A vacation is a necessity. A prolonged period of time away from work or studies, spent at leisure in rest and recreation. It reduces stress, it rejuvenates. It is good for your health. It is good for you.

I did not know that it was cold when I landed in Calgary in wintertime 35 years ago. I was cooped up in the warm airplane for so many hours of travel from Manila. I later learned there was no snow yet, as winter was late coming that year. I was preoccupied with sadness and resentment – I did not want to leave my home country. But I guess, when it’s written in your fate, that’s the way it goes.

Ever thought of celebrating thanksgiving outdoors? Your balcony nor your backyard doesn’t count. I’m talking about the great, vast Canadian wilderness. May sound a bit odd and unconventional, but this idea has been the best thanksgiving decision our family ever made!

It is important to reflect on one’s heritage. But what if, upon reflection, you realize you don’t think about it that much?

When I was growing up in Quezon City, you could hear Christmas carols on the radio  by early November. Outside our front door would be a big parol.

Bernie Gallofin is set to compete in the World Fitness Championships event of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness.

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver successfully held ‘Barong Filipino’, a live exhibit and fashion show of the national attire for Filipino men on October 6, 2016 at its public reception area.

I came on a student visa to Toronto in the late sixties expecting to go back to Manila in two years at the most.

In 2011, about 800,000 Canadians have memory impairment. As of this year, over 500,000 are suffering from dementia. If this trend continues, around one million will suffer from it by 2031.

Long post but possibly worth the read for those of you who kayak and do not have experience in a rescue situation. I learned a lot in a recent weekend kayak camping at the Upper Kananaskis Lake west of Calgary. There was a lady on our group trip; let's call her Jane, who had a small boat and all her luggage in two big sacks.