How I Founded Me Moving To Canada

The first time we stepped into Canadian soil, we have a little idea about the country. The culture and people were different from where we used to live, Southeast Asia.

For readers who haven't known me before, my name is Ben (www.benalagnam.com).  I worked as an overseas foreign worker in Singapore. I worked in a Singaporean company and was assigned as a technical support for customers in Southeast Asian region.

Life is good in terms of financial matters, but the downside is that I'm far away from my family. That's when I realized that I need to find a way to be with them until the rest of my life.  The only way I thought to be with them is to immigrate to Canada.

Newcomers in Canada
As newcomers, we saw some things that were strange to us.  Rice is not a thing that we can see in most of restaurants and soon discovered it in some Asian stores.  Races are diverse. There are Filipinos, Africans, Italians, Russians, Middle Easterns, Vietnameses, Jamaicans, Europeans, and others.

Although we can get the information on the internet or in the Canadian government services regarding the process of getting benefits and legal documents, we still need someone to advise us about surviving in Canada. Every information that we get were valuable to us.   We follow what our friends and relatives tell us.

How I founded MM2C
When I was in Philippines and Singapore, I told myself if only I had someone or a community where I can join to ask questions regarding immigrating to Canada, I would be the happiest applicant.  Although I got in to forum sites and are very helpful in terms of telling us stories and providing good advices in the form of text and few photos, I need something where I can also view the latest scenes of Canada.  I haven't got in to a community where they share videos about life of immigrants in Canada.

Because of that obstacle, I created a community Facebook page.  The goal is to create a media where we can share information through videos and photos.  The eye is the most powerful data sponge in our body.  We get the most experience through our eyes.

Since I had named my website to MeMovingToCanada, I decided to name it MM2C for short.  The facebook page that I created was named MM2C Community.  In this community, I can share information mostly on videos and photos.  This is the best way to show how Canada looks like in the eyes of immigrants who went to Canada, hoping for a better future.

If you want to join the community. Go and visit the facebook page MM2C Community to learn more about Canada through videos and expect the following:

  - See the hilly roads of Vancouver, British Columbia
  - Check out the plane fields of Calgary and Edmonton
  - Know more about the diversity of Toronto
  - French speakers in Quebec
  - The shore of East Coast, New Brunswick

Links to help you with your journey to Canada:
www.memovingtocanada.com
www.benalagnam.com 
www.facebook.com/memovingtocanada
www.canada.ca

What I've Noticed to Entitled Immigrants in Canada

We've been here in Canada for the past five years (WOW! That was quick, time really flies!). The blessings that we had for the past years were awesome.  Our lifestyle had improved in terms of our family bonding, travelling together with my family to see the beautiful places in Quebec and Ontario, and having a chance to dine in fancy restaurants.

When staying in a country, like Canada, for a long period of time, we start to take things for granted.  Specially the provisions given to us by the government, people forget that these are not available in other countries.

I can still remember when I was applying for immigration to Canada. The frequent chat with my sister kept me motivated to hasten my application. She told me about the benefits that my nephew gets in terms of free education, free checkup, and free this and that.  The thought of having those benefits in Canada is unbelievable to me if I compare it with our previous situation.

As a backgrounder to those who haven't followed my journey, I came to Singapore as an overseas foreign worker, leaving my family behind in Philippines to have a better future for them. Then I applied for a permanent residency in Canada and became a citizen.  You can read my post about it in my BenAlagnam.com blog.

For the past years that I've been talking to older immigrants, some of them become entitled on what Canada had provided them, with lots of benefits. But they have many complaints about the system. These are the complaints.

• They start complaining of the school system, saying that it's not that great as compared to other countries or in Philippines.
• The doctor's visit takes a lot of time. 
• They need to work 2 or more jobs just to cope up with the bills.
• It's difficult to retire earlier than 65 years old because they can't save enough for that.
• The cost of living in Toronto is high.
• ...and there's a lot more.

Yes, they are correct in some sense. But, they forget where they came from and the situation they were in.  I know that they paid taxes, but note that they did the same to the government of the country of their origin. Have they enjoyed the same benefits?

They might have immigrated in Canada for the same reason as mine, which is the lack of benefits I get from my tax contributions. Never mind about the service of the government as compared to Canada, which is way better.

This is what I can say to those complainers...

Education
Canada is one of the world's top performing education system in the world according to www.ncee.org.  It is also the 3rd in the Top 10 with the best education system in the world for 2019 according to Master and More.

If you are complaining about the education system, you must came from one of the top countries mentioned on those websites.

Doctor's Visit
Doctors visit takes a lot of time is apparent. But you can choose a different clinic if you need to. You are not obliged to stick to one clinic or doctor, you have the right to move to another location. 

Hospital emergencies are built for emergency situation only, that's why they're called emergency. So if it's not what the situation is, go to a clinic and have yourself checked for non-emergency purposes.

Working Double Jobs
Who says you have to work double jobs? If you are complaining that the rent is not enough, move to a cheaper place, a basement, apartment, or bedroom rental.

Having an expensive car is a choice. In Toronto, you can use the public transportation. Uber is an option but not a necessity. Buy an old car that only cost $2,000 dollars if you really need to and not brand new ones that costs $30,000 or more.

Cook your own food and do not buy in restaurants or fast food chains. There are grocery stores in Canada that are affordable and good quality.

Upgrade your education so you can be qualified for a better employment position. You may get a job in your field of expertise.

Can't Save Enough for Retirement
Well, if you did not follow on what I explained above, you end up with no savings.

You should save early for your retirement. Don't buy expensive or luxuries things if you haven't saved for your retirement.

Canada has a savings plan called RRSP, you have to use the benefits for that. Talk to a financial advisor. Compare banks with other investment institutions. There are many out there. That's what we did with our money. We know that we are going to get old and retire. It's given.

Cost of Living
So with other cities in the world. If you go to other major cities in first world countries, price of commodities, house rentals, and transportation are mostly similar. Cities grow as well as cost of living.

Have a humility to get a practical shelter and transportation and you end up having money to spend just enough not to complain.

So, guys! If you're new to Canada, don't end up to money debt trap. Research more on how to invest money in this country and talk to people who are professional and trustworthy financial advisors. 

Do not care about what your relatives or friends say about your situation. As long as you're happy, enjoying, and not complaining about the Canadian life, you're in the good place.

It's time to reset our minds.

See more videos and photos about Canada 
Like the Community Facebook Page: MM2C Community

Join the Me Moving To Canada membership website: www.memovingtocanada.com

From Working in a Factory, Housewife, and in a Financial Industry in Canada

Author: Net

They say if it's your destiny, no one can take it away from you and that it will be given to you at the right place and at the right time.

This is what exactly happened to us.  The moment my husband applied as immigrant years ago (we were only a couple back then), to what our "set-up" now as a family.

When he applied and was denied twice, I felt his sadness and dismay for this is his dream country, to raise our kids.  But I told him  that there's a reason for everything and maybe it's not yet our time or it's not the place for us.  Then years passed, he worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Singapore, which made him grew apart from me and our children.

Then one day he said,
"I will try it again for the last time.  If this still doesn't work, then I'll give up and plan our lives in Philippines."

"Ok, if that's what you want, I'll support you on that," I replied.

"But don't let your hopes up. I don't want you to feel the same frustration, keep it light, ok?" I added with encouragement.

The Update
Then the news came that he needed to submit certain requirements.  Good thing, he had kept all those documents intact.

Everything else followed, the next thing we knew was we're already packing our trip here in Canada.

Once we're here, we had all the basic requirements needed to settle in - applying the Permanent Residence card, Social Insurance Number (SIN), Health Card, bank accounts and sending my eldest son to school.

We were very eager to have our jobs here.  They say it's very easy to find a job in Toronto if you are not picky.

True enough, my husband got his job 5 days after landing and mine followed after few days.  Though my first job was sort of a seasonal job,  I got laid-off after working for 1 month. but after a week of "rest" , I got another job that is quite promising.

Got a Promising Job
Another good news came but with a catch in the end...

My husband got a new job that required him to travel out of town every month.  So the problem was who will take care of the kids when he's away and I have to work in the afternoon until nighttime.

We weighed things up, listed down all the pros and cons and ended up me having a new job...a housewife.

Our New Setup
Sacrifices were needed. The main reason why we're here is for our kids.  So they are our top priority.  And besides, how can you get a baby-sitter to stay until midnight 5 times a week? And my youngest son is the clingy one.  He might be crying the whole night until I reach home from work.

We were receiving the child benefits from the government and it's over C$300/month.  Not bad at all, it's as if I'm also working with the benefit to bond with my kids. They can eat fresh from the stove and not heated from the microwave.

Before
- Ate Ana sends and pick up our sons to and from school, which we pay C$15/week.
- Food was heated by microwave.
- Bond with kids only during weekends
- Quality time was only on weekends
- No time to teach my son on his assignments
- No time to attend my son's school seminars and activities

After
- Send my sons to school everyday
- Newly cooked meal
- Bond with kids everyday
- Quality time with husband everyday except when he's out of Ontario to work.
- Teaching my eldest on his school works
- Attend seminars given by the school

We stayed this way partly until now while having a business as a Financial Coach.

See more videos and photos about Canada
Like the Community Facebook Page: MM2C Community

Join the Me Moving To Canada membership website:
www.memovingtocanada.com

New Regulations on the Age of Dependent Child in Canada

The Government of Canada had released a news on May 3, 2017 regarding the changes to regulations for the family members that can be considered as DEPENDENT CHILD.

On the previous regulation, children under 19 years old can be considered as Dependent.  With the new changes that will take on October 24, 2017, children who are below 22 years old can be considered as Dependent.

What will be the benefit of the changes?
Raising the age requirement will give more hopes to families who want to immigrate to Canada.

It will apply to new applications for all immigration programs such as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, including for refugees.

Those families who have children below 22 years old and were planning to immigrate to Canada can include them as dependent children in their immigration application after the changes take effect.

How About Children 22 Years and Older with physical and metal condition?
If a family has a child who is 22 years and older with physical and mental condition who rely with their parent will continue to be considered as dependent child.

More number of families will be positively affected by this changes and will enhance the family reunification in Canada.

Thank you Canada!

Here is the link of the full article posted on the Government of Canada website on May 3, 2017.

Source:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2017/05/changes_to_regulationswillseeageincreasedfordependentchild.html?_ga=2.42941228.847055505.1494125307-1320315313.1489238284

2nd Cherry Blossoms Meet-Up 2017

Our Previous 2016 Cherry Blossoms Meet-up
Time really flies! It's been a year now since I organized a meet-up with fellow immigrants in Toronto on May 07, 2016 .  The meet-up started at 9:00am and ended at 3pm in High Park Toronto. We met with 5 families, consisting of 10 adults and 7 children.

We were engaged in a warm conversation exchanging  experiences and tips with the new immigrants, who were also excited to reach new friends in Canada.  Different types of foods were shared, which we definitely ENJOYED a lot!

What's Next?
Due to the success of the First Cherry Blossoms Meet-up, I am now organizing the 2nd meet-up and it will be on April 29, 2017 (Sat).

Cherry Blossoms (Sakura), for those who don't know, is when the Japanese cherry tree produces beautiful flowers during the spring season.  The view of pinkish flowers is spectacular, which you wouldn't want to miss.

If you are interested in joining us, help support our new immigrants and our MM2C group while viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms, please register here for more details of the event. We can share our experiences, moral support, and important immigration information that can help us settle in Canada smoothly.

Please click the link below or the banner above and it'll bring you to the Google form registration page. 

Register: https://goo.gl/forms/iPkKd6MJsUgcnD5h2

Let's have some FUN!

What Is It Like Living With Changing Temperatures in Canada

Wintertime in Toronto, took this photo while waiting for my wife at Esso gas station.

Let me tell you about what it’s like living in Canada, a country that has 4 seasons, which is spring, summer, fall and winter.

In my entire life, I haven’t had a chance to experience winter. Although I’ve been to Japan but it was the last few weeks of summer. In Philippines, I had visited Baguio, a place with temperatures that can go down 18^oC to 10 ^oC.

But for negative temperatures, I’ve never been to that place at all until Canada.

For newcomers, living in tropical countries in their entire lives, this post will be helpful for you.  It's my way to teach you how to cope up with cold climates.

It's starts with a proper clothing.

Layering of Winter Clothing

Upper Clothing
Layering of clothing is essential during winter. On my first experience of the season, I wore four layers of upper clothing.  

• 1st layer - Tropical shirt (cotton)
• 2nd layer - Thick sweater
• 3rd layer - Sweater with hood
• 4th layer - Thick winter coat

The sweater with hood was added as the third layer because the winter coat that I used has no hood.

• If winter coat has no head cover, the cold wind will penetrate our scalp and will easily bring down our body temperature.

Lower Clothing
I wore fleece pants under my corduroy pants.  Corduroy insulates my lower body better than denim jeans.  Denim jeans is my next choice, but it is not a good insulator.  Once it gets cold, it seems like it'll trap the cold air in it's fibers.  So I prefer corduroy than denim.

I got an underpants from SM Bicutan Department Store thinking that it can insulate me well.  It's labelled "Warm Pants".  When I tried it in Canada, it failed.  I still can feel the cold, so wearing it is useless.

Tip: Only buy your body insulators in Canada. Body insulation experts were born here, you know!

Footwear

For the footwear, I wore one thick socks under my waterproof shoes.  It is essential to have a water-proof shoes to avoid melted snow soaking your feet.  That will be freezing.

This Merrell waterproof shoes helped me a lot.  I invested $150 for this shoes and still using it.

Thick gloves is also important.  If you wear nothing, your hands will numb with cold.  Sometimes, you'll get a cut from somewhere and you'll never notice.

Tip: Invest in good footwear and gloves.

At this getup, I can now go out and feel the cold winter season of Toronto.  My tropical body wasn't get used to having this temperature so I shiver all the time even with these layers.  

Temperatures in Toronto can reach up to minus -20 ^oC.  It can last up to 2 to 3 days and it goes back to minus -10 ^oC.

At the start of the winter, the temperature will gradually drop from 8 ^oC to 3 ^oC . In December, it start to have flurries and temperature may be at around 1 ^oC to minus -3degC. 

January will start to have snowfalls and cold 100km/hr wind.  

I remembered waiting for a bus and a 100km/hr++ wind was trying to blow me off while holding the bus stop pole.   If that situation was in the Philippines, it would probably be a signal #2 storm.

What You Will See On the Roads?
Cars will travel slower and you can see steam on the mufflers.  You've seen this on TV...

Snow plowing trucks will be around.  They come in different sizes, small ones are like the size of golf carts and large ones similar to bulldozers.  In wide roads like expressways, they plow side by side with each other running 90km/hr.

This little guy is totally insulated with a cute Siberian Husky head gear. :D

How it feels like Winter?

If I were to go back in the days when I was preparing for our move to Canada, I should have practiced my brain on how to cope up with winter.

You're lucky you found this post because I'll teach you how to practice your mind and body to feel the winter while you're in a tropical place.

After reading this blog, do the following to teach your mind about cold.

• Go to your refrigerator or to a store.  
• Get a pack of ice and pour it all in a pail. 
• Add a small amount of water to it until the ice floats.
• If you have an air-conditioned room, set it at the lowest temperature possible and only wear thin t-shirt and shorts. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes.  
• Then, soak your hands in the pail of ice and water until you can’t feel anything.  All fingers will feel numb at that moment.

That's what it feels like at sub zero temperatures.

Tip: Do this regularly to prepare yourself for the cold especially if you’re immigrating in winter.

That’s how cold a minus one (-1) ^oC temperature is.  Just imagine the temperatures lower than that.

If you need other information about the weather in Canada and how and what to wear, send me an email at benalagnam@yahoo.com or samtimerrun@gmail.com.

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Setting an Appointment in Canada

Appointments are usually made in advance so that the slot of someone's time is reserved.  The one who made the appointment will cross out the date in his/her calendar.

We know that there are instances such as emergencies or sudden change of schedules may occur and the worst thing is, if it happens on that appointment date.  It can be a valid excuse, but there should be notifications in advance. We are in a society where there are different ways to inform each other, such as text message, email or phone call.

This post is to remind people that time is important to everyone.  The level may be different, but still is precious.  You may take someone's time for granted thinking that it's just his/her time anyway, but that should not be the case.

In Canada, time is important, we are paid by an hour.  Make it a point that when you schedule an appointment with someone whether he/she is a service, delivery guy or a salesman, you must be there at an agreed time and place.  If you can't make it, a simple message to inform the person involve so he/she can adjust accordingly.

On my previous post, Educate Yourself in Financial and Investments in Canada,  where I stated that I had coordinated with the Financial Advisers in Ontario,  I clearly wrote in the appointment form that a Financial Advisor will contact you based on your preferred media. You can see the form here.

If you filled up the form, it only means that you are open for an appointment with an advisor.  If you made one, make sure that the advisor is well informed in advance if something popped up or you had changed your mind.

A simple excuse message will do:

" Sorry Mr. or Ms. Advisor, we can't make it at the agreed time of the appointment because we need to go to a doctor."

 " Hi Mr. or Ms. Advisor, can we reschedule the appointment to this day, because something very important came up?"

If you are no longer interested or something prompt you that changed your mind, an honest message will do:

" Sorry Mr. or Ms. Advisor, I'm no longer interested about your FREE financial literacy.  Please cancel our appointment."

These excuses are no big deal for the advisors.  At least there are feedbacks coming from you.  There are no bad excuses. It's better to have one than no replies or zero messages at all.

Why am I saying this?

Financial Advisors are professional people. They are licensed by the Financial Services Commission in Ontario.  If you feel that there's a fraudulent act from them, you can report them immediately to the government.

You have to understand that they are also busy individuals.  A certain appointment set for them will ignore others that comes in.  They will set that date for you and that makes you a very important person.

You may say that "It's part of their job!".  We all know that, but would it be great to respect their time as well?

Tips for Making an Appointment with an Advisor:
1. Talk to them clearly.
2. If you are not interested, tell them straight to the point.
3. For the Financial Advisors, a date is a date, unless an emergency comes up.
4. If you are no longer available on that date, postpone it.
5. Leave messages.

Everyone has the right to be respected.

MM2C Spring MEET-UP in Scarborough Ontario Canada 2016

Last February 27, 2016, we had a very enjoyable experience meeting up with our fellow immigrants.  We were about 4 families there.  A lot of stories were shared with good laughs and also learned a lot from it.

For this coming April 9, 2016, on a Saturday afternoon (3:00pm), we will meet again and with new immigrants.  This time, it's in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.

If you are free to come, please join us and help support our new immigrants and our MM2C group.  We can share our experiences, moral support, and important immigration information that can help us settle in Canada smoothly.

You need to register in order to get the exact location for the event.  Please click the link or the banner below and it'll bring you to the Google form registration page.

Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jEuVi3RTkUDgG88XVU4S_Emy1Olf5tVVQjhEqq4NxNc/viewform

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Thanks for your time and SEE YOU THERE!!!