One Cool Star - Mr. Isidro Bitoon

My apologies, I have decided to move posting of Canuck Speak to give way for this rather late tribute.

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I have often wondered what ever happened to my former manager, Mr. Isidro Bitoon. In fact, I have a post of the good times we had as part of the FYEP Cold Mill Civil Works Team in my drafts for several weeks already.

It came as a bit of a shock then to read (from Ning) that Mr. Bitoon had passed away last March 2, 2009. Speaking for all who worked with him. Mr. Bitoon was a good manager. By today's standards, he can be considered "Mr. Cool". Rarely did we hear him raise his voice even in the midst of a project crisis - and in FYEP that was a lot of times. Mr. Bitoon weighed solutions to project problems in a very calm manner - no drama, no hysterics. While others were known for their snap decisions, Mr. Bitoon always made deliberate decisions. More of a strength rather than a weakness - in those crazy days.

Working for Mr. Bitoon felt like working within a big family. He may have been our manager, but he was also like a father to most of us. Work was work and we sure had to deliver. But fun times were fun times. We had Christmas parties at Timoga pools, bowling competitions, family picnics at Midway and had ice-cream during the first working day of the year. That one was to ensure everyone will have cool heads for the rest of the year. He was Mr. "Cool" Star, indeed.

May his soul rest in peace.

Our big happy family

Pinoy to be Proud of

I believe that for every 1 misguided Pinoy there must be 999 good others.

Here's one we can definitely be proud of:

Juana Tejada, 39: Nanny inspired reforms for caregivers

by Nicholas Keung
IMMIGRATION REPORTER (Toronto Star)

Tiny and soft-spoken, Juana Tejada was a giant till her last breath as the voice for migrant nannies toiling in Canada for a better future for their families in the Philippines.

Tejada, who inspired a grassroots campaign to lobby for reforms to the federal live-in caregiver program, died of cancer Sunday at Toronto General Hospital. She was 39.

"Even though she was bedridden, when we asked her if she was ready to go, she said, `No.'" said friend Connie Sorio. "Juana was reserved and had very few words, but she would be most remembered for her fighting spirit."

Tejada, a founding member of the United Steelworkers' Independent Workers Association, was also inspirational to a group of Philippine live-in caregivers, all struggling with cancer and immigration.

"When Juana got her (permanent residence) status, she took upon herself as the spokesperson of the campaign to change the (caregiver) program," Sorio recounted. "She never wanted any limelight. You had to prod her to speak. But she was so courageous when speaking for others."

Tejada came here in 2003 through the program, which grants permanent resident status to foreign domestic workers after they complete three-year assignments and obtain medical and criminal record clearances.

She was diagnosed with colon cancer when she applied for permanent residence in 2006 and faced removal because she was deemed a health burden.

She later won an appeal, got her status and lobbied to change the two-step medical exam required for caregivers. Under the program, a caregiver has to pass a medical test to come to Canada and another when applying for immigration. Her supporters are asking the immigration minister to exempt caregivers from the second test.

Her youngest sister, Berna Salonga, who joined her in January under the caregiver program, said Tejada was fine last week, when they watched a Philippine movie, Caregiver.

"Suddenly, she collapsed and couldn't hold her head or lift her arms," said Salonga, one of Tejada's eight siblings.

Tejada's husband, Noli Azada, had been at her bedside since Thursday. The couple had planned to fly to the Philippines last Saturday.

Tejada was so excited about the upcoming trip back – her first in nine years – she began packing in February, said Salonga.

"(Juana) said she had to sleep between our parents to get all the love that she couldn't have all these years," Salonga sobbed.

"She was a very good sister. She sacrificed her whole life for us. She sent us to high school and college, so we could have an education."

Salonga said her sister planned to start working as soon as she recovered from cancer, so she could sponsor her family's immigration.

Viewings will be held at DeMarco Funeral Home on Keele St., between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

More on Tejada here.

A Tribute to a Friend and a Brother - by ES Aspiras

My apologies for rescheduling "Part 5 of Memoirs ni Manoy" to Monday. Today, I am giving way for a tribute to a dear departed friend - Jed Malayang.

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How can one forget the friendship and the goodness of a person ?

I came to know him sometime in 1984 during the peak of the EMT hiring. I was a member of Batch 3 and he was Batch 6. We became close to each other and developed a bond. We attended the same church; had a common circle of friends; and practically were involved in the same social and community activities in Iligan City.

What struck me most about his personality was that he was a nice person, jolly and easy to go along with. He was the kind of person who loved to share and to give. But don't get me wrong - he could make a stand on any issue and beat you in any argument. I would consider him my greatest debate opponent during our memorable and unforgettable social sessions. I will always have a very high opinion of him and a great respect for his beliefs and political stand.

I could still remember him sweetly calling me "Do" or "bro". When he needed company, he would invite me for lunch or merienda at the JY Dimsum along Badelles Avenue, in front of the former Maratel. I had spent lots of my time in his company, enjoying each other's camaraderie and brotherhood, and exchanging esoteric topics.

NSC was just one of our ties. The other greater bond that we had was that we were fraternal brothers - twofold tie; and we called it the "mystic tie that binds". I know that he will be sadly remembered by the many people whose lives he had touched and influenced them with his positive outlook in life.

How will I ever forget the good 'ol days that we spent together? Farewell to you, Jed Malayang... You will always be my friend and my brother! (by: eRviN)

One of the last pictures I had with Jed Malayang, taken in March 1995. He is shown 2nd from left with Audwin Garzon to his left, me, and Ben Malayang III (Jed's older brother and former USec. of DENR)

In Memoriam - Mr. Mario Putong

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 8:38-39)