A20 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY January 1 - 15 , 2017
JuanONJuan by Rosette Correa
Her well-modulated voice fills the Church on different Sundays in a year , as she volunteers as lector at St . Bernadette Parish in Surrey . Don ’ t let her diminutive figure derail you , for behind her sweet smile and demure stance lies an immense love for the community , whether the Church or the multicultural fabric of Canada .
Patria or Patty was born in a small town of Bacacay , Albay , Philippines . She started working at the Quezon City Hall as secretary to the City Assessor . After winning the top prize in a nationwide competition for Filipino Stenographers ( Takigrapiyang Pilipino ), she was employed in the House of Representatives as a bi-lingual stenographer . In 1972 after Martial Law was declared , Congress was closed , so she worked at the Mindanao State University ’ s office in Makati in the same position .
Patty came to Canada in the middle of winter in January 1974 as a landed immigrant , and worked in a clothing factory in Winnipeg , Manitoba as clerk-receptionist . For her , these were sad moments , being all alone at the airport upon arrival in Winnipeg , were it not for the solicitousness of Canadians all the way through . By 1975 , she started sponsoring her family , who are now all here in Canada .
She met her husband in Vancouver , when she moved to BC , got married and was blessed with one child . She worked for the BC Penitentiary , then was hired
by Revenue Canada and worked there for five years until I decided to pursue her studies . She received her B . A . in English Literature from the University of British Columbia in 1991 ; completed Counselling Program from KPU , and Legal Secretarial Program from Duffus College .
She pursued teaching and worked as English Instructor in South Korea in 2000 , she taught Professional D e v e l o p m e n t Courses at Clayton Heights Secondary , and was employed by the Richmond School District as Cultural Interpreter and Settlement Worker in Schools for 13 years . She published Glean , Voice of Diversity magazine in 2008 and created a non-profit organization that showcased l e a d e r s h i p / p e r f o r m i n g arts among youth . She is currently working on her memoir , My Journey : An Immigrant ’ s Story of Survival , so that she can share her story with many immigrants . She is an advocate of diversity , thus , was awarded recognition in multiculturalism , the latest of which is the 2015 British Columbia Multicultural Awards Nomination .
Throughout her journey , one of the messages she brought to work each day was , “ it ’ s not cool to make
others feel small .” She reached out to new immigrants from different parts of the world .
“ I heard their stories and provided them with options and community resources available to make their transition to life in a new society easier . I was inspired by their stories , their everyday struggles on a daily basis--adjustment to a new culture , language barrier , discrimination and bullying ,” Patty shares . Because of this , she was motivated to write Tom ’ s Secret , after hearing parents and students ’ heartwrenching stories about
Patria Pascal
bullying , particularly in schools . It took her almost a year to complete . Her younger brother , Edgar Bercasio , an award-winning artist residing in Winnipeg , did the illustrations and another younger brother , Siegfredo Belbes Bercasio , a journalist , did the preliminary editing . She then found a publisher through research and opted for Friesen Press in Victoria which offered a complete package that met her needs .
Although Patty has lived in Canada most of her life , and thinks and breathes Canadian , she is proud of her
Isabelle ’ s Christening at St Mary ’ s Church
Filipino heritage .
“ The best experience living in Canada was fulfilling all my goals which I listed down on paper when I left the Philippines . I relish the thought of raising my only child in a great environment , infusing in him family values and helping him achieve his personal goals . I believe that the success of the children is a reflection on their parents ,” Patty proudly shares . She loves watching her son ’ s concerts with his own band , Phazers on Stun . He has his own business , Andy Soul Entertainment , a great outlet after a hard-day ’ s work in the office .
To all new immigrants in Canada , Patty ’ s message is not to give up easily despite the hurdles or setbacks they have to go through .
“ Believe in yourself and maintain positive thoughts . To Filipino Canadians who have been here longer , take note that Canada has given us so much . It ’ s time to give back to our community . Volunteerism can create new possibilities .”
With all her accomplishments , Patty can teach us many lessons on gratitude for being here in Canada , and pursuing the opportunities we have been given with determination , paying it forward in service to others , and appreciating the blessings we have received .
To purchase a copy of her book , please visit http :// www . friesenpress . com / bookstore / title / 119734000015254536 / Patty-Bercasio-Pascal-Tom ’ s- Secret .
Isabelle ’ s Christening at St Mary ’ s Church with her parents Vanessa & Ivan , family and friends on 7th of January 2017 . Photos by Christian Cunanan WWW . PHILIPPINEASIANNEWSTODAY . COM