Dear Ate V,
            I keep having dreams about work. What does it mean?
            It probably means that you really care about what you do at work. Some people have dreams about the last thought they think about before falling asleep. And sometimes it could be about work because that is what you have to wake up to the next day. It possibly means that you are nervous about something important going on at work like important clients, deadlines or projects. It may be a weird thing to dream about but it tells you that you want to do well at work.

Once you have decided to make your trip, you may want to shop around to ensure you will have the most economical fare. I encourage shopping as we find our clients are more comfortable with their purchase knowing all the options available. Be careful what you wish for however, sometimes there are airlines who will offer a more economical fare, but the routing or stop over time may not be so friendly, which is why they have offered that route at a lower price. For just one “case in point” on the Montreal/Manila route, there is one airline who offers a certainly more economical fare, and on the trip outbound to Manila, transit time is reasonable. However on the return, there is an 8 or 9 hour waiting time for one of the connections en-route. You are certainly capable of deciding what is more important to you, i.e. a faster transit and less overall travel time – or perhaps up to a couple of hundred dollars less on the overall air fare. But always remember this was a choice, and if you choose to save the money, you have to bear the inconvenience of the slower service on the return flight. Sometimes it is worth it, sometimes not.

Most travel agents are using one of the various “GDS” systems (Global Distribution System) to obtain seat availability and basic fare information.  When you call your travel agent to obtain information, you must give your proper name, and preferably as it is written in your passport. Alternatively, you are getting an approximate fare as with no name, your enquiry cannot be entered in the system, and/or if your enquiry is under a nickname or even a false name, there could be a problem later when the ticket needs to be issued.  Usually, when giving your proper name, your agent will make a “temporary” booking. However if you are still shopping, ask your agent not to make a temporary booking, otherwise at your next enquiry the system will simply respond that there is a duplicate booking and a fare will not be calculated.

It is also important to specify the date of your departure, and the date of your return.  There are three “seasons” for travel – and your season will affect your price.  Currently Sept 4^th to Nov 30^th is “Low Season,” Dec 1^st to Dec 10^th is “Shoulder Season,” and Dec 11 to Dec 24 is “High Season” – followed by the Dec 25^th to May 24^th “Low Season” once again. For those of you who wish to plan ahead, May 25^th to June 18^th will again be “Shoulder” and June 19^th to Aug 3^rd “High”, finally Aug 4^th to Sept 3^rd “Shoulder.” If you are planning to fly during high season, especially for Christmas, an early booking is advisable, only in order to ensure that you can get a seat – not because the price would be better, there is no such thing as booking early for Christmas to get a better fare. Let’s put an end to that myth. Christmas is held each year at the same time, the airlines know this, and they know it will be busy, and therefore the fare is higher. You have to be a little more careful with the 2^nd summer high season however, as depending on how the economy is going, airlines are known to suddenly implement “Seat Sales” more likely in low or shoulder season, but at any time they have any indication that their passenger loads are declining for any reason.

You must also specify your correct phone number, and this is for security reasons. The GDS system will require a phone number, and if you offer an incorrect number because you do not want the travel agent to call you after your enquiry, you might run into a problem when finally attempting to book a flight.  A lot of things have changed with security procedures since 9-11, and as much as you wish to give as little information as possible because you are “just looking” – You can no longer be a ghost when contemplating a booking with an air carrier.

Other important items to be considered are that if you are on a working permit, you should call Immigration Canada concerning the most current procedure for the processing of your Re-Entry Visa. This may affect your plans and dates. At the same time, do check your personal documents, to make sure that passport, permanent resident card, and any Visa is in good order and valid. While on the subject of Visa – advise your travel agent if you are not a Canadian citizen, and whether you have a U.S. Visa in addition to your Canadian documents, and ensure that the “Seat Sale” ticket you wish to purchase is not via a U.S. Airport. If you do not have a valid U.S. Visa, you must be certain that any airline you choose will not have a transit in the U.S.A.

If the above have all been verified and negotiated, you will be offered a fare quotation.  This will include a base fare, plus “taxes” which in addition to being an evil word, can be confusing.  The “taxes” includes various Government charges & levies at all places used by the carrier during your trip, plus provision for fuel, currency, and other surcharges. As these assorted charges change frequently, especially fuel surcharges, the fare quotation offered by your agent is “subject to immediate acceptance”. The offer can change by the next day, it may be more, it may be less, it may be the same. Keep in mind however that the rule is “Same Day Acceptance”, and once you get a fare quotation offer, you may be disappointed if you call again 3 weeks later and insist the same price should apply – even if it is in writing.

After the shopping expedition, be open and straightforward with the agent of your choice, and discuss all the season & cost issues, payment options, documentation requirements, and any other concerns you may have. You’ll both feel better about it and there is less chance of any surprises. That accomplished, your mind at ease, proceed to make your reservation – and get ready to look forward to your trip.

We would like to thank everyone for the benevolent gestures that was felt in our community when movement and action were taken. We are certain that assistance extended will reach those who need it most.

It is time for local election in the city and we are reminding everyone to exercise their right to vote. That right is necessary so we can fully get the attention and concern we all deserve to improve the quality of life we desire.

Our newspaper is here to serve everyone in equal opportunity and to deliver sound information.

Thank you,
Jayjay T. Villanueva
Publisher

                                     


                                      Sig & Mok

Leaders are vested with this power and privilege to effect and affect change with the choices taken at the crossroads of big decisions.  It is a task that ripples towards progress or decline, movement or inertia, growth or deterioration.

Communities prosper because leaders step up to manage with a vision towards progress and cooperation. Their vision is bigger than the  stumbling blocks of  fear for  the unknown and uncharted course.  They lead unshaken and undaunted by the cry of oppositions. As a matter of fact, these obstacles become stepping stones that bring them closer to their vision and purpose.

In our community, we are feeling that monumental shift of leadership in all places. They are found in circles where people convene and build friendships. The shift is a progressive trek towards what is uplifting for everyone.

It is also equally evident that the followers are individuals who also have  the right and the privilege to make choices. They are spurred towards the outcome of a choice. It is action taken that would make life easier or beneficial for them or a turn off the road to a riveting journey of consequences.

These are two realities that make us all responsible individuals making conscious and responsible choices in our lives. It is our right to exercise this opportunity every moment from the mundane to the  life changing direction. It is best to reflect on this thought when you go out there to elect political leaders, community leaders and collaborative partners and finally significant partners in business and in life.

After all, it is all about the outcome, the journey, the lesson, the pursuit, the vision, the mission …it is all about LIFE.

1. Cut carrots, artificial crab or shrimp and onion in small pieces
2. Salt & pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients.
3. Wrap it in the wrapper
4. Fry in oil until golden brown.

 Sauce: Mix together water, fish sauce, sugar, lemon, hot chili pepper & garlic (according to taste) and small jullien cut carrots soaked in vinegar.

One is growing; evolving being by law and not a creation by accident and cause and effect is as absolute and undeviating in the hidden realms of thought as in the world of visible and material things. A noble and god-like character is not a thing of favour or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in noble thinking and is the effect of long cherished association with God-like thoughts. An ignoble and bestial character, by the same process, is the result of the continued harbouring of grovelling thoughts.

One is made or unmade by oneself as in the armory of thought is forged the means by which one elevates or destroys oneself but fashions the tools with which creates heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace. By the right choice and positive application of thought, one may ascend to the Divine Perfection; by the abuse and wrong application of thought, one descends below the level of the beast. Between these two extremes are all the grades of character and we are their maker and master.

Of all the beautiful truths pertaining to the soul which have been restored and brought to light in this age, none is more gladdening or fruitful of divine promise and confidence than this that one is the master of thought, the moulder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.

As a being of Power, Intelligence and Love, and the lords of our thoughts, one holds the key to every situation, and contains within that transforming and regenerative element by which one may become what is willed.

One is always the master, even in our weakest and most abandoned state; but in our weakness and degradation is the foolish master who misgoverns their “household.” When one begins to reflect upon this condition, and to search diligently for the Law upon which our being is established, one then becomes the wise master, directing and focusing their energies with intelligence, and fashioning thought to fruitful issues. Such is the conscious master, and one can only thus become by discovering within oneself the laws of thought; which discovery is totally a matter of application, self-analysis and experience.

Only by much searching and mining are gold and diamonds obtained, and one can find every truth connected with their being, if they will dig deep into the mine of their soul; the grand realization that one is the maker of character, the moulder of life, and the builder of destiny, one may unerringly prove, if they will watch, control, and alter their thoughts, tracing their effects, upon others and upon their life and circumstances, linking cause and effect by patient practice and investigation, and utilizing their every experience, even to the most trivial, everyday occurrence, as a means of obtaining that knowledge of oneself which is understanding, wisdom, power. In this direction, as in no other, is the law absolute that “one that seeketh, findeth, and to them that knocketh the door shall be opened“; for only by patience, practice, and ceaseless importunity can one enter the door of the temple of enlightenment.

Keeton Clarke is running for City Councilor of Darlington, borough of Cote-des-Neiges/Notre-Dame-de-Grace under the banner of Vision Montreal.

Mr. Clarke has served for almost four years as president of Union Montreal’s cultural communities commission. He has been a member of LaSalle’s cultural development committee and the intercultural committee for the borough of Cote-des-Neiges/Notre-Dame-de-Grace.

His position as president of Conseil des associations Caraibes de Montreal was highlighted by his work for the socio-economic development of Montreal’s Carribean community. He has contributed great effort in the promotion of Montreal’s diversity.

UNION MONTREAL

Helen Fotopulos is running under the banner of Union Montreal for Cote-des-Neiges district for Tremblay-Applebaum team. She has been the mayor for two terms of Plateau-Mont-Royal, where she is valued for her devotion to the needs of her municipality. Her leadership and years of experience in the public office have been outstanding and laudable with the Plateau as the seat of the initiated participatory democracy of the people for projects for their concerns. The adoption of the Plateau’s urban transportation plan, which was the first plan for Montreal transportation. She also created a set of urban planning by-laws that moved to a controlling mechanism ensuring a consistent as well as harmonious development for its heritage status. She ran for councilor in 1978 in the Cote-des-Neiges area and became the campaign organizer for Abe Limonchik. She has great projects and plans for Cote-des-Neiges and specially the projects for women.

PARTI MONTREAL VILLE-MARIE

Francine Brodeur is running for the position of City Councilor under Equipe Loiuse O’Sullivan Parti Ville-Marie in the district of Darlington, borough of Cote-des-Neiges/Notre DAme de Grace.

Her platform is focused on a newapproach to municipal governance which means responsible actions that is chosen not after the effect of accidents before intervening, but actions taken to avoid unnecessary accidents due to irresponsibility.

MARLON QUINTOS

Has been a member of the Filipino community and was the accountant for FAMAS in 1992. He was also with the PBAM in 1990. Presently he is a Financial Consultant. His platform is focused in the living environmental conditions in the borough that he aspires to serve.

He is running as councilor for the Darlington district.

ALEX ROBLES

Mr. Robles has been a resident of Montreal for 18 years and has been an adviser for the Tagalog Association in Montreal. He is always a supporter for various events in the community.

His platform is to give opportunities for the district and borough, he aims to serve a chance to hear the potential leadership qualities from the Filipino community. That visibility is a good chance to share views in improving the needs of  the borough and district.

PAMANA ng LuzViMinda Folkoric Dance Company of Montreal participated in the multicultural festival “Heritage Days” on July 29^th until August the 4^th, 2009, in the City of Edmonton.  They were hosted in Edmonton by KARILAGAN DANCE SOCIETY.

The two groups have been twinned under a project funded by the SEVEC Youth Exchanges Canada Program. The program is aimed at youth groups between the ages of 12-17 from various provinces and territories across Canada.

Over 5,000 young Canadians traveled in Canada last year thanks to the SEVEC Youth Exchanges Canada Program, which is partially funded by the Government of Canada through Exchanges Canada, and the Department of Canadian Heritage.  In addition, Le Societé Parc Jean Drapeau and Folklore Canada International volunteers made a significant contribution to this project to bring the two groups together in Montreal and share their combined talents on stage.

We are thankful for this community’s generous input and sponsorship.  This is a clear example of a successful community partnership where families, businesses, leaders, organizations and the government have joined forces to encourage personal growth, community pride and a greater understanding of our Canadian heritage, concluded Miss Veraida-Lyn Bermejo, President of PAMANA ng LuzViMinda and Memen Dimailig, President and Artistic Director/Choreographer of Karilagan Dance Society of Edomonton, Alberta.

           Plastic:
1) Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour! Most of them are thrown away!
2) Plastic bags and other plastic garbage thrown into the ocean kill as many as 1,000,000 sea creatures every year!
3) Recycling plastic saves twice as much energy as burning it in an incinerator.
4) American throw away 25,000,000,000 styrofoam coffee cups every year.

           Glass:
1) Every month, we throw out enough glass bottles and jars to fill up a giant skyscraper. All of these jars are recyclable!
2) The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can run a 100-watt light bulb for four hours. It also causes 20% less air 
      pollution and 50% less water pollution than when a new bottle is made from raw materials.
3) A modern glass bottle would take 4,000 years or more to decompose — and even longer if it’s in the landfill.
4) Mining and transporting raw materials for glass produces about 385 pounds of waste for every ton of glass that is made. 
      If recycled glass is substituted for half of the raw materials, the waste is cut by more than 80%.

"We have to keep working and encouraging everyone to get involved, so that our people here have the resources to support their family members and friends who have been severely affected in their countries of origin," emphasized Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum.

"The Filipino community is an integral part of our city. When our fellow citizens, our friends, are affected directly and indirectly by a catastrophe, it is our duty to help them and take action," added Marvin Rotrand, Councilor for the Snowdon District.

The CDN-NDG Borough Council voted on September 29 to contribute $2,000 to FAMAS to help the organization offer assistance for victims of typhoon Ketsana, which ravaged the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
For more details on the emergency assistance efforts, we suggest that you contact FAMAS at 514-341-7477.

Source:            CDN-NDG borough
Information: Michel Therrien: 514-872-8211
Chief of communications and public relations

Raindrops made its melodious patters on the rooftops and vehicles took their positions in the crowded streets blending with voices of people and sounds of life.

But the downpour made an eerie activity from the heavens, it was relentless. It progressed to days of torrential rains that left everyone unprepared for the deluge that took the major part of metropolis and the adjoining areas inundated. It became a river of floating vehicles, humans traversing the rushing waters in all directions, rooftops of diverse materials from shanties to elaborate designs but they were roofs that housed families from the poor to those who were rich.

Typhoon Ondoy, tropical storm Ketsana, raged in with a fury that left the affected areas in Manila and its environs homeless and stranded in all corners of the land.

The downpour lasted for hours, but the misery will last many, many days. There were so  many  who perished ,  so many stranded, so many have lost so much, and so many, even if safe, are consumed by worry and fear for loved ones or the frustration that comes from wanting to help, but not knowing how.

There   are many heroic stories of people who rose to the call of saving lives and lost theirs in this colossal calamity.  The global community responded with compassion and concern. It is nature reminding us, that human activity and indifference can make an ordinary day, a day to remember and a day we realize that to be alive means to value life.

The 2008-2010 officers of PFASQ is headed by Montreal Pinoy Post’s very own Editor in Chief Elenita Belgica; VP-Finance-Hilda Tan-Veloso; VP-Cultural-Jayjay T. Villanueva; Secretary-Christine O. Villanueva; Tresurer- Lily Vasquez; Auditor-Merlita Tambanillo; Director Arts/Culture-May Virola; Director Government Relations-Vilma Kelly; Director Music-Marilou Berlow; Director Communication-John Linden; Director Membership-Remelyn Remigio.

The new board of officers was inducted by CDN/NDG borough councillor Marvin Rotrand on August 3, 2008 at “Le Montrealais” Restaurant located in the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

The organization undertakes various activities including an annual Parol making workshop, Philippine language classes, “Paskong Pinoy”. PFSAQ is most notably known for the formation of the Kalinangan Dance Troupe in 1996, an initiative by Alvin Veloso, advisor and former president of PFASQ. KDT has had the privilege of travelling abroad to Spain in 1998, representing Canada and the Philippines,  to participate in the World Folklore Festival with other international folk dance groups.

The PFASQ Terno Ball and Silver Jubilee will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Montreal. The celebration will includes dinner and dance and special entertainment by the Philippine community’s three folk dance groups: Kalinangan Dance Troup, Salinggawi Philippine Arts Organization and PAMANA ng LuzViMinda. Tickets are $80 and available at the door.

I thank you for the loved ones and strangers
Whose inner beacons of light
Have warmed and welcome my pain.
I thank you for your Presence in my depths,
Protecting, guiding, reassuring, loving.
I thank you for all those life-surprises
Which sparked a bit of hope in my ashes.

And yes I thank you for my darkness,
Because this pushy intruder comes with truth
And reveals my hidden treasures to me.
Amen

Night  Prayer
Lord my God,
Thank you for bringing this day to a close.
Thank you for giving me a rest
In body and soul.
Your hand has been over me
And has guarded and preserved me.
Forgive my lack of faith
And any wrong that I have done today,
And help me to forgive all who have wronged us.
Let me sleep in peace under your protection,
And keep me from all the temptations of darkness.
Into your hands I commend my loved ones
I commend to you my body and soul
O God, your holy name be praised.

First of all, it is good to know the people in your class. A school day is not only the classes but also the people who take those classes. A silent group during break is probably not having as much fun as those who are talking in between classes. The trick is to not be shy to others in your group. The truth is you’re spending the whole year with these same people. Look forward to seeing your friends, mingle with them and build good relationships that would last for years ahead.

Another important detail in school is to have a good lunch (and breakfast, in fact). It sounds funny, but it makes sense. Hunger affects your mood and attitude. Having a full stomach will make you happier, especially in the morning. Plus, it will give better concentration.

Time can move faster with good concentration during class. Don’t think about how boring the teacher is but about what she is saying. It’s hard not to wander away in your thoughts but we have to stay focused on what they are teaching us. We should do what we are supposed to be doing – learning.

However, school is not only about sitting and listening to lessons. It is also everything around it, like sports, clubs and activities. Having a healthy lifestyle is as essential as cultivation of our minds. What better place to learn good habits and activities than school! In the end, you are not only learning subjects like math and science. You are also learning about life and how to be a better person. And most of the time, it is not easy.

The last trick is to use time wisely. At some point, we just feel overwhelmed by all the work and study. This makes school intolerable. That pressure and crisis could be prevented by dividing your time and not leaving everything to the last minute. In other words – don’t procrastinate! Do first things first and don’t let anything get in your way. It prevents lack of sleep and memory blanks. Most importantly, it keeps you on top of everything, relaxed and happy.

In the end, school is a part of life that can’t be escaped and we should be grateful for this opportunity. Like a lot of things, it isn’t always easy to handle. Just remember, all this is not for nothing and it will all pay off, one day…

The entire production was written and directed by yours truly, followed by a great team of young leaders who dedicated much of their time (and summer) to make this show successful. Sherling was assisted by Jorge and Jezah Antonio, Anthony-Virgil Bermejo, and Eva Friedrich. Live music was directed by John Tuvida and assisted by Marie Nolasco. MOst of the folk dances and music are adaptations by Edwin C. Duero of the ECD Dance Company, Philippines and PAMANA’s international advisor Cecille Hernandez, former Artistic Director of PAMANA.

PAMANA is also blessed to have a devoted team of dancers, parents and supporters. Thank you to all that were involved and who attended the show. Next on PAMANA,s agenda foe 2010-PAMANA will be fundraising to cover expenses to participate in the international festivals with CIOFF in Europe.

The purpose of the visit is to acquaint Ambassador Jose Brillantes of the new administration’s platform and objectives. The new leadership took in responsibilities to be the harbingers of change in the current shift in the global movement of leadership, progress, human growth and expansion.

The courtesy call under scored the clear intentions of the providential winning team Mabuhay, to step up and roll their leadership sleeves and extend their years of experiences in community service, thus effecting the needed changein attitude, energy and values.

President Aurora Osdon reckoned to the call of leading because she has been a dedicated member of the Filipino communityin the church, civic and social circles where she made marked progress in those years of noted commitment. Her desire is to usher in support and clarity of intentions for the objectives of FAMAS for the betterment of the community it serves.

Gene Santander whose professional career and community service scored to many years in her life in Montreal extended her leadership hand and decided to take that extra mile and help build a more united and purposeful community.

Debbie Resurrecion grew up in the extended nurturing care of Filipino circles and groups because her mother Emma is a devoted and dedicated member the community. Those growing years molded a strong, progressive and zesty spirit in her, directing her back on a full circle when she responded to the duty of service.

Shinette Khoury has always been a benevolent benefactor and support in all Filipino endeavors where she chose to assist. Her participation has been evident and more constant as she realized that she could do more by being an integral part of its purpose. Thus she dove into the waters of leadership and made her stand.

Gina Medina is a progressive leader whose involvement were evident in the groups of youth, children and average workers. She has that deep seate dconcern for the daily challenges in their lives and her visibility has earned her friendships that encouraged her to give her utmost in the service of the oldest organization in the Filipino community.

Ex-officio Flor Rillo marked his leadership with thehumulity of a leader, who is always more of a listener and who allows the voices of others to be heard and dignified. His open mindedness is a quality that makes growth and progress a welcome possibility.

The day was spent with the hospitality and deep bonding of leaders and a solid gesture of collaboration and cooperation with Ambassador Jose Brillantes. It was a journey taken with sound spiritual intentions in a world and time of transitory values and challenging aspirations. The trip was well worth the rugged routes the leaders traversed on the way up the leaders of FAMAS.