Charter of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities

It's been approximately a year since my candidacy for a council position in the Town of Canmore, and this time has been filled with a wealth of experiences—both opportunities and challenges alike. For each of these experiences, I hold deep gratitude, recognizing the chance to share my journey through this blog post as a blessing from our Creator.

Relocating to Canmore presented its unique set of challenges, particularly in my quest to forge new connections. Despite possessing strong communication skills, which I was eager to apply across various roles, I encountered limitations in employment opportunities, often being steered towards housekeeping positions due to my Filipino background. This experience shed light on broader issues within the community, encompassing not only housing and staffing shortages but also the subtle nuances of discrimination.

My employment with the Town of Canmore marked a significant turning point, offering a glimpse into the community's dedication to fostering an environment of inclusivity and action against discrimination. This experience has been a testament to the progress being made towards embracing diversity within the town.

I am profoundly thankful for the protections afforded by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, especially the right to free speech—something I felt was constrained during my earlier years in the Philippines. Upon pledging allegiance to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2017, I committed myself to uphold the values of a good Canadian citizen, prioritizing humility, kindness, and a commitment to making a positive impact within my community.

When I stepped in to the battlefield of politics, I had the privilege of encountering individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique story. Among these, a homeless man stood out—a father who, in his sacrifice for his child's well-being, had given up everything. His commitment to sobriety and his dedication to volunteering at community events to feed others in similar situations struck a chord with me. His actions highlighted a poignant truth: while many of us possess the capacity to assist, we often choose inaction. It reinforced my belief that it is a communal responsibility to ensure he, and others like him, have the support to find a home away from the streets. This isn't merely a task for politicians but a collective endeavor that demands community engagement.

This summer, I also had the honor of spending a day with MP Rechie Valdez, the first Filipino-Canadian elected to the Parliament, exploring Canmore and Banff. Our day began with engagements with Filipino leaders and entrepreneurs in Canmore, where I introduced her to the Canmore's historic Engine Bridge, which she adored. Despite it being our first meeting, our shared values on kindness and community immediately resonated. As the day wrapped up with a serene sunset at Quarry Lake, MP Valdez encouraged me to deepen my commitment to leadership and consider running as a provincial candidate for Alberta's Members of the Legislative Assembly. Her advice was invaluable, and naturally, our conversation ventured into exploring solutions for the housing challenges in Canmore and its vicinity, seeking ways to make a tangible difference.

During the summer's Canada Day celebration, many residents of Canmore witnessed me proudly standing atop the Filipino float, a moment of immense pride and joy for me and the Filipino community in Canmore. To our delight, Mayor Sean Krausert declared our float the overall champion of the parade. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time the Filipino community participated in Canmore's Canada Day parade. Adorned in the traditional Filipino "Barong" and waving the Philippine flag affixed to a hockey stick, I embodied the spirit of my Filipino-Canadian heritage. Each time we passed a fellow Filipino spectating on the streets, I could see a glimmer of hope in their eyes. They radiate a message: "Finally, they see us. We do not have to fear anymore."

The win was big news for the Filipino Community in the whole world. An international Filipino channel called OMNI TV aired the report. As of 2 months airing it, there 2 million viewers on social media on top of millions who watch it from their TV. The news was heard by the Filipinos all over the globe and it gave them hope. I have received about 5,000 comments and I could not reply to all of them anymore and direct messages to my inbox expressing their joy. It's quite the deal for us because it takes at least ten years before a Filipino who moved abroad to recover financially and those ten years are very challenging and discrimination just makes it worse. Personally, it also felt I lost ten years of my life because I had to start backwards and learn how to interact and live in the western world.

Politics can be daunting. At times, it feels as though adversaries lurk around every corner. Yet, the moments when you encounter enlightened individuals offer a profound sense of purpose. Why venture into politics, one might wonder? Initially, my aspirations were far removed from this path—I dreamt of being an artist. But the stark reality I faced upon moving to Canada was one of hunger and homelessness, a stark contrast to my life in the Philippines. In this new land, I grappled with homesickness and battled mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.

Before I moved to Canada, my father contemplated returning to the Philippines as his attempt at securing permanent residency fell through due to the company's closure. The specter of deportation loomed over us. Miraculously, just a month before his intended departure, we were granted with landed immigrant status for him and our family arrived. However, affording the journey to embrace this new beginning meant accruing debt—a financial burden we've yet to overcome.

My journey in Canada began in Vancouver, where the hustle and bustle of city life eventually became overwhelming, leading me on a cross-country quest to Peggy's Cove. During a particularly difficult period in the city, the image of the ocean and a lighthouse became a beacon of hope, steering me away from despair. Determined to witness this symbol of hope in person, I set a goal to visit Peggy's Cove as a milestone on my path to Canadian citizenship.

Armed with nothing more than a 75-litre backpack, my adventure led me through Canada's varied landscapes, relying on buses, taxis, hitchhiking, and my own two feet. My travels unveiled the beauty of Canmore, allowed me to immerse myself in Quebec's rich culture and language for six months, and even saw me attempting to settle in Montreal. Although the language barrier in Montreal presented challenges in finding fulfilling employment, the kindness and support I received in Quebec highlighted the generosity of its people. This journey was more than just a physical traversal of Canada's vast expanse; it was a pilgrimage in search of hope, community, and a place to call home.

"Silver Lining" this is my painting of Peggy's Cove that artsPlace sold in an auction. To the person who bought this painting, thank you very much and I was able to buy some groceries and send some food to the Philippines. This painting means a lot to me and I hope it keeps inspiring you.

I found a special warmth in the Maritimes, where the kindness and hospitality were truly heartwarming. Strangers welcomed me with open arms, offering delicious meals. In Lunenberg, a generous individual treated me to a seafood pizza that was nothing short of exquisite, topped with freshly caught lobster and mixed seafood, all draped in a rich Alfredo sauce. However, the highlight of my journey was witnessing the iconic lighthouse at Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. The Atlantic Ocean, with its majestic and mysterious nature, reinvigorated my zest for life and the courage to face challenges.

Out of all the places I've explored, Canmore captured my heart the most, sparking a desire to call it home. I envisioned myself thriving as an artist amidst its majestic mountains, which became my sanctuary for hiking and inspiration for numerous paintings. Despite initially working in the hospitality industry for accommodation, the ongoing housing crisis in Canmore made living there a constant challenge. I forged friendships with people from across the globe, many of whom, regrettably, had to leave due to affordability issues. Working in hostels, I encountered fellow travelers, each with their own unique stories, enriching my life with their narratives. My heart remains open, always ready to embrace more tales.

Entering politics was a decision driven by a desire to advocate for those marginalized within our community, despite feeling like the least qualified for the role. Initially aspiring to be an artist rather than a politician, I've come to embrace the unexpected turns of life. Following the local elections, I was approached by a provincial party to represent them, a testament to the impact of my municipal campaign and the grassroots movement I led. Their interest, spurred by my considerable support base, highlights the unpredictable journey life has in store and the roles we find ourselves in, often far from where we started.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY_Zxldf3bs

Among the grassroots initiatives I spearheaded is the Canmore Chess Club – a venture that quickly flourished, allowing us to extend our passion to the Banff Chess Club. Currently, we are collaborating with Stoney Health Services and various educational staff to introduce chess in Morley through the Mînî Thnî Chess Club. Chess has become a unifying force, drawing people from diverse backgrounds together. A notable accolade came from the Recreation Manager of the Town, who remarked that the Canmore Chess Club is the most diverse user group she's seen. This diversity is something I take pride in, as our members range from a talented 4-year-old Chinese girl to a spirited 79-year-old man, all sharing a common passion for chess. Our club welcomes individuals regardless of their ability to speak English and embraces gender diversity. My vision extends beyond Canmore; I aim to share the game of chess with the indigenous communities, honoring those who have lived on this land for generations.

Last week in Morley, I joined the native community for Truth and Reconciliation Day, reflecting on the tragic history of Indigenous people in Canada, which resonates with my own experiences as an Indigenous person from the Philippines. Like many Indigenous communities here, my ancestors faced oppression and cultural erasure by colonizers. Despite our struggles, I've found a sense of unity with Indigenous Canadians, symbolized by the phrase "Wazin Ichinabi" — highlighting our interconnectedness. During a conversation with Senator Karen Sorensen, I suggested updating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to include "Responsibilities," a concept often overlooked in Western societies. While I understand this view might be controversial, my intent is to contribute to a more balanced and inclusive dialogue on rights and responsibilities.

Photos with Chief Clifford Poucette of Wesley First Nation, Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert, Banff Mayor Corrie Dimanno, Senator Karen Sorensen and Member of the Parliament Blake Richards

During the last campaign, we held a forum where candidates had booths to connect with voters. During this event, a candidate approached me with campaign materials from another candidate. After a brief conversation, the candidate left, leaving the materials on my booth. When I asked them to retrieve their materials, they shrugged and walked away. This experience, coupled with other instances of racism I've faced, left a lasting impact. It raises questions about the need to update the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to better address issues of discrimination and equality in Canada.

I'm currently giving serious thought to whether I'll run in the provincial election. I've been meeting with municipal staff, councilors, and mayors in the riding to gauge interest. Some are excited about the idea, while others already have a candidate in mind. Despite feeling daunted by the responsibility, I'm interested in exercising my right to stand as a candidate, particularly to advocate for marginalized groups like Canadian aboriginals and people of color.

If you're a candidate reading this, you might believe you're the one to represent these communities, but do you truly embody that commitment? How will you earn my vote if I decide not to run? Will you resort to bullying tactics to silence dissent? Resorting to controversy over this blog post would only amount to bullying.

Recently, I've had the honor of serving as an emcee for Headstrong, a youth anti-stigma initiative led by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Through this role, we conduct mental health workshops nationwide, providing students with a safe space to discuss their struggles and seek support. These experiences have been incredibly inspiring, and I'm eager to continue sharing these impactful stories with others. Additionally, I proudly serve as a Steering Committee member for the Bow Valley Participatory Action Research project.

Kindness lies at the heart of mental health, and it's crucial for addressing community issues like bullying, discrimination, and environmental irresponsibility. As our healthcare services face strain and shortages, I urge everyone to extend kindness to healthcare providers who are tirelessly serving our communities. They deserve our utmost respect and support. Let's remember to be kind to one another.

While reflecting on life's uncertainties, I feel compelled to address the importance of empathy and understanding towards those facing hardships. It's disheartening to hear wealthy individuals dismiss the struggles of the less fortunate, perpetuating stigma and inequality. I implore everyone to cultivate empathy and compassion, recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every individual.

Despite the weight of these challenges, I remain hopeful for a brighter future. If I have more time on this earth, I'm committed to continuing my advocacy for humanity and mental health. And if anyone is willing to lend a helping hand with my personal struggles, particularly in securing housing and sustenance, your support would be deeply appreciated. Otherwise, I may find myself among the candidates in the upcoming provincial election, where the battle for justice and equity will be paramount.

Ultimately, our faith should not rest in politics but in the divine Creator. Until we meet again, thank you for joining me on this journey.

Thanks be to God.