Berry Beery October

Until we are sure of the future, let us enjoy living in the present and have fun rekindling the past. No guarantees, no regrets; it is what it is. Smile. Better yet, laugh life’s hearty jokes out loud.  ***** Okidok! Bagamat nakalipas na ang Agosto, ang Buwan ng Wika, hindi ito hudyat na muli nating ipasasantabi ang pag-gamit… Read More »

QUIET QUITTING OR WORKING MY WAGE.

There was an interesting post in the blog of John Mathison, a retired senior minister of the United Methodist Church in the U.S. on the self-same topic of “quiet quitting”. I believe he explained in a clear and succinct way what this current conversation is all about nowadays. To quote part of his Labor Day article  posted last… Read More »

Where’s the Talk Regarding ‘Term Limits’ and ‘Rank Ballots’?

Toronto mayoral candidates and candidates running for Toronto council seats have remained mum on term limits and rank ballots.  Practically speaking, a term limit already exists—it’s called voting. However, despite local governments overseeing our daily lives, voter participation has historically been low. Not-so-fun facts (Toronto voter turnout post-amalgamation): It is time to stop looking for institutional solutions to… Read More »

Beyond the Balance Sheet

“Tackling climate change presents a big challenge and an even greater opportunity for Canada, one that will impact all of our lives, and those of generations to come. Our nation’s plan to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions down to ‘net-zero’ by 2050 requires the largest change to our economy in our lifetime, and one that RBC is fully… Read More »

Elder Abuse: A Growing Problem

Elder abuse is a serious issue and a growing problem. Studies indicates that ten percent of older adults living in North America experiences some type of elder abuse or neglect each year. In Ontario, an estimated 200,000 seniors aged 65 have experienced or are experiencing some forms of elder abuse. This number is likely to double by 2036.… Read More »

Thank you TIFF – Toronto is on camera all over the world!  

 The 47th annual Toronto International Film Festival scheduled from September 8 to 18, 2022 is a huge success!  The filmfest has captivated the universe (digital and nondigital) – took over all the byways/paths/backstreets, cinemas and all other venues of the city this past weekend, with blinding flashes from paparazzi and vibrant entertainment devotees rushing to each gala premiere.… Read More »

Alagaan Ang Ilong

The last long weekend of summer is over. Short trips, weekend breaks and vacations preceding Autumn’s chill are done. Ooops! The school buses are rolling. Young Canadians are back in classrooms. People’s brains and brawn go on rotating the nation’s socio- economic wheels. Going around in circles, at least, is both an option and a reality of seasonal… Read More »

Remembering My Tatay, A Self-taught Poet

With the remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001 bombing of the Twin Towers in New York City next week, I cannot help but remember my father, Ka Tino. Shortly after that historic New York bombing, he penned his piece, “Trahedyan Twins Towers” –the various community papers in North America had published his article. He was a self-taught poet;… Read More »

LONDON BRIDGE IS DOWN

I suppose it is safe for me to surmise that most of you readers understand what this phrase means. It is the code phrase used to convey to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the passing on of the Queen Elizabeth II, and thus set the plan into motion. The plan refers to “Operation London Bridge”, the… Read More »

Belonging Ways

Remember when these conversations were commonly overheard in Filipino gatherings? “Pilipino ka?” “Oo. Ikaw?” “Obvious ba?” “Taga-saan ka?” “Sa Scarborough.” “Hindi. Sa Pilipinas!” “Ah! Visayas.” “Tinuod ka, bay?” “Ay, ambot!” And off they go … new friends … talking in their native language. ***** “Pards, taga-Luzon ako na lumaki sa Cebu.” “Ha? Taga-Cebu ako na nakapangasawa ng taga-Mindanao.”… Read More »