Tag Archives: Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Reflections on coming home

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Melissa

Yes, I went back to the Philippines after 1 year of leaving it to settle in beautiful British Columbia. I had no plans of returning that soon but it was a welcome respite to Canada’s winter. I have to say friends made it worth my while – it was an emotional trip (I realized what great friends and work! I had left behind) – and I was even rewarded the portrait here (hubby missed me – thank you, hon). Well, there’s the fact that my little boy asked for me in the 10 days I was gone only once (if hubby is to be believed), and he would now cling to his dad instead of me at nights. Not sure too if my daughter missed me (Danvic is proving to be a very adept dad). Yes, there was a trade off. But all in all I think that trip was a winner (thanks to my boss for making it possible).

The main comment I received, however, was that I had little or no photos to show for it. Thing is, I am not one to lug a heavy (or even light) camera. I prefer to replay everything in the privacy of my memory (where I will be free to embellish as necessary).

Here’s what I wrote in the Philippine Canadian Inquirer about it. 

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Human Trafficking: the Canadian Perspective

Modern Day Slavery

The UPAABC held a seminar on human trafficking with some community partners including the UBC Philippine Studies Series and the Liu Institute for Global Issues. The following is an article about the seminar that appeared in the Philippine Canadian Inquirer, another partner.

Human trafficking, sometimes called modern-day slavery, is the stuff a nightmare is made of. The most vulnerable – women and children – are taken from their homes, from their lives, from everything they know, against their will, to live in the underbelly of society, doing unspeakable things and having unspeakable things done to them. It is happening everywhere. It is happening in Canada

Both the destination and transit point for human trafficking, approximately 1,200 persons are trafficked to (and through) Canada each year. Authorities say, however, that the real number could be as high as 16,000.

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