Filipinos?

Hubby and I had a few hours to spare one sunny afternoon and decided to go to Scarborough Bluffs.

While we were struggling to pay for parking (machine only accepts card, not cash) - somebody called us from behind saying "No, No, take your card out!".

Me (to myself) : Oh, my gosh -- just our luck -- here is a nut case.

The guy then said "Filipinos?", and of course I can only say "yeah".

He said "I worked for 14 years with Filipinos in Saudi Arabia and I really liked working with them -- educated people, good natured, very easy to work with". He continued with "I am leaving the park now, my parking ticket is until 9 PM -- don't pay -- I will give them to you".

To all Filipinos who makes every other Filipino proud - Thank You!

Strange Ways

We miss our native land -- and maybe that's why we do corny, funny, strange things to make up for it. Things like :

1) Getting updated on the latest Pinoy entertainment news. It is okay to be updated on current events, but during Pinoy parties – I found out most are updated even with entertainment news. Yes, even the men. Ask them about the latest on the Hayden Kho – Katrina Halili video scam and they know a lot -- (even where to find the video)

2) Paying for TFC (The Filipino Channel), getting copies of the latest Pinoy movie from the "nearby supplier", even watching concerts of Filipino artists - (no matter how over priced).

3) Going crazy and overboard on Filipino food. Dinuguan, lechon, kare-kare, puto, biko are still common party fares. Those artery clogging cuisine just makes the party more Filipino-like. The salad, cheese and wine kind of dinner have not yet gained its way to the Pinoy's taste and stomach.

4) Buying overpriced Filipino vegetables (like this kangkong in photo). They are sold at $4.99/lb! It used to be $1.99 – until the owners noticed it was selling fast.


Strange ways of an OFW.

KA-Baranggay

Life away from the native land is made easier and lighter in the company of friends. Get togethers on the weekend make weeks and months go so quickly turning spring into summer in a flash. The latest "tapok-tapok" (as we call it), was made special because of a generous kabaranggay who gave the ladies T-shirts.

It was a tempting photo opportunity.

Kapamilya. Kapuso. Kabarkada.

Kapatid. Kaibigan. Kakampi.

New York : Secrets

For us Filipinos, New York is the ultimate symbol of the USA. You have not been to North America if you have not been to the Big Apple.

However, the city which is like no other is quite overwhelming. This post is not for those who have made NYC their home now, but this is for those who wish to see or experience this wonderful city in a different way.

* * *

To tour the city, don't rely on your shoes or your car. Take any of those Hop-On, Hop-Off bus good for 48 hours. More coverage, very convenient, and you get a bit of trivia on the side by the tour guides. Definitely, more bang for your buck!



For the "culture" in us, visit the Museum of Modern Art - it is free on Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to closing time.



After all the walking and sight seeing, highly recommended is Bubba Gump Restaurant - inspired by Forrest Gump. Mouth watering New Orleans shrimp. Delicioso to the max!


At $50 round trip (Toronto- New York - Toronto) how could you go wrong with Greyhound's Neon bus. It has spacious leg room, Wi-Fi , and accessible drop-off/pick-up stations. Friendly, courteous staff too!




In case you get thirsty (which is very likely) - drop by Coldstone Ice cream - your choices mixed before your eyes - super yummy!


Looking for a place to stay? YMCA West - Walking distance to Time Warner Centre, Columbus Circle, Trump Tower and Central Park. Not the best accommodation, but very affordable rate for a bed and a decent washroom.


Despite being a well known city New York still has some secrets.




View my 5 Part Series on New York in This Randomness.

Pinoy Pacquaio Party

(Life After Steel is scheduled Tuesdays and Fridays, but this Pinoy party is an exception.)

A Pacquaio fight is always a good excuse for a Pinoy party, unless you are a hermit and have completely absolved any human connection.
Scenes below were repeated in most Filipino homes last Saturday night here in Canada.



As everyone knows, the boxing match lasted only 5 mins and 59 secs -- but for most anywhere it started early and lasted till the wee hours of the morning.
It was a Pinoy party - what did you expect?

Pinoy Party - Part 2

How can you tell you are in a Pinoy Party?

You're an hour late and there's still nobody there!

Kids "mano" all Tito and Tita. (Yes, even in Canada)

Women are still doing the line dance to "Todo Todo".

Someone is singing "Peelings" or "My Wey" in the Videoke.

And the most interesting topics are
brought up 5 minutes before goodbye time.

Pinoy Party

Tell-tale signs you are in a Pinoy party:

You can't get through the door because
there's a pile of shoes blocking the way.

There’s enough food to feed the Philippines .


Someone is always snapping away pictures.

Well Done !

Toronto is home to the largest Filipino community in Canada. Meeting other Filipinos is no longer novelty, it is just an ordinary day-to-day encounter.

However, I still am on the look-out for news that involve Filipinos – specially on the better side of the news.

Two things caught my attention recently :

Years of Championing Caregiver's Cause Pays Off

On April 2, 2009 - The Toronto Star had Pura Velasco's photo on the front page. Pura Velasco is the 59-year-old Filipina who has been advocating for the rights of desperate foreign caregivers in Canada, since her arrival as a foreign caregiver in 1989. (Excerpts from the Toronto Star story below)

Pura waited for 20 years for the day her volunteer work finally paid off. Ontario Minister of Labour Peter Fonseca rose in the Legislature to announce his government is introducing legislation to protect exploited caregivers.

"After so many years of believing something would happen, I still could not believe it," she said.

Almost immediately after her arrival in Toronto in 1989 from Vienna, where she was a migrant caregiver, Velasco took on the cause of her Filipina compatriots in Canada.

"I have no regrets. A lot of people would be tempted to back down because it took so long for government officials to act. It's not fair at all. But it's all really, really worth it now."


Filipino-Canadian Jedi from Scarborough

On April 15, 2009 - the Entertainment Section of the Toronto Star had a Filipino Canadian in their main feature.

21 year old Randolph Lizarda, an animation student from Sheridan College was among the lucky 4 interns chosen from 1,500 applicants to work at Lucasfilm Studios in San Francisco, this summer. Wow! Lizarda’s family immigrated to Canada 9 years ago and had always been artistic.

His teacher says of Lizarda “He has a really good sense of storytelling. He had the basic principles of animation (but) it was also comical. And that's our job. Anyone can make a picture move, but to make it entertaining, that's the craft of an animator."

Well done, kabayan!

Links :
Main Toronto Star story on Pura Velasco
More Toronto Star article
Star Investigation Part 1 : Nannies Trapped
Star Investigation Part 2 : Nannies Not Protected


A Jedi from Scarborough

6-12 Months Immigration Program to Canada

In November 28, 2008 Minister Jason Kenney of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Highlights include :

1) Shorter waiting time for applicants of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Decision can be received within 6-12 months.

2) Effectivity is retroactive for applications submitted on or after February 27, 2008. Yes, 2008.

3) The new "38 high demand occupations list" is now the basis for applications. Applicants with at least one year paid experience could also qualify . (See occupations list below).

4) Work experience must be Skill Type O (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification list.

38 High Demand Occupations List

0111: Financial Managers
0213: Computer and Information Systems Managers
0311: Managers in Health Care
0631: Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0632: Accommodation Service Managers
0711: Construction Managers
1111: Financial Auditors and Accountants
2113: Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
2143: Mining Engineers
2144: Geological Engineers
2145: Petroleum Engineers
3111: Specialist Physicians
3112: General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3141: Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
3143: Occupational Therapists
3142: Physiotherapists
3151: Head Nurses and Supervisors
3152: Registered Nurses
3215: Medical Radiation Technologists
3233: Licensed Practical Nurses
4121: University Professors
4131: College and Other Vocational Instructors
6241: Chefs
6242: Cooks
7213: Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
7215: Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7217: Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
7241: Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
7242: Industrial Electricians
7251: Plumbers
7252: Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
7265: Welders and Related Machine Operators
7312: Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371: Crane Operators
7372: Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction
8221: Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
8222: Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
9212: Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

This piece of news is promising but sensitive and I am no expert. If interested, it is best to visit the links.

To read from the source click this link. More about this program, click here.

Proud to be Pinoy?

I am - sometimes. But . . .

1) Several times I have been approached by "kababayans" while entering grocery stores. They have a board showing pictures of Filipino children and they start with "kabayan, tulong naman para sa mga bata sa atin". I am tempted to smile at them, but I did that once and she got closer pressing me for "tulong sa mga bata" with all her narration of how these needy kids need our monetary help.

2) It was on TV and on the news a few days ago. A couple, together with 70 others were arrested in a town north of Toronto. Reason: Cockfighting. They were allegedly keeping a cockpit and a betting house in a rented farm. (These are illegal in Canada). Reportedly, while the cockfight was going on there was even a catered buffet table set up nearby. Sad to say, they were a Filipino couple.

3) This final one took place two days ago. As I got off from the crowded subway train, a Filipina approached me saying "Ate, bili ka na ng homemade sweets". I was taken aback. It was morning rush hour. First thing that came to me was - "Who are you and why are you doing this?". She immediately replied "Citizen kami dito, Ate. Para ito sa Foundation ng mga bata sa Pilipinas".

My heart goes to those kabayans in the grocery entrance and subway who I'm sure are mere victims of a bigger scheme. I cannot say the same however for the cockfighting couple.

Proud ka ba, kabayan?

Balikbayan Box

For all of us who patiently fill and send balikbayan
boxes for the loved ones back home.

Want more of Happy Slip? Check her out at HappySlip.com