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Volume 4, Number 6 • June 2011

Alberta Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Miss Philippines Canada-Calgary 2011 Winners

The Colors,The Sights, The Sounds of the Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Page 17 ►

L-R: Marife Buluran - Miss Teen Philippines-Canada Calgary 2011; Rangelle Fuentes - Miss Philippines Canada-Calgary 2011 and Krystal Dichoso - Miss Junior Philippines Canada-Calgary 2011. The Miss Philippines Canada-Calgary 2011 Beauty Pageant was produced and presented by Visminsa Charities Foundation.

Photo by Raymund Roy

Auckland, the "City of Sails"

Page 16 ►

The Leaders of the Different Associations

One Hundred Thirteenth (113th ) Philippine Independence Anniversary Celebration in Calgary City

Page 13 ► Page 25 ►

Pinoy attendees. (this is intended for front page pic) caption title: 113th Philippine Independence Day Flag-Raising Ceremony at City Hall, Calgary City on 10June2011.

Maria Aragon now an international product endorser

Page 7 ►

see page 3 for more details

2 Filipino Journal

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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June 2011

June 2011

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4 Filipino Journal

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June 2011

June 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

5

‘Shooting buddy’ under fire

PEREZCOPE

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

N

o sooner had Virginia Torres returned to her post than she started getting all the flak from critics as well as allies of President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III. As one of P-Noy’s “shooting buddies,” Torres has become the lightning rod for all the things that could go wrong in P-Noy’s administration.

In an arrogant display of defiance on her first day upon her return to her job as Administrator of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after a 60-day leave of absence, she vowed to stay in her post and would vacate it only with a court order or if P-Noy fired her.

“If I have committed a mistake, I would be the one to initiate telling the President to remove me,” she said.

And in an apparent show of support from P-Noy, Malacañang officials said that they have no intention of stopping her from assuming her post.

Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said that Malacañang has decided to wait for the result of the ongoing investigation on her case. “Let’s see what the evidence is, what the results of the report are before we take any actions,” he said. “It’s easy to say take action

now based on what you see on the news but I think we should evaluate what really happened.”

During a press conference the day she returned to work, Torres said that she considered resigning from her post but changed her mind because to do so “would be an ‘insult’ to the government.” Huh? But did she consider that with all the “excess baggage” she carries, to remain in her post would constitute an “insult” to the people?

“Shooting buddy” Indeed, being a “shooting buddy” of P-Noy has many advantages and privileges. It didn’t matter that the Department of Justice had recommended Torres’ suspension and filing of charges against her for gross neglect of duty and incompetence. It didn’t matter that then-Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Jose “Ping” de Jesus recommended the dismissal of Torres and filing of charges against her for gross neglect of duty and gross insubordination.

It didn’t matter that opposition members as well as political allies of P-Noy recommended her removal.

And it didn’t matter that Stradcom Corp. filed corruption, conspiracy, and disobedience charges against her.

Stradcom is the owner and operator of the LTO IT Facility, which operates LTO’s nationwide database. A few days ago, Stradcom filed its second graft and corruption case against Torres with the Office of the Ombudsman. Stradcom alleged that Torres participated in the illegal takeover of the LTO IT Facility last December 9, 2010, when intruders forced their way inside the Stradcom Compound and took over operations of the facility.

Budget Out-of-Step with Canadian Families: Layton Budget fails to provide leadership on job creation, health care or pensions: NDP OTTAWA – New Democrat Leader Jack Layton says the government’s budget is still out-of-step with Canadian families, particularly the sixty per cent of Canadians who didn’t vote Conservative.

“The majority of Canadians rejected the Conservative platform in the last election,” said Layton.

“This continued emphasis on tax giveaways to the most profitable corporations over targeted job creation is not what Canadian families need right now.”

Layton said the Conservatives have failed to present a plan for fixing frontline health care, lifting seniors out of poverty, strengthening public pensions or rewarding businesses that create jobs.

The government also released yet another set of figures for deficit reduction today, and how much

they are planning to cut, but still fail to provide any detail about which services or programs they are planning to cut.

“Draining the treasury by billions of dollars every year helping out profitable oil companies and banks won’t guarantee a single new job is created,” said Layton.

“It does guarantee money will be drained away from the things Canadians count on every day, like health care and infrastructure.”

Though disappointed with the budget’s lack of help for families, Layton did welcome the decision to finally compensate Quebec for implementing the Harmonized Sales Tax and for reinstating the EcoEnergy Home Retrofit Program – measures that New Democrats had asked for in previous budget discussions.

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“Untouchables” But what seems to matter is that Torres is part of an elite group of “untouchable” government officials closely linked to P-Noy. Known as “KKK,” the acronym for “Kabarilan, Kaklase, and Kaibigan” (Shooting buddies, Classmates, and Friends), their number one – and most important, and perhaps the only -- qualification for the job is their long association with P-Noy. Take the case of P-Noy’s other “shooting buddy,” Undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Rico E. Puno. No sooner had he warmed up to his job than allegations of corruption smacked him on the face. He was alleged to be receiving payola -- or protection money -- from jueteng lords. And like Torres, Puno refused to resign from his post when he was under fire. When calls for his resignation flooded the airwaves, Puno boasted “he was among the few people who could ‘tame’ Mr. Aquino whenever he becomes overly engaged as Chief Executive.”

For all that, P-Noy gave his friend a slap on the wrist. Puno then went “underground,” virtually invisible from the public eye. As the old adage says, “Out of sight, out if mind.” After about eight months of hermitage, he emerged and was back in the saddle in his DILG post as if nothing had happened.

Torres should have taken a cue from Puno: vanish… and take it one step further, resign. And that would have been the end of it. Instead, she dared to return to her post, knowing that she’d be under heavy fire from all sides. She must be a glutton for punishment or the kind of person who thrives hovering over the edge of uncertainty, defying fall.

Nobody knows how long

she’d keep on fighting for her job, but in the end she’d most likely do a Merci Gutierrez act; that is, resign when she’s clinging to the edge with just a finger keeping her from falling. But Merci had an honorable way out; Torres might not have any but a freefall into legal limbo.

Torres should call it quits.

P-Noy has stood by her loyally; she should reciprocate by resigning gracefully to spare P-Noy from further embarrassment… and ridicule.

Plummeting performance rating It did not then come as a surprise when the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted last June 3-6, 2011 showed P-Noy’s net satisfaction rating plummeting from “very good” (+51) last March to “good” (+46) in June. The survey shows that 64% of the 1,200 respondents said they were satisfied with P-Noy’s performance while 18% said they were dissatisfied.

While the numbers were not alarming, the trend is disquieting.

P-Noy started his presidency with

a net satisfaction rating of +60 in September 2010. It increased to +64 in November 2010. In March 2011, it took an 11-point dive to +51. The 5-point drop shown in the recent survey is the first time that P-Noy’s ratings dropped from “very good” to “good.” If the trend continues in the next survey in September, it could drop to “moderate” and further slide down to “neutral” by early 2012. And if P-Noy’s performance does not improve, it would end up in the negative or “poor” midway through his six-year term.

Quo vadis, P-Noy? It’s now evident that P-Noy’s performance ratings were influenced by the malfeasance – and incompetence -- of his KKK cronies. It is very sad that while many believe P-Noy to be honest and incorruptible, his cronies have become the albatross around his neck.

Does it have to happen that way? It will if P-Noy does not do something about it.

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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6 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

June 2011

Spousal and Family Sponsorships - Frequently Asked Questions

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 received numerous inquiries about sponsoring spouses and family members from Temporary Foreign Workers who have married, planning to marry or are in common-law relationships with Canadian citizens or Canadian Permanent Residents. To address the questions of the people who have not read the previous Alberta Filipino Journal article on spousal and family sponsorships... I am providing additional information and re-printing most of the spousal sponsorship information that were published earlier.

Listed below are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) 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 Q1. What types of relationships does the Canadian government recognize with regards to spousal sponsorship?

A. The Canadian government recognizes the following types of relationships under the spousal sponsorship program: married, common-law partner (living together for at least 1 year) and conjugal partner. As per Citizenship and Immigration Canada, outlined below are the definitions of the terms:  Spouse: You are a spouse if you are married to your sponsor and your marriage is legally valid.

If you were married in Canada: You must have a marriage certificate issued by the province or territory where the marriage took place.

If you were married outside Canada: a. The marriage must be valid under the law of the country where it took place and under Canadian law. b. A marriage performed in an embassy or consulate must comply with the law of the country where it took place, not the country of nationality of the embassy or consulate.  Common-law partner You are a common-law partner—

either of the opposite sex or same sex—if: a. you have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year in a continuous 12-month period that was not interrupted. (You are allowed short absences for business travel or family reasons.) b. You will need proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.  Conjugal partner This category is for partners—either of the opposite sex or same sex—in exceptional circumstances beyond their control that prevent them from qualifying as common-law partners or spouses by living together.

A conjugal relationship is more than a physical relationship. It means you depend on each other, there is some permanence to the relationship and there is the same level of commitment as a marriage or a common-law relationship.

You may apply as a conjugal partner if: a. you have maintained a conjugal relationship with your sponsor for at least one year and you have been prevented from living together or marrying because of: i. an immigration barrier ii. your marital status (for example, you are married to someone else and living in a country where divorce is not possible) or iii your sexual orientation (for example, you are in a same-sex relationship and same-sex marriage is not permitted where you live) b. you can provide evidence there was a reason you could not live together (for example, you were refused longterm stays in each other’s country).

Q2. What responsibilities am I taking on when I sponsor a spouse or family member?

A. When you agree to sponsor a spouse or a family member, you must sign an undertaking. The undertaking is a promise to provide financial support for your spouse or family member’s basic living requirements and those of his or her dependent children.

Basic living requirements are food, clothing, shelter and other needs for everyday living. Dental care, eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services are also included. The undertaking ensures the applicant and his or her dependent children do not have to apply for social assistance.

The length of the financial undertaking depends on the sponsor’s relationship with the person(s) who is/are being sponsored and the age of the dependent family member. The table below shows how long the financial undertaking will be valid and enforced: a. Your spouse or common-law partner -Three (3) years after the day he or she becomes a permanent resident b. Dependent children over 22 years of age -Three (3) years after the day he or she becomes a permanent resident c. Dependent children under 22 years of age -10 years after the day he or she becomes a permanent resident, or until the child reaches 25 years of age, whichever comes first d. Any other person (eg: your father, your mother, your grandparents or a dependent child of your parents),

-10 years after the day the person becomes a permanent resident NOTE: If payments from a federal, provincial or municipal assistance program are made while your financial undertaking is still valid, you (the sponsor) will be considered in default of your undertaking. You may have to repay the government for any benefits received by the person you sponsored and until the monies are paid, you will not be allowed to sponsor any other relative.

or common-law partner’s dependent child c. a dependent child of a dependent child d. your parents and grandparents e. brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, grandsons or granddaughters who are orphaned, under 18 years of age and not a spouse or common-law partner f. any other family member if there is no spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, grandfather, Q3. What are the eligibility grandmother, uncle, aunt, niece or requirements to be able to sponsor a nephew who is a Canadian citizen, spouse or family members? registered Indian or permanent A. To be eligible to sponsor a spouse resident or whom you may sponsor. or family members, the person must:  be 18 years of age or older A spouse is a person you are legally  be a Canadian citizen or Permanent married to and have a valid married Resident certificate. By definition, a common be sponsoring a spouse or common- law partner is a person (same sex law partner or family member or opposite sex) you have lived with  live in Canada and continue to live continuously as “husband and in Canada after the sponsored person wife” for at least one (1) year. Short obtains PR status absences are allowed for business  sign an agreement, along with travel or travel for family reasons. You your spouse or common-law need supporting documents that prove partner, confirming that each of you that you have been living together understand each other’s obligations for at least one year such: as joint and responsibilities. residential lease, joint ownership of  sign an undertaking promising to home, joint bank accounts, joint utility provide for your spouse or commonor phone bills, joint credit cards, proof law partner’s basic requirements of joint purchases, etc. and, if applicable, those of his or her A child is considered a “dependent dependent children child” when the person:  prove that you have sufficient  is under the age of 22 and does income to provide basic requirements not have a spouse or common-law for your spouse or common-law partner; partner’s dependent child. To do this,  is over the age of 22 and has been you must provide documents that show continuously enrolled as a full-time your financial resources for the past student and depended substantially on 12 months.: This requirement applies the financial support of a parent since only when dependent children who before the age of 22; have dependent children of their own  became a spouse or a commonare included on the application. law partner before the age of 22 and has been continuously enrolled as You may NOT be eligible to sponsor, a full-time student and depended if: substantially on the financial support  you have an undertaking for a of a parent since becoming a spouse previous spouse or common-law or common-law partner, or partner and three years have not  is over the age of 22 and depended yet elapsed since he or she became a substantially on the financial support PR. of a parent since before the age of  you receive social assistance for a 22 because of a physical or mental reason other than disability condition.  you are in default of an undertaking, immigration loan, Q5: Are there relationships that performance bond, family or child are not eligible under spousal support payments sponsorship?  you are an undischarged bankrupt A: Yes, you cannot be sponsored as a  You were convicted of a sexual spouse, a common-law partner or a assault or an offence involving family conjugal partner if: violence, unless you were  you are under 16 years of age granted a pardon or five years have  you (or your sponsor) were married passed since the completion of your to someone else at the time of your sentence marriage  You are under a removal order  you have lived apart from your  You are detained in a penitentiary, sponsor for at least one year and jail reformatory or prison either you (or your sponsor) are the  You have already applied to common-law or conjugal partner of sponsor your current spouse or another person common-law partner and a decision  your sponsor immigrated to on your application has not yet been Canada and, at the time he/she made. applied for permanent residence, you were a family member who should Q4: I recently became a Permanent have been examined to see if you met Resident (PR) of Canada. Who immigration requirements, but you can I sponsor to immigrate to were not examined or Canada under the Federal Family  your sponsor previously sponsored Sponsorship Program? another spouse, common-law partner A: If you are a PR or a Canadian or conjugal partner, and three years citizen you can sponsor the following have not passed since that person people: became a permanent resident. a. your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner Q6: I am legally married in the b. your dependent child or your spouse Philippines but have been separated

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for several years with my spouse.

There is no divorce in the Phils. I have been living “common law” with another person in Canada for more than one year. Can I sponsor my common-law partner even though I am not legally “divorced” in the Phils.?

A: Yes, you can sponsor your commonlaw partner in Canada – as a commonlaw partner. However, you cannot marry him/her until after you first legally divorce your previous spouse.

If you have been legally living in Alberta for at least one year... you can divorce your previous spouse in the Philippines by filing the necessary legal documents in Alberta. Your spouse in the Philippines has to be properly notified that you are filing for a divorce in Canada.

In Canada, a couple is considered in a common law relationship, if they have been continuously living together as husband and wife (conjugal relationship) for at least one year. This applies also to same sex couples who have been living together as “husband and wife” for at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people – that they support each other emotionally, financially, etc., that they present themselves in public as a couple. Proof of commitment and living together would include but not limited to: living in same address, joint names in apartment lease agreements, joint names in telephone or utility bills, joint bank accounts, etc.

Q7: I am a Temporary Foreign Worker and my work permit has already expired. I recently got married to a Permanent Resident ... can my spouse still sponsor me under the spouse or common-law partner In Canada Class program?

A: Yes. Your spouse can still sponsor you even though your work permit has already expired -under a special public policy that creates exceptions for spouses or common-law partners in Canada Class, if you are still in Canada. In your application, you and your spouse have to provide evidence that the marriage is genuine and not entered into just for the purpose of staying in Canada.

Q8. I have been legally in Canada as a Tourist for 2 years, I have been living as a common-law partner with a Canadian citizen and we have a child born in Canada. My Tourist Visa has recently expired... can I apply for permanent residence (PR) under the spouse or common-law partner In Canada Class program?

A. Yes, you can apply for PR under the special public policy relating to the spouse or common-law partner In Canada Class program. However, your application may not be approved, if there are reasons that prevent you from staying in Canada that are not related to your lack of legal status such as medical inadmissibility, or inadmissibility due to criminality or security problems.

Q9: I am a Permanent Resident of Canada. Is it faster to apply for spousal sponsorship inside or outside Canada?

A: It is normally faster to apply to sponsor a spouse from outside Canada (even if your spouse is already in more on Page 7 ►

June 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Untitled new movie based on ‘Mara Clara’ now filming

S

tar Cinema is now filming a yet untitled new movie with strong resemblance to the high-rating teleserye “Mara Clara.”

The drama movie-in-themaking features stars of the successful TV serial led by Kathryn Bernardo (Mara) and Julia Montes (Clara).

Also in the cast are Albie Casino, and Sam Concepcion

who replaces the late AJ Perez.

Veteran actress Gina Pareño and other major supporting actors that includes Mylene Dizon, Bobby Andrews, Dimples Romana, and Jhong Hilario will be also seen in the movie Kiray Celis who is turning out to be a good actress in both dramatic and comic scenes, is also in the movie version Jerry Sineneng directs.

continued from Page 6

spousal sponsorship application.

Problems like infidelity, relationship breakdown or moving to another province does not cancel the application. The application also remains in effect even if your financial situation changes and you can no longer afford to provide financial support. If the situation involves misrepresentation, fraud, or any significant anomalies on the part of the sponsored spouse, etc. you should consult with a Canadian lawyer.

Canada). Different rules apply and different submissions have to be made.

The legal requirements to apply for inside vs outside Canada spousal sponsorships are similar. However, there are several differences between the application processes: Inside Canada a. average of 12 to 18 months to process routine applications b. no right of appeal –(not recommended, if difficult to prove your marriage is genuine) c. the sponsored person should stay in Canada while your application is being processed If you leave Canada and cannot re-enter, the application will be abandoned. d. you can send an application for an open work permit with the sponsorship application. The work permit will be issued as soon as you are eligible for it.

Q11: How do I check, if the consultant with whom I am dealing with and paying a fee is a licensed immigration consultant?

A: Licensed immigration consultants are listed in the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) website members’ directory: https://www.csic-scci.ca/find/

Filipino Journal

Alberta

7

Maria Aragon now an international product endorser

T

he young Fil-Canadian singer whose video reached 28 million views in six weeks on the YouTube video-sharing site, is now part of a mobile phone commercial being shown abroad.

Ten-year old Maria Aragon appears on an HTC commercial that makes references to popular social network websites such as Twitter and Foursquare. The commercial quips such catchy phrases as "You are the next Trending Topic" and the "You are the next mayor of this bar."

Maria got to play the keyboards once again while singing the lines "When I get older / I will be stronger" from the song "Wavin' Flag" by K'Naan as the statement, "You are the next sensation," is said on the commercial.

The advertisement also endorses the California-based “Surfrider Foundation USA”,

a non-profit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world's oceans, waves, and focuses on works sustaining marine and coastal ecosystems.

Aragon caught the netizens’ attention last February when she

shared a video of herself singing a cover of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." Overwhelmed by the girl’s performance, Lady Gaga included Aragon in her concert at the Air Canada Centre last March 3.

Charice takes criticisms with a ‘grain of salt’

T

he Filipino pride in the international music scene is currently getting a lot of bashing courtesy of cyber-bullies at the social networking site Facebook and micro-blogging site Twitter.

Charice who performed an original song on the season finale of the hit musical show "Glee," admitted she was hurt by the unsympathetic comments of some people to the point that she decided to delete her personal account on Facebook.

The young singer also turned to Twitter to express her disappointment on the negative

If the person is not listed in the CSIC website member’s directory, then chances are the person is NOT a Outside Canada a. average of 6 to 12 months to process licensed immigration consultant. They may have been suspended or disbarred routine applications from the profession. Be careful, if b. you have the right of appeal c. you can leave and re-enter Canada your consultant does not have a valid while your application is being license with CSIC. processed as long as you meet all CSIC is an independent, federally requirements to enter Canada not-for-profit body d. if you want to work in Canada while incorporated your application is being processed, which operates at arm’s length you must apply for a regular work from the federal government. It is responsible for regulating the permit activities of Canadian immigration Q10: I just found out that my recently consultants who are members and sponsored spouse is cheating on me. who provide immigration advice for Can I cancel my spousal sponsorship a fee. In addition, the Society is also responsible for ensuring the education after it is approved?

A: No, you cannot cancel your spousal and competency testing of its members. sponsorship after it is approved. You The Society’s mandate is to protect the can cancel the sponsorship application consumers of immigration consulting before it is approved. If you change services and ensure the competent and your mind about sponsoring a spouse or professional conduct of its members. family member, you must write a letter to the appropriate Case Processing Legal Disclaimer: Centre before a Permanent Resident This news article is designed for visa is issued. Once permanent general information only. The resident visas are issued, the promise information presented in this article should not be construed to be formal that you made to support your spouse legal advice or the formation of a or family member is valid for the term consultant/client relationship. Each of your application. individual situation is different and The application is an unconditional people should seek proper advice on promise of support. You have signed their specific cases with a licensed a contract when you submitted the immigration consultant of their choice.

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things being said about her.

She advised victims of cyber bullying to look at the situation in another way and to be always strong since negative comments are mere words coming out of other people who are actually talking about themselves.

Meanwhile, Charice also expressed her wish to reprise her character Sunshine Corazon in "Glee" Season 3.

She said her reasons for wanting to be part again of the popular TV show were the great experience and the friendships she has made with the show's cast.

8 Filipino Journal

Alberta

June 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

On the Edge of Losing It? Tie It Down!

Share the responsibility and secure your load

H

eading to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre or an Eco Station, helping a friend move or making a delivery? If you are, make sure you secure your load while driving on Edmonton roads.

“A clean and safe Edmonton is a shared responsibility,” said Don Belanger, program manager for Capital City Clean Up. “We can all help make Edmonton a safer, more livable city if we take the time to properly secure and dispose of unwanted items.”

A litter audit in 2010 showed there was twice as much litter on Yellowhead Trail compared to 123 other locations across the city. This litter ranged from items simply tossed from passing vehicles to loose material from unsecured loads.

"We continue to see vehicles arriving at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre and Eco Stations with unsecured loads,” said Garry Spotowski with the City’s Waste Management Services.

“Sometimes they are even dragging materials on the road that they have tied to their bumper.”

In addition to creating an unsightly mess, this litter and debris also create serious hazards for drivers on Edmonton roads.

"Loose debris and litter can be very dangerous, especially on busy roads like the Yellowhead where it

can lead to serious collisions and injuries," said Wes Skakun, Acting Program Coordinator with the City's Community Standards Peace Officers.

"For safety's sake, secure your load properly by tying down large items to your vehicle and covering loose material with a tarp."

To keep our streets safe, community standards peace officers will be patrolling the city this summer looking for vehicles that need to better secure their loads. Drivers are encouraged to get tarps, straps and cargo nets from their local hardware store before hauling anything. The hardware needed to properly secure a load costs around $20, while fines for failing to secure a load start at $250.

If you do lose an item during transport, the City asks you to: • Take reasonable steps, if possible, to safely remove litter and debris from the roadside. Do not put yourself in danger to recover a lost item.

• If that's not possible, report the incident to the City by calling 311.

• If necessary, notify the Edmonton Police Service, so they can make sure other drivers are protected.

Failing to properly secure a load could lead to a serious collision, so remember—tie it down and cover it!

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

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Official Photographer Noli Granado

Contributing Writers: Reis Pagtakhan Melanie Angeles Tony Surtida Perry Diaz Jon Salvador Dolly Castillo

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

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.

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June 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Understanding “For Rent” Ads

M

ost daily and weekly newspapers in Canada have a Classified Advertising section, where they publish advertisements (or “ads”) for apartments and houses that are available to rent. To save space, many of these ads use special terms and abbreviations that can be confusing to anyone who does not know what they mean.

To help you make sense of rental ads, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following list of some of the most common Classified Ad terms and abbreviations: • A/C—air conditioning, usually central air conditioning, which means that the air comes through the heating vents rather than through a unit that fits into a window.

• apartment—a self-contained unit with its own private entrance.

Apartments can be in a house or in a lowrise or highrise apartment building.

• appl—appliances. All apartments must include a refrigerator and a stove. Some will also have other appliances such as a dishwasher or a clothes washer and dryer.

• bachelor or studio—an apartment that has just one room, which is used as both the bedroom and the living area, plus a separate bathroom and a small kitchen.

• basement—an apartment in the basement of a house. Basement apartments are usually cheaper than above-ground apartments, but they can also be cold, damp and have less light. Avoid damp or moldy basements, especially if you have asthma.

• BR or bdrm—the number of separate bedrooms in the apartment.

For example, a “2BR” or “2 bdrm”

apartment is an apartment with two bedrooms. In Quebec, a “2 1/2 BR” or “2 1/2 bdrm” is a two-bedroom apartment with a private bathroom.

• cable—cable TV (or television) service. Cable TV offers better reception and more channels than TV received with an antenna. Some apartments include “free” cable TV as part of the monthly rent.

• flat—an apartment inside a house.

A flat should have its own door that locks, but you will probably share the front entrance with other tenants.

• furn—a furnished apartment. A furnished apartment includes such things as a bed(s), furniture, curtains, fridge, stove and basic kitchen utensils. As a result, furnished apartments can be more expensive than unfurnished ones. If you rent a furnished apartment, ask the landlord to clean the furniture and carpets before you move in.

• hrdwd—hardwood floors.

Hardwood floors can be healthier than carpets if you or anyone in your family has allergies or other breathing problems.

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• junior one-bedroom—an apartment that is larger than a bachelor apartment but smaller than a regular one-bedroom.

• NS or non-smkr—an apartment that is only offered to tenants who don’t smoke.

• prkg—the number of parking spots that come with the apartment.

For example, “1 prkg” means the apartment has one parking spot, “2 prkg” means two parking spots, and so on. The rent may or may not include the cost of the parking space.

• sq. ft.—the size of the apartment, as measured in square feet. In most provinces, a 400 sq. ft. apartment is considered to be small, while a 2,000 sq. ft. home is fairly large. To convert square feet to square metres, multiply the number by 0.09. For instance, a 2,000 sq. ft. apartment is (2,000x 0.09)=180 square metres.

• util—the utilities you will need for your home. These include: electricity for the lights, stove and microwave; gas, oil or electricity for heat; cable

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TV; telephone or Internet service; and water. Some apartments include the cost of some or all of the utilities in the monthly rent. With others, you may have to arrange and pay for utilities yourself. If an ad gives the rent followed by a plus sign (e.g. $695+), it means you will pay for the utilities on top of the monthly rent.

• w/o—a walk-out door to a deck or balcony, usually off the kitchen.

For more information or to obtain hard copies for FREE on other aspects of renting, buying and renovating a home in Canada, visit www.cmhc.ca/newcomers. For more than 65 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.

For story ideas or to access CMHC experts or expertise, contact CMHC Media Relations - National Office at: (613) 748-2799 or by e-mail: media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

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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.

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.

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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.

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View from Legislature by

Carl Benito, MLA Edmonton Mill Woods

New distracted driving law comes into effect Sept. 1

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he most comprehensive distracted driving legislation in Canada will be implemented in our province on Sept. 1.

To help Albertans prepare for the new law, the government will run a public education and awareness campaign that will provide information about the distracted driving law and how to comply with it. Advertising will run in newspapers, radio and online.

The new law prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones for talking or texting, the use of other electronic devices, reading, writing and personal grooming while driving.

Drivers can still use cellphones or radio communication devices, but only if they use them in a handsfree or voice-activated manner.

This means the device is not held in the driver's hand and is activated by voice or a single touch to the device. Drivers may use a hand-held citizen’s band (CB) or two-way radio when escorting oversized vehicles, to contact one's employer, or when participating in search, rescue and emergency management situations.

Several international studies show that 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions involve driver distraction, and distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision than attentive drivers. This comprehensive legislation, which was designed to be practical and enforceable, will therefore improve safety on Alberta’s roads.

Frequently asked questions and answers about the new law, a fact sheet and more are available at: www.transportation. alberta.ca/distracteddriving.htm.

The Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act 2010 and accompanying distracted driving

regulation are available on the Alberta Queen’s Printer website: www.qp.alberta.ca.

The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Infrastructure, economy will highlight Western Premiers' Conference

Reinforcing the important role of infrastructure in accessing new economic markets will top Premier Ed Stelmach’s agenda at the Western Premiers’ Conference in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories June 20-22.

The three-day conference will bring together premiers from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon to explore ways to advance western priorities and strengthen cooperation between western jurisdictions. During the meetings they will discuss energy issues and examine Canada’s relations with the U.S. and Asia.

Other topics will include open skies and open trade, and creating safer communities and healthier families.

This is Stelmach’s last Western Premiers’ Conference before he steps down from office in October.

“I am very proud of the tremendous accomplishments we’ve achieved through western partnership,” said Stelmach. “Over the last few years the West has really shown how far you can move files of key importance when you work together.”

Western provinces were some of the best positioned to weather the global recession. In 2010, the

provinces collectively exported $143.5 billion worth of goods to other countries. When combined, Western Canada would rank approximately 30th on the list of the world’s largest exporters, and 20th on the list of the world’s largest economies.

Couple’s official farewell to Alberta and Canada.

Albertans are invited to visit www.alberta.ca/royaltour for more information on the Royal Couple’s visit to Alberta.

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the province of Alberta from July 6 to 8. The stop in Alberta will be highlighted by their participation in the annual Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, July 8. The itinerary includes a number of events that will emphasize the province’s traditions, institutions and technological achievements.

Following is an overview of the official itinerary. Further details will be released soon.

The Government of Alberta has approved an additional allocation of $50 million toward the rebuilding of Slave Lake and surrounding communities. The money will be allocated by the Deputy Minister Task Force appointed by Premier Ed Stelmach to coordinate recovery efforts in the wake of the wildfires on May 15. The task force is working closely with the Town of Slave Lake, the Municipal District of Lesser Slave

Government allocates Stampede Parade to additional $50 million highlight Royal Couple's for Slave Lake disaster Tour of Alberta recovery

Thursday, July 7 The visit to Alberta officially begins in the afternoon of July 7 when Their Royal Highnesses will be greeted on their arrival by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Donald Ethell, Premier Stelmach and their spouses.

Their Royal Highnesses will then depart for a private tour of the University of Calgary’s Ward of the 21st Century Research and Innovation Centre. In the evening, the Royal Couple will attend a reception hosted by the Government of Canada.

Friday, July 8 The public is invited to see Their Royal Highnesses in the morning as they travel the route of the Calgary Stampede Parade just prior to the start of the parade. The Royal Couple will then launch a fireworks display signaling the start of the annual parade. Later that morning, Their Royal Highnesses will attend a reception hosted by the Government of Alberta.

The visit concludes in the afternoon when the public is invited to Calgary Rotary Challenger Park for military honours and the Royal

•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.

River and the Sawridge First Nation to ensure a planned and coordinated approach to recovery and rebuilding.

As a partner in the community’s recovery, the Government of Alberta, which previously spent $50 million to help victims financially and pay for essential worker housing, touches all areas of recovery: housing, social, municipal health, infrastructure, employment, financial, business, education and security.

The new funding, in part, will be directed toward municipal emergency and fire operations including costs associated with bringing in firefighters and equipment from outside the Slave Lake area as well as ongoing security and clean-up efforts at the scene. As the task force continues its work, this additional funding will enable a continued cross-ministry approach to meeting the needs of residents.

New online resource helps employers and human resources professionals understand foreignearned education Edmonton... A new tool will help employers and human resources professionals better understand academic credentials earned abroad.

The online tool will improve the attraction and retention of newcomers which is an important part of addressing the province’s future labour shortage.

“There are qualified candidates available for many open positions in this province,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration. “These new education guides will assist employers in understanding the foreign-earned education credentials of newcomers, and help to fill these vacant positions with qualified immigrants.”

The Education Overview Guides were showcased by Lukaszuk at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s “Connections for Business” meeting.

The guides currently provide 10 different country profiles. Each guide provides information on specific credentials such as prerequisites, length of study and what the credential compares to in Alberta.

The Education Overview Guides are one of many resources

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

June 2011

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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to better integrate newcomers into life in Alberta by getting them into careers which reflect their education and experience. Other resources include: * International Education Guides in-depth guides to education systems in nine different countries at www. employment.alberta.ca/IQAS-IEG; * Occupational Licensing Fact Sheets - 66 fact sheets that outline the process for getting qualifications recognized at www.albertacanada. com/regulated-trades and www. albertacanada.com/regulatedprofessions; and, * International Qualifications Assessment Service - the service assesses foreign-earned education and compares it to credentials in Canada at www.employment.alberta. ca/IQAS To view the Education Overview Guides, visit www.employment. alberta.ca/educationguides. For more information on Foreign Qualification Recognition and to see other resources, visit www.employment. alberta.ca/fqr or call 780-427-2655 (toll-free by calling 310-0000).

June 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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One Hundred Thirteenth (113th ) Philippine Independence Anniversary Celebration in Calgary City newspaper and Jose Pepito Magpayo of OMNI TV Multicultural Channel 4 and Alberta Filipino Journal who covered the event 6) Pepe and Lydia Siapno for lending us their Philippine flag 7) Ten Donors of boxed lunches: ► Young Once Seniors Association of Calgary with President Pepe Siapno ► Golden Generation Seniors Club Contributory to the great success of Calgary with President Ben Isidro of the flag raising program are the ► Friends of St. Mark Foundation Calgary with Chair Ben Isidro following people: ► Tamaraw Seniors Club of Calgary 1) Laurie Daniluk of City Clerk's with President Frank Tigley Office who processed the permit for the flag raising 2) Commissionaire Harman Dhaliwal who helped in the flag raising 3) Sharron Stevens who facilitated the getting of the Deputy Mayor of the day -Alderman Ray Jones to address the Filipino community 4) Tamaraw choir singers and D-Harmonie with Ruth Balisong who led the singing of the Philippine and Canadian anthems 5) Cherrie Crisostomo, AnnClaire Danan, and Jeff Cruz of Mabuhay panuelo, Mountain province tribal costume. The locale was abuzz with gay laughters, jokes, exchange of pleasantries between community colleagues, and a general good feeling of being united as one Filipino nation. This resonates with the rest of the world where other Filipinos commemorate the event as a unified Republic of the Philippines.

Dolly Castillo

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other Nature showered its bountiful sunshine, clear blue skies, and balmy weather as the Filipino community greeted our Independence or “Kalayaan” day.

The traditional annual flag raising was held at Calgary’s City hall on June 10, 2011 with 200 attendees.

Our “kababayans” graced the occasion in their colorful Filipiniana attires of mestiza dress, Barong Tagalog, emobroidered and beaded kimonas, Maria clara complete with

Calgary Pinoy Leaders

L-R: Marife Buluran-Miss Teen Philippines Canada-Calgary 2011; Ald. Ray Jones and Dolly Castillo, organizer of the 2011 Flag-Raising event in City Hall, Calgary City.

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► New Casa Seniors Club with President Pete Calica ► Filipino Calgarian Seniors Club with President Perry Quiloy ► Zambales Association with President Nora Ragadio ► Filipino Catholic Society of the Diocese of Calgary with President Jimmy Ang ► Babae: Council of FilipinaCanadian Women with President Rhea Marie P. Castillo ► Diamond Seniors Club with Gerby Pagsanghan 8) Other association attendees: Philippine Cultural Centre

Foundation, Possibilities in Motion, New Sunrise Seniors club, VISMINSA, Wild Rose Lions Club, Capampangan Association, Pangasinan Association, CAFFA, Filipino Lions club, Our Lady of Penafrancia, etc.

9) Alderman Ray Jones of Ward 5, Mayor Designate, who addressed the community with greetings of friendship and admiration for the multifaceted contributions of Filipinos to the Canadian society 10) Overall coordinators Dolly P. Castillo and Rey Castillo

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June 2011

BANKING

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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ESTABLISHING CREDIT

•

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OWNING YOUR HOME

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•

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SAVING

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The Colors,The Sights, The Sounds of the Philippine Independence Day Celebration

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he 113th Philippine Independence Day Celebration is an spectacular event in Edmonton that happens only once a year. For the past 22 years the Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations known as CEFA orchestrated the celebration of Philippine Independence. The Filipinos as a community remembers the sacrifices of their forebears to gain freedom from the emancipators. and on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite the Philippine

independence was proclaimed.

It is an event full of pride and jubilation that is celebrated not only in the Philippines but in every part of the world where there are Filipinos.

Mayor Stephen Mandel made a Proclamation declaring June 11-17, a Philippine Week in commemoration of the Philippine Independence and to celebrate their cultural heritage.

The Saturday of June 11th, 2011, The Legislature Ground was filled with spectators donning their

red, white and blues resembling the colors of the Philippine flag.

Children romp on the grounds, seniors seek the shades while the leaders of the community braved the early morning sun to sit in front of the stage adorned with colorful balloons and flags.

A Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Father Jojo Cantal with co-celebrant Fr. Nilo Macapinlac and Deacon Tony Obleada. After the mass a symbolic flag raising of Philippine flag was raised by the

At the Legislature Grounds

The Singing of the Lupang Hinirang.

Deacon Tony Obleada, Fr. Jojo Cantal, Fr. Nilo Macapinlac

Honorary Consul General Imelda Agbulos and Chairman of this year activities Wilf Ladores. The flag of Canada was also raised by Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration with the Past President of CEFA , Jun Angeles. Greetings were delivered by Consul General Imelda Agbulos, Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk and MLA Carl Benito of Edmonton Millwoods Constituency.

What ensued was a free lunch and free entertainment

until the early hours of the afternoon. Lechon, the Philippine delicacy was served along with pancit, chicken and sweet buns donated by the Filipino businesses. A fiesta atmosphere were everyone savoured and relished the experience. The Legislature Ground sizzled with the sights, the sound, the colors of a truly remarkable day worth remembering. The celebration was concluded by a Gala night at the Fantasyland Hotel.

Independence Gala Night Affair

Family in Colorful Attire.

their

Zaldy Gabriel Draped with the Philippine Flag

Joann Aguilar sings

Jun and Hermie Angeles

MLA Thomas Lukaszuk, Estella Benito, MLA Carl Benito and Honorary Consul Genera Imelda Agbulos

The Karilagan Dancers

The FEMMA Dancers

Tau Gamma Phi/Sigma

The Seniors

The Karilagan Dancers

The Couples for Christ Choir

I Remit Table with Ron

The 4th Degree Honored Guard: St. Michael Assembly No.2795

The Fantasyland Ballroom

CEFA Officers

The Ilocano Group

The Ladies

The Guests

Alpha Phi Omega

FREEDX Group

Beta Sigma Fraternity

Crosstown Table with Tony Surtida (Major Sponsor)

The Dabawenyos Group

Ted, Jon, Jun, Wilf, Julie, Janet and Jimmy

The Spectators

The Food Lineups

The Excile Band

The Dabawenyo Dancers

The Servus Table

The Food Committe

Memen Cochingco and Ramon Llorente entertain the crowd with a dance

The Food

Certificate of Appreciation Award

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un Angeles, past president of CEFA received a certificate of appreciation during the Independence Gala Affair at Fantasyland Hotel June 11, 2011. The certificate reads " In recognition of your outstanding service to the Filipino Community in Alberta. With

your strong leadership and active involvement as President, the Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations is grateful for your accomplishments and contributions to the association."

Jun Angeles served CEFA for six years of tenure as President.

Awarding a Plaque to Jun Angeles, L-R Memen Conchingco, Tessie Oliva, Hermie Angeles, JunAngeles and Wilf Ladores Photos by Noli Granado | Filipino Journal

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Miss Philippines Canada-Calgary 2011 Winners

L-R: Krystal Dichoso-Miss Junior Philippines Canada-Calgary 2010; Riza Santos - Miss World Canada 2011 & Leah Roy - Best in Gown 2011

Leah Roy, Best in gown.

Jose “Pepito” Magpayo, “Pinoy Alberta TV” & “TV Pilipino” Producer and Editor of Alberta Filipino Journal with Cecille T. Magpayo, Producer and Host of the “Kusina Ni Lola” TV show on media coverage and media sponsor of the beauty pageant.

Patty Falconer, Guest Emcee and Anna Avila - 1st Runner-Up of Miss Earth Canada, expertly emceed the beauty pageant. (photo

by Raymund Roy) Photos by Raymund Roy

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Aylah’s 3rd Birthday Party a Blast Aylah, daughter of Katie and Mike Angeles celebrated her 3rd birthday party with family, relatives and friends on May 22, 2011.

Miguel Bixiga Celebrated 4th Birthday Miguel Bixiga, son of Luis and Bluessette Bixiga of Edmonton celebrated his 4th birthday with relatives and friends

Miguel Getting Ready for a Birthday Fun

The Bixiga Family

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Miguel with Buzz Light Year

June 2011

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P

a Duren selection, composed of Two more test matches are still third and fourth division players, lined up for the team, one against and an Under-19 side of Bonner Ingolstadt I, a Bundesliga second SC. division team.

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maintenance of LRT 1 and MRT 3 for four years, and the P1.5-billion contract to construct the LRT-MRT Common Station in a year, So far 10 contractors have expressed their interests to bid for the contract to design and build the Common Station that will link the LRT 1, MRT 3 and the proposed MRT 7. Bid documents worth P150,000 are available to the

contractors until August 17, a day before the deadline of submission of bids set on August 18.

Prior to the resignation of DoTC Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus, the deadline of submission of bids is set on July 11. At least 16 local and foreign firms have bought bid documents worth P500,000 and are eligible to submit bids for the contract.

Government deploys more troops to disputed islands

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mid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea fueled by reported intrusions by Chinese vessels and aircraft into areas within Philippine jurisdiction, a Philippine Navy ship dropped anchor the other day off Pag-Asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratlys.

Navy supply ship BRP Benguet (LST 507) unloaded troops and fresh provisions and will return to its base in Palawan shortly after completing its delivery.

Pag-Asa, also called Isla, is the biggest of the seven islets in the Kalayaan group occupied by Filipino troops and is also home to 60 civilians. Aside from China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims in the Spratly Islands which is believed to contain huge deposits of oil and gas.

The country’s biggest warship,

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DoTC holds LRT, MRT bidding in abeyance

he bidding for the privatization of the operation and maintenance of Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 and the contract to design and build the LRT-MRT Common Station in Quezon City has been suspended by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC).

DoTC technical working group on railway projects chairman Lawyer Hernando Cabrera said the special bids and awards committee decided to suspend the bidding of the two public-private partnership projects in view of the change in leadership in the DoTC..

Cabrera said they received a letter from Congress urging the DoTC to let incoming Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II to review the contracts. Roxas will assume office on July 1.

The P15-billion contract involves the operation and

Alberta

World chess body awards GM title to Sadorra

Azkals’ preparation gaining steam hilippine football team coach Michael Weiss lavished praises on his players whom he described as fully focused on the job in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Barely nine days before his boys meet Sri Lanka in the firstround qualifying match at the 25,000-seater Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, the 46-year-old German mentor said the training in Duren, Germany has been effective and with no disturbances The return match will be played at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on July 3, with the series winner facing Kuwait in the second round.

So far, the Azkals have beaten

Filipino Journal

World War II-era BRP Rajah Humabon, has been also deployed for routine patrol within the Philippines’ territorial waters near Palawan.

At Malacañang, Secretary Ricky Carandang of the President’s Communications group reiterated that the country’s right to defend its territories was not meant to agitate China. He said the Philippines would continue discussions with China through all channels. He added that the visit of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to China would give him the chance to discuss with Chinese officials improving bilateral ties.

The Palace also said there was no need to convene the National Security Council (NSC) as proposed

by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. The Palace earlier welcomed statements from the United States, Australia and members of the

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) calling for a peaceful resolution of the West Philippine Sea dispute.

A United States defense official, meanwhile, reiterated the US readiness to assist the Philippines in its defense needs. Vice Admiral William E. Landay III, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), gave the assurance recently during a meeting with Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia.

Last week, US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. made the same assurance and stressed the preeminence of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in settling territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea. The Philippines has also brought the matter before the United Nations.

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he Fédération Internationale des Échecs or World Chess Federation has confirmed the grandmaster title of Filipino Julio Catalino Sadorra during the FIDE second quarter presidential board meeting in Al Ain, UAE early this month.

The US-based Sadorra, a sophomore at the University of Texas-Dallas majoring in Applied Mathematics, earned his third and final GM norm in the UT Dallas Grandmaster Invitational tournament. last March.

The confirmation from the chess governing body, more popularly known by its French acronym FIDE, has made Sadorra the 14th Filipino GM. He thus joined the country’s elite circle of GMs that includes the prodigy Wesley So, Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, Nelson Mariano II, Jayson Gonzales, Bong Villamayor, Rogelio Barcenilla Jr., Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez, Darwin Laylo, Joseph Sanchez, Roland Salvador and the late RosendoBalinas.

On the distaff side, FIDE also confirmed the Women International Master titles to ChadineCheradee Camacho and Catherine Perena. Other Filipino WIMs are GirmieFontanilla, Cristine Rose Mariano, Beverly Mendoza and Fil-Aussie Arianne Caoili.

Meanwhile, Asia’s first grandmaster Eugene Torre expressed his willingness to help

Julio Catalino Sadorra

in the preparation of the Philippine chess team vying for the gold in the 26th Southeast Asian Games slated Nov. 11-25 in Palembang and Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 59-year-old Torre also clarified he isn’t retiring yet, as he is still eyeing a spot in the team that will compete in the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.

Torre holds the record of 19 consecutive Olympiad stints after the 2006 Turin meet. He bested the 18 appearances of Finland’s Heikki Westerinen. Torre is currently tied with former World Championship challenger GM Lajos Portisch of Hungary with most number of non-consecutive appearances with 20.

The country’s best finish in the chess Olympiad was in the 1988 Thessaloniki Olympiad where the Philippines placed seventh.

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Horoscope This is one of the best periods for enjoying the fruits of success. Financially this is a time when money should come your way.

You will have a sense of awareness of your own limitations this month, leading up to your birthday phase, be they physical, emotional or even financial, as well as a sense of being confined and restricted. There could be some rivalry, hard feelings generated that could trigger off either of these reactions.

Long-distance and foreign connections, exchange and trade will be favored. You’ll travel a fair amount and may strike up a chance acquaintance who shares your views, ideals and ideas.

You may be making changes in your job/profession, in your relationships with colleagues and co-workers, health and diet. There may be some mental strain, or perhaps financial difficulties, particularly relating to held-up payments that are still pending, salaries or servants.

This is an extremely busy and active period for you. All the balls are in your court, and you have to meet with different people who all have a role in advancing your agenda.

Extend warmth and friendship, as well as cooperation at work. All the trends, which started last month, will now gain momentum, focus and direction. You reach out to people in a rare show of warmth, connubial bliss and friendship.

Once again, you’ll have to focus your attention on money matters even though there may still be some health problems nagging at you. Pending matters may come to an end.

This is a very playful period of the year, when you are inspired creatively and emotionally. After a period of selfprotectiveness, you are now more spontaneous and more willing to take risks.

It might be a good time to make a thorough scrutiny of the real you, an honest assessment of your face, figure, health and assets and seek to implement a make-over where necessary.

Recognition, rewards, greater power and prestige, even your assets, property, belongings are enhanced greatly. The time is being truly generous, and you deserve it.

Now the focus shifts on people and relationships, ranging from personal to platonic to just professional. You will realize that to help you achieve success your people skills need to be honed.

House or office may require renovation, refurbishing or expansion. Perhaps even a shift for either the office home factory/workplace. You want working conditions that satisfy you in every way, physically, technically and in the prevailing atmosphere and will take pains to achieve just that.

PAHALANG 26 Pupuga 27 Notang musikal 28 Lisa: Ingles 29 Tinapay 30 Bahay - inuman 31 Simbolo ng Alabamine 32 Higit 33 Paglabas sa kulungan 34 Wasto 36 Iniikutan sa race 38 Pangingilin 39 Ihalal

1 Building: tagalog 2 Lengguwahe 3 Muclach ng pelikula 4 Leonardo _____ Vinci 6 Yugto ng karera 7 Tantay ng pelikula 8 Sara 9 Bawas 11 Uri ng sakit 14 Renta 16 _____ del Sur 19 Pinausukang isda 20 Antas sa karate

22 Palayaw ni Tatad 23 _____ Angeles 24 Saturday: daglat 25 Kaputol 26 Tatag 27 Buwan ng santacruzan 28 _____ de coco 30 Biyuda / Biyudo 32 Din 33 Silid-tuklasan 35 Titik-Griyego 37 Simbolo ng Bismuth

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!

2 8 6 8 5 7 9 2 3 5 6 1 4 7 3 1 7 1 8 2 2 4 7 7 5 9

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2010. All rights reserved.

1 Gantimpala 5 Pilak 10 Munting palos 12 Libang 13 Maasim ng likido 15 Kantang patula 17 Kaya Abad 18 Barkilyos 19 Unalping pamanahon 20 Dalawa 21 _____ Union 22 Ginaway 24 Gobernador ng Ilocos Sur

PABABA

Daily Sudoku: Sat 3-Apr-2010

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

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http://www.dailysudoku.com/

June 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Ford 2011 Explorer – Powerhouse SUV

by Ron

Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

W

hen asked if the Filipino Journal was interested in driving a 2011 Ford Explorer for a week?

Absolutely was the quick and simple response. Ford Motor Company of Canada provided us with the award winning 2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD model to drive for a week.. This vehicle was fully loaded with the latest technology bells and whistles to enhance your SUV driving experience.

Driving the 2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD was an absolute pleasure. This is a big vehicle with an extremely spacious interior, comfortable seating and power everything.

Big seats and big space makes this SUV a great family vehicle and a step-up from the family minivan.

The Explorer Limited came with a wide range of safety features – pressure-based crash sensor airbags, active blind spot information system, cross traffic alert system, rear inflatable seat belts, adaptive cruise control, collision warning system and ActiveTrac with RCS (Roll Stability Control). Ford SNYC also comes with 911 Assist, SOS Post-Crash Alert System and the MyKey program encourages safe teen driving, seat belt use and limiting top vehicle speed.

The Explorer comes in three models: base, XLT and

the Limited. Base model pricing starts at $29,999 while our Limited test drive model starts at $41,199, with an added $8000 in extra features such as 20” polished aluminum rims, luxury leather seating, navigation system and a fully featured technology package. Part of the package included air-conditioned cooled leather seats which is a feature that I could truly appreciate during our hot Manitoba summers. And for our long dry Manitoba winters, there’s the heated leather seats.

Apart from driving the Ford Explorer, I probably spent as much time in park as I ran through the Explorer’s rich technology offering. Most of the technology features can be controlled on the slow-to-respond 8” in-dash navigation and entertainment touch screen console or pushbuttons on the steering wheel.

The slow-to-respond touch screen lags slowly compared to touch interfaces on smartphone and tablet devices.

The Ford SYNC system easily paired my Blackberry Bold 9800 via Bluetooth. Once paired, I was able to access my entire phone book, answer and make handsfree calls using voice commands and enable text-tovoice features that read incoming text messages as you drive.

Getting my iPad, iPod and Blackberry connected to the entertainment system was relatively quick and easy. Already connected via Bluetooth, the entertainment system was able to stream audio directly from my Blackberry media player and displayed the artist, song and cover on the display console. My iPad was plugged into the onboard USB connection and the iPod I normally use while I jog, was connected through a stereo

connection. Controlling playlists on my Blackberry and iPad was done through steering wheel controls, touch screen on the dash or directly controlled on the devices.

As gas prices start to creep up to 131.9 per litre in Manitoba, buyers in the SUV segment are hoping for as much fuel efficiency as possible. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost I-4 technology is expected to deliver as much as 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model. Fuel economy on the Limited is 12.5l per 100km in the city and 8.8l per 100km on the highway.

After a week driving the Ford Explorer, I realize that I miss driving an SUV and riding high above the traffic. Likewise, this vehicle needs to tested in the winter where Manitoba winters may give the Ford Explorer a run for its money. Maybe when the 2012 model comes out, we can only hope.

Visit Ford.ca for complete specifications on the 2011 Ford Exlporer.

Competitors: Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD, Honda Pilot Touring AWD, Ford Flex SEL AWD, Acura MDX, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Publisher’s Note: My Ride is a new editorial automobile feature of the Filipino Journal that focuses on reviewing the latest offering of auto manufacturers.

Our goal is to provide our readers with relevant, fun, interesting and timely information to prospective buyers and automobile enthusiasts. As always, we are relentlessly working to provide our readers with new and exciting features.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

P-Noy’s KKK

Balitang Kutsero

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

llustration by Dave San Pedro

W

hile it can be said that former First Lady Imelda Marcos had her “Blue Ladies” during her heydays, President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III has his KKK or “Kabarilan, Kaklase, and Kaibigan” (Shooting buddies, Classmates, and Cronies).

Yes, behind every powerful man or woman is a retinue of sycophants. Now, don’t get me wrong but sycophants, psychopaths, and elephants are three different animals.

Virginia Torres, one of P-Noy’s “kabarilan” is back at her job as Administrator of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after P-Noy told her to take a 60-day leave of absence while she was under investigation on the Stradcom controversy. Well, she was “cleared” of any malfeasance… by default; that is, no administrative case was filed against her during her 60-day “vacation with pay.” Iba na talaga ang untouchable, ano?

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is taking shooting lessons from P-Noy. I guess that makes her a “shooting buddy” apprentice.

Asked what she thinks of P-Noy as her shooting teacher, she said, “He's a very good teacher! Very strict, and he's a very good shooter, too.” I hope she wouldn’t dare challenge her nemesis Sen. Ping Lacson to a shooting match.

Ping is the kind of shooter who shoots first and asks questions later.

Yellow Army… With the Chinese sending their warships to the Spratlys, P-Noy can only rely on his Yellow Army to stop the Chinese invasion.

But with the Philippine Navy having only one World War II-vintage frigate, he needs a large fleet to transport his Yellow Army to battle with the Chinese.

Perhaps he should ask ex-prez Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to help him build a flotilla of unsinkable “bankang papel” (paper boats). But should P-Noy trust Gloria? Ask Erap.

Pain in the neck… The other day, when Gloria arrived from Hong Kong with hubby Mike, she was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital for a severe neck pain.

She was discharged after a few days later sporting a neck brace. Seems like Karmic law has finally caught up with Gloria. After being a pain in the neck of the people for nine years, it’s her turn to suffer. Yup, what goes around comes around your neck. Aray!

Nobody knows what caused her severe neck pain but I hope it was not due to attempted strangulation from the NBN/ZTE Chinese contractor who allegedly gave her a non-refundable $40 million advance money… or as some people call it, “lagay” or “tongpat.” Chinese businessmen are known for their shrewdness and after the NBN/ZTE contract was cancelled, they’d want their money back… assuming that they did indeed give Gloria the “advance money.” If they did, sorry na lang sila. As they say, “A sucker is born every minute,” and Pinas is teeming with suckees.

Heroes…

During the commemoration of the 150th birthday anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal in Calamba, Laguna, P-Noy encouraged every Filipino to be a hero in his or her own little way. I guess he took exception of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos whom he denied a hero’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. “Not during my watch,” he said the day before. So if anybody wants to be heroic, just do it but not under P-Noy’s watch.

The latest issue on the Marcos burial is whether to bury his remains with “full military honors” or not? And P-Noy has been agonizing over it. But what is strangely odd is nobody has defined what “full military honors” exactly means. Do they mean a fivekilometer long military contingent representing all units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines parading in final tribute to him in his flag-draped casket followed by 21-gun salute? I don’t think so.

What I believe to be “full military honors” is a simple Christian funeral ceremony with the addition of the Philippine flag draped over his casket and to be folded and given to his widow; a bugler playing “Taps”; and a 21-gun salute by seven uniformed soldiers each firing his rifle in the air three times in succession. That is “full military honors” given to every man or woman who served the Philippine military and discharged honorably.

Mr. President, it’s a simple “Yes” or “No.” But for crying out loud, please get over it!

Anti-crime Czar… After several months of chairing the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), P-Noy signed Executive Order No. 46 turning over the job to his alter ego, Executive Secretary Pacquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr., also known as “Little President.” EO 46 seeks to strengthen the PAOCC “to substantiate and

generate results in the fight to eliminate corrupt practices.”

I hope that Czar Jojo could do a better job than P-Noy in fighting corruption. Makes me wonder if the ownership of the Glass Mansion has already been clarified? If not, Czar Jojo might want to clear his wife’s name that was alleged to be the owner of the Glass Mansion. Yup, Czar Jojo should fight corruption with the passion of Elliot Ness, the untouchable crime fighter during the Capone era. Hey, Czar Jojo is also “untouchable.” So are P-Noy’s “shooting buddies” and cronies.

Obie and Osie… The United States is dropping criminal charges against Osama bin Laden.

Why not? He’s already dead and his body dumped in the Indian Ocean. “Not too fast, Obama!” protested a Fil-Am birther from Texas. “Before Obama could drop the charges against Osama, Obama must prove that Osama is indeed dead by producing the original long-form death certificate of Osama,” said the Sarah Palin diehard. Well, without a death certificate, Osama is officially alive. And I thought Pinas is the only one that’s full of pilosopo.

Like they say, “Once a pilosopo, always a pilosopo.”

The feisty Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago and her husband, Narciso Santiago, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Rizal’s birthday by renewing their vows. When asked how she felt, she said, “I feel very sexy.”

Well, that’s Miriam.

Gracing the occasion was P-Noy who acted as Narciso’s best man and the bridesmaid was actress Heart Evangelista. The entourage included heavyweights like former presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and former first lady Imelda Marcos.

Conspicuously absent was former president Fidel V. Ramos. According to news report, he was not invited.

Hmm… A glimpse of history… In 1983, P-Noy’s dad, Ninoy Aquino, was assassinated during the Marcos dictatorship. In 1986, Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile led the People Power revolution that ousted the Marcoses from power and P-Noy’s mother, Cory Aquino, was installed as president. In 1992, Ramos defeated Miriam in a closely contested election. 1n 1998, Erap was elected president. In 2001, a sham people power revolution ousted Erap and then-vice president Gloria was installed. In 2010, P-Noy won in a landslide victory beating Erap who came in second.

Except for Ramos and Cory who passed away in 2009, all of the above characters were present in Miriam’s wedding celebration. The place must be electrifying!

The next presidential election is in 2016. Who do you think will be the top contenders?

June 2011

Progressive Filipino Canadians in Vancouver to host national conference “Counterspin: Taking root and building a home: Deepening our understanding of genuine settlement and integration” Vancouver, B.C. – June 18th and 19th will mark a momentous occasion for the Filipino Canadian community in Vancouver as it hosts “Counterspin: Taking root and building a home. Deepening our understanding of genuine settlement and integration.” This two-day national conference will, once again, heighten the unity of progressive Filipino Canadians to advance the struggle towards the community’s full participation and entitlement in Canada.

To be held at the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia (UBC), this conference will further solidify the call for the community’s just and genuine settlement and integration and will be a declaration of an ongoing commitment to continue a legacy of resistance.

For over 50 years, the Filipino Canadian community has been struggling for a just and genuine settlement and integration. Since Canada opened its immigration doors to people from Third World countries, such as the Philippines, immigration policies like the Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP) and the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) have systemically pushed the Filipino Canadian community into the margins of Canadian society – politically, economically, socially and culturally.

As Canada intensifies its implementation of neoliberal policies, it is our women, workers and youth who bear the brunt of these oppressive and exploitative policies. The Kalayaan Centre, Kapit Bisig Centre, and Magkaisa Centre have been at the forefront of these struggles. “The Filipino Canadian community, especially the youth, looks forward to a future where they can fully participate, engage and exercise their full entitlement in all aspects of Canadian society,” states Krystle

Abangan…

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Alarcon, conference organizer and member of the Philippine Women Centre of B.C. “Counterspin” will focus on some key issues, including: the Filipino Canadian community as a transnational community; history of migration in Canada; community organizing and building a progressive movement; making the youth count; youth and alienation; and arts and culture as a form of empowerment. Speakers will include community organizers representing the workers, women and youth sectors, and academics Ilyan Ferrer of McGill University, Geraldine Pratt and Shauna Butterwick of UBC. Renowned novelist, writer and feminist revolutionary Ninothcka Rosca will be a conference guest speaker.

As we forge unity towards the community’s advancement and development, “Counterspin” national conference will be another milestone in reclaiming their rightful place in a multicultural and multi-ethnic Canada. All participation and involvement in this conference will be a testament of the community’s commitment in overcoming economic marginalization, combating systemic racism and social exclusion, enhancing women’s equality and human rights and making the youth count.

“Counterspin: Taking root and building a home. Deepening our understanding of genuine settlement and integration” National conference Organized under the auspices of the Congress of Progressive Filipino Canadians (CPFC) Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia 6476 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC Registration is $25.00 (includes 2 meals and conference materials)

June 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by Gem & Lita Anis

Auckland, the "City of Sails"

N

o other city in the world with a waterside location has more boats per capita aside from the hundreds of yachts often dotting the harbour than New Zealand's city, AUCKLAND, earning this place the nickname, "City of Sails". About one in three Auckland's households owns a boat.

Also known as the "maiden with a hundred lovers", this biggest Polynesian city of 1.4 million people with a vibrant mix of European, South Pacific, Asian,

and indegenous Maori culture flourishes as the largest industrial, educational and commercial centre of New Zealand.

One of the cleanest and most peaceful, Auckland with its subtropical climate has plenty of parks and open green spaces, scenic landscapes dotted with dormant volcanoes and hillsides cloaked with rainforests, enchanting islands and beaches, and stately old Victorian buildings and houses of wrought iron and balconies.

Gem & Lita at the "Hole of the Rock"

We explored the city on our own and travelled farther afield by hiring a vehicle as the best option. There are however many tours on offer which will take you to many different places of interest throughout the region.

The common legal age to rent a car is 21. In New Zealand like in Australia always drive on the left side of the road.

We experienced first hand the culture mix of this sophisticated metropolis by taking a walk down Queen Street, the major commercial thoroughfare and main outdoor shopping area in the heart of the city.

One of the most famous landmarks of Auckland, Mount Eden, an extinct eponymous volcano with a bowl-like crater about 50 meters deep, is the highest natural point in Auckland providing good views in all directions over the city.

To the north and barely three hours away from Auckland we took a day trip to seaside township of Paihia, the gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands, a cluster of big and small islands with sheltered coves and sandy beaches of spectacular scenery in a subtropical paradise. On a highspeed yellow and black Dolphin Discovery catamaran cruise we discovered the islands and saw the iconic "Hole in the Rock" and travelled though it. We're suppose to come close or encounter dolphins/whales as the skipper had announced but unfortunately none of them showed up. We enjoyed the island stop at Otehei Bay resort in Unupukapuka Island.

West of Auckland city centre is Piha Beach of unspoiled black sands, the birthplace of New Zealand surfing. Then we headed on a picturesque trip to Mission Bay, a place rich in history and

The world-famous Waitomo Caves

Gem's family at Mt. Eden

Gushing Geysers and Boiling Mud Pools in Rotorua

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culture, and strolled along The Promenade lined with restaurants and cafes where you can have a Movenpick icecream or a fat-free cone of Paradiso gelato.

On to Rotorua, about three hour-drive south from Auckland with several nice towns and villages along the way. With a Maori guide we experienced "Te Puia", a place of Maori culture and a thermal valley wonderland of boiling mud pools, spouting geysers and mineral terraces.

We gained an insight and understanding of the traditional Maori culture and history though a guided tour of the reconstructed Pakirangi Maori Village and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Rainbow Springs Nature Park and the Agrodome. The tour

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ended at the Maori traditional meetinghouse where we watched a performance of traditional dances and chants. At the end of the show with audience participation we were able to speak some Maori words: "Haere mai" for welcome, "Kia ora" for hello, and "Haere ra" for goodbye.

A must-see for any traveller to New Zealand is the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a labyrinth of limestone caves and formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Gliding silently in the dark by paddled boat on the underground river under thousands of magically sparkling glowworms is an experience we will never forget. By doing so we became a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history of the original world famous caves.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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