Anyone can follow a path but we all know that people with leadership blaze one. Leadership can also be defined as being able to motivate and inspire others. In this way, leadership doesn’t necessarily have to come from the executive level. It is something that encourages a new direction for a group and that can come from anyone.

            Family life have leaders – they are our parents who take responsibility for growth and development as individuals with a life of purpose and meaning. Siblings have leaders that are normally vested in the eldest of the family but it can be taken over by someone whose power to stir in action becomes the chosen command.

            Nations, governments, schools, churches, organizations etc. are spawning environments for leadership.

           But it takes someone to lead, guide, conduct, steer and usher in the vision, mission, ideas, concepts, direction and destinies that mark the histories and lives of the human community and the living beings in this universe we all inhabit.

            That someone has that power and the unwavering desire to make that change and move that force and turn that energy towards a vision and mission that blazes all paths.

            The call for leadership is born in the times of urgency, in the occasion of decision making, in the advent of choice and at the edge of movement or inertia. It is determined in the depths of intentions and change.

            Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, a plain housewife and the widow of Senator Benigno Aquino the assassinated political opponent of Ferdinand Marcos   responded to the call of leadership when she became the 11^th president and the first female President of the Philippines and Asia. It was a calling that she heeded behind the peaceful movement of the People Power Revolution of February 22 to 25 1986. It was the day Ferdinand Marcos conceded and his 20 year dictatorial regime ended.

            She was a world renowned advocate of democracy, peace, women empowerment and religious piety.  Her leadership was defined with her strong faith and trust in God that she overcame several coup attempts from her opponents.

            Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino passed way passed away at the age of 76 last August 1, 2009. Her life mission will be recorded in the pages of our Philippine history and World history as the first woman president in Asia who rose with power and wings within the confines and sanctuary of her home to stand alone on the open arena of a shifting world order. Her leadership has blazed a historical path.

            We will wear the colors of yellow in the forms of ribbons, shirts and dresses   as memorabilia of loving remembrance of her.  

Energy is essential to our daily activities. It is needed to provide us with light, heat and powers such as cooking facilities and electronic devices. We are now relying on energy for communication, transportation and industrial measures. So, how would our everyday life be without energy? It would doubtlessly become much more difficult! To avoid that from happening, let us not be abusive.  Basically, we should start conserving energy in our homes, so, in this article, I will suggest some ideas, hoping you readers would be more careful with your daily activities.

First of all, switch to eco-friendly energy. Renewable energy is energy produced from natural resources (wind, sunlight, rain, tides, and geothermal heat) which are naturally replenished, or in other words: renewable. Not having non-disposable energy would obligate you to buy that certain object that requires energy constantly. The following would waste a great amount of money and not to mention, electricity.

Second of all, turn off unused appliances and lighting. Leaving them on for a long period of time can waste a huge amount of energy without you even realizing it! Simple things like switching off the lights can help enormously. If ever you need light during the day, open the curtains and let the sun shine through! It’s effective if you require light and  heat. It is equally a valuable source of vitamin D.  And also, don’t leave fridge or freezer doors open longer than necessary.

Third of all, wash economically. Did you know that taking a shower instead of a bath uses around 50% less energy? A shower is much more faster than a bath. It saves time and is quick and efficient.

So generally, a bath is for relaxation whereas using baths to particularly clean only your body is a waste of water. Washing economically doesn’t just apply to your body, the clothes you wash are definitely included. Avoid using the washing machine with a partial load. And also, tumble dryers uses a big amount of energy. Try hanging your clothes on a line instead, besides, this is also better for your clothes.

Almost all of the energy that we use in our homes comes from burning fossil fuels. The greenhouse effect is in danger since the burning fossil fuels releases big quantities of carbon dioxide into the air. Following my suggestions will not only save you hundreds in bills, but also help rebuild a state of equality to your life and to the planet

My boyfriend is still close friends with his ex-girlfriend. They were together for 5 years before they broke up, and it was a mutual break up. How do I tell him that it makes me uncomfortable that they still keep in touch?
It is important to keep an open communication in a relationship and it is only natural that you feel uncomfortable. To avoid any confrontation with your boyfriend, try and understand their friendship and why they have remained good friends. You can be open with your boyfriend and tell him how it makes you feel and KINDLY ask him to REDUCE communication with her. Asking him to cease communication may feed off as jealously. Put yourself in his shoes and ask yourself how you would feel if you were asked the same question. It wouldn’t be fair if you got upset if you still had a close friendship with your boyfriend. By confronting him, you may also give off the idea that you don’t trust him. As long as their friendship is not keeping your relationship from growing then it is safe to say “do not worry.” But if you know that he has a history of being untrustworthy then I would just keep my eyes and ears open just in case…

I am 28 years and I still live with my parents? Is that bad?
It depends…Nowadays, it takes some young adults longer to find their career job before they move out and make a life of their own. It is what you do at home that can be the deciding factor. It is easily excusable if you are still in school, therefore you probably do not have a high paying job to keep you on your feet by yourself. Usually in that case, it is excusable because you may not be making enough money to help pay expenses like the electrical bill, groceries, etc. But if you are done school and have a reasonable paying full time job, in respect to living under your parents’ roof you should help lighten the load. By doing so, this will you develop responsibility and understand what it means to keep up with the everyday utilities. But if you live freely off such luxuries and do not demonstrate and any kind of responsibility then you can expect some sort of criticism…that’s when it will be bad.

To send your questions, email:
montrealpinoypost_verabermejo@yahoo.ca

Who is Doctor Jesus P. Pelausa ?

Did anyone of you enjoy his company and shared a table with him in one or several Filipino community events and listened to his countless stories woven in cerebral fluidity and bravado?mWere you invited to his home and broke bread with his loving family and felt their unique Pelausa hospitality?

Allow me to be your storyteller and indulge me with your time as I take you into the world of a man whose life is as interesting as the chapters in the book of Philippine history. The Philippines and World War II, the infamous DEATH MARCH, a day in the  lives of countless innocent Filipinos weakened by hunger , fatigue and sickness fighting for freedom with a spirit unbroken and alive with faith in their hearts  walked the parched roads after the Fall of Bataan when General Edward P. King surrendered leaving the 66,000 helpless Filipinos in the hands of the Japanese.

The infamous DEATH MARCH started from Mariveles Bataan to Capas Tarlac , a five days and six nights  march  where most of the prisoners met their end on the waysides.  Many more would have died but the compassion of  townfolks  who witnessed the suffering risked their lives and provided food, fruits and water.

Jesus Pelausa was among the prisoners. He was   emaciated and gaunt   his energy enlivened only by his alert mind and firm faith in God’s power and miracle. He walked like a warrior and inched his way with the sharp sense of survival. Every step meant life or death for everyone but Jesus had more to expect it was his belief in miracles and their realities.

A bottle of cod liver oil manifested a few steps before him and he reached out for it.  Every day he took a teaspoon and shared it with his companions.  Eight of them survived with that elixir along the bloody trodden paths.

The summer heat was becoming unbearable and more fell to their deaths like flies on volcanic ground. Jesus moved on his eyes alert like an eagle surveying distance and ground. He noticed a vine close to the road. He made his way towards the path of vines and pulled it with his dwindling strength.  His miracle has called him once more. It was a bundle of ‘singkamas’ a summer fruit luscious with water content. He shared it once more with his companions.

In the town of Carmen Pangasinan , the prisoners were met by the populace who darted towards them with packed food of hard boiled eggs, adobo and water. Jesus partook of the fare with gratitude and concern over his fellow prisoners.

In San Fernando the cadaverous and listless prisoners   were all pushed inside boxcars for the Concentration camp at Camp O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. Inside the packed boxcar Jesus gasped for breath and kept himself alive by lying facedown on a cracked floor of the train taking in air to be alive.

Jesus made it to Camp O’ Donnell where he cured himself of dysentery by drinking the tea water from boiled guava leaves which they harvested every day from the vast land in the area. At night, malaria took him to a bout of fever and chills.

But life was bigger than the shadow of death for Jesus. He was prompted to act with a sense of vision, resourcefulness and alertness. His release out of the concentration camp was directed by his devotion to a life written from a person’s sense of worth and purpose. Thus life in return guided him to the right direction. After all he firmly believed that GOD always provides for his people.

We all have stories to tell and all of them are meaningful for why we are all here. Jesus wrote his story with a sense of defined purpose well taken every step of the way towards the bigger chapters of his life. The defining moments of his life were companioning chapters   in  Philippine History .  Dr. Jesus P. Pelausa MD, FACA, CSPQ (Anaesthesioloy ) retired , was a teacher and a soldier and  lived it in outstanding levels.

As your storyteller, I was there listening to Dr. Jesus P. Pelausa, the storyteller of his life his alert mind weaving every sentence with clarity and enthusiasm for the choices he made along the milestones of his life.
His wife Natalie a retired high school teacher and well respected community leader was right beside him in the dining table paraphrasing my questions to her husband when he failed to hear me.
Ermelinda their daughter a medical doctor in Paediatrics –Neonatology would remind him of a time in his life when events were succinct but hazy to Dr. Jesus Pelausa when I posed a question.
Ermelinda was on her way to visit Edilberto her brother who is a MD, FRCS-ENT Surgeon and MC in Otolaryngoloy in Suffolk Virginia, the day I came by to conduct this newspaper interview.
The Pelausa family is a traditional Filipino family whose community spirit is felt with a warmth of hospitality and deep faith in God and his loving protection.
I closed my journal and as a final question I asked the couple a candid question.
“What is your favorite song?
“Love Story “, Dr. Pelausa uttered in a dash.
“It is Sunrise Sunset. Natalie chimed in with certainty.
And as my romantic mind concluded: This is a couple with a love story that is lived from sunrise to sunset.

In Quebec, a Travel Agency, must have a Permit to Sell Travel.  This permit is issued by the “Office de la protection du consommateur” (Consumer Protection Office) and imposes rules & regulations on Travel Agents, in order that there is the least financial risk possible when purchasing an airline ticket or vacation package. The owner of the agency and all agents who are employed by the Agency are governed by that Permit. Most Important and Rule No. 1 is that any payments received by a Travel Agency must be deposited in a “Trust Account” wherein the money deposited legally remains the property of the customer until such time as they have received the Travel Documents purchased and paid for. The Travel Agency is forbidden to pay any operating or other expenses from that account, or remove any commissions earned until such time as the customer has received their Valid Travel Documents. Accordingly, when you pay your hard earned money to a Travel Agency, always ensure that they have an “OPC Permit”, and don’t be shy to ask to see the permit. It is your right, and your protection.

Another Important Rule administered by the “OPC” via Permitted Travel Agents is the collection and registration of the “Fonds d’indemnisation des clients des agents de voyages” which in short, due to space limitations, is the mandatory collection and registration of your Travel purchase in a Government Fund amounting to 0.35% ($3.50 per $1000.00 Value) of all Travel Services sold in Quebec, which then is held by the Government to use for various travel related reasons, but for one example, – in the case of a failure to be able to provide the service purchased, i.e. bankruptcy by an Airline which would result in Quebec Residents abroad having to purchase a return ticket, you would be compensated for your additional expenses.

In many cases this mandatory contribution is already included in the price quoted for your Airline Ticket – But make sure it is illustrated on a separate line item on your Travel Invoice – In order that it is perfectly clear should you run into a problem, that the premium has been paid.  Only a Travel Agency with a valid permit can register your Travel Purchase and ensure you are fully protected. You can see more information on this program at www.partezprotege.gouv.qc.ca. In addition to regular or part time employees, a Travel Agency sometimes has arrangements with independent sales agents, often referred to as “Outside Agents”. An outside agent can sell Travel on behalf of an Agency with whom they have made an arrangement, but then can only sell on behalf of that particular Agency. All the Trust Account and OPC rules are taken care of by the host agency on behalf of the outside agent. However, an outside agent working and selling on behalf of more than one Travel Agency would in fact make them technically a Travel Agency themselves – and this is not permitted.

Once again, always make sure your independent agent has a valid agreement with an Agency who holds a permit, that all money paid is deposited to that Agencies Trust Account, and that your purchase is reported and premium paid on the Gross Amount of the purchase to the OPC Indemnity Fund in order to avoid any difficulties should you need to file a claim. Airline Tickets to the Philippines are an expensive proposition. Always protect yourself by making sure the Agent of your Choice has a permit, and registers your purchase for the indemnity funds.

Gossip as a function of human behavior has been with our species as long as recorded history. In our everyday human encounters, at various functions, at work, at business and social activities and where we find ourselves at a myriad of other human situations, most of us at some time or another are engaged in and participate in gossip.

The various medias, the internet, television, radio, magazines and newspapers are the usual purveyors of gossip. TV programs such as E-Talk and Entertainment Tonight and other celebrity oriented shows are notorious in their spreading of showbiz personality gossip.

In fact we are inundated with the cult of celebrity gossip and with our preoccupation with what celebrities are wearing (especially the women). And what they are doing, thinking, where they are going, their latest movie, TV programs, books, songs and often accompanied by outrageous behaviors.

Why are we interested? Is this preoccupation genetically hard wired into our brains or does it serve as having some kind of sublime social interactive benefit?

What kind of conversations do you participate and involve yourself in? Do you spend much of your time with others talking about other people and their idiosyncrasies? Do you talk about important issues relating to the world and its social and political ideological problems?  Are you part of the problem or part of the solution? Are you functioning and behaving in a way that can bring about a more enlightened humanity or are you just going on with much of the nonsense or what so many others are doing?

In essence what can we do or you do to make a more positive difference in your interactions and conversations with others.

Let us start to take steps to make a positive difference instead of spending so much time on needless gossip that leads to undermining our self respect by putting down and telling falsehoods and talking badly about others.

Union Montreal candidates will soon launch their door to door re-election campaign in Cote des Neiges – Notre Dame de Grace borough and they will have lots of help from the Filipino community.

Some 700 Union Montreal members were on hand last June 29 at the Centre Sportif Cote des Neiges, 4880 Van Horne, to nominate Michael Applebaum as candidate for Borough Mayor, Marvin Rotrand for Councillor in Snowdon, Helen Fotopulos in Cote des Neiges, Lionel Perez in Darlington and Marie Josee Mastromonaco in Notre Dame de Grace district. Susan Clarke was elected in a contested nomination in Loyola district.

About 100 of those in attendance were of Filipino origin. As its first order of business the nominating meeting elected a Cultural Communities Committee to provide counsel and support to the Union Montreal candidates. Six Filipinos will sit on the 30 person committee including Riza Esmeralda, Flor Rillo, Ed Tupaz, Rey Balensi, James de La Paz and .Nida Quirapas.

“Union Montreal under Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum has always been close to the our community, “says Riza Esmeralda “The presence of a cross section of our community on the Cultural Communities Committee will assure that the Borough’s action plan will continue to reflects our needs.

During the meeting Councillor Rotrand who is the President of the Borough’s Intercultural Commission told members that their number one priority should be to promote Montreal’s multicultural diversity. Rotrand says that Union Montreal has and will continue to promote tolerance, understanding and cooperation between ethnic groups.

“We must build a city free of prejudice with opportunity for all. We are the only municipal party to have always worked to promote the multicultural reality of Montreal.” Councillor Rotrand declared.

Mayor Applebaum urged the members to get the vote out on election day, November 1 reminding them that Union Montreal is the only municipal party that is inclusive promoting the active participation of people of all races, cultures and creeds.

PRESS RELEASE
SPLISH SPLASH Waterfest on Sunday, August 16 
Loads of family fun!
Montréal, July 29, 2009 – The annual Splish Splash waterfest is back. The fun event for young Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough families will be held simultaneously at the Confederation Park and Kent Park swimming pools, on Sunday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be music, inflatable games, supervised activities and other surprises. A number of picnic tables will be available near the pools, for those who want to bring lunch.

The Confederation Park swimming pool is located at the corner of Biermans and Kensington avenues, in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. The Kent Park swimming pool is located at the corner of avenue de Kent and chemin Hudson, in Côte-des-Neiges.

The event will be cancelled if it rains.

Source: CDN—NDG borough
Information: François Puchin: 514 868-3483
Lyne Des Trois Maisons: 514 868-4018
Communications Co-ordinators

AU OSDON – Team “Mabuhay”
Interviewed by: Veraida-Lyn Bermejo

What is your party’s platform?

Our party’s platform is to really work together with everybody towards progress, peace and a better tomorrow. Our biggest thing, based on the existing constitution and by-laws of FAMAS is the community center. We want it to be a center that every Filipino-Canadian should be proud of, a place where people will be welcomed, feel free and feel safe to be in. We would like make it a resource center, introduce programs along with the existing ones, which is the heritage class, but for Debbie [Resurreccion] and Erwin [Fausto], they said we need our history class. There are alot things that we can do and for their children who are now growing up. They told me “I remember when I was growing up we had all of this, but where is it now?”

Also to service a welcoming and orientation for newcomers who are live-in caregivers and sometimes do not have a place to stay. Some only come out from their employers during the weekend. Some don’t even rent an apartment because they can’t afford it. I remember I’ve gone through that so I know what the needs are. I think they need a place where they can sit for a few hours, watch our Filipino shows in the Philippines and chat with the others and share their concerns so they feel they are not alone. When you are new here, you need that sense of belonging; you need a family.

Then we would like to explore the possibility of why do not have a foundation up to now.  It has come to a level where we can make a difference in the voting of the politicians, and we should take advantage of our number now, whether it is of the municipal, provincial or federal government, and we can now make a difference and take advantage of that. We would like to connect with people that can lobby for us, who can get us a foundation, separate from FAMAS, so this can manage independently like the FAMAS center.

And we also want to spearhead efforts in existing groups to take ownership and contribute financially towards the center. They think the center is only for FAMAS; it is for everybody and FAMAS is a symbol of the Filipino community center so we should take ownership because we all belong there. If each association, for example, the Nurses’ Association, we will have fundraise effort for FAMAS and cover the electricity and the utility bills for one month. And if every group would do that, it’s do-able and probably have a bigger center soon because we have growing needs. The community is growing very quickly.

We would also like to create a FAMAS website. It is very important and it is now the way to communicate with everybody. Our society is changing so fast, we have to grow with the society. If we keep on doing what we used to do 10 or 20 years ago, then we are being left behind. We can disseminate to people how we spend our money, what activities we offer, what services we have, disseminate the information to everybody easily and they will feel proud they have a center. We cannot do it ourselves and we cannot do it overnight. If we get a lot of people that share the same aspirations and goals with us, to work with us, it can be done.

In line with that, we would like to promote participation, inclusiveness and volunteerism among our members. A lot of our members stay away from the association because there is a lot of people talking badly and we do not want to work that way, we have to appreciate why all these candidates are running because it is for the same goal – it is for our community, so we have to appreciate each other rather than stabbing each other in the back. There has been a lot of things about transparency, good governance, accountability and respect for the dignity of everyone. We may have to really look at the by-laws and maybe along with that have some policies and other documents to support and give more and come up with more policies to control the way we do things and they way we conduct ourselves.

We would like to build strong relation with all levels of government because we want to be represented and considered in all areas of decision and policy making like consultations, so Filipinos really need to be represented.  If we build our networks with all these other groups and become a strong unity, maybe these governments will listen to us more rather than take us for granted. We have to have that kind of environment where everyone can talk and sit down together and be united. They will look at us more seriously. We can’t just talk the talk but we also have to walk the talk.
We want to pave the way for a great participation and involvement among the young people. Twenty years ago I was a FAMAS president. We tell the youth you are the future. That future is now. So it’s about time we walk with them, we journey with them so they know that we are living with them, the situations they are facing. I’m sure it is going to run better with the young people taking over. You can’t leave them to handle everything of course they will be lost and they need people to walk with them; who will respect what they will say and value their contribution; who listen to them and take them seriously. Because some of them have done other things in the community before, but just look down at them and don’t take them seriously because they are kids but not anymore. 
We are here and we hope people will take us seriously and we will do our best.

What are your short term/long term goals for FAMAS if elected?

First of all, it is to look at the situation. We want to know what are getting into. It’s very hard. Some people are asking “Why don’t you come up with a budget?” How can you come up with a budget, when you don’t even know the real situation right now? We have to work to build a relationship with the past administration. Sometimes there is animosity with people losing and winning. If we only we can learn exactly what we are starting with and work with it.

We will create committees, different committees to review the by-laws and the constitution of FAMAS, people to look at the foundation so everything will work hand in hand. The website is also important so we can communicate with the bigger community.

First, really is to reach out to people. Twenty years ago it was a matter of fundraising. Through the years we have accumulated money to buy this center, but now it’s there and it is a matter of maintaining it.

How would you encourage the youth to get more involved?

The fact that Debbie and Erwin are with us, they can easily invite friends to come over and see the center and create activities, like creating a website and create a group of youth who will handle that and empower them and let them do what they can do. If you continue to look at what they do, we don’t want to control, we have to empower them. So if they know that they are part of the whole plan, they will be more involved.  I trust we can come up with a lot of activities like history or etiquette lessons for young teens, like 20 years ago.

We’ve cried and we’ve talked to young teens around the corner of the street and it’s amazing how much you learn, just reaching out to these people. We have lot of young people who are lonely out there and they easily get influenced by drugs and have nothing else to do. We were talking the other day, near the Filipino Bakery, a boy who has been here for one month, has nothing to do and he wants to go home. We can make that center a place where they can get together, maybe it will help a little, even in small ways we can reach out to these people. There is a lot of lonely and lost people out there. So I hope Debbie and Erwin, we can learn from them. We learn from the young people. At our age, we talk at a different level. If they can talk to their peers, people the same age as them, they will be more comfortable. And maybe young adults can also help our young people who are coming while their parents are working to meet both ends meet. We’ve all gone through that and we should never forget to be able to help our own people.

What is your previous involvement in the Filipino community?

I came in 1981 and because I was alone, right away I got involved. I was forced by Debbie’s mother to come to the park and now I am the one inviting Debbie to get involved. And when I went to the park, I thought I was going to a picnic and then all of a sudden, before I knew it, I was the recording secretary of FAMAS. So that was my first involvement. Then I was the founding member of the first live-in caregiver program. We called our association the United Filipino Homemaker’s Club. Twenty years ago I headed FAMAS. With 20 years being the in the community and getting involved in other associations, I have learned more and I know the community much better. I have also matured.  I have also been the president of PBSSQ. The National Council of Canadian Filipino Associations, it’s a national body, unfortunately it died a natural death but I was once the regional vice-president for the eastern region, which covers Quebec. I have been the secretary for several terms for the Federation, I never got involved further because I got involved with NCCFA. I’ve been more with religious groups. I am currently the chairperson of St. Kevin’s Parish and MC-ing here and there. It is just not a matter of socializing; you get to know more people; you get to know the needs; you get to know who is running them. It’s nice to be able to interact with some many people in our community.

MEL DOMINGO – Team “Lingkod Bayan”
Interviewed by: Veraida-Lyn Bermejo

What is your party’s platform?

Our platform is only one. Everybody told me not to have too many platforms because if I cannot do it, they will tell me I am a liar. That’s why I prefer to have one platform and I am sure I can make it. My platform is – I will amend the constitution. There are so many things in the constitution to be removed and be replaced with a better one. The number thing that I will do is amend the constitution and then after I amend I will remove the membership fee. The membership fee is a big problem because some of our countrymates, when elections comes, they will say “I will go and vote and then pay.” Candidates who have money, almost every election, have won. How about candidates who have no money but they have knowledge that the community can benefit, but they have no chance? For example, I am rich and you are poor. My son loves drinking alcohol and sometimes he is using prohibited drugs. He will run for president.  Your son is a good boy. He is the right person to administer our association but he has no chance. Now, after election, of course, I have money and my son will win. What will my son do in his position as president? He has nothing to offer but to drink. So, my plan is to remove that membership fee so that even if your son is poor and my son is rich, it is a fair election.  There is no money involved. That is our platform, and like I said, we only have a short platform, not like the others with so many platforms. Those people with so many platforms, there are so many promises. If they win, they will remove the 4 letters from the word “platform” what will remain?  “Form”. In Tagalog, “porma” – “wala sila magawa.”  The rating of our community is going down because of vote buying. So my promise, if I win, I will remove the membership fee.

What is your previous involvement in the community?

I am the member of Knights of Columbus and I have the rank of fourth degree, the highest of the Knights of Columbus. I am also a member of the Kampapagan Association, Novo Ecijiano Association, Ex-serviceman Association, United Filipino Seniors Association and Dynamic Association. Novo Ecijiano was founded in 2004 and I am one of the founding members; as well as Ex-Serviceman and Telequenos Association. In FAMAS, I was elected three times as director and the last time I was elected among the members of the executive board as vice president. The first time I was elected under Joe Bustamante, I noticed that the Filipino community has no sign that it is a property of the Filipinos. I sponsored in the executive board that the building must have a Filipino flag. That is the first project I have made. The second time I was elected as director, under Benny Parial, we already had a flag pole in front of the building but no safety around it. I sponsored to the executive board that the flag should have a fence but the executive board disapproved it. I put a fence with my own money. I did not use FAMAS fund; I did not collect; I sacrificed my pocket. And when I was elected as director during Albert Florescar, I was elected again amongst the board as vice president. As vice president, I was the administrator of the building.

What is your short term and long term goals for FAMAS, if elected? How would you encourage the youth to get more involved?

If I will be elected and some of my directors will be elected (I am praying that all of them will win). Aside from amending the constitution, my plan is to train a young one to unite the youth because I personally believe that the future of the country is the youth. Our successors are the young ones, who we call the “kabataan”. The second plan, if I will be elected, I will organize them. I have a candidate to prepare to hold the youth – Neil Castro. If we win, I will give him the youth. If we will win, Neil will win, I am sure he can help me to unite the youth; to make projects for the youth so that they will be trained on how to become a leader.

You can assure I am elected, if God permits, what I have said will be done.

CHRIS BAUTISTA – Team “Kilusang Byanihan”
Interviewed by: Elenita Belgica

What is your party’s platform?

Our platform is very simple it is all about TEAMWORK working together with one voice…the voice of the GROUP. It is the BAYANIHAN SPIRIT.

What are your short term/long term goals for FAMAS if elected?

Our short term goals are: financial cleaning up and organizing financial records with transparency in order to manage the organization effectively. We will also clean up and fix the center for the comfort of everyone. Our long term goals:  we have to work hard and earn back the TRUST of the community to FAMAS. We have to do our best to give HONOR to the objectives of the organization.

How will/can you encourage more youth to get involved in the Filipino community?

Leaders are role models and I desire to motivate others by being a role model.  So it is important that we are self-motivated and show good examples.  I always speak up and share what is in my heart.

What is your previous involvement in the Filipino community?

I have been promoting our culture which is the traditional FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS known as Eskrima or Arnis. My grandfather Cacoy Canete is the grandmaster of this martial arts and the founder of Doce Pares in 1932. This martial arts dates back to Lapulapu who used this art in defeating Magellan. Cacoy Canete ‘s 12 striking moves, or Doce Pares, popularized this Filipino Martial Arts. We are known globally and I continue this cultural legacy here in Montreal when I teach it to Filipinos and other nationalities.

FLOR RILLO – Team “Samahang Makabayan”
Interviewed by: Elenita Belgica

What is your platform, short/long term goals and encouragement for the youth?

The platform was long time written. First things first, our team mission – our mission is to continue the progress we have established in order to build more effective organization that understands and meets the needs of FAMAS and this community. Our vision – our community center is a place where our community members feel comfortable and enjoy the friendly and relaxing environment. Our community members of all ages, come together, unified and empowered by sharing the belief that they hold the power to create and share in how they live and grow in the community.

Our core values reflect the FAMAS mission and philosophy. They guide the decisions made by the team members: community – those we work with and those we serve; cooperation – the spirit of work ethics; compassion – the inspiration that guides our work and for our commitment, the pledge we made. Our goals enhance the positive image of our center and maximize the operational functioning seven days a week.

Action plan: Designate a full time building administrator with defined duties and responsibilities; develop policy and procedure (ex. building upkeep and maintenance); develop and implement a volunteer program; develop and implement program activities – social, cultural and educational that are appropriate for all ages; develop strategies on how to maximize our human and financial resources in our community center;  develop FAMAS administrative policy and procedure in order to have consistency, continuity and uniformity for effective and productive operation of the organization; develop code of ethics for our organization (ex. officers and members). This is a guide to involve as they ascribe to render effective and efficient service for FAMAS and for the community.

Evaluate and enhance the existing programs such as Filipino heritage class, classes for children, French language, classes for new arrival immigrants and develop a welcoming and orientation program for new arrivals. Enhance the financial revenue of FAMAS by doing an annual membership drive. Do partnership with our community organizations, with their social and cultural activities and educational programs. Develop and implement educational programs for FAMAS, executive board members to enhance the knowledge and skills to be effective and productive.  Develop FAMAS a strategic framework. This is our roadmap that will guide us in the right direction.

We will develop our strategic plan for term 2009 and 2010 administration. Continue and enhance our linkages with other agencies such as government, both locally and provincially, and also financial and business entities.  Actively participate in community health programs, relating to promotion of wellness and restoration and maintenance of health.

I believe these are my goals and missions.

What is your previous involvement with the Filipino community?

I was elected as director and hold the position of business manager during the Florescar. Under the administration of Claro [Bermudez,] I was business manager too, and while leaving FAMAS for vacation to different places I assumed the position of vice-president. I joined and Cultural and Heritage Association under Lina Flores and I was also business manager. I was an accountant of Novo Ecjiano Association. I am current commander of Knights of Rizal.

Often enough, sickness occasions an anterior renewal. You might notice, for example, that after several weeks of severe suffering, those you are visiting have a new vision of life that reflects a return to essentials.

They have given up many false and superficial values. Their sickness has been like a key unlocking the mysteries of the interior life, or, as psychologist Carl Jung has said, inviting them ‘’ to give up superficial being in order to penetrate always more into one’s inner depth’’.

Spiritual accompaniment facilitates the discovery of Christ within oneself. Saint Augustine prayed the Lord, in his Confessions:’’ So long have I sought you outside myself, when you were so close, within me ‘’.       
Helping someone to find their deepest Source: is that not the goal of spiritual accompaniment of the sick?

THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE, LORD
By: Rev. Normand Provencher, OMI

When life has become a chore,
When our nights are disturbed by nightmares,
Thank you for being there, Lord,
And for being present to us

When we are alone and forgotten,
When we are afraid of loving and being loved,
Thank you for being there, Lord,
And for offering us your love.

When sickness strikes,
When trials are heavy to carry,
Thank you for being there, Lord,
And for extending your hand.

When we have lost hope,
When blackness fills the horizon,
Thank you for being there, Lord,
And for bringing us your light.

Summer is in full swing and everybody has their plans to have fun. The perfect vacation for most teenagers would consist of sleeping-in, watching movies, hanging out with friends and doing nothing. Relaxing would be the main event of their vacation. Nothing else could seem more fun but the most enjoyable times were when they least expect it.

Family time can and will be longer during summer vacation. Especially with the summer trips and the barbecues, families get the time to really talk without a lot on their minds. Teenagers can’t escape to their rooms saying: “I have to finish my homework.”  Everybody will be glad of the bonding although long talks are not always that enthusiastic. Extreme biking and river rafting can be crazy ideas that will bring families closer one way or another. Then again, calm and soothing activities such as a trip to the museum or watching a movie will do just as fine. It might not be adrenaline pumping action but it’s definitely always a family adventure.

A summer job would rarely please any teen who just finished a rough year in school. However, it doesn’t always have to be relaxing during the summer after all the pros outnumber the cons in this case. Getting a part-time job could earn a good amount of cash just for you. There is one detail disregarded probably because it is only a little factor. Work is also a place to meet people. It is will be less fun when you are always cursing about life. A little smile will help along with the people around. Who knows, you might end up enjoying your work time.

An activity often over looked by teens is the summer camp. It is always thought to be a place for kids and often cheesy annoying songs. Maybe it is really a place with cheesy songs however you learn to love it with the right mentality. “Keep an open mind”, as they always say.  It helps to choose a camp that suits you. The start is always rough but as the weeks go on, you loose all self-consciousness and just have fun. The shyness has been long forgotten. Before you know it, you’re camp days are coming to an end. And you actually miss all the great friends you’ve made and the countless fun hours you’ve spent with them. This is proof that the less appealing activities can become unforgettable adventure of a lifetime!

Whether you’re on a long trip or stuck in a summer job anything can be fun with the right attitude. So keep a happy face and have fun wherever you are!

Father John Michael Lyng the parish priest at the St. Kevin’s church  is of Irish descent. His last name is a homonym of a Chinese last name. His   mother’s last name Larocque   is very French yet his mother did not speak a word of French.  She was born and raised in Perk, Ontario. His father was a school principal an educator. He is the youngest in the family of four brothers and one sister. He grew up in the Villeray district in Montreal.

He has celebrated 37 years as a priest and will be turning 65 years old on September 17, 2009. He moved to the St. Kevin parish community five years ago and enjoys his spiritual   service  and ministering with a joyful attitude.

Q and A

EB: What can you say about your Filipino parishioners?

Fr. Lyng: It is very interesting to know the Filipinos who make up a big percentage of our parishioners. I found it challenging at first to understand them because their English was a combination of two languages which I finally understand now. They spoke Tag-lish a combination of English and Tagalog.

EB: How would you define a Filipino?

Fr. Lyng: The Filipinos look alike that was how I saw them in the beginning.

EB: And how do you see them now?

Fr. Lyng: Now I can say that they are very different from in each other.

EB: In what distinct ways are they different?

Fr. Lyng: Language or the regions, educational,   and cultural backgrounds are so unique. Because when I share a certain dynamics with someone from a different region and orientation I encounter a different reaction from another person from another regional orientation. What is good to one is not actually good to the other.

EB: How did you manage to understand the differences?

Fr. Lyng: With the Filipino community it is a learning experience with them. I had a chance to visit the Philippines and had the opportunity to understand the values and way of life over there. Now I can see and understand the way they live here.

EB: In what specific ways?

Fr. Lyng: I saw how closely knitted families can live with parents, grandparents, children and relations under one roof. Now I can see how Filipinas can live together in a small apartment and accept the limitations.

EB: What Filipino qualities to your mind are admirable?

Fr. Lyng: The Filipinos are hard working and industrious people. They work in two or three jobs and help their family. They are very hospitable. This is a funny experience I had in the Philippines. I visited a woman in a province and she was very kind and humble. I  was surprise to see a chicken walking around and finally it decided to join me on the table. I never saw one like that….I see chicken frozen packed in the super market.

EB: What are your insights about the Filipino in terms of its personal weakness?

Fr. Lyng: They have a strong sense of guilt and shame. They often need to explain themselves.  They also give too much attention to ‘gossip‘ among each other.

EB: As a people what can you say?

Fr. Lyng: They have strong family ties, very gentle, hospitable and hard working.

EB: You are soon celebrating your 65 th b-day what can you say about that in terms of your vocation.

Fr. Lyng: Being in this parish has given me the opportunity to have a renewal of my priesthood.  I am grateful to serve the community of new immigrants and learn from them. It is a feeling of gratitude.
Father John Michael Lyng is ministering across cultures with a sense of renewal and an open mind. A heart that is open  to understand different people from all walks of orientation, language, culture, attitude and values. Whose diversity is bonded in the crux of the spirit of love and  compassion.

4-5 dalagang bukid (or any white fleshy fish )
2 onion (diced)
4 tomatoes (diced)
2 eggs (beaten)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Fish sauce, msg (monosodium glutamate )

1.  Clean fish, salt them and fry. Set aside.
2.  Sautée onion, garlic, tomatoes until cooked. Add 2 tbsp. of fish sauce (or according to taste). Let stand for minutes.
3.  Add 1 cup of water. Let it boil.
4.  Add fish and cover. Let it boil.
5.  Add egg. Mix.
6.  Serve with hot steam rice.

In the Montreal Filipino community, there are plenty of events to attend – pageants, dinner parties and concerts.  You’ve been to so many that you see the same familiar faces over and over again but you can’t seem to point your finger as to where you’ve seen them before? One of those faces may has hosted various events such as Binibining Pilipinas Montreal, Little Miss Philbecan and Fil-Can Idol;  you’ve probably caught him dancing Tinikling or balance on a bench a few feet off the ground;  or open for the Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and Pokwang concert with the Philippine National Anthem.  That familiar face could very well be Neil Yapp. His appearance and name has circulated around the Filipino community over the last two to three years.  So who is Neil Yapp?

Neil was born in Kingston, Jamaica, with a background of Chinese-Jamaican with German.  He and his family moved to Toronto when he was 2 years old. He attended Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School in Scarborough and was a full active student – volleyball, dragon boat, year book, jazz choir and the president of student council. After attending York University, Neil moved to Montreal in October 2000 to attend Concordia University in Theological Studies and recently graduated with a Masters degree.

Not only was Neil active in school, he was also active with CFC-Youth for Chris and CFC- Singles for Christ. He was the head of special events for Gawad Kalinga and executive director for productions that headlined Filipino celebrities such as Louie Reyes and Joey Albert, whom he is now good friends with and by her request sang a duet for a Christmas concert that benefitted the Filipino Catholic Mission.

Neil started training in Philippine folk dance with Folklorico in Toronto.  He was first introduced to Philippine folk dance by his grade 4 teacher who ran a lunch time cultural club.  The first dance he learned was Binasuan and today, is notably one of Neil’s speciality dances.  His training was short-lived because of conflicts in schedule and decided to focus on his leadership in YFC.  In 2005, he regained his interest in folk dancing while looking for a group to participate in a GK concert in Montreal. He stumbled upon Salinggawi Philippine Arts Organization.  It was Leticia Bulotano Wheeler, founder of Salinggawi, whom convinced him to join. He was inspired by the well trained dancers displaying their culture and was motivated to dance as well as them.

Through that awakening and studying Philippine folk dance – watching videos of other groups, researching and networking, Neil became a founding member of PAMANA ng LuzViMinda Folkloric Dance Company in 2005 and became the president in 2007.  Unfortunately, he was unable to finish his 2 year term to move back to Toronto and work as the manager of Consumer Affairs at Maple Leaf’s Head Office. But he still keeps his relationship with PAMANA and continues his endeavour in Filipino folk dance with Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada.

With a dynamic background, how did Neil ever find the time for acting? In PAMANA, Neil performed duo roles as dancer and actor in two of the company’s theatre incorporated productions.

This is one of a regular series of articles on immigration issues, which hopefully will be of interest and help the community better understand how Canadian immigration law and policy works.

Today’s article will present a general overview for persons wanting to permanently immigrate to Quebec, Canada as a skilled worker. Upcoming changes to this category will be dealt with in a future article.

Applicants immigrating to Quebec as a permanent worker must first obtain the Certificat de selection du Québec (the “CSQ”), in the skilled worker category. Based on the background of the applicant, he or she will amass “points” going toward his or her CSQ. An applicant must attain 59 points, while an individual who is accompanied by a spouse must attain 68. This article will explain the characteristics considered, and the weight given to each of those characteristics.

Educational Background and Training:

Applicants must possess at least a secondary level education to apply for the CSQ. Applicants can obtain between 2 and 13 points depending on the level of education they have attained. Moreover, an applicant can garner an additional 6 points if he or she has received a diploma from a Quebec institution. Depending on the nature of the degree(s) or certificate(s), the applicant can qualify for up to an additional 14 points.

Work Experience:

Applicants with work experience in a recognized profession exceeding 6 months in the 5 years preceding their application can obtain points toward their CSQ. Applicants can obtain between 2 and 9 points, depending on the length of time they have spent in the recognized profession. Unlike the federal skilled worker class, the lack of any work experience will not automatically eliminate the applicant.

Age:

An applicant will obtain between 2 and 18 points depending on their age at the time application is made. Applicants who are between 18 and 35 will automatically obtain the 18 point maximum available.

Language:

Applicants can obtain points if they have competency in French and/or English. Applicants can obtain between 0 and 16 points for their competency in French, and between 0 and 6 for their competency in English.

Temporary Stay and Family in Canada:

Applicants can obtain 6 points if they, or their spouse, have stayed in Canada as a foreign worker or student for more than 3 months in the 10 years preceding the application. Applicants can obtain up to 3 points if they, or their spouse, have spent more than 2 weeks in the 10 years preceding their CSQ application in Canada, but not as a foreign worker or student.
Moreover, an applicant can obtain 3 points if they, or their spouse, have a son, daughter, father, mother, sister, brother, grandfather or grandmother that is a citizen of Canada or is a permanent resident of Canada domiciled in Quebec.

Spousal Characteristics and Children:

An applicant can obtain additional points if their spouse possesses any of the characteristics described above (i.e. educational background, work experience, etc…). Moreover, applicants can receive either 2 or 4 points per child accompanying them to Quebec, depending on the child’s age.

Valid Offer of Employment:

An applicant or an applicant’s spouse who has received a valid offer of employment can obtain up to an additional 10 points.

Adaptability Interview:

An applicant can be subject to an interview where a representative will evaluate the applicant’s knowledge of Quebec; the steps they have taken to facilitate their integration; and other personal qualities. The applicant can obtain up to 8 points depending on the representative’s evaluation.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND ME YOUR QUESTIONS! 
Tom & Associates   Tel.: 514-341-3929 
E-mail: walter@tomlex.ca

We human beings are needy. So needy, that we buy food frequently and sometimes too much of it. And by doing so, most of us will just throw out the unwanted. This is what we call food waste. In the following, I will go in further details of this problem we currently have. I will explain how is it exactly that we waste and I will also go into the statistics and also on the effects it has on the environment.

We waste food in many ways. Here are some of the numerous methods that we do:
-   We buy too much food, more than we need.
-   We hastily buy food, especially when hungry.
-   We put too much food on our plates.
-   Instead of recycling the food, we throw it in the garbage.

Now that you know how wasting food works, let me inform you on some of the statistics I’ve found as well as the impact it has on our planet. According to my research, Canadians spend about 19.5$ billion on food they don’t eat and a single family household in Toronto produces around 275 kg of food waste each year. I also found that 9-15 million tons of greenhouse gases are released in Canada due to this food waste problem. That’s approximately the weight of 120 CN Towers! And we all know that greenhouse gases contribute to the climate change of the planet… So by wasting food, we put our planet in danger.

It is practically impossible to completely annihilate our food wasting problem, but we can still try and reduce it:
-   Save your leftovers or recycle them.
-   Plan meals and have a purpose for every food you buy.
-   Store food properly. Avoid your food to rot easily.
-   Freeze the food that you wish to conserve.

By doing these little things, you can help diminish food waste. You can help the environment.
“http://www.thestar.com/News/Ideas/article/429617”

Sources: Toronto Food Policy Council, Jonathan Bloom, Waste & Resources Action Programme

This is the third issue of our newspaper and I am very grateful to all of our supporters, staff, volunteers and proofreaders.

Our publication is here to serve you in a position of neutrality and opportunity. You are all welcome to share your visions, missions, skills, potentials, events, business networking, organizational activities and your ideas within the pages of our journal.

We are non- partisan and non-political. We are here for one solid intention and that is to promote harmony and clarity in the information we print in our paper.

I would like to thank all the candidates of FAMAS in giving us their time and effort in granting the interviews to our staff.  It is a service we extend to all of you. It gives our readers the chance to know you, your intentions and your platform.

We are saddened by the demise of former president Corazon C. Aquino last August 1, 2009. We will remember her as the symbol of women empowerment and peaceful People Power Revolution.

In her loving memory we encourage all Filipinos to wear a yellow ribbon for 10 days as a gesture of sympathy and bereavement.

Good luck to all of you!!!

Salamat,
Jayjay T. Villanueva
Owner/ Founder/ Publisher