RP nat’l elections fever on
February 2010
Welcome to the May 2010 presidential elections!
Presidential candidates’ ral-
lies and motorcades continue
in and around the Philippines
as election fever rises up, to-
gether with campaign posters
going up side by side at every
nook and corner and jingles
blared on the airwaves.
Sen. Benigno “Noynoy”
Aquino III -- the son of former
President Corazon Aquino and
former Sen. Benigno Aquino
Jr., the Philippines’ democracy
icon, and his main rival, Sen.
Manny Villar, fired the open-
ing salvos on February 9 in the
tight race to succeed President
Arroyo, and promised a fresh
start and clean government for
the Philippines after nine years
of tumultuous rule dotted with
coup attempts and corruption
allegations.
First Filipino Canadian judge
sworn into the Ontario Court
of Justice
By Marilou Banate
ST. CATHARINES, ON-
TARIO -- Courtroom number
10 at the court house here was
packed January 15 with the
brightest, the smartest and the
finest!
Standing proud outside the
courtroom performing his po-
lice duties as the assigned cop
at the door was a Filipino Ca-
nadian Police officer from the
Niagara Region. From his fa-
cial expression, he could not
hide the exuberant joy he felt,
later expressing it to the well-
wishers outside the courtroom.
Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III
The Philippines Star has re-
ported that Aquino, campaign- paign spending has allowed
ing in Concepcion, Tarlac, took him to catch up.
potshots at Villar.
“We all know our opponent
The day was not only a
celebration for the family of
the first Filipino Canadian ap-
Judge Steve Coroza
FILIPINO continued on p. 10
Toronto, Canada
has the money. And there day campaign in
are those who say that Calamba, Laguna,
the forces of darkness downplayed the
will come together,” he attacks by Aquino
said in his speech. “The and the Liberal
question is, will the Party.
force of light be over- Villar, 60, who
powered?” rose from poverty
Aquino – who is run- to make his fortune
ning under the Liberal in real estate before
Party banner, had an ear- entering politics
ly head start in popular- said, “I am spend-
ity; thanks to his family ing my own mon-
name. Recent opinion ey,”
polls, however, put the Villar narrowly
two major candidates in avoided censure by Sen. Manny Villar
a statistical dead heat, his colleagues in campaign on fighting corrup-
with analysts suggesting the Senate for his alleged role tion and restoring the cred-
that Villar’s lavish cam- in the rerouting of a highway ibility of the judiciary and
so that it passes close to his real Congress, which he said have
estate developments. He said been seriously eroded by Ar-
Villar’s Nacionalista Par- the charges are trumped up.
ty, which kicked off the 90- Aquino has anchored his COLORFUL continued on p. 5
BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINE
COLORS: As Culture Philip-
pines of Ontario (CPO) per-
forms the “Singkil” at the
Living Arts Centre in Mis-
sissauga, Ontario on the
occasion, and part, of the
dance group’s 25th anniver-
sary presentation, Febru-
ary 6, 2010, I was reminded
of an item included in the
questionnarie that I was re-
quested to fill out aimed at
helping OMNI Television
artists design the logo for
“Front Page Philippines”
-- the television media part-
ner of Manila Media Monitor.
That specific question asked
about the colors closely as-
sociated with the Philippines. I remember having enumerated almost all colors, exhausting
in the process — or choking, if you wish, the space reserved for the answer. See the colors
in the photo? They are as beautiful as the dance number of the CPO, as all the numbers
were! The presentation interpreted in dance and music the story of Philippine legend “Mala-
kas at Maganda” — the show’s billing title. Front Page Philippines TV is a special event
sponsor of CPO’s “Filipino Day at Canada’s Wonderland” held annually on the first Saturday
in September.(Photo:Manila Media Monitor; caption: Ace Alvarez)
NEWS February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 3

Government of Canada to fund James Knight, President

and CEO, ACCC. “As
years (2009-2010) to
support a common ap-

expanded overseas foreign a result, they are better

prepared to contribute
proach to foreign creden-
tial recognition to better

credential recognition services

Vancouver — More
skilled immigrants to
Canada coming from the
Philippines, China, India
and the United kingdom
will be able to access the
help needed to jump-start
their credential recogni-
tion process through ex-
panded overseas orienta-
tion services, Citizenship,
Immigration and Multi-
culturalism Minister Ja-
son Kenney announced
recently.
“We want newcom-
ers to be able to use their
skills as soon as possible
in Canada,” said Minister
Kenney. “This funding
will help them jump-start
the credential recognition
process before they ar-
rive in Canada. It’s good
for them and good for the
Canadian economy.”
The Canadian Immi-
gration Integration Proj-
ect (CIIP), run by the
Association of Canadian
Community Colleges
(ACCC), will receive ad-
to Canada’s prosperity integrate immigrants into
through employment or the Canadian labour mar-
by starting a new busi- ket.
ditional funding of $15 in early 2007. The exist- ness. ACCC will work Minister Kenney also
million over the next ing sites, along with the with our member institu- spoke of advancements
three years to expand ser- London office, will offer tions and our many part- and successes of the fed-
vices in those countries. access to more than 70% ners to expand and enrich eral government in the
A new office will also of the selected federal CIIP, bringing even great- area of foreign credential
open in London, United skilled workers around er benefits to newcomers recognition in Canada,
Kingdom, in the fall of the world. These loca- and to Canada.” including the recent an-
2011, which will also tions will also offer ac- Newcomers report nouncement of the Pan-
serve various Nordic and cess to approximately foreign credential rec- Canadian Framework
Arab states according to 44% of selected provin- ognition as one of their for the Assessment and
demand. cial nominees around the top challenges once they Recognition of Foreign
The CIIP, run by the world. immigrate to Canada. Qualifications – a land-
ACCC, began offering “To date, close to As part of the Economic mark agreement between
orientation services in 7,000 people have gradu- Action Plan, the Govern- the federal, provincial
the Philippines, China ated from the CIIP pilot ment of Canada has al- and territorial govern-
and India on a pilot basis program overseas,” said located $50M over two ments to speed up foreign

Nominations for
Overseas (CFO) not lat- uals who have dedicated larly in the marginalized There are four cat-
er than April 1 this year their work in the service sectors, will also be hon- egories of awards to be

2010 Presidential to give ample time for

the Consulate’s Awards
of the Filipino people,
leaders of community
ored.
The Presidential
conferred on Filipinos
and private organiza-

Awards Now Open Committee to review,

Nominations for the
Year 2010 Presidential
Awards for Filipino In-
dividuals and Organiza-
tions overseas is now
open.
The Philippine Con-
sulate General in Toronto
said that nominations
may be submitted to its
office, or directly to the
Commission on Filipino
validate and endorse the
initiatives promoting the
common good, and ad-
nominations, which will vocates for the promo-
be forwarded to CFO by tion and protection of the
May 30. rights of others. Civil so-
Awardees to be se- ciety organizations based
lected for this year will overseas whose programs
include exemplars of Fil- have helped improve the
ipino excellence, individ- lives of others, particu-
Awards for Filipino In-
dividuals and Organiza-
tions Overseas have so
far been conferred on
314 Filipinos and private
organizations overseas,
since its establishment in
December 1991 by Ex-
ecutive Order No. 498.
tions overseas, namely,
“Lingkod sa Kapwa
Pilipino (LINKAPIL)
Award”, “Kaanib ng
Bayan Award”, “Banaag
Award” and “Pamana ng
NOMINATIONS
cont’d on p.17
4 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
Government of Canada Brings
G20 Summit to Toronto
The Canada govern-
ment will bring the G20
Summit in Toronto.
The announcement
was made by Canada’s
Labour Minister, Lisa
Raitt, who said that the
venue will be the Metro
Toronto Convention Cen-
tre (MTCC).
“The G20 is the pre-
mier forum for interna-
tional economic coopera-
tion,” said Raitt, adding
that Canada’s leadership
The 2015 Pan Am Games:
A Mayor’s Perspective
Global Public Affairs
will present “A Mayors
Perspective”, featuring
the Mayors of three of
the biggest cities partici-
pating in the 2015 games,
namely Toronto Mayor
David Miller, Hamilton
Mayor Fred Eisenberger
and St. Catharines Mayor
will be reflected at the world-class venue for the
summit, and hosting it G20 Summit.
will provide an ideal op- The MTCC has host-
portunity to showcase the ed high-security events
great city of Toronto.” such as the G7 Summit in
“The Government of 1988 and the NATO De-
Canada is proud to an- fence Ministers meeting
nounce a world-class in 1999. Last year, the
venue for the G20 Sum- MTCC hosted visits from
mit,” said the Honourable two former U.S. presi-
Lawrence Cannon, dents, George W. Bush
Minister of Foreign and Bill Clinton.
Affairs Lawrence Can- A number of factors
non said that Canada contributed to the selec-
is proud to announce a tion of the MTTC as the
fast - 7:30 am
• Briefing -
8:00 am to
9:30 am
The National Club
Brian McMullan. 303 Bay Street, Toronto,
Toronto and the Great- Ontario
er Golden Horseshoe The speakers will talk
were recently awarded about innovative solu-
the 2015 Pan American tions that will be required
and Parapan American to ensure the games are
Games. a success and how to se-
The event will be held cure the promised legacy
as follows: for the entire region as
Registration & Break- the host cities and com-
NEWS
ing the RCMP, Toronto is looking forward to
Police Service, Ontario hosting a successful G20
Provincial Police and the Summit that will help
United States Secret Ser-
vice;
• Proximity to the
ensure credible and con-
crete solutions to global
economic challenges.
G20 venue, including: airport: the MTCC is a Flaherty said Canada’s
• Accessible location: 20-minute drive from goal is for this key inter-
within walking distance Pearson International national event to help
of more than 12,000 ho- Airport; and transform the collec-
tel rooms; • Technology: state- tive reaction to a world
• Facility size: two of-the-art technology and in crisis into a sustained
million square feet of telecommunications in- focus on long-term sta-
flexible space to accom- frastructure with a skilled bility. The global effort
modate the meeting, work team of technology spe- that Canada is leading is
areas, and dining needs cialists. designed to help bring
of 10,000 delegates; Meanwhile, Finance health, stability and sus-
• Security experience: Minister and Minister re- tainability back to the
long-standing working sponsible for the Greater global economy.(Gov-
relationships with high- Toronto Area Jim Fla- ernment of Canada)
security teams, includ- herty said that Canada
munities face
a number of
challenges
and oppor-
tunities over
the next five
years.
Please
visit www.
globalpublic.
com, or call
416 979 3360
to register.
(Global Pub-
lic Affairs)
NEWS
COLORFUL from p. 1 litical expediency, more
on the needs of the poor
royo. At the same time, and the vulnerable than
the 50-year old candidate the interests of the rich
is also struggling to step and the powerful, more
out from the shadow of on the pursuit of the
his mother Cory. common good than the
Elections in the Philip- demands of special in-
pines are always colorful terests, and more on the
and typically marked by culture of life than the
fraud and violence, but culture of death.
voters are hoping to turn Pacheco stressed that
over a new leaf after the what makes Ang Kap-
scandal-plagued admin- atiran different from the
istration of Arroyo. other political parties is
Ang Kapatiran Party that it has a platform with
One national political clear, specific policy ob-
party fielding candidates jectives and all its nation-
for the forthcoming elec- al and local candidates
tions -- the “Ang Kap- are committed to support
atiran”, is espousing for the Party’s platform. With
clean government. The
a musical score under the
“Ang Kapatiran” stands
title “common good,” its
on a platform with clear
candidates will be like
and specific policy objec-
members of an orchestra
tives all aimed at enhanc-
playing harmoniously
ing the common good,
and producing a perfect
promoting the politics of
symphony. Not a single
virtue and the politics of
discordant note shall be
duty.
allowed.”
In his interview with
Pacheco reiterated
Toronto TV program
Ang Kapatiran’s philoso-
“Front Page Philippines”,
phy; that it will introduce
Ang Kapatiran founder
the “politics of virtue.”
Nandy Pacheco said his
He said that the cultiva-
party focuses more on
tion of virtue makes in-
moral principles than po-
dividuals happy, wise,
February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 5
courageous and compe- The Commission on
tent, hence, resulting to Elections website showed
a good person, a respon- that ten candidates are
sible citizen and parent, a running for the presi-
trusted leader. Without a dency, eight for the vice
virtuous people, society presidency and 61 are
could not function well. running for the twelve
And without a virtuous senate seats which are up
society, individuals could for grabs.
not realize their own or Live Chat with the
the common good. 2010 Philippine National
Pacheco also said that Candidates
what has destroyed our Meanwhile, in To-
political culture has been ronto, The Philippine
an over-insistence on Consulate General has
rights at the expense of announced that Politi-
responsibilities. If every- calarena.com (www.po-
one will do one’s duty, liticalarena.com.ph) -- a
there will be no occasion socio-political network-
for anyone to claim one’s ing site has launched its
JC delos Reyes
right. Live Chat last February
will be different if we Plazo – the latter, a sister-
He pointed out that 9 to allow Filipino voters
make the present differ- in-law of Manila Media
Ang Kapatiran will lead to ask questions directly
ent,” hence, “Clearly, Monitor managing editor
in reviving the idea to the 2010 Philippine
Ang Kapatiran is a viable Ace Alvarez and Front
that small sacrifices by national candidates.
alternative.” Page Philippines TV pro-
individuals could cre- The site will be host-
The national candi- gram host Gie Alvarez.
ate benefits for all. It is ing its shows every Tues-
dates of Ang Kapatiran More than 50 mil-
well to remember “that day and Thursday at
are the following: JC de lion voters will choose a
men individually are re- the following time slots
los Reyes for President; president, vice president,
sponsible for what they (Manila time): 4:00pm,
Jun Chipeco for vice nearly 300 lawmakers in
make of themselves, but 4:45pm, 7:45pm, and
president. Senatorial can- the two-chamber Con-
collectively, they are re- 8:30pm and will run un-
didates are Jess Paredes, gress, and more than
sponsible for the world in til the last week of April.
Adrian Sison, Jo Imbong, 17,600 local government
which they live.” Each episode will run for
Reggie Tamayo, Manny officials in the first na-
In recap, Pacheco
Valdesa, Lito David, Hec- tionwide automated polls COLORFUL
said that Ang Kapatiran
tor Tarrazona and Grace on May 10. continued on p. 15
believes that “the future
6 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
A C E A LVA R E Z
UMAC’s PJ: “She’s holed up in her
room, because you’re here”
Perly Baguisa-Alilio for the
taping and sat behind her desk,
in part, saying, “ … so while
you celebrating in Vancouver,
let me sit here as acting execu-
tive of UMAC.”
A couple of days after the
celebration, I dropped at the
UMAC office in Scarborough.
Asking for Perly, her hus-
band, Joseph Alilio, told me
that after his wife saw and
heard my video message dur-
ing Larry’s birthday celebra-
Larry Baguisa
tion, Perly decided to hole her-
In time for UMAC execu- self up in her office everytime I
tive Larry Baguisa’s birthday would go to UMAC, afraid that
celebration last January in I will usurped her position.
Vancouver, BC, I was request- ***
ed by his family in Toronto to Reports have it that Segga
say a few words on video tape, Productions were unable to
hence, proceeded to the com- settle talent fees accruing to
pany’s office in Scarborough the Filipino rock icon Juan
where we taped my greetings de la Cruz Band’s almost six-
and message. month stint in various cities
I used the office of his sister, across Canada.
Joseph-Perly Alilio
Likewise, reports have it
that the production company
registered a new company
for its forthcoming produc-
tion in Toronto.
One of the Segga Produc-
tions’ shareholders told me
that this was because rev-
enue from the concerts were
not enough versus expenses.
I suggest that to ensure a
sold out concert, people be-
hind Segga Productions and/
or their production company
under a new name, they must
engage the services of Rose-
mer Enverga; oh yes, she has
a reputation for handling
those sold-out events we saw
around during the recent
years! (But friends, you may
not go directly to Rosemer. I
appointed myself as agent for
the precious lady!)
***
A friend to her
13-year old son:
“Michael, please
go to sleep now!”
A few minutes
later, the mother
again to her son: “I
told you to sleep.
NOW.”
Son: “Yes, mom,
I know when to
sleep. I’m not like
Loola (grandmother, or Lola).
She doesn’t sleep at all.”
The grandmother plays maj
jong regularly.
***
At the induction of new
Philippine Independence Day
Council (PIDC) president
Minda Neri and her fellow
officers and board members,
Saturday, February 20, Gie
asked immediate president
Jun Enverga on his plans
now that he is no longer the
VIEWS
Rosemer Enverga
PIDC president -- after hav-
ing completed a two-term of-
fice totaling four years.
Smiling, Jun’s reply was,
“Uhmmm … spend time
writing my columns for Ma-
nila Media Monitor?”
Jun Enverga started writ-
ing his column in Manila Me-
dia Monitor last month.
This month, car dealership
executive and civic worker
Rafael Nebres, starts to write
a column, too, for Manila
Media Monitor.
In one writing, Manila
Media Monitor columnist
Mario Dimain wrote that
while he has retired as a pro-
fessional photography, his
OOOPS continued on p. 7
VIEWS February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 7
OOOPS from p. 6
50,000 displaced families in Mindanao return to normal lives
love for photography would At least 50,000 internally (DSWD) reported that the All the remaining IDPs are Cards with the stamped “re-
always be there and would displaced families (IDPs) in IDPs in Central Mindanao had in 80 evacuation centers, while turn” mark.
continue to occupy his time, Central Mindanao have re- decreased from 75,000 families there are no more IDPs report- The stamped card is used to
in addition to babysitting his turned to their normal lives in August 2008 to 43,447 fami- edly living with relatives out- keep track of the IDPs who had
grandchild twice, or thrice a since the armed conflict in lies in November last year. side evacuation centers or with returned and shall be further
week and writing his column 2008, bringing the total num- To date, 20,343 families are host families. served in their barangays, and
for this publication. ber of remaining IDPs to some still remaining in evacuation A significant number of no longer in evacuation cen-
Hmmm … there must be 20,000 families, all of them centers in Maguindanao, while IDPS have voluntarily returned ters.
something in Manila Media located in Maguindanao prov- evacuation centers in Lanao to their places of origin. The DSWD also pointed out
Monitor that attracts these ince. del Norte, North Cotabato, IDPs who returned to their that the IDPs in Mindanao were
precious people writing their The Department of Social and Lanao del Sur have been places were closely monitored
columns for this publication. Welfare and Development closed. and issued Family Access LIVES continued on p. 17
Could it be the six-figure
writing fees? (Oh, dear ad-
vertisers … please help me
and I’ll pray more for all of
you!)
***
In his column last January,
Balita columnist and Philippine
Press Club-Ontario president
Tenny Soriano criticized Phil-
ippine Labor Representative
Frank Luna for having given a
citation to Toronto Star colum-
nist Dale Brazao, but failed to
give a similar citation to fellow
Filipino mediaman and Atin
Ito Publisher Eddie Lee.
Philippine Courier’s Ra-
mon Datol’s column the same
month, and so with this writer
the same month in this publica-
tion, were to the same effect.
The three writers were of the
same opinion that Eddie must
have been recognized, too, for
his efforts, writing on those is-
sues tackled by Brazao.
My writing, those of Ten-
ny’s and Mon’s, combined
were practically a few para-
graphs. Instead of reacting
positively, however, on the
combined writings mentioned
– which in effect recognized
his efforts on the same issue/s
tackled by Brazao, for which
the latter was cited by the Phil-
ippine Labor Representative,
and none at all of Eddie’s, the
Atin Ito publisher wrote: “And
why are my co-workers in the
local press corps smarting that
way? Tinamaan ba sila?”
Something, DEFINITELY,
was not in order. Okay, this is
Bawat patak ng pawis at pagod mo........
what to do, Eddie: If you’re us-
ing a PC, double click on “My
Computer”. Right click “Local
buong pusong ihahatid ng Forex sa
(C):”; click on “Properties”;
choose “Tools”, then “Check
pamilya mo.....
Now”. Put check marks on
“Automatically fix file system kahit saan....... kahit kailan
errors,” and “Scan for and at-
tempt recovery of bad sectors”,
press “Start” and restart your
computer.
Whew … that was a long
writing, Frank! Oops … rather,
Eddie.

Manila Media Monitor

Tel. (416) 285-8583
8 Manila Media Monitor February 2010 VIEWS

Out of amusement by the
story I heard from my media
colleagues Mon Datol of Phil-
ippine Courier and Tenny So-
riano of Balita, I wrote in my
column last month:
“Amusing me further was
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
that Eddie is a frequent visitor
and a close friend of the Philip-
pine Labor Officer, hence, has
access on these stories.”
Similarly, Tenny Soriano
wrote in his column for the
January 1-15 issue of Balita:
“Mr. Luna gave an award rec-
ognizing the work of a main-
stream reporter but failed to
give the same recognition to
Mr. Lee who has been writing
stories fed by him.”
While all these writings
were circulated in January, it
was not until Thursday, Febru-
ary 18, that I came to read all of
the writings at issue: those of
Mon Datol in his January 2010
column, the comment he had
in the full page story, entitled:
“Victory for Caregivers!”; Ten-
ny’s columns, one written for
the January 1-15, and another
for the February 16-28 issue of
“Balita”, and the article written
by the Publisher of “Atin Ito”
in his January 2010 column.
After having read every-
thing, Not only was I contin-
ued to be amused, but also
While husband Barack’s
ratings are dipping, those of
US First Lady Michelle’s are
zooming up.
She claims she is not inter-
ested in what people say about
her famous wardrobe and the
observation of many that the
From the
Monitor’s Desk
A C E A LVA R E Z
Corrigenda to the
Corrigenda
confused.
For example, the publisher
of “Atin Ito” wrote: “And why
are my co-workers in the local
press corps smarting that way?
Tinamaan ba sila?”
Do you think that comment
above was orderly? My, and
Tenny’s, observation in our
respective pieces were simply
asking the Philippine Labor
Representative in Canada why
Eddie Lee – publisher of Atin
Ito, was not recognized simi-
larly when he was writing also
things that Toronto Star’s Dale
Brazao was writing about. IN
EFFECT, Tenny and I recog-
nized the efforts of Eddie him-
self on the issues tackled by
the Toronto Star. So, why such
comment?
The publisher of Atin Ito’s
article, which he entitled “Cor-
rigenda” also enumerated the
various national and Gover-
nor General’s awards earned
(repeat, I said earned) by Mr.
Brazao. Nowhere, have I read
in any of my colleague’s writ-
ings that they were questioning
that; and certainly, Mr. Brazao
is a respected journalist. But,
my friend, the issue was only
why the citation was given to
Mr. Brazao and excluded our
dear media colleague – the
publisher himself of Atin Ito,
and the writer of the same ar-
Roundabout
M A G C R U Z - H ATO L
Michelle Obama on
ticle we are tackling here.
He wrote, “Do they also re-
alize that the award given to
the Star reporter could not be
given to those advocates (re-
ferring to the live-in caregiver asked him why the Philippine
advocates) because they are
not journalists.” E ganoon na-
man pala at para sa journalist,
e, so why was our dear media
colleague – the writer of the
article we delve on here, by-
passed. Is he not a journalist?
What, he is a publisher? So,
in his person, what’s the dif-
ference between the two? He
wrote about those issues, too,
right? Then, if he did – in what “clout” from what was written
capacity did he do the writing?
The article stated, too, “The lisher of Atin Ito, why spend
‘fuming’ was seconded by two
other members of the Philip-
pine Press Council of Ontario
…”. Correction, only one. In
my case, I said I was “amused”
– considering that I was not
present during that occasion,
but was only told by my two
colleagues on what transpired.
The Labor Representative
phoned and invited me, but he
gave me notice only the day
before. The invitation, howev-
er, was for the “blessing of the ship, and elects Philippine citi-
newly-renovated office of the
Philippine Labor Representa-
tive,” adding, “without a single the necessary muscle on its own
cent coming out from the cof-
fers of the Philippine govern- CORRIGENDA cont’d on p.17
ment.”
The article also at issue
here, asked, “Does anybody in
the PPCO, or the whole PPCO
itself, or any individual, or
group in our Filipino Canadi-
an community for that matter,
honestly say they possess the
necessary muscle or clout to
move the government officials
13 years of dedicated
community service
to act on the workers’ abuses as
Brazao and the Star did?” Managing Editor
ACE ALVAREZ
When Frank’s predeces-
sor, Romeo Young, first came Associate Editor
and assumed office as Labor GIE ALVAREZ
Representative in Canada, I
Contributing Editors
RICKY CALUEN
government had to appoint MARIO DIMAIN
somebody for such position in MAG CRUZ HATOL
Canada when the Philippine of- GRACE P. FREIRES
MANNY FREIRES
ficial would not have any juris-
BEN VICCARI
diction on labor laws affecting
this country. His response was, Editorial Assistant
to make representation with LEN ALVAREZ-MAHONEY
the Canadian government on
Contributors
matters affecting our OFWs. EVA AGPAOA
If this is the case, then, NOEL PERADA
and basing now the matter of LARRY TORRES
Account Executives
by my good friend – the pub- MYRNA SORIANO
JOHN TAN
Filipino taxpayers’ money in
salaries and maintenance of the Graphics
Labor Office in Toronto and RUSSELL INTERNATIONAL
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Canadian government officials Published by
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INC.
Probably, it would have been 10 - 300 Invergordon
better if the Philippine govern- Avenue
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and the Star instead to the task; 4K7
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except, of course, Dale must Tel. 416.285.8583
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American president seems to
have aged remarkably only a
year since assuming office. Her
main concern is her family.
That is why the world’s
most powerful couple makes
sure problems and affairs of
the state are left behind the
door when the President en-
ters their residence. The most
important part of every single
day is dinner time when they
can bond with daughters Maila
and Sasha.
“Our children’s concerns
are our priority,” Michelle can-
didly declares. “We do “Roses
and Thorns” a game that asks
players what good and bad
childhood obesity
‘We don’t have the option to
do nothing’
happened that day.
“Our children’s concerns
are our priority,” Michelle can-
didly declares. “We do “Roses
and Thorns” a game that asks
players what good and bad
happened that day.
What’s getting America
excited these days is Michelle
Obama’s personal lead in an
advocacy that affects one in
three children: childhood obe-
sity.
“I can see how we got
there,” she says, “ because we
live differently, we have more
pressures and hardly have time
and energy to do decent meals.
There is more computer time
and less active play time.”
A lot of Michelle’s thoughts
on family and childhood obe-
sity surfaced during the in-
terview she gave on one of
America’s leading morning
programs, Today. Anchor Matt
pronounced among kids with
African-American and Hispan-
ic backgrounds. It does not help
that television peddles a lot
of undesirable and unhealthy
food and that meal servings
are becoming larger. With free
time being devoted to TV and
computers, American kids are
getting fatter because they are
simply not getting any exer-
cise.
Playtime!
Some time ago, Michelle
Obama invited a group of Cab-
inet members and congressio-
nal leaders from either side of
MICHELLE continued on p.13
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VIEWS
Soldiers marching.
Sergeant Major: Squad
Halt! Recalibrate!
1st soldier: Wot the ‘ell does
‘e mean?
2nd soldier: It’s the new
word for “Mark Time!”
***
We are in that month when
thousands of television and
radio personalities make me
cringe at their willful neglect
of the word February.
Listen chums, when I went
to school it was Feb-Ru-Ary,
not Feb-Yew –Ary
***
Once again, the president of
the CBC has demonstrated his
penchant for combining bril-
liant programming with some
of the most utter balderdash on
air.
During the Monday to Fri-
day telecasts of Wheel of For-
tune, CBC’s president has the
effrontery to insult Canadian
taxpayers by signaling a por-
tion of that program is for par-
ticipation by US residents only.
Our dollars go for this!
***
We are honored to bring this
article from Kevin Myers, “The
Sunday Telegraph”, London:
Salute to a brave and mod-
The majority of men will
easily notice a shapely, trendy
and glamorous woman, but as
soon as she changes her outfit
into something less feminine
like a police uniform, that
man’s attention will more than
likely drop dramatically. Any
explanation why?
My masculine guess to this
predictable behaviour is the an-
imal instinct in men that rings a
bell whenever a female’s body
is more visually defined.
Call me an odd ball, but
women in uniform have al-
ways turned my head to take
a second look. Not for sexual
reasons but simply out of ad-
miration and respect for what
they do and the authority they
represent. From transit opera-
tors, security staff, firefight-
ers, police officers and military
personnel, these remarkable
women in uniform never cease
to amaze me.
Hollywood made a resound-
ing statement about women in
uniform when the movie “GI
Jane” hit the screen in 1997.
Although the story and the
character were fictional and
a bit dramatized, the message
was clear - women have made
their marks in territories that
were once fully dominated by
males.
I must have watched GI
Jane at least twice. I was so
captivated by the character’s
est nation
Until the deaths
of Canadian soldiers
killed in Afghani-
stan, probably almost
no one outside their
home country had
been aware that Ca-
nadian troops are de-
ployed in the region.
And as always, Canada will
bury its dead, just as the rest
of the world, as always will
forget its sacrifice, just as it al-
ways forgets nearly everything
Canada ever does.
It seems that Canada ’s his-
toric mission is to come to the
selfless aid both of its friends
and of complete strangers, and
then, once the crisis is over, to
be well and truly ignored.
Canada is the perpetual
wallflower that stands on the
edge of the hall, waiting for
someone to come and ask her
for a dance. A fire breaks out,
she risks life and limb to res-
cue her fellow dance-goers,
and suffers serious injuries.
But when the hall is repaired
and the dancing resumes, there
is Canada, the wallflower still,
while those she once helped
glamorously cavort across the
floor, blithely neglecting her
values and her pure
determination
proving herself in
in
a man’s world. I
never imagined that
one day I would
come face to face
with a real Jane.
Not GI Jane but Super Jane,
the highest ranking female po-
lice officer in the Toronto Po-
lice today.
In her fully emblazoned
white long-sleeved uniform,
Staff Super-
intendent
Jane Wilcox
embodies
the image
of a true
professional
leader. The
impres-
sive list of
achieve-
ments, fu-
elled by
hard work
and dedi-
cation in a
25-year ca-
reer with the Jane Wilcox
Toronto Po-
lice is what put her where she
is now - in command of eight
police stations (22, 23, 31, 32,
33, 41, 42, 43 Divisions) that
cover Etobicoke, North York
and Scarborough.
Super Jane Wilcox’s
outstanding accomplishment
Commentary
BEN VICCARI
Mark My Words
yet again.
That is the price Canada
pays for sharing the North
American continent with the
United States, and for being a
selfless friend of Britain in two
global conflicts.
For much of the 20th cen-
tury, Canada was torn in two
different directions: It seemed
to be a part of the old world,
yet had an address in the new
one, and that divided identity
ensured that it never fully got
the gratitude it deserved.
Yet its purely voluntary
contribution to the cause of
freedom in two world wars
was perhaps the greatest of
any democracy. Almost 10%
of Canada’s entire population
of seven million people served
in the armed forces during the
First World War, and nearly
60,000 died.
The great Allied victories
The 3rd Eye
MARIO DIMAIN
Women in Uniform
began on the day she left her
home in Vancouver to pursue
her dream in the Toronto Po-
lice. That was 25 years ago.
She was a young ambitious
woman, ready to take on the
challenge placed before her.
Now she looks back at those
formative years candidly. “As
a woman, it never occurred to
me that there would be difficul-
ties, other than my hope that I
could do as many push-ups
as my fellow male officers,”
February 2010 Manila Media Monitor
of 1918 were spear-
headed by Canadian
troops, perhaps the
most capable soldiers
in the entire British
order of battle.
Canada was re-
paid for its enormous
sacrifice by downright
neglect, its unique
contribution to victory be-
ing absorbed into the popular
memory as somehow or other
the work of the ‘British’.
The Second World War pro-
vided a re-run. The Canadian
navy began the war with a half
dozen vessels, and ended up
policing nearly half of the At-
lantic against U-boat attack.
More than 120 Canadian war-
ships participated in the Nor-
mandy landings, during which
15,000 Canadian soldiers went
ashore on D-Day alone.
Canada finished the war
with the third-largest navy and
the fourth-largest air force in
the world. The world thanked
Canada with the same sublime
indifference as it had the previ-
ous time.
Canadian participation in
the war was acknowledged in
film only if it was necessary to
give an American actor a part
laughs Wilcox across
her desk in her office
at the Police Head-
quarters at 40 Col-
lege Street.
Wilcox points
out that there are
some advantages
in being a woman, “For one
thing, it takes a woman to be an
undercover police officer pos-
ing as a street prostitute.” She
also remembers one incident
many years ago when she used
her instinct to
single-hand-
edly defuse
the violent
tendencies of
an intoxicated
big man who
was causing
disturbance
inside a bank.
Without us-
ing force, the
intimidat-
ing man who
threatened to
beat her up
just melted
like a little
boy in tan-
trum. All she did was do what
a woman does best -- talk!
The natural skill earned
her instant fame and jokes
from her fellow police officers.
She became the “love interest”
of every intoxicated man that
she had arrested and brought
9
in a campaign in which the
United States had clearly not
participated – a touching scru-
pulousness which, of course,
Hollywood has since aban-
doned, as it has any notion of a
separate Canadian identity.
So it is a general rule that
actors and filmmakers arriv-
ing in Hollywood keep their
nationality – unless, that is,
they are Canadian. Thus Mary
Pickford, Walter Huston, Don-
ald Sutherland, Michael J. Fox,
William Shatner, Norman Jew-
ison, David Cronenberg, Alex
Trebek, Art Linkletter and Dan
Aykroyd have in the popular
perception become American,
and Christopher Plummer,
British.
It is as if, in the very act of
becoming famous, a Canadian
ceases to be Canadian, unless
she is Margaret Atwood, who
is as unshakably Canadian as
a moose, or Celine Dion, for
whom Canada has proved quite
unable to find any takers.
Moreover, Canada is every
bit as querulously alert to the
achievements of its sons and
daughters as the rest of the
world is completely unaware
MY WORDS continued on p.16
into 51 Division. The thought
of all the alcohol-induced mar-
riage proposals she received
from those men still makes her
laugh. Wilcox is now married
and living happily with a fel-
low police officer who totally
supports and understands her
very demanding career.
At home with her family,
she is more relaxed, but when
in police uniform, Wilcox de-
scribes herself as a hardwork-
ing woman, energized by fabu-
lous people in the Police Force.
She likes to organize and lead
community safety. She enjoys
meeting and working with nor-
mal people. “Normal people
as regular people who are not
police officers and people that I
have not arrested,” Wilcox ex-
plains with a smile.
When asked about the del-
icate situation of balancing the
law and her emotions, Wilcox
is direct and concise with her
response, “First and foremost,
victims and their families must
be supported and helped in re-
gaining balance and control.
The rules of laws and evidence
are crafted to high standard to
value individual rights in our
Canadian society. It is really
critical to make sure that peo-
ple are safe and their rights are
respected in accordance with
the law.”
WOMEN continued on p. 15
10 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
I grew up in a well-provided
environment. However, we nev-
er had any “katulong” in our
daily lives. People who helped
us on our daily chores were
never called “katulong, rather,
they were called scholars. Our
parents picked the brightest
and the poorest in the prov-
ince and hired them to help in
the daily house work. We gave
them allowances, paid their
tuition fees, gave their parents
extra expense money. Most of
our scholars are now profes-
sionals: teachers and some
are even school principals. We
considered them as family.
This was the reason why no
second thoughts about helping
the caregivers were entertained
when I had the opportunity to
speak about them with Cana-
dian government officials and
other interest groups. The care-
givers are the most vulnerable
part of the Filipino Community
in Canada.
In one gathering aimed at
tackling the problems facing
Filipino caregivers, I made an
impassioned speech about the
need to help them.
Among those present dur-
ing that gathering was Rose
Bustamante – a columnist from
another Filipino community
paper. In private, she said to
me, “Baka naman puro salita
ka la’ng, katulad nang karami-
han.”
I smiled at her and replied,
“I will be around for awhile
February every year, Valen-
tine’s Day lands at my doorstep
and gets me to thinking about
love and relationships; like an
old friend that you are not too
eager to see but know you have
to. This is because it is hard to
think about love and relation-
ships.
Why is that? Because they
are sooooo complicated. Why?
They should be the simplest
things on earth. We are wired
to love. Wired to need love
and wired to want to give love.
That is how we are made. Call
it evolution, call it ordained
by God. Call it whatever you
want to. It amounts to the same
thing. It does not matter how
we got the way we got. We just
have to deal with the way we
are. And no excuses.
FILIPINO from p. 1
pointed to the bench, but for all
Filipino Canadians as well.
Friends and family were
there to witness Steve Anthony
Banate Coroza as he takes his
oath of office as judge in the
Ontario Court of Justice.
Coroza was called to the
Bar in 1997. He worked with
and I can only try
my best.”
In summer of
2007, during the
Independence Day
Picnic at Earl Bales
Park in North York,
we accommodated a
A Political Appointment?
request of one good Do we deserve it?
friend to have Jason
Kenney – secretary of state for
multiculturalism to speak be-
fore the Filipino community.
At this point, I must say that
I have met a lot of government
officials, but I have never met a
man who speaks with so much
conviction and determination
than Jason.
That same day, a frail young
woman with face marked with
sadness was introduced to me.
She was Juana Tejada and she
was looking for help.
Juana briefed me that she
was refused by the federal gov-
ernment – and twice at that, to
stay in Canada,
I took the opportunity and
quickly introduced her to Ja-
son Kenney, and explained to
the secretary of state for mul-
ticulturalism Juana’s plight,
stressing at the same time the
sentiment of the Filipino com-
munity on her situation, at the
same time pleaded to Jason for
a quick action.
A month later, Juana got
her wish to stay, which we an-
nounced at the Mabuhay Fes-
tival in July 2007. The public
received the news with great
So am
I in love?
Well, that
is too per-
sonal to
talk about
here. But
I will tell
February gets me thinking
you this:
if (and do
about love and relationship
not jump to
conclusions here, okay?), I was
in love, then I would work very
hard to keep the relationship
going. Sure, there are going to
be bumps; big nasty bumps. But
love is a gift and a precious one
at that. So, every day I would
work hard to keep that gift in
perfect working order.
When you love, you can be
hurt in ways you never thought
possible. The person you love
the Ontario Legal Aid Plan as
a staff duty counsel in criminal
matters and as a federal Crown
counsel since July 1998.
As senior counsel to the
Public Prosecution Service of
Canada, he prosecuted offens-
es and appeared at all levels of
court in Ontario. He also super-
vised over 100 federal Crown
agents throughout southern
You’re Entitled
to My Opinion
JUN ENVERGA
celebration. The story did not
stop there, however. We knew
that there was more work to
do.
Having developed mutual
respect for each other sprout-
ing from having the same ide-
als and concern for the needy,
Jason and I became good
friends, where, from time to
time, we would have a few
conference calls and communi-
cation on caregiver needs. Ja-
son even personally introduced
me to Prime Minister Stephen
Harper.
Meanwhile, the community
was becoming restless. Activ-
ists were busy making their
demands, even calling Jason
names. Meanwhile, Jason has
assured me that the processes
were grinding, although, often-
times long and tedious. “Great
times and efforts are needed
to legislate,” he would oftenly
point out to me.
The year passed to the next
and 2008 continued with more
questions than answers. Early
2009, however, showed great
promise, and more dialogues
with the community were in-
Our Journey
E VA A G PA O A
is human (I hope!!!) -- with
human faults and weaknesses;
and let me tell you this – the
weaknesses are what hurt the
most. Those things he does
and keeps apologizing for that
grind your love down. Apol-
ogy by apology … until there
is nothing left, but a raw bleed-
ing relationship always on the
edge; a big reason to stay away
from the whole subject.
Ontario. He taught at Seneca
College, Osgoode Hall Law
School and the Advocates’ So-
ciety and has been a panellist
and presenter at various law as-
sociations’ sessions.
Coroza served in the board
of directors of the Alzheimer
Society of Peel and as treasurer
of the Mississauga Community
Legal Services clinic.
troduced. Sadly of
note, I must say
though was that cer-
tain members of the
community took the
bait of the political
opposition, posi-
tioning themselves
to their all-talk but
no action plans.
For all of us awaiting for
it, Christmas arrived early last
year in that, on December 12,
Minister Jason Kenney an-
nounced legislation granting
the wishes of the caregivers
who have been clamoring hard
for decades to get the protec-
tion and privileges that they
now enjoy.
Personally for me, I am so
proud to be part of this struggle
for recognition and changes for
the live-in caregivers.
Why did it take us this long
to get what we wanted? Nu-
merous names have come and
gone. The passion of those ac-
tive in caregiver reforms did
not waiver at all. I believe the
formula this time was that the
caregivers got the support of
mainstream Filipino organiza-
tions, among others, the PIDC
-- which explicitly trumpeted
repeatedly their support for
“the cause”. Lesson, let us
unite for a cause!
Thank you to the tireless
and ever active leaders of the
caregiver groups, the leaders
and supporters from different
organizations that after de-
When
you see love
coming,
just run the
other way.
All those
faults and
weaknesses
hidden by
the flow-
ers, choco-
lates and nice dinners ready to
pounce and smash and uglify
your world.
But … and here I have to
say, I speak from personal ex-
perience. But when you are in
love, and are loved back, it is
the most amazing high. Your
body and mind are glowing and
are at peace. You feel this con-
nection with the world and ev-
erybody around you. But here
Ontario Chief Justice An-
nemarie E. Bonkalo has as-
signed Justice Coroza to pre-
side in St. Catharines.
Present during the swear-
ing-in ceremony were the head
of the defense lawyer’s asso-
ciation, head of the department
of social services, head of legal
aid, the chief of police, a num-
ber of police officers in their
VIEWS
cades of struggle, we were fi-
nally heard!
With Juana Tejada, these
people are the heroes of this
generation. But then again, we
should never forget the hero
who listened, who cared and
who made it happen for our ka-
babayans, Mr. Jason Kenney!
The same week when the
legislation was announced, Ja-
son wrote me a note… “Jun,
Thank you for your advice…!”
Jason knew how much help
the legislation would be to all
and how much passionate we
are for our caregivers’ causes.
Jason deserves to be called an
Honorary Filipino, indeed!
***
A few days after, I was
greeted by a couple of friends
-- whom I knew have all sorts
of political appointments and
designations, member of the
board of this, adviser to some
government official, assistant
to so and so, etc. with a ques-
tion, and with accompanying
grin: “If you are really close to
Ottawa, why don’t you request
for something big, like an ap-
pointment to a certain gov-
ernment position or a special
board?”
My reply was, “I did my
request for something, it is
not exactly for me, it was re-
ally big … and it was granted!
These are just my stories and
opinions; you are of course en-
titled to them. (junenverga@
gmail.com)
is where the problem is. You
want love. Your body wants
it. Your spirit wants it, yet you
know it’s going to hurt really
bad at some point. So, that is
the problem.
I will tell you this (and again
I’m speaking from personal
experience), I have faults and
weaknesses too (shock horror
wow). And I know I can make
mistakes that hurt others. But
the person who loves me is
going to accept that. Because
when you love someone you
make a contract. You sign on
the dotted line. And that con-
tract states: I love you -- your
good side and especially your
faults and weaknesses. In re-
FEBRUARY
continued on p. 17
uniform, representatives from
the attorney general’s office,
about a dozen criminal judges,
justices of the peace, a large
contingent from the Prosecu-
tor’s office of the Brampton
Court, a couple from the Pros-
ecutor’s office in Toronto and
so many others.
FILIPINO continued on p. 13
NEWS
PIDC lauded for its
cultural and civic work
Consul Edna Mae Lazaro
has commended the members
of the Philippine Indepen-
dence Day Council (PIDC)
“for looking back where they
came from”, citing the old Fili-
pino saying that “one who does
not look back will never reach
one’s destination.”
Consul Edna Mae Lazaro
The Philippine Consul in
Toronto aired this praise when
she addressed the members of
the PIDC and their guests dur-
ing the induction of the new of-
ficers and directors, February
20, in Scarborough, Ontario.
Lazaro said that while the
PIDC has showcased Filipino
culture and heritage over the
years, especially in time of the
celebration of Philippine in-
dependence, she cited as truly
commendable the efforts of the
association to give back to the
country of their birth.
“We call it ‘Diaspora Phi-
lanthropy’,” she said, explain-
ing that those who left the
country for greener pastures
elsewhere are now returning to
their country -- not necessar-
ily physically, but vicariously.
“Thus, we find many Filipinos
overseas who have become
successful in their right, and
now make a difference in the
lives of others back home,”
Consul Lazaro stressed.
She cited the work of PIDC
in partnership with Gawad Ka-
linga which, not only changed
the landscape of the poorest
communities in the Philippines,
but likewise, changed lives of
Filipinos in the Philippines.
The Filipino official also
aired her observation that for
Filipinos in Canada, the people
around them are not exactly
those living in their household,
nor their next-door neighbors,
nor their immediate relatives,
but those who are three conti-
nents away.
She urged the new set of
PIDC leaders to carry on the
legacy of making a difference
in the lives of Filipinos back
home.
Minda Neri
In her address, newly-in-
ducted PIDC president Minda
Neri appealed to the Filipino
community to continue sup-
porting the PIDC in its aim in
providing Toronto with whole-
some programs and activities
that highlight the rich history
and culture of the Philippines,
and which “as a community,
we are all proud of.” She also
asked the Filipino Canadian
media in drumming up support
PIDC continued on p. 18
February 2010 Manila Media Monitor
Liberals: Preserve foreign
ownership rules in
broadcast
MONTREAL – Liberal
MPs Pablo Rodriguez and
Marc Garneau said in an open
letter recently addressed to the
Prime Minister that the foreign
ownership rules for broadcast-
ing companies – as stated in
the Broadcasting Act – must be
preserved.
“Canadian culture is much
too important to our collective
identity for us to allow foreign
companies to control our broad-
casting industry,” said Liberal
Critic for Canadian Heritage
Pablo Rodriguez. “Since 2006,
many of the Conservative gov-
ernment’s actions have dem-
onstrated that their vision for
culture is starkly different than
ours. The Conservatives’ de-
cision to cut the PromArt and
Trade Routes programs in 2008
is just one example of Conser-
vative narrow-mindedness.”
In November 2009, the
Harper government made a
decision with regards to Glo-
balive Communications Cor-
poration, which significantly
changed the interpretation of
Canada’s foreign ownership
11
rules, despite objections from
the Canadian Radio-televi-
sion and Telecommunications
Commission’s (CRTC). This
decision was announced with-
out consulting Parliament and
could have far reaching conse-
quences.
“Any consideration of the
Telecommunications Act must
be done in the open, transpar-
ently and in consultation with
Canadians,” added Liberal
Critic for Industry, Science and
Technology Marc Garneau.
“We must ensure that any in-
tegrated companies working in
both telecommunications and
broadcasting continue to re-
main Canadian property.”
“Canadian television and
radio stations must remain Ca-
nadian,” said Mr Rodriguez.
“Otherwise, if a foreign com-
pany takes over a television
or radio station here, there’s a
good chance Canadian content
will fall to the wayside. Thanks
to Canadian productions, our
culture is currently in the spot-
light abroad.”(LPC)
12 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
Government corruption remains high - poll
MANILA - Businesses
believe nothing much has
improved in the govern-
ment’s efforts to stamp
out corruption, a survey
by the Social Weather
Stations (SWS) showed.
“Perception of man-
agers on the extent of
public sector corruption
has not changed over the
past three years,” SWS
president Mahar Manga-
has said recently in his
presentation of the “2009
SWS Surveys of Enter-
prises on Corruption”
at the Asian Institute of
Management Conference
Center in Makati City.
The survey, sponsored
by the Asia Foundation,
was conducted from Nov.
3 to Dec. 5, 2009 among
top and middle-level
managers. The survey
found that three of ev-
ery five managers see “a
lot” of corruption in the
public sector, and that the
picture has remained un-
changed since 2008.
The survey showed
that nine of every 10
managers believe corrup-
tion was most prevalent
in the national govern-
ment based on the per-
ception of 97 percent of
respondents in Cagayan
de Oro-Iligan City; 94
percent in Metro Manila;
91 percent in both Metro
Cebu and Metro Davao;
and 89 percent in Cavite-
Laguna-Batangas.
The survey also
showed that 60 percent
of managers were asked
for bribes in one of seven
transactions tested.
The new figure, how-
ever, is 11 points lower
than the record-high 71
percent in 2008, 58 per-
cent in 2006 and 61 per-
cent in 2007.
Compared to the pre-
vious year, incidence of
bribery declined for all
seven transactions tested
in the 2009 survey. It fell
by 17 points in getting lo-
cal government permits
and licenses; 15 points in
securing national govern-
ment permits and licens-
es; eight points in appli-
cation for government
incentives.
The survey also estab-
lished that Metro Manila
had the highest incidence
of bribery solicitations in
“assessment and/or pay-
ment of income taxes (50
percent)” and in “com-
plying with import regu-
lations including pay-
ment of import duties (40
percent).”
Reports of solicitation
of bribery were equally
prevalent in Metro Cebu
and Metro Manila in get-
ting local permits and li-
censes, 42 percent and 39
percent, respectively.
Reported solicitation
of bribery in “collecting
receivables” was 22 per-
cent in both Metro Cebu
and Metro Manila.
SWS said the propor-
tion of managers report-
ing bribe solicitation to
authorities has fallen to
nine percent in 2009 af-
ter steadily rising from
seven percent in 2006, to
11 percent in 2007 and 14
percent in 2008.
SWS said the percep-
tion of futility of report-
ing bribe solicitations
explains the reluctance
of many businessmen to
squeal on corrupt gov-
ernment personnel.
Other reasons cited
were “Afraid of reprisal”
(51 percent), “Will spend
much” (50 percent),
“Cannot prove anything”
(50 percent), “Too small
a thing to bother” (48
percent), “It is a standard
practice not to report” (46
percent), “Don’t know
how or whom to report”
(44 percent), “Don’t want
to betray anyone” (32
percent) and “It is embar-
rassing” (23 percent).
SWS said that for the
past three years, almost
one-third of manag-
ers could not name any
NEWS
government agency that the Armed Forces of the
could be trusted to ad- Philippines, +10.
dress complaints of cor- Five obtained “poor”
ruption. It was 28 percent ratings - Department of
in 2007, 32 percent in Budget and Management,
2008, and 31 percent in -17; Philippine National
2009. Police, -17; Department
Of those who did name of Agriculture, -19; De-
an agency, the Office of partment of the Interior
the Ombudsman was the and Local Government,
most cited agency trusted -25; Presidential Com-
by managers over the mission on Good Gov-
past three years, the SWS ernment, -28.
said. Six institutions were
In terms of sincerity in given “bad” ratings: the
fighting corruption, the Department of Transpor-
survey showed that the tation and Communica-
Filipino Business Asso- tions, -30; Presidential
ciations obtained a “very Anti-Graft Commission,
good” score of +64. -33; Department of En-
Five institutions were vironment and Natural
rated “good” - the Su- Resources, -34; House of
preme Court +40; Social Representatives, -34; Of-
Security System, +40; fice of the President, -37;
Department of Trade and and the Land Transporta-
Industry, +38; Depart- tion Office, -39.
ment of Health, +37; and Three obtained “very
the city/municipal gov- bad ratings” - the Bureau
ernment, +35. of Internal Revenue, -57;
Two agencies received Department of Public
“moderate” ratings - the
Trial Courts, +11 and GOV’T continued on p. 13
NEWS
FDA bans Chinese cosmetics
MANILA -- The Food
and Drug Administration
(FDA) said recently that
it has banned three cos-
metic products, which
apparently are Chinese-
made because they con-
tained dangerous levels
GOV’T from p. 12
Works and Highways,
-65; and Bureau of Cus-
toms, -69.
Topping the list of in-
stitutions with the most
positive or improved
change in corruption
over the past five years
were DTI with +13 and
DOH +12.
FILIPINO from p.10
Coroza’s jurisdiction
is considered one of the
busiest in Ontario cover-
ing Hamilton, St. Catha-
rines, Niagara and neigh-
boring regions.
An uncle of the newly
sworn-in judge, said, “As
expected, there were a
of mercury. in an advisory.
FDA tests of the It did not give details
creams, all bearing the of the amount of mercury
Jiaoli brand, found mer- in the creams.
cury levels “exceeding “Cosmetic products
the allowable limit of one containing such impuri-
part per million,” the De- ties/contaminants that
partment of Health said are way beyond the al-
On the other hand, the The survey used face-
institutions that obtained to-face interviews with
the highest margins of 550 top and middle-level
worsening corruption enterprise managers, 366
were BOC with -41; BIR, of them from randomly
-34; DPWH, -28; and the drawn small and medium
Office of the President, enterprises and 184 from
-14. randomly drawn large
SWS said the agencies corporations.
also obtained the highest It has a margin of er-
margins of worsening ror of plus or minus four
corruption in 2008. percentage points.
number of speeches but first Filipino Canadian
nothing made us more criminal judge made the
proud when it was an- moment more significant
nounced that Steve is the and historical.”
first Filipino Canadian Lawyer Greg Aboga-
called to the bench. do was likewise present,
“Yes, we are proud who, with his fellow Fil-
that the new appoin- ipino-Canadian lawyers
tee is a member of our from all over Canada
family, but having been pride in Judge Coroza,
confirmed that he is the whose appointment “is
February 2010 Manila Media Monitor
lowable limit clearly
pose imminent danger of
injury to the consuming
public,” it added.
FDA Director Dr.
Nancy Tacan-dong said
she was unaware of any
mercury poisoning in the
Philippines from the use
of these three products,
which she described as
MICHELLE from p. 8
the political fence to the
White House to talk about
her campaign. Shortly
after, she was seen play-
ing with guest children at
the lawn, if only to call
further attention to her
desire to get kids back in
the street.
The move was redo-
lent of what Anak TV
started over a year ago
when it launched Laro-
lympics, to encourage
Pinoy kids to take to the
parks, playgrounds and
the streets to revive long-
indeed a shining mo-
ment for those of us with
Filipino descent,” as one
witness to the whole cer-
emony said.
13
“apparently came from
China because they have
Asia-wide alarm bells
rang in 2008 when baby
Chinese characters.” milk laced with the indus-
The agency said shops trial chemical melamine
found selling these prod- led to the deaths of six
ucts “will be penalized babies and sickened
severely.” 300,000 others who had
Chinese products have been fed formula made
a history of falling foul from the tainted dairy.
of various national safety
standards.
loved games. “we don’t have the op-
Not long after that, tion to do nothing.” In her
a public service ad was own little way, Michelle
shown on television, Obama is trying to make
co-produced by the Na- a difference in the lives
tional Football Associa- of children and families
tion showing no less than in a way dissimilar to her
Barack Obama playing predecessors.
ball with children at the “I have no role mod-
White House lawn. el,” she explains, when
The US First Lady ex- asked about which of the
plains that they are still previous First Ladies she
working on benchmarks is patterning herself after,
now but the broad goal “because this First Lady
is “to change the health job does not come with a
statistics of an entire job description.”
‘‘
generation.” She freely “All I want is to be
quotes her eloquent hus- helpful.”(maghatol@
band when she says that yahoo.com)
The artist is nothing without the gift,
but the gift is nothing without work.
- Emile Zola (1840-1902
14 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
Citizen’s Group formed to
counter massive fraud and
failure in May 2010 elections
Citizen’s Group formed to counter massive fraud and failure in May 2010
elections.
MANILA - Fears of
massive fraud and failure
of elections gave birth to
a new alliance, “Kontra
Daya 2010” (Citizen’s
Action Against Fraud
2010) launched here re-
cently.
The election watch-
dog group aims to close-
ly monitor the upcoming
May 2010 elections and
rally the public accord-
ingly if the will of the
electorate is frustrated by
massive fraud and failure
of the elections.
Kontra Daya 2010 has
this early raised several
fears about the May elec-
tions. These include the
possibility of massive
fraud and failure of elec-
tions and the rigging of
polls.
Kontra Daya’s objec-
tive is to have “credible
and acceptable elections,”
said one convenor, former
Lingayen-Dagupan Ro-
man Catholic Archbish-
op Oscar Cruz, in a press
conference organized for
the launch. “With the
number of warnings and
Group wants more educational reform
MANILA -- The Phil-
ippine Business for Edu-
cation’s (PBEd) Educa-
tion Nation coalition has
presented a 10-point edu-
cation reform agenda that
the next president should
adopt to lift the quality of
education in the country.
“So far, we have heard
complaints we have re-
ceived and signs (that are
making themselves felt),
there is every reason to
be worried about May
2010.”
Another Kontra Daya
Convenor, Catholic
priest Rev. Jose Dizon
of Solidarity Philippines
said “We want to prepare
the people to take action
in case the worst scenario
takes place”.
Rev. Dizon said that
in the event of a worst-
case scenario, failure of
elections or a declaration
of martial law – or both
– the people should stage
civil disobedience.
Sr. Mary John Manan-
zan, a Catholic nun of the
Association of Major Re-
ligious Superiors of the
Philippines (AMRSP),
another convener, ex-
pressed a similar view.
Another convener,
screenwriter and actress
Bibeth Orteza, spokes-
person of the Pagbabago!
People’s Movement for
Change, said she is un-
certain if the elections
only very general, moth-
erhood statements about
education from the presi-
dentiables. We want [the
next president] to make
education the priority, not
just one among several
priorities,” Chito Salazar,
PBEd president said.
According to the 2010
ouster of then-President
Joseph Estrada through
a people-power uprising
Gloria Macapagal-Ar-
royo, who was then vice
president, was installed
as president. She ran in
the 2004 presidential
elections, and won over
her closest rival, the late
actor Fernando Poe Jr.,
amid allegations of mas-
sive fraud and violence.
Arroyo whose term
of office ends in June 30
of this year is currently
seeking a seat as the rep-
resentative of Pampan-
ga’s (province) second
district at the House of
Representatives. Critics
believe this is part of a
plot to install Arroyo as
House Speaker, to be fol-
lowed by charter-change
amendments from presi-
dential to a parliamentary
form of government, and
declaring her as prime
would push through.
“With the Ampatuan
Massacre and the arrest “With the Ampatuan Massacre
and detention of 43 health
workers in Morong, we
and the arrest and detention of 43
need only one big (thing) health workers in Morong, we need
to happen in the Visayas
to complete the justifica- only one big (thing) to happen in
tion for declaring martial
law. The government is
the Visayas.”
establishing an atmo-
sphere among all the minister. This will then
people,” said Orteza. The enable her to hold power
Visayas is the third larg- beyond June 30.
est cluster of Islands in Another convener,
the Philippines. Fernando Poe’s daughter
“With the long his- Grace Poe-Llamanzares,
tory of fraud and ma- said the people need to be
nipulation involving vigilant in order to ensure
the Comelec and other that her father’s experi-
government agencies to ence in 2004 will not be
favor the incumbent re- repeated.
gime, the concerns about In the well-known and
the automated elections controversial “Hello Gar-
are serious and require ci” recordings, a woman
action,” said another con- with a voice similar to Ar-
venor, Bagong Alyansang royo’s is heard instruct-
Makabayan (Bayan or ing an election official –
New Patriotic Alliance) whose voice sounds like
secretary-general Renato that of former Election
Reyes Jr. “We have to be Commissioner Virgilio
ready to mobilize in huge Garcillano – to rig the
numbers, should there be 2004 presidential polls
a failure of elections.” and secure for her a vic-
In 2001, following the tory of “more than 1M”
expected for
a country at
its income
Education for All Global level”
Monitoring Report, there This dismal state of
is a “real danger that the education sector is
the country will fail to already affecting the sup-
achieve universal prima- ply of labor.
ry education by 2015.” Sylvia Mempin
The report also said Duque, vice president
that education indicators and director for corpo-
for the Philippines are rate human resources of
“below what might be the Alcantara group, said
NEWS
over Poe. Arroyo went on
to trounce Poe by more
of voters.
Others noted the lack
than a million votes.
Other conveners who
of physical and internal
preparations for the con-
attended were Dr. Gio- duct of automated elec-
vanni Tapang, who chairs tions and the lack of a
the scientists’ group contingency plan to be
Agham and teaches implemented “if things
physics at the University go wrong”.
of the Philippines (UP); Kontra Daya’s con-
Henri Kahn of the Con- cerns are contained in
cerned Citizens Move- a letter to Commission
ment (CCM); Ferdinand on Elections (Comelec)
Gaite of the Confedera- Chairman Jose Melo,
tion for the Unity, Recog- prepared by the conve-
nition and Advancement ners.
of Government Employ- Kontra Daya conve-
ees (Courage); Alfred ners also criticized what
Pascual of the Automated they described as the
Election System (AES) time-consuming charac-
Watch; screenwriter and ter of the automated elec-
actress Bibeth Orteza, tion system. They noted
spokesperson of the Pag- the rejection of ballots
babago! People’s Move- and difficulties in the
ment for Change; Alvin transmission of results in
Peters of the National field tests and mock elec-
Union of Students of tions conducted all over
the Philippines (NUSP) the country in the past
and Bagong Alyansang few weeks.
“The biggest
fear of people
right now, can-
didates included,
is that the auto-
mated election
system is vul-
nerable to rig-
ging or that there
may be failure
of elections if all
Makabayan (Bayan or does not go well.
New Patriotic Alliance) The Commission on
secretary-general Renato Elections (Comelec)
Reyes Jr. must adopt a self-critical
Convenors noted that outlook so that the prob-
there was a high likeli- lems and vulnerabilities
hood of failure of elec- can be addressed,” they
tions taking place due to added.
automated polls believed Kontra Daya aims to
to be prone to external field volunteers nation-
and internal hacking, du- wide. The group encour-
bious source code of the ages the participation of
software that will be used the people in their great-
and data transmission est numbers in monitoring
safety concerns. the conduct and results of
“There seems to be a the 2010 elections. Kon-
planned failure of elec- tra Daya’s website, www.
tions,” convenors warned kontradaya.com, shows
. They cited as indicators the results of field tests
the slow paced and one- and mock elections, as
month delay in the print- well as several articles on
ing of ballots, which they other issues regarding the
said could lead to a mas- 2010 elections.(bulatlat.
sive disenfranchisement com)
that while there are many meet the needs of indus-
available jobs, especially try,” she said.
in the business process Because of the skills
outsourcing (BPO) indus- mismatch between grad-
try, some college gradu- uates and employment
ates are lacking in good prospects the group is
communication skills. calling for:
The current hiring rate in • Promotion of aca-
the local BPO sector is demic excellence, by
between 3 percent and 6 developing globally
percent of applicants.
“There are thousands GROUP
of graduates who do not continued on p. 15
NEWS February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 15
GROUP from p. 14 dating the Department of education and alternative GROUP from p. 15 ment-supported loans WOMEN from p. 9
Education (DepEd) and learning; and grants for students in To all women out
benchmarked standards schools to work with lo- • Building transpar- the national budget for private institutions; there who are consider-
of performance for both cal communities and al- ency and accountability pre-school and basic edu- • Strengthening higher ing police work, Super
teachers and students, and locate resources for capa- among stakeholders— cation to 4 percent of the education by allocating Jane’s words speak high-
establishing a credible, bility-building programs including schools, local gross domestic product; more resources for cen- ly of Toronto’s finest. “It
reliable and transparent for community groups; governments, communi- and by combating cor- ters for excellence and is an amazing job. It is an
monitoring, assessment • Ensuring access to ties and parents; ruption in the allocation providing more scholar- honorable position and
and evaluation system by education for all Filipi- • Providing adequate and disbursement of edu- ships and loans (such as a great calling. Toronto
an independent and com- nos by continuing the resources, by increasing cation resources; a “study now, pay when Police Force offers great
petent institution; conditional cash transfers • Empowering teach- employed” scheme), opportunities to try dif-
• Community involve- program for the poor; GROUP ers through training and rather than continuing ferent things and to prove
ment in education by man- and tapping nonformal continued on p. 16 development programs, subsidies for low-quality your talents.
and provision of incen- state and local universi- Wilcox abides by
tives; ties and colleges; all the values that her
• Enhancing basic • And, developing uniform represents -- up-
education by extending alternative learning sys- holding the law without
it to 12 years; and estab- tems, by forming a multi- prejudice in serving and
lishing a universal pre- stakeholder body that protecting the commu-
school system; would measure and assess nity. “When you look the
• Supporting the pri- alternative learning sys- part, you will be the part,”
vate education system tems, as well as accredit is her personal statement,

‘‘
through public-private and recognize graduates resonating the famous
partnerships, and the es- for employment. (The police slogan: “To Serve
tablishment of govern- Manila Times) and Protect”.

COLORFUL from p.5 formation websites of

COMELEC to provide
forty-five minutes. candidates and voters a Political
Interested parties can venue to communicate correctness is
easily and simply log with each other using tyranny with
in and type queries ad-
dressed to the candidates
social networking tools
such as blog, chat, forum
manners.
Robert Cacapit- president of the Urbiztondo Association of Canada (UAC), who are online on that and multimedia portals.
with Quintin Palisoc- founder and past president of UAC and incumbent
time. (Compiled from various - Charlton Heston
president of the Pangasinan Association of Canada, donating three com-
Politicalarena.com news sources by Manila (1924-)
puters, ten sets each of encycolopedia and dictionaries to ten elementary
schools in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan. is one of the official in- Media Monitor)
16 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
New LCP legislation, not for everyone
Juana Tejada Law excludes
thousands of caregivers
By Faye Arellano
Hopes may have been
dashed for thousands of
caregivers who have been
excluded from the benefit
of the Juana Tejada Law.
Touted as the first
proposed change to the
LCP, the Juana Tejada
Law eliminates the re-
quirement for live-in
caregivers to undergo a
second medical exami-
nation when applying
to become permanent
residents. This second
examination is widely
perceived as unnecessary
because caregivers are re-
quired to pass a medical
examination prior to their
initial entry into Canada.
The change is being im-
plemented in honour of
the late Juana Tejada, a
live-in caregiver who de-
veloped cancer and was
deemed inadmissible as
a result.
Caregiver advocate
and immigration lawyer
Rafael Fabregas esti-
mates that at least 40,000
caregivers who are al-
ready in Canada will not
be covered by the amend-
ment. Misinterpretation
of the changes could
cause some people to
suffer dire consequences,
World Glaucoma Week focuses
attention on eye disease that
affects 400,000 Canadians
March 7-13 marks
World Glaucoma Week,
a global initiative to raise
awareness of glaucoma
– one of the most com-
mon eye diseases among
older people and the
second leading cause of
blindness in older North
Americans.
Glaucoma affects
400,000 Canadians,
many of whom are un-
diagnosed and therefore
untreated. As the popula-
tion ages, these numbers
are expected to increase,
doubling to 800,000 by
2030. Unfortunately,
many people with glau-
coma are unaware that
they have it until there
is a large amount of irre-
Rafael Fabregas
according to Fabregas,
who is one of the propo-
nents of the Juana Tejada
Law.
It was only by min-
isterial intervention on
humanitarian and com-
passionate grounds that
Tejada was granted her
permanent residence
status. Tejada later suc-
cumbed to her illness.
Many of the caregiv-
ers likely excluded are
the very people who, like
Juana Tejada, advocated
for the removal of the
second medical examina-
tion. As the hoopla sub-
sided and the dust settled,
more and more caregivers
are wondering whether
versible vision loss.
“World Glaucoma
Week is an opportunity
not only to highlight the
importance of early de-
tection and treatment but
also to build awareness
of advances in glaucoma
research,” says Dr. Neeru
‘‘
Gupta, National Coordi-
nator for the week.
Dr. Gupta, a scien-
tist specializing in glau-
coma research, is on the
They kill good trees
to put out bad newspapers.
~James G. Watt, quoted in Newsweek, 8 March 1982
or not they would
be covered by the
new legislation.
“It would be
nice to be ex-
empted from un-
dergoing a second
medical test and
be spared from
paying the $125
examination fee,“
said Gina, as she
and other nannies
were huddled in
a corner of a par-
ish hall mulling
over the proposed
amendment.
The removal of the
second medical exami-
nation, hailed earlier as
a victory for all the nan-
nies, has come under
close scrutiny since many
caregivers and communi-
ty workers remain unsure
of its applicability.
The Regulatory Im-
pact Analysis Statement
(RIAS) issued recently
by the Citizenship and
Immigration Canada
(CIC), states that instead
of requiring caregivers
to complete a medical
examination when they
apply for permanent resi-
dence, applicants have to
complete a medical ex-
Board of the Glaucoma
Research Society of Can-
ada, the only charity in
Canada dedicated solely
to glaucoma research.
“People can find out
about the progress be-
ing made in glaucoma
research and support this
vital research by visiting
our website at www.glau-
comaresearch.ca,” says
Dr. Gupta.
amination to qualify for
the initial work permit/
temporary residence as a
live-in caregiver.
It further states that
applicants who have
medical conditions which
would cause an excessive
demand on the health or
social system in Canada
would be deemed inad-
missible.
RIAS also indicates
that processing times for
applications for perma-
nent residence are not
expected to be impacted
by the elimination of the
second medical examina-
tion.
In the wake of the
announcement of the
KCCC AGM and Election set
for February 28, 2010
KCCC has announced
that the Annual General
Meeting and Election
of the organization is
on Sunday, February 28
from 2 to 4 p.m. at the
Kalayaan Centre at 5225
Orbitor Drive, Suite 3,
Mississauga.
Members are urged to
come and exercise their
rights of suffrage and par-
ticipation in the affairs of
the organization.
Anyone interested in
attending from the com-
munity is welcome to
come and observe the
proceedings.
Fourteen directors will
be elected from which
seven officers will be
MY WORDS
from p.9
of them. The Canadians
proudly say of them-
selves – and are unheard
by anyone else – that 1%
of the world’s population
has provided 10% of the
world’s peacekeeping
forces.
Canadian soldiers
in the past half century
have been the greatest
peacekeepers on Earth
– in 39 missions on UN
mandates, and six on
non-UN peacekeeping
duties, from Vietnam to
East Timor, from Sinai to
Bosnia.
Yet, the only foreign
engagement that has en-
tered the popular non-Ca-
nadian imagination was
amendments, set to take
effect after the 30-day
comment period which
ended on January 19,
2010, concerns were
raised over the confusion
and misinformation faced
by caregivers and com-
munity workers alike.
Lawyer Fabregas cau-
tions against the danger
of being misled by the
new regulation because
of “plain language inter-
pretation”.
Fabregas said that it is
essential that people are
clear on who qualifies to
benefit from this new leg-
islation.
In his letter to Maia
Welbourne, CIC’s Di-
chosen by those elected.
The incumbent Ka-
layaan Chairman will sit
with the board to make a
total of fifteen members
of the board.
Agenda for the day
will be:
1. Annual Board Re-
port
2. Proposals for con-
stitutional amendments
3. Election
Light refreshments
will be served and ques-
tions will also be an-
swered after the session.
Those who have not been
to the centre before will
be given a tour of the
place.
Please contact Ka-
the sorry affair in Somalia
, in which out-of-control
paratroopers murdered
two Somali infiltrators.
Their regiment was then
disbanded in disgrace – a
uniquely Canadian act of
self-abasement for which,
naturally, the Canadians
received no international
credit.
So who today in the
United States knows
about the stoic and self-
less friendship its north-
ern neighbor has given it
in Afghanistan ?
Rather like Cyrano
de Bergerac, Canada re-
peatedly does honorable
things for honorable mo-
tives, but instead of being
thanked for it, it remains
something of a figure of
fun. It is the Canadian
NEWS
rector of Temporary
Resident Policy and Pro-
grams, Fabregas asked
for clarification on the
current wording of the
proposed legislation, say-
ing “it does not provide
such a clear limitation,
and thus may reasonably
be interpreted to mean
that the change will apply
immediately to all live-
in caregivers, including
those in Canada.”
Referring to RIAS, Fa-
bregas stressed that only
those live-in caregivers
whose applications for
work permits are pend-
JUANA TEJADA
continued on p. 18
layaan Centre at (905)
602-0923 or coordinator.
kccc@bellnet.ca to con-
firm your attendance or if
you have any questions.
You can also visit us at:
www.kalayaancentre.ca.
The Kalayaan Cul-
tural Community Center
(KCCC) is a non-profit
charitable organization
that serves the interest
of the Filipino-Canadian
community as a con-
tributing member of the
broader Canadian, Fili-
pino and global societies,
thru affirming, strength-
ening and empowering
processes, services and
activities. (KCCC)
way, for which Canadi-
ans should be proud, yet
such honor comes at a
high cost. This past year
more grieving Canadian
families knew that cost
all too tragically well.
Lest we forget. (Ben
Viccari is past president
of the Canadian Ethnic
Media Association and
frequently appeared on
OMNI TV Commentary,
until his retirement Sep-
tember 2009 from the
TV commentary series.
For more of his work,
please visit Ben’s web-
site at http://canscene.
ripple.ca)
Manila Media Monitor
Tel. (416) 285-8583
NEWS
City seeks better road conditions
through the introduction of
pavement degradation fees
The City of Toronto’s
Public Works and Infra-
structure Committee will
consider a program aimed
at recovering repair and
rehabilitation costs from
companies that cut into
the City’s roads to install,
maintain or upgrade their
facilities underneath the
streets.
The introduction of
pavement degradation
fees at the committee’s
March 2 meeting would
allow the City to re-
cover the costs of fixing
and maintaining roads
that have been severely
affected by cuts to the
roadway. This is based
on research that shows
the damage caused by
cuts to roads requires the
City to repair these roads
more quickly that would
ordinarily be the case.
These utility cuts have
resulted in the premature
deterioration of our road-
ways and have forced the
City into significant costs
to repair our infrastruc-
ture. In an average year,
utility cuts require a to-
tal of between 200,000 -
300,000 square metres of
permanent pavement res-
City of Toronto reminds
residents about its level of
snow clearing service
The City of Toronto is
reminding residents and
businesses about the lev-
els of snow clearing the
City provides.
Large snowfalls re-
quire a coordinated ap-
proach by the City’s staff
and contractors to ensure
that City streets and side-
walks are safe.
As soon as the snow
NOMINATIONS
from p.3
Pilipino Award”.
All nominations must
be received by the Presi-
dential Awards Secre-
tariat – Commission on
Filipino Overseas at Citi-
gold Center, 1345 Quiri-
toration work. To put this
in perspective, 250,000
square metres of pave-
ment work is equivalent
to reconstructing Yonge
Street (four lanes) from
Lake Ontario to Steeles
Avenue each year.
“We are responding to
the concerns of residents
about the condition of
our streets and our ability
to repair them quickly,”
said Mayor David Miller.
“It is absolutely essential
that the City maintain the
integrity of its road net-
work and these fees will
go directly toward im-
proving the quality of our
roads for all users.”
Currently, the City
spends more than $240
million to repair roads
each year. In addition,
about $70 million is spent
on other work including
road work in conjunction
with watermain and sew-
er replacement and pub-
lic realm initiatives. In
2007, the City approved
a Personal Vehicle Tax
that is being used to off-
set these costs.
The City currently re-
covers costs associated
with the work to repair
begins, Transporta-
tion Services sends out
its fleet of salt trucks
to the expressways and
the main roads. After
this, the salt trucks will
then move on to the lo-
cal roads. If the City re-
ceives five centimetres of
snow, the plows are sent
to the expressways and
main roads and plowing
no Avenue corner South
Superhighway, Manila,
1007, Philippines, Fax
No.: (632) 561-8332 by
May 30 this year.
The Awards Ceremo-
nies will be conferred by
the President of the Phil-
ippines in a ceremony
during the observance of
the “Month of Overseas
cuts which is valued at
about $43 million a year.
The implementation of
pavement degradation
fees will result in an aver-
age of $4 million for the
City to repair portions of
roads that have degraded
due to the numerous cuts
by multiple companies.
The money collected
from these companies
and organizations would
go into a reserve fund
that would be used for
construction, resurfacing
and maintenance of the
City’s roads.
In addition to the
pavement degradation
fees, utility companies
will be required to identi-
fy their work on the road
through on-site signage,
a stencil on the road near
where the work is being
done and also provide
notification to area resi-
dents making improper
repair easier for residents
to report and track. (City
of Toronto)
LIVES from p.7
provided with early re-
covery and rehabilitation
projects, such as tempo-
will take place for the du-
ration of the storm.
When the snow stops
and if the snow accumu-
lation reaches eight cen-
timetres, plows will be
sent to the local roads.
Normally, local road
plowing will be com-
pleted between 14 and 16
hours after the storm has
ended.
Filipinos” in Manila in
December.
Nomination forms
are available at the Phil-
ippine Consulate Gen-
eral in Toronto, or may
be mailed upon request
(Attn.: Evangeline L.
Cayongcat, Tel. No.
416-922-7181 ext 232.
(PhilConGen-Toronto)
February 2010 Manila Media Monitor
CORRIGENDA
from p. 8
to move government offi-
cials, but I know, some-
how, the group helped,
such as when the pro-
vincial government late
in 2007 slapped ethnic
media publications with
payment of the 7% Pro-
vincial sales Tax (PST);
and retroactive five years
back to 2002. It would
have been the cause of
demise for all ethnic pub-
lications.
Representatives of two
ethnic publications spoke
before the PPCO seek-
ing support for the cause.
The meeting was well-
attended, even if this was
not about “sports, celeb-
rities and concert tickets”
(please note the quotation
marks, which means I
lifted them from the Atin
Ito publisher’s article).
PPCO members signed
into the coalition, “Save
Our Voices”. Non-PPCO
members were likewise
there, among others, Joe
Baking of Manila Confi-
dential and Bin Kon Loo
of Filipiniana.
During the organi-
rary shelter, construc-
tion of latrines, cash-for-
work, emergency shelter
assistance, and livelihood
assistance, which cost
The City will clear
snow from sidewalks on
local roads where it is
mechanically possible to
do so after eight centi-
meters (five centimeters
in January and February)
of snow has fallen. In the
central core of the city,
property owners are re-
quired to clear their side-
walks of snow 12 hours
after a storm has taken
place.
The City of Toronto’s
levels of service for snow
clearing meet or exceed
those set by the Province
of Ontario for municipal-
FEBRUARY
from p.10
turn, you have to do the
same for me.
A strong relationship
is a compromise. We all
want what we want. But
there comes a point when
what we want is going to
hurt someone else. Then
zational meeting at the
Fasken Martineu Du-
Moulin LLP law offices
in downtown Toronto on
December 8 that year, I
remember PPCO mem-
bers Tess Cusipag, Nar-
ciso Mangahas and a
couple of PPCO mem-
bers present.
We, the members of
PPCO listened. We, the
members of PPCO ex-
tended a helping hand
to the coalition. Queens
Park listened, and today,
ethnic media continues
to exist – an enjoyment
which extends to Filipino
publication Atin Ito, as
well.
The Atin Ito publish-
er’s article further stat-
ed, “… The PPCO itself
could not even convince
other Filipino Canadian
publications to join it.”
This is true, Mr. Publish-
er, because the Philippine
Press Club-Ontario is of
individual membership
and not made up of pub-
lications. So be careful,
as your attention may be
called for a cardinal sin in
news writing by the La-
bor Representative, as he
cited in your column, for
P255,456,490.
In a consultation dia-
logue with the local gov-
ernment units (LGUs)
conducted in Maguindan-
ities and road authorities.
These levels of service
were adopted by Toronto
City Council in 2009.
Residents who have
questions about snow
clearing efforts in their
area can call 311.
The City has 600
snow plows, 300 side-
walk plows and 200 salt
trucks ready to tackle the
winter season.
Toronto is Canada’s
largest city and sixth
largest government, and
home to a diverse popu-
lation of about 2.6 mil-
lion people. It is the eco-
we compromise. Then
we reach an understand-
ing and move on. Each
side agrees to give a
little, so that both sides
get enough of what they
need (maybe not all, but
enough). That’s the basis
of a strong healthy rela-
tionship.
So, maybe, this love
17
not checking your proper
names. Also, the “C” in
the PPCO is “Club” and
not “Council” as you
have written, and cited
above.
Anyway, on the en-
tirety of the piece written
by the publisher of Atin
Ito, I could not under-
stand why his tenor was
of pure madness when
NOTHING really, in all
the writings PRIOR to
his, commented nega-
tively of him. Certainly,
I could understand the
person of the Labor Rep-
resentative after having
read all the pieces. It was
only after the publication
of his “Corrigenda”, that
everything broke loose,
most of the writings hurl-
ing names against each
party.
Lesson for all of us is
that, when something ag-
gravates us, let the head
cool off first, then read
again as you might prob-
ably missed one point –
or the whole point, then,
when we have a clear
picture, respond if we
must.
ao last year, the DSWD
committed to assist 3,294
families with core shelter
units. (Manila Times)
nomic engine of Canada
and one of the greenest
and most creative cities
in North America. To-
ronto has won numerous
awards for quality, inno-
vation and efficiency in
delivering public servic-
es. Toronto’s government
is dedicated to prosperity,
opportunity and liveabili-
ty for all its residents. For
information about non-
emergency City services
and programs, Toronto
residents, businesses and
visitors can dial 311, 24
hours a day, 7 days a
week.(City of Toronto
Information Office)
thing is not complicated,
after all. It just takes a
little gentleness and the
willingness to compro-
mise and forgive. I don’t
know. What do you think?
(info@thenannyexpert.
com)
Manila Media Monitor
Tel. (416) 285-8583
18 Manila Media Monitor February 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS

Plans underway for Canada’s

of Canadians worked seems far away, but the national occasion.”
with thousands of dedi- spirit of our Sesquicen- IPAC, as the profes-

Sesquicentennial year in 2017

cated public servants to tennial starts in Spring sional organization of
make it a year to remem- 2010. Canada’s public servants,
ber.” “Since 1967, Cana- is well-suited to convene
MacLeod said the first da and the world have representatives from all
Next month will see MASS LBP, said that Canada’s centennial in big meeting for Canada’s changed. Canada’s ses- levels of government,
a major two-day confer- while Canada’s Sesqui- 1967 – Expo 67 in Mon- sesquicentennial year quicentennial in 2017 is not for profit organiza-
ence in Ottawa to discuss centennial is six years treal, with thousands of will be an opportunity an opportunity to look tions, private sector and
preparations for Canada’s away, we must start plan- community events and for public servants from back and to look for- Aboriginal communi-
150th birthday in 2017. ning now, considering hundreds of new public all levels of government, wards as we assert our ties and make Canada’s
The conference will be that staging a major na- works. business leaders and rep- ambitions for an even sesquicentennial a major
convened jointly, March tional event takes time to “The Centennial year resentatives of leading better Canada. focus for our partners and
11 and 12, by the Insti- plan. helped define Canada’s NGOs, community and “We know Canadians members.
tute of Public Adminis- He urged Canadians modern identity. It fo- arts organizations and share our enthusiasm for To participate and
tration of Canada (IPAC) to use the 150th Anniver- cused our sense of public Canada’s First Nations, celebrating our coun- register in the two-day
and MASS LBP – a pub- sary “to usher in another imagination and it made Métis and Inuit to spend try and through the 150! conference, please e-
lic consulting firm at the golden age of citizen en- us feel proud to be Ca- two days thinking about Canada initiative IPAC is mail morwenna@mass-
National Arts Centre in gagement.” nadian. All of this took how we will celebrate the working to ensure that all lbp.com. (Manila Media
Ottawa . MacLeod recalled foresight and planning. next great year in Cana- Canadians can share and Monitor News with files
Peter MacLeod, prin- that many Canadians The Centennial year suc- dian history. contribute their vision for from Ben Viccari, IPAC
cipal and co-founder of have fond memories of ceeded because millions “The year 2017 still celebrating this special, and MASS LBP)

JUANA TEJADA change will still be re- and that caregivers who PIDC from p. 11 He reviewed the
from p. 16 quired to undergo the are already in Canada many accomplishments
second medical examina- will still have to pass the for the PIDC and its ac- of PIDC on the duration
ing overseas, and whose tion when they apply for second medical examina- tivities. At the same time, of his tenure over four
medical examinations permanent residence,” tion before being granted the new PIDC president years, most importantly,
conducted along with Fabregas wrote in his let- permanent residence. thanked the members of respectability from both
said application have ter. It is not until the year the association for the community and the three
not been assessed, by the He said that he has 2012 that all caregivers confidence given her. levels of the Canadian
time of implementation received many inquiries will have the full benefit Meanwhile, in pass- government.
can avail of this change from live-in caregivers of the Juana Tejada Law, ing the torch of the PIDC Under Enverga’s ad-
in the LCP. and community organiza- according to Fabregas, presidency to his succes- ministration, the PIDC
“Conversely, live-in tions who were surprised adding that the removal sor, Jun Enverga thanked has sponsored two vil-
Jun Enverga
caregivers who arrived to hear that the amend- of the second medical the community at large lages for marginalized
in Canada prior to the ment will not apply to examination is long over- for the cooperation given Filipinos, located in Bi- (Manila Media Monitor
implementation of this new entrants to the LCP due. to the association. col and in Quezon City. News)

Ruben Bautista joins his wife, Maura B. Bautista, in photo after the latter
was crowned by “The Pillars” as Ms. Valentine 2010 at an event held in
Toronto. Others in photo are their daughter Gigi Bautista Abion, and their
granddaughter, Irisse Bautista Abion. “The Pillars” is an organization of
seniors in Ontario.(Jojo Taduran)

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20 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
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22 Manila Media Monitor February 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS

Top photo: Dr. Romeo Tan and wife, Zoraida (1st and 2nd from left) hosted a
dinner for friends recently in celebration of Chinese New Year on February
14 at their residence in North York, Ontario. With them in photo are Gie Alva-
rez of Manila Media Monitor/Front Page Philippines TV, Wil and Geri Villamor
of North 44 Entertainment Production (3rd, 4th and 5th from left). Below,
in photo with the couple are St. Jamestown News Service’s Dindo Orbeso
(far left) Rey Baltazar, Nazir Lalani and Dr. Francisco Portugal. Dr. Tan has
moved his medical practice late last year from Nova Scotia to Toronto and
holds clinic at two locations in the city. (Manila Media Monitor Photo)

Front Page Philippines TV host Gie Alvarez and Rosemer Enverga -- internal
affairs vice president of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC)
and overall chair of the PIDC pageants, smile for the stills while discussing
broadcast promotional plans for Little Miss Philippines, Miss Philippines
and Mrs. Philippines for this year. Front Page Philippines is on 6th year as
a media sponsor to PIDC events. For information on the three pageants,
please call Rosemer Enverga at (416) 284-2810. (PIDC Photo)
PEOPLE & EVENTS February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 23

PCUAA attracts more

GTA alumni groups
Fourteen alumni as- ning the championship program if
sociations of as many three times. CPU, CEU, twelve as-
universities and colleges Mapua, Ateneo and UP sociations
from the Philippines won the championship do. “
came to attend the Phil- once each, and threaten Un-
ippine Colleges and Uni- to take the Championship fair,” some
versities Alumni Asso- trophy next time. grumbled,
ciation (PCUAA) annual The games consist of but com-
awards ceremony and volleyball, plank race, plied any-
dinner dance held at the tug-of-war, sack race, way. A rush
Bayview Hills Commu- and others. The outdoor in front fol-
nity Centre in Richmond events present various lowed dur-
Hill last January 30. versions of Hawaiian ing picture
The annual event, at- Dance, and song num- taking; Reynaldo Reyes , Philippine Colleges ad Universities Association (PCUAA) head, with
tended by more than 250 bers during its colorful alumni of the presidents of various universities and colleges alumni associations composing the
PCUAA addresses members at the Awards Night of the biggest umbrella organization of
alumni and their friends, programs. Picnic tables different alumni associations in North America. Schools represented at the Awards Night include
provided the venue to in every alumni group’s schools UP, Ateneo, La Salle, CEU, UST, FEATI, UE, Mapua, College of the Holy Spirit, Central
recognize last summer’s assigned space always wore cow- Philippine University, University of San Carlos, Jose Rizal University, Adamson, and Sil-
Sportsfest Champion and groan with food and bev- boy hats, liman. PCUAA is said to be the biggest umbrella organization of alumni associations in
runner-ups, as well as erages, and a lot of visi- boots and North America.(Rene Sevilla)
past years’ champions. tation happens among neck scarves; others were PCUAA. “Smaller alum- plans that the Summerfest country, is one of the big-
Last summer’s tro- members. Alumni of var- in the hippies’ attire of ni associations are subsi- will be held in August in- gest GTA-based Filipino
phies went to: Central ious vintages always look the 60’s and ‘70’s; others dized in paying ground stead; an announcement organizations in the area.
Philippine University, 3rd forward to the fun com- wore their school varsity (park) fees at the forth- will be made soon. It will It aims to promote cama-
Runner-up; Ateneo Uni- petition of the games just and cheerleading outfits, coming Summerfest in be the 9th year of this an- raderie among numerous
versity, 2nd Runner-up; like during their youthful and others wore ballroom July so they could partic- nual celebration. About alumni, as well as pro-
University of the Philip- days during their college dancing best. “Parang ipate,” Reyes explained. 800 alumni, family mem- mote pride of achieve-
pines, 1st Runner-up; and and university years. kahapon lamang,” stated The annual PCUAA bers and friends attend ment, identity and unity.
University of Sto. Tomas, During the Awards some nostalgic retirees. sports festival will be this daylong picnic every Pictures and more infor-
2009 Champion. ceremony recently, each Non-stop dancing to old- held at the usual venue year. mation are available at
Past Sportsfest Cham- alumni group yelled out time favorite tunes tested at the Mississauga Val- PCUAA, an umbrella www.pcuaa.org. (Rose
pions are: 2002 – UST; their alma mater’s cheer- the mettle of the dance- ley Park on July 2010. group of 16 academies of Tijam)
2003 - Central Escolar ing slogans and varsity loving alumni. At press time, there are learning from the home
University; 2004- UST; cheers when they were The affair was one of
2005- Central Philippine called out, amidst riotous the most-attended indoor
University; 2006 – Ma- cheering, hooting and ap- events of PCUAA.
pua Institute of Technol- plause. Anticipating a lot PCUAA president
ogy; 2007 – Ateneo; 2008 of excitement and com- Reynaldo (Boy) Reyes
–UP; and 2009 – UST. petitive spirit, organiz- (Ateneo) was seen mak-
In the last eight years ers earlier passed a note ing the rounds among
of holding the Sports- with instruction that the attendees, beaming with
fest event (alternately singing of university/ satisfaction. He happily
called Summerfest), UST college hymns will not stated that this event’s
snagged the honor and be allowed, as it would net income would help fi-
bragging rights of win- take so much time in the nance future activities of

A VISION FOR TORONTO: Rocco Rossi, mayoral candidate for the City of
Toronto, addresses guests and members of the Philippine Independence Day
Council (PIDC), as a special guest of the organization, during the induction
of new officers and directors, February 20, in Scarborough, Ontario. He said
that as a son of immigrant parents, his experiences will introduce unique
perspective to this year’s mayoral race. Rocco told Manila Media Monitor
that his primary concern when elected to office is to balance the city budget.
Rocco’s business experience includes senior executive roles at The Boston
Consulting Group, The Toronto Star, Labatt/Interbrew , Advanced Material
Resources (now NeoMaterials), and MGI Software. As a politically involved
resident of Toronto, Rocco has supported and campaigned for several To-
ronto MPs over the years and was the Campaign Manager for John Tory’s
2003 Mayoral Campaign. Early in 2009 he answered the call of new Liberal
leader Michael Ignatieff to overhaul the party’s fundraising apparatus. In less
than a year in the post, he helped more than triple party membership and
restore its financial stability.(Photo: Ariel Ramos)
24 Manila Media Monitor February 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS

13 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY

Your gateway to news and ads that matter

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PICK AND READ STATIONS

EAST YORK and SCARBOROUGH
Forex Parcel Delivery Inc.
UMAC Cargo
Home Karaoke
Liland Insurance
Laguna Jewellers
Dr. Arla A. Rondilla, DDS
Dr. Cheryle Dumasal
Dr. Evangeline M. Bernabe
Dr. Miriam B. Bernacer
Ellesmere Kennedy Dental
Centre
New Conservatory of Music
Superb Travel
New Look Beauty & Hair
Lounge
Tonnie Furto
Angel & Kiss Restaurant
Golden Valley’s Food Outlet
The Tropical Deli
Formula Honda
Action Honda
Roadsport Honda
DTD Door-to-Door
Gemini Exchange Int’l.
Barrio Fiesta
Casa Manila
Fiesta Filipino
Rico Restaurant
Esperanza Pancitan
Remely’s Restaurant
Baker Best
FV Foods
Kamalig Dine In/Take Out
Oriental Food Mart
Asian Market Place
Tindahan Pilipino
Incredible Discount
Charry’s Fine Food
Atin Ito Variety Store
Kenway Dental Care
Dr. Medina
Enriquez-Lazaro Dental
Clinic
121 Opticians
Pharmacita
Mekeni Restaurant
Mendoza Bakery
Gotohan-Coffee Inn
Jesse Jr. Take Out
Sally’s Philippine Cuisine
Visual Image
JDR-JACE Video Store
Bamboo Travel & Tour
Canadian Pure Water
Townshend College
Circuit Computer
Manila Cargo Express
Philippine Centre Ontario
Dr. Fel C. Nolasco
Dr. Antonio Bunzon
Top photo: The Kalayaan Group of Mississauga presents to the public some
of the candidates to its 2010 pageants. For the “Munting Bb. Pilipinas - Ka-
layaan”, among the candidates are (first row, from left) Nelitta Viloria, Chloe
Chua, Carmela Duckworth, Kaithlyn Samson, Genevieve Mendillo and Chris-
tine Tolentino. For the “Bb. Pilipinas -- Kalayaan”, among the candidates
are (second row, from left) Joanalynn Simbajon, Caitlin Pantaleon, Monica
Labuguen and Dgin Mari Aranas. Below: The officers of Kalayaan (from left)
Delfin Palileo, vice-chair of Kalayaan 2010-2011; Marilyn Palileo; Jojo Sebas-
tian, PRO and co-chair of Munting Bb. Pilipinas-Kalayaan 2010 beauty pag-
eant. On the right side (5th from right) Linda Olalia-Carin, Kalayaan chair;
Rachel Lazaro (partly hidden), Asst. Treasurer; Rowena Sancho, co-chair,
Munting Bb. Pilipinas-Kalayaan 2010; Juliet Perez, Kalayaan president, and
Ching Quejas, KCCC president, join the candidates in the photo op. For pag-
eant details, please call Albert Alonzo, (905) 294-4663; Marilyn Palileo (905)
791-9428 or Linda Carin: (905) 257-8235. The Munting Binibining Pilipinas
and Bb. Pilipinas – Kalayaan 2010 pageants are slated April 24 and May 1,
respectively, after presenting them to the media recently at the KCCC Hall
in Mississauga, Ontario. (Photos: Larry Torres. Paul Esguerra and Norma
Armas-Lewis)

NORTH YORK and DOWNTOWN TORONTO

Philippine Consulate Filipino N Toronto Time Zone
LDV Computers Philippine Variety Yungib
Filipino Centre Toronto Manila Bay Mart Dr. Nestor Bobila
Delamarc Travel JLB Grocery Dr. Jorge M. Jose
Kaakbay Financial Services Pinoy Mart Dr. Salvador
Fairview Dental Centre PNB Remittance Co. Dr. Fernandez
Dr. Evangeline Bernabe iRemit Dr. Francisco Portugal
Dr. Albine Miciano Mabini Express Toronto Health School
Dr. Roslyn Sim-Sabilano Gemini Express Platinum Care
Dr. Victoria Santiago & Metro Remittance Osilla Institute
Associates Jolly Top Valerio Salon
Dr. Bernarda Rosales- Eat Bulaga Belle Optical
Verzonilla Cozy Corner i2i Optical
Cusina Restaurant Coco Banana Ortholine Salon
Atin Ito Variety Aristokrat Resto Kababayan
Asean Mart Angel Kiss Restaurant Trusty Travel
H&H Grocery Sampaguita Restaurant Reliable Cargo
Bernard Store Family Bakery Wilson Trading
Nepa SS Mart Pampagueña Manila Cinema
Pamilihang Pinoy Salad Master CWSS Canada
Bulakeña Grocery Best Bakery SunBreeze Travel
DGA Filipino Store Daily Bread Philippine Tropical
Tuong Phat Express

MISSISSAUGA and BRAMPTON

Dr. Victoria Santiago & Kalayaan Cultural CRD Institute
Associates Community Centre Gateway Centre
Aristokrat Karaoke Yuan Ming Dr. Christina Gamo
Restaurant Turo-Turo Dr. Solon Guzman
Ellen’s Place Sunmart Dr. Mabutol
Asian Flavours FV Sweets Dr. Gorospe
Feliciniana Restaurant Manila Bakery Dr. Annette Simbulan
Tres Marias Restaurant Something Sweet Orcel Store
Rendevouz Resto Oriental (China Town) BASKETBALL FREE-THROW CHAMPIONS: District 95 of the Ontario Knights
Triple AAA of Columbus headed by District Deputy Jaime Libaque and District War-
Sizzling Plate Restaurant Hing Grocery Dr. Coronel
HotStyle den Ruben Cruz held their Basketball Free-Throw district level competition
Happy B-Day Cake New Asia
Hot Cutz Hair Salon February 17 at St. Richard Catholic School along Bellamy Road North in
Halo-Halo Store Debt Clinic
Fantastik
Scarborough. The winners, their age categories and schools are as follow:
Sige Store Bayanihan BOYS--Jude Picache, 9, of St. Agatha School; Nicholas De Vera, 10, of Domi-
Omni Store Golden Island Freight Jee-Leah Store nic Savio School; Alwayne Lucas, 11, Elizabeth Simcoe; Eric De Guzman, 12,
Cinesuerte & Gen. Services Cinerama Dominic Savio; and Merrick Newell,13, St. Agatha. GIRLS-- Sara Valerio, 9,
Elizabeth Simcoe; Megan J. Manalo, 10, Cardinal Leger; Tricia Ampofo, 11,
READ THE PAPER ONLINE AT St. Boniface; Calyssa Burke, 12, Dominic Savio; and Victoria Dumo, 13, St.
Jean de Brebeauf. The district champions will compete in the next Regional
manilamediamonitor.com Level scheduled to be held in Oshawa February 27.
FOR AD INQUIRIES and PLACEMENTS,
CALL 416-285-8583
SPORTS February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 25

Fil-Am speed skater wins bronze in Winter Olympics

Filipino-American Anton Ohno (2:11.072) by the Associated Press, told AP. speed-skating/athletes/ bid instead of going to
J.R. Celski bagged a and gold medalist Lee the Fil-Am acciden- According to his Van- j.r.-ce…) college.
bronze medal in the Jung-Su of South Korea tally slid into the boards couver 2010 page, Celski Celski was unable to After the Games, he
Short Track Speed Skat- (2:10.949). feet-first, with his right started with inline skating compete in the 2006 Win- said he plans to take up
ing category of the 2010 The half-Filipino foot jamming into his at age 3. He transferred to ter Olympics because he business or architecture
Olympic Winter Games half-Polish speed skater, left thigh on impact. His short track speed skating missed the minimum age at University of Califor-
in Vancouver, Canada. coached by Jae Su Chun, skate blade sliced deep, in 2002 after seeing Ohno requirement by 17 days. nia Berkeley.
Nineteen-year-old Larry Daigault and Jim- nearly hitting his femoral compete in the the 2002 He graduated from The Vancouver 2010
Celski, who represented my Jang, also entered the artery. Winter Olympics. (www. secondary school in 2008 Winter Olympics runs
the US, battled from Men’s 5000 m Relay and “When I was laying vancouver2010.com/ but chose to concentrate until February 28.
an injury he sustained Men’s 1000 m. out on the ice, I was in olympic-short-track- on his 2010 Vancouver
5 months ago to finish Celski’s Olympic defeat at first. I thought
third with a best time of dream was nearly snuffed my whole career was
2:12.460 in the Men’s by an accident at the US over. I guess in those
1500 meters, according Olympic trials when he moments we truly define
to the Winter Olympics suffered a deep slice in ourselves. I pushed for-
website. his thigh all the way to ward and I knew I could
He trailed silver med- the bone. do it. I guess that’s why
alist American Apolo According to a report I recovered so fast,” he

Filipino-
American J.R.
Celski bagged
a bronze med-
al in the Short
Track Speed
Skating cat-
egory of the
2010 Olympic
Winter Games
in Vancouver.

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
Mila V. Echevarria Program or Business
Immigrant Program?
Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant
Member, Canadian Society of Immigration Are you a live in caregiver
Consultants in Canada and needs
assistance with your
Tel.: (416) 590-7465 Ext.127 application for permanent
Email: mila.echevarria@canada-world.com residence?

CWO-Immigration
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 February 2010
Arnel Cruz of LOMBARD CANADA with his wife, Norma Cruz- President of
the Tayug Association of Ontario, presenting a cheque for $3,677.50 to Quin-
tin Palisoc- President of the Pangasinan Association of Canada, as Lombard
Canada’s donation to the typhoon victims of Pangasinan, Philippines.
Vancouver City Mayor Gregor Robertson (3rd from left) with Vic Asuncion,
Philippines Canada Trade Council (PCTC) Adviser, Mike Calingo, PCTC Pres-
ident; and Manny Ilao, PCTC Secretary, who were invited by Robertson and
the city council to the Vancouver House - LiveCity on February 18, 2010.
PEOPLE & EVENTS
While Buddy Ibe is very busy with his accounting practice in Toronto, he
finds time to return to the community his blessings by volunteering in or-
ganizations benefiting his comunity. In Toronto, he works with the Philip-
pine Independence Day Council, the Association of Filipino Canadian Ac-
countants, National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants
and the Rotary Club of Scarborough, among other organizations.With him in
photo is his wife, Josie Dayao, who likewise shares Buddy’s passion for the
good of the community. In spite of their busy time, Buddy and Josie contin-
ue to find time in pursuing personal recreational interest, such as ballroom
dancing. The couple moves about very gracefully and a wonderful sight at
the dance floor. (Ace Alvarez)
AMONG THE HARDWORKING VOLUNTEERS OF PIDC: From left, Gene
Elamparo, Rory Elefano, Bennie Diccion, Leonie Manzanares, PIDC presi-
dent Minda Neri, Aris Elefano and Jimmy Marasigan/ (Photo: Ariel Ramos)
 February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 27

LILAND INSURANCE INC.

Sponsored by
1996-2009 TOP MGA IN CANADA AWARDEE
Registration is on going for the next batch
call: 416-759-5453 x-222
28 Manila Media Monitor February 2010 MONEY

Finance minister cracks down on from buying homes, it

doesn’t drive a lot of
ernment-insured mort-
gage to 10 per cent from

speculators, tightens mortgage rules new homebuyers out of

OTTAWA - Finance rowers will have to meet
Minister Jim Flaherty the standards for a five-
is tightening mortgage year fixed-rate mortgage
rules to crack down on even if the interest they
speculators and discour- are paying is less.
age homeowners from The government will
taking on too much debt. also limit the amount
The minister said he Canadians can borrow
is responding to grow- on their homes from the
ing concerns that Can- current 95 per cent of the
ada’s housing market is value to 90 per cent.
overheating, although And to discourage
he stresses there is no speculation, prospective
bubble in Canada’s real- homebuyers who want to
estate market - yet. purchase a property for
“There’s no compel- rental purposes will have
ling evidence of a hous- to come up with a 20 per
ing bubble, but we’re cent downpayment, in-
taking proactive, prudent, stead of the current five.
measured and cautious Flaherty said he has
steps today to help pre- been told anecdotally of a
vent a housing bubble,” tendency among specula-
Flaherty said Tuesday. tors to purchase multiple
The finance minister condominium units and
says all borrowers will not live in any of them,
need to meet stiffer cri- which he says drives up
teria to take out mort- prices overall.
gages. “We’re not aiming here
In order to qualify for at investment properties”
an insured mortgage, bor- such as rental units, he
said. “What we’re getting
at is the speculation in
multiple-condo markets,
in particular.”
Economists warned,
however, that it will be
difficult for lenders to de-
termine on which side of
the line buyers fall.
For most Canadians,
particularly first-time
owners who don’t have a
lot of cash to put down,
the change that will most
impact their home-buy-
ing choices is the higher
affordability test used by
banks to determine credit
worthiness.
Already, banks use the
three-year fixed mortgage
rate to test whether a pro-
spective homebuyer can
afford to meet payments
even if the actual inter-
est being charged - such
as in a floating mortgage
- is significantly less.
Now, the test will go to
the five-year rate, which
is about one percentage
point higher.
In practical terms, it
means that on the average
$337,000 home, home-
owners will need to have
the financial means to ab-
sorb an additional $2,500
in mortgage costs a year,
the TD Bank says.
Flaherty said the addi-
tional cushion was need-
ed because interest rates,
which are at historic
lows, have only one way
to go - up. Most econo-
mists expect the Bank
of Canada to move off
its lower-bound 0.25 per
cent policy rate in July.
But the change does
not effect mortgage costs,
noted TD’s deputy chief
economist, Craig Alex-
ander.
“All this change does
is limit the size of the
mortgage you are go-
ing to be able to get; it
doesn’t prevent people
the market and it doesn’t
lead to higher payments,”
he explained.
“It means if you are
thinking of buying a
$400,000 home, you may
have to buy the $350,000
one.”
In a release, the Cana-
dian Association of Ac-
credited Mortgage Pro-
fessionals said it supports
the amendments, calling
them preventative mea-
sures against possible fu-
ture risk.
The new rules are in-
tended to come into force
on April 19.
In recent months,
economists have advised
the minister to clamp
down on the size of mort-
gages Canadians were
taking on, and to cool the
housing market which is
at record levels in both
prices and sales.
Some wanted the gov-
ernment to take firmer
steps, including raising
the minimum downpay-
ment to qualify for a gov-
five. Another suggestion
the government could
have taken was to reduce
the amortization period
from the current 35 years,
which would have raised
mortgage costs.
The minister, how-
ever, said he wanted to
choose a middle ground
at this moment, but left
open further measures if
housing prices approach
bubble territory.
“On the one hand we
don’t want to discourage
Canadians from home
ownership,” he said.
“On the other hand we
do want to discourage a
tendency by some to use
their homes as an ATM
machine, and a tendency
by some to buy three
and four condominiums
by way of speculation.
These are not the kind of
steps that fulfil the goal
of affordable home own-
ership.”
Manila Media Monitor
Tel. (416) 285-8583

Canadian knee implant portunity for the Philip-

pines’ Medical Tourism
design and manufactur-
ing capabilities, linked
Filipinos in North Amer-
ica, Europe and Asia who

developer to locate Program and the orthope-

dic and medical commu-
with modern materials,
make the BMT Implant
may want to invest in the
BMT-JV Company and

operations in RP nities,” he added.

New Implant
DesignThe radical and
Project a major oppor-
tunity for Filipino firms
wishing to enter into the
spearhead further de-
velopment of the BMT
range of implants and to
BMT Medical Tech- Amb. Jose Brillantes Orthopedic Hospital is a newly-designed BMT highly skilled and poten- initiate Surgical Trials
nology, Inc., a Canadian said that the Philippine desirable one,” Brillantes Knee Replacement Im- tially profitable Medical and product distribution
R&D company in Toron- Embassy is greatly inter- said. plant outdates many old- Implant Manufacturing throughout the World.
to that designs, manufac- ested in seeing this proj- According to Bateman er-designed implants and and Distribution mar- BMT Medical Tech-
tures and tests orthopedic ect realized in the Philip- the manufacturing, quali- it is anticipated it will kets. nology Inc. is a Toron-
implants for humans is pines. ty control, sterile packag- cause a dynamic and pos- Philippine Corporate to-based private R&D
locating its manufactur- “The vision of setting ing, training, distribution itive shift in the success Investment BMT is seek- company incorporated in
ing operation to the Phil- up a privately-owned or- and Surgical Trial ef- rates of Total Knee Re- ing to form a joint ven- Ontario.
ippines. thopedic rehabilitation forts will be moved from placement (KTR) surger- ture with Investors from The BMT Knee is an
This was disclosed re- facility dedicated to knee BMT’s Toronto facilities ies and will dramatically Philippine-based compa- extension of the design of
cently by the company’s and other joint replace- to Manila. increase Patients’ Quality nies in both the Philip-
president, James Bate- ments, perhaps in coop- Bateman said, “BMT of Life. pine medical and invest- KNEE
man. eration with the National sees this as a major op- Recent computerized ment sectors, including continued on p. 15
 February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 29

Calgary-based firm Sonsona falls in title bid

invests in RP’s natural
Mayol keeps world title after foul blow

resources
Calgary-based cop-
per producer TVI Pacific
Inc. has announced that
its Philippine affiliate,
TVI Resource Develop-
ment Philippines, Inc.
(TVIRD) entered into a
heads of terms agreement
with Dacon Corporation
of the Philippines.
The agreement cov-
ers the establishment of
a joint venture to conduct
exploration, development
and production of min-
eral deposits in the area
covered by TVIRD’s ap-
plication for exploration
permit No. 61 project,
otherwise known as the
Greater Canatuan Tene-
ment.
The joint venture
interest will be 70%
TVIRD and 30% Dacon,
with TVIRD acting as the
operator.
The partners will fund
an exploration program
in the Greater Canatuan
Tenement for a period of
two years amounting to a
maximum of US$2 mil-
lion, to be shared in ac-
cordance with their inter-
ests in the venture. (TVI
Pacific Inc.)
Manila Media Monitor
Tel. (416) 285-8583
MANILA -- Marvin for the vacant
Sonsona has suffered World Boxing
a disappointing fourth Organization
round knockout loss at (WBO) 122lb
the hands of local hero crown.
Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in But starting
their 12-round world su- in the second
per bantamweight battle canto, Sonsona
Sunday at the Coliseo surprisingly
Ruben Rodriguez in stood still in
Bayamon, Puerto Rico. front of Vazquez
The 19-year-old Son- and did so the
sona showed more su- rest of the way
perior skills as he con- that gave the
trolled the opening round Puerto Rican
with his stiff jabs and left fighter enough Marvin Sonsona
straights that bothered distance to con- Sonsona
Vazquez in their battle nect. Staying in the ropes continued on p. 32

The benefits of a tax plan – solicitation to buy or sell

any investments. Con-
your circumstances. For
more information on this
tant, Rhowena Adolfo,
Tel. (416) 558-3078, or e-

now and in your future

tact a financial advisor topic please contact your mail : Rhowena.Adolfo@
for specific advice about Investors Group Consul- InvestorsGroup.com.

This fact of life prob- perspective to save on tax bill.

ably won’t surprise you:
The number one expense
for nearly every
Canadian is … taxes.
However, it is very pos-
sible to legitimately save
on taxes now and in the
future with the right tax
plan.
Good tax planning
is all about perspective.
Too often – and espe-
cially with tax deadlines
looming – people fixate
on the short term. Their
perspective narrows to
getting that tax return in
on time, obsessing about
tax credits, or desper-
ately trying to come up
with as much money as
possible to fill up that
very desirable Registered
Retirement Savings Plan
(RRSP) contribution
room.
All of that is very im-
portant, of course – but it
is not tax planning, it is
tax preparation. A com-
mon dictionary definition
of “plan” is: a system for
achieving an objective; a
method of doing some-
thing that is worked out
in advance. That is tax
planning.
It takes a long-term
taxes now and in the fu-
ture, to maintain your tax
payments at the most op-
timal level, to avoid sur-
prises – and to keep more
money in your pocket
over the long term.
Here are just a few ex-
amples of your planning
options:
You already know that
an RRSP contribution
delivers the biggest tax
break available to most
Canadians but maybe
you shouldn’t maximize
that deduction on your
next return. If your tax
burden is manageable
this year. And if you
know that you will be in
a higher tax bracket in a
few years (RRSP contri-
bution room can be car-
ried forward indefinitely)
when the deduction will
be more valuable.
- You are nearing re-
tirement and you know
that you are likely to gen-
erate more retirement in-
come than your married,
or common-law partner.
Consider contributing to
a spousal RRSP – a strat-
egy that can equalize re-
tirement income streams
and lower your combined
- You have children.
Plan to invest child tax
benefits in a child’s name.
The income earned is tax-
able in the hands of the
child who may not have
enough income to gener-
ate a tax bill.
- You expect to get a
fat tax refund. That’s not
necessarily a good thing.
It means you’ve loaned
your money to the gov-
ernment tax-free. Con-
sider requesting a reduc-
tion of taxes withheld at
source.
Tax preparation is un-
avoidable, but the right
tax plan will make that
yearly task much less
taxing.
Wrap your tax plan in-
side your overall financial
plan and you will be well
on your way to achieving
your life and financial
dreams. Take control --
your professional advisor
can provide the perspec-
tive you need to succeed.
This column, written
and published by Inves-
tors Group Financial Ser-
vices Inc. (in Québec – a
Financial Services Firm),
presents general infor-
mation only and is not a

KNEE from p.3
the famous 3M-Bateman
Hip, designed by the late
Dr. James Bateman, a
Toronto orthopedic sur-
geon, known for shoul-
der, nerve, feet and hip
work.
Bateman co-founded
the Orthopedic & Ar-
thritic Hospital in Toron-
to and traveled the world
teaching surgeons about
the merits of the hip’s de-
sign.
The Bateman Hip pat-
ent resulted in sales and
installation of an estimat-
ed 700,000 hips.
BMT will license cer-
tain territories such as
ASEAN, China, India,
North & South America
and Europe over the next
few years.
Its business develop-
ment effort is also sup-
ported by the Canada aging Director, BMT
Philippines Business Medical Technology Inc.
Council (CPBC) head- at james@bmtorthopae-
quartered in Toronto. dics.com. (Canada Phil-
For further infor- ippines Business Council)
mation, please contact
James Bateman, Man-
30 Manila Media Monitor February 2010

On-line resource for

continually to add more gration Canada (CIC) ered in partnership with
information on services funds a number of ser- provinces, territories and

newscomers explanded
From finding infor- and
newcomers will likely be vices, including language community-based orga-
searching for when they training, employment nizations. Since 2006,
first arrive. related assistance and the Government of Can-
Settlement services community service refer- ada has tripled immigrant
Multiculturalism newcomers to Canada lo- are an essential part of rals to help newcomers settlement funding, after

‘‘
mation on how to start Minister Jason Kenney cate settlement services the federal government’s settle, adapt and integrate it had been previously
a new business to open- announced recently. in their community, as immigration program. into Canadian society. frozen for years. (PR-
ing a bank account, there This resource could well as find a range of Citizenship and Immi- These services are deliv- CIC)
are many steps new- easily be found at www. other federal, provincial,
comers take to success- servicesfornewcomers. and territorial govern-

Who is rich? He that is content. Who is

fully make their way in cic.gc.ca. ment services.
Canada. Now, an internet Kenney said, “This Newcomers will be
resource has been created
for newcomers to help
can only increase their
chance of successful in-
able to e-mail the results
of their searches to them- that? Nobody.
them quickly and easily tegration within their selves, family members
– Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
find a range of govern- new communities, and or other newcomers, mak-
ment services, in addi- this is an important goal ing it easier to keep track
tion to settlement servic- for Canada.” of their search results.
es, in their communities, The Services for New- This on-line resource will
Citizenship, Immigration comers resource helps be updated and expanded

ONE GOOD DEED: (L-R) Norma Armas-Lewis has always been a photogra-
pher at heart and finally decides to seek mentorship from professionals in
lieu of formal school training in photography. Responding to her need are
Larry Torres and Paul Esguerra of Innovation Video and Photography, who
take time to pass on their knowledge of the art to Norma; a commendable
action, indeed! (Ace Alvarez)
PEOPLE & EVENTS February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 31

Filipino caregiver wins 20,000

Air Miles
CALGARY -- It was
another ordinary day here
for Filipino caregiver
Annelyn Caturas, who at
first ignored the call from
Western Union’s agency,
but as the call persisted,
she finally picked up and
found out, that day was
not very ordinary after
all – she just won 20,000
Airmiles! As a current
Airmiles member, she
knows what that means –
a whopping $6,000 worth
of Airmiles rewards!
“I couldn’t believe
my ears when the caller
informed me of my win-
nings. At first, I thought
it was a scam. Who
wouldn’t? The prize was
too good to be true!”
Annelyn narrated. “But
then, the caller took me
back one month in the
past and reminded me of
Western Union’s previ-
ous promotion: the “Text
to Win Airmiles last De-
cember.”
“It all came rushing
back to me. I remem-
ber sending money to
the Philippines through
Western Union from
Safeway, North Hill Mall.
I remember seeing the
flyer that announced the
promotion and I remem-
ber texting my MTCN to
88898. I’m really excited.
I never imagined I’d win
this”
Last February 6, at the
Safeway, North Hill Mall,
Western Union officials
Chito Gonzalez,Graham
Terryberry and Safeway
officials Arnie Felker and
Rod Goodfellow erased
any trace of disbelief in
Annelyn’s mind as they
awarded her the grand
prize cheque, witnessed
by her employer and a
few of her friends. Now,
Annelyn doesn’t have to
worry about her round-
trip airfare to the Philip-
pines, her prize is more
than enough to cover that.
A little shopping from
Airmiles’ fabulous selec-
tion of rewards wouldn’t
hurt as well.
Western Union ran
the 20,000 Air Miles
Giveaway promotion
from October to Decem-
ber 2009 across Canada.
Contestants could enter
by texting “MILES” and
entering the last 4 digits
of their Western Union
transaction number.
“The Air Miles pro-
motion is a perfect fit for
us. Air Miles provides
great rewards and incen-
tives for Western Union
consumers who are ex-
cited to connect with
their loved ones,” said
Joycelyn David, Senior
Marketing Manager of
Western Union Canada.
“At Western Union we
pride ourselves on mak-
ing a difference in peo-
ple’s lives, and we are de-
lighted to award Annelyn
with 20,000 Air Miles.”
A similar promotion
from Western Union
was launched the same
FILIPINO CAREGIVER IN CALGARY WINS 20,000 AIR MILES POINTS WORTH
$6,000: Annelyn Caturas of Calgary receives her prize from (R-L)) Chito Gon-
zalez, Graham Terryberry and Safeway officials Arnie Felker and Rod Good-
fellow as the winner of Western Union’s “Text to Win Airmiles”, which run
during the last quarter last year.
time last year where motion nationwide, open through Western Union -
Western Union remit- not just for Filipinos, but Safeway locations across
ters to the Philippines to everyone who remit Canada. Another exciting
could text their MTCN through Western Union. one is the “Balikbayan
to 88898 for a chance to The chances of a Fili- Box” promotion where
win cash. A handful of pino winning were slim. one monthly winner will
lucky winners underwent To have a Filipino win receive a box full of
the same experience as it speaks volumes about treats and have it shipped
Annelyn’s, that of mis- Filipino loyalty to West- to his/her preferred loca-
giving to overwhelming ern Union, a worldwide tion in the Philippines for
delight, especially when brand they trust and have free! Prizes keep com-
they finally received their been trusting for years. ing. As they do, more and
prizes. But what makes Again, Western Union more Western Union us-
Annelyn a special winner promotions abound this ers, Filipinos included,
is that, not only was the year. Gift cards of $5 are keep smiling. (PR)
Airmiles prize exponen- being awarded for every
tially higher, it was a pro- four remittance made

CPBC names As an entrepreneur, Dr.

Rayel established Oikos
ogy, particularly in using
the Internet platform for

special advisors
Global, which produces conducting council board
his award-winning game meetings, webminars and
inventions — the Oikos fora.
Game Series, Actus Tale, The CPBC is a non-
Fikloo, and Wordigy. He profit national organiza-
The President of Can- Switzerland and Liech- heads Soar Dime Ltd that tion whose membership
ada Philippines Business tenstein (2005-2009). operates Positive News consists of corporations
Council (CPBC), Forte Collette was also the Media, Oikos’ Insights! and individuals dedicat-
Gerardo, announced re- Prime Minister’s Per- Michael G. Rayel and Psychedu.com. ed to the promotion and
cently the appointments sonal Representative for As an author, Dr. practical development
of two distinguished the Francophonie, Direc- mate of American Board Rayel has written widely- of business and trade
Canadian professionals, tor, Trade and Investment of Psychiatry and Neu- received psychiatry re- between Canadian and
former Canadian Ambas- for the Middle East and rology with sub-specialty view books and also con- Philippine companies in
sador to the Philippines Africa and Director for certifications in Geriatric ducts webinars on mental various industries. Its of-
Robert Collette and Dr. Investment and Science and Forensic Psychiatry health and emotional in- fice of the national presi-
Michael Rayel, as special and technology. and Psychosomatic Med- telligence for parenting, dent is located in Aurora,
advisors to the council Within the CPBC icine. He trained at New personal, and career suc- Ontario. Its administra-
board. Robert Collette board, the former Cana- York Medical College, cess. For his expertise, tive office is located in
RCBI provides advice dian envoy to the Philip- New York University Dr. Rayel will advise Ottawa. For membership
to Canadian companies twelve years with the pines would be asked to Medical Center, and Har- CPBC on matters related information, please visit
doing business in Asia Canadian International help Canadian compa- vard Medical School. to Information Technol- http://canphil.org
and Europe with a par- Development Agency, nies with their exports to
ticular emphasis on Chi- including postings to and investment activities
na, the Philippines and Yaoundé and Kuala Lum- in the Philippines. HIS 50TH! Paul Gatchalian
Switzerland. He is also a pur. A medical doctor, Mi- marked his 50th birthday
with a joyful and colourful
member of several Advi- He joined the Depart- chael G. Rayel is a Cana- gathering at St. Thomas
sory Boards and serves in ment Foreign Affairs dian of Filipino origin, More Parish Hall in Scar-
borough recently. Pic-
the board of directors of and International Trade and is a Clinical Assistant ture shows the celebrant
Canadian companies. (DFAIT) in 1986. His Professor at Memorial standing 3rd from left as
Collette had a distin- career at DFAIT includ- University of Newfound- he and his guests and
well-wishers join in thank-
guished diplomatic ca- ed as Canada’s Minister land (MUN) Discipline ful prayers led by Nelly Si-
reer for 37 years and re- (Trade), Canadian Em- of Psychiatry. cat. Others, from left, are
his son Jerico, wife Loida,
tired from the Canadian bassy, Beijing (1997- Dr. Rayel also serves and son Justin. Inset pho-
foreign service in Sep- 2000), Ambassador to as the Chief of Psychiatry to shows the celebrant
seated. With him are wife
tember 2009. the Philippines (2000- at Dr. G. B. Cross Memo- Loida, Arthur Fernandez
At the onset of his ca- 2003), Chief of Protocol rial Hospital of Eastern who emceed the program,
and well wisher Perla An-
reer with the Public Ser- for Canada (2003-2005), health based in New- daya.
vice of Canada, he spent Canada’s Ambassador to foundland. He is a Diplo-
32 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
As car owners know too
well, car ownership adds up
to the annual family budget.
We can, however, reduce the
costs of car ownership by
properly maintaining our ve-
hicles. Starting this month, I
am writing a regular column
for Manila Media Monitor
to help lessen the expensive
costs of repairing and main-
taining readers’ cars., drawn
from my – and customers’
many years of experience in
the car industry.
Let’s start with the ba-
sics, such as tire rotation and
regular tire pressure check.
Plethore LC-750: First Canadian-made
Supercar presented in Canada
The first Canadian Supercar
finally presented in Canada
The first Canadian Supercar
was presented in Canada dur-
ing the Canadian International
Auto Show, February 12 to 21.
Plethore LC-750 is the first Canadian-made Supercar conceptualized, developed and manu-
factured in Quebec. (Photo: HTT Technologies, Inc.)
The Plethore LC-750 was
designed, developed and man-
ufactured in Quebec by HTT
Technologies Inc. and is the
first model that the innovative
company offers to enthusiasts
of exceptional cars.
Before its debut at the Cana-
dian International Auto Show
This simple
and inexpensive
Car Ownership
service on your Made Easy
vehicle will in-
crease your safe-
RAFAEL NEBRES
ty and save you
money. Rotate your tires &
It is important
to rotate your tires check tire pressures
to evenly distrib-
ute the wear, pro-
long the life and maintain will vary depending on the
even performance. model year, engine and type
Proper tire pressure en- of use of your car. Consult
sures optimum fuel con- your Service Advisor to
sumption and prevents pre- determine your interval re-
mature/uneven tire wear. quirements.
Maintenance intervals The following are some
at the Metro Toronto Conven- the car’s every detail down to
tion Centre, the Plethore was each curve and line of the new
presented at the Barrett-Jack- three-seater supercar with cen-
son Autoshow in Scotsdale, tral driver position.
Florida, January 17 to 24. Sébastien Forest, president
The first Canadian Supercar, of HTT said, “comments were
the Plethore LC-750 literally unanimous and it is with great
stole the show at the Barrett- optimism that we start the year
Jackson Autoshow. The HTT 2010. Our presence in Toronto
team is extremely satisfied to will be the perfect occasion to
have signed a few orders, but become known at home in Can-
more so, with the public’s im- ada. We are extremely proud to
mense enthusiasm towards the finally present our Plethore to
vehicle. the Canadian public.”
The audience devoured The Canadian International
Restaurateur Rey Sunga (left) sits with
journalist and Philippine Press Club-
Ontario (PPCO) president Tenny Soria-
no and his wife, Myrna, while the couple
dine at the Aristokrat Restaurant on
Wilson Avenue in North York, Ontario.
Sunga -- who operates the restaurant,
took the opportunity to discuss with the
PPCO president the organization that
Filipino businesses in the Wilson and
Bathurst area were organizing aimed
at improving the area as a hub to serve
the needs of Filipino consumers.(Manila
Media Monitor Photo)
reasons why you
should rotate your
tires and check
tire pressures.
- Front
wheel drive ve-
hicles place the
burden of weight
and wear on your
front tires.
- If your tires
qualify for any ‘manufactur-
er’ warranty, you must dis-
play proof of tire rotations.
- Tires wear at different
intervals, so, they need to be
rotated regularly.
- Under-inflated tires
AutoShow in Toronto was the
first Canadian event in which
HTT participated in, enabling
journalists and visitors to ad-
mire the Plethore LC-750.
2010: A promising year
Forest comments, “2010
will be a big year for HTT. We
have already pre-sold almost
all our first year’s production.
We will begin assembling in
the next few weeks for deliv-
eries in the Fall. We will also
make our European entry next
April at the “Top Marques Mo-
naco Autoshow”.
The HTT letters were origi-
nally selected to mean High
Tech Toys. The involvement
MARVIN SONSONA
from p. 29
most of the time in the fourth
round, Sonsona was caught
with a vicious left hook to the
body that floored the Filipino
youngster that saw referee Luis
Pabon reach the count and of-
ficially end the bout at 2:01.
Sonsona, a major awardee
of the PSA Annual Awards for
winning the world superfly-
weight crown last year, drops
to 14-1-1 with 12 knockouts
while Vazquez improves to 18-
0-1 with 15 KO’s.
Over in Guadalajara, world
light flyweight Rodel Mayol
was taken out of the Coliseo
Olimpico on a stretcher but
with the World Boxing Council
‘‘
belt still with him.
That’s because Mayol, who
is also a PSA awardee, was hit
Before God we are all equally
wise - and equally foolish.
– Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)
drastically reduce your fuel
mileage and cause your tires
to wear prematurely and un-
evenly.
- Over-inflated tires
give you a very hard ride
and cause your tires to wear
prematurely and unevenly.
REMEMBER, YOUR
TIRES ARE THE ONLY
PROPERTY THAT CON-
NECTS YOUR VEHICLE
TO THE ROAD – KEEP
THEM AND YOUR PAS-
SENGERS SAFE!
Another way to make
your “car ownership easy”.
of the enterprise, however, in
the transformation of the auto
industry transformation era
brings an updated meaning –
High Transformation Trans-
port.
The Toronto Auto Show al-
lowed HTT to solidify its roots
and demonstrate to the Cana-
dian public that the exotic car
market is not reserved exclu-
sively for European
Car enthusiasts said the
Plethore LC-750 is a work
of art and has often been
compared to a Picasso on 4
wheels. The Plethore retails at
Cdn$395,000. (Ace Alvarez
@ The Canadian International
Auto Show)
by a foul blow in his 12-round
light flyweight title defense
opposite Mexican Omar Nino
Romero.
In what was shaping up as an
action packed bout, referee Vic
Drakulich ordered a break after
Mexican Omar Nino Romero
hit Mayol with an obvious low
blow in the third round.
But just before Drakulich
could physically step in, Rome-
ro instantly threw a strong left
hook to Mayol’s face that sent
knocked the Filipino out cold.
WBC officials later came
up with the conclusion that
Romero’s punch was indeed
illegal and declared the fight a
technical draw.
With the way the bout ended
a rematch between Mayol (26-
3-2, 20 KOs) and Romero (27-
3-2, 11 KOs) is expected to be
announced. (Manila Bulletin)
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
Future Folk
Welcome to Canada!
Now get to work.
The Theatre Passe Muraille presents “Future Folk”
which will give the audience an evocative experience
of life from the perspective of the Filipino nannies in
Toronto.
Future Folk uses elements of traditional Filipino
folk dance and storytelling to dramatize the
trials and tribulations faced by these brave
women.
Written and performed by the Sulong
Theatre Collective, the play is committed to
telling stories by, and about, women of col-
or and with this, “Future Folk” -- their first
production, they focus on the stories of Fili-
pino nannies living and working in Toronto
within the 24-month odyssey that is the LCP
(Live-in Caregiver Program).
When originally formed, the collective
devoted much of their time to telling and lis-
tening to the folk stories of yesterday with an
eye to finding what the Filipino folk story of
today would be. They unanimously decided
it was the nanny struggle. Immediately, they
began exploring the shapes and images that
would illuminate this story.
Two years ago, when Catherine Hernandez, Artis-
tic Director Sulong Theatre Collective, proposed the
story to Andy McKim, Artistic Director of Theatre
Passe Muraille, she only had a few sparse images, and
yet the conversation lasted hours.
“Future Folk” encompasses many elements of The-
atre Passe Muraille’s mandate; and in a season about
Toronto, it would be madness not to include this pow-
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
presents North American Premiere of The
Monster Under the Bed by Kevin Dyer
LKTYP is pleased to present the North American
premiere of Kevin Dyer’s “The Monster Under the
Bed” -- a hilarious and touching new comedy about
facing your fears.
The Monster Under the Bed will be presented on
the Mainstage beginning March 8 for a limited run.
Ben has BIG problems. His Mom is acting grumpy,
Max Out on Your
Promotional and
Marketing Efforts.
Get Combo Ad Rates
for Television,
Newspaper &
Radio.
Call (416) 285-8583
February 2010 Manila Media Monitor
erful and illuminating story of these often
forgotten women. “Starting with that first
meeting,” Hernandez said, “I have been
excited about the prospect of this unique
presentation. It brings alive a world within
Toronto that few of us have any real knowl-
edge about.”
The women of Sulong had three rules
when they began the Future Folk journey:
first, the story must give them goosebumps; second,
their props must fit inside their green Loblaws box;
and third, all sound elements must be live.
Karen Ancheta spoke about the goosebump meth-
od, saying, “if it rings true, we get goosebumps and
we know snap—we hit it!”
The show is deeply personal for all members of the
collective and it is a story they are compelled to share.
As Ancheta said, “when it is a part of your culture and
heritage, it is all personal!”
Future Folk takes the audience on a transformation-
al journey designed to alter their perception. “I want
people to have more empathy for the Filipino women
his former best
friend Vince
has stolen his
precious bin-
oculars and
his Dad is far,
far away... oh, and there’s a monster under his bed.
But this monster is aching to see the outside world so
when Ben swaps places with the under-bed monster,
Ben’s life – and his school – is turned inside out, and
upside down.
This play was first presented as a staged reading
in April 2008, at the John F. Kennedy Center for Per-
33
that they see on the street pushing baby-strollers or
carrying multiple children-to be able to see them as
people” Ancheta said.
Future Folk’s exploration of life under the notori-
ous LCP is a story that is completely relevant to us in
Toronto today.
“Sulong” means “battle cry” in Filipino. For the
Sulong Theatre Collective, their battle cry is in the
form of multi-disciplinary performances that shout,
wail and scream on behalf of brown women every-
where. The opening of Future Folk, February 24, is
also the launch of Sulong as a company. The collec-
tive members have a wide range of experience and
diverse talents:
Catherine Hernandez is the daughter of
Cecille Estioko Hernandez, who is a pio-
neer of Filipino Folk dance and education in
Canada. Catherine grew up while traveling
the country and dancing. She was the play-
wright in residence at Theatre Passe Muraille
in 2008/2009 and her play Singkil (which
premiered at Factory in the 2006/2007 sea-
son) was nominated for 7 Doras.
Romeo Candido was part of a Filipino
troupe called Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe
and of Folklorico Filipino Canada – both
of which are the largest dance companies
in the country. Romeo is also an accom-
plished musician and director.
Karen Ancheta is both an actor and di-
rector and her credits as an actor include
Singkil with fu-Gen and Loves Labour Lost
at Stratford. Karen also assistant directed
People Power at Theatre Passe Muraille.
Aura Carcueva is a playwright and actor, she co-
wrote the Fringe hit Baggage and performed in The
Place Between for Native Earth and The Tiger of Ma-
laya at Factory.
For tickets and reservations, please call (416) 504-
7529. (Heather Ervin, Theatre Passe Muraille)
forming Arts in Wash-
ington D.C., as part
of New Visions/New
Voices. Also read at
this same festival was
the LKTYP-commis-
sioned play, Pobby
and Dingan by Paula
Wing.
The Monster Un-
der the Bed premiered
Nina Lee Aquino
LORRAINE continued on p. 34
34 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
Alunsina Art Exhibit at
the Kapisanan Philippine
Centre for Arts and
Culture
The Alunsina art ex-
hibit, featuring the multi-
disciplinary debut of
four young and talented
Filipina artists, is ongo-
ing until March 6 at the
Kapisanan Philippine
Centre for Arts and Cul-
ture in the heart of Kens-
ington Market.
Artists Desiree Gamo-
tin, Kristina Guison, Fle-
rida Peña and Daryl Anne
Panganiban present their
work in installation, pho-
tography, performance
art, visual art and film.
The exhibit is inspired
by the pre-colonial cre-
ation myth of the Filipina
goddess Alunsina and
focuses on issues of iden-
tity, cultural heritage and
female empowerment
faced by the artists as
young women of color.
The artists are the
second group of Filipina
women to be mentored
by an artistic community
of playwrights, visual
artists, graphic design-
ers, poets, musicians,
theatre artists and film-
makers under Clutch, the
free six-month, intensive
signature arts mentorship
program created and run
by the Kapisanan Philip-
pine Centre for Arts and
Culture. This is the sec-
ond year of the Clutch
program, which is sup-
ported by the Ontario
Arts Council.
The Kapisanan Philip-
pine Centre for Arts and
Culture is a youth-led
organization that fosters
leadership and positive
Filipino cultural identifi-
cation through arts pre-
sentation and profession-
al development. Nestled
ARTS / ENTERTAINMENT
LORRAINE
from p.33
and Costume Designer:
Camellia Koo; Lighting
writing sessions; an ex-
magazine and newspaper
Designer: Michael Wal- journalist, an actor and a
at Polka Theatre in Lon- ton; Sound Designer: theatre director. Kevin is
don in June of 2009. Romeo Candido; Stage an Associate Writer for
Directed by Nina Lee Manager: Stephanie Na- Action Transport Theatre
Aquino. Featuring Ma- kamura. (U.K.) and was recently
rie Beath Badian, Darrel
Gamotin, Danny Mac-
Donald, Paul Sun- Hyung
Kevin Dyer is a Brit-
ish playwright with over
forty commissioned
short-listed for the pres-
tigious Brian Way Award
for his radical reworking
in one of the most vibrant Lee, and David Yee. plays behind him. He’s of Coleridge’s The Rime
and diverse enclaves in Movement Consul- also a published poet; a of The Ancient Mariner.
Toronto, Kensington tant: Clare Preuss; Set leader of many creative- (PR)
Market, the Kapisanan
Philippine Centre for Arts
and Culture has grown to
become a focal point for
arts mentorship, arts and
cultural workshops and
events.
The exhibit opened
on February 20 with
Kapisanan’s Executive
Director Caroline Man-
gosing and the Clutch
Program coordinator
April Aliermo giving
their remarks, followed
by a screening of
The Kapisanan Phil-
ippine Centre for Arts &
Culture is located at 167
Augusta Avenue. The
gallery hours are 1-8 PM
on Wednesdays through
Fridays and 1-6 PM on
Saturdays.
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 35

They may be small but they more than make up for

it with their colossal spirit, their bravery and their kind
hearts - qualities that make them true heroes. Known
as the PANDAY KIDS, they are the new generation
GMA Pinoy TV Salcedo, Yogo Singh, and Migui Jimenez.
PANDAY KIDS features the adventures of three
Presents ordinary kids - Oliver, Hadji, and Charlie - who are
chosen by the age-old prophecy to fight and save hu-

Carlo J. Caparas’
of superheroes who will band together to protect the manity from the evil forces of Lizardo.
legendary sword and save the world from the clutches Mischievous but incredibly nice, Oliver grows up

PANDAY KIDS
of evil. rejected by his mother Rosanna. Born out of rape,
On February 24, GMA Pinoy TV started to bring Oliver bears the brunt of his mother’s anger but never
the most anticipated treat to Filipinos around the world fails to love and care for her. He represents the heart
with the grand launch of PANDAY KIDS - a spin-off of the Panday Kids.
to the celebrated masterpiece of Komiks King Carlo Representing the valor of the Panday Kids is Hadji,
J. Caparas, “Ang Panday.” a handsome Muslim boy gifted with martial arts and
Set to deliver excellent and refreshing performanc- sword-fighting skills. Along with his sister Fatima,
es as the series’ main leads are Julian Trono as Hadji, Hadji was caught in the conflict in Mindanao.
Sabrina Man as Charlie, and Robert “Buboy” Villar The well-off and beau-
as Oliver. tiful Charlie represents the
Making this premium Caparas creation at par wisdom of the group. She
with the highest standards of Philippine television is, however, unhappy with the
is the star-studded cast headlined by the charac- fact that she’s adopted. Charlie wants to
ters in the immortal world: Mr. Christopher de find out where she comes from but her real iden-
Leon as the Teacher; Ms. Iza Calzado as Maria tity is kept secret by her grandmother.
Makiling; JC de Vera as Aureus, Polo Ravales As they take over Flavio’s - the original Panday --
as Cicero, Ryan Eigenmann as Andreas, Jack- mission, how will Oliver, Hadji and Charlie embrace
ie Rice as Sarah, Jose Manalo as Mambo, and the prophecy conferred on their lives? Who are the
Marvin Agustin as Lizardo. allies and traitors they will meet in their adventures?
Adding star power to the cast are the sea- Can the three kids fulfill their task and end Lizardo’s
soned actors who play important roles in the reign?
mortal world: Gelli de Belen as Rosanna, In preparation for their roles, Julian, Sabrina and
Tirso Cruz III as Atty. Augusto Luna, Pen Robert underwent painstaking martial arts and sword-
Medina as Lolo Tasyo, Marissa Delgado as fighting lessons under stunt director Larry Ang, an
Doña Guada Salcedo, Nanette Inventor international Wushu expert. Larry has also directed
as Fidela, Bernard Palanca as James, and choreographed martial arts films in Hong Kong,
Isabel Granada as Tessa, Rich Asun- Korea, and China.
cion as Fatima, Akihiro Sato as Under the helm of Director Mike Tuviera, to-
Eugene Yamamoto, and Ms. gether with Suzette Doctolero as head writer,
Jolina Magdangal as Ola. PANDAY KIDS boasts of top-notch pro-
Completing the A-list cast duction values with production design
are child actors Ella Cruz, created by Rodell Cruz and exceptional vi-
Nikki Samonte, Cruzita sual effects by Imaginary Friends and Santelmo Inc.

PAHALANG
1 Paningin BATID WIKA
4 Isauli 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 Uno
11 Hamak 9 10 3 11

12 Gamit sa pagsulat 12 13 14 15
14 LPG
16 Guwapong lalake 16 17 18

18 Kalis
19 Rico at Bobby 19 20 21

20 Napansin
22 20 23
22 Aklat ng mga mapa
24 Masaklap 24 25 26 27
26 __ Miguel,
Bulacan 28 29 30

28 Maton
CM & Associates celebrated February with a “Ms. Pinoy Gay Valentine” at the 29 Usad
31 32 33

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 75, in Toronto. The winners from among the
31 Bati sa Hawaii
candidates in top photo are (not in order) Donna - Ms. Pinoy Gay Valentine; 34 35

Nina - 1st Runner-up; Charmaine - 2nd Runner-up; Charmaine - Ms. Talent; 33 Artistang
Kristina - Ms. Photogenic; and Donna - Best in Swimsuit. Among the judges Montenegro 36 37

to the pageant were (L-R): Sue Mills, Cid Ammad, Isabel Aperocho and Eva 34 Uri ng musika
Agpaoa. (Photo: Larry Torres) 35 Gilit
36 Ibasura
Sagot sa Batid Wika sa Pahina 38
37 Hagis
PABABA
1 Indipendiyente 17 Batay 26 Dating pangulo
2 Ilak 21 Uri ng gulay ng Ehipto
3 Panimplang butil 22 Uri ng isda 27 Gapas
5 Bitbit sa eskuwela 23 Senador na Edgardo 28 Pahayag
6 Pangkuwenta ng 24 Libo 30 Param
Tsino 25 Palengke sa 32 Bundok sa
7 Kamandag San Juan Davao
8 Pagbibilad sa
nilabhang damit
10 Puntirya
13 Nimpa
15 Renta
36 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
My Dear Toronto
By Mario Dimain
It was in the last snowy
days of winter in 1975;
the CN Tower was still
under construction, near-
ing its completion when I
arrived in Toronto. I was
young, fully unaware that
in the next few weeks,
another chapter would
unfold in the history of
the city that I had chosen
to be my new home.
In the early spring that
followed, I witnessed
the defining moment.
From the window of a
sign shop on King Street
West where I landed my
first job, I was in awe as
I watched the huge heli-
copter position the final
top section of the CN
Tower, making it the tall-
est free-standing struc-
ture in the world, a record
it held for over 30 years.
Now, more than three
decades later, the iconic
landmark of Toronto
is still standing mighty
proud, reflecting the un-
dying pride of Toron-
tonians and the rest of
Canada. It always stands
there enduring all four
seasons.
Like a lighthouse, it
patiently waits and untir-
ingly welcomes the ar-
rival of new immigrants,
who in their own way
would contribute to the
continuing progress of
the city, bringing new
ideas and harmony to the
city’s diverse society.
In the years that I have
lived in Toronto, I with-
stood the test of 35 win-
ters. The first one was the
toughest. I was not pre-
pared for it, but the great
opportunities that the city
had to offer kept me un-
daunted to resist the cold.
I am glad I stayed. With
Toronto’s rich heritage,
colourful cultural events,
special exhibits and di-
rect interaction with vari-
ous ethnic communities,
I learned so much about
the world without travel-
ling the world. Toronto is
indeed the city of all na-
tions.
Toronto is my home.
It is here in this great city
REFLECTIONS
without
hesitation, I
winners’ gallery. But the
most honourable part at
highly con- the reception that eve-
sider my- ning was being among
self as a To- the amazing photogra-
rontonian as phers who effectively
do my wife conveyed the spirit of To-
and three ronto’s Diversity through
daughters. the lens of their cameras.
The To- Our collective images
rontonian have formed a beautiful
pride that I mosaic that in itself is an
always car- art that truly embodies
ried with the essence of multi-cul-
me was tural society in Toronto.
well defined On behalf of my fel-
Photo by Mario Dimain by Mayor low photographers whose
Miller’s passion in photography
where I planted my roots. the specially designated speech at the City Hall’s and love for the city equal
I got married here; all my Sesquicentennial TTC Rotunda on January 18th mine, I extend our heart-
children were born here streetcar sporting red, 2010, when he acknowl- felt appreciation to all of
and they grew-up see- white and blue stripes, edged all of the talented the creative minds at City
ing the rapid growth of adorned with a wooden photographers and their Hall who collaborated in
downtown skyscrapers birthday cake perched winning images in the organizing such inspiring
and contemporary archi- on its roof. I remember “Building a great city – to- categories for the most
tecture that continually the Filipino immigrant, gether” Photo Contest. challenging theme.
re-shapes the cityscape assigned by the Toronto I feel deeply flattered Thank you, Toronto,
of Toronto. Transit Commission to that two of my entry pho- for the great opportunity.
I remember when To- airbrush the image of the tos were included in the
ronto outgrew the city City Hall on both sides of
boundaries and became the streetcar. I remember ERRATUM
a mega city that included how proud he was in con- In our January 2010 issue, the article “Alay
North York, East York, tributing his talent to the Concert - A Labor of Love”was erroneously
York, Etobicoke and city’s historic celebra- credited to Rev. Bob Rosales. It was written by
Scarborough. tion. Fr. Ben Ebcas, Pastor, Our Lady of Assumption
How can I forget the I am that Filipino im- Church, Toronto, ON.
City’s 150th Celebration migrant. I am now a citi- Manila Media Monitor regrets the error.
in 1984? I can still see zen of this country and -- Ed.
REFLECTIONS
Friends and relatives join the family of Mila Magno (2nd from right) and
her husband, Oswald (right, background), in prayers and reception on the
occasion of the 40th day after the passing of Mila’s mother, Helen Soriano-
Alvarez. The gathering was held at the Magnos’ residence in Mississauga,
Ontario. (Photo: Rene Sevilla)
Because of Love
A brother and sister
had made their usual
hurried, obligatory pre-
Christmas visit to the lit-
tle farm where dwelt their
elderly parents with their
small herd of horses.
The farm was where
they had grown up and
had been named Lone
Pine Farm because of the
huge pine, which topped
the hill behind the farm.
Through the years the
tree had become a talis-
man to the old man and
his wife, and a landmark
in the countryside. The
young siblings had fond
memories of their child-
hood here, but the city
hustle and bustle added
more excitement to their
lives, and called them
away to a different life.
The old folks no lon-
ger showed their horses,
for the years had taken
their toll, and getting
out to the barn on those
frosty mornings was get-
ting harder, but it gave
them a reason to get up in
the mornings and a rea-
son to live. They sold a
few foals each year, and
the horses were their rea-
son for joy in the morn-
ing and contentment at
day’s end.
Angry, as they pre-
pared to leave, the young
couple confronted the old
folks “Why do you not at
least dispose of The Old
One.” She is no longer of
use to you. It’s been years
since you’ve had foals
from her. You should cut
corners and save so you
can have more for your-
selves. How can this old
worn out horse bring you
anything but expense and
work? Why do you keep
her anyway?”
The old man looked
down at his worn boots,
holes in the toes, scuffed
at the barn floor and re-
plied, “ Yes, I could use
a pair of new boots. His
arm slid defensively
about the Old One’s
neck as he drew her near
with gentle caressing he
rubbed her softly behind
her ears. He replied soft-
ly, “We keep her because
of love. Nothing else, just
love.”
Baffled and irritated,
the young folks wished
the old man and his wife
a Merry Christmas and
headed back toward the
city as darkness stole
through the valley. The
old couple shook their
heads in sorrow that it
had not been a happy vis-
it. A tear fell upon their
cheeks. How is it that
these young folks do not
understand the peace of
the love that filled their
hearts?
So it was, that because
of the unhappy leave-
taking, no one noticed
the insulation smoldering
on the frayed wires in the
old barn.None saw the
first spark fall. None but
the “Old One”.
February 2010 Manila Media Monitor 37
In a matter of min-
utes, the whole barn was
ablaze and the hungry
flames were licking at the
loft full of hay. With a cry
of horror and despair, the
old man shouted to his
wife to call for help as he
raced to the barn to save
their beloved horses. But
the flames were roaring
now, and the blazing heat
drove him back. He sank
sobbing to the ground,
helpless before the fire’s
fury. His wife back from
calling for help cradled
him in her arms, clinging
to each other, they wept
at their loss.
By the time the fire
department arrived, only
smoking, glowing ruins
were left, and the old man
and his wife, exhausted
from their grief, huddled
together before the barn.
They were speechless as
they rose from the cold
snow covered ground.
They nodded thanks to
the firemen as there was
nothing anyone could
do now. The old man
turned to his wife, resting
her white head upon his
shoulders as his shaking
old hands clumsily dried
her tears with a frayed
red bandana. Brokenly
he whispered, “We have
lost much, but God has
spared our home on this
eve of Christmas. Let us
gather strength and climb
the hill to the old pine
where we have sought
comfort in times of de-
LOVE
continued on p. 38
38 Manila Media Monitor February 2010
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After all, it is real and
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The world offers great
LOVE from p.37
spair. We will look down
upon our home and give
thanks to God that it has
been spared and pray for
our beloved most pre-
cious gifts that have been
taken from us.
And so, he took her
by the hand and slowly
helped her up the snowy
hill as he brushed aside
his own tears with the
back of his old and with-
ered hand.
The journey up the
hill was hard for their old
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tegrity for a new sale.
To trade our devotion
for a quick thrill. Only to
pursue again because we
bodies in the steep snow.
As they stepped over the
little knoll at the crest of
the hill, they paused to
rest, looking up to the top
of the hill the old couple
gasped and fell to their
knees in amazement at
the incredible beauty be-
fore them.
Seemingly, every glo-
rious, brilliant star in the
heavens was caught up
in the glittering, snow-
frosted branches of their
beloved pine, and it was
aglow with heavenly
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its top most bough, a
crystal crescent moon
glistened like spun glass.
Never had a mere mortal
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such as this. They were
breathless as the old man
held his wife tighter in
his arms.
Suddenly, the old
man gave a cry of won-
der and incredible joy.
Amazed and mystified,
he took his wife by the
hand and pulled her for-
ward. There, beneath the
tree, in resplendent glory,
a mist hovering over and
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glowing in the darkness foals were frightened and loved she had not disap-
was their Christmas gift. dashed about. The skittish pointed. Her body was
Shadows glistening in yearlings looked back brittle with years, tired
the night light. at the crackling, hun- from the climb, but the
Bedded down about gry flames, and tucked golden eyes were filled
the “Old One” close to their tails under them as with devotion as she of-
the trunk of the tree, was they licked their lips and fered her gift …
the entire herd, safe. hopped like rabbits. The Because of love. Only
At the first hint of mares that were in foal Because of love. Tears
smoke, she had pushed with a new years crop of flowed as the old couple
the door ajar with her babies, pressed uneasily shouted their praise and
muzzle and had led the against the “Old One” as joy... And
horses through it. Slow- she moved calmly up the again the peace of love
ly and with great dig- hill and to safety beneath filled their hearts. (Ed.’s
nity, never looking back, the pine. And now, she lay Note: Although informa-
she had led them up the among them and gazed at tion available states that
hill, stepping cautiously the faces of the old man this is a true story, the au-
through the snow. The and his wife. Those she thor is unknown)
Sagot sa BATID WIKA
M A T A I B A L I K
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
HER 75th! Perla Anda-
A I S A A B A U
9 10 3 11
ya (2nd from right, front
row) celebrated her
L A P I S G A S U L
12 13 14 15
75th birthday February
20 at a gathering ten- A D O N I S K O P A
16 17 18
dered by her children
Y A N N A P U N A
19 20 21
at Super Buffet King in
Scarborough. Among
A A T L A S A
22 20 23
those shown with her
in photo are her chil-
M A P A I T S A N
24 25 26 27
dren Tito and Nenette,
Raul and Mira, Gemma
S I G A G A P A N G
28 29 30
and Arnold Russell,
A L O H A N A D I A
31 32 33
Noel and Josie, Arnel
and Regie and Ramil
B R A P I W A R
34 35
and Mark.
I T A P O N I T S A
36 37

The creative process leading to “Step Up and Stop
Domestic Violence” campaign poster
The cycle of domestic
violence can be broken.
The first step is to rec-
ognize that the problem
exists in all communities
and to find a way to do
something about it.
The Toronto Police
Service is committed to
helping stop domestic
violence. It is a crime
against not only against
the victim, but also
against all family mem-
bers, especially children
and the elderly who
witness these horrible
events.
In January 2005,
members of the Domes-
tic Violence Section of
the Toronto Police Ser-
vice approached Pro-
fessor Paul Shecter of
Seneca College at York
University, who instructs
a course called “Graphic
Arts for Social Change”
in the three-year Graphic
Design Program. This
course is unique in Can-
ada, in that it is the only
community college that
teaches social marketing
from the perspective of
behavior modification.
Students are taught
the methodology of pro-
ducing effective mar-
keting and advertising
campaigns. It is very im-
portant that the resultant
graphic design work tar-
get a prevailing and cur-
Seneca students brainstorm and present their ideas before the group de-
veloping the campaign poster on domestic violence that are posted on bus
shelters, billboards and buses, among other places. Below, a collage of pho-
tos executed by Manila Media Monitor contributing editor Mario Dimain of
those who participated in the process leading to the final creative.
Bus Shelters
rent social issue. It was
therefore suggested that
this year’s class of stu-
dents address the issue of
domestic violence and in
particular, relate violence
February 2010 Manila Media Monitor
done extensive research
on the internet and by in-
terviewing Filipino wom-
en even before the class-
room sessions begun.
Mendoza said, “They
(students) were able to ar-
ticulate social issues sur-
rounding Filipino care-
givers and the challenges
of Filipinas victimized by
domestic violence.”
The challenge for the
students was how to best
portray domestic violence
to our target group.
Mendoza – who is
the Toronto Police Liai-
son officer for the Fili-
pino community, among
other Asian
communi-
ties, sug-
gested to
go out and
meet with
Filipino
community
agencies
or groups
who have
first-hand
knowledge
Billboards
among a Adam Muto, Megan
target audi- Petracco, Guiliano Ro-
ence. sati, and Umar Bacchus.
Police Whose task was to devel-
Constable op a poster to campaign
Philip Mendoza of the against domestic vio-
Toronto Police Mobiliza- lence in the Filipino and
tion Unit worked with a Korean communities.
group of talented young Mendoza admired that
people, among others, the students had already
Buses
Walls
of the issues.
Joy Sioson, Director
of The Philippine Wom-
en Centre of Ontario was
the first to step up and
offer the PWC-ON cen-
tre as the meeting place.
Flor Dandal, Director of
Kababayan Community
Centre also joined in for
the brainstorming ses-
39
sion. The students were
able to formulate a more
complete picture regard-
ing the experiences and
difficult situations facing
Filipino women.
The group of young
graphic designers said,
“This project has been an
incredible experience for
us. We have all learned
so much about both the
Philippines and Korean
communities, as well as
domestic abuse and how
it exist anywhere.”
On February 24, 2010,
the students presented
the finished product at
the Toronto Police Ser-
vice – Police College.
Each group had the op-
portunity to share their
experiences working
with community partners
and how they were able
to portray those experi-
ences in their design. On
hand for the event were
Directors and members
from Domestic Violence
Care Centres from Scar-
borough Grace Hospital,
Assaulted Women’s Hel-
pline, Women’s College
Hospital, Victim Services
and Tropicana Commu-
nity Services.
Any questions or con-
cerns may be addressed at
(416) 808-7071 or email
philip.mendoza@toron-
topolice.on.ca (Philip
Mendoza /Toronto Police)
Manila Media Monitor
Tel. (416) 285-8583
40 Manila Media Monitor February 2010