Philippine Canadian Inquirer #169

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MAY 29, 2015

VOL. 5 NO. 169

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P165-M ‘Yolanda’ aid still unutilized

Abandon schools near West Valley Fault — Phivolcs

ARMM willing to host persecuted Rohingya people

Express Entry supporting needs of British Columbian employers

‘Taklub’ wins award in Cannes

Metro Manila included in Top 30 megacities list

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

CANADA-PHILIPPINES PARTNERSHIP The Minister delivered remarks at a Business Networking Luncheon hosted by Filipino industry associations and engaged directly with Filipino and Canadian businesses. He touched on the significance of the strong Canada-Philippines partnership, which the Harper Government is committed to expanding.

INTERNATIONAL.GC.CA / FLICKR

Minister Fast kicks off Canadian trade mission to the Philippines ON SUNDAY May 24th, Minister Fast kicked off a five-day, multi-sector trade and development mission to Manila and Cebu, Philippines, with more than 50 representatives of over 40 companies

and organizations. He is joined by Senator Tobias Enverga Jr. Minister Fast celebrated a number of

❱❱ PAGE 6 Metro Manila

Fil-Can in Focus: Macario “Tobi” Reyes

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❱❱ PAGE 26 ❱❱ PAGE 21 Minister Fast

MANILA — Metro Manila was included in the “Global Top 30,” a list of the most populous, productive, and connected cities in the world.

Metro Manila is now in 30th place in the ranking by the global property consulting firm Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL).

The country’s capital was formerly in 37th slate in 2013 according to the London-based global research director Jeremy Kelly in a presentation at the Asia CEO Forum on Thursday.

Kelly noted how Metro Manila has been making its progress in global indices drawn by several institution.

“It’s a city in its ascendancy,” he said.

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AMLC: Makati Mayor Junjun Binay’s SALN inconsistent with bank records

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

A destroyed house on the outskirts of Tacloban on Leyte island. This region was the worst affected by the typhoon, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Caritas is responding by distributing food, shelter, hygiene kits and cooking utensils.

EOGHAN RICE FOR TRÓCAIRE, CARITAS / WIKIPEDIA

P165-M ‘Yolanda’ aid still unutilized Donors urged to come forward

BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) yesterday said approximately P165 million in foreign and local donations for victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” remains unused because they came from anonymous donors.

The DSWD explained in a press conference yesterday that guidelines governing the use of donations disallow the use of such funds if the donors are unidentified.

“I hope we will not be faulted for this.

There are specific guidelines on the procedure in using such funds,” Assistant Secretary Javier Jimenez said.

The DSWD received P1,151,738,189 in foreign and local donations for victims of the killer typhoon that hit Tacloban City in 2013.

Donations from local entities reached P1.146 billion, while foreign donors, P6.18 million or $138,837.

Jimenez admitted that the unused P165 million in cash donations, which should have been distributed to Yolanda victims, are sitting in bank accounts.

Of the total P1.15 billion in donations, P986 million or more than 85 percent has been released to the typhoon victims on top of the government’s financial assistance.

“We are appealing to those who donated funds for Yolanda victims and did not identify themselves to come forward and be accounted, so that these may be finally utilized,” Jimenez said.

Donors who have not yet been identified may send an e-mail or fax a copy of the deposit slip to the DSWD so that their donation may be audited.

The official said the funds from anonymous sources will be remitted to the Bureau of Treasury after two to three years, since these are unused bank funds. These will then become part of the government’s general funds.

The DSWD also reminded donors overseas to comply with the government’s requirements for foreign donations which may be processed as dutyfree and value-added tax-free.

“While foreign donated goods are free from import duties and taxes, there are policies and processes governing the exemption, and failure to abide may result in non-entitlement,” Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said in a statement.

Prospective consignees or those responsible for receiving foreign shipments should inform their donors of the requirements that they should comply with to avoid problems in the donation process, she said.

DSWD-registered social welfare and development agencies are qualified to be recipients of duty-free donations.

Private organizations wanting to avail of the duty-free entry should register with the DSWD. Organizations that are not registered can still receive foreign donations but will not be processed for duty-free entry.

Jimenez reminded consignees that they have six days to process the release papers for donations that arrive at the pier, after which P5,000 will be collected per day as storage fee. ■

The day after he made the loan, Binay had five withdrawals amounting to P24 million.

In the same report, AMLC said that MANILA — The Anti-Money Laun- Binay only declared minimal income dering Council (AMLC) reported that in his declared business interest in his Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Jun- SALN. jun” Binay’s bank de“Hence his bank posits are not consisdeposits are not comtent with the income mensurate to his inhe declared in his come, and represent statement of assets, In the same funds derived from liabilities and net report, AMLC illicit and/or undeworth (SALN). said that Binay clared activities,” the According to only declared AMLC said.

AMLC, Binay made a minimal income In a table preP25-million loan on in his declared pared by the same Dec. 28, 2011 from business interest council, Binay’s BDO Unibank Inc. in his SALN. SALN showed an in“Said loan availcreased net worth ment was renewed/ by P2,674,653.46 repriced on a million while his monthly basis from declared salary was Jan. 27, 2012, to June 24, 2013. How- only P781,654.78 for the same year. ever, there is no evidence of payment,” The AMLC was also able to record an the AMLC report said as quoted in a increase in his cash and net worth of report from the Philippine Daily In- P9,279,829.00 and P7,544,872 respecquirer. tively. ■

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Drilon campaigns for voter education in upcoming election

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Senate President Franklin Drilon wants to intensify voter education in the country adding that the people should not pick an “undeserving” leader.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Drilon said that voters must carefully look into the integrity of the candidates.

“Huwag po tayo magpadala sa mga salita ng kung sinusino, kundi ay tignan natin ng husto yung mga humaharap na kandidato at tignan natin ang kanilang integridad,” he said.

(Let us not be swayed by sweet talks but instead let’s scrutinize very well these candidates and focus on their integrity.)

“Sa akin po ay pinaka importante ang integridad sa ihahalal natin na lider ng bansa. Dahilan po sa kung hindi maganda ang record, ay uulitin po ito kapag nahalal na sa puwesto,” he said.

(For me, what’s important is integrity in electing a leader in this country. Because if there’s a bad record, this will be repeat-

Senate President Franklin Drilon.

ed once they’re in office) He then urged the government to intensify its campaign to enhance voter education in the country.

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Drilon also added that as responsible citizens’ it is the people’s duty to be one with the government in promoting voter education.

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“Hindi na po nila kailangan pa na maghintay pa. Ito po ay tungkulin natin bilang mamamayan ng ating bansa. Dapat po turuan natin lalo na ang ating

mga kabataan na ang kahalagahan ng mga eleksyon, at huwag nating pabayaan na ang ating bansa ay mapunta duon sa mga hindi bagay na mamuno sa ating bansa,” he said.

(They don’t have to wait anymore. This is our duty as citizens of our country. We should teach the youth the importance of an election and let us not allow our country to be handled by those who aren’t fit to run the nation.)

He added that it is important for the voters specially the youth to elect the right people who will be leading the future of the nation.

“Sa akin po, importante ang voters’ education, upang ipaliwanag natin lalo na sa ating kabataan ang kahalagahan ng tamang pagboto sa mga pinuno ng ating bansa, dahilan diyan po nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” he added.

(For me, what’s important is voters’ education to explain especially to the youth the importance of electing the right leaders for our country, because the future of our nation lies there.) ■

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Philippine News

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Solon passes bill against cyber-bullying, calls for responsible netizens

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Daily Inquirer

No Credit?

sonal information or any embarrassing information, or tricking the victim into revealing personal or embarrassing MANILA — Cyber-bullying may soon be regard- information and sharing it to ed as a crime after a solon had filed House Bill others; and 5718, or the “Anti Cyber-Bullying Act of 2015,” a f ) Repeatedly sending mesbill penalizing acts of posting rude, offensive, or sages that include threats of insulting messages online. harm or engaging in online ac“Cyber-bullying is one such problem that the tivities that cause fear on the advancement in technology and victim’s safety. social media has generated. It can As stated in potentially affect not only schoolthe proposed aged children, but also any indibill, cyber-bulvidual who has access to a mobile lies will be fined phone or the internet,” the bill’s People are from P50,000 author, Camarines Sur Represenencouraged to P100,000 or tative Rolando Andaya Jr. said. to become imprisoned for “By penalizing acts of cyberresponsible six months to six bullying, people are encouraged to netizens and years, or both, become responsible netizens and make them depending on the make them accountable for their accountable acts committed. cyber-actions,” Andaya added. for their cyber“The onset of The bill defined cyber-bullying actions. the Internet has as ‘acts of cruelty committed using shattered world the Internet or any form of elecbarriers empowtronic media or technology that ering users with has the effect of stripping one’s immense infordignity or causing reasonable fear or physical or mation and allowed them to emotional harm.’ be socially connected to virtuThe offensive acts were enumerated as the fol- ally anybody around the globe lowing: in the comfort of their own a) Repeatedly sending offensive, rude and in- homes,” Andaya said. sulting message; “Because of the anonymity b) Distributing derogatory information about that the Internet gives, social the victim; and moral norms are easily c) Posting or sending offensive photos of the switched off and users are emvictim, whether these are digitally altered or not, boldened to just say or post or were taken with or without consent, with the anything online without acintention to humiliate and em- countability,” he added. barrass the victim; The Commission on Inford) Breaking into an email, mation and Communications social networking or any elec- Technology (CICT), Departtronic account and using the ment of Justice (DOJ), and the victim’s virtual identity to send, Department of Interior and Loupload or distribute embar- cal Government (DILG) were rassing materials to or about the agencies tagged to formuothers; late the bill’s rules and regulae) Sharing the victim’s per- tions. ■

Metro Manila...

He added that the capital is in a “sweet spot of growth and momentum, reaping the benefits of economic reforms, improving macro[economic] fundamentals, global specialization and [sovereign] investment grade rating.”

Following this leap to the Top 30, the country’s capital is seen to grow even bigger and rise to the 25th position by 2020 and the 18th place by 2030. ❰❰ 1

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Other top cities included in the list are Tokyo, New York, London and Paris and “mature” cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, Hong Kong, Atlanta, Dallas, Singapore, San Francisco, Houston, Toronto, Boston, Sydney and Frankfurt.

Emerging cities were also in the roster with Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Moscow, Sao Paulo, Jakarta, Istanbul, Guangzhou, Bangkok, Mexico City, Delhi and Mumbai.

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

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Group calls for Baldoz to resign over Kentex fire

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.

JOMAR LAGMAY, LCO / DOLE PRESS PHOTO

MANILA — A labor group is urging Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz to resign over the fire in a factory in Valenzuela City, where 72 workers were killed.

Bukluran ng Mangagawang Pilipino (BMP) chairperson Leody de Guzman calls Baldoz as the “prime culprit” in the fire.

“While local officials of Valenzuela are guilty for negligence of duty and most probably corruption and collusion with the employer, Baldoz remains to be the prime culprit in

the tragedy when she ordered and implemented outright anti-worker policies that principally contributed to the misery and the deaths of the workers at Kentex,” de Guzman said as quoted in a report from The Philippine Star.

“Her [Baldoz] defense last week of the issuance of Certificate of Compliance to Kentex’s management being compliant to labor and safety standards is insignificant compared to the damage inflicted by her policies,” he added.

He also said that Baldoz has been prioritizing regulations that will accommodate the interest of huge businessmen.

De Guzman cited the issu-

ance of certain regulations including the Department Orders (DO) 18-A in 2011 and 131-13 in 2013.

“The issuance of DO 18-A ushered the legalization of of sub-contracting, even if it is contrary to the Constitution and the Labor Code. This also cemented the cheap labor policy of the government that opened the floodgates to pervasive unfair labor practices as sweatshops mushrooms nationwide,” he said.

He also noted the findings of the recent inquiry between DOLE officials and the contractors adding that these were only just the surface of the miserable conditions of workers. ■

LTO gets flak over new car plates

BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer SENATORS YESTERDAY questioned the Land Transportation Office (LTO) project replacing all vehicle license plates with standardized ones, arguing that the scheme offered no benefit to motorists and has become a big milking cow for the government.

At the joint hearing of the Senate blue ribbon and public services committees, Sen. Ralph Recto said he saw no gain in the LTO’s P3.8-billion purchase of new motor vehicle plates, which will only be an extra expense to motorists.

Owners of four-wheeled motor vehicles will have to pay P450 per license plate and motorcycle and tricycle owners P120 each.

Recto also challenged the bidding process, which he said was started by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in 2013 when there was no appropriate budget for the project.

For his part, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano questioned the additional P50 that motorists were made to pay for registration stickers on top of the P450 fee for the license plates.

With eight million new vehicle license plates to be issued, this would amount to a P400million profit, said Cayetano.

During the hearing, Recto

noted that the purchase of new plates had not improved the traffic situation even as he saw no new additional security features in the new plates that would redeem them.

“This is what it appears to me and to many others. This appears to be a business that we gave to the new supplier. That we should replace all license plates and the people would spend for it even if they don’t need it. If at all, [it’s needed] for new vehicles only,” Recto said yesterday.

But LTO Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan Jr. maintained that the standardized plates would bear new designs with uniform look.

Tan explained that enforcers on the road rely on the design of plates to spot possible violators, such as when an old plate design is found on a new model vehicle. He also said the purchase of new plates was not intended to be part of a traffic solution.

Transportation Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla said the new plates are designed in such a way that prevents them from being stolen from the vehicle.

Sen. JV Ejercito, who presided over the hearing, said the LTO’s intention to standardize the look of license plates was a good one.

Ejercito said the issuance www.canadianinquirer.net

of the new plates is already in progress and would be difficult to halt.

But he also said Recto had a good point when he said the old license plates would eventually be phased out anyway, and that the new plates was just an added burden to vehicle owners.

These and other issues would be tackled in a subsequent hearing, he said.

Edward Fereira, one of the private bidders for the license plate deal, disclosed during the hearing that based on the invitation to bid, the P450 fee for vehicle owners was supposed to include the two new plates, two sets of plate screws and the sticker.

Motorists who got the new plates were asked to pay an additional P50 for the sticker.

With eight million car owners, this additional P50 fee would amount to P400 million.

Cayetano said the contractor owes the government P400 million and the government has to return this amount to the people.

“Why don’t we just admit to the people that they were your milking cows?” he said.

As for the bidding process, Recto said the DOTC only had P187 million in the 2013 budget for the license plates.

But it began the bidding process for the P3.8-billion project and gave the notice of award to the winning bidder in 2013. The contract was signed in 2014 after the DOTC got an additional amount to finance the deal.

“It was clear there was no appropriation in 2013 to the extent of P3.8 billion. It would appear to me they did this project without appropriation. They corrected it in 2014 by putting an appropriation and signed the contract in 2014, even if they gave the notice of award in 2013,” he said.

The DOTC maintained that this was allowed.

But for Recto, this is dangerous because government agencies might bid out projects without appropriation, and the bidders would have to pay bond charges to participate, which is deceptive. ■

Philippine News

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Backing off from K-12 is like doing a ‘Mayweather’

BY NIÑA P. CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer IF THE reform of the Philippine education system being undertaken now were a boxing match, giving up on the K-12 program would be like “doing a Mayweather,” to the detriment of the quality of education in the country, according to a group of Catholic educators.

“We are no Mayweather. We will win not by running away from the challenges that come our way,” said De La Salle Bro. Jun Erguiza, president of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP).

Critics of the K to 12 program, which adds two more years to the basic education cycle, have brought their case against it to the Supreme Court.

Under K to 12, schooling now includes kindergarten and 12 years of basic education—six years of primary education, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school.

“We will throw our punches and claim our coveted dream of reforming the basic education system. We have to make this happen. Our nation, our people cannot afford to delay this any further,” Erguiza said in a statement posted on the

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website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

In the view of CEAP, an umbrella organization of 1,252 Catholic schools, colleges and universities nationwide, this is the opportune time to reform the country’s education system, which it said has been talked about for four decades.

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Erquiza stressed that the K to 12 program is the key to having quality education in the country and for Filipino children to be more globally competitive.

“The K-12 Act is not for the women and men of today. It is for our children to go beyond what we have achieved,” he said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

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P2-B PhilHealth claims under probe Probes ‘suspicious’ P2-B claims by hospitals and clinics

BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer THE STATE-OWNED Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth) yesterday said it was investigating P2 billion worth of claims filed by affiliated hospitals and clinics for fraud, including P325 million worth of “highly suspicious” benefit payments issued to two eye centers in Metro Manila last year.

At a press conference yesterday, PhilHealth president Alex Padilla said at least four healthcare institutions were currently being probed by the insurance company and the Department of Health (DOH) over questionable claims that have doubled over the last two years.

Padilla said PhilHealth ordered yesterday the suspension of payments of claims filed by Pacific Eye Institute in Makati City and Quezon City Eye Center, pending the results of a thorough validation of the legitimacy of their claims, particularly for cataract surgeries.

He also disclosed that two other hospitals—one in Zamboanga Sibugay and one in Bicol— were also being investigated over questionable claims for other procedures.

In December, the insurance firm also stopped paying the claims of Corpuz Clinic and Hospital in the Ilocos Region, also over questionable claims, added Padilla.

Records showed that Pacific Eye Institute’s claims drastically jumped by 143 percent from 7,333 claims worth P69.58 million in 2013 to 11,635 claims worth P169.49 million in 2014 while the claims of Quezon City Eye Center increased from P92.5 million (9,375 claims) in 2013 to P156 million (10,944 claims) last year.

Senate committee to investigate PhilHealth anomalies.

Padilla also alleged that Pacific Eye Center had a patient who lost her eyesight the day after surgery, which was supposedly done by a doctor whose license had been suspended due to unethical practices.

“The other eye center, which received more than P150 million in benefit payments, had three doctors with more than 1,000 cases of fraud filed by the eye center, no less,” added Padilla.

“We are not saying that all of these claims are fraudulent. It is possible that some of them are not but we need to study it.

So for the meantime, we need to suspend payment of claims (by these centers],” Padilla told reporters.

“The jump of 143 percent in

the amount being paid is in itself suspicious and necessitates an investigation,” he added.

When sought for comment, doctor David Gosiengfiao, owner of Pacific Eye Institute, denied the allegations of the health official, saying that the free cataract surgeries his clinic performed were “charity work.”

He also told reporters in an interview yesterday that one of the doctors employed by his clinic was merely suspended by the Philippine Association of Ophthalmologists but that his license to practice had not been revoked.

If fraud is established, the DOH and PhilHealth will slap criminal charges against these healthcare providers, said Pa-

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dilla. “These hospitals or clinics can be suspended and their accreditation revoked,” he added.

In 2013, the DOH observed that cataract operations had become the highest paid-for service under the national health insurance program.

PhilHealth offers its members cataract surgery packages at a case rate of P16,000 each.

Health Secretary Janette Garin said random interviews with patients covered by the 2013 claims of the two eye centers indicated that some of them didn’t need cataract surgery at all.

Initial investigation on the Makati-based eye center also showed that it had a particularly high volume of patients due to a

“hakot” mechanism, wherein it hired “seekers” to actively seek out PhilHealth members to operate on, some of whom did not necessarily need treatment or surgery, added Garin.

Garin said the investigations were prompted following an audit of the total P78 billion that PhilHealth paid to accredited healthcare institutions in 2014, which showed that the insurance firm paid the biggest amount for cataract operations.

“And from there, we looked at the institution or healthcare providers that had the biggest claims and those that had questionable increases in claims over the last three years even if they had not expanded their hospitals or centers,” she said. ■

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MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

DOJ all set to finalize 3rd batch of pork cases

BY CATHY YAMSUAN Philippine Daily Inquirer

De Lima denied reports that the DOJ would be dropping the “Napolist” probe.

“How can we drop that?

That’s our assignment. The list was given to me by Mrs. Napoles and the people want to know if those on the list, is it true that dealt with Mrs. Napoles. What I’m having the NBI verify is that if those in the list really had PDAF projects and used nongovernment organizations set up by Mrs. Napoles,” De Lima said.

Earlier charged with plunder for their alleged misuse of their PDAF, or pork barrel, allocations were Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., along with Napoles.

De Lima noted that National Bureau of Investigation agents helping in the probe had raised questions on the signatures of three or four implicated politi-

case of the third batch, De Lima said NBI experts themselves had found that some signatures were forged.

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice However, she said the find(DOJ) will decide by Thursday ings of forgery did not neceswhether it will proceed with sarily exculpate those involved. the filing of the third batch of She said in many PDAF docucases against lawmakers acments the whistle-blowers had cused of diverting their Priority revealed that they had particiDevelopment Assistance Fund pated in forging signatures in (PDAF) allocations to phony the papers, calling this “part of and overpriced projects. the scheme.”

Among those reportedly to De Lima said whatever the be included in the third batch decision of the DOJ on the matwere Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” ter would still be forwarded Honasan, Technical Education to the Office of the Ombudsand Skills Development Auman, which would conduct its thority Director General Joel own inquiry and would decide Villanueva, and at least two whether to proceed with indictother politicians reportedly ments. planning to run for the Senate On the list Napoles submitnext year. ted to the DOJ in May last year Justice Secretary Leila de in her abortive bid for immuLima said Tuesday she would nity from criminal suits in the meet with the investigating PDAF scam, Napoles tagged team led by Undersecretary nine incumbent senators in Jose Justiniano the PDAF scam: to wrap up their Revilla, Estrada, discussions on Enrile, Honasan, the matter.

Vicente Sotto “They already III, Loren Lehave recomI want them to study if these cases garda, Aquilino mendations but will be given the go signal despite “Koko” Pimentel we need to disthe findings of the NBI on the forgery III, Alan Peter cuss further by of signatures in certain documents.

Cayetano and Thursday,” De Will these be enough, good or valid Francis EscudeLima told rereason not to proceed with the filing ro II. porters. “I can’t of the cases?

Former Sen. tell yet their recManny Villar as ommendations. well as VillanI’ll just make ueva and Budget the proper anSecretary Flornouncement.” cians on the PDAF documents. encio Abad were also on the list.

De Lima has been criticized “They’re raising the issue of for earlier announcing that she the authenticity of their signa- Tedious, tedious process no longer had the time to han- tures, citing the findings statDe Lima said that while the dle the third batch of cases in ing that it would appear that in DOJ is probing the “Napolist,” connection with the P10-billion many of those documents, the the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft PDAF scam with the election signatures were not by one and Coordinating Council was also season just around the corner. the same person,” she said. conducting its own investigaShe has reconsidered this “I want them to study if these tion using the Commission on and given herself this week as cases will be given the go signal Audit (COA) report, which also her self-imposed deadline to despite the findings of the NBI covered PDAF scams perpemake a final decision. on the forgery of signatures in trated by other individuals and certain documents. Will these nongovernment organizations ‘Napolist’ be enough, good or valid reason not linked to Napoles.

She also said the so-called not to proceed with the filing of “Actually we already missed “Napolist,” or the list of nine the cases?” she said. our deadlines by so much. But senators and 69 former and The justice secretary com- due to the number of those incurrent congressmen involved pared the findings of the inves- volved, the team is having difin the scam and divulged to her tigators with Revilla’s claims ficulty gathering documents by the purported mastermind, that his signatures were forged. from the COA and the DepartJanet Lim-Napoles, would be De Lima said in Revilla’s case, ment of Budget and Manageforwarded to the Interagency his own private handwriting ment, so we have to get it from Anti-Graft Coordinating Coun- experts testified that the sena- the implementing agencies cil after the NBI had completed tors’ signatures on the PDAF concerned. It’s a tedious, teits verifications. documents were forged. In the dious process.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo ‘Rody’ Duterte.

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Duterte admits Davao Death Squad involvement, warns to kill more criminals once elected as president

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte admitted reports linking him to the Davao Death Squad which killed criminals in the city.

“Ako, ako daw death squad?

True, that’s true,” he said in an interview with Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa.

(I was involved in the death squad? True. That’s true.)

This is following calls for an investigation into the Davao Death Squad killings.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch has also called on the government to stop tolerating public officials involved in extrajudicial killings.

Unfazed by these reports, Duterte remained unapologetic of his actions and dared the said human rights group to file a case against him.

“Gusto ko sila pumunta dito.

(I want them to come here.)

There’s no need for you to go to the Ombudsman. There is no requirement that you go to the

human rights. File directly in court. Then I’ll place you under oath. Just execute an affidavit.

Then I’ll call you when it’s my time for cross-examination.

And I will show to the world how stupid you are,” he added.

Duterte even added that his city has become one of the world’s safest city because of killing all criminals.

“Alam po pag ako ang presidente, I will warn you I do not covet the position. Pag naging presidente ako, magtago na kayo. Yung 1,000 na yan it would reach 50,000. I will kill all you [expletive] breaking the life of the Filipino miserable. Papatayin ko talaga kayo.”

[You know, when I become the president, I will warn you I do not covet the position. When I become the president, you should be hiding. That 1,000 record (of killed criminals) would reach 50,000. I will kill all you [expletive] breaking the life of the Filipino miserable. I will really kill of you.]

“I do not want to be president.

I do not want to kill people so do not elect me as president.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

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‘Gawad Kalinga’ founder Tony Meloto speaks up on rants in his ‘sexist’ speech

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto finally broke his silence after being slammed for his purportedly ‘sexist’ and ‘disturbing’ speech he delivered last month.

Meloto delivered his speech at the University of Hawaii-Manoa’s Center for Philippine Studies (CPS) as part of their 40th anniversary celebration.

The renowned Filipino entrepreneur stated in his Twitter account that he believed his speech actually received ‘enthusiastic and positive’ response from the audience. He was then puzzled as to why he was labeled ‘sexist and elitist.’

“First time to be called ‘sexist and elitist’ after 20 years of honoring our women and caring for the poor, after hundreds of speeches here and abroad,” Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto.

Meloto said in one of his Tweets.

When asked by a Twitter user as to why and enticing them to invest in the Philip- on the need for Filipino women and he was being criticized, Meloto replied: pines, was outrageously sexist and deeply their white husbands to produce what “The immediate response was enthusi- offensive to everybody in the audience, as he (humorously) called ‘cappuccinos,’ astic and positive, including inspiring well as patronizing and disrespectful to and appeared to present such a policy of newspaper articles of seduction and repromy speech.” duction as a solution The CPS, however, to the problems of had a different reeconomic developsponse.

Aside from being ‘sexist and elitist,’ the Filipino ment in the Philip“What was most entrepreneur was also slammed for referring to pines,” the statement disturbing about his the Philippines as a ‘broken’ country and the continued. speech was his sexFilipinos as ‘hopeless and violent’ people.

As read in their ism. His belief that statement, the CPS the ‘greatest asset of was not amused by the Philippines is our Meloto’s remarks beautiful women,’ and claimed that the and that the future of the nation can be Filipino women in particular,” they said crowd only let out a ‘nervous laughter’ advanced by using them to attract the in an official statement released. when he delivered his speech. They were ‘best and brightest’ men from the West, “Mr. Meloto went on to share his views not at all ‘enthusiastic’ about it, with

GAWAD KALINGA WEBSITE / GK1WORLD.COM

some of the audience leaving the venue.

The CPS had already apologized to its members who were offended by Meloto’s speech.

Aside from being ‘sexist and elitist,’ the Filipino entrepreneur was also slammed for referring to the Philippines as a ‘broken’ country and the Filipinos as ‘hopeless and violent’ people.

Prior the issue, Meloto was also known for working with the poor through global development programs that ‘built integrated, holistic and sustainable communities in slum areas.’

He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Community Leadership in 2006. And more recently, he was named as Reader’s Digest’s Top 4 Most Trusted Filipino in 2010. ■

Abandon schools near West Valley Fault — Phivolcs

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday warned that school buildings transected by the West Valley Fault should be abandoned if not completely demolished.

The warning is in view of the massive earthquake expected to hit the fault and cause destruction of lives and properties anytime.

“They need to transfer the kids… It’s not that many. They need to discuss it with [the Department of Education] and school officials. Essentially, they are putting students at risk. To be fair, we

don’t know when the fault will move,” Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said in an ANC interview.

“It’s like gambling with their lives,” he added.

The director added that six schools were already advised not to use the school buildings within the buffer zone of the Fault.

The schools included in the list of those on top of the West Valley Fault are: 1. Sitio Karahume Elementary School in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan 2. Barangka Elementary School in Marikina 3. Tibagan Elementary School in Makati 4. Anne-Claire Montessori in Taguig 5. Alabang Elementary School in

Muntinlupa 6. E. Pedro Diaz High School in Muntinlupa “The affected schools must make sure they do not use the rooms for classes or offices. We have advised them not to.

They can use this for storage spaces or strengthen the demolished part of the building if it’s like a very long building.

Demolish the part transected by the fault and reinforce the sides of the building which is away from the buffer zone or demolish the whole building totally,” he said.

Phivolcs has also launched a Valley Fault System Atlas which will be used to identify the places that will be affected.

The atlas, which has been distributed

www.canadianinquirer.net

to local government units, identified locations in the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault transecting 42 barangays in Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and 30 barangays in Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite. ■

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Philippine News

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Americans warned anew vs traveling to Mindanao

BY NIÑA P. CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE UNITED States has warned its citizens against traveling to Mindanao anew, citing “continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities.”

The US Department of State replaced the travel warning it issued on Nov. 20, 2014, and specifically mentioned areas such as as “the Sulu archipelago, certain regions and cities in the island of Mindanao and the southern Sulu Sea area” as the areas of its concern.

“US citizens should continue to defer nonessential travel to the Sulu Archipelago, due to the high threat of kidnapping

of international travelers and “US citizens should continue violence linked to insurgency to exercise extreme caution if and terrorism there,” the travel considering travel in the southwarning posted on the US state ern Sulu Sea region from the department’s website on May southern tip of Palawan, along 20, 2015, said. the coast of Sabah, Malaysia The US state department detailed the perceived threats in the southern Separatist and terrorist groups part of the Philcontinue to conduct bombings, ippines, telling kidnappings and attacks against its nationals civilians, political leaders, and to exercise exPhilippine security forces. treme caution if traveling to certain regions and cities of the island of Min- and the islands of the Sulu Ardanao, based on “a history and chipelago, up to Zamboanga attempted kidnappings of for- City, Mindanao,” it said. eigners.”

“Separatist and terrorist

groups continue to conduct bombings, kidnappings and attacks against civilians, political leaders, and Philippine security forces,” it said.

The travel warning made mention of the Muslim rebels the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the breakaway group from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which has entered into a peace deal with the Philippine government.

“In particular, the BIFF remain active in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguin-

danao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces, where the government maintains a state of emergency and a greater police presence,” the travel advisory said.

In the cities of Davao and Surigao, the US noted there have been no recent reported terrorist threats or incidents.

“There have been no reports of US citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality; however, general threats to US citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern,” it said.

Before traveling to Mindanao, and the Sulu Archipelago, embassy employees must receive special authorization from embassy security officials. ■

ARMM willing to host Rohingya boat people persecuted in Burma

BY ALLAN NAWAL Philippine Daily Inquirer COTABATO CITY — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is willing to host the Rohingyas who fled ethnic violence and persecution in Burma (Myanmar) and are now stranded at sea, Gov. Mujiv Hataman said yesterday.

“These people have seen too much violence and hostility.

They deserve, more than ever, our sympathy and kindness,” Hataman said in a statement emailed to the INQUIRER. He said the Rohingyas, a Muslim minority in the western part of Burma, had suffered too much and it was only proper to at least ease their ordeal.

“This is why we of the regional government reiterate our support and solidarity with them, our Rohingya brothers and sisters, and express our willingness to host them in the ARMM,” Hataman said.

He said the ARMM is not wealthy and that it also experiences migration due to many factors, but these should not deter it from taking in the Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds.

“We believe that even with the current conditions on the ground, even with our own experience of migration and in-

Several ARMM provinces, including Tawi-Tawi, share maritime borders with Indonesia and Malaysia, where Rohingyas fleeing on boats had sought refuge but were turned away.

KISA KUYRUK / SHUTTERSTOCK

ternal displacement, there is always room enough for us to show our hospitality and care for them,” Hataman added.

Several ARMM provinces, including Tawi-Tawi, share maritime borders with Indonesia and Malaysia, where Rohingyas fleeing on boats had sought refuge but were turned away.

Reports had it that many of the refugees died at sea.

“As they are trapped at sea and are desperate for help, their sufferings exacerbated by the refusal of other countries to welcome them and provide them with refuge, we must offer them a glimmer of hope for a brighter future and a peaceful life,” Hataman said.

He said the ARMM government could not deprive the Rohingyas of sanctuary, especially www.canadianinquirer.net

since many of its people had also experienced a similar fate.

“This displacement also touches a sensitive chord in the life and history of Mindanao Muslims, who suffered harrowing episodes of evacuations because of violence,” he said.

Hataman said the plight of the Rohingyas also reminded him of the plight of ARMM natives, who had been driven

away from Sabah.

“The Halaws had to flee in the midst of fear and uncertainty, back to the Philippines,” he said.

He said as Muslims, the people of the ARMM were also concerned that women and children face a perilous journey to freedom, “only to find an ocean of uncertainty and crushing indifference from the world outside Burma.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

13

AFP must now focus on PH external defense

BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer AN EXPERT from the Washingtonbased think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) says it is imperative for the Philippines to forge peace in Mindanao to allow the military to focus on external defense, as insurgency is no longer the “primary threat” to the country’s security.

Gregory Poling, a fellow at the CSIS Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies and Pacific Partners Initiative, told the INQUIRER in a recent interview that if “the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) fails and the peace process fails, then we lose the opportunity to have the Philippine military make a much needed turn toward external defense.”

“The Philippine armed forces spent the last century primarily worried about internal security, fighting separatists in the south, fighting the communists and that is no longer the primary threat the Philippines is facing in the 21st century,” Poling said.

He said President Aquino’s policy to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines would be “jeopardized” if the military would need to focus anew on security in Mindanao, should the peace process fail.

“The effort to have a Philippine military in the 21st century relies on putting to bed large-scale insurgency in the south,” Poling said.

Poling did not refer to China’s increasing aggressiveness in the South China Sea as the Philippines’ principal worry these days.

But he said China’s “island building campaign” poses the question for all claimants to territory in the South China Sea: What does it mean when it comes to access to the disputed areas?

“Does China plan to use this as an excuse to boost its surveillance and interdiction capabilities, plan to prevent others from using these waters? Those are the real questions we should be asking,” Poling said.

sive claim is not legal] and they need to specify what exactly is it in the international rule,” Poling said.

The Philippines’ case against China redounds to “legal technicalities that focus on entitlements to waters and seabed and not the island themselves,” he said.

Implement Edca

Asked what the Philippines can do in the face of China’s land reclamation that has obvious military purposes, Poling said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the United States should be implemented.

“One immediate thing that has to be

Harsh truth

He added that the “harsh truth” in the maritime row is that “the Spratlys islands themselves are probably unsolvable in any realistic time frame.”

International legal processes would still require “all parties to agree,” Poling said. “And if China does not agree, there will never be a [resolution] in the islands.”

Poling reiterated that the United Nations arbitral tribunal would not rule on who controls the islands.

“It can only rule on what waters and continental shelf those islands generate. Essentially, what the court has been asked to rule on is… that China’s [expanwww.canadianinquirer.net

done for the Philippine national security is that the Edca with the US has to be implemented,” he said.

Signed by the Philippines and United States last year, Edca is an offshoot of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). ❱❱ PAGE 14 AFP must

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Philippine News

BSP: All coins to be replaced

BY PAOLO G. MONTECILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer PIGGY BANKS across the country may have to be cracked open soon as the central bank plans to replace all coins with ones that have updated designs and enhanced security features.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) yesterday said discussions were on to refresh the country’s coinage, from the tiny disrespected one-centavo to the ubiquitous one-, five- and 10-peso coins.

Minimizing counterfeiting using new security features is the main aim of the change, according to BSP Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo.

Paper bills

This comes as the paper currency is undergoing demonetization and replacement also in the name of tighter security.

“The coins are still being discussed in the numismatic committee,” Guinigundo said in a press briefing. “Security features are being considered, as well as dimensions, and the kind of technology for minting.”

He said the BSP was considering multi-ply techniques in coin production. This means having coins layered with different types of metal to make

reproduction more difficult.

The BSP’s numismatic committee, headed by Guinigundo, will present its plans to the policy-making Monetary Board, which in turn will endorse it to Malacañang for the President’s approval.

Guinigundo declined to say when approval is expected.

Demonetized

The coin replacement comes after the release of New Generation Currency (NGC) banknotes in 2010. The NGC will eventually replace the old bills that have been around since 1985.

The old paper bills—in five, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, 200-, 500- and 1,000-peso denominations—were known as the New Design Series (NDS) notes and had been in circulation for 30 years, making it the country’s longest-circulating currency.

The NGC notes, which eliminated the five- and 10-peso paper denominations, have been circulating alongside the NDS notes. By the end of the year, NDS notes will no longer be accepted as legal tender.

All NDS notes still in the hands of the public may be exchanged at banks and BSP branches until the end of 2016.

On January 2017, all NDS notes will lose their value. ■

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

AFP must...

Poling said in his seaports. bases in Okinawa and Guam. short trip to Manila, Currently, US fighter jets, “If the Philippines wants many the US treaty asked him “why to be effective the US is not doand send the ing more to exert message to Chiforward military The Philippine armed forces spent na, that treaty presence [in the the last century primarily worried (Edca) has to be Philippines] to about internal security, fighting put in effect,” help and send separatists in the south, fighting the Poling said. the message to communists and that is no longer The constiChina.” the primary threat the Philippines is tutionality of He noted that facing in the 21st century.

Edca, however, the Philippines has been challacks the mililenged in the tary infrastrucSupreme Court. tures to support a US-military surveillance planes and Navy The court has yet to rule on the presence, such as runways and ships are stationed in the US petition. ■ ❰❰ 13

PNP confirms death of bomb expert Usman

BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINE National Police yesterday confirmed that it was indeed Abdul Basit Usman, most wanted Filipino terrorist, who was killed in a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) early this month.

In a statement, the PNP said the Crime Laboratory confirmed the relationship between the DNA profile of the skin tissue taken from the body of Usman with that of his mother and nephew.

“These conclusive test results, as corroborated by witnesses’ statements, affirmed earlier pronouncements that Usman and some of his followers were killed in an encounter with the MILF 106th Brigade on May 3, in Sitio Balas, Barangay Upper Muti, Guindulungan, Maguindanao,” said PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.

Usman has been identified as a bomb-making expert with links to the Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah.

It will be recalled that the Crime Laboratory collected saliva samples from Usman’s mother Singkorya Dagkog Usman and his nephew Hairudin Balt Usman for DNA profiling.

“The probability of Singkorya’s maternal relationship with Basit Usman is 99.9 percent, while Basit is paternally www.canadianinquirer.net

Photo of slain Basit Usman released by the AFP Public Affairs Office.

related to Hairudin Balt Usman,” said Crime Laboratory head Chief Supt. Theresa Ann Cid. The tissue sample from Usman was submitted to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group by a member of the MILF 106th Brigade in Camp Crame on May 8.

Criminal Investigation and

Detection Group chief Director Benjamin Magalong said the MILF member also submitted a sheet of plain bond paper with Usman’s alleged fingerprints and bloodstains.

The PNP also had the sworn statements of two barangay officials in Guindulungan, Maguindanao, who positively identified the slain man as Usman. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

15

The government has allocated a total of P253.6 million for Eastern Samar under RAY-II. According to Roxas, the rehabilitation [of over 257 barangay facilities] is designed in such a way that the buildings are more resistant to natural calamities, and that the funds will generate jobs and spur economic activities.

MAR ROXAS OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

President boosts Roxas bid as LP standard-bearer

BY CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA Philippine Daily Inquirer OUTRANKED BY Sen. Grace Poe in the surveys, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Monday got a push from President Aquino, who said he was “at the top of the list” of the administration’s possible presidential candidates in 2016.

Some members of the President’s Liberal Party (LP) have quietly begun pushing for a Poe-Roxas tandem, a major factor being the neophyte legislator’s strong showing in surveys and her presumably better chance of beating Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Aquino said whether Binay would be the “man to beat” in the presidential race would “rest on his ability to be able to answer all of the allegations

that he is being confronted with at this present time.”

Binay, who is leading in the surveys, is accused of pocketing billions of pesos in kickbacks during his term as Makati City mayor. He has denied the allegations.

the Nation Address on July 27, nearly a month behind schedule.

“We just want this dialogue to be as thorough and encompassing as possible with all the sectors that are involved in the coalition,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a school refurbishment program in Marikina City.

“I was surprised to read in certain publications that it’s as if he is not being considered to be the standard-bearer of our coalition. I find it strange,” the President said when asked if he was open to Roxas again sliding down to being a vice presidential candidate in 2016.

Dialogue with all sectors Aquino cited Roxas’ “abilThe Inquirer ity to sacrifice,” tried to get a citing the secrecomment from tary’s decision Roxas but drew to “[give] way to no response to We just want this dialogue to be me” in the 2010 its calls. as thorough and encompassing as presidential Aquino earpossible with all the sectors that are election. Roxas lier said voters involved in the coalition. ended up losing should go for a the vice presicandidate who dential race to would continue Binay that year. “what we have started,” apparently including ‘Ability to sacrifice’ Wide expertise his anticorruption campaign.

While he has yet to announce Aquino said of Roxas: “He Aquino said he would for- the administration candidate, has demonstrated quite a wide mally endorse a presidential Aquino expressed support for range of expertise in so many candidate after his final State of Roxas. different assignments. He is a

www.canadianinquirer.net

valuable member of the Cabinet. He has been a staunch leader of the party, even during the days that we were in the opposition.”

The President earlier admitted that he had been talking to Poe to run either for President or Vice President. He described Poe as “one of those we expect to continue, and can really continue [what we have started].”

Poe placed second to Binay in the Social Weather Stations survey conducted from March 20 to 23 on possible presidential candidates. She registered 31 percent in the survey while Binay scored 36.

Roxas tied with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for third place, each with 15 percent. ■

Opinion

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MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

PUBLIC LIVES

Hillary Clinton’s e-mails

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer THE CANDIDATE to beat in the next American presidential election is Hillary Rodham Clinton, who will most certainly get the Democratic Party nomination on her second try to be the first woman president of the United States. Former first lady, former senator, and former secretary of state, Hillary brings to her campaign possibly the broadest background in public affairs ever possessed by any presidential aspirant. Still, the Republicans are doing everything to portray her as a dangerously unfit candidate for the world’s most powerful position.

These past few days, public attention has focused on her e-mails when she was secretary of state during President Barack Obama’s first term from 2009 to 2013. A Republicandominated special House committee has been looking into the attacks on US diplomatic outposts in Benghazi Libya in September 2012, which led to the killing of the US ambassador and three other Americans. The committee has subpoenaed her e-mails in order to establish how she handled this crisis.

The investigation took an unexpected twist after it was revealed that Hillary had exclusively used a

personal e-mail account to conduct aside eventually found their way into then moved on to more serious matwork-related communication while the archives or papers kept in their ters, including her opposition to armshe was head of the State Depart- name. The advent of e-mail changes ing the rebels in Libya.” ment. This is being depicted as an all that. First, as the Hillary digital Ms Slaughter might probably inexcusable breach of protocol. Hill- correspondence amply shows, e-mail have thought twice about engaging ary argues that while some of the e- makes it nearly impossible to sepa- in personal flattery like this if she mails she sent out from and received rate personal communication from were writing to a superior at a state. at hdr22@clintonemail.com might the official. Second, e-mail has made gov address. It is this kind of seamhave dealt with “sensitive” and “con- it easy to erase, delete and destroy less stitching of the personal into fidential” information, they never in- correspondence. Hillary said, mat- the official that the Republicans are cluded “classified” matters. ter-offactly, that it was her preroga- interested in as they search Hillary’s The committee counters that it tive to exclude her personal e-mails e-mails for damaging leads they can would be the judge of that. Its mem- from those that dealt with matters of use against her. bers, mostly Republicans who had be- state. But how easy is it to do that?

The e-mails sent by Sydney Blugun to smell blood, have asked to see Consider this excerpt from one of menthal to Hillary’s private account, the e-mails pertainfor example, have ing to the Benghazi been singled out Hillary said, matter-offactly, that it was her prerogative to attacks. To show she for close scrutiny. exclude her personal e-mails from those that dealt with matters of has nothing to hide, Blumenthal wrote state. But how easy is it to do that?

Hillary responded speeches for the by asking the State Clintons when Bill Department to release all the 55,000 the e-mails submitted to the House Clinton was president. He wielded pages of e-mails she had previously committee, copies of which the New enormous influence in Washington turned over when she ended her stint York Times was able to obtain. The circles as the Clintons’ “resident inas secretary of state. She said these NYT observes: “The emails show tellectual,” and continued to work for e-mails represent the entirety of her that even those at the highest levels the power couple as a “messaging” digital communications during her of government engage in occasional consultant at their foundation after term, minus the strictly personal flattering of those above them. In they left the White House. Presiones that she had excluded.

March 2011, Mrs. Clinton received dent Obama did not appoint BluRemoving private e-mails from an email from Ann-Marie Slaughter, menthal to any position despite his office-related communication by the director of policy planning for formidable connections. The latter, the act of deletion is probably under- the State Department, who was leav- however, remained a close confidant standable. But it is a great pity from ing her position. ‘Gorgeous pic on the to Hillary when she was head of the the perspective of archival history. front page of the NYT!’ Ms. Slaughter State Department. The e-mails sugIn the past, the personal letters and said, referring to a photo of Mrs. Clin- gest Blumenthal was in Libya around notes of statesmen that were put ton. ‘One for the wall...’ Ms. Slaughter the time Gadhafi was deposed. He

sent Hillary regular analyses on the Libyan crisis, while operating as adviser to some US business interests looking for opportunities in a postGadhafi era.

Sooner or later, the Republicans are going to stumble upon e-mails that suggest improper conduct (whether personal or official), which they can use against Hillary. At the same time, it is not farfetched that a legal suit could be brought against her for destroying personal e-mails that might have had a bearing on her official work.

In this regard, what I find truly fascinating are the institutional consequences of this complex interweaving of the personal and the official in e-mail communication. Twenty years ago, the philosopher Jacques Derrida, in an essay dealing with archives and memory, foresaw this: “[E] lectronic mail today, even more than the fax, is on the way to transforming the entire public and private space of humanity… [A]t an unprecedented rhythm, in quasi-instantaneous fashion, this instrumental possibility of production, of printing, of conservation, and of destruction of the archive must inevitably be accompanied by juridical and thus political transformations.” ■

AS I SEE IT

‘Inexperienced’ Grace may be another Cory

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer VICE PRESIDENT Jejomar Binay was quick to label as “inexperienced” Sen. Grace Poe, very likely the candidate who will beat him in next year’s presidential election. He hinted that voters should choose candidates with experience like him.

Admittedly, Binay has the experience. But people may ask: experience in what? Overpricing government infrastructure projects? Hiding unexplained wealth under the names of dummies? Heaven help us if the experience in Makati City is spread to the whole nation.

What I did to Makati I will do to the whole nation, Binay has said often, expecting the people to believe that the entire country would be like Makati if he becomes, God forbid, president.

Let us make things clear: Makati is not Makati because of the Binays.

The Makati we now see became that way because of the Ayalas. Not because of the Binays but in spite of them.

The Ayalas developed Makati’s commercial center to attract big

business to relocate there and con- free movies on weekends and senior and members of his family. That is struct the tall buildings and the citizens are given cakes on their the “trapo” experience we would all shops and restaurants we now see, birthday, but they still live in shan- suffer from if Binay becomes, again patronize and enjoy. One Jojo Binay ties and hovels around the modern God forbid, president. was nowhere then. He was appointed and gleaming tall buildings. *** officer-in-charge of Makati by PresiSo do not think that by voting for Going back to Grace Poe’s “lack of dent Corazon Aquino—probably the Binay for president in next year’s experience,” that was the same thing worst mistake she made during her presidential election, the whole that was thrown at Cory Aquino then. entire term—only after the 1986 Peo- Philippines would be like the Makati “Walang alam (know nothing),” the ple Power Revolution that toppled commercial center. Instead, it may dictator and his camp jeered. one plundering president and started be like the Rembo villages of Makati But look at what Cory Aquino gave his rise. from where the Binays get most of us: She gave us back our freedom and It was the taxes paid by these their votes during elections. democracy. She gave us a new Constibusiness and commercial establishBinay is the housing czar of the tution and a new pride as Filipinos. ments that made Grace Poe, dethe Makati city govspite her “inexperiWhat I did to Makati I will do to the whole nation, Binay has ernment rich and ence,” did very well said often, expecting the people to believe that the entire country made available to when she chaired would be like Makati if he becomes, God forbid, president. the Binays immense the Senate investiwealth that could be gation of the Mamaused to help the poor people of Maka- government, in charge of provid- sapano massacre. That was her first ti. In spite of the tall gleaming build- ing housing for the homeless. But try, and she did it very well. ings of Makati, there are still pockets there are still millions of homeless I would rather have an inexperiof poverty in the city. in the Philippines; the squatter colo- enced president who is honest and After Jojo Binay came his wife nies make up blights in its cities and has integrity than somebody who is Elenita and then their son Junjun towns. very experienced in manipulating as mayors of Makati (all of whom, As housing czar, Binay built the people’s money. by the way, are now facing charges homes—without electricity and waBesides, all a president has to do in of overpricing and corruption). But ter connections, by the way—some- order to govern wisely is choose Cabafter decades of the Binays control- where in Laguna. But during election inet members who are competent, ling Makati, the poor of Makati are time, he is said to send buses to take honest and has integrity. The presinot better off. Sure, they are allowed them back to Makati to vote for him dent will provide the moral example.

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*** Local animal welfare groups are doing what the government should be doing. Case in point: The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Ateneo de Manila University to spay and neuter the university’s more than 80 feral (undomesticated) cats. University authorities will humanely trap the cats and PAWS will spay/neuter them, after which they will be released back onto the university premises.

This method will prevent the resident cats from multiplying and, at the same time, prevent new cats from entering “their territory.” In this way, the cat population will be stabilized.

Most people would just round up the cats and dispose of them—that is, kill them or leave them to die. After a few weeks, new cats will come and the problem will start all over again. When feral cats are trapped/ neutered and returned to their territory—the process is called TNR—the population remains stable and the cats prevent disease-bearing rodents from invading the place.

TNR is the answer to the problem posed by stray animals. ■

Opinion

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

17

LOOKING BACK

Prewar political harassment

By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer SCANDAL AND corruption in government have become staples of Philippine life, such that we often see these reported in the papers but do not give these much thought.

The alleged Binay billions, however, shock us to attention because of the scale, which has led one disgraced government official to remark: “If this is true, I am a mere pickpocket compared to Binay!” In the face of all this, the Vice President merely shrugs his shoulders and cries political harassment. Only time will tell who is telling the truth, which is why most officials in the same tight situation declare: “Let history be the judge.”

The late Teodoro A. Agoncillo used to say that one needs to wait at least 20 years before commenting on something as history because that time should provide the perspective and hindsight to see things clearly.

Unfortunately, a people who have to elect a new president next year cannot wait 20 years for the truth to emerge.

We are told that many years after their political rivalry, Emilio Agui-

naldo and Manuel Luis Quezon became civil to each other when they met in public. But in the run-up to the presidential election of 1935, these two men fought in the newspapers, making the issue relevant today as we ask how the Vice President could amass billions on his government salary.

In a previous column I wrote about the Bureau of Lands asking Aguinaldo to pay for government land he had occupied before it was put up for public auction. Sensing political harassment, Aguinaldo kicked Quezon out of the Association of Veterans of the Philippine Revolution. The story does not end there because the Sunday Herald of July 14, 1929, carried this headline: “Bank demands payment of Aguinaldo debt.” Part of the story reads: “Demand for payment of Aguinaldo’s debt to PNB (Philippine National Bank) amounting to over P30,000 was recently made by the attorneys of the bank, after, as sources claimed, his attack on Senate President [Quezon] was published recently.

“Aguinaldo was given five days to settle his debt or face court action.

It was believed that Aguinaldo has a longstanding obligation with the

bank that dates back to ten years ago.

The interest amounted to P30,000.

Despite repeated efforts of bank officials to collect the payment, Aguinaldo never settled his debts.”

Elsewhere in the same newspaper was an article titled “Scathing reply to Aguinaldo is made by President Quezon. President quotes Mabini to prove that general is failure as republic head.” Here Quezon described Aguinaldo as: “The worst enemy of Philippine independence, the bitterest propagandist of our alleged incapacity for self-government… Aguinaldo the fallen leader of our people wants to come back to power, and in his desperate attempt, since our people would not have him, he now seeks to have them deprived of the right to elect their own officials… he wants to build tyranny, a dictatorship. And this is the man that professes to have but one ambition—the liberty of his people! “…General Aguinaldo has said that under my leadership independence is farther away than ever, and that we cannot expect to get it even [within] a thousand years. And to think that the very man in whose hands the cause of independence itself completely went

to pile. General Aguinaldo, though he had a government and an army, and in spite of the support and cooperation of the entire country, failed to secure any right for his people…

His incompetence both as a military leader and as head of the government brought total defeat… Who, then, will dare to affirm that we are today farther, much farther away from independence than on that tragic day when General Aguinaldo signed [in 1897] the famous document [Pact of Biyak-na-Bato] of his unconditional surrender?”

Aguinaldo’s response was to make public a list of Quezon’s assets and to ask how the Senate president was able to amass these with a yearly salary of P16,000. Quezon, according to Aguinaldo, was “a living example of government officials who enter politics with nothing but now possess large fortunes.” Aguinaldo called on Quezon to explain that his fortune did not come from “mala manera” (bad means). Quezon replied: “Pruebenlo (Prove it)!” So Aguinaldo enumerated the following: 1. Land measuring 2,700,000 square meters in the Dominican friar estate of San Felipe Nery sold as individual lots. 2. Quezon’s house in Pas-

ay valued at P100,000. 3. A house and lot acquired by Quezon from Judge Johnson at P75,000.

4. A house acquired from Mr. Hoskins in San Juan del Monte at P45,000.

5. Interest in a sawmill company in Calauag, Tayabas, in the amount of P50,000. 6. A fishpond in Pampanga worth P60,000. 7. A coconut plantation valued at P25,000 and livestock in Tayabas.

8. A third of the Balintawak estate valued at P3 million, where the projected capitol of the country would be built.

9. Great landholdings in Baler and Infanta on which the railroad will pass. 10. Interest in many companies.

Journalism may be history in a hurry, but the historian reading old newspapers with the benefit of hindsight and perspective has an enviable 20/20 vision. Someone should write about Aguinaldo’s later life to make sense of all these and separate truth from political harassment. *** The sum of acreage of two pieces of land that Rizal owned in Dapitan in my last column should read 35 hectares instead of 25. My mistake, not Retana’s or De la Costa’s. ■

AT LARGE

From Vietnam and now Burma

By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer SOME YEARS back, during a visit with family in Virginia in the United States, we were eating at a Vietnamese restaurant in a strip mall when the waitress interrupted our lively exchange. “Excuse me,” she said, “are you from the Philippines?” When we replied in the affirmative, she clapped her hands delightedly and said: “I, too, have been in the Philippines! I stayed for a few years in a refugee camp in Palawan until I became qualified to immigrate here.”

Even after a few years of settling in the “melting pot” of the United States, our waitress still kept fond memories of her stay in Palawan, in the Philippines’ Refugee Processing Center in particular, and of the friends—Vietnamese and Filipino—she made there.

They included the Filipino officials in the camp and the teachers who helped her gain her immigrant status by teaching her conversational English and American history.

If you will recall, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries agreed to host the “boat people,” numbering almost a million, fleeing the “reeducation camps” imposed on the residents after the fall of South

Vietnam to the communist North.

For 20 years, from 1975 to 1995, boatloads of refugees risked the high seas and pirate attacks to seek asylum in third and even fourth countries. With funding from United Nations agencies, the Philippines agreed to set up a camp in Palawan where the refugees were “processed” before moving on to other countries where they sought a more permanent status.

While refugees like the waitress we met at the restaurant were profusely grateful for the hospitality they enjoyed in the Philippines, the Vietnamese also left valuable “souvenirs” in their host country. Among these were the many bakeries they set up in Puerto Princesa and on the road to the Processing Center, creating an unlikely spot for reputedly the best French bread in the country. I’m told, however, that the quality of the bread invariably deteriorated as the Vietnamese cooks and bakers left for the United States and Europe. *** TODAY, the Philippines faces a similar situation with regard to the Rohingya, who have been fleeing Burma (Myanmar) and Bangladesh amid heightened incidents of persecution.

The Rohingya trace their arrival in Myanmar to the 19th century, when

British colonial authorities transported them from India as menial workers. The Rohingya have long been marginalized in largely Buddhist Myanmar since they profess the Muslim faith. Fleeing prosecution, thousands have since crossed the border to Bangladesh where they have likewise been expelled.

In the eyes of the government of Myanmar, the Rohingya are “stateless people,” and according to the United Nations, they are “among the most persecuted refugee groups in the world.” The crisis involving the Rohingya has been steadily growing, but gained international attention after boatloads of refugees and migrants were turned away by the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

The Rohingya, it’s been said, would prefer to be granted asylum in Malaysia or Indonesia, which are both Muslim-majority countries, but the governments of these countries have made it a policy to turn away the boats bearing them. At least the Thais have supplied the refugees, some of whom have been afloat on the Pacific for months now, with food and water and even some fuel for their boat.

But in what the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has decried as a game of “maritime ping-

www.canadianinquirer.net

pong,” the boat of Rohingya refugees was “pushed back and forth between Malaysian and Thai waters.” *** AT FIRST the Philippine government seemed reluctant to involve itself in the Rohingya crisis, but in the last few days, officials led by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma have been speaking out and making sympathetic noises about possibly taking in the refugees.

Indeed, Bernard Kerblat, representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, has praised the country for its “willingness” to take in foreign refugees.

De Lima cited international conventions, to which the Philippine government is a signatory, on the status of refugees and the status of stateless persons.

Coloma cited the country’s experience with the Vietnamese boat people, but De Lima reached farther back in history, citing the grant of visas to Jewish migrants fleeing Nazi persecution in the years leading to World War II. To be clear, I don’t think a single Rohingya refugee has set foot on Philippine territory yet. But isn’t it time, if we’re serious about taking

in the migrants from Myanmar, we started to prepare processing centers and refugee camps for them? *** THERE is one difference, though, between the Vietnamese boat people and the Rohingya refugees. The Vietnamese were fleeing persecution, since their loyalties were suspect, with many seen as collaborating with the United States and other allies during the war. Thus, there was the American “guilt trip” working in their favor, and the assistance given them was seen as simply a way of repaying their loyalty or compensating for their losses.

But the Rohingya have been longtime residents of Myanmar, with some reluctant to renounce their ethnicity and faith in exchange for recognition as legitimate residents of a land where they and their ancestors were born. There is also the current geopolitical situation with many governments leery of any large, organized group of Muslim migrants who just might pose a threat to their own security.

Is it just their own bad luck that the crisis reached the boiling point just when discrimination against Muslims has run rampant in the rest of the world? ■

18

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Canada News

Wildfire forces about 2,000 people from homes in northern Alberta THE CANADIAN PRESS WABASCA, ALBERTA — Wildfires have forced about 2,000 people from their homes in northern Alberta.

Cyndi Taron, director of emergency management with the Municipal District of Opportunity, said a state of emergency was put in place Sunday night for the area, 330 kilometres north of Edmonton.

About 1,000 residents of the hamlet of Wabasca and another 1,000 people from the surrounding Bigstone Cree Nation checked into reception centres in Calling Lake and Athabasca, she said. Others were staying with friends or gone elsewhere with campers and tents.

Mounties were going doorto-door in the communities and talked with some people who didn't want to leave, she added.

“It's mandatory but the RCMP do not have the authority to start dragging people out of their homes at this point,” Taron said Monday.

The out-of-control blaze first prompted an order to leave on Saturday, but residents were allowed to return that evening after it was contained. They were forced out again Sunday afternoon when wind pushed the flames past a fireguard.

“It just goes to show you how warm and dry it is out there,” said wildfire information officer Geoffrey Driscoll.

He said the fire, about two square kilometres or the size of 100 Canadian football fields, was one of 29 fires burning in the province on Monday.

Another blaze near Cold Lake caused Cenovus Energy and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. to pull about 2,000 workers and shut down their oilsands operations Saturday. The closures have resulted in lost production of

Closing arguments expected this week in trial of alleged B.C. terrorism plotters

BY GEORDON OMAND The Canadian Press

Wildfire displaces over 2,000 residents in Alberta.

SCREENSHOT FROM GLOBAL EDMONTON FOOTAGE

about 233,000 barrels of oil a day — roughly a 10 per cent loss of the province's daily production of oilsands crude.

A small airplane used for fire suppression crashed while fighting that fire on Friday, killing a civilian pilot. Weather hampered efforts to get to the site and the body of 38-year-old William Alexander Garvie Hilts of Cranbrook, B.C. was recovered Monday.

The government also issued a provincewide fire ban Monday because of hot and dry weather conditions. Wildfire hazards were listed as high to extreme across most of the province.

The government said it's the first full ban since 2011, when fire destroyed about one-third of the town of Slave Lake.

Some rural homes about 20 kilometres northeast of Slave Lake were evacuated later Monday but officials said the

town was not in the path of the blaze.

And residents in a 30-kilometres radius around Mortonville in the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River were told to leave immediately on Monday.

Officials said they were to make their way to the MD office and hotel accommodations would be arranged.

“Our firefighters are starting to reach capacity,” said Driscoll.

About 300 crew members are battling fires and an additional 1,000, including firefighters from Ontario, are ready to be called in to help.

Showers and thunderstorms were forecast in some areas for Monday night, and lightning could cause more fires, he said.

Firefighters were reporting good progress on fighting an out-of-control blaze northwest of Edson. That fire was about six square kilometres in size. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

for what he perceived to be persecution of Muslims.

Using what they believed were authentic al-Qaida conVANCOUVER — Crown and de- nections, the couple allegedly fence lawyers were expected to acquired several kilograms of make their closing arguments what police have testified were this week to the jury hearing fake explosives prepared by the case of two people accused RCMP experts to arm a trio of of plotting to set off homemade pressure cookers packed with bombs on the lawn of the B.C. nails and other deadly metal legislature. shrapnel. The Crown alleges John Nuttall the pair planned and Amanda to set off the Korody were bombs at the legcharged after islature in 2013 an elaborate, on Canada Day. months-long The Crown RCMP sting opUsing what also highlighted eration -they they believed how often and face three terwere authentic forcefully the acrorism-related al-Qaida cused affirmed charges: conspirconnections, their commiting to commit the couple ment to maim murder, possessallegedly and kill innocent ing explosives acquired people in order on behalf of a several to spread their terrorist group kilograms of message to the and conspiring what police Western world. to place explohave testified Nuttall and sives on behalf of were fake Korody's lawa terrorist group. explosives. yers countered B.C. Supreme with a different Court Justice interpretation of Catherine Bruce events, painting entered a not a picture of the guilty plea earcouple as victims lier this month on a fourth of police pressure. charge -knowingly facilitating The defence has pointed to a terrorist activity -citing un- instances where, they argue, specified legal reasons. undercover officers encourThe two accused have plead- aged Nuttall and Korody to ed not guilty to all charges. follow a quicker timeline for The jury has watched and lis- example, or to come up with tened to reams of video footage a more feasible plan in lieu and extensive audio recordings of some of the ideas they excollected over months by po- pressed on the recordings, such lice investigators with the help as a proposed scheme to hijack of several undercover officers a nuclear submarine. who posed as terrorist liaisons Neither accused testified. and befriended the accused.

Bruce is set to give legal inNuttall, who along with Korody structions to the jury once the converted to Islam, was heard prosecution and defence lawon some of the recordings talk- yers have made their closing ing about the need to get justice arguments. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

19

B.C. mayor declares state of emergency following violent flooding THE CANADIAN PRESS CACHE CREEK, B.C. — The mayor of a small British Columbia town has declared a state of emergency after a violent storm tore through the province's Interior and left a trail of damage and flooding in its wake.

Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta says nearly 100 people have registered at

the emergency operations centre after rainfall levels topped 26 millimetres in a single hour on Saturday.

Ranta says declaring a state of local emergency in the community of about 1,000 people near Kamloops will mean more financial support for rebuilding.

He also says it will allow the municipality to enforce an emergency evacuation order, which he expects will affect

about 15 residences.

Ranta says he expects the order to go into effect immediately and keep people from their homes until crews are able to ensure the slopes above their homes are stable.

Cache Creek Volunteer Fire Dept.

Chief Tom Moe says the town looks like a war zone, with damage and debris strewn everywhere.

Moe says fire crews had difficulty re-

sponding to emergency calls on Saturday because a mud flow had forced its way through the department's bay doors and spewed through the fire hall.

On Sunday, B.C. Premier Christy Clark tweeted her support for residents affected by the flooding.

Environment Canada says a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for Kamloops, the Okanagan and the Shuswap. ■

Six unusual complaints filed against telecom companies to the CRTC

BY ALEXANDRA POSADZKI The Canadian Press TORONTO — Consumers lodged hundreds of complaints against telecom companies between January and August of 2013. Here are six of the more unusual complaints, obtained by The Canadian Press through an Access to Information request: No answer on Halloween

One person alleges Bell accidentally cancelled their phone service instead of renewing their contract. “They shut my service off the night of Halloween, and I was supposed to pick up my girlfriend when she called. ... My girlfriend was also out of contact with me and waiting alone outside on Halloween.”

Bell said it investigates and tries to resolve all service complaints. It said it can't look into how a specific complaint was handled without identifying information, which was redacted by the CRTC. In regards to this complaint, the CRTC said it does not intervene in issues such as retail rates, equipment, billing, marketing practices and quality of service.

Flipping the bird

Another complaint alleges Telus trucks have been speeding in his neighbourhood. The complainant says he hasn't been able to get in touch with a manager and the client representative he spoke to laughed at him. When he told one of the trucks to slow down, the Telus employees allegedly gave him the finger.

Speaking generally and not about the specific complaint, Telus spokesman Shawn Hall said the company expects its technicians to provide a high level of customer service, but that they are a large organization and won't always be perfect. He said they try to resolve such instances right away. The CRTC said the complaint was outside its scope.

Blowing the horn

A complainant alleges Telus told them

restoration would take weeks after its workers interrupted service for nine customers while installing equipment.

The complainant says they look after a young woman with multiple sclerosis.

“She has been using an air horn to get our attention, which I'm sure is annoying the neighbours. Last week our 7-year-old grandson was sick at school and they couldn't reach us. ... We need our phone back.”

In a response to the CRTC, Telus said it expedited the repairs, although clients were still without service for more than two weeks. The complainant received a one-month credit for roughly $63 plus tax. Hall, the Telus spokesman, said the company operates in rural areas where there is no full-time technician and if a customer loses service, its policy is to send a technician to the site immediately. He said the incident is likely due to human error.

Closed account

Another person alleges that during the four months since his wife died, Bell has phoned him repeatedly to get him to pay and close the account — despite the client saying he already did that. “Losing my wife of 45 years was hard enough, but dealing with ineptitude like this makes it even harder.”

Bell said it can't provide comment on what happened with the specific complaint because it would need to know the identity of the complainant, which was redacted by the CRTC. But Bell said it investigates and works to resolve all complaints it receives. The CRTC noted that the complaint was sent to Bell CEO George Cope and it was copied on it. The CRTC said the file was closed.

The CRTC forwarded the request to Telus and asked the carrier to provide a report to the agency within 20 days.

Hall, the Telus spokesman, said that during service outages in rural areas where there is no full-time technician, the company aims to send an employee to restore service as soon as possible, adding that any delays are likely due to scheduling errors by dispatchers. “Our focus is on minimizing that.”

Breaking the door

A complainant alleges a Rogers

Mobile home park outage

A complaint from the owner of a mobile home park alleges up to 20 residents were without service for months. The complainant says they spoke to Telus about repairs, but the company kept delaying. www.canadianinquirer.net

technician who came to install service to his or her home damaged a door. The company allegedly refused to compensate the customer for the broken door.

The CRTC said it provided the complainant with a contact number for Rogers. Rogers did not respond to the specific allegations contained in the complaint but a spokesman said in an email that it takes all complaints seriously. “We investigate all complaints and work to make things right,” Kevin Spafford said. ■

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MAY 29, 2015

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www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

Canada News

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

21

B.C. man’s elephant selfie in Thailand garners worldwide attention THE CANADIAN PRESS

Minister Fast met with senior representatives of the Banco de Oro Unibank to promote Canada and discuss the government’s recent commitment in Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2015 to provide Canadians with access to low-cost remittance services.

INTERNATIONAL.GC.CA / FLICKR

VANCOUVER — A British Columbia man got the vacation photo of a lifetime in Thailand — and he can’t even take credit for it.

Christian LeBlanc was feeding an elephant when the animal grabbed his GoPro camera, set to continuous shooting, and snapped a photo with its trunk.

The snapshot, which LeBlanc is calling the world’s first elephant selfie — or “elphie” — has gone viral after the 22-yearold recently posted it on Instagram.

The University of British Columbia student and his girlfriend were travelling on the island of Koh Phangan two months ago with when they came across a couple of elephants.

LeBlanc says baskets of bananas were being sold for 50 cents to feed the pachyderms, but the elephant quickly became touchy when they ran out of food.

He says he was in shock when the animal grabbed his camera and snapped the picture, and it took him a moment to react.

“Elephants are incredibly intelligent and

Minister Fast welcomes representatives participating in Canada’s trade mission to the Philippines INTERNATIONAL.GC.CA / FLICKR

Minister Fast kicked met with local staff at the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, where he recognized three staff members for over 20 years of service.

INTERNATIONAL.GC.CA / FLICKR

Minister Fast...

Canadian successes including: · The signing of a contract between Xantos Marine Ltd. and the governor of the Zambales province. · The signing of a Maritime Education Agreement between the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and MARINA, a division of the Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communication. ❰❰ 1

· The signing of a contract between Kudos of Calgary, Alberta and Globe Telecom. · The signing of a memorandum of agreement between Novatek International and the Philippines National Center for Geriatric Health. · And the expansion of Calgary-based Canadian-Bio Systems Inc. in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

it definitely makes you wonder if it was a conscious action,” he says in an email.

He says he wasn’t worried because the elephant seemed quite gentle, despite its size. Luckily, the camera wasn’t damaged when he got it back.

LeBlanc still can’t believe the worldwide media coverage the photo has attracted.

“The global attention has been a total joy ride. I keep laughing when I see the story reach another outlet or country. To think my unexpected photo would make global news is almost unbelievable.”

He jokes that his next goal is to get the attention of comedian and TV host Ellen DeGeneres, adding a hashtag: #elfieonellen.

LeBlanc had been studying abroad as part of a UBC program in Bangkok, but his semester ended two weeks ago and he is now travelling across Asia.

He and his girlfriend Laura Reid, both from White Rock, B.C., are in the Philippines, where he says he’s captured another “epic” selfie, this time of a whale shark. ■

22

World News

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

‘Bold’ Ireland votes to legalize gay marriage in landslide

BY SHAWN POGATCHNIK The Associated Press DUBLIN — They hugged, they cheered, they cried at the news.

Celebrations rocked Dublin, the Irish capital, into the wee hours Sunday after citizens voted in a landslide to legalize gay marriage — a stunningly lopsided result that political observers called “a social revolution.”

Friday’s referendum saw 62.1 percent of Irish voters say “yes” to changing the nation’s constitution to define marriage as a union between two people regardless of their sex. With the move, Ireland became the first country in the world to approve gay marriage in a popular national vote. Nineteen other countries, including most U.S. states, have legalized the practice through their legislatures and courts.

“With today’s vote, we have disclosed who we are: a generous, compassionate, bold and joyful people,” Prime Minister Enda Kenny proclaimed. Beside him, Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton declared the victory “a magical moving moment, when the world’s beating heart is in Ireland.”

The unexpectedly strong percentage of approval surprised both sides. More than 1.2 million Irish voters backed the “yes” side to less than 750,000 voting “no.” Only one of Ireland’s 43 constituencies recorded a narrow “no” majority, Roscommon-South Leitrim in the boggy midlands.

Analysts credited the “yes” side with adeptly employing social media to mobilize young, first-time voters, tens of thousands of whom voted for the first time Friday. The “yes” campaign also featured moving personal stories from prominent Irish people — either coming out as gays or describing their hopes for gay children — that helped convince wavering voters to back equal marriage rights.

Both Catholic Church leaders and gay rights advocates said the result signaled a social revolution in Ireland, where only a few decades ago the authority of Catholic teaching was reinforced by voters who massively backed bans on abortion and divorce in the 1980s.

Voters legalized divorce only

Ireland votes YES to legalize same-sex marriage.

SERGEY OLEGOVICH / SHUTTERSTOCK

by a razor-thin margin in 1995 Catholic think tank Iona Insti- Irish capital’s pubs and clubs. but now, by a firm majority, dis- tute, said he was troubled by At the George, Ireland’s oldest missed the Catholic Church’s the fact that no political party gay pub, drag queens danced repeated calls to reject gay mar- and only a half-dozen politi- and lip-synced to Queen and riage. Abortion, still outlawed, cians backed the “no” cause. the founding father of Ireland’s looms as the country’s next “The fact that no political gay rights campaign, Sen. David great social policy fight. party supported them must be Norris, basked in the greatest Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid a concern from a democratic accomplishment of the moveMartin said the “overwhelm- point of view,” he said. ment’s 40-year history. ing vote” against church teachFianna Fail leader Michael “The people in this small ising on gay marriage meant that Martin, a Cork politician whose land off the western coast of Catholic leaders Europe have in Ireland needsaid to the rest of ed urgently to the world: This find a new mesis what it is to sage and voice The people in this small island off the be decent, to be for reaching Irewestern coast of Europe have said to civilized, and to land’s young. the rest of the world: This is what it be tolerant! And “It’s a social is to be decent, to be civilized, and let the rest of revolution. ... to be tolerant! And let the rest of the the world catch The church world catch up! up!” Norris, 70, needs to do a shouted with jureality check bilant zeal to the right across the hundreds packboard,” said Maring the disco tin, who suggested that some opposition party is tradition- ball-lit hall. church figures who argued for ally closest to the Catholic In the 1970s and 1980s, Norgay marriage’s rejection came Church, said he couldn’t in ris waged an often lonely twoacross as harsh, damning and good conscience back the anti- decade legal fight to force Ireunloving. gay marriage side. land to quash its Victorian-era “Have we drifted completely “It’s simply wrong in the laws outlawing homosexual away from young people?” he 21st century to oppress people acts. Ireland finally complied asked. “Most of those people because of their sexuality,” he in 1993, becoming the last Euwho voted ‘yes’ are products said. ropean Union country to do so. of our Catholic schools for 12 After the result was an- This time, the gay community years.” nounced Saturday, thousands in Ireland managed to build a David Quinn, leader of the of celebrants flooded into the decisive base of support. www.canadianinquirer.net

“People from the LGBT community in Ireland are a minority. But with our parents, our families, or friends and coworkers and colleagues, we’re a majority,” said Leo Varadkar, a 36-year-old Irish Cabinet minister who in January announced on national radio that he was gay. “For me it wasn’t just a referendum. It was more like a social revolution.”

Many gay couples took the moment to declare their intentions or renew their vows.

One lesbian couple in Limerick proposed on bended knee at the vote count there, while one of Ireland’s most prominent advocates for gay marriage, American-born Sen. Katherine Zappone, asked her wife live on Irish TV: “Today in this new Ireland, Ann Louise Gilligan, will you marry me?”

The couple, who met at Boston College and already were married legally in Canada in 2003, sued Ireland unsuccessfully in 2006 to have their marriage recognized as valid. Once parliament passes enabling legislation by this summer, that Canadian wedding license will become legal in Ireland. But Zappone and Gilligan, a former nun, still plan an Irish ceremony.

“There’s nothing like an Irish wedding,” Zappone said.

The Dublin Castle crowds saved their greatest roars of approval for Panti Bliss, Ireland’s most famous drag queen, who strode into the castle’s central square in high heels and a bodyhugging floral dress for a joint live interview on Irish TV beside Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Sinn Fein party chief Gerry Adams.

“It feels like we asked the whole country to marry us and they just said yes,” said Panti, aka Rory O’Neill, whose viral Internet speech last year inspired a national debate on homophobia in Irish society.

“Today’s vote isn’t actually for 46-year-old aging drag queens like me. This vote is about all the young faces out there,” Panti said, gesturing to the square, full of mostly 20-something onlookers.

Panti predicted that, within a few years, going to a gay marriage in Ireland “will become an ordinary, normal part of life — and that’s what changes hearts and minds.” ■

23

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

Express Entry supporting the needs of British Columbian employers Canada succeeding in bringing international talent here faster CIC NEWS VANCOUVER — Express Entry is proving to be a success in serving the needs of employers and provinces alike. Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, welcomed new Express Entry permanent residents Mr. Thanikachalam Ananthakrishnan from India, and Ms. Zoe Cremin, from Ireland, to Canada.

Mr. Ananthakrishnan was accepted under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. He is employed as a Front End Engineer at custom menswear company, Indochino, in Vancouver.

Minister Alexander also welcomed Ms. Cremin, the first permanent resident under the Express Entry stream of the Provincial Nominee Program for British Columbia. She works as a software engineer at Sycle.net Technologies Ltd.

and work experience. Each is a leading indicator of one’s likelihood of integrating fully and quickly into Canadian society and making an optimal contribution to the economy.

Quick facts

British Columbia is the first Canadian province or territory to welcome a provincial nominee as a permanent resident through Express Entry.

Launched in January, Ex-

press Entry is a new way of managing applications for Canada’s key economic immigration programs. Candidates create an online profile and express their interest in coming

to Canada permanently. Candidates who meet the minimum criteria are accepted into the pool and ranked according to various factors, including language proficiency, education

• Most complete electronic applications under Express Entry will be processed in six months or less.

• Provinces and Territories can use Express Entry to find and nominate candidates that meet their specific labour market needs. Under the Provincial Nominee Program, provinces and territories have an agreement with the Government of Canada that lets them nominate immigrants who want to settle in their province.

• As of May 10th, British Columbia has nominated the highest number of Provincial Nominee candidates coming through Express Entry.

Malaysia finds graves of suspected trafficking victims

BY EILEEN NG AND TODD PITMAN The Associated Press KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian authorities said Sunday that they have discovered a series of graves in at least 17 abandoned camps used by human traffickers on the border with Thailand where Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar have been held.

The finding follows a similar discovery earlier this month by police in Thailand who unearthed dozens of bodies from shallow graves in abandoned camps on the Thai side of the border. The grim discoveries are shedding new light on the hidden network of jungle camps run by traffickers, who have for years held countless desperate people captive while extorting ransoms from their families.

Most of those who have fallen victim to the trafficking networks are refugees and impoverished migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh, part of a wave of people who have fled their homelands to reach coun-

tries like Malaysia, where they hope to find work or live free from persecution.

As Southeast Asian governments have launched crackdowns amid intensified international pressure and media scrutiny, traffickers have abandoned camps on land and even boats at sea to avoid arrest.

Malaysian Home Minister Zahid Hamidi told reporters that police were trying to identify and verify “mass graves that were found” in the region near the Thai border.

“These graves are believed to be a part of human trafficking activities involving migrants,” he said, adding that police have discovered 17 abandoned camps that they suspect were used by traffickers.

There was no immediate word on how many bodies had been recovered. Zahid said that each grave probably contained anywhere from one to four bodies, and that authorities were in the process of counting.

He said he was shocked at the discoveries, because “just last week, we went there ... to see for ourselves.” He said he expected more camps and graves to be

found “because they have been there for quite some time ... We are still investigating, but I suspect they have been operating for at least five years.”

Local media outlets said the graves were found in two locations in the northern state of Perlis. The state borders southern Thailand’s Songkhla province, where at least 33 bodies were found earlier this month.

According to the Malay-language Utusan Malaysia newspaper, police found 30 large graves containing hundreds of corpses in mid-May in forests around the Perlis towns of Padang Besar and Wang Kelian.

The English-language Star Online said 100 bodies were found in a single grave in Padang Besar. It said police forensics teams had arrived there Friday night to investigate, and the area had been cordoned off.

Human rights groups and activists say the area on the ThaiMalaysia border has been used for years to smuggle migrants and refugees, including Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority in Myanmar.

In many cases, they pay huwww.canadianinquirer.net

man smugglers thousands of dollars for passage, but are instead held for weeks or months, while traffickers extort more money from families back home. Rights groups say some have been beaten to death, and The Associated Press has documented other cases in which people have been enslaved on fishing boats.

Since May 10 alone, more than 3,600 people - about half of them from Bangladesh and half Rohingya from Myanmar - have landed ashore in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Thousands more are believed to be trapped at sea in boats abandoned by their captains.

Last June, the U.S. downgraded Thailand and Malaysia to Tier 3 - its lowest category in an annual assessment of how governments handle human trafficking.

On Saturday in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said he has been speaking to regional leaders about the crisis and urging them to find a solution.

Malaysia and Indonesia announced last week that they would provide temporary shel-

ter for up to one year for migrants recently found or still stranded at sea. The U.S. has said it will settle some of them permanently.

Four Malaysian navy ships began searching for boats Friday, but their operation is limited to Malaysia’s territorial waters. The Pentagon said Thursday that Washington was readying air patrols to aid in the search, but a U.S. Embassy spokeswoman in Bangkok said the offer of assistance was still awaiting clearance.

The Rohingya, numbering around 1.3 million in Myanmar, have been called one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. Long denied basic rights, they have been driven from their homes in mob attacks in Myanmar’s Rakhine state several times since 2012.

More than 140,000 were displaced and are now living under apartheid-like conditions in crowded camps. More than 100,000 more have fled by sea. ■ Pitman reported from Bangkok.

Associated Press videojournalist Syawalludin Zain contributed to this report.

24

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Better Transit and Transportation Coalition asks 145 member groups to make push for Yes votes in last days of Metro Vancouver plebiscite More than 450,000 members of Coalition organization members urged to vote at Elections BC plebiscite centres up to May 29 deadline METRO VANCOUVER — The Better Transit and Transportation Coalition is asking its 145 supporter groups to urge their 450,000 members to vote Yes, if they haven’t already, as the Metro Vancouver plebiscite ends this Friday, May 29.

And the Coalition’s four cochairs say those who haven’t yet voted should walk, bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus or cycle their ballots in to one of Elections BC’s nine plebiscite centres by 8 p.m. Friday May 29 — rather than mail them in — to be sure they are counted.

BTTC co-chair and David Suzuki Foundation CEO Peter Robinson said the Coalition is optimistic Metro Vancouver residents have taken the time to listen to the positive reasons why — with one million new people coming to the region in the next 25 years — it’s vital to improve

transit and transportation.

“It’s been a long campaign, but with over 40 per cent of residents already voting it shows that transit and transportation are recognized as extremely important to Metro Vancouver,” Robinson said. “When more people vote in a transit and transportation plebiscite than cast ballots for their local mayor and council last November, it’s clear how central this issue is to our communities.”

The Coalition says it has been greatly encouraged by the enormous number of business, labour, environmental, student, health, community and other organizations that have joined it to support the Metro Vancouver Mayors’ Council plan for urgently needed transit and transportation improvements.

“This is an unprecedented

Coalition of people and groups who have never before worked together in this manner,” says co-chair Iain Black, president and CEO of the Vancouver Board of Trade. “This diversity clearly illustrates how important it is to vote YES to bring to life the Mayors’ Council plan and thereby achieve a better economy, environment and quality of life.”

Co-Chair Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor’s B.C. area director, said he believes the Coalition will continue to play a role in the future, advocating for transit and transportation improvements.

“It will be up to all Coalition members to decide, of course, but I’m hearing from business, labour, environmental, student, health and community groups that there is an important role for this Coalition and

www.canadianinquirer.net

this type of collaboration — to continue to push for more and better transit and transportation,” McGarrigle said. “Regardless of the outcome in this referendum, the need for a broad Coalition to advocate for transit with all three levels of government is critical.”

The Coalition’s co-chair representing students, Bahareh Jokar, former UBC Alma Mater Society external vice-president, said students and young people have the most at stake in the plebiscite.

“Our youngest voters are those who will gain the most benefits from making transit and transportation improvements now,” Jokar said. “The already choking traffic congestion, air pollution and inadequate transit service of today will not just continue but get

worse if the plebiscite does not get a Yes vote — and students and youth will pay the highest price for inaction.”

Ballots must be received by Elections BC in Victoria or one of the nine plebiscite service centres by 8 p.m. Friday May 29, so while mailing your vote in is still possible before Friday, it should be done immediately.

The Coalition co-chairs thanked the 145 member organizations for their strong support over the campaign and for all get-out-the-vote activities in the final voting days. ■ For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.elections. bc.ca/. Plebiscite service centre locations across Metro Vancouver can be found at http://www.elections.bc.ca/ plebiscite/where.html

25

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

Samsung Galaxy smartphones

CONTEST RULES: Entrants must be of legal age. One smartphone to be drawn every quarter. Contest runs from July 2015 to June 2016.

One entry per individual. Conditions subject to change without notice. www.canadianinquirer.net

26

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS:

The Master Realtor: Macario “Tobi” Reyes

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer SOME PEOPLE say there is actually no formula to success except an acceptance of what life brings. Filipino-Canadian Macario “Tobi” Reyes definitely held on to that quote. As an entrepreneur at heart, he daringly ventured out and grabbed opportunities along the way until he finally found the career path that boosted him to exemplary success.

And life surely did bring a lot to Tobi. He had to learn and relearn, struggle and take huge risks. He had to undergo trial and error process as he had no formal education on entrepreneurship. But Tobi had the best teacher — experience. And he had the best instruments — instinct and guts. The young entrepreneur learned and applied firsthand what business students studied and practiced in the classroom. His numerous experiences and bold undertakings were what made him one of the master realtors of our time.

On being Filipino-Canadian

Tobi was born in Manila in 1974 but eventually moved with his parents to Vancouver, Canada in 1979. Though Tobi only lived in the Philippines for a short period of time, he never forgot his roots.

“Moving here (Canada) at a really young age, I guess I didn’t know any better. But eventually, you want to maintain the connection with the Philippines. There are things about it that you don’t forget,” he said, mentioning that he can still speak Tagalog.

“My parents spoke Tagalog at home all the time so we never forgot it. When I go back there (Philippines), I try to just speak Tagalog as much as I can,” he

Tobi Reyes.

added.

Tobi, however, lived somewhat disconnected from other Filipino immigrants in Vancouver.

“I lived downtown for the first 35 years of my life. We crossed the bridge to go to school and then I go back home. I think we were a little bit disconnected to the local Pinoy community.

But we ate at Goldilock’s, you know?” he recalled.

He also maintained ties with relatives in the Philippines.

“There’s always a connection.

We were here (Vancouver). But then, everyone else was back home. So every Christmas, every summer, from elementary to high school, we go back to Manila,” he said. “We’ve spent three months a year in the Philippines: two months in the summer, one month during Christmas.”

First business endeavors

After earning his degree in Psychology and History from Queen’s University, Tobi seemed to have a different calling. When he went back to the Philippines with his mother, the calling seemed to be clearer — he wanted to become a businessman. Tobi then set up Impact Internet (Impact Digital Media Group), a dial-up Internet service provider.

“I travelled to the Philippines quite a bit after college and started an Internet company there,” he shared. “I think it was the thing to do… The dot-com revolution was happening and the Philippines was a little bit behind to where North America was. I didn’t have a lot of money but technology allowed me to do things with ideas.”

This was Tobi’s first attempt as an entrepreneur.

www.canadianinquirer.net

“Eventually, I moved to content which is MyPhilippines. com and tried to apply North American model to the Philippines which didn’t have a large enough online population. So it wasn’t, from a business model sampling, it wasn’t right yet.

It wasn’t the right application which I learned eventually,” he said, deciding to move on from internet services.

Realizing that Manila was not yet ready for the product he offered, Tobi was compelled to rethink his ambitions and go back to Vancouver. He decided to try his luck there instead.

‘Accidentally’ falling into real estate

Coming back to the Great White North, Tobi’s game plan changed. Since he did not see career growth in the technology sector, he then decided to enter

a different industry.

“Honestly, I did not know what to do. Technology was very idea-based, knowledgebased. It wasn’t something I could touch,” he recounted.

Wanting to be in an industry that he could work on and develop, Tobi found his way to real estate as he was also attracted to the idea of a regular cash flow.

“I just felt, I wanted to do something that I could touch.

I thought of real estate because I’ve heard it was safe. And I said, ‘Okay. Maybe it’s not for business but maybe I could put some money into real estate and just learn,’” he said.

“I researched quite a bit for about a year. And then, I looked at condominiums,” he added.

This started the idea of working in commercial real estate.

Then, an opportunity to buy a

27

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

warehouse came. But before Tobi could delve into the business, he first needed to secure a big investment as real estate entailed huge start-up cost.

“I asked other classmates from high school and friends who would perhaps join me in real estate. So, three other friends joined me and then they said, ‘Okay, sure.’ We raised about $80,000 each and we bought a warehouse for about $800,000. And I thought, ‘This is a great location. It’s near downtown,’” he disclosed.

Cementing his ground in the industry

Tobi eventually ended his contract with their first warehouse, but followed his instinct to continue his journey in real estate. He later founded PortLiving, a renowned real estate company in Canada, focusing on property investment and project development.

“Our first property taught us what to do next. We found an opportunity. We took it,” he said.

“The start of PortLiving was with our purchase of our warehouse. I was a partner, so, I think I was the one out of our partnership that really focused more on the commercial real estate side,” he added.

PortLiving was initially named Port Capital. The name change was to make the company appear more consumer friendly, with appeal. But even with naming the company, Tobi never forgot to consider his hometown.

“Port was my first choice. Because it was a short word and it represented both Vancouver and Manila, ‘cause both have port operations. And fortunately, the business name was available online. And, we registered,” he recalled.

PortLiving’s success

After forming the real estate company, Tobi had plans lined up. PortLiving was envisioned to be successful and innovative, benefitting its customers with both practical and refined business and living.

“We looked at quickly adding to the portfolio. Like maybe, bring more friends in, raise more money, or go to the bank and ask them for more money or get approved for another mortgage so that we could then add to the portfolio,” he said.

“And, that happened. And I started to do more, work with more partners as well and fo-

cused on land and transitions,” he added. “And, there were neighborhoods in Vancouver that were quite exciting. Gastown was a neighborhood in transition. Mount Pleasant was currently a neighborhood in transition.”

Tobi believed that there was indeed plenty of growth ahead of Vancouver. He then bought his first commercial condominium in Mount Pleasant. True enough, his purchase not only brought back huge profits but also gave him direct experience with what happened in a community, in a neighborhood that underwent change both with regards to demographics and infrastructure.

“We felt like we were onto something. And, realized more and more about what it was like in Vancouver and realizing what drivers there were that pushed land value. So, most of our first five years were spent finding land, either flipping it or refurbishing it to have better rents,” he recounted.

A different difficulties

approach

to

Giving back to the Filipinos

Caption

could be competitive as a developer. And so, our portfolio today consists of both income property and property for development,” he shared.

At present, PortLiving has properties and projects in Gastown and Mount Pleasant, Vancouver. They will soon complete a development at the south foot of the Cam-

“We think we bring some sort of a younger outlook. What we bring is a little bit different.”

“We have such a strong concentration in our locations. So, we’re able to sort of understand our demographic and our market a bit better. At the same time, survive and thrive with relatively smaller projects than most of our competition,” he added.

During the economic struggle in 2008 and 2009, Tobi strived to continue in the industry.

“It was very difficult to sell land at the time because banks were lending money, and that’s when we realized that we may have been good at finding land but we weren’t learning how to add much value to it, other than rental,” he said.

Returning to his “So, I thought first love of development You have to try. You have to put in the Tobi is defias a skill that we effort every day. And, just have faith. nitely not a man wanted to deSo, don’t be afraid to try and have with limited velop as it grew. faith that what you put in will come dreams. He alAnd, that’s when back to you, one way or another. ways has these our first project ideas and plans was conceptualfor the company. ized and that is Despite already now a hundred establishing a percent sold out, it’s a hundred bie Street Bridge overlooking name in the city’s development percent leased at a land price False Creek. They will also industry, Tobi believed that that’s significantly higher than start construction at 150 East there was no time to waste, no its neighboring buildings and Cordova Street and on Broad- time to be complacent. This has been twice recognized by way at Carolina Street. brought him back to his first Vancouver City planners and by business venture. two different heads of planning Thriving in a competitive “I’d like to integrate. I have a as a significant contribution to market very strong opinion about how the city in terms of architecWith very strong, stable and we manage our digital stratture,” he added. competent real estate compa- egy with the real estate. And, Truly, Tobi made the most nies already present in Vancou- technology and real estate are even out of the tough times in ver, PortLiving sought to pro- things that are consistent in althe company. With his drive vide something new in one of most every industry. You need and passion, he directed the the country’s most competitive both, mostly,” he disclosed. business to a new path that fur- markets.

In Tobi’s mindset, the comther advanced them to greater “We feel that there’s a lot of panies who knew how to mansuccess. potential. It’s quite exciting age their information best “That made us feel that we to be in the real estate busi- were the ones who succeeded were on the right track, that we ness in Vancouver,” Tobi said. the most. www.canadianinquirer.net

Genuinely a Filipino at heart, Tobi also sought to help his countrymen in the best way he could — providing a community center for the Filipino communities in Canada.

“One thing that I’ve noticed is that the Filipino community is fragmented. Part of that is because we don’t have coordinated leadership and we don’t have land,” he said.

“I think that’s an area that I can bring some expertise on or contribute one way or another.

So, if I can assist the community and integrate some form of community center in one of our projects or provide a base for communication, for future commerce and for a way to establish the Canadian-Filipino identity, I think it’s going to be good longer term oath,” he added.

Tobi believed that the center would help strengthen the ties of the Filipino communities in Vancouver. He also hoped other great benefits would come out of it.

However, the realtor confessed that he could not accomplish the project alone. He needed volunteers to help manage the operations of the place once it is built.

“I’m probably not the best person to manage the facility.

But if I can work with a team that can undertake the operational side, that I can commit to, I can help,” he disclosed.

Aside from planning for a community center, Tobi is also active in different advocacy groups. He joined One Earth Initiative, supported Lifeline Society, and helped Canada’s Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

Words of advice

For aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs, Tobi only pointed out one thing: the most important thing to remember in business is to never be afraid to try.

“You have to try. You have to put in the effort every day. And, just have faith,” he ardently said. “So, don’t be afraid to try and have faith that what you put in will come back to you, one way or another.”

Tobi is the man who daringly took tremendous steps to be where he is now. And, he never plans to stop climbing but to continue mastering his craft.

There is definitely more to come to this master realtor. ■ With files from Peter Mitham (Business in Vancouver)

28

Community News

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Literary group promotes migrants’ tales

BY LUI QUEANO

tors include short story writer Voltaire de Leon; Literature Prof.

Cesar Polvorosa, Jr. from George Brown College; Artist Jo Simalaya Alcampo of Kwentong Bayan; Paulina Corpuz of Philippine Advocacy for Arts and Culture; Ben Corpuz of Filipino Workers Network; and aspiring writers Jennylee Austria, Esel Panlaqui, Keith Villena, Imelda Suzara,

book cover. Budding artist/ writer Francesca “Ching” Esguerra and Toronto Art Teacher AKDAAN KOLEKTIB is holdEric Tigley also provided visual ing its book launch featuring sketches in the book. literary writings by over 20 PEN (Poet, Essayist, Novlocal writers. The event gives elist) International memlocal writers a chance to interber Petronila Cleto and GAT act, promote and encourage (Galian sa Arte at Tula) trained creative writing in the Filipino poet/songwriter and musician community.

Luisito Queano edited the comThe second Anmunity literary thology of Akdaan anthology.

Kolektib titled, Akdaan Kolek“Akdang Dayo” tib, a community which literally The event gives local writers a chance literary group of means Migrants’ to interact, promote and encourage Filipino-CanadiTales takes place creative writing in the Filipino an writers based at Bendale Licommunity. in Toronto foundbrary 1515 Daned in 2013, had its fort Road in Scarfirst publication borough on May in 2014, held in 30 between 2 to 4 p.m.

Elena Sebastian, Ysh Cabana, OISE University of Toronto.

The anthology features vari- Kristine de Guzman, Daryl DaThe group was formed to help ous literary genres such as vid, Marion Baustista, MaryCarl promote Philippine literature poetry, play and drama, short Guiao and more. among Filipinos and Filipinostory, essay, visual arts and Internationally renowned Canadians. The first anthology drawings, as well as music com- cultural and literary critic, E. composed of published Filipino positions of local songwriters.

San Juan, Jr. also contributed writers from the Philippines The event program includes in the anthology. and emerging Toronto writers poetry reading as well as stage Visual sketches were pro- produced 250 copies. The secperformances of excerpts from vided by internationally known ond anthology released 1,000 short stories and plays published Vancouver-based artist Bert copies with its publisher Miin the book. This year’s contribu- Monterona, who also did the grante Canada. ■

Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista joins Pinoy Fiesta and Tradeshow Sa Toronto HEART EVANGELISTA seems to be relishing life as a married woman.

But despite the responsibilities that come with her newfound role, the multi-talented Kapuso actress still continues to delight fans locally and abroad as she embarks on new and exciting projects.

Aside from working on an upcoming teleserye Beautiful Strangers, which will air worldwide via GMA Network’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV, Heart is slated to headline the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show Sa Toronto event in Canada.

The whole-day event, organized by GMA International in cooperation with the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF), will be held on June 27, Saturday, at the Metro Toronto Convention Center Hall A from 9 AM to 11 PM.

"This event is a celebration of how colorful and unique our culture is. I am looking forward to sharing this experience with our kababayan in Canada and

bring them closer to home,” says Heart, whose fans may also catch her on the country’s longest running showbiz oriented talk show Startalk. www.canadianinquirer.net

With over 8,000 attendees expected to grace the event, the organizers have prepared various activities including a Liturgical service, cultural shows,

pageants, Santa Cruzan, trade shows, as well as performances by local artists.

"PCCF and GMA Pinoy TV have been great partners in the last four years in showcasing the best of Pinoy entertainment in the greater Toronto Area through the largest annual community event in Canada, the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto. PCCF is very proud to have multi-talented and all around entertainer superstar Heart EvangelistaEscudero as our prime artist in the upcoming Pinoy Fiesta on June 27," shares Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation President Romy Rafael.

GMA International is currently celebrating 10 years of bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home by participating in various Fil-foreign events in key cities around the world as it has consistently done in the past decade. ■

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FRIDAY MAY 29, 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

30

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Entertainment ‘Pangako Sa’Yo’ trends on Twitter

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Kapuso stars Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera are now expecting their first child.

ROBERT VIÑAS / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

Dingdong, Marian: No gender preference, name for baby yet

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera have not yet chosen any names for their baby yet — although they are really excited — as they first wanted to know their child’s gender.

After Dingdong’s guest appearance in GMA 7’s Sunday All Stars, he was asked by reporters for updates on his baby.

“Parte ng regular check-up, yung susunod na, hopefully ay malaman na [namin yung gender].

Hopefully, this week,” he said.

(It’s part of the regular checkup, on the next, hopefully, we’d know the gender then. Hopefully, this week.)

When asked in a separate interview about what gender he preferred, the actor-host hon-

estly had no preference.

“I don’t know... It’s hard to plan pagdating sa mga bagay na ganyan. Kung anuman yung idinidikta ng excitement, ‘di ba?

Hindi natin alam,” he said.

(I don’t know… It’s hard to plan when it comes to things like that. Whatever excitement dictates, right? We don’t know.)

“Gaya ng sinasabi namin parati, talagang ang mahalaga, e, healthy siya at lumaking mabuti. So, sa ngayon, wala muna kaming hinihiling. Kung ano ang ibigay ng Panginoon, we will be very grateful,” he added.

(Like what we always say, what’s really important is that the child grows healthy and good. So, as of now, we are not asking for anything more.

Whatever the Lord gives, we will be very grateful.)

In an earlier interview with the couple, Marian stated that

she did not want to immediately announce the gender of their baby to the public as she wanted to ‘feel the moment’ first.

The actress shared, however, that she wanted to include “Jose” in the name of their child should it be a boy, and “Maria” in the name should it be a girl.

“Pero mas maganda talagang umpisahan yung pag-iisip ng mga posibleng pangalan kapag nandiyan na talaga at alam na namin [ang gender],” Dingdong said.

(But it is still best to start thinking of possible names when the baby’s out already and when we already know the gender.)

“Although hindi mo maiiwasan, siyempre dahil sa excitement, names are really coming up right now,” he added.

(Although you can’t help it, of course because of excitement, names are really coming up right now.) ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — ABS-CBN’s “Pangako Sa’Yo” remake trended in Twitter, both locally and internationally as fans around the world expressed praise and support for the teleserye before and after watching its pilot episode.

The teleserye began with the narration of Amor Powers (Jodi Sta. Maria) remembering her past in San Felipe. The daughter of a miner at Buena Mines, Amor had long been secretly in love with Eduardo Buenavista (Ian Veneracion), the son of the mining company owners. Eduardo, however, was already arranged to marry Claudia Zalameda (Angelica Panganiban) as posed by their influential

parents.

The episode’s hashtag “#PSYAngUnangPagIbig ” trended in Twitter, both nationwide and worldwide, even before it was aired.

The elevator scene drew a lot of reaction from viewers, who were amused by Jodi’s acting prowess and awed by Ian’s handsome looks.

Young stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, who will play the lead roles of Yna Macaspac and Angelo Buenavista, were not yet seen in the pilot episode. Already ‘kilig’ with Amor and Eduardo, fans were even more excited to see Yna and Angelo in the succeeding episodes.

“Pangako Sa’Yo” is directed

by Olivia Lamasan, Dado Lumibao and Rory Quintos. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

31

Heart Evangelista hints parents, husband reconciliation

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Heart Evangelista shared in social media that her parents Reynaldo and Cecile Ongpauco were taking steps in restoring relationships with her and her husband Senator Chiz Escudero after their long withstanding rift.

Through her Instagram account, Heart revealed that her parents visited her for the first time at her home after she got married earlier this year. The Kapuso actress later on disclosed that her parents were also able to talk to her husband.

In a series of Instagram posts, Heart first shared a photo of her with her parents having a stroll in a mall in Makati City. She captioned it, ‘And then He blesses you more. Happy Sunday!’

She also posted a photo of her father in her living room. She

captioned it, ‘Daddy and mom visiting me at home and the rest of the day is just… perfect.’

Later on, Heart shared a photo of four teacups in a table. She captioned it, “The happiest dinner of my life. God is amazing…

My answered prayer.”

After posting several photos regarding her parents, Heart then shared a photo of her with Chiz’s two kids, Joaquin and Maria Cecilia, also at their home.

“Faith can move mountains…

Love conquers all... A childlike faith and a hopeful heart is all you need... I believed. He heard my prayers and he saw my heart... This is the happiest day of my life. Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Finally... buo na ang puso ko (my heart is whole again). Thank you for moving that very mountain,” the 30-year-old actress later said in a message.

Heart Evangelista with Sen. Chiz Escudero’s kids.

To this good news, Heart’s close friends and co-stars couldn’t be any happier for the actress.

During Heart and Chiz’s wedding on February 15 at Balesin Island, Quezon province,

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEART EVANGELISTA ON INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

Heart’s parents did not attend the ceremony as they disapproved of Chiz for their daughter. The actress then became emotional but hoped to mend strain relationships later on.

It can be recalled that Heart’s

parents earlier claimed that Chiz was disrespectful and alcoholic. But resisting her parents, the actress continued her relationship with the senator which eventually led to marriage. ■

‘Taklub’ wins award in Cannes Jake Cuenca walks out of ‘GGV’ taping

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

MANILA — “Taklub,” a film by Brillante Ma. Mendoza recently won the Ecumenical Jury Prize-Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Mendoza said he had always dedicated the film for the survivors of the supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan) which hit the country November 2013.

“When I gave a speech before the film’s premiere last May 19 in Cannes, I told the audience that we made this film for ‘Yolanda’ survivors.”

He added that he also told Larry Castillo, who is in France, to “dedicate the award to the people of Tacloban and other survivors of supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan).”

Mendoza expressed how “happy and honored” he was that his film won an award.

“Perhaps the jury cited ‘Taklub’ for its spiritual message,” he said.

‘Taklub’ features Nora Aunor, who plays the role of a mother

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

‘Taklub’ movie poster.

who lost her children during the calamity.

Mendoza also won the same award from Signis/Interfilm for Masahista” in Brisbane in 2006; for “Foster Child” in Ca-

nary Islands in 2008; for “Lola” in Fribourg.

“In every festival in different countries, the Ecumenical Prize or Signis/Interfilm award is handed out,” he added. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — Actor Jake Cuenca finally revealed why he walked out of a taping of late night Sunday talkshow “Gandang Gabi Vice.”

Cuenca was supposed to promote his upcoming show, “Passion de Amor,” but he walked out of the show before he even stepped out on the stage.

“Nagulat ako. Siyempre bago tinawag ang mga pangalan namin, pagsilip ko sa pintuan, nakita ko ‘yung ex ko. Nandoon kasi lahat ng candidates ng Miss Earth. I just didn’t want to put my ex-girlfriend in that situation,” he said.

(I was surprised. I peeped into the door before our names were called and I saw my exgirlfriend. All the candidates of Miss Earth were there. I just didn’t want to put my ex-girlfriend in that situation.)

Cuenca was referring to Chanel Olive Thomas, a Filipino-

Australian model who is one of the candidates in this year’s Ms. Philippines-Earth pageant.

“Hindi sa hindi ko kaya [na nandoon siya]. Naging gentleman lang ako na ayaw ko ilagay sa alanganin ‘yung tao, lalo na moment niya ngayon na mag Miss Earth,” the actor added.

(It’s not that I couldn’t take her presence. I just had to be a gentleman because I don’t want to put her in an awkward moment. It’s her moment.)

Cuenca added that he also apologized to Vice after what happened “Nag-apologize ako kay Vice.

Wala namang harm done kasi alam niya kung bakit ko ginawa ‘yun. At the end of the day, nakatulog ako ng maayos kasi I did what a gentleman should have done in that situation,” he said.

(I apologized to Vice. There’s no harm done because he knows why I did that. At the end of the day, I was able to sleep because I did what a gentleman should have done in that situation.) ■

Entertainment

32

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Movies that will keep buzzing after Cannes

Susan Sarandon urges tourists to visit earthquake-hit Nepal

BY JAKE COYLE The Associated Press

KALLABARI, NEPAL — Oscarwinning Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon is urging tourists to come to Nepal, where two powerful earthquakes in the last month killed thousands of people and raised concerns that the nation's vital tourism industry could be seriously hurt.

Sarandon is in Nepal for five days, staying with the famed Kung-fu nuns in a Buddhist monastery and later in an orphanage that was damaged in one of the quakes.

"It is important to emphasize that by the fall, when monsoon ends, people should make their reservations now if they want to help and they want to come and visit because it is very, very important to keep all these jobs alive," Sarandon said Sunday while inaugurating a campaign to build 201 huts for villagers outside of the capital, Kathmandu, who lost their homes in one of the earthquakes.

"I think that would be the next wave — to think of Nepal not as an ongoing disaster, but as a country that has found its way back and has many monuments that haven't fallen and

CANNES, FRANCE — The Cannes Film Festival is a grand hierarchy with strictly defined elevations of movies and media access, where films are met by high praise or lowly boos.

And so there was a strange fittingness that the scandal of the 68th Cannes Film Festival, where all status is measured, came down to the importance of a few inches.

Woman’s footwear, of all things, was thrust to the forefront of Cannes after several women were turned away from a premiere because they weren’t wearing high heels but flats. It was a the kind of Cote d’Azur tempest that often overtakes Cannes, especially because the prevailing theme of this year’s festival was female equality in film - the kind of roles thrust to the center of movies and the people directing them.

Here, Cannes was in sync with the attention the issue has recently received elsewhere.

But what will stick in the mind

from the festival, which closed Sunday with Jacques Audiard’s refugee tale “Dheepan” winning the Palme d’Or, likely won’t be the many panels about women in film, but the plethora of powerful leading performances by women, including Cate Blanchett (the sumptuous period romance “Carol”), Emily Blunt (the bleak drug war thriller “Sicario”), Marion Cotillard (a bleakly stylish “Macbeth”), Margherita Buy (the moving tribute “My Mother”), Emmanuelle Bercot (the upand-down romance “My King”) and Charlize Theron (the explosive “Mad Max: Fury Road”).

The symbol of Cannes ‘15 wasn’t a stiletto; it was the dirty, smoldering face of Theron’s road warrior Furiosa.

Though summer blockbusters usually only supply the festival a flashy red carpet distraction, George Miller’s “Mad Max” sequel-reboot was perhaps the most lauded film in Cannes, rivaled only by a far more serious sensation: “Son of Saul,” a tracking close-up of a Sonderkommando at Aus❱❱ PAGE 44 Movies that

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon urges tourists to visit earthquake-hit Nepal.

A KATZ / SHUTTERSTOCK

many beautiful areas that can be still safe to trek," she said.

A magnitude-7.8 quake struck Nepal on April 25, killing at least 8,490 people. A magnitude-7.3 quake on May 12 killed 158. Nearly 17,000 people were injured in the two temblors.

Nepal — which boasts eight of the world's highest moun-

tains — gets about half a million tourists every year, with many coming to trek the Himalayan nation's scenic mountain trails.

The recent earthquakes have raised fears that tourists will be driven away from Nepal, a poor country where many people depend on tourism for their livelihood. ■

HOROSCOPE ARIES

CANCER

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)

(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)

(DEC 22 - JAN 19)

Don’t let your emotions muddle your

The demands of your work and your

You will have a bountiful harvest,

The biggest mistake you’ll be

way of thinking straight. You have

personal relationships will require

financially and emotionally, if you will

making this week is letting that

been letting all your emotions get hold of your speech

you to base your decisions on facts and logic. Relying

play your cards right. Do not let the criticisms of those

great opportunity pass. Once that awesome chance of

and your actions in the past few weeks. This may not be

on baseless and unproven doubts and feelings may not

who want to bring you down distract you and pull you

a lifetime come knocking at your door, don’t be afraid

healthy for your professional and personal life.

do you any good, this week and the days to come.

away from your goal. Keep yourself on track.

to crack it open.

TAURUS

LEO

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)

(OCT 23 - NOV 21)

(JAN 20 - FEB 18)

This week, you have to be extra

The most important thing to

Giving back to those in need will

You will be one step closer to

sensitive of the feelings of those

remember this week is to KEEP

give you more fulfilments in the days

achieving the ultimate desire of

around you. Try to be more caring and understanding

CALM. There are a few conflicts in work or at home, that

to come. Explore the joy of charity by finding time to

your heart if you let go of all the pride you’ve been

of their feelings and you’ll never realize that you have

will really test your patience. Learn to tame that beast

share your blessing to those who most need it. Giving

keeping inside. Remember that the best things in life

gained their trust more than you have ever expected.

inside and always look at the brighter side of things.

will multiply the blessings you will receive this week.

come from humble beginnings.

GEMINI

VIRGO

SAGITTARIUS

PISCES

(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)

(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)

(NOV 22 - DEC 21)

(FEB 19 - MAR 20)

It is not wrong to be friendly

This week will be an arduous journey

Now is the time to pursue the style

Free yourself from thinking about

and to be open to building new

for you, and your loved ones. Stay

you’ve always wanted. Invest in your

the worst, which may never happen.

relationships, but be very careful in picking the ones

focused on driving towards the path that will lead you and

wardrobe today and have that extra spray of confidence

Instead, why not try keeping a positive note in your mind

you’ll trust. Trouble will follow you if you are not

your family to the end of the road. Your family’s success is

in your work in the next years. Wear the fashion trend

and be surprised with the good things it might bring

vigilant, so never let your guard down.

in your hands so keep in mind that time is of the essence.

that best reflects your personality.

you.

www.canadianinquirer.net

33

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

Lifestyle

From Ayungin to Venice, the ship that serves as a beacon of PH

José Tence Ruiz’s fondly called ‘slum fortress,’ a sculptural evocation of the BRP Sierra Madre, is designed to ‘allow the people to enter our culture in an open image’

BY CATHY CAÑARES YAMSUAN Philippine Daily Inquirer

look at hundreds of works (in the biennale), red works for a person to remember... (Also), hindi subdued ang mga Pinoy.

We are a bit shy pero ’di tayo Zen,” the artist added.

MOORED INSIDE one of the upper rooms of the impressive Palazzo Mora in Venice, Italy, is an evocation of the BRP Sierra Madre, the World War II-vintage military ship handed over by the US to the Philippines in 1976.

The sculpture called “Shoal” is a steel structure, rebuilt bar by bar from intermedia artist José Tence Ruiz’s atelier in Manila. It measures about 20 feet, is padded throughout with pillows and belts, and is entirely covered in gold-flecked burgundy velvet.

This, however, fails to give it a look of luxury and elegance.

Rather, the chaotic mix of glaring color and hard and soft material evokes “flotsam,” “debris” and “improvisation.”

Three reasons

Ruiz’s fondly called “slum fortress” is one of the three reasons why Palazzo Mora, the venue of the Philippine pavilion of the 56th International Art Exhibition, aka Venice Art Biennale, has been enjoying heavy foot traffic since the festival opened on May 9.

Featured along with Ruiz’s work is a 20-minute, threechannel video by filmmaker Mariano Montelibano III called “A Dashed State,” a commentary about hidden threats to rural life in a coastal barangay in southern Palawan.

There is also the digitally remastered 1950 Filipino film “Genghis Khan” that pavilion curator professor Patrick Flores used as a peg to stitch together his concept, “Tie a String Around the World,” as the Philippines’ biennale theme.

What does a rusty old ship beached on Ayungin Shoal reinterpreted as a velvet-clad vessel have to say about the Philip-

Dream and nightmare

Palazzo Mora in Venice, Italy.

pines?

Many things, actually, Ruiz said in an exclusive interview with Inquirer Lifestyle in Venice.

“The velvet, we associate with sanctity. Before Easter Sunday, we drape the santo inside our churches with velvet, either red or deep purple.

Burgundy is also the color of the Nazareno (Black Nazarene statue) in Quiapo Church. I like the association,” he explained.

The artist said he is also fascinated by the ship’s “strange history.”

From the official catalogue distributed to pavilion visitors: “The Sierra Madre at one time was the USS Harnett County, built as a tank-landing ship for World War II and then repurposed as a floating helicopter and speedboat hub in the rivers of Vietnam.

“In 1970 the US gave the ship to the South Vietnamese

PALAZZOMORA.ORG

and in 1976 it was passed on to the Philippines... Today it is beached on a shoal called Ayungin in the West Philippine Sea,” said the catalogue.

Claim indicator

Sierra Madre is parked with a purpose—as an indicator of the country’s claim to specific islands in the area that China has declared it also owns.

Ruiz pointed out that Filipino soldiers stationed in Ayungin live in the harshest conditions. “No water, no electricity and, until recently, hinaharang pa ang deliveries,” he said.

Ruiz insisted the marooned vessel serves as a unique icon.

“Tayo lang ang may ganyan. It’s our beacon. It speaks about us.

Hindi tayo maaksaya, poor tayo na tao,” he said.

But the associations do not stop at economy, national security, or hues.

“I don’t want to be stuck to www.canadianinquirer.net

the journalistic story. There is that bigger story about the culture of our country. Like the Quiapo Nazareno (phenomenon) na siksikan ang tao, na nag-aagawan. I want to suggest all those things,” Ruiz added.

Quiapo is not only about seasonal penitents. It is also about the hellish traffic in Manila.

The possibilities are endless, and Ruiz starts trailing off in stream-of-consciousness fashion.

He talked about how the room that houses “Shoal” smells similar to the Quiapo Church and other local churches. The sprinkling of agua de Peru was deliberate.

“You can smell that resin-like scent. It reminds you of being in the dark sacristy of Quiapo Church,” he explained.

“Other Southeast Asian countries are associated with the color saffron. Tayo, red. If you have only three minutes to

Ruiz stressed that underneath the velvet is steel covered with pillows of different sizes “because I want it to feel like a dream and a nightmare, because that’s what you own when you have an identity.

“It’s hard to be yourself but it’s great to be yourself. As Filipinos, we own the dream and the nightmare. All identities have that neurosis. The Singaporeans also hate and love themselves. The Brits, I’m sure, have something to say and the Russians have something to say,” he pointed out.

The pillows, meanwhile, also suggest “tumors.”

Ruiz said this is because Philippine history is “full of illnesses (mga sakit-sakit), things we don’t like about ourselves, our failed revolutions, hints of corruption. It’s a statement about the entirety of the world and of us in the world.”

A female guest wondered aloud why belts sprout all over the ship.

“What do you think?” Ruiz playfully challenged the woman. “Are you a religious person?

What do you think of people who hold on to religion? Like they’re wearing straitjackets, no?

“Religion can be both a straitjacket and a release. Also, belts are a way of putting people together,” he noted.

“Shoal” may be inanimately stranded in a palazzo, but Ruiz hopes that the abstract image it presents would trigger a range of emotions.

“Maraming mahuhugot, and that’s what I think art should do in Venice—allow the people to enter our culture in an open image,” he said. ■

34

Lifestyle

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

High altitudes may boost babies' SIDS risks; less oxygen in air may be a culprit, study says

BY LINDSEY TANNER The Associated Press CHICAGO — Lofty living may make babies vulnerable to sudden infant death syndrome, according to a Colorado study that found higher risks above 8,000 feet (2,400 metres).

While the research shows that the SIDS rate in Colorado's tall mountains is very low, it's still two times greater than in the Denver area and other regions where the altitude is less than 6,000 feet (1,800 metres).

The results echo earlier research done in Austria's Alps.

Mountain air has less oxygen than air at lower elevations, and conditions that reduce infants' oxygen levels have previously been linked with SIDS. But exactly how mountain air might put babies at risk is uncertain and whether there is a solid connection requires more study, the researchers said.

Lead author Dr. David Katz, a University of Colorado heart specialist, emphasized that SIDS deaths are rare; only six occurred at Colorado's highest altitudes during the six years studied. The rate at high altitudes was just 0.8 SIDS deaths per 1,000 births, versus 0.4 per

1,000 in the state's regions with an altitude of less than 6,000 feet (1,800 metres).

The study was published online Monday in Pediatrics. The authors examined Colorado birth certificate and death registries for 2007 to 2012.

SIDS kills about 2,000 U.S. infants each year, and is the leading cause of infant deaths after the first month.

The causes are unknown but certain conditions linked with reduced oxygen levels seem to increase risks, including brainstem abnormalities, mothers smoking during and after pregnancy, respiratory infections and stomach sleeping.

SIDS used to be called crib death because infants were often found lifeless, lying facedown in their cribs. Public health efforts launched in the 1990s that emphasized placing babies to sleep on their backs dramatically reduced SIDS deaths.

Katz said to help protect their infants from SIDS, parents should focus on known risks. That advice includes no stomach sleeping or bed-sharing, avoiding soft bedding and pillows in cribs, and keeping infants away from cigarette smoke. ■

David Jorge of Surrey, B.C. cooks his way to the top on ‘MasterChef Canada.’

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

David Jorge of Surrey, B.C. wins “MasterChef Canada”

BY LOIS ABRAHAM The Canadian Press DAVID JORGE says the feeling of accomplishing his goal of becoming Canada's newest MasterChef is “unmeasurable.”

“It's beyond the money, beyond everything,” Jorge said in an interview at a CTV studio ahead of Sunday's telecast.

“I set a goal, showed up in Toronto with 50 people. Seven weeks later I walked out of there myself and it was amazing, absolutely, truly amazing.

And the fact is that nobody can take that away from me now.”

The concrete contractor from Surrey, B.C., pocketed $100,000 in the sizzling finale of “MasterChef Canada,” which saw him battle it out with Line Pelletier, a Canadian military veteran and computer specialist from Moncton, N.B. They each had to create an appetizer, entree and dessert.

Pelletier started off with surf 'n' turf with foie gras.

Judges Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung and Claudio Aprile were concerned there would be an unwelcome charred flavour when her pan caught fire, but pronounced the result delicious.

Meanwhile, Jorge prepared tomatoes five ways with sweetbreads, but was marked down www.canadianinquirer.net

for leaving membrane on the sweetbreads.

Jorge's shaking hands made plating his appetizer dicey.

“They were uncontrollable,” he said. “I had never had anything like that before.”

But he relaxed enough to pull out all the stops for his entree, a twist on a classic dish reflecting his Portuguese heritage using boar and geoduck clams.

Pelletier's elk tenderloin and “enchanted potato forest” entree was an innovative tribute to contestant Tammy Wood of Agassiz, B.C., who cooked that protein for her first “MasterChef Canada” dish, and her father, with whom she went hunting when she was a kid.

“Those were some of my fondest memories, was doing that with my dad, and he's passed away so it was sort of an ode to him and an ode to Tammy _ my past life with my dad and my friendship that I made with her.”

Jorge's lemon dessert was an elevated version of a favourite of his wife Tanis, who frequently totes it to potlucks.

The sweet treat was difficult to pull off, particularly when he realized he forgot to cook the lemon curd before putting it in the freezer and had to scramble to rectify the error.

“It was absolutely down to the wire. I needed a few more

seconds, to tell you the truth.

Ten more seconds would have been nice.”

Pelletier, on the other hand, finished her meal with a cheese plate comprised of six complex components before the clock ran out.

But it wasn't enough to earn her the championship.

“I don't think anything slipped me up in the finale,” she said. “I'm very proud of what I did, what I accomplished, and I wouldn't change anything.”

Jorge, 40, is banking his prize money as he looks to open a restaurant.

Pelletier, who has worked on some fundraisers and entered a bikini fitness competition since taping wrapped, will be recognized Tuesday at the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly for raising awareness of the province and being a positive role model for women.

“It's cooking and you wouldn't think a cooking show would do that. For some reason it inspires and empowers people,” she said.

“Even though you're from a small town (Edmundston), you can become whatever you want to become.” ■ Aspiring home cooks can apply now for “MasterChef Canada” season 3 at http://www.ctv.ca/ MasterChefCanada

Lifestyle

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

35

Flats with formal wear–yes or no?

‘I used to live in heels and will not be caught dead in flats. But I have eaten my words!’

BY CHECHE V. MORAL Philippine Daily Inquirer BANNED FOR wearing— gasp!—flats?

One of the hotly debated topics online this week is the report that some women were banned from the premieres at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival in France for wearing flats instead of heels.

The claim is that women in their 50s, including some who have medical conditions that prevented them from wearing heels, weren’t allowed in at the screening of “Carol,” a film that stars Cate Blanchett.

According to an account on ScreenDaily.com, a woman who was wearing “nice” flats was told to go “buy appropriate shoes.”

The festival’s director, Thierry Fremaux, had poohpoohed the story, claiming them to be “unfounded.” He also tweeted, “For the stairs, the regulations have not changed: ‘ No smoking, formal wear.’ There is no mention of heels.”

Actress Emily Blunt, star of “Sicario” which screened at Cannes, decried the rumored ban, calling it “disappointing.”

On the red carpet, however, she wore sky-high heels, but reportedly switched to flats at the afterparty.

Dress-up glamour is one of the main attractions of highwattage events like the Cannes film festival, where thousands descend on southern France every year to watch movie stars preen in couture gowns and their black-tie best on a vast red carpet.

While purveyors of fashion have relaxed the general style codes, making flat shoes and sneakers trendy, even appropriate and acceptable for certain occasions, it appears that certain circles still adhere to old-fashioned and rather passé sartorial rules. It seems no amount of rhinestones sewn on one’s flats can get her past the redvelvet rope of these archaic policies.

While the likes of Victoria Beckham, never seen in anything shorter than four-inch stilettos, have embraced flats, at least for casual days, we also know that some young fashion

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

types frown on other (often older) women who even dare slip foldable flats in their purses to later change into. For these girls, you can sit with them, but only if you’re wearing the right shoes.

We’re not one to dismiss the instant confidence boost from the extra inches from a pair of stilettos, especially for a petite Asian woman. Heels also nudge you to straighten your back so it improves your posture, and not a few will claim they feel instantly sexier in high heels.

Flats with formal wear?

Some might say, it’s just never done; without heels, you’re just under- or even inappropriately dressed.

But tell that to women who had spent years— years —feeling taller, sexier, and also sadly tortured as they crammed their toes in tight toe boxes, their arches bent and feet forever gnarled with ugly bunions and corns. They’ll tell you to bugger off!

Or will they, really?

Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo Celebrity dermatologist, Aivee Clinic and Aivee Institute I personally do not wear flats to formal occasions as I need my heels to give me that extra

height. Gowns look better when you’re taller and it gives me that extra boost of confidence.

But I don’t agree that it should be banned since most Caucasian women are tall anyway, and I’m sure they can pull off their beautiful gowns even in their flats. Fashion is one’s expression of personal style and it should not be restricted by rules.

Amina Aranaz-Alunan Accessories designer, Aranáz I have never worn flats to a formal occasion. But I do not see anything wrong with it if the style of the flat shoe goes with the overall look you wish to achieve. I must admit, though, that I always feel better in heels especially during a formal occasion, and I am one of those who will suffer for fashion on a special occasion.

Whether I will ever wear flats on a formal occasion, you never know. My attitude toward heels has definitely changed.

I used to live in heels and will not be caught dead in flats. But I have eaten my words! I now love flats! (And even sneakers!)

These days I would say I’m in flats 60 percent of the time. I do believe that, depending on the style, flats can also look very elwww.canadianinquirer.net

egant and polished.

Kat Cruz-Villanueva Celebrity stylist I don’t think it’s necessarily a no-no to wear flats with formal wear. If you read etiquette books, I believe shoes, whether high or flat, are seldom mentioned having a strict rule. I do believe, though, that much respect should be given to the inviting person’s dress-code request.

I always bring flats, but I usually leave them in the car. As I grow older, I now maintain a selection of tolerable heel heights, because having a baby has made running in heels an extra challenge.

Beng Dee Restaurateur, Todd English Food Hall, Tim Ho Wan, Kai, Chin’s Express, etc.

I guess for people who are tall enough [it’s okay to wear flats on formal occasions]. But for me, height is a must especially for long gowns. I don’t cheat. I still prefer stilettos over flats.

If I need to walk on a long cobblestone pavement, I would probably wear flats and change to high heels once I get to the event. Even as I age, I would wear flats only when it is im-

possible to wear stilettos, like on a trip to the beach or a hike up a mountain.

Yvette Fernandez Editor in chief, Town & Country As someone taller than the average woman in Manila (and even when I lived in New York for that matter), I’ve always been comfortable in flats. I attend many events in flats. For more formal events, I have three-inch heels, nothing taller.

And I always have flats in the car to wear before and after those events. My attitude has always been the same: comfort before anything else. I’ve always been comfortable in my own skin. Maybe it’s the New Yorker in me. I really don’t care what other people think when it comes to what I wear.

Daphne Oseña Paez TV host, entrepreneur and blogger, daphne.ph I don’t think it’s fair to ban flats on formal occasions. It takes a really confident and stylish woman to pull off flat shoes with a gown or tuxedo suit. Think Elle McPherson or Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. And these ❱❱ PAGE 47 Flats with

36

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Business

Moody’s says PH economy grew 7.3% in 1st quarter

BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINE economy grew by 7.3 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to Moody’s Analytics.

Jumping the gun on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Moody’s Analytics confirmed the continued growth of the economy under the Aquino administration in a report posted on ABS-CBNnews.com yesterday.

Moody’s Analytics, a think tank, is an affiliate of Moody’s Investors Service, one of the world’s three major credit rating agencies.

At press time, there was no immediate comment from Malacañang or the finance department, as the official report on the country’s first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) has yet to be released.

National Economic and Development Authority Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan and PSA National Statistician Lisa Grace S. Bersales will release the 2015 First Quarter Performance of the Philippine Economy on May 28.

Moody’s Analytics credited the strong performance of the economy in the first quarter of the year on government’s higher infrastructure investment and spending.

“Moody’s said strong electronics exports also gave the economy a lift due to improved global demand especially from

the US. Likewise, the country is expected to benefit most from low oil prices with businesses and even consumers able to spend more due to savings from fuel costs,” said Moody’s Analytics, in a report posted on ABS- CBN-news. com.

Apec’s 3rd fastest growth in 2014

The report said a 7.3 percent growth would help the economy be on track to meet the Aquino administration’s full year target of 7 to 8 percent.

In 2014, the economy posted a full-year growth of 6.1 percent.

Also in 2014, the Philippines posted the third fastest GDP growth among the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) economies, next to Papua New Guinea and China.

In Apec’s latest economic trends analysis titled, “Economic Resilience Amidst Global Headwinds,” the Philippines is seen growing by 6.7 percent this year, and 6.3 percent in 2016, enabling the country to remain as the third fastest growing economy among Apec members.

On the whole, the Apec members is seen to grow at a faster pace of 3.2 percent within the next two years on the back of a strong domestic demand and lower oil prices.

Silent

Citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Apec said in its latest eco-

nomic trends analysis that the economic growth in the near term would also hinge on the impact of the United States’ economic resurgence and normalization of the monetary policy.

Last year, Apec economies proved resilient amid challenging external conditions as the bloc posted an average growth of 2.9 percent, which was similar to the level in 2013, but lower compared to the 3.4 percent world GDP growth estimate by the IMF. This was amid uncertainties surrounding the path of oil prices and the timing of monetary normalization in the US.

SHUTTERSTOCK

Uncertainties Upside opportunities

This year, upside opportunities for growth would come mainly from domestic factors, particularly robust household spending that is ably supported by steady government consumption and investment, according to economic trends analysis.

In turn, accommodative conditions marked by low interest rates and strong credit growth remain important determinants of private consumption expenditures.

Falling oil prices continue to generate positive impact for oil importers via the consumption channel by increasing households’ purchasing power, the report stated.

Downside risks meanwhile are largely external in nature.

EXCHANGE RATES

“Uncertainties surrounding the trajectory of oil prices and the timing of US monetary policy normalization combined with slower economic activity in China will impact on the near-term GDP growth of Apec economies. The steady and significant decline in oil prices is expected to directly affect oil exporters, weighing down output levels,” it said.

As economies rebalance towards domestic drivers of growth, Apec members will now need to strengthen private consumption through more inclusive and sustainable growth.

“This will require both increasing labor productivity and innovation to raise wages and living standards, as well as reducing income uncertainties through safety nets and social insurance to allow households

to smooth consumption.

Fiscal consolidation programs

Economies could consider implementing fiscal consolidation programs, where appropriate, that will take into account spending rationalization, revenue generation and subsidy reforms, which will make public funds available for programs aimed at improving economic inclusiveness, sustainability and innovation,” the report stated.

Such programs, in turn, will need to cover skills development, investments in infrastructure (including regulatory and financial reforms), making labor markets more open for women and disadvantaged groups, and enhancing institutions and governance at all levels to strengthen transmission mechanisms between policy and inclusive growth. ■

As of May 27, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CDN/USD

1.2420

-0.0016

-0.1287%

CDN/PHP

35.9743

-0.0560

-0.1555%

CDN/EUR

1.3563

+0.0040

+0.2946%

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Business

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

37

PH deserves higher Japan-Canada trade talks stalled credit ratings, says BSP with no meetings in sight

BY PAOLO G. MONTECILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer

“If you look at the trajectory, it’s very clear that it’s moving up,” he said on the sidelines of a forum hosted by Financial RAPIDLY RISING incomes in Times and First Metro Investthe Philippines should earn ments Corp. (FMIC). the country higher credit ratSovereign ratings are a meaings, recognizing the economy’s sure of the Philippine governstrong performance in recent ment’s creditworthiness. And years, the central bank said this because the stability of the week. state’s finances is related to the This comes amid the com- country’s performance, credit mon complaint among eco- ratings also serve as a proxy nomic managers that inter- grade for the economy. national rating Higher ratagencies have ings also mean systemically the government failed to apprecican ask for lowate the strength er rates when it of the country. borrows from inMoody’s InThe stability vestors. This can vestor Service of the state’s translate to lowand Standard & finances is er interest rates Poor’s (S&P) currelated to for consumers rently rate the the country’s and businesses country’s soverperformance, borrowing from eign credit at two credit ratings banks, which notches above also serve use state-issued junk status, the as a proxy IOUs as benchhighest grades in grade for the marks for their the Philippines’ economy. loans. history.

Fitch The string of Ratings, meanupgrades earned while, gave the by the Philipcountry a grade pines since 2010 one notch below came amid imits peers. provements in The Philippines’ main weak- the country’s finances—a result ness, Fitch said, was the low of improved tax collections and gross domestic product (GDP) more prudent spending. per capita relative to other “in“This kind of performance, vestment grade” countries.

I believe, is sustainable over “That’s a long-term issue … we the medium term although also need to look at the trajec- they are also looking at further tory, not just the level,” Bangko improvements in certain arSentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov- eas like infrastructure, which ernor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. is something that we all agree said late Wednesday. with,” Tetangco said. ■

BY MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Trade talks have stalled between Canada and Japan -one of the Harper government’s priority countries for a breakthrough -because the Asian country has lost interest, The Canadian Press has learned.

An internal memo from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development says the level of progress with Japan has failed to meet expectations since talks opened in March 2012.

The memo says Japan is more interested in the ongoing 12-country Trans- Pacific Partnership talks with several of its neighbours as well as Canada, the United States, Mexico and Australia.

Japan is dragging its heels on a date for the eighth round of bilateral trade talks with Canada, says the note, which was prepared for an April 17 meeting of department officials.

Trade Minister Ed Fast told the House of Commons trade committee two weeks ago that Japan and Canada were still trying set a date for the next

round.

In March 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a free-trade deal with South Korea, touting it as a breakthrough in Asia and saying that Japan was one of the main targets for the next big trade agreement.

The government has said that a joint study shows a free-trade deal with Japan would boost Canada’s economy by $3.8 billion a year.

While some analysts have been upbeat about the possibilities of a Japan-Canada break-

through, the internal memo tells a different story.

It says Japan’s “overwhelming focus” on the Trans-Pacific deal overshadows the talks with Canada.

“While some progress has been made in the CJEPA negotiations with seven rounds to date, overall, the CJEPA text remains less developed than expected after three years of negotiations.”

The memo says Japan turned ❱❱ PAGE 47 Japan-Canada trade

Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week THE CANADIAN PRESS

SHUTTERSTOCK

SHUTTERSTOCK

TORONTO — Here are five things to look for in Canadian business this week: Electric cars: On Monday in Halifax, Canadian experts on what’s known as transportation electrification kick off a threeday gathering. They’re meeting to discuss the latest technology and trends and to share ideas on how to boost the number of electric vehicles in Canada.

Energy: Canada 2020 hosts a panel discussion on global energy in Ottawa on Monday.

Speakers will include the forwww.canadianinquirer.net

mer special energy adviser to Hillary Clinton when she was U.S. secretary of state. The State Department will make the ultimate decision on the fate of TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline, so the project is sure to be a topic of discussion.

Big banks: Canada’s Big Five banks report their secondquarter results this week, starting Wednesday with the Bank of Montreal. That’s followed by earnings from the CIBC, the Royal Bank and TD on Thursday. The week wraps up with Scotiabank reporting on Friday.

Rate announcement: Bank of Canada governor Stephen

Poloz is widely expected to stand pat on his key interest rate Wednesday, but the tone of the central bank’s statement will be scrutinized for any signs about the timing of future changes.

Economic growth: Statistics Canada is scheduled to release its reading on first-quarter economic growth on Friday.

Economists are predicting the economy grew at an annual pace of 0.1 per cent for the first three months of the year. The first quarter is expected to be the low point for the year, but just how quickly the economy will pick up is in question. ■

38

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Technology

With more improved technology and affordable equipment, solar power is projected to boom.

SHUTTERSTOCK

More countries switch to solar power as alternative energy source

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer ACCORDING TO several analysts, more and more countries are switching to solar power as a viable energy source. And with more improved technology and more affordable parts and equipments, solar power is projected to boom.

This year, the global solar index has increased by 40 percent, surmounting other energy fuels such as iron ore, natural gas, copper and oil.

“Just as shale extraction reconfigured oil and gas, no other technology is closer to transforming power markets than distributed and utility scale solar,” oil and gas industry consultant Wood Mackenzie says, adding that solar costs will continue to de-

crease as ‘efficiencies are nowhere near their theoretical maximums.’

Solar power is already a mainstream in America and Europe.

It is also expected to boom in Asia as well.

Japan, one of the world’s top industrialized nations known for its oil and nuclear power plants, is seeking solar energy as an alternative after a nuclear power plant meltdown five years ago.

At present, the country’s capacity of renewable energy reached 25 gigawatts, with solar power accounting to 80 percent of the total energy.

According to the Japan Renewable Energy Foundation (JREF), solar power will become even more profitable in the coming years. Currently, solar power plants in Okayama and in Kato, both in Osaka, are

already being built.

“Solar has come of age in Japan and from now on will be replacing imported uranium and fossil fuels,” JREF executive board chairman Tomas Kåberger says.

However, Japan’s monopoly of electricity providers is hindering solar power developments.

“In trying to protect their fossil fuel and nuclear (energies), Japan's electric power companies can only delay developments here,” he adds.

But no matter the delay, the country will continue to transition to solar power. By next year, expensive and polluting oil-fired energy are planned to be withdrawn. Solar power will also soon be commercially viable once solar energy production achieves cost-revenue parity. www.canadianinquirer.net

As a start, the country’s costs on solar power production have already halved since 2010, making it at par with average electricity prices.

China, one of the world’s top producers of almost every commodity, has been looking for ways to cut production costs on solar panels.

With the country’s new anti-pollution policies, more alternatives from coal are sought after. The government is now planning to boost solar capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2020, adding 17.8 gigawatts to its already 26.52 gigawatts this year.

India, mostly using coal energy, is also considering solar power.

Even Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, is also planning to become a ‘global power’ in solar energy. The

country’s oil minister Ali AlNaimi announces that they will stop using fossil fuels by 2040.

“In Saudi Arabia, we recognize that eventually, one of these days, we’re not going to need fossil fuels. I don’t know when - 2040, 2050 or thereafter. So, we have embarked on a program to develop solar energy,” Naimi says at a business and climate conference.

“Hopefully, one of these days, instead of exporting fossil fuels, we will be exporting gigawatts of electric power,” he adds.

Despite the solar power boom, fossil-fueled power is still seen to stay.

“Additional generating capacity, such as natural gas-fired plants, must be made available to back up wind and solar during the times when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing,” Exxon says. ■

Technology

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

39

Adult dating site investigating breach of user data

BY BRANDON BAILEY The Associated Press PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA — The operator of a popular adult dating website said Friday it’s investigating a data security breach following reports that hackers stole names, email addresses and information about the sexual orientation or habits of up to 4 million members.

Britain’s Channel 4 news outlet reported that hackers posted some of the information on an obscure website after stealing account data from AdultFriendFinder.com. The online service claims 64 million members worldwide use its service to “hook up, find sex or meet someone hot now.”

FriendFinder Networks, the Silicon Valley company that operates the service, said in a statement that it hired a prominent cyber-security firm to investigate and is telling members to update their user names and passwords. It said it is also temporarily blocking attempts to search for user profiles by “any users we believe were affected by the security issue.”

Tech blogger Bev Robb reported earlier that it was pos-

SHUTTERSTOCK

sible to identify some users and glean potentially embarrassing information based on apparently stolen data that was posted on a website frequented by other hackers.

Without confirming any details about the breach, FriendFinder Networks said it had no information that users’ financial information was leaked.

But the statement added that, “until the investigation is completed, it will be difficult to confirm the full scope of the incident.”

FriendFinder Networks operates a number of online sites and dating services for different audiences, including Amigos.com, BigChurch.com and SeniorFriendFinder.com.

There has been no indication that information has leaked from its other sites. The company also says it licenses the Penthouse brand and publishes magazines.

“The security of our members’ information remains our top priority,” the company said.

It has hired the Mandiant response division of cyber-secu-

WEATHER UPDATE VANCOUVER

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rity company FireEye, which has previously investigated a number of high-profile breaches in recent months. A FireEye spokesman confirmed the company is investigating but declined further comment. ■ Associated Press Technology Writer in New York Bree Fowler contributed to this report.

Long term forecast from www.theweathernetwork.com CALGARY

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40

MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

Sports

Roger Federer advances to French Open 2nd round with straight sets win

BY SAMUEL PETREQUIN The Associated Press PARIS — Roger Federer got off to a smooth start on the French Open centre court Sunday as he advanced to the second round of the clay-court Grand Slam tournament with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over Alejandro Falla.

Facing a player who pushed him to five sets at Wimbledon five years ago, the 2009 champion was never threatened this time, extending his unbeaten run against the 111th-ranked Falla to 8-0.

With coaches Stefan Edberg and Severin Luthi closely watching behind their shades, Federer put on a solid display, hitting eight aces and 43 winners.

“I love coming here,” the second-seeded Federer said. “I wasn’t broken. I’m happy.”

On a sunny first day of play at Roland Garros, last year’s runner-up Simona Halep also advanced in straight sets in the women’s draw.

Federer put Falla under pressure in the eighth game of the first set, breaking for a 5-3 lead when the Colombian could not handle a good backhand return.

Federer shouted “come on” after earning a set point in his next service game and closed it out when Falla sent a backhand into the net.

Federer’s flashy outfit, with pink shorts and a lilac shirt, was almost as eye-catching as some of the shots the former top-ranked player produced.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner broke again for a 2-1 lead in

Roger Federer.

the second set following a game in which he left Falla stranded with a perfectly hit defensive lob.

Federer wrapped up the second set with another break in the ninth game. At 4-3 down in the third set, Falla called a trainer to get his right thigh massaged. The Colombian held his next serve but could not prevent Federer from breaking him in the 10th game as the Swiss unleashed a forehand attack that he returned wide.

On the women’s side, the third-seeded Halep hit an ace on match point to beat Russian Evegenia Rodina 7-5, 6-4, while

LEV RADIN / SHUTTERSTOCK

ninth-seeded Ekaterina Markova breezed past American wild card Louisa Chirico 6-4, 6-2.

Halep made a big breakthrough at the French Open last year, losing in final to Maria Sharapova after not conceding a set in her previous matches.

Halep, who said she is stronger than last year both physically and mentally, is bidding to become the first Romanian to win a Grand Slam title since Virginia Ruzici at the French Open in 1978.

“I have stronger body and I have improved a lot in my game,” she said. “Serve is better, so I feel more confident now

www.canadianinquirer.net

with my game.”

Up againt Halep in the second round will be veteran Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, who defeated American Lauren Davis 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Lucic-Baroni, who won her first match at Roland Garros since 2002, upset Halep at the U.S. Open last year.

“I have not good memories from that match,” Halep said. “I just was blocked and I couldn’t hit the ball.”

On paper, the 33-year-old Federer has a relatively easy draw until the fourth round, where he could meet 13th-seeded Gael Monfil before a potential quarterfinal with his Davis Cup

teammate Stan Wawrinka, who beat Marsel Ilhan 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

Federer, who achieved a career Grand Slam by winning the French Open in 2009 after three runner-up finish, has not made it to the final on the Parisian clay since 2011. He lost in the fourth round last year but has been playing excellent tennis recently and has a 26-5 record in 2015. On clay, he lost in final in Rome after claiming an 85th career title in Istanbul.

Among the seeded players to advance to the second round Sunday were also No. 19 Roberto Bautista Agut and No. 22 Philipp Kohlschreiber. ■

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

41

No Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch talks — Arum

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

No rematch for Pacquiao-Mayweather?

CHRIS FARINA / TOP RANK BOXING / FACEBOOK

MANILA — There are no negotiations for the rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum said.

Arum denied the issues of ongoing talks for the big rematch in a statement to the boxing scribe Steve Kim of the boxingscene.com.

“There have been no negotiations, what everybody is saying is with the incredible amount of money that they did last time

that neither guy can make anywhere near the money fighting somebody else than they could fighting each other,” Arum said.

“Unless they’re negotiating with somebody else, it’s not me,” he told Kim. Rumors about negotiations for the rematch came after Mayweather won the fight against Pacquiao in the most celebrated bout last May 3.

Tagged as the boxing’s richest fight ever, the bout was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Both the fighters were paid huge amounts after the bout

recorded 4.4 million pay-perview with at least $400 million in revenue.

Suppose a rematch is set, Arum said both the fighters may not be paid as much as they were given during the last match.

“Nobody is saying they’re going to do the money they did last time,” said Arum.

Despite this, Arum noted that the fighters will still get huge sums if a rematch is settled.

“Whether it’s two-thirds or one-half [of their purse in the first fight], whatever it is, it’s a huge number,”he said. ■

Japeth back, helps Kings stop Painters LA Lakers’ Fil-Am

rookie in town

BY MUSONG R. CASTILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer JAPETH AGUILAR returned to active duty and helped Barangay Ginebra hold off Rain or Shine, 93-81, in the last of two PBA Governors’ Cup games at Al Shabab Al Arabi Club in Dubai early Saturday in Manila.

Aguilar scored seven points in a telling fourth-quarter run that had the Gin Kings finally snuffing the fight out of the tired Elasto Painters to rise to 2-3 overall and get back in the thick of the playoff fight.

The loss gave the Elasto Painters a 1-1 record in this oilrich emirate sojourn and a 13 slate overall.

Orlando Johnson scored 25 points to pace the Kings, who also got 21 from Mark Caguioa and 20 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals from point guard LA Tenorio as Ginebra easily overcame a 35-point effort from Rain or Shine import Wendell McKines.

Rain or Shine clipped Globalport, 119-112, on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer tries to slap a third straight loss on defending champion Star today as action returns to the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The SMB-Star duel is slated at 5:15 p.m. shortly after Barako Bull tries to remain unscathed—and in the lead— against a dangerous Meralco side in the 3 p.m. game.

The Beermen are coming off two impressive triumphs

BY JASMINE W. PAYO Philippine Daily Inquirer

Japeth “The Eagle” Aguilar leads Ginebra Kings to victory.

FACEBOOK PHOTO

against formidable foes and will come into the contest as the favorites with Arizona Reid now healthy after a stomach virus slowed him down in the first two games.

June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and the resurgent Marcio Lassiter are the other offensive weapons of the Beermen, who have now bucked a 0-2 start.

Marqus Blakely will again be the main man of coach TimCone, as the Hotshots, defending the last title of their Grand

Slam effort last season, try to avert falling into a deeper hole.

The scores

GINEBRA 93— Johnson 25, Caguioa 21, Tenorio 20, Aguilar 15, Marcelo 5, Baracael 5, Brondial 2, Urbiztondo 0, Mercado 0, Pena 0, Tungalag 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 81— McKines 35, Lee 10, Cruz Jericho 9, Arana 9, Norwood 5, Cruz Jervy 4, Uyloan 2, Ibanes 2, Tang 2, Almazan 2, Quinahan 1, Belga 0.

Quarters: 28-14, 49-42, 71-65, 93-81 ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

pink backpack.

Clarkson’s mother, Annette Davis, hails froms Angeles, Pampanga, and in previous inHE’S THE closest Philippine terviews, the 6-foot-5 stalwart connection in the NBA. said he was “raised in poverty Jordan Clarkson, the Los in the Philippines” before comAngeles Lakers ing to the United guard who has States. always proudly Although declared his Filidrafted 46th pino roots, aroverall in the rived in Manila 2014 NBA Draft, for the first time The Pinoy Clarkson got his yesterday hopfans have break with the ing to thank the been very absence of Laklocal fans after a supportive of ers superstar surprisingly sucme all year Kobe Bryant due cessful season long, and I to injury. where he landed can’t wait to Clarkson reada spot in the 2015 thank them in ily stepped up NBA AllRookie person. and wound up Team. ranking second The 22-yearamong rookies in old Clarkson points per game will be joined at 11.9 and third

by Trey Burke in assists per of the Utah Jazz game at 3.6. and NBA legJoining Clarkend Horace Grant in a series of son in the NBA AllRookie team league activities, including an were Rookie of the Year AnNBA Cares basketball clinic in drew Wiggins of the Minnesota Tondo, starting today.

Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls’ “The Pinoy fans have been Nikola Mirotic, Orlando Magvery supportive of me all year ic’s Elfrid Payton and Philadellong, and I can’t wait to thank phia 76ers’ Nerlens Noel. them in person,” Clarkson said Clarkson and Burke will atin a statement before his ar- tend viewing parties of the rival.

Western Conference Finals And Clarkson indeed looked between the Golden State Warraring to go, looking cheerful as riors and the Houston Rockets he waved to fans after landing in Game 2 today and Game 3 on late afternoon wearing a blue Sunday at NBA Cafe Manila at hoodie, camouflage pants and a SM Aura. ■

Events

42

First Asian Film Festival Asian Heritage Month

By Philippine Embassy in Ottawa WHEN/WHERE: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., May 30, Ben Franklin Chamber, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa MORE INFO: Call Philippine Embassy – 613-233-1121. Screening of “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok,” a documentary film on the art and memories of a living legend, Fang Od, a 95-year-old woman known as the ‘last traditional tattoo artist of Kalinga.”

By Philippine Embassy in Ottawa WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 26; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 27, at Calvary Christian Church Gym, 9 Capital Dr. cor. Route 2, Charlottetown, PEI MORE INFO: Call Consul Leticia La Rosa 902-393-4850.

Consular Outreach Mission in Halifax, Nova Scotia

By Philippine Embassy in Ottawa WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 28 to 30, at the Holiday Inn Harbourview, 101 Wyse Road, YUKON Consular Outreach Mission in Dartmouth, NS NUNAVUT Charlottetown, Prince Edward MORE INFO: Call Elizabeth NORTHWEST Island Domondon 902-488-8981

TERRITORIES

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MAY 29, 2015

FRIDAY

CANADA EVENTS

View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

To have your events featured on PCI, please email events@canadianinquirer.net

http://bit.ly/ PCI-Events

New WelcomePack Canada Distribution Centre

By WelcomePack Canada Inc. WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Mon, Tues, Thu & Fri at the Filipino Centre Bldg., 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, Ont. MORE INFO: Call (416) 928-9355

Homework/Tutorial Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416-928-9355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Tagalog Class NEWFOUNDLAND Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6

By FCT p.m.

WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every QUEBEC Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto

NOVA SCOTIA Free Facilitation Training

By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: up 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 @ 604-395-8000 ext.

1706 liza.delarosa@issbc.org 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

Maple 2.0 Mentorship

By ISS of BC MORE INFO: Maple 2.0 provides 4 to 12-week placement opportunities for internationally trained professionals to gain Canadian work experience and start working in their field. Go to http://issbc.org/prim-nav/programs/career-services/ maple-20 Kundiman ATBP WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 29, Auditorium at the Oasis, Elim Village 160th St., Surrey, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-339-7568 (Cliff); 778-8815815 (Dante) Tickets: VIP - $50; Gen. Admission - $20 Come What May Dinner & Dance WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 30, at the Our Lady of Mercy School Gym, 7481 -10th Ave., Burnaby, B.C. MORE INFO: Ticket- $20; DJ Music by Russell

Klowns The Canadian Tour

By Comedies Primetime Divas WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 29, at River Rock Show Theatre.

MORE INFO: Featuring Allan K, Ate Gay and Boobay. Tickets: $48/ $68

Active Living Conversation Circle

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesdays until June 17, at Mosaic Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-292-3907

Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver

By GMA Pinoy TV WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 29, at the Orpheum Theatre Vancouver, Canada MORE INFO: Guest performers include Ai Ai de las Alas, Alden Richards, Christian Bautista and more.

Drop-In English Conversation Circle for Work Permit Holders

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 3 p.m., Saturdays, at Brentwood Community Resource Centre, 2055 Rosser Ave., Burnaby, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-438=8214 ext 107 www.canadianinquirer.net

Dimasalang Artists: “Kalayaan” Opening Reception

By Dimasalang III International Artist Group WHEN/WHERE: 6 to 8 p.m. June 4, Surrey Arts Centre, Surrey BC Fundraising Event 2015

By Masskara Festival Society of Canada WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., June 6, at the Polish Community Centre, 4015 Fraser St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-874-8620. $25 Dinner and Dance Vancouver Mini Maker Faire By 2015 Presentation Series WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 6 & 7, at the PNE Forum MORE INFO: The fair offers two full days of talks by makers of all kinds from high tech--local authority John Biehler talking about the current state of 3D printing, showcasing everything from cars, buildings, prosthetic hands, human heart valves, clothing--to low tech--Holman Wang of Star Wars Epic Yarns discussing the hours spent needle-felting, building scale-model sets, and shooting on location with his twin brother Jack in order to create the board book series, Star Wars Epic Yarns. Other topics include vintage musical technology, minecraft in education, and creating maker spaces in your community.

2015 Pista ng Bayan By the United Filipino-Canadian Associations in BC WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6, at Slocan Park, 29th Ave. and Slocan St., Vancouver, B.C.

MAY 29, 2015

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Sophie Marceau attends the premiere of 'The Sea Of Trees' during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2015 in Cannes, France.

CINEMAFESTIVAL / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Movies that... chwitz who believes he’s spotted his son in the camp’s gas chamber.

But what is a hit on the Croisette is sometimes a blip back home. As the glow of Cannes fades, here are the films from the festival that may sustain the buzz they earned on the Riviera:

the last honor for “Carol.” Also look for the tender Pixar tale “Inside Out,” Cotillard’s empathetic Lady Macbeth and the veteran stars of Paolo Sorrentino’s “Youth” (Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel) to find some award season attention.

What you’ll hear about come Oscars season

Moviegoers swooning who see AudiHou Hsiaoard’s “Dheepan” hsien’s “The Aswill have a choice sassin,” a martial between sidAnd so there was a strange arts drama, may ing with Cannes fittingness that the scandal of the seem like stuff critics or the 68th Cannes Film Festival, where all of genre, too. But Coen brothers. status is measured, came down to the the Taiwanese Though many importance of a few inches. filmmaker’s latCannes scribes est, which won didn’t embrace best director, the French filmbares little with maker’s latest the fast-paced as warmly as his previous ef- lows” drew raves at the festival action usually found in the forts, the jury led by Joel and last year, “The Green Room,” genre. It was, undoubtedly, the Ethan Coen surprisingly picked by Jeremy Saulnier, should be most gorgeous film at Cannes; “Dheepan” for the Palme d’Or. marked by thriller fans. In his nearly every image is breathOutside of the festival, “Dhee- second film following the lean takingly composed. Some, pan” may resonate better for revenge film “Blue Ruin,” Saul- however, thought it lacked in its tale of Sri Lankan refugees nier steps confidently into a substance behind the splendid posing as a family in order to bigger production, co-starring imagery.

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Premiering just days before Ireland legalized gay marriage, Todd Haynes’ “Carol” is grippingly contemporary despite the lushness of its period drama. Based on the 1952 Patricia Highsmith novel “The Price of Salt,” the film stars Blanchett and Rooney Mara as two women - one married with a child, the other a mousy shop girl - who are intractably drawn together, but who must cloak their budding romance in disguised gestures and subtle glances. Mara shared in the best actress award at Cannes, but Harvey Weinstein, who is distributing, will ensure that’s not

The Palme winner that pitted critics vs. coens

gain asylum in France. Few filmmakers capture transformation like Audiard, the director of “Rust and Bone” and “A Prophet.”

The thriller genre fans can be excited for

Cannes isn’t known for its genre thrills. But just as the cinematic horror hit “It Fol-

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Patrick Stewart, about a touring hardcore punk band that runs into trouble at a backwoods gig for Neo-Nazi skinheads. Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario,” about an FBI agent (Blunt) roped into a covert task force sent into Mexico, will also excite many for its sure-handed muscularity.

What will have art houses

Hardest film to watch but you should

A harrowing Holocaust drama set among the Jewish workers of a concentration camp is precisely the kind of film many feel obligated to see, rather than enthusiastic to watch. But “Son of Soul,” the first feature by Hungarian director Laszlo Nemes, is something wholly unique: a visceral, bone-chilling, first-person plunge into darkness.

The oddities curiosity

worth

your

“The Lobster” and “Tale of Tales” - two films bound by a wry surrealism and John C. Reilly - vied for most bizarre of the Cannes competition. In Yorgos Lanthimos’s “The Lobster,” middle-aged, unmarried singles (Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Reilly) gather at a remote Irish hotel where, if they don’t couple up, they’re turned into an animal. Weirder still was “Tale of Tales,” Matteo Garrone’s adaptation of grotesque 17th century Neapolitan fairy tales. ■

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015

LABOR SEC VISIT DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz with Filipino professionals discussing issues and concerns on certification and recognition, as well as matching of skills and qualifications of Filipino professionals in British Columbia.

In the photos are SecLab Baldoz, POEA Deputy Administrator Amuerfina Reyes, POLO Labor Attache Jaime Gimenez, and Filipino engineers, accountants, healthcare and social service providers in BC. Induction by Deputy Consul General Anton Mandap of the new set of BiBak BC officers for 2015 to 2017.

Via Fearnly gives her Opening Remarks.

BIBAK BC Deputy Consul General Anthony Mandap with newly-installed Bibak BC President James Baldo during the organization’s 24th year anniversary and induction of officers at St. Patrick’s Gymnasium in Vancouver.

TECSON COLLECTION Special guests during the event were members of the diplomatic corps.

Speakers include Consul General Neil Ferrer, Prof. Aprodicio Laquian, and Vancouver Deputy Mayor Andrea Reimer.

Above: Dr. Tecson (centre) poses with some event coordinators (from L) Mel Tobias, Ding Cunanan and wife, Marilyn, and Esmie Gayo McLaren.

Dr. Tecson and his family during the celebration of the Miguel and Julia Tecson Collection at the UBC MOA.

Right: The Rosario Strings provided musical entertainment.

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Seen and Scenes

MAY 29, 2015

A WEEKEND GETAWAY AT BALESIN ISLAND CLUB Balesin Island Club is a sprawling 500-ha. property near Polillo Island in Quezon Province boasting over seven kms. of pristine white sand beaches and specially designed villas inspired by other world renowned destinations such as Bali, Costa del Sol, Mykonos, Phuket, St. Tropez, and Toscana.

Various indoor and outdoor activities are also available in this exclusive island resort, as well as a luxurious spa that will make your stay truly a worldclass experience. A weekend is not enough to explore all Balesin has to offer.

Right: Laarni Liwanag-de Paula of PCI with famous singer/songwriter Jose Mari Chan. Jose Mari Chan is having a concert in North Vancouver this June.

VICTORIA DAY PARADE The Philippine contingent during the recent Victoria Day Parade in Victoria, B.C.

For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net. www.canadianinquirer.net

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Flats with... ❰❰ 35

days there are very beautifully crafted flat shoes that can be appropriate for formal occasions.

Do I cheat and bring flats?

Yes. Especially when I travel. I have covered New York Fashion Week in Prada heels, but I had ballet flats in my purse to wear between shows. But this was before street-style photography became a big genre. I have already hosted a live show/ launch wearing flats. But these are beautifully handcrafted French shoes. I don’t think the height of heels should matter.

Women are smarter than that.

your posture.

for it, and flats for all others that don’t require high heels.

through the night in the highest pair there is.

Ingrid Chua TV presenter and blogger, thebaghagdiaries.com For formal wear, assuming the gown grazes the floor, I see absolutely nothing wrong with wearing flats. It won’t look “off.” That’s actually the best way of doing formal wear “comfortably.”

Personally, though, I don’t wear flats with gowns because I want to have better posture and heels make me straighten my back more.

I think with heels, the gown is showcased better because of

Criscy Camacho Senior marketing manager, Sheena Dy Charmagne Garcia-LacoMary Kay Phils.

Brand manager, Kiehl’s nico I’m a big believer in following Flats are a no-no with formal Image consultant and editor dress codes. As long as the invi- wear. Heels have magic! They at large/senior beauty editor, tation doesn’t specifically men- make you feel and walk sexier. Metro Magazine tion the type of shoes or height But yes, I also cheat... My attiSocial etiquette dictates that of heels you need to wear, then tude toward shoes has changed. heels are and (still) should be there shouldn’t be a problem I used to wear comfortable considered the most approwearing flats. I cheat all the shoes; now I consider fashion. priate footwear for formal octime. My work casions. As a always requires woman, I like the me to be in way heels make closed toes and me feel taller; high heels. But I am all for freedom of choice, but it sort of forces I always end up when it comes to dress codes and me to be at my either running “propriety,” when it is formal, you best posture alaround or doing should not leave room for a gray ways (or else I’d jobs backstage, area—in this case, the trend of fall, slip, etc.). It so you’ll always wearing flats. makes my legs find a pair of flats look slender and in my bag. altogether sexy, The grandest too. I made the time I cheated was wearing flat Apples Aberin mistake of wearing flats when I sandals on my wedding day and Head of public relations, Uni- went backstage at the Dior show flip-flops during the reception. lever Phils. in Paris Fashion Week once, and (I took the opportunity to do so I think flats can be worn for I remember feeling smaller (litbecause it was, after all, a beach formal occasions, as long as they erally) and less confident. I felt wedding.) are dressy enough. I can imagine a little awkward, although my My attitude toward height of a beaded pair worn with a balle- shoes were dressy (and Valenheels has remained the same rina-like skirt, or patent slip-ons tino at that). I still felt underover the years: high heels for with a tuxedo dress or jacket. dressed and my afterthought formal occasions and business Personally, I like wearing heels, was, “I should have worn heels!” meetings or when the need calls though, and will gladly suffer I am all for freedom of choice,

but when it comes to dress codes and “propriety,” when it is formal, you should not leave room for a gray area—in this case, the trend of wearing flats.

Liz Uy Celebrity stylist, fashion editor and brand endorser I think [the Cannes organizers] are overreacting slightly. I understand that there are rules but it’s not like the celebrities are inappropriately dressed. Some can look comfortably chic, especially Europeans who are generally tall and slender. Sofia Coppola is always red-carpet chic in flats. I think, ultimately, if that is their personality and they can pull it off, then why not?

I don’t cheat; when I wear heels then it’s that. I wear flats/ sneakers when I’m working/ shooting and even when I go out. Depends on what I feel looks good with the rest of my outfit—if it’s flats, then why shouldn’t I wear them?

[My attitude toward shoes] has changed a lot. It doesn’t mean I stopped caring, it just means that I’m more comfortable with myself and maybe my style has evolved past only wearing certain items. ■

Japan-Canada trade... down two proposals

by Canada to host an eighth round of talks in early 2015 and would prefer to see that happen after the next Trans-Pacific ministerial meeting.

“Chief negotiators met in Tokyo April 9-10 to discuss a way forward, but Japan remains unwilling to agree to a date for the next round without more ❰❰ 37

clarity on the TPP timeline and outcomes.”

Liberal MP Geoff Regan tried to pin Fast down on a date for the resumption of the talks during the minister’s committee appearance.

“We’re just in the process of trying to nail down exactly where that round will take place,” Fast said after Regan pressed him.

PA-GMAI-GPTV-KBTAM-Philippine Canadian Inquirer.indd 1

Harper has positioned his government as ardent free traders and has made the deepening of trade and investment in Asia a key economic priority.

He will likely cross paths with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the G7 summit in Germany next month.

The Conservatives see Asia as a fertile market for Canadian energy products, especially

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since Keystone XL pipeline project, which would carry Alberta bitumen across the United States to Gulf coast refineries, has been stalled.

In addition to finding new customers for energy products, the government has been trying to increase trade with big players like China and India, as well as trying to break into regional groups such as the 10-country

Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, which includes the Philippines, Vietnam and resource-rich Myanmar.

Last year’s pact with South Korea hardly happened overnight. It took more than decade of on-again, off-again negotiation. It is expected to increase Canadian exports by 32 per cent and pump $1.7 billion into the Canadian economy. ■

2015-04-27 1:48 PM

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