Why You Should Hire an Immigration Consultant?

By Maria De Luna

More than once I have come across these questions:

“Is it worth the time and money to hire an immigration consultant? Does my application get special attention because I hired you?”  

My simple answer has always been NO.

Hiring an immigration consultant has always been the choice of any individual when it comes to immigration matters. Application forms can be pretty straightforward and at first glance, does not need special expertise. The truth is, individuals can represent themselves in some court procedures. However, oftentimes, people would most likely hire a lawyer to represent their case in the best possible manner. The same can be said with Canadian Immigration.  

Due to the ever-changing rules and regulations these days, a person may make a mistake in applying in the wrong category, or worse, miss a deadline or limitation periods. Wrong applications or submissions can lead to the return of your application where you’ll have to start all over again, or your application is refused due to technicality that could have been avoided.  

Sometimes, seeking the help of a professional can find other avenues when you think you’ve hit a brick wall.

This year’s four-year employment rule for foreign workers is a good example:

A foreign worker, working in Canada since 2008 would have been sent home in April 2015 due to the cumulative duration rule of Immigration. He applied for his permanent residence and has not received the decision on it yet. Some foreign workers do not realize that there are ways to extend their work permit due to exemptions to the four-year rule. However, due to misconceptions, hearsays, and lack of information, work permit applications can get complicated when not applied properly! Even permanent resident applications can get returned to you. The scary part here is, sometimes you’re not eligible anymore to submit the application!

“FRIENDLY ADVICES”

Everyone has an “opinion” when it comes to immigration applications. Almost any one knows “someone” who has done a similar application with a similar situation. Because of this, they feel “confident” to with their application submission.  However, when things don’t turn out the way it is supposed to be, there’s no one to be held accountable but yourself. 

Make sure you seek legal and professional advise.  Aside from the friendly advices of friends or relatives, there are other individuals that provide advice for a fee.  Make sure the government has accredited these individuals.  Under Canadian law, it is an offence for anyone other than an authorized representative to advise or represent, for a fee or other consideration, at any stage of an application or proceeding.  CIC does not deal, or communicate with unauthorized representatives, so make sure you do your part by researching if you are dealing with authorized professionals. 

ACCOUNTABILITY

As mentioned earlier, proper application procedures must be followed to be successful in an immigration proceeding.  Licensed Immigration Consultants are required to adhere to stringent rules including those regarding quality of service, professionalism, ethical practice and confidentiality. Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council can hold them accountable for any actions that are considered unethical by the profession.

LIABILITY AND COMPETENCY 

Immigration Consultants have a high standard of competency.  They are required by the governing body to be competent by imposing yearly professional development programs. They also have Errors and Omissions Insurance that further protect consumers. Any unauthorized consultant providing services can leave a consumer vulnerable, as they are unable to compensate consumers adequately who has been financially hurt. 

PROFESSIONALISM 

Licensed Immigration Consultants adheres to the strict standards of the professional body and follows a strict degree of professionalism. They’ve undergone specialized trainings and further exams to expand their knowledge and expertise on certain areas of Immigration.

With a Licensed Immigration Consultant, you can be sure that applications are presented in a competent and professional manner. It is true that a candidate can do this on his own. I do not contest that one cannot submit a straightforward application. However, when an application is complicated, or you feel overwhelmed by the requirements, I would recommend to have a consultation first with a professional before deciding whether you can submit the application on your own or not. 

Be proactive in making decisions. After all, this is not only your future you are deciding, but also your family's future. 

About the Author

Maria Andrea De Luna is the owner of Maria De Luna Immigration Services Inc. located in downtown Calgary, Alberta. She has been in the immigration services industry for about ten years. She is a contributing writer for TFCC- The Filipino Champions of Canada, and Mabuhay Calgary, a community newspaper based in Calgary. 

Email: mariadeluna@mdlservices.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ mariaandrea.d.luna

The Cuiseneros at Adobo Experience

By Angelo Tembreza

TFCC Leads with Adobo Experience Owners/Chefs

Since Adobo Experience opened in March,the restaurant has gained a momentum most restaurants would envy. The former Vietnamese dining room and kitchen is always full for lunch and dinner, and if one wanted a meal here, reservations are the best way to get seats.

Since Abel’s visit with Adobo he’s had nothing but praise for their food. I came along with him to chat with Jeff Angeles, Simone Monte, Ronald Nunag, and George Maliwat to pick their brains on business and food. Their infectious positive energy is the first thing I noticed, which was something considering they just finished another busy dinner service.

Adobo Experience first began as a joke between Jeff, George, and Ronald. They all met in Calgary after they emigrated from the Philippines. George and Ronald worked in professional restaurant kitchens and had dreamed of making Filipino food a more recognizable cuisine amongst Calgarians. When they shared this vision with Jeff, it was only a matter of time before Jeff spotted an opportunity that landed them a location in 17^th Ave. With a limited budget, they managed to open Adobo experience. With an explosive spring and summer months, the folks at Adobo Experience are nothing but grateful for the restaurants growing patronage.

Now let’s consider the reality of the restaurant industry. We have seen enough TV shows, documentaries, articles and books to understand that there is a fine line between failure and success as a restauranteur.  While I’m not versed in the art of running a successful restaurant, being a foodie means knowing what makes a great dining experience. Adobo Experience understands the same principle every restaurant that strives to succeed, be it a 3 star Michelin world-class that charges a mortgage payment or a food truck selling pocket change cost street food. They operate and excel in the universal principle: customers and diners need to have great food and a great time eating it. 

The first thing one will notice walking into Adobo Experience is the homely charm of the dining room. It’s neatly decorated with pictures and little trinkets that remind every Filipino of home and give every new diner a perspective of Filipino culture. There are a few white boards hung around the room, customers leave messages of thanks, praise, and wishes of good luck. Regardless of who you are or how much you know, you’ll realize that in this place, you’re going to eat great rustic Filipino cuisine.

The menu and Adobo Experience is small but presents dishes that are carefully refined and adjusted over time. It allows them to remember how some of their regulars prefer certain dishes, in preparation for seasoning. In a way, this approach is how many “grandmother” home cooked family meals come to be. 

Adobo Experience currently features four styles of adobo on their menu (and they hope to feature more in the future). It only makes sense that a restaurant with the name Adobo would strongly and proudly offer their take on traditional Adobo recipes, an approach their patrons warmly received. Since opening, their adobo dishes has been a sought after items especially with non-Filipinos taking them one step towards their vision that adobo will be the most identifiable Filipino dish, just like how Fried Chicken is for southern U.S.A. country , Pho’ for Vietnamese, or Tikka Masala for Indian.

A small menu also says something about the attitude the partners of Adobo Experience has. They don’t believe in competition but believe in the abundance of opportunities for everyone. This means supporting Calgary’s Filipino restaurants and Filipino owned businesses. To them, Calgary is a vast landscape of filled with people hungry for Filipino food. There isn’t a need to have a menu that tries to represent all of the dishes of the Philippines but rather specializes in a specific style or dish. But supporting Filipino businesses also goes beyond this city, Adobo is currently looking into ways to source from Filipino food producers and farms. The banana leaves they use alone comes directly from the Philippines. It may cost a little bit more, but doing so means a lot for them.

With a second location ready to open soon, Adobo Experience’s partners are restless from all of the ideas that they enthusiastically discus. Like an Adobo Experience drive thru. Or an Adobo Experience cooking school…

“Someday we’re thinking ‘Adobo Experience Hotel’. We aren’t joking!” Jeff Laughed

About the Author

Angelo Tembreza with Adobo Experience Owners

Angelo Tembreza is a food blogger living in Calgary with a degree in Communications and a certificate in Business analysis. He currently works in the banking industry, daydreaming about dinner parties, picnics, tasting menus, 15 year barrels of scotch, and one day owning a 10-20 seat bistro serving rustic Filipino, French, Italian…and so on.

Engineer Lourdes (Lulu) Lugue - In Pursuit of Excellence: Polluted water does not stand a chance against this passionate Filipino Process Engineer

By Abel Pagaling

In the Filipino community, we have many talented singers, entertainers, and my favorite, boxers.  These individuals have worked hard and excelled in their craft.  I’ve observed that they fill the social media space.  The “stars” of the entertainment scene dominate the spotlight and fans follow them with great interest.  Just look at the “Likes” and “Comments” on Facebook or Instagram whenever a new photo or a story about an artist is posted.

Engr. Lulu Lugue, City of Calgary Senior Process Engineer

But outside the entertainment scene, there are Filipinos – engineers, accountants, doctors, nurses, public servants - who are making significant impact in our communities.  They are the quiet representatives of the Filipino community.  They overcame significant challenges so they too, like the stars in the entertainment industry, can shine in their chosen discipline.  But their motivation is not to capture the spotlight but to pursue excellence in their field of work.  In my view, these are the individuals that truly show the best of what we Filipinos have to offer.  They are the people that inspire me.

One such inspirational person is Lourdes Lugue.  I call her Tita Lourdes.  Tita Lourdes is one of the leading engineers of the City of Calgary.  She’s also one of those City employees who ensures that the City of Calgary’s water environment is safe and clean.  But before I talk about her role in the City of Calgary, I’d like to talk about her inspiring journey in pursuit of excellence in the field of engineering.

Tita Lourdes was born in Pangasinan but grew up in Pampanga.  Her family is a family of academics which is very impressive.  She has 7 siblings:

-One  graduated with a degree in Economics and has CGA designation

-One graduated as a Nutritionist 

-One an electrical engineer

-One Orthodontist

-One very successful business lady with an MBA

-One surgeon

-One with a degree in Foreign Studies 

But of all the siblings, I think Tita Lourdes is the most studious. She has two bachelor’s degree in engineering - Civil and Environmental, and a Masters in Environmental Engineering.  She also completed a certificate in Continuing Education at the University of Calgary where she now teaches a Waste Management  Course  to post-graduate students.

Engr. Lugue showing how the raw leachate turned into a clear water

While her credentials look impressive, the story of how she got there is what really inspired me.  “There were only 10 ladies in the engineering class, and the majority were men,” said Tita Lourdes about her university years.  “We didn’t have internet back then, so I was always studying and doing research through available books in the University library.  While many students partied, my friends and I focused on our studies until we finished.  Now all or my barkadas are very successful in the Philippines and here in Canada.”

But Tita Lourdes did not stop there.  She went to Belgium to pursue her masters in engineering.  And it wasn’t easy.  At the second year of her study, she became pregnant with her first baby.  While most students would pause or slow down given such circumstance, Tita Lourdes pressed on, determined to complete her studies.  “I was due to give birth, so I requested to write my exams ahead of time.  My program coordinator was so impressed.  Even with my baby, I graduated second place in the entire class.”

This determination to pursue excellence was demonstrated again when Tita Lourdes and her family moved to Canada.  In July, 2000, they moved to Toronto.  Since she couldn’t find a job in her profession, she worked in the Toronto East General Hospital as food aid delivery, bringing food to patients and later as a Diet Assistant determining correct diet for hospital patients.  “I also worked part-time at the Future Shop as a Customer Service representative,” said Tita Lourdes.  “But I wasn’t happy about my job.  I studied hard to earn a career and I did not come to Canada just to waste this career.”

True to her word, she moved to Calgary in August 2007 where she pursued a career in Engineering.  “I pursued until I got it.  I didn’t give up!”

Engr. Lugue in action during the building of The City of Calgary Leachate Project

Now, Tita Lourdes is a Senior Process Engineer for the City of Calgary where she plays a key role in keeping Calgary’s water system free of toxic pollutants.  “I process the ‘leachate’, yung ‘katas ng basura’, or the garbage juice as a result of the decomposition sa landfill natin,” says Tita Lourdes.  “Inumpisahan ko yung treatment project for the City of Calgary.  From the conceptual design, to managing the construction of the actual pilot plant, to commissioning, start up and full operation of the plant. Now, I have fully trained young engineers on how to run the treatment plant.  I just manage the overall project and the staff.”

Tita Lourdes’ previous work as an operator on the water treatment facilities of The City of Calgary and her current role in Waste & Recycling Services is one of the many contributions of City employees like her that makes Calgary ranks at the very top in the clean water category amongst major developed cities. 

In 2015, Calgary has been ranked # 1 on the MBC Group’s 12 “Cleanest Cities in the World”, #1 on ABC News Points “Top Ten List of Most Cleanest Cities in the World”, and # 1 on Top Ten Central’s “Top 10 Cleanest Cities in the World 2015”.  These are achievements that everyone in Calgary can be proud of, especially Calgary’s Filipino community.

It’s hard not be inspired by someone like Tita Lourdes.  She’s a great role model and has a lot of insights to teach us.  So I asked her for some life lessons she can give to Filipinos.  

Here’s what she shared:

TFCC Team with Engr. Lulu Lugue (R-L Abel, Jerry, Lulu, Hanes)

For Filipinos who recently moved to Canada but are finding it difficult to get a job in their profession: “Keep pursuing, persevere, work hard and don’t give up.  Don’t say, “Matanda na kami.  Ayaw na naming mag-aral.  Ganito nalang kami. Pinaghirapan mo yung profession mo, so don’t waste it.”

For the younger generation:  “Study hard and study well.  Just because you get a job after completing high-school doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue higher education.  There’s a fierce global competition out there.  If you don’t have a strong card to play, how can you compete?  You have to pursue higher education.  That’s the ‘Ace’ in your pocket wherever you go.”

For parents: “Support your children until they finish their degree or their chosen career path.  If a child wants to study but has to support himself or herself, it’s going to be difficult to focus and study properly.  As a parent, if my kids fail, it’s my failure as well.  There’s so many kids who can’t finish because they are on their own.  It’s ideal for parents to support their kids until they are done with their studies.  And once they’ve developed their wings and can fly on their own, then that’s when your job is done.”

Excellence comes in many form.  Tita Lourdes has put excellence, and to a great extent the entire concept of success into perspective for me.  It’s not about pursuing fame, or being popular, or being rich that makes us successful, but it’s the perseverance and determination to pursue excellence in our chosen field that makes us a success.  Because like Tita Lourdes, when we pursue excellence, we achieve not only what we want in life, but we also become great ambassadors for our community.  And most importantly, we provide a powerful example to our kids and for generations of Filipinos to come.

Tita Lourdes, on behalf of the TFCC team, it is an honor to call you a Filipino Champion!

About the author

Abel Pagaling is the TFCC Communication Lead. He manages a team of business analysts with a major Canadian insurance company. He is also an entrepreneur, a writer, a community servant, and a motivational speaker. He is passionate about personal development and leadership.

Email: abel.pagaling@gmail.com

Twitter: @abel_pagaling

Facebook: www.facebook.com/abelpagaling1

Annie Lux’s – “Embrace Who You Are”, A Music Artist’s Journey

By Abel Pagaling

I believe music artists are more than just regular people with careers in music.  Sure, they eat, sleep, and work like normal people.  But they offer so much more.  Their music gives our life color and deeper meaning.  They influence our culture.  They connect us with our deepest emotions. Long after they’ve stop making music, we still remember them and play their music because, like a painting on a canvas, they helped define the picture of who we are.

One of my fondest memories growing up is listening to Gary V., Andrew E., Michael Jackson, and even AirSupply!  I don’t remember much in my childhood, but I know the songs I’ve listened to.  Every time I hear a classic, I pause my thoughts and relive the wonderful feelings I have for the song.  The older I get, the more I value the music that has accompanied me in my life.  Songs are emotional and spiritual signposts, and the artist that create them reminds us of how wonderful life is.

In short, music artists stir our souls.  And a young, beautiful, promising artist is set to stir many souls with her delightful and unique style of music, as well as her inspiring personality.  

Meet Annie Lux, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 



Photographer: Jonard Tan
Hair, Make-up and Styling: H&V

Annie was introduced to me by TFFC – The Filipino Champions of Canada founder Mr. Jerry Caingcoy, along with Mr. Brent Anotado and Ms. Hanes Marasigan-Anotado.  They mentioned this young, upcoming artist, and that I should do an interview.  I’ve never done an interview with a music artist before but I was curious to find out about Annie.

I called Annie, and I was amazed at this young lady’s insight in life and in music.  I am particularly moved at how much respect and love she carries towards her parents and the people who helped her with her career.

In the North American music scene where ladies are often presented as rebellious, carefree and daring, Annie offers a strong yet feminine figure, one rooted in respect for family and a true passion for music.   “Everything I know comes from my parents,” said Annie, “and my mom always says, ‘do it all for love’.  And my dad always tells me, ‘it’s always about the journey’.”

Which takes me to her journey in her music career.  Annie’s love for music started at a very young age.  Her parents put her through music school as part of her extra-curricular activities.  She was classically trained in piano, voice, music theory, and music history.   “Classical is the foundation for what I do today. If it weren't for my classical training I wouldn't be able to have the technique to make contemporary music,” said Annie.

In grade 12, she realized that music is her true passion.  “I was a very good student.  Sciences interested me.  I wanted to be a geologist.  But music is my passion.”

What’s interesting about her journey is how her artist’s name came to be.  One day while doing her physics homework, Annie came across the word ‘Lux’.  It is a word used to measure light.  “That’s when Annie Lux was born,” she said.  “Lux is how you measure light, and I want girls to shine. I want my music to brighten people’s day.  I want the words of my music to be relatable. When my audience hears my music, I want them to feel understood.”



Photographer: Jonard Tan
Hair, Make-up and Styling: H&V

One of the most touching part of my interview with Annie is when she described how she finally embraced her music career.  

“I decided to tell my parents that I would pursue music,” said Annie.  “I grew up convincing myself that music was not a possible career option. But I had to embrace who I really was and what I loved. I didn't feel like I was being me. My parents said, ‘We know who you are, you know who you are. You're Annie.’ When I confessed I needed to do music as a career, they we're super supportive. At the end of the day they just want me to be happy. They know I work hard and they know I love what I'm doing and to them that’s enough.”

Annie acknowledged that it was difficult for her parents to see her pursue music.  They wanted her to become a doctor.  In the end, her parents saw her love and passion for music. “You need to do it for yourself first, then others will see and support you,” said Annie.   “My parents saw my passion for music. They saw what I love, and they supported it all the way.”

Speaking about her parents, I could sense her deep appreciation and love towards them.  

“They sacrificed a lot for me.  The arts can be straining in all aspects.  My dad works so hard to support me. He loves his businesses but he also loves me. He's my number 1 fan.  My mom would take absences at work to support me. She was always backstage with me. She helped me with all my costumes. She was there for me when things got too much both mentally and physically. She's always there. Right now they may be my agent, my manager, my handlers, but first and foremost they are always going to be my parent.”

In the music world, I feel that artists often focus too much on their success and give very little credit to the people who made their dream come true.  Annie is different.  She acknowledges the people that made her dream of being an artist possible.

“My parents put me through music lessons.  They came to Canada with $100 in their pocket.  They came to fulfill their dreams, but now they are working hard to fulfil my dreams.  My parents saved up for my college.  They always remind me that I shouldn’t spend my life aimlessly.  That I should work towards something.  That I should always work towards my art.”

Annie also acknowledged individuals who made a big impact in her career.   “I wrote all my music, with the help of kuya Sammy Gerongco and Bobby Gerongo, my producers.  With them I wrote 10 songs.”
 

As I end my interview with Annie, I noticed that even though she is very young, she has a great philosophy towards life.  



Photographer: Jonard Tan
Hair, Make-up and Styling: H&V

“It’s fine to be different,” she said. “It’s fine to be who you are.  It’s what makes you an artist.  If I’m in-genious in my craft, it shows. It’s so much easier to be yourself instead of being someone else.”

When I asked her about some of the challenges she experienced as a young artist, she had this to say: “When you’re working so hard at something, it’s hard to take it lightly.  I worked hard, and I got teased sometimes because of it.  I just moved on.  I have to be the better person.  I let it go, like Frozen,” she said with a chuckle, making me smile.

Annie is the first music artist I’ve interviewed and I’m glad I got the opportunity to do so.  Her passion for music, her love and respect towards her parents, and her courage to embrace who she truly is makes her a unique and a very inspiring individual. 

Artists are the loudspeakers of our inner feelings.  They help express our mood.  They shape our view of the world.  They lift our spirits.  

Annie Lux, you’re a true artist!  With your amazing talent, your great attitude, and the wonderful message that you bring, I know you will touch many lives and have a great following! 
 

On behalf of TFCC – The Filipino Champions of Canada, we wish you the very best in your career!
 

 About the Author:

Abel Pagaling is the TFCC Communication Lead. He manages a team of business analysts with a major Canadian insurance company. He is also an entrepreneur, a writer, a community servant, and a motivational speaker. He is passionate about personal development and leadership.
Email: abel.pagaling@gmail.com
Twitter: @abel_pagaling
Facebook: www.facebook.com/abelpagaling1

To know more about Annie, see the attached Artist Bio!     

Annie Lux
Website: annieluxmusic.com
Email: annieluxmusic@gmail.com 

Birth Name: Anne Marie Bañaga Ala
Height: 5’2
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Nationality: Filipino-Canadian
Occupation: Singer-Songwriter
Birthdate: January 4th 1998 (age 17)
Place of Birth: Calgary Alberta, Canada
Musical Background: Royal Conservatory of Music, Berklee College of Music (voice, piano, advanced theory and music history) Genre/Vocal Style – Pop fusion, SKA, Jazz, Classic Soul 

Range: Alto, Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano
Influences: Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Jack Johnson, Etta JamesLabel: N/A (independent artist)

Artist Bio for Annie Lux

Born in 1998 (aged 17) in Calgary Alberta, Annie is a young emerging Filipino-Canadian pop-artist. She has recently been nominated for The Womenincharg3 Female Independent Artist Award in Atlanta, Georgia, just beginning to create a name for herself. When she was 13 years old she started singing classic love ballads and jazz at her father’s Restaurant “Pacific Hut” where she was offered to sing with a variety of local bands. Performing multiple genres including reggae, jazz, pop and disco has influenced her in finding her own unique style and proving that she is a well versed entertainer. Also at 13 she joined Youth Singers of Calgary. She also scored an opening solo along with a mid piece solo at the Jubilee Auditorium for their Spring Show: One. This was her first introduction to performing. The following year she had another solo at the Jubilee Auditorium for YSC’s Spring Show Museo1.  She has performed at a large variety of local events supporting charitable events such as the Typhoon Haiyan Telethon which raised $79, 000 for aid to the victims of the devastation. Concert producers for Filipino artists like Joey Albert2, Wency Cornejo, Parokya Ni Edgar, True Faith3, etc. started to contact her to open their shows. She also shared the stage with Lolita Carbon from ASIN, Mike Hanopol from Juan de la Cruz Band and has sung a duet with New York based, multi-platium, Emmy nominated artist David Pomeranz4 (“If You Walked Away”). In May 2015 Annie was a supporting act for Sarah Geronimo’s “Perfect 10” concert in Calgary and Toronto, two out of three Canadian cities during her tour. 

Her fans connect to her quirkiness. She is girly, playful and a little eccentric. Her style is colorful and floral reflecting her organic sound. On her upcoming EP she will be introducing reggae-fusion vibes, with jazzy R&B pop melodies. The topics of her songs are modern and relatable targeting a younger teenage audience. She is working her upcoming EP with multi-platinum, Grammy nominated Kuya Productions5. The Toronto-based Fil-Can duo, Samuel T. Gerongco and Robert T. Gerongco, are best known for their production of two of Shawn Desman’s top singles Get Ready and Shook. Working with artists such as Jesse McCartney, Jordin Sparks, Girlicious etc. They have connected her with Ricky Tillo (Lady Gaga’s guitarist) who will be soloing on Annie’s track “Shadow and I”. Together the KUYA and Annie6intend to introduce her music to Asia with ambition to create a world-class pop star.

Annie studied with Rita Thurn, alumni member of ARCT1, president of ARTMA2 and member of other numerous music teaching associations such as ISME3. Under RCM4 and Rita Thurn Annie studied voice, piano, advanced music theory and music history; learning how to pay meticulous attention to details and subsequently applying this knowledge to her work and performances. Rita Thurn’s husband Ralph Thurn (awarded two JUNO’s5, a Grande Prix Du Disque6 and other musical achievements) collaborated Annie (at age 14) to produce an unreleased album of classical vocal repertoire, her first introduction into recording arts. During summer 2015 Annie attended the 5-week performance program at Berklee College of Music and was chosen to sing for the ‘5-Week Singer-songwriter Showcase’ (only the top 16% of auditionee’s were accepted.) This January Annie will be attending Berklee College of Music. (B.Mus.)

“Lux – lux
noun \ˈləks\
plural lux or lux·es
Definition of LUX
:  a unit of illumination equal to the direct illumination on a surface that is everywhere one meter from a uniform point source of one candle intensity or equal to one lumen per square meter.”
    -Merriam Webster Dictionary

“Lux means how bright something is; so the translation of my name is Annie glows.”
 –Annie Lux during her interview on “The It List on FTV”7