Filipino Journal Alberta Edition May 2014

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Volume 7, Number 5 • May 2014

UMAC brought Pilita Corrales to town

Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

TV Filipino Canada attends 2014 media forum

Page 12 ► Pilita Corrales sings “And I love you so".

Page 14 ► TV Filipino Hosts, Jerry Caingcoy and Grace Bumanglag with Gilmore Junio.

The Glacier Skywalk: how to get there and what to expect

Distinguished speakers with Rosa Marchitelli, CBC News Anchorwoman.

WHEN (Women's Heart Engaging Network) Ladies Night Out

Page 17 ► Tourist dared the challenge of walking on the Skywalk, picture taken on Victoria Day.

Photos by Grace Bumanglag

Page 3 ► Organizers & Members of WHEN Edmonton.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

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May 2014

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3

WHEN (Women's Heart Engaging Network) Ladies Night Out

By Jun Angeles

Kari Leoganda and Janet Fierback

WHEN (Women's Heart Engaging Network) is not your ordinary ladies group. It is a group of adult women whose mission is to convert women to Jesus Christ. Founded in 2008 in Vancouver by a group of 16 women mostly Chinese led by Kari Leoganda. The group spread out in Edmonton; started by Filipino women embracing the vision of providing opportunities for women to hear, experience and embrace the grace of Jesus Christ. On April 26, 2014 the WHEN group of Edmonton

Guests & Members of WHEN

invited women at the Ramada Edmonton Hotel & Conference Center for an evening of dinner and dance and a chance to hear one of founders Kari Leoganda of Vancouver to share her experiences in her journey as a mother with a disability child, as a wife, as a community volunteer and as a business woman and how she managed to cope with stress and relayed her journey from being a new immigrant to Canada from Hongkong. In a question and answer format, Kari engaged the audience on her profound faith in

Guests & Members of WHEN

Guests & Members of WHEN

God and how her faith salvaged her from failure.

WHEN is embraced by a group of Filipino women since 2012 with Eva Bagasao, Jasmine Mendoza and Julie, Deborah, Bethany, Candice and Noemi. The group has grown in numbers and eventually decided to hold the conference in a hotel. They invited Kari Leoganda along with Janet Fierback to speak in the event.

An engaging evening of clean Christ centered wholesome fun and camaraderie fit for a "Ladies Night Out."

Photos by Jun Angeles | Filipino Journal

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

Edmonton ♥ Philippines Fleet of Boats Typhoon Yolanda Updates from UPAA Edmonton

M

any times before, we have made contributions to a fundraising and we never find out whatever happened to our contribution. Last December 2013, the UP Alumni Association Edmonton held a successful fundraising campaign to support the victims of Typhoon Yolanda and as part of expressing our gratitude to all those who supported that campaign, we would like to report on the results of the fundraising.

feeding programme to enable the fishermen to undergo courses and training on basic accounting, environment conservation education, and boat building and maintenance. NVC also built a fiberglass boat building facility in the area in recognition of the fact that the “sudden rush to build replacement bancas in the affected areas is rapidly depleting Philippine forest resources.

Fiberglass bancas not only avoid deforestation but also last longer than wooden ones.” The UP Alumni Association selected NVC because of the transparency with its accounting, but also because of the sustainability of their activities and vision. The fishermen do not only get a boat but the supporting activities and guidance to ensure that boat is truly serving its purpose of sustaining a livelihood. This is not meant to be an advertisement for NVC but a call to everyone to choose wisely when deciding on the organization you channel your fundraising contributions. For more information on NVC, go to http://www.nvcfoundation-ph. org/projects/the-peter-project/.

Together with the federal Two fishing boats from UP Alumni Association. Recipients: Ricky Sevillano (above) and Johnny Ylanan (right) matching grant, the fundraising contributed close to $13,000 to improvements in information, by Migrante AB but is being Church Street Festival: UPAA World Vision; $2,300 towards services, and programmes for supported by many other Filipino Edmonton has been invited to repairs for UP Tacloban; $1,200 overseas Filipinos by supporting organizations in Edmonton and be part of the first-ever Church to support tow UP college the call for review of the TFW Fort Saskatchewan. We encourage Street Festival in the McCauley scholars impacted by the typhoon; program, as well as the movement everyone to attend and to let your area. This is our chance to help and $4,125.00 towards providing to have a Philippine Consular voices be heard in improving the out in a very fun way in the inner 8 motorized fishing boats to 8 Office in Alberta. The consular treatment of foreign workers in city, as well as to participate and fishermen and their families office in Alberta is much needed Canada. represent the Filipino community who lost their main means of to service over 100,000 overseas in what is envisioned to be an livelihood during the storm. It’s Filipinos in Alberta, and to save Get-together in the Park: there annual street festival. This is so heartwarming to know that the costs of having to go to will be a UPAA Edmonton get- slated for Saturday, July 12, 2014. there is a fleet of Edmonton boats These are just but a few of the Vancouver for consular services. together on June 28, 11:00 to plying the ocean in the Philippines events planned for 2014 for UP 3:00PM at Kinsmen Park. This all because of your generosity.

Alumni Association Edmonton.

TFW Forum: there will be a will be a good chance to meet The motorized boats were To contact UPAAE, please email: TFW forum on Saturday, May fellow alumni from UP, to plan donated via Negrense Volunteers upaa.edmonton@gmail.com or 17, 3-6PM at the University of for future projects, but also to for Change (NVC). In addition to Future Events for UPAAE follow us at http://upaedmonton.

Alberta, Education Building, simply relax and enjoy each wordpress.com – we are looking Currently, the UPAAE is the boats, the whole household room 165. This is organized other’s company. forward to hearing from you. get enrolled in a 6-month supporting the campaign for

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

The 7th Fleet has never left

PEREZCOPE

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

T

here is a minority but very vocal group of Filipinos – including militant lawmakers and Catholic Church leaders -- who are critical of the recently inked Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States. Some say it was a mockery of the Philippine constitution. Some say President Benigno Aquino III sold out the country to America. And some say that China would drop thermonuclear bombs on the Philippines if war broke out with the U.S. Well, that’s what the antiAmerican minority thinks.

But what does the majority of Filipinos think? According to the 2013 Global Attitudes Project conducted by Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., the Philippines got an 85% score – the highest among 39 participating countries -when people were asked: “Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of the US?” But what were

coming out in the Philippine press were mostly negative information -- or misinformation -- picturing the U.S. as a neo-colonial and imperialistic power.

Nothing is farther from the truth. As a matter of fact, America didn’t need to re-establish permanent bases on Philippine territory. The U.S. has close to 100,000 military personnel in Japan, South Korea, and Australia, and assets that include a nuclear aircraft carrier, nuclear submarines, fighter jets, and strategic bombers.

However, the U.S. is still committed to defend the Philippines if attacked by a foreign power. The Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), which was signed in 1951, is still in full force notwithstanding the Philippine Senate’s abrogation of the U.S. bases agreement in 1991.

But no sooner had the Americans left than the Chinese started grabbing Philippine territory.

Deception In 1994, China built a platform on the tiny Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) purportedly to provide a rest stop for fishermen in the area. Since the reef was only 130 nautical miles from Palawan, the Philippines welcomed it, as it would be beneficial to Filipino fishermen. Wrong! As soon as the Chinese had established their presence in the area, they started building fortifications on the reef.

A more recent incident happened in 2012 at the

Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal), 124 nautical miles from Luzon. After driving out Filipino fishermen from the lagoon in the shoal, a standoff ensued between Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard vessels. The U.S. brokered a deal where both countries would withdraw their vessels from the shoal. The Philippines complied with the agreement but China did not. Instead China roped off the only entrance to the lagoon; thus, preventing Filipino fishermen from getting in.

It was then that President Aquino decided to ask the Americans for help. Negotiations were started eight months ago to look for ways to bring back the Americans without violating the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits foreign military bases on Philippine soil.

EDCA On April 28, 2014, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed.

The agreement came at a time when China had been building a bluewater navy capable of operating across the open seas, such as the waters surrounding the Philippines.

With a navy with no warships and an air force with no warplanes, the Philippines is helplessly at the mercy of China. China could easily take over Philippine territories in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) without firing a shot.

5,500 Philippines and U.S. forces will be conducting simultaneous drills and humanitarian activities in different parts Luzon and the Visayas.”

With the 7th Fleet operating all year round in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, it serves as a warning to all nations, particularly China, that the South China Sea, which is one of the busiest maritime routes, should – nay, must! – be open to free navigation by any country.

The size of the 7th Fleet would continue to increase as planned by President Barack Obama’s “Pivot to Asia,” which would “rebalance” 60% of U.S. naval and air forces to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

After more than two decades since the closure of the Subic Naval Base, which the 7th Fleet called home, many believe that she’s back in full swing. Wrong!

The 7th Fleet has never left. She’s Vigilance Last May 10, it was reported in always been at sea vigilant as ever. the news that two helicopters from the USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the U.S. 7th Fleet, spotted two Chinese guided missile destroyers near the Scarborough Shoal. The 7th Fleet issued a statement saying that it “has around 70 to 80 ships and submarines at its disposal along with 150 aircraft, and added that it operates 365 days throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”

The report also said, “The presence of the 7th Fleet flagship in the vicinity of the Scarborough

by Jairus Bilo coincided with the opening of the Balikatan Exercises 2014, wherein For the past year, China has been keenly eyeing the Ayungin Shoal that is part of the oil- and gasrich Spratly archipelago. Ayungin is only 105 nautical miles from the Palawan coast, which China could use as a forward operating base in the area. It is the gateway to the prized Recto Bank, which is only about 80 nautical miles from Palawan. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration the Recto Bank could hold up to 5.4 billion barrels of oil and 55.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

The only thing that’s preventing China from forcibly taking possession of Ayungin – and Recto Bank thereafter -- is a small detachment of Philippine marines deployed to a rusty naval ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, which lays aground off Ayungin.

Remember the flood and celebrate the spirit of Calgary on Saturday, June 21 Filed by Jose “Pepito”Magpayo

On June 20 and 21 last year, Calgary faced the greatest challenge in its history. This year, let's remember the flood while celebrating the spirit of Calgary and the remarkable outpouring of kindness, help, and citizenship exhibited by all Calgarians.

The best way to celebrate community is to do it in the community. On Saturday June 21, 2014, join with your neighbours in every community in Calgary to get to know each other better.

Some communities are having block parties, some are having

barbecues on their front lawns (instead of their back decks), some are coming together to clean up their neighbourhoods after this long winter.

Check with your local community association on what's planned in your neighbourhood, or, even better, organize something yourself. Enjoy the longest day of the year and kick off the summer by getting to know your neighbours better.

The City of Calgary has prepared a website for what we're calling Neighbour Day

atcalgary.ca/neighbourday. You'll find ideas on what you can do, as well as simple tools to help you organize that block party or community clean-up. And make sure you let your City Councillor and the Mayor know what you're up to—you may find yourself with an unexpected guest!

“We've had a tough year,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “But it's also been a year of triumph as we showed the world who we are and how we help each other.

On June 21, let's remember what we've lost, but celebrate what

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we've gained: an even stronger community.

Get to know your neighbours--it's the most rewarding thing you can do!”

For more information, ideas on how to celebrate, and tools and templates to help plan your Neighbour Day event, visit calgary.ca/neighbourday.

Neighbour Day is part of The City of Calgary’s one-year commemoration of the 2013 June Flood. A formal commemoration event will be taking place on June 20. Details of that event will be released in the coming weeks.

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May 2014

Business Eclectic

by Terry Robert B.A., C.M.A., C.G.A. terry@robertaccounting.ca

One of the things about being in a public practice firm is seeing the different ways that people go about earning a living. In our practice we have a number of small to medium size businesses, which are the driving force of the Canadian economy. Surveys, year after year, show more jobs created by these companies than by the

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

big national and international corporations.

As well, these companies are often the most innovative.

Large corporations often buy up the small companies in order to get new ideas. One need only look at the recent acquisitions of relatively new IT start ups by Google, Microsoft and others.

Unfortunately, small and medium businesses can find themselves at a disadvantage.

Governments like the headlines that show some big corporation is opening a new factory or even just staying put. This might be the headline, even if there had been a net loss in jobs and the factory may have employed more people previously. And to add insult to injury, a government loan or subsidy in the billions may have been made to induce the corporation to come or stay.

Meanwhile small companies may have a hard time attracting talented people because they

can’t offer the benefit packages of large corporations. Medical costs continue to rise and it is difficult and expensive for small businesses to acquire benefit packages. When I started my business over thirty years ago, I seldom saw a claim for a medical deduction, but now with annual premiums of around one thousand dollars and increasing costs for pharmaceuticals and other medical services, a medical claim on a tax return is a very common occurrence. The people who are making the claims are those who can afford the higher cost, even if it might be difficult. Many individuals now cannot afford to pay. Recent news indicates that one third of prescriptions are not filled because of the cost.

There are two problems that I can see with the tax treatment for medical expenses. First of all, before making a claim, the costs must exceed the lessor 3% of net income or $2,109 in taxation year

2013; there is no claim available if one is not taxable. Therefore, there is no taxable deduction if you are poor, although you may qualify for pharmacare in some provinces. Second, the wealthier you are, the larger your relative potential benefit.

This benefit makes the ability of larger firms to attract employees easier, as they will have lower costs because of a larger staff and economies of scale.

It seems strange that governments would assist larger corporations, which create fewer jobs, by subsidizing them directly with loans and grants. Plus, the tax system is organized to provide an additional advantage.

I have a couple of ideas and would welcome any other suggestions for discussion. Group buying by the government(s) of pharmaceuticals would reduce overall costs for everyone.

Pharmaceutical companies would be able to compete and bid to

PH Consulate Invites Fil-Can Community to June 2014 Metro Vancouver Freedom Day Rites and Celebration of Philippines-Canada Friendship The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver announced that 12 major community events have been lined up for the month of June 2014 to commemorate the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and celebrate the bonds and friendship between the Philippines and Canada.

Consul General Neil Ferrer said the Consulate is honored to have been invited to lead the festivities, organized by the various Filipino-Canadian community organizations in Metro Vancouver.

"I thank the various community groups for reaching out, working closely with the Consulate, and sharing information about their events. We owe it to them to show our solidarity with the Filipino nation and friendship with Canada by attending and actively participating," Consul General Ferrer said.

The events this year include the Pista ng Bayan Community Picnic at Slocan Park on June 7; the Annual Philippine Independence

Day Celebration in Surrey on June 8; the Independence Day parade and celebrations in New Westminster also on June 8; the Philippine Days Festival at the Waterfront Park in North Vancouver on June 14 and 15; and the Pagdiriwang 2014, the annual Independence Day program in Richmond on June 21.

There will also be the customary flag-raising ceremonies: at the Filipino Plaza in Vanness Avenue on June 1; at the New Westminster City Hall on June 8; at the Vancouver City Hall on June 12; and at the Waterfront in North Vancouver on June 15.

As in the previous years, the mayors and local officials of Vancouver, New Westminster and North Vancouver will be in attendance to preside over the hoisting of the Philippine flag and the singing of the Philippine national anthem in their respective cities.

Two major dinner-dance events have also been organized: the Philippine National Day Gala Dinner and Dance at the Renaissance

Vancouver Harbourside Hotel on June 13; and the PhilippinesCanada Friendship Ball at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on June 28.

Consul General Ferrer said that June 2014 is definitely going to be a busy month for the Consulate and the community with so many activities lined up, but added that the eagerness and enthusiasm of Filipino-Canadians to celebrate Philippine independence and the friendship between the Philippines and Canada in so many different ways energizes the community.

"Filipinos love fiestas and celebrations. That is our nature as a friendly, freedom-loving and fun-loving people. That is why despite the hectic schedule, we are in full support of the activities, which showcase our unity despite belonging to many different groups and affiliations" Congen Ferrer said.

"Again, I invite everyone – Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike, to celebrate with us," he added.

Calgary will host the world in 2017 Filed by Jose “Pepito”Magpayo

Recreation is pleased to announce that The City of Calgary has been chosen to host the Triennial International Play Association World Conference in 2017.

“We are excited to be selected to host the conference and assist the International Play Association (IPA) Canada to promote the value of play in Canadian communities,” said Kurt Hanson, Director of Recreation for The City of Calgary.

“Play is a vital component for maximizing the growth and development of children and improves the quality of life for families and communities. This is indeed an honour.”

The 2017 conference will bring together members from

nearly 50 countries to exchange ideas and inspire action about play.

The conference will be the catalyst to mobilize Calgary to address and support the child’s right to play and build a legacy of play in our city.

This is aligned with Recreation’s mandate which is to provide programs and services designed to create supportive, fun and inclusive environments that develop physical, creative and cultural/social literacy.

Integral to this approach are play opportunities.

“I know I am speaking on behalf of the IPA members worldwide that when I say that we are delighted to be coming to Calgary In 2017 to celebrate the IPA 20th World conference,” said

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Theresa Casey, President IPA world.

“We were incredibly impressed by the quality of the bid and the exciting prospect it holds for play and the world wide momentum for article 31 of the UN convention, on the rights of the child.”

The International Play Association World conference in 2017 will enhance our connections to the Canadian and International play community and help Calgary to become an advocate for Children’s rights.

More information about the 2017 Triennial International Play Association Conference will be posted on calgary.ca/recreation.

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7 supply Canadians. A deduction for medical should either be removed or the percentage should be the same for everyone or better yet made a refundable claim.

Medicare coverage should be more comprehensive, so small companies would have the same advantages as large corporations.

Lee Iococca said many years ago that health care in Canada was an advantage that made each car thousands of dollars cheaper to manufacture in Canada. Why not assist the entire economy to be more competitive?

Terry Robert B.A., C.M.A., C.G.A. Robert Accounting LLP Certified General Accountants accountants.mb.ca Please note that this column deals with details and circumstances in a general way and comments are meant solely as a guide. For your protection, a professional accountant is recommended and should be consulted before making any decisions regarding anything discussed in this column.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

The Canonization of Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II

by Dr.

Eusebio Koh

On April 27, 2014, the Divine Mercy Sunday, two recent but most deserving popes, John XXIII and John Paul II, were canonized

by Pope Francis in front of almost a million enthusiastic spectators which included retired Pope Benedict XVI and numerous dignitaries from around the world.

In his homily during mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis praised the new saints as “men of courage and mercy who worked

with the Holy Spirit in renewing and updating the church in keeping the features brought to her over the centuries.”

This was a most astonishing occasion not merely because two popes were canonized in the presence of two other popes but because of the haste and urgency to get the canonization done.

Sainthood has often taken decades if not centuries to achieve partly because of the difficulty to confirm the basic requirement of two attributed miracles.

In St. John XXIII’s case, the second miracle was waived in light of his tremendous accomplishment of the Vatican II. In St John Paul II’s case, the waiting period after a candidate’s demise was waived and the process of canonization was expedited.

Pope Francis praised St. John XXIII for “his openness to the Holy Spirit” and allowing himself to be led as a “pastor, servant-leader” in this task.

Vatican II opened the Church

to modern times and also reached back to biblical times by stressing the central role of the Sacred Scripture in our devotion. Bible study continues to be part of the activities of priest and parishioners.

St. John XXIII, through the Second Vatican Council, has modernized our Church and brought it closer to us. We feel part and parcel of the Church. With the priest facing us and speaking our vernacular, we feel we belong to the same family. Our Church is a church of love and respect and is quite inclusive. So much so that we do not hesitate to serve in the Eucharist and the liturgy in any way we can.

It is believed that Pope John XXIII saved the world from nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. With the United States under President John F. Kennedy ready to blockade the Soviet Union from bringing nuclear missiles to Cuba, the pope made an impassioned plea over the Vatican Radio: "We beg all rulers not to be

deaf to the cry of humanity." This allowed Nikita Krushchev to back down and call back the Soviet fleet without disgrace. For his efforts and call for world peace, Time magazine named Pope John XXIII as “Man of the Year.”

Pope Francis praised and characterized St. John Paul II as “the pope of the family” and invoked the guidance of the new saints in the upcoming synods of the bishops on the family in October this year and in 2015.

Pope John Paul II had one of the longer and more successful papacy (1978-2005).

He had involved himself in international affairs and had probably travelled the most to other countries. He went further than Pope John XXIII in bridging the gaps between the church and the other faiths, namely Judaism, the Church of England, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Protestant Churches and even the Dalai Lama. It is believed that he played a behind-the-scene part in bringing down communism.

Vehicle and Home Security Reminder Filed by Jose “Pepito”Magpayo

The Calgary Police Service is reminding residents of Calgary to be mindful of home and vehicle security following a number of offences in south Calgary.

In recent months, the CPS District 8 office has seen an increase in the number of car prowlings and break and enters reported in south Calgary communities, including Copperfield, New Brighton, Evergreen, Cranston and Woodlands.

However, these types of crimes are not exclusive to these communities, and can occur throughout the city.

Many of the vehicles that were broken in to were left unlocked.

Once inside a vehicle, the offenders often stole change and property, and/or used the garage door opener to gain access to the garage, and even into the home through the unlocked attached door.

With summer quickly approaching, the Service is reminding Calgarians to take preventative steps to protect their property. If you will be away for a few days, or for an extended period

of time, please ensure that your property is looked after. Do not advertise that the house is empty or disclose your vacation plans to others on Facebook, or some other platform. Share your vacation memories and photos after you’ve returned home from your trip.

The following are additional tips to help prevent beak-ins and car thefts/prowlings: Vehicle theft and car prowling prevention: • Report any suspicious activity or behaviour, such as someone trying door handles on parked vehicles.

• Garage openers should not be left in vehicles, or should be disengaged, as thieves can use them to gain entry into a home.

• Avoid parking in unlit areas at night.

• Lock your doors and close all windows at all times, even while you are in your yard.

• Hide your valuables out of sight, or better yet, take them with you.

• Don’t keep extra keys in your vehicle.

Ronald Cantiveros

Publisher/Chief Operating Officer VP-Business Development Managing Editor

Home and garage break-in prevention: • Report any suspicious vehicles, activity or behaviour, such as someone showing up at your home “mistakenly” looking for a different address, or going through yards of neighbours that you believe are away.

• Remind your family to close the garage door(s) after removing bikes, vehicles and other items. Any open door is an invitation.

• Despite the warm weather, it is important to ensure windows and doors are secured at all times, even when you’re home. Culprits need mere moments to commit a theft.

• If you are away, ensure a friend or neighbour picks up your mail and flyers, and keeps your yard appearing cared for, giving the impression that you’re around.

• Use timers to control lighting within the home.

• Install exterior motion lights to brighten dark areas around doors or windows to make them easily seen by a neighbour or passersby.

• Lock all garage doors, including the one between an attached garage and the house.

Jose (Jun) Angeles, Jr.

Official Photographer

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

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

Filed by Jose “Pepito”Magpayo

The Calgary Police Service is warning Calgarians of a telephone scam in which the solicitor claims to be from the “Calgary Police News Magazine.”

Over the last few days, police have received reports of people receiving phone calls from a man aggressively requesting victims place ads in the magazine. He demands personal information about the victims and their credit card numbers.

The “Calgary Police News Magazine” does not exist, and the Calgary Police Service does not solicit advertisers.

People are asked to report any similar calls. Victims are asked to capture as much information as possible about the caller, including any numbers that may be visible on call display.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of these methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: tttTIPS.com TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

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Webco Leduc

Sales & Advertising

Associate Editor/Marketing afjcalgary@shaw.ca (403) 264-5605

“Calgary Police Magazine” Scam

Associate Editor

A Division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Leduc, AB Printer

Jose “Pepito” Magpayo

Take precautions and keep your property/home secured, and always call police if you see suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.

Anyone with information about these offences is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: tttTIPS.com TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually

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Rod Escobar Cantiveros

Associate Publisher - Alberta 246 Lindsay St. Edmonton, AB T64 2T2 email: angeles.associates@gmail.com 1-780-988-8889 or 1- 780-916-7677.

• Always close and lock any windows that could be used to gain access to your home while you’re away or sleeping, even on hot summer nights.

• Store important or irreplaceable documents and items away from your home, such as in a safety deposit box.If you see homes with open doors, front doors with keys left in the locks, or a neighbour’s car with the trunk left open, give them a quick call to let them know.

• Consider installing home and vehicle alarm systems and vehicle anti-theft devices.

In 2004, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush for his “principled stand for peace and freedom”.

The choice of holding the canonization on Divine Mercy Sunday was meaningful especially for St John Paul II who instituted the observance in the Catholic universal calendar. In the year 2000 at the Mass for the canonization of St. Faustina Kowalska, he proclaimed the second Sunday after Easter as the Divine Mercy Sunday. St. Faustina, coming from a poor Polish family, was a sister of the Congregation of Sisters of our Lady of Mercy. She claimed to have been visited by Jesus. By some coincidence, Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005 on the vigil of the Feast of Divine Mercy. As well, he was beatified in 2011 on Divine Mercy Sunday.

We have two great Church leaders in Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II and they richly deserved to be canonized.

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.

Noli Granado Christopher & Nikki Richter

Contributing Writers: Johnny Cantiveros Gem & Lita Anis Danilo Donor Miya Villarena Naresh Bhardwaj Jairus Bilo Thomas A. Lukaszuk

Melanie Angeles Perry Diaz Jon Salvador Lito Mendoza Velasco Jerry Caingcoy Erlinda Dolly Tan

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May 2014

FSCA Honors Mothers

By Cres Caindec Estioko, FSCA PRO

May 11, 2014, the Filipino Senior Citizens Association, F S C A, of Edmonton, celebrated Mothers Day. The chairperson and Master of Ceremonies, Cres Caindec Estioko, stated that the occasion was not only to honor the special FSCA Mother of the Year 2014, Mrs. Rosie Yanesa, but also to recognize and show our love and appreciation to ALL Mothers.

Lea Benson, niece and adopted daughter delivered a tribute to honor her.

Mrs. Yanesa was described by her 7 daughters and 10 grandchildren as a kind and loving Mother and Grandma. She is also a good cook, especially sinigang.

The special celebration opened with a prayer by Mrs. Salvador . It was highlighted with dancing Chacha by Rose and husband Ambi Lampa, Tango by Mar and Olive Estrada, singing by Rachel Mapa, of her Grandma's favorite song. There were also audience dance and singing participation.

The celebration closed off with a trophy and flowers to honor Mrs. Yanesa, and of course words of best wishes by our very capable President, Mrs. Joyce Dizon.

Mr. and Mrs. Mar and Olive Estrada performing the Tango.

Mrs. Yanesa with her Children and Grandchildren present on her special day.

A Milestone Jose (Joe) Palao Macolor originally from Palawan and a pioneer of Edmonton, Alberta retired after 21 years of service with Canada Revenue Agency Collections.

A retirement party was held at Canada Place on March 27,2014 with the presence of his officemates.

Rob Cote, Assistant Director of CRA Edmonton & Prairie region and Nadine Bell, Manager Revenue Collections roasted Joe with nice words and accolades. Family and friends also attended the event, his sons Marc & Michael Macolor, his niece Caroline Dagot-Gallardo, Wilf Ladores, Gemmalyn Daculan, Jun Angeles and a special guest Lori Brueyrie.

Joe finished his studies in Siliman University & Lyceum of the Philippines earning a Bachelor of Political Science & Journalism degree. Before migrating to Canada, Joe was a Technical Assistant in the Department of Education & Custom.

He served at the Philippine Congress for 5 years prior to his migrating in Canada leaving his dreams of becoming a lawyer.

His immediate plan after retirement is to travel to New York, Barcelona, Spain and the Philippines.

As the saying goes he wants “to retire from work but not from life.�

Congratulations Joe Macolor on achieving a milestone in your life.

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FAQs on the TFW Program – LMO Moratorium on Food Services

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) on the LMO Moratorium on Food Services The LMO moratorium on the Food Services sector created a lot of confusion among TFWs and Canadian employers. To help clarify some of the confusion, I have listed answers to FAQs regarding the moratorium. This information was gathered from the government’s EDSC website: Q1. Why did the government impose this moratorium?

Answer: In recent weeks, the Government became aware of some serious allegations of abuse of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. In response, officials investigated these matters urgently to determine the facts, Labour Market Opinions were suspended, and employers in question were placed on the government public blacklist.

Despite these actions, there remain serious concerns regarding the use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in the Food Services Sector. Therefore, this moratorium will remain in effect until the On April 7, 2014 - Jason Kenney, completion of the on-going review Minister of Employment and Social of the Temporary Foreign Worker Development Canada (ESDC), Program. announced the Government has suspended the processing Q2. What jobs are affected by this and approval of all LMOs from moratorium? companies whose primary business Answer: The moratorium applies to is Food Services. As of date of companies in Food Service Sector, writing of this news article, only this defined as those companies whose primary purpose or business is to business sector is affected.

Mr. Kenny reiterated that the serve food or drinks.

Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) List of NOC codes in the Food Program is a program of last and Services Sector affected by limited resort, to be accessed by moratorium are as follows: employers facing genuine, acute o 6641 Food Counter Attendants, labour shortages, and only after Kitchen Helpers and Related Canadians are not available to fill Occupations the job. In support of this Program o 0631 Restaurant and Food Service mandate, the Minister of ESDC has Managers the authority to either revoke or o 6212 Food Service Supervisors o 6453 Food and Beverage Servers suspend LMOs. Suspended LMOs means that until o 6611 Cashiers the moratorium is lifted - LMOs o 6241 Chefs for companies in the Food Services o 6242 Cooks sector can no longer be used by a o 6252 Bakers temporary foreign worker to obtain o 0611 Sales, Marketing and Advertising Managers work permits from CIC. o 0621 Retail Trade Managers The Minister of ESDC can suspend o 0632 Accommodation Service Managers LMOs when: 1. There are reasonable grounds o 0651 Other Services Managers to suspect that the employer or o 6211 Retail Trade Supervisors group of employers provided o 6213 Executive Housekeepers false, misleading or inaccurate o 6214 Dry Cleaning and Laundry information in the context of the Supervisors o 6215 Cleaning Supervisors request for that opinion; 2. New information becomes o 6216 Other Service Supervisors available after the positive opinion o 6221 Technical Sales Specialists is provided and if known at the Wholesale Trade time would have led to a different o 6251 Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale opinion; 3. There are reasonable grounds o 6411 Sales Representatives to suspect that the employer is not Wholesale Trade (Non-Technical) complying with the conditions set o 6421 Retail Salespersons and out in subsection 209.3 or 209.4 of Sales Clerks the IRPR in respect of that work o 6451 Maîtres d'hôtel and Hosts/ permit or any other work permit Hostesses and the failure to do so may not be o 6452 Bartenders justified under one or the other of o 6484 Other Personal Service Occupations those sections; and 4. The employer’s name has been o 6622 Grocery Clerks and Store added to the list referred to in Shelf Stockers subsection 209.91(3) of the IRPR. o 6623 Other Elemental Sales Occupations (ie. the government blacklist).

o 6651 Security Guards and Related Occupations o 6661 Light Duty Cleaners o 6662 Specialized Cleaners o 6663 Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents o 6681 Dry Cleaning and Laundry Occupations o 6682 Ironing, Pressing and Finishing Occupations o 6683 Other Elemental Service Occupations Q3. Does this moratorium affect TFWs already in Canada or about to come to Canada?

Answer: Temporary foreign workers already in Canada who have a valid work permit issued under a Food Services Sector LMO may continue working as per their present work permit conditions.

Temporary foreign workers who have been approved for a work permit by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) but have not yet arrived in Canada will not be affected. They will remain eligible for a work permit at a port of entry, if they are otherwise admissible to Canada.

Foreign nationals who have not yet had a decision made on their work permit application will be affected.

Foreign nationals who submitted their work permit application prior to the suspension will be notified that their work permit application is suspended until a final decision is made on the LMO. Foreign nationals who apply directly at a port of entry, a visa post or inland office for a work permit after their LMO has been suspended cannot be issued a work permit based on that LMO. Q4. What is the effect of the moratorium?

Answer: ESDC will not process any new or pending LMO applications related to the Food Services Sector.

In addition, any unused positions tied to a previously approved LMO will be suspended. An unused position is a position for which a work permit has not yet been approved by CIC. This moratorium applies to occupational categories within the Food Services Sector only.

Q5. How long is the moratorium going remain in effect?

Answer: This moratorium will remain in effect until the completion of the on-going review of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

(NOTE: I recently attended the 2014 Canadian Bar Association (CBA) National Immigration Law Conference held in Calgary on May 8 to 10. Jason Kenney- the ESDC Minister, dropped by during one of the May 9 sessions and indicated that they are going to complete the review “in weeks”… so hopefully soon).

Q6. Will the employer be refunded the LMO fee, if Service Canada does not finish the processing of the LMO application?

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their present work permit. This means that they will be able to remain in Canada and continue working for the same employer that appeared on their original work Q7. What happens to a TFW permit. People in this situation will currently working with a valid work continue to have implied status until a final decision is made on their permit in an affected occupation?

Answer: Temporary foreign work permit extension application. workers who are already in Canada and have a valid work permit issued Q11. What happens to someone under a Food Services Sector LMO currently in Canada whose work may continue working under the permit for an affected occupation is conditions of their current work expiring but has yet to apply for a work permit extension? permit.

Answer: A valid LMO is required Q8. What happens to a person who to apply to renew a work permit. A wants to apply for a work permit work permit cannot be renewed on a for an occupation associated to a suspended LMO. This applies at the positive LMO in the Food Services port of entry as well.

Sector?

Answer: This individual will A person in this situation must leave not be able to get a work permit Canada when their work permit associated to that LMO at this time. expires unless they can obtain a A suspended LMO is not valid to different work authorization (eg. an support a work permit application. LMO for an occupation outside the Any unused positions tied to a Food Services Sector) or otherwise previously approved LMO will qualify for status in Canada (eg. be suspended and employers will Visitor Visa or Study Permit). not be able to fill those positions.

An unused position is a position Q12. Does the moratorium apply for which a work permit has not yet to Seasonal Agricultural Worker been approved by CIC ( ie. open or Program?

Answer: No. This moratorium in no un-named LMO). way affects the Seasonal Agricultural Foreign nationals who have not Worker Program as there are proven been approved for a work permit acute labour shortages in this

by CIC prior to presenting industry and the unused jobs are themselves at a port of entry cannot short term by definition. Further, be issued a work permit on the basis primary agriculture and processing of a suspended LMO. All LMOs sectors are also not affected. This have been suspended for new work moratorium only applies to the Food permit applications in the Food Services Sector only.

Services Sector. If the applicant did not apply prior to the suspension, I hope that the information listed they are no longer able to obtain a above have been helpful in clarifying the confusion regarding work permit at the port of entry. the moratorium. Do not lose hope…

Q9. What happens to someone and investigate your other options. outside Canada who had already You can discuss your potential applied for a work permit in an options with a licensed immigration affected occupation but has not yet consultant or a licensed lawyer. heard back a decision?

Answer: The processing of the If you are already eligible to apply work permit will be suspended until for Permanent Residency, you the review of the Temporary Foreign should submit your application Worker Program has been completed as soon as possible, before the government change any of the and the moratorium is lifted. existing policies/rules.

An individual who has not received approval for a work permit from If you are aware of any employer CIC should not make a work permit abuses, the government has provided application to CBSA at a port of a confidential tip line. You can entry. Since LMOs with unused contact Service Canada Confidential positions in the Food Services Tip Line at: Sector have been suspended, no new work permits will be issued by 1-866-602-9448 (toll-free) or email CBSA until the moratorium is lifted, integrity@servicecanada.gc.ca unless they have been previously Anonymous tips ( ie. you do not approved by CIC. have to give your name) can also Q10. What happens to someone be provided to Service Canada at: already working in Canada but 1-800-367-5693 (toll free) applied for a work permit extension in an affected occupation prior to Good luck to you all! the suspension of their LMO? Answer: The LMO will have been Legal Disclaimer: suspended; therefore the processing This news article is designed for of the work permit extension general information only. The application will also be suspended information presented in this article until a final decision on the should not be construed to be formal suspended LMO is made by ESDC. legal advice or the formation of a consultant/client relationship. Each When their original work permit individual situation is different and expires, a person in this situation people should seek proper advice on may have implied status if their their specific cases with a licensed work permit application was immigration consultant of their submitted prior to the expiry of choice.

Answer: Yes, employers who have paid the $275/person application fee but not received an LMO decision will have the fees refunded.

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May 2014

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

Aylah Rain Angeles 6th Birthday Celebration Believe it or not, Aylah's 6th birthday turned out to be a fantastic fun under the sun. BFFs, Dora, cakes, hot dogs & burgers, noodles, pi単atas and heated pools added to the merriment of a growing princess. Happy Birthday wishes, gifts and lots of hug & kisses to a wonderful girl soon turning to be a fine lady.

Congratulations to Mike & Katie and sister Aaliyah for hosting an enjoyable birthday party.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

UMAC brought Pilita Corrales to town

By Erlinda Dolly Tan

I

t was a night that you, your mother or your grand mother wouldn’t want to miss. It was an affair that connected three generations in the family through the beautiful music of Ms. Pilita Corrales, sang by the legend herself.

Tony Surtida, emcee of the night, said it best: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pride and pleasure that I introduce to you, one of the most enduring figures in the Philippine entertainment industry, an icon and legend, the beautiful and very gracious, the one and only Asia’s Queen of Songs, still amazing after all these years…. Ms. Pilita Corrales!”

And we were all star-struck when she entered the room. The celebrity that we only see on TV in the Philippines, and we only see on UMAC’s advertisement carrying a carton box, entered the room.

Many guests 60-something-orolder, waited this long to see her in person. The oldest in the room was 95 years old. They requested to be photographed beside her.

The younger ones ran to do a selfie with her.

Pilita serenaded the crowd with songs familiar to three generations in the family. She sang I will survive, And I love you so, Dahil Sayo, Besame Mucho, Usahay, If I ever sing another song, and some medley songs.

She cracked jokes in between, the room exploded in laughter every time. She’s still an entertainer, no doubt. And an enduring one. For 1.5 hours straight, she sang nonstop, no breaks, no sitting down.

Indeed, singing made Pilita, Pilita.

If you don’t check the internet, you wouldn’t guess she’s turning 75 this year. No trace of her age at all. Before coming to Edmonton, she was in Winnipeg

for a big concert. And from Edmonton, she was headed to Vancouver.

The concert-dinner held at Palabok House, started with opening songs from Jimmy Buena and Dione Dadivas, two of the Filipino community’s singing gems in Edmonton. A slideshow

of Typhoon Haiyan’s relief operations conducted by UMAC in the Philippines, was shown on the stage.

Special credit goes to UMAC Express Cargo manager, Nina Mamaril, for the awesome preparation. And to the proprietor of Palabok House, Lydia Jimenez,

for setting up the place beautiful.

It was a memorable night, thanks to UMAC for bringing a Filipino icon to town, close enough for the audience to be photographed beside her.

Something we are not privileged to do in the Philippines.

Pilita Corrales doing her signature pose while singing "I will survive."

With Pilita Corrales are Nina Mamaril, manager of UMAC Express Cargo and Lydia Jimenez, proprietor of Palabok House.

Pilita Corrales went around the room serenading the audience.

Pilita Corrales sings “And I love you so.” In the background is Jun Angeles, publisher of Filipino Journal.

Pilita Corrales, Filipino icon, sings music that connected three generations in the family.

Pilita Corrales with Alberta’s press.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

TV Filipino Canada Attended The 2014 Media Forum on Social Inclusion and Sport that regardless of colour, faith or religion, we all have a chance to succeed in Calgary not only in the professional or business field but as well as in the area of sports.

by: Jerry Caingcoy

T

he Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) successfully hosted this year’s Media Forum on Social Inclusion and Sport last April 26, 2014 held in one of CBC’s stateof-the-art studios. This event was ably organized by The City of Calgary’s Recreation Division and participated by local print and television journalists.

The 2014 Media Forum on Social Inclusion and Sport provided a venue for speakers and members of the media to discuss organized sports as a mechanism to break down social barriers and facilitate community inclusion for culturally diverse citizens.

Speakers and topics include: • Mayor Naheed Nenshi, The City of Calgary - Growing up in Calgary: A Personal Account • Harnarayan Singh, Host of Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi Drop the Tikki: A Diversity Story • Julie Booke, Associate Professor, Mount Royal University Inclusion and Sport: What the Research Tells Us

Mayor Naheed Nenshi delivering his speech.

• Ravin Moorthy, Past President, Cricket Canada - The Pitch for a Cricket Pitch • Gilmore Junio, Olympic Speedskater - Lessons from the Oval • Greg Steinraths, Manager, Sports Development, The City of Calgary - Build it and They Will Come? Calgary's Challenge Mayor Naheed Nenshi shared vividly his personal experiences growing up in Calgary as a visible minority and how he was able to break the barriers and become successful in his field. The panel of distinguished speakers also provided their individual success stories, shared their valuable insights and professional experiences on how we can make The City of Calgary a more welcoming and inclusive community. It was a day filled with inspiration and hope

Gilmore Junio: A hero, a true diversity champion Gilmore Junio, a Canadian Olympic Speedskater born to Filipino immigrant parents shared his very inspiring success story with confidence yet, he’s able to keep his humble demeanor at all times despite the prominence he has achieved. He had appeared in numerous speaking engagements to inspire the youth to be the best that they can be.

his unfathomable humility and selfless, heroic act of stepping aside to allow Denny Morrison to compete at the Sochi Winter Games 1,000-metre race and garner the silver medal for himself and most of all, for Canada.

Gilmore Junio was deeply humbled by the show of support and unending appreciation for him despite not making it to the podium at the Sochi Games.

As members of the media, we were encouraged to participate in the discussion and had the opportunities for one-on-one interviews with the speakers.

TV Filipino Canada Host, Jerry Caingcoy had the privileged of doing a one-on-one interview with Gilmore Junio. He said that he is truly proud of his Filipino ancestry. He attributes much of his success to his very supportive and dedicated Filipino parents who never gave up on him from the very start until today. He dedicates his success to every Filipino in the hope that he will be able to inspire and encourage every Filipino not only in Canada but in every corner of the world.

Gilmore Junio, is indeed a

hero, a true diversity champion.

TV Filipino Canada’s Mandate: Multiculturalism and Diversity For the last nine years, TV Filipino Canada has been invited to various events and programs that made the Filipino community actively visible to the rest of Canada. Jose Pepito Magpayo, the Executive Producer of TV Filipino Canada (TVFC) revealed that TVFC is fully committed to support any activities, programs or platforms geared towards the cultivation of multiculturalism, promotion of diversity and the preservation of the Filipino cultures and traditions in Canada.

True to the constant endeavour of the show to provide not only quality but informative, relevant and entertaining segments, TVFC dream team has grown in numbers composed of passionate and talented individuals. During the 2014 Media Forum, TV Filipino Canada was very well represented by its host, Jerry Caingcoy, Grace Bumanglag who skilfully videoed the proceedings and Delfin Bumanglag who professionally captured the event photos.

Gilmore Junio delivering his speech.

Recently, Gilmore Junio received a publicly funded commemorative medal at a special ceremony at King Edward Public School in Kitchener, Ontario after he won the hearts of every Canadian and even the international community for TV Filipino Canada Host, Jerry Caingcoy chats with Rosa Marchitelli, CBC News Anchorwoman.

Grace Bumanglag on camera covering the interview of TV Filipino Host, Jerry Caingcoy with Gilmore Junio.

Jerry Caingcoy, TV Filipino Canada Host with Gilmore Junio.

Photos by Grace Bumanglag

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May 2014

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15

Miss Philippines-Earth 2014

A Cebuana teen succeeded Miss Philippines Earth 2013 titleholder Angelee Claudett Delos Reyes of Olongapo City during the coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

She is 19-year-old Jamie Herrell of Cebu City, whose environmental advocacy is antianimal cruelty. Herrell said she has seen how some people treat animals in a wrong way, adding that animals should be treated with love or at least in a proper manner, Herrell impressed the crowd and judges alike during the question and answer portion when she said, in reply to judge Akbayan Partylist spokesperson Risa Hontiveros' question, that humans haven't been good children to Mother Earth since she believed that humans are the number one cause of Mother Earth’s problems.

The Cebuana lass bested a field of 49 candidates from different parts of the country who competed for the five major titles. The other winners are Miss Philippines Air 2014: Diane Carmela Querrer of Tanauan City, Miss Philippines Water 2014: Kim Covert of Dumaguete City, Miss Philippines Fire 2014: Bianca Paz of Gapan City, and Miss Philippines Eco Tourism 2014 Monique Manuel of Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Herrell will represent the Philippines in the international beauty pageant, Miss Earth, considered one of the world's Big Four Beauty Pageants along with Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International.

Last year's Miss Philippines Earth Angelee Delos Reyes finished in the top 8 of the Miss Earth 2013 beauty pageant.

Pacman’s Second Round in Macau!

Mercan Recruit Ltd. Mercan has successfully brought 25,000 individuals to Canada Since 1989 and assisted them in obtaining permanent residency.

The founder and President, Mr. Jerome Morgan (R415983) and TFW Recruitment and Immigration Projects Manager, Marjorie Quintos (R507150) are accredited members of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, and Ms. Valerie Marcas, Is a member of Quebec Bar, Canadian Bar Association and the Quebec Immigration Lawyers Association.

NEW CHANGES You could qualify to become a Permanent Resident...

Permanent Residency Programs:  Federal Skilled Trades Program  Federal Skilled Worker Program  Canadian Experience Class  Provincial Nominee Program Employer Services:  Recruitment and Selection  Labour Market Opinion  Work Permit Renewals  Open Work Permit/Spousal Visa  Student Visa

After defeating Timothy Bradley, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and his team are already setting the date and venue for his next fight.

According to Bob Arum, founder and CEO of Top Rank, Macau is willing to take an extra mile for Pacman’s next fight. He also said a few weeks ago that

Macau is prepared to shell out money to become the newest and hippest destination.

As of now, there’s no doubt that Arum is lining up for Pacquiao. He is also waiting for the Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado showdown.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

Honda Accord Hybrid Awarded Top Green Car for 2014 construction season in Winnipeg, line of vehicles even better. The this car would perform well in one noticeable difference, which saving on annual fuel costs. really isn’t noticeable, is the size The Honda Accord Hybrid was of the trunk. Honda has to put the named as the top Canadian Green batteries somewhere and as a result, Car for 2014 earlier this year in had to sacrifice trunk space. While Toronto at the Canadian Green Car the size of the trunk is smaller, I was Awards. The Accord Hybrid took able to use the 348 litre trunk space top honours after beating other adequately for luggage, camera gear category winners. Powering the and pasalubong.

Honda Accord Hybrid is the 2.0 The 2014 Honda Accord litre 16-valve, Atkinoson DOHC Touring Sedan has a base price of i-VTEC 4-cyclinder engine coupled $35,690. Price as tested including

by Ron Cantiveros to an electric motor that pumps a freight, AC tax is $37,485. ron@filipinojournal.com Other hybrid vehicles in combined hybrid system power of this class include the Ford Fusion 196hp.

The Honda Accord is a great Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Kia he long drive between Winnipeg and Calgary is just vehicle already. Providing a hybrid Optima Hybrid, and Hyundai Sonata over 1,300kms. Last month, option makes the Honda Accord Hybrid.

I drove a Toyota Tundra and spent approximately $300 in fuel. Driving the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid back to Winnipeg, the fuel cost for regular unleaded was approximately $125.

Even with premium unleaded gas, I would have spent an equivalent of approximately $150. Average fuel consumption over the 1,300kms long drive was approximately 6.7l per 100kms. After driving previous hybrid vehicles along that stretch, the Honda Accord Hybrid was a rockstar when it comes to fuel efficiency.

Driving the Accord through the Canadian Rockies and on the TransCanada through the prairies was enjoyable. Even with a hybrid engine, driving didn’t seem underpowered. The ride was quiet and comfortable.

While driving in Banff, Calgary and Winnipeg, I tried using every single trick in the book to use the electric engine in the city. That meant very slow acceleration on green lights, keeping my speed under 40km/hr to keep the ECO drive engaged. The Honda Accord Hybrid performed extremely well and given the start-stop traffic during Honda Accord Hybrid Touring in White Orchard Pearl in Banff National Park, Alberta.

My Ride

T

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Front driver/passenger cabin featuring white ivory leather interior.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

Horoscope You don’t usually neglect yourself, but this period reminds you to pay more attention to the small, less exciting details of daily life. Get more organized, find those misplaced documents, and eat more healthfully. This period could get rocky. Don’t get bent out of shape if someone springs a surprise bigger than yours. May is intense.

Though creative conflict still appears in your life, you might be motivated to start on an idea you’ve been mulling over for some time. Fortunately, the rest of the week provides just that.

Success happens when you take that first baby step and keep going.

Although relationships could be a bit of a challenge, there’s also plenty of sizzle showing up in your social life.

Opportunities to explore groups or move in new circles could be a revelation

You may be curious to explore options for new contracts, jobs, and work in general. With Mercury in Gemini and making some spectacular aspects this week, it’s a good time to advertise your skills and services, apply for interviews, and get things up and running in general.

You might want to invest in improving your health and overall wellness by purchasing some exercise equipment or a gym membership. Passion, jealousy, anger, and just about any other intense emotion could show up in key interactions, so mind how you go.

Conversations lead to productive encounters, collaboration, and opportunities to get involved in creative projects. This isn’t the time to make snap decisions or say anything you could regret later. The rest of the week seems delightfully upbeat, bringing encounters that inspire and delight.

You may be thinking about life’s deeper issues, as a focus on spiritual and emotional matters could encourage a period of reflection. Perhaps what you really want is for harmony and balance to pervade your everyday existence.

Opportunities for romance, business, and anything else you can think of could be there for you this week. Researching your options by surfing online could result in rich pickings intense energies could cause you to doubt your motives or someone else’s. Reflect carefully before you make any important decisions.

Your curiosity could peak, spurring creative ideas or enticing you to consider dating if you’ve been out of the loop for a while. You’re in your element now and eager to enjoy the pleasures of life. You might want to lighten your schedule around the midweek Later, social opportunities look especially encouraging, with a chance for a delightful meeting.

Business deals and career opportunities may show up, enhancing your prospects if you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. Connecting with key people, researching options, and gathering information can help you reach an important goal.

You seem to be on a roll, especially as your social life and love life are concerned. Interactions with many people can be the catalyst to some exciting things happening for you. Be willing to let your curiosity lead the way and more exciting things will come to you. Also, opportunities for romance seem particularly appealing.

Home and family matters seem positive, as upbeat transits may coincide with family get-togethers or celebrations. You might want to splurge on items for your home. A spontaneous decision to upgrade the decor could have you considering paint, carpets, or curtains. However, it also pays to monitor your spending and stick to a sensible budget. Spending without thinking could cause unnecessary anxiety later.

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1 Sisidlan 7 Gamit sa sampayan 11 Pangalan ng lalake 12 Tauhan sa Noli Me Tángere 13 Tau-tauhan 15 Opisyal-militar: daglat 16 Pangalang biblikal 17 Ibon 19 North American Interest 20 Mapilit 22 Bawal 23 _____ Reyes: Artista

PABABA 26 Gamit sa paaralan 29 La Salle 30 Boluntaryo 31 Bilang 32 Kulungin sa bisig 35 Huli ng panalangin 37 Gulay 38 Dalawang anim 39 Rehiyon sa Hilagang Luzon

1 Tinapay 2 Water park 3 Lalawigan sa Hawaii 4 Paraiso 5 Ingay sa pinto 6 Yaman 7 Pandiwa: Ingles 8 Pindot 9 Ilahok 10 Uri ng ibon 14 Kabibeng may perlas 18 Nora 20 Palayaw ng lalake

21 Damdamin 22 Kardinal ng Maynila 23 Pamamaga ng balat 24 Tila 25 Daang-bakal 26 Simbuyo 27 Bahay-ampunan 28 Lasap 30 Munting hayop 33 Maltrato 34 Sasakyang pang himpapawid ng RP 36 New Episode

Volunteer Photographers Wanted Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer & Fort McMurray

Volunteer photographers needed. Build your portfolio or use your expertise to aid the Filipino Journal by photographing special events and concerts. Must have own equipment and transportation. Photo editing skills would be helpful but not required.

The Filipino communities are growing in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer & Fort McMurray. More & more events being passed along our way, we are looking to complement our team with volunteer photographers to cover all those events.

As with any community newspaper, we focus on local events such as community gatherings, picnics, sporting events, press conferences, dinners. Some gigs can be as quick as 15-20 minutes and other can be long, painful & boring. Our goal is to find photographers that we can assign work to on any given story. The majority of the events are during the evenings and weekend.

As far as compensation is concerned, we’re offering several options and considerations: 1. promotional compensation with photo credits on all photography used in our print and online editions.

3. advertising compensation with supporting photography services ad in our print edition.

4. royalties on any photographs sold through our website (in development).

Interested photographers can submit their name and portfolio to info@FilipinoJournal.com

All photos & articles available online!

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Sisidlan 1 Tinapay Gamit sa sampayan 2 Water park Pangalan ng lalake are games of patience, 3 Lalawigan sa Hawaii Sudoku Puzzles numbers and genius! The Tauhan sa Noli Me Tángere 4 Paraiso satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the Tau-tauhan 5 Ingay sa pinto greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.

Opisyal-militar: daglat 6 Yaman Pangalang biblikal 7 Pandiwa: Ingles Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

Ibon 8 Pindot North American Interest 9 Ilahok Mapilit 10 Uri ng ibon Bawal 14 Kabibeng may perlas _____ Reyes: Artista 18 Nora Gamit sa paaralan 20 Palayaw ng lalake La Salle 21 Damdamin Boluntaryo 22 Kardinal ng Maynila Bilang 23 Pamamaga ng balat Kulungin sa bisig 24 Tila Huli ng panalangin 25 Daang-bakal Gulay 26 Simbuyo Dalawang anim 27 Bahay-ampunan Rehiyon sa Hilagang Luzon 28 Lasap 30 Munting hayop 33 Maltrato

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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.

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Daily Sudoku: Mon Solutions for 9-Dec-2013 Palaisipan

& Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

19

Facts About Philippine Independence Day

by Danilo V.

Donor ( M.A Ed. )

donordanilo@yahoo.com

Do you know that...

1. The Filipinos declared their independence a few times: a. In the Cave of Pamitinan, Montalban, Rizal on Good Friday, April 12,1895. Andres Bonifacio with a trembling hand wrote in the wall of the cave "Long Live Philippine Independence!" and

signed by the Katipuneros present; b. In Caloocan on August 23-26, 1896 when Andres Bonifacio and those present in the meeting, tore their "cedulas" and shouted "Long Live Philippne Independence!", It’s a viva voce declaration coupled with action, revolution as means of separation from Spain.

(Note: I wrote August 23-26,1896, because there were series of meetings, Katipuneros came and a group was formed, meetings were held, and same procedure, tearing of resident certificates and shouting “Long live Philippine Independence!” That’s only my theory.) c. June 12,1898 - in Kawit ,Cavite under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the official date of independence, which was observed since 1961. d. October 14,1943 - at the Luneta, -under the Japanese rule, flag hoisted by Ex Pres, Emilio

Aguinaldo and Ex-Gen. Artemio Ricarte.

Aguinaldo as amember of the Council of State and Ricarte as a Honorary Japanese Shogun (Warlord). e. July 4, 1946- at the same place – “U.S. recognized the independence of the Philippines" - Official independence day until 1961.

Agoncillo,assisted by her eldest daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa, Rizal's niece. b. The playing of the national anthem "Marcha Nacional Filipina"

by Julian Felipe.

4. That the Declaration of Independence, happend under the Dictatorial Government, (May 24-June 23,1898) headed by the 2. The proclamation of Philippine Dictator Emilio Aguinaldo .

Independence of June 1, 1898, was given the title "Acta de la 5. Apolinario Mabini, who replaced Proclamacion de la Independencia Rianzares Bautista as Aguinaldo's del Pueblo Filipino", and the chief adviser, considered the public original is written in Spanish declaration of independence as language. It was read by Ambrosio both "premature and imprudent", Ranzares Bautista, Aguinaldo's because: (a) it lack civil chief adviser , and its author. participation and was exclusively the work of military men; (b) The 3. Other historical events that Filipinos exposed to the Americans their real motive in fighting Spainhappend on June 12,1898; a. The raising of the Filipino independence, not as ally of the Flag fashioned by Marcela Americans in their war against

Spain. Hence, US may hesitate to arm Aguinaldo's army.

6. Because of the view of the majority, Mabini then drafted a new document ratifying the declaration of Independence and was signed by chiefs of liberated towns assembled in Bacoor, Cavite on August 1,1898. More than 200 chiefs of the town signed the ratification document drafted by Mabini.

Refrences: Teodoro A. Agoncillo, "Malolos: The Crisis of the Republic", Quezon City. 1998 Cesar A. Majul, "Mabini and the Philippine revolution" .Quezon City.1960 June 12, 1898 and Other Related Documents". Manila.1998 Alfredo Saulo. "EmilioAguinaldo".

Quezon city.1995

Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor awards firefighters with Exemplary Service Medals Filed by Jose “Pepito”Magpayo

Today, the Calgary Fire Department had the honour of assisting the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Minister Municipal Affairs and the Alberta Office of the Fire Commissioner in recognizing more than 65 firefighters from across southern Alberta for their exemplary commitment to the fire service.

“The Exemplary Service Medal acknowledges Alberta

firefighters for their outstanding contribution to public safety,” said Greg Weadick, Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Alberta is fortunate to have a dedicated group of individuals who stand on guard to protect our communities and our province.”

Of the 67 invited honourees from southern Alberta, eleven are from the Calgary Fire Department.

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The ceremony, one of two in the province, is held annually to award both full-time and volunteer firefighters from across southern Alberta for 20 years of exemplary service.

“Firefighting requires bravery, dedication, hard work and an unwavering commitment to the safety of those you serve,” said Fire Chief Bruce Burrell. “Above

and beyond these characteristics, the Exemplary Service Medals require good conduct, industry and efficiency. This is a medal that truly symbolizes exceptional service to our country, one that firefighters should be proud of.”

The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medals were established in 1985 by Her Majesty The Queen.

The silver medal is embossed with

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a Maltese cross, crossed axes, and a fire hydrant against a maple leaf background and is held by a gold and red ribbon.

For more information on the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medals please visitwww.ofc. alberta.ca/fire-services-servicemedal. For more information on the Calgary Fire Department, please visit www.calgary.ca/fire.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

2014 Property tax bills Airport Trail Tunnel Celebrates Opening Filed by Jose “Pepito”Magpayo

Tax bills for approximately 460,000 residential (houses, condos and apartment buildings) and non-residential properties (commercial sites and industrial land) were mailed today. Next week all property owners should receive their property tax bill in the mail. Property owners who have not received their property tax bill by the first week of June should contact 311 to obtain a copy of their bill.

Property taxes are due Friday, June 30. A 7% penalty will be applied to any unpaid portion of property taxes on July 1 and October 1. Further penalties of one per cent will be added to any portion remaining unpaid after December 31.

The deadline does not apply to property owners who pay monthly through The City’s Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP). More than 242,000 property owners pay their taxes monthly through TIPP. Property owners can join TIPP at any time by calling 311 to request an application or visiting the Web site at www.calgary.ca/propertytax.

Filed by Jose “Pepito”Magpayo

Help is available to assist eligible low-income homeowners who meet income guidelines and eligibility criteria, regardless of age. The 2014 Property Tax Assistance program will accept applications to the program starting on June 1.

Property taxes are an essential source of The City’s overall revenue necessary to help fund local services including: • Police and emergency services • Public transit, roads, street cleaning and road maintenance • Care and maintenance of parks, pathways and playgrounds • Bylaw enforcement • Land use planning • Garbage collection service provided to households on a weekly basis • Environmental promotion and protection • Contributions to operating costs of cultural and recreational facilities, including the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, EPCOR Centre for Performing Arts, TELUS World of Science, Calgary Economic Development, libraries and Cityowned pools, arenas, art centres, fitness facilities and sports fields.

The City of Calgary celebrated the completion of the Airport Trail tunnel with a public opening event to recognize the hard work, commitment and cooperation of many people who delivered this piece of vital infrastructure one time and on budget.

The six-lane Airport Trail tunnel under the new runway at the Calgary International Airport officially opened to traffic at 5:00 am last May 25.

“We have lots to celebrate today,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “The Airport Trail tunnel is a critical piece of infrastructure that will connect people, goods, and services locally, regionally, and globally. It serves as a vital eastwest corridor for Calgary that will benefit all Calgarians. And, let’s not forget, this major project has come in on time and on budget.”

Councillor Jim Stevenson, whose Ward 3 encompasses the tunnel, is looking forward to the positive impact this project will have on the development of businesses and residential communities in north-central and northeast Calgary.

“The Airport Trail tunnel provides an alternate route to-andfrom the airport and will serve as an important east-west connection on opening day. Ultimately, it will link Stony Trail East all the way to Centre Street between Deerfoot Trail and ultimately Stoney Trail.”

Other speakers at the Opening event were Dr. Neil Brown, MLA for Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill and Calgary Airport Authority Board Chair, David Swanson.

The City has worked closely with the Airport Authority during the construction of the tunnel and the Authority’s runway development project. This cooperation enabled The City to meet the critical milestone dates needed by the Airport Authority to continue its runway expansion program without delay.

Mac Logan, General Manager of The City’s Transportation Department, was pleased with the tremendous working relationships that were development by so many groups and companies.

“The project managers and work crews have done an outstanding job in completing this

Council Priorities approved for 2015 - 2018 Filed by Jose “Pepito”Magpayo

Late in the evening on Monday, May 6, Calgary City Council approved Council Priorities which will provide the necessary direction to administration to build their 2015 – 2018 business plans and budgets, Action Plan 2015 - 2018. Additionally, Council set indicative rates and fees for taxes, Utilities, Drainage and Waste & Recycling Services. The recovery rates for user fees were also approved.

Council Priorities for 2015 – 2018 are very closely aligned to the top priority areas identified in the Action Plan citizen engagement in March. Council Priorities encompass five key themes: • A prosperous city – Calgary continues to grow as a magnet for talent, a place where there is opportunity for all, and the best place in Canada to start and grow a business.

• A city of inspiring neighbourhoods – Every Calgarian lives in a safe, mixed and just neighbourhood, and has the opportunity to participate in civic life.

• A city that moves – People and goods can move well and safely throughout the city, using a variety of convenient, affordable, accessible and efficient transportation choices.

• A healthy and green city – We steward our air, land and water while encouraging healthy lifestyles for all Calgarians.

• A well-run city – Calgary’s government is open, responsive,

accountable and transparent, delivering excellent services at a fair price. We work with our government partners to ensure we have the tools we need.

Council reviewed many inputs before setting Council Priorities including: global, national and local trends, such City strategic plans and guiding documents as Imagine!

Calgary, the Municipal Development Plan and Calgary Transportation Plan, along with The City’s long-range financial plan, economic indicators and, of course, citizen engagement.

Council Priorities are set to help guide each department as they create their business plans and budgets for the next four years. They define four-year priorities to ensure that City departments work together to achieve the right balance in quality public services while keeping tax rates affordable.

City staff will now use Council Priorities, along with other inputs including the indicative rates and fees, citizen engagement, trends, economic indicators and the needs of day to day operations, to draft their business unit and departmental business plans and budgets. Minutes, and therefore, Council Priorities and indicative rates and fees, from yesterday’s Special Strategic Planning Meeting of Council are unconfirmed until the Council meeting on May 10, 2014.

A high level summary of these draft plans will be presented by each department at five respective Standing

Policy Committee meetings in September. Citizens and stakeholders will have opportunities to provide comments and thoughts on the consolidated draftAction Plan 20152018 in mid-November. There will be a final opportunity for citizens and stakeholders to appear and present at Council’s Public Hearing at the beginning of business plan and budget debates which start November 24, 2014.

Council also set indicative rates and fees for Action Plan 2015 – 2018.

These rates and fees, together with Council Priorities, ensure departments now have the direction necessary to prepare the business plans and budgets, which will be presented to Council for deliberation in November. These rates and fees are indicative only, and final rates and fees will be set during Council’s deliberation of Action Plan 2015 – 2018 fromNovember 24 to December 5, 2014.

Council sets indicative property tax rate of 4.7% for 2015 - 2018 Property taxes pay for services Calgarians use everyday including police, fire, transit, roads and pathways, parks, recreation, 311, garbage collection and many other services. Approximately 60% of your property tax goes to The City of Calgary. The other 40% goes directly to the Province.

Property taxes, including residential, non-residential and business, currently accounts for 42%

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of The City’s overall revenues. In 2014, the typical Calgary household will pay $134 per month on their property taxes based on a median single residential property assessed at $430,000.

For Action Plan, this indicative rate means the median household would see a monthly property tax increase of $6.30 in 2015, $6.60 in 2016, $6.90 in 2017 and $7.25 in 2018, if the indicative rates are approved in November during Council deliberations.

Council sets indicative rates for water, wastewater and drainage The water utility is facing upward pressures on rates to keep pace with a growing city, meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, and maintain assets. Essential water infrastructure investments are required to protect public health and continue to provide high quality services to meet the growing needs of Calgary. For example Calgary’s largest wastewater treatment plant is approaching capacity and needs to be expanded in order to meet future population growth. The expansion is significant and requires an investment of about $700 million.

If approved by Council in November, the average household monthly bill for water and wastewater service would increase by $6.95 in 2015. Drainage rates are also increasing to improve drainage service

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complex project and in meeting the many tight deadlines over the past three years.”

City Council approved the construction of the project in February 2011. Excavation on the tunnel began in July 2011 and over 600,000 cubic metres of earth and rock was removed from the site.

The concrete pour of the first of 50 sections of tunnel walls and roof took place in February 2012 and the last section was completed in October. A total of 58,000 cubic metres of concrete was poured during construction.

This project included extending Airport Trail from Barlow Trail to 36 Street N.E. as a six-lane roadway, and widening Airport Trail between Deerfoot Trail and Barlow Trail from four to six lanes. Most of the work on the roadways was done in 2013.

The overall budget for this project was $294.8 million.

Onward/The City is strategically building up its road network to make travelling easier while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

in older communities that experience flooding during extreme rainfall events and to maintain high quality drainage service for all. The average monthly drainage increase is $1.66 per month per household in 2015.

Despite the increases, Calgarians still pay less than a cent a litre for water.

The City of Calgary would like to remind customers, that when it comes to water you pay for what you use. Many Calgarians have already saved water and money by adopting simple water conservation actions like: 1) using rain barrels, 2) ensuring they have a water meter, and 3) fixing leaks. For example, finding and fixing one leaky toilet can save a household over $100 in a year.

Council sets indicative rates for Waste & Recycling Services Council also set indicative rates for Waste & Recycling Services.

This included a $6.50 monthly fee for Green Cart composting service which is scheduled to start in 2017.

The Green Cart composting program builds on the success of the pilot program which has seen participants reduce garbage by 40%. Material that would have been buried in the landfills is now being turned into useful compost. Green cart fees will only start when the service is launched in 2017. Other indicative rates that were set include an inflationary increase to Blue Cart Recycling monthly household fee by $0.20 in 2015. The waste management charge will not increase.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

by Gem & Lita Anis

Copenhagen, world's most liveable city

I

n Copenhagen, Denmark you'll never run out of places to discover and explore quickly and safely. It is a city for everyone!

A quality of life survey conducted by the British lifestyle magazine, the Monocle, declared Copenhagen as the "world's most liveable city".

In the heart of the metropolis is one of Copenhagen's greatest attractions receiving some 5,000,000 visitors a year, the Tivoli Gardens, the first carbon-neutral theme and amusement park in the universe (by powering the park with an offshore turbine). Founded in 1843, the 21-acre magical park quite popular with the young and old alike, is beautifully landscaped with fountains, flower beds and shady trees and has many cafes and restaurants. The park is best known for its wooden roller coaster and the world's tallest carousel, the Star Flyer. Also inside the garderns are the stately Nimb Palace with its Moorish-style facade sporting magnificent towers and minarets, the Chinese Tower, Glass House Tower, the Concert Hall for live music, the Pantomime Theatre (Plaenen), and the Tivoli Castle.

A short walking distance from Tivoli Gardens is Stroget, the longest pedestrian (car-free zone) street in Europe most famous for shopping from H & M, Vero Moda or Zara to big international brand like Mulberry, Max Mara, Louis

Vuitton, Prada, or Gucci.

Definitely worth a visit if you are looking for a unique experience or something different off the beaten path is the "Freetown of Christiania" located on the eastern side of Christianshavn borough. "Christiania" is a selfproclaimed autonomous residential neighbourhood of about 1,000 residents similar to a large commune established in 1971 regulated by a special law. It has its own administrator, its own local rules and currency, its own flag, and means of transport. In reality, it is a city within a city. The place used to be an abandoned military barracks.

No cars are allowed in its narrow streets with a few cafes and areas to sit and eat, homemade houses and buildings. Most walls are covered with art and graffiti. You seem to be completely in a different world! The scent of cannabis is in the air when you walk through the famous Pusher Street, its Green Light district, where you can buy from stands hash and marijuana but hard drugs are illegal.Taking photographs is strictly prohibited and no running (except for dogs), no rocket badges, no weapons, and no violence.

However, the most famous landmark and a "must-see" in Copenhagen is the iconic bronze statue of the "Little Mermaid" gracefully sitting on a rock since

Gem & Lita with the Little Mermaid

1913 (she turns 100 years old last 23 August 2013) by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade and pondering over the humans to whom she dreamt of belonging.

The Statue of the Little Mermaid, a gift to the Danish capital by the charitable beer brewer, Carl Jacobsen of the famous Calsberg Breweries and created by artistsculptor Edvard Eriksen, is to Copenhagen what the Statue of Liberty is to New York or the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or Manneken Pis is to Brussels or Big Ben to London! The story of the Little Mermaid is based on the writer Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, a sad story of the mermaid who sacrifised her own happiness to save a prince from drowning and falls in love with him. The statue, 4.1 ft. in height, is half human and half fish with her bare breasts and fish tail.

There is no other place on earth where cycling is a dominating feature of the cityscape than in Copenhagen. Officially, Copenhagen is voted as "the first best city in the world for cyclists". The Copenhageners who considered themselves as "modest, good-natured, hardworking, and peaceful" cycle a total of 1.2 million kms. everyday along the 390 kms. of designated bike lanes. About 40% of the capital's population of

Freetown of Christiania

1,967,727 commute to work by bicycle everyday! As a tourist you can explore central Copenhagen by city bike almost for free - all you need is 20 krone (1 krone = O.21 $CAD) and you'll have your own bike with a built-in map for

Tivoli Gardens

Top City for Cyclists

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sightseeing. Once you're done all you have to do is return the bike by leaving it at one of the stands to get your money back. Awesome!

This concludes our tour of the wonderful city of Copenhagen!

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2014

Parents, Respect Your Children

M

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

(On Familial Relationships)

ay kasabihang, “Dapat palaging igalang ang matatanda.” Hindi ako buong-buong pabor d’yan. Bakit kamo? Aba, hindi porke matanda e dapat na agad igalang. Bagama’t natural sa isang tao na igalang o isaalang-alang ang kapakanan o damdamin ng nakatatanda sa kanya, marami rin namang matatanda na bastos o di kaya e palaging ipinipilit ang kanilang gusto kahit labis na ito o kahit hindi na ito tama.

Malaking halimbawa e yung mga magulang na sarado ang pag-iisip sa nais o desisyon ng kanilang mga anak. Imbes na bigyan lang ng paalala o gabay e pilit na kinokontrol ang buhay ng kanilang mga anak o kaya naman e palagi na lang negatibo ang nakikita at di makayang purihin ang mga naabot o nakamit ng kanilang mga anak. Kadalasan pa e isusumbat sa anak pati ang pagpapalaki at pagpapaaral ditto samantalang obligasyon naman talaga

ng magulang na isulong ang kanilang mga anak. Kung maligaw man ito ng landas, walang unang tutulong o sasalo dapat dito kundi sila ring mga magulang.

Oo, marami rin namaing pagkakataon na nadadapa ang isang anak, pero bilang magulang e dapat handa ang isang ina o ama na intindihin at mahalin ang anak sa kabila ng mga pagkukulang nito. Higit sa lahat, ang magulang ang dapat na unang poprotekta sa kanyang anak imbes na maglalagay rito sa alanganin o ipagkakalat sa iba ang mga kahinaan nito.

Familial Bond Is the Strongest The strongest emotional bond should be that between parents and their children. That's why I feel sad and disappointed whenever I see or hear of parents who break the hearts of their own children; or the other way around, children who break the hearts of their parents.

But then again, the dynamics of familial relationships is powered by various factors. They could be really complicated. But in spite of this, family members should learn how to practice mutual respect amidst disagreements.

I'm just glad that I came from a family who, despite having had disagreements and arguments about certain issues, continue to maintain a good level of love, concern, and respect for one another. And this same interpersonal dynamics is what I have been applying to my own family. Of course, there would be disagreements, arguments, clashes of decisions; but we need to maintain a reasonable degree of love, concern, respect, and support for each other's individuality and personal choices and preferences.

Malamang e maraming aangal sa artikulo kong ito, sasabihing ang anak ang dapat na umintindi sa magulang.

Pero gasgas na ang isyu na ’yan.

Karaniwang maririnig e kesyo igalang ang magulang; igalang ang matatanda; pero bibihira ang kariringgan mo ng sentimyentong igalang din dapat ang mga anak; igalang ang desisyon at indibidwalidad ng bawat kabataan.

Kaya naisipan kong isulong naman ang karapatan ng mga nakababata na igalang din sila.

Sa Madaling Salita Bigayan lang yan. Kung gusto ng magulang na igalang siya ng kanyang mga anak nang bukal sa puso, dapat e matuto rin silang respetuhin ang diskarte at mga desisyon ng kanilang mga anak, lalo na kung wala namiang ginagawang karumal-dumal na mga gawain ang mga ito. Natural lang na madapa ang bawat tao, pero hindi ito dahilan para tratuhin na itong parang trapo—lalo na kung ito ay iyong kadugo.

Or, in Simple Words Familial relationship is not only about respecting the elderly; it involves also respecting the young. Or better yet, it’s about respecting each other in equal measures.

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May 2014

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May 2014