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DINNER TIME (On the eyes of a foreign caregiver)

Ready to process your application for Permanent Residence? Good for you! Here are following links that could help you make your application smoother. Good luck!

1.Get a copy/download application forms and instructions in filling up the forms, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/notice-permanent.asp

click http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/live-in.asp

2.Renewal/amendment/replacement of Philippine passport: www.philcongen-toronto.com/consular/docs/PassportRenewal.pdf

3. Securing a police certificate from overseas like,Hong Kong: http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/11_useful_info/cert_no_crime.html#oversea

Philippines NBI clearance: http://www.philcongen-toronto.com/consular/consular_notarial.php

and http://www.nbi.gov.ph/faq.htm

4. Medical Exams in Canada (incase required): www.cic.gc.ca/dmp-md/medicalinfo.aspx and for designated Medical practitioners in Ontario Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca/dmp-md/medicalinfo.aspx?CountryID=2042&ProvID=15205&ProvinceName=Ontario&CountryName=Canada 

(Please take note that the second medical exam is no longer required but CIC will still require you to do so if they see it otherwise.)

Medical Exams/ Designated Medical Practitioners in the Philippines: http://www.cic.gc.ca/dmp-md/medicalinfo.aspx?CountryID=2009&CountryName=Philippines

5. Processing times for Permanent Residence (Live-in Caregiver): www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-other.asp

There could be changes on information and policies relevant to your application so it is important to check the www.cic.gc.ca website from time to time.

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Important websites (Application for Permanent Residence Status)

I am always checking the mail these days. My neighbour and even the mail man would’ve noticed that exactly at 10:30, I am at the mailbox. I have been waiting like this for a month now. And every day, I turned on my heel without the much awaited Permanent Resident card. It has been 15 months since I passed my application to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

I remembered I told Menchie, a friend of my sister who was narrating how she suffered just to get her PR: “You crawled for your PR like a thirsty man on the dessert crawls for water.”

I never expected that I would more or less, experience what she went through.

I entered Canada through the Live-in Caregiver Program via Hong Kong. Since I arrived in 2007, I am required to finish a total of 24 months work as a Live-in Caregiver before I can apply as a permanent resident of Canada. (Rece

nt changes states that those who arrived April 01, 2010 can complete the 24-months requirement within 4 years.)

My first employer was based in British Columbia. I opted to be released after 2 months of work since prior to their application for me in Hong Kong, they already hired somebody from the Philippines and had been waiting for her for two years. Tired of waiting, they cancelled their application for her but the cancellation reached the Philippine embassy late. She was already granted her Visa. Ultimately, only one of us can remain. I volunteered to leave for Toronto.

Upon arriving in Toronto, I immediately sought employment. Since I was changing employers, I have to get a new work permit. I was given a new work permit which will expire to that of my Philippine passport.

The months passed quickly before I noticed that I only have two months before my passport will expire. But then two things happened: First, I was not able to have a day-off. The day that I was supposed to go out and processed my renewal, the father of my ward who’s supposed to relieve me was called in for emergency. He is a paramedic. My ward is a special child. He needs special care and there’s only three of us who knows how to feed him; Second, when I was able to process my renewal, the usual 2-week passport renewal process of the Philippine Consulate became a month-long processing since all passports are to be printed in the Philippines to be machine-readable. The consulate in Toronto doesn’t have the machine yet.

My new passport arrived one day after my work permit expired. I called the CIC for advice and was told that I lost my status in the process and need to apply for “Extension of Stay and Restoration of Status.” Further, I will be losing the months that I cannot work due to my loss of status. I received my work permit and restoration of status after almost 4 months.

I finally completed the 24 months requirement just 3 months before my 3-year limit. I submitted my application for PR and Open Permit on May, 2010. When I submitted, the CICs website said that the processing of Open Permits take 6-8 months. Granted that, I wasn’t worried that I will be on an implied status for three months before my Open Permit arrives. I was also assured by the CIC (when I called) that it is alright to be on an implied status providing you will still remain with your current employer.

It was late when I checked the CICs website after 4 months. The website said that the processing of PR will take 12 months for initial assessment and up to 15 months for the final assessment. (Take note that the recent changes on the LCP was the removal of the second medical exam prior to approval of PR. This was meant to facilitate the easier and speedier processing of PRs for caregivers. With the sudden changes of processing times, said change seemed irrelevant. It defeats its purpose.

I was left on an “implied status” which also means you cannot work for another employer, cannot apply for OHIP, and you can leave Canada but will have a hard time getting back in. You are stuck. I am stuck.

But then again, there are lessons to learn from my experience. For those who are on the process of submitting their applications, take note of the following. It might save you the distress I’m currently in.

1. Gather and check all necessary papers. Be sure that you have filled up the forms correctly and accurately to avoid delays.

     2. Make sure to have personal copies of the papers you submitted.

     3. If you will be on an implied status, better apply for another work permit. It is better to be safe than sorry. Again, I reiterate, you cannot apply for an OHIP on an implied status and travelling outside Canada is not advisable because you can’t or may have a hard time getting in.

    4. Check the processing times. The initial assessment posted on the CIC’s website last year said that the initial assessment is 12-14 months and final assessment is 15 months. They kept changing every time. Last time I checked, the initial assessment takes 14-16 months! Submit your applications the soonest you can. You never know, they might change the processing time to 2 years.

     5. Stay positive. The processing times may take longer than necessary but it doesn’t help to keep fretting about it specially so if there’s no reason that your application can be denied.

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The wait for Permanent Residency

Your Sunlife financial advisor

Do you have insurance?  This is probably one of the most asked question posed on a caregiver upon arrival in Canada. Buying insurance has been touted and advised again and again to the community of caregivers as an added protection against uncontrollable events such as sudden death, accident, or illness.

 Why buy insurance?

 “Caregivers and skilled workers who are in very vulnerable work situations need insurance. There had been numerous cases where a caregiver suddenly died, diagnosed with incurable disease, and had an accident. It is a sad situation because most of these events, the caregiver has no insurance,” Lilia Metua and Russel Magtalas  , Financial Advisors from Sunlife Financial said. 

“Having an insurance policy and sound financial plan can really mitigate the effects of this situations,” Russel explained “A life insurance is used after death and a critical illness insurance help look after the living and recuperating,” he explained.

 But with so many insurance companies and financial advisors to choose from, how do you pick up an insurance policy?

Lilia and Russel share the following tips from Sunlife:

Choosing an advisor for your financial affairs:

You don’t have to be wealthy to get good advice about your financial matters, but if you want to have a million dollars, you’ll need good advice! In fact, the amount of money you have isn’t relevant. An advisor’s expertise and knowledge can help you accumulate wealth and protect your family and your investments. But before choosing the person who’s right for you, it’s important to do your homework.

The first thing you must do is establish your financial goals. Be specific, and put them in writing. Clear objectives will help you create a plan with dollar value and within a specific time frame. To say I want to be wealthy is a desire. To say I want to have a million dollars by the time I’m 65 is a clear financial goal.

Once you know what you want, an advisor can help you develop a strategy to begin your journey to your targets. Often your incoming money and outgoing expenses will be organized into a budget. Your assets and liabilities may be included in a net worth analysis. It’ll help you see how realistic your expectations or goals are. And it’ll guide you as you make crucial decisions about how much life, disability, and health insurance you’ll need to safeguard your livelihood and your family’s security.

It’s also important to know your own level of financial knowledge and how that’ll influence your need for advice. If you’re just starting to build your financial plan, you may need more assistance, for example understanding insurance and investment terms. On the other hand, if you’re experienced, you may want more input into your financial strategy.

The next step is to choose an advisor. Before you talk to potential candidates about your personal financial information, you should always check their credentials. Are they accredited with a recognized financial industry organization? Are they licensed to sell insurance products? Which investments are they licensed to sell? Are they licensed to provide financial planning?

Interview your advisor

Here are more important questions you can ask your potential advisor:

• What qualifies you to make decisions about my life and money?
• Do you have three client references, not including family or friends?
• Are you allowed to sell one company’s products, or several?
• What kinds of insurance are you able to provide?
• How can I get updates on my holdings?
• Do you provide sample portfolios and their historical performance?
• Can you design a strategy tailored to my financial goals and based on my risk tolerance?
• Do you have relationships with other professionals who can help me?
• How are you compensated and what commissions do you make?

Advisors may charge an hourly rate, a percentage of assets under management, or receive a commission from the sales fees on the insurance and investments recommended. Make sure you understand how your advisor is compensated. And keep in mind, fees paid to advisors are tax deductible.

All this may take time and effort, but it’s worth it to find an advisor you trust and feel comfortable with. You wouldn’t trust the first dentist you come across in a directory to work on your teeth.

Be sure to channel a portion of your inquisitive energy into checking out books, magazines, and the Internet. A great place to start is www.sunlife.ca/myfinancialplan.

Asking the right questions, and adding some research of your own will enable you to choose an advisor who can help you set a wide variety of clear goals, from providing for your family to becoming a wealthy by the age of 65!

For more information on insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact Lilia and Russel at their following addresses: Lilia- lilia.metua@sunlife.com;  Russel – russel.magtalas@sunlife.com.

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Insurance and You (A Note from Sunlife Financial)



Sen. Drilon encourages further talks on the Dual Citizenship Act

Philippine Senator Franklin Drilon, in his Toronto visit last June 25, 2011 stressed the benefits of the Dual Citizenship Act or RA 9225 as he is also seek to find on the other hand why there is not much support from Filipinos overseas on the bill after it was enacted.

“Dual citizenship gives you the 1.) right to vote, 2.) right to exercise profession and 3.) right to acquire property in the Philippines,” he stressed.

RA 9225 became a law when there was a strong movement of Filipinos in the United States who wanted to go back in the Philippines in 2003.

“But there are not much takers and results are not encouraging,” Drilon said, “According to the Immigration, there are only 34,000 who re-applied for citizenship; of these, 3.5% are from Northeast US and only 5% from Midwestern US.”

The reason for a low taker on this bill, accordingly, is because of two misconceptions. Sen. Drilon clarified that 1.) that to file for dual citizenship, there is no need to renounce one’s naturalized citizenship, and that 2.) income made outside the Philippines is not subject to Philippine income tax. All income overseas is tax-free.

Drilon encourage Filipinos outside the country to contribute on the improvement of the law.

DOT launches 2011-16 as Pinoy Homecoming years

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism declared the years 2011-16 as “Pinoy Homecoming” in their aim to attract Filipinos abroad particularly reaching out to the third and fourth generations to re-visit their parent’s country of origin.

Pinoy Homecoming is a more organized and localized programs to cater to the needs of balikbayans. They have forge partnerships with Local Government Units, commercial establishments, and Duty-free Philippines to make balikbayans visit a memorable one.  

Under the program, balikbayans are treated to a travel tax exemption and Visa free for a whole year, and enjoy more privileges under the Balikbayan Plus program.

For more information, click www.pinoyhomecoming.com 

Balikbayan Plus program

The Balikbayan Plus program which is integrated with DOT’s Pinoy Homecoming program is also an added perk for balikbayans from Duty-free Philippines.

Balikbayans have the privilege to:  

1. A tax-free shopping privilege for up to US 1,500.00 upon arrival;
2. A tax-free Kabuhayan shopping privilege of up to US2,900.00. The Kabuhyan Shopping Livelihood Program is used to buy livelihood tools and equipment.

 There are also free entrepreneurial training and llivelihood skills program, from OWWA, TESDA, TRC and other government and private agencies for a minimum requirement.

 A free financial advice and assistance are also available for small business livelihood.

The Balikbayan/OFW Business Center at Duty free caters to a one-stop shop that will process various government requirements.

3. Enjoy the benefits and privileges from a Balikbayan discount card.

Click www.dfp.com.ph for additional information and details.

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Newsbriefs for June, 2011

(Editor’s Note: This column is supposedly MINE! Which means, I have all the liberty to pour all my angst, anger, happiness and whatnots in here and not really care. But I care, of course, that’s why I decided to share this page with fellow caregivers to talk about their lives, their stories. The things that we’re passionate about, the things we do and the small victories that we achieved. So, let’s trade stories and learn from each other along the way. -Analyn Aryo)

Pia is selling well. Even her voicemail sells.

Pia’s voicemail says, “Hi, this is Pia, the sweetest, kind, cheerful, and super beautiful lady. So, if you think you’re cute like me, please leave your message…”

After the tone, you’ll find that her voice mail is full. People must have rushed to leave her messages in case they’re not cute. They are sold.

Pia Vanessa Domingo, is a caregiver and also a top dealer of Avon cosmetics. She ranked 9 among 208 dealers in the Thornhill area in 2009 – a remarkable feat for someone who has to juggle between her full-time as a caregiver and an Avon dealer. To be awarded as a Prestige President Dealer in the Avon Company, one must have a total personal sales amounting to 18,000CAD. Pia had a record sale of CAD 21,800.00 within eight months. Among the top dealers, Pia is the only nanny in the group. 

This recognition she achieved did not come overnight.

Pia started selling Avon cosmetics a few months just after her arrival in Canada in 2007. She would bring her brochure with her whenever she brings her ward to the park. Her fellow nannies were her first customers.

“My ward’s stroller became my delivery truck,” she describes. When my customer’s orders arrive, the stroller would be loaded with deodorants, lipsticks, lip glosses, lotions and others. Luckily for her, her employers were very supportive. They understand that she has to make extra money since she is a single mother for her two children in the Philippines. Her employer’s house became her office where her customers would pick-up or drop off orders.

“Lists of orders from my customers is scattered all over the dining room. My employer would even sometime receive deliveries for me,” Pia shares.

From taking orders in the park, Pia realized that she can reach a higher goal: that is to become a level 1 dealer for Avon which means having a personal sale of CAD 12,800.00.

To reach this goal, Pia made a plan to meet at least 120 people per week and take their e-mail addresses to have wider potential customers. She was able to achieve this by distributing her brochures among her fellow Filipino at the Promenade and Centerpoint malls during Saturdays and Sundays. This is a very smart move since most Filipino nannies and their families love to head on the mall during weekends.

She also launched garage sales in their yard and advertised this making sign posts and posting it singlehandedly all along Bathurst Street and Thornhill areas.  She was thrilled to note that she was able to earn CAD 1, 300.00 that day!

Pia developed a strong customer base from her hardwork and determination. As such, she was also able to share her success with her fellow nannies. In fact, she was able to create her own Avon fashion show for the Association of Caregivers-Thornhill last May 28, 2011. Her models were all caregivers who are passionate for fashion and cosmetics. She was able to create a venue for other caregivers interested in modelling and showcasing her products at the same time. Currently, she is training other caregivers on how to become a top seller in Avon.

Pia admits that it is not easy to achieve one’s goal. She also has to take some risks for her to become a top dealer and maintain being one. “But I believe in the beauty of my dream and that’s why I was able to reach for it. And I wish that other nannies would also believe in the beauty of their dreams. These dreams cannot be reached in a split of a second but is the product of hardwork, determination and dedication.” Pia concludes.

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Pia Vanessa – caregiver, businesswoman

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Big Changes On Caregivers Online

Power Me Up!

“knowledge creates opportunity”

Invest in yourself, build skills, save money and get results!

The majority of caregivers we’ve spoken to didn’t choose to be caregivers.  Caregiving is an entry to the world of possibilities.

While working as a caregiver, investing in yourself and expanding your knowledge and skills will create more opportunities for you in the near future.

Increasing your skills can mean increasing your value and income.  You become more valuable to your employer and can demand a higher pay.

Power Me Up has been training individuals and business owners become more effective in the areas of:

• Communication
• Relationship
• Work

Empower yourself to succeed – click here!

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Caregiver Skills Training

Composed by: Ms. Petronila Cleto
Pet as called by her friends was an Investigative Journalist in the Philippines.
She is currently active in community organizing,educating and empowering caregivers and other people thru theatre and writing.

In the subway, it is darker and later than the afternoon
We sit across each other, with an angle of limp light
Which we bridge and on it we meet

Across layers of silences you know very well
So well that their keenly embroidered fabrics soothe you
Even in the wind-ruled deserts of your sleep
So well that their ancient colours descend
From the mountain peaks where memory began
To your trees and fibrous body
Shaped and spent from the day’s work

And also because you have often had no choice
But look from dusty windows where you
And pain have perched together like able sojourners
To gaze at the wind-borne currents and tides

Across these layers and dusty windows
You can look at me, your sister now,
And with eyes declare that somehow, signals are clear
You don’t look away, and so my eager memory sketches you
Who are also a welcome stranger, who have found joy
In being human through another’s non-foreign eyes,
Non-foreign face, non-foreign hands, non-foreign body
You, who can dive into the deep inside the eyes…

Your daughter looks up from her slumber
One eye wondering at my look, but the other
Lost in her own deserts
Of aloneness
Of strangeness
She must be told!
There are heroes who shine with steadfast beauty
Who have conquered the cliffs and parched lands,
Wrested victory away from the scornful winds of change
They are mirrors to the inner truth:
That the strong heart’s greatness transcends man-made
Terrors and disasters!

We know we consider her future
As we look into each other’s lives
We know there are enormous roots greater than us
Entangling us, reaching out for our blood,
For the stems and buds of our integrity
But we know their stranglehold grows weaker
As ancient spirits grow in wisdom together!
Yes, even here, where the city has jungles
Strewn with sharp and cruel teeth of modern lies!
And so we cannot go each her way, weeping
Beating drums dolorously into the distance –
We will use sturdy bridges of truth
To cross all distances and abysses
Prepare the soil, very like our ancients,
And build terraces to protect the land
Where a new and greater world will grow.

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To a sojourner,on Cordillera Day

I still feel sleepy coming home very late last night and I can still feel the stress, tension and excitement of the night’s big event. The 7 contestants for the Search for Mother of the Year 2011 were all stunning as they pose in front of the judges and audience. They were so enthusiastic to show their talents. With all their wit, they answered the questions directly and always end up with a smile.

Search for Mother of the Year 2011 is a yearly event of the iWWORKERS- Association of Filipino Women Workers but this years’ event is also the launching of “Kwentong Buhay Pinay” (Story of Filipino Women’s Lives). The 5 entries of this story-writing contest were all winners. They shared their experiences as nannies. They were so brave to put into writing the hardships, fears, problems, worries and complication of life that they experienced while they are away with their families and loved ones to work in a foreign land.

The night’s event was attended by more than 100 people composing of the friends and families of the contestants, sponsors –Sun life Company and KAIROS, other donors and members of the different organizations such as FMWM, Migrante, Patac, PNB, Binnadang and the judges’ and adjudicators of the said event.

The hall was full of pressure, anxiety and enthusiasm especially for the contestants until the announcement and awarding of winners. Before the night ends 3 major and 7 minor awards were given away for the Search for Mother of the Year and 3 major awards for the “Kwentong Buhay Pinay”.

Winners and photos will be posted soon.

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Honoring Filipino Women Workers