July2011

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Volume 4, Number 7 • July 2011

Alberta Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Calgary Stampede 2011 - “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”

Governor of Bohol Edgar Chatto Visits Edmonton

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Photo from left: “The Young Canadians” - Miki Villanueva and Mary Kate Aquino with other pinoys and pinays and along with 180 other artistically endowed Young Canadians, lit up the stage for ten consecutive nights in “Volte”, Calgary Stampede’s TransAlta Grandstand Show. At right is Dennise Yambao, Alberta Filipino Journal writer.

Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva Visits Edmonton

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Alberta MLA Carl Benito, Rod E. Cantiveros, VP Marketing and Publisher, Manitoba Filipino Journal, Jun Angeles, community leader and adviser of CEFA; Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, former Philippine Honorary Consul Wilf Ladores; and Allan Zoleta, local businessman, PCCM board memberr and former president of Quezon Province Association of Manitoba, were granted an audience in his suite at Sutton Hotel. Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, 3rd from the right; and his wife, Pureza, 2nd from the left.

D.R.E.A.M Dance competition

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Bro. Eddie Villanueva addressing the crowd

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From left to right: Es Ar Lopez, Mylene De Belen, Adam Cory, Erin Alfonso, Ron Mendita, OJ Damaso, Victor Kim, Jake Aller, Carlo Atienza, 2J Pantoja, Jordan Cantos

2011 Toyota Highlander AWD Easy & fun to drive!

A solid performer!

Page 23 ►

see page 3 for more details

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What if China attacked the Spratlys?

PEREZCOPE

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

The debate on China’s territorial claim of the entire South China Sea has recently taken center stage in world geopolitics among the other five claimants, particularly the Philippines and the United States. In fact, the United States’ entry into the fray stirred China and caused her to issue warnings to the United States to stay out of the Spratly dispute.

Recently, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario went to Washington, DC to meet with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to discuss arms procurement as well as the USPhilippine Mutual Defense Treaty.

Although the US reaffirmed its commitment to come to the defense of the Philippines should she be attacked by China or any other foreign country, there are political and geopolitical considerations that the US has to weigh before sending her military forces to the defense of the Philippines or, specifically, the Spratlys.

The question in everybody’s mind is: What if China attacked the Spratlys? And if so, can we survive a Chinese attack?

Here are some military statistics from globalfirepower.com: Active Military Personnel: China 2,255,000 (2008); Philippines 113,000 (2008) Total Aircraft: China 1,900 (2004); Philippines 257 (2003) Helicopters: China 491 (2004); Philippines 126 (2003) Total Navy Ships: China 760; Philippines 36 Aircraft Carrier: China 1; Philippines 0 Destroyers: China 21 (2004); Philippines 0 Submarines: China 68; Philippines 0 Frigates: China 42 (2004); Philippines 1 Patrol and Coastal Craft: China 368 (2004); Philippines 24 (2008) Amphibious Craft: China 121 (2004); Philippines, 12 (2008)

By just looking at the two countries’ military forces, there is no way the Philippines could survive a Chinese attack. The Philippine Navy has one World War II-vintage frigate and an Air Force that consists mainly of helicopters and no jet fighters.

In a matter of days the entire Spratly archipelago could be in the possession of China -without firing a single shot!

The only thing that is deterring China – momentarily -from attacking the Spratlys is the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, on the presumption that the US would come to the aid of the Philippines if the latter invoked the Mutual Defense Treaty. But that is a big “IF” because President Barack Obama would have difficulty in convincing Congress and the American people to go to war in the South China Sea while the US is still embroiled in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya… unless her national interests and security are threatened.

And considering the weak economy of the US today, it’s doubtful if she could even come up with the money to open another war front halfway around the world. And to make it more challenging, the US doesn’t have any strong foothold in a country in the region that she could use for her base of operations. Although the US has military bases in Japan and South Korea, it’s doubtful if they would allow her to stage military operations against China from their soil.

And the biggest problem that the US has to deal with is her trade relationship with China, not to mention that she owes China approximately $850 billion… and is still growing. A lot of American corporations are doing business in China, which includes manufacturing plants that cost humongous amounts of capital. China is one of the biggest – if not the biggest – trade partners of the US. Needless to say, all that will be in harm’s way should the US get involved in a war in the Spratlys.

US military presence In September 1991, the Philippine Senate rejected a proposal to extend the bases treaty for another 10 years; thus, ending the United States’ military presence of almost a century. The US then moved its military forces to Guam, almost 2,000 miles away from the South China Sea. In the event of hostilities in the South China Sea, the distance to Guam would create logistical nightmares.

The US’s only presence in the Philippines – if you’d even consider it that – is the deployment of a small unit of

special forces in Mindanao solely for the purpose of training Filipino soldiers in fighting Islamic terrorists.

But what really deterred China in the past from stepping on our territory including the Spratlys was the presence of American ground, air, and naval forces on Philippines soil. Clark Air Force Base and Subic Naval Base were the biggest American bases outside the US capable of sustaining a strategic defense line from the Sea of Japan through the South China Sea; thus, preventing China from venturing out from its shores.

The US still maintains its Seventh Fleet in the Pacific and Indian Oceans; however, it’s based in Guam with deployments in four of the five countries in which the US has mutual defense treaties in the area – Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Thailand. The fifth country, the Philippines, does not allow deployment of permanent US forces.

In March 2010, China – in a bold action -- unilaterally declared the entire South China Sea a “core national interest” just like her claims of Tibet and Taiwan and told the Philippines to stay out! In Chinese parlance, “core national interest” means that it is non-negotiable.

Oil exploration What China is planning to do next is to set up oil rigs in the Spratlys within the Philippines’ 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Last May 24, 2011, Xinhua News reported that the China National Offshore

Oil Corp (CNOOC) is going to deploy in Philippine waters its 31,000-ton Marine Oil 981, a giant deepwater oil drilling platform that carries out oil explorations up to a depth of 3,000 meters and is equipped with a drill that can go as deep as 12,000 meters. As reported, Marine Oil 981 costs $923 million and took three years to build. It’s supposed to be installed in July 2011, which is this month.

Last week, in an attempt to diffuse the prickly dispute over the Spratlys, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario went to Beijing to meet with Vice President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

When interviewed by foreign journalists near the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, Del Rosario claimed his trip was successful, saying: “Both Ministers exchanged views on the maritime disputes and agreed not to let the maritime disputes affect the

broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.” However, upon his return to Manila, he said that China did not make any assurance that she would stop the intrusions into the disputed Spratlys.

Recently, during a two-day conference on the South China Sea, an expert on China said that hardliners in the Chinese Military Academy are “raring to teach China’s neighbors ‘a lesson’ for intruding into the South China Sea,” adding that they think that launching war against the “invaders” is justifiable.

It’s amazing how China is now calling the Philippines, “invaders.”

The question is: How can the Philippines defend its Spratly territory from Chinese attack?

Perhaps its time to welcome the Americans back, otherwise we might wake up one day to see Chinese soldiers on our shores.

See yourself in a whole new light.

Ikaw ang may kapangyarihan sa sarili mong pag-unlad.

Are you looking for a career opportunity where you can make a difference and bring balance to your life? Do you want to be your own boss, where the earning potential is limitless and your efforts are rewarded?

If this is you, gusto kitang makausap.

Bernard Villarena Sales Manager Bus 780-408-5480 ext 2202 Cell 780-222-0794 bernard.villarena@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/bernard.villarena Whitemud Crossing, #130, 4211-106th Street Edmonton, AB T6J 6L7 Sun Life Financial advisors are contracted with Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc., registered in Quebec as a financial services firm. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2011.

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July 2011

Stiff Penalties for Immigration Consultants without a License

Immigration News

by Jon

Salvador, BSc.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)

(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.

Bill C-35 an Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (formerly called the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act) came into force effective June 30, 2011.

The new law amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), making it a serious offence for anyone other than a licensed or authorized representative to conduct business, for a fee or other consideration, at any stage of an immigration application. This includes the

period before, during and after an immigration application is submitted and means that anyone who provides paid immigration advice will need to be a licensed or authorized representative, as identified in Section 91 of the Act. The new law includes the following provisions: • The creation of a specific offence and doubles penalties from $50,000 to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years upon conviction by indictment; and from $10,000 to $20,000 and/ or imprisonment for up to six months on summary conviction; • Gives the Immigration Minister with the power, by regulation, to designate or revoke the designation of a body responsible for governing immigration consultants and to provide for transitional measures with respect to such a designation, or revocation of a designation; • Authorizes the Governor in Council to make regulations requiring the designated body to provide the Immigration Minister with information regarding its activities. This information would be used to assist the Minister in evaluating: the effectiveness of the body in ensuring the integrity of the immigration program; whether the designated body is regulating its members in the public interest; and whether its members are providing their services in a professional and ethical manner; and • Allows the disclosure of information relating to the professional or ethical conduct of individuals to those responsible for governing or investigating that conduct.

Who are considered authorized representatives?

Under new law, starting on June 30, 2011 only members in good standing of the following organizations are recognized by the Canadian government as authorized representatives: 1. Full members and Transitional members of Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

2. Licensed Canadian lawyers and members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

3.

Paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial/territorial law Society.

NOTE: At this time, only the Province of Ontario’s law society, the Law Society of Upper Canada, (www1.lsuc. on.ca/LawyerParalegalDirectory/ index.jsp) admits paralegals as members.

If a paralegal is not a member in good standing of a law society, and is not a member in good standing of the ICCRC, then they are not recognized as authorized representatives.

What actions will require authorized representatives?

Under the new law, starting on June 30, 2011 a person providing consultation, advice or representation to a person/client for a fee or other consideration must be an authorized representative as per definition explained above. Examples of actions requiring authorized representatives include: • Providing advice regarding a person’s eligibility under the various immigration programs.

• Explaining and providing advice/consultation on a person’s immigration options; • Providing guidance to

a person on how to select the best immigration program and completing the required government forms; • Communicating with CIC / Canada Border Services Agency / Immigration and Refugee Board on a person’s behalf; • Representing a person in an immigration application or proceeding; • Representing a person in an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO) application • Representing a person in a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) application; and • Advertising that he/she can provide immigration advice or consultation.

What happens to the members of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC)?

Pursuant to subsection 91(5) of the IRPA, on June 30, 2011 the Immigration Minister has designated the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) as the governing body for the regulation of immigration consultants.

The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) is no longer the governing body of immigration consultants as of June 30, 2011.

As a transitional measure, the Minister has indicated by regulation that all members in good standing of CSIC on June 30, 2011 are temporarily deemed to be members of the ICCRC. These CSIC members are listed in the ICCRC website as Transitional Members of the ICCRC. This measure will last for one hundred and twenty (120) days until October 28, 2011. The transition period is in place for the following reasons: • To provide operational continuity for authorized immigration consultants and their clients.

• To give CSIC members time to register with the ICCRC and become members in good standing of the new governing body.

• To give the ICCRC time to bring their operations on-line.

On October 29, 2011 the transition period will end, and CSIC members who were in good standing on June 30, 2011 must have formally registered with the ICCRC to continue to be recognized.

From October 29, 2011 onwards, only immigration consultants who have formally registered with the ICCRC and been recognized by that body as members in good standing will be recognized as authorized representative to represent or advise clients as immigration consultants by Citizenship and

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Immigration Canada (CIC).

How do I check if a person is a Member in good standing with ICCRC? During the transition period between June 30, 2011 and October 28, 2011, an immigration consultant who was a member in good standing of CSIC at the coming into force of Bill C- 35 on June 30, 2011 is deemed to be a member of the ICCRC. Such a consultant will be recognized by the Canadian government during the transition period as an authorized representative. As well, immigration consultants who have applied to the ICCRC and have been accepted as members in good standing will also be recognized as authorized representatives.

To check if an immigration consultant is a member in good standing with the ICCRC, you can check the ICCRC website at www.iccrc-crcic.ca/home. cfm. The Full and Transitional members of ICCRC are listed in the website directory.

If the immigration consultant is not listed in the ICCRC member’s directories (Full and Transitional members) then the consultant may not be an authorized representative or the consultant’s license may have been revoked or suspended.

Be careful in dealing with a person who is not an authorized representative.

Where should I report persons charging fees and who are not authorized representatives?

Unauthorized persons charging fees or other considerations after June 30, 2011 can be reported to the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) for investigation. Documentary evidence, (ie. proof of illegal activities), such as: samples of advertising materials, letters, documents, copies of contracts, receipts of payments made, etc. should be collected and provided to support the allegations of illegal activities. You can contact ICCRC at: The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council 1100 Burloak Drive, Suite 300 Burlington, Ontario Canada, L7L 6B2 Tel: 1-877-836-7543 Fax: 1-877-315-9868 Email: info@iccrc-crcic.ca 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.

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Young Filipinos amp up the voltage in Calgary Stampede’s “VOLTE”

by Dennise Yambao Dennise Yambao is a volunteer writer for the Alberta Filipino Journal and is currently pursuing a career in the investment and financial services industry. She has called Calgary home since 2005, shortly after completing her post-secondary studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

When she is not dispensing investment advice to her clients, Dennise enjoys pounding the pavement in her runners, improving her swimming skills, and discovering the world through books and travel.

F

or 12-year-old Mary Kate Aquino and 18-year-old Miki Villanueva, performing is not just a hobby but also a way of life. This especially evident this summer when these two talented Filipino-Canadians live, breathe and eat dancing and singing at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Along with 180 other artistically

endowed Young Canadians, Mary-Kate and Miki lit up the stage for ten consecutive nights in “Volte”, Calgary Stampede’s TransAlta Grandstand Show.

A Spanish word, which literally translates to a horse’s training circle, “Volte”, is also the male protagonist in this year’s Grandstand show, which is the brainchild of David Pierce – the same mastermind behind the 2010 Vancouver Olympics’ Score.

A dizzying array of pyrotechnics, acrobatics, and gravity-defying props, the show ups this years ante by uniting human and equine talent onstage.

Taking a cue from the success of Circque du Soleil’s “Cavalia”, two magnificent stallions are one of the show’s many highlights – aside from the budding Aquino and Vanzo, of course.

The Alberta Filipino Journal had the opportunity to meet the personalities behind “Volte” during their final dress rehearsal when the Stampede organizers invited a select few media folks for a private junket to meet and greet some of the cast and key

personalities behind this stunning spectacle. Calgary icon David Kelly once again hosted this years’ show, but the center stage undoubtedly belonged to the members of the Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede, whose love and dedication to their craft was evident in their excitement in spite of the grueling hours of rehearsals required of them.

The Young Canadians has established itself as a permanent fixture in the Calgary Stampede and continues to do so with each year. Several hundreds of aspiring performers audition to become part of this long-standing Calgary institution each year and from this pool only the cream of the crop is chosen. These young performers are then divided into the Apprentice Division (ages 11 to 14) and the Senior Division (ages 14 to 18), and each individual admitted into this merit-based program receives intensive training in vocal, choral, and various types of dance – including acro-dance.

Miki, a Senior, who will be continuing to pursue his passion

for the arts when he begins his freshman year at the Arts Institute of Vancouver this fall, recalls his experience when first auditioning for the troupe. “I only knew how to sing when I joined the Young Canadians, but as time went by and I underwent more training, I have become a lot more comfortable in dance as well.”

Miki will be studying Film in University but hopes to continue his involvement in performing arts when he moves to BC. Mary Kate, who is on her fourth year with the troupe, as an Apprentice, describes how each night during the Stampede, each of the 180 Young Canadians are collected from their homes by taxicabs at around 5 o’ clock, to be delivered promptly to the Grand Stand where they prepare for the nightly show.

She describes the weeks of preparation leading to the show, which begins as early as April and becomes progressively more demanding as spring turns into summer. A seasoned performer at such a young age, Mary Kate has also made a name for herself

in the community through various performances in civic and cultural functions around Calgary, and from conversations with her family who was in the crowd cheering her on, it is evident that we are not the only ones who have noticed her potential but several talent scouts from all over the world as well.

Being able to meet these young artists was certainly a privilege and a pleasure. It will be interesting to see how each individual’s career pan out especially given that they are both on the cusp of exciting chapters in their lives. The AFJ will be staying tuned, and we suspect this is not the last we’ll hear from them.

Sponsors: • Ihaw Ihaw Restaurant • iRemit • Great Life Financial • Mabuhay Calgary • Young Once Seniors Association of Calgary

• Golden Generation Seniors Club • Barrio Fiesta Restaurant • Supreme Hot Dogs

Secret Societies in the Philippines (1856-1896)

by Danilo V.

Donor ( M.A Ed. )

donordanilo@yahoo.com

“If there is to be a revolution, there must be a revolutionary party”, Chairman Mao Zedong wrote in 1954 (Mao:1) Mao was a professional revolutionary and when he wrote those lines, he was the supreme ruler of a state which comprise a quarter of humankind.

In the histories of World Revolution, revolutionary parties started as secret societies: Illuminated Freemasonry, Bavarian Illuminati, French Jacobin Clubs, Carbonari of Italy, Russian Peoples’ Will etc. which later evolved into revolutionary parties.

(N.Webster,1921, Miller,1933) In the Philippines, short lived secret societies thrived within a feudal exploitive and oppressive colonial regime run

by Spanish bureaucrats and friars.

They served as precursors to and contemporaries of Bonifacio’s “Katipunan”: Freemasonry (ca.1856 -1898) Freemasonry was introduced in the Philippines “by two brave Spanish naval officers (Jose) Malcampo, in 1856 and Mendez Nunez, in 1859...they founded and supported the first firmly organized lodge, ‘La Primera Luz Filipina’(The First Philippine Light). This lodge was constituted

in Cavite under the auspices of “Gran Oriente Lusitanio’” (T.M.Kalaw:9)The early masons were Spaniards and foreigners; natives and mestizos were barred from membership.

However in the 1880s ,European masonic lodges,especially the Spanish Grand Orient accepted native,mestizo Filipinos students/ expatriates .Among its initiates were Marcelo del Pilar,Jose Rizal,Antonio and Juan Luna, Graciano Lopez Jaena and others who would play great roles in the reformist(1880-1896) and the revolutionary movements against Spain (1896-97) and the United States (1898-1901).

The “Companerismo de Jehu” Jose Rizal,then a college student at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas founded a shadowy organization called “Companerismo de Jehu “.Most of its members were Rizal,s fellow boarders at Casa Tomasina. They swore an oath of secrecy ,blind obedience and used symbolic names.Sometimes they were involved in petty clashed with the ‘white’students (Kastilang Bangus) .The Companerismo members were the ‘indio’natives and Chinese’mestizos’were derogatory called ‘Chonggo’ (Monkeys) by the whites.

Rizal,their ‘Grand Master’,preached Civic virtue,Patriotism to his fellow students.(Baron-Fernandez:49) What is intersting is that JEHU was the 11th king of Israel who after a coup d’etat lead a bloody campaign of extermination against the ruling house of the evil King Ahad and Queen Jezebel and the violent destruction of idol Baal worship and its pagan priesthood.

(Bruce et.al: 541) The secret society was a

revival of a group headed by Rizal in his Ateneo de Manila days called “The Musketeers” and another religious society called “ Los Companeros de Jehu”.

(Bantug:31)From a religious Atheneo school organization Rizal turned it into a political secret student fraternity in the University of Santo Tomas.(Guerrero:65) Did Rizal patterned his Companerismo to the Jesuit Order? The Society of Jesus is both a spiritual knighthood and the military arm of the Church and

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the Papacy. The Order is headed by a General(Black Pope)which exercises absolute power over the bodies and minds of its members.

(Neatby :17-40) Inigo de Loyola ,its founder was accused by an ecclesiastical commission for alleged symphaty to a heretical secret mystical movement called the ‘Alumbrado” or the Spanish Illuminati.(Miller :307 ) Romualdo Teodoro de Jesus’ 1888 Secret Society Romualdo T. de Jesus ,was Rizal’s mentor

in the art of sculpture.He “had organized a secret society designed to achieve the country’s emancipation through violent elimination of all Spaniards in the Philippines.The society did not prosper,even if the idea did not die altogether.”(Molina:Vol.II,29).

Jesuit historian Jose Arcilla believed that this secret society,was successfully revived four years later(1892) through the initiative of Marcelo H.del Pilarthe “Katipunan”- that ignited the Revolution of 1896

8 Filipino Journal

Alberta

Retirement for Seniors – The Lighter Side of It

by Dolly Punsalan Castillo Maria Dolores Punsalan Castillo or fondly called Dolly is now a true Filipina-Canadian having lived in Toronto and Calgary for the past 35 years. She takes pride in straddling 2 rich cultures.

Her background in English LIterature, Linguistics, and Library Science came in handy in her various jobs in information management.

She worked mostly in the oilpatch of Calgary. Her passions are community service, volunteerism, feature writing, and public speaking.

Her community and church participation included both Pilipino groups and Canadian organizations.

She's happily married to Rey Castillo for the last 34 years. They have one daughter, Rhea Marie who's into environmental projects.

T

he current statistics of senior retirees, especially baby boomers born from 1946 –1964, has a far reaching impact on economic, social, educational, community, family, church, and work areas.

Ask any perky Filipino senior citizen, how is he/she now as a Retiree… without batting an eyelash, he/she comes up with a pun – “Retarded”. It’s a typical

July 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino joke with our penchant for punning or play on words. I’d rather put a spin on it and answer the question with “ Re- Threaded Tire, Super Mag Wheels pa” Quickly, visions of Indy – like super speed catapulting into space fill our imaginations.

Yessiree, being Retired is a great privilege and rightly deserved after all those years of working in the salt mines, so to speak. If we are to make light of it, it’d better be an enhanced image of renewed power instead of a letdown on the image.

I’m a recent retiree myself who has joined the ranks of the enlightened, the illuminated, who are in the apex of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the self actualization stage.

We are the force to be reckoned with, a throbbing mass of time tested wisdom, experience, and capabilities. Our pooled talents and gifts are a great resource for humankind to draw on as a way of giving back to the community.

That said, I have found to my delight, the many simple yet powerful good things that come out of my retiree status. Let me share with you my neat experiences for the last 8 months: 1) The three levels of government and especially Alberta province abounds with great benefits to senior retirees, some of which are the health care, public transport, discounted store/supermart promos,

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

priority in airplanes, buses, etc.

2) Flexibility of waking and napping hours 3) Latitude in slowing the pace or cranking it up according to the needs. There’s more time in smelling the roses and observing people in their natural habitat – the rush-rush world and being caught in the rat race. I’m grateful for being out of that pack and saving my face from the wrinkles brought about by taut muscles.

4) Being able to do more of what I love. In this case, writing feature stories and putting out there a better voice for the silenced and muffled multitude. I think I have earned my privilege to speak out in a gracious way and I feel strongly about this.

5) Being able to travel without too much time restrictions and delays.

Even a spontaneous appointment can be attended to right away.

6) Planning and doing activities which make for great memories when energies have somewhat depleted.

As they say, when you’re at that golden age stage, conversations and happy memories are your dependable companions.

So keep on building those treasure chest of lovely memories.

7) Best of all, the weight of attending to a fulltime job is nowhere in sight and there’s enough money in the coffers to have a decent and simple life style.

To my co-senior retirees, I inspire you to make the most of your golden deserved years!

Canada’s bank notes are changing

H

ave you heard about Canada’s new money? It will look and feel very different from what you are used to.

This new money will be printed on a material called polymer and not on paper like it is now. Polymer feels very smooth and is used for the money in countries like Australia, New

Here is what your new money will look like:

Did you notice the large “window” with the metallic portrait and building in it? These images change colour when you move the note. You can also see through the window. These are just some of the many interesting features that will help you quickly

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Zealand, Romania and Mexico.

Starting in November, the new polymer $100 bank note will be available at your local bank, and the new $50 and $20 polymer notes will be available next year.

The $10 and $5 notes will come out in 2013.

Polymer money is very secure and easy to check. It is also durable and waterproof.

tell the difference between real and fake money.

Learn more about your new money from the Bank of Canada.

Go online to www.bankofcanada. ca/banknotes or call 1 888 5138212.

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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

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July 2011

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Governor of Bohol Edgar Chatto Visits Edmonton

by Jun Angeles

The visit of the Governor of Bohol Edgar Chatto and his wife Pureza from June 30 to July 4,2011 was a highlight for the Boholonas in Edmonton this summer. It was a planned visit to attend the 14th Biennial Conference held in Edmonton. Delegates (Boholonas) from different part of the world attended the conference consisting of twenty two delegates from the Philippines, Boholanos from different parts of Canada and USA. MLA Carl Benito, former Philippine Honorary Consul General Wilf Ladores, Jun Angeles, Community Leader and Adviser of CEFA and Publisher of Alberta Journal , Rod Cantiveros, Publisher of Filipino Journal in Winnipeg and Allan Zoleta,

former president of Quezon Association in Manitoba were granted an audience in his suite at Sutton Hotel.

Governor Chatto invited our “kababayan” and the tourists to explore Bohol, a small Visayan Island and home to the famous Chocolate Hills, pristine beaches and sanctuary to Tarsier, the smallest monkey in the world considered as endangered specie.

The tarsier is estimated to be 45 million years old and weigh about 113 to 142 grams or four to five ounces.

On Alberta Filipino Journal interview, Governor Chatto invites our kababayan not only to visit Bohol but to invest in Bohol.

He explored its location and accessibility which is conducive

to foreign investors. He further talked about the wealth of natural resources and its history and culture.. A predominantly Catholic population, Bohol has a church in every town and fiestas all year round. As to manpower, Bohol offer quality and competitive labor cost.

He further added the infrastructures and government partnership to investors.

It was an evening full of informative session that the group wanted to visit Bohol the soonest.

Governor Chatto offered his invitation to the group and to visit his office to lay out more possible connection.

After the interview,the passion and enhtusiasm showed by the Governor of Bohol , the

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group decided to visit Bohol as your destination for business and it next tourist destination. Good pleasure. job “Gov” for promoting Bohol

Gov. Edgar Chatto hands in a souvenir book on Bohol to Jun Angeles

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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.

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Carl Benito, MLA Edmonton Mill Woods

As the MLA for Edmonton MillWoods, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions regarding any of the issues discussed in this release, I can be reached in my constituency office at #218; 4128A-97 Street, or in my Legislature office at 780-422-9299. Also, please subscribe to my e newsletter at http://benito.mypcmla. ca/. Follow us on Facebook: facebook. com/carl.benito, twitter: http://twitter.com/ MLACarlBenito and You Tube: http://www. youtube.com/benitomla

Capital Region Injuries, fatalities on Alberta’s roads decline for third year

More Albertans are safely returning home to their loved ones at the end of each day. For the third consecutive year, the number of fatalities and injuries occurring on Alberta’s roads has declined, according to Alberta Transportation’s 2010 Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics.

In 2008, the Alberta government began implementing the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce the number of traffic-related collisions, injuries and fatalities occurring in our province. It focuses on

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making Alberta’s roads safer through sustained education and awareness campaigns, communication, community engagement, enforcement, legislation and engineering.

Three years into the plan, results for 2010 are encouraging when compared to 2007, especially in light of the continued increases in population, licensed drivers, registered vehicles and traffic volumes on Alberta’s roads. The following progress has been made: • traffic fatalities in Alberta have decreased by 24.9 per cent and traffic injuries have decreased by 25.6 per cent; • the number of unbelted occupant fatalities decreased by 26.2 per cent and the number of unbelted occupant serious injuries dropped by 34.3 per cent; • fatalities in intersectionrelated collisions have decreased by 33.7 per cent and serious injuries by 4.4 per cent; • the number of road users killed in crashes involving a drinking driver declined by 24.4 per cent and the number of serious injuries in those crashes dropped by 14.5 per cent; and • fatalities in speed-related crashes have declined by 21.4 per cent, with serious injuries resulting from those collisions declining by 17.3 per cent.

The full 2010 Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics report, a fact sheet, and an unsafe speed chart are available on the Alberta Transportation website at www.transportation.alberta. ca/statistics. More information about Alberta’s Traffic Safety Plan is also available at www. transportation.alberta.ca/3112. htm.

By working to reduce the collisions on our roads, our government is helping to build

safe and strong communities.

Together, we will continue to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting our communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

training to all building Safety Codes Officers in the province within the next 12 months.

For more information on the new home warranty programs, Safety Codes Act review, or other related matters, visit www. municipalaffairs.alberta.ca.

The Alberta government is proposing changes to improve the standard of building in Alberta to better protect new home buyers and hold builders more accountable.

The province will consult with key stakeholders on developing a regulatory framework for mandatory new home warranty programs. There are currently five new home warranty programs available in Alberta. The regulatory framework will enhance what is available to consumers and set minimum provisions and standards.

The Alberta government is proposing an increase be considered for the limitations period, increasing the length of time that charges may be laid for building code offences to up to three years after homeowners take possession. It is also suggested that the maximum fine be increased to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for subsequent offences.

Other activities in progress to help improve the standard of building in Alberta include Municipal Affairs’ review of the Safety Codes Act. As well, the Safety Codes Council is conducting a broad review of Alberta’s inspection system and will provide building envelope

lubricating oil have now been diverted from landfills and sewers in Alberta, thanks to a program that began in 1997.

That’s the equivalent of more than 880 thousand standard hot tubs or more than 29,000 tanker trucks, spanning Highway 2 from Edmonton to Calgary and back.

In addition to used oil, almost 85 million used oil filters and more than 20 million kilograms of used plastic oil containers have also been recycled. Used oil is turned into fuel for industrial burners, rerefined into reusable lubricating oil, or used as base stock for

Recycling in Alberta Province to remains a well-oiled strengthen protection machine One billion litres of used for new home buyers

other industrial applications.

Containers and filters end up as construction material such as rebar, clean pelletized feedstock for new plastic products, or oily plastic flake for fence posts and railroad ties. In Alberta, 87 per cent of used oil, 89 per cent of used oil filters and 87 per cent of used oil plastic containers are recycled.

Alberta’s used oil recycling program was started in 1997 by the Government of Alberta and the lubricating oil industry. The Alberta Used Oil Management Association, which manages the recycling incentive program, has worked with a network of industry members, wholesale suppliers of lubricating oil products in Alberta, private collectors and primary processors of used oil products to facilitate recovery and recycling of the waste materials. In addition to used oil recycling, the province has stewardship programs to recycle tires, paint, electronics, and beverage containers. For more information, please visit www.environment.alberta.ca.

IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR A TOP CAREER? Progressive Academy is a non-profit independent school that has provided strong educational programming for students from age 3 to Grade 12 for more than 25 years.

Join Progressive Academy and Asian Tribune for an afternoon of Tea and Pakoras Special Guest of Honour MLA Millwoods Carl Benito Bring Your Children in For Free Academic Evaluation (Ages 9-14) Learn More About New Scholarships Offered at Progressive Academy

August 7th 2-4 pm at Rasoi India Restaurant 9261 34 Ave Edmonton Call to reserve your family and child’s space.

Progressive Academy (780) 455-8344 www.progressiveacademy.ca robyn@progressiveacademy.ca Asian Tribune (780)200-0246 yash@asiantribune.ca

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.

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.

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Devotees Celebrates Feast of Santa Marta

by Jun Angeles

The Pasubo

In Edmonton, a group of devotees from Pateros, recreate the Feast of Santa Marta, with the procession of the image of Santa Marta at the Emily Murphy Park last Sunday July 24, 2011. The throng of men and women carried the statute of Santa Marta in a procession while dancing and swaying to the rhythm of Pandango.

Legend which has been told from generations honored Santa Marta who apparently through her intercession, the town of Pateros, a well known place of trading and raising ducks and ' balut" a fertilized duck embryo, a Philippine delicacies, spared the town of its livelihood by

Procession of the Santa Marta Statute

A Food Fiesta

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capturing a crocodile that menaced and ravaged the ducks and animals in their town.The crocodile was eventually captured and the prayers to Santa Marta were heeded.

Thus the Pateros started to honor Santa Marta with their traditional river procession that let the image float in Pasig river to celebrate her miraculous intercession.

To date instead of the of the image float in the water, devotees carry the image on their shoulders. On the path of the procession a "pasubo" a traditional giveaways were handed out and thrown to the crowd which consists of bread, candies and of course their famous "balut".

Edgar Santos holding the famous balut , a Filipino delicacies

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D.R.E.A.M Dance competition Written by: Erin Alfonso

O

n Friday, June 17th, 2011, people gathered inside the Myer Horowitz Theatre for the first ever Mon Rendita D.R.E.A.M (Dance Rules Everything Around Me) Dance Competition. Mon Rendita Promotions is a company founded

by Ron Mendita, a 23 year old man with a vision. He founded his company on the idea of determination, passion, inspiration and opportunity. Being a strong believer of giving people a chance to grow, learn, and share their passion with the world, he does his best to give them the opportunity to showcase their talents and to do what they love to do. The company promotes positivity, and the mindset that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. "It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, if you believe in yourself you can change your life, other people's lives and the world we live in today."

The show itself consisted of many talented dancers of all ages, showing their talent and their passion for dance to impress the judges (Carlo Atienza, Jake Aller, OJ Damaso and Victor Kim from America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 Champions) to become the first ever D.R.E.A.M Champions. The night was filled with empowerment, self expression and pure entertainment, leaving the crowd screaming for more. It featured dancers of all ages, proving that age

From left to right: Es Ar Lopez, Mylene De Belen, Adam Cory, Erin Alfonso, Ron Mendita, OJ Damaso, Victor Kim, Jake Aller, Carlo Atienza, 2J Pantoja, Jordan Cantos

is no factor when it comes to dance, and all that matters is your passion.

The winner of the Intermediate Category was HOT5AUCE, a female crew that showcased their own individuality and leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that gender is not an issue when it comes to dance. The winner of the Advanced Category was United 1ne, a group of break dancers that left their hearts on the floor; and the winner of the Solo Category was Jeffrey 'Poppin Fresh' Nguyen, who is also part of the United 1ne Crew.

Nguyen embodied a complete new persona on the dance floor, winning over the judges and the audience.

The event was a huge success, promoting positivity and inspiring everyone to live to their fullest potential. Congratulations to all the winners, and look forward to another amazing night next year!

D.R.E.A.M Champions (Advanced Category)- United 1ne

D.R.E.A.M Champion (Solo Category) Jeffrey 'Poppin Fresh' Nguyen

D.R.E.A.M Champions (Intermediate Category) - Hot5auce

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ESTABLISHING CREDIT

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OWNING YOUR HOME

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Woman in rape rumor supports national football team A glamour model who was linked to a rape rumor involving some members of the Philippine Azkals national football team said she surfaced last week not to accuse the football players of rape but to cry foul over being removed from the roster of a condom promo show allegedly because of the issue.

Wynnel Amanda Coling also clarified that she supports the national football team in their quest to beat Kuwait in their FIFA World Cup qualifying clash later this week.

Coling recently became a hot item in entertainment gossips over the rumors linking her to the alleged rape incident. She refused to comment on the rumor and has not accused the Azkals of any wrongdoing. She said she will soon issue an official statement through her lawyer.

Meanwhile, a university official said Coling was neither a graduate of an Applied Physics

degree nor of any degree programs offered by the College of Science in the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

According to Jethro Salapare, acting college secretary at the UP College of Science, Coling was a former BS Applied Physics student then transferred to Library Science also in UP Diliman.

Philippine bet deep in training for Miss Universe pageant Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup has begun her preparation for the upcoming Miss Universe 2011 pageant.

In a recent TV interview, Supsup said her training includes a strict diet to gain more weight.

The rigorous training regimen involves drinking milk twice a day and eating more protein and fewer carbohydrates.

She added that already gained weight already from 105 lbs. to 112 lbs.

Supsup admitted that she is both nervous and excited about the Miss Universe pageant which is scheduled to be held in Brazil in September.

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Charice denies being a member of a ‘Secret Society’ Filipino singing sensation Charice, Lady Gaga and the late Michael Jackson have one thing in common.

Besides being international stars, they were all haunted by the issue of being a part of the Illuminati. a purported conspiratorial organization believed to be the masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of a New World Order.

Rumors began circulating that she joined the secret group after the video of her hit song "Pyramid" was released, where she had to do the pyramid sign.

The Illuminati's sign is ‘The All-Seeing Eye,’ a pyramid with an eye on top which can be traced back to ancient pyramids and in the Christian bible and other world religions and mythologies.

It can be also found on the back

of the US one dollar bill. Other illuminati symbols can be found in architectural design, corporate logos and pop culture media.

In her official Twitter account, Charice denied that

she has joined the said secret organization.

She also announced that she is willing to do some songs for Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo.

Bernadette Sembrano afflicted with Bell’s Palsy TV and radio personality Bernadette Sembrano first noticed something was wrong when she felt pain on her ears while taping the July 3 episode of “Salamat Dok,” an ABS-CBN medical television program which she’s hosting.

Another attack occurred on the same day while she was working on “TV Patrol,” wherein she discovered she can’t control the blinking and closing of her eyes.

Although on examination her ophthalmologist found nothing wrong with her, she got even more worried as the symptoms worsened.

Sembrano went on to see a neurologist for more tests,

who eventually confirmed that she has Bell’s Palsy, a form of facial paralysis resulting from dysfunction of the facial nerve that results in the inability to control facial muscles.

The veteran newscaster and radio-TV host disclosed during a TV interview that she was shock upon learning of her condition.

Nevertheless she finds comfort in knowing that Bell’s Palsy is not a life-threatening disorder.

The disease which was named after Scottish anatomist Charles Bell who first described it, is considered self-limiting and treatment may be unnecessary Sembrano started her career as newscaster on IBC-13 and in 1998 transferred to GMA.

The jolly Gang of PCSSC The jolly gang of PCSSC held a combine birthday celebrations of their head and his wife Mr. & Mrs. Nestor and Fe Fernandez last July 9 at Yangtze Restaurant.

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In 2005, she moved to ABSCBN where she is currently hosting "Salamat Dok," and coanchoring "TV Patrol-Weekend."

She is also a regular feature in several DZMM radio programs

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Filipino Contract Workers Get As Far As Yellowknife The recent wave of Filipino contract workers did not spare Yellowknife, the city and capital of Northwest Territories located above the 60th parallel. Filipinos are in demand due to their abilities to adopt not only to the culture but to its harsh winter climate environment. Workers are needed in establishments like Tim Hortons, McDonald's and several maintenance services.

Filipinos contract workers enjoy the jobs and the hospitality of Yellowknifers. Tim Hortons in Yellowknife is the most successful of all the chain in Canada and Greg and Deborah attributed the success to their employees. " Filipino contract workers have a great work ethics, provide great services to customers and they have a great team effort." said Greg enthusiastically.

It won't be a surprise to see Filipino abounds in a place where nobody wants to stay. The long cold nights in the winter is compensated with a long sunny breaks in the summertime. In actuality, Yellowknife has a lot to offer such as fishing, camping, and outdoor activities. It has Walmart, Canadian Tire and Coop stores and Yellowknifers welcome them with much enthusiasm.

001 Tim Horton's Camp Day Fund Raising Event

044 Filipino Contract Workers (OFW) with Tim Hortons’ owner Deborah Barton

033 Volunteering at Tim Hortons Fund Raising Event

006 Tim Hortons Filipino Contract workers

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Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva Visits Edmonton

by Jun Angeles

Campaign for The Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

l

Bro. Eddie Villanueva addressing the crowd

The leader and founder of Jesus is Lord also known as JIL , Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva visited Edmonton and delivered a message to its congregation last Sunday, July 17, 2011.

Bro. Eddie, the former presidential candidate last May 2010 Philippine election lost to now President Nonoy Aquino.

Bro. Eddie founded JIL in 1978 with 15 members in Bocaue, Bulacan and after 33 years swell and expand to 5 continents, 45 countries, 875 cities and 11,600 worship services. Bro. Eddie along with his wife, Sister Adoracion “Dory� have relatives in Edmonton. The couple was honored and welcomed with the members of JIL and some leaders of the Filipino community including the MLA of Millwood, Carl Benito, community leaders Wilf Ladores and Jun Angeles.

Bro. Eddie delivered the basic teachings of Christ citing bible as reference to the character, competence, compassion and courage that we have to face to follow Jesus. He also spoke behemently on his activism and his time in jail back in Phillipnes during the Marcos era.

Brother Eddie with leaders of JIL and community

Bro. Edde with the members of JIL

The Congregation

The Congregation

July 2011

n accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 182, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto encourages all Filipinos and all friends of the Filipino people to vote for and help in the campaign to proclaim the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN). The NTWN is a global polling campaign started in 2OO7 by an independent, Swissbased, government-controlled foundation in search of the new seven (7) wonders of the world, an innovative marketing program that yielded tremendous economic, social and tourism benefits to the winning host countries.

From an initial list of over 400 locations around the world, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is the lone finalist from the Philippines and now counts among the top 14 of the 28 Official Final candidates selected by a panel of international experts from a list of 77 contenders via the first round of global voting from 2007 to 2010. The voting will end on 10 November 2011.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. lt features limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 kilometers navigable underground river.

A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. lt includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences.

At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge.

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Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

The PPUR, formed 30 million years ago, is considered the longest underground river in the world, with unique and outstanding scientific, biological and geological features that merited its being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1999 and declared as a National Geographic Monument in December 2003.

There are three ways to vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN): 1. Vote via the NTWN Website: lnternet voting is allowed per e-mail address a. Click on the PPUR as your NTWN candidate b. Register your email account c. Send yourvote 2. Vote via Text Message: Each SMS sent counts as one vote for the PPUR in the Official N7WN. Simply text PPUR to 2861.

3. Vote viaTelephone: You can now vote using the new international telephone voting line, available 24 hours a day, for you to call and vote at any time, from any international telephone line anywhere in the world. a. Dial any one of these international telephone numbers: +23 92201055 +1 869 760 5990 +1 649 339 8080 +44758 900 1290 b. At the end of the message, after the tone, dial PPUR's 4-digit code 7723 c. When you hear the thank you message, you are all done -- you have voted bY telePhone.

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Philippine Pyromusical Team to grace GlobalFest 2011 “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” – a fireworks tribute to Manny Pacquiao

by Dennisse Yambao

C

algary summers are famed for it’s fleeting nature but before we bid it adieu again Globalfest - now an enduring summer tradition in the city, will light up the evening skies at Elliston Park once more with it’s dazzling display of pyrotechnics.

Running between August 19th-27th and showcasing innovative fireworks displays put on by countries from three different continents, Filipinos in particular have more incentive to attend this year’s Globalfest because for the first time ever, our country will be participating in this multi-faceted cultural event, alongside with delegates from China, Italy, and of course, Canada.

Irene Macaraeg, Philippine Pavilion Coordinator, tells the AFJ what’s in store. “The Philippine Pavilion will be open beginning August 21st. We are hoping that our fellow Filipinos come and watch because the Philippine team will be staging their fireworks show that night.

Although the pyrotechnics show is the main event, our Cultural Pavilion is also a mustsee because there will various Filipino vendors present. From food kiosks serving authentic Filipino fare to booths peddling traditional Filipino attire, there will be something for everyone – including a draw where we will be raffling off several prizes.

Honorary Consul General Mrs. Esmeralda Agbulos will also be making the trip from Edmonton to partake in the festivities.”

As if this wasn’t enough of an enticement, Macaraeg lets us in on a little bit of intelligence on the show’s theme. “There’s been talk that this show will be dedicated to Manny Pacquiao.” True enough, the official website for the event

confirmed this as fact: “This year’s fireworks, titled “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” will be centered on our beloved Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. The presentation will artfully narrate Manny’s triumphs in three stages – his early career, his fruition as an early competitor, and finally, honoring his return to the Philippines as a champion and a hero.” Designed by Antonio Parente of Manila’s Platinum Fireworks Inc., the spectacle will be brought to us by the same group responsible for the jaw-dropping fireworks that brightened the skies over the SM Mall of Asia, Boracay Island, The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and GMA7, to name a few.

What’s a Filipino celebration without dancing? Macaraeg also adds that entertainment will be provided by the cultural dance troupe Pearl of the Orient.

Entertainment Coordinator Cherry Tumolva and dancer Katherine Baquiran elaborate, “What you will see at the pavilion is traditional Filipino dancing – we will be doing the tinikling, pandango, and banga. Our performances are scheduled for three days out of the five: August 19th on the café stage around 8 pm, August 21st on the main stage starting 8:30 pm, and of course during the finale, August 27th on the OneWorld stage beginning 7:15 pm.”

Tickets are now available directly from the GlobalFest office located at 285-2323 32nd Ave NE, or through your nearest Calgary Co-op. Given the fickle Calgary weather, ensure that you plan ahead, check the forecast, and dress appropriately. Viewers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show comfortably.

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Government to implement new budgetary saving measures The Aquino administration expects to save billions of pesos by implementing new budgetary measures including the bulk purchases of its supplies, airline, hotel fees and other utilities, use of procurement cards instead of cash in government agencies, and a central payroll system for government workers.

According to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad Jr., the government could bring down its expenses by several billions by entering in wholesale purchases in supplies and utilities.

He added that DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas will talk with airline companies on the possible bulk purchase of airline tickets for traveling government officials and

employees while Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo will look into the bulk telephone and Internet subscription for employees.

Abad also said the budget department will implement the use of procurement cards instead of cash for all expenditures. He said the procurement card is similar to a debit card given to an accounting officer who will have limitations on how much he can spend and what for.

All government agencies are also required to procure all their common supplies and equipment from the Procurement Service.

On the salaries of government employees, Abad also said that starting next year, their salaries will be deposited in their bank

accounts by the National Treasury under the central payroll system.

Other measures being considered are energy efficiency measures as well as open-source technology for computer software in government offices.

PRESS RELEASE– 10 – 2011

2011 MIGRATION ADVOCACY AND MEDIA AWARDS The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) wishes to announce that nominations are now open for the Migration Advocacy and Media Awards (MAMA). Conceived in 2011 by the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) for the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day in the Philippines, MAMA aims to recognize the significant role of the media in the promotion and advocacy of migration and development.

Eligible for the awards are media works by 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 on issues on Filipino migration, advocated the cause of Filipinos of overseas, and/or promoted a positive image of Filipinos overseas, and migration and development.

The Primer containing the rules and guidelines for the MAMA, as well as nomination form may be downloaded at www.cfo.gov.ph.

Entries to the Awards must be submitted on or before 30 September 2011 to MAMA Secretariat, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Citigold Centre, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue cor. Osmeña Highway, Manila Philippines, 1007.

END 27 July 2011

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22 Filipino Journal

Alberta

July 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Horoscope Your main focus in July is work and family. Only towards the end of the month are you feeling more sociable and playful.

It’s a fabulous month for joining a gym or stepping up exercise and health routines.

It’s time to go after what you want with confidence, although positive situations seem to just fall into your lap regardless.

Opportunities to increase your income find you this month, and you are likely to receive gifts and other favors.

Career matters take center stage for most of July, dear Libra.

You possess extra charm and verve in your professional life.

Behind the scenes projects also capture your interest, even if your life feels very public just now.

Abundance through an investment unexpectedly comes to light! Diet and exercise must be consistent. You are inspired to create more strength in your physical resources.

Romance has recently become a rather serious matter for you. Responsibility and maturity are themes this year when it comes to your pleasure-seeking and romantic life. July may be one of the most interesting and lively months of the year for you.

Life winds down for you in the first three weeks of the month, dear Leo, and you are able to get the rest you need before the power weeks ahead. Although closing projects and withdrawing a little from the busy pace of your life is in order, you are highly motivated to make money.

Even if you don t have solid travel plans, dear Scorpio, your mind is certainly focused on getting away from it all in July.

Social life takes priority in your life. You have recently become very serious about your long-term goals, and this month you are especially motivated to put your plans and dreams into action.

You feel very unique in this cycle. The practical advice of others may bring back those rebellious urges. A concern over finances is seen. Allies appear out of nowhere with viable alternatives for advancement.

Money matters come into focus for you in July, when discussions and ideas about finances and material security figure strongly. You may be tempted to spend extra money on things that will make your life more comfortable and pleasant, and work that needs to be done in and around the home becomes a priority.

Friends and lovers take priority for most of July, dear Virgo.

The 18th brings eye-opening experiences in your romantic life. Your energy is seemingly boundless this month, save for some tension around the 10th.

Looks like a very active and interesting month. Meet your responsibilities, but then recreate! Sports such as golf, baseball, and racquetball have appeal.

Great month for a yard sale, housewarming or painting party!

Baby and wedding showers may also come out of no-where.

Good friends pull you into many little festivities.

PAHALANG 1 Lapad 5 Idilat 11 Hain 12 Nakuhang pag-uugali 13 Hilo 14 Uri ng lengguwahe 15 Utusan 17 Pakiusap 18 Kulay ng balat 19 Uri ng pansit 21 Diyus-diyusan

PABABA 23 Kaibigang babae 27 Mando 29 Taberna 30 Madilim na kulay 33 Di sariwa 35 Laan 37 Kapatid ni Cain 38 Ihasik 39 Gawa 40 Laya 41 Wala sa Ilokano

1 Litaw 2 Di-pagkakaunawaan 3 Bida 4 Lagay 5 Ginapas 6 Asawa ni Korina 7 Lasa ng nilagyan ng suka 8 Serbisyo sa laundry shop 9 Sais 10 Panumbok sa bilyar 16 Paghingi ng kaunti 20 Dahil

22 Matabang lupa na tinataniman ng gulay 24 Ituktok 25 Sinaunang ilawan 26 Leksiyon 28 Pangulo ng US 30 Pato 31 ____ Selo 32 Liwanag 34 Kasarinlan 36 Mark _____ , aktor

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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July 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

23

2011 Toyota Highlander AWD Easy & fun to drive! A solid performer!

by Ron

Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

T

he 2011 Toyota Highland V6 AWD drives like a Camry. On our road test, the Highlander rode quite smoothly over Winnipeg’s infamous pothole-laden streets.

This mid-size SUV crossover seats up to 7 people with a 3rd row of seats in the back. Having said that, I always question to practicality of those extra seats, even for larger families. It will seat 4 comfortably and lots of interior storage capacity when the 3rd row seating is stored.

The Highland AWD model came with a 250-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine. It was quick off the line and responsive when passing on the highway. Did I mention it drives like the Toyota Camry? It

also sounded like a Camry – quiet.

A slight purring of the engine when accelerating, and not much else was heard except the tunes coming from the XM Satellite enabled audio system.

Other comfort and convenience features include dual zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power seats, heated mirrors, keyless entry and a rear-view camera.

The power lift gate is always an excellent addition for trips to the grocery store. We found it quite convenient when delivering copies of the Filipino Journal around Winnipeg. Missing on the features list is memory seating.

The central console had large knobs and large buttons. Perfect for the winter when you have gloves on and trying to adjust the temperature or changing radio stations!

Fuel consumption on the Highlander AWD V6 model, 12.3 (city), 8.8 (highway) and 10.8 (combined) L/100kms.

The Highlander comes with seven airbags for front passengers, side-mounted airbags, driver knee airbag, roll-sensing curtain airbags for all passengers in the

event of a rollover.

Overall, the Highlander is great for families that are looking to get out of the minivan mould and into the mid-size SUV/crossover models. The Highlander offers great passenger experience, practicality (except for the 3rd row seating) and ample cargo space.

Other vehicles in the same category of mid-size SUV crossovers include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, Ford Flex, Dodge Journey and the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Calgary Fire Department Breaks Ground on Symons Valley Fire Station (Calgary, July 26, 2011) Today, the Calgary Fire Department broke ground on a permanent Fire Station in Symons Valley. The Fire Station will serve the communities of Symons Valley, Evanston, Sage Hill and Sherwood, and several new area communities. Currently, this quickly growing residential and commercial area is served by a temporary fire station in Sage Hill, and supported by four other stations.

“Building permanent fire stations in growing and developing communities ensures that Calgarians can take comfort in knowing that fire service resources are nearby and ready to help when needed,” says Fire Chief Bruce Burrell. “Whether you live in an existing or emerging part of Calgary, the Calgary Fire Department is committed to providing effective and timely fire services.”

In 2010, there were more than 12,000 Calgarians living in

and around Symons Valley. The rapid growth and progress of the surrounding neighbourhoods and the expected development of others in the area make this permanent Fire Station an important addition to the community.

The Symons Valley Fire Station will be approximately 15,000 square feet in size, with three apparatus bays. The station will be fitted with generators able to service the full electrical load of the facility, and will be

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built to a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard. Features contributing to the LEED Gold achievement include heat recovery radiant panels and rain water capture into cisterns for reuse. The station will also offer community-focused programs including station tours, cholesterol screening and, in the winter, sand for icy sidewalks.

The $16.1 million cost of the station and required apparatus has been fully budgeted for, with $6.9 million funded by the Province’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative.

The Symons Valley Fire Station is expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2012.

24 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

July 2011

Que Sara Sara

Balitang Kutsero

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

llustration by Dave San Pedro

S

ara called her daddy to tell her that she’s in big trouble.

The conversation went like

this: Sara: Daddy, daddy, I’m in big trouble!

Daddy: Why, what did you do my child?

Sara: I punched the sheriff!

Daddy: What? Why did you do

that? That’s an assault on an officer of the law! That’s a crime, hija.

Sara: But daddy, that’s what you taught me all these years.

Daddy: What did I teach you, hija?

Sara: Well, didn’t you teach me that the best way to settle a dispute is to take the law into your own hands?

Daddy: Dispute? Well, if that was the case, yes, you did the right thing taking the law into your own hands. Did you hit him with a dos por dos, hija?

Sara: I used my bare knuckles and punched him four times!

Daddy, you should have seen how I did it. My first punch hit him on the left eye and it swelled right away. Then I punched his head three times ala Pacquiao.

Daddy: That’s very good, hija.

But you’re not in the ring like Pacquiao. Outside the ring you can even beat Pacquiao if you do what I taught you.

Sara: Daddy, I forgot to use your techniques. Tell, me again, pleeeeze.

Daddy: Okay, always aim below the belt. After you punched him on the eye you should have grabbed his balls and squeeze

Calgary Transit’s new smart card gets a name The votes are in and Calgary Transit’s new electronic fare card (smartcard) has a name.

More than 5,000 names were submitted and the top three names (Range, Energy and Connect) were put to Calgarians. The choice was clear.

Calgary Transit’s new smart card for its electronic fare collection system, which will be launched in June 2012, will carry the name “Connect”!

The electronic fare card or “smart card” will provide Calgarians with a new, more convenient way of purchasing

them the way I taught you.

Sara: Oh, yeah! Now I remember.

I won’t forget next time, daddy.

Daddy: Attagirl! Now, tell me exactly what the dispute was all about?

Sara: Well, the sheriff wanted to demolish 500 shanties of squatters in the city. The squatters called me to intervene on their behalf.

Daddy: Whom did these squatters vote for last year?

Sara: They voted for me, daddy.

That’s why I had to intervene.

That’s a lot of votes!

Daddy: You did the right thing, hija. Always champion the cause of the powerless poor cuz they will always give you their votes come election time. Remember, they’re the ones that keep our dynasty in power.

Sara: Yes, daddy. By the way, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government are investigating me for the punching the sheriff. I am afraid that he might remove me from office.

Daddy: Don’t worry. I’ll take care of him, hija. This is where politics plays.

Our dynasty survives cuz we play politics the right way.

Sara: Please tell me how you did it?

Daddy: Remember, always support the president. The secret is to know who would win the presidential election. And the key is to deliver the votes to the winner and make sure that he knows you delivered the votes. Don’t forget that in Philippine elections, there are no losers, only the winners and those who were cheated.

Sara: Just like “Hello Garci,” ha?

Hi hi hi…

Daddy: We can do better than Garci, hija. He got caught. He he he…

Sara: But there’s one problem, daddy. The media have been criticizing me for punching the sheriff.

Daddy: Don’t worry, hija. I already have a plan.

Sara: No, daddy, don’t hurt the media people. We don’t want to be likened to the Ampatuans.

Daddy: We’re better than the Ampatuans cuz they’re all in jail now. He he he…

Sara: What are going to do then, daddy?

Daddy: Okay, here’s what I’m going to do. First, I’ll avail myself to be interviewed on national television. And I’ll make a statement everybody in the whole world will understand.

Mr. & Mrs. Danny Batuyong

Mr. & Mrs. Danny Batuyong and the Seupersad family hosted a party at Endeavor Art Gallary last July 16 to celebrate the post doctoral and paying their transit fare. studies of Dr. Eldridge Batuyong (standing from the right). Eldridge Customers will be able to has been accepted in Australia and Stanford University. purchase fares on-line to “load” their card with cash, rides or monthly passes. Payment will be as simple as “tapping” their card at a “reader” on buses and CTrain stations instead of having to deal with paper products or dig for change.

Public Contact Information: The City of Calgary, 3-1-1 Operations Centre Phone: 3-1-1 or from outside the local calling area phone 403.268.

CITY (2489)

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Sara: No kidding! What are you going say?

Daddy: I’ll give the media the middle finger on TV. After that, I’ll go see the sheriff and make him an offer he cannot refuse. I’ll tell him to apologize to you for causing you to lose your temper… or else. Then I’ll go see the judge – who, by the way, is related to you by affinity – to apologize to you for issuing a demolition order without consulting with you first.

And then I’ll mobilize all the barangay captains to organize a rally supporting you for what you did. Hija, I’ll make you a national hero just like Pacquiao!

Sara: Thanks, daddy. You’re cool! I know you’ll always be supporting me – right or wrong!

Daddy: Who said you’re wrong?

Remember, we are always right and that’s why we’ll always be in power.

Sara: Hoorayyyy! You know what, daddy?

Daddy: What, hija?

Sara: I am going to run for president, daddy!

Daddy: Ay naku, ikaw talaga.

Que Sara Sara, whatever will be will be. O, sige.

Congratulations Carmela on you High School Graduation

July 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by Gem & Lita Anis

LOURDES - "Source of Life"

F

or a five-hour journey to Lourdes from the Gave of Austerlitz in Paris we boarded the "TGV" (Train a Grande Vitesse - French word for "high-speed train" which normally travels between 270 km/hr and 320 km/hr)). Our hotel, SaintSauveur at 9 Rue Sainte-Marie, is conveniently located near the entrance of the Sanctuaries of Lourdes, and a walking distance to the various places of interest.

A small market town of 15,043 inhabitants lying in the foothills of the beautiful Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, Lourdes is not only a place of pilgrimage; it is also rich in tourist attractions. Approximately 5,000,000 million pilgrims, visitors and tourists (500,000 of these are sick people hoping to be cured or healed miraculously) making it profitable for 400 hotel owners of the city.

It all began on the 11th of February 1858, when a 14-year old illiterate girl named Bernadette Soubirous, together with her sister Toinette and a friend, Jeanne Abadie, went to gather firewood in the cave called "Massabielle"

(meaning "old Rock"), along the banks of the River Gave de Pau and experienced the first of the 18 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary ("Que Soy Era Immaculada Oncenpciou").

Our pilgrimage started with a holy mass at the plain stone altar and lectern of the grotto of Apparitions which stands humbly below the Cathedral of the Holy Rosary. Next to the altar is the tall conical stand containing votive candles that are kept burning constantly. As our devotional gesture we purchased candles to be burnt here.

In the evening we joined the rosary and the solemn nighttime procession by candlelight.

At the rear of the grotto is the miraculous spring Bernadette is said to have dug, shielded by a glass cover. We sit, pray and contemplate at the rows of benches lined in front of the grotto.

Adjacent to the grotto are the healing baths, consisting of small cubicles of ice-cold waters from the spring in which the sick, or some who are terminally ill, or even if you aren't ill, immerse

themselves in the hopes of being cured. "It is because of our need to be reborn, forgiven, purified, reconciled ... that we come to this WATER. We come in memory of what Jesus said: "If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink. The water that I shall give you will become a spring welling up to eternal life" reads a green leaflet handed to all pilgrims at the baths in Lourdes.

It is estimated that every year about 350,000 people use the baths to receive grace. There's a separate section for men and women and you have to come early in the morning to avoid long queues although the sick are given priority.

On the crest above the domain are the monumental Stations of the Cross - the 14 Stations consisting of colossal figures, whose statues in cast iron are 2 meters high.

At the Sanctuaries of Lourdes are the three Basilicas - Our Lady of the Rosary Basilica, The Upper Basilica (the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), and the Basilica of St. Pius X (also known as the Underground Basilica).

We also visited the Boly Mill, the birthplace and family home of Bernadette.

Don't miss to visit the fortified castle of Lourdes perching on a high rocky promontory above the valley of the Gave. Now a museum displaying the crafts and traditions of the Pyrenees, the fort used to be a military post and then later a state prison.

Our pilgrimage to Lourdes deepens and strengthens our faith relived after that glorious moment when we completely submerged, unclothed and humbled, into the WATERS of LOURDES.

Our Lady of the Rosary Basilica

Castle of Lourdes

The Grotto of Apparitions & St. Bernadette

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Gem & Lita at the Sanctuaries of Lourdes

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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