Many Filipinos have made Canada their home, a place of work and sometimes, of play.
Celebrating a birth anniversary or any other milestone away from the homeland, family, kin to the nth degree, BFs or GFs, hometown BFFs, former schoolmates, barkada, etc. can be a good reason to juggle memory cells.
“Sana, nandito silang lahat.” Emotions may run high. So do long distance and phone card costs.
Puwes, para iwas gastos, may libreng social media sa tabi-tabi, beware nga lang sa mga bad na nangangalap ng iyong mga personal na detalye at impormasyon.
*****
Officials have promised better policies on Canadian immigration, particularly on family reunification.
Until election vows turn into reality, birthday and milestone wishes may remain just like that – wishes.
At the end of the day, what matters most is the good and great company of newfound family and friends, and plenty of shoulders to lean on.
Whatever happens, always enjoy the day in a home away from home!
*****
A consolation though: Celebrate and enjoy your stay, lifetime or otherwise, in Canada.
Be happy. You are literally at the top of the world.
It’s summer! Please stop the “Bbrrrrr.”
*****
Hello, July! Hello, summer! Hello, fellows of the True North, Strong and Free.
Let’s celebrate! July 1 is Canada Day.
Momentarily, let us all look back to the reasons why we regard Canada a great country, an adoptive respectable home we have vowed to stand on guard for.
Following are quotes from members of the Filipino-Canadian community I have had the honour and privilege to interview while I was still active with community media in Toronto back in the day.
So varied were the responses, as varied as their ages (from 18 to 69) and Filipino roots (from Aparri to Zamboanga); but they were one in thanking Canada and in proudly professing themselves as Canadians.
“Proudly Canadian, I will always appreciate Canada for opening its doors to people from other lands.”
“Canada looks at equality and diversity as its unquestionable strength. Everyone enjoys the same rights and privileges.”
“Canada may be an imperfect democracy, but its citizens and communities try daily to make it better. Its leaders endeavour to correct historical injustices. Taxation may be silently scorned at, but it pays for many of the educational, health, labour protection, infrastructure and other services people enjoy and benefit from. We can speak freely but responsibly. Canada is a tolerance for the good of its society.”
“Multi-cultural Canada speaks of a global village where respect prevails.”
“Canada’s quite complex cultural milieu helped me understand why the country and its people try even harder to embrace the need for all — regardless of race, colour or creed — to work for harmony and peace.”
“Canada allowed me to celebrate my Filipino heritage and ethnicity, and be proud of it.”
“As a Canadian, I was exposed to a wealth of positive opportunities and experiences that fulfilled personal and familial hopes and dreams. The quality of life we have is unmatched. I look forward to a better and brighter future!”
“Canada has bestowed on me the chance to live a lifestyle most people can only dream of. It is a place where I have the freedom and luxury to be myself; and to overcome struggles and make it through the journey of life. Resentful at first, I had to shift careers to later find out my new line of work was more fulfilling.”
“Canada’s equal opportunity policy was the gateway for me to do what I loved to do.”
“Most, if not all, immigrants went through a transition. The courageous ones who took on the challenges of living in Canada have proven that they, too, can get over hurdles and succeed.”
“Canada is like home and heaven. A family-oriented country, its people are honest and straightforward. Opportunities are available and limitless. Innovations and new ideas are within reach and affordable.”
“Education in Canada opens a lot of doors for the young ones to achieve what they want to be.”
“I have been here for decades. My children grew and were educated here. We owe our successes and maturity to Canada, which moulded, in many ways, our destiny.”
“Canada’s efficient educational system has given all my children a good perspective. They have been living their own lives, blessed with the honest means of living.”
“Canada has a huge support program that promotes the education of its people, even visitors.”
“Canada is appreciated for its splendid health care system.”
“Canada has high regard for the welfare of its elderly and seniors.”
“I thank Canada for its stable political system that has steered the country to be one of the best in the world.”
“Canada is respected globally. It is a peace-loving nation, the home of peacekeepers.”
“I’m a proud Canadian enjoying freedom and peace that no other country can possibly offer.”
“Canada has a world vision of peace and fellow Canadians strive to share and make Canada their field of dreams, their life and their home.”
“Canada “taught me about life … that there are no guarantees in life. It taught me how to cook, how to clean, how to file my own income tax. I have had a great career and have had deep friendships with many different people from all walks of life. Thanks to Canada, my dreams have come true.”
“Being Canadian means being the most polite, unassuming, and peace-loving person in the world. But most of all, Canadians are known to use the words “thank you, please, excuse me, and I’m sorry” in daily conversations without guilt or shame.”
Maraming salamat, Canada. Always Happy Canada Day on July 1 and beyond.
*****
Balita publisher Tess Cusipag posted a picture of white flowers elegantly blooming in her garden.
She said that she did not plant it, surmising that the wind may have blown seedlings to the garden, where the soil embraced it as it nurtured itself and grew.
Like water that seeks its own level, the beauty of nature seeks the best place to keep itself aglow.
*****
Everyone knows what the Fourth of July means to the guys south of the border.
But what has July 4 to do with Filipinos and the Philippines?
Appreciate Mr. Ripley or not, post-war leaders of the US of A agreed to grant independence to the people of the Philippines on July 4, 1946, just as the former were celebrating their own Independence Day.
History says that then US President Harry Truman issued Proclamation 2695 — the Philippine Independence Act or Tydings–McDuffie Act – that officially recognized Philippine sovereignty, on that 1946 date.
Simultaneously on that same day, the American flag was lowered while the Philippine flag was raised in Bagumbayan (Luneta), where Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896.
What happened to the Philippines and to Filipinos between December 10, 1898, when the United States annexed the Philippines under the Spanish-American Treaty of Paris, and July 4, 1946 is both joy and sorrow to read, know and understand. No need to be euphoric and nostalgic about that era.
Mag-research ka at magbasa, buddy. Kung ano mang kaalaman ang iyong mahahagilap, mabuti‘t kagila-gilalas o masama‘t nakasusuka, ikaw na ang humusga.
*****
Diosdado Macapagal, Philippine President from 1961 to 1965, moved the celebration of Philippine Independence Day in 1962 — from July 4 to June 12.
Thus, on June 12, 2022, Filipino communities worldwide and in Canada commemorated the 124th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day.
Celebrations marked the moment when first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo promulgated the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain in Cavite El Viejo (Kawit), Cavite on June 12, 1896. It was also the occasion when the Philippine flag was first unfurled.
During his tenure, President (from 1965 to 1986) Ferdinand E. Marcos designated July 4 as Philippine-American Friendship Day. Relevant or not to this discussion, please note that his son Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was lately sworn in as Philippine President, to govern until 2028.
Fidel V. Ramos, Philippine President from 1992 to 1998, marked July 4 as Republic Day in 1996.
Be that as it may, let us look at southern skies and enjoy the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
*****
Truly, the Golden State Warriors are the NBA champions this season. As usual, congratulations!
Same same. See you soon and all the best, Toronto. Let’s go, Raptors!
*****
Pahabol ni Mang Tomas: Never thump your chest. The doctor colonel may deem it risky to your heart.”
Share the love. As always, keep safe. Enjoy life. Smile. #####