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CANADA’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONWIDE FILIPINO-CANADIAN NEWSPAPER VOL. 4 NO. 161
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APRIL 3, 2015
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President Aquino's Lenten Message
AFP Concludes month-long offensive against BIFF
Tzu Chi Foundation seeks volunteers
Future Shop closure illustrates challenges
Mayweather claims he’s fit to fight Manny now
Congress warned on poll backlash
CAUGHT IN A TIME WARP
BY AMANDO DORONILA Philippine Daily Inquirer
A child looks out from a school in Mamaanun, a barangay nestled 700 meters above sea level in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, where a concrete tire path is being laid for the first time under a peacebuilding project of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. RAFFY LERMA
No Holy Week break for terrorists BY JERRY E. ESPLANADA AND GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer THERE WILL be no letup in military and police operations nationwide against all “enemies of the state,” particularly the terrorist groups Abu Sayy-
af and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), as the country observes Holy Week, according to Malacañang. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma this week said that both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police had been di-
The Meaning of Easter
NONE OF the top five officials of the land received majority approval and trust ratings in the latest Pulse Asia opinion survey. The results of the survey came as a searing indictment of the performance of the ruling political class, whose approval and trust ratings posted continuing declines during the last five months from November to March. The Pulse Asia survey, conducted on March 1-7, showed that President Aquino led the officials with plunging ratings in the executive, legislative and the judicial branches regardless of party affiliations or whether they were identified with the administration or the political opposition. The officials whose ratings declined, reflecting general dissatisfaction with their performance, included Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., all of whom come from the executive department. In the judiciary, Chief Justice Maria
❱❱ PAGE 24 ❱❱ PAGE 9 No Holy
❱❱ PAGE 13 Congress warned
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FRIDAY
Philippine News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
3
Longtime leader Lee Kuan Yew eulogized as architect of Singapore at elaborate state funeral BY STEPHEN WRIGHT AND JEANETTE TAN The Associated Press SINGAPOREANS BID farewell to longtime leader Lee Kuan Yew on Sunday with an elaborate procession and a three-hour state funeral at which his son, the current prime minister, eulogized the statesman and declared that the wealthy city-state he helped build is his monument. Undeterred by heavy rain, about 100,000 people lined a 15-kilometre (9mile) route through the city to catch a glimpse of the funeral cortege. Lee’s coffin, draped in Singapore’s red and white flag and protected from the downpour by a glass casing, lay atop a ceremonial gun carriage that was solemnly led past city landmarks from Parliament to a cultural centre where the state funeral was held. Along the way, crowds of people chanted “Lee Kuan Yew,” snapped photos with smartphones and waved Singapore’s flag. Four howitzers were fired in a nearby field, air force fighter jets streaked over the island, with one peeling off in a “missing man” formation, and navy patrol ships blasted horns. “To those who seek Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s monument, Singaporeans can reply proudly: Look around you,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in the first of 10 eulogies at the funeral, which was attended by more than 2,000 people, including schoolchildren, Singapore’s elite, world leaders and royalty. Occasionally drawing tears and laughter, Lee said an important part of his father’s legacy is that “Singapore’s voice is heard and we enjoy far more influence on the international stage than we have any reason to expect.” As the service neared its conclusion, civil defence sirens blared across the island to signal a minute’s silence. The government had asked trains and buses to stand still. People flocked to a crematorium where a private cremation will be held for a final glimpse of the cortege. During a week of national mourning that began last Monday after Lee’s death at age 91, some 450,000 people lined up for hours to briefly view the statesman’s coffin at Parliament House. A million people visited tribute sites at community centres around the city. The expansive show of emotion is a rare event for Singapore and its 5.5 million people. The island nation, about four times the size of Washington, D.C., is known around the world as a wealthy trade and finance centre with a strict social order that includes a ban on chewing gum and caning for some crimes.
President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the Book of Condolences for the late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on Friday (March 27). PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS DIVISION, MALACANANG
Lee was Singapore’s prime minister for more than three decades, ruling with an iron grip until 1990. He is regarded by Singaporeans as the architect of their nation’s prosperity and harmonious relations among ethnic Chinese, Malay and Indian populations. But his authoritarian rule and crushing of dissent has also left a legacy of restrictions on free speech, a tame media and a stunted democracy. “He did everything for us Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion,” said Jennie Yeo, a teacher who arrived at 7 a.m. to stake out front row positions with two friends. “Education, housing, everything you can think of, he’s taken care of for us.” Earlier this week, lawmakers paid a teary tribute to Lee in a special sitting of Parliament. Low Thia Khiang, the leader of Singapore’s tiny political opposition, acknowledged Lee’s role in nationbuilding in a brief speech, but said he did not believe one-party rule was the key to the country’s economic development. “Many Singaporeans were sacrificed during the process of nation-building and policymaking, and our society has paid a price for it,” he said. “This is why Mr. Lee is also a controversial figure in some people’s eyes.” Leaders and dignitaries from more than two dozen countries attended the funeral. The U.S. delegation was led by former President Bill Clinton. Others included the prime ministers of India, Japan and Australia. Abroad, India declared a national day of mourning and New Zealand government flags were at half-staff. Lee’s achievements and legacy are likely to be argued for years. Though his widely read memoirs are titled “From Third World to First,” Singapore never knew grim poverty. Before independence in the first half of the 20th century, it was by the standards of
the region a prosperous commercial hub of the British Empire. But after its split in 1965 from a shortlived and acrimonious federation with Malaysia, Singapore’s future was highly uncertain. It lacked natural resources, having to import even water, and was surrounded by hostile neighbours. In control of all policy levers, Lee and
his government obliterated independent trade unions, imprisoned political opponents, reconfigured the education system to produce workers who met the needs of foreign investors and pushed through other changes to make the island competitive. Today, Singapore’s GDP is among the highest in the world at $54,000 per head, according to the World Bank, and it consistently ranks at the top of surveys of competiveness, while other Southeast Asian nations lag far behind. Lee gained “disproportionate influence” in international politics because of his record in shaping Singapore into the kind of nation that would be useful to the international political and economic order, said London-based author Salil Tripathi, who was a foreign correspondent in Singapore in the 1990s. “His sharp intellect gave him the aura of an elder statesman, allowing his admirers at home and abroad to overlook more complicated facts about him, including how political opponents were treated,” he said, and “how there was little space for imagination on that crowded island.” ■
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Philippine News
4
APRIL 3, 2015
FRIDAY
MILF members will not be integrated into the National Police, Armed Forces, says government peace panel chair PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Chairperson of the government peace panel, Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, on Monday clarified that members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not be integrated into the Philippine National Police or the Armed Forces of the Philippines, once the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is passed. “Again, we would like to clarify, wala pong integration ng MILF sa police force or sa Armed Forces of the Philippines, unlike in the peace agreement with the MNLF, that is not there; and the MILF will not become the police force for the Bangsamoro,” she said during a press briefing in Malacañang.
At the briefing, Professor Ferrer urged the people to “go back to the text” to correct wrong interpretations on the contents of the BBL. “What we are stressing is go back to the text, go back to the original source, kasi ‘pag ang lumalabas ay ang mga parang general perceptions, then you miss out all of these very, very important provisions in the draft law that basically repeats what is written in the Constitution or upholds what are written in the Constitution and effectively delimits the powers of the Bangsamoro government,” she pointed out. On the supposed creation of a Commission on Audit under the Bangsamoro government, she cited that according to Article 5, Section 2 of the BBL, the body that will be created in terms of performing
some auditing functions in the Bangsamoro shall not in any way prejudice the powers, authority and duty of the national COA. “What probably has created a lot of confusion is to call that body a Bangsamoro Commission on Audit. So if the idea is to allow for an internal audit system that is within the Bangsamoro government, perhaps, one of the revisions or cleaning up that could be done is to remove any reference to that particular name, which has created much of this confusion,” she explained. Ferrer also denied that the Bangsamoro government will have its own Commission on Elections, noting that the BBL’s Article 7, Section 9 refers to a Bangsamoro electoral office, which shall be part of the COMELEC.
An Invitation From The Anglican Churches of the Diocese of New Westminster
“The only specialization that this COMELEC office in the Bangsamoro will have, is in relation to the fact that it will have a different kind of an electoral system,” she said. On the Commission on Human Rights, Ferrer said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) already has such a commission. “So what is provided for here is that the Commission on Human Rights in the Bangsamoro shall have a coordinative and complementary relationship with the national Commission on Human Rights in carrying out its mandate, which is exactly what we have now in the ARMM, and that has been facilitated by a memorandum of agreement between the national Commission on Human Rights and the newly created the two- or three-year-old
You Are Invited this Holy Week, Easter & All Year Long To the Anglican Church of Canada Churches of The Diocese of New Westminster In Full Communion with Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan Church) & the Episcopal Church in the Philippines
The Anglican Church of Canada is in full communion with Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan Church) and The Episcopal Church in the Philippines.
holy communion services 2015
In the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster which stretches from Powell River in the Sunshine Coast to Hope at the entrance to the Fraser Canyon, taking in all the urban and suburban areas of the Metro Vancouver Area there are 68 Anglican Churches all offering a warm welcome to all who seek the presence of God.
holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10:30am • Palm Sunday (Domingo Ramos) • April 2 • 7pm • Maundy Thursday (Huwebes Santo) • April 3 • 10:30am • Good Friday (Biyernes Santo) • April 4 • 7pm • Holy Saturday (Sabado Gloria) • April 5 • 10:30am • Easter Sunday (Domingo Alleluia)
You are warmly invited this Easter Season and all year long to worship with us. There are three churches with significant Filipino-Canadian congregations: Father Expedito Farinas and the community of St. Mary, South Hill, 808 East 50th Avenue, Vancouver, 604.324.3395; Father Wilmer Toyoken and the community of St. Michael’s, Multicultural Church, 409 East Broadway, 604.876.8191; Father Luisito (Louie) Engnan and the community of St. Michael’s, Surrey, 12996 – 60 Avenue, 604.591.8323
St. Michael’s, Surrey • The Reverend Fr. Louie Engnan
Fr. Expedito, and Fr. Louie are priests ordained in the Philippine Independent Church, Fr. Wilmer is a priest ordained in the Episcopal Church of the Philippines and their Holy Orders have been transferred and gladly accepted by the Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster, Anglican Church of Canada. They and their communities of faith are looking forward to meeting you. Give them a call, and/or come by for a visit this Easter Season.
ARMM Commission on Human Rights,” she said. “Maybe what is a little bit controversial here is that in the proposed law, there is this provision that provides for prosecutorial powers for the Bangsamoro Commission on Human Rights, which the current National Commission on Human Rights does not have,” she added. Amid the confusion, Ferrer said she hopes that Congress would be able to provide a better version of the BBL. “We are not saying that the way the law is drafted now is the best language already that there is, and we look up to the wisdom of Congress to be able to come up with a much better language, precisely to be able to avoid these kinds of misinterpretation,” Ferrer said. ■
St. Mary’s, South Hill • The Reverend Fr. Expedito Farinas
808 East 50th Avenue, Vancouver • 604.324.3365 • www.stmarysouthhill.com
12996 – 60 Avenue, Surrey • 604.591.8323 • www.stmichaelschurch.ca
holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10am • Palm Sunday • Blessing of Palms • Liturgy of the Passion • April 2 • 6:30pm • Maundy Thursday • Ceremony of the Washing of Feet • April 3 • 12noon • Good Friday • April 5 • 10am • Easter Sunday • Renewal of Baptismal Vows St. Michael’s Multicultural • The Reverend Fr. Wilmer Toyoken
409 East Broadway, Vancouver • 604.876.8191 • www.stmikes-church.ca
holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10am • Palm Sunday • April 2 • 6pm • Maundy Thursday • April 3 • 10am • Good Friday • April 5 • 10am • Easter Sunday
http://stmikes-church.ca/ http://www.stmarysouthhill.com/ http://www.stmichaelschurch.ca/ www.canadianinquirer.net
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!
Philippine News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
5
Development will kill NPA, says military BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has filed a bill to ensure that elected officials would be made to answer administratively for illegal acts committed during their preceding term. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Erring officials can’t escape liability under Miriam bill BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer
wrongdoing since they would have a way out in the next election. “The result would be ludicrous. Any public official will feel free to commit a crime, including plunder, and then win reelection, if it automatically means his previous crimes are condoned,” she said. Her bill would insert a new section in the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act stating that “any elective official shall be liable for any violation of this
ciplining of an elected official for a wrongful act committed during his immediately preceding term. REELECTION SHOULD not It said the court should not allow a public official to escape remove a public official for acts administrative liability for miscommitted prior to his current deeds during his prior term as term, as this would deprive the this would lead to a “ludicrous” people of their right to elect situation, Sen. Miriam Defentheir officials. sor-Santiago said. It said that when people votSantiago has filed a bill to ened for the official, it must be assure that elected officials would sumed they did it with knowlbe made to answer administraedge of his life and character, tively for illegal acts commitand that they had disregarded ted during their or forgiven his preceding term, faults or misconafter the camp duct. of Makati Mayor This ruling, Junjun Binay Any public official will feel free to Santiago said, claimed he should commit a crime, including plunder, provided a blannot be held liable and then win reelection, if it ket defense for for alleged irreguautomatically means his previous elected officials larities in the concrimes are condoned. to evade liabilstruction of the ity by getting reMakati City Hall elected. Building II dur“By merely asing his first term in 2010-2013. act committed during a prior serting the doctrine of condoBinay’s camp cited a Supreme term despite reelection.” nation, erring elective officials Court ruling that said a public In her explanatory note, she are automatically given a clean official could not be removed said it was well-established pol- slate once reelected. Thus, administratively for misconduct icy that public servants should there is a need to evaluate this committed during a prior term, have the highest virtues of in- doctrine in light of the express as re-election effectively con- tegrity, honesty, discipline and constitutional mandate that doned the official’s misconduct. uprightness. public office is a public trust,” “That is a cross-eyed simpliBut she lamented that contrary she said. fication of the problem. The to this policy, the Supreme Court Earlier, Santiago took the Offirst qualification for a public in a 2010 case reiterated the doc- fice of the Ombudsman’s side in office should be honesty and trine of condonation enunciated its dispute with Binay over the integrity,” Santiago said in a in another ruling handed down suspension order against him. statement. nearly 60 years ago. Based on jurisprudence, the Santiago, a former trial court That ruling in the case of Pas- Ombudsman can order the imjudge, said this reasoning could cual v the Provincial Board of mediate suspension of a sitting spur public officials to commit Nueva Ecija prohibited the dis- mayor, she said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
THE MILITARY sees the eventual demise of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) with the waning strength of the rebel group and the arrest of its top leaders. Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, noted that the rebel group’s strength had dwindled to less than 4,000 fighters. “Their capability has been degraded, as well as their influence on the mass bases... that’s their eventual demise,” he said. Kakilala issued a statement this week on the NPA’s 46th anniversary during which the military raised a red alert. (See related story on Across the Nation, Page A20.) Impending development in marginalized communities will eventually lead to the rebel group’s downfall, he said. “We will have economic growth and prosperity for every Filipino in the years to come, and the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will be irrelevant,” he added. Critical infrastructure
Kakilala said the AFP under Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. was assisting in the identification of needed critical infrastructure projects such as bridges, farm to market roads and schools. He said these were being
translated to tangible programs which were being implemented, resulting in a “drastic decline” in insurgency-related activity. The military can also easily hit the rebels in the mountains without much collateral damage among civilian communities because the troops are intensifying their training skills, the official said. “This is evident in the East Mindanao Command area where we had several encounters and recovered batches of firearms. This is the AFP’s strategy, especially in that focused area. We are isolating the NPA from the communities, particularly the lumad,” Kakilala said. But the official did not say how many years it would take for the NPA’s total downfall. Kakilala said it was possible that the NPA would go to the negotiating table as “an alternative strategy to be relevant.” “That’s one of our objectives, to have peace talks with the CPP, NPA and National Democratic Front so they will abandon the armed struggle, so we’ll achieve our objectives and goals,” he said. He expressed optimism the next administration will pursue this with the communist group. “But if they won’t talk peace, they will really be irrelevant because development will come in complemented by our efforts. There are no longer any issues being raised by the people and they are running out of cadres,” Kakilala added. ■
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Philippine News
APRIL 3, 2015
FRIDAY
Sandiganbayan denies Jinggoy’s plea against garnishment of his Php183-M worth of assets BY SAMMY F. MARTIN Philippines News Ageny MANILA — The Sandiganbayan denied on Monday the motion for reconsideration filed by detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada regarding the attachment and freeze of his assets in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. In a five-page resolution, Sandiganbayan Fifth Division Chairman and Associate Justice Roland Jurado, denied Estrada’s motion, which asked the court to reverse its earlier ruling to temporarily freeze Php183.793 million worth of his assets pending the resolution of his plunder and graft cases. “As movant has not filed a counter bond and as his arguments here on are unmeritorious, there is therefore no compelling reason to lift the
attachment while the main case The decision also was in ref- ing party to realize upon the is still pending,” the resolution erence to the Supreme Court, relief sought and expected to be read. saying stopping the freeze or- granted in the main or principal Estrada’s main argument is der would be grossly unfair to action. It would have the effect that his plunder and graft cases the prosecution, which was well of prejudging the main case,” have yet to be decided. How- within its rights to ask for the the resolution said. ever, the Sandiganbayan said freeze of Estrada’s assets. The Sandiganbayan ordered in its decision the freeze of Esthat since a writ trada’s assets last of attachment February. was an ex-parte The amount of motion, a case assets ordered didn’t need to be to be garnished As his arguments here on are resolved for the was equivalent unmeritorious, there is therefore no order to freeze to the amount compelling reason to lift the an accused’s asEstrada allegattachment while the main case sets to be valid. edly received as is still pending. “With regards kickbacks for to motions in allowing the algeneral, the location of milRules of Court lions of pesos requires only from his Priority that motions be heard; it does “On the other hand, borrow- Development Assistance Fund not direct the court to order the ing the words of the Supreme (PDAF) or pork barrel to fake filing of comments or opposi- Court, ‘allowing the discharge foundations owned by alleged tions to the motion before the of the attachment at this stage pork barrel scam mastermind motion is resolved,” the court of the proceedings would put in Janet Lim-Napoles. decision further said. jeopardy the right of the attachAmong the properties or-
www.canadianinquirer.net
dered frozen by the anti-graft court were seven vehicles including a Jeep Wrangler, Range Rover, Chevrolet Suburban, Nissan Homy, Honda CRV, Foton Tornado 2T and a Ford Mark III van. Also ordered frozen are six condominium units, four of which are located in San Juan City, one in Tagaytay City and another one at One Beverly Place in Quezon City. Also ordered to be temporarily frozen were a townhouse, a house, four residential lots situated in exclusive subdivisions Loyola Grand Villas and Corinthian Hills both in Quezon City, and three pieces of agricultural lands all located in Lipa City, Batangas. The freeze order also included the Php15 million worth of shares of stocks of Estrada, his wife Ma. Presentacion “Precy” and daughter Janella Marie in various companies. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
7
Some of the creations by shoe designer Ron Ramiro. Through savvy use of social media such as an active Instagram account, Ramiro is able to both advertise his funky wares and get feedback and inspiration for new designs from his followers.
From family living room to design area and shoe showcase It was simply a matter of time before Ron Ramiro parlayed his passion for shoes into a lucrative business BY ALEX Y. VERGARA Philippine Daily Inquirer LIKE MOST millennials, shoe designer Ron Ramiro is wired to the Internet. Ever since he opened his shoe business in 2012, this former call center agent considers his laptop, smartphone and iPad as indispensable tools of the trade. “My smartphone and tablet allow me to instantly upload stuff on Instagram,” he says. “My following on Instagram isn’t really huge, but it’s huge enough to hook me up with fans and international buyers.” While he and his partner Yen Salamoding sell directly to local clients, Ramiro has firmed up a number of partnerships with resellers abroad. Online shoe distributors like solestruck. com have been carrying his shoes since he started out three years ago. “I’m now attending to their third purchase order,” he says. “And when they order, they really order in bulk, sometimes more than 100 pairs.”
Accessible address
It took him a while to realize that despite the reach, convenience and freedom of movement the digital age offers, he still needed a reputable and accessible business address to personally entertain certain clients and show his range as a designer. Soon after he diversified late last year by adding Ramiro, a more formal and upscale brand, to his avant-garde maiden venture dubbed Monster, the shoe designer decided to turn the family’s living room in Parañaque into a showroom and work area. “I didn’t have to knock down walls to convert the place,” he says. “It simply involved planning, putting certain things away and rearranging.” Vying for space on his medium-size worktable are Ramiro’s gadgets and more traditional tools of the trade such as pencils, drawing pads, mood boards, leather swatches and several pairs of shoe lasts. Ramiro also converted his father’s unused bar, which sits in one corner of the living room, into a showcase for his edgier
and bulkier pieces grouped under the Monster label. Since the Ramiro line is barely four months old, he decided to initially invest in a pair of vertical glass showcases to feature his luxury collection. Upscale market
That would do for now, Ramiro says, since he’s still in the process of establishing his collection for a more upscale market. But judging from the public’s initial response, Ramiro, the brand, seems to be exceeding the designer’s expectations. “There was really a need for separate brands because it was impossible to merge the two. Since I wanted to tap a bigger market, I also had to cater to women who prefer simpler, more classic and wearable pieces. Not everyone can wear edgy platforms,” he says. And where do Ramiro’s gadgets come into the creative process? The designer says he does not trawl the Internet in search of shoe designs to copy. On the contrary, he doesn’t look at other shoe designers’ current works. www.canadianinquirer.net
“When I sit down to work on a collection, I don’t want to be influenced in any way by others, as I might subconsciously end up copying their designs,” he reasons. Instead, he uses his laptop to research on possible design inspirations to help him produce a fresh collection. His main sources of inspiration for Monster shoes, for instance, are street looks worn by today’s youth. “I took my cue from such luxury brands as Celine and Prada,” he says. “They get ideas from the streets, but they upgrade them by giving their products a more luxurious take.” Feedback
As for his Instagram posts (monster_shoes), Ramiro already has an entire month’s supply of materials. By sharing his work and snippets of his personal life on social media, the designer is able not only to promote his shoes but also get important feedback from followers the world over. “Feedback is important to me,” he says. “Whether they buy my shoes or not, I make it
a point to listen to other people.” Ramiro, one of the finalists in the 2013 Look of Style Awards’ accessories division, began professionally designing shoes in 2012 after years of designing shoes for himself. “No matter where I searched, I couldn’t find ready-to-wear shoes that I really liked,” he says. “I ended up designing my own shoes after I found the ideal manufacturers in Marikina. I still tap these manufacturers today to do shoes for my two brands.” It was simply a matter of time before this interior design graduate from the Philippine School of Interior Design parlayed his passion for shoes into a lucrative business. After shocking people with his edgy and sometimes over the-top designs for Monster shoes, Ramiro felt that it was high time to dial down a bit by providing the market with more formal and classic-looking footwear that would still make heads turn. And everything starts in the family’s converted living room inside one of Metro Manila’s bustling communities. ■
Philippine News
8
APRIL 3, 2015 FRIDAY
Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Managing Editor Earl Von Tapia earl.tapia@canadianinquirer.net Correspondents Ching Dee Angie Duarte Lei Fontamillas Frances Grace Quiddaoen Socorro Newland Bolet Arevalo Graphic Designer Shanice Garcia Photographers Angelo Siglos Solon Licas Operations and Marketing Head Laarni Liwanag (604) 551-3360 Advertising Sales Alice Yong (778) 889-3518 alice.yong@canadianinquirer.net Fiona Wong fiona.wong@canadianinquirer.net Emy Rose Figueroa salesphilippines@canadianinquirer,net emy.figueroa@canadianinquirer.net Nelson Wu (1) 647-521-5155 salestoronto@canadianinquirer.net nelson.wu@canadianinquirer.net sales@canadianinquirer.net 1-888-668-6059 PHILIPPINE PUBLISHING GROUP Editorial Assistant Phoebe Casin 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 (including opinions expressed in ads herein) 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
President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Lenten Message “TUWING SEMANA Santa, hinihimok tayong pagnilayan ang walang-hanggang pagmamahal ng Panginoon, ang pagmamahal na dumaig sa pang-aalipusta, nagwaksi ng tukso, at di-inalintana ang pagdurusa, upang isalba sa kasalanan ang sanlibutan. Isipin po ninyo: Sa kabila ng lubos na kapangyarihang iligtas ang sarili sa kapahamakan,pinili ni Hesukristong magpakumbaba bilang tao, at ialay ang sariling buhay. Pinasan niya ang matinding kalbaryo upang maging bukal ng kaligtasan, at ilapit tayo sa Kaharian ng Diyos-Ama. Ayon nga po sa Aklat ni San Juan, Kapitulo 3, Bersikulo 16: “Gayon na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa san-
libutan, kaya ibinigay niya ang Kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa Kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.” Ito nga po ang nagsisilbi nating gabay sa pagtataguyod ng bansang nakatuon hindi lang sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino ngayon kundi maging ng mga susunod pang henerasyon. Tinatawag tayong gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya, upang maipamana ang isang lipunan na inuuna ang interes ng nakakarami bago ang sarili. Gaya ng iniwang aral sa atin ni Santo Papa Francisco nang bumisita siya sa ating bansa, nakikita ang bakas ng presensya ng Panginoon sa pag-aalay ng
habag at malasakit sa kapwa, lalo na sa mas nangangailangan. Makakaasa po kayo: Sa tuwid na daan, maigting nating sinusulong ang pagtatakwil sa anumang anyo ng katiwalian upang ihatid ang agarang benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ang hamon nga sa atin bilang mga tagasunod ni Hesukristo: Tumotoo tayo hindi lang sa salita, kung hindi sa gawa. Sa patuloy nating ambagan at pagkakaisa, sa gabay at pagmamahal ng Panginoon, tiyak na pagpapalain tayo ng kinabukasang tunay na makabuluhan sa bawat isa. Isang mapayapa at makabuluhang Mahal na Araw po sa ating lahat.”
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This has been our guide in establishing a country committed not only to the welfare of the Filipino people but also for the coming generations. We are called to do everything that we can to pass on a society that prioritizes the good of the many before oneself. Just like the lesson Pope Francis shared with us when he visited the country, the presence of God is seen by showing mercy and compassion to each other, especially to those in need. Rest assured: In this straight path, we strong-
ly renounce any form of corruption in order to quickly deliver benefits to our countrymen. The challenge for ourselves as followers of Christ: Become testimonies not only in words, but also in deeds. Through our continued unity and cooperation, with the guidance and love of Almighty God, we will surely be blessed with a meaningful future for everyone. A peaceful and meaningful Holy Week to all of you. ■
EVERY HOLY Week, we are encouraged to ponder on God’s never-ending love — the love that conquered insults, defeated temptation, and endured suffering in order to save the world. Think about it: Despite having all the power to save himself from all harm, Jesus Christ chose to humble himself as a man and laid down his own life. He endured tremendous suffering to become the spring of salvation and to draw us closer to the Kingdom of God the Father. According to John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
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Translated by Ching Dee Philippine Canadian Inquirer
Philippine News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
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No Holy... rected by President Aquino to secure the peace between Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday. “The AFP and PNP, and even the Philippine Coast Guard, are working together in collaboration with local government units in keeping the peace during Holy Week,” Coloma, head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, told the INQUIRER. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang earlier ordered the troops to press the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF to downgrade their capability to inflict harm on civilians. Catapang directed military field commanders in Sulu and Maguindanao provinces to pursue the two groups without letup but to avoid collateral damage involving civilians. He called for an all-out campaign against the al-Qaidalinked terrorist Abu Sayyaf group and the secessionist BIFF, based in Sulu and Maguindanao, respectively. ❰❰ 1
ment operation that began in November last year, according to AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla. He said the drive against the terrorist group was focused on Jolo, the capital of the island province of Sulu. Recent military operations against the group were “followups to what we began last year. There will be no letup until the Abu Sayyaf is decimated,” Padilla said. Change tactics
Padilla noted the Abu Sayyaf had changed tactics, avoiding direct engage-
ment with government forces and fragmenting into smaller groups. He said the AFP had yet to encounter a sizeable force of the group, as the terrorists tended to disengage when the military launches an offensive. Government troops are also going after bombmaker Basit Usman, who eluded arrest when PNP SAF commandos went to Mamasapano to get him and his Malaysian cohort, Jemaah Islamiyah bomb expert Zulfikli bin Hir, alias “Marwan.” The SAF commandos killed Marwan.
Abu losses
The Abu Sayyaf, notorious for the kidnapping and beheading of foreigners and bomb attacks on civilians in Mindanao, has reportedly lost at least 24 members in five days of fighting in Patikul town, Sulu. The BIFF, an Islamist militant organization based in Mindanao, reportedly joined forces with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in attacking the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, during the Jan. 25 encounter. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chair of the House Ad Hoc committee on the-Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), wants justice served sooner for the SAF 44, saying the government should “neutralize” individuals or groups who would stand in the way of the military and police deployed to arrest the killers of government troopers. Wheels to roll
He said he expected the “wheels of justice” to roll in the next two weeks, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) prepared to file charges and arrest warrants against those responsible for the deaths of the policemen. “Our government is going to make sure there will be arrests. That’s nothing to worry about. Let’s continue. They don’t want to surrender, we’re going to get them. The people will see that we’re going to go get justice for them,” Rodriguez said in an interview on dzBB radio. “If those who are going to be arrested are in their territory, the government will enter the territory and implement the warrants of arrest. If they will not stay on the side, then we are going to neutralize them,” said Rodriguez. The military campaign against the Abu Sayyaf is an ongoing law enforcewww.canadianinquirer.net
More troops were reportedly sent out last week to scour the Liguasan Marsh for Usman’s hideout. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is scheduled to announce in the next few weeks the results of the DOJ probe into the Mamasapano incident, specifically the individuals who will be charged with the murder and robbery of the SAF 44. The board of inquiry and Senate reports point to the combined forces of the MILF, BIFF and private armed groups as being responsible for the death of the troopers. ■
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Philippine News
APRIL 3, 2015 FRIDAY
Chiz urges P-Noy to alter draft BBL Help of peace council needed, says senator BY GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer
proposed BBL on May 11 and 12. Rodriguez said the council could still submit recommendations as the House voted on the draft BBL at the plenary level. Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon have committed to pass the proposed BBL by June, before the adjournment of the 16th Congress. Both Escudero and Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the peace council should be made aware of the massive funds that would be earmarked to the prospective Bangsamoro parliament and its members— roughly P75 billion, a big chunk of which would be “lump-sum funds” not unlike the pork barrel that the Supreme Court had declared unconstitutional.
considering that the Bangsamoro can also impose fees and penalties for their own use and it will get a substantial share of royalties from natural resources extracted from its area,” Escudero said. “I thought they will be autonomous or operating on their own but they are actually getting double the amount,” he added. With so much of the Bangsamoro budget in lump sum or not itemized, Escudero said the region’s chief minister might end up having a bigger intelligence fund than the President of the Philippines. Marcos said that the P75 billion for Bangsamoro was bigger than the budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. “This is alarming because these funds could be used to buy arms for MILF troops. There are reports of continuous recruitment by the MILF, establishment of camps and manufacturing of arms,” he said. Marcos pointed out that the funds going to Bangsamoro would not pass through Congress. He said there was no assurance that the funds would not end up in the pockets of the region’s leaders, just like in the current situation in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where local governments complain that very little of the massive funds for the region have trickled down to their level.
PRESIDENT AQUINO has formed a peace council that he believes can convince Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). But Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero expects it will be the other way around: Congress can enlighten the council on the constitutional defects of the draft BBL. Understanding those flaws, the council could then help Congress convince the President, his peace negotiating team and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) about the need to amend the draft BBL to make it conform to the Constitution, Escudero said in an interview on dzBB radio Monday. “I believe in the independence and integrity of the mem- ‘Trending lie’ bers [of the peace council] and Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the that they will not allow them- government’s chief peace neselves to be dictated on what to gotiator, has claimed that the do, especially if [the provisions P75-billion annual budget for are] obviously wrong and un- proposed Bangsamoro governconstitutional,” Escudero said. ment was a “trending lie” being “I look forward to engaging peddled by anti-BBL advocates. them to hear their opinion and She claimed that only P35 how they defend in another billion of the amount would go way the provisions that we have to the prospective Bangsamlong been questioning. In the oro government—P27 billion in end, we might be able to con- block grant, P7 billion in develvince them and help convince opment fund and P1 billion in the President and the MILF transition fund. that we really need to change Escudero, however, pointed these provisions,” he added. out that Ferrer conveniently This past Friday, President left out from her computation Aquino named Manila Arch- the internal revenue allotment bishop Luis Antonio Cardinal (IRA) for local governments Tagle, former Chief Justice and the department agencies Hilario Davide Jr., business- (such as the Department of man Jaime AuHard to justify gusto Zobel de Escudero said Ayala, former his main conAmbassador to cern was that the Holy See and In the end, we might be able to the Bangsamoro Malta Howard convince them and help convince the bonanza would Dee and youth President and the MILF that we really be hard to justify leader Rohaniza need to change these provisions. to other regions Sumndad-Usthat also needed man as leaders of funds. a National Peace He also said Summit that that the P75-bilwould “deliberate on and dis- Education and the Department lion annual budget would send cuss the BBL.” of Public Works and Highways) the message that “if you threaten Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus operating in the proposed the government, we will reward Rodriguez, chair of the House Bangsamoro territory, which you with P75 billion a year.” ad hoc committee on the BBL, would push the total allocation Aside from the funds, Essaid the peace council should for Bangsamoro to at least P75 cudero said the government submit its recommendations billion. should explain why it would by April 20 so that the members allow the Bangsamoro to form of his committee could read Conservative figure equivalents of the Civil Service them before they vote on the “It’s a conservative amount, Commission, Commission on www.canadianinquirer.net
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero has said that the peace council formed by President Aquino, designed to convince Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, will instead be enlightened by Congress into seeing the flaws in the BBL, and from there all parties can then convince President Aquino into amending the BBL and make it conform to the Constitution. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Elections and Commission on Audit and adhere to its own kind of justice system, which is not allowed in the Constitution. He also said the government should explain why the disarmament of the MILF was not included in the draft BBL. “They promised to surrender one-third of their arms upon signing of the agreement and the remaining two-thirds after the election. What would they need two-thirds of their arms for in an election?” Escudero asked. Other parties excluded
He said the proposed BBL was flawed from the start because the government chose to speak with only one group— the MILF—and excluded other interested parties, such as the Moro National Liberation Front, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the indigenous peoples of Mindanao.
‘Honor IPs’ rights’
Escudero noted that the draft BBL did not state if it would honor the indigenous peoples’ rights. The BBL, he said, has an optin provision (where as little as 10 percent of the population of a barangay can petition for inclusion in the Bangsamoro) but it has no opt-out provision, which means membership in the Bangsamoro will be permanent. “The government drafted the bill without consulting anybody except the MILF and they want us to approve it on an as-iswhere-is basis. Do they have a monopoly of talent, intelligence and good intentions of what is good for Mindanao?” Escudero said. “It’s not my goal to water it down, I just want to make sure it follows the Constitution,” he added. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
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Public urged to reject misinformation on BBL PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Deliberate attempts to misinform the public and demonize the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) continue, according to a member of the legal team of the government peace negotiating panel. Atty. Mohammad Al-amin Julkipli said among the misinformation are continued assertions by anti-BBL groups that four provisions of the BBL – on the creation of agencies of constitutional bodies, the funding for Bangsamoro, the justice system in the region and the regional PNP command in Bangsamoro – need to be revised or removed because they allegedly run counter to provisions of the Constitution. “We don’t know where these misinformation are coming from and what the agenda of these critics are considering that we have previously engaged them and explained these specific provisions,” he added. “We call on the Filipino people to be very cautious in dealing with these types of reports.” PhP35-billion Bangsamoro fund
“For one, we have already repeatedly debunked the issue that the Bangsamoro will get an initial PhP75-billion funding in its first year,” Julkipli said. “PhP35 billion lang ang kabuuang pondo para sa unang taon ng Bangsamoro at ang halagang ito ay hindi nalalayo sa kasalukuyang alokasyon para sa Autonomous Region in Muslim MindanaO (ARMM). [The total funding to be directly allocated to the Bangsamoro regional government for its initial year of operation will only amount to PhP35 billion, and this amount does not significantly depart from the current allocation for the ARMM.]”
The goal in including their creation in the BBL is simply to “strengthen checks and balances in the Bangsamoro and supplement the work of the Constitutional bodies, hence the proposed establishment of auditing, civil service, election and human rights units.” “Ang pinagmulan po ng proposal na yan ay ang kagustuhan na paigtingin ang checks and balances at hindi ang mapalitan ang COA, COMELEC at iba pa,” Julkipli said. No automatic integration to AFP or PNP Supporters hold up signs in favor of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. Atty. Mohammad Al-amis Julkipli, a member of the legal team on the government peace negotiating panel, has said that critics of the BBL are spreading misinformation in an effort to undermine its public support. FACEBOOK PHOTO
He pointed out that the PhP35-billion fund is broken down into the following: PhP1billion for the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Government to the Bangsamoro Government; PhP7-billion Special Development Fund for the first year (and PhP2- billion per year for the next five years) to allow the poverty-stricken and conflict-affected region to catch up in terms of development through infrastructure build-up and intensified delivery of social services; and PhP27-billion estimated block grant in 2016 which will be used for economic development, payment for salaries of teachers and health workers and all other educational and health services. These are the only funds that will be allocated to the region under the BBL and, hence, the only amounts that should justly be counted as allocations therefor. Atty. Julkipli asserted that it is not proper to add to the regional funds the values for the Internal Revenue Allocations (IRA) of the LGUs that may be included in the Bangsamoro
as well as the funds that are included in various national agency budgets dedicated for the ARMM for the plain reason that these moneys are not allocated to the autonomous region per se but are moneys allotted to the different LGUs and the national agencies, respectively. Take these values out of the equation and we will certainly not reach PhP70 billion. According the the Department of Budget and Management, the ARMM LGUs received PhP18 billion in 2015. Shari’ah Law
“In terms of the implementation of the Shari’ah Law in the Bangsamoro, it will apply to Muslims only,” Julkipli said. “The Shari’ah courts would not cover non-Muslims as regular courts would still exist in Bangsamoro.” He also insisted that the Supreme Court has the ultimate power of reviewing all decisions by the Shari’ah courts in the Bangsamoro as practiced now. There will be no separate justice system in the Bangsamoro. In the BBL, the special courts that are to be institutionalized
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or strengthened therein shall all be part of the singular Judiciary that remains to be under the administration and control of the Supreme Court. That is true for the Shari’ah Courts in the Bangsamoro as well as the tribal/customary courts. Supplementing the work of Constitutional bodies
Julkipli also clarified on the issue of alleged creation of new and distinct agencies duplicating the work of Constitutional bodies such as the Commission on Audit (COA), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and Commission on Civil Service (CSC). “The proposed Bangsamoro agencies will not supplant nor will they, in any way, derogate from or take away the constitutional powers and duties of the Constitutional Commissions and other constitutionallymandated offices,” he said. “In fact, the draft law is emphatic in articulating that the existence and functioning of these Bangsamoro agencies shall be without prejudice to the powers and duties of the Constitutional Commissions.”
Julkipli also denied that members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front members would be automatically integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. “The truth is very far from that since this is not provided in the BBL as the desire of the government and the MILF in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is to submit all MILF armed combatants and their families to the normalization and decommissioning processes so they could return to their normal lives, and not to a life of arms anymore,” Julkipli said. However, there is no prohibition for MILF members to apply with the AFP or the PNP, but they will have to go through the same rigorous processes that all AFP and PNP members go through. The legal panel member also allayed fears that the creation of the Bangsamoro will lead to secession. “There’s no truth to that. Ang Bangsamoro ang magbibigay katuparan sa nakasaad sa Philippine Constitution na totoong otonomiya para sa Muslim Mindanao (The Bangsamoro will implement the provision in the Philippine Constitution for true autonomy in Muslim Mindanao). ■
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Philippine News
APRIL 3, 2015 FRIDAY
AFP concludes month-long offensive against BIFF BY PRIAM F. NEPOMUCENO Philippines News Ageny MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) concluded on Monday the monthlong military offensive focused against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao which resulted in the neutralization of more than 50 percent of the brigands’ strength. “Effective today (March 30), the all-out offensive against the BIFF would be ended. After the relentless operations against the BIFF, we have achieved our objectives, including the neutralization of more than 50 percent of their ranks, the capture of bomb factories, and the seizure of their enclaves or safe havens in different Maguindanao localities,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said. Operations against the BIFF started last Feb. 25 when the bandits started encroaching on civilian communities in Maguindanao and North Cotabato. “We have accounted for 139 enemies killed, 53 wounded and 12 captured. They are now splintered into small groups to evade the pursuing soldiers. They are defeated in the battlefield by our gallant soldiers, marines and policemen,” Catapang said. In the same effort, 10 troopers were killed and another 31 wounded. “With the cooperation extended by the local government officials, residents and even
Maguindanao for the safe return of the residents back to their homes. “It is very important to note that from as high as 120,000 evacuees last month, they are now down to about 90,000 people who have remained in various evacuation centers and houses of relatives. We understand the physical and emotional challenges experienced by the non-combatants who were among those who were adversely affected by the armed conflict with the BIFF,” Cata-
pang pointed out. “Now that we have driven out the armed BIFF members and the small group of terrorists led by Basit Usman, we will focus our attention in rebuilding the affected communities. We will help the LGUs, other government agencies, and the national government as a whole in delivering public services to the people. We will support the implementation of development projects that are intended to spur the economic activities in these areas,” he stressed. President Benigno S. Aquino III has initially approved the release of PhP67 million that would be used for various socio-economic interventions for the people of Maguindanao, including the Bridge for Peace in Barangay Tukanalipao, Schools for Peace and Roads for Peace that will benefit the people. Catapang said they are now calling on everyone to help the people in the affected communities to go back to their normal lives and support their pursuit for lasting peace. He added that the AFP would like to see “Maguindanao as a highly-developed area where people enjoy peace, progress and prosperity that we all want for the whole of Mindanao and the entire nation.” “Rest assured that your Armed Forces of the Philippines will remain as your partners for peace and development. We will never abandon our constitutional mandate of protecting the people from any armed aggression,” the AFP chief said. ■
M-1911A1 pistol, and a fragmentation grenade were seized from the suspect. Pagao was turned over to the Criminal Investigation Detection Group for inquest proceedings Tuesday. As this develops, the AFP chief said that they were still conducting searches against Filipino terror-bomber Basit Usman and hoped to nab the latter before the rainy season in June. Catapang also classifies the
BIFF strength on the decline with these recent arrest and heavy casualties inflicted on them by the military during the month-long focused military operations against them. The campaign, which started on Feb. 25, so far caused the death of 151 BIFF men, wounding of 65 and capturing of 12 other BIFF men. Ten soldiers were killed while another 33 were hurt in the campaign. ■
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, seen here getting on to a military watercraft. The AFP has this week concluded a month-long military offensive that focused on diminishing the strength of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
our partners in peace, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the BIFF remnants have nowhere to hide,” the AFP chief stressed. Despite the cessation of focused military offensive against the bandit group, Catapang assured the public that the military continuously pursue them in their temporary hideouts inside the Liguasan marshlands and even in the mountainous areas. “We are now entering the new phase of our operation which is peace and development. I want
to emphasize that still, we will continuously deploy forces to secure communities and deny the BIFF entry into their former enclaves in Maguindanao. We will continue to hunt down the terrorists like Basit Usman and his cohorts who are now hiding outside the conflict areas,” he added. Starting this Monday, Catapang said that the AFPwill coordinate with the regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the province of
Military operations to continue until BIFF leader Kato bagged BY PRIAM F. NEPOMUCENO Philippines News Ageny MANILA — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-ofstaff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Tuesday vowed to continue arresting and neutralizing ranking Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) until BIFF commander Ameril Umbra Kato is apprehended. Catapang airred this in the
wake of the neutralization of military units of Cmdr. Bisaya during an encounter in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao last Sunday and arrest of Abdulgani Ismael Pagao, BIFF 4th Division deputy commander, at Campo Muslim Barangay Holy Mother Bagua, Cotabato City Monday night. Aside from this, Pagao is also the financial and spiritual leader of the entire BIFF, whose strength is now placed at less
than 200 fighters. “(The neutralization of these two) shows that the leadership of the BIFF is now on the decline. The next thing we will do is to expedite the location and arrest of Kato,” Catapang said in Filipino. Pagao did not resist arrest when the law enforcers served the arrest warrant issued by Executive Judge Bansawan Z. Ibrahim. A loaded caliber .45, caliber www.canadianinquirer.net
Philippine News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
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Congress warned... Lourdes Sereno did not escape the surge of dissatisfaction with officials comprising the constitutional hierarchy of succession in Philippine democracy. The results of the survey showed that some officials gained or lost ground in ratings, but the biggest loser was President Aquino. Mr. Aquino’s approval and trust ratings posted double-digit declines across all geographic areas nationwide and socioeconomic groups. His approval rating plummeted 21 percentage points from 59 percent last November to 38 percent in March. His trust ratings dipped 20 percentage points from 56 percent to 36 percent. Both his approval and trust ratings dropped to their lowest levels since 2010 when he was elected President. His ratings fell despite his tireless declaration of his incorruptibility, a finding that suggests he has to do much more in alleviating poverty and delivering economic results than proclaiming simplistic slogans, such as “straight path” governance is an instant fix-it and cure-all against poverty to regain his credibility and reverse the momentum of public dissatisfaction over his performance. Unlike Mr. Aquino, whose ratings have dropped to rock bottom, Binay and Drilon staged modest recovery from the fall in their ratings in the previous quarter. Binay’s approval rating increased slightly by one point from a record low 45 percent to 46 percent, while his trust rating declined by two points, from 44 percent to 42 percent. But these results should not bring cheer to Binay’s camp, which has been battered by investigations of corruption charges against the Vice President in City Hall construction projects during his tenure as mayor of Makati City. Nor could the Aquino administration, which has been regarding Binay as an unworthy successor to the President after he steps down in June 2016, be complacent in considering Binay a damaged contender for the presidency and as a pushover in the presidential race. ❰❰ 1
Dragged down
The survey also showed that while none of the top five officials scored majority approval ratings, the President’s ratings dragged down those of his chief lieutenants and allies in Congress, Drilon and Belmonte, who were gasping for breath to stay afloat. The approval and trust ratings of Drilon, however, inched up from 47 to 49 percent and from 42 to 44 percent, respectively. Belmonte’s ratings were worse than those of Drilon. These declined. He posted an approval rating of 27 percent, down from 34 percent. His trust rating dropped to 23 percent from 31 percent.
In the previous 18 quarterly surveys, the President’s approval ratings ranged from 55 percent (September 2014) to 88 percent (July 2010). His trust ratings ranged from 53 percent (June 2014) to 80 percent (November 2012). These figures show the severity and depth of the ratings of the President as a result of the deaths of 44 police commandos at the hands of Moro guerrillas associated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, on Jan. 25, the event that defined the national mood that prevailed at the time of the latest Pulse Asia survey. Mamasapano has left a devastating impact on the public dissatisfaction over
the performance of the Aquino administration, which has come under a storm of criticism for its handling of the incident. The survey results reflect the massive loss of the credibility and popularity of the Aquino administration because of its mishandling of Mamasapano.
public clamor to abrogate the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed last year between the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and criticism that the administration has taken a policy of appeasement to toward the MILF. The survey results come as a warning to members of Congress facing reelection in 2016 against complicity in the administration’s “peace at all cost” or another “Munich sellout” approach in a deal with the MILF on the BBL. The members of Congress are being warned that hitching their political fortunes to the BBL bandwagon and an administration facing rising dissatisfaction is courting dire electoral backlash. ■
Powerful warning
The results deliver a powerful warning to the leadership and members of Congress as they grapple with draft legislation that would establish a new autonomous region for Muslims in Mindanao. The President is pushing for passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress amid increasing
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14
Philippine News
APRIL 3, 2015 FRIDAY
University of the Philippines team bags Oxford moot court top prize
Philippines eyeing more stringent flight safety measures
BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer
BY MIGUEL R. CAMUS Philippine Daily Inquirer
FOR THEIR expert arguments on an issue that hit close to home, a team of University of the Philippines (UP) scholars took the championship in an international moot court competition in the United Kingdom this week, winning the first championship ever for the Philippines. “The UP team was composed of veteran mooters deeply committed to the cause of human rights. Their incredible mastery of freedom of expression led to their victory in Oxford, which is a first for the country,” law professor Harry Roque, the team’s coach, said in a text message early yesterday. The team from the UP College of Law was declared the overall champion in the 2015 International Rounds of the 8th annual Price Media Law Moot Court Competition, held at Oxford University from March 24 to 27. Roque announced the victory on Facebook a little past midnight this past Friday, just moments after the Philippine team was declared the champion by unanimous decision.
THE PHILIPPINE air safety regulator is studying more stringent regulations on what goes on inside a commercial aircraft’s cockpit—in particular, that more than one crew member should be always present— after reports emerged that the captain of a Germanwings jet that crashed in the French Alps was locked out of the cabin. The incident, which killed 150 people onboard including the co-pilot who French authorities believed deliberately crashed the aircraft on the mountainside, has prompted some carriers around the world to require a second crew member to always be present in the cockpit. This will likewise be studied for Philippine carriers as well, said Rodante Joya, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines deputy director general. In an interview Friday, Joya said that flag carrier Philippine Airlines already has a policy of having a flight attendant stay in the cockpit should a pilot step out. Apart from PAL, Air Asia Philippines and Air Asia Zest implemented a similar policy last year. A Cebu Pacific spokesperson did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Double victory for UP
“It proves anew that UP Law is truly among the best law schools in the whole world. Its victory was a victory of the entire Filipino nation,” he told the INQUIRER. The win came just as the state university was celebrating another topnotch performance in the bar examinations, with four of its graduates figuring among the top 10 passers, the most number of any law school. The UP Law students in the winning team include Gil Anthony Aquino, Gemmo George Fernandez, Rachel Miranda, Raphael Pangalangan, Pip Chungalao and Pauline Gairanod. The latter was also adjudged Best Speaker. Miranda, a journalism graduate, was an INQUIRER scholar. Lawyer Macel Seno served as the assistant coach.
Members of the UP Law team after their win at the International moot court competition in the UK last week. LAW.UPD.EDU.PH
The team beat the Singapore Management University in the final round held at Oxford’s Rhodes House, winning the judges’ nod for their defense of hate speech legislation in the moot case. “They defended a legislation of a fictitious country that found a blogger civilly liable for advocating converting a minority religion by all means,” Roque said. “They also argued that the [Internet service provider] that did not remove a video that led to a riot injuring hundreds was civilly liable under a conditional liability regime [because] it had noticed but did not take down the video,” he said. The Philippine team took the trophy at the culmination of the four-day competition, where it also beat teams from the United States and the host country through several rounds. The team advanced to the international rounds after winning the Asian regionals held at Beijing’s Renmin University last year. About 100 universities took part in the competition, representing Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Lebanon, Serbia, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States. Crucial training ground
Moot court competitions,
where law students take part in simulated court proceedings, have long been recognized as a crucial training ground for law students, preparing them for real-world litigation. Founded and run by the Program in Comparative Media Law and Policy (PCMLP) at the University of Oxford since 2008, the Price Media Law Moot Court Competition aims to foster and cultivate interest in freedom of expression issues and the role of the media, and information technologies in societies around the world. It is named after Monroe E. Price, the professor who cofounded the PCMLP. The competition aims to “foster an interest in some of the most cuttingedge issues of our time: the role of new information technologies and free speech” by using “solid empirical research that is grounded in historical context and [based on] a dialogue between all those involved and affected,” said an earlier statement from UP announcing its participation in the competition. Apart from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the other sponsors were Ramon Ang; Atty. Bobby Lim; the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office; law firms Sycip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, and Villaraza & Angangco; NickelAsia; and Diwa party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
CAAP can mandate that this be done by all Philippine carriers, Joya said. The crash involving Germanwings, a low-cost carrier owned by Lufthansa, highlights how in-aircraft safety measures have evolved since the Sept. 11 attacks. Most are focused on protecting the cockpit from external threats—like the introduction of reinforced doors. Joya noted that they would also study a requirement for a “neuropsychiatric exam” for all initial pilot license applicants, as well as periodical tests after that. “The Philippine Air Force requires ... physical exam that includes neuropsychiatry tests,” Joya said. He also cited several instances in the past where air crashes abroad were deliberately initiated by members of the crew. “I agree for a thorough review in light of many incidents reported to be [initiated by the crew]. I offer that this should be international policy and, if ever, we will follow whatever initiative the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) promulgates on the matter,” Joya added. Some Philippine-based carriers said they have already established the necessary checks to ensure the safety of their aircraft. ■
In light of recent airplane disasters where a Germanwings flight crashed because the captain was locked out of the cabin, the Philippine air safety regulator is studying whether one more crew member should always be present inside there. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Philippine News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
15
US Pacific Fleet admiral says China is ‘creating a great wall of sand’ in South China Sea BY ROD MCGUIRK The Associated Press CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — China is “creating a great wall of sand” through land reclamation in the South China Sea, causing serious concerns about its territorial intentions, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said Tuesday. Admiral Harry Harris Jr. told a naval conference in Australia that competing territorial claims by several nations in the South China Sea are “increasing regional tensions and the potential for miscalculation.” “But what’s really drawing a lot of concern in the here and now is the unprecedented land reclamation currently being conducted by China,” he said. “China is building artificial land by pumping sand on to live coral reefs—some of them submerged—and paving over them with concrete. China has now created over 4 square kilometres (1.5 square miles) of artifi-
A Republic of China Navy Kang Ding-class (Lafayette-class) frigate with S-70C helicopter. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
cial landmass,” he said. Harris said the region is known for its beautiful natural islands, but “in sharp contrast, China is creating a great wall of sand with dredges and bulldozers over the course of months.” China claims virtually all of the South China Sea. The Phil-
ippines and other countries which have territorial disputes with China in the busy sea have been particularly concerned by the land reclamation projects, which have turned a number of previously submerged reefs in the Spratlys archipelago into artificial islands with buildings,
runways and wharves. The islands could be used for military and other facilities to bolster China’s territorial claims. Harris said the pace of China’s construction of artificial islands “raises serious questions about Chinese intentions.” He said the United States
continues to urge all claimants to conform to the 2002 ChinaASEAN Declaration of Conduct, in which the parties committed to “exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.” “How China proceeds will be a key indicator of whether the region is heading toward confrontation or co-operation,” he said. The U.S. says it has a national interest in the peaceful resolution of the disputes in a region crucial for world trade. China says its territorial claims have a historical basis and objects to what it considers U.S. meddling. Harris said the United States is on track to reposition 60 per cent of its navy to the Pacific Fleet by 2020. “By maintaining a capable and credible forward presence in the region, we’re able to improve our ability to maintain stability and security,” he said. “If any crisis does break out, we’re better positioned to quickly respond.” ■
MOSAIC Job Fair Attracts Record Number of Employers VANCOUVER — Approximately 12,000 fewer people are looking for work now compared to the same time last year in the Metro Vancouver and Southwest Region. The competition to recruit the best hires may be why MOSAIC’s upcoming job fair has attracted a record number of companies who are seeking candidates for job openings. The organization’s 4th Annual Job and Career Fair on April 14 will be one of the largest events of its kind in Vancouver with over 50 employers, and organizers are expecting to match or exceed last year’s
attendance, which saw over 3,500 job seekers turn out in hopes of finding work. MOSAIC, specialists in employment services for immigrants and lead operator of the Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Employment Services Centre, is uniquely qualified to attract a diverse range of candidates ranging from newcomers and immigrants, to citizens born in Canada. Companies who will be recruiting represent a gamut of industries and services, from hi-tech and business to healthcare, hospitality and retail. Organizations and cor-
porations at the fair include the City of Vancouver, ICBC, Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards and RBC. JW Research Ltd. participated in the 2014 MOSAIC Job Fair and hired 17 staff from that single event. The company is returning this year and Recruitment Manager Jenny Ferguson said JWR takes part in many career fairs. “It allows us to be part of the community and to meet more candidates in person. Our positions are not just based on experience, but culture, so the faceto-face interaction allows us to see people who might be
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missed otherwise. We also are able to hire a high volume of people as so many job seekers are attracted to this type of event.” Ferguson added that the MOSAIC Job Fair is popular with employers because of its size and choice of venue, but also because the candidates are “a mix of entry level, mid management and senior level, which is a great variety for employers with more than one opportunity open.” MOSAIC’s 4th Annual Job and Career Fair takes place 10am-4 pm, April 14, 2015 at Vancouver’s Croatian Cultural
Centre at 3250 Commercial Drive. A full list of participating employers can be found at mosaicbc.com. MOSAIC is a non-profit organization assisting newcomers in Canada with over 40 programs and 30 sites across Metro Vancouver, and is the largest immigrant serving organization provider of employment services in British Columbia.
Opinion
16
APRIL 3, 2015 FRIDAY
AS I SEE IT
Can the Philippines afford a ‘kamay na bakal’? By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer WHEN DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte first started delivering speeches outside his city in an obvious bid to test the waters for a possible run for the presidency next year, nobody gave him much chance to become a serious contender. But in a recent poll survey, he surprised everybody by placing third among the “presidentiables,” tying former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. Then his commercial showing the various ills hounding the Philippines—graft and corruption, rampant crime, proliferation of illegal drugs, poverty, squatting, etc.—swarming like flies over the country started appearing on television. In it an arm suddenly appears and swats the swarming flies. The arm is labeled “Duterte.” The arm is obviously a reference to Duterte’s “kamay na bakal,” or iron fist, that has admittedly kept crime down in his native Davao. And it is obviously because Filipinos are fed up with crime and graft and corruption that Duterte’s ranking in the surveys rose. To them, Duterte, judging from how he has disciplined his con-
stituents in Davao, is the last hope to whom we interviewed this weekend. ing for the top position although the completely stamp out crime and cor- Duterte is not like that. Beneath all campaign period is still far away. ruption that other presidents have the tough talk and scowling mien, Banayo confirms that the Davao not been able to eradicate. Duterte has a “heart of gold,” accord- mayor has yet to decide whether or It cannot be denied that Duterte ing to Banayo, if you can believe that. not to throw his hat into the presihas been able to make Davao the saf- Duterte is merciless on drug lords, dential ring. “Duterte is not driven est city in the Philippines. But critics Banayo said, yet he still gives them by ambition,” Banayo said. First, he say Davao is only 250,000 hectares, three warnings to reform or leave wants to make sure that he can proonly one city in the whole Philip- town before the executioners move in. vide solutions to the myriad probpine archipelago. Can Duterte repeat As to his perceived presidential lems that the nation faces. what he has done in Davao in the run, Duterte himself told a radioDuterte has been going around the whole country, they ask. television interview that he is not in country advocating a shift from the At the same time, highly centralized other critics are unitary system to a It cannot be denied that Duterte has been able to afraid of what will federal system simimake Davao the safest city in the Philippines . . . At the happen to human lar to those of other same time, other critics are afraid of what will happen to hurights if Duterte highly developed man rights if Duterte becomes president. becomes president. countries like the Criminals are known to have disap- the race for the presidency. He said it United States, Germany, Canada and peared in Davao City in Duterte’s would be unfair to the people for him neighboring Malaysia. He offers fedcampaign against crime. Some sus- to be president because at 69 years eralism as an alternative to the highly pect that the mayor has a secret “po- old, he would be too old to be presi- controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law lice” force that sends known crimi- dent. He probably does not know that that the Moro Islamic Liberation nals to eternal peace. That has made the leading presidential contender ac- Front wants for Muslim Mindanao. Davao a peaceful place, but what will cording to the latest survey, Vice PresThe Duterte camp admits, howhappen to human rights and due pro- ident Jejomar Binay, is 72 years old. ever, that federalism is a long-term cess, these critics ask. They voiced Duterte is clearly a reluctant con- solution that would require a confears that another Jovito Palparan tender, unlike Binay who openly de- stitutional amendment. It added may be let loose in our midst. clared his presidential ambition im- that Duterte would soon undergo Never fear, assured former Nation- mediately after he was proclaimed “immersion” programs to crystallize al Food Authority administrator Lito vice president in 2010 and spends solutions to the festering problems Banayo, Duterte’s major drumbeater most of his waking hours campaign- plaguing the country. Why would
someone who denies presidential ambitions in favor of remaining in Davao want to learn more about the economy, public finance, national security and other national issues? Action speaks louder than words. While Duterte is still reluctantly testing the presidential waters, his drumbeater is all optimistic for a presidential run for his client. Duterte’s bailiwick of Mindanao, he said, has 22 to 23 percent of the total voting population. And he would likely get the Visayan vote or, at least, the Cebuano-speaking bloc with vote-rich Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and even half of Leyte. It has been almost 60 years since Filipinos elected a president from the Visayas in the person of Bohol’s Carlos P. Garcia. This means that unless you are 79 years old and above, you have not cast a vote for a Visayan president, since under the constitution prevailing at the time, the minimum voting age was 21 years, and not the present 18. Duterte was born in Maasin, Leyte, of Cebuano parents. He just might receive a sentimental favorite-son vote from the Visayas and Mindanao, should he seriously pursue the presidency. That is according to his drumbeater. He can dream, can’t he? ■
PUBLIC LIVES
The MILF Report By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer I HAVE just finished reading the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s report on the Mamasapano incident. It is very short compared to the reports of the Philippine National Police board of inquiry and of the Senate. As expected, its account of the events does not diverge significantly from the narrative previously offered by MILF peace panel chief Mohagher Iqbal at the congressional hearings. In essence, it says that the Jan. 25 clash could have been avoided if the movement of the Special Action Force troops had been coordinated with the joint ceasefire committees on the ground in accordance with agreed protocols. It claims that the MILF leadership had no knowledge of the presence of Marwan and Basit Usman in their territory, and acknowledges with regret the failure of their own intelligence operations. The report adds little to what the public already knows, but reading it is still important. It shows how untenable the theory of a massacre is, and how the roles of the aggressor and the aggrieved could have easily changed had the number of casualties been reversed. The first few pages of the report
show the faces and the names of the and, according to the report, two of wounds associated with bullets MILF members who died during the MILF men immediately fell. fired at close range. I think the writers firefight. Seeing these photos for the If all the 300 or so SAF comman- of the report know that the public may first time, one is at once struck by the dos deployed for Oplan Exodus had not buy this explanation. realization that they, too, were very joined the 55th SAC to form a blockAnd so, they take up the case of young and had families of their own. ing force, they could have easily over- SAF commando Christopher Lalan, They were Filipinos who spoke Fili- whelmed the 105th MILF Command the lone survivor of the 55th SAC. We pino, who would have studied in the based in Tukanalipao. The outcome have hailed Lalan as a hero, especially same public schools as our children, would have been an unquestion- after hearing his account of his great and might have voted during our able massacre of villagers. The SAF escape. He said he managed to crawl elections. Many of them might have would have been hard-pressed to into the river and hide in the water as been ordinary peasants who tilled explain the unprovoked aggression his companions fought for their lives the land with their hands, and only as a misencounter. Had that been the in the nearby cornfield. The following part-time warriors. case, I wonder: Would we have felt day, he took off his uniform and reSeventeen of traced his way back them died in this to the main road. In Mamasapano, there were tragic miscalculations unfortunate enHe stumbled upon a by both sides. I think we should not further exacerbate this counter. The numgroup of MILF men tragedy by ascribing motives to actions that were undertakber could have been taking a midday nap en on an impulse under a fog of insecurity. 44, or even more. In in an abandoned which case, they would have had far the same moral indignation as we hut. According to him, he took the gun greater reason than the government have shown for the fallen SAF 44? of one and shot all of them dead. The to call it a massacre. They were, after There is nothing in the world that MILF report confirms the killing of all, in their own community. Awak- cannot be made to look good or bad by four men inside a makeshift hut used ened by gunfire before daybreak, the redescription. We need to keep that for prayer, adding that Lalan had also resident MILF men could not tell simple truth in mind if we are to avoid killed another person he encountered who the armed intruders were who the tyranny of words. In many ac- in the vast rice fields away from the had crept into their village in the counts of the incident, the word “mas- scene of the battle. How is one supnight, or what their intent was. Their sacre” has gained currency because posed to view these acts? first instinct was to mass in one place, there is evidence that many of the SAF The MILF concludes that these away from their homes where their troopers were shot at close range— killings were clearly not committed families were. For about an hour af- “finished off” as they lay wounded. in the context of an actual gunfight. ter they detected their shadows, they The MILF report denies this, claiming Four of the men were asleep at the eyed them closely in the gathering that the weapons used by both sides time; the other was an unarmed civillight. Then, the first shots were fired, were so powerful as to inflict the kind ian. “Massacre” may be too strong a
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word to use to describe these deeds, but surely there is nothing heroic in shooting anyone under these circumstances. Indeed, we only have the vaguest idea of what people who feel deeply threatened are capable of doing as they try to find their way through the fog of war. For this reason, we can forgive Lalan’s actions as those of a halfcrazed soldier who, after witnessing so much carnage in one day, began to think that every Moro he met was out to slaughter him. But, by the same token, can we not think of the Mamasapano incident as the unfortunate reaction of a community that, having seen too much war in a lifetime, had begun to think of every movement of government forces as an operation to annihilate the Moro people? Carl von Clausewitz, to whom we owe the concept, wrote: “War is the realm of uncertainty; three quarters of the factors on which action in war is based are wrapped in a fog of greater or lesser uncertainty.” One needs keen judgment to see through the fog. Alas, in Mamasapano, there were tragic miscalculations by both sides. I think we should not further exacerbate this tragedy by ascribing motives to actions that were undertaken on an impulse under a fog of insecurity. ■
Opinion
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
17
AT LARGE
Talking peace and gender By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer IN THE course of many years chairing or taking part in the negotiations with the government for an end to the Moro insurgency and the return to peace, Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front delegation in the peace talks, has had the hardest time dealing with his female counterparts. “I have faced five peace-negotiating chairpersons on the government side, including a former general, a diplomat, and a former Cabinet secretary. But I found the women most difficult to negotiate with,” said Iqbal, turning slightly to Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, who assumed the chairmanship of the Philippine government panel after UP Law Dean Marvic Leonen was appointed an associate justice of the Supreme Court. This should assure critics that Coronel-Ferrer and Ging Quintos Deles, the presidential adviser on the peace process, vigorously defended the interests of the government and the nation in the course of the peace talks. These same critics have accused the two women of having succumbed to the “Stockholm syndrome,” the phenomenon of hostages sympathizing with and taking the side of the
hostage-takers. Indeed, say those that they described as “anti-woman, degenerate to hitting her through the crying foul over the testimony of the [of ] chauvinistic mentality” directed sexual and intimate. This is a hatred two women at the Senate hearings on mainly against the two women peace of women, our bodies and our sexuthe Mamasapano killings (which also negotiators. ality masquerading as political comturned into a hearing into the draft Mary Ann Arnado, who says she is mentary.” She described the folk beBangsamoro Basic Law), the women “no big fan” of the government nego- hind the memes as “sexual harassers” have been acting more as “spokes- tiators, declares that she takes “per- and urged the National Bureau of persons” of the MILF rather than as sonal offense [at] the foul images” Investigation to look into and idenrepresentatives of the government. that make fun of the negotiators in tify the offenders. WOMEN’S role in In fact, says Coronel-Ferrer, Iqbal a “highly scandalous and sexually- society, especially in this fragile peand his panel members “quarreled perverted manner.” The memes, riod, was certainly a central topic in with us,” pushing vigorously for their she adds, reflect an anti-Muslim, the forum “Women Moving the Peace side while the government negotia- anti-peace attitude, and she lays the Process Forward.” tors pushed back just as energetically. blame for them squarely on Sen. Alan Chair Iqbal had a hard time extri“Still in the pot,” replies Coro- Peter Cayetano because “it was he cating himself from a rather sticky nel-Ferrer when situation when he asked to describe declared that he The memes are proof that ‘Philippine culture is sexist the status of the personally believed and … a whole lot of men out there think it’s okay to be sexupeace process in that women and ally violent to women.’ this period of conmen had “differtentious debates ent” roles to play in and attacks on the draft BBL. CER- who resorted to verbal attacks that society because women and men had TAINLY adding spice and heat to poisoned the minds of the public “different” attributes. the pot are what Coronel-Ferrer against these two women.” Young Moro women at the forum describes as “rude memes”—maFor her part, Sylvia Estrada-Clau- immediately contested the assernipulated images circulating dio, of the UP Center for Women’s tion, saying they themselves were through social media that mock Studies, says the memes are proof seeking to carve out new and differand ridicule her and Deles vis-à-vis that “Philippine culture is sexist and ent but relevant roles in their society Iqbal and the MILF. … a whole lot of men out there think and communities. Amina Rasul, the Indeed, so rude and offensive have it’s okay to be sexually violent to moving force behind the forum, atthe memes been that women leaders women.” tempted to come to Iqbal’s rescue, from the academe and civil society, Regardless of one’s own personal saying that through history Moro not normally what you would de- stance on Mamasapano and the BBL, communities have proven amenable scribe as part of the “Yellow Army,” wrote EstradaClaudio in an article, to supporting women in leadership have issued an appeal to the public to “I am incensed that whenever some roles, such as the greater number of stop viewing the malicious postings people disagree with a woman, they votes her mother managed to garner
in the latter’s run for senator in 1986, winning more votes than a male Muslim who is also a former senator. Indeed, many women, Muslim or not, are closely watching developments in the Bangsamoro, especially the fate of women and women’s initiatives under the Sharia law and within the Bangsamoro system. That, too is a legitimate concern that those debating the BBL should take into account. TWO women legislators present at the forum, including Rep. Susan Yap of Tarlac, who sits in the House committee on women and gender equality, stressed that many questions remain unresolved in the process of negotiating the passage of the BBL. It is now up to all parties involved in hammering out an acceptable form of the proposed law to arrive at common points of agreement, said the congresswoman. But such sober and enlightening discussions can take place only in an atmosphere of sobriety and frankness, without silly memes and name-calling getting in the way. After all, as Iqbal himself declared: “peace is more natural than war,” even if many parties seem to think that waging war and continuing the fighting—while insulting those who disagree with them—is more desirable than living in peace and amity. ■
GET REAL
Lee Kuan Yew and Jojo Binay By Solita Collas-Monsod Philippine Daily Inquirer VICE PRESIDENT Jojo Binay has seen fit to eulogize Lee Kuan Yew, calling him “the architect of modern Singapore,” a “dedicated public servant and well respected leader,” and saying that “the success of Singapore is but a testament to his decades of remarkable public service.” Nothing out of the ordinary in there. We do not doubt that Mr. Lee was all of that and more. He made a small island an industrial and commercial giant. Unfortunately, Mr. Binay went further in his eulogy. His praise of Mr. Lee was then used to praise himself: “His political will and pragmatic approach to governance was my inspiration in rebuilding Makati after the 1986 Edsa Revolution from a bankrupt municipality to the country’s premier city providing unparalleled social services to its constituents…” Now that has to be the most tasteless, and shameless, use of an iconic public figure’s death for one’s own political ends, in the hope that the
glitter from Mr. Lee’s stature will rub and civil service.” Does that describe the country’s business and financial off on him. It is a statement that also Makati City now? center even in 1986, Binay or no Bihappens to be inaccurate. Only conThen there are Mr. Binay’s claims nay. The skyscrapers, condominium sider: about Makati: buildings, hotels and shopping cen1. Mr. Lee’s governance, from all 1. I have not been able to access ters would have been built whoever accounts, was one that brooked no the Commission on Audit report on the mayor was. I do not recall anyone corruption at any level. The war on Makati for 1986, so I cannot report saying that the reason they chose corruption was waged very early in whether the municipality was bank- Makati was the Binay administrahis regime. Mr. Binay’s service as rupt in 1986. I can only say that May- tion. Their entry may even have been mayor of Makati was hounded by cor- or Nemesio Yabut was the predeces- in spite of him. ruption and corruption charges from sor of Mr. Binay, and his reputation 4. The Makati experience is being the beginning, which have lasted to was not of the best. used by Mr. Binay to woo voters. It this day. Where’s the “inspiration”? 2. In any case, we have to remem- goes like this: Vote for Binay, and he 2. Mr. Lee’s “dynastic” tendencies ber what it was like in the Philippines will make your cities, municipalities is a far cry from Mr. Binay’s. Mr. Lee’s in 1986, when Cory Aquino took over and barangays like Makati, with its reign as prime minown university and ister of Singapore hospital, etc. That Everything can be condensed into the following: Lee ended in 1990, and is obviously a falseKuan Yew made Singapore immensely rich, while Makati Goh Chok Tong (no hood. Makati’s revmade Mr. Binay immensely rich. That’s the difference. relation) succeeded enues—from 62,000 him. In 2004, Goh business enterwas succeeded by Mr. Lee’s son, Lee as president. The economy had col- prises—is not replicable anywhere. Hsien Loong. Mr. Binay has held lapsed earlier, in 1984, due to the in- Makati has benefited from econosway over Makati since 1986. His suc- ternational debt crisis—and its polity mies of agglomeration, which have cessors as mayor have been his wife had just been shaken up by the assas- nothing to do with Mr. Binay. and his son. Where’s the “inspira- sination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983. It 5. Are there “unparalleled” social tion”? was chaos all over, not just in Makati. services for its citizens? No ques3. Mr. Lee “forged a widely admired 3. But to say that Mr. Binay built tion about it. The seniors even get a system of meritocratic, corruption- up Makati to become the Philippines’ cake on their birthday, courtesy of free and highly efficient government premier city is a stretch. Makati was a favored baker. But that is because
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Makati can certainly afford it; it has the highest income of all cities in the Philippines. The question is not whether the citizens of Makati (and those from all over the Philippines that are being wooed by the Binays) are having these “unparalleled” social services, but whether they should have more, especially since the sharing of the revenues seems to be “one for them (the constituents), one (or two) for us.” Everything can be condensed into the following: Lee Kuan Yew made Singapore immensely rich, while Makati made Mr. Binay immensely rich. That’s the difference. And by the way, I thought the Binays did not want the Senate hearings, because these were supposedly usurping the powers of the Office of the Ombudsman and the courts? “Let the courts decide,” the Binays said. So why are they fighting the Ombudsman and the courts every inch of the way? When the judicial proceedings to ferret out the facts are delayed by legal maneuverings, how are the citizens going to make an informed decision? ■
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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Canada News
House of Commons votes 142-129 to extend, expand ISIL mission into Syria BY STEPHANIE LEVITZ The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Canadian fighter jets will soon be launching airstrikes in Syria now that the House of Commons has approved the federal government’s plan to expand and extend its military mission in Iraq. Federal MPs voted 142-129 Monday night in favour of a motion extending the mission for up to a full year and authorizing bombing runs in Syria against targets belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. “While the coalition has succeeded in stopping ISIL’s territorial spread, the global threat that ISIL poses remains,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement after the vote. “In particular, we cannot stand on the sidelines while ISIL continues to promote terrorism in Canada as well as against our allies and partners, nor can we allow ISIL to have a safe haven in Syria,” Harper said. The original mission deployed six CF-18 fighter jets, one CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refuelling aircraft, two CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft along with 600 aircrew and other personnel. Up to 69 special forces advisers will also remain in the region to advise and assist Kurdish peshmerga forces in their efforts to beat back the advance of ISIL militants. Neither the NDP nor the Liberals supported the original mission, nor its extension, arguing the government had not adequately made the case for going to war in the first place and in the six months since, haven’t been honest with Canadians about the mission’s true scope. The New Democrats had sought to amend the motion to remove Canadians from combat and refocus all the government’s efforts on humanitarian
A Canadian CF-18A from 409 Squadron, 4 Wing Cold Lake, releases a laser-guided bomb at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA, in December 2006. Federal MPs this week voted in favor of a motion extending the mission against ISIL for up to a year, as well as expanding the scope of the mission to include bombing runs in Syria against ISIL targets there. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
work. Their amendments failed to pass. On Tuesday, diplomats from around the world are set to meet in Kuwait to focus on collecting the billions the UN says it needs to ease the humanitarian crisis in Syria alone, where 200,000 people have been killed and millions displaced by the ongoing civil war under President Bashar Assad. The Conservatives say allowing Canadian fighter jets to bomb ISIL targets within Syria would not prop up Assad. Islamic State fighters are using the eastern part of that country as a base and cannot be allowed to do so, they argue. The government’s premise that those strikes are legal because they are in Canada’s selfdefence does not hold water, the opposition says — an argument supported by the fact no
other Western nation besides the U.S. is involved there. “This is a serious ethical problem for Canada. Dismissing it betrays the government’s lack of knowledge about a region that could suck Canada into decades of conflict,” said NDP Leader Tom Mulcair during the debate Monday. “The prime minister tells Canadians that we can either bomb Iraq and Syria, or sit on the sidelines. That’s a false choice.” Liberal MP Irwin Cotler, well-respected by all MPs on matters of international law and human rights, abstained from the vote in part because of the government’s Syrian approach, as he did this past fall. “I remain unable to support the government in this matter because its proposed expansion of Canada’s mission continues
to allow Assad to assault Syrian civilians with impunity,” he said in a statement. Former Liberal MP Scott Andrews, now sitting as an Independent following his expulsion from caucus over allegations of sexual harassment, broke ranks with his former party and voted with the Conservatives in favour. The extended timeline for the mission is in part so that a renewal wouldn’t come during this fall’s federal election. Should they form government, the NDP have said they’d immediately pull Canada out of the bombing campaign, and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has said he would do the same. The Liberals, would, however, increase the number of soldiers sent to train Iraqis to fight ISIL. But with no clear end goal for
the bombing mission, Trudeau said Monday, it’s not one his party can support. “Will our involvement in this mission end next March, or was the foreign affairs minister being more truthful when he explicitly compared this war to Afghanistan, saying that we are in this for the longer term,” Trudeau said. “We cannot allow rhetorical appeals to moral clarity to disguise the absence of a plan.” There was no obligation for Parliament to vote on the mission before it began, but the Harper government has made it a practice to hold a vote prior to military deployments. “We thank Canada for its continuing contribution to the anti-ISIL coalition,” said Bruce Heyman, the U.S. ambassador to Canada in a post to his Twitter account. ■
Canada News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
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B.C. judge dismisses sexual abuse Air Canada plane lawsuit against former Olympics CEO was airborne again after initial impact at Halifax airport BY TAMSYN BURGMANN The Canadian Press
VANCOUVER — The last of three sexual abuse lawsuits levelled against Olympics CEO John Furlong was dismissed Monday, nearly two years after his reputation was called into question and he was forced to retreat from the public spotlight. The ruling by a B.C. Supreme Court judge was ultimately decided when the plaintiff failed to appear for trial, a conclusion Furlong’s lawyer described as less than ideal. “(The plaintiff ) can put his hand up, say ‘Me too,’ and start a process that can sully a man’s reputation,” Bill Smart said. “And he doesn’t even have the satisfaction of being able to have (the man) come and back up his allegations.” Judge Elliott Myers also awarded unspecified special costs to Furlong, calling the plaintiff’s behaviour “egregious, reprehensible and worthy of rebuke.” The man claimed Furlong sexually abused him at a Roman Catholic school in northern B.C. in the late 1960s and 1970s. Outside court, Furlong said he was very pleased that the proceeding was over, adding he would make a statement Tuesday. “This was a very emotional day.” During a pre-trial conference on Friday, a judge refused the plaintiff’s request to participate in the proceedings by phone from Prince Rupert after he became belligerent and called Furlong rude names. He hung up as the judge was making her ruling. Last month, another judge threw out a separate sexual abuse claim by Grace West,
BY ALY THOMSON The Canadian Press
John Furlong, the former CEO of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
while Beverly Abraham dropped her lawsuit in December. Furlong had vehemently denied all the allegations, which surfaced in 2012 after a Vancouver-based weekly newspaper published an article saying he abused former students. Smart told court the man who accused Furlong of sexually abusing him 45 years ago made similar abuse allegations related to another school and received $138,000 in compensation. He read from an affidavit filed by the plaintiff in August 2005, saying another teacher sexually abused him, hit him with a strap and called him a “dirty little Indian.” After getting settlement money from that case, he falsely accused Furlong in hopes of benefiting financially again, Smart said. “All of it — clearly lies,” he said, showing documents that indicated the man did not attend the school where he said the other teacher abused him. The man claimed he was a nine-year-old student when Furlong isolated him in a small room at Immaculata Elementary in Burns Lake, B.C., and forced him into sex acts. The Canadian Press does not
identify alleged victims of sexual assault without their consent. Smart said the man has 35 of 53 criminal convictions for break and enter, fraud, theft, forgery and other crimes that demonstrate his “dishonest” nature. Smart played audio of several expletive-laced voicemails left at the law firm in January, when he threatened to bring photographs and a witness to media as evidence of his allegations against Furlong. Many of Furlong’s speaking engagements were cancelled because of the allegations, Smart said, adding his client declined to attend the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, fearing media attention on him would detract from the Canadian teams. Furlong has turned down job offers and his grandchildren have faced bullying and humiliation, court heard. “I have been deeply depressed for many months,” Furlong said in a statement read by his lawyer. “Aside from my family, there is nothing more important to me than trying to clear my name and re-establish my reputation and career.” ■
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HALIFAX — Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board spent Monday sifting through the debris of a plane crash in Halifax and documenting the site where the Air Canada flight touched down short of a runway before skidding to a stop, sending 25 people on board to hospital. But the safety agency has also used the accident to reinforce its calls for changes at Canadian airports to make approaches and landings safer. “This kind of approach and landing accident is very much something that we pay very close attention to,” said Mike Cunningham, the agency’s regional manager of air investigations. The board is in the early stages of its investigation into the crash of AC624 and it is highlighting the fact that approach-andlanding accidents have been on its watch list of issues that pose the greatest risk to the country’s transportation system. On Monday, investigators documented the site of Sunday’s crash, identifying the components of the wreckage from where it touched down about 335 metres short of the runway to where it stopped skidding. Cunningham said they have also had preliminary discussions with the flight crew and started interviewing passengers. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been sent to the board’s
engineering branch in Ottawa and will undergo a preliminary analysis, he added. Officials with the plane’s French manufacturer, Airbus, were scheduled to arrive Monday to help with the investigation and removal of the plane. Cunningham said when the plane touched down short of the runway it hit an antenna array, where the A320 Airbus lost its landing gear, and then slid another 335 metres down the runway on its belly before coming to a stop. The 133 passengers and five crew members all survived the crash, but 25 people were taken to hospital, where most were treated and released. In a statement released Monday evening, the safety board said the plane became airborne again after it first touched down, leaving an extensive debris field between the antenna and the start of the runway. “The initial impact was significant and caused substantial damage to the aircraft,” the board said. It said the next steps in its investigation include surveying, examining and photographing the wreckage site, removing the aircraft to restore normal operations at the airport, gathering meteorological reports and collecting operational information from the plane. In its 2014 watch list, the board repeated recommendations to improve runway standards, including lengthening runway end safety areas or installing engineering systems or ❱❱ PAGE 20 Air Canada
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FRIDAY
Air Canada... structures to safely stop planes that overrun runways. Cunningham said the crash displays some of the characteristics of approach-and-landing accidents on its watch list. “The most important factor is the actual approach itself and understanding why the aircraft touched down as short of the runway as it did,” he said in an interview. “But it’s linked to our watch list and the type of approach and landing excursion event that we pay particular attention to.” The board’s watch list fact sheet quotes from the Flight Safety Foundation’s 2013 report “Failure to Mitigate,” which says that 3.5 to 4 per cent of aircraft approaches are unstable before landing. Of these, 97 per cent are continued to a landing, with only three per cent resulting in a go-around where the pilot aborts, says the foundation, an international non-profit organization that gives independent expert safety guidance to the aviation and ❰❰ 19
aerospace industry. From 2009 to 2013, Canadian-registered aircraft were involved in an average of 150 approach-and-landing accidents every year, of which six per cent were runway overrun accidents, the board says. Many of those accidents involve small aircraft so they don’t generally draw as much attention. This issue of approach-andlanding accidents has been included on the board’s watch list since 2010. It says on its website that some progress has been made since then as some airports have improved runway surfaces and safety areas. Transport Canada declined an interview request to discuss the watch list. Larry Vance, a former safety board investigator, former pilot and now accident consultant, said the fact the flight hit the ground does not necessarily mean this was an unstable approach. “It could have been stable until it hit. There’s lots of things that could bring that airplane up short of the runway,” he
said in an interview, adding that it must first be determined whether the pilot was flying the plane manually, or whether it was on automatic flight. “It’s so complicated to try to put something together without the inside information.” The flight data and cockpit recorders will tell the tale, Vance said. “I’ve landed on that runway many, many, many times in the past,” he said. “There’s nothing inherently unsafe about it.” Halifax airport spokesman Peter Spurway said planes were landing on a secondary runway at the airport on Monday. The plane damaged some navigational aids on its way down that need repairing, but the airport can operate without them, he said. Spurway said passengers were waiting on the runway at the airport for up to 50 minutes following the crash in a snowstorm. “This does not happen often, and we should be grateful for that. At the same time, we do have 138 people who are
An Air Canada Airbus A320. A plane like that crash landed in Halifax last week. No one was killed, but 25 people were sent to hospital. Investigators are looking now at what happened to cause the plane to crash. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
walking away from an airplane crash. Yes, we can do a better job of anticipating this need, that is to remove people from a distant corner of the airfield,” said Spurway, adding that first responders were on the scene within 90 seconds. “We regret that for sure and we will, in our review, look at how we can respond more quickly.” A Halifax law firm says it will
file a class-action lawsuit this week over the crash after consulting multiple passengers and says it has identified a representative plaintiff. Jamie MacGillivray of MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law says the representative plaintiff travels frequently for work and is concerned about the stress his air travel might have on his family. ■
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Canada News
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Easter “Today, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all Christians in Canada and those around the world who are celebrating Easter. “The most important feast of the Christian year, Easter, also known as Pascha, is the culmination of Holy Week, when Christians mark Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the Cross and celebrate his resurrection on the third day. “For Christians, the celebration of Easter represents God's redemption of humanity and the triumph of life over death. "On behalf of our entire family, Laureen and I wish all those celebrating a very happy and joyful Easter.”
Temporary foreign workers facing deadline, consultant says situation serious THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SASKATOON — The clock is ticking for thousands of temporary foreign workers across the country as many will see their work permits expire April 1. It used to be they just had to re-apply but new rules require them to leave the country for at least four years before reapplying. Saskatoon-based immigration consultant Edward Ryan tells radio station CKOM there is an exception — if a worker has an application in to become a permanent resident, they’re spared from deportation. Ryan says he urged his clients to get their paperwork in order well ahead of the deadline, and they all managed to get it taken care of.
He also says the provincially run Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program gives temporary workers in the province an advantage when it comes to gaining permanent residency. He says Alberta, on the other hand, doesn’t have as generous a program or it isn’t quick enough to accommodate the deadlines. All told, the rule change is expected to affect as many as 70,000 people across the country. Ryan says it’s important to remember that all temporary workers who got their permits after 2011 will soon face the same issue. “The problem doesn’t disappear on April 1, 2015,” he says. “The people who came on April 1, 2012, are going to be hit by the same thing on April 1, 2016.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Easter
Faith On Display: Pampanga’s Good Friday BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MUCH LIKE the Man where he draws his strength from, Ruben Enaje is a sign maker and a carpenter. He has been crucified on a Friday afternoon. Every year since 1986. Most people in the small town of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga – and even neighboring towns and cities – know him as ‘Ben Cristo.’ Every Good Friday, Enaje fulfills his panata (religious vow) by volunteering to be nailed at the cross at Pampanga’s version of Golgotha.
The top of the hill site of the San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites.
RAMON F VELASQUEZ / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
More than faith
San Pedro Cutud is just one of the three towns in Pampanga where Jesus’ crucifixion is reenacted every year during Semana Santa (Holy Week). The other two locations are Santa Lucia and San Juan. According to San Pedro Cutud Barangay (Village) Chairman Zoilo Castro Jr., the local government receives a lot of applications from people who want to be crucified on Good Friday. With a selection process so tedious and strict, sometimes faith alone won’t cut it. In 2014, Enaje was nailed on a wooden cross together with nine other people. All of them had to fill out various forms and be of sound physical and psychological health before they were approved for crucifixion. They even had to sign a waiver to release the authorities of any responsibility should any untoward incident occur. “Yun ang patakaran natin dito
San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites in City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
para kahit anuman mangyari sa kanila ay wala naman tayong sagutin (That’s our policy here, so that whatever happens, we are not liable for anything),” said Castro in a Manila Bulletin interview last year. This year, foreigners are no longer allowed to participate in the crucifixion. This new policy stemmed after a foreign tourist participated in the event and used the footage in a pornographic video. ultimate
– times Enaje has been crucified, he portrayed Jesus Christ 15 times. This is his 16th year portraying the Savior of mankind. “Ala pang manalili kanaku (I don’t have a replacement yet),” Enaje said in an Inquirer interview in 2014. How does one prepare for such a huge role? The local authorities make sure key elements of the crucifixion are also ready before Friday – including sterilized nails. They also prepare for the
Out of the 28 – 29 this Friday
❱❱ PAGE 44 Faith on
Preparing sacrifice
for
the
BARRERA MARQUEZ / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
RAMON F VELASQUEZ / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Easter
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
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‘Salubong’ and Juan’s festive Easter celebration BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES is known for celebrating the Holy week as solemnly as possible. From the traditional Visita Iglesias, recollection activities and prayers during town and citywide processions to the “penitensya” where people make their own sacrifices by simply fasting or joining pilgrimage to something extreme as self-flagellation and crucifixion, what is common among Filipino traditions during this time of the year is to recount Christ’s passion with sincerity and solemnity. But, as there is always an exception to every rule, there is a day in the country’s most solemn week when people veer away from serious reminiscing to a more festive celebration. And that day falls on Easter Sunday—a day when Christ’s resurrection is celebrated. Easter Sunday is the most important festival in the Christian calendar and is regarded by most Christians as the heart of Christianity. In the Philippines, Christ’s resurrection is celebrated by going to the church and doing the traditional Easter egg hunting and the “Salubong,” a procession that retells the story of Jesus’ first meeting with Mary after the resurrection. Though the story has no biblical basis, most Filipino Christians believe that the tradition is deeply rooted from the Filipinos’ family values.
fortunate. Most Churches would also gather all street children to the feast and feed them after the dawn service. They are joined by church goers young and old; rich and poor. All take part in the joyous celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Easter Egg Hunt
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
rising of Christ to heaven. The Paschal Candle is then brought forward. The candle, which symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, is typically made of wax and is of sufficiently large size.
are, Christians believe that the Easter is also a day for spending time with family and giving away blessing to the less-
Salubong
On the Easter Sunday, Salubong is commonly celebrated by carrying imEaster Vigil ages of the resurrected Christ and Mater But before the beginning of the merry Dolorosa (Latin for Mother of Sorrows) Sunday activities, Christians start the from opposite sides. This is to create an Easter celebration in the evening of image of Mary and Christ’s reunion. Black Saturday by attending the Easter A little girl which represents an anvigil. gel is also one of the Like all vigils in the highlights of the celPhilippines, the Easebration. The little ter Vigil is a solemn girl lifts the black veil introduction to the from Mary’s face as a festivities the folEaster Sunday symbol of the end of lowing day. It has a is the most his mourning. format that is similar important The celebration, to the traditional forfestival in though common to mat of the mass but the Christian different places in is usually five times calendar and is the country, is faas many readings. regarded by mously celebrated This means that unmost Christians in Camarines Sur, like the usual mass, as the heart Cebu, Angono Rizal the Easter vigil lasts a of Christianity. and Pampanga. little longer. During the mass, Food Fest churches typically The best way to turn off all lights and end a long period of have the entire place fasting is through lit by candles. hosting a feast. This is also the period when a “blazing Most Churches would often host fire” (rogus ardens) is lighted outside breakfasts for churchgoers serving a the church for people to gather and ex- variety of Filipino food from the typical perience the flames. For Christians, the “lugaw,” “lomi” and anything with “saflames dispel darkness and light up the baw” or soap to as grand as “lechon.” No night—a symbolic way of welcoming the matter how simple the dishes prepared www.canadianinquirer.net
Western traditions are also in the country during Easter Sunday. One of the most popular Western traditions adopted in the Philippines is the Easter egg hunt where participants are asked to look for eggs hidden in corners of the room or outside the yard. Most Churches also included the hunt in their program. The hunt is conducted after the mass and children are asked to look for the Easter eggs hidden around the cathedral. Malls and hotels also hold Easter egg fairs with the same hunt mechanics. Some would also add other games using the Easter egg including activities like Egg design contest and many others. But amid the festivities, what makes the Easter celebration in the Philippines fun and meaningful is the fact that Filipinos celebrate it to cherish Christ as the source of light of the world and the strength of the nation. ■
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Easter
APRIL 3, 2015
FRIDAY
The Meaning of Easter BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer LIVING HE loved me. Dying He saved me. Buried He carried my sins far away. Rising He justified freely forever. The words from Casting Crown’s song ‘Glorious’ are more than appropriate for this time of the year as many of us remember the life, suffering and death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On a gloomy Friday afternoon, Jesus endured great suffering and then – mocked and wounded – nailed on the same wooden cross he carried on his back and dragged from the streets to a hill. A crown of thorns on his head. A sea of people as witnesses. Women beating their chests, weeping. Jesus was human then, He felt every lashing and every stone thrown at him. He endured all the pain to save us. The Son of God sent to Earth to suffer in our place, to pay for the penalty of our sins. But nothing – not even death – could contain Him. The story of salvation doesn’t end with death. Then on Sunday, three days after His death, Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, back home to His Father. Faith is a huge part of the lives of many Filipinos and this Holy Week, this writer decided to ask some friends and family what Easter Sunday means for them. Aina Tesorero, who works at a travel agency from Perth, Australia, shared the Casting Crown lyrics mentioned above, adding the rest of the lyrics, “One day He's coming. Oh glorious day!” Francis Colendrino shared the Lent he knew when he was younger.
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“It marks the start of summer basketball leagues,” Francis joked. “Also during lent, you can see a lot of people in resorts and beaches. This is lent that I grew up with.” Francis, now a licensed Engineer and a Bible School graduate, also shared the Lent he knows now. “It is a reminder for me that Jesus overcame death and is alive. Lenten season is no regular TV program season. You also get to watch re-enactments of Christ's death on the cross,” he shared. Robert Alejandro, an artist and one of the minds (and hearts) behind Papemelroti, also shared one of his fondest childhood memories about Easter and his dad. “The earliest memory I have of Easter Sunday was of egg hunts my parents would make for us siblings. I remember everyone finding eggs except me. I remember my dad looking at me and pointing where I could find eggs, he would point out the eggs with his eyes and mouth. I love him for that,” he joyfully recalled. For Entomology professor Soc Letana, Lent reminds him of three things in his life: “1) that my works are not sufficient nor worthy to cover my sin; 2) that God's will, grace, love and holiness is sovereign; and 3) that my hope is not in vain through Jesus' life overcoming the sting of death.” Nikos Mercado, an accounting clerk from Winnipeg, Manitoba, remembers how “God became poor so we humans may become rich.” He shared, “Para sa’kin (For me), Easter is all about the love and grace we have ❱❱ PAGE 34 The Meaning
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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER
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Seen & Scenes: Vancouver
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APRIL 3, 2015
FRIDAY
SUCCESS GALA S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation hosted its annual fundraising event, Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala, on Mar. 28 at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver. Co-Chairs, Doug Chiu, Jonathan Lai, Grant Lin and Linda Wong, welcomed back Bianca Wu, Hong Kong’s Queen of Jazz, for an encore performance as the headliner of this signature event.
LUZVIMIN BISAYA MEET & GREET Deputy Consul General Anton Mandap inducts three new board members of the LuzViMin Bisaya Association (Photo by Angelo Siglos).
PICPA Participants of the PICPA MS Level 3 Excel Workshop.
VANCOUVER CAR SHOW Highlights of the six-day Vancouver International Auto Show at the Vancouver Convention Center (Photos by Randy Ordinario).
Above: Board members of the LuzViMin Bisaya Association led by Beth Quan (5th from L) pose with Deputy Consul General Anton Mandap during the Meet and Greet event on Mar. 28 (Photo by Angelo Siglos).
WOMEN'S MONTH The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver marks Women’s Month with a film showing and a testimony by an accomplished woman leader from the FilCan community.
Right: Candidates for the LuzViMin 2015-2016 Calendar Girls (Photo by Angelo Siglos).
For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net. www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Seen & Scenes: Toronto
SALUTATIONS FOR NEW AMBASSADOR Newly-appointed Ambassador to Jordan Junever Mahilum-West received parting compliments and endless salutations from the Toronto Filipino-Canadian community as she prepares for her final leave-taking for Amman, Jordan.
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Community News
APRIL 3, 2015
FRIDAY
Tzu Chi Foundation seeks volunteers BRITISH COLUMBIA has the highest child poverty rate in Canada, with one in every five children falling below the poverty line. This is according to the 2013 Child Poverty Report, the latest data from Statistics Canada. To ease the dismal situation, Tzu Chi, also known as the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, has collaborated with school boards all over the Lower Mainland including Surrey, Maple Ridge, Burnaby, North Vancouver and Delta, providing various programs that have benefited over 20,000 children since 1994. Tzu Chi’s Blue Sky Project, for instance, assists children in need in building healthier and better-rounded personalities. “An increasing number of children in B.C. go to school with empty stomachs. Hunger greatly impairs children’s learning ability so we at Tzu Chi, are making the Breakfast Program our particular emphasis this year. We aim to feed hungry kids nutritious breakfasts, served by volunteers with care and love,” Tom Torng, Tzu Chi Canada director of PR said.
Other Programs
Torng said breakfast is the most important meal of the day. “Especially for children and teenagers, nutritious and a balanced diet is essential for their development and growth,” he added. Tzu Chi runs the Breakfast Program in several elemen-
tary and secondary schools in the Lower Mainland, and is expanding the program to more schools in need. In line with this, they are encouraging community involvement by recruiting volunteers to help with Breakfast Program. Besides volunteering, one
may donate $10 a month to provide nutritious vegetarian breakfasts to vulnerable students every school day morning. Menus are planned and food is purchased by school staff to ensure food safety and a well-balanced diet.
Tzu Chi volunteers are also active in programs such as family services, emergency disaster services, homeless services, school support programs, college scholarships, income tax reporting assistance, relief distributions, holiday care packs, free and low-cost medical clinics and outreaches, preventive health education, cancer support groups, character education curricula and community education classes. Tzu Chi’s provides disaster relief including delivering cash aid and emergency relief supplies directly into the hands of disaster survivors. Wherever disaster strikes, Tzu Chi is ready to provide relief to all, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, socio-economic status or religion. The guiding principles of Tzu Chi’s relief work are “gratitude, respect and love.” In 2013, Tzu Chi brought relief to the Philippines when it was hit by the deadly Typhoon Yolanda. It initiated cash-forwork programs in worst-hit villages, and installed prefabricated schools and houses for the displaced. - MM
Portal for Overseas PH Consulate in Vancouver Filipinos formed marks Women’s Month THE PHILIPPINE Consulate General in Toronto announced that the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is currently implementing a three-year e-governance project called “BaLinkBayan: The Overseas Filipinos’ One-Stop Online Portal for Diaspora Engagement”. It offers an integrated and unique platform for overseas
Filipinos to get involved in the development of the Philippines through investments, donations, volunteerism especially with the use of interactive maps. It likewise links them up with various government online services from the national government. For more information, visit the BaLinkBayan portal http:// www.balinkbayan.gov.ph/ ■
COMMUNITY LEADERS gathered at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver recently to mark the 2015 National Women’s Month celebration, with the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na! They joined the rest of the world in the observance of International Women’s Day. This year’s theme pays tribute to all the women leaders who continue to make their mark, effect positive changes, and inspire others. Consul General Neil Ferrer said these women’s key roles, accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making, are highlighted in order to influence as well as to encourage more women to participate in policymaking at all levels. “The celebration is a perfect time to drum up the call for Juanas to run for public office,” he added. www.canadianinquirer.net
Photo shows FilCan leader Lenore Lim, a pillar of the arts community, inspiring guests with her success story during the celebration of National Women’s Month at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver on Mar. 30.
The last quarter of 2015 is the period of filing of candidacy for 2016 elections. Ferrer said there are six women senators out of 24 senatorial seats in the 16th Congress, up by 100 percent, three to six women senators from the 15th Congress. Ferrer also noted that there are 79 women legislators out of 289 seats in the House of Represen-
tatives. A number of women figure prominently in the government of President Aquino. These include the secretaries of justice, social welfare and development and labor and employment, the chair of the Human Rights Commission, the presidential ❱❱ PAGE 44 PH Consulate
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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
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 by scanning the code with your smartphone or by visiting InFocus.canadianinquirer.net.
www.canadianinquirer.net
Seen & Scenes
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APRIL 3, 2015
FRIDAY
ALBERTA VISIT
Premier Jim Prentice (center) welcomes Ambassador Garcia (3rd from R) and party during the latter’s visit to Calgary.
Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia, together with four other heads of mission from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) based in Ottawa, recently met with the Premier Jim Prentice of Alberta at the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton.
Ambassador Garcia greets MP Terence Young at the Parliament in Ottawa on Mar. 25. Young is MP of Oakville, Ontario and counts a big number of Filipinos among his constituency.
Ambassador Petronila Garcia met with MP Jeff Watson, Parliament Secretary to the Minister of Transport at a round-table discussion on transport on Mar. 26. At the House of Commons, Ottawa.
OTTAWA VIPS OUTREACH TO CANADIAN STUDENTS Philippine booth at Algonquin College during the Celebration of Cultures event.
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Immigration
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
31
PANGARAP : SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS
So, Do You Have What It Takes to Make That Call? BY BOLET AREVALO COLD CALLING might not be for everybody. That is the truth. It takes certain attributes to be able to succeed in it. Many times, one of the easiest things to procrastinate about is something that is within your very reach. You sort of always say to yourself, "oh, that is easy to do, I can do that anytime! Oh, that should be so easy, the phone does not have a set of feet. It will stay right where it is." So, I can do my cold calling later. It is a very simple task but it takes somebody with specific attributes to be successful in it. One must be Focused, Organized, Patient, Persistent, Smart, and Humble. Focused. I am sure that, before you decided to come over to your new country, whether for reason of family or only yourself, you had many things going on in your mind as to the many possibilities that you could do once you are there. Probably, these are things you never had the chance to do while working full-time in your own country, or things you had started but never got around to finishing. But once you arrive, you will realize that there is really much, much more that you can delve into because the opportunities really just present themselves at your feet. You should be happy about this, of course. But it can also easily confuse you and make you lose focus. Suddenly you will not know what you want. You might want a lot and not know where to start or what step to take up first. In a task as simple as trying a job hunting technique like cold calling, it is equally important to be focused on where you want to start. Make up your mind on the area or industry where you want to search for a job. If you have just landed, this could possibly be the area or discipline where you worked before. If you used to work in a bank, then you might want to start with financial institutions. If you used to work as an insurance advisor, then the insurance industry will be your
first choice. Organized. Being organized is an attribute that we all of course need to possess in almost all aspects of our lives. We should be organized both in our heads and in action. They say, if your first job is “to job hunt,” then you should have an “office”. And when you have an office, you should have a corner with a telephone. So that takes care of the physical side of organization. You should also be organized as to your plan of action. Such a plan should have a neat list of companies that you have chosen to cold call. These companies should be so arranged as to which one you are most interested in. This way, if you get positive results in the first ones on the list, you may not need spend time going to the others in the list. Patient. The most difficult task is to do what we once thought was the easiest task, especially if it is too repetitive. We get easily irritated when what we thought was easy, turns out to be difficult after all. Or, we get impatient with ourselves if we cannot get through faster for something we thought we could do easily. Cold calling tests our patience—dialling, getting a busy signal, getting the wrong number, being on hold for so long, not getting through the right person, getting screened too tightly, being rejected altogether. But count your blessings, not your sorrows. At least you are only seated on a comfortable chair at home. At least you can continue re-dialling without your feet getting sore. At least you do not see the face of the person screening or rejecting you. At least there is no additional cost to you if you redial or move on to another number. Persistent. I believe only a person that is consistently persistent can get ahead of the others or maybe even ahead of their own timeline. When you do warm calling or cold calling, it is easy to fall prey to boredom and exasperation. Understandably, I do not know of anybody who derives pleasure in dialling or redialling, except maybe the call center agents who are paid well to do the job. Other than them, we only think of spend-
ing too much time on the phone as a waste. Perhaps the key is to reorient our thinking on that. Remember the parable of the persistent person who kept knocking at the judge’s door until the judge woke up to talk to him and ask what he wanted. If you are doing cold calling, think of it as a job that you are being paid to do, only the pay or the rewards will come much later. If the person on the other line is about to reject your call or put you through, persist to get the right person on the line. This is where the smart you should work. Smart. Not all brilliant people are smart. But smart people are certainly brilliant. I say that from the point of view that brilliance comes from the intellect. But the smart person can not only think well, but also can feel right about something. Being smart implies both social and emotional intelligence. It will take a smart person to outwit an efficient secretary or receptionist who refuses or cannot be easily persuaded to let you talk to somebody else in the company except herself, especially if she does not know you from a stranger. I do not want to use the word clever, but smartness and persistence put together will definitely give you headway and open up doors or communications for you. So it becomes all the more important to be very www.canadianinquirer.net
decisive on the companies that you really want to pursue because I do not think you want to waste those attributes on something you are not necessarily serious about. Then it may not be worth the effort. Humble. This is the hard part, I suppose. For me, it was. Although in my heart I knew that to be able to start all over again in many facets of my new life, humility would be the only attribute that could pull me through. When you come from a gorgeous life earning big money, it can be extremely difficult to even think that the money you brought with you will be gone soon. It may seem sooner, if you do not muster enough humility to admit that life is totally different now and money might not come so easy if you do not get a job. But the harder part of being humble is when you start getting instructions from people who cannot even complete a grammatical, error-free English sentence, or bossed around by someone who is a college dropout, or reprimanded by a fellow countryman for not mopping the floor well or not doing your door duty efficiently. But do not make the mistake of interchanging the word humble and the word stupid. The other school of thought is for you to learn to assert yourself given the right timing and circumstance. You at least owe that to your years of hard work
building your reputation and character. Humility in cold calling means that you address the other person on the line with due respect, regardless of position or rank they hold in the company you are contacting. Remember, you are the caller and you are the one who needs a favour. The telephone operator, front desk clerk, or receptionist will be key to your getting through. So it is inevitable that you treat them like they hold your dear life in the palm of their hands, literally, with that call. Treat them with respect and as an equal. Cold calling sounds so easy, anybody can do it. This is not necessarily so. It takes specific human attributes to jumpstart and sustain cold calling, being Focused, Organized, Patient, Persistent, Smart, and Humble. Never forget that in this technique, you are the caller and the one who needs help. Treat the other person on the line accordingly. ■ 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. Please check out https://www. amazon.com/author/boletarevalo
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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Entertainment
Zayn Malik says he was unhappy in One Direction but tried to keep going for the fans THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON—Zayn Malik says he worries that he’s let One Direction fans down by leaving the world-conquering boy band, but couldn’t carry on in a role that made him unhappy. Malik quit the group this week, saying he wanted “to be a normal 22-year-old.” He had earlier pulled out of One Direction’s world tour, citing stress. He told Friday’s edition of Britain’s Sun newspaper that “I did try to do something that I wasn’t happy doing for a while” to keep fans happy. “I only ever tried to do it for the fans, and it was only ever for them,” he said. He said he felt upset that “I may have let them down in some sort of way.” “It’s not that I’ve turned my back on them or anything, it’s just that I can’t do that anymore because it’s not real to me,” he said. And he said his bandmates had been “really supportive” of his decision. One Direction formed in 2010 after five teenagers— Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Malik—auditioned individually for the British TV talent show “The X Factor.” Simon Cowell had the idea of putting them together as a boy band.
Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo. PHOTO FROM MATTEO GUIDICELLI’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
Matteo emotional on Sarah’s birthday message BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
They didn’t win the competition, but they went on to top charts and win young hearts around the world. The four remaining members
say they will carry on as One Direction. “They still want to do it for a while,” Malik said. “I think they’re going to be cool.” ■
MANILA — Matteo Guidecelli was emotional on his girlfriend, Sarah Geronimo’s heart-felt message and performance during his birthday celebration in Makati on Thursday. Sarah serenaded the birthday boy with Ed Sheeran’s song, Thinking Out Loud. She later emotionally extended her birthday wishes for Matteo which made the actor cry. “I love you… Maraming salamat sa lahat ng pagmamahal mo (Thank you very much for all the love). You are now becoming a man and I am praying, lovie, that you will continue to seek God, that you will become
the man that God has planned you to become, okay? Okay? Okay? Ako man ang makatuluyan mo o hindi (Whether we end up together or not). Okay, Okay? I love you,” Sarah said. The couple then did a duet of John Legend’s song, All of Me. Matteo, then posted on Instagram: “I would like to say thank you to everyone that made my birthday extra special. Thank you everyone for the birthday greetings. It meant a lot. Thank you to all the friends and family that came to my celebration last night. I hope everyone had a great time! I’m blessed to have amazing, loving people around me. Thank you!! #25 #blessed #goodvibes,” Matteo said in his official Instagram account. ■
Entertainment
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
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YouTube bringing Jenna Marbles, VSauce, IISuperwomanII to Toronto for FanFest BY MICHAEL OLIVEIRA The Canadian Press TORONTO — Google is bringing its YouTube FanFest event to North America for the first time and has chosen Toronto as the host city. The one-day free event will take place on May 2 at the city’s downtown Yonge-Dundas Square and will include appearances by YouTube stars Jenna Marbles, VSauce’s Michael Stevens, Bethany Mota and Brampton, Ont.’s Lilly Singh, who goes by the name IISuperwomanII online. The Montreal-based fastfood gurus behind Epic Meal Time will host. Previously staged in Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore and Thailand, Toronto was chosen for the next FanFest to reflect the booming content-creation industry in the city, said Laura Lee, head of North American content partnerships for YouTube.
“Canada is a rock star country for YouTube because Canadians are always ahead of the curve. I like to say Canadians were two to three years ahead of the curve vis-a-vis the U.S. audience in terms of broadband adoption years ago, and (now) consumption of YouTube content,” Lee said. “Toronto’s a very unique creator base ... there’s a huge amount of top creators (there). Bringing FanFest to Toronto is a good signal to them that YouTube has noted that, Toronto and Canada are important to us and we’re going to continue to have a presence (there).” Google says Canadians are the third most prolific uploaders to YouTube in the world. According to data compiled last September by measurement firm comScore, Canadians were watching more than two billion videos on YouTube each month. In a separate online poll conducted for Google, 33 per cent of the 2,253 Canadian respon-
YouTube personality Jenna Marbles (Jenna N. Mourey) will join with other famous YouTubers in Toronto this coming May for the first YouTube FanFest held in North America. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
dents said they had sought out
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music-related
online
video
content in the past week, 29 per cent watched comedy videos, 18 per cent watched TV shows, 16 per cent streamed movies and 15 per cent watched sports content. Most respondents said they typically watched online video alone. Even though 46 per cent said they had recently watched online video streams in their living room, seven in 10 said they did so solo. About 14 per cent said they watched online video with another person and seven per cent said they watched some streaming content with two other people. “I don’t view that as a dystopian kind of (future, like), ‘Oh, no, everyone’s solitary and there’s a lot of consumption but no one’s talking,’” said Lee. “I think the more interesting (thing) ... is what are people doing after that. Are they remaining in their own little private island or are they interacting? My hunch is probably a lot of them are interacting.” ■
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Entertainment
APRIL 3, 2015 FRIDAY
BBC decides not Judicial pretrial to renew Jeremy for Ghomeshi sex assault Clarkson’s contract case to continue on April 28 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON — The BBC says it has decided not to renew the contract of “Top Gear” host Jeremy Clarkson after a fracas with his producer. BBC Director-General Tony Hall said in a statement Wednesday that he decided to publish the findings that Clarkson physically and verbally attacked a producer for the program. The investigation found that the producer had to
go to a hospital after the incident. Hall says that he knows how popular the program is “and I also know that this decision will divide opinion,” but that a line had been crossed in the case of Clarkson’s often controversial behavior. Last year, Argentina’s ambassador demanded an apology from the BBC after the “Top Gear” crew allegedly referenced the country’s 1982 war with Britain over the Falkland Islands. ■
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS TORONTO — The sexual assault case involving disgraced former broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi will next be in court at the end of April. In a brief appearance at a Toronto courtroom Friday, Ghomeshi’s lawyer said she and a Crown prosecutor had met before a judge earlier in the day for a judicial pretrial.
Marie Henein asked that the “ongoing” proceeding be scheduled to resume on April 28. Ghomeshi, the former host of CBC Radio’s cultural affairs show “Q,” was not present in court. He faces seven counts of sexual assault and one of overcoming resistance by choking. Ghomeshi has admitted engaging in rough sex but said it was consensual.
Henein did not talk to a crowd of reporters as she left the courthouse, but she has said in the past that Ghomeshi will plead not guilty to all charges. CBC fired Ghomeshi, 47, in October after executives saw what they described as graphic evidence that he had physically injured a woman. The alleged assaults for which he is charged occurred between 2002 and 2008.
The Meaning... in Jesus. [That] Jesus, important that Christmas. to give us life; rose to give us even though He is [It's a reminder of ] how Christ hope.” God – mighty and rich died and redeemed us. It is the Freelance writer Carol Debeyond measure – was will- perfect time to give thanks los Santos said that she doesn’t ing to come down to Earth as a and let others know that they ‘celebrate’ Easter just like the weak and poor human (prone to have been broken, but now re- rest of the world does. hunger, sickness, Carol extemptation, plains, “For me, pain, sorrow, it's (Easter) an etc.) so He can everyday realsuffer and die ity – Jesus came and take the penin the flesh to alty for our sins… Easter should be more important that show me how to Even though He Christmas. [It's a reminder of ] how live victoriously is God, He served Christ died and redeemed us. and live a life like a servant, all of meaning and because He loved purpose. His vicus.” tory over death Karis Diaz, a and the grave proud single paris the culminaent and a voluntion of the many teer church worker, believes deemed and renewed by our Je- victories He has demonstrated that Easter should be even sus Christ,” Karis said. through His life – victory over more important than ChristJR Adriano, keeping it short sin, sicknesses, despair, etc.” mas. and sweet, responded, “Jesus, She adds, “It is a victory that “As a Christian, I was taught historically verifiable in the could be ours if we surrender that it (Easter) should be more space-time continuum: died our hearts to Him.” ■ ❰❰ 24
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson (center) at the funeral service for Margaret Thatcher in 2013. GEORG SCHMIDT / SHUTTERSTOCK
Gerald denies rumored break-up with Maja BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Actor Gerald Anderson recently denied issues that he broke-up with Actress girlfriend, Maja Salvador. Anderson said in interview that they are still together, and
even getting stronger. He added that he and Salvador are already used to such kind of controversies. Anderson made the statement following his rumored break-up with Maja because his mother does not approve of Salvador. Anderson, however, denied
the issue and claimed that Salvador and his mom were “very okay.” “They’re very okay. In fairness naman po kay Maja, she really made an effort also,” Anderson said in an interview for ABS-CBN’s late night talk show, “Aquino & Abunda Tonight.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
PHOTO FROM RUFFYBIAZON.PH
Entertainment
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Bimby reveals mother talking to Mayor Herbert Bautista
Daniel Padilla rips ‘Global Slime Star’ award
BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — TV Host Kris Aquino’s son reveals that his mother and Mayor Herbert Bautista is still in communication. Bimby revealed during his mother’s taping last March 17 that the last call received by Kris was from Mayor Herbert. The said revelation was also aired on Kris’ morning talk show in ABS-CBN. The revelation was following the reported break-up of the couples’ relationship which Kris claimed to have almost reached marriage. Aquino confirmed that she was dating Bautista but admitted later that their relationship didn’t work out. Last year, Aquino also said in a statement that she wants Bautista to remain a part of her life. “I want him to remain a
35
BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer
PHOTO COURTESY OF KRIS AQUINO’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
part of my life, I want us to be friends until our dying day and the reason I’m able to say that is
because tanggap siya ni Bimby,” Aquino said in her show, “Aquino & Abunda Tonight”. ■
MANILA – Nickelodeon named teen star Daniel Padilla as its Global Slime Star awardee. Padilla is the first and only Filipino young star to be named the Global Slime Star awardee. The young actor was also nominated in the 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards under the Favorite Asian Act category alongside JKT48 (Indonesia), Jinnyboy (Malaysia), and Tosh Zhang (Singapore). He was also recently named as the Favorite Male Artist during the 2015 MYX Music Awards while his song “Simpleng Tulad Mo,” also garnered the Favorite Song award. The Global Slime
award is traditionally given for Nickelodeon’s annual Kids Choice Awards. The awarding will be held in Los Angeles California in March 28. ■
HOROSCOPE ARIES
CANCER
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)
(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)
(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)
(DEC 22 - JAN 19)
Remember that whatever people will tell you, you still hold the key for change, so change for the better. Do not be moved by the negative notes you’ll be hearing in the coming days. Take their words as a challenge to improve on your work and your personality.
Meeting new friends will work better this week. Go out and socialize with new people. This will help you build the kind of confidence you need in your work. It will also help expand your networks— something you really need to work on.
SCORPIO
TAURUS
LEO
(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)
(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)
It’s time to socialize, Taurus! Meeting new friends will work better this week. Go out and socialize with new people. This will help you build the kind of confidence you need in your work. It will also help expand your networks—something you really need to work on.
Too much emotion has been hampering your ability to make the right choices. This week, your days will be extra lucky if you try to look at things rationally and deal with major decisions using logic and sound reason.
(OCT 23 - NOV 21)
Do not be moved by the negative notes you’ll be hearing from your family, friends and workmates in the coming days. Take their words as a challenge to improve on your work and your personality. Remember that whatever they say, change for the better.
Do not deprive yourself of the chance to grow. You may not know it but you have been missing greater opportunities because of hanging on to something very unproductive. Now is the best time to open your eyes. Don’t let that best chance step out of your doorstep.
GEMINI
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)
(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)
(NOV 22 - DEC 21)
The stars want you to re-assess your goals and priorities. You have been running in a maze-like direction in the past months and now is your chance to turn the arrow to the right corner. The best map is inside you. Ask yourself what you really want to do, set your goals and align your directions to those goals.
AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18) You will be experiencing time management problems in the coming days. Watch out for heavier deadlines and more demanding tasks and schedules both in the professional and personal aspect of your life. Avoid these problems: prioritize what’s on the top list.
PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20)
You are your own voice. Your friends may try to influence your decision, but keep in mind that you are the writer of your own story. Your family and friends may have a say on the kind of chapter you’ll build, though no one else but you holds the pen, so write it right!
The absence of patience will create conflict in the coming days. Make sure to load up your sleeve with enough understanding and open-mind to avoid any unnecessary confrontations. Your lucky days will begin with extra tolerance!
Going out and spending time with friends will be a nice way to take a break on the loads of work in the past weeks. You will be given a chance to meet new faces this week, so go ahead and do not hesitate to welcome them in your circle of friends!
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There might be future financial concerns that may need your skill in budgeting your funds and resources. Avoid spending money for things that you really don’t need this week. Start preparing today.
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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Lifestyle
Useful Tips for a Successful Home Improvement Project BY JOANN ZULUETA Philippine Canadian Inquirer SPRING IS here! Like everyone else, we eagerly waited for its warmth and the flurry of exciting activities that comes with it. For the Do-It-Yourself people, this is the opportunity to roll up sleeves and get started on home improvement and construction projects. Here are some tips that can help your projects be more successful. Plan Your Project.
From the start, be clear on the goals and what you want to achieve. Delineate the scope of work. Start off by defining the space, and calculate the area to come up with the square footage. Next is to assess the physical condition of the area. Based on this assessment, make a list of the work you intend to do. Let’s say the project is basement improvement. Check if there are existing drawings. If not, then verify the area by measuring the distances. This process will help you calculate the square footage. Next is to evaluate the condition of the basement. If it’s an unfinished basement, then definitely there is a lot of work that can be done. The scope of work should be measurable, defined, tangible and it should be within your capabilities to perform. Do not take on more than you can do. Follow a Budget.
On any project, the cost is the driving factor of what can ac-
tually be executed. Be realistic with the cost. Most people underestimate the cost right from the beginning. Do not lowball your expenditures. So what are the costs? Compute for material and labor and add 10-15% for contingency. Other expenses can be: permits, inspections, drawings, interests from financing, deliveries, delays, special items, etc. If you do not follow your own projected budget, then there is an increased risk of an incomplete project. Avoid the mistake of having to dig deeper into your pocket to finish. Either way, this error is going to hurt your wallet. The project is an investment in your property. If done properly and on time, the costs spent for the improvement should increase the real estate value of the property. Timeline.
How long will it take you from start to end to complete the project? This is another critical factor towards success. If you are working on the project on your own, then the execution of even a small improvement i.e. floor upgrades, painting a room- can take at the very least 2-3 months. Use of custom made or special order items will have an impact on your schedule. The weather can also predetermine timelines. If you are doing exterior work, then there is a narrow window of opportunity to work outside. Ideally, exterior work can be done from spring to fall. If the project requires permits, the permitting
process itself, depending on the jurisdiction, will have a bearing on the schedules. Avoid delays, as any delay will cost not only time but money as well. Check for Permits.
Contact your jurisdiction or city for the requirements on permits. If the work is not permitted, then there is the possibility of penalties. As a homeowner, you cannot declare the improvements done in your house. These improvements will not be legitimate and will not contribute towards increasing the real estate value of your property. The permitting process itself depending on the project can be relatively easy. Major improvements i.e. additions can have more intensive requirements. For most places, there are 2 types of permits - the development permit and the building permit. Development permits involve exterior changes, increase in building area, height or density, parking issues, and zoning. The process for development permits can be tedious, and it can be complicated when taking into account the effects of your project on your neighbors. My best advice is to be friendly with your neighbors. You never know what comes out of the woodwork. The other type of permit is the building permit. The building permit focuses on building codes, constructability, and public safety. The building code is a regulation in place intended to protect the public. Some examples of the minimum code
requirements are indicated in: the dimensions for height of railings, doors, stairs, exits, fire rating, exposure of windows, etc. Application of permits usually requires a set of drawings (preferably professionally drawn) and payment of fees. Seek Professional help.
Recognize that there are things beyond your capabilities. It might be best to engage a designer to prepare your drawings so that these are done properly and quickly. As to contracting out construction work, the benefit of hiring good contractors is an assurance of the quality of work and a warranty. A basic rule for hiring - there should always be a written agreement signed by both parties (owner and contractor). This agreement should clearly spell out the scope of services, the timeline, and the fees.
Be Creative, Have a Vision.
Close your eyes and visualize what the space is going to be. Beyond anything, this image is your motivation. Remember this image while you are trudging along the headaches and troubles. Imagine walking into this spectacular space, using it, and showing it off to your family and friends. This way, when all is said and done, you can congratulate yourself that you have made it through the challenging journey of construction. It will be all worth it in the end. ■ Joann Zulueta is the Principal Architect of Zulueta Architecture based in Calgary, Alberta. She is a registered architect and LEED accredited professional specializing in industrial and commercial projects.
Lifestyle
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
37
Don’t use weight loss drugs, surgery in young children, family docs told BY HELEN BRANSWELL The Canadian Press TORONTO — Family doctors should monitor the growth of children and teens in their care, new expert advice on treating children and teens who are overweight or obese suggests. But the recommendations discourage family doctors from prescribing weight loss drugs to young children and they say these doctors should not routinely refer children for weight loss surgeries. In essence, the guidance says doctors should be keeping an eye on their young patients’ growth, and could recommend specialized healthy weight programs that involve dietitians, psychologists and other medical professionals for children and teens who are overweight or obese. But it suggests that prescribing weight loss drugs or surgeries should not be a routine part of primary care and should generally be left to specialists. The guidance is from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, a federal government-appointed group that periodically assesses medical evidence on health issues and advises primary-care doctors on how to deal with them. The guidelines, the first in 20 years on this subject, are
published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Earlier this year the task force published guidance for managing weight problems among adult patients. It too recommended that primarycare doctors weigh their patients and calculate a patients’ body mass index, or BMI. The task force says doctors should weigh and measure the height — or length, in the case of children who are not yet standing — of the children and teens in their care. That data should be compared to standardized growth charts to see how children are developing vis-a-vis their peers, says Dr. Patricia Parkin, who chaired the working group that developed the guidelines. The task force says there isn’t enough evidence to recommend that doctors offer normal weight patients access to healthy lifestyles programs as a means of preventing obesity, though Parkin says there may be individual cases where a doctor or a family might decide doing so makes sense. These programs could be offered to children and teens who are overweight or obese — as long as their benefits are not oversold. “We need to be cautious about the expectations around what improvements the fam-
Family physicians monitor the health and growth of teens in their care, but instead of prescribing weight loss drugs or surgery to deal with obesity, they should instead recommend specialized healthy weight management programs involving dietitians, psychologists, and other medical professionals. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
ily might expect,” says Parkin, a pediatrician and researcher at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Guidelines like these, which
are designed to be based on the highest quality scientific evidence, underscores the key problem in weight loss and weight control. While the need
is great, there are no obvious, time-tested solutions to the burgeoning problem of obesity in this age group. “Unfortunately the evidence base of successful, long-term interventions to prevent or treat childhood obesity is both inadequate and unclear,” says Mark Tremblay, a leader in the field of childhood obesity research. Tremblay is director of the healthy active living and obesity research program at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s Research Institute in Ottawa. “(It’s) a complex problem that requires solutions that are multi-sectoral,” says Dr. Catherine Birken, a pediatrician and obesity researcher who works with the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program, known as STOMP. The program, one of several operating in Ontario, is run through the Hospital for Sick Children. “It can’t just be the doctors. It has to be a ... team. It has to involve mental health. It has to engage families. ... It has to be accessible to people.” An editorial published by the journal argues schools too must play a role, by making physical education mandatory all the way through school, selling healthier foods and drinks in cafeterias and fostering a positive attitude toward physical activity. ■
Angelina effect: Will Jolie’s surgery to prevent ovarian cancer inspire others? BY SHERYL UBELACKER The Canadian Press TORONTO — When Angelina Jolie revealed two years ago that she’d had a double mastectomy to prevent hereditary breast cancer, there was a huge jump in the number of women seeking testing for the genetic mutation that put the actress at risk. With Jolie’s announcement last week that she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to prevent ovarian
cancer related to the BRCA genetic mutation, some experts suggested the so-called “Angelina effect” may again spur more women to investigate their own risk for ovarian cancer — especially those who know they carry the faulty gene. Jolie, 39, learned two years ago that she carries a defective BRCA1 gene, which significantly elevates the risk for both breast and ovarian cancer. Her mother died of ovarian cancer and her maternal grandmother also had the disease. BRCA1 and BRCA2 muta-
tions — BRCA stands for breast cancer susceptibility gene — are most commonly found in women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, although some northern European populations also have a higher risk of inheriting one of the mutated genes. Carriers are about five times more likely to get breast cancer. In a New York Times op-ed article, Jolie said that having the genetic anomaly does not mean an automatic “leap to surgery” — other medical options ❱❱ PAGE 44 Angelina effect
www.canadianinquirer.net
Angelina Jolie has recently announced that she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to prevent ovarian cancer thanks to a family history of the disease. Experts suggested that the move may prompt other women who have a similar condition to Angelina to opt for the same surgery. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
38
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Business
Future Shop closure illustrates challenges facing Canadian retailers BY ALEXANDRA POSADZKI The Canadian Press TORONTO — The sudden closure of Future Shop electronics stores demonstrates the evolution taking place in the Canadian retail space amid increased competition from online shopping, analysts say. And in order to survive, retailers will need to create engaging shopping experiences that lure customers into stores by providing something that can’t be found online, said Bruce Winder, a senior adviser with retail advisory firm J.C. Williams Group. “Retail is really undergoing a revolution right now,” he said. “It’s changing really quickly in very large ways.” Best Buy, the U.S. company that bought Future Shop in 2001, announced on Saturday that it was closing 66 Future Shop locations and rebranding the remaining 65 as Best Buy stores. Future Shop is the latest casualty in an increasingly sparse Canadian retail landscape. Target is in the process of shutting all 133 of its Canadian stores. Clothing retailers Mexx and Jacob are also vacating outlets, and Sony announced plans in January to close all 14 of its Canadian locations. Experts say heightened competition from online retailers such as Amazon and eBay is making for a challenging retail environment. Mark Satov, a retail analyst with Satov Consultants, said re-
The sudden closure of Future Shop electronics stores across Canada that put hundreds of people out of work signals a change in the way consumers shop for their electronics today. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
tailers need to give customers a reason to go to a store. That could be advice from knowledgeable sales associates, who can help you determine which surround sound system would be best suited for your home — something that electronics stores like Best Buy do particularly well, Satov says. The challenges are particularly dire in the electronics category. Winder says roughly a third of Canadians go online to purchase electronics. Meanwhile, a growing number of shoppers go to stores to view
the merchandise, then purchase the items online for a lower price. The move of Canadians to urban centres is also transforming the retail scene, creating challenges for destination big-box shopping centres in the suburbs. Many of those malls could struggle to fill vacant Future Shop and Target stores, Winder said. “You’re going to see a number of the malls outside of the cities start to be challenged to fill space,” Winder said. “Folks are buying more on-
line. People are moving in to the cities more.” Shopping centres in dense, urban centres are likely to fare better, as many condo dwellers view shopping as a fun, social activity that gives them an excuse to leave their shoe boxsized homes for a few hours. In order to thrive, retailers will need to take advantage of mobile technology, Winder said. “Eventually consumers will walk into a store and if they’ve opted in, there will be beacon technology that recognizes
EXCHANGE RATES
that consumer’s in the store via their smartphone or tablet and retailers may send a coupon to them while they’re in the store to get a discount, or may invite them to purchase something that is complementary to something they purchased last week,” Winder said. “Where it’s leading is more of a one-to-one relationship between companies and consumers where companies serve up specific offers, products, assortments and pricing to individual consumers based on their preferences.” ■
As of April 1, 2015, from finance.yahoo.com PRICE
CHANGE
% CHANGE
CND / USD
1.2679
-0.0002
-0.0158%
CND / PHP
35.2567
-0.0698
-0.1977%
CND / EUR
1.3613
-0.0114
-0.8272%
Business
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
39
Google unveils cheapest Chromebooks yet as Microsoft slashes price on Surface Pro 3 tablet BY ALEXANDRA POSADZKI The Canadian Press
the Chromebooks as a prod to bring down the prices of all PCs, something the company wanted to do because it has more opportunities to show the digital ads that bring in most of its revenue when more people can afford to buy an Internetconnected device. “We cannot be happier that Microsoft is helping drive down the prices of PCs,” said Caesar Sengupta, Google’s vice-president of product management for Chromebooks. “If Microsoft is reacting to (Chromebook’s low prices), that’s fantastic. We love it.” Unlike most computers, Chromebooks don’t have a hard drive. Instead, they function as terminals dependent on an Internet connection to get most work done. Despite those limitations, Chromebooks have been steadily gaining in popularity, particularly in schools, as more
In the summer, Asus and Google will start selling a new Chrome device that will provide people a cheaper way to upgrade an old PC. The device, called the Chromebit, is a stick loaded with an entire operating system that can be plugged into any HDMI port. The Chromebit’s price hasn’t been set, Google says it will cost less than $100. Here’s what you need to know about the cheaper Surface Pro 3 and new Chromebooks:
SAN FRANCISCO — Google is releasing its cheapest Chromebook laptops yet, two versions priced at $149 aimed at undercutting Microsoft’s Windows franchise and gaining ground in even more classrooms. Various PC manufacturers have been working with Google to design lightweight laptops running on the Chrome operating system since 2011. The newest versions are made by Pros and cons of the Surface Hisense and Haier. Hisense’s Graphic artists, engineers Chromebook can be ordered and finance professionals needbeginning Tuesday at Walmart. ing to run complex software com and Haier’s version can be might still want the company’s bought at Amazon.com. higher-end Pro 3, said Dennis Their arrival coincides with Meinhardt, director of program Microsoft’s rollout of a lowermanagement for Surface. But priced Surface tablet in an the Surface 3 should be good effort to reach students and for everyday tasks, he said, and budget-conscious families. brings the Pro 3’s premium Pre-orders for that device befeel to a device that will be afgan Tuesday, fordable to more too. people. As the prices The new Surfor tablets and face model is smartphones We cannot be happier that Microsoft thinner and have been deis helping drive down the prices lighter, partly clining, it has of PC. because it gets forced on PC rid of the fan — makers to lower similar to Aptheir prices, said ple’s new MacInternational Book laptop. At Data Corp. analyst Jay Chou. applications and services made 214 pixels per inch, the screen The success of the Chromebook available over Internet connec- resolution is comparable to the line is intensifying the PC pric- tions — a phenomenon known Pro 3’s. ing pressure. as “cloud computing” that Battery life is promised at 10 “It has been good news for has reduced the need for hard hours for video playback. The consumers, but not so good for drives. Surface 3 runs the regular vervendors,” Chou said. About 6 million Chrome- sion of Windows 8.1, just like The cheaper version of the books were sold worldwide last the Pro 3. In the past, Microsoft Surface Pro 3 sells for $499, year, more than doubling from has used a lightweight version compared with $799 to $1,949 2.7 million in 2013, according called RT in its cheaper tablets. for the higher-end models. The to IDC. In contrast, sales in the The Surface 3 also has a USB discounted version has a slight- overall PC market slipped 2 port, a feature that distinguishly smaller screen — 10.8 inches per cent last year, marking the es the Surface line from most rather than 12 — a slower pro- third consecutive annual de- rival tablets. cessor, and less flexible kick- cline. IDC is projecting 8 milstand — just three angles rather lion Chromebooks will be sold Sizing up the Chromebooks than unlimited positions. this year. Both the Hisense and Haier The Chromebook has served Besides the $149 laptops, models have 11.6 inch screens, 2 a dual purpose for Google. Like Google also is attacking Micro- gigabits of memory and run on the company’s Android soft- soft on other fronts. Later this Rockchip processors. The Hiware for mobile devices, the spring, Google and Asus are re- sense machine promises up to Chrome system is set up so us- leasing a hybrid Chromebook 8.5 hours of battery power per ers will automatically begin us- that can use used as either a charge while Haier is touting up ing Google’s search engine and laptop or tablet with a 10-inch to 10 hours of power per charge other services, such as Gmail screen. Called the Chromebook on a battery that can be removed and YouTube. Google has used Flip, it will sell for $249. for easier replacement. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
Australia’s AIIB membership shows historic shift in foreign policy PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY SYDNEY — One of Australia’s leading China experts said on Tuesday that the nation’s move to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) represented a historic shift in the Australian foreign policy. Hugh White, a professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defense Studies Center, Australian National University, said the AIIB was a very big deal for Asia’s economic future, but the way its establishment has played out makes it an even bigger deal for Asia’s changing political and strategic order. White said Canberra’s announcement last weekend that Australia will join the AIIB despite reservations from the United States may come to be seen as marking a historic shift in Australian foreign policy. In a column in Fairfax Media, White wrote that Australia has for the first time unambiguously defied Washington. “The government might not admit it, but they quietly crossed a Rubicon on Sunday.” “We can see why the AIIB is so significant by looking both at why China has set it up, and why the United States has opposed it.” “China’s motives are partly economic, and the logic for this is clear. To reach its economic potential Asia needs to invest about USD 1 trillion each year
over the next decade on infrastructure of all kinds.” “Existing outfits like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have neither the money nor the expertise to begin to meet this challenge.” “China alone has the money needed to get things moving and the expertise, built up through its extraordinary achievements in developing its own infrastructure over the past decade. No country in history has ever built so much, so quickly.” White said six months ago, when China first asked Australia and other countries to join the AIIB, U.S. President Barack Obama hit the phones, asking them to say “no.” “Over the past couple of weeks, countries around the region and beyond, including close U.S. allies like Britain, South Korea and Australia, have rejected America’s concerns and agreed to join the AIIB, knowing full well what that means for Asia’s political order. “ White said this is about recognizing that as wealth and power shifts in Asia, the region needs to build a new order that is dominated neither by the United States nor by China, but in which leadership is shared between them. “Australia needs to contribute to that process, doing whatever we can to ensure it works out in our interest. Sunday’s announcement was a vital first step.” ■
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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Travel
Derek’s Palawan, Rajo’s Parks Canada Batanes and Erwan’s Siargao adds no hassle From incredible coconut crabs to Siargao’s seafood camping units across country to meet demand BY PAM PASTOR Philippine Daily Inquirer
THIS SUMMER, INQUIRER Lifestyle trains the spotlight on local tourism by asking different personalities to share their favorite destinations and travel secrets.
BY MIKE FUHRMANN The Canadian Press
Rajo Laurel
Fashion designer Rajo Laurel’s top three Philippine summer spots are Batanes, Dumaguete and San Vicente, Palawan. Batanes What he loves about it: “I am convinced that it is the most beautiful place in our country. I love Batanes because of the views and the landscape. Batanes is so arrestingly beautiful that you are left in awe. “I also appreciate the Ivatan culture—the people are innately proud of who they are as a people. The quality of air, like that of life in Batanes, is pure and innocent. These qualities are what draws me back to Batanes.” Where he stays: Fundacion Pacita What he eats: “I love to eat so I eat what’s local and in season in each area. It’s usually seafood. In Batanes, you must try the incredible coconut crabs.” What he does: “I like to trek and just meditate and take in the view. The air is so amazing that often I just really appreciate a good, deep sleep.” His secret finds: “In Batanes, you must go to the neighboring islands like Sabtang and spend
An airplane on the runway at Basco Airport, one of two airports serving the Batanes Islands. According to fashion designer Rajo Laurel, Batanes is the most beautiful place in the Philippines.
PARKS CANADA is almost doubling the number of its new oTENTik camping structures in national parks and other locations across the country. An oTENTik is a cross between a tent and a cabin and is intended to add a degree of comfort to camping. After rolling out a few dozen of the units in 2013, initially at La Mauricie National Park in Quebec, Parks Canada made
124 available across the country last year, mostly in national parks but also at a couple of national historic sites in B.C. This year the number of units will hit 238, said Francois Duclos, Parks Canada manager of visitor experience infrastructures. “They’ve been incredibly popular,” Duclos said. “In most locations it’s difficult to keep up with the demand.” Users include adults who camped as kids and now want to relive the experience without ❱❱ PAGE 45 Parks Canada
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
a night or two. “I would also encourage you to talk to the teachers in the schools and interact with the children. This makes a vacation profoundly more meaningful. A few hours with these children discussing what you do can really inspire and open not only the children’s minds but also your own.” (Read more about Rajo’s trip to Batanes in www. rajolaurel.com/blog) Tips for first-timers: “My tip to anyone heading to a new place is the right attitude. Be open to adventure and don’t be afraid to get lost. Our country is so rich
and beautiful that every experience exploring our islands will surely be a special profound experience. I always search for the best vantage view of the sunset or the sunrise. I try to catch this in all my travels.” Dumaguete What he loves about it: “My mother’s family is from Dumaguete and I spent many summers of my youth in Negros Oriental. I come back to rekindle these special memories and also to enjoy the beaches, the falls and the many special ❱❱ PAGE 45 Derek’s Palawan
An oTENTik, a cross between a tent and a cabin. After a trial run involving a few dozen units in 2013, Parks Canada made 124 available for rent in parks across the country last year, and are looking to increase that number to 238 this year.
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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015
Sports
Mayweather claims he’s fit to fight Manny now BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
WHILE MANNY Pacquiao continues to toil to achieve tiptop shape, Floyd Mayweather Jr. claims he is near peak form now, 37 days early for their May 2 fight in Las Vegas. “We’re pushing ourselves extremely hard,” Mayweather told the Associated Press. “If the fight [is held] today I could go out and perform and look well.” Pacquiao’s chief trainer Freddie Roach is not worried, though, and makes no effort to rush his ward’s training at his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. Roach’s timetable calls for
Pacquiao to be ready in three more weeks. Mayweather, who allowed AP a peek at his training regimen at his own gym near Chinatown in Las Vegas, said he has achieved fight weight, which should be around 147 pounds. “My mentality in the sport of boxing is to win first always but, of course, you always want to give people their money’s worth,” said Mayweather, who is expected to bulk up to at least 154 lb on fight night. “There’s been fights I look at and say I’m not really pleased with that even though I won.” Against Pacquiao, his poundfor-pound rival, Mayweather said he wants nothing but the best he could be.
The brash, unbeaten American usually spars four six-minute rounds against different southpaws, and on the AP visit it was Maurice Lee’s turn. Virtually toying with Lee, who has four professional wins in as many fight, Mayweather asked his sparmate to pour it on, à la Pacquiao. But unlike Pacquiao, who follows a regular training schedule, Mayweather said he trains as he sees fit. He is known to stay in the gymup to 11 p.m., spars late in the afternoon and runs at night. Just like Pacquiao, Mayweather said he is focused on winning history’s richest tiff, tipped to top $400 million in revenues. ■
Tiger Woods out of Pacquiao scarier top 100 for the first than Mayweather, says Garcia time since 1996 BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer
PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY WASHINGTON—While Augusta Masters, the first major of 2015, attendance may still be unknown, one thing sure was that Tiger Woods has dropped out of the top 100 for the first time since 1996. The former world No. 1 player dropped to 104 this week. The 39-year-old has accumulated a record 683 total weeks as
the world number one, including 11 different runs at the top. The 14-time major winner set the record for most consecutive weeks atop the rankings in a span from August 1999 to September 2004 and topped his own record with 281 straight weeks at No. 1 from June 2005 to October 2010. Woods underwent back surgery in March 2014 and played in only eight tournaments last season and his last run as No. 1 was from March 2013 to May 2014. ■
Tiger Woods has dropped out of the top 100 ranked golfers in the world since 1996. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
HE HAS seen both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. batter his fighters from close range. He’d studied their contrasting ring styles. Trainer Robert Garcia knows the pound for pound rivals enough to predict who’ll emerge winner in their megabuck bout on May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Though he didn’t make a pick, Garcia, the 2012 Trainer of the Year, told Thaboxingvoice.com that Pacquiao is a much harder fighter to prepare for. “It’s his style, the way he fights, he throws a lot of punches, he moves from side to side, he jumps from one side to the other, throws punches from all angles,” said Garcia. He should know as he worked the corner of both Antonio Margarito in 2010 and Brandon Rios in 2013 when they were battered by Pacquiao in 12 rounds. In contrast, Garcia cited Mayweather’s last two fights with his ward, Marcos Maid-
Manny Pacquiao in training.
ana, as proof that Mayweather isn’t too tough a riddle to solve. “Inside the ring, Mayweather has been very difficult, the way he fights, very defensive but Maidana being a one-dimensional fighter … gave Mayweather a really good fight,” said Garcia, who also trains younger brother Miguel Angel,
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
the unbeaten World Boxing Organization featherweight champion, and once trained Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and Brian “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria. While Pacquiao’s activity offers complications, Garcia said fighting Mayweather is “very basic” and “very defensive.” ■
Events
42
New WelcomePack Canada Distribution Centre By WelcomePack Canada Inc. WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Mon, Tues, Thu & Fri at the Filipino Centre Bldg., 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, Ont. MORE INFO: Call (416) 928-9355
Homework/Tutorial Class By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416-9289355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m.
Tagalog Class By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto
CANADA EVENTS
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APRIL 3, 2015 FRIDAY
NEWFOUNDLAND
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Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Filipina Activist Kankana-ey-Igorot and UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples By Migrante WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., Apr. 2, Bahay Migrante, 4794 Fraser St., Vancouver, B.C. Free Multilingual Tax Clinics for Low-income Individuals & Families Filing Basic 2014 Tax Returns By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: visit www.mosaicbc.com/settlement-services Burnaby (Permanent residents only) 778-321-5406; Vancouver (Permanent residents, naturalized citizens and work permit holders) 604-254-9626 Canadian Citizenship Preparation By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Apt. 1 and 2 at New Westminster Public Library Main Branch, 716 6th Ave. MORE INFO: Call 604-438-8214 ext. 104 Canadian Citizenship Application Workshop By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Apr. 2, Mosaic Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-438-8214 ext. 123
Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar By the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and Philippine Overseas Labor Office WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Apr. 12, Rm. 102, Surrey Central Library, Surrey, B.C. MORE INFO: To register, contact Junah Bahena at 604-641-1234 or email at polo.vancouver@yahoo.ca Tzu Chi Canada Volunteers By Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation WHEN/WHERE: Volunteer registration ongoing at 8850 Osler St., Vancouver B.C. or contact www. tzuchi.ca Sabbath Day Worship Celebration By SDA FilCan Church-Burnaby WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Apr. 4, 3821 Lister St.,(Korean United Church Bldg.), Burnaby, B.C. MORE INFO: Bro. Freddie Bagunu, main speaker Free Income Tax Clinic for Low Income SUCCESS Member By SUCCESS WHEN/WHERE: up to Apr. 26, Burnaby Settlement Service Centre (200-5172 Kingsway, Burnaby) Tel: 604-430-1899 Service dates:Apr. 11, 18 & 25: 10 am – 3 pm (Saturday) Pender Social Service Centre (28 West Pender Street, Vancouver) Tel: 604-408-7260 Service dates: up to Apr. 23, 10 am – 4 pm Every Tuesday www.canadianinquirer.net
and Thursday (NO services on April 14) Richmond Service Centre (220 - 7000 Minoru Blvd, Richmond) Tel: 604-279-7180 Service dates: up to Apr. 22, 5:30 pm – 8 pm Every Monday and Wednesday (NO services on Mar 30, Apr 1, Apr 6 and Apr 15) Richmond Johnson Centre (250 - 8191 Westminister Hwy, Richmond) Tel: 604-408-7260 Service dates: Apr. 18 & 25, 10 am – 3 pm (Saturday) Surrey-Delta Service Centre (206-10090 152nd Street, Surrey) Tel: 604-588-6869 Service dates: Apr. 11, 10 am – 3 pm (Saturday) Tri-City Service Centre (2058 -1163 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) Tel: 604-468-6000 Service dates: Apr. 15 (Wednesday) 5pm – 8 pm Winter-Spring Training 2015 By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: 14 Saturdays till Apr. 18, at the Immigrant Services Society of B.C., Royal City Centre – Rm. 280 610 – 6th St., New Westminster, B.C. MORE INFO: Contact Liza at 604-395-8000 ext. 1706 or email: liza.delarosa@issbc.org English as Second Language Book Club for Adults By Richmond Public Library WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 2:30 p.m, Apr. 13 to May 4, at Brighouse Branch, Special Collection Room, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, B.C. MORE INFO: Register at www.yourlibrary.ca/events or call 604-231-6413
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APRIL 3, 2015
Faith on... throngs of people coming to the town to witness the procession and the crucifixion. In 2014, roughly 10,000 locals and tourists (foreigners and Filipinos) were there to witness the event. Before the procession from the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, Enaje spends the day in meditation – adapting the mindset of Jesus as He made the ultimate sacrifice in order to save mankind. Despite being joined by two other people also fastened on wooden crosses, these faithfuls aren’t nailed on the cross but tied. Enaje is the only one nailed and tied on the same cross he carried from the church to the hill. ❰❰ 22
The man who was crucified 28 times
Back in 1986, Enaje had his wife and children in mind when he was crucified for the first time. Some reports say that his wife narrowly missed death when she struggled with a complicated pregnancy. Other reports say he himself was spared his life after he fell from the third floor of a building while he was painting it. Still, other reports tell of tales about various health issues regarding his wife and his daughter, prompting Enaje to cling tighter to his faith. Whatever the story may be, Enaje
FRIDAY
Angelina effect... decided to volunteer and be nailed on a cross to show his gratitude to God. This year, he is praying for the same things: good health and more employment opportunities for his children. “Patuloy pa rin ang ating panata at hinihiling ko sa ngayon ang magandang kalusugan sa akin, dagdag trabaho at sa mga anak ko, yung magkahanap sila na magandang trabaho para makatulong na rin sa pamilya,” Enaje said in the same Bulletin interview. [My religious vow continues. Now I’m asking for good health for me and jobs for my kids – a good job so they can help out the family.] “Nakakapagtaka nga dahil nakakaraos kami lagi kahit sa hirap ng buhay. At ang aming kalusugan ay maayos pa rin naman kahit papano. Marami pang milagro na dumating na labis din naming pinagpapasalamat bilang pamilya,” Enaje shared. [It’s strange because we get through life even if we’re not wealthy. Somehow, our health is also good. A lot of other miracles have also happened, for which we are grateful for as a family.] In another interview, Enaje was quoted saying in vernacular, “I will again thank God, seek more blessings, especially for my family’s good health. I hope God will strengthen my faith in Him.” ■
were possible. But her family “And that’s why we recommend the history tipped the balance in surgery to BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers. favour of the operation. We don’t think they need to get ovarian The surgery puts a woman in meno- cancer. We don’t want them to get ovarpause and Jolie said she’s now taking ian cancer because the survival rates are hormones. so low.” Kelly Metcalfe, a researcher at WomShe said about two-thirds of BRCA-afen’s College Hospital in Toronto, said fected women elect to have the surgery, it’s strongly recommended that wom- called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectoen with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation my. have their ovaries and fallopian tubes Dr. Andrea Eisen, head of the Familial removed at age 35 to 40, or when child- Cancer Program at Sunnybrook Health bearing is finished, Sciences Centre in to prevent ovarian Toronto, was incancer. volved in a study of While screening the Angelina effect in programs like mam2014. mography can detect She compared reWe don’t have breast cancers early, ferrals for genetic good screening. leading to good surtesting by high-risk The majority of vival rates, that isn’t women six months ovarian cancers the case for ovarian before and six are picked up cancer, she said. months after Jolie at a late stage, “We don’t have made her mastectoand at that good screening. The my public. late stage the majority of ovarian Researchers found survival rates are cancers are picked referral rates almost low. up at a late stage, doubled. And the and at that late stage Hollywood star’s stothe survival rates ry had motivated the are low,” said Metright kind of patients calfe, noting that to seek genetic testonly about 45 per ing and counselling — cent of women live five years after di- those who were most likely to be at risk agnosis. for one or both of the mutations. “So we want to avoid that happening The Angelina effect may be less sigwith women who we know are at high nificant this time, Eisen said, as the forisk of developing the disease.” cus of Jolie’s current article isn’t about A 2014 study she helped conduct encouraging at-risk women to find out found women with BRCA-related breast if they’re BRCA carriers. It’s aimed at cancer who had a double mastectomy women who know they are carriers and were half as likely to die of the disease how they might mitigate their risk of within 20 years compared to those who ovarian cancer. opted for removal of only the cancerous “I’m not sure we’ll see the same tracbreast. tion,” said Eisen, who nevertheless “There’s not very many things we can plans to do a followup study to see if Jodo in life to reduce your risk of dying by lie’s awareness-raising story once again that much,” said Metcalfe. influences referral rates. ■ ❰❰ 37
PH Consulate... adviser on the peace process and the head of the Mindanao Peace Panel. Other high-profile women-appointees are the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Ombudsman. “We have a female ambassador representing Philippine interests in Ottawa in the person of Amb. Petronila Garcia,” according to the consul general. Ferrer said the Philippine government is grateful to the government of Canada for the Great Women Project or Gender Responsiveness Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women, an C$8 million project that benefitted about 14,000 Filipina micro-entrepreneurs form 2007 to 2013. An agreement between the two countries for the im❰❰ 28
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plementation of the second phase was signed in November 2014. In said gathering, Lenore RS Lim, representing the arts community, inspired the others with her story of steadfast determination. Lim, a renowned Filipino artist and educator was a recipient of the Pamana ng Lahi award bestowed on overseas Filipinos by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. To celebrate the occasion, a 30-minute documentary featuring, “The Empowered Filipina: Women of Substance” was also shown. The film shares the experiences of a collective group of Filipinas who have been affected by issues and how they uplifted the morale of Filipinas everywhere. - MM
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Derek’s Palawan... places that make Dumaguete a great destination. “I love Dumaguete because of its people and history. There are also amazing things to do, such as dolphinwatching, and you can even swim with butanding (whale sharks).” Where he stays: Don Atilano Hotel and Florentina Homes What he eats: “In Dumaguete, we have the most delicious ceviche dish called binakhaw, which is fresh fish marinated in coconut milk and vinegar with ginger, green onions and peanuts. Sometimes they add pieces of grilled pork, making the dish into another specialty called singuglaw—sinugba and binakhaw combined.” What he does: “I visit friends and family and catch up on the local gossip but I also enjoy driving to the beaches like the sand bar in Bais and renting a small, simple water cottage and just veg and simply do nothing. Often, the most luxurious thing in life is to actually do nothing and get bored. That is very rare for myself.” His secret finds: “You must ask Angelo Villanueva to arrange your tours. He is my longtime friend and he really makes a visit to Dumaguete shine! You can reach out to him via www.dumagueteoutdoors.com. He will be your key to ❰❰ 40
Erwan Heussaff
Actor and TV host Derek Ramsay enjoys Palawan, where his family owns a vacation house. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
a really great time in Dumaguete.” San Vicente, Palawan. What he loves about it: “San Vicente, Palawan, seems like an amazing place to visit and the rawness of the place makes me curious. “I have never been to San Vicente, Palawan, but I have seen so many images and photos from my partner who recently visited the island and I must admit I am smitten and insanely jealous, so I do plan on visiting very soon.”
Parks Canada... the hassles of setting up a tent canals, including the Trent-Severn Waand packing a ton of gear. As terway and Rideau Canal in Ontario, well, younger first-time camp- and is exploring possible sites on the Laers are trying them out, Duclos said. chine Canal in Montreal. The normal cost ranges from $90 to Riding Mountain National Park in $120 a night for a structure that can ac- Manitoba will have the most oTENTiks, commodate six peowith 31, a number ple. That compares that can accommowith $25 to $40 for date large groups, typical campsites, Duclos said. La Mauwhich remain the ricie will have 25 No. 1 accommodaWhere in this summer, Jasper tion draw in national Canada do National Park 21 and parks, Duclos said. we have Fundy National Park But for those comfortable 20. campsites, users ofcamping “We’re entering a ten have to stuff their available to totally new market. cars with hundreds groups? We’re If you think about it, of dollars worth of seriously where in Canada do gear, most of which thinking about we have comfortable is unnecessary with how we can camping available to an oTENTik, Duclos penetrate groups? We’re serisaid. that market ously thinking about New locations for with oTENTiks. how we can penthe units this year etrate that market include Georgian with oTENTiks.” Bay Islands NationEach oTENTik, inal Park, Ont.; Cape stalled, costs Parks Breton Highlands National Park, N.S.; Canada $25,000 to $30,000 on average, Prince Edward Island National Park; with an estimated payback through user and Terra Nova National Park, N.L. Most fees in six or seven years, Duclos said. of the structures will be available in time The units are provided by Biome Canada for the peak summer season. of Levis, Que. Parks Canada is also trying them on To reserve a site, go to bit.ly/1Gv1lEP. ■ ❰❰ 40
Derek Ramsay
San Vicente, Palawan Actor and TV host Derek Ramsay enjoys relaxing in Palawan where his family has a vacation house. What he loves about it: “I love Binga in San Vicente, Palawan, because of its raw beauty and beautiful beaches.” What he eats: “Mostly seafood.” What he does: “When I’m there, I love to relax and go fishing.”
Siargao and Palawan Erwan likes spending time in Siargao and Palawan, away from the typical tourist spots. Siargao What he loves about it: “I love the fact that it has a bit of everything. You can surf and chill and there are no big crowds.” What he eats: “The seafood in Siargao is amazing and they have a great local market.” What he does: Surf Tips for first-timers: “There are lots of surf spots in Siargao; make sure you go to the ones that suit your level. We went to one that was in deep water and we were basically alone the whole time.” Palawan What he loves about it: “Palawan still has a lot of off-the-beaten-track options which people should explore more.” Where he stays: “I usually stay in resorts or, when we want to do something different, we just camp on empty islands.” What he eats: “Last time we were in Palawan, we picked, killed and cooked our own pig. That was fantastic.” Tips for first-timers: “The best way to explore Palawan is to stay away from tourist places. Find a boatman, rent a boat for three days and just go islandhopping on a whim and sleep on the beach in tents.” ■
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