Among the interesting things I have learned about Canada—
I just found out that the possible origin of the name “Canada” comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata”, which means “village” or “settlement”. In the early 16th century, the French explorer Jacques Cartier was told by some Aboriginal guides, about the route to “kanata”, referring to the site of the present-day City of Quebec. Cartier somehow began to use the name Canada and started to use it to refer to a much larger area. Eventually, everything north of the St. Lawrence River was designated as Canada. Before long explorers and fur traders opened up territory to the west and to the south, and the area known as Canada grew. It is quite fitting that somehow Canada somehow connotes the concept of community and fellowship. Over and above it all, for me, Canada is a classic example or embodiment of unity in diversity.
Another interesting “eureka” moment for me is the day I took my oath to be a Canadian citizen. I was taken aback when I first had to “bear true allegiance To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution…………. And fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen”. My issue is not who I am faithful to since I had already known beforehand that the Queen is somehow somewhere included in the pledge. I love Queen Elizabeth II. I consider her one of my security blanket icons. In more ways than one, I find her to be a down to earth (in a sort of British stiff upper lip but endearing way) human being who was fated to be larger than life. I was elated when I found out from an article about her that the Queen’s favorite tea is mine too – Twinings’ Early Grey. In fact, it is a source of pride and comfort for me everytime I see a box of Twinings of London tea with the oval stamp with the royal seal and the words “By Royal Appointment To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”. I often used to point out to family members whenever we had tea or coffee break together, that the Queen and I had something in common (although I am the only one who is a commoner)—our love of Twinings of London Earl Grey Tea.
Alas! My days of sipping Earl Grey tea are few and far between. I have now switched to caffeine-less herbal teas for health reasons. But I can definitely claim that the aroma and taste of Earl Grey tea (regardless of the brand) is a classic. It evokes many pleasurable memories – imagined or otherwise.
Enough of my mundane divertissement and back to my “eureka” moment upon taking my oath — let me explain the use of the words “taken aback”. My issue here are: that the Queen comes first before the laws of Canada and that next to the Queen is to be faithful to her heirs and successors. These 2 come first before even pledging allegiance or to faithfully observe the laws of Canada. I was, to put it mildly, a bit disturbed, or perhaps, more like finding myself in a “pause” mode. “Wait a minute” I said to myself. Much as I am a great fan of Queen Elizabeth (not so much of Prince Charles though. “Puede na” si Prince William “sana”), shouldn’t the laws of Canada including the Constitution come first? Apparently not. Mildly rude awakening indeed for me! Something to mull over and consider and let it sink in this Canada Day. Very interesting! Am I the only one who has thought about this? I am sure there are many others who have puzzled over this. Or, at least, are amused. What say you, my fellow Canadians?
Nonetheless, I am grateful to be in Canada and I am sure that things will sort themselves out. At the very least, for me.
Another good news! By popular request, the 2-part OMNI TV Special DR JOSE RIZAL, THEN AND NOW presented by the Knights of Rizal Central Canada Regionn will be broadcast again this month of July with the following schedule:
Part 1 on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 8:30 pm and
Part 2 on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 7:30 pm
So if you missed it, or if you want to watch it again, here’s another chance for you to do so. We trust that this humble offering to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month and beyond will serve as an inspiration and the start of your search for the rich and interesting history of the Philippines, especially of our national heroes whose lives and examples are worth emulating.
As a parting note, I cannot help but add this:
Watch out for the Tencent Videos on YT, A Dream of Splendor and Heroes. They are what I would call or term “immersive”! Find out what I mean by checking them out.
Tessie Ochangco-Taylor