12

YEAR 12, No. 5 NOVEMBER 2008 Home Paper of the 1999 Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ and Writers’ Club Winner for Best Editorial Toronto, Ontario

INSIDE Crime-free Toronto? Blair: Turn in those guns

Ooops & Bloops (SEE PAGE 5)

Lost
papers, FVR TO FILIPINO-CANADIAN COMMUNITY

TRY
talangka
sa utak?

Photo: ARIEL RAMOS

-7

Read Manila Media

Monitor’s
Monitor ’s new
columnists
RICKY CALUEN

UST
and
JIMMY MONTEJO
- 11

Jaworski:
RP 5
needs
miracle to
be in 2010
Olympics
A BIG NOPE!
- 28 Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos ex-
plained that he was unlikely to do a PR job for the near-
ly four-century old University of Santo Tomas, a bastion
Dancing To Be A Star of Christian education in the Far East.
- 33 By U-S-T, Ramos referred to three key facets -- Unity
of purpose, Solidarity in values, and Teamwork in nation-
building -- that have seen a lot of community groups get
Pineda, Journey RP their programs and projects off the ground to become
concert in April? - 37 huge successes.
(To page 15) FORMER PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT FIDEL V. RAMOS

What?! Mexicans favor Pacquiao?

MANILA - Filipino ring sensation Manny “Pacman”
Pacquiao may have been nicknamed the ‘Mexican assas-
sin’ but when he steps in the ring against taller Oscar de la
Hoya in an HBO Pay-Per-View fight at the MGM Grand
in Las Vegas on Dec. 6, expect Mexican fans to root for
the reigning world lightweight champion.
No less than Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., son of former
world light welterweight champion Chavez Sr. of Mexi-
co, says Mexicans “are backing up Pacquiao.”
”I think de la Hoya is going to have a very tough time
with Pacquiao. He can win the fight, but my money is on
Pacquiao,” the young Chavez notes in a fightnews.com
report.
Chavez Jr. has recently kept his unbeaten record, beat-
ing Matt Vanda in their rematch, via a unanimous deci-
sion.
In another report, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says
OSCAR DELA HOYA MANNY PACQUIAO
“all the Mexicans want to help Pacquiao.”
(To page 30)
2 Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 3 CALENDAR
► NOV. 15: La Union Association In-

The gifts of Hope, of Joy, of Love, of Peace. duction of Officers.

► NOV. 15: Ontario Carolinians Officers
Ball, TBA, 6:30 p.m.
► NOV. 17 to 26: Fr. Efren Borromeo
Healing Services in Toronto.

May all these be yours Greetings from: ► NOV. 21: Talakayan Radio Fund-
raising Dinner-Dance, Century Place
Mall, 7 p.m.
during this ► NOV. 22: Philippine Independence
Day Council Appreciation Night, Korean
Season of Advent and Cultural Centre, 6 p.m.
► NOV. 22: Taguidin Association of

throughout the Canada Party, Scadding Court Commu-

nity Center.

New Year. ► NOV. 23: ABS-CBN TFCko Pasko

sa Toronto, Metro Toronto Convention
Centre, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
► NOV. 28: Canadian Ethnic Media
Association 30th Anniversary Season’s
Dinner, Golden Lion Banquet Hall, Eto-
bicoke, 6:30 p.m.
► NOV. 28: Filipino Centre Toronto
2009 Filipino Singing Idol Competitions,
First Round, FCT Rizal Hall.
► NOV. 30: Filipino Centre Toronto Dia-

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
PNB Remittance (2)
Dr. Evangeline M. Bernabe (3)
All Debt Solutions, Consulting (4)
Dr. Arla Rondilla Dentistry (5)
Dr. Albine A. Miciano Cosmetic &
General Dentistry (6)
Action Honda (7)
Kaakbay Financial Services (11)
Ellesmere-Kennedy Dental
Centre (12)
Amit Bhatia Credit Management
Services (13)
Dr. Roslyn Sabilano Dentistry (16)
Forex (17)
Photogs for Christ (18)
Henderson Weekes (19)
areyouindebt.ca (19)
JC Eye Care (19)
Zeny’s Birthday Bash (20)
RemitX (21)
Shun Fa Buffet King (22)
The Tropical Deli (22)
New Conservatory of Music (22)
Arota-Chung Wedding Wishes (22)
Gonzales Dentistry (23)
Lovely Travel and Tours (24)
UMAC Toronto (25)
Innovation Video/Photo (26)
Clem Cabillan (27)
Timeless Images (27)
Front Page Philippines (28)
OCDC Parcel Services (29)
Dr. Bernarda Rosales Verzonilla
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (29)
Fiesta Filipino (30)
LDV Computers (30)
Liland Insurance Inc. (31)
Dr. Miriam Bernacer (32)
Russell International (32)
T.H.D. Consultants (33)
musicpad.com (33)
CHIN Radio (34)
Seoul Driving School (34)
Roadsport Honda (37)
Superb Travel (37)
GMA Pinoy TV (39)
Dr. Santiago & Associates (40)
Fairview Dental Centre (40)
betes Seminar, Rizal Hall, 2 to 4 p.m.
► DEC. 6: Philippine Chorale Society
of Mississauga Pamasko Concert, First
United Church, Mississauga, 8 p.m.
► DEC. 6: Jenifer, Lilac, Emilio Christ-
mas Celebration Concert, Westminster
United Church, Mississauga.
► DEC. 13: Philippine Chorale Soci-
ety of Mississauga Pamasko Concert,
Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre,
Mississauga, 8 p.m.
► DEC. 13: Pillars Christmas Dinner-
Dance, Lady of Assumption Church.
► DEC. 13: Filipino Centre Toronto
Children’s Christmas Party,
► DEC. 20: Philippine Press Club -
Ontario Christmas Party and Celebrity
Night with Kol Hope Foundation, Inc.,
Casa Manila, 7 p.m.
(To page 34)

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4 NEWS Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008

Survey: Filipinos believe RP economy can’t get

worse; but fear of losing jobs, household incomes
By BERNIE A. CAHILES
MANILA - Fifty-three
percent of Filipinos think
that the current state of the
Philippine economy is as
bad as it’s going to get.
Close to ninety-four per-
cent have made cuts in their
spending habits while over
three quarters (67%) say
that their greatest fear is the
loss of their jobs and house-
hold incomes, according to
a recent survey by global
market research company
Synovate.
Exploring consumer at-
titudes and perceptions to-
wards spending habits and
the economy, Synovate
asked 1,000 Filipinos from
ages 15 to 64 across all in-
come levels in Metro Ma-
nila, as part of a global ‘State
of the Economy’ survey.
“Filipinos are definite-
ly a more resilient bunch,
having gone through many
tough times in the past,”
said Carole Sarthou, man-
aging director of Synovate
Philippines.
“This will be just anoth-
er storm that will eventually
blow over, hence they can’t
imagine how much worse
things can get,” Sarthou
said.
For instance, close to
two thirds of respondents in
the US (63%), Japan (63%)
and France (64%) believe
that their economy is going
downhill and will get worse
before it gets better com-
pared to only 24% of Filipi-
nos,” she added.
Filipino consumers,
asked if they had made
changes in their monetary
habits in the last six months,
said they were saving less
(38%), investing less (37%)
and generally spending less
on basic necessities and, in
particular, luxury items.
Over half (56%) admit-
ted that they had done less
impulse related buying in
the last six months.
“We found that Filipinos
were not the only ones to cut
back, as comparisons with
other Asian markets showed
that Malaysians, Japanese
and Taiwanese also shared
the same sentiments,” Sar-
thou said.
Close to three quarters
(65%) were paying more at-
tention to food prices with
a majority acknowledging
that they were more likely
tech gadgets (14%) were the
first items to be sacrificed.
While over half (65%)
of Filipinos asked said that
they were worried but could
not stop spending immedi-
ately, a bigger percentage
(71%) acknowledged that
they had made a life altering
decision such as postponing
marriage, having children,
moving house, changing
jobs and pursuing higher
education.
“It’s evident that the cur-
rent economic situation has
impacted the lives of every-
day Filipinos but in spite
of this worrying trend, the
people we interviewed were
WE JUST WANT PEACE. They never care about the global economic brou- generally determined and
haha. They don’t even know why they suffer the consequences of a long- upbeat with over two thirds
running deadly and devastating war between government soldiers and the (88%) agreeing that they
Bangsamoro mujahideen. All these women and children know is that when a would always find a way to
bullet is fired and a bomb explodes, they have to run for the safety of evacu- afford some items that make
ation camps -- with little in their stomachs and not much over their heads. them feel good,” Sarthou
added.
to check the price of their ries and income, over a people which items they had Synovate is the mar-
food items and make price quarter (26%) believed that given up and which other ket research arm of Aegis
comparisons with other food they were earning the same items they were prepared Group plc.
related products before mak- amount of money while to give up in the next six It generates consumer
ing a purchase decision. 33% said that they were tak- months in view of the cur- insights that drive competi-
“Interestingly enough, ing home lesser pays. rent economic situation. tive marketing solutions.
59% of Filipinos said they Thirty one percent of Survey results found that The network provides
have resorted to storing those surveyed indicated that eating out (22%), purchasing clients with cohesive global
more food at home in case they had earned more money big ticket items (15%) such support and a comprehen-
prices go up,” Sarthou said. in the last six months. as plasma TVs and electrical sive suite of research solu-
When it came to sala- The survey also asked appliances as well as high- tions. PNA

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 NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Blair urges end to gun, gang violence;
pushes Pixels to Pistol swap
Since the Toronto Po-
lice Service (TPS) began
its Pixels for Pistols gun
amnesty program on Oct.
22, at least 200 unwanted
forearms have been turned
in for police disposal and
kept away from the poten-
The Toronto Police Ser- tial misuse of gang mem-
vice presents to the bers and criminals.
public the guns it has This, TPS chief William
seized, as it renews its Blair disclosed, as he called
commitment to put to on law-abiding owners of
an end gun and gang unwanted firearms to go on
violence in Toronto. availing of the amnesty pro-
gram and receive a Nikon
digital camera in return.
The Pixels for Pistols
gun amnesty program, only
applicable to Toronto resi-
dents, would go on until
Nov. 23.
End gun to gangs
In an open letter sent
to community media and
coursed through Commu-
nity Mobilization Unit of-
ficer Constable Philip Men-
doza, Chief Blair said “we
don’t expect criminals will
surrender their firearms.
They are not the target of
our amnesty.”
“Our goal is to reduce
the number of guns in this
city which could fall into
the hands of criminals, guns
which are almost certainly
in the hands of law-abiding
citizens,” he said.
“Reducing the supply of
guns is only one step of our
strategy to reduce violence
in our communities,” Blair
said, adding “we must also
work to reduce the demand
for these guns.”
The police chief said
“criminal gangs that victim-
ize our neighborhoods must
be dismantled, and their
members prevented from
inflicting more harm.”
Henry’s: Giving back
The TPS has partnered
with Henry’s Camera for
the exchange -- through gift
cards -- of a Nikon Coolpix
digital camera for every gun
turned in.
In addition, Henry’s
would provide free pho-
tography lessons at its pho-
tography school to amnesty
participants.
Henry’s Cameras would
be marking its centennial
anniversary in 2009 and its
NEWS
owners saw the gun amnesty
program as a chance to give
back to Torontonians who
have supported Henry’s.
Turning in a gun?
The TPS said people
who give up firearms under
the amnesty would not be
subjected to criminal fire-
arm possession charges.
The police also called
on amnesty participants to
refrain from bringing guns
into any of the four Henry’s
location in Toronto or to
any police station.
The police said those
who wished to turn over
firearms should call the TPS
at 416-808-2222 between 7
a.m. and 7 p.m. to arrange
for the firearm pick-up.
Limited immunity
Although the amnesty
provided limited immunity
to certain possession of-
fences, it did not include
any other offence that might
be connected to a particular
firearm or individual, the
TPS clarified.
Firearms suspected as
crime guns would be inves-
tigated thoroughly, includ-
ing subjecting it to Centre
of Forensic Sciences bal-
listics testing, serial number
restoration if obliterated,
5
BLAIR
and a trace of the origin of
the firearm, the TPS said.
Secure weapons
In his open letter, Chief
Blair urged those who have
legally obtained firearms
“to take every possible step
to ensure their weapons are
stored safely and secured
against theft.”
He warned that crimi-
nals have targeted legitimate
gun owners to get guns.
He said at least 20 per-
cent of the guns the police
seized were smuggled into
Canada from the U.S.
“Sadly, 30 percent of the
crime handguns we seize
have either been stolen or
otherwise obtained from le-
gal gun owners in Canada,”
he added.. RGG
6 PEOPLE & EVENTS Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008

GK Appreciation Night awardees UP outstanding grads in Canada

ANCOP-Gawad Kalinga (GK) Canada president Ricky Cuenca cites various

individuals and groups that have been helping GK attain its vision-mission
during the GK Appreciation Night late October. Among those cited are (from
left) Philippine Press Club-Ontario president Tenny Soriano, Philippine Con-
sul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera, Rodel Ramos, Gene Elamparo,
Rosemer Enverga, Chat Bautista, Dory Ascano, Alex Ascano, Irma Cuenca
and Temi Pangilinan. PR
The University of the Philip-
The Philippine Artists Group
(PAG) of Canada is set to stage
1988.
Romi MananQuil is its
founding president. Succeeding
PAG ends 20th year fete pines Alumni Association in
Toronto has honored its out-
its first-ever Christmas-time
art show at the Neilson Park
Creative Centre in Etobicoke
him were Mogi Mogado, Toots
Quiachon, Dun Luna and Dong
with Pamasko art show standing alumni members
during its recent centennial
celebrations. UPAA president
from Dec. 13 to Jan. 4, 2009. Magalona. Noel Cruz (left) poses with
Although softstarting on In late April, PAG Canada awardees Romi MananQuil,
Dec. 9, the art show will formally staged Kulay Balikbayan at the Nanette de Villa, Nena Man-
open at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13, with Ayala Museum in Makati City, the eclang Nera, Herbert Gaisa-
guests of honor Philippine Philippines. Participating PAG no, daughter of awardee Dr.
Consul General in Toronto Canada artists included Antonio Leticia Rao representing her
Alejandro Mosquera, Philippine Afable, Maria Nellie Bautista, mother, and Francis Remen-
National Bank Remittance Cobie Cruz, Dun Luna, Dong tilla. Former Philippine Presi-
Canada head Feliciano Miranda Magalona, Romi MananQuil, dent Fidel Ramos was guest
and University of the Philippines Omel Masalunga, Toots Quiachon, during the UPAA centennial
Alumni Association Toronto Frank Tonido, and Nelia Tonido. ball. PR/ROSE TIJAM
president Noel Cruz. Earlier, PAG founding
Officers say the art show will president Romeo MananQuil
end the group’s 20th anniversary
celebration.
put up a solo exhibit Uniquely
Pinoy at the Corredor Gallery in Canadian Ambassador to Manila Robert Desjardins (left, in ADVERTISING?
coat and tie) finds time to visit the PAG Kulay Balikbayan art
PAG Canada was established
in Mississauga on June 12,
UP Diliman, Quezon City, the
Philippines. PR show at the ayala Museum in Makati City, the Philippines. Call 416-285-8583
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Of missing newspaper bundles,
talangka ang isipan, atbp.
A month ago, Manila Media
Monitor and other Filipino-
Canadian publications came
out with an article, entitled An
Appeal to all GTA Filipino
Newspaper Outlets calling on
them to be vigilant against a rogue
publisher who steals bundles of
competing newspapers for readers
to pick up.
The appeal was signed by the
president of the Philippine Press
Club-Ontario, Tenny Soriano, and
eight publishers of local community
papers, namely: this writer; Rose
Ami of Planet Philippines; Jose
Baking of Confidential, Tess
Cusipag of Balita, Ramon Datol
of Philippine Courier, Hermie
Garcia of Philippine Reporter,
Bin Kon Loo of Filipiniana and
Turing Muere of Likha News
Magazine.
Nowhere in the article was the
rogue publisher, nor his delivery
people, named.
At this point, this corner would
like to thank Rolly Cabrera and his
publication, Taliba, for explaining
how those bundles of newspapers
got lost in many outlets in the
ACE ALVAREZ
GTA.
From hereon, I am calling
on my fellow signatories to the
aforementioned appeal that should
you want to know next time
how bundles of your respective
publication were lost overnight,
please consult Rolly Cabrera,
our authority on missing bundles
of newspapers in various outlets
in the GTA. Maraming salamat,
kaibigan!
***
In the issue of Taliba dated
November 8-21, 2008, Taliba
stated, “Lahat ng diyaryo ay
nauubos dahil libre kahit ano
pa ito.”
Tama, kaibigang Rolly.
Ipaki-paliwanag mo rin sa ating
mga kapwa publisista, tulad ni
Mon Datol ng Philippine Courier
at ni Tess Cusipag ng Balita
kung paano naubos ang sinasabi
nilang 300 copies sa ilang outlets
na pinaglagyan nila nito.
***
The article in Taliba also stated,
“Maniwala kayo, naglagay kami
ng 2 bundles ng Taliba katumbas
ng 200 copies sa Oriental Market
sa Kennedy. Sumaglit lang kami
para hanapin ang manager sa
office, ‘pag balik namin nawala
na. ‘Yong janitor ang nagtapon sa
basura.”
Sige, Rolly, dahil ikaw din
lang ang authority, ipaliwanag
mo naman sa kapwa natin mga
publisista – nang sa gayon ay
nauunawaan nila, ang mga
nawawalang mga diyaryo sa
ibang outlets, other than Oriental
Market, Lone Tai at sa Soon Lee,
tulad ng nangyari sa Sampaguita
Restaurant sa Wilson, at maraming
outlets sa Scarborough.
At Sampaguita, Butch Galicia
and Tenny Soriano witnessed with
me what two publications were
there around 7:30 p.m. when we got
in, and … when we got out, there
were still two separate bundles
of two different newspapers, but
the second bundle was a different
newspaper from the one at the
time we got in.
***
The article in Taliba further
stated, “Ang Taliba ay inosente
sa mga isyung nilikha ng iba.
Ang lumpong tagapaglathala
NEWS
nito ay maginoo at ginagalang
ang lahat ng babasahing
Filipino.”
Teka … teka … Rolly. Wala
sa “appeal” na inilathala ng
mga pahayagan at ng mga nag-
imprenta nito na sinasabi kung
sino ang publisher at delivery
people. Bakit ganyan ang
artikulo mo?
***
Doon sa nauna mong artikulo,
sabi mo guni-guni lang ng mga
publisista ang mga nawawalang
bundles ng diyaryo.
E, bakit nga ba, very defensive
ka, e wala naman sa appeal na
ang paratang ay ipinatutungkol sa
iyo?
E, baka naman guni-
guni mo la’ng na ikaw ang
pinararatangan?
***
Taliba also wrote, “In the
past seven years, Taliba worked
hard to uplift the dignity of
fellow Filipinos.”
Ayan, dapat ipagpatuloy mo
ang magandang layunin na ito.
***
Before the appeal was
published, I sent an e-mail to all
Filipino-Canadian publishers on
October 2, content of which was
similar to what was published in
several publications circulating in
the GTA. In that message, I asked
for a “Read Receipt”.
The following were responses
from among the recipients: Turing
Muere sent a “Read receipt”
acknowledgment; Hermie Garcia/
Philippine Reporter pressed
and sent his “Read Receipt”;
7
Joe Baking did, too, with a note
“Ace, Sino ito? Nasa opisina ako
ngayon. But if I miss your call,
I will call you back.”; Rose Ami
also sent in a “Read Receipt”;
Filipiniana, likewise, pressed its
“Read Receipt”.
The other publishers totally
ignored the request for a “Read
Receipt”.
While most of them were
asking who the culprit was, either
on e-mail, or by a phone call, no
response as to the identity of the
culprit was disclosed.
Joe Baking phoned twice, but
I wasn’t around and talked to Gie.
He was told to ask me, but
I never returned Joe Baking’s
phone call.
Rose Ami also phoned and
inquired, but she didn’t get a reply
from Gie.
***
In your case, Rolly, you
responded on my e-mail on the
same day.
Again, I thank you for it, my
maginoong kaibigan.
Among others, you said
(in your words), “I READ
your MESSAGE address to all
Publishers: I hope TALIBA
have not created any trouble
on your MEDIA MONITOR
... my newspaper are almost
distributed far from the schedule
of other newspapers. Mostly my
instruction to all my delivery
guys must SHOW RESPECT
TO ALL hindi papatungan
ang ibang diario. Madalas
ubos na ang mga diaryo pag
(To page 16)
8 VIEWS
As managing editor of this
publication, I welcome two
great minds in the editorial team
of Manila Media Monitor,
namely Toronto-based writer
Ricky Caluen and Manila-based
journalist Jimmy Montejo – both
of whom Butch Galicia - editor of
this publication, and I have great
honor and privilege working with
in the past.
Butch and I have worked with
Ricky on several projects of the
Philippine Press Club-Ontario
(PPC-O).
A seasoned writer and
veteran community journalist,
Ricky served as editor of a
major community newspaper,
at the same time contributing to
Philippine national dailies and
travel magazines.
Ricky is a native of Iligan
City in Mindanao, and currently
writing a book on the history of his
native Iligan, incidentally a next
door neighbor in that Philippine
city of my cousin Mrs. Adelaida
Abragan (the former Adelaida
Soriano Medina), now based in
Los Angeles, California.
Ricky holds a tertiary
education degree from De La Salle
University in Manila, with major
in History and Political Science,
and took graduate courses in
International Relations from the
University of Toronto as a scholar
of the Rotary Foundation.
After learning that Ricky is
joining Manila Media Monitor
as a columnist, PPCO president
Tenny Soriano and his wife,
Myrna – who both have a good
deal of experience in print and
audio-visual media, honed at the
He is one of only a handful
of genuinely respected actors
that successfully straddles stage,
television and film.
He thoroughly understands
each medium because he is in the
business not for autographs and
fan shrieks but because he desires
to satisfy his artistry.
Even if he knows his
performing arts tri-media and
even if entertainment ran in his
arteries, Ricky Davao the father
is a totally different persona from
any of the hundred roles he has
thus far essayed.
Davao is an ardent believer in
individual freedom and in self-
expression, having been bred
in a family that allowed artistic
expression to bloom unfettered.
He therefore lets his three
children enjoy the good things
in life but only after he and wife
Jackie Lou have ascertained the
kids understand the whys and
wherefores of what they are
getting into.
He harks back to his own
independent life as a child, riding
the jeepney to school at Grade 3,
being shaken up by his first hold-
up at Grade 4 and going through
the rigmarole of adolescence
with only his widowed father and
siblings.
Television watching is one
activity where he exercises serious
paternal oversight.
The actor frowns on schools
that allow their students to freely
watch inane shows while in
school.
From The
Monitor’s Desk
Manila Media Monitor
welcomes two great
minds: Ricky Caluen,
Jimmy Montejo
National Media Production Center
(NMPC) of the Philippines, shared
their insights into Ricky’s, saying
that Ricky’s background will
bring to this publication a wealth
of experience in in-depth writing,
analysis and political perceptions
as they relate to Canadian and
Philippine experiences. Welcome
to Manila Media Monitor, Ricky!
***
As mentioned earlier, too, also
joining us starting this month is
Manila-based journalist Jimmy
Montejo, whom editor Butch
described as one great man he
has also had the honor of working
with at the PNA Desk and at the
National Press Club.
Jimmy was my classmate,
my buddy and one of my closest
friends at journalism school.
Later, our paths crossed again
at the professional level when he
and I worked together at the News
and Public Affairs Division of the
Roundabout
MAG CRUZ-HATOL
Celebrity father’s sense of
parenthood
RICKY DAVAO
He has seen public school
cafeterias with TV sets tuned in
to child-insensitive
especially at noontime.
programs
He has little respect for
ACE ALVAREZ
business and news station DXWB-
102.7 FM, with additional duties
for the news programming of
AM station DWEE, both stations
then being operated by Interlink
Communications (plus, a third
station, DYSR in Dumaguete
City), headed by newscasting icon
Bong Lapira.
After his stint at these radio
stations, Jimmy moved to DZHP
News; and while Butch has had
the honor to work with Jimmy at
the National Press Club, I had the
privilege to drink with Jimmy at
the venue occasionally at the 3rd
floor bar and restaurant.
Jimmy’s colorful journalism
career took him, too, to Times
Journal, then to Malaya as
defense reporter holed up at Camp
Crame with FVR during the five-
day EDSA Revolution in 1986.
PPC-O prexy Tenny Soriano
was likewise there, and confessed
to me recently that he wanted to
institutions that send students
to watch live variety shows on
the pretext that the activity is
educational.
He has seen how grade
schoolers make a pretentious token
visit to galleries and museums,
using these as restroom stops and
then spend a good part of their
educational tour day in malls and
live TV shows.
Edgardo Roces, president
of Anak TV, shares Davao’s
thoughts.
Roces has begun to wage
an uphill battle to nudge the
Department of Education to
shepherd its teachers into the barn
of TV literacy.
Despite the showbiz
environment he is accustomed
to, Davao still gets baffled at how
parents prod their pre-teen girls
to grind and dance suggestively
during parties, if only to prove
how smart and sassy the kids are.
“I am not a prude,” explains
Davao,” but I think I can tell what
Manila Media Monitor
be just an ant that very moment.
After Cory became president,
Jimmy joined the Herald Tribune,
followed by Daily Globe as
congress reporter.
From 1996 to 2003, Jimmy
was senior editor of the Philippine
Star, then shifted to public
relations where he now serves as
vice president of a fast growing
PR agency, but does freelance
writing on the side.
To Jimmy, who is also my
compadre (being godfather to his
oldest daughter Jehan), I welcome
you to Manila Media Monitor on
behalf of everybody in the paper.
***
One long-standing seminar that
the PPCO has planned to conduct
has at last come true on Saturday,
November 15 when interested
members of the organization
gathered at the OPSEU seminar
room on Wellesley Street in
downtown T.O.
Members were treated to a free
lecture on two important subjects
in our industry, namely, libel and
copyright issues under Canadian
laws, courtesy of the law offices
of Heydary Hamilton PC, through
lawyer Victor Opara and one of
the legal assistants of the firm,
Virgil Baisa.
As an officer and board
member of the PPC-O, I – together
with my fellow officers and board
members, thank our member
Edwin Mercurio for facilitating
this seminar, sharing his resources
and contacts for the benefit of
members who participated in the
seminar.
Edwin also invited an
(To page 16)
is in good taste and what is not.”
Home is where Davao sheds
his celebrity image, an image
he hardly enjoys because it goes
against his grain as an artist.
He is husband and father, first
and foremost, and his kleiglight
demeanor is left behind at the
studio.
His duties as a father extend
outside his home.
When the kids were at tender
ages, and both he and Jackie Lou
were out at work, he would make
occasionally calls to check what
the kids were doing, and ask what
they were watching.
Thankfully, not one the kids
became an incorrigible TV buff.
The eldest, an 18-year old boy,
watches a lot of entertainment and
educational programs but in his
adolescence followed the R18 and
PG notices.
Rikkimae, now a 14-year old
Poveda student, enjoys shows like
Friends.
The youngest, Arabella,
now 10, completes her day with
Nickelodeon programs and game
shows.
All the Davao kids are shy but
it is Arabella who seems to have
shown the keenest interest in the
industry but is not passionate
enough to even think of entering
it.
Davao makes certain that the
family watches TV programs
together when they are home.
“What I enjoy watching on
TV which I allow my kids to
(To page 37)
NOVEMBER 2008
Managing Editor
ACE ALVAREZ
Editor
BUTCH GALICIA
Associate Editor
GIE ALVAREZ
Contributing Editors
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Manny Freires
Ben Viccari
Mag Cruz Hatol
Pete Lacaba
Mel Tobias
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Dods Andrada
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Edwin Acuna
Bien Garcia
Jeannie Pilapil
Eva Agpaoa
Mario Dimain
Noel Perada
Larry Torres
Chito Sarabia
Account Executive
MYRNA SORIANO
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Philippine Communication Facility
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NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Commentary
OPINION
Thank You,
RP Supreme Court Ibrahim wants to know
To Mr. U.S. President-elect
By ATTY. FATIMAH BIN GUERRA Barack Obama, my heart goes
with you on the four-year journey
Thank you, Honorable Chief Justice and Associate Justices for you and your supporters have
showing us how justice works in (the Philippines). made.
Thank you for issuing the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) During the recent US
on the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA- presidential campaign, I was very
AD), for showing to the Filipino people how fast you can actually much aware that many churches
act upon cases filed by powerful politicians like Emmanuel Piñol and other puritanical supporters
and Celso Lobregat. of hellfire and brimstone hold so
Indeed, the speediness at which you have acted on this case was great a power over voters.
extraordinary and phenomenal. One has only to view
In three months time, you have struck down a document which objectively the recent spate of
took more than ten years of painstaking negotiations (between documentary films on the subject,
the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to be convinced that here is a clear
[MILF]) to accomplish. and present danger to democratic
Thank you, too, for helping MILF base Commanders Ameril institutions and their adherents.
Ombra Kato and Bravo recruit more fighters and supporters. Now, as I celebrate your
Your decision vindicated what they have always believed from victory with millions of other
the very beginning -- that this government (under President Gloria North Americans, I caution you
Macapagal-Arroyo) will never be sincere in talking peace with the and your followers to look on the
Bangsamoro people. nature of your enemies.
Now we are faced with the world’s longest running armed con- The zealots of the Bible Belt
flict that sees no resolution in sight. won’t go away. Over the next four
Thank you for condemning Mindanao as the next Afghanistan years, they’ll do everything they
or Darfur in Asia. can to smear Obama as a “liberal”
As you said, you went farther to rule on the constitutionality of and a “socialist.”
the MOA-AD as it involves a matter of transcendental importance. I look at their blind beliefs
And for the guidance of everyone, you struck down the MOA with a shudder. Judging from the
as unconstitutional. activities of these people, I believe
Scouring on the voluminous pages of your decision including their actions, left unchallenged,
the separate, concurring and dissenting opinions, one could not help could lead to drastic measures.
but ask, “where is the guidance?” Such ideological movements
Thank you, Supreme Court for making us realize that we still all lead to enslavement of free
have a lot to learn from the history of Mindanao ... that we still have
a long way to go in healing the wounds of the past, in correcting
the historical wrong committed against the Bangsamoro and indig- The Chinese have a saying and
enous peoples. it is: May you live in interesting
Thank you if you can agree that some of you could use a great
deal of refresher in the History class of Prof. Rudy Rodil, a well-
respected historian and scholar who by the way is now a persona
times.
This past month has indeed
been interesting. October 2008
non grata in his own home city in Iligan. will travel through history with the
But that’s not something new. Jesus Christ himself was also a stigma as the start of a worldwide
persona non grata in Nazareth. economic crisis.
Hear ye, hear ye, Supreme Court of the Philippines, thank you What began as a tragic, but
for making us understand that the minority definitely has no place seemingly contained, US housing
in this country.
This was glaring in the series of Oral Arguments where you gen-
crises, has blossomed to become
a conflagration touching almost
erously provided ample time to lawyers, politicians, mayors, sena- every country and individual
tors and generals to argue against the MOA-AD. worldwide.
Yet, no single Moro soul has ever been allowed to speak about No doubt, years of analysis lay
her own identity, the desecration of her culture, the militarization ahead as scholars try to understand
of her community and the blatant discrimination that she feels as a what happened and why. But we
Muslim Filipino. are faced with the reality today.
Is this the kind of equality that the blind-folded lady of justice As governments frantically
bears? work to stem the growing crisis,
What an ostentatious display of fair play, Honorable Justices! we, as individuals, are left to bear
Thank you also for reigniting the fire of animosity and hatred the cost and the burden.
between Christians and Muslims. The financial markets have
The resurgence of fanatical and anti-Muslim local vigilante ceased and, simply put, this means
called Ilaga (rats) came not as a surprise. banks are no longer confident
Local politicians, exploiting your decision, unleashed this men- about lending money to other
ace in order to curb the Bangsamoro’s quest for justice. banks which, in turn, are afraid to
Thanks to the 10,000 shotguns the other Puno (Ronaldo) in the lend to business (small and large)
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) distrib- which, in turn, no longer have the
uted to arm the civilians. cash to grow or even meet current
The theater of communal violence in the ‘70s is now showing obligations.
again. Consumers (and that’s you
Can (Chief Justice Reynato) Puno ‘TRO’ the other Puno, too? and me) will find it increasingly
Thank you for helping these politicians secure their interests difficult to get loans for cars,
over vast tracts of lands they have grabbed from the Moro people. mortgages and other goods and
(To page 27) services.
Without access to the debt
ADVERTISE with instruments they have grown
accustomed to, consumers will
Manila Media Monitor spend less, further exasperating
an already bad situation.
Call 416-285-8583 For example, without access
to loans for car purchases, fewer
VIEWS
BEN VICCARI
thought and create terror in the
name of God. That’s why the
Taliban thrives.
I believe statistics will
eventually show that the youth
vote influenced to the outcome of
November Fourth.
Mr.President-elect, our two
nations, as individual political
entities must not forget that we
are North Americans, too. You can
help us, we can help you.
The role that youth played
in this election will certainly
be studied by many learned
commentators, but whatever
happens we need to know how to
make our own Canadian youth get
off its collective butt.
***
One of the things I find curious
about Prime Minister Harper’s
recent cabinet appointments is
his raising the number of cabinet
ministers from 31 to 38.
He has included a number of
achievers, but also wash-outs like
Stockwell Day, Rona Ambrose
and Peter McKay.
To please local interests, he is
still giving a nod to persons who
do not deserve to be in cabinet.
Thirty-eight? That’s getting
close to a third of all Conservative
Our Journey
Tough times? Don’t panic
cars are sold which in turn means
the auto companies will lay off
workers to reduce costs.
It’s a spiral leading us into
a recession and could easily, if
bold government action is not
taken, lead us into a full blown
depression.
Even seemingly good news
has a poisoned underbelly.
Recently the price of gas has
gone down substantially (as I
write this, the average price in
Toronto is 93 cents).
That’s good news from a few
months ago when the average
price was nearly $1.40.
But the reason for the decline
is bad news.
The financial markets have
concluded that we face a severe
economic downturn -- less
manufacturing, less production,
fewer goods transported.
This translates into less demand
for fuel to power factories, move
goods. So with less demand for
fuel, the price is dropping.
It is interesting to watch the
actions of the US government.
9
Members of Parliament now
sitting.
Now with another eight of
them, the government must find
funding for their offices and staff -
for everything from paper clips to
new stationery to a bar for visiting
firemen.
With a cash-strapped
government operating in what
the Prime Minister persists in
denying is a recession, how can
the government justify this extra
expenditure?
Perhaps, when this minority
government decides it is time for
a change, the Tories’ next election
strategy could be embodied in
a new slogan: “Get elected and
become a cabinet minister!”
A cabinet minister for every
Tory household. Just think of
that.
***
In a taxi driving me home
last month, I found Ibrahim, the
driver, conducive to conversation
and asked him how he had fared
during the recent Canadian
Thanksgiving week-end.
Not badly, he said, but then
asked me the true significance of
Thanksgiving Day.
I used as a comparison, Eid,
the feast that ends the month-long
Islamic month of fasting.
But I had to tell him that
unlike Ramadan and Eid, our
Thanksgiving had strayed from
its religious past into a far more
material world.
Just before our trip ended,
he asked me the meaning of
Remembrance Day and I could
do little better than refer him to
(To page 12)
EVA AGPAOA
An administration committed
to unregulated free markets has
adopted measures that, in effect,
have nationalized the banking
industry.
What we must be prepared for
is a fundamental realignment and
change to our way of life: from
more government involvement
in the economy to increased
regulations and a potential change
in the free market system.
This, in my opinion, would not
be a bad thing.
We must be prepared for
difficult economic conditions that
translate into fewer jobs, lowered
incomes, fewer options.
We must also prepare ourselves
for a potential increase in domestic
and international conflicts.
As the world economy spirals,
poorer countries will experience
increased stress.
Their inability to provide the
most basic goods to an already
depressed population might be the
spark that could ignite civil and
cross border strife.
(To page 13)
10
Into my sixth wintry
season, I still get the thrill
when I feel snow perched
on my nose and when I see
trees, fields, rooftops and
the ‘asphalt jungle’ blan-
keted in white.
Thus so, when a major
snowfall hit Scarborough
on Nov. 19 after a preview
in late October, I can’t help
but think that winter is just
around the bend.
And with it, comes the
Season of Advent, Christ-
mas and the New Year.
I just love this time of
the year.
I know, I know. Many
have told me that in a few
more years, I would learn to
hate snow; just as I would
learn to hate taxes.
Snow and taxes, I am
told, are the two major non-
expendable public enemies
Canadians would just have
to live with, year in and
year out.
If that’s the case, why
whine about it? For once,
forget the slosh and the
mess people and their four-
wheeled toys make out of
VIEWS
the snow.
In these tough and try-
ing times, can’t we just chill
things out and go for some-
thing cool?
***
Creative minds have
concocted anew easy to
know and learn words that
are so meaningful when
read and said.
I have seen snow plowed
and shoveled; much more of
salt assaults on major roads
after a snowfall (people
who have recently lost their
jobs prefer a windfall).
A ditch hitch? That’s fair
enough for drivers who be-
lieve their toys are too fast
and classy and not meant
for a road that gets repaired
yearly.
But fender benders?
Whoa, I like this. Indeed a
quite innocent and humor-
ous combo of words.
But more than what it
seems, fender benders can
go farther by implying a
situation which may lead to
a broken limb or a lost life.
In the morn of Nov. 20,
the Ontario Provincial Po-
Omerta
BUTCH GALICIA
Salt assault, ditch hitch,
fender bender, etc.
lice said they have handled
about 460 cases of unwant-
ed road incidents in the 400
highway series after the ma-
jor snowfall.
Time to re-educate and
retrain drivers? I guess so.
***
Police community
mobilization unit officer
Constable Philip Mendoza
has offered tips drivers can
use to breeze through winter
driving and its hazards.
The tips:
► Be prepared for
unexpected emergencies
due to sudden cold and
wintry weather changes.
► Equip your vehicle
Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
with necessary items for
survival - a First Aid Kit,
ice scraper, snow brush,
flashlight, battery jump
cables, folding shovel, bag
of sand, blankets, winter
gloves and extra coats and
jackets.
► Clear snow and ice
from vehicle. Always keep
car windows, mirrors, lights
and intake grills free of
snow and ice to improve
visibility. Make sure wind-
shield wipers are in good
shape. Keep windshield
washer fluid level full,
and keep an extra jug of
windshield washer fluid in
the trunk, just in case.
► Equip vehicle with
snow tires.
► Always keep the gas
tanks full. You may need a
running engine for a while
as a source of heat if you’re
stranded.
► Under freezing rain
conditions, make every
effort not to drive. Snow
tires or regular tires will not
safely prevent the vehicle
from slipping and sliding.
► Watch for hazardous
road conditions, e.g. hard-
to-see patches of ice (black
ice) especially in shady
spots and bridges.
► Don’t park along the
highway where you are not
visible to a snowplough
driver.
► Always maintain
a safe distance when
following another vehicle.
Don’t pass a snowplough or
spreader unless absolutely
necessary.
► The key to winter
driving is to slow down.
Avoid accelerating and
slamming on the brakes.
Any rapid movement will
lead to skidding and the loss
of control of the vehicle.
► Before setting out
on the road, be prepared by
reviewing road conditions
and weather forecast.
► Always wear your
seatbelt.
► Never Drink and
Drive .
The SLIDE RULE:
-- Slow Down. Driving
slower allows more time for
reaction, reduces stopping
distances;
-- Look well beyond
where you are and use
mirrors to be aware of your
surroundings;
-- Identify possible
hazards well in advance of
reaching them;
-- Drive within the
limits of the environment,
your ability and the
equipment you have; and
-- Evaluate the need
for driving, changing
environmental and road
conditions.
Great tips, eh! Goes
with my Christmas wish --
learning to drive and having
my first car. butchgalicia@
yahoo.com

Three weeks earlier, there was The

The 3rd Eye

a great battle going on in my head.
As much as I wanted to visit The
Holy Land, I was also dreadfully
MARIO DIMAIN
aware of the potential danger
along the way.
My wife had to persuade
me to join the pilgrimage. Her
persistence and the irresistible
notion of being able to photograph
The reluctant pilgrim the biblical and historical places
were the key factors in somewhat
overpowering my reservation
Amid disturbing world news of the never-ending hostilities about the trip.
targeting Israel, one would think that it would be complete madness As we waited for the shuttle
to travel to such a volatile place. bus that would take us to the
And yet I found myself in Milan Airport, staring at an electronic tarmac, the fear had once again
sign with its colourful pixels glaring back at me, as it sharply spelled managed to creep into my veins.
out the Air Alitalia Flight departing for Tel Aviv. It was corroding my nervous
Along with my wife, I would soon board the aircraft, together system.
with the other pilgrims from St. Thomas More Church. We were to The “What If” questions
fly to The Holy Land. revived the old nagging thoughts.
Maybe there is a terrorist on
board? A suicide bomber perhaps?
What about being blown up in the
sky? Whoa!!
The self-induced paranoia was
choking me. I needed something
to divert my thoughts. I took some
candid shots of our group who
seemed undeterred by what was
happening in the Middle East.
Thanks to my camera, it
calmed me down. Before I knew
it, we were airborne and there was
no turning back.
“Blessed are those who
THE SEA OF GALILEE come.” That was the heading of
the brochure that was provided by
the travel agency.
It does feel that way when
one’s foot touches the Holy
(To page 12)
Interior of the CHURCH OF
THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE THE HOLY SEPULCHER
Un-Comfort
Zone
with ROBERT WILSON
The most powerful
motivator
I was abruptly awakened
and told, “The house is on fire.
Go outside!” As I ran out of my
bedroom and into the hall my
socks slipped on the polished
oak floor. A guiding hand helped
me keep my footing and a frantic
voice urged, “Hurry! Hurry!”
As I got to the door I looked
over my shoulder and saw flames
leaping out of the heating grate
on the floor. The door was thrown
open and I was shoved outside
into the carport.
“Go stand in the driveway
and wait for me. And, DO NOT
come back inside. Do you hear
me? DO NOT come back inside
the house!” The door shut and I
began to cry. I stood and stared at
the seafoam green door with the
frosted jalousie windows.
I waited and waited, but I did
not go stand in the driveway. I
couldn’t move. I began to shiver
as the cold concrete floor seeped
through my socks, and the winter
air penetrated my pajamas.
It seemed to take forever, and
with each passing minute, I cried
harder. I could taste the salt of
tears flowing down my face and
into my mouth.
Finally the door reopened and
my mother announced, “The fire
is out.”
Relief flooded my body as I
ran into her arms and she held me
tight.
I was two years old and the
mental images of that day are as
clear as if it happened yesterday.
It is perhaps my oldest memory.
As an advertising and
marketing consultant, I know there
are many things that motivate us.
During my presentations I
frequently conduct straw polls,
where I ask my audiences what
motivates them.
The first answers are usually
about desires, but eventually
someone remembers the most
powerful motivator of all. FEAR.
Fear is a primal instinct that
served us as cave dwellers and
today. It keeps us alive, because if
we survive a bad experience, we
never forget how to avoid it in the
future.
Our most vivid memories are
born in Fear. Adrenaline etches
them into our brains.
Nothing makes us more
uncomfortable than fear. And, we
have so many: fear of pain, disease,
injury, failure, not being accepted,
missing an opportunity, and being
scammed to name a few.
Fear invokes the flight or fight
syndrome; and our first reaction is
always to flee back to our comfort
zone. If we don’t know the way
back, we are likely to follow
whoever shows us a path.
Marketers use fear as a
motivator as often as they can.
They present a scenario they hope
will invoke our sense of fear.
(To page 12)
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Another Remembrance
Day celebration came to
pass this November. I
wonder how many of us -
adopted sons and daughters
of Canada - wore the paper
or plastic transmutation of
the red corn poppy being
peddled by ancient veterans
and young volunteers.
This particular species of
poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is
the symbol of the sacrifice
of Canadian veterans and
civilians in World War I
and other wars (from the
Boer Wars to the current
Afghanistan campaign).
To be one with the rest
of Canada in honoring its
fallen heroes is perhaps a rite
of passage all immigrants
should undergo.
It is a symbolism of
belonging to this kindly
and beautiful country
that ingrains deeper than
our superficial linguistic
affectations and other
embellishments of
Canadian-hood.
Nord-Pas-de-Calais,
Givenchy-en-Gohelle,
Passchendaele .... these
places are tongue-twisting
as they are remote to the
average Filipino-Canadian’s
universe.
But who among us could
actually locate Balangiga,
Makahambus, or Bud
Bagsak on a Philippine
Perspective
RICARDO J.S. CALUEN
Don’t forget to
remember
map, much less essay the
significance of these shrines
to Filipino resistance to
American colonial rule?
It was in Passchendaele
(Ypres, Belgium), Vimy
Ridge, and the Somme
(France) where some of the
bloodiest battles of the First
World War were fought.
Canadian blood spilt
with 67,000 young men and
women killed and 173,000
wounded.
Some historians point to
the heroism and sacrifices
of Canadians in these
battles as part of Canada’s
founding myth.
This is so because until
Canada’s involvement in
the so-called Great War,
Canadian soldiers were
pretty much considered as
“British” soldiers serving
under British commanders.
For the first time in its
military history, Canadian
soldiers fought as a patently
Canadian unit under a
distinctly Canadian-born
commander.
And what a formidable
fighting machine the
Canadians proved to be in
encounters like the Third
Battle of Ypres.
The Canadian forces
were almost totally
annihilated after 20
continuous days of fighting
German forces in that fateful
November of 1917.
In the end, Canadian
soldiers won its military
objective.
But at what cost. In such
battles - now romanticized
in film and literature -
Canada, only 50 years old
as an independent nation at
the time, has come of age.
Blood-letting appears
to be a sine qua non in the
drama called the birth of
(To page 13)
VIEWS
True Lies is the title of an
Arnold Schwarzenegger top
grosser where he plays a spy
ala James Bond, but passes
himself off as a computer
salesman to his wife and a
teenage daughter.
It is unclear why the actor
(governor of California in
real life) had to consistently
lie to his family for 15 years
or so, but we won’t be
talking here about the film.
We’re simply adopting
the title because it strikes
me as kind of cute albeit
paradoxical.
People lie for specific
reasons, and hardly a day
passes when every one can’t
help being untruthful.
Lying is habitual. Lying
is a way of life. Lying is
human nature.
Sad to say, lying is a
subculture in the Philippines,
and that could make us a
nation of prevaricators, if
not outright liars.
Then again, Russia might
have beaten us to it because
Russian novelist-historian
Alexandr Solzhenitsyn once
said: “In our country, the lie
has become not just a moral
category but a pillar of the
State.”
Be that as it may, let’s
go to the scandal now
rocking the entire Philippine
National Police, and in the
middle of the storm is the
Wise &
Otherwise
JIMMY MONTEJO
True lies
top honcho of the service,
PNP chief Director General
Jesus Versoza.
What is clear right
from the start was that
retired PNP comptroller
Eliseo de la Paz has been
giving every Filipino a
cock and bull story about
the 105,000 euros (P6.9
million) confiscated from
him by the Moscow airport
authorities on Oct. 11 after
his group attended a four-
day Interpol convention in
St. Petersburg.
De la Paz initially
claimed that the money
was a contingency fund
for the eight-member PNP
delegation, plus Versoza’s
wife whose reason for
joining the trip was not
exactly unquestionable.
The PNP high command
which naturally includes
Versoza declared later on
that the funds were intended
to buy spy equipment for the
service, but no documentary
11
proofs were presented on
that score. Another lie to
backstop the first lie?
The mystery deepened
further when it appeared that
there was more where the
109,000 euros came from
as a Chinese businessman
allegedly gave the police
official 45,000 euros to buy
an expensive watch.
Too bad nobody is
buying that story either.
“Since when did a
police general become an
errand boy of a Chinese
businessman?” Sen.
Miriam Defensor Santiago
commented.
De la Paz maintained
that the funds came from
the PNP coffers.
There is still a big question
mark on this statement
which, could probably be
another falsehood.
De la Paz also said
earlier that he has requested
(or directed) the wire
(To page 17)

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12
Un-Comfort Zone: The most powerful motivator
(From page 10)
Then they show us a solution - a
path back to our comfort zone -
that entails using their product or
service.
Fear is used to sell virtually
everything: cars, tires, and life
insurance are classics. But, clever
marketers also use it to sell
breakfast cereal and deodorant.
As a result we purchase all
sorts of things that a generation
ago were considered unnecessary:
antibacterial soap, alarm systems,
vitamins ... the list goes on and on.
WARNING: Fear can be too
powerful to use as a motivator
because it can also paralyze -
Commentary: Ibrahim wants to know
(From page 9)
sources of information at his local
public library.
I would have needed a ride to
North Bay to have explained all
the ramifications of two world
wars which failed to bring peace
to humankind.
We do our best to help
newcomers adjust to life in
Canada, finding shelter, jobs and
understanding what is legal and
what is not.
However, in the intensity of
zeroing-in on the target, could we
be overlooking other opportunities
to help them know and understand
Canada? Warts and all?
***
It is almost impossible to
comment intelligently on the
economic situation that we
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Dr. Gilbert Chan
Dr. Daphne Chien
Dr. Janet Ho
Dr. Janet Wong
Dr. Michael Chin
VIEWS
the classic deer in the headlights
syndrome.
Would you like to use fear
to motivate your employees to
perform better? “If you don’t sell
more widgets - you’re FIRED!”
It can work, but there are
rules you must follow for it to be
successful.
To use fear successfully as
a motivator, a solution must be
offered with it. A new path to
follow.
You can tell an employee he or
she must sell more, but unless you
show them how, fear will cause
flight or worse: paralysis.
Canadians find ourselves in.
The minority government that
we recently elected is going to
have its work cut out to deal with
what - at the time of writing - PM
Harper insists is not a recession,
but what our collective gut feeling
tells us is.
This is a time for all Canadians
to insist our federal politicians
think of the nation as a whole and
not just three prairie provinces
which must be coddled up to as a
reward for their fidelity.
Even though the basilisk
of Parliament Hill chooses to
cloister himself in the sanctorum
of the PMO and ignores personal
accountability for his edicts,
there’s one right we all have: the
power of personal protest.
Fear is a powerful motivator,
but it is a negative one.
I prefer to motivate someone
by eliminating doubt. Doubt
destroys motivation.
If you can help a person get
rid of it, you will motivate them
positively.
I will elaborate on this next
time. (Robert Evans Wilson,
Jr. is a motivational speaker
and humorist, working with
companies that want to be more
competitive and with people who
want to think like innovators.
Robert’s programs are on www.
jumpstartyourmeeting.com.)
So do not give up the ship
of state to the enemies of true
democracy.
Write letters, send e-mail,
pester your MPs. Above all
keep the struggle for democratic
government alive. Remember,
they are still in the minority!
(Used with permission.
Ben Viccari is the President of
the Canadian Ethnic Media
Association [CEMA] and makes
frequent appearances on OMNI
TV Commentary. Some of his
commentaries are republished
in this publication and slightly
expanded in some cases from their
70-second broadcast originals.
For more of his work, please visit
Ben’s website at: http://canscene.
ripple.ca)
Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
3rd Eye: The reluctant pilgrim
(From page 10)
Ground.
Walking along
the path of our
Lord’s footsteps
was spiritually
uplifting.
Any Christian
believer would
feel the presence
of Jesus in every
step of the way.
The journey
to The Holy
Land was like
an overdue
homecoming.
All of the places we visited shot of the complete journey
were the same old familiar to the Holy Land are not just a
places in the bible that are often compilation of photojournalism
mentioned in the church sermon. and travel photography.
I grew up knowing about They are the result of Divine
Nazareth as if it was my intervention.
hometown. If my reluctance prevailed,
And that sense of belonging I would not have photographed
to the land overcame all fears I the inspirational pictures that
had before boarding the aircraft to were instrumental in forming the
Israel. Christian group, Photographers
The short seven-day biblical for Christ.
experience was more than worthy I always believe that things
of the risk. happen for a reason. And when
From Bethlehem where God wills it, nothing can stop it.
Jesus was born to the hilltop of This month of November
Golgotha where He was crucified, marks the third anniversary of our
the pilgrimage re-defined my group’s pilgrimage to The Holy
Christian faith. Land.
I gained a deeper understanding Since Christmas is fast
of Jesus and His teachings. approaching, I would like to share
And for the first time, I felt the the experience.
pain of Mary, the blessed Mother I have posted the slideshow
who witnessed the crucifixion of of our visit to Bethlehem on You
her Son. Tube (http://ca.youtube.com/
The compelling images I watch?v=iZA_t-A81Y4).
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
(By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD
(1872-1918), Canadian Army, Ypres, 1915)
Don’t forget ...
(From page 11)
a nation, if the tradition set by the American
Revolution of 1776, later the French Revolution
and other great revolutions, were to be the
standard.
Canada was spared this painful birth-pang,
the baby delivered by the rhetoric and politics
of confederation in 1867.
The First World War was Canada’s crucible.
The war itself continues to inspire debate
among historians as to its actual causes.
Even its conclusion remains contentious as
some students of the period say the armistice
that ended WW I did not crown a clear victor.
It was a war of attrition that resulted in the
deaths of nine million.
Following the lead of its colonial master,
the United States, the Philippines formed the
Philippine Expeditionary Force to Europe, a
token contingent to augment American forces
that joined the arena very late in the war.
But no sooner had Filipino soldiers said their
goodbyes to their loved ones, WW I ended.
However, the Philippines did contribute to
the war effort big-time.
Well, in a manner of speech, that is.
President Wilson pulled out Colonel John
“Black Jack” Pershing from the country to head
the American expeditionary forces to Europe.
At the time, Pershing was still flushed
from his victories during the Moro Wars in
Mindanao.
The Great War forever changed the face of
Europe at the onset of the twentieth century.
The canons of international relations and
diplomacy drastically changed.
The new Treaty of Versailles signed at the end
of the war may have temporarily halted military
activities but, realistically, only spawned new
and more disastrous political and economic ills.
Avenging European victors like Great
Britain and France lusted for German blood and
ensured terms on the treaty that were onerous to
the German nation.
They did not realize the repercussions of
their acts until 1937 when a veteran of the Battle
of Ypres rose to become chancellor of a new
German reich to last for a thousand years.
Arms reduction, secret treaties, self-
determination - these are phrases that continue
to hog headlines these days, yet these were
issues that President Wilson tried to address in
his famous “Fourteen Points” in the aftermath
of WW I.
Well, looks like nothing much has changed,
after all.
And the world never learned its lesson.
Our generation may not remember - nor
even vicariously experience - the horrors of a
world war, but at let us not forget the sacrifices
of those who offered their lives that we may
have relative peace .... in our time.
VIEWS 13
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14 PEOPLE & EVENTS Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008

FVR VISIT in IMAGES

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY MIKE CADUCIO
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor PEOPLE & EVENTS 15
TRY UST
(From page 1)
In a Philippine Press Club-
Ontario (PPC-O)-sponsored press
conference capping the first of
his four-day visit to Toronto from
Oct. 22 to 25, the former presi-
dent called on Filipino-Canadian
community leaders to “highly
consider the replication of U-S-T
in your individual and collective
endeavors.”
“Unity of purpose, solidarity
in values and teamwork in nation-
building: these self-defined mo-
tives should be the bases of com-
munity groups to get through the
challenges of the times,” Ramos
said. ABOVE: Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos (4th from left, standing) gives the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-
He implied that community Toronto (PCCT) his trademark thumbs up, as he cites PCCT president Rafael Nebres (5th from left, standing) and the
leaders should go beyond ego- chamber’s officers and members for helping Gawad Kalinga (GK) build a PCCT Village in Parañaque, Metro Manila, the
building, credit grabbing, power Philippines. BELOW: Ramos (4th from right, standing), who came over to Toronto for a GK promotion blitz from Oct. 22 to
positioning, petty internal quar- 25, also took time to laud the work of Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) president Jun Enverga (5th from right,
rels, treasury theft, money making standing) whose leadership, through the annual successful staging of the Toronto Mabuhay! Summer Festival, has gener-
and other such negative acts and ated funds to help build homes for poor and depressed Filipinos, particularly those in the rural areas of the Philippines.
attitudes that destroy, rather than PHOTOS: MIGUEL CADUCIO
build, a potentially productive
group worthy to serve a growing
community in Toronto.
He said the worth of com-
munity leaders could only be
measured by how they have ably
and responsibly responded to the
interests and needs of the com-
munity, in general, and of their
group’s general membership, in
particular.
He cited the initiative of com-
munity leaders in the U.S. to get
their acts together, as a national
federation of Filipino-American
associations, and work for the
welfare and betterment of the Fili-
pino-American community.
They did this without shedding
off their individual group’s dias-
pora philanthropy mission, or of
helping and supporting programs
and projects for their hometowns
and needy townmates, he said.
This effectively stopped the
mushrooming of so many ill-moti-
vated groups formed by ill-willed
people, who would rather confuse
and take away the community’s
faith in the goodness of the Fili-
pino, he stressed.
Ramos also pinned the com-
munity’s hopes on the youth.
“Younger people have the ide-
als and the proper mindset. They
should be given all the chances to
take the reins and lead the com-
munity,” he said, adding that it is
high time to consider the “wisdom
and experience of the youth.”
But above all, Ramos called
on the Filipino-Canadian com-
munity to start “caring, daring and
sharing.”
“Three little words, but they
would mean a lot to 90 million
Filipinos all over the world, par-
ticularly the majority who are still
struggling in poverty and trying to
find their place under the sun,” he
said.
Ramos’s Toronto visit raised
some $120,000 for Gawad Ka-
linga (GK), an international proj- Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos and wife Amelita ‘Ming’ Ramos (3rd and 4th from left respectively, middle row,
ect meant to build homes and seated) join Philippine Ambassador to Ottawa Jose Brillantes and Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera (5th and
new lives for the poor and the 6th from left respectively, middle row, seated) and members of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPC-O) and the PPC-O
depressed, especially those af- Ladies Auxiliary for a photo shoot following a press conference at Casa Manila on Oct. 22. The PPC-O members included
fected by natural and man-made Rodel Ramos, (foreground, from left) Mogi Mogado, Chito Sarabia, Wesley Chua, Dindo Orbeso, Larry Torres, Butch Galicia,
disasters in far-flung and remote Noel Perada, Joe Damasco, (middle row, seated) Ricky Caluen, Tenny Soriano, Myrna Soriano, Jess Cabrias, (standing,
areas in the Philippines, according from left) Hermie Garcia, Mila Garcia, Jojo Taduran, Romy Sison, Nestor Arellano, Faye Arellano, Nelson Galvez, Ramon Da-
to ANCOP-GK Canada president tol, Imelda Suzara, Marlou Tiro, Gie Alvarez, Ace Alvarez, Romy Zetazate, Chuchi Punsalan, Evelyn Galicia, and Tony Sicat.
Ricky Cuenca. RGG PHOTO: PPC-O member ARIEL RAMOS
16
From the Monitor’s Desk: Manila Media Monitor welcomes two great minds ...
(From page 8)
instructor in body rhythms,
Marla Gold, who shared
with us her expertise to
keep us hardworking people
away from the daily stresses
of our work.
***
The more experienced
journalists among us back
in the Philippines are, of
course, not new to libel – but
knowledge of the subject is
of course those governed
under Philippine laws,
hence, still, the lectures are
of paramount importance in
our continuing practice in
this country.
Here are some insights,
Ooops & Bloops: Of missing newspaper ...
(From page 7)
nagdedeliver na kami ...
kasi every second Saturday
ang delivery namin ...
nangyari din sa kin iyan,
me mga tumawag na me
kumukuha ng diario ko ...
anyway tumingin na lang
ako sa taas hindi ko alam
kung ano ang nasa isip
nila.
“ACE ... ako mismo
at katulong ko ang
nagdediliver sa Scarbo-
rough. Halos ang diario
mo ay ubos na pag
nagdedeliver kami ...
minsan isa na lang ang
natitira. Ibig sabihin
nakukuha na ang Media
Monitor pag kami naman
PPC-O members discuss libel and copyright. PHOTO: MIKE CADUCIO
however, on the subject of file libel cases against
libel that were not tackled communitty journalists
in the seminar: regardless of how trivial the
Some community matter is, without balancing
figures who believe they are the costs of bringing the
maligned in the local papers case and the subsequent
ang nagdedeliver ... ACE you by …, plus, some parts
tawagin mo lang ako kung of that e-mail may affect
me problema ... malaki your relationship with your
respeto ko sa iyo. very good friend, Rodel
“Ang dami pala ang Ramos.
problem ng publisher ... So, you see, maginoo rin
sumasakit na rin ang ulo naman si Ace Alvarez – sabi
ko pati sa collection..... mo nga, malaki respeto mo
haaaay. sa akin. Ipakita mo, Rolly!
“Problema ... rolly!” Ang problema, tinawag
*** mo pa ang mga kapwa mo
Rolly, I did not publish publisista na “talangka ang
the entirety of your e-mail, isipan”, e ‘di isinama mo
kasi some parts of it will rin ako.
loosen your position for your Sa totoo la’ng, kaibigan,
defense on the libel charges we publishers have so much
that you may eventually to talk about; and when we
end up defending yourself – do, all I’m asking you is
which may be filed, or have look at me straight to my
already been filed against eyes.
Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
litigation versus the triviality
associated with the statement
in the written article.
Heydary Hamilton PC
Legal Assistant Virgil Baisa
was right in commenting that
sometimes, a community
figure should balance the
costs against what he, or she
thinks, is the weight of his,
or her, reputation.
Those who felt they
were maligned in one’s
writing would consult a
lawyer, who in turn, would
tell them that they should
act on it right away.
Of course, a lawyer
– unless he, or she,
specializes in another area
of the law, would tell them
this; otherwise, how do you
expect the lawyer to pay for
his, or her, OSAP loan?
This reminded me of one
joke where the son joined
his father at the latter’s
law office after the former
became a lawyer.
One day, the father was
conferring with his long-
time civil case client and
the son was just listening to
the conversation.
When the client left, the
son told his father: “Dad,
even when I was at first year
law school, I’ve been seeing
that client of yours here.
Let me show you that you
did not waste your money
on my education. Let me
handle the case for you.”
The father agreed and
soon enough, after just three
more hearings, the case
came to its full termination.
Back at the law office of
the father and son, the latter
declared, “So, you see now,
dad? All your investment
in my legal education did
not go to waste. I’m a very
good lawyer.”
The father said, shaking
his head: “Son, you may be a
very good lawyer, but a very
poor businessman. You see,
all the money with which
I paid your law schooling
came from that client. Now,
where do you expect me to
get the money with which
to pay your sister’s medical
school?”
***
Meanwhile, among
our ranks, I heard that one
community writer who’s
being threatened with libel
(or probably about to face it
in court) has been spreading
around that it didn’t matter
to him, since the person
bringing the case against
him would not be able to get
financial rewards anyway
from whatever damages
suffered.
Well, the community
writer forgot, or probably
didn’t know that libel is not
only a civil case, but likewise
a criminal act, hence, being
of such nature, he may end
up in jail for it if the case is
pursued criminally.
Again, I mention this
for this was one item
not discussed during the
seminar, and as correctly
observed by some, the
three-hour lecture would not
suffice to discuss the entire
substantive and procedural
laws affecting libel.
But as PPC-O president
Tenny said in one e-mail, the
event was a good start for
the benefit of members who
have the least knowledge on
the subject matters tackled.
To the PPC-O president:
Sir, may I suggest that in
the near future, the PPC-O
likewise organize a seminar
on ethics of the media, since
I find that some of our media
friends (not necessarily
members of the PPC-O)
think that their media ID
cards are the be all and end
all of everything!
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
PPC-O tackles libel, copyright issues
Soggy and near-freezing
weather failed to dampen
the enthusiasm of members
of the Philippine Press
Club-Ontario (PPC-O) as
they flocked to attend the 1st
PPC-O Editors’ Weekend at
the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union hall on
Nov. 15.
The weekend seminar
tackled Libel and Copyright
Laws of Canada, two of
the most important issues
affecting Filipino-Canadian
editors, writers and
broadcast journalists.
One of Canada’s top law
firms Heydary Hamilton PC
based in downtown Toronto
sent two of its associates,
lawyer Victor Opara and
law clerk/paralegal Virgil
Baisa.
The Heydary panel
explained the legal
implications of libel and
copyright and the rights
and responsibilities of
journalists in the practice of
their profession.
The two topics were
presented in power point
presentations by Edwin
Mercurio, a former
Philippine journalist and
editor of Justice for All, a
Toronto Superior Court of
Justice and Ministry of the
Atty. General newsletter.
PPC-O president Tenny
Soriano said the seminar was
timely and urgently needed
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Wise & Otherwise: True lies
(From page 11)
transfer of the money to the
PNP headquarters in Camp
Crame. It looks like this, too,
was a lie. Apparently, the
money is still in Moscow.
Meanwhile, all the
police generals who went
to Moscow have reportedly
returned their travel
allowances, partly or wholly.
But that isn’t the point
because they deserve to get
allowance for official travels.
Such effort merely smacks
of another cover-up bid.
PPC-O members with Heydary Hamilton PC legal panelists Victor Opara (5th Last week, Versoza
from right) and Virgil Baisa (5th from left). PHOTO: MIKE CADUCIO issued a directive
disallowing free access
of reporters to the police
blotters purportedly “to
protect the interest of
children and women”
involved in criminal cases,
as well as to decentralize
the functions of the PNP
public information officer.
Skeptics think that the
relaxation, stretching and
(LEFT) Body Rhythm instructor Marla Gold with breathing exercises.
Melinda Rustia and Gie Alvarez. (ABOVE) Marla PPC-O members craved
leads PPC-O members in a routine. PHOTOS: MIKE for more after the half-hour
CADUCIO break from the sessions.
PPC-O founding-
by community editors, Guest participant Ralph the seminar an educational member Melinda Rustia,
writers and broadcasters. Logatoc said “this is the success. also founder of Kol
“Some of our members first time in so many years Marla Gold, Body Hope Foundation, added
have been sued and that an educational endeavor Rhythms instructor, capped that “what is unique and
threatened with libel in of this sort was ever done.” the event with a group touching is that it all came
Ontario courts. We must PPC-O officers cited aerobics and graceful from the heart as everyone
arm ourselves with legal the enthusiasm of club exercise routine. gave freely for the good
knowledge and learn ways members “who pitched in to Body Rhythms is of the community. That, I
to defend press freedom,” volunteer their time, talents a gentle exercise and believe, is the secret of this
Soriano said. and resources” to make dance routine along with successful event.” PR
17
directive was either to divert
away from the De la Paz
scandal - in effect making
it another cover-up attempt
on the euro mess, or to
scotch the controversy with
a ticklish issue bordering on
the unconstitutional.
If these police generals
can’t even value truth, they
should at least dignify their
uniforms by being an officer
and a gentleman.
And that includes
knowing what the word
honor is all about.
Otherwise, they should
hand in their resignations.
For Interior and Local
Government Secretary
Ronaldo Puno, the issue is
command responsibility.
He can’t be part of the
problem, and if he can’t find
a solution, stepping down is
a good option.
There are some unsavory
whispers going around the
coffee shops that draw him
right into the eye of the
storm.
In parting, allow me to
say this: To lie successfully
is to stand up to the falsehood
that you have peddled no
matter what; unafraid that
in time, others will discover
the truth, and you will be
disbelieved even if you
swear by your mother’s
grave that what you’re
saying is the unembellished
truth and nothing but the
truth.
18 PEOPLE & EVENTS Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008

Cabillan lauds top referred property agent CEMA 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON’S DINNER
Clem Cabillan, president and chief executive officer of Philuscan International Realty
Inc., congratulates Stoyan Tadin for achieving the highest referred property with a total The Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA)
sale price of $3.5 million. The property is located at Stoney Creek, Ontario.
will have its 30th Anniversary Season’s Dinner at
Philuscan is an innovative international real estate company that offers referral income
to its members. PR the Golden Lion Banquet Hall, 15 Canmotor Ave.,
Etobicoke, Ontario at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 28.
FVR, GK cite Casa Manila
85 attend teachers’ professional dev’t sem
At least 85 Philippine- certification system and keynoted the opening ses-
educated and practicing professional requirements sion of the seminar.
Ontario mentors completed and procedures. Tony San Juan, a teach-
a two-weekend teachers’ The specific topics in- er at the Toronto District
development seminar at cluded the Ontario school School Board and PTA of-
the Toronto Public Library system, teaching practices ficer, said an intensive fol-
auditorium on Oct. 25 and in elementary and high low-through workshop is
Nov. 1. schools, and bridging pro- being planned and would be
Themed Becoming a grams and alternative ca- offered to eligible partici-
Teacher: Certification, Ex- reers. pants.
pectations, and Transition, Seminar resource per- San Juan said it would
the seminar was conducted sons included Jeremiah Ar- involve “definitive job
by the Philippine Teachers roz, Lolita Bruneau, Cathy search strategies and inter-
Association (PTA) and part- Lofgreen, D’ Arcy Magee, active mentoring” for certi-
ner Kababayan Community Virginia Parucha, Tony San fied teachers and certifiable
Centre, with funding from Juan, Fermer Santos and teacher-candidates who
the city of Toronto. Herman Viloria. “need help getting their
Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos (2nd from left) presents to Casa The seminar covered York Catholic District foot in the door” within the
Manila proprietors Lilian and Raymond Co (flanking Ramos) a certificate information and strategies School Board Markham highly competitive Ontario
of appreciation from Gawad Kalinga for hosting the Oct. 22 dinner-press relating to Ontario’s teacher Trustee Marlene Mogado education environment. PR
conference with the Philippine Press Club-Ontario. Witnessing the presenta-
tion are GK-Ancop Canada president Ricky Cuenca and Mrs. Amelita Ramos Notre Dame Cotabato Girls alumni
(seated). The Ramoses also celebrated their wedding anniversary at Casa
Manila that evening. PHOTO: ARIEL RAMOS

ONLINE: www.manilamediamonitor.com
Press and captioned photo releases published in the Manila Media Monitor are for PUB-
LIC SERVICE and FREE OF CHARGE. Press releases must be in word document format.
Photos, must be in JPEG, TIFF or PDF formats. All contributions are subject to strict
editorial appreciation. Send them to mediamonitor@rogers.com on or before the 8th of
each month. SUBMISSIONS IN FLYER, POSTER OR OTHER BOXED FORMATS SHALL BE
TREATED AS ADVERTISEMENTS AND SHALL BE BILLED ACCORDINGLY.

Notre Dame of Cotabato Girls’ Department high school batchmates (from left)
Rosanna Riego de Dios-Pey, Charito Perez-Sundararajah, Evelyn Dacanay-
Galicia and Bessie Ortuoste take time out from their busy skeds to reunite
and talk about the good old days at a Toronto resto. PR

College of Holy Spirit Christmas Party

“Let your light shine before men in such a way

that they may see your good works and glorify
your father who is in heaven.”
MATTHEW 6:16

To all gifted photographers out there who have the third eye
in capturing photos that reflect a Christian message, there is a
Christian Fellowship of talented photographers that awaits you.
They are Photographers For Christ who use the art of photography
in spreading the word of God.
Alumni of the College of the Holy Spirit North American Foundation, Inc.
Canada Chapter renew ties and pose for a group memento during their
Listen to your hearts, the Holy Spirit is calling you. Christmas Partry last year. The group will again be having its Christmas
Party at the Strate’s Banquet Hall in Etobicoke on Dec. 20. PR

TV ads reach far. www. FinancialProblem.ca

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Despite bumper harvests
RP may import rice in 2009
MANILA - The Philip-
pines might have to import
rice early next year, despite
bumper harvests if only to
assure enough supply of the
staple.
Agriculture Secretary
Arthur Yap cited the possi-
bility of rice importation of
as much as 1.5 million tons
(MT) in 2009.
Yap said this projection,
earlier made by the Nation-
al Food Authority, would
be way down the huge pur-
chase of 2.3 MT this year.
In 2008, global impor-
tations drove benchmark
rice prices to a record above
US$1,000 per ton.
“We’ll try to buy in a
way that will not affect
SC: Mandatory drug tests for poll bets, crime suspects unconstitutional
The Philippine Supreme
Court has declared as un-
constitutional the provi-
sions of Republic Act (RA)
9165, or the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of
2002, mandating drug tests
for candidates for public of-
fice and persons accused of
crimes.
The High Court, how-
ever, upheld the law’s con-
stitutionality, with regards
to random drug testing
for secondary and tertiary
school students and for offi-
cials and employees of pub-
lic and private offices.
In a 23-page decision
penned by Justice Pres-
bitero Velasco, Jr., the Court
En Banc resolved three con-
solidated petitions for cer-
tiorari and prohibition filed
by the Social Justice Soci-
ety (SJS), Manuel Laserna,
Jr., and Senator Aquilino
Pimentel, Jr.
Infringement
Earlier, Sen. Pimentel
questioned the validity of
Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) Resolution
6486, saying it created an
additional qualification for
candidates for senators in
addition to those provided
in the 1987 Constitution, by
requiring candidates to be
certified as drug-free.
The Court stressed that
prices,” he said.
“It will be tragic if we
will be locked in by buying
methods and the price will
be against us,” he added.
Yap placed the country’s
current rice stocks at some
one million MT.
Agriculture depart-
ment estimates showed rice
production in 2008 would
reach some 17.3 MT, of
which about 10 MT would
be reaped during the wet
cropping from September
to November.
Yap said many farmers
planted early in the third
quarter of the year.
Rice output for the third
quarter could increase by
about five to six percent
the unconstitutionality of
Sec. 36 (g) of RA 9165 “is
rooted on its having in-
fringed the constitutional
provision defining the
qualification or eligibility
requirements for one aspir-
ing to run for and serve as
senator.”
The Court said the same
“unmistakably requires a
candidate for senator to be
certified illegal-drug clean,
obviously as a pre-condi-
tion to the validity of a
certificate of candidacy for
senator or, with like effect,
a condition sine qua non to
be voted upon and, if prop-
er, be proclaimed senator-
elect,” adding that the as-
sailed provision of the law
and the COMELEC Reso-
lution “add another layer to
what the 1987 Constitution,
at the minimum, requires
for membership in the Sen-
ate.”
Impleaded against will
The High Court also
found no valid justification
for mandatory drug test-
ing for persons accused of
crimes, as required by Sec.
36 (f) of RA 9165.
“When persons suspect-
ed of committing a crime
are charged, they are sin-
gled out and are impleaded
against their will,” said the
Court.
from the 3.15 MT produced
a year ago, he said.
“Front-loading is good
for production this year, in
a way,” he said.
Yap said he would not
expect fourth quarter plant-
ing to be as aggressive and
as bullish as last year’s.
Bureau of Agricultural
Statistics projections said
fourth quarter rice produc-
tion would reach 6.363 MT,
or 0.04 percent lower than
year-ago figures.
BAS cited an expected
0.34 percent decrease in
harvested area in the last
quarter -- to 1.640 million
hectares from 1.645 million
in the same period last year.
PNA
“To impose mandatory
drug testing on the accused
is a blatant attempt to har-
ness a medical test as a tool
for criminal prosecution,
contrary to the objectives of
RA 9165. Drug testing then
would violate a person’s
right to privacy guaranteed
under Sec. 2, Art. III of the
Constitution. Worse still,
the accused persons are
veritably forced to incrimi-
nate themselves,” the Court
added.
The Court enjoined all
concerned from carrying
Filipino scientists discover healing facets of mushroom
MANILA - Filipino sci-
entists have developed an
indigenous mushroom, con-
taining properties that has-
ten the healing of a wound,
as a component in woven
bandage.
Volvariella volvacea
(locally known as kabuting
saging or kabuting dayami)
is rich in chitin/chitosan that
heals wounds fast, said sci-
entists Dr. Claro Santiago
Jr. and Rhodora Flores, both
from the Industrial Technol-
ogy Development Institute
of the Department of Sci-
ence and Technology.
Known to induce the re-
The PHILIPPINES
out Sec. 36 (f) and (g) of
RA 9165.
Drug-free schools
But the High Court se-
riously noted the prolifera-
tion of illegal drugs, which
threatened “the well-being
of the people, particularly
the youth and school chil-
dren who usually end up as
victims.”
The Court said that until
a more effective method is
conceptualized and put in
motion, the random drug
testing of high school and
college students “is not only
By MEDIATRIX P. CRISTOBAL
pair of tissues, chitin/chito-
san could also be found in
shells of crabs, lobsters and
shrimps and in the exoskel-
etons of marine zooplank-
ton.
It could also be extract-
ed from the wings of but-
terflies and ladybugs, and
in the cell wall of yeast, and
other fungi.
In a study, Santiago and
Flores said using mushroom
as a source of chitosan was
cheaper and reproducible.
Unlike synthetic materi-
als, the thread derived from
the mushroom could be
knotted easily.
acceptable but may even be
necessary if the safety and
interest of the student popu-
lation, doubtless a legiti-
mate concern of the govern-
ment, are to be promoted
and protected.”
Minimize drug abuse
The Court also said the
mandatory but random drug
testing of officers and em-
ployees of public and pri-
vate offices was justifiable.
“The need for drug test-
ing to at least minimize il-
legal drug use is substantial
enough to override the indi-
The study showed that
with the use of a bandage
with chitosan, patients’
wounds were observed
with inhibition of microbial
growth, and re-epitheliali-
zation as early as day one.
Chitosan is an abundant
natural glucosamine poly-
saccharide found in the eco-
system.
It is also non-allergenic,
non-toxic, biodegradable
and hydrophilic.
The scientists also ob-
served good oxygen perme-
ability in the mushroom.
The bandage was like-
wise proven to be at par
23
vidual’s privacy interest.”
Concurring in the deci-
sion were Chief Justice Rey-
nato Puno, Senior Associate
Justice Leonardo Quisumb-
ing, Justices Consuelo
Ynares-Santiago, Antonio
Carpio, Ma. Alicia Austria-
Martinez, Renato Corona,
Conchita Carpio-Morales,
Adolfo Azcuna, Dante Tin-
ga, Minita Chico-Nazario,
Antonio Eduardo Nachu-
ra, Ruben Reyes, Teresita
Leonardo-de Castro, and
Arturo Brion. ANNA KA-
TRINA MARTINEZ
with the commercially-
available antibiotic-treated
wound dressing.
It was deemed relatively
cheaper, as it is composed
of 50 percent agro-indus-
trial waste and 50 percent
mushroom mycelium.
The innovation was
awarded the Utility Model
certificate of registration
by the Intellectual Property
Philippines.
The registration granted
Santiago and Flores the ex-
clusive right in the Philip-
pines to make, use, sell or
import the utility for seven
years. PNA
24 PHILIPPINE TOURISM Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008

NOVEMBER IN CARCAR, CEBU

St. Catherine of
Alexandria revered
in Kabkaban festival
Nearing the last week of
November, the people of the
small but ancient town of
Carcar (circa 1599) in Cebu
will once more be buzzing
with frenzied activity as
they prepare for the annual
Kabkaban Festival in honor
of their patroness St. Cath-
erine of Alexandria.
Local officials and fies-
ta organizers promise better
sights, sounds and activities
this year.
Last year, the Kabka-
ban Festival highlighted
- in dramatic processional
fashion - the life, death and
martyrdom of St. Catherine
of Alexandria.
The procession featured
at least four carrozas carry-
ing life-size religious icons
that respectively depicted
the Emperor’s marriage
proposal to Catherine, the
Broken Wheel, Catherine’s
beheading and the transport
of her body by angels to Mt.
Sinai in Egypt.
The refitted statues and
carriages belonged to Car-
car’s families, members of
the Carro and Icon Caretak-
er’s Association of the Arch-
diocesan Shrine of Saint
Catherine of Alexandria.
Over 100 St. Catherine
College of Carcar dancers
in colorful costumes and
lantern headgears and car-
rying hand lights illuminat-
ed the procession route.
“By depicting St. Cath-
erine’s martyrdom in the
solemn evening procession,
we have started a new fiesta
tradition, as we propagate
The life-size image of St. Catherine of Alexandria,
patroness of Carcar, Cebu, stands on a carroza
(top, right) as it is led back to the St. Catherine’s
Church (top, left), the second oldest church in
Cebu, during the much-awaited Kabkaban Festi-
val procession in honor of the patroness on Nov.
24. Yearly, floats are added to the procession and
parade, like the one depicting a bountiful harvest
(middle, right), as the people of Carcar try to get a
better view of the parade highlights from the town
plaza bandstand (bottom, right).
the devotion to St. Cath- ture this year is the Search
erine and make her story for Miss Carcar 2008.
known to more people,” Carcar’s cultural festi-
said Val Sandiego, Carcar val gets its name from the
Heritage Conservation So- kabkaban, an abundant and
ciety president. hardy tree-climbing fern
A huge fireworks dis- mostly seen on the branches
play at the church plaza of sprawling rows of old
ended the 2007 Kabkaban acacia lining the national
Festival of Lights. highway in barangay Per-
An expected festival fea- relos, Carcar.

Samal Island is
ISLAND GARDEN racay Island in the central
CITY OF SAMAL - In Philippines.
many ways, this hidden is- This is what most tour-

no Boracay aper
land of Samal in southern ism stakeholders here like
Philippines is much better to think, especially Araceli
than the world-famous Bo- Ayuste, tourism council
president of the Island Gar-
By AURELIO A. PEÑA den of Samal, the official
name of this island-city.
“We don’t want this
island to become the next
Boracay because we know
it can become much better
than Boracay,” Ayuste says.
Most islanders like
Ayuste do not want to
see Samal becoming too
crowded and “over-com-
mercialized.”
A mushrooming of so
many beach resorts in Sa-
mal is not something many
islanders would be happy
about.
“As much as possible,
we’d like to keep the natu-
A banca rests on a natural harbor in the Island Garden City of Samal, ready ral rural setting of Samal,
inspite of it being a city.”
anytime to rev up and fetch tourists eager to enjoy all the natural warmth,
serenity and beauty the island and its hospitable people have to offer. “We don’t like to see
our island’s natural resourc-
es over-exploited by many ADVERTISE with
investors,” says Ayuste who
also runs Punta del Sol, a
beach resort, one of 30 in
the sword-shaped island
surrounded by the deep blue Call
waters of Davao Gulf.
(To page 34)
416-285-8583
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NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Shelter loan restructuring law
to benefit 370,000 borrowers
MANILA - The Social-
ized and Low-Cost Housing
Loan Restructuring Act of
2008 or Republic Act (RA)
No. 9507 would definitely
provide relief to Filipino ho-
meowner-borrowers amid a
global financial turmoil and
prevent delinquent home
borrowers to join the ranks
of the homeless.
This, Senator Juan
Miguel Zubiri - who au-
thored the bill in the Sen-
ate with Senators Rodolfo
Biazon and Jinggoy Estrada
- said, stressing that “shelter
is a lynchpin” of the state’s
social reform agenda to ease
the hardships faced by many
homeowner-borrowers.
President Gloria Ma-
capagal-Arroyo signed RA
9507 into law on Oct. 13.
Benefits
The law would benefit
some 368,535 delinquent
homeowner-borrowers,
who have a collective ar-
rears of about P70 billion,
from eviction out of their
homes.
They could stay in their
homes, “while government
financial institutions (GFI)
are assured of continuous
cash flow,” Zubiri said.
He said RA 9507 could
be “a timely measure to
prevent” a subprime hous-
ing mortgage crisis that
had hit the US, sending the
stock market tumbling and
spawning a global econom-
ic shock.
“This will allow GFIs
and housing agencies to
collect from erstwhile non-
performing assets and pro-
vide themselves a continu-
ous flow of revenue, while
delinquent borrowers can
avail themselves of a longer
loan restructuring scheme,
lower monthly amortiza-
tion and condonation of all
penalties and surcharges,”
Millions of Filipinos continue to be economically deprived that they make
ends meet in slum areas, wary but so depressed to wage a protracted battle
against the social diseases their conditions may spawn.
he added.
Uncollected penalties
and surcharges - not cover-
ing the principal amounts of
loans that have to be repaid
- reached P17 billion.
Coverage
RA 9507 provided the
condonation of all penalties
and surcharges.
It also condoned a por-
tion of the interest of the
housing loan, as determined
by GFIs and housing agen-
cies, of which:
► All accrued interests
(To page 34)
The PHILIPPINES 25
House bans descriptive tags
on suspects in media reports
MANILA - The House
of Representatives has ap-
proved on third and final
reading a measure ban-
ning the use of “Muslim”
or “Christian” or any word
that would denote religious,
regional or ethnic affiliation
in describing suspects or
convicts in mass media.
House Bill 100, au-
thored by Rep. Juan Ed-
gardo Angara, imposed a
minimum fine of P50,000
on the editor-in-chief, in the
case of print media, or the
news editor, in the case of
broadcast or other forms of
mass media.
Angara said the use of
descrptive tags on suspects
or convicts in mass me-
dia would create a sweep-
ing generalization on other
members of the race, cul-
ture or region who never
did any crime.
He lamented that many
members of media contin-
ued to callously use such
descriminating terms on
suspects and convicts.
Anti-terrorist robot tops
inventions 1st World Cup
MANILA - The new
anti-terror tool of the Makati
Police, dubbed the Mechan-
ical Anti-terrorist Concept
(MAC) robot, bested other
inventions from Europe and
Asia during the recent First
World Cup on Computer
Implemented Inventions in
Suzhou, China.
“It was a tough fight
between United Kingdom’s
c o m p u t e r- p r o g r a m m e d
Braille system and the
MAC (during the finals),”
said former Mapua Institute
of Technology engineering
dean Roel Judilla.
HB 100, sent to the Sen-
ate for plenary action, also
provided that the person or
media entity violating the
law would be meted six
years imprisonment and a
maximum P10,000 fine.
“Banning this cultur-
ally and religiously biased
practice would definitely
contribute and result in
increased positive social
space and understanding
between and among Mus-
lims and non-Muslims,”
said Angara. PNA
“Luckily, the judges
have seen MAC as the most
useful creation with the
most impact in the society,”
Judilla said.
The former school dean
led a five-man Philippine
delegation - to include
Mapua College students
Jaoud Jaylord and Kit Mis-
tosomente.
“We are the first winners
of the inventions World Cup
and we are Filipinos,” Judi-
lla said.
The MAC competed
with other inventions from
(To page 34)
26 PHILIPPINE REGIONS
Culion, Palawan is leprosy-free NEWS ROUNDUP
PUERTO PRINCESA
CITY - The island town of
Culion in northern Palawan,
erstwhile called “the island
of the living dead,” is now
declared free of leprosy.
Culion, a fourth class
municipality with a popu-
lation of more than 20,000,
was selected in 1906 as asy-
lum for lepers.
In that year, 16,138 pa-
tients were brought to Cu-
lion, making the town the
world’s largest “leper colo-
ny.” Residents were forced
to live in isolation for more
than 100 years.
That time, lepers were
abandoned and considered
social outcasts, until the
early 1980s when an effec-
tive cure for the disease be-
came available.
A thing of the past
But Mayor Veroni-
ca Cantimbuhan tried to
change the people’s outlook
on the disease and worked
together with other sectors
for a leprosy-free Culion.
Today, the “leper colo-
ny” tag has become a thing
of the past, with the Culion
Sanitarium and General
Hospital serving only as a
museum and a testament to
the island’s history.
After over a century, Cu-
lion emerged triumphant in
its battle against the great-
est human scourge with the
help of the selfless dedica-
tion of health workers, reli-
Troops destroy MJ plantation in Ilocos
CAMP BGEN OS-
CAR M. FLORENDO,
La Union - Combined po-
lice and military troops in
the Ilocos region have de-
stroyed some P28 million
worth of marijuana plants
in the mountainous areas of
Kibungan, Benguet.
The troopers uprooted at
least 132,000 fully-grown
marijuana plants and siezed
6,350 marijuana seedlings
and 55 kilos of dried mari-
juana leaves, all estimated
to value P28 million in the
illegal dangerous drugs
market.
Chief Superintendent
Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
gious sector and benevolent
societies like Fundacion
ANESVAD of Spain and
the Culion Foundation.
Today, only seven cured
leprosy patients continued
to live at the Culion Lep-
rosy Control and Rehabili-
tation administered by Dr.
Arturo Cunanan.
Cunanan was respon-
sible for eliminating lep-
rosy from Culion in 1998,
Cebu: GMA @ CSCST Argao
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
and Argao Mayor Edsel Galeo lead groundbreak-
ing ceremonies for the P9.1-million, two-story
eight-classroom academic building of the Cebu
State College of Science and Technology in Ar-
gao, Cebu on Oct. 30. OPS Photo
Luizo Ticman, Ilocos police
regional director, said the
three-day weekend opera-
tion against marijuana plan-
tations was focused on the
tri-provincial boundaries of
La Union, Ilocos Sur and
Benguet.
Ticman said no marijua-
na cultivator was arrested.
He said cultivators and
plantation overseers could
have been warned by the
approach of helicopters and
escaped.
The areas raided -- in
Sitio Tebteb and Balbalnag,
Badeo, Kibungan -- were
nestled in remote hills inac-
by using multi-drug ther-
apy (MDT) that was rec-
ommended by the World
Health Organization.
MDT has successfully
treated over 14 million pa-
tients worldwide to date.
With Cunanan’s strict
leprosy elimination program
using MDT, the children of
Culion have grown up in a
healthy environment.
(To page 34)
cessible to vehicles except
by helicopter.
The raiders were also or-
dered to verify reports that
the communist New Peo-
ple’s Army was involved in
the continuous proliferation
of vast marijuana planta-
tions in mountainous areas
of the region as a source of
funding.
The raiders were imple-
menting Oplan Apolgreen
Scorpion, initiated by the
Philippine Drug Enforce-
ment Agency and partici-
pated in by various police
and military units in the Ilo-
cos region. PNA
Cebu: Ban-Tal flyover eases traffic
CEBU CITY - The flow of people, goods and services along the Banilad-Talamban cor-
ridor here has started to be fast and smooth with the recent opening of the P87-million
flyover in the area. While the side roads of the two-lane 390-meter are yet to be completed
by Nov. 26, people from the city’s north district and 15 other adjacent villages have begun
to feel the beneficial impact of the socio-economic infrastructure. PNA
Ifugao: P120-M hospital up soon
LAGAWE, Ifugao - A P120-million 155-bed modern hospital will soon replace the 75-
bed capacity Ifugao General Hospital in Barangay Tungngod here. This, Ifugao governor
Teddy Baguilat Jr. assured, as he announced that the provincial board has authorized him
to enter into contracts with the Asian Development Bank for a P55-million soft loan, and
the Japan International Cooperation Agency for a P49-million grant, on top of the prov-
ince’s equity. PNA
Nueva Ecija: Soldiers build schoolhouse
MANILA - United States Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney has lauded American
and Filipino soldiers for putting up a 56-square meter schoolhouse for the Bagong Barrio
Elementary School in Guimba, Nueva Ecija. Kenney commented: “It’s great to see both
militaries, Philippine and American, working together so well to build a new school facil-
ity for these beautiful children who will one day be the leaders of this beautiful country.”
Building the schoolhouse was among the community activities in the Oct. 15 to 27 Talon
Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercises conducted annually in various parts of North-
ern Luzon. The exercises also brought medical and dental care to more than 12,000 people,
and served more than 8,000 students through 14 community-service events, according to
the U.S. Embassy. PNA
Cagayan: Folks raise howl vs logging
TUGUEGARAO CITY - Cagayanons, particularly the people of Pamplona town, have
aired alarm bells over the seeming unabated logging activities - either legal or illegal - in
areas of nearby Apayao province. Mario Galapia, a Pamplona resident, said Cagayan prov-
ince has continued to be at the receiving end of run-off water from Apayao during heavy
rains. Pamplona residents also complained of heavy damage to their homes and ricefields
due to flashfloods. Cagayan natural resources officer Armando Bucad sought for an inter-
provincial dialogue top settle environmental concerns. PNA
North Mindanao: 40 power towers bombed
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A total of 40 towers of the National Transmission Corpora-
tion (Transco) in Northern Mindanao have been bombed and toppled down by terrorists
since the late ‘90s, said Transco spokesperson Raffy Magbanua. Lately, two Transco tow-
ers were bombed in Panadtalan, Maramag, western Bukidnon. The towers carried major
trunk lines supplying power to the 69KV transformer in Barangay Natumulan, Tagoloan
Misamis Oriental, a major source of electricity for cooperatives operating in Northern
Mindanao and some parts of the Caraga region. PNA
Sulu: Water project reunite feuding brods
PATIKUL, Sulu - A small water system project built the bayanihan (community coopera-
tion) way in Barangay Asin, Panglima Estino, Sulu has ended a bitter, long-running and
bloody feud between two siblings of a Tausog political clan. The water system, bankrolled
by the World Bank through the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund
Project, was built by locals and various community groups whose members were identi-
fied either with Munib or Kadil, both surnamed Estino, and who were erstwhile hostile to
each other. Having seen their followers work together for the common good, the Estino
brothers agreed to smoke the peace pipes and and bury their hatchets in a pact here, before
Sulu Governor Hadji Sakur Tan, Vice Governor Lady Anne Sahidulah, 2nd Marine Bri-
gade commander Col. Celestino Pereyra, and key religious leaders. PNA
Dagupan: Illegal fishpens to go
DAGUPAN CITY - Started on Oct. 28, the clearing and dismantling of all illegal fish-
ing structures in city rivers would go on until the waters are freely navigable. This, city
officials vowed as they also hoped to prevent another costly fish kill in the area. A city
agriculturist inventory showed there were some 800 illegal fish pens and structures that
should be removed, all located in rivers in barangays Lucao, Salapingao, Calmay, Pugaro,
Bonuan and Sabangan. PNA
Davao: Bank to open more branches in ‘09
DAVAO CITY - One Network Bank (ONB), the widest banking network in Mindanao,
is set to open new branches in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental; Sindangan, Zamboanga del
Norte; and the cities of Ozamis, Surigao and Dipolog in 2009. This would bring to 75
the bank’s branches all over the island. ONB president Alex Buenaventura said the bank
would also activate 30 ATM machines. Buenaventura said the selected growth centers
were either “unbanked” or “underbanked.” PNA
Iloilo: Katas ng VAT for lolo, lola
ILOILO CITY - Some 30,000 senior citizens in Western Visayas are set to get the ‘Katas
ng VAT Tulong Kay Lolo at Lola’ P500 cash subsidy, with the recent release of P15 million
to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Welfare officer Delia Bagolcol said
the funds was the first tranche of the P34.76 million allotted for the region. Bagolcol said
P4 million was allotted for 8,080 seniors in Negros Occidental; P1.8 million for 303 se-
niors in Aklan; P1.69 million, 3,399 seniors, Antique; P1.85 million, 3,715 seniors, Capiz;
Guimaras, P429,500 for 859 seniors in Guimaras; and P3.88 million, 7,768 seniors, Iloilo.
Iloilo City got P944,500 for 1,889 seniors; Bacolod City, P148,000 for 296 seniors and
Roxas City, P157,000 for 315 seniors. PNA
ADVERTISE WITH THE MANILA MEDIA MONITOR. Call 416-285-8583
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor PHILIPPINE REGIONS 27

4,600 families in Albay South Cotabato gov’t stops small-scale mining

Governor airs appeal for help

GENERAL SANTOS recommendation of the pro- into terms, Jumilla said. cial government.

still in need of shelters

LEGAZPI CITY - Al- he added.
CITY - The provincial gov-
ernment of South Cotabato
has ordered the closure of
some 145 gold mining tun-
vincial mining board.
The order’s implemen-
tation was deferred for
sometime hoping that the
The application of the
Maguan clan to mine in
the 21 hectares, which they
claimed form part of their
Jumilla said the coop-
erative failed to present a
Free Prior Informed Con-
sent certification from tribal
bay governor Joey Salceda He thanked the Italian nels and 17 ball mill opera- Maguan clan and the min- ancestral domain claim, folk in the area. ROMMEL
has reiterated an appeal for government for giving Al- tors in Tboli town. ing cooperative would come was denied by the provin- G. REBOLLIDO/PNA
financial help to build 4,600 bay some P25.3 million, of Lourdes Jumilla, chief
more core shelters for fami- which P15 million was ap- of the Provincial Mining
lies displaced by super ty- propriated for building 180 Regulatory Board secre-
phoon Reming in 2006. housing units. tariat, said a combined team
Salceda said that while Meanwhile, Italian Am- of policemen and soldiers
the assistance from various bassador Rubens Fedele enforced the closure order
foreign and national agen- has assured Salceda that the since the first week of No-
cies had been outpouring Italian embassy would con- vember.
particularly after the natural tinue to help various asso- The order effectively
tragedy, “we have to look ciations formed in resettle- shut down mining activities
for more partners to sub- ment sites to improve their in a 21-hectare area in the
stantiate the damages and livelihood. village of Kematu, which
loses to properties and lives Fedele said they have is also being disputed by
of affected Albayanos.” also invited Italian tourists a Tboli family and a local
He said the donors have and investors to visit Albay. mining cooperative.
initiated and completed “This is to promote not Jumilla said the closure
their projects and programs, only tourist destinations order was issued after the
including the building of here but to help market the mining operators failed to
housing units, for the ty- handicraft products pro- get necessary permits and
phoon victims. duced by various women licenses from the provincial
“However, we still need organization in the resettle- government.
to look for funding to bank- ment sites,” he said. The effective closure of
roll the construction of ad- “Although our coopera- mining activities in Tboli
ditional 4,600 shelters for tion program for typhoon came months after South
those who are still waiting rehabilitation has ended, we Cotabato governor Daisy
for permanent resettlement can still help the Albayanos Avance Fuentes ordered
in the towns of Camalig, in promoting its tourism in- the closure of illegal small-
Daraga and Guinobatan,” dustry,” Fedele said. PNA scale mine operations on
Opinion: Thank You, Supreme Court
(From page 9)
By the way, land grabbing was “legal” tasks to do in Mindanao -- attending to the
because it was in accordance with the Pub- sick, burying the dead, consoling the or-
lic Land Act which “legitimized” the dis- phans, securing our homes and communi-
possession of the non-Christian tribes from ties.
their ancestral lands. As children slowly die of hunger and
Never mind if it is not just, notwithstand- diarrhea in congested evacuation centers,
ing if it is not fair, for as long as it is legal they ask: “Why is there war again?”
and in accordance with the Constitution. May you take it in your conscience to
Thank you for making us understand explain to them how the constitution is far
why in the JPEPA case, you upheld the more important than the innocent lives of
exercise of executive privilege by Malaca- hundreds of thousands of people.
ñang, while in the MOA-AD it simply can- They pay such a high price for your
not be. Constitution.
Vis-a vis the interests of superpowers You should thank them for that, Su-
like Japan and the US, it’s okay to com- preme Court of the Philippines. fatimah-
promise sovereignty, we are their puppets binguerra@yahoo.com.
anyway.
But with regards to the Bangsamoro
people, that’s another story.
Our business interest over their ances-
tral domain is of such transcendental im-
portance to these Senators, Congressmen,
Mayors, Generals, Lawyers, Vice Gover-
nors cum owners of mining, logging, ba-
nana, pineapple and jatropha plantations
in Mindanao that they cannot be compro-
mised.
Thank you for affirming that we are in-
deed one country, one people, one nation.
As such, one cannot help but wonder
why the military indiscriminately drop
bombs over civilian communities in Mind-
anao akin to the carpet bombings in Iraq.
If you stubbornly insist that the
Bangsamoro people cannot be allowed to
dismember from this Republic, you should
at least treat them like they are members of
this country in the first place.
But alas! Thanks that seven of you,
Honorable Justices, will be retiring next
year.
Whether it is this court or next year’s
full Arroyo court, it doesn?t matter to ordi-
nary Moros, lumads (highlanders) and set-
tlers anymore.
There is no place for them in your court
anyway.
In the meantime, there are more urgent
28
Jaworski: RP 5’s Olympics dream also needs miracle
By JELLY F. MUSICO
MANILA - Former
basketball superstar Robert
‘The Big J’ Jaworski has
admitted that besides ‘doing
the right thing’, the Phil-
ippine hoop team needed
some miracles to play anew
in the Olympics.
“The 2012 London
Olympics is barely four
years away, and trading
baskets with the US Dream
Team and other Games
champions is a dream that
can be a reality,” Jawor-
ski said in a recent weekly
SCOOP sports session.
But other than doing the
right thing, a few miracles
could give the RP Five a
lift, he said.
”We have to admit that
China, Japan, Korea and the
Middle East countries are
dominating Asia because
they are tall,” he noted.
“To beat them, we have
to have the right mind and
heart,” Jaworski said.
Jaworski, who once sat
as a Senator, also urged lo-
cal basketball officials to
unite as “there is no short-
cut” to success.”
”China closed its doors
for almost 20 years with-
out international exposure
but they didn’t care. What
they did was put their acts
SPORTS
together; doing the right
thing,” Jaworski said.
”If we put our acts to-
gether, I think there will be
good results. But we should
not expect to become cham-
pions right away. Asia com-
prises the largest part of the
world’s population and fin-
ishing fourth or fifth should
be a source of pride for us,”
he said.
The former lawmaker
also dared the players, in-
cluding Fil-foreigners who
would be chosen for the
national team to consider it
a rare opportunity to repre-
sent the Philippines in inter-
national competitions.
”It is vital to play with
heart, being the country’s
representatives,” he said.
Jaworski was one of the
few former national coaches
being eyed to act as adviser
to coach Yeng Guiao who
would steer the RP team
that would see action in the
2009Asia-FIBA qualifying
round for the 2010 World
championships in Turkey.
Given a chance to pick
players, Jaworski said he
preferred seven national
team players who saw ac-
tion in the 2007 Olympic
qualifier in Tokushima, Ja-
pan.
Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
”It’s a rare honor to be TOP LEFT: The
chosen for a national en- Philippines
deavor,” said Jaworski, played one of
who donned the Philippine the first games
jersey in many internation- of Olympic bas-
al tournaments including ketball and won
the Asian Games, World against Mexico
Championship and Olym- (32-30) in the
pic Games in his heydays. 1936 Olympics.
In 1966, Jaworski It placed 5th,
played with the RP 5 in the then the high-
Bangkok Asian Games. est finish by any
The year after, he was Asian country
part of the champion ABC in the Games’
team in Seoul, South Korea, hoop history. JAWORSKI
as the Philippines earned the BOTTOM, LEFT:
right to represent Asia in the The Philippine hoop team placed 3rd
1968 Mexico Olympics. He overall (bronze) behind the USA and Bra-
was also the team captain zil in the 1954 World Championships in
of the 1971 ABC and 1974 Rio De Janeiro. This is also the highest
Asian Games teams. by any Asian nation up to today. Source:
Jaworski was also part istorya.net
of the RP team that won the
1973 Manila ABC tourna-
ment, thereby earning the
right to play in the 1974
World championships in
Puerto Rico.
Jaworski has a success-
ful career as a player and
coach in the Philippine Bas-
ketball Association (PBA),
Asia’s first premier basket-
ball league, which honored
him as one of the 25 Great-
est Players Of All Time.
In the 1990 Asian
Games, Jaworski led a hast-
ily-organized national team
that bagged the silver med-
al. PNA
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor SPORTS 29
Milan GK golf tourney raises $60T

Arnold Milan, lead sponsor of the first Milan Gawad Kalinga (GK) Golf tour-
nament at Angus Glen on Oct. 24, sinks his putt as playing partners former
Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos (right), Jun Siao (left), and John McGee
cheer him up. Later, President Ramos, also President Emeritus of the Philip-
pine Association of Golf Clubs, gave GK golfers tips on a successful golfing
game. Ramos is known to have shot his age, scoring 78 when he was 79
years old. The GK tournament raised $60,000 for the Circulo Ilonggo GK Vil-
lage in Calinog, Iloilo. Circulo Ilonggo provided the seed money of $10,000
for the project. RENEE TALAVERA-SIAO
30 SPORTS Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008

Pacquiao-Dela Hoya Dream Match Views

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: “Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in box-
ing today. I always want to fight the best. I am glad we were able to make this fight
happen. While Pacquiao is at the pinnacle of his success and has defeated all of the top
fighters he has faced, I am going to show the world that it stops with me. Dec. 6 can’t
get here soon enough.”

MANNY PACQUIAO: “This is my greatest challenge. When I take that walk to

the ring to fight Oscar, I will carry all the people of the Philippines -- the entire coun-
try -- on my shoulders. I promise I will fight with all of my heart and that I will give
everything I have. Like my trainer Freddie Roach says, I have what it takes to win the
biggest fight of my life.”

BOB ARUM: “Manny has asked me not to talk about numbers or percentages.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER: “There was only one fight which truly got people talk-
ing, some with excitement, some with skepticism. It’s not just a fight. It’s truly an
event. It transcends the sport in a way I have never seen before, including Oscar’s fight
with Mayweather. This is a fight between superstars who have captured the imagina-
tion of their people and beyond, the two most popular fighters in the world. It’s this
kind of event that will have boxing on the front pages ... keep the world talking.”

What?! Mexicans favor Pacquiao?

(From page 1)
“The Mexicans love
Pacquiao. Pacquiao is more
popular in Mexico than de
la Hoya,” Arum adds in a
philboxing.com report.
De la Hoya, the son of
Mexican migrants, grew
up in East Los Angeles and
waved both the American
and Mexican flags in the
ring when he won a gold
medal in 1992 Barcelona
Olympics.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao
has declared he was 80 to 90
percent ready against De la
Hoya, despite a poll favor-
ing the American fighter.
”I’m 80 to 90 percent
ready and I’m not affected
by the survey favoring my
opponent,” Pacquiao said in
a teleconference at a recent
Philippine Sports Associa-
tion Forum.
An ESPN poll showed
60 percent of surveyed
boxing fans believed De la
Hoya will beat Pacquiao.
”I prefer to be the un-
derdog because it challeng-
es me to work harder; just
what I did when I fought
(and defeated twice) Marco
Antonio Barrera,” he said.
Aside from Barrera, oth-
er famous Mexican fighters
whom Pacquiao defeated
included Erik Morales
(twice in their three fights),
Juan Manuel Marquez and
former world titlist Oscar
Larios.
He also stopped Jorge
Solis, Hector Velasquez and
Emmanuel Lucero.
De la Hoya (39-5, 30
KOs) is four inches taller
than Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35
KOs), who stands five-foot-
six.
The two will fight at
147-pound (welterweight).
PNA
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 31

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32
Bangko Sentral projects RP growth at 4% in ‘08, ‘09
MANILA - The Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
has foreseen a four-percent
“comfortable” growth of
the Philippine economy in
2008 and 2009.
The projection was low-
er than the government’s 4.4
to 4.9 percent growth target
for 2008, but BSP manag-
ing director Cyd Amador
said the figures were still
within the country’s aver-
age growth rate in the last
10 years.
Amador said the projec-
tion was also “broadly con-
sistent” with the forecast
MONEY
of the National Economic
Development Authority
(NEDA).
She said the NEDA
growth projection was rela-
tive to the global slowdown,
but stressed that the country
remained resilient against
the turmoil.
She cited growth driv-
ers of the domestic econo-
my that included increased
public infrastructure spend-
ing, mining, tourism and
business process outsourc-
ing (BPO).
Tourism receipts alone
ought to contribute some
US$4 billion to US$5 bil-
lion to the country’s foreign
reserves by end-2008.
The BPO sector could
share around US$3 billion
to US$4 billion.
She said inflation rates
have ebbed after it peaked
at 12.5 percent in August.
Monetary officials have
then expected prices of ba-
sic goods to go down and
the inflation rate to return
to a single digit in the first
quarter of 2009.
Inflation taming was at-
tributed to the decrease in
the prices of oil and food in
Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
the international market, as
well as the increased supply
of rice, in particular, in the
domestic front.
But Amador stressed
that risks remained.
She named the risks as
the price pressures still on
OPG among ‘09 Top 100 Employers
For the second year in
a row, the Ontario Power
Generation (OPG) has been
named as one of Canada’s
Top 100 Employers for
2009.
OPG was chosen from
the pipeline, the continuous
high demand for commodi-
ties, and the “sluggish” re-
sponse of the supply side
relative to prices.
Government has target-
ted inflation in 2008 be-
tween three and five per-
among thousands of organi-
zations across Canada, from
every region of the country
and every major industry.
OPG president and
chief executive officer Jim
Hankinson said that to be
cent; but later changed to
between nine and 11 percent
due to the global economic
turmoil.
For 2009, the targetted
2.5 to 4.5 percent inflation
rate was changed to six to
eight percent. PNA
ranked among Canada’s
best employers, “an orga-
nization must be a leader in
its industry in attracting and
retaining quality employ-
ees.”
(To page 34)
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor MONEY 33
PCCI: More foreign cash flow for oil GOT A FOREX DEAL?
Check out if you got your peso’s worth for the

exploration = energy self-sufficiency dollars you have had exchanged since Oct. 16,
courtesy of Manila Media (Money) Monitor.
US$ Cdn$
MANILA - Business- By LESLIE V. GATPOLINTAN Nov. 17 49.54005 40.60417
men have urged government
to open oil exploration wid- Nov. 14 49.42429 40.37744
er to foreign investments, Nov. 13 49.42050 40.14392
a move that could pave the Nov. 12 49.00216 39.86988
way for the Philippines to Nov. 10 48.42861 40.55716
achieve energy self-suffi- Nov. 7 48.74588 41.20350
ciency. Nov. 6 48.45623 41.02726
Jose Alejandro, Philip- Nov. 5 47.99812 41.41164
pine Chamber of Commerce Nov. 4 48.13619 41.89122
and Industry (PCCI) vice Nov. 3 48.39330 40.76725
president for energy, said Oct. 31 48.85857 40.17796
this was part of an eight- Oct. 30 48.40286 39.60782
point power and energy Oct. 29 48.99916 39.83422
agenda the PCCI submitted Oct. 28 48.95535 37.83061
to President Gloria Macapa- Oct. 27 49.20215 38.13958
gal Arroyo at the 2008 Phil- Oct. 24 48.80283 38.33530
ippine Business Conference Oct. 23 49.00119 38.98020
from Oct. 20 to 22. Oct. 22 48.69392 38.98395
RP lacks capital Oct. 21 48.09244 39.41745
“Oil exploration is a Oct. 20 47.90323 40.01730
very expensive affair. It
Oct. 17 48.04416 40.64433
requires so many million Tañon oil exploration project between Cebu and Negros Islands
Oct. 16 48.06014 40.21574
dollars to dig a well. We do
not have the local capital to “We should take out the only dug 557 wells in 100 ference, PCCI also pushed
do that so, we should make
it easy for foreigners and
provision against farming-
in and farming-out; mean-
years while Malaysia and
Indonesia dig hundreds of
for the reduction of taxes
and royalties on fuel used www.FinancialProblem.ca
explorers to come and do ing, if you give me the con- wells every year; that is for power generation, and with credit cards and bank loans
that,” Alejandro said. cession to service, I should why, they have oil,” he said. for the lowering or putting a Too many loans & credit cards?
He cited the need to al- have the ability to look for “We have enough (oil) de- cap on the value-added tax Paying too much interest?
low the Philippine National partners,” he explained. posits,” he added. (VAT) applied to fuel and Afraid to pick up your own phone?
Oil Company to enter into Lagging behind He said tightening up a related cost items under dis- Looking for consolidation?
joint ventures through farm- Alejandro said the grant bit could come after an area tribution, transmission and
in and farm-out pacts with of service contracts to oil explored and developed for generation. Please see page 13 for our detailed advertisement
foreign companies, which exploration firms should be oil has started production. “In generation, which CREDIT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
track records in oil explora- accelerated. Oil, related taxes comprises the biggest por-
tion and development. “The Philippines has During the business con- (To page 34) 416-780-1020
RP GIR, FDI dip amid global eco slip
MANILA - The Philip- was also lower than the pre- foreign exchange obliga-
pines’ gross international vious month’s US$147 net tions, and the withdrawal
reserve (GIR) went down inflow, the Bangko Sentral of state-run Power Sector
by US$1 billion to US$35.7 ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. Assets and Liabilities Man-
billion in end-October, from GIR slip agement Corp. of its foreign
the previous month’s US$ BSP Governor Amando currency deposit with the
36.7 billion. Tetangco Jr. attributed the central bank to pay its ma-
Similarly, the global decline in the country’s for- turing obligations.
financial crunch has re- eign reserves to the down- BSP said the Ocober
sulted in a measely US$128 ward revaluation adjustment GIR could still cover 5.6
million in foreign direct in the central bank’s gold months of imports of goods
investments (FDI) in the holdings “on account of the and payments of services
Philippines in August 2008, lower price of gold in the and income.
bringing the year-to-date international market during The GIR is the country’s
figure to US$1.1 billion, the month on review.” available foreign exchange
or a drop of 56.3 percent Other factors were the resources to meet essential
year-on-year from US$2.5 prepayment the national import requirements.
billion. government and the central The GIR was equivalent
The August FDI figure bank made for maturing (To page 34)

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34 Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
Calendar OPG ...
(From page 3) (From page 32)
► DEC. 20: College of the Holy Spirit North American “To receive such rec-
Foundation, Inc. Canada Chapter Christmas Party, ognition is truly an honor,”
Strate’s Banquet Hall, Etobicoke, 6 p.m. Hankinson said.
► DEC. 31: Filipino Centre Toronto New Year’s Eve “I am proud of this rec-
Dinner-Dance. ognition and of the 11,500
► FEB. 27: Filipino Centre Toronto 2009 Filipino individuals who contribute
Singing Idol Competitions, Second Round, FCT Rizal to making our business a
Hall. success,” he added.
► APRIL 23: Filipino Centre Toronto 2009 Filipino Canada’s Top 100 Em-
Singing Idol Competitions, Third Round, FCT Rizal ployers is an annual guide to
Hall. “best practices” in recruit-
ment and retention.
A public service column in cooperation with the Companies chosen are
Philippine Consul General’s Office in Toronto. not numerically ranked and
Also visit www.pakulo.com. only identified as among the
top 100. PR
RP GIR, FDI dip amid global economic slip
(From page 33)
to 3.6 times the country’s mainly from remittances ly’s US$229 million.
short-term foreign debt from abroad. Reinvested earnings
based on original matur- The country’s net inter- reached US$30 million,
ing and 2.5 times based on national reserves, or the dif- lower than the US$81 mil-
SEOUL DRIVING SCHOOL residual maturity, which re- ference between the central lion in July.
ferred to short-term foreign bank’s GIR and total short- Suratos said foreign in-
YELLOWBIRD obligations and medium term liabilities, at end-Oc- vestors have been opting
and long-term loan repay- tober totaled US$34.2 bil- to to plow back earnings in
4862 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario ments due within the next lion, lower than the previous local enterprises and corpo-
12 months. month’s US$35.8 billion. rations. Inter-company loan
The BSP said foreign FDI drop availments from foreign di-
reserves might reach from Meanwhile, BSP Deputy rect investors also impacted
US$36.5 billion to US$37 Governor Armando Suratos on the country’s FDI.
billion this year, the lower said the FDI as of end-Au- The gross equity capi-
end considered in view of gust was proped by net in- tal at end-August totaled
the global economic crunch. flows with its components US$997 million, coming
In 2007, the country’s still in surpluses. from the US, Japan, Singa-
foreign reserves reached Net equity capital in- pore, South Korea, Germany
US$33.7 billion, because of flows reached US$73 mil- and Malaysia.
inflows of the central bank’s lion “due largely to foreign These went to manu-
net foreign exchange opera- capital infusion for the facturing, services, mining,
tions, income from invest- privatization of a hydropow- construction, real estate, and
ments abroad, and sustained er plant in northern Luzon.” financial institutions, Sura-
foreign exchange inflow But this was lower than Ju- tos said.

Samal Island is no Boracay aper
(From page 24)
“If Boracay can crow
about its kilometric long-
white beaches and nothing
else, Samal islanders can
crow not only about its pris-
tine white beaches, but also
Anti-terrorist robot ...
(From page 25)
at least 50 countries, includ-
ing technology-juggernauts
the United Kingdom, Aus-
tralia, France, Japan, Singa-
pore and China.
“During the semifinals in
Taipei, the Philippines won
the gold medal. We were
then pitted with the group
that won the gold medal in
Europe for the finals,” Judi-
lla said.
The competitions were
Shelter loan restructuring ...
(From page 25)
would be treated as non-in-
terest bearing principal to be
equally repaid;
► The restructured loan
would be imposed an inter-
est rate of not more than the
interest of the original loan,
or not more than 12 percent
whichever was lower;
► The loan restructuring
payment period is extended
to lower the monthly amor-
tization up to the age 70 of
the borrower.
Disqualification
Disqualified accounts
are those without a single
payment since take out.
its other unique attractions
like some of the world’s best
diving sites, hundreds of un-
derground caves, century-
old balete trees, vanishing
islands and the world’s
sponsored by Bill Gates’
owned Microsoft.
Before making an im-
pressive presence in China,
the MAC was launched by
the Makati Police as the
newest member of its bomb
squad, to be deployed if and
when the city - known as the
Philippines’ financial center
and embassy row - would
come under any terrorist
threat. PNA
Also not covered are
accounts that have resulted
in the abandonment of the
housing unit for one year:
► Which housing unit
is occupied by a third party
other than the original regis-
tered beneficiary or his legal
heirs.
► Foreclosed, the title
of which had been consoli-
dated and/or transferred to
the GFI or housing agency
through dacion en pago.
► With Pag-ibig Fund
contracts-to-sell covered
by a developer’s buy-back
guaranty. PR
biggest population of fruit
bats,” according to Samal’s
senior tourism officer Vir-
ginia Ibo.
Many foreigners who
visited Samal as tourists in
the past fell in love with the
island and ended up as for-
eign expats and permanent
residents.
“It’s astonishing what
you can discover in the is-
land,” says William Krelle,
68, who came here as a
tourist in the early 80’s and
found himself today an ex-
porter of seafoods from
Davao to Australia.
“It could be so addicting
you’ll find yourself hooked
to it completely,” Krelle
adds.
PCCI: More foreign cash flow for oil ...
(From page 33)
tion of a power bill of about
60 percent, there is royalty
and there is VAT. Every time
everything goes up, there is
a VAT that goes with it. So,
if (the government) can put
a cap to it, the consumers
can be relieved of additional
costs,” Alejandro said.
Recommendations
PCCI’s resolution on
power and energy likewise
sought for the:
► Acceleration of the
100-percent privatization of
the National Power Corp.
and the appointment of an
Independent Power Produc-
Besides its white beach-
es and natural attractions,
a German editor cites the
island’s proximity to the
bustling city of Davao with
all its modern telecommuni-
cations systems.
“I’ve never seen any
place like this anywhere in
the world where you can
relax on a white beach on
a beautiful island -- yet you
can still keep in touch with
anyone in the world through
the internet or my mobile
phone,” says Ulrich Kron-
berg, 62, editor-publisher of
two German sailboat maga-
zines based in Hamburg.
Kronberg married a Sa-
mal native and had four
children with her. He runs
his Hamburg publishing
company by internet from
er Administrator within the
next six months.
► Review of the unbun-
dled rate of Transco, most
specifically related to ancil-
lary services.
► Government to man-
date reforms in the electric
cooperative sub-sector, by
accelerating their incorpora-
tion so they would be more
financially feasible and ac-
cessible and consequently
address the plight of regional
industries, particularly small
and medium enterprises.
► State and the Joint
Congressional Power Com-
the island.
Trade officials in Davao
find it fascinating that a
growing number of foreign-
ers who started out as tour-
ists and visitors in the region
ended up as investors and
traders helping in the local
economy’s growth.
“It’s delightful to know
how foreigners who came
here as tourists begin to like
Samal and Davao, ending
up in love with a local girl,
raising their families and
eventually putting up their
investments here,” says re-
gional trade director Mari-
zon Loreto.
“It’s a blessing for us to
be at an advantage, result-
ing in local investments and
providing jobs for our peo-
ple,” Loreto says. PNA
mission to reassess the
performance-based rate
setting system the Energy
Regulatory Commission
approved.
► Assurance of suffi-
cient and stable energy sup-
ply in Palawan, the Visayas,
and Mindanao.
► Advocacy of and
support to a comprehensive
study of the different en-
demic/native energy plants
as potential feedstocks for
biofuel processing.
► Creation of a national
energy plant research insti-
tute. PNA
Culion ...
(From page 26)
Cantimbuhan and town
officials earlier joined hands
in airing a global appeal to
end the stigma against lep-
ers in Culion.
Lyle Coruna, president
of the Palawan Press Club,
said: ”It is high time for
people to learn that there is
more to Culion than being
an ex-leper colony and its
people should be stripped
off the social stigma that has
been associated with it for so
long. Culion has been given
a chance to be seen for what
it truly is - a beautiful para-
dise island with equally and
warm-hearted residents.”
Tourism in Culion
Culion is part of the pic-
turesque Calamianes chain
of northern Palawan and it
has shifted gear into tourism
promotion.
Culion is home to rare
animals such as Philippine
mouse deer (the world’s
smallest hoofed animal),
Palawan hornbills, anteaters
and the Calamian deer.
Its waters boast of man-
groves, seagrasses and cor-
als that support a diverse
range of marine life, from
the colorful butterfly fish to
elusive dugongs.
Tourism official Alfonso
Alcantara said P20 mil-
lion was allotted to develop
Culion’s Pulanglupa View
Deck for tourists. PNA
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor ENTERTAINMENT 35
Diplomats and a diva
Filipino-Canadi-
an diva JOSIE DE
LEON jams it up with
former Philippine
President FIDEL V.
RAMOS (right) and
Philippine Consul
General in Toronto
ALEJANDRO MOS-
QUERA (left) during
recent ANCOP-Ga-
wad Kalinga promo
events, aimed at rais-
ing funds to build
homes for the poor
in the Philippines,
in Ontario. PHOTOS:
MIKE CADUCIO

Elise Estrada films Crash & Burn video

VANCOUVER, BC - Filipino-Canadi- She started singing at the age of five
Jasmine shines at BSO concert
an music sensation Elise Estrada has started with the encouragement of her supportive Young songstress Jas- having placed third in the will at Las Vegas to record
filming her new Crash & Burn video in parents. mine Elaine Ragual added USA WorldShowcase Talent her first demo CD and will
Cancun, Mexico, according to Billboard Acknowledging the love of many Filipi- excitement anew to a recent competition and winning compete anew at the USA
Publicity Wire and PRWEB. nos for karaoke/videoke singing, Elise be- Brampton Symphony Or- as Junior Champ in the World Showcase.
Estrada’s Crash & Burn - along with gan to find her pipes by singing tunes popu- chestra (BSO) Sympfusion CNE Rising Star search in Jasmine is a youth
songs Insatiable, UnLove You, These 3 larized by Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, concert at Brampton’s Rose Toronto. member of the Federation
Words, and and Michael Theatre, as she belted out Later this November, of Filipino Canadians of
Ix-Nay - have Jackson - Broadway hits On My Own she will appear in her Brampton and a junior
all earned Top - artists she from Les Miserables and first major role for the member of the Fiesta
10 Hit Song regards as Reflections from Mulan Christmas musical Ahmal Filipina Dance Troupe of
status. major influ- arranged for her by BSO and the Night Visitors of Canada.
A hot ences. But principal conductor Robert Mississauga’s City Centre She is vocally coached
commodity in she looks Raines. Musical Productions. by Eleanor Calbes. JOYCE
the pop-music at Beyonce, Her third performance In January 2009, she RODRIGUEZ
world these R e g i n e with the BSO, Jasmine
days, spunky Ve l a s q u e z would once more join the
singer Elise and Vina symphony in its South
debuted with Morales as Beach, Miami, Florida tour
an album of her important in March 2009.
girl-power influence. The BSO show also
tracks. ELISE ESTRADA Accord- featured Robert Pilon,
Today, she ing to Elise: known for his roles in the
has a host of big concert dates with major “I was the girl who sang with a hairbrush in musicals Les Miserables and
international artists including Rihanna, 50 hand in front of a mirror.” Phantom of the Opera, song
Cent, Backstreet Boys, Enrique Iglesias, Estrada hopes to serve as an inspiration stylist Toni Anderson and
Girlicious and Nelly. to her Filipino heritage. “The way I talk, the the Royal Conservatory’s
Elise was born in 1987 in Marikina City, way I look, I don’t try to change anything. Three Young Tenors.
the Philippines and came to Canada with I think being Filipino makes me different, Jasmine has gone a long
her family when she was four. and it’s something to be proud of.” PR way with her singing, ROBERT PILON & JASMINE RAGUAL

Journey’s RP concert in April?

Talks are underway for
famous American band
Journey to stage its Asian
tour between February and
April next year.
Bert de Leon, manager
of Journey’s Filipino lead
singer Arnel Pineda, said
Journey planned to go on an
Asian tour - that would in-
clude a performance in the
Philippines - about the end
of this year but the tour was
postponed.
Journey has concluded
a 72-concert performance
around the world, to include
one in Toronto last summer,
since February.
De Leon said Journey’s
ARNEL PINEDA (3rd from left), Filipino lead singer of famous American rock concert in the Philippines
Journey, band takes a poser with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Ar- would likely take place in
royo, during a recent courtesy call at Malacañang. Pineda later serenaded an outdoor venue.
the President with an a capella rendition of Jopurney hit song Open Arms. “I think it is going to
Pineda, tracing his roots in Arayat and San Fernando City in Pampanga, happen in April,” he added.
says he is proud to be a cabalen. He came with fiancee Cherry Flores and Meanwhile, Pineda has
their three-year old son Cherub (1st and 2nd from left, respectively), father returned to the Philippines
Restituto; brothers Roderick and Russmon; manager Bert de Leon, and vio- on an indefinite R&R, de
linist, John Lesaca. OPS Leon said.
Arnel Pineda began his
singing career in 1982, then
15 years old, as the lead
singer of the Filipino musi-
cal group Ijos Band.
In 1986, he joined the
Amo, which won the Rock
Wars contest, and the Phil-
ippine leg of the Yamaha
World Band Explosion in
1988.
In 1990, Pineda and oth-
er members of Amo formed
another band called Inten-
sity Five.
That year, the new sing-
ing group entered the Yama-
ha World Band Explosion
where Pineda won the Best
Vocalist award, with his
band winning the first run-
ner-up plum.
Later that year, Pineda
formed another band, New
Age, which performed in fa-
mous joints in Hong Kong.
He later became the lead
singer of the popular band
The Zoo, which performed
at clubs in Manila and Olon-
gapo.
Videos of The Zoo per-
forming cover songs by
Journey, Survivor, Aero-
smith, Led Zeppelin, Air
Supply, The Eagles, Kenny
Loggins and other popular
acts from the ‘70s, ‘80s and
‘90s, began appearing on
YouTube.com in Feb. 2007.
On June 28, 2007, Neal
Schon of Journey contacted
Noel Gomez, a longtime fan
and friend of Pineda, who
uploaded many of the vid-
eos.
After an audition, Pineda
was announced as the new
lead singer of Journey on
Dec. 5, 2007.
Pineda debuted as the
lead singer of Journey on
Feb. 21, 2008 at the Viña
del Mar International Song
Festival at the Quinta Ver-
gara Amphitheater in Viña
del Mar, Chile where he got
raves from media. OPS
36
PCSM
concerts to
help KCCC,
cancer-sick
Katarina M.
The Kalayaan Cultural
Community Centre (KCCC)
will be one of two recipients
of the proceeds from a
back-to-back Pamasko
(Christmas) concert of the
Philippine Choral Society
of Mississauga (PCSM).
The “gift” will go to
KCCC’s mortgage reduction
fund.
The other beneficiary
is five-year old Katarina
Mangrobang who is
suffering from cancer.
The first presentation
will be on Dec. 6 at the First
United Church; the second
at KCCC’s grand hall on
Dec. 13. Both places are
in Mississauga and both
concerts will start at 8 p.m.
Following PCSM’s
concert at the KCCC is a
reception and dancing.
The PCSM has been
singing for charity in the
last 23 years.
The chorale has
participated in numerous
community events.
Under the baton of
Imelda Espiritu-Papa, the
group has sang for the sick,
the church, organizations,
scholarships and other
worthy causes in Canada
and the United States.
It is a versatile group
composed mostly of
husbands and wives and
their children.
It has participated in
local and international
festivals and has won prizes
for the group.
It is affiliated with the
Mississauga Arts Council
and the Mississauga
Recreation and Parks
Department.
This time, the PCSM
will entertain the audience
with old-time favorite
and nostalgic Filipino and
universal Christmas carols
to help two worthy causes:
a Filipino community center
west of the Greater Toronto
area and a sick five-year old
beautiful child of God.
The KCCC has requested
the public to share a small
part of their Christmas
shopping money to either
or both of the beneficiaries.
PR
ENTERTAINMENT Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008
THE PHILIPPINE CHORAL SOCIETY OF MISSISSAUGA
Miss Earth crown: From a Canadian to a Filipino
Outgoing Miss Earth 2007, Miss Canada JESSICA NICOLE TRISKO (right)
crowns her successor Miss Philippines KARLA HENRY as Miss Earth 2008.
Jessica (born 1984) is from Vancouver, British Columbia. Her father is of PATRICIA FERNANDEZ
Ukrainian-Russian heritage, and her mother is Filipino. Wikipedia
Miss Philippines Karla
Henry, 22, was crowned
the world’s greenest beauty,
besting 84 other hopefuls in
the 2008 Miss Earth pageant
at the Expo amphitheatre in
Clark Air Base, Pampanga
on Nov. 9.
In winning the crown,
Karla has distinguished her-
self as the Philippines’ first
ever Miss Earth and the
pageant’s first winner from
the Asian region.
She also completed her RYAN ROBERTS
winning streak by bagging
five special major and minor Ryan Roberts will seek the
awards: Miss Earth Design- Philippines’ first title as the
ers, Miss Photogenic, Eagle globe’s ‘handsomest’ male
Express, Miss Fontana, and envoy, when he competes
Pasigandahan (for Manila). at the Mister International
In Miss Earth history, pageant in Kaohsiung, Tai-
Karla was the only winner wan on Nov. 23.
who got the most awards. A US Army soldier who
Meanwhile, Binibining served four years in Iraq,
Pilipinas International Pa- Roberts joined the Philip-
tricia Fernandez could only pine search while on vaca-
go as far as the semifinals of tion in the country. He best-
the 48th Miss International ed 14 other bets.
pageant at the Venetian Ma- “I am very much a Fili-
cao-Resort-Hotel in Macau pino as I am an American,”
on Nov. 8. he said, “and although I
Fernandez vied with grew up practically in the
62 other beauties from all States, I have long been
over the world. Miss Spain, wanting to come back and
Alejandra Andreu, won the reconnect with my roots.”
title. “Everyone seems to be
Filipino model-turned- happy (in the Philippines),
TV host Precious Lara and even if life is not always
Quigaman won the Miss In- easy, Filipinos somehow
ternational title in 2005. manage to smile and exhale
Miss Philippines KARLA HENRY (2nd from left, front row) joins 84 other Miss In another develop- their woes,” he added. In-
Earth candidates during the swimwear presentation. ment, Filipino-American ternet sources
NOVEMBER 2008
GMA wins at 2008 CMMA
PASAY CITY - The
Philippines’ leading TV sta-
tion GMA Network bagged
a total of eight awards at the
2008 Catholic Mass Media
Awards (CMMA) staged at
the Teatro ng GSIS here on
Oct. 29.
Established in 1978,
the CMMA “pays tribute to
those who promote Chris-
tian values in an outstand-
ing way, in radio, press,
advertising, television, and
Roundabout: Celebrity ...
(From page 8)
watch may not all be kiddie
materials. I believe I have
raised a mature family
and smart children who
by now can differentiate
savory from bad programs,
morally upright shows from
distasteful ones,” explains
Davao.
Watching showbiz
gossip shows on occasion,
because of the demands
of career and industry,
becomes an iffy affair if
Davao’s kids are around.
“In a way I am thankful
that I get to watch such
programs with them. They
have a lot of questions as
a result of the irresponsible
uttered by my colleagues.
Also, Jackie and I are
frequently at the merciless
receiving end of questions
like: Is that story true? To
Manila Media Monitor
film.”
GMA programs took
home four CMMA awards,
its sister station Q Chan-
nel 11 acquired three, and
the Kapuso Network’s AM
station DZBB 594 received
one award.
The Serviam Awardee,
an Institutional Category,
was also handed to GMA’s
Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko.
CMMA Awardees in-
clude Mel & Joey for Best
which I often counter that
a rumor is such because it
is oftentimes malicious and
unjust speculation. I don’t
think my kids would have
grown up to be open-minded
and media smart if their
parents were not around to
answer their questions.”
Ultimately, Davao points
to the parent and the school
as equally responsible in
child rearing, following the
popular African adage that
it takes the entire village
to raise a child. “School is
the extension of the home.
Bad programs are like bad
strangers who you do not
allow into the house. It is
the call of the principal
and teacher to take up the
cudgels in parents’ behalf.”
“But at home, it is my
call as the parent.”
ENTERTAINMENT 37
Reg. # 4533253
Talk Show; I-WITNESS
“Batang Kalabaw” (epi-
sode by Jay Taruc) and
Iskul Ko, No.1 (by Sandra 919 Ellesmere Road
Aguinaldo) tied for Best Suite 107, Scarborough
Adult Educational-Cultural
Program; Mga Mata ni An-
Ontario M1P 2W7
gelita, for Special Citation
in the Best Drama Series
category; and Wish Ko Lang
for Best Public Service Pro-
gram.
Q Channel 11 programs
that were awarded that night
included The Sweet Life,
which tied with Mel & Joey
for Best Talk Show; Kids
on Q for Best Children’s
Program; and Day Off that
won Best Entertainment
Program. MANILA - TORONTO - USA - EUROPE
Lastly, GMA’s AM sta- OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD
tion DZBB 594 took home
the Best Drama Program
award for Nagmamahal,
Manay Gina.
The 2008 CMMA
awards night was organized
by the Archdiocese of Ma-
nila and attended by key
personalities in the print
media, radio, television,
music, and advertising in- “Super baba
dustry in the Philippines. and halaga ...
In Canada and the Unit-
ed States, GMA’s award
Super below
winning shows are on GMA fare talaga.”
Pinoy TV, while programs
on Q Channel 11 are avail- “Handang Maglingkod Sa Ating Kababayan”
able on GMA Life TV chan-
nel. Call your preferred pay
TV operator to subscribe.
Tel (416) 751-9588 Fax (416) 751-9133
38 ENTERTAINMENT Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008

Christmas from the Heart

Join the Philippine Press Club-Ontario
(PPC-O) and Kol Hope Foundation, Inc. as
its officers, members, friends and support-
ers celebrate the essence of the Yule Season
in PPC-O’s Celebrity Night at Casa Manila
on Dec. 19 from 7 p.m. onwards. Christmas
From The Heart features live entertain-
ment from Celebrity Talents Inah Canla-
pan, Cassandra Malabanan, ‘Elvis’ artist
Zena Zagala and Ely Torrenuevo, and a
host of other homegrown talents. Dinner- DARIUS CIRIA JOSIE and DARIUS in a duet JOSIE DE LEON
show (cash bar) tickets at $20 each.

PPC-O Celebrity Night

features Josie, Darius
CASA MANILA, Nov. 7, 2008
(All photos courtesy of MON DATOL)

ZENA ZAGALA Celebrity Group Filipino-Canadian Real Estate Association members

GIE ALVAREZ ROSE AMI

ACE ALVAREZ, TENNY SORIANO, MON DATOL

ROLLY GATCHALIAN JOE NOLASCO Celebrity Night host Philippine Press Club-Ontario members

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

BATID
10 11 12 13

14 15

WIKA
16 17 18

19 20 21 22

23
PAHALANG
24 25 26 27
1. Tawag sa ama
5. Tubig sa katawan 28 29 30
8. Sabaw ng sinaing
10. Uri ng asido 31 32 33
12. Inis 34 35 36
14. Tadtaran
16. Dumi sa bata 37 38 39
17. Listahan
19. Alyas ng boksingero 37. Galunggong 13. Kinakandili
21. Ranillo, artista 38. Buti 15.Mabahong kulisap PHOTO ABOVE: Filipino-Canadian Real Estate
22. Pantukoy 39. Tawag kay Mariano 18. Amoy ng karne Association (Filcrea) president Benny Jose (2nd
23. Tunog ng barya 20. Panghalip from left) receives a Certificate of Gratitude from
24. Masama, Ingles PABABA 21. Maniwala Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPC-O) Celebrity
25. Katagang paniin 1. Takip sa butas 24. Patibong Night co-chairmen Vice President Ace Alvarez
26. Titulo ng mayaman 2. Tatay 27. Puntod (left) and Director Mon Datol (right), as PPC-O
28. Ibukod 3. Pinawawari 29. Bulto President Tenny Soriano (3rd from left) looks
30. Pamantasan sa 4. Iyakin 30. Tanong sa lugar on. Filcrea, as Celebrity Group, sponsored the
Bisaya 6. Himulmol 32. Sinaunang Tagalog premier of the monthly PPC-O Celebrity Night at
31. Pagtatanggol sa 7. Pamamayani 33. Pangalan ng lalaki Casa Manila on Nov. 7. RIGHT PHOTO: The PPC-
kapwa 8. Pangatnig 35. Ika-12 titik O also awarded ‘Elvis’ artist Ely Torrenuevo, a
34. Mistula 9. Tela ng pantalon DJ specialist, a certificate for lending his ser-
36. Tandis 11. Areglado (Sagot sa PAHINA 33) vices to make the Celebrity Night a success.
NOVEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 39
40 Manila Media Monitor NOVEMBER 2008

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COMPLETE DENTAL CARE

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Dr. Victoria Santiago Dr. Joy Y. Ho
Dr. Amy Fan Dr. Belinda Sunga-Castillo
MISSISSAUGA OFFICE Dr. Anthony John Eng Dr. Dat Phung TORONTO OFFICE
Dr. Randolph J. Krumme Rosedale Medical Clinic
Mississauga Corporate Centre
3660 Hurontario St., 2nd Floor 600 Sherbourne St., Suite 307
SPECIALTY DENTISTRY Toronto, Ontario M4X 1W4
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3C4
(Behind Novotel Hotel) Dr. Ali Adibfar & Dr. Robert Eng - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (Across Sherbourne Subway)
Dr. Mark Mojgani - Periodontist dr.vsliu@bellnet.ca
Nickee Dela Cruz & Catherine Ibeas - Registered Dental Hygienists
905-272-3455 416-967-9272

PICTURE PERFECT SMILES

The team of professionals who make up the Fairview Dental Centre
are completely dedicated to the needs of their patients.

5 Fairview M
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Sui
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Dr. Anthony John Eng

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Dr. Benilda Sunga-Castillo

Dr. Victoria R. Santiago