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MAY 1, 2015

VOL. 5 NO. 165

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Indonesia Spares Mary Jane Veloso

President Aquino to visit Canada in May

Filipino murdered in Burnaby, BC

Kris on The Buzz cancellation: "I am to blame"

Port problems cost Philippines P25 Billion

Vegas likes the look of lucrative megafight

BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL The Associated Press

READY TO RUMBLE Media from around the world pack the Wild Card Gym to see Manny Pacquiao before he heads down to Las Vegas for the upcoming mega-fight between him and Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Saturday, May 2. The fight is expected to shatter all sorts of money records for everyone involved, from the fighters, to the promoters, to the TV networks, and even the city of Las Vegas itself, where the fight is being hosted at the MGM Grand Arena.

PDI

Pacquiao has something to prove, will do it against Mayweather

BY TIM DAHLBERG The Associated Press HE'S GOT no such worries about Floyd Mayweather Jr. on the eve of boxing's

richest fight ever.

"I cannot say he is that difficult an opponent,'' Pacquiao said Tuesday. "My confidence right now is different than ❱❱ PAGE 23 Something to prove

LAS VEGAS — Interested in coming to Vegas to be part of the matchup to end all matchups that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are selling? It’s gonna cost you.

One night this coming weekend at the MGM Grand, the fight venue, is running $1,600 on Friday or Saturday night. That’s more than 13 times the going rate.

Or there’s a $180 room on the California-Nevada state line at Whiskey Pete’s hotel and casino just a 40-minute drive from the action.

Las Vegas is filling up fast ahead of the much-anticipated May 2 megafight ❱❱ PAGE 24 Vegas likes

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Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

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China wants ‘de facto’ control of sea, says Philippines

BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer

expected to bring up at the leaders’ plenary during the 26th Asean Summit on Monday, China’s land grabbing in the seas and make the same appeal for a colKUALA LUMPUR — Philippine Foreign lective stand.

Secretary Albert del Rosario on Sunday Del Rosario did not mention “China” urged the Asean to stop China’s “desta- in his statement, instead using “northbilizing activities” in the South China ern neighbor” to refer to it.

Sea, warning that Beijing was poised to The Philippines “has borne more than take “de facto control” of the area. its share of the heavy burden for Asean At the foreign ministers’ meeting of and the international community on the Association of Southeast Asian Na- this issue,” he said. tions (Asean), Del Rosario said: “Is it Failure to act on China’s moves would not time for Asean to say to our north- “undermine Asean’s very centrality, solern neighbor that what it is doing is idarity and credibility,” Del Rosario said. wrong and that the He also said that massive reclamation even the declaration must be immediateof the Asean-China ly stopped? On this Maritime Year 2015 most important is“disregards” the Asesue, is it not time for Is it not time for an centrality.

Asean to finally stand Asean to finally “Notwithstanding up for what is right?” stand up for all our words of cauHe stressed that the what is right? tion, our northern global community— neighbor is clearly from US senators to and quickly advancthe Asean secretary ing with its massive general, and G7 forreclamation. It is eign ministers—had poised to consolidate come up with a statement on the “issue de facto control of the South China Sea. unfolding in our region.”

Our northern neighbor has moreover China’s reclamation activities are so said it will place defense installations on massive that “if it is allowed to be com- the reclaimed areas,” Del Rosario said. pleted, our northern neighbor will sucWithin the Asean, the Philippines, ceed in defining and imposing its unlaw- Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam are ful sovereignty claim over more than claiming parts of the South China Sea. 85 percent of the South China Sea,” Del China, on the other hand, asserts ownRosario said, ership to almost the entire area with its “Asean should assert its leadership, socalled nine-dash line claim. centrality and solidarity. Asean must Del Rosario noted a “growing gap beshow the world that it has the resolve to tween what we were hearing in diploact in the common interest,” he said. matic terms and what was really hapIt was the strongest statement yet issued pening in the South China Sea.” by the Philippines in the Asean, which has “We also warned that massive reclaalways deemed the maritime dispute as a mation was clearly intended to change heavy burden. Most of its members are de- the regional status quo, to advance our pendent on China for trade. northern neighbor’s unreasonable, exPresident Aquino, who arrived in pansive and illegal so-called ninedash Kuala Lumpur at 4 p.m. on Sunday, is line claim, to undermine the rule of law

and to render the DOC (Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea) and the COC (Code of Conduct) irrelevant,” he said.

He added that in all probability, China would agree to conclude the COC, the legally binding agreement among the claimant states, once the reclamation is completed. With all the new land features in place, a COC would “have the effect of legitimizing China’s reclamation.”

Del Rosario stressed that China’s activities “are real and cannot be ignored or denied.”

“Their adverse implications are urgent and far-reaching, going beyond the region to encompass the global community,” he said.

Del Rosario submitted to the meeting a disk containing satellite photographs of the new islands built by China on various reefs and atolls, most of which host forward military bases. ■

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Philippine News

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

President Aquino back from ASEAN Summit with major progress on resolving regional disputes

BY LESLIE D. VENZON Philippines News Agency

lan, at nagbubunsod ng pinsala sa ating kalikasan at sa kabuhayan ng atin pong mga mamamayan,” President Aquino said in his arrival speech at the Ninoy MANILA — President Benigno S. Aqui- Aquino International Airport (NAIA). no III returned to Manila on Tuesday The President reiterated the need for from the two-day 26th Summit of the ASEAN to fully implement the 2002 Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN-China Declaration on the Con(ASEAN) in Malaysia, bringing with him duct (DOC) of Parties in the South China what he called “very substantial prog- Sea and to negotiate a binding Code of ress” on resolving territorial conflicts in Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. the region.

He said the massive reclamation ac“I think there was a very, very sub- tivities in the area undermine the relstantial progress evance of both the from the time that DOC and of any evenwe first started — or tual COC. at least I first started “Dito po naipapa— participating in malas ang prinsipyo discussions with reThis is not ng ASEAN Centrality gards to the issues of a statement o ang pagtataguyod the South China Sea/ of ASEAN ng isang pananaw West Philippine Sea,” versus China. na pinagkasunduan he said in an earlier It is, I guess, a ng lahat ng kasapi Philippine media reaffirmation ng ASEAN para sa delegation interview of ASEAN’s kabutihan ng buong in Malaysia. agreement with rehiyon. Kaya naman President Aquino China. ‘pag nilabag ang DOC, said this year’s ASEnilabag na rin ang kaAN Summit chaired sunduan sa ASEAN,”

by Malaysia’s Prime President Aquino Minister Najib Razak, said. other chairmen and The President said member countries were even more pro- this view met no opposition from memactive about addressing the issue. ber countries.

ASEAN issued a statement at the end “This is not a statement of ASEAN of the Summit expressing serious con- versus China. It is, I guess, a reaffirmacerns over China’s reclamation activi- tion of ASEAN’s agreement with China,” ties in the sea. he said.

“Malinaw na nagdudulot ang kanilang ASEAN consists of Indonesia, Brunei, mga aktibidad ng banta sa seguridad at Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, estabilidad ng atin pong rehiyon. Na- Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore kakaapekto din ito sa malayang kalaka- and Thailand. ■

It’s not just rebellion – Bangsamoro Conflict Monitoring System reveals THE BANGSAMORO Conflict Monitoring System (BCMS) 2011-2014 Report of the International Alert, an independent peace building organization, revealed that the troubled situation in Mindanao is not purely about rebellion, but of several factors.

“There must be emphasis on violence, www.canadianinquirer.net

and not just on the conflict,” Ever Abasolo, International Alert Philippines methodology specialist, told the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

Abasolo said that talks about land, human trafficking, illegal firearms, ❱❱ PAGE 9 Not just rebellion

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

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NCCA, Manila gov’t in bidding war over Met

BY GIL CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer A SHOWDOWN of purses is brewing between the Manila City government and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for the right to own the Manila Metropolitan Theater, the iconic Art Deco building in Arroceros, Manila, that has stood neglected for decades.

The NCCA is now preparing to match the P267.155 million bid made by the city government to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the theater more popularly known as the Met. Based on documents shown to the INQUIRER, the NCCA was exercising its right of first refusal on the sale of national cultural treasures such as the Met as provided by the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.

This allows the agency to match the city government’s offer to buy the theater.

“While we laud the efforts and plans of the City of Manila on the Met, the NCCA Board of Commissioners in its meeting on March 26 has agreed and

decided to exercise its right of first refusal on the purchase of the theater,” NCCA chair Felipe de Leon Jr. said in a letter to Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada dated April 15.

The NCCA has also asked Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to allow it to use part of the agency’s National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA) to fund the purchase and the subsequent restoration of the theater. The agency has requested over P500 million from the NEFCA. The NCCA’s bid to reclaim the theater is the most recent development in the latest saga to restore and reopen the Met. Estrada last year expressed his wish to buy the Met from GSIS which holds the titles to the property after it was allegedly mortgaged to the agency during the martial law era.

Negotiations came to a head in February when the city government offered GSIS P35,000 per square meter or P267.155 million for the purchase of the Met. Estrada also wrote the NCCA to “waive any rights it has to purchase the property from GSIS in favor of the Manila City

The Manila Metropolitan Theatre.

government.”

While the NCCA’s bid is backed by the NEFCA, the city government’s offer will be funded through the city budget on top of a loan from Landbank worth P767 million, which will become active once ownership of the Met has been transferred

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to the Manila government. The loan will be used primarily for restoring the theater.

Estrada wants to use the Met as the home of the Universidad de Manila’s Institute for Performing Arts which will offer two-year diploma courses in theater, music and dance,

among others.

The GSIS notified the NCCA of the Manila City government’s offer and gave it 90 days to respond with a counter offer.

NCCA officials said an offer to match the city government’s bid would soon be submitted to the GSIS. For its part, the NCCA assured Estrada that it has noted its plans for the Met and will take it into account once the theater opens for business.

“Recognizing the efforts and initial work done by the City of Manila toward the restoration of the Met, the NCCA will ... give the city government, particularly the Universidad de Manila and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, priority in the use of the theater and assistance in setting up the future Institute of Performing Arts,” De Leon’s letter to Estrada said.

The Manila Metropolitan Theater was built in 1930 and launched a year after. It was designed by architect Juan Arellano, who also designed the Manila Central Post Office Building in nearby Lawton, and the Old Legislative Building in Padre Burgos Avenue, now the National Museum Building. ■

Dingdong, Bistek, Isko on Liberal Party list of possible senatorial bets

BY GIL CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer DINGDONG DANTES, Herbert “Bistek” Bautista, “Isko Moreno,” Leila de Lima, Francis Tolentino and Leni Robredo.

They are among the 19 names short-listed for the administration coalition’s senatorial slate for the 2016 elections, according to Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, a member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

Only 12 seats in the 24-member Senate are at stake in May next year.

Dantes is the husband of actress Marian Rivera and a commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission.

Bautista is mayor of Quezon City while Isko Moreno is Manila Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso. De Lima is the jus-

tice secretary and Robredo is Camarines Sur representative and widow of the former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The LP list includes reelectionists and former senators and members of the House of Representatives.

Others being considered for the administration senatorial ticket, Erice said, are reelectionists Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senators Ralph Recto, Teofisto Guingona III and Sergio Osmeña III; and former senators Panfilo Lacson and Francis Pangilinan.

Also on the list are Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla; Joel Villanueva, head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; Francis Tolentino, chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; Philippine

Health Insurance Corp. Director Risa Hontiveros; Representatives Roman Romulo of Pasig City (who is on his third and last term), Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro (also on his last term), Lino Cayetano of Taguig and Mark Villar of Las Piñas.

June announcement

Erice said the lineup of the LP coalition would be finalized after the announcement of its candidates for president and vice president in June and after negotiations with coalition partners—the Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, National Unity Party and Akbayan Citizens Action Party.

“We hope to announce our choice for our presidential candidate before the end of June.

We hope to start formal talks www.canadianinquirer.net

with our allies from July to September. It will all start with our choice for president,” Erice said in a phone interview.

Erice said that at present, the LP was considering only Interior Secretary Mar Roxas as its presidential candidate.

Sen. Grace Poe was being considered for Roxas’ running mate although no formal talks had been made with the daughter of the late actor-director Fernando Poe Jr., he said.

In an interview on dzIQ, Erice confirmed reports that Energy Secretary Petilla had already submitted his resignation to President Aquino.

The LP lawmaker said Mr. Aquino had accepted Petilla’s resignation but no replacement had yet been found.

Filing of candidacy

Erice said he expected Roxas

and De Lima to announce their resignations in June. Candidates for senator must file their certificates of candidacy in October.

Lacson is on the list because he has not yet decided on making a run for president in 2016, according to Erice.

The LP included Cayetano, a brother of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, and Villar, a son of Sen. Cynthia Villar and former Senate President Manny Villar, because it had to reserve seats for its coalition partners.

Erice said that although Isko Moreno belonged to the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino party of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, the former movie actor had sent word to LP officials that he wanted to join the administration’s senatorial ticket. ■

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Philippine News

Business groups back K to 12 curriculum

BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA — SEVEN LOCAL and foreign business groups have thrown their support behind the government’s K to 12 enhanced basic education program despite calls for its suspension.

“K to 12 will foster the development of competent graduates who will join the workforce and contribute to national competitiveness. With this in mind, we the members of the Philippine business community reiterate our support for the continued and proper implementation of the K to 12 reform,” the groups said in a joint statement issued Friday.

The statement of support for the Enhanced Basic Education Act (Republic Act No. 10533, or the K to 12 Law) was signed by the Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employers Confederation of the Philippines and Information Technology and Business

Process Association of the Philippines.

To effectively implement the K to 12 curriculum, the business groups also called on the government agencies involved, namely the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Labor and Employment to address the challenges of the systematic reform.

These challenges include: the potential displacement of tertiary faculty and staff during the 2016-2021 transition period; the possible closure of higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly small colleges, due to significant revenue losses; and the perception that the government is not fully prepared to meet the logistical requirements of the law such as faculty and staff, facilities and equipment, and learning materials.

According to the business community, the CHEd and Tesda must clearly outline the criteria for unemployment ad diminution benefits of the affected education personnel and to devise packages to support the development of post-secondary institutions during the transition period. ■

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Veloso’s recruiter shows up, seeks cops’ assistance due to death threats PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The suspected recruiter of Mary Jane Veloso on Tuesday sought the assistance of the Nueva Ecija police allegedly after receiving death threats.

Supt. Rey Dela Cruz, deputy police director of Nueva Ecija identified the woman as Ma. Cristina Sergio, 47, resident of 086 Esguerra District, Talavera, Nueva Ecija, who was tagged as recruiter of Veloso who was sentenced to death by Indonesian government for drug trafficking.

Dela Cruz said Sergio, accompanied by her live-in partner Jukius Lacanilao and father-inlaw Ramon Lacanilao, arrived at the police station around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

He said Sergio sought the assistance of the police for reason that she has been receiving death threats thru her cellphone and her Facebook account.

She also said that she and members of her family frequently received bad words

Mary Jane Veloso is currently in Indonesia on death row for smuggling heroin into the country. Veloso claims that she was tricked into carrying a bag with the drugs into the country.

RAPPLER

and she reiterated that she voluntarily appeared at the police station for her security, including her family, Dela Cruz said.

“Hindi naman siya sumuko.

Voluntary yan. Depende kasi may PAO lawyer dito at meron kaming proseso... Basta na lang siya punta rito eh. Natatakot nga raw siya kasi may threats na dumarating sa kanya. Sa ngayon inaayos pa namin kaya hindi pa

namin madetalye pero magsasalita siya sa media mamaya,” de la Cruz said.

Dela Cruz said Sergio expressed willingness to stay in the police station as soon as she clears her name.

“Willing syang pumunta dito habang hinintay nyang iclear yung pangalan niya. Willing naman siyang magstay dito,” he said. ■

DOJ sets hearing on criminal complaint filed vs. Veloso’s recruiter

No Credit?

BY PERFECTO T. RAYMUNDO Philippines News Agency MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has set the preliminary investigation on the criminal complaint filed against the recruiter of Mary Jane Veloso.

The hearings will be conducted by the DOJ on May 8 and 14, 2015, respectively.

To be placed under investigation are Veloso’s recruiter, Maria Kristina Sergio and two others who were charged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with the complaint for human trafficking, illegal www.canadianinquirer.net

recruitment and estafa.

Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Azarcon was assigned to handle the case.

In a four-page transmittal letter to Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano, the NBI said that Sergio has recruited Veloso in April 2010 as a domestic helper in Malaysia.

However, from Malaysia, Sergio allegedly told Veloso to fly to Indonesia bringing along with her a travelling bag which came from a friend of Sergio, who is an African national.

Veloso carried the said traveling bag in proceeding to Indonesia, which later on turned out to contain illegal drugs. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

7

Chinese Coast Guard bombards Filipino fishing boat with water cannon, points gun on skipper at Scarborough Shoal

BY ERNIE B. ESCONDE Philippines News Agency MARIVELES, BATAAN — A fishing boat skipper from this town told Sunday their ordeal allegedly in the hands of the Chinese at the Scarborough Shoal when their fish catch were confiscated, their boat destroyed by water cannon on April 18 and a Chinese Coast Guard pointed a gun on him.

Valeriano Quimson, 40, boat captain of FB/John Alex, said that on April 12 or a day after they arrived at the Scarborough Shoal from barangay Sisiman here said Chinese Coast Guard carrying long firearms on board a rubber boat confiscated their fish catch from their service banca.

“They confiscated our catch and forcibly pulled our fishing hooks. They threw the fish and fishing hooks to the sea. In the second time, they also got again our catch and fishing hooks but they did threw the fish to the sea and instead put the fish into their rubber boats,” he said.

Quimson said members of the Chinese Coast Guard then boarded the fishing boat.

“One of them pointed a long gun at me,” he said.

He said that after the incidents, they went to the other parts of Scarborough Shoal and noticed that the Chinese Coast Guard seemed to be resting and were not visible in the area for three days.

“In the morning of April 18, I went down from our mother boat and boarded to the service banca to go fishing. However, I saw that the boat of the Chinese Coast Guard was coming. That is why I decided to return, but the service banca got troubled,” the fishing boat captain said.

Other fishing boats were bombarded by water cannon in the afternoon of April 11.

He said that of the 11 fishing crews, only three were left at their mother boat.

“The spray of the water cannon was too strong that thrown away two of my crew and the operator of the steering wheel was also affected. He was also hit by water cannon,” Quimson said.

“All our things, including the generators and appliances were destroyed. Our cellphones and clothes floated into the water,” he said.

Quimson appealed to government to solve the Scarborough case.

“What had happened to our fishermen is so pity as if they were pigs being driven away by the Chinese,” he

said.

Quimson arrived in Sisiman at 3 p.m. of Sunday after fishing at Scarborough for more than two weeks.

It took us a long time to go fishing. We

went fishing during the night but during daytime we are monitoring because it would be difficult then when the Chinese Coast Guard arrived again,” he said.

www.canadianinquirer.net

However, Quimson said they will keep on coming back to Scarborough because of the poor catch in other fishing grounds and its being a safe place during typhoons. ■

Philippine News

8

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Mandaluyong City government tweaks ban on tandem riding Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Editor Earl Von Tapia earl.tapia@canadianinquirer.net Correspondents Ching Dee 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 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.

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BY JOVIC YEE Philippine Daily Inquirer PHILIPPINES — Mandaluyong City relaunched yesterday its ban on motorcycle tandem riding for men unrelated to each other, after it proved to be an effective crime deterrent in the six months it was enforced.

According to Mandaluyong police chief Senior Supt. Tyrone Masigon, Ordinance No. 550 has resulted in “virtually zero” crimes involving motorcycle riding men since its implementation in September. “[Tandem-riding crimes] drastically went down. From a weekly average of two to three crimes, it went down to virtually zero,” Masigon told reporters at the sidelines of the ban’s relaunching under Ordinance No. 595.

Unlike the earlier ordinance which was implemented for just six months, Ordinance No. 595—which was signed by Mayor Benhur Aba-

los on March 27 and took effect yesterday—will last for the next three years.

It also exempts from the ban “all members of the Philippine National Police tactical and mobile unit assigned or detailed in Mandaluyong City, in the performance of their duty” as well as women, children between seven and 10 years old and male relatives within the first degree of consanguinity.

Abalos, who led a motorcade around the city yesterday to announce the reimplementation of the ban, said that the provision for lawmen was “overlooked” when the first ordinance was implemented in September.

He explained, however, that they didn’t want to have a lot of exemptions in the experimental stage of the ordinance since these may be used by criminals to their advantage.

Masigon, meanwhile, expressed confidence that despite the exemptions, tandem-riding criminals would find it hard to operate in the

city even if they pretend to be policemen.

“That will not happen because we know the movement of our troops,” he said. For security reasons, Masigon declined to reveal the composition of the police motorcycle unit.

In his letter to the city council seeking the extension of the ordinance, Abalos said that because of it, “Mandaleños can go out [into] the streets without fear of lawless elements [who] will endanger their lives and property.”

Abalos added that because of the positive effects of the ordinance, various local government units, including the one in Abra province, have approached him to ask how it could be replicated in their localities.

He maintained that the ordinance “tremendously helped” the police force in reducing crimes in the city. Currently, there are only 297 policemen in Mandaluyong City which has a daytime population of 1.2 million. ■

Indonesia spares Mary Jane Veloso, executes 8 others for drug smuggling

BY TATAN SYUFLANA The Associated Press CILACAP, INDONESIA — Indonesia brushed aside last-minute appeals and executed eight people convicted of drug smuggling, according to foreign governments and local media reports Wednesday, although a Philippine woman was granted a stay of execution.

The Indonesian government has not confirmed the executions, but local media reported that the eight had been executed, citing official though unidentified sources.

Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo said Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso had been granted a stay of execution while the Philippines investigates her case, but he would not comment on whether the executions of two Australians, four Nigerians, a Brazilian and an Indonesian man had been carried out as scheduled shortly after midnight.

But gunshots were heard about 12:30 a.m. local time (17:30 GMT) from Nusakambangan island where executions take place, and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that Australia will withdraw its ambassador from Jakarta in response to the executions of

two Australians, Myuran Sukumaran, 33, and Andrew Chan, 31.

"These executions are both cruel and unnecessary,'' Abbott told reporters.

"Cruel because both Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran spent some decade in jail before being executed and unnecessary because both of these young Australians were fully rehabilitated while in prison,'' he said.

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff said in a statement the execution of a second Brazilian citizen in Indonesia this year "marks a serious event in the relations between the two countries.''

Brazil had asked for a stay of execution for Rodrigo Gularte, 42, on humanitarian grounds because he was schizophrenic.

Brazilian Marco Archer Cardoso Moreira was one of six drug convicts including foreigners that Jakarta executed in January, brushing aside last-minute appeals from Brazil and the Netherlands.

Brazil and the Netherlands withdrew their ambassadors from Jakarta in protest at those executions.

But there was relief in Manila when it was announced that Veloso would not be executed with the others.

Mary Jane Veloso's mother, Celia,

www.canadianinquirer.net

told Manila radio station DZBB from Indonesia that what happened was "a miracle.''

"We thought we've lost my daughter.

I really thank God. What my daughter Mary Jane said earlier was true, 'If God wants me to live, even if just by a thread or just in the final minute, I will live,'' Celia Veloso said.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said "we are relieved that the execution of Mary Jane Veloso was not carried out tonight. The Lord has answered our prayers.''

There were cheers from the more than 250 Veloso supporters who held a candlelight vigil outside the Indonesian embassy in Manila.

"We are very happy. It's euphoric here. Everyone's rejoicing and waving their flags after learning that Mary Jane has been spared,'' protest leader Renato Reyes said outside the embassy.

Veloso, 30, was arrested in 2010 at the airport in the central Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, where officials discovered about 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) of heroin hidden in her luggage.

Prasetyo said Veloso was granted a stay of execution because her alleged ❱❱ PAGE 13 Indonesia spares

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

Philippine News

China is ‘severely concerned’ over ASEAN’s statement that Chinese island building erodes trust

Ferrer gets Hillary award for peace 2

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING — China is “severely concerned” over the statement from a Southeast Asian nations’ meeting that criticized Beijing’s building of islands in the disputed South China Sea, the Foreign Ministry saiokid Tuesday.

Spokesman Hong Lei told reporters that reclamation and construction work being carried out on rocks and reefs controlled by China was entirely legal and shouldn’t be questioned.

He said China firmly opposed

attempts by countries he didn’t identify to undermine Beijing’s ties with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“We are severely concerned over the remarks on the South China Sea issue,” Hong said at a daily news briefing.

The chairman’s statement issued at the ASEAN annual summit said China’s work to build islands had “eroded trust and confidence and may undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.” It said members had instructed their foreign ministers to “urgently

address this matter constructively.”

Summit chairman Malaysia said separately that ASEAN would avoid confrontation, after the Philippines urged ASEAN to “stand up” to China and halt the reclamation work.

Tensions have risen over the South China Sea as Beijing increases its footprint in the sea and denies the other claimants access to reefs and island groups in the region.

China maintains it is sincere in wanting to negotiate agreements but insists a vast portion of the sea is its own territory. ■

the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the report said incidents declined in 2012, in time with the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and also in 2013 because of the comprehensive peace pact with the government.

International Alert also noted the violence caused by extrajudicial issues such as breach of contract, domestic violence, alcohol-related, among others.

These issues affected ordinary citizens more than other members of the Bangsamoro society, the report said.

“Civilians were the major actors in conflict incidents, mostly as victims. In some instances, they were also the perpetrators,” the report highlighted.

For instance in Maguindanao, there was a high number of clan feuds reported in 2014.

However, for 2011-2014, Lanao del Sur topped Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi in

terms of clan feuds.

Not just rebellion... ❰❰ 4

were just some of the other issues the public should look at, adding that these issues would not be addressed even if the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) would be passed.

Abasolo cited that civilians were also part of the picture by committing simple crimes like theft and robbery, and through conflicts between tribes and ethnic groups.

The BCMS Report revealed that for the past four years, illicit or shadow economies, and extrajudicial issues triggered most of the violent conflicts in Bangsamoro. Political issues (rebellion and political rivalry) were the other main culprits.

It was noted, meanwhile, that production and trade in illicit guns and drugs, kidnap for ransom, brought more violent conflicts than other shadow economies.

With regard to the number of violent conflicts involving

About the BCMS

BCMS monitors conflict incidence (in Bangsamoro) to inform the public and policy makers about the situation there.

It is a real-time data according to Liezl Bugtay, BCMS project team leader. As her group affirmed to be pro-BBL, Bugtay said they hope to use the BCMS data to really educate the public.

To ensure accuracy, Bugtay said her team gathered the data from Philippine National Police (PNP) blotter reports and media reports.

“We go to PNP Regional offices and capture each blotter, then data encoding follows,” she told PNA. She added that they have many levels of quality control and avoid double counting. As such, the encoder is not allowed to enter a report without a supporting police/media report documentation. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer FROM PAGE A1 ACCEPTING the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security in Washington, D.C., last Wednesday, government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer lashed out at the alleged Islamophobia and misogyny that has left in limbo the peace agreement that the Aquino administration has signed with Muslim separatists in Mindanao.

“As I speak right now, the ceasefire remains in place. But the vision of lasting peace is being shut out by the narrow horizons of certain political elites, and by a public fed with misinformation and driven by prejudices bordering on Islamophobia,” Ferrer said as she accepted the award from Clinton herself in a ceremony at the Georgetown University Institute for Women, Peace and Security on Wednesday (Thursday noon in Manila).

“And misogyny too. If former secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton had been called a ‘funny

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer..

9

lady’ in the course of her drive to find peaceful solutions and creative compromises in one area of conflict, I in turn had been called a “dumb bitch,” a traitor and a weak negotiator who bartered away the country to the Muslims/Moros,” she said.

Despite this, Ferrer said there was “no turning back” in the peace process and vowed that she would not be bowed by the harsh fallout from the Mamasapano debacle.

Ferrer was conferred the award for her “indefatigable work to bring about peace in the Philippines and for your historic role as the first female chief negotiator to sign a comprehensive peace agreement,” as the institute’s executive director, Ambassador Melanne Verveer, stated in a letter informing her that she had been chosen for the honor last February.

Verveer said the Clinton Award was “bestowed annually for exceptional leadership in recognizing the important role of women in creating a more peaceful and secure world.” ■

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Philippine News

President Aquino thanks Indonesia for granting execution reprieve to Veloso

BY LESLIE D. VENZON Philippines News Agency MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday thanked Indonesian government led by President Joko Widodo for giving reprieve to Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas worker facing death in Indonesia for drug smuggling.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

said such reprieve provides an opportunity for the perpetuation of Veloso’s testimony.

“That could shed light on how a criminal syndicate duped her into being an unwitting accomplice or courier in their human and drug trafficking activities,” he said in a statement.

Veloso was set to be executed by firing squad on Tuesday.

Coloma also thanked the Filipino people for their prayers and for keeping vigil for Veloso's cause. ■

Australia recalls ambassador after Indonesia executes drug smuggling pair PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY AUSTRALIA HAS made the unprecedented move of recalling its ambassador to Indonesia, in the wake of the executions of two Australians for drug smuggling.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed the move to withdraw ambassador Paul Grigson on Wednesday, calling the executions by firing squad of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran "cruel and unnecessary."

"We respect Indonesia's sovereignty but we do deplore what's been done and this cannot be simply business as usual," he said at a press conference confirming the Australians deaths.

"For that reason, once all the courtesies have been extended to the Chan and Sukumaran families, our ambassador will be withdrawn for consultations." "I want to stress that this is a very important relationship between Australia and Indone-

sia but it has suffered as a result of what's been done over the last few hours."

Abbott said he did not want to minimize "the gravity of what we've done."

Australia has never before withdrawn an official when a citizen has been executed by a foreign country.

Ministerial contacts have also been suspended and it remains unclear when they will be re-established.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said carrying out the executions was "senseless" given Chan, 31, and Sukumaran, 34, had rehabilitated themselves.

"They had reformed and they had a contribution to make," she said. Australia has made the unprecedented move of recalling its ambassador to Indonesia, in the wake of the executions of two Australians for drug smuggling.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed the move to withdraw ambassador Paul Grigson ❱❱ PAGE 13 Australia recalls

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Philippines urges ASEAN to stop China from taking control of South China Sea

BY EILEEN NG The Associated Press KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Philippines on Sunday urged its fellow Southeast Asian countries to take immediate steps to halt land reclamation

by China in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, warning that failure to do so will see Beijing take “de facto control” of the area.

Malaysia’s foreign minister, however, said that the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations will avoid confrontation with China and continue negotiations with Beijing on a binding code of conduct that would govern behaviour in the area.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers that if China’s construction of artificial islands on reefs claimed by other countries is allowed to be completed, Beijing will impose its claim over more than 85 per cent of the sea.

Disputed areas in the South China Sea. The Philippines has asked for help Rosario urged the grouping from the member nations of the ASEAN in solving the conflict with China over to “stand up” to China by urging territorial disputes in the area. it to halt its reclamation work, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS which threatened to militarize the region, infringe on rights overlapping claims in the South backfire and hurt peace and staof other states and damage the China Sea, which includes bility in the region. marine environment. busy sea lanes and rich fishing “It will be much appreciated if He warned that China, which grounds, and is believed to have China can stop work and sit down has been dragging its foot on large undersea deposits of oil with ASEAN countries to find a ASEAN’s push for a code of con- and natural gas. solution,” he said. “ASEAN must duct, will aim to complete its ASEAN has maintained a send the right signal and make reclamation activities before it cautious stand in the dispute the right move. We must avoid agrees to conclude the code. If to avoid angering China, a key any measures that are counterthis happens, he productive either said the code will to ourselves or to legitimize China’s China.” reclamation.

Officials from “The threats ASEAN nations posed by these It will be much appreciated if China and China are massive reclacan stop work and sit down with scheduled to mations are real ASEAN countries to find a solution. meet in May and and cannot be June to discuss ignored or dethe issue, he said. nied,” he said.

The Philip“ASEAN should pines filed a case assert its leaderwith an internaship, centrality and solidarity. trading partner. tional arbitration tribunal in ASEAN must show the world Malaysian Foreign Minister 2013 challenging China’s claim. that it has the resolve to act in Anifah Aman told reporters Beijing has defended the recthe common interest.” that ASEAN is “very much con- lamation, saying it is Chinese China, Taiwan and ASEAN cerned” about the reclamation, territory and the structures are members Malaysia, the Philip- but that sending an ultimatum for public service use and to pines, Vietnam and Brunei have to China to stop work could support Chinese fishermen. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

11

Miriam: Elected officials are not absolute rulers

BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer MAYORS ARE not absolute rulers and they and other elective officials should not resist a lawful suspension order, according to Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Santiago on Friday assailed the practice of elective officials barricading themselves in their offices and getting their supporters to mass outside to block any attempts to remove them, saying she will seek a Senate probe into the matter and the need for a new law to punish such practice.

“I am alarmed that the brazen act of resisting a suspension is becoming normal practice. What makes elective officials think that they are indisputably entitled to their offices? They are not absolute rulers, they are subject to the law,” Santiago said in a statement.

She said the practice inevitably eroded the punitive powers of the government such as of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Civil Service Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

This could allow corruption to flourish, she warned.

“If left unchecked, this deplorable practice will embolden officials to be corrupt. We must protect the integrity of institutions that mete out penalties to uphold the constitutional principle that public office is a public trust,” she said.

Her statement came amid the issue of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay fighting his suspension over a corruption investigation, which the mayor sought to be blocked.

The Court of Appeals eventually ruled in Binay’s favor and issued an injunction against his suspension.

Prior to the court ruling, Binay had holed up inside his office and refused to obey the Ombudsman order. His supporters blocked access to City Hall to prevent the suspension order from be-

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago assailed the practice of elected officials barricading themselves in their offices and getting their supporters to mass outside in order to block any attempts to remove them. She is now seekign a Senate probe into the matter and the need for a new law to punish such a practice.

ing served. lic services. In the case of Makati, em- ly by using public funds.

Santiago also cited cases of ousted La- ployees did not know whether to follow “The right to assemble is enshrined guna Gov. ER Ejercito, who was found Binay or acting Mayor Romulo Peña, she in the Constitution. But in cases like guilty of election overspending in 2014, pointed out. this, we should ask: Did the supportand of Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, who was She said that any measure that the ers assemble voluntarily or were they ordered suspended in 2013. Both also Senate would consider against the prac- paid or given incentives? If it is the resisted orders for latter, were public them to vacate their funds used?” she offices. said.

“In all these cases, Santiago has a the officials facing In all these cases, the officials facing penalties pending bill seeking penalties insisted on insisted on due process yet refused to respect to make public ofdue process yet rethe same. This contradiction only shows how ficials liable for adfused to respect the self-serving our elective officials have become. ministrative offenses same. This contracommitted during diction only shows past terms, where how self-serving our she also condemned elective officials have the condonation docbecome,” she said. tice of resisting a suspension should trine.

According to Santiago, obstacles focus on banning elective officials from Santiago is currently on medical leave to having elective officials penalized supporting or financing mass barricades from the Senate as she recovers from threaten to disrupt the delivery of pub- by supporters for their benefit, especial- lung cancer. ■

ASEAN undecided over common time zone PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has actively proposed a common time zone for the Associations of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) as a symbol of integration, but some members are hesitatant over the potential challenges to adjust the time.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 26th ASEAN Summit on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who chairs the summit this year, said a common time zone for ASEAN will be

a symbol of ASEAN unity and good for business.

Najib told reporters in a press conference later that Malaysia believes a common time zone is timely and will stand to benefit ASEAN markets, facilitating trade flows and investment.

He said a common time zone will also fortify and promote greater integration, strengthening inter-governmental cooperation as governments have the same working hours and boosting the development of financial markets.

While some ASEAN countries support

the proposal, others remain skeptical, especially those who need to adjust their time under a common time zone.

Najib declined to name which countries yet to agree to the proposal, saying some countries need further consultations and discussions over the issue.

Of the 10 Asean members, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Brunei are eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8), while Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are in the GMT +7 zone. Myanmar is 6 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT. Indonesia covers three

www.canadianinquirer.net

time zones from GMT +7 to GMT+9. ■

12

Philippine News

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Philippines to patrol in disputed sea, but with restraint

BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA — THE MILITARY will continue to patrol in areas of contested sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea despite the challenge posed by a Chinese sea vessel to a Philippine Navy plane in the area last week.

But the Armed Forces of the Philippines said its patrols will exercise “maximum restraint” should an incident similar to what occurred near Subi Reef last Sunday happen again.

“There are rules of engage-

ment on maximum restraint when it comes to contentious issues in these areas in the West Philippine Sea,” said military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala.

It will be recalled that on April 19, a Chinese ship allegedly committed an act of aggression against a Philippine Navy plane flying near Subi Reef. The sea vessel flashed its lights at the plane, which is a challenge to an unidentified aircraft.

AFP public affairs head Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Cata-

pang Jr. had ordered a review of the rules of engagement to ensure that all pilots exercised self-restraint in such a situation.

In particular, pilots on maritime sovereignty patrol should not counter with aggressive actions, and should just ignore such actions unless they are fired upon.

“That’s in the Declaration of Conduct, to avoid conflict.

Although that’s nonbinding, we want to hold the moral high ground when it comes to the dispute in the West Philippine Sea. Even if they bully

us, we will follow the Declaration of Conduct,” Cabunoc said.

The Declaration of Conduct is a 2002 agreement between member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China which are locked in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. During last Sunday’s incident, the Filipino pilots chose to ignore the challenge of the Chinese ship.

The AFP said it was possible similar incidents would happen in the future, like the firing of water cannons last year by the

Chinese coast guard at Filipino fishermen at Panatag Shoal.

Cabunoc said at least five incidents involving water cannons occurred since then.

“The water cannon incidents are another indication of growing assertiveness by China using its power, so how much more if they have established all these reclaimed areas which are believed to have military purposes?” he said.

The military said it feared the Chinese will shoo away any sea or aircraft passing near the Chinese reclamation projects. ■

SAF 44 kin file murder charges vs Moro rebels

BY NANCY C. CARVAJAL Philippine Daily Inquirer TWELVE FAMILY members of the Special Action Force (SAF) police officers who were killed in a clash with Muslim rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, have filed murder and robbery charges against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), according to a former military scout ranger and father of one of the slain policemen.

In an interview inside the NBI compound, Perlito Agabon, father of P03 Chum Agabon, told the INQUIRER that the grieving families have yet to see the perpetrators of the crime officially charged for the deaths of their relatives in the Jan. 25 bloody clash.

Agabon said they decided to take the case to the NBI in the hope that the rebel gunmen would be held accountable for the brutal deaths of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police-SAF 55th Special Action Company in Mamasapano while carrying out a mission to capture top Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Abdul Hir, alias “Marwan,” and Filipino bomb expert Basit Usman.

“We appreciate the BOI (Board of Inquiry) and the Senate report, but unless we file a formal complaint, we could never get justice for my son and

Family members of the Special Action Force police officers who were killed in a clash with Muslim rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, have filed murder and robbery charges against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and private armed groups of the national Bureau of Investigation.

the others,” Agabon said.

The family filed their complaints in the NBI-National Capital Region Division before Justice Secretary Leila de Lima released the result of the Joint NBI-National Prosecution Service Special Investigation team findings on the Mamasapano

incident.

Asked to comment on the complaint of the families of the victims, Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera welcomed the move, saying “it would help hasten the filing of information.”

An agent on case said the comwww.canadianinquirer.net

plainants have filed their sworn statements, including a narration of their last communication with the slain policemen.

The agent said more complainants are expected to submit their affidavits to the NBI investigators next week.

The complainants also sub-

mitted to the NBI copies of the medico-legal reports detailing the wounds and cause of deaths of the policemen killed in the encounter.

The affidavits also stated that some of the SAF personnel assigned in Zamboanga City who were transported to Maguindanao in private vans admitted they were not familiar with the terrain of the clash area.

The complainants also reported the condition of their relatives’ remains when they claimed them from a military camp where they had been held.

Based on the affidavits, the slain policemen were mostly breadwinners.

Agabon, in his sworn statement to the NBI, said that as early as 4 a.m. on Jan. 25, a SAF member who was not in the operation called him up and relayed a message from his son Chum that Marwan had been neutralized and they were engaged in a firefight against MILF and BIFF members.

Three hours later, Agabon recalled that the SAF member called him again to inform him that his son’s group was already “closely surrounded by enemy forces.”

“I understand the message was a cry for help because as a former scout ranger, my son thought I could help,” Agabon said.

Agabon said that Chum was also able to talk to his brother who told him they were heavily fired upon by the enemies and they were running out of ammunition. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

13

Indonesia spares... ❰❰ 8

boss has been arrested in the Philippines, and the authorities there requested Indonesian assistance in pursuing the case.

"This delay did not cancel the execution. We just want to give a chance in relation with the legal process in the Philippines,'' Prasetyo said.

The woman who allegedly recruited Veloso to work in Kuala Lumpur, Maria Kristina Sergio, surrendered to police in the Philippines on Monday, National Police Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Director-General Leonardo A. Espina said.

Veloso has maintained that she was used as a drug mule without her knowledge.

Michael Chan, brother of Andrew Chan, who became a Christian pastor during his decade in prison and married an Indonesian woman on Monday, reacted with anger.

"I have just lost a courageous brother to a flawed Indonesian legal system. I miss you already RIP my Little Brother,'' Michael Chan tweeted.

"Today we lost Myu and Andrew, our sons, our brothers,'' the Sukumaran and Chan families later said in a statement.

"In the 10 years since they were arrested, they did all they could to make amends, helping many others. They asked for mercy, but there was none,'' the statement added.

The executions were widely condemned.

"The execution of these eight people for non-violent drug offences will do nothing to reduce

Filipinos around the world cheered when they heard the news that the Indonesian government had spared Mary Jane Veloso from execution, but the Indonesian government has said that it is only temporary so that Veloso can participate in legal proceedings against the people alleged to have conned her into smuggling drugs into the country.

the availability of drugs in Indonesia or other countries, or protect people from drug abuse.'' Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the New York-based Drug Policy Alliance said in a statement.

London-based Amnesty International called on Indonesia to abandon plans for further executions.

"These executions are utterly reprehensible,'' Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International's research director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said in a statement.

Ambulances carrying coffins arrived Tuesday at a prison island and relatives paid final visits to their condemned loved ones as Indonesia announced it would execute the eight for-

eigners and one Indonesian man on drug charges.

Eight ambulances carrying coffins were seen driving through the port city of Cilacap, where the prison island ferry lands, more than four hours after the reported executions.

They were thought to be carrying the bodies of the executed.

Sukumaran and Chan requested that their bodies be flown back to Australia. Nigerian Martin Anderson chose to be buried in the West Java town of Bekasi, and fellow Nigerian Raheem Agbaje, wanted to be buried in the East Java town of Madiun where he had been a prisoner. Indonesian Zainal Abidin is to be buried in Cilacap.

The wishes of two other Nigeri-

ans _ Sylvester Obiekwe Nwolise and Okwudili Oyatanze _ as well as those of Gularte, the Brazilian, have yet to be made public.

Originally, 10 inmates were to be executed, but Frenchman Serge Atlaoui was excluded from the latest executions because he still had an outstanding court appeal against President Joko Widodo's rejection of his clemency application.

Widodo has vowed to show no mercy to drug criminals.

The government says Atlaoui will face a firing squad alone if his appeal is rejected by the Administrative Court.

The latest executions brought to 14 the number of drug traffickers shot in Indonesia under Widodo's administration,

which took power in October last year made public.

Originally, 10 inmates were to be executed, but Frenchman Serge Atlaoui was excluded from the latest executions because he still had an outstanding court appeal against President Joko Widodo's rejection of his clemency application.

Widodo has vowed to show no mercy to drug criminals.

The government says Atlaoui will face a firing squad alone if his appeal is rejected by the Administrative Court.

The latest executions brought to 14 the number of drug traffickers shot in Indonesia under Widodo's administration, which took power in October last year. ■

portant relationship between Australia and Indonesia but it has suffered as a result of what's been done over the last few hours."

Abbott said he did not want to minimize "the gravity of what we've done."

Australia has never before withdrawn an official when a citizen has been executed by a foreign country.

Ministerial contacts have also been suspended and it remains unclear when they will be re-established.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said carrying out the executions was "senseless" given

Chan, 31, and Sukumaran, 34, had rehabilitated themselves.

"They had reformed and they had a contribution to make," she said.

The Australians were sentenced to death in 2005 for their lead roles in the Bali Nine heroin smuggling operation.

During a decade spent on death row, both made concerted efforts to rehabilitate, with Chan becoming a Christian minister and Sukumaran a qualified fine artist. Both led education and counseling services for fellow prisoners.

The pair, along with the fam-

ily, friends and thousands of supporters, unsuccessfully petitioned Indonesian President Joko Widodo to grant clemency and sentence them to life in prison instead.

Widodo stated in a speech in December he would not approve any clemencies for drug offenses.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten and his deputy Tanya Plibersek released a joint statement saying Australia was "deeply hurt that our pleas for mercy were ignored." "Indonesia has not just robbed two young men of their lives but robbed itself of two examples of the strengths

of its justice system," the statement said.

"It was completely unacceptable for Indonesia to proceed as it did when critical legal processes were yet to run their course, raising serious questions about Indonesia's commitment to the rule of law."

Fellow Opposition MP Tony Burke simply tweeted: "Lives lost. Nothing gained."

The bodies of Chan and Sukumaran will be moved to Jakarta from the high-security prison island of Nusakambangan before transported to Australia for burial. ■

Australia recalls... ❰❰ 10

on Wednesday, calling the executions by firing squad of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran "cruel and unnecessary."

"We respect Indonesia's sovereignty but we do deplore what's been done and this cannot be simply business as usual," he said at a press conference confirming the Australians deaths.

"For that reason, once all the courtesies have been extended to the Chan and Sukumaran families, our ambassador will be withdrawn for consultations." "I want to stress that this is a very im-

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MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Manny Pacquiao

The Fight of the Century Saga: Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. vs. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer ON MAY 2, 2015, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the biggest fight in the history of boxing will be taking place when five-division world champion and still undefeated Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will go against eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in the muchawaited boxing match billed as The Fight of the Century.

Looking back, this was the bout that many sports fans thought would never happen as getting the two boxers in the ring was no easy task and the bout long pending since 2009.

Disagreements between both camps on terms of the superfight prevented it from being settled upon until 2015. Issues such as purse split, drug testing and location of the fight were some of the matters raised.

But on February 20, 2015, Mayweather officially announced on social media that he signed the contract of the megabout. Pacquiao signed it beforehand. The big news then went viral and immediately became the talk of the town.

But before all the fuss, what prompted boxing’s richest fight?

Background of the MayweatherPacquiao bout

On June 6, 2008, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., 31 years old at the time, with a flawless professional record of 39 wins and no losses, announced his retirement from boxing.

Prior Mayweather’s retirement, The Ring magazine ranked him as the number one poundfor-pound fighter in the world.

He was then followed by Manny Pacquiao at the second spot.

Without Mayweather dominating the top spot, Pacquiao reigned as the pound-for-pound king in 2008 and maintained in his spot until 2011 before May-

POWER BREAK. Manny Pacquiao takes a breather after his usual power bomb of a workout at Wild Card gym in Hollywood on Tuesday.

REM ZAMORA

weather was back on top again.

During those times, Manny Pacquiao, 30 years old, with a record of 47 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws, won victories in several fights. In 2008, he won an eightround technical knockout over Óscar de la Hoya. In 2009, he defeated Ricky Hatton with a two-round knockout. Also in 2009, he won via another technical knockout against Miguel Cotto in a twelve-round bout.

Pacquiao then became the second boxer in history to win in six weight divisions.

Meanwhile, Mayweather called out of his early retirement and fought Juan Manuel Marquez. It can be recalled that Pac-

quiao previously fought Marquez in two controversial fights.

In 2004, the two faced a twelveround draw. And in 2008, Pacquiao won over a twelve-round split decision. Mayweather, however, was not impressed as he believed that Marquez deserved to win in those fights.

Nevertheless, Mayweather defeated Marquez with a lopsided twelve-round unanimous decision despite suffering a rib injury prior the fight.

After all the fights, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe announced that a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight was the next big thing.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, for www.canadianinquirer.net

their part, announced that he was more than willing to negotiate a Mayweather-Pacquiao bout.

The media and fans then went abuzz with the anticipated fight of the two great boxers. However, the official announcement of the fight would not take place for the next few years just yet.

Failed negotiations and drugrelated issues

According to Yahoo! Sports, Golden Boy Promotions sent an eight-page contract to Top Rank on December 11, 2009, proposing a fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao set to take place on March 13, 2010.

The detailed contract includ-

ed a 50-50 financial split, choices of venue and random drug testing of the two fighters. The last aforementioned condition made the negotiations blurry.

Mayweather’s camp gave new terms to the testing and demanded Pacquiao to comply with their terms.

Ellerbe insisted that the fight would not happen if Pacquiao would not submit to blood testing in the weeks leading up to the bout.

“There is no fight without Olympic-style random drugtesting,” Ellerbe said.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, on the other hand, questioned the required blood test-

Manny Pacquiao

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

ing but agreed with it as long Both boxers then moved on to Pacquiao because of disagreeas it was not done too close to other fights. On March 13, 2010, ments in the financial split and the fight. It can be recalled that Pacquiao won over Joshua Clot- with the promoters.

Pacquiao blamed his defeat to tey via unanimous decision. On “There is no fight I want Erik Morales on having to give May 1, 2010, Mayweather de- more than the Manny Pacquiao blood two days before the fight. feated Shane Mosley, also via fight,” Mayweather said. “I “I will not let my fighter take unanimous decision. guess he said he agreed to fight. a blood test the day before the The Mayweather-Pacquiao The only thing that is stopping fight. If they give me a five-day fight, if it happened at that time, this fight right now, that I truly window or something like that, was anticipated to reach rev- believe is stopping the fight, is I have no problem with it,” enues as high as $300 million, Bob Arum.”

Roach said. making it the highest-grossing “We all know the Pacquiao “He’s looking for a back door fight in the history of boxing. It fight, at this particular time, out. We’re eager to fight,” he was also expected to reach as will never happen, and the reaadded, suspecting that May- high as $3 million pay-per-views son why the fight won’t happen weather simply wanted out of in the United States alone. is because I will never do busithe fight. ness with Bob Arum again in Ellerbe fired back and ques- Second attempts life, and Pacquiao is Bob Arum’s tioned why Pacquiao would not On May 13, 2010, Arum an- fighter,” Mayweather said in a agree with their terms in the nounced that Pacquiao’s next separate statement. drug testing. fight would be by November “If it’s good enough for LeB- that year, possibly against May- Successful negotiations and ron James, Kobe Bryant, Mi- weather. closing the deal chael Phelps, and Lance ArmPacquiao, for his part, said On December 12, 2014, Maystrong, why isn’t it good enough that he was still open to the weather finally agreed to fight for Manny Pacquiao?,” Ellerbe possibility of a bout with May- Pacquiao and challenged him to asked. weather ‘as long as they’re not a megabout on May 2, 2015.

“The fans and sports deserve getting a large amount of blood’ “We’ve been trying to make a level playing field,” Ellerbe in the drug testing. this fight happen behind the added, asserting that everyBy June, Arum declared that scenes for years now… We one had to be assured that nei- Pacquiao had no more issues want to fight. We’re ready. Let’s ther fighter was make it happen cheating. [on] May 2nd.

Disputes beMayweather vs. tween the two Manny Pacquiao. camps continThere is no fight I want more than the Let’s do it,” Mayued and the conManny Pacquiao fight,” Mayweather weather said in a tract was never said. “I guess he said he agreed to television intersigned and forfight. The only thing that is stopping view. malized. this fight right now, that I truly believe Pacquiao, for On December is stopping the fight, is Bob Arum. his part, urged 22, 2009, Top Mayweather to Rank CEO Bob finalize the fight.

Arum declared “It would be that the fight was better for him to officially off. with the drug testing and was stop talking and sign the fight “We appeased Mayweather ready to fight Mayweather any- contract,” Pacquiao said, addby agreeing to a urine analysis time. ing that he had already agreed at any time, and blood testing On January 20, 2012, May- to the terms of the contract. before the press conference weather himself finally spoke On January 13, 2015, Pacand after the fight. Mayweather directly to Pacquiao on the tele- quiao announced his acceppressed for blood testing even phone, and ‘asked him about tance of the fight and agreeup to the weigh-in. He knew them fighting and giving the ment to the terms. Mayweather that Manny gets freaked out world what they want to see.’ confirmed that the fight was on. when his blood gets taken and This time, the issue was reHence, the Mayweatherfeels that it weakens him. This garding the purse split. Pac- Pacquiao fight was declared ofis just harassment and, to me, quiao had asked for a 50/50 ficial – May 2, 2015 at the MGM just signaled that he didn’t want split but Mayweather could not Grand Garden Arena in Las Vethe fight, Arum said. agree to such split. gas, Nevada, USA. Arum added that Pacquiao Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s defaAt last, the Mayweatherwas willing to undergo as many mation case against Mayweath- Pacquiao fight, billed as The urine tests requested but will er had finally been resolved.

Fight of the Century, became only submit to three blood “We wish to make it clear that a reality after almost six years tests: one in January, one 30 they never intended to claim in the making. The megabout days before the fight, and one that Manny Pacquiao has used is anticipated to gross as high in January, one 30 days before or is using any performance- as $400 million, making it the the fight, and one immediately enhancing drugs, nor are they richest fight in boxing history. after the fight. aware of any evidence that The fight has also brought Pacquiao, for his part, filed Manny Pacquiao has used per- big media networks togetha suit against Mayweather’s formance-enhancing drugs,” er, with rivals Showtime and camp for accusing him of using Mayweather’s camp said in an HBO airing it in the United performance-enhancing drugs, official statement.

States while the three big netwhich he claimed to be untrue.

Though the drug issue had works GMA-7, ABS-CBN and Pacquiao never failed a drug already been resolved, May- TV5 are set to broadcast it in test in his previous fights. weather would still not fight the Philippines. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

15

A plan has formed for Pacquiao and Roach in big money fight

BY GREG BEACHAM The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Manny Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach have spent the past two months trying to solve the biggest puzzle in modern boxing.

How does anybody hit Floyd Mayweather Jr., a fighter whose perfect career is built on being nearly impossible to touch?

Pacquiao and Roach will reveal their answer in detail Saturday night in Las Vegas, when the fighters meet in the richest bout in boxing history. But clues to a strategy for breaking Mayweather’s impenetrable defence were evident in Pacquiao’s final workout at Roach’s Wild Card gym in Hollywood on Monday.

Pacquiao was a whirlwind of motion from the moment he stepped in the ring, throwing dozens of punches in combinations against Roach’s mitts and chest protector. While Roach took a much-deserved break, Pacquiao shadowboxed across

the canvas, peppering the air with hundreds of rapid-fire punches long after his workout could have been over.

“You can beat Floyd Mayweather if you outwork him and never give him a chance to do the things he does best,” Roach said. “Manny is punching real hard, but I want him to outscore (Mayweather) in every round. I think we can win a 12-round decision. We want to throw a ton of punches.”

Pacquiao is betting on aggression, activity and punch volume to defeat Mayweather, according to the fighter and his longtime trainer. The eight-division world champion has trained fiercely to fight 12 rounds of nonstop offence against the pre-eminent defensive fighter of his generation.

“I’m not really looking for a knockout,” Pacquiao said.

“We’re not looking only for a knockout, but for throwing a lot of punches, and also making sure that every round, we’re ❱❱ PAGE 46 A plan

Opinion

16

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

LOOKING BACK

Statistics on crime

By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer EVERY PACQUIAO fight results in a drop in traffic and crime because everyone is at home or in a public space glued to a television set and rooting for the “Pambansang Kamao.” I would have thought the recent papal visit would produce the same effect, but it seems that in some places the incidence of petty crime and robbery increased because the people were out and about lining the papal route, hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis and receive a blessing. Another reason for the spike in petty crime during that period in January was the fact that most of the police in Metro Manila were fielded to protect the Pope from assassins and overzealous fans.

This early I am excited to read and file the Philippine Crime Statistics for 2015 so that I can compare and contrast the numbers with those compiled during the American and Spanish colonial periods.

We have a bigger population now compared with that in the mid-19th century, and we have a wider menu of crimes to choose from. Reading the Correctional and Crime Statistics for 1846 and 1847 published by the

Belgian Consul Pierre Joseph Lan- pillage (75), sedition and rebellion (1), scandal (11), arson (6), incest (2), innoy in his book “Îles Philippines: De and vagabondage and bad conduct (4). fanticide (1), theft, embezzlement and leur situation ancienne et actuelle” I cannot explain why there were swindling (184), resistance and lack or “The Philippine Islands: their sit- more punishments meted out than of respect to authority (15), abducuation then and now” (1849) is quite crimes reported in 1846, but the pun- tion (11), sacrilegious theft (2), theft in fascinating. The list is surely incom- ishment for those listed were: stran- band with arms (5), suicide (3), pillage plete because it only records crimes gulation or garrote (11), condemned (67), superstition (1), sedition and brought to the Royal Audiencia and to presidio with hard labor (438), outbreaks (4) and vagabondage and those meted out some form of pun- correctional detention (250), whip- bad conduct (8). ishment. Crimes for which there was ping in public (43), exhibition (1), Comparing the two lists made no complaint or crimes settled out of suspension and deprivation of work me wonder why there was only one court do not form part of the record.

(13), fines and pecuniary damages mention of a robbery attempt and no In 1846 the following crimes and of- (39), and banishment (2). The same entries for robberies—unless those fenses were brought were classified unto the Royal Audider theft? It is sigEvery Pacquiao fight results in a drop in traffic and crime encia: assault (12), nificant that there because everyone is at home or in a public space glued to a attack and ill treatare no figures for television set and rooting for the “Pambansang Kamao.” ment (58), carrying murder and only prohibited weapons one for infanticide.

(16), adultery (2), rape (13), offense pattern appears in the statistics for There was one recorded case for surelating to abuse of power by govern- 1847, there were more punishments perstition, which generates more ment employees in the exercise of than cases filed. questions than answers: What is this, their functions (19), poisoning (2), esCrimes brought to the Royal Au- and should it be considered a crime? cape from prisons and presidios (16), diencia in 1847 were: attack (6), adul- Also in 1847, there was no case of falfalsification of public documents (4), tery (1), carrying of prohibited arms sification of public documents. Was falsification of private deeds (1), ho- (5), arbitrary arrest (48), robbery at- this because all the forgers were punmicide (166), blows and bad treatment tempt (1), abuse of power (10), rape ished the year before?

(10), blows resulting in wounds (102), with force (7), simple rape (4), false The crime statistics may be obsoinjury (1), immorality and scandalous witness and perjury (1), escape from lete and boring but these are a mirror acts (5), incest (1), arson (9), perjury prison and presidio (16), falsification to the life and times of our heroes.

(1), theft with arms (5), theft through of private deeds (5), assault and ill The numbers are far from complete, swindling (201), resistance to author- treatment (12), homicide (12), wounds and I am sure there are more data ity (14), abduction or kidnapping (16), and contusions (117), immorality and waiting to be mined in the Philip-

pine National Archives in Manila as well as the many foreign libraries and archives that have preserved Philippine materials, like the Archivo General de Indias in Sevilla, the Archivo Historico Nacional in Madrid, and the Archivo General de la Nacion in Mexico. Hidden in those dusty legajos or bundles are old documents written with a script, symbols and abbreviations that one can learn to read with patience and constant practice.

Fortunately, the historian looking into crime can rely on the pioneering work of Dr. Sixto de los Angeles (1875-1945), who I consider the “Father of Forensic Investigation in the Philippines.” In 1919 De los Angeles published “Estudios sobre antropologia criminal en las islas Filipinas” (“Studies in Criminal Anthropology in the Philippine Islands”) based on significant data like cranial measurements of criminals in Bilibid in 1916.

De los Angeles classified criminals by age, gender, height, weight, ethnolinguistic group, etc. His work reveals an inquiring mind that tried to put order in his data and find patterns that could be used against criminal behavior. He used statistics to keep the innocent from becoming crime statistics as well. ■

AS I SEE IT

Solution is to control stray animal population

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer THE FIGHT to save pets from ignorant officials and animal haters in Quezon City is not over with the repeal of that stupid ordinance limiting pet ownership. A ranking City Hall official has written Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte urging her to smuggle into the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Veterinary Code that repealed Ordinance No. 2386, the provision limiting to four the number of pets in every household. How sneaky.

But the vice mayor has promised animal welfare groups that they would be consulted before the IRR is approved. In fact, she asked them to make suggestions to improve the Vet Code and its IRR. The justification for the four-pet limit is to control the spread of rabies— a good objective, no quarrel about it.

But they are barking up the wrong tree. Rabies is spread by stray animals, not by household pets. Even if a family has 10 dogs and cats, they can’t harm anyone if they can’t get out of their humans’ yards. They have antirabies vaccinations, are taken to the vet regularly, are fed nutritious food, are healthy, and are raised properly.

On the other hand, even if a family has only one dog but it is allowed to

roam outside, that is the one in dan- lowed. That’s a lot of money for a and other groups won’t be able to ger of spreading rabies. Once outside, poor family that has more than four have their rescued animals adopted they can be bitten by rabid dogs and pets. Do you think poor families will by responsible families. And they will spread the virus by biting others. register their pets and pay the fees? no longer rescue abandoned animals.

The key to stopping rabies is to A better use for their money is spay/ That stupid pet limit will worsen the limit the number of stray animals. neuter services and vaccinations. problem, not solve it.

And this can be done by spaying and What City Hall should do is give And what will City Hall do with the neutering ALL animals, stray or not. pet owners incentives to register excess pets that it will seize from their Actually, animal welfare groups and their pets. Offer free antirabies vac- human families? Imprison them in kindhearted families are doing this cinations, free spay/neuter services, cramped cages where they will suffer? job for local governments. The Philip- even free collars and dog tags, for After some time, the city pound will pine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), every pet registered. Quezon City have an excess of imprisoned pets. So for example, rescues abandoned dogs boasts that it is the richest city in the what will City Hall do then, kill them and cats, spays and neuters them, Philippines because of its high taxes. or sell them to dog meat merchants to vaccinates and rehabilitates them, Give back some of those taxes to the be slaughtered? That is prohibited by and then puts them the Animal Welfare up for adoption by Act. Even just keepThe key to stopping rabies is to limit the number of stray responsible famiing them in cramped animals. And this can be done by spaying and neutering ALL lies. These families cages is prohibited animals, stray or not. adopt the animals by law. That is cruand take good care elty to animals, acof them and, by themselves, also res- taxpayers in terms of these services cording to the law. cue abandoned kittens, puppies and and watch pet owners troop to City City Hall officials: Think before adult dogs and cats. That is why they Hall to have their pets vaccinated, you act. Get the help and advice of end up having many pets. spayed and neutered. When PAWS animal welfare groups.

If pet ownership is limited to four, offers free spay/neuter services to in*** then who will rescue and adopt these digents a couple of times a year, hun- MUSIC NOTES: Fans who are wonunwanted animals? Everyone can see dreds of people show up with their dering why lounge singer Margaux that the Quezon City government is pets. That’s the surest and fastest way Salcedo has been scarce lately will be not doing that. All it is doing is make to stop the spread of rabies. glad to know that she will be back at life harder for its citizens and squeeze On the other hand, limit pet own- the Tap Room of the Manila Hotel on them for more and more taxes and fees. ership to four and families who have April 29. She has been traveling with The ordinance mandates families more than that will turn the excess her sister all over Europe, covering to register their pets and pay P500 out into the streets, thus adding to international cooking festivals and for each pet in excess of the four al- the stray-animal population. PAWS writing about them in her food col-

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umn in the INQUIRER. She also has a food program on radio.

But her fans need not fret. Margaux will be back at the Tap Room on Wednesday to sing their favorite songs. *** On May 11, the British will invade the Newport Performing Arts Theater at the Resorts World Manila. Six British bands—The Tremeloes, The Troggs, Marmalade, The Animals, Mike Pender of the Searchers, and Spencer Davis—will perform there for one night to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the British Invasion.

The British Invasion had a profound impact on popular music and opened the door for other British performers to achieve international success. It wasn’t just about the Beatles. It was also about The Rolling Stones, Kinks, Hollies, Dave Clark 5, Freddie and the Dreamers, Peter and Gordon, and many others. *** On May 13, two-time Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson will perform in Manila again, also at Resorts World. Bryson won his first Grammy in 1992 for “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion, and the second in 1993 for “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle. His first top pop single was “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.” ■

Opinion

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

17

PUBLIC LIVES

Lampedusa

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer ONE OF the first places Pope Francis visited after he became pope was a small island in the Mediterranean Sea called Lampedusa. Lying just 180 miles away from the coast of North Africa, this Italian island has been a mute witness to the perilous flight of refugees from war, violence and chaos. There, where countless bloated bodies of migrants have washed ashore in recent years, Francis celebrated Mass on a makeshift altar made from the debris of shipwrecked boats. During his homily, he wept and begged for forgiveness for a Europe that has shown little compassion and will in the face of this humanitarian crisis.

From January to April 2015 alone, close to 2,000 migrants from North Africa have died crossing the Mediterranean. Almost all were from Libya, a country that disintegrated in the wake of the destruction of Moammar Gadhafi’s autocratic regime. Like all refugees who seek entry into Europe in this manner, they paid thousands of dollars to unscrupulous human traffickers for a place in rickety boats not meant for long distance sea travel. Their hope was to be able to reach a European port before running out

of food and water, or, mercifully, to be once styled itself as the financier of Originally touched off by the self-imrescued at sea by a passing cargo ship. revolutions and did everything to molation of a young Tunisian street Only a few have made it to safety. earn the sobriquet of a rogue state. peddler who was protesting a simple They have calculated the risk of But the West never considered its ec- injustice, its true catalyst was the drowning at sea, and chosen it over centric dictator a real threat to world social media—Twitter—which young the horrible certainty of dying in a peace.

Arabs discovered as a weapon to doccivil war, or of living under the barThe events following 9/11, howev- ument and communicate the brutalbaric rule of the Islamic State of Iraq er, changed all that. First, the United ity of the regimes that had held sway and Syria (Isis).

States identified a new enemy: global in their societies. That year, the govIt’s a reality we Filipinos have a terrorism, and assigned it an Islamic ernments of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libhard time comprehending. We can’t face. For giving Osama bin Laden ref- ya fell one after the other. The rest of reconcile the picture of a crumbling uge, America invaded Afghanistan the region’s autocrats were forced to Libya being abandoned by its own and relentlessly pursued him. US make concessions to liberal reform desperate people with the trou- forces eventually caught up with Bin in an effort to mollify the awakened bling reality of our migrant workers Laden in a mountain resort in Paki- Arab youth. choosing to remain in that war-torn stan and killed him, yet Islamism has The momentum of the Arab Spring country despite has slowed down, the government’s but the transforI have heard many OFWs say they prefer to take their chances repeated offer to mative force it unabroad than to come home and face the certainty of slow starvation. I’m bring them home. leashed continues I have heard many to wreak havoc, sure that’s an exaggeration born of resentment and reckless ignorance.

OFWs say they premobilizing old confer to take their chances abroad than continued to spawn new adherents. flicts and loyalties in the most unto come home and face the certainty Second, it invaded Iraq, accusing predictable way. With the collapse of of slow starvation. I’m sure that’s an Saddam Hussein of harboring weap- militarybacked dictators, the battle exaggeration born of resentment and ons of mass destruction. Not finding for political supremacy has been reckless ignorance. any, America later rationalized the dominated by the most organized What is happening in the Middle invasion and the overthrow of Sad- elements of society. In Libya, tribal East and North Africa today is some- dam as a catalyst to the democratiza- affinities have clashed with Islamism thing no one had foreseen. So long as tion of Iraq. amid the ruins of Gadhafi’s state the autocratic Arab rulers cooperThe impulse to democracy, how- structures. In Egypt, the Muslim ated with the West and delivered the ever, did not come until 2011. Called Brotherhood won the elections held single resource they controlled, oil, the “Arab Spring,” this explosive after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. to the global market, they were left phenomenon quickly swept through Not long after, the military arrested pretty much alone. Gadhafi’s Libya North Africa and the Middle East. its Islamist president, pouncing on

the excesses of the new government, and has since ruled the country. Over in Iraq, the Isis now occupies the oilrich northwestern portion of this vast country, where ethnic Kurds are keeping up a fierce resistance against the Islamist group.

Yemen’s civil war has turned into a proxy war between Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran. Tunisia, where it all began, is stable for now, but Syria, where Bashar al-Assad keeps a tenuous grip on government, has become the complex battleground of various fighting forces. Three million Syrian refugees have crossed over to neighboring Turkey to escape the raging conflict, even as jihadists from Europe enter Syria through Turkey to fight on the side of the Isis.

At his homily in Lampedusa, Pope Francis repeated God’s question to Cain, “Where is your brother?” and followed it up with the harder question: “Who is responsible for this blood?” Not us, said Europe’s leaders.

Judging from their pronouncements, they want to run after the human smugglers who operate the boats but reject the idea of opening their communities to refugees as a shared responsibility. Italy has practically stood alone in its insistence on a willful humanitarian response by the entire European Community. ■

AT LARGE

Breads of our life

By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer IN THE short story “The Bread of Salt” by NVM Gonzalez, a boy walks to a neighborhood bakery to buy pan de sal (the bread in the title) for his grandmother. The baker places the warm buns in a paper bag and the boy walks home, clutching the warm brown bag to his chest.

That is all I remember of the story, actually, but the opening scene triggered in me memories of the brown paper bag of pan de sal that usually sat in the center of our dining table for breakfast. As soon as I descended the stairs to start the day, I would take the warm buns and dunk them in warm milk or, as I grew into adulthood, hot coffee. Sometimes, I would slather some butter on the bun, and it would give me a thrill to watch the butter melt into the coffee, filling the liquid with globs of yellow fat.

Filipinos are a rice-eating people, and no meal is complete, it seems, without hot rice to offset the salty, spicy, sweet or rich-tasting viands in our menus. I remember my mother complaining once about visiting a relative around lunch time and being served sandwiches. “Sandwiches!” she exclaimed, “I left their house

with my hunger barely assuaged!”

But despite our desperate affinity with rice, bread still occupies an important place in the Filipino diet. Most commonly, this is during breakfast, with the iconic pan de sal or “slice” white bread (also known as pan Americano) from commercial bakers. Sometimes, we also make room for bread during morning or afternoon snacks, including the traditional ensaymada or Spanish roll, the butter or margarinefilled “Hispanis” bread, or any number of biscuits, cakes and buns. *** IN RECENT years, the hubby would often come home from an out-oftown sortie or photo assignment with bags or boxes filled with all sorts of bread and bakery products. The breads were giveaways from bakery owners whom he had photographed for a book called “Panaderia,” the native term for bakery. To be launched in the coming week or so, “Panaderia” is subtitled “Philippine Bread, Biscuits and Bakery Traditions.” It is an encyclopedic, or nearly encyclopedic, volume on the history, background, traditions and innovations of Filipino bakers.

Authors Amy Uy and Jenny Orillos, with editor Mickey Fenix, fill our minds and bellies with exhaustively

researched and yet deeply personalized articles on the beginnings of bread and pastries here, chock-full with interviews with the Philippines’ top bakers and features on established bakeries. An extra feature are recipes developed and tested by Jill Sandique, no mean baker herself, who brought the book team to her native Kidapawan in Cotabato where her family owns a bakery and plantation.

And of course, Pie David provided the photos, a veritable labor of love which involved, according to Uy in her foreword: “gamely jump(ing) on planes, boats, buses, and traysikads with us across the country to capture the making of these breads in soulful images.” Book designer Ige Ramos took charge of the book’s cover and inside pages, including a logo of various baking tools sprouting from a rolling pin. *** IT’S ironic indeed to have a flourishing baking industry in a country that grows no wheat, despite the efforts of early Spanish colonizers to propagate the crop in our tropical isles.

But wheat flour was considered essential, not just because the colonizers considered bread a staple in their diets, but also because the natives newly converted to Christianity

www.canadianinquirer.net

needed communion wafers to ingest during the Mass. Thus it was that, according to Uy and Orillos, the Spanish established in 1625 the Royal Bakeshop in Manila. This bakery, whose profits were divided between the city government and the lot owner, was a virtual monopoly, cornering the importation of wheat flour as well as the construction of brick and clay ovens, allegedly for safety purposes. And while the first bakers supervising the Royal Bakeshop’s operations were Spaniards, management eventually fell on skilled Chinese or Sangley (native-born Chinese) bakers.

Eventually, panaderia operations expanded beyond government control. Bakeries sprouted in Manila and then spread to other provinces. The American era saw the arrival of home appliances and baking supplies that made it possible for home bakers to add their own touches and innovations, enriching the repertoire of native baking traditions. And in time, these home bakers would themselves become commercial bakers, popularizing their specialties or, in some cases, keeping their heirloom recipes so close to their chests that their products, so beloved to their customers, passed on with them. ***

EVEN if our baking traditions are mostly transplanted, born of the need of colonizers to maintain their ties to the bread from home, we nonetheless have “colonized” in turn the breads we borrowed.

Among the breads which I think can be found only in the Philippines are “kababayan” or countryman, a muffin made from inferior flour that is shaped like a native hat which, so a friend once told me, was so named as a tribute to Katipuneros who went around wearing the wide-brimmed head gear.

Then there is the “kalihim,” the native word for secretary, which is a combination of old mashed bread dyed a deep red and sandwiched into a newly-baked roll. I don’t know how it got its name, but another nickname for it is “lipstick bread,” which perhaps alludes to the red-lipsticked office secretaries? Another name for the bread is “pan de regla” a naughty reference perhaps to a woman’s “time of the month,” though it seems a rather unappetizing marketing tool.

So there you have it. Philippine breads may not be “native” to us, but we have made them our own, part of our memories and traditions, and even imbued with our unique Pinoy humor. ■

18

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Canada News

Canada to send disaster aid team, $5 million to earthquake stricken Nepal THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — The Canadian government is sending a disaster assessment team to earthquake stricken Nepal and contributing $5 million to relief efforts, Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson’s office said late Saturday.

The assessment team was part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team, known as DART, Johanna Quinney, Nicholson’s press secretary, said in an email. The military team is designed to deploy on short notice to deal with natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies.

Nicholson spoke to his Nepalese counterpart on Saturday to express Canada’s condolences and offer Canadian aid, Quinney said.

A government source earlier Saturday said the assessment team was to head to Nepal to determine how the DART could be used most effectively. Efforts were in the works to try to fly some elements of the DART closer to the region, the source said. The Canadian government did not say Saturday when a decision would be made on deploying the full DART to Nepal.

Nepalese officials put the death toll from the 7.8-magnitude quake at 1,805. The quake reduced ancient buildings to rubble and left many Canadian families anxiously awaiting news of loved ones. The quake hit Nepal’s densely populated Kathmandu Valley hardest, but it was also felt in other countries in the region including India and Bangladesh.

Toronto aid worker Reena Vohra was walking through a narrow alley in Bhaktapur when the quake hit. She ran to a nearby shop entrance, where she watched in horror as the historic city crumbled.

“People were screaming and crying all around me,” she said a statement provided by World

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal last week, amassing a death toll so far of 1,805. The Canadian government is sending over $5 million in relief funds, as well as a disaster assessment team to help contribute to relief efforts. The quake reduced ancient buildings to rubble and left many Canadian families anxiously awaiting the news of loved ones.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Vision. “I’m still incredibly “We mourn with the people shocks with ground rumbling.” shaken up. I’ve never experi- of Nepal and India in the afForeign Affairs spokeswomenced anything like this.” termath of this terrible natural an Diana Khaddaj said CanadiInternational Trade Minis- disaster and offer our help and an diplomats in Ottawa and in ter Christian Paradis said in a our prayers,” he said. the region were working with statement that the $5 million The Foreign Affairs Depart- local authorities to help CanaCanadian contribution would ment said there are 388 Cana- dians in the region. help to provide people with dians registered as being in NeSome families were turning access to food, to social medrinking wadia in an effort ter, shelter and to track down health, hygiene relatives in the and protection Everybody is going through pain, to quake-stricken services. see the beautiful country turned to area. A number He said the dust, everybody on the street and of people tweetgovernment dying. ed asking if anywill continue to one heard from monitor the situtheir loved ones. ation and will Michael Maprovide further gee, chief of staff assistance if required to help pal, but cautioned that is only for Vancouver Mayor Gregor meet life-saving needs. an estimate as registration is Robertson, awoke to a phone Prime Minister Stephen voluntary. call early Saturday assuring Harper released a statement Among the Canadians in Ne- him his 20-year-old son Aedan earlier Saturday in which he pal is former New Brunswick was safe in a campsite outside offered his deepest condo- NDP leader Elizabeth Weir, Pokhara. lences to those who lost loved who tweeted Saturday, “OutAedan had been staying with ones. side Kathmandu and still after- a Nepalese family in Pokhara, www.canadianinquirer.net

near the deadly epicentre of the quake. But he recently left the city for a hike in the mountains with other students in his university program.

“We dodged a bullet,” said Magee. “It’s nerve-wracking. I feel terrible and heartsick for the tragedy and what it means.

At the same time I’m relieved to have word immediately that my son is safe.”

Anil Thapa, president of a Nepalese Canadian group called NRN-Canada, said his parents and siblings in Kathmandu are safe but some generations-old property was destroyed.

Thapa said he was lucky as many Nepalese Canadians are still waiting to hear from loved ones.

“Everybody is going through pain, to see the beautiful country turned to dust, everybody on the street and dying,” he said.

“We feel so much sorrow.” ■

Canada News

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

19

Frustration for Canadians seeking help following Nepal earthquake THE CANADIAN PRESS CANADIANS IN Nepal and relatives of missing Canadian tourists are expressing frustration with Canada’s response to Saturday’s massive earthquake, with some complaining they’re getting more support from American officials than their own.

Mark McDermott and Roel Teunissen were hoping to get on a military transport plane on Wednesday to return to Canada from the earthquake-ravaged country.

But McDermott said Tuesday they’ve now been told the plane will only take evacuees to New Delhi, where they’ll have to find commercial flights home on their own.

That would leave them in a worse situation than they currently have in the U.S. embassy in Kathmandu, where his group and many others have gathered while they await their scheduled flight on May 17, he said.

In New Delhi, however, they’d likely have to camp out at the airport.

Defence Minister Jason Kenney said a military aircraft loaded with personnel and supplies was expected to arrive in Nepal on Wednesday, but added that depends on the condition of the damaged airport.

McDermott said neither he nor Teunissen will go to New Delhi, and they haven’t heard of any other evacuation efforts.

He added there’s been a dearth of information from Canadian officials.

Teunissen said once they were able to contact the Canadian consulate after the quake, the honorary Canadian consul told them it was a very big emergency and they weren’t equipped to handle it at the consulate. He said the honorary

A "Shake Map" of the earthquake that struck Nepal last week. The death toll from the quake is so far over 1,800.

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consul, a Nepalese man, told them to seek help elsewhere.

However, the honorary consul’s assistant in Kathmandu told The Canadian Press by telephone early Tuesday that he “doubted the consul would have said that.”

“That’s not our policy; we don’t ask people to just go away,” added the assistant, who said he was not authorized to comment and did not want his name used.

Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson was asked directly Monday about reports of Canadians being turned away from the consulate when they sought assistance.

He would only reply that he has instructed the honorary consul there “to work with these individuals on a 24-hour basis to get them the help that they need.” Nicholson added that officials from the high commission in New Delhi have

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twice tried to land in Kathmandu but were turned away.

In the meantime, an email from Foreign Affairs to Canadians in Nepal said they should “consider leaving using available commercial means.” It said Canadian officials “are working on plans to assist Canadians who are unable to leave via commercial means and require evacuation using DND flights.”

After leaving the Canadian consulate, McDermott said they called the U.S. Embassy, which arranged a drive over, a place to sleep, food and the ability to communicate with family and friends. They’ve been told they can stay until their flight mid-May. Kandy Barker said her nephew, Fraser, was also initially turned away by Canadian officials in Kathmandu as he sought news of his parents, who haven’t been heard from since the earthquake struck. But he is scheduled to meet with officials today, she said.

Bruce and Kathy Macmillan, of St. Albert, Alta., were trekking in the Langdang region and were supposed to meet up with their two adult sons in Kathmandu on Monday, she said.

Talking to officials in Ottawa hasn’t proven any more helpful, Barker said. Her sister called a government hotline for people whose relatives are still unaccounted for and got a “standardized, formatted” message, she said.

“The government told her, ‘Go to social media and put the name out on Facebook and Twitter,”’ Barker said. “OK, we’ve done that, but we need more from the government.”

Michelle Dack of Victoria said Monday that her dealings with Foreign Affairs have been “disappointing” as she tried to get word of her sister, who was trekking in Nepal.

Dack said she and her mother did receive a very brief phone call from Tamara McLeod later Monday from Briddhim in the Langtang region, about 50 kilometres north of Kathmandu.

“She was bawling her eyes out, saying she can’t get out — she’s trapped,” Dack said in a telephone interview early Tuesday.

But Dack couldn’t say if that meant her 24-year-old sister was trapped physically or if a road is blocked, nor could she say if her sister was injured or had any food or water. The Dacks have had “difficulty being able to get clear answers” from Foreign Affairs, she said, and argued that Canada should be sending rescue workers to Nepal.

“I think they need to be in Langtang and also in Annapurna doing search and rescue. I know that there’s many Canadians for sure that are in Langtang.”

Dack said her sister is in Nepal to provide yoga workshops starting May 1 and had left Kathmandu on April 13 to take part in a trek.

“I won’t sleep until I know that my sister is on a helicopter,” she said.

Sarah Brandt of Ottawa said she’s been having no luck getting word about her brother, Saijaya Raj, who was trekking in the Langtang area when the quake hit.

Raj is Malaysian and Brandt said she’s been unable to contact the Malaysian embassy other officials in Nepal and hopes more media can get into the quake area to tell those outside of Nepal what is happening.

“The most important part is to find my brother and whatever source that can help me to do that I will be very happy to receive help from,” she said. ■

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Canada News

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

President Aquino to visit Canada in May PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER

Smouldering B.C. pot debate puts City of Vancouver, federal minister at impasse

BY LAURA KANE The Canadian Press SURREY, B.C. — Vancouver’s mayor has snuffed out a suggestion made by federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose that the city shut medical-marijuana dispensaries, rather than regulate them.

“No,” Gregor Robertson told reporters, when asked Friday if the city would comply.

The dispute between the city and federal minister over Vancouver’s plans to regulate the booming medical pot-trade has heightened throughout the week, threatening to turn into a standoff, as Robertson and Ambrose appeared at separate events in Metro Vancouver.

It began Wednesday, when city staff announced they will present a report to council that recommends regulation of the flourishing medical pot industry, enforcing a $30,000 licensing fee and requiring the shops to be at least 300 metres from schools.

Ambrose responded on Thursday with a strongly worded letter to Robertson warning that “normalizing” marijuana will increase use and addiction, especially among youth.

She followed up on Friday, telling reporters at an event in Surrey, B.C., that the city must “re-think” its plans to discuss regulating medicinal pot shops at an upcoming council meeting.

“The issue for me is a public-health issue. First of all, marijuana dispensaries are illegal,” she said. “Marijuana is not a medicine, it is not approved as a medicine by Health Canada, nor has it gone through any of the typical rigorous clinical trials that are necessary for medicine to be approved.”

Ambrose wouldn’t say what her gov-

ernment is prepared to do if Vancouver goes ahead with the new regulations.

“I would leave that to the police,” she said. “But I would also say to you that this resolution hasn’t passed council yet. They’re thinking about it, they have a problem on their hands. A lot of people want to make a lot of money.”

In March 2014, Vancouver police Chief Jim Chu said his department didn’t consider the enforcement of medical marijuana dispensaries a priority. He said police were intent on capturing violent drug traffickers who posed a danger to the community, and the dispensaries didn’t fit that priority.

Robertson responded to Ambrose Friday afternoon, telling reporters the courts have ruled on the issue, and all the city can do is regulate the businesses like others because it can’t let them operate in a vacuum.

That wouldn’t be fair to other businesses and it wouldn’t be appropriate for kids to have easy access to marijuana, said Robertson.

“We want to be sure there are some good solid guidelines here,” he said.

“Ultimately, the federal government is going to need to decide what courses of action they’re going to take with medical marijuana and marijuana in general.”

Coun. Kerry Jang has said the federal government’s restrictive medical marijuana laws forced the city to step in and that the new rules are specifically designed to prevent exposure to kids.

Marijuana dispensaries have popped up in larger cities across Canada, but nowhere has the growth been as accelerated than in Vancouver.

The number of dispensaries in the city has multiplied from six to 80 in just two years. ■

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino will be visiting Canada early this month, possibly even during the first week of May, in a move that could help the Conservative government court the critical growing Filipino-Canadian vote for the federal election later this year.

“Canada and the Philippines enjoy a close friendship based on shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. I look forward to meeting with President Aquino to further strengthen the bonds between our two countries, including in the areas of trade, investment, development and security, benefitting the citizens of both nations” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The visit is meant to explore freetrade talks, discuss global security issues, and strengthen bilateral relations between Canada and the Philippines.

A CTV report said that officials behind the scenes "aggressively" pushed for this

visit to happen as soon as possible.

"It's obvious we're going to have an election in six months, and there are significant groups in this country, ethnic groups and others that are being courted" said Marc Garneau, Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic, in the CTV report.

After arriving in Ottawa to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor-General David Johnston, it is expected that President Aquino will then make stops in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver, as those cities have large populations of Filipino-Canadians.

The Philippines has been identified

by Canada as a "priority country" in trade terms, and the Philippines is now the third largest source of immigrants to Canada behind China and India.

Around 800,000 people in Canada can claim to have Filipino heritage, with around half that number situated in the Toronto area of Canada.

In 1989, President Aquino's mother, President Corazon Aquino, was the first Filipino President to make a state visit to Canada. ■

CRA extends income tax filing deadline due to error RUNNING BEHIND on filing your 2014 income tax returns? Thanks to an error by the CRA, you now have a few extra days to finish the task.

On April 24, the Canada Revenue Agency mistakenly sent out a notice to some Canadians that said the deadline for all returns submitted electronically is May 5. However, the notice was meant to apply to returns being returned for correction only, not all returns.

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Because of this, the CRA has now changed the deadline to May 5 for all returns.

On April 28, the CRA issued a notice that said, “The CRA takes full responsibility for the error and our first priority is to ensure that no Canadian is negatively affected. As a result, and at Minister Findlay's request, 2014 tax returns filed by midnight on May 5, 2015, will not incur interest or penalties.” ■

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FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

21

New CSIS powers not as frightening as they seem: Harper’s security adviser

BY JIM BRONSKILL The Canadian Press

measures to disrupt it. The spy agency would require a court warrant whenever proposed disruption measures violate the charter of rights or otherwise breach Canadian law.

Fadden, a former CSIS director, said the bill would help security agencies take “a more surgical approach” to dealing with jihadi-inspired radicals and other threats.

For instance, it would give CSIS ex-

of thing is very, very useful.”

Otherwise, the shipment would arrive in the rogue nation and “somebody else has to deal with the problem,” said FadOTTAWA — Planned new powers for den, who tried to dispel the notion the Canada’s spy agency seem scarier than new powers would be used to target evthey really are, says Prime Minister Steeryone including “the Girl Guides.” phen Harper’s national security adviser.

“There has to be an actual threat to Giving the Canadian Security Intelnational security,” he said. “This is taken ligence Service the ability to disrupt really very seriously. extremist plots will help squelch such “It seems more frightening than it redangerous activity ally is.” at a very early stage, The legislation Dick Fadden told the would also permit Senate national segreater sharing of curity committee on It’s just too wide . . . It’s using a bulldozer to security information Monday. catch ants. among federal agenOpponents of the cies — a move Fadden government’s antisaid will help with terrorism bill have various kinds of indenounced the idea vestigations. of allowing the spy service to go beyond plicit power to alert the family of a susCivil libertarians, environmental gathering information to actively derail- pected extremist — something it can’t do groups and others — including the feding suspected schemes. now. It would also hand the spy agency eral privacy commissioner — have exThe new disruption powers could per- more options to manage a shipment of pressed grave concerns about the informit CSIS to thwart travel plans, cancel goods destined for a nation that intend- mation-sharing provisions, saying they bank transactions and covertly interfere ed to use it to create a weapon of mass could open the door to abuses. with radical websites. destruction, Fadden said.

John Bennett, executive director of With its new mandate, CSIS would “If they can find the wherewithal to The Sierra Club of Canada, told the need “reasonable grounds to believe” change the technology, alter it, destroy senators the environmental organizathere was a security threat before taking it on its way across the country, that sort tion “could easily find itself engulfed in

Mediterranean migrant deaths worth risk: Man who boarded Thai ship for Canada

BY CAMILLE BAINS The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — A young Sri Lankan man crammed into the cargo hold of a ship with nearly 500 others had only one thing on his mind — getting to the promised land called Canada.

Nearly five years after the MV Sun Sea arrived on British Columbia’s coast, the refugee claimant said he understands the plight of an estimated 1,700 migrants who have died in the Mediterranean Sea since April 13.

“I am extremely sorry to find that they had to die as a result of escaping from danger,” said the man in his 30s, whose identity is protected by a publication ban.

But he said dying at sea was worth the risk for a shot at freedom, and it’s the same chance that migrants heading from Africa to Europe are taking.

“I feel very strongly that the world has

secret investigations” under the bill’s provisions.

“It’s already happened.”

He cited the recent leak of an RCMP intelligence assessment, Criminal Threats to the Canadian Petroleum Industry, that said those within the antioil movement are willing to use “direct action tactics, such as civil disobedience, unlawful protests, break-and-entry, vandalism and sabotage.”

Bennett said The Sierra Club, which is named in the report, does not condone violence and has protested the assessment’s characterization to the RCMP. The government insists the bill will not be used to trample on the rights of protesters, but Bennett remains concerned.

“It’s just too wide,” he said. “It’s using a bulldozer to catch ants.”

A plan to deal with the seduction of young minds by Islamic extremists is “missing severely” from the Canadian strategy, said Hara Rafiq, managing director of the London-based Quilliam Foundation, which aims to challenge radical narratives.

“This bill will not combat radicalization,” he told the senators. ■

Supreme Meat Supplies Ltd.

to open its eyes and prevent all these atrocities that are being committed by various countries so that there is no necessity for people to leave their countries, to take desperate measures to go elsewhere.”

The man, dubbed B188 in Canadian government documents, said through a Tamil translator that he paid a smuggler in Thailand to travel with a group on two boats before they were transferred to the MV Sun Sea, which was already in international waters.

The ship with 380 men, 63 women — four of whom were pregnant — and 49 children was intercepted on the coast of B.C. in August 2010.

It followed the arrival of another ship, the MV Ocean Lady, in October 2009, with 76 Tamil migrants on board.

He said there were two toilets on the Sun Sea and that he would awake at 4 a.m. to avoid the lineups because he ❱❱ PAGE 47 Mediterranean migrant

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Manny Pacquiao

MAY 1, 2015

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Something to prove... ❰❰ 1

the other fights I had. I feel excited, this is it. I have to prove something.''

Just hours after arriving in this boxing capital in a motorhome from Los Angeles, Pacquiao oozed confidence at a rally attended by about 1,000 people at the Mandalay Bay hotel. The mostly Filipino crowd watched Pacquiao's latest music video and was entertained by dancers and singers before the fighter himself made a brief appearance.

"I know I'm going to win the fight in the ring,'' Pacquiao told the crowd. "So relax.''

Oddsmakers aren't so convinced, with Pacquiao remaining about a 2-1 underdog for a fight expected to earn him more than $100 million. But Pacquiao didn't even have to break a sweat to win over the crowd that came to the hastily arranged pep rally in a convention area at the hotel.

"You're excited,'' Pacquiao said to the cheering crowd. "I'm very excited.''

Mayweather was greeted by a much bigger crowd at the MGM Grand hotel, where Saturday's night welterweight title fight will play out. The Southern University marching band entertained and a mariachi band played outside before Mayweather arrived 20 minutes early.

For many, it was their only chance

Manny Pacquiao is confident that he will emerge victorious against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. during their upcoming mega-fight on Saturday, May 2. But oddsmakers aren't as confident, as they still peg Pacquiao as a 2-1 underdog for the fight which is expected to earn both fighters over $100 million.

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to see the two fighters without reaching deep in their pockets. Tickets for the fight itself were being offered online starting at $3,800 and going over $100,000 near ringside, while even the $10 tickets for Friday's weigh-in were being offered for $100 or more.

"Five years ago this was a $50 million fight for me and $20 million for him,''

said Mayweather, who is expected to following him around the ring he will set make $180 million or more to $120 mil- a trap. I have trained Manny not to let lion for Pacquiao's camp. that happen. When he sets a trap, Manny With the real work already done, both will walk away.'' fighters were going over game plans for De La Hoya said his head tells him a bout that was five years in the making. Mayweather will win the fight, but his Pacquiao said he had two or three differ- heart is with Pacquiao. He said the Filient strategies for the fight, depending on pino has an advantage with Roach in the whether Mayweather wants to try to win corner, and will have a strategy to counwith his defence or comes out attacking. ter Mayweather's defensive moves.

"If he wants to fight me, good for me,'' "I believe this fight is going to be more Pacquiao said. "If he's running and moving exciting today than five years ago bearound the ring we're prepared for that, too.'' cause both guys are not as agile on their Mayweather said that Pacquiao will be feet,'' De La Hoya said. "Mayweather has trying the same game plan that 47 others lost a step or two with his legs and so has have failed to implement.

Pacquiao. Pacquiao will have a chance to "Everybody's game plan is to come connect a few punches on Mayweather forward and throw lots of punches,'' and vice versa.''

Mayweather said. "It What he doesn't hasn't worked in 19 want to see, De La years and 47 fights.''

Hoya said, is MayIt didn't work for weather fighting just De La Hoya, who lost to win the fight. That to both men while strategy has helped helping make them You have to Mayweather win all the pay-per-view dare 47 of his fights, but stars they are today. to be great and fans are often unenPacquiao's trainer, when you are thused about his perFreddie Roach, was to be great formances because in De La Hoya's coryou're going he thinks safety first. ner in 2007 when De to face the In the most anticiLa Hoya won most toughest pated fight in recent of the early rounds challenges. times, that is not before fading and People are enough to stand the dropping a decision going to see test of history, De La to Mayweather. that and Hoya said.

It's a fight Roach people are "It's sometimes believes De La Hoya going to unfortunate that could have won had respect that. his mentality is I'm he kept jabbing. undefeated and I'm More importantly, going to think I'm Roach said it was a the greatest because fight he learned a lot about how to take nobody has beaten me,'' he said. "It just on Mayweather. doesn't work that way. You have to dare "I really did learn from the Oscar fight. to be great and when you are to be great It was a good lesson to me,'' Roach said. you're going to face the toughest chal"Floyd is tricky but not very complicat- lenges. People are going to see that and ed. But if you get behind him and start people are going to respect that." ■

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Manny Pacquiao

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

23

Boxing fans agog over the Pacquiao-Mayweather mega fight in Las Vegas

BY RANDOLPH G. ALTAREJOS Philippines News Agency LOS ANGELES — As the much-awaited mega boxing fight between the world's eightdivision boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and the undefeated Floyd Mayweather is closing in on May 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada, many boxing fans are showing mixed reactions.

From where I stood, I had noticed that most people, not only Filipinos, are eagerly overexcited to watch the mega fight which will, once and for all, determine who is really the tough boxing star worldwide.

In one of the laundry shops close to the Seafood City Market in Carson, for example, a group of Hispanic males was rooting for the Pacman.

"I am a Latino but I bet for Pacquiao," one of the men from Guatemala said as he raised his fist up in the air."Even those in jails are for Pacquiao," he shouted, catching the attention of a number of Filipinos doing their chores inside the laundry shop.

Congressman Pacquiao has defeated many Hispanic boxers in the ring. But between the two, Latino boxing fans are rooting for the Filipino boxing pride.

Like other nationalities who feel excited over the boxing match, Filipino-Americans and other immigrants can't help but get into the tempo of soaking their excitement with gusto as they look forward to that important event in boxing history.

Businesses and establishments in Las Vegas are expecting a wild and lucrative weekend when Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have heir mega-fight this coming Saturday, May 2nd. Also on the Cinco de Mayo weekend schedule are the Kentucky Derby and the NHL and NBA playoffs.

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As the boxing event closes in, boxing fans are agog on what to do on the day of the fight. In fact, even those who want to go to MGM Grand in Vegas can't just walk in to buy the cheapest ticket possible, which is a much better option.

However, it would be impossible now as all the tickets are sold out, news reports said.

The cheapest ticket is being

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sold at USD 1,500 apiece. And even the complimentary tickets that are allotted to Pacquiao could hardly be available to his friends for free.

"I just can't afford it," says Allan Gutierrez, a health care provider who will miss the fight due to a work assignment.

"Pay-Per-View (PPV) is a much cheaper and convenient option for fight fans," he insists.

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As this developed, business outlets are thinking of showing the fight for free to attract more customers.Among the business establishments that are popular among Filipinos in Carson include the lone Jollibee outlet, Manila’s Lechon, Chow King, Red Ribbon, Manila Sunrise, Goldilocks, Little Quiapo and others.

The city of Carson is home

to the largest concentration of Filipinos in the Los Angeles County. In his previous fights, Pacquiao visited the place and met with his Filipino fans in Tambuli Market, a mini-supermarket owned by a Fil-Chinese businessman.

Like what some of the celebrities are saying, most boxing fans in Southern California have expressed optimism that the event will be a pure entertainment to watch.While Las Vegas is only a short distance drive from Los Angeles, many still prefer to watch it inside the comfort of their own homes.

"It will also serve as a get-together event among friends and relatives who may want to soak in the much-awaited excitement in sports," says a certain Mang Romy from Pangasinan.

While betting is not new in the heart of Vegas, some boxing fans here are also looking to put their money down in favor of the Filipino boxing icon.

This early, fight fans are expected to swarm the Official Fight Merchandise Store in Las Vegas, where souvenir items of both fighters are up for sale.

PNA learned that proceeds from the sale of these items will go to charities.

But not without any preconditions as Mayweather has been considered to have a little edge over Pacquiao insofar as height and reach are concerned.

Still the fight remains to be seen to find out, with the blessings of fair and untainted judging, who is the best fighter between the two. ■

2015-04-27 1:48 PM

Manny Pacquiao

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MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Vegas likes... ❰❰ 1

and the city is headed for a big payday from what might be the most lucrative boxing match ever held.

Airlines are swapping smaller planes for larger ones, readying for a busy weekend and altogether busier May at McCarran International Airport.

Cabbies are asking regulators for permission to dispatch more taxis to roam the roads.

VIP nightclub tables are going fast. Strip clubs are adding security. Ticket brokers expect to make a windfall.

“It’s the dream card fight

we haven’t seen in years,” said Don Vaccaro, CEO of Connecticut-based ticket selling site TicketNetwork, the biggest since at least Holyfield and Tyson took to the ring in 1997.

There may just be 16,800 or so seats inside the arena, but there’s been a frenzy to book all of Las Vegas’ 150,544 rooms.

A week before the fight, only 20 hotels had rooms still available, according to booking engine Vegas.com — and they aren’t coming cheap.

Even at the aging Riviera casino and hotel, the week-

end before it closes for good, rates were $758 for next Friday and $798 for next Saturday for a standard room before it stopped offering rooms on the site, said Vanessa Doleshal, Vegas.com’s development manager.

Pricing has been a free for all, she said.

What would have been a busy May weekend anyway, especially with the Cinco de Mayo weekend coinciding with the Kentucky Derby and NBA and NHL playoffs, is reaching a boiling point.

“I think it will be an excellent

Saturday night for us,” said Peter Feinstein, managing partner of Sapphire Gentlemen’s Club, which bills itself as the area’s largest strip club at 70,000 square feet.

It’ll be even better if he’s ultimately allowed to show the fight in the club’s 300-seat showroom, he said. It’s something he’s been told he can’t do per MGM Grand’s agreement giving it the exclusive rights to show the fight live at its 13 Las Vegas properties, although MGM has said the ban only applied to competing casino-hotels in the area.

THE TALE OF THE TAPE

FLOYD MANNY PACQUIAO

MAYWEATHER JR.

47 - 0 (26 KOs) 38 Orthodox 5’8” 72” $180 Million $280 million (2015)

WINS/LOSSES AGE STYLE HEIGHT REACH MAY 2 FIGHT CHECK NET WORTH

57 - 5 (38 KOs, 2 Draw) 36 Southpaw 5’6.5” 67” $120 Million $110 million (2015)

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Either way, “it’s going to be a pretty intense crowd,” Feinstein said, so he’s boosting his security by 25 per cent.

For XS nightclub at Encore, it’s bound to be one of the biggest, most VIP-filled nights it’s seen. The club is tripling to 245 the number of tables that can be reserved for pricey (try $2,000 to $50,000) bottle service.

Jesse Waits, managing partner of the club, said he’s almost sold out.

“To get a table, last minute, is impossible,” he said.

Those without fight tickets but with plenty of interest should plan ahead.

“Call a concierge. Right now.

Do not wait,” said Cecilia Darr, who is — full disclosure — a concierge for The Venetian and The Palazzo.

Darr and her manager, Tim Thompson, said they are getting calls hourly from guests or would-be guests wanting to know how they can get tickets.

Even with such a small number publicly available, an estimated 500 sold out in seconds last Thursday, Darr said concierges would do the heavy lifting to do what they could to get a ticket in a guest’s hands.

That goes for restaurant and nightclub reservations, too, that could very well be in short supply a few days before and, at least for nightclubs, a pricier proposition with celebrities in advertised attendance.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority hasn’t taken any educated guesses on the fight’s economic impact, but estimated previous Mayweather matches have brought in ticket buyers spending $8.2 million to $11.4 million.

Pacquiao fight fans have spent about $9.1 million to $11.1 million, according to the agency. And that doesn’t count anyone who came for the fight but didn’t actually sit in the MGM Arena to watch the action.

A week before the fight, Vaccaro’s Ticket Network handled more than $1 million worth of ticket sales the first day they were made available, listing four tickets being sold by brokers for more than $100,000 each.

By show time, he expects to be the go-between for $8 million to $10 million worth of ticket sales. ■

Manny Pacquiao

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

25

Mayweather refuses to back off earlier comments he’s better than Muhammad Ali

BY TIM DAHLBERG The Associated Press

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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Mayweather-Pacquiao not Hagler-Hearns so don’t spend a lot of money expecting a knockout

BY TIM DAHLBERG The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Tommy Hearns understood what was expected from him the night 30 years ago when he stepped into the ring to face Marvin Hagler for the middleweight title.

There would be no running. There wouldn’t even be that much boxing.

“I knew before I got in the ring I had to put a show on for the people,” Hearns said. “I knew I had to get him or they would say something is wrong with Tommy.”

Ring history was made that night in April 1985 in what may have been the best first round ever in a major title fight. Hearns and Hagler went toe-totoe in fearsome exchanges that bloodied Hagler and eventually sapped the vaunted punching power of Hearns.

There’s no evidence that Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will put on anything close to the epic threerounder that was Hagler-Hearns. Mayweather has only one knockout in the last eight years, Pacquiao hasn’t stopped anyone in nearly six, and there’s a far better chance of them both fighting to the final bell of the 12th round than any other outcome.

But Hearns believes both fighters have to take risks they may not normally take, simply because of the magnitude of the richest fight ever.

“Mayweather has no authority to be

LAS VEGAS — Floyd Mayweather Jr. refused to back off earlier comments declaring himself a better fighter than Muhammad Ali last week.

Mayweather said he respects Ali’s great career and the things he did outside the ring. But he said he believes he has done as much in boxing as the legendary former heavyweight champion ever did, without the losses that Ali suffered in his career.

“He called himself The Greatest and I call myself TBE (The Best Ever),” Mayweather said. “I’m pretty sure I’ll get criticized for what I said, but I could care less. I could care less about the backlash.”

Mayweather had earlier said that he was better than both Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson, pointing to his 47-0 record as proof. He also said he would never have lost to a fighter like Leon Spinks, who

Mayweather,” Hearns said. “He has to be defensive, but he has to be offensive, too. People will be offended if he doesn’t.

People will lose their minds.”

Though Pacquiao is a free swinger who built a career on stopping people in the ring (he’s got 38 knockouts in 64 fights), Mayweather prides himself on winning while not getting hit. That sometimes makes for a dull fight, something he may feel forced to try and avoid because of the massive $180 million payday he is expected to get.

“Floyd Mayweather is going to try and take Manny Pacquiao’s head off. You can count on that happening,” Mayweather’s promoter, Leonard Ellerbe said.

“He’ll do it in a manner where he follows a game plan, but Floyd Mayweather is looking to finish him off. I strongly believe he will do just that.”

If Mayweather is uncharacteristically aggressive, that could play into the hands of Pacquiao, who needs to be able to find Mayweather in the ring to beat him. Still, oddsmakers in this gambling town make it nearly 3-1 that the fight will end with a decision.

“We’ll keep him guessing when we’re coming and we’re not coming,” Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said. “Floyd will be overwhelmed by the foot speed and the hand speed of Manny Pacquiao.”

Pacquiao showed some power in his last fight, knocking Chris Algieri down six times in Macau on his way to a lop❱❱ PAGE 47 Mayweather-Pacquiao

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beat an aging Ali in 1978 after having just seven pro fights.

“I just look at Ali’s career when he fought Leon Spinks and lost to a fighter with seven fights,” Mayweather said.

“There were some other fights he lost and he’s still known as The Greatest because that’s what he put out there. It is what it is.”

A little more than a week before his megafight with Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather seemed relaxed on a conference call where he talked about his career and the man he will face in the ring May 2. He refused to say anything bad about Pacquiao, and said he was treating the richest fight ever as just another fight.

“I know it’s the biggest fight in boxing history but I can’t approach it like that,” Mayweather said. “I’m never going to put any unnecessary pressure on myself. I like to approach the fight like he’s a fighter who’s extremely talented.

But my thing is to just be Floyd May❱❱ PAGE 47 Mayweather refuses

26

MAY 1, 2015

Ver (centre, in white) standing with graduates of Vercore International Services.

FRIDAY

Ver Cruz.

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS:

Ver Cruz

Founder and President of Vercore International Services and finalist for RBC's Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards for 2015

BY EARL VON TAPIA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

BY THE time many people hit retirement age, they want nothing more than to have a relaxed and happy retired life.

But that's not the case with Ver Cruz, president of Vercore International Services, an education and training institute based in Toronto, Ontario.

“When somebody retires, I just really have to ask myself, when I wake up in the morning and look out the window, where do I go? That's actually the most scary thing to happen,” he said.

Indeed, Ver, who is in his late 70s, does have an incredibly

busy and fulfilling life. Aside from being president of Vercore, he finds time to travel around the globe to conduct career orientation symposiums.

Last year saw him visit Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, where he met with business people at the behest of his students. From there he went to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Jordan to meet with doctors and nurses of Filipino and other nationalities interested in coming to Canada.

But before Vercore, and even before he came to Canada, Ver's story sounds a lot like the typical story of the immigrant wanting to move to a country like Canada in order to have a

chance at a better life.

Born in 1938 in Manila, Philippines, Ver grew up alongside his parents and three other siblings. Eventually, he found himself at the University of the East. Afterwards, he secured teaching positions at UE as well as San Sebastian College and Philippine Women's University, before finding himself in a role as a senior vice-president of marketing for a company in the Philippines.

The job was stressful, however, and Ver, now with a wife, decided to make the jump to North America.

“The job in the Philippines is actually very stressful for me because I had been with sales,

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and you know how it is with sales, expectations are getting higher every year, the company always sets goals which are really fantastically high and you have to work to the bone,” he said.

So in 1988, Ver, now with a wife and child, made the jump to the US, where he found himself working in sales for an insurance company. The family stayed in the US for about a year before deciding to make the much shorter leap into Toronto, Canada.

“Well you know how it is, of course there is always an objective for a greener pasture, because well in the US it's really a bit tough as well. Hearing

things about what Canada offers, my wife and I decided 'why don't we try, let's apply to go to Canada', and so an application was approved and we just left the US,” he said.

Ver bounced around a while, looking for good work opportunities. He said he had to “dumb down” his resume, as listing that he was a senior VP in the Philippines would hurt his chances at employment.

Eventually, through a newspaper listing, he found work as an admin assistant. Once the company he was working for found out about his real background, however, Ver was given a role there to teach job searching to others.

27

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

By 1994, Ver and his wife decided to start their own teaching institution.

“Since my wife and I had actually been exposed to training in the Philippines, we said well why don't we put up a small training institution here in Toronto” he said.

So Ver and his wife found a place to rent and designed a training program in something they were both familiar with: touch typing. Back in 1994, computers were not that widespread, so to teach typing, they got a bunch of electric typewriters. To advertise their course, Ver printed fliers and handed them out himself in the subway stations around Toronto. And thus Vercore International Services was born.

Tragedy struck in 1996, when Vercore was just in its second year, as his wife succumbed to a terminal illness. But Ver pressed on with the business. In 97, Vercore offered computer courses such as PC Assembly and Computer Networking. In 2000, to meet the demand of the health care industry, Vercore started offering training for Personal Support Workers.

Today, Vercore has celebrated its 21st anniversary, and now boasts hundreds of graduates that have gone on to ful-

filling careers. As for Ver, by now in his late 70s, he has managed to travel to over 36 countries around the world on educational symposiums and also as a self-professed Canadian Ambassador of Goodwill. In addition to Tagalog, the native language of the Philippines, Ver learned to speak and write in Spanish upon coming to Canada, and is presently learning to speak Russian and Ukranian.

Ver has some parting words for his fellow would-be entrepreneurs: Courage, planning, and focus.

“First of all, you really have to be courageous enough to do things. And of course, you really have to plan properly.

You have to be focused in what direction you would like to take. It cannot be that you would do this now and after a few months, you would say 'oh this is not my cup of tea, I have to do something else'.

You really have to be focused and really plan your objectives, properly written,” he said. ■ Ver Cruz is a finalist for the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards for 2015.

You can check out Ver's bio and vote for him and other candidates at canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25immigrants/vote.

Each year the Royal Bank of Canada awards 25 inspiring and deserving Canadian immigrants with the title of “Top 25 Canadian Immigrant of the Year.”

This year, out of 75 finalists vying for one of the top 25 spots, three of them are Filipino-Canadians. The Philippine Canadian Inquirer will be profiling these three finalists in upcoming issues.

Students at Vercore performing CPR training.

Ver (far left) with students during the 16th anniversary of Vercore International Services.

www.canadianinquirer.net

28

Community News

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Excitement builds as Fight of the Century nears THE HIGHLY anticipated fight between Filipino boxing superstar and eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and undefeated pound-for-pound kingpin Floyd Mayweather Jr., billed as the “Fight of the Century,” is getting Filipinos all hyped up and ready to party.

Less than a week before the big fight, Pinoys all over are gearing up like it’s the single most important event of their lives. In Metro Vancouver alone, several big “PacMan parties,”— pay-per-view events in households and public places—have been organized to draw in the crowds and collectively cheer for the Filipino boxing icon.

Even mainstream Canadians and politicians are joining the bandwagon. For instance, the Conservative Party, at the instance of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, reportedly a Pacquiao fan, is spending precious dollars to show the fight for free at the popular Polish Community Centre in Vancouver.

Elsewhere, fans have to chip

in from $10 to $35, depending on the venue and the “package” offered. For example, at the Bite at the Quay, organizers are charging $35 for the show, making it seem more expensive than the rest, but the eat-allyou-can buffet and dance-tillyou-drop party package makes it uniquely attractive.

Bottom line is that fans are no longer satisfied tuning in the comfort of their living rooms; they prefer watching, cheering and partying with friends and family as Pacquiao figures in yet another heart-stopping blockbuster fight.

This match figures to be the biggest there will ever be—bigger than any Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson or Sugar Ray Leonard superfight. Pay-per-view costs a record $100 for every household, pricier than any other previous Mayweather or Pacquiao fight. Despite the hefty tag, the fight is all but certain to break all previous PPV records, as revenues are expected to top $300 million.

Meanwhile, tickets at the fight venue, MGM Grand in Las Vegas, are priced at $1,500 to $7,500 but reportedly sell for much more in the secondary market. According to Price Tracker SeatGeek, ticket sales went as high as $17,850, making the fight the most expensive

sports ticket ever.

Here are some public PPV events and venues in Greater Vancouver showing the megabout, with their corresponding price tags: • St. Patrick’s Gym - $10 adult; $5- children ages 13-18; free for children 12 & under. Food and

drinks to purchase.

• Polish Hall – free admission with RSVP. Sponsored by the Conservative Party. Cash bar.

• River Rock Theatre in Richmond - $22.95; • Hard Rock Casino Theatre in Coquitlam - $16.50. Price includes a free beer.

• Commodore Ballroom – free. All tickets have all been claimed.

• R’s Music Venue in King George Ave., Surrey - $10 plus live party-dance music.

• The Donnelly Pub Group six pubs including Lamplighter, Tavern, Library Square, Bimini, Butcher & Bullock and Cinema and two downtown Boston Pizza locations.

• Frat House of the UP Alumni Association of BC - $20 with dinner plus one beer or soda.

• Bite at the Quay - $35 with eat-all-you-can buffet and dance-till-you-drop party.

More than 100 Lower Mainland sites are authorized venues by Canadastar boxing.com.

- MM

PH participates in food Filipino murdered in Burnaby and beverage show A GROUP of 10 food exporting companies from the Philippines will be joining SIAL Canada, the International Food and Beverage tradeshow on Apr. 28 to 30, at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto said.

For the first time, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) through the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (Amas) under the leadership of Asst. Secretary Leandro Gazmin, organized food exporters to participate in this trade show.

According to Philippine Agriculture Attaché Dr. Josyline Javelosa, the participating companies are Jamla Corporation, Ilocos Food Products, Japan Phils. Malunggay (JPM) Farm Inc., Pearl Foods International Inc., Prime Fruits International Inc., RDEX Food International Phils. Inc., Rejanos Bakery, Team Asia Corporation, Tropicana Food Products Inc., and Refmad-V Enterprises.

The products to be showcased are hot chocolate classic tablea, instant gourmet choco mix, instant chocolate champorado, chichacorn, banana chips, sweet potato chips, malunggay products (powder, capsule, tea, flakes, furikake, noodles, snack foods), buko pie variants, cassava chips, mango juice, guyabano juice, natural tuna cuts (steaks and loins), milkfish (plain and marinated), cookies (arrowroot and dragon fruit) dragon fruit (fresh, dehydrated, energy tea and biscuits), organic virgin coconut oil (VCO), organic coconut cream powder, organic aseptic coconut cream/water, coconut cream, coconut water, coconut milk powder, winterized VCO, coconut health supplement for Alzheimer’s, coconut mouth spray, coconut nasal spray, VCO lotion, coconut lotion, coconut sun block lotion, coconut soap, coconut flour, coconut cream snack bar, coconut breakfast power drink, VCO ❱❱ PAGE 39 PH participates

A POLICE officer on routine patrol recently found the body of deceased Filipino Elmer Palaganas Libertino lying in a pool of blood in Burnaby, a suburb east of Vancouver.

Libertino, 33, was from Itogon, Benguet. The deceased was working at Whole Foods Market in Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver B.C. at the time of his death.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the deceased was found dead from a gunshot wound, early Thursday morning, Apr. 16, in the middle of Moscrop St. and Smith Ave., in Burnaby.

The sisters of the deceased, Maricris and Maribel, who are both in Canada, are still waiting for the results of the investigation on the case.

In a release, media relations officer Sgt. Stephanie Ashton of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said officers believe Libertino travelled from Surrey by public transit to the area of Kingsway and Boundary between 2 and 3am.

“There might have been quite a few people on foot in the area www.canadianinquirer.net

Libertino.

at the time and police are asking them to come forward to tell investigators if they saw anything,” she said. IHIT is asking anyone who may have information to call the IHIT tip line by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihittipline@ rcmp-grc.gc.ca The homicide is Burnaby’s third this year.

"We believe that on the night of Libertino's death, people

engaging in an online geotagging game called Ingress were seeking a cache at the corner of Smith and Moscrop. We seek the help of anyone in the Ingress gaming community who may have been in the area," she added.

Ashton said Libertino had no criminal record and had left behind a grieving family who wants answers about what happened to their loved one. - MM

Entertainment

FRIDAY MAY 1, 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 online by scanning the code with your smartphone or by visiting InFocus.canadianinquirer.net.

www.canadianinquirer.net

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30

MAY 1 2015

FRIDAY

Entertainment

Pia Wurtzbach on rumors Joey Albert with PNoy: We’re just friends thanks supporters

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Miss UniversePhilippines 2015 Pia Wurtzbach clarified that she and President Benigno Aquino III were not dating and were really just friends, nothing more.

“Hindi ko siya nakikita, actually.

Very busy ako. Very busy din siya.

Pero ganun pa rin naman.” she said.

(I’m not seeing him, actually.

I’m very busy. He’s very busy too. But it’s still the same.)

Wurtzbach, however, admitted that she and the president were occasionally communicating through text messages.

The beauty queen instantaneously added that it was a ‘challenge’ for her to talk about Aquino as she didn’t understand why her interaction with him was such a big deal when they were just friends.

Wurtzbach wanted to focus on representing the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant. Hence, she had no time for having any love life.

“It’s really quite a challenge to answer the questions regarding him when all I’m trying to do is focus on the pageant and show everyone na ‘yun talaga ang focus ko ngayon, ‘yun ang priority ko ngayon,” she said.

(It’s really quite a challenge to answer the questions regarding him when all I’m trying to do is focus on the pageant and show everyone that the pageant is really my focus right not, it’s my priority right now.)

“I don’t think it (seeing him) has anything to do with why

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Joey Albert, who is currently under operation after being diagnosed with colon cancer, thanked her supporters online.

Albert posted a photo of her on Facebook showing her smiling and waving to the camera.

The post was captioned: “Nais ko lang magpasalamat sa walang sawa niyong dasal at pagmamalasakit sa akin.

Pa-

Miss World-Philippines 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

we’re here today. And also, it’s like I don’t really see why it’s so important for people to find out every detail about it,” she added, referring to her friendship with the president.

Wurtzbach then assured her supporters that they had nothing to worry about, especially about her getting distracted.

“My supporters don’t have to worry about me getting distracted. My trainers don’t have to worry about me getting distracted kasi ‘yun (the pageant) lang ang nasa isip ko,” she said.

(My supporters don’t have to worry about me getting distracted. My trainers don’t have to worry about me getting distracted because my mind is fo-

FACEBOOK PHOTO

cused on it (the pageant).)

Wurtzbach then reiterated that Aquino and her were just great friends and if there was something more, she assured the public that they would know.

“Matagal kong niligawan itong koronang ito. Ito yung boyfriend ko ngayon,” she said.

(I pursued this crown for the longest time. This is my boyfriend now.)

Rumors of Wurtzbach and Aquino getting along started when the beauty queen was spotted having dinner with the president at a restaurant in Quezon City. They had also hanged out together with some common friends for a couple of times already. ■

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tawad at hindi ko na na sagot lahat ng mga message niyo…

Pero asahan niyo na binasa ko ang bawat isa.”

(I want to thank all of you for your unceasing support and prayers. I’m sorry if I failed to reply to all your messages but rest assured that I’ve read each of them.)

“Your prayers and kind messages brought me so much joy and cheer and hope through these trying times. I am so blessed to have you all. God bless you all for your love and support,” she said.

Albert confirmed that her colon cancer has recurred adding that she learned of it late January this year. ■

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

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FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT, CANADA!

Phenomenal Lucky Aces bounces from The Ellen Show to Ariana Grande Concert

BY SOCORROBABES NEWLAND

THE STARS were aligned when this uber-talented 12-year old hip-hop dancers from Richmond, B.C. were invited to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As fate would have it, Ellen was obviously impressed by this dynamic duo’s skillful moves, swag and stage presence. She gifted them with VIP Passes to watch Ariana Grande’s The Honeymoon Tour in Vancouver BC at the Rogers Arena.

Unknowing what was to come next, the duo sashayed their way out on center stage with Ariana. Strutting suave coordinated movements amidst Ariana’s monster hit, “Love Me Harder”. The crowd instantaneously broke into wild frenzy upon seeing Lucky Aces with Ariana on the same stage. What a glorious sight to behold! Especially elated were those who saw these kids growing up perfecting their God-Given talent. They are beasts at what they can do.

And their dream of making it big is slowly but surely coming true.

Stardom couldn’t come as any surprise for Andree Bonifacio (nicknamed, AC) and Reyond Lucky Ancheta or simply known as Lucky. They have demonstrated penchants for coordinated bodily swag long before they could muster their ABC’s and 123’s. Apart from their respective parents who played pivotal roles in honing their abilities, much of credit can be given to Lucky Aces’ mentor/choreographer—Mark George Dogillo.

Dogillo received his own formal training on hip hop dance under Cesar Tantoco’s Fresh Groove Productions in 2005. Tantoco himself as a professional choreographer-extraordinaire based in B.C. At tender ages back then, Dogillo saw the potentials in Lucky and AC. Hence, the birth of Lucky Aces as they are now collectively known. Dogillo gave the group name that would spell out perfection through hardwork, consistency and discipline. While he provided all the necessary terpsichorean tools of

Lucky Aces at the Ellen Show.

freestyle street dancing, the kids brought justice to everything he has aimed and hoped for. In fact, the kids exceeded Dogillo’s own expectations from them. Their connection to one another became a match-made-in-heaven.

Lucky Aces gained momentous recognitions by winning major hip-hop dance and talent competitions not only in Canada but also in the USA. Canadian television guesting and interview invitations also came like natural breeze of springtime for these two youngsters. However, nothing could come close to the adrenalin rush created by appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. And ultimately meeting and performing with Ariana Grande at the Rogers Arena as a result of that. One can only thank Lucky’s father, Roland Ancheta, for taking the leap of faith. For many years, Roland continuously uploaded video performances of Lucky Aces on Ellen’s Youtube Channel. Until one day, Roland’s perseverance paid off after receiving a call slip from Ellen show crew inviting the kids to Los Angeles and appear at said immensely popular primetime TV show.

This author caught on with

Lucky and AC recently for a short interview. And here are what they have to say: How did you find your performance at The Ellen Show?

Lucky: It was really fun experience. Ellen’s a really nice person. We’ve enjoyed performing there at lot.

AC: I was inspired performing at Ellen’s Show knowing how we’ve made many people happy. That felt like we’ve accomplished a lot.

How do you describe your parents’ support of your dancing?

Lucky: I’m really thankful because he would always bring me to practices to the studio everyday despite his own busy schedule. He’d tell me my strengths and weaknesses and how to improve them.

AC: My mom would always take me to studio practices as well no matter how busy she is.

She would practice me at home.

And give her best advise on how I can improve my dance moves.

Did your parents put pressure on you to becoming hip-hop dancers?

Lucky: AC and I really both www.canadianinquirer.net

fell in love with dancing hiphop ever since we started taking our lessons at Fresh Groove Productions. Our parents didn’t put any pressure on us to attend studio practices or anything like that.

AC: My mom never pressured me to taking up hip-hop dance classes. I first started out with La Riva Dancers which was fine. But I became more interested in hip-hop dance moves; executions and attitude.

I love the swag that goes along with dancing hip-hop.

What are your priorities right now?

Lucky: School, eat, practice, sleep. That’s the routine.

AC: Practice, school, family, food… yeah. (chuckles) Who are your hip-hop dancing influences?

Lucky: Flavorshop, AC/DC, Jabbawockez and our mentors, Cesar Tantoco and Mark Dogillo.

AC: That would be our dance coaches, Cesar Tantoco and Mark Dogillo and the rest of coaches/mentors at our studio.

What sort of advise can you give to aspiring young hip-hop

dancers your age?

Lucky: Well, when you think you’re not good enough, do not make giving up as an option. All you need to do is keep practicing. If you think you’re still not good enough, keep practicing more. You just got to be with the flow of the music and your body movements.

AC: No matter how challenging practices may seem, never give up your dream. Because when I started dancing, I was not good either. I didn’t give up. I just kept going until I perfected my skills. Even after that, I still keep practicing. Derive confidence from knowing that you can always do better.

These amazing kids surely know what they preach about.

Their commitment and dedication to hip-hop dancing cannot be underestimated. And evidently enough, their tandem stands for the long haul. Does success have anything to do with luck? Not for Lucky Aces.

Theirs is based on informed solid decisions and setting their priorities straight. They aim to aspire and inspire other young kids to become the best of what they can be. ■

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Lifestyle

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Erich breaks up with boyfriend, gets close with Daniel Matsunaga

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Kapamilya actress Erich Gonzales had recently broken up with her four-year nonshowbiz boyfriend.

Television host Kris Aquino, who is a close friend of the actress, confirmed the split on the Wednesday episode of “Aquino & Abunda Tonight.”

“Tinanong ko diretsahan na tanong. Sinabi ko ‘Are you still in a relationship now? Because the last time na nagpo-promote ka ng finale ng Two Wives sa The Buzz, sinabi mo you’re in a four-year relationship. Does that still hold true now?,” Aquino said, mentioning that she texted Gonzales earlier that day.

(I directly asked. I said, ‘Are you still in a relationship now?

Because the last time that you were promoting the finale of Two Wives in The Buzz, you said that you were in a fouryear relationship. Does that still hold true now?)

Gonzales then replied with ‘No more, Ate.’ Aquino also clarified that Gonzales was never engaged; explaining that the diamond ring the actress wore was not an engagement ring but a ‘promise ring.’

“She has never been engaged.

Never. Klaruhin po natin nung nag guest siya… we had a baking session that time and she had a diamond solo ring. And tinanong ko if that was an engagement ring, and she said no, it was not,” Aquino recalled.

(She has never been engaged.

Never. Let’s clarify that when she was a guest [in my morning show] we had a baking session that time and she had a diamond solo ring. And I asked if it was an engagement ring, and

Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga.

she said no, it was not.)

“It was a gift, a promise ring.

Parang ganun (Something like that), but not an engagement ring,” she added.

Aside from Gonzales’ ‘promise ring’, other speculations came up regarding the issue.

Sources said that her ex-boyfriend’s parents did not like her for their son while others said that her ex-boyfriend actually had an estranged wife and was not yet annulled.

However, Gonzales’ earlier statements dismissed those rumors.

“May ganyan? Sino nagsabe niyan? Hindi… Wala naman po akong tinatago. I’m very okay sa family niya. Gusto nila ako. Ako yung anak nilang babae kasi

ERICH GONZALES (@ERICHGG) / INSTAGRAM

only son lang siya. So, sobrang blessed ko talaga,” Gonzales said in an interview on “The Buzz.”

(There are rumors like that?

Who are the sources? No… I’m not hiding anything. I’m very okay with his family. They like me. They treat me like their daughter because he’s an only child. So, I’m really blessed.) “[He’s] certified single and ready to mingle with me,” she added.

At present, Gonzales is rumored anew, this time about becoming close with Brapanese model-actor Daniel Matsunaga, who was her costar in “Two Wives” and frequent alongside guest in “Kris TV.” Speculations on Gonzales

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and Matsunaga being ‘more than just friends’ heightened as the two constantly posted photos of them together.

In one the actor’s photos, he captioned it with a Portuguese phrase translating to ‘Special dinner tonight with my beautiful date.’

Gonzales, on the other hand, recently shared a photo of her with the actor and his mom.

She also captioned it in Portuguese meaning ‘I am blessed to meet people who are beautiful not only in appearance but also inside.’

It can be recalled that in an earlier interview on “Aquino & Abunda Tonight,” Matsunaga admitted that he would pursue Gonzales if the actress was sin-

gle but would keep his distance in respect of her relationship at that time.

“Maganda naman siya.[but] siyempre I came with very good parents and they taught me the right thing to do. Siyempre may respeto ako para sa sarili ko.

So,‘yun. Kay Erich, sa boyfriend niya as well. In God’s time. Everything happens for a reason,” he said, explaining why he would not court her then.

(She’s pretty but of course I came with very good parents and they taught me the right thing to do. Of course I have respect for myself. So, that’s it.

[I have respect] to Erich and her boyfriend as well. In God’s time. Everything happens for a reason.) ■

Immigration

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

33

‘I am to blame’ — Jolo Revilla and Jodi Sta. Maria Kris on The Buzz wedding rumors not true cancellation

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Kris Aquino said she is to blame for the cancellation of “The Buzz,” ABSCBN’s Sunday talk show.

“Honestly, I am to blame, and I own up to it,” Aquino said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Aquino explained that she sought permission to excuse herself from further hosting the program.

This is following President Benigno Aquino III’s message to her on New Year’s Day asking her to set aside Sundays for their family.

She said that she asked the ABS-CBN executives to excuse her from

hosting the program.

Apparently, Toni Gonzaga, another co-host in the show also had a similar appeal to the station heads following her upcoming wedding with long-time partner Paul Soriano.

“Ako lang naman ang aalis, eh, pero it just so happens na may pinaalam din si Toni.

Everything fell into place, and unfortunately nga, si Boy ang nalungkot, and I felt so guilty…

Nag-sorry naman kami [ni Toni],” she added.

(I was the only one leaving (the show) but it so happens that Toni also made the request.

Eve r y t h i n g fell into place and unfortunately, Boy was sad, and I felt so guilty. Toni and I said sorry.) ■

MANILA — Cavite Vice Governor Jolo Revilla and girlfriend Kapamilya actress Jodi Sta. Maria were rumored to have gotten married in the United States.

The hearsays started when Jolo went to the United States a month after he was hospitalized due to accidentally shooting himself with a gun. Jodi then also went to the United States shortly afterwards.

However, Jodi’s handler dismissed the wedding rumors and clarified that the actress went abroad only to have a vacation.

Meanwhile, Jolo’s mom, Cavite Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla explained that her son went abroad to have a medical check-up as he had constant migraines lately. She also said that her son is focused on being a public servant as of now.

Jodi Sta. Maria had also dismissed wedding speculations in the past.

“Wala naman akong planong magpakasal. Happy ako sa trabaho ko. Happy ako sa lahat ng ginagawa ko,” she said in a press conference, adding that

Jolo Revilla and Jodi Sta. Maria.

her work as an actress did not weigh down her down.

(I have no plans of getting married. I’m happy with my job.

I’m happy with everything I do.)

Jolo, for his part, said that he and Jodi had not yet discussed about getting married.

“Hindi pa namin napag-uusapan. Hindi naman kami nagmamadali,” he said.

(We have not talked about it yet. We are not in a hurry anyway.)

“Pero sino ba naman ang ayaw maging asawa si Jodi? Sa ngayon, nag-eenjoy kami sa sitwasyon namin,” he added.

YAHOO NEWS IMAGE

(But who doesn’t want to have Jodi as a wife? Right now, we’re enjoying our set-up.)

Jodi was previously married to the son of former senator Panfilo Lacson, Panfilo “Pampi” Lacson Jr. Together, they had a son and named him after his father as well, Panfilo “Thirdy” Lacson III. Jodi is now processing her annulment papers.

“Like I’ve said before, I’ve never lost faith in love, but marriage is a different thing.

It’s a different story. Right now, hindi pa ako ready (I’m not yet ready),” she said. ■

‘Being Canadian’ doc recruits celebs as it explores all things Canuck

BY VICTORIA AHEARN The Canadian Press TORONTO — Calgary-raised comedy writer Robert Cohen has lived in the U.S. for 27 years, but he still feels very Canadian.

Cohen explores what it means to be Canuck, and why there seems to be either an ignorance or a lack of interest toward this country from those outside of it, in his new documentary “Being Canadian.”

“It’s not like walking down the street, people would point at me and know that I’m Canadian. But I love knowing that

that’s my DNA,” Cohen says.

“I apologize profusely ... I will never demand food in a restaurant — I will gently circle around the possibility that for my money they might serve me some.”

Premiering Saturday at Toronto’s Hot Docs festival, the film has interviews with a slew of celebrities — Canadian and not — including Dan Aykroyd, Howie Mandel, Kathy Griffin, Mike Myers, Eugene Levy, rockers Rush, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Martin Short, Jason Priestley, Michael J. Fox and Ben Stiller. ❱❱ PAGE 34 ‘Being Canadian’

SCREENSHOT FROM FILM

www.canadianinquirer.net

Entertainment

34

‘Being Canadian...’ ❰❰ 33

“The few Ameri- for everything, have an “infericans in this, they were ority complex,” and love hockjealous because they ey, beer, bacon, maple syrup wanted to be part of this, so we and doughnuts. let a few of them in,” says CoCohen says he started making hen, who has been a co-execu- the doc seven years ago, taking tive producer on “The Big Bang breaks for many months here Theory” and has written for and there because of other job series including commitments.

“The Simpsons” Hence the and “Saturday footage of the Night Live.”

Barenaked La“Kathy GrifThe few dies with Stefin, Conan Americans ven Page, who O’Brien, Ben in this, they left the group in Stiller — they’d were 2009. heard about this jealous “Everybody idea and they because gets thrown by were fascinated they that but they

by Canada. But wanted to were one of our then when they’d be part of first interviews heard who parthis, so we when we were ticipated they let a few of just figuring wanted to get in them in. out the movie on it.” and obviously Cohen narthe band has rates and apchanged,” says pears in the doc, Cohen. which starts with a brief run“I just thought the Barenadown of Canada’s history and ked Ladies were funny and had an outline of his life growing up good comments, so instead of in Calgary. It then follows his eliminating them we’d just keep adventures as he drives across them in there and hopefully Canada, starting on the East they’re entertaining.”

Coast and ending in Vancouver Cohen says “Being Canadian” on Canada Day. will be available on-demand Throughout his journey he across Canada on Sunday. explains more of Canada’s hisThe Hot Docs Canadian Intory and notes certain Canadi- ternational Documentary Fesan-isms: like how we apologize tival runs April 23 to May 3. ■

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Make your heart turn around and LET THE LOVE BEGIN A SHOWCASE of how love changes someone’s life is GMA network’s most recent offering on primetime, Let the Love Begin. The program premieres on May 4 on GMA Pinoy TV. Let the Love Begin is topbilled by the newest Kapuso, Philippine Comedy Queen AiAi de las Alas as Jeni, the hip and cool mother of Erick with GMA-7’s fast-rising loveteam Ruru Madridas Erick, the eldest son of Jeni, Gabbi Garcia as Pia, the smart childhood friend of Erick and daughter of Jeni’s best friend, Tony.

GMA Network is proud to present a stellar cast of the country’s most respected artists in film and television: Gardo Versoza as Tony, Jeni’s best friend and the single father of Pia; Donita Rose as Celeste, wife of Tony and future step mother of Pia who will eventually despise her and focus on spoiling her niece Luchie; Mark Anthony Fernandez as Jom, the station manager who is in love with Jeni; Neil Ryan Sese as Jess, the best friend of Jom, who secretly loves Jeni; Gladys Reyes as Katy, the Diva DJ and Jeni’s rival in the

other station; and Ms. Gina Pareño as Lola Tacing, mother of Jeni and Erick’s grandmother.

Completing the powerhouse cast are Noel Trinidad as Milton, the head of maintenance in the bookstore where Erick works; Phytos Ramirez as Uno, the spoiled and brat son of Celeste’s friend; Abel Estanislao as Makoy, the careeroriented friend of Erick; Ricardo Cepeda as Rodney, the workaholic friend of Tony and the station manager of LSS FM; Joko Diaz as Enrico, Jeni’s alcoholic husband; Rita Daniela as Luchie, the ‘adopted’ niece of Celeste; Ar Angel Aviles as Elsa, Erick’s younger sister; Nomer Limatog as Jules, the younger brother of Makoy.

Also joining the cast are Angeli Bayani, Sancho delas Alas, Therese Malvar, Ren Escano.

Let the Love Begin is all set to make audiences laugh, cry and fall in love as it presents the beautiful story of Jeni (AiAi delas Alas) and Tony (Gardo Versoza) and their children, Erick (Ruru Madrid ) and Pia (Gabbi Garcia) that will with-

stand the test of time.

Jeni and Tony are best friends who are part of a radio program that gives advices on love and life. Jeni is an independent woman has a live-in boyfriend, Enrico (Joko Diaz), and has two kids by him, Erick, the eldest and the perfect son and Elsa (Ar Angel Angeles), the youngest but the matured one because she thinks just like her mom, Jeni. On the other hand, Tony is a widower, with one daughter named Pia (Gabbi Garcia), a daddy’s girl who is deeply in love with arts.

A major problem will destroy Jeni and Tony’s strong bond of friendship. After so many years, Jeni and Tony will cross paths once again because Pia (Gabbi) and Erick (Ruru) become close friends and later on fall in love.

Can their love help their parents heal their wounds? Will Jeni and Tony let the love begin for Pia and Erick?

Gina Alajar helms and Agnes Gagelonia is heading the writing team under the creative direction of Roy Iglesias and RJ Nuevas.

Let the Love Begin premieres May 4 on GMA Pinoy TV. ■

HOROSCOPE ARIES

CANCER

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

A quick afternoon coffee or lunch

Having enough self-confidence will

Expand your network of contacts

New projects will be handed to

with friends may help you revive

help you face the challenge that

and circle of friends. Attend as

(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)

(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)

(DEC 22 - JAN 19)

you this week. Thus, prioritize

the much needed youthful energy for this week’s

awaits you this week. All you need to do is to believe

many parties and events as you can this week. This will

them well and don’t procrastinate. Try to manage your

challenges. Try checking your schedule ahead of time

in yourself and make it your everyday mantra.

give a huge boost to your self-morale and at the same

time well by doing a checklist of all your projects so

time allow you to gain new and interesting friends.

that you won’t miss out on anything that might be

because loads of work might come in the way.

TAURUS

LEO

SCORPIO

(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)

(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

(OCT 23 - NOV 21)

something big. Always remember

AQUARIUS

(JAN 20 - FEB 18)

It’s time to learn how to de-stress Never be afraid to aspire for

important.

and treat yourself to whatever

Don’t forget your health this week.

makes you feel good. This is an effective way for

Engage in activities that you enjoy.

Spend time with a loved one – may

that once you close a door, more windows of

you to clear your mind and reflect on what you have

If you are fond of running, try to spend an afternoon in

opportunity will open. Do not hesitate to make that

accomplished thus far, and think of which areas you

the nearby park and run a few laps with friends. Having

your special someone. After all, they are always there

big step.

would like to improve on.

a healthy body makes you more productive.

to support you and your career. It won’t hurt to treat

GEMINI

it be your parents, your siblings, or

them to dinner or a weekend getaway.

VIRGO

(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)

(MAY 21 - JUNE 21) A calm mind and spirit will help

frugal this week, Virgo. Practice

you clear out the negativity that

SAGITTARIUS

PISCES

Try to avoid arguments with

(NOV 22 - DEC 21)

You have to learn how to be

(FEB 19 - MAR 20)

budgeting your money for the rainy days. Buy only

Challenges will come your way this

you’ve been having in the past week. Take some time

what you need and keep your excess cash tucked

week and they will definitely put

to unload all the stress by focusing on positive energy.

away in your trusty piggy bank. After all, if you are

you on the test. Learn how to control your feelings to

meeting or a simple conversation over coffee that will

financially stable, it will be easier to part with your

prevent hurting people who matter to you.

allow everyone to discuss their issues, whether these

hard-earned money for the things that you want.

www.canadianinquirer.net

your co-workers by scheduling a

are work-related or with your colleagues.

35

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

Immigration

Key Canadian Immigrant Concerns Addressed In Federal Budget CIC NEWS TWO LONG-STANDING concerns among newcomers to Canada were addressed in the government of Canada’s annual budget, details of which were announced this week. The budget addresses how immigrants might do better once they settle in Canada, as well as how they can better help their families back home.

Remittance improved

services

to

be

The Canadian government has set aside $6 million over five years to improve remittance services for people who want to send money abroad.

The budget provides funding to establish a website to help people compare the fees that are charged by different service providers, among other initiatives.

Once new immigrants arrive in Canada, they send more than $24 billion a year back to their home countries, according to World Bank estimates from 2012. At this moment, no Canadian agency tracks this data, though the government has said that this will change in the near future.

However, the costs of sending remittances can vary widely, depending on the financial institutions and countries involved. Banks and remittance agencies make money on both the flat-rate fees and exchangerate premiums they charge.

Canada signed an international pledge to help reduce these

costs at the 2011 G20 meeting, and numbers have come down since.

“Remittances represent an important source of income for families in the development world and can help pay for essential needs such as nutrition, education and health care,” stated the budget.

Pilot loan permanent

program

made

A pilot program launched three years ago to help internationally-trained individuals get their skills up to Canadian standards by providing small loans will become permanent, it was announced. Earlier this month, a panel appointed by the Canadian government to examine the success of Canadian immigration settlement cited the issue of foreign credential recognition as one of the most persistent and prominent barriers to the economic success of skilled immigrants to Canada.

The Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Loans Pilot Project has made it easier for individuals trained internationally to complete the credential recognition process and find jobs that best suit their skills and experience. This initiative aimed to address the underemployment of internationally-trained skilled immigrants to Canada, as a number of immigrants may not have the financial means to take the exams or courses required by Canadian regulations and lack credit history to get bank loans to cover the costs.

The government said that in

the first two years, nearly 1,500 loans, worth a total of CAD $9 million, were approved. Less than one per cent of loanees defaulted on repaying the sum.

The initiative has been made permanent, with an additional $35 million set aside for future loans over the next five years.

Because accreditation is typically overseen by provincial organisations, funding for this loans program is provided to nine community-based organizations in selected communities across Canada, including: • S.U.C.C.E.S.S., in British Columbia; • Immigrant Access Fund, in Alberta; • Immigrant Access Fund, in Saskatchewan; • SEED Winnipeg Inc., in Manitoba; • WIL Employment Connections, in London, Ontario; • Association Communautaire d’emprunt de Montréal (ACEM), in Quebec; • New Brunswick Multicultural Council Inc.; • Canada Microcredit Educators Group, in Prince Edward Island; and • Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia.

Loans can be used for anything from covering tuition for training to the price for licensing exams to child care costs, if it means a person can go back to school to upgrade his or her skills to match Canadian standards.

The budget immigration

and

Canadian

“While it remains to be seen

www.canadianinquirer.net

how these projects will work out in reality, newcomers to Canada — including skilled immigrants who arrived recently as well as those who may arrive over the next few years — can take heart that they may experience a softer landing once they enter the labour market.

The government of Canada has finally recognised that underemployment of skilled professionals means that the economy does not benefit from their expertise and experience,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“With regard to helping im-

migrants send money with a greater degree of security, this budget goes some way towards giving immigrants the tools they need in order to make informed decisions. Hopefully, it will allow them and their families to make those decisions with more peace of mind.”

To find out if you are eligible for any of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, please visit www.cicnews.com. ■ ©2015 CICnews All Rights Reserved. Article reprinted with permission.

36

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Lifestyle

World’s most advanced malaria vaccine is a disappointment but could still reduce cases

BY MARIA CHENG The Associated Press LONDON — The world’s leading malaria vaccine candidate appears to be a disappointment, with final study results showing it doesn’t work very well and that initial protection fades over time.

Despite the dismal results — it protects about one-third of children vaccinated — developers are moving ahead to get it approved because it could still help protect some children from getting the mosquitospread disease.

GlaxoSmithKline has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the vaccine, which is likely to be the world’s first licensed shot for malaria. A decision from the European Medicines Agency is expected later this year.

The World Health Organization had previously set a target of 2015 for having a malaria vaccine that was at least 50 per cent effective with protection lasting longer than a year. According to a study published Friday in the journal The Lancet, those goals have been missed with the GlaxoSmithKline vaccine, though scientists say the shot isn’t a complete waste.

“Everyone accepts that this is not the perfect or the last malaria vaccine,” said Brian Greenwood of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the study’s lead author. “It’s not good enough to stop transmission but it will cut the huge burden of disease.”

He noted there are about 200 million cases of malaria every year, with many children infected multiple times.

“Preventing some of those attacks is not insignificant,” he said. The vaccine study involved about 15,500 babies and toddlers in Africa; one group got three doses; a second group also got a booster shot and a third group got dummy shots.

All of the children used a mos-

A closeup of a mosquito sucking blood from a human. Despite dismal results, developers are still moving ahead with the production of the world's first licensed shot for Malaria because it could still help protect some children from getting the mosquito-spread disease.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

quito bed net and they were folGreenwood said the vaccine children will have only two lowed for up to four years. would likely be made available bouts of malaria a year instead Overall, the vaccine was at cost and that major funders of five,” said Dr. Martin De about 30 per cent effective in have already expressed inter- Smet, a malaria expert at Docthose who got three doses and a est in paying for immunization tors Without Borders, who was booster shot but the protection campaigns. Other experimental not connected to the study. waned over time. malaria vaccines are being deHe said convincing parents It worked a little better — veloped but are at least several to get their children vaccinated about 36 per cent — in those years behind. several times might be a tough 5 months to 17 months. But it WHO estimates malaria sell. “They know their child will was only 26 per cent effective killed more than 580,000 peo- probably get some malaria dein babies and vaccination made ple in 2013, mostly children spite the vaccination, so how no difference in enthusiastic are the rates of sethey going to vere malaria or be?” deaths.

Adrian Hill More comEveryone accepts that this of Oxford Unimonly used vacis not the perfect or the last versity, who is cines, like those malaria vaccine . . . It’s not good working on a rifor measles and enough to stop transmission but it val malaria vacpolio, work more will cut the huge burden of disease. cine, said it was than 90 per cent worrying that of the time. children who got Researchers three doses in reported side effects including in Africa under age 5. Officials the study but no booster, appain, fever and convulsions. mostly try to slow the mosqui- peared to be more vulnerable to There were also 22 cases of to-spread disease using bed malaria afterward. meningitis in babies and tod- nets, insecticide spraying, and “The vaccine stops them from dlers who were immunized giving out malaria medications building up natural immunity compared to one case in the to entire villages in areas with to malaria, so then when the group that didn’t, but the re- high levels of the disease. protection wears off, they may searchers couldn’t explain why.

“This vaccine could mean be more susceptible,” he said. www.canadianinquirer.net

He agreed the vaccine would likely be useful in certain situations and said some other scientists, including his own team, are adding other components to the GlaxoSmithKline vaccine, known as RTS,S, to improve its potency.

WHO said it expects to make a recommendation about the vaccine in October if the European Medicines Agency has issued its assessment by then.

“Any financing for this vaccine must not draw resources away from scaling up bed nets, effective drugs and rapid diagnostic tests for malaria,” said WHO’s Dr. Vasee Moorthy in an email.

In another study published Friday in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, researchers estimated that there might have been an extra 10,900 malaria deaths last year after the Ebola outbreak in West Africa crippled health systems there, with another 3,900 deaths because of transport problems that meant bed nets weren’t delivered. ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

37

Check your pets: Vet shares health care tips for cats and dogs in spring

BY LAUREN LA ROSE The Canadian Press

hair and skin, Sandler said.

Be mindful of animals outdoors

TORONTO — With spring in full swing, a small animal vet says it’s important to ensure dogs and cats are in good health with the arrival of warmer weather.

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association member Dr. Ian Sandler, who practises at Toronto’s Rosedale Animal Hospital, shares key pet care suggestions for the new season: Monitor weight changes

It’s not uncommon for adults to see a spike in their weight when the temperatures nosedive — and pets are no different. Dogs often aren’t walked with the same frequency during the winter, which may lead them to pack on a few extra pounds.

Sandler said owners should be monitoring their pets’ activity level and food intake.

“Even if we can just go on a couple of extra walks a day, it will slowly start to have a huge impact on their lifestyle,” he said.

“Obviously with cats that may or may not be going outdoors, it may be a little more difficult. But oftentimes, just using cat trainers or other toys like laser pointers to help cats move around the house a little bit really, really helps.”

Sandler said healthy snack options like apples or carrots for dogs, or low-calorie treats for cats, also work well.

walks, Sandler said pet paws may still be quite dry. Salves can be used a couple of times a week to moisturize pads and prevent cracking. HowEven if we can just go on a couple of ever, for extra extra walks a day, it will slowly start to dry and cracked have a huge impact on their lifestyle. paws, daily applications may be needed.

If coats have grown in considmay require While salt and sand may no erably during winter, brushing sometimes longer be on the streets or side- or shaving will help aerate the

Watch for seasonal allergies and sensitive skin

Unsure if your pooch has seasonal allergies?

Be on the lookout for dogs who start to scratch as a result of very itchy skin.

“They may be more prone to skin infections, to skin irritations, so they antihistamines,

anti-inflammatories, shampoos.”

special

Owners should be mindful of pooches ingesting old leaves and sticks which had been buried under snow.

“When dogs eat a lot of this decaying plant matter if they’re digging in the backyard, it can actually cause quite a significant upset stomach or gastroenteritis,” said Sandler.

“Certainly in the city, you want to be a little bit careful with the ravine systems this time of the year, both in terms of the fast-running waters but also in terms of what’s actually becoming exposed and what dogs will eat.”

For heartworm disease — a parasite passed from dog to dog by mosquito bites — treatments can include a chewable tablet or topical ointment.

“These drugs are very, very safe and very helpful at preventing the transference of this disease from one dog to the other.”

Sandler said flea control for both cats and dogs should also be top of mind for owners, as fleas can jump from one animal to another and potentially result in an infestation.

Many of the topical and oral products available can help prevent heartworm, fleas and ticks and some will also have coverage for intestinal parasites.

“The good news is between one and two products a year can cover your pet for multiple diseases.” ■

Entrepreneurs hatch chicken rental idea to support booming market for fresh, backyard eggs

BY KATHY MATHESON The Associated Press WANT FARM-FRESH eggs without the commitment of owning chickens? Try renting them.

Poultry leases are a growing business for companies nationwide as people seek to live more sustainably through local food

sources. Rentals allow customers to get eggs from humanely raised hens without the commitment of ownership.

Companies like Pennsylvania-based Rent The Chicken offer packages that include hens, a coop, supplies and support with any questions or problems.

Seasonal rentals generally cost a few hundred dollars and

last about six months, though shorter and cheaper deals are available.

The concept has become popular in urban, suburban and rural locations.

Participation in the online community BackyardChickens.com has exploded in recent years — from 50 members in 2007 to more than 325,000 today. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

38

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Business

Apple’s latest earnings blow out shows iPhone is still the engine behind company’s success

BY BRANDON BAILEY The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — The iPhone is still the engine behind Apple’s phenomenal success, even if attention lately has been focused on its new smartwatch.

While skeptics question whether the company’s future is tied too much to one product, the iPhone’s popularity was the reason Apple turned in another blow-out financial report Monday. The results far surpassed most analysts’ expectations for the first three months of the year, when sales traditionally fall from their holiday-season peak.

Apple sold more than 61 million iPhones in the quarter, accounting for more than twothirds of its $58 billion in revenue for the three-month period and the lion’s share of its $13.6 billion in profit.

As expected, the numbers were down from the previous quarter, when holiday shoppers bought a record 74 million of Apple’s new iPhone 6, 6 Plus and older models. But the 61 million was a 40 per cent increase over the number of iPhones sold in the first three months of 2014.

“We’re seeing great results all over the world,” Apple Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri told The Associated Press, adding that iPhone sales grew 72 per cent in China, where the company has big hopes for expansion.

Other products played a much smaller role. Revenue from Mac computers rose 2 per cent from a year earlier, to $5.6 billion, while iPad revenue fell 29 per cent, to $5.4 billion — continuing a steady decline in tablet sales.

Apple didn’t report any results for the new Apple Watch, which it began selling this month after the quarter ended.

CEO Tim Cook told analysts on a conference call that he was “thrilled” with customer response, but added that it’s difficult to gauge demand because initial supplies are limited. Analysts estimate about 2 million have sold to date, suggesting early demand is healthy but not of blockbuster proportions.

The iPhone is another story.

Since it began offering models

with bigger screens last fall, Apple has vied with South Korea’s Samsung for the No. 1 position in the global smartphone market. By some estimates, Apple outsold Samsung in the quarter that ended in December, and analysts will be watching closely when Samsung reports its latest results this week.

As iPhone sales have surged, so has Apple’s stock. Apple shares have gained more than 50 per cent over the last year, making it the world’s most valuable company. The stock closed Monday at $132.65, up 1.8 per cent for the day, and was rising another 1 per cent in extended trading.

The iPhone isn’t just Apple’s dominant product, said Frank Gillett, a tech industry analyst at Forrester Research. “It’s

EXCHANGE RATES

more than anything else what’s driving the success of their company.”

Market researchers, however, expect smartphone growth to slow down worldwide this year, particularly at the higher price range where Apple competes, as most consumers in industrialized countries have already bought one. That could make it difficult for Apple to maintain its recent pace.

“They’re extremely dependent on the iPhone,” said investment analyst Colin Gillis at BGC Partners. “At some point, the market dynamics change,” he said, adding that the question is what could replace the iPhone if sales begin to slow.

Cook said he’s optimistic about new markets such as China, where Apple has made

a strong showing against Samsung and China’s Xiaomi by appealing to a growing middle class. He also said only 20 per cent of iPhone owners have purchased the newest models, which he painted as a sign that many more will eventually upgrade to the 6 or 6 Plus.

Maestri, meanwhile, said the company is diversifying with new products like Apple Watch and Apple Pay, which on Monday added Discover to the list of payment cards that work with the service. While he acknowledged these currently provide minimal revenue to Apple, analysts say they have big potential. And they are designed to work closely with the iPhone, which means each may bolster the other’s popularity in the future, Gillett said.

Apple also announced Monday an expansion of its 2-yearold effort to give investors a bigger share of the company’s huge profits. Maestri said Apple will raise its quarterly dividend by 11 per cent, to 52 cents a share, and has increased a $90 billion stock buyback program to $140 billion. In total, he said the program will return $200 billion to investors by the end of March 2017.

Apple ended the quarter with $193.5 billion in cash and short-term securities. But since most of that is parked overseas to avoid paying higher U.S. tax rates, Maestri said Apple will likely take advantage of low interest rates to borrow money for the program. ■

As of April 15, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CDN/USD

1.2530

+0.0040

+0.3239%

CDN/PHP

35.5170

-0.1950

-0.5460%

CDN/EUR

1.3264

-0.0043

-0.3204%

www.canadianinquirer.net

Business

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

39

Port problems cost Philippines P25 Billion

BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer

Deloitte study says few Canadian businesses ready for next wave of tech change

BY DAVID PADDON The Canadian Press TORONTO — A new study by Deloitte has found that most Canadian companies aren’t prepared for how quickly they’ll be affected by major advances in technology such as robotics and artificial intelligence.

The Canadian arm of the international consulting firm says only 13 per cent of the 700 companies in its study scored well, while 87 per cent were partially or completely unprepared for the magnitude and speed of change ahead.

In fact more than one-third — 35 per cent — scored poorly on all four of the key criteria that Deloitte used to measure preparedness: awareness, innovation, agility and the ability to channel resources.

The study’s findings are consistent with other Deloitte research on Canadian productivity, said Terry Stuart, a coauthor of the 42-page report released Tuesday.

“Canadian companies are generally risk-adverse,” Stuart

said in an interview ahead of the study’s publication.

“They’re not investing as much as they need to in the technologies and capabilities and we’re seeing that applied directly in these technology areas that we studied.”

The study was especially interested in how Canadian companies were responding to five types of technology with the potential to cause widespread disruption to what has become the usual manner of doing business: robotics, artificial intelligence, communications networks, manufacturing tools such as 3D printers and platforms for collaboration.

Although many of these technologies have been around for decades, they had been advancing at a relatively slow pace — which Deloitte expects will surge exponentially in the very near term.

“Disruption is not going to happen in some distant future.

It is happening now,” the study concludes.

Stuart, who is Deloitte Canada’s chief innovation officer, said the majority of companies

in the study weren’t spending enough time thinking about the new technologies, understanding them and preparing for the implications.

“There was no difference between industry segments or size of company. That was a little bit surprising to us,” Stuart said.

But the study did find 74 per cent of the most prepared companies had experienced revenue growth over a five-year period, much higher that among unprepared companies.

The most prepared companies were also spending more on research and development over sustained periods and were more internationally focused.

Stuart said the underlying causes for the Canadian caution are complex and there is a role to be played by the academic and government sectors, although the main audience for the study is business leaders.

“You have to look at a variety of factors. They way that our culture has grown up, how we’re educated and trained, et cetera.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

THE PHILIPPINES is said to have lost as much as P25 billion worth of investments in expansion projects last year, as the congestion problems at the Port of Manila may have dissuaded existing investors from pursuing these plans until the situation has been resolved.

Elmer H. San Pascual, group manager of the promotions and public relations group of Peza, noted that the amount did not even include the new investments that could have entered the country in 2014 had it not been for the port congestion.

About half of that P25 billion, however, could still be wooed back if the Philippines could show that it could cope with the additional cargo volumes expected during the peak season, San Pascual said.

“These investors tell us that they still have confidence in Peza, that they don’t have any problems with Peza. However, many of the expansion projects are currently on hold. The [local companies] must be able to build the confidence of their parent firms. But if they are not earning revenues, how can these companies justify their expansion plans in the Philippines?” according to San Pascual.

“Many of these investors know that the port operations have already normalized, and that the Manila port is already

doing well. But they want to see that this situation will continue for a long time, and that we [see] the same problems of last year,” he said, adding that it would be up to the Peza locators to convince their head offices to expand in the Philippines.

The locators at Peza, San Pascual said, were hit hard by the port congestion in the third quarter of last year, which reflected in the agency’s total investment approvals for 2014.

The total value of investment pledges approved by Peza last year inched up by only 1.2 percent to P279.48 billion, from the P276.13 billion worth of projects approved in 2013.

This year, Peza director general Lilia B. de Lima said, the agency expects investment approvals to grow by 8 percent.

Exports and employment generation within Peza ecozones are also expected to grow by 10 percent this year.

Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo on Thursday assured investors that the Philippine government and the private sector have already put in place the necessary measures to allow the port of Manila to cope better with higher cargo volumes.

“We have learned a lot from what happened last year, so our throughput this year, in terms of capacity, should be higher and therefore we’d be able to cope with this issue better,” Domingo said. “It will take a higher level of congestion for us to suffer the same fate as last year.” ■

PH participates... ❰❰ 28

spray and coconut lip gloss.

SIAL Canada brings together exhibitors and buyers from around the world from the retail and foodservice industry according to SIAL organizers. It is the largest food trade show in Canada and will bring more than 800 national and international exhibitors from 45 countries while welcoming more than 14,000 buyers from Canada, the United States and 64 other

countries.

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, the Trade Office in New York and the Office of the Agriculture Attaché in Washington D.C. are inviting buyers to visit the Philippine companies at the Direct Energy Centre Booth Nos. 845, 847, 849, 944, 946 and 948. ■ For meeting requests with participating Philippine companies please email SIALCanada.

PHL@gmail.com.

40

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Travel

The Abbot Pass Hut, chiselled out of stone and straddling the British Columbia/Alberta border, offers stunning views of the majestic peaks and glaciers surrounding the area.

SUMMITPOST.ORG

Historic back country hut that straddles Continental Divide ‘a special place’

BY CHRIS PURDY The Canadian Press IF IT isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be.

Perched in the picture-perfect Rocky Mountains is one of the oldest and highest places in the country to lay your aching bones and happy head.

The Abbot Pass Hut is a thing of beauty itself. Swiss mountaineers chiselled square blocks of rock out of the landscape to craft what has since been designated a national historic site.

And it’s like nowhere else on Earth.

The building straddles the Continental Divide and the Alberta-British Columbia boundary.

“You could go out the front door and throw a snowball down one side or down the other side and that snow, that wa-

ter, would end up in two differThe only way to get to the But it’s all worth it, says ent oceans,” says Keith Haberl trailhead is by booking a bus Haberl, who has made the trek with the Alpine Club of Canada. ride to Lake O’Hara in Yoho a handful of times.

You can also make dinner National Park; this year it runs As soon as you reach the hut, in Alberta, he says, then walk June 19 through Oct. 4. you’re sticky and sweaty and across the hut and eat it in B.C. Once you’re on the ground, exhausted, he says. But you get “It really is a special place.” the initial one to two hours of to throw down your backpack The alpine and look around club took over at the majestic the hut from peaks and glaParks Canada in ciers surroundthe 1970s. It also You could go out the front door and ing you. It will maintains and throw a snowball down one side or take your breath operates 24 othdown the other side and that snow, away. ers in Canada, that water, would end up in two Haberl says making the netdifferent oceans. that for some work of backpeople the hut is country huts for their destination. hikers, mountain But many use it as climbers and skiers the largest the hike is scenic and relatively a base and keep climbing higher. in North America. easy. The next couple of hours Mount Lefroy and Mount VicAbbott Pass Hut’s elevation is more gruelling, up a steep toria offer two popular classic is listed at 2,926 metres. So if slope of small slippery rocks. A mountaineering routes. you’re coming from sea level, helmet is recommended as proNo matter your reason for you’ll first want to spend a few tection from rocks that fly from being there, you get to meet days in the area acclimating to under the feet of people walk- strangers and swap stories in the thinner air. ing ahead. front of a cosy fire at night. Evwww.canadianinquirer.net

eryone sleeps together in an upstairs loft.

Sleeping pads are provided along with cooking utensils, propane stoves and propane.

There’s also a wood stove and a stack of firewood.

There’s no plumbing. But there’s nothing like melting year-round snow in a bucket for water. And the outhouse has an amazing view.

If You Go...

The Abbot Pass Hut is open in the summer, closed in the winter.

Bookings are made through the Alpine Club of Canada office in Canmore, Alta. Call 403678-3200 ext. 0.

The cost per night is $25 for club members or $36 for nonmembers.

The Abbot Pass Hut can accommodate up to 24 people.

Bring your own sleeping bag and food. ■

Travel

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

41

Interest keen in Shroud of Turin burial cloth, some coming back for second viewing in 5 years THE ASSOCIATED PRESS TURIN, ITALY — Turin’s archbishop says interest in the Shroud of Turin is so keen that many pilgrims who already saw the burial cloth that some believe covered Jesus are returning to see the linen again.

The 4.3-meter-long (14-foot) cloth will be displayed through June 24. Pope Francis will view it on June 21 on an overnight trip to the Turin area, which will include private time with relatives.

Public viewings of the cloth were last held in 2010.

“Many pilgrims who had already seen the shroud in past showings come back, even though some saw it just five years ago,” Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia said on Saturday.

“That’s not a long time. And yet many of the bookings we have are people who have already seen the shroud. That means there is a fundamental need in people’s hearts to renew this incredible experience that they had the first time they saw it,” the prelate told reporters.

Reservations are mandatory

The Shroud of Turin, a 14-foot cloth that bears the figure of a crucified man, will be on display in Turin, Italy until June 24 this year. Many people, including Pope Francis himself, are expected to come and view the holy relic.

but free of charge to see the shroud, displayed in a climatecontrolled case, in Turin’s cathedral. Turin’s mayor said recently that more that 1 million people had made reservations.

In 2010, some 2.5 million people came, according to organizers of the display.

The pope’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, has described the cloth as an icon “written with the blood” of a crucified man. Benedict said there was “full correspondence with what the Gospels tell us of Jesus.”

When Pope John Paul II saw the shroud in 1998, he said the

mystery forces questions about faith and sciences and whether it really was Jesus’ burial linen.

He urged continuous study.

Skeptics say the linen bearing the figure of a crucified man is a medieval forgery.

Nosiglia said people of all faiths will come to see the

WEATHER UPDATE VANCOUVER

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shroud, not just Christians.

“Even non-believers will come.

It’s an occasion that brings everybody together and aims to give a precise response to the violence in this world. It tells us that the way to build a fairer world is not violence, but love,” he said. ■

Long term forecast from www.theweathernetwork.com CALGARY

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www.canadianinquirer.net

Events

42

Queen of the Festival

By Filipino Street Festival WHEN/WHERE: 5 to 8 p.m., May 3, Essence Event Centre, Canada Inns Garden City MORE INFO: Ticket - $10 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

MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto Homework/Tutorial Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416928-9355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m.

Klownz the Canadian Tour

By Comedies Primetime Divas WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., May 24, Ryerson TagalogYUKON Class Theatre 43 Gerrar St., East, Toronto

By FCT MORE INFO: Featuring Allan K, Ate Gay WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11NORTHWEST a.m., every and Boobay NUNAVUT

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Perfect 10 Sarah Geronimo

By WYZNYNDS and TFC WHEN/WHERE: May 3, Grey Eagle Resort & Casino MORE INFO: VIP - $125; Gold - $95; Silver - $75; Bronze - $55

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View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

ONTARIO

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Got Craft?

WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 5 p.m., May 2 & 3 at Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph St. at Victoria Dr., Vancouver MORE INFO: $3 at door; Kids 10 & under - free Free Career Start Program

By Accenture and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. WHEN/WHERE: 9:30 to 12:30 p.m., May 2, Success at 28 W. Pender St., Vancouver MORE INFO: Email resume at careerstart@success. bc.ca Free Facilitation Training

By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: Apr. 25 to July 25 at the ISS of BC Cottonwood Office, # 200-504 Cottonwood Ave., Coquitlam, BC MORE INFO: Bus tickets available. Priority given to residents of the Tri-Cities.

Call: Ana Maria at 604-684-7498 ext. 1267 anamaria.bustamante@issbc.org or Lisa @ 604-3958000 ext. 1706 liza.delarosa@issbc.org 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 Boxing Night

By Conservative Party of Canada WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., May 2, Polish Hall, 4015

Fraser St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Free admission with RSVP

MORE INFO: RSVP to reserve your spot: www. globalcareers.ca 604-430-5475 ext 3407

Pacquiao-Mayweather Live on Widescreen

By R’s Bar WHEN/WHERE: May 2, at R’s Bar Music Venue 12411 King George Blvd., Surrey MORE INFO: $10 with free appetizers plus live and DJ music

Mother’s Day Dinner & Dance Hosted by Style Cuts WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m. to 12 mn, May 9, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2881 Main St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: 604-780-9502

Battle for Greatness Pacquiao vs Mayweather

By UPAABC WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., May 2, at the frat house, 2800 No. 4 Road, Richmond, B.C. MORE INFO: $20 per head includes pay per view, dinner with 1 beer/soda, scholarship donation.

Pinoy Connect sa Mosaic

By Mosaic English Conversation Circle WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 4 p.m., Sundays starting Apr. 12 Employment Law Clinic

By Appointment Only MORE INFO: for live-in caregivers, temporary foreign workers and newcomers who need advice.

Call Mika 604-254-9626 ext 484 or email at mtorres@mosaicbc.com Financial Career Fair

By Global Financial WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m., Holiday Inn Vancouver Airport, 10720 Cambie Rd., Richmond, B.C. www.canadianinquirer.net

Musika ng Lahi

By Asian Heroes Canada Foundation and Philippines Historama WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., to 1 a.m., May 16, at St. Monica’s Parish Hall, 12011 Woodhead Rd., Richmond, B.C. MORE INFO: Featuring Historama Cast with Kay Liggayu, Noel Ascona and Molinder Cadiz Call Lita Tapia – 604-551-4883; or Cliff Belgica – 604-614-8356 Jazz 4 Fun With Papa Bear & Friends WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 16, at R’s Bar 12411 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC MORE INFO: For tickets – 604-720-9882; 778-829-7482.

Broadway on Davie A Musical Journey

By Pinoy Pride Vancouver WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 21, at The Junction, Vancouver MORE INFO: Featuring Kay Balajadia-Liggayu, Noel Azcona and Molinder Cadiz. Tickets at $35VIP; $10 General Admission.

Seen & Scenes: Toronto

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

BOODLE FIGHT Boodle fight at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto (Photos from Naome S. Godinez’ FB).

CALGARY OUTREACH A team from the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver headed by Deputy Consul General Anton Mandap (L) held another outreach program to bring consular services closer to people in Calgary. (Photo by AJ Sophia Casta)

TEAM PRENTICE Filipino Canadians in Calgary pose with Alberta Premier Jim Prentice a week before Albertans cast their votes (Photo from Carmen Baladad’s FB).

SINGING STAR SEARCH Evelyn Lopez and company during the annual Search for Singing Star in Saskatoon (Photos

by Evelyn Lopez).

www.canadianinquirer.net

43

44

Seen and Scenes

MAY 1, 2015

DALOY PUSO Daloy-Puso: Flowing from the heart. An intergenerational dialogue on inter-cultural leadership in the Filipino-Canadian community was held on Apr. 26, at the Scotiabank Dance Centre featuring the dance performance by Co.Erasga. An open forum and tableau facilitated by Dr. Leonora Angeles followed the show (Photos from Bert Quibuyen’s FB).

SPRING DINNERDANCE Members of the FilipinoCanadian community in Vancouver held a spring dinner dance on Apr. 25 at St. Patrick Parish Hall (Photos by Freddie Bagunu).

For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net. www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

MAY 1, 2015

45

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MAY 1, 2015

FRIDAY

A plan... ❰❰ 15

ahead on points.”

Pacquiao has built his remarkable career on otherworldly quickness and old-fashioned volume punching, both outmanoeuvring and outworking nearly all of his opponents over the past 10 years. He has never faced a fighter with Mayweather’s skills in defence and counterpunching, but Roach believes Mayweather has never dealt with an opponent as relentless as the southpaw Filipino congressman.

“Our volume of combinations is much higher than Mayweather’s,” Roach said.

“Mayweather waits for you to finish your combination and throws back with the big right hand or the check hook, and we’re not going to be there for that.

We’re going to be in and out, and I plan on Manny outscoring him that way.”

Roach also seems confident Pacquiao can move better than Mayweather in a 12-round fight, a remarkable prediction based on observation. The trainer believes Mayweather’s legs will fade in the second half of the fight, particularly if Pacquiao chases him around the ring for the first half.

Evidence of the decline in the 38-yearold Mayweather’s legs is debatable, but Roach insists he saw it in Mayweather’s two most recent fights against Marcos Maidana. The hard-hitting Argentine

Legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach (right) has worked with Manny Pacquiao (left) on a strategy to beat the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. this coming May 2nd in Las Vegas.

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seemed to land more clean shots on Mayweather than anybody in recent history through persistence and volume, although Mayweather has scoffed at the notion.

“Mayweather’s legs are shot, and you saw it twice last year,” Roach said. “He’s not becoming more crowd-pleasing. He just can’t move like he used to, so he has to exchange more. As long as we can hit him and then move, Mayweather can’t touch us.”

Roach has closed Pacquiao’s sparring sessions to the media, an unusual tac-

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tic for the duo. Roach said it’s because they’re working on a detailed game plan that includes “a little bit more of a surprise. Stuff he hasn’t seen before.”

But Roach has echoed Pacquiao’s decision to downplay the possibility of a knockout. Mayweather has rarely even

been in trouble in his career, much less stopped, while Pacquiao hasn’t stopped anyone in his last nine fights since 2009.

“I can’t count on him knocking this guy out, because he really has never been a big puncher at 147 (pounds),” Roach said. “That’s because by fight time, most of the guys he’s fighting have been 160, and they’re just bigger guys.”

But Roach wants Pacquiao to be ready to fight from the opening bell, something that shouldn’t be hard with the likely frenzy in the MGM Grand Garden.

“For some reason, I have an idea that (Mayweather) is going to come out really quick on us and try to knock Manny out in the first round,” Roach said.

“I think he’s been watching the tape of Manny getting knocked out (by Juan Manuel Marquez). Mayweather does have that big overhand right, or that long right hand. I think he’s going to use that against us. We’re prepared for that one also.

“I think Mayweather will come right after us. I hope he does. We’re ready.” ■

Minister Fast leads trade mission to PH INTERNATIONAL TRADE Minister Ed Fast announced that he will lead a trade mission to Manila and Cebu, Philippines, from May 24 to 28, 2015, accompanied by Sen. Tobias Enverga Jr. Minister Fast made the announcement while participating in a round table with business representatives from the Filipino-Canadian community.

The trade mission to the Philippines will help Canadian companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), take advantage of the opportunities available in one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing countries in Asia. Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the Philippines was nearly $1.8 billion in 2014, an increase of 2.5 percent over 2013. The Philippines is a priority market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP) and a country of

focus for the Government of Canada’s international development efforts.

Minister Fast earlier visited the Philippines in March 2015, as part of a trade mission to boost Canada’s exports and investment partnerships with Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members.

While in Manila, Minister Fast met with Gregory Domingo, secretary of Trade and Industry, to discuss the potential for enhanced bilateral trade relations. The Philippines, chair of the APEC for 2015, shares Canada’s commitment to fostering the participation of SMEs in the global economy.

Minister Fast will also participate in the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting on May 23 and 24 in Boracay, Philippines. ■

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47

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015

Mediterranean migrant...

Mayweather-Pacquiao...

❰❰ 21

❰❰ 25

had trouble standing due to chest injuries he’d suffered in the Sri Lankan civil war during a bombing raid, allegedly by security forces.

“None of us were allowed to come to the top of the ship because some planes might spot us,” he said.

“We couldn’t even turn around when we were sleeping, there were so many people,” he said, adding that during one violent storm, the passengers feared the ship would capsize in the middle of the night and they would all drown.

One man named Nesan died from dehydration and starvation, and the passengers held a funeral before his body was weighed down with engine parts and thrown overboard, he said.

“Hardly anybody cried. We were immune to death and we were prepared to die too, all of us.”

He vomited often during the three-month journey that included little food and meagre rations of rain water, B188 said.

He was issued a deportation notice a year ago and is awaiting the results of a pre-removal risk assessment, hoping that Canada will become his permanent home.

European Union leaders are expected to hold an emergency meeting Thursday to address the current crisis.

After the arrival of the ships carrying Tamil migrants, the Canadian government funded international police in an effort to block such vessels from sailing to Canada.

In February, the Supreme Court of Canada heard argu-

a member of the Canadian Association of Refugee lawyers.

“We have to think much more collaboratively in dealing with the refugee claims rather than thinking about just dealing with the policing of the boats and the convictions of the smugglers.”

Galloway, who was a lawyer with the Immigration Refugee Board when 600 mostly Chinese migrants landed on B.C.’s shores in 1999, said most of them were deported.

Others disappeared, likely to the United States, where they may be working in large cities such as New York to pay off smugglers, he said. ■

sided decision win. the table. I’m pretty sure our But he couldn’t finish styles are totally different,” Algieri off, and faces a Mayweather said. “I fight with fare more difficult style against smarts. I’ve been on top for so the elusive Mayweather — one long because every move is cal47 other fighters have failed to culated, every move is thought figure out before him. out. I’m five to 10 steps ahead of Former heavyweight cham- my opponent.” pion George Foreman said Mayweather will have a size Mayweather’s tremendous advantage in the fight, which counter-punching ability was evident when the two boxwon’t be enough for him to win ers got together at their Los the fight unless he engages Angeles press conference last Pacquiao more often than he month. Mayweather said he has other fightwas surprised ers. how much bigger “Pacquiao is he was than Pacreally a pop shot quiao, who he acartist,” Foreman I’ve been on top cused of wearing said. “It’s hard for solong belifts in his shoes to get a counter cause every move to try and look punch in on him, is calculated, bigger. it’s not that easy. every move is He may be Mayweather is thought out. I’m able to pair that by far a defensive five to 10 steps advantage with genius but to win ahead of mistakes made these rounds my opponent.

by Pacquiao. you’re going to “He’s a very, have to become very reckless an offensive fighter,” Mayfighter, too.” weather said. “In the (Juan Mayweather may have to Manuel) Marquez fight (where fight more simply because his Pacquiao was knocked out in best defensive manoeuvr — the the sixth round) he was fighting shoulder tuck away from a right very reckless. My career would hand — isn’t effective against a have probably not lasted this southpaw like Pacquiao. May- long if I was that reckless.” weather has struggled at times Hearns was a bit reckless, too, against southpaws in his ca- against the seemingly unstopreer, particularly in 2006 when pable Hagler. But their fight at Zab Judah gave him fits before Caesars Palace has stood the dropping a unanimous deci- test of time, and even the loser sion. has come to terms with it.

Mayweather has prepared “I knew I had to do what I by using several lefties as spar- did,” Hearns said. “I was ready ring partners, but it’s his ability for a hard fight but not that to adjust to an opponent in the hard. I broke my hand hitting ring that separates him from that man in the side of the head. most fighters.

I was just trying to get rid of “We’ll see what he brings to him so fast.” ■

Wednesday about whether the free-spending Mayweather — who owns a fleet of expensive cars, a private jet and several mansions — worries about losing all his money after he retires.

“I’m blessed, I made some good investments,” Mayweather said. “If I wanted to retire today I could.”

Mayweather credited what he called a brilliant game plan for reaching his goal of becoming the first fighters to ever make a nine figure paycheque in one night. But he said he has

changed in recent years, toning down his act and putting aside the Pretty Boy and Money May personas he used to help him sell previous pay-per-view fights.

This fight needs no selling, and Mayweather has been subdued at every public appearance.

“It took a game plan for me going out there to win and me speaking out with a very loud voice and having a lot of personality,” he said. “But as you get older you mature. You’ve done trash talking for 17 or 18 years,

Rescued Vietnamese refugees being given water after a long boat journey.

Illegal immigration via. boat is perilous, but for many people, the risks are worth the rewards of the promise of a better life.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

ments in a series of cases about the country’s human smuggling laws, which a B.C. judge ruled were too broad and could even penalize refugees’ family members or humanitarian workers.

Donald Galloway, a University of Victoria law professor, said governments should be doing more to resolve the reasons causing people to take such risks with their lives.

“The Canadian government’s approach is, ‘Let’s bring out the heavy sticks and let’s try and deter both the smugglers and individuals who rely on smuggling to enter into the endeavour,”’ said Dalloway, who is also

Mayweather refuses... ❰❰ 25

weather.”

That has worked for Mayweather his entire career, though most boxing historians would disagree with his own view of his place in boxing’s historical hierarchy. That includes the current heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko, who told a group of reporters in New York on Tuesday that maybe Mayweather shouldn’t be so boastful.

“I think probably, I heard this comment from Mayweather that he’s better than Ali or greater than Ali,” Klitschko

said. “I think people call the king the king, not the king (who says) ‘I’m the king.’ So people make others somebody that he is or that he’s not. So that’s people’s opinions.”

While Mayweather’s place in history may be in debate, there’s no debate that he will make the biggest purse ever against Pacquiao. Depending on pay-perview sales — which reportedly have been strong for a fight still 10 days away — he could earn as much as $180 million for the welterweight title bout.

That prompted a question

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look at me, what I’ve done. I don’t have to do all of that. I did all that loud talking and everything to get to this point.”

That includes speaking badly about Freddie Roach, who has tried to cast Mayweather as the bad guy in this fight promotion.

“He’s making it basically a god against devil kind of thing, but he doesn’t have to get in there and fight,” Mayweather said. “He’s entitled to say what he wants to say, but the fighters aren’t speaking like that and it comes down to the two fighters.” ■

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in Edmonton, AB

17104 90th Avenue, Edmonton, AB . Right across West Edmonton Mall . Tel : 780-4888-BUN(286)

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2015 48