Adjusting to Canadian culture

There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, about 11% of the total population of the Philippines. (Wikipedia) They are scattered around the world sporting different hats and playing diverse roles in the communities and offices where they belong.

In Canada there are nearly 400,000 Canadians of Filipino origin. This is an estimate by the Canadian government as of 2007 quoted in Wikipedia. Upfront, there is a huge disparity in the two countries that includes weather, terrain, food and culture in general. Just how can Filipinos thrive in such an environment so different from the culture where they were raised?

Jerma Alas moved to Canada with her husband Cris and daughter Jerssey last October 2007. They stayed with Cris’ relatives in Ontario --- a province in the central part of Canada. In the Philippines, Jerma is a working mom. But since she is pregnant with their second baby and there’s no nanny available, she now stays at home with Jerssey while Cris is at work.

Cris was able to find work in their first week in the country. Quite remarkable especially that it’s a kind of work still in line with his job in the Philippines. In his first few weeks, Cris observed, “Ontario is indeed a home to so many races. Everytime I ride the bus, I always see Indians, Jamaicans, Chinese, Filipinos, and Americans.”



Jerma on the other hand noted, “Supermarkets here makes you feel like shopping at Cash and Carry. There, you’ll see the Pinoy favorites like instant noodles, wafer sticks and even tilapia.” She says grocery shopping has started to become a favorite past time for her. “There’s a 98% probability that I’ll overhear Ilocanos looking for frozen saluyot in the vegetable area or Bicolanos trying to find the best gabi leaves for their laing”, Jerma quips.

Attitude wise, Cris noted that unlike Filipinos, people in Canada don’t care much about brands. Even in cars, “My cousin bought a brand new Toyota Altis but when he got to his work, he saw how old and dilapidated his bosses’ cars were. Instead of being proud of his new possession, he felt ashamed since he was just new but he already opted to buy a brand new one. For them, so long as it still serves their need, there is no need to buy a new one”, he adds.

On a lighter side, Jerma feels funny having to engage in a quick conversation with just anybody from grocery cashier to McDonalds crew before they serve you. “First they’ll ask you, how are you? Then you’re obliged to reply, I'm okay. Then ask, how about you? This happens all the time everywhere we go”, Jerma said. “Unlike in the Philippines, a smile or a nod is enough, in Canada it is considered rude not to engage in that kind of conversation”, she adds.



Aside from these notable observations, weather too is terrible. They have already experienced -5 degrees celcius. Far from the very tropical Philippines where the coldest only gets to below 20 degrees celcius but normally it stays at 31 degrees celcius. “Good thing there is heater in the house but if you need to get out, you’ll need all sorts of thermal clothes to keep you warm. We also had our first snow experience last Christmas”, the husband and wife said. They added, “Jerssey was so happy to see real snow for the first time. It made her Christmas so special”.

Based on the Alas’ experiences and some other stories from Filipinos overseas, it is perhaps part of being Pinoy to be able to grow in communities where they are planted. It must be a cultural strength that any Filipino can successfully adapt to any culture in the world.

How to go to Bureau of Immigration

Bureau of Immigration – The Point of Entry, Stay and Exit

The Bureau of Immigration is an important agency of the Philippine government because they have the mission to control and regulate the immigration of aliens in the country. Basically, if you are going to enter, stay and eventually exit the country you must pass through the Bureau of Immigration.

Before we proceed on how to get there, it is imperative that you understand the purpose of the Bureau of Immigration.

General Functions

1. The bureau acts as the main enforcer of the Office of the President and the Department of Justice. It makes certain that all aliens within the Philippine territory are abiding the laws of the country.
   
   
2. The bureau helps the local and international agencies in ensuring that the peace of the state is protected against aliens whose stay in the country is a possible cause of danger to public health, morals and safety, and most importantly the national security.
   
   
3. The bureau functions as the main storage facility for all immigration documents with regards to the entry, temporary stay, admission, residence, and eventually the departure of all aliens in the country.
   

Detailed Functions

The Bureau of Immigration also responsible for some administrative powers, such as:

1. Controls the entry, stay and exit of all aliens in the country. The bureau also monitors the entry and exit of Filipinos, in accordance with the Philippines laws and other applicable legal process.
   
   
2. The bureau is tasked with the issuance of immigration certifications for the following visa type:
1. Special Non-immigrant Visas
2. Immigrant Visas
3. Non-immigrant Visas
   
   
3. The bureau is also tasked with the issuance of special permits with regards to the enforcement of immigration laws, such as the following:
1. Special Study Permit (SSP)
2. Provisional Permit to Work (PPW)
3. Special Work Permit (SWP)
4. Clearance, Re-entry Permits, etc.
   
   
4. Give extensions of stay for temporary visitors and execute the application of any change in statuses in accordance with the law.
   
   
5. Administratively determines the statuses of citizenship.
   
   
6. To investigate, to hear, to decide and to execute orders regarding the exclusions, deportations, and repatriations of aliens.
   
   
7. Monitors the Watch List, Blacklist and Hold Departures Orders known as the Bureau of Immigration Alert List.
   
   
8. Immigration document cancellation upon proof of any violation of the immigration law.
   
   
9. To investigate, to arrest, and to detain aliens who violate any law of the immigration and the Philippines.
   
   
10. The bureau also has the function to accredit any learning institutions that has the ability to enroll alien students. As well as liaison officers, law firms, travel agencies and other organization that is transacting with the bureau.
    

Now that you know the different duties and responsibilities of the Bureau of Immigration, we now have to discuss on the different ways to get there. There are several ways that I managed to research, and basically it will depend on the traveler on which of it is convenient:

From the Roxas Boulevard, Manila

Way 1 – Public Transportation

1. This is actually the fastest and most convenient way to get to the bureau. Ride the taxi it would probably take you 15-20 minutes (without traffic).
   
   Approximate Fare: Php 150.00 ($4.00)
   
   
2. From Roxas Boulevard take a jeepney, FX or bus ride; take the route going to Lawton. From Lawton proceed to the Philippine Postal Corporation then take a jeepney ride (a very short trip only), take the route going to the Pier. These jeepney routes turn right immediately after the Quezon Bridge in Quiapo. Only this jeepney route goes inside Intramuros. Just tell the driver to drop you off at the bureau.
   
   
3. From Roxas Boulevard take a jeepney, FX or bus ride; take the route going to Lawton. At Lawton you can either look for an underpass and cross the other side of the road as it leads to an open area beside the Collegio De San Juan De Letran the bureau is near it if you walk further or you can ride a tricycle.
   
   Approximate Fare: Php 20.00 ($0.50)
   

Way 2 – Private Transportation

1. From U.S. Embassy Roxas Boulevard head northbound you will be passing by Rizal Park, Manila Hotel, National Power Corporation (NPC) and the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) on your left. When you hit the Anda Circle Rotonda, take the first right turn and go straight, you are now entering Intramuros, on your left you will immediately see the Palacio Del Gobernador. You are now on A. Soriano Jr. St., just drive until you hit the 4th intersection (actually a Y intersection) looking at Aduana Building (in ruins), behind it is already the Bureau of Immigration and in front of it is the BF Building where the Immigration's administrative department is located.
   
   Approximate Fuel Consumption: Php 100.00 ($2.50)
   

Roxas Boulevard was chosen as the point of origin because it is a highway that is frequently passed by from and to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, aside from the fact that it became popular because of BayWalk.

Reference:

• http://immigration.gov.ph/
• Thank you to Bureau of Immigration for allowing us to use their photo.
  

Cherish Life's Simple Pleasures

Although email is just a click away, a lot of things still get in the way of constant communication with friends who have already migrated to other parts of the world. There's your full time job, kids, sidelines and other activities that occupies the day leaving no room to keep in touch with migrant friends. That's why it's a most welcome treat to hear from them and see how they are doing now.

Maria "Sweet" Corazon Reodique has been in the US for the past six years. A BS Accountancy graduate, she left the Philippines shortly after finishing her college degree. Lots of trials enveloped her first few years working abroad but this did not dampen her spirits. By sheer hard work and perseverance, Sweet, landed a good accounting job and now she's living independently in her own apartment with her own car. What a treat!

Sweet came home a few times in the 6-year duration, mostly during Christmas vacations. When asked what she misses most about the Philippines --- Sweet blatantly says it's the sense of humor Pinoys have. She said, "We Filipinos are not afraid to laugh at ourselves that's why we don't get depressed easily."

Quite true! Filipinos always find a reason to smile or joke around even in the most depressing situations. Sweet adds, "its not like that in the US. Life is serious here". Back here in the Philippines, Sweet loves to drop by friends' offices just to say hi and have a small chat.

Unfortunately, she can't do that in the US. She says, "Everything here is scheduled. I can't just pop in a friend's place or office without appointment; for sure they won't be able to see me even for a while."

In Philippines that is quite unimaginable. There's always a time to spare when a friend calls or drops by the office to say hi. It must be tough working there. "And here, everybody is in a hurry all the time", Sweet says of her lifestyle now. "I miss taking my sweet time and enjoying everything I do coz I don't get to do it here, she adds."

Apart from the usual family, food and bonding Filipino migrants miss most about the Philippines, this one is not so common. Everybody knows how fast paced America's lifestyle is but it's a huge difference when you have to live with it too. For many of us who has never experienced how to live in the super fast lane, we must be thinking it's the last thing we will miss given the chance to work in the US. After all, you can only appreciate something only after it's been taken away from you.

Sweet says, "I still want to cherish life's simple pleasures even while working here in the US, that's why I make it a point to get out of the city and take time out to relive the relaxed lifestyle I used to have back in the Philippines every time I can."

Missing the Philippines' Exciting Life

For Wesley Chua, the Philippines will always be a more exciting place than Canada. He migrated to that country in September 2005.

But life in Canada does have its benefits. He therefore harbors no plans to return to the Philippines permanently in the near future.

The 31-year-old Chinoy is a person through whose veins runs printer's ink. The craft of journalism is for him more than just a job.

It is for him a passion. Hence, this for him is his chosen career in Toronto as it was in Manila.

From 1996 to 2005 , he worked as a reporter for Manila's Chinese Commercial News and covered various beats. Today, he is news editor of Ming Pao Daily, a Mandarin language newspaper in his adopted land.

This job he landed only a month after migrating to Canada. His very first and only job there since then, his love of the journalistic craft has made him stick to newspapering. This even if he admits he could find better paying jobs in his new country.

He says life in Canada, when compared to the Philippines, is very quiet and even boring. People stick to their routines mostly. "They go to work in the mornings on weekdays; buy their groceries on weekends; and do their holiday shopping when the season is around," according to him.

This is so much unlike the Philippines where many go out on "gimiks" with their friends on Saturday nights. Metro Manila's malls -- such as Robinson's and SM -- are also bigger and offer more malling activities than Toronto's.

Alcohol sales in Canada are also strictly regulated. Wesley today misses the fact that in the Philippines, one can buy beer or liquor from any store with a government permit. "Here, only government stores can sell them," he says.

He also finds the Philippine press livelier than Canada's . What he misses are its coverages of scandals, the tsismis it carries, and the circus that is the ratings wars between ABS-CBN and GMA TV.

By comparison, the Canadian press is bland and boring.

But life in Canada does have its talking points. Chief among these are the country's welfare programs. They assure that all in that country -- immigrants included -- will never want for the basic needs in life.

"The basics -- food, clothing, and shelter -- are not a problem here," Wesley says. There is mandatory unemployment insurance that tides one over if one has been laid off from one's job. Mandatory pension plans are also administered more efficiently than in the Philippines.

He likewise points out to Canada's health care system as another plus point for this country. Annual medical checkups and visits to the doctor for treatments are paid for by government.

"The only things you have to pay for are the medicines," Wesley says as he notes they cost more than they do in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Wesley has observed that the Canadian press is more responsible than the Philippine press. Journalists there always insist of getting both sides of a controversy.

He still keeps in touch with developments in the Philippines by way of the Internet. This he does by logging on regularly to the Websites of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN, GMA TV, and the Chinese Commercial News. He also listens frequently to online audio streams from DWIZ and DZBB.

According to him, there are Pinoy stores and Asian supermarkets in Toronto where he can buy everyday Philippine items such as Mang Tomas sauce, Datu Puti vinegar, and Lucky Me Noodles. Every Christmas, he hangs a parol in his rented room bought from one of these stores.

Wesley has no plans of returning to the Philippines in the near future. Late this 2008 or early 2009, he shall be taking on Canadian citizenship.

Back to Old Roots

Sherille Pedron- Sevilla was barely eight years old when her entire family moved to the US. It all started when her father was offered a rare chance to work there as an engineer and bring his entire family to live there with visa provided. As expected, they flew to the US back in August 1986.

For 22 years, living in the United States and all, the family had been accustomed to the ways of westerners, adapting gradually to the changes and have maintained a vast circle of friends and acquaintances. Sherille, along with her siblings, have been very successful in finishing their studies and pursue respective careers, a thing that her parents are truly proud of. When asked what they truly miss in the Philippines, Sherille says, “Of course, my relatives. We don't have real family here, just adopted ones. ”

In the past, they managed to visit and come back. The last was in the 1990’s. There were other visits but neither are they complete or well-spent. “I would love to have to have a vacation there every year. But is is so hard to get away from our commitments here. It's also so expensive to go on vacation there. Everytime we go to the Philippines, we have to set aside 1 month off work. Being there for a couple of days is just not enough. So time and money are really the biggest factors that hinder me and Angel from visiting. ”

If there is one thing that makes this country truly worth- remembering for her, it was the way she had been with her relatives and the relationships they shared. For a long time, distance has never kept her mind off from a family they left behind decades ago and experiences appear to be distinct and clear as ever.

“I really wish that I had the luxury of growing up with cousins and my aunts. I really miss having a big family. During my wedding, I really wanted everyone to be there to share in my big day. Every holiday, I always think of them and how nice it would be if everyone was here.

I don't have too many many memories. Only of my cousin Jinky who would stay for 3 days to 1 week in Manila with me. We would play together and I thought it was like Christmas when she visited. She was my best friend when I was little and remember playing house with her a lot.”

And for someone who seems to have missed the Philippines this much, Sherille with her hubby Angel, who happens to be a lawyer and a true blooded Pinoy, is also receptive to the idea of acquiring a property here some time in the future. “Maybe, a vacation house will do.”

But she is quick to add that she’s having second thoughts more so valid reasons before considering such. Their present condition, and profession alongside her husbands’ plus the adjustments they need to address later on. She is quite honest to even say that she has no plans whatsoever to come and live here permanently.

“I don't see myself ever living in the Philippines simply because I am so accustomed to life here. Plus, being in the medical field, it would hard to adjust to the medical practices there. It truly is so different.

In addition, being that my husband is a lawyer, he would also have to adjust to different law practices. He and I would literally be starting over. Having gone to school for so long for our careers, starting over would be a really big decision and a highly unlikely one.”

With those being said, she is not closing her doors at all. She plans to go here whenever time permits to. In fact, there is one planned come June of 2009. Her fondness for nature brings her back to old roots, seeking to visit renowned places and tourist destinations, the Philippines have been famous for.

“Yes, in June 2009. I can't wait. Of course, I am looking forward to seeing family. I am also really excited to visit El Nido, Boracay, and other awesome sites in the Philippines!"

Sherille thinks of the US as her new found home but keeps in her heart the place, where she dealt with good old faces and heart-warming embraces. It could be true that life there is far better yet the memories are so precious for her to not even recall. It is good to find people thinking of us, the Philippines, the way they do. Who would have thought that there is a medical doctor in training, somewhere in Benicia, California traveling down memory lane as vivid as an eight-year old? For all we know, there are quite a number yearning for the Philippines too.

Doing something for the Philippines

Nanette Alcaro, with her husband Jonno Alcaro, are fast becoming familiar names in the Internet sector locally.

Prior to becoming an Internet entrepreneur, Nanette had a 20-year hotel career having worked in Manila’s Intercon, Hyatt and Peninsula, and later in Peninsula New York (NY), Plaza Athenee NY, and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, as Director of Sales and Marketing. "I was very fortunate because all these were deluxe properties so I enjoyed the perks and glamor of the job!"

Nanette left the Philippines in 1984. Admittedly, she always envisioned herself in NY in the ‘80’s. "I decided to go there myself. In fact, when my family moved to the U.S., they all settled in San Francisco. But as soon as I got to NY, I just loved the energy and felt at home!"

Adjusting and loving NY
Like most Filipinos who moved to the US, Nanette had her culture shock and exclaims that there's no place like the Big Apple. "When I got here, everything was so big – from the cities and buildings (in Manhattan), to serving portions in restaurants, to chicken in the supermarket, and even a head of garlic was so much bigger than what I was used to!

Everything there is on a grand scale and truly an overpopulated melting pot of all nationalities! I don’t know if I would call them fears and apprehensions as much as I would call them adjustment periods. I definitely had to adapt because you had to do everything by yourself! No maids, no drivers. I learned how to cook, do laundry, clean the house and commute in Manhattan by subway and bus, because taxis were so expensive! And yes, one had to be tough to survive NY!"

Nanette lived a hectic life as she worked 14-hour days and traveled every other month. First around America, then Europe, and South America as part of her job. "I had no life but I did what I had to do. I guess traveling and having the perks in my job was how I coped. I traveled business class, stayed in leading hotels of the world, wined and dined in the best restaurants on a corporate expense account. Not bad!"

She was also involved with Opus Dei and that made her very focused and strong. "In NY, there is so much that could distract you because everything is available at a price."

Missing the Philippines
Despite enjoying the life in NY, Nanette cherishes her good old days in the Philippines and friends. "I missed the parties, hanging out, and the food! New York City was really tough. It was simply hard work at first and I eventually got burned out. That was why I came back for a year to try and bring back the good ol’ days.

But things had already changed and so have I then. God always has a reason which is not always apparent to us at the moment but certainly takes on a different meaning in hindsight."

She has gone back to the Philippines for a vacation in 1997, and then again in 2005 with Jonno and daughter Marion. "Since then, I’ve gone on business trips in 2006 and 2007. Hopefully, Jonno and I can come together every summer."

Doing something for the Philippines
When Nanette met her husband, Jonno, she dropped her entire career and became housewife, mom, and domestic goddess. When Marion started full day schooling, they established Archipelago 7107, Inc., an Internet company building communication tools for all Filipinos worldwide. Their websites include Kababayan.ph, Barangay.ph and soon to be launched FilipinoYellowPages.ph. These projects aspires to serve as a resource and community center for all Filipinos overseas.

The idea started when Nanette took her family to Manila for the first time in 2005. "I saw all the real estate development and technology advances but was shocked at the poverty that still existed there. I came home telling my husband that having been so blessed, I would like to do something with and for the Philippines. So I convinced him to work with the Philippines instead of China or Vietnam which was where he was gearing to."

Giving in to Nanette's request, Jonno conceptualized Kababayan.ph and Barangay.ph as he had been in the Internet business, having co-founded and co-owned part of YellowPages.com. (sold to SBC and BellSouth in 2004)

"We wanted to do something that would somehow help support the economy in the Philippines. He conceived the business model for the market of Barangay.ph and we later expanded it to include other 'buildings' so eventually made it a village."

Today, Kababayan.ph functions as a global Filipino white pages where one can search for long lost family and friends. While Barangay.ph is their global Filipino village portal that showcases all things Filipino.

Lessons learned
Nanette reflects on her lessons learned from what she heard from a Filipino priest in NY. "During his sermon, he said that 'when we want something so badly, we should work like only we can make it happen, and pray like only God can make it happen!' Doing this, you simply cannot fail!"

As of this writing, Nanette plans to retire in the U.S. but would love to go to the Philippines regularly with Jonno and Marion.

A Teenager Adjusting in America

Many Filipinos, regardless of their social status in society, have an American dream which they would like to pursue in one way or another. It is as if they have convinced themselves that Uncle Sam’s homeland is a big open door where, like magic, all their dreams could come true. It is like the American country is a cradle of all the answers to all the thinkable problems and frustrations they have in life.

"Lola told me that you have to work really hard in America to be successful. You can’t just sit there and wait for your dreams to become true overnight. For many Filipinos here, they are not just competing against your fellow kababayan and other nationalities, but as well as with the natives of America," Norman related when he was asked about his American dream.

"I don’t actually have any American dream that could be called like. I am here for a different reason. I am not really that happy because I am here, although I must admit that I enjoy a lot of opportunities around here, in addition to the fact that I get to know more of my relatives in my father’s side."

Norman Ababan, now 19, left the country in December 2006 to finally re-unite with his father’s family in Union City , California . That day, he remembered, he felt half of his soul was being stripped apart from him, that any moment he wanted to change his mind and rather stay in his beloved humble country.

"I know it may sound foolish but if only I had another choice, I would rather stay there. I know I belong there.

It was a bit weird when you go out and see a lot of Americans around you. That was a funny part. Back in the Philippines , many told me I was tall for my age. Right here, I suddenly felt small compared to the kids here. It was like I always had to remind myself, uh-uh, I am no longer in the Philippines anymore.”

Norman never really had a hard time adjusting in the US. Most of his days during the first couple of months after his arrival, was with the immediate family. They also have Filipino neighbors and friends there. At first, he had to adapt to the American time and weather. But it has never become a problem at all. He busied himself by going out with his cousins and new friends.

"It was really lonely the first time I arrived here, I missed so many things back home. You really have to do something to occupy yourself so that you won’t think so much about the Philippines . Funny thing was, there were so many things that reminded me of home. We have tuyo here, although I don’t really eat tuyo. Lola always cooks Filipino dishes, just two days ago, she cooked pinakbet.”

In his third month, his lola let him to have a job in one of the local bakeries here. It helped Norman to enjoy his new life. He was able to mingle with more Americans and made friends with most of them.

Things are really doing fine for Norman. Many people were willing to help him cope with his new life now. However, whenever they hear bad news about the Philippines, he couldn’t help but get upset.

"When I learned about those things, bad news in particular, about our country, I really get depressed. Sometimes I realize, we are losing so much because we have never learned to love our own country like the Americans do for their country. I just hope that the time will come, the pride and passion Filipinos felt for the Philippines once in a while would be a lifetime commitment.”

Norman doesn't know how long before he would be able to go back or visit the Philippines. He admitted that he is starting to create his own dreams, even though he insisted to say that those dreams are truly Pinoy. He is planning to save money and put up a business when he returns to the Philippines.

"In everything I do, I make sure that I am doing the good stuff. So that, in my own simple way, I could show to many Americans that we are just like the other races in the world, who deserves respect and does much more better things than the exaggerated news circulating in the papers about the Philippines."