Her guiding philosophy was her adherence to the thought of simply believing in herself no matter what other  people say.  This motivated her to act on her goals and she tenaciously stayed in the paths of practical choices which led her to the right direction.

Graduating as a nurse from Far Easter University and Sta. Rita were challenges she faced with bravado despite the discouraging realities of financial limitations at that time. She managed to rise above it and made it to her goal. It was not surprising for her intention was to better her life and help her siblings and her beloved mother.

She migrated to Canada in 1966 and worked as a nurse at Winnipeg General Hospital. It was in the Filipino community in Manitoba that she served as director of the Kayumanggi Filipino Association and she also became a member of the Kagumanggi  Dance Troupe. In 1968 she organized the first Miss Philippines- Manitoba to raise funds for the association.

Family life is the top of her list of priorities. She is married to Satish Kumar Vohra  from New Delhi India, who she met in Winnipeg , an electrical engineer by profession. They have two children Sanjib and Reena both professionals in their respective fields.

In 1970 she moved to Montreal and worked as assistant head nurse at the Jewish General Hospital. While working as a nurse she took post graduate courses in McGill University. Norma has always been fascinated with the dynamics of beauty pageants. Her early exposure to this was back home among her sisters and nieces. She had a natural flare for she was endowed with the stature and fashionable taste for what is essential to be a contender in activities such as beauty pageants.

It was not common knowledge among the Filipino community in Montreal   that she was one of the founding members of FCAWI and one of the organizers of Miss FCAWI. She also served as director of FAMAS and there she initiated the idea of organizing the Miss Philippines- Montreal as a fundraising activity. She helped out for the first few years in the process of the pageants. She became Mrs. Philippines- Montreal in 1997. In the same year her daughter Reena won the title Miss Philippines – Montreal and she eventually became the finalist in the Canadian Search for Miss Universe. She was the international director of the Bb. Pilipinas of the World in Toronto.

In 1998, she co-founded the first Miss Global Beauty Quest an international pageant in Montreal. 

In 2000, she accompanied Miss Global Canada as part of the Miss Millennium beauty pageant in Helsinki, Finland.  Her experienced as a international and local pageant organizer she  was named as the regional director for the Canadian Search for Miss Universe by T-era Productions.  She served as the official chaperone of Miss Canada in Puerto Rico during the 50^th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant. She is often invited to be a judge various beauty pageants in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver and New Jersey.

Now in her retirement years she generously gives her time to community work like being a member of Philippine Foundation of Quebec where she participates in fundraising activities.  She is still an active volunteer organizer and adviser with Miss Earth Canada and is always there as mentor and coach for aspiring candidates. In the year 2002 she was awarded one of the Most Outstanding Filipino Canadians in Toronto.

He was born in Tanawan Batangas and graduated in Samson Technical School in the Philippines.  Vic was a businessman in his early twenties. He owned a restaurant, a photo shop and videography studio in his province. It was his nature to dabble in many interesting ventures and his resourcefulness led him to many doors.

He migrated to Montreal in 1990 after he met and married his French Canadian wife Francine Dolbec. They raised a family and had three children. Life was focused on nurturing the needs of his family as well as the growing interest in his businesses. It was not an easy ride but the challenges were motivations for him and he expanded and made more opportunities for himself and for those people he met along his business and social circle.

Life made a three hundred and sixty degrees turn for Vic when he found himself in Mackensie Park alone, broke and homeless. He lost his business his family life and most of his friends. It was a long story that was played along the themes of trust, betrayal, envy, gossip and depression. The very people he trusted turned against him and he had nowhere to go but down. It was a time in his life where nothing mattered anymore, yet everything mattered if he desired to look for a better direction in life.

In those dark days, he found the answer. It was the voice within him that called him to turn to a greater power than himself. It was a time for deep reflection and repentance. He surrendered to that higher power. He became aware of his spiritual nature and the need to listen to that voice of wisdom inside him.

He was led to a new door of opportunity. His dark days became an epiphany for an invention. It was a technology, his line of profession and creativity.

He developed the idea of expanding the use of chargers. It is a diverse and multifunctional carrier that would solve the charging needs of cell phones, Bluetooth, Ipod, Blackberry, Iphone, MP3 and MP 4 , GPS and PSP.

Vic is back in orbit in his life as a businessman and inventor. He is committed to his awareness in God’s presence in his life. It is this presence that makes life more purposeful and meaningful for him. The way was opened to him when he was led to the ministry of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.  There was more clarity and direction in his life. He had a deeper sense of faith.

He claims with joy that his invention is funded by people who are angels sent to him by God. They are made of individuals who hardly know him and were networked through the energy of faith and trust. He believes life is all about our spiritual alliance with God.

1. A declining birthrate; and
2. An aging population
The characteristics that will blend into the increased quota of accepting 320,000 immigrants per year as follows:
1. Encouraging new immigrants to settle outside big cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to spread the economic    
benefit of immigration across Canada (currently, the Greater Toronto Area is receiving around 100, 000 new immigrants  
every year and this has led to an increased pace of development as compared to all other Canadian cities)
2. Matching new immigrants with jobs that meet their level of skill and trade (currently, a majority of new immigrants are
accepting their first Canadian jobs which usually underachieve their higher level of skill and trade)
3. Making it easier for temporary workers and foreign students to remain in Canada and become new immigrants (temporary
workers and foreign students have a strong knowledge of Canada and are already adapted to the Canadian lifestyle) Characteristics that need to be more addressed by the Liberal government party concerning this increased quota of accepting 320,000 per year or even the current immigration quota are:
1. Recognizing foreign educational credentials for a quicker transition and job placement for professional who require a
license or registration to practice, such as, pharmacists, medical laboratory technologists, registered nurses, engineers,
physiotherapists, architects, social workers, teachers, etc. (currently, new immigrants who wish to continue to practice
their profession where licensure or registration are required may have to accept jobs that are lower than their level of skill
while they undergoing their licensure examination process which can take two years to complete depending on the
license.)
2. An increased budget from the federal government for the city of Toronto to assist the settlement of 100,000 to 140,000
new immigrants every year (currently, the city of Toronto is receiving a share of the federal government budget for the
settlement of new immigrants, however, this share is not proportional to the share of new immigrants settling in the 
Greater Toronto Area on a yearly basis)
3. Quicker processing by Canadian immigration offices abroad for potential new immigrants applying under the skilled   
worker category, which can take two to five years to process.

For more information on any immigration matter including how to bring your relatives to Canada as immigrants, please call the writer, Mr. Don Collantes, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at (416) 733-3605 or toll free at 1-877-882-6888.

The above article is only general information and is unintended to act as a legal document. The writer is a member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), which is a professional regulatory board immigration consultants as recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), a Department of Government Canada. The writer is also the Chief Operating Officer of CWSS Canada USA Immigration Services Inc., which is a multinational corporation that provides immigration services to Canada, with the Head Office located at 5754 Yonge Street, Suite 103, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 3T6, Canada. Toll Free No: 1 877-882-6888 Email Address: chitoc@cwss-canada.com

The newspaper is now a year old and each month was interesting as we all faced the learning curve with eagerness and enthusiasm. We felt motivated in every issue that we successfully prepared and published. We felt the acceptance of the community that moved us towards a better perspective to serve the needs of our readership.

We aim to give more information that would stir the good feelings and deep sense of meaning in the lives of people. There is an abundance of stimuli and we often focus in negative information that promotes restlessness and depletes our energy.  We want to give positive feelings when people read our publication. It makes life more meaningful and hopeful.

We celebrated an anniversary that was focused on honoring the good qualities that are inherent in people. We presented individuals whose lives were lived in the spirit of perseverance, commitment, integrity, dedication, loyalty, compassion, benevolence, courage, humility, magnanimity and love.

We are honored by the presence of everyone.  It was a community gesture of unity and acceptance.

Thank you to our staff and volunteers.
We appreciate your effort, time and dynamic contributions.

I couldn’t wait to bring it back and share it with my wife. Back home, she was a little less excited than I about the book because her mind was on our first child that she was carrying.

What di dhe mean by at the right hour? She asked. I don’t know. We began to speculate. Maybe at noon on Good Friday. Maybe after the First Vigil. Maybe at the moment when we are in deep distress. Perhaps we should wait for God to reveal to ous the right hour. It might be even years from now.

We decided we`d better wait for a sign. Two weeks later my first son was born. How can I tell you what it was like. First the worry, then that child. I was a father. When I looked at that child I was so proud. I knew I was somebody. And yet humbled. I scarcely knew how to hold him, much less to bring him up. I used to think I had it all figured out, but that kid was bigger than I. That night the child appeared to me in a dream. What is God likeÉ he asked. That did it. I got up and reached for the book. I brought it to my wife and told her, this the right hour. We`ll open it now. “I opened it random. I read it. “It`s very simple. God is  a father.“ My wife opened it again. She  read, It“s very simple. God became a little child. Let`s open it together I exclaimed. I took heer hand. She opened it and we read.

“It`s very simple. Each breath you take is the breath of God.“
Happy Valentine`s Day!
Bonne St. Valentin!

Quebec
STM – $70
Laval -$78
Longueuil – $81
Quebec – $71.55
Gatineau – $77
Elsewhere in Canada
Ottawa – $84.75
Toronto – $121
Brampton – $102
Mississauga – $107
Oakville – $88
Hamilton – $87
Sudbury – $70
Windsor – $79
London – $81
Vancouver – $99
Calgary – $85.25
Edmonton – $81.50
Winnipeg – $74
Halifax – $85
Saint John – $65
St. John’s – $70
Regina – $59
United States (exchange rate $1 US = $1.07 CAD)
New York – $95.27
Chicago – $92.05
Philadelphia – $83.49
Dallas – $80.28
San Francisco – $74.53
Miami – $107.04
Portland – $92.05
Seattle – $86.70
Boston – $63.15
Los Angeles – $66.36 (limited zones)

Presently, the most suitable way to immigrate to Canada is to apply as a Skilled Worker. Skilled Workers in Canada are given permanent residence status in Canada, are able to accompany their spouse and children to Canada, are able to apply for any employment in Canada, are able to access all of the same social government programs as Canadian citizens, are given the same rights and freedoms as Canadian citizens (except for the right to vote), are able to acquire Canadian citizenship after three years of residence in Canada, and the list goes on…

The Federal Government of Canada has devised a reasonable point system for the acceptance of quality Skilled Workers to Canada. The point system focuses on characteristics of a skilled worker that will assist the skilled worker to become successfully established as a permanent resident of Canada. The three main characteristics of a skilled worker that this point system focuses on include education, work experience and knowledge of English and/or French.

EDUCATION

The minimal educational requirement of a skilled worker who is applying to migrate to Canada is the attainment of a Bachelor’s Degree at the post-secondary level. Skilled workers who have attained a Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree will obviously awarded a higher score on the point system. Individuals who have not attainted a Bachelor’s Degree must not apply as a skilled worker to Canada.

WORK EXPERIENCE

The minimal requirement regarding work experience for a skilled worker who is applying to migrate to Canada is the completion of at least one year of full-time work experience. The more work experience a skilled worker possesses, the higher score the skilled worker will achieve on the point system. This work experience does not necessarily have to be directly related to the educational background of the skilled worker but has to be considered skilled work. Occupations that are considered skilled work include, but are not limited to, teachers, professors, lawyers, accountants, bookkeepers, administrative officers, human resource officers, secretaries, principals, teachers, professors, librarians, journalists, computer programmers, engineers, technicians, technologists, contractors, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, mechanics, managers, supervisors, nurses, pharmacists, doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, physiotherapists, veterinarians, paramedics, police officers, firefighters, social workers, real estate agents, barbers, chefs, cooks, etc…

KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH AND / OR FRENCH

A skilled worker who is applying to migrate to Canada must possess a moderate to high proficiency level in either the English or French language. Skilled workers will be required to take an English or French examination from an approved organization to determine their exact proficiency level in either of the official languages of Canada. Skilled workers who have worked for at least two consecutive years in a country where English or French is the official language may be exempted from taking the English or French language. These countries include Canada, USA, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and France.

The minimal requirements for acceptance under the point system as a skilled worker for permanent residence status to Canada vary on a case-to-case basis. For more information on the point system and how to apply as a skilled worker for Canada, or for information on any other immigration matter, please call the writer, Mr. Don Collantes, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at toll free 1-877-882-6888.

The writer is a Certificate Canadian Immigration Consultant (CCIC) by the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), which is a professional regulatory board immigration consultants as recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), a Department of Government Canada. The writer is also the Chief Operating Officer of CWSS Canada USA Immigration Services Inc., which is a multinational corporation that provides immigration services to Canada, with the Head Office located at Unit E – 66 Finch Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 2H4, Canada. Toll Free No: 1 877-882-6888 Email Address: chitoc@cwss-canada.com

Her life story revolves around service to humanity and dedication to her family. Family unity and solidarity are very important to her. Being the youngest of thirteen children of Marcelo Villanueva and Asuncion Tugade, she helped her sisters, nieces and extended families to come and work here in Canada. She is very generous and guides the young members of her family to develop their potentials and skills.

She graduated in 1977 with the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Education major in Physical Education and minor in Library Science from the National Teachers College, Manila, Philippines. After graduation, she was employed at the Lake Shore High School, Biñan, Laguna and Tondo High School, Manila.

As early as 1968, she was already involved in her barangay in the Philippines. She was president of Kabataang Barangay in San Juan, Metro Manila. She also organized the Santa Cruzan, the PABASA and Junior Legion of Mary in San Juan where she lived.

Life brought her to distant shores and that feeling of humanism and benevolence prevailed in all the paths she took. She arrived in Moncton, New Brunswick in August 1986 and after eight months she moved to Montreal, where she has lived for twenty-four years. She has always reached out  and assisted the less fortunate members of the Filipino community. She provided transportations to Filipino seniors, visiting Filipino dignitaries in Montreal and drove her kababayans to renew their passports to Ottawa. Her home is always open to stranded Filipinos, providing them food and shelter while in transition.

Besides helping others, her main focus is the interest of the youth. She organized different sports such as basketball, tennis and volleyball. She has also promoted young celebrities in Montreal. She is a fundraiser and sponsor.

Being the founder and first president of the Philbecan Association and Manileño Association, she organized Miss Philbecan, Miss Teen Philbecan, Little Miss Philbecan, Mrs. Manileño, Miss Teen Manileño, Little and Queen Manileño, Hataw Na and Sayawit. She was also a member of various organizations such as FFCAQ, FAMAS director, QACFT vice-president and director, PBSSQ, Filipino Caregivers Association, FILGA secretary and Philippine Folk Art Society Vice president for Culture. She organized garage sales for St. Kevin’s Church since year 1992 up to the present.

For her acts of kindness, benevolence and service to the Filipino community, she was recognized and awarded by the Binibining Pilipinas of the World in Toronto on September 2001 as one of the ten outstanding Filipino Canadians. She was also given awards of recognition and appreciation by the following Quebec Association of Canadian Filipino Teachers (QACFT), certificate of Appreciation award by Philippine Benevolent and Scholarship Society of Quebec (PBSSQ) and Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec (PFASQ). Being a vice president for culture of Philippine Folk Arts Society in culture, she was given a certificate of appreciation by the society.

Being a graduate of Early Childhood Education from Vanier College, Montreal. She is the owner and founder of Villacanas Family Daycare I & II since 1993 to present. Awards and accolades are not the driving force behind the story of her life. It was a relentless energy to be of service to others. It was a feeling of compassion that brings tears in her eyes whenever she sees them in need. She has to act on it and make a difference.

Arnel Pineda, a Filipino lead singer of  the famous American rock band Journey. Clarice Pempengco was invited by Ellen 
Degeneres on her show when Ellen saw her Star King performance on YouTube.

In fact, Pempengco made minor appearances in local television shows and TV commercials, but essentially had fallen off the radar after her stint at Little Big Star. It was not until 2007 that Pempengco gained worldwide recognition after an avid supporter, started posting videos of her live performances on YouTube under the username FalseVoice. The videos garnered millions of hits making Pempengco very famous.

Also nobody could have missed the famous performances of the CPDRC inmates in Cebu that made millions of hits on YouTube, dancing to the different tunes, music and marches, making it one of the “must see” tours in the Philippines.

What is YouTube? It is a video sharing website on which users can upload and share videos. It was created by three former PayPal employees, namely Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim, after having difficulty sending videos to their friends on the internet.

The company is based in San Bruno, California and uses Adobe Flash Player technology to display a wide variety of user generated video content including movies, TV and music videos. Most of the content on YouTube has been uploaded by individuals, although some companies and organization use them as part of the YouTube partnership program.

Unregistered users can watch the videos, while registered users are permitted to upload an unlimited number of videos. Videos that are considered to contain potentially offensive content are available only to registered users over the age of 18. The uploading of videos containing pornography, defamation, copyright violations, and clips that promote hatred and criminal activity is prohibited by YouTube’s terms of service.

Uploading videos to YouTube by standard account holders are limited to 10 minutes. It accepts most common formats including AVI, MOV, MKV, MP4, FLV, DivX and OGG. These include video codec’s such as MPEG, MPEG 4 and WMV.  It also supports 3GP allowing videos to be uploaded from legacy mobile phones.

YouTube started with one quality level but now it has a range of quality levels and formats for viewing in mobile phones. You can upload High Quality (HQ) 480×380 and High Definition 1280×720.
Now is the time to show your work and your creativity. Remember, it does not cost you anything to post on YouTube but the outcome of your clips may reward you.

It all started with the French colonies and la Nouvelle-France… but that was about 500 years ago. Between that time and now, the Canadiens Français have gone through a lot to keep their language and their beliefs, surviving attacks from the English and even from their homeland. This language held a whole population together through thick and thin. The reality is that it is rooted into the soil of this province and everybody who wants to live here needs to get accustomed to the language.

At the last Census in 2006, Statistics Canada estimated that more than 91% of Montrealers speak French and more than half speak French and English. Even if it is a cosmopolitan city, French is spoken by almost everybody. It makes us different from other multi-ethnic cities in Canada and even in the world. We should be proud of this.

Not everybody can balance two or even three languages like we, youth of Montreal, do. Most Filipino-Canadian youth in Montreal only use French at school, which brings up the question of the utility of learning an extra language. Outside of Quebec, everything is English. A lot of you probably wish that everything would be English here too. But what would Montreal be like without French?

There is no other place in North America that uses much of the French language like we do. It would be just another province with nothing special. It would, in a way, resemble other Canadian cities, like Toronto or Vancouver, not that it would be a bad thing. But a major piece of the landscape would be gone. No awkward translations on the billboards. No dépanneurs. No arrêt signs!

It just goes to show that Montreal wouldn’t be what it is without its French language. Even if it’s hard to learn, it surely comes in handy. Parlez-vous français? Oui, nous parlons français.

-  Combine the first 4 ingredients. Let stand for 10 minutes.
-  Add pork and stir to coat well.
-  Fry and drain well.
-  Reheat the oil and refry the pork until crisp, then drain.
-  Leave 1 tbsp of oil and fry green pepper and pineapple for 3 min.
-  Add stock, honey, soy sauce and vinegar. Bring to boil.
-  Add corn flour and pork.
-  Heat thoroughly…until thickened.

My first blessing that I count with gratitude is that Montreal Pinoy Post has successfully reached a year in print and circulation. We are happy to see that our publication has contributed humbly to the community’s needs and interests.

The staff and I have decided that for our first anniversary we will be paying tribute to members of our Filipino community as well as other communities who have shared their skills, talents, ideas and time for the growth of our society. This special night of recognition will take place annually. We will celebrate the Montreal Pinoy Post and our award recipients on April 24, 2010.

Thank you very much for your patronage to our publication.

Here is wishing you all the best for this New Year.

Jayjay T. Villanueva
Founder/ Publisher

During this low season from January 2010 to May 23, 2010, it seems that all the airlines have implemented certain “Seat Sales” with varying rates and dates of fare validity. The prices are good, if your plans are final.

For some background however, let us remember that once upon a time the “Scheduled Airlines” sold rather expensive tickets on what is called a full “Y” Fare Basis for economy seats. This was the official full fare price and almost everyone in the economy section paid the same price. The advantages were that you could cancel anytime with a full refund, change your dates as often as you needed to, request assistance, and order special meals. You could also bring as much baggage as you could carry. The higher fare represented the costs of all the extra services available, whether you used them or not.

Then, along came the “Charter Airlines” approved by the government on certain routes, in order to put some competition into the marketplace. The Charter Carriers were protected however by a different set of rules & laws.

A “Scheduled Airline” obtains permission from the government to provide service under certain rules and conditions, including for example, that a “scheduled” flight must operate even if the amount of passengers is not sufficient to make that flight profitable. “Charter Airlines” operate under different rules. They also have policies that includes no cancellations, no changes, and again for example, if the amount of passengers would not be sufficient to make the flight profitable, they can simply delay the departure until the next day without compensation to the passengers, all within the law, as those clauses are included in the terms & conditions of the air transportation document.

To remain competitive, the “Scheduled Carriers” initiated new classes of fares. While travel agents remained the distribution system for the full fare market and sold inventory on a commission basis, in my mind this is when “wholesalers” first became a factor for the airlines to distribute these new and lower alternative fares particularly in markets not served by Charter Carriers – but of course also on the basis of the lower fare provides less service, less privileges. Travel agents soon found it more profitable to sell wholesaler allocations and fares as an alternative to the scheduled carriers full fare tickets. One in particular of these new classes of fares which has become popular for quite a few years now is the “Seat Sale” fare.

As soon as a Seat Sale is announced, these seats sell out rather quickly, and do not believe for a moment that all seats on a flight are available at the seat sale price. There are only a limited amount of seats at this particular fare available per flight. The reason for the “Seat Sale” is to improve the load factor of the flights for the benefit of the airline. They will fill what would otherwise be empty seats with reduced fare passengers. Therefore, when coming across an opportunity to purchase a “Seat Sale” fare, you must move quickly and be sure you will be able to travel on the dates selected, to avoid any nasty surprises later on. We affectionately call them “Use it or Lose it Airfares”.

Lets quickly jump back to the beginning. When you call an agent stating your full and proper name as in your passport and intended date of travel – we go into an inventory system and determine if your dates do have seats available, and what classes of fares are available. We will confirm your dates, and offer you a price, which should be considered an “indication” not a “quotation”. The offer is made subject to immediate acceptance and payment. The availability and price indicated is only valid as long as the inventory system allows it, and the seats remain available.  Of course you may wish to shop around, but be ready to do that promptly, not the following week, and then wait until the week after that to confirm your booking. Often, you will find the seats are no longer available, or the fare has changed due to increased “taxes”, which includes the currency adjustment factor, fuel surcharge factor, etc. You should be ready to confirm your purchase within 2, maximum 3 days after your initial enquiry. Upon confirming, remember to determine the fare basis of the fare offered, and if it is a “Seat Sale” fare, because:

“Seat Sale Tickets” require full payment upon booking and are Not Refundable.  Once purchased, use it, or lose it. For changes of date of departure and/or return, it might be possible with a change penalty charged, but more often you will find that if your new date has moved outside of the Seat Sale dates you must now pay the regular full fare, or even inside the dates there might be no Seat Sale seats available for the new flight date. Again, change penalty plus additional costs to regular full fare, it can make quite a difference from your original purchase.

Remember that there is nothing really given or free in this world including discounts. There are always conditions attached. If you contemplate the purchase of a Seat Sale Ticket, be sure you will be able to travel on those dates as those tickets have conditions. If you cannot travel, you will loose your money. If you need to make changes, penalty charges and a higher fare may apply – your discount may be lost. Finally, you should consider including cancellation insurance with your purchase – just in case.

Each day heroes were born and lives were saved giving the survivors a new life or a taste of death. The horrific experience made everyone value life and significantly realized that each breath meant seeing a new dawn or seeing a final end.

The survivors were waiting for food and medicine and help came from all corners of the globe. However, it was challenging to get to the people because of airport facilities and road blockages. It was human resourcefulness that played a major role to bringing the city back to the pulse of life. The locals took to the nearby villages and gathered fruits and vegetation. They started cooking their food and selling their produce. They rose from the ruins and moved on to a life born from a new day.

Funds have been pouring in from the donations all over the world and diverse ways of getting financial aid to rebuild the country were bustling from different continents and countries. Cleaning the city from its dust and rumbles were tasks that were benevolently executed by an international crew of humanitarians. Thousands of dead people were buried along the hilly lands, nameless, yet each one had a story, a life once lived.

Life’s constant is CHANGE…..

The people of Haiti are resilient. They move with total acceptance to what change is in their lives. It is well written in their history as a people. The filial feeling of family and their deep faith in God are the powerful pillars that shape them to rise from every fall. This natural disaster makes them more resourceful and stronger as a people.

Dear Ate V.,
           What is the best way to introduce my girlfriend to my parents for the first time?
           From personal experience and observation, I find there are a couple of ways to gently introduce your girlfriend (or in some cases your boyfriend) to your parents: Invite your significant other home to study. It may be easier to have other friends too at the time to help ease any kind of awkwardness. This can help your parents understand that your “friend” is part of your circle of friends. There are some parents who always want to know how you met each other and can get suspicious if she is not from school. Another other way, is taking her to any upcoming family gatherings or special events. This would be an easy way to tell your parents that she is very special; so special that you’ve brought her with you to take part in family functions. And if I were you, I would avoid any intimate contact (hugging, holding hands or kissing) for the first few parent encounters. You do not want to appear over confident with your new relationship in front of your parents.

First of all, despite how comfortable it can be, curling up while sleeping isn’t the best way to position yourself when falling asleep. Sleeping all curled up can result to back pain. The most ideal way to sleep is flat out on your back. It may not be everyone’s favorite sleeping position, but it’s the most advantageous one when it comes to your body. Sleeping in a straight position on your back will give your internal organs more space to breathe. By giving your organs more time to “breathe” while you’re in your sleeping state, you’ll feel way better when waking up. Putting a pillow under your knees can maintain the natural curve of your body, making the position possibly more comfortable.

Second of all, this one is generally addressed to the females. Falling asleep with makeup on can cause dark circles around your eyes. Not only that, but it may cause irritation to your eyes while you’re asleep. Even the friendliest makeup isn’t made to be worn on a 24 hour day. Having makeup on for a long period of time can cause dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin. So, despite how tired or lazy you are at night, force yourself to remove your facial cosmetics. Make a simple effort to avoid further consequences.

Lastly, the most common one of them all is having an inadequate amount of sleep. Sleeping too much is as insufficient as not sleeping enough. We undoubtedly all love to sleep and whenever we have the chance, we sleep as long as we want leaving us a feeling of exhaustion. We tend to feel drowsy or sluggish when we don’t get the good quantity of sleep. It’s best to avoid afternoon naps. Generally, the amount of sleep varies on your age. The smart thing to do would be to consult your doctor and get the required number of hours of sleep you need to wake up at your best!

Now, here are some facts about sleep to enhance your knowledge! Did you know that:

- We naturally feel tired at two different times of the day: about 2:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
– Scientists still don’t know if animals dream during REM sleep, as humans do.
– Exercising regularly makes it easier to fall asleep yet exercising at irregular times or right before going to bed will make falling asleep more difficult.
– A desert snail can sleep for 3 years.
– People who don’t get enough sleep are most likely to have bigger appetites.
– Experts say one of the most alluring sleep distractions is the 24-hour accessibility of the internet.
– Divorced, widowed and separated people report more insomnia.
– A woman needs more sleep than a man does.
– The record for the longest period without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes during a rocking chair marathon. The record holder reported hallucinations, slurred speech and memory, paranoia, blurred vision and concentration lapses.

The donation was given by the foundation members, Dr. Gene Santander,  Salve Deprez, Abel Deprez Caring Tabunar,  Dr. Ed Sideco, Norma Vohra, Sioney Nieva, Valent Hughs Loyd and Val Sotero.

Dr. Gene Santander who has been a loyal supporter of the mission and is very thankful for our Filipino Mission because according to her,  since 1981 she and Alvin Veloso were very concerned about the growth of our Filipino community and the need for our own parish priest and our own church.

Father Frank Alvarez invites everyone to visit the church and be part of the community where services are there for everyone. He is very grateful that the Philippine Foundation has started this initiative and hopes it will be an opportunity for the coming forward of other organizations and individuals.

First of all, let us ask ourselves. Where does the very root of all our problems lie? I am not a political analyst but it does not take an analyst to decipher where the root of our maladies lie. It is deeply drenched in filthy souls of the leaders of our so-called democratic government. Many a night I ponder and wonder, why can’t our society be like those small countries in Europe? So solemn, so free of crime, peacefully co-existing with each other. If my knowledge of current news proves me right, those countries are so crime-free that we can even reckon that they don’t exist anymore, kind of like a haven.

The catch is this, aren’t their governments the same like ours? They’re not communists, they’re not socialists. They are people led by their fellow people. Indeed in those countries, Abraham Lincoln’s immortal line proves to be true; the government is of the people, by the people, for the people.

But again, the question. Why are we like this? Is it because our country is marred by poverty, by desperation? Yes, without a doubt. But then again, history has taught us that nations rise and fall, empires surge and plunge. A number of nations have sunk and rose in the past century alone… And in all those cases, the leaders of both the glorious and the damned nations played the most significant part.

Leaders, yes, leaders. What do we look for in our leaders? The first quality the everyman looks for in a leader is intelligence and the ability to govern. Next is intelligence. But keenly pondering, virtually all politicians have those qualities, except of course for a few dumb ones who rely on their charisma only. Shame on them.

Yet there are some qualities which are always overlooked when people are made to choose amongst the aspiring leaders. Boldness, the resistance to temptation, and the might to crush all unruly opposition.

And that one quality we always, always, always fail to take into consideration – morality.

Law is extracted from ethics and ethics, from morals.

Definitely we do not want a leader who is morally upright but is weak, and the same goes for a leader who is bold but heartless.

But when will we have the leader who is brave, morally upright, and not to be subject to temptation brought about by the magnitude of power?

Ah, that remains to be seen, if it is still to be seen. And if our sheer hunch is to be listened to, morality is a forgotten word among most of our leaders.

I am strongly convinced that the few years after next year’s election shall determine the fate of our country.

I think that the leader who will deliver us from doom shall be born after a revolution. Regardless of the kind of revolution.

We have grown sick and tired of EDSA. It would be more effective, methinks, if an uprising reminiscent of the Bolshevik one would occur. I am not an activist. These are just the things running through my mind right now brought about by the culmination of the countless chaos haunting our poor country.

We need a revolution.

Dear Ate V.,
           I have a friend who seems to have trouble expressing their feelings. When we are out friends it often puts a damper on our activities. How do we show that we care and not “rain on the parade”?
          First and foremost, understand your friend. Analyze the situation before approaching them: How long have you noticed this kind of behaviour? Do you notice this every time you are out together or on occasions? Can you find a pattern in their behaviour? Some people have trouble expressing their feelings because they are unsure how their friends might react to them; self conscious of how the expression of their feelings could affect the people involved. Your friend might even be intimidated to be open about their feelings. The obvious way to get them to be open is to simply ask them the “What’s wrong ?” question. But, before you do so, think back and see if maybe you have done something wrong to your friend that might have caused them to behave this way. Maybe they are trying to relay a message but not sure how to do it because they are afraid to hurt someone. They might think you don’t notice that something is wrong. And be sure to approach them in a non-condescending fashion. But also, do not under estimate your friend. He or she may know you are on to them. Either way, be prepared to hear what they have to say – it could involve you. Be understanding as much as possible, especially if you are familiar with their personality and how sensitive they may be.

When you have a plan to go to the Philippines or just about anywhere else during the Holiday season such as December, it is advisable to book early so that you will have a choice of the dates you wish to travel, both outgoing and returning. A lot of people will make reservations during January & February 2010 for next years holiday season, and even if the fares are somewhat high during this peak season of travel, by the end of March you will find seats are scarce on the dates you wish to travel.  Another peak season is June, July, and August – which is the time that families can travel, as children are on their summer vacation from school. The impossible can usually be done right away, but miracles may take a little while longer. Try not to get caught in the situation where you are asking your travel agent on December 1^st to find seats for Dec 19^th or 20^th – which this year will be the busiest dates of the year for the airline carriers.

Reserving in advance has its good points and bad points, as with most things in life. Booking in advance can get you the dates and flights of your choice, with as little as a 25% down payment of the airline fare. The balance can be paid either within 30 days at no additional charge, or over the next months on a payment plan, and with a reducing balance and interest rate that is only approx half of the usual credit card rates, the finance therefore does not become a major factor in your purchase.  Should you find it necessary to cancel your plans however, you will loose the 25% deposit that you have paid towards your ticket. If you do not need to cancel entirely, but wish to change the travel dates at a later time, there will be a change penalty – so while it is wise on the one hand to book in advance and secure your reservations, do not do this unless you are certain that you will be able to make your trip on the dates chosen, or regretfully, penalties will apply.

At any time during the year that you have purchased a ticket, you can make changes by paying the applicable penalty. In most cases, this is a relatively minor but annoying administration fee charged for the cancellation and re-issue of new tickets, and the work involved arranging and obtaining them. However, there are times that these change fees can be a little more costly.  If you have purchased a “Seat Sale” ticket, for example, and now you wish to change your date to a time outside of the designated seat sale dates of travel – you will be faced with not only the change fee, but in addition the increase in the fare between the seat sale price versus the regular price. This can start to be a significant difference.  The same applies on regular fare price tickets, where the “season” changes as a result of your new travel date.  In this case again, there will be change penalties, plus the amount of the fare increase relative to the season change. Again, it is always advisable to be quite certain you will be able to accomplish your original travel plans when making an airline ticket purchase – but should you require changes either on the departure or return, they can be arranged either through your agent, or through the airline directly, but always be aware that change penalties will apply and can be a simple administration fee, or up to a significant change in the airfare.

Another way to proceed, especially if you are not sure of or not fixed on your dates, is to make your trip plan with a more flexible date range for travel – and start making regular monthly payments in advance of the travel.  Your money is safe because as we have advised you in previous columns, a licensed travel agent must keep your money in a bonded Trust Account, where legally it remains your property until such time as you have received your airline or other travel documents. Then, you can keep your eye on the number of seats available on the dates you wish to travel, and then make your purchase when the seats available becomes a little too close to you’re your comfort zone. In the meantime, your payments are accumulating, and before you know it you will have at least the 25% deposit required when you decide to purchase, and maybe even 50% or 75% towards the total amount leaving only a reasonable balance to clear.  We can tell you that this procedure of “Pay Now – Fly Later” is considerably less expensive than “Fly Now – Pay Later” – which is available, but an expensive procedure which should only be used in the case of an absolute emergency.
Happy Holidays

          Dieu a tant aimé le monde qu’il a donné son Fils unique; sûrs de son amour, présentons-lui nos prières. Aujourd’hui, un enfant nous est né, que l’Église ne cesse d’en proclamer la Bonne Nouvelle à tous les hommes.  Aujourd’hui, le Verbe s’est fait chair, que la paix qu’il apporte touche les victimes de la guerre et de l’oppression, des femmes maltraitées et des démunis. Aujourd’hui nous est né un  Sauveur, que la joie du salut illumine toutes les familles de la terre.
          Aujourd’hui, la vie s’est manifestée, que la joie de savoir que Dieu est avec nous fasse de notre communauté un foyer de vie. Aujourd’hui prions en particulier à tous les membres de  nos familles aux Philippines, que l’on soit un jour réunis ensemble .
          Dieu qui , en Jésus, est venu sauver tous les hommes, écoute nos prières et donne-nous la joie d’être exaucés. Amen

Joyeux Noël avec tous ainsi qu’à vos familles.
Feliz Navidad
Maligayang  Pasko

Litto Lagasca president of Binibining Pilipinas of the world has been the vehicle of opportunity for young women all over Canada and USA in the yearly competition. It opened doors of growth and development as well as friendships for the many young women who have traveled to Toronto and joined in the competition. It led them to greater ventures for personal goals and aspirations.

Samnatha East , Binibining Pilipinas of the World  2006 won 1^st runner-up in the Mutya ng Pilipinas National Pageant in Manila, Last year Kesiah Papasin, Bininbining Pilipinas of the World 2007 competed in Manila for the Tourismo Pilipina pageant , and she garnered two special awards and was one of the semi-finalist. Eliza Estrada from Vancouver is a recording artist and a Juno nominee, Riza Santos from Calgary, runner up in the Teen category won Miss Earth Canada and represented Canada in Manila for the Miss Earth Pageant.

In Montreal, Philbecan is one of the organizations that contributed many years of benevolent projects for the development of the youth.

The organization   focused in their creative talents, self-expression and self-confidence. The founder Jayjay Villanueva and president Jason Mayuga are always ready to explore new ideas and projects for the betterment of our youth and children.

Manileño a young organization has the same objectives as the Philbecan and children at their formative years are given the chance to express their creative talents.

Events such as these are only a few examples where self-esteem and personal growth become fields of motivation for our youth today. Talents and potentials are harnessed and participation become a joyful experience for them. It gives them the feeling of confidence as competitors and helps them see their limitations and capabilities.

Jayjay Villanueva
Publisher/Owner        

Before cashing out our savings, make sure you know what you’re buying because there is always the rule of thumb when you purchase items especially electronic products. “You get for what you pay”

The facts are:
- HD television set prices are going down;
- HD television are expensive to repair;

Here are some important specification to look for:

Resolution: Almost all sets 40 inches or larger have 1080p resolution, which is 1920 by 1080 pixels. The 1080p resolution will give you the maximum detail available for almost all HD content. For some smaller HDTV sizes, 1366 by 768 pixels is often a lower-cost choice. A 720p set has to scale 1080p images down to match its native resolution, and this interpolation may introduce imaging artifacts and the image may not appear quite as sharp or have the depth of the picture on a 1080p set.

While 720p models are available in many sizes as a lower-cost option, they remain prevalent in the 40-inches-or-smaller category. All else being equal, I recommend that you pick a 1080p model, which will better match much of the content you can now get from broadcast, streaming, and satellite services, and will match the native resolution of a Blu-ray Disc player.

Contrast: This spec refers to the difference between the darkest images and the lightest images that a screen can produce; in general, it is determined by how dark the blacks are. Contrast is probably the most important factor in determining image quality after resolution. If the blacks are gray and the contrast is lower, the whole image can look washed out. If the blacks are deep and strong, however, the image will look sharper and the colors will pop.

Example are smaller LCDs which has a contrast ration of 800:1 will not match the one with 8000:1 ratio.

Unfortunately, manufacturers' methods for measuring and specifying contrast are almost useless for helping you predict how the screen will look. Manufacturers use full-screen measurements, all black and all white, in a darkened room. An all-black or all-white screen is not what people watch, and in computer terms it conveys precisely zero bits of information. When you have actual content on the screen, you get internal reflections, ambient lighting effects, and other optical crosstalk that results in the light from one section of an image affecting the light levels of another.

Video connections: You have to get the image from your disc player or set-top box into the TV set, and to do so you need to use a video connection. Only three connectors (HDMI, component video, and VGA) can deliver

HD-resolution images, and of those, only HDMI is capable of providing full 1080p HD over an HDCP-protected connection.

HDMI: This is a digital connection, so it delivers the image data exactly as the player or set-top box sends it. HDMI can also carry sound (eliminating the need for extra cables) and it may let you control more than one device with a single click of the remote. The newest version of HDMI is 1.4, which adds more features such as the ability to carry a network connection, but it is not yet available on many devices. HDMI is definitely the connection of choice, as it gives you the most accurate transfer of the image data, and it also supports the HDCP copy-protection features that can help guarantee that you get the best-quality image from your source. One note: Making HDMI cables doesn't involve a lot of magic; a $12 cable bought on the Internet is likely to perform just as well as a $120 cable purchased in some stores. Try a cheap cable first, and if it works, you're done. If it doesn't, you can then try a more expensive cable to see if it solves the problem.

Component video: This connection relies on three separate RCA connectors, marked red, green, and blue. An analog connection, it can handle 1080p signals, but it cannot carry the HDCP copy-protection signal required for some devices. In theory, it may not be as good as a digital connection (especially over a long distance) but you're not likely to notice the difference.

S-Video: This is a round DIN connector that offers slightly better quality than composite video connections do.

Composite video: This is a single RCA plug, typically yellow. Cables with this plug often also have the standard red and white RCA plugs for stereo audio channels.

How many connections do you need? Most HDTVs today offer at least three HDMI connectors, while many provide four, and some have even more. Get as many HDMI connections as you can; doing so will allow you the most flexibility in attaching devices. For instance, you'll probably want to connect a set-top DVR, a Blu-ray player, a camcorder, or other gadgets. If possible, use HDMI for your high-definition connections, and try to buy an HDTV that has one more connector than you currently need, to allow for the future expansion of your home entertainment system.

If you have too few HDMI ports on your set, you can always add a switch that will multiply how many devices you can connect to a single input on your HDTV; It cost around $99 dollars but this device adds a level of complexity and one more remote control to track.

So there you go, a lot of specifications to know but it is worth it.

Christmas in our country is characterized as being one of the longest and the merriest. It’s very well known for having sleepless nights and continuous celebrations.  Because there are many Catholics, it’s probably even the most important holiday since it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas begins at around December 16 in which Filipinos attend early morning masses and it ends on the first Sunday of January (Feast of The Three Kings).

After the last mass of Simbang Gabi which is on midnight on December 24, Filipino families prepare for Noche Buena (a Christmas Eve feast). The Noche Buena is an open house celebration, therefore families come and go and greet each other “Maligayang Pasko!” In their houses, there is food in abundance. The most popular dishes are: lechon, pancit, barbeque, rice, etc. Christmas is all about spending valuable time with your family. At home, lola is always the center of a family Christmas gathering, she’s somewhat like the chief. The children would form a line in front of her and she would give out gifts or coins. The older the child, the more coins he or she receives.

Also, from what I know, many people are excited to go to the Philippines on the holidays because of the busy and exciting things that are happening on the streets, such as the fireworks. The roads are well lit and full of activities and little kids are roaming around having fun. Sometimes, there are even talent shows. Speaking of festivities on the streets, many people, usually in provinces and in schools, celebrate the Panunuluyan.  The Panunuluyan is a street pageant in which they reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging.

Finally, on December 25, Filipinos attend the Misa de Aquinaldo, a mass that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Like I said before, this is a family holiday. That said, they would go visit distant relatives to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, have Christmas lunches and exchange gifts.

That’s how the holidays are spent in the Philippines. I, myself, hope to travel over there one day to experience the liveliness of it all.

Christmas means two things: Going to church and spending time with family. The most important, of course, is going to Church. I have always believed since childhood days that Christmas time is a celebration of Jesus’ birth; He is the main celebrant of this day, not us. The preparation for the big day spreads out in four weeks during the season of Advent. The whole Church is preparing and I can really feel it. The little kids are practicing their Christmas play, the choir is singing Christmas songs, and red, silver and gold decorations everywhere. Each week builds up my anticipation for Christmas as I reflect on its essential meaning.

The equally important part of Christmas is my family.  As long as I can remember, I have always spent my Christmas with them… The joy and spirit continue as we gather after mass and eat dinner together. The party goes on, it is loud and fun – the adults sing karaoke and dance while I stay up and do cool stuff with my cousins and we wait… At exactly midnight, we all assemble again and even more loudly pass all the gifts. These are happy and joyful times that define my Christmas celebrations.

It obviously gets you thinking about the people that don’t have anybody or anything at this time of the year – the people living on the streets and those in underdeveloped countries. Christmas is a time for giving and warming up hearts, not only to the people that you love but also to those who need it. We can all share something because we received so much. There are many different ways – helping food drives, volunteer in nursing homes, or simply a smile to a person on the street. One kind gesture can brighten up someone else’s day.

Christmas Season … It fills up everybody with this feeling of expectation and joy. However, for me, it isn’t just the flashing lights or the happy songs that determine the vibe. It is the people around me, the warmth and happiness that cheer me up to endure the cold December weather. How I wish this Christmas spirit would last all-year round.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

            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.  

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

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.

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.

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

Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan!

As people, Filipinos do not only treasure but also are passionate about freedom. Our heroes, both the known and the nameless, gifted us with the national independence we now enjoy and cultivated in our character the uncompromising commitment to freedom which we now defines the true Filipino spirit.

The Philippine Independence Day celebration is a valuable reminder not only of the freedom that we have but also of our invidual and collective responsibilities as “free” Filipinos. Ours is a challenge to bring the concept of freedom beyond the context of being free from rule of non-Filipinos to being from things that make us unable to fully enjoy life. In our country, the biggest challenge is bring millions of our countrymen out of or enable them to be free from poverty.

We should all own the responsibility of winning for our country and people this kind of freedom. Let us also accept the challenge and call for us to be this kind of freedom heroes. Even if you live and/or work away from “home,” you can still do a lot and be one with other Filipinos in our guest for decent and better quality of life for ALL Filipinos.

Allow me to take this opportunity of congratulating all of your for successfully strengthening the Philippine and Filipino images in Canada. Through your individual successes, which result in a collective success for our country and people, you render a heroic service that we are all called to serve the Philippines with.

Let us join hand in preserving and nurturing our freedom and independence and let us move forward as one people in winning especially for the next generation of Filipinos the freedom from poverty!

Mabuhay and malayang Pilipinas at ang mapagmahal sa kalayaan na lahing Filipino!

ISIDRO T. UNGAB
Representative
3rd district, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

My warmest greetings to the Montreal Pinoy Post as you embark on your mission to inform, entertain and educate.

Behind newspaper stories and articles are tremendous amounts of creative energy, dedication, hard work and sacrifice laid by people who have the passion to inspire or present life as they see it.

In this age of increasing global awareness, may you be able to inform the world that the Filipinos have the power to liberate himself from being a slave of the past; entertain it with stories of the feats of Filipinos who have excelled in every imaginable form of endeavor and service; and educate it about the Filipino values of hospitality, resilience in trying times, integrity and sipag at tiyaga that have helped build our nation.

As we therefore celebrate our 111th year of independence, may we be able to spread the news that our nation can be built strongly on the wings of the bayanihan spirit, on the shoulders of Filipinos who are passionate in their expression of love of country, and on unshakeable faith in the kindness of God.

Mabuhay po kayong lahatt

Manny Villar
Republic of the Philippines Senate

History has shown that the writings of Jose Rizai and other notable heroes inspired the people to finally stand up to slavery and bondage. These writings were the beacon that moved our forefathers to end our suppression.

Today, the tip of the pen is still as powerful as before in bringing to the people’s consciousness important national issues that are needed to be addressed.

It is laudable for The Montreal Pinoy Post to take the task of delivering to our Filipino community in Montreal, Canada, news and information about their homeland. May The Montreal Pinoy Post continue to instill among Pinoys their love for their country and be an instrument in fighting enemies of democracy and freedom.

MABUHAY!

NOLI “KABAYAN” DE CASTRO

Republic of the Philippines
Office of the Vice President

Manila, 15 May 2009

We were introduced in the world of reading at an early age of our development and it stays with us in different forms throughout our life.

School is where our acquaintance with books and learning begin. Books become our companion a form of solace as well as a pathway towards knowledge, and our quest for meaning and purpose as human beings.

It is important that we develop the right reading habit from childhood. That is the reason why bedtime stories are memorable experiences for our children.  It is a world of language and colorful tools that make the world of imagination fertile and expansive. It allows the mind to soar to a world of ideas and shared realities that makes creation a manifested presence.

Make it a point to encourage your children to read and parents have to be participating guides to them.

Here are a few tips that can help you achieve this goal:
○ make it a habit to read to your child everyday, whether she is  one year old or twelve.
○ take turns in reading chapters
○ take a trip to your library and get your child a library card.
○ be sensitive and aware of your child’s interest and encourage her/ him.
○ provide the area at home where it is cozy and where lighting is excellent for that activity.
○ discuss the book with them
○ talk to your child’s teacher and get suggestions from her.
○ If your child is reluctant to read get books with simple vocabulary but interesting content.
○ appreciate their effort and be part of their creative flow.

Reading is a dynamic activity that keeps the mind nourished and healthy.

           
             The Philippines has had a long history of political, economic, and cultural colonization.  From three centuries of Spanish domination to decades of American control, Filipino history and culture have all adapted to “Philippinize” any and all foreign values and customs.  But our history is also marked by constant and persistent resistance to the various waves of foreign domination.  Indeed, for every era of domination and exploitation, whether it was at the hands of foreign or native-born agents, the Filipino masses have never bowed down to their fates without organized struggles. 

            The most pervasive era of colonial rule was that of the Spanish, which began in 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived on the Island of Cebu.  Spanish colonization was virtually uninterrupted, from 1565-1898.  During this time, the Spanish consolidated the various independent Muslim sultanates, Buddhist kingdoms, Rajahnates, and Barangays into one national unity named Filipinas, after King Felipe II de España.  With the construction of Intramuros (literally city “between walls”) in 1571, the Philippines became the capital of the Spanish East Indies.  For the next 257 years, the Philippines would be administered as a Spanish colony.

            Although there was consistent resistance to Spanish domination, it was only in 1896 that this revolt became officially organized.  Arguably, the trial and subsequent execution of Dr. Jose Rizal (1861-1896) sparked the formation of the Katipunan and the Revolution.  Rizal was considered a martyr for the cause of Philippine reforms.  His two novels, El Filibusterismo and Noli me Tangere, openly criticized the Spanish colonial government, as well as the Church, which was complicit in the oppression of the Filipino people.  Rather than violent revolution, Rizal pushed for legal reforms that would include more Filipinos in the governmental apparatus and would treat Filipinos and Spaniards equally before the eyes of the law.  This was his agenda when he formed La Liga Filipina, a moderate activist organization.  However, as a result of his connections with members of the Katipunan, he was tried and convicted of committing acts of rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy.  He was sentenced to death.  His last poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios,” written while in prison awaiting execution, continued to invoke patriotism and nationalism.

           The Philippine Revolution against the Spanish was mostly led by the Katipunan, founded by Andres Bonifacio (1863-1897).  The Katipunan can be called a violent militant group.  Its members believed, however, that legal reforms would not suffice in changing the fate of the Filipinos.  They believed that armed revolution was the only answer.  Bonifacio, although coming from very humble beginnings, taught himself to read and write.  Having been fluent enough in Spanish, Bonifacio avidly read Rizal’s works and other great European literature.  He even translated Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” into Tagalog.

           The Revolution put forth by the Katipunan culminated on June 12, 1898, when General Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964), leader of the Philippine Revolution, declared the independence of the Philippines.  During this landmark event that took place in Aguinaldo’s residence in Cavite, the Act of Declaration of Independence was written and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista.  The Act explicitly named and denounced the Spanish as the oppressors of the Philippine people.  It explicitly criticized the consistent violations of the Rule of Law, and cited the execution of Rizal as the prime example of the colonists’ injustice.  At the same time, it extolled the virtues of the Revolutionary movement and declared the Philippines to be a sovereign, independent nation.  Having been signed by 94 Filipino revolutionaries and one American official, the Act stood as a symbol of a defiant people vying to control their own fates.

            As well, the modern Philippine flag was unfurled for the first time.  The flag as we know it now was designed by Aguinaldo while in exile in Hong Kong. It was made by Marcela de Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Josefina Herbosa de Natividad (niece of Jose Rizal).  The Philippine flag is rife with symbolism, all of which are tied to the country’s history of rebellion and pride: the three stars represent the three major islands wherein the Revolution first flared – Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao; the eight rays of the sun symbolize the eight original provinces that took up arms against the Spanish – Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas; the blue stripe stands for peace, the red stripe for war, and the white triangle for the Katipunan.  [The Filipino flag is the only one in the world that changes when the country is in a state of war.  When at war, the flag is rotated 180-degrees so that the red stripe is on top.]

            Additionally, the Philippine national anthem was played for the first time on June 12, 1898.  Composed by Julian Felipe, the anthem was originally an instrumental march, entitled Marcha Nacional Filipina (Philippine National March).  However, it was only in August 1899 that the march was given lyrics.  The words to the anthem were written by a young soldier, Jose Palma, in the form of a poem, written in Spanish, named Filipinas. [Interestingly, the anthem was translated in English in 1934, and in Tagalog only in 1956.]

            In December 1898, at the end of the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded the Philippines to the US, thus virtually ignoring Aguinaldo’s declaration of independence.   This transfer of power was not recognized by Aguinaldo and his new government, so by 1899, the Philippines declared independence from the US and declared war.  By 1905, the Philippines was under American colonization.  During this time, the singing of the national march and the flying of the national flag were expressly condemned and suppressed.

          In 1935, the Philippines was given Commonwealth Status, thereby once again denying the Philippines national sovereignty.  It was only on July 4, 1946 that the Philippines was granted full independence, after the Japanese were defeated at the end of World War II.  Manuel Roxas was the first elected President of the newly independent Philippine state.

            For the next decade and a half, the Philippine Independence Day had been celebrated on July 4.  Aguinaldo’s Declaration was commemorated by naming June 12 as Flag Day.  It was only under the leadership of President Diosdado Macapagal (1961-1965) that the official Independence Day celebration was moved to June 12.  This was done to reaffirm Philippine nationalism and pride.

            [Although military and political history often focuses only on the actions of the male revolutionaries, there were many women whose participation was pivotal to the success of the Revolution.  Teodora Alonzo (1827-1911) was the mother of Dr. Jose Rizal.  She is credited with having instilled in him the principles and values that he later stood for in his plight against colonization.  As a result of this, she was persecuted and even jailed by the Spanish for the majority of her life. Other women include: Gregoria de Jesus (1875-1943, wife of Andres Bonifacio), Teresa Magbanua (“Generala Isay”), Generale Agueda Kahabangan, and Trinidad Tecson – all of whom fought among and led the male warriors of the Revolution.  Women also played supportive roles, such as Melchora (“Tandang Sora”) Aquino (1812-1919), who selflessly tended to wounded and sick Katipunan fighters.  Without the involvement of both the men and the women, the Revolution of the 1890s would never have been successful.]

            Nowadays Philippine Independence Day is celebrated all throughout the world wherever Filipino communities exist.  Oftentimes the celebrations include a parade, a huge congregation of Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike, and large amounts of food.  As well, since we Filipinos are never short of talents, there is often a program featuring songs and dances performed by members of our community. 

           In Montreal alone, there are several different events that occur around the June 12 Independence Day.  The largest Independence Day celebration in Montreal is organized by the Federation of the Filipino-Canadian Associations of Quebec (FFCAQ).  Every year there is a parade, a Catholic mass, as well as a long program featuring the many talents of our community.  Also present are our various associations and organizations.  There are also several Filipino restaurants, serving up their delicious food and refreshments.

           Regardless of how we celebrate our national Independence Day, we must never forget the reasons for which we celebrate: our pride in our culture, our history, and our heritage.  We Filipinos come from a long history of colonization.  However, as a result, we come from a long history of resistance and revolt.  Mabuhay ang Pilipinas on our 111^th Independence Day celebrations!

“I die, without seeing the Day dawning on my country.
You who will see it, greet it and forget not those who fell during the night”
-Jose Rizal

The perspective presented here are based on the words of Jesus: ‘’Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate ‘’ (Lk 6:36)

We must look in a radically different direction to understand the place of compassion in our lives and through compassion our humanity grows into its fullness.

The word compassion, generally evokes positive feelings. We like to think of ourselves as compassionate people who are gentle, good and understanding. So why then, are millions of human beings suffering from separation, loneliness, torture and kill each other?

What does it mean the word compassion?  It is derived rom the Latin words pati and cum, which together mean ‘’to suffer with’’. Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears. It requires us   to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless. To be also kind and gentle to those who get hurt by competition.

We do not aspire to suffer with others. On the contrary we develop methods and techniques that allow us to stay away from pain.

Must we simply recognize that we are more competitive than  compassionate, and try to make  the best of it with a ‘’healthy dose of skepticism’’? Is our greatest ideal a maximum of satisfaction with a minimum of pain?

This topic says NO to these questions and proposes that in order to understand the place of compassion in our lives , we must look radically  to different directions. And the perspective here is based on the words of Jesus: ’’Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate ‘’( Luke 6:36), and is offered in the deep conviction that through compassion our humanity grows into its fullness.

We shall speak about: The compassionate God who is revealed to us in Jesus Christ, because God’s own compassion constitutes the basis and source of our compassion.

The compassionate God: God is a compassion God, He has chosen to be God-with-us .But what counts is that moments of pain and suffering someone stays with us, it is just the simple presence of someone who cares .When someone says to you ,  to us in the midst of a crisis ,’’ I do not know what to say or what to do, but I want you to realize that I am with you, that I will not leave you alone .’’

We have lost the gift of being present to each other .We say why should I visit this person? I can’t do anything anyway. Or what use can I be? Because being simply with someone is difficult and it asks of us that we share in other’s  vulnerability.

When we say God is a God- with- us, means he came to share our lives in solidarity .He is willing to enter with us with our problems, confusions and questions.

We also call him our refuge, our stronghold, our wisdom, our helper, our shepherd, our love. And we will never really know God as a compassionate God if we do not understand with our heart and mind that ‘’he lived among us’’ (Jn 1:14).

When we look at ourselves, we have to recognize that competition, not compassion is our main motivation in life. Being compassionate   would require giving up differences and distinctions. Jesus invites us to be as close to each other as God is to us. And it allows us to say with Paul, ‘’ I live now not with my own life but with the life of Christ who lives in me ‘’ (Ga 2:20)

This new identity, free from greed and desire of power, allows us to enter so fully and unconditionally into the sufferings of others that it becomes for us to heal the sick and call the dead to life. Paul gives us a beautiful example in his letter to the Philippians, he writes : GOD IS MY WITNESS HOW MUCH I MISS YOU ALL WITH THE TENDER COMPASSION OF CHRIST JESUS .  (Ph 1:8)

La ville où je suis née s’appelle Cali. Elle est située au sud-ouest de la Colombie et à une altitude de 996 mètres au-dessus du niveau de la mer. C’est une ville que je trouve très chaleureuse non seulement par son climat (25 °C à moyen, toute l’année), mais aussi par ses gens. Cali est une ville heureuse, qui a l’air d’être au bord de la mer, car elle jouit d’un vent frais le soir et semble être tout le temps en fête.

C’est une des raisons que les caleños ont eues pour inventer la feria de Cali. C’est une célébration qui a lieu à la fin de décembre et grâce à laquelle cette ville est bien connue. C’est une époque où on peut se promener dans la ville en regardant les décorations de Noël et en même temps assister à différents spectacles. Parmi toutes les activités sur lesquelles les gens de Cali travaillent fort figurent : l’élection des meilleurs danseurs et la meilleure école de salsa, le festival d’orchestres, l’exposition gastronomique, entre autres.

Les femmes de Cali sont reconnues pour leur beauté et pour leur façon ouverte et spéciale de s’habiller et de parler. Il y a une chanson très populaire qui s’appelle « las caleñas sont comme les fleurs » et dans laquelle on décrit comment la femme est vue à Cali. Quelques-unes de ces femmes sont très préoccupées par leur apparence physique, cela leur donne un air superficiel, mais la plupart sont des femmes intelligentes, travailleuses et qui aiment faire la fête et danser la salsa.

À Cali, on peut trouver des collations différentes dont on a besoin pour satisfaire la faim et pour continuer à s’amuser.  Ainsi, on peut manger la mangue verte (viche) avec du sel, des pandebonos avec du chocolat chaud, des empanadas avec de la lime et accompagnés de bière ou de jus de lulo, mais si aucun de ces repas ne satisfait votre palais, je vous invite à déguster un verre de champus, ou une lulada, ou peut-être des fruits exotiques comme le chontaduro avec du sel et miel, le borojó, la guama, entre autres.

Étant donné que les gens de Cali sont aussi hédonistes que les Québécois, ils adorent faire des activités à l’extérieur pour avoir le plaisir, par exemple ils aiment prendre un bain dans la rivière et après manger un sancocho qui a été fait in situ avec du bois.

Toutes ces choses dont j’ai parlé ici font partie des coutumes d’un peuple, d’une ville qui essaye de fuir ses problèmes et un contexte social difficile. C’est ce bonheur à l’aide duquel les caleños réussissaient à bien vivre.

             
            Can fiction come true? In the annals of ocean disasters throughout the centuries none is more perplexing than the saga of the “unthinkable” luxury liner the RMS Titanic in her maiden voyage to America in 1912.

            Few are still alive who remember this tragic episode. However, the story and events surrounding this fatal disaster was preempted some 14 years earlier in a book titled “Futility” written by a novelist Morgan Robertson.

            Robertson’s story concerned a floating palace which sailed from South Hampton, England in 1898. She was the biggest and grandest liner ever built and the wealthy elite basked in her luxury as she crossed the Atlantic. However, the fictional ship never reached her destination as her hull was ripped open in a collision with a giant iceberg and sank with a heavy loss of life.

            The fictional name of the ship was Titan and both the fiction and fact converged 14 years later in 1912 when a real luxury ocean liner set out on the same maiden voyage. The Titanic was also laden with rich passengers and she too rammed an iceberg and sank. Prophetically the loss of life was enormous because of the lack of life boats.

            In many ways the similarities between the Titan of Robertson’s novel and the Titanic are almost identical. They were roughly the same nautical speed and carried approximately 3000 passengers. Both were considered to be unsinkable. And both  sank  in exactly the same spot in the North Atlantic.

            But the remarkable coincidence does not end there. The famous journalist W.T. Stead published in 1892, a short story which also proved to be an uncanny, preview of the “Titanic” disaster.  Stead was a Spiritualist and failed to help his own psychic intuitions as he was one of the 1,513 people who perished when the Titanic went down to its watery grave at the bottom of the Atlantic ocean.

Do time portals exist that permit us to glimpse into the future through our imagination or was this a “Jungian” example of “intuitive convergence” of a short or just coincidence? 

Write and let us know what you think!

Everyday we pollute our atmosphere by doing simple things such as driving our cars, traveling in airplanes and lots of other stuff that produces carbonic acid gas. We ignore the fact that our actions intensify the greenhouse effect.

I will now explain briefly the impact on human health, the sea level that increases and finally, the climatic changes.

The central issue is how this has great impact in human beings and how it affects personal lives. Let us consider the consequences on our health. Our health suffers because of the rising heat and the presence of numerous sicknesses that are spread by insects (malaria, Nile virus, etc.), not to mention: asthma, skin disease and epidemic.

Second of all, the melting ice and the expansion of the sea water caused by the climatic rise is the reason why the sea level increases. It rises at 15 to 95 centimeters causing people to lose their home. Because several people live in coastal regions of lowlands, the ground risks getting flooded seriously or permanently. This incident happened to 600 villagers from Alaska and thousands of habitants from the north of Quebec.

Finally, unexpected climatic changes are coming our way. Forest  fires are more frequent and will damage big areas. Farmers will take advantage of long vegetative seasons but long cycles of dryness and floods will make crops more difficult. In short, global warming causes several problems. 

Conclusively, I would like to propose certain suggestions that would help our planet. We should often use renewable products so we can re-use them instead of wasting them. We should also start recycling habitually. These little actions can make big differences in the world that will satisfy us and our planet. So, please… the planet’s begging you to use your every effort to SAVE THE PLANET.

El Québec… la primera vez que yo conocí esta provincia fue durante el verano 2003. Yo llegué a Montréal al final de la tarde, pero aún todavía había mucha luz, lo cual me permitió tener una muy bella imagen de esta ciudad. Desde el avión pude ver las construcciones que se levantaban orgullosas sobre la isla y pude ver el fin de un lindo día soleado, aún se podían ver los rayos del sol reflejados sobre el río San Lorenzo. Yo estaba verdaderamente encantada de tener ante mis ojos una imagen tan especial de esta tierra, la cual ha quedado en mi memoria como un bello recuerdo. Tuve la oportunidad de regresar de visita a esta provincia en 2004 y finalmente en 2006 tomé la más grande decisión de mi vida que fue inmigrar a Canadá.

Debo confesar que si hace siete años alguien me hubiera preguntado si yo pensaba vivir en Canadá, yo hubiera respondido un rotundo “no”, pues la posibilidad de vivir en un país frío como éste no estaba entre mis planes. Después del año 2001 esta percepción cambió, pues conocí al que hoy es mi esposo y el amor que nació en Acapulco, México creció y se hizo fuerte; entonces empecé a pensar en la posibilidad de vivir en Québec.

Mi esposo, un Quebecois de souche, me ha enseñado a querer esta provincia y su amor ha sido mi gran apoyo en el proceso de integración a éste que es mi nuevo hogar. No ha sido una tarea fácil vivir aquí, pues tuve que aprender el francés y mejorar mucho el inglés para poder comunicarme con las personas. Además, existen grandes diferencias entre mi país de origen y el Québec, pero soy consciente que si yo quiero ser feliz en esta tierra debo adaptarme e integrarme a esta nueva cultura que me ha abierto las puertas. Yo creo que la mejor manera de hacer raíces en el país donde una inmigra es conocerlo, aprender a vivirlo e integrarse con su cultura, respetando las constumbres y tradiciones del nuevo país, pero sin olvidar nuestros orígenes y nuestro pasado.

Pienso que mi adaptación a esta nueva vida aquí en Québec ha sido de altibajos, lenta pero agradable, ahora solo me falta encontrar un trabajo para poder hablar de una integración total en Canadá. Ahora estoy contenta de estar aquí, a pesar que ha sido difícil vivir lejos de mi familia colombiana, y confío en que muy pronto pueda encontrar un trabajo interesante que me premita hacer parte activa del sector productivo de esta Provincia.

A mi me gusta el Québec, su cultura, su idioma, su historia, su gente y sus orígenes. Me gustan sus colores que cambian durante el año en cada una de las estaciones. Disfruto mucho los días con sol, cielo azul y una temperatura agradable, pues las personas parecen más felices, se visten con ropa ligera, de colores vivos y una puede encontrar el calor en su sonrisa. Hay muchas experiencias que una puede disfrutar en esta tierra, lo importante es tener la actitud positiva y siempre abierta para aprender. No importa el lugar donde una esté el objetivo es encontrar la felicidad dentro de uno mismo pues para mi “la felicidad es un camino no un destino”.