January2011

FRE

E P I C K - U P!

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Volume 4, Number 1 • January 2011

Alberta Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Page 26 ►

Jenny Bungay, owner of Philippine Financial Services, a Canada wide business company, celebrated her birthday with relatives and close friends at the West Restaurant & Bar in Calgary, Alberta.

Angelica Panganiban Travel: sees nothing wrong in The Wonders of Syria adopting a baby

It’s our turn Concert a blast!

Page 18►

Page 9 ►

TIGAH SISTAHS Sofia Hidalgo, Wency Calderon, Reunisse Dominguez, Kaexel Siso, Lizeth Vasquez and Angelique Bebe.

Angelica Panganiban

Page 25►

Palmyra Ruins

Welcome to our practice!

dental

oasis

Dr. Mie H. Cifra B.Sc., D.D.S.

Welcome to Dental Oasis, providing top-notch dental care for our community in Edmonton and the sorrounding areas.

P 780 432 1801 F 780 432 1240 E info@dentaloasis.ca 125 Haddow Close Edmonton, AB T6R 3W3

see page 3 for more details

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Happy New Year!

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January 2011

January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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4 Filipino Journal

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Lakas congressman rebuffs criticisms on Cha-cha

Tribute to Anthony Kallal

Farewell

By Lulu Bernal

Sir Knight Anthony Valentine Kallal is a Mining Engineer who retired as a Pharmacist. He gave up his Engineering profession in order to be with his family, and be a father to his 7 survived children.

He is an entrepreneur, an athlete, a philanthropist but most of all a very loving husband to his second Wife Julie Kraychy. As I quote Ferdie Mendita, a very close friend and business partner, “In today’s standard and lifestyle, I have yet to see a gentleman who, rain or shine, blizzard or thunderstorm, day or night would brave the element to open the car door for his lady”.

As his friends and relatives gathered at the chapel of ConnellyMckinley Feb. 14, 1928Dec. 31,2010 funeral , his son Albert gave his last memory of him.

That Friday morning, when he saw

him helpless on the bathroom floor he cuddled him in his arms, just like when he cuddled him at his birth, a helpless new born baby. It did not occur to him that God Almighty will take him on his birthday.

Member of the Legislative assembly of Alberta Carl Benito, who is also a close friend of the family shared his memories of Anthony; the trips to different parts of the world, the fun travel and parties.“He was such a good sport!”.

My husband Tony and I were with Anthony four days before his demise. We were all volunteers at Yellowhead casino, fund raising for New Home Immigration and Settlement Centre of which he is the President. He was thoughtful and caring. He was vibrant and was the designated driver for some volunteers. I was dumbfounded when Julie called me that Friday morning and told me Anthony is gone!

January 2011

L

The Knight of Columbus, St. Michael Assembly and the Nazareno Council led the dramatic and colourful vigil and funeral service.

Sir Knight Ferdie Mendita, open his Eulogy with the Song “My Way” “Who was this man, what had he got? If not himself, then he had naught. He said the things he truly felt, and did the tasks of one who cared, and now he’s gone the records shows he did it his way.”

Farewell, Sir Anthony Valentine Kallal, you will be greatly missed!

akas Party vice president for policy, Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino has denied insinuations that the proposal to amend the Constitution is not a strategy by congressmen allied to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to bring her back to power as president or prime minister.

Arroyo, now a member of Congress representing the second district of Pampanga, still has 70 partymates at the House. However, Antonino said the alleged plan to use Charter change to return Mrs.

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Arroyo to Malacañang will not prosper since 68 congressmen are already supporting President Aquino.

The President has opted to distance himself from the move to amend the Constitution although he has not expressed objection to it.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for his part said he would support convening the Senate and the House into a constituent assembly that could work for Charter change.

January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Pnoy attends Sinulog festival

P

resident Aquino paid homage to the patron saint of Cebu by gracing the Sinulog Festival last Sunday in Cebu City.

Aquino arrived at about ten in the morning prior to the start of the grand parade and street dancing featuring some 151 contingents. His running mate in last year’s election, Senator Mar Roxas was with him.

In his speech delivered at the Cebu City Sports Center, the President exhorted the Cebuanos and everybody in attendance to pray to the Sto. Niño for protection against disaster and natural calamities. He also asked the people to pray for recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by the recent massive flashfloods in various parts of the country.

Aquino praised the Cebuanos for displaying unity to celebrate the Sinulog festival which he said is distinctly Cebuano. He also said the celebration showcased Cebuano values and beliefs that cannot be compared with any other festivities.

Despite the incessant rains, thousands locals and tourists turned up to watch and celebrate the colorful festival.

The President was welcomed

by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Reps. Tomas Osmeña and Cutie del Mar and other city officials.

and P6.61 per kwh for Mindanao grids.

The transmission rates charged by NGCP are based on the internationally accepted rate-setting methodology called the Performance-Based RateSetting (PBR) scheme. The implementation of PBR in the transmission sector is guided by the Rules for Setting the Transmission Wheeling Rates (RTWR).

The NGCP MAR application for 2011 will still undergo public hearings before the ERC issues its final decision. Notwithstanding the reduced rates, the regulator still expects NGCP to continue to provide better service to its customers.

NGCP is the concessionaire that operates the power transmission system of the country. It is headed by Henry Sy Jr. of the SM group of companies.

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Government sets to renegotiate Japan’s entry requirement for Filipino nurses

The Philippines is set to renegotiate the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) which was signed in September 2006 by then President Gloria MacapagalArroyo and then Japan Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Helsinki, Finland.

One of the salient points to be raised by the government is the relaxation of some of the entry requirements of Filipino nurses to Japan which under the current JPEPA rules, only one was able to qualify.

The JPEPA is subject to renegotiation five years after the agreement was signed. A ranking government official however said there are also issues that

Luzon electricity rates to go down this month The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has announced a reduction in electricity rates in Luzon by P2.38 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) this month.

The decrease in power rate was brought about by ERC’s provisional approval on Jan. 17, 2011 of the Maximum Annual Revenue (MAR) application of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for calendar year 2011 in the amount of P46.3 billion.

The provisionally approved revenue translates to the lowering of the indicative equivalent monthly transmission charge to NGCP customers by an overall average of P2.64 per kwh which will be implemented starting on the January 2011 billing.

The average monthly reduction will be also felt by nine centavos per kwh in the Visayas

Filipino Journal

the Philippine government is avoiding such as the proposal of the Japanese to bring down the tariff of 3,000 cc vehicles and below.

The official said the lowering of the tariff will be bad for local manufacturers because imported counterparts may be cheaper thus killing the local auto manufacturing industry.

Other issues that may be raised are the reduction on sugar tariff and the increased access of the country’s agricultural products to Japan.

The Philippines will be asking the Asian Development Bank to come up with a study on JPEPA so that the government could be guided during the review.

6 Filipino Journal

Alberta

January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Safety and fairness for workers in Alberta

Minister’s Ethnic

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

F

eeling safe or being treated fairly at work is not a privilege. In our province it is a right. That is why

Employment and Immigration provides a number of ways to file an employment standards complaint. You can call our province-wide, toll-free number at 1-877-427-3731, or visit one of the employment standards offices located across Alberta. In addition to calling or coming in, a recent improvement to our system allows you to file a complaint online at www.employment. alberta.ca/EScomplaint.

Provincial laws are put in place to protect those who work in Alberta. That means the Government of Alberta’s employment standards has

regulations that include time off for holidays or holiday pay, protection of jobs while on maternity leave and that eligible workers must be paid overtime.

Whether you were born and raised in Alberta or have just arrived from another country, I encourage you to learn about your rights on the job. Everyone is entitled to fair treatment in the workplace.

Currently, I am preparing to speak at a meeting of the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL) in Winnipeg. This meeting will gather the federal, provincial

and territorial departments responsible for labour in their jurisdiction. I am proud to represent our province at these talks, where Alberta continues to promote best practices and look for opportunities to collaborate with other provinces.

Employment Standards receives about 5,000 complaints each year, and we review each one thoroughly. So far in this fiscal year, Employment Standards has collected almost $3.8 million for employees in response to employment standards complaints. These complaints range from problems

Neighbourhood assessment data updated Edmonton, January 10, 2011 – Updated tables and maps showing the average 2011 assessment changes by neighbourhood for single family homes have now been posted online at Assessment Maps and Your Property Value h t t p : / / w w w. e d m o n t o n . ca/for_residents/residential_ property_taxes/assessment-mapsproperty-value.aspx The tables and maps have been

revised as a result of recalculations of the neighbourhood data.

The adjustment made to the neighbourhood averages is a truer reflection of the property value assessments in neighbourhoods throughout the City.

NOTE: there are no problems with, or changes to, the actual individual property assessments that have already been mailed out.

For the majority of neighbourhoods, the data showing

the average assessment increase or decrease across neighbourhoods did not change; for some the averages changed only a percent or two; only a few saw significant changes (see table below).

Assessment notices were mailed last week providing property owners with the market value assessment of their property as of July 1, 2010.

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Webco Leduc

aLfie vera mella

Official Photographer

Rod Escobar Cantiveros

Contributing Writers:

Publisher/Chief Operating Officer VP-Business Development Managing Editor Associate Editor

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

Recalculated neighbourhood average assessment change +5%

Earlier reported neighbourhood average assessment change +16%

MacTaggart Area

+11%

+24%

North Glenora

+7%

+23%

Rural Northeast South Sturgeon

+22%

+32%

Rural West Big Lake

+7%

-2%

Terrace Heights

+15%

+3%

Windermere

+18%

-7%

Neighbourhood Ambleside

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Ronald Cantiveros

with overtime and holiday pay to illegal pay deductions.

Employment Standards works with people from around the world when they come to Alberta. Our staff understand that newcomers may hesitate to come forward with an issue or may not be familiar with the services available to them. For more information on Employment Standards, or to find the nearest Employment Standards office, please visit www.employment. alberta.ca/ES or call 1-877-4273731.

Published Quarterly

A Division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Leduc, AB Printer Noli Granado

Lucille Nolasco Dr. Eusebio Koh Pastor Junie Josue Johnny Cantiveros Carl Benito Gem M. Anis Ruwiz Mercado Fran Avila-Anthony Lito Cleofe

RG (Bob) Gabuna Reis Pagtakhan Ramon Toralba Melanie Angeles Tony Surtida Perry Diaz Danilo Donor Inna

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

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January 2011

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7

Finally, a glimmer of hope keep him in power. In contrast, the late President Ramon Magsaysay proved that friendly – and sincere -- persuasion could disarm the enemy.

PEREZCOPE

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

Finally, after a roller-coasting decade of uncertainty, instability, and volatility, there is a glimmer of hope that 2011 would usher in an era of certainty, stability, and vibrancy. President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III said during the Rizal Day ceremony, “We’re not just seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. In certain sectors, we can already feel the light, the warmth of the new beginning.”

Indeed, his exuberance and optimism are buoyed by the high “trust” ratings the people have given him in spite of several embarrassing incidents and diplomatic faux pas that his fledgling administration experienced during his first six months in office. He seems to have a Teflon skin that deflects the criticisms – and mud -- thrown at him.

Barring anomalies of corruption and questionable transactions involving his appointees or himself, P-Noy should be able weather most, if not all, of “storms” that would come his way.

Perceived as honest and incorruptible, it would really take a major, major scandal to break down his “invincibility,” which is buttressed by the legacy left by his parents – Ninoy and Cory Aquino. For as long as P-Noy’s “trust” ratings would remain high, a performance below par wouldn’t necessarily diminish the people’s affection for him.

However, the office of the President comes with vulnerabilities that could bring the occupant down if he or she failed to contain corruption and deliver the people from the bondage of poverty. The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos found out – albeit too late – that the use of brute force was not enough to

proportions in the Philippines.

Criticized by human rights’ groups, P-Noy said, “It's not their call to make the decision. It's my call.” Now, that’s arrogance!

While it was indeed his call to “Gordian Knot” make, did he have to rub it in?

The question is: Would Makes one wonder if a feeling P-Noy settle for a place in of invincibility had gotten to his history that would border on head? mediocrity or would he strive to be an “Alexander” and untie Economic renaissance? the Philippines’ complicated P-Noy had every reason to “Gordian Knot” that has kept the exude optimism and confidence. country in a state of economic The GDP grew at 7.9% in the first disarray and moral decadence? half of the year during Arroyo’s But unlike Alexander who last six months in office; and it sliced the knot in half with a grew at 6.5% in the third quarter stroke of his sword -- known during P-Noy’s “first 100 days.” as the “Alexandrian solution” Economists have projected the – and conquered the known growth for 2010 to be at least 7%. world in the fourth century BC, P-Noy said during the Rizal P-Noy could untie his country’s Day commemoration that his “Gordian Knot” by the power of government had registered a persuasion. So far, he has yet to budget surplus of P500 million succeed. last November when a deficit of There were some incidents P6 billion was projected at that during his first six months that time. “And we didn’t achieve P-Noy might have wished he’d that by tightening our belts and have handled differently. He’d those that needed funds were no probably wished that he did a few longer funded so we can window “easy” things during the August dress. All [items] that needed 23 hostage-taking crisis to project funding were funded but still we him as a “hands-on” take-charge had a surplus,” he said. Bravo! leader that Filipinos love to The question is: Can the idolize.

Aquino administration sustain a He’d probably wished that he 7% growth in seven years? listened to those who advised him to let go of DILG Undersecretary “747” economic program Rico E. Puno whom he protected In October 2003, I went to amidst allegations that he was Manila with a group of Fil-Ams to receiving jueteng payola. Had attend a State Dinner for President he removed Puno, it would George Bush hosted by thenhave sent an electrifying signal president Arroyo in Malacanang. to all his appointees that they Our group paid a courtesy call to are expected to be above board the then-Speaker of the House of and beyond suspicion. Puno’s Representatives, Jose De Venecia. refusal to name the jueteng lords’ De Venecia gave us a 27-page “feelers” who approached him on book titled: “747: A Program the jueteng lords’ behalf raised for Economic Takeoff Toward “red flags” about his involvement Sustained Growth.” It was the with them. result of a study commissioned He’d probably wished that by De Venecia in 2002. The he did not boycott the Nobel “747” program was designed to Peace Prize award ceremony for generate seven percent growth for Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo for seven years in order to achieve a his “for his long and non-violent “Philippines without absolute struggle for fundamental human poverty.” rights in China.” He reasoned The book identified seven that he wanted to spare the lives strategic programs as key to of five Filipinos in death row its success, to wit: 1) Rural in China. However, he didn’t modernization; 2) Creating a say that those five condemned world-class service sector; 3) Filipinos were sentenced to death Promoting domestic competition; for “drug trafficking,” an illicit 4) Magnets for foreign investment activity that has reached epidemic and development aid; 5)

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Enhancing the assets of the poor, 6) Resource Mobilization; and 7) Political and administrative modernization.

Had then-president Arroyo adopted the “747” program in 2003, she would have ridden the country of “absolute poverty” by the time she stepped down in 2010.

With P-Noy off to a good start in 2010, he could achieve what Arroyo failed to achieve if he could sustain a 7% growth through the end of his presidency in 2016. However, it is easier said than done. Like Alexander of Macedonia, P-Noy has to untie the Philippines’ “Gordian Knot” to bring in an era of peace and prosperity.

Balancing act Recently, P-Noy received an unsolicited advice from Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, the former president of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Lagdameo said that P-Noy “needed to be discerning when

it came to the pieces of advice he was getting from the people around him.”

He suggested that P-Noy replace some of his “weak” Cabinet members and that he should do a “balancing act” -- that is, “Listen to what everybody has to say and pick up the best elements for the good of the country.”

During his inaugural address, P-Noy acknowledged that the people were his “bosses.”

It behooves him then to listen to them… to hear what’s in their minds. And after he listens to his “bosses,” he could then make his call. That’s the right thing to do.

That’s wisdom.

P-Noy knows that a vast majority of Filipinos have high hopes for his success. Ultimately, his success would be every Filipino’s success; however, his failure would be the nation’s failure.

Finally, after a decade of turmoil, there is a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel.

Make My Day! I’m Tired of Working.....

By Jun Teves

H

ere’s something a good friend shared with me: I’m Tired of Working...

For a couple years now I ‘ve been blaming this feeling on lack of sleep and too much pressure from my job, but now I found out the real reason: I’m tired because I’m overworked.

The population of this country is 300 million. 167 million are retired. That leaves 133 million to do the work.

There are 85 million in school, which leaves 48 million to do the work. Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal

government, leaving 19 million to do the work. 2.8 million are in the Armed Forces, which leaves 16.2 million to do the work. Take from the total the 14,800,000 people who work for State and City Governments and that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.

At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals, leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.

Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons. That leaves just two people to do the work. You and me. And you’re sitting at your computer reading jokes.

Enrile to Lito Lapid: Spell “porsche”?

Lito Lapid: Manong Johnny naman! D ko type yan, BMW NALANG PAESPILIN MO SA AKIN!

8 Filipino Journal

Alberta

January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Frequently Asked Questions re: FSW Program

Immigration News

by 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 Canadian Society of Immigration Consultant (CSIC). 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 asked numerous times questions about the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. Listed below are the frequently asked questions and the answers. If you have any questions that are not covered in this issue, please feel free to send me an email at jon@nuerainc.ca Q: I am a Temporary Foreign Worker with a valid Work Permit until Dec. 15, 2011, can I study while working in Canada?

A: Yes, you can study in Canada without a Study Permit as long as the course is not longer than six (6) months. Work Permits normally states that you cannot study without authorization but this policy only applies, if the course is longer than six (6) months.

Q: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in the Philippines and I have worked as a Pharmacist for more than 5 years within the last 10 years. I am a low skill worker here in Canada for more than a year, can I apply

under the FSW program?

A: Pharmacists (NOC 3131) is in the list of 29 eligible occupations under the FSW program. Since you have more than 5 years experience within the last 10 years as a Pharmacist, you may have a good chance of being eligible to apply provided that you meet the 67 points out of 100 in the FSW Selection Criteria of: education, language proficiency, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability.

You will get bonus points under adaptability, since you have been working legally in Canada for at least one year.

They must: I. Be under the age of 22 yrs. old and not have a spouse or common law partner or II. Be depend substantially on the financial support of a parent and have continuously enrolled and in attendance as full-time students in a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority since before age of 22 (or since marrying or entering into a common-law relationship, if this happened before the age of 22 )or III. Depend substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22 and unable to provide for themselves due to Q: I am legally married in medical condition. the Philippines but have been separated for several years with Q: I am a TFW who can qualify my spouse. There is no divorce under either the FSW and the in the Phils. I have been living AINP Program. Which program “common law” with another normally takes a shorter time to person in Canada for more process to become a Permanent than one year. When I fill out Resident (PR)? my FSW application forms, can A: Generally the FSW program I put my “common law” spouse takes between 6 to 12 months to name on the form, even though process and only you and your I am not legally “divorced” in family members’ eligibility is the Phils.? assessed. The AINP program A: In Canada, a couple is usually takes longer time to considered in a common law process because it involves relationship, if they have been obtaining provincial approval continuously living together first, (ie. you and your employer as husband and wife (conjugal have to be both eligible) before relationship) for at least one you can proceed to apply to the year. This applies also to same federal government. Current sex couples who have been living estimated AINP program total together as “husband and wife” processing times is 18 – 24 for at least one year. A conjugal months or more. relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment Q: How old does the child have between two people – that they to be to be to fill-out their own support each other emotionally, forms? financially, etc., that they present A: The child has to be 18 yrs. old. themselves in public as a couple.

Proof of commitment and living Q: Under the FSW program, together would include but not how much money is required limited to: living in same address, for settlement funds? joint names in apartment lease A: The settlement fund depends agreements, joint names in on the size of the applicant’s telephone or utility bills, joint family (as of May 26, 2010): bank accounts, etc. ▼ Q: Under the FSW program, No. of Family Members 1 who are considered dependent 2 children?

3 A: “Dependent children” are 4 children of the principal applicant 5 or of the principal applicant’s 6 spouse or common law partner.

7 or more

The settlement funds must be must provide a formal letter from a available and transferable to Canadian employer that indicates Canada and un-encumbered by you have a job offer for a skilled, debts or other obligations. full-time (at least 37.5 hrs/week), permanent job of indeterminate Q: I am a Filipino TFW and duration when your application have been working in Canada to become Permanent Resident for more than one year, which (PR) is approved. The letter has Visa Office should I chose to be signed by the employer and to have my PR application printed on the official letterhead of processed for final approval? the company, indicating your job A. If you have been legally living title, duties and responsibilities, in Canada for at least a year, you salary, benefits, etc. have a choice of having your PR application processed in your Q: How do I check, if the home country (Manila, Phils.) or consultant with whom I am the Visa Office in Buffalo, U.S. dealing with is a licensed If you chose Buffalo, U.S. make immigration consultant? sure first that you and your family A: Licensed immigration members can obtain a U.S. Visa consultants are listed in the to enter the United States, if and Canadian Society of Immigration when you are requested for an Consultants (CSIC) website interview. If most of your family members’ directory: members are in the Philippines, it https://www.csic-scci.ca/find/ may be better to choose the Visa Office in Manila.

CSIC is an independent, federally incorporated not-for-profit body Q: Why were caps/limits which operates at arm’s length per National Occupation from the federal government. It Classification (NOC) introduced is responsible for regulating the in the FSW program? activities of Canadian immigration A: The Canadian government was consultants who are members and receiving more FSW applications who provide immigration advice than they can effectively process for a fee. In addition, the Society and handle each year. They had is also responsible for ensuring a huge backlog of applications the education and competency and more than enough to meet testing of its members. The the Canadian labour market Society’s mandate is to protect needs. Establishing caps was the the consumers of immigration only guaranteed way to limit the consulting services and ensure number of applications received the competent and professional per NOC, per year. Without the conduct of its members. cap on applications, the FSW processing times will get longer If the person is not listed in the and the target 6 to 12 months CSIC website member’s directory, total processing time could not be then chances are the person is NOT a licensed immigration maintained. consultant.

Q: Under FSW - Category 2: Arranged Employment, what Legal Disclaimer: This news article is designed for general do I need to provide? information only. The information A: For TFWs in Canada with presented in this article should not be valid LMOs and Work Permits construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a consultant/client (Skill Category: O, A, or B) - you relationship. Each individual situation is

Funds Required in Canadian Dollars

$11,086 (if person is single and no children) $13,801 ( married person and no children) $16,967 $20,599 $23,364 $26,350 $29,337

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different and people should seek proper advice on their specific cases with a licensed immigration consultant of their choice.

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January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

It’s our turn Concert a blast!

E

Filipino Journal

Alberta

9

numbers to support the show. am sure you’ll be seeing more Congratulations TIGAH “We’re so proud of them. I of these girls” Tony concludes. SISTAHS for a job well done.

by Le Tigre

dmonton, AB, Jan. 15, 2011 - Le Tigre Entertainment’s all-girl pop group TIGAH SISTAHS performed their first ever concert to a capacity crowd at the Royal Alberta Museum on November 27, 2010. The group is comprised of 6 young girls - 10 to 15 years old, allFilipinas, and all products of the Pinoy Singing Sensation Junior Edition competition which was held earlier in the year. “They’re

all very talented, every single one of them” says group creator Tony Surtida. “When I saw these girls compete in March I felt that I had to do something special for them. I wanted to share their talents with our community”, he adds. What better way than a full concert to be enjoyed by all.

It was six months in the making but all that hard work paid off.

The girls brought tears of joy to their proud parents, family and friends who came out in huge

Le Tigre Entertainment co-founders Tony Surtida and Christy Raspado receives commemorative plaques from Kaexel Siso as the rest of the Sistahs look on.

Photo by Noli Granado

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January 2011

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Carl Benito, MLA Edmonton Mill Woods

As the MLA for Edmonton MillWoods, I am always available to assist . If you have any questions or concerns regarding the emergency department overcapacity protocols, MS treatment research funding, the New West Partnership Energy Memorandum of Understanding, changes to Alberta’s tire recycling program, or any other matter, I can be reached in my constituency office at #218; 4128A97 Street, or in my Legislature office at (780) 422-9299 or through email at edmonton.millwoods@assembly. ab.ca

Alberta Health Services launches overcapacity protocols

New province-wide overcapacity protocols aimed at reducing peak pressures in emergency departments (EDs) and other parts of the health system during periods of high patient volume launch Dec. 20.

The overcapacity protocols announced today respond directly to Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky’s earlier requests and directives. They

Alberta

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involve every AHS zone and all major hospitals across our province, including facilities in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray. They were developed last month following meetings involving more than 120 physicians, clinical leaders and administrative staff from across Alberta.

These protocols build on current practices by setting new targets that when reached, will trigger immediate actions to reduce emergency department wait times by improving the ability to move admitted patients out of emergency on an as-needed urgent basis to avoid critical overcapacity situations. Actions can be escalated up to the CEO level if impact on wait times is not timely.

The protocols for each facility and zone in the province are similar, but have been customized to meet the needs of the population served. The intent is to approach emergency department pressures as a hospital, zone and system-wide issue.

The protocols free up care spaces for patients in emergency departments who require hospital admission. Patients might be asked to share a room; to move to a different room or facility; to receive ongoing care in the community; or to be admitted to a hospital unit and given a stretcher or chair in a temporary location. They are also part of a larger strategy to reduce emergency department and health system pressures and will evolve over time based on feedback from staff and physicians.

As Alberta moves forward, one of our Premier’s goals is to ensure that we have the best-performing publically funded health care system in Canada. This means reducing wait times in all areas, including emergency departments, enhancing access to high quality health services across our province and ensuring that Albertans receive the care they need, in the right

place and at the right time. For more on our vision for a stronger Alberta, please visit http://www. premier.alberta.ca/plansinitiatives/ priorities/index.cfm.

Becoming the Best: Alberta’s 5-Year Health Action Plan, was announced on Nov. 30, and provides Albertans with clear direction on what they can expect from their health care system over the next 5 years. A copy of the plan is available at www.health.alberta.ca.

Alberta commits to study MS Western treatment The Alberta government will provinces unite fund an observational study on the safety and effects of venous to improve procedures, including the ‘Zamboni Treatment’, for people with multiple access to Asian sclerosis (MS). The government is markets also committing to fund clinical trials if and when it is safe and ethical to proceed.

The Alberta government will provide up to $1 million for the observational study, to be conducted by researchers from the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and other experts. The government has also committed to fund future clinical trials pending the results of the observational study, other research that is already underway, confirmation that the procedure has been deemed safe, and receipt of ethics approval.

The goal of the observational study is to determine the safety and patient-reported impact of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment procedures. The information will be used to determine whether to move forward with future clinical trials and to determine the followup care needs of Albertans who have received treatment for CCSVI. The venous procedures are not approved for use in Canada.

The three-year observational study will begin in spring 2011.

Albertans who have received treatment for CCSVI in another country, those who are scheduled to receive it and other Albertans with MS will be eligible to participate.

In conjunction with the study, a secure MS research website and database will be developed where Albertans can volunteer and consent to participate in the study, as well as report on treatment they have received.

Energy ministers from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan signed an agreement today that will help expand and strengthen Canada’s position as an energy powerhouse.

Arising from the New West Partnership created this spring, the Energy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will combine and build on the existing strengths of all three provinces to expand the region’s energy sector--attracting new investment, stimulating job creation and strengthening the region’s economy. The three provinces will begin working immediately on a number of projects, including developing a joint strategy to target opportunities in Asia, and improving consultation with industry. These initial activities are expected to be completed within 90 days.

Longer-term projects under the Energy MOU are expected to include regulatory streamlining, continued promotion of the region’s energy goods and investment opportunities and acceleration of the development and use of green energy sources.

Signed in April 2010, the New West Partnership is a new and farreaching partnership between the Governments of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The three provinces commit to ongoing collaboration on innovative ways to strengthen the economy of the West. The New West Partnership focuses on four areas key to economic growth in the West: trade, international cooperation, innovation and procurement.

The New West Partnership brings energy to market through responsible growth and development.

The agreement creates Canada’s largest interprovincial barrier-free

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January 2011 trade and investment market and sees the three westernmost provinces work together in unprecedented ways to the benefit of workers, businesses and investors in all three provinces.

Changes to recycling program keep more tires from landfills

Alberta Environment and Alberta Recycling are making adjustments to the province’s tire recycling program. With the continued goal of keeping tires out of landfills, the program will be expanding to include industrial and off-road tires. Changes will better reflect the costs of collecting, recycling and processing tires, and help sustain the tire recycling program.

There is no increase to the existing fee on car, pickup truck, and other light-duty vehicle tires, which represent approximately 80 per cent of the tires in Alberta.

As a result, the average Albertan consumer is not directly affected by the changes.

Until 2006, the technology to process industrial and off-road tires was not widely available. Since then, with the introduction of new technology, 22,000 tonnes of offroad tires have been processed.

Recycling fees are a fraction of the cost of the tires. For example, the typical maximum cost of medium off-road tires with rim sizes between 24 and 33 inches can be as much as $6,000 per tire, while the recycling fee will be $100 per tire.

Changes to the environmental fees will come into effect on April 1, 2011.

Each year, more than four million tires are collected for recycling from municipal landfills and tire and vehicle dealers. These tires are processed and made into recycled material and products used in Alberta, Canada, the U.S. and overseas. More than 60 million tires have been recycled since the program began in 1992.

January 2011

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New Years Party at the Angeles Residence

Alberta

Tobias-Fisher Cana Marriage Congratulations to Kent and Jovita Tobias-Fisher on their wedding at First Miracle of Jesus Catholic Church last June 13, 2010.

The wedding took place at Cana, Galilee, Israel on their pilgrimage trip to Celebrate Year of the Priest with Fr. Nilo Macapinlac.

Happy Birthday Lynette Mitra!

Lynette Mitra recently hosted her birthday party for close friends in Calgary

Mercan has successfully brought over 25,000 individuals to Canada since 1989 and assisted them in obtaining permanent residency. Mercan Capital’s founder and President, Mr. Jerome Morgan, is an accredited member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC member no.: M041555) and Ms. Valerie Marcas, employee of Mercan Capital since 1999, is a member of the Quebec Bar, Canadian Bar Association, and the Quebec Immigration Lawyers Association.

IMMIGRATION SERVICES

Permanent Immigration Processing 1. PNP (each province varies) - Skilled Workers - Semi SkilledWorkers - Family - International Graduates - Strategic Recruitment 2. In Canada Experience 3. Federal Skilled Workers Priority List EMPLOYERS AND TEMPORARY WORKERS SERVICES

A. Work Permit Processing/Renewals B. Labor Market Opinion Processing C. Visa Processing/Renewals

VISIT OR CALL THE OFFICE FOR FREE CONSULTATION OFFICE ADDRESS:

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Suite 201-10707 100th Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3M1 Tel.: 780-6381510 Fax.: 780-6381516

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January 2011

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January 2011

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Look Who Turns Big 50 Congratulations to Noel (Manuel Jose Antonio Angeles) a big 50 birthday bash and another surprised party thown in by wife Alma last Friday November 19, 2010.

Noel and Alma’s Relatives Jun and Hermie Angeles and Roman and Linda Alano De Guzman

Noel and Alma’s Friends

Newcomer Solenn Heussaf offended

by French documentary

S

howbiz newcomer Solenn Heussaff wrote a sarcastic letter to a French network for the “bimbo” tag given to her by a documentary titled “Stories of Gangsters, Drug Lords, and Bimbos.”

Solenn said she is not inclined to take legal actions against the French network that aired the said show as she wants to start the year on a positive note.

She admitted however that she got offended because the documentary implied that she and her friends are bimbos. She added it was her family even helped the French production do the documentary in the country.

A bimbo is defined as an attractive but unintelligent woman.

The other women on the video include Ruffa Gutierrez, Georgina Wilson, and other locally known designers, makeup artists, and hairstylists.

Solenn is set to do her first acting project with hunk Richard Gutierrez entitled “My Valentine Girls.”

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January 2011

Jason Francisco thankful for continued fans support

J

ason Francisco of “Pinoy Big Brother - Double Up,” fame said he and girlfriend Melai Cantiveros are thankful C M AFJ-Elegant U (Dec2009)1.pdf forY KtheWidth: continued support of 6” Height: 6”

their fans even as he expressed disagreement to any movie scenes that might tarnish the wholesome image of their love team.

Francisco’s statement was

The actor said he and a reaction to the possibility that good to their fans who are he will be doing love scenes composed mostly children and Cantiveros just want to always with Cantiveros in future movie young people please their fans all over the projects. country.

He said it Creative would Services not look

Angelica Panganiban sees nothing wrong in adopting a baby

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ctress Angelica Panganiban and boyfriend Derek Ramsay have been together for more than three years but the showbiz couple is in no hurry to settle down.

Instead, they will adopt a baby in deference to Ramsay’s wish to have a child even before getting married.

The actress admitted that she and her boyfriend differs on the issue as she opts to get married first before having a child. She also said she sees nothing wrong if they will adopt since she is an adopted child herself.

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Meanwhile, Panganiban has recently undergone eye surgery to correct her vision which she said has been bothering her since her elementary days. She said the eye surgery is necessary as she had difficult time recognizing people’s faces. She was even labeled as a snob by some members of the press whom she failed to recognize at once because of her eye problem.

The sexy actress has just finished her latest film, “Bulong” with actor Vhong Navarro.

January 2011

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January 2011

January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Philippine Foreign Service Examinations 2011

Civic Census Takers Required

The Board of Foreign Service Examinations of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announces the holding of the FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER (FSO) EXAMINATIONS to recruit candidates for appointment to the position of Foreign Service Officer, Class IV. Applicants for the examination must be knowledgeable on the economic, political and social conditions of the Philippines, and must possess not only facility in oral communication, but also the personality traits essential to the performance of the duties of Foreign Service Officers. They must also be willing and able to accept assignments to any post where their services may be required.

Applicants are advised to check the eligibility requirements to ensure that they meet the said admission requirements: a Filipino citizen, less than thirtyfive (35) years of age on the day of the Qualifying Test or on 20 March 2011 and at least a graduate of a four (4) year bachelor’s degree course.

Applicants married to a foreigner must secure from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, through the Board of Foreign

nterested in doing a job that counts? The City of Calgary needs Census Takers to visit all homes in assigned areas beginning April 1.

If you would like to be a part of the team that collects valuable information used in many aspects of City planning and service delivery, apply in person at The City of Calgary, Election and Information Services office at 1103 55th Avenue NE beginning January 17 to February 4, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 403-476-4100 (Option 3).

Applicants will be required to complete a short written assessment test that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

In order to apply to be a Census Taker you must be: • 18 years of age or over.

• able to walk in seasonable weather conditions.

• available to attend a two hour daytime training session in March.

• available to attend a ½ hour check-in and material review appointment in April.

Assigned census areas vary in size, but are generally between 400 to 600 dwellings. Census Takers set their own schedule to complete their assigned area and may be required to work in the evenings and on weekends when most people are at home. In general, the data collection takes about three weeks.

Service Examinations, authority to take the FSO Exams.

Naturalized Filipino citizen should submit a copy of his/her Philippine naturalization papers or Philippine passport. Dual or multiple citizens should submit a notarized affidavit stating that upon passing the examinations, he/she intends to renounce his/ her allegiance to all of his/her countries of citizenship.

The FSO Examination is composed of 5 parts, namely (1) the Qualifying Test (20 March 2011); (2) the Preliminary Interview (4 & 6 June 2011); (3) the Written Examinations (8-10 June 2011); (4) the oral Examinations (12-14 October 2011); (5) Psychological Test (2125 November 2011).

All examinations shall be conducted in the Philippines.

Application forms shall be duly accomplished by the applicants and returned either by mail, or in person, not later than 4 February 2011 to the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver.

Incomplete requirements will not be accepted.

Soft copies of the announcement, requirements and application may be downloaded from the DFA Website (www.dfa. gov.ph).

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Philippine Assumes Chairmanship of the 2011 Asean Consuls General In Vancouver Committee The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver led by Acting Head of Post Raly L. Tejada assumed Chairmanship of the 2011 ASEAN Consuls General in Vancouver (ACGV) Committee during handover ceremonies-held at the Malaysian Consulate General on 19 January 2011.

Outgoing Chair Consul General Mohd Acting Head of Post Raly L. Tejada with outgoing ACGV Hassan Bal of Malaysia, Chair Consul General Mohd Hassan Bal Malaysia Consul General Fair.

Bambang Hiendrasto This year’s highlight event of Indonesia and Consul General Arthayudh Srisamoot of Thailand will be the much anticipated congratulated the Philippines 17th ASEAN Golf Tournament and expressed their wish for a which is expected to draw successful Philippine ACGV golf aficionados from British Columbia and elsewhere. The Chairmanship.

The ACGV Committee is ASEAN Golf Tournament has a monthly meeting of ASEAN successfully raised more than Consuls General based in CAD$ 120,000 for charity since Vancouver namely Thailand, its inception in 1994. Beneficiaries various charitable Indonesia, Malaysia, and include organizations such as the BC the Philippines. Apart from Epilepsy Society, BC Children’s discussing issues of mutual concern the monthly forum is Hospital Foundation, BC Blind’s also in charge of promoting Sport & Recreations Association, ASEAN and its interests through Multicultural Helping House various activities that include the Society, victims of the natural annual ASEAN Golf Tournament, calamities in Southeast Asia, and ASEAN Cultural Night, ASEAN the Tapestry Foundation of the Day Picnic and ASEAN Trade Mount St. Joseph Hospital.

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January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Horoscope Your career and your social life are bursting with positive energy. You need to deal with some romantic or financial trust issues concerning a friend, colleague, or Internet entity, but otherwise, things are progressing quite nicely for you.

This would be a great month for you and you are on a roll now!

You need to make sure that you remain nice & considerate towards others throughout this month as you could earn the disrespect of people close to you.

You will have a magnetic personality and a charm on your face throughout this month. New relationships could move towards commitment now.

Lack of compassion, dissipated energy, and weakened intuition interfere with your ability to help and heal others.

This is a time when insensitivity prevails in the home and there is confusion over who is to provide the security and care in order for the family unit to operate functionally.

You are also beginning to feel more adventurous and as if it is time to embark on some kind of literal or figurative journey.

You are correct, it is time for you to spread your wings and broaden your horizons. Find something fascinating to lose yourself in.

This would be a positive month, although despite the positive events your mind would still remain unsettled and under pressure. You will be dynamic and very result oriented throughout this month.

You can feel very restless and bored with your current routines and daily responsibilities during this period. Your ideas and creative insights may be unrealistic or off the beaten track which causes disruptions and adjustments in your work, friendships or social liaisons.

There can be a desire to travel or enjoy outdoor activities with your mate. You may spend a great deal of time thinking about the future possibilities of being together and reflecting on all the big dreams and plans for tomorrow.

There are a few occasions when things get a little stressful while finances are discussed, but overall it looks like you are managing to juggle your romantic, professional, and financial goals without dropping the ball so to speak.

Money matters would be positive. You will have good gains this month, while liquidity will vastly improve after the 8th.

Income will be quite positive too, throughout the month.

A great amount of understanding is required now in your marriage or close love relationship. Discussions are not as congenial and are apt to be filled with misunderstandings.

Either you or your partner may feel nervous and insecure when an emotional or verbal connection is attempted.

You may need to take charge of an unsettled situation in your domestic life at this time. This period can indicate the need to establish guidelines and provisions in your home environment.

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Paglusob Tatak ng biyulin Tindig Hintay sa pangako Loob ng bayan Paghawak sa leeg Idol Ko Si ______ Kandili Tanda ng paggalang Kuwit Tagong pera

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Ingay ng daga Kabiyak ng puso Taguri sa santo Sukat at kalkulasyon ng bilis at direksyon ng hangin Pagsasatono Alipusta Salungat ng kaliwa Panulat Bayan sa Bataan

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Ugali Tuntunin ng kagandahang asal Haka Buwan ng mga bulaklak Labis na pagsunod sa uso Ihagis Iwas Sabik na paghihintay Bagwis

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_____ Hiking Society Kinang _____ Tokat Sugat Gamit panghukay Trigo Kung puwede Tabako Ina ko!

Unang pagsibol ng binhi Palayaw ni Pamela

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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

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January 2011

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P-Noy and his A-Team

Balitang Kutsero

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

llustration by Dave San Pedro

J

ust like the movie “A-Team,” President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III organized his own A-Team to get things done his way. With his two “shooting buddies,” Rico E. Puno and his newly appointed Political Adviser Ronald Llamas, covering his right and left flanks, respectively, and his “Chief Troubleshooter” Mar Roxas covering his front and Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay covering his rear, P-Noy is confident that his defensive wall would be so formidable and impenetrable.

But as soon as his A-Team was organized, problems started.

The team members were asking their roles and assignments. So, P-Noy called for an organizational meeting with the A-Team at the

Bahay Pangarap (Dream House) on a Sunday morning.

After a breakfast of Tapsilog, a fruit compote, mango juice, and coffee, the five settled down.

P-Noy called the meeting to order.

P-Noy: Okay, guys, this is our organizational meeting and I want you to ask all the questions you have cuz after this we’re going to paint the town red.

Rico: Huh? Paint the town red with your Porsche?

P-Noy: That’s just a figure of speech, okay?

Everybody: Okay, boss.

P-Noy: No, I’m not your boss, just call me P-Noy. Our “boss” is the Filipino people, okay?

Everybody: Okay, P-Noy. P-Noy: Okay, here are your assignments. Mar, as my “Chief Troubleshooter,” you’ll cover my front. Rico, since you’re friends with the rightist generals, you’ll cover my right flank. Ronald, since you’re a leftist, you’ll cover my left flank. And Jojo, since you’re my Vice President, I want you to cover my rear and make sure to keep the opposition forces at bay. Any questions?

Mar: Thank you for appointing me as your “Chief Troubleshooter.”

I like the assignment and with my long experience in troubleshooting, I can really help you. I understand that as your Chief Troubleshooter, I’ll be doing 80% of your responsibility…

P-Noy: That’s correct. That’s why I asked Congress for a huge presidential pork barrel to make sure that you’ll have all the funds you need to troubleshoot.

Mar: How much?

P-Noy: Hey, you can use all of

my pork available if you need it.

Remember, what is mine is yours.

Okay?

Mar: Your wish is my command, P-Noy. Thank you.

Jojo: How about me, P-Noy? You only gave me P200 million for my pork barrel. Covering your rear is as important as troubleshooting.

You see, I got to make sure that you’re not leaving a trail that’s full of… say, horseshit. You know what I mean.

P-Noy: Oh! That one! Hmm… What do you think, Mar? Mar: Look, Jojo, how much would it cost to scoop… that “thing” up?

Jojo: Hey, hold it there, Mar! Watch your language, okay?

Mar: Whoa! You’re the one who’s talking about horse…

P-Noy: Stop it! Let’s not talk about that anymore. I’ll double your pork barrel, Jojo. Okay with you guys?

Mar: Fine with me.

Ronald: 10-4.

Rico: 10-4?

Hey, that’s the number! I’ll call Bong and tell him that I’m betting P50,000 on 10-4.

That would give me winnings of P5 million.

Ronald: Huh? All I said was “104” -- which means, “okay” -- and you’re betting P50,000? What the heck is going on, and who is Bong?

Rico: Never mind, partner. The winning combination will be “10-4” in tomorrow’s jueteng.

Guaranteed. Bong is the jueteng lord I’m connected with.

Ronald: No kidding! But where are you going to get P50,000 to place in a bet? You told me earlier you lost big time at a Monte game last night.

Rico: Well, umm… I’ll just

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tell Bong to take it out of my commission… err… I mean, my winnings. Hehehe…

Mar: That smells fishy, Rico. Are you receiving jueteng payola?

Ronald: Yes, Rico. You’re my “shooting buddy” but you should stay out of jueteng. It would be embarrassing to P-Noy if Archbishop Cruz finds out.

P-Noy: Are you really on the take, Rico?

Jojo: Yeah, that’s bad, Rico. I don’t think I’d want to clean up any mess that would come out of another jueteng scandal. You survived the first scandal, but I

doubt if you’d survive the next one.

Rico: Hoy, Mojo Jojo! Who’s making a mess, ha? I’ll show you...

Jojo: Look, bozo! I’m going to…

P-Noy: Guys, stop it! It looks like we can’t work together. I’m disbanding our team. The meeting is adjourned. And you, Rico! I want to talk to you… alone, okay?

Rico: 10-4.

Then the phone rang. “Hello.”

“Good morning, Mr. Diaz. This is your wake-up call,” the caller said.

“Thank you,” I said and hung up.

Gee, another bad dream.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Oops! They Did It Again (In Fairness with Celebrity Pop Artists and On Discouraging Music Discrimination)

A

bout 15 years ago, when my younger self’s love for music was still considerably immature and discriminatory, I usually dismissed Celebrity Pop artists as wannabes and their music unworthy of anyone’s attention. When I say Celebrity Pop, I mean music recorded by celebrity personalities who are more famous as film or TV stars—like Mandy Moore and Scarlett Johansson—or whose rise to popularity originated from TV singing competitions like American Idol—such as Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert—or whose fame is marred with scandals and controversies—like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Even without having the chance to listen to them first, ordinary music listeners are quick to claim that these performers and their respective music are crap and a waste of their time.

However, to a true music enthusiast, consideration for such artists is warranted; because a true music enthusiast does not discriminate and, for him, music is music whatever its origin.

When You Dismiss Particular Genres of Music, You Are Committing Music Discrimination Whatever negative remarks other journalists and music lovers might have to say about Celebrity Pop artists, I still regard their music as legitimate music because I don’t discriminate music. I regard all genres of music—from Hiphop to Black Metal and Classical to Celebrity Pop—as cultural mementos that can give me a glimpse of a particular society or era. Also, I am able to separate the personal lives of such artists from their art—films or music, enabling me to experience unbiased and utmost listening pleasure.

Like for instance, despite the controversies hounding Miley Cyrus or Lindsay Lohan’s current serious ‘rehab’ problems, I could still enjoy listening to their music.

Regardless if the songs in the albums of the socialite Paris Hilton and the former adult-film actress Traci Lords were written for them by commissioned songwriters, I can still appreciate their music

to the fullest, untainted by their controversial misadventures in life.

Comparing Genres Subjectively Prevents One from Experiencing Music to the Fullest Many Celebrity Pop artists may have become popular or more known for other areas of art like acting or singing (in contrast with songwriting) and may have started their careers by joining TV competitions, but to try their hands in recording and releasing music remains their right as artists, and I respect them for that. But don’t get me wrong! I am not implying that the music of Miley Cyrus is equal to that of, say, Queen or Michael Jackson or Emerson, Lake & Palmer especially in terms of production or the songwriting process; but what I’m trying to say is that comparing music in a negative way (based on genre, originality, or other personal biases) can prevent one from enjoying it to the fullest. For instance, if you’re a big fan of complex music like Progressive Rock or Classical, you don’t need to compare this subjectively with music from less complicated genres like Punk, Pop, or Hip-hop if you decide to try listening to these styles; because if you do so, it will prevent you from appreciating forms of music other than your favorites. Then, you reduce yourself to a biased and hypocritical music lover. Don’t you want instead to be called a consummate music enthusiast—someone who can listen passionately to all kinds of music without prejudice? Besides, can you stand up and honestly proclaim that your own life is squeaky free of any deficiency? Would you like people to reject what you are offering or selling them just because they found this little flaw in your personal life? This is nothing different with Celebrity Pop artists or any other artists for that matter, who are hoping that people will respect or at the least appreciate their art or craft (i.e., movies or music) despite any shortcomings in their personal lives.

Some Celebrity Pop Artists and Their Music with Notable Songs In fairness with many Celebrity Pop artists, they are involved also

in the songwriting process of some of their songs—whether lyrics or additional melodies or chord progressions.

Traci Lords: 1,000 Fires (1995, “Fly,” written by Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie of Thompson Twins) Mandy Moore: So Real (1999, “Candy,” written by David Rice and Mark Stevens), I Wanna Be with You (2000, “Lock Me in Your Heart,” written by Tony Battaglia and Shaun Fisher), Mandy Moore (2001, “When I Talk to You,” written with Matthew Hager), Coverage (2003, “The Whole of the Moon,” original by The Waterboys, written by Mike Scott), Wild Hope (2007, “Can’t You Just Adore Her?”, written with Lori McKenna), Amanda Leigh (2009, “I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week,” written with Mike Viola of Candy Butchers) Kelly Clarkson: Thankful (2003, “The Trouble with Love Is,” written with Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken), Breakaway (2004, “Since U Been Gone,” written by Lukasz Gottwald and Max Martin), My December (2007, “One Minute,” written with Kara DioGuardi, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Raine Maida), All I Ever Wanted (2009, “Already Gone,” written with Ryan Tedder) Lindsay Lohan: Speak (2004, “Anything but Me,” written with Kara DioGuardi and John Shanks), A Little More Personal (Raw) (2005, “Confessions of a Broken Heart [Daughter to Father],” written with Kara DioGuardi and Greg Wells) Carrie Underwood: Some Hearts (2005, “I Ain’t in Checotah Anymore,” written with Trey Bruce and Angelo Petraglia), Carnival Ride (2007, “All-American Girl,” written with Ashley Gorley and Kelly Lovelace), Play On (2009, “Cowboy Casanova,” written with Mike Elizondo and Brett James) Paris Hilton: Paris (2006,”Stars Are Blind,” written by Fernando Garibay, Sheppard Solomon, and Ralph McCarthy) Miley Cyrus: Meet Miley Cyrus (2007, “See You Again,” written with Antonina Armato and Tim James), Breakout (2008, “7 Things,” written with A. Armato and T. James), Can’t Be Tamed (2010, “Who Owns My Heart,” written with A. Armato, T. James, and Devrim Karaoglu) Scarlett Johansson: Anywhere I Lay My Head (2008, “Song for Jo,” written with David Andrew Sitek of TV on the Radio) Adam Lambert: Take One (2009, “Light Falls Away,” written

by Michael Burtscher), For Your Entertainment (2009, “Whataya Want from Me,” written by Pink, Max Martin, and Shellback) Susan Boyle: I Dreamed a Dream (2009, “Who I Was Born to Be,” written by Audra Mae, Mark Linn-Baker, Johan Fransson, Tobias Lundgren, and Tim Larsson), The Gift (2010, “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” original

by Crowded House, written by Neil Finn) Final Note I used to laugh at and negatively criticize types of music that I didn’t like. But as I grew older, I have learned to appreciate and experience music in all its genres. I think this is

January 2011 a mark of a true music enthusiast.

I believe that anyone who harbors discrimination against music is not different from someone who criticizes people because of their race, gender, or religion.

To be able to appreciate music to the fullest is a skill not acquired overnight; it is an ability learned and developed through years of listening to different genres of music. If you feel that you haven’t reached that stage yet, you can start your musical journey by respecting at the least the music of Celebrity Pop artists and the songs’ respective songwriters (not necessarily the artists themselves).

Minister Toews updates Canadians on efforts to prevent human smugglers from abusing Canada’s immigration system Vancouver, January 19, 2011 — Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, reiterated the urgency of passing the Harper Government’s bill Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act, following new information which suggests that several syndicated criminal networks are organizing migrant smuggling ventures potentially destined for Canada.

“We see that Canada is a target for increasingly sophisticated global human smuggling networks and further action is needed now. Our message is clear: Canada opens its doors to those who work hard and play by the rules, while cracking down on those who seek to take advantage of our generosity.”

The Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act would complement existing efforts by Canadian law enforcement to prevent human smuggling operations before they leave for Canada. This legislation would strengthen Canada’s ability to prosecute human smugglers, deter those who would seek to jump the queue, and maintain the integrity and fairness of our immigration system.

“Canadians have spoken loud and clear regarding the abuse of our generous immigration system by human smugglers: it has to stop,” continued Minister Toews. “As such, we call on all members of Parliament to pass this important legislation without delay and before further boats turn up on Canadian shores.”

Residential Water Testing - Public Advisory

In recent weeks, The City of Calgary 311 call centre has received calls from citizens concerned about a company claiming it needs access to their homes to test their tap water.

The company representative, once in the home, attempts to sell the homeowner a water filtration system.

Calgarians are advised that The City of Calgary is not currently in the field conducting tap water testing and has not contracted any company to conduct such testing. If you are contacted by this company you are under no obligation to provide access to your home or to a water sample from your home.

Should The City require the testing of your tap water, it will initiate contact through an official

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letter followed with a phone call to make an appointment. It is always up to the discretion of the homeowner if they wish to participate in the testing. Further, all City employees are provided with photo identification badges and homeowners should not provide access to their home to any individual without proper identification.

The City of Calgary is dedicated to providing safe, quality drinking water. We make sure our worldclass water treatment standards consistently meet, even surpass, all provincial and federal health related guidelines. Our water is tested from the moment it comes from the river until it enters your home and eventually returns to the river.

January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by Gem & Lita Anis

The Wonders of Syria

W

e visited the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world as pilgrims and tourists - the oldest because Damascus, the capital of Syria and its largest city with about 4.5 million people was established between 10,000 to 8,000 B.C. Syria may not be a popular tourist destination. However, this Middle Eastern country has so many historic places that will let you travel timelessly. Once the centre of the caravan trade between the East and West, Syria is one of the earth’s most ancient inhabited places.

First Day - October 7 - We visited the National Museum of Damascus where exhibits are organized into five wings prehistoric age, ancient Syria, classical age, Islamic Age, and the Image Gallery.

The “Street Called Straight” is still here. It is the Roman street that runs from east to west in the Old City of Damascus. “Straight Street” is mentioned in the story of Apostle Paul’s conversion to Christianity in Acts 9 of the Bible.

Don’t miss the Souq (market) alHamidiyya, a broad street packed

with tiny shops, smell of cumin and other distinctive spices. At the end of the souq stands the great Umayyad Mosque, the most well-known of the more than 2,000 mosques in Damascus. An architectural wonder, it is unique in engineering and decrations.

Built by Umayyad Calip Al-Walid in 705 A.D., the grand mosque has four doors, three minarets and has four spacious halls. In the courtyard there are three domes money domes, clocks dome and a dome over the fountain in the middle of the courtyard. Located in the gardens just outside the mosque is the Mausoleum of Salah al-din, known in the west as Saladin, the chief anti-crusader.

Day Two - October 8 - We made the trip to the ancient Aramaic city of Maalula located about 50 kms. northeast from Damascus. A predominantly Christian village with a population of 2,000, Maalula is the home of two ancient Christian monasteries, Mar Sarkis and Mar Tagla. This magnificent village is the only place in the world that still speaks Aramaic, the language of our Lord Jesus Christ. You’ll

see houses, constructed of stones with flat beam roofs, are built on the slopes of a huge cirque of rocks that encloses the village. We also visited the St. Thecla Monastery, a blessed place where people from different religions come to gain blessings and to make offerings.

A must-see is Palmyra, the magnificent ruins of a Roman city in the middle of the desert. The most striking building in Palmyra is the huge Temple of Ba’al. The second most noteworthy remain is the theatre. The colonnaded street leads to the rest of this ancient city.

Day Three - October 9 - One of the premier tourist attractions in Syria is the “Krak des Chevaliers”, popularly known as the “Castles of the Knights”, widely recognized as the archetypal Crusaders Castle. “Krak” means fortress. The Krak is described

by T. E. Lawrence of Arabia as “perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world”. Part of a defensive network along the border of the old Crusader states, the fortress was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitalier during the Crusades.

It is a medieval military castle.

Last but not the least is the ancient city of Bosra in southern Syria, home to the largest, most beautiful and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world.

A major archaeological site, Bosra has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The most ideal time to visit Syria is October.

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Palmyra Ruins

Palmyra Syria

Krak Des Chevaliers

Downtown Damascus

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January 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Jenny Bungay’s Hermes Birthday Bash 2011

Jenny Bungay with her family & BFFs in an orange color themed birthday party.

Happy Birthday to Lourdes Ang!

Front from left: Lourdes Ang, businesswoman and owner of Solid Industries Ltd. in Calgary; Vangie Fons; Gina Sicat. Back from left: Meenda Parales; Jenny Bungay.

Team Pin ay We’re looking for Players & Sponsors for the Team Philippines (Women) to participate in

THE MINI WORLD CUP SOCCER

March 30 - April 13, 2011

Contact us for more info:

GRACE MALBOG-TAN

gracemalbogtan@yahoo.ca

D.M. (MARIE) RELOS

SOCCER TRYOUTS START AFTER CHRISTMAS

diane.relos@hotmail.com

Find us on Facebook:

TEAM PHILIPPINES MINI WORLD CUP 2011 Designed and Sponsored by

Team Philippines (Women)

We are looking for Sponsors Mini World Cup Soccer March 30 – April 13, 2011 Edmonton District Soccer Association

Platinum Partners ($1000): Jersey Logo Gold Sponsors ($500): Honorable Mention on Advertisement Posters and Banner Silver Sponsors ($300): Advertisement Posters and Banner Bronze Partners ($100 and Under): Donations in Cash Volunteers Find us on Facebook:

________________ Name:_________________________ Company:______________________ Address:________________________ Sponsorship Level: ________________ Donation: $________ Type: ____ Cash ____ Cheque

Contact us for more information: (780) 429-4696 pinay2010@shaw.ca Grace Malbog-Tan – General Manager gracemalbogtan@yahoo.ca D.M. (Marie) Relos diane.relos@hotmail.com Theresa Solash tsolash@hotmail.com Arne Bernal - Coach abernal14@shaw.ca Michael Angeles - Coach mja99@hotmail.com

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Gemmalyn Dacula’s B-day Gemmalyn Daculan celebrated her birthday with family and friends on December 22,2010 at the Palabok House.

Advertise with us!

info@FilipinoJournal.com • (204) 489-8894

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January 2011