An Appeal For Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Typhoon Ondoy that hit the Philippines caused an epic flood in Metro Manila, resulting to many families being displaced. The death toll reported reached to about 50 people, mostly women.

Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/rembcc/

Please help. You can donate to Philippine National Red Cross trough SMS.

Image from http://twitpic.com/jc9j0

For those abroad, you can donate online through TxtPower Paypal account or visit the Philippine National Red Cross website for more information on how you may send your help.

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Canada to host G8 and G20 Summits in 2010

Aside from the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada will be hosting two major summits next year - the G8 Summit and the G20 Summit.

Image from http://sublimefreedom.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/15/

The G20 summit will be held in Muskoka, Ontario in June 2010

"The G8 is smaller, and has a far greater set of shared values and experiences. But it is not a sufficient group to deal with major international economic issues," Prime Minister Stephen Harper told reporters after the summit.

Now that China and India are among the largest economies in the world, "you're past the stage where you can deal with major economic issues with only the established developed countries," he said.

Instead, the smaller group now will focus on national security and non-economic issues, while the G20 will allow China, India, Brazil and others to govern the global economy alongside the Western powers and Japan.

The G20 has existed as a finance ministers' forum since the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s. Elevating it to a formal annual leaders' summit gives emerging markets the voice they have insisted on since their economies were hit with the recent global meltdown. [Source]

The year 2010 is gooing to be a big year for Canada!

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AINP Family Stream Changes Effective September 14, 2009

If you are planning to apply or have just submitted an AINP Family Stream application, please be informed of the following AINP Family Stream changes effective September 14, 2009.

Changes that apply to the Alberta Relative
Former Criteria	New Criteria
Alberta Relative must complete the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support.	Alberta Relative must complete the AINP Family Stream – Affidavit of Support (AINP 006A).
No Settlement Plan required.	Settlement Plan now required with the application as part of the AINP 006A. A Settlement Plan would describe how the Alberta Relative will help the Candidate and any accompanying family members with shelter, food, clothing, finding work in their field and integrating into the community.
On the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support, you must affirm that neither you, nor your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have defaulted or are otherwise obligated to meet the conditions of any other sponsorship agreement entered into with a Government of a Province or Territory of Canada, including the Government of Alberta, or the Government of Canada for another sponsored family member who has obtained their permanent residence in Canada.	On the AINP Family Stream - Affidavit of Support, you must identify whether or not you or your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have submitted previous applications to the AINP Family Stream only and what the status is of those previous applications. Please note that if the Alberta Relative or anyone in the Alberta Relative’s household has already submitted an application under the AINP Family Stream where a decision has not yet been made or where a commitment of support is still in effect, a second application should not be submitted.
Alberta Relative can demonstrate funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) on behalf of the Candidate.	Alberta Relative can no longer demonstrate these funds on behalf of the Candidate. The Candidate or the Candidate’s spouse/common-law partner must demonstrate these funds.
Changes that apply to the Candidate
Former Criteria	New Criteria
Candidate must complete the Family – Application for Nomination (AINP 006).	Candidate must complete the AINP Family Stream – Application for Nomination (AINP 006B).
The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate program of at least one (1) year in duration.	The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program of at least two (2) years in duration.
The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate one of the following: a minimum of three years of full-time work experience within the past four years a minimum of three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years a combination of three years of full-time work experience and full-time post-secondary school within the past four years.	The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate one of the following: a minimum of three years of full-time work experience that is related to individual’s post-secondary credential within the past four years a minimum of three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years a combination of three years of full-time work experience and full-time post-secondary school within the past four years. The education and work experience must be related (i.e. an Engineering degree and working as an Engineer).
Proof of accessible funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) had to be in a recognised Canadian financial institution. If you could not demonstrate these funds in a recognised Canadian financial institution, your Alberta Relative could submit this proof of funds.	Proof of accessible funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) can now be demonstrated from a financial institution in your home country. The Alberta Relative can no longer demonstrate these funds on behalf of the Candidate.

How will these AINP Family Stream changes may affect your application?

If your application was submitted before September 14, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the previous criteria. If you have submitted a complete application, you are not required to complete the new version of the forms or include additional required supporting documentation.

If your application was submitted before September 14, 2009, but your application was returned to you as incomplete on or after September 14, 2009, you will be required to submit a new application and it will be assessed based on the new criteria. When you re-submit your application, you will need to complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you do not submit the new forms, your application will be returned to you.

If your application was postmarked on or after September 14, 2009 but before September 26, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the new criteria. You must complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you submit a complete application with the previous forms during this two week time period, you will receive a letter instructing you to complete and send in the new forms within 30 days. Wait until you receive the letter to send in any new documents.

If your application was postmarked on or after September 26, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the new criteria. You must complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you do not submit the new forms, your application will be returned to you.

To avoid delay in processing of your AINP Family Stream application, please be guided with these changes effective September 14, 2009.

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Landing in Canada: Prepare yourselves

Since more and more are receiving their permanent residents visa fast, the next concern that these applicants will have is how to prepare themselves for their landing in Canada. Here are some tips from a former colleague at Canadian Immigration Consultancy, Ms. Marivic Solis.



She landed in Canada on December 2008. You will learn a thing or two from her experience.

So, this is it! The minute I landed at the Vancouver International Airport, I get to experience the things that I used to tell our clients. Now, putting those tips in reality is another thing. I realized that most of the tips we shared to our clients were the same tips that I applied in my own situation. There are a bit of some deviations but it only boils down to one thing ---- the feeling of landing as an immigrant to Canada is an extraordinary one.

Euphoric first days
The first few days upon landing in Canada is revealing for a first-time immigrant. One good thing about the Canadian government is that they have a well-funded immigrant settlement program. Thanks to the immigrant organizations. I have the opportunity of dealing with the Centre for Newcomers and the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. Both of them have Filipino counselors. (It is a lot different dealing with “kababayans” since they will give you 150% support.) These organization offer more than just providing you with information. CIWA for instance, offers free legal clinic that allows you to talk to an immigration lawyer or to a family lawyer (for free). Also, at CIWA, I had the chance to do volunteer work which counts as a Canadian experience – something that you can put into your resume when looking for a job. I volunteered to work for the Women’s Day and to assist the computer instructor in his classes.

It also pays to be resourceful and find out what programs and services you can benefit out of being a new immigrant. There are more good things than bad --- you get a free bed (the only setback is that you need to wait for a few months). If you go to Scotia Bank and tell them that you are new immigrant, they welcome you by letting you open without putting up a deposit (incidentally, I had already set up my account with another bank until I learned that this bank has a better program for new immigrants.) Scotia Bank will even throw you in with an unsecured credit card!

(By the way, if you chose Alberta, you do not have to pay for your health insurance premium, which is a good thing --- that is around $60 dollars or more off your pocket.)

Job hunting: quite an experience
It was on my first week in Canada that I got a job offer. However, I did not start working on that job since I was asked to report after the holidays. I arrived in Canada shortly before Christmas and everyone was in a holiday mood. I took that opportunity of going through the internet, searching for more job opportunities. It was very tough considering that the recession fever has just set in Calgary and I couldn’t get a job interview not until after Christmas. After turning in so many resumes online, finally, I got another job interview with one of the biggest hospitals in Calgary. Unfortunately, though the HR Manager wanted to hire, he said that he has to follow the hiring policy – which is – that one should be hired if he has the proper qualification. It turned out that I need to get a Medical Assistant Certification. However, it did not discourage me. I still have a few more interviews after this.

Barely after a month of searching, had I finally landed a job that I really wanted. My tip to a new immigrant: keep looking for the job that you wanted to work in. It does not matter if it may take longer but the minute you landed on a job that is not in line, you may have difficulty jumping to another job.

Settling down
With a job in hand, the next thing to do to is to get settled in a community that you want to live. I had to move to 2 different places before I finally decided what area to live in. Factors that I considered is the location of the school, the church, the stores (malls, of course --- knowing how much we Filipinos love to go to the mall), among other things. I am blessed to find a place where it is just walking distance to Wal-Mart and to a Filipino store, of course.

Now, I am settled with a job that I love (and a boss that I love working with!) --- I can’t believe that I will be working in Sales Department. My son goes to school on 3rd Grade. (Going to school is not really free: there are fees to pay but they are minimal as compared to the fees in the Philippines. However, you need to pay for the lunchroom supervision, which is a new thing for us. (It costs $26/monthly). The idea is to have the kids eat their lunch supervised (and make sure that no kid bullies another kid). The only thing that concerns me now is babysitting. I realized how expensive it is to have a nanny here in Canada. (You cannot leave your kids alone if they are below 13.)

One final word…
For those who wanted to immigrate to Canada – be brave enough. It is not easy leaving your comfort zone --- friends, family, officemates -- the environment that you have accustomed to since the day you were born. I have learned to love Canada and its people. Although, most of the times, I still long for Filipino shows (and the Filipino “chismis”). If asked if I have to live my life again, I would still do the same thing, which is, to go to Canada!

This testimony is just a repost from Canadian Dream. I hope Ms. Marivic Solis' story will help you in your preparation for your landing in Canada.

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Minister Kenney issues statement recognizing Eid al-Fitr

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Eid al-Fitr:

“This coming Sunday is a significant day for Muslims around the world as it is Eid al-Fitr. Known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, this holiday marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“It is a time marked by special congregational prayers, charity, and gift-giving. It is also time of great celebration during which Muslims visit family and friends and gather for festive meals.

“For all Canadians, this important Islamic holiday provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that the Muslim community has made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.

“As Prime Minister Harper has said, ‘Pluralism is the principle that binds our diverse peoples together.’

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I offer my best wishes for a happy Eid al-Fitr to all Muslims.

“Eid Mubarak.”

Source: http://cic.gc.ca

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Letter from Baby Daniel's Mother

Unlike in Canada, we don't have a reliable health care system here in the Philippines. Hospitalization for even a simple case is almost always a problem for most average income earners. Now imagine if you have a 5 months old baby who needs a liver transplant. That is exactly the case of Baby Daniel.

Once again, I apologize to my blog readers for cross posting this appeal from Baby Daniel's mother. I did this before for you Yuki and some of you helped. Please help Baby Daniel, too.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My name is Ma. Clarisa Arevalo Samson. I am a mother of two, named Gwyneth Ann and George Daniel. For the meantime, we are living in my parent’s house located at Blk 8 Lot 43,Barangay San Rafael 1, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan,Philippines.

I wrote to you this letter to ask for financial help for our baby George Daniel. My son Daniel was born with a life threatening disease called “Biliary Atresia”. It is a congenital condition characterized by the absence or closure of the bile ducts that drain bile from the liver. Biliary Atresia is a progressive inflammatory process that begins very soon after birth. In Daniel’s case, he was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia when he was already 2 months old. During that time, there was already a significant amount of damage to his liver. White blood cells invaded the ducts, which became damaged or closed completely. Bile was trapped inside the liver and rapidly caused liver cirrhosis.

An operation called “Kasai Method” was done on Daniel by Surgeons Dra. Minas, Dr. Baluga and Dr. Miguel at the UST Hospital last June 10, 2009. It is an operation that removes the damaged biliary ducts outside the liver. Then, the small intestine is directly attached to the liver at the spot where bile is found or expected to drain. This procedure is not a cure but rather a temporary solution to be able to give Daniel some more time to find the necessary funding for his operation and the matching liver type. Unfortunately, although the operation was done, his liver continued to fail. Our doctors told us that there is no other course but to have a liver transplant.

Unfortunately, liver transplant is not yet available locally but it can be done in Taiwan for P3 million pesos. This amount is simply beyond the means of our family. If my son will not be able to have a liver transplant soon, he will die. All we want is to see our son live that’s why we are appealing to your charity and compassion.

Donations can be deposited to:

Bank of the Philippine Islands branch under the account name Ma. Clarisa A. Samson, S.A. No. 3536 0445 53. Every peso counts. Or you could visit Sis Leony's Blog : http://www.nikoganda.blogspot.com/
I beg you, please help us.

Thank you for your time in reading my letter and we are hoping for your kind help.
God Bless,

Ma. Clarisa Samson

Tel. Nos.: (+632) 393-0043, cellphone +63929-4984092, email mcba_clover0114@yahoo.com

Matthew 5 : 7-8 ‘Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy, Blessed are the Pure of heart, for they shall see God’

Clarrisa is my schoolmate from the Sisters of Mary School, a school founded by Fr. Al to provide free high school education and vocational training for the poor.

Thank you.

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Machine readable passport is now required | You need to renew your passport

Once your application is approved, after paying the Right of Permanent Resident Fee and undergoing medical examination, you will then receive a notice of visa issuance requesting for copy of passport.

The Canadian Visa Office - Manila is now requiring that that passport(s) to be submitted for visa stamping must be in machine readable passport – these are the red colored passport currently being issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

To avoid delay in processing, it is highly recommended that you renew your passport prior to submission of supporting documents to Canadian Visa Office after you receive your positive assessment from Centralized Intake Office (CIO).

Remember that when you received the notice of visa issuance, you are only given 45 days to comply. If by that time, you still don't have your machine readable passport, that may cause delay.

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Special Immigration Program for Kandahar, Afghanistan Mission Staff

In recognition and appreciation of contribution made by the local staff who work for the Canadian Government's mission in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the Government of Canada will offer special measures to facilitate their immigration to Canada.

“There are Afghans who face extraordinary personal risk as a result of their work in support of Canada’s mission in Kandahar,” said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. “We commend their bravery to help build a better Afghanistan while recognizing the price that they have paid. Their lives and those of their families may be threatened by insurgents, and some have suffered serious injury and can no longer work. To recognize their contribution, we will offer them special consideration if they wish to relocate to Canada.”[Source]

To be eligible under this special program for Kandahar, Afghanistan Staff, the individual must provide evidence of:

Extraordinary and individualized risk as a result of employment and contracts in direct support of the Canadian government in Kandahar; OR

A non-accidental or non-natural injury, resulting in risk to life or inability to work, due to employment and contracts in direct support of the Canadian government in Kandahar; OR

Being the spouse of a local staff member who has suffered a non-accidental or non-natural death due to employment and contracts in direct support of the Canadian government in Kandahar. The accompanying dependent children of those who qualify would also be eligible.

Successful applicants will receive health-care coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program as well as resettlement services similar to what is currently offered to government-assisted refugees, including up to 12 months of income support upon arrival in Canada. Applicants may apply under this program until the end of the Canadian combat mission in Kandahar in 2011.

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Payment Fee Form (IMM 5620) | Credit Card Payment for Visa Processing Fee Is Now Accepted

Effective September 8, 2009, Federal Skilled Worker program applicants are now able to pay with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).

Credit Card Payment portion of Payment Fee Form (IMM 5620)

In addition to the sets of application forms required by Centralized Intake Office (CIO), all applicants need to complete the Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence – Federal Skilled Worker (IMM 5620), regardless of the chosen method of payment.

Earlier I told you about Canadian Immigration Consultancy's online payment option using your credit card. And now, you can also pay your visa processing fee through credit card! Isn't that cool?

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Dreaming for a better quality of life? Decide now and make a commitment to that decision!

It was September 2008 when Mr. Bernie Bantugan decided to start his Federal Skilled Worker immigrant visa application by signing a consultancy agreement with Canadian Immigration Consultancy. He decided to file his application despite the fact that he was told that the process may take about 3-5 years. He bought the idea that if you want to have a better quality of life for your family 5 years from now, you have to start your plan NOW and not five years after. His application was filed under the Simplified Application Process on November 13, 2008.

A couple of weeks after filing his application, the Ministerial Instructions identifying the list of 38 High Demand Occupations was released. Mr. Bantugan is a Staff Nurse (Registered Nurse) and his occupation is included in the list. Imagine his surprise when he receive a letter from Canadian Visa Office - Manila, requiring him to submit updated application forms and supporting documents on January 2009. We told him that such notice is expected 3-5 years after filing his application.

It took him about four months to comply with the requirements including the IELTS Exam Results. We submitted his application forms and supporting documents May 2009.

The 6-12 months processing under the new regulations starts at the time of submission of supporting documents to Canadian Visa Office. In his case, it only took a couple of months to receive the result. On July 2009, he received another letter requiring him to pay the Right of Permanent Resident Fee and to undergo medical examination.

August 2009, he received the Visa Notice, a letter requiring him to submit the original passports of all his family members.

Mr. Bantugan and family with supportive parents

And just a couple of days ago, he was in the Canadian Immigration Consultancy office again to pick up his visa. His visa was sent to us by Canadian Visa Office Manila on Sept 5, 2009.

It is now easier and faster to immigrate to Canada. It is happening and we have the proof!

Do you want to live and work in Canada, too? Fill up the Free Online Assessment form and find out if you will qualify. Or better yet, attend one of our seminar schedules:

Angeles City, Pampanga
Century Resort Hotel
Balibago, Angeles City
At the back of Casino Filipino)
October 4, 2009, 2pm to 5pm (Sunday)
Seminar Fee: P500 (single) P700 (married)
Reserve a Seat Now!

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Sikatuna Beach Hotel
San Jose Occidental Mindoro
Oct 10, 2009, 2pm to 5pm (Saturday)
Seminar Fee: P500 (single) P700 (married)
Reserve a Seat Now!

If like you are also thinking of a better future for your family like Mr. Bantugan, you have to start somewhere. Decide now and make a commitment to that decision. Immigrating to Canada is an option. If you have the education and the experience required, consider yourself lucky.

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Seminar Schedule (October 2009) - San Jose Occidental Mindoro

I will be conducting a seminar at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro next month. It will be an information seminar for those interested to live and work in Canada. IF you are interested, you may make an online reservation here.


Seminar Details:

October 10, 2009 | 2pm to 5pm
Sikatuna Beach Hotel, San Jose Occidental Mindoro
Reg Fee: P500 (single) | P 700 (married)

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Wellcome To Hotel Omni Mont-Royal

This is the first email I opened this morning which really made me laugh! Rose Grand of Omni Hotel informing me about their job vacancies. What a joke!



I replied by sending her this: Omni Hotel Scam

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Online Application Form: CIC Student Program

Canadian Immigration Consultancy (CIC) is now accepting application for its Canada Student Program. CIC Student Program is applicable to Filipino students currently enrolled in College. Read this for more information:
Start your immigration plan while still in college!

Interested?

Fill up the Application Form: Canada Student Program.

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You have 72 Hours Only

Here's a funny email from Canadian Airport Immigration Lawyer giving the applicant 72 hours to make the payment. Online scammers are getting more creative by the day. And don't they just love using ALL CAPS?! hehe!

From: Canadaimmigrationlawyer Consultant
To: ______@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2009 1:51:05 AM
Subject: YOU HAVE 72 HOURS ONLY.

DEAR APPLICANT,

THIS IS TO LET YOU KNOW THAT AFTER OUR BOARD MEETING WITH THE DIRECTORS OF CANADIAN IMMIGRATION BUREAU OTTAWA CONCERNING IMMIGRANTS APPLICATIONS, WE DICTATED THAT YOURS FILES AND DOCUMENTS ARE READY WITH US.

WE RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM OUR ZONAL TOURIST DEPARTMENT THAT YOU HAVE NOT MAKE THE PAYMENT FOR YOUR VISA AUTHORIZATION LETTER TO ENABLE US ISSUE YOUR VISA AUTHORIZATION LETTER AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CANADIAN IMMIGRATION BUREAU OTTAWA.



NOTE: WE ALSO RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF MARRIOTT HOTELS CONCERNING YOUR VISA AUTHORIZATION LETTER. NOW WE WANT TO INFORM YOU THAT YOU HAVE ONLY 72 HOURS TO REACH OUR ZONAL TOURIST DEPARTMENT WITH THE FEE OF $218 U.S DOLLARS TO ENABLE US ISSUE YOU YOUR VISA AUTHORIZATION LETTER. FAILURE TO REACH THEM WITH YOUR FEE BEFORE 72 HOURS YOUR ENTIRE DOCUMENTS WILL BE TERMINATED.

GOOD DAY.

BARRISTER DAVID COHEN.
CANADIAN AIRPORT IMMIGRATION LAWYER.

By the way, Atty. David Cohen is a legitimate immigration lawyer and I'm sure he has nothing to do with the email.

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Waiting for your CIO Notice of Assessment?

Notice of assessment from Centralized Intake Office used to be released within 30 days. But it appears now it takes CIO about 8-12 weeks to finalize the assessment.

So if you are waiting for the assessment result from CIO and it takes longer than one month, relax. There's no need to make a follow up at this point. It will come. Regularly check your email, CIO will be sending you the assessment result in advance via email (Read: Centralized Intake Office's E-Communication.)

While waiting for the assessment result, prepare yourself for your IELTS Examination to get a good IELTS Exam Results, if you haven't written it yet. An IELTS Review and Test Simulation is highly recommended before taking the exam.

Again, you do not need to make a follow up if you do not receive the assessment result from CIO with 12 weeks. It's still within the normal process. Making unnecessary follow up will not help. If any, it will just prolong the processing period.

But if you are really bored and can't think of anything to do, here's Batangas Beach Resorts where you may relax while waiting. :-)

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CIC Now Accepts Online Payment!

Canadian Immigration Consultancy (CIC) is now accepting online payment!


If you're living in the province or abroad, this will make it easier for you. No need to go to the bank or visit our office to make payments.

Should you wish to make online payments, you just have to get in touch with any of CIC authorized representatives.

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Merry Christmas!

Today is September 1, 2009, the start of the "ber" months. In the Philippines, it means the start of the Christmas season.

Christmas is, well, a gift-giving season and this early people are now thinking of what gifts to buy for their loved ones. In fact, I have a friend who started buying stuff as early as July, in preparation for Christmas season (Hi Chippy!).

What about you? What do you plan to buy this Christmas?

A cellphone?

How about a White Christmas?

If you are eligible to apply under the new Federal Skilled Worker program, filing your application could be the best gift you could give your family. Instead of buying yourself a P25,000 cellphone or other appliances, why not invest your money in a program that may give you and your family a better quality of life?

Live and Work in Canada and enjoy White Christmas every day! Fill up the Free Online Assessment form now!

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