Paskong Pinoy sa Pacific National Exhibition

At Paskong Pinoy, the 2010 Vancouver Christmas Gifts and Food Fair at the PNE, Bert was happy to see some friends, including some PICPA Vancouver members, clients, and politicians, such as Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and Councillor Ellen Woodsworth. This event was like the Richmond night market, but smaller and indoors.

On the large stage, we heard Cantonese singing followed by the opening ceremonies. Unfortunately, we missed the 'big name' entertainment. Hopefully it will be well-attended, and successful. It was nice to see folks enjoying themselves.

Bert's favourite purchase was a mini Christmas lantern Filipino parol (star) that is displayed in the car and lights up using power from the cigarette lighter.

Whoa cowboy ... MOOOO!

Bert is standing beside the cow used in the milking contest at the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accounts (PICPA) Vancouver's Western-style Christmas party. His farewell speech as the outgoing president focussed on educating the heart by volunteering, sharing and helping others. He reviewed PICPA Vancouver activities of the past year, and encouraged all to register and attend the upcoming PICPA International's Conference that will be held in Vancouver between May 24 - 28, 2011. PICPA members from USA, the Philippines, the Middle East, Australia and perhaps other places will meet, provide entertainment for each other and attend professional development sessions.

Support for the Multicultural Helping House

What a way to contribute to the community, through the Multicultural Helping House. Bert sees Tatang Tom Avendano, Founder and CEO of the Multicultural Helping House Society, at a local restaurant and reinforces his continued financial and in time, volunteer support. Bert supports the goals of the MMH - namely helping newcomers succeed in Canada and help newcomers to be great contributors to Canadian society.

Too many cooks spoil the broth - Manila hostage crisis

Bert reading and viewing the coverage of the Manila hostage crisis. Too many people are getting involved,for example, the police, swat team, media, individual journalists, mayor, other politicians, etc.

Bert wonders ... Might the crisis have been avoided if proper procedures and negotiations were followed?

International Wine Festival

Bert taking a break from income tax preparation with Pat and Paul, and taking in the 2010 Wine Festival at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Represented were wines from around the world and featured were Maori action song and dance from New Zealand - where were the Laughing Samoans!? - and tango from Argentina. Bert said that Pat was constantly smiling.

Catch the olympic spirit!

Every night at 11:00 during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver (between Feb. 12 - 28) there was an "Ignite the Dream" light show at Robson Square that featured pyrotechnics, lasers, projected images and performers on zip lines in the sky. We, along with thousands of others saw a skiier, snowboarder and hockey player fly across the sky - and found them on the ground taking photos like the one here with Bert.

A Great Thought

This is one of Bert's favourite great thoughts, "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." (Attributed to Stephen Grellet 1773-1855: A Quaker)

Photo taken at the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver after the Salute to Vienna performance on January 2, 2010.