March-April2012 by Filipino Journal

FREE COPY

Volume 5, Number 4 • March/April 2012

Alberta Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Filipino Community mourns the death of four Filipino foreign workers

Handing in Donations to Coast Plaza Manager, L-R Jun Aller, Vice Pres of FREEDX, Wilf Ladores, Pres. of the Political Action Group, Salvador Granado, Adviser of FREEDX, Louie Dolores of Quezonian Club of Edmonton, Kelly McCauley, General Manager of the Coast Edmonton Plaza, Grace Jacob representing OFW, Danny Dolores, and Jun Angeles, Publisher of Alberta Filipino Journal and Pres of Regional Songfest of Alberta Society.

Anthony Subong Castillon

Athena Bernal Born runs for MLA

Page 16 ►

Josefina Flores Velarde

Re-elect Carl Benito

Joey Flores Mangonon

Eden Dalu Biazon

Pages 20, 21 ►

Alberta government adds tough new laws to protect job seekers

Page 14 ►

Page 15 ►

2 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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

Filipino Journal

Alberta

4 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

March/April 2012

Tools for Success Seminar for Immigrants and Overseas Foreign Workers (OFW)

atholic Social Services of Red Deer host a seminar for immigrants and overseas foreign workers to assist them successfully find jobs in Alberta. By giving them information and assistance, they can settle and assimilate successfully in Canada's cultural diversity. Topics included the discussions on language skills as one of tools for success, language opportunities and programs, an employer's perspective and experience employing and working with immigrants, the cultural diversity at the workplace and immigration . The seminar in Red Deer was held at the Red Deer College March 6, 2012.

Some Participants with Jon Salvador, licenced immigration consultant, Pepito and Cecile Magpayo of Pinoy Alberta TV and Jun Angeles, publisher of Alberta Filipino Journal.

The Panel of Speakers

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Ana and the ‘King’

PEREZCOPE by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

ust when the House prosecutors seem like they’re losing steam in building a strong case against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona… just when the senatorjudges are beginning to doubt if there is even “clear and convincing” evidence to convict him… just when Corona went on a media blitz against President Benigno Aquino III and others whom he perceived as conspiring to oust him… and just when Corona’s invincibility seems beyond the reach of ordinary mortals, a young lady appeared on the scene. During the early days of the Corona impeachment trial, it was revealed in Corona’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) for 2003 and 2004 that he obtained a “cash advance” of P11 million from BasaGuidote Enterprises Inc. (BGEI), a corporation that has since been dissolved. That caught the attention of Ana Basa, a Las Vegas-based Fil-

Am and daughter of the late Jose Ma. Basa III, one of five siblings who established the Basa-Guidote Enterprises Inc. (BGEI) in 1961. One of the other siblings was the late Asuncion Basa Roco, the mother of Cristina Roco Corona. The buzz generated in the media about the “cash advance” in Corona’s SALNs prompted Ana to fly to the Philippines to talk to her aunt, Sister Flory Basa, the sole survivor of the Basa siblings. Sister Flory is a nun at the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in Cavite. Family feud As it turns out, the heirs of the original BGEI stockholders are embroiled in a nasty dispute with Cristina for the past 20 years. The news about the P11-million “cash advance” to Corona – who is not a BGEI stockholder -- triggered a series of events that could dethrone the “King of the Supremes.” Days later, it was revealed at the impeachment trial that Corona withdrew a total of P32.6 million from three peso time deposit accounts with Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) on December 12, 2011, the day he was impeached by the House of Representatives. Corona claimed that the money was not his but owned by BGEI. He said that he withdrew the money because he believed that PSBank was responsible for leaking the existence of the accounts, which also include five secret dollar accounts. But strangely, he opened a new account

with the same branch and deposited the entire amount that he withdrew! Cristina then sent a text message to a media personality saying that the P32.6 million came from the proceeds of the sale of a piece of BGEI property to the City of Manila. But assuming that it’s true that the money belongs to BGEI, why did Corona -- who didn’t have any financial interest in BGEI other than being married to Cristina -- deposit the money in his personal accounts? Recently, it was reported in the news that in 1995, Ana’s father, who is Cristina’s uncle, Jose Ma. Basa III, filed an estafa case against Cristina for allegedly failing to account for the rental income of BGEI. However, the court dismissed the case and Cristina sued her uncle for libel for putting out a public notice in the newspaper alleging that it maliciously put her in a bad light. The notice announced that Jose Ma. Basa III, claiming to be a majority stockholder of BGEI, had filed a criminal case against Cristina for allegedly misappropriating rentals due BGEI. It is interesting to note that at the time Cristina was sued for estafa, Renato was working as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to then President Fidel V. Ramos. In an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), Ana said that the original stockholders of BGEI were her father Jose Ma. Basa III, Cristina’s mother Asuncion Basa Roco, Mario Basa, Sister Concepcion Basa, and Sister Flory Basa.

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

can justice really be served? Ana said that she will continue to fight because she promised her father on his deathbed, “I would continue his fight for justice.” In an interview with Ted Failon of TV Patrol, Sister Flory said that she’s willing to testify at the impeachment trial of Corona. She said that the Coronas could keep “Justice in my lifetime” Ana said that in the past 20 plus the money, all she wanted is to see years, the Corona couple heaped justice done. sufferings upon her parents and the rest of the BGEI stockholders. What goes around… Well, Ana and Sister Flory She said that they were constantly harassed by the Coronas. “There might finally see the light at the end of were people sent to our house with the tunnel. Last March 12, Corona’s guns, scaring my parents, and phone lawyers started their presentation calls in the middle of the night of Corona’s defense. But Corona’s because there were pending cases defense panel has a dilemma. For regarding this corporation,” she Corona to avoid culpability, his said. “Inapi kami talaga (We were defense lawyers have to prove that really oppressed). If they can do the P11 million “cash advance” and (this) to their own blood relatives, the P32.6 million he withdrew from what more to people out there who PSBank on December 12, 2011 does are old, are not politicians, are not belong to him. If so, then Corona not rich and are not lawyers? My would have to return the monies to parents were just ordinary citizens, the rightful owners, the heirs of the just being good citizens here in the Basa-Guidote clan. Indeed, Ana might fulfill her Philippines and yet to have your own blood relatives cause this type deathbed promise to her father and of injustice is…” She was lost for Sister Flory might get her birthday wish granted. And how about words and started sobbing. Ana’s father passed away Corona? One thing for sure, he might without getting justice. Her mother, be able to get away with betrayal of Raymunda is now 83 years old but public trust but he can’t escape from would like to see justice. And so the Law of Karma. As someone does Sister Flory who just turned 90. once said, “Nothing escapes the Law Her birthday wish was: “I want to of Karma. You get from the world what you give to the world.” Yes, see justice in my lifetime.” But with Corona enthroned what goes around comes around. as the country’s Chief Justice, Ana said that Cristina wrested control of BGEI when she became its administratrix in 1989. Since then, attempts by the stockholders to inspect the corporate books were denied by Cristina, thus keeping them completely in the dark about BGEI’s financial matters.

6 Filipino Journal

Alberta

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

The Dissolution of Stereotypes

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

he dictionary definition of a stereotype is “conforming to a fixed definition or pattern.” In our own mental sphere of thought, there are at least three or more stereotypes that we find ourselves adhering to in many cases when we interact with many different people. Stereotypes may either be good or bad and positive or negative. Stereotypes are true in many cases. However, it stands to reason that not all stereotypes can be applied to people who are within the group of that said stereotype.

Often we judge people based on these things, and we miss out on knowing the person better when we do so. Relying on previous information about a person based on their race or associations within the community is not a wise thing to consider. It robs us of the benefits of creating new connections and understanding people better than we previously did. It is true that we are human, therefore we establish such things in our minds, but despite that, we must learn to overcome the boundaries of stereotypes and try to break them down with authentic knowledge about people around us. As Filipinos, we are not immune to such things. We are knowingly judged by many and criticized by many for what they have previously established about us, but that knowledge applies to a few people, not necessarily the majority or the whole. One common stereotype that exists about us is our punctuality. Suppose there is a birthday party at six in the evening. Many people expect their Filipino guests to arrive a little bit later, presumably at around five or ten minutes after, depending on the convenience of the situation. In other words, many people assume that Filipinos are not punctual. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. While in fact, there are Filipinos that this stereotype will always apply to, it does not apply to many. Filipinos are known for their respect and morality in many circles, and this generally overrules the stereotype of tardiness, which is considered to be a sign of disrespect by certain people. Another stereotype to be

examined is the fact that we Filipinos are inclined to put off work meant for today and do it the day after. Sadly, I myself am guilty of this stereotype. I won’t deny that I have been extremely lazy on many occasions and consequently, I procrastinated too much, putting my assignments off every day until I was on the brink of the deadline. I could have saved myself so much time and so much cramming, in addition to stress, if only I had done what I needed to do beforehand. Until this day, I still have the tendency to procrastinate and leave things off for tomorrow – but that doesn’t mean it has to remain that way forever. That should not be a characteristic that anyone, especially us Filipinos, must entertain. To be lazy and a procrastinator is not something to be proud of; it is something to be ashamed of and it should be treated for what it is: a shameful thing. As citizens of Canada, but as true Filipinos by blood, we must be aware that we are being judged by many people around us in Canada. They may be your friends, your coworkers, or your colleagues. It must be noticed, however, that stereotypes are not always negative. Filipinos are hard-working people by nature, and it is already expected by many people outside our culture that we are such. Economic struggles in our country have forced many people to find jobs and work outside of the latter, even if it means taking a dangerous risk or chance, as long as money will be provided in order to feed themselves and their families. Chance can mean sheer luck

or a stroke of luck in a situation which we would never have entirely expected to have a positive outcome in life. Chance can also mean an opportunity to accomplish something which is intended to be accomplished eventually. Whether you adhere to the first or second definition, it does not matter which one you choose to side with. Most Filipinos are risk takers, and decide that taking chances is better than taking none at all. Fathers have been separated from their wives, mothers from their children, and children from their parents, in this endless venture to find success and opportunity through hard work. Even today, I see many Filipinos working everywhere around me, working for their families, and faithfully serving their employers to the fullest extent of their abilities, no matter what the consequences are. Truly, that is something that we all should be proud of. Our manners are still in place. We still kiss our parents, and when we see our grandparents, if they are here with us,, most of us still say “Mano po,” taking their hand and lightly touching it to our forehead, as we bend over to them, reminiscent of a bow. Respect is something stereotypical for us, but we must be thankful for it. For the Filipino teenagers like me that have come to Canada, I say that we should make the most out of our education. We came to Canada for a reason, and that is to achieve better things than the ones which we previously thought we would end up with in the Philippines. If we are here in Canada and we don’t work hard to achieve our goals, we will be instilling a negative view in the hearts

and minds of the people we will come to know about us. We might say, “But I don’t care what people think about me, so it doesn’t matter.” Yes, it does matter. Contrary to popular belief, what people think about somebody usually tends to be confirmed if the whole collective acts similarly to the said individual. Therefore, it might not matter, and many might not care, but your identity as a Filipino affects every single Filipino here in our community. We all carry each other’s burdens and share the same blood that runs through our veins. If something happens to one of us, we all get affected in some form or fashion. Our role here in Canada is to break negative stereotypes and to enforce our identity as the proud culture that we truly are. Our forefathers have given our country as sense of power, a sense of pride, and a sense of dignity. Where is that same sense of power, pride, and dignity now? It is in the sweat which drips from our forehead, the blood which runs through our veins, and the energy which flows in our bodies. It is in our life, our intellect, and our cultural legacy. From our homeland of the Philippines, we have brought this legacy to Canada. Let us keep it and preserve it. Although we may be far from our home country right now, there is no reason for us not to honor our forefathers and continue the legacy of our great culture, breaking one negative stereotype at a time as we go along the way to achieve our goals.

Pedestrian safety on Memorial Drive

he Calgary Police Service and The City of Calgary would like to clarify the traffic safety rules around pedestrians crossing at Memorial Drive and 8 Street N.W. There is no marked or implied crosswalk at this intersection. Therefore, neither the Traffic Safety Act, nor The City of Calgary’s bylaws, allow for pedestrians to cross at this T-intersection.

This is not a safe place to cross the busy thoroughfare of Memorial Drive, and pedestrians are urged to use the alternate crossings at 7 Street N.W. or 10 Street N.W. Traffic safety is a shared responsibility between drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. (filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo)

City smooths the way for motorists

Pothole repair crews kick into high gear across Edmonton

he early arrival of spring and a lack of rain is prompting the City of Edmonton to accelerate its 2012 pothole repair program. “We work year-round filling potholes, and mild conditions over the past several months have allowed us to fill more potholes during winter than usual,” says Roadway Maintenance Director Bob Dunford. “Now we’re kicking off our major spring program to help keep people moving around Edmonton.” Since November, City crews have repaired 51,000 potholes, about 4,000 more than average. During the City’s spring and summer roadway maintenance program, city crews typically repair approximately 420,000 potholes on Edmonton streets. In 2007, Edmonton experienced its worst pothole year on record with 593,000 repairs taking place. Although preventive maintenance in recent years has improved overall roadway conditions, Dunford anticipates crews will be working on approximately

450,000 potholes in 2012 with a budget of $5.7 million. In northern climates like Edmonton’s, dramatic fluctuations in temperature cause the ground beneath roads to heave and asphalt to crack. As weather warms and the ground thaws, water from melting snow and ice fills the cracks in a road’s surface. When temperatures drop again the water in the cracks expands as it freezes and causes asphalt to further deteriorate. Potholes form as vehicles ride over top of damaged areas and loosen the asphalt even more. “Although Roadway Maintenance seeks out and fixes 97% of the potholes on Edmonton streets, we ask that citizens assist us by reporting potholes and identifying areas of particular concern,” says Dunford. “We encourage citizens to visit our webpage (www.edmonton. ca/potholes) and submit a pothole report. By doing so, they can help us ensure smoother driving conditions in Edmonton.”

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

2012 Lexus RX 350

by Ron

Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

here's a lot to love about the new 2012 Lexus RX 350. Re-designed back in 2010, there are very few changes to this year's model. The Lexus RX 350 offers everything you would expect from a luxury crossover SUV - top notch performance, confort, design and reliability. With as many appealing features and options, the RX 350 is Lexus' best-selling model. The 2012 Lexus RX 350 boasts a 3.5 litre V6 engine with a six-speed super Electronically Contolled Transmisison (Super ECT) and puts out 295 horsepower at 4,800rpm. It's a quiet ride especially when the engine has an insulated engine

cover that conceals the V6 engine. Fuel consumption is 6.7L/100km in the city, 7.2L/100kms on the highway. There are also a lot of hightech features too! As a techie, I spent a good amount of time playing with the navigation, entertainment and climate control systems using Lexus' Remote Touch interface. The Remote Touch interface uses a haptic feedback and it's likely the most expensive mouse I've ever used and is positioned perfectly on the centre console. With three available power plugs, there's more than enough power to keep your iPod, smartphone and tablets all powered up. The RX 350 has a sporty ride with an empahasis on roominess and comfort, similar to that of a luxury sedan. Sitting in the driver's seat is pure luxury and with all the bells and whistle controls you could ever ask for. This vehicle is pretty much built for passenger comfort. The heated leather seats are always a bonus during our mild Winnipeg winters, at least this year, they're mild. The 2012 Lexus RX 350 starts at $44,950. Only available

in one trim level, Lexus offers several optional sports, touring, premium and ultra premium packages. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated outside mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, eight-way power front seats, second-row seats that slide and recline, wood interior trim, dual-zone automatic

climate control, and a ninespeaker sound system with a sixCD changer, an auxiliary audio interface and satellite radio. The RX 350 with the Ultra Premium packages includes a 15-speaker audio system, dual screen rear seat DVD entertainment system and 19" aluminum alloy wheels plus a long

list of luxury and convenience add ons. This RX 350 option would set you back $62,850. Other vehicles in this small consumer category of luxury sport crossover SUVs include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Infinity FX35, Buick Enclave, Licoln MKT and the Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

this year was given to all marked and on-street bike lanes, and to high traffic-volume roads where parking ban compliance has been low in years past. Keeping Calgary clean is a collaborative effort. Calgarians can help make the city a beautiful place by doing their part―don’t litter and move vehicles or carts from the street when sweeping is scheduled.

To find out when sweeping is scheduled for your community, watch for signs in your area, visit www.calgary.ca/sweep or call 3-1-1. 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)

Spring Clean-up of Calgary roads starts today

pring cleaning of Calgary’s streets officially starts today—one week earlier than expected. Normally spring clean-up begins in mid or late-April, but thanks to warmer than average temperatures this winter, crews were able to get pre-sweeping done quickly. “This means we can now move into those residential areas

that were scheduled for sweeping next week,” says Sean Somers with The City’s Transportation Department. "This is welcomed news to all Calgarians as spring clean-up makes our roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.” Beginning today and taking just over two months, spring clean-up will improve safety and mobility in Calgary by removing

sanding materials and other debris that have accumulated on roads and along major sidewalks and boulevards this past winter. The accumulation of material expected to be picked up during spring clean-up this year would cover the playing field in McMahon Stadium with a pile of debris just shy of four metres deep! Priority during pre-sweeping

Canada warns against immigration fraud

ttawa, 26 March 2012 Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Competition Bureau are joining together during Fraud Prevention Month to warn potential immigrants to be wary of websites claiming to be, or to be affiliated with, official Government of Canada websites. These websites, which sometimes use the Canada wordmark or CIC logo without permission to target individuals wishing to live in Canada, purport to offer special immigration deals or guaranteed high-paying jobs for a fee. Unfortunately, these claims are fraudulent and the victim loses his or her money with no tangible results. The only people who may charge a fee to represent or advise people in connection with a Canadian immigration proceeding or application are authorized immigration consultants, lawyers, Quebec notaries, and paralegals regulated

by a law society. Under Canada’s immigration programs, all people are treated equally, whether they hire someone to represent them or not. CIC and the Competition Bureau offer the following advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of immigration fraud: ● Be wary of websites advertised in unsolicited emails from strangers and do not give out personal information unless you know who you are dealing with. ● Before hiring an immigration representative, do your homework: ask for a referral from someone you trust, check their credentials, and discuss the services they offer. For information on how to choose an immigration representative, you may visit ClC’s website at www. cic.gc.ca/english/information/ representative/index.asp. ● There is no “immigration consultant” website that is part of, or affiliated with, the Government of Canada. If you are suspicious

about a website, do a Web search to see if anyone has reported any problems with that site. ● Do not pay for offers of guaranteed entry into Canada or faster processing of your application. These claims are false. CIC recently launched a multilingual ad campaign warning prospective immigrants, permanent residents and Canadian citizens not to be taken in by crooked immigration consultants. This includes a short video warning people not to be duped into committing marriage fraud. The video directs people to a special page on the CIC website (www.immigration. gc.ca/antifraud) to find out how to immigrate to Canada “the right way." CIC encourages everyone to report immigration fraud by calling the Border Watch Tip Line at 1-888-502-9060. FRAUD: Recognize lt. Report It. Stop lt.

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada at the North American leaders’ summit in Washington, D.C.

rime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks at the North American Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C.: “First of all I would like to begin by thanking you, Barack, for so graciously and so warmly, literally, hosting us here today, and I’d also like to offer my sincere condolences to you, Felipe, and through you to the people of Mexico on the passing of former President Miguel de la Madrid who I gather had much to do with the NAFTA partnership that we enjoy today. “Canada places the highest value on the friendship and partnership among our three countries. “We form one of the world’s largest free-trade zones, which has been of great benefit to all of our nations. “We are also effective collaborators in the G-20, in responding to the challenges of the global recession and instability during these past few years. “As affirmed in our Budget last week, our government is focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians. “Today's Summit was a wonderful opportunity to discuss how we need

to work together, as North American partners, to ensure prosperity for the citizens of our three great countries. “I am especially pleased that the United States has welcomed Canada’s and Mexico’s interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership. “We also had useful discussions on continued cooperation in managing our borders, streamlining regulations, securing global supply chains and advancing clean energy. “In addition, we’ve announced a broadened plan for North American pandemic preparedness, and a new North America-Central America dialogue on security, to fight transnational organized crime. “Finally, we discussed the agenda for the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Colombia. “Canada looks forward to continue to working with the United States and Mexico to promote democratic principles, regional stability and market-based economic growth with our partners in the Western Hemisphere. “And once again, Barack and Felipe, I look forward to continuing our useful discussions in Cartagena.”

8 Filipino Journal

Alberta

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Is President Noynoy Aquino fighting hard to eradicate corruptions? For the Foodies: new exciting Filipino recipes and desserts! The Republic of Adobo by Rod

Cantiveros

rod.cantiveros@filipinojournal.com

resident Noynoy Aquino is on the right track to pursue his main mantra to fight the corruption embedded in every segment of the government. As others commented, PNoy has to continue to clean the government as an answer to some criticism on his mother, Cory Aquino, failure to effect a big change in the government during her term as president. She failed terribly to fight corruption. Yes, in 1986, the end of Marcos era, Filipinos were looking forward to change a complete change in the government. As EDSA I raised Cory Aquino to presidency, every one had hoped for a better government. It was a difficult job for a former housewife to lead the country which was on the brink of financial disaster because of corruptions. And PNoy as the current president, Cory Aquino’s unfinished battle continues.

former Comelec chairman, were arrested and bailed; Corona, a midnight appointee and the current supreme court judge, is now facing impeachment! And more arrests are being planned in the near future. And Filipinos are hoping again for a good government. Signs of good governance of PNoy are all over the place. For one, the Philippine government has become a financial contributor to help some of the financially unstable countries in Europe. I my memory, I Never did remember that the Philippines participate in this bailout abroad. Added to this is the abundance of agribiz initiatives. Agriculture is now being re-engineered to the country selfsufficient on agricultural products especially rice. In spite of some natural disasters, the output of the rice production is upped and with the forecast in the coming years, the Philippines will not longer import rice: a staple food for Pinoys. Also, Preceso Alcala, secretary of agriculture, has mobilized the small and medium farmers to rally on the production of agricultural and aquaculture products. Nowa-days, many “bagsakan” centres have been established and operated. In my Quezon Province, a big “bagsakan ng gulay at prutas” centre has benefited the small farmers. I visited the “bagsakan site” and talked to the farmers. And I found out that they are happy to market their produce. The government instituted “micro finance” to help the farmers. Assignment of produce to be harvested is encouraged to avoid duplication and over-supply. Other agricultural industries are being targeted. Hundred of hectares are being planted with arabica coffee, new strain of coconut for copra and young coconut juice productions; herbs and spices are becoming available. Acquaculture is being promoted to push for more seafood production. At last, as we understand, Agriculture is the basic foundation of industrialization. Filipinos can do it!

What a reversal in fate and fortune for the Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who failed to escape from the strength of the law. Before election, she had all the hopes that the appointments to the judiciary would benefit her against possible court cases. In her mind, she forgave her erstwhile opponent former president Joseph Estrada from any court case. Parallel to her action, she thought that the current President Noynoy Aquino would do the same to set her free from the judicial fingerings. And looking forward for freedom after her presidency, she did many midnight appointments to secure her “freedom”. But everything had changed. PNoy Aquino won the presidency and promised to clean the government. GMA is under arrest; lately, his husband, Mike Arroyo; Leandro Mendoza, former Inspired by the current surge of DOTC secretary; Ruben Abalos, agricultural production, my retired

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

brothers, professional nephews and nieces, and myself initiated “balikbukid” in our family farms in Quezon Province. We found the rich potentials to re-engineer our farm activities. I was so inspired by the beauty of the farms. Such view is to satisfy your senses. Green green grass of home; coconut trees with fruits and side by side, the mahogany and the narra trees grow. The palay is heavy with grains. In our other farm, the creek is widened and converted into ponds for the duck and fish farms. And happy to see a sow with more than 13 piglets; and looking forward for another 3 pregnant sows. We have plans to plant more coconut trees, mahogany, arabica coffee and cacao along the mountains; and anahaw for flower accent; sampaguita (jasmine), luyang dilaw (turmeric) and tanglad (lemon grass) for herbal teas. Our “balikbukid” initiative has caught the interest of some neighbouring farmers. We encourage them to duplicate our pilot project. And there is plan to set up a “bagsakan” in our area so that farmers can avail to market their products. (Three years ago, most of the vegetable vendors in our town would sell veggies from Pangasinan. Today, they sell veggies and fruits grown and harvested in Quezon. A big leap for the farmers to earn money and for the consumers to spend lesser money for their daily needs.) Where would the 300,000 unemployed nurses go? This is the predicament of the government for having an over-supply of nurses. Is it back to be a contractual worker in big stores and restaurants? Or at best, to become nannies and caregivers? But some countries have imposed strict requirements for nurses. And due to this problem, some schools suffer less enrolment for nursing courses. Even some schools of nursing are being padlocked because of a poor showing in the licensure examinations. As a matter of fact, the government has been vocal and open to study more on the various skills needed abroad. There is change going on among the young Pinoys: to study welding, auto mechanics, machinist, plumbing, building constructions

aLfie vera mella

course and other vocational courses which are in demand abroad. The Philippine educational system needs a major overhaul! One of the applicants in the Manitoba’s provincial nominee program asked me if Winnipeg is safe. I said yes, very very safe. Why did you ask? She smiled and said: “kasi, sir, doon sa nominee forum sa internet, there is a line which caught me uneasy to move to Winnipeg. It says: Winnipeg is the murder capital of Canada.! So, I won’t be safe in Winnipeg. Biro mo, “murder capital” of Canada. I am leaving the “corrupt capital of the world; and then, I will moving to the “murder capital” of Canada. Mas gusto ko na dito, corrupt capital rather than living in a “murder capital”. I was dumbfounded! I said: “Listen, crime is everywhere...but Winnipeg is so safe. Yes we have murder cases but every country has this problem too. And we have a big Filipino community and a local government to help you...Canada is safe, and Winnipeg is the best place to raise a family! “Ah, ganoon ba? Uneasy lang ako, kasi, from corrupt capital to murder capital. Ano ba ‘yan?” I said: “Promise, we will have a guided tour when you arrive in Winnipeg, a beautiful quiet city! Every time I pass by at some of the condominium projects, I do get a chill in my whole body. I think i do have “terekenitophobia” or “earthquaketophobia”, fear of earthquake. I cannot remove from my mind the experiences I had during two major earthquakes in the Philippines. Remember the Ruby Tower of 1968? and the earthquake of 1973. And the experiences with these two events are vivid in my mind. Nowadays, condo projects are getting higher and higher. Developers are aiming high as if they would the reach for the star. Philippine is a part of the ring of fire and has so much earthquake faults. Even Donald Trump and Paris Hilton (condo names after her) are caught in the frenzy. And some condo projects are being sore thumbs edifices which rise from the desolate and squalor places. Look

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually

around Metro Manila and find some unfinished and unpainted structures? Yes, the brochures gives you the best of everything, but visit the place, and some high condos are surrounded by the desolate and crowded residences. Are those condos earthquake proofs and safe from intruders? Records from some building statistics probe otherwise. And great news for the foodies! We did hop from one resto to another bistro. When you’re going home for a holiday, try these new and deconstructed Pinoy’s cuisines: Crackling or Crispy Dinuguan, Binuskilat na Tilapia, burlesk peanut frolicking in garlic oil, binagoongan friedrice, tinapa friedrice, squid ink friedrice, binaligtad na haluhalo, crispy beef bones, royal turon (banana, halaya, macapuno and red beans rolled into one wrapper) for dessert with ice cream; tinutong tangkay ng kangkong, crispy boneless anchovy, fish stomach chicharon, bagong anyo dried fish, and more. Pinoys are great in naming names! Enjoy until the last bite! I cracked one of my front teeth! And for the fishing affincionados, there is great place to engage in tilapia fishing! Go to Broadwalk Centre, near the Cultural Centre, at the back of the Philippine Yacht Club and bring your fishing rod and enjoy tilapia fishing. Early morning, along the seawall, hundreds of kababayans enjoy the tilapia fishing. Yes, a salt water tilapia is the current craze. As the story goes, most of the tilapia in the Manila bay are the result of the Sendong flood. The overflow of the many fishponds during the typhoon Sendong was responsible for the tilapia to migrate to the Manila Bay. Join the crowd while you drink SanMig from one of the bars along the seawall! A great escape from the hustle-bustle of Manila and its environs! You can even grill the fish and have a shrimp paste and calamansi to enjoy the day. Ang sarap mabuhay a sariling ATIN! And welcome to the Republic of Adodo!

Published Quarterly

Associate Editor

Webco Leduc

A Division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Leduc, AB Printer

Official Photographer Noli Granado

Contributing Writers: Johnny Cantiveros Melanie Angeles Carl Benito Gem M. Anis Perry Diaz Danilo Donor Jon Salvador Perry Diaz Dolly Punsalan Castillo Dennise Yambao

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

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

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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

Filipino Journal

Alberta

10 Filipino Journal

Alberta

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

ADVERTISE in the

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

WINNIPEG

ALBERTA

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Winnipeg!

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta!

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

Filipino Journal is the no.1 Filipino-Canadian Newspaper in Alberta that published 10,000 copies once a month. We are the largest and fastest growing Filipino-Canadian newspaper, with 70,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers. With a unique message that will attract readers and consumers. Advertising your products and services is one of the most strategic business decisions you can make.

Call 888-489-8894

info@FilipinoJournal.com

www.FilipinoJournal.com

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Filipino Journal SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES

Social media marketing brings your company to the fastest growing networking hubs on the Internet. We can help you reach out to, collaborate with, and market effectively to targeted audiences in their on-line haunts. Social Media Marketing services include: Social Media Strategy - finding your potential clients on-line and figuring out how to reach them. Corporate Facebook Pages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; building and managing effective Facebook presences; Twitter Services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; using Twitter the right way. Our social media marketing services can: * * * * * * *

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

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

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

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

12 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

March/April 2012

Bill C-35: It is now illegal for Employment and Educational Agents to represent clients, process their LMOs, Work Permits, Study Permits or handle immigration related matters.

Immigration News by Columbio (Jon) Salvador, BSc.

Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant

(About the writer: Jon Salvador is a licensed immigration consultant and a member in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). He has more than 20 years of management and business experience in Canada. Prior to establishing his immigration consulting company, he worked for a U.S. based computer company and then at TELUS, the 2nd largest telecom company in Canada in various management positions. He is originally from Manila, Philippines and graduated from DLSU (De La Salle University) in Manila with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also studied Business Management at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. If you would like to request articles on other immigration topics for future “Alberta Filipino Journal” publications, you can contact Jon at (403) 241-6276 or at jon@nuerainc.ca or the publisher of this newspaper.

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. I have received several requests to republish the news article about this new law affecting employment and educational agents across Canada. As per Bill C-35 the new Federal law, it is now illegal for Employment/Recruiting and Educational Agents for a fee - to represent clients (ie. employers, employees or students), handle and process their Labour Market Opinion (LMOs), Work

on.ca/LawyerParalegalDirectory/ 1. Representing an Employer in NOTE: “Authorized under index.jsp) admits paralegals as an LMO or AEO application IRPA” means the person doing members. 2. Communicating with the work must be an authorized Citizenship and Immigration representative as defined by Bill Important Notice from Service Canada (CIC), the Canada C-35 (ie. a licensed Immigration Alberta Border Services Agency (CBSA), Consultant who is a member Last month, letters were sent the Immigration and Refugee in good standing with ICCRC, out by Service Alberta to all Board of Canada (IRB) or a licensed lawyer or registered Employment Agencies in Alberta Human resources and Skills member of the Chambre des regarding the impact of Bill C-35. Development Canada (HRSDC)/ notaires du Québec or a Paralegal Service Canada on behalf of the in Ontario who is a member in good standing of the Law Society Listed below are excerpts from client. the Notice sent out by Service 3. Explaining and providing of Ontario). Alberta in Dec. 2011: immigration advice the Employer and 4. Providing guidance on how to Only “As a result of the amendments select the best immigration stream authorized representatives can to the Immigration and Refugee and completing the appropriate sign the last 2 pages of the LMO Protection Act (IRPA), the policies forms application forms. (eg. HRSDC related to the preparation of the 5. Representing the client in Form EMP 5512 (Low Skill jobs) labour market opinion (LMO) and an immigration application or and HRSDC Form EMP 5517 arranged employment opinion process (High Skill jobs) and HRSDC (AEO) processed by Service 6. Advertising that they can Form EMP 5520 – Annex to NOTE: Stiff penalties of up to two Canada have changed.” Appointment of Representative provide immigration advice” (2) years imprisonment and/or up Form). to $100,000 in fines are stipulated “The amendments to IRPA change “Any employment agency that for persons convicted of offences the regulatory regime for who provides any of the above services Due to Bill C-35, employment covered by Bill C-35. can represent employers, TFWs, to an employer or to a person agencies – who plan to legally immigrants or any other person seeking employment and collects continue to perform immigration Who are considered authorized in matters related to immigration fees from the client, regardless related work need an authorized representatives? processes, including LMOs and of whether the fees are for that representative in their staff. Under Bill C-35 only members AEOs.” immigration related service must The other option is to outsource in good standing of the following immigration related services to be authorized under IRPA” organizations are recognized “Only lawyers and paralegals in authorized representatives. by the Canadian government as good standing with a provincial or authorized representatives to territorial law society, notaries in See the samples of the LMO form pages as shown below: do immigration or immigration good standing with the Chambre HRSDC Form EMP 5512 related work : des notaries du Quebec and 1. Members of Immigration immigration consultants in good Consultants of Canada standing with the Immigration Regulatory Council (ICCRC). Consultants of Canada 2. Licensed Canadian lawyers Regulatory Council will be able and members of the Chambre des to charge fees for immigration notaires du Québec. processes, including LMO and 3. Ontario Paralegals who are AEO applications.” members in good standing of the Ontario Law Society. “Employment Agencies that NOTE: At this time, only the provide any of the following Province of Ontario’s Law services are impacted: Society, the Law Society of Upper Canada, (www1.lsuc. NOTE TO EMPLOYERS and Permits, Study Permits or process immigration related matters (eg. PR applications) unless they have a license as: an Immigration Consultant (ie. registered member of ICCRC), a Lawyer (ie. registered member of the Law Society of Alberta or any other provincial Law Society) or a Paralegal who is a registered member of the Law Society of Ontario. Under Alberta’s Fair Trading Act, the Employment Agency or Recruiters license from Service Alberta allows agencies to do recruiting work but it does not authorize recruiters to do immigration or any immigration related work (eg. LMOs, Work Permits, AEOs, etc.)

HRSDC Form EMP 5520 - Annex to the Appointment of Representative

FOREIGN WORKERS: If the Employment Agent or Consultant with whom you are dealing with and paid fees to - refuses or does not fill out and sign the last 2 pages of the LMO forms and the Annex to Appointment of Representative Form to indicate that they are a paid representative, chances are they are not an authorized representative and should be reported to Service Canada and the ICCRC for investigation of possible illegal activities.

HRSDC EMP 5512 - APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE form

You can report suspected illegal activities to ICCRC at: 5500 North Service Road, Suite 1002 Burlington, Ontario, L7L 6W6 Tel: 1-877-836-7543 (toll free) Fax: 1-877-315-9868 (toll free) 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.

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Mini World Cup 2012 and heritage cup opening ceremony

dmonton and District Soccer Association (EDSA) anticipated soccer competition in pursuit of Masters, Classic and Men’s and Women

Heritage Cup commenced with an opening ceremony on March 28, 2012 and will culminate on April 12, 2012. The pursuit of Mini World

Some of Philippine teams players and coaches

Cup happens every two years and the Philippines’ men and women teams are participating this year. The Philippines’ women team is coached by Richard Scolamiero,

Philippine team at the opening ceremony

Oscar Platero and Melanie Angeles. Wendy Buchanan is the manager of the team. The men’s team is coached by Luis Jepas and Arne Bernal and Melanie Angeles, manager. This

Mini World Cup is hotly contested by 36 countries. Let’s support our Philippine teams and good luck in your quest for the Mini World Cup.

Parade of Countries

Lucy Cabigon FSCA Queen of Hearts 2012

ucy Cabigon escorted by her son Michael took the honor and was crowned to become the new FSCA Queen of Hearts at a Valentine party held at Continental Inn. Emmi Sacluti was the first Princess and Laura Aguinaldo the second Princess.

Emmie Sacluti with escort and husband Basilio Sacluti

Cabigon with 2nd Princess Laura Aguinaldo

Lucy Cabigon with her son Michael as an escort

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

Lucy Cabigon crowned as Queen of Hearts 2012

14 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Minnie Mouse theme party for Miel Emmalyn Martinez’s 1st birthday

1st birthday celebration for Miel last March 24, 2012.

Family and friends

Pretty Miel with brother Lawrence, mommy Lanie and daddy Mark.

March/April 2012

Human Rights becomes big issues in Provincial Election

rotecting human rights has become a big difference between the two leading parties in the provincial election. The governing PC Party brought in laws that protect minority groups from discrimination because of race or religion. Many minority groups have got protection from the Human Rights Commission when they have been discriminated against. Types of discrimination include being fired because of your race or being refused service. Without the Human Rights Commission, minority groups would have to hire a lawyer and pay hundreds of dollars an hour for protection. Local MLA and Minister ManmeetBhullarsays that protecting human rights is very important for minority communities. “There are people who want to build borders up around us because of race or religion,”

Blowing of Miel’s birthday cake (a labor of love from mommy Lanie).

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

he said. “Alberta has changed, we support minority groups being equal part of society. Protecting minorities from discrimination is the right thing to do.” Wildrose candidate Ron Leech states in his literature “A Wildrose government would scrap Alberta’s Human Rights Commissions…” (Reason # 24, “40 Reasons to Vote Wildrose”). Last year, the Alberta Human Rights Commission dealt with 723 complaints about discrimination. It is unclear if those people could afford to go to court if the Commission was cut. Minority groups will consider the importance of human rights when deciding whether to vote for the Wildrose or the PC Party. (filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo)

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Alberta government adds tough new laws to protect job seekers

lberta’s strong economy attracts many people looking to work in the province. With signs indicating continued growth in the province’s future, the Alberta government is strengthening rules to protect job seekers when they use an employment agency. “Many workers come to Alberta because we have excellent opportunities,” said Service Alberta Minister Manmeet Bhullar. “Unfortunately, some people take advantage of their eagerness to find work. That’s why this government is acting by putting in strict rules that make employment agencies more accountable, strengthen protection for workers, and aid in complaint investigations.” Employment agencies currently cannot charge workers a fee to find them jobs, and agencies must be licensed by the Alberta government. The province does not have authority over immigration so the new changes coming into effect on September 1 give workers even tougher protection and makes employment agencies more accountable. Stricter rules will clarify that employment agencies are not

allowed to mislead vulnerable temporary foreign workers about: their rights or their chance of becoming a Canadian citizen; intimidate, harass or threaten individuals seeking work; or require workers to provide a performance bond. To assist with investigations and prosecutions, agencies will be required to start keeping records of their recruiting activities and register their agents with the government.Offenders risk losing their business licence, fines or even jail time. These records will be valuable for investigators investigating employment agencies that have complaints from vulnerable workers. The province wants to make sure all job seekers are treated fairly and that Alberta remains an attractive destination for individuals seeking employment. These changes will improve employment agency standards and help ensure that ethical businesses can compete on a level playing field. Visit the Service Alberta website at www.servicealberta. gov.ab.ca for more information.

Minister Manmeet Bhullar had an Open House Rally on Sat Mar 24 at the Genesis Centre where hundreds of supporters joined him as he officially kicked off the start of his Campaign. His riding of Calgary Greenway consists of Applewood, Abbeydale, Monterey Park, Coral Springs and Taradale.

(filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo)

Mayor Nenshi’s statement on the federal budget

he following is Mayor Nenshi’s prepared statement on the federal budget: “This is a business as usual budget, with no new significant commitment to cities. We are pleased to see the renewal of the urban aboriginal strategy, as well as a continued commitment by the federal government to infrastructure in our cities.

However we need to have further conversations with the federal government on a number of issues that are important to the more than 80 per cent of Canadians who live in cities. These include rental housing, changes to immigration and skilled workers, and the new community infrastructure investment program.” (filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo)

Advertise with us!

info@FilipinoJournal.com

(204) 489-8894

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

16 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

First-Gen Filipina runs for MLA in Alberta Election

By Athena Bernal-Born

T Athena Born with Wilf Ladores, President of Political Action Group and Jun Angeles, Publisher of Alberta Filipino Journal and President of the Regional Songfest of Alberta Society.

March/April 2012

his might be a little selfserving but since no one approached me, thus it has been left up to me to write this article, so forgive my forwardness. My name is Athena Bernal-Born. My parents are Antonio and Lourdes Bernal of Manila, known to many as Tony and Lulu, who immigrated to Canada in the late sixties, fleeing the Marcos regime and trying to make a better life; I was born shortly after they arrived in Yellowknife. This is typical me,

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

when I see something that needs to be done or ask to have something done, I do the best that I can with what I have to get it done. I am Canadian but I am very proud of my Filipino heritage. My children have danced with the world renown and award winning Karilagan Dance Society, although they were not part of the teams that won the many international competitions. I am pictured here with prominent leaders in the Filipino Community, Former Consul General Wilf Ladores and Entrepreneur Extraordinaire Jun Angeles, Tito Boy and Tito Jun to me. Recent events in Alberta have had me concerned regarding Foreign Temporary Workers, the state of our public health care and education. In a province that has the potential to be world leaders in all aspects of society, we have socio-economic diversity that is not necessary, crumbling infrastructure and we are giving away our resources. Also, the total lack of community involvement my MLA demonstrated during the past term, totally made me regret voting for him and inspired me to stand up and run. My campaign is about voting. In 2008, 62% of EdmontonEllerslieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electorate did not vote. According to statistics, 18-40 year olds were neglect to vote. The incumbent was voted in with only 15% of the electorate with 23% of the electorate voting for his competitors. If all the Filipinos that lived in EdmontonEllerslie (approximately 25% of the electorate) voted for me, I would win. If all the Filipinos in Edmonton-Ellerslie, convinced only one of their neighbours to vote for me, I would win by a landslide. That is how powerful the Filipino Community is in my constituency. Looking from the non-voting perspective: if 1 in 3 people who did not vote in the last election can be convinced to vote for me, I would win. So this is my challenge to the Filipino community and anyone who reads this article. If you think your vote does not count, if you can vote for me (or cast a protest vote) and prove me wrong. For those of you who want to know my platform. I do not have one, I have a work ethic. I do the best I can with what I have and negotiate to get done what I cannot do myself. Platforms are just empty promises, rhetoric and platitudes to get party candidates elected. I put citizen interests before business interests because I believe if we take care of our citizens they will take care of the businesses. Since the past 40 years of the same government makes it obvious that platforms go to the wayside once elections are over and taking care of business interests, is not necessarily in the best interest of citizens. No votes = No democracy. Mabuhay and I hope I have given the Filipino Community a reason to shape up and exercise their right to vote, not only in Edmonton-Ellerslie but in all of Alberta.

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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

Filipino Journal

Alberta

18 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

March/April 2012

Join the Filipino Journal Fan Page today!

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

We're on Twitter!

Alberta

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

20 Filipino Journal

Alberta

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Community mourns the death of four Filipino foreign workers by Jun Angeles

ilipino community mourns the death of four Filipino foreign workers who died in a fiery head on collision at the the Queen Elizabeth Highway II near Innisfail, Alberta on the evening of Sunday March 4 on their way to the USCanada border of Alberta. One of the victims a fifth passenger, Josephine Gaila Tamondong survived and was critically injured. The four victims who died at the accident were two men Anthony Subong Castillon and Joey Flores Mangonon both 35 and two women Eden Dalu Biazon and Josefina Flores Velarde . The victims were on their way to US-Canada border to get a renewal of one of the victims work permit when the accident happened. Tyler James Stevens, 29 , the driver of a white Range Rover rammed head on into the van driven by Anthony Castillon. Steven is facing 14 charges of impaired driving causing death , impaired driving causing bodily harm, criminal negligence causing bodily harm and failing to provide breath sample. Filipinos all across Alberta were shocked knowing that these contract workers were in Canada to work and earn a living to support their families in the Philippines. One of the victims Joey Mangonon from Bocaue, Bulacan is married with four siblings. Josephine Gaila Tamondong who was just recently married survived and has been recovering well at the University of Alberta Hospital after sustaining broken legs and shoulder injury. Filipinos rally to help the victims financially by donating money to raise funds for the families left behind in the Philippines. Kelly McCauley, General Manager of Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel where

more on page 17 ►

Anthony Subong Castillon

Josefina Flores Velarde

Joey Flores Mangonon

Eden Dalu Biazon

Ron Guinto of I Remit handing in their collections to Tess Soriano, Corporate Sales Manager and Kelly McCauley, General Manger of the Coast.

L-R Celso Castillon, A member, Noel Puyat The housekeeping staff of Coast Plaza with Josh Gelacio, close friend of Anthony and 849 Anthony, Rossell and Joey President of Dabawenyos, Ryan, Arlene Jun Angeles, Publisher, Kelly McCauley Gener Poblete and Rolly Cortez, roommates and Rita Frost of Coast Plaza. General Manager of the Coast and Phillip at the Concert Aseron

Erratum

A darling and a well-liked 3-year old girl by Jun Angeles

n my last month (February) article “Travelling As A Family Rediscovers the Philippines”, it described my grandaughter as a “terrible 3”. Actually, it turned out to be the opposite. Aylah was a big help to our family by behaving well and by helping in the distribution of goodies to the orphaned kids. Yes, Aylah, is a darling and a well-liked 3-year old kid.

Aylah

Advertise with us!

info@FilipinoJournal.com

(204) 489-8894

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

March/April 2012

Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Alberta

continued from page 16 ►

four of the victims worked pledged to any money raised by their employees. Boxes for donations were distributed in Edmonton to help raise money for the victims. The Dabawenyos Cultural Assistance Society held a free concert at the Grace Point Church last Sunday March 18, 2012 from 2 pm to 6:00 pm to collect donations for the victims. Noel Puyat, President of Dabawenyos said the free concert is a way to help the victims and raise awareness of their cause. Different organizations and associations, concerned citizens and businesses braced together to help the victims by donating funds set up for the victims. To date over $100,000 has been raised which will be divided equally among families of the five victims. A memorial service was held at the Hainstock's Funeral Home on Sunday March 11,

A letter to Joey Mangonon from eldest daughter Kristen Dear daddy,

The Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel where four of the victims worked.

2012 before the bodies were flown back to the Philippines for final resting. Rossel Macapagal a friend of the victims and also worked for the hotel praised the victims saying " All of them are really good people. Everybody loves them because they made us laugh."

City of Calgary launches CitiesMatter.ca for provincial election

algary, AB: With the announcement of a provincial election on April 23, The City of Calgary officially launched CitiesMatter. ca—an online survey of political party policies on municipal issues. Mayor Naheed Nenshi, on behalf of City Council, distributed a survey addressing 10 topics related to the relationship between large cities and the provincial government. “It’s our responsibility as Albertans living in cities to ensure the issues that affect our daily lives are also critical issues during this election,” said Mayor Nenshi. “Supporting front-line services, eliminating homelessness and poverty, fixing the fiscal imbalance, and creating a sustainable transportation strategy with cities are just a few of the topics that all-too-often fall off the political radar.”

The survey was distributed to the five political parties with representatives sitting in the Alberta Legislature. The deadline for responding to the survey is 5pm on April 2, 2012. Responses will be posted on www.CitiesMatter. ca after that date. “Cities matter, so let’s make our voices are heard by those who will govern our province,” said Mayor Nenshi. “Elections are important moments where every one of us has a say in our political future and, in this case, the future of our cities.” Citizens can view the survey at www.CitiesMatter. ca. The above release was also just posted online at http://blog. calgarymayor.ca/2012/03/city-ofcalgary-launches-citiesmatterca. html

It will take months or even years before we forget this horrible incident but the memories they left behind, the victims' love for their work and people; especially their loved ones will remain forever.

Your Loving Daughter,

Kirsten

LBC, RCBC Change the Way Filipinos Remit LBC Express, Inc. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) forged a partnership to introduce a new and easier way for Filipinos to remit through the LBC Send & Swipe Card. LBC Express Executive Vice President for Global Remittance Janet T. Ong said that the LBC Send & Swipe Card is basically a debit/remit card backed by RCBC MyWallet and powered by VISA. "This is the latest innovation of our LBC Remit Express brand. The primary features of LBC Send & Swipe card is that the realtime crediting of the remittance, money withdrawal 24/7 in any 1.8 million VISA ATMs worldwide including Bancnet, Megalink and Expressnet and cashless payment in 30 million stores globally

(filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo)

Police bust fraudulent credit card operation he Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit has arrested three people in connection with an elaborate fraudulent credit card manufacturing lab. On Wednesday, March 28, 2012, members of the Tactical Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in the 2200 block of 19 Street N.E. Inside, members discovered a sophisticated credit card manufacturing lab, including more than 200 forged credit cards, dozens of blank credit cards, and numerous pieces of forged documentation. Manufacturing equipment – credit card printers, embossers, laminators, and a credit card reader and writer – was also seized. Three people who were home at the time were arrested without incident.

Thank you for the love you gave us.Daddy you promised to give me and Iphone 4s if I will be the 1st honor in our class and trip to Hongkong next year.I don’t care about the gadgets and trip abroad for as long as you are here. Mom told me that among my siblings that I am the luckiest for I had the chance to be with daddy for a long time. For me,all of us were lucky because all of us were given a chance to be daddy’s children.We are all lucky because daddy joey is our dad.”He is the MOST LOVING and CARING father in the whole wide world”For me you are not gone ,you will forever live in my heart.I will be forever be Daddy JOEY’s GIRL and I will forever LOVE YOU.

Police became aware of this illegal operation in January 2012, while investigating another fraud complaint. It’s believed the lab may have been in operation for more than a year. While three people are charged in connection with this case, multiple fraud investigations are now ongoing across Alberta and Saskatchewan that may involve the same group. Christopher Tabios ARQUILLANO, 35, Francis Molina DIONELA, 34, and Myra Dela Cruz PAULE, 31, all of Calgary, are charged with multiple fraud-related offences including possession of instruments for credit card forgery, unlawfully possessing credit card data and possession of counterfeit credit cards. (filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo)

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

because it is powered by VISA," Ong said. RCBC Executive Vice President Ismael R. Sandig said that RCBC partnered with LBC Express to expand the reach of RCBC MyWallet Card through their 1,000 branches in the Philippines. "The strategic tieup of RCBC MyWallet and LBC Remit Express brands gave birth to the LBC Send & Swipe Card," Sandig revealed. Sandig also emphasized that the new product will make it easier for the global Filipinos to send money home thru the RCBC backed LBC Send & Swipe card. "RCBC and LBC are changing the way Filipinos remit by reinventing the debit card into a remittance all-purpose card," Sandig added.

Ong also stressed out that the LBC Send & Swipe card can be reloaded in any of the 1,200 LBC branches globally. "The LBC Send & Swipe Card has no annual fee and they can apply for it at any of the LBC branches worldwide," Ong said. LBC is the leading Global Filipino Company in the business of Express Courier and Money Remittance with 1,000 branches in the Philippines and over 100 branches worldwide. LBC has been linking and bridging Global Filipino for more than 60 years now through total customer service experience. It aims to be the total solutions provider of choice professionally and technologically equipped to serve Filipino families and businesses entities across the globe.

22 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

March/April 2012

TELUS introduces trade-in program – credit towards new device for your old handset Survey finds most Canadians have old devices lying around the house, but would like to trade them in

oronto, ON –TELUS is making it even easier for customers to get into the latest, greatest wireless devices with the introduction of a trade-in program.TELUS’ new trade-in program will reward customers with instant in-store credit for their unused devices while giving them a chance to dispose of their electronic waste safely and smartly. “Putting our customers first is at the core of what we do at TELUS, and that means we are listening and understand they want to upgrade devices more easily and more often,” said Brent Johnston, TELUS vicepresident of mobility solutions. “Over the last few years, we’ve launched a number of initiatives making our service easier and more transparent. We have applied the same principles to our new trade-in program. It’s a smart and future friendly way for our customers to get to their next device faster by trading in their current device for credit toward the latest and greatest smartphones and accessories.” The need for a trade-in program has never been greater. TELUS recently commissioned a survey to find out what Canadians do with their old devices, and found that 61 per cent said they have between one and five old cell phones lying around at home. That same number of Canadians surveyed, 61 per cent, said they would happily trade their old phones in if they would get something in return for doing so. Furthermore, Canadians are very concerned about the electronic waste piling up at home, with 82 per cent stating they would hand in their old phones if they knew they would be

disposed of safety. Working in collaboration with eRecyclingCorps (eRC), TELUS is making its trade-in program available to all TELUS customers, both new and existing. As of today, customers can simply present their device at a TELUS store and will be offered a credit if the phone is recent enough that it can be refurbished or, if not, a donation of $3 to Tree Canada in their name toward the planting of a tree for each unit recycled. Customers can tradein up to three phones, mobile Internet keys or mobile Wi-Fi devices (with a maximum combined value of up to $200). Credits will be applied to device or accessory costs for a new activation or renewal at time of trade. "This research shows that Canadians not only want a hasslefree way to trade-in their retired devices, but they would also like to be rewarded. TELUS is partnering with eRecyclingCorps to give them exactly what they want - instant credit for devices right at the store," said David Edmondson, CEO of eRecyclingCorps. "The TELUS tradein program makes it easy for customers to get credit toward the purchase of the latest phones and accessories while safely keeping their old phones out of landfills." The survey also found: • 54 per cent of Canadians would like to recycle their cellphones but don’t know how to • 24 per cent of Canadians 18-34 years old see themselves as tech gurus and always use the latest wireless phone vs. 11 per cent for Canadians 35-54

years old • Quebec is the champion of device recycling with 61 per cent of Quebecers recycling their old devices TELUS and its team members are committed to delivering a fair, transparent and reliable customer experience by continuing to make friendly changes to services and rate plans. Recent initiatives include: • Clear and Simple rate plans with no system access and carrier 911 fees • Flexible data rate plans to avoid bill shock • Free SMS data usage notifications • Device unlocking services • International roaming rates that have been reduced by up to 60 per cent and are available without a complex travel pass • Redefined device ownership terms that makes it easy to upgrade to the latest and greatest smartphones anytime. For more information about how TELUS is putting customers first, please visit www.telus.com/you. In 2011, at a ceremony in Ottawa, Tree Canada formally recognized TELUS as an Ultimate sponsor for contributing more than $1 million to their cause. Visit about.telus.com/ community/en/partnerships/ treecanada to learn more. About the survey From February 9th to February 10th 2012, an online survey was conducted among a sample of 1,011 Canadian adults who are also Angus Reid Forum panel members. The margin of error — which measures

sampling variability — is +/- 3.09 per cent, 19 times out of 20. The sample was balanced by age, gender, region and education according to the most recent census data, to be fully representative of the population of Canada. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding. About eRecyclingCorps eRecyclingCorps (eRC) is the world’s leading provider of carriergrade wireless device trade-in solutions. Founded in 2009 to provide a scalable model to repurpose and reuse perceptually obsolete devices, eRC partners with global carriers and retailers to provide instant, in-store trade-in credit. eRC renews devices to stringent certification standards and sells them to consumers in developing countries at an affordable price thereby bridging the digital divide. eRC will complete more than 5 million wireless trade-ins worldwide in 2012. For more information, please visit erecyclingcorps.com.

and Tree Canada has organized 9 national urban forest conferences. For more information, please visit www. treecanada.ca. About TELUS TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $10.4 billion of annual revenue and 12.7 million customer connections including 7.3 million wireless subscribers, 3.6 million wireline network access lines and 1.3 million Internet subscribers and more than 500,000 TELUS TV customers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including wireless, data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, television, entertainment and video. In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed more than $260 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered 4.2 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Eleven TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead TELUS’ local philanthropic initiatives. TELUS was honoured to be named the most outstanding philanthropic corporation globally for 2010 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, becoming the first Canadian company to receive this prestigious international recognition.

About Tree Canada Tree Canada is a not-for-profit charitable organization established 20 years ago to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments. Tree Canada engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. To date, more than 77 million trees have been planted, more than For more information about TELUS, 450 schoolyards have been greened, please visit telus.com.

Anita Tolentino, Pioneer, Educator and Community Leader

nita was Philippines 23, 1939 in Pampanga. She

born in the on February San Fernando, was educated

in Manila, Philippines where she completed her Bachelor of Education and Master of Arts at the Catholic University of Santo Thomas. She taught English at San Juan de Dios Hospital, College of Nursing; she taught high school English at Catholic Colleges for girls – for three years; and, taught elementary grades at the Catholic Don Bosco Technical Institute for boys. In September 1965, Anita immigrated to Edmonton and became the first Filipino teacher for the Edmonton Separate School Board. In 1989, Anita completed her Master of Education Degree from Portland University and in 1995, she completed her Liturgical Studies at Newman Theological College. Her thirst for knowledge about Scripture

led her to take Pastoral Biblical Theology, a program affiliated with Newman Theological College. She eventually became a staff member to teach the course. Anita’s first assignment in Edmonton was at St. Bernadette (1965-66) teaching a Grade ¾ split class. Her next school was St. Alphonsus from 1966-72 followed by a half-year at St. Patrick’s in 1973. In September of 1973 she moved to St. Francis of Assisi where she taught Grades 3 and 4 until she retired in 2001. A number of years ago, St. Francis of Assisi School adopted, as their school motto, the words of St. Francis, “In Giving, We Receive.” As a very caring spiritual person, Anita tried to consistently live these words, both in her teaching career and

in her personal life. At St. Charles Parish she was actively involved in various lay ministries: parish council, baptismal preparation, reconciliation, RCIA, Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Anita’s desire to serve God led her to a powerful spiritual experience, when in the year 2000, she undertook missionary work in the northern territory of Nunavut. The same year, another memorable experience for Anita was volunteering as an interpreter at the Anno Domini Exhibit at the Provincial Museum. Anita was actively involved, for many years, with the Philippine Bayanihan Association of Alberta serving the Philippine community as a dance director and choreographer. She also belonged to the FSCA Seniors’ Association where she

actively participated. Anita was a gifted writer on spiritually, and her numerous articles were printed in the Edmonton Journal, the Prairie Messenger, the Western Catholic Reported, the Philippine Canadian Times of Edmonton and the Philippine Hiyas. Anita said that the most precious gift God has given her is the privilege to teach and spread the Good News of the true image of God and God’s unconditional love for all of us. Anita will be dearly missed and livingly remembered by family and friends, and by the many people she touched through her loving acts of kindness. In her thoughts, words, and deeds, Anita truly lived the prophetic words of St. Francis, “In giving, we receive.”

Citizenship and Immigration Canada announces its intention to create a new skilled trades program

algary – To fill Canada’s growing labour shortages in construction, natural resources and similar industries, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced plans today to make it easier for skilled tradespersons to immigrate to Canada. The announcement is the latest in a series Minister Kenney has made about transforming Canada's immigration system into a fast and flexible system focused on jobs, growth and prosperity. “Our Government recognizes that our country faces a critical shortage in certain skilled trades,”

said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “That’s why we are taking concrete steps to address this problem at a national level.” Under the modernized Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) to be unveiled later this year, CIC intends to create a separate and streamlined program for skilled tradespersons. Skilled trades include occupations in construction, transportation, manufacturing and service industries. Skilled tradespersons are in high demand in Canada particularly in the natural resources and construction sectors. Currently, FSW applicants are

assessed against a 100-point grid, with a pass mark of 67. The grid takes into account the candidate’s official language ability, education, work experience, age, whether they have a job offer in Canada (arranged employment), and their overall adaptability (which awards points for things like previous work or study in Canada, spouse’s education and relatives in Canada). Some criteria in the FSW grid, such as years of education, have traditionally favoured professionals and managers more than skilled trades, and thus skilled tradespersons only make up 3 percent of all FSWs entering Canada. During

CIC’s consultations on FSWP modernization over the past year, stakeholders also agreed that changes were necessary to make the program more accessible to tradespersons. The proposed FSWP Skilled Trades program would create a means for skilled tradespersons to be assessed based on criteria geared towards their reality, putting more emphasis on practical training and work experience rather than formal education. The new skilled trades stream would avoid some of the complexities of the traditional points grid. Skilled trades applicants will, however, need to meet minimum language requirements, given

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

the importance of language as a determinant of immigrant success. “Above all, our Government remains focused on promoting economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Kenney. “Attracting skilled tradespeople is important for maintaining Canada’s momentum in the global economy.” If approved, further details about the Skilled Trades program and the revised FSWP are expected to be announced later in 2012. The full regulatory changes to the FSWP will also be published in the Canada Gazette in due course.

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Philippine Consulate warns of continuing recruitment scam

he Philippine Consulate General in Toronto has issued urgent warnings to Filipinos to avoid being victimized by illegal recruiters and human traffickers who prey on hapless and gullible would-be migrant workers in Canada with offers of non-existing legitimate and well-paying jobs with the added prospect of becoming a Canadian immigrant in exchange for sums of money which are passed off as placement fees. A large number of Filipinos have approached the Consulate the past few months to bring to the latter’s attention the numerous victims of this scam. The illegal recruiters usually victimize Filipino workers who are currently employed in Hong

Kong, Taiwan, and in other Asian or Middle Eastern capitals with the enticement that they will land better-paying jobs in Canada plus the added assurance that they would soon be eligible after a short period of only two years to become immigrants in Canada. These victims are the usual targets in view of their having worked for years in those cities and having saved enough funds for the enormous fees extracted by recruiters. The recruiters’ modus operandi is to help one or two Filipino recruits to land a legitimate employment in Canada and, once the recruits are in place, said recruits are themselves used to fool their co-workers in Hong Kong and other cities to shell out

huge sums for non-existing job prospects in Canada. Thus these recruits/victims end up being blamed by their own friends and fellow workers for having been led into the trap of scammers. What is worse is that the victimized Filipino workers are almost always recruited by their own compatriots in Canada on whom they naturally repose trust and confidence. The Philippine Consulate wishes further to warn prospective Filipino job applicants in Canada that Canadian laws prohibit the payment by job applicants of recruitment or placement fees which should be shouldered by the prospective employer and not the worker. Any cases similar to those mentioned here should be

Census workers hit the streets Sunday April 1, 2012

tarting Sunday April 1, 2012 more than 1,400 census workers will begin knocking on doors to count every person who lives in Edmonton. Census workers will ask the following questions: how many people live in the house, their gender, the month and year of their birth, citizenship, marital status, employment status, mode of transportation used to get to work, school residency, term of residence at current location, previous residence if living in dwelling for less than a year, and whether the home is owned or rented. For an average family of four, this takes just a few minutes. “Accurate census information is vital to delivering City services,” explains Laura Kennedy, Director of Elections and Corporate Records.

apartment lobbies to let residents know when the census workers will be in the building. The City keeps all information confidential. Reports are released only at the neighbourhood level, in groups of no less than 50 people. The census forms that workers fill out at the door are mechanically scanned into a database and destroyed within six months. In July 2011, City Council passed policy C520B. The policy states that the City of Edmonton will conduct a biennial Census starting in 2012. The last municipal census was conducted in 2009. Edmonton's official population on April 1, 2009 was 782,439.

“With reliable numbers, we can more accurately plan for the services, facilities and infrastructure that we will need. It also ensures that the City of Edmonton receives appropriate funding levels from other orders of government.” All census workers wear photo identification. “If a census worker’s ID is not plainly visible, please ask to see it before you provide information,” Laura says. Census workers go door to door and never phone residents. They do not ask for residents’ names or addresses. If residents are not home, census workers will leave a notice in their mailbox. “Please watch for a notice and call your census worker at the number provided,” says Laura. “It’s vital that we don’t leave anyone out.” Notices will be posted in

Residents can find out more about the census and the census questions at www.edmonton.ca/census.

A Warm Welcome: Communities show they care with the Launch of Welcome Home New program helps the homeless start a new life “I sure wish they had this support when I got out of jail years ago; I never would have ended up back in jail. I'm thankful for all of the support and the home you have helped me with.” For Darrell, starting a new life out of homelessness isn’t just about getting a place to live. It’s also about the help he receives to stay housed. This includes help to learn practical skills and help with combating loneliness and forging new relationships as he moves away from the friends and community he knew. Formally launched on March 22, 2012, Welcome Home is making

new community connections easier for people like Darrell. Administered by Catholic Social Services, Welcome Home matches volunteers from diverse faith communities with the newly housed, to offer whatever is needed most: a coffee date, or a trip to the local library or a sporting event. Anne Smith, Chair of Edmonton’s Homeless Commission, has been involved with the development of Welcome Home. “Fortunately, the majority of people who become homeless find their way out with the help of family and friends,” said Smith. “But others lack a personal support network. Welcome

Home provides that support network and helps them with their journey out of homelessness.” The United Way, the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative, Edmonton’s Homeless Commission and Enbridge Pipelines Inc. also provide support for Welcome Home. “Enbridge is committed to making a positive and enduring impact in Edmonton through community driven approaches like Welcome Home by providing financial and volunteer support,” said Kirk Byrtus, Enbridge’s VP Pipeline Control and Enbridge 2012 United Way Employee Campaign Chair.

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

immediately reported to the Consulate which is in close contact with Canadian police and immigration authorities whose cooperation it has obtained for the apprehension of illegal recruiters. While almost all of the victims of illegal recruiters may be described as “willing victims” and have entered into illegal transactions with recruiters out of simple ignorance, economic desperation or plain stupidity, the Consulate is aware of the operations of recruiters and will continue to pursue. The Consulate further wishes to encourage victimized complainants to bring their cases as soon as possible to the Consulates attention in view of the prescriptive period for going after the illegal recruiters.

The Consulate is in contact with the Philippine Consulates in Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as those in the Middle East so that Philippine government representatives can help prevent the proliferation of this scam by forewarning Filipinos in their respective jurisdictions to be aware of the illegal and nefarious activities of illegal recruiters. It would be wise for our Filipino compatriots to keep in mind the a classic English dictum and another coined by famous American circus personality P.T. Barnum during the early days of America’s economic struggle: “A fool and his money are soon parted” and “A sucker is born every minute!”

24 Filipino Journal

Alberta

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Horoscope A strong possibility is that you’ll have had enough of one situation and that you’ll be so, so tempted to walk out. Just before you take drastic action however, look around. It may be that you have allies and that you could effect change from within.

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. Also, you deal with a kind of weariness, even disillusionment, that sets in.

Willingness to help and serve will pay dividends, both materially and in terms of a “feel-good” factor. Don’t expect gratitude and appreciation, just go ahead and do whatever needs to be done.

You still need to learn to relate better with others, but now it’s more on the intimate and personal level, the exchange of ideas, innermost thoughts, personal beliefs rather than the emotions.

You still 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. This is a rather happy, goal-oriented month.

This can be a very creative time, when you make the most of what you have. You might embark upon new projects, or renew existing ones. The work you do may not be as profitable as it was earlier, or there may be unexpected expenses.

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. A rich, fruitful and happy phase comes to you and you’re enjoying it.

This is a time when your best course of action is to recognize that you need, or rely on, others for support. Cooperative efforts revolve around making the most of all the resources belonging to two or more people. Arguments with partners over values or belongings are possible.

Recognition, rewards, greater power and prestige, even your assets, property, belongings are enhanced greatly. The time is being truly generous, and you deserve it. Your vision is practical right now, and you want to see tangible results for your efforts.

You have a tendency to act and reflect automatically, and you could come across as an “open book” now. It’s a favorable time for solving problems and to work on improving your skills.

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.

The truly intimate and personal you, needs to be examined minutely and where there is room for improvement, positive action be taken. You’ll need to establish good working relationships with colleagues, subordinates and bosses as well.

PAHALANG

PABABA

1 Pagbiyahe ng jeep

23 Pansin

1 Palayaw ni Pamela

18 Mag-aalahas

6 Bayan sa Cavite

24 Intindi

2 Mr.Mulach

19 Lalawigan sa Mindanao

10 Artistang Tessie

28 Ranggo ng pulis: daglat

3 Pan de_____

20 Askad

11 Sawata

29 Turo

4 Analogy: daglat

25 Maliit na kariton

12 Di swerte

31 ___ Nido

5 Panalangin

26 Mabutong prutas

13 Pantukoy

32 Simbolo ng titanium

6 Ihanay

27 Mapaminsalang bagyo

14 Kolehiyo sa Baguio: pantitik

33 Dalang

7 Titik Griyego

30 Benda

15 Uri ng isda

37 Dating pangulong Fidel

8 Ahas

34 Saya: ga___

18 Hamak

39 Awit papuri

9 Paghila sa buhok

35 Gapas

21 Kakain

40 Ibang tawag kay Niño

11 Bughaw

36 ____ Fernando City

22 ___ Palmas

41 Mababaw ang luha

16 Palsipikado

38 Do, re, ____

17 Sawi

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

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

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

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Alberta

Mommy Letty Quilala celebrates 80th birthday

Jehryn Rodriguez celebrates 1st birthday in Edmonton

ehryn, son of Bojo and Mary Rose Rodriguez of Las Vegas, Nevada celebrated his first birthday in Edmonton, Alberta at Fatt Jacks Restaurant. Jehryn is the first grandson of Salvador (Nonong) and Edith Granado of Edmonton.

Filipino Journal

With Grandma Edith and Grandpa Nonong.

Som of the invited guests.

Jehryn

The Salvador family

Jehryn with Mom and Dad

ommy Letty Quilala was overjoyed to see most of her family, relatives and friends attend her 80th birthday which was held at the Ukrainian Youth Unity Center last Saturday, March 24, 2012. Mommy Letty is the founder and past president of Filipino Women's Association of Alberta. An active community leader, an accomplished mother, grandmother and "Mommy" to most of her relatives and friends. Congratulations on your 80th birthday, a milestone worth celebrating.

Mommy Letty with her son Hernani and daughter-in-law Gizella.

Mommy Letty with her birthday cake.

Mommy Letty with her daughter Gemma ans son-in-law Allan.

Mommy Letty surrounded with family and friends.

Mommy Letty with Philippine Choral Group who sing opening songs on her birthday.

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

26 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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

March/April 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by Gem & Lita Anis

The best of London, England

nitially, the all around hopon and hop-off double decker bus tour is the best way to discover and explore London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom and the site of the coming 2012 Summer Olympics. Later you can organize your own tour by using the London Underground Network (LUN) which is regarded as the most extensive underground railway in the world. Most tourists enjoy visiting London's famous historical and cultural landmarks as well as the beautiful parks and gardens. Situated along the Thames River, the longest river flowing through southern England, is the Tower of London, a historic fortress within rings of defensive walls and surrounded by moat once used as a home of Royalty, a prison and a place of execution and torture and now holds the crown jewels of England. One of London's famous and most recognizable sights is St. Paul's Cathedral used for the

marriage of Prince Charles of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. This Anglican cathedral with a very substantial crypt holding more than 200 memorials like Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Alexander Fleming and Florence Nightingale is the seat of the Bishop of London. It has hourly prayer and daily services. However, it is the Westminster Abbey, shaped like a giant cross, that is considered as the most well-known church in the United Kingdom. English sovereigns have been crowned here and for many centuries it was also the burial place of kings, queens, princes, and many great British poets including Geoffrey Chaucer and Alfred Lord Tennyson. Just recently the Abbey is the wedding site of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Located in the City of Westminster is the official residence of the British monarch since 1837, the Buckingham Palace, containing 600 rooms with the state rooms, used for official

and state entertaining and open to the public each year for most of late July till September. Schedule your trip to the Palace to see and enjoy the pomp and pageantry of the popular Changing of the Guard. Over the Thames is the Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London. Consisting of two towers tied together by horizontal walkways, the red, white and blue bridge is mistakenly referred to London Bridge which is actually the next bridge upstream. Not to be missed is the Palace of Westminster (known as Houses of Parliament) together with the most famous landmark in the UK, the Big Ben. The British Parliament is the bicameral lawmaking body of the UK consiting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, as the lower and upper house respectively. The Big Ben is used to describe the tower, the clock and the bell located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The main bell, officially known as the Great Bell, is better known by the nickname Big Ben. Don't miss out what's happening at the famous Hyde Park, hosts to open-air concerts and quite popular for sports. Take a walk and wander through it. It ia historically famous for its Speaker's Corner, an area for free speech. Next we'll visit the Natural History Museum, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Harrods, West London, Trafalgar Square,and Piccadilly Circus.

Gem & Lita at Westminster Abbey

The Tower of London & Tower Bridge

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

Filipino Journal

Alberta

28 Filipino Journal

Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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

March/April 2012