CANADA CONNECTION: Why live in Manitoba?

PRAIRIE PROVINCE IN THE WEST – Just as I was challenged and cautioned by close friends before coming here in Canada due to their perceived uncertainties, discouragement from friends in Ontario likewise confronted me upon they knew I was leaving for the Western part of Canada in September 2006, saying Manitoba is the coldest part of Canada, and reportedly has limited job opportunities for Chemist.

Disembarking from the luxurious Air Canada, Sept 25, 2006 I stepped on the tarmac of the Richardson International Airport in the City of Winnipeg with awe that crept into my face as to what the future holds for me and my family in this foreign land.

Actually, never did I expect this province will be the lifelong home to our family and the birthplace of many of our grandkids (11 as of presstime), as it was in the City of Toronto, where me, wifey, and 2 kids landed on May 05, 2005, and my initial place of choice when the consul asked during the interview. But for whatever purpose the Lord brought me in this western part of Canada He is the only one who can explain, thus, I solemnly obey His calling, thinking “no man has fortune in his own homeland”.

Presto, I started working here in September 2006 in a pharmaceutical company, situated 65 kilometers from the Capital City, apparently as a fulfillment of my dream of practicing my profession as Chemist, which I almost neglected in favor of being a seemingly bred-in-the-bone journalist for at least 20 years.

While working as Research Chemist (1985 to 1995), then Cane Marketing Supervisor (1995 to 1997) in First Farmers Mill Corporation, I religiously worked as parttime News Reporter of Panay News and columnist in Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB).

After my retrenchment in First Farmers Milling, I joined as regular career employee of Bacolod City Public Information Office from 2003, abandoning my Chemist career, until I left for Canada in May 2005.

Be that as it may, the Chemist in me prevailed, driven my enthusiasm towards working in the wet chemistry laboratory, preparing and standardizing solutions, calibrating and operating state-of-the-art and computer-assisted analytical instruments, and conducting several physico-chemical tests for various pharmaceutical raw materials and products.

Today, I feel fulfilled and undoubtedly satisfied working as Chemist in this prairie province, unmindful of those roadblocks to my success, and have totally forgotten those people who refused to give me a break and denied me of the opportunity to practice my Chemistry profession in the country I am supposed to be with.

Indeed, God is good all the time as He brought me to the place rich with opportunities for my growth and development.

After 17 years, I’m now convinced Manitoba is ideal province to live in not only for retirees, and oldies, but for any growing kids, what with a people-oriented government that extends to its citizenry the basic needs and services with excellence.

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PROUDLY CANADIAN – This piece is written in observance of July 01, 2022, as Canada Day that we Filipino-Canadians are always happy to participate in and enjoy with full gusto the festivities highlighted by the display of 15 minutes sparkling multi-colored fireworks.

As home to some 35 million Canadians, including permanent residents immigrants and refugees from war-torn countries, Canada is a country we are always proud of.

Apart from securing our safety and protection, and providing us the opportunity to live freely and comfortably, Canada sets the standards of a good governance and public service.

While it’s a diverse and multi-cultural country, Canada manages to keep a peace-loving and harmonious citizenry.

Indeed, we need not to worry about the welfare and future of the children of our children, Canada is a country they shall be living securely and proudly.

Yes, Canada we love you!* (Dan Cajurao)