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Author Archives: jodinand
Happy Holidays!
Posted in Events Tagged filipino christmas, filipino tradition, Kapisanan, lantern festival, parol making workshop, toronto diy Leave a comment
Represent: Toronto!
Let’s talk about a few local Filipino publications in Toronto, shall we?
What’s the local news? Well, chances are – someone’s Lola turned 80-something, someone got married, someone had a bigger Debut than said wedding, Jon Jon’s basketball team won & for some reason, everyone’s favourite television “loveteam” is on the front cover. I honestly can’t help but feel like I’m flipping through someone else’s family photo album… sponsored by my “Tito Real Estate” & “Tita Dentista”.
How ’bout we play a little game of “Hoy, they’re Filipino!” along with “Hey, they’re from Toronto, too!” Here are some recent newsworthy tidbits on Filipino Torontonians you may or may not have heard about! (CLICK on the links & find out more about these amazing young folks who are doin’ it & doin’ it & doin’ it well!)
Represent! Jorge de Guzman
Meet Jorge de Guzman. He’s one of the nominees in Canada’s Champions of Change; a unique program celebrating volunteerism.
Nominee Jorge De Guzman Category: International - Social Justice
The man is 61 years old, a graphic designer by profession – but his true passion is for martial arts. He’s nominated in the category of International – Social Justice for his work in utilizing martial arts as a way to empower children in the Philippines. A shining example of someone who walks the walk. (check out his profile here)
“We teach them how to say no, how to get out of a stressful situation like abduction, how to recognize any form of abuse.” They’re also taught how to block, punch and kick–and how and when to run. “I tell them, if you think you’re going to be sold tomorrow, run away today!” – Jorge de Guzman
The top ten finalists are receiving $10,000 each to their charity, while the two grand prize winners will receive $25,000 each to their charity. Winners will be announced January 16th, 2011 & you can VOTE up to 10 times a day for the candidate of your choice.
Real people making real change.
Or… you could change your Facebook profile picture to some random cartoon? Wala lang. Jus’ sayin.
Posted in Feature, Word, staff@kapisanan Tagged canada, cartoon profile facebook, cbc, champions of change, jorge de guzman, Kapisanan, social justice, volunteerism 1 Comment
BYOB: Be Your Own Boss
Canadians of Filipino origin are considerably less likely than those in the overall workforce to be self-employed. (ONLY) 4% of employed people in the Filipino community worked for themselves, compared with 12% of their counterparts in the Canadian labour force. (Statistics Canada)
This is me setting up my shop. May 2010.
I beg to differ. Or atleast, I’d like to believe I’m part of a generation that’s making change. Literally. While the idea of starting your own business is daunting enough, try breaking the news to your Filipino parents. It was hard enough for them to accept the fact that I wasn’t interested in becoming a lawyer or doctor (Or mentally stable, for that matter).
Me in Toronto: Hey, Mom! So. Yeah. I’m done with the corporate thing & decided to open up my own business here in Toronto!
Mom in Alberta: “ANO?! Hay nako. So you’re basically telling me in two months you’ll be moving back home. You do realize we’ve turned your old bedroom into a *magic sing room, right?” *click*
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Word, staff@kapisanan Tagged byob, canadian business, cmango design, entrepreneurship, Filipino-Canadian, Halo Halo, in love with excellence, jeff garcia, kapisanan philippine centre for arts & culture, magic sing, melissa clemente, one free bird, pretty freedom, rolly's garage, toronto entrepreneurs Leave a comment
The Scene: Hot Date Weekend!
Looking for something interesting to do this weekend? Perhaps you’re tired of being a predictable date? No worries! Here are some of our recommendations: (You can thank us later.)
Jo SiMalaya’s Singing Plants
Presented by the FADO Performance Art Centre: Jo SiMalaya will be be playing the Singing Plants. You are invited to bring your kubings, kulintangs, hearts and imaginations, and experience what unfolds… (more info)
Eating With Lola by Catherine Hernandez
Lola (“Grandmother” in Filipino) is so old and sick she has to be spoon fed by her granddaughter, Grace. But it wasn’t always like this. Over the course of her final meal on earth, Lola explains how it was always her job to find food—even if that meant stealing it. Part confession, part revelation, Lola’s epic tale unravels the entire modern history of Manila from the time of the Thomasites to the second wave of Filipino migration to the United States— one spoonful at a time. (more info)
Rod Dioso at Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts
Rod’s artworks will make its appearance at the Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts (984 Queen Street West, M6J 1H1), as part of the Salon V Group Show. The exhibit runs from January 12 to 30, and the opening reception is on January 13, 7:00-10:00pm.
15% of all sales made at this event will be donated to the Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts and Culture. Be inspired! Tell all your friends, come out, and support Filipino talent! (more info)
Have a great weekend, folks!