Filipino Journal Alberta Edition November 2014

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Volume 6, Number 11 • November 2014

PiM Koro Bulakeno

Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Darren's Homecoming Concert

Page 4 ► Darren Espanto

Jay R

Historic Undas 2014 a Huge Success!

Page 23 ►

Page 20 ► Fr. Jojo Gh Brent George at Filipino Shrine.

4 Filipino foreign workers killed in a car crash

Page 8 ►

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November 2014

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Darren Espanto welcomed back in Canada warmly

By Erlinda Dolly Tan

Darren Espanto was welcomed back in Canada with two huge sold-out homecoming concerts.

He performed in Calgary last November 7 at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino then, in Edmonton the next day at Mirage Banquet Hall.

Both concerts drew big crowds, fans in Edmonton started lining up two hours ahead of the show. A group of die-hard fans from Grande Prairie who call themselves the “Darrenatics – Team Grande Prairie” braved the snowy road and traveled six hours to watch the show. There were 27 of them. Sylvia Fernandez, the group’s leader, said: “It was all worth it!”

The audience was overwhelmed when Darren sang the songs that brought him to “The Voice Kids” stardom in the Philippines. He sang Domino, Listen, One Moment in Time, Ngayon, Somebody To Love and You Are My Song. He also performed a Michael Jackson medley number, to the delight of the audience. He imitated the King of Pop’s dance moves and clothes. Undeniably, Darren is an

excellent dancer as well, not just a singer.

Only 13 years old, he has gone a long way in a short time.

Darren is from Calgary where he was born. It can be recalled that he went to the Philippines last summer to audition for the “The Voice Kids.” Although he was only 1st runner up, his fame soared high unexpectedly.

He has guested in TV shows in the Philippines and traveled to different cities to perform. In October 4, he performed at the Music Museum, it was his first major solo concert. It was soldout and because of its big success, a repeat concert is coming up this December. He is the youngest Filipino artist to hold a major solo concert at the age of 13.

In October 25, he flew to the states to be the special guest of the 4th annual “The Outstanding Filipino-Americans” (TOFA) Awarding at the Carnegie Hall in New York. He received a standing ovation when he sang “One Moment In Time” and “Listen.”

In his Edmonton concert, the surprise guest performance

of the night came from his 4-year old sister Lynelle, she sang and danced on the stage with her brother. Also performing that night were Alexandra Villamar, Dreamie Holman, Cheenee Morales, Vehnee Saturno and Ladine Roxas. Vehnee is Darren’s manager in the Philippines.

The emcee was Jimmy Buena.

The concert was produced by Crosstown Auto Center and The Filipino Connection.

Sylvia Fernandez and family at the concert. Sylvia and 26 others drove all the way from Grande Prairie to watch the show.

Darren and his little sister Lynelle singing and dancing at the stage.

The big crowd at the Mirage Banquet Hall in Edmonton.

Darren's Homecoming Concert in Calgary A Tremendous Success

By Jun Angeles

Within a span of five weeks, Darren Espanto's Homecoming Concert on November 7, 2014 at the Grey Eagle Event Hall in Calgary filled the 2500 seats with adoring fans from all over North America and the Philippines.

Calgary, Darren's birthplace and home city embraced his concert with warm welcome by his fans in North America. After his successful win as the second runner up of the Philippines' ABSCBN the Voice Kids Season1, Darren's popularity skyrocketed and became a sensation dubbed as "A complete package performer".

Darren came back to Calgary to pay respect to the home where he grew up and studied.

Darren despite of his success is still a Calgarian by heart.

His ambition to share his talent in singing and dancing couple with sacrifice, determination, commitment and gentleness paid off to reach the height of his career. ABEC Promotions, Inc.managed by Oscar Buera, Jr. staged the biggest congregations of Filipino fans in Calgary.

Indeed the support to Darren's home coming concert was a tremendous success.

With Darren Espanto's concert. Jay R also known as the Philippines King of R & B appeared and sang on the staged and was given a standing welcome. A Filipino-American, Jay R is a successful platinum recording artist, producer, performer, actor, endorser and CEO of his record label Homeworkz. He popularized the single Design for Love and his Tagalog song "Bakit Pa Ba".

Darren gave it all at the concert to the delight of his faithful and adoring fans. The presence 'Darrennatics Worldwide Fans Club' said it all. Diehards fans forever.

Darren and Jay R Duet

Darren Espanto on staged

The Adoring crowd

TV Filipino and Alberta Filipino Journal covering the media

Darrenatics Worldwide Fans Club

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Jerry Caingcoy TV Filipino Host Live Interview at the Concert

Photos by Jun Angeles | Alberta Filipino Journal

November 2014

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Pacquiao earns dominant victory against Algieri Chris Algieri's plan was to take the fight into the later rounds and try to land shots that would hurt the great Manny Pacquiao.

That never happened though as Pacquiao dominated the fight for twelve one-sided rounds during their WBO Welterweight fight on Nov. 23 Sunday at the Venetian Macao's Cotai Arena in Macau.

The judges' scorecards read 119-103, 119-103, and 120102, all in favor of Pacquiao, the only eight division world champion the sport has ever seen.

The future Hall of Fame fighter from the Philippines floored the Huntington, New York, native six times in the process. Pacquiao threw a total of 669 with 229 finding its mark for a 34 percent clip. In contrast, Algieri uncorked 469 but landed only 108 for 29 percent. The Pacman also landed 187 of 410 power shots at a 46 percent connect ratio, and Algieri landed 80 of 212 power punches at 38 percent.

A left straight to the cheek that dropped Algieri in the

ninth round was considered by experts to be Pacquiao’s best and everyone in attendance thought Algieri was not going to get up. But the challenger bravely regained his wits and went on to finish the fight. The Filipino boxing icon said he was looking for a knock out but Algieri used his feet to maintain his distance and circle to his left, moving away from Pacquiao's power hand. Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach summarized the fight by

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saying that the master boxer (Algieri) was given a master class

by Professor Pacquiao.

Pacquiao received a hero's welcome during his victory parade in Manila on Thursday. At the post-fight news conference, he echoed his call for pound-forpound king Floyd Mayweather to put his undefeated record on the line and fight him after the American took to Instagram on Tuesday to taunt him.

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Pope to shun VIPs during Philippine visit

As much as possible, Pope Francis wants to be with the poor typhoon Yolanda survivors, and not with politicians and other VIPs when he visits the country in January 17 next year.

This was revealed by Palo Archbishop John Du in a Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News post.

The Archdiocese of Palo also assured that they will be fair in

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choosing the survivors who will share a meal with the Pope.

Fr. Cris Militante, the archdiocese’s media coordinator for the papal visit, said as many as 30 individuals will have the privilege of being the Pope’s lunch mates. Cebu and Bohol, which were devastated by an earthquake a month before Yolanda, are also expected to send representatives to the lunch.

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Braille plaques help residents with vision loss with their garbage and recycling Filed by Jose Pepito Magpayo

T

he City of Calgary is providing plaques for those with vision loss to help them identify and differentiate between their different carts.

Waste & Recycling Services and Community & Neighbourhood Services worked jointly on this initiative to assist those with limited or no vision, after citizens experienced difficulties differentiating between their recycling and waste carts.

“This is one way The City is working to provide equal access to our programs and services,” says Waste & Recycling Services program coordinator Philippa Wagner. “There are many vision problems to accommodate for and our new plaques aim to meet all those needs.”

The plaques contain a large raised letter – a G for garbage and R for recycling – in high contrast to help those with limited vision.

There are also raised dots included for those who read Braille. They can be installed on the lid of the carts to make it easier to distinguish between the two. There will be no charge for those who need the plaques installed on their carts.

Kelly Nadeau is one of the first Calgarians to receive these plaques on his carts. As a legally blind person, Nadeau has learned to adjust to his vision loss by relying on his memory and technology to help him.

“People don’t think about the small details that affect their lives. For me and my vision loss, I have to adapt,” says Nadeau.

“Before I received my plaques, I would have to remember what the shape and lids of each of my carts looked like. Now I can use the raised letter to check my garbage and recycling. It may seem like a small change, but it’s all about giving people options to maintain their independence. It’s great that The City of Calgary is working towards accessibility.”

“We want to help residents get the right material into the right cart – recycling into blue and garbage into the black. It’s about helping Calgarians with vision loss to be able to do one more task at home that they may not have been able to before,” says Wagner.

Citizens who would benefit from these plaques are encouraged to contact 311 to make a request.

November 2014

Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with President Benigno Aquino III of the Philippines n the margins of the APEC Summit in Beijing , Prime Minister Stephen Harper met today with Benigno Aquino III, President of the Philippines . President Aquino extended personal condolences for the attacks in Canada on October 20 and 22.

One year after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in November 2013, the leaders discussed progress on reconstruction efforts in the affected regions of the Philippines . President Aquino reiterated his thanks to Canada for its many contributions following the typhoon and through the reconstruction phase.

Underlining the importance of the bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Harper noted that the Philippines was now a development country of focus and a priority in Canada 's Global Markets Action Plan. The leaders took stock of progress on bilateral issues, including trade

O

Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with Benigno Aquino III, President of the Philippines Nov 10, 2014. PMO Photo by Jason Ransom

and economic relations and the potential to grow those ties in the future, including in the natural resource sector. The leaders also discussed the key role of APEC in driving economic integration in the region and Prime Minister Harper wished President Aquino success in hosting the 2015 APEC Summit.

They also took the opportunity to discuss international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Harper concluded by reiterating his invitation for President Aquino to visit Canada . Prime Minister Harper made a bilateral visit to the Philippines in late 2012.

Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda One Year Report Canadian Red Cross Where your gift goes $21.5 million on Emergency Relief and Early Recovery → Contributions to the International Red Cross emergency appeal → The distribution of emergency relief supplies, water and food support → Psychosocial support and family reunification services → Shelter repair and rebuilding → Strengthening the Philippine Red Cross’ ability to respond to future disasters → Access to health services → Livelihoods support $5.5 million on Emergency Field Hospital → Emergency medical care, surgeries and delivered several hundred babies → The deployment of highly trained aid workers → Enhancing the Philippine Red Cross’ ability to provide timely and effective health care to

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Filipinos disasters

affected

by

future provided with emergency relief items.

• More than 775 people traced $16 million on Long-term and/or reunited with their families through the Restoring Family Recovery and Development → Canadian Red Cross Links services. is supporting longer-term • While present in the city of Ormoc, the Canadian Red Cross development and recovery projects that rebuild and field hospital admitted 1,226 invest in the impacted communities patients, → Projects are developed through performing 114 surgeries and community engagement, planning supporting 418 deliveries.

• More than 158,000 households and coordination with Red Cross provided with emergency shelter partners and government of the materials or shelter repair assistance.

Philippines → Strengthened capacity to • More than 91, 200 households respond to future disasters reached with unconditional cash grants.

Global Red Cross response and • More than 17, 400 people supported through cash-for-work recovery by the numbers activities.

• Over $47 million raised.

• Over 17.6 million litres of water • More than 28,000 people produced and distributed by the received emergency health care.

Red Cross to affected communities. • More than 6,000 households • Over 388,000 households provided with core shelters.

• 192 classrooms have been rebuilt provided with food assistance.

• Over 170, 900 households or repaired.

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Quezonian Club of Edmonton Celebrates Early Christmas

T

he Quezonian Club of Edmonton Christmas party last November 15, 2014 at Rolymie Restaurant and Bakery was a non stop entertainment with dancing, singing and tasting delicious food.

Prizes and the usual Quezonian hospitality were accorded to the guests who preferred to usher in Christmas celebration early in November.

Congratulations to the Officers and members of the Club for their unending contributions to the community.

Yola Hipolito,Letty Tria, Beth Aperocho, Amy, Reby Bengco and Mila Uhuad

Donna Ladores Welcome Party Welcome to Canada! That were the cheers that vibrated the walls at the Palabok House Restaurant last October 11, 2014. The welcome party was attended by most of Ryan Ladores' family, relatives and friends.

The Foods and Desserts.

Donna & Ryan

Quezonian Club Group Picture

The Dancing

L-R Fely Santos, Puring Carlos, Art Santos, Orly Carlos, Letty Tria & Hermie Angeles

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Donna & Ryan with a group of guests

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Ryan has been waiting for his wife for the last two years and it was a relief to see her now in Canada to join him.

Ryan Ladores is the owner of a successful travel agency "Dreamscape Travel".

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4 Filipino foreign workers killed in a car crash Fundraising details for bereaved families found below

By Erlinda Dolly Tan

Four Filipino foreign workers died of a tragic car accident near Leduc last November 22 at around 11:00 a.m. The car they were in, a Saturn Ion, hit a patch of ice, lost control and slid to the opposite lane colliding head-on with a tractor. All four died on the spot.

They are identified as Eva Janet Caperina, Rosalina Tipdas, Archie Bermillo and Romil Mose. Eva and Rosalina worked as caregivers while Archie and Romil were cooks at a Fatburger restaurant in Mill Woods. All four lived in one house, they had been in Canada for less than two years.

Eva, 41, lost her husband to a motorcycle accident in the Philippines last year. They have two teenage children who are now orphans.

Rosalina, 32, single, was from Cebu City. She arrived in Canada only May of this year.

Archie, 26, was from Bicol.

He got married only two months ago, his wife is based in the US

Archie Bermillo

and he was supposed to follow her.

Romil, 30, was separated with a 4-year old daughter. He was the driver and owner of the vehicle. He received his Alberta driver’s license only three days before the accident. He was from Pangasinan.

The leaders of the Filipino community are doing everything to repatriate the remains of the four. The owner of the Fatburger outlet in Mill Woods has committed to send Archie’s and

Romil Mose

Eva Caperina

Romil’s bodies back to their loved ones. Fatburger closed operation for three days to allow shocked employees to grieve and come to terms with what happened.

Media outlets in Edmonton have been very supportive of the community. They broadcast and publish the story for several days, helping spread the word that the community is mourning and needs financial and moral support.

A memorial service was held at "Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium" last November 30.

The Filipino community has come together to raise funds for the bereaved families.

Donations from private individuals and business establishments have poured in.

Panciteria de Manila Restaurant held a benefit show last November 29, a free mini concert where guests could give donations. Coco’s Nest Family Restaurant gave 10% of its income last November 30. The Filipino Seventh Day Adventist Church in Edmonton

Rosalina Tipdas

donated all of its offerings last November 29 and pulled out some more from their “charity fund.”

Lyla Gray, a 68-year old Filipino philanthropist known for helping foreign workers, has been very busy assisting the victims’ relatives and friends in Edmonton.

This is a sad and tragic time for the community but too, the Filipino culture of bayanihan is alive once more. A time when we proved true that anywhere in the world, we are a tight-knit community.

iREMIT will set-up processing desk at the event to accept payments to S.S.S. Iremit is the only SSS accredited e-payment collection partner in Alberta

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

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Hyundai Genesis: an elegant AWD beast!

My Ride

by Ron

Cantiveros

continues to the interior of the Hyundai Genesis.

Premium features include an automatic power trunk lid that opens if the key FOB is detected near the rear of the vehicle for more than 3 seconds, full colour heads-up display that provides more than just vehicle speed and one feature that I discovered by accident. The Genesis has a High Beam Assist feature that switches low beam

headlights when approaching oncoming vehicles. Pretty neat stuff.

The interior cabin is elegant with rich materials like Napa leather and natural wood trim. The white Napa leather was extremely soft and supple and one of the first features I noticed when the interior cabin was illuminated upon entry into the vehicle.

The centre stack console has

one of the largest entertainment/ navigation displays I’ve come across. The Genesis Ultimate comes equipped with a massive 9.2” 720p HD display and 900watt 17-speaker Lexicon 7.1 surround sound audio system with Logic 7 sound processing. Centre stack and steering wheel controls are laid out nicely and easy to control while driving.

Last but not least, this a truly

Canadian winter worthy luxury sedan as it comes equipped with a heated steering wheel and heated front/rear seats. The best feature by far that makes driving in Canada during the winter bearable.

The luxury sedan class is full and the Hyundai Genesis has strong competition in the Audi A6, BWM 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes Benz E-Class and the Lexus GS.

ron@filipinojournal.com

I first laid eyes on the second generation Hyundai Genesis last year at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and wondered when it would roll into the media review fleet in Winnipeg. It was one thing to see the car on the Auto Show floor and it’s quite another thing to see brand new models show up on your driveway.

The all new styling of the Hyundai Genesis is more elegant and delivers a premium look and feel. The big bold grille is one of newest features except in provinces where a front licence plate is required. Upon first glance at the Hyundai Genesis, I easily thought it was similar to the BMW 5/7 Series styling including the large 19” alloy rims.

The Hyundai Genesis comes in four trim levels, Premium, Luxury and Technology equipped with a 3.8L V6 8-speed engine.

Our media tester for the week is the 5.0L GDI V8 Ultimate valued at $62,000. All models come standard with Hyundai’s all-new HTRAC active all-wheel drive system. AWD is a must have for all vehicles built for our Canadian winters. The Genesis offers four driving modes to offer the best engine output for various driving conditions. Drive modes include Normal, Eco, Snow and Sport.

The premium sedan look

Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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Message from Naresh Bhardwaj MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie

by Naresh Bhardwaj MLA, Edmonton Ellerslie

I was honored to attend the MWSAC (Millwoods Senior Activity Centre) fundraiser on October 17 th. The MWSAC enhances the dignity and quality of life for senior in our community.

They support independence and inclusion, by providing a range of programs and services to meet the recreational social, health, physical, intellectual and emotional needs of our seniors regardless of race, gender or religion.

I was delighted to bring my warmest best wishes to all celebrating a birthday this month at the Millwoods Multicultural Society of the Retired and SemiRetired. The Society holds many special events and seminars on the importance of Health and Wellness, and aging with dignity.

I am so fortunate to attend many cultural events every year, each one of them offering a special

and unique celebration such as the 28th Anniversary Celebration of the Filipinos Women’s Association, advocates for the Filipino women. I was honored to give an inspiration speech, as well as awarding the FWAA Queen for 2014.

I also had the opportunity to attend the 2014 Edmonton Public Schools Board of Trustees Annual event of recognition for outstanding contributions students make to their classmates, schools, communities and District. This year’s Student Awards Night recipients soar above and beyond their academic requirements.

They thrive individually and as valuable members of their school communities.

With the staggering number of people moving

into the Edmonton-Ellerslie Constituency each year, it has become one of the top priorities for the building of new schools. I was delighted that our constituency was included in the announcement last month for 2 new schools. Ellerslie (Orchards) will have a new K-9 and a K-9 South-East (Walker) to be built by 2015.

As this month marks Remembrance Day , I would like to take this opportunity to give my heartfelt condolences in the needless deaths that occurred in our Nation’s Capital.

Our military, police forces, firefighters, and all Emergency response teams that have died in the line of duty, serving and protecting our country with such honor and selflessness will not be forgotten.

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 my Legislature office at 780-644-3845. Also, please subscribe to my E newsletter at http://bhardwaj.mypcmla.ca/.

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HAVING CAR TROUBLE. WON’T MAKE DINNER. Don’t let car trouble ruin your entire day. Sign up for an AMA membership and rest assured that if something does go wrong, we’ll get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

What are you waiting for? Become a member today.

JOIN TODAY. 1.800.222.6400 ama.ab.ca/JoinToday

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

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

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

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CALL US FOR FREE CONSULTATION 18553381510 Mercan Recruit Ltd. 840, 10117 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 1W8 Tel No. (780) 638 1510

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Death: As Microcosm

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

E

verything that exists is a being. To understand “being” is to go outside of it and look at it from a distance. But, it does not mean that this has to be actually experienced in order to be understood. For instance, to take a complete view of an object, it does not have to be inside your eyes.

Our visual senses work well if

enough distance is being observed.

In that manner, we can really see the truthfulness, oneness, and most of all, the beauty of an object.

Truth, One, and Beauty are metaphysically known as the attributes of being. In the first place, there is no nothingness, nothing is missing, nothing can be refuted, yet, there are things that cannot just be grasped. They are merely beyond our capacity to sense or understand. Second metaphysical doctrine is about oneness or unity of being: there is no dichotomy between or among existing substantial forms in this world; nothing in this world is separate— distances never separate--not even frictions or factions. Third, there is nothing objectively ugly--only things that do not match with our tactual, gustatory, olfactory, and visual senses. In the last analysis, nothing evolves from negative evil nor derived from the false or heretic, disunited or divided, and ugly or defective Creator—the Supreme Good.

Indeed, we, human beings,

are endowed with the gift of life and sharing such supremacy. This privilege is what we called the determining factor or philosophical accident. In logic, this is what we call the relationship between genus and differentia (specific difference). We are the only beings who have the capacity to know that we do not know. Meaning, we are certain about the uncertainty.

And, because of that, we submit our lives to the Supreme-Giver of Life. To the One who exactly knows when to take back, where to get, how long, and what kind of life-and-death we are going to enjoy.

As life is a problem to be solved, death is a gift to be enjoyed. For Buddha: Life is suffering. Life, according to Scott Peck: “Life is difficult. He said that this is a great truth, one of the greatest truths... Once we truly know that life is difficult—once we truly understand and accept it—then life is no longer difficult.”

Nevertheless, death, I would say is a gift. It is beautiful, and

needs to be appreciated if and only if we understand what it is. I don’t know if you would accept my points of view: That, death gives us the chance to anticipate and look forward to what better kind of life is ahead of us—the afterlife or shall I say life after death. The fear of death prompted us to respect other human being’s lives on the street when we are driving. Of course, we are hopeful that there is always a karmic effect to whatever action we take. We are also aiming for an Eternal Happiness.

Otherwise, if a person does not have the conviction that there is a reward and punishment in the end, then, why do we have to be promoting peace and goodwill in this world?

Other points to consider about the reality and the beauty of death: • It is a celebration Filipinos have different styles of mourning. In some areas in Bicol Region, the bereaved use to having a disco party while mourning...similar to what is being practised in some areas in Laguna Province; they are hiring musicians (orchestra), to play good tunes while mourning. Believing that the deceased has already joined the Creator, which for them is really nice to celebrate. The funeral is more actively participated rather than to a wedding and birthday celebrations.

• It is an Occasion: A Family Reunion Evidently, common to almost all families are inviting relatives, friends, and neighbours for any other occasions except of course when a member of our family passed away. We just disseminate the information about the death of someone we loved, and we just leave the decision to our fellows and folks to attend to the wake. During the vigil, people, regardless of religious groups, political parties, even those who have been having feuds and conflicts between each other are coming over to pay homage to the wake of our beloved dead.

This occasion is most of the time an avenue to settle the conflicts between the adversaries. This is good and beautiful.

• Mirror Test: It is the time to reflect and re-investigate A meaningful death makes us being remembered. We are being reminded by the death of our loved ones. It is the time to investigate our own lives. Socrates said: “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Have we tried seeing our own faces the moment we take

November 2014

a glance on the face of the dead we are paying heed for? Have we asked and ascertained our own selves about the kind of life we are currently enjoying—the kind of life that will at least mitigate us from uncertainty?

• The Gateway or Final Destination?

I really wonder why, so many people want to go to heaven but nobody wants to die. Is it because of the forms or kinds of death we have witnessed or the kinds of lifestyle we cannot just leave behind us? The first reason is FEAR, while the second one denotes SELFISHNESS and VANITY. In the Christian perspective, heaven is the state of Eternal Happiness. It is our souls’ final destination—where we can enjoy the life after this life. In this sense, how can we get into heaven if we are not going to die? If there’s heaven, I want to be there so I can enjoy such eternal happiness.

And, if death is the only way to get there, why do I have to be scared of death? Maybe, we are just afraid of its processes or stages. As the saying goes: “The anticipation of death is painful than the death itself.” Here, there are two prevailing issues: pleasure seeking and avoidance of pain. In fact, we are not afraid of death; we just don’t like to feel the pain!

Understanding the reality and the beauty of passing away is as easy as comprehending the Financial Advisor’s explanation about the kinds of Plan (Term Insurance, Universal Life Insurance, Critical illness protection, Tax Advantage Education, Investment, etc.) they are offering us. I would suggest that while we are still young, the clarity of life’s purpose must be set. The future has to be protected and secured. That’s the wisest decision we can ever make in order to contribute for the welfare of our families, children, and children’s children.

The Truth of death is inevitable. Human being is mortal; you and I are human beings; therefore, you and I are mortal.

However, we have been given ample time to unify our purpose while we are still alive. We must follow a very simple rule or Code of Conduct: Live and let live. So when we die, this death is going to be a peaceful and a beautiful death. A beautiful death depends on how beautiful life is.

I am offering this message to my father, Gerardo Velasco as well as to my brother, Joram Velasco, who lived a simple life during their years here on Earth.

Erratum Notice In the column Lesson-Driven perspective by Lito Mendoza Velasco, the article entitled “Group Celebrates Consular Campaign Success, to Remain Vigilant Vs. Other Migrant Issues" published in the October issue (page 20) of Filipino Journal Alberta, we indicated that the article was contributed by Jess Lagman. Instead, it was Marco Luciano, the President of Migrante Alberta who contributed this issue on Permanent Consular Office to be situated in Calgary. And in September 2014 issue (page 19 ), the article entitled "Fact Sheet" was contributed by Jess Lagman.

All photos & articles available online!

FilipinoJournal. com

November 2014

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

17

Ron Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

Carving for a cause – KidSport Manitoba

T

he best way to get into the Halloween spirit is to carve a pumpkin. It was even more fun when Kildonan Place Shopping Centre invited the Filipino Journal to participate in their annual Carving For A Cause pumpkin carving media challenge.

The rules were pretty simple.

One hour to carve and design a pumpkin. Once complete, the photos of the pumpkin creations were posted on the Kildonan Place Facebook Page for everyone to vote. There were sixteen media teams and one

Winnipeg charity would earn $500 before Halloween based on overall LIKES. Each media team entered already guaranteed their respective charities a $100 donation for participating.

I decided to play the cute Disney angle and carve Olaf, the snowman from Disney’s Frozen.

I think it worked. It worked well enough to secure the Funniest/ Cutest Pumpkin award which also secured an additional $100 towards my charity – KidSport Manitoba.

Thanks to all my Facebook

friends and followers, the Filipino Journal photo on the Kildonan Place Facebook Page received over 868 LIKES during the voting period. We ended up in 5th place behind the radio heavyweights – QX104/FAB94, 103.1 Virgin Radio, Power 97 and Jewel 101FM. Congratulations to Samantha and Brody for the

awesome minion pumpkin and their charity, Winnipeg Humane Society.

But wait! Kildonan Place surprised all media participants by adding $0.10 per LIKE to each charity donation for all media teams. For the 868 LIKES, that was an additional $86.80 going to KidSport Manitoba. All in all,

$286.80 is heading to KidSport Manitoba for carving a pumpkin!

But hold on! There’s one more thing. The Filipino Journal will match the Kildonan Place donation to KidSport Manitoba.

That’s $573.60 to support all the good work of KidSport Manitoba.

Thank you to Kildonan Place for hosting a great community building event.

Ched Expands Education Cooperation with Canada, signs joint Statement and Action Plan

(Left) CHED Commissioner Minella Alarcon and CBIE President and CEO Karen McBride sign a Joint Statement on Education Cooperation (Right) Commissioner Alarcon and CBIE’s George Khoury finalize a Plan of Action on Education Cooperation

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) signed at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa today an Action Plan on Education Cooperation with the Canadian Bureau on International Education (CBIE) in a ceremony capping year-long discussions on

a formal partnership to facilitate institution-to-institution links, among other objectives.

CHED Commissioner Minella Alarcon and Mr. George Khoury, Director for Membership of CBIE, finalized the Action Plan calling for two-way student

Let's get social

and faculty exchanges, research collaboration between Philippine and Canadian universities, a dialogue on the recognition postsecondary credentials and related activities.

From 2015 to 2018, CHED and CBIE will work together

to launch discipline-specific missions, foster faculty and student mobility, spur longdistance research collaboration, promote capacity building, and support the Philippines’ K-12/ Post-Secondary Transition Program.

The Action Plan comes on the heels of a CBIE-CHED Joint Statement, signed on 20 November 2014 by Commissioner Alarcon and CBIE President and CEO Karen McBride, on the sidelines of the CBIE Annual Conference in Ottawa.

The Honorable Evan P. Garcia, Undersecretary for Policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Her Excellency Petronila P. Garcia, Philippine Ambassador to Canada, witnessed the signing of the Action Plan together with the Philippine

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delegation to the 2nd meeting of the Philippines-Canada Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC).

“The CHED-CBIE took a very important step today in accelerating cooperation between Philippine and Canadian educational institutions by signing a Joint Statement and Action Plan. Heretofore, peopleto-people ties between the Philippines and Canada have been largely attributed to labor and immigration. We are certainly excited by the prospect of adding a new dimension to these human relations with the involvement of more students, teachers, researchers and education administrators. I thank CHED and CBIE for advancing our agenda on education cooperation,” Ambassador Garcia stated.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2014

Horoscope It seems as if lately, you have been striving to develop a strategy. This has been difficult because you aren't sure what is possible and what isn't. You need more information. You also need more faith, if only in the idea that, when you get that information, you will like it.

Your current goals could be based on your fantasies, making them nearly impossible to reach in the real world. You might even convince yourself that it's a straight shot to your destination without realizing how far you must actually travel.

Thankfully, you don't have to give up on your dreams if you put them in a healthy perspective.

In this period, don't allow yourself to become frustrated with missing information. You don't need as much information as you might believe in order to make an accurate assessment of a situation and drawn an equally accurate conclusion. You're likely to find that the balance between fact and what feels right is in the latter's favor.

Your cooperation will be very welcome, especially if a friend in need requires your help. Though you may need to sacrifice a bit, your efforts will be well rewarded. Plus, you're in a position to see your social standing in more a favorable light as your popularity ensures you get invited to some of the best events.

Be very careful not to misinterpret a signal from one of your pals as a romantic invitation. Mixed messages in the love department will likely run high for you. Ask your friend or any other social contact to clarify what his or her sweet intentions really mean.

Although you're quite confident about your ability to persuade others to join your cause, things may not turn out as planned this period. There are emotional surprises lurking behind the most enticing situations, muddling your intentions and confusing your direction.

We wonder if time has come for someone to think or fend for themselves and this action then has an effect on how we're perceived by them. This coming period, don't fall for pressure put on you by someone who believes you're being selfish through withdrawing what they've grown used to receiving.

You'll be motivated to get ahead, especially at the start of the period, when a powerful transit encourages you to knuckle down and focus on getting results.Also it’s time to get what you need. Your desires don't always go in a direction that does you the most good, and this can cause tension.

Your hunger for order is strong, this week. But soon, you are going to get reassurance about a matter that has been upsetting you for far too long. With stability here, you will be safe. You might feel so distracted in love that it blurs your ambitions, leading you to drop the ball in an important professional matter. Ask your partner to help you stay on your career track.

Your current inclination is to put a positive spin on everything.

You could be wrapped up in daydreams of romantic love only to be confronted by mundane events that must be decisively handled. Nevertheless, you don't have to hide your flights of fancy from everyone. You can enjoy sharing your fantasies with your closest friends as long as you keep it separate from managing your responsibilities.

Avoid over committing to what could initially seem like a great idea. If you aren't careful, you could get in over your head and lacking the necessary support. A focus on your spiritual sector suggests that reflecting on important issues in your life will be time well spent. Any insights you glean can be used to resolve problems and advance your plans.

A focus on broadening your horizons might encourage you to get involved with those who share your ideas and ideals. A course you're passionate about could also be the reason that a romance gets off to such a good start, particularly if your love interest feels the same way you do.

PAHALANG 1 Gawin muli 5 Anak ni Zuma 11 Sisiw 12 Pangalang lalake 13 Pandiwa: Ingles 14 Talinghaga 16 Gamit sa paninda 18 Bonnevie: Aktres 19 Kahol ng tuta 20 Under Arm 22 Bilaran ng palay 24 Kulto 27 Luong may sabaw

PABABA 30 Buskahin 32 State of the Nation Address 33 Kuwaresmang Muslim 35 Pasok: Ingles 36 Batang babae 37 Engkantada 38 Sakit 39 Kulay 41 Dalhin sa pagtakas 43 Hilo 44 Tatambang

1 Lilok 2 Mona _____ 3 Hudyat sa taguan 4 Galing sa kustomer 5 Bulol 6 Patas 7 Gulay 8 Manzano: Aktor 9 Uri ng kabayo 15 24 na oras 17 Bulaklak 21 Lalawigan sa Cordillera, RP

23 Bundok sa RP 24 Mo 25 Ilakip 26 Palayaw ng babae 28 Samahan 29 Away manok 31 Montenegro: dating aktres 34 De coco 38 Primero 40 Ekspresyon 42 Kurso sa kolehiyo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All photos & articles available online!

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!

4 6 8

3 8 9 2 1 4 4 8 5 7

5

9 3 8 1

7

1

3

5

1 7 4

4 2 1

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

Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer & Fort McMurray

Daily Sudoku: Tue Solutions for27-May-2014 Palaisipan

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

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http://www.dailysudoku.com/

November 2014

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

19

It’s beginning to look a lot like…

A maple-coated Filipino Heart

by Erlinda

Dolly Tan

erlindatan@yahoo.com

C

ome on, we all knew it was coming. Who doesn’t know that November follows October? And that means snow!

Well, back to reality, the reality of long winter.

There was the denial stage of course. That one to two weeks when, even at -1 deg Celsius we still insist on wearing light coat and thin shoes. Some even wear t-shirt, a simple connotation of who is really Canadian, born and raised here. Then came that morning when we woke up to the sight of white all over. And we realized this is for real, there’s no stopping it, that white thingy falling from the sky is here to stay.

We then dug the boxes at our closet to take the heavy coat, gloves, scarf and toque out. Truth actually is, one of the great things about winter is cute winter accessories.

If you take the bus, you will be entertained to see what people wear from head to foot. The not-so-good thing is, we need to wake up at least 15 minutes early to put on those winter apparels.

Once outside the house, our pace changes too. We must walk slow. A safety rule is to “walk like a penguin” because accidents do

really happen. If you see somebody using crutches on winter, most likely he slipped on the icy road.

We cannot deny too, this is the time of the year when we get reunited with winter clothes we have not seen for awhile. Some of them refuse us entry, I mean, they do not fit anymore. We then blame the washing machine for shrinking them, forgetting all the barbeque parties we went to at summer time.

This is also the time of the year when, static electricity shock is very strong. I don’t know if you’re like me, due to the very cold and dry weather, any metal I touch – sparks.

I can literally see and hear the spark.

Sometimes I’m afraid I’ll blow up the building. I can’t touch the paper tray, door knob, faucet, etc. without getting a shock. Worse, I can’t rub elbows with my colleagues, we spark.

But a friend of mine has a more interesting story to share. On her first winter in Canada, she phoned EPCOR to complain that their house might be grounded because she gets electric shock when she touches the door knob, the drawer handle and any metal object inside the house.

A staff member from EPCOR gave her a good lecture over the phone of what static electricity is all about.

Take care of those ears too.

They freeze as fast as the toes. Ear muffs or toque is necessary.

Exaggerate. Think of -10 deg Celsius as -20. What if wind picks up in no time? To me, there’s no difference in -10, -20, -30 and -40.

I lose my sense of numbers the moment it hit -10… they’re all the same, I call them brutal winter. In

An ordinary going-to-work morning in Canada at -20 deg C. At -40, I become a ninja with a face mask on.

fact, given the choice, I would prefer one month of -40 than seven months of fluctuating temperature from -10 to -40.

Enjoy it Alberta winter is long, maybe the longest in the world. We really have no choice but to embrace it and love it. If we can’t, there’s no reason to live here. It’s a simple take it or leave it proposition. To me, it’s more of a mind set.

The mind is very powerful.

Justify why you chose Edmonton over Vancouver. Tax is cheaper.

Minimum wage is higher. House rental is lower. And work is here, that’s the bottom line. Aren’t these enough justifications?

I know this is better said than done. Especially when you look out the window and see snow that needs shovelling. Then again, the mind set. Help yourself.

Beat the cold, go out and party!

This will help shorten the long brutal winter. December is okay as there are Christmas parties left and right.

But when January and February come, known as the two coldest months of the year, we can’t deny

Tips for newcomers Mitten is warmer than gloves.

I think it’s because our fingers are intact, they emit heat and warm each other.

A pair of plain leather shoes is not enough. If you commute to work everyday, better invest in a good winter shoes or boots. There should be fur inside. Have pity on those little toes, they’re the first to freeze. I have a pair of Ugg boots, I guarantee they’re really warm.

Calgary Police Service first policing agency in Canada to offer unique online Police Information Checks Filed by Jose Pepito Magpayo

The Calgary Police Service is encouraging agencies and businesses that require Police Information Checks for employment and volunteer purposes, to register with the new online electronic police information check system, ePIC. ePIC gives organizations the convenience to create accounts and view all of their applicants’ results online. The new automated system will also allow agencies and businesses to monitor application processing dates and manage or track shared applicant results.

“The ePIC system enables applicants to share their results with multiple stakeholders, allowing for less time delays, reduced associated costs and the potential to expedite placement for potential employees, volunteers or students,” said Amanda Welfare, Manager, CPS Administration Section. “This is the first system in Canada where the entire Police Information Check can be completed online, requiring no visit to a police station.”

So far, 108 agencies have

signed up for ePIC, representing the volunteer, business, not-forprofit and educational sectors and the system has been met with positive response.

“Columbia College is looking forward to using an electronic system where we can easily access the results of our student’s Police Information Checks once they share them with us. Setting up our account online was fast and easy. We think that students will feel more in control of their Police Information Checks as they are the key drivers of their online application,” said Caroline Ellis, Assistant Registrar, Columbia College.

Step-by-step instructions on how to register for ePIC are available online athttp://www. calgary.ca/cps/Pages/Publicservices/Police-informationchecks-locations.aspx.

An instructional video is also available online at http://youtu.be/ ibdgbiLuEL8.

Agencies are reminded to register for the ePIC system prior to it being available to the public in January 2015.

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that depression sometimes sets in.

We wake up one morning and realize we’re tired of wearing heavy coats. Enough of that pair of boots, where’s my sandals? We miss seeing the green grass lawn. We have forgotten how a flower looks like. We do not know anymore what a bird is. We miss the sun. Tired, we’re tired of the cold. And the inevitable sinks in: homesickness, the curse of the immigrants. We want to go back home to the Philippines.

Well, before that happens, go out and party! Filipino resto-bars are all over the city. They have different gigs on weekends. And what about the Filipino “national past time” called the karaoke singing? Doesn’t each Filipino house abroad have a magic sing?

Yes it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but this is what Canada is all about. We are a winter country. Our four seasons are: Winter, Still Winter, Summer and Almost Winter. We are not “The Great White North” for nothing.

Snow? Come on, bring it on!

20

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2014

Historic Undas 2014 a Huge Success!!!

Dubbed as “UNDAS 2014 Sa EVERGREEN” the Edmonton Filipino Community kick-started last November 1, 2014, the revival of the celebration of the Philippine Tradition of “UNDAS” (All Saints & All Souls Day) in a historically dramatic and elegant fashion. More than 200 Edmonton Filipino Community members and friends, along with Edmonton’s CANADA BROADCASTING CORPORATION (CBC), CBC Radio, OMNI TV FILIPINO and Philippine-based ABS-CBN TFC News Team (BALITANG CANADA Segment) which, among others, provided television, radio and media coverage of the Event attended at Edmonton’s Evergreen Cemetery and Funeral Home Centre and witnessed Filipino Priest Rev. Fr. JOSELITO CANTAL preside over the Liturgical and Memorial Services and the blessing of the FILIPINO GARDEN (HIMLAYANG FILIPINO).

When interviewed and asked what prompted him to revive the UNDAS Tradition in Edmonton, Event Organizer HERMO T. PAGTAKHAN, Family Services Director with ARBOR MEMORIAL at EVERGREEN, explained: “UNDAS (or TODOS LOS SANTOS or ALL SAINTS DAY) is the Third biggest and most celebrated Philippine national holiday after Christmas and Holy Week/Easter. Christian Filipinos customarily remember, honor, and pay respect to the dearly departed on All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). The grave sites are cleaned, visited, and adorned by family members, relatives and friends on the eve of November 1, to stay at the cemetery, to light candles, to pray, to lay flowers, and bring food for the consumption of the attendees.

The UNDAS Tradition is one of the cultural anchors helping the Filipinos define their national character. It is a durable venue for Filipino cultures and expressions and is a symbol of Filipino sense of community. No matter in what corner of the world we may be, we remain truly Filipino” “Let’s face it, as much as we would want to, most of us Filipinos residing or working overseas (including those in Canada) are unable to go back

Couples In Harmony Singing

Readers At Chapel

to the Philippines every year to honour our Dearly Departed. A lot of our Filipino "Kababayans" here in Edmonton have been asking me through the years WHY We as a Community DO NOT Celebrate here in Edmonton a very important and significant Philippine National and Religious Holiday. So I thought our Community should revive our own UNDAS celebration this year in Edmonton. In short, I thought of reviving the UNDAS Tradition to afford our Kababayans the opportunity to celebrate All Saints Day in remembrance of our Dearly Departed whether buried in Edmonton or elsewhere.”

I also wish to mention and announce at this juncture that EVERGREEN MEMORIAL GARDEN was generous enough to donate and dedicate a Spot and erected a Rock Memorial Shrine in honour of the Filipino Community in Edmonton which we named “HIMLAYANG FILIPINO” (Filipino Garden).

NOW, The Edmonton Filipino Community has a FOCAL POINT ("HIMLAYANG FILIPINO/FILIPINO GARDEN) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where they can VISIT, OFFER FLOWERS, PAY RESPECT, PRAY and REMEMBER their Dearly Departed irrespective of where they are buried and lay in rest. For this I would like to thank MR. BRENT HATTON, Manager of EVERGREEN MEMORIAL GARDENS (shown in this Photo with Hermo and Baida Pagtakhan), MR. GEORGE MONTPETIT, Manager of EVERGREEN FUNERAL HOMES and MR. RICHARD ERDMAN OF EVERGREEN PROPERTY for their Valuable Support and making My Dream of having a FOCAL POINT for the FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN

Fr Jojo Blessing The Fil Shrine Hermo Baida & Brent At Undas 2014

EDMONTON a REALITY!” True to my initial Concept, we made sure the whole Edmonton Filipino community including the various community organizations were involved in the Celebration.

We at EVERGREEN Memorial Gardens just provided the Place (Our Chapel and Reception Centre) to hold the Event, as well as, a Focal Point in the HIMLAYANG .”

The UNDAS Event started with Mrs. FE VILLAMAYOR (of the QUEZONIAN CLUB OF EDMONTON) leading the Community Prayers for the Dearly Departed. This was immediately followed by the Celebration of the Liturgical and Memorial Services officiated by Fr. Cantal which included Holy Scripture Readings by Mrs. VIRGINIA ALARCON (FILIPINO BRUNEI GROUP OF EDMONTON) and Mrs. EVA AQUINO (COUPLES FOR CHRIST), Ceremonial Lighting of the Memorial Candles

by Mr. JUN ANGELES (OMNI TV FILIPINO), Mrs. MARILDA KANE (FILIPINO SUPPORT SERVICES and CEFA) and Mrs. ELOISA LAU and the Blessing of the MEMORIAL BOOK OF THE DEARLY DEPARTED. The Musical Director SAMMY SORIANO and his COUPLES FOR CHRIST COUPLES IN HARMONY CHORAL GROUP led the Singing at the Chapel and provided the Entertainment

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Ladores Angeles Carlos Cruz Dolores

during the Reception along with the very talented EMMA and SHARMAINE PAGTAKHAN Sisters.

The Highlight of the Celebration was the Blessing by Fr. CANTAL of the FILIPINO GARDEN HIMLAYANG FILIPINO. The attendees were thereafter treated to a sumptuous Luncheon of Filipino food and delicacies complete with Lechon at the EVERGREEN MEMORIAL GARDENS Reception Center.

CBC Radio broadcasted the UNDAS during its Morning Program, CBC TV aired the coverage of the Event at its 11 O’Clock P.M. Late Night News Edition and ABS-CBN TFC aired its coverage at the BALITANG CANADA Weekly Sunday Edition. OMNI FILIPINO TV is currently coming up with a 30-Minute UNDAS Special to be televised in due course.

Because of the Tremendous Success of this year’s UNDAS,

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Himlayang Filipino Rock Shrine

everybody is already looking forward this early to a much bigger UNDAS Celebration in 2015.

“Yes, I intend to take the initiative to do this UNDAS Community Celebration every year as part of my on-going Service and Giving Back to the Philippines and to the Filipino Community in Edmonton in particular” a smiling Hermo Pagtakhan said before the Media.

21

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2014

Lola Emma’s restaurant holds grand finals of Karoake Sing Along Contest Family Dental Clinic, the 2nd

By Erlinda Dolly Tan

Anywhere in the world there is a Filipino community, there is a karaoke singing contest! Lola Emma’s Filipino Cuisine proved that true in Edmonton.

They conduct a Karaoke Sing Along Contest every year.

This year’s Grand Finals was held last November 22nd at 8:00 p.m.

Of the 12 grand finalists who were monthly winners, 8 showed up, the poor road condition from snowfall hindered the others to grace the occasion. But it was a big party nonetheless.

The winners are Angelica Rose Cruz–1st place, Jojo Diaz– 2nd place and Florilyn Rocero–

3rd place. The judges were Cathy Hamor, Peter Von Esquerra and Terrence Herrero. The emcee of the night were Dione Dadivas and Dreamie Holman who were performers at the same time.

The 1st place winner received $750 dental service from Dr. Rod Montano of Great Smile

The grand finals winners, L to R, Florilyn Rocero–3rd place, Jojo Diaz–2nd place and Angelica Rose Cruz–1st place.

Angelica Rose Cruz, this year's grand champion.

The contestants with Lola Emma's owners, Roy Tabaosares and Sonia.

The contestants in this year's grand finals.

place received $300 cash prize from Global Trading and the 3rd place received $200 cash prize from Wilf Ladores of Hawkeye Industries Inc., Gilbert Golamco of Busy Bee Cleaning Services and Lanie Young of Young & Beautiful Salon. All three winners received a gift bag from Crosstown Auto Centre, a bottle of wine from Boss Liquor and $150 gift certificate from Eden Codizal of Prestige Vision Centre.

Lola Emma’s is a popular resto-bar located at the Southside.

The place is perfect for music lovers and food enthusiasts.

Eating Filipino dinner and listening to Filipino music make you forget that you are in Canada.

For an hour or two, it feels home, the place connects you back home to the Philippines.

Opened in March 2011, the restaurant is a popular hang out for young and old alike. If you love live bands, this place is for you! The following bands play there: WOW (We are One World), Rhythm, Retro, Detour, Headcakes and The Geris Project Band. Plus, the Lola Emma’s regular entertainers. In fact, they have an organization called Lola Emma’s Entertainers Association.

Fridays are allotted for live bands while Saturdays are for Sing Along Contests. So whether you just want to kill time or you want to sing, come one, come all, this place is for you!

by Jairus Bilo

TEEN TITAN relational math doves where fondness fuels for crushing epic features admit me challenge in new territory shoulder check with radar gushing in pure pensive of course riding heavy for weight worth no fix knowing that taste was senior and I was sold

Police Issue Warning on Grandparent Scam Filed by Jose Pepito Magpayo

The Calgary Police Service is warning citizens about a scam that has appeared to have escalated in the past few months.

During 2014, police have become aware of 86 cases relating to what is often referred to as the Grandparent Scam.

In each case, con artists have been contacting potential victims over the phone, posing as a family member or friend in urgent need of cash.

Often the scenario involves an accident or arrest while travelling, with a request that cash be sent through a money transfer company, such as Western Union or Money Gram or by purchasing prepaid credit or gift cards.

Better Business Bureau Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay President and CEO,

Sandra Crozier-McKee says, “Typically we’ve seen scammers asking for wire transfers, but now we’re starting to see scammers getting people to purchase grocery gift cards as a way of obtaining personal financial information.

This is a new twist on an old scam that we want people to be aware of.”

In the typical scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist claiming to be one of his or her grandchildren.

The caller goes on to say they are in some kind of trouble – such as being in a car accident, needing bail money or money to cover vehicle damages. The emphasis is on needing money and immediately.

In the majority of cases, a second suspect makes a follow-up

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call to the victim claiming to be a lawyer representing their relative and provides the details of how the transaction should be made.

Victims are convinced by the callers, and rushed into sending money because of an “emergency” only to find out afterwards they had been defrauded.

The caller specifically asks that their request be kept secret from other relatives, as they are embarrassed for calling, and do not want anyone else to know what has happened.

Between August and November of this year, there have been a total of 45 cases amounting to approximately $74,000 being stolen. Fortunately in many cases the money transfers were cancelled, otherwise this number would have been much larger.

However, in one case alone, the suspects were successful in conning someone out of nearly $15,000.

Variations of this scam do exist, such as someone posing as an old neighbour or a friend of the family. Predominantly, however, the emergency scam is directed towards grandparents.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call police at 403-266-1234or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637 The Calgary Police Service suggests the following crime prevention tips:

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• Do not feel pressure to respond to a request until you have a chance to verify the story.

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

• Ask the caller questions that only your family member would know the answer to.

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

• When it doubt, check it out.

Verify the story with other friends or family members.

• Immediately report suspicious people to police.

For more information on this and other scams visit www. antifraudcentre.ca

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

November 2014

by Gem & Lita Anis

Highlights of Berlin (Part III) Berlin is noted for its "platz" (squares/plazas). Popular are the Potsdamer Platz, Alexander Platz, Gendarmenmarkt, and Bebel Platz.

Quite historically interesting is our photo stop at the Bebel Platz, the "Book Burning Memorial", the site of the infamous 10 May 1933 Nazi mass burning of books and works by journalists, writers, scientists, and philosophers regarded as un-German and seen as threats to Nazi ideology. Among the ostracised maligned authors are Ernest Hemingway, Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein, and Karl Marx. In the middle of the square we find a sunken glass plate window on the ground that provides a view, on closer inspection, into a room full of empty bookshelves, the subterranean bookshelves as you might call it.

Gendarmenmarkt, the most harmonious square in Berlin, is another must-see, worthy of photo ops from the centre where a monumental statue of German renowned poet Friedrich Schiller stands. The platz is an ensemble of

the Theatre (Konzerthaus), home to Berlin Symphony Orchestra, the French Cathedral and the German Cathedral.

However, the largest square in the capital city simply called by the locals as "Alex", named after Russian Alexander I, is the Alexander Platz, home to World Time Clock showing the name of foreign cities in different time zones and the Fountain of International Friendship with a circular fountain consisting of a series of basins along which water flows.

In the Potsdamer Platz you'll see the Sony Centre, with its high glass cupola, and DaimlerCity and the Film Museum. The platz is also famous for the bunker in which dictator Adolf Hitler committed suicide.

If shopping is your pastime go to the largest department not only in Berlin but also in continental Europe, the KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens - Department Store of the West) with a space area of over 60,000 square meters (the

Gem & Lita Sachsenhausen Concentration Memorial

Alexander Platz

equivalent of 9 football fields).

Or you might as well visit "Kurfuerstendamn" for upscale shopping. The "Ku-Damm" as it is known locally is home to expensive boutiques, hundreds of stylish restaurants and cafes and also nightclubs.

Quite brief is our stop at the Oranienburger Strasse Synagogue, the main synagogue of the Berlin Jewish community built in 18591866. Because of its splendid Moorish style and resemblance to the Alhambra of Spain, the New Synagogue is an important architectural monument in Berlin.

And last but not the least is our informative but emotional three-hour visit to one of the most somber and chilling destinations - the former Nazi concentration camp at Sachsenhausen, a memorial near a place called

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Oranienburg just north of Berlin.

Passing through the entrance gate of the concentration camp complex that is still haunted with the slogan "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Makes You Free) you will get a sense of sadness that still clings to this camp today. Built in 1936 and a reminder of the darkest days of Berlin , the concentration camp was used primarily for more than 200,000 political prisoners - Jews, communists, intellectuals, gypsies, and homosexuals - all regarded as political opponents of the Nazi regimes. Tens of thousands of them died of starvation, disease, forced labour, and maltreatment, or murdered. Inside the camp are buildings that have been preserved in their orignal form like the barracks where many Jewish prisoners were incarcerated, the punishment cells, the execution

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grounds, the crematorium, and the pathology laboratory where the Nazis performed excruciating medical experiments on the inmates. After Germany was occupied by the Allied powers in 1945 at the end of World War II the concentration camp was taken over by the Soviets to house their political prisoners.

Don't forget: The Euro is the only accepted currency in Germany. You'll need euros to buy food and for any alternative transportation and shopping.

ATMs however spit out cash if you use a credit card.

This concludes our Berlin experience.

TRIVIA: In the 18th century King Friedrich II banned imported coffee to encourage sales of the local beverage: BEER! (bier).

November 2014

23

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

PiM Koro Bulakeno Koro Bulakeno Canada Goodwill Show 2014 took place in Calgary last November 12, 2014 at Cardel Theater. With the help of the community, the show was sold out within 5 days. And because of the positive feedback from previous shows, Koko Bulakeno was requested to perform an encore show November 15, 2014 at Barrio Fiesta Restaurant, as well as a performance at Pacific Place Mall and at Sacred Hearts Parish, followed by another performance at Saint Marks on November 16, 2014.

The musical play performed on November 12, 2014 was entitled “Sa Mahal kong Bayan”, a story about a Filipina who travels the world and has come to appreciate and love other countries more than her own motherland.

As she travels back to the Philippines after her Canada tour, she meets other Filipinos who are very proud of their homeland, the Philippines.

They tell her why they love Philippines and its history as they perform songs made famous

by Filipino artists such as Ryan Cayabyab’s “Paraiso”, Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak”, Dez Bautista’s “Viva Republika”, and many other Filipino classic songs and poem that are sure bring back old memories and nostalgic emotions to all who watched. This Filipina at the end came to the realization that the Philippines is truly a “home sweet home” for her and her Filipino pride is restored.

Kasayahan Performing Arts Foundation opened the show with a beautiful parade of flags, Canada & Philippine flags. Kasayahan kids also performed a beautiful traditional Tinikling dance. Not surprising that a standing ovation was given to all the performers.

The show was not only to uplift the Filipino pride in those present in the audience, but also to fundraise for ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor), a charity arm of Couples for Christ which a portion of the ticket sales was donated to. PiM (Possibilities In Motion) Foundation is proud to support them as they have projects all over the Philippines,

helping kids finish school, as well as providing aid to poverty stricken families helping them become independent as they are evangelized. The audience also helped raise food bank donations by bringing non-perishable items to the shows. PiM Foundation is a non-profit registered organization in Alberta and this supports their Philippine and Calgary based charities.

The last time Calgary had a show with this kind of cultural barring was about 2 decades ago, just like the Calgary Stampede Parade where the Philippine presence was last seen back in the 80’s. That was until Possibilities in Motion Foundation team, and its many partners and sponsors, made a comeback in 2012 and every year since. PiM Foundation proudly stepped up to the opportunity to host and produce the Koro Bulakeno’s Canada Goodwill performance to fulfill its commitment to its many advocacies, including the preservation and promotion of our beautiful Filipino culture and arts. With PiM Foundation’s current on-going Parol Making program and the Koro Bulakeno’s musical play on Philippine history, Calgary celebrated “A Day of Philippine Arts & Culture” (Araw ng Sining at Kultura) last November 12 & 15, 2014.

The Koro Bulakeno’s shows were a success the first few weeks in Montreal and Winnipeg before coming to Calgary. This show almost didn’t make it here to our wonderful city of Calgary, but with the last minute efforts of the Choirmaster, Glenn de Jesus, a long distance call to PiM Foundation was made, a name so happened to be given to him by PiM’s new friends and partners from the Winnipeg Filipino community.

PiM Foundation with excitement, and the realization that this kind of cultural show might take another decade before this opportunity comes to Calgary, couldn’t pass up this amazing opportunity. PiM rolled up their sleeves, and with the community’s support and trusted that the Filipino pride is

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alive here in this city, Calgary’s Filipino spirit was shown to be great indeed. PiM Foundation is very thankful for Koro Bulakeno Choirmaster Glenn de Jesus and the whole of Koro Bulakeno for being an amazing part of the Bayanihan that exist in our Filipino-Calgarian community.

The whole community made this production successful. Thank you very much to the many organizations and individuals who helped give the Koro Bulakeno the warmest welcome and gave Calgary a show that will be remembered by all who came to see this talented Koro perform.

Thank you to Tita Dolly Castillo and Tita Melba Crame for the amazing support and guidance.

Thank you to the Villa-Real’s for accommodating the Koro. Thank you to Tito Ernie Miranda and the Kasayahan kids and their parents for their partnership. Thank you to Couples for Christ, Tito Allen, Jean Kee, as well as Tito Albert and Rosa Landingin of ANCOP. Thank you to Cardel Theater and Barrio Fiesta for providing us

with venues. Special thanks to the sponsors from Love Canada Immigration Consultancy, Montilla Wealth Management, Barrio Fiesta Restaurant, Dr. Edgar Diaz Dental Clinic, Sun Life Financial’s Glenn Cubero, McDonald Restaurant’s Francis Guerrero, and Manila Capital Lending. Thank you to all the media partners and to the many volunteers who worked hard and for believing in ‘Bayanihan’ team work efforts.

With such a successful Calgary show, so much positive feedback from the audience and requests for more cultural shows like this, Koro Bulakeno has verbalize their intent to come back in 2016. We also hope that it’s success has created a positive mark to push producers and organizations to bring in and support more shows of this kind, either from artists in Philippines or from our local talents. It is not a intent of PiM Foundations to start producing cultural shows, instead it is our hopes to show the community that no matter how

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hard or challenging a task maybe, anything to do with our culture being celebrated is worth striving for. PiM hopes it has inspired more groups to do the same and may our community wait not for another 2 decades before the next cultural show like this comes along. Together let us continue to preserve and celebrate our beautiful Filipino heritage here in Calgary. It is great to be a Filipino in Calgary!

Maraming salamat po!

Photo credits to C.Ocampo Photography

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

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November 2014