UP Alumni & Associates in Manitoba, Inc.

Category: Community

  • UPAA-MB Congratulates Our Registered Architect, Dennis Flores

    UPAA-MB Congratulates Our Registered Architect, Dennis Flores

    UPAA-MB is committed to promoting professional development and educational advancement among our members and our community.  We would like to congratulate our very own Dennis Flores for achieving his professional designation as a Registered Architect and for becoming a Member of Manitoba Association of Architects.
     
    Dennis Flores with fellow members of Manitoba Association of Architects 2012. Photo courtesy of Winnipeg Free Press.
     
    Dennis has a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the Philippines.  Before migrating to Winnipeg, he has worked around South East Asia and United States.  His experience included working on consultant and client sides of his profession.  At present, he is working on the construction side.
     
                           
                                                                  Our architect at work. Photos courtesy of Daryle Malchuk.
     

     1) When did you arrive in Winnipeg? How was your experience as a new immigrant?

     We arrived in August 2004.  As an optimist and coming from a land, where the people are resilient to adversity, it was easy for me adjusting to a new life in a place unlike home.  Winnipeg in general is a smaller, friendlier, safer and has a slower pace of life than in the Philippines.  The most challenging aspect for me in adjusting was looking for the job that I would really love.

    2) One of the challenges that new immigrants face is getting their first Canadian work experience and reference.  Can you share to us how did you get your first job? And was it related to your Philippine educational background or work experience?

     I remember calling all the architectural firms in the yellow pages and leaving them a voicemail expressing my willingness to work for them pro bono for 2 weeks, just to let them gauge my professional capacity.  I got a call back after 13 hours and got hired the following day.  I am fortunate to land my first job in Canada as an Architectural Technologist.

     3) What made you decide to pursue your professional designation?

     The challenge of getting it and the vision that I can accomplish it.

     4) What are the processes you have to go through in order to become a registered architect?  How long did it take?

     The first step was to get my academic credentials accredited by my profession’s corresponding accreditation body, which is the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (www.cacb.ca).  After getting certified, I had to apply as an intern member with the Manitoba Architects Association (www.mbarchitects.org).  Upon completion of the mandatory hours of experience, I was allowed to write the exams for the Architects Registration (www.exac.ca).

     It took me more than 7 years to become a registered architect.

     5)  What advice would you like to give other Filipino architects, who are planning to migrate to Winnipeg?

     Preparation.  More preparation always leads to better execution.  This is why I always encourage friends to start their career path while they’re still in the Philippines.

     

     

  • Running to Celebrate Life

    Running to Celebrate Life

    Fellow iskolars within the organization have been active participants of the Manitoba Marathon for the past couple of summers. This year, UPAA-MB members have gathered and organized ISKO-RUN (an amalgamation of Iskolar and Run and a moniker for keeping the score), which is a running clinic to prepare UPAA-MB members and families for the upcoming Manitoba Marathon this June. The marathon is participated by around 14,000 runners of varying ages, all come together to celebrate life, fitness and family ties.

    Norman Garcia, UPAA-MB’s resident fitness trainer, shares with us his motivation in starting this clinic as well as sharing his advice on how to stay fit, whether you’re a marathon participant or not.

    What is ISKO-RUN and what are the motives behind it?
    ISKO-RUN was established in pursuit of UPAA-MB’s mission to harness the potential of its members and to this end, the Membership Committee aims to prepare interested UPAA-MB members who will be joining this year’s Manitoba Marathon. This is not exclusive to the members though, as their friends and family are also welcome. This is also not just about preparing oneself to run the marathon, but also for those who simply want to get fit or lose weight through running.

    The idea here is to introduce natural running form and techniques to maximize health benefits, to improve physical performance and to reduce the risk of injuries. ISKO-RUN is not just about running—it also includes discussions on nutrition, visualization, strength and cross-training.

    Please describe a usual ISKO-RUN session to us.
    Each ISKO-RUN lasts about 90 minutes, broken down as follows:
    15mins – review of natural running form
    15mins – light jog, warm-up, calisthenics
    45mins – running
    15mins – speed work drills
    15mins – cool-down and stretching
    15mins – discussion on nutrition, strength training, others

    We’ve heard that this training clinic is intense. How do you keep yourself and your “trainees” concentrated and motivated?
    Every session, participants are progressively taking on challenges to slowly build-up their strength and endurance. As the trainer, I encourage each participant to run at the pace that is comfortable to them. I also emphasize that they are not racing against the other participants; rather it’s all about conquering one’s own limit. I think running is a great way to see what you are capable off. Each hurdle, no matter how big it is, can be overcome with proper preparation and visualization. Every time one overcomes a challenge, he or she becomes a better person physically, mentally and emotionally. These changes also bring positive influence to his or her personal and professional life. Running is a spiritual activity as it allows you to discover yourself better.

    I try to keep each ISKO-RUN session fun and interesting by not acting like a drill sergeant. Instead, I work as a running buddy who has also started running at the same level as they have started.


    To anyone who is interested in keeping fit, or joining the MB Marathon, what are your tips/advice?

    – Visualize! Visualize the end in mind. Imagine the following: You’re just a few meters away from the finish line where your family and friends are cheering for you. You’re wearing your favourite clothes. Your health indicators (blood pressure, sugar level, cholesterol level, etc.) make your doctor smile.

    – Be patient. There are no shortcuts. Progressively take on challenges. If you find a drill difficult, regress and slowly build up. Don’t be pressured by what the other runners are doing, everybody started as a beginner.
    – Make sure to warm-up before running and to stretch after running.

    – Run only after 1.5 to 2 hours after a light snack or 2-3 hours after a big meal. Do not run later than 4 hours after a meal as you have less energy. Also eat high protein food within 45 minutes after each workout.
    – Take care of yourself! Invest on a good pair of running shoes and make it a habit to put on sunblock even if it’s cloudy as UV Rays penetrate through clouds.

    – Carry a sports bottle and hydrate yourself regularly; take a sip even if you’re not thirsty; when you are thirsty that’s an indication that you’re already dehydrated.

    – Find running buddies to make running fun, safe and motivating.

    – Be mindful of the surroundings. Appreciate the beauty of the environment especially the trees, flowers, clouds, route, people, etc. Treat each run as “me time” and time to commune with God and nature.

    – After each run, say a brief prayer to our Lord, thank Him for giving you the opportunity to run that day and promise to be a better person after each running session.

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    Photos by Jeffrey David

  • TUKLAW – “Pakita Mo ang Snake Mo!”

    TUKLAW – “Pakita Mo ang Snake Mo!”

    Summer is almost here which means it’s the perfect time for snake viewing again. As UPAA-MB would not let this

    opportunity to pass, the Membership Committee organized a trip to the Narcisse Snake Dens located at Narcisse, Manitoba last April 29, 2012.

    This winter home of the world-famous Red-Sided Garter Snakes is about an hour drive from Downtown Winnipeg. Members had fun learning more about the snakes as they went along the trails while actually adoring the beautiful day and nature.

    It is not yet too late to visit the dens! You may click here to have more information about the place and snake activity. Most importantly, keep posted for this is just the start of UPAA-MB activities for Summer 2012.

  • UPAA-MB organizes Career Gateway Program For Visible Minorities Information Session

    UPAA-MB organizes Career Gateway Program For Visible Minorities Information Session

    UPAA-Members attended a Career Gateway Program for Visible Minorities information session last March 10, 2012 at the UFCW Training Centre. The seminar was held in order to provide information to members who are interested in working for the provincial government.

    The information session was delivered by Ms. Sam Grande of the Civil Service Commission. Prior to the talk, Ms. Grande introduced herself as a fellow UP alumni, having obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UP Diliman and UP Baguio respectively.

    Within the 2-hour seminar Ms. Grande provided information on the provincial government’s structure, its recruitment and selection process, as well as methods on how to tailor one’s resume when applying for a position. Emphasis was given on the Employment Equity program and how it ties up with the Career Gateway Program.

    For more information please visit the Civil Service Commission website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/csc/equity/cgpvm.html

  • UPAA-MB Makes Another Score in “Love Strike”

    UPAA-MB Makes Another Score in “Love Strike”

    UPAA-MB members with their families and friends pose after the bowling games

    The cold weather did not stop the UPAA-MB from having a successful “Love Strike” bowling event in the afternoon of February 11, 2012 at St. John Cantius Bowling Lanes. The attendees heated up the lanes with two games that both required teamwork, strength, and proper execution of strategies.

     

    Members of UPAA-MB, along with their family and friends, were divided into six groups for the activities. The first game was the Bingo Bowling in which all groups struggled to get all the required scores to be able to mark all the boxes on the Bingo sheet. After all the cheers, screams, and much anticipation, the Team 1 finished first and won the Bingo Bowling game. Team 1 was composed of Dennis Flores, Darren Gonzales, Beth Quijano, Aaron E, Grace Francisco, and Jackie Flores.

     

    They later moved on to the second game, the Funky Bowling, which had added twist of scoring while bowling in ten different ways. Among these ways were using the right and then the left hand for bowling, bowling backwards, bowling while sitting, bowling while hopping, and rolling the ball through split legs of all team members formed as a tunnel. This time the all-boys Team 6 won and they were Edwin Yazon, Jerome Javier, Nelson M. , Danjae Medina, and Marjiam Santos. Also, the highest scorer per group were declared winners. They were Grace Francisco from Team 1, Oliver Francisco from Team 2, Arwyn Chua from Team 3, Vanessa Jusi from Team 4, Jean M. from Team 5, and Danjae Medina from Team 6.
    Team #2 during the second round of the games — "Funky Bowling". Photo by Pong Maniquiz.

     

    The great time everyone shared while playing and cheering for friends and family members can never be matched. The day was ended with announcements of future events, activities, and, lastly, of the completed process for incorporating UPAA-MB as a non-profit organization. As this was the first social event in 2012, UPAA looks forward to more future gatherings and more participation from members, their families, and from the community. Way to go UPAA-MB!