Category Archives: General

Aquino doing more than “pangangapitbahay”

As I write this piece, Philippine President Aquino would still be at the Istana Merdeka, the official residence of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyona. By the time I finish this, Aquino would probably be in Singapore and by the time this gets off the press he would already be back in his official residence, Bahay Pangarap, inside the… Read More »

Then comes someone like Maria

My mother will turn 92 this March and is upbeat as ever. When I talked to her by phone the other day —3pm in Vancouver, BC— she said that she’s fine and that she was baking pizzas for her apos, aged 18, 16, and 13. Whew, when are you going to stop, mother? No, not now — not… Read More »

Then comes someone like Maria

My mother will turn 92 this March and is upbeat as ever. When I talked to her by phone the other day —3pm in Vancouver, BC— she said that she’s fine and that she was baking pizzas for her apos, aged 18, 16, and 13. Whew, when are you going to stop, mother? No, not now — not… Read More »

The evolution of the Filipino Canadian seniors

I was in the house of a friend lately and I noticed that the pictures in the family room have been changed. The former portraits were gone and the new ones were all of young ones –hockey teams, a child’s birthday party, a young girl by a Christmas tree. They were all about two to ten year olds… Read More »

EDSA People Power! Lalagi! Forever !

Alahoy! Alahoy! ‘Ginaya’ ang EDSA! Sa Egypt! Sa Yemen! At maging sa Libya! Sez Barack to Moammar: “Abah, sibat ka na” Hihihi! ! Sa Hawaii, Baka dun mapunta? * * * Tararadzingpotpot! Nagkapetotpetot! Gulo sa Middle East, ang OFWs! Sila ‘naiipit’ pirde ang trabahos! Iniuuwi na! Buhe delikados! * * * Sir Tomas Kaluban! Iba e ‘palaban’ Me… Read More »

Death stories and hope

Through efforts of the Filipino community of Brampton the remains of Girlie Maglalang has arrived to her grieving family in San Juan, Apalit, Pampanga. Girlie was hit by a car at the Shoppers’ World parking lot in Brampton in January. She has no relatives here — only friends and kababayans with good hearts. Like a number of our… Read More »

Feel mo! Gets mo! Do mo! Valentine mo, sino?

Eskeremengoles! Saming Last Kalabit, Isang Receptionist, bumula ang bibig! Dahil kanyang ngiti e very expensive! Bihira mangilid! Di malaman, bakit? * * * Dahil me reklamo! At bulungbulungan! Butihin nyang bossing e talked to her naman! Pinay Receptionist, dati dating Badang! OK na po ngayon! Wah! Appy Valentine! * * * Sa Araw Ng Puso! Me saya, me… Read More »

Pinoy Bayanihan, Dala kahit saan!

Holy Kalungkaling! Malupit na weather Rumagasa na naman di lamang sa atin! Maging sa Australia, La Nina hataw rin! Taksang kababayan sa baha e victims! * * * Pinoy community e malaki doon! Bahay e binaha! Abot hanggang bubung! Sakmal ng pangamba! Bagyo parang Ondoy! ‘Bayanihan’ Tembong! Alahoy! Alahoy! * * * Mabuhay ang Pinoy! Itong ‘Bayanihan’ Hindi… Read More »

Over Cups of Coffee

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 »

Back to the Grind

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 »