TAHANAN MAGAZINE

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

TAHANAN FILIPINO - CANADIAN FAMILY & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FAL L 2 01 1

Back-to-School Tips

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs $4.99 FREE COPY TAHANAN 1

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CONTENTS Cover Story

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs

Pinoy Life

10 Batchmates Raise a New Batch 12 Let’s get interactive with e-Learning!

16 Kamalayan, A journey into Responsible Filipino-ness 18 Breaking Ground 20 My Trip to the Philippines Family Life Build the Bridge to Success: Helping your 36 child succeed in school

38 Beyond the Baon: A Financial Health Check 40 Mommy what’s my baon?

42 The Art of Budgeting for Students 42 The Smart Smartphone Guide 46 The Origin of Rice 48 Why Your Child Should Get An Orthodontic 49

Check-up No Later Than Age 7 Kidswall

Community Life

24 26 28 30 32 34

Christian Alvarez and Carlo Balagasay, Strength-N-U Mickey Bustos, The AntsCanada Ants Store

50 Community Corkboard 52 Know your Community

Clyde Pacis, Max’s of Manila

In Every Issue

Myra Pasigpasigan, Bongga Imports

• Over a Cup of Tea • Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives • My Play Area • My Kitchen • My Library • Here at the Spot • Views from My Window • Community Corkboard

Shimon Cabrera, PharmaCia Drugstore

Joycee and Joan Ingeniero, Bella’s Lechon

Cover Photo by Antonio Afable

“ TAHANAN” is the Filipino word for ‘home’ – from the root word, ‘tahan’, which means to stop the baby’s crying or to take away one’s sadness.

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hus, ‘tahanan’ is usually associated with the mental or emotional state of comfort or refuge, a physical structure or locale where families return T to after a day’s work, a place of rest, a sense of belonging and a place where fun and love abound. That is what TAHANAN Magazine is all about!

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MAGA ZINE

From the Publisher’s Desk

Publisher/Marketing Director

Ronnie Dela Gana Creative Director

Calixto Quiachon Editorial Director

Claire Dela Gana Circulation & Operations Director

Marlyn Quiachon Managing Editor

Joi Lardizabal Staff Writers

Anne Simon Kate Garbino Veronica Javier Chris Catral Anne Wong Marketing/Sales Team

Clarisse Rajappan John Tan June Mado Chief Photographer

Romeo Yuayan Videographer/Photographer

Jun Afable Contributing Writer

Dr. James Noble Circulation Assistants

Jimmy Carrillo, Edgar Arenajo, Joel Cleofe Area Advertising/Circulation: Durham Region: Chat Magpayo-289.240.1502 Windsor: Milette Navarro-519.915.9254 Barrie/Newmarket: Jonathan Savella-416.939.5648 Kitchener/Waterloo: Haidee Nefulda-519.954.3099 Hamilton/Guelph/Cambridge: Gerardo De La Torre-519.767.1055

TAHANAN Magazine is published quarterly (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter)

by TAHANAN Media Publication Inc. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited articles, transparencies and other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without written permission of the publisher.

Copyright © 2011 TAHANAN Media Publication Inc. ISSN 1925-2781. Proudly printed in Canada.

TAHANAN Media Publication Inc. 85 Ellesmere Rd. P.O. Box 62502 Scarborough, ON M1R 5G8 Tel: 647-427-8771 Email: info@tahananmagazine.com

www.tahananmagazine.com ARTICLE PROPOSALS and unsolicited articles can be emailed to editor@ tahananmagazine.com or mailed to EDITOR, TAHANAN Magazine, 85 Ellesemere Road, PO Box 62502, Scarborough, ON M1R 5G8. TERMS OF SUBMISSION: By submitting anything to TAHANAN Magazine in any format, written or otherwise, you agree that (1) Your submission and their contents will automatically become the property of TAHANAN Media Publication Inc., without any compensation to you. (2) TAHANAN Media Publication Inc. may use or redistribute the submissions and their contents for any purpose and in any way; and (3) there is no obligation to keep any submissions confidential.

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From feature story interviews to trade shows, this summer has been the busiest season so far for the TAHANAN Magazine team. Instead of the usual one cover story, we bring you inspiring stories of seven (7) young FilipinoCanadian entrepreneurs. We were also blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of the two Filipino summer trade shows – the Pinoy Fiesta and the Mabuhay Festival. 8 out of 10 people coming to our booth have neither heard nor seen the TAHANAN Magazine before. Thus, I can say that it was worth the effort of waking up early to set up the booth and spend the next 10 hours standing up and entertaining questions and inquiries from fellow kababayans.

We conducted mini-surveys, generated subscribers, handed out magazines and gave away free TAHANAN t-shirts to lucky booth visitors.

Time does indeed fly when you are having fun. I cannot believe that we are now on our third issue. With our effort to bring you more entertaining and inspiring articles, I am so pleased to announce the newest addition to our editorial team, Anne Wong. Prior to her maternity leave, she hosted the live TV show FTV:Live Kami! on what used to be FTV Rogers 606. She interviewed the former President Fidel V. Ramos, Toni Gonzaga, Erik Santos, Juan Dela Cruz band (Pepe Smith, Wally Gonzales, Mike Hanopol), Asin’s Lolita Carbon, choreographer to the stars Janet Castillo, Hok Konishi of So You Think You Can Dance and many more. She is currently enjoying the best of both worlds – writing for TAHANAN Magazine and being a stay-at-home mom for her 19-month old son. I assure you that you will enjoy reading her articles. I wonder sometimes if she has got some magical pen that makes readers wanting for more. Anyway, welcome Anne to the team!

TAHANAN introduces in this issue a new section, Know Your Community, which profiles Filipino community organizations. We will be profiling two (2) organizations in every issue. If you belong to any organizations and would like to reach out and be known to the Filipino community, let us know by sending an email to editor@tahananmagazine.com.

I am also very excited to announce TAHANAN’s first photography contest – ‘I am a Filipino in Canada’. As Napoleon Bonaparte said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Let your pictures tell the story of a Filipino’s life here in Canada.

Share this good news with your camera-toting friends. Visit our web site, www. tahananmagazine.com, for the contest rules, prizes and submission details.

Indeed, it was a bountiful and blessed summer! There was plenty of time to spend with family, met a lot of new friends and enjoyed the harvests of the season with loved ones. Another season is here. Time will fly again and soon another season waits in the corner. In the meantime, enjoy reading this fall issue of TAHANAN Magazine and be inspired!

Ronnie Dela Gana Publisher

From the Editor’s Desk

Letters to the Editor Hi friends at TAHANAN Magazine!

Great second issue!

Just one comment - the article on “Independence”, page 11 - not even one mention of José Rizal? Kung wala si Rizal, wala sina Bonifacio at Aguinaldo.

Apart from that omission, the second issue is great.

Salamat po, José Romelo L.

I was eight when I started drawing cartoons of my own superhero “Super Puff” (unusually wearing a skirt and high heels when flying) and turned it into a profitable “small business”. Every week I would tell a death-defying story of adventures of Super Puff through komiks style, and then rent them out to my classmates to read for 25 cents per hour. Every Monday, there would be a line of loyal “fans” of Super Puff eager to read the next chapter while I smiled as I counted my “millions” of coins.

At thirteen, I sold ice candy to our neighbours in Novaliches,

I picked up a copy of TAHANAN’s summer issue and I must tell you that I enjoyed every page of it purely Filipino and delightfully informative. The name TAHANAN is very fitting. It sure embodies the kind of home for Filipino-Canadian readers. With your engaging articles that reach out to our community, Tahanan sure hits a home run.

I definitely look forward to see TAHANAN inject some spirituality in its contents in the future.

Quezon City, Philippines. It was very profitable until half of the whole

Blessings,

neighbourhood started selling ice candy too. But that experience did not

Mario (Scarborough) photographer/writer for Christ

stop the stirring within the entrepreneur-ish side of me. From ice candy, I ventured to selling hair ribbons, kornik, sampaloc, fruit cake, etc. I also tutored basic piano and guitar at home during my university years, and put up my own pre-school at age 21. It’s funny but I don’t remember what I did with the money I earned from all those endeavours. But I do remember how good it felt to serve satisfied clients and to provide employment to relatives and friends.

In this fall issue of TAHANAN, it is with deep honour and admiration to present to our readers, young and upcoming Pinoy entrepreneurs in Canada. Their profound and personal stories will definitely inspire not just the hesitant novices in business building, but also established business owners. We will also feature heart-warming yet very practical articles about how to manage your finances, tips when going to the Philippines for vacation, exploring e-learning and many more! Don’t forget to check out our baon ideas and tips on helping kids to succeed in school for parents in preparation for back-to-school season. I also recommend Veronica Javier’s article on Kamalayan and our new writer Anne Wong’s creative suggestions for batchmates.

We look forward with excitement to produce a thicker issue of Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs next year! How’s that for a challenge?

Joi Lardizabal Managing Editor

The article on Culture, Pride and Freedom made me aware that the Independence Day of the Phillipines is June 12. Although, this was not always the case, with July 4, being the celebrated as independence day for a few years. When I got to the article on Ternos, I recall seeing Imelda Marcos in these dresses but never knew they had a name! The article on Mama Ching had some good lessons, especially her plea for unity within the Filipino community. The Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada seems to be a unique “family & friend” business and I hope to catch them at a performance in the future. The article on “Eat to live and not Live to Eat” was a good dose for me to get back on my low cholesterol diet. The article on Maila Gumila gave interesting insights into the life of an actress from “back home”. I was also very impressed with chess grandmaster Wesley So who seems very focused and I sincerely wish him well.

Interesting, all the articles seemed to have carried a theme of unity and your article “Basketball - The game that unites us” brought that theme home in a very clear and concise manner (pictures and all).

So many teams but also so many voluntary hours. I can’t imagine how much time each basketball team management give up to support the youth and adults within their community.

Thanks so much for sharing this summer edition with me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am certainly more educated after last weekend about a few more things within your culture.

Best Regards, Orville (Toronto) Your feedback, comments and suggestions are important to us.

Email us at feedback@tahananmagazine.com.

TAHANAN 7

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Tuloy po kayo.

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Jim Rohn, author and motivator

“Education is the great engine of personal development.

It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that a son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a nation.”

- Nelson Mandela,

President of South Africa (1994-1999) “The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

- Proverbs 18:15, NASB “Ang umaayaw ay di nagwawagi, ang nagwawagi ay di umaayaw.”

(A quitter never wins, a winner never quits.)

- Filipino proverb

Humber Bay Arch Bridge, Toronto TAHANAN 9 Simon Photo by Brian

Pinoy Life

Batchmates Raise a New Batch

By Anne Wong

T

he late ‘60s created the culture of Filipino immigrants connecting with former schoolmates while starting new lives in Canada. This writer reflects on the power of these bonds created by friends reunited.

It does feel like winning a blackout bingo game when you find kindred spirits in rekindled friendships.

Typical batchmates from the same elementary and high school would have spent around 12 years together, and 4 years for university or college batchmates. Of course depth of friendships between batchmates vary greatly, but this article will just touch on the bonds created in the years way past the time of teenage hang-ups. In my case, my batchmates and I are all in the early stages of having our own families and living new adventures in our second home country. Upon migrating we all went through enjoying like tourists, freaking out like newbies, and exploring like foodies but we also yearned for the familiar nudge from an old friend. And so we sought each other out through convenient social networking channels and are now part of each other’s parties, potlucks, and road trips.

Pabitin and Funnel Cake There’s nothing more fascinating than seeing a pabitin at a children’s party at any time of the year, indoors or outdoors.

One birthday bash even had it suspended from a full 8-foot wooden contraption complete with pulleys and a rolling stand. I did not dare ask how much they paid for labor; it looked like it was done out of love for the celebrant.

The sight of a batchmate at the end of a work – week, even if it’s at a kid’s party is as comforting as the sight of sweet spaghetti and hotdogs with marshmallows on sticks.

10 TAHANAN

Though I wouldn’t say it’s the best time to kick back, catching up always proves to be therapeutic. Our kids take pride in telling their classmates how the Filipino party games work while we batchmates imagine the paranoia that might come around had there been an actual palayok instead of the usual piñata. Discussing a potluck menu will always be interrupted by memories of Home Economics cooking class and gossip about former classmates and their tell-all tales on Facebook. And every now and then, we go back to our tourist – like ignorance when thru each other we find out it’s not only in Canada’s Wonderland and The Exhibition Place that one can eat funnel cake.

Whoa. What?

Baking has become its own science now that we’ve discovered allergies in our kids and peanut restrictions in schools. It feels like for every new generation, a new kind of aversion to something in someone develops somewhere and everyone needs to be aware of it, Stat. And no news travels faster than in a batchmates’ grapevine. Personal news or otherwise, a lot of things sometimes need to be said to fellow batchmates. Things that might fall on unwilling ears if we just share them with family. Our multitasking personas might seem impressively efficient, but even well oiled machines let out their steam. We’re thankful for our spouses who understand the peace of mind that a good venting session among batchmates brings. We’ve been taught similar values, raised in familiar etiquette, and shared morals when faced with everyday issues of overwhelming kids, unfair social experiences, and meddling in-laws.

Sometimes we just need an extended family to run to, or a Philosophy teacher’s lesson to reflect back on. Ever since I’ve bonded with my batchmates as a new Canadian, loving them like family has helped me bounce back from any stressful situation with a renewed patience and sense of stability because of the strength and sincerity of support that we give each other.

Prayers Multiplied In celebrations and sorrows, milestones and trivial occurrences, our spirits as batchmates are more steadfast as they are liberating. The simplest “Yay” note boosts the morale, and the quiet company never feels empty. I asked Maribel Sison Dionisio, author and relationship and parenting expert from Love Institute, Philippines on the importance of schoolmate bonds to fostering new lives and this is what she said: “Bonds with former schoolmates varies from one person to another. It can range from very close to distant or somehow like an acquaintance. The circumstances and their experiences in their school days can help renew bonds later on. The closer the bond during high school or college, the better the chance to facilitate the connection.

The more positive one’s experience with each other in the younger years, the easier to reach out to a former schoolmate. Even in cases that the relationship was not so close but the knowledge that you were schoolmates, has an edge over strangers. Especially if both parties are warm and friendly, then developing the friendship becomes easier. More so if values and interests are similar, the bonding is easier. Being schoolmates creates a common beginning that can be nurtured and developed to deep and lasting friendships. Both have to make the time to get to know each other and discover other commonalities, whether it is an interest or hobby or family value. However, if the schoolmate has a negative reputation or image from way back, there is a chance that there will be a lukewarm interest to pursue the friendship. Unless both are willing to give it a chance now that they are adults.”

Mature as we try to be in nurturing new generations of Filipino Canadians, we delight in the clean fun thrill of having batchmates as kakonchabas. With them we go through significant human experiences and through them we know that everyone dealing with the foreign and the familiar should not feel alone. In our new country we may be raising a new batch in our children, but in the bonds and life lessons we take in we are also raising a new batch of ourselves. T

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TAHANAN 11

Pinoy Life

Over a Cup of Tea

Let’s get interactive with e-Learning!

By: Anne Simon

e

-learning is the experience of learning and teaching using technology. Essential to e-learning is delivering educational content that’s interactive. An online course using rich media to build interactivity results to learner engagement which helps students retain the information on screen.

BJ, who works in the e-learning industry, approaches online learning with tools for assessment. She describes how their company videotapes instructors, telling them to speak directly to the camera “as if they were talking in front of the students taking the course.”

Then their team takes the recording and incorporates flash-based exercises after each topic to assess a student’s progress.

Many companies are recognizing the cost-effective route to online learning by providing internal training using web-based seminars (i.e. webinars). This allows them to train a large number of staff—who can watch the training in the comfort of their work desk or home—and save money on room booking and/or travel expenses. Adobe.com offers monthly “web events”, delivering live online training classes with Adobe experts teaching the latest tips on how to use their applications.

Vanessa Paran, a former student at Ryerson University, brings to light the advantage of taking a course from the comfort of her home. She explains, “Taking an online course allowed me to save time and money on

12 TAHANAN

commuting to class”. She also takes comfort in the idea that “by taking a course online, students do not have to worry about being late to class!”

In 2005 the Canadian Internet Use Survey (CIUS) conducted research on the usage of the Internet for education-related reasons.

Its findings concluded that an estimated 6.4 million of adult Canadians used the Internet for education, training, or school work. The findings also revealed that adult Canadians in rural and small town areas were more likely to report going online for distance education, self-directed learning or correspondence courses compared to urban residents who mostly used the Internet for research assignments. This further shows how online education is providing a way for people to obtain education regardless of distance (Source: Statistics Canada, Learning online: Factors associated with use of the Internet for education purposes, Education Matters, 81-004-XIE, Vol. 4 No.4; http://www.statcan. gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?catno=81-004X&lang=eng).

many benefits to online education. Many busy young professionals like Lerwin, Paul, and Zarine are trying to find better work-life balance strategies. Lerwin Gubatan, a business owner, believes that “e-learning made it possible for [him] to gain a certificate while working full time” and plans to take more online courses for further development.

Twenty-seven-year old Zarine Ahmed lives in Toronto but is taking an online Master’s program in Education at the University of London (England). She finds online learning to be “very beneficial because [she] is able to gain professional experience and work on [her] higher degree simultaneously”.

Paul Lim feels “less pressured” when taking an online course. He is able to focus on his duties as one of the leaders in a Catholic community while furthering his education.

To Paul, taking a course online allows him to “learn at [his] own pace”. He finds that “with e-learning, it doesn’t feel like you’re competing with anyone in class.”

The research concluded that an estimated 6.4 million of adult Canadians used the Internet for education, training, or school work

The use of online communication tools and innovative technology enables learners to create that personal connection usually felt in a classroom setting. Communication tools that could be integrated in online courses include social networking sites, online discussion forums, chat rooms, emails, and web messengers.

The advantage of learning from anywhere while saving money is just a couple of the

Brendan Yapp, a student at Ryerson University, finds a degree of freedom in

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e-learning. He “enjoys interacting with Professors and fellow students through emails and discussion boards.” He claims to be a “shy guy in class”, so posting online allows him to easily share his concerns and comments regarding the course materials.

using Second Life as a tool to train nurses.

Their e-learning team has created a virtual world for nurses to participate in role play scenarios on “prioritization skills, horizontal violence, and ethics” (Source: UHN blog http://

The use of innovative technologies, such as avatars and streaming videos are benefiting different types of learners, including:

According to the 2010 CIUS research, about 8 out of 10 Canadian households have access to the Internet. Over one-half of these Canadian households use more than one type of device to go online (Source: Statistics Canada,

• Princess Francisco, a former student at George Brown and Centennial College, recalls her professor sharing links to YouTube videos as teaching aids. She claims that this part of learning “felt comfortable and familiar, since [she] often visits YouTube to watch [her] favourite videos.”

uhnnursingblog.ca).

Canadian Internet Use Survey, The Daily, 11-001-XIE, Wednesday, May 25, 2011; http://www.statcan.gc.ca/

With a variety of devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobiles within our reach, e-learning is more accessible than we think. T

daily-quotidien/110525/dq110525b-eng.htm).

• 3D virtual world, such as Second Life, has provided a way to mimic physical locations.

The University Health Network (UHN) is Anne Simon has a love-hate relationship with technology. She loves it when it can provide support and work the way it’s supposed to, but she hates it when technology throws her for a loop (programming pun intended).

Want to know more about e-learning? Check out these sites: • The eLearning Coach (http:// theelearningcoach.com/) • The Rapid E-learning blog (http://www. articulate.com/rapid-elearning/) • Are you an eLearning developer, manager, or designer? Join the eLearning Guild community (http://www.elearningguild. com/) • View online learning programs offered by Universities and Colleges in Ontario: (http:// www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/postsecondary/ schoolsprograms/online/) Looking to develop and deliver your online courses? Explore these open source learning management systems: • Moodle (http://www.moodle.org) • ILIAS (http://www.ilias.de/docu/) • Claroline (http://www.claroline.net/)

TAHANAN 13

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Pinoy Life

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives Featuring the astonishing and inspiring stories of everyday heroes

Kamalayan, A Journey into Responsible Filipino-ness Working towards raising the consciousness among a new generation of Filipino-Canadian youth

By Veronica Javier

K

Kamalayan’s mandate is to plant the seed of knowledge among the youth. Doing so is the first step towards any kind of action that the youth may want to take. The members see themselves as facilitators, sharing with the youth the necessary understanding about the Philippines, the Filipino people, and the Filipino-Canadian community.

“The first step is us. The ultimate goal is to move people into action for the betterment of the community here and the Philippines as a whole.”

Kamalayan works as a kind of space for the Filipino youth to learn how they can become change-agents by first understanding who they are. “It’s hard to try and change the world all of sudden. It’s always good to begin with yourself.”

Kamalayan hopes to inspire within Filipino youth the realization that they too can contribute towards making a difference in their communities.

Educators would call the work being done by the members of Kamalayan as popular education

16 TAHANAN

Photo by Veronica Javier

amalayan means “awareness” or “consciousness” in Filipino, and a group of Filipino youth from Toronto have taken this term and created a mini movement of sorts within the community. Kamalayan started out as a project of Migrante Youth for the purpose of getting Filipino youth to become more involved in advocacy issues affecting the Filipino community in Canada, as well as issues that are happening in the Philippines. For the members I met like Mithi, Marc and Alex, it was important to emphasize the connection with Filipino life in Canada and linking it back to the Philippines. This is because whatever is happening in the Philippines speaks to the root cause of why Filipinos are now in Canada (refer back to my History of Filipino Migration article in the maiden issue). Their idea of interconnectedness of life and experiences between the Philippines and Canada was also incorporated into the idea of Kamalayan (“awareness”).

meaning, an educational technique designed to raise the consciousness of its participants and allow them to become more aware of how an individual’s personal experiences are connected to larger societal problems. This is because popular education seeks to empower participants to act and produce change on the problems that affect them, which is also Kamalayan’s goal. Yet, to put is more simply I would just call what they are doing amazing and inspirational!

Kamalayan’s Shout-Out to Parents and Youth Kamalayan hopes to inspire within Filipino youth the realization that they too can contribute towards making a difference in their communities. I asked them to share with me any advice they would give

to parents and youth in order for them to work as partners towards the betterment of all Filipinos.

Tips for Parents: Raise your children in Tagalog (and/or another Philippine language). Language provides us with a way of interpreting the world. Limiting yourself to English limits your perspective and removes you even further from the Philippines than geography already has.

Teach them Philippine history, if you don’t know it yourself, learn. Their sense of pride in being Filipino comes from the things they can be proud of in their history, in their heritage. Parents also need to be knowledgeable about those things. Even the simple things like letting your kids know who the national hero is. Take it as a challenge and an

opportunity to discover new things about your Filipino-ness.

Take them to the Philippines. Specifically, interact with the local people or encourage them to go and volunteer with cause-based organizations so that they (or as a family) too can see how they can be a part of something positive in the community.

Serve as an anchor for the Filipino youth. Meaning, you are the youth’s only and final connection to the Philippines since you are from the Philippines.

Don’t be discouraged from maintaining that connection with the Philippines for fear that your kids will not be able to adapt or integrate into Canadian society. Don’t fret! Because when the youth go out of the house, everything is Canadian.

Advice to youth: Think about what kind of life you want to lead. To start on this journey, learn as much as you can, not just in school but out there in life too. Go out and actually find out why things are the way they are.

Do this by travelling, volunteering, and/or working with the people. Warning, real learning can be uncomfortable, but rest-assured, it’s a good thing, so embrace it. And if you find out that the world is not how you want it to be, then find out how you

can be part of changing it.

To all Filipino youth, forget all the stereotypes that we know about our people. Just wipe all the labels out of our minds and just start questioning; why do labels even exist? And even in our community, why do the “FOB” and “bacon” labels exist? Question and challenge what you’ve learned from your own experiences, from what you hear, from our elders, and just be open to learning all the time! There are always new things to be discovered about the Philippines. Even the negative images and stereotypes about Filipinos in the media, such as the corruption, and the human rights violations for example, don’t simply just see these things and be ashamed, rather, take it as challenges for us to start asking ourselves what we can do about it. Instead of being ashamed, be driven towards changing images and ideas of Filipinos.

in the same world and we have more similar things with each other. We just have to transcend what we think we know and who we think we are and drive ourselves to who we could become.

To learn more about Kamalayan and their upcoming events this fall visit their website at http://kamalayankonsciousness.tumblr.com/ Have a comment or feedback? Email me at vee@tahananmagazine.com Author’s Note: Photos used in this article were given to author by permission of the subjects. T

Don’t simply resign to the labels put on you. You define who you are. And you can start the change.

Sometimes when we adhere to labels, to those histories, to those realities, it’s overwhelming and as a result we tend to do nothing and just accept it as realty. Don’t just sit there and accept these labels because we are all the same, but also in our own right. We just have different experiences, we have different goals and different obstacles but we live

Veronica holds a lifetime membership to “young adulthood” and considers herself one of the organizations strongest advocates for laughter and good times.

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Pinoy Life

Breaking Ground

A national study seeking to understand the experiences of 1.5 and 2nd generation Filipino-Canadian youth

By Veronica Javier

T

he bulk of current research on

funded Filipino Youth Transitions in

rates were well below those of Chinese

Filipinos in Canada is from the

Canada (FYTiC) project was all about.

and English-speaking youth, but above

stand-point of first generation

Filipinos who either migrated here independently or with their families, mostly post 1960s. Although there is at present, literature on Filipino youth, most of it is American. Sadly lacking

How did you come across this research problem?

A few years ago, I conducted a research project with C ASJ on the d e p ro fe s s i o n a l i z a t i o n o f F i l i p i n o

from these bodies of literature is the

immigrants. Looking to see if their

experiences of Filipino youth from

children were finding good jobs was a

Canada.

logical next step. Also, there was a report

Dr. Philip Kelly, in partnership with the Community Alliance for Social Justice (CASJ), is teaming up with Philippine researchers at York University and Filipino community organizations across Canada to not only understand these youth experiences, but to also bring some much-needed Filipino youth

from Statistics Canada in 2008 which suggested that Filipino youth graduate from university in unexpectedly low numbers – that was also important background information when we were designing the research project.

What is the current research saying?

voices to academia.

Research based on Vancouver School I sat down with principal investigator, Dr.

Board data from the 1990s found that

Philip Kelly and found out just exactly

youth who spoke Tagalog at home had

what the Social Sciences and Humanities

low (but not the lowest) rates of high

Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC)

school graduation. Their graduation

18 TAHANAN

Vietnamese youth, for example. By contrast, a Statistics Canada study in 2008 that used survey data from 2002, suggested that the children of Philippineborn immigrants had one of the highest rates of completing an education to a high school level or above. With 98.8% having at least a high school diploma, young Filipino-Canadians were second only to Chinese youth and well ahead of other groups. Then, there is the data on university graduation that I mentioned earlier. So in some ways there are contradictory indications from existing research, which is why we want to find out more.

“Statistics Canada in 2008 ... suggested that Filipino youth graduate from university in unexpectedly low numbers.”

What is the purpose of your research?

with experience of youth issues and

The purpose of the research is to

the community. We are using what we

find out whether Filipino youth in

learn from these interviews to develop

the second and 1.5 generations are

a detailed survey questionnaire, which

succeeding in terms of educational

we will circulate to second and 1.5

attainment and employment. Where

generation Filipino-Canadians. The

they are not, we want to find out the

third stage is to conduct focus group

reasons. We also want to know how

discussions with young people to hear

this varies across different cities in

their stories and opinions.

How can the community assist you?

the purpose of this first stage is to get an overview of what is happening in

Canada, and even across different

Most of all, we need Filipino-Canadian youth who are over 18 years of age to fill out the survey. Anyone who has at least one parent born in the Philippines, and who was either born in Canada, or came here before they turned 13, is eligible to complete the survey. To get really meaningful results we would like to have over 1000 surveys completed from across the country. To get the survey, people can email us at 2fytic@ gmail.com

What do you hope to achieve with this research?

neighbourhoods within the same city.

How is the research team going to respond to the research problem?

Visit the FYTIiC websites at www.yorku. ca/ycar/fytic.html for more information visit FYTiC on Facebook and stay up-todate with their latest FYTiC news and events.

Hopefully we will get a clear picture of the constraints facing young FilipinoCanadians in ter ms of t he t heir

We have started by speaking to some

education and employment.

community representatives, first in

make sure the results are fed back to

Toronto and Hamilton and soon in

the community and to policy makers so

Winnipeg and Vancouver as well. We

that we can explore ways of improving

have focused on talking to people

the situation.

We’ll

Veronica is a newly minted Master of Social Work graduate from York University. Some of her research interests include youth, immigration and the Filipino diaspora.

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Pinoy Life

Views from my windows

My Trip to the Philippines

Photo by Chris Catral

By Chris Catral

I

t was about in December when my friends and I decided to go to the Philippines. I remember it quite clearly since we were planning our destination for a group trip. The last time I went home was 1993 during my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. I was fortunate to go back this May since I got reunited with my family whom I haven’t seen for so long and to visit a place that I once called home. Well, it still felt like home, like I never left at all. I wasn’t able to explore all the popular tourist spots or places of historical significance in my 3-weeks stay, but wherever I went, it was very enjoyable.

Manila Bright lights, big city! Manila is where I was originally from-- Las Pinas to be more specific -- a small town near the airport which is part of the Metropolitan area. But I stayed more often in either Quezon City or Makati during this trip, often frequenting the malls, restaurants and the bars/ clubs around the area. My mode of transportation was by taxi, and it was dirt cheap compared to Toronto taxis. A couple of tips: 1) Make sure

20 TAHANAN

they put the meter on because they will try to make you pay by flat rate which is much more expensive, and 2) if you have a choice, travel between the hours of 9am to 4pm to avoid the traffic.

There are many places to see, so here are suggestions on where to go.

and actresses stars are. I remember walking into a store called 2Rats, selling vintage toys; my friend picked up a Manny Pacquiao bobble head for a good price and I bought myself a couple of old school G.I. Joe action figures for fun due to its rarity here.

If you’re into karaoke, check out Redbox, located in the 4th floor of the main mall.

Greenhills Shopping Centre Greenhills is like a flea market carrying brand names at very discounted prices. In fact, this is also a good place to practice your negotiating skills as you try to get the best price from the numerous vendors looking for a good sell. Comparison is key, several stores carry the same brands, so it is up to you to judge the quality of the product compared to the price.

Eastwood City A city within a city, Eastwood can be described as a residential, business and commercial complex in Quezon City. It has a variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment and of course the Eastwood Walk of Fame, where all the local actors

Resorts World A big entertainment complex with live shows, a casino, restaurants and top notch stores. It is located just in front of Ninoy Aquino airport. I was fortunate to set foot in Republiq, a night club within the Resorts World.

I can describe it as a classy, stylish lounge and if you’re lucky you might bump into one of the A-list celebrities as it is currently a popular late hangout place of the stars.

White sands. Clear blue waters. This is what you imagine when you think of a salt water beach in the Philippines and this is exactly what you get.

How I got there

Activities

The journey started from Ninoy Aquino airport to Kalibo airport in Aklan province courtesy of CebuPacific Airlines. From there, a two-hour bus ride follows which takes you to the jetty port. A 15-20 minute boat ride ensues heading into Boracay Island where the fun begins!

Aside from taking in the delectable seafood and assuming the temporary role of being a beach drifter, you can delve in para-sailing, island hopping, banana boat riding and many more entertaining activities. If you’re looking for these, there are people that will approach you along the beach trying to sell this service. You can bargain with them and always make comparisons, so don’t go for the first one offered. Once you’re done with the negotiations, they will show you where to proceed. I participated in the ATV and the island hopping, and it was definitely worth the money.

The ATV consists of an hour long ride with 15-minute intervals dedicated to taking pictures in a mini zoo (where we got to hang out with a giant bat and a peacock) and atop the highest point on the island. During island hopping we stopped in the middle of the ocean for some snorkeling then we were taken to another part of the island for another round of seafood and BBQ!

The Island

Tagaytay You can call Tagaytay as a peaceful getaway from the city. It is about 1 hr away from the Metro Manila, with Taal volcano known as its famous landmark. If you happen to be in the area, I recommend Josephine’s restaurant -- their breakfast buffet is top notch!

Boracay White sands. Clear blue waters. This is what you imagine when you think of a salt water beach in the Philippines and this is exactly what you get. A lot of people nowadays recommend Palawan as the new “hot spot” in terms of beaches, but Boracay is still one of the more popular tourist getaways. It was my first time going there and to be honest it was a great experience for me.

The actual island has several beaches, but the main beach or the white beach is the largest one and is where all the resorts are. It consists of three stations. If you’re looking for some peace, relaxation, and more of a laid back trip, stay in stations 1 and 3 with the former being known for higher class accommodations. Station 2 on the other hand is where all the entertainment is, the bars, live bands etc. Whichever one caters to your taste, the beach is just steps away from every hotel!

The Food There is an abundance of restaurants to choose from. What I particularly enjoyed was the all-you-can-eat buffet place that I ate at by the sands. I just remembered the succulent lechon that was served and the countless oysters grilled. It was definitely worth it for about 300 pesos. There are actually several buffets in this range, just choose the ones that have your favorite seafood or other dishes.

If you want some BBQ, there are a few vendors near the beach where you can taste some delicious isaw or pork on the stick. Make sure that you go to Puka Beach, where there is a small restaurant that served very good white snapper.

The Nightlife After a long tan on the beach during the day, the night life follows. Many bars/restaurants have live bands that will entertain you while you have your dinner and you can also request songs to be played. If you’re looking for a good party, check out Club Paraw in station 1 as well as Epic and Summer Place in station 2.

We can complain about traffic, pollution, the hot/humid weather, and of course the criminal elements present, but I blocked that out when I was there, I just enjoyed the beauty of our people, country, and our culture. T TAHANAN 21

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Cover Story

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs

Leading by Example Introduction by Claire Dela Gana

Amidst the turmoil of recovering from the worldwide financial crisis rises a new breed of young entrepreneurs.

Motivated. Creative. Innovative.

Risk-takers. These ladies and gentlemen are turning creative ideas into profitable ventures. Not even the existing economic climate is dampening their spirits and enthusiasm to embark on ventures in their very young life. Grounded by faith and family values, these young entrepreneurs are eager to soar the business skyline of Toronto.

Geared up to paint the town red, yellow and blue.

Learn from their stories as they lead the next generation of Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs.

TAHANAN 23

Cover Story

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs

Teachers of Strength, Beauty and Christian Alvarez & Carlo Balagasay, Strength-N-U

By Veronica Javier

C

hristian Alvarez, 27, and Carlo Balagasay, 26, both from first generation immigrant parents arrived in Canada with their families at the age of six and four respectively. Christian would later describe growing up in Canada as coming from “humble beginnings.” They lived the tale similar to many other Filipinos who were either born in or raised in Canada at a very young age. Yet, despite the challenges of their upbringing, Christian and Carol refused to be defined by the barriers that at times impeded and challenged their families during their settlement.

“It was painful stuff that would either give a child a burning anger inside him or a true passion and desire to change what he can in the world around him.”

And change they did. Christian and Carlo broke away from superficial ideas to the basics of inner strength and beauty through wellness– bringing every aspect of people into exercise through their fitness centre Strength-N-U, established January 22, 2011. work out, I don’t work out for myself. I work out now because now I have 200 people who rely on me for their goals.”

For Carlos, beauty and wholeness means constantly aspiring to be the best you can be at every task you are given in life. Similar to Christian, Carlos also actively decided that he too was not going to conform to traditional roles and expectations. A mechanical engineer technologist by training, Carlos recalls the day he bravely told his parents he wanted to leave the comfort and security of a job that simply provided his necessities to pursue his passion.

“We strengthen your mind by putting you through physical tests. What you’re going to experience here is a whole new you, strengthening of every part of your life so you get out of here not only fit, but also able to take on your daily life.”

Their fitness programs combine action-oriented goals, solution-focused workout regimen, combined with active mentorship on and off the mat. Christian and Carlos assist people in disciplining their mind and understanding that they have the power to harness inner strength that can be used to discipline the body as well as other aspects of their lives. Their approach to working with the mental and the physical gives their members more meaningful, sustainable and a more longlasting impact in their lives that goes beyond simply ‘looking good.’

“I always believed that there was always something more special in me than just driving beside everybody else. I didn’t feel accomplished every time I went to work. What was I passionate about? After I worked, I always did something fitness-related. So I left and pursued something I love.”

“Strength-N-U has been building passionately for years and years and I can definitely say that every day I wake up, that passion burns, and it gets stronger and stronger. Every time I

24 TAHANAN

Photo by Antonio Afable

For Christian, understanding beauty as wholeness has been a continuous work in progress since he was 15 years old. At an early age, he was determined to be his own person rather than conform to the pop culture around him. He also considers his business as the medium by which he is responding to his calling, that is, “to bring out the best in people”.

It was Carlos who presented the medium of personal training to Christian, and the rest, as they say is history. For Christian and Carlos, their partnership works because of honesty and respect for each other. They also hold similar values ,such as, working hard and doing it to the best of their abilities; being humble; life-long learning; teamwork; and connecting with people. These values allow them to bring success not just into their work but their daily lives as well. For these men, success is not measured by how much profit they made. For them, the more important questions are: how many people have

Wellness from the Inside-Out responsibility to help people is too important to leave to a backup plan. They live and breathe and love what they do every day so that they can be the very best for those that need their help.

“We’ve been in this industry now for 12 years, so when a client comes to me with a goal or something in mind, we make it ours. To tell you the truth, our passion for that goal becomes deeper than that actual person, because they have entrusted us with it and there’s some vulnerability in a person once they’ve asked for help.”

It’s truly admirable seeing young Filipino-Canadians move beyond, and rise above the conditions that their families migrated to, and obtain success beyond traditional standards-giving back to people. When any other youth could have just resigned to their perceived lot in life, Christian and Carlos actively decided to respond to their calling.

They see the work that they have been called to do as greater than who you are, greater than their abilities. It’s amazing to see how the energy, the power, coming from that calling has been channelled not for their own interest, but for the greater good of everyone else. you helped in this world? How many lives have you changed?

Christian and Carlos have experienced their own sets of challenges as they would see it. From so-called friends who turned their backs on them when the going-got-tough during the establishment of their gym; to Business 101- studying their market, learning how to pay bills, do taxes, these hardships have allowed Christian and Carlos to become more business savvy and to see who their real friends are.

The more important questions are: how many people have you helped in this world? How many lives have you changed?

Yet, with every challenge that arose, Christian and Carlos made sure that they had the right attitude to face it. They call this attitude ‘solution-oriented’. “We don’t live in the problem.

When something happens, we think what’s the next step to get over this now? It may not be the best one, but do not just state the problem without having a solution on hand, because that’s just whining and complaining.”

Christian and Carlos’s discipline and drive is also reflected in their there’s-no-other-option attitude, “there’s no plan B. if you have a plan B it defers you from plan A. So why have a plan B?” For Christian and Carlos, their work, their calling, their

Business 101 According to Christian and Carlos 1. Leave your fears behind. You have to approach everything in life as if you have no fears. You cannot let anything hold you back. If you truly believe in something you have to go and do it.

2. Stay persistent. Do not give up. Don’t let anybody discourage you.

3. Stay in good energy. Stay healthy mentally and emotionally. When you are in a healthy mental state of mind, everything else follows because now you’re driven, you’re focused, you have clarity and you know exactly what you’re after.

4. Don’t stay in your realm. Reach the world. We have something to show everybody.

5. Keep good relationships with people because you never know if that person will help you down the road.

6. Do not settle. Just because you achieve something, it doesn’t stop there because life doesn’t stop there. You have to always be hungry.

7. Money is not evil. Material reality is that it really helps a lot of people. Think of money like dough, you can form it however you want. The way we want to do it once we start making more money is empower people, help people out. That’s the difference. Don’t think of it as evil. Don’t feel bad for making a lot of money; it’s how you use it. T TAHANAN 25

Cover Story

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs

By Anne Wong

S

Architect to the

ocial insects find a fan in the

products (formicaria, outworlds, and

calls a “Super Team”. “If you don’t

crooner who turns his passion

a 400-page book in ant keeping) to 17

know how to run a business, find

fo r a n t ke e p i n g i n to T h e

countries, worldwide. The appeal of

someone who does and partner up

AntsCanada Ants Store – the source

the museum – grade ant nests can only

with them.” “Once you get past the

for customized ant housing fit for any

be superseded by the wonder that its

whole egocentric notion of building an

queen and her colony.

inhabitants bring – is the reason why

empire on your own, you can actually

Mikey relentlessly improves on his

start getting things done.”Mikey’s

“They love macapuno. I’m Pinoy-

products and goes around retail stores

parents show their support by helping

sticizing them,” Mikey laughs as the

thinking, “I can use that for the ants

him with shipping and delivering of

ants crowd around the sticky treat in

somehow.” He goes on saying, “300

products (his mom even delivered a

their Rainforest Microhabitat Outworld

ants take up such a small space, they

formicarium in Vienna at one point),

( a n A n t s C a n a d a e xc l u s i ve a n t s’

have minimal requirements, they eat

and taking him to pet shows. Through

environment outside the formicarium/

honey (and protein), and they’re good

his Super Team he learns to see the

ant nest). The co-owner and creative

pets that teach responsibility.” Mikey

business vision in steps and strategies.

director of this groundbreaking, or

introduces about ten drops of water

“That those with foresight will succeed

better yet, tunnel-carving business runs

into a formicarium to demonstrate

in being an entrepreneur.” He adds,

it like a serious moneymaking hobby.

how the ants will prioritize getting

“Your competition may get stuck

He is able to channel his love for ants

the babies out of harms’ way, then

seeing how hard it is (i.e., running a

by giving this writer an interactive tour

notify the queen and get the word out

business), while you’re working on

around several ant colonies in different

that water is getting into their home.

getting to the next step.” Besides the

farming stages and sharing the wish

“They’re social insects. They deal with

support of international customers,

that came true that turned an ant

issues that humans do. They direct food

Mikey also appreciates the scientific

keeper into a promising entrepreneur.

into the tunnels, drag out garbage and

community that has given AntsCanada

arrange them in a pile and they leave

their approval; namely Mark Moffet

ANTicipating Inspiration

their dead in a certain area. They’re

who is among an esteemed group of

Starting a business begins with an

so organized.” Wit h AntsCanada

entomologists, with whom Mikey does

idea to sell a product or a service.

formicaria getting good exposure on

cross promotions with to bring ant

Naturally, Mikey was expecting the

the Internet, viewers see the set up and

keeping into the mainstream. Animal

new moneymaking idea to be music

say, “Hmm….How can I get that?”

Planet and Discovery Channel have

related. But while researching about ant keeping, a hobby that he’s taken to since fall of 2008, he realizes that the formicaria that he creates for his ants do not exist in the ant loving communities of Europe. Faced with his parents’ asking him, “Aren’t you too old to play with and take care of ants?” On the

If I went only for the dollar, I would never have turned this into a business.

The passion comes first, and money is just a byproduct.

cusp of an epiphany he asks himself,

bot h filmed t he AntsCanada ants and nests, and Mikey has even been recently cited in a Myrmecology paper.

He stays productive even in his spare time, creating and posting videos on motivation, forgiveness, success, love for oneself, and of course, ants, complementing his funny videos and tutorials. “If I went only for the dollar,

“Why don’t I sell my ant farms?”The

Enter the Super Team

I would never have turned this into a

AntsCanada Ants Store makes three

Creating a need and solving a problem

business. The passion comes first, and

sales in the first week, four in the

through passion and research help

money is just a byproduct.” Mikey sees

second, and has been lucrative ever

jumpstart a business, but running it

AntsCanada’s reach expanding further

since, now having shipped ant keeping

requires the support of what Mikey

internationally, spreading awareness

26 TAHANAN

Queen Ant

Mikey Bustos, The AntsCanada Ants Store

and the need for conserving ant habitat t hrough education. On t he home front, he muses, “I can’t wait to rent showroom space. Customers I deliver to are always so excited, especially when you see the kids that parents buy the antfarms for. Sometimes I’m there for two hours just talking about ants with them because they have so many questions.” Mikey offers this advice to budding entrepreneurs: “Do a ton of research, build your Super Team, and live out your passion with a mission.”

A big white ant silhouette on his cr isp black shirt matches Mikey’s beaming smile. This writer leaves the interview armed with ant facts and amazed that there are at least 20,000 species of these incredible creatures whose lifestyles and social structures may well outnumber entire human civilizations’. The AntsCanada business venture began with a dreamer who also wished to keep his ants while the world learns of them through his formicaria creations. Mikey wanted the ants to get the respect that they deserve, and through his entrepreneurial efforts, is profit. After all, it is the genie in us that brings out the genius. T

Photo by Ronnie Dela Gana

accomplishing just that while turning a

Tidbit Quotes from Mikey – The company is just a year and a half old and it’s been FUN. – Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is such an amazing and inspirational book.

It encourages positive thinking and it’s filled with stories of successful people.

– Oecophylla smaragdina. I can’t wait to film them in the Philippines!

– If I could board a time machine and say something to my past self who’s just starting The AntsCanada Ants Store, I would say, keep doing what you’re doing. You’re on the right path.

TAHANAN 27

Cover Story

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs

A Passion Driven Success Clyde Pacis, Max’s of Manila

By Chris Catral

O

n its 66th year of existence, Max’s Restaurant has served the public with its exquisite chicken meals and diverse selection of traditional Filipino foods. As one of the more famous Filipino restaurant chains, it has expanded from the Philippines to North America, with 9 in the US and the recently added Toronto store (the first in Canada), thanks to the entrepreneurial vision of Clyde Pacis.

“It was important for me to open up a business for our community and Max’s was a way to achieve that. My goal is to eventually open up more than one location in the GTA and not only cater to Filipinos but to other cultures and the mainstream public.”

Photo by Antonio Afable

Clyde, who is a graduate of the University of Toronto, emphasizes the fact that his recent success comes from passion. As he puts it, It all started with a dream -- a dream that was supported by pas-sion that is important in staying motivated in running a business. His talents, combined with a drive to succeed, are the major force in what keeps him on top of things. His father, also a successful busi-nessman, and his mother, are his biggest inspirations.

28 TAHANAN

“My father and mother inspired me the most. I learned a lot from my dad regarding the aspect of busi-ness. He is my mentor and my biggest critic. He drives me to excel. At first, I didn’t want to be a busi-nessman; I wanted to be different, I didn’t want to be in my father’s shadow. But I eventually realized that business is in my blood, so I ventured into this project. My mom is my backbone and has always been there for me whenever I needed

guidance and advice. Whenever I’m going through a tough time, always pray to the Lord to give me strength and guidance.” she’s always there for support. Both of them give me strength in When he’s not taking care of the restaurant, Clyde likes to play doing what I do.” basketball, which keeps him relaxed after a hard day’s work. He His road to achievement was not easy though. His journey has played in several leagues around the GTA. started from his humble beginnings in the Philippines, to life in Canada where everything was earned through blue-collar hard Clyde’s father, Pidoy, is a prominent business man who became work. successful through the Salad Master business. Their family “I remember the hard life we had in the Philippines. We didn’t is actively helping the less fortunate, Pidoy is currently the have money. I had to eat salt and rice for a meal. In Vancouver chairman of Galid Kalinga-Canada, an organization dedicated I had to deliver newspapers and take care of my brothers. I had to the housing needs of the poor in the Philippines. to work hard for everything, getting through school here and in my previous job in the bank.

I asked him what advice he would Even now, I work long hours give to young people who want to taking care of business in the You have to follow your dreams be entrepreneurs: restaurant. For the first three and persevere. But if you fail, don’t months, I would be here 9am “You have to follow your dreams to 2am sleep for a few hours let it discourage you. I’ve failed then come back again for the and persevere. But if you fail, don’t so many times, but failure grind.” let it discourage you. I’ve failed so is part of success. many times, but failure is part Clyde also gives credit to the of success. I get back on my feet people surrounding him who keep him grounded in the process. every time to get where I’m at. Another important thing is to not Aside from his obvious knack for business, his support network let criticism get to you. When other people bring you down, the keeps him afloat and strong. only way to go is up.”

“My family is my biggest support system, of course, and I also give credit to my cooks. My cooks are ‘the oil to my engine’.

They take care of the recipes and make sure everything is up to date. I am for-tunate to have these guys in my team.

I also thank God for my many blessings I received recently. I

With his vision and his passion for excellence, Max’s of Manila is definitely in good hands. T “Chris Catral believes in reaching for the stars, live the moment, take risks, it’s better to shoot and miss than wonder ‘what if’”

TAHANAN 29

Cover Story

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs

Bongga Ka, Day! Myra Pasigpasigan, Bongga Imports

By Anne Simon

I

f you have ever wondered what it’s like to wake up everyday to a job you love, ask someone who is waking up to the job of their dreams. If you have ever wondered what it’s like to take risks, ask someone with a steady goal in mind. A poised, professional, young entrepreneur, Myra Pasigpasigan has taken the steps to pursue her dream in a totally new environment and culture. With a large dose of determination and creativity, she has established Bongga Imports in Canada and is taking on the world of wholesale home decoration needs, one retailer at a time.

“Running a business is like a roller coaster ride”. These were the resounding words from Myra when asked to describe the industry she has delved into. Surrounded by her vintage, cottage-style products imported from the Philippines, Myra begins our interview by recalling her childhood memories.

30 TAHANAN

At a young age, she was already fascinated with the different aspects of business. She enjoyed watching her lola (grandmother) create inventory lists, and journey to Baclaran to buy shoes to sell. When she was in grade 3, Myra discussed her concerns with her mother regarding the long line-ups for hotdog sandwiches at school. She proposed selling hotdog sandwiches herself to save her classmates time and frustration. For Myra, these memories signal early signs of her burning desire to be part of the business world. At the start of her venture, Myra would work from 9 am until midnight or 2 am. Her daily tasks included cold calling different companies from across Canada to introduce her company. As well, she would research different stores and read books on business during weekends. Like a roller coaster ride, she experienced many ups and downs, but she remained adamant about her dream. “This is my dream; I want to bring life to my dream.”

Photo by Antonio Afable

(English translation: You’re stylish, girl!)

Myra arrived in Canada in 2008, knowing that eventually she would introduce her family’s business in this new environment. In June 2010 Myra created Bongga Imports, an extension of their family business in the Philippines. She received her first shipment on the first week of December 2010 and was well on her way to starting her business.

Myra has received praises on her ability to create business plans, so naturally she began writing down her project scopes on paper. She confesses that she has “always been a planner… but when [she] started the business, some of the things planned didn’t happen the way [she] thought it would pan out”. Myra quickly realized that “thinking is different from doing”. It may seem obvious that when one plans, it requires execution. But to a young entrepreneur with endless hopes and imagination, everything seems new and possible, so some challenges in the business arrive as unwelcome surprises.

Luckily, Myra has the support of her family and overseas staff. She considers her uncle to be her mentor and is thankful to her parents for instilling the importance of education to her and her sister. Myra’s staff has shown her support and dedication from the time when she was an employee for the business in the Philippines to when she arrived here in Canada. Myra makes use of existing technologies, such as Yahoo Messenger and Skype as she discusses quality issues with her staff in the Philippines.

I think part of my success is borne out of the kindness of other people towards me. That is very humbling.

My desire to be part of someone else’s success is reinforced because of the amount of kindness I receive from strangers.

One of the many values Myra learned from her family and staff is how to treat people with kindness and empathy. As she tries to expand her network by finding the right people willing to work with her, Myra believes that she has been “blessed” to be part of a caring environment. She recalls the time when one of their employees in the Philippines initially worked as a driver. After showing dedication and hard work, he now manages the warehouse of the company. Myra believes that “success is not a one-person effort”. She has learned to be “mindful of the people around [her] and be part of their business’ success”; particularly, the success of her costumers— home décor retailers, specialty stores, and commercial designers. Currently, her biggest challenge is having limited financial resources, so she’s trying to be economical. She’s thankful for the quality of services she receives from people like her movers who provide her with generous discount

and assistance. As well, she’s met a few professionals who she turns to for advice regarding her business. Myra always acknowledges the help she receives from those around her.

“I think part of my success is borne out of the kindness of other people towards me. That is very humbling. My desire to be part of someone else’s success is reinforced because of the amount of kindness I receive from strangers.”

In November 2010, she launched bonggaimports.com with the help of her brother-in-law. Since she’s dealing with companies across Canada, she is now able to direct them to her website to view Bongga Imports’ latest products. This was another project checked off on her to do list. For Myra, she’s “happy with how the business is going, but [she] still wants more” and so she continues to expand her business ideas, following the footsteps of business figures and organizations she admires.

In January 2011, Myra participated in the Spring 2011 Toronto Gift Show. She had the chance to showcase her products along with 1,000 fellow exhibitors. Since she likes to be hands-on with all the components of her business, Myra orchestrated the design, lighting, and construction of her exhibit booth. She only hired a carpenter and movers for the work that she couldn’t physically handle. The exhibit was a milestone for her. For every challenge that comes her way, Myra believes that out of all the qualities she possesses, it’s her determination that fuels her. For the upcoming Fall 2011 Toronto Gift Show in August, Myra knows what to expect and is excited to reveal her new products to the 16,000 retail buyers from across Canada.

When asked who she admires, Myra was quick to mention Henry Sy, founder of SM shopping mall in the Philippines.

She has read about Henry’s inspirational story; from owning a shoe store in Quiapo to being dubbed as the Philippines’ “Retail King”. If ever they get a chance to meet, Myra wants to seek his advice and ask him, “how did you do it?”—pertaining to overcoming the challenges he had to face to obtain great success. Myra has some business advice of her own. For those who are riding on their dreams to entrepreneurship, Myra encourages them to have confidence.

“In entrepreneurship, most of the time you have to make decisions for your company and you have to be confident in making those decisions… if you’re really thorough about understanding your business, you should have the ability to synthesize it and really own it. Your abilities and the soundness of your judgment are very important. Trust yourself.”

Quick fact: Myra also has an online store for home decorations!

Check out cottagesurprise.com.

TAHANAN 31

Cover Story

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs

Rock Star of Pharmacy

By Claire Dela Gana

H

is passion for music is like a rage within just waiting to be unleashed. After achieving

a Bachelor’s Degree in Optometry, he pursued his passion knowing fully well that making it big is a long shot. Salbahe, the name of Shimon’s band, means wild, cruel, savage, bad and mean. These words are more than enough to describe the type of songs they play.

Shimon knew all too well that he’s got a good hand in doing business. His alter ego was selling angel figurines in school. He was making tikoy (Chinese New Year’s cake) available all year round to tikoy-lovers. Amassing orders with total disregard of the weight, he then transport them by jeepney from Ongpin (Chinatown) to school. To rescue him from his dejected rock star life, his father presented him the opportunity to pursue pharmaceutical studies and to eventually open his own pharmacy store right beside their optical shop.

After graduating though, he grabbed the opportunity offered in Canada for pharmaceutical professionals to migrate and work here. He took advantage of the bridging program offered by the University of Toronto and got his license shortly thereafter. He worked with various pharmacies like Zellers and National Pharmacy. “I am a good employee and will follow policies and have plenty of ideas on how to improve products and services. So the only way I can implement them is if I have my own

32 TAHANAN

Photo by Ronnie Dela Gana

procedures. Pero marami akong iniisip. I

Shimon Cabrera, PharmaCia Drugstore

pharmacy.” He firmly believes that he

company once mentioned to him that

the rock star within remains. His last

will do well because he has something

he is not enjoying his job but he has no

piece of advice was expressed with

better to offer.

choice because it is paying him well.

such passion of a true rock star. With

It dawned on Shimon that he is well-

clenched fist, he declared, “You have

He considered his f irst t ake on

off than his friend because he likes his

to want it that bad and do whatever

the pharmacy business his biggest

job. “Financially, maybe not yet but it

it takes!”

challenge. He hit rock-bottom too early.

Shimon relates, “People will not easily trust you. They would rather go to the well-known, established pharmacies.

Unfortunately, even Filipinos don’t trust me.” Prescriptions were low. Finance was tight. He was at the verge of losing everything. How did he overcome the challenge? “When you’re in the water, you will swim to survive. Those who don’t succeed are the ones who give up.” So he kept on going until he found the perfect location and community for

will eventually come. I consider myself successful because I wanted this and I got it. People like the services I offer and the doctors I work with respect me.

But it does not end there. He still aims to be a licensed optometrist. He is not giving himself any excuse not to go for it even if it takes years. “If it does not happen I will still be fine. I don’t think I will be a failure because I don’t even think I will be.”

his business. The PharmaCia along the

Shimon’s got a bucketful of advice

intersection of Bathurst Street and St

to give fellow healthcare workers,

Clair Avenue West is only a year-old but

especially to newcomers. This one he

he believes that the time has come. He

drew first - study and get your license.

has very supportive doctors backing

If you want to get into business, start

his pharmacy and the community is

saving money. Dream big and don’t

beginning to appreciate his services.

settle for less because we, Filipinos, have

“I want PharmaCia to be a household

what it takes to succeed - education,

name, a pharmacy known and respected

hard-working and fluency in English.

by Filipinos and even non-Filipinos.”

Draw inspiration from your family

When you’re in the water, you will swim to survive.

Those who don’t succeed are the ones who give up.

and strength from God. He hopes in

A rockstar will always be a rockstar! Oh, yes, he still jams with fellow musicians. But now, he plays mostly songs of praise and worship with a Christian band in his church. He claims to be a rock star for the great Provider in whom he attributes all his success and blessings.

A businessman will always be a businessman! Had he not passed his pharmaceutical license, Shimon was ready to get any job even washing dishes and eventually open a cleaning or recycling business. Oh, yes, he’s got his eye on other businesses too and on the watch for golden possibilities.

his own little way he can inspire other Filipinos to succeed in business.

My parents encouraged me to focus in

From Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, he

pursuing a degree in Political Science with the

now channels his passion for music

hopes of bringing change to Filipino politics.

Does he consider himself successful?

to the sounds of Christian artists like

I opted to do otherwise for practical reasons

A friend of his working for a drug

Hillsong United and Chris Tomlin. But

and they supported me anyway.

TAHANAN 33

Cover Story

A New Breed of Young Entrepreneurs

From Fiesta to Familia Joycee and Joan Ingeniero, Bella’s Lechon

By Kate Garbino

I

magine that you are attending a fiesta (a celebration of a patron saint of a particular town) and you see all the food lined up on the table. It’s definitely buffet-style with banana leaves as placemats and linens. You look at these scrumptious ulams and kakanins, but you know for sure that these won’t satisfy your appetite. And then you see it, that long table with colourful paper flowers on the side. You look at it with unwavering eyes because you know that this will start and end your day right. As they say, when there is fiesta, there is definitely a lechon (whole roasted pig)!

But we don’t have to look further. 2010 was the mark of a new enterprise and the beginning of era of Canadian lechon.

Joycee and Joan Ingeniero (I call them Tito and Tita) started in passionate beginnings: “Bella’s Lechon didn’t start off in a snap of a finger. I’ve (Tito Joycee) always wanted to start a business.

In fact, I had several in the Philippines. It has always been in my blood because my whole family owns a business. It’s kind of crazy, when I look back at it— I took up a computer major in the Philippines, but I ended up having a business instead of tinkering computers all day long. But deep in my heart, I knew I was for this kind of work.”

But in every beginning, there are those obstacles that prevents you from moving forward,. Tita Joan continues, “We have a family. In fact, the name of our business is from our daughter’s name. Running a business takes away all of your time. Energy is not really a huge issue because you’ll always have the energy when you love what you’re doing. There are times when we have to cancel our plans for a vacation because we need to man the store.”

34 TAHANAN

Photo by Romeo Yuayan

How we wish we could bring the whole feel of fiesta here in Canada! It does bring memories of our childhood and our teenage years. For some of us, it might have been the event where we met our future spouses. But we can never forget the traditional lechon because the taste can never be compared to any other putahe. What’s so unfortunate is that Canada doesn’t seem to have that Pinoy taste that we are all looking for.

“But that doesn’t mean my whole world revolves around our business,” Tito Joycee smiles as he looks at his daughter, “It was Monday when it happened. Isabella (their daughter’s real name) was very sick that day, but because Joan had to go to work, I had to bring her to the store. But she wasn’t getting any better. I told the whole crew to call it a day. I wouldn’t take the risk of putting my daughter’s life into danger.”

Just as much as I love my business, I can never forget my family and my relationship with my God. “It was really stressful, but at the end of the day, you knew it was going to be worth it because you’re still thinking about your child and her future—the reason why I agreed to establish

them.” As for Tita Joan, “It is very important to have a good relationship—not only with your co-workers or your employees but most importantly with your customers. It’s not only the personality you’re taking into consideration— you put care in everything that you do. aYou should also show that you care through your food.”

From fiesta to familia—a simple lechon can actually tell so many stories about one person’s life. For Tito Joycee and Tita Joan, it tells the story of a passion-driven, hard-working, and Godfearing family. T

Alam mo ba? this business in the first place,” Tita Joan says as she touches Tito Joycee’s arm.

• That Bella’s Lechon started off as a take-out and delivery only? Now they have a restaurant at 1135 Morningside Avenue.

But that’s all and done. They always remind me that everything takes time. Nothing can be achieved in just one snap, especially when it is something that you really, really wanted.

• that the lechon that they have is actually cooked only by Tito Joycee? He makes sure that there is that tender love and care in each lechon.

“You also don’t forget to pray to the Person above. We always make sure that we attend Mass every Sunday and pray at night,” Tito Joycee points up, “I pray to God for my family first, myself, and then my business. Just as much as I love my business, I can never forget my family and my relationship with my God.” Any advice? For Tito Joycee, “You have to have determination. In this line of career, you can never tell when you’ll be up or down.

Be determined to take risks —and the passion to overcome

• that Bella’s Lechon makes at least 5-10 lechons a day, and on holidays, Tito Joycee makes at least 12 a day? He even delivers it himself to the clients.

• that the lechon they have is an Joycee Ingeniero original?

Tito Joycee was a previous cook in a restaurant. He knows the difference between a sea salt and an iodized one.

• that I consider Bella’s Lechon one of the best restaurants I’ve ever went to? Just saying.

TAHANAN 35

Family Life

My Play Area Parenting is not easy but it can be fun

Build the Bridge to Success

Helping your child succeed in school

By Claire Dela Gana

C

oming from a third world country, I was encouraged to excel in my studies. My parents viewed education as a primary avenue for social and economic success. I guess the same holds true for most Filipino parents which is why we have such deep regard for education. Just comb through the postings of your Facebook friends and you’ll find that most, if not all, have shared something about their child’s academic success. Why would you not if you spent countless days hustling to get home just to ensure that you have enough time to help your kids do their homework. But homework is just one component of ensuring your child succeeds in school. There are a hundred different ways to help them do well in school and here are five points to remember:

Teachers and school staff are your partners Educating your child is not a one-man show.

It’s a partnership between you and a team of educators comprising of teachers and school staff. Try meeting the teacher(s) and don’t hesitate to air concerns or issues about your child. Keep in touch regularly. Get to know who’s who in school – principal, vice-principal, guidance counselor, head of departments, division chairs, in-house chaplain (if there is any) and, yes, even the school custodian. Most of all, attend parent-teacher conferences.

Support your child academically Find out how your child is doing. Grab a few minutes with the teacher at the end of the day then check back regularly. Not every day though but at least every 2 weeks. If you think your child requires special services, apply for it. Follow up if your child has any homework or assignment to complete. If needed, find homework help. For tests and examinations, spend some time to help your child prepare

36 TAHANAN

for your child

for it.

Get involved Our children’s education is an integral part of our hectic lives as parents. For busy parents, Simon and Arlene from Brampton, “Keep the communication lines open. Maintaining a calendar at home is a big help not to miss any events concerning your children’s school activities. You have to find or give some time with them everyday no matter how old your kids are.” So don’t throw away those newsletters. Those are meant for you to read and be informed of activities and opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s school. You’ll be surprised how quickly those bake sales and pizza lunches will fill up your family calendar.

Be informed and be an advocate

Huwag mahiya. (Don’t be shy.) Ask questions. If you think your child requires program adaptations for her special needs or exceptionalities, let the school know your concerns. Determination of the appropriate action required in helping students meet curriculum expectations is done through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process. According to Tony San Juan, President of Philippine Teachers Association-Canada (PTAC), “Some parents and their children do not want to go through this process as they don’t want to be identified or labeled as ‘special education/special needs’ individuals. Binabale wala natin o iniiwasan o ayaw nating matawag o masabi ang anak natin ay abno, kulang-kulang, mahina ang ulo, at iba pa, which is understandably a pity and a wrong parental decision, if not, a misdirected

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denial of appropriate academic support. “

Extend your child’s learning at home

What’s in a word? School terminologies parents need to know.

Homework vs. Assignment

teacher to enable students meet curriculum

Provide a structured learning environment at home by providing a set time for school work and play. Monitor TV, video games and internet use. Provide your child a place in the house conducive for studying such as a sturdy working table in a well-lit corner of the house.

Encourage and promote active learning by encouraging your child to read, discussing homework and engaging in solving problems.

Remember that learning is a collaborative process.

Homework is an unfinished learning

President Obama stated in his foreword in the book Parent Power, “To parents, we can’t tell our kids to do well in school and then fail to support them when they get home. You can’t just contract out parenting. For our kids to excel, we have to accept responsibility to help them learn.” Let us make our children’s education a priority. Couple it with consistency and commitment. As a parent, we do not only bring life into this world but we help them out build their world – by building bridges to help them succeed. T

‘Modification’

activity for the day that your child brings home to complete. Assignment is an activity that requires more time to complete, such as reports, presentations or a science project.

So the next time you raise the question, “Do you have an assignment?”, don’t be surprised if your child gives a negative answer.

Modification vs. Accommodation are

two

and

IPRC Under the Education Act, the process of determining student’s needs and how they will be met is called the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) or the IPRC process. For the majority of students, the regular classroom meets their needs to progress from grade to grade.

‘Accommodation’

school-curriculum

expectations.

delivery

However, there are a number of students who need extra help. A school meeting is

support approaches, known as “Program

held to assess, identify and document the

Adaptations”, and are used in schools

services and support needed. It is a rigorous

by teachers and educators in helping

process that involves the student, his/her

students meet curriculum expectations.

parents, teacher, principal, school board

Modifications are changes to the curriculum

professionals and specialists, e.g., speech

expectations

provincial

pathologists, psychologists, physicians, etc.

curriculum learning goals are altered.

A student can be referred to an IPRC on the

On the other hand, accommodations are

request of a parent or a teacher.

where

the

strategies and provisions provided by the

TAHANAN 37

Family Life

Beyond the Baon: A Financial Health Check

By Anne Wong

A

financial advisor shares with his wife what every parent and student should know, now.

The realization that we Filipinos will find ways to fund grand milestone birthdays like debuts proves that our financial sense of urgency should indeed be appreciated, celebrated, and guided. This writer sits down with her husband to learn what finance pillars need to be kept strong in every household that wants their treasures to grow up wise.

RESPonsible Parenting Only an RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) can trump buying your kid that first piggy bank. You, the contributor, have the power to choose where to invest in a self – directed RESP. The government matches 20% of the money you put in, up to $500 per year on a maximum yearly contribution of $2,500.

That $500 a year is free money. Any child from age 0 to 17 can have an RESP account and qualify for the grant. The money you put in grows tax - free. The growth on the fund is taxed at the time it gets taken out of the account, at the child’s tax bracket; which is minimal to almost nothing. If the child does not pursue post secondary education, the government will take the free money back and the invested funds can roll over to the contributor’s RRSP account. RESP contributions are not tax deductible, but a maximum grant of $7,200 for your child’s education is too hard to skip out on.

Tax – Free aS A Bird 38 TAHANAN

The Tax – Free Savings Account is a phoenix born out of the ashes of the Financial Crisis or Crash of 2008. The government’s way of stimulating the economy is to give everyone over the age of 18 a $5,000 tax – free room to invest. Currently on its third year, the TFSA allows you to invest $15,000 since the $5,000 yearly room can be carried over. All the growth in this investment is tax - free when you take it out. This financial phoenix is not without its wise quirks. First, it must be treated as a mid to long - term way of saving and growing your money. Be mindful of the room that you have for the year. You cannot put in $15,000, take it out, and put in another $15,000 in the same year. This is to discourage the day trading mindset. Second, the growth is tax – free but not tax deductible like in an RRSP. Again, you can invest in almost anything with the TFSA.

Good Debt, Bad Debt A student loan is a good debt for a number of reasons. There is no need to pay it back while you are still in school. The interest that you pay on the loan is tax deductible. Paying a student loan is a great way to start and build a credit history; that track record you will be assessed on when it is time to finance your car and/or your first home. Through a student loan, you invest in yourself and in your school, and eventually graduate and qualify for a job that pays at least double the amount of the loan per year. See it as a great return on investment.

Qualifying for credit cards is exciting as it is dangerous. You have to look beyond the

buying power and realize why credit card companies are sometimes too eager to get their plastics in your hands. If you buy something for a certain amount and let the interest - free grace period pass, the interest you have to pay is not based on the left over balance, assuming you have made a partial payment; but on the original purchase price.

Always pay the original balance in full, within the first period. Paying only the required minimum amount every month will double your credit card debt in approximately 4 years.

Department store credit cards are even worse with their interest rates. Minimum amount payments will have you see your debt double in approximately 2 ½ years. Credit cards are there for convenience and should never be a source of emergency funds. Make sure you have the money before putting a bill on your credit card.

In a time where we go gas station hopping for the cheapest fill or wait on coupons and groupons so we can bulk buy our way to savings, it is comforting to know that good financial health is a family endeavor that teaches us, saves us, and graces us with the peace of mind that lets us take in all that matters. A great financial advisor is your partner in planning out the proper strategy that will fit your needs. You will probably even invite him/her to your next big event. If that is the case, there will be sumptuous pa-baon for sure. T Anne Wong is a patron of convenience and thus values the advantage that good financial strategies bring.

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TAHANAN 39

Family Life

“Mommy, what’s my baon?”

By Clarisse Rajappan

A

ccording to Canada’s Food Guide, healthy eating can be fun, and easy on the wallet.

Healthy eating means eating a variety of food that gives you the nutrients needed to maintain your health. The constant bombardment of advertising aimed at children promoting fast food and junk food is one of the reasons for the increased incidence of obesity in children.

Eating well means getting enough food from all four food groups: grain products (breads and cereals) • vegetables and fruits • milk and milk products like milk, cheese and yogurt, and • meats and alternatives like chicken, fish, nuts, beans and peanut butter.

You can help your children eat well by: setting a good example • eating healthy food more often • offering meals and snacks at regular times, and giving your kids a variety of food for meals and snacks.

In this issue of Tahanan we introduce a working mom and a wife, Thelma Eubion from Mississauga. She has three children, two girls and a boy, Denisse, 13, Simon, 7 and Danelle, 4. Thelma polished her culinary skills at the toughest and best school in the world -- her mom’s kitchen.

Thelma follows the philosophy of not forcing the children to eat until they are genuinely hungry. To borrow her words “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. Same goes with children’s eating habits. You can

40 TAHANAN

spend hours in the kitchen, but if your children aren’t hungry, you can’t make them eat”. She instils in her children compassion for others and the value of food, by sharing with them the tales of people deprived of nourishment and living in less fortunate circumstances.

As a mother of fast growing children with voracious appetites, Thelma ensures her children have healthy snacks and lunches at school and at home that provides them the energy and nutrients needed during study and play. She follows a democratic approach in planning and packing by providing children with healthy choices and getting them involved in deciding what to have for lunch and snacks.

Their “Ate” (older sister) helps make sandwiches while the younger ones put snacks into their lunch bags. She also takes the children along for grocery shopping, and lets them choose some of their favorite food like whole breads, fruits and vegetables. As a result, her children love broccoli and other green leafy vegetable and of course, fruits such as strawberry, kiwi, blueberry, grapes and yogurts are also among their favorites.

On answering the question of managing the costs associated with eating healthy, Thelma chooses snacks that are inexpensive but healthy and delicious, as you can find out from her recipes below. By inculcating healthy eating habits you are giving yourself and your family the tools for a lifetime of healthy living. Recycling leftover food is also a great way of saving money. For example; eating whole chicken instead of red meat,

freezing the leftovers, and converting it to a soup at the next meal time can provide you a tasty meal and save you the money spend in bypass surgeries.

In keeping with the philosophy of “Recycle and Reuse”, another way of saving money is to invest in a good quality reusable lunchbox and a set of reusable containers instead of using paper bags and plastic baggies. Instead of drink boxes, use BPA-free plastic or stainless steel water bottles. It’s very easy (as well as more economical) to pack a litter-less lunch. This also means that nothing from a child’s lunch will get thrown in the garbage. In that way, you will know if your kids don’t want to eat an item, as it goes back in the lunch box and “boomerangs” back home. This allows parents to see exactly what is getting eaten (or not) and helps make good choices about what to put in the lunch box next time.

Our readers can surely relate to this challenge, managing the professional life with one that at home. Thelma offers the following tips: she packs the lunch and snacks for the kids the night before, and keeps them in the fridge

Photos by Ronnie Dela Gana

My Kitchen Amazing stories behind delicious recipes

Creamy Chicken Carbonara Chicken Salad Pan de Sal until the following morning. “Trust me!

You’ll be glad that you did it because this will save you time during the next day’s busy morning rush!”

“Challenges! Tell me about it!” She is most stressed on what to prepare as “baon“for her 3 kids. It’s a constant struggle to find snacks that are both appetizing and good for them. Thelma goes online to search for healthy snacks / lunches to prepare, Canada’s Food Guide is a great help and contain tips on what to prepare that your kids will love and are both tasty and healthy.

2 cups of boiled chicken diced 1/4 cup apple chopped 1/4 cup carrots chopped 1/4 cup pineapple tidbits 2 Tbsp celery chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1 small box of raisin 3 tbsp condensed milk Pan de Sal In a big bowl, combine mayonnaise and condensed milk. Mix thoroughly.

Add in the rest of ingredients one by one as you mix constantly.

Fill in the hot pan de sal with the salad and enjoy.

Banana Muffins

Egg Sandwitch Spread

2 cups self-rising flour 2-3 over-ripe bananas, mashed 2 eggs ¾ cup sugar (may reduce if too sweet for your taste) ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1 Tbsp/15 ml mayonnaise 1/4 cup/60 ml diced celery 2 slices of bread Butter 1 crunchy lettuce leaf

Mix all the dry ingredients. Add in the eggs and mashed banana.

Pour into greased and floured or paper lined muffin tin.

Bake 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Mash the egg with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, and mix well. Add the celery. Stir.

Butter the slices of bread. Spread the egg mixture on one slice of bread and top with the lettuce leaf and the other slice of bread.

10 strips bacon, cut in 1/2” (1 cm) pieces 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 can (284 ml) CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Low Fat Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 can (284 ml) CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Low Fat Cream of Chicken Soup 1½ cans (284 ml each) milk 1½ tsp (7 ml) chopped, fresh thyme leaves 3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped, fresh parsley leaves 3 cups (750 ml) cubed, cooked chicken 6 cups (1.5 L) hot cooked spaghetti, without salt In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Cook bacon at medium heat until crisp.

Sauté onion and garlic in a pan; cook and stir until onions are translucent.

Stir in mixture of soups, milk, parsley and thyme.

Stir in chicken. Bring to a boil.

Stir in bacon. Reduce heat to low.

Simmer covered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately over cooked spaghetti. T

TAHANAN 41

Family Life

Here at the Spot Hanging out has never been this cool

The Art of Budgeting for Students

By Chris Catral and Veronica Javier

W

hen we were students in University there were a lot of things we worried about in our young, cluttered minds. There were endless 10-page essays to be completed, mid-terms to study for, group projects, and of course, the ever important social aspect which completes the balanced student life. “I have an essay due on Monday, but my friend’s birthday bash is Saturday night”, “I’m doing a lot of work for this group project for my liberal class, however those other two people in my group haven’t made a contribution”.

Welcome to the world of the common University/College student, the time before the real world, the training ground for becoming fully responsible adults. During this time though the art of budgeting can be taken for granted resulting in poor money management and increased future debt that can cause a lot of headache. So here are a few tips that can help put money in those pockets and to avoid swimming in a pool of debt in the future after your studies.

How to get that money!

Tutoring/Teacher’s Assistant Are you particularly good at any subjects?

Tutor! Start your own after-school tutoring program or during the summer. You can also contact your department of studies if you’re interested in becoming a teacher’s assistant.

You can get paid as a teacher’s assistant depending on your negotiations with the professor and your educational credentials.

Get a part-time or a summer job College and Universities have Career Centres where they post jobs especially for students/ entry-level positions. These centres also offer helpful resume and cover letter workshops to help you improve how you can present yourself to future employers. If you are finding it hard to land an interview try hooking-up with job agencies. Our personal favourites: Adecco http://www.adecco.com; Manpower http:// www.manpower.com/; Ranstad http:// www.randstad.ca/; Pinstripe http://www. pinstripetalent.com/

Borrow money OSAP: these loans are provided by the provincial government. If you meet their criteria, these loans are given out twice a year during the school year, usually in the beginning of the year and the start of the second term. Visit https://osap.gov.on.ca/ OSAPPortal for more details. Another option is to take out a student line of credit from your bank. Not only will you be able to start building your credit but Student Line

42 TAHANAN

of Credits is great because the borrowing interest rate is sometimes lower than the OSAP interest rate. If you didn’t get approved for OSAP, borrowing from your bank is also another way to go.

Free money!

Did you know you can get an instant scholarship just by having good marks?

Check your overall average and see how it stacks up to the minimum as set up by Universities, Colleges, OSAP and other organizations. Bursaries on the other hand, are essentially money given to students who display financial need. Check your university or college and what the conditions are and how to submit your application. If you are undertaking a research project, thesis or business venture, a grant is the answer to your needs. Many organizations give grants out to young people pursuing innovative ideas. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC, http:// www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/) can be beneficial in pursuing these aspirations.

Also our provincial governments give up to $3000 for students between 15 and 29 to start a summer business. http://www. sbe.gov.on.ca/ontcan/1medt/smallbiz/en/ sb_ye_summerco_en.jsp There are an abundant amount of resources you can use to generate some cash flow, now let’s take a look on how we can save a few bucks! These are some common sense strategies that you can explore to keep that cash on tight lock.

School on a shoestring budget: Baon- pack your lunch the night before and/ or take home food from the weekend famjam.

Buy coffee from your favourite coffee place in bulk, brew the coffee at home and then take it with you in a traveler’s mug. Or if you just need that ubber expensive cup of java, bring your travelers mug with you to your favourite coffee spots for a discount. You’re saving money and helping the environment!

Make your student status work for you!

Bring your student ID with you wherever you go and get that student discount rate Buy the STC card for local discounts at your local shops and fast-food joints Can’t give up travelling locally and/or internationally? Sign up for the International Student Identification

Card (ISIC) card and get discounts around the world. Visit your college or university student union to purchase it at a discounted rate Ladies, walk away from those boutique stores and instead reach into your girlfriends’ closets and trade/borrow clothes and accessories with each other versus buying new clothes Have movie nights at your place or your friends’ versus going out to the movies. Rent from Netflix and Blockbuster for example.

It’s a much cosier atmosphere plus you can just pop your own popcorn at home!

Eat your meals at home before going out, that way you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg for that dinner entrée.

Take public transit and/or carpool. Forget expensive parking. Haven’t you heard gas prices are going up??? YIKES! Plus you lower your carbon footprint and contribute towards a cleaner environment.

Have get-togethers at home: enjoy the things you and your friends love in each other’s places and pool money together to buy food instead.

Yes that new-book smell is great but you’ll look like an even smarter scholar with used books. Look for deals on and off campus, or borrow from people, or friends that have taken that course already.

Absolutely low on cash for food? Consider Kraft Dinner, Vienna Sausages, Ramen noodles. Staples in the thrifty student diet!

You may already be borrowing money from OSAP/student line of credit and now your school has given you a credit card??? We know, it feels and looks like freedom in a card but be warned, if you’re not keen on budgeting and paying off the balance the following month then we highly recommend you use cash instead of reaching for your credit card. Credit cards carry very high interest rates which makes paying off that initial balance more difficult every month if you’re not able to. Put a sticker on that Visa/Mastercard that says “For Emergencies Only!!!” We want your money to go towards your education and NOT paying off credit card companies!

Be active in using the resources around you to obtain money and limit spending. Start saving!

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TAHANAN 43

Family Life

My Library Philippine Culture - Legends, Literature and Life

It was a beautiful morning. My son, Nathan, gulped down a large bowl of cereal and milk in 10 seconds. As I put away the cereal box, he worriedly asked me: “So....where’s breakfast?

Where’s the rice and stuff?”

Filipinos love to eat rice! We eat sinangag in the morning, suman for 10am merienda, rice again for lunch, champorado or arroz caldo for 3pm merienda, and rice again for dinner! That’s five times a day! Ever wonder what our folk tales say about the origin of rice? Read on...

Acrylic on canvas painting by: Calixto Quiachon

The Origin of Rice

By Joi Lardizabal

L

ong ago, people did not plant crops or raise animals for food.

They relied only on nature and their surroundings, and lived on fruits and animal meat. They would stay in a place until food got scarce and then move to another place where food was bountiful.

Plants and trees died, and birds and animals disappeared. Fish perished in the dried streams.

A couple, Banag and Danas, belonged to a group who used to live near the sea. They were looking for a new place.

A fierce storm had destroyed their houses near the sea. They feared the coming of another storm.

Exhaustion caught up with Danas in the middle of a vast field. He lay on the grass and fell asleep. Suddenly, the wind blew, and the grass danced and sang. Danas woke up, surprised.

“Why do we always move our home?”

Banag asked Danas. “I am tired of this kind of life. We cannot even have children because we keep moving.”

Banag desired to separate from the rest of the group and just stay behind in a more permanent place.

Danas gave in to his wife’s request.

They chose a nice place in the mountains and built a simple house there. Their new home was tranquil and food was bountiful. Nearby was a clear stream where Danas caught many fish.

But then came drought. For a longtime, no rain fell, and the earth dried up.

44 TAHANAN

Danas traveled far to look for food. But the drought was merciless. He traveled until he reached the next mountain.

Still, he could not find food.

Danas listened to the song of the grass.

“We are the hope of the people, Danas.

Gather our grains. Our grains are good food.” Danas noticed the head of the grains of the grass. Each head was full of golden grains. He picked a grain and bit it. “Pound our grains to remove their golden covers,“ sang the grass. “Cook the white kernels inside the grains to soften them. It is good food.”

Danas gathered the grains until his bag was full and then hurriedly went home to Banag. “Now we have food,” he happily told Banag. He removed the golden covers of the grains, as the grass had instructed him, cooked the grains, and then ate them.

The next morning, Danas returned to the field, “plant our grains,” sang the grass. “Plant them on land softened by rain. They will grow, and you will take care of them. When you harvest, save some grains to plant again. Learn to plant and take care of plants. Planting will become your source of livelihood.”

Danas suddenly felt raindrops. He looked up to see the heavens darken with rain. “Call your crop palay (rice),” sang the grass which danced vigorously as the rained poured. “Tell others about this. Teach them how to plant palay.”

Danas followed the advice of the grass.

He planted a rice field around his house and studied farming. He taught the others what he had learned. Farms got bigger and bigger and people no longer had to move in search for food.

So, the next time you eat rice with your family, share this story. With so many young Filipinos aiming to be mediocre nurses or caregivers or call centre agents, maybe a few will be inspired to become the best farmers to toil this earth and turn the once rice-producing Philippines around.

Mga Pamahiin (Folk Beliefs of Superstitions)

A

lthough we are not as serious as our Asian counterparts when it comes to numbers, we do have our own

unique, sometimes absurd, often funny, but otherwise practical, superstitious beliefs.

• Kapag tatlong tao ang nagpapakuha ng larawan, ang taong nasa gitna ang siyang unang mamamatay. (When three people pose for a photo, the one in the middle will be the first to die.) But if the three people are over 90 years old, they would not really care.

• Ang taong may dalawang puyo’ ay nangangahulugang siya ay salbahe. (A person with two cowlicks is said to be mischievous.)

I heard from someone that the two puyo symbolize devil’s horns. Whoa...

• Ang mga malas na pangyayari ay dumarating na tatlong sunod-sunod. (Tragic events happen in threes.) Now THAT’s tragic.

• Ang isang kulog ay nagpapahiwatig na isang kilalang tao ang namatay. (A single rumble of thunder announces the death of a prominent person.) Come to think of it, why are our superstitions obsessed with death?

• Ang pagkakaroon ng tatlong magkakasunod na anak na magkapareho ang kasarian ay magdudulot ng swerte sa mga magulang. (Giving

birth consecutively to three children of the same sex will bring luck to the parents.) Only if they are boys, grow up to 6’5 and play at PBA.

prosperity.) Very interesting, eh?

• Ang mga manunugal na nakakita ng bilang 7 ay matatalo. (Gamblers who encounter the number 7 will lose.) I find this weird – isn’t 7 supposed to be a ‘lucky’ number?

• Kapag ang kabuuang bilang ng mga titik o letra ng mga pangalan ng parehong mag-asawa ay 30 o mahigit pa, ito ay nangangahulugan ng swerte. (If the number of letters comprising the names of both husband and wife add up to 30 or more, it means good luck.) And I thought the game of FLAMES was original!

• Ang pagbasag ng salamin sa araw ng Biyernes ay magdudulot ng malas sa loob ng pitong taon.

(Breaking a mirror on a Friday will bring seven years of bad luck.) So, if you have to break a mirror, do it on Monday or Wednesday.

• Ang isang taong nanaginip ng mga bilang ay mananalo sa loterya. (A person who dreams of numbers will win the lottery.) But I still wonder why no psychics ever win the lottery, though.

• Ang mga bilang na 3, 5, at 9 ay malas. (The numbers 3, 5, and 9 are unlucky.) Remember that the next time you buy a lottery ticket.

Haha.

On our next issue, we will learn from the Ibanag literature about the legend which explains why there is high tide during a full moon. We will also tackle more interesting pamahiin, related to colours. Feel free to share interesting, funny or strange pamahiin beliefs or legends your parents or grandparents shared with you.

E-mail them to editor@tahananmagazine.com.

• Ang bilang 13 ay parehong swerte at malas.

(Thirteen is both a lucky and an unlucky number.) Are we the only ones who believe this? And Taylor Swift?

• Huwag piliin ang bilang na 22 para sa araw ng kasal. Dahil sa ang hugis ng bilang na ito ay “nakaluhod”, hindi ito magdudulot ng prosperidad sa magkabiyak. (Do not choose the number 22 for a wedding day. Since the number is in the “kneeling” position, it will not give the couple

Legends and beliefs taken from (with permission):http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/ Tagalog_mainpage.htm T Joi Lardizabal, an entrepreneur, is never superstitious.

(Knock on wood)

Learn Tagalog! It’s Filipino time!

Some Tagalog words and expressions that relate to time: bukas [BOO-cuss] – tomorrow, but could mean anytime tomorrow mamaya [MA-mayah] – later, but could mean anytime within the day saka na [saKA-nah] – next time, vaguely referring to anytime in the future gabi [gaBEE] – evening) tanghali [tangHA-lee] – lunch time

bukas pa [BOO-cuss-pah] – by tomorrow, tomorrow yet mamaya pa [mamaYAH-pah] – later still saka na lang [saKA-nalang]– maybe next time tanghali na [tangHA-leenah] – literally, it is lunch time; as idiom, it is late already! maaga pa [ma-AH-gapah] – it is too early

umaga [oo-MAH-ga] – morning

malapit na [maLA-peetnah] – it is coming soon

bukas na lang [BOO-cuss-na-LANG] – will be ready/let’s do it/ come back, tomorrow

kanina pa [kaNEE-napah] – it’s been a while, has been here for a while

mamaya na [mamaYAH-na] – will be ready/let’s do it/come back, later

huli na [hoolee-NAH] – it is too late

TAHANAN 45

From the Expert “It’s the operating system that makes a smartphone different from a regular mobile phone or feature phone,” explains Branden Shortt, founder of Cellphones. ca.

“BlackBerry, iPhone, Android and now Windows 7 phones have an operating system that can run third-party applications, or software, that extend the phone’s capabilities.”

So while it’s the operating system that makes these phones smart, it takes a sharp consumer to determine which make best serves their needs. “There is a large choice of smartphones available today — but a few key considerations will help narrow your search,” says our expert. Here is his top 10 list of things to consider:

Integration “For business or for personal use, you want to make sure the smartphone will integrate seamlessly with your existing network or system,” says Mr. Shortt. If your office uses a BlackBerry messaging server or a Windows exchange server, you should look for a model within those makes. If you’re a Mac user, then an iPhone may make the most sense for you.

Expert tip: Generally, smartphones fall into certain user personalities: “BlackBerrys are purchased more for work; iPhones run on iOS and have the largest selection of thirdparty apps available, making them great for entertainment purposes; Android phones are open to many makes and are also popular for app use; and while Windows Phone 7 are also open to many manufacturers, they arrived rather late in the game, and it will be interesting to see where these phones net out,” he says.

Your provider If you already have a mobile provider, you will be limited to the makes and models that they offer. And if you already have a contract and are entitled to an upgrade, your choice may be limited even further.

Keyboard Preferring a physical or a touch keyboard is a personal choice, but according to Branden Shortt, a physical QWERTY keyboard (one that mirrors a computer keyboard with one letter per key) will make messaging and business applications (apps) like email easier

46 TAHANAN

The smart Smartphone guide to manage. Of course, there are models that offer both, so the best way to decide is to try them out before you buy.

Techie features Built-in Wi-Fi. “For surfing the web and using web-based applications, Wi-Fi is faster and easier to connect to than the 3G network — and it’s free or very inexpensive,” says Mr. Shortt.

The processor. Just like your computer, the bigger the processor, the faster your smartphone will run. “If you’re running a lot of apps, 1 gigahertz or bigger is a good standard to consider,” he advises. To find the processor size, check the phone’s specifications on the box or ask the store’s customer service representative.

Built-in RAM. If you expect to multitask and have more than one app open, look for 512 MB of RAM (Random Access Memory) or more.

Screen size. “If you use your smartphone to read or browse the web a lot, screen size will make a difference,” says Mr. Shortt. “While a 3.5-inch screen is normally large enough, you can get smartphones with 5-inch screens, though they can be uncomfortable to carry around.”

Battery life. If you travel or use your smartphone all day, look for a long battery life, but accept that a daily charge is probably necessary. “It’s best to do a little research and read online reviews by both experts and users,” says Mr. Shortt.

Take your time when selecting a plan

Since there are so many plans and providers available, it may take time to find one that suits your needs and gives you all the functionality you want from your smartphone. Consider what each plan includes and what it doesn’t,” advises Branden Shortt. “Data plans or the data portion of your plan will determine how much online use you have, but that doesn’t include text messaging. That may be separate or part of the voice portion of your plan.”

Before signing up for a plan, ensure that you understand all the components you’re paying for, and what will be billed as extra every month.

Expert tip: “Your provider will likely put data usage into concrete terms, but it can still be confusing,” he says. “Since it’s usually easier to increase your plan rather than reduce it, I advise you to start on the small side, review your bill and usage every month and then increase it if you have to.”

Be wary of hype Makers seem to come out with a new model every few months — some are hatched with a contagious marketing campaign. Rather than trying to upgrade early or even switch to a different make, wait until user reviews are available. Staying put may be your best option.

T Source: The smart life – TD Insurance e-newsletter dated June 15th 2011

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TAHANAN 47

From the Expert

Why Your Child Should Get An Orthodontic Check-up No Later Than Age 7 1.

A certified orthodontic specialist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

2. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only a certified orthodontic specialist can detect.

3. The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite

is fine. An orthodontist, however, may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time. In some cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

4. Early treatment may prevent more serious

problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

5. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

6. Early treatment may give your orthodontist

the chance to: • guide jaw growth • lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth • correct harmful oral habits • improve appearance • guide permanent teeth into a more favourable position • improve the way lips meet 7. Through an early orthodontic evaluation,

you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with individualized care and the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment, you would want to ensure you receive treatment from a certified specialist in orthodontics. To ensure you are being treated by an orthodontist, look for the designation FRCD(C) (Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada). To become a certified orthodontist in Canada requires completion of a rigorous 36-month training program that requires a Master’s of Science degree. Candidates then qualify to take the Royal College of Dentist’s of Canada orthodontic specialty examination, and upon successful completion, are awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Dentist’s of Canada (FRCD(C)), which also applies to other dental specialties such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry etc.

Straightening teeth is a complex process that not only requires leveling and aligning of your teeth, but ensuring the upper and lower jaws are harmonized with contacts of your bite that are evenly distributed, and paying meticulous attention to detailing the esthetics of the smile.

SELLING OR BUYING A HOUSE?

Magdalena Arcos sales representative CELL: 416-669-9351, OFFICE: 416-785-8555 E-MAIL: info@magdalenaarcos.com WEBSITE: www.magdalenaarcos.com ©2011 TAHANAN GRPCS 2011-06

48 TAHANAN

This requires time, effort and careful planning, thought, and execution.This is why orthodontia can only be taught over a 36-month rigorous graduate training program.

Your health, smile and bite deserve the care of a certified specialist. Be very careful of misinformation you may read on the Internet promising quick fixes for low fees by individuals without the proper training. You will be disappointed, frustrated and will end up spending more money. Just like you would prefer a cardiac surgeon, not your family doctor, to perform heart surgery, you would require a certified orthodontist to do your braces. Look for the FRCD(C) designation to ensure you are treated by a certified orthodontic specialist.

Dr. James Noble is a certified orthodontic specialist in Toronto. He is a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Toronto and the University of Manitoba, a staff orthodontist at Bloorview Kids Rehab and maintains a private orthodontic practice for Adults and Children at Victoria Park and Lawrence in Toronto. For a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Noble, you can reach him at 416-447-1515 or orthoatdonmills@gmail.com. T

Conrad A. Belisario, CPA President

29 Graybark Crescent Toronto, ON M1C 4J2

SUMMARY Accounting Solutions Income Tax • Payroll • Bookkeeping

Cell: 647-444-2382 Fax: 647-349-3577 Office: 416-855-3583 Email: etc.business@yahoo.ca

KIDSWALL My painting is an abstract painting that is why the shapes are abstract. I like to draw different things during my spare time. There are a variety of patterns in the backround.

One of the patterns is the Canadian flag. It represents that I was born in Canada and that I live here. The face of the abstract person has different views. (Half is facing right, and the other half is facing you.) It explains that I’m curious about everything and I like to look around everywhere. The hair shows that I have different ideas about my hairstyles. The clothes for example, show that I love to wear skirts and dresses. I composed this person as a dancer because I like to dance. I chose different colours because I want it to catch the readers eye.

I outlined everything in black so it could stand out to people like you!

Katelyn Q, Whitby (Age: 11) Cover Story

Kids Say (and Do) the Smartest Thing Toilet Training 101 Mommy: EJ kapag iihi pupunta sa washroom.

Saan pupunta kapag iihi? Sa wash...

EJ: WASHing machine!

EJ (2yrs old), Toronto English-Tagalog 101 Ryan: Come, Nana! Baba!

Nana: Okay, I will pallow!

Ryan walked away hitting the wall while saying “Uhm, palo!”

Ryan (2yrs old), Toronto

My portrait shows that I have shoulder-length, black hair with bangs. I have dark eyes and that I wear glasses. The background has the Philippine flag over my head showing that I am from the Philippines. It also has the Canadian flag beside it, meaning, I now live in Canada. Around me, I have the number 13, a book, candy, an art palette and music notes. Thirteen is my lucky number, a book because I like reading, candy because I love eating it, an art palette because one of my favourite subjects is art, and music notes because I love to listen to music. I think that my self-portrait is a little more realistic because it shows normal features; colours, lines and shapes show that I’m a shy person, but I can be very nice.

Denisse E, Mississauga

Spot the Difference

There are five (5) differences between these similar pictures. Can you find them?

ANSWERS: 1. Missing finger, 2. Smiling ghost, 3. Missing small pumpkin, 4. Leaf turned the opposite direction, 5. Missing rat on top of the pumpkin

TAHANAN 49

Community Life

Community Corkboard

KS, CLIC and CLICKS more CLICKS!

anada ino in C y ip il F a ph I am hotogra Great P tories ed Tells S are invit

graphers gazine’s ur photo te a m a NAN Ma ll A in TAHA te a ip ic rt Contest to pa graphy to a’. o d h a P n t 1s Ca ilipino in e story of a F a m a th ‘I tell r pictures end you Let your anada. S C ’s o in in fe ip li Fil Filipino’s est depicts the a. c ri b e t m a A North photo th fe here in photo way of li zes and rules, pri isit t v s e te s n a o le For c etails, p d n e at io it s s submis e’s web Magazin m.

N o A .c N e A TAH agazin

1

ival held last July 23, 201

Fest Magazine at the Mabuhay Busy booth of TAHANAN vention Centre Con nto Toro ro Met the at

www.tah

ananm

Sali na!

Getting ready for the coming

holiday season?

Winter issue with Watch out for the TAHANAN’s your noche buena table. traditional Filipino recipes for ies behind Be informed to read the stor n. bele the and l the paro ies about how stor with Be delighted and entertained as. istm Chr e brat cele ilies big fam traditions. ng givi giftily fam r Help and ideas for you

TM Staff with Philippines Con sul General, Pedro Chan, and other representatives from the Philippine Consulat e Toronto office during the Pinoy Fiesta Trade Show, June 25, 2011,

And many more!

www.tahananmagazine.com

SUBSCRIBE NOW! information below and mail to TAHANAN Media Publication, 85 Ellesmere Road, P.O. Box 62502, Scarborough, ON M1R 5G8. Or email to subscribe@tahananmagazine.com.

Only $14.99 for a one year subscription (4 issues)

First Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________ Province: ___________ Postal Code: _________________ Telephone: __________________ Email Address: ______________________________________ Please make your cheque payable to: TAHANAN Media Publication Inc. For credit card payment please call: 647-427-8771 ADVER TISIN G ENQUIRIES, Call:647-427 -8 771 or em ai l to: ads @ tahananm agazin e.com 50 TAHANAN

Toronto

4500 Sheppard Ave. East Unit 26, Scarborough Ontario M1S 3R6

Tel.416.335.8555

Congratulations to our FOREX FIESTA WINNERS 1st Prize winner - 2 Round trip tickets to the Philippines Ms.Arlyn Galanga of Scarborough Ontario

Grand prize winner Ms. Arlyn Galanga of Scarborough with Forex staff from left : Jonathan, Angie and Forex big bosses Teo Paculanan Perly Alilio and Joseph Alilio.

3rd Prize winner – Rene Rose Mallorca of Markham, winner

of $500.00 in cash ,Poses with her employer’s daughter Isabella and friend Christina with Joseph Alilio ( Operations Manager of Forex )

Ms.Arlyn Galanga , claimed her prize at Forex Office Scarborough

2nd Prize winner – Virginia Ortega of North York On, winner of 50” flat screen TV ,Poses with Perly Alilio (Part owner of Forex)

We LOVE to Deliver

TAHANAN 51

Community Life

Know Your Community Profiling Filipino-Canadian community organizations

Philippine Teachers Association-Canada (PTAC)

Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto (PCCT)

Office & Mailing Address: 11 Pond Fernway, North York, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4M9, Telephone: 416-491-2346 Website: www.ptacanada.org Contact: Tony A. San Juan, President, tnysanjuan@yahoo.ca

Office & Mailing Address: 21 Canadian Road, Unit 4, Scarborough, Ontario M1R 5G2, Telephone: 416-850-4966 Website: www.torontopcct.com Contact: Oswald J. Tugadi, President, ojtugadi@rogers.com

Mission Statement: Our primary goal is to commit, develop, support and execute viable programs, projects, and activities within the framework of our Constitution and By-laws for the benefits of our members and other targeted beneficiaries in the province of Ontario, in Canada and in the Philippines. To achieve this objective, we shall endeavour to establish partnerships, undertakings, and initiatives with other community organizations, private and governmental institutions, and other interested stakeholders.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto (PCCT) was formed in 1991 as a result of the Philippine Consulate General Office and various Filipino business community leaders, with its general mission being business growth and community development.

Membership Requirement/Qualification: To apply for membership, an individual: 1) Must be a legal resident of Canada and of Filipino heritage--that is, he or she is either born in the Philippines or any one of his/her parents is of Filipino descent; and, 2) Is a former teacher in the Philippines or elsewhere and /or a registeredlicensed teacher in Ontario or a current teacher in any school or educational institution in Canada.

Established Programs and Projects: Our activities were undertaken to meet the vision and mission of the Association as well as carry out the established aims and expectations of the general membership in partnership and in co-operation with other community organizations, individuals and other stakeholders. These activities, services and projects are carried out through our established programs and projects which are both for internal and external operations and other purposes. They are as follows: 1) Books & Resources in Education Donation (BRED): book solicitations and donation shipments, (to date) made to: Philippine Normal University, Technological University of the Philippines, Marikina College of Science and Technology, Pangasinan State University, Bayambang National High School, Camarines Norte State College.

2) Operation Project Teach-Teaching Chance (OPT): a teacher-volunteer system & mentoring referral program in selected GTA public and Catholic schools.

3) Professional Development Program (PDP) : member-teacher professional improvement activities like seminars, workshop & consultations on best practices & strategies, and social-skills.

4) Professional Assistance & Certification Evaluation (PACE): an integrated initial certifiability assessment and referral assistance process to new members.

5) Employment Advising & Resource Network( EARN): a career information resources and career consultation & exchange sessions for teachers and non-teacher members such as resume & cover-letter writing, interview preparation and the like.

6) Focus Registered Teachers Exchange (FORTE): a group-directed sharing sessions among OCTs and certification in-process members on career-search issues and concerns.

7) Professional Resource & Outreach Program (PROP): an outreach initiative offering professional expertise assistance to targeted community groups or individuals, especially new immigrants on matters relating to education, learning and integration, e.g. group tutorials, literacy and ESL training.

Collaborated joint programs/projects with the following organizations: Ontario College of Teachers, Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT), Kababayan Community Centre Multicultural Services

52 TAHANAN

The PCCT represents the Filipino-Canadian businesses in all industry sectors in the Greater Toronto Area.

The PCCT is a private sector, not-for-profit volunteer-driven business organization.

Vision Statement: Our vision is to take leadership in the Philippine Canadian Business Community and to go on mainstream.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to encourage and to promote bilateral economic ties between Canada and the Philippines and to bring together people who share a strong common interest in building their business locally as well as internationally.

Mandate: Our mandate is to be the effective and successful Voice of Business in Toronto on all issues of concern to the Toronto Filipino-Canadian business community.

The mandate of the Chamber will be carried out by the elected Board of Directors, comprising of fifteen (15) directors of which six (6) directors are officers: the President, three (3) Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor and two (2) Sergeant-at-Arms. The board meets regularly each month to plan, direct and implement the year’s activities.

Primary Activities: In Toronto, the Chamber’s primary activities involve the following: 1. Building an identity amongst its members that is respectable, credible, effective and beneficial to PCCT members 2. Building awareness among its members on the business they are into, their products and services they offer and forward this to the mainstream business community 3. Building an effective program of awareness among PCCT members and the Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs and professionals with regards to the value of patronizing each other’s products and services.

4. Assisting in the promotion of trade and investment in the Philippines and Canada.

5. Providing a forum for increasing the awareness of Canadian business in the Philippines and vice versa through: (a) Regular monthly meetings and events (b) Sponsorship of trade missions and business delegations (c) Hosting of networking seminars (d) Participation in special topical presentation (e) Access to local and foreign business information and statistics (f) Business matching and opportunities 6. Building ultimately a strong PCCT membership, ready to take the leadership Chamber Membership: To be a PCCT member, an application form can be downloaded from PCCT’s website. Annual membership fee for individual is $50 and $150 for corporate.

Completed form should be mailed to their office. See mailing address above.

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For the best deal, please don’t call us first... call us last at...

416-850-5568 4400 Sheppard Ave., East, Unit 16 Scarborough, ON M1S 1T8 ©2011 TAHANAN GRPCS 2011-14

C ANADA L OYAL F

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DOOR TO DOOR SERVICES INC.

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Jose Cornelio N. Cabioc Life Insurance Broker

“Providing valuable financial tools to families, individual or group” • Life Insurance • Critical Illness • Full Group Benefits • RRSP/RRIF’S • Investments • Health & Dental • Disability Insurance • Travel Insurance • RESP

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Tel: Office : (905) 829-5514 Cell: (416)569-7118 Res: (905) 457-1493

Quizon Auto Centre 1950 Ellesmere Rd. Unit 20 Scarborough, Ontario M1H 2V8

your friendly choice forever..........

Tel: 416.438.4497

Planning Today For Tomorrow

Himlayang Filipino Now Open • Cemetery • Funeral • Cremation Leave your loved ones loving memories, not burdens.

Call Milet Medina at 416-418-9946 and plan yours today. ©2011 TAHANAN GRPCS 2011-08

CALL: 416-298-1584

12 Principal Road, Unit #1 Scarborough, ON M1R 5E5 padala@dtdservices.com www.dtdservices.com

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Dante L. de Leon

BBA

Licensed Life Insurance Broker

TAHANAN 53

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School of Music and Art Offering Piano, Guitar, Bass, Vocal, and Visual Arts Lessons for all levels and all ages

We at the CMA believe in our students’ potential, encourage their creativity, and provide them with the tools needed to advance their skills.

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TAHANAN 55

Braces For Children and Adults

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rt h oat d o nmi l ls. co

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We Create Smiles in More Ways Than One! • No referral necessary • Invisalign™ • Inside and Clear Braces • Abundant FREE Parking

Ellesmere Rd

Lawrence Ave East

Warden

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Interest-Free Payment Plans Victoria Terrace (Victoria Park and Lawrence) 1448 Lawrence Avenue East, Suite 304A, Toronto, ON M4A 2V6 www.OrthoAtDonMills.com orthoatdonmills@gmail.com

416-447-1515 Call Us Today for That Captivating Smile You Deserve!

56 TAHANAN