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Volume 5, Number 9 • September 2012
Vice Ganda delivers a dynamite stand up comedy
Pages 16-17 ► Christine Reyes Special Appearance
Vice Ganda
Alberta Publications Mail Agreement 40032612
Congratulations to the newly weds, Valiant and Marichelle Bauzon!
Page 20 ► The exchange of the ceremonial marriage vows was held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Centre Street Church then gala reception followed at The Fairmont Palliser, both in Calgary, Alberta.
Northern Lights bring Manitoba skies to life!
St. John’s Catholic Church Presents $500,000.00 Dollars for Corpus Christi Church
Page 4 ► Page 14 ►
L-R Fr. Jim Corrigan Millwoods Parish Pastor of St. Theresa receiving $500,000 cheque from Fr. Joseph Wrobleski, St. John’s Pastor and Rudy Arcilla, St. John’s Pastoral Council Chairman.
Philippines Carmelite Nuns Receives $10,000 Dollars Page 4 ► From St. John’s First Filipino-Canadian Appointed to Senate Page 21 ► of Canada
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The Pulse of the Filipino Community
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September 2012
September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
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Alberta
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
St. John’s Catholic Church Presents $500,000.00 Dollars for Corpus Christi Church
S
t. John Evangelist Catholic Church held its annual fall picnic on September 16th. Parishioners and countless visitors enjoyed an excellent weather, beautiful entertainment, sumptuous food and happy fellowship. Dubbed as “Hawaiian Picnic” by the Parish Pastoral Council who
September 2012
Philippines Carmelite Nuns Receives $10,000 Dollars From St. John’s
spearheaded the fall shindig, the afternoon was highlighted by a presentation to Fr. Jim Corrigan by Fr. Josef Wrobleski, St. John’s Pastor and Rudy Arcilla, St. John’s Pastoral Council Chair $500,000.00 cheque to help in the construction of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Millwoods.
L-R Jun Angeles, Publisher Alberta Filipino Journal, Rev. Mo. Trinidad P. Bunac, St. Maryjohn L. Mendeones, & Minda Libranda Llamas
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he Order of Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Trinity from the Philippines receives $10,000 dollars from St. John’s Parish to help the poor and typhoon ravaged Filipinos, mostly children in Southern Luzon, Philippines. Fr. Josef, Wrobleski, Pastor of St. John Catholic Church suggestion to His Grace Archbishop Richard of Edmonton to donate portion of one fifth of the sale of Holy Spirit Church to Charity was approved. The Carmelite Nuns whose main purpose is to house and feed, educate, and care for typhoon devastated children of Ligao, more than qualifies as a Catholic Charitable Entity. The Carmelite
Nuns also run a similar house in Laguna, Philippines, 87 miles South of Manila. “This amount will go a long way to help our poor victims of the recent floods and earthquakes in the Philippines," Mother Superior Trinidad Bunac said. She added that she was greatly moved by the Archdiocese generosity in looking after the poor globally. "Words are inadequate to express our gratitude most especially to His Grace Archbishop Smith, whom l was able to meet personally. I am awed by his spirituality and honest sincerity in talking with me.” In addition, Mother Trinidad was extremely humbled and
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thankful to have met Fr. Josef for the second time. “I do believe in Miracles, and l consider this second meeting with Fr. Josef was God send. His openness and generosity in dealing with me was extremely overwhelming," the nun concluded. Mother Trinidad also extended her gratitude to the Filipino community in Edmonton for receiving her "graciously. Wherever l go I was welcomed. The Holy Trinity prayer group was particularly helpful in my stay here in Edmonton. Thank you and the Carmelite Nuns will continue to pray for ALL of you. May God Bless You and Your Family!"
September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
Filipino Journal
Alberta
5
P-Noy’s post-Corona challenges
PEREZCOPE by Perry
Diaz
PerryDiaz@gmail.com
W
ith the Senate impeachment trial’s conviction of Renato Corona, the public jubilation over his removal as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court reached fever pitch. It was a total victory for President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III and the public’s sentiment was demonstrated when P-Noy was given his highest rating of “very good” in a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). Indeed, it was an acknowledgment of his adroit political acumen in a landscape full of “landmines” where one misstep could be disastrous to his reform agenda. But how long could he keep the people in a state of bliss? But with bliss comes high expectations. And this is what P-Noy is faced with: a multitude of post-Corona challenges. In other words, the people are expecting him to deliver on his promises now that the despised Corona is gone. The people are expecting him to make good of his “Walang korap, walang mahirap” (No corruption, no poverty) election slogan. But this is not easy to achieve. The sound bite was excellent during the campaign, but to deliver that promise seems very hard. But P-Noy cannot tell the people that. He has to show progress. And if he cannot, then he has to distract them with something that would excite -- or incite – them.
And this is where P-Noy can learn from Mao Zedong. In the 1960s, when Mao was faced with a sluggish economy and couldn’t deliver the promises of the communist revolution – he started another revolution, the “cultural revolution.” By keeping the people – particularly the young people – in a state of revolutionary fervor, Mao distracted them from the economic failures of his communist regime. And by putting the country in a perpetual revolutionary state, the people forgot their problems or blamed them on somebody else – like the older generation of communist revolutionaries. Indeed, what Mao did was wag the dog in a grand scale. And it worked! “Wag the dog” is and idiomatic expression, which means: “To purposely divert attention from what would otherwise be of greater importance, to something else of lesser significance.” And this was where Corona came into play. Last August 31, it was reported in the news: “Even before knowing the finer details of the P158-million tax evasion charges filed against former Chief Justice Renato Corona and members of his family, Malacañang had shut the door on the possibility of the Coronas striking a compromise deal with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on the case.” A few days later, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez issued a statement saying: “We all know that when he was impeached, he already lost everything. He is by all means professionally dead,” and referring to him as a “zombie.” “We reiterate that there is no need to hit a man when he is already down on the ground. The administration should be magnanimous in victory, hence, we appeal for a little bit of compassion in this case,” Suarez stated. It didn’t take long before some selfrighteous anti-Corona zealots hit back. One of them, a prominent Filipino-American doctor sent out an op-ed titled, “Must we forgive Corona?” He said, “For the magnitude of his crime, made worse because
he was the highest magistrate of the nation, he deserves the severest punishment in the books.” “Coronavela” I watched the televised 44-day impeachment trial of Corona and I wrote 22 op-eds critical of him between November 30, 2011 (“Decrowning Corona”) and June 7, 2012 (“The SALN Revolution”). Corona was convicted for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust after he admitted on the last day of the trial that he had $2.4 million in a Foreign Currency Deposit account, which he failed to disclose in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). Although, I personally wished that the prosecution had done a better job of building the case against Corona, the crime for which he was convicted for and removed from office was not uncommon among public officials as revealed in testimonies by several witnesses. Some senator-judges even said that it was not an impeachable offense. But Corona’s admission – or confession -- was all it took to convict him. The doctor further said, “If we do not send criminals to jail, they will rule our society… and that is what is happening now. Let’s not be naïve!” And to drive his point, he said, “Only criminals and those with perverted sense of propriety and justice could be against President Noynoy Aquino’s ‘daang matuwid.’ ” That reminds me of the time of the Grand Inquisition when heresy was punishable by severe punishment or even death. Now, let’s get this straight. The doctor suggested that Corona deserves the “severest punishment in the books” for the “magnitude of his crime.” What was he talking about? Isn’t removal from office the severest punishment that can be meted out in an impeachment trial? Heck, the senatorjudges could have slapped him on the wrist with a reprimand as Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago had suggested midway through the trial. Bear in mind that the prosecution
Stuffing backpacks for scholastic success Filed Jose “Pepito” Magpayo
Thousands of Calgary students received the school supplies necessary for their scholastic success thanks to generous Calgarians through the Staples for Education program which celebrated its eighth year. “We are so pleased that our goal of raising $95,000 for school supplies was exceeded this year,” says Carmen Marquez , a community social worker with The City. “Thanks to the support of Calgarians the Staples for Education program was again able to provide enough backpacks
and school supplies for more than 3, 000 children.” Over the summer, Calgarians generously donated $96,581.15 for school-aged children who didn’t have the means to buy school supplies this year. The Staples for Education program believes that children need the right tools to succeed. Through work with community agencies, the program accepts requests for support from low-income Calgarians. Staples stores collect money and school supply donations to fill the need. Supplies are then lovingly packed
by Staples staff, community agency partners and City of Calgary staff into backpacks which are provided to students at the beginning of the school year. Onward/ Our access to diverse funding sources and partnerships allows us to leverage our investments in proven social programs and services, while providing significant value to tax payers. imagineCalgary: By 2016, 95 per cent of Calgary students will succeed in elementary and junior high school.
Calgary AfterSchool offers free programs for children and youth Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo
It's back to school, which also means, “What to do after school?” The City of Calgary’s Calgary AfterSchool programs begin this week, and provide children and youth with positive, structured and free activities between the hours of 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. “We know there are many kids in Calgary that are looking for fun, safe and affordable activities between the time they leave school and return home. We partner with schools, agencies and community groups to ensure that Calgary youth have somewhere to go,” said Zorian Klymochko, Calgary AfterSchool Community Development Worker. Launched in 2009, Calgary AfterSchool engages children and
youth ages 6 – 16 in constructive activities on weekdays and during the after school hours between 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Calgary Afterschool is comprised of community Neighbourhood Services programs available at eight Recreation sites as well as 19 not-for-profit agencies offering many different programs at various locations right across the city. In 2011, there were 253 programs throughout the City. Along with a social component, many programs offer active components such as biking, swimming, badminton, soccer and other non-competitive games to help children meet activity guidelines. The majority of programs in
Calgary AfterSchool start the week of September 17 or September 24. Please visit calgary.ca/afterschool for more information or call 3-1-1. Youth or parents can also connect on various AfterSchool Facebook pages: • Facebook.com/ AfterSchoolSouthland • Facebook.com/ AfterSchoolThornhill • Facebook.com/ AfterSchoolVillageSquare • Facebook.com/ AfterSchoolBeltline • Facebook.com/ AfterSchoolKillarney • Facebook.com/ AfterSchoolBobBahan
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dropped five of the original eight articles of impeachment and voted only on the SALN issue in Article Two. Charges of corruption and ill-gotten wealth were dropped. And in his heightened state of selfrighteousness, the doctor concluded: “It’s time for us Filipinos to wise up and protect our personal and national dignity, integrity, honor, and justice itself. Otherwise the whole world will think we are a bunch of stupid and masochistic idiots.” Self-fulfilling prophecy Well, it looks like it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy because in just the past few weeks, the government is rocking with scandals and anomalies: overpriced arms deal; jueteng payola; questionable P14-billion reclamation project; P30-billion anomalies in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD); allegations of ghost employees in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); and large-scale rice smuggling. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. With all this ponfication by the doctor, the question is: what does he suggest that P-Noy do so Filipinos don’t end up looking like – in the doctor’s own words -- “a bunch of stupid and masochistic idiots”? It’s time for P-Noy to stop wagging the dog and start the fight – the real fight! -- against corruption. In my article, “FOI: P-Noy’s foible” (August 29, 2012), I wrote: “P-Noy should – nay, must! – realize that his anticorruption drive is not going to succeed without dismantling the patronage system that is protecting the corrupt. Only the passage of an FOI law could end corruption in government. Indeed, FOI is the key to winning the war on corruption.” But sad to say, P-Noy did not include the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in his legislative priority agenda these past three years, although he promised to prioritize it when he was campaigning for the presidency in 2010. Another non-priority of P-Noy is the
eradication of jueteng. When the late Jesse Robredo took over as the new Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in September 2010, P-Noy gave him “marching orders” to stop jueteng. But the following day, P-Noy changed his mind and announced that jueteng was no longer a priority in his administration. During the Corona impeachment trial, P-Noy promised that he would include in his legislative priority agenda the revision of the Foreign Currency Deposit Act (FCDA) to modify its “absolute confidentiality” clause to allow government agencies to look into the FCDA accounts of those under investigation. P-Noy has yet to do this. It was revealed during the recent Senate hearing on jueteng payola and the questionable arms deal that jueteng lords use PAGCOR casinos to launder their profits from jueteng. When asked by Sen. DefensorSantiago, PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome revealed that casinos were not required to report gamblers’ substantial winnings to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). The Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) needs to be revised to make it more effective in combating money laundering. Follow the money If P-Noy wants to fight corruption, he needs more than just slogans to do it. He should – nay, must -- have the ability to track where the dirty or ill-gotten money goes. And to do that, he needs tools like FOI, FCDA, AMLA, and AMLC to catch the culprits. And only then can he claim that he is really serious about fighting corruption. In my article, “Beyond ‘wang-wang’ politics” (September 6, 2010), I said, “Corruption is like weed: if you don’t kill it, it will grow and spread rapidly until the entire landscape is full of weed.” Well, it seems like weed has taken over a good portion of the landscape. Mr. President, you’ve got your work cut out for you.
PSA – Building Permit Statement distribution changes Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo
Development & Building Approvals is changing the way its building permit (BP) statement is given to stakeholders. In the past, the BP statement was attached to a news release that was sent via the City newsroom on a monthly basis. Moving forward, there will not be a post to the City newsroom on a regular basis, but all those interested in these stats are asked
to visit the web at calgary.ca/ BPstats. Those interested may also sign up for RSS feeds on the site. The BP statements will be posted at the beginning of every month for the month prior. In addition, those interested will also be able to access year-end statements for the last two years.
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The Pulse of the Filipino Community
September 2012
The Friar and the Traitor:Fr. Mariano Gil,Teodoro Patino and the Discovery of the Katipunan Plot
by Danilo V.
Donor ( M.A Ed. )
donordanilo@yahoo.com
P
hilippine history is filled with accounts of unselfish sacrifice of heroes and despicable acts of villains. Among the villains in our history is the Spanish friar Fr.Mariano Gil and the Katipunan traitor Teodoro Patino. Patino first reveal the plot to his sister Honoria and the Mother Superior Teresa inside the Women's Orphange in Mandaluyong. Later he went to his hometown Tondo and revealed the secrets to Fr.Mariano Gil,the Augustinian parish priest in Tondo. The Friar A biographical sketch of Fr.Gil in the newspaper Heraldo de Madrid of Oct.6,1896 stated that he was born in Carreon de Condes(Palencia),Spain on July 2,1849 and in a young age entered the Augustinian College of Villadolid.He was assigned to various Tagalog towns prior to his asumption as parish priest of
Tondo,Manila on March 3,1889.A Filipino contemporary letter described him as arrogant and proud,commanding the captain of the municipal police to let his subordinates carry his (the priest's) luggage. Filipinos hatted him because he overcharge them in the church fees specially in burial rites.Poor parishioners left their corpses to decay inside the church forcing the friar to dig deep in his pockets to bury the dead. Spanish accounts however described him as a patriotic and saintly priests that sought the welfare and upliftment of the poor. Deep was the hatred of the masses,that the Secret Chambers of the Katipunan planned to murder the friar.Supreme President of the Katipunan Andres Bonifacio and his secretary Emilio Jacinto assigned themselves to do the horrible task. The judgement of the secret court however postponed the assasination upon the outbreak of the revolution. Fr.Gil remained as parish priest of Tondo until 1898,when the Spanish flag was replaced by the flag of the American conquerors. He died on Dec.11,1903 in Pamplona,Spain. Gil was motivated by patriotism and his faithfulness to the Catholic Church.As a Spaniard,he is of service to both
Majesties,to his God and the King. He witnessed revolutions and social turmoils in Europe and Spain that destroyed,looted and confiscated Church properties and the torture and mass murder of priests and the violations of the nuns. Like most of the priests the concepts liberalism,democracy and freedom were anathemas as pronounced by Pope Pius IX 's "Syllabus of Errors" as dangers to the existence of Church and State. The Traitor On Teodoro Patino scant biographical data is available. He was a conductor of Manila Tramways before becoming a worker in the printing press of Diario de Manila.He is said to be a member of the Katipunan secret society,other account claimed Patino was not a member . According to Dr.Pio Valenzuela and Gen.Mariano Alvarez ,a rivalry between Patino and his co-worker Apolonio de la Cruz ( treasurer of the Katipunan 'Mapaghiganti'Chapter) over who will receive the two peso wage raise was the cause of the quarrel that end up in near brawl and Patino being mobbed by Katipunan co workers. It was also claimed de la Cruz wrote a poison letter to the management accusing Patino of being a thief stealing company property. According to Aguedo del Rosario,Patino is a freeloader and
a lazy bone.He was a boarder of Apolonio de la Cruz who threatened him that he will no longer support him. To get even,he confided the secret of the Katipunan to Fr. Gil. A hearsay account of Manuel Quintia believed that Patino was motivated by love to his sister Honoria when he revealed the plot first to Sor Teresa so that he can bring Honoria to a safer place the Visayas islands. Prior to Patino's betrayal,a "Cabesa " Simona,a wife of a village leader and a fanatical member of the Order of St.Francis ,revealed to Fr. Gil inside the confessional the secret of the Katipunan. Some claimed that Patino's wife confessed to Fr.Gil,but data showed that Patino was single during that time.) Fr.Gil ,in a notarized statement recounted that the betrayal happened not in the confessional but in the hall of the parish priest's residence. Patino was a gambler.Using company's money he place a bad bet inside the Tutuban cockpit.Trying to gain what he loss, he placed his bets even without any money and suffered series of loses.He tried to run way with his obligations and wound himself in the neck at a bridge,if this caused his death the statement of Aguedo del Rosario did not directly state. The above data show that there are conflicting accounts on the
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place where the betrayal occurred and what was the real cause of the betrayal.To Patino,revenge seemed to be the common denominator. To Fr.Mariano Gil,his action and motives seemed to be based on his patriotism and religion. Only by studying the conditions of the time and not basing our judgement on the prism of our contemporary norms and standard that we can understand the actions and motives of historical actors-both heroes and villains. Bibliography: Teodoro Agoncilo.The Revolt of the Masses.(Quezon City)1996 Edition Fr.Jose Arcilla.Unknown Aspects of the Philippine Revolution. (Makati)2006 Santiago Alvarez.The Katipunan and the Revolution:Memoirs of a General.(Quezon City) 1992 Gerald Anderson. Studies in Phil. Church History.(Ithaca)1969 Anne Freemantle.The Papal Encyclicals.(New York)1956 Letters of Marcelo del Pilar. (Manila)2006 Minutes of the Katipunan. (Manila)1978 Francis St.Clair. The Katipunan. (Manila)1902 For comments/questions: donordanilo@yahoo.com
September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
Filipino Journal
Alberta
7
Ode to my Motherland
by Miya Villarena Miya Villarena is a native of Quezon City who currently lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her parents and brother. She enjoys art, mathematics, chess, and a good book along with a cup of coffee on a winter day, as well as writing stories in her spare time. She is also fond of cats and surfing the internet. When asked who her muses are, Miya considers her greatest literary inspiration to be Mary Hoffman, and her favorite artist to be Brett Helquist.
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ords cannot describe how painful it was to watch the news on television and to see the Filipino people – our people - lamenting and suffering from the effects of the recent monsoon rains, which
left many dead and unleashed a wave of devastation in its wake. While those of us overseas can be thankful for our safety, there is no doubt that we wish it was the same for the people who live back home. Often we cannot adequately say how much we sympathize, or how much we wish to help our brothers and sisters who have suffered great losses. Even so, what should astound us and give us hope at the same time is the sheer knowledge that the Philippines will recover. The Philippines will prosper once more, like it always has. I am guilty, yes, for at times, I have said to myself: There is no hope for the Philippines. I realize that there is always hope. The only time when hope will be non-existent is when we say such things as “There is no hope.” My only gateways to the Philippines are through the news I watch on the Internet and through my friends and family who I still converse with. Through these gateways, I have seen the
kindness of the Filipino folk, unashamedly giving and sharing their blessings with the ones who have been targets and victims of the flooding. To me, devastation and disaster arguably bring out kindness and love from people the most. It brings people closer together and there is nothing more heartwarming than the love experienced by multitudes at a kind hand. It proves to me, there is hope in our nation. Yes, there may be corrupt politicians, and there may be people who kill, steal, and plunder, but that does not mean the nation is lost. There are also good politicians; there are also people who save lives, people who give, and people who uphold justice in our country. As long as good is present, evil shall not prevail. And thus hope survives as well. I am certain that I am not the only one has lost faith at some point in the Philippines. There are hundreds, thousands, and maybe millions out there who feel the same way
Public safety warning Filed Jose “Pepito” Magpayo
Police are cautioning Calgarians to be vigilant about their personal safety when out alone. Over the past few weeks, two women have been violently assaulted when out walking. Although police are in the very preliminary stages of their investigation, they do not believe the two incidents are related. The first incident took place at approximately 10 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, in the 1700 block of 9 Ave. S.W., when a woman was approached and asked for a lighter. After loaning a man her lighter, upon returning it the man violently attacked her.
The second incident took place sometime after 5 a.m. this morning, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in the vicinity of Bonnaventure Drive and 90 Ave. S.E. While out walking, a woman was violently attacked and left on the ground unconscious She was discovered by a passerby at approximately 7 a.m. She was transfered by EMS to hospital, where she remains in stable, but serious condition. Anyone who witnessed either of these events, or has information relating to them, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers using any of the
following methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: tttTIPS.com TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637 Calgarians are reminded of the following safety messages when out alone: Try to stay in well-lit, wellpopulated areas whenever possible Be aware of your surroundings Minimize using distracting technology like music players and cell phones Make sure whenever possible others are aware of your route and your expected arrival time
MADD Memorial Bench Dedication Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo
MADD Canada and the Calgary Police Service will be dedicating a new memorial bench outside police headquarters. The beautiful granite bench will serve as a permanent tribute to all who have been killed or injured in an impaired driving crash. It also honours police officers who
have been killed or injured in the line of duty. Since 2001, MADD Calgary Chapter has partnered with the Calgary Police Service in their common goal to stop impaired driving. Both organizations look forward to a continued partnership
striving together for safer roads for everyone. The dedication of this Memorial Bench Tribute ensures victims of impaired driving will forever be remembered and their voices will speak to the tragic consequences of impaired driving.
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at times. And to those very same people, this article is for you. You may ask, why do we lose faith? Personally, each and every single one of you who has experienced it knows why you did. The way I see it? Losing faith in our nation is the result of our judgments on the evil we continually see on news reports and newspaper articles. We automatically conclude that our country is doomed and hopeless. As with hope in the midst of a crisis, a nation is not doomed, nor is it hopeless, as long as there are people who try to make it a better place. Take this recent disaster in our country brought about by the heavy rains – echoing the past calamity of Typhoon Ondoy. Yes, there was much devastation – yes, there was indeed much death, but the Filipinos have survived. They have proven that no disaster, however powerful, would stop them from helping each other out. It was indeed a time where the lines of wealth and power that
normally separated the people were blurred. Instead of the rich and there poor, there were only citizens. Instead of the powerful and the weak, there were only people. We must be proud of the Philippines. I’m talking about the Philippines that our forefathers have shed blood over to free. Their very blood runs in our veins, and this is the blood of cultural martyrs - the blood of brave and noble people, who died to free nation that they had a dream for. A dream that one day it would rise up and defeat all oppression. A dream that our nation would rise up against all odds and battle tyranny from within. A dream, that is slowly – but surely, being recognized. Just because I have left the Philippines doesn’t make me less patriotic. I can still love the Philippines. This is the same for everyone who is an immigrant to a foreign nation. Dear Philippines, I may have left you, but I have never forgotten you.
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Alberta
Airplane incidents the passengers and the pilot must coexistent and co-terminus. We must all act likecaptains and passengers who are concerned about the welfare of everybody in our own designated workplaces. We should take care of our work, as it is the means of our subsistence or more so, existence, yet, we should also be in association with our co-workers. Bosses or non-bosses, we are all delegated to perform our duties. Unfortunately, some bosses are bossing around – they are like a roaring lions looking for someone to devour. They are taskoriented rather than people-oriented. Lito Mendoza Velasco They are technically-oriented rather Lito Velasco, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy than result-oriented. So many times, A homoviator, a catalyst of change. He supervisor who always runs after moves in the light of his Philosophical, and directly puts his eyes on the Political and Theological backgrounds. He loves challenges and believes he learns workers do not help them to become and improves his critical thinking from responsible and conscientious. those challenges. They would have rather stolen their • “Captain! Captain! Captain! The worker’s self-esteem and worth. In a real life situation, we tend back portion of this plane is on fire!” to become utilitarian – too much The passengers shouted. “I don’t care! I am just paid to fly this! adhering on the belief that as long This is not my airplane!” screamed as a particular thing is useful then it is good. Obviously, the goodness by the pilot. relies on the usefulness; which is not • “Hi Jack!” One passenger shouted sound and nice applying to the level out loud that made all the other of humanity. Fulton Sheen once said: passengers panic. They never thought “In order to live fully, we must learn that the guy who was shouting how to use things and love people, just saw his long lost friend in the not use people and love things.” airplane and very eager to call him Thus, what matters most is a person by name, and not declaring a hijack! and not the matter. (This is what we called a fallacy of Respecting Work-Styles in the accent or amphibology). Work Place Yes, it is implied that almost all of us Work: A means to an end People, from every step of life is are being paid by the hour. But, one designed to work in order to live. of the quite smart interpretations of Unfortunately, some of us are this phrase is that, we have to make paying much attention or emphasis sure that nothing is unreasonably on work rather than focusing on life left undone before vacating the itself. Look what happened to the workplace. We have to bear in mind first anecdote. The pilot was never that every worker has his own workmindful or concerned about what styles. For instance, taking half an his passengers were telling him. He hour for coffee break or just sitting never thought that he would also be inside his office during work hours terribly affected by that incident. is tolerable; also, a worker who What a quite apathetic and indifferent occasionally extends his service person. At work, have we noticed beyond designated hours of work our co-workers or even checked during the day should be permitted. on ourselves when just coming to Remember, people who are trusted workfor money? In fairness, some become more trustworthy, useful, are conscientious, that they can and productive. Of course, I am not automatically jump to extend their defending the lazy workers in this helping hands to others and play as discourse.Rather, they should be helped gaining their self-respect. team-workers. Accountability is always everyone’s slice of pie in the Self-Respect workplace. From the higher echelon Self-respect is feeling good about to rank in file, the responsibilities us and seeing ourselvesas good. We must be fairly substituted and see ourselves when we look in the subdivided. Collaboration between mirror, and see our faces another
Ronald Cantiveros
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September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
way when we think about what we do. When we do a job well, we see ourselves as worthy. This makes we feel good about being us. Others see the way we behave. Others react to what they see. They may be friendly or unfriendly to us. Their friendliness helps us feel worthy and boosts our self-respect.We are happier when we respect ourselves. This is important because having self-respect helps we do better work. It helps us like other people and get along with them. In turn, when we do good work and like ourselves, others like us better. Working means different things to different people. Entering the world of work will be a big change. It is sometimes surprising. Look at the second anecdote. A passenger never thought that his excitement would coincidentally cause a trouble when he saw his long lost friend in the airplane. So many are times, our good intentions are carried over by our actions. One logician said: “when emotion is on the throne, the reason is overthrown.” Lesson learned Avoid letting our emotion rule over our reasons. We have to make the change carefully. The more we know about the working world, the better. The change will go smoother if we know what to expect. Work will be an important part of our lives. We will be working for many years to come. Being unhappy at work usually means an unhappy life. A good work experience usually means a good life. Had the pilot loved and respected his work and his very self, then he would have not taken what his passengers said for granted. So as the second incident, had the other passenger known the value of ethics, certain trouble or accident could be avoided by not shouting out loud in the public place. Everything goes well when we are guided by good manners and right conduct. Always remember, right is not might. Yes, we have all the right to exercise, but we also have the duties to respect and take care of other people’s rights and privileges. Thereby, respecting others is emanated from self-respect. In the hospital where I work, there is one dominating rule to obey: “Respect earns respect.” I hope this composition comprehensively explains the importance of developing a harmoneous relationship in the workplace, and may tell us how work fits into our lives. Make a good flight!
aLfie vera mella
Matthais Aperocho Baptism Matthais "Tay" Aperocho first born son of Kim and Gerald Aperocho was baptized at the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Sunday
August 26, 2012. Deacon Tony Obleada officiated the baptism. Reception followed at Ritchie Community Center.
Gerald and Kim with Tay
Deacon Tony Obleada , Kim and Gerald Aperocho with Tay.
L-R Godparents Katie and Mike Angeles, Gerald and Kim with Tai, Godfather Jeip Geneblazo and godmother Bluessette Bexiga.
www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually
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Official Photographer Noli Granado
Contributing Writers: Johnny Cantiveros Melanie Angeles Carl Benito Gem M. Anis Perry Diaz Danilo Donor Jon Salvador Perry Diaz Dolly Punsalan Castillo Dennise Yambao
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2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD Cruising in American muscle
by Ron
Cantiveros
ron@filipinojournal.com
I
f you’re looking for a muscle car this winter, look no further than the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD. Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. When it comes to sports cars, everyone really wants to know horsepower, right? The 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD is equipped with a 3.6L V6 292hp and 280 lbft. of torque Penstar engine and capable of 0-100km/hr in roughly 5.8seconds. Secondly, fuel efficiency numbers are thrown out the window when you redline the Charger on every green light. Yes, it was totally fun to drive, especially on the open roads of rural Manitoba. Published fuel economy rating by Dodge is 6.4L/100kms. As a comparison, the top end Charger SRT8 HEMI V8 pumps out 470hp and runs 0-100km/
hr in the 4’s. That’s pure muscle sprinkled with testosterone. It also comes with paddle shifters too! More fun, for sure. Some of the neat features in the SXT Plus include thermoelectric heated and cooled front cup holders. I will admit, that on first glance at the heating/ cooling switch, I quickly assumed that they were the switches for heated and cooled leather seats.
I was totally wrong and the cup holders were one of my favorite features in the car. It was able to keep my latte hot and my can of coconut water cool at the same time. As for the Audi-inspired electronic gear shifter, I could do without. Several times during the week-long road test, I was stuck in N, thinking I was in D as I finished backing out of parking
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spots. Luckily, nobody was waiting for the parking spot as I was getting out. The SXT Plus leather interior with a mix of red and black leather throughout the cabin was an eye catcher. The bucket seats were comfortable for the long drive, including one to the Morden Corn and Apple Festival. The Dodge Charger is available in nine available models
starting with the SE ($29,995) and tops out with the SRT8 HEMI V8 model ($48,095). The Charger lineup comes with several engine options, RWD/AWD configurations and a multitude of packages options. Other vehicles in the same market space include the Chevy Camaro, Ford Taurus SHO, Chrysler 300C, Hyundai Genesis, and the Audi A4.
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Filipino Journal SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES
Social media marketing brings your company to the fastest growing networking hubs on the Internet. We can help you reach out to, collaborate with, and market effectively to targeted audiences in their on-line haunts. Social Media Marketing services include: Social Media Strategy - finding your potential clients on-line and figuring out how to reach them. Corporate Facebook Pages – building and managing effective Facebook presences; Twitter Services – using Twitter the right way. Our social media marketing services can: * * * * * * *
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - Immigration Program
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.
For Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in Canada there are: four (4) main ways how they can become Permanent Residents (PRs). The four immigration programs are: the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program and the Spousal Sponsorship Program (SSP). As of July 1, 2012, the FSW program – Category 1 (ie. the 29 indemand occupations in Canada) has been temporarily suspended and is currently under review. It is expected that for FSW – Category 1 - a new list of in-demand jobs in Canada and the new selection criteria for the program will be announced by the government next year in early 2013. It is also expected that the government will introduce stricter selection criteria on the following areas: a. language proficiency – more points for language skills and minimum language skills thresholds b. education – assessment of applicant’s education credentials by an independent 3rd party c. age – lower age range to get maximum points based on age (21 to 35 yrs. old) d. skilled work experience - less points for work experience outside Canada, more points for experience inside Canada e. spousal language ability – points for spousal language proficiency The FSW program – Category 2 (ie. Arranged Employment for Skilled Workers) is still on-going and has not been changed by the government. TFWs who are in skilled category NOC: 0, A or B and can obtain an arranged employment offer (ie. full-time, permanent skilled
job of indeterminate duration) from their employer and can meet the 67 points out of 100 in the FSW selection criteria – have an excellent chance of getting approved on their PR application within 12 months. It is highly recommended that persons who are eligible under this category should submit their PR applications before the end of this year – before stricter government selection criteria are introduced. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is targeted to foreign nationals in Canada who: 1. Are either a temporary foreign worker with at least two (2) years of full-time or equivalent skilled work experience in Canada or a foreign student graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution with at least one (1) year of full-time or equivalent skilled work experience in Canada. 2. Have gained skilled work experience in Canada with a valid work or study permit. 3. Apply while working in Canada or within one (1) year of leaving their job in Canada 4. Have taken and passed the language proficiency exams (IELTS for English or TEF for French) based on their job category ( ie. NOC: O, A or B). a. CEC requirements for Temporary Foreign Workers For temporary foreign workers, the two years of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in Canada must be gained within three years from date of PR application. Full-time work experience means working at least 37.5 paid hours per week. Work experience in low or semi-skilled work (ie. NOC: C, D) does not qualify under the CEC program. NOTE: There is a proposal to reduce the two (2) years skilled work experience in Canada requirement to just one (1) year – to be eligible under the CEC program. Policy change announcement regarding this is expected toward the end of 2012. To confirm if the applicant’s job will qualify under the CEC program, check the 4-digit NOC code in the applicant’s LMO (Labour market Opinion) document and see where it is classified in the NOC matrix website listed below: http://www30.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/ NOC/2006/Welcome.aspx Only jobs under NOC: O, A or B classifications are considered to be skilled work categories. b. CEC requirements Graduate Students
for
Foreign
For foreign student graduates (FSGs) of a Canadian post-secondary educational institution, the applicants must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in Canada after graduation. Full-time work experience means working at least 37.5 paid hours per week. The work experience must be gained within two years from date of PR application. FSGs of a Canadian post-secondary educational institution must complete either: • a full-time Canadian post-secondary educational program of at least two years or • a one-year Master’s program (certificates and diplomas cannot be counted) and an additional year of education, obtained in Canada, before admission into the one-year program (for a total of two years). Definitions: • Full-time studies – to be eligible, applicant must have been considered “full-time” at
their school. • Two years of study – at least 16 months— or four (4) semesters—within the 24 months before completing a full-time postsecondary program of study in Canada. Note: English or French as a second language courses do not count toward education requirements under the Canadian Experience Class. 1. The programs must be delivered by a private or public post-secondary educational institution such as a college or a university that is provincially recognized, or 2. Private CEGEPs. Work experience gained while the student is still studying does not count toward meeting the requirements for work experience in the CEC program. Only paid work experience gained after graduation is counted (unpaid volunteer work does not count). Foreign student graduates may get work experience by applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation. Work permits may be valid for up to three years with no restrictions on the type of work the graduate can do or where. c. CEC language requirements Each applicant must demonstrate that they meet the language requirements according to their NOC job category by providing their test scores in English (IELTS exams) or French Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF exams) in their CEC PR application submission. Language test scores taken after December 2010 are valid for two (2) years. For IELTS exams (ie. speak, listen, read, write) listed below are the required test scores to meet the language requirements based on the applicant’s NOC job category: Job Skill Level - NOC: 0 or A (Professionals, Managers) • Score of 7 or higher for each of the language abilities listed above, or • Score of 6 for any one of the language abilities, 7 or higher for any other two of those abilities and 8 or higher for the remaining ability. Job Skill Level - NOC: B ( Supervisors, Skilled workers) • Score of 5 or higher for each of the language abilities listed above, or • Score of 4 for any one of those abilities, 5 or higher for any other two of those abilities and 6 or higher for the remaining ability. Conclusion Among the four immigration programs mentioned above, CEC is one of the best and simplest options. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program – Category 1 which has a cap (limit) of 500 applicants per NOC per year ... the CEC program does not have such limitation - as of today. All eligible CEC applicants will be processed on a “first come, first served basis” – no limits. Target processing time for applications under the CEC program is still around 6 to 12 months. Compared to the AINP program, the CEC program is much simpler (ie. TFW do not have to deal with the provincial government, less forms to complete, etc.) and much faster compared to the processing time for the AINP program which could take 18 to 24 months or more. Temporary foreign workers should check, if they qualify under the CEC program - have skilled work experience in Canada (eg. Cooks, Chefs, Nurses, LPNs, Welders, Plumbers, Electricians, Crane Operators, Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics, Engineers, Accountants,
Supervisors, Managers, etc.) for at least two (2) years within the last 3 years. Take advantage of this immigration program before the government decides to change the generous existing policies. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): Q1. I’m a skilled temporary foreign worker and want to apply to stay permanently. Is there an education requirement in the CEC program? ANS: No, there is no education requirement in the CEC program. Q2. I have different types of work experience in Canada, some skilled (NOC 0, A or B) and some low-skilled (NOC C or D). Does the low-skilled work experience count in any way toward the work experience required when the majority of my work experience is skilled? ANS: No, low skilled work experience does not count under the CEC program. Only skilled work experience is counted. Q3. I meet the requirements to apply under the CEC program but have since returned to my home country. Am I still eligible to apply under the Canadian Experience Class? ANS: Yes, but you must apply within one year of leaving your job in Canada. If you left your job more than one year ago, your work experience is not recent and does not meet the requirement. Q4. Can experience gained in Canada without proper work or study authorization be counted under the Canadian Experience Class? ANS: No, experience gained in Canada has to have a valid work or study permit. Q5. Can semi-skilled or low-skilled workers apply to stay permanently under the CEC program? ANS: No. semi-skilled or low skilled workers cannot apply under the CEC program. However, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) is available - for TFW workers in jobs classified at skill levels C and D under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Applying for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class is restricted to Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) in the NOC. Q6. I have already submitted an application for permanent residence as a skilled worker (under the FSW program or AINP program), can I still apply under the CEC category? ANS: Yes, but applicants are required to submit a new PR application with new fees. If CIC has not started processing the initial skilled worker application, the applicant could withdraw it and may be entitled to a refund of the fees paid. It is not forbidden for a TFW to apply simultaneously with two different streams of the Canadian immigration programs. However, the applicant will have to choose under which program the permanent resident status will be granted. Q7. I want to apply as a graduate student under the CEC program. Can part-time work experience during my full-time studies in Canada be counted toward the one-year requirement? ANS: No, your work experience must be
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gained after graduation. Q8. I want to apply as a graduate. Does work experience that was part of my educational program’s requirements (such as co-op terms and apprenticeships) count toward the one-year requirement? ANS: No, co-op terms and apprenticeships completed before graduating do not count as skilled work experience as they are considered part of an educational program. For this reason, co-op terms and apprenticeships are counted as part of the minimum two-year educational program requirement. Q9. I have a one-year master’s degree (or one-year certificate) from a Canadian post-secondary educational institution. Am I eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class? ANS: Anyone accepted as a permanent resident under the Canadian Experience Class (based on their studies) has to have studied in Canada for at least two years. Normally, this means you graduated with a Canadian post-secondary credential that requires at least two academic years of study, but there is one exception. If you completed a one-year master’s (certificates and diplomas do not count with this exception), you would be eligible if you earned it after completing another program of at least one academic year in Canada. Both credentials must be obtained from a post-secondary institution recognized by the province. Each program must be completed within two years of each other. Q10: How do I check, if the consultant whom I am dealing with and paying a fee is a licensed immigration consultant and authorized to provide immigration advice? A: Licensed immigration consultants in Canada are listed in the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) website consultants’ directory: http://www.iccrc-crcic.ca/home.cfm If the person is not listed in the ICCRC website consultants directory, then chances are the person is NOT a licensed immigration consultant. The person may be fake consultant operating without a proper license. Under the new Canadian law known as Bill C-35, fake immigration consultants charging fees can receive stiff penalties of up to two (2) years imprisonment and/or up to $100,000 in fines when convicted. You can report suspected illegal activities to ICCRC at: 5500 North Service Road, Suite 1002 Burlington, Ontario, L7L 6W6 Tel: 1-877-836-7543 (toll free) Fax: 1-877-315-9868 (toll free) Email: info@iccrc-crcic.ca or the Temporary Foreign Worker Helpline at 1-877-944-9955 or (780) 6449955 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.
September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
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Ron Cantiveros
ron@filipinojournal.com
Northern Lights bring Manitoba skies to life!
T
his happened! As I was driving home from Calgary earlier this month along the Trans-Canada Highway between Brandon and Winnipeg, a magnificent spectacle of lights danced across the skies to the north of me. I immediately turned to my GPS unit to figure out the next country road to turn off so I could get away from the bright lights of trucks and trailers cruising along Hwy 1. As I came upon my first random country road and farmers field, I parked my car and opened the door. To my amazement, I was greeted by Mother Nature with a once-in-alifetime amazing display of lights dancing along the southern skies of Manitoba. I've seen the Northern Lights before but not with this
much intensity and vibrancy. I've been to Churchill, Manitoba on several occasions in the hopes of witnessing the magical light show. I've seen them while camping and cottaging over the years. Again, the brilliance of the aurora borealis on this evening, alone in a wheat field brought shivers down my spine. Given how far south I was, to see the Northern Lights directly above was truly special. Most instances in the past, the Northern Lights were visible across the northern horizon. I have several other photos posted on the Filipino Journal website. The photos are from at least five different farmer’s fields and random country roads somewhere between Brandon and Winnipeg. A drive which normally
Mother Nature's own light show across the night sky in southern Manitoba, quietly interrupted by a passing vehicle and an airplane.
would take about 2 hours ended up being a 4-hour park & shoot adventure. If it wasn't for the chilly conditions that evening, I may have stayed all night until the light show ended. As I approached Winnipeg, the light pollution from the city lights washed away the Northern Lights. These Northern Lights kicked
some major aurora borealis! They were truly the best display I have ever experienced. I’m truly in awe of Mother Nature. I’m truly blessed that I had the proper camera gear to be able to enjoy it with everyone. For those lucky enough to experience seeing the Northern Lights, I can understand how
mystical they can be. Watching them on TV, or YouTube just isn't the same. For those still waiting to see them in true living colour, make sure to enjoy the moment first. After that, run to your camera and tripod as quickly as possible. We truly live in a magical and beautiful country.
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Vice Ganda delivers a dynamite stand up comedy
F
by Jun Angeles
or the first time in the history of Filipino concert performances, Vice Ganda's The Unkabogable Concert Tour 2012 filled up the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium to capacity and adding more seats to accommodate the undeniably diehard clamoring fans. Audience from different parts of the province
and out of town guests as far away as Winnipeg and Vancouver gathered to Vice Ganda's concert last September 7, 2012. A solid three hour performance with special participation of Christine Reyes and featuring the duo MC and Lassy. The TFC Showtime host, Vice has a way to make you laugh feverishly. One of Vice
Lassy with brown jacket with patterned red shirt paired with a black tight pants and black laced boots.
Eddie Gonzales, Mel, Lydia, Christine and Grace
Ganda's talents is his powerful voice. Vice can sing to the tune of Whitney and Celine. His antiques mostly geared to mature audience undoubtedly proved that green jokes click. With the combination of MC and Lassy, the auditorium intensity magnified in an earth shuttering quakes that will surely
Gina Kitchingman in elegant stripe gown and Cecile Ylagan in grey patterned silk dress
bring the building in rubbles. Palabok House Restaurant with the collaboration of Lydia Jimenez, Eddie Gonzales and William Marquicias and with the Alberta Filipino Journal as one of the major sponsors once again delivered a sold out show worth remembering. Vice Ganda’s golden shoes
Vice Ganda’s stunning outfit
Christine Reyes in her zippered skirt and studded shoes
L-R Christian Santa Ana from Ft. McMurray, Brian & Sionnie Abenojar & Hermie Angeles from Edmonton Jocelyn Baligad, Aivene Mandi and Renzi Gino Mandi from Ft. McMurray. Photos by Jun Angeles
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The full capacity Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Audience participation
Photos by William Marquicias Photography
Filipino fans impresses Adam Levine
Maroon 5’s front man Adam Levine greeted his band’s Pinoy fans on his official Twitter account by saying that Manila is the home of the most energetic, enthusiastic Maroon 5 fans on earth. The American pop-rock band arrived in Manila, their third visit to the country, on Sunday evening from South Korea for the Philippine
leg of their “Overexposed World Tour.” Levine said the band keep on going back to the Philippines because the Filipinos are probably the best and most supportive fans that they have. He added that he is dedicating to his Filipino fans his newest favorite song from their fourth studio album “Overexposed” called “Daylight.” Aside from their one-night only sold-out concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Levine was also engaged by the local clothing brand Bench as one of their international endorser. This means that fans of the hunk singer can expect the singer's body to grace giant billboards all over Metro Manila soon.
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Congratulations to the newly weds, Valiant and Marichelle Bauzon! Filed by Jose "Pepito" Magpayo
The Family
Ladies and Gentlemen - the brand new Mr. Valiant & Mrs. Marichelle Bauzon!
Matron of Honour Jenny Briones Bungay, owner of Philippine Financial Services and the Bridesmaids, Mary Tran, Geody Gonzaga, Thisbee Guevarra, Riza Santos.
Jenny Briones Bungay, owner of Philippine Financial Services in Canada as the Matron of Honour.
Benjamin & Lourdes Ang, Owners of Solid Industries Ltd. in Calgary, Principal Sponsors.
‘Bwakaw’ is PH’s bet in Oscar awards
T
he Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) recently announced the official selection of “Bwakaw” as the country’s nominee in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 85th Academy Awards (The Oscars) to be held next year. The Academy’s Foreign Language Film Award Committee which will
evaluate films from participating countries and will announce the official nominations and awards on Jan. 15 and Feb. 24, respectively. The critically-acclaimed film by award-winning writer-director Jun Lana participated in the 2012 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival where it won the Audience Choice and
Netpac Awards, as well as Best Actor (for Eddie Garcia) under the Director’s Showcase segment. The film had its international premiere at the recently held Toronto International Film Festival under its Contemporary World Cinema Section. The worldwide rights for international screening of “Bwakaw”
have been bought by Fortissimo Films, a multi-national film production and sales and distribution company. Fortissimo chairman Michael J. Werner was quoted as saying that “Bwakaw” is one of those rare films with universal appeal that will transcend language, nationality, class, gender and age. International reviews by some film critics abroad have also given
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“Bwakaw” the affirmation. These include reviews by the Film Society of Lincoln Center for the 50th New York Film Festival, Hollywood Reporter, and Twitch Film. The film starring veteran actor Eddie Garcia tells the amusing and touching story of an old homosexual who was forced to come to terms with himself and growing old alone with the sole company of his faithful dog.
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First Filipino-Canadian Appointed to Senate of Canada
Tobias C. Enverga Jr
P
rime Minister Stephen Harper announced today the appointment of Filipino-Canadian Tobias C. Enverga Jr. to the Senate of Canada effective immediately. Senator Enverga was one of five distinguished Canadians joining the 105-seat Senate of Canada where they are expected to serve until the age of 75. Senator Enverga fills one of two vacant seats for Ontario while the rest of the quintet will represent Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. “I look forward to working with these talented individuals,” the Prime Minister stated. “Their
skills and experience will help to further advance our shared goals of jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians.” Prior to his appointment, Senator Enverga was a project manager at the Bank of Montreal, where he has worked for more than 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Letran College in the Philippines, a Masters Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and a Computer Studies Certificate from Centennial College. Mr. Enverga has been involved in various organizations and a number of charitable projects. He is the first Filipino-Canadian elected in the City of Toronto, and served as Trustee to the Toronto Catholic District School Board. He is Co-Chair of the Asian Heritage Month Celebration for the Greater Toronto Area and was previously a Director of the Canadian Multicultural Council - Asians in Ontario. He is also the founder of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation and a former president of the Philippine Independence Day Council. In 2012, Mr. Enverga was the recipient of the Queen's
60th Diamond Jubilee medal of distinction. Within the Filipino community in Toronto, Mr. Enverga is known for his active involvement in charitable projects in the Philippines which include medical missions, building schools, churchers and artesian wells, funding livelihood training programs, and supporting Bantay Bata and GK Villages in Camarines Norte and Quezon City. For his exceptional contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines, Mr. Enverga was conferred the Linkapil Award by the Office of the President in 2008. “The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa hails the appointment of Senator Enverga together with Filipino communities across Canada. Slowly but surely, Filipino excellence continues to gain recognition in the highest echelons of Canadian officialdom. We hope that his appointment will inspire other Filipino-Canadians to achieve their own high aspirations in this welcoming land of opportunity,” remarked Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan.
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The Honourable Peter Lougheed CC, AOE, QC, BA, LL.B, MBA, LL.D
Edgar Peter Lougheed, PC, CC, AOE, QC, July 26, 1928 – September 13, 2012) was a Canadian lawyer and politician. He served as the tenth Premier of Alberta from 1971 to 1985 as a Progressive Conservative. Lougheed was the grandson of Sir James Alexander Lougheed, an early Senator and prominent Alberta businessman. After a short football career he entered business and practised law in Calgary. In 1965, he was elected leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. The party won the 1971 provincial election, with 49 of the 75 seats in the legislature, defeating the Social Credit Party which had governed the province since the 1935
election. Lougheed established a Tory dynasty in the province that has continued uninterrupted since then. Lougheed led his party to victory in the 1975, 1979 and 1982 provincial elections. As premier, Lougheed furthered the development of the oil and gas resources, and started the Alberta Heritage Fund as a way of ensuring that the exploitation of non-renewable resources would be of long-term benefit to Alberta. He also introduced the Alberta Bill of Rights. Lougheed quarrelled with Pierre Trudeau’s federal Liberal government over its 1980 introduction of the National Energy Program. But Lougheed and Trudeau eventually reached an agreement for energy revenue sharing in 1982, after hard bargaining. The successful Calgary bid to host the 1988 Winter Olympics was developed during Lougheed’s terms. From 1996 to 2002, Lougheed served as Chancellor of Queen’s University. Lougheed sat on the boards of a variety of organizations and corporations. In a 2012 edition, the Institute for Research on Public Policy’s magazine, Policy Options, named Lougheed the best Canadian premier of the last forty years. Photo courtesy of the University Archives.
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September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
Horoscope Career will be better for you. Paying more attention to the little routine things and getting them done will result in less scrutiny on days like today. As long as you keep your attitude positive, this will be a time when you take leaps and bounds in the direction of success.
A good day for small adventures, but don’t push it into weirdness. New tastes and experiences are easy to come upon and, once tried, may stick with you for a longtime. Embrace the changes that occur now and readjust your attitude to step into your future in the most positive way possible.
You can look forward to success at the work front. Physical thrills and excitement have a strong appeal for you now, and you want to do something new and out of the ordinary. You also have a lot of energy and quick reflexes. What you have to learn is that you don’t need a lot to make your life happy.
Be mature today -- step up and accept the ramifications of your recent behavior. With a new attitude about love you can open the energy and your heart up to new possibilities, as long as you stay true to your current path things will work out in your favor.
The day is ideal for fulfilling your desires. Excellent cooperation in partnerships and friendships is highlighted now. If you have an issue with something they do or say you’ll have a better chance of making headway if you start the conversation by recognizing what they do well, first.
The need for stimulation from others is at a peak today. Dress for success and your romantic urges will be rewarded. Staying away from arguments will ensure smooth progress of the day. By becoming more open minded, you will encourage people to come to you more often with interesting ideas that you couldn’t think of on your own.
This is, indeed, a time of opportunity and good times. However, you also tend to harbor unrealistic hopes, exaggerate the possibilities, and lack a sense of realism. Make time for your own needs by scheduling a part of your day just for you. Your interest in arts and other creative pursuits will be much more.
Things can be challenging at the work front. Double check all your work today as well. Little errors may cost you both time and money. You’ve got your own style and way of doing things and that can carry you a long way towards progress this week.
Communication will be favorable to you. Either you yourself, or someone you’re involved with, is becoming particularly demanding or probing. Sometimes it’s best to step away and not entangle yourself in these sorts of mental dilemmas. Try not to lose your cool, Gemini, but let them know their behavior will not be tolerated.
It is a good day for career. It’s probably about time you lifted your head from that pile of paperwork, dressed in your finery and went out to see what you could be missing. It will be fresh and new again in a few months - the same way a favorite sports team is exciting when the new season rolls around again.
Learning a new skill or sharpening your current repertoire can propel you into a more successful and fulfilling future. You’re easily able to see the big picture so you can probably find a path that will align with your current position and support your future. Work will come first for you now, and that’s perfectly okay.
You will examine your motives today. Be firm in your convictions and do what is in your own best interests. Get some alone time and just do whatever you want to do. You deserve a mellow, quiet night. It will renew your spirit and reenergize you for another day.
PAHALANG
PABABA
1 Lasa ng asin
30 Jet ___
1 Init
21 Lungsod sa Bulacan
5 Kamoteng-kahoy 2 Bitak
31 Tunog ng makinilya
2 Bitak
24 Walang lakas
11 Namnam
33 Mike na Jeproks
3 Asada
26 Idlip: Ingles
13 Mahirap
36 Laboratory: daglat
4 Apelyidong Tsino
27 Libre
14 Tabla na
38 lagi
6 Simbolo ng Arsenic
29 Sandata
16 Laundry: Tagalog
39 Butlig
7 Binibigkas pagkatanggap
32 Pausok sa lamok
17 Taberna
41 Binaril sa tarmac
sa isang bagay
34 Inang
18 Lalawigan sa Norte
43 Alkalde
8 Mr.Paule
35 Mayor Alfredo
20 Cruise o Jones
44 Kulay ng kabayo
9 Biblikal na tore
37 Harang
22 Ling ___
45 Sablay
10 Utusan
40 Panggatong
23 ___ Solidaridad
12 Post Office Box
42 Yayo Aguila
25 Hantik
15 Baby
28 Alberta
19 Etiketa
Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.
Here is the puzzle. Good luck!
Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com
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September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
Residents of Revitalized Alberta Avenue Celebrate
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esidents gathered at the site of the recently demolished Cromdale Hotel to celebrate its removal as a milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Alberta Avenue. Hundreds took to the streets, enjoying live music, entertainment and activities for children. This recent revitalization effort, which will see a new Shoppers Drug Mart in place of the Cromdale, supports the larger goal to energize 118th Avenue from NAIT to Northlands. The City of Edmonton, community groups and residents have worked together to improve streets, businesses and green spaces to foster a vibrant community life on Alberta Avenue and to improve residents’ quality of life. “This is a new chapter for the community here and a major step towards revitalizing 118th Avenue,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “The streets will be
safer and more welcoming and community life will improve dramatically.” The Avenue Initiative, a community-led strategy, was approved by City Council in 2005 and since then has grown to include many local groups working to create a vibrant, safe place to live and shop. The area is now known as Edmonton’s newest arts destination. “This is a great example of a community working in partnership with the City to make their neighbourhood a more livable and vibrant place,” said Councillor Tony Caterina. “All the partners deserve a lot of credit for what they have accomplished.” The City of Edmonton’s Avenue Initiative and Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET), Parkdale Cromdale Community League, Alberta Avenue Business Association,
Arts on the Ave, Rat Creek Press and Community Response To Disorder (CRUD) are among the partners involved. “The demolition of the Cromdale Hotel is something the community has wanted and worked towards for many years,” said Council Ed Gibbons. “In that sense, today is really a celebration of successful community mobilization towards positive change and we all look forward to a new, exciting period for the area.” The Avenue Initiative falls under Neighbourhood Revitalization which is a process directed by the community and supported by the City to identify strengths, issues, challenges and the potential of a particular community. People, businesses, and organizations in an area determine their own goals and action plans to build on strengths and improve quality of life.
City of Edmonton Pays Tribute to Peter Lougheed
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he City of Edmonton joins Albertans in mourning the passing of the Honourable Peter Lougheed, former Premier of Alberta and a visionary leader dedicated to the long-term safety, security and prosperity of the people of our province. “On behalf of the people of Edmonton and our City Council, we would like to express our sincere condolences and our sadness over the passing of Peter Lougheed,” said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Our thoughts are with his family and the many people whose lives were touched by this compassionate man who worked tirelessly for democracy in Alberta his whole life.” “The prosperity and stability we enjoy today in Edmonton is
largely due to Peter’s efforts, starting four decades ago,” said Mandel. “All Albertans and Canadians benefit from his legacy. He fostered a new approach to ensuring the views of Albertans are represented in the governance of our province and the decisions are guided by what is best for Albertans.” The Progressive Conservative government of Peter Lougheed was first elected in 1971, ending the 36-year rule of the Social Credit Party and starting a dynasty of government that continues today. In terms of advancing democracy, the Lougheed government’s first acts in 1972 included the introduction of The Alberta Bill of Rights and the establishment of Hansard for Alberta, the first published
Share Your Bear Filed Jose “Pepito” Magpayo
Released on behalf of Kids Help Phone
T
he Calgary Police Service, Kids Help Phone and Girl Guides of Canada are teaming up to provide countless hugs to victims of crime during the 12th Annual Share Your Bear Event. Young Girl Guides will present 2,000 bears to the Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Unit. These huggable stuffed animals are collected each year from caring Calgarians and corporations like MaxWell Realty, Calgary Real
Estate Board and Shell Canada. They are taken to Girl Guides Headquarters where they are affixed with logos and contact information for the Kids Help Phone and the CPS Victim Assistance Unit. Victim Assistance Volunteer Advocates then give the bears out to children and youth in the community who experience trauma as the result of crime. For Calgarians interested in donating bears to the program,
record of the public proceedings of the Alberta Legislature, heralding a new era of openness in government. Lougheed’s most celebrated achievements include the development of Alberta’s oil and gas industries and the establishment of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, a way to ensure our natural resources wealth would benefit Albertans for generations to come. The City of Edmonton salutes one of Alberta’s most valuable citizens. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all City of Edmonton buildings until dusk on the day of his funeral/memorial service, which will be announced at a later time.
Maxwell Realty accepts donations year-round. Visit maxwellrealty.ca for a list of locations. The Calgary Police Service is grateful for this program, which enhances the ability of our officers to reach out and assist victims of crime. Representatives from all partner organizations will be in attendance, as well as several Girl Guides volunteers. Media inquiries: Kids Help Phone, Lauren Davies, Marketing & Communications 1-877-267-7057 Calgary Police Service, Sgt. Brent Hutt, Victim Assistance Unit
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Alberta
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Indy Race Ends its Run in Edmonton
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fter an 8 year run, the City of Edmonton will not play host to an international car race in 2013. Octane Motorsports Events Inc., the promoter and operator of the 2011 and 2012 Edmonton Indy, has informed the City of Edmonton and IndyCar that it has made a business decision to not produce the Edmonton Indy in 2013. The City of Edmonton will not seek another promoter or take additional steps to pursue a race for 2013. “This news is disappointing
for the city and race fans. The 2012 Edmonton Indy was a great event both on and off the track. It, like previous races, brought economic benefits and international exposure to Edmonton,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “We appreciate the contribution of all our partners in making the event a positive experience for both residents and visitors.” The Edmonton Indy first took place in Edmonton in 2005 under the former Champ Car series banner.
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Alberta
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
Calgarians can help to prevent grass fires Filed Jose “Pepito” Magpayo
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he Calgary Fire Department is issuing a cautionary advisory regarding grass fire prevention due to the recent extended period of warm and dry weather in and around Calgary. At this time there is a rising risk of grass and brush fires, should an accidental source of ignition occur.
The Fire Department is advising that extra caution be taken, particularly when disposing of any smoking material and the use of recreational fires. The Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Bylaw Services would like to remind Calgarians that discarding cigarettes and/or smoking ignition materials on the ground at any time is a punishable
offence with fines ranging from $500 - $1000. Calgarians may also refer to the website www.calgary. ca for more information on safe backyard fire pit use and the associated Bylaw. To report a possible grass or brush fire, call 911 immediately so emergency personnel can respond.
September 2012
Expense Disclosure Policy makes Alberta a leader in Transparency
O
n September 7th, Premier Alison Redford, Minister Manmeet Bhullar and Associate Minister Don Scott announced a new disclosure policy that will lead the country on expense transparency and reporting, and help build confidence in the democratic process. The new policy will
provide greater detail on travel, accommodation, meal, working sessions and hospitality expenses, and will apply to Ministers and Associate Ministers and their political staff, members of the government caucus, senior officials appointed by Order in Council and paid directly by government; and Deputy Ministers and all executive managers in the Alberta Public Service. “Premier Redford has had a focus on more openness and transparency from the moment she took office as Premier,” said Manmeet Bhullar, Minister of Service Alberta. “This new policy is one more step in this government’s ongoing effort to achieve that vision.” The revised travel, meal and hospitality expenses policy applies to all Alberta Public Service employees, elected officials, and political staff and is for work-related expenses for travel, meals, working sessions and, hospitality. This policy will come into effect on October 1st allowing Albertans to view online expenses posted bi-monthly. The first report will be available in December which will include copies of receipts allowing the public to see exactly where their hard-earned tax dollars are being used. “Proactively posting expense claims online is a good reminder for everyone, including executives, that they are directly accountable to Albertans for how they spend their tax dollars,” said Bhullar. “We are confident that government agencies, boards and commissions will also follow our lead and adopt these new standards of accountability.” The Alberta government worked with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner to look at best practices in other jurisdictions as part of the policy development process. The new policy furthers the principles of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act and the government welcomes a review by the Commissioner to ensure best practices are still in place, once the policy has been implemented. Hon. Manmeet Bhullar Minister of Service Alberta MLA, Calgary Greenway 403-248-4487
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September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
by Gem & Lita Anis
ARUBA, "One Happy Island" Aruba at a glance: Location - Lies in the southern Caribbean, north of Venezuela and east of Colombia Capital - Oranjestad (literally "Orangetown") Area - 179 sq. kms. (69 sq. mi.) Climate - Hot dry, average temperature year-round is in the 80s Fahrenheit, very little rainfall, lies outside the hurricane belt Population - Approximately 106,113 as of 2011 census with 92 nationalities. First inhabitantas are the Arawak Indians from South America, later colonized by Spain and has been under Dutch administration since 1636. Language - Official language is Dutch and Papiamento, the mother tongue. Most people speak English, Spanish and Portugeese. Government - Constitutional monarchy as a Dutch protectorate. Currency - Aruba florin or guilder (1.78 florin to a $US) Aruba, which means "red gold" ("ore" for gold and "ruba" for red), is a small island of natural beauty. Generally flat and riverless, the island aside from its world-famous beaches (all public) has a desert-like topography studded with cacti, rock and boulder formations, sand dunes, tumbleweed, aloe, and the island's trademark bent-over "divi-divi" trees that are easily recognized by their distinctive shape only pointing in a southwesterly direction due to the trade winds.
The Princess docks in the capital and largest city Oranjestad, known for its impressive Dutch gabled colonial architecture. All are within a walking distance from the port - the Renaissance Mall and Marketplace, the casinos and restaurants. You don't have to hire a taxi unless you want to experience riding a unique mode of local tansport - the colourful banana bus. In Aruba, taxis are unmetered but don't worry because rates are regulated by the government. Exploring the "One Happy Island" enables us to get close and personal with the iguanas squatting on rooftops or on tree branches, with the cacti hedges and stonewalls built in front of houses to protect against goats, sheeps, and donkeys, and with the smiling Aruban faces everywhere (it's a happy place to be!). Located in the centre of Aruba is its version of the English Stonehenge, the Casibari Rock Formations, geologically unusual formations in which you can climb at your own risk to the top where the wind blows continuously. On the island's north side can be seen the fallen Natural Bridge (collapsed into the sea in 2005) and the Baby Natural Bridge, two stunning formations of coral limestone cut out by years of pounding surf. One of Aruba's scenic highlights is the California Lighthouse, perched on a high
elevation and named after the S.S. California, a wooden sailing ship that sank off the coast of the island. This silent sentry offers nice views of the whole island and coastlines. Worth visiting is the Aruba Aloe Museum for a free 25-minute admission factory tour to get an
Banana Bus
Gem & Lita in Aruba
Royal Plaza, Oranjestad
The famous Natural “Baby� Bridge
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inside look into the production process first-hand from aloe vera leaf to finished aloe lotion and also learn the 160-year history of aloe. Aruba, which enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean region including a low unemployment rate, is the world's largest aloe exporter.
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Aruba boasts of the legendary beaches in all the Caribbean, notably Palm Beach with its white sand and blue water, and the quieter Eagle Beach that offers a variety of water sports. These are the bests of Aruba waiting for you anytime of the year!
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Alberta
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
Salcedo – Royal Nuptial “Pure Elegance, Class and Sophistication” by: Mrs. Marissa Sese, Guest Writer from California
B
efore they were engaged (the couple had been dating for six years when he proposed) Maria Regina Micaela (Miko) Salcedo and Marc Sebastian Royal wanted their wedding (celebrated on June 16, 2012) to have a vintage feel with an avant-garde twist – a wedding that was elegant, sophisticated and most importantly, intimate. With Marc being an Englishman, it would be a wedding that would merge two cultures. Obsessed with all things antique, Miko has a strong passion for things with historical significance. She also had a definite vision and her groom was more than happy to let his bride run free with her inspired ideas and fancies. The antique-style angel statues and huge wrought iron bird cages ordered from the States were not the only unique elements that Miko crafted for her wedding day. The handmade boxed invitations, swathed in black satin and tassels with the blush pink invitation suite placed neatly inside, were one of a kind. It was a labour of love that she hoped the recipients would treasure. She designed and created the beautiful pearl-clasped blush pink bouquets for the bridesmaids and her very own distinctive
With Mr. & Mrs. Phil Royal and Mr. & Mrs. Ramon Salcedo
all-ivory bridal bouquet. From stationery and cupcake wrappers to favours, Miko poured her heart into creating memorable details. Incidentally, the wedding tokens were fine quality black pearl (a gift of black pearls is a gift of romance and is a sign of eternal love) pendants that were selected and custom mounted for the occasion. She put a lot of herself in the wedding. She wanted it to be about “us” and sharing the day and the things they love with the people they love most.Miko also personalized her bridal ensemble with tributes to members of her family: her bouquet was adorned with pearls and a locket with a photo of Marc’s sister, Tracie, who passed away several years ago. And speaking of love ones, they were all present. Marc’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Royal, and sister, Charlie, best friend/best man WaynePalmer and his wife, Marcele, his godparents, David and Carol Paine, flew in from England. The bride’s side of the family was represented by her mom’s sister, Marissa (the author of this article), Hermi and son, Nikki, who came from California. Just a bit of family history before
continuing with this article, Miko is the daughter of Ramon and Elisita Salcedo, the granddaughter - from her paternal sideof Gen. Angel Salcedo (formerly Judge Advocate General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Law professor, author and one of the five generals who established the United Philippine Lines), and Carmen Hernandez Salcedo (Professor of Music – St. Scholastica’s College – and a concert pianist). Gen.Angel Salcedo is also the brother of Dr. Juan Salcedo, former Secretary of Health to 4 past Philippine presidents and conferred National Scientist, who became the first Filipino elected as President of the WHO World Health Assembly (5th (WHA) in 1952. She is also the great granddaughter of Don Bernardino Hernandez, one of the founders of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, and his wife Dona Natividad Ramos Hernandez. From her maternal side of the family, she is the granddaughter of Dominador Montales (former VicePresident of the then government-owned Philippine National Bank) and his wife, Josefina, a housewife, as well as the great granddaughter of Amando and Felicidad Montales, landowners and businessman.
Fast-forward to the day when Miko arrived with her bridal entourage for the 3:00 p.m. ceremony. Her matronof-honor, Liza May, and bridesmaids, Rebecca Clark, Eileen Chan and Desiree Dancocks, wore formal black Jim Hjelm gowns with black feather fascinators which crowned their lovely heads and are of different designs to suit their individual personalities. The picturesque interior of the historic St. Joachim Catholic Church (the oldest Catholic church in Edmonton) was the perfect ceremony venue to kick off their elegant and sophisticated wedding celebration. Lit pedestal candles emitting a romantic glow lined the aisles. Beneath the church’s soaring wood ceilings, the bride emerged from behind the church doors with her father, Ramon, and mother, Elisita, in a one-shouldered silk shantung mermaid gown by Val Stefani Couture adorned with large rosettes with Swarovski crystal centers - an exquisite feathered birdcage veilperched atop her head. Colin Salcedo and Kaden Salcedo were the coin and ring bearers respectively; the very pretty niece, Elizabeth Salcedo, contributed her charm as the flower girl. The two eldest nephews, Andrew and Evan Salcedo, were the ushers. Under the strains of Nestor Dato’s soulful version of “My Prayer” (he also enchanted the crowd with his brilliant renditions of traditional Catholic hymns), the walk to the altar was a vision. While she confesses to feeling nervous on her way down the aisle, she’ll never forget the feeling of seeing Marc for the first time. “I was walking with my mom and dad, and everyone was standing looking at me. I was looking for Marc and as I got closer to the altar, I could see he had tears streaming down both cheeks. It was such a magical moment,” she reminisces. Marc on his own looked dapper in his British Edwardian suit,along with his dashing groomsmen, Wayne Palmer, Allan Slavens and NathanWohlgemuth. The principal sponsors (or godparents) came in by pairs, namely: Mr. & Mrs. Pol Angeles, Mr. & Mrs. Pino Angeles, Mr. & Mrs. Jun de la Cruz, Atty. & Mrs. Noel Salaysay and Mr. & Mrs. Hermi Sese. As the bride’s mother commented during her reception speech, all things considered, the couple’s life is now well assured. Not only are the sponsors close family friends and relatives, but they were chosen as exemplars
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September 2012 of the meaning of marriage. After a beautiful service performed by Fr. Jader Assolari (of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church), the happy couple joined more of their friends and family to celebrate in high style at the new Art Gallery of Alberta(AGA). For Miko and Marc, finding an ideal reception venue was a challenge. Hotel ballrooms were definitely out. What they wanted was an exceptional (and somewhat quirky), centrally located venue that could seat their guests intimately, warmly and cosily. They fell in love with the AGA’s modern architecture and glass walls and ceilings that guests could look through to watch the sun set and wait for the stars to appear. It was a luxurious reception choice.The delicate blush pink accents that contrasted the bold black decorsset the scene for their dreamy summer celebration. The wedding details that Miko loves most are the personalized ones; the sentimental elements that would help her guests get to know the bride and groom, to understand who they are, as individuals and as a couple. The décor for dinner was inspired by the 18th century Rococo artistic movement, also known as the “Late Baroque” period. For her, these are the details that really tell a unique wedding story and created an elaborate and timeless affair. Another amazing reception detail was the European dinner which Miko and Marc planned with the guidance ofZinc Restaurant’s Executive Chef, David Omar. Then there was the cake – adelicious singletieredchocolate topper cake covered in ruffled icing with four tiers of matching ruffled cupcakes. After a fabulous meal and heartwarming speeches, the twosome glided to the dance floor for their first dance to “Evangeline” by the Cocteau Twins.The guests grooved to a vibrant and soulful selection of Latin, Funk, Rocksteady/ Reggae and the couple’s favourite songs from the 80s, which were selected by Marc who is an accomplished music producer and sound /audio engineer. As the couple’s wedding celebration drew to a close, the last of the revellers bid the newly-wed couple farewell and left the dance floor with a delicious chocolate cupcake in their hand. Indeed the whole celebration was perfectly magical and it is only the beginning ……. Photos by: Jag Photography
September 2012
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
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28 Filipino Journal
Alberta
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!
September 2012