Filipino Journal Alberta Edition May - June 2016

Organizing Group

Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Volume 8, Number 6 • May - June 2016 FREE COPY

Meet & Greet with the Honorable Consul Generalof Alberta & Saskatchewan

The Filipino Fiesta Committee with Chairman Tony Santiago.

L-R Consul General Julius Torres; Lulu Bernal COPAA secretary; Dr. Josie Pallard, Tessie Oliva, Wilf Ladores, recipients; and Jun Angeles COPAA president.

First Ever Edmonton Filipino Fiesta Warms Many Hearts

Congress (COPAA) Recognizes and Honors Pillars for over 40 Years of Community Service

Filipino Author Publishes TwoBi-lingual Children’s Books

Page 4 ►Pages 8, 15 ►

Page 13 ►

Page 14 ► Page 10 ►First Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Wetaskiwin

COPAA: Coordinating and Uniting rather than Competing

Page 3 ►

FilipinoJournal.comAll photos & articles available online!

May - June 20162 The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

May - June 2016 3

FilipinoJournal.comLet's get social

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

First Philippine Independence Day Celebration in WetaskiwinThe newly formed Wetaskiwin Filipino Community Foundation in Wetaskiwin held its first Philippine Independence Celebration on

Saturday evening June 11, 2016 under the Presidency of Manolito Calina. One of their main guest speakers is the newly assigned

first Consul General of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Julius Torres. Despite of his heavy schedule the Consul General was able to

attend the evening affair. Father Nilo Macapinlac parish priest of the Sacred Heart Church was instrumental in the realization of

this affair. All the dignitaries of all levels of government were present to celebrate the commemoration of the 118 Philippine Independence Day.

May - June 2016The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada4


First Ever Edmonton Filipino Fiesta Warms Many Hearts “Singing Lupang Hinirang along with hundreds of other voices gave me goose bumps. We all felt a sense of belonging and nationalism...and I simply could not help but cry.” The sentiments of Kuya Dodong from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta were echoed in the hearts of many other Filipinos who braved the gray and gloomy weather to attend the first ever Edmonton Filipino Fiesta. The event which took place on June 11 and 12 in Churchill Square was attended by approximately 6,000 people. Indeed,

By Filipino Fiesta Organizers

while rain persisted over the weekend, it was not enough to stop the Filipino fiesta spirit from shining through - the overall atmosphere was fun, festive, and friendly all around.

"We have been in Canada for a very long time, and being at the fiesta surrounded by many kababayans, in a sea of smiles - people from all walks of life, from different generations, many organizations - this made us finally feel at home,” said another fiesta-goer. “As a TFW, it made me cry and I felt proud to be a Pinoy in a foreign land.”

A Filipino Fiesta celebration in Edmonton has been a long time coming. Filipinos have been in this city for over five decades and there have been numerous attempts at staging large events to promote our heritage. No previous plans have ever been of this magnitude and none has been sustained beyond a one-time occurrence. The organizers of the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta have vowed to make this an annual event - a yearly celebration of Filipino culture and traditions that will not only add to the city’s diverse summer festival scene but also highlight our community’s contributions to Edmonton’s economic and social mosaic.

The Fiesta featured entertainment that appealed to all ages. The talent showcase featured many performances of song and dance, both traditional and contemporary. There

was Filipino ethnic dance and folk music, hip hop, rap, rock and pop; there was also a beauty pageant and participation from the Filipino LGBT community. The most talked about item from the weekend, however, was the exciting parade that circled around Churchill Square! The parade saw about 600 people from 19 different Filipino organizations, including the towering colorful higantes figures, marching and dancing in the plaza to lively fiesta music!

Representatives from all levels of government dropped by to show their support to the inaugural event. A variety of food and merchandise kiosks were on hand for the public. The free of charge family area was complete with bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts, and storytelling; there were also “Proud to be Pinoy” stickers and sipa (Filipino street hacky sack) distributed all around to happy fiesta goers. There was even a First Aid Station and ambulance on stand-by. All in all, the Filipino Fiesta was a very well organized event, providing a truly festive atmosphere in a safe and well-contained environment.

One of the most important takeaways from the fiesta was the strong presence from the Filipino youth, on the fiesta stage as singers and dancers but also as patrons throughout the weekend. They came in droves and heartily embraced the spirit of the event. It was wonderful to observe their energy and excitement during the performances and heartwarming to witness the respect they extended to elders that they encountered. Children, teens, and young adults showed utmost appreciation for what was taking place before their eyes - the first of many fiestas that are to take place in their lifetime! This is a

hopeful sign that the fiesta is here to stay and that the future of the Filipino community in Edmonton is secure in their hands.

The high attendance and level of participation are very encouraging to the organizers who planned and conceptualized this event in only four months and with a very modest budget. It would not have been possible without the support of the many volunteers and performers who gave their time and energy for free. It was a collaborative process from the start. The overall chairperson, Tony Santiago, reached out to many Filipino organizations, fully realizing that something this big can only happen if groups worked together. There are some groups who deserve special mention: Pekiti Tirsia Kali was represented by Herald Casana who directed and managed logistics and site planning, as well as coordinated with the City of Edmonton; The Lucila Project was represented by Jojo and Ida Lucila who led and coordinated the parade and entertainment programs respectively; the University of the Philippines Alumni Edmonton was represented by Mila Philipzig and Albert Rosana who organized the very popular family zone, including the sipa and stickers giveaways. Jeanette Dotimas coordinated media relations for the Fiesta and reached out to Filipinos and Edmontonians through social media; Hermo Pagtakhan was as Community Relations lead and actively promoted the event via social networking; Timpuyog was represented by Warren Duclan who took care of site security, set up and clean up; and the Free Masons represented by Ariel Pascual and Carlos Lorena, who were in-charge of

volunteers and finance respectively. These are the people who worked closely with Tony Santiago to get this fiesta off the ground, and they would like to extend their thanks for the overwhelming show of both support and appreciation coming from all directions, from various groups and individuals within and beyond the Filipino community.

Where do we go from here? Next year will definitely see a bigger and better Filipino fiesta. Not only is this the intent of the organizers, but various organizations and individuals have reached out to the organizers and signaled their intent to collaborate towards this goal. The Fiesta is a clear example of what the Filipino community in Edmonton can achieve if we stay focused and be supportive of each other’s projects and activities, and positively channel our differences and diversity positively. It can also serve as a wake-up call for Filipinos to be more active and visible in Edmonton, to be more organized and work more together so we can articulate our collective needs and wants to the relevant city, provincial, federal government officials.

In staging the fiesta, the organizers have goals beyond pure fun and entertainment - we envisage that through this annual event, a Filipino platform will open hundreds of opportunities for our fellow kababayans such as showcasing young and aspiring talents, bringing attention to small and medium-scale businesses, building excellent support networks and ultimately, fostering a unified Filipino people moving forward as we continue to grow as a vibrant, active community in this fine city.

Tony Santiago Chairperson

Photos by: Dario Photography

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, CanadaMay - June 2016 5


Filipino Senior Citizens Association of Edmonton (FSCA)... Fun... Busy as Bees!June 9th to June 11th, 2016, with the leadership of the president , Joyce Dizon, assisted by the vice president, Lucy Manuntag, the Filipino Seniors embarked on a fun and educational bus excursion. Everyone enjoyed the magnificent and wondrous creation of nature, travelling down the world-famous Icefields Parkway through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. This world-class journey offers access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers and broad sweeping valleys. The seniors visited the awesome Maligne Canyon and experienced the all-new Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform 918 feet over waterfalls, wildlife, fossils, and much more on an exciting cliff -edge walkway.

Two bus loads of 100 seniors made their way to Banff for their overnight stay followed by a day of explorations of the town. Some ventured for a soothing and relaxing dip at Sulphur Hot Springs.

The last day of the trip was

Submitted by: Lucy Manuntag , FSCA Vice President | Cres Caindec Estioko, FSCA PRO

Congratulations Dario & Ludy Juanillo on your 22nd

Wedding Anniversary!

June 13, 2016 @ St. John the Evangelist

spent relaxing at the Casino and shopping at the X Iron Mills mall on the way home.

On June 12th after the trip, some members participated at

the first ever Edmonton Filipino Fiesta. They awed the crowd with their colorful costumes and graceful Filipino folk dances and nostalgic harana ( serenade).

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada May - June 20166


by Erlinda Dolly [email protected]

A maple-coated Filipino Heart

Thank you Edmonton, Hello Vancouver

High School Graduation a Moment to Remember

I moved out of Edmonton last month to restart life in Vancouver. I’m one of the unlucky recipients of lay off in the energy sector. Per analysts, economy in Alberta will not improve in the next two years. Price of oil will not rebound to $100 per barrel until late 2017. So I decided to relocate as there’s no opportunity for my field at present.

It was hard, Edmonton was home to me for six years. It was there I started life in Canada, it

It is the season of graduation, a pivotal moment in any aspiring, young adult’s life.

It’s a moment of closure and new beginnings, many emotions swirl inside everyone’s head. Feelings of loss, friendship, fear, anticipation and most importantly hope. As someone who is graduating this year, it is terrifying to think about facing the world, especially as many of my friends are taking very different paths than I am. However, this is

was there I became a Canadian citizen. It was my comfort zone. But as in life generally, some things happen not the way we want them to and we just have to move on and take our chances. This was one of those.

I like Edmonton for its average size, not a big city, not small. It’s a good choice for beginners in Canada. Cost of living is cheaper as they only pay federal tax, no provincial tax. Housing cost is way cheaper as compared to other big cities in Canada. There’s no traffic, you can estimate your time of arrival, you know what time you’ll get home. Except of course at winter when there’s snowstorm. Winter is sometimes brutal but if you dress up properly, you’ll be fine. How did a tropical person like me survive in six years? Go figure.

Most of all, I like how strong the Filipino community is. I witnessed in 2012 how the community came together when four Filipino foreign workers died

in a car crash near Calgary, an impaired driver hit their car head on. I was at the funeral. It was full packed with foreign workers not related to the victims nor did they know them, but went there to pay respect and hand their $20 and $40 donation. Same thing happened in 2014 when four other Filipino foreign workers died of a crash in Leduc, their car crashed head on with a truck due to icy road condition. Again, the community and the consul’s office came together to send their remains home.

Don’t get me wrong, the Filipino community in Edmonton don’t come together only during tragedies. Parties too. And big talent productions. Even political gatherings. If you’re looking for a regional organization like Visayans or Ilocanos in Edmonton, you’ll find your tribe. And if you want to dine out with friends or family, there’s a whole lot of choices. Filipino restaurants are everywhere. On weekends,

they combine dining and karaoke. I want to thank Edmonton for

having me as one of its adopted children. I had a good life there. I want to thank Alberta Filipino Journal for giving me the chance to exercise my hobby and passion, writing. I’m not a professional writer, I’m an engineer, but I have been writing since university days. I was the Editor-in-Chief of our school paper, I had basic journalism trainings. Writing is built-in, when you have it, you have it even if you venture to other fields. Many thanks to Mr. Jun Angeles, our publisher, for the privilege given me to share my thoughts. I don’t expect everyone to agree with my perspective, but it is said a good article is when you disagree but find the thought valid. I try my best to be valid, at least.

Meanwhile, hello Vancouver! I’m loving it here so far. It’s a big city for an Albertan. It’s more scenic, they have the ocean and mountains surrounding the

a time of celebration, even though it feels somewhat premature. High school graduation marks a big moment in many teenagers’ lives, an occasion of growth, marking how much you have grown since you started your path of education. For me, it feels like thirteen short years ago I was a small child entering kindergarten, experiencing a structured learning environment for the first time. Now I am nearly eighteen, planning my future, while that in itself is enough to send my mind reeling with thoughts, most of my time thinking about grad was thinking about the actual event itself. Merely a symbolic event, yet so much work goes into planning and arranging for it. Being a boy has its upsides in moments like this, only needing a suit and maybe a snazzy haircut and you are off. Being a girl on the other hand is another story. Hair, makeup and not just one but two dresses need to be put together

for this momentous occasion. Hours upon hours and dollar upon dollar is spent on this celebration, that all seems anticlimactic in the end. In a blink of an eye you have walked the stage, taken what feels like a million photos and smiled so much your cheeks beg you to take a break. However, it is worth it. The time spent letting go of however many worries you need for the few days alongside friends you’ve made through your journey. In the end, one should cherish this opportunity to have fun one last time before everyone gets busy with their own lives. Grad is a time of reminiscence to acknowledge those who stayed beside us during this long journey, all the ups and downs and it is also a time to remember to those who are not beside you anymore. It’s about reliving the good memories and looking forward to new ones. The future is daunting yet so full of hope, it’s something that we keep looking towards, and that the

metropolis. The city’s architecture is something pleasing to my eyes. It’s a combination of old and modern design, to even daring ones. Transportation system is pretty impressive, especially the skytrain. Tourism is big, it’s the city’s second biggest industry, next to forestry. Cruise ships from around the world come here, so tourists are all over the city. Tourist spots are always crowded. Entrance fee is affordable but not cheap. There are several Hop-On Hop-Off tours plying the city everyday. Definitely there’s a lot to do here.

From an Edmontonian to a Vancouverite – it sounds weird for now. But I’ll get used to it. One thing is for sure, Edmonton will always be home in my heart. Anywhere in the world you drop me, home will always be home. Thank you Edmonton for molding me into the person I am today, I’m ready for a new life in Vancouver.

beauty of grad. That combination of the

beautiful memories with the excitement of the future. For everything so far, all you can be is thankful. Thankful for friends, teachers and most importantly

Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations Justin Naca of Holy Trinity High School

Robert Valencia Class Valedictorian Holy Trinity High School

your parents, who were there with you in your lowest lows helping you get back up. So while grad may be a very expensive, overhyped celebration, it is an important rite of passage marking a transition into the adult world.

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.comPublished Annually

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-CantiverosFounder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal (1987-2008)

Webco Leduc A Division of Bowes Publishers Ltd.Leduc, ABPrinter

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Contributing Writers:Johnny Cantiveros Melanie Angeles Gem & Lita Anis Perry Diaz Danilo Donor Jon SalvadorMiya Villarena Lito Mendoza Velasco Naresh Bhardwaj Jerry Caingcoy Jairus Bilo Erlinda Dolly Tan Thomas A. Lukaszuk

Ronald CantiverosPublisher/Chief Operating OfficerVP-Business DevelopmentManaging Editor

Rod Escobar CantiverosSales & Advertising

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By Aurora Bernal Born

May - June 2016 7The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada


Volunteers Help for the Fire Ravaged Ft. McMurrayLetty Tria, Lulu Bernal and Hermie Angeles found time to help sort goods for the victims of Ft. McMurray fire. Thank you volunteers for your time and effort.

FSCA Mother of the YearBernadette Angeles of the Filipino Seniors Associations in Alberta (FSCA) was voted as the mother of the year 2016. Bernadette is married to Leopoldo ((Pol) and they have two sons Joey & Allan.

FSCA Group with Rolly Salvador & Lucy Manuntag



Congress (COPAA) Recognizes and Honors Pillars for over 40 Years of Community ServiceThe Congress of the

Philippine Associations of Alberta (COPAA) honored

three individuals for over forty years of Filipino community service. They are the first wave of first generation immigrants

in Edmonton and have been active until today promoting and enhancing the good image of the Filipinos in Edmonton. Tessie Oliva, a retired nurse, Wilf Ladores, an accountant and entrepreneur and Dr. Josie Pallard

educator are three individuals that were bestowed the honor for their indefatigable service and dedication towards the good of the Filipinos in general.

The recognition was given on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the first

Gala night of COPAA held at the Executive Royal Hotel on their first Philippine Independence Day celebration (Kalayaan Pilipinas) in the presence of the first Consul General of Alberta and Saskatchewan, the Honourable

Julius Torres and in front of over 200 guests in attendance. President Jun Angeles and secretary Lulu Bernal of COPAA enumerated their well deserved accomplishments.

Photos by: Dario Photography

May - June 2016 The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada 9


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COPAA: Coordinating and Uniting rather than Competing

The Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta has just stridden its

initial step by launching a noble project, the Gala Night that was held at Executive Royal Hotel in Nisku, Alberta, last June 4, 2016.

Visible during the celebration were the groups of various organizations in Alberta.

Importantly, this was graced by the two horourable men: Consul General Julius Torres and Deputy Consul Anthony Mandap--from the Consular Offices of Alberta and Vancouver respectively.

"The more umbrellas, the more will be covered... But these umbrellas should be clustered together. Membership to this new organization must also be likened to a broom--which only functions when it's bonded as one." Consul General Torres said.

"I personally saw the need for the passporting services that can be extended to the Overseas Filipino Workers in Alberta. That is why I am supporting the immediate opening and operation of your New Passporting Office here in Alberta. In fact, our vancouver office is short of staff just to serve the need of our kababayans, how much more if we leave that office out there in order to conduct outreach programs in this huge province." Deputy Consul Anthony Mandap mentioned to me during our casual conversation before he flew back to Vancouver.

"We need an organization whose main aim is to unite and gather the interest of the Filipino-

Lito Mendoza Velasco, PRO

Canadians at the center. And, this can be testified by the Vision and Mission of this Congress..." Ms. Tessie Oliva.

Ms. Memen Cochingco kept the celebration alive as she brought

the Karilagan Dancers and her selected performers on stage.

Philantropic awards were given to Mr. Wilf Ladores, Ms. Josephine Pallard, and Ms. Tessie Oliva. They were recognized as

exemplary leaders who have been indefatigably serving the Filipino-Canadian Society for 40 years.

With all of these, A Grand Salute to the COPAA!

Looking forward to our future

endeavour and engagement to our kababayans!

With Mr. Jun Angeles' leadership skills, this Congress is going to be the producer of more Visionaries and Leaders!

May - June 2016 11



Filipino Senior Citizens Association (FSCA): Pabasa 2016

The traditional singing of the Passion of Christ "Pabasa" was held at the

Korean Hall in Edmonton by the Filipino Citizens Association, one of the pioneering group of Filipinos in Edmonton.

Indeed, the richness of our culture can always be traced through our religiousity (we always submit to the Divine Will and hope for His providence) and generosity or justice (we always show mercy, compassion, and forgiveness; share the abundant graces, give whatever is due to others, and extend the act of piety to them). This sacred tradition, therefore, tends to bring us closer to one another as well as unify despite our differences.



Angelica Erilyn Anderson Celebrates 18th BirthdayThe debutante, Angelica Anderson was given a royal treat at her 18th birthday by her parents Eric and Marilyn Anderson. A grand ball celebration was held at Woodvale Club House last May 22nd 2016. 18 Candles and 18 Roses performances and a dance followed after the dinner. Congratulations to Angelica for a well deserved debutante party celebration.

AngelicaAngelica with her parents Eric & Marilyn

Dance with the father Eric Dance with Angelica's escort18 Roses Participants

Candle Participants

Happy 8th Birthday Rickie Jermaine Caballero TuscanSurrounded by the proud parents, Richard and Jackie, together with closest relatives and friends, Rickie Jermaine Caballero Tuscano celebrated her 8th birthday on May 29, 2016 at Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Happy birthday little girl!

May - June 2016 13



Meet & Greet with the Honorable ConsulGeneral of Alberta & SaskatchewanConsul General Julius Torres was in Edmonton on May 27 and 28 and met with various community organization leaders during his stay. He was accompanied by Earl Edgardo Alonzo and Quay Evano, both from Calgary, who assisted the Consul in getting to reach out to as many Filipinos in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

On Saturday, May 28, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Edmonton (UPAAE) hosted a Meet and Greet with the Consul that was open to the public. It was held in Palabok House and in addition to UPAAE members, was attended by many groups like Timpuyog (Calgary), Kabisig (Fort Saskatchewan) UP Alumni Association Vancouver (BC), PTK of Alberta, as well as the Organizing Committee of the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta. The president of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta and publisher of the Alberta Filipino Journal Jun Angeles was also in attendance to welcome the new Consul General and to show support to the UP Alumni Association of Edmonton.

During the question and answer period, when asked about

the impact of having a Consular Office in Calgary to the role of the Honorary Consul in Edmonton, Consul General Torres clarified that his office will be honouring the remaining 2-year appointment of the current Honorary Consul in Edmonton. After the end of the current appointment, as a matter of practicality, it may be that an honorary consul in Edmonton will not be required anymore. Consul Torres also talked on other topics like providing assistance to Fort McMurray kababayans, procedures when OFWs meet with accidents or untimely deaths, plans to provide orientation to new immigrants, and services to be provided by the new consular office in Calgary.

The new Consul also emphasized the need for the consular office to closely partner with local organizations in reaching out to the Filipinos in various regions in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and this collaborative outlook was well-received by the audience. Due to local knowledge, network expanse, and access to volunteers, various local organizations are best equipped to assist the Consular

Office to prepare and organize the venue, communication, and procedures towards a better and more efficient system to provide consular services in relevant communities. UPAAE for one has already reached out to the Consular Office to offer support

The UP Alumni Association of Edmonton with President Mila Bongco -Phlipzig.

The Palabok House Restaurant Staff with Lydia Jimenez, Con-Gen Julius Torres & Hermo Pagtakhan.

Question & Answer with Consul General Julius Torres.

services for outreach trips to Edmonton, and other groups have also extended their offer to help in outreach trips and orientation sessions for new immigrants. All in all, the Meet and Greet session was very informative and a great success in bringing many

groups together who are willing to help make the Consular Office successful. We wish Consul General Julius Torres much success in his office’s initiatives, especially in their plans to reach out and involve as many local communities as possible.

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Filipino Author in Edmonton Publishes Two Bi-lingual Children’s BooksMila Bongco-Philipzig was born in Manila and now lives in Edmonton. She had just published two bi-lingual children’s books (Pilipino-English) and was honoured with a book launch at Edmonton City Hall on June 18, 2016. The event was open to the public and admission was free.

One book is called “Sandy Beaches to Snow; Snow to Sandy Beaches” and it recounts the fears, nervousness, and excitement of moving to a different country from a child’s perspective. It shows a family from the Philippines who live by the sea being helped by friends and neighbours to load their numerous luggage, then they make their way to the airport in Manila, first by bancas, then by tricyles, then bus, and finally in jeepneys loaded with their relatives who all want to see them off. The flip-side of this story mirrors the anxiety and excitement of another child, but this time, coming from a snowy place and travelling to visit the Philippines for the first time.

The second book’s title is “Goodnight Philippines, Goodnight World.” This is about various Filipinos in different places tenderly

saying goodnight to each other across the miles. Featuring eleven foreign languages and eleven Philippine languages, this book covers common international destinations for Filipinos who leave to work abroad, and also introduces children and parents to major Filipino ethic groups.

Both books are in honour of the growing number of Filipinos who have to uproot themselves, and sometimes get separated from their loved ones, in search of better opportunities.

Aligned with embracing multi-culturalism and diversity in Edmonton, there was a book launch for Mila in Edmonton City Hall on June 18 with performers from the Philippines, as well as from Tanzania and Chile. Tolo Molel from Tanzania read an excerpt of Mila’s book with her, as well as narrated traditional tales from Philippines and Africa. Marianela and Flavio Adasme from Chile performed three Spanish songs about embracing change and differences, as well as the love of

country transcending nationalities. A Filipino talent, Kristina de Guzman recited pieces on the ups and downs of being a Filipino in Canada, as well as honoring Fathers since the next day was Father’s Day. Kristina is an award-winning artist, works at the Edmonton Arts Council, and is also the founder of Masala Mix, an annual public and free artist showcase in Millwoods.

Mila selected the various artists to highlight the diversity in Edmonton, as well as to emphasize inclusion – to promote ethnic communities going beyond their own groups towards collaborating and celebrating with people coming from different racial and cultural backgrounds.

The promotion of immigrant experiences in books is timely. In North America, there is currently a dearth of children’s books about people of colour written by people of colour. It is important to provide minority children, in this specific case, Filipino children, a sense of pride about themselves and their culture by

seeing their stories in books and other media. Immigrant narratives and multi-cultural books not only affirm the identity of a certain community but provide a glimpse to others of this community’s way of life and way of thinking. According to Mila, she wrote these books so that immigrant children and migrant workers can see their stories validated; so the readers know they are not the only ones with families that are separated, mobile, and multi-cultural; so they can see the rich diversity of their lives reflected in books about protagonists and experiences they can relate to.

“In Edmonton, I am but one of many Canadians whose story began in the Philippines and who shuffle between two cultures.” Mila further states. “Even if there are many Filipinos in Canada, we are each unique, and we each have our own stories to tell. Personal stories pierce through generalizations and stereotypes. Personal stories shine through the fogs of ignorance and intolerance. We need to start telling our stories and giving voice to our experience, individually and collectively. This will help our children. This will help our community.”

Mila has pledge to donate all book sales, including royalty, to a youth ministry in Edmonton and to a shelter that rehabilitates abused young girls in the Philippines.

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, CanadaMay - June 2016 15


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

Leaders Producing Leaders!

There are always be potential instruments that could allow a vital transformation in our

society by first transforming our vision, values or philosophy in life. This can really happen through our adherence to the visceral experiences and real-time sharing of knowledge about leading

We have been endowed with the power to reach anyone and become tools to deal and do with it, and reasons to think we might effect change with a vote — by the social media: email or blog post to transmit our ideals and ideologies. Changing people’s minds and seeing consciousness growing is one of the delights leadership mavens.

We have been indefatigably leading by communicating in unparalleled ways with unparalleled access to the people and forces who can help create change. We can also increase our capabilities to choose the types of information we opted to expose about ourselves and the people we like to lead us in return.

Selected Leadership QuotesWe can help change the world,

just by using these far-reaching and inspiring leadership quotes from the past. To name some:

1. “The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” Fr. Theodore M. Hesburgh

2. “Power isn’t control at all—power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn’t someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own.” Beth Revis

3. “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flow charts. It is about one life influencing another.” John C. Maxwell4. “You have to be burning with an idea, or a problem, or a wrong that you want to correct. If you’re not passionate enough from the start, you’ll never stick it out.” Steve Jobs5. “In a battle between two ideas, the best one doesn’t necessarily win. No, idea that wins is the one with the most fearless heretic behind it.” Seth Godin6. “Surround yourself with great people; delegate authority; get out of the way.” Ronald Reagan7. “A leader takes people where they would never go on their own.” Hans Finzel Year after year, month after month, the Industry Canada’s

NUANS Corporate Name Search office is being flooded by numerous applications being filed by those who aim to have their notfor- profit organizations. Manifold reasons have been conspicuously traced by the members themselves. Why, oh why? What do they like to prove or achieve?

Mirror Test: Several Reasons and Purposes when putting up a new Non-Profit OrganizationsTrue, everything that exist exists for a purpose. You may now test your knowledge by checking below which aligns with the leadership maxims above. Let’s see if their reasons is coupled with a noble purpose. A new group has to be organized and registered as a non-profit organization because• they are visionaries and having an ardent desire to serve for the members’ welfare and the entire society;• they have a totally different advocacy than the other existing organizations;• they encounter oppositions from the

other members of the previous group where he or she belonged;• a heated argumentation between the president and the vice president harvested an irreconcilable conflict;• there is no alignment of vision and mission;• they are social climber, maintaining fame and taking their new group as the status symbol;• they have hidden agenda and vested interests;• political ambition and just intending to use the group as the stepping stone in order to win attraction from the public;• they are triggered by envy and jealousy;• they intend to level-up - taking the group’s vision into the higher degree of involvements. Local in scope but national in direction.• they might need to make money out of the group’s fund.

You may be tempted to add more on the listed reasons why people would always want to organize and re-organize. Yet, there is only one prevailing method that can be considered essentially vital and noble when leading. That is, our leaders have to produce more leaders, not more followers.

Celebration of the founding: Congress of Philippine Associations of Alberta & 118th Anniversary Philippine Independence June 4, 2016, Speech by: Tessie P. Oliva

Distinguish guests, Members of the Congress of Philippine Associations of Alberta,

mga kababayans, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. It is nice to be together as a community, celebrating a special occasion, the founding of a new organization” the Congress of Philippine Associations of Alberta, and also, to celebrate a momentous occasion, the 118th. Anniversary of the Philippine Independence.

I congratulate the officers & members of the Congress, under the leadership of Mr. Jun Angeles and Mr. Wilf Ladores on this new initiative. I salute the members of the adhoc organizing committee, who shared their time and talents towards a good cause. Thank you for your spirit of volunteerism, an Act of giving back to our community. Volunteerism can become a great opportunity to learn & support each other, share our talents to make a difference in our community.

I am sure some of us are asking themselves why again a new association? don’t we already have enough Filipino associations in Edmonton? It’s true, but in today’s society people’s needs are constantly changing & evolving. We are responsible to do our best to adopt into this ever changing society to achieve quality of life in our chosen home, Canada. In order to affect effective

change we need to communicate our needs & concerns as one collective voice at all levels of government, and find solutions together. . Complacency to status quo practice is no longer sustainable, in order to meet the needs of the ever changing society we live today. We have to embrace the world of change, give more effort in caring for each other, be happy together & celebrate successes of others instead of put downs.

Working together as a community, give power to make change. Together we can be a great compelling force in affecting change in making a difference in the lives of immigrants, refugees, contract workers and others in need. We are fortunate to live in Canada, a land of diversity, a country that opens doors of opportunity, where citizens are encourage to be true to their cultural roots & sharing of values, that enhances unity & help make the world a better place for all of us to live.

The founding of the Congress can be an excellent vehicle for Filipino representation at all levels of government in order for our voice to be heard. The idea of a congress is not new to Filipinos in Canada. In the mid 70’s due to the increasing numbers of Filipinos entering Canada under the category of immigrant professionals, family unification & live in care giver program, the very first Filipino

congress was organized, known to us as United Council of Filipino Associations in Canada, in short UCFAC. Membership to UCFAC comprised representation from Filipino associations across Canada. Our province of Alberta was represented by was Mr. Ernie Flores in the capacity as Vice president to UCFAC who at that time was also, the incumbent president of the very first Filipino association organized in Alberta/ known to us as Philippine Bayanihan Association in Alberta, in short PBAA. The founding of UCFAC resulted in the founding of the Council of Edmonton Associations known to us as CEFA under the guidance of Mr. Ernie Flores. CEFA’s jurisdiction is within the city of Edmonton, to represent the interest of the Filipino organizations in Edmonton and to build stability & solidarity among the increasing number of Filipino organizations in Edmonton.

UCFAC, functioned for many years a united voice for all Filipinos in Canada, with active participation at the three levels of government in Canada. Many recommendations from Filipinos across Canada were forwarded to the federal level, where results were never heard. UCFAC faded away & was taken over by the National Council of Filipino Associations that eventually became non functional for no known reason. After the dissolution

of UCFAC, the national organization of Filipinos in Canada, the Filipinos in Alberta organized our own Filipino congress in the early 90’s comprised three major cities, Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer. Several round table meetings were held in Red Deer followed with the first election of the first executive officers and board members. Calgary took most of executive officers positions, including the president position, and the vice president position went to Edmonton, in the person of Mr. Wilf Ladores. Like wise the Alberta Congress was short lived and ceased to exist after a decade.

We may ask ourselves Why? always dissolution of the congress? I am sure you have the answer to that question yourselves having witnessed the many challenges experienced by many Filipino organizations in Alberta. May we learn from the challenges we experienced and inspires us to do better in working collaboratively together as one community. It is therefore an outmost importance that we extend our support the newly organized Congress of Filipino associations in Alberta in achieving it’s vision and mission/ it was founded for.

Filipinos are blessed with education, talents and resiliency. We always managed to stand & work together in time of challenges and hard time, for it is not the number of times

we fall that matters, but it’s the number of times we get up and not giving up. We must not also forget to embrace, feel proud and celebrate the many successes we experienced as a community, and keep moving forward now and the many years to come. We must believe that things can be different, that we can be architect of change, that our voice will be heard through the congress. Our collaborative effort is the strength to affect change. We all have a strong and meaningful role to play to keep the congress alive & vibrant in the many years to come.

I invite your support & rally behind Congress as our collective voice, because we are all part of one community, who have responsibility to help make our world a better place for all to live. I am confident that under this leadership, with support and active participation from members of our community, this association will move forward in achieving it’s vision & mission.

Congratulations and long live the congress and also Happy 118th PIIPPINE ANNIVERSARY / TO ALL THANK YOU for inviting me & for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.

By: Tessie P. Oliva MSA, BScN June 4,2016

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada May - June 201616

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

You’ll find that work and career matters begin to look more promising, lights ups your part of communication to make this the perfect time to network, explore new options, and chat with others. However, go easy around, as you could say something you'll regret later.

It’s time when creative ideas and lively opportunities encourage you to leave your comfort zone. With the swinging into your financial sector, thoughts could turn to how you can make better use of your money. You’re going on a costly spending celebration unless you set a limit for yourself.

See the coming opportunity to do a little emotional housecleaning and finally be done with issues that have been monitor you for some time. They could bring impressive insights regarding situations or people that are ready to leave your life.

You'll continue to enjoy a hectic social scene, with opportunities for romance, fun, and relaxation. You’ll enter a phase in which you'll benefit from taking time out for yourself.

Life continues onward and upward for you, with renewed determination to reach goals, enhance your income, and improve your work situation. However, there's a shift of focus on it, your social sector and encourages you to think about your work/life balance.

You're getting into your decisive step now and beginning to feel more adventurous regarding key ideas. Things take a brighter turn later pushes forward after its retrograde phase. You'll find traveling gets easier, legal issues take a turn for the better, and studying becomes less demanding. There's another shift on your sector of ambition and career, encouraging you to make valuable connections.

There's possible for change showing up in your chart, but you must really want it if you're to embrace it. Whether you traverse inner or outer landscapes, you may be seeking your life's deeper meaning and taking stock of your plans for the future.

There's possible for change showing up in your chart, but you must really want it if you're to embrace it. Whether you traverse inner or outer landscapes, you may be seeking your life's deeper meaning and taking stock of your plans for the future.

Although you might find it hard to mix yourself when it comes to diet or exercise routines, you could benefit from making a little bit of an effort. Your lifestyle sector could encourage you to indulge even though you know you shouldn't. See you’re getting quite emotional and perhaps disclose one or two things that you shouldn't. If you're in a social or intimate situation, think before you speak.

Focus on your pleasure sector could run the development of an up-and coming romance. Or so, you might find yourself making a decision about whether to get a little closer or not.

This can be good time to host your friends and entertain at your place. With in your home and family sector, your good cooking skills are bound to impress. But if you indulge too much, you might find yourself putting on a few pounds.

After a great time meeting with friends, closing deals, and networking in new situations. You might want to enjoy some downtime from this point on. It's an opportunity to go out with your closest friends and pamper yourself, too. They could bring out the party. If you feel like arranging a celebration or lively get-together, this is the time to go for it.

PAHALANG PABABA1 Kakambal ng kandado5 Pangalan ng aktress10 Comedy vedio kokborok12 Kasama ng baril13 Sinasambit pagnatupad ang kahilingan16 Nanalo: Ingles17 Agad-agad18 Apelyedo ng Intsik19 Hele20 Kinalalagyan ng utak ng tao21 Kingdon of Saudi Arabia

1 Ina ni Basilio at Crispin2 Lumisan3 Di nakaayon4 Minaltrato6 Pinapagkunsultahan ng buntis7 Sana8 Daluyon9 Gunggong11 TV network14 Intindi

15 Lista21 Kakulangan22 Putting buhok23 Mapagmataas24 Niyugyog26 Mulat28 Kumapare: pinaikli29 Bulong31 Petrolyo32 Sahog ng fruit salad36 Personal Assistant

22 Pangalan ni Khouny PBB housemate23 Pilipino: daglat25 Di katulad26 Palayaw ng lalake27 Balat ng palay30 Asikan33 ___Andres34 Naisip35 Masungit na pagsulyap37 Peste38 ____seeds39 Suot sa graduation

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]


http://www.dailysudoku.com/

Daily Sudoku: Fri 27-Nov-2015

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Fabulous Las Vegas (Part 2)

Famous for glitz and glamour, Las Vegas dazzles day and night and

magnetizes people - millions of tourists and wealthy gamblers leaving huge fortunes in the Sin City.

On The Strip of 4.2 miles (6.8 kms.) stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard are the mega casino-hotels and their associated entertainment that make Las Vegas a city like no other. Most people consider The Strip, originally the two-lane main road leading into the city from Los Angeles, California, actually from Mandalay Bay to Stratosphere or vice versa.

Nothing can compare a stroll at night on The Strip, as it's cooler, to admire Las Vegas cityscape with its dramatic architecture on a sea of lights. Visible from The Strip are popular free attractions that won't eat up your budget. You don't have to break the bank to enjoy your trip to Vegas because there are totally free attractions to discover and explore right on The Strip such as the man-made volcano, also a peaceful waterfall when it's not erupting, belching fire every hour after dusk at 7pm at The Mirage with the smoke spouting more than 100 feet above the water which is actually perfumed with a pleasant pina colada scent to cover up the odour

of the natural gas; the full scale Carribean pirate ship that engages in combat with a British frigate at The Treasure Island; the thousands of dancing fountains synchronised to a rainbow of coloured lights and accompanying music at The Bellagio; or the strongest beam of light in the world coming from Luxor's black glass pyramid.

Live circus shows for kids and adults of all ages are also free at one of the best kid-friendly casino-hotels in the city, Circus Circus (the largest permanent big top on earth) where world-class acrobats, jugglers, trapeze artists, and unicyclists perform death-defying stunts for about ten minutes every half-hour between eleven am to midnight.

Inside The Bellagio are the "Fiori Di Como", a huge hand-blown glass sculpture that covers the ceiling of the casino-hotel's lobby, created and completed in 1998 by renown sculptor Dale Chihuly and the Conservatory & Botanical Garden which undergoes five seasonal themes using tens of thousands of real flowers, trees and plants to showcase the beautiful sights and hues of spring, summer, fall, winter, and Chinese New Year.

Visit Caesars Palace Forum Shops to see the Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain Shows. The Fall of Atlantis Show using water,

fire, smoke, and animatronic nine-foot-tall talking Roman statues around the aquarium tells the story of a feud between the bratty kids of King Atlas as to who will rule the throne of the Atlantis Kingdom. Then God interferes and the kingdom falls. To the west side of the Forum Shops is the Festival Fountain amazing laser, water and light show featuring the moving statues of Greek gods Bacchus, Venus, Apollo, and Plutus.

Catch a glimpse of The Flamingo's outdoor wildlife habitat of pink-coloured birds - a flock (called a "flambouyance") of Chilean flamingos peacefully co-existing with an array of black swans, exotic ducks, Japanese koi fish and yellow catfish, pheasants, and turtles among the foliage and waterfalls, streams and lagoons.

The Excalibur with its exterior medieval castle appearance that is

Gem & Lita @ Bellagio's Conservatory

The Bellagio & Dancing Fountains

sure to fascinate the kids features a large arcade, the Fun Dungeon Arcade.

For a culture buff here's something to do in Vegas that may be completely different - taking a spin around the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas public spaces with exclusive art collections at the

open art P3 Studio on the 3rd floor of the resort where you can see an artist-in-residence working on his piece of art..

As more and more resorts are offering attractions geared toward the young people Las Vegas has become a great tourist destination for families.



Basketball Team Arichris-Palabok House PNA 2016 Summer League Masters Division ChampionTeam Arichris-Palabok edged the Joe Medina led Crosstown Motors to cap the Finals of 2016 Spring/Summer Basketball League run by the Philippine Sports Association of Edmonton. The game was tightly contested and went into overtime but the energized Arichris-Palabok Team maintained their 2 point lead until the final buzzer sounded. Final score 91-89

Photos by: Dario Juanillo

Dr. Chum of Skinlueur South Celebrates Birthday at Palabok HouseCongratulations Dr. Chum on the occasion of your birthday. Alberta Filipino Journal wish you a successful career and a happy marriage life! Stay beautiful as ever! All the best!

Ledesma Family Celebrates San Isidro Labrador Fiesta The Ledesma Family of Edmonton celebrated the feast of San Isidro Labrador with traditional procession and with all the fiesta flavors last Saturday May 14, 2016. San Isidro Labrador is considered the farmers' miraculous saint that brings good fortune and abundance harvest for the farmers. Since 1992 Mr. & Mrs. Jose Ledesma carry on the tradition of celebrating the patron saint of their town in Cavite.

Statue of San Isidro Labrador Traditional Dancing procession Ledesma Family with friends

The Ledesma Clan in Edmonton





Maybe the reason so many suburbs end up looking the same is because not enough imagination goes in at the very start, when it’s brains, not brick and beams, that get to shape what’s to come. Southeast Edmonton’s newest community broke ground differently. And it’s showing no sign of stopping. Diverse architecture is everywhere at The Hills at Charlesworth. Duplexes share the block with single-family homes; semi-detached units face row housing; modernism mingles with traditional design. And still a common theme prevails, a cohesiveness forged fromthe community’s vision for sustainable living. Here, that vision isn’t limited to innovations within the home.It extends to a multipurpose green space called the Sustainability Plaza, where, among a world of native plant species, you’ll find things like solar-powered Wi-Fi, hybrid lights that run off both sun and wind, and a 200-metre ice ribbon for you and your family to skate or walk on depending on the time of year. That’s the beauty of doing something right, right from the start.

Starting in the

Learn more athillsatcharlesworth.ca$350s

OUR BUILDERS:

DOLCE VITA HOMES 780-717-9927 BEDROCK HOMES 587-521-5869 ALQUINN HOMES 780-996-2742 JAYMAN BUILT 780-913-4309

The true beauty of a home isn’t in the finishings. It’s in the beginnings.

Ivor DentSports Park

Ellerslie Rd SW

Anthony Henday Dr

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Documents

Filipino Journal Alberta Edition May - June 2016