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Volume 4, Number 9 • September 2011 AlbertaFREE COPY

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Congratulations Philippines, 2011 People's Choice Award Winners!

Philippine Fireworks Team winning entry during the Globalfest Calgary 2011 Trico Homes Fireworks Festival.

2011 ANCOP WALKEthnic Communities Rally For Ted Morton, PC Candidate for Alberta Premier

Ted Morton, PC Premier Candidate

Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup

John Sullit with AYC members and leaders of the community.

Alberta’s Youth:A new voice in the government

Ms. Universe 2011 3rd runner up

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community September 20112 Filipino Journal Alberta

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See yourself in a whole new light.Ikaw ang may kapangyarihan sa sarili mong pag-unlad.

Are you looking for a career opportunity where you can make a difference and bring balance to your life? Do you want to be your own boss, where the earning potential is limitless and your efforts are rewarded? If this is you, gusto kitang makausap.

Bernard VillarenaSales ManagerBus 780-408-5480 ext 2202Cell [email protected]/bernard.villarenaWhitemud Crossing, #130, 4211-106th StreetEdmonton, AB T6J 6L7

Sun Life Financial advisors are contracted with Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc., registered in Quebec as a financial services firm.© Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2011.

by Perry [email protected]

PEREZCOPE

Is Figaro’s ‘luck’ running out?

“Figaro” is the name of the main character in the play, “The Barber of Seville,” which was first played in 1775. But today – or should I say in the last decade – “Figaro” was the name of the most powerful and, allegedly, the most corrupt person in the Philippines. You don’t read “Figaro” everyday in the newspapers. It was only spoken privately -- in whispers -- among those who know him well... or, more specifically, those who did business with him. “Figaro” was the code name for “First Gentleman Arroyo” as he was then commonly known. Today, he is simply known as Mike Arroyo.

The only reference to “Figaro” that I could remember was in a news article that the Philippine Star published on March 13, 2007, titled, “Favorita” and “Figaro”: Another scandal hits FG. A certain Maria Celia Suarez (aka Virginia Suarez), who claimed to be Figaro’s former mistress, supposedly filed a petition for disbarment before the Supreme Court and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for alleged immorality. However, the high court and the IBP refused to confirm the existence of the petition, citing “confidentiality.” Nothing came out of that case. It seemed that someone might have played a hand in deep-sixing the petition.

“Favorita” and “Igorota”Suarez said that “Figaro”

referred to her as “Favorita” and his wife, former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as “Igorota.” She claimed that “Figaro” forced her to live in the U.S. like a “mendicant” with the promise of financial support.

“Figaro” was able to survive that scandal and other scandals that erupted during the nine-year presidency of Gloria including the “Jose Pidal” scandal. He was untouchable and he seemingly carried out his stealthy business dealings without any fear of prosecution. Then Ombudsman Merceditas “Merci” Gutierrez – his classmate in law school -- protected him until she resigned last May 2011 to avoid impeachment.

“Chopper scam”

Recently, a new scandal involving Mike Arroyo erupted. It was alleged that he sold two pre-owned helicopters as “brand-new” to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a whopping P105 million, which was more than the price of brand-new helicopters. A Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation was initiated and heard the testimonies of PNP officers and several businessmen involved in the questionable transaction. And just when the investigation started, Arroyo took off for Hong Kong and checked into a hospital for an evaluation of his “heart condition.” Upon his return, the Senate invited him to testify. However, with the strength of his doctor’s professional opinion that he would be at risk of “heart attack” if he appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, he was excused from testifying.

But that didn’t deter the PNP from filing plunder charges against Arroyo, former Department of Interior and Local Government

(DILG) Secretary Ronald Puno, former PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa, and 14 retired and active police officers and private businessmen.

“One of most corrupt”

Recently, the anti-secrecy group, WikiLeaks, released a confidential U.S. Embassy diplomatic cable, which incriminated Mike Arroyo in jueteng operations and smuggling activities. Created on June 9, 2005, the cable said: “Washington Sycip, a founding partner of SGV (the country's most prominent accounting firm and an affiliate of U.S. firm Ernst and Young) has become increasingly pessimistic, claiming privately that corruption nowadays is at its worst, surpassing even the Marcos era.”

In his meeting with U.S Embassy officials, Sycip claimed: (1) Mike Arroyo was one of the worst offenders, with a reputation for corruption seeping down to all levels of society and eroding his wife’s political standing; (2) Mike was heavily involved in the illegal gambling or “jueteng” networks and closely connected with major smuggling syndicates; (3) His son, Mikey Arroyo, was also involved in jueteng racketeering; (4) Gloria was aware of her husband's misdeeds, but she was unwilling to do anything to curb his activities because he was instrumental in marshaling campaign donations and was keeping those supporters in line to help her maintain her grip on power; and (5) Many cabinet secretaries -- who were placed in high positions by Mike – directly reported to him, bypassing the agency chain of command.

Conjugal presidency

If Mike was indeed directly

involved in the affairs of state, what we had then was a de facto “conjugal presidency,” similar to the “conjugal dictatorship” of the Marcoses. With the Arroyos having total control of the military and the police, the House of Representatives, the Office of the Ombudsman, and to a great extent the Supreme Court, the Arroyos’ reign was a virtual dictatorship.

The only body that the Arroyos failed to control was the Senate. However, the Senate was rendered inutile because of infighting among its members and the presence of a small but cohesive minority that protected the Arroyos any which way they can. At that time, Gloria had presidential immunity. But for those charges filed against Mike before the Office of the Ombudsman, Merci simply dismissed them. Indeed, Mike must have considered himself, “lucky.” But as soon Gloria stepped down, a string of six plunder cases were filed against her… and more coming. But with Merci no longer around to protect the former First Couple, it seems that Mike’s “luck” might be running out soon.

Premature filing?The Senate Blue Ribbon

Committee investigation on the “Chopper Scam” has documented a lot of incriminating evidence and testimonies against Mike and 16 others. However, the investigation is not yet complete, which led Sen. Franklin Drilon to wonder why the PNP did not wait for the Senate to conclude its investigation before filing the plunder case. Could it be that the “premature” filing was done to pre-empt the Senate investigation? If so, it could weaken the case just like what

happened quite a few times before. And, with “luck,” Mike Arroyo might just beat the system once again.

This possible scenario puts Gen. Samuel Pagdilao Jr., commander of PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which filed the plunder case, in the hot seat. Is he in cahoots with the accused? Was there a deliberate plan to derail the case once it reached the court; thus, absolving Mike and his co-accused?

But Pagdilao was quick to defend himself claiming that the “Chopper Scam” was being investigated long before the Senate started its own. He said that there was enough evidence to file the plunder case, saying: “We would not have filed the case if we did not believe it.” I just hope that Pagdilao has what the accused didn’t have -- honor and integrity.

In the play, “The Barber of Seville,” Count Almaviva contacted his ex-servant and barber Figaro to help him gain access to Doctor Bartholo’s home to see Rosine whom he fell in love with when he met her the first time. At first, Figaro resisted; but he agreed after the Count promised him money. Figaro then devised a scheme for the Count to see Rosine, who was kept and locked by Doctor Bartholo, her guardian, who intended to marry her himself. With luck, Figaro succeeded. The play ended with the Count and Rosine getting married.

Will our modern-day “Figaro” – Mike Arroyo – be able to devise a scheme to extricate himself and his co-accused from the long arm of the law? Or, is Figaro’s “luck” finally running out?




by Jon Salvador, BSc.Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)

Immigration NewsImmigration News

(About the writer: Jon Salvador is a licensed immigration consultant and a member in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). He has more than 20 years of management and business experience in Canada. Prior to establishing his immigration consulting company, he worked for a U.S. based computer company and then at TELUS, the 2nd largest telecom company in Canada in various management positions. He is originally from Manila, Philippines and graduated from DLSU (De La Salle University) in Manila with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also studied Business Management at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. If you would like to request articles on other immigration topics for future “Alberta Filipino Journal” publications, you can contact Jon at (403) 241-6276 or at [email protected] or the publisher of this newspaper.

FAQs regarding Immigration Consultants without a License

I received numerous questions regarding the July 2011 news article published in this newspaper regarding the new law about immigration consultants without a license. In response to these queries, I have compiled answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to educate the public and at the same time caution unlicensed immigration consultants, recruiting agents, and education agents who may not be aware of the new law - Bill C-35.

Q1. I am a recruiting and education agent and have a license from Alberta government to recruit workers and students outside and within Canada.

I have successfully handled and processed LMOs, Permanent Resident applications, Work Permits, Student Permits, Visas, Work Permit renewals, etc. in the past and there were no problem. Can I continue to process and handle LMOs, Permanent Resident applications and other immigration related papers since I have a license as a recruiting and education agent from the Alberta government?

Ans. No, you cannot continue to legally handle and process LMOs, Permanent Resident applications and other immigration related services unless you also obtain an immigration consulting license. A recruiting agent’s or education agent’s license is different from an immigration consulting license. The recruiting agent’s license authorizes a person to recruit worker for Canadian employers and charge the employers (not the employee) a fee but it does not authorize you to handle and process LMOs, Permanent Resident applications and other immigration related services for a fee. (NOTE: Employers normally pay the recruiting agent for finding and placing people on jobs but it is illegal for the recruiter to charge a fee to the worker/employee).

Before Bill C- 35 was enacted as a law on June 30, 2011 – there was no law that made it illegal for recruiting agents to handle and process LMOs, Permanent Resident applications, provide immigration advice for a fee, etc. However, Bill C-35 an Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (formerly called the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act) changed who can legally handle and process immigration related services or provide immigration advice for a fee.

The new law amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), making it a serious offence for anyone other than a licensed or authorized representative to conduct

business, for a fee, at any stage of an immigration application or provide immigration related services. This includes the period before, during and after an application is submitted and means that anyone who provides paid immigration advice or immigration related services will need to be a licensed or authorized representative, as identified in Section 91 of the Act.The new law includes the following important provisions:□ The creation of a specific offence and doubles penalties from $50,000 to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years upon conviction by indictment; and from $10,000 to $20,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months on summary conviction; □ Gives the Immigration Minister with the power, by regulation, to designate or revoke the designation of a body responsible for governing immigration consultants and to provide for transitional measures with respect to such a designation, or revocation of a designation; □ Allows the disclosure of information relating to the professional or ethical conduct of individuals to those responsible for governing or investigating that conduct.

Q.2 How will Bill C-35 impact persons and organizations that previously provided immigration advice for a fee?Ans. Persons who used to provide paid immigration advice prior to the filing of an application or the commencement of a proceeding will need to be an authorized representative, as identified in section 91 of IRPA (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act).Persons who provide such advice after the coming into force of the new law (June 30, 2011) without being an authorized representative would be in contravention of the IRPA and liable, on conviction on indictment, to a fine of up to $100,000 and/or to imprisonment for up to two years; or on summary conviction, to a fine of up to $20,000 and/or to imprisonment for up to six months.

Q. 3 Who are considered authorized representatives with regards to immigration services?Ans. Under new law, starting on June 30, 2011 only members in good standing of the following organizations are recognized by the Canadian government as authorized representatives:1. Full members and Transitional members of Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).2. Licensed Canadian lawyers and members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec.3. Ontario Paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial/territorial law Society. NOTE: At this time, only the Province of Ontario’s law society, the Law Society of Upper Canada, (www1.lsuc.on.ca/LawyerParalegalDirectory/index.jsp) admits paralegals as members.

Q.4 What actions or professional services will require authorized representatives?Ans. Under the new law, starting on June 30, 2011 a person providing consultation, advice or representation to a person/client for a fee or other consideration must be an authorized representative as per definition explained above. Examples of actions requiring authorized representatives include:□ Providing advice regarding a person’s eligibility under the various immigration programs. □ Explaining and providing advice/consultation on a person’s immigration options;□ Providing guidance to a person on how to select the best immigration program and completing the required government forms;□ Communicating with CIC / Canada Border Services Agency / Immigration and Refugee Board on a person’s behalf;□ Representing a person in an immigration application or proceeding;□ Representing a person in an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO) application □ Representing a person in a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) application; and□ Advertising that he/she can provide immigration advice or consultation.

Q.5 What would happen, if I do not inform Citizenship and Immigration Canada(CIC) that I paid a consultant to handle and process my LMO, Permanent resident application and other related immigration services?Ans. It is against the law to provide false or misleading information to the Government of Canada. If you choose not to disclose the name of your consultant to CIC or the Canada Border Services Agency, your application may be returned or you may be refused entry to Canada. Immigration consultants who advise you to provide false or misleading information are also breaking the law.

Q.6 I just discovered that my consultant does not have a proper license. If I change my consultant, do I have to notify Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)?

Ans. Yes, if you have previously submitted Form IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative, you must notify CIC immediately if you change your consultant. To notify CIC, complete a new Form IMM 5476 and send it to the Visa office processing your file. You can change your consultant at any time.

Q.7 How does Bill C-35 affect student recruitment activities?Ans. With regards to student recruitment, education agents who provide paid advice exclusively related to educational matters and/or services, such as directing someone to the CIC website to find information on immigration programs or to access immigration application forms, will continue to be able to do so.However, education agents or recruiting agents who previously provided paid advice on immigration matters related to student recruitment- such as applying for a Study Permit, Re-entry Visa, or Student Status extension—without being licensed as an authorized immigration representative will need to become licensed or refer relevant cases to an authorized representative.

Q.8 How do I check if a person is a Member in good standing with ICCRC?Ans. During the transition period between June 30, 2011 and October 28, 2011, an immigration consultant who was a member in good standing of CSIC at the coming into force of Bill C- 35 on June 30, 2011 is deemed to be a member of the ICCRC. Such a consultant will be recognized by the Canadian government during the transition period as an authorized representative. As well, immigration consultants who have applied to the ICCRC and have been accepted as members in good standing will also be recognized as authorized representatives.To check if an immigration consultant is a member in good standing with the ICCRC, you can check the ICCRC website at www.iccrc-crcic.ca/home.cfm. The Full and Transitional members of ICCRC are listed in the website directory.If the immigration consultant is not listed in the ICCRC member’s directories (Full and Transitional members) then the consultant may not be an authorized representative or the consultant’s license may have been revoked or suspended. Be careful in dealing with a person who is not an authorized representative.

Q.9 Where should I report persons charging fees and who are not authorized representatives? Ans. Unauthorized persons charging fees or other considerations after June 30, 2011 can be reported to the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) for investigation. Documentary evidence, (ie. proof of illegal activities), such as: samples of advertising materials, flyers, letters, documents, copies of contracts, receipts of payments made, etc. should be collected and provided to support your allegations of illegal activities. You can contact ICCRC at:

The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council1100 Burloak Drive, Suite 300Burlington, OntarioCanada, L7L 6B2 Tel: 1-877-836-7543Fax: 1-877-315-9868Email: [email protected]

Legal Disclaimer:This news article is designed for general information only. The information presented in this article should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a consultant/client relationship. Each individual situation is different and people should seek proper advice on their specific cases with a licensed immigration consultant of their choice.



Congratulations Philippines!

GlobalFest 2011 ended with over 22,000 festival-goers looking up to the

skies during the festival’s Grand Finale.

After four nights of multicultural festivities and breathtaking pyromusicals from China, Philippines, Canada, and Italy, the “Best of Trico Homes International Fireworks Festival” and “People’s Choice Awards” were announced.

Best of Trico Homes International Fireworks Festival - Italy Company: Parente Fireworks Designer: Antonio Parente

People’s Choice Award Winners * Cultural Pavilion - Philippines (Organized by Irene Macaraeg)* Ethnic Food Booth - Philippines * Pyromusical Presentation - Philippines Company: Platinum Fireworks Designer: Robert Basihan

Designer Antonio Parente of Parente Fireworks presented a breathtaking pyromusical set to

classical Italian ballads and songs that captured the hearts and minds of all on Thursday night.

Team Philippines and Calgary’s own Filipino community swept all three People’s Choice Awards. The Philippines Pyromusical Presentation designed by Robert Basihan last Sunday, dedicated to the ever popular boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, proved to be GlobalFest’s biggest show yet.

Because Italy has now participated at GlobalFest two years in a row, they will not be able to return for a third time. However, the Philippines will be participating as the 2011 returning nation for GlobalFest 2012.

2012 marks the 10th Anniversary of GlobalFest, the annual multi-cultural arts and cultural festival. The likes of Brazil, Mexico, USA and Canada have been invited to participate alongside the Philippines at next year’s edition of GlobalFest.

For more information on GlobalFest, please visit www.globalfest.ca.

Retrospect: The Life of A Filipina Teen in Canada

by Miya Villarena

Loud, boisterous voices in the street. Smiles of children playing without a care outside

their homes. The hot, blistering sunlight.

Thunderstorms. Flash floods.The droning voice of the teachers

in the classrooms as they scribbled on the dusty green chalkboard. Poverty next to affluent wealth.

Dozens of eager relatives. A family gathering. The savory smell of sinigang and adobo.

My life was arguably the perfect epitome of what a Filipino child’s life was. It had seemed from the start that my destiny was written and cut out for me in stone. I was content with my life. From a very young age, I had already set my sights on pursuing a career in medicine. In addition, I had already planned out my ‘perfect’ education, not even thinking about the hardships one would have to endure to be able to get where I wanted to get. I didn’t care. I was relentless. I was determined. I was on top of the world.

However, as I grew older, it became clear to me that my goal wasn’t going to be that easy to achieve. Questions began stirring in my mind. My fairy tale dreams were shadowed by doubt.

Why were children who were my age uneducated? Why did young people stop going to school when they

had the privilege to learn? Why were there so many unemployed citizens in my country? Why are people that have been educated jobless?

It was the same question all over again. Why?

“Anak, wala ka nang kinabukasan na hinaharap dito sa Pilipinas,” (You don’t have a future here in the Philippines) was what my father told me one day.

Over time, it would be a phrase I would keep hearing from my uncles and aunts. I would switch on the television and hear stories about the OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who left the country to provide for their families. I would hear about people who were highly educated but couldn’t get a job, because all the jobs were taken. These facts gave rise to yet more questions in the convolution that was my mind.

Is it because of this that a lot of people are poor? Is it because of this that many have resorted to crime and illegal ventures?

I knew my father was right. But I didn’t want to accept reality.

In April of 2008, during my summer vacation, my father came home and broke the news to our family. He told us with much enthusiasm, that we were approved for a Canadian visa. He told us we were to be leaving within a year – and my inner child struggled to take this all in.

By this time, I was a high school student about to enter my sophomore year at Quezon City Science High School, one of the most prestigious science high schools in the Philippines. My life was in the crucial stage of learning. When my father broke the news to me, I was shocked. Move to Canada? Leave everything behind? Leave the Philippines behind? Could I do that and not be scarred by the strange and foreign country that was Canada?

I already knew about the fact that they had applied for a Canadian visa back in early 2003, but I hadn’t

expected it to be approved, much less for it to be approved so soon. I was expecting ten years before it got approved, but I was wrong. It came when I least expected it to come. And consequently, my whole world came crashing down on me.

My father gave us one year to remain in the country while we prepared to move out. I thought of the family I would not meet with again until a distant time into the future, the friends I had made in high school that I would never laugh with anymore, and the familiar cityscape that I would not see again. Thoughts of myself as another introverted person in a strange country pervaded my mind. I suddenly felt more protective of my identity as a Filipino. I was afraid to lose it.

Despite this, I sort of overcame my animosity towards the prospect of moving and considered the possibility that Canada would not be that different from home. With this frame of mind, I left the country with my family on the thirteenth of March in 2009.

It was snowing heavily when we landed in Edmonton early in the morning. For the first time, I was greeted by the chill and the snow instead of the scorching sun and the dry, cracked pavement. I remember trying to catch a snowflake on my tongue – something I had only seen in movies that I had watched as a child. Now, it was my turn to venture into the world that used to be distant from my grasp. With that thought, all my misgivings came back to me in a flash.

But I would learn later that I was wrong about Canada. In fact, I was wrong about almost everything. Canada wasn’t just ‘not so bad’. It was just like home.

My father’s childhood friend met us the very day we landed at the airport. He had previously arranged it with my father that we stay at his house to settle in for a while until we could leave on our way to Edmonton by ourselves. He lived all the way

in northern Alberta, in a little town called High Prairie with his family. Once we arrived there, we were immediately acquainted with the Filipino community. Looking back on it two years later, I was surprised at how strong the Filipinos were bonded, even though there were few compared to the Philippines. I was glad that I could still feel like I was at home, even though I was in a different land when I was around them. It was as if they had each brought a small piece of the motherland to keep with them even in Canada.

Four months later, I moved to Edmonton with my family. It’s been more than two years since that day.

As I speak today here in Edmonton, the Filipino community is bigger and tightly knit with hospitality. At school, I have Filipino friends, both those who were born here and those who are immigrants like me. When I walk the hallways, I see faces – some of which I do not know, but I feel a need to run up to them and to spark a conversation.

Why?Because they’re Filipino. They

share my blood.When at a McDonalds or just

any fast food restaurant, my heart skips a beat when I see a Filipino working there. I even remember asking a cashier one time: “Are you a Filipino?” and when I got a yes from her, I was just plain enthusiastic to be conversing with a fellow countryman in my own language. I have never felt so much pride and happiness in my life just seeing the familiar sight of a Filipino just like me.

I know for a fact that Canada will never be the Philippines, but living in Canada has been a very positive experience for me so far. For one thing, it has taught me to be proud of my heritage. This country is made up of a mosaic of cultures, and it’s hard not to stand out. Each culture is unique in its own way. Honestly, I wish all Filipinos, wherever they are in the world, feel proud of their culture the same way that I do.

Here in Canada, most of us come for better lives. Some come for a good education. Others come for work. To this day, I will never forget my father’s words. But I hope that in the future, people like us can change the plight of the Philippines we know and help out our fellow countrymen in need.




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BPO – An Opportunity For Filipino Entrepreneurs To Excel In

by Lito Cleofe, Calgary

In a RadyoPilipino program in Calgary, we mentioned that the Business Processing Outsourcing

(BPO) industry is experiencing spectacular growth. A decade ago, this BPO industry was practically non-existent.

Today in the Philippines, it gives employment to at least 600 thousand employees and expected to grow to 900 thousand in the next two to three years. In most major cities in the Philippines, you've heard of call center, which is only one part of the BPO industry.

This year, this offshore outsourcing industry saw the Philippines overtaking India, the industry leader for the first time.

Good for us, Filipinos, but are you aware that more and more Indians are now investing in this industry in the Philippines. An old adage says, if you cannot beat them join them. Yes, they have joined us as investors and owners of the Philippines BPO. Most of our BPOs are call centers and voice-based enterprises. There is also the non-voice-based set-up which is a gold mine in itself.

There are many more types of BPOs like back-office accounting and finance, engineering design, animation, software and games development, architecture, news reporting, analytical work, legal, medical, data entry etc........ These services are there waiting to be exploited and hope that Filipino entrepreneurs venture into these fields rather than just be mere employees of foreigners like the erstwhile BPO leader, India.

Recently, the newest addition to the BPO fold in the Philippines is the Tata Group of India. This holding company of which Tata Motors is one of the biggest enterprise, has a capitalization of over $50 billion dollars. This shows the magnitude, deep opportunity and bullish outlook in this multi-billion BPO ventures.

The good thing about BPO is that one can start small and does not need huge capital outlay. To stay competitive and survive, one needs quality, dedicated staff and be a well-heeled provider in niche industries like legal, financial, medical services and so forth. For example, we have lots of non-practising lawyers to read and summarize legal documents at $1 per page compared to the same lawyer in the United States doing it for $10 a page. To harness these legal resources into a potent organization providing offshore outsourcing service can be a boon to the Philippine economy and without the need to work abroad.

The fact that India is losing ground to their Philippine counterpart means that the Philippines has a unique advantage over this country. Reports said that it's because of culture and the fact that Filipinos are better oriented to the American way of doing business.

Instead of other nationalities investing in our country, we need Filipino entrepreneurs from abroad to do it so that we maintain more of our workforce in the Philippines, where they can see their families grow and be nurtured.

Filipino Womens' Association of Alberta Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Crowns 2011 FWAA Queen

The celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Filipino Women's

at the Edmonton General Hospital Auditorium last Saturday, September 10, 2011 culminated with the crowning of 2011 FWAA Queen, Aurora Lopez and a royal parade with her entourage Ms. Ines Ballatan, 1st Princess and Winnie Grant, 2nd Princess.

Dinner was served and entertainment was provided with a serenade by Federico Picoc, Hawaiian dance by Lucy Abenojar, ballroom exhibition by Ver and Minda Abenojar and a ballroom dance number by Dennis and Aida Croswell. Mrs. Letty Quilala, President of FWAA delivered the closing remarks, thanking the members who work hard to make the affair a success.

2nd Princess Winnie Grant in red with her escort with Rosita Llamas

Norma Leodonis outgoing FWAA Queen, transferring her crown to Aurora Lopez 2011 FWAA Queen

Ines Ballatan 1st Princess, Aurora Lopez FWAA Queen, and Winnie Grant 2nd Princess

0084 The Family of Queen Aurora Lopez



John Sulit taking the oath of office as CEO/Chairman of the Board of the Alberta Youth Congress (AYC) before Hon. Laurie Hawn, PC, CD, MP. At the background L-R MLA Carl Benito, MLA David Hancock, and MLA Rick Orman

Alberta’s Youth: A new voice in the governmentYouth in the province will soon have a leader acting on their behalf

Members of the Alberta Youth Congress (AYC) are set to initiate an

official oath-taking ceremony to become the youth representatives of the province. The event will take place in Edmonton – 6PM on Tuesday, September 13th at the Palabok House (10525-51 Avenue Nothwest). It will be attended by government officials such as the MLA’s Carl Benito and Peter Sandhu, The Honourable Member for Whitemud and Minister of Education, Dave Hancock, and the Honourable Laurie Hawn, PC, CD, MP.

According to Alberta Youth Congress CEO and Chairman, John Sulit, the youth are future

leaders whose needs and issues must be met to maintain the future of Alberta’s society.

“The congress will focus on youth-related issues to provide feedback and input. These issues include, but are not limited to, juvenile crime, education, and physical wellness,” says Sulit. “We will create projects that will insure pro-activeness and rhythm for individual communities.”

Projects are already set in motion for AYC. Later on this year, AYC will be travelling to the Philippines to represent Canada in the Free Wheelchair Project. They will assemble wheelchairs made from lawn chairs and bicycle

wheels to donate to impoverished individuals.

The Alberta Youth Congress was founded in 2010 by 15-year old John Sulit, with the assistance of Current Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Carl Benito. AYC is the biggest and most awaited youth based project in the province of Alberta.

Media are invited to attend the official Oath-Taking event on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. For more information or to schedule an interview with John Sulit, please call Clarisse at 780-935-0821 or 780-414-1000. You can also email Clarisse at [email protected]

The Pulse of the Filipino Community10 September 2011Filipino Journal Alberta


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As your MLA, I can:•Commission legal documents, free of charge as a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths.

•Provide official Legislature commemora tive certificates for special occasions such as significant wedding anniversaries, birthdays and facility openings.

•Help you resolve issues with any government Department, or help you access assistance regarding social services, student loans, etc.

•Provide you information or material on provincial issues, including copies of Hansard, Bills, Motions, News Releases, etc.

•Have petitions presented to the Legislature Assembly on provincial issues that are important to you.

•Meet with you, your family, your co-workers your organization, or your Community League to listen to and act on your concerns or ideas.

•Assist organizations with provincial grant applications, such as the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP), Community Initiatives Program (CIP), etc.

•Arrange for you to attend Question Period session or any Legislature debates, or tour of the Legislature for you, your out-of- town guests, your service club, or school.

•Visit your school or organization to explain how the Government works and answer your questions.

Constituency Office

#218, 4128 A - 97 Street Edmonton, AB

T6E 5Y6Tel (780) 414-1000Fax (780) 414-1278

E-Mail: [email protected]

Legislature Office

#723 Legislature Annex9718 - 107 StreetEdmonton, AB

T5K 1E4Tel (780) 422-9299Fax (780) 422-1671

by Carl Benito, MLA Edmonton Mill Woods

As the MLA for Edmonton MillWoods, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions regarding any of the issues discussed in this release, I can be reached in my constituency office at #218; 4128A-97 Street, or in my Legislature office at 780-422-9299. Also, please subscribe to my e newsletter at http://benito.mypcmla.ca/. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/carl.benito, twitter: http://twitter.com/MLACarlBenito and You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/benitomla

More surgeries, more beds improve access to health care

According to the progress report on the Government’s 5-Year Health Action Plan, nearly 10,000 more surgeries were performed in Alberta last year than in the previous year. The plan, which was introduced in late 2010, aims to increase access and reduce wait times.

The plan’s first update reports on immediate actions that were scheduled to be completed by June 2011. Results show that 18 of 19 actions were completed. Achievements include:• reducing wait times for surgery through an additional 9,790 surgeries in 2010-11, surpassing the 3,000 target in the 5-Year Health Action

Plan by almost 6,800 surgeries; • adding 360 new hospital beds to improve hospital access; • helping Albertans find their way around the health system by establishing a cancer patient navigation system that improves co-ordination of care, speeds up patient access to resources and services, and helps patients find answers to questions; • supporting Albertans with addiction and mental health issues by opening 44 new mental health beds in Edmonton and five beds in St. Paul; and• giving Albertans access to reliable and trusted information about staying well, health conditions and treatment options through http://MyHealth.Alberta.ca.

Work on the 19th action – the five-year plan for continuing care – is currently being finalized.

Albertans can view the 5-Year Health Action Plan progress update and accompanying performance measures at www.health.alberta.ca. Regular updates will be posted online.

Census to be held in St. Albert, Morinville and Legal

A census will be held in St. Albert, Morinville, Legal and parts of Sturgeon County beginning in September to determine whether Catholics or Protestants are the minority faith among resident electors in these areas.

The decision to conduct the census follows parents’ requests for a secular education program in Morinville, a program the Greater St. Albert Catholic Regional Division (GSACRD) says it could not accommodate within its regular program. GSACRD is the only public school board serving Legal and Morinville.

GSACRD and neighbouring Sturgeon School Division recently negotiated an agreement to have Sturgeon provide a secular program in

Morinville beginning this school year. The minority faith is determined

by comparing the number of eligible electors declared Roman Catholic with those declared Protestant within each community.

Census forms will be mailed to local households in late September, with follow-up communications to be conducted beginning in October. The census is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Eligible electors must be Canadian citizens, 18 years of age or older who have resided in Alberta for at least six months prior to the census.

Alberta Education will cover the estimated $125,000 cost of the census - including costs for advertising, data collection and analysis.

Nominations for 2011 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards close Sept. 30

With the deadline for nominations fast approaching, Albertans are encouraged to help honour their local heroes by submitting the names of outstanding community volunteers for the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards.

Six awards will be handed out: two in each category of youth, adult and senior at the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards gala ceremony on International Volunteer Day, Dec. 5, 2011. Since the program began in 2000, 71 Alberta volunteers have been recognized with this honour.

The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards Program is an integral part of the Government of Alberta’s commitment to Alberta's voluntary sector. Volunteer recognition programs help set a standard for service, encourage a sustained commitment to civic participation and inspire others to make volunteering a central part of their lives.

Help honour an exceptional volunteer from your community whose generous efforts are contributing to Alberta’s vibrant quality of life and helping to build an even better Alberta. Visit www.culture.alberta.ca/voluntarysector/stars or call 780-415-8139 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access) to nominate a volunteer. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 30.

What to Look For When Buying a Home

Your home isn’t just a place to live, it is also probably the biggest and most important

investment you will ever make.To help you protect that

investment and find a safe, comfortable place for your family to call home, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following list of some of the things you should look at before you buy a home, to make sure you don’t end up having to pay for a lot of expensive repairs:□ Brickwork and chimney pointing—look at the brickwork on the outside of the chimney. If it is chipping, crumbling, turning to powder or if the mortar is starting to fall apart, it could be very expensive to have it repaired.□ Decks and porches—look for signs of rotting wood, even under a fresh coat of paint. Soft spots or places where the wood is splintered could be a sign of more widespread damage.□ Electrical system—if you are buying an older home, find out if the electrical panel has been upgraded. If the service says 200 amps, it is an upgrade. A 60 or 100 amp panel has probably not been upgraded, and may not be enough to meet the electricity needs of your family.□ Floors—what shape are the floors in? If the floors are hardwood, do they need to be sanded and refinished? Refinishing isn’t very expensive, but it is easier if done before you move in, while the rooms are still empty.□ Heating—find out how old the furnace is, and what kind of fuel is used to heat the home. Natural gas is generally the least expensive option, but it is not available everywhere. Oil and electric heat are common sources of fuel in Canada, but are more expensive, especially for a house with baseboard heaters.□ Insulation—insulation keeps your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If the house has older plaster walls, it probably has little or no insulation. Hiring an insulation contractor to blow extra insulation behind the walls can be expensive, but it will save you

money on your heating bills in the long run.□ Parking—find out where you can park and how many parking spaces come with the house. Many older houses in large cities, such as Montréal and Toronto, do not have a garage or driveway. If the house does not have a driveway, can you get a parking permit from the city to park on the street? If not, do municipal regulations allow you to build a driveway or parking spot?□ Plumbing—the plumbing system should be copper pipes with copper soldering, or PVC piping. Lead pipes mean that the plumbing is old and will need to be upgraded in the future.□ Roof—is the roof in good condition? A roof is usually good for 20 to 25 years. Some signs that you may need to replace or repair the roof include leaks or water stains near the chimney and on the ceiling of the top floor inside the home.□ Sewage and drains—hire a qualified inspector to find out if the sewer system and drains are working properly. You should also find out if the sewage service from the street has been upgraded recently.□ Windows—If you are looking at an older home that has just single panes of glass in the windows, you may need to upgrade to a new set of windows before you move in.

If you are buying an older home, it is always a good idea to hire a professional home inspector to inspect the home before you buy. A home inspection will give you a complete understanding of the condition of the home you are buying, before you buy it.

For more information or to obtain hard copies for FREE on other aspects of renting, buying and renovating a home in Canada, visit www.cmhc.ca/newcomers. For more than 65 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.

For story ideas or to access CMHC experts or expertise, contact CMHC Media Relations - National Office at: (613) 748-2799 or by e-mail: [email protected]



Dennise Yambao is a volunteer writer for the Alberta Filipino Journal and is currently pursuing a career in the investment and financial services industry. She has called Calgary home since 2005, shortly after completing her post-secondary studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. When she is not dispensing investment advice to her clients, Dennise enjoys pounding the pavement in her runners, improving her swimming skills, and discovering the world through books and travel.

by Dennise Yambao

Finding Newfoundland

Like most Filipinos born and raised in the Philippines, close proximity to warm bodies of

water was always something that I took for granted - that is, until moving to Calgary. Although the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains is nothing to sneer about, since relocating to the Prairies part of me has always missed the salt-tinged air and dewy weather associated with living so close to the ocean. Hence, upon hearing of an opportunity to visit Canada’s easternmost province Newfoundland, I jumped at the chance to go during the city of St. John’s busiest time of the summer, the iconic

George Street Festival - a weeklong celebration traditionally held during the last week of July on, where else – George Street, right in the heart of downtown St. John’s.

Because Newfoundland is located in the Atlantic Ocean, summers normally arrive late and remain only briefly. This summer in particular was one of the wetter, colder summers in recent memory, according to St. John’s locals that I had the chance to talk to. Nevertheless, the damp weather did not dampen the appetite for celebration on the Street, especially on opening night when Newfoundland’s own Great Big Sea performed in front of hundreds of drenched revelers, who seemed oblivious to the incessant rain and cool temperatures. Attendees fleeted from bar to bar, kept warm by alcohol and the sheer volume of bodies per square foot. The next few nights did not disappoint, with big name bands such as Trooper, Dropkick Murphys, and Hey Rosetta keeping the party going.

In the daytime, if you can shake off your hangover from the previous night’s festivities, there are plenty of sights to see. Signal Hill, located only a few minutes outside of downtown St. John’s, is a Canadian National Historic Site and a must-visit for first-timers. Cabot Tower, which is located on top of Signal Hill, features an interactive exhibit about Guglielmo Marconi, the father of long distance radio transmission. Here on Cabot Tower, Marconi operated a wireless station where the first trans-Atlantic wireless transmission was received.

Impressive lighthouses dot the landscape, and hiking trails abound for lovers of the outdoors.

Cape Spear is another tourist favourite, especially if you are hoping to get in a little bit of whale watching. Whale sightings were a dime a dozen, and coupled with the majestic moorlands and treacherous cliffs that traced Canada’s most eastern point, Cape Spear felt like a scene right out of Wuthering Heights. The drive down was interesting as well as moose and other wildlife could be seen loitering close to the roadside. It was unfortunate that the weather did

not cooperate as the visual would have been a hundred times more stunning if not for the dreary fog that lingered on.

Discovering Newfoundland, although more reminiscent of a trip to Ireland than anything, was a joy not only because of the endless parties and spectacular views of the Atlantic. I was struck most by the similarities of Newfoundlanders and Filipinos, from their laidback, easygoing vibe, to the penchant for food, family, and laughter. It should be on everyone’s bucket list to see this place at least once in his or her lifetime, to get screeched in, and kiss a cod.


15September 2011 Filipino Journal AlbertaThe Pulse of the Filipino Community

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Ethnic Communities Rally For Ted Morton, PC Candidate for Alberta Premier

Filipinos, Punjabi and Chinese communities hailed the PC Premier candidate

Dr.Ted Morton at a rally held at the Ted Morton headquarter in Millwoods at 34th Ave. MLA Carl Benito and Julie Kallal emceed the rally and the program. A dinner and entertainment were presented by the supporters of Ted Morton. If elected as premier, Ted Morton promises to

Friends of Edmonton Millwoods Association (FEMA) Perform A Line Dance Exhibition

look into the concerns and issues that confront the new immigrants and the foreign contract workers. He has committed himself to create a multicultural ministry that will oversee the new Canadians. MLA Carl Benito, MLA Doug Elniski, MLA Tony Vandermeer, MLA Peter Sandhu and MLA David Chao publicly declared their support to Ted Morton.

Ted Morton Gets Support From the Filipinos

Emcees Julie Kallal and MLA Carl Benito

RJL

2011



LBC Express Remittances not affected by LBC BankLBC Express Senior Vice President for Marketing Javier C. Mantecon clarified today that LBC Express Inc., although a unit of the LBC Group of Companies, operates independently and is not affected by the placement of LBC Bank under receivership by Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC). "It is business as usual for our close to 1000 branches nationwide and more than 100 branches worldwide," Mantecon added, "and we are assuring our customers that the cargo, courier and remittance services of LBC Express remain strong." LBC Express is known to be utilizing the services of many

To all LBC CustomersSouth San Francisco, Calif. – Please be informed that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has placed LBC Development Bank under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, which means all LBC Development Bank‘s services have been temporarily suspended. Though LBC Bank is a member of the LBC Group of Companies, LBC Bank’s receivership does not affect any of our cargo and remittance services except ATM Bilis. Although the ATM Bilis service is currently suspended, we assure you that your remittances are intact and we shall be calling you shortly to initiate the release of your unclaimed funds to your beneficiary at the soonest possible time.

different banks for its operations such as Philippine National Bank (PNB), Metrobank, Banco de Oro ( BDO), Rizal Banking Corporation (RCBC) other than LBC Bank. "Our remittance business is and has been in the past primarily serviced by these major banking institutions for our company's daily operations in servicing the remittances of our customers," Mantecon said.

LBC Express, Inc. is the leading Global Filipino Company in the business of Express Courier and Money Remittance with 1,000 branches nationwide and over 100 branches worldwide. LBC has been linking and bridging Global

We take this opportunity to inform you that we are, through service partnership with one of the Philippines’ largest universal banks, introducing a new VISA-enabled ATM Bilis Card. With this change, your loved ones/consignees will be receiving the VISA-enabled ATM card with which they will be able to withdraw the cash you send in all the ATMs, plus, they will be able to make purchases without having to carry or withdraw cash. In the near future, even more services and functionalities will be added to the new VISA-enabled ATM Bilis Card. In the meantime, you may use our IPP (Instant Peso Padala) service which allows your consignee to pick-up cash instantly from over 950 LBC locations, or

Filipino for more than 60 years now through total customer service experience.

Known as the “Hari ng Padala”, ”, LBC pioneered several service innovations like the door to door remittance service, ATM bilis Padala & the “Balikbayan box. These services have connected the Global Filipino with their families in the country for the past decades

LBC Express aims to be the total solutions provider of choice professionally and technologically equipped to serve Filipino families and businesses entities across the globe.

home delivery and bank deposit. You will be advised soonest once ATM Bilis service resumes.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused with regard to your recent ATM Bilis transactions. We are, however, confident that you will be satisfied and happy with the coming resumption of our ATM Bilis service with the new VISA-enabled ATM Bilis Card backed up by our new service partnership.

In behalf of LBC employees and agents of LBC North America, we thank you for your continued loyalty and trust in our services. Please call our customer service number 1800-338-5424 for any additional inquiries.

Shamcey Supsup bags 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe 2011

The Philippine bet to the Miss Universe 2011 beauty pageant made it to the top five for the

second consecutive year,Reigning Bb. Pilipinas-

Universe Shamcey Supsupwas declared third runner-uptoMiss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes of Angola in the 60th Miss Universe pageant held Monday night at the Credicard Hall in Sau Paolo, Brazil.

The other winners in the final five were first runner-up Olesya Stefanko of Ukraine, second runner-up Priscila Machado of Brazil and fourth runner-up Luo Zi Lin of China.

The 5‘7” beauty from

GeneralSantosCity in Mindanao is a magna cum laude graduate

of the University of the Ph i l i pp ines -D i l iman .

She is also a licensed architect having topped

the Architecture L i c e n s u r e Examination given in July 2010.

Although she did not bring home the crown,

Supsup topped the online fan ranking during the pageant's question and answer portion. Judge Vivica A. Fox asked Supsup the question: "Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person that you love? Why or why not?"

The Filipina replied, "If I had to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love because the first person I love is God, who created me. I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God, too."

Supsup follows a prestigious list of Filipinas to have placed third at the international beauty pageant after Lalaine Bennett (1963), Maria Rosario Silayan (1980), and Maria Desiree Verdadero (1984). The country’s bet last year, Maria Venus Raj placed fourth.

Tony award-winning singer-actress Lea Salongawas one of the judges in this year's Miss Universe.



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Walk The Talk: Ancopwalk 2011ANswer the Cry Of the Poor!

It was a clear, sunny day of sheer excitement for some 250ish members of the Couples for Christ

community in Edmonton last August 20, 2011. The day marked the 7th Annual Ancop Walk, highly anticipated for it’s no nonsense delivery of assistance to Ancop sponsored projects.

ANCOP, ANswering the Cry Of the Poor, has become the cornerstone of the Couples for Christ outreach programs. True to Christian ideals, it is the perfect vehicle to concretize love of God and love of neighbor. ANCOP challenges true spiritual growth when one is led to “Walk the Talk” and by “Putting Money Where Your Mouth Is”. Thankfully, Couples for Christ answered with more than $17,000.00 in total donations that day.

This same day this year, Edmonton became one of several simultaneous ANCOP Walks in Victoria, Vancouver, Winnipeg, the Philippines and the Middle East. The world-wide event was started in Vancouver by a group of CFC members longing to show support not only by flipping thru their wallets but also by straining muscles and breaking bones for our less privileged brothers and sisters. From there, it grew to become a passionate expression of support especially for far away CFC members all over the world who could not physically build the Ancop homes, nourish the impoverished children or teach the uneducated, themselves.

To date, Ancop has already built 2,500 homes, and has helped educate 1,100 kids. Of these, Edmonton’s 10 homes have been paid for in Malugay, Paranaque, Philippines. With this year’s proceeds, another 10 more are ready to be moved forward out of the 30 units Edmonton has initially committed.

As well, this year, Ancop Canada has added NIGERIA to its long list of

sponsored communities. Yes, Ancop Canada’s Child Sponsorship Program has recently inked support of an initial 15 Nnewi children in Nigeria. And as expected, Edmonton’s generosity rose to support at least 3 of them on the very day of the Ancop Walk. Truly, the Edmonton CFC community has lived up to expectations as one of the Top Generators of outreach donations.

The 7th Annual Ancop Walk in Millwoods Park, Edmonton started out with the opening of booths to house the registration table for walk ins and for on line participants; the Flames merchandise and the distribution center for the T Shirts; the Ancop Child Sponsorship table and a separate sponsor booth for Xocai Energy drinks and Dolce Vita Homes.

Don and Carol Villaflor opened the program by calling on South Chapter Head Manny Cerin to do the Opening Prayers, invoking God to bless the efforts made in His honor. After which, Edmonton’s Cluster head Greg Parillas formally opened the festivities citing the biblical importance of the number 7 and how the natural progression has developed the yearly event into bolder, bigger and better participation. He also called on Canada’s National Head, Nick Borja, whose very presence alone was significant to the event. He cited an all-too-familiar quote “Choose to live simply so that others may simply live,” as the CFC message for the event. While Nick Borja gave an inspirational message, the next guest posed a challenge. MLA for the Millwoods area, Carl Benito, ventured the challenge to make the worthy event even bigger by inviting the participation of the Nigerian community next year. Most importantly, he was willing to help negotiate that the Alberta provincial government match all donations dollar per dollar.

With all speakers done, it was time for the warm up exercises preparatory

to the walk itself. YFC’s Margaret Villadarez and Johnny Sabejon made sure everyone was limber and agile for the jogging to follow. Finally, with Security volunteers and Marshalls in place, participants marched around the park twice following their respective banners. All CFC ministries were aptly represented in the year’s Ancop Walk light green T shirts: Kids For Christ, Youth For Christ, Singles For Christ, Handmaids Of the Lord, Servants Of the Lord and Couples For Christ.

For the first time, lunch was served for free due to the generosity of Emma and Juanito Capinpin, members of Couples for Christ in Edmonton. Several prizes from generous donors were also raffled off. Sponsors Xocai and Dolce Vita Homes gave away boxes of Xocai chocolates. Proceeds from the sale of their Xocai energy beverage also went to Ancop.

Capping the day was an overwhelming “thank you” from Ancop Edmonton’s Nap Llanos. He announced the day’s production of actual donations and pledges amounted to more than $17,000. Apart from the overflowing food, T shirts, raffle prizes, musical presentations, more sponsors and good fellowship, there were generous donations that made the day even more memorable. If there was any day that exemplified Ancop’s motto: Less for self, More for others, Enough for all.. it was that day!

For more information about ANCOP, please visit its website at: www.ancopwalk.ca or www.ancopcanada.caOr call Couples for Christ’s office at (780) 982-9152.

Contributed by:Marizza DiazMember of Edmonton ANCOP Core Team



A Must Read for All

After tossing her books on the sofa, she decided to grab a snack and get on-line.. She

logged on under her screen name ByAngel213. She checked her Buddy List and saw GoTo123 was on. She sent him an instant message: ByAngel213: Hi. I'm glad you are on! I thought someone was following me home today. It was really weird! GoTo123: LOL You watch too much TV. Why would someone be following you? Don't you live in a safe neighborhood?ByAngel213: Of course I do. LOL I guess it was my imagination cuz' I didn't see anybody when I looked out. GoTo123: Unless you gave your name out on-line. You haven't done that have you? ByAngel213: Of course not. I'm not stupid you know. GoTo123: Did you have a softball game after school today?

ByAngel213: Yes, and we won!! GoTo123: That's great! Who did you play? ByAngel213: We played the Hornets. LOL. Their uniforms are so gross! They look like bees. LOL GoTo123: What is your team called? ByAngel213: We are the Canton Cats. We have tiger paws on our uniforms. They are really cool. GoTo123: Did you pitch? ByAngel213: No, I play second base. I got to go. My homework has to be done before my parents get home. I don't want them mad at me. Bye! GoTo123: Catch you later. Bye

Meanwhile, GoTo123 went to the member menu and began to search for her profile. When it came up, he highlighted it and printed it out. He took out a pen and began to write down what he knew about Angel so far. Her name: Shannon Birthday: Jan. 3, 1985 Age: 13 State where she lived: North Carolina

Hobbies: softball, chorus, skating and going to the mall. Besides this information, he knew she lived in Canton because she had just told him. He knew she stayed by herself until 6:30 p.m. every afternoon until her

parents came home from work. He knew she played softball on Thursday afternoons on the school team, and the team was named the Canton Cats. Her favorite number 7 was printed on her jersey. He knew she was in the eighth grade at the Canton Junior High School She had told him all this in the conversations they had on- line. He had enough information to find her now.

Shannon didn't tell her parents about the incident on the way home from the ballpark that day. She didn't want them to make a scene and stop her from walking home from the softball games. Parents were always overreacting and hers were the worst. It made her wish she was not an only child.. Maybe if she had brothers and sisters, her parents wouldn't be so overprotective.

By Thursday, Shannon had forgotten about the footsteps following her.

Her game was in full swing when suddenly she felt someone staring at her. It was then that the memory came back. She glanced up from her second base position to see a man watching her closely.

He was leaning against the fence behind first base and he smiled when she looked at him. He didn't look scary and she quickly dismissed the sudden fear she had felt.

After the game, he sat on a bleacher while she talked to the coach. She noticed his smile once again as

she walked past him. He nodded and she smiled back. He noticed her name on the back of her shirt. He knew he had found her.

Quietly, he walked a safe distance behind her. It was only a few blocks to Shannon 's home, and once he saw where she lived he quickly returned to the park to get his car.

Now he had to wait. He decided to get a bite to eat until the time came to go to Shannon's house. He drove to a fast food restaurant and sat there until time to make his move.

Shannon was in her room later that evening when she heard voices in the living room.

"Shannon, come here," her father called.. He sounded upset and she couldn't imagine why. She went into the room to see the man from the ballpark sitting on the sofa.

"Sit down," her father began,"this man has just told us a most interesting story about you."

Shannon sat back. How could he tell her parents anything? She had never seen him before today!

"Do you know who I am, Shannon ?" the man asked..

"No," Shannon answered. "I am a police officer and your

online friend, GoTo123." Shannon was stunned. "That's

impossible! GoTo123 is a kid my age! He's 14. And he lives in Michigan !"

The man smiled. "I know I told you all that, but it wasn't true. You see, Shannon , there are people on-

line who pretend to be kids; I was one of them. But while others do it to injure kids and hurt them, I belong to a group of parents who do it to protect kids from predators. I came here to find you to teach you how dangerous it is to talk to people on-line. You told me enough about yourself t o make it easy for me to find you. You named the school you went to, the name of your ball team and the position you played. The number and name on your jersey just made finding you a breeze."

Shannon was stunned. "You mean you don't live in Michigan ?"

He laughed. "No, I live in Raleigh . It made you feel safe to think I was so far away, didn't it?"

She nodded. "I had a friend whose daughter

was like you. Only she wasn't as lucky. The guy found her and murdered her while she was home alone.. Kids are taught not to tell anyone when they are alone, yet they do it all the time on-line. The wrong people trick you into giving out information a little here and there on-line. Before you know it, you have told them enough for them to find you without even realizing you have done it. I hope you've learned a lesson f rom this and won't do it again. Tell others about this so they will be safe too?"

"It's a promise!" That night Shannon and her Dad

and Mom thanked God for protecting Shannon from what could have been a tragic situation.

Filipino Pioneers Association Elects First Officers

Finally on August 31, 2011 a new association emerged and elected the first set of officers for the Filipino Pioneers Association. A unanimous decision by the members recognized the need to form an association that will carry the banner

of the old timers better known as the "Pioneers". The members will be the first wave of Filipino immigrants from the early 1960 to 1975.

Jun Angeles, was elected to the position as Chairman, Joyce Dizon, Vice Chairman, Joe Macolor, Secretary, Freddie Ramos, Treasurer, Lulu Bernal, PRO and Ted Dizon Auditor.

The Chairman appointed Tessie Oliva, Wilf Ladores and Bert Sibayan as advisors.A plan to celebrate the first 50 years of immigration in Alberta is lined up by

the Chairman and a log book to recognize the first Filipinos immigrants in Edmonton will be created for perpetuity. A membership drive will be launched to round up the first Filipino pioneers considered as the first Filipino settlers in Alberta. If you or you know somebody that came to Alberta in the early 1960's to 1975, please register to our Secretary Joe Macolor at 780-8853441or phone any of the officers listed.

Picture Standing L-R Wilf Ladores, Advisor, Lulu Bernal, PRO, Willie Ramos, Joyce Dizon, Vice Chairman, Jun Angeles, Chairman, Tessie Oliva, Advisor, Esteling Sibayan and Freddie Ramos, Treasurer. Bottom L-R Bert Sibayan, Advisor, Joe Macolor, Secretary, and Ted Dizon, Audito.



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City Council Advances Downtown Revitalization and City Safety

In its first full meeting since the three-week summer break, Edmonton City Council directed

advancement of work to revitalize the heart of Edmonton and enhance safety of citizens.

Violence Reduction StrategyCouncil also praised the unified

effort of the City of Edmonton’s Community Services Department, the Edmonton Police Service and REACH Edmonton to immediately start work to address the anomaly of increased violent crime experienced in the city in the last nine months. Council approved a report on the shared commitment to long-term efforts to reduce violent crime.

The City is addressing gaps in support services to the most vulnerable populations in Edmonton. Additional resources will be immediately added to expand Neighbourhood Empowerment Teams, and a Social Development Rapid Response Team will be providing a targeted, high-intensity response to emerging issues in communities before they become entrenched.

REACH Edmonton will engage Edmontonians in the fall to create community-based ways to address the root causes of violence. City council voted to approach the province to help fund a 24/7 service centre downtown, a Reach Edmonton initiative that would provide around-the-clock services to the homeless and other vulnerable people.

Edmonton Police Service identified a range of actions started over the first eight weeks since the violence reduction strategy was unveiled in early August. This includes Community Action Teams, community crime updates and the 5 x 5 x 5 community initiative that will target five at-risk communities. Council also voted to approach the federal government to help fund the broader plan to reduce violence, which consists of various social programs delivered by police, the city and Reach Edmonton.

City Centre Airport Redevelopment

Council approved the quarterly update on the Redevelopment of the Edmonton City Centre Airport and confirmed the selection of and a signed contract with Perkins + Will as the contracted team to prepare the Master Plan for the innovative redevelopment of a family-focused, sustainable community adjacent to the downtown core.

As the chosen team, Perkins + Will will develop a plan to consult with the community and develop the Master Plan over the

next 15 months. The update report also identified the creation of a Stakeholder Committee, chaired by Councillor Kim Krushell, with representatives from adjoining community leagues and business associations and NAIT, to start the process of compiling meaningful input into the Master Plan Design.

Council also indicated its support for an application to the P3 Canada Fund for a District Energy system to provide 100% renewable energy to the new community. The support for the application does not commit the city to the P3 process, but it allows administration to explore the funding option.

Community Revitalization LevyCity Administration presented

to Council a concept for a Community Revitalization Levy identifying appropriate boundaries for a long-term downtown renewal plan. City Council directed administration to bring back in October a more detailed report on the dedicated tax levy which would be collected from downtown properties to re-invest in the downtown community.

An initial proposal for the dedicated revenue source, called a Community Revitalization Levy, could fund $366 million in major projects that would enhance downtown and catalyze further revitalization in the city. The majority of the projects identified were in the Council-approved Capital City Downtown Plan, including a Jasper Avenue New Vision, Central Warehouse Housing Incentive Program and River Valley Promenades. The levy would also generate $45 million in support for a new arena and $52 million in public infrastructure to support the arena.

With a revitalization levy in place, the City could borrow to fund major projects and pay off the loan in up to 20 years. The initial review of the levy estimates the potential revenue from new development within the boundary at $1.18 billion.

Although this funding strategy has been used often in U.S. cities, the dedicated levy from a certain area has only recently been used in Canada. In Alberta, Calgary has one levy in place for The Rivers District. In Edmonton, the City has approval to start one levy for the redevelopment of the Fort Road area and a second levy ready to be applied for to support development of the Quarters. The timing of starting a levy is crucial, as development should be poised to begin as soon as the levy is started because that triggers the countdown to pay off the borrowing.

Maria Dolores Punsalan Castillo or fondly called Dolly is now a true Filipina-Canadian having lived in Toronto and Calgary for the past 35 years. She takes pride in straddling 2 rich cultures. Her background in English LIterature, Linguistics, and Library Science came in handy in her various jobs in information management. She worked mostly in the oilpatch of Calgary. Her passions are community service, volunteerism, feature writing, and public speaking. Her community and church participation included both Pilipino groups and Canadian organizations. She's happily married to Rey Castillo for the last 34 years. They have one daughter, Rhea Marie who's into environmental projects.

by Dolly Punsalan Castillo

Utang Na LoobA Quaint Filipino Cultural Value

Ask any Filipino about ‘utang na loob’ and for sure, in his or her heart

of hearts, he or she knows what it really means. Literally, it means an ‘internal debt”. Figuratively, it means “ lifelong reciprocation”, “immeasurable gratitude”, “ favors quantified exponentially”.

It’s one of the unique traits that makes us so Filipino, so Pinoy, originating from our hospitable and generous nature. It overflows in reaching out and helping others with no expectation of any return. It operates just like the pay forward concept which in simple terms mean, “pass on to others that good deed that has been done to you.” The beauty of this concept is in the absence of reciprocity. This stems from the belief that karma will somehow come around to the giver and the circle of good deeds is completed. There’s no timeline of who, what, where or when the good deed will be rewarded to the giver.

The downside of this value is in the way it has been abused and misused to some degree.

The givers in their generosity are inextricably drawn into a web of unrealistic expectations that have them bound for life in servitude. Isn’t it but a practical guideline to start first your charity at home? Once you have fulfilled that responsibility which directly provides for yourself and your immediate circle of family, then

the other circles of need can be provided for. It’s not the other way around. This is when providing first for other circle of needs when your own interest and immediate circle direly needs to be attended to. It’s a delicate line of prudently determining whose needs go first. Guilt trip comes in which tugs at the heart of the bountiful giver.

In the heart of all this confusing mix of emotions and logic of helping, giving, and generosity, one surefire clear path is to share what you can afford. At the same time, there should be the conservation of the dignity of both the giver and the receiver. Giving is not to be perceived as a duty nor an obligation, but rather a spontaneous voluntary prick of conscience of sharing. It’s a win – win arrangement externally and internally.

The Divine Creator is our role model in selfless and unconditional sharing. Yet, He draws the line when abuse and exploitation seem to surface. He’s firm and adamant in not tolerating such undesirable response to such a beautiful trait as sharing and giving.

There’s even a guideline that to truly do a good deed, the doer remains anonymous. We have been witnesses to magnanimous donors of charities who choose to remain unknown.

I think that they truly want the focus on the gift and receiver rather than on the giver. Their joy centres on the act of giving and sharing and is enough reward for their good deed.

“Utang na loob” is a unique Filipino trait that should be preserved and practiced in its original intent. Let’s stop the vicious circle of unrealistic expectations and guilt trips creating resentment and animosity. Let’s be cheerful givers and develop wonderful people in the sharing circle. Let human dignity and integrity remain supreme in the making.



by Gem & Lita Anis

Tasmania - "A World Apart, Not a World Away"

Where would you experience breathing the purest air in the

world? Or living for a day in the unspoiled environment of a vast parkland?

Nowhere else but in Tasmania, known as the "island of inspiration".

Tasmania, named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, is an Australian island state, a fascinating place of history and natural beauty to explore.

With the "Diamond Princess" sailing into the deep-water harbour of the colourful waterfront of

Australia's southernmost city, Hobart, we began to experience Tasmania's history from the Constitution Dock to the wild side of the island on a narrated tour of the places of interest.

Driving to Rosny Point Lookout allowed us to enjoy the panoramic view of Hobart, the Derwent River and Mt. Wellington towering in the background.

We travelled to Richmond, a beautifully preserved Georgian village of historic charms and had free time exploring a few of the historic buildings that are now

Constitution Dock, Hobart

shops, arts and crafts galleries, tearooms, and inns.

A must-see in Richmond is the Richmond Gaol historic site, a jail built by convicts and the oldest intact gaol in Australia. Also featuring historic relics and documents, the gaol buildings include chain gang rooms, a flogging yard, cook house, and holding rooms.

Richmond is home to the Australia's oldest known stone arch bridge also built by convict labour reminding us of the "forced migration that contributed to the development of Australia". Richmond Bridge is a lasting symbol of Tasmania's convict heritage.

The oldest Roman Catholic church in Australia built in 1837, St. John the Evangelist Church, is also in Richmond. The small church with three spires stands on a hill.

At the Bonorong Wildlife Coservation Centre, animal sanctuaries dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned natives, we oberved some of Australia's most famous natives, such as kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils and wombats along with the koalas and wallabies. The animals roam free in their natural habitats and we had a chance to interact with many of them especially the kangaroos and the koalas. It was an excellent opportunity to click our cameras to capture these unforgettable moments.

Tasmania is the only place on earth where you'll find the Tasmanian Devils. Also the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world, a Tasmanian Devil, the size of a small dog, has a stocky and mascular build with black fur. The short-legged wombats are also Australian marsupials approximately a meter long with short stubby tails. (Marsupial is a mammal that has its babies in a pouch.)

Besides its colonial buildings,

monuments and cottages, Hobart is also famous for its Saturday's Farmers' Market (a popular street fair) at the Salamanca Place, which is originally a warehouse area and now a lively hotspot of restaurants, galleries and boutiques as well as an arts community.

Hobart also claims one of the

newest additions to this continent down under its first legal casino, the Wrest Point Hotel Casino, opened in 1973.

Lastly, we had a guided walking tour of historic Port Arthur, Australia's infamous penal colony, a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tasmanian Devil

St. John the Evangelist, Australia's oldest Catholic Church

Richmond Bridge, Australia's oldest stone bridge

september2011

Documents

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filipino communityvisit

filipino communityseptember

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philippines ibp

onthe pulse

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