filipino journal alberta edition october 2014

Volume 6, Number 9 • October 2014 FREE COPYPublications Mail Agreement 40032612

Bamboo’s Edmonton concert was sold-out

Joseph Angeles Admitted to the Alberta Bar

Darren, the homecoming concert in Calgary

Hon. Judge Janet Dixon Congratulating Joseph Angeles

Star Magic's One Magical Night Edmonton Concert

Page 7 ►

Page 8 ► 6 ►Page 23 ►

Daniel Padilla & Kathryn BernardoBamboo ManalacDarren Espanto

FilipinoJournal.comAll photos & articles available online!

October 20142 The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

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Celebrity All Stars Basketball Shoot-Out Comes to Edmontonby Jun Angeles

The visit of "Celebrity All Stars" on Thanksgiving Day on Sunday October

12, 2014 composed of Onyok Velasco, Derrick Hubalde, Rodjun Cruz, Jason Abalos, Joross Gamboa, Marco Alcaraz, Luis Alandy and RJ Tolentino to play in an exhibition game with the local team (Crosstown Basketball Team) at Saville Community Centre not only gave support to the basketball teams but brought amusement to the fans of these celebrities. One of them was Jason Abalos the leading man of the current tele-serye "Two Wives" with Erich Gonzales and Kaye Abad.

Photos by Hazel Gayla, Freelance Photographer

Onyok Velasco, the Olympic Silver medalist at the 1996 Atlanta in a light flyweight division turned comedienne graced the team with his flamboyant personality. There was Joross Gamboa, former GMA now with ABS-CBN actor trotting the basketball court in his stylish basketball uniform.

Halftime show the audience was entertained by Mariposa and Keanna Reeves both dancers and comedienne.

The Celebrity Basketball shootout was brought by $R Cash Remit together by EMedia (Eric Tingzon).


October 2014 5The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

OFW remittances reach $2.05 billion

Malacañang not so keen to send Ebola health workers Mayon’s eruption imminentResident volcanologist Ed Laguerta said the lava flow observed at the eastern side of the Bonga Gully, or facing the Legazpi City side of Mayon Volcano yesterday morning, may indicate that an eruption could be forthcoming.

Laguerta said the lava flow shows that there is pressure-build-up underneath the restive volcano. He added that the occurrence of increased seismic activity may force them to upgrade the alert status to Alert Level 4, which means that a hazardous eruption is imminent within days.

Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also said that the quiet lava flow yesterday is a

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said overseas Filipino workers (OFW) sent home $2.05 billion in remittances in August.

BSP added that for January to August, remittances were up 5.8 percent to $15.5 billion driven largely by the steady increase in transfers from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said no decision has been made on sending health workers to Ebola-hit countries, adding that the government is more anxious with stopping the entry of the virus to the country.

Coloma said President Aquino has ordered the study of other ways like the giving of donation and other means of assistance. He added that the other priority of the government is to protect the health and ensure the safety of Filipinos in Ebola-hit countries like Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

A total of 1,755 Filipinos

manifestation of high unrest inside the volcano.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said evacuation have already been completed with more than 12,500 families, or more than 55,000 people, currently housed in 48 evacuation centers in Albay.

are in Ebola-stricken West Africa – 1,044 in Sierra Leone, 511 in Guinea and about 200 in Liberia.

Trainer says Algieri already in top shape One of Chris Algieri’s trainers

claimed that his boxer is already in excellent shape for his Nov. 23 bout with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in Macau.

Despite still being six weeks away to fight night, trainer Keith Trimble said the undefeated American is now in tip-top condition and has done well in sparring at the Bellmore Kickboxing Academy in Long island, New York.

For his part, Pacquiao is in the thick of training in General Santos

City, sparring with lightweight Stan Martyniouk and former welterweight contender Mike Jones.

Pacquiao who is also a congressman is expected to take a brief break to grace the opening of the PBA’s 40th season on Sunday. His coach Freddie Roach has given him the go signal to play professional basketball for a few minutes with the Kia Sorentos on opening day.

The Western Pacific Region, including the Philippines, remains free from the Ebola virus.



by Perry [email protected]

PEREZCOPE

When is sovereignty sovereign?

The recent brouhaha over the killing of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, a Filipino transgender,

allegedly by an American marine in a motel in Olangapo has once again brought to the fore the issue of “sovereignty.” Indeed, it’s so convenient to use “sovereignty” for whatever nebulous issues people are complaining about.

It did not then come as a surprise that when the news hit the fan, Filipinos on the left of the political spectrum took to the streets in protest of America’s violation of the Philippines’ sovereignty. But what had one U.S. marine private done to violate the Philippines’ sovereignty?

While it is sad and reprehensible that an American military serviceman has taken the life of a Filipino on Philippine soil, there is an incomprehensible presumption that such incidents are an affront to our sovereignty and a violation of our sovereign rights.

And this begs the question: When is sovereignty sovereign?

According to Oxford Dictionary, “sovereignty” is: (1) supreme power or authority; (2) the authority of a state to govern itself or another state; and (3) a self-governing state. It defines “sovereign” (adjective) as possessing supreme or ultimate power. In simplistic terms, the Philippines is a sovereign republic capable of self-government and possesses supreme authority to govern itself.

But more often than not, “sovereignty” has become a catch-all for everything – or anything – that involves U.S. military personnel in situations that are perceived as violative of our sovereignty. All too often, it involved American servicemen who ran into trouble in a sleazy bar on the outskirts of an American base.

“A date gone wrong”

And that’s what happened on the night of October 11, 2014. U.S. marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was with other servicemen on furlough from ship duty, met Laude at the Ambyanz, a disco bar in Olongapo City.

Before long, Pemberton and Laude left the bar and checked in at a nearby motel. Thirty minutes later, Pemberton left the room and never returned. Later, a housekeeper found Laude’s dead body in the bathroom wrapped in a bed sheet.

A police report indicated that Laude apparently drowned in the toilet. Two condoms were recovered

from the bathroom and DNA tests are now being done.

But what happened next was what caused the leftwing to go berserk: the U.S. took custody of Pemberton. The leftists demanded the scrapping of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). They claimed that VFA was lopsided in favor of the Americans.

Signed in 1999 by both countries, VFA says that the Philippines can prosecute American servicemen in a Philippine court of law, but the U.S. has custody over them “from commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings.” But once a verdict of “guilty” is meted out, a convicted serviceman must serve the sentence in a Philippine prison. Fair enough?

A question of custody

The leftwing said that the “custody” provision of VFA violates the sovereignty of the Philippines. But didn’t the Philippine treaty negotiators agree to the “custody” provision, though? They knew that it was a sensitive political issue that could ignite emotional outburst from the Left, yet the negotiators agreed to that provision.

Thus, the “custody” issue became a cause célèbre for nationalists, leftwing activists, communists, political opportunists, and anybody in between who harbors a grudge against Americans. And like mushrooms, anti-American rallies sprouted overnight

demanding justice for Laude and the termination of VFA and EDCA.

It’s interesting to note that just a year after the U.S. sent an aircraft carrier to Leyte to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, all the good deeds that America did to help thousands of typhoon survivors were rendered meaningless. And all that matters now is the “illegal” custody of U.S. Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is detained in the USS Peleliu, which is moored at the Subic Bay Freeport while the case is pending before a Philippine court.

Chinese imperialism

Now that the leftwing coalition has once again showed its true political color at the slightest tremor in U.S.-Philippine relations, they have turned a blind eye to what is happening to the Philippines’ offshore territories of Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and the Kalayaan Group of Islands in the Spratly Archipelago.

When China grabbed Panganiban Reef in 1994 -- two years after the Philippine Senate unceremoniously evicted the U.S. bases – nobody lifted a finger to stop the Chinese incursion into Philippine territory. In 2012, China took possession of Panatag Shoal and nobody did anything to stop it. Interestingly, just two weeks before the Chinese land grab, President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III vowed to protect Panatag at all cost during his State of the Nation Address

(SONA). Well, China called his bluff and he didn’t do anything.

Recently, China started building artificial islands in the Spratlys including the Mabini (Johnson South) Reef, which is less than 100 miles from Palawan. China is building at least five artificial islands that it will use as unsinkable “aircraft carriers” to project Chinese power all the way to the Second Island Chain from Japan to through to Papua New Guinea and Australia. With five artificial islands with airstrips capable of accommodating bombers and fighter jets, the Philippines would be helplessly indefensible from Chinese invasion. The only deterrence the Philippines has against foreign invasion is American military presence on Philippine soil. But that is iffy right now.

In my article, “What price sovereignty?” (January 20, 2014), I wrote: “Would the Philippines disallow American military presence needed to protect the sovereignty that we hold so dearly? But without U.S. presence, our sovereignty would be exposed to Chinese imperialistic advances. It’s a dilemma that the Philippines has to grapple with. Simply put, the Philippines cannot have it both ways. Sometimes you got to give a little to gain strategic advantage. That’s geopolitics.”

So, when then is sovereignty sovereign? Sovereignty is sovereign when a state has the capability to protect and defend its independence and territorial integrity by whatever means.



Joseph Angeles Admitted to the Alberta BarJoseph Angeles was admitted to the Law Society of Alberta as a full pledged lawyer last Tuesday, October 28, 2014 before the Honourable Judge Janet Dixon. In attendance to the sworn in ceremony included Joseph's parents Dionisio Angeles and Virginia Angeles who flown in from the Philippines just to attend this memorable event. Joseph is married to Katrina Pia blessed with two daughters Olivia Gabrielle Angeles (passed away at the same date she was born) and two year old daughter Alessandra Emma Angeles.

Joseph Angeles completed his Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Special Education at the University of the Philippines (Diliman), Juris Doctor at Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in 2006 and passed the Philippine Bar Examinations on September 2006. He moved to Canada in February of 2010 to join his wife Katrina who is also a lawyer in the Philippines. Before his admission to the Bar, Joseph worked as Conduct Assistant of the Law Society of Alberta (Edmonton Office), Student-at-Law for Macpherson, Leslie & Tyerman LLP (MLT) and now as an Associate Lawyer of the same law firm.

Honourable Judge Janet Dixon recited an extensive citation of Joseph qualifications and background. She is proud and fortunate to preside Joseph's application to the Bar and admired the strength of support and

sacrifice given by Joseph's family. She also admired his involvement to the community and church he belonged to. He is a member of the UP Alumni Association of Alberta, Knights of Columbus Council #12658 in Annunciation Church in Edmonton and the

L-R Judge Janet Dixon, Joseph with his daughter Alessandra, Dionisio Angeles and his wife Virginia (Joseph's parents, and wife Katrina Pia Angeles.

L-R Salvatore N. Amelio, Q.C., Judge Janet Dixon and Joseph

MLT Associates Lawyers

Couples for Christ (Edmonton-West).

To reach Joseph for your legal needs , contact Macpherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP (MLT) Tel. No. 780- 969-3517.

Congratulations Joseph!

Six storey wood buildings; an innovative way to increase housing affordabilityThe City of Calgary announced today it will now be accepting building permit applications for six-storey wood-frame buildings for already approved land use zones. The building code currently limits wood-frame construction to a maximum of four storeys.

“We are looking at innovative ways to make housing more affordable for Calgarians,” says Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Six storey wood buildings are easier and cheaper to build than using other materials, which makes for more affordable homes.”

This decision comes after two years of participating in engagement with industry and responding to public review comments for the National Building Code.

“Other jurisdictions have demonstrated that this efficient and cost-effective building style can be done while also addressing fire safety concerns,” says Marco Civitarese, The City’s Chief Building Official. “Our priority is to keep Calgary competitive in the housing market by giving developers more options when they build.”

Calgary joins jurisdictions in Quebec, British Columbia and on January 1, 2015, Ontario, to allow six storey wood buildings. The City is also taking best practices from these jurisdictions to adopt in Calgary which includes enhanced Fire Safety Plans during construction.

“The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region would like to thank The City of Calgary for their leadership in providing this exciting opportunity to bring more mid-rise multifamily construction to Calgary,” says Amie Blanchette, Director of Government Affairs with CHBA. “This new choice in the marketplace will assist our builders in meeting the steadily increasing demand for safe, quality housing in a variety of forms throughout the city.”

The City of Calgary will be accepting building permit applications for six-storey wood-frame structures immediately using an alternative solution process, to meet the minimum requirements of the Alberta Building Code, until the changes are adopted. View the technical guide and examples at calgary.ca.

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Bamboo’s Edmonton concert was sold-outBy Erlinda Dolly Tan

Bamboo Manalac visited Edmonton and rocked the conference centre of Ramada Hotel at Kingsway Avenue last October 5th in a sold-out concert produced by Panciteria de Manila Restaurant. The room was packed with fans that belong to his generation.

Edmonton was his last stop in what was dubbed as “Bamboo World Tour 2014.” He came from Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Toronto. Fans in Edmonton were very delighted to see their idol on the stage sing and dance to his popular songs Tatsulok, Elesi, Hallelujah, Noypi and Truth.

Bamboo is a 38-year old popular rock star from the Philippines. He is a singer and song writer at the same time. Others refer to him as the “Prince of Philippine Rock.” His presence on the stage can send women screaming in euphoria. Men can sing his songs from memory. He is very popular that he doesn’t

need to use his personal life as teaser to make fans talk about him. In fact, he is a very private person, little is written about his personal background.

He began his career in 1993 as vocalist for the popular band Rivermaya. Then in 2003 he created his own band called Bamboo. In 2011 he decided to pursue a solo career. He is on his own until today. Recently he was picked as one of the judges of “The Voice Philippines.” The show made him even more popular.

The Edmonton concert started with front act performances from Kriss Diva, Crazy Sexy Cool and Simply Acoustic (Michelle). It was hosted by Ode Mangune and Jonathan Sac.

Alberta Filipino Journal was one of the concert’s sponsors in Edmonton. Congratulations to Panciteria de Manila Restaurant for a successful and well organized concert!

Photos by Dario JuanilloPromoter Bayani and Lynn Alcantara of Panciteria de Manila with Bamboo

October 2014 The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada 9


Katrina Lagos (centre) celebrated her first birthday in Canada with friends at the Bernal’s residence on October 10, 2014.

Mariah Bernal daughter of Arlene and Arne celebrated her 7th Birthday at the Greenfield Community Hall, Edmonton.

You have opinions. The City of Calgary wants to hear them.The City of Calgary is looking for Calgarians to join Citizens’ View – The City’s new online research panel.

Citizens’ View is a timely and cost-effective tool that will make it easier for citizens to share their views about life in Calgary. Calgarians who join the panel will have the opportunity to participate in surveys and discussions on topics that matter to them and understand how their input is used.

“The magic of public service lies in our ability to deliver what citizens require now as well as preparing for what they will need in the future,” said Jeff Fielding, City Manager. “Citizens’ View will help The City gauge opinions about our programs and services. It will also provide us with valuable information essential to meeting the community’s long-term aspirations.”

Citizens’ View is a Transforming Government initiative that will complement The City’s existing research and engagement tools, making

information sharing more transparent, accessible and interactive for citizens.

“Creating an even better Calgary takes all of us—not just government,” said Mayor Nenshi. “Citizens are the key to improving our communities and creating the best programs and services for our city. Calgarians are the experts in their lives and I encourage them to share their thoughts about life in Calgary by registering at citizensview.ca.”

While The City of Calgary is not the first Canadian municipality to launch an online panel, The City hopes to attract a diverse and active panel with more than 4,000 Calgarians. Members can expect to participate in surveys approximately once or twice per month; join interactive, online discussions; and receive information and updates on upcoming City events and service improvements.

Calgarians 18 years and older can register at www.citizensview.ca.

Lawrence Toet, MP (Elmwood–Transcona) shares news of Canada’s new annual immigration planMember of Parliament Lawrence Toet (Elmwood-Transcona) is pleased to share news of the Government of Canada’s new 2015 Immigration Levels Plan, which features significant reforms to the Caregiver Program along with the highest planned level of overall admissions in recent history.

The Government of Canada is planning to welcome between 260,000 and 285,000 new permanent residents in 2015, an increase of approximately 19,000 planned admissions over last year.

These higher levels respond to the Government’s strategy of supporting economic growth by addressing labour and skills shortages, as well as helping to ensure labour force growth. The economic category will account for the largest segment of the 2015 levels plan, at almost 65 percent of overall admissions. The remaining 35 percent will consist of family class immigrants, refugees, and others admitted under humanitarian programs.

This plan will also feature changes

to the Caregiver Program, which include ending the live-in requirement and providing eligible caregivers with two pathways that will lead to permanent residence. One pathway features criteria for child care providers that are very similar to current requirements, but without the need for the caregiver to live in the home of their employer.

In addition, caregivers in a variety of health care occupations, including registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates, and home support workers will also have a pathway to permanent residence.

“Our Government values the important contributions of caregivers and is committed to protecting the integrity of the Caregiver Program, while improving processing times and reducing backlogs for all permanent resident applications,” said MP Toet. “We will continue to take action to improve Canada’s immigration system by making it more effective and better suited to our country’s needs.”

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Filipino Journal is the no.1 Filipino-Canadian Newspaper in Alberta that published 10,000 copies once a month. We are the largest and fastest growing Filipino-Canadian newspaper, with 70,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers. With a unique message that will attract readers and consumers. Advertising your products and services is one of the most strategic business decisions you can make.

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October 2014 11



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October 2014The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada16


Palabok House Delivers A Sold Out "Star Magic's One Magical Night"by Jun Angeles

The sound inside the dome at the Rivercree Resort & Casino was deafening

everytime the name of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo's name were announced. The tandem of these two tennie boppers is so great that even as young as three year old kids braved the venue with their parents to see the much awaited love team known to fans as "Kathniel ". Star Magic's ONE MAGICAL NIGHT INDEED WAS SOLD OUT weeks before the show. Is the venue too small to fit the crowd of shrieking fans that lined out the door hours before the start of the show. The package included Kim Chiu multi-talented actress that just recently concluded the tele-serye series Ïkaw Lamang" with Coco Martin. Kim Chiu's appearance added the "icing on the çake". She danced and sang to the delight of her fans.

Marcelito Pomoy the grand winner of the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent 2011 with his talented dual voice dubbed

as "A Man With A Golden Female Voice" came to stage very confident and composed compared to last time he came to Edmonton. Of course not only he did sing the "The Prayer", the song that he made famous singing in a tenor and soprano voice but he also joked and entertained the crowd with his sense of humour.

And what is the show without laughter and this time comedienne John Lapus known simply as "Sweet" tagged along with his entertaining jokes. His one act show dressed in a bridal gown was hilarious enough to make you cry out in laughter.

Overall the show can accommodate more people given a larger venue and price wise it is cheap enough for this kind of package. The males and females dancers of Karilagan Dance Society were gorgeous enough to background the stars. And oh yes, thanks to the security guards who handed some of those ear plugs that saved a lot of ear drums. A magical evening indeed on a Saturday of October 25, 2014.

Kathryn Bernardo

John LapusDaniel Padilla Marcelito Pomoy

Photos by Christian Bagasan & Jomari DenuroSponsors on stage

Kim Chiiu with Karilagan Dancers Society Dancers

Kathryn & Daniel with young fans



by aLfie vera mella [email protected]

Sa Bawat Pahina ng Literatura

Halina’tMagbugtungan

Tayo(Not Only in the

Philippines)

One of my Filipino coworkers asked me if bugtong may be found

only in our culture. I said no. I told her that this figure speech or literary device is simply Philippine Literature’s or the Filipino culture’s counterpart of what is known in English as riddle.

A riddle is a statement, question, or phrase that has a double or veiled meaning, put forth as a puzzle to be solved. Riddles occur extensively in Old English poetry but were not exclusive to the Anglo-Saxons and Old Norse. They are actually an ancient and common cultural phenomenon found in countless cultures that include Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, American Indian, Chinese, Russian, and Filipino. Also, the best riddles are those that are expressed in metaphorical language and carry a playful yet witty tone and which require ingenuity and careful thinking for their solution.

Examples of bugtong or Filipino riddles with English translations:

1) Hindi hari, hindi pariang suot ay sari-sari.(sampayan)

Not a king nor a priestbut dresses for a feast.(clothesline)

2) Biglang nagtago si PedroPero nakalabas ang ulo.(pako)

Suddenly Peter tried to hide,But his head is clearly in sight.(nail)

3) Bastong hindi mahawak-hawakan, sinturong walang mapaggamit-gamitan(ahas)

A cane that could not be touched,A belt that could not be used(snake)

The Last LeafEngaging in bugtungan or

in a game of riddles is not only a worthwhile pastime; it could be regarded also as an activity that sharpens the wit of a person. It is also one way of developing an interest in traditional poetry, as riddles almost always involve rhyming.

Poblete receives Rizal Pro Patria AwardSir George R. Poblete, received the much coveted Rizal Pro Patria Award from Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander, Sir Jeremias ‘Jerry’ Singson in Cleveland, Ohio, during the KOR 5th USA General Assembly recently. This Patriotic Award is given to an individual by the President of the Philippines to an individual – Filipino or foreigner alike, who has rendered outstanding work in stimulating and encouraging works towards the Rizalian concept of love of country and fulfillment of our duties of citizenship; achieving meritorious individual advancement in the various professions, or promoting, teaching, and disseminating the same through proven competence leading to the general benefit of

the individual, the community, and the country at large in the light of Rizal’s teachings and way of life; or promoting and encouraging civic and citizenship responsibility as model citizens, as promulgated by Executive Order No. 429, issued by the President of the Philippines, Carlos P. Garcia, on June 2, 1961.

Poblete holds the degree KGCR, the highest rank awarded to a Knight in the Order of the Knights of Rizal, a fraternal organization whose members aim to to study, promote and propagate the teachings of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, and to preserve, honor and revere his memory. The civic , non-sectarian, non-partisan fraternity, with headquarters in Manila,

Philippines, has a membership of about 14,000 from all over the

world. *** (Fe Paca-Taduran, St. Jamestown News Service)***

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

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

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

H o r o s c o p e

Volunteer Photographers WantedCalgary, Edmonton, Red Deer & Fort McMurray

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

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

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

As far as compensation is concerned, we’re offering several options and considerations:1. promotional compensation with photo credits on all photography used in our print and online editions.3. advertising compensation with supporting photography services ad in our print edition.4. royalties on any photographs sold through our website (in development).

Interested photographers can submit their name and portfolio [email protected]

A key relationship could get even cozier, If you need to negotiate a deal or be extra diplomatic, you'll find it easier to be so. Lucky opportunities may show up, too, so keep your eyes peeled. However, the weekend needs a little more care, as you could have a difference of opinion with someone in authority.

Take some quiet time for yourself, do something you love, and learn something important about you. It could be a sweet, peaceful weekend with generous give and take. Talk little, listen a lot, and don't cling to anything for old time's sake.

This is the best period for you to reach an important goal and claim the success you deserve. Be on the lookout for an offer that could make a positive difference to your plans. Plus, you're in the perfect situation to close deals and negotiate opportunities.

Career opportunities and financial affairs may perk up early in this period, so keep an eye out for an unexpected yet very welcome offer. Matters on the home front seem pleasantly relaxed, you may feel motivated to do more entertaining or invite guests to stay and enjoy your cozy comforts.

Regarding new ideas and enterprising opportunities, you may be able to cherry-pick one or two special ones this week. The willingness to take a risk could pay off, especially if you're starting a business or expanding one you already have.

People may offer to help you, and they'll be helping themselves just as much. Be the catalyst for goodwill and get problems solved at the same time. People may be more agreeable and sensible all week long, especially at work, motivating more good feelings.

Watch for sparks to fly in your love life. Watch for sparks to fly in your love life. The head and heart rarely work this well together. Enjoy your rational decisions getting your emotional vote of confidence. Think about your image and get a makeover.

You're in a natural phase when it helps to relax and recharge. Don't do anything too risky during this period. Your softer, sweeter side can find a tough-as-nails way to express itself, and you can greatly impress absolutely everybody.

If you're seeking a love adventure, hang on to your hat because a sizzling experience may be coming your way. Your social life heats up enhancing your chance of fun get-togethers, parties, and celebrations. Have a blast, do some new, creative things, but don't gamble away everything on a moment's brief pleasure.

You may hear about unexpected moneymaking opportunities, and you could have success with various negotiations, too. The week ahead spotlights career issues and the value of mixing with folks who may be able to help your cause. You might hit a wall if you're trying to arrange an evening out. A little ingenuity could save the occasion.

This week might contain other surprises, too, as the people you connect with seem to have your best interests at heart. Open your eyes and heart how to connect better with people. Whether it's from loved ones at a distance or humanity at large, you can get a spiritual insight.

Work and career opportunities continue to look positive, so much so that you may be tempted to make a bold move. If an offer comes your way, this isn't the time to dither - it might not be around long. Your best bet is to run with it and learn as you go. You might be tempted to splurge on luxuries or invest in art or beautiful items just for the sake of having lovely things around you.

PAHALANG PABABA1 Bagal6 Sandata11 Kumbinsi12 Pang nasasakupan:Ingles13 Malubhang krimen15 Gapas16 Ayos17 Bundok sa Mindanao18 Santa19 Komedyante21 Pananong23 Arts and Science24 Halamang medisina

1 Tamo2 A.M.3 Maki: tagapagbalita4 Alyas5 Ligaw6 Pangalang babae7 Iridium: sagisag8 Gisantes: Ingles9 Tuyo10 Propeta14 Ipawasak20 ____, plata, mata

22 Apelyedong Intsik25 Tauhan sa Biblia26 Panugtog27 Karakter sa Biblia28 Dulang paawit31 Adarna: Aktres32 Animal: plural34 Apelyedong Intsik36 Girl's name40 Savings: daglat42 Half Year

27 Commanding Officer29 Isabel: Aktres30 Palayaw ng lalake33 Madaling matuto: Ingles35 Bago37 Palayaw ng babae38 Miserables39 Apula41 Filibusterismo43 Palayaw ng babae44 Parte ng bahay45 Cosmetic's brand: plural



http://www.dailysudoku.com/

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by Erlinda Dolly [email protected]

A maple-coated Filipino Heart

The way to a better life in Canada is to go back to school

The biggest challenge an immigrant encounters in Canada, next to homesickness,

is to find work – office work.Many are asking how to land

an office job here. Some say they have a 4-year degree course from the Philippines but no one called them for interview. A friend of mine just got her Open Visa status, she confided that she doesn’t want to do blue-collar jobs anymore. She’s tired of standing up eight straight hours a day. She also dreams of working in the office, she said.

Another friend who works as dietician, vented to me that her body is now tired from the very cold temperature inside the freezer. The freezer is like her office, where she prepares the food for hospital patients. After six years as dietician, she wants something different - if only she can find an office job.

When I am asked that question, I always tell them the same. The way to a better life in Canada is to go back to school. If there is an opportunity to go back, please I say, grab it. Some of us have two jobs, even three, but that’s not the solution. Get a Canadian education and upgrade, that’s the way to compete in the market. (I’m not counting skilled jobs like pipe fitters, welders and machine operators – they have a different story.) It may not be a 4-year course, short courses will do. A good office job earns twice as much as a service job.

Let’s face it, our diploma in the Philippines is not recognized here. It’s not about discrimination, it’s just part of the Canadian educational system. Take this for example, my friend graduated nursing cum laude in the Philippines. She was top-3 in the nursing board exam. She moved to the US and worked there as nurse. She became a US citizen. Ten years later, she moved to Canada. Ironically, she is not recognized as nurse here. To practice, she needs to go back to school or challenge the test. Her ten years experience in the US didn’t matter in Canada.

True storiesI have interviewed two Filipino-

Canadians with stories worth sharing. Their determination and endurance are remarkable. Where they are today, might be where you will be few years from now – if you pursue your dreams to better yourself in Canada.

Michelle Umali Michelle arrived in Canada

in 2006 from Hong Kong. Her first job was as caregiver in Fort McMurray. She finished an Associate in Computer Technology in the Philippines. While working as caregiver, it was always at the back

of her mind that one day she will go back to school and upgrade.

Well, that day came. She became a permanent resident and went back to school through a student loan. She took up Medical Office Assistant at CDI College for 11 months. It was not easy, she had a 3-month old baby and a 3-year old daughter when she started studying. Fortunately she got family support, they took care of her children when she was in school.

One of the biggest challenges she faced was, her 3-month old baby didn’t want to take formula. She only wanted milk from her mother. So before Michelle goes to school, she would pump milk for her baby’s consumption. Only mothers know how difficult that is. She would come home from school tired, but she had to show energy as her two daughters were waiting. She would sleep very late at night, she said studying medical terminologies she had not encountered before was no joke.

Money was tight since her husband was the only one working. Yet, despite being short they would still send money to family in the Philippines. Then an unexpected challenge came. As Michelle was doing her practicum at Grey Nuns Community Hospital, she became pregnant with their third child. Her schedule at the hospital was 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

But time went by fast. Before she knew it, 11 months was over, it was time to graduate. Today, Michelle works as Medical Office Assistant in a clinic at Mill Woods. “I love my job and I love serving the public,” she says. “There is room for growth. I know I will enhance my knowledge because I am surrounded by doctors, nurses and dietician.” She also feels that she gets a different kind of respect today, something she had not experienced before. Asked what is her advise to new immigrants, Michelle has this to say: “Age doesn’t matter when it comes to dreaming. Look at me, I was not young when I went back to school but I got what I wanted!” She believes in the old saying, “If others can, why can’t I?” And lastly, “Pray always and ask guidance from the Lord.”

Angelita MasayonAngie, as she is called by

friends, moved to Canada with her family in 2003. She has three

children aged 16, 20 and 28 today. Vermillion was their first home in Alberta. Angie worked as Health Care aide in a homecare setting. She was lucky to get that job without any certificate from a Canadian school. Usually a homecare would require one.

In 2005, they moved to Edmonton. Angie had a hard time looking for the same job in the city. So she settled for individual healthcare but the job needed heavy lifting. She admits it was not easy to do. That’s when she decided to go back to school with the encouragement of her husband. I think the support from her husband was a vital part. This should be a marital decision because this entails sacrifice from both.

Angie took up Office Specialist program with Advance Booking at Campbell College. It was a 10-month course with 2-month practicum. She said studying in Canada is rigid. Words from her: “When I came home from school, I had to prepare dinner for the family, wash the dishes then see to it that my children were also doing their

homework before doing my own reading and homework. I'll be happy if I had five hours of sleep. The next day I had to wake up early to prepare breakfast and baon for everybody.”

Then, their budget was tight since there was only one source of income in the family. Angie said, “I really had to tighten my spending as we had mortgage to pay. No mall shopping, only grocery shopping. We only bought what we needed as I didn’t want to max up our credit card.”

But all the hardships and sacrifices paid off. Right after graduating, Angie landed a job with the Government of Alberta–Justice and Solicitor General. Until today, she works at the courthouse under the Family Law Centre. Asked if going back to school was worth it, she was quick to answer “Yes. One year of sacrifice was all worth it.” She said it’s not a very high paying job but the job security is guaranteed.

What’s her message to new immigrants in Canada? Three words: “Patience, patience and patience.” She explains that life in Canada is not what we expected when we

were still in the Philippines. She said, “To start from scratch we have to sacrifice our pride. Imagine we arrived here as professionals, only to land a menial job! That’s what I meant by patience. And of course, the power of prayer will help a lot, so don't forget to pray.”

And being an employee of the courthouse, she has something more to say: “Because of our freedom here, I've seen a lot of marriage breakups. It affects me to see many Filipinos filing for divorce. If only I could, I will not process their divorce papers, it's so heartbreaking to know families are splitting apart. I feel for the children involved in the breakdown of marriage.”

Just do itAnd that ends my column for

this month. Michelle and Angie said it all. I won’t add anything more to their words of wisdom – they know better, way better. They were there. They have gone through some experiences only them know what it’s like. But allow me to reiterate, if you have the chance to go back to school, do it. Just do it.



Lito Mendoza [email protected]

Lito Velasco, Bachelor of Arts in PhilosophyA homoviator, a catalyst of change. He moves in the light of his Philosophical, Political and Theological backgrounds. He loves challenges and believes he learns and improves his critical thinking from those challenges.

Lesson-Driven Perspective

Group Celebrates Consular Campaign Success, To Remain Vigilant Vs Other Migrant Issues

The Filipino community is reaping the fruits of their labor after more than a year of

dedicated hard work for the campaign calling for a permanent consular office in Alberta.

Philippines’ Gabriela Women’s Party representatives Luz Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus co-authored House Bill 4971, "An Act Creating a Full Consular Office in Alberta, Canada and Providing for Funds Therefore."

In an Oct. 7th letter, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Legislative Liaison Unit responded to Ilagan saying “the Department sees the merit of opening a full-time Consulate General in Calgary given the number of Filipinos in the area as well as its physical distance from Vancouver, Canada” and “shall be considered in 2016 after a universal review of our network of Foreign Service Posts during the DFA Strategic Plan Review in 2015.”

Until the establishment of a permanent consular office, DFA also stated in the same letter that “the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver will increase the frequency of consular outreach missions to Calgary and its surrounding areas in order to address the consular needs of Filipinos in the area.”

Alberta is home to over 100,000 Filipinos, including permanent residents and temporary foreign workers.

In a separate letter dated Sept. 22, Philippine Senator Grace Poe conveyed to Migrante Canada chairperson Tess Agustin the DFA’s response to her that indicated the foreign affairs office is considering the request to open consular offices in Calgary and Winnipeg in 2016, following a review of its existing foreign posts around the world. The office of Senator Poe is one of the politicians that Migrante lobbied for assistance in their campaign.

“The hard work of Migrante Alberta members, the members of the Coalition and our community supporters made this happen,” said Marco Luciano, Secretary General of Migrante Canada, in an email to the members of the Coalition to Open a Consular Office in Alberta. “The realization of this campaign is our victory and our community's victory.”

Hard Work

Migrante Alberta kicked off the campaign through a petition at the group’s formal launch in August 2013. A coalition to open a consular office was formed after successful community fora in Edmonton and Calgary in the fall of 2013. Since

August 2013, the coalition was able to collect and send about 7,000 signatures to DFA.

In June 2014, coalition members and individual supporters mailed campaign postcards to DFA’s office in Manila. In July, the coalition sent a hundred of letters to the 35 members of the Congressional Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, 49 members of the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs and three (3) senators sympathetic to the group’s campaign. The campaign was closely coordinated with the international alliance Migrante International and Migrante Sectoral Party based in the Philippines.

Migrante Alberta also maximized social networking by initiating the “Selfie Project” in February of this year. Supporterspost their selfies with their personal signage calling to open a consular office in Alberta on the Consular Campaign Facebook Page or through an email to [email protected].

Worsening conditionMeanwhile, Luciano said that

the consular campaign is not yet over until an actual office and official is in place in Alberta. “We need to continue to be vigilant so this should not turn into a ‘broken promise,’” he said.

Luciano added that the assistance of the Philippine government is much needed as temporary foreign workers (TFWs) expect to face the ill-effects of the changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers’ Program. In July 2014, the federal government announced changes to the TFW program which included a two-year stay cap for “low skilled workers” and higher fee that employers have to pay for hiring a TFW, among others.

Worse, foreign workers who came to Canada on or before April 2011 who failed to obtain permanent resident status by April 2015 will have to leave Canada, as a result of the four-year cap set by the old TFW program. Migrante predicts that this will result to mass removal of TFWs or an army of undocumented workers.

“We will continue to put pressure to the Philippine government to make sure it prioritizes Alberta as the situation of TFWs worsens,” said Luciano.

OAV budget cut

As Migrante Alberta celebrates the victory on the progress of the consular campaign, the group remains vigilant about other migrant concerns.

Migrante Alberta condemned the scrapping of the overseas absentee voting (OAV) in the 2015 budget.

During the budget hearing in the House of Representatives on September 25, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said its proposed budget for OAV registration was not included by the DBM in the Comelec’s 2015 budget in the National Expenditure Program.

“This is an utmost violation of the democratic rights of Filipino nationals living outside the Philippines,” said Luciano. The Overseas Absentee Voting Act, considered a milestone upon its passage in 2003, recognized the right of Filipino migrants to vote.

History of disenfranchisement

Despite the billions of dollars migrant Filipinos send back home that keep the Philippine economy

afloat, migrant Filipinos and their families don’t get the service they deserve.

Luciano said that this was not the first time migrant Filipinos experienced disenfranchisement by the Philippine government.

Over the election years, the Philippine government had allocated meager budget for the OAV: P52.8 million for the 2004 Elections; P43.414 million for 2010; and P43.4 million for 2013.

Recently, Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, appropriations committee chairman, said that his committee will include “a small amount” in the 2015 budget for the OAV, “whether it is P1 million, P5 million or P10 million.” Earlier, DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad tried to shift the ire of the migrant Filipinos by saying that the necessary funding for OAV requirements will be coming out of Comelec savings.

“The Filipino migrants don’t need band aid solutions nor consolation acts, specially from Abad who is allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam,” said Luciano. “OAV

budget is not dispensable funds, nor are migrant Filipinos!”

As a result, the low OAV turnout only reflects the inefficient system that the insufficient funding has caused to the full exercise of this basic right. OAV statistical data in the 2004 Elections showed there were only 233,138 actual voters out of the 359,296 registered voters, only 81,732 came out to vote out of the 504,124 registered voters in 2007 Elections, and, only 153,830 voted out of the 589,830 OFWs who registered for the 2010 National Elections.

In 2009, the registration period was two months shorter of the original plan. The registration period was postponed to start on February 1, 2009 instead of the originally planned start date of December 1, 2008 to ensure that the embassies and consulates have enough time to prepare.

Moreover in 2013, the Comelec removed the names of more than 238,000 overseas Filipino voters from its voters list. The reason for the de-registration of these overseas absentee voters (OAV) was that they

failed “to notify the commission of their intent to vote on May 13″ despite being given the opportunity to have their names retained in the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters.

“The Philippine government continues to politically marginalise overseas Filipinos who always save the sinking Philippine economy,” said Luciano. “This has to stop, and it has to stop, now!”

Globally, dollar remittances from Filipinos reached $21 billion in 2013. Filipinos in Canada alone have been sending an annual average of $2 billion in remittances.

“The Philippine government continues to coddle its officials who have been implicated in plundering millions of funds while turning a blind eye to sectors in need like migrants,” Luciano added.

Migrante Alberta vows to continue to be vigilant in protecting migrant rights, alongside other migrant groups under the banner of Migrante International and its chapter Migrante Canada.

Below is the decision being made in the Philippine Congress. This was achieved through the initiative of the Migrante Albeta headed by Marco Luciano, as he and the other partnering concerned Filipino and non-Filipino groups listened to the grievances of the affected individuals here in Alberta.

LESSONS:1. "Salus populi suprema est lex - The welfare of the people is the supreme law."2. The weak and the needy shall always be protected.3. If we move forward together, success will surely take care of itself.

Contributed by Jess Lagman

October 2014 The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada 21

by Gem & Lita Anis


Highlights of Berlin (Part II)

In Berlin, the historic capital of Germany and its largest city of 3.5 million people, you'll

never run out of places to discover and explore.

Our guided walking tour goes through the cityscape of magnificent squares ("platz"), parks, memorials, and buildings of old and contemporary architecture. Visited early as top priority of the day, the symbolic Brandenburg Gate and the nostalgic but "notorious" Berlin Wall are unforgettable!

The city is home also to more than 170 museums and art galleries. Although Germalde Gallery is one of the most popular with its huge collections of artwork by the European artists of the 13th to 18th century the Museum Island complex , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of five world-renowned museums Altes (Old Museum), Neues (New Museum), Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), Bode,

and Pergamon, still remains as the focal point of the diverse art scene in Berlin. Actually, Berlin is a museum by itself!

One block to the north of Brandenburg Gate stands the impressive Reichstag building, the seat of the German Parliament called the "Bundestag" with its members of directly elected representatives of the people of Germany. Free admission allows you into this architectural landmark to reach its large glass dome at the top, its roof terrace and its restaurant.

From the Reichstag take a stroll along the city's grandest boulevard, "Unter den Linden" (under the lindens), named for its linden (lime) trees planted more than three-and-a-half centuries ago. Along the grassed pedestrian mall you'll find a number of historic sites including the famous Humboldt University and the German National Museum. At the centre of the Ùnter is

Gem & Lita at the Holocaust Memorial

Gem & Lita at the Reichstag

the equestrian statue of King Friedrich Wilhelm II.

Located one block south of the Gate is the Holocaust Memorial, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Consisting of geometrically arranged gravestone-like concrete slabs (called `stelae`) in grey colour reminiscent of ash that are spread over the big sloping field the Holocaust Memorial honours and remembers the 6 million Jews the genocide of which was organised in Berlin during the Second World War. Built in 2003-2004, the Memorial was designed by American architect Peter Eisenman and Engr. Buro Happold. You can enter from all four sides and walk along the path between rows of the tall concrete pillars (`stelae`) and feel the memorial`s resemblance to a solitary cemetery. Anyway, the `Memorial attempts to present a new idea of memory as distinct from nostalgia`.

An underground information centre studies the Nazi system of extermination of the Jews.

If you are a history buff no trip to Berlin would be complete without visiting `Checkpoint Charlie`, the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the height of the Cold War (a period of conflict, tension and competition between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, from 1947-1991). At

this location a confrontation (standoff) occurred, known in international politics as the `Berlin Crisis of 1961` between 10 Soviet tanks and equal number of American tanks both ready to retaliate against each other. The crisis was however peacefully resolved following a US-Soviet

understanding to withdraw the tanks.

We`ll end up our guided tour of Berlin on the 05-20, November 2014 issue. God bless.

TRIVIA: You cannot invent a name nor can the name be gender ambiguous in Berlin and Germany. That`s the law!

Calgary Fire Department maintains international accreditation

Ebola Phishing Scams and Malware Campaigns

The Calgary Fire Department has once again received accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), proving it remains an international leader. Since first achieving accreditation 15 years ago, the Calgary Fire Department has continually demonstrated it operates above professional standards to provide excellent emergency services to the community.

In 1999, the Calgary Fire Department became the first Canadian fire service to receive the five-year accreditation with CFAI and is one of only seven Canadian fire departments to have received this prestigious designation. The CFAI, which offers education and credentialing services for first responder and fire service professionals and agencies, accredited the Calgary

The Calgary Police Service would like to remind Calgarians to be cautious of scams originating online and through email, especially those referencing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The Service has not yet received any reports of phishing scams related to EVD, but is asking citizens to remain vigilant following an advisory from the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC). The NCCIC is a cyber-situational awareness, incident response, and management center run by the department of Homeland Security.

These phishing scams often contain links directing users to websites that collect personal and login information, and in some cases may contain malicious attachments.Calgarians are reminded of the following tips when online:• Never open email attachments or links from unknown sources.

Fire Department in 2004, 2009, and now again in 2014.

“The Calgary Fire Department’s vision is to be an international fire service leader, and maintaining accredited status is one way we can measure this success,” said Calgary Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc. “This significant achievement would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of all our employees. I’m very proud of everyone’s dedication to both the community and to working towards and exceeding professional benchmarks.”

During its review, CFAI assessed the Calgary Fire Department on over 250 performance indicators and core competencies. The CFAI also congratulated the Calgary Fire Department for its many best practices.

Not only does accreditation help the Calgary Fire Department identify and develop best practices and assess the fire risks and safety needs of the city, it also provides information for budgeting and business planning.

“We are proud to serve our community and we work hard every day to earn the public’s confidence in our fire and emergency response services. Achieving accreditation is one way to reassure Calgarians that their Fire Department operates professionally and efficiently,” said Fire Chief Uzeloc.

The Calgary Fire Department regularly conducts reviews, audits and evaluations, not only to gauge its efficiency, effectiveness and quality of service, but to continually look for ways to improve and ensure citizens receive the best service. For more information on the Calgary Fire Department visit www.calgary.ca/fire.

• Be suspicious of emails asking for passwords or personal information.• Use an anti-virus program, firewall, spam blocker and anti-spyware technology.• Do not send sensitive photographs, personal, financial or confidential information via email.• Report unsolicited, harassing or offensive email to the internet service provider or customer service department of the source’s email.

If you have been the victim of an email scam, have suffered a loss and are aware of the possible suspect, please call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 to make a report.

If you have received communication that you think may be a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report your suspicions. A report can be filed online atwww.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or via phone at 1-888-495-8501.

filipino journal alberta edition october 2014

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