While sitting on a bench in Burnaby’s Central Park, I found myself looking across a ta­ble that was slowly being filled by senior Manongs and Manangs of filipino descent. Over a massive pinoy potluck, they were happily conversing in tagalog and were having a grand time catching up with their “bidahan.” Talking about their “apos” or grandchildren, who they also raised while their children (mother or father) goes to work. Some were talking about their work experiences outside the family home, in grievance, little irritants they noticed while working and at the same time feeling proud that in their senior age they can still earn a decent wage. The group of seniors were also giving each other tips on what Malls to go, to buy the best and on sale “pasalubongs.” Which cargo delivery was more reliable and the safest. What money gram to use versus send­ing your canadian dollars thru the filipino banks. I also heard tips on health, names of Doctors who are still accepting new patients. Which pharmacy offers senior discounts. The best brand of laxatives and promises of walking dates for some, for the next week.

They also talked about Manny Pacquiao’s winning streak and the colorful shenanigans of fili­pino politicians. There was plenty of “tawanan” laughter, “payaban­gan” ribbing and some became “pikon” offended when their “ka barrio” from the same town pol­iticians where called corrupt.

Looking at their group, I couldn’t help but admire their abil­ity to come to terms with their way of life here in Canada. To some of them, this cold and at times lone­ly country have given them a sec­ond lease in life to be productive. Whereas, back home when a per­son retires, that’s it for him or her. No sense looking for a job because in the Philippines once you leave the work force you can nev­er apply for any job based on your expertise, you are considered old therefore not hireable. Here, one can study in a College or Univer­sity, can work, can volunteer and generally the sense of accom­plishment do not diminished in­stead it is enhanced. There is also that factor of being useful to ones family. Filipinos value the role of grandparents in helping them take care of their kids.

The Family reunification pro­gram of Immigration Canada have enabled thousands of fil­ipinos to bring their parents to Canada. That extra helping hand, not worrying about your children while at work is a great emo­tional pick me upper. As well as the financial opportunity that some filipinos avail of, having double jobs. Sadly, the program of reunit­ing families is in peril, Immi­gration Canada has decided to focus on bringing more immi­grants who are from the skilled workers category, those who have legitimate jobs waiting for them when they arrive. Will the family reunification program be in limbo? Not for long, I surmise. The advantage of having grandparents to help out in the family unit is just too great for it to be altogether abandoned.

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