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Jail readied for 3 senators
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Cyber theft charges against military officials put more strain on troubled US-China relations BY MATTHEW PENNINGTON The Associated Press WASHINGTON—The indictment of five Chinese military officials on cyber espionage charges will intensify friction between ❱❱ PAGE 21 Cyber theft
A BOAT ADVENTURE allows visitors to see the corals in shallow waters at Sohoton National Park in Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Norte
Province. PHOTO BY LYNN RILLON
PH to share turnaround story as host of WEF BY DORIS C. DUMLAO Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES—The East Asia summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF) usually takes place in a country that’s shaping the story of the region for that particular year. Last year’s host Burma (Myanmar), for instance, had just come out of de-
cades of economic and political isolation and being Southeast Asia’s last frontier, business groups—including outboundlooking Philippine conglomerates—are scrambling to gain a foothold. When Indonesia hosted the summit in 2011, it was the hottest emerging market as the commodity boom benefited the world’s largest coal exporter. At the
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Philippine News
3 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
DFA photos show Sino building up reef on PH waters BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer CHINA’S RECLAMATION of land on Mabini Reef (Johnson South Reef ) in the West Philippine Sea is a progressive undertaking and is likely for military use, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday. Military surveillance pictures the DFA released showed the “dramatic transformation” of the reef 333 kilometers off Palawan province: From an outpost in March 2012 to a larger concrete structure by March 2013 to an island “hectares” in size today. Fifth of a series The photographs appeared to show large-scale reclamation in stages. The latest photograph, dated March 11 appears to show a large lightcolored landfill, surrounded by shallow turquoise waters. One of the pictures shows a long pipe connected to a large dredging vessel on the northwestern edge of the reef. A concrete building, likely to be China’s outpost on the reef, stands on the southern edge of the emerging islet. A ship is anchored nearby. “It’s a series and you’ll see the progression, the stages of the reclamation work that China has been doing on Mabini Reef,” DFA spokesperson Charles Jose told a news briefing. “You’ll see the dramatic transformation of Mabini Reef starting from 2012 when there was a small outpost, then by 2014 the reclaimed land is already a big area,” he said. “The photos were taken from the air, so there’s no physical measurement of the reclaimed land. So we can just estimate according to intelligence reports that it has [expanded to] hectares. We’re not talking about square meters but hectares,” Jose said, adding that China could be dredging sand from areas not far from the shoal to build an islet. ‘Destabilizing’
The aerial photographs were accompanied by a caption stating that they were obtained from “Philippine intelligence sources.” The caption said the “extensive reclamation” by China on Mabini Reef, called Chigua Reef by China, was “destabilizing.” President Aquino raised China’s latest incursion into Philippine waters at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Burma (Myanmar) on Sunday, the DFA said on Wednesday. On the same day, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines protested China’s action on April 4, but Beijing rejected the protest on grounds that Mabini Reef was part of Chinese territory. The Chinese Embassy in Manila had no immediate comment, but Chinese
China claims 90 percent of the 3.5-millionsquare-kilometer South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. PHOTO FROM EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday that the reef was part of China’s territory and any construction there was covered by its “sovereignty rights.” China claims 90 percent of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. UN arbitration
The Philippines is questioning China’s extensive claim in the United Nations International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in The Hague, the Netherlands, in an arbitration case that has made China more aggressive in asserting its claims in Philippine waters in recent months. Manila’s case includes a request for the clarification of the “physical character” of Mabini Reef, part of the Kalayaan Islands in the Spratly archipelago that the Philippines administers from Palawan. Jose explained that the Philippines wanted to clarify whether Mabini was a rock formation or an island. This is important, he said, as features above water are a territorial, not maritime, issue in which states can raise claims. Vietnam also claims Mabini Reef, but China seized it from Hanoi after a deadly naval skirmish between Chinese and Vietnamese ships in 1988. Del Rosario on Wednesday said that it was not clear what China was building on the reclaimed land on the reef, but that an airstrip was a possibility. Military use
Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef ), it’s a military garrison. So we can assume that this will have a military purpose,” he said, referring to another part of the Spratlys also claimed by the Philippines. A senior government official, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk about the controversy, said it could also be used as a military base and a resupply and refueling hub. The official said the reclamation, now about 30 hectares, was first detected by Philippine Air Force surveillance planes six months ago. An airstrip or a military base on the reef would boost the mobility of Beijing’s naval and air forces in the South China Sea region, far from the Chinese mainland. Philippine aircraft helping search for the missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner in March reported reclamation work was continuing, Jose said onWednesday. Non-aggression pact
“We think this is destabilizing because it violates the provisions of the (Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea), which says parties should exercise self-restraint and not take actions that could complicate and
escalate the situation in the South China Sea,” Jose told reporters yesterday. Asean signed the nonaggression pact with China in 2002. Jose also scored China’s inconsistencies, citing its blocking a Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea on March 9, accusing the Philippines of carrying construction materials to the country’s longtime outpost in the Spratlys. China inconsistent
China harassed a second resupply mission 20 days later, but with assistance from fighter planes from the US Pacific Command, the Philippine vessel outsmarted the larger Chinese Coast Guard ship and successfully restocked and rotated the Marine garrison on the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal. “We’re saying China is inconsistent because, on the one hand, it blocked our vessels from reaching Ayungin Shoal because it’s claiming we were carrying construction materials and trying to reinforce and improve our facilities there—which is not true,” Jose said. “It turns out they’re the ones doing reclamation work on Mabini Reef,” he said. ■
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“Judging by the size of the reclamation work that they’re doing there, we can come up with several possibilities, and one of them is to construct an airstrip. So that’s a possibility, but we can only speculate on that,” Jose told reporters yesterday. “Judging from the other structures put up by China in the South China Sea, we can safely presume they’re for military purposes. Like their structures on
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Philippine News
MAY 23, 2014
FRIDAY 4
Jail readied for 3 senators Police vow no VIP deal for Enrile and others BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES— Ready for occupancy. The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to welcome the newest batch of VIP jailbirds to its prison complex at Camp Crame after completing the renovation of a detention bungalow intended for lawmakers facing plunder charges in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel racket. A police official, who agreed to talk with the Philippine Daily Inquirer on condition of anonymity, said on Monday that workers hired by the Headquarters Support Service (HSS) finished the construction at Building A of the PNP Custodial Center last week. He said the HSS had also ordered policemen assigned at the detention facility to vacate their barracks located near the building.
“The painting job has been completed. The lighting fixtures of Building A have also been replaced,” the source said in an interview. It was possible, he said, that the building was being prepared for Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada in case the Sandiganbayan order their arrest. The three had been identified by witnesses and documents as among the lawmakers who made available their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations to nongovernment organizations of alleged pork barrel scam operator Janet Lim Napoles. “We were told that the building was being renovated for the senators and congressmen who may be arrested because of the pork barrel scam issue,” he said. The detention building, located at the back portion of the one-hectare compound, was previously vacant, the source added. The building is one of the
eight detention bungalows within the prison compound, which holds several prominent individuals, among them retired police generals, facing various criminal charges. It has eight detention cells each measuring about 10 square meters, according to the police official. The individual cell also has its own toilet and bath which is only “half covered.” “Like prison cells, it is designed like that to allow prison guards to check what the detainee is doing even while he is taking a bath or using the toilet,” he said. “Those who will occupy those cells will be literally like birds inside a cage because they’re surrounded by steel bars,” he added. The source said detainees occupying Building B have been told that they would be transferred to Building C apparently to ensure that individuals linked to the multibillion-peso fund scam would be occupying the same area.
On Monday, HSS personnel were seen conducting a security survey at the unoccupied Building C. Currently detained in Building B are communist leader Benito Tiamzon and two other alleged communist rebels who were arrested with him and his wife, Wilma, in Cebu last March. Also occupying the detention building are former policeman Rizal Alih, the longest detainee at the complex who was arrested for the killing of two senior Army officers during the 1989 siege of Camp Cawa-Cawa in Zamboanga City, and several Moro rebels. This early, some policemen have expressed concern regarding the government’s plan to detain the lawmakers at the Custodial Center. “I think they’re too much for us to handle,” said a junior police officer.
“It’s very possible that they will use their influence to enjoy some perks for their convenience. If that will happen, we might be at the mercy of powerful politicians,” he lamented. Besides guarding the prison complex, the 100-strong Custodial Service Unit also provides security to detainees attending court hearings. Senior Supt. Wilben Mayor, spokesman of PNP Director General Alan Purisima, insisted that the renovation in the detention buildings at Camp Crame was just part of the PNP’s regular program to upgrade its facilities. “This is not intended for a particular group. The PNP just wants to be ready for any situation,” Mayor told reporters. ■
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Philippine News
5 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Gov’t execs’ loot: P820M Andaya got biggest kickback amounting to P255M BY NANCY C. CARVAJAL Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES— Cabinet secretaries in the Arroyo administration and officials of state-owned corporations—some of them still holding the same positions to this day—received a total of P820 million in commissions in schemes to siphon congressional pork barrel funds to ghost projects engineered by Janet LimNapoles, computer records of her former finance officer show. The commissions are recorded in the hard disk drive (HDD) by whistle-blower Benhur Luy set up at the behest of his former employer. They appear in two categories: disbursements and JLN cash and checks disbursements and Jo-Christine disbursements from 2003 to 2010. Luy’s files were made available to the Inquirer by Luy’s parents and siblings, accompanied by lawyer Levito Baligod, who handed over on April 27, 2013, a copy of the HDD during a visit to its newsroom to ask for help in exposing Napoles’ alleged plunder of state funds. These officials were supposed to implement projects funded by the congressional Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) aimed at improving the plight of farmers and workers mainly in the rural areas. Former Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya allegedly received at least P255 million as commission for various projects that were supposed to be implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) from 2006 to 2010, the Benhur accounting records show. The commission of Andaya, now a Camarines Sur representative, reached as high as 70 percent for one DAR project. On July 16, 2007, an entry of for P28-million commission appeared with the note “Andaya—cash charge to RAD project.” RAD stands for the Department of Agrarian Reform spelled backwards. Some of the commission Andaya received, the records show, were given to him through a Metrobank check. The records also show that Zenaida Ducut of the Energy Regulatory Commission earned
commissions through implementing agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Technology Resource Center (TRC), and the Department of Agriculture (DA). Ducut allegedly earned at least P12.2 million from PDAF projects coursed by Napoles through these agencies. “Atty. Zenaida Ducut cash advance charge to commission of DOTCCA project.” one entry read. Teresita Panlilio, the current officer in charge of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council Secretariat and former DAR director of finance and management administration, purportedly received at least a total of P200 million in kickbacks. “RAD c/o Tess Panlilio—cash rebate charge to RAD P15 million project,” one of the entries showed. Nasser Pangandaman, DAR secretary from 2005-2009, received at least P94.1 million through a conduit, Rene Maglanque, according to Luy. A “Rene Maglanque cash for Nasser Pangandaman” and “SEC c/o Rene Maglanque full payment of commission charge to RAD project” were how the supposed kickbacks were described in the records. Lydia Malvar, according to the DOTC website, is assigned as its comptroller. Luy’s records show a total of P10.6 million under her name described as “DOTC/Malvar SOP.” Malvar is still comptroller today. Antonio Ortiz, TRC director general from 2007 to 2009, received at least P7.3 million in commissions, according to various entries in Luy’s records. Dennis Cunanan, the current TRC head who was Ortiz’s deputy from 2004 to 2010, received at least P1.32 million in commissions, including the P960,000 declared by Luy in the recent Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on the pork barrel scam. The amount was indicated as entry “TRC c/o Dir Cunanan – SOP-charge to RBR 40 m 2nd batch PDAF 2008 project.” “RBR” refers to Sen. Bong Revilla. Allan Javellana, former president of National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor), received at least P15.23 million as commission, the records show. “Nabcor c/o Allan J – full payment of SOP” the entries showed.
Ophelia Agawin, DA assistant secretary, served as treasurer and director of state-owned ZNAC Rubber Estate Corp. (ZREC) from 2006 to 2010. The files show Agawin received at least P7.75 million in commission. “DA Ophelia Agawin – partial payment of the commission charge to CA project,” one of the entries shows. Hector Sales, DA director in the Bicol region, supposedly received at least P1.39 million in commissions. “Dir. Hector Sales SOP,” an entry shows. Domingo Reyes, a former DOTC assistant secretary earlier described by Luy as also Napoles’ connection in the department, allegedly received P1.67 million in commissions. “DOTC Assec Reyes 10 % SOP charge to TLRC project” the records show. Jeffrey Galan, then DAR undersecretary for support services, allegedly got at least P62 million in commissions. One entry says “Jeff Galan full payment of rebate charge to DAR P50 M project 2005.” Manuel “Boy” Jarmin, the current DA executive director for the Livestock Development Council, was also listed as a Napoles employee in the Luy files with at least P1.6 million in commissions. He is mentioned in an entry as “Manuel Jarmin – cash advance charge to RAD project.” Rene Maglanque, a former DOTC assistant secretary and incumbent mayor of Candaba, Pampanga, allegedly received P207 million from Napoles. Maglanque in the records of Luy also served as conduit of commissions for Pangandaman and Nieto for DAR projects. Maglanque’s entries in Luy’s records are classified into three— ”Usec Nieto c/o Rene Maglanque,” “Rene Maglanque full payment of commission charge to RAD project” and “SEC c/o Rene Maglanque – full payment of comm charge to RAD project.” Narciso Nieto, then DAR undersecretary for operations during Pangandaman’s term, allegedly received P14.5 million in commissions, based on Luy’s records. “P1 million – RAD Nieto cash” one entry read. Belinda Gonzales, former DA undersecretary for administration and finance who was implicated in an earlier fertilizer scam, received P2.6 million in commissions. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
PH sends home 2 minor poachers to China BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer THE BUREAU of Immigration on Tuesday deported and blacklisted two Chinese minors caught poaching protected marine turtles in the West Philippine Sea last week. Palawan prosecutors dismissed criminal charges brought by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group against the two boys because Philippine laws do not allow the prosecution of minors. The immigration bureau identified the minors, who were charged with illegal entry and being undocumented aliens, as He Zhuang and Li Xiang Hui. Both were turned over by the Palawan Regional Trial Court to authorities on Tuesday and immediately deported to China on Philippine Airlines Flight PR382 to Beijing that night. The two boys were escorted by immigration officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport after they were released by the court in accordance with government regulations, the bureau said. Being blacklisted, the two boys will be barred from reentering the Philippines, according to the two-page summary deportation order signed by Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison. Companions charged
The order was also signed by Deputy Commissioners Abdullah Mangotara and Ronaldo Ledesma. The boys’ nine adult companions are detained at the Palawan provincial jail. Maritime police charged the nine Chinese fishermen with poaching, taking endangered species and violating Philippine wildlife laws. The authorities also impounded the Chinese fishermen’s boat at the port of Puerto Princesa
City, Palawan province. The Chinese fishermen were caught on May 6 poaching marine turtles off Hasa-Hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea, which China claims to be part of its territory. On Tuesday, the immigration bureau also filed charges of illegal entry and being undocumented aliens against the fishermen. Mison explained that the bureau cannot deport the nine fishermen pending resolution of the criminal cases against them in Palawan. All to be deported
Mison said the bureau had asked the Palawan court to turn over the nine fishermen to the agency after they had posted bail, as all of them were subject to deportation. As with the two minors, the nine fishermen will also be banned from entering the Philippines after their deportation, he said. Mison identified the Chinese fishermen as Chen Yi Quan (the boat’s skipper), Chen Ze Hao (the boat’s chief engineer), Shi Xian Xiong, Shi Liang Duong, He Chuan, Huang Ji Xuan, He Sheng Bao, He Yuan Cheng and Lu Chuan Fang. ■
Philippine News
MAY 23, 2014
FRIDAY 6
Flaws in Moro peace deal cited BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINE Constitution Association has warned lawmakers that the peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was sprinkled with “illegal commitments” and “unconstitutional provisions” which could cause chaos and instability. Manuel Lazaro, Philconsa chair, noted during a briefing organized by the independent bloc in the House of Representatives on Monday, that certain provisions contained in the annexes of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro may require constitutional changes to be valid. The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is a peace deal between the government and the MILF. It will give rise to a new Bangsamoro region that will replace the Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
In a position paper marked “Initial Observations,” Philconsa questioned the “asymmetric” relationship between the central government and the Bangsamoro government. ‘Tricky’
It said this meant it had no fixed and agreed meaning. “It is nothing and everything. It is tricky— (a) treacherous word,” the Philconsa said. It also questioned the gradual phasing and transfer of law enforcement functions from the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the police force of the Bangsamoro. “We cannot have two armed forces. This is a no-no. This is risking the security, territory and people outside Bangsamoro and planting the seeds of rebellion, secession,” it said. Wealth sharing
It also raised concerns about the annex on revenue generation and wealth sharing. It provides that the current 50-50 mineral revenue sharing between the national govern-
The signing of the historic Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). PHOTO FROM INQUIRER.NET
ment and the ARMM would only be retained with regard to uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas and coal. The Bangsamoro’s share for metallic minerals would be 75 percent, while it would get all nonmetallic resources. Its regional legislature would also be able to postpone the remittance of the national government’s share of the revenues for a limited, but unspecified, period.
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But the Philconsa said revenues from the ownership and exploitation of natural resources was a constitutional matter. The constitution states that all lands of public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum and other mineral oil, fisheries, forests, timber, wildlife and other natural resources are owned by the State. By law, not by treaty
“Consequently, all revenues
from the exploitation of natural resources should belong to the State. For Bangsamoro to share, it must be provided in the Constitution or the Constitution authorizes the sharing as provided by law but certainly not through an agreement between the Executive Department and the MILF,” it said. The Bangsamoro territory is another contentious aspect. ■
Philippine News
7 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
7 groups corner ‘Bingo Milyonaryo’ BY GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pacquiao is 35, an age where a lot of fighters begin slowing down, and will be 38 when the latest contract with Arum’s Top Rank Promotions expires. PHOTO BY S_BUKLEY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Manny Pacquiao to fight again in November; signs new contract with promoter Bob Arum BY TIM DAHLBERG The Associated Press LAS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring in November, most likely in Macau, and has signed a new two-year contract with promoter Bob Arum that could take him to the end of his career. Arum said Tuesday that Juan Manuel Marquez is his first choice for Pacquiao’s next fight, but other fighters—including Amir Khan—could be in the mix. A lot, he said, depends on whether Oscar De La Hoya emerges victorious in a power struggle within Golden Boy Promotions with his estranged CEO, Richard Schaefer. “If Oscar takes over the company like he’s talking about, we’re open to those guys also,” Arum told The Associated Press. “The other guy (Schaefer) says he won’t deal with me, so we’ll see what Oscar says.” Marquez moved into the picture for a fifth fight against Pacquiao with an impressive decision win Saturday over Mike Alvarado. Marquez, who knocked out Pacquiao the last time they met, is 1-2-1 against the Filipino fighter. Pacquiao last fought April 12, beating Timothy Bradley in a rematch of Bradley’s controversial decision win in their first fight. He began his comeback from the Marquez loss last November, when he beat Brandon Rios in the first major fight card in Macau, the Chinese gambling enclave. “We’re talking Macau tonight, that’s our first choice,”
Arum said. “But there are other options. We’ll see what Vegas has to offer and there could be an offer from the Mideast. But it will probably be Macau.” Arum, who has promoted Pacquiao since 2005, said the new two-year contract will begin after Pacquiao’s next fight and will likely bring him to the end of his career in 2016. Pacquiao normally fights two times a year, meaning he would have five more fights. “Manny is the kind of guy who is extraordinarily loyal and he’s had a great career with us” Arum said. “We had to work out the different terms and that sort of stuff, but we got it done.” Pacquiao is 35, an age where a lot of fighters begin slowing down, and will be 38 when the latest contract with Arum’s Top Rank Promotions expires. He has been fighting professionally since age 16 and is now 56-52 and on the rebound with wins in his last two fights. The one fight boxing fans have wanted for years, though, hasn’t happened, and the new contract may mean it will never happen. Floyd Mayweather Jr. says he won’t fight Pacquiao as long as Arum is his promoter, the latest in a series of conditions Mayweather has put on a possible fight. But Arum said the two could fight in 2016 when Mayweather’s deal with the Showtime network has expired, or next year if Showtime and rival network HBO agree to host the bout together. “HBO is willing to do it,” Arum said. “And you never know, anything can happen in 2016.” ■
THE PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has awarded 33 franchise areas for its Bingo Milyonaryo (BM) nationwide to just seven groups, with one group, Surebet Ventures Inc., controlling five major areas. The rapid growth of BM operations in less than a year of an experimental run, with BM operators now nearly double those of the Small Town Lottery (STL), shows the grand plan of resigned PCSO chair Margarita Juico for the lottery game. Bingo Milyonaryo, a lotterylike game that offers gamers five ways to win in one draw, is operated by Comnet Management Corp., an information technology company with links to former Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) chair Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco, a second cousin of President Aquino and the biggest contributor (P100 million) to the latter’s 2010 presidential campaign.
Secretary Manuel Roxas II who believed that BM was nothing more than a front for gambling “lords” running jueteng and masiao illegal numbers games. The President had asked Roxas to look into BM operations as he apparently shared his disapproval of it. Jueteng is a two-digit numbers game popular in Luzon, while masiao is a three-digit numbers game played in the Visayas and Mindanao. The speculations about Juico’s sudden resignation from the PCSO last week ranged from an alleged LP plot to take over the cash-rich PCSO in preparation for the 2016 presidential elections to supposed conflicts with Roxas over the BM issue to the President’s alleged dissatisfaction with her over the same issue. In a text message on Friday, PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas claimed that the agency was in the process of evaluating and reviewing BM’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) and the retailers, “including the flow process.” Comnet and BM
LP blockade
Juico’s apparent plan was to replace the 19 STL franchise dealers in the country (awarded between 2006 and 2010 with combined annual sales of P3 billion) with BM, until she hit a wall in the form of a Liberal Party (LP) blockade led by Interior
“This will help correct any flaw, if any, and also help us in determining a better IRR for new games being lined up by [the] PCSO,” he said. According to BM implementing rules and regulations obtained by the Inquirer, Comnet was in charge of the game’s
finances based on one of the provisions, which stated: “The prize fund shall be held by Comnet and used exclusively to pay winning tickets. Any balance of the prize fund at the end of the contract or upon its termination or cancellation shall be remitted to the PCSO.” The IRR specified that Comnet would get close to 20 percent of the collections: 9.85 percent of net receipts as operating expenses for the “totalization” of telecommunication requirements; 2-percent gross receipts as printing costs of the tickets; and 7.5 percent of gross receipts as reimbursement of costs and expenses for the marketing and distribution of BM. Multiple franchise holders Based on records furnished by the House committee on games and amusement chair and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, the PCSO granted four BM operators with multiple territorial franchises—Surebet Ventures in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bicol, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro; First Gamer Link in Tarlac and the first and second districts of Bulacan; Microgamer Inc. in Pangasinan and La Union; and Hamagold Entertainment Corp. in Aklan and Antique. BM operators with single dealerships were E-Reigna Gaming Corp. in Quezon; XYZ Ventures Corp. in Bataan; ❱❱ PAGE 12 7 groups
Resigned PCSO Chair Margarita Juico apparently quit because President Aquino shared Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas’ disapproval of Bingo Milyonaryo, which was operated by Comnet Management Corp., a company that has ties to former Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) chair Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco, the President’s second cousin and biggest contributor to his 2010 presidential campaign, giving P100 million. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
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Philippine News
Publisher Alan Yong Editor Melissa Remulla-Briones editor@canadianinquirer.net Associate Editor Laarni de Paula laarni.liwanag@canadianinquirer.net Community News Editor Mary Ann Mandap maryann.mandap@canadianinquirer.net Correspondents Gigi Astudillo Angie Duarte Katherine Marfal Frances Grace Quiddaoen Ching Dee Socorro Newland Thessa Sandoval Bolet Arevalo Graphic Designer Victoria Yong Photographers Angelo Siglos Danvic Briones Solon Licas Operations and Marketing Head Laarni Liwanag (604) 551-3360 Advertising Sales Alice Yong (778) 889-3518 alice.yong@canadianinquirer.net Antonio Tampus (604) 460-9414 antonio.tampos@canadianinquirer.net PHILIPPINE PUBLISHING GROUP Editorial Assistant Phoebe Casin Graphic Designer Shanice Garcia Associate Publisher Lurisa Villanueva In cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer digital edition Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at 400-13955 Bridgeport Rd., Richmond, BC V6V 1J6 Canada Tel. No.: 1-888-668-6059 or 778-8893518 | Email: info@canadianinquirer. net, inquirerinc@gmail.com, sales@ canadianinquirer.net Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly every Friday. Copies are distributed free throughout Metro Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto. The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editorial Team. PCI reserves the right to reject any advertising which it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement. Member
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 8
Lawyer wants annual PLDT stockholders’ meet halted BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer A PRIVATE lawyer has asked the Supreme Court to stop the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., (PLDT) from holding its annual stockholders’ meeting set for June 10, following on an earlier petition he filed questioning before the high tribunal the constitutionality of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) order that he said allowed the telecom giant to skirt the foreign ownership rule in the Constitution. “...(A)llowing a foreign controlled public utility to conduct stockholders’ meetings, elect directors, appoint officers and enjoys other similar privileges under Philippine law would stand in direct violation of the Constitution,” Jose Roy II said in his May 7 joint consolidated reply with motion for issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO). 10 days to reply
In a stock exchange filing yesterday, PLDT said it had filed a motion with the high court, asking for 10 days to submit a reply and opposition to Roy’s application for a TRO. The move to stop PLDT’s annual meeting would prevent the company from electing directors “in a manner contrary … to the pronouncements of the Supreme Court,” PLDT said. In a petition he filed in June 2013, Roy asked the high court to nullify for being unconstitutional a memorandum order issued by the SEC as this allowed the circumvention of the 60-40 percent foreign ownership rule in the Constitution.
Roy, who said he was filing the petition as a lawyer and officer of the court, wanted the high court to ensure that its 2007 decision on the case filed by the late lawyer Wilson Gamboa be implemented properly. Gamboa suit
Gamboa, a PLDT stockholder, had filed a suit in 2007 questioning the sale of the government’s 111,415 shares of Philippine Telecommunications Investment Corp. (PTIC)— the beneficial owner of the PLDT shares—to First Pacific, a foreign corporation. In 2011, the high court directed the SEC to investigate whether PLDT had violated the constitutional provision on foreign-ownership limitations. Under the Constitution, foreigners are not allowed to own more than 40 percent of companies engaged in public utilities such as telecommunications and water distribution firms. Foreign entities are also banned from owning any stake in media companies. According to Roy’s 2013 petition, a memorandum circular order issued by the SEC, which the regulator had applied in declaring that PLDT was compliant with the constitutional rule on foreign ownership, was unconstitutional He said the SEC order did not conform to the “letter and spirit” of the high court decision on the Gamboa case where the high tribunal had ruled that the provision capping foreign ownership to 40 percent should be applied separately to all classes of shares. Circumvented
He said the SEC had avoided applying the 60-40 ownership requirement “separately to each class of shares, whether
common, preferred nonvoting, preferred voting or any other class of shares.” The lawyer said the SEC order encouraged the circumvention of the 60-40 ownership rule “by impliedly allowing the creation of several classes of voting shares with different degrees of beneficial ownership over the same, but at the same time, not imposing a 40 percent limit on foreign ownership of the higher yielding stocks.” Roy also said the SEC gravely abused its discretion when it ruled that PLDT was compliant with the constitutional rule on foreign ownership. He also claimed that PLDT violated the foreign ownership rule when it created the Beneficial Trust Fund Holdings Corp. and Mediaquest Holdings Inc. from its own funds, the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund, so it could participate and invest in a nationalized industry. Non-Filipino entity
He asked the high court to declare PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund as a nonFilipino entity and that any corporation where it owned more than 60 percent of its outstanding capital stock should also be declared a foreign company. In his latest petition to the high court, Roy sought for the issuance of a TRO “against the holding of any stockholders meeting by PLDT” as well as its earlier petition. He said that the issuance of a TRO was “perfectly in keeping with the Gamboa rulings, as the election of directors into office without verifying the nationality of the corporation would deprive Gamboa the benefits of the high court ruling.” ■ With reports from Miguel R. Camus
Judge orders Napoles to justify hospital stay BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer THE JUDGE handling the serious illegal detention case against Janet Lim- Napoles yesterday gave the suspected pork barrel scam mastermind up to 2 p. m. today to substantiate her claim that she needs to spend more time in the hospital. “Her stay is already overdue,” Judge Elmo Alameda of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 said during Wednesday’s hearing on the motion of the Napoles’ camp to extend her hospital confinement at Ospital ng Makati. Prosecutor Christopher Garvida pointed out at the court hearing that Napoles, who underwent a hysterectomy to remove her uterus and ovaries on April 23,
has been confined for 21 days, five days short of the number of days the doctors of Ospital ng Makati had recommended. “(Her counsel) is not competent to make a manifestation on this matter. I’d rather listen to the doctors who have been attending to Mrs. Napoles,” Garvida said, noting that the motion of the Napoles’ camp for the extension of her hospital confinement “has no factual basis.” Doctors to witness stand
The opposition of the prosecutors prompted Judge Alameda to ask the defense counsels of Napoles to call Napoles’ attending physicians to the witness stand. Alameda gave the lawyers of Napoles at least a day to “substantiate their motion.” “After that, I will issue my ruling,” Al-
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ameda said, cautioning the defense lawyers: “Let us settle this matter by 2 p. m. tomorrow (Thursday). All eyes are on us,” he said. In their motion, Bruce Rivera, counsel for Napoles said that since the procedure done on her was open surgery, a complete bed rest was necessary for her full recovery. Rivera told the court it would be impractical for the government to spend P120,000 just to transport her every week for medical checkups from Fort Sto. Domingo to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City, where most of her physicians are based. He added that Napoles’ doctors have tight schedules preventing them from seeing Napoles in places other than their respective clinics at St. Luke’s. ■
Philippine News
9 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
PH to... time Thailand hosted the same summit in 2012, it was grappling with slowing exports, but intensified public spending allowed it to defy the global slowdown. Having personally participated in all these past three summits, I’m glad to see our country hosting this year’s East Asia summit in the next three days especially at the crucial juncture that the unification of Southeast Asian markets is almost upon us. It also comes at a time that the Philippines, a laggard for a long time, has become the region’s outperformer. Now, it’s the Philippines’ turn to share with the world its turnaround story as the country rolls out the red carpet for over 600 corporate and civic leaders, policy-makers, social entrepreneurs who will tackle the opportunities and challenges faced by the region with the creation of Asean Economic Community by 2015. It’s the same story that President Aquino and his economic team had pitched to investors many times before—in Davos, Switzerland, last year during the President’s WEF debut at the annual meetings, in Naypyitaw, Burma, during the last East Asia summit or in sovereign road shows. It’s about this “sick man of Asia” making progress in curbing corruption as a means to drastically reduce poverty, thereby opening opportunities for consumers and businesses and promoting inclusive growth . In the words of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, it’s an opportunity to look more closely at what some deem as the next “Asian miracle” which is but a logical approach to cleaning up a very dirty kitchen inherited from the previous regime, and operating better because it now has a relatively cleaner kitchen. Ahead of the WEF East Asia summit, the Philippine sovereign—which already enjoys an investment grade from all three major credit rating agencies— got a further upgrade from Standard & Poor’s, which now rates the government at one notch above the minimum investment grade. And with a growth rate of 7.2 percent in 2013, the Philippines was the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia, and the second-fastest in the whole of Asia, next only to China. But it’s one thing for foreigners to hear about a good story and another thing to hit the ground to see for yourself. Some corporate leaders visiting the country for the first time, apart from picking the brains of fellow delegates, can better feel the pulse of the local Main Street: by talking to the taxi driver, the cashier at a local mall or the waitress. Some of them will probably stay for a few days after the summit for rest and recreation. When they see the countryside and talk to rural folks, they can be the better judge of whether the Philippines’ changing fortunes are gaining traction and, more importantly, being shared by more people. ❰❰ 1
It’s the Philippines’ turn to share with the world its turnaround story as the country rolls out the red carpet for over 600 corporate and civic leaders, policy-makers, social entrepreneurs who will tackle the opportunities and challenges faced by the region with the creation of Asean Economic Community by 2015. PHOTO FROM MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU VIA RAPPLER.COM
Who’s coming
The theme of the 23rd World Economic Forum on East Asia, which opens Wednesday and runs until Friday, is “Leveraging Growth for Equitable Progress,” reflecting the challenges faced by a fast-growing region, which is simultaneously grappling with persistent disparities in competitiveness and development. Delegates will come from 30 countries, including leaders from 25 industry sectors—such as financial services, healthcare, agriculture, connectivity, social “intrapreneurship” and civic engagement. There will be at least two other heads of state or government joining Aquino: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam. Together, these three represent leadership in the three most populous and fastestgrowing nations in the region, said Sushant Palakurthi Rao, WEF senior director and head of Southeast Asia. The program is built on three pillars: achieving equitable progress, advancing models for sustainable growth, and realizing regional connectivity. “We are especially pleased to be holding the meeting in the Philippines for the first time. This is the right moment to shine the spotlight on a country which has turned itself around remarkably after years of unfulfilled promise,” WEF’s Rao said. “All indications suggest the Philippines will be the second-fastest growing Asian economy in 2014, second only to China, and on target to be the world’s 14th largest economy by 2050. The resilience of the people and economy in the face of the devastating impact of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) has been truly impressive,” he said. While the East Asia summit will formally open Wednes, most of the public events will take place on Thursday and Friday. From the local perspective, one keenly awaited session will be Thursday’s “Philippines: The Next Asian Miracle,” which will have as part of its panel Manuel V. Pangilinan, one of the most influential business leaders in the country
and Karim Raslan, a Malaysian business consultant, a writer and group chief executive of the KRA Group. He was also the founding chair of WEF’s global advisory council (GAC) in Southeast Asia. I’ve known Raslan for many years, having been enlisted by him to be part of the same GAC in Southeast Asia and I distinctly remember him telling me—long before it happened—that he could feel a turnaround happening for the Philippines. This session, to be moderated by Young Global Leader (YGL) Karen Davila, will also have as panelists Cherrie Atilano, cofounder and president of Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm Agricool, YGL Kevin Lu of international business
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school Insead and Marife Zamora, chair of Convergys Philippines Services Corp. Over the years, the Philippines has been uplifted by overseas remittances and business process outsourcing and I’m hoping to see a vibrant discussion on other growth sectors that the country can tap. Sessions on education, entrepreneurship and employment as well as equitable employment are likewise keenly awaited, given the region’s demographic profile which is heavily skewed toward the young. Tessie Sy-Coson, vice chair of leading conglomerate SM Investments Corp., will be part of the panel on the education-enterprise employment nexus on Thursday, which will discuss strategies on generating employment and driving economic growth in the region. Likewise a panelist in this session is one of the country’s most prominent social entrepreneurs, Mark Ruiz, president and cofounder of Hapinoy/Microventures. The forum is all about tackling global, regional and industry agendas that will change the game and as Rao often says, also about creating trusts, collaborations and partnerships via multistakeholder platforms. A lot of the interesting conversations will take place outside of the sessions, during coffee breaks, side events, networking lunches and evening receptions. It will be three hottest days this summer. ■
Philippine News
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 10
Gov’t slow with cash for ‘Yolanda’– Chiz BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer
“A man who penetrates his wife without her consent or against her will commits sexual violence upon her.” — Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
High court rules for first time: Husbands can't rape wives BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDANO Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES—The Supreme Court has reminded husbands that “marriage is not a license” for them to rape their wives. In a ruling tackling for the first time a marital rape case, the high court first division affirmed a Court of Appeals decision that in turn upheld a Cagayan de Oro City Regional Trial Court’s conviction of a man for raping his wife in 2002. The division affirmed the man’s conviction on two counts of rape. “Husbands do not have property rights over their wives’ bodies. Sexual intercourse, albeit within the realm of marriage, if not consensual is rape,” said the ruling penned by Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes. He said this was in keeping with the Anti-Rape Law of 1997. “Interestingly, no documented case on marital rape has ever reached this Court until now,” the ruling said. Form of sexual violence
The decision stemmed from a 1999 case filed by a woman who accused her husband, to whom she had been married for 24 years, of raping her on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, 1998. In its 41-page ruling, the division said the accused’s contention that his case was not
an ordinary rape case and that the standards of determining the presence of consent or lack of should be adjusted “failed to muster legal and rational merit.” It said that right now rape as a form of sexual violence exists within marriage. “A man who penetrates his wife without her consent or against her will commits sexual violence upon her,” the ruling said. Credible testimony
The high court also said the argument of the accused “arbitrarily discriminates against married rape victims over unmarried rape victims because it withholds from married women raped by their husbands the penal redress equally granted by law to all rape victims.” “A marriage license should not be viewed as a license for a husband to forcibly rape his wife with impunity,” the ruling said. It said it found the woman and her testimony against her husband to be credible and spontaneous. 2 daughters as witnesses
The decision also said the woman’s consent was “wrestled from her through force and intimidation” by the acts of her husband. Likewise, it said the case against the man was reinforced by the testimonies of their two daughters who witnessed the
rape. And because of this, the high court said it was “morally certain” that the accused raped his wife. In its ruling, the high court division affirmed the penalty of reclusion perpetua for each count of rape against the accused. It said the accused would not be eligible for parole pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9346. The provision states that “persons convicted of offenses punished with reclusion perpetua, or whose sentences will be reduced to reclusion perpetua … shall not be eligible for parole” under the indeterminate sentence law, as amended. P130,000 damages
The high court made some modifications on the damage awards granted to the woman, ordering the accused to pay her P130,000 in moral and exemplary damages as well in civil indemnity. “A husband does not own his wife’s body by reason of marriage. By marrying, she does not divest herself of the human right to an exclusive autonomy over her own body and thus, she can lawfully opt to give or withhold her consent to marital coitus,” the decision said. It said that husbands cannot force or coerce their wives who refused to have sex with them but he can go to family courts for redress if ever. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
THE GOVERNMENT is awash in cash for the areas devastated by Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” but designated agencies have been slow to use these to help the survivors, according to Sen. Francis Escudero. Escudero expressed his frustration at the joint congressional committee hearing on public expenditures, noting that much of the amount that Congress had allocated for various rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts remained unreleased and unused. Addressing the administration officials at the hearing, Escudero said: “Congress usually has no funds. This is the first time that Congress has been able to provide funds. In fact, we have given so much funds to you. All you have to do is use it. We have enough fiscal space for the first time in a long time, but you’re not using it, you’re not taking advantage.” The 2014 budget includes P100 billion for the rehabilitation of provinces hardest hit by Supertyphoon Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to hit the country in recent memory. President Aquino should direct the heads of the executive agencies to step up and submit necessary reports or documents to get the projects going, said Escudero, adding that any delay was hard to accept. “I don’t think it’s protocol, I don’t think it’s SOP (standard operating procedure); I don’t think that it’s regular that it will take six months to come up with a post disaster needs as-
sessment (PDNA) report,” he said. The final draft of the PDNA has yet to be approved. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) has also yet to come up with its masterplan for the recovery and rehabilitation of the devastated provinces. OPARR Director Karen Jimeno said it intends to submit it to the President for approval by the end of June. Escudero noted that in rebuilding homes for Yolanda survivors, the government still has a long way to go. The National Housing Authority said 220,000 families need to be relocated. But so far, it has turned over only 50 units to families, and is in the process of building 1,027. NHA General Manager Chito Cruz said the agency plans to build 150,000 houses, and intends to complete 20,000 by the end of the year. It hopes to turn over the remaining 130,000 houses by next year. Cruz said the NHA has had problems in looking for land on which to build the houses. It is only using government land, he said. After identifying the land, it also has to survey the area and do a subdivision plan. Escudero also pointed out that P1 billion each for school buildings, and over P900 billion for state colleges and universities have yet to be released as well because the projects are awaiting approval. He said the funds need to be used posthaste, as the projects would really benefit the people. “I hope the government officials find their sense of urgency,” he said. ■
Senator Francis Escudero. PHOTO FROM SENATE.GOV.PH
Philippine News
11 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
China building airstrip on reef in PH waters BY TARRA QUISMUNDO AND MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES has protested China’s reclamation of land on a reef in the West Philippine Sea that can be used to build an airstrip or an offshore military base, in yet another provocative move by Beijing in the disputed waters, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday. President Aquino raised the Chinese activity in Philippine waters at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Burma (Myanmar) on Sunday, the DFA said in a statement. “The Philippines protested the Chinese reclamation on Mabini Reef (international name: Johnson South Reef ). The Chinese side rejected the protest,” the DFA said. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines filed the protest on April 4, but Beijing rejected it on grounds that the reef was part of Chinese territory. Asked if China was building an airstrip on the reef, Del Rosario said, “That’s one possibility.” The Department of National Defense (DND) also reported the Chinese activity on Mabini Reef yesterday and demanded that Beijing put a stop to it. “This activity contravenes the spirit of the [Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea] and is a security concern of all in the region,” DND spokesperson Paul Galvez said, referring to the nonaggression and keeping of the status quo agreement that Asean
and China signed in 2002. “These provocative acts, which they should immediately stop, further disturb the fabric of regional peace and stability,” Galvez said. Discovered 6 months ago Galvez said Philippine surveillance planes first detected China’s reclamation activity six months ago. Philippine aircraft searching for a missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner in March also spotted the continuing reclamation on the reef by at least one Chinese ship backed by smaller vessels. “We can confirm that there is an ongoing reclamation or earth-moving activities [there],” Galvez said. “Is that a possible airfield? We cannot speculate at this point,” he said. “It has been getting bigger and bigger,” he added. 30-ha landmass
The government estimates that the reclamation has turned the submerged reef and a sandbar into a 30-hectare landmass that transformed the submerged coral outcrop into an islet, The Associated Press reported, quoting an unnamed government official. The discovery of the reclamation, and the possibility of China building an airstrip on the reef, would likely raise alarm among rival claimant countries because it would bolster Beijing’s naval and air force mobility in a South China Sea region far from the Chinese mainland. Mabini Reef, which the Chinese call Chigua Reef, is 300 kilometers away from Palawan province, well within the Philippines’ 370-km exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
DFA Spokesman Charles Jose delivered a statement about the Philippine protest against China’s reclamation of land in a disputed reef in the South China Sea at the Philippine Foreign Affairs headquarters in Pasay City on May 14. The Philippines has protested China’s reclamation of land in a disputed reef in the South China Sea that can be used to build an airstrip or an offshore military base. PHOTO FROM SOLARNEWS.PH
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Also claimed by Vietnam
Vietnam is also claiming Mabini Reef, but Beijing seized the reef and other coral outcrops in the area from Hanoi after a deadly naval skirmish in 1988. There was no immediate comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila yesterday. But China’s foreign ministry said that any construction on a reef in the South China Sea also claimed by the Philippines is normal, as the reef is Chinese territory. Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the comment at a regular news briefing in Beijing, but she did not say whether any construction was under way on Mabini Reef. ‘Renovation’
Last week, the Chinese press played down the reef reclamation and construction. Quoting an unnamed source described as close to the construction, the Global Times reported China was merely “renovating the living facilities for troops stationed on the reef.” In the statement issued yesterday, the DFA said the Philippines asked the United Nations to “clarify Mabini Reef’s physical character” in its “memorial,” or brief, submitted to the United Nations Tribunal for the Convention on the Law of the Sea on March 30, which details the merits of its case against China in their territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea. The West Philippine Sea is part of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ EEZ, but China claims 90 percent of the 3.5-million square-kilometer South China Sea, including waters close to its neighbors’ shores. Beijing has refused to take part in the arbitration, the case for which Manila filed in January last year in a bid to stop Chinese incursions into the West Philippine Sea. Rivals for territory
The Philippines has also asked the arbitral court to nullify China’s claim over almost the whole South China Sea.
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That extensive claim has set China against not only Vietnam and the Philippines, but also against Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan, which claim parts of the sea that are crisscrossed by sea-lanes where a third of annual cargo passes and where islands, islets, reefs and shoal are believed to be sitting on vast energy and mineral reserves. China continues to assert “indisputable sovereignty” over the waters and has accused other claimant nations, including the Philippines and Vietnam, of undertaking provocative actions pending resolution of the dispute. Tensions in the South China Sea have flared up recently following the Philippines’ arrest of Chinese fishermen caught poaching sea turtles at HasaHasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal), 93 km off Palawan, and China moving a deepwater drilling rig near the Paracel Islands in the East Sea, within Vietnam’s EEZ, sparking confrontations between dozens of Chinese and Vietnamese ships. ‘Provocative’ actions
Disturbed by confrontations in the East Sea, US Secretary of State John Kerry phoned Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday and told him China’s installation of an oil rig and the deployment of vessels in the disputed waters were “provocative.” The Chinese side responded by saying that words and actions by the United States had “emboldened” other claimants to take provocative actions in the sea. “It is true that provocative actions have been seen in the South China Sea recently. But they are not taken by China. It is nothing but the wrong words and actions made by the US side on maritime issues that have emboldened some countries to take provocative actions,” Hua said in a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. Security analysts believe moving the drilling rig into the East Sea is China’s response to US President Barack Obama’s four-nation tour of Asia in April and his assurance to allies Japan and the Philippines that the United States would defend them if they were attacked. ■
Philippine News
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 12
Sandigan orders freeze of P130M of Corona assets Philippine Daily Inquirer THE SANDIGANBAYAN has ordered a freeze on some P130 million in allegedly unlawfully acquired assets of impeached former Chief Justice Renato Corona and his wife Cristina in connection with the forfeiture proceedings filed against them by the state. The two-page writ of preliminary attachment, issued on May 5 by the antigraft court’s second division but released to media only yesterday, was signed by second division chair Associate Justice Teresita Diaz-Baldos. The writ was necessary to ensure full satisfaction of the cost of judgment in the event the assets in question are forfeited in the state’s favor through the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB). Dummies covered
The court has given its sheriff, Alexander K. Valencia, 30 days to enforce the writ and submit a report, along with a full inventory of the properties that have been attached. It also ordered court officers to serve copies to banks and various civil registrars. Also covered by the writ are any assets held by “dummies, trustees, assignees, nominees, transferees and successors in
interest” of the Corona couple. “… Considering that adequate bases exist which satisfy the requirements set forth under Rule 57 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, the court hereby resolves to grant the prayer in said petition of the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment,” the Sandiganbayan said in its order. The forfeiture proceeding, which is a civil case, is separate from the criminal information of eight counts of perjury and eight counts of violation of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) the former chief justice is also facing.
March, the OMB said that from 2001 to 2011, the spouses Corona made a combined total of P30.4 million, of which P27.1 million was earned by Corona
Ombudsman’s warning
as an official in the Office of the President, a Supreme Court justice, and as a member of both the Senate Electoral Tribunal and the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal. Cristina, on the other hand, earned P3.2 million in 20072010 based on figures submit-
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales earlier warned that any person found helping the Coronas conceal the funds in question and other properties would be impleaded in the case. In filing the civil case last
ted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue by the John Hay Development Corp. where she was employed. The OMB said that from 2002 to 2010, Corona’s bank deposits ballooned from P1.34 million to P137.9 million. By 2010, the cumulative discrepancy between his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) and his actual cash deposits totaled P134.4 million. The resolution also cited Land Registration Authority (LRA) r e c o r d s that showed the Corona couple owned property in Quezon City, Makati City and Taguig City, which were established to have been significantly undervalued by P17.3 million. The Ombudsman estimated the Coronas’ unexplained wealth at P130,587,012.75. Perjury
On the charges of perjury, the resolution said Corona’s sworn
declarations in his SALNs were false since he failed to include the numerous peso and dollar bank accounts (in his 20032010 SALNs), a condominium in The Columns in Makati City (2004-2009 SALNs), and a condominium in Spanish Bay Tower in Taguig City (2005-2009 SALNs). Corona was found to have declared only one condominium at the Bellagio I in Taguig City in his 2010 SALN, listing its acquisition cost as P6.8 million when the true cost was P14.5 million. In his 2003-2009 SALNs, Corona was found to have undervalued his property located in La Vista subdivision in Quezon City by P8 million. Corona was also charged with violation of RA 6713, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, for not filing true and detailed SALNs in 2003-2010, when the value of his declared cash assets and his actual bank deposits showed substantial discrepancies, and his real estate assets in Makati, Taguig and Quezon City were not declared. Corona was impeached by the House of Representatives on Dec. 12, 2011. The Senate voted on May 29, 2012, to convict him for his failure to declare his true assets in his SALNs. ■
7 groups... Bluespruce Systems Corp. in Batangas; E-Montana Extreme Gaming Corp. in the Cordillera Administrative Region; Etcit Inc. in Laguna; Simball in Occidental Mindoro; Morphoid Inc. in Oriental Mindoro; First Batong Buhay Amusement Corp. in Nueva Ecija; Moon Valley Amusement and Gaming Corp. in Nueva Vizcaya; Speed Game Inc. in Romblon; Mega Panalo Games Online Inc. in Zambales; Moromax General Trade Import and Export in Capiz; Fiesta Cable Inc. in Samar provinces; Funtastic Products Inc. in Leyte-OrmocTacloban-Biliran; CDS Iloilo Corp. in Iloilo; Great Platinum Gaming Online Inc. in Negros Occidental; A.A. Teves/Adsgeek Philippines Corp. in Negros Oriental-Siquijor; Quad Ace Gaming and Entertain❰❰ 7
ment Corp. in Soccsksargen; Lanang Gaming and Entertainment Corp.in Davao region-Compostela province. Same head office
Interestingly, a number of these dealers were found to be operating out of the same head office, indicating that they were owned by a single group or individual—XYZ Ventures, First Batong Buhay, Moon Valley, Great Platinum and Mega Panalo at LGTM 10th floor Antel Building in Ortigas. Microgamer, First Gamer and Speed Game at Suite 26, Pearl of the Orient, Roxas Boulevard, Manila; Fiesta Cable and Funtastic Products at Marasbaras Road in front of Robinsons Mall, Tacloban City; and EMontana and E-Reigna at 1001 Corporate Center, McKinley
Business Park, Fort Bonifacio Global City. The PCSO did not identify the operators of three BM franchises—Ilocos Sur, Isabela, and those of the third and fourth districts of Bulacan. Links with gambling lords
Aside from Roxas, another LP leader, Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos M. Padilla, a deputy House speaker, has also sought a congressional probe into BM’s links with gambling kingpins in his province. Padilla furnished the Inquirer with the National Bureau of Investigation’s findings on Moon Valley, Comnet’s franchisee in Nueva Vizcaya, which the NBI claimed was owned by “one Gen. Edgardo Divina of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija.” The NBI’s April 2014 report said: “Surveillance operations www.canadianinquirer.net
and intelligence gathering conducted in these five towns of this province (Bayombong, Dupax del Norte, Villaverde, Quezon and Diadi) revealed that the company was only a front for jueteng operations as they used paraphernalia and mechanics similar to the said numbers game and deviated from guidelines set by the PCSO. Instead of bettors placing bets in the PCSO outlets, betting for BM uses collectors or kubrador, and head collectors, or cabo, who roam around the locality to collect bets. The chances of winning are determined through winning combinations, such as tumbok, diretsa, combo and the kubrador and cabo will personally broadcast the winning pairs, or labas, to their bettors.” Instead of machine-generat-
ed receipts or tickets, the NBI said bettors were issued papelitos, or small sheets of paper to record their bets. BM unnecessary
Another LP member, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, is seeking the suspension of BM, saying it was cannibalizing the market of STL. According to Fernandez, STL was already providing enough income to the PCSO and the local governments that promoting another numbers game for this purpose was unnecessary. Padilla said the police and local governments were helpless in stopping BM because the PCSO has declared that its charter has granted BM operators, retailers and agents exemptions from securing barangay clearances and mayors’ permits. ■
Philippine News
13 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Delfin Lee says business started to go bad after Binay took over BY GIL CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES—”I’d surely rot in jail,” detained real estate developer Delfin Lee said in jest at the prospect of Vice President Jejomar Binay winning the presidency in 2016. “I’m really not sure what his (Binay’s) beef is with me. I think he was ill-advised to take a position against me and found it too late to back down,” Lee, president of the housing developer Globe Asiatique, told the Inquirer in a recent interview. He asked to be allowed to air his side after the Senate refused to hear him. Lee, 58, said his business started to crumble the day Binay took over as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). He said Binay’s first act in office was to declare his Xevera projects in Pampanga “ghost towns” made up of “ghost buyers.” “I was in the process of re-documentation and finding new buyers but PagIbig cancelled my contract; it refused to accept my payments and it barred the release of the titles. My business was ruined,” said Lee. Lee said he built 11,000 houses—4,500 in Bacolor and 6,500 in Mabalacat—anchored on a town center he created from the ground up, betting his own money. “They called my business a racket. They called me a con man. But where have you seen a scam where the scam artist invests his own money and leaves a paper trail? Why build houses and a town center in the first place if I intended to sell to ghost buyers as (Pag-Ibig) claimed? Even before Pag-Ibig had come in, I would have thrown in P1 billion of my own into these projects not only for the houses but for amenities and infrastructure. So where is the racket?” said Lee. On the agency website, Pag-Ibig Fund President Darlene Marie Berberabe said investigation “revealed massive fraud committed by Lee and his group which was corroborated by the results of the independent probes separately conducted by the Department of Justice and the Commission on Audit.” According to Lee, the Xevera communities were only GA’s third incursion into the low-cost housing business, following the Sta. Barbara Villas subdivision in San Mateo, Rizal (3,800 units) in the 1990s and the GA Twin Towers in mid-2000. No economic activity
In 2007, Lee checked out a lahar-swept property six kilometers from San Fernando City, Pampanga, on a Saturday. “It was a desolate land with no economic activity. When I first went to the area, I saw just three goats. When I saw it, something clicked in my head and I decided to buy the property,” said Lee, who paid P120 million in cash for the 36-hectare
Lee said his business started to crumble the day Binay took over as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). PHOTO FROM NEWSINFO.INQUIRER.NET
property the following Monday. In Xevera Bacolor, GA built 4,500 houses—two-story units with a lot area of 36 square meters and floor area of 45 square meters plus front space for parking—that were sold at P830,000 each. “If I made roughly P150,000 per house, I would earn roughly P700 million net. With an investment of P1 billion and cost recovery of 1.5 years, it’s not a bad business model,” said Lee. He said that as much as 20 percent of the project’s cost was funneled into advertising as GA splurged to buy prime time space on ABS-CBN’s top rating shows to reach overseas Filipinos who were tuned in to the Filipino cable channel. Lee said he brought the same concept to another lahar-covered Pampanga town, Mabalacat. He said he paid P155 million for a 62-hectare property that used to be a quarry. Xevera Mabalacat was bigger (6,000 houses) and its amenities were twice as grand, Lee said, as he reinvested the profits he had made from his first township project. The dominoes started to fall for Lee under Binay: GA’s P3-billion initial public offering was scuttled; GA’s 35-story Skysuites on Quezon Avenue and Edsa was stopped in the middle of construction, and so was GA’s planned campus subdivision in Bacolod City. Lee said Pag-Ibig was essential to GA’s low-cost foray because private banks avoided this segment like the plague. “Our buyers do not have the P225,000 downpayment (or 30 percent of loan amount) required by a private bank for a low-cost home. Pag-Ibig gives loans up to the full amount up to P750,000 with no collateral. This market can afford P5,400 in monthly loan payments for up to 30 years,” he said.
Lee said Pag-Ibig’s buy-back provision could be made through three modes: the developer himself pays for the delinquent account to keep it updated; the developer finds a new buyer to replace the original buyer who backed out; and Pag-Ibig offsets the bad account from the guarantee fund put up by the developer. Lee said Pag-Ibig exploited the public’s lack of knowledge on these three modes to make him look bad. Due to the buy-back provision, Lee said a “contract to sell” became the favored mode of exchange wherein the de-
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Buy-back provision
GA obtained loans through Pag-Ibig’s Window 1, wherein the agency agreed to release within seven days the check to a developer, who in turn committed to buy back discontinued accounts within two years from the turnover.
veloper would hold on to the title until the buyer had fully paid the loan . “It was just an engagement, the wedding had not yet been consummated. Pag-Ibig muddled the situation by claiming I sold a unit twice when in fact a buyer had backed out and I had to find another buyer to take over the project to make it current. It’s a replacement sale, not a double sale,” said Lee. Lee said that in GA’s case, Pag-Ibig deducted 7.5 percent from the P6.7 billion it lent to Xevera buyers. Including a collection service fee, Pag-Ibig had nearly P600 million of GA’s money as additional buffer. Of the 9,951 Xevera buyers who borrowed through Pag-Ibig, Lee claimed only 1,440 turned out as bad accounts for a back-out rate of only 14 percent. “Developers can live with up to 20 percent back-out rate and my market is low-cost,” said Lee, who noted that his P600 million held by Pag-Ibig would cover the bulk of the bad accounts. Lee also refuted Pag-Ibig’s claim that GA itself took charge of processing the loans which paved the way for the ghost buyers. Lee said that contrary to Pag-Ibig’s claim, he did not receive any favors from the housing agency, which was then headed by Vice President Noli de Castro. ■
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Philippine News
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 14
Ping twits Miriam sneering at Luy’s files BY TJ BURGONIO Philippine Daily Inquirer AFTER FINDING her name on Benhur Luy’s list, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago yesterday took back her word and belittled the whistleblower’s files on senators that had dealt with Janet Lim-Napoles. And Secretary Panfilo Lacson ended up twitting Santiago over the uncanny situation she had found herself in. On Tuesday, Santiago bristled at Lacson’s confirmation on TV that she was on Napoles’ list, even attacking her former colleague by calling him a closet gay. “I am pushing to get the list of Benhur Luy. I understand that the Luy list is substantiated by documents and details,” she said in her statement on Tuesday. Quaking in her shoes?
Yesterday, Lacson, who has been trading barbs with his erstwhile colleague for some time, could not help but observe Santiago’s sudden turnaround. “Now that the Benhur Luy list is out, the Senate self-proclaimed antipork ‘crusader’ must be quaking in her shoes while cracking her head thinking of some crazy pickup lines to divert the issue from her P2.5million rebate, aka, kickback
from her P10 million through a Napoles NGO,” he said in a text message to reporters. “Barely one day before Luy’s list came out, she was saying that Luy’s list was more credible,” said Lacson, the government’s rehabilitation czar in typhoondevastated Eastern Visayas. “Understandably, crooks often forget petty transactions since they would likely use the loot on less significant expenditures. They only remember the big ones that enter their fat bank accounts. A lifestyle check is in order,” he said. Santiago said Luy’s list had not been authenticated under the Rules of Court and hence, inadmissible as evidence. In the same breath, she sought to confront Luy and Napoles about it. “For the record, I denounce as false, the allegations against me drawn from the Luy list. All the documents are fake. I have no clue about the alleged details, which are all falsified or fictitious,” the senator said in a statement. Based on Luy’s records, Santiago allotted P5 million of her Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to coffee growers in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte, in 2005, and that agent Zenaida Ducut received a P2.5-million rebate on the senator’s behalf. Santiago claimed that the “Napoles Gang” “merely forged
Santiago bristled at Lacson’s confirmation on TV that she was on Napoles’ list, even attacking her former colleague by calling him a closet gay. PHOTO FROM INTERAKSYON.COM
certain public documents and used certain names like mine to pad their inhouse records.” “Presumably, there are other people who, like me, are innocent, but whose names and identities have been stolen,” she said. “Someone has made money by using my name, and I will make that person pay, big time.” Getting wind of Lacson’s comment, Santiago issued another statement. Curiouser, curiouser
“Notably, in today’s papers, Pinky Lacson is quoted as saying that I am not in the Lacson list but I am in the Luy list. How would Lacson have known this, except by participating in faking, and then disseminating the Luy list?” she said.
“As Alice in Wonderland said: ‘This is curiouser and curiouser,’” she added. Citing an online news item that Luy’s lawyer Raji Mendoza distanced himself from Luy’s files, Santiago said the “fake Luy list” could have been manufactured and distributed by a syndicate, which “has successfully led the broadsheet on a wild goose chase.” “I am willing to overlook this mistake on the part of the broadsheet, on the basis of the saying that journalism is literature in a hurry,” she said. “But if the list is unauthenticated, what is its paternity?” Identity theft
Santiago said she would confront Luy and Napoles about
Luy’s list. She said the Senate blue ribbon committee should grant her the right to meet the witnesses face- toface. “If such a confrontation materializes, I would consider it extremely unfortunate that, under the Constitution, I will not be allowed to use violence against those guilty of identity theft. My name has been used in vain by the Napoles Gang of thieves,” she said. Santiago said she thought that if Luy’s list included documents, these would be first authenticated before publication. “Silly me,” she said. “The Luy list has no proof of the attestation of any public document, and no proof of the authenticity of any private document. Thus, the Luy list constitutes no proof at all against me and others like me. The Luy list is nothing but mudslinging. How sad for our country that such villainy can come to pass,” she said. “If corruption is this bad, maybe I should run for president, on the same anticorruption platform from which I have fulminated against all these years. And maybe I should deliver a privilege speech against you-know-who,” she added. “I understand that his official boss is vexed, because of the grandiloquent ambitions of this rogue in uniform,” she continued. ■
5 PH universities in Asia’s top 300; UP highest among them BY DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer JUST LIKE last year, only five Philippine universities made it to the latest rankings of the top 300 Asian universities published by the London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). The University of the Philippines (UP) still led the country’s top universities and even rose four places this year to 63rd. Also making it to the list again were Ateneo de Manila University, which dropped six places to 115th, the University of Santo Tomas (UST), which rose nine places to 141st, and De La Salle University which maintained its 151st160th ranking. Ateneo de Davao University made it back on the list at 251st-
300th after falling out of the rankings last year. The University of Southeastern Philippines, on the other hand, did not make it to the list after ranking 251st-300th in 2013 and 2012. UP, Ateneo, La Salle and UST have consistently been on the QS list of top Asian universities since the firm started the rankings in 2009. In 2013, also only five Philippine universities made it to the list, the fewest since 2009. There were 14 Philippine universities in the QS list in 2012, 15 in 2011, 18 in 2010 and 16 in 2009. QS research head Ben Sowter, however, said the Philippine results were an improvement over two years ago. “This is a much more encour-
aging set of results for Filipino institutions, following on from two years in which many of them had seen their ranking drop,” Sowter said in a statement. In a statement, UP president Alfredo E. Pascual said the improvement in the university’s ranking may be attributed to its continuing efforts to raise funds and incentives for research, upgrade facilities and laboratories, and provide support for postgraduate scholarships. He also cited the recruitment of faculty through the BalikPhD Program and Visiting Professors Program and the giving of incentives to honor graduates to teach at UP. ■ With a report from Julie M. Aurelio www.canadianinquirer.net
The University of the Philippines (UP) still led the country’s top universities and even rose four places this year to 63rd. PHOTO FROM KICKERDAILY.COM
Philippine News
15 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Janet who? I’ve never met her, and other denials Philippine Daily Inquirer SENATORS WHOSE names appeared in the digital files of whistle-blower Benhur Luy yesterday denied either knowing Janet Lim-Napoles or having had dealings with her in the alleged diversion of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to dubious nongovernment organizations (NGOs). The INQUIRER tried but failed to get any comment at press time from Senators Gregorio Honasan, Vicente Sotto III, Lito Lapid and Juan Ponce Enrile. Senate President Franklin Drilon
“I have never dealt with any Napoles NGO. One of the whistle-blowers, if not Benhur himself, submitted an affidavit saying that they approached me soliciting assignment of my PDAF to the Napoles NGOs, and they confirmed that I refused. “Official records regarding my PDAF utilization confirm this. Not a single centavo of the PDAF allotted to me as senator went to any Napoles NGO. The only NGO I have dealt with is the FFCCCII (Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry) to build 1,600 classrooms nationwide. Details of my PDAF are available online and open for public scrutiny.” Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano
“I’m totally surprised because when the [pork barrel scam] investigation started, to ensure the credibility of those in the (Senate blue ribbon) committee, I asked Benhur if there was anyone in the room who was involved, and he said none. “I can look anyone in the eye and say that I never transacted on a single cent with Janet LimNapoles,” said the lawmaker, saying it would be “sort of ridiculous” to do so given his known
advocacy against wrongdoing in government. He said he would face any investigation and would subject himself to the same standards under which the Senate had demanded accountability from fellow lawmakers earlier implicated in the scam. Sen. Loren Legarda
“I categorically deny any alleged involvement with Ms Janet Napoles. I do not know her and have never dealt with her personally or otherwise. I have never endorsed any NGO to benefit from my PDAF. Any statement to the contrary that may be in her supposed affidavit is a perjured lie and is actionable criminally against her and all those involved in this political smear campaign.” Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
“I already charged them in the Ombudsman (Tuesday) for forging a letter that asked for P30 million for three provinces. I saw a MOA (memorandum of agreement) between the Department of Agriculture and one province, good for P10 million. How will you know the existence of a forged letter unless brought to your attention? “If that appears in the ledger of Luy, therefore, I should charge him also because he knows about the transaction. It’s now apparent that Luy knew about this even before I discovered the forged letter on September 2013 (the letter was dated October 2012), and that means he knew of the transaction. I should amend my complaint to the Ombudsman to include him.” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada
“What’s new?” Estrada said it also did not bother him that even his mother, former Sen. Luisa “Loi” Ejercito, was included in the list. “OK lang ... not at all.”
In a separate interview with Senate reporters, Estrada lamented that it was “automatic” for him to be linked to the scam. “I’m immune already. I’m so stressed,” he said. Former Sen. Edgardo Angara
“I’ve already denied it as early as September when it first came out, and since then it has not been repeated until recently because there’s no truth to it and many media outlets have not carried it. I have absolutely no dealings with Mrs. Napoles or Luy. “Who’s in charge of the store now? The national agenda has been hijacked and held hostage by these sinister groups behind this black propaganda, and sadly, they are dictating the national agenda now and the reform agenda of the government has become secondary. The longer this is allowed to pester, government’s credibility and capacity will be surely eroded.” Former Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, now Muntinlupa representative
It was possible that some of his pork barrel had gone to NGOs linked to Napoles. But he had not met or talked with Napoles for any project. What most likely happened was that the governors or mayors who had sought assistance from him for projects such as dryers, milling or palay storage had either chosen the NGOs through which the funds would be released, or had left the matter up to the implementing agencies. This was how the system worked when he was senator. “All you have to do is write to have the funds released to the implementing agency. So the funds are with them,” he said.
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“Who has custody of the funds? It’s agencies.” Former Sen. Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.
“Am suing whoever made that false STATEMENT, he said in a text message. It’s no crime to assist LGUs. These are audited by LGU auditors, as a check and balance. More to the point, I never asked for or demanded or received one bloody cent as kickback from Napoles, Luy or any other scoundrel.”
the t a x p a ying public justly deserves.” Sen. JV Ejercito tweet
“I can’t believe that my name was included in the supposed Napolist of Ping Lacson. First I do not know Napoles at all. Never talked to her ever. Second, most of the Congressmen from the list came from 12th, 13th and 14th Congress. I was not part of the House of Representatives then. I belong to 15th Congress. I will not sign Blue Ribbon Committee report if I had anything to do with Napoles.” Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago
“For the record, I never had dealings with Napoles. The Napoles list, if unsigned, has no evidentiary value at all ... I am pushing to get the list of Benhur Luy. I understand that the Luy list is substantiated by documents and details.” Former Sen. Manny Villar
“I have no personal nor official dealings with Napoles and her bogus NGOs ever. It is very unfair, not to mention totally baseless that my name is being dragged into this issue, which has now become so politicized. “It seems like a new list is being drawn everyday. I too hope for the truth to come out, which
“No. I never (had transactions with Napoles). I’ve said it before ... No contact. That I’m very, very confident about because that’s the truth.” Sen. Ralph Recto
“That’s impossible. I suggest you read transcript of blue ribbon hearing re our exchanges. In addition, review your hard drive. “My 2010 PDAF releases are posted in the website of the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) for the world to see. Most of the projects are for schools, roads. Not a single centavo went to an NGO or to the DA, DAR or agencies like TRC or Nabcor.” ■
Opinion
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 16
THERE’S THE RUB
Two things By Conrado De Quiros Philippine Daily Inquirer THE first is: Should the Napoles list, or “Napolist” as everybody calls it now, be made public? Yes. Ping Lacson of course warned against it last week and did so again over the weekend. You make the “Napolist” public, he said, and the Senate could collapse. Not at all. I agree that we should exercise some caution in this respect. Janet Napoles is not exactly the most credible person on earth. “Ang sinungaling ay kapatid ng magnanakaw,” as Susan Roces reminded her countrymen during the pit of the “Hello Garci” scandal, and the opposite is just as true, “Ang magnanakaw ay kapatid ng sinungaling.” Napoles is fighting for her life, a situation that is double-edged: She can be both incandescently honest and murkily deceitful, depending on what she perceives as her self-interest. But that downside is more than offset by the upside. One, and at the very least, keeping the list away from public view is counterproductive in so far as sparing the senators from a rush to judgment by the public once their names are officially revealed goes. Their identi-
ties are pretty much known already, courtesy of Lacson himself. And in any case you can’t really hide anything in this country, even coups are known well in advance. There’s very little to expect by way of a spectacular revelation. It’s just a question of getting it straight from the horse’s mouth. Not making the Napoles list public is what’s going to make the public rush to judgment. It’s the one thing that’s guaranteed to give rise to speculation, rumor, gossip, quite apart from deliberate smear jobs in the social media, about who else is on the list. Or how far the rut goes. So long as the list is kept away from the public eye, so long will that public suspect government wants to sanitize it first. Napoles is in the custody of government, and she can always be persuaded to see that her self-interest does not lie in being adamant about pinning down government allies. Or dwelling too much on the extent of her dealings with them. Butch Abad is among those reported to be on the list. Two, so what if the Senate collapses under the weight of the accusations against its members? A fear that suggests the rut is fearfully extensive—Lacson himself counts 21 past and present senators in the combined Napoles and Benhur Luy lists. A Senate that cannot
explain this scale of perfidy in a way that satisfies the public has no right to stay standing. It deserves to collapse. Which is better for the governed, the constituents, the citizenry—that they have no Senate or a collapsed or barely existent one than that they have one that remains standing but is dedicated to depriving them of their substance? Lest we forget, the Senate is there to make laws, not dispel them. I personally wouldn’t mind not having a Senate or an impotent one than having one we constantly have to guard against.
So long as the list is kept away from the public eye, so long will that public suspect government wants to sanitize it first. Three, but who says the Senate will naturally collapse if it is found out that Napoles’ tentacles extended far beyond Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla? The Senate is more than the individual senators, the Senate is more than the sum of its parts. The notion that the Senate will collapse because a great many, if not indeed most, of the senators are embroiled in the Napoles scandal is just a variation of Louis IV’s absolutist
“l’etat c’est moi,” or “I am the state.” The current President is not the state, the current senators are not the Senate. The state will continue long after P-Noy is gone, the Senate will continue long after the individual senators— particularly the ones embroiled in the Napoles scandal—are gone. The Senate will remain standing, however it will be tremendously enfeebled. Until such time as the next elections come along and we can get rid of its miserable members. They still manage to be there afterward and we richly deserve to have them. The second question is: Should we allow Napoles to become a state’s witness? A variation of it, yes. The conventional wisdom, expressed by Miriam Santiago and others, is not at all, you cannot make the guiltiest party to a crime a state’s witness, only the least of them. Napoles is by no means the least guilty here. But I don’t know why we can’t strike a deal that gives her a commuted sentence and some degree of immunity, without prejudice of course to recovering what she stole from us. It’s the only way you can persuade her to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help all those she will name as co-conspira-
tors. It will be the cornerstone of her self-interest. Otherwise, why would she agree to incriminate herself, along with everyone she would name? It doesn’t fly in the face of the proscription against the guiltiest turning state’s witness. I go back to a proposition I’ve maintained from Day One. Napoles is not the guiltiest party here, even if she was probably the one who got the most money out of it. The lawmakers are, the public officials are. Napoles is only guilty of grand larceny, the public officials are guilty of high treason. Napoles is guilty only of thieving and looting, the public officials are guilty of betraying the public trust. Napoles is guilty only of lifting other people’s wallets on the streets, the public officials are guilty of carousing with money left behind by an impoverished relative for his son’s tuition. Gravity is not just measured by quantity, it is also measured by quality. No, Napoles is not the guiltiest party here. She is not the one who deserves unqualified damnation here. Jailing Napoles and throwing away the key will only give a lesson in the value of honesty; doing the same thing to the wayward public officials will give a lesson in the meaning of public service. About time that meaning was grasped. ■
Salceda puts cash where his mouth is. The province spends 9 percent of its budget on activities like mangrove regeneration as a buffer against storm surges and tsunamis. “There is no single bullet to doing this all,” Salceda said. “The only secret is common sense.” Is common sense what we lack, asks Cebu Daily News. Only one out of the 51 towns and component cities in Cebu province has an honest-togoodness disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) office. The standout is San Francisco in Camotes Island. The former mayor Al Arquillano is credited for tracking Yolanda’s approach and his early decision to evacuate town people. Result: zero deaths and minimal property damage. The Camotes town meets the standards set by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10121). The international community hailed Camotes as a model. In contrast, the 50 other towns have risk management offices—on paper. “Setting up a DRRM office and appointing a DRRM officer, for the sake of paper compliance, is a token gesture. The law mandates that at least 5 percent of a local government’s income should be appropriated for disaster risk reduction and management. So how are LGUs really
using this standby fund?… “Cebu City provides some comic relief in the bad habit of token response.” The city council declared a “‘State of Preparedness’ for the expected arrival of El Niño next month. Big words.” Declaring a “state of preparedness” for a calamity is not just redundant. It may actually mean unpreparedness. The last thing we need is a “pwede na” attitude, Cebu Daily News concludes. Disaster risk information often does not trickle down to local communities. And when it does, it may be in forms that are not user-friendly, adds Development Asia. Building new houses is only half the battle. Many people are reluctant to jettison the only livelihoods they’ve ever known, including farming or fishing. New skills are needed. For others, the call is to think bigger. Some Visayas coconut farmers use post-Yolanda aid to diversify from copra to furniture, coco sugar and other products. Boldness in policymaking is needed to secure a resilient future. Can we expect that from a Congress grappling with four lists of the same pork barrel crime? Inquirer’s Solita Collas Monsod puts it well: “That knocking sound you hear is porkers in government shaking in their boots… at the real possibility of jail and, better, getting barred from public office.” ■
VIEWPOINT
In the crosshairs By Juan L. Mercado Philippine Daily Inquirer HOW far have we come from the 2004 tsunami that swamped Aceh in Indonesia to “Yolanda,” the supertyphoon that battered the Philippines in 2013? And what are the lessons from a decade of disasters? These questions anchor the May issue of Development Asia. “Building back better… has gained traction,” asserts this Asian Development Bank publication. But this remains a “mystery to many residents who lack resources even to rebuild… (Many) are just looking to get back on their feet… even as the rhythms of normal life are reasserting themselves…” People know they are “in the crosshairs” of more disaster. And “there is a growing awareness that they must become more resilient to future shocks.” Asia is more exposed to natural hazards than other regions. Between 1970 and 2010, half the global deaths from disasters were tallied here. More corpses, however, piled up in the poorer nations. Asia accounted for 40 percent of total economic disaster losses and they threaten to “outpace economic expansion.” We cannot rebuild communities as before. President Aquino told Development Asia. We cannot. That would
only ensure a rerun of the same results. Instead, the country must rebuild in a “resilient manner.” Time, however, is in short supply. Climate change is ratcheting up Asia’s exposure in ways difficult to predict. Yolanda’s storm surge might not have reached so far inland if sea levels had not already risen due to global warming. Until Yolanda, Mindanao would be hit by storms, on average, every 17 years. That’s now past tense. “The greater danger may lie in the unpredictability of future disasters.” The UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction urged governments to (a) prioritize disaster risk reduction, (b) enhance early warning, (c) build a culture of safety, (d) reduce underlying risks, and (e) strengthen preparedness across the board. “Asia’s report card is mixed, though progress has been striking in some areas.” Indonesia, which bore half the tsunami deaths, is a trailblazer. Its reconstruction effort evolved into a thoroughgoing disaster risk action plan that effectively used a second tsunami of aid, Development Asia notes. Maldives, Thailand and Vanuatu, among others, cobbled new disaster risk management agencies. Measures range from new laws to relocation schemes, to a region-wide web of
early warning systems anchored by the pan-regional Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis. More significant, official mindsets are breaking free from the cast-iron mold of after-disaster responses. Coming to the fore are before-the-storm risk management programs. “Ever so gradually, the roots of resilience are sinking deeper into Asia’s political and economic superstructure.” Learn from Legazpi City’s “Zero Casualty” initiative. Two earlier cyclones killed over a thousand in Albay province. Then newly-elected
‘Asia’s report card is mixed, though progress has been striking in some areas.’ Indonesia, which bore half the tsunami deaths, is a trailblazer. - Development Asia governor Joey Salceda implemented a program for disaster preparedness “anchored on science or knowledge derived from research and practice.” Upgraded hazard maps today pinpoint places under threat. A radar tracks typhoons. Systematic efforts are made to monitor eruptions from active volcanoes. More than 5,000 families have been relocated. And a trained local volunteer corps is in place.
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Opinion
17 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
AS I SEE IT
Amnesia epidemic breaks out among lawmakers By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer A DIARRHEA outbreak appears to have hit North Cotabato. Saudi Arabia has been hit by an outbreak of MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus), a disease that can be fatal. In Metro Manila, an amnesia epidemic has broken out. Curiously, the epidemic is limited to lawmakers, Cabinet members and other government officials named in the lists of Janet Napoles, alleged mastermind of the P10-billion pork barrel scam, and whistle-blower Benhur Luy. They can’t remember anything related to Napoles. They are suddenly afflicted with very poor memory. The reactions of these people in relation to Napoles can be summed up thus: “I don’t know her, I have never met her, I have not had any dealings with her.” This, even when there are photographs of them with Napoles. This, even when their names are recorded in Luy’s bookkeeping files. Confronted with these pieces of evidence, they would probably react this
way: “I don’t remember that.” Is it amnesia, or maybe Alzheimer’s disease? Poor Janet Napoles, she must be very lonely. The rich and famous and the high and mighty whom she had invited to her lavish parties and to whom she had distributed money like manna from heaven have deserted her at a time when she needs them most. They don’t know her, or they don’t remember her. But Napoles remembers them well, so well that she has listed them in her affidavit and narrated how she gave them kickbacks, and how much, for their PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) allocations to her bogus nongovernment organizations. She has given copies of this list to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and (through her husband) to former senator Panfilo Lacson. Other third parties claim they have copies of her list, but she has yet to confirm that claim. And here is another curious thing: When De Lima and Lacson refused to make public the lists given them, there was a clamor from lawmakers
and the public to release these immediately. But when Lacson gave his list to the Senate blue ribbon committee, which is investigating the pork barrel scam, and which released it to media networks which then made it public, there was an angry uproar from the same lawmakers who had demanded the release of the list in the first place. Why? Because their names are on the list.
The reactions of these people in relation to Napoles can be summed up thus: ‘I don’t know her, I have never met her, I have not had any dealings with her.’ This, even when there are photographs of them with Napoles. Now there is a mad scramble to discredit the Lacson list and other lists that may come after it, including the De Lima list which was signed by Napoles herself and is therefore a valid legal document. Critics say there are too many lists, that these are fake, and that these are
intended to muddle the issue. Not to worry. De Lima has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation and government prosecutors to study the evidence. Only those to whom the evidence will lead will be prosecuted. Fair enough? *** An amusing sidebar is the reaction of the fiery Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago to Lacson’s list, in which her name is included. She said that she is not in the list given to Lacson by Napoles’ husband and that Lacson added her name out of spite. She also said it is the Luy list that is more credible. “I am pushing to get the list of Benhur Luy,” Santiago said. “I understand that the Luy list is substantiated by documents and details.” And indeed it is. And Santiago is in it. It showed that Santiago allotted P5 million of her PDAF to coffee growers in Agusan del Norte in 2005 and that her agent, Zenaida Ducut, got a P2.5 million “rebate” on the senator’s behalf. Santiago then made a complete turn-around. “I denounce as false the allegations against me as drawn from the Luy list. All the documents are
fake. I have no clue about the alleged details, which are all falsified or fictitious,” she said. She added that the “fake Luy list” could have been manufactured and distributed by a syndicate. Then she turned legalistic, as lawyers often do. She said Luy’s list had not been authenticated under the Rules of Court and, hence, is not admissible as evidence. She added that if Luy’s list included documents, these should first be authenticated before publication. “The Luy list has no proof of the attestation of any public document, and no proof of the authenticity of any private document,” the senator said. “Thus the Luy list constitutes no proof at all against me and others like me. The Luy list is nothing but mudslinging. How sad for our country that such villainy has come to pass.” “If corruption is this bad, maybe I should run for president, on the same anticorruption platform from which I have fulminated all these years,” she added. Santiago once ran for president. She lost to Fidel V. Ramos. ■
my over her own body and thus, she can lawfully opt to give or withhold her consent to marital coitus.” Truly, we best honor the mothers among us by first, recognizing their humanity and respecting their needs and preferences, especially their autonomy and ownership of their own bodies (though I’ll also include their dreams, ambitions, desires and destinies). Then we further honor them by protecting them, defending them, respecting them (and not raping them in the guise of marital privilege). Strange as it may seem to some, mothers have rights, too! *** And so do people living with HIV. They have the right to privacy and confidentiality, to tell or not tell people their HIV status, to seek or not seek treatment, and to gain access to treatment regardless of their financial condition. Which is why I find puzzling and disappointing the recent Department of Health position on the amendment of the AIDS prevention and control act. A DOH spokesman said the department is seeking to change the law so that it could now enforce mandatory HIV screening for “high-risk groups and certain target populations.” This is certainly a far cry from earlier DOH policy calling for voluntary testing since mandatory or forced
testing would drive the disease “underground.” There is the fear that if testing is imposed on the “target” groups, people who may be HIV positive would conceal their status and refuse to avail of necessary treatment for fear of being stigmatized, punished, shunned or abandoned. Such a reversal of policy comes at a particularly unfortunate time since the modalities of treating HIV have become increasingly available and affordable. In the United States, federal health officials are recommending a daily pill “that has been shown to prevent infection with the virus that causes” AIDS. An article in the New York Times says that the new guidelines were formulated because condom use, described as “effective but unpopular with many men” has so far failed to bring down the number of HIV infections in the United States, currently holding at 50,000 a year. The drug regimen, involving the drug Truvada, is called PrEP, for preexposure prophylaxis and is recommended for “gay men who have sex without condoms; heterosexuals with high-risk partners such as drug injectors or male bisexuals who have unprotected sex; patients who regularly have sex with anyone they know is infected; and anyone who shares needles or injects drugs.” ■
AT LARGE
Mothers have rights, too By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer WE all love our mothers. Especially so us Filipinos. (Maybe only Italian men outdo us in this regard?) Indeed, during the last observance of this occasion—admittedly a “Western” invention that we have adopted with alacrity—mothers everywhere seemed to bask in their families’ adulation. Hosting a balikbayan couple, we searched for restaurants to hold a “Mothers’ Day” luncheon and found to our dismay that the restaurants we had eyed were all fully booked. Finding an open slot at Dulcelin’s at the UP Town Center, we arrived at the mini-mall to find the parking lot full and the premises filled with family groups. Ours was probably the biggest group at the restaurant, counting two generations of mothers (and fathers) rowdily posing for pictures. Afterwards we trooped to the Valle Verde 2 clubhouse for the clan’s Flores de Mayo rituals and found the hall festooned with two huge banners bearing the faces of our mothers and of the mothers among us cousins and among the nieces. Indeed, the generations are moving on! In the 20 years or so it took to get the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RPRH) passed by Congress, and in the ago-
nizing year-long wait before the Supreme Court ruled on its constitutionality, I had often despaired that mine would be the only generation in my family to enjoy full reproductive freedom. Contraception was not widely available during my mother’s reproductive years (which is maybe why she bore 11 children, with nine surviving), and in the years the reproductive wars were raging, it had often seemed that contraceptives would not even be allowed for the use of my daughter’s generation. And so I heave a sigh of relief that, before she becomes a mother herself, my daughter will enjoy all the autonomy and freedom to decide “if, when, how often, and with whom” she will get pregnant and become a mother. Well, she’s certainly of age! *** It is a development that should be welcomed by all mothers—and potential mothers—around the country as well. Or as the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) puts it: “there is no greater gift for Filipino mothers than the immediate and effective implementation of the RPRH Law.” Commission Chair Remedios Rikken emphasizes that “every mother deserves quality and comprehensive healthcare, thus making the RH law a victory of Filipino women.”
Still, there is work to be done. “Every day must be Mother’s Day,” says Rikken. “Every mother deserves to be respected, recognized and appreciated as motherhood is the most challenging, never-ending and most fulfilling vocation of a lifetime.” She reminds as well of the need to recognize that motherhood takes on many forms—child mothers, solo mothers, acting moms, surrogates and guardians—who “love and nurture their children and families despite their difficult or diverse circumstances.” Also coming as an appropriate
By marrying... a woman ‘does not divest herself of the human right to an exclusive autonomy over her own body and thus, she can lawfully opt to give or withhold her consent to marital coitus.’ coda to the observance of Mother’s Day is the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming that indeed the rape of a wife by her husband is still rape. As the high tribunal declared: “A husband does not own his wife’s body by reason of marriage… Sexual intercourse, albeit within the realm of marriage, if not consensual, is rape.” By marrying, said our justices, a woman “does not divest herself of the human right to an exclusive autono-
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FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
18
Canada News
‘What’s going on in Toronto?’ A U.S. think tank explores the Rob Ford phenomenon BY ALEXANDER PANETTA The Canadian Press WASHINGTON—An American think-tank held a symposium Friday to explore a phenomenon that has fascinated people beyond national borders: How in blazes did Canada’s largest city ever elect Rob Ford? In an attempt to understand the factors that led to his election as mayor, and his enduring core of support, Washington’s Wilson Center held a discussion titled “The Rob Ford Phenomenon: What’s going on in Toronto?” About two dozen people crowded into a boardroom near the White House to participate in the event, held on the one-year anniversary of the first published reports about a video of Ford smoking what appeared to be crack cocaine. Ford has become a celebrity in the U.S., and the butt of countless jokes. But an event organizer said his story raises truly serious public-policy questions—such as the effect of municipal amalgamations, and demographic shifts in urban and suburban areas. “I wanted to take Rob Ford out of the late-night comedy shows and to look at, really, what’s happening in Toronto?” said David Biette, head of the Wilson Center’s Canada institute, which hosted the event. “Toronto’s a great, progressive city. How did Toronto get here? What does it say about municipal governance ... that this kind of phenomenon could happen? And I know there’s a lot more to it than just what we see as sort of a buffoon on TV. “Obviously, people elected him. And obviously the guy has support— still has support—in the mega-city of Toronto. Where does that support come from?” Friday’s symposium was led by Canadian academic Anne Golden, the former head of the Conference Board of Canada. She didn’t quite sing Ford’s praises, but did offer her take on how he got elected, and how
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. PHOTO FROM RMNOA357 / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
he remains politically afloat despite a tsunami of scandals. Friday’s history lesson went all the way back to 1867. Golden explained that under the original Constitution, provincial governments were given total power over municipalities, and joked that cities were slotted into Section 92 of the British North America Act right between saloons and asylums. She described how the province created the Toronto mega-city; how its first mayor Mel Lastman was popular; and how the garbage strike and tax hikes stoked anger against its second mayor, David Miller, whom she described as a blond-haired, Harvard-educated political golden boy. So, in 2010, people elected an antiMiller. She said Ford’s promise to, “Stop the gravy train,” appealed to people. As did his refusal to file expense claims, even for things such as printer cartridges. She put up a blue-and-red map showing how Ford swept the suburbs, with very little support downtown. And she referred to a study by the University of Toronto’s Zack Taylor on the differences between the socalled “Ford Nation” and the down-
town folks that voted for his rival George Smitherman, in “Smitherman Village.” “A Ford voter was more likely... to be blue collar; live in a detached house with a yard; be a car driver, not a transit user or a cyclist; read the Toronto Sun, a tabloid newspaper known for its daily Sunshine Girl and its populist conservative views...; order a medium double-double, and I’m told you don’t know what that means but in our country it’s double-cream, double-sugar, and the city people order grande, non-fat lattes,” Golden said. “And they have less household income—about 25 per cent less than a Smitherman voter. In terms of education, they have less... “So there’s a lifestyle divide.” One academic in attendance drew parallels between Ford and ex-D.C. mayor Marion Barry—and suggested those similarities weren’t limited to having both sampled crack cocaine. He suggested both drew political support from segments of society that felt alienated by the urban elite. Golden agreed that behavioural incidents tended to embolden Ford, not hurt him. Even before he was elected, she said, there were signs of trouble such as a police call to his house in 2008 and his ejection from a hockey game in 2006. But people hold politicians in such low regard these days, Golden said, that they expect almost nothing from them. All they’re expected to do is not steal public money, she said. She said Ford’s political luck might be running out, given the latest onslaught of negative news stories. Speculation has been rampant about his whereabouts since he took a leave of absence for a stint in rehab, following new reports about drug use and offensive rants. Still, Golden said, his political base has proven resilient so far. “They know that he offends and upsets the elites— the so-called chattering classes,” she said. “Like the people here.” ■
NEWS BRIEFS
FROM THE CANADIAN PRESS
MOTHER-CHILD PRISON PROGRAM REMAINS IN LIMBO MONTREAL—Canada is set to complete an expansion of women’s prisons this month with new rooms designed to accommodate mothers and their babies or young children. But there’s little indication the units will mean more participants in the federal government’s mother-child prison program, which is rarely used even though it remains official policy. PREMIERS ASKED TO LOOK AT ABORIGINAL ADOPTIONS WINNIPEG—Canada’s aboriginal affairs ministers are asking the country’s premiers to look at compensation, counselling and repatriation for thousands of aboriginal children adopted into white families during the so-called ‘60s Scoop. The ministers met recently in Winnipeg and recommended that premiers set up a group to study the issue. The premiers are to meet in August in Prince Edward Island. NDP VOW TO CUT ER WAIT TIMES IN HALF TORONTO—Ontario’s Liberal government wasted millions of dollars in a fruitless effort to reduce overcrowding in hospital emergency rooms, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath charged Tuesday as she unveiled a plan to cut ER wait times in half if the New Democrats win the June 12 election. The Liberals spent too much money on bureaucrats and not enough on front line care as they tried to reduce wait times in various areas of the health care system, added Horwath. TIM HUDAK TRIES TO WOO NEW CANADIANS TORONTO— Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is trying to win the votes of new Canadians in next month’s election with a promise to give skilled immigrants an accelerated path to living and working in Ontario. Hudak says he’s referring to the provincial nominee program, which he says has been “dramatically underutilized” under the Liberal government.
Canada News
19 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Jobs minister and labour Prince Charles reflects leader find common on Canada’s war history, ground on foreign achievements at ceremony workers issue BY ROB DRINKWATER The Canadian Press EDMONTON—Alberta’s jobs minister and a provincial labour leader found themselves in the unusual position of partly agreeing with each other at a forum in Edmonton on temporary foreign workers. Both say they want to see a system that allows workers to become permanent residents. Gil McGowan of the Alberta Federation of Labour told the forum that he has written federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney to request that all temporary foreign workers who are currently in Canada be allowed to stay. Jobs Minister Thomas Lukaszuk, meanwhile, says he wants to see an improved temporary foreign worker program that allows workers to become permanent residents. Kenney announced a moratorium on hiring new temporary foreign workers in the food service industry last month. The forum was hosted by Migrante Alberta, a migrant workers advocacy group, and a number of people in the audience were temporary foreign workers with concerns about how long they can remain in Canada. “Thousands of people have come to this country in good faith. You’ve done nothing wrong,” McGowan told the forum, which was held in a lecture theatre at the University of Alberta. McGowan said the temporary foreign workers program should end for low-wage jobs because the workers lack basic rights which could allow them to organize for better pay. That keeps pay for everyone—Canadians and foreign workers—low. “I have sometimes been accused of stoking the animosity between (Canadians and foreign workers). I don’t have a problem with the people in the program. I have a problem with the program itself,” he told the
forum. “In an economy as hot as Alberta’s, you deserve more than $11 an hour.” Lukaszuk disagreed the program should be scrapped. He rejected the idea that many service job vacancies in Alberta could be filled with unemployed Canadians, noting he didn’t know of many dishwashers who would leave their jobs in Sydney, N.S. to wash dishes in Fort McMurray, Alta. He said if the federal government knows of employers that abuse the program, they should be punished. He said the moratorium was imposed without notice or consultation with the provinces or the workers themselves. “What they have done is simply inhumane. I can only imagine what was going through your minds when that was announced,” Lukaszuk told the forum. “We need you here to stay.” One temporary worker from the Philippines, who didn’t want to give her name, said outside the forum that she’s been in Canada for almost seven years. She said she has a husband and three children in the Philippines, and has only been able to go back and see them once. She said it will be a few months before her work permit will need to be renewed, but she is still concerned the moratorium may not be lifted in time and that she may be sent home. “I’m so worried. It’s really stressful. I can’t concentrate on my work,” she said. Kenney has promised a slate of changes to the program soon. Many of the questions at the forum centred on options that foreign workers could exercise in order to prolong their stay until the program is reinstated. One of the options was staying in Canada illegally. Lukaszuk warned against it. “Ultimately, you will put yourself in a position where you will be unable legally to enter Canada again,” he told the audience. ■
BY MELANIE PATTEN AND ALY THOMSON The Canadian Press
HALIFAX—Prince Charles reflected on Canada’s contribution to the Second World War as he and his wife Camilla were greeted Monday by hundreds of people in Halifax on the first full day of a hectic four-day visit that will take them to three provincial capitals. Canada’s military involvement was a central theme of the royal couple’s day-long tour of Halifax, a naval city where 500,000 military personnel embarked on a transatlantic journey to serve during the Second World War. Charles commented on Canada’s contribution of so many soldiers, sailors and airmen to the liberation of Europe as the 75th anniversary of the start of the war approaches, calling it “an extraordinary contribution” from a country with a small population. Later, Charles met with military families at a resource centre that helps them with a number of programs ranging from nutrition to mental health services while their loved ones are on deployment. The Prince of Wales watched a ball hockey game in a parking lot outside the centre and inside he shook hands with a
puppet who was entertaining a group of children. Ordinary Seaman Matthew Hunt, 23, who volunteers at the centre, met the royal couple dressed in a yellow banana costume to promote healthy eating. He said he didn’t hesitate to wear the brightly coloured costume when asked. “I’m a little lost for words, it’s something I never thought I would do,” Hunt said after meeting the couple. Puppeteer Melissa Connell, 35, also met the royals. “They were very nice, they interacted with all the families, that was really exciting to see,” said Connell, who works at the centre. “It was great to see them shake hands and chat with the children.” Charles commented on her puppets. “He actually said that they looked a little bit scary,” she said with a laugh. The Duchess of Cornwall made a separate visit to the Northbrook Community Centre in suburban Dartmouth for a private meeting with representatives of Alice Housing, which provides shelter and counselling for women and children escaping domestic abuse. The visit by the Prince of Wales and the duchess is meant to celebrate Canada’s past and future at a time when a number of significant anniversaries
will be commemorated over the next few years, including the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. Another is the 150th anniversary this year of the Charlottetown Conference, which led to Confederation in 1867. “Our visit will focus on Canadian achievements as part of a major celebration of the past and the future,” Charles said in the first of four speeches he will make during the royal tour. “One hundred and fifty years ago, the foundations for a new country, which would be proud of its traditions and excited by its future, were first laid in Charlottetown and Quebec City. Based on the principle of freedom and justice inherited from two great European nations, the Dominion of Canada was to become a reality three years later.” People were bundled up against chilly weather and a light mist hung over Grand Parade as Charles and Camilla were officially welcomed to Canada on Monday morning by Gov. Gen. David Johnston, politicians and an aboriginal elder. A booming 21-gun royal salute echoed through the city’s downtown as the prince inspected an honour guard. Charles used the grey, overcast day to get a laugh from ❱❱ PAGE 39 Prince Charles
Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. PHOTO BY MARC BURLEIGH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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MAY 23, 2014
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World News
21 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Chinese ships evacuate workers from Vietnam after deadly riots BY HAU DINH AND CHRIS BRUMMITT The Associated Press VUNG ANG, VIETNAM— Watched over by riot police, more than 3,000 Chinese workers left Vietnam on Monday on ships chartered by their government after deadly unrest broke out last week amid a dispute over sovereignty claims in the South China Sea. The decision to evacuate workers by sea will play well in China, where the government is under pressure to look after its citizens abroad. Some saw possible geopolitical reasons behind the dramatic gesture, suggesting that by deploying the ships China was trying to reinforce the image of it as a victim as it battles mostly negative international opinion over its increasingly assertive moves in the South China Sea. Four ships arrived at Vung Ang port and left after taking aboard more than 3,000 people, according to an Associated Press reporter outside the facility and a port official who didn’t give his name because he wasn’t authorized to speak to the me-
dia. The workers were bused oil rig close to the Paracel Is- long predated the oil rig standto the ships, where riot police lands, which are controlled by off, often when drunk. were stationed. China but claimed by Vietnam. “When the Chinese workVung Ang port is part of a Hanoi immediately sent ships ers were living here there were large, under-construcclashes ever week. I’m tion Taiwanese steel mill happy they are leaving,” complex 350 kilometres said the man, who gave (220 miles) south of Hahis name only as Thuan noi that was overrun by and was drinking a beer an anti-China mob on near the port. “Maybe Wednesday and Thursthere will be better seday. Two Chinese workcurity and public order ers were killed and 140 now for the community.” injured in the attack, Vietnam has been trywhich also left parts of ing to rally international the facility on fire. Linh support for its stance. said around 3,000 ChiThe United States has nese workers were emlabelled China’s move as ployed constructing the provocative. complex. There has been no vioChina’s Foreign Minislence or protests since try spokesman Hong Lei last Thursday. Chinese said Chinese nationals people wishing to have injured in the protests been able to leave the and some others had alcountry independently ready been flown home. China and Vietnam each have overlapping territorial claims in with no impediments “The Chinese govern- the South China Sea that have triggered tensions for years. since then. ment is highly concerned While noting that about the safety of Chinese citi- to confront the rig. They are countries are obligated to help zens in Vietnam,” Hong said. now locked in a standoff with their citizens, Jonathan LonChina and Vietnam each have Chinese ships protecting the rig, don, a Vietnam expert at Hong overlapping territorial claims in raising fears of possible conflict. Kong’s City University, said the South China Sea that have One man in Vung Ang said sending ships “broadcasts to triggered tensions for years. Chinese workers and Vietnam- the world a sense that China is a The latest round erupted May ese ones in the town had a his- victim, creates an image of a de1 when Beijing deployed a large tory of fighting with each that stabilized Vietnam (and) sends
ominous signals and veiled threats of punitive action.” “This manoeuvr might be perceived as indicating that (Chinese President Xi Jinping) is more interested in deepening rather than alleviating the prevailing sense of crisis which, if true, does not bode well for those hoping for de-escalation and newly-imaginative attempts at conflict resolution,” he wrote in an email. Around 400 other factories around the country were damaged or destroyed in mob violence, most in industrial parks close to southern Ho Chi Minh City. Many factories were not Chinese-run but Taiwanese or from elsewhere in Asia, apparently targeted mistakenly or by gangs intent on looting. Vietnam’s government, furious at China’s positioning of the rig, initially allowed street protests, a rarity in the authoritarian country. But since the rioting they have cracked down, aware that the violence threatened the country’s reputation as a safe and cheap destination for foreign manufacturers to establish. ■
absurd” and denied its military or government personnel had ever participated in cyber theft of trade secrets. On Tuesday, China warned the United States was jeopardizing military ties and demanded Washington withdraw the indictment. China also pulled out of working discussions on cyber security—an issue that loomed large when President Barack Obama met last June with Chinese President Xi Jinping. That summit, held in California, was intended to set a positive tone for the relationship, what Beijing likes to call a “new model of great power relations.” But the cracks in that model are already showing. The two governments have tried, with limited success, to find common cause in resisting North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons. They made strides last year toward negotiating a bilateral investment treaty that would deepen an economic relationship in which two-way trade already
distinction as the U.S. between spying for national security reasons, which Washington views as defensible, and economic espionage to gain market advantage, which it views as unacceptable. The administration’s message has also been diluted by the revelations of former National Security Agency analyst Edward Snowden over U.S. eavesdropping on foreign communications - even against allies. “The Chinese for the past year have been blowing off U.S. charges on cyber by pointing to Snowden. The indictment now gives the U.S. side a very concrete example to show to the Chinese, that what your guys are doing is different,” said Michael Green, a former White House director for Asian affairs in the George W. Bush administration. “It will lead to a new source of friction but one that is unavoidable in U.S.-China relations,” he said. ■
Brummitt reported from Hanoi.
Cyber theft... Beijing and Washington that has been growing as China gets bolder in asserting its territorial claims in disputed seas in East Asia. That doesn’t mean there will be a fracture in the U.S.-China relationship, which remains vital for both of the world powers, but it raises major doubts about the ability of U.S. and China to manage their differences. “This adds to the mounting list of hugely problematic issues between the U.S. and China,” said Jonathan Pollack, a specialist on East Asian politics and security at the Brookings Institution think-tank . “Barring a level of candour and disclosure from China on some of these issues that we haven’t seen to date, it seems to me we’re heading for very troubled waters.” China reacted swiftly to the indictment that accuses the military officials of hacking big-name American makers of nuclear and solar technology. It rejected the allegations as “ungrounded and ❰❰ 1
exceeds $560 billion. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the U.S. expects China to understand that the indictment relates to law enforcement, and that the two nations can still have a “constructive and productive relationship.” She said she expected a high-level U.S.China security and economic dialogue to go ahead as planned in about two months’ time. But as China’s power rises, and the U.S. attempts to broaden its footprint in Asia as part of its attempt to rebalance its foreign policy after a decade of war in the Middle East, there are growing areas of disagreement. China has taken an increasingly strident approach in disputes with U.S. allies Japan and the Philippines over disputed islands and reefs in the East and South China seas. Washington has called out China over its “provocative” actions. Most recently, and just a couple of days after Obama completed a high-profile visit to Asia, China deployed a massive oil rig www.canadianinquirer.net
with dozens of supporting vessels to drill in a disputed area off the coast of Vietnam, near islands controlled by China but claimed by both nations. That sparked an offshore confrontation with Vietnamese vessels and triggered angry protests inside Vietnam that killed two Chinese workers and wounded 140 more. American concern over the Shanghai-based military unit to which the five indicted officials are said to belong has been public knowledge for more than a year. The U.S. Internet security firm Mandiant issued a report in February 2013 tracing hacking activities against 141 foreign entities in the U.S., Canada and Britain to that unit. A month later, the Obama administration upped the diplomatic ante by directly calling for China to take serious steps to stop cyber-theft. Talks on the issue, now suspended by China, have gained little traction. Analysts say Beijing does not draw the same
Immigration
MAY 23, 2014
FRIDAY 22
Express Entry to Canada: Changing the name and rules of the game for immigration applicants What is the best game plan for skilled applicants who are planning their immigration application to Canada? BY MARIEL “MIGS” VARGAS GUINA TO DATE, we do not have the specific details of the Express Entry program and the detailed roles and participation of employers. Thus, the succeeding suggestions are purely based on what we can freely assume. Having the best qualification and acquiring the most needed skills will definitely make an applicant more competitive. But having the right qualification is a given and that does not happen overnight. So unless a person is applying within the next 2 years or more, we do not need to contemplate on that tactic. With this forthcoming change and the dearth of time to acquire more relevant skills and experience before they introduce this model next year, applicants have to make do with what they have. And that is going back to the basic and as basic as a knowing their real job and their real qualification. A lot of people can have the same years of experience,
educational background and hard skills. But in a system where everybody is allowed to express their intention to migrate to Canada, applicants must do their level best so that the system would not skip their applications. A proper and efficient identification of one’s job description and job specification is very crucial in this kind of system. This system can be likened to what Human Resources (HR) Specialists do when they receive tons of applications. They scan the applicants’ resumes either manually or through the use of a system like HRIS (Human Resources Information System). They then segregate applicants stage by stage based on a list of qualifications. They start from the least important criterion to the most important one. In each stage, they will search for the applicants
who possess the qualification and eventually drop those who do not qualify. So if the vacant position calls for a bachelor’s degree in engineering as a basic qualification, the HR Specialist will start sorting the applicants’ resumes by removing those who do not meet this criterion. Then, the rest of the remaining resumes will be sorted again based on the years of experience or on a more needed criterion to come up with a more short-listed number of applicants. This will continue until they are able to sort all resumes using criteria starting from the basic to the most critical requirement of the job. After which, those short-listed or best applicants will be invited for an interview. In this process, the application of those who failed to indicate the qualification or attribute that the HR Specialist is looking for will be obviously tossed out along the process and may not even reach the early sorting stage. The above HR process could be the best impression we can to call to mind about the process of the “Express Entry” model. And with the number of applicants to be processed by “Express Entry,” CIC will employ an electronic system that would rank the applicants on certain key qualifications. This means applicants could be rated or scored from the best and most qualified down to the not-so. Thus, the description of duties, responsibilities and specific skills could make or break an applicant’s chance of having a better rank. If one misidentifies his duties and qualifications, there is a chance that the system will not pick-up the file. Although these details remain to be confirmed on January 2015, it won’t hurt for any applicants to pay attention to these simple yet important details in their resumes. Knowing one’s job could be very easy for other people since it is what they do every day in their work. But Job Description and Job Specification is not something that an employee can simply jot down. Effective and proper job description and job specification are the products of Job Analysis. This is a process that certain HR specialists or Senior HR Consultants conduct to study a job and come up with specific duties, length of time and education qualification. For applicants who would be subjected to the “Express Entry” model, they should start knowing the major duties of their
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jobs and check the corresponding NOC code and details. Proper matching of occupation with the right duties and qualification is crucial in this process. Any employee can ask for a copy of their job description from their HR Department and they should be furnished a copy. As an HR consultant both in the Philippines and Canada, I am very sure that employees in either country should have received a copy of their employment contract when they signed the contract. If not, that might not be consistent with contractual laws in Canada and the Philippines because an employee agreed to something that he/she has no full understanding of. At the end of the day, it is about being keen in knowing your qualification and when your occupation is highly needed in Canada. Again, the "first in line, first to be processed” standard will not be employed in this new model. But among applicants who are equally good in terms of qualification and equally needed in Canada, the one who is first in the line will surely be the first one to get processed. "Express Entry” will surely raise the bar for a lot of applicants. It is a new ball game for skilled applicants around the world who intend to win in the game of immigration in the playing field called Canada. ■ Mariel “Migs” Vargas Guina is a Licensed/Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant by the ICCRC. He is also a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) in Canada and an internationally certified HR Professional (HRMP). He has 12 years of experience doing consulting job in the area of HR (international recruitment, training and OD). He is a Registered Psychologist (RP) in the Philippines specializing in Work and Management Psychology and a Certified Industrial/Organizational Psychologist by the Psychological Association of the Philippines. He also holds a Master of Science in Industrial /Organizational Psychology from the De La Salle University Taft Manila. Call 403-835-1921 or email globalthink2012@yahoo.com. Disclaimer: All information in this article should not be treated and construed as a legal advice and are solely intended for general information about Canadian Immigration, Human Resources and other related topics. Nothing herein constitutes the establishment of a ConsultantClient relationship. This article cannot and does not address your current situation and you are thus encouraged to seek professional advice.
Immigration
23 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
PANGARAP: SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS
So, Do You Need to Invest in Technology? BY BOLET AREVALO
ANY JOB SEEKER WHO WANTS TO STAY ON TOP OF HIS GAME MUST ADMIT THAT HE CANNOT IGNORE TECHNOLOGY. BUT SINCE HE ALSO CANNOT BEAT IT, HE IS BETTER JOINING THE DEVELOPMENT THAT IT BRINGS ABOUT. There is no stopping technology, just as there is no escaping it. That’s the pill you need to swallow, though it is not necessarily a bitter one. Out here in a developed country, it does not matter what your age is. You just need to embrace what developments technology has laid out for you in order to stay on track, keep in step and most especially, stay ahead. But you also need to invest. There are three types of investments you need to make.
One, you need to invest time. Time is probably the only resource we have that we need not pack to carry along with us. We have it and we have it as soon as we step down from the plane. It travels with us every day, wherever we decide to go. However, we should also know that time is the only resource that we cannot retrieve after spending it. This is a most important lesson I always tell my children. While time is a resource we carry along, it is not as if we can get it back once we have given it away, or worst, lost it. Shopping to me has never been so practical than in this side of the world where I can return and get full rebate for things I bought that I have changed my mind about or did not need after all. Unfortunately, that does not apply to spending time itself. You can never bring back the hands of time. This is probably the reason why I love the movie, Somewhere in Time. And this is also the rea-
son why I cried in that movie, when the lead actor pulled out a present-day coin which he carelessly left in his pocket, pulling him back to the present time and unable to go back to a most-cherished chapter of his past love life. The only point I am saying is, if you will need to learn a craft, a trade or a discipline, start as soon as you can. Time is important. Time can be your ally, but can also be your foe. Well, it may seem that way, because no matter how you want it, whatever time you have lost you cannot recover. It will never wait for you. And even if you had the money, you cannot buy it or extend it. Two, you need to invest effort. If you had made it here, there is no doubt that you are the type of person who makes a great effort to get what you want. You are someone who exerted enough effort to complete all the requirements to immigrate, because the documents are really
cumbersome and many. Many people have expressed a desire to make it here. Some of them are qualified, but few take the real effort to start the process. Your time plus the effort you put into something you want to do or learn or both will make a lot of difference. On average, time is directly proportional to effort. More time means more effort exerted. For the fast learners, less effort and less time may be all it takes. Three, you need to invest money. As I mentioned earlier, lessons on how to use the computer and some its functionalities may be obtained for free. In Canada, there are continuing studies program for adult learners in most community centers. But the best things in life are not free. You might have to start thinking of putting in your own money to be able to advance further to give yourself a little cutting edge. You will realize that compe-
tition for jobs is really stiff. To be able to give yourself a fighting chance or stay on top of your game, you have to foresee how much your investment can give you back in terms of job advancement or a new job opportunity. Investing in technology using your own money may also mean you need to make sure you have your own computer to use every day. Again, you can do that for free in public libraries, but there is greater effort in having to leave the house and queue for your turn at the library, which may be limited to one hour. If you are into computers, you will of course realize that one hour is too short. The world is moving fast. Developed countries move even faster. Remember—your time, effort and money make up the investment that you will need to keep up with the pace. We just have to live with the ❱❱ PAGE 43 So, Do You
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Seen & Scenes
MAY 23, 2014
PHILIPPINE ROTARY FOCUSES ON HOSPITAL HELP FROM CANADA Medical treatment in the Philippines has improved but pervasive poverty and lack of access to medical services detract from the general health of Filipinos. “The need for medical equipment especially in public hospitals has long been a problem,” according to Rotary World Help (RWH) coordinator for shipment and donations to the Philippines Elena Agala, and a member of the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise in Canada. Agala’s campaign to help poor patients in the Philippines by providing medical equipment to Manila’s government hospitals, was recently featured in the Philippine Rotary, the official regional magazine of Rotary International.
FRIDAY 24
WEST RICHMOND COMMUNITY CENTER Residents and visitors to West Richmond Community Centre are enjoying the space’s new invigorated feel thanks to significant building renovations that were completed this April. “The upgrades to West Richmond Community Centre were extensive,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. He said these include a new building envelope system to make the building more energy efficient; new LED lights to save the community centre approximately 18,000 kwh annually; hand dryers installed in washrooms and motion-sensored faucets were added to the washroom sinks to help control water usage and decrease consumption.
Philippine Rotary wrote that Agala coordinated the shipment of “three 40-foot container vans containing slightly-used medical equipment, hospital beds, wheelchairs, computers, and brand-new medical supplies like medical masks and gloves.”
(L-R) West Richmond Community Association (WRCA) past president Hans Havas, WRCA president Rinat Sneg, Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Artist Jeanette Lee, Councillor Bill McNulty cut the ribbon to officially reveal West Richmond Community Centre’s new features.
VANCOUVER CONSULATE BRINGS SERVICES TO GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB. The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Vancouver recently conducted a consular outreach program to service Filipinos in Grande Prairie, AB. A total of 742 consular services were rendered, including e-Passport processing (705); dual citizenship (17); civil registry (14); and notarials (6). The on-site registration for overseas voters accepted 206 applications for registration, 13 for transfer of registration and three for change of address. The members of the consular team are Consul General Neil Ferrer, Consul Melanie Diano, Magdalena Sosa, Jeanie-Vi Llonora, Paulino Paco Jr. and Edwin Villalon.
LIVING ROSARY AT ST. AIDAN CHURCH The devotees of Mother Mary celebrated a Living Rosary this May at St. Aidan Catholic Church, in Scarborough, Ont. Executives, coordinators and active members of The Block Rosary Crusade of Toronto participated in the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Sultana, assisted by Deacon Patrick Chung. This was followed by praying the Living Rosary then each member offered a rose to Mother Mary. Refreshments were served in the church hall. Photo includes officers Tony and Lita Leano; Madeleine Ong; Jimmy and Bing Marasigan; George and Dolly Poblete; Coordinators Alex and Citas Ibanes; Tessie de la Cruz; Conrad and Myrna de Leon; Dr. Bin and Tito Commendador; Flora Vaz; Bridgette de Souza; Peter and Loretta de Souza; Romeo and Alda Guevara; Nilo and Lita Abesamis; Angelita Santos; Danny and Neomi
For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net.
Nepomuceno; Boy and Evelyn Lobrin; Jovita Lim; Evelyn Paul; Innocent and Jenny Menezes; Luis and Clara Fernandes; Joe and Pam Nunes and Besa Pereira.
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Seen & Scenes
25 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
WALKING GROUPS “WALKING GROUPS” category winner at the 116th Victoria Day Parade: Victoria Filipino Canadian Association. The theme of the VFCA entry was the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre in Victoria. An estimated 50,000 people watched the parade on a bright and sunny morning. Photo by Sid Emmanuel.
ST. JOHN’S NEWFOUNDLAND FILIPINOS SUPPORT BENNETT Over 30 Filipinos headed by Philippine Honorary Consul General Hazel Alpuerto went to the House of Assembly at the Confederation Bldg. in St.John’s to support Liberal MHA for Virginia Waters Cathy Bennett introduce a resolution protecting foreign workers. Seniors in Victoria, B.C. gather together every second Friday of the month, at the Bayanihan Centre, to do various activities like tai chi, work outs, karaoke, play scrabble and other word games. They also play bingo for fun while some members cook, bake and try on new recipes.
Bennett is also a McDonald’s franchise owner who’s brought in dozens of temporary foreign workers to work in her restaurants. The resolution passed and Filipinos seated at the gallery, whose presence were acknowledged by Speaker of the House Rose Wiseman, were happy to witness the passing of the bill. Alpuerto said, “Our presence played showed our deep concern for fellowmen who might be affected by the TFW moratorium.” She added that Bennett is a strong supporter of the Filipino community here in St.John`s and is in favor of hiring more Filipinos to man her stores. Philippine Honorary Consul General to Newfoundland Hazel Alpuerto, second from left, expressed her concern about the Temporary Foreign Worker moratorium adversely affecting Filipinos in the province.
(Photo above) Consul General Neil Ferrer with the consular team in Grande Prairie. (Photo below) Consul General Neil Ferrer with the CarCanMadCarLan Filipino community volunteers. Consul General Neil Ferrer with Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given.
Consul General Neil Ferrer with Mayor Bill Given (4th from right) and the Chamber of Commerce of Grande Prairie
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MAY 23, 2014
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:
FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS Every week, the Philippine Canadian Inquirer celebrates the unwavering Filipino spirit through a feature called “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.” The feature recognizes the achievements of Filipinos living in Canada who have shown concern for the community, success in spite of trials, and the uniquely Pinoy practice of “bayanihan.” This year, we are welcoming nominations for the next subject of “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”
MECHANICS: - All nominees must have (a) Filipino heritage/ancestry - All nominees must be residing in Canada at the time of nomination - Nominees from all industries are welcome (e.g. medical/health, politics, community service, business, entertainment, charity institutions, etc.) - Who can nominate? Anybody.
Fill up the nomination form online by scanning the code with your smartphone or by visiting InFocus.canadianinquirer.net.
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FRIDAY 26
27 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS:
Jovanni Sy BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer “I REMEMBER the first time acting, I had this sickening feeling in my stomach—I was so nervous—but then you get over it. And the first time I wrote and I had to sit and listen to other people act the stuff that I wrote, again I had this terrified feeling—but you just have to face your fear.” Jovanni Sy is more than just a theater actor, a playwright, and a director. He’s a man who faced his fears, pursued his passion tenaciously, and lived to tell the tale. A not-so-theatrical beginning
Jovanni was born in Manila. When his family immigrated to Canada, they first stayed in Burnaby. When Jovanni turned 4, they moved from Vancouver to Toronto. When asked about the move, Jovanni said, “My parents were interested in starting a business, interested in opportunities.” “I still consider myself a Torontonian,” he added. Today, he lives in Richmond with his wife, Leanna Brodie—a fellow thespian. After two years in Vancouver, he agrees that Richmond has certain effects on his lifestyle. “Richmond is more outdoorsy. I’m becoming more outdoorsy, more hiking and cycling. I might take up skiing,” he beamed, giving in to the irresistible charm of the western part of Canada, and its sea to sky magnificence. Shifting stages: Engineering to Theatre
Despite Jovanni’s impressive thespian achievements, he actually studied something more on the serious side of the employment curve. So, how did this shift from T-squares to theatres come about? “When I was in engineering, we had a musical comedy review in my second, third, fourth years and then when I graduated, I did amateur community theater just because I really enjoyed it,” he shared. “And after about four years of doing that, I just decided I
Jovanni Sy at Granville Island for the interview.
Jovanni Sy as the King in Gateway Theatre's Production of The King and I. PHOTO BY DAVID COOPER
wanted to do this professionally. Like, this isn’t just my hobby. This is my first love, I just didn’t realize it,” he added. “My parents weren’t happy at first, but that was 21 years ago.” Today, his parents understand why Jovanni decided to make that brave move and they couldn’t be any prouder. Challenges
Coming from a multicultural neighborhood in Toronto, Jovanni barely felt the differences in cultures while he was growing up. “I didn’t really notice (the difficulties) so much until I made the switch to theater. That’s when I became more aware of the challenges that you face when you’re a minority,” Jovanni shared. “Theater at that time was even worse as it is now in terms of being representative. It’s very hard to make opportunities as a performer from a minority group.” Today, with his guidance as the Artistic Director of Richmond's Gateway Theatre, Jovanni has helped pave the way for more foreigners to get involved in Vancouver’s theater scene. “At my age, I’m comfortable in my own skin.” When asked about his career’s trajectory and longevity, he mused, “One of the things that helped the longevity of my career is about 6, 7 years into it I started writing as well. That helps being able to tell your own story and create your own worlds, and then I started directing. And just being able to do more than one thing made
(my career last).” Being a multi-tasker helped him to move further into his chosen path without missing opportunities to vigorously pursue his passion along the way, and he encourages others to do the same. “I really encourage any young artist to do the same,” he said. “If you can write or if you have any kind of inclination towards writing, do it, because we need more stories that tell the whole picture.” He suggests Anne Lamott’s book “Bird by Bird”—one of his personal favorites, together with Pride and Prejudice and A Hundred Years of Solitude—for any aspiring writer who wants to hone his/her skills. And when it comes to encouragement and mentorship, he claims that he was “really, really lucky” that he was surrounded with the right people who propelled him to do his craft better. “My good friend Guillermo Verdecchia, who directed the show that I’m doing, he’s been a really great mentor for me as a writer and helping me as an actor ‘cause he directed the first time I did this show ‘A Taste of Empire.’" He mentioned several other mentors and wants nothing more but to pay it forward through Gateway. “I so strongly believe in mentorship and… in my role at the Gateway, I believe it’s my responsibility to help the next generation of artists along because I needed a helping hand when I was starting,” he explained. www.canadianinquirer.net
Jovanni will play the sous chef of fictional superstar chef Maximo Cortés in ‘A Taste of Empire.’ PHOTO BY KEITH BARKER
On ‘Rellenong Bangus’
This month, Jovanni will grace Granville Island and the Richmond Cultural Centre with his cooking demonstration slash theatrical piece entitled ‘A Taste of Empire’ where he will prepare rellenong bangus (stuffed milk fish)—a dish most dreaded by cooks but well-loved in many Filipino gatherings. Jovanni himself claims that he could barely say rellenong bangus correctly, but he revealed the method to his madness on choosing this Pinoy treat. “I knew I wanted to do cooking in real time,” he started. “I was looking for dishes that were really good metaphor for colonialism, like for the European colonization of Asia specifically… It’s this Asian dish, it’s a signature Filipino dish, and yet its flavors are very European.” With raisins, carrots, bell peppers—even Worcestershire sauce in some recipe variations—Jovanni speaks the truth of this Filipino ulam with a European flair. He added, “It’s hard to make. It’s time consuming, so it gives me 80 minutes to tell a story.” Jovanni will play the sous chef of fictional superstar chef Maximo Cortés in ‘A Taste of
Empire,’ which will run from May 22 to 25 at Granville Island and May 31 to June 1 at the Rooftop Garden of the Richmond Arts Centre. Actor’s Notes
Jovanni believes that taking the first, seemingly small step in pursuing one’s passion may actually be the biggest step of the entire process—with courage fueling every move. “Just do it,” he said. “Start by sitting down, getting a pen out, and write something down. If you have the inclination to direct or act, just pursue it. Just face the dragon and do it. It just took a long time and a lot of hard work, but I’m really thrilled to be where I am.” And with the unpredictability of the entertainment industry, he shared a piece of advice for those who are starting out. “You’re not your work,” he said. “The hardest thing to do is to separate yourself from whether you’re employed or not employed. Just have a good sense of self—don’t get too high when you’re up and don’t get too low when you’re down,” he explained. In the end, there’s nothing to worry about because “the people who really love you will love you whether you’re doing well or not.” ■
FRIDAY MAY 16, 2014
28
Exploring Canada
Beauty and B.C.: Top spots to visit in beautiful British Columbia BY ANGIE DUARTE Philippine Canadian Inquirer BEACHES, MUSEUMS, bungee jumping, wineries and everything in between: from the extreme to the sublime; the leisurely to the sporty; the historical to the trendy; British Columbia has it all. Thrill-seekers can zipline in Whistler, or make their way across the daunting and breathtaking Capilano Suspension Bridge. Lovers of nature and whimsy can explore enchanted forests, old-growth trees, and butterflies, or perhaps experience the life of a cowboy for a day. The romantic at heart will delight in walking the many halls of Craigdarroch Castle. Adventurous foodies can sample Aboriginal cuisine at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre; while the more sophisticated palate will delight in sipping fine Okanagan Chardonnay at one of the Valley’s several wineries, or indulge in artisanal cheeses from Granville Island Public Market. Art and history aficionados surely spend countless hours in the halls of the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria. In a nutshell, British Columbia offers exciting escapades for every traveler! Families, couples, groups, or those going solo: there is adventure to be had by all. B.C.‘s ABCs
British Columbia—commonly referred to by its initials, BC or B.C.—is a province located on the west coast of Canada. Its capital is Victoria (Named for the Queen who, in 1858, created and named the Colony of British Columbia), and Vancouver is its largest city (also the third largest metropolitan area in Canada.) An estimated 4,606,371 people populated B.C., as of Octo-
ber 2013, with about 2.5 million of whom were in Greater Vancouver. B.C. is currently ruled by the Liberal Party, and it thrives on a largely resource-based economy; with a vast wealth of agricultural resources coming from the rich valleys of Fraser and Okanagan. The area of B.C. is home to numerous flora and fauna, as much of the province is still wild or semi-wild. The province takes great care of its natural environment, with the parks and protected areas system now totaling over 1000 protected areas, covering over 14 million hectares, or 14.4% of the province. There are 141 ecological Reserves, 35 provincial marine parks, 7 Provincial Heritage Sites, 6 National Historic Sites of Canada, 4 National Parks and 3 National Park Reserves. That’s a lot of Mother Nature to love! Vivacious Vancouver
Vancouver, B.C.’s bustling cosmopolitan big city, is as diverse as it is rich in culture, nature and heritage. This city by the harbour is also the perfect Canadian destination for year-round water sports; the ideal offering for lovers of the aquatic. Some of Vancouver’s topspots, awaiting visitors from far and wide (and from nearby, too!): 1. Chinatown and Dr. Su-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden What is any city without its own Chinatown? Vancouver boasts North America's second largest Chinatown; transporting visitors to an Oriental realm of delicious food, authentic crafts and lively street performers, which begins with a walk through the ‘China Gate' on Pender Street . A definite highlight of a visit to Chinatown is The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, touted as the first full-size Chinese garden built outside of China www.vancouverchinatown.com
http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/ 2. Stanley Park One thousand majestic acres of verdant foliage comprise the city of Vancouver’s “green heart.” Much of this acreage (400-acres, to be more precise) is thick West Coast rainforest, with marked trails which allow visitors to explore this virtual jungle of gargantuan trees. A perfect spot for families, Stanley Park has beaches which allow for a closer inspection of various boats; a playground with a vintage fire engine, a pool and water slides; and the Children's Farmyard and Railway, where kids can pet farm animals and ride a miniature train through the forest. Fun for the whole clan! http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/ 3. Grouse Mountain Named by early hikers after the game bird, Grouse Mountain offers a variety of cultural, educational and outdoor adventures. Merely 15-minutes from Vancouver, visitors can engage in the best of local skiing and snowboarding, with floodlit runs open until 10pm for the late-night thrill seeker. Snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and dining of epicurean proportions likewise await. Come with your appetite—the Mountain’s restaurants are award-winning! www.grousemountain.com 4. Robson Street Billed as “Three Amazing Blocks of Awesome,” Robson Street is a three-block stretch in downtown Vancouver, and is the city's most famous shopping street in British Columbia. High-end boutiques, fine dining establishments, artsy coffee shops, and nights loaded with entertaining sidewalk shows from energetic street artist’s make a visit to this shopper’s haven truly worth your while. The street is a perfect area for people-watching and soaking in a diversity of cultures, as well.
The Sunken Garden in Victoria’s exquisitely beautiful Butchart Gardens. PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
www.robsonstreet.com 5. Capilano Suspension Bridge Dating back to 1889, the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge is among Vancouver's oldest and most famous attractions. The bold and brave can get their kicks crossing the 137-meter (450 feet) long, 70-meter (230 feet) high wire cable bridge, while the more timid of heart can take delight in an ecotour through the rain forest, while the time away at award-winning gardens, take a leisurely trek through nature trails, and ogle at North American's largest private collection of First Nations totem poles. www.capilanobridge.com/ Vivid Victoria
Picturesque and vivid Victoria is a definite must-visit for lovers of beauty and leisure. On the southern tip of Vancouver Island, off the coast of British Columbia coast, Victoria is a throwback to old-world Europe’s quaint and charming ways. Victoria offers travelers a scenic refuge, replete with local fare (a spot of afternoon tea, perhaps), outdoor activities and lush gardens. Spend the day taking in the many gorgeous sights, then cap if off with a glass of local wine from sunny Cowichan Valley. Victoria’s prominent attractions include: 1. Afternoon Tea at the White Heather Tea Room Afternoon tea is an enduring custom throughout Victo-
ria, with numerous tea houses across the city. Quite possibly the best (and most visited) of these is the White Heather Tea Room, where one can choose from an impressive selection of traditional teas and blends, and savour delectable homemade scones, tea sandwiches and other mouth-watering treats. www. whiteheathertearoom.com 2. The Butchart Gardens With over a million visitors yearly, the beauty of The Butchart Gardens is definitely among the most beheld of all Victoria’s scenic spots. The seasonal magnificence seems to suddenly bloom through the garden’s 55 acres of grounds manicured to perfection, and bedazzled with a riot of colourful, fragrant flowers. www. butchartgardens.com 3. Prince of Whales Whale Watching A whale of a tale awaits visitors on board the Prince of Whales ecological vessels; as you are brought out to open sea to behold the majesty of Orca whales, Minke whales, and Humpback whales. Keep your eyes peeled, as well, for eagles, sea lions, and other amazing creatures in their natural setting. Truly an adventure like no other for the entire family! www.princeofwhales.com 4. Wine Tasting Comprising the second-largest wine region in British Columbia, Southern Vancouver Island offers the finest varieties ❱❱ PAGE 31 Beauty and
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29 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
The Great Spirit, The Prince, and The Scotsman: Exploring Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer WHEN ASKED about the best things to see and do in Canada, I immediately chose Manitoba because (1) the name rocks and (2) I’ve always wanted to see Assiniboine Park for myself. And again, cool name. But kidding aside, Manitoba is so much more than just an agricultural prairie province where you occasionally see polar bears. There’s so much more to see and experience in the northern jewel that is Manitoba—where Canada’s heart beats. Canadian Polar Bear.
The Forks
Saint Boniface.
In the heart of Winnipeg is a historic place where the Assiniboine and Red River meet. Described by Tourism Winnipeg as “an urban oasis,” The Forks National Historic Site has almost everything that you can think of—it really is an oasis! You can walk by the river, go shopping, enjoy wide green space, and even go skateboarding. Both the young and the young at heart will find something to keep themselves busy during their visit at The Fork. For more information, check out www.theforks.com and www.parkscanada.gc.ca/forks.
an exploration of contemporary Inuit art—the largest public collection in the world. International and local artists also hold regular exhibits here, so there’s always something new to view and appreciate. Visitors can also take artworks home from the Gallery’s gift shop from jewelry to hand-made glassware. Tourists from nearby hotels may also enjoy a hearty meal at the Storm Bistro while overlooking the sculpture garden—best enjoyed during summer. Check out www.wag.ca for more details.
The Manitoba Museum
The Exchange District
According to travel website Lonely Planet, the Manitoba Museum is “a mid19th-century convent” and “Winnipeg's oldest building and the largest oak-log construction on the continent.” Tourism Winnipeg boasted of the Museum’s “award-winning heritage and edutainment center” which features a planetarium, a science gallery, and nine permanent galleries that showcases Manitoba’s colorful history and even The Hudson’s Bay Company Museum Collection. With such a wide array of features, the main attraction of the museum is St. Boniface right over the equally spectacular Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge. St. Boniface is the birthplace of Métis leader Louis Riel, the founder of Manitoba. Take a stroll along Provencher Boulevard and enjoy the boutiques and cafes along the way—proof of St. Boniface’s unique French heritage that provides a certain charm in a nationally historical place. To plan your next trip, visit www.manitobamuseum.ca and www.tourismeriel. com. Winnipeg Art Gallery
If the mighty Manitoba Tyndall stone building is not enough, let Canada’s oldest public art space lure you into
One of the most splendid northern attractions—the aurora borealis or northern lights—can also be seen at Wapusk. Assiniboine Park
Dubbed as “Winnipeg’s emerald jewel,” Assiniboine Park has awed millions of visitors in its century of existence. Start them off young and bring the little rascals for a day at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and Nature Playground. Cou-
Dubbed as a national historic site, the Exchange District is “one of North America’s most colorful and cosmopolitan neighborhoods” according to Tourism Winnipeg. Covering the expanse of 30 blocks, the District has the widest collection of modern and modernized traditional architecture. Its art community is also considered one of the best in the country. Most visitors go to the Exchange District to look for one-of-a-kind antique items and exquisite artwork by local designers. Check out their official website at www.exchangedistrict.org. Wapusk National Park
National Geographic listed Wapusk National Park in its list of ‘Top Ten Things to Do in Canada National Parks.’ NatGeo suggested spotting polar bears in Wapusk for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The article reads, “the bears can be seen by visitors on organized ‘tundra buggy’ tours that originate in nearby Churchill but often fill up well ahead of time.” During the months of late February and March, visitors can get a chance to see a polar bear or two as they prepare to hibernate. Herds of caribou may also be spotted in the area. www.canadianinquirer.net
ples may enjoy a leisurely stroll through the tree-lined paths to the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and Pavillion Art Gallery. When hungry, head out to the two restaurants within the Park. Cultural performances may also be enjoyed under the stars at the Lyric Theatre. Lonely Planet suggests that starting 2014, visitors should “look for the vast ❱❱ PAGE 32 The Great
Exploring Canada
MAY 23, 2014
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Ten places to see and visit in Ontario and Quebec BY THESSA SANDOVAL Philippine Canadian Inquirer SUMMER IS on its way; meaning, it’s almost time to pack your bags and hit the road again for a fun getaway. We all deserve it, right? Having endured an eternal winter, summer is the perfect time to bury our memories of winters past. Central Canada, composed of the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, is known to have harsh winters; but come summertime, both can promise you a
warm, sunshiny weather to enjoy. Not only that, the duality of the two provinces can give you endless travel choices— offering a mix of modern and historic experiences. Are you now convinced to visit Ontario and Quebec? Here are ten travel destinations in the two provinces that you can visit with your family, friends, or a significant other (in no particular order): 1. Niagara Falls
One of the most popular, if not the most popular, tourist destinations in
Ontario is the majestic Niagara Falls. Three falls, namely the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the American side and the 2,600-foot Horseshoe Fall on the Canadian side, make up the entirety of the famous Niagara Falls. Bias aside, there are more attractions, restaurants and nightclubs on the Canadian side. It is also where you can get a better view of the falls. Other must-see attractions: Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Casino Niagara, Marineland, Skylon Tower, Niagara Skywheel, Butterfly Conservatory, Lundy’s Lane 2. Niagara-on-the-Lake
A view of the Niagara Falls from the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel. PHOTO BY SAFFRON BLAZE / CC BY SA 3.0
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town, which is less than 30 minutes away from the falls. Aside from being an arts and crafts community, the town is also called an oasis to wine lovers. It is home to top wineries, ranging from large estates to medium and small boutiques. You shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to go on a wine tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake to sample some of the best vinos in the world. Other must-see attractions: Shaw Festival, Welland Canal Locks 3. Toronto
Toronto at Dusk.
Algonquin Provincial Park.
PHOTO BY BENSON KUA / CC BY SA 2.0
PHOTO BY JOHANNES LIETZ / CC BY NC SA 2.0
With over 140 languages and dialects spoken, Toronto is truly a diverse and vibrant city. Being the biggest city in Canada and the capital of Ontario, you will never run out of places to see and things to do all year-round in this cosmopolitan city. Toronto is known for its upscale, vintage and local shops and restaurants, exciting theme parks, amazing museums, spectacular festivals, and other incredible attractions. Also located in the city is the CN Tower, the third tallest freestanding tower in the world, which cost $63 million to construct. Aside from the observation deck and a revolving restaurant, you can also try CN Tower’s newest, thrilling attraction, the EdgeWalk. Other must-see attractions: Rogers Centre, The Hockey Hall of Fame, The Royal Ontario Museum, Air Canada Centre, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science Centre, Eaton Centre,
www.canadianinquirer.net
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto Island, St. Lawrence Market, The Distillery District 4. Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital. It might not sound as exciting as Toronto or Montreal, but the city has a lot to offer to its visitors too. Most attractions can be found within the Parliamentary Precinct. This is where government buildings, museums, and galleries are located. Visit the Parliament Buildings to see its magnificent architecture. At night, you can also watch the sound and light show on Parliament Hill. Other must-see attractions: The Peace Tower, National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum, Bytown Museum, Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada, Gatineau Park, Byward Market, Rideau River, Canal and Falls 5. Algonquin Provincial Park
This park, which is located between the Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, is not only the oldest provincial park in Canada, but also a very popular one. Located in the park are over 2,400 rivers and 1, 200 kilometers of streams. It is also a sanctuary for thousands of flora and fauna species. 6. Georgian Bay
Voted as one of the travel hidden gems in Canada, the Georgian Bay features more than 30,000 islands and 2,000 kilometers of shoreline. There are also many activities you can do in each of the communities around the Bay, like cruising on a glass bottom boat on the Bruce Peninsula, taking the Waterfall Tour in Owen Sound and Area, or just relaxing on the sands of Wasaga Beach. 7. Kingston and Thousand Islands
The historical city of Kingston is also known as the “Limestone City”, for its many heritage buildings are built of local limestone. Besides being the freshwater sailing capital of the world, Kingston is also known for its restaurants and eateries, with menus spanning the ❱❱ PAGE 43 Ten places
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31 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Beauty and... of the fruit of the vine. Most of the region’s wineries are found on the sunny slopes of captivating Cowichan Valley; a fertile area of rolling hills set against a backdrop of stunning ocean and mountain views. www. winebc.com 5. Craigdarroch Castle Dating back to the Victorianera, this mansion constructed in the 1890's showcases the finest of turn of the century living. Boasting 39 luxurious rooms set in a sprawling 20,000 s0quare foot grounds, this four-story castle is best known for its air of romance, intricate stained-glass windows and exquisitely crafted woodwork. www.craigdarrochcastle. com ❰❰ 28
Wonderful Whistler
Whistler enjoys the reputation of being North America’s number one mountain resort, offering year round outdoor activities for the whole family. The active traveler may opt for the ultimate ski adventure atop Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, or—in the sum-
mer—hike through numerous nature trails to behold verdant greenery and panoramic views. Whistlers’ renowned PEAK 2 PEAK gondola is the best way to get from one adventure to another; but those who prefer to stay cozy indoors can relax in the café or spa of their choice, or shop ‘til they drop at one of the mountain resorts many boutiques. When in Whistler: 1. Village Shopping Every shopper’s fantasy come to life, Whistler Village is simply sensational. Stroll down walkways and plazas leading to a seemingly endless array of shops, boutiques, art galleries, theatres and restaurants. Whether you’re in the market for fashionista-worthy topof-the-line fashion, or rugged sportswear, Whistler Village is a veritable retail mecca! http:// www.whistlerblackcomb.com/ events-and-activities/the-village/shopping/index.aspx 2. Scandinave Spa Nestled in the heart of a spruce and cedar forest, right by on the edge of picture-
perfect Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks, is the sanctum that is Scandinave Spa. Affording awe-inspiring views of surrounding mountains and low-lying valleys, spa guests can look forward not only to kicking back in this blissful atmosphere, but also to the most relaxing of treatments. Hot baths, invigorating waterfalls, and heavenly massages are just some of the things in store! www.scandinavespa.com 3. Peak2Peak Alpine Experience What better way to traverse between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains than on Whistler’s signature PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola? Imagine a 360-degree view of Whistler's famous Alps-like surroundings, as you head out into the thrill of the mountains. Go sightseeing, hike the nature trails to ancient glaciers, explore a black bear habitat, maybe sip on some high tea in a rustic alpine hut. http:// www.whistlerblackcomb.com/ events-and-activities/summeractivities/peak-2-peak-gondola. aspx
Your voice.
OUR NEWS.
SOON ON
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Whistler offers wintertime zip line adventures for the spirited traveler. PHOTO FROM ZIPTREK.COM
4. Ziptrek Tours See Whistler from a vantage point like no other: from a zipline 200-feet above the waters of Fitzsimmons Creek and through the treetop vistas that divide Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains! Take the adventure a notch further on agility-defying forest boardwalks and suspension bridges, or increase your knowledge about old growth trees as you glean a wealth of information from personal tour guides. www.ziptrek.com/whistler-canada
5. Whistler Bungee Get your adrenaline fix; bungee jumping in the ruggedly beautiful wilderness of the Whistler Resort Valley! Located in the center of a thicket of old growth forests and craggy basalt column cliffs, this activity provides the incomparable thrill of jumping from a 160 foot bridge, extending 300 feet over the glacial fed Cheakamus River. www.whistlerbungee.com Discover B.C., in all its beauty, today! ■
Exploring Canada
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 32
The Great... ❰❰ 29
Journey to Churchill exhibit which explores Manitoba's nature.”
Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint produces all coins in circulation around Canada, as well as 75 other countries that have coins produced in Winnipeg. Opened to the public, visitors can get up close and personal with Étienne Gaboury’s 110-foot towering masterpiece made of glass. Take a tour of the facility to find out how coins are made. For an interactively fun visit, go to the Coin Museum for a chance to hold a 23-pound gold bar—worth approximately $600,000—with your own hands! For more information, visit www.mint.ca. Of course, Canada is all about exploring outside the box. Going beyond Winnipeg is just as fulfilling when you go to two of this author’s dream destinations: Prince Edward Island and the neighboring isles of Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island
‘The Gentle Island’ may be home to kind and calm folks, but its exciting offers teem with vivacity and life that makes visitors keep on coming back for more. According to the Prince Edward Island (PEI) tourism website, “as a visitor to PEI, you can do more than just witness the Island way of life. You can live it, too.” And isn’t that the essence of traveling—to go beyond one’s comfort zone to
explore, to enrich, and to embrace other cultures? PEI Tourism continues, “If you're looking for a holiday with some real life behind it, you'll find it here. Yes, you might get your hands dirty. You might also get your shoes wet. And your knees stained. All temporary. But the memory of your Island experiences will last a lifetime.” PEI and beaches are almost synonymous with each other. Most visitors longing for a day under the sun by the beach pack their back and head off to PEI. According to Lonely Planet, Spinnaker's Landing is “a continually expanding boardwalk (which) allows you to wander and enjoy the harbor and its scenic surrounds.” Restaurants and shops surround the area to cater to almost every tourist’s need. The best time to visit is during the summer months when live music can be enjoyed almost every day. Keep the kids busy by bringing them to see the mock lighthouse and the huge ship. Parents and kids alike can also enjoy a visit to the Eptek Exhibition Centre to see local and international artworks. Visitors can explore Avonlea Village—a theme park where tourists can interact with characters from the classic novel ‘Anne of Green Gables.’ There are even cow-milking sessions and a wagon ride to make your visit feel more authentic. And speaking of Anne, tourists can also visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum—a 44-hectare property called home by Lucy Maud. Affec-
tionately called ‘Silver Bush’ by Maud, the museum is now home to Maud’s famous writing desk and a bunch of autographed first edition books. When you feel your tummy a-rumblin’, head off to Anne’s Table and find out the secrets to their local lavender, their deliciously unique potato recipes, and even heartwarming seafood specialties. If you have enough time, why not take a cooking class in this remodeled church? In fact, PEI food is so good that Zagat—the leading food review/guide in the world—hailed PEI as “the second best foodie getaway in the world” according to PEI Tourism. This year will mark Charlottetown’s 150th anniversary and with over 150 festivals and events to witness throughout the year, travelers will never run out of experiences to cherish! For the complete list of celebrations this 2014, check out the Tourism PEI page. Nova Scotia
Wandering Trader Marcello Arrambide published a short and simple travel guide to Canada and he did not forget to mention the glory of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Marcello suggests that tourists should “explore the natural wonder of the Bay Fundy, which boasts the most impressive tides in the world.” He also claims that some of the best lobster meals in the world are served in Nova Scotia. Marcello also dubbed Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Island as “North America’s answer to the
Assiniboine Park.
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse.
Amalfi Coast in Italy.” Driving along the Cabot Trail means driving along 185 miles of Canada’s picturesque landscapes and seascapes. A trip to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is also a good opportunity to see whales and wild moose. National Geographic wrote, “Cape Breton also offers a chance to experience the Gaelic culture of Atlantic coast communities like Ingonish and, across the island, Frenchspeaking Acadian culture in Gulf of St. Lawrence towns like Chéticamp. When driving the trail between the two a counterclockwise direction enhances the dramatic coastline views—but the faint of heart of-
ten reverse the route.” Jennifer Melo of Canadian Living posted an article entitled ‘7 Reasons to Visit Nova Scotia’ and we couldn’t agree more. The list features the Halifax Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (where you can also see the Titanic Exhibit) , the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, the intoxicatingly inimitable brewery tour courtesy of Alexander Keith, the immigration museum called Pier 21, Peggy’s Cove— including Peggy's Point Lighthouse, the Harbour Hopper Tour (best enjoyed by kids and the kid at heart), and the waterfront UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg for the best scallops in Nova Scotia. ■
Alluring Alberta: Exploring the Wild Rose Country BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer
Lake Louise. PHOTO BY JEFF MITCHELL / WWW.THEREALBANFF.COM
AS OF January 2014, roughly 4,082,571 people call Alberta home. It is the most populous of Canada’s three prairie provinces. Named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, Alberta boasts of rolling mountains, turquoise lakes, and lush steppes worthy of the crown. From kicking back to hiking up, locals and visitors will find something to fulfill their fancy while in the “Wild Rose Country.” www.canadianinquirer.net
Lake Louise
Also named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, Lake Louise tops the list of Albertan attractions on most travel websites. The largest lake in the country is home to several ski resorts along its 4,200-acre “skiable” terrain. Lake Louise also caters to those looking for less strenuous activities. Visitors can ride a gondola to enjoy the beautiful view of the Rockies. Just make sure you don’t tip the boat—the water is absolutely freezing.
Banff Hot Springs
The waters in Lake Louise may be cold, but those in search of warmer freshwater can head off to Banff Upper Hot Springs. Opened to the public in 1932, tourists can enjoy the warm mineral spring at the height of 1,585 meters. Lake Agnes Teahouse
Travel website Lonely Planet posted, “You thought the view from Lake Louise was good? Wait till you get up to this precariously perched alpine-style ❱❱ PAGE 42 Alluring Alberta
FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
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Entertainment
Cannes watch: Pattinson rates the romps; Ferrara unfazed by snub; Chastain buffeted by wind The Associated Press CANNES, FRANCE—The Associated Press is all over the Cannes Film Festival—from its glitzy premieres to the celeb parties and quirky moments in between. Here's what reporters have seen and heard: Look of Chastain
the
day:
Jessica
CANNES, France—Ivoryskinned, red-head beauty Jessica Chastain looked like an ethereal Roman goddess for the “Foxcatcher” premiere at Cannes in a gown by Elie Saab. The asymmetrical, one-shoulder, silk couture gown—in on-trend purple—fluttered and turned elemental as the French Riviera wind picked up, showing off the beauty of the delicate ruffles. Taken from the haute couture spring-summer 2014, Lebanese designer Saab shows he's lost none of his talent with the va-va-voom traffic stoppers. And Chastain worked the carpet—and the wind—with grace. Thomas Adamson—http://twitter.com/ThomasAdamsonAP R-Patz rates film romp with Moore
Robert Pattinson is making quite a surprising reputation for himself—as the actor who has sex with older women in cars on film. The 28-year-old star plays Jerome, a chauffeur and wouldbe actor, in David Cronenberg's
PHOTO BY ARTHUR R. / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
latest film “Maps to the Stars,” which premiered Monday at Cannes. In it, he has a romp with the desperate Julianne Moore character in a car. And it comes just two years after he filmed a sex scene with the 50-year-old Juliette Binoche in a limousine in Cronenberg's last film “Cosmopolis.” Quizzed by journalists on the dubious habit, he rated the respective performance of his co-stars. “Both(are) like 7s. I'm joking. Obviously Julianne. It was a wonderful experience. It was extremely sweaty,” he said. “It's sublime,” retorted Moore, 53. As for Cronenberg, he said the reason why he's included automotive sex scenes in his films is simple—it happens. “There's an entire generation of Americans who have been spawned in the backseat of 1974 Fords. It's not like I invented
Sex in cars. You have to remember that that part of the sexual revolution came about because of the automobile, because of the fact that young people could get away from their parents from being supervised and that was freedom,” he said. “So I don't think I'm breaking any new territory when there's a scene of people having sex in cars. I mean why wouldn't you? I mean, there are so many great cars around.” Thomas Adamson—http://twitter.com/ThomasAdamsonAP Wind bedevils outfits on the carpet
A stiff breeze made conditions challenging for the glamour girls walking the Cannes red carpet Monday. Jessica Chastain came to the “Foxcatcher” premiere in a flowing purple gown, but it flowed more than she liked in the wind. She had to use her
hands to hold down the oneshoulder dress, with its legbaring slit, to prevent it from becoming even more revealing. Singer Cheryl Cole faced similar struggles with her sumptuous black dress, which was above the knee in front with a long train attached. Monday's weather offered a cool departure from the radiant sun and warmth that previously blessed the festival. Beneath gloomy skies, it rained sporadically all day. Nekesa Mumbi Moody—http:// www.twitter.com/nekesamumbi Mortensen’s linguistic challenge
Viggo Mortensen's Cannes film “Juaja” was made by an Argentinian but partly in Danish—which presented some interesting challenges for the Danish-American actor. “(It's) kind of strange: I would have thought it would be in Denmark where I work in Danish first,” he quipped in an interview Monday. In the experimental film, directed by Lisandro Alonso and written by Fabian Casas, Mortensen plays a 19th century captain searching for a mythical land in Patagonia. The actor says he chose the project because he was impressed director's previous films, including “Los Muertos” and “Liverpool.” Even though Mortensen spent the first 10 years of his life in Argentina, he still needed to be careful to make sure he didn't mess up linguistically.
“It was a tall order in some ways, making sure the translation in Danish of the Argentine dialogue, Spanish dialogue, retained the poetry of Fabian's writing and the ideas behind it, you know, the sort of existential side of things, and the humour,” he said. “But it ended up being not such a hard thing and in a way it's funnier than what they wrote, because there's a particular sort of irony in Danish humour and sort of physical humour also that the Danes are really going to get—more so than other people because it's very particular,” he added. Besides acting in the film, Mortensen also did the music for it. By Nicki Finlay and Thomas Adamson Director not fazed by Cannes snub
Abel Ferrara's “Welcome to New York” seemed like a natural for the Cannes Film Festival: It stars one of France's most respected actors and it's loosely based one of the country's biggest recent scandals. But the Gerard Depardieu film, inspired by the Dominique Strauss-Kahn's saga, isn't competing here. Its director says that doesn't matter, since Cannes crowds were able to see it anyway. “They've got 35 other movies they would rather show. Show it. They own the festival, we got the street. You know, rent a theatre, put it in a theatre, ❱❱ PAGE 34 Cannes watch
Entertainment
Rock ... and raw! BY DOLLY ANNE CARVAJAL Philippine Daily Inquirer IT WAS epic when Filipino rock stars, Bamboo and Ely Buendia, shared the stage for the country’s first-ever “silent concert,” dubbed “MDR Live: Music Deserves Respect” on May 8 at Rockwell Tent. Even the glass-enclosed stage could not diminish the raw power of these rockers. Through our (MDR Sony) headphones, we could hear the roar of the crowd, but soon it was replaced by the rousing music of the opening act, Jay Durias. A few minutes later, Bamboo took the stage. He dished out mellow tracks from his album, “No Water, No Moon,” before belting out “Hallelujah.” The crowd was already revved up when Ely’s turn came. He went straight to the hits, starting with Eraserheads’ “Alapaap.” Each song became special—as if we were hearing “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “Magasin” and “Ligaya” for the first time. Giving in to the audience, Bamboo and Ely emerged from the glass enclosure for the encore: The Beatles anthem “Come Together.” It took the concert experience to a whole new level, as if we witnessed the most intimate of recording sessions. Rock and raw! Beautiful Marian
There could be no better endorser for the country’s leading dermatological and aesthetic clinic Belo Medical Group’s (BMG) summer campaign than Marian Rivera. Even if she was born beautiful, Marian has to be conscious about her looks to stay on top.
Her fave BMG procedures are laser hair removal and Venus Freeze. If only she could lend her body to us even for a day … but since that’s wishful thinking, we asked her for beauty tips instead. “Being sexy is more than physical. What’s important is how you take care of yourself,” she explained. “Even if you don’t have a perfect figure, as long as you are wellgroomed and have self-confidence and a good sense of humor … those traits are more than enough to make you feel sexy.” How does her boyfriend, Dingdong Dantes, make her feel even sexier? “Everyday, he makes me feel how important I am to him,” she said. “In return, I make sure I always look and do my best for him. He is so sweet. He never fails to put a smile on my face.” (Be) LO and behold Marian’s smile! What else could be sexier than the curve on her lips to match the curves of her bod? Pchi’s free
Rufa Mae “Pchi” Quinto is relieved that the cyst in her breast is gone. “At first, I ignored the pain. I thought it was just due to the heaviness of my Hermes bag,” Pchi said in jest. “‘Yun pala may cyst. Others mistook my post on Instagram (IG) and thought I had an implant removed. Hilo pa kasi ako after the operation kaya malimali ang grammar ko sa IG.” Her experience should serve as a wakeup call. “We should have a mammogram once a year. I’m happy to be cyst-free.” The blossoming of the bosom à la Pchi. The B(r)E(a)ST is yet to come! ■
Bamboo performs in the country’s first-ever “silent concert.” PHOTO FROM INQUIRER.NET
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 34
Cannes watch... see who's where, you know. It's not that important,” Ferrara said in an interview Monday. “We are here with everybody else.” The movie premiered in the French Riviera city Saturday night. It chronicles an unrepentant sex addict who handles billions of dollars a day and commits a sexual assault on a hotel maid following an orgy. Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, was accused in 2011 of sexually assaulting a New York hotel employee. Charges were dropped and he reached an out-of-court settlement with the woman. Strauss-Kahn is charged with aggravated pimping in a separate case in France. Although the film comes with a disclaimer, Strauss-Kahn's lawyer has threatened a lawsuit. Ferrara is unconcerned. “I'm an artist and we are talking (in the movie) about power and greed and corruptible deeds,” he said. “What, is he the first guy that ever did this? You know, come on, he thinks everything is about him? So let him think it.” Adam Egan—http://www.twitter.com/adamegan ❰❰ 33
Quickquote: Jessica Chastain
“I have so much respect for Christopher Nolan, I just never
Jessica Chastain.
PHOTO FROM FEATUREFLASH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
would want him to be disappointed in me. It would feel like your dad or someone like a professor you really respect. For them to say, 'I'm really disappointed,' it would be the worst thing they could say. So I've been very, very good about being as secretive as possible. I think it's amazing. I think it's
very emotional and warm and it will surprise people because it's more than a science-fiction film. It's very, very deep.”—Jessica Chastain, in town for her movie “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby.” She's starring in this fall's hotly anticipated “Interstellar,” directed by the Oscar-nominated Nolan. ■
Kris-Derek movie not pushing through Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE SUPPOSED movie project of Kris Aquino and Derek Ramsay with Regal Films will not push through. This was revealed by Aquino in the May 12 episode of “KrisTV.” “Nakausap ko si Tita Cory Vidanes and I was told, ‘You tell Regal hindi pwede.’ So yun na. So, I apologize. Derek Ramsay, I’m sorry. I’m obeying my boss,” she said. [I spoke to Cory Vidanes and I was told, ‘You tell Regal, it's a no-go.’ So, that’s it. I apologize to Derek Ramsay. I’m just obeying my boss.) The TV host-actress did not specify the reason as to why ABS-CBN did not allow her to do the project with Regal Films. Many were speculating that the Kapamilya network did not permit Aquino to do the movie www.canadianinquirer.net
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK PAGE OF DEREK RAMSAY
because of Derek’s inclusion in the project. It will be recalled that after Ramsay joined TV5 in 2012, his name was noticeably not mentioned in the entertainment reports of ABS-CBN. In a separate interview with TV5, Derek said he thinks
that the project did not push through because it was not yet the right time. He added that he is looking forward to a movie project with Marian Rivera—also with Regal Films. ■ With report from Interaksyon
Entertainment
35 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
‘Godzilla’ debuts with $93 million, making it largest May opening for Warner Bros. BY JESSICA HERNDON The Associated Press LOS ANGELES—“Godzilla” has smashed its way to the top of the box office. The 3-D monster movie from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures had the second-largest debut of the year this weekend with $93.2 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Godzilla” trails Disney-Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” which opened with $95 million in April, and sits just above “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” which debuted with $91.6 million this month. Paying homage to the 60-yearold franchise in tone and spectacle, the latest iteration continues the legend of 1954 Japanese original— Ishiro Honda’s “Gojira.” Reviews of the film were positive— it earned a “fresh” rating from review aggregator RottenTomatoes.com, with 72 per cent of film critics responding positively. Legendary Pictures President Jon Jashni said the film did better than expected partly
because it was “starting to get sampled even by those who didn’t think it would necessarily be for them. They didn’t have nostalgic feelings for it.” He said friends or family members likely recommended the movie to those viewers. Jashni added that the success of “Godzilla” is “validating” after last year’s “Pacific Rim” and “Jack the Giant Slayer” performed below expectations for the Warner-Legendary team. The film, directed by Gareth Edwards, also helped eliminate the bad memory of another of the franchise’s remakes, Roland Emmerich’s “Godzilla,” released in 1998 and starring Matthew Broderick. Backed by Sony, the film opened with $44 million. Two other reboots—”Godzilla 1985” and “Godzilla 2000”— also flopped. May is prime real estate for studios looking to launch or advance franchises. The top two opening weekends of all time in North America occurred in May—”The Avengers” opened with $207.4 million in 2012 and “Iron Man 3” debuted with $174.1 million in 2013.
Godzilla.
“Godzilla,” starring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen, marks the largest May opening ever for Warner. It’s also the year’s biggest opening for Imax globally. It generated $103 million and 14.35 million admissions from 16,946 screens in 64 markets outside the U.S. and Canada. “Godzilla” knocked last weekend’s No. 1 hit, Universal Pictures “Neighbors,” down to No. 2 in its second weekend. The raunchy Seth Rogen and Zac Efron-led comedy earned $26 million, bringing its domestic total to $91.5 million. Rounding out the top three
PHOTO FROM BEYONDHOLLYWOOD.COM
was “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” with $17 million. So far it’s earned a total of $172 million domestically. Also opening this weekend was Disney’s feel-good sports drama “Million Dollar Arm,” starring Jon Hamm, which landed at No. 4 with $11 million. “The summer is about having a diverse lineup, and this film will have legs,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for box-office tracker Rentrak. “If superheroes and monsters aren’t your pleasure, you can go see a more character-driven sports movie.” In its fourth weekend, Fox’s femme-fueled comedy “The
Other Woman,” starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton, gained $6.3 million, bringing its domestic total to $72 million. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theatres, according to Rentrak. Where available, latest international numbers are also included. Final domestic figures will be released on Monday. 1. “Godzilla,” $93.2 million ($103 million international). 2. “Neighbours,” $26 million ($13.5 million international). 3. “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” $17 million ($32 million international). 4. “Million Dollar Arm,” $11 million. 5. “The Other Woman,” $6.3 million ($8.2 million international). 6. “Heaven Is for Real,” $4.4 million. 7. “Rio 2,” $4 million ($7.6 million international). 8. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” $3.8 million ($1.3 million international). 9. “Legend of Oz,” $2 million. 10. “Mom’s Night Out,” $1.9 million. ■
‘This is my “Star Wars”‘: Jay Baruchel on the role of the lifetime with ‘Dragon’ BY JAKE COYLE The Associated Press CANNES, FRANCE—Cannes is awash in glamorous celebrities who peacock on the festival’s red carpet and confidently parade through its multitudes. Jay Baruchel is not one of them. He may be the most uncomfortable person in Cannes. Baruchel readily acknowledges it’s “a little intense” for his tastes, which are not exactly redcarpet ready: “I don’t like wearing suits or nothin’,” he says. The 32-year-old Canadian actor was in Cannes for the premiere to “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” for which (like the Oscar-nominated 2010 original), he voices the main character, Hiccup, the young Viking who befriends the dragons his
tribe has long slayed. Baruchel, who broke out in the Judd Apatow TV series “Undeclared,” is best known for his comedies, including “Knocked Up” and last summer’s “This Is the End.” The anti-Hollywood version of himself he played in that film has some truth to it. Baruchel, who speaks with a Quebecois accent, lives in his native Montreal blocks from his family. “I wish I wasn’t known for hating Los Angeles because I spend a good deal of time there,” he says. AP: I imagine that when you, your co-stars and a large model of the dragon from the film were chaotically mobbed on the Croisette in a promotional stunt Thursday, you wondered how this could be your life. Baruchel: The entire time. Exactly— “If my friends could
see me now” type of thing. And what my life was two days ago: I look like a dirt bag more often than not. I’m in my pajama pants 12 hours a day. The biggest thing I had to do two days ago was clean the litter boxes. And here I am on the Croisette and there’s people getting elbowed in the head. AP: You’ve now spent some seven years on “Dragon,” with a third film planned. What’s that journey been like? Baruchel: You can spend your entire career and never be part of something that’s half as an important as “How to Train Your Dragon.” We all knew it was a good movie, but I don’t know if any of us expected to it be a global phenomenon. There’re people that adore this movie in the four corners of the worlds. That’s insane. I feel like I lucked www.canadianinquirer.net
out. This is my “Star Wars.” AP: It took even longer for “This Is the End,” which began as a short you and Seth Rogen made years ago. Baruchel: I really didn’t think we’d pull it off. It could have gone so wrong in so many ways. The whole time I was like, “This could be like a two-hour MTV Movie Awards sketch”—all of us playing ourselves, talking about movies. AP: The hockey comedy you co-wrote, “Goon,” has a deserved cult following. Baruchel: In the States, it’s a cult life. In Canada, it was a bona fide, massive hit. We were number one in Canada when we opened, and English-Canadian movies are never number one. ... Our American distributors (Magnolia Pictures) dropped the ball a bit, unfortunately. Their model is all about VOD,
Jay Baruchel at the 2010 Los Angeles premiere of Dreamworks Animation's "How to Train Your Dragon". PHOTO BY JAGUAR PS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
which is fine, but the movie deserved a better life. But it’s achieved one. Hopefully if we get to make number two—I was writing it in my room yesterday—we’ll get to do it properly in the States. ■
FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
36
Lifestyle
Swipe right for Ms. Right (or Mr. Right Now): The rise of mobile dating apps BY BARBARA ORTUTAY The Associated Press NEW YORK—SO, a lady walks into a bar...Wait, scratch that. A lady takes out her phone. With a left swipe of her finger she dismisses Alex, 25 and Robert, 48. She swipes right when a photo of James, 24, pops up. It’s a match. James had swiped right too. They chat, and make plans to meet. They’re only three miles apart, after all. Welcome to the new world of dating. As the near-constant use of smartphones proliferates and as people grow more comfortable with disclosing their location, a new class of mobile dating applications is emerging that spans a range as broad as human desire itself. Millennials, busy with school, jobs and social lives, say the apps save time and let users filter out the undesirables, based on a few photos, words and Facebook connections. Unlike the dating websites of yore, with endless profiles to browse and lengthy messages to compose, newer apps offer a sense of immediacy and simplicity that in many ways harkens back to the good old days of just walking up to a pretty stranger and making small talk. As with potential mates, there’s an array to choose from. ChristianMingle will “find God’s match for you.” Hinge’s promise hinges on its ability to hook you up with friends of friends. Coffee Meets Bagel, meanwhile, will present you with just one potential mate at noon every day. Dattch, with a Pinterest-like interface, is for women seeking women. For men looking for men, there’s Grindr, Jack’d, Scruff, Boyahoy and many more. Revealer will let you hear a person’s voice and only show photos if you’re both interested. The darling dating app du
jour is Tinder, helped by its simple interface, a host of celebrity users and a popularity boost from Sochi Olympic athletes who used it to hook up during the Winter Games. Tinder, like many dating apps, requires people to log in using their Facebook profiles, which users say adds a certain level of trust. Facebook, after all, is built on knowing people’s real identities. Your Tinder photos are your Facebook photos. Users can reject or accept potential mates with a left or right swipe of their finger. If both people swipe right on Tinder, the app flashes “It’s a match!” and the pair can exchange messages. Because messages can only come from a person you’ve “right-swiped,” unwanted advances are filtered out. The system avoids one of the more vexing problems of older-generation dating websites, where users, especially women, can become inundated with messages from unwelcome suitors. They also offer a generation raised on Google and social media a chance to do background checks on potential mates. “If you are in a bar and a guy comes to talk to you, you are immediately going to be freaked out and you don’t want to talk to them because they are drunk,” says Melissa Ellard, 23, who uses Hinge and says she wouldn’t have gone on a date in the past six months were it not for the app. “When you are using the app, you get to look at their picture and see background information. You get to decide whether you want to continue it or not. When I meet someone, I want to know everything about them before I go on a date with them.” While they are still new, dating apps—used for anything from one-night-stands to serious dating, and even finding new friends while travel-
ling—are emerging as the use of older dating websites is moving into the mainstream. A recent Pew study found that some 9 per cent of U.S. adults say they’ve used dating sites or mobile dating apps, up from 3 per cent in 2008. Of those who are “single and looking,” the number jumps to 38 per cent, according to the 2013 survey. The crowd trends slightly younger, with the largest group of users between 25 and 44. Clearly, many people have grown comfortable with online dating just as they have with shopping, banking and booking travel over the Internet. Cue the cries of “the lost art of courtship” and the “rise of hookup culture” from older generations, who harbour selective memories of the more analog hookup culture of their youth. “There is a general digital fear,” says Glenn Platt, professor of interactive media studies at Miami University. “People are happy to giggle and watch Barney in ‘How I Met Your Mother” hook up with people based on looks. But somehow taking that same behaviour and placing it in a digital context has a stigma attached to it. Even though in that context you are more likely to get a better match, more information, a person’s real name.” Even Facebook is getting in on the action, from a more platonic angle. Last month, the world’s biggest online social network launched a feature called “nearby friends,” which lets users see which of their Facebook friends are near them at any given moment. Despite the growing acceptance, the online and appbased dating market is small.
Research firm IBIS World estimates that the dating services industry will hit $2.2 billion in revenue this year. Internet conglomerate IAC/ InteractiveCorp has the biggest chunk of the market with a 27 per cent share. The New York company owns traditional dating sites such as OKCupid, Match.com and Chemistry. com, as well as Tinder. IAC has a market value of just $5.2 billion, less than a third of Twitter’s. Jared Fliesler, general partner at the venture capital fund Matrix Partners, believes companies have only just begun to tap into people’s willingness to “pay” to find love, a phenomenon that extends well beyond dating apps. After all, he points out, singles already spend lots of money on texts, calls, drinks, food, gifts and everything else associated with the dating game. “Despite it being a slightly difficult category in which to raise venture funding, consumers spend more time, money, and mental energy on trying to find love than pretty much anything in life, and the desire to be loved is universal,” says Fliesler. “So there will always
be demand.” Creators of some of the more ambitious apps say they have their sights set beyond romantic matchmaking to what they call “social discovery,” helping people meet business connections, new friends while travelling or moving to a new city. Tinder’s co-founder, Justin Mateen, insists that his creation is not a hookup app and wasn’t created to facilitate one-night stands. Just don’t tell that to Tinder users. “I used Tinder before I found out about Hinge and it was creep central, it was just weird,” says Ellard, who lives outside Boston, runs a startup, works in jewelry sales and has a fashion radio segment. “I used it for a few months but instead of looking for someone it was more like a funny joke,” she says. For some, though, Tinder can be liberating. Platt says the app “equalizes gender power,” and notes that he hears as many of his female students talk about it as male ones. “Everyone has the same finger and ability to click,” he says. “It’s not like the guy buys the drink.” Jenny Lewin, 21, a student of Platt’s who’s an intern at San Francisco-based Coffee Meets Bagel, thinks it’s inevitable that as dating apps enter the mainstream, they will become more accepted and people will be more open about using them. “I think a lot of people say that our generation doesn’t know how to talk to people face to face, that we don’t know how to communicate, which I totally disagree with,” says Lewin. “I would be much more likely to click a ‘heart’ on Tinder or a ‘like’ on Coffee Meets Bagel to say I am interested in a guy than to walk up to him and say I am interested.” ■
Lifestyle
37 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
New Immigrant Support Launched
Walk straight into arts, culture and heritage at Doors Open Richmond 2014
Tatay Tom with MLA Suzanne Anton
A SUPPORT mechanism for the entire immigrant community was successfully launched on May 16, 2014, in Vancouver B.C. The Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) Charitable Foundation was presented to the public by Tomas Avendano, CEO of MHHS Society. Tatay Tom, as he is fondly called by everyone, said the foundation is an answer to the changing needs of newcomers to Canada. He explained, “The foundation is neither above nor under the society, but parallel to it. It has its separate board, separate functions, and separate constitution and by-laws. It will have its own website and its own staff.” Philippine Consul General to Vancouver Neil Frank Ferrer welcomed the arrival of the Foundation. Congen Ferrer said he hopes “the foundation will be a step toward making the most of the scarce resources made available to non-profit organizations.” He added, “despite its separation from the MHHS and assuming its own distinct legal personality, we trust that this foundation will continue to work closely with MHHS and other community organizations and stakeholders on projects and activities aimed at the successful integration and settlement of newcomers in B.C. and in Canada.” Also unveiled that night was the Tatay Tom Bursary and Scholarship program, the latest addition to the package of new immigrant services offered at MHHS. Meanwhile, volunteer Agnes Tecson also presented the new website as an added resource for new settlers. Aside from Ferrer, other well-wishers during the event included Suzanne Anton, Min-
PCI Publisher Alan Yong with MHHS Charitable Foundation CEO Tomas Avendano.
ister of Justice and BC Liberal Party MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview; MP Don Davis; Deputy Consul General Anthony Mandap; Consul Melanie Diano; Alan Yong, CEO of TimesTel,
Philippine Canadian Inquirer and Juan Radio; Mrs. Miriam Ferrer, wife of Congen Ferrer; and Cecilia Ampeso, wife of former consul general Jose Ampeso. ■
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RICHMOND, BC–The seventh annual Doors Open offers Richmond residents and visitors exclusive access to numerous arts, culture and heritage sites in the city free of cost. The highly anticipated event welcomes everyone on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 at over 40 sites in Richmond, with an opening celebration on Friday evening, June 6 at 7 p.m. “Doors Open invites people to become explorers and learners, as each site has a special offering to its visitors, and often opens doors to areas the public can’t normally go,” says Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “To have the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes peek of unique and exclusive places in the city is an authentically Richmond experience and can satisfy curious, growing minds.” Arts, cultural and heritage sites this year include first-time
participants, Vancouver International Airport, Neon Salon, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the newly restored Branscombe House. Places of interest include religious and spiritual temples, artist studios and civic facilities. Many of the sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days and visitors are highly encouraged to check the brochures and the website to confirm the hours of each site. The Doors Open Richmond weekend will start with an opening celebration held at London Heritage Farm (6511 Dyke Road) on Friday, June 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. During the weekend, the themes of nature, faith, family and history will be explored through four bus trips that will visit various Doors Open sites across Richmond. For more information, visit www.richmond.ca/doorsopen. ■
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 38
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Lifestyle
39 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Prince Charles... those who lined the square. “It is, as always, a special joy to be back in Canada again, a place that is very dear to us both,” he said. “This time to be in Canada’s historic ocean gateway to the Atlantic at the official start of summer.” The royal couple also laid a wreath at the city’s cenotaph and mingled with people during a walkabout around the square. This is their second Canadian tour since 2012, but it’s the first time Camilla has visited the three provinces on the schedule: Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and Manitoba. Charles was last in Manitoba 18 years ago, and he visited the two Maritime provinces in 1983. They have a full day of events scheduled for Winnipeg on Wednesday after arriving the night before from Charlottetown. The prince said he has fond memories of an unplanned visit to Halifax 42 years ago as a naval officer through “an act of God” when the propeller of the ship he was serving on became ❰❰ 19
tangled in miles of fishing net and cable. “An American net, of course,” he joked. Ashley Mah, 20, missed a chance to see Prince William and his wife Kate in 2011. “I was really upset when I missed out on seeing Will and Kate come a couple of years back, so I figured now that I have the opportunity to actually come out and take part in an event like this it would be kind of silly to pass up on it,” she said at Grand Parade. Charles and Camilla were scheduled to end their visit to Halifax at Pier 21, the home of Canada’s National Museum of Immigration, where they meet war brides. The federal government estimates about 48,000 young women married Canadian servicemen during the Second World War, most of them from Britain. The port was the entry point to Canada by ocean liner for thousands of immigrants, refugees, and children who were evacuated from Britain during the Second World War. ■
Max’s Restaurant Celebrates its 2nd Birthday! VANCOUVER, CANADA— Max’s Restaurant Cuisine of the Philippines Vancouver celebrates its 2nd Year Anniversary on May 25, 2014. In the past two years, Max’s Restaurant has truly defined itself as a Pinoy Landmark in Vancouver. It has become a hub for businesses to conduct events and functions for their partners and customers, a venue for politicians and community leaders to voice their campaigns, and a spot for celebrities from the Philippines and other parts of the world to have a Meet & Greet with members of the Filipino media and their fans. We’ve seen politicians and leaders including BC Premiere Christy Clark, Minister of State for Seniors & Member of the Parliament (MP) Hon. Alice Wong, Minister of Veterans Affairs & MP Hon. Julian Fantino, Minister of International Trade & MP Hon. Ed Fast, Min-
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ister of State for Multiculturalism & MP Hon. Tim Uppal, Senator Yonah Martin, and the very first Filipino Canadian appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Senator Jun Enverga. Representatives from the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and Toronto, Philippine Tourism and Philippine Overseas Labor Office also visited the ‘House that Fried Chicken Built’. Philippine International Artists have become a regular scene at Max’s; with stars and legends like Janno Gibbs, Aegis, Jose Mari Chan, Parokya ni Edgar, Mocha Girls, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Chokoleit, Pokwang, K Brosas and Pooh coming to meet their fans. “It has been an incredible two years here at Max’s Restaurant. We arrived in Vancouver to serve Authentic Filipino Cuisine that many Filipinos
missed from back home in the Philippines and to share with Canadians from all walks of life, race and culture. We did not expect that we would become the centre for these stars and notable personalities. We are thankful for everyone’s support especially that from the Filipino community. This success would not have been possible if it weren’t for our loyal patrons.” Says Cecile Pratt, Managing Director. In the next few months, expect no less at Max’s with the arrival of Charice Pempengco, Florante and so much more. To find out how to win Concert Tickets, please visit Max’s at 3546 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5L7. Make sure to join-in on the fun with Max’s LUCKY TILAOK pakulo on Sunday, May 25th! For details, call Tel: (604) 435-3505 or Email: maxs.vancouver@maxschicken.com. ■
Business
MAY 23, 2014 FRIDAY 40
Target fires president of Canadian operations, names US exec as replacement The Canadian Press NEW YORK—Target has fired the president of its troubled Canadian operations, Tony Fisher, and is replacing him with a 15year U.S. company veteran in a bid to address inventory issues and bring customers back into its stores. The executive shakeup in Canada comes two weeks after the abrupt resignation of Target’s CEO and Chairman Gregg Steinhafel. The third-largest U.S. retailer announced Tuesday that Mark Schindele, 45, who was senior vice-president of merchandising operations, will now run the Canadian operation. Target’s expansion into Canada last year marked its first foray outside the U.S. but it has struggled with weak sales and losses. The changes are effective immediately. Schindele has played a key role in launching a new store format including an expanded grocery area, as well as Target Express and CityTarget in the U.S. He has also led a global team and provided senior-level
oversight to Target’s merchandising operations, including systems, global sourcing and product development. Schindele will report to Kathee Tesija, chief merchandising and supply chain officer, whose responsibilities include Target Canada. Target, based in Minneapolis, also said that it will be naming a non-executive chair in Canada. In its newly created advisory role, the chair will provide counsel and support to the president of Target Canada to ensure all strategies and tactics align with the Canadian marketplace. The company also announced the promotions of three senior merchandising executives in its U.S. division as it tries to be more nimble in bringing in trendy products into stores more quickly. Target is trying to fix its flailing operations in Canada, its first foray outside the U.S., while revitalizing business in the U.S. It’s also trying to recover from a massive data breach in the U.S. that has cost it customer trust. The botched Canadian expansion and the data breach
were the two main factors behind Steinhafel’s departure. Target’s Chief Financial Officer John Mulligan is serving as interim CEO as Target searches for a new leader. Steinhafel agreed to serve as an adviser during the transition. Under the leadership of Fisher, 38, the company opened more than 100 stores north of the border. But shoppers have complained that prices are too high, and the Canadian stores have been wrestling with inventory problems. As a result, sales have been weak, and the company’s Canadian operations recorded a loss of $941 million in its first year, shaving off $1.13 per share from the company’s results. "We are grateful to Tony for leading Target’s first international launch,” Mulligan said in a statement. "One of our key priorities is improving performance in Canada more rapidly, and we believe it is important to be aggressive. "Mark’s broad understanding of the retail industry and his record of leading global operations will help accelerate
efforts to drive improvements across our Canadian business.” Brian Yarbrough, a research analyst at Edward Jones in St. Louis, said he saw the changes as positive, noting Schindele has had a good track record with the company. And while the addition of a non-executive chair position for Canada is a bit "odd,” he said, it shows how committed Target is to addressing past mistakes. "This board is really stepping up to the plate and saying: We’ve had some troubles in the U.S. with the data breach, and in Canada operations have been nothing but a total disappointment. We have to make some changes fast and we need to move much quicker to improve the transition,” he said. "There’s still good opportunity in Canada in the longer term, and it’s positive to see that they’re making changes and they’re making swift change.” But supply chain logistics remain a key problem for the company, Yarbrough said, and Target needs to get its Canadian stores in better shape before they can really push the
message around value and draw customers back in. Dustee Jenkins, a Target spokeswoman, said Schindele will move to Toronto and will focus on inventory, operations and improving the guest experience. In the U.S., Target said, Trish Adams has been promoted to executive vice-president, apparel and home, while Jose Barra has been promoted to executive vice-president, essentials and hardlines. Keri Jones has been promoted to executive vicepresident, merchandising planning and operations. All three had been senior vice-presidents. "Moving more quickly to bring bold, innovative ideas to the marketplace will help us connect with our guests in more meaningful ways,” Tesija said in a statement. Target’s net income fell 34.3 per cent to $1.97 billion in the year ended Feb. 1. Revenue slipped one per cent to $72.6 billion. Target is expected to report first-quarter financial results Wednesday. The company said the timing of the changes were unrelated to the company’s first -quarter results. ■
The art of retirement planning BY DOUG NELSON RETIREMENT PLANNING is part science, but also part art. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle that yields a beautiful picture when you’re done. But to get there, you have to work on one section of the puzzle at a time. Here’s my advice on how to put it all together – so that your retirement picture becomes a reality. The best advice I can provide to you today is to think of your retirement years in terms of three- to five-year increments. You see, with today’s longer life spans, your retirement could last 20 to 30 years. Planning for this length of time is very difficult for most people. The five stages of retirement
We also recognize that most people will evolve through five different stages of retirement: 1) the pre-retirement years; 2) the first
two years of retirement; 3) the healthy years; 4) the illness years; and 5) the alone years. Everyone in retirement will go through these five stages. Some of these stages may last for only a few days, or they may last for many, many years. So as you live out the “art” of your retirement years, think in terms of which of the five stages you are in today and what the next stage is likely to bring. With this in mind, then think about the next three to five years and how you can gain as much living from these years as you can. In the newly revised 2014 edition of my book Master Your Retirement, I provide two other ideas to help with this process: 1. The jar of possibilities
The jar of possibilities is a self-imposed game that challenges you and your spouse or other family members to try something new, to learn something new, or to go outside of
his or her comfort zone. Several years ago there was a study of people who lived well into their 90s, asking them this simple question: “If you had to live your life over again, what would you do differently?” The most common answer: I’d take more risks. This is interesting. My interpretation of this, particularly as a financial advisor, is that it rarely pays off to be frivolous or speculative with your money. Instead, I interpret this as people saying that they would put themselves out there a little more and try new things more often. In research my book, I found that the number of people who continue to work past age 65, primarily for personal challenge and enjoyment, has continued to grow. This is the process of building a beautiful montage of images, memories, and experiences that make up your retirement years. 2. The lifeline process
The lifeline is another process www.canadianinquirer.net
I introduce in the book. This is the process of creating a clear picture of what your ideal life would look like for each threeto five-year increment. I encourage people to break down their week and their year into areas such as health, exercise, travel, family, work/ volunteer/community involvement and activities. Remember, when you break down a large problem or project into smaller pieces, just as we have done with the lifeline process, the goals tend to be just that much more attainable. The goals are also often attained over shorter period of time. So you see, mastering your retirement is both an art and a science.
Spend s o m e time reflecting on each aspect, and you will find that it is very possible to build a beautiful montage of your life, assembled one piece at a time, while enjoying a safe, secure, tax-efficient income with a lowcost and low-risk portfolio. ■ Courtesy Fundata Canada Inc. © 2014. Doug Nelson, B.Comm., CFP, CLU, CIM, is President of Winnipeg-based Nelson Financial Consultants. This article is not intended as personalized advice.
Sports/Horoscope
41 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Disallowed goals prompt anger and questions at world hockey championship BY STEPHEN WHYNO The Canadian Press MINSK, BELARUS—Waved-off goals are suddenly all the rage at the world hockey championship, and it’s leaving players and coaches wondering what’s going on. Latvia had a goal disallowed for apparent goaltender interference Monday night against host Belarus, leading coach Ted Nolan to wonder if the referee “wanted to go to the bar afterwards” rather than use video review. Belarus clinched a spot in the quarter-final, while Latvia was left to stew over at least one point being “stolen” from them, according to Nolan. Team Canada had its own bizarre disallowed-goal incident Tuesday against Norway, when, like Nolan, coach Dave Tip-
pett got no explanation for why Kevin Bieksa’s power-play blast didn’t count. Just like with Gints Mejia against Belarus, Jonathan Huberdeau made no contact with the goaltender— and even kept his whole body and skates out of the crease. “If somebody could explain that rule to me, why that’s not a goal, I would like to listen to it because it’s frustrating to see,” Tippett said after Canada came back to win 3-2. “I watched the one on TV last night that was no goal in the Belarus-Latvia game, too. We’re going to have to get some clarification on what they’re looking for or what they’re looking at.” On its website, the International Ice Hockey Federation used the Belarus-Latvia game as a chance to explain its rules on disallowing goals. Unlike the NHL, which allows goals as long
as the goaltender isn’t interfered with, the IIHF calls them off if an attacking player—or just his stick—is in the crease, or if a player obstructs the goalie’s vision while in the crease. Just the blade of Huberdeau’s stick was in the blue paint when Bieksa scored, while Mejia’s skate was, negating what would have been the game-tying goal for Latvia in the final minute. James Reimer supports any rule that keeps goaltenders from getting interfered with, but even he doesn’t know how officials are legislating that in this tournament. “I know that’s happened a few times: we’ve been bumped and the puck goes in that didn’t get called and now the goalie’s not interfered with at all and it’s getting called,” Reimer said. “I think there’s just a little bit of confusion among the players
right now. We’re not quite sure what the rule is or what’s getting called.” The initial play that Reimer referred to happened May 17 when a Denmark goal was allowed to stand despite Czech goaltender Alexander Salak being run into. The Czech Republic was none too happy about that, and according to reports went to the IIHF to complain. At that point, crease violations were in the spotlight. Conspiracy theorists could point to the fact that the referee who blew off Latvia’s goal Monday night was Antonin Jerabek, from the Czech Republic. Steaming mad, Nolan said Jerabek might be the most popular man in Belarus after his call favoured the host team. “They might even name a street after him,” Nolan said. In his pointed comments,
Nolan complained that officials did not have respect for the importance of the moment and the tournament by declining to use video review. Relieved that Tuesday’s call did not cost Canada, Bieksa said he and his teammates know things are being called tight around the crease. “Moving forward you just have to be extra careful,” he said. Still, Tippett doesn’t want his players to avoid that area. “You have to be careful here because in the blue paint they’ll call if you if you’re in there too long, so we’ve told our players that, we’ve told them they can’t get engaged with the goalie,” he said. “But we’ve got to get around the net to score goals. That’s how goals are scored these days.” Lately, that’s how goals have been disallowed, too. ■
HOROSCOPE ARIES
CANCER
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)
(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)
(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)
(DEC 22 - JAN 19)
Seduction through words is your real power, Aries. You have a great talent for anything involving words. So you're going to be able to attract even more admirers around you today! With the current planetary energy at work, you'll surely get first prize in any contest of words. If you've been thinking about writing a love letter or a profile for a dating website, by all means, do so now!
Do you think your body reflects who you are, Cancer? If you have the feeling that it doesn't, it's probably because the image you have of yourself isn't quite right. Take a close look at yourself in order to readjust that image. You'll see that your body is the exact mirror of who you are at the moment. The alignment of the planets will help you see this more clearly now.
How intense the past few days have been! You could spend months just reflecting on these recent experiences. But the mood isn't conducive to introspection right now. A change of temper today encourages you to share your life more generously. But with whom will you share it? That may well be the question of the day.
Was someone close to you rude without any provocation? Were you the target of unpleasant criticism? You take these slights to heart. Beginning today, and throughout the days to come, you can expect to withdraw somewhat in order to lick your wounds. You need more harmony and gentleness in your love life, and you're likely to obtain that soon. Be patient!
TAURUS
LEO
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)
(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)
(OCT 23 - NOV 21)
(JAN 20 - FEB 18)
With today's celestial energy, you're going to feel like you're on vacation, Taurus. This planetary configuration often gives people the feeling of having a fresh mind and calm disposition. Problems that once seemed so complicated now appear simple and surmountable. You could also have some fun writing. Try it. You may be surprised by the results.
Has it been difficult these past few days to communicate with those close to you? Are you a little skeptical about your charm? In fact, have you been feeling somewhat unsure of yourself in general? The day ahead is excellent for a fresh start. You're full of confidence. You have a natural gift for diplomacy, and your sense of refinement will once again be noticed and appreciated.
The day ahead may help you break away from the surrounding gloom and doom. A more playful influence is trying to make its way into your relationships, especially your emotional commitments. It could refresh your interest in your love life. If you haven't been spending enough quality time with your partner, you'd better make up for it now. Your mate will be overjoyed.
Having a personal opinion on any question isn't the most difficult thing in the world to do, Aquarius. More difficult is confronting with some objectivity the opinions of others. The current celestial energy is marking a change toward a mindset that is more scientifically oriented. This is no longer the moment to affirm yourself but rather to learn from others.
GEMINI
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)
(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)
(NOV 22 - DEC 21)
(FEB 19 - MAR 20)
Do you say yes every time someone asks for a favor, Gemini? Is it sometimes hard to find time for yourself because you're so busy coming to the rescue of a friend or family member? Today's celestial energy asks you to think about you. Say no to your sister's tenth babysitting request in two weeks. Do absolutely nothing if that's what you wish. Take care of yourself before taking care of everyone else!
It has been fairly easy for you to detect the truth behind the situations you've encountered lately. However, beginning today, your analytical abilities won't be so reliable. The ups and downs of your relationships puzzle you in particular, and no amount of analysis yields a solution. A certain lack of commitment from other people will stir doubt, and you'll begin to wonder if you're truly appreciated and understood.
Sometimes you feel like you're navigating through a thick fog, but the obscurity will finally lift today. The skies ahead are sunny and clear! You can expect an invitation to take a little trip or an offer to belong to a special group. Don't pass up any opportunities to have fun, Sagittarius. You can benefit from a diversion right now!
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Enough of thinking about yourself, Pisces! The hour has now arrived to draw some conclusions. You're at the end of the lengthy volume you were writing on your inner life. You'll have to integrate what you've learned with the different emotions and situations that you're in now. "Normalization" will be the key word in the days to come.
FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
42
Travel
New booking website Stayful offers last minute deals on boutique hotels in 10 US cities BY SCOTT MAYEROWITZ The Associated Press NEW YORK—Looking to break out of that big, boxy, cookiecutter hotel for your summer vacation? Then consider Stayful.com, a website that launched last year offering discounts at hundreds of boutique hotels around the country. The site promises a chance to try hotels and inns with more local character and to save a few bucks along the way. Stayful only lets you book up to 30 days in advance and once a room is booked it is non-refundable. They aren’t all small independent hotels—the Peninsula New York showed up on one search—but most promise
to be different than a typical hotel stay. Some of the better-known properties include the Gansevoort Park Avenue in New York, The Standard Downtown in Los Angeles, Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans and the Viceroy Miami. There are also plenty of lesser-known lodging options. Right now, the site is limited to 10 cities: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. Stayful asks you to bid on a hotel price. Some provide instant answers. Others can take up to a day to reply and once the hotel responds, you have just three hours to complete the booking. But this isn’t like
Priceline or Hotwire where you are locked into a hotel without knowing all the details. Stayful gives you the specific hotel name and tells you— before a credit card is required—if your bid has been accepted. Room types, however, are assigned at checkin. In Seattle, a onenight stay at The Belltown Inn was suggested for $128. A bid of $124 was offered and instantly approved. With taxes and fees, it came to $145.34. Booking directly through the hotel’s site, the same stay would have come to $192.03 with tax. But the reser-
vation came with a cancellation option and at least guaranteed a queen bed. Note: Expedia wanted $185.80 for that same queen bed that could also be cancelled. It sometimes pays to shop around. For the Standard Downtown LA, Stayful recommended a bid of $184. A lowball bid of $124 was met with a big warning: “Yikes! $124 per night has a slim chance of being accepted.” Sure enough it was rejected. The site required a one-day wait before another bid could be offered. Changing dates, a bid of $169 was suggested for a two-night
stay. A bid of $165 wasn’t accepted but the hotel came back and said that the room could be had for $169. With taxes and fees, that came to $390.39. But it turns out that wasn’t the cheapest price out there. The Standard’s own website was offering a non-refundable nightly rate of $166, or $383.46 with tax for a two-night stay. That was almost $7 cheaper than Stayful, and the exact room type was confirmed. Since Stayful is designed as a way for hotels to unload their unsold rooms, there tend to be more properties listed for a city the closer to your stay you book. A search for a room in New Orleans four weeks out netted only six properties; but a nextnight search provided 20. ■
Alluring Alberta... teahouse that seems to hang in the clouds beside ethereal Lake Agnes and its adjacent waterfall.” Located about 3km uphill from Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Teahouse offers 100 different types of loose leaf tea—a selection well-loved by tourists looking for warmth and comfort. Aside from offering more affordable culinary options compared to nearby upscale accommodations, the Teahouse website reads: “all items are baked by hand using natural ingredients and cooked in our propane oven. The baker starts work at 6:30 am to bake our daily selection of sweets, soup and bread. Fresh supplies for baking and sandwiches are trucked in from Calgary and carried in by staff almost every day.” ❰❰ 32
Maligne Lake at Jasper National Park
Best known for Spirit Island,
Maligne Lake quickly comes to mind with the mention of the great Canadian Rockies. It is the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world. Pines surround its aquamarine waters and the snowcapped mountains complete the picture as a majestic backdrop. Visit between May to October to enjoy the boat tour and marvel at the three glaciers surrounding the lake. Calgary Stampede
Locals and tourists flock to Calgary in July for the Calgary Stampede, dubbed by some as “the richest outdoor rodeo in the world.” Established in 1912, Calgary Stampede also conducts agricultural seminars, “horsemanship and sheep shearing demonstrations,” as well as games for thrill seekers. The Stampede is quite a sight to behold—where else can you find so many cowboys in one place for ten days?
Calgary Stampede. PHOTO BY STEVE ESTVANIK / SHUTTERSTOCK
Summer Festivals of Edmonton
They wouldn’t call Edmonton “Canada’s Festival City” if it weren’t for world-class celebrations all year round, which grow even more extravagant during the summer months. Make sure to drop by for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. These events attract an average of 500,000 spectators every year
from all over the world—all coming together to witness over 1,000 performers also from all over the world. Lonely Planet staff and reviewers also recommended two unique foodie destinations. To keep the wild wild west theme going, check out Last Chance Saloon for an authentic and classic Western ambience. Just a 15-minute drive from Drumheller to Wayne will take you
to the hangout of bikers, locals, and tourists alike. Lonely Planet reads, “check out the mining relics, Brownie cameras, old cigarette tins, fully functioning band-box, and the brick that somebody tossed through the window circa 1913. The food (mains from $4.50) is almost an afterthought – bog-standard burgers with optional beans or fries – but it'll fill you up and give you a little longer to ponder the unique offbeat atmosphere.” Looking for some sweet fix? Lonely Planet suggests you brave the long queues and savor the rich baked goods from Duchess Bake Shop. They call Duchess “a destination cafe/ bakery” for which one would “cross town to eat here—on foot in the snow if necessary” to enjoy delectable French pastries. As they say: when you’re traveling, do as the locals do. Just make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowd and to actually have a chance at getting your hands on some goodies. ■
Travel
43 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
So, Do You... fact that technology has made this world move fast. Developed countries move even faster and we need to stay on track, keep in step, and, if possible, move ahead of the game. Time, effort and money are investments we need to put in to do that. ❰❰ 23
Some Tips on How To Use the Internet Efficiently
LEARN HOW USE THE INTERNET TO YOUR ADVANTAGE, NOT ALLOWING THE INTERNET TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR ADDICTION TO IT OR IGNORANCE ABOUT IT. Like any piece of new equipment, a new book or a new place, the only way by which you can maximize its use is to study it, and use it again and again. This is notwithstanding having to commit errors the first or second time. But so unlike new equipment or a new book, studying how much use this technology is to you may be a never-ending adventure. Somebody has estimated that there are already close to a billion topics that can be searched on the internet. That does not count those which are discussed in several other ways by different authors, bloggers, or writers. The key is to be able to use your search engine efficiently. As I have already mentioned earlier, I am not about to advertise Google, but it has so far been the most reliable search engine that I have tried. I know because I sometimes try other search engines, and more often than not, the response I get is “The Host does not exist” or “Page cannot be displayed.” How do you search for a topic in the internet without getting the clutter? Keywords are very important. But the more specific you can type in the subject matter you are looking for, the better. An average of six to eight key words will likely get you good results. If you have a question in mind, type it as a question like you would do when you ask someone. Example, “How can I find a marketing job in Vancouver?” If you are looking for a job, be specific about the job and the place where you prefer to work, even if you still do not have a company in mind. Just as there is what you call the hidden job market which you cannot find even through the internet, there is also what you call “hidden” job sites on the internet. These are the less popular ones, but nevertheless post their own need for job seekers. By searching “How can I find a marketing job in Vancouver,” I easily found a headhunter and executive search agency called GoldBeck that I had never encountered before. Of course, at this time and age, you should also be able to distinguish and sense the bogus offers and the fraudulent sites. Actually, your computer or the internet has already a way of warning you that a site is potentially fraudulent. My Mac Pro tells me that.
While the internet can be fascinating, I do not advise that you embrace it like it was the only useful thing in the world. I still resent the fact that my kids spend too much time in front of their computers. They never want to visit the library, learn on the job, ask an elder, or simply observe the world around them. Like any other invention, there can be abuses in its use and abuses to you as a result of your over-indulgence. Who among us has never heard of scams in the internet, in emails or text messaging? The point is simply to ascertain that technology works to your advantage and not technology to take advantage of your addiction or ignorance. When you see, for example, a job posting in a not-so popular site, proceed to search the company website. From there, navigate to Contact Us to find out the address and if it can be reached by telephone. If it provides a number, try making a call to inquire whether they posted something on the internet and whether the job is still available. You may also venture to ask whether they will accept a drop-in resume or a mailed-in resume, knowing full well your emailed resume can be drowned in the deluge of responses that the posting may receive. I have done that. It gives you a better feeling to proceed with your application to that company because at least then you have matched a voice to the company. When you choose to actually visit the office, you have effectively put a face to it too. In a very simple way, you will have used the internet efficiently in your search for a job. Like any new gadget or piece of equipment, it takes practice to learn how to use the Internet to your advantage. How to use it effectively can itself be searched on the Internet. The internet does not have to immobilize our creative thinking. You need also to use your discretion and resourcefulness in trying to find the legitimate jobs from thousands that are advertised on it. ■ Nobody ever said that our journey, will be easy. But as I write and as you read, we share our strengths and we can hold to the promise that “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them,” Matthew 18:20. Bolet is a marketing communications practitioner and dabbles in writing as a personal passion. She is author-publisher of the book: The Most Practical Immigrating and Job Hunting Survival Guide, proven simple steps to success without the fears and the doubts. The book is available in Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, the Reading Room and other online bookshops worldwide, and in National Book Store and Power Books in the Philippines. Please check out https:// www.amazon.com/author/boletarevalo
Ten places... globe. You can also hop aboard a cruise ship for dinner and a sightseeing tour of the famous Thousand Islands. Other must-see attractions: Confederation Trolley Tour, Fort Henry, Queen’s University, Royal Military College ❰❰ 30
8. Stratford
Stratford is renowned as one of the greatest art towns in North America. It is where the Stratford Festival is celebrated annually, running from April to October. The Festival is very prominent for its productions of Shakespearean plays. If you are a theatre enthusiast, then you will enjoy visiting the city as many playwrights, actors and theatregoers flock to Stratford during the event. 9. Montreal
Montreal is the second biggest city in Canada. Even though locals speak English too, it is one of the largest Frenchspeaking cities in the world. The city offers a unique combination of old and modern world. It offers a wealth of attractions and an abundance of restaurant choices. Manila is a sister city of Montreal. Famous tourist spots are Old Montreal (Vieux Montréal), known for its shopping, restaurants, outdoor cafes, nightlife and its Old World charm;
The Basilica of Notre Dame, a historic church with a vast and remarkable interior; and the underground city (RESO), an underground complex that connects more than 2,000 shops and restaurants. Visiting Montreal is like stepping into Paris without leaving Canada. Other must-see attractions: MontRoyal Park, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Expo Islands, Montreal Casino, Olympic Park, The Laurentians, The Magdalen Islands, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal Botanical Garden, Mosaicultures Internationales, Lachine Canal, Old Port of Montreal 10. Quebec City
Three hours away from Montreal is Quebec’s provincial capital, the impressive Quebec City. Just like Montreal, Quebec City brings you the ambiance of Europe with its cobblestone streets, stone buildings, museums, and outdoor cafes and bistros. Most of the city stretches out on rocky cliffs, overlooking the scenic St. Lawrence River. The city’s rocky high point, Cape Diamond, is 103 meters above the river. Other must-see attractions: Montmorency Falls, Old Quebec, Citadel, National Battlefields, Chateau Frontenac, Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basilica, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Île d’Orléans, Tadoussac, Gaspé Peninsula ■
Quebec City.
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PHOTO BY DATCH78 / CC BY SA 3.0
Events
MAY 23, 2014
FRIDAY 44
40th Anniversary Breakfast Fundraiser By the Parent Support Services Society of BC
7th Annual Doors Open in Richmond
WHEN/WHERE: May 26, 2014 at Delta Hotel and Conference Centre 4331 Dominion St., Burnaby
By the City of Richmond
SPEAKER: Paul Holden, president of Burnaby Board of Trade
WHEN/WHERE: June 7 and 8 at over 40 sites in Richmond. Opening celebration at 7 p.m., on June 6 MORE INFO: http://www.richmond.ca/culture/about/ events/doorsopen.htm
“Kapwa” – “Sensing Ourselves in One Another” A Philippine Indigenous Arts Festival By the UBC Liu Institute for Global Issues, the Rethinking River Regions Network – Social Justice @ UBC, the UBC Philippine Studies Series and the Kathara Pilipino Indigenous Collective Society
YUKON NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
NUNAVUT
WHEN/WHERE: May 30 at the UBC Institute of Asian Research Lobby and the Lie Institute Multipurpose Hall FEATURES: Grace Nono, Bert Monterona, Kathara Canada, Mayo Landicho, Tribu, BC Kasama, Pancit Collective TICKETS: Admission by donation
Macho-Yot 2014 the Search for Machong Bayot
BRITISH COLUMBIA
ALBERTA SASKATCHEWAN
By the LuzViMin Bisaya Association of BC
MANITOBA
WHEN/WHERE: May 31, 2014 at the Renfrew Community Centre 2929 East 22nd Ave., Vancouver TICKETS: $25
Sulong Kalayaan: Bangon Pilipinas, Ipagdiwang ang Tunay na Pagka-Pilipino
“Alberta Migrants Forum,” A Social Awareness Series By The Filipino Canadian Association of Lethbridge in partnership with Diaryo Filipino and Irma WHEN/WHERE: May 31, 1-6pm at St. Basil’s Church Hall 603 13th St. North, Lethbridge, AB
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By the Philippine Independence Organizing Committee of Calgary PERFORMERS: Joey Albert with Big Mouth and Keana Reeves WHEN/WHERE: June 8 at the Century Casino MORE INFO: Contact Vangie Caoile at 403-554-4742 and Reth Barnachea at 403-803-0706 / Jet Set Travel and Iremit.
Events
45 FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
Parenting After Separation By the Parent Support Services Society of BC
CANADA
WHEN/WHERE: May 24, 2014, 1-4pm at the Vancouver Family Justice Centre
EVENTS
Saturdays with Kapamilya
SPEAKER: Elizabeth Araujo
SPRING 2014 PARENTING WORKSHOPS @ Little Mountain Neighborhood House 3981 Main Street and East 24th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
PARENTING AFTER SEPARATION
By Elizabeth Araujo, Family Justice Counsellor Vancouver Family Justice Centre Panel: PSS • VLMMFSSS
Supporting Families Nurture Healthy Relationships
Saturday, 24 May 2014,1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Overview of the effects of separation on parents, children and entire family Basic information on the new Family Law that relates to separation Services available at the Family Justice Centre
SUPPORTING FAMILIES NURTURE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
By Pat Formento, Victim Support Service Worker Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multiculural Family Support Services Society (VLMMFSSS)
Saturday, 31 May 2014, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Using the Equality Wheel, participants will gain additional tools that will help them foster respect, effective communication, and equality in relationship
RAISING OUR CHILDREN: THE ROLE OF DISCIPLINE
by Bella S. Cenezero, Program Director Parent Support Services Society of BC (PSS)
By the Parent Support Services Society of BC
Saturday, 7 June 2014, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Understanding the difference between discipline and punishment Understanding stages of child development and appropriate discipline Resources available to support parents and children
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
WHEN/WHERE: May 26, 2014 at Delta Hotel and Conference Centre 4331 Dominion St., Burnaby
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia
Parent Support Services Society of BC
Libre ang pagdalo pati ang merienda at childminding. Para magpalista at dagdag na impormasyon, tumawag o mag-email 604 669-1616 Bella Cenezero
almacsaplala@yahoo.com Alma Saplala
rmanikan@vsb.bc.ca Rommel Manikan
SPEAKER: Pat Formento
View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting
Little Miss Philippines Canada and Miss Philippines Canada Winners Proclamation
http://bit.ly/PCI-Events
By the Philippine-Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) WHEN/WHERE: June 28, 2014 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Hall A at the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto
Annual Picnic By the Caregivers and Women's Support Group WHEN/WHERE: May 31 at Thompson Park of CCS
NEWFOUNDLAND QUEBEC
Miss Manila 2014 By the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe WHEN/WHERE: May 31 at Korean Cultural Centre
ONTARIO 2nd Annual Teacher Hiring Consultation-Information Session A free teacher hiring consultation event A Special Engagement: Talk and Performance by Grace Nono By The Philippine Consulate General
By the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) and the Philippine Teachers Association-Canada (PTAC) thru Toronto Ward 8 Trustee Garry Tanuan
WHEN/WHERE: May 24, 2014 at St. John’s Cathedral Polish Catholic Church 186 Cowan Ave
WHEN/WHERE: June 4, 2014 at 5 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre 80 Sheppard Ave. East, North York, Toronto, Ont.
MORE INFO: www.philcongen-toronto.com
MORE INFO: Email tnysanjuan@yahoo.ca
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FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014
46
CANADA
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Be part of an amazing in-store team! We are currently recruiting for Sales Associate and Customer Service Representative to join us in Promenade, Toronto.
That’s just Step 1. Wait till you hear about Step 2.
Hiring Kitchen Manager and/or Line Cook
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FRIDAY 48