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MALIGAYANG PASKO AT
MANIGONG BAGONG TAON
TO JULY '08 BALITA
Sitting from left to right: Elma Naguit, Elsa Langsford, Doris Sanchez, Estela Guevarra, Thelma Tan, Carmelita
Halili, Christy de la Cruz Wilson.
Standing from left to right: George Santos, Eliseo Tan, Ricardo Policarpio, Nelson Naguit, Sivenar Pineda. Not in picture:
Luzvimindo Isidro
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PCA INDUCTS NEW OFFICERS
By Estela Guevarra
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Every two years, the P.C.A. of Hamilton elects a new set of officers. This year, the election was held at the annual picnic
at the Confederation Park. Nine of the officers and board members stayed on to provide continuity to the mandate of the P.C.A.
Constitution and four new officers came on board.
Ms. Naty Dayap headed the committee overseeing the election and its results.
The new officers were inducted on October 26, 2007 at Michelangelo’s Banquet Center during the P.C.A.’s annual
dinner and dance. Mrs. Ruby Amog, the new director of the HFCC Fund Raising and Special Projects was given the honor to swear
in the new officers.
The affair was impressive, well organized, and had an excellent response in attendance from the community. Everyone danced
to the music provided by Erwin Tan’s DJ Services. He catered to everyone’s dance choice, from ballroom to disco
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and line dancing. The dance floor was huge that body and arm movements were not limited.
Doris Sanchez, the Master of Ceremony, made sure the program was short and went smoothly. Once again, Michelangelo’s
came through with their great service and good food. Later in the evening, an array of more food was brought out for the late
snack. All the officers donated the door prizes, which added excitement and suspense for the night. Tom Catto and Nila Tallara
were 2 of the lucky ones to win the 50/50 draw. The attendees were also given recognition for their continued and strong,
active support to the P.C.A. sponsored activities.
A brief thank you was expressed for the tireless efforts of the PCA officers who made this affair yet another evening to remember.
The proceeds of the function will go towards honoring our parents on seniors’ Day, which will be held in May 2008.
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PILIPINO CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF HAMILTON OFFICERS for year 2007-2009
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Executive Board
2007 - 2009
Estela Guevarra
President
George Santos
1st Vice President
Sivenar Pineda
2nd Vice President
Christy Wilson
Secretary
Elma Naguit
Treasurer
Elsa Langsford
Auditor
Nelson Naguit P.R.O
Editor, Liham Balita
Doris Sanchez
Luzmindo Isidro
Chairs, Education
and Cultural
Thelma Tan
Carmelita Halili
Chairs, Social
Jun Policarpio
Chair, Sports
Eliseo Tan
Co-Chair, Sports
George Santos
Representative, HFCC
Sivenar Pineda
Chair, Membership
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I would like to take this opportunity to greet all of you on behalf of the Pilipino Canadian Association all the best this
Holiday Season. Once again, a successful year has gone by but with many changes.
We have a new set of Officers and Board of Directors. We thank all the Officers of the past 2 years for serving the community
well. For the newly elected officers, thank you for your continued commitment to the Pilipino Community.
The Pilipino Heritage Language School has a new administrator as well. Thank you Linda Trinidad for the 30 years you
committed yourself in teaching our youth about our culture. Welcome to Sally Viquiera for taking over the helm. The Pilipino
School will continue to be in good hands.
To all the members of the P.C.A., I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your continuing support and I
assure you, we will continue to serve and address the needs of our community to the best of our ability.
MALIGAYANG PASKO
AT MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON
SA INYONG LAHAT
Estela Guevarra
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MY INSIGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS…
by Nelson Naguit
“We can always choose how we are going to act and react to any circumstances.” I have chosen to be your medium.
I am indeed honored to be once again a member of the PCA Board.
I see the LIHAM BALITA as a medium of communication between you, the PCA Board, and our Pilipino-Canadian community. It is
a great means of sharing our activities and social gatherings to our readers and supporters. Help me by contributing your
talents by writing your ideas, by expressing your views, your special dates by your love-felt greetings and of course,
your business by advertising.
With your commitment as our readers, and with the financial support of our advertisers, I with the support of the PCA Board
promise to deliver our current events happening in our community and our Pilipino School.
To all, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon.
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EDITORIAL and PRODUCTION TEAM
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Fel Marpa
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Edna Moreno
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Elma Naguit
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Nelson Naguit
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Webmaster FEL MARPA
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CONTRIBUTORS
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Fabian Almeyda
Paul Dayco
Estela Guevarra
Rey Guibao
Elsa Langsford
Fel Marpa
Ric Mendoza
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Edna Moreno
Joshua Penaflor
Justin Policarpio
Restie Pineda
Thelma Tan
Bonner Villabroza
Sally Viquiera
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A note from the Liham Balita Editorial And Production Team
We encourage members of the Pilipino community to submit articles for publishing in the Liham Balita. Not only do we welcome
articles about community happenings, we also encourage the submission of short fiction, poetry and yes, even opinions. The
Liham Balita strives to be a showcase for local Pilipino Canadian literary talent, in addition to being and informative
newsletter.
We are also accepting social announcement, including birthdays, anniversaries, marriages, etc. Publication dependent on
space availability. For advertising, the following rates apply:
1/4 page- $ 25.00 1/2 page-$ 50.00
Full page-$ 100.00
The projected publication for the next issue is July 2008. Deadline for submission is June 15, 2008. For further information,
please contact any PCA Board member.
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The Liham Balita Editorial and Production team reserve the right to edit all articles submitted. Please note that the opinions
expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Pilipino Canadian Association of Hamilton.
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HAMILTON FILIPINO COMMUNITY CENTER – UPDATE
By: Bonner Villabroza
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Welcome to “Sunny Ground Floor”
“What a difference”, heard from one of the HFCC Board members. The ground floor of HFCC is now equipped with
light suitable for any kind of events. Seminars and workshops organizers had shied away from HFCC due to poor lighting in
the hall. The 19 double bulbs light fixtures have been replaced by new 4 bulbs high efficient fixtures to immensely improve
the source of lighting in the hall. The long awaited improvement has a tagged price of $3,700.00, combined both material and
labour. Rey Guibao, a retired licensed electrician tackled the job together with Joe Monaco. Not only they changed the light
fixtures, they also had the chance of reinforcing the suspended ceiling that was teetering of collapse.
FAB the New Kid in the Board
The revived Filipino Burlington Association finally sent their representative to the HFCC Board of Directors. Danny Tejada
the better half of President, Josie, will be the official representative of this association. Danny will participate in the
monthly BOD meeting where community events are being coordinated to avoid duplication and garner support from everyone.
Fund Raising Request at HFCC for Humanitarian Reasons - Guidelines
In the past, HFCC has been approached by individuals, organizations and or clubs for donations for humanitarian reasons. They
were all legitimate requests but HFCC realized that these requests are hard to satisfy due to constraints that will be placed
on HFCC’s Treasury. The old adage of fairness means: “One aid to one person will mean aid to everyone”.
HFCC, therefore, came up with the policy that: in order for the person or organization to get help, the party must initiate
the move. HFCC can not and would not donate cash directly to the requester; HFCC will donate “free use of the Hall”
for fund raising but must be requested through one of the supporting organizations.
Purpose:
To help individual or family financially who are impacted by devastating misfortune.
Procedure:
* Write a written request to the President of an organization to which the person belongs to (PCA, PICAH, UFCSAH, Club Novo
Ecijanos, PBA, Ato-Ato Club, HFC, FAB, BIBAK, FILCRAH or PMBL) stating the predicament of the case.
* The representative of the said organization will ask the HFCC Secretary to have the case table at the monthly HFCC BOD meeting.
* HFCC BOD will decide on the merit of the case. If the request is approved, HFCC will get in touch with the individual requester
with a furnish copy to the supporting organization. If the case is not approved, the supporting organization who presented
the request will have to explain why the case is not allowed.
* Rent or part of the rent will not be asked from the requester; however, supporting organization will pay HFCC a small fee,
$50, to cover building operation expenses such as: hydro, heat, garbage disposal and event custodian fee.
* once the drive is completed, the organizer will submit an official report to supporting organization with furnish copy to
HFCC.
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Annual HFCC Appreciation Night
This annual event in its third year is scheduled for Saturday, January 19, 2008. Originally, it is an event solely for the
members of the Board as a Christmas appreciation night; but since we have to recognize and be thankful for the help of key
people in the community, the Board thought that we might as well include everyone that makes the community vibrant. Included
in this list are: all officers of the supporting organizations and clubs; helpful neighbors and specific establishment and
individuals that have donated their time and labour to HFCC. These people will receive a personalized invitation either from
their representative sitting at the Board of Directors or from HFCC if not a member of any supporting groups. There is no
cost to the invitee, just bring your stomach empty.
The New Hamilton Philippine Pageant
Ruby Amog, the new Fund Raising & Special Projects Director will tackle the New Philippine Hamilton Pageant after consultation
with PCA, the original organizer of this event since 1982. The sole purpose of this event is to supplement the building maintenance
funds that have started to diminish since the bingo license has stopped. Ruby has Erica Villabroza, the president of HFC,
as co-chair of this event. It is a province-wide recruitment that will be available online.
New Rent Structure for HFCC Halls
In November 2007 BOD monthly meeting, the Board approved the increase of hall rentals across the board upon the recommendation
of the building operation officers. Meaning, a $50 will be added to the previous posted rates. The increase is on line with
the rising cost of operation. The new rates will be in effect by Dec. 1, 2007. As a result of this increase, monthly re-numeration
for the caretaker and event custodian fee has been adjusted to reflect fair business practice.
New Communication Protocol with HFCC Board
How to communicate your concern(s) to HFCC Board? A new policy was approved by the Board of Directors that states:
Member of any supporting organization who has an issue, question or concern regarding HFCC should bring the matter in this
order. First; to the representative of the organization; second, if the first level is unsatisfactory, the representative
will refer the matter to the Communication Officers of the Board, a new responsibility for the 2 Vice Presidents either Naty
Dayap or Fil Santos; and thirdly, to the whole Board for final consideration.
First Filipino Mass
Mrs. Linda Robillard of Divine Mercy Apostolate of Canada presented to HFCC Board that the very “First Filipino Catholic
Mass” in Hamilton is to be celebrated at St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 475 Mary Street North, this coming December
16th at 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon. The presenter was able to secure support from the majority of the non-sectarian
Board of Directors, but it will be a personalized support when it comes to mass attendance. A Filipino priest, Father Jose
Romano Pena will celebrate this historic mass. The blessing of religious articles and potluck fellowship will follow in the
parish community hall.
ON BEHALF OF THE HAMILTON FILIPINO
COMMUNITY CENTER
“WE WISH YOU ALL MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR”
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT
July 1, 2007 To November 30, 2007
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Balance as of JUNE 30, 2007
REVENUE:
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Liham Balita
Membership/Picnic
PCA Golf Tournament
October Dance
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Total Revenue
EXPENDITURES
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Administration
Liham Balita
October Dance
Picnic 2007
Bank Fees
Golf Tournament
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Total Expenditures
Balance as of November 30, 2007
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Elma Naguit
Treasurer
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$ 4,119.49
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$ 1,025.00
$ 595.00
$ 2,005.00
$ 4,715.00
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$ 8340.00
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$ 50.00
$ 1,170.66
$ 4,032.40
$ 465.00
$ 12.07
$ 50.00
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$ 5780.13
$ 6679.36
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Elsa Langsford
Auditor
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SOCIAL UPDATES
By Thelma Tan
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PCA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Sonny & Ruby Amog
Pablito & Evelyn Carandang
Gary & Amy Garland
Eddie & Ma. Dolores Llanora
Mariewin Lorenzo
Froilan & Celedonia Pinaflor
Serafin & Angelina Reyes
Danny & Norma Toreja
Terry & Maritess Aquino Walsh
WELCOME NEW BABIES
Javen Philip Baguio
Siaraly Ava Santos Guanzon
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Special Birthday Greetings
Mrs. Milagros Lopez
Happy 85th Birthday
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The Debutantes
Roseann Esmas
Lara de la Fuente
Bianca Liquit
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The newlyweds:
Carlo Baguio & Jasmin Monasterial
Lloyd & Sonia Estrabillo
Jomel Quizon & Mary Jean Malapitan
Michael Maiuri & Jennifer Salangsang
Eduardo Victoria & Maricris Orosco
John Samson & Laura Carlos
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Dec 08, 2007
Dec 08, 2007
Dec 09, 2007
Dec 15, 2007
Dec 16, 2007
Dec 31, 2007
Jan 13, 2008
Feb 02, 2008
Mar 08, 2008
Mar 28, 2008
May 03, 2008
May 04, 2008
May 17, 2008
Jun 07, 2008
Jul 28, 2008
Aug 02, 2008
Oct 10, 2008
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ATO-ATO Christmas Party
Divine Mercy Christmas Party headed by Bro. Raul Rosal
Divine Mercy Christmas Party headed by Bro. Nestor Buendia
Senior’s Christmas Party at HFCC
Filipino Simbang Gabi Mass at St. Lawrence Church, 5 pm
FAB New Years Party Holiday Inn Burlington
PBA opening at Hill Park Secondary School
PICAH Valentine's Day Dance at Carmmen;s Piazza
Novo Ecijano Spring Dance-Holiday Inn, Burlington
FILCRAH Dinner ^ Dance at Michelangelo
Meet & Greet the Phil. Ambassador H.E. Jose S. Brillantes
Miss Philippines Hamilton Pageant at Carmens
Senior's Night Sponsored by the PCA
Independence Day Dinner & d\Dance at Michelangelo
PCA Picnic at Confederation Park
FILCRAH Picnic at Confederation Park
PCA Fund raising Dinner Dance at Michelangelo
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PILIPINO SCHOOL NEWS
(Mga Balita Mula Sa Paaralang Pilipino)
Ni Ginang Sally Viquiera—Punong Guro
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Once again, the Pilipino School welcomed new and old students on September 19, 2007 at the Blessed Sacrament. We had 53 students
registered for our first semester. Without the support of our parents who diligently bring their children to school , our
Friday classes will not be possible.
There are 3 classes(multi-level) with 3 full time teachers. Mrs. Sally Viquiera, Mrs. Alavata & special welcome back to Mr.
Ben Baliat. Mrs. Estela Guevarra, PCA President is the contact person for the school, and occasionally will be a supply teacher
if the need arises. We are happy to have Ria Quiambao, Rachel Viquiera (school alumnus), Marie Santos as supply teachers and
Mrs. Bernardita dela Cruz as volunteer. There are 6 hardworking high school student volunteers, Gabrielle Miguel, Jamil Arriola,
Jean Rose Alavata, RJ Viquiera, Marlie Valencia and Kayla Vargas, who were also students at Pilipino School. The children
occasionally perform folkdancing at a few long term care facilities in the city and other community events.
A celebration of Halloween on October 26, 2007 was the first event of the school year. The first period in class was utilized
by the students making projects, and at recess time, parents gathered at the gym to see the children in their colorful, scary,
funny and creative costumes. First, Second and Third Prizes were awarded to the best artwork and costumes for each class.
The children enjoyed most of all their treat bags.
Our Christmas concert will be held on December 21st at the Blessed Sacrament School gym @ 6:30 p.m. Ikinagagalak naming makita
kayong lahat sa pagdiriwang ng “Pasko Sa Pilipinas”.
If you have friends with children, kindly extend this very important information about our existence. Kailangan nating ipagpatuloy
na itaguyod ang ating Paaralang Pilipino. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Mabuhay ang ating wika … Mabuhay
ang ating bayang PILIPINAS !!!
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What it means to me to be Filipino
By: Justin Policarpio
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"PRIDE" is the word that summarizes the trait I believe all Filipinos have.
Pride in our culture, family, and beliefs have been innately rooted in us by our Filipino descent. Filipinos, who leave their
place of birth to live abroad in Canada, the United States, or anywhere else around the world, still remember and cherish
the place they can truly call home. and what is there not to cherish? The Philippines is full of beautiful islands and natural
landscape. The people are kind, generous, hard working and love life. It is however the dream of most Filipino immigrants
to get an education or job outside of the Philippines. When they become successful in whatever it is they aspire to do, they
then return to their home to help others that wish to follow in this same renewing cycle. They are also known to help their
families by sending them financial assistance either for their livelihood or education. By maintaining this cycle, the Philippines
can reveal to the world the ambitious potential of its population, as well as the nurturing promise we maintain.
last year I had the privilege of visiting The Philippines to experience my first Christmas and New Years there. I can honestly
say I've never had a Christmas holiday similar anywhere else. I was able to meet distant relatives that I did not even know
existed, and they were the kindest of people, inviting our family to their home for a meal or anything at their disposal.
The celebrations every night with family, friends, and so many different varieties of foods really made me love the fact that
I could say I am Filipino and this is a part of me.
Being part of a Filipino upbringing has truly given me the taste of a unique culture and tradition. Whether it is the specific
foods we eat during times of the year, or the customs we adhere to for the respect of our elders. AlL that was taught to me
will forever be part of my identity as a Filipino. These traditions and qualities that I have, and will learn, in my lifetime
will be passed on to my own family in the future, and with this, my culture and pride in being a Filipino can be forever intact.
(Editors Note: Justin is a student of McMaster University, and will be graduating next year with a Bachelor of Science
in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences. He is additionally getting a minor in Music. He is the brother of Sean, and son of
Jun and Magdalene Policarpio, both members of the Pilipino community in Hamilton.)
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FILCRAH UPDATE
By Estela Guevarra
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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Last October 21, FILCRAH held its annual general membership meeting at the HFCC. It was well attended, with more than 35 members
present. The officers and board members presented their reports and the members asked their questions after. The only concerns
some of the members had were about the details of the financial report and the wording of the Constitution. Because of this,
a committee was formed to look into it. They are Joe Monaco, Vart and Lyn Garing and Dick Fernandez. Line dancing followed
right after.
TRIP TO CONNECTICUT
One of the services of FILCRAH is to offer cheap or reasonable trips to retirees and non-retirees if space allows it.
So on October 9 – 12, a bus load of people went to Connecticut to visit a couple of Casinos and do some serious shopping.
The bus trip gave us a glimpse of how beautiful Autumn really is. The view all the way was awesome, with leaves providing
the beautiful colors.
Foxwoods Casino was the first stop. It is the biggest casino in the world and it kept up to its hype. One day is not enough
to see and enjoy the whole place. Next stop was the second biggest casino in the world, the Mohegan Sun. It is as impressive
as the Foxwoods but more beautiful. There are plans to visit both casinos again next year, but since 2 more casinos are scheduled
to open in the area next year, there will be 4 casinos to see.
Shopping in Connecticut is great since clothing and shoes are tax free. We visited Crystal Mall the first day and the
people got good bargains there. On the second day, we went to an outlet mall where more bargains were enjoyed by everyone.
The greatest thing was that we were waved across the border coming back to Canada without any questions.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON OUR TRIP TO CONNECTICUT NEXT YEAR!
FILCRAH ACTIVITIES
ONGOING:
1.Line Dance Lessons – 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month - 3:00-5:00 pm $2.00 fee
2. Flamboro Slots Trip - 2nd Thursday of the month - $10.00 coin bonus
3. Casino Rama Trip - Last Sunday of the month $10.00 bus fare; Free lunch buffet
To register for the above activities; please call:
Yoyex – (905)574-3923 Estela – (905)573-9481
UPCOMING:
1.Atlantic City Trip – June 30 – July 3, 2008
2. FILCRAH dinner and dance – March 28, 2008 – Michelangelo’s
3. Picnic – Confederation Park – Willow Cove – August 2, 2008
There will be an election of new officers at this time.
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Q AND A… with Michael Dale Tanglao
By: Nelson Naguit
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Our Pilipino community is interested to know where you are. Can you share with us what you have been doing in the last
few years since you left Hamilton?
I left Hamilton in the mid-1980’s to go to the University of Ottawa for my undergraduate studies. Before finishing
a degree, I took 2 years off to travel and work abroad in Asia. During that time, I had a chance to spend a number of months
in the Philippines, some of it with my grandparents. I also spent a year living and working in Japan, after which I traveled
from Asia to Western Europe via Russia and the rest of Eastern Europe (mostly overland by rail).
Once I got back to Canada in 1989, I was a lot more motivated about my education. I finished my undergrad degree and moved
to London, Ontario to attend the University of Western Ontario. In the next 4 years, I finished a combined law and MBA degree.
I met my lovely wife, Kathleen Niccols (who is also a graduate of the combined law and MBA program). And, the 2 of us moved
to Toronto to start careers as corporate lawyers.
We were married in 1996 and now have 2 wonderful and sometimes overly energetic children – Dale, our daughter, 9 years
old and William, our son, 3 years old. We continue to work and live in Toronto, although our careers have moved away from
the private practice of corporate law.
After years of trying to balance part-time consulting work and full-time parenting, Kathleen has returned to full-time work
and recently accepted a position as Vice President and General Counsel at The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company.
I am currently the Vice-President, Corporate Affairs at Bell Canada where I do a mixture of regulatory, government relations
and related policy research work.
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Kathleen with Dale and William
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We now have a great nanny (June Clarin) who takes wonderful care of our kids while we are both at work during the day. Both
Kathleen and I think it is nice for the kids that June is Filipina. It gives them a chance to experience more Filipino culture
than they otherwise would.
What advice can you give our young readers about career choices in this day and age where competition is very keen and
intense?
I am not much of an advice giver because what worked for me may not be the answer for everyone. I can only tell you my own
experience. I have found that education matters a great deal. It clearly gave me a lot more career options. Unfortunately,
I don’t have any magic formula for succeeding at school. It was a lot of work, and not all of it was fun. But in the
end, for me, it was well worth it. Besides, I met Kathleen while at school. That alone made my education incredibly worthwhile.
Editor's Note: Michael is a graduate of South Lincoln High School in Smithville. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts at
the University of Ottawa, (Magna Cum Laude) and a combined M.B.A./LL.B degree at the University of Western Ontario. He is
the son of Rolly and Sophie Tanglao, both members of the Pilipino Community in Hamilton.
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Once again the Pinoy Keglers of Hamilton is extending our holiday greetings to one and all. “MERRY CHRISTMAS AND
A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR” This year and every year lets keep Christ in Christmas.
Although most of the original bowlers have moved on, there seem to be a few that just never get over the game even after
30 years of participation. This allure and that special appeal that keeps us going beacons to some retirees returning and
a few new recruits attracted to the game and camaraderie among the bowlers.
We are now in our 3rd month into the season and the difference from 1st to last is only 8 points, that shows how competitive
our league is. With regards to continuity, the future of Pinoy Bowling, its in good hands. There is enough enthusiasm among
the younger generation to carry the game for the next century.
Just like any diversionary sport bowling help pass the winter woes away. Once again Merry Christmas to one and all and remember
keep Christ in Christmas.
Fel Marpa
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HOLE IN ONE
The Golfing Gods Favours the bowlers this year with 2 hole in one. Nanding Lopez at Knollwood Golf Club in Ancaster where
we play every Saturday & Fel Marpa at Oaklands Golf Club in Niagara Falls. Oct. 20th. (See photo above) Fel with Bonner &
Fabian as witnesses. Rey Guibao with camera.
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2007 PCA GOLF TOURNAMENT
by Fabian Almeyda, Jr.
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The annual PCA golf tournament was held last July 28, 2007 at Chippewa Creek Golf and Country Club. The tournament started
at 9:00 A.M. under a sunny and ideal weather. The diligence of Ernie Cabling enabled us to book the prime date and time for
our tournament.
As in the previous years the tournament was played on a handicapping format again to give everybody a chance to win. Dinner
and awards were done at Chan’s Chinese Buffet. It was appreciated by the golfers and the PCA Golf Committee. The food
was plentiful and was always ready for the arrival of the golfers.
Prizes were guaranteed to all golfers. Through the hard work of Buddy and Estela Guevarra, Nelson and Elma Naguit, Roger and
Edna Moreno and all PCA officers we were able to solicit quality prizes to give away.
Appreciation goes to Menchi Almeyda, Pat Lopez (Estela’s sister), Zeny Halili , Buddy and Estela Guevarra for helping
out at the registration, reception and awards ceremony.
This year’s lists of winners are:
LOW GROSS---------------------Fred Canaon
LOW NET Fabian Morilla-----Champion
Ernie Cabling----------------------2nd Place
Ivan Villabroza--------------------3rd Place
CLOSEST TO THE PIN----------------Bonner Villabroza
CLOSEST TO THE LINE DRIVE---Guido Gabriele
CLOSEST TO THE PIN (MONEY POT)
Fred Canaon
Rey Guibao
Bonner Villabroza
Tommy Maduri
fabian Morilla
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TENNIS UPDATE
By: Rick Mendoza
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Once again, another great tennis summer season is over. Lots of fun and laughter and the barbecue gatherings were the memories
of the great tennis games.
The guys and their lovely ladies decided that while playing tennis, they could take advantage of the great warm weather by
bringing assorted native dishes and having their lunches while tennis matches were going on.
One event we went to was the fund raising Tennis Tournament of the “Gawad Kalinga” of Brampton. We were matched
with young players to our delight.
Result of the Tennis Tournament of August 18, and 19, 2007 in memory of our friend late Len Paule at Valley Park Tennis Club:
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A: DIVISION : SINGLE
Champion - Ken Alburo (Mississauga)
Runner-up - Rufino Tan (Mississauga)
A: DIVISION: DOUBLES
Champion - Ken Alburo and Rufino Tan
B: DIVISION: DOUBLES
Champion - Joe Alcala and Andy Tolentino (Mississauga)
Runner-up - Bert Mendoza and Carlo Jao (Hamilton)
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The Hamilton and Cambridge Teams did not do too well during the tournament but it was a great two days of meeting new friends
and as always a solemn promise to do well next year.
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PICNIC … SUMMER PICNIC GATHERINGS A MUST
By Edna Moreno
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2007 has topped all summer picnics!
Every weekend starting the beginning of July, the Pilipino community in Hamilton had been enjoying the perfect sunny weather
at Confederation Park. Different ethnic associations and social clubs with families and friends gathered from noon till dusk
and brought their delicious assortment of dishes and cool drinks to share with everyone. Both young and old were given so
many activities that time flown like the kites the children were given with the assistance of their parents. The ladies entertained
themselves by practicing and learning new line dances in between the social games partnered by some of our brave men.
One thing very unique about our community picnics is the camaraderie among all the members of the different organizations.
True friendship and sincerity of welcoming everyone regardless whether they are members or not are truly overwhelming. Our
photos will prove these….....
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FEL DID IT
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FEL DID IT
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WEBMASTER: FEL MARPA
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SENIORS CORNER
BEST PICNIC EVER.....
bY Restie Pineda
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The most successful Pilipino Canadian Seniors’ Picnic happened this summer at the Confederation Park. The
picnic was well attended by members and their families and friends. Even the weather cooperated with this well-organized,
meticulously planned gathering. There was a mixture of activities from singing, dancing, to games for both young and old alike.
Ric Mendoza gave a demonstration of his skills by dancing using the “arnis” technique. Food was plentiful. Pilipino
delicacies, roast pigs, assorted desserts were shared to all. One highlight of this event was the encouraging speech of our
guest, Honorable Wayne Marston, a member of the Parliament representing Stoney Creek and his wife, Barb. He emphasized the
importance of living healthy and happy among the Senior citizens. He informed everyone that his colleagues in the Parliament
are working hard to promote bills designed to improve the welfare and well being of the Canadian Seniors. It was a fun day
for everyone. This memory will stay with us during the cold winter months… till the next time.
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Through My Eyes: Japan with Friends
By.. Paul Dayco
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When I was 9 years old, I learned survival with my plastic ninja stars and samurai blade while playing with neighbor
friends slashing banana plants in the backyard in Pateros, a small town in the Philippines. We wore plain white t-shirts,
with bandanas wrapped around our eyes vying for justice as we pretended that we were doing the deed of the Emperor. So, it
goes without saying that visiting Japan this year, I finally saw what all the fuss was about.
When we reached Japan, our base of operations was a city called Sendai, a one and a half-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo.
The shink, or "bullet train" while expensive, is the fastest mode of travel in and around Japan. Imagine Toronto to Montreal
in one and half-hours! The shink would playa great part in our travels. A word to the wise. To save money, you are highly
encouraged to buy a tourist pass, in advance. The cost is $350 per person for a week's worth unlimited use. One round trip
rides without it from Sendai to Tokyo costs around $200! Without it, Perri, my wife and I would've spent about $1500 each
just traveling in and around Japan.
Sendai's centerpiece is a sprawling outdoor mall where the city seems to congregate. This was where we had our first real
Japanese sushi experience. With my best friend, James as our tour guide, we ordered exotic sushi, from horse meat to whale,
along with some regular favourites like salmon and tuna. The first few days in Japan for me was spent in disbelief while we
walked from attraction to attraction, listening to loud noises and seeing bright flashing lights. Everyone was riding a bike.
Sendai is where we did karaoke, the right way! A small group of friends would pay $25 each to rent a room with a flat screen
TV, a large book full of songs and an endless stream of beverages flowing over the course of 4 or 5 hours. Perri, James and
his friends Keiko, Koji, Short Legs (named because of his height) and Hockey-san (he's missing his front teeth, like a hockey
player) and I indulged in 70's classic rock ballads alternating with 90's alternative rock, even a sprinkle of 2001 Backstreet
Boys. We had lots of laughs, and even more singing as we staggered home at 3:00 a.m. from the bar, tired, yet eager to hit
the train station early to get to Tokyo.
Tokyo is an expansive city, exponentially larger than any western city I've ever been to. It is a city of major urban sprawls,
stacked up on top of each other, and with millions of people flowing through it like ants. We saw the hectic outdoor markets
and the fashion of the Harajuku district, right beside a serene park where the Meiji Shrine is located. Shibuya has the famously
large crosswalk featured in pretty many modern Japanese movies. This park has the Hachiko statue: (the famous bronze statue
of the dog that kept coming back to that very station for 10 years looking for his master who died at work, and thus never
came home, until he himself died.) We also visited the Ueno district where the national museum is located. We walked the Tokyo
Fish Market, saw giant fish and creatures we've never been up close to. Then we experienced another sushi meal, home to the
best sushi I've ever had. The sushi felt alive in my mouth as I was savouring dozens of them.
We traveled to the Ginza district where Perri ogled at the Mikimoto pearl necklaces in the window, and home to Japanese haut
couture. We went also to Akihabara, which is a Las Vegas Strip-sized section filled with cell phones, computers and video
game shops, enough to surely deplete my entire bank account. We walked everywhere. The bustling cities, faceless people and
shrine upon shrine bright lights beating like a heart, seemed like a blur to me. I marveled at the wide differences in Canadian
and Japanese cultures. Truly it was worlds apart. At times, we felt alone in a city that would go on forever, and could threaten
to swallow us whole. No amount of research could have prepared me on this trip to Japan. It was truly a unique experience.
The last night we were in Japan, we were invited to Short Legs' store after it closed. It turned out that he owns his own
Swedish furniture store past the sprawling outdoor mall. It was small, but quaint, filled with fantastic furniture that both
looked out of place in Japan. Short Legs opened the first of many beers that night as he struggled to speak English, and laughed
wholeheartedly as James and I recounted the many stories that made up our youth. As I saw him nodding his head at the jokes
we would tell, laughing, but possibly not completely understanding, I saw in his eyes the joy in simple brotherhood and friendship
that went beyond the barriers of languages.
Japan is a fantastic place to see, feel and experience, but I am most happy when good friends get together, and times worth
remembering happen.
(Editor' Note: Paul is a regular contributor to the Liham Balita. He has shared several of his trips to the community.
He is currently working as a Department Sales Manager for the Future Shop, St Catharines Branch)
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