Filipino Journal Alberta Edition November 2013

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Volume 6, Number 11 • November 2013

Concert for Typhoon Victims CAFFA Operation Yolanda

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Minister Jason Kenney and Joven Bautista

Pacquiao dedicates victory to victims of Typhoon Yolanda

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Page 13 ►

Alberta Legislature approved $500,000 aid to Typhoon Yolanda's victims

L to R: Ephraim Baragona, Joe Lardizabal, Pastor Ron Yabut, Ellen Lardizabal, MLA Brian Mason, Letty Tria, Lulu Bernal, Ben Barboza, MLA Dr. Raj Sherman

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November 2013

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Concert for Typhoon Victims CAFFA Operation Yolanda Camacho, Maria Hunter's Talent, Jukebox Group, Mary Kate Aquino, Joel Valderrama, Calgary Filipino Sr., Joey Velasco ,Ashley Rosales, Mariedelle Velasco, Joshua Santos, YOSAC dancers, Neilan Guba and Heather Liscano.

Minister Kenney was more than proud wearing a Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na t-shirt.

Fiji Group

T

he Council & Assembly of Filipino Foundations & Associations (CAFFA) on Nov. 22 at Eastside City Church held a fund raising concert for victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Orchestrated by Caffa and Friends of Filipinos in Calgary and produced and directed by Visminsa Charities Foundation led by it’s Chairman, Dr. Rosemarie Geonzon. The concert was directed

by Rex Elumir, coordinated by Bernadette Stamile and stage directed by Roger Geonzon. with special thanks to all performers and volunteers who donated their time

Opening Cast

and effort. Special Guests included MP's Devinder Shory, Joan Crockatt, Deepak Obhrai, Michelle Rempel, Hon. Jason Kenney, MLA Wayne Cao and Jenn McManus, Provincial Director of Canadian Red Cross.

Welcome Address from Joven Bautista Jr., President of CAFFA and MC's for the evening were Riza Santos, Nathan Taylor and Whittnie Gaqui. An All Star Cast opens with both the Philippines and Canadian National Anthems followed by the popular song “We Are The World”.

Hon. Jason Kenney,

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(Write up and photos by Len Chan.

Lenchan@shaw.ca)

Super Typhoon Yolanda death toll rises to 5,235, with over 1,600 still missing

Kasayahan Performers

Special Guests

Closing remarks and acknowledgment and a sincere thank you to all participants and guests from Dr. Rose Geonzon followed by an emotional audience participation singing of the Battle Hymn.

Minister of Employment-Social Development & Minister for Multiculturalism was introduced

by MP Deepak Obhrai. Kenney spoke on the contribution of the Government of Canada and the response of the Military's Dart Team. All the performers were emotional and thanks to Kasayahan Performing Arts, Delriah Trio, Destiny Dowell, Fiji Group, Simone Amorado, Danica Cayetano & Marifel Buluran, Trinidad & Tobago Argonettes, Evelyn Porter, Whittnie & Winston Gaqui, Darren Espanto, Ernie Parinas, Carmen

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday announced the total number of fatalities from the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas has risen to 5,235.

Based on the latest figures released by NDRRMC, the number of missing is 1,613 while 25,559 were injured.

Super typhoon Yolanda has affected 2,146,418 families or 9,923,917 people in 11,917 villages in 44 provinces.

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Of these, 53,063 families or 240,365 people are staying in 1,093 evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, total damage caused by super typhoon Yolanda to properties climbs to P 24.56 billion with P 11.37 billion in agriculture and P 13.18 billion in infrastructures.

And also a total of 1,130,406 houses were damaged after devastating Typhoon Yolanda hit the Eastern Visayas on November 8.

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November 2013

By Athena Bernal-Born

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November 2013

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Filipino- Canadian Community in Edmonton Launches a Kick-off Fundraising Campaign

W

hen the typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda hit the Eastern Visayan Islands in the early morning of November 8, 2013, the many people in the world knew that it was not an ordinary tropical depression, rather, a super typhoon capable of destroying every standing structure on its path.

The harsh story unfolded and its aftermath was unveiled with an unprecedented destructions, leaving a vivid and horrifying scenes and images, too heartening for every person on earth. Indeed, its sudden global impact was beyond reason.

In Edmonton, the news spread like a wildfire and right away, the members of the Filipino community acted with disbelief. The media sought every Filipino sentiment, view and opinion and what the community would do to address the herculean tasks to help the victims. We knew right away that we had to do something, as we have roots in our home country, we felt that we were also the victims of this calamity.

The Alberta Filipino Journal acted swiftly by contacting the civic and local associations to brace together and to heed the cries of the typhoon victims. At Palabok House, on the evening of Wednesday, November 13, a Kick-Off Fundraising was launched by concerned citizens. In an instant, Filipinos, Canadians, other ethnic groups, religious and civic leaders from the different associations joined in to help the campaign. The presence of MLA Rachel Notley, NDP MLA David Eggen, and City of Edmonton Councillor Amarjet Sohi showed up at the launching event. Filipino Nurses Associations of Alberta (FNAA), Alberta Batanguenos Association (ABA), UP Alumni Association,

Quezonian Club of Edmonton, Filipino Retirees Association of Alberta (FRAA), Karilagan Dance Society, Alberta Regional Songfest Society, Filipino Canadian Political Action of Alberta, Filipino Radio Enthusiasts of Edmonton (FREEDX), Filipino Soccer United (FS United), Biskeg na Pangasinan, and other government agencies were also present. Owners and operators of Door-to-Door cargo business, like UMAC and Boxline Cargo offered to send the shipping goods for free to the stricken areas hit by the typhoon. Monetary donations started to pour in and eventually other fundraising events followed suit.

At the provincial legislature, the Alberta NDP opposition party called for an emergency debate to urge the Alberta government to provide some sorts of disaster relief aid to the typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Within hours of our call, the Alberta government held a press conference announcing that it would match Albertans’ monetary donations to the Canadian Red Cross and committed $500,000 to support the relief efforts in the Philippines.

New Democrat Leader Brian Mason issued an statement in response to the government’s announcement of the aid to the Philippines’ typhoon victims: “We’re pleased that the government is announcing aid to relief efforts in the Philippines. This is a major humanitarian disaster. Alberta has always been generous in the past and we are hopeful that this will also be the case in the aid provided to the Philippines. It’s unfortunate that until this point the only action the government was prepared to take was a tweet from the Premier urging people to give to the Red Cross. Our action

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in calling for an emergency debate has clearly forced the government’s hand. While it’s unfortunate that the government had to be shamed into taking this action, the decision will come as a relief to the thousands of

Filipino-Albertans whose families have been impacted by this disaster.”

The Filipino-Canadian community in Edmonton continues to solicit funds from the various Edmonton civic and business sectors.

A fundraisng event will be held on Friday, December 6, 2013 with a dinner and dance at the ACCA Center.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to the victims of typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

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Innermost thoughts from a Taclobanon

A maple-coated Filipino heart

by Erlinda

Dolly Tan

erlindatan@yahoo.com

I was drafting an article for this column when typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda) hit Tacloban two weeks ago. I was going to write a tribute article for Bohol after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the province last month. I have not recovered from the anguish of the earthquake yet, when… a flood engulfed Tacloban. I thought the Bohol earthquake was already too much to bear, until a calamity of much bigger scale hit Tacloban, my hometown.

I knew the typhoon was coming, I was very noisy about it at Facebook after learning that it was a 300+ kph wind arriving. I grew up in Samar and Leyte and I’m used to many typhoons making landfall in our region, sometimes twice a month. As we are located at the easternmost part of the country, our province is the entry point of typhoons that come from the Pacific Ocean.

Needless to say, it has become part of our culture.

But I never experienced a 300+ kph typhoon ever, so I knew it was something big. Albeit I didn’t entertain the thought that it was going to claim many lives. I underestimated. Just as everyone else back home.

Tacloban actually prepared for it.

Our local government evacuated people three days before the typhoon. Our national government sent two cabinet secretaries to oversee and assist the preparation. They were ready. They were ready for the wind, but not for the water.

Besides, no preparation was enough for the impact of a four-hour “typhoon, tornado and tidal wave” all put together.

It was just too much, not only for the Philippines, but to any country. More so for the Philippines whose people do not have reliable homes.

Like many Taclobanons, I lost contact with my family. I was tortured and traumatized. I was in the office when I saw the last TV footage of Tacloban before they were cut off from the world. The footage made me shiver – the downtown area was flooded up to the second floor of the buildings. It is where my 77-year old mother lives, and where my sister’s children live. I felt so weak, I could hardly walk home.

The next few days that followed were agonizing. I am sharing my posts at Facebook as days unfolded after the flood.

Day 1 I posted…

“Typhoon Yolanda has arrived in Tacloban. This is our first typhoon declared signal #4 before it even landed. First time my mom had wrapped her clothes in black garbage bags. Take care everyone! Eleven million Filipinos from all parts of the globe have you in thoughts and prayers. Heaven is real and has ears.”

Day 2 Field reporters from Tacloban managed to get connection and showed some (but limited) footages of the devastation.

From the pictures, it was evident that many fatalities were expected. Water engulfed the city to as high as five meters. The city was isolated from the world: there was power outage and zero communication. I was thinking of my family. The thought gave me shivers.

I posted…

“Global Edmonton came to my place, they interviewed me about the typhoon. It will come out in the news tonight. The typhoon is news worldwide even if they have not seen the devastation yet. The clips they are showing on TV were taken during the flood, not the aftermath yet.”

Day 3 More TV footages of Tacloban have now come out. The devastation shocked the world. Dead bodies lie on the street, villages were swept away, all kinds of debris covered the city, cars turned upside down, a big boat carried by the surge now sat at the middle of a residential area. The horror was like a nightmare, only it was real.

Worst, people had not eaten the last three days. They slept on the street beside the dead bodies of their loved ones. Some loitered the city like zombies looking for food, water and the bodies of their family members.

Watching the news made me sick. I have not heard from my family yet.

Day 4 I didn’t sleep the last 72 hours, just naps. I didn’t feel hungry, just thirsty. I jumped to every email. I did the basic things: I went to church, I went to our temple and I asked for a blessing from our priesthood leaders. In the church I told a close friend, I’m ready for death or deaths in the family. Seeing that kind of devastation, there was nothing you could do but surrender. But even if I had surrendered, I still prayed hoping that my family survived.

I prayed like never before.

I spent hours and hours viewing pictures online of the aftermath. I was hoping to find a picture showing my mom’s place. I was hoping to find a picture showing my family lining up for food. This was my way of knowing they were alive.

I posted…

“Citytv Edmonton came to my place for an interview. Not a good time to get all this attention but I am cooperating so the world will know how bad it is and so we can get help. Canada government just vowed $5 million donation.”

Late that night, I received a text from my brother. His first text: “Please call ASAP, we are all alive.” I thought I would faint.

I dialled, I tried many times. Yes they were all alive. But their survival stories were excruciating to listen to. My brother said they were not okay, they worry for the next meal. But it was enough that they all survived. Then, I lost contact again as their phone had drained.

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Day 5 Global Edmonton went back to my place for another interview after learning that my family survived. CBC radio also phoned for a live interview.

The last four days I was also groping for any news of my bestfriend and her family who live close to the ocean. They have a beautiful house but flat, no second floor. I was very certain the house was not spared from the flood. I stopped further thoughts, I prayed hoping they managed to flee.

Day 6 At this time, I connected with more friends and relatives in Tacloban. I learned that my sister-in-law lost a cousin whose family drowned in the flood, all four of them.

I learned that a classmate lost 26 relatives. I learned that a friend lost both parents. I was now face to face with the reality of death from everyone, no exemptions.

I managed to contact the brother of my bestfriend who lives in Manila. I learned the whole family survived by climbing to the ceiling. Twenty one of them, including neighbors. Water stopped one foot below them. I shiver at the thought. But said a short prayer of gratitude that they were alive.

I was online almost 24 hours a day helping friends locate missing persons. My Facebook page was full of stories of death and survival, pictures of missing loved ones and friends complaining of the very slow response from our government.

Then came the news of looting and killing for food. It was so harrowing.

My brother in Manila was as tortured, he decided to brave the road to Tacloban to rescue my family. He flew to Cebu, sailed to Hilongos, then drove to Tacloban. My worry had piled up for his safety on the road and for the rest of the family members in Tacloban who were on their second survival for food and water.

Day 7 I was begging for help. I asked the neighboring towns to send help. I asked our church to send help. I asked the military to drop the food from the air. I was crying for help online even if I knew no one might listen.

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My brother managed to get my mom out of Tacloban.

Day 8 I posted the following…

“A nuclear-powered US Navy aircraft carrier arrived in Borongan. It has 5,000 sailors and 80 aircraft, ready to distribute relief goods. There is so much suffering, but there is so much love too.”

“The Empire State Building will shine the colors of our flag – red, white and blue – tonight and tomorrow, to show their love for the Filipino nation. So touching.”

“Who would have thought the Philippines could mobilize all countries in 24 hours, all warships heading to our direction, not for war, but to save lives.”

“The last time Japan and the US met in Leyte was in October 1944 during the war. Today they met again, but as allies, to rescue Filipino souls.”

Two weeks after I posted…

“Few days ago, I stopped reading Tacloban stories of death and survival, they were tearing me apart, I was reaching my yielding point. I just glanced at the title and that’s it. The story below was posted several times, I refused to open the link.

Tonight I did. And I regret I did. I hate journalists for writing very powerful stories from Tacloban. I understand they have to write, it’s their profession. Promise I will stop reading. I need to move on.”

Conclusion For Taclobanons, the November 8th calamity is something you do not forget.

Something you cannot forget. You will live with it. Inevitably, you get stronger in the process because you have no other choice.

I made a commitment to help re-build Tacloban. I will go back, my family will go back. Nothing, not even the strongest storm recorded on earth, can take our home away from us. Tacloban is our home, will always be. Waray bayaay.

(P.S. I will write a tribute article for Bohol next month.)

November 2013

Fundraising should be FUN

By Athena Bernal-Born

T

he events caused by natural disasters inspire so many ripples, waves of charitable highs and posturing lows. There are those inspired by faith to do good work with good intentions and those greedy for profit and/or power who see opportunities for advancement.

Amidst these people are the majority who want to help, looking for direction and not wanting to be taken advantage of. Humanity is at a crossroad empowered by technology no one need to starve nor have no home. Yet, around the world there is diversity caused by war and capitalism resulting in poverty, famine, and discrimination.

Two sayings come to mind: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” and “Beware of the Wolf in sheep’s clothing,” These sayings need not hold so true in today’s world. We are all evolved enough to move past juvenile ambition and learn to seek understanding and reconciliation. Also, the top eight religions followed in the world promote the Golden Rule; “Treat others as you would like yourself treated.” If only it were only that simple.

At this time of year, millions suffer depression for several reasons and some even go so far as leaving this world behind. December has the highest criminal rate across the board.

We are bombarded with solicitations from everywhere and everyone, intentional and unintentional (i.e. gift lists). The western world has painted itself into a corner and even

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though the paint might have dried a little because of the global economic collapse of 2008. All eyes still look towards the “developed” countries.

Many barangay can empathize with each other regarding the guilt associated with wanting to help those “left” behind, even if those left behind are living a better life because of barangay generosity.

I can only imagine, since almost all my first cousins are either first generation immigrants in Canada, USA, Japan, or Australia or second generation immigrants, which I prefer to call first generation born Canadian. I only have 1 cousin still living in the Philippines. My family has been truly blessed and when we go back “Home” we all are generous, whether we spend our last penny buying the plane ticket or not. But I do have many Filipino friends, our community is tight knit – sometimes too tight knit… and I hear the complaints of how their relatives keep asking for more; how their own children do without, so money can be sent back home; how at their last visit they saw the home they bought for their family is rundown; or how during their last visit their pamangkin live better than their anak. But how does one say no or I can’t? How does one apply the Golden rule in this case?

I learned a very long time ago that power over others is an illusion and those who think they can influence or control others are delusional. No matter how big one’s network is or how charismatic or

rich, the bottom line is we all have a choice - the choice to follow or go are own way. There are hundreds of religions which try to help us make those decisions. And many atrocities were allowed to happen because some have forgotten they have a choice, justifying their actions with “I was only following orders, or nowadays, just doing my job.”My faith is catholic, as in universal, and I was confirmed Roman Catholic, the religion I was born into and for the most part I practice. For me I try not to get caught up on who or what delivers the Word, for me I continually try to find ways to apply the Word, sometimes my religion falls short. My pastor once said,” God has got everything right, it’s humans that make a mess of it all.”

For me that is why God has sent so many and has gone by so many names. One only needs to remember the Dark Ages, the Crusades and the Inquisition for proof of how mankind’s religions can muck up God’s Word.

Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mother Theresa said, “Do small things with great love.” I tell my children make sure everything you do is helpful, respectful, and most importantly, obedient to God’s Word. I have also, posted, “God does not make victims but creates heroes, charitable people, and true friends through their faithfulness and the actions their faith demands of them.” Humans create or become victims through actions based on apathy, pity, greed,

jealousy and/or fear (lack of faith), as well as, the quest for power over others.

Fundraising goes on all year round for all kind of reasons and in November and December it goes into high gear; not only because of the many holidays being celebrated, but also because many natural disasters happen (Great 2004 Tsunami, Hurricane Sandy and Katrina, and this year the Philippine earthquake followed by Typhoon Yolanda.) I was once a veryactive, volunteering on executive committees of nonprofit groups and NGO’s (nongovernmental organizations) organizing events, ending my community involvement running for a political office. I do help my mother every so often, actually all the time because I was raised to never say no to my parents – the Fourth Commandment: Honour your mother and father. She loves helping causes. Why have I slowed down?

Trying to be the change I want to see in the world has so far resulted in misery for me. Fundraising has rarely been a fun activity for me. My experiences in the fundraising realm has tainted my view by causing me grief. How? I have had to deal with gossip by people who think they are better than me, or jealous, or because they associate me with someone that is their enemy. I have been sabotaged by people I have relied on and not come through. I have been criticized for trying to improve processes and regular occurring events. I have been judged as a know-it-all, stubborn, opinionated, etc. blank (you can fill in the blank).

For the most part, my efforts do the

best I could with what was available to me was rewarded with criticism, judgement, and persecution. I am pretty confident in saying that many who read this identify with the lack of appreciation taking a lead role.

Yet, the respect and friends I have gained make up for all the negative and eventually I will volunteer again.

How can I sincerely say this is how I feel? My faith: all things happen for a reason and for the purpose of God. Remember: what I wrote above. I can not control others and God does not make victims. I am no victim.

I may be recovering from all the mental injuries caused by those who lacked faith but I will heal. I will learn and I will heal. Where there is life there is hope.

Fundraising should be fun and rewarding. And it can be with respect, integrity, and compassion for all involved, from those adversely affected to those who come to their aid. It is everyone’s responsibility to care enough to research and not be taken advantage of. It is everyone’s responsibility to be honest, accountable and transparent. Most of all, it is everyone’s responsibility to not judge others, be supportive of God’s work, and love one another as God loved us, with forgiveness. No one is perfect and nothing happens exactly as planned. All we can do is make the most of our existence on this world because it isn’t whoever dies with the most toys that wins, it is the one with the most love. If we all seek understanding first and work towards reconciliation not retribution, fundraising would always be fun.

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November 2013

Beauty from the Ashes: Reflections on Yolanda

by Miya Villarena A native of Quezon City, Miya Villarena is a current student at the University of Alberta.

Her hobbies include drawing, writing, and playing chess, as well as keeping in touch with her Filipino heritage.

I

n the wake of Typhoon Yolanda, coming to terms with the destruction, death, and broken spirit of the Philippines is not easy. Compared with other natural disasters our country has experienced recently, Yolanda looms over every single one in comparison.

One cannot simply sweep the countless stories of tragedy out of existence; we have all seen, felt, or heard of the pain, the sadness, and the suffering in the news articles, television reports, and the radio broadcasts. First of all, I would like

to offer my deepest condolences to members of the Filipino community here in Edmonton – if you have been affected by the typhoon in any way, the Filipino community stands behind you. I, as a writer, stand behind you.

Even as I speak, countless Filipino expatriates, Canadianborn Filipinos,Canadians, and nonFilipino organizations alike, are mobilizing and securing aid for places which require it. The world seems to be in action. In the face of a seemingly insurmountable calamity, we come together, to restore what has been decimated, and to make it whole again.

As a new university student, I had the privilege of volunteering with the University of Alberta Philippine Students’ Association (PhilSA) on Monday, November 18, at a bakesale they organized in benefit of the victims of Yolanda.

As I sat with them at their table, they laughed and chatted amongst each other, warmth emanating from their conversations. From the time I spent with them, it became clear to me how determined they were, actively promoting their cause.

One of the greatest things you can possibly accomplish is to show

brotherly love to people you have never met. Arguably – and I speak from observation - the people at PhilSA exemplified this.

Countless Filipinos and Filipinas receiving aid will probably never find out the identities of the people who sent it to them. They probably will never know of PhilSA, or think that they owe it all to a group of university students with a vision.However, in circumstances like these, identities do not matter.

It does not matter, in fact, if you are acknowledged for your efforts.

What truly matters is that your efforts bear fruit. I know PhilSA’s efforts – as well as the efforts of all who stood by the Philippines, will bear fruit.

During the event, I briefly interviewed Ms Antoinette Leyton, PhilSA’s Internal Director, and asked her who came up with the idea of the bakesale. She replied to me that everyone in PhilSA’s executive team, upon hearing the news, wanted to take action.

Through planning, creativity, and a network of supporters, they were able to organize a fundraiser in the short period of time since Yolanda struck. May we all be like that, ready to help our country in need.

Organizations like PhilSA exude a strong sense of Filipino identity and solidarity here in

One of the posters at PhilSA’s event.

Canada. My belief is that, despite being expatriates, or despite being born or raised in Canada, we all share that love for a country we identify with. It is my hope that if our countrymen suffer, we suffer with them. If they hunger, we hunger with them. If they cry at injustice, we raise our flags with them.

On a final word, I would like to thank everyone around the world, especially here in Canada – in Edmonton - who stood by the Philippines during this time of need.

Without the support of countless people, Filipino or not, the situation today might not look so hopeful for our nation. Additionally, dwelling on despair cannot solve any problems.

We must learn to remember that in the midst of despair, there is always hope. The endurance and tenacity of the Filipino spirit will live on, regardless of anything that comes our way. Trials and tribulations cannot crush our spirits – we will hold our heads up high. We will

protect our own, take care of our brothers and sisters, and keep them under our wing.

We can act today and pick up the pieces, to start a new beginning, and a new day. We shall be as beauty from the ashes.

Author’s Note: To find out more about the University of Alberta Philippine Students’ Association (PhilSA), visit their website at philsa.net, their Twitter at https://twitter.com/UOFAPHILSA or their Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/uofa.philsa.

They are currently running a series of fundraisers for Yolanda, and are accepting donations on their website. Special thanks to PhilSA’sentire executive team for organizing the fundraiser, and particularly Ryan Depano, Celine Gutierrez, Christian MopasFabia, Antoinette Leyton, and Gabrielle Sacro. Also, my thanks to PhilSA for letting me feature them in this article.

Part of PhilSA's executive team. From left to right: Ryan Depano (External Director), Celine Gutierrez (Vice-President), Christian Mopas Fabia (Director of Communications), Antoinette Leyton (Internal Director), and Gabrielle Sacro (Project Manager of Corporate and Community Relations).

Some of the baked goods sold. All pastries were donated and made by PhilSA’s executives and volunteers.

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

10

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2013

How Foreign Workers can minimize abuse from Employers

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.

Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) have exactly the same rights as other workers in Alberta. TFW worker’s rights are protected under Alberta Employment Standards, Workplace Health and Safety and Worker’s Compensation legislations. While working in Alberta, the best way to protect your rights is to become familiar with the laws regarding the Alberta Employment Standards (visit their website) and learn some practical tips when dealing with your employer.

Listed below are some practical tips for TFWs based on complaints I have heard to-date: 1. Make sure you get a copy of your approved LMO from your employer. Your LMO contains valuable information with

regards to your salary, employee benefits, your NOC code, length of employment contract, etc. Report to HRSDC/Service Canada employers who refuse to give you a copy of your approved LMO. 2. Make sure you get a copy of your Employment Contract signed by your employer. Ensure that the Employment Contract indicates the same salary, employee benefits, length of contract period, housing rental fees, etc. as your approved LMO. Report to HRSDC/Service Canada and Alberta Employment Standards employers who pay you less than the salary indicated on your approved LMO or charges you more than the fees that are stated in your Employment Contract.

3. Keep a copy of all the pay slips you receive from your employer. The pay slips should indicate your hourly rate as indicated on your LMO, no. of regular hours worked, no. of overtime (OT) hours worked, hours worked during official holidays, Tax, CPP, UIC deductions, etc. Report to HRSDC/Service Canada and Alberta Employment Standards employers who pay you less than the salary indicated on your approved LMO or deducts fees that are not listed on your Employment Contract.

4. If an employer ask you to sign a document that you are not comfortable signing or if you do not understand the contents of the document, do not sign the document. Request a copy of the document and tell the employer that you would like additional time to think about it. Then use the additional time given to seek advice from a licensed lawyer or a certified immigration consultant and have them review the document.

5. In Canada, documents that are signed under duress, intimidation, threats, etc. are not legally enforceable. If forced to sign a document, always request a copy of the document and report the incident immediately to HRSDC/Service Canada and Alberta Employment Standards.

6. An employer cannot force you to have your overtime (OT) pay … paid as regular days off or banked as days-off.

OT hours are worth 50% more than regular hours. So if your regular hourly rate is $10.00 per hour, then the OT rate is equal $10.00 x 1.5= $15.00/hr. If forced to sign a document to have your OT hours to be paid as regular days-off or banked as days-off, report the incident immediately to HRSDC/Service Canada and Alberta Employment Standards.

7. Employers are required by law to pay

for the transportation costs (round trip) of TFWs in the semi-skilled and low skilled categories (NOC: C and D). For example, a semi-skilled or low skilled worker from the Philippines does not have to pay for their airplane tickets coming to Canada and going home from Canada. Employers are not allowed to recoup these expenses by deducting fees from the TFWs salaries.

If required to pay or repay transportation expenses, report the incident immediately to HRSDC/Service Canada and Alberta Employment Standards.

8. It is against the law for the employer to force a TFW to do work that you think is unsafe. The TFW can refuse to do work that he thinks is unsafe. The TFW can also refuse to do work in case of imminent danger. Imminent danger means any danger that is not normal for your job. If you think that the work may put you or a co-worker in imminent danger, then you can refuse to do it. The employer cannot lay you off or fire you for refusing to do dangerous work or work that is unsafe.

If you are fired or laid-off for refusing to do unsafe work, report the incident immediately to Alberta Employment Standards.

9. TFWs are entitled to remain in Canada for the full term of their Work Permit.

An employer or employment agency cannot force a TFW to return home, if their Employment Contract is terminated before the expiry of their Work Permit or if the TFW decides to find a job with another employer. It is illegal to threaten or force a TFW to return to their home country. If threatened by employer or employment agency, report the incident immediately to HRSDC/Service Canada and Alberta Employment Standards.

10. TFWs are protected by privacy laws. Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) protects information held by private sector organizations in Alberta by setting out rules for how organizations can collect, use, or disclose personal information.

For example, it is illegal for an employer to request a TFW to give them their passport for safe-keeping and threaten to send them home, if they do not comply.

A person’s passport is private property and employers do not have the legal right to get them from their employees. If an employer forces you to give them your passport, you should report the incident to Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta at 1-888-8784044.

11. If a TFW is not being paid the proper salary as indicated in the approved LMO and Employment Contract, they can anonymously (ie. not reveal your identity) report the employer to HRSDC/ Service Canada and request that their employer’s company be audited. If the HRSDC audit proves that the employer is not following the terms and conditions of the approved LMO such as: not paying the employees the proper hourly rate, not paying overtime, charging more for rent, etc. his company could be blacklisted by the government and not allowed to hire more TFWs for a period of two (2) years.

NOTE: TFWs should collect hard evidence of employer abuse to help prove their complaints. Hard evidence could be: copies of emails, copies of payment receipts, copies of pay slips, copies of LMOs, copies of contracts, memos, letters, etc. If several TFWs are being abused, then the group should work together and file a group complaint to Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory (TFWA) office at (780) 644-2584 or (403) 476-4540.

To serve as reference for TFWs workers rights, I have summarized below information with regards to Alberta Employment Standards based on publicly available documents: Reporting violations It is illegal for an employer to bully or threaten to send a temporary foreign worker home to prevent them from reporting employer abuses or violations.

An employer or employment agency that attempts this may be subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code.

When and how must employees be paid?

Employees must be paid at least once a month. Employers must have

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regular pay periods, and pay employees within ten days after the end of the pay period. Employees may be paid in cash, by cheque or money order, or by direct deposit into their bank account. Hours worked ( regular and overtime) should be recorded.

Deductions from employee earnings The Employment Standards Code allows certain deductions from employee earnings. These include legal deductions for income tax, Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance. If the employer wants to make other deductions, written permission must first be obtained from the employee. There are some deductions that are not allowed, even with written authorization from the employee.

Employers cannot take deductions for faulty workmanship. Also, employers may not deduct for cash shortages or loss of property where more than one person has access to the cash or property.

Employers cannot charge their staff more than their cost for buying, cleaning and maintaining work clothes and uniforms. There are also limits to the rates employers can charge employees for providing them a place to stay. For the current board and lodging rates, visit www.employment.alberta.ca/es.

Hours of Work □ The workday cannot be longer than 12 hours. Report employer violations, if forced to work. □ Employees must have at least 30 mins. of rest in each shift that is longer than five hours. □ Employees must have at least one rest day for each week they work.

Overtime and Overtime pay ( 1.5 times Regular pay) In most industries, overtime is all hours worked in excess of eight (8) hours a day or 44 hours a week. Overtime hours are to be calculated both on a daily and on a weekly basis. The higher of the two numbers is the correct number of overtime hours worked in the week.

Overtime must be paid at the rate of at least 1.5 times the employee’s regular wage rate. The sole exception applies when the overtime is accumulated under a written overtime agreement. Some employers and employees agree to replace overtime pay wholly or partly with time off with pay.

This overtime agreement must be voluntary and not forced upon the worker. If the agreement was signed under duress, intimidation or lack of informed consent… then it should be reported to the Alberta Employment Standards and HRSDC/ Service Canada.

General Holidays and General Holiday pay In Alberta, the following days are general holidays: New Year’s day, Alberta family Day, Good Friday, Victoria day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Victoria Day, Christmas Day and any other day designated as a general holiday by the employer.

Employees who have worked for an employer 30 days in the 12 month period before the holiday are entitled to general holidays and general holiday pay.

If an employee works an irregular schedule and there is doubt about whether a general holiday falls on a day that would normally have been a work day, review the 9 week period preceding the work week in which the general holiday occurs. If the employee worked on the same day of the week as the day on which the general holiday falls in at least 5 of the 9 weeks… the general holiday is to be considered a day that would normally have been a work day for the employee.

When the holiday falls on a regular work day and the employee is not required to work, the employee will receive a regular day’s pay. If the employees are required to work on the holiday and the holiday is a normal day of work, they must receive 1.5 times their regular rate of wages for each hour worked in addition to receiving a regular day’s pay.

If an employee is on a regular dayoff and is required to work on a holiday, the employee should receive 1.5 times the

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regular rate of pay for all hours worked.

If a general holiday falls during an employee’s annual vacation, the employer must extend the employee’s vacation by one day with pay.

Employees in the construction or brush clearing industries are subject to different rules. Contact Alberta Employment Standards for details.

Vacations and Vacation Pay Employees are entitled to a minimum of 2 weeks of vacation with pay after 1 year of employment and 3 weeks of vacation after 5 years of employment with an employer. Monthly paid employees are entitled vacation pay based on their current salary. Employees paid other than by the month are entitled to a 4% of their regular wages for vacation pay. After 5 years this increases to 6%.

Employees employed less than 1 year receive 4% of their regular wages for vacation pay on termination of employment. Vacation pay may be paid any time, but not later than the next scheduled pay day after the employee starts vacation. On written request of an employee, the employer may grant an employee’s annual vacation I periods of not less than one day. The employer has final say over the time when annual vacation is to be taken. Employees in the construction or brush clearing industries are subject to different rules.

Termination of Employment Employees who want to quit their job must give the employer a written termination notice of at least: □ One week, if employed more than 3 months but less than 2 years □ Two weeks, if employed 2 years or more Employers who want to fire or terminate the employment of a worker must give the employee a written termination notice of at least: □ One week, if employed more than 3 months but less than 2 years □ Two weeks, if employed 2 years but less than 4 years □ Four weeks, if employed 4 years but less than 6 years □ Five weeks, if employed 6 years but less than 8 years □ Six weeks, if employed more than 8 years but less than 10 years □ Eight weeks, if employed more than 10 years OR the wages the employee would have earned for the applicable period of notice OR a combination of written notice and the wages the employee would have earned for the applicable period of notice.

NOTE: Employers and employees are not required to provide written notice, if the employee is employed for 3 months or less.

Payment of Earnings Employees must be paid not later than 10 days after the end of each pay period.

When employment ends: 1. If the employer fires or terminates an employee’s employment: a. With a notice and/or in lieu of notice – pay is due not later than 3 days after last day of work b. And no termination notice is required to be given – pay is due not later than 10 days after last day of work 2. If the employee quits or terminates their own employment: a. By giving termination notice – pay is due not later than 3 days after last day of work b. and no termination notice is required to be given – pay is due not less than 10 days after last day of work c. and fails to give termination notice – pay is due not later than 10 days after the date on which the notice would have expired had it been given Legal Disclaimer: This news article is designed for general information only. The information presented in this article should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a consultant/client relationship. Each individual situation is different and people should seek proper advice on their specific cases with a licensed immigration consultant of their choice.

November 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

11

From NDP Health Critic David Eggen: delivery. They’ve allowed private clinics into our system, they’re planning to privatize lab services and they’ve continued to privatize homecare and seniors care.

All of the research shows that seniors living in for-profit facilities receive a lower quality of care than those in public facilities.

And the homecare recipients that we’ve heard from have all been struggling with the lower level of care they’ve been receiving since their care was privatized.

We know that families in this province deserve better. That’s why we’re committed to forcing this PC government to back down

on their schemes that we know will hurt Alberta families. We’ll continue to call on them to ensure that public health care remains public. Albertans should be able to have confidence that they’ll always receive the care they need, regardless of how much money they make.

Statement by the Hon. Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta and MP for Edmonton - Spruce Grove on Typhoon Haiyan

I

n recent weeks, the New Democrat Opposition has been working hard to shine a light on the PC government’s agenda for health care: cutting important services and privatizing.

Most recently, we’ve been working with frontline workers to stand up against the government’s plan to give $3 billion of public money away to a corporation for laboratory services in Edmonton.

Many of the companies that are being considered for this contract have long records of overcharging governments in the United States for their services.

Alberta’s NDP believes that public health care delivers better outcomes for patients, that it creates better working conditions for staff and that it always costs taxpayers less in the end.

But this government continues to support more private

Let's get social

Minister Ambrose issued the following statement on Typhoon Haiyan, which first hit the Philippines on November 8th: On behalf of all Canadians,

Albertans and Edmontonians, I extend our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected as a result of Typhoon Haiyan.

Canada is standing by to offer any possible assistance to the Philippines in responding to this emergency. Canadian officials in Ottawa and at our embassy in Manila are in close contact with Filipino authorities and will continue to monitor the impact of the typhoon.

Canadian citizens in the Philippines requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian embassy in Manila at (02) 857-9000 or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

Canada’s 24/7 EmergencyWatch and Response Centre by dialing 1-800-1-110-0226 (toll-free within the Philippines if calling from a landline) or 001-613-9968885 (collect calls are accepted where available).

Friends and relatives in Canada concerned for Canadian citizens they believe to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s 24/7 EmergencyWatch and Response Centre in Ottawa by calling tollfree 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted) or sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2013

Meet the First Filipino Senator in Canada: Tobias Enverga, Jr. On November 2, 2013, 5 p.m. at Tony Roma’s Restaurant, the Filipino community headed by the president of Council and Assembly of Filipino Foundations and Associations (CAFFA), Mr Joven Bautista and immediate past president. Atty. Richard Tumanon together with select member associations of CAFFA met with the first Filipino Canadian Senator, Tobias Enverga, Jr. accompanied by his amiable wife, Rosemer Enverga who is also an equally successful Filipino holding the position of GMA Pinoy TV Development and Marketing Consultant in Canada.

CAFFA is an umbrella organization of approximately 28 professional and civic organizations such as Calgary Filipino Lions Club, Wildrose Lions Club, Visminsa Charities Foundation, Cabletow Society of Calgary, Kasayahan Performing Arts Foundation among the few.

TV Filipino, the first Filipino television show in Alberta headed by its executive producer, Mr. Jose “Pepito” Magpayo was the lone media invited to cover the meet and greet interview. I had the privileged of hosting the interview being the segment producer and host of TV Filipino talk show “Ikaw at Ako! Filipino Tayo!” broadcasted all over Alberta on Shaw TV 89; OMNI TV 4 and 11; Telus TV 119 and BELL SATELLITE TV 645 & 647.

The meet and greet began with cheerful salutations and lively banters like any other Filipino event. The most awaited entrance of Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. and his lovely wife, Rosemer enlivened the night with much of the attention on them; they graciously chatted with everyone in the room and even gamely posed with those who wanted to have pictures taken with them.

Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. was born in the Philippines and currently lives in Toronto. He was appointed

to the Upper House on September 6, 2012 where he sits as a Conservative.

He served as a school trustee on the Toronto Catholic District School Board until his appointment and was the first Filipino-Canadian elected to public office in the City of Toronto.

“We invited Senator Enverga to this meet and greet so that we can hear his vision for the growing Filipino community in Calgary and the rest of Canada.”, explained Joven Bautista, the current president of CAFFA. “We are also excited to meet up with the First Filipino Canadian Senator in Canada who knows might be the next Prime Minister someday.”, he added enthusiastically.

Senator Enverga spoke well of being a Filipino; of what we are made of; our talents and skills that we can offer and contribute to Canada; and what we can do as a growing and productive immigrant community.

“The Filipinos have so much to offer.

In fact, Canadian employers prefer Filipino employees because of their honesty, dedication and unparalleled work ethics.”, Senator Enverga claimed.

He openly shared his experience when he was a newcomer to Canada and how he rose from the bottom of the society and reach the top of the corporate ladder. “As a new immigrant, I also had to break through the so-called “Canadian experience” requirement to find a job of my choice and continue to study to get more training and education in order to be competitive in the Canadian workplace.” Senator Enverga revealed.

At the time of his appointment, he was a project manager at the Bank of Montreal, where he has worked for more than 30 years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Letran College in the Philippines, a Masters Certificate in Project Management from Schulich School of Business at York University, and

a Computer Studies Certificate from Centennial College.

When he got his appointment as the first Filipino Canadian Senator, his life changed dramatically from a private employee working eight hours a day to a more prominent public figure. While he became very busy with his role as a Canadian Senator, he still finds time to be involved in various Filipino community events which he had been actively doing for so many years.

“As a Canadian Senator, my role is to make sure that Canada will continue to become an even better country to live in.”, he enthused sounding very determined.

“Although, I represent all Canadians, being a pure Filipino, I will make sure that the voice of all Filipinos, our concerns and aspirations will be heard.”, Senator Enverga added.

Senator Enverga is co-chair of the Asian Heritage Month Celebration for the Greater Toronto Area and was previously director of the Canadian Multicultural Council – Asians in Toronto. He also founded the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation and is a former president of the Philippine Independence Day Council.

He is truly one exceptional Filipino achiever through his hard work, determination and dedication not only for his family and love ones but his passion and unfailing love for community service especially to the Filipino community in Canada. Nothing more can sum up his impressive credentials and accomplishments than when he was awarded the Queen’s 60th Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honor Her Majesty for her service to this country and at the same time, it serves to honor significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

When asked for his message to

Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. presented a Certificate of Appreciation to CAFFA President, Joven Bautista with Dexter Braga and Pepe Siapno, CAFFA member association leaders.

Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. and Mrs. Rosemer Enverga posed with CAFFA and its member association leaders and TV Filipino Executive Producer, Jose “Pepito” Magpayo.

From L to R: Jerry Caingcoy, TV Filipino Host, Sen. Tobias Enverga, Joven Bautista, CAFFA President and Atty.

Richard Tumanon, CAFFA immediate past President.

the almost 650,000 Filipinos all over Canada and still growing, he said: “To all my fellow Filipinos, it is time for us to unite and support one another.

Let us leave behind the crab mentality because it is not going to help us.

Let us continue to be productive and excel in our chosen field and be proud being a Filipino.”

A sumptuous meal was served after the interview and dancing followed at the Wildrose Lions Club party at Marlborough Community Hall attended by local dignitaries and community leaders.

Source: Wikipedia “Profile of Senator Tobias Enverga Jr.

From L to R: Senator Tobias Enverga, Mrs. Rosemer Enverga and Jerry Caingcoy, TV Filipino Host

About the author:

Jerry Caingcoy is a FilipinoCanadian living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is a City of Calgary employee and is actively involved in promoting and preserving the Filipino culture in Canada through his active involvement in various Filipino activities. He is a founder of a progressive Montessori school in the Philippines and is an internationally certified Montessori Educator. He is a tennis enthusiast, competed and won in various tennis competitions in Alberta.

He is a passionate leader of a group of OFW's in Calgary who are committed to the better way of pursuing dreams and dollars overseas. He is a father of two children, Nico, 14 and Caitlin, 10 and married to Mary Ann SamillanoCaingcoy.

Relief Drive for Typhoon Yolanda

T

he Triskelions’ Grand Fraternity and Sorority, Northern Alberta Council, headed by our Chairman, Albert Dizon, responded to the Call of Duty as its officers and members joined efforts to help other

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Filipino Organizations facilitate the Philippine Typhoon and Earthquake Relief Operation in Edmonton held in front of the 3J Variety Store, 10821-23 Avenue last Sunday, November 24, 2013, from 11:00AM - 4:00PM.

November 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

Let's get social

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14

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2013

TV Filipino partners with CAFFA and Red Cross to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan Victims in the Philippines

by: Jerry Caingcoy

T

he mass destruction of super typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda) that barrelled through the provinces of Leyte and Samar and other parts of Central Visayas had left more than 4,000 people dead, thousands were injured and others remained missing as of this writing.

Typhoon Haiyan which made a landfall on November 8, 2013 was extremely catastrophic super typhoon and is considered as the most powerful typhoon ever recorded on earth with gusts of up to 320 km/h. It is estimated to have caused multibillion worth of damage to infrastructure and losses to agriculture. It also

affected more than 10 million people in 44 provinces who are in desperate need for help.

The destruction brought about by typhoon Haiyan is incomprehensible as we watched in horror the footages of the aftermath. As Filipinos in Canada, having been blessed with a comfortable life, we need to step up to the plate once again especially at this time when our fellow Filipinos are desperately seeking for help. Every single dollar counts and whatever we can do to ease the burden and pain of our fellow Filipinos will go a long way and will never be in vain.

TV Filipino through the efforts of its executive producer, Jose “Pepito” Magpayo together with TV Filipino staff had forged an alliance with Canadian Red Cross to raise funds for typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines.

“There are so many fundraising events right now but we want to do it right. Partnering with Red Cross is one of the safest and effective ways on how we

can help at this time of need.”, Magpayo said. “Our role as TV Filipino is to encourage increased participation from our Filipino community in Alberta and the rest of Canada even with our Canadian friends to donate to this great cause with transparency and accountability.

We will also endeavour to provide accurate and timely information to those who would like to donate ”, Magpayo added.

To complement its fund raising campaign, TV Filipino had enlisted Council and Assembly of Filipino Foundations andAssembly (CAFFA) through the able leadership of its president, Joven Bautista. CAFFA is an umbrella organization of approximately 28 Filipino professional and civic organizations in Calgary which is a reputable, stable and wellstructured Filipino organization in Calgary.

The partnership of TV Filipino with CAFFA and Red Cross is aimed at solidifying the fundraising efforts of the Filipino

From L to R: Joven Bautista, CAFFA President, Jerry Caingcoy, TV Filipino Host, Corrie Butler, Red Cross Communications Coordinator, Andres Gutierrez, Red Cross Annual and Appeal Manager, Anna Avila, TV Filipino Host

From L to R: Joven Bautista, CAFFA President, Jerry Caingcoy, TV Filipino Host, Corrie Butler, Red Cross Communications Coordinator, Andres Gutierrez, Red Cross Annual and Appeal Manager, Anna Avila, TV Filipino Host with Jose Daniel Magpayo, TV Filipino Director and Jose “Pepito” Magpayo, TV Filipino Executive Producer.

community in a legitimate way and doubling the dollar potential of our funds through the Government of Canada’s match up program for every dollar raised donated to Red Cross or any registered charitable organization.

How this partnership works is that, CAFFA will receive all donations from member and non-member organizations or groups or any public and will issue a tax receipt as requested by individual donors.

Once all donations are received, CAFFA will endorse all donations in the form of cheque payable to Red Cross. The endorsement of donation of CAFFA to Red Cross or even when organizations or groups or any public would entrust their donation to CAFFA, TV Filipino will cover for record and transparency purposes.

Andres Gutierrez, Annual and Appeal Manager, Corrie Butler, Communications Coordinator of Red Cross together with CAFFA president, Joven Bautista graced the TV Filipino Typhoon Yolanda fundraising campaign interview on November 13, 2013, 7:30 p.m. at Kutsara’t Tinidor Restaurant aired through TV Filipino at Shaw TV 89 at 4 p.m., the following Friday and Saturday and Omni TV Channel 4 and Telus 119 at 10 a.m., the following Saturday.

“Approximately 91% of your donation will go to the typhoon victims. There is a minimal administrative cost to cover the expenses of running the whole relief operations. If you want to

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know more details, you can visit www.redcross.ca or call 1-800418-1111.” Mr. Gutierrez said.

CAFFA had also announced that they will be having a fundraising event dubbed as “Concert for Typhoon Haiyan Victims” showcasing various local artists on November 22, 2013 at East Side City Church, 1320 Abbeydale Drive SE, Calgary, AB. Ticket is $20 and can be purchased at any CAFFA member organization.

“We also welcome donations and souvenir sponsorship program to maximize our potential of raising more funds for typhoon Haiyan.”

Mr. Bautista said.

Should there be any donation presented to TV Filipino, its staff or crew, we will direct the donors to CAFFA or Red Cross or as specified by the donor.

About the author:

Jerry Caingcoy is a FilipinoCanadian living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is a City of Calgary employee and is actively involved in promoting and preserving the Filipino culture in Canada through his active involvement in various Filipino activities. He is a founder of a progressive Montessori school in the Philippines and is an internationally certified Montessori Educator. He is a tennis enthusiast, competed and won in various tennis competitions in Alberta.

He is a passionate leader of a group of OFW's in Calgary who are committed to the better way of pursuing dreams and dollars overseas. He is a father of two children, Nico, 14 and Caitlin, 10 and married to Mary Ann SamillanoCaingcoy.

November 2013

15

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

A tale of two Kias Two luxury Kias: 2014 Cadenza and 2014 Rondo

My Ride

by Ron

Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

2014 Kia Cadenza Premium I was looking forward to driving the Cadenza. The 2014 Cadenza made its debut earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show and Kia’s foray into the premium luxury sedan market.

Just like the Kia Rondo, the Cadenza was loaded with features such as HID front headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting (AFLS), an 8” touch navigation screen, 12-speaker Infinity premium audio system, backup camera, premium Nappa soft touch leather, dual-zone climate control, headed and ventilated driver’s seat and most importantly, heated steering wheel. Unfortunately, I was not able to test out the wiper de-icer system.

As you may have noticed in previous vehicle reviews, I’ve emphasized vehicles that came equipped with heated steering wheels. If you’re on the road as much as I am, a heated steering

wheel is an extremely worthwhile feature that I’ve grown to enjoy. Its usefulness during our Manitoba winters makes driving much more enjoyable!

The Kia Cadenza has that luxury look that several people noticed during my week behind the wheel. The clean lines and polished look of the vehicle, including the bold 19” alloy rims definitely scream luxury, without the luxury price.

Driving performance is effortless with the 3.3L V6 that packs 293 horsepower 6-speed automatic. Did I mention there are paddle-shifters? Yes, the car has paddle shifters. In fact, it has a myriad of buttons and levers on the steering column.

The interior is extremely spacious, with luxury styling and ergonomically friendly with many of the controls on the centre console within easy reach.

Fuel efficiency for combined city and highway driving was around 13.5L/100kms. There was more city driving than normal and with the colder weather, warming up the car probably affected fuel efficiency.

Vehicles in the same luxury sedan category include the Lincoln MKZ, Acura RLX, Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, VW Passat and Buick LaCross.

Vehicle as tested, $44,995.

2014 Kia Rondo EX Even before the Kia arrived on my driveway for my one-week media road test, I giggled that the luxury term was added to describe the car. As I glanced at the spec sheet of the 2014 Kia Rondo EX luxury 7-seat CUV, I realized rather quickly how serious Kia was in calling this a luxury vehicle.

The Kia Rondo EX is loaded, I mean loaded with features you would probably find on vehicles twice the price. Let’s start off with the heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, three-stage heated/ ventilated driver’s seat, full leather and not the cheap kind, 8” navigation display, panoramic sunroof, rear view camera, front and rear parking sonar, 18” alloy wheels, headlight washer nozzle.

Oh let’s not forget, rear heated seats! I can’t recall the last vehicle I drove that offered rear heated seats!

The interior cabin is extremely spacious with the

largest dashboard I’ve ever seen in a car. There would be more than enough space for an entire Hello Kitty collection, for those car owners that enjoy that sort of thing.

The rear passenger seating is very spacious as well. Did I mention rear heated seats? As for the 7-passenger seating, the 3rd row of seating is always

laughable. I don’t understand why car manufacturers even bother and should just keep it as cargo space.

Lastly on fuel efficiency, after a week in the Kia Rondo, fuel efficiency on combined city and highway driving was just over 10.5L/100kms.

Vehicle as tested, $32,195.

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

Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

Relief Goods for Yolanda Typhoon

November 2013

Pol Angeles Celebrates 70th Birthday Pol Angeles of Edmonton celebrated his 70th birthday at Fatt Jacks Asian Restaurant last Saturday November 16, 2013. His family and friends were among his guests. Congratulations Brother Pol.

Pol and Berna Angeles

Pol’s Family Picture

Some of Pol's friends

Group of Line Dancers

All photos & articles available online!

Tessie Banaag entertained the guests with a Hawaiian Dance

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The Long Journey Ahead of Us

By Mila Bongco-Philipzig, Interim UPAAE President

W

hy form UPAAE? Why join UPAAE? You might well ask. I ask this myself: Bakit nga ba? As I thought about these questions, the concept of a journey – of travelling – came to me as a good analogy to forming a new group like UPAAE. Is travelling necessary? Not really.

Is it easy? No. Just think of all the packing and unpacking, obtaining visas and tickets, dealing with lost luggage, delayed flights, and navigating through unknown and unexpected situations once you reach your destination. And why even bother to travel to a place that othershave already visited? Or that you can enjoy in photographs or movies without experiencing difficulties and using precious time and money?

Well, when we travel, we have a purpose – to visit relatives, go sightseeing, attend a conference, experience new things, enjoy new tastes, go on an adventure. And while travelling may be difficult, it’s also stimulating, enjoyable, and enriching.

Seeing new places, tasting exotic food, and experiencing new cultures not only open and fire up our senses, but also feed our minds and souls. We get refreshed, we learn new things, we meet different people, we end up expanding our perspectives, and we learn to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the wonderful world we live in.

Forming a group presents similar challenges and experiences – it may not be necessary, it may not be easy, but we undertake with a view to enhance and expand.UPAAE provides an avenue for UP Alumni to nurture a bond and solidarity arising from having attended one alma mater, and to uphold and further the cause of UP as our country’s first and only national university. At the same time, UPPAE is not meant to just be a social and networking group as one trademark of coming from UP is to have a social conscience – to believe in a greater good that benefits us all collectively, and to actively contribute to this greater good. UPAAE means to challenge complacency, indifference, and being content with comfortable or vicarious experiences. Instead, UPAAE seeks to

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2013

provide a way for UP Alumni to collectively give back and serve, as well as to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and generosity that should be reflected inthe members’ lifestyles and choices and beliefs.Yes, it is difficult to start a group, recruit and keep members, plan activities and events – but with such lofty and worthy goals, I believe it is worth it.

There are other things I learned while travelling that I think are applicable to forming UPAAE. 1. Choose your destination wisely.

Based on purpose, need, budget, time, and season, we choose our travel destination. In forming a group, forward thinking and good judgement are critical for choosing the path, scope of influence, and objectives for the group. Since UPAAE is just starting, it is a good time for all members to shape and steer the group’s culture and future. We should aim for UPAAE to be here for the long haul and approach forming UPAAE with plans and goals to make it exist and be relevant for a long time.

2. Choose your companions carefully.

We plan different kinds of trips: mountain climbing, scuba diving, city sightseeing, retreat in a picturesque small town, downhill skiing, long drives, and so on. For each trip, weneed the appropriate companions – people we can trust and depend on, as well as people who can thoroughly enjoy that specific trip together. Fortunately, UP Alumni are great companions in forming a group aiming for social impact and significance. They are a bunch of smart, socially aware, feisty, and vocal people – no one seems to be shy, that’s for sure. With all the interesting discussions, active participation, varied opinions, and creative suggestions in our meetings so far, coupled with boisterous laughter and jovial teasing, Ibelievethis group can foster closerelationships among the members that will make our journey together not only relevant but fun at the same time.

3.

Communicate, communicate, and communicate some more. I rememberorganizing a group of Filipino friends to go spring hiking in Jasper National Park, and one lady showed up in

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her office blazer, Mary Jane shoes, and no gloves. I thought I had explained to everyone what to expect for a full-day hiking trip, but apparently not. In a group, good communication is crucial. And it should be constant and multi-directional – not even just two-way. Officers to members and back, UPAAE to other groups and back, members to members, UPAAE to public and back – you get the gist. UPAAE aims to reach out and be collaborative, instead of being top-down and authoritative. Transparency and open channels for communication will certainly help a group succeed, and keep everyone on the same path towards the same vision.

4. Be open-minded, be positive, be flexible. Not all travels go smoothly, but if we are flexible, creative, and realistic in meeting the problems, the difficulties are more manageable and less stressful. No doubt, here will be bumps and dry spells in establishing UPAAE. There will be times when nothing seems to be happening, events are not well-attended, a project falls flat, good intentions are misinterpreted, members’ enthusiasm go cold. But if we do not lose sight of the vision and the goals why UPAAE was formed, and we remain focused on the long-view rather than getting lost in the details,if we fix the problem instead of fixing the blame, and we react constructively instead of being inflexible, then UPAAE will survive the bumpy roads and detour signs along the way.

5. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.I find that if I get too focused on ‘getting there’, I get impatient, cranky, and more tired during the trip. Also, sometimes, I get too focused on taking pictures, I basically experience some parts of my trips only through the lens of the camera, instead of revelling in the sights and sounds around me. I would like to urge UPAAE members to enjoy the journey to establishing a great association – get to know each other, participate in as many events as possible, laugh at mistakes and learn, rejoice in victories, create relationships, share our talents,basically, cherish the moments, experiences and the journeyitself, not just focus on the destination.

In UPAAE’s journey, we will need to take baby steps as well as big leaps of faith.

But we have been blessed with very good travelling companions and a destination that, though yet unknown, looks very promising. Let’s forge ahead together – kapit-bisig – take some paths less traveled, carve our own paths, and take advantage of the paths paved for us by other pioneering Filipinos. We are in good company, we have a worthy destination and vision, and it will be difficult, yes, but with UP grit, humour, and hard work, it’s also guaranteed to be fun and interesting and worthwhile.

Acknowledgements: Thank you to the Filipino Journal for its continuous support to the UPAA Edmonton, and also to Sacred

Heart Church and Fr. Jim Holland for the use of the Church basement for our October gathering.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 16: City TV’s 2013 Annual Culturally Diverse Media Forum, theme: The Changing Face of Edmonton” with keynote speaker, Mayor Don Iveson Nov. 30: Deliver Coats for United Way Campaign “Winter Coats for Kids and Families” Dec. 6: UPAAE Christmas Party at Bonanza Buffet, 5420 Calgary Trail (7:00PM) – families welcome, please confirm your attendance by November 29 by writing to upaa. edmonton@gmail.com Jan. 12: General Meeting and Elections for Officers, Sunday at 3:00PM, Location: TBD.

Other planned events are: Session on “Rights and Pathways to Permanency” with a speaker from the Ministry of Enterprise and Advanced Education around end of March/early April, and hosting the activities for the Filipino Global Runner in Edmonton around end of May/early June.

Contact Information: Write us: upaa. edmonton@gmail.com; follow us at Facebook: upaa.edmonton; Blog: http:// upaaedmonton.wordpress.com/2013/07/, and Twitter: https://twitter.com/ UPAAEdmonton

UP Alumni Association Edmonton members during the October general meeting

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2013

Horoscope This is an excellent time to be setting goals and pursuing your ambitions. Your path may not be traditional but you will shine in the spotlight with little effort. Financial matters would proceed at a brisk pace and would offer you plenty of positive hopes. Relationship with your love partner would proceed smoothly.

People around you are acting ridiculous today basing their actions on misinformation which is frustrating you. This is where your personal resolve and life skills come into play.

Treating the situation as potentially beneficial will help you to work it out with a better approach.

Confrontation with others is difficult for you because of your past experience with a dominant personality. You have a naturally aggressive spirit, but you need to overcome your fears. You will reap profound merits through your honest efforts in career front. Be careful while handling relationship issues.

It’s a very favorable time for developing your relationships with parents and other relatives. At times life becomes extremely distracting and work and other financial or professional commitments take over.

A new location will bring in new clients and help the business grow. Take a relaxed attitude towards life and do your awn thing. Devoting time to family will provide immense happiness. Your charm and persistence will pay rich dividends on the romantic front.

Contracts, negotiations, and business dealings of all kinds are favored now. A family youngster may insist on doing something that you do not approve of, but it is best to give in a bit. Tempers can flare on the domestic front over a trivial issue. Those feeling suffocated in a bad marriage may decide to end the relationship.

Health causing concern sometime back will improve and make you bounce back to your old self again. You can be challenged at work, so be at your convincing best! Think about taking up where you left off with a relationship or business idea. Be patient with a younger person when you are with friends.

There are renovations planned for the home which you are becoming involved with today. The changes in the home reflect the inner transformation that has been going on within you for the past year. These positive changes will affect the next two years in your choice of career.

Someone who respects you a great deal might offer you an opportunity to advance that increase your income. You may have known this person for a long time, and the two of you work well together. This opportunity should be welcome and not intimidating. Relationship with your love partner tends to proceed on a smooth note. Be careful of your oral hygiene.

You have been given a challenge by life to express yourself as completely as possible through a vocation which touches the lives of others, and nothing less will ever fulfill you.

Socializing should be secondary to other responsibilities right now.

A loving, supportive letter or call from a close friend could be just what the doctor ordered today. You may feel overworked and a little pessimistic about any plans you’ve made. Your friend should lift your spirits and motivate you to push on ahead in spite of whatever obstacles you encounter. Remember this kindness.

Devote quality time for spending with family members and adopt an adjusting attitude to retain special bonding with them. Some ailments may trouble your family elders. There would be some bright and cheerful moments.

PAHALANG 1 Mahinhin 7 Sakit 11 Uri ng isda 12 Salapi ng Yemen 13 Siyudad sa Japan 14 Pabango sa pagkain 15 Pinigil 16 Luto sa kawali 17 Kandungan 18 Los Angeles 19 Bilang, english 20 Osmium, sagisag

PABABA 21 Pinatangis 25 Maralita 26 Klase ng manok 27 Niig 29 Berso 30 _____ Geronimo, singer 31 Silong 32 Inaba 33 Ilahok 34 Bayan sa Nueva Ecija 35 Gahaman

1 Magulumihanana

21 Tiwasay

2

22 Huni ng ibon

Pulang langgan

3 Yapos

23 Palit

4

24 Uri ng kape

Sabik uminom

5 Masunurin

25 Anyo

6 Ipakita

27 Sakdal

7 Hanggahang-lunsod

28 Sinulid mula sa tupa

8 Kinokorner

29 Laryo

9 Butil

31 Kalog kapag inulit

10 Umbok

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.

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!

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.

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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.

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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!

5 8 1 5

5 4 5

7 4 7

1 3 5 1 4 2

Daily Sudoku: Sun 5-Aug-2012

3 9 2 1 4

8 5 7

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2012. All rights reserved.

Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer & Fort McMurray

very hard

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

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http://www.dailysudoku.com/

November 2013

19

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

Phenomenology of Disaster

Lito Mendoza Velasco 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.

Meta-Linguistic Background Both Tacloban and Bohol are word--bearing negative as well as positive connotations. "Taklob" is a Tagalog-Filipino term which means "cover or protect", while "Bohol" is derived the Visayan-Filipino term "boho" which means "hole." But, in tagalog, "buhol" means "knot."

Positively, the word "taklob or takluban" carries its good implication.

For instance, whenever the Filipinos are drying-up tons of rice in the field and the rain comes, they always haste to cover them up to avoid getting wet.

Another good example: when we or our loved ones are being attacked by enemies, our immediate impulse or reaction is to cover or protect ourselves from such aggression.

On the other hand, we use the

word "bohol or knot" to save one's life in case of emergencies. For example, a man who is drowning is usually given one end of a rope, and the other end would be knot-tied to any durable and stable object so the ones saving would not be easily be pulled out by the water current; thereby, saving life would be made easy.

Negatively, the word "taklob, takluban, cover" is suffocating while "bohol, buhol, knot" is controlling and irritating. Suffocating in the sense that the one being covered or controlled does not want to be covered or controlled; therefore, the action taken is against the will of the recipient. As the saying in Latin goes: "Quid quid recipitur, ad modum recipientis recipitur," which means, whatever is received, is received according to the mode need of the recipient."

The Philippines has been suffering from suffocation due to publicly known poverty. We, the poor people, can scarcely able to see the tip of a five hundred or one thousand peso bill. When I was there, I could hardly able to buy what I like during Christmas. Why? Because, I had no money. Where is the money? Where it went? Ah, It has been taken, covered, protected, and tightly knot-tied in the pockets and banks of the opportunistic politicians and their cronies. Wow! They corrupted billion pesos. Enough to pay for the Philippine debt. You can even think about it, that the sumtotal of the damages due to Bohol earthquake and Tacloban, Leyte's Typhoon are more or less equivalent

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to what these corrupt personalities have stolen. Philippines, have mercy on you! Have mercy on us! Had it not been to them, we might have been enjoying life in the Philippines right now, than working here abroad.

Any Suggestions or Recommendations?

In my personal opinion, once they have been convicted and proven guilty, do sequester all their properties or put them into a transparent cell inside the jail where people can observe whether they are given special protection or not. Justice for the Philippines!

The Tragedy or Disaster: What can this offer to the World?

This is uniting. This is favorable to the countries that have been fighting for principles and most of the time for gold and glory. Through this, chaos and social unrest is resolved.

Through a tragic phenomenon like one in the Philippines, hatred is repaid by kindness. Help and assistance have been overflowing from the neighboring or allied countries, or even from the distant lands. But, of course, not all pieces of help always favors and airs in our side or behalf. Some still are indifferent and apathetic. They just mocked and frown. Thus, the world is not that super generous and kind. In reality, the protagonist has its antagonist counterpart; the proton has to be matched with neutrons to polarize.

There is always a balance of nature.

While it is true that not everybody

likes everybody, it is also true that not everybody dislikes everybody. There is always a saying that man is brother unto his fellow men. Live and let live.

Helping is better than being helped. As a matter of fact, some are quite generous and extending help without expecting something in return. Yet, some take this opportunity in order to repent and repay what they have stolen, using their positions in the government and companies where they are connected. Still, others may do so because they want to be prominent and famous. It is also true for the numerous people who are aspiring to become politicians; and very true, because help begets help.

The Bible says, help once and it will bounce back to you abundantly. God's multiplication is different. The more you give, the more you will receive.

Points to ponder Nothing can be the cause of the phenomenon when the phenomenon did not occur. If you were in their shoes, who are you going to blame for this tragedies? Please choose below: • God. He abandons his people.

Particularly the Filipinos; • The illegal loggers, for inconsiderably cutting trees; • The Real Estate Developers, for excessively quarrying and landscaping; • The Politicians, for unreasonable corrupting the county's wealth; or • The Mother Nature, for balancing and arranging the tectonic plate of the earth.

Whichever from the above mentioned categories best suits to

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your reflections, then, try to justify your answer. You need not have to have someone to discuss all about these things. Just go to your room and have a positive self-talk. Make sure, nobody from your neighbor is seeing or watching you while you are talking to yourself. Let the Supreme Being answer your further questions. You can only hear Him from the silence of your heart when you are alone. Let no noise distract you.

Take advantage of this phenomenal situation. Having this Philippine Natural Calamity is an opportunity; we are truly lucky not because of the devastations and numbers or mortality, but because we are warned. It is truly a wake-up-call to all of us. Destructions come and go. We do not know when, where, and who will be affected. However, I am not encouraging you all to kill yourselves before your death arrives.

Let us go on with this life and live fairly and justly.

Let us all remove the cover that suffocates us. Yet, preserve the protection that saves us.

Let us all see the new hope that looms from the peak of its horizon. Let the brighter light freely or deliberately penetrate into the hole of the newer Philippine Archipelago.

Buksan natin ang bagong pagasa! May Buhay na mas masagana pagkatapos ng sakuna!

(For comments and suggestions, please email me at litovelasco65@ yahoo.ca)

20

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

Report from Naresh Bhardwaj MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie

by Naresh Bhardwaj MLA, Edmonton Ellerslie

As the MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie, I am always available to assist constituents.

If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached in my constituency office at 780-414-2000, or in my Legislature office at 780-644-3845. Also, please subscribe to my E newsletter at http://bhardwaj.mypcmla.ca/.

Provincial Funding Relief for Typhoon Haiyan As the MLA for EdmontonEllerslie, I wish to extend my appreciation of the efforts that so many Albertans are making towards relief efforts for the 11.3 million people who have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. There are over 100,000 people from the Asian archipelago living and working in Alberta. The government of Alberta, in an act of humanity, will assist in aiding families and communities and rebuilding disaster-affected areas by matching public donations to Red Cross up to $500,000. I encourage all Albertans to participate and show their support.

Save the Date – Human Trafficking Workshop You are invited to attend a public workshop I will be hosting with ACT Alberta and the Indo Canadian Women’s Association on Thursday, November 28, 2013 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Southeast Division Police Station.

The workshop objectives are to raise awareness of adult and child labour trafficking, sexual labour trafficking, sexual exploitation, honour based crimes, and forced marriages in Edmonton and to provide attendees with tools to identify and address these issues – what are the causes and who is targeted? In Alberta, human trafficking charges have been laid in rural communities

as well as major urban centres.

Traffickers may be intimate partners, employers, recruiters, family members or organized crime groups.

ACT Alberta - the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking in Alberta - responds to human trafficking collaboratively with community agencies, law enforcement and government by providing assistance to victims,

November 2013

supporting the prosecution of traffickers, and enhancing knowledge and awareness of the issue. The Indo Canadian Women’s Association is amongst the few organizations in Edmonton advocating for the protection of the rights of immigrant women, men and youth alike. The ICWA is active in the prevention of gender based violence by raising the status of women through dialogue and community mobilization.

If you are interested in attending this workshop, please register by calling ACT Alberta at 780-474-1104.

Constituency Christmas Open House You are cordially invited to join me for my Christmas Open House being held on Friday, December 13, 2013 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Southwood Community Hall located at 1880 – 37 Street. I look forward to seeing you there!

Filipino Martial Arts: The Tie That Binds All Filipinos

By Oliver Salvador

O

ur beloved country – The Philippines – is the birthplace of a spectacular martial art that has been hailed the world over as one of the most sophisticated, effective and elegant martial arts that has ever existed.

That martial art has been called many names – Arnis, Eskrima, Kali, Estokada, Kabaroan and Kaliradman. Arnis, Eskrima and Kali are the most widely used terms when referring to the indigenous martial arts of the Philippines.

Whatever name one may use for it, one fact remains clear…the Filipino martial arts enabled our ancestors to defend their families, villages and country from invaders since before recorded history.

It is the Filipino martial arts that bind all Filipinos together. It is the one overwhelming factor that has enabled Filipinos to be resilient and thrive in the face of adversity.

The Mandirigma (warriors) of ancient times were a close-knit warrior culture that espoused constant training to always be prepared for combat and hardship should the need arise. And the need did arise…The Filipino warriors defended their lands from foreign invaders as well as other invading tribes.

In these modern times, the Filipino martial arts are still the choice of the fiercest warriors.

Special Forces such as the Navy SEALs and Green Berets choose the Filipino martial arts to train

their members in close quarters combat with knives as well as unarmed because they are simple to learn, highly effective, and lethal when used against the enemy.

In addition to being the martial arts choice of the Special Forces, the Filipino martial arts are also a fast-growing sport. Since they are a complete martial art that encompasses both empty hand and weapons fighting, tournaments are held worldwide and yearround, providing Filipinos and participants of all nationalities with opportunities to compete with one another and test their skills. The tournaments usually have unarmed karate-like point fighting divisions, as well as weapons point fighting with separate stick and knife divisions. The tournaments help participants focus their training goals as well as motivate them to

releases such as the Bourne trilogy (starring Matt Damon), the Hunted (starring Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio Del Toro), Mission Impossible (starring Tom Cruise), and Equilibrium and Batman Begins(both starring Christian Bale). These movies feature the spectacular fighting skills of the Philippines that have “wowed” audiences young and old across the world.

Thus, the Filipino martial arts remain revered by elders in the Filipino communities, who still remember their fathers, brothers and uncles practicing the art with ferocity and devotion, and they are develop their skills rapidly.

From a cultural aspect, the respected by the young Filipinos Filipino martial arts survived throughout the ages, even while being outlawed during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, by being hidden within the cultural dances of the Filipinos. Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo Most Filipino traditional dances Holiday parties have started performed by Filipino dancers such across the city as businesses, as Tinikling and Maglalatik are friends, and families celebrate the comprised of Filipino martial arts festive season. footwork and/or hand movements.

Big Rock Brewery, Most Filipino dancers do not even Associated Cab and the Calgary realize that they are doing Filipino Police Service want everyone to martial arts when performing the dances! This is how the art has make it home safe and sound from survived to be propagated around celebrations, and are launching the world and regarded with respect their eighth annual campaign to ask Calgarians to know their and awe.

The Filipino martial arts limits.

Starting today, Friday, have also made their way into Nov. 22, 2013, and through the mainstream culture by being featured in major motion picture month of December, a city-wide

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as “awesome” and “cool” skills to show off to their peers. This is how the Filipino martial arts link the past to the present and future. They live and thrive in the hearts of both the young and old. They are literally the tie that binds Filipinos together in a way that has transcended space and time.

About the author: Oliver Salvador is a Master in the Filipino martial art of RutanoEstokada Kali, as well as a Guro in Modern Arnis.

He has been studying and training in the Filipino martial arts for 38 years. He is the Head Instructor of the Edmonton Filipino Martial Arts Club, and the Founder of the Philippine Warrior Arts Society.

Partners encourage safe holiday celebrations

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campaign will urge patrons at bars and restaurants to act responsibly while enjoying the holidays and not get behind the wheel if they are impaired.

The campaign will involve more than 25 bars and restaurants in Calgary, who will display 250 posters and distribute more than 30,000 coasters. The phone number for Associated Cab is prominently displayed on the promotional material, encouraging Calgarians to book a safe ride home.

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2013

by Gem & Lita Anis

BURGOS, the "gastronomic capital of Spain" Burgos, a city in northern Spain, is the historic capital of the province of Burgos located in the autonomous community of Castille-Leon.

Founded in 884, Burgos has about 180,000 people in the actual city and another 200,000 in the metro in an area of 107 sq. kms.

In recent years the city, still preserving the vestiges of its medieval splendour, has become a well-rounded tourist and pilgrim destination with the architectural masterpiece, the spired Burgos Cathedral, as the city's most compelling attraction. Other historical landmarks that blend with the contemporary cultural centres like the Museum of Human Evolution and boutique hotels like Via Gotica, include "Las Huelgas Reales" Monastery, "Cartuja de Miraflores", and a large number of churches and other buildings dating back from the medieval ages.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the Burgos Roman Catholic Cathedral which is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is famous for its vast size and unique French Gothic architecture.

The construction of this icon began in 1221 and completed in 1567. The

front of the cathedral is flanked by towers terminating in octagonal spires which are quite visible from much of the city. Serving as the entrance, the middle section of the front of the cathedral has three alabaster pilasters (columns). The interior is beautifully decorated with works of art and artifacts and bears paintings of many angels.

The imposing church contains the tomb of "El Cid" and his wife Dona Jimena. "El Cid", meaning The Lord, as called by the Spanish Moors, is Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, a Castillian nobleman and military leader considered as the national hero of Spain. He's born in a town near Burgos. Remember the 1961 historical epic film "El Cid" starring Charlton Heston?

Just beyond the city proper is the Carthusian Monastery of Miraflores with its important treasure, the famous wooden statue of St. Bruno, the saint most revered by people from all over Europe. The Monasterio de las Huelgas also on the outskirts of the city is noted for its beautiful cloisters used to be the place where Spanish kings and monarchs went for recreation and spiritual retreats.

Inaugurated on 13 July 2010, me of Philippine "dinugan") stuffed the Museum of Human Evolution is with pig's blood and fat, rice, paprika, unique in its kind across the world. onion, salt, and spices With its convention centre, research institution and the museum itself, it features the first Europeans which lived in this area 800,000 years ago.

One level of the museum is dedicated to the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin, the British naturalist and geologist, and to the history of human evolution.

From the Plaza Mayor, the city's main square, we stroll along the "Paseo del Espolon". a treelined promenade situated along the Rio Arlanzon that slices through Burgos. The promenade consists of landscaped walk with sculptures, fountains and manicured gardens.

Referred to by the New York Times as the "ancient city with Gem & Lita at the Burgos Cathedral a fresh face and culinary buzz", Burgos was crowned at the end of 2012 as the "gastronomic capital of Spain" for 2013 to "promote Burgos culinary gastronomy at a national and international level as an attractive form of tourism in Spain".

Burgos culinary specialties include the popular "morcilla de Burgos", the famous "queso de Burgos" (a soft white whey cheese with slight goat-milk flavour), and its fine wine "Cillar de Silos" with the label "Ribera del Duero". Morcilla de Burgos, having the reputation for being the best in Spain, is a black pudding or blood sausage (reminds paseo del Espolon in autumn

The French Gothic Burgos Cathedral

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2013

Pacquiao dedicates victory to victims of typhoon Yolanda Manny Pacquiao said his victory over Brandon Rios isn't about his comeback in big-time boxing, but rather as a symbol of his people's rising from the havoc of typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) that devastated central Philippines

two weeks prior to the fight.

The Filipino boxing icon used his speed and magnificent footwork to batter Rios and cruise to a onesided victory enroute to winning the WBO international welterweight title during their November 23 fight

in Macau. Judges had it 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 for Pacquiao.

Judge Michael Pernick gave Pacquiao every round. Lisa Giampa scored only the eighth for Rios, while Manfred Kuechler gave Rios just the third and eighth.

Rios boasted of his vaunted iron chain and showed a dogged determination but was no match for Pacquiao as he absorbed powerful blows from all angles throughout the bout before a sell-out crowd of at Cotai Arena. He wasn’t simply fast enough to fend off the aggressive Filipino.

The American boxer admitted he was beaten by one of the best fighters in the world who executed a winning game plant anchored on speed with punches coming from different angles. Rios' trainer, Robert Garcia, echoed his fighter’s view by saying that Pacquiao has a lot of quickness and speed which will bring him more victories in the future.

The Filipino boxing superstar was returning to the ring almost a year since his brutal knockout defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez. With the

decisive win, Pacquiao's future and a potential mega fight with Floyd Mayweather have become hot topics of conversation among boxing enthusiasts.

Pacquiao also reversed the decline in his boxing career and provided some desperately needed inspiration to his disaster-stricken country.

David and Analyn Wedding Celebration Congratulations to David Starnes and Analyn Agravante who got married in a Holy Matrimony at St Theresa Parish Church last June 29, 2013.

From David's song composition he wrote "You've given me a love so sweet, Everyday you shown me, A love so true to me. You completed my whole new life And shown me that dreams come true in a lonely life."

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November 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2013 TELUS STORE OR AUTHORIZED DEALER

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Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer not available with TELUS Internet 6. Apple iPad mini offer available while quantities last and cannot be combined with promotional prices. TELUS reserves the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of Apple iPad mini is $459. Cancellation fee will be $12/mo. for the iPad mini and $10/mo. for the HD PVR and digital boxes multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term. Current rental rates apply at the end of the term. Rental equipment must be returned in good condition upon cancellation of service, otherwise the replacement cost will be charged to the account. TELUS, the TELUS logo, Optik, Optik TV and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 TELUS. FFH131103BC_19_Filipino Journal.Alberta.indd 1

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13-11-07 4:11 PM