carl Benito, MLA Edmonton Mill Woods

As the MLA for Edmonton Mill Woods, I am always available to assist constituents.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Speech from the Throne, the Joint Canada-Alberta Oil Sands Monitoring plan, the Teacher Bridging program or any other matter, I can be reached in my constituency office at (780) 414-1000, or in my Legislature office at (780) 422-9299.

Also, please subscribe to my e newsletter at http://benito.mypcmla.ca/.

Speech from the Throne highlights government actions so Alberta and Albertans reach their full potential

Smart spending and investing in Albertans through education, health, and strong and safe communities are among government’s plans to reach Alberta’s full potential outlined in the Speech from the Throne, delivered Feb. 7 by Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Ethell.

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

The Throne Speech also outlines government’s plans to: • strengthen the province’s finances through a results-based budgeting approach, along with predictable, three-year funding cycles for education, advanced education and municipalities; • examine the government’s fiscal framework to ensure Albertans’ tax dollars are spent appropriately and saved wisely for the future; • improve access to primary health care for all Albertans by implementing three family care clinic pilot projects; • work with municipalities for strong and safe communities; • provide local Health Advisory Councils with a more active voice and greater input in decisions that affect their communities; • cooperate closely and openly with the federal government; • build a Canadian Energy Strategy to help Alberta diversify its energy customer base and achieve the greatest returns; and • develop Alberta’s natural resources responsibly in the interest of all Albertans.

The full text of the Throne Speech is available at www.alberta.ca.

Canada and Alberta take action to implement world class monitoring system for the oil sands

Increased air, water, land and biodiversity monitoring in the oil sands will begin this year as the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta take a major step forward in their partnership to improve environmental monitoring in the oil sands region.

The Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring commits to a scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, integrated and transparent environmental monitoring program for the region.

It outlines the path forward to enhance the monitoring of water, air, land and biodiversity in the oil sands by demonstrating how we will sample more sites for more substances more frequently. The program is designed to provide an improved understanding of the long-term cumulative effects of oil sands development.

The three-year implementation plan begins this spring with increased sampling frequency, parameters, and locations. It will also integrate relevant parts of existing monitoring efforts and will give government and industry the scientific foundation necessary to continue to promote the environmentally sustainable development of the oil sands. The plan reflects the Integrated Oil Sands Environment Monitoring Plan released by Environment Canada in July and will be consistent with the Government of Alberta’s plans for a province-wide environmental monitoring system.

Data from the new monitoring program, and the methods on which it is based, will be transparent, supported by necessary quality assurance, and will be made publicly available to allow independent scientific assessments and evaluations.

This will encourage informed discussions and analysis on the impacts of oil sands development based on highquality scientific information.

As the process continues to move forward, the monitoring program will be jointly managed by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. Annual progress reports will be prepared for the first three years, with an

and post-secondary credits under a new approach to preparing teachers to specialize in skills training.

A project to support a growing demand for Career and Technology Studies (CTS) programs in high schools will provide nearly $1 million in grant funding available for teachers who want to instruct carpentry under Alberta Education’s new Teacher Bridging to Advanced CTS Programming Carpentry program.

Teachers who complete the course will be certified to instruct high school students in carpentry courses at a level recognized by post-secondary institutions. As a result students will receive CTS dual credits—high school and post-secondary credits simultaneously—and a head start on their apprenticeship training after graduation.

Under the project, as many as 12 teachers can access a oneyear preparation program at Red Deer College. The post-secondary institution, along with the University of Alberta, Apprenticeship and Industry Training and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, developed the program in collaboration with Alberta Education. Information on the project and the application form can be found at www.education. alberta.ca/admin/workforce.aspx The pilot complements the CTS Bridge to Teacher Certification Program developed to attract more certified journeypeople, healthcare professionals and information technologists into Alberta’s CTS classrooms. Currently, 43 certified journeypeople are working towards earning a Bachelor of Education degree to teach advanced dual credit CTS courses in Alberta’s classrooms. These individuals represent 18 school authorities from across Alberta.

Creating more opportunities for students to earn credits in high school and post-secondary institutions at the same time is one High school students will of the initiatives under the 10-point have greater opportunities to access plan for education announced in trades and technology programs January. external scientific peer review of the program and the end of the third year. Following that, a full external, scientific review of the new program will be conducted every five years.

Currently, both governments and industry commit significant resources to environmental monitoring, and It is expected that industry will provide increased funding required to apply this new program. The two governments will move forward immediately with discussions with industry, as well as other stakeholders, to establish the details related to implementation, including the arrangements for sustainable funding of the program.

This engagement with industry, scientists and other stakeholders will be ongoing as we continue to execute our joint plan.

At the same time, both governments will take immediate steps to begin the activities outlined for year one of the program, and make the fullest possible use of the upcoming field season for monitoring. Monitoring in the oil sands will be managed in an adaptive manner, with plans and activities evolving to reflect experience gained from initial work. Details in years two and three will be finalized, refined and adjusted based on this adaptive approach, while continuing to reflect the comprehensive, integrated approach of year one.

Program provides opportunity for teachers to specialize and students to benefit

As your MLA, I can: •Commission legal documents, free of charge as a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths.

•Provide official Legislature commemora tive certificates for special occasions such as significant wedding anniversaries, birthdays and facility openings.

•Help you resolve issues with any government Department, or help you access assistance regarding social services, student loans, etc.

•Provide you information or material on provincial issues, including copies of Hansard, Bills, Motions, News Releases, etc.

•Have petitions presented to the Legislature Assembly on provincial issues that are important to you.

•Meet with you, your family, your co-workers your organization, or your Community League to listen to and act on your concerns or ideas.

•Assist organizations with provincial grant applications, such as the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP), Community Initiatives Program (CIP), etc.

•Arrange for you to attend Question Period session or any Legislature debates, or tour of the Legislature for you, your out-oftown guests, your service club, or school.

February 2012

Constituency Office #218, 4128 A - 97 Street Edmonton, AB T6E 5Y6 Tel (780) 414-1000 Fax (780) 414-1278 E-Mail: edmonton.millwoods@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office #723 Legislature Annex 9718 - 107 Street Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4 Tel (780) 422-9299 Fax (780) 422-1671

•Visit your school or organization to explain how the Government works and answer your questions.

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

15

Professional networks help immigrants help themselves New network of networks builds connections for immigrant employment TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Professional immigrant networks are not new, but the dozens of associations of immigrants helping immigrants in the GTA have been operating mostly under the radar until now. At an event at the Toronto Board of Trade today, the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), the Government of Canada and Scotiabank are introducing a vital new website as part of the Professional Immigrant Networks initiative (PINs) to forge connections between immigrants, employers and community agencies - all with the goal of advancing immigrant employment.

Professional immigrant networks are organized by profession or ethnicity or both - from the Latin American MBA Alumni Network to the Chinese Professionals Association of Canada and the Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants. Collectively they serve

more than 30,000 members. The new PINs website will help newcomers access these professional immigrant networks and through them build the connections they need to find meaningful employment.

"Lack of professional connections and understanding of Canadian corporate culture are the primary obstacles to meaningful employment for skilled immigrants," says Gabriel Leiva von Bovet, President of the professional immigrant network HispanoTech and a TRIEC board member.

"But thousands of newcomer professionals are using immigrant networks to help themselves and each other get ahead. Our new website capitalizes on this resourcefulness."

Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and sponsored

by Scotiabank, PINs benefits employers as well as immigrants.

With the diversifying population

and the growth of the knowledge economy, recruiting internationally experienced and multi-lingual personnel is becoming a priority in most workplaces, both from the talent management and business perspectives. As a case in point, PINs is jointly sponsored by the human resources and business development arms of Scotiabank.

According to Pankaj Mehra, Director, Multicultural Banking, India and South Asia Markets, the bank's investment in PINs meets

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

the objectives of both aspects of the business.

"We recognize that professionals coming into our country are not just prospective employees and managers, but also customers," says Mr. Mehra.

"Immigrant employees can be important ambassadors for the bank by not only helping us grow our business, but also helping us strengthen our ties to their communities."

PINs connects employers to

professional immigrant networks and allows them to communicate directly and efficiently with target markets. Last year alone, TRIEC disseminated 100 job postings out to the professional immigrant networks from 25 employers through PINs. The new website will make these connections even easier, with a searchable directory of networks and a messaging function for employers to post jobs.

To access the new website, visit www.NetworksForImmigrants.ca.

16 Filipino Journal

Alberta

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

A little deed goes a long way to the hearts of the Filipinos in the Philippines

By Mike Angeles

M

y wife and I have been looking forward to our trip to the Philippines, a country where my parents were raised and came from.

Indeed, the Philippines, a cluster of more than 7,100 islands, is a beautiful country of pristine beaches and green and rolling hills and mountains. But most of all, the beautiful Filipinos who are hospitable and welcoming.

Lots of excitements and apprehensions for my British-Canadian wife, Kathie and our two daughters, Aylah, 3 and Aaliyah, 6 month-old, respectively, because this would be their first time to visit the Philippines. Our trip would be more than sight-seeing and savouring Filipino cuisine when my wife Kathie would like to do something while enjoying the joys of our family tropical

holidays. Figuratively, this is her second chance to fall in love; for she is already married to a Filipino-Canadian whose family members are deeply rooted in the Philippine soil though I was born in Canada.

Undeniably, Kathie knows the hardships Filipinos are going through; the victims of the aftermaths of the natural calamities which strike every now and then. And the poor who littered the Manila streets are mostly abused and abandoned children. And Kathie would like to give back something to these children while the Angeles family is vacationing together in the Philippines.

With the help of my cousin, we learned about Hebron Orphanage, named after a founder, in Bulacan where the management and staff house and help the

abandoned and abused children.

We told our friends and co-workers of our intentions to help the marginalized kababayans in the Philippines. Without any hesitations, they voluntarily donated money to fund our cause. The response was overwhelming. We were able to collect and thus, we were able to fill the four boxes with donation in kinds: clothes, basketball and soccer balls, toys and candies to name a few. And these are some items which we brought with us.

While we were in the Philippines for holiday, we asked the orphanage officials what the childrens’ needs are.

And they readily told us that the basic needs are shoes and sandals. Their response led us to go shopping for shoes and sandals. The staff members of the department store were surprised by the

Katie with the kids of orphanage

The children of orphanage

The Shoes

Mike giving away shoes for the orphanage

number of pairs and when we told them our noble purpose, they helped us to get those sizes of foot wears we needed to donate to the orphanage. We were able to purchase 34 pairs of shoes and sandals.

Aside from our donations, the Angeles family handed down gift bags loaded with candies from Canada; pencils, pads and other school supplies, toothbrushes and toothpaste, noodles and 50 pesos per child. The orphanage also received several basketballs and soccer balls and, of course, lots of hugs. Giving back to this orphanage is one of the highlights of our trip which we considered as one of the happiest moments of our visit to a country when we have fell in love again and again.

While in Manila, in Ermita District, there were evenings when we walked and strolled around the nearby streets where

we stayed. As we went around, we brought with us bags of clothes and food and handing these items to the children living in the streets. Their smiles on their faces and their faint gesture of thanks have been touched our hearts and have been embedded into our memories which would later on, will be cherished forever.

Little deeds if coming from the heart will go a long way. My wife and I wish to thank to the staff of Misercordia Hospital for donating to our mission to help the marginalized children in the Philippines. Special thanks to the families of Bluessette Bexiga, Janet, Ira, Lories and Murphy de Leon, Brenda Capicio, Tina Markwart and most specially to my mom Hermie and my Dad Jun Angeles; to my brother Mark and sister Melanie for sharing this unforgettable sharing of a noble cause.

Katie with the orphanage kids

Kathie giving away bags of goodies

Aylah with all the giveaways

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Minister Flaherty to lead Canadian delegation to Cardinal-designate Collins’s Elevation Ceremony

Government of Canada taking action to support newcomers

At the request of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, will lead the Canadian Delegation attending the ceremony for the elevation of Archbishop Thomas C. Collins to the cardinalate. The ceremony will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Holy See, on February 18, 2012. The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, will also be part of the delegation.

Cardinal-designate Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, will be made cardinal, along with 21 other top churchmen, by Pope Benedict

Vancouver, British Columbia, February 22, 2012— The Government of Canada today announced the launch of a three-year pilot project that will make it easier for internationally trained professionals to have their credentials recognized and find jobs in their fields.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism also participated in the announcement.

“Our government's top priority is job creation and economic growth,” said Minister Finley. “In the Economic Action Plan, we made a commitment to help internationally trained professionals cover the costs of having their credentials recognized. Today we are delivering on that commitment.”

"Today's announcement is part of the Government's commitment to making it easier for immigrants to join the Canadian labour market," said Minister Kenney. "We want newcomers to be able to use their skills as soon as possible in Canada and work to their full potential. It's good for them and good for the Canadian economy."

For many internationally trained professionals, the cost of licensing exams, training and skills upgrading can present a significant barrier to credential recognition. The Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot will develop and test innovative projects that provide financial assistance to internationally trained professionals to lessen some of

XVI.

“On behalf of our Government, I offer my warmest congratulations to Cardinal-designate Collins as he begins this new phase of his ministry,” said Minister Flaherty.

“His strong commitment to promoting human dignity, faith and charity has been recognized beyond just the Greater Toronto area and the wider Roman Catholic community.”

“It is a true joy to witness a leader of Canadian civil society be so honoured on the international stage,” said Minister Kenney.

“Archbishop Collins has spent almost his entire adult life in service to God and to his fellow Canadians.

He is most deserving of the rank and honour of cardinal.”

“The elevation of Archbishop

Thomas C. Collins to the cardinalate is a tremendous honour, for which all Roman Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto and throughout Canada are extremely proud,” said Associate Minister Fantino. “This ceremony serves as recognition of Cardinal-designate Collins’ ongoing significant contributions to the Roman Catholic community.”

The Archdiocese of Toronto is Canada’s largest, with approximately two million Roman Catholic residents, who make up 40 percent of the area’s overall population. Archbishop Collins is the fourth archbishop of Toronto and the 16th Canadian bishop to be named cardinal.

Government of Canada strengthens counter-terrorism legislation OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Government of Canada today introduced amendments to the Criminal Code that would ensure that Canada has the tools it needs to combat crime and terrorism and protect its citizens.

"Our Government remains committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. Terrorism will continue to be a threat for the foreseeable future," said the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. "The Government needs to provide law enforcement officers with the means to anticipate and respond effectively to terrorism."

"These important amendments will compliment the CounterTerrorism Strategy announced last week," said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety.

"The Strategy explains how we work with our partners at home and abroad to prevent individuals from turning to terrorism, to detect threats as early as possible, to deny terrorists the means and opportunities to attack, and to respond rapidly and effectively should an incident occur."

The provisions of the Combating Terrorism Act (Bill C-17 from the previous Parliament), which proposed to re-enact the investigative hearings and recognizance with conditions measures, are being reintroduced. New offences of leaving or attempting to leave Canada to commit a terrorism offence are also being proposed.

Holding an investigative hearing would allow the Courts to compel a witness who may have information regarding a terrorism offence to appear in court and

provide information. The proposed recognizance with conditions provision would require a person to enter into an agreement before a judge to abide by certain conditions, in order to prevent the carrying out of a terrorist activity. These proposed amendments, which expand upon the many safeguards contained in the original Act, are designed to help disrupt plans and preparations for terrorist attacks and investigate past acts of terrorism.

The new offences of leaving Canada, or attempting to leave Canada, to commit a terrorism offence are intended to deter persons from leaving Canada to attend terrorist training camps or engage in other terrorist activity abroad.

Some of the proposed amendments fulfill Parliamentary recommendations that were made following the Parliamentary review of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper pays tribute to outstanding Canadian on flag day OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today celebrated National Flag of Canada Day by presenting a Peace Tower flag to Pierre Lavoie for his outstanding dedication to improving the health of his fellow citizens.

“The National Flag of Canada is a symbol of honour, pride, and Canadian identity,” said the Prime Minister. “By dedicating himself to educating Canadian youth on the benefits of physical activity and helping improve their quality of life, Mr. Lavoie is a perfect example of what it means to be Canadian.”

A world-class triathlete, Mr. Lavoie is the Founding Chairman of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie, a

health promotion program that uses physical and educational activities to motivate children between the ages of 6 and 12 to stay healthy by eating the right foods and exercising regularly. He is also President of the Association de l’acidose lactique, spokesman for the Corporation de recherches et d'actions sur les maladies héréditaires (CORAMH) and Founder of the Club cycliste acidose lactique for 10- to 17-yearolds.

Pierre Lavoie received a Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2005 and became Knight of the Ordre national du Québec in 2006.

In 2011, he was named Member

of the Order of Canada for his leadership and commitment to youth and for his support of research into hereditary diseases, and awarded the Medal of Honour of the National Assembly.

February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, and in hundreds of communities across Canada.

To celebrate this special day in Canadian history, the Peace Tower flag is presented each year to one or more Canadians who exemplify the values our country holds dear.

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

17

these financial burdens. Delivered in partnership with community organizations, the loans will make it easier for internationally trained professionals to find jobs that best suit their skills and experience.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. British Columbia, where Minister Finley made the announcement, is one of several partners across Canada to receive support through this pilot. Similar agreements were also announced today in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Today’s announcements are part of an $18 million commitment that the Government of Canada made in its 2011 budget for the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Internationally trained workers, including skilled immigrants and Canadians with international training or education, make an important contribution to Canada’s job market and the economy,” added Minister Finley. “That’s why we are working in partnership with organizations like S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to help them find meaningful work that contributes to Canada’s overall prosperity.”

Additional projects with selected organizations across the country will be announced in the future. This innovative, community-based pilot project is another example of how the federal government is working with partners to help internationally trained professionals have their credentials recognized.

The Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot complements the significant investments that the Government of Canada has made in recent years to help new Canadians succeed.

LOOKING FOR Office cleaning staff.

With cleaning experience. starting at $18.00 and up.

Please contact

De Vo (780) 885-6886

18 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

February 2012

Join the Filipino Journal Fan Page today!

Follow us on

www.facebook.com/FilipinoJournal Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

We're on Twitter!

Alberta

Follow us on Twitter and we'll follow you right back!

www.twitter.com/FilipinoJournal Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

19

20 Filipino Journal

Alberta

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Horoscope This month you can make great strides in your career with the help of others. However, under this influence you may use people or be manipulative.It may be difficult to balance work and personal commitments this month, and you’ll have to be organized.

You will be respected and appreciated for your efforts at work place. Your hard work will be much appreciated in this month. Your health and wealth is going to be on upswing in this month. People who are in love should expect good results.

There are indications that you will be able to achieve the desired results which you may have been planning all these month. Monetary gains are going to be on the expected lines.

If you are running your own business then there are chances that you may get new deals and contracts.

You may have to put in great amount of efforts for success in your Career etc. Your energies may get wasted in unfruitful activities, so you need to be very careful while putting your effort.

It is going to be a mixed month for you. You will have good sources of earning. However, at the same time, you will also have heavy and sudden expenditures. It is a favorable period for investments. You may invest in real estate and other profitable spheres.

There are indications that you may lose your mental peace and concentration. Your domestic life and professional life may get affected by this lack of concentration and peace of mind.

There is also a chance of a long distance journey in this month which may give you the desired results. If, you are running any business in partnership, you may have misunderstandings and differences with your partners. Students will perform outstandingly well.

During this month other people would be impressed with you.

You will able to make a favorable impression on others. You will be appreciated by your boss and colleagues. Financially, you may have a few problems.

If you are planning to buy a property then this is the right time to do so. There are also indications that you may buy luxury goods in this month. A short traveling on a weekend for leisure with family is also indicated. People who are in love should expect that their beloved is thinking and on same wavelength as theirs.

Your earning will be much better. Those who are in service or business will enjoy their personal and professional life. It is also a better week for love related issues.

In this week you need to be careful about your aggressive instincts as it may not pay you in long run. You need to keep a check on your impulsive decisions. You should try to remember, your overconfidence may invite problems.

Success will only come with hard efforts. Undue delays and obstacles may keep you down for a bit. You may feel a bit of insecurity due to your low confidence, but you need to maintain a positive outlook.

PAHALANG

PABABA 27 Kinakapitan ng ngipin

1 Kulimlim

22 Manlalaro

4 Marami

30 Sinok ng lasing

2

Simbolo ng nickel

25

Ibon sa mitolohiya

9 Tulyapis

31 Alien ni Spielberg

3

General Patronage

26

Partner ni Guy

11 Milby ng pelikula

32 Simbolo ng barium

5

Taulava ng PBA

28 Pangatnig

12 Miss: daglat

33 Unibersidad sa diliman

6 Petrolyo

29

14 Bayan sa Cavite

34 Kagandahang loob

7

30 Turing

15 Anunsyo

36 Restroom

8 Laman-loob

34

Sisidlan ng gamit

16 Los Angeles

37 Higit

10 Banaag

35

Hintay sa pangako

17 Oo sa Mexico

38 Upos ng sigarilyo

13

37

Tawag sa ina

18 Lalagyan ng niyog

41 Disipulo

15 Uka

39

Business Administration

19 Lungsod sa Gergia

42 Aklas

17 Pang-ukol

40

Ordered list

1

Darling: daglat

Sabaw ng sinaing

Saturday: daglat

23 Kurso sa kolehiyo

18

24 Palayaw ni Arturo

20 Lawa

26 Magalang na tugon

21

Channel 13

Walang kakayahang magkaanak English prefix para sa tatlo

Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

21

An evening to celebrate 18th birthday of Monica Trisha Cruz Full of pleasant memories,Monica Trisha Cruz, the daughter of Alex and Modry Cruz celebrated her 18th Birthday at Hotel MacDonald last January 7th, 2012. Monica Trisha had her dream realized. Her memorable birthday was attended by family relatives, friends schoolmates.

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

22 Filipino Journal

Alberta

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Model: Annaliza Erasmo

W

| Written by: Tia Provici & Alana Klein

hen wanting to contour the eyes you should use a darker shadow in the crease of the eyelid and a highlight on the brow bone. This technique creates definition and depth, making eyes appear brighter and larger. If you define the eyes properly your eyes can look amazing. Depending on your skin tone, you want to pick shadow colors 3 shades: lighter, medium and dark to get natural looking eyes with more definition. To create sexy contoured eyes and avoid looking like a raccoon, follow along in the article to see how to create the look.

To get the look:

Apply a sheer veil of Shadow Magnet Primer all over the entire eye lid and brow bone to help the color last all day and prevent against creasing of the shadows.

Take Lingerie Eye Shadow and apply all over the brow bone for highlight.

Apply Cedar Eye Shadow all over the entire lid and into the whole crease. Bring the Cedar Eye Shadow higher so when you put the darkest shadow on top in the crease you still see some of the Cedar peeking through. This is a medium toned taupe shade for added brightness.

Take Vanilla Eye Shadow and layer it on top of Cedar Eye Shadow to the inner corner of the lid of the eyes to open up the eye a bit more.

Vanilla Eye Shadow is a matte shadow, perfect for softening up shadows.

For added depth apply a dark brown or for more of a dramatic eye, Black Eye Shadow to the crease. You can either bring it almost all the way in the crease towards the nose or about half way depending on how big your eyes are.

Finish off the eye with Onyx Crème Liner using the Precision Angle Brush and line the top of your eye and the tear line. Set your even more beautiful eyes with mascara.

Products used

Tia’s image-consulting firm, PROVICI, has attracted a loyal following in the entertainment and business communities. She has recently styled individuals for print media and live entertainment, and for awards shows such as the Junos and the Grammys.

Check out Tia on Shaw TV channel 9 on Tuesday evenings, and Wednesdays before noon. Kung meron kayong questions, comments or suggestions send an e-mail to tia@provici.com. She welcomes your questions and is available for personal appointments.

Just log onto www.provici.com or visit Tia at PROVICI Cosmetics, now located at 233 Mc Dermot Ave. or call (204) 957-1544 for more info.

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by Gem & Lita Anis

O

The Best of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

n day 4, April 12, 2011, of our East Caribbean Cruise, with the morning scattered showers forecast, the "Oasis of the Seas" docked at 9:00 am at the port of Charlotte Amalie in Crown Bay. Charlotte Amalie, the Caribbean most popular cruise ship port, is the capital and commercial centre of St. Thomas of the United States Virgin Islands. A blend of deep-rooted Danish history and today`s way of life, the city was named after Charlotte Amalie, queen consort to King Christian V of Denmark.

St. Thomas, with a population of 51,634 and a land area of 31.24 sq. miles, is a constituent district of the US Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States. Once the centre of a swashbuckling pirate culture (such as Blackbeard and Drake), the US Virgin Islands is the only place under US jurisdiction where the rule of the road is to drive on the left.

St. Thomas was purchased by the U. S. from Denmark in 1917 during the administration of wartime President Woodrow Wilson for $25 million in gold out of US fear that the islands might be seized by Germany as a submarine base during the first World War. Before the gangway opened at 9:30 am we're ready to board the open-air covered truck called "safari cabs" to begin our excursion tour, "The Best of St. Thomas".

The heart of St. Thomas is the Emancipation Garden Park with the bust of famous Danish King Christian as its focal point.

It commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the Danish West Indies.

Located near the garden is Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in St. Thomas. Today, it is a museum housing a collection of Amerindian artifacts and exhibits portraying the colonial Dutch lifestyle.

To discover and explore

Charlotte Amalie hillside terrain take the "99 Steps" built by the Danes in the mid 1700s. These brick staircase streets also lead to a place called Government Hill.

We travelled on to picturesque ridge top road, Skyline Drive, overlooking the capital's harbour making our way to Beacon Point with views of St. John and the nearby British Virgin Islands.

Our guided tour proceeded to the newly- renovated `Mountain Top`, the highest point on the island at the top of St. Peter Mountain. The area, once known as Signal Hill, served as a strategic communication point for the US during the 1940s. The Mountain Top is the home of the world famous ``Banana Daiquiri``, a delicious concoction beverage of ripe bananas, lime juice (pineapple or orange), dark rum, banana liqueur, and sugar, blended with ice.

We had plenty of time to brouse and shop at the Caribbeanthemed bazaar after treating ourselves with the daiquiri.

From the observation platform the views of the heartshaped Magens Bay Beach and the surrounding islands are breathtaking. Rated as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic Magazine, Magens Bay features a mile of white sands, clear turqoise waters and arboretum of palm trees.

Nestled high in the volcanic peaks of St. Thomas sits St. Peter Great House and Botanic Gardens, once the haunt of the rich and famous and formerly owned by a Virgin Islands governor. In the

Gem & Lita St. Peter Greathouse

Open-air safari van

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

Filipino Journal

1800s this beautiful place was frequented by Indian tribes and used by pirates to bury their treasurers. The Great House boasts of a classic West Indian architecture and lush botanical gardens and a nature trail with streaming waterfalls, tropical bird aviaries, fish ponds, varieties of orchids and hundred species of Caribbean plants and fruits.

Step onto the outdoor deck to enjoy endless photo opportunities of St. Thomas` natural beauty as well as more than 15 Virgin Islands

Alberta

23

and Cays including Tortola.

Before returning to the ship in the late afternoon we remained in town at it`s Main Street, once called by the Danes as the Dronnigen`s Gade, where most of the duty-free shops are located particularly the Diamonds International which is noted for its 60% off sale from 10:00 am - noon for your chance to win diamond jewelry at 11:00 am.

See you next time at the Dutch and French Islands of St. Maarten and Philipsburg!

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

February 2012

RJL 2011

24 Filipino Journal

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!