Balita’s previous issue reported on Cebu-based honorary Canadian Consul Robert Lee being here to talk to several personalities, including businessman Steve Pagao and retired Judge Ric Manankil. Over coffee, the report said, Mr. Lee “cobbled together a think tank on ways to promote unity among Filipino-Canadians…” With all due respect this is a lofty and noble intention on… Read More »
It has been quite awhile since I last wrote a piece for a paper. I remember first writing for Balita, then — here and there. This time, you will have to help me to find back my mojo otherwise I may write jejemon style here. I deem it appropriate to start writing again as we enter 2011. The… Read More »
By Ab. Velasco This past November, I embarked on an unforgettable three-week, cross country visit to the Philippines. I was born in Manila in 1981 and my family immigrated to Canada in 1989. I returned briefly for a one-week visit in 2008 – as part of a larger Asian trip – and enjoyed it so much that I… Read More »
It gives me great pleasure to utter this greeting in our language although I do not get much chance as most, even our own “kababayan” greet one another in English; “Merry Christmas!” The much-awaited day of the year will soon be here. The preparation starts early, usually in November, right after Halloween. It usually starts with the Santa… Read More »
I love to travel. For many years, I spent my savings in joining tours to different parts of the world. There is nothing like travel for education and socialization. Every new place I visited gave me a different perspective of the wonders of nature and the varied cultures of people. I made very pleasant acquaintances and friendships with… Read More »
Last year at about this period, people in the Greater Toronto Area got scared about the possibility of a pandemic of HINI influenza. Several cases of death, possibly caused by the virus causing this disease, were reported by the media. One was that of a teenager who just came from a camping trip, complained of headache and had… Read More »
The man who promised to stop the gravy train at Toronto City Hall is now the mayor-elect of this great city, the largest in Canada. His victory is a glimpse into the present state of mind of a lot of people – the anxiety of the just finished (or is it not finished yet?) recession. It is also… Read More »
By: THESA ANOBA DAYAGBIL My grandmother died a few days ago in the Philippines. She was 90 years old. Like any grandchild who adores and loves her grandmother deeply, I took the news very badly. More so because I am here in Canada and I wasn’t there to whisper in her ear one last time how much I… Read More »
Alahoy! Alahoy! Wow! Patok ang “Noah” Dahil naiiba ang daloy ng istorya! Mas kasiyasiya kumpara sa iba, Na sa theme song pa lang tatabangan ka na! * * * Istorya ng “Noah” ala – Mars Ravelo! Sa writers ng “Noah” braving – bravo kayo! Ang Mga Kalabit, saludo sa inyo! Komiks writer kami, dekada?…limot ko! * * *… Read More »
“Bituing Marikit, sa gabi ng buhay, Ang bawa’t kislap mo’y. ligaya ang taglay. Yaring aking palad, iyong patnubayan.. Na kahit na sinag, ako’y bahaginan… These lines of the kundiman “Bituing Marikit” kept running through my mind as my sister and I drove home that rainy Saturday night. We just came from attending the Fiesta Filipina Dance… Read More »