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December 2017 VOL. 6, NO. 12 TORONTO, CANADA

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING!

Is Jesus Invited to His Birthday Party? Christmas Celebration STORY ON PAGE 13 of Love and Humanity

Gov’t Fast-Tracks Caregiver, “I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, Family Reunification Programs And wild and sweet The words repeat Liberal Immigration Minis- Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” ter Ahmed Hussen has an- - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow nounced that his depart- ment will process 80 per By Riley Mendoza cent of the backlogged per- manent resident applica- There are celebrations and celebrations, but none can beat tions from those who came the impact and magnitude of Christmas. to Canada through the for- mer Live-in Caregiver Pro- The day is almost an excuse for everything. For the reli- gram by the end of next gious and devout Catholics, the prayer and going-to- year. church routine is endless, in fact, there's nine days of di- vine supplication climaxing on the day of His birth. The news is a bit refreshing for all caregivers in Canada, "Misa de gallo" (literally rooster's mass) or dawn masses many of whom came from (simbang gabi) Filipinos call it, and we take it upon our- the Philippines. Canada Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, MP Marco selves to participate and submit to the rites if only to ex- Mendicino, Rolly Mangante of Taste of Manila (left) with repre- press reverence for the Creator. sentatives of the Filipino community at a news conference held (Continued on page 4) Dec 4 at Christina’s Panciteria in North York. (Continued on page 3) Mendicino to give 20 Toronto-York Subway Extension special Canada 150 Connects Toronto to Vaughan Exemplary Awards By Teresa Torralba This year, Canada is celebrating 150 years of confedera- tion. To celebrate, a limited number of special commemo- rative pins, made from the copper roof of the Parliament Buildings, will be awarded to constituents in Eglinton- Lawrence who have made our community, and our coun- try, stronger.

To recognize these contributions, our office will be award- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Dec. 15, 2017 inaugura- ing 20 special Canada 150 Exemplary Canadian tion of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway extension at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre — the first sub- Awards to constituents who have committed their time way station outside Toronto’s borders. A strong number of dignitaries attended the event including and effort to improving others' lives. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Toronto Mayor John Tory, MP Michael Levitt (York Centre) and Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 10). The extensions was funded by all three levels of government. (Continued on page 4) Page 2 DECEMBER 2017 Filipinos Making WAV ES

DECEMBER 2017 Page 3 Filipinos Making WAV ES PHILIPPINE NEWS WAVES

Christmas Celebration Duterte: Philippines of Love and Humanity remains safe for travelers, conducive (Continued from page1 )

for business In the northern Philippine highlands of Ifugao, the belief is that cocks crow four times from midnight, with the third crow at predawn or about 4 o'clock. There are variations of "misa de gallo" but whatever suits the culture, Filipinos observe it diligently.

A tradition has been born on the side, romanticized by older folks and taken advantage of by the entrepreneurs among us. The countryside still experiences it despite inroads by contemporary times.

President Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday the Philippines continues to be a safe travel spot for foreigners and a con- ducive investment destination.

Duterte made the assurance as he graced the Kapampan- gan Food Festival 2017 here attended by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other local officials.

"Let me reiterate that the Philippines remains a safe place for visitors and continues to be a conducive investment destination," he said.

A collection of stuff toys and animals greet shoppers at Rockwell Power Plant "Rest assured that we are undertaking measures to en- Mall in Makati City in this photo taken on Sunday, Dec. 17 and contributed by courage travelers to come here so they can have a more Romy Marquez. The zoo-themed display is the biggest attraction for kids. fun and exciting experience in the country," he added. This year's Kapampangan Food Festival showcases Pampanga’s culinary potential and aimed at making the province the The old-fashioned would equate "misa de gallo" with home-made goodies and beverages cuisine capital of the world. such as "puto bumbong" and other varieties of rice cake, and "salabat" (ginger tea). For the amorous, "simbang gabi" is a pleasant opportunity to show off extraordinary inten- "I ask each of you to join me in spurring economic growth tions for a woman. and fostering unity and solidarity here in Pampanga and the rest of Central Luzon. Let us show to the world what The young adults in our adopted country would probably scoff at what seems to be a the Philippines has to offer --- our world-class hospitality, courtship ritual in the homeland, but who cares when one's in love? sumptuous food and unique heritage," he told a crowd of Pampanguen os. Every Filipino youth born in the Philippines has experienced that. I know relatives and He also renewed his commitment to eliminate corruption friends who went through that process and it's a lot of fun. Remembrances about those and red tape, criminality and illegal drugs, which are times are treasured for they encapsulate amorous yearnings and escapades during the among his major campaign promises during the last elec- season. tion.

That's just one aspect of our Christmas. There's the tradition of family reunions, gift- He mentioned the country’s agriculture sector, which he giving, forgiveness - all in the spirit of Christmas. We open our hearts, we embrace, we said is lagging behind compared with other sectors. share, we commit. “The only way to improve it really is to give more lands if Christmas is celebrated for all of mankind. It matters not where our religious beliefs lie we can afford it. I am for land reform. Isa ‘yan sa sinabi ko and differ. All it boils down to is a universal recognition that God exists. That's Christmas. sa kampanya and I will not renege on it,” he added.

We feast and honour Him because His is a celebration of us. One writer said Christmas is He promised to look for money and to implement land re- a conspiracy of love. It is, no doubt, and a most welcome conspiracy too! ∎ form in the country. He noted that there must be an improvement on the man- ufacturing side of the agricultural sector saying that it can From the only be achieved if there is peace and order especially in Merry Christmas Publishers the countryside. & The two-day festival, held at Fontana Convention Center, Staff of is in line with the celebration of “Aldo ning Kapampangan” or Pampanga Day. Filipinos Making The food fest is spearheaded by Culinary Pampanga, the network of chefs and restaurants in the province, that want to showcase Pampanga’s unique cuisine and make Waves them globally competitive. Also joining the President during the event were Pampan- Mon & Teresa ga Gov. Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and La- Torralba bor Secretary Silvestre Bello. Around 1,000 celebrity Rancho Santa Margarita, California chefs, exhibitors and officials joined the food festival. ∎

Page 4 DECEMBER 2017 Filipinos Making WAV ES CANADA NEWS WAVES

Heading North: American Doctors Liberal MPP Mike Colle Report Back From Canada introduces Filipino

For Peter Cram, an American of care," he says, which lets job of keeping people Heritage Month Bill and internist who spent most of him focus on their medical healthy? his career practicing in Iowa needs instead of their financ- urges the Opposition to For all the political talk, it's City, Iowa, moving to Toron- es. in many ways still an unre- introduce and pass one to in 2014 was an easy deci- Cram treats his move as a solved question."The Cana- sion. sort of life-size experiment. dian system is not perfect," joint co-sponsored bill He says he is among a hand- As an American-trained phy- Cram said over coffee in To- ful of American doctors who sician and a health system ronto's Kensington Market. by all parties went north to practice in researcher, he is now study- "Anyone who gives you a Canada's single-payer sys- ing how the United States sound bite and says this sys- (TORONTO) –Liberal MPP The Opposition parties are tem. Now he doesn't worry and Canada – neighbors with tem should be adopted by Mike Colle (Eglinton— well aware of these decades- about whether his patients vastly different health sys- [the U.S.] ... I think they're Lawrence) introduced Bill old non-partisan procedural can afford treatment. tems – compare in terms of being almost disingenuous." 189 in the Ontario Legisla- rules, which they are happy "Everyone gets a basic level results. Does one do a better (Continued on page 5) ture to proclaim June as Fili- to follow when it suits them. pino Heritage Month in On- Regrettably, this time tario, on Tuesday, December around, the Opposition par- 12, 2017. Following the re- ties, namely the PC Caucus, Faster Process for quest from the City of Toron- has sought this as an oppor- Live-in Caregivers to for Ontario to enact a sim- tunity to circumvent the & Families ilar proclamation bill per- rules, politicize the matter taining to the province, MPP and create a misleading and (Continued from page 1) Colle immediately reached a preposterous narrative in out to the Opposition parties the Filipino community that to seek their co-operation in only they stand up for Filipi- “While many live-in care- co-sponsoring one joint Fili- no community. giver applicants have faced pino proclamation bill. The long delays and family sep- City of Toronto passed a res- MPP Colle along with his col- aration, they can rest as- olution recently proclaiming league MPP Han Dong sured that they will soon June as Filipino Heritage (Trinity-Spadina) also receive a positive decision Month in Toronto. sought input from members on their application,” Hus- of the Filipino-Canadian sen said at a news confer- Collaborating with the Oppo- community during a recent ence at Christina’s Pancit- sition parties, MPP Colle has meeting at Queen’s Park and eria, a Filipino restaurant advanced similar co- through other active conver- in North York. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen and MP Marco Mendicino at sponsored heritage bills sations that he’s continuing Our Lady of Assumption Caregiver Ministry which have successfully to have with members of the passed and became laws in community, and continues to Ontario in the past, namely a call on the community to put This fall, Immigration, Ref- ber 1, 2017 within 12 bill to proclaim May as Jew- pressure on the Opposition ugees and Citizenship Can- months; and ish Heritage Month, co- parties to come together, not "The commitments the ada (IRCC) dedicated addi- • Admitting high num- sponsored with his col- politicize this issue any fur- Government has made today tional resources to process leagues from both the PC and ther and join him in co- bers of LCP caregivers and will mean that many Live-in LCP applications and en- NDP Caucuses, which came sponsoring a bill to recog- their family members as Caregiver Program applicants courage caregivers and into force in spring 2012. nize the many contributions who have faced long delays their family members to permanent residents until of members of the Filipino and family separation may submit any documents that the remaining cases are Parliamentary rules and pro- community to Ontario. soon reach their goal of were missing from their processed. cedures require extensive permanent residence. After negotiations and collabora- June is an important month applications. With this fo- The multi-year levels plan diligently providing care for tion of all parliamentary par- for the Filipino community, cus, IRCC is on track to fi- for 2018-2020 set out tar- Canadians, they may soon be in nalize 5,000 more cases ties and members in order to as each year on June 12th the company of their own loved gets for the number of per- than originally planned by advance private members’ they celebrate Independence ones, together in Canada.” manent resident admis- the end of 2017. This surge bills, like the ones pertaining Day of the Philippines. ∎ - sions in the caregiver cate- to Filipino Heritage Month. will allow IRCC to welcome gory that will allow IRCC to The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, 20,000 new permanent res- Minister of Immigration, meet these commitments. Refugees and Citizenship idents in the caregiver cate- gory in total this year, Earlier this year, the Stand- Mendicino to give Canada 150 awards reaching the high end of ing Committee on Citizen- the target range as set out ship and Immigration rec- (Continued from page 1) in the 2017 levels plan. ommended that the Gov- ernment deliver a plan to Great progress has been Having taken these steps, The winners will be announced at 5pm on Wednesday, end the backlog of Live-in th made on the backlog in re- IRCC is committing to: December 20 at the Annual Constituency Office Open Caregiver Program applica- cent years. As of October 1, House hosted by MP Marco Mendicino. tions. With this plan in 2017, there was a 63% re- • Finalizing a minimum place, caregivers waiting Judges will score each individual who is nominated on the duction in the number of of 80% of the cases that for their Live-in Caregiver basis of three categories for a total score of 25 pts: 1. Sig- caregivers and their family were in the LCP inventory Program applications to be nificance of contributions (1-10 points), 2. Supererogation members waiting for their as of October 1, 2017 by finalized should get deci- “going the extra mile” (1-5 points) and Relevance of con- permanent residence appli- the end of 2018; sions on their cases and be tributions to Canada 150 themes (1-10 points) which in- cations to be finalized since • Processing 80% of new, reunited with their families cludes diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indige- reaching its highest level in complete LCP applications soon. ∎ nous peoples, environment and the youth. ∎ May 2014. submitted on or after Octo-

Teresa Torralba, PUBLISHER Waves News is published monthly by Mentor Productions and distributed free in the Greater Mon Torralba, Managing Editor Toronto Area and vicinities. Editorial or advertising inquiries may be sent directly to Rolando Mangante, Marketing/Account Executive [email protected]. Articles are copyrighted by their authors. Any re-posting or re- Office: 1002-650 Queens Quay West, Toronto ON M5V 3N2 publication online or in print is prohibited without the written permission by Waves News and For advertising: [email protected] its editors. While submissions are welcome, the editors reserve the right to refuse and/or edit unsolicited materials. Any publication included in this newspaper and/or opinions expressed 647 718-1360 therein do not necessarily reflect the views of WAVES News and its publishers, but remain For Editorial Submissions: [email protected] solely those of the author(s). 647 707-7201

DECEMBER 2017 Page 5 Filipinos Making WAV ES Some of the most beautiful women in the universe graced the Philippines

Two weeks into her reign nuela Bruntraeger, Miss tour to of Manila’s iconic as Miss Universe 2017, Universe Canada 2017 Lau- sites – Rizal Park and Intra- South African beauty Demi- ren Emily Howe, Miss Uni- muros trips to some of Leigh Nel-Peters, arrived in verse Russia 2017 Nicky country’s beautiful destina- Manila took part in the De- Opheij, Miss Universe Italy tions—Batanes, Bohol and partment of Tourism’s four 2017 Maria Polverino, Miss Camiguin. -day Miss Universe 2017 Universe Russia 2017 Winners Tour. Ksenia Alexandrova, Miss The beauty queens were Universe Spain 2017 Sofia invited by the DOT as part Nel-Peters brought along del Prado and Miss Uni- of its “Bring Home a Friend last year’s winner, Iris Mit- verse Malaysia 2017 Sa- to the Philippines” cam- tenaere. mantha James. Philippine paign. She rejoined her fellow representative Rachel Pe- All were treated to the candidates who arrived ters arrived in a different warm hospitality and the flight to be with them for earlier, namely Miss Uni- wonderful experience of (L-R) 2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere, newly-crowned 2017 Miss verse Great Britain 2017 the fun events. having more fun in the Universe Demi Leigh Nel Peters and our very own 2015 Miss Uni- Anna Burdzy, Miss Uni- Their schedules included a Philippines. ∎ verse Pia Wurtzbach.— irismittenaeremf Instagram verse Singapore 2017 Ma-

Heading North: coverage, she found herself eral Hospital. 2016 report from the Canadi- Kathleen Wynne, Ontario's asking, why not Canada? an Institute for Health Infor- Liberal premier, said the Ca- The reality is more compli- American Doctors mation, a nonprofit organiza- nadian government is active- She moved north. Gone, she cated. tion. Canada's single-payer ly trying to improve wait said, are the reams of insur- While progressives tout Can- system is supported by a times. ance paperwork she faced in (Continued from page 4) ada for efficiently providing combination of federal and America. Her patients don't But so far, it's unclear how universal health care, the provincial funds, mostly worry about affording treat- effective that's been. A 2017 Still, American support for Commonwealth Fund puts it raised through personal and ment. "We have here a report from the nonprofit government-run single- just two spots above the corporate income taxes. (A shared value that we all de- Canadian Institute for Health payer health care, once a United States — which ranks few provinces charge premi- serve access to health care," Information found that wait fringe opinion, is picking up last among 11 developed ums, which are based on in- said Queenan. "That's some- times had dropped for hip momentum. Sen. Bernie countries— in the group's come and collected with tax- thing I never saw in the fracture repairs. But waits Sanders, the Vermont inde- health system assessment. es.) States." for, say, MRIs and cataract pendent who emphasized Canada still has room to im- "We make improvements or surgery have gotten worse. single-payer health care in Canadian doctors may earn prove in timeliness, health change things only to have Depending on the province, his 2016 presidential bid, less than do their American outcomes and equitable ac- additional debates about oth- the average wait for cataract helped move Canada's sys- counterparts: A 2011 paper cess to care. er things. Those debates are removal ranged from 37 tem into the U.S. spotlight. published in the journal "If you deny there are trade- constant, and they should days to 148 days. Health Affairs found that pri- Polls find that doctors and offs, I think you're living in be," said the University of mary care doctors and sur- Many patients, though, said patients increasingly support wonderland," Cram said. Toronto's Reid. "[But] most geons alike make more in the the waits were a trade-off single-payer, though the per- of what you hear in the U.S. is United States than in most The Canadian Vibe they were willing to make. centages in favor typically back to the tenor of the in- other western countries. Toronto-based Nate Kreis- drop when questions are In Canada, everyone gets the surance framework, whether That's in part because, over- worth, a 37-year-old music focused on paying for such a same, government-provided [they] should have Obamac- all, American doctors composer and producer, system. coverage. Provinces use fed- are or not." charged more for each ser- called it an obvious choice. eral guidelines to decide In Canada, medical insurance vice they provide, and in part Taxes in Canada are general- what's covered, and there's "You are not going to die be- is publicly funded. While cov- because they performed ly higher than in the United no cost sharing by patients. cause you're waiting," he ering everyone, Canada still more of them. States. But many here call said on a recent sunny morn- spends far less on health care "Come to our waiting room," that a concession worth mak- Critics argue that's a sign of ing while walking with his than the United States: just said Dr. Tara Kiran, a family ing. "We can't have what we American inefficiency in pay- dog near Kensington Market. over 10 percent of its GDP, doctor at St. Michael's Hospi- have if we don't pay the tax- ing for health care. "Better wait times for every- compared with the United tal, in Toronto. "You will see es," said Brigida Fortuna, a thing? Sure, why not. But as States' 16 percent. The fee gap is greatest for people who are doctors or 50-year-old Toronto resident long as the major issues are surgeons. Family doctors in lawyers alongside people and professional dog groom- To American advocates, Can- being covered, then I don't Canada appear to charge who are homeless or new er, while on her way to a ada's health system sounds think it's really much of an similar amounts to their immigrants. People with medical appointment. like an answer to the United issue." American counterparts. mental health issues or ad- States' challenges. The Trade-Offs diction issues together with As Fortuna put it: "If you go Meanwhile, the doctors in- But in Toronto, experts and people who don't." That said, it's not a perfect for a headache and someone terviewed for this story — doctors say the United States system. Canadian health care else is going to lose their internists and family doctors But that insurance — which would first have to address a doesn't cover prescriptions, arm, of course they're going – said they didn't experience accounts for 70 percent of fundamental difference. In physical therapy and psycho- to take care of that person. any real change in their health spending in Canada — Canada, health care is a right. therapy. And there's the con- I'm OK with that, because standard of living when mov- addresses only hospitals and Do American lawmakers cern that Canadians wait someday that could be me, ing north. doctors. Prescription medi- agree? longer for health care than too." cations, dentists, eye doctors Sanders has pushed the sin- would Americans with ro- "The U.S. needs to get on and even some specialists Waits aren't the only con- gle-payer discussion with a bust health coverage. with the rest of the world aren't covered. Most Canadi- cern, though. There's financ- "Medicare-for-All" bill in and get an answer on that ans get additional private There are cases, Reid said, ing – and what it would cost Congress and in a visit to issue before it answers oth- insurance to cover those. when cancer care in Canada for the United States to im- Toronto this fall. It was part ers," said Dr. Robert Reid, a is delayed enough to yield plement a system like Cana- fact-finding mission and part In countries such as Britain health quality researcher at health problems. Expat Cram da's. publicity tour. On that trip, or Germany, people can opt the University of Toronto, pointed to research that sug- doctors, hospital leaders and out to buy private insurance. Because Americans have who has practiced medicine gests low-income people are patients painted a rosy pic- Canada prohibits private in- higher expectations about in Seattle. likely to wait longer for med- ture of Canada as a place surers from offering plans what a health plan should ical care, which can result in It's an obvious disconnect, where everyone gets top- that compete with the gov- cover, it would be more ex- worse health outcomes. said Dr. Emily Queenan, a notch care, with no worries ernment, a restriction some pensive to adapt a Canadian family doctor now practicing about its cost to them. doctors are suing to lift. "We do have a two-tiered approach, said Dr. Irfan Dhal- in rural Ontario. Queenan, system," he said. "Most know la, an internist and health "They have managed to pro- In Canada, the debate focus- 41, grew up in the United it. Few will admit it." quality researcher in Toron- vide health care to every es more on bringing down States and did her residency to. And the quality may differ man, woman and child with- health spending. Canada's Typically, experts said, peo- in Rochester, N.Y. In 2014, from what they are used to. out any out-of-pocket cost," provinces put, on average, 38 ple with serious medical after five years of frustrating Sanders told reporters on the percent of their budgets into needs will jump to the front In Canada, "everyone gets battles with insurance com- ground floor of Toronto Gen- health care, according to a of the line for medical care. panies over her patients' (Continued on page 7)

Page 6 DECEMBER 2017 Filipinos Making WAV ES PHILIPPINE CONSULAR BULLETIN OVERSEAS VOTER REGISTRATION CENTER FOR THE 2019 NATIONAL ELECTIONS OPERATIONAL AT THE DFA OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Level 1 Lingkod Pinoy Center, EDSA Victoria cor. Solana Sts., Intramu- For a brief video on overseas voter Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA- cor. Ortigas Ave. ros, Manila registration, kindly click on: OV OVS), advises the public that over- Registration 2016-2018. seas Filipino workers (OFWs) as Department of Foreign Affairs – Philippine Overseas Employ- well as immigrants, seafarers and Satellite Office at SM Manila ment Administration (POEA) All Filipino citizens who expect to students who are about to leave for 5th Floor, SM City Manila, Concep- EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave., Manda- be abroad from 13 April – 13 May abroad, and who are not yet regis- tion St., Manila luyong 2019 during the overseas voting tered as Overseas Voter, may now period for the 2019 Elections, at register to vote, for the 2019 Na- Department of Foreign Affairs – Maritime Industry Authority least 18 years old on 13 May 2019, tional Elections, at the Department Satellite Office at Alabang Town (MARINA) and not otherwise disqualified by of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consu- Center 5th and 6th Floor Parkview Plaza, law, may register as an overseas lar Affairs (DFA-OCA), ASEANA 4th Floor, Metro Alabang Town Taft Avenue cor. T.M. Kalaw City of voter, at the abovementioned loca- Business Park, Macapagal Boule- Center, Alabang, Zapote Manila tions or at the nearest Philippine vard, Paran aque City until 30 Sep- Road,Muntinlupa City Foreign Service Posts abroad in- tember 2018. This Overseas Voter “Sa mga Kababayan natin abroad, cluding the three (3) Manila Eco- Registration Center is in addition to Commission on Filipinos Over- huwag nyo pong kalimutang nomic and Cultural Offices (MECO) the following OVRCs in Metro Ma- seas (CFO) magparehistro para sa overseas vot- in Taiwan. (for an updated list nila: Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino ing. Pantay-pantay ang karapatan please go to www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph Ave. cor. Osmen a Highway, Manila natin: lahat tayo ay may isang boto or www.comelec.gov.ph). Department of Foreign Affairs – at tayo ang pumipili ng mga na- Satellite Office at Robinson’s Gal- OWWA Training Center mumuno”, said Secretary of Foreign REGISTER AND VOTE ! leria Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano. MAMA SITA’S MGA KUWENTONG PAGKAIN CONTEST

The Philippine Consulate General The contest is open to Filipinos or for Philippine cuisine. sion of entries on the other hand wishes to share the information those with Philippine descent, ei- should be sent to: received from the National Com- ther based in the Philippines or Full mechanics of the competition mission for Culture and the Arts abroad, who are willing to tell an may be found at the Mama Sita [email protected] or (NCCA) of the invitation from Ma- interesting story about food - de- Foundation link, [email protected] or via post to Kusina ni Mama Sita, 131 F. ma Sita Foundation (MSF) calling tailed accounts of local or regional www.mamasitafoundation.com. Manalo St., San Juan, MM, Philippines for entries from Filipinos abroad recipes, ingredients, food prepara- Further inquiries should be sent 1500. to join the annual contest, "Mga tion, rituals or personal experienc- directly to the MSF at mgakuwen- Kuwentong Pagkain", with the es - anything that can further pro- [email protected]. Submis- theme "Regional Food Heritage". mote awareness and appreciation

REAL ESTATE Majority of Canadians see real estate as a good long-term investment By Ephraim Vecina The report added that most Cana- In its latest report, Mortgage Pro- dians have a lot of equity in their fessionals Canada found that the homes, and thus are well posi- majority of Canadians consider real tioned in the event of a housing estate as a good long-term invest- decline. ment, despite inflamed housing Furthermore, the report showed prices and more stringent govern- that Canadians are highly motivat- ment measures. ed to repay their mortgages. Each According to this year’s edition of year, approximately one-third of MPC’s Annual State of the Residen- those surveyed take steps that are tial Mortgage Market, majority of intended to shorten their amortiza- Canadians also viewed mortgage tion periods. debt as “good debt”. Canadian mortgage arrears have “During the past decade, some also remained at very low levels, commentators have taken a nega- and have shrunk further to just tive outlook of the housing market. 0.24%. Yet, Canadians have consistently “The data clearly shows that the shown confidence in residential best policy to protect the mortgage real estate. These surveys have market is to protect the jobs of Ca- told us repeatedly that Canadians nadians, because history shows us are happy with the real estate deci- that as long as they have jobs, they sions they have made,” MPC presi- will meet their obligations," Taylor dent and CEO Paul Taylor said. stated. - canadianrealestatemaga- zine.ca Read WAVES NEWS online www.filipinosmakingwaves.com TO ADVERTISE EMAIL US at [email protected]

DECEMBER 2017 Page 7 Filipinos Making WAV ES COMMUNITY

YOU ARE ALL INVITED Heading North: American Doctors

DEVOTION TO OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA (Continued from page 5)

2018 Our Lady of Penafrancia Novena Schedules Kmart care," Cram said. "There's no Neiman Marcus care." Our Lady of the Assumption Church Feast Day Of course, some American amenities that drive 2565 Bathurst St. up costs — fancier food, softer gowns or pri- Toronto ON Saturday vate rooms — don't necessarily produce bet- ter results Starts at 1:30 pm Sept 15, 2018

Rosary and Novena prayers Fluvial Parade And there's perhaps the bigger question: Ex- Followed by the Holy Mass Mass & Fellowship perts don't really know whether the Canadian Fellowship from 3:00pm to 4:30pm system is an obvious improvement. The research is limited, and not always recent. DATES Fellowship SPONSORS CONTACT TELEPHONE A 2006 paper suggests wealthy Canadians and VENUE EMAIL Jan. 14 Church Hall Albay Rafael Nebres 416 618-1362 Americans fare similarly, while poor Ameri- 2nd Sunday [email protected] cans do worse. A 2007 paper found Americans Feb.18 Church Hall Sorsogon Toti Gutierrez 416 751-9437 more often liked their quality of health care. 3rd Sunday [email protected] More recent research focuses on specific con- Masbate Michelle Serrano 416 988-9613 ditions – cystic fibrosis patients did better in [email protected] Canada, while surgical outcomes were better March. 18 Church Hall Catanduanes Felix Reyes 905 896-4958 in the United States. The Commonwealth 3rd Sunday [email protected] April. 8 Church Hall CamSur Cabltera Family 905 417-8928 Fund's most recent ranking places Canadian 2nd Sunday [email protected] health outcomes above America's, but only May 27 Church Hall CamSur Mylce Dulce 289 997-3288 two positions higher. 4th Sunday [email protected] Even so, many Canadians said they couldn't June.17 Rectory Cam Sur Nancy Magistrado 416 835-7539 3rd Sunday Grounds imagine living with an American system. It's a July 15 Rectory Cam Sur Nabua/Noli Aquino 416 676-3370 question not just of efficiency, but of fairness. 3rd Sunday Grounds Kreisworth compared his experience to that of Aug. 19 Rectory Cam Norte Susan Llanera 416 421-4289 family members in the United States. 3rd Sunday Grounds [email protected] Sept. 9 Rectory Cam Sur Isabel Gregorio 416 409-6083 "I talk to my brother's girlfriend who is a part- 2nd Sunday Grounds [email protected] time worker who has no [health] benefits — Please call contact persons as per provinces should you wish to participate in the sponsorship with who would just be sick and not go to the doc- the scheduled monthly Novena devotions. tor because she couldn't afford to pay," he said. "I can't imagine that here. It seems like — All BICOLANOS and BICOLANAS and DEVOTEES to THE VIRGIN OF PENAFRANCIA are invited to it's so wrong. It just seems utterly wrong." participate in the provincial sponsorship. Our Blessed Virgin will be very happy if you will participate. SHE WILL ALWAYS PRAY FOR US. Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially For more info: Jennifer Amaranto 647 502-2990 Noli Aquino 416 226- 5286 independent program of the Kaiser Family Felix Reyes 905 896-4958 Gidget dela torre 647 531-1582 Foundation that is not affiliated with Kaiser Toti Gutierrez 416 751-9437 Paeng Nebres 416 618-1362 Permanente.

Page 8 DECEMBER 2017 Filipinos Making WAV ES COMMUNITY Lieutenant Cololonel Joseph Nonato December Birthdays and Family Meets Prince Charles

December 5: Damian Mendoza’s 2nd birth- December 18: Vicky Austin day with dad Myles and mom Cheska Photo by: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall This past summer, the Prince of During the reception hosted by Their Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall Excellencies, Their Royal Highnesses were in Canada for several events to met with Canadians who reflect the celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. development of Canada over the These events included a visit to Iqalu- past 150 years. Guests included rep- it, Nunavut, and participation in ac- resentatives of organizations for tivities that highlighted the themes of which Their Royal Highnesses are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation patron, regiments for which they with Indigenous peoples, youth and serve as colonels-in-chief, Indigenous the environment as part of Canada’s peoples, youth, philanthropists, cul- sesquicentennial celebrations. tural figures, dignitaries, and other Canadians from a wide range of In Ottawa, Prince Charles and the fields, as well as members of the Or- Duchess of Cornwall joined then Gov- der of Canada, which is celebrating ernor General David Johnston at its 50th anniversary this year. Rideau Hall for a tree-planting cere- mony for Canada's birthday and the Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Nonato, inauguration of the Queen's Entrance Commanding Officer of the Royal at Rideau Hall to celebrate Queen Regiment of Canada, and his family Elizabeth II's Sapphire Jubilee and her had a chance meeting with Prince dedicated service to Canada. The Charles, who is the Regiment's Hon- band of the Royal Regiment of Cana- ourary Colonel-in-Chief, at the December 9: Riley Castro’s 2nd birth- December 8: Caitlyn De Juan’s 12th da gave a performance at the event Rideau Hall reception.∎ day with mom Cassy, dad Joey and ba- birthday with Tristan & Sebastian on July 1. by brother Nico.

DECEMBER 2017 Page 9 Filipinos Making WAV ES

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DECEMBER 2017 Page 11 Filipinos Making WAV ES Make it a LOBSTER FEAST for the holidays!

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DECEMBER 2017 Page 13 Filipinos Making WAV ES Religious Inspirations Even the WAVES obey Him...

National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help Major relic of Saint St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Francis Xavier to visit 131 McCaul St, Toronto the Archdiocese of (416) 598-3269 Toronto WEEKLY WEDNESDAY MASS & DEVOTIONS: 7:30 am * 9:30am * 12 noon, * 2:30pm * 5:05pm * 7:00pm Is Jesus Invited to His Birthday Party? by Thomas J. Reese, S.J. What happened to “Peace “religious,” then you need on earth, good will towards to be consistent and re- Yes, it’s is time to stop be- all people”? Christmas move the religiously con- ing daft about Christmas. should not be a time of war nected names for the People should feel free to but peace. months of the year, the wish one another “Happy days of the week and the Holidays,” “Merry Christ- At the same time, let’s not planets in the sky, most of mas” and/or “Happy Ha- deny history. December 25 which are named after pa- nukkah.” Christians should is the day we celebrate the gan gods. One of the ironies A first-degree relic of missionary Saint Francis Xavier is not take offense at “Happy birth of Jesus Christ of the English language is coming to the Archdiocese of Toronto, January 12-14, Holidays,” and non- (although we have no idea that on the day Christians 2018. The forearm of the saint, permanently displayed at Christians should not take on what day he was actual- celebrate the Resurrection, the Church of the Gesu in Rome, will be in Canada from offense at “Merry Christ- ly born). Saying “Merry we wish each other “Happy December 29 – February 2, as part of a 14-city Canadian mas” when no offense is Christmas” is not an ac- Easter,” a name that is de- visit. In our archdiocese, the relic will be hosted by St. intended. knowledgment of Jesus as rived from the Anglo-Saxon Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (Jan. 12), St. Francis Xavier your Lord and Savior. As a I personally prefer “Merry goddess of the dawn. Chris- theological statement, it Church, Mississauga (Jan. 13) and Our Lady of Lourdes Christmas,” but if I meet a tians have a right to ask, if Parish, Toronto (January 14). More information about the has no content. It is the person wearing a yarmul- we can live with Easter, equivalent of “Have a nice visit and a full schedule of events can be found at: ke, I will wish them “Happy January, Thursday and Ju- day on the day we cele- www.cco.ca/relic Holiday” or “Happy Hanuk- piter, why can’t we live brate the birth of Jesus, Organizers believe this is the first time the relic has been kah.” This is not political with Christmas and BC? whether you are his follow- on Canadian soil. The body of St. Francis Xavier, which is correctness; this is simply Why is Christianity singled er or not.” buried in Goa, India, as well as the relic of his arm, are in- good manners. We need to out for historical cleansing? corrupt—they have not experienced natural decay since be respectful of one anoth- The desire to erase the role As a Christian, I would be his death in 1552. Organizers expect close to 100,000 er. of Christianity in history is just as happy if Christmas people will visit the various events across the country— offensive and at times ab- How absurd this can get became a day celebrated the same number of people it is believed Francis baptized surd. For example, the Eu- was recently seen in New only by Christians as a holy with his right arm and hand. ∎ ropean system of dating York City where a modern day of prayer and good years as “BC” and “AD” was day “Good Samaritan” story works. I could do without established by Pope Grego- played out in reality not in the retail binge. But if it is ry XIII in 1582 with the parable. A group of Jews going to be celebrated by birth of Jesus as the hinge traveling on the subway everyone, then I object to date (again, they got the were physically attacked Jesus being banned from year wrong). This system because one of them re- his own birthday party. I has been adopted by the sponded to “Merry Christ- object when Rudolph re- rest of the world. Why mas” with “Happy Hanuk- places Jesus on his birth- change it? kah.” Luckily a Muslim day. came to the Jews’ defense. If the objection is that it is

SIMBANG GABI: A FILIPINO CHRISTMAS TRADITION Simbang Gabi is a Filipino Christmas tradi- the church could not accommodate the tion. It is a series of nine dawn masses. The multitude that attended the dawn services. mass starts as early as 4:00 a.m. It begins When the request was granted, the Masses on December 16 and ends on the midnight became known as Misa de Aguinaldo. of the 24th of December, which is the mid- night mass. It was in the 16th century when Pope Six- tus V decreed that these pre-dawn Masses Simbang Gabi was adapted from the Catho- also be held in the Philippines starting eve- lic Misa de Gallo, which literally means ry Dec. 16. The decree was in keeping with “Mass of the rooster,” to indicate it is held the nine-day traditional festivals of Filipi- Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 12:00 pm when the rooster crows. This annual event nos in celebrating auspicious occasions like dates back to the time when Miguel Lopez harvest times. It was also meant to give de Legazpi celebrated the first feast of the farmers a chance to hear Mass before set- Nativity in the year 1565 in the Philippine ting out for the fields. Rural Filipinos were archipelago. used to starting the day two hours before sunrise. Church bells rang to call the faith- Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico ful to Simbang Gabi. In some provinces, when, in 1587, Fray Diego de Soria, head of brass bands played traditional Christmas the convent of San Agustin Acolman, peti- music and parish priests would go as far as tioned the Pope for permission to hold Christmastide Masses outdoors because (Continued on page 14)

Page 14 DECEMBER 2017 Filipinos Making WAV ES CAREER TO ADVERTISE please email at [email protected] SIMBANG GABI: around 8- 9 in the evening to accommodate the needs of OBITUARY A Fil. Tradition the members of the commu- nity who have different work schedules. (Continued from page 13) Marcelina Mabilangan Simbang Gabi is celebrated by Catholic Filipino commu- Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family on December 15, 2017. knocking on the doors of nities living elsewhere in the every home. world. No matter how or Beloved wife of the late Nestorio. During the Christmas sea- when this celebration takes Loving mother of Precy Reyes, Helen Albano, Jerry, son, Filipinos create beauti- place, Simbang Gabi pro- Joey, Christine Honrade, Nancy Mendoza, Gary, Donna ful decorations called “parol” vides a strong indication of Guinto and the late Rodel and Arnel. or paper lanterns to com- the depth of Catholicism Dear sister of Prudencio, Adelaida, Teresita and Alfredo. among the Filipino people. memorate the Star of Bethle- Visitation will be held at the DESTEFANO FUNERAL hem. These parols were used After Mass, the parishioners HOME, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa (south side of by the farmers to guide them treat themselves to the tra- Taunton Road, east of Thornton Road by the Oshawa in the dark to the Holy Mass. ditional “Puto, Kutsinta, Puto Airport) 905-440-3595 on Sunday, December 17th from 5:00-9:00pm and on Monday, December 18th from Over the years, Filipinos Bungbong and Bibing- 5:00-9:00pm. communities have made ka,” (Filipino desserts made some changes in the way with sweet rice mixture) to A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church, that this event is celebrated. crown each of the nine-day 21 Bayly Street East, Ajax on Tuesday, December 19th at 10:30am. Some urban parishes now novena and truly celebrate Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Christmas, the Filipino way. celebrate Misa de Gallo Memories may be shared at destefanofuneralhomes.ca. ∎ Don’t make these 5 office holiday party mistakes by Gina Ragusa may find yourself chatting “Avoid the office gossips team,” Reuveni said. You can always go to anoth- with someone new or find- like the plague,” Reuveni “Offices can easily become a er bar after the event and Bust out your party shoes ing out about a company added. The holiday party “is collection of cliques, with drink more on your own and brush up on your office initiative for the first time. a time when lips are cer- different teams sticking to time. What you really don’t banter, because it’s holiday tainly looser, and you don’t themselves. Take this op- want is to walk into the of- office party season. From What are other mistakes to want to be remembered as portunity to build new rela- fice the next day and get indulging in the giant sea- watch out for as office party the one fanning the flames tionships and expand your texts from your co-workers food tower to trying to get a season takes hold? Here are of any office politics. Polite- horizons within the firm, asking how you’re feeling little more face time with five errors to avoid, which ly find an exit from any gos- demonstrating how your or recounting something the boss, everyone has their will help you not only sur- siping, and keep yourself at personality helps build of- embarrassing you did — own idea about how to vive the holiday fete, but arm’s length from any nega- fice morale and creates a that you can’t remember. make the company-paid also potentially inject some tivity at the party.” positive environment.” fest a win. positive energy into your Beyond boozing, there are career. 2. Ignoring the dress code Feeling a little awkward other actions that could get Whether your firm is toast- about approaching a new you into hot water. This ing the season with a full- 1. Grinching out Take cues from your party person at work? Consider includes arguing about poli- blown bash or a more mod- invitation itself: If it’s ugly meeting new folks while in tics or religion, inviting a est luncheon, you can al- Dreading the annual get Christmas sweater time, go a group and keep the con- guest who behaves inap- ways make the most of of- together? Don’t be a party for it, by all means. But for versation to more social propriately, behaving rude- fice festivities and maybe pooper. all other settings, consider topics than talking shop, ly by the food table and/or even give your work life a “Make sure to come with a your office dress code when Fast Company advised. devouring the entire buffet boost. Nearly half of work- positive attitude and don’t selecting your attire, as ABC Some comfortable ice- — or using the copy ma- ers surveyed in 2017 by hide away in the corner,” News suggests. While breakers include talking chine to make 1,000 copies LinkedIn and Wakefield Ben Reuveni, CEO and co- standards may vary widely, about the food, travel plans of your butt. Don’t do that. Research said that holiday founder of Workey said in depending on your work- for the holidays and what networking helped their an email. “Be prepared to place, it’s never a bad idea people are looking forward 5. Forgetting about your career, including learning celebrate the time of year to dress a bit spiffier than to most in 2018. new work friends about new opportunities at you would otherwise on a as well as company and co- Approach the holiday office work and connecting with workers’ successes. Noth- typical Friday. When in Just remember to stay pro- executives they wouldn’t doubt, check with col- fessional. If you’re going to party as you would any oth- ing leaves a more lasting er career-boosting event have met otherwise. impression than taking the leagues — or HR. give a compliment, it’s best to focus on actions, say by and reach out to any friend- On the flip side, missing out time to mention and cele- Stumped on what to wear? thanking a co-worker for ly new connections the next could be a big mistake. brate the achievements of You could try one of the how her new initiative day. That’s because failing to others. This approach to seven stylish looks recom- made your job easier. Avoid attend can send the mes- the Christmas party will set “Follow up within 24 hours mended by CNBC or use the talking about appearances sage that you’re not en- a great tone for the year saying you enjoyed meeting party setting as your guide. or weight, lest you make gaged with the company or ahead.” and chatting, and that [you] someone uncomfortable or appreciative of their efforts. If the gathering is held dur- would like to grab coffee Even if you are feeling a ing regular office hours, you send the wrong message. after the holidays,” author And while it might seem little spicy this season, like a drag, showing up may want to accentuate 4. Having one too many Judy Robinett told Fast don’t go to the dark place your office attire with a dif- Company. This could mean could be more enjoyable by spreading or listening to than you realize, as you ferent pair of shoes or a Enjoying drinks with just sending an email to gossip during the party. slightly dressier outfit, Top friends is one thing, but get- people you met, and con- Resume suggested. For an ting tanked at the office firming any plans you made evening event, feel free to party could have a seriously during your conversation. go glam. Overall advice: negative effect on your ca- keep it classy and work- reer. “Remember that this It wouldn’t hurt to message appropriate. isn’t the last bar you’ll ever the party organizers and see, and therefore, you thank them for throwing 3. Staying in your social don’t have to treat it like the shindig, too. After all, comfort zone that,” Jenni Maier, editor-in- you never can be too classy, especially when your work Use holiday party time to chief at The Muse said in an email. “Know your limits — reputation is on the line. expand your group of work mic friends. “Make a conscious whether that’s one drink or effort to socialize and talk three — and hold yourself with people outside of your to them.”

DECEMBER 2017 Page 15 Filipinos Making WAV ES ENTERTAINMENT

Philippine superstars Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla reunite on- TFC Online Kicks Off Win-Win screen after decades; breakthrough love team of Joshua Garcia and REFER-A-FRIEND PROGRAM Julia Barretto complete the transgenerational romcom offering

This Season of Giving Star Cinema springs a year-end surprise with “Unexpectedly Yours”, screening in key countries worldwide via TFC@theMovies

Daly City, CA, December 6, 2017 pino movies that include the latest – Friends and being a friend are blockbusters and exclusive offer- Robin Padilla with Sharon Cuneta gifts that keep on giving, and start- ings ing this holiday season, you can December 7, 2017 (QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES) – After over two dec- * Latest news from 18 different take that literally. ades since their first team up which has created a cult following of sorts regions around the Philippines de- and which has crossed over to real life at some point, the Philippines’ TFC Online offers super fun and livered in major dialects like Taga- Megastar Sharon Cuneta and pop culture icon Robin Padilla are back rewards for friendship by kicking log, Kapampangan, Ilocano, Bisaya, together to rekindle their on-screen love affair via the romance comedy off its Refer-a-Friend program and Chavacano. “Unexpectedly Yours” screening in key countries worldwide via where friends can invite friends to * All the current, most talked about TFC@theMovies starting this week. subscribe to TFC Lite or Premium shows with English Subtitles from Package and both win! the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Network A team up that was not expected initially to draw in the box office re- The rewards? For the referrer, ceipts, Cuneta and Padilla’s first movie together “Maging Sino Ka Man”, * A complete library of binge- 30 days FREE Premium Access to (Continued on page 16) worthy teleserye classics like On TFC Online which includes access the Wings of Love, Forevermore, to its ever-growing library of mov- 100 Days to Heaven, Pangako Sa ies, teleserye, variety, sports and ‘Yo, Walang Hanggan, and many modern lifestyle shows. For the more referral recipient, they get im- (Waves of our Lives) mediate savings of more than 35 * Lifestyle content for the modern percent on the first month of Filipino on topics like wellness, subscription! home, travel, fashion, food and Sundays 8:30 pm - 9:00pm many more The best part? There are NO Host: LIMITS to the number of friends * Live or Archived Sports Events KUYA NESTOR you can refer. like the UAAP, 24 Hour Live News, PPV Boxing fights TFC Lite subscription on TFC Online offers access to all episodes * Live Events and Specials like ce- of current TFC shows plus live lebrity press conferences, concerts, Every Friday at Watch TV host news and radio. Premium sub- and more 8pm on FTV Joel Recla scription on TFC Onlineoffers all * Offline viewing of personalized Channel 869 with his guests that plus access to hundreds of Fili- library of favorite shows using the pino movies.Today, TFC Online new TFC Online app has become the dream Filipino TV you want — all in one place. Whether you are at home or on-the -go, never miss watching your fa- For those who think that TFC just vorite Filipino content on any con- offers programs from the Philip- nected device. TFC Online is your pines that can be viewed online or ideal viewing destination around on smart or mobile gadgets, think the world for anything Filipino. again! TFC Online is much more than that. Here are some exciting Share the blessings of TFC features to expect (total access to Online with your friend net- features come with a Premium works beginning this holiday subscription): season! Get started now! For more info, visit https://tfc.tv/refer * Hundreds of new and classic Fili-

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Page 16 DECEMBER 2017 Filipinos Making WAV ES ENTERTAINMENT

(Continued from page 15) grew up without a father. Like his uncle, he too is a charmer but is not really a winner in the love de- ...UNEXPECTEDLY YOURS partment. In fact, he pines for Yanni, Patty’s daughter but to no avail, following her on social became a monumental success in 1991, spawning media and leaving comments which Patty shields two more successful flicks via “Di Na Natuto” in for reason. 1993 and “Pagdating ng Panahon” in 2001. Yanni, played by Barretto is a young woman defi- According to the Megastar: “Mas masaya iyong ant of her mother’s overbearing stance and huge movie na lalabas kasi iba ang raport namin ni Rob- expectations and the way her parents’ marriage in. Robin is really my favorite person to work with. turned out. Instead of acting according to the He's like my twin - ganiyan ang tawagan namin. mold, she breaks free and gets involved in various We are very much alike. My happiest shooting ex- side jobs. She also develops a twisted view of love periences have always been with Robin (The mov- Julia Barreto and Joshua Garcia and takes to social media where she is very active ie is fun because we have a different rapport. I call and gets the attention of Jason. him my twin because we have many things in com- box office for putting together two of the most- loved stars together with this generation’s most Set apart by different backgrounds, insecurities, mon. My happiest shooting experiences are with and fears on love, they are thrown together by fate him”. exciting love team in a story about two pairs’ lives getting intertwined by twists of fate. It has also and hope for a new, inspiring love develops. Padilla on the other hand feels that nothing has been graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board. Written by Kiko Abrillo and Vanessa Valdez; and changed since the first time they worked together: with a screenplay written by Anna Karenina Ra- “Sa akin po walang pagbabago, siyempre - iyon Under the direction of blockbuster romance come- dy (rom-com) director Cathy Garcia – Molina, mos and Janica Mae Regalo, “Unexpectedly pong ako'y tagahanga niya, idol ko siya. Alam niyo Yours” is a transgenerational rom-com that shows po naman, fan naman ako talaga, Kapag nag- Cuneta plays Patty, a woman pushed to achieve and is almost always in control and critical of that love knows no age because in love, we are all eeksena kami, lagi akong natutulala. (Nothing has the same. changed – I am still a fan and she, my idol. While things which drives her to seek separation from filming our scenes, I still am left speechless). her emasculated husband after he loses his busi- “Unexpectedly Yours”, the third movie by director ness. Years after, she feels she is no longer in con- Garcia-Molina this year, also marks another mile- This year, Star Cinema works their magic in a trol of her life and shuts off even the possibility of stone in Molina’s stellar body of work, as this is the transgenerational film which also features the finding another love, that is until she sees her high very first time that she is working with the Philip- breakout loveteam of Julia Barretto and Joshua school classmate Robin Padilla (Cocoy). pines’ iconic love team and the fastest-rising tan- Garcia. Garcia and Barretto, more popularly dem. known as JoshLia, join the blockbuster cast, bring- Cocoy (Padilla) is a man who has been harboring a ing in a different kind of thrill. This generation’s crush on Patty for the longest time. Unlike Patty Witness as Cuneta and Padilla together with Garcia most promising love team, earning viewers’ atten- however, he was not really the most popular kid and Barretto revive old feelings and bring in the tion first via “Vince And Kath And James”, Star Cin- back in school. But after school, he had been work- thrills via “Unexpectedly Yours, screening in the ema’s official entry at the 2016 Metro Manila Film ing hard to earn a living for his entire brood, in- following countries via TFC@theMovies: Decem- Festival and then secondly via the full-length film, cluding his nephew Joshua Garcia (Jason). This is ber 7 in the Middle East, Papua New Guinea, and “Love You To The Stars And Back”, about fated ro- the reason why he has not really had the time to Brunei; December 8 in the U.S., Canada and Saipan; mance. find love. December 10 in Austria, Spain, Italy, Malta, and Greece; December 14 in Australia and New Zea- To date their newest hit, “Unexpectedly Yours” has Jason is like his uncle, a hard-working guy who val- ues his family. He looks up to Cocoy because he land; December 17 in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Sin- raked in over a hundred million at the Philippine gapore; and December 30 in UK. ∎

PTAC Christmas Party

Philippine Teachers Association of Canada (PTAC) recently held their 11th Annual Christ- mas Party, Dec 2nd at Cooksville United Church Hall in Mississauga. It was an evening of Xmas camaraderie among Teachers and their Guests headed by Cielito Drapeza, President and Mari- con Bernasor, VP & Chair of the evening's affair while the Induction of the newly elected Offic- ers was officiated by Leone Manzanares, PTAC Founder.

PCD 001

DECEMBER 2017 Page 17 Filipinos Making WAV ES LIFESTYLE How To Not Spoil Your Kids This Christmas

James Doubek · Watts told NPR's Michel Martin era of instant gratification, doing that he and his kids will often pass things right can be hard. "This time Holidays mean one thing to many out holiday blankets at homes for of year, I remember as a kid waiting kids: presents. You've probably the elderly. Sometimes, his kids to watch It's a Wonderful Life," she heard a parent of young children have even bought the blankets says. "It came on once a year, this say something along the lines of: themselves. time of year. And now you can "It's all worth it to see their smiling download it whenever you want. I faces." Doing charitable work isn't the only think it's more challenging for par- option, of course. ents to teach their kids, and it's There is an immediate reward to more challenging for kids." giving your kids what they want — Go to a play as a family or go on a shrieks of glee. But there is a down- hike together, suggests Beth Ko- Getting to "no" side to always saying "yes." bliner, author of Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You're Not). When it comes to gift-giving and Parents have the conflicting desires "The joy we get from experiences shopping, "Don't be afraid to say of wanting to give their kids every- stays with us longer than the stuff 'no,' " Kobliner says. A Duke Uni- thing — but not raising them to be we get," she says. All that new stuff versity study found that kids with spoiled. is only new for so long, then it be- parents who gave in to all their de- comes old and you want more stuff. mands grew up to be more likely to NPR's All Things Considered asked them, but we've done everything have "credit card problems," she two people who've addressed these Be an example we possibly could to take away the says. competing parental desires for struggle," says Watts. "So even in some advice for this time of the "I think parents need to model the our modest way, we made sure that Avoid the "hedonic treadmill," Ko- year. behavior that they're suggesting," we complained when the kids did- bliner adds. "You keep getting eve- Watts says. "So if they're telling n't get a participation trophy. We rything you want, whenever you Here are some of their tips for par- kids they can't have [but] Mom and were there arguing with the teach- want it, and it becomes meaning- ents — for the holidays, but really Dad are charging up the credit er on every opportunity. And we less after a while." for any time of the year. cards — they have everything they model that for the children." desire. ... Their behavior speaks Saying "no" and letting your kids Go for experiences, not objects loudly." Watts says a new generation of par- struggle makes you feel better as a ents now in their 30s grew up with- parent, too, says Watts. The "idea of "I'm always one that believes in That goes for more than just mate- out an example for how to act — letting them crash, letting them investing in memories and choos- rial objects. It means letting your "and the Internet becomes the struggle, letting them feel the re- ing experiences over things," says kids face adversity and not getting source of our example. And the In- sults of their own pain" will end up Richard Watts, author of Entitle- mad when things don't go their ternet gives us so much overload being a relief. mania: How Not to Spoil Your Kids, way. It doesn't take wealth to raise that we feel we absolutely can't get and What to Do If You Have. "It lets us stand up and just go, entitled kids, he says. parenting right." "Something to do. Something that 'Hey, it's OK to let our kids cry once was meaningful." "We don't have money to spoil Kobliner acknowledges that in an in a while,' " he says. NPR

Page 18 DECEMBER 2017 Filipinos Making WAV ES MUSIC STAND Patti Austin’s Toronto Nov. 24 concert

Mon Torralba A Classy Trip to Memory Lane

Grammy award winner, Patti Austin, singing her classic Patti Austin’s 10-pc band: Colin Kingsmore, Sonia Collymore, Deidre Francois, Emilio Zarris, Ashot Grigorian, Mon hits in a Toronto concert held recently. Torralba, Lorrie Ilustre (Musical Director), Larry Crowe, Nato Buzon and Daniel Yap. How Do WE Keep the Music Playing?

Thanks to Sani Baluyot and his PRIMETIME Events Group for producing and bringing in the legendary Patti Austin for a concert held on No- vember 24 at the Global Kingdom Ministries in Scarborough. It may have been one of most mem- orable concerts I’ve ever played in. Indeed, it was extra-special for me as it was held on the day I added an extra year to my age. It was my birthday. And what intangible but precious gifts I got! Play- ing guitar for a Grammy Award winner and inter- national multi-hit recording artist was a brain wave that I thought was far-fetched. And what better musical director is there to have in a concert than Las Vegas-based Lorrie Ilustre! Lorrie and I go back so many years. Our dads came from Ibaan, a small remote town in Batan- gas. We found ourselves in the same school (La Salle) since our childhood where he was one year senior. There was one thing obviously common to us. We share this strong passion for music. We both held and played all the instruments in the

Rondalla (Filipino string ensemble), from the smallest banduria to the stand-up bass. At his Christmas in Our Hearts Music: Jose Mari Chan grade-school (elementary) commencement cere- Lyrics: Rina Cañisa, Jose Mari Chan mony, Lorrie was given the Antonio Montemayor Anievas (AMA) award for music. The following Dm year, it was my turn to receive the award. Intro: F - Bb - Bbm6 - Dm Chorus Let love, like that starlight D7 Gm We continued our common penchant for music in Verse1 F On that first Christmas morn Let's sing Merry Christmas Dm high school (La Salle Green Hills), honing our mu- Dm Bb Lead us back to the manger sical skills while playing for separate bands. Whenever I see girls and boys And a happy holiday A Dm As I stepped into my first year in De La Salle Uni- Gm A C Where Christ the Child was born versity, brothers Rene and Dennis Garcia (fresh Selling lanterns on the streets This season, may we never forget Gm Gm C F C F from their Hawaii gig with Red Fox band) tapped I remember the Child The love we have for Jesus So, come let us rejoice both Lorrie and myself into forming a new band A Dm F C F that was to be named, Hotdog. In the manger as He sleeps Let Him be the One to guide us Come and sing a Christmas carol Dm Bb C F Wherever there are people As another new year starts With one big joyful voice D7 Gm C E Am - C7 Giving gifts, exchanging cards And may the spirit of Christmas Proclaim the name of the Lord Gm Dm Gm C F A - Dm I believe that Christmas Be always in our hearts (Repeat Chorus replacing the last A Dm word/chord) Is truly in their hearts Verse 2 F C F Dm ... hearts Let's light our Christmas trees In every prayer and every song ORIGINAL HOTDOG MEMBERS Dennis, Lorrie, Rene and C F Gm A (Repeat Chorus a half step higher Mon in front of Folk Arts Theatre. Hotdog was the first For a bright tomorrow The community unites (F#), replacing last word/chord) pop group to ever perform there. C F Gm Where nations are at peace Celebrating the birth F# - B - F# - B - F# Bitin? (to be continued in our next issue) E Am-C7 A Dm ... hearts And all are one in God Of our Savior, Jesus Christ

DECEMBER 2017 Page 19 Filipinos Making WAV ES An invitation to the 35th PISTAHAN NG SANTO NINO DE CEBU

Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 12:00 PM

Maligayang Pasko at ‘Masaganang Bagong Taon!

Page 20 DECEMBER 2017 Filipinos Making WAV ES

SEASON’S GREETINGS

FROM MY HOME TO YOURS!