January 2010 Toronto, Canada

Manila Media Monitor columnist Mario Dimain’s photos cited by City govt

Elusive retirement for a photographer

By Ace Alvarez

He has retired in late 2008
from his professional prac-
tice, but seems could not
stay away from photography.
Manila Media Monitor
columnist Mario Dimain did
it again! This time, his pho-
tography was recognized in
two categories in the City of
Toronto’s “Building a great
city – together” photo contest.
Dimain said, “I am now
retired from professionally
shooting weddings, but pho-
tography has not retired from
me. The passion is still burn-
ing and is very much alive.”
His entries, “The Street Art-
ist” and “The contest theme and category,
Rain Man” and overall visual appeal.
were chosen in The themes covered were
the “City Peo- City programs and services;
ple” and “City parks and playgrounds; land-
Events” catego- scapes and gardens; urban
ries, respective- wildlife and pets; the water-
ly, by the panel front; local events and festivals;
of judges, com- people at work, play and on the
posed of Jocelyn move; architecture/buildings;
Richards, City culture and entertainment; and
of Toronto pho- Toronto’s neighbourhoods and
tographer; Steve history - all tied to the theme of
Mackinnon, City building a great city together.
archivist; and, The images selected were
Kate Schneider, features of many of Toron-
an artist and to’s neighbourhoods, such
Manila Media Monitor columnist Mario Dimain. educator who as the Distillery District and

Toronto press group acts to help

families of slain journalists sources reported that the massa-
cre was 2010 election-related.
The Philippine Press Club- The journalists were with
ber and Manila Media Moni-
Ontario (PPCO) has donated the group to cover the fil-
tor columnist Ricky Caluen
some $750 to help out the ing of the certificate of gu-
to Rommel Rebollido, Phil-
families of 35 journalists slain bernatorial candidacy for the
ippine News Agency head in
at the Maguinanao massacre. province of Maguindanao by
Mindanao, when he flew to
The donation was person- Buluan town vice-mayor Ish-
Mindanao last November 29.
ally handed by PPCO mem- mael “Toto” Mangudadatu.
Various Philippine news
The bodies
were found hours
after the Buluan
town vice mayor Mario Dimain’s “The Street Artist” and “The Rain Man” were
received a text chosen in the “City People” and “City Events” categories
respectively, of the City of Toronto’s “Building a great
message from city – together” photo contest where some 700 photogra-
his wife, Gena- phers competed among one another with their 4,100 entries.
lyn, at 10 a.m.
on November 23 teaches photography at Guelph- the Beach, beautiful scenes
that their convoy Humber University in Toronto. of Toronto’s waterfront and
was blocked by Judging thirteen categories landscapes, people who make
some 50 armed in the contest, the judges were up the multicultural city, bold
men while they looking for powerful images architecture, and cultural
were on their that evoked Toronto’s spirit, events such as Caribana, Nuit
way to file his energy and unique character. Blanche and music festivals.
Guests and members of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario, led by its certificate of Entries were evaluated Toronto Mayor David Mill-
president Tenny Soriano (2nd from left) pray for those killed in the Magu-
FAMILIES
by the judges based on con-
indanao massacre -- including 37 journalists, during a gathering at the tent, image quality, creativity,
Cusina Lounge and Restaurant on Wilson Avenue in Toronto. [Photo: continued on PHOTOGRAPHER
Mike Caducio] p. 13 uniqueness, relevance to the continued on p. 5
NEWS January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 3

Gov’t speeds up foreign credential ket challenges is critical

to Canada’s long-term
top international students
to Canada and increase

recognition for newcomers

economic success,” the uptake of immigrant
said Minister Finley. settlement programs.”
“Ensuring that for- The Framework states
eign credentials and that governments across
Under the new Pan- Resources and Skills The Pan-Canadian is the process of veri- qualifications are as- Canada will work to-
Canadian Framework for Development Diane Fin- Framework for the As- fying that knowledge, sessed and recognized wards better pre-arrival
the Assessment and Rec- ley and Co-Chair of the sessment and Recognition skills, work experience in a timely manner will services, assessments that
ognition of Foreign Qual- Forum of Labour Mar- of Foreign Qualifications and education obtained enable newcomers to are fair, transparent, con-
ifications, foreign-trained ket Ministers, and Ja- is part of the Government in another country are maximize their talents.” sistent and timely across
workers who submit an son Kenney, Minister of of Canada’s strategy to comparable to the stan- The Framework fol- Canada, and improved
application to be licensed Citizenship, Immigration have the best educated, dards established for lows the Government of workforce participation
or registered to work in and Multiculturalism, most skilled and most Canadian profession- Canada’s commitment in services for newcom-
certain fields will be ad- have endorsed a new flexible workforce in the als and tradespersons. the 2008 Speech from the ers. These services will
vised within one year framework to enhance world. Recognizing for- “Attracting and retain- Throne to “work with the help internationally-
whether their qualifica- foreign qualification eign credentials is part of ing the best international provinces to make the rec- trained workers put their
tions will be recognized. recognition for interna- the strategy, and foreign talent to address existing ognition of foreign cre- training and knowl-
Minister of Human tionally-trained workers. qualification recognition and future labour mar- dentials a priority, attract edge to work sooner.

International Press Freedom Canadian journalists’

murders remain unsolved.
Recipients of the Inter- sia. It has gained inter-
national Press Freedom national attention due
Awards Gala Proceeds from the
gala would be for support
Award Winners were: to the murders of four
• Jila Baniyaghoub, of its journalists and its
to legal defense work in Iranian writer for Gazeta fearless and influential
Event focuses on unsolved murders of Canada, advocacy and Kanoon Zanan Irani (Fo- reporting on critical is-
journalists around the world promotion of free ex- cus on Iranian Women) sues. Novaya Gazeta’s
pression rights in Canada and contributor to Iranian journalists frequently in-
The Canadian Jour- 12th annual International their reporting work. and around the globe newspaper Sarmayeh, vestigate and publish ar-
nalists for Free Expres- Press Freedom Awards On November 23, and CJFE’s Journalists Baniyaghoub has been- ticles that are critical of
sion (CJFE) has honored gala held on Decem- 2009, 35 journalists were in Distress Fund, which beaten, arrested and im- the state, unearth corrup-
two journalists and the ber 9 at the Royal Fair- killed in Maguindanao has disbursed more than prisoned several times tion and expose human
staff of a newspaper for mont Hotel in Toronto. in southern Philippines, $170,000 in grants to over the span of her career. rights abuses. Dmitry
their immense courage So far this year in the worst massacre of persecuted journalists in • Novaya Gazeta, one Muratov, the Editor-in-
and commitment to free- 93 journalists have journalists in history. In Latin America, Africa, of the only independent
dom of expression at the died in connection to Canada, four prominent Asia and Eastern Europe. news outlets in Rus- GALA continued on p.13
4 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 NEWS

Canadian medical
rehab house gives
to Ondoy victims
A top Canadian medi- said, “as an immigrant
cal rehab house was coming to Canada with
among non-Filipino busi- his parents in 1967, “I
nesses to respond for as- feel a deep empathy for
sistance to victims of the Filipino-Canadians and
recent typhoons Ondoy concern for people and
and Pepeng their country of origin.”
Devin Govindasamy The donation was
did not lose time to mo- presented to Philippine
bilize his co-workers to Consul General Ale-
give financial assistance jandro Mosquera who
to a beleagured people advised them to turn over
some 10,000 miles away the funds to an organiza-
in the Philippines. tion of their choice -- the
Employees of Custom Philippine National Red Custom Rehab proprietor Devin Govindasamy (sitted) as he prepares to conduct a raffle
Rehab and Assessment Cross (PNRC). draw among employees related to his company’s fund-raising efforts for Philippine typhoon
Cabnada Ltd. finally In acknowledging the victims. (Photos by Rico De Las Alas and Anagaile Soriano)
raised $2,500 which busi- donation, ConGen Mos-
ness owner Govindasamy quera said it was heart- Custom Rehab’s affiliate the basement
equalled with the same warming to note that company, the Leaside- of Devin’s in
contribution of $2,500 even non-Filipinos like based Physiotherapy and 1995 and af-
for a total of $5,000. Govindasamy and his co- Massage Institute pro- ter 15 years it
A self-made man who employees volunteered vides services ofphysiot has grown to
transformed his small their time and effort to herapists,acupuncture,m become a top
basement business into help people in the Philip- assage, chiropractic and notch medical
one of Ontario’stop ten pines. exercise training. rehab conm-
medical assessment com- As one of the top med- Custom Rehab had pany. (AS)
panies, Govindasamy ical rehab companies, a humble beginning at
NEWS January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 5
PHOTOGRAPHER engage with their city.” a winning submission re- earned the recognition of the two halves of a sliced Dimain’s monthly
from p. 1 More than 4,100 en- ceive prizes including the Christian Photographers pepper that appeared to be column in this publi-
tries were received by recent book, “Toronto’s Community when both laughing, placed second. cation, “The 3rd Eye”
er said that there was a the city from 700 photog- Visual Legacy: Official photos won in its Mini City Manager Joe merges words and pho-
tremendous response to raphers for this contest. City Photography from Challenge photo contest Pennachetti said the City tographs to effectively
the photo contest, which In addition to having 1865 to the Present”. theme: That Is Not So of Toronto hosted a din- express his non-political
is “… a great way to their photos displayed In December 2008, Natural. The photo of an ner reception on Janu- views that promote posi-
showcase the wealth of online at www.flickr.com/ Dimain’s two most trea- airplane’s shadow, mysti- ary 18 to celebrate the tive self-awareness and
talent we have in Toron- photos/cityoftoronto/gal- sured photos, “The Rain- cally encircled by a cir- talent and passion for community harmony.
to and for the public to leries, photographers with bow and The Shadow” cular rainbow won first the city found in those (Also with files from
and “Laughing Peppers” place while the image of talented photographers. the City of Toronto)

Mayor David Miller at the reception celebrating
the talent and passion of photographers, point-
ing out that the event is “a great way to show-
case the wealth of talent we have in Toronto and
for the public to engage with their city.”
Filipino White
House chef wins
in Iron Chef
America
Cristeta Pasia-Comerford has teamed-up
with the “Early Show” resident chef Bobby
Flay defeating the renowned chefs Emeril
Lagasse and Mario Batali in the Iron Chef
America on Sunday, January 3, in the Food
Network. In the Iron Chef challenge, Flay
and Pasia-Comerford used Japanese egg-
plant and sweet potatoes — personally
recommended by U.S. First Lady, Michelle
Obama, who joined Cristeta in the photo
— for their winning dish. Flay and Pasia-
Comerford defeated Lagasse and Batali by
five points. Cristeta was born in Sampaloc,
Manila. She has been the White House ex-
ecutive chef since 2005. Further, she is the
first female to occupy the position and the
first person of ethnic minority origin to hold
the same.
6 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 VIEWS

spite from the usual

fare we see around.
***
Recently,
A C E A LVA R E Z
OMNI 2 Televi-
sion (Cable 14 in
“Hindi kapamilya! Kapuso sila!” Toronto) moved
the schedule for
the alternative
Whenever my wife, Gie Al- UNLESS, I assure her that the Lady of Assumption Church” viewing sched-
varez, is unable to hear mass officiating priest in the mass on Bathurst Street in Toronto ule of Front Page
on Sundays for reasons attrib- would sing, too, patterned after on Sunday, December 6. Philippines – the
utable to me, she wouldn’t talk the music genre of our Filipino Ang galing naman talaga TV program I
to me for days. priests and deacons in Ontar- ng concert! A rare one in the produce for the
After the “Alay Concert”, io who grouped together and Filipino Canadian community, Filipino Canadian
she wouldn’t go to church, staged the concert at the “Our which gave everybody a re- community from
Thursdays, 3 PM
to the same day at
4 PM.
“Wow,” ex-
claimed my wife,
Gie – who hosts
the TV program, Photo1
“OMNI 2 TV has chaired by my good friend, Le-
put us head-on against Oprah onie Manzanares, one woman
on CTV Cable 8!” asked me:
I responded, “Let’s look at “Ace, do you have a fam-
it this way. Oprah produces ily here in Canada? I mean, I
her TV show; and so do we.” know you’re married and have
“Oprah has her own pub- children, but what I was asking
lication; and so do we.” really was … do you have sib-
“Oprah is a multi-million- lings here; relatives?”
aire; and … ah … ahh …we I took the printed photo
have our own publication!” that you see on this page and
In photo are some of the Filipino priests and deacons assigned at various Ontario par- ***
ish communities who gathered together on December 9 at the “Our Lady of Assumption” marked as “Photo 1”, and
church on Bathurst Street in North York to treat the community to a rare contemporary During the recent “PIDC
musical extravaganza in celebration of the Year for Priests. (Manila Media Monitor) Dancing To Be A Star” event OOOPS continued on p. 7
VIEWS
new baby!”
Hearing the statement, I
decided to play along.
“Thank you,” I said.
“Are you the father of the
baby?” she asked.
I said, “Yes”.
“How’s the baby?” she ex-
citedly inquired further.
I responded, “The baby
has graduated recently from
university and looking for a
job?”
I didn’t hear anything, ex-
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor
cept “click”.
***
Some people asked me why
Butch Galicia moved to “Li-
breto”.
My response was better pay,
extended medical benefits and
eight weeks of vacation with
pay.
***
Message forwarded by
Karl Haab of the New Con-
servatory of Music on Shep-
pard Avenue in Scarborough,
7
Ontario, under the subject
“Stella Awards”:
“It’s time again for the
annual ‘Stella Awards’! For
those unfamiliar with these
awards, they are named after
81-year-old Stella Liebeck
who spilled hot coffee on her-
self and successfully sued the
McDonald’s in New Mexico,
where she purchased coffee.
You remember, she took the
OOOPS continued on p. 10

Photo 2

OOOPS from p. 6
showed it to the woman. Her
response: “Hindi naman ka-
pamilya ang mga iyan, a! Mga
kapuso sila, ‘di ba?”
***
I wonder whatever hap-
pened to fellow Philippine
Press Club-Ontario (PPCO)
member Nestor Arellano
when he and wife, Faye, got
home that night from the
PPCO Christmas Party and
where the photo was taken
by PPCO member Miguel
Caducio.
In photo number 2, do you
wonder what PPCO member
Faye Arellano was thinking
while her husband was read-
ing something during the
PPCO Christmas Party held
at Cusina Lounge and Res-
taurant on Wilson Avenue in
Toronto?
Well, kayo na po ang hu-
matol.
***
On October 28, I got this
message, together with other
recipients, in my “Inbox”:
“Due to some unavoidable
circumstances beyond our con-
trol, the get together scheduled
on Saturday, 31 October 2009,
is hereby postponed to Novem-
ber 7, 2009, Saturday, at 6pm
at … North York, Ontario.
”Hope this notice will serve
its purpose. Thank you.”
The notice was signed, Bawat patak ng pawis at pagod mo........
Forex sa
“Amor and Maribel”.
It wasn’t true that I filed a
petition before the Ontario buong pusong ihahatid ng
Court of Justice to order the
signatories to lift the postpone- pamilya mo.....
ment.
Ang bigat ng dating ng
memorandum ng signatories; kahit saan....... kahit kailan
“get together” pa la’ng ang
pinag-uusapan sa e-mail na na-
sabi.
I almost had a nervous
breakdown when I got the no-
tice. Whewww!
***
One recent morning ….
Answering the phone at
home, a telemarketer on the
other line said, “I’m from
USC Educational Savings
Plan. Congratulations on the
8 Manila Media Monitor January 2010
An apology. Oh what
a way to start a New Year!
In the art of communica-
tion, I was trained never to
start something with a nega-
tive statement. At this in-
stance, however, I must,
hence, this heartfelt apology.
I apologize to my – and
Manila Media Monitor’s, read-
ers for our failure to come out
with the November 2009 is-
sue due to the sudden depar-
ture of our editor/layout artist
Butch Galicia. Not that it was
Butch’s fault that we failed
to come out with the Novem-
ber 2009 issue. Certainly,
Butch has all the right to seek
greener pastures elsewhere.
Following this, we opted to
make the November and De-
cember 2009 issues as one, but
several factors affecting news-
paper production stood along the
way, among others, the incom-
patibility of programs installed
on the various computers we
use for Manila Media Monitor.
On behalf of Manila Media
Monitor and of myself, I do
apologize, too, to our advertisers
for any inconvenience our fail-
ures we might have caused all
of them – especially advertisers
who were catching up to meet
their sales goals during the last
months of calendar year 2009.
After having remedied
the situation, however, over
the past holidays, we are
now back in circulation.
During the last 13 years
that Manila Media Moni-
tor has been publishing and
serving the needs of the Fili-
pino Canadian community,
we believe that we have truly
served the needs of everybody
who has a stake in Manila
One of the most respected
young men in Thailand today
is in the business of chang-
ing young people’s lives.
The shy and unassuming
man is fondly called Weera
and he claims that his call-
ing to serve the country came
when he was still at the uni-
versity not too long ago.
Weera Sandee, fresh out of
college and starting a future in
entertainment, noticed that in
just barely a year of his career,
many actor and singer-friends
of his passed away, sending
him thinking about the fleet-
ing nature of fame and the
transience of life. The conflu-
ence of circumstances and the
realization that one can never
bring to his grave all the wealth
and fame led Weera to venture
to a more meaningful job.
“I quit my job in 1998 and
decided to use my experi-
ence to teach young people
From the
Monitor’s Desk
A C E A LVA R E Z
I’m back in the saddle
Media Monitor’s operation. believe, is a contraction of the
Year 2009 presented the first syllables of the owners’
media industry with unprec- last names: “Men” for Men-
edented challenges. Your Ma- doza and “tor” for Torralba”.
nila Media Monitor was not I wish Butch the
spared from such, but the prob- best at his new home.
lems presented to us during In the meantime, I guess
the last two months were spe- “I’m back in the saddle again”,
cific to us, but did – and con- so to speak, as Manila Me-
tinued to, pray for everybody’s dia Monitor’s editor – a po-
very kind understanding of sition I held during the first
the situation which faced us.
ten of the thirteen-year his-
On behalf of everybody tory of this publication and
at this publication, I thank for which, since 2000, I was
you so much for your in- recognized for my contribu-
dulgences on this matter. tion to Canadian journalism by
I mustered my energy back “Canadian Who’s Who” -- the
into the task I used to do for the only reference book contain-
benefit of all Manila Media Mon- ing names of what the book’s
itor’s readers and advertisers. publisher, the University of
I thank Manila Media Moni- Toronto (U of T), calls distin-
tor readers and advertisers who guished Canadians,listing in
came back to me with their kind which is by invitation only and
and encouraging words after I based on merit. The reference
sent them a notice of our failure book is compiled and pub-
to come out with the November lished annually by the U of T.
and December 2009 issues. To ***
all of you, thank you so much On behalf of everybody
from the bottom of my heart. at Manila Media Monitor, I
I take this opportunity, too, welcome Jun Enverga as a
to congratulate Butch Galicia, resident in this publication.
who assumed the position of Jun is the immediate past
publisher/editor of “Libreto” president of the Philippine
– the publication being oper-
Independence Day Council
ated by Mentor Productions (PIDC) – that organization
Inc. – a corporation run by which “grew from a cocoon
Teresa and Mon Torralba, the to a butterfly” at the helm
couple, who during the last of the MBA graduate from
three years staged the “Mak- York University that Jun is.
ing Waves Festival”at various Jun offered to write a column
locations in Toronto. Mentor, I in this paper and so, I dared him.
Roundabout
M A G C R U Z - H ATO L
The video Pied Piper
of Thailand
around Thailand to use media
He has since trained thou-
as a tool to make their lives sands of people under 18 in
better. I have not regretted it the rudiments of video pro-
a minute since,” Weera nar- duction, media work and ev-
rates when we met him dur- erything else in between but
ing a recent trip to Bangkok. with a novel twist: Weera links
UNICEF jumpstarted the lessons and media train-
him, seeing in him perhaps ing with life skills preparation.
a young idealistic partner.
Weera’s passion and sincer- Thai Youth Network
ity have since brought vari- Today, one finds the youth-
ous government ministries to ful Weera shuttling between his
his doorstep with promises Bangkok base and any of the 40
of funding support: Even the Thai provinces, and producing
Thai Army, and Plan Interna- the daily children’s news. This
tional have partnered with him. is aired in the morning on the
VIEWS
Welcome, Jun, and enjoy
your executive room on page 10.
***
I was amused by a story I
was told by fellow members
of the Philippine Press Club-
Ontario (PPCO), Tenny So-
riano and Mon Datol, which
occurred during the blessing
of the newly-renovated office
of the Philippine Labor At-
tache on Eglinton Avenue in
Toronto, saying that Toronto
Star reporter Dale Brazao
was cited by Philippine Labor
Representative Frank Luna.
I did not exactly know what
the citation was about, but I
presume that it was on the Star
reporter’s stories exposing
abuses committed by employ-
ers and recruitment agencies
on overseas Filipino workers,
including live-in caregivers.
I, nor the community me-
dia, have no problem with Dale
having been cited by the Phil-
ippine Labor Representative
for his exposés. What amused
me personally was that, while
Dale was given a citation for
his newspaper reports, people
who brought those abuses
against OFWs and brought
them to the attention of Mr.
Luna and his office were not
likewise cited for their brave
stance against their employers.
The same people who
brought the problems before Mr.
Luna’s office even led groups
of OFWs in staging rallies to
get the attention of both the
Philippine and Canadian gov-
ernments on the plight of what
the RP government embraces
as “Mga Bagong Bayani”.
Amusing me further was
SADDLE continued on p. 9
country’s most popular chan-
nel, and in the evening on the
country’s government station.
The Thai Youth Network
(TYN) is a buzzword in the lo-
cal industry because of its 10-
year headway in youth engage-
ment in media. Slowly, the Thai
Ministry of Education is rec-
ognizing what TYN has start-
ed and will likely soon adopt
the process in every school.
When that happens, Weera’s
dream of seeing every Thai
school use his model to em-
ploy media to teach life skills
to the young will be realized.
“After that, my next wish
is that the Thai-based TYN
evolves into an ASEAN Youth
News department,” he says.
Not a bad plan for some-
one not even in his 40s and
who has young boys and
girls trailing him, guru fash-
ion, wherever Weera goes.
PIED PIPER continued on p. 9
13 years of dedicated
community service
Managing Editor
ACE ALVAREZ
Associate Editor
GIE ALVAREZ
Contributing Editors
RICKY CALUEN
MARIO DIMAIN
MAG CRUZ HATOL
GRACE P. FREIRES
MANNY FREIRES
BEN VICCARI
Editorial Assistant
LEN ALVAREZ-MAHONEY
Contributors
EVA AGPAOA
NOEL PERADA
LARRY TORRES
Account Executives
MYRNA SORIANO
JOHN TAN
Graphics
RUSSELL INTERNATIONAL
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com
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VIEWS
The Harper Conservative
government has left Cana-
dians with language barriers
to fend for themselves with-
out sufficient information
about the current H1N1 flu
pandemic, Liberal Critic for
Multiculturalism and Youth
Justin Trudeau said recently.
“The Harper government
has failed in its duty to pro-
tect all Canadians from H1N1
by neglecting to provide clear
information, responsible plan-
ning or adequate funding sup-
port, but this failure is magni-
fied for many Canadians who
have difficulty understand-
ing English or French,” said
Trudeau, MP for Papineau.
Reports from across the
country show that Canadians
who are not proficient in either
of Canada’s official languages
were unable to get H1N1 in-
formation from official sources
and confused about what to do
about the current pandemic.
“These concerns are being
raised at the same time that the
government is being criticized
for failing to allocate $400 mil-
lion promised in 2006 for pan-
demic response, said Trudeau.
The Conservatives are
spending $100 million of
The much celebrated Christ-
mas has just passed. All the
presents have been unwrapped
except for one more _ the gift of
New Year. . . . It is yet to unfold.
As the remaining days of
December keep shrinking clos-
er to the end of 2009, the antici-
pation of what 2010 has in store
for us brings a tingling excite-
ment _ mixed with anxiety. We
are about to face a new chap-
ter, and like all chapters in a
novel, 2010 is interwoven with
the previous years in our lives.
What we started or what
we learned in the past con-
tinues on to next year. Would
it be the end of our misfor-
tunes and bad habits? Would
it be a continuation of chas-
ing an old dream? Would it
be another promising year?
Another chance perhaps? Or
would it be the same as 2009?
SADDLE from p. 8
the fact that while Dale Brazao
was cited for whatever he was
cited for, my good friend, Ed-
die Lee – publisher of the old-
est newspaper in Toronto “Atin
Ito”, was not given a similar
citation, regardless of the fact
that in several instances, Eddie
came up with stories on OFWs
– and, at times, even ahead of
Brazao’s Toronto Star stories,
considering that it is not a secret
public money to
try to convince
Canadians that
they are doing a
good job, but less
than ten per cent
of that amount Justin Trudeau:
on a public in-
formation cam- Immigrants shortchanged
paign about the
H1N1 pandemic.
on H1N1 info
“This government should
divert what is left of the es-
timated $100 million of
public money being spent
on partisan advertising to a
new H1N1 public awareness
campaign,” said Trudeau.
***
Two of my greatest friends
(one unhappily no longer
with us) have had deep philo-
sophical views of Canada as
a constitutional monarchy.
The reigning monarch, they
believed, had ultimate authority
as ruler of a nation — a system
shared by other countries such
as The Netherlands and Norway.
True this power was only ex-
ercised ceremonially, but it re-
mained in the case of urgent need
to settle more profound issues.
Now, a recent survey by
Angus Reid Strategies in-
dicated that 53 percent of
While most peo-
ple are so absorbed
by the unknown, I
choose to look back
and reflect on what
I already know _
the things that I The Gift of New Year
missed out and the
wisdom I gained. Knowing my
weakness and strength would
certainly prepare me for the
challenges ahead. There are
no guarantees, but understand-
ing my priorities and inner self
builds me a road map to where
I want to go. Would I get there?
Again, there are no guarantees,
but one thing is certain, I will
try my hardest to make the
most of what the New Year has
to offer, one sunrise at a time.
Each day is a new aspira-
tion. January 1st is no different.
It comes to start the year with a
sunrise of new beginning, new
that Eddie is a frequent visitor
and a close friend of the Phil-
ippine Labor Officer, hence,
has access on these stories.
Well, not that the Filipino
Canadian media care about
those citations or awards. I
even saw some of those cita-
tions/awards hang on refrigera-
tor doors of some PPCO recip-
ients. What the members of the
PPCO were wondering about
was the apparent preference of
Philippine Labor Officer Frank
Commentary
BEN VICCARI
Canadians wanted Cana-
da to drop the monarchy.
Support for severing ties
was highest among men, and
among French speakers, while
women, and those earning
more than C$50,000 a year,
were most likely to support
the current system, the sur-
vey of 1,032 adults found.
To my mind, there’s no
doubt that in the not so far off
future we’re going to see a
showdown on the continuance
of Canada as a constitutional
monarchy. What, I ask, is the
alternative for a head of state?
Certainly not a president
-- which could lead ultimate-
ly to a complete usurpation
of power. A governor? Yes.
The current office of a gov-
ernor general with a dedicated
residence and other trappings
of authority, could readily be
The 3rd Eye
MARIO DIMAIN
hope and new chance for rec-
onciliation. Let us not live from
year to year but live as if today
is the last day, for we may never
see tomorrow’s morning light.
At midnight when the clock
signals the arrival of 2010, I
will be with my family. It is a
strict family tradition that was
passed on to me by my parents.
I grew up feeling as if it was a
sin to break it, sort of like the
eleventh commandment. Now,
my grown-up daughters, all
living on their own, observe the
tradition the same way as I did.
Wherever they are, they will
Luna for the Toronto Star over
Filipino Canadian media – and
with good apparent reasons!
On the other hand of scale,
however, Frank should have
at least given the Filipino Ca-
nadian media equal access to
the news stories in progress.
In several situations before,
what could have been a top
story for the Filipino-Canadian
media were leaked to us, but
even after attempts had been
made to contact Mr. Luna at
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor
transformed into
an elected office
without a general
and costly up-
heaval. Or is this
too simple a so-
lution for bureau-
crats to grasp?
The com-
bined cost to Ca-
nadian taxpay-
ers of the Camilla-Charles
tour in 2009 and the Queen’s
forthcoming visit is estimat-
ed to be close to $6 million.
***
A great stir has been
caused by a government fi-
nanced flyer mailed to resi-
dents in ridings that contain
large Jewish populations.
This document is absurd in
its implications that the Lib-
eral opposition is engaged
in anti-Semitic activities
One accusation, that
Canada sent a delegation to
the first Durban conference
in 2001 in the knowledge
that it supported anti-Sem-
itism is totally inaccurate.
It was at the conference itself
that the predominance of anti-
Semitism came to the fore. To
have expected Canadian dele-
gates to have walked out would
find their way home
before midnight, on
time to be with the
family in welcom-
ing the New Year.
Why is it that
the beginning of the
year is celebrated
and not the end of the year?
Well, would you rather cel-
ebrate a funeral than a birth
of a child? Like New Year,
a newborn baby brings the
gift of joy, dreams and hopes.
Come 2010, we have an-
other 12 months before the
next New Year arrives. Let us
all try to make it a better year
for you and for me. Don’t for-
get to say a prayer; live a sim-
ple life and give thanks for all
the blessings received in 2009.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
EVERYONE!!
his office to seek details, or
even lead on the stories, such
did not yield responses from
the Labor officer, since he re-
fused to be quoted on anything
I share the thought of the
community media – including
officers of the PPCO that Mr.
Luna’s attitude to the Filipino
Canadian media in Toronto is
of multiple slaps on us, and
of the greatest insult coming
from no less than an officer
of the Philippine government.
9
have been to have condoned an
act of cowardice under fire.
Previous to the conference,
there was a session in Toronto
at which various ethnocultural
groups were asked to discuss
the forthcoming event. At the
invitation of the Hon. Hedy
Fry, then minister responsible
for multiculturalism, I at-
tended -- and although some
anti-semitic sentiments were
raised, I detected no sign that
the conference would erupt
into the fracas it did in Durban.
The big stir at the Toronto
session was raised when a del-
egate of Afro Canadian origin
heard the “n” word spoken out
loud by a Palestinian delegate.
Taking the statement entirely
out of context, she ranted and
raved for half an hour, declar-
ing the conference was anti-
Black, and resigned from the
proceedings despite all efforts
to placate her. (Ben Viccari is
past president of the Cana-
dian Ethnic Media Associa-
tion and frequently appeared
on OMNI TV Commentary,
until his retirement in Septem-
ber 2009 from the commentary
series. For more of his work,
please visit Ben’s website at
http://canscene.ripple.ca)
PIED PIPER from p. 8
Royal Inspiration
The actualization of his
dreams will be a grand gift to
Thai monarch Bhumibol who
is Weera’s source of inspira-
tion.
“I see our king doing every-
thing for everyone in Thailand
including those in the hinter-
lands, the abject poor and the
disabled. In my own little way,
I hope to be able to contrib-
ute to children and the youth,”
Weera explains with pride.
Weera is leading the way in
this part of Asia and his indel-
ible mark is seen in former stu-
dents who, reaching 25 or even
30, still come back to their
roost to help out in TYN. They
edit or help teach new children.
Others have started making
their own mark in the local me-
dia business, as producers or
scriptwriters.
Still others have resolved
to embrace the Weera mis-
sion as their own, teaching in
schools and pushing the dream.
(maghatol@yahoo.com)
Frank, I believe that my col-
leagues in the Filipino Canadi-
an media have a point here. You
may want to rethink your posi-
tion on the media in general.
Happy and prosperous New
Year to all!
10 Manila Media Monitor January 2010
... It started with a joke,
a dare and now a story.
Yes it is me, Tobias “Jun”
Enverga, the past president of
PIDC... I am here to continue
my community service which
is quite challenging because
I am considered more as a
man of action, rather than a
man of words. Of course, you
are entitled to my opinion!
But before I tell you about
my opinion and views, let me
tell you how I got started to all
of this. It all started with a joke,
a dare... and a personal history.
I started my community
involvement in the marketing
and promotions committee
during the 100th anniversary
of Philippine Independence or
the Centennial Skydome event
that everyone fondly remem-
bers. It was a worthy and proud
effort by everyone because for
the first time we were able to
gather 35,000 people, mostly
Filipinos under one roof. A
historical accomplishment for
our generation! As one lasting
legacy of the gargantuan effort,
we now have the Kalayaan
Cultural Community Centre
in Mississauga, which was
started by the over $100,000
profit from that celebration.
The passion was instilled
and nurtured during that short
period of 1998; hence we
founded the Lucena City As-
sociation of Ontario, where we
coined the slogan “The Mis-
Destiny. Fate. Kis-
met. It is written. Choice.
Freedom. Free Will.
Every day I bounce be-
tween these two poles: Did
I end up where I am be-
cause it is my destiny, or be-
cause of the choices I made.
For me, they are important
questions, because in the an-
swer lies the roots of hope , ac-
countability and responsibility.
My friend Leanne was tell-
ing me about losing her job. At
these times, it is not unusual.
But for Leanne it was the final
straw. This was the fourth job
for her in the past two years.
She broke down in tears
and between sobs, sputtered
that this was her destiny. She
would be going from one dead
OOOPS from p. 7
lid off the coffee and put it
between her knees while she
was driving. Who would ever
think one could get burned
doing that, right? That’s
right; these are awards for
the most outlandish lawsuits
and verdicts in the U.S. You
know, the kinds of cases that
sion is the Reason!”
The Lucena City As-
sociation of Ontario is a
small group but very pas-
sionate for the mission.
After less than four
years in operation
then, we were able to
Talk the walk and
send $500,000 worth
of medical equipment,
medicines and supplies to the
Philippines. Todate, the associ-
ation was able to deliver medi-
cal and dental missions, helped
build schools, convents and
churches, which we call edu-
cational and spiritual missions.
Also, the association helped
fund scholarships, sponsored
livelihood programs, built
deep water wells, and distrib-
uted relief goods. The accom-
plishment of the organization
is endless, One well wisher
tried to sum up the material
and service delivered to our
kababayan to almost $700,000.
An incomparable accomplish-
ment for a small organization!
The Lucena Association
has to take the back burner
when I was elected President
of the Philippine Indepen-
dence Day Council (PIDC)
in 2005. PIDC is an umbrella
organization with a great his-
tory and promise, but at the
same time on the way to obliv-
ion due to financial problems
and community challenges.
PIDC did not have to vanish;
PIDC did not deserve the fate of
job to another, never
amounting too much.
I cringed. I wanted to
shake her and knock
some sense into her.
I’m not cold hearted.
I sympathize with Is Destiny to blame?
her plight and would
do almost anything to help her
(and I might just do that). What
bothered me was her denial of
reality. Leanne chose to use
Destiny as her excuse. Losing
her job (make that jobs) was
somehow ordained. There was
nothing she could do about it.
She was not crying because
of the economic hardship she
might face. Leanne was up-
set -- I mean truly and really
upset that Destiny had chosen
this particular path for her.
make you scratch your head.
So keep your head scratcher
handy.
”Here are the Stellas for
the past year:
*SEVENTH PLACE*
“Kathleen Robertson of
Austin, Texas was awarded
$80,000 by a jury of her peers
after breaking her ankle trip-
You’re Entitled
to My Opinion
JUN ENVERGA
walk the talk
oblivion. Hence, I accepted the
challenge -- with the support
of my wife Rosemer and other
dedicated community leaders.
We incorporated the passion
that we learned and nurtured
with our work in the Lucena
City Association. We built-in
compassion and Charity into
the foundation of PIDC. We
changed the focus of the organi-
zation, making its new mantra:
“PIDC not only promotes the
best of Philippine Arts, Culture
and Sports, but also Charity”.
With the new foundation of
PIDC in place, we strength-
ened it further by incorporating
spirituality, with a Holy Mass
in every major event; after all
we could not separate our faith
from our culture and charity!
PIDC is the community and
we promised to support our
own, so we incorporated social
consciousness, like support for
the caregivers. Caregivers are
the most vulnerable sector of the
Filipino community in Canada.
Incorporating the changes
was not exactly without ob-
stacles, we had to navigate
Our Journey
E VA A G PA O A
I fumed and mentally
banged my head against a very
hard wall. Leanne lost her job
because she is a sloppy worker.
Destiny had nothing to do with
it. Her attitude and lack of care
had everything to do with it.
There is no destiny, no fate. It is
never written that such and such
would happen. If that were true,
then what is the point of any-
thing? Let’s just fast forward
to the future since nothing we
could do can possibly affect it.
ping over a toddler who was
running inside a furniture store.
The store owners were under-
standably surprised by the ver-
dict, considering the running
toddler was her own son. Start
scratching!”
* SIXTH PLACE *
“Carl Truman, 19, of Los
Angeles , California won
great hurdles, different
cultural and personal
views, and community
distrust. We added key
leaders, and most of all,
more exciting events
to the PIDC portfolio,
at the same time, up-
lifted existing events
to much higher levels.
We built the Mabuhay Festi-
val, Independence Day Picnic
and Gala, Mabuhay Parade, the
Pageants and Mabuhay Cup
into the best, the biggest and
much awaited events of Philip-
pine Arts Culture and Charity.
In just a few years, PIDC
lead so many initiatives that
other organizations could
only follow. PIDC became
the standard for all the big-
ger Filipino Organizations.
Following the experiences
of PIDC, other cultural or-
ganizations laterformed their
own basketball tournament,
pageants and special events,
but with marked flaws be-
cause they missed key ingre-
dients, like charity and the
passion of the volunteers.
We encouraged innovation
and collaboration by organiz-
ing trend-setting events like
“Dancing to be a Star” and
“Seniors Karaoke”. Mabuhay
Festival had the most number
of ideas that we successfully
implemented by engaging the
best talents in the community.
Who could ever plan and exe-
Destiny is what
people use as an
excuse for the prob-
lems in their lives
(or the good for-
tune). But here is the
real problem: Desti-
ny robs you of hope.
Hope that things will change.
Hope that life will be better.
Without hope, how can one
dream? How can one possibly
create one’s future through
hard work and commitment?
When I pointed this out to
Leanne, she stopped crying and
gave me a look. A look reserved
for the lowest of the low: Those
out there who would kick the
crutch away from a cripple, or
steal toys from an orphanage.
I have always written about
$74,000 plus medical ex-
penses when his neighbor
ran over his hand with a
Honda Accord. Truman ap-
parently didn’t notice there
was someone at the wheel of
the car when he was trying to
steal his neighbor’s hubcaps.
Scratch some more.....
* FIFTH PLACE *
VIEWS
cute an event like releasing 110
white doves to commemorate
the 110th anniversary of Phil-
ippine independence? Who
had been closing the Toronto
downtown streets yearly with
a huge parade to celebrate our
culture? Who had been giving
the community the biggest local
and international talents under
one roof for such a measly sum
of $15 and a whole day use of
an110-thousand foot building
complex full of fun and activi-
ties? Who had attracted the at-
tention and gained the respect
of big sponsors and the differ-
ent levels of the government
the most? Who completed a
GK village and built 20 more
houses on another, and build-
ing more for the poor families
in the Philippines? All of this
was not accomplished over-
night. All the events and activi-
ties were planned and executed
carefully with passion and with
one thought in mind: “Our Ka-
babayan deserves the best!”
Why am I saying all of this,
you might ask? It is to let you
know that I just do not write
the words, I talk and walk
and walk the talk. Anyway,
those are just my opinions…
and you are entitled to them!
Special thanks to Ace Al-
varez for challenging me to
write this column, my ap-
preciation for his opinion!
personal responsibility. On my
core, I believe that one is able
for one’s acts. There is no one
to blame. And there should be
no one to blame. Especially
Destiny. If you can’t take re-
sponsibility for your mistakes,
then you have no right to
credit for your achievements.
In Leanne’s case, her be-
lief in Destiny will actu-
ally make it come true. She
will never get the chance to
learn the real reason why she
can’t hold a job and will nev-
er have a chance to change.
So the next time something
happens, resist the temptation
to blame someone or some-
thing else. Do yourself a favor:
Pack Destiny away with the
rest of your childhood beliefs.
(info@thenannyexpert.com)
“Terrence Dickson of Bris-
tol, Pennsylvania was leaving
a house he had just burglarized
by way of the garage. Unfor-
tunately for Dickson, the auto-
matic garage door opener mal-
functioned and he could not get
the garage door to open..
“Worse, he couldn’t re-en-
OOOPS continued on p.14
VIEWS
I recently returned from a
short trip to the Philippines. I
stayed mainly in Cagayan de
Oro City where my brother re-
sides (home is actually nearby
Iligan City). Even with only
around 10 days to spend in
Mindanao, I managed to see a
few old friends, like my lady
Maranao friend who is genu-
inely descended from Lanao
royalty (and not some contrived
sultanate or datuship). She
treated me to a good spread of
Maranao dishes she knew were
my favorites. Spicy though the
dishes were, insights into the
propensities of the Ampatuans
that my friend supplied were,
in a way, even more piquant.
The Ampatuans are, of
course, the family that figured
in the infamous Maguindanao
Massacre of November 23,
barely a week prior to my ar-
rival in Mindanao. Until the
massacre, I have never heard
of Shariff Aguak (capital town
of Maguindanao), nor of the
Ampatuan family. My friend
tells me, barely concealing her
contempt, how notorious the
family is for their obscene dis-
play of power and wealth (and
equal amount of pretension)
. For instance, it is widely-
known that whenever ARMM
KAAKBAY Financial Services
Apply now !!!
** application by phone
** free delivery
Christmas 2009 Raffle Draw Winners
$ 1,000.00
$ 200.00 (each)
Gov. Zaldy Am-
patuan travels to
Manila, he descends
upon the capital like
some visiting head
of state accorded
the trappings of the Mindanao Journalists:
position: portions
of the airport sealed Long may you live!
off to the public,
a contingent of security staff
with high-powered guns as es-
cort, a fleet of uniformly black
and tinted SUVs to convey the
politico and his private army.
I am surprised I managed
to finish my meal hearing a
host of stories about the Am-
patuans without throwing up.
I once knew and met a Min-
danao warlord. But, compared
to the patriarch of the Ampat-
uan clan, he was Santa Claus.
Some even affectionately
called him bapa, or grandfather.
***
Still on the Maguindanao
Massacre: Just before I left
Toronto on November 28th,
members of the Philippine
Press Club-Ontario held a brief
memorial service to honor
the memory of the 30 jour-
nalists slain in the massacre.
This took place during the
Christmas party of the group
held at Cusina Restaurant on
** no upfront fees
** live-in caregivers are also welcome to apply
De Jesus, I.
Quintero, L.
Inigo, I.
Lababit, M.
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 11
not too many groups Dingcong, perhaps among the
Perspective have been known to
have made contribu-
first to die back in the 1970s
for courageously exposing the
RICARDO J.S. CALUEN
tions to a fund for the abuses of a politician. Joel Ma-
familiesof the slain glunob, a smart student inmy
journalists. I congrat- Political Science class at the
ulate Tenny Soriano Mindanao State University
and the members of in Iligan, former member of
his fundraising com- the Presidential Management
mittee—Mon Datol, Staff—he was shot while step-
Wilson/Bathurst. Members of Ace Alvarez, Mogi Mogado, ping out of his house. He was
the organization wore black and Faye Arellano (and oth- about to take up a high position
armbands to the occasion. ers I may have missed---since in the Philippine Information-
In the course of the evening, I arrived late at the party), for Agency. He dared comment on
PPCO president Tenny Soriano initiating the fundraising drive. nepotism, etc., in Cotabato. He
announced that a collection was *** was too smart for his own good.
being made to raise some funds Speaking of Mindanao Journalism had never been
for the families of the slain journalists, they are perhaps my bread and butter. But, to
journalists. A total of $750 was the most endangered species many in Philippine media, par-
eventually raised, an amount among the lot in the Philip- ticularly in the provinces, it is.
which I turned over to Rommel pines. Whether they are in the That is why I was particularly
Rebollido, Philippine News print or broadcast media, Min- moved by what I saw on You-
Agency head for Mindanao. danaoan media practitioners Tube; an interview with one
Award-winning journal- have earned their spurs in the daughter of a slain journalist.
ist Inday Varona of the NUJP jungles of Mindanao covering She was in tears while re-
(whom PPCO once had as MILF-military battles or while calling the moments just be-
guest) had recommended reporting abuses of the military fore her father left their home
for the donation to be turned or corrupt government officials to cover the Mangudadatu
over to Mr. Rebollido. I have and politicians. I am proud to family’s trip to the COMELEC
known Rommel from since have once worked with them office in Shariff Aguak to
our Iligan-Lanao Press- newsrooms or enjoyed their register their candidate for
Club days back in the 1980s. camaraderie in favorite water- governor for Maguindanao.
I know thousands around ing holes or press conferences. She pleaded her father not
the world have raised their I personally knew some to go, aware of the dangers
voices over the death of the ofthose who died with their that lurked in the corner. But
30 Filipino journalists in the boots on, so to speak. There
Maguindanao Massacre. But was the newspaperman Demy MINDANAO continued on p.13
#10507
#9686 Alfonso, R. #11344
#11080 Catampatan, T. #9535
#9375
12 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 NEWS

Journalists Question Media Restrictions by

RP of Maguindanao Massacre Trial
“Special Treatment being
accorded to Accused”
MANILA — The tionalist Alliance), led
spokesman of the new- the protest action outside
ly-formed November Camp Crame, the police
23 Movement, Carlos headquarters in Manila.
Conde, has urged the Conde said these court-
court hearing the Man- imposed restrictions on
guindnao Murder trial the media covering the
and the Philippine Na- Ampatuan massacre trial
tional Police to remove are, for all practical pur-
restrictions on journalists poses, a form of “special
and that live coverage be treatment” being accord-
allowed. ed the main suspect, An-
Conde cited the pub- dal Ampatuan Jr.
lic’s right to know and be Bulatlat News report-
informed. ed that the court, presid-
The November 23 ed by Judge Jocelyn So-
Movement is a loose co- lis-Reyes, has disallowed
alition of media organi- live coverage of the Am-
zations calling for justice patuan trial. The Philip-
to the victims of the mas- pine National Police has
sacre last November 23. also prohibited “ambush”
The group, along with interviews outside the
the Bagong Alyansang court.
Makabayan (New Na- Andal Jr. has been ac-
mental to the accused, we Conde said restrictions “It has been two
fail to see how that can in the Ampatuan trial are, months since the mas-
happen in this case. The “at best, unreasonable sacre happened and the
cused of masterminding Ampatuan case is ex- and, at worst, a violation children of the victims
what is now known as tremely important for the of press freedom and the still cry for justice. They
the worst single case of public, the media and the public’s right to know.” spent their Christmas and
election-related violence relatives of the victims. “At a time when the New Year without getting
in the country’s recent The media and the pub- Philippine press is under justice for their loved
history, where 57 people, lic — particularly those assault like never before, ones,” Alquisola said.
at least 30 of them jour- who live outside Metro these restrictions are “We, campus journal-
nalists, were killed. Manila and who can the last thing we need,” ists, join our colleagues
Journalists reported only follow the proceed- Conde added. in the mainstream me-
that no cameras, laptops, ings through the media The group said the dia in calling for justice.
mobile phones and even — need to know exactly ban on live coverage “de- Forgetting the Ampatuan
audio recorders were al- what is going on inside prives the family of the massacre is allowing
lowed inside the court the courtroom.” victims – who are mostly extrajudicial killings to
room. The number of Ilang-ilang Quijano, a based in Mindanao, an continue. Forgetting is
journalists allowed in- director of the National opportunity to follow the embracing the culture of
side the the court room Union of Journalists of proceedings.” impunity and the absence
was also limited. Conde the Philippines (NUJP) Snail-paced of justice,” Alquisola
said these restrictions said at a rally, “As jour- Vijae Alquisola, na- said during the protest.
hampered how journal- nalists, we need to get tional president of the (Bulatlat.com)
ists perform their tasks. accurate information for College Editors Guild of
Conde said in a state- the public. The role of the Philippines (CEGP),
ment, “While we respect the media is important in criticized the “snail- Manila Media Monitor
the view that a trial by ensuring that there would paced” resolution of the Tel. (416) 285-8583
publicity can be be detri- be no whitewash.” case.
NEWS January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 13
FAMILIES from p. 1 of silence in prayer for gerous environment in sul General Alejandro of Filipino journalists justice for colleagues.
their fallen fellow jour- the world for journalists. Mosquera during a con- and human rights acti- “We call for justice,”
candidacy at the Com- nalists at the Cusina The Reporters Sans versation, “Right now, vitists staged a protest Benny Antiporda, head of
mission on Elections Lounge and Restau- Frontieres (RSF: Report- I’m so angry. This is near the presidential
office in Shariff Aguak rant on Wilson Avenue. ers Without Borders) the work of the devil.” palace shortly after the FAMILIES continued
town, Maguindanao. Few days later, Datu – an international non- In Manila, hundreds massacre and demanded on p. 18
The victims were tak- Unsay town mayor Andal governmental organiza-
en hostage, then killed Ampatuan was arrested by tion aiming to champion MINDANAO from p. 11 my heart goes out to for those who are still
by armed men believed authorities and detained journalists’ and media them. This Christmas, around to tell the news-
to be followers of the at the National Bureau rights against govern- most of our families will --with conviction and
Ampatuan political clan. of detention cell in Ma- ment censorship and op- the father insisted he celebrate noche buena courage. Pray that they
Immediately after the nila, where 25 counts of pression of freedom of had to go—for it was with all members pres- will not buckle down to
news broke out, the PPCO murder were filed against expression reported that his vocation; his bread ent. Some in Mindanao pressure and fear; that the
joined Philippine-based him and a dozen “John since the return of de- and butter. “Dito tayo will be missing a father Philippine government
journalists in calling for Does” by State Prosecu- mocracy in the Philip- nabubuhay. Dito ako ku- or mother or some other will really do something
justice and strongly con- tors Leo Diocera, Al Cal- pines in 1986, more than mukuha ng pang-tuition family member. Remem- to address the issue of
demning the massacre ica and Edilberto Jamora 60 journalists in the coun- ninyo…..” were among ber the 30 slain journal- violence against journal-
of at least 57 people on before the Regional Trial try have been murdered. the journalist’s last ists of the Maguindanao ists and forcefully pros-
November 23 in the vil- Court Branch 15 of Co- The number is one words to his daughter. Massacre and their fami- ecute those criminals,
lage of Masalay in Datu tabato City in connec- of the highest death Now you know why lies in your prayers. Pray so that justice is served.
Abdullah Sangki town tion with the massacre. tolls for media workers
Maguindanao, including Police also named anywhere in the world.
the 35 journalists. The 161 suspects in the mas- Only four of the cases
letter to this effect was sacre. The suspects in- resulted in convictions, GALA from p. 3 Gould travelled to which was about a man
sent by PPCO president cluded government mili- placing the triggermen some of the world’s most whom Gould trailed for
Tenny Soriano to Inday tiamen and members of in jail and leaving those dangerous countries for eleven years through the
Espina-Varona of the the powerful Ampatuan who ordered the killings Chief of Novaya Gazeta journalists in order to organized crime circles in
National Union of Jour- clan, now facing charges free to walk the streets. will accept the award. interview the family and six countries -- including
nalists of the Philippines of murder and rebellion. Although the number The Tara Singh Hay- colleagues of journalists the Philippines, where
(NUJP) immediately af- The prosecutors pre- of journalists killed per er Award Winner was who had died in their at- Steven Wong (known as
ter the incident happened. sented two boxes of year has fallen from thir- • Terry Gould, award- tempts to report the truth. the Paper Fan) “died” in
In expressing their documentary evidence teen in 2004 to four in winning freelance inves- In 2004, Front Page a traffic accident in 1992
anger over the incident, in filing initial charges. 2007, the Philippines still tigative journalist and Philippines TV host Gie before he could be sent
members of the PPCO The Philippines: A ranks 128th out of 169 author of “Murder with- Alvarez interviewed to jail for heroin traf-
wore black bands on Culture of Impunity countries in RSF’s world out Borders: Dying for Gould in the program ficking just after he had
their left arm during the Outside war zones, the press freedom index. the Story in the World’s shortly after the release taken out a million-dollar
group’s Christmas party Philippines is regarded PPCO president Ten- Most Dangerous Places”. of his book, “Paper Fan”, insurance policy. (RI)
and offered a moment by many as the most dan- ny Soriano told Con-
14 Manila Media Monitor January 2010
PACA reaches out
to Pangasinan
flood victims
The Pangasinan As-
sociation of Canada
(PACA) headed by its
president, Quintin U.
Palisoc, has responded to
help out victims of the re-
cent flood in Pangasinan
by holding a fundraising
dinner-dance.
The event on Novem-
ber 7, chaired by PACA
executive vice president
Cesar Ramirez, gener-
ated $2,500 and $5,000
from the association.
The officers of PACA
composed of presidents,
vice-presidents and of-
ficers of their respective
provincial municipali-
ties have agreed that the
$7,500 be distributed to
Lower rents for 128,000
Toronto households
A record num-
ber of Toronto tenant
households have re-
ceived notices of an
automatic rent reduc-
tion. Tenants should act on
this valuable information.
Addressed to the
“Current Tenant,” clearly
marked “Rent Reduc-
tion Notice Enclosed,”
and in an envelope
with the City of To-
ronto logo, these letters
contain all the custom-
ized information a tenant
requires to start pay-
ing a lower rent as early
as December 31, 2009.
More than 128,500
households are eligible
for a rent reduction un-
der provincial legisla-
tion because the property
tax on their buildings
has been lowered by at
least 2.49 per cent during
2009. This compares to
about 330 units that were
eligible for an automatic
rent reduction in 2008.
Although most rent
reductions may be small
($144 a year, for exam-
ple, on a $1,200 monthly
rent in a building where
property taxes declined 5
per cent), residents were
encouraged to reduce
their rents according to
the 17 most devastated
Towns in Pangasinan and
be given top priorty.
The towns and the
PACA presidents of each
town are: Alcala- Con-
drado Mayo, Binalonan-
Julio Sison, Mapandan
- Terry Burquillos, San
Carlos- Felix Tulagan,
San Jacinto- Merle Al-
dana, San Manuel- Tony
Ramos, Sison - Suzie de
Vera, Tayug- Norma P
Cruz, Urbiztondo-Robert
Cacapit, Villasis- Cristy
FeBenito.
Together with the
town representatives, the
presidents of each town
association have been
tasked to oversee and
the information enclosed
in the customized pack-
age and to inform their
landlords of their inten-
tion to do so. Municipali-
ties were required to send
notices about the tax de-
crease and rent reduction
to landlords of affected
buildings by September
15 and to tenants by De-
cember 15. All informa-
tion on the notices was
based on assessment
information provided
by Municipal Property
Assessment Corp., an
independent organiza-
tion established by the
provincial government.
A key reason for the
record number of house-
holds eligible for rent
reductions in 2009 was
City Council’s 2005 deci-
sion to gradually reduce
the proportion of over-
all property taxes paid
by businesses, including
multi-residential dwell-
ings, compared to those
paid by residential prop-
erty tax payers, as part of
the Enhancing Toronto’s
Business Climate Strategy.
Last was also an as-
sessment year and mar-
ket values have changed.
Tenants of buildings
with more than six units
The officers, board of directors, and advisers composing the Pangasinan Association of Canada
(PACA), led by Dr. Ernie Quinit and Quintin Palisoc (1st and 2nd from left, first row), founder and
president, respectively, of the organization during the group’s fund-raising activity at St. Ambrose
Church Hall in Etobicoke on November 7, 2009. (Manila Media Monitor photo)
accountability for the
proper distribution of the
proceeds.
The town representa-
tives are: Alaminos-Noel
Lalicon; Asingan-Pascual
Ramos; Bugallion-Genny
generally pay about 20
per cent of their rent to-
ward property taxes, so if
taxes go down, they are
entitled to reduce their
rent by 20 per cent of
the reduction. For build-
ings with six or fewer
units, the percentage is
15. All rules are estab-
lished by the province.
The rent reduction
provisions in the Resi-
dential Tenancies Act ap-
ply only to private rental
buildings occupied as
residences before No-
vember 1, 1991. Newer
apartment buildings are
not covered. A number of
other restrictions apply.
If a household does not
receive the rent reduction
notice from the City, it is
not entitled to automati-
cally reduce the rents.
Tenants in buildings with
property tax reductions
of less than 2.49 per cent
may be eligible for a rent
reduction if they make an
application to the Land-
lord and Tenant Board.
The website http://
www.toronto.ca/housing
has more information, as
well as a link to a newly
developed web-database
that provides informa-
tion about property taxes
NEWS
Garcia; Manaoag-Johnny pledged to help the ty- Ernesto Quinit, have ap-
Buguillos; Nativi-dad- phoon victims in Pan- pealed to everyone to
Lili Victorino; Rosales- gasinan through their continue to do more to
David Domingo; Mala- annual charitable fund- alleviate the sufferings of
sique-Amado Tira. raising campaign. their fellow kabaleyans.
Lombard Canada Palisoc, together with (RI)
Ltd., through Arnel Cruz, PACA Founder -- Dr.
OOOPS from p. 10 neighbor’s beagle - even
though the beagle was
actions?
“Only two more so
ter the house because the
door connecting the ga-
rage to the house locked
on a chain in its owner’s
fenced yard. Williams
did not get as much as
ease up on the scratch-
ing....
when Dickson pulled it he asked for because the *SECOND PLACE*
shut... Forced to sit for jury believed the beagle “Kara Walton, of
eight, count ‘em, EIGHT might have been pro- Claymont , Delaware
days and survive on a case voked at the time of the sued the owner of a
of Pepsi and a large bag butt bite because Wil- night club in a nearby
of dry dog food, he sued liams had climbed over city because she fell
the homeowner’s insur- the fence into the yard from the bathroom win-
ance company claiming and repeatedly shot the dow to the floor, knock-
undue mental anguish. dog with a pellet gun. ing out her two front
“Amazingly, the jury “Pick a new spot to teeth. Even though Ms.
said the insurance com- scratch, you’re getting Walton was trying to
pany must pay Dickson a bald spot.. sneak through the la-
$500,000 for his anguish. dies room window to
We should all have this * THIRD PLACE * avoid paying the $3.50
kind of anguish. Keep “Amber Carson of cover charge, the jury
scratching. There are Lancaster, Pennsylvania said the night club had
more.... because a jury ordered a to pay her $12,000 …
“Double hand scratch- Philadelphia restaurant oh, yeah, plus dental ex-
ing after this one.. to pay her $113,500 after penses. Go figure.
she slipped on a spilled ”Ok. Here we go!!
*FOURTH PLACE* soft drink and broke her * FIRST PLACE *
“Jerry Williams of tail bone. The reason the “This year’s runaway
Little Rock, Arkansas soft drink was on the First Place Stella Award
garnered 4th Place in floor: Ms. Carson had winner was: Mrs. Merv
the Stella’s when he thrown it at her boyfriend Grazinski of Oklahoma
was awarded $14,500 30 seconds earlier during City, Oklahoma , who
plus medical expenses an argument. What ever purchased a new 32-
after being bitten on the happened to people being OOOPS
butt by his next door responsible for their own continued on p. 15
for all rental residential Amounts paid by and Tenant Board for
buildings in Toronto. landlords for solid waste an above-guideline rent
Tenants are urged to management are not con- increase to recover any
contact the City-funded sidered in the calculation extraordinary operat-
Tenant Hotline if they of the rent reduction no- ing cost that may result
have remaining ques- tice, as this is not permit- from municipal charges
tions. Service is avail- ted under the legislation. such as garbage fees.
able in a number of lan- Indeed, landlords may
guages at 416-921-9494. apply to the Landlord LOWER continued on p.17
PEOPLE & EVENTS January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 15
OOOPS from p. 14

foot Winnebago motor the motor home left the Are you sitting down?
home. On her first trip freeway, crashed and $1,750,000 PLUS a new
home, from a football overturned. Also not sur- motor home. Winnebago
game, having driven on prisingly, Mrs. Grazinski actually changed their
to the freeway, she set sued Winnebago for not manuals as a result of
the cruise control at 70 putting in the owner’s this suit, just in case Mrs.
mph and calmly left the manual that she couldn’t Grazinski has any rela-
driver’s seat to go to the actually leave the driver’s tives who might also buy
back of the Winnebago seat while the cruise con- a motor home.
to make herself a sand- trol was set. The Okla- ”Are we, as a society,
wich. Not surprisingly, homa jury awarded her. getting more stupid?”

INDUCTION OF 2009-2010 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF

PHILIPPINE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA: Inducted to office are
(L-R) Rosette Santiago -- Asst. Treasurer; Ramon Morales - Director; Sam
Posadas - PRO; Noemi Andaya -- Bus. Mgr.;Bernadette Gapuz -Secretary;
Rose Cruz -- V. P. Social Relations; Tony A. San Juan - President; Boni
Curutan --V.P.-Programs; Joan Ang - Director; Marlene Mogado -- Induct-
ing Officer; Mila Curutan - Auditor; Venus Geraneo-Director; Pet Collantes
-Treasurer; Amparo Rosario - Director; and, Mercy Santos - Director. (PR)
16 Manila Media Monitor January 2010
Bicol Canada
Community
Association
inducts new
officers and
directors
The Bicol Canada
Community Associa-
tion (BCCA) inducted its
2010-2011 elected offi-
cers and directors last De-
cember at the Toronto Don
Valley Hotel and Suites.
The new officers and
directors were inducted
into office by Philippine
Ambassador to Canada,
and assisted by Ale-
jandro Mosquera, Philip-
pine Consul General in
Toronto. Ontario Min-
ister of Citizenship and
Immigration Michael
Chan was also present.
The BCCA is again
headed by Paeng Nebres,
who was re-elected for
another two-year term.
Other elected officers
Municipal Election 2010
Information sessions
for T.O. candidates
The City of To-
ronto will be hold-
ing candidate infor-
mation sessions for
nominated candidates
and those interested
in running for office
in the 2010 Toronto
municipal election.
The sessions begin
in January and will be
offered in three seg-
ments: Getting Started;
KCCC and the Community ‘Give Big for Ondoy Relief’
KCCC has presented
a cheque amounting to
$7,000 to Arthur Peters,
Executive Director of
ShareLife, for Typhoon
Ondoy Victims.
The contribution was
collected from compas-
sionate groups and indi-
viduals from the commu-
nity.
The monetary contri-
bution was in addition
to hundreds of boxes of
clothing, blankets, and
for 2010-2011 were Ig-
nacio Manlangit-Vice-
President for Govern-
ment Affairs; Manolito
Aquino-Vice-President
for Internal Manage-
ment; Leon J. Aureus-
Vice-President for Public
Relations; Lorna Acha-
con-Secretary; Arlene
Martirez-Asst. Secretary;
Jose Gutierrez-Treasur-
er re-elected on his 4th
term; Eusebio Ortega-
Asst. Treasurer; Floro
Dabu, Jr.-Auditor; Jess
Cabrias and Willie Na-
bus- for Special Projects.
Elected Board of Di-
rectors were Bobby Acha-
con, Edison Bantayan,
Juliet Casaya, Antonio
Cecilio, Jr., Alex Guerina,
Midway through the
Campaign; and, Clos-
ing the Campaign.
There will be
six Getting Started
information ses-
sions at City Hall
and the civic centres.
This session ex-
plains legislative
changes, the nomina-
tion process, man-
aging campaign fi-
non-perishable food
items that KCCC has
already turned over to
relief efforts, as well as
the amount realized from
its partnership with the
University of the Philip-
pines Alumni Associa-
tion (UPAA) of Toronto,
College of the Holy
Spirit North America
Foundation (CHSNAF)
Toronto Chapter, and the
Philippine Artists’ Group
(PAG) of Canada.
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Consul General Alejandro Mosquera assists Philippine Ambassador to Canada (1st and 2nd from left)
swear into office the new directors and officers of the Bicol Canada Community Association, led by
Action Honda general manager Rafael Nebres (3rd from left), during ceremonies at the Toronto Don
Valley Hotel and Suites.(BCCA photo)
Ely Olayon, Edgar Recon, the month at 2 p.m., Assumption Church, 2565 Bathurst Street on Bathurst and
Felix Reyes, Monina Ser- Eglinton, Toronto.
rano and Ely Torrenueva.
The novena is followed by a Sunday Mass. It started on January 10.
The re-elected BCCA
president’s challenge The rest of the schedule is as follows:
and message for the new February 14 - Rinconada Assn c/o Ely Olayon (416) 783-6654 &
term is “Tanganing kita Noli Aquino (416) 226-5286
gabos na Bicolanos mag- March 14 - Bato, Camarines Sur Assn c/o Edison Bantayan & Noli
kasararo”, which means, Aquino
“so that all Bicolanos April 11 - Nabua Assn c/o Lourdes Bautista (416) 264-1849
can be united, to set an May 11 - Albay Group c/o Ching & Tony Reyes (416) 498-8804
example to our com- and Annie and Julio Buiza (416) 699-0708
munity and to be able to June 13 - Sorsogon and Masbate Groups c/o Toti/Naty Gutierrez
help the Bicol Region.”
(416) 751-9437
Meanwhile, the BCCA
July 11 - Catanduanes Assn c/o Emma Tarin (416) 781-4673 and
announced that its novena
schedule in honor of the Drs. E. Felaire and Z. Sanchez
Patroness of the Bicola- August 8 - Iriguenos Sa’di Canada c/o Thess Filio (905) 542-2601
nos, “Our Nuestra Senora and Esther Carpenter (416) 795-5785
de Penafrancia”, for 2010 For more information, please contact Bobby & Lorna Achacon
is every 2nd Sunday of (416) 265-2085 and Rafael Nebres at (416) 618-1362. (PR)
nances, the Electronic borough Civic Centre tions during a candidate creative cities in North
Financial Filling Sys- 150 Borough Dr. Com- information session America. Toronto has
tem (EFFS) and more.
The sessions are
mittee Room # 1; Sep-
tember 2 Toronto City
must be addressed to
the Toronto Elections
won numerous awards
for quality, innovation
as follows: January 21
Toronto City Hall 100
Hall 100 Queen St. W.
Committee Room # 2.
Office at least 72 hours
before the session.
and efficiency in deliv-
ering public services.
Queen St. W. Commit- All sessions start Information for Toronto’s government
tee Room # 2; Febru- promptly at 7 p.m. potential candidates is is dedicated to pros-
ary 25 Toronto City and will last approxi- available at http://www. perity, opportunity and
Hall 100 Queen St. mately two hours. toronto.ca/elections. liveability for all its
W. Committee Room Space is limited at Toronto is Canada’s residents. For infor-
# 2; April 22 Etobi- each session. To regis- largest city and sixth mation on non-emer-
coke Civic Centre 399 ter for an information largest government, gency City services
The West Mall Coun- session, call the Toron- and home to a diverse and programs, Toronto
cil Chamber; June to Elections at 416-395- population of about residents, businesses
24 North York Civic 0025 or e-mail candi- 2.6 million people. It and visitors can dial
Centre 5100 Yonge dateinfo@toronto.ca. is the economic engine 311, 24 hours a day,
St. Committee Room Requirements for of Canada and one of 7 days a week. (PR)
# 3; August 30 Scar- special accommoda- the greenest and most
The turnover of the fi- donated by Ellen’s Place noz, and co-workers at on November 14, 2009
nal $7,000 ends KCCC’s Restaurant and Karaoke Tencorr; $180 collected All individual donors
Typhoon Ondoy Fund Bar in Mississauga (El- by Archie Ayala, KCCC have been issued tax re-
and Donation Drive. len Ho). Director, from family ceipts. (KCCC)
The KCCC board of The donation from El- and friends; $30 donated KCCC has conveyed
directors as well as do- len’s Place was realized by Charity Lim, KCCC its gratitude to all the
nors were present to wit- from a lunch fundrais- Director; $100 donated donors for their efforts,
ness the event. ing event and $375 from by Minerva Studio (Deo generosity and compas-
The donations includ- friends and customers Moreno); $500 donated sion to the victims of the
ed: $3,370 donated by pledges, including $220 by Nestor Perez, KCCC disaster.
executives and employ- solicited by Ajanette Director, and his family;
ees of KPMG, solicited Rastrullo from co-work- and, $630 collected by
by Linda Carin, KPMG ers at the Villa Forum; KCCC from the audience Manila Media Monitor
partner and member of $345 donated by Vhic of a Zarzuela it presented Tel. (416) 285-8583
the KCCC board; $1,625 Rastrullo, Wilf Albur- at Meadowvale Theatre
PEOPLE & EVENTS
FV Foods: Ambassador of great Filipino breads, cakes and pastries!
With its recent par-
ticipation in the famous
“Ethnic and Specialty
Food Expo” and the
“Grocery Innovations
Canada 2009”, FV
Foods – with its divi-
sion Mhel’s, specializing
in delicious breads and
pastries, is leading the
way towards mainstream.
Once again, this fa-
mous store of humble be-
ginnings is promoting Fil-
ipino traditional food with
passion, highlighting the
Philippines on the map.
Flor Vendiola and
Melchor Galeon of
FV Foods and Mhel’s
pointed out: “We now
partake in the fame that
our neighboring Asian
countries have been en-
joying for a while now.
UPAA Prez reports year’s
achievements
For a long time, alum-
ni of the University of the
Philippines were content-
ed to attend Christmas
parties with other groups,
but this year, they decid-
ed to hold one for them-
selves. They marked the
occasion at the Ottawa
Hall of the Filipino Cen-
tre Toronto with a rous-
ing merriment filled by
singing Christmas carols
and dancing, and warm
reunion with many “old-
er” as well as newcomer
alumni who attended. As
expected, there was a lot
of ribbing and laughter,
even as the group was
cognizant of the recent
devastation of a series
of typhoons, “Ondoy,”
among others, that hit the
home country recently.
In his brief speech,
UPAA president Joe Za-
gala reported that the
association’s quick re-
sponse in fundraising
for victims of the ty-
phoons resulted to about
$15,000, which was re-
mitted to the Philippines.
He reported that the
association’s membership
roster has grown signifi-
cantly, as a result of the
indefatigable drive of the
membership retention and
recruitment committee.
Zagala spoke about
the series of career plan-
“Our audience com-
posed of vendors, man-
agers, owners, CEOs and
the general public was
wowed and gave us two
thumbs up for the great
taste of our Empanada,
Ensaymada (Brioche),
Monay (Egg Bun) and
even by our breakfast
staple-the mighty Pan-
desal (Dinner Roll)!
“They surely cannot
resist the surprisingly de-
licious taste of our prod-
ucts which made them in-
quire of our four different
locations around the Gen-
eral Toronto Area (Scar-
borough, North York and
Mississauga). We now
supply to more than 80
other retail locations in-
cluding T & T groceries.”
FV Foods is a member
ning and job network-
ing events for members,
and the expansion of
the mentoring program
aimed at newly arrived
UP alumni immigrants.
He also reported that
a UPAA Golf Tourna-
ment would be held in
May 2010, which is ex-
pected to garner enough
monies to donate one
million pesos to the En-
dowment and the Pro-
fessorial Chair funds.
Zagala gave credit to
the membership for their
leadership in initiating
community events like
the annual Summerfest,
where UPAA takes active
leadership among vari-
ous alumni associations.
It was noted that UPAA
co-hosted a seminar on
Live-in Caregivers with
the Philippine Press Club-
Ontario, where the speak-
er was lawyer Rafael Fa-
bregas, a UPAA member.
UP alumni in Greater
Toronto and elsewhere
often take active partici-
pation in the community.
Early on, Zagala and
members of UPAA wel-
comed a visiting UP
alumnus and athlete,
Cesar Guarin, who just
completed the milestone
global run of TransU-
SA-Canada in his last
leg of North Ameri-
of the Baking Association
of Canada, Philippine
Chamber of Commerce
in Toronto and HACCP
Compliance which is a
golden standard in food
safety Management.
Vendiola and Galen
said that another recent
achievement of their
companies was the new
colorful and informa-
tive packaging of their
products, to the de-
light of their customers.
At the same time,
Vendiola and Galeon
expressed their appre-
ciation to their custom-
ers for their continuing
patronage of hundreds of
the companies’ heritage
products that are avail-
able from an ever increas-
ing number of retailers.
can Marathon. Guarin
was warmly welcomed
at the Christmas party.
In smaller groups at
the event, Zagala in-
formed new members that
UPAA holds a monthly
social – “Kapihan” - for
members, family and
friends, that include fel-
lowship breakfasts, and
activities like “Sketching
from Life” where artists-
members and other fel-
low artists sketched a
nude professional model;
“Battle of Barbecue Iron
Chefs” where members
competed in barbecu-
ing; networking, and
others. The events are
held in various Filipino
gathering places like the
Filipino Centre Toronto,
Kalayaan Cultural Com-
munity Centre, Fiesta
Filipina Cultural Centre,
restaurants, banquet halls
and picnic ground. Over
the years, “Kapihan” has
evolved into popular so-
cial networking events
Zagala concluded his
report with an assurance
that the New Year will see
more and bigger activities
for the association. He ex-
horted all members to re-
view the newly improved
and expanded website
www.upaatoronto.org,
and advise new alumni
to visit the site as well.
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor
FV Foods’ Flor Vendiola and Melchor Galeon at the Food Expo 2009
For more info, visit
FV Foods at its website
LOWER from p. 14
Tenants receiving no-
tices are entitled to the
full rent reduction set out
in the notice sent out by
the City, but this reduc-
tion could be affected
should a decision of the
Landlord and Tenant
Board later order a vari-
ance in the reduction.
Canadian Women in Communications
honors Madeline Ziniak at awards gala
The Canadian Wom-
en in Communications
(CWC) will honor Mad-
eline Ziniak, national
vice president of OMI
Television, with its
prestigious Leadership
Excellence Award dur-
ing the organization’s
Annual Awards Gala in
Ottawa on March 29.
This was announced
by Leslie Sole, chief ex-
ecutive officer for televi-
sion of Rogers Media City
TV/OMNI Television.
In his announcement,
Sole said, “For those
of us who have worked
with Madeline, we are
very aware of her com-
mitment and dedication
to the growth of OMNI
Television and of her
tireless efforts to en-
sure a fair and balanced
reflection of Canadian
ethnocultural audiences
within the broadcast
landscape for 30 years.
“Madeline has grown
the OMNI brand from
17
at www.fvfoods.com or borough, North York,
visit its locations in Scar- oronto and Mississauga.
The Landlord and rent reduction proce-
Tenant Board has a tele- dures for people living in
phone information line buildings with tax reduc-
(416-645-8080) for tions of less than 2.49 per
inquiries, including those cent. The Board’s web-
about the rules for calcu- site is http://www.ltb.
lating rent reductions and gov.on.ca/. (City of To-
for above-guideline rent ronto Information Office)
increase applications, as
well as exemptions and
one station in On-
tario to two. More
recently Mad-
eline launched
the OMNI brand
in the west, with
stations in Van-
couver, Calgary
and Edmonton.”
Outside of
the broadcast
industry, Mad-
eline has been
recognized for
her achievements
and dedication to
evolving ethnic
media with pres- Madeline Ziniak
tigious awards
such as the Order in Communications.
of Canada, the Order of OMNI Television,
Ontario and the Queens with its OMNI 2 Chan-
Jubilee, among others. nel, is the airing station
Sole said that this of Front Page Philip-
award is particularly pines – a program geared
meaningful since it is for the Filipino Canadian
an acknowledgement communities in Ontario,
by the broadcast indus- Alberta and the rest of
try and it is given by a Canada. (with files from
well known, long stand- Rogers OMNI Television)
ing organization such
as Canadian Women
18 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS

FILCAN teachers in Ontario holds 3rd annual

professional seminar Albert Quirante, pro-
By Jennifer S.J. MacLean gram director of Max-
well Meighen Centre-
Significantly meet- and insights on the On- The Salvation Army.
ing the life-long learn- tario teacher certifica- The successful
ing needs of several tion procedures, school one-day seminar was
internationally-educat- system policies and organized and coordi-
ed professionals, espe- practices, education nated by Tony A. San
cially teachers trained career building and Juan, PTAC president
in the Philippines, the networking strategies and Flor Dandal, exec-
4-year old Philippine as well as enhancing utive director of KCC
Teachers Association “soft skills” for teach- Muticultural Services,
of Canada ers. who both served as
(PTAC), conducted With its theme co- project directors.
its 3rd annual teach- “Bridging and Con- They were assisted by
ers seminar on January tinuing Your Teaching Amy Basingan, Loida
Bong Capitin shows the Marvin Sonsona pause as his wife, Dr. Sally Capi- 9th at the Toronto Pub- Career in Ontario”, a Gatchalian,Bernadette
tin, laughs during a reception for the “Marvelous”boxer at Cusina Lounge lic Library, Parkdale total of 87 Gapuz, Rose Cruz,
and Restaurant on Wilson Avenue in North York hosted by Rolly and Nieves Branch Auditorium, FilCan teachers Joan Ang, Cielito Dra-
Mangante’s “Coffee King Plus”. Bong and Sally Capitin’s customer rela-
Toronto, Ontario. and educators attended peza, Maricon Berna-
tions are perhaps one of the best that karaoke habitueshave seen around
Toronto. (Manila Media Monitor Photo) The Kababayan the lectures presented sor, Imelda Axibal,
Community Centre by four noted educa- Rusela Lising, Tess
Multicultural Services, tion resource profes- Tajanlangit, Pet Collan-

‘‘
FAMILIES from p. 13
gust over what happened.
the National Press Club The media workers killed
of the Philippines said in in the massacre were not
a statement. “The whole armed.” (With files from
world has shown its dis- Philippine-based news
We all have ability. The difference is
how we use it. -Stevie Wonder
organizations and Ca- a 32 - year provider of sionals in Ontario. tes, Jocelyn San Juan,
nadian Journalists for settlement and integra- Among the speak- Sam Posadas, Boni and
Free Expression) AA tion programs in the ers were Michael Sal- Mila Curutan, Sonia
GTA, jointly sponsored vatori, registrar and Pascual and other KCC
with PTAC the profes- CEO of the Ontario and PTAC officers and
sional development College of Teachers; members.
event.
FilCan educator
Lolita Bruneau, con-
sultant to the York
The 105 members
of Philippine Teachers
Tony A. San Juan said Catholic District Association of Cana-
the seminar was aimed School Board; Fermer da include 35 Ontario
at providing the semi- Santos, vice principal Certified Teachers,
nar participants with of Malvern Collegiate seven doctorate and 25
appropriate tools, skills Institute -TDSB; and master’s holders.

A rare Christmas celebration

The third generation of the Antonio Alvarez-Pilar Soriano family gather

together in southern California. Clockwise from top: Jun Alvarez, Rowen
Alvarez, Charlene Alvarez-Cahapay, Ruthie and Rafi Alvarez.

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE FILIPINO CANADIAN

FILLER
MARKET
IN TORONTO IS A MANILA MEDIA MONITOR
ADVERTISING.

CALL (416) 285-8583 to book yours today.

e-mail: manilamediamonitor@rogers.com
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 19
20 Manila Media Monitor January 2010

6013 Yonge St. Unit # 211, Toronto, Ontario. M2M 3W2

January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 21
22 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS

Kenney announces changes in the

permanent residents, a the “Juana Tejada Law”
change advocated by and propose to implement

Live-in Caregiver Program

Citizenship, Immi-
gration and Multicul-
turalism Minister Jason
Kenney announced re-
cently proposed regula-
tions to better protect the
rights of live in caregiv-
the late Juana Tejada. the change in Tejada’s
Tejada developed honor to ensure that no
cancer while working as one else has to endure the
a live-in caregiver. She same painful experience.
ers and to make it easier munity leaders at the mony before the House was initially denied per- Another proposed
for them and their fami- Kababayan Community of Commons Standing manent resident status change will allow live-
lies to obtain permanent Centre in Toronto afterr Committee on Citizen- when she did not pass in caregivers who work
residence in Canada. extensive consultations ship and Immigration. her second medical ex- overtime to apply for per-
The announcement with caregiver groups The first proposed amination. It was only manent residence sooner.
was made at an audi- from across the country, change to the Live-in through special ministe- Currently, live-in
ence with Filipino com- as well as heartfelt testi- Caregiver Program elim- rial intervention that she caregivers must work for
inates the requirement gained status in Canada two years within the first
for live-in caregivers to on humanitarian and three years of entry into
undergo a second medi- compassionate grounds.
cal examination when Kenney said the gov- CAREGIVER
applying to become ernment fully supports continued on p.23

Live-in Caregiver advocate Terry Olayta delivers an emotional appreciation

for Minister Jason Kenney’s leadership on the changes sought in the legis-
lation affecting the Live-in Caregiver Program. At left is Jun Enverga, who,
as president of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) exerted
efforts, among other groups, to bring to the Minister’s attention Juana
Tejada’s plight. (PIDC photo)
g
g
Helen Soriano Alvarez March 30, 1912 - November 23, 2009

God’s greatest giftQ

returned to God - our mother
Beloved Mama, sweet, kind and gentle Mama, you filled our lives
with so much love and happiness.
You will always be in our hearts and minds forever.
“Remember that I love you ... and still you’re in my heart”
Alfredo, Alexandra Samson, Michael, Marilen Iliscupides and Mila Magno
PEOPLE & EVENTS January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 23

PhilConGen:
Keep passports updated
The Philippine Con-
sulate General’s office in
Toronto has called on Fil-
ipinos to keep their pass-
ports updated and apply
for a Machine Readable
Passport (maroon color).
Consul General Ale-
jandro Mosquera urged
citizens to renew their
passports six months
before their expiration,
pointing out that all Ma-
chine Readable Passs-
ports (maroon color) are
processed in Manila and
that the usual turn-around
time is four weeks.
The International
Civil Aviation Organiza-
tion (ICAO) -- of which
the Philippines is a mem-
ber, has set March 31,
2010 as the last day when
ICAO member coun-
tries are allowed to issue
the old green passports.
Effective April of this
year, the Department of
Foreign Affairs will only
issue Machine Readable
Passports (MRPs) in the
Office of Consular Af-
fairs in Manila, Regional
Consular Offices and
Foreign Service Posts.

Filipino Judge appointed to

St. Catharines court
A Filipino has been
appointed judge has been
appointed judge to the
Ontario Court of Justice in
the Central West Region.
Steve Anthony Ban-
ate Coroza is the first
Filipino Canadian to
be called to the bench.
Coroza was called
to the Bar in 1997. He
worked with the On-
tario Legal Aid Plan as
a staff duty counsel in
criminal matters and as
a federal Crown coun-
sel since July 1998.
As senior counsel
to the Public Prosecu-
tion Service of Canada,
he prosecuted offences
and appeared at all lev-
els of court in Ontario.
He also super-
vised over 100 federal
Crown agents through-
out southern Ontario.
He taught at Seneca
College, Osgoode Hall
Law School and the Ad-
vocates’ Society and
has been a panellist and
presenter at various law
associations’ sessions.
Coroza served on the
board of directors of the
Alzheimer Society of
Peel and as treasurer of
the Mississauga Commu-
nity Legal Services clinic.
Ontario Chief Jus-
tice Annemarie E.
Bonkalo has assigned
Justice Coroza to pre-
side in St. Catharines.
Coroza’s appoint-
ment took effect last
December 2, together
with four other judicial
appointments. (Minis-
try of Attorney General)

CAREGIVER
from p. 22
the program before they
could apply for permanent
residence in Canada. Un-
fortunately, events – such
as pregnancies or loss
of employment – have
resulted in some live-in
caregivers not meeting
the two-year requirement.
Under the new mea-
sure, live-in caregivers
would be eligible to apply
for permanent residence
after 3,900 work hours –
the equivalent of working
a standard work week for
two years. Also, a portion
of their overtime hours
could count toward the
work requirement and en-
able caregivers to apply
for permanent residence
sooner. Equally impor-
tant, these changes would
also increase the time
that live-in caregivers
are allowed to complete
the work requirement
from three to four years.
“These important
changes help fulfil Can-
ada’s duty to those who
care for our young, our
disabled and our el-
derly,” Minister Kenney
said. “The Government
of Canada is taking ac-
tion to protect foreign
workers from potential
abuse and exploitation.”
The proposed regula-
tions will also require
employers of live-in
caregivers to pay for:
• travel costs for
live-in caregivers
to come to Canada;
• medical insurance
until live-in caregivers be-
come eligible for provin-
cial health coverage; and
• workplace safety in-
surance and any recruiting
fees owed to third parties.
Under additional ad-
ministrative changes to
the program, employment
contracts will have to spell
out these employer-paid
benefits. They will also
have to include clauses
clearly outlining job du-
ties, hours of work, over-
time and holidays, sick
leave, and termination
and resignation terms.
Citizenship and Im-
migration Canada (CIC)
will work closely with
caregiver groups to im-
prove information pack-
ages that live-in caregiv-
ers receive before they
leave for Canada. CIC
will also set up a dedi-
cated live-in caregiver
hotline. Emergency pro-
cessing of work permits
and new authorization
requests from employers
to hire a live-in caregiver
will help caregivers when
they need to change em-
ployers urgently. Live-in
caregivers will continue
to be able to apply for
study permits when they
want to take courses lon-
ger than six months; they
do not need study per-
mits for shorter courses.
The announcement
builds on recently pro-
posed regulatory changes
to the Temporary Foreign
Worker Program. Em-
ployers found to have
provided significantly
different wages, work-
ing conditions or occupa-
tions than they promised
may be put on a blacklist
making them ineligible
to hire a live-in caregiv-
er for two years under
the Temporary Foreign recruit caregivers to live to fill available live-
Worker Program. Em- and work in the homes of in caregiver positions.
ployers on this blacklist those they care for in or- Because of Canada’s
could be identified on the der to provide child care aging population, the
Citizenship and Immi- or support for seniors or program is expected to
gration Canada website people with disabilities. grow in the years ahead.
in order to inform pro- The program facili- In 2008, Cana-
spective and current tem- tates the entry of quali- da admitted 12,878
porary foreign workers fied caregivers into live-in caregivers.
of ineligible employers. Canada when there is a The proposed changes
The Live-in Caregiver shortage of Canadians to the Live-in Caregiver
Program helps Canadians or permanent residents Program were published
in the Canada Ga-
zette on December
19 for a 30-day
comment period
open to all Cana-
dians. Final regu-
latory changes
would be published
after this period.
(MMM News with
files from the CIC)
A REASON TO CELEBRATE: Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC)
volunteers joins Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Ja-
son Kenney at the Kababayan Community Centre in Toronto after the an-
nouncement of proposed legislation in the Live-in Caregive Program, which
the government of Canada will name in honor of Juana Tejada -- the live-in
caregiver who advocated the changes. From left, Bing Marasigan, Rosemer
Enverga, Minister Kenney, Jun Enverga and Bobby de la Cruz. It would be
recalled that it was PIDC who brought Tejada to the attention of the federal
government. (PIDC)
24 Manila Media Monitor January 2010
One Filipino participates in
2010 torch relay
One Filipino -- Marie
Asuncion, a CAMH cli-
ent and spokesperson,
participated in the 2010
Vancouver Olympic
Torch Relay on Wednes-
day, December 16th.
She run at 5:30 pm in
Oshawa.
Bell Canada was asked
by the Olympic Commit-
tee to select five repre-
sentatives to carry the
Olympic torch through
the Toronto area on its
way to Vancouver. Bell
sought to honor youth
who have made signifi-
cant contributions to their
communities through
public service and volun-
At the Toronto Reel Asian International Film
Ian Tuason debuts
“Continuity Problems”
By Rico de las Alas
A Filipino talent has
introduced his first short
film at the recent Toronto
Reel Asian International
Film Festival.
Ian Tuason’s “Con-
tinuity Problems” is the
story of a young man’s
fear of commitment lead-
ing him through a series
of mixed up situations.
Tuason uses the in-
consistencies in the film
metaphorically for the
problems that the lead
character experiences in
his own life.
The central idea for
Tuason’s film came from
his own experience in the
PEOPLE & EVENTS
dreaming of going away
to school, Marie was
Marie remembered be-
coming disorganized at
works full-time as a lan-
guage teacher to new Ca-
experiencing paranoia,
feeling anxious and hear-
school, losing her friends
and feeling afraid and
nadians and is a concert
level harpist. She is a fre-
ing voices. After several isolated. quent public speaker on
teer work. weeks of ongoing and “I was clinging to the behalf of CAMH, rais-
“I am increasing symptoms, hope that I would get bet- ing awareness of mental
very hon- Marie had a full-blown ter soon – but it never health issues.
ored to episode of psychosis and happened until I started The Vancouver 2010
have been was rushed to the hospi- visiting CAMH regularly Olympic Torch Relay
selected to tal for assessment. and taking my medica- began in Victoria, Brit-
be a part Marie Asuncion Shortly after, Marie tion daily.” ish Columbia, on Oc-
of the torch was referred to CAMH Over the years, Marie tober 30, 2009 and will
relay and am especially like this relay-- one step where she was diagnosed has learned to recognize end at the Opening Cer-
proud to represent both at a time.” with first episode psycho- her symptoms of psycho- emony in Vancouver on
Canada and those living Though Marie run the sis and learned she had an sis and act quickly to get February 12, 2010. The
with mental illness,” said torch relay to raise aware- imbalance of dopamine, help when they begin to lighting of the Olympic
Marie. ness for mental illness, an essential chemical reemerge. Regular visits Cauldron at the opening
“The fact that I have the strides she has made transmitter in the brain. to her health care provid- ceremony signals the start
been chosen shows that to get to this point were Marie was constantly ers at CAMH help Marie of the Vancouver 2010
the veil surrounding truly courageous. prayed that this ‘thing’ manage her illness and Olympic Winter Games.
mental illness is being Just before her six- would just go away and maintain a positive bal- (Michael Torres)
lifted and that organiza- teenth birthday, when hid her illness from teach- ance in all areas of her
tions like CAMH that most teenage girls are ers and friends for fear of life. Manila Media Monitor
strive to end that stigma hanging out with friends, being stigmatized. Now 24 and a uni- Tel. (416) 285-8583
are making progress— going out on dates and Once an “A” student, versity graduate, Marie
The next
Back in 2008, the
young filmmker won the
Festival’s “So You Think
Can Pitch” competition in
Canadian Idols?
the “Emerging” category.
He received a $10,000
grand prize from festi-
val sponsors “Charles
Street Video” as well as a
past, working on set as use Polaroids (pre-digital “Bravo!FACT “ grant to
the “Continuity” special- age) to capture and pre- go towards production of
ist. vent such discrepancies his film.
As a Tuason holds an hon-
continuity ours BA in communica-
specialist, tion studies and creative
Tuason’s writing from York Uni-
job was to versity.
maintain the He disclosed his future
consistency projects to include an-
of the char- other short film, entitled
acteristics “Extreme Close Up”, and
of persons, a full feature film that
plot, ob- he planned to focuse on These children perform a recent special youth rally
jects, places organized by the Toronto Christian Worship Cen-
Asian youth gangs.
tre International Ministries. Billed as “Rise Up”,
and events “Continuity Prob- hundreds jampacked the concert venue where
seen by the lems” was presented No- rising faith-based youth bands exhibited their tal-
viewing au- Ian Tuason vember 15 at Innis Town ents.proceeds of the concert would be used for
dience. Hall. Future presentations the church’s evangelical missions in Canada and
He recalled having to from scene to scene. the Philippines. (F. Magno)
include on Bravo!FACT.
HEALTH January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 25

Canadian Health Measures Survey

Between 1981 and
2009, fitness levels of
Canadian children and
youth, as well as those of
adults, declined signifi-
cantly, according to the
first findings from the Ca-
nadian Health Measures
Survey (CHMS). This is
the most comprehensive
national survey ever con-
ducted in Canada to de-
termine fitness levels.
The CHMS captured
key information relevant
to the health of Canadi-
ans by means of direct
physical measurements,
such as body measure-
ments, cardio-respiratory
fitness, musculoskeletal
fitness and blood pres-
sure.
Data from the CHMS
show that fitness levels of
children and youth have
declined significantly
since 1981, regardless of
age or sex. Fitness lev-
els of adults have also
declined, particularly
among younger adults.
Among youth aged
15 to 19, the percentage
whose waist circumfer- the majority of Cana- proportions of both sexes In 2009, more than tion, 6.4%, or just fewer
ence put them at an in- dian children and youth were rated as obese. 90% of the adult Cana- than 1.6 million people,
creased or high risk of (74%) had a BMI that On average, the BMI dian population aged 18 were measured with high
health problems more was neither overweight of Canadians was lower to 79 had an acceptable blood pressure, that is
than tripled. nor obese, based on than that of Americans, blood pressure, defined 140/90 or higher. Half
Among adults, de- physical measurement of especially in two age as less than 140/90, that of them, an estimated
creases in fitness levels their height and weight. groups: 20 to 39 and 40 is, 140 millimetres of 762,000 or about 3% of
over the same period Slightly more than 17% to 59. Differences were mercury (systolic) over the adult population, were
were particularly pro- were overweight and 9% not significant in the age 90 millimetres of mer- unaware of their condi-
nounced for young adults were obese. group 60 to 79. cury (diastolic). tion. (Statistics Canada)
aged 20 to 39. Among both teen boys Blood pressure Of this adult popula-
Within this group, and girls, the proportion
the percentage with a in the waist circumfer-
waist circumference that ence category who were
placed them at a high risk at high or increased risk
for health problems more of health problems more
than quadrupled. The pro- than tripled.
portions went from 5% Also, the strength and
to 21% among men, and flexibility of boys and
from 6% to 31% among girls has declined signifi-
women. cantly since 1981.
Roughly 3% of the Body composition
adult population had high and fitness of adults
blood pressure that was During the 2007-to-
undiagnosed in 2009. 2009 period, just under
Body composition 38% of adults were at a
and fitness of chil- healthy weight. About
dren and youth 1% were underweight,
The BMI is calculated 37% were overweight
by dividing weight in ki- and 24% were obese.
lograms by height in me- Proportionally, many
tres squared. more adult men than adult
During the survey women were overweight.
period of 2007 to 2009, However, roughly equal

Canada has ranked the 4th best country in the world.

Every year 250,000 new immigrants arrive in Canada.
Do you have relatives
For Immigration advice who want to immigrate
and assistance call: to Canada under the
Federal Skilled Worker
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Address: 5343 Dundas St. West, Unit 106, Toronto,Ontario M9B 6K5
(inside Primus Building, close to Kipling subway station) Visit us at: www.canada-world.com
26 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS

MORE DONATION FOR ONDOY: Alekos Soriano (center) represents Custom

Minister Day visits flood victims in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. Minister of
International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Stockwell Day
talks to children who are victims of recent flooding brought by typhoons
Ketsana and Parma at the Alabang Elementary School in Muntinlupa City,
Philippines.
Medical Rehab and Assessment Ltd. in presenting a cheque amounting to
$5,000 to Con-Gen Alejandro Mosquera in the presence of consulate staff for
the victims of typhoon Ondoy. The assistance to the victims will be coursed
through the Philippine National Red Cross. (Photo: Anagaile Soriano/Rico
de las Alas)

Noel Lalicon, Commander

of the Toronto Knights of
Rizal (KoR) confirms that
his group raised and do-
nated $1,200 and PhP2,000
cash for the typhoon vic-
tims of Ondoy and Pepeng,
which the KoR commander
said was handcarried by Sir
CAMARINES NORTE ASSOCIATION CANADA – ONTARIO (CNAC-O): Consul Knight Felix Tulagan, Sr.
General Alejandro B. Mosquera (left) inducts into office recently the officers (Jojo Taduran)
of the three-year old province-based organization. Installed in their respec-
tive posts were Willie Nabus, President; Susan S.J. Llanera, 1st Vice-presi-
dent; Pong Ostonal, Jr., 2nd Vice-president; Lydia Madrona-Yanto, Secretary,
Lida Espanol-Muguerza, Treasurer; Merle Canlas, Asst. Treasurer; Rommel
Yanto, Auditor; Faye Silvio, PRO, and Directors: Maricris S. Agoston, Andrea
A. San Juan, and Shey Silvio. Also inducted, as Town Representatives, were:
Salve Aquino, Manuel M. Ching, Sonia S.J. de la Cruz, Randy Fermo, Liwa-
nag Nabus, Shirley S.J. Rosales, Eva S.J. San Andres, Virgie G. San Juan, Manila Media Monitor
Minda Sayoc, Minda Alban and Milvin Servidad. CNAC-O advisers are Jojo Tel. (416) 285-8583
Taduran and Tony A. San Juan.
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 27
28 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 MONEY

MoneyGram International Sets Priorities for Philippines During

Agent Meetings with Americas President Dan O’Malley
MoneyGram Interna-
tional Sets Priorities for
Philippines During Agent
Meetings with Americas
President Dan O’Malley
Company awards
grant to GMA Kapuso
Foundation as part of visit
MINNEAPOLIS – cash to card program
MoneyGram Internation-
al (NYSE:MGI), a lead-
ing global money transfer
company, has met with its
agents in the Philippines
as MoneyGram’s Presi-
dent of the Americas Dan
O’Malley and Senior Re-
gional Director of Asia
Pacific Nick Cunnew vis-
ited the country recently.
Both executives
were in the country
to discuss new prod-
ucts and plan for 2010.
MoneyGram intro-
duced a number of initia-
tives in 2009 to provide
more choices for money
transfers sent to the Phil-
ippines. Dollar-to-dollar
payout was introduced
in April followed by a
offered in conjunction
with Cebuana Lhuillier.
As part of the visit
likewise, MoneyGram
continued its focus on
helping the Philippines
recover from the many
storms that hit the nation
recently. MoneyGram,
awarded one million
pesos (US$ 21,000.00)
grant to GMA Network’s
Kapuso Foundation for
its ongoing disaster re-
lief operations following
the series of typhoons
that ravaged Luzon.
Prior to this grant,
MoneyGram provided
US$20,000 to the Ameri-
can Red Cross to be used
for similar purposes.
Following these grants,
home repair kits will
be distributed through
Habitat for Humanity to
help families in rebuild-
ing their damaged homes.
The grants were part
of the MoneyGram Glob-
al Giving Program which
issues financial support
to organizations around Agent dinner with key agents in the Philippines on Nov 5: Kwartagram, BDO,
the globe, including those M.Lhuillier and PeraGram. MG representatives: Dan O’Malley, Nick Cunnew,
responding in times of di- Remas Ho, Peter Ohser, Tony Samour, Nelly Chang and Cherie Chau
saster. More information
is available at www.mon-
eygram.com/giving. (PR)

‘‘‘
We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act,
PCCT President Paeng Nebres (center ) signs a MOU with Devry Smith and
Frank LLP Partner Larry Keown (right) and associate, Florendo LLameg (left)

but a habit.
to provide PCCT members with immediate legal advice , as need arises, on
business and other matters. The signing was witnessed by PCCT directors
(standing from left): Steve Pagao, Agnes Lushusan, Cori Naron, Lino Sabe-
lano, Ted Dayno, Oswald Tugadi, Liz Leggett, Flor Vendiola, Ed Joaquin and
-Aristotle
Egay Gonzales. Details of the MOU on file at the PCCT office.
MONEY January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 29

What is a financial plan

Firm), presents general about yourcircumstances. at (416) 558-3078, or
information only and is For more informa- e-mailRhowena.Adolfo@

and how do I get one?

Financial Planning is a
general term used by most
professional advisors –
but not all financial plans
are created equal … and
they shouldn’t be. Your
financial plan should be
a perfect fit for your life
as it is today, easily and
quickly adaptable to the
constant changes life
throws at you, and al-
ways focused on achiev-
ing your longer term
life goals. That’s a big
– and important – deal.
So, the first question
you must ask yourself
is, Do I need a finan-
cial plan? The simple
answer is yes – if you
have an income, a fam-
ily (or the hopes of one),
dreams of a comfortable
retirement, and any of
the dozens of other fi-
nancially-rooted reasons
that are unique to you.
The next question is,
What are the elements of
a sound financial plan?
There are two answers
to that question: the gen-
eral and the specific.
In general, every fi-
nancial plan should in-
clude: investment plan-
ning, cash flow planning,
education planning, estate
planning, insurance plan-
ning, retirement planning,
and income tax planning.
The key to a success-
ful financial plan is mak-
ing sure that each of those
elements is made specific
to you and your needs –
and to do that, a compe-
tent professional advisor
will take you through this
six step planning process:
1. Goal setting – to
determine and prioritize
your goals and concerns.
2. Data gathering –
assembling the relevant
financial information
to understand your cur-
rent financial situation.
3. Financial analy-
sis – using your current
and projected financial
situation to identify and
answer questions like:
“How much tax must I
pay?” How can my taxes
be reduced?” Will I have
enough income to cover
my expenses during retire-
ment?” “How can I better
meet my income needs?”
“How can I protect my
family and income if I
should become disabled
or die unexpectedly?”
4. Plan formulation
and recommendations
– discussing, reviewing
not a solicitation to buy tion on this topic please InvestorsGroup.com.
or sell any investments. contact your Inves-
Contact a financial advi- tors Group Consul-
sor for specific advice tant, Rhowena Adolfo
and deciding on various
alternatives and solutions
for achieving your finan-
cial goals and improving
your overall financial life.
5. Plan implemen-
tation – providing you
with a written report
summarizing the steps
you need to take to
make your plan work.
6. Monitoring and
plan review – financial
planning is not a one-
time event. You should
review your plan at least
annually or when ma-
jor life events occur.
Comprehensive finan-
cial planning is complex
and necessary. To be sure
you get exactly the right
one for your situation,
it’s a good idea to put a
professional advisor on
your financial team – an
advisor with the qualifi-
cations, tools and track
record you can count on
to develop a personal-
ized financial plan that
will the job for you –
today and tomorrow.
This column, written
and published by Inves-
tors Group Financial
Services Inc. (in Québec
– a Financial Services

ADB forecasts remittances grown by 4.5 percent Saudi Arabia and the schemes, or fixed ex-

to stagnate
MANILA – The
Asian Development
Bank (ADB) has said
that the global economic
slowdown and the Dubai
debt crisis will likely
cause remittances of
overseas Filipino work-
ers (OFWs) to stagnate.
In a recent study, the
Manila-based lender
said, “For the Philippines,
we do not see evidence
of a dramatic plunge in
workers’ remittances as
a result of the current
recession. The evidence
suggests more of a stag-
nation of these flows.
The study said re-
mittances to Asia have
stopped growing but are
not decreasing steadily.
The lender said month-
ly remittances to the Phil-
ippines tend to fluctuate
up and down, but the
general trend seems to
be positive “although not
much of the recent growth
in these flows is evident.”
The ADB said that
while for the whole of
2008 the average month-
ly growth rate was 14
percent, for the first eight
months of 2009, the av-
erage growth rate re-
mains at just 4 percent.
Earlier, the Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas
said remittances had
to $14.3 billion in the United Arab Emirates
first 10 months of 2009. (UAE) accounting for
The ADB also said a substantial amount.
that the severe eco- UAE is also the sixth
nomic downturn in top source of remit-
Dubai would affect mi- tances at about 7 percent
grants’ flows to Asia of the total amount, af-
for the next few years. ter the US, Saudi Ara-
Saudi Arabia is a key bia, Canada, the United
player in the flow of re- Kingdom and Italy.
mittances to several Asian The ADB said it is
countries like the Phil- important for receiving
ippines, the ADB said. countries not to impose
The Middle East pro- restrictions that may
vides about 15 percent hinder remittances such
of the remittance flows as taxes on these flows,
to the Philippines, with mandatory remittance
change rate policies.
”The best policy is not
to interfere as these flows
normalize. The fact that
we have not seen a dra-
matic drop in these flows
suggests that remittances
are resilient and should
recover in a few years.
Receiving countries just
have to make sure that
they do not obstruct the
adjustment process,” the
lender said.

RP agriculture grows at slowest pace in 11 years of 0.5%-1.5% for 2009

MANILA -- The coun-
try’s agriculture sector ex-
panded at its slowest pace
in 11 years in 2009, with
farm production hobbled
mainly by bad weather,
the Department of Ag-
riculture said recently.
This has heightened ex-
pectations that the broad-
er economy will be hard
pressed to achieve even
the low end of the gov-
ernment’s growth target.
The Department of
Agriculture said farm
output, which accounts
for a fifth of the country’s
gross domestic product,
fell 2.43% on year in
the fourth quarter, bring-
after two major typhoons
aged crops across Asia.
“A contraction from a
in late September and big contributor (such as
ing 2009 growth to just early October hurt crops agriculture) may be an
0.37% after substantial and farm infrastructure. indication of potential
typhoon damage to crops. Philippine farm output disappointment in terms
The sector’s perfor- in 1998 contracted 8.85% of meeting GDP projec-
mance was lower than following a severe and tions,” said Jose Vistan,
the government’s down- prolonged El Nino-in- AB Capital Securities re-
graded growth forecast duced dry spell that dam- search director.
30 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 MONEY

New credit card regulations

the current month’s due interest rate and to other credit card and the inter-
date. This provision will balances in decreasing est rate might increase

take effect Jan 1, 2010

OTTAWA – New reg- financial institutions will
ulations on credit cards have to include a sum-
and other financial prod- mary box at the top of
ucts, such as fixed- and their credit card appli-
variable-rate loans and cation forms and agree-
lines of credit, will come ments. The information
into force on January 1, should clearly indicate
2010. This means a num- key features, such as in-
ber of important changes terest rates, grace periods
— particularly better and fees.
communication of infor-
mation — for consumers üConsent for credit
of financial products and limit increases
services offered by feder- Federally regulated
ally regulated financial financial institutions will
institutions. have to obtain your con-
“These new regula- sent before increasing
tions tie in with one of your credit card limit.
our major objectives: üNo over-the-limit
helping consumers gain fees due to holds
a better understanding Federally regulated fi-
of financial products and nancial institutions may
services,” explained Ur- not charge over-the-limit
sula Menke, Commis- fees due to a temporary
sioner of the Financial hold of funds on your
Consumer Agency of credit card. However, this
Canada (FCAC). restriction does not apply
The new regulations when you make a pur-
will come into force in chase that would bring
two phases: January 1, you over your limit in
2010, and September 1, any case during the time
2010. the hold is in effect.
üDebt collection prac-
Entering into force tices
on January 1, 2010: New federal regula-
üSummary box con- tions will apply to debt
taining all prescribed in- collection practices of
formation federally regulated finan-
Federally regulated cial institutions.
apply even if you have an order of interest rate; or over the next period, the
outstanding balance from on the relative proportion financial institution must
the month before. of each. notify you in advance
üJoint borrowers üAllocation of credit *Credit card state- about the increase on the
If you, together with card payments ments statement it sends you,
another person (s), apply If you pay more than Credit card statements and it must specify the
for a loan from a feder- the required minimum on issued by federally regu- new rate.
ally regulated financial your credit card, federally lated financial institutions FCAC encourages
institution, all borrowers regulated financial insti- must indicate how much you to learn more about
must receive the informa- tutions have to apply any time it will take you to the new regulations by
tion documents, except in payments made in excess pay the current balance visiting its website: fcac-
the two following cases: of the required minimum in full if you pay only the acfc.gc.ca. (Financial
1. when all the bor- using one of the two fol- required minimum each Consumer Agency of
rowers agree, orally or in lowing methods: to the month. Canada)
writing (on paper or elec- balance with the highest If you have a fixed-rate
tronically), that only one
borrower will receive the
information documents
2. when at least two
borrowers agree, orally
or in writing (on paper or
electronically), that one
borrower will receive the
information documents
on the other’s behalf; in
this case, the borrowers
who did not give their
consent must also receive
the information docu-
ments.
Entering into force
on September 1, 2010:
üMinimum 21-day
grace period on credit
card purchases
You will not pay inter-
est on new purchases for
21 days after the state-
ment date if you pay
your balance in full by
MONEY January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 31

Western Union’s biggest agents in the Philippines visit Toronto points out. “From our
end, we made sure that
Western Union Phil- ticketing, cellphone top Paredes and Ocampo at- recent calamity, causing home during these times? remittance locations are
ippines’ top two agents, up loading as well as pro- tributed this to the en- great malady to the Phil- “First we were really all up and running and
Lorenzo Ocampo, Presi- viding the convenience dearing Filipino qual- ippines. Typhoon Ondoy glad that Western Union kept them open for as
dent of PetNet and Gab- of a one-stop shop for long as we can” continues
by Paredes, President & monthly bill payments Paredes. “We also made
Chief Executive Officer for Meralco, insurance sure that money was de-
of USSC (formally RCPI) and cellular companies. livered by truck, car or
visited Toronto as part of “It is very fulfilling bus – whatever means as
their 2009 North Ameri- and inspiring to meet our long as money gets to the
can tour that included kababayans abroad and recipients. We texted our
cities of New York , hear their stories. The customers to inform them
New Jersey and Chicago. sacrifices they make in that money was available
They have been do- order to provide for their for pick up. We resorted
ing these trips for more families back home is to all possible means, just
than ten years and can truly admirable. These to make sure that money
never imagine not do- trips allow us to open was in our customers’
ing it for the next ten. our minds and hearts hands at the quickest time
“We have made it to the needs of fellow possible”, adds Ocampo.
our commitment to visit Filipinos abroad when Aside from being
places with large Filipi- it comes to remittances” there for their customers
no communities all over says Larry Ocampo. during times of natural
the world and see what Being the top man calamities, both PetNet
we can do to help our of PetNet, the lead- (Standing from left) Renan Lacida, Marketing Director of Western Union and USSC are also in-
kababayans overseas” ing Agent of Western Philippines; Lorenzo Ocampo, President of PetNet; Gabby Paredes, Presi- volved with charitable
says Gabby Paredes. Union in the Philippines,
dent and CEO of USSC (formally RCPI); Virgilio Cerrer, Account Executive causes involving chil-
of Western Union Canada; Chito Gonzalez, Country Development Manager
Paredes, who heads Ocampo prides him- dren of less fortunate
of Western Union Canada and Joycelyn David, Senior Marketing Manager,
Universal Storefront Ser- self as the owner of the Western Union Canada; (foreground) Patricia Riingen, Western Union Overseas Filipino Work-
vices Corp (USSC) for- largest private network in Senior Vice President Pacific and Indochina flanked by Western Union Agent, ers (OFW’s). Larry Oca-
merly RCPI, has made the Philippines and Asia BM Oriental’s owner Madelaine (owner) and Luz. mpo is passionate about
the company one of with over 2000 strategic ity of “magpapadala has made Filipinos rally lowered their fees by Gift of Life. Their mis-
Western Unions’ lead- locations nationwide. kahit wala na” – it’s last even closer to each other. 50% during these times. sion is to give free heart
ing Agents in the Philip- Remittances to the thing to give up even Just how did Pet- This was really a great surgery to children. It
pines. Aside from remit- Philippines did not slow when money is scarce. Net and USSC keep help and magnanimous started with 60 heart sur-
tances, the company has down even with the This true Filipino up with the increased of Western Union. It re- gery procedures – now,
branched out to everyday global recession. On spirit of “bayanihan” or demand of loved ones ally showed how a global the mission has helped
needs of Filipinos such as the contrary,business helping out, manifested abroad tosend money company cares for their over 150 children. (PR)
Super Ferry and airline has been surging ahead. even more during the to their families back customers” Paredes
32 Manila Media Monitor January 2010
If you must have a Honda lifestyle,
make it an Action Honda lifestyle!
Action
T his month, the Filipino-managed dealership has is-
sued its first electronic newsletter.
Honda
In his message to the first batch of recipients of the e-
newsletter, Action Honda General Manager – the Filipino
community’s very own active community leader, Rafael Ne-
goes
bres, said the newsletter is not just about cars and trucks,
rather, content is more of a lifestyle; the Action Honda life-
style!
digital.
Nebres said the e-newsletter contains articles about sub-
jects that customers wanted to see in their Action Honda reg-
ular e-newsletters, among others, travel tips, family activities
and … definitely, helpful information relating to customers
Honda cars and trucks.
2010 Canadian International Auto Show
Carroll Shelby: revered person
in auto industry to be honored
A very familiar figure in the world of automobile
racing and production will be honored at a gala
reception, February 10, at the Metro Toronto Conven-
tion Centre amidst a multi-million dollar collection of
historic vehicles at the 2010 edition of the Canadian In-
ternational Auto Show.
Carroll Shelby’s lifetime achievements in the indus-
try will be celebrated, including his philanthropic ef-
forts to help out children and youth in need of heart or
kidney transplants.
At the same time, Shelby will be inducted into the
Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame. The event is host-
ed by the Canadian International Auto Show and sup-
ported by the Toronto Automobile Dealers Foundation.
Net proceeds for the Gala Reception will go to sup-
port the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Canadian
Motorsports Heritage Foundation. The Carroll Shelby
Foundation, created by Shelby in 1991 following his
own successful heart transplant operation, is dedicated Carroll Shelby
to providing financial support for children and medical
professionals to help overcome life-threatening health
issues worldwide and to promoting continuing educational development.
Among auto enthusiasts, few names are more familiar or revered than
Shelby’s.
Once a professional racer at the international level, Texas-born Shelby
raced in Formula 1 and won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans sports-car
race in 1959.
Shortly after that triumph, he gave up driving because of an ongoing
heart problem and turned his hand to building what would become some of
the most sought-after and valuable cars in the world - the legendary Shelby
Cobras.
MOTORING
Nebres stressed that the e-newsletter
is just one example of the
dealership’s commitment
to continuously add value
to customer experi-
ence at Action
Honda.
T h e
monthly cir-
culation of
e-news-
letter,
Nebres
said,
aims to Rafael Nebres, general manager, Action Honda
deliver what “we be-
lieve will not only ‘make your car ownership easy’, but also allow you to
choose the subjects that are relevant to you and your lifestyle.”
At the same time, the Action Honda General Manager – who is likewise
an active community leader, pointed out that anybody may suggest and re-
quest for topics that are of interest to one’s particular lifestyle. Request may
be sent to newsletter@myactionhonda.com.
In agreement with every car or truck owner’s statement, Nebres reiter-
ated that one’s Honda is more than just a way of getting from point Y to
point Z, and emphasized that Honda car or truck ownership is an integral
part of its owner’s lifestyle. “It is how we get to our jobs, to our friends and
family and how we access many other elements of our lives,” Nebres said.
Whether looking for a new or pre-owned Honda car or truck, Action
Honda may be reached by phone at (416) 281-1234, or better still, please
visit Action Honda showroom at 4334 Kingston Road in Scarborough.
(RI)
Not only were they the scourge of the world’s racing circuits, they were
immortalized in pop culture by Bill Cosby in his 23-minute recorded mono-
logue, 200 M.P.H.
The subsequent list of Shelby’s automotive ac-
complishments would fill books - and it has. He was at
the very core of almost every facet of auto racing dur-
ing that sport’s golden age in the 1960s. Among other
achievements that are unlikely ever to be equaled, he
is the only person ever to have won at Le Mans as a
driver, a manufacturer and an entrant.
Shelby has also worked with all three major Ameri-
turned his hand to building what
would become some of the most
sought-after and valuable cars
in the world -
the legendary Shelby Cobras.
can automakers in the design and development of such
iconic production cars as the Ford Mustang and GT and
the Dodge Viper. Most recently, he collaborated with
Ford on the 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 - a super-high-
performance variant of the Mustang.
A 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500, with Shelby’s autograph prominent on
the hood, will be auctioned live at the Carroll Shelby Gala Reception, along
with several other exclusive items.
The GT 500 will be one of approximately 40 of the most historic cars
associated with Shelby’s long career that will be on display. Shelby himself,
now 87, is expected to attend, along with several other industry and motor-
sports personalities who have played a role in his story.
Tickets for the Carroll Shelby Gala Reception, which Shelby is expect-
ed to attend, are available to the public for $150 each. Further information
is available at www.autoshow.ca/shelby. (PR
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
Philippine Legend, CPO in 2002.
Because of CPO’s non-profit
Malakas at Maganda at nature and because of sponsor-
ships, tickets for the show will
Living Arts Centre
be very affordable.
CPO’s annual sponsors in-
clude PNB Remittance Com-
pany; Dr. Loida Coronel and As-
Celebration of its 25th year in 2010, CPO is pre- sociates, Dr. Solon C. Guzman and Associates, and
senting Malakas at Maganda (The Philippine Legend) Dr. Victoria R. Santiago and Associates. Other tradi-
on February 6, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the prestigious and tional sponsors include Dr. Irene Almazan-Mabutol;
award winning Hammerson Hall of the Living Arts Dr. Francis Rementilla of Bodybliss and Orthopedic
Centre in Mississauga. System, and Dr. Benilda Castillo.
The show will include traditional Philippine dances, CPO is requesting all Filipino groups to help pro-
popular and hip hop dances and songs,conceptualized mote the show and stand proud to be a Filipino. Com-
by CPO’s Artistic Director and Choreographer, Ms. munity associations that buy admission tickets as a
Eno Kalash. group will be included on the souvenir programs as
Eno was the lead dancer of the famous Bayanihan patrons. For further details, please call the event chair
Philippine National Dance Company in the Philip- Ms. Luz del Rosario at 905-542-8747.
pines and rose to become its dance researcher, trainer Alex Coronel is heading CPO as president this
and director before migrating to Canada. She joined year.
Crazy Little Thing Dingdong Dantes
Called Love replaces Richard
Gomez in GMA
Pinoy TV’s FAMILY
FEUD!
E!’s “Third Sexiest Man in the World”
has conquered Filipino homes across the
globe! Dingdong Dantes tosses his hat
into hosting GMA’s Philippine version
of top-rating game show for the whole
family, FAMILY FEUD!
Dingdong steps in as the game
master of FAMILY FEUD – re-
placing Richard Gomez who
went on leave to pursue a ca-
reer in politics – to bring a
brand-new level of excite-
ment and thrill on the
game show that has cap-
tured the hearts of fami-
lies time and again.
One of the hottest
A Studio Six Productions mini concert at M Stu- stars in the Philippines,
dio in Mississauga, Ontario. (L-R) Princes, Josie
de Leon, Jules Tinsay, Jennifer Fermo, Harold
Gutierrez, Chat de Leon Bautista. (Jojo Taduran)
Max Out on Your
Promotional and
Marketing Efforts.
Get Combo Ad Rates
for Television,
Newspaper &
Radio.
Call (416) 285-8583
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 33
Like his predecessors, Alex believes that the Filipi-
no community has to know more about their country
and its culture, and to develop an appreciation of their
people’s exeriences, creativity and aspirations.
CPO teaches Filipino folkdances and music to
young Filipino Canadian, participates in community
events, gives performances and organizes shows en-
gaging the Filipino communities.
Membership with CPO is either on a family or an
individual basis.
The organization has programs for children, young
adults and even parents.
Those who are interested to learn Philippine
songs, dances and play ethnic musical instruments
are always welcome. To join, visit the CPO website
at http://www.culturephilippines.ca , or by dropping
at the CPO weekly practice every Saturday from 9:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kalayaan Cultural and Com-
munity Centre (KCCC) at 5225 Orbitor Drive in Mis-
sissauga.(CPO-PR)
Dingdong has played leading man
in phenomenally successful GMA
Pinoy TV series such as MARI-
MAR, DYESEBEL, and current-
ly, STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN.
And now, Dingdong is all set
to share his winning ways and his
natural charisma in a high-energy,
top-rating game show like FAM-
ILY FEUD. Marking a new
milestone in his career, host-
ing FAMILY FEUD allows
Dingdong to display his
versatility and flex his host-
ing muscle for the first time
in a daily game show.
Viewers – and the con-
testants, of course! – would
definitely look forward to
Dingdong interacting and
joking around with the con-
testants and the studio audi-
ence. After all, he is one of the
Philippines’ most desired and
prized leading men.
Catch red-hot Dingdong Dantes
in FAMILY FEUD only on GMA Pinoy
TV! Call your preferred pay TV operator
now to subscribe. (GMA)
34 Manila Media Monitor January 2010
Officers and directors of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC)
cited by the body corporate of the organization for their dedication in
bringing various events of the PIDC to successful conclusion at the end of
the 2009 season. (Leonie Manzanares)
Mixed Company Theatre: DISS in
Auditions for ‘Jesse’ and ‘Tyrone’
For Spring 2010, Mixed Company Theatre’s 20th Educational Tour will re-
mount “DISS” – an acclaimed production.
Created in collaboration with youth who have experienced gang violence, DISS
examines snitching, family relationships, friendship, theft, gun violence and many
other issues that affect young people living with gang presence in their communi-
ties.
Auditions for the roles of Jesse and Tyrone, two urban youth who become en-
tangled in a neighbourhood youth gang and the demise of a close friend, are cur-
rently in progress. Actors with talents including rap performance, spoken word
and beat boxing are encouraged to contact Mixed Company Theatre to book an
audition appointment.
ARTS / ENTERTAINMENT
Cargo firm brings
AEGIS concert to T.O.
Larry Baguisa of UMAC and Forex Cargo (left) joins the performers on
stage to thank the audience for their time and the warm reception accorded
the UMAC and Forex Cargo sponsored concert at the Queen Elizabeth
Theatre, Exhibition Place. (Photo: Noel Perada)
AUDITIONS
WHERE: Mixed Company Theatre, 157 Carlton Street (at Sherbourne), To-
ronto, ON
WHEN: Wednesday, January 27 - Appointment required.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Interested actors are encouraged to book an audi-
tion appointment at duncan@mixedcompanytheatre.com or 416 515 8080 x 25 for
more information.
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 35

KCCC Zarzuela is a Knockout! Pepang (Vangie Alcasid), Kikay (Audrey Fabico), Francis Pendon. Both
Valentina’s domestic help- a Tondo girl who went to plays showcased the tal-
ers, provided the lighter New York and came back ents of seniors and youth
moments of the show. changed with her ‘New from the community.
Joy Almojuela, Ed- York’ ways which were To see over 900 pictures
win Dumlao, Elly Rosa- not necessarily to the lik- from the KCCC Zarzu-
lin, Del Palileo, Marilyn ing of her Tondo friends. ela please visit www.ka-
Palileo, and Alex Rosa- Kikay’s mother, Mrs. layaancentre.ca and click
lin, with the special par- Mendoza (Alma Torre- on the ‘photo gallery’.
ticipation of the KCCC no), was a show-stopper This performance was
Senior Choir, rounded with her over the top made possible by a grant
out this impressive cast. mannerisms and outfits! from Service Canada thru
The second play, “New New Yorker in Tondo the New Horizons for
Yorker in Tondo”, was also included the tal- Seniors Program. (PR)
performed in English and ented Bernice Fabico,
was a hilarious play about Jason Nepomuceno, and

The cast of ‘Valentina’ performing at Kalayaan Centre’s Zarzuela on

November 14, 2009.

It was a knock out
performance! It was the
stunning performances
of Valentina (Chiqui
Pineda-Azimi), Kiko
(Kelly Topacio), Mrs.
Mendoza (Alma Torre-
no), and the entire cast of
Kalayaan Cultural Com-
munity Centre’s Zarzu-
ela at Meadowvale The-
atre last November 14.
Mrs. Gibson said af-
ter the show, “Tremen-
dous! I thoroughly en-
joyed it! There should be tale about the triumph
a repeat performance!” of Valentina’s love for
The KCCC Zarzuela Celso, played by Randy
consisted of two one-Act Fabico, over her secret
plays, each in a differ- life as a vampire and was
ent genre and language. performed in Tagalog.
Both plays were guid- Chiqui Pineda, a well-
ed to success through known musical perform-
the talents of Imelda er with the hit song “How
Espiritu-Papa, Mu- Did You Know”, and
sic Director, and Rey star of the musical play
Tamayo, PhD, Stage Di- “Rama’t Sita” played the
rector & Choreographer. lead role in “Valentina”.
The first play, “Val- The characters Kiko KCCC Zarzuela Finale at Meadowvale Theatre on Saturday, November 14,
entina”, told a tragic (Kelly Topacio) and 2009.

A PERSONAL REFLECTION Lay performers to pro- We believed. We per- “alay” (offer) the concert

“ALAY” Concert - a Labor of Love

mote more awareness,
support for priests in the
(Year for Priests- June 2009-June 2010) Archdiocese and every-
where.
By Bob Rosales The Filipino Clergy
Deacon, St. Barnabas Church
collectively decided to
Scarborough, Ontario
present the human side of
In June 19, 2009, John Mary Vianney, pa- the Gospel in today’s the clergy in the form of
Feast of the Most Sacred world.”(Pope Benedict
tron of all parish priests musical entertainment.
Heart of Jesus, His Holi- worldwide. “This year XVI) Fr. Recana captured
ness, Pope Benedict XVI meant to deepen the com- The Filipino Clergy succinctly in his pre solo
proclaimed the Year for mitment of all priests to
of the Archdiocese of introduction, “… we are
Priests on the 150th An- interior renewal for theToronto in cooperation in this world but not of
niversary of the “deis sake of a stronger and with the Filipino Catho- this world.”
natalis” (birthday) of St. more incisive witness tolic Mission’s ministries “Although we are not
and some professional singers, nor
organiza- entertainers, we tried to
tions held reach out and connect in
a mean- another forum to our pa-
ingful and rishioners and visitors by
joy-filled singing musical pieces
Alay Con- from varied genre.”
cert to cel- The emphasis on
ebrate this the concert, held at the
Year for “Our Lady of Assump-
Priests. tion Church” on Bathurst
“Alay” Street in North York, On-
is a Fili- tario last December 6,
pino word was not so much on the
for offer- intricacies and challenges
ing. of the presentation but on
Filipino priests, deacons and lay ministers assign at various The the fellowship, presence,
parishes in Ontario perform at the “Alay Concert” at the “Our concert and mutually supportive
Lady of Assumption Church” on Bathurst Street, North York, was of- relationship between the
Ontario in celebration of the Year for Priests (June 2009-June Laity and their priests
2010) to promote fellowship, presence and mutual supportive fered by
relationsip between the laity, on the one hand, and priests and the Clergy and deacons. This was
deacons, on the other.(Photo:Manila Media Monitor) and some our collective mission.
formed. We reached out.
We further discovered
that we can effect a won-
derful collaboration if we
are united for a common
goal.
“Panginoon, narito
ako… Siya ay Si Hesus,..
sandigan sa buhay ko”.
These lyrics encapsulat-
ed the offering intent of
the musical event to Je-
sus, the Good Shepherd.
We also offered the con-
cert to all caregivers and
temporary workers.
The concert was
hatched only in August
this year. We only had
two or more months to
prepare and rehearse. For
the clergy, it was difficult
because we were only
available Sunday eve-
nings after all our Sunday
pastoral responsibilities.
We felt that Jesus was re-
ally helping and guiding
us along the way. It was
for Him, so we believed
he accompanied and en-
lightened us.
In September, Ty-
phoon Ondoy struck and
devastated many parts of
Central Luzon. So, we
made a commitment to
for the all the victims and
their families.
We take this opportu-
nity to thank all who have
supported us, Archbishop
Thomas Collins, Bishop
John Boissonneau, Bish-
op Peter Hundt, Clergy
of the Archdiocese of To-
ronto, AFCM Ministries
and Laity, government
officials, performers,
sponsors, benefactors,
donors, volunteers, OLA
parishioners, our care-
takers and maintenance
guys, musicians, electri-
cians, the youth, all com-
mittees. We had close to
1500 persons that attend-
ed! Our special thanks
goes to our production
staff for doing an amaz-
ing job considering time
and resource constraints.
Congratulations Rev-
erend Fathers and Dea-
cons! More years in the
ministry!
Our world needs a lot
of healing. We begin with
our families, our circle of
friends, our communi-
ties, organizations, pub-
lic and private sectors. As
ALAY continued on p.38
36 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 ARTS / ENTERTAINMENT

GMA Network welcomes 2010 of Paladino.

Prince Almiro, in turn,
Prince Almiro meets the
simple and kind-hearted
designer Richard Somes
(2009 MMFF Best Festi-
with THE LAST PRINCE is cursed by Alwana‘s
daughter, Bawana, whom
Lara who falls in love
with him despite his dis-
val Production Designer),
and production designer
he rejected as his bride. torted face. Can their love Roy Red.
GMA Network opens lesteros as Anexi, Karen when Prince Javino goes His face becomes distort- finally break Bawana’s Enter the magical
2010 with another delos Reyes as Minnie, missing. His disappear- ed and only true love can curse? Kingdom of Paladino
ground-breaking master- Elvis Gutierrez as Gu- ance is orchestrated by break the curse. Given Aside from its top- through THE LAST
piece called THE LAST warko, Bubbles Paraiso the most powerful and only three chances to find notch roster and storyline, PRINCE. THE LAST
PRINCE. The newest as Prinsesa Saraya, Joey wicked black diwani in true love, Prince Alm- THE LAST PRINCE also PRINCE airs exclusively
primetime offering fea- Paras as Salim Salamin, Paladino, Alwana, in or- iro sets off to the mortal boasts of a supreme pro- on GMA Pinoy TV, the
tures one of the hottest Steff Prescott as Naveya, der for her to claim the world to fulfil his mis- duction team headed by flagship international
love teams in Philippine Francis Magundayao as throne and take over Pal- sion. A-list director Mac Ale- channel of GMA Net-
showbiz today - Aljur Onuro, Rita Iringan as adino. This changes the On his third and final jandre, seasoned head- work. Call your preferred
Abrenica (as Prinsipe Gigi, and Angeli Nicole life of the mischievous attempt, writer RJ Nuevas, set Pay TV operator now to
Almiro) and Kris Bernal Sanoy as Bambi. Prince Almiro as subscribe.
(as Lara). Airing starting Janu- King Adorno imme-
The series is made ary 13 on GMA Pinoy diately declares him
even grander with the TV, THE LAST PRINCE successor to the
participation of Geoff takes viewers to the throne and
Eigenmann (as Prinsipe kingdom of Paladino -- the next
Javino) and Carla Abel- a world where magic is King
lana (as Sonia), and the real, where supernatural
return of one of Philip- creatures exist and where
pine television’s most fa- the enthralling saga of
mous contravidas, Prin- love, friendship and sac-
cess Punzalan. rifice abound. This magi-
Joining them are Eula cal realm is headed by
Valdez as Adela, Carmi- the noble King Adorno
na Villaroel as Reyna La- and his beautiful wife
mara, Angelu de Leon as Queen Lamara with their
Mayang, Chanda Romero three children Prinsesa
as Rosata, Emilio Garcia Saraya, Prinsipe Javino,
as Adorno, Benjie Paras and Prinsipe Almiro.
as Rizayo, Bianca King as The peaceful and
Bawana, Chynna Ortale- perfect life in Paladino
za as Lourdez, Paolo Bal- is suddenly threatened
REFLECTIONS
Wireless Connection
to the Heart
By Mario Dimain
In this day and age of
the so-called high tech so-
ciety, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
is the way to get con-
nected. Cables and wires
that have restricted us are
slowly getting discarded
to their demise by more
advanced and newer gad-
gets. But wait! Is wireless
technology really a new
thing that man invented
out of the desire to im-
prove life? Hmmnn….
That is a good question.
From the first day of
man on earth, God has
communicated to us
without wires. Through
our hearts, He speaks
and calls us; sometimes
we hear, sometimes we
don’t. To those who stay
connected, the spiritual
message is upon them;
others who are preoccu-
My Christmas holidays hangover
By Ace Alvarez
If I had any hangover
from the past Christmas
holidays, it’s the fact
that some of my beloved
nephews and nieces re-
membered to phone me
on Saturday, December
26, as they all gathered
at the residence of my
niece, Charlene Alvarez-
Cahapay, in southern
California for an un-
planned family reunion.
I loved every min-
ute of some 45 minutes
talking to each and ev-
ery one of them as one
by one, each waited for
his, or her turn, to speak
to me -- some of them I
haven’t seen for ages.
My niece, Ruthie, said
that she and her cous-
ins just decided over the
phone on Christmas Day
to have a reunion the fol-
lowing day, since some of
them have not seen one
another for quite some-
time, although they all
live in southern Califor-
nia, except her. Ruthie and
family live in Arizona.
It was a good oppor-
tunity, too, for all their
children to know one an-
other, Ruthie further said.
Beautiful words from
my niece, Ruthie! A good
reminder for all of us, too,
that in this present world
of conveniences in tech-
pied listening to the digi-
tal sound of i-pods and
cell phones are naturally
tuned out of Heaven’s
radio station. Silly as it
may sound, but it is the
high-tech illustration of
how we can easily iso-
late our hearts from God.
On the 14th day of
February, hearts of many
sizes will cover our city.
For the sake of celebrat-
ing Valentine’s Day,
sweethearts will ex-
change special love notes
and specially sweetened
words. Special calls from
near and far will con-
nect people _ with love,
but only for one day.
Yes, just one special day.
Every day on ordi-
nary days, God calls us.
Either we tune in or we
tune out, the choice is
Ruthie Alvarez-Jimenez (standing, 3rd from left):
“We decided to hold this gathering, so that my
cousins and I continue to be in contact, our
respective spouses get to know one another
closely, and so with our respective children.”
nology, we continue to
“conveniently” take for
granted people who have
been, and are dear to us.
I remember the words
of a very close friend
from way back the mid
90s when her dad passed
away: “Knowing that
my dad was just there
within driving distance, I
had taken him for grant-
ed. Now, he is gone.”
Just before the Christ-
mas holidays, after re-
ceiving a birthday greet-
ing card on the mail from
me, one person close
to me phoned saying,
“Please know that your
warm gesture is very
much appreciated. While
ours. Those who tuned in
have inspired me. I have
so much admiration for
people who have chosen
to listen and pursue their
callings. Some, with their
unselfish work like Moth-
er Teresa have achieved
world recognition for her
dedication serving the
sick and the poor. Others,
who in their own small
way and seemingly in-
significant have touched
you remembered me, my
own children did not even
remember calling me.”
In another instance,
one father told me that
one of his children only
comes and see him and
his wife once a year, re-
gardless of the fact that
he and his wife live in the
same city that his son,
his wife and family live.
Fast-pace North
America has probably
left almost everyone with
concern only for himself,
or herself. Most of us
wait until something hap-
pens before we lift a fin-
ger. As one character in
the movie “Green Mile”
said, everyday, a lot of
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor
some concern for
my well being.
He pointed out
that there was 40
percent block-
age in one of the
major arteries
connected to the
heart; a minor
concern that did
not require any
form of surgery
but preventative
measures must be
taken seriously to
eliminate the risks
of heart attack.
Medications,
and inspired others. proper diet and regular
Last summer, I also exercise were prescribed.
heard God’s calling. It I enrolled in the six-
was different. It was more month Cardiac Rehab
of a knock on my heart, Program at Rouge Valley
or should I say a wake- Health Centre in Scarbor-
up call? During a routine ough, and its well-trained
physical check-up, my staff whose God’s call-
stress test led me to a ings are to boost healthy
further cardiac examina- heart awareness, have
tion and a meeting with a kept me on the right track.
cardiologist. Although it Now, five months
was not as bad as earlier later, I feel healthier. I
suspected, he expressed have been following the
these things happen in
the world; that people are
members of the same
family. They happen
so mean to one another. even among friends, too.
The situation above As the saying goes,
not only happens among life is short; and, indeed,
37
advice of my doctor; and
in the process, I lost 15
pounds of excess weight,
enabling me to run after
my playful granddaugh-
ter. In retrospect, I am
glad I was paying atten-
tion when God knocked.
What happened to me
was God’s way of say-
ing, “Look after your-
self and stay alive. I am
not done with you yet.”
Big or small, we all
have our own individual-
ity with different talents
to discover and share.
Out of passion we dis-
cover our talents, and out
of love for others, we hear
our Christian callings in
fulfilling the pure pur-
pose of our special gifts.
On Valentine’s Day,
let us remind ourselves
that the Day of the Hearts
is not limited to February
14th. Keep the flames of
passion and love burning
every day; it is the best
way to get our hearts con-
nected to God’s calling.
it is! Act today and make
amends with your family,
or friends, with whom
you have animosities.
38 Manila Media Monitor January 2010 REFLECTIONS
ALAY from p. 35

the song goes, “… make

a little space, to make a
better place.”
For true healing to hap-
pen, we need to forgive
and ask forgiveness. We
don’t need to look as far
as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq,
Korea or Mindanao. We
can begin the inner heal-
ing and interior renewal
ourselves as we open and
pray to the Lord for the
grace to forgive and the
deepening of our love for Deacon Ramon Villardo of St. Maria Goretti Parish on Kennedy Deacon Bob Rosales sings “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
the poor, deprived and Road and Eglinton Avenue East with his rendition of Willy Nel-
son’s “You Are Always On My Mind”.
underprivileged. True joy
and peace this Christmas
can only be experienced
in the spirit of forgive-
ness, sharing and most
especially uniting our-
selves with Jesus in the
Holy Eucharist.
I close with words
from St. John Vianney:
“The soul hungers for
God, and nothing but
God can satiate it. There-
fore, He came to dwell
on earth and assumed a
Body in order that this Photo speaks louder than words may describe how the Fr. Ben Ebcas, Pastor of “Our Lady of the Assumption Parish” on
Body might become the audience received the perfornances of Filipino priests Bathurst Street, North York, Ontario accompanies himself with his
Food of our souls.” and deacons at the “Alay Concert”. rendition of “Hiram sa Diyos”.

Filipino youth leader running

for Mississauga Council
Louroz M. Mercader
has officially filed his
candidacy for Ward 7
City Councillor at Mis-
sissauga City Hall.
In 2003 and 2006,
Mercader previously run
for the Catholic School
Board Trustee’s position.
Mercader said, “I
am running to improve
the lives of every per-
son in Ward 7 Missis- 7 saw what I was about
sauga. We need realistic and decided to join me
solutions to fight crime, in my pursuit to make
improve transit and cre- our community bet-
ate accessible programs ter for everybody,” the
for our young people young candidate said.
so that our streets will “As with a lot of peo-
be safer and our neigh- ple in Ward 7, my sup-
bourhoods can prosper. porters understand that
“After the election it’s time to put an end to
in 2006, many long- the excuses and lack of
time residents of Ward action on pressing com-

munity matters. They
believe that my vision
for the future is real and
that it offers hope for all
citizens of Ward 7, from
our youth to our seniors.”
The 27 Filipino Cana-
dian grew up and contin-
ues to live in the historic
four corners of Cooksville.
Mercader was the
founding president of
the Mississauga Youth
Louroz Mercader: “I am running to improve the lives of every person in Ward
7 Mississauga. We need realistic solutions to fight crime, improve transit
Games (MY Games),
and create accessible programs for our young people so that our streets will a grassroots non-profit
be safer and our neighbourhoods can prosper.” that provides free sport-
ing programs to young mittee from 1998 – 2001.
people in Mississauga. Last year, Mercader
He serves in the was named by the May-
Board of Directors of tree Foundation and the
the United Way of Peel Toronto City Summit Al-
Region, Safe City Mis- liance as a DiverseCity
sissauga and as member Fellow, one of the emerg-
of the GO Transit Cus- ing new leaders for the
tomer Service Advisory Greater Toronto Region.
Committee represent- He was previous-
ing the Milton Corridor ly recognized by the
and GO Bus Services. Lieutenant Governor
Further, he served as of Ontario with the
chairperson of Mayor Ha- 2001 Ontario Medal for
zel McCallion’s – May- Young Volunteers. (PR)
or’s Youth Advisory Com-

Quintin Palisoc, president of the Pleasantries to one another ...
Kiwanis Filipino Metro Club, leads
the welcome for guests from the
Kiwanis District of Eastern Canada
and Caribbean.
Invocation ...
KIWANIS Club Filipino
of Metro Toronto hosts
District Governor’s visit
While the temperature outside was several
degrees below zero, the atmosphere inside the
hall in Toronto was comfortably warm and
friendly with Quintin Palisoc, president of the
Kiwanis Filipino Metro Club leading his mem-
bers in receiving their visitors from Kiwanis
– Eastern and Caribbean District.
The visiting party was led by Gary Levine
– governor of Kiwanis Eastern Canada and
Caribbean District, who came to celebrate, in
particular, the Filipino Metro Club, which is
the newest club in the district, and in general,
Kiwanis.
In his remarks, Levine recalled that when
he was a boy, his favorite superhero was Su-
perman, and that from experience from his
childhood -- and being a father and a family
man, each child has a superhero whom one ad-
mires.
“Today,” he said, “each of us in this room
is a superman or a superhero, raising money
to help a young person; changing a young per-
son’s life.
“Each time we do it, we become a super-
hero to someone.”
Levine reminded members that doing good
Introduction of Guest
Speaker...
And now, time for some fun ...
In appreciation to Kinwanis Club
Filipino of Metro Toronto ...
January 2010 Manila Media Monitor 39
Formalities ... Toast!
To give primacy to human
and spiritual ...
Reading of the objects of
Kiwanis International ...
to someone always starts at of life;
the home level, and that home * To encourage the daily living of the
where the family resides is the Kiwanis Golden Rule in all human relationships;
family. * To promogte the adoption and the appli-
Kiwanis International is a thriving orga- cation of higher social, business and profes-
nization of service-minded men and women sional standards;
who respond to the unique needs of their * To develop, by precept and example, a
communities and address worldwide issues more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable
by “Serving the Children of the World”. citizenship.
The name “Kiwanis” was coined from * To provide, through Kiwanis Clubs, a
an expression in an American Indian lan- practical means to form enduring friendships,
guage of the Detroit area, “Nunc Kee- to render altruistic service, and to build better
wanis,” which means, “we trade” or “we communities; and,
share our talents.” * To cooperate in creating and maintain-
The first Kiwanis club was founded in ing that sound public opinion and high ideal-
Detroit in 1915 by a group of businessmen. ism which make possible the increase of righ-
A year later the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton teousness, justice, patriotism and goodwill.
was chartered and today, the entire Kiwan- In one year, Kiwanis clubs sponsored
is family has more than 600,000 members 147,000 service projects. To do so, Kiwanians
in more than 13,000 clubs. Kiwanis clubs raised and spent nearly $70 million and con-
serve in 89 countries around the world and tributed 6.2 million hours of volunteer time.
achieve what individuals cannot do alone. Meanwhile, Filipino Metro Club president
Terry Buquillos, secretary of the Fili- Palisoc said that for those who feel that they
pino Metro Club read the objects of Kiwan- can make a big difference at building better
is International by way of reminder to the communities in Eastern Canada, the Caribbe-
members: an and the Philippines by being a member, the
* To give primacy to the human and Filipino Metro Club may be reached at (905)
spiritual rather than to the material values 820-6318. (Ace Alvarez)
Guest, Gov. Gary Levine speaks ... Welcome to guest speaker ...
A song from a child in appreciation ... and dancing, too.
for Kiwanis projects for children ...
Munting ala-ala para sa mga bisita. A photo to remember one very special
visit.
40 Manila Media Monitor January 2010