Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Immigration continues to be the government’s top priority program as it serves as one of the major drivers of the country’s economic growth, and it will remain so in the future. Newcomers and immigrants bring their culture, but also… Read More »
Bumped into Sir Chief (Richard Yap) in one of my recent virtual gabfests. Yes, he’s busy now with his new teleserye I Left My Heart in Sorsogon with GMA. And how does he divide his time between his business and showbiz? “The restaurants have had a tough year with all the lockdowns, but we have learned to adjust and… Read More »
When hunger hit the poor, the Tulong Anakpawis (Help the Toiling Masses) together with another organization, Sagip Kanayunan (Relief Countryside), went into action. They formed community pantries in the areas that needed the most help. And in each location, they put up the sign, “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan,” which translates to “Give what you… Read More »
“Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.” What’s that hyphen for? Does that mean you’re not a pure Pinoy anymore? Yep, I used to be one but I renounced it to become a Canadian citizen. Also, I have lived a lot longer in Canada than the Philippines. My daughter and granddaughter were born here. Canada… Read More »
Waking up to a new day is a second chance to choose the best path, do what is good and be what is right. Hello, July! Hello, summer! Hello, people of the True North. Let’s have a toast! ***** Lately, sports fever drew fans to bars, patios and bubbly wells. The outdoor summer thirst is quenched. Good! As… Read More »
In a surprising development, the Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT) co-founder, former Chairman, and principal benefactor, Dr. Vicky Santiago, DDM, has resigned from the FCT Board of Directors (BOD). The loss of Dr. Santiago, a stalwart supporter, at this critical time does not bode well for the FCT BOD. As a pillar and well-respected figure in the Filipino community… Read More »
By: Teresa Torralba June 2021 is an incredibly special month to our Filipino-Canadian community. It is when we celebrate the Filipino Heritage month all over Canada. As well, Filipinos around the globe have events throughout the year to celebrate the Quincentennial year of the Philippines. It was 500 years ago that the Philippines was discovered by explorers led… Read More »
If anyone watched the Television Special of the Filipino Heritage Council of Canada last Sunday dubbed “Filipino Canadians Celebrate Canada: Isang Pagdiriwang”, last Sunday June 27 on OMNI TV and/or the repeat airing of the TV Special last Tuesday, June 29, unmissable was the touching video created by 2 TCDSB kindergarten teachers Mei Wareham and Leanne Oca with… Read More »
Ready, willing and able, but only requires a second chance By Faye Arellano Is there hope for permanent residence (PR) for out-of-status caregivers whose lives are in limbo? The short answer is yes. But how to achieve the desired result may be more complicated than that. Application on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) ground is one legal remedy that… Read More »
By Faye Arellano Maria, 35, arrived in Canada a decade ago under the defunct Live-in Caregiver’s Program. Her initial employer changed her mind about hiring her and immediately released Maria on her first week. It took Maria about seven months to find a new employer who was willing to do the required paperwork. This time, Maria endured almost… Read More »