Filipino Journal Alberta Edition May 2015

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Volume 7, Number 5 • May 2015

Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Jose Pepito G. Magpayo Awarded Most Outstanding U.E. Alumnus

PNoy’s Canadian Visit

Rachel Notley takes oath as Alberta’s Premier

Page 8 ► Premier Rachel Notley taking her oath as Alberta's 17th premier.

Pages 4,18 ► President Aquino enjoying a Canadian kelesa ride in Ottawa.Philippines' President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino arrived on May 7 for a 3-day state visit to Canada. President Aquino arrived in style for an official welcoming ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Photo by Chris Wattie | Reuters.

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May 2015

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PNoy’s Canadian Visit Philippine President, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III concluded his three-day state visit to Canada which included stops in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. The highly productive visit to Canada was President Aquino’s first to Canada and the first by a Filipino president since 1997. Prime Minister Harper and President Aquino welcomed a number of key initiatives that will deepen the strong Canada-Philippines bilateral relationship.

In the area of commerce, the two countries launched exploratory discussions towards a free trade agreement and agreed to work towards upgrading the existing Foreign Investment Promotion and

Protection Agreement. Canada sees increased engagement with the Asia-Pacific region, and with the Philippines, as a priority for Canada’s economic growth.

The leaders also welcomed the signing of an important framework on mutual accountability for development cooperation that outlines the commitments of both governments to work together toward reducing poverty in the Philippines. As well, a number of projects were announced that will continue to help the Philippines recover from Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda).

In addition, the leaders held in-depth discussions on regional and global security challenges.

The Prime Minister announced Canadian support to a number of initiatives aimed at improving maritime security, countering terrorism in the Asia- Pacific region, and supporting the President’s Bangsamoro Peace Process.

The two leaders also participated in a cultural event where they met with members of Canada’s vibrant Filipino community. At this event, Prime Minister Harper paid tribute to the tremendous contributions this community continues to make to Canada, and the importance of the strong people-to-people ties to the Canada-Philippines bilateral partnership.

Justin Trudeau and Liberal MPs meet with Aquino President Aquino met with Liberal Party leader, Justin Trudeau during his visit in Ottawa.

Justin Trudeau on his meeting with the President of the Philippines. More than 700,000 Canadians tracing their heritage to the Philippines, our countries share strong and enduring cultural

links. I have been fortunate to attend many events with FilipinoCanadians, and I always admire their warmth, their ingenuity, and their strong family bonds.

We are extremely proud that Filipinos have chosen to come to Canada, share their culture and traditions, and embrace the

uniquely Canadian view of liberty through inclusive diversity.

Canada is stronger not in spite of its differences, but precisely because of them.

“I look forward to continued deepening ties with the FilipinoCanadian community, and between our two countries.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with Benigno Aquino III, President of the Philippines, in his Centre Block office on Parliament Hill. Photos by Deb Ransom and Jason Ransom | PMO

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Benigno Aquino III, President of the Philippines, walk down the Hall of Honour in Centre Block on Parliament Hill.

The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and Liberal MPs John McKay and Kevin Lamoureux meet with the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, in Toronto

Ronald Cantiveros

Publisher/Chief Operating Officer VP-Business Development Managing Editor

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually

aLfie vera mella Associate Editor

Webco Leduc

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

A Division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Leduc, AB Printer

Jose (Jun) Angeles, Jr.

Official Photographer

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

Jose “Pepito” Magpayo Associate Editor/Marketing afjcalgary@shaw.ca (403) 264-5605

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

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

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

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Kris Aquino and LBC team up to connect overseas Filipinos “As an endorser, I always make sure that the brand I partner with is trustworthy,” Aquino said. “Every time I have a very important package or document I need delivered, I use LBC. I really trust them.”

LBC Express, Inc., the leading courier service, logistics, and money remittance provider in the Philippines, teams up with the Queen of all Media, Kris Aquino, to better help connect overseas Filipinos and their loved ones back home.

Aquino was launched as LBC’s first celebrity brand endorser on May 20, 2015 at the Green Sun in Makati.

LBC executives, celebrities, and guests from the media were treated to tailor-made cocktails and Filipino fusion food representing the countries where LBC is present.

“As a brand endorser, I always make sure that the brand I partner with is trustworthy,” Aquino said.

“Every time I have a very important package or document I need delivered, I use LBC. I really trust them.”

Javier Mantecon, LBC’s Chief Marketing Officer, added, “We are honored that someone as trusted as Kris Aquino has joined our family as we bridge the lives of Filipinos all over the world. Kris is an obvious choice to be our first brand endorser because she has a global influence just as wide as LBC’s global presence. Kris endorsing the brand means she absolutely trusts LBC. We are honored by her confidence in LBC for all her delivery needs; and this only means that we’re doing our job well.”

LBC’s global family at The Eye’s 360-degree panoramic screen. KaLBCs from as far as Italy, United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America greeted and interacted with LBC’s new brand endorser.

“I was so surprised that even the staff from abroad made an effort to welcome me to the family,” Aquino said. “It’s this sense of family that makes me excited to team up with LBC.” This sense of Filipino hospitality extends to how the company treats its customers and partners. Customers are attended to with utmost respect, and associates are helpful in explaining the

The launch event’s title, “From LBC, To The World, With Love,” suits both LBC and Aquino. Since the 1950’s, LBC has established itself as the overseas Filipino’s bridge to their loved ones in the Philippines. To date, the courier service has more than 4,400 branches, partners and agents in over 20 countries. Like LBC, Kris Aquino is a personality trusted by Filipinos across the world.

During the event, Kris Aquino was warmly welcomed by

Jam for a Cause Society Raises Funds for Stollery Children's Hospital Another charitable event by Jam for a Cause Society helped the Stollery Children's Hospital raised funds for its ongoing projects. Ten local Filipino bands displayed their musical talents last May 9, 2015. Congratulations to the society for its noble endeavours.

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5 courier’s various offerings like courier and cargo delivery, money remittances and bills payment.

LBC’s understanding of the “padama” behind every “padala” has made it the favorite logistics and courier service of over 2.3 million Filipinos around the world.

“We move lives, business, communities,” Mantecon shared.

“But most importantly, we move love.”

With the partnership between LBC and Kris Aquino, more and more Filipinos will feel the “padama” in every “padala” from their relatives abroad, no matter the distance.

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May 2015

The Rohingya tribe and The Good Samaritan

A maple-coated Filipino Heart

by Erlinda

Dolly Tan

erlindatan@yahoo.com

“We are a poor country, with scant resources for our own people, but we have never been known as less than compassionate. We took in thousands of Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s and 1980s and gave them a peaceful haven. Our wartime government under President Manuel Quezon saved thousands of Jews from persecution and certain death. The shocking, heartbreaking images of the Rohingya at sea are something we cannot ignore, even as our neighbors choose to look the other way. Welcoming a brutalized, traumatized people to our shores is the right thing to do. It’s the Filipino way.

For all our faults, we are a kind people.

Let us stay that way.”

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer Editorial, May 21, 2015 They were part of CBC’s headlines for few days. They made it to world news. Pictures and footages of them cramped inside a boat floating at sea, were haunting to behold. The image of malnourished people begging for food, begging for entry, lingered in my mind for few days. Many of them

Some escaped from the camp and sailed in the ocean. Where they got the boat, only heaven knows. They must have sold their soul to acquire boats.

They sailed to neighboring countries Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia but – were turned down. No country was giving them entry. They begged and cried, the pictures of men kneeling down in tears asking for entry, will shake your soul. Some boats floated for three months in the open sea, some had to drink their own urine to survive.

Many died. (I prefer not to elaborate, I feel it’s too much to write down.)

They sailed farther and reached were children. They were so thin that 1800s. They comprise about 800,000 the Philippines – the nation least you can see the bones on their bodies. people to a million. expected to accept them for some valid In the last few years, they have reasons. Among others, the religious They are the Rohingya people of Myanmar, formerly Burma. They are been fleeing Myanmar to neighboring differences. The Philippines is about a minority Muslim group living in a countries due to persecution and 90% Christians. Proximity-wise, we small part at the edge of the country. suffering brought about by Buddhist are the farthest to Myanmar. And Think about Sulu or Catanduanes, they extremists. Reports say they have been economically, we are not rich, we need are that isolated. Worst, they are not evicted from their lands and attacked help ourselves. Being from Tacloban, allowed to leave their assigned state, by military. They would pay big sum I am aware some of typhoon Yolanda’s they are not allowed to travel to other of money to human traffickers to victims are still homeless today. towns. relocate them to other countries, but The first report said, our They have been deprived, many didn’t make it, they died along government was pushing the Rohingya discriminated, abandoned and abused. the way or were killed before they away. I was bothered reading this. I Despite being residents of Myanmar could get out of the country. knew taking them in doesn’t make for centuries, the government doesn’t Some Rohingyas live in sense. But rejecting them doesn’t sound recognize them as citizens or an ethnic government camps that reporters call right too. It felt very un-Filipino. Next group. They are considered illegal “modern-day concentration camps.” day the story changed, there was just a settlers even if their great grandparents They live in deplorable conditions – no misunderstanding, our government was were born in Myanmar. They have no schools, no hospitals, no pharmacy – opening our port to give them shelter. I right to vote in elections. people are dying of ordinary illness. took a sigh of relief. But really, I was Myanmar government claims they Myanmar is 90% Buddhist. They not surprised. It was what I expected, are from Bangladesh thus, they should are scared the Rohingya Muslims will what you expected. be deported. But Bangladesh doesn’t destroy their religion and take over.

That week we made it to count them as part of their nationality. But isn’t this ridiculous? How can international news as the only country In short, they are stateless, they have 10% who has literally nothing but the in Southeast Asia who offered refuge no identities and no documents to air to breath, destroy them? Is this to desperate dying migrants when the prove who they are. Some scholars say really about religion? Isn’t this a crime whole neighborhood had shut their they are a tribe called Bengalis from to humanity? ports. We received flattering comments Bangladesh, their ancestors migrated from the international community. to Burma during the British Rule in the A ripple effect Something we are not used to. What

Mass Marketing Scams Alert Filed by Jose Pepito G. Magpayo

T

he Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit is alerting the public to a growing trend of mass marketing frauds.

The top three frauds that investigators are seeing involve loan scams, on-line rental scams, and immigration or Canada Revenue Agency scams.

Loan Scams Scammers operate on-line “loan companies” and may include appealing interest rates as low as three per cent.

The victims are asked to pay an initial fee that can range from a few hundred dollars, to thousands. The most common advanced fee range is between $2,000 to $5,000, while the highest amount paid by a victim was $30,000. The fraudsters may also demand banking or personal information in addition to an advanced fee.

Culprits use phone numbers of 1-800 or 1-888 as well as telephone

number spoofing devices that allow them to mimic local area codes.

The company names most often used by these groups are “Loan Shark Industries” or “Capital Finance.”

On-line Rental Scams Offenders in these cases most often hijack legitimate rental properties advertised on local websites. When an interested renter contacts them to view the property, they will make excuses as to why the property can’t be seen in person. They often demand cash deposits before disappearing with the victim’s money.

Culprits of this scam will often seek out those attempting to find accommodations from outside of the province and will request the renter transfer the deposit through Canada Post Moneygram. Again, the money and the rental disappear.

Immigration/Canada Revenue Agency Scams

These types of scams are almost exclusively done via telephone calls to the victim’s home phone, however they have also occurred via email. During phone solicitations, the offenders demand to stay on the line with the victim, claiming they work for Canada Citizenship and Immigration, or the Canada Revenue Agency.

The culprits often make threats that un-paid fees, or taxes, will result in the victim going to jail or being deported if the fees are not paid. The victim is then directed to pay the purported fees through e-transfer, money wire transfer or the purchase of pre-paid gift cards, which they are directed to mail to a specific address.

Citizens can help protect themselves using the following practices: • Do not feel pressure to respond to a request until you have a chance to verify the story.

• Never transfer money, or give out credit card or other financial information, until you can verify the person’s identity and the story, and

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determine whether it is legitimate.

• Ask for call back numbers in order to confirm the legitimacy of any call you receive.

• Don’t believe what you see. Business logos, websites and email addresses can easily be duplicated to look legitimate.

• Watch for poor grammar and spelling.

• Contact the business directly to legitimize the communication before you take any action. Search online to get contact information from an official source.

• Hover your mouse over links to check their true destination. If the URL doesn’t match the link, or seems suspicious, don’t click on it.

• Be wary of unexpected emails that contain links or attachments from unknown senders.

• Update your computer’s anti-virus software.

• Ignore calls for immediate action or messages that create a sense of urgency.

• Beware of Phishing emails posing as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requesting personal information, or links within an email re-directing

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we are used to is begging for help after an earthquake, flood or super typhoons.

As a result of our gesture, other countries reconsidered and opened their ports too. We started a ripple with a beautiful effect. We saved lives.

The Good Samaritan We know the Rohingya’s plight is not over, but it is good to know that they are not floating at sea anymore.

Just one typhoon, they would have been eaten by the deep blue sea.

You don’t have to look that far to find a concrete example of The Good Samaritan in the Bible. But actually this is not the first time we have done this. In the 1970s we took in some war refugees from Vietnam who were also called “boat people.” We sheltered and fed them. In fact long before that, during World War II, we took in some Jews who fled persecution from the Nazis in Germany. More than a thousand of them. To summarize, we took in Vietnamese Buddhists, Jews from Germany and now Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. To us, this is not about religion, this is about compassion, this is what our teachers taught us in school. We call this values.

We are not a great country. We have stories of glaring corruption.

We have hold-uppers and snatchers plying big cities. We have garbage left on the road. We have homeless sleeping under the bridge. But from time to time, we also have something to be proud of. This is one of those.

The day we opened our door to the Rohingya people was a day I was proud to be Filipino. That day, nothing was as fitting as this quote: “I learned to give not because I have too much, but because I know how it feels to have nothing.”

to a fraudulent website that appears to represent the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The CRA does not email Canadians and request personal information.

• Is the price realistic for the property, number of bedrooms, location and amenities provided? If the price is too good to be true, it likely is.

• Beware of landlords that say they are out of the country but require a deposit, or landlords and property managers that are unwilling to meet in person.

• Take steps to verify that the advertiser is the property manager or is authorized to rent the property.

• Never provide personal information such as SIN, bank account information or credit card numbers.

• Never submit a deposit without a careful inspection of the property or rental advertised.

• Ask the neighbours about the property owner and history of the property.

• Avoid cash deposits or payments as they are untraceable.

May 2015

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

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May 2015

Rachel Notley takes oath as Alberta’s Premier

by Erlinda Tan

I

n what was called an unprecedented celebration, Rachel Notley took her oath as Alberta’s 17th Premier on May 24, 2015 outside of the Legislature Building in Edmonton. Albertans have never seen anything like it before, the former premiers took their oaths in private gatherings inside the building.

Premier Notley opened the celebration to the public by taking her oath at the steps of the Legislature Building on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The historic event was scheduled at 2 o’clock in the afternoon but as early as 1 o’clock, the place was already filled with people who wanted to be part of Alberta’s history unfold.

The cheers from the crowd was unstoppable, supporters were chanting “Rachel! Rachel!”

Notley became Alberta’s premier after the New Democratic Party (NDP) won landslide in a provincial election held on May 5th. The NDP won 53 ridings to form a majority government, the Wildrose Party won 21 seats and became the province’s official

opposition, while the Progressive Conservatives (PC) won only 10 seats. The Liberals and the Alberta Party won one seat each.

The NDP ended 44 years of PC rule in Alberta. PC’s leader Jim Prentice won in his own riding but resigned shortly after the election, as a consequence of his party’s stunning defeat.

Alberta was traditionally Canada’s strongest conservative province but over-staying in power created discontentment and dismay to the voters, many PC loyalists crossed parties long before the election.

Early polls already indicated that the PC was in big trouble. The shift in momentum was unstoppable, voters picked NDP regardless who the leader was in their own riding.

The charismatic Rachel Notley, before she became Premier, was a labour lawyer. She graduated Political Science in University of Alberta and obtained a law degree in Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. She worked in Vancouver at the Health Sciences Association as their Occupational Health and Safety Officer. She acted as a

representative of the provincial labour movement in the negotiation and drafting of new workplace health and safety standards. She was also active in many social civic organizations in Vancouver.

She returned to Edmonton in 2002. She was again involved in many community events and in 2008, she ran in the election and won as MLA for EdmontonStrathcona. She was reelected in 2012 with the highest votes in the whole province. On October 18, 2014, Notley won the leadership of Alberta's New Democratic Party with 70% votes.

During her oath taking at the Legislature grounds as premier, Notley said at the end of her speech: “My friends, it is springtime in Alberta and a fresh wind is blowing. To harness its potential, the hard work begins today.”

From the staff of Alberta Filipino Journal, we wish Premier Notley and the newly elected MLAs a warm congratulations and best wishes as they embark on their roles as public servants of the province! May God bless Alberta!

Dolly Tan, AFJ reporter/columnist, was part of the crowd at the Legislature grounds.

An hour before the event starts, the place was already crowded.

The big crowd at the Legislature grounds who wanted to witness Alberta's history unfold.

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May 2015

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Micah Leonida Celebrates 18th Birthday Micah Leonida, the daughter of Nonito & Amelia Leonida celebrated her 18th Birthday on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Holiday Inn Conference Center Edmonton South. It was an evening of fun- filled memories for Micah attended by family, relatives, schoolmates and friends. Congratulations Micah!

Birthday cake and Debutante Micah

Father Nonito and Debutante Dance

The Leonida Family

The Cotillon Dancers

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May 2015

Filipinos triumph in French filmfest Dingdong Dantes pushes youth Filipino artists made it big at the recent St. Tropez International Film Festival, held in the south of France on May 16.

Superstar Nora Aunor was adjudged best actress in a foreign language film for her powerful performance in the psychological thriller “Dementia.” The award was a double victory for the film as it also won the best foreign language film for director-producer Perci Intalan. Actor Emilio Garcia likewise topped the best supporting actor in a foreign language film category for his work in Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Magkakabaung (The Coffin Maker).”

Intalan attended the St. Tropez fest with Ferdinand Lapuz, producer of “Magkakabaung” and “Dementia.”

role in disaster management Actor Dingdong Dantes pushes for the passage of House Bills – 5637, 5640 and 5758 which give the youth a role in disaster management through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The pending bills call for the amendment of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. Dingdong, who is also a National Youth Commissioner (NYC)-at-Large is being

supported by NYC Chairman Gio Tingson, Commissioners Jose Rafael Cruz and Jo Jan Paul Peñol and youth leaders from the Tanay Mountaineers, YesPinoy Foundation, Filipino Liberal Youth, Kabataang Liberal, Akbayan Youth and Kabataan Party-list.

The actor said they do not want to risk more lives due to tragedies and calamities thus their urgent call to provide for youth representation in NDRRMC.

Gerphil Flores shines in ‘AGT’

Filipina classical singer Gerphil Geraldine Flores only made it to the semi-finals of the on ABSCBN’s “Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT).

However everything turned out alright for her in the end, with Asia noticing her talent via AXN’s “Asia’s Got Talent (AGT).”

The 24-year-old fifth year student from the University of the Philippines Diliman finished third in the recently concluded first season of AGT behind Mongolian musical ensemble Khusugtun and grand winner El Gamma Penumbra, a shadow play group from Tanauan, Batangas.

Gerphil, the one and only contestant awarded by David Foster with the Golden Buzzer, said she was greatly surprised by the Golden Buzzer. She also shared that she found out Foster was one of the judges minutes before she went up the audition stage.

She also said sacred songs are part of her repertoire because she wants to reach out to people’s emotion, devotion, faith, spirituality by singing. Indeed the Philippines seems not enough for her voice and she now has the whole of Asia behind her.

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May 2015

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chatr expands nationally to over 200 Canadian cities Goodbye calling cards: new prepaid international rates starting at 1 cent per minute included in $25+ monthly plans TORONTO (May 5, 2015) chatr mobile announced today that it’s now available across Canada to bring more customers prepaid voice and text plans, incredible international talk rates and more data. Monthly plans of $25 and up now include international calling starting at 1 cent per minute to more than 200 countries, making it easier and faster to keep in touch with friends and family afar.

“Customers can now call or text around the world without purchasing a calling card,” said Raj Doshi, chief chatr head,

chatr mobile. “For many who are entering a new chapter in life, setting up a mobile phone is often the first step they take, and chatr gives them an easy experience so they can get started.”

Previously sold in seven markets (Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Southwest Ontario, Toronto and Vancouver), chatr is now available nation-wide in 200 new cities offering easy and accessible prepaid mobile plans without a term contract or credit history. Customers can stop into more than 1,100 local

stores and retailers to get going with chatr, including Walmart, BestBuy, Wireless Wave, Tbooth wireless, Wireless etc, WOW! mobile boutique and more.

New data buckets can be added to plans $35 and up, so customers can also connect online with their phones. Customers on the $35 and $40 prepaid plans can add 500 MB for $10, 1 GB for

$15, or the new 2 GB add-on for $25.

For further information, check out chatrmobile.com, Twitter and Facebook. Let’s get going!

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to-coast with worry-free mobile plans, devices and service on a trusted national network. With data packages and competitive international calling rates, no term contracts or credit checks, chatr mobile makes it easy for all customers to keep connected to a Canadian friends and family near and far. brand that For more information please visit from coast- chatrmobile.com.

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May 2015

Always the Bridesmaid, Always in Debt How to join the wedding party without blowing your budget

Lesson-Driven Perspective Lito Mendoza Velasco litovelasco65@yahoo.ca Lito Velasco, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy A homoviator, a catalyst of change. He moves in the light of his Philosophical, Political and Theological backgrounds. He loves challenges and believes he learns and improves his critical thinking from those challenges.

We are all aware of the whopping costs of a wedding. Last year’s averages, including engagement rings and honeymoons, tipped the scale atmore than $31,000. But it’s your special day, with your special someone,

and some couples are able to justify the expense for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience.

But what about the people standing to the left and right of the wedding couple?

Wedding party members – those honoured, friendsfor-life of the bride and groom, are not in for a cheap ride either.

Between the dressing up, gifts, bachelor(ette) parties, flights and accommodation for out-of-towners, and dining out, American Express says the average wedding guest is planning to spend $670 this year, and members of the wedding party are usually on the hook for more.

Jeffrey Schwartz, executive director of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada, worries that many Canadians are risking their financial health to avoid saying “I don’t” to their friends.

“It’s like a perfect storm of true friendship and true splurging,” says Schwartz. “Everyone feels honoured to be involved in a wedding party and

many people are willing to swallow the expenses regardless of the cost.”

With so many Canadians at an all time level of indebtedness, and very few able tobuild their savings, Schwartz worries that bridesmaids and groomsmen will have to rely on credit cards to help them cover their costs.

try to find some options that work for lot more -- which they will certainly appreciate. both of you.

• Budget – Couples often announce their weddings a year or more in advance. Work a “wedding savings” section into your budget. Squeezing $50 out of your budget each month will sting a lot less than paying all at “You might encounter a couple of once, and it will help you avoid credit weddings per season,” says Schwartz. card debt.

“Whether you’re in the wedding party or just a guest, your credit card • Consider renting – Even if the bride balance could go up by one or two may have avoided the stereotypical “ugly bridesmaid dress,” chances are thousand dollars.” still slim that you will get much extra The following tips to help minimize wear out of your dress, and the same the financial burden so that you can goes for the tux. See what rental or have your wedding cake and eat it too: second-hand options are available.

• Be open – Honesty is the best policy when you are asked to join a wedding • Use your talents – Give the gift party. You were chosen because you of your gifts. If you have a flair for are important to the wedding couple, photography or a talent for floral which means that they care about your arrangements, offer your services well-being. If you think your expenses on the wedding day in lieu of a gift. are going to cause financial hardship, You will save some money, and you discuss it with the bride or groom and probably save the bride and groom a

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• Travel smart – If you are travelling for the wedding, consider booking red-eye flights and try to limit your baggage to avoid the now-ubiquitous fees that airlines charge. Instead of staying at the fancy hotel that the couple booked, try discount online services like Hotwire or AirBnB. If your friends live locally, see if anyone has a guest room in their house!

• Say no – If you tried every option to cut costs and you are still risking financial hardship, you might need to graciously bow out. If part of your problem is due to deepening debt that you can’t seem to stop, it may be the perfect time to seek pieces of advice to the experienced and concerned financial advisor.

Remember, it is not the question what or how much you give. But how much love goes with the giving.

May 2015

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

15

Calgary Fire Department issues fire safety City waiving permit fees for advisory in response to dry, windy weather Neighbour Day events Filed by Jose Pepito G. Magpayo

Filed by Jose Pepito G. Magpayo

D

ue to recent dry and windy weather conditions, the Calgary Fire Department is placing a fire safety advisory in effect for Calgary. This fire safety advisory is to remind citizens to be cautious when using outdoor open flames and disposing of smoking materials.

“The weather forecast is showing continued dry and windy weather with little precipitation predicted for Calgary, so there is a higher risk of fire,” said Ed Kujat, fire marshal with the Calgary Fire Department.

“Dry conditions increase the risk for fires to ignite,

while windy weather increases the chance and speed for any fire to spread. We ask that everyone be vigilant when disposing of smoking materials and when using outdoor flames.”

With two recent grass fires at Nose Hill Park and several local Alberta municipalities implementing fire bans and advisories due to similar weather conditions, the Calgary Fire Department continues to watch weather forecasts to ensure Calgary is prepared for any changes to the fire risk.

“It is starting to feel like spring

and so more people may consider barbequing or using their fire pits, so we ask everyone to be very careful and alert,” added Kujat.

Calgarians are asked to be cautious in the city’s large natural growth parks and green spaces where there are dry grasses and shrubs. Remember to only dispose of smoking materials in proper ashtrays and to limit outdoor fires to approved fire pits according to the Community Standards Bylaw.

As weather conditions and the fire risk changes, the Calgary Fire Department will continue to update the status of the fire safety advisory.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi reminded Calgarians that The City of Calgary is waiving the fees for block party permits and park venue bookings to help Calgarians celebrate Neighbour Day this June 20. The deadline to submit applications for block party permits and park venue bookings is May 29, 2015.

Neighbour Day is a new annual celebration of community spirit, and will take place this year on June 20, 2015. Neighbour Day was established last June to recognize and celebrate the great community strength and cooperation exhibited during the flood in 2013.

“We have strong community spirit in Calgary, and celebrating that is important,” says Mayor Nenshi.

“For Neighbour Day, we want to encourage as many people as possible to host their own community event.

That is why The City is waiving the Filed by Jose Pepito G. Magpayo fees for block party permits and park he City of Calgary opened “What is most important is The Calgary Public Library bookings for events that take place two new customer service that we are providing an excellent also partnered with The City to on June 20 this year.”

Calgarians are encouraged locations for its Fair Entry public service benefitting all create a service counter location

Fair Entry: City streamlines application process for subsidy programs

T

subsidized services application process. This new application process means that Calgarians applying for City-subsidized programs apply only once to have their income qualified for all five programs.

“As part of our work to transform government, one of our goals is to put the citizen at the centre of our activities,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “The Fair Entry project is a great example of that. It not only preserves people’s dignity but it allows more people to access more City services.”

The Fair Entry program is a part of The City’s efforts to transform government and cut red tape. City business units worked to align processes, share responsibilities and make their focus citizen-centric. Applicants may qualify for, and informed of, programs and services which they were not aware of and will only have to explain their current financial situation once while the streamline process makes it more convenient for people accessing more than one program.

Calgarians and allowing people to become full participants in our communities,” said Katie Black, acting director, Community & Neighbourhood Services.“Partnership and collaboration is so important and we couldn’t have accomplished this project if we had tried to do it alone.”

Community partners worked alongside The City to make changes for more equitable access to City services and programs.

Colleen Houston is with Fair Fares Calgary and has been a strong partner and tireless advocate for a city that is accessible to all.

“Many people experience barriers to accessing transit passes and we fought really hard to make sure that people didn’t have to spend two days off their jobs to submit applications for services,” said Colleen Houston, of Fair Fares Calgary. “I’m so proud of the people living in poverty who stepped forward to tell Council what is needed to create a city that is fair and dignified.”

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at the Village Square Library in addition to the service location on the 3rd floor of the Municipal Building.

“We are so pleased to be able to provide accessible services from The City of Calgary right alongside all the great library services we have to offer to the residents,” said Bill Ptacek, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “It’s a great partnership and it’s just one more way the Calgary Public Library is becoming the best library in the world.”

The City anticipates it will provide subsidized services to roughly 55,000 Calgarians per year through Fair Entry.

Eligibility for all of the Fair Entry programs is based on the Statistics Canada low-income threshold, approximately $24,000 for a single Canadian and $45,000 for a family of four. Calgarians interested in learning more about the Fair Entry program, how to apply or where they can find and drop-off applications should visitCalgary.ca/fairentry.

to plan a celebration in their neighbourhoods on June 20. There are many ways community residents can participate — anything from a simple picnic, to a small improvement project like fence painting, or a larger event like a big block party with neighbours.

“Strong neighbourhoods are so important to the health and wellbeing of our whole city,” says Katie Black, acting director of Community & Neighbourhood Services. “When neighbourhoods thrive, the people who live there thrive too. Taking time to celebrate our communities is an excellent way for people to feel connected and engaged, and that makes our neighbourhoods stronger.”

In addition to waiving the fee for block party permits, and park venue bookings, The City has developed a kit with planning tools, event ideas and promotional material. The Neighbour Day Event Planning Kit can be downloaded from Calgary.ca/ neighbourday.

Mayor dedicates June 1-7 to celebrating Calgary seniors Filed by Jose Pepito G. Magpayo

Calgarians are invited to show their support for the many ways that seniors make our communities better during Seniors’ Week, declared June 1 to 7 by the Government of Alberta and supported in Calgary through a proclamation by Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

“I have tremendous appreciation for the wisdom, experience and strength of Calgary seniors,” Mayor Nenshi said, adding that, statistically, seniors are the most active age group when it comes to voting and volunteering. “It’s their civic contributions that have shaped Calgary into the great city it is today.”

There are a number of events planned in various communities throughout Calgary June 1 to 7.

Events include a healthy living symposium, fitness and leisure activities and entertainment for the whole family. Pick up a printed list of events at a nearby seniors’ centre or

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your community association, view an updated list online throughcalgary. ca/seniors or contact 311.

“I encourage everyone who has an older adult in their life to honour them—not just this week, but every day of the year,” Mayor Nenshi said.

Calgarians are also invited to share their recognition activities through social media using the hashtag #yycseniors. Post photos and stories to The City of Calgary’s Facebook Event page at https:// bit.ly/yycseniors or share them on Twitter using the hashtag and The City’s handle @cityofcalgary.

The City works on an ongoing basis to support the needs of seniors in the community through programs and services that run year-round.

The City is also actively developing a Seniors Age-Friendly Strategy to help plan for the growing number of older adults in Calgary. To find out more about Seniors Services in Calgary visit calgary.ca/seniors.

16

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2015

Horoscope This week may bring a chance to earn extra cash with a bright idea or new enterprise. If you need to make a decision, meet a deadline, or research your options, midweek may be your best bet. Great ideas and family matters come forward. Relax and enjoy your personal space as well as try out new recipes, decorate, or apply yourself to a tedious but rewarding task.

People will be attracted to what you have to offer. Your warm, friendly persona could draw people your way for business or for romance, if you're looking for love. Things have eased since the frantic period you experienced earlier in the year, making this a good time to build up your gains.

If someone counters your idea, use a bit of charm and you'll be likelier to get your way. This is especially so when it comes to your job or an interview. When it comes to romance, there's still plenty of time to indulge your sensuous side. If you enjoy massages or spa days, this is the time to surrender to such pleasures for your benefit.

This week it seems that you won't have to venture too far out of your local area to have fun. Meanwhile, you're eager to research your options regarding health and wellness issues, particularly as this is one of the best times to adjust routines and habits so they help create a suitable, happier you.

You'll be in your element and will be eager to build ahead with your brightest and best ideas. You're more action oriented, too, and willing to do whatever is necessary to further your plans. Where finances are concerned, it's a good time to go for bargains, especially on any typically expensive items.

A serious mood works to your advantage if you can make important decisions and stick to them. With a focus on job and career matters, you'll certainly benefit from a more actionoriented approach to getting results.

Dealing with ongoing task and other responsibilities early on, can clear the way for more fun later. Midweek could see you putting effort into resolving an issue that has caused a disappointment for some time. and second, if you're willing to pay for it.

Line up yourself with like-minded people that can give you a feeling of purpose and power. Good news could come in the form of a moneymaking idea, raise, or possibility for progress.

The information you learn could have the potential to enhance earnings, adding to your comfort and security as a result.

Don't ignore your dreams or instincts, as you could benefit from valuable guidance if you pay attention. If you feel like retreating from the rush and excitement of life, it's entirely natural. A focus on your money zone emphasizes your wise ability to spot a deal that's too good to miss. Selling unused items could be very profitable if you want to get rid of mess.

Work, communication, and home and family concerns keep you busy, but don't feel like you have to do it all. The wheels of business are turning in your favor, meaning you have every opportunity to get ahead if you're willing to network and get yourself known in all the right places. It's a time for gettogethers, friendly celebrations, and more. Plus, food can be instrumental to romantic success.

To keep from getting overwhelmed by too much work or everyday responsibilities, devise a plan and stick to it.

You might even want to hand some of your tasks where appropriate. Lifestyle issues might also be at the forefront of your mind, especially if you want to lose weight or get fitter in general. It will help to be open-minded regarding someone's excellent suggestions, as they may benefit you.

Gut feeling and inspiration can be helpful, but keep your feet on the ground and don't get carried away by a wild idea. It might be helpful to meet with a good friend who can offer up ideas and suggestions that you haven't considered. You'll enter a pleasure peak in which romance and some sizzling dates will be very much on the agenda.

PAHALANG 1 Pangalan ng babae 6 ibon 11 Lila : Ingles 12 Di swerte 13 Ihanay 14 Rason 15 Apelyidong Intsik 16 Ipit sa leeg 17 Estima sa panauhin 21 Organization of News Ombudsmen 22 45 na kape 24 Mga tao sa Ifugao

PABABA 26 Katutubong minorya 27 Humiling sa korte 31 Lugar na matatagpuan sa Manzadaran, Iran 33 Pangalan ng lalake 34 Care: Tagalog 35 Kumawawa 37 Pinagkukunan ng tubig 38 Bahay tuluyan 39 Itunghay 40 Homobo ng Mindanao

1 Tagapaglingkod 2 Kulang sa kapal 3 Bulay 4 Kenya International League: panitik 5 Palayaw ng lalake 6 Babaeng gubat 7 Layas 8 Ikurba 9 Partido ng politikal 10 Ampunan 18 Kabataang Barangay 19 Alagata

20 Ikalimang taong nilalang: Biblia 23 Down Payment 24 Ipugay 25 Lamang dagat 27 Balisa 28 Talamalian 29 Bayan sa Quezon 30 Sabi nila 32 Daloy 35 Iyak ng bata 36 Pangalan ng isang magazine

Volunteer Photographers Wanted 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

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

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

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Daily Sudoku: Sat 29-Nov-2014

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

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2015

17

by Gem & Lita Anis

St. Petersburg, Russia, a "Living Museum" (Part II)

B

y land and by sea in two days - that's how we experience St. Petersburg, considered as one of the most magically beautiful places on the planet. Built over 42 islands with 5 million people, the city known as the "Venice of the North" because of its canals crossed by 342 bridges, is surrounded by water and therefore getting out in a boat to cruise its rivers and canals is a must otherwise you won't see its greater vistas.

Our day - 2 guided tour started with an hour drive to the town of Pushkin formerly called "Tsarskoye Selo" (Tsar's Village) to visit Catherine Palace, one of the masterpieces of the world architecture. Built from 1752 to 1756 this lavish imperial palace was designed by an architect named Rastrelli for Russian Empress Elizabeth who named it Catherine Palace in honour of her mother Catherine.

It's also a summer retreat for the Romanov tsars and Russian nobility. You'll be amazed by the palace grand baroque facade trimmed in gold and adorned with a profusion

of atlantes (sculptural figures of man used as columns), pilasters and ornamental window framings.

The palace contains a series of magnificent rooms including the famous Portrait Hall, the Throne Room and the gem of the palace, the Amber Room. The Portrait Hall displays formal depictions of Russian rulers and also features a number of paintings of Empress Catherine and Empress Elizabeth and the jaw-dropping Throne Room, the principal stateroom, is

Catherine Palace

the official venue for imperial and high-society receptions.

The Amber Room, sometimes dubbed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to its singular beauty with extraordinary architectural features such as the gilded carvings, amber panels (boasts 6 tons of precious amber from lemony yellow colour to deep red (worth about $142 million US dollars today), gold leafs, gemstones, and mirrors all highlighted with candle lights. Other design features are statues of angels and children.

At noon time of the glorious sunny day in august long daylight hour, we take a leisurely walk through the Landscape Park gardens of the palace animated with neogothic Admiralty (a complex of three pavilions), Chesme Column (a reminder of Russian naval war victories), Turkish Bath (memorial to RussianTurkish war), Marble Bridge, and Hermitage Pavilion (much like a miniature palace) set around the central lake.

Then it's time for traditional Russian lunch which consists of black bread

(dark coarse bread of rye flour), hot soup and meat and potatoes and of course with Russian vodka.

Our busy day ended with a relaxing cruise around St. Petersburg's network of canals and rivers including the main waterway of the city, the Neva River, taking in different perspective on its architecture and sights. We sail past the historical buildings of the Academy of Arts, the English and University Embankments lined with palaces of the nobility and the Senate Square.

You should know: If you go ashore from the cruise ship with an

Gem & Lita in front of Catherine Palace

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organized shore excursion with a licensed tour guide you need only carry your passport. You don't need a visa, however if you want to do independent touring of St. Petersburg or any other Russian city you're required to have a visa.

Russian is the official language but English is widely spoken.

Local currency is the Russian ruble (one $US is equivalent to 52.108 Russian ruble (Russian ruble = .0192000 $US) Major cards are widely accepted and most souvenir shops accept US dollars. However some restaurants and other shops require the use of rubles.

18

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2015

President Benigno Aquino III meets with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Filipino community: a whirlwind affair with positive gains

By Rod Cantiveros

Todd and Jaira Labelle representing the Manitoba Filipino Business Council with Senator Enverga, President Aquino and Prime Minister Harper.

President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived in Ottawa to begin his meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper; and on the second day at Toronto, both leaders met the Filipino community at Roy Thompson Hall; and then flew to Vancouver, his last leg of his first trip, as an invited guest of the Prime Minister of Canada.

And when President Aquino arrived home from his five-day trip to the United States and in Canada where he received many pledges of more investments, various initiative to help cement more trades and labor relations with the Canadian government.

Many positive results were mentioned by Aquino when he met many Canadian businesses and had issued so much interest to expand the waste recycling and energy conversion, and to help promote tourism and agriculture. He added that there will be possibility of harnessing the Philippine tropical climate for growing cranberries and blueberries.

In Ottawa, President Aquino was welcomed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our kababayan

Senator Jun Enverga, Carmelita Guinto, President Aquino, Rosemer Enverga, Lea Enverga-Magsino, Myra Bongolan, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ernesto Guinto.

Senator Tobias Enverga. Jr, and other members of his cabinet. He met also Justin Trudeau, the Liberal Leader.

In Toronto, an open invitation extended by the Canadian Prime Minister to the various leaders from Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. A well-attended informal gathering at Roy Thompson Hall where both Harper and Aquino greeted the Filipino Canadians as they waved the Canadian and the Filipino Flag.

"We're so happy to see President

Aquino to address the Filipino leaders in our native language, and I like what he has told us about my home country, and I think he has done many good things to help our kababayans back home, " said by one of the seniors who joined the gathering.

In Vancouver, President Aquino met with British Columbia Premier Christy Clark who has pledged to facilitate the employment of the Filipinos in this province.

Senator Enverga greets President Aquino on the tarmac at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

Officers and members of the Knights of Rizal work as volunteers at the community event, with George Poblete, Julie Javier, Bing Marasigan, Jimmy Marasigan and other guests.

At the reception area where the attendees are ready to attend the community event, from l to r: Julie Javier, Benjamin Bongalon, Lea Enverga- Magsino, Carmelita Guinto, Ernesto Guinto and Rod E. Cantiveros.

Lilac Cana, opera singer with other guests at the reception.

Prime Minister Harper and President Aquino at the community event in Toronto.

Julie Javier with the members of Kababaihan Rizaliana.

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Other officers and members of the Knights of Rizal.

19

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2015

Jude Diokno 780.803.8207

Jeane Absalon 780.278.0478

Romon Arabejo 780.680.4003

Lina Reyes 780.263.8897

Michael Caborna 780.966.8946

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20

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May 2015

Alvin Pelayo 780.695.0736 Michelle Siemens 780.267.6540

Andrew Farala 780.710.9272

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