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JUNE 12, 2015

VOL. 6 NO. 171

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Boracay corals damaged by 70 percent, says study

Filipina burned to death in Malaysia

Binay considers Estrada as running mate

South Korean MERS outbreak response

Apple expected to take aim at Spotify with new service

Aquino to politicians: Why are you overreacting? BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

CELEBRATE Two days before the celebration of the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12, 2015, this vendor tries to sell his remaining stock of different sizes of Philippine flags near the corner of Green Meadows and Ortigas Ave. in Quezon City on Wednesday. JESS M. ESCAROS JR. / PNA

Mindanao gets additional P54-M from Canada to aid displaced people PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Canada announced on Tuesday that it is providing an additional Cad

$ 1,500,000 or about PHP54 million in humanitarian assistance funding for people displaced and affected by conflict

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❱❱ PAGE 23 ❱❱ PAGE 9 Mindanao gets

MANILA — With the national elections nearing and rivalry issues arising, President Benigno Aquino III suggested debates rather than overreactions on the rift between Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Grace Poe. “Why are you so overreacting? Why do all of you need to overreact? Can we not help them change the system to something better and bring the debate to a more intelligent and studied level?,” Aquino said in a press conference in Japan, adding that what was happening was like a ‘black propaganda.’ The exchange of arguments started when United Nationalist Alliance

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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS Every week, the Philippine Canadian Inquirer celebrates the unwavering Filipino spirit through a feature called “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.” The feature recognizes the achievements of Filipinos living in Canada who have shown concern for the community, success in spite of trials, and the uniquely Pinoy practice of “bayanihan.” This year, we are welcoming nominations for the next subject of “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”

MECHANICS: - All nominees must have (a) Filipino heritage/ancestry - All nominees must be residing in Canada at the time of nomination - Nominees from all industries are welcome (e.g. medical/health, politics, community service, business, entertainment, charity institutions, etc.) - Who can nominate? Anybody.

Fill up the nomination form online by scanning the code with your smartphone or by visiting InFocus.canadianinquirer.net.

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FRIDAY

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

P-Noy: BBL on track for passage this month BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer

ter Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, left 67 dead, including 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force. “In the peace process, our House of Representatives—where the current law on the Bangsamoro is being tackled— promised us even before the incident in Mamasapano that they expected to pass the measure by June. And they are on schedule,” said Mr. Aquino, responding

this particular measure,” he said. He said he was prodding Congress to pass the law the soonest it could. “I am pushing both the Lower and the Upper Houses of our legislature to pass the law as soon as possible, because this has to be ratified in a plebiscite by our people, and to maximize the effects of the new governance prior to our elections next year,” Mr. Aquino said.

TOKYO — The Philippines is on track in its bid to pass within the month the bill that would prompt the establishment of the Bangsamoro juridical entity, President Aquino said yesterday. In an interaction with Japanese journalists before flying back to Manila, Mr. Aquino said the House of ReprePeace process ‘bump’ sentatives was “on The President said schedule” in its delibthe Mamasapano inerations on the draft cident and its afterlaw, which would He said the bill was progressing at the math “hasn’t stopped set in motion the legislature despite debates spurred by doubts the [peace] process.” implementation of on the sincerity of the MILF as a peace partner “The incident was the Comprehensive following the bloodbath in Mamasapano, a bump. It was tragic. Agreement on the Maguindanao province. But it hasn’t stopped Bangsamoro that the the process because, government and the at the end of the day, Moro Islamic Liberaall of us want peace in tion Front (MILF) Mindanao,” said Mr. signed last year. to a question during an open forum with Aquino. He said the bill was progressing at the the Japan National Press Club yesterday He expressed optimism that the legislature despite debates spurred by morning. law would lead to a peaceful regime doubts on the sincerity of the MILF as “They are now actually engaged in in the Bangsamoro, hoping that this a peace partner following the bloodbath plenary debates. The Senate will follow would “shun away those who are esin Mamasapano, Maguindanao prov- suit… As far as I’m concerned, and as far pousing secession or rebellion or ince. as our people are concerned, we still are brigandry.” The Jan. 25 clash, which involved po- experiencing what was promised by our Japan has been a staunch and conlice operatives, the MILF and its splin- legislature as far as their ability to pass sistent supporter of efforts to bring

Jinggoy on his bail plea: It’s time for a resolution BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — After a year of being indicted for plunder, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said it’s about time for the Sandiganbayan to decide on his petition for bail. He then called on the Office of the Ombudsman to finish their presentation of evidence to allow the court to decide on his case. “I am hoping that the prosecution would wrap its case sooner than later and finally allow the court to decide on the case,” he said. “One long year has passed and the prosecutors have neither presented nor proven strong evidence of guilt against me. I think that is enough time for them to argue their case and I believe they failed to substantiate their theory against me,” Estrada said. Estrada also criticized the prosecution’s presentation adding that it should have been presented in sum-

mary. “All they had presented before the court are hearsay testimony and speculation from the so-called whistleblowers which do not have probative value,” Estrada said. “The hearing on the bail petition took too long. Even the presiding justice once remarked in open court that by this time, the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses would already be corroborative in nature and therefore redundant and unnecessary,” he added. He also said that they have not presented valuable evidence to the allgeations that he received money from co-accused businesswoman Janet LimNapoles. “Their key witnesses have unequivocally declared in the course of the proceedings that they have no personal knowledge that I allegedly received money from Mrs. Napoles and from my PDAF allocation, ultimately because such did not ever happen and there is absolutely no shred of truth to their allegations,” he said. ■

peace to Mindanao, backing the efforts through maintaining its presence in the International Contact Group (ICG) and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) watching over the process. In the joint declaration that Mr. Aquino signed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to support the peace process, particularly through initiating the second phase of its grass roots development program in the region. In the action plan annexed to the declaration, the Japanese side said it will “focus on ensuring the strengthening of the Bangsamoro” through a new phase of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (JBird). J-Bird 2 would build on the gains of the first phase of J-Bird, a grant aid program that has funneled some P300 million into community projects covering education, health, social welfare, agriculture, microcredit, disaster response, livelihood training and capacity-building across Mindanao communities since 2006. Under the strengthened strategic partnership between the two sides, Japan also promised to continue sending experts to the IMT and the ICG. ■

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PH to submit 300-yearold map to UN BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

The map which measures 1,120 by 1200 mm was acquired by businessman Mel Velarde in an auction at Sotheby’s in London. MANILA — The government will subThe catalog of the said map carries mit an almost 300-year-old map to the Carlos Quirino’s description which says: United Nations Tribunal on the Law of “Murillo Velarde’s map of the Philipthe Sea in The Hague pines is a landmark this week. in the depiction of The move is to back the islands, and the the country’s claims first scientific map of in the disputed Scarthe Philippines. It is borough Shoal being The move is flanked by two pasta part of the Philipto back the ed-on side-panels pine territory. country’s claims with twelve engravIn a VERA Files in the disputed ings, eight depictreport authored by Scarborough ing native costumed Ellen Tordesillas, the Shoal being figures, a map of said map published a part of the Guajam (Guam) and by Jesuit priest PePhilippine three city or harbour dro Murillo Velarde territory. maps, notably Main 1734 indicates nila.” that the Scarbarough Velarde will be preshoal, then known as senting the first and “Panacot” is within certified true copy of the Philippine territhe map to President tory. Aquino on the anniversary of the PhilipIt therefore contradicts China’s nine- pine Independence in June 12. ■ dash-line which the country has been using to argue its claim in the disputed Reports from Ellen T. Tordesillas, Vera territories. Files

Boracay, Philippines.

Boracay corals damaged by 70 percent, says study BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

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ACCORDING TO the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (Jica), the coral reef ecosystem in Boracay beaches has been steadily degrading over the past twenty years. From 1988 to 2011, the coral cover in the island has declined by 70.5 percent. And when tourism arrivals went up by 38.4 percent from 2008 to 2011, the study was able to record the highest decrease. The researchers blamed the damage to the overwhelming tourism-related activities such as unmonitored snorkeling and diving within the area. “We hope that LGUs (local government units) and policy makers will be able to use scientific and technological knowledge to address critical environment issues affecting the study’s pilot sites,” Jica senior representative Takahiro Morita said. “Tourism is an important economic driver in the Philippines. By protecting marine resources, we are also helping sustain the tourism industry, and jobs creation in the country,” Morita added. Aside from the damaged corals, the water-quality level in the eastern part of Boracay has also been alarming, making

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it ‘unsafe’ for swimming and other related activities. The discharge of untreated waste water near the shore contributed to the continuous damage of corals. University of the Philippines (UP) scientist Ariel Blanco, who contributed to the study, urged government officials to take immediate action on the matter before it worsens. He believed that the island’s rich ecosystem should not be neglected for economic attainments. “It’s very crucial that the sustainability of Boracay’s environment will not be exchanged for short-term economic gains… We hope to continue working with planners and policy makers in the island through knowledge sharing that will help conserve the coastal environment,” Blanko said. Even Boracay’s white shoreline has been deteriorating as the corals used to protect the beach from soil erosion by lessening the impact of strong waves. “Jica shares the collective vision of stakeholders in Boracay to promote a more sustainable tourism development in the island,” Morita said, adding that the organization aimed to address global issues through international research. In the past decade, Boracay has been considered as a world-famous tourist destination. The island’s ecosystem, however, has been threatened by the continuous commercial development. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Taiwan denies standoff at sea off Batanes BY NIÑA P. CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer

for a bilateral fisheries agreement between Taiwan and the Philippines.

TAIWAN DENIED reports of a standoff between its coast guard and that of the Philippines, saying the apprehension of a Taiwanese vessel by the Philippine side occurred in disputed waters and was settled by the two sides amicably. “The incident happened in the disputed waters of the overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs) [of ] Taiwan and the Philippines, not inside the Philippine territorial waters,” the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Teco) said in a statement. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Armand Balilo was reported to have said the May 25 incident occurred when the Taiwanese fishing boat was apprehended 12 nautical miles northeast of Batanes. Taiwan said the incident occurred 21.6 nautical miles from Batanes. Teco said that, according to international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the

Shooting incident

SHUTTERSTOCK

Sea, the boat was apprehended in an area where it was lawful for Taiwanese vessels to fish. ‘Language barriers’

“It is not in conformity with the international law for the Philippine agencies to arrest or detain the fishing vessels in the EEZs. Therefore, the Taiwanese Coast Guard is entitled

to exercise its rights and ... protect Taiwanese fishing vessels,” Teco said. Results of an investigation by the Taiwanese authorities and a video footage showed that the coast guard officers of the two sides were “friendly and amicable with one another,” Teco said. “No Taiwanese personnel

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ever threatened to shoot the Filipinos,” Teco said. “Actually, they greeted each other in a friendly atmosphere. The allegation was simply attributable to mutual language barriers and miscommunication.” Taiwan, through Teco, supported the Department of Foreign Affairs’ position that the incident highlighted the need

The Philippine and Taiwanese governments have been working on an agreement since a 2013 shooting incident which resulted in the death of a Taiwanese fisherman. Results of the investigation showed the Philippine Coast Guard fired at a Taiwanese fishing vessel to defend themselves. The incident sparked outrage in Taiwan. “Teco appeals to the Philippine government to take concrete actions to expedite the conclusion of [an] agreement, restrain from apprehending Taiwanese fishing vessels in the disputed waters of the overlapping EEZs ... [and] work together with Taiwan to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents,” Teco said. Taiwan authorities said a fisheries agreement would provide a mechanism through which both sides can discuss disputes “in a peaceful manner.” ■

Philippine News

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Escudero remains an independent BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — With Liberal Party’s (LP) political plans excluding Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the senator only downplayed the issue as he was never a member of the party and he never intended to join either. “I am not a member of the Liberal Party. I’m not covered by their plans and agreements,” Escudero said in an interview. “[Also], I’m not applying to any party.” Escudero was formerly a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) but opted and remained an independent as he believed that the masses was the party he had to serve for. With the national elections nearing, LP had started to plan its ‘18 years of prosperity and development,’ beginning with the reign of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and hopefully continuing with Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas in 2016 and Senator Grace Poe in 2022. Speculations stated that the reason LP’s doors where closed to Escudero was because they blamed him for the loss of Roxas, their 2010 vice presidential bid.

Sen. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero.

CHIZ ESCUDERO'S FACEBOOK PAGE

It can be recalled that Escudero, who had strong voter support in 2010, blatantly endorsed Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay. Although he was a supporter of Aquino, the senator junked Roxas and voted for Binay. To this, Escudero clarified that he was entitled to one vote only and that

the winner achieved victory because he worked hard and gained the people’s trust and support. “It is the people who elected the winner. It is also the people who brought down the loser… No one should blame anybody’s electoral loss on just one man,” he said.

Escudero also claimed that the loser got defeated because he might have had shortcomings. “It’s better to look in the mirror than blame your loss on other people,” he said. Escudero has not yet announced his interest in seeking higher office next year. But if he will indeed run, he said that it would be for the vice presidential post. With LP eyeing Roxas for the 2016 presidential race, they are considering Poe as his running mate. The political party will then support Poe for the 2022 presidential race. Prior LP considering Poe as their vice presidential candidate, the neophyte senator admitted that she would be comfortable running alongside Escudero whom she noted to be a good friend and politician. Meanwhile, NPC has no presidential or vice presidential bid in the coming national elections but may express support to candidates for the posts, depending on who will be running. “We are not inclined to field one of our own, but will probably support one depending on who will be running,” NPC member Senator Vicente “Tito” Soto III said. ■

Meralco sees lower power rates BY RIZA T. OLCHONDRA Philippine Daily Inquirer

Meralco is still finalizing the computations. “We can confirm that charges from the WESM did go up. However, there is THE MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) a strong possibility that reductions in may reflect a slight reduction in power IPP and PSA rates can more than offset rates this month, the WESM increase,” with lower generaMeralco assistant tion charges from vice president and supply contracts. head of utility ecoMeralco spokesnomics Lawrence person Joe ZaldarHowever, there Fernandez said. riaga told the INis a strong He said the imQUIRER via text possibility that proved fuel use and message that there reductions in IPP dispatch of “certain were upward adjustand PSA rates plants” made way ments in charges can more than for lower generation from the Wholesale offset the WESM charges from IPPs Electricity Spot Marincrease. and PSA partners. ket (WESM) in the “Preliminary estisupply month. mates point to a po“There is, howtential reduction of ever, a strong pos15 to 20 centavos per sibility that reductions in the rates of kilowatt hour. We will know for certain the independent power producers, or when we announce the final generation IPPs, and rates from our power sup- charge on Monday,” Fernandez said. ply agreements, or PSAs, may offset the There were concerns earlier this week WESM upward adjustment. We expect that power rates for June may increase to announce the final rates on Monday,” due to short-term increases in the Zaldarriaga said. WESM. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Duterte’s supporters raise funds for his presidential campaign BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer DAVAO CITY Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte’s FilipinoAmerican supporters based in the United States of America are all out in urging him to run for president in next year’s national elections as they had already started raising funds for his presidential campaign. The Filipino-American supporters in the USA launched the “dollar for the presidency” campaign to give financial backing to Duterte should he finally decide to join the presidential race. The movement was inspired by the Moro community and religious leaders in the Philippines who previously launched “piso para sa president” (a peso for the president). For the USA campaign, Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s publicist and sportswriter Winchell Campos served as the coordinator. “Many Filipinos in the US believe that the style of leadership and incorruptibility of Rody Duterte is what our country needs to bring back the days of glory,” Campos said. Moreover, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) believed that Duterte’s leadership would bring more opportunities to the Philippines. “We hope that under his presidency, all bright and talented Filipinos now working overseas would be given the

Davao City Mayo Rodrigo Duterte.

opportunity to come home and help rebuild the Philippines,” Campos added. Duterte’s supporters had already started approaching Filipino communities in the USA. “From California, we will move to other states with huge Filipino communities and get them to support Duterte not only with modest financial contributions but also to ask relatives back home in the Philippines to join the crusade for a better country,” Campos said. Aside from California, the movement is also being done in New York City. Duterte, on the other hand, has been going around the Philippines for his ‘listening tours’ and his campaign for federalism. The gatherings, however, always ended up with the public urging him to run in the coming elections. But until now, Duterte denied seeking higher office next year with plans of even retiring after his mayoral term. Despite Duterte’s denials, his television and radio advertisements were believed to be for his political campaign and strengthened the public’s speculations. But then again, Duterte dismissed the supposed political campaigns and reiterated that he did not covet the presidency. In the latest presidential preferences survey, Duterte ranked third, tying up with Manila City Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada and following Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay and Senator Grace Poe. ■

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Picking a candidate: LP praying for guidance BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO AND NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer THE LIBERAL Party (LP) is “praying for guidance” as President Aquino prepares to announce his chosen candidate for Malacañang in next year’s general elections, Senate President Franklin Drilon said yesterday. Mr. Aquino will announce the administration’s presidential candidate after he delivers his last address to a joint session of Congress on July 27. Speaking at the regular Senate forum, Drilon said the President would announce the administration’s presidential candidate possibly between July 28 and 31. Drilon said, however, that he had no idea who the President would endorse to voters. “Let us just wait for the anointment of the President, whoever he will be anointing,” Drilon said. The ruling Liberal Party is pushing for Interior Secretary Mar Roxas but the grandson of former President Manuel Roxas is doing poorly in the polls, in which the clear frontrunner is Vice President Jejomar Binay. ‘Can he win?’

On Wednesday, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, an LP stalwart, told an economic journalists’ forum that Roxas was the man who could lead the country after President Aquino, but said the question about him was, “Can he win?” Yesterday, however, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda tried to clarify Abad’s statement. He said Abad asked the journalist he was talking to whether he believed Roxas was “competent, untainted with corruption over his long years of service and an experienced public servant.” “If you believe all these qualities, he’s got honesty, he’s got integrity, he’s got experience then let’s make him win,” Lacierda quoted Abad as saying. Roxas, who gave way to Mr. Aquino in 2010, remains quiet about his political plan, alwww.canadianinquirer.net

President Benigno S. Aquino III is shown with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon, before delivering his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on July 28. BENHUR ARCAYAN / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

though his mother, Judy Araneta-Roxas, has begun stumping for support for him in Negros Occidental province, home to the once politically-influential sugar bloc. A rival for President Aquino’s endorsement is Sen. Grace Poe, an independent who topped the 2013 senatorial election and is running second to Binay in the presidential polls. Already, Poe has earned praise from Mr. Aquino, who has said she has the ability to pursue the reforms introduced by his administration. Mr. Aquino has also said, however, that Roxas remains at the top of the administration’s list of possible candidates. LP convention

Asked what the LP was doing leading up to Mr. Aquino’s announcement of his chosen candidate, Drilon said: “Pray, pray for guidance.” But the LP is also busy organizing the grass roots to strengthen the party, he said. Drilon said he would not discount the possibility that the LP would hold a convention before the presidential announcement. He added, however, that the party had not called a convention. When asked whether Roxas was qualified for the presidential endorsement, Drilon said the interior secretary could “present himself as the most

qualified candidate” but that he did not need spokespersons to say so. Drilon also shrugged off Roxas’ poor showing in the polls, saying the survey results were just “opinions at a certain period.” He said he believed President Aquino’s endorsement would win votes for his chosen candidate. Cabinet supports Roxas

In Malacañang, Lacierda said most Cabinet members would support Roxas should he decide to run for President. “President Aquino has spoken and said that [Roxas] is [at] the top of his list. You also know that the Liberal Party is for Secretary Mar Roxas. A lot of us in the Cabinet have him [at] the top of our list[s] because of our experience working with him,” Lacierda said. Roxas is running behind Poe in the polls, but Lacierda and his other supporters say this is because he has not said that he will run for President. Lacierda stressed that Roxas had never been involved in any irregularity in the government. “There’s not been a whiff of corruption in his long years of service. And so we need honesty, we need a man with honesty and integrity and experience. And we have seen the work of ‘daang matuwid,’” he said, referring to President Aquino’s good government program. ■

Philippine News

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

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Photo taken during President Benigno Aquino III's departure ceremony at NAIA Terminal II in Pasay City, May 6, 2015 MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

‘Cha-cha will beget another dictator’ BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer

The murder of Senator Aquino galvanized support for the peaceful revolution that swept President Aquino’s mother, Corazon Aquino, to power.

leader. He did not name his chosen candidate, but said he would announce who it was after his final address to a joint session TOKYO — President Aquino on Friday of Congress in July. dismissed anew proposals to amend the No to amendment Mr. Aquino gave the assurance that Constitution to extend his term, warnIt was under Cory Aquino’s presiden- the friendship between the Philippines ing that such a move could lead to the cy that the current Constitution was ad- and Japan would always remain. installation of another dictator in the opted, and she resisted all efforts by her The President did not give a direct anPhilippines. allies to amend the Charter to extend swer when asked about the unpopular“My answer to those who are espous- her six-year term. ity with voters of the ruling Liberal Paring an extension of terms is, we will Like her, Mr. Aquino has rejected his ty’s prospective presidential candidate, undoubtedly have benefits for having allies’ suggestions to amend the Consti- Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. a government that will not have to re- tution to enable him to extend his term Instead, Mr. Aquino said: “I don’t learn how to govern, think our people will but at the same time [make a] foolhardy we open the doors [choice and elect to somebody who someone who] will might emulate [forI think that is a very serious risk that our country, suddenly throw away mer President Feror my country, has to avoid. So I ask that we not all of these very good dinand] Marcos and consider reopening the Constitution for term economic partnerdecide [to stay in limits. ships that we have office] forever,” the with Japan.” President said in a discussion of PhilipLast appointment pine domestic issues The President’s with Japanese journalists. and pursue his administration’s reform stop at the Japan National Press Club Marcos was elected to a four-year program. was his last appointment during his term in 1965. He won reelection in 1969 “I think that is a very serious risk that state visit. then declared martial law in 1972 to our country, or my country, has to avoid. Before meeting Japanese journalists, avoid leaving office in 1973 and went So I ask that we not consider reopening Mr. Aquino received Emperor Akihito on to rule the Philippines until he was the Constitution for term limits,” Mr. and Empress Michiko for a farewell call toppled from power in the People Power Aquino said. at the Imperial Hotel, his residence in Revolution in 1986. During his four-day state visit to Ja- Tokyo. It was under martial law that Mr. pan, Mr. Aquino was asked several times The President and his entourage flew Aquino’s father, Sen. Benigno S. Aquino who he thought would be best to suc- back to Manila on a chartered PhilipJr., the leader of the opposition to Mar- ceed him, and how the Philippines could pine Airlines plane at 2:50 p.m. (Japan cos, was assassinated as he returned guarantee that the gains of his adminis- time) Friday. from exile in the United States. tration could be sustained under a new He arrived in Manila at 5:49 p.m. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

CBCP president urges voters to end dynasties and reject corruption BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Archbishop Socrates Villegas urged Filipino voters to cast their votes wisely. He also reminded them to end ‘political dynasties’ and reject ‘the notoriously corrupt’ in the coming national elections. “A person who aspires for high office but who, because of inexperience, will be totally dependent on advisers is not the best possible candidate for national positions,” Archbishop Villegas said in a statement of the church’s voters education campaign. “The exercise of the right of

suffrage is not only a political right, it is also a moral obligation… While politicians plan and strategize, and, this early, find ways of circumventing the law against premature campaigning, the Church cannot be remiss in its obligation of forming the consciences of Catholic and Christian voters,” he added. Archbishop Villegas continued. “Do not vote for family members running for the same positions as family members before them to perpetrate the family’s hold on public office,” he said, reminding voters yet again to choose candidates who are ‘capable of leading and serving with probity, high above suspicion, and with skill, competence and wisdom that comes

from abiding faith.’ “There is no monopoly on ability for government, and truly no one in government is indispensable… Vote, not because you have been paid, or promised bounty, not because you or your relatives have been promised employment or privilege but because you trust a person to lead the community and to lead the country,” he added. Archbishop Villegas, however, did not specify the names of the possible candidates he was referring to in his letter. But he was firm on reminding voters not to ‘readily jump on the bandwagon of condemnation in the absence of incontrovertible evidence.’ Lastly, the archbishop asked the public not to sell their votes.

Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas.

“Just as the discerning voter will not be easily won over by all the flattery in favor of one candidate, neither should a voter

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allow ‘demolition jobs’ to dissuade him from choosing a person who is truly fit for office,” he concluded. ■

Fil-Am teen commits suicide days after shamed by father

Purisima will be ‘back on duty’

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

A FEW days after being shamed by father on social media, Filipino-American Izabel Laxamana killed herself by jumping off a bridge in Tacoma, Washington on May 29 at 5pm. Laxamana’s father cut off her long black hair as a punishment for ‘getting messed up.’ Her father then taped the incident and shared it online. The 13-year-old girl was unable to cope with the humiliation. While passing at the South 48th Street overpass bridge in Tacoma on board her grandmother’s car, she exited the vehicle, climbed over the railing and jumped into Interstate 5 freeway below. Despite being taken to a nearby Seattle hospital, she died the next day after succumbing to her injuries. Despite Laxamana’s death being declared as a suicide, several online commentators wanted her father held responsible for the death. The police, however, stated that there was no evidence that he committed a crime. Upon hearing the said news,

Filipino-American Izabel Laxamana with her long black hair before the shaming video TWITTER

the teenager’s friends at Giaudrone Middle School expressed their shock and grief in social media. Still in pain, Laxamana’s mother requested for privacy as their family mourns for her death. The troubled teenager left letters to her family before she committed suicide. Officer Loretta Cool, a spokeswoman for the Tacoma Police Department believed that Laxamana had other rea-

sons for committing suicide aside from the shaming video. “Izabel was a 13-year-old who made a couple of bad decisions and then made one really bad one… This was her way of apologising to everyone,” she said. “Kids don’t realize the permanence of suicide… They play video games and the next day everything’s all right. But with this, they don’t know how many people are going to be affected,” she added. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Explosives Office have been suspended over the shady deal with a courier service firm in 2011. MANILA — Resigned chief of They were suspended for the Philippine National Police, their alleged involvement in Director General Alan Purisi- the anomalous gun license dema, will be back on his regular livery deal with Werfast Docuduty as his preventive suspen- mentary Agency. sion order exThe other ofpires today, June ficers were CSG 4. head Police DiPurisima was rector Gil Mensuspended, Deeses and FEO cember last year, They were officials Chief following the suspended for Superintendents corruption altheir alleged Raul Petrasanta legations raised involvement in and Napoleon against him. the anomalous Estilles, Senior He will be gun license Superintendents “back to duty,” delivery deal Allan Parreno, according to with Werfast Eduardo Acierto Deputy Director Documentary and Melchor General LeonAgency. Reyes; Superinardo Espina on tendent Lenbell Wednesday. Fabia, Chief InEspina said spectors Sonia that Purisima Calixto, Nelson will be under Bautista and Rithe Personnel Holding and Ad- cardo Zapata. ministrative Unit, following his Espina, meanwhile, said that resignation as the PNP chief in the PNP’s Senior Officer PlaceMarch. ment Board has yet to deliberPurisima and eight other po- ate if the eight other officers lice officers of the PNP Civil Se- will be reinstated to their recurity Group and Firearms and spective posts. ■

Philippine News

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Binay says he, too, was adopted BY NIÑA P. CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer HE, TOO, was an adopted child. Vice President Jejomar Binay made this disclosure yesterday in a seeming attempt to steal the thunder from Sen. Grace Poe, whose story of having been given up for adoption as a child has drawn public sympathy. The attacks against Poe’s being a foundling and her failure to meet the 10-year residency requirement in the country to be able to run for President backfired on Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) interim president, who had earlier raised the issues. He issued an apology afterwards. In an interview with reporters during his visit to Biliran province, Binay denied he had a hand in the issues raised by Tiangco. “I, Jojo Binay, would mock her? That’s not a trait of Jojo Binay. I was also adopted by my uncle,” Binay said. He went on to say that growing up, Poe was more fortunate than him as he experienced a more difficult life as a child.

“She was better off. She had a good life after she was adopted. After I was adopted, I was tasked to go to the market to collect slop (kaning baboy),” he said. According to a published biography about Binay, the Vice President was orphaned at the age of 9. His uncle Ponciano took him under his care in Makati City. Among Binay’s tasks at his uncle’s household were to collect slop for his uncle’s piggery, clean the front yard in the morning and look after his uncle’s fighting cocks. “That was why Jojo Binay would never taunt those who were oppressed,” Binay said. The Vice President, who has been facing a string of allegations of corruption when he was mayor of Makati City, insisted that he had warned Tiangco to back off from the issue of Poe’s residency. “I told Toby, ‘Don’t make an issue about that. You know her father was a friend. She is also a friend,’” Binay said, recounting his conversation with Tiangco. On Tuesday, Tiangco told reporters that Poe does not meet the 10-year-residency rule for those running for President and Vice President. Showing the certificate of candidacy that Poe filed

Vice President Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay.

in 2010, Tiangco said she is six months short of the requirement. Poe, who has been closely trailing Binay in recent surveys, denied Tiangco’s claims, saying she has been living in the country since 2005. Pressed for his camp’s next move, Binay said he had nothing to do with the information on Poe that has been made public. UNA interim secretary general JV Bautista, however, questioned Poe’s be-

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ing a foundling, saying “a foundling by definition is stateless.” Poe was abandoned in a church in Jaro, Iloilo province, before she was adopted by late movie actor Fernando Poe Jr. and actress Susan Roces. A parish priest was said to have named her Grace, believing that she was a grace from God. Asked if he would raise the issues against Poe should she decide to run for President, Binay said: “It is already out there. Let’s see what will happen.” ■

Binay considers Estrada as running mate BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay’s political group, had already started looking for his possible running mate for next year’s elections. “We have a search committee na talagang naghahanap ng magiging katambal ko,” Binay said in a radio interview. (We have a search committee which is thoroughly looking for my running mate.) Among those considered was Manila City Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada. It can be recalled that Binay and Estrada ran in the 2010 elections for vice president and president, respectively. Binay won over to now Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas but Estrada lost to now President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. “Hindi na ho Erap-Binay, Binay-Erap na… Ang tawag doon “BEST”. Alam mo anong “BEST”? Binay-Estrada,” Binay said. (It’s not Erap-Binay anymore; it’s www.canadianinquirer.net

Binay-Erap now. It’s called “BEST.” Do you know what’s “BEST”? Binay-Estrada.) Binay and Erap met last month but have not talked about pairing up for the coming national elections. Although not yet officially declaring their tandem, Binay believed that Estrada would agree to be his running mate. Erap, however, earlier stated that he was undecided between running alongside Binay or Senator Grace Poe, should Poe file candidacy for a presidential bid in next year’s election. To this, Binay was quick to clarify. “Ang sinabi ni President Erap, ‘Pagka siya ay kuwan… ‘Pagka si…’di bale na… Ang talagang sinabi niya kami ay magkakasama sa eleksyon sa 2016,” he said. (What President Erap said was, ‘If he/ she is… If it’s… Never mind’… What he really said was we will be running in the [May] 2016 elections.) Prior Estrada, Binay named Poe as his choice for running mate. Poe, however, declined his offer. Binay also eyed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte, but the mayor dismissed seeking higher post next year. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

‘Let dynasts kill each other off’ BY GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer A LAWMAKER pushing for an antipolitical dynasty bill has offered a way out of any deadlock among family members who failed to agree on who among them should run for elective posts. They should just “kill each other off” to settle their problem. Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro acknowledged that House Bill No. 3857, or the proposed act prohibiting the establishment of political dynasties, did not have all the answers for deciding who among family members should run for public office to comply with the proposed two-per-family limit on political clans. “Under the proposed law, three or more relatives within the prohibited degree—that is second degree by affinity or consanguinity—will be consulted on who should run if there are five or four or three of them planning to run for office,” said Castro, chair of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms. “In case they do not agree among themselves, everybody will be disqualified. The proposed law is effectively telling them ‘if you don’t come to a settlement with each other, nobody will run from your family,’” he said in a forum. He said Congress planned to approve the antipolitical dynasty law before October. Aimed at Binays

In an interview, Castro gave what appeared to be the main reason for Congress to fasttrack the passage of the antipolitical dynasty bill—to prevent what he claimed was a looming possibility of one family controlling Malacañang, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Charter against dynasties

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Castro said he agreed with Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, the bill’s main sponsor, that the country was faced with the possibility of having one family controlling Malacañang, the Senate and the House in the next administration. “There will be no check and balance anymore,” he said. In his sponsorship speech, Erice said that without an antidynasty law, nothing would stop Vice President Jejomar Binay, if he would win the 2016 presidential election, from appointing Sen. Nancy Binay Senate President and anointing the relative who would replace Makati Rep. Abigail Binay (who is in her last term) as Speaker of the House. In an interview, Erice said that ideally, the antidynasty bill should be approved before

the filing of the certificates of candidacy in October so that it would immediately be implemented in the next administration. Emerging consensus

Castro said there was an emerging “consensus” among lawmakers to allow other family members to run in other provinces outside the clan’s political bailiwick. But Castro said that some political rivals could take advantage of the enmity among political clan members by paying off parents or siblings to run for office just to sabotage the chances of their kin. In this case, Castro said the only option was to see who would be the “last man standing” in the family. “Let them be so that if their numbers would

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be reduced after killing each other, the others would be qualified.” Castro said he was assured by Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II that HB 3857 would be voted on for second reading in the plenary before Congress adjourns sine die on June 11. The lawmaker said Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. had assured him that the latter would support the bill despite having several relatives in key elective posts, such as his daughter Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte. This was confirmed in a text message by Belmonte: “I am in favor of the antidynasty law which we hope to pass in the House. It is not directed at any family in particular, but to all who fall within our definition.”

Castro said that while the 1987 Constitution explicitly prohibited political dynasties, Congress had not enacted an implementing law to prevent a few families from cornering the country’s elected posts. A 2011 study by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center found that seven out of every 15 legislators belonged to political dynasties and that they were often voted in poor districts. In a phone interview, Castro said he was also assured by his counterpart, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, that the Senate would fast-track the passage of its version once the House approved the measure. Erice said the bill had become an “easier sell” in the House, where 60 to 70 percent of the members belonged to a political clan, after the bill’s provision on the number of elected positions to be allowed for each family was relaxed from one to two. He said this meant that only 60 members of the 280-strong House would be affected by the bill compared with the 108 members who would be affected if the bill would limit it to one position per family. Overlapping terms

The bill bars relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity to hold or run for both national and local office in successive, simultaneous, or overlapping terms. Those related by blood or marriage cannot run at the same time even if they have no relative as an incumbent elected official. Castro said the prohibition would encompass national, local, barangay and youth elective posts as well as seats for party-list organizations in the House. ■

Philippine News

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Invest in PH now, P-Noy urges Japan businessmen President Aquino exhorts Japanese business leaders to invest in the Philippines during a luncheon they hosted in Tokyo on Thursday. The President is on a four-day state visit to Japan. BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer TOKYO—Facing potential Japanese investors, President Aquino on Thursday said there was no better time to set up shop in the Philippines. In a speech before the Philippine Investment Forum, Aquino encouraged Japanese businessmen to choose the country, citing its improved business climate, strong economy and robust workforce. “There are other paths we can pave toward even greater progress, which is precisely why we are here,” the President told some 1,000 businesspeople who turned up for the forum. “Japanese companies have already made their mark on the Philippine electronics, shipbuilding and automotive industries, among others, to the point where their work and their products are already irreplaceable in the lives of Filipinos. Today, I tell you: there is no better time to set up shop in the country,” he said. Already, Japanese investors account for the biggest chunk of locators in Philippine economic zones at 29.71 percent, Director General Lilia de Lima of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) said in separate remarks. More attractive

“The Philippines as an investment destination is more attractive today than at any other point in our history. We can further deepen, or forge partnerships in which all parties benefit. Our government’s track record speaks for itself, as well as our sustained commitment to moving this forward,” Aquino said. The President noted opportunities in Philippine infrastructure projects, saying the government is seeking more public-private partnerships in transport infrastructure, such as air and sea ports, and power facilities. He said foreign direct investments that reached a record $6.2 billion in 2014 helped sustain Philippine economic growth. The country’s economic growth has

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sign agreement at the joint press briefing held at the Sairan-no-Ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House on Thursday (June 04) during his State Visit in Japan. RYAN LIM / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

averaged 6.3 percent over the last five years, “making us one of the fastestgrowing nations in the world,” Aquino said. “This change has been amplified by Japan’s trust and confidence; allow me to once again express our deep appreciation to Japan for staying the course, for even with the economic difficulties prevalent in many parts of the globe, you have consistently been among the top sources of approved investments into the Philippines,” he said.

necessarily have been familiar with the term at first, we have been practicing our own version of kaizen these past four years and eleven months. Among our goals was for our country to become a strong and competitive player in the global economy,” he said. Inclusive growth

He added that his administration was working to enable every Filipino to take part in growing the economy and to contribute to the success of Japanese businesses and the country.

vices, and the other on infrastructure. The President brought along his delegation of Cabinet officials to the forum, including his top trade and economic officials. Courting Japanese investors made up for much of the President’s mission in his first state visit to Japan, possibly his last trip here before stepping down in 2016. Top companies

Just shortly after his arrival on Tuesday afternoon, he went straight to meetPositive view ings with top JapaIn remarks at the nese businessmen, forum, Hiroyuke getting their commitIshige, chair and CEO ment to further boost of the Japan External their existing investTrade Organization We can further deepen, or forge partnerships in ments in the Philip(Jetro), conveyed his which all parties benefit. Our government’s track pines. group’s positive view record speaks for itself, as well as our sustained Among the firms of the Philippine commitment to moving this forward. that took part in overall development, Thursday’s investsaying the country ment forum were was “overcoming its electronics firms illness.” Brother Industries Ishige called the Ltd., Canon, Inc., FuAquino administration “the most stable “Those of you who have already estab- nai Electric Co. Ltd., NEC and Uzushio … among past Philippine administra- lished a corporate presence in the Phil- Electric Co. Ltd.; medical technology tions.” He said Jetro was planning to ippines can attest to the caliber of the firms Arkray Inc., Biotech Japan Corp., send a trade mission to the Philippines Filipino worker to the fact that kaizen JMS Co., Terumo Corp. and Tokai Medilater this year. seems to be inherent in my countrymen, cal Products; holding firms Mitsubishi In his speech, Aquino said the Phil- and that they will do everything in their UFJ Financial Group, Dole Internationippines had adopted the Japanese phi- power to ensure you succeed,” the Presi- al Holdings, Marubeni Corp., Mitsui & losophy of kaizen, or the aspiration for dent said. Co. Ltd., Mizuho Financial Group, Sojitz “continuous improvement or change for At the forum, businessmen partici- Corp., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. the better.” pated in two cluster meetings: One on and Toyota-Tsusho Corp.; and ship“Though my administration may not equipment, electronics and medical de- building firm Tsuneishi. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Philippine court orders release of 9 Chinese fishermen who were jailed 1 year for poaching BY TERESA CEROJANO The Associated Press

the Nansha island chain, known internationally as the Spratly Islands. The

Spratlys are claimed in whole or part by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malay-

MANILA, PHILIPPINES â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A Philippine court has ordered the release of nine Chinese fishermen who served a year in prison for poaching and taking hundreds of endangered giant sea turtles from a disputed South China Sea shoal, a court staffer said Tuesday. Judge Ambrosio de Luna of the regional trial court in western Palawan province ordered jail officials to release the fishermen to the immigration bureau because all have served their prison sentence of 6 months for each of the two crimes and the prosecution did not object, acting clerk of court Lourdes Dadule said. Dadule said de Luna granted the motion for release filed by the fishermen's lawyer, which is required despite the men serving out their sentence. She said it will be up to the immigration bureau to arrange for the fishermen's deportation. Acting Palawan provincial jail warden Alejo P. Acosta said the men were temporarily still in his custody as of Tuesday because the immigration office in Palawan has no facility to hold them while they wait for the Chinese consul who will accompany them on their flight out of Palawan. The fishermen were arrested in May 6, 2014, at Half Moon Shoal and their boat and catch of 555 endangered sea turtles were seized. The arrests sparked another spat between China and the Philippines in the increasingly volatile South China Sea. In November, de Luna found them guilty of violating the country's fisheries code, ordering them to pay a fine of $100,000 each for poaching in Philippine waters plus 120,000 pesos ($2,666) each for taking wildlife. The fishermen could not pay the fines so instead served a 6-month prison term for each of the two crimes, as provided by law when a convict could not pay the fine imposed. Time spent detained since their arrest was counted. China had pressed the Philippines to release the fishermen and their boat, saying they were taken in Chinese waters. Beijing warned Manila not to take any "provocative actions so as to avoid further damage to bilateral relations." The Philippines says the Chinese were arrested in its exclusive economic zone. The shoal, called Banyue Reef in China, is claimed by Beijing as part of www.canadianinquirer.net

sia, Vietnam and Brunei. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea. â&#x2013;

Philippine News

Mindanao to... in Mindanao. The funding, its embassy in Manila said, will be channeled to international organizations already working in the area to address the humanitarian needs of thousands of internally displaced people or IDPs living in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. “One of the agreements announced when Prime Minister Harper and President Aquino met in Ottawa last month was the commitment of additional funding to help those displaced by conflict in Zamboanga City and other parts of Mindanao,” Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said. The funds, the envoy added, will support the work of Canada’s experienced partners “in meeting priority humanitarian needs, including to enhance the nutritional and emergency food status of displaced people, improve emergency shelters, ❰❰ 1

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Aquino to... support emergency preparedness efforts and protection services and to help restart lost livelihoods." Funding are as follows: International Committee of the Red Cross - Cad $ 750,000 (PHP27 million) International Organization for Migration - Cad $ 250,000 (PHP9 million) Action Against Hunger - Cad $ 500,000 (PHP18 million) “This additional funding demonstrates Canada’s continuing commitment to build on our strong ties with the Philippines,” Reeder said. Since last year, and including this announcement, Canada has allocated a total Cad $ 3.5 million in humanitarian funding to displaced populations in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. Canada designated the Philippines as “a country of focus” for international development efforts in June 2014. ■

President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada after their speech at the Joint Press Conference at Parliament Hill for the Signing Ceremony and Joint Press Conference for his State Visit to Canada. GIL NARTEA / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

(UNA) interim president Toby Tiangco claimed that Poe was not eligible to run for president or vice president as she did not meet the 10-year residency requirement for the said positions. UNA was Binay’s political group. Binay’s daughter, Makati City Representative Abigail Binay later on called for a stop to the ‘heated and emotional’ exchange between their camp and the neophyte senator. Meanwhile, Aquino has been repeatedly asked regarding the possible presidential candidate he would vote for. Although the president had not yet disclosed the name of his successor, he earlier stated that he wanted President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered the keynote speech speech at the someone who would continue Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU the reforms and sustain the gains of his administration. “When will I endorse? I elect a foolhardy replacement ‘overreacting.’ promised our people I was hop- that will suddenly throw away “It’s just right to stop the ing it would be the end of June, all these very good economic bickering. It’s just right to apolbut now it seems that I have to, partnerships that we have with ogize. It’s just right to put the by law, deliver a debate on a highState of the Naer level… Do you tion Address think the resi(SONA), which dents here care is on the last Although the president had not yet what’s happenMonday of July. disclosed the name of his successor, ing in Manila?,” It will be shortly he earlier stated that he wanted Roxas said in an after that that I someone who would continue the interview while will endorse the reforms and sustain the gains of his he was in Sorperson whom I administration. sogon province, believe can carry leading the turnout the continuover of a water ity,” he said. facility. Aquino also stressed that he Japan,” he added. Instead of setting out politiwanted the next president to Interior Secreatary Mar Rox- cal plans, Roxas opted to visit maintain the country’s sound as, member of Aquino’s politi- various provinces to check the relationship with Japan. cal group Liberal Party, agreed completion of local govern“I don’t think our people will with the president’s call to stop ment projects. ■ ❰❰ 1

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY PRIME MINISTER Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on Philippine Independence Day: “Today, I extend my warmest wishes to all those in Canada and around the world who are celebrating the 117th anniversary of the independence of the Philippines. “Since independence, the Philippines has faced challenges, but thanks to its industrious people the

country has emerged today as one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia and a strong promoter of freedom, democracy and justice. “Canadians of Filipino origin now number roughly 700,000 and vibrant Filipino communities can be found in every part of our great country – in small towns and big cities, from coast to coast to coast. Members of the community will be gathering at festive events to mark this day and to celebrate their heritage.

“Indeed, the strong links that our Filipino community maintains with their homeland contributes to the strong and growing friendship that our two countries enjoy today. “This friendship was evident when Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in 2013. Canada was at the forefront of the international relief effort and Canadians gave generously to help the people of the Philippines recover from this catastrophe. “More recently, I was www.canadianinquirer.net

pleased to welcome President Benigno Aquino III to Canada for his three day visit to Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. During the state visit, we launched exploratory discussions towards a free trade agreement and agreed to review with the intent to improve the existing Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. We also announced a number of projects that will continue to help the Philippines recover from Typhoon Haiyan as well

as support for a number of initiatives aimed at improving maritime security, countering terrorism in the Asia-Pacific region, and supporting the Bangsamoro peace process. “I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow in the years to come to the benefit of both our countries. “Once again, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all those celebrating today, Maligayang araw ng kalayaan!”

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

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Metro Manila gets low rank in most livable cities ranking BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — In the latest Quality of Living Rankings, Manila placed 136th among 230 cities included in the list, settling in the lower half portion of the worldwide ranking. In Asia, Singapore ranked highest as it occupied the 26th spot. It was then followed by Tokyo at the 44th spot, Hong Kong at the 70th spot, Seoul at the 72nd spot, Taipei at the 83rd spot, Shanghai at the 101st spot and Beijing at the 118th spot. In Southeast Asia, Singapore was followed by Kuala Lumpur at the 84th spot, Bangkok at the

117th spot, and then Manila. education, transportation, and “Addressing the issues that Occupying the lowest place in residence in its ranking. lower a city’s overall quality of the region was Jakarta at the “In an increasingly dynamic living can provide a sustainable 140th spot. and competitive global envi- competitive advantage,” it conTopping the global ranking ronment, city leaders need a tinued, explaining that their was Vienna, and dominating clear understanding of the spe- rankings were intended to help the top list were international European cities. companies fairly The rankcompensate eming was done by ployees assigned Mercer, an interIn an increasingly dynamic and abroad. national consulcompetitive global environment, city Mercer wanttancy firm subleaders need a clear understanding ed to help expasidiary of Marsh of the specific factors that affect their triates choose and McLennan residents’ quality of living. the right city to Companies. work in live in. The annually “Taking a conducted surshort- or longvey considered term work aseconomic, political, social and cific factors that affect their signment in a new country is socio-cultural environment, residents’ quality of living,” both an exciting and challenghealth and medical services, Mercer said. ing experience for employees

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and their families,” Mercer principal Slagin Parakatil said. “Cultures, societies, and comparatively different climates, as well as political instability, high crime rates and poor infrastructure can be difficult to navigate and settle down in for employees and their families. Employers need to assess whether their staff and families will encounter any drop in quality of living when relocating and ensure they are fairly compensated for it,” he continued. ■

Opinion

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

AS I SEE IT

Binay camp in headlong retreat By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer THE BINAY CAMP is in headlong retreat after launching an attack on the citizenship and residency of Sen. Grace Poe, the candidate that camp knows will beat Vice President Jejomar Binay in next year’s presidential election; hence the attempt to disqualify her. Poe’s citizenship and residency turned out to be all right (she is a natural-born Filipino and has resided in the Philippines for more than 10 years), and so s–t exploded on the faces of Binay and his lieutenants. Why are they ganging up on a poor foundling? Rep. Toby Tiangco, Binay’s top attack dog, who had waved before television cameras Poe’s 2010 certificate of candidacy, apologized, not personally though but through a text message that he sent to media. His apology is really to try to reduce the bad publicity in media and not to say sorry to Poe. Poe said she is just a phone call away but Binay has not phoned her. Binay’s second attack dog, JV Bautista, who questioned Poe’s citizenship, has not apologized yet. Neither has Binay himself. His daughter, Rep.

Abigail Binay, read a prepared state- media to defend himself, obviously Juan Ponce Enrile and Binay, but it is ment before media asking for a stop so he would not be caught in con- 90 percent composed of Erap’s Pwerto the quarrel between the Binay tradictions by what he says. On the sa ng Masang Pilipino. Binay and Enand Poe families, a quarrel that the corruption allegations, he snubbed rile brought nothing but themselves Binays are clearly losing, hence the the invitations of the Senate blue and their families to the coalition.) white flag. But from the Vice Presi- ribbon committee for him to explain UNA asked Poe to be Binay’s rundent himself, nothing but a press his side. Instead, it was his several ning mate. But when she turned statement that he was also adopted, spokesmen who did the talking—to down the offer, Binay’s attack dogs ha ha ha ha ha, gaya-gaya, puto maya the press, not to the Senate. And what suddenly found out that she was not (copycat). qualified for presiThey have come dent or vice presiBinay is having a difficult time finding a running mate. For to realize that the dent. Those are the who is the fool who would want to run with a candidate who is up attack on the foundkind of characters to his neck in corruption charges? ling who was adoptwho make up the ed bymovie couple Binay camp. Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces they said were generic statements— Binay is having a difficult time findwas a terrible mistake and, now, in “that’s only politics, they are all lies, ing a running mate. For who is the fool terror, they don’t know what to do. it is only to pull down Binay’s rating who would want to run with a candiNote that in the turmoil, Binay in the surveys.” Nothing on the alle- date who is up to his neck in corruphimself wants to appear clean. He gations themselves. tion charges? After Poe turned him said the boo-boos by Tiangco and The surprising thing on the sud- down, Binay asked Davao City Mayor Bautista were not with his blessings. den attack on Grace Poe is that the Rodrigo Duterte to be his VP bet, but But he has not reprimanded them senator has not even decided to run Duterte turned him down, too. How and they still work for him. For such for president or vice president yet, could he have done otherwise? He big boo-boos, they did not even get a although political parties have in- had said that if he became president, slap on the wrist. Grace herself said vited her to join their tickets. One of he would throw corrupt officials into she does not believe that such a vi- these parties was United Nationalist Manila Bay to fatten the fish. Who do cious attack on her did not have Bi- Alliance which Binay claims as his you think would be one of them? nay’s blessing. party. (UNA is not Binay’s party. His Now Binay wants former presiBut that is Binay’s style. He lets party was PDP-Laban from which he dent Joseph Estrada to be his runhis attack dogs and family members was kicked out. UNA is the coalition ning mate, but Erap said: Who, me, defend him, but he does not have the of parties organized by Mayor Joseph your vice president? Hindi ba VP lang courage to face the people and the Estrada, former Senate president kita noong 2010?

Some friends of Erap suspect that Binay double-crossed him by carrying a Noy-Bi (Noynoy-Binay) ticket. They said Erap lost in some areas in Makati, Binay’s bailiwick. That is not surprising since another Binay ally and vice mayor, Ernesto Mercado, claims Binay also double-crossed him, which is why he is now spilling the beans on him. Grace Poe also claims that Binay invited her to join the UNA senatorial ticket in 2013, but she was laterremoved from its ticket. Nevertheless, she won with the highest number of votes among the senators. Grace Poe should run for president or vice president. Hers is a very beautiful story—a foundling who becomes president of her country. She will make the Philippines the talk of the world again, the same way Cory Aquino did, a plain housewife who drove away a dictator and became president of her country. The world loves underdogs and orphans. That was why “Oliver!” and “Annie” and “Trudis Liit” became box-office hits and launched the careers of Mark Lester, Lea Salonga and Vilma Santos, respectively. Now almost all Filipinos love Grace, the foundling, and will certainly make her their president. ■

PUBLIC LIVES

Keeping up with Bruce Jenner By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer BRUCE JENNER was the celebrated American athlete who won the grueling decathlon in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. He was hailed as the world’s greatest athlete, the icon of American masculinity. He went on to become a media star, lately appearing as the famous Dad in the long-running celebrity-driven reality television show “Keeping up with the Kardashians.” This month, the magazine Vanity Fair features Jenner on its cover, wearing a corset. “Call me Caitlyn,” the title says. Two months earlier, in what he calls his final appearance as Bruce, the 65-year-old Jenner sits down for a two-hour interview with Diane Sawyer for ABC television. He reveals he is tired of living a lie as a man. In a gesture that is perhaps meant to say it all, he loosens his ponytail at the start of the interview, and shakes his long hair free. He says he is ready to fully embrace the woman he has always felt he is. “Are you gay?” Sawyer asks. Jenner wags a finger at her and says the question confuses two different things. He is changing his gender identity, he clarifies, but not his

sexual orientation. He remains sexu- understands what Jenner is say- “My brain is much more female than ally attracted to women, he stresses, ing, despite the many times she asks it is male.” Conventional society tends prompting another “confused” ques- her questions with feigned incredu- to mock this condition, treating it as tion from Sawyer: “Are you lesbian?” lity. I could sense that she does this an aberration that needs to be cured To which Jenner responds with mainly for effect—articulating the and set right in spite of the person. conviction: “No, no!” Sounding skep- astonishment and perplexity of the I used to think it was just one of tical, Sawyer follows up with a blunt average viewer in order to bring out those cultural fads that filtered down question: “Is this a stunt to promote the sharpest retort possible from the from the developed countries to the a new show?” subject. That kind of interview is al- least developed ones, or from the Indeed, all this orchestrated media ways a winner. One can imagine the well-off classes to the underprivipresence seems to be a prelude to the millions who watched it. I caught it leged sectors. My attitude began to airing of a new reality show that will on YouTube and, ignoring the initial change in the early 1980s after Mang introduce the new Caitlyn Jenner. I repulsion I felt over the bizarre self- Gerry, a messenger in our office, one gather that the show will chronicle promotion, I came away educated day approached me for advice about a the saga of the transitioning Caitlyn, and entertained by the candor and daughter who he said had been giving as she copes with him problems. the tacit expectaShe had always There are people who feel profoundly uneasy, unhappy, and tions that a curious been “tomboyish,” bothered by the lack of fit between their gender assignment and public brings to the he began. But she their gender identity. experience of comwas going “too far,” munal voyeurism. dressing up and carJenner candidly admits that she ex- courage that ran through the fast- rying herself “like a man.” It became pects the media attention to draw paced exchange between Jenner and clear to me that they had had recurviewers to her show. “I have housing Sawyer. ring quarrels over this, but the night payments to make,” she curtly exThe interview brings out the com- before was different. He had been plains. But, that should not detract plexity of an aspect of social reality drinking, picked on her again, and from the journey toward authentic- that has remained in the shadows of beat her up so badly that it brought ity on which she is embarked, she modern society. There are people who out the whole neighborhood. The says plaintively. Were it otherwise, feel profoundly uneasy, unhappy, and poor girl locked herself in a room, she adds, it would not be possible to bothered by the lack of fit between and, sobbing desperately, began reverse what she has done if the show their gender assignment and their slashing her breasts with a pair of came to an end. She is taking hor- gender identity. The technical term scissors. “I was shocked,” Gerry said. monal injections and has undergone for it is “gender dysphoria.” “For all “What should I do?” “facial feminization” surgery. intents and purposes, I am a woman,” First, I told him, you have to talk I am quite sure Diane Sawyer fully the champion decathlete tells Sawyer. to your daughter, and beg for her for-

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giveness. Don’t ever hurt her again or bully her about her situation or make an issue out of it. She’s your child: Accept and love her as she is. Second, stop drinking. Still, it bothered me that maybe I had processed the whole thing cerebrally, offering counsel like a distant professional. Would I do as I preached if the one involved were my own sibling, child, or grandchild? This question stayed with me for a long time, and while I have not had to face it close to home, I was pleased to be able to overcome ingrained prejudices and empathize with Gerry’s daughter. I would be a hypocrite, however, if I said I have wiped out all such prejudices from my thinking. They do linger, but I always try to seriously confront them. Recently, my granddaughter Julia, a mid-school student at Miriam, surprised me by her choice of topic for her English essay: “Silently Serving: Transgender People in the US Military.” She showed me a well-researched 7-minute PowerPoint presentation of the issue, arguing for the long overdue lifting of the ban. After complimenting her work, I smiled at her, and teasingly asked, “Are you?” She smiled back knowingly, and replied, “No, Lolo, I’m not.” ■

Opinion

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

LOOKING BACK

Who really ordered Luna’s murder? By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer ON the afternoon of June 5, 1899, Gen. Antonio Luna arrived in the kumbento of Cabanatuan for a meeting with Emilio Aguinaldo. Tired from traveling over 100 kilometers from his base in Bayambang, he was understandably upset to be told that the President had left earlier in the day. Luna was met by Felipe Buencamino, with whom he had previous disagreements. Then there was Capt. Pedro Janolino, as well as the Kawit presidential bodyguards reinstated by Aguinaldo after he had them disarmed. The rest, as the cliché goes, is history. Luna, together with his aide Col. Paco Roman, was killed. Luna suffered over 30 wounds from bolos, bayonets and bullets. A lesser man would have died instantly from half of his wounds, but the general was able to stagger out of the building, cursing his murderers, before falling lifeless on the church patio. When it was all over, Aguinaldo’s mother, who watched the slaughter from a church window, said: “Nagalaw pa ba iyan (Is he still alive)?” Afterwards, Luna and his aide were given a proper military burial. But the questions persist to this day:

Who really ordered the murder of and his adjutant, Colonel Ramon Luna was the main cause of the assasLuna? Was Luna really summoned to [Roman], visited Aguinaldo’s head- sination was, it is said, arrested, tried a meeting with Aguinaldo? If so, why quarters at Cabanatuan, their pur- by court-martial and promptly acwasn’t Aguinaldo there? And why pose being to procure Aguinaldo’s quitted. Further advices say that Ney were Aguinaldo’s Kawit bodyguards authority to imprison all Filipinos [?], by order of Aguinaldo, purposely left behind, when their job was to se- suspected of being friendly to the insulted Luna and forced a quarrel. cure the President at all times? United States. General Luna asked One report says Luna was shot before Textbook history has been oversim- the captain of the guard in the lower Ney stabbed him. plified to blame Aguinaldo when the hall of Aguinaldo’s quarters, if Agui“The foregoing information was story is more complicated. We know naldo was at home, to which question sent by the Filipino leader, Pedro about the assassination, but not the the captain replied in an insolent Paterno, to his brother in Manila by other events that led to Luna’s bloody manner, ‘I don’t know.’ special courier and is confirmed from end. From The Evening News, an “Luna berated the officer vigor- other sources. The assassination of American paper published in Wash- ously for his insolence, whereupon Luna recalls the similar fate of Andres ington, we read this report a week later: the captain put his hand upon his Bon[i]facio in the Cavite province in “Manila, June 13. the beginning of the [7.35 p.m.]—General revolution. Both History remains relevant because in it we come to understand Luna, lieutenant were rivals of Aguihuman nature, and appreciate why we are the way we are. commander of the naldo for the leaderFilipino army, has ship of the Filipinos. been assassinated by order of Aguinal- revolver. Luna instantly drew his re“Luna was exceedingly unpopudo. He was stabbed to death by a guard volver and fired at the captain, who lar among the Filipino troops on selected by Aguinaldo to kill him. Re- was only a second behind the general account of his stubborn, dictatorial ports were received here this morning in drawing his weapon. The captain manners, and very little regret is exgiving the news that Luna had been returned the fire. Both missed and pressed at his death. Luna and Aguiassassinated, but the information Colonel [Roman] interfered, where- naldo were unable to agree as to the was at first discredited. Investigation upon a sergeant of the guard stabbed manner of conducting the campaign, proved, however, that Luna had been Luna with a bayonet. The entire and it is said the rebel chief was afraid killed and General Otis has authentic guard then attacked both Luna and he would be assassinated by Luna’s information regarding the death of [Roman] with bayonets and bolos, orders. The death of General Luna the insurgent general. soon killing them. The wounds of is looked upon by the majority of the “Details regarding the tragedy both men were numerous. Filipinos as an undisguised blessing. show that last Tuesday the general “The guard whose insolence to “Adjutant General Corbin refused

this morning to discuss the reported assassination of General Luna. He would not deny that General Otis had informed the department of Luna’s death, but refused to affirm. It is believed that the death of Luna will mark the beginning of a break in the insurgent ranks. Notwithstanding his lack of accord with Aguinaldo, Luna undoubtedly had many followers among the rebels and they will, it is believed, resent his murder.” Pedro Paterno is cited as a source for the news report and others that appeared in US papers. Paterno was biased against Luna, and it is obvious that those most threatened by Luna protected themselves by playing on Aguinaldo’s fear and insecurity. They got rid of Apolinario Mabini by intrigue, Luna had to be disposed of by murder. A more nuanced reading of the challenges that faced the short-lived First Philippine Republic leads us to the complex background of the Luna assassination. History provides perspective to the intrigue swirling over all the presidential aspirants for next year’s election. History remains relevant because in it we come to understand human nature, and appreciate why we are the way we are. ■

AT LARGE

Following the money By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer MANY BANKS—local and foreign— are said to be “salivating” at the prospect of bidding for (and winning) United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB). “That’s because it’s very rare that an opportunity to acquire a bank the size of UCPB ever comes up,” explains Jeronimo Kilayko, UCPB president and CEO. Not only prospective buyers are interested in the sale. Kilayko has also been making the rounds of the different UCPB branches to explain to employees the status of the sale preparations and their future with the bank. Of course, nothing is firm yet until after the bidding scheduled for September, but Kilayko says employees have nothing to fear as they will be compensated if they choose not to remain with the bank after its acquisition by another entity. “What some old-timers say they’re concerned about is whether we will retain our name,” he admits, “although of course that all depends on who the new owner will be.” The sale of UCPB, Kilayko explains, is in response to new local and international regulations calling for more bank integration and demand-

ing greater capitalization. The sale *** no longer be able to keep track of should also bring UCPB out of the READERS might remember a recent where and for what purpose the bilshadow of sequestration, since it has column on the suit filed in the Su- lions in coco levy funds would be been involved in a long-standing dis- preme Court by federations of coco- used. In contrast, as Kilayko pointed pute over the disposition of coconut nut farmers’ groups questioning two out, while the UCPB held the money levy funds collected during martial executive orders that, among other in trust, farmers’ groups, especially law. These include the P2.572-billion things, called for the inventory of the the farmer-representatives on their Coconut Industry Investment Fund coco levy funds, their transfer to the board, could readily track and take (CIIF) currently secured by the bank, national treasury, and the privatiza- account of the funds. which has since grown to P74.86 bil- tion of assets, including the UCPB. *** lion as of December 2013. There is In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled BUT the lingering suspicion of the also the P14 billion held in trust at that the coconut levy funds belonged farmers’ groups over the reason(s) UCPB, representing shares in stocks to the government but that they for the “rush” to dispose of the coco of San Miguel Corp. should be used primarily for the “de- levy has or should have no relation to The bank was crethe proposed sale of ated in 1975 after the the UCPB, its offiThe trouble, one UCPB officer points out, is that “people late dictator Ferdicers say. still don’t trust the motives of politicians,” especially so close to nand Marcos issued “This (the sale) national elections. a presidential deis simply for purcree calling for, among other respon- velopment of the coconut industry.” poses of complying with regulations sibilities, the provision of “readily The two executive orders were issued and for rationalizing our operations,” available credit facilities to coconut ostensibly to facilitate the implemen- says Kilayko. Depending on how the farmers at preferential rates.” This led tation of the Supreme Court decision, courts rule, or if the government deto the acquisition by the Philippine but the farmers’ groups, with farmer- cides to wait for the passage of a law Coconut Authority of a majority share leader (and former Philippine Coco- detailing the manner of disposing of of First United Bank, the precursor of nut Authority head) Charlie Avila as the coco levy funds, Kilayko says they the UCPB. In time, UCPB would grow spokesperson, say they are suspicious will obey all legal orders and turn into a universal bank and become an of the motivations of the Aquino ad- over the funds it holds in trust to the official depository of government. ministration in releasing the coconut rightful destination. But after the Edsa revolt in 1986, it levy funds for disposition. The trouble, one UCPB officer was sequestered, with a board of govFor one, there is a fear that, by en- points out, is that “people still don’t ernment appointees including two tering the virtual “black hole” that is trust the motives of politicians,” esfarmer representatives overseeing its the national treasury, the public, especially so close to national elections. operations. pecially the coconut farmers, would There are “2016 reasons,” as Avila put

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it, to doubt the administration’s sincerity in assuming control of the coco levy funds. Instead, the farmers support the creation of an independent body that would assume control of the funds and facilitate the use of the money to improve the coconut industry and ensure its continued longevity. *** KILAYKO and other UCPB officials are nevertheless grateful that their employees, some of whom have been with the bank for decades, as well as longtime faithful clients, have kept the faith with them despite the tugof-war surrounding its ownership and operations. One reason Kilayko is making the rounds of branches and talking with employees may be the need to assure all stakeholders that the move toward privatization is to ensure the bank’s ability to survive more challenging times, a challenge many other banks before it had already faced and overcome. Since UCPB is also, at least in the beginning, “their” bank, I’m sure coconut farmers would also wish it the best, and are hoping that the infusion of fresh capital would make it more able to meet changing and difficult times. ■

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Canada News

Double standard: MPs spare themselves same spending scrutiny given senators BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — As the very existence of the Senate is called into question over less than $1 million in allegedly improper spending by 30 senators, more than double that number of MPs have been accused over the past five years of misspending more than quadruple that amount. Yet unlike the Senate, there have been no external audits, no suspensions, no referrals to the police, no criminal investigations, no charges laid, and no auditor general poring over the minutiae of how MPs spend taxpayers’ dollars. Transgressions by MPs have been handled solely by the secretive, multi-party board of internal economy, which polices House of Commons spending and typically demands only that the improperly spent funds be reimbursed. A double standard? No question, says Garry Clement, a retired police chief and former RCMP superintendent in charge of financial crime investigations. “When you look at those cases (involving MPs) and actually what happened, it’s breach of trust,” Clement said in an interview. “I would suggest that every one of those could be supported under a criminal charge.” Since 2010, the board has demanded reimbursement from: – Liberal MP Judy Sgro, $60,000 in improperly claimed living expenses for renting an Ottawa condo she had sold to her children. – Liberal MP Wayne Easter, $8,050 in living expenses claimed for a property he no longer owned. – Former Liberal MP John Cannis, $106,842 for living expenses claimed for an apartment rented from his wife. – 68 current and former NDP MPs, $2.7 million for allegedly

improperly using their Commons budgets to pay the salaries of staffers in satellite party offices. – 23 NDP MPs, $1.17 million for allegedly improperly using free parliamentary mailing privileges to send almost 2 million partisan missives. The board has also ruled that former Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe wrongly used parliamentary resources to pay the $100,000-plus annual salary of his party’s director general for six years. However, it did not demand reimbursement in that case because, it concluded, the rules governing the use of parliamentary resources were not clear at the time. The rules have since been clarified but not sufficiently to prevent a nasty dispute over NDP MPs’ subsequent use of parliamentary resources. The NDP has launched a court challenge to the rulings against its MPs, charging that the board is a “kangaroo court’’ motivated by partisanship and insisting that a real, imparThe damning findings of Fer- and former senator Mac Harb, tial tribunal would clear them. guson’s comprehensive two- and an ongoing RCMP invesApart from filing the initial ap- year audit of 117 current and tigation into Sen. Pamela Walplications for judicial review of former senators are set to be re- lin’s expenses. the rulings, the court challenge leased Tuesday. Leaked details Sen. David Tkachuk, one of has languished without any show he found nine senators’ the 21 flagged by Ferguson, was movement since last fall. expenses egregious enough to chair of the Senate’s internal Yet no party has welcomed warrant referral to the RCMP economy committee when the putting MPs’ spending under and that 21 others claimed in- expenses scandal broke almost the same impartial microscope eligible expenses he believes three years ago. When the comsenators’ spendmittee first being has undergone gan examining at the hands of the expense auditor general claims of Duffy, Michael Fergu68 current and former NDP MPs, $2.7 Brazeau, Harb son. And no party million for allegedly improperly using and Wallin, has pushed for a their Commons budgets to pay the Tkachuk said police probe of alsalaries of staffers in satellite party he looked at leged mis-spendoffices. how the Coming by MPs from a mons had dealt rival party. with the cases That’s because of errant MPs. no party wants to “We wanted set a precedent that could be should be repaid. The dubious it settled the same. To me, I used against its own MPs later, expenses total just under $1 saw that, if they did it, well, why said Clement, adding there’s million. don’t we just ask for our money only one reason to reject openThat’s in addition to fraud back? I don’t want to see people ing their books for the auditor and breach of trust charges go to jail if they don’t have to,” general: “You’ve got something already laid against senators Tkachuk said in an interview. to hide.” Mike Duffy and Patrick Brazeau He finds it frustrating that www.canadianinquirer.net

SHUTTERSTOCK

New Democrat MPs and some Conservatives are now using the expenses scandal in the Senate, which has gone well beyond anything the Commons has ever done to identify and punish transgressors, to fuel demands for abolition of the upper chamber. “The Senate is the whipping boy. At least they (MPs) can say, ‘Well, we go back to the people and if they think we did wrong, they can throw us out,’ while we’re appointed,” Tkachuk said. “But if we’re going to be a whipping boy... it should be comparative to what other institutions would have as, not necessarily punishment, but as criticism. I can find a million bucks mis-spent in the government probably every week and I think most people could.” Tkachuk refused to discuss the particulars of Ferguson’s conclusions about his own expenses, citing the confidentiality agreements all senators signed with the auditor general. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Mulcair urges Harper to seek papal apology for abuse at residential schools THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper is being urged to take advantage of an audience with Pope Francis this week to seek a formal apology for the role the Roman Catholic Church played in Canada’s residential school disgrace. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair says the timing of Harper’s visit to the Vatican is fortuitous, coming just one week after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on the pope to travel to Canada to issue an apology. Mulcair says Harper should ask Pope Francis if he’d be willing to do so. Harper is scheduled to meet the pope on Thursday, as he wraps up a whirlwind trip to Ukraine, Germany for the G-7 summit, Poland and Rome. Church officials in Canada have in the past apologized for the abuse suffered by thousands of aboriginal children in church-run residential schools, as have the United, Anglican and Presbyterian churches. But Justice Murray Sinclair, who headed the just-concluded Truth and Reconciliation Commission, says the Pope is the “spiritual and moral leader’’

Thomas Mulclair.

of the church and residential school survivors are disappointed that he has not yet made a “clear and emphatic public apology’’ in Canada. In an interview Sunday with CTV’s Question Period, Mulcair noted that Pope Francis’

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predecessor, Benedict, formally apologized for the abuse of children in church-run schools in Ireland. “With all the evidence that’s now on the table, the Vatican should issue a formal apology for the Catholic Church’s role

Pace of housing sector increases, new starts and building permits up THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The pace of housing starts picked up in May, accelerating to a seasonally adjusted rate of 201,705 units from 183,329 in April. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the increase was primarily driven by multipleunit projects in Ontario, the Atlantic region and Quebec. Multi-unit starts in urban ar-

in the residential schools,’’ Mulcair said. “While the prime minister is with the pope, he should simply ask him if he’s willing to issue that sort of an apology. That’s something constructive that’s being asked for that we could

No Credit?

eas accounted for 122,367 of the total for May, up 16.9 per cent from April. Construction of single-detached houses in urban areas was steady at a seasonally adjusted rate of 58,868 units. There were an estimated 16,470 housing starts in rural areas. The CMHC report came as Statistics Canada reported that contractors took out $7.8 billion worth of building permits in April, up 11.6 per cent from March. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

do.’’ Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt’s office said Sunday that the minister has written to the Vatican - as well as to provinces, territories and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities - to bring to their attention the commission’s report and 94 recommendations. Mulcair said it’s unrealistic to promise to implement all of the recommendations, as Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has done. An NDP government would “sit down with First Nations; we’ll prioritize, we’ll get to the subjects that they consider the most important and we’ll do it in (the) order that they consider the most important,’’ he said. “It’s not a matter of snapping your fingers and saying that you’re going to do all 94 at once. That’s not realistic and it’s not going to happen.’’ Among other things, the commission has called for an overhaul of education, corrections and child welfare systems. Mulcair noted that some of the recommendations require collaboration with the provinces and territories. He said an NDP government would “start with things that are easy to tackle.’’ ■

Canada News

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada to mark Canadian Armed Forces Day PMO PRESS RELEASE OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Canadian Armed Forces Day: “On this special day, let us pay tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who, by their courage, skill and determination, defend our country and the values we hold dear. “We live in dangerous times where neutrality in the face of those who seek to destroy our way of life is not an option. In the Middle East, the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) has committed unspeakable atrocities against Iraqi and Syrian civilians, targeting especially vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities. ISIS not only threatens the people and countries in the Middle East,

but by its words and actions, has directly targeted Canada and our allies. We are proud and grateful that the Canadian Armed Forces stand shoulderto-shoulder with our allies on the front lines confronting this threat, as part of the international coalition against ISIS. “Canadian Armed Forces members are also currently deployed in support of NATO assurance missions in Central and Eastern Europe. This is part of Canada’s contribution to promoting security and stability in response to continued Russian aggression against its neighbours, including the Putin regime’s invasion of Ukraine. “As we approach the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I am reminded of the sacrifices of blood, toil, tears and sweat that generations of Canadians in uniform have made so that we can all live in a land of ordered

Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

liberty and democratic freedom. Canadians owe our serving men and women a tremendous debt

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for their strength and courage. “I am exceptionally proud that this same courage and

sense of duty is very much alive and on display every single day in today’s Canadian Armed Forces. Canadians love and admire our military, as evidenced by the remarkable outpouring of affection and support in the aftermath of the deadly attacks that took the lives of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo last year. We are also grateful for the service of Sergeant Andrew Doiron to his country and were deeply saddened by his death in northern Iraq earlier this year. “I am honoured on this special day to be able to thank all members of our military and their families for their loyal service on behalf of a grateful public. Our Government will always ensure that Canadian Armed Forces members have the tools and the support that they need to accomplish the very difficult tasks we ask of them.” ■

Edmonton police officer killed in shooting, another officer wounded BY BOB WEBER AND ROB DRINKWATER The Canadian Press EDMONTON — A west Edmonton neighbourhood erupted in chaos Monday night as one police officer was killed and another injured in a shooting that one witness said started out as a routine arrest. Edmonton Police Chief Rod Knecht held a news conference at midnight to confirm the death of Const. Daniel Woodall, a 35-year-old, eight-year veteran of the force who was recruited from Great Britain and used to serve with the Greater Manchester Police. A 38-year-old officer, Sgt. Jason Harley, was shot in the lower back but is expected to make a full recovery. Woodall worked for the hate crimes unit. “We will forever be in his debt for his actions this evening,” a sombre Knecht told reporters, calling it “a tragedy of unspeakable proportions” and saying Woodall leaves behind a wife and two young children.

A man named Ryan told radio station CHED he is the neighbour of the shooter and was there when everything happened. “I was on my back deck, saw what I thought was a routine arrest,” he said. “They had six officers come over... they didn’t know if he had any weapons in the house, and when they went to breach the door that’s when the fire started. (The shooter) did fire on two officers, hit one in the back. I helped the one officer, got him out to the side, got him into the car. The bullet was stopped by his vest, but it did pierce through his skin.” Ryan said the shooter was using a high-powered rifle and set his house on fire while he was still inside. “He’s a single guy, two kids, wife left him along time ago,” Ryan told CHED. “Sits at home every day, he’s an alcoholic, just snapped. I don’t know what they were arresting him for, but they had a file for him.” Knecht would not comment on the status of the shooter, except to say they did not have

anyone in custody but they also did not believe there was any threat to the public. He would not confirm the shooter died in the house fire, which razed the building, but said the scene was still being processed. He said the officers had been delivering an arrest warrant for criminal harassment when they came under gunfire. A massive police presence quickly gathered after the shooting, with dozens of police cars, a police helicopter and three ambulances on scene. Smoke also started billowing from a house in the neighbourhood and police evacuated several homes. Fire trucks stood at the ready to move in once the scene was contained and safe enough for them to move in. However, the smell of black smoke hung in the air for hours. At one point, two ambulances left the scene with a police escort. Neighbourhood resident Josette Lavigne said her family had been in their backyard when they heard the cacophony or sirens and decided to get out of the area. www.canadianinquirer.net

Hours later, she was still waiting to be allowed back into her home: “It sure gives you a different perspective on your neighbourhood.” Throughout the turmoil, police continually urged onlookers to move to a safer area or stay in their homes. Const. Brendan Power sent out a Tweet pleading with residents in the area of 184 St. and 64 Ave. to move back, telling them they were “not safe to be observing anywhere near there.” He also caution media and onlookers: “Please don’t post pictures of our officers, other emergency crews or their locations. You’re putting them at risk.” This is the second police officer to be shot and killed in the Edmonton area this year. RCMP Const. David Wynn, 42, died in January at a casino in St. Albert, north of Edmonton, while trying to track down the driver of a stolen truck. Auxiliary Constable Derek Bond was seriously injured but survived. The shooter, Shawn Maxwell Rehn, was out on bail facing

15 charges, including escaping lawful custody, possession of a prohibited firearm and failure to show up to a previous bail hearing on the charges. On Monday, an Alberta MP introduced a private member’s bill named after Wynn to ensure bail hearings have an accused’s criminal history. Last month an Edmonton police officer was shot and wounded during an impaired driving stop. The suspect in that shooting was killed. The last officer to be killed on the job within the city limits was Const. Ezio Faraone, a 33-year-old officer who was gunned down on June 25, 1990, while trying to arrest a suspect who was fleeing from an armed robbery. “It’s unfortunate and sad,” said Shane Howard, one of those who gathered on a sidewalk in the west Edmonton neighbourhood to watch events unfold. “You feel bad for the police officer’s friends and family and colleagues. Nobody likes to see a police officer get shot when he’s trying to do good for society.” ■

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

www.canadianinquirer.net

World News

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Climber in Malaysia says 'lucky to live' as quake death toll rises to 13 with 6 missing BY EILEEN NG The Associated Press

The two dead retrieved Friday evening were a 30-year-old local guide and a 12-year-old Singaporean student, Farhan KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — said. Rescuers on Malaysia’s highest Police said earlier Saturday peak on Sunday searched for that they were looking for 17 six climbers after recovering 13 other people, including eight dead from a strong earthquake Singaporeans and one each that had trapped scores of trek- from China, the Philippines kers. One survivor said she and Japan. The rest are Malaywaited for a rescue helicopter sians. The nationalities of the 11 that never came. dead recovered Saturday were A magnitude-5.9 earthquake not immediately clear. on Friday sent rocks and boulAbout 60 rescuers and four ders raining down the trekking helicopters were combing the routes on 4,095-meter (13,435- mountain, where loose rocks foot) -high Mount Kinabalu in and boulders that fell dureastern Sabah ing the quake state on Borneo blocked part of island. the main route. Nine of the The quake bodies found also damaged Saturday were roads and buildflown out by heliThe guide ings, including copter, while the said we either schools and a other two were die of waiting hospital on Sabrought down or we die bah’s west coast. by foot, said distrying. So we It also broke one trict police offiall chose to try of the twin rock cial Farhan Lee walking down formations on Abdullah. ourselves. the mountain Most of the known as the other climbers “Donkey’s Ears.” made it down the The mountain mountain in the will be closed for darkness early three weeks for Saturday, some with broken maintenance work, and flags limbs and one in a coma. will be flown at half-staff in SaOne of them, Amanda Pe- bah on Monday to mourn the ter, said local guides told her victims. group that a helicopter would Sabah Deputy Chief Minister pick them up, but when it did Joseph Pairin Kitingan blamed not, they decided to walk after a the tragedy on a group of 10 frustrating nine-hour wait. foreigners who “showed disre“There were risks of us dying spect to the sacred mountain’’ up there of cold overnight,” she by posing naked at the peak said.”The guide said we either last week. He said a special ritdie of waiting or we die trying. ual would be conducted later to So we all chose to try walking “appease the mountain spirit.” down ourselves.” The foreigners, who includShe said she saw two bodies ed two Canadians, two Dutch lying on a flat rock on the way and a German national, broke down. “It really affected me as away from their entourage and it could have been me. I was stripped naked before taking lucky to be given a chance to photos at the mountain peak on live,” she said. May 30, officials have said. She said that the descent Five of the tourists are bewas “very risky and we were all lieved to still be in Malaysia and starving, dehydrated and tired will be barred from leaving on but at least we tried saving our- the offence of gross indecency, selves.” according to police. ■

South Korean MERS outbreak evokes visceral response in Canada’s SARS veterans BY HELEN BRANSWELL The Canadian Press TORONTO — For the people who fought Toronto’s devastating SARS outbreak in 2003, the news out of South Korea right now sounds eerily familiar. A man infected with a new coronavirus for which there are no vaccines or drugs turns up in a hospital sick and infectious. It is days before he’s recognized as a carrier of the new disease and during that time he isn’t isolated. He infects a couple dozen people who, in turn, pass the disease to still more. The widening circle involves hospital patients, family members who visited them and health-care professionals who cared for them. Cases start popping up in other hospitals. The public gets spooked. Authorities order exposed people into quarantine as they struggle to get ahead of a fast moving outbreak. That could almost be a recitation of the early days of Toronto’s SARS outbreak. But South Korea is battling a cousin virus, Middle East respiratory synwww.canadianinquirer.net

drome or MERS. Right now there is a lot of sympathy for the South Koreans among people who work in Toronto’s hospital and public health sectors. “All of us who went through SARS — you know what they’re going through. It’s very similar and you understand what they feel like,” says Dr. Allison McGeer, head of infection control at Mount Sinai Hospital and a SARS survivor. “They will get through it. But it’s just such an awful thing to happen to people.” As of today, South Korea is reporting 87 cases and six deaths. In the past 24 hours alone, the case count jumped by 23. Dr. Bonnie Henry is British Columbia’s deputy provincial health officer. But in March 2003, when SARS hit, she was an associate medical officer of health for the City of Toronto. Henry admits she gets “this feeling in my stomach” when she hears dispatches from the MERS front in South Korea. She’s not alone. Dr. Brian Schwartz, Public Health Ontario’s chair for communicable diseases, emergency preparedness and response, says for many

health-care professionals who fought SARS, the MERS news evokes a “visceral” response. An emergency room physician, Schwartz was vice-chair of the SARS scientific advisory committee back in the day. He says the South Korean outbreak isn’t making him nervous. But he is driven to do all he can to ensure Ontario’s health-care system remains vigilant, so that if a MERS case shows up at a hospital in the province, the disease isn’t given the chance to take off. With SARS, Toronto’s outbreak was already well underway when authorities realized a critically ill man suspected of having tuberculosis was actually dying of a new disease that would touch off big outbreaks in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore. Early on Henry and McGeer went to the first hospital in the Toronto chain, Scarborough Grace, to try to determine how many people had been exposed and might be infected. “When we looked back on it and pieced it together there were 15 cases by the time we ❱❱ PAGE 32 South Korean

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Independence Day

Freedom on the 12th BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer WHY DO we celebrate the country’s Independence Day on the 12th of June? June 12, 1898 was the day General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the country’s Independence in Kawit, Cavite. The historic event announcing the Philippines’ freedom from the Spanish colonial rule was held at the balcony of Aguinaldo’s residence. The event was attended by a huge crowd in a ceremony highlighted by the hoisting of the Philippine flag, the public playing of the national anthem and Aquinaldo’s declaration of Independence. The Act of the Declaration of Independence was prepared by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista

and was signed by ninety-eight persons, including an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation. What went before

The Philippine revolution started its early phases with a secret revolutionary group known as the Katipunan and led by Andres Bonifacio. The Katipunan leader met with other representatives of two factions, Magdiwang and Magdalo to discuss whether to retain the existing Katipunan or to establish a revolutionary government. The meeting led to the creation of the Tejeros Convention on March 22, 1897 where officers were elected. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President and Andres Bonifacio, the former leader of the Katipunan, was elected Director of the In-

terior. Daniel Tirona, also a delegate in the convention, however objected in the election of Bonifacio. The insulted former leader then declared the proceedings of the convention as null and void and formed a new government. He was later on, charged with treason for refusing to recognize the new revolutionary government, arrested, and sentenced to death in Cavite. Aguinaldo’s revolutionary government then continued its efforts to free the country from Spanish colonizers, until he was forced to retreat to the mountains of Biak-na-Bato by the advancing Spanish forces. A peace pact between the revolutionaries and the Spanish authorities was then signed through the Pact of Biak-naBato and Aguinaldo was sent

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for exile in Hongkong with other revolutionary leaders. The surrender was in exchange for reforms, financial indemnities and pardons. But it, however, did not signal the end of the revolution.

Maligayang araw ng kalayaan! PAGBATI MULA

www.canadianinquirer.net

U.S. Asiatic Fleet’s Commodore George Dewey sought Aguinaldo’s help in defeating Spanish forces during the start of the Spanish-American war. ❱❱ PAGE 33 Freedom on

Independence Day

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Why celebrate the Philippine Independence Day? BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer ON JUNE 12, the Philippines will be celebrating its 117th year of independence. President Benigno Aquino III will then head a parade with the police and military, followed by the raising of the national flag, the 21gun salute and the President’s speech. Several other parades will also be held nationwide with participating government officials, employees and students. To many Filipinos, they may spend the day with their families in parks and malls as business establishments, offices and schools are closed. To Filipino communities abroad, they will also conduct their annual parades, programs and activities. Truly, it will be a day of great celebration. But tracing back to our his-

tory, it is not really on this day that the country has been completely set free from colonization.

and democracy is not yet dead. What unified our countrymen can still bring forth unity to us. What inspired our countrymen can still inspire us to be better as a nation. Their fight is our fight!

Background

After the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898, the Philippines had not been completely freed from a colonizing power. The country’s full sovereignty over its own was only granted and recognized on July 4, 1946, when the United States of America had surrendered the entire archipelago. Late President Diosdado Macapagal, however, declared June 12 as the day of annual observance of the country’s independence. Hence, today, we celebrate the Philippine Independence on June 12, also called as the “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalaayan.” And so, what happened then that made Filipinos commem-

Appreciating sovereignty

SHUTTERSTOCK

orate independence on that day? For the first time in years under foreign rule, our countrymen have decided to fight for freedom and demanded for an independent nation. This, among other reasons, is why we celebrate.

Remembering the sacrifices of our heroes

The Independence Day reminds us of the realization of a dream long desired by Filipinos. It is during this day that the entire country remembers the courage, struggles and sacrifices of our noble ancestors. It is a day of memorial of the revolution that paved the way to the birth of our nation. The bravery of our fellowmen and determination to fight a force much greater than them is a deed we can forever be proud of. The strength of our fellowmen to not only fight colonizers but also their own fears is a move we will forever be grateful for. Instilling nationalism to present and future generations

The heroic acts of our forefathers against oppression remind the present and future generation of the nationalism, commitment, and devotion of the Filipinos towards the Philippines. But with the apparent problems and critical issues our country now faces, our undying love and effort to our country has been fading. And, together with these is the surge of globalization. Sadly, several modern Filipinos do not think and act like Filipinos. They tend to submerge themselves into the culture of other races – forgetting their roots, turning away to unity. Some of our neighboring countries even regard to us as the only Asians who are not Asians. If Andres Bonifacio, is alive today, what would he say? Perhaps, he might think our hard-earned independence, also fought by his fellow katipuneros, is wasted by an ungrateful generation. But the ideology of freedom www.canadianinquirer.net

Lastly, during this day, we get to appreciate the endowment of sovereignty. Since attaining our freedom some hundred years ago, Filipinos nowadays may tend to take independence for granted. We may tend to forget the colonization and oppression our countrymen had long despised and endured. And yet again, with globalization, nationalism seems to blur out. Although it is unlikely for a foreign nation to colonize our country at present, we should not forget that losing sovereignty means losing all our rights and following a foreign ruler whose only concern are his gains. Let us not forget that our ancestors have suffered mutilation, maltreatment and gruesome death punishments under the hands of a foreign ruler. With our freedom to speak, express, choose, love, and act today without fear– we owe them all to our countrymen who have fought to free us all. Creating awareness culture and tradition

our

Aside from commemorating our hard-earned freedom, Filipinos also take this day as an opportunity to rekindle our roots and heritage. The culture and tradition that characterize our people is central to the country’s meaningful development, in the pursuit of national identity and unity. And on the day we celebrate our freedom, let us also promote, protect and develop our culture and traditions. This is not only limited to the arts and practices, but also to our modes of life, values, systems, traditions and beliefs. These are all parts of every Filipino. Truly, we have many more reasons to celebrate. And as we see Philippine flags displayed in streets and buildings, may we never forget the reason of it all. May the holiday be enjoyed by all Filipinos around the globe as we commemorate the day with befitting rites and festivities. Long Live Philippine Independence! ■

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Hotel Celéste: A European Paradise in the Heart of the Metro BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer IF YOU want to experience the tranquil beauty of Europe and longing to go back home to the Philippines at the same time for some home-grown hospitality, all you have to do is head to Hotel Celéste in Makati City. General Manager Tricia Sarabia shared her insights with the Philippine Canadian Inquirer to tell us more about Hotel Celéste, the up-and-coming boutique hotel in the metro. At first, the new business posed as a challenge for Tricia who was a marketing graduate. “I never planned on running hotels,” she admitted. “I initially wanted to apply what I learned in school, I was thinking of joining the world of advertising. However, after I graduated from college, my mom was about to open Hotel Celéste and she needed help to set it up.” Tricia decided to turn their new family business into an opportunity for personal growth. “I took it as a personal challenge to try something out of my comfort zone and see if I can learn something new so I agreed to become part of the pre-opening team. After a few years of training, one day, my mom told me to run the hotel. I trained with our consultants and hotel managers for 2 years learning the ropes in housekeeping, front office and human resources. In November of 2010, I took on the role of managing the whole hotel,” she shared. “It was not an easy task but I continued to learn through experience and by building a team that both challenged and inspired me to be better. Slowly but surely, I started to love what I was doing. It wasn’t a choice between advertising or running hotels but rather, it was using what I learned in school and applying it to the hotels I look after now. I get the best of both worlds and I continue to grow every year.” She also shared how she continues to learn and adapt to the

ever-changing landscape of the hotel industry, saying, “I am a work in progress and I am very young, so I make sure to seek for help and advice from other more experienced general managers I meet in the industry. Most have been very helpful.” Tricia also shared how the establishment became her mom Celéste’s brainchild and labor of love. Hotel Celéste was named after her mom, the founder. “It was really my mom’s project to build a boutique hotel,” she said. “During her travels in Europe, she enjoyed her experience then and wanted to bring that same experience here in Manila.” “She came across this new concept of hotels that gave guests personalized service in a place that felt like home. They wanted to build resorts and hotels that would make guests feel that they are just staying in a big house rather than a hotel. They wanted to recreate a place where guests are treated as family and not just a room number,” Tricia explained. And that they most definitely did. The Sarabias succeeded in bringing European refinement to the Philippines while maintaining our innate warmth and all-out hospitality—just two of the many advantages that set Hotel Celéste apart from its competitors. Hotel Celéste currently has 25 exquisitely designed deluxe rooms, which are all elegant and functional at the same time. It also has five suites inspired by French royalties for an added flair. The establishment also houses an ample meeting room, which can sit about 25 people. The hotel’s open roofdeck can also accommodate about 80 guests for functions and gathering. Hotel Celéste is also equipped with Solahart, a solar power system-water heater, which does not only maximize the hotel’s savings but helps the environment by preventing less tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. All areas in the hotel also use lightemitting diode (LED) lights to

Tricia Sarabia, General Manager Hotel Celeste/Boracay Tropics

conserve electricity. So, whether you’re staying at the hotel for business or for pleasure, Hotel Celéste has a room to fit your lifestyle needs. “I think our primary advantage is the kind of service guests receives when they stay with us. We will surely make you feel at home... I do not limit myself with the policies and procedures of the hotel or how the equipment work... I care for them not just because I have to but because I treat them as family.” Tricia believes that one of the best assets of their business is their own staff, saying, “More than anything, my team in Hotel Celéste are amazing... I know if the hotel staff or my family is happy, it will naturally flow out to the guests through the kind of service they are able to provide [our guests].” “My staff goes [above and beyond] their job description and they are happy to do it. We may be small but we are proud to be one because we are able to concentrate on a few guests even at full occupancy,” she added. The hotel is also equipped with various services—from laundry services to in-room www.canadianinquirer.net

spa treatments—to ensure guests’ comfort and relaxation throughout their stay. She also pointed out their establishment’s design and the amount of hardwork and detail put into it—making sure that the guests get a feel of homey Europe during their stay. “We have 30 different rooms, each with their own unique furniture and mirrors. My mom handpicked every detail that you will see in each room so you could say that each room was a masterpiece on its own,” Tricia said. “Guests feel secure inside and relaxed... It’s not just a bed you go back to at the end of the day.” The management of Hotel Celéste also takes pride in their ability to remain flexible without compromising quality. “The thrust of our company is our ability to be flexible,” Tricia said. “We are able to adjust our service to different characters of our guests. We respect the individuality of each one and we make sure we are able to understand them very well.” “I believe our rates are very competitive,” she added. “Our value for money is incomparable because in our hotels, we

make sure guests feel satisfied with their stay with us.” Indeed, staying at Hotel Celéste will surely make you forget your troubles and and bring home nothing but fond memories of a well-spent vacation. ■ This coming Father’s Day, check out Hotel Celéste’s “Dad Rules!” promo and treat the man of your life to a special weekend vacation in the heart of the metro for just Php6,850. Available for all weekends of June 2015. Also try Hotel Celéste’s “Urbanscape Package” available until October 2015. Guests can choose to stay for just a night or an allout weekend vacation with their 3D/2N package. For more information about Hotel Celéste, visit their website at www.hotelceleste.ph. For reservations and inquiries, email info@hotelceleste.ph or call +6328878080. Hotel Celéste is located at 02 San Lorenzo Drive corner A. Arnaiz Ave., San Lorenzo Village, Makati City.

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS:

Embracing Your Heritage: Jeff Rustia BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer A WORLD Atlas book opened to show the map of Canada started young Jeff Rustia’s love affair with the Great White North. Born to Filipino couple Melinda and Armando Rustia from Bacolod City, Jeff and his brother Mike moved a lot when they were kids. Their father, then an expatriate working for a multinational company, was stationed to various Asian countries as part of his job. But Jeff will never forget that fateful evening in Bangkok when his father brought out a map and pointed to Canada. “I’ll never forget that day in Bangkok, when my father came home and gathered the entire family around the dining table,” Jeff shared. “He opened a giant World Atlas book and pointed at Canada, and asked all of us what we thought about living there. My brother Mike and I asked if there was snow, and upon his resounding yes, we all screamed for joy and happily agreed to move there.” The Rustia family officially immigrated to Canada in July 1982 and the brothers grew up in Toronto. “And the rest, as they would say, is history,” Jeff said. And now, he is graciously sharing that history with the Philippine Canadian Inquirer. Life in Canada

By having an expat as a dad, Jeff and the rest of their family have lived in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. But for Jeff, Canada was a whole other story. “Growing up in Toronto has been a wonderful experience for my family and I,” he started. “We arrived in 1982 when we were just young kids, but it was a very exciting time for new immigrants and for Canada, with the establishment of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” he said, even sharing his fondness of former Prime Minister Trudeau and his “vision and legacy of a multicultural Canada.” “I’m proud to be a child of Trudeauism,” he pointed out. “I have always felt very much

a part of the rich diverse Canadian mosaic and from an early age, was encouraged to embrace being Canadian and also loving my Filipino heritage. For this reason, I am truly proud to be Filipino Canadian,” Jeff said. He also expressed great appreciation for the country that he has called home for over 35 years. A home that has given him and his family greater opportunities than he imagined. “Canada is truly a leader in world human rights, diversity and multiculturalism,” he said. “The health care system is bar none in the world,” he added. “The education system is first class. I’m proud to be a graduate of the University of Toronto.” He also said that unlike many immigrants, he loved winter in Canada. He explained, “I know many people complain about the cold weather, and the very long winter months, but I have always loved this country from the very beginning, especially the snow!” A Pinoy through and through

“I get very nostalgic when I think about the Philippines,” Jeff shared, thinking of the years he spent as a child in Manila, Cebu, and his parents’ hometown of Bacolod. “Like many Filipinos abroad, little things trigger my homesickness. Like eating mom’s Filipino home cooking or hearing a corny Tagalog joke,” he said. “So when I’m back in the Philippines, I take every opportunity to soak up all that I can and fully experience everything that I miss: the incredible people, the smiles, the beaches, the churches, the shopping, the culture and most of all, the food!” Hands down, Jeff loves Filipino food — “from tangladstuffed (lemongrass-stuffed) lechon, crispy pata with suka (vinegar), sinugba na bangus (grilled milkfish), Bacolod Chicken Inasal with Garlic rice, ginataang alimango (crabs cooked in coconut milk), La Paz batchoy, pinakbet, karekare (peanut stew), halo halo; to street food like fried fishball and green mangoes with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).” Sorry for making you salivate, kababayan.

Jeff Rustia, founder and executive director of Toronto Men’s Fashion Week. JEFRE NICHOLLS, USED WITH PERMISSION

“In a nutshell, I miss everything about the Philippines,” he said. But even if he misses authentic Filipino fare when he’s in Canada, Jeff never fails to incorporate his Pinoy roots in his everyday life. “I proudly wear my Filipino heritage on my sleeve,” he said. “Everything I have done has always been intrinsically linked to my pride in being Filipino,” he added, thanking his”wonderful parents who instilled in [him] great Filipino family values.” According to Jeff, he tries his best to promote the Filipino culture and the Philippines itself. “[During] my university years, I founded FYC (Filipino Youth of Canada), the first umbrella organization for young Filipino-Canadian University students. In fact, my first job in television with Channel [V] (formerly MTV ASIA) was being the Producer of Sigaw Manila, the very first international music video show about the Philippines, broadcasted all over Asia,” he shared. “My career in television also included launching and creating the on air identities of HBO, Cinemax and Nickelodeon in the Philippines,” he added. www.canadianinquirer.net

Passion for fashion

Today, Jeff is the executive director and founder of Toronto Men’s Fashion Week or “TOM,” a bi-annual leading fashion event across Toronto, which showcases “the best in menswear design and brands from Canada and around the world.” TOM is an award-winning men’s fashion week event, earning international recognition from prestigious publications such as GQ, Vogue Italia, WWD, Details, and Forbes Magazine. Before founding TOM, Jeff started out in the television and entertainment industry. He worked as a producer of various shows, which aired across Canada and Asia, like Channel V’s “Sigaw Manila” and “By Demand,” as well as fashionthemed programs like “Fashion Police.” Jeff even became the host of his own show. “I eventually became the host of my own fashion program “Club Fashion” on BPM:TV, Canada’s 24 hour Music channel, where I covered fashion events and shows around the world,” he shared. Jeff’s inclination to fashion led him to organize his own fashion festival to showcase home-grown Filipino talents

and products. Today, this festival is known as the award-winning “Canada Philippine Fashion Week,” a fashion event to promote Filipino designers and culture in Toronto. The event’s main sponsors are Philippine Airlines and PLDT. “Being a proud Filipino-Canadian, I wanted to showcase the talent of the Filipinos on a global scale, but more importantly to open up the economies for fashion, trade and textiles between the two countries,” Jeff explained. “It was only natural that I fell into producing fashion shows, and I have to thank Canada Philippine Fashion Week for being my first foray into producing week-long runway presentations. Canada Philippine Fashion Week in 2014 won Best New Festival of the Year, awarded by FEO (Festival Events Ontario),” he added. On loving what you do

No vocation is easy-breezy, but if you find your passion, all the hard work will be worth it. Such is the truth for Jeff. “I love my job because it combines all of my passions: Fashion, entertainment, and most importantly philanthropy,” he said. “My family and I started our own Children’s Foundation named after my late son, Kol, who was diagnosed to live 3 months and survived for 14 years. He is the inspiration and the story behind the Kol Hope Foundation for Children. I am proud to say that all of my initiatives such as Canada Philippine Fashion Week and Toronto Mens’ Fashion week have a charitable element, and play an active role in helping children through Kol Hope. TOM*s recent donation of $12,500 to the Kol Hope Fund at Sick Kids now brings up the cumulative total to $107,500 CDN or (P3, 870,000 ) since its inception,” he proudly shared. For anyone who’s still trying to find their passion and their purpose in life, Jeff has a few words of encouragement. “Always be proud of who you are and where you came from, for it is that pride in your heritage that will lead you to great success. Work Hard, be the best and follow your dreams.” ■

Immigration

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Tale of two women, two closed embassies, two very different stories BY STEPHANIE LEVITZ The Canadian Press OTTAWA — A Syrian woman sits in one of Canada’s capital cities, wondering about her family back home. An Iranian woman sits in her country’s capital, wondering why her Canadian family abandoned her there. Both are former employees of Canadian embassies _in Damascus and Tehran — closed in 2012 in the midst of social and political upheaval. But documents obtained by The Canadian Press under access-to-information legislation show a stark contrast between the way Canada treated its former employees in Syria and those in Iran. In Syria, a civil war prompted Canada to pull up stakes, while in Iran, a decision by Canada to cut off diplomatic ties with the government was behind the move. In Syria, layoffs of local staff began in January 2012 and ended with the full closure of the embassy in March of that year. A week after, then-ambassador Glenn Davidson wrote a memo on how it was handled, offering advice for future such closures. For locally-engaged staff, workplaces are not just jobs and sources of income, they’re also sources of pride, he wrote. “Our bottom line was: look after your staff as you would wish to be looked after yourself,” he said. Each employee met individually with their manager, got a photo, a certificate of appreciation and even offers of counselling. Severance was paid immediately and arrangements were made for pensions and benefits. “It broke my heart (that the embassy closed),” said Basila,

a former employee,who asked that her real name be withheld to protect her family in Syria. “But it wasn’t surprising the way they treated us — Canadians know how to treat people.” The memo may not have reached Tehran. The documents suggest planning to close the embassy was underway in April 2012. Locals were kept in the dark to protect them and the Canadians working there, lest the Iranian government find out ahead of time, the documents say. “The closure of the embassy of Canada in Tehran, and the way in which the decision to close the mission was implemented was the result of a truly unique set of circumstances,” said an e-mail about the Iranians sent to senior Canadian diplomats around the globe. It took two and a half years for The Canadian Press to obtain some 700 pages of records related to the closure of both embassies and they are heavily redacted. Iranian locals knew they weren’t fully trusted — that was part of the stress of working for a foreign government, especially one Iran didn’t like, said Afsaneh, a long-time embassy employee who asked that her real name not be used to prevent any repercussions from the government in Tehran. But there had been a warm relationship with their bosses and it turned cold that spring, she said. “Something was wrong but we couldn’t figure it out,” she said in an interview. As part of the plans for closing the embassy, the documents suggest the embassy was developing a strategy for handling the layoffs, including a scheduled set of calls, but the details are censored.

Canada announced on Sept. 7, 2012, it was listing Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism and ending diplomatic relations, with Canadians already out of the country. Afsaneh found out about it from a friend watching the news on the BBC. With the embassy doors locked, personal belongings of many local staff — who considered the embassy the safest place to store items like passports, diplomas and cash — remained inside for over two months. And they waited as long for their severance pay and benefits. A group of staff wrote an angry letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other senior officials in October that year, the first of several attempts at recouping their money and belongings. The toxic relationship between Tehran and Ottawa was putting their lives and families at risk, they wrote, saying none would be able to find work. “None of us expected such an approach from a government espousing and advocating human rights and Canadian values regarding its own employees,” the letter said. A month later a frustrated former employee wrote to two senior foreign affairs officials, Daniel Makysmiuk and Dennis Horak. “Mr. Denial,” the letter began, “excuse me, how long should I wait to get my right from the embassy?” Later in November, through the Italian embassy, paycheques were delivered with a letter of thanks. “Our gratitude is reinforced by the knowledge that strains in Canada’s relations with Iran made your employment at the Embassy of Canada more challenging than normal, and thus your loyalty is doubly appreci-

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ated,” then deputy foreign affairs minister Morris Rosenberg wrote. The Foreign Affairs department declined a request for an interview and did not directly respond to specific questions about how Iranian staff were treated. Documents suggest concerns were raised internally, but the elements which remain uncensored are mostly connected to pay and benefits. It was a chilling contrast to what happened in 1979, Afsaneh said. During the Iranian revolution, Canadian embassy staff were evacuated en masse and the crew that remained were later made famous for protecting American diplomats during the Iranian hostage crisis. Locals were also offered help getting out of the country, Afsaneh said. But this time, nothing. She and her husband had tried to leave earlier. About seven months before the embassy closed, they were told their application to immigrate to Canada was being returned as part of the Conservative government’s move to erase a backlog of old files that spring. So they remain in Iran, still hurt about how they were treated. “We never expected them to tell us about their plan but wished our employer cared

about us as they did in 1979,” she said. Meanwhile, staff in Damascus were offered positions in other embassies, reference letters and remained in seemingly-close contact with Canadian officials. “I follow the news from Syria with great sadness, and worry about all of you, “ former ambassador Davidson wrote in an e-mail reply to one in May 2012. “I hope peace will return, but there is not much cause for optimism just now.” Basila had hoped for peace too, but eventually fled the country. She and her family travelled to Jordan, living in a refugee camp until they received word a church in Toronto was willing to sponsor them as refugees. She is insistent her former work for Canada had nothing to do with her selection and is aware the Canadian government is under fire for its seemingly-slow response to the Syrian refugee crisis. She has a different perspective. “I’ve seen both sides of the file now,” she said, comparing her time in the Canadian embassy and her time in the refugee camps. “The government is doing the very best it can in very bad circumstances.” ■

Community News

Top envoy meets key BC officials PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR to Canada Petronila P. Garcia went on an official visit to Vancouver and Victoria, BC on June 1 to 3, for a series of meetings with key BC officials and the Filipino community of Victoria. Garcia first met with BC’s Minister for Agriculture, Norm Letnick, on June 1, principally to discuss ways of enhancing the Philippines’ trade with BC in agriculture and food products, noting the growing market for Filipino food products in BC, as well as the potentials for exporting high-quality BC products like salmon and wine to the Philippines. In Victoria, Garcia called on Lieutenant Governor of BC Judith Guichon at her official residence on June 2. The two officials discussed a broad range of topics-from the Filipino population in Canada to charity work and volunteerism. Garcia thanked Lieutenant Governor Guichon and the BC government for the warmth and hospitality extended to Pres. Benigno S. Aquinio III during the latter’s state visit to Canada.

The ambassador likewise expressed appreciation for Canada’s quick and generous relief aid in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) which, per capita, was the highest among all donor nations. Lieutenant Governor Guichon, meanwhile, praised the Filipino workers and immigrants in BC, whom she described as a “great community.” She said Filipinos “engenders such warmth” that begets Canada’s support and sympathy during crisis situation. Also in Victoria, Garcia met with the leaders and members of the various associations comprising the Filipino community of Victoria. Garcia encouraged the community members to keep up their civic and charitable activities, at the same time inviting them to take advantage of opportunities in business and tourism in the Philippines. She also encouraged qualified voters to register and cast their ballots for the 2016 Philippine national elections, stressing that “intelligent votes” are needed to steer the country in the right direction. ■

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Tzu Chi assists Nepal quake victims IN THE afternoon of April 25, a major earthquake, magnitude 7.8, struck the remote village near the capital, Kathmandu. The headquarters of Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan opened the relief coordination center right after the quake on April 26. The first medic and disaster estimation team which has 10 doctors and five professionals were deployed immediately from Taiwan and four other countries to Nepal. They also brought medical supplies with them. This team arrived in Kathmandu on April 29 and received permission from the government of Nepal to provide the free clinic service. Till now, five shifts of Tzu Chi volunteers have been deployed to Nepal from Taiwan, Indonesia, USA and other countries. (for more statistic number about Tzu Chi Foundation’s medical and relief service in Nepal, please log on http://www.tzuchi.org and click “global-site”). The 6th shift has been servicing there since May 27th. For providing the relief to the affected Nepalis in the earthquake, Tzu Chi Foundation, Canada has launched the funds raising campaign on May 2, and will end on June 30. The public can continue to log on the website (http://www.tzuchi.ca) to

(From R) Rahul Singh, founder of GlobalMedic; Michael Chuang, vice CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation, Canada for Back East Area; Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Mrs. Bonnie Crombie.

do the online donation, or they can mail or drop off check/cash donation to the national head office of Tzu Chi Canada at 8850 Osler St., Vancouver. Tzu Chi Foundation, Canada has signed the MOU with GlobalMedic, a well-known emergency response organization under a Toronto-based charity foundation. GlobalMedic will purchase materials for 2000 sets of bucket gravity filters designed for water purification and 2000 sets of hygiene pack, which will benefit 2000 local families in Nepal. Tzu Chi volunteers in Great-

er Toronto Area will help to assemble the filter buckets. The assemblies of the first 840 sets of filter and hygiene pack were done on May 24. All of the sets will be transported to Nepal by Canadian Air Force. Recently, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, MP, Mississauga South Stella Ambler, State Minister (Sport), Bal Gosal, and Mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie Crombie, were invited to see how Tzu Chi volunteers work for the filters and express support and gratitude for volunteers’ dedication. ■

Senator Enverga’s statement on Philippine Independence Day

Ambassador Garcia presents a token to Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Dear Kababayans, On June 12th, Canadians of Filipino descent will celebrate the 117th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. It marks the first time that the flag that brings us such pride was flown as a symbol of our united intent of being one country of many peoples. It is a day that is celebrated all around the world by our diaspora, and it stands as a reminder of the freedom for which our forefathers fought, and the freedom that we, kababayans in Canada, are fortunate to have. This important day is a great time to celebrate the strong ties that our two nations share that were further strengthened during the official State Visit to www.canadianinquirer.net

Canada by His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, president of the Republic of the Philippines. We can also celebrate the increasing people-to-people ties and highlight our growing trade relations. The recent trade mission I participated in, led by Minister of International Trade Ed Fast, to the Philippines, proved the strong economic links we have and the potential for further trade between our countries. It is also a day to celebrate the significant economic, social and cultural contributions that Filipinos make to Canada. The strong presence of Filipino-Canadians in civic life is testament to our tireless efforts of participating in the democratic

process, and we are seeing an increasing number of kababayans in all levels of government. I am truly encouraged by the already confirmed candidates for the upcoming federal elections, and I hope that we will see more before we go to the polls. We should be proud of all of our achievements. As in the years since my appointment to the Senate of Canada, there will be a Flag Raising Ceremony held on Parliament Hill on June 11, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. to mark this special day. On behalf of the Senate of Canada, I wish you all a happy Independence Day. Maligayang araw ng kalayaan sa inyong lahat! ■

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

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JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Entertainment Melai wins in ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

INTOIT / SHUTTERSTOCK

Kris to live in USA for a year BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — In one of the episodes of her morning talk show “Kris TV,” actress-host Kris Aquino told guest Karla Estrada that she planned to move to the United States of America next year. “Wala na’ko dito next year. I’ll live in America for a year. Gusto ko talaga tumira sa States ng one year para ma-experience ni Bimb,” she responded when Karla suggested activities they could do together next year. (I’m not here anymore by next year. I’ll live in America for a year. I really want to live in the [United] States for one year for Bimb to experience [living there.]) “Ayan ka nanaman. Sinabi mo na ‘yan sa’kin last year eh. Last year, Singapore lang sinabe mo. Ngayon, States na… Hindi mo ‘to maiiwan, ano ka ba. Mamimiss

mo ‘to,” Karla said disbelieving her friend’s statement. (There you go again. You already told me that last year. Last year, you only mentioned Singapore. Now, [the United] States… You can’t leave this [country], mind you. You’ll miss this [place].) Kris, however, was firm on her plan. “Gusto ko lang ma-experience ni Bimb… kasi sinabi ko sa kanya feeling ko naging well-rounded akong individual kasi nag-aral ako abroad. ‘Tapos natuto ako lahat ng gawain for myself,” she said. (I just want Bimb to experience… because I told him that I felt I became a well-rounded individual because I studied abroad. Also, I learned to do everything for myself.) Kris believed that her son James “Bimby” Yap Jr. will also become a more responsible child if he gets to experience

life in the USA. “‘Tapos kapag after three months ‘di na kaya, umuwi na… Gusto ko talaga ma-experience niya mag-school bus doon. Gusto ko yung bus stop, lalakad siya,” she said. (And then, if we can no longer bare the set-up after three months, [we’ll] go home… I really want him to experience the school bus there. I want the bus stop, [I want] him walking towards it.) “Try lang… Kinaya ko kaya dati and those were the happiest years of my life,” she added when Karla doubted that the Queen of All Media could stay in the USA for long. ([We’ll] just try… I lived in that set-up before and those were the happiest years of my life.) Kris spent most of her childhood days in Boston, Massachusetts where her family was exiled during the Martial Law in the Philippines. ■

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MANILA — Comedienne Melai Cantiveros still can’t believe that she is the firstever winner of the celebrity competition, “Your Face Sounds Familiar.” Cantiveros impersonated Miley Cyrus during her final performance on Sunday night. She garnered 51.93% of the total votes and was declared the grand winner among other finalists including Nyoy Volante, Jay R and Edgar Allan Guzman. “Siguro dahil ang aking charity is sa simbahan, kaya thank you, Lord,” Cantiveros told reporters after the show. (Maybe it’s because the charity group that I’m supporting belongs to the Church. So, thank you, Lord.) Cantiveros w o n P 2 million i n t h e competi-

tion. Half of which will be given to the Alay Kapwa Desk of the Social Action Center of the Dioceese of Marbel. She then thanked the fans who supported her through text votes. “Sa mga sumporta, sa mga text-text, thank you very much,” she said. (To those who supported me, those who texted, thank you very much.) It was not the first time that Cantiveros won in a competition that is judged through text votes. She also won the reality TV show “Pinoy Big Brother” through the viewers’ text votes. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Apl.de.ap promotes Filipino food in USA BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer ASIDE FROM being a rapper, record producer and break dancer, Apl.de.ap is all a food junkie. Black Eyed Peace member and The Voice Philippines coach Apl.de.ap promoted Filipino food in Filipino Food Movement’s recent event “Savor the Night” held in the United States of America. Filipino Food Movement aimed to popularize Filipino cuisine. In their latest event, innovations of Filipino food were featured. “We’re very passionate with our cooking so we put our heart and soul into it so everyone should feel that. It’s like the soul food of Asia,” Apl.de.ap said, constantly engaging with the attendees.

Not known to many, Apl. de.ap was the unofficial chef of his hip hop group. “He cooks for the band when they’re on tour. He’s always been an aficionado of Filipino food so the connection was always very natural for us,” Filipino Food Movement founder PJ Quesada said. Apl.de.ap Foundation International was the beneficiary of the event. The foundation will then use the proceeds of the event to fund its project of providing education for children. “I’ve seen it with my own eyes that when you give someone an opportunity they excel, especially Filipino kids. We’re so talented. We just need the opportunity,” Quesada said. Aside from new trends in the Filipino cuisine, the event also featured traditional comfort foods. “Just using the resource we

grew up with and using it to our palettes now can definitely challenge the community, but at the same time we can also have fun with it and enjoy great food that way,” Kainbigan in Oakland chef Charleen Caabay said. Truly, Filipino food has been something every Pinoy can be proud of, wherever in the globe they may be. “The number one thing I got from Filipino food is that it is a family gatherer and no matter what problems you have in the family the food will always bring you together,” Nouveau Filipino in Napa chef Kelsi said. “Filipinos are taking ownership of their own cuisine. They’re saying ‘Hey, we are a culture that has our own cuisine and we’re very proud of it’,” DiCarlo of Xroads Philippine Sea Salts chef Lennie Buenaflor added. ■

Aside from being a a rapper, record producer and break dancer, Apl.de.ap is all a food junkie. PHOTO FROM APL.DE.AP'S WEBSITE

Sharon, KC still not in good terms Cesar denies

fathering love child

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — In megastar Sharon Cuneta’s Facebook page, netizens expressed concern over her continuous rift with daughter actress-singer KC Concepcion. Cuneta politely replied to her followers’ comments and clarified that the ‘unnecessary toosexy photos’ was not the only reason behind their strain relationship. One Facebook user defended KC’s daring pictorials. To this, Sharon replied, “I wish all these was just about sexy poses. Thanks anyway. God bless.” Another user wished Sharon would not let ‘bashers’ ruin her relationship with KC. To this, Sharon explained that it was not bashers who drove a ‘wedge’ between her and her daughter. “Bashers have never been the reason for driving a wedge between me and my daughter. The reasons are sad and not made public as they are personal and have been going on for way longer than people will ever know. Thank you so much for your concern, though,” Sharon said. Yet another Facebook user advised Sharon to learn to let

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

KC Concepcion and Megastar mom Sharon Cuneta. PHOTO FROM SHARON'S FACEBOOK PAGE

go of her adult children. “I think it is when they change towards you that problems begin. And yes, she is an adult now. I think adults should know better especially in terms of gratitude and respect, don’t you think? God bless you! Lots of love,” Sharon replied. After a few more replies to comments and advices, Sharon posted a status that she would no longer entertain questions and concerns regarding KC. “I love all my children and though I appreciate all of your comments and your love and

concern for me and KC, this is the last I will post about her or us, unless it is a good and positive one or something that will require clearing up,” she said. Although admitting that she and her daughter needed to mend some hurts, Sharon believed that they will be in good terms again in due time. “God is good. In His time all will be well. God bless us all! Have a nice day! Lots of love to all of you,” she added. KC has not yet released an official statement on her side of the issue. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

source is courageous enough to step into the spotlight.) Asked to talk about details of his love life, Montano said that MANILA — Actor Ceasar Mon- he will “talk about it next time.” tano denied rumors that he “Wala pa, next time na lang is fathering a child with Miss natin pag-usapan ‘yan. We’ll Philippines Earth 2009 Sandra put it onscreen.” Seifert. (There’s none yet. Let’s talk In an interview with Pep.Ph, about it next time. We’ll put it Montano said onscreen.) that rumors like But asked to those should be comment on ignored. reports about “Hindi pinasightings of him pansin ‘yan, kasi with Sandra, yung source niMontano said: yan, hindi naman Those rumors “I’ve been niya nire-reveal should be sighted with a lot ang sarili niya. ignored, of women,” he Takot siya pubecause the said. munta sa liwasources are “ N g a y o n nag. Saka ko na not revealing nga lang, may ie-entertain yun themselves. kasama ako na kapag matapang pamangkin ko. na siya pumunta Puro babae rin. sa liwanag,” he Ini-expect ko na said. matsitsismis rin, (Those rue. Pero I’m with mors should be my nieces,” he ignored, because added. the sources are (Just now I’m not revealing themselves. The with my nieces who are all girls. source is afraid of the spot- I’m expecting to rumored for this light. I will entertain that if the but they are all my nieces.) ■

Entertainment

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Daniel, Erich confirms their relationship BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

KC Concepcion and Megastar mom Sharon Cuneta. PHOTO FROM SHARON'S FACEBOOK PAGE

Heart and Chiz to renew vows next year BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he and his wife actress Heart Evangelista are planning to renew their wedding vows as early as next year. In an interview with Radyo Inquirer, Escudero said that they will only have a renewal of vows, not a full blown wedding. “It’s not a full blown wedding. We’ll just renew our vows,” Escudero said. Asked why they will be holding the ceremony, he said that the Evangelista wants to have a picture with her entire family, including her parents in her wedding. “Gusto lang niya (Evangelista), may pictures kaming lahat, kasama ang parents ko, parents niya.” (She just wants to have pictures with our entire family

including my parents and her parents.) “Mas mahalaga masaya si Heart dahil matagal na niyang binibitbit at pinapasan ito,” he said. (It’s important that Hear is happy because she has been through all these for a long time.) The senator was referring to the Evangelista’s reconciliation with her parents which Evangelista described as a “miracle” and a “dream come true.” Evangelista also shared a photo of her with her parents and her husband, Escudero, after the dinner with her family. Asked about the said meeting, Escudero said: “Walang issue, walang mabigat na pinag-usapan, normal lang at naging masaya ang pagsasama namin.” (There were no issues. We didn’t talked about heavy issues. It was a normal meeting and we were very happy.) ■

MANILA — When Brapanese actor Daniel Matsunaga and actress Erich Gonzales played as contestants in ABS-CBN’s game show “Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal,” the two finally admitted the real status of their relationship. Show host Luis Manzano first asked why Daniel referred to Erich as ‘Spartan baby.’ “Mahilig ako sa workout ‘di ba? So nu’ng naging kami… Hindi po nanggaling sa akin. Hindi po nanggaling kay Erich. ‘Nu’ng naging kami.’ Tapos,” Daniel said.

(I’m fond of working out, right? So when we became a couple… It was not from me. It was not from Erich. When we became a couple. Done.) “She’s my girlfriend already,” he added, addressing the viewers who were delighted to hear the news. During the course of the game show, Luis then asked Erich why they chose briefcase number 15. “Hindi. Kasi kanina on our way here, nag-pray kami tapos biglang sabi niya, ‘O 15.’ ‘Yung una niyang nakita…,” Erich said, clarifying that 15 was not the date of their monthsary. (No. Because a while ago on

our way here, we prayed. Then he immediately said, ‘15.’ It’s the first [number] he saw.) “Ako naman siyempre masaya ako at proud ako… We share the same interests. We go to the same church din,” she later on added, referring to their relationship. (As for me, of course I’m happy and proud… We share the same interests. We also go to the same church.) The two had been rumored to be a couple since April this year, after their sweet photos in Instagram resulted to some speculations. Daniel was the first to confirm in his Instagram account that he was indeed in a relationship with Erich. ■

Daniel Matsunaga with girlfriend Erich Gonzales

PHOTO FROM DANIEL'S INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

that have been involved in the South Korean MERS saga. Both outbreaks had a patient or patients who infected many others early in the outbreak. In Toronto, one of the earliest people to catch SARS infected 36 other people in two hospitals. Though there are many similarities, there are differences too. When SARS hit Toronto, it didn’t yet have a name. MERS hit the world’s radar in September 2012 and has made headlines off and on ever since, mainly for cases on the Arabian Peninsula.

as more than two years of experience containing MERS outbreaks in the Middle East — gives the South Koreans critical knowledge on what it takes to stop MERS. That experience may also give the broader public health community some confidence MERS can be controlled. But it may not be making the South Koreans more reassured at the moment, McGeer admits. “The fact that somebody else tells you it’s going to be over does not necessarily make you feel any better when you’re in the middle of it.” ■

South Korean... recognized that this person probably had this disease that was happening in China. Some of them were in hospital and some of them were in the community. Some of them were health-care providers,” Henry says. All those ill people were exposing multiple others to the disease. Sick health-care workers started booking off work. “And we realized they were in multiple parts of the facility. They were nurses, they were Xray techs... The security guard in the emergency department. So it became very clear within a ❰❰ 22

short period of time that there were people that we didn’t know who had been in contact (with the first case),” Henry says. “And then there were healthcare workers who were sick who’d been in contact with other health-care workers. And it sort of snowballed. And we had to make the decision to close the hospital.” That cascading effect seems to be happening in South Korea. In Toronto, transfer of patients among hospitals brought the virus to more facilities. There are currently at least six hospitals

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There was no test for SARS for much of the global outbreak, which burned out within four months. There is now a test for MERS. But a test only assists if you think to use it. “It’s a way of saying ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ But it doesn’t help if you haven’t recognized that the person has a respiratory infection to start with. And that’s where we need to focus, is on catching people early,” Henry says. There is another difference: When SARS arose, no one knew what it was or whether its spread could be contained. That successful fight — as well

Entertainment

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Freedom on... Aguinaldo arrived in the country on May 19, 1898 and declared the Philippine Independence to inspire the people to eagerly fight for freedom on the 12th of June, the same year. ❰❰ 23

Contending dates

June 12, however was not the only date suggested for the country’s Independence Day celebration. There were several other dates when the country’s independence was declared including April 12, when Andres Bonifacio wrote “Viva la independencia Filipino!” on the walls of the Pamitinan Cave in Moltaban Rizal. The Cry of Pugad Lawin, originally commemorated on August 26 was also brought up. During this event, Bonifacio tore his cedula in front of many Katipuneros as a symbol of defiance and independence from Spanish authorities. July 4, the day when the country commemorates the declaration of our independence by the United States, is also among the list of contending dates for the country’s Independence Day celebration. On the 4th of July 1946, the Philippines was officially recognized by the community of nations. Change of date

Following this date, the coun-

try celebrates its independence every 4th of July, until May 12, 1962 when President Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo initiated Proclamation No. 28,s 1962 which declared June 12, as the country’s Independence Day. “The establishment of the Philippine Republic by the Revolutionary Government under General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, marked our people’s declaration and exercise of their right to selfdetermination, liberty and independence,” the proclamation noted. “Such a historic and inspiring action was a legitimate assertion by the Filipino nation of their natural and inalienable claim to freedom and independence, which is an inherent right of every people not dependent upon the will and discretion of another; and “the transcendental importance of the event demands that it be observed throughout the land with fitting ceremonies to the end that it will be cherished forever in the hearts of the Filipino people and inspire them and posterity to greater dedication and endeavor for the welfare of the country and the wellbeing of man-kind.” In the proclamation, Macapagal also encouraged activities in the local government to celebrate the country’s independence.

“I urge all national, provincial, city and municipal officials throughout the country to make arrangements in their respective localities for the appropriate celebration of the occasion as Philippine Independence Day.” Two years later, the Congress passed Republic Act No. 4166 to formally designated the 12th of June every year as the date of celebration of the Philippine Independence. Section 1 of the Act states that “the twelfth day of June is hereby proclaimed as the Philippine Independence Day, and all citizens of the Philippines are enjoined to observe such day with rites befitting Independence Day.” While it is a must to know when we are celebrating Independence Day, learning the reasons behind the festivities is still more important. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter which date we are celebrating the country’s independence. What really matters is how we take our time to commemorate how the country’s heroes fought for the freedom we enjoy today, and how we can contribute in making that freedom and independence last. Our war heroes shed blood to show that indeed, the Filipinos are worth fighting for. It’s now our turn to return the favour. ■

Kate Moss escorted off plane after being disruptive THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON (AP) — Supermodel Kate Moss has been escorted off a plane after reportedly being disruptive while traveling from Turkey to London’s Luton airport. T h e 4 1-y e a r- o l d was escorted off a flight operated by budget airline easyJet from the Turkish resort of Bodrum. Without naming Moss, Bedfordshire Police responded to inquiries about the incident by confirming they

were called to help staff with a passenger being disruptive on a flight. Police say the passenger was not arrested, and no complaints were made. Moss is one of the world’s most familiar faces. Discovered at 14, she has since graced the covers of hundreds of magazines and has worked with designers including Louis Vuitton and Stella McC a r t n e y. Her party image and celebrity partners, including Johnny D e p p and Pete Doherty, have kept her in the public eye. ■

HOROSCOPE ARIES

CANCER

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)

(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)

(DEC 22 - JAN 19)

Don’t ever let your temper eat the

To accomplish the things you have

The strength of your spirit will be

When you waste your time

opportunity to fix things and never

to do, you must set the goals right

your anchor on the days to come.

complaining on the things that

leave any fight unresolved for a long time. Don’t lose

before driving. Someone will tell you that what you

Just keep that spirit up and maintain that positivity that

really wouldn’t make you productive, you lose the

hope. Remember: fighting is only there when you

need is a sense of direction. You can only get to the

radiates from your inner being. You might not know it but

opportunity of being able to taste the main dish life has

allow it to be there.

peak if you have your compass and your map with you.

you, Libra, have the power to turn things your way.

especially prepared for you.

TAURUS

LEO

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)

(OCT 23 - NOV 21)

(JAN 20 - FEB 18)

You keep on searching for something

You have kept things disorganized

When it comes to love, and even in

It’s good to be extra dedicated to

that really isn’t worth searching for.

the past weeks, Leo. Try looking back

your career, success comes when

your work, but too much won’t do

The more you keep running after someone you really

and finding out which part of your decisions brought you

you’re at your best mood to listen and give room to what

you any better. Happiness from your family and loved

don’t know, you miss the opportunity to be happy with

to a tangled situation today. Make an effort to recall all

others have to say. Understanding and listening are the

ones is way different and much better than the joy

those who will leave everything to be with you.

your actions and change what needs changing.

must-have traits you should be practicing this week.

you’ll get out of a successful career.

GEMINI

VIRGO

SAGITTARIUS

PISCES

(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)

(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)

(NOV 22 - DEC 21)

(FEB 19 - MAR 20)

Life has been a bit boring with

The more you hold on to something

A true friend can tell you that you’re

Sometimes it’s best to just smile

the same old habits, practices,

that’s non-existent, the more you fail

the meanest person on earth when

that negativity away and keep living

and routines. But this week, you’ll find someone

to appreciate what’s really there. Instead of forcing yourself

you're being one. The dedicated time and energy

on with the kind of life you really wanted without being

who will give you some excitement. There is just one

and the people around you to be some kind of a character

complaining about the things they believe you should

affected by negative judgements. Keep that grudge

requirement for this: open your eyes and see.

in a fairytale story, why not write a story of your own?

change should be something to be thankful about.

away and leave those troubles locked.

www.canadianinquirer.net

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Lifestyle

Activity levels of Canadian kids still lags; report stresses need for outdoor play BY LAUREN LA ROSE The Canadian Press TORONTO — With Canadian children still failing to meet key physical activity targets, a new report is stressing the benefits of outdoor play and urging adults to give kids more freedom. After a decade under the banner of Active Healthy Kids Canada, ParticipAction is spearheading the annual Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The latest findings, released Tuesday, paint a dire picture with Canadian kids assigned a D-minus for overall physical activity. The report card found that 70 per cent of three-to-four-yearolds met early years guidelines of at least 180 minutes of daily physical activity at any intensity. Older children fared much worse. Only seven per cent of five- to 11-year-olds and five per cent of 12- to 17-year-olds met recommended guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily. Walking quickly, skating and biking are examples of moderate activities, while running, basketball and soccer are considered vigorous activities. In a first for the report card, ParticipAction teamed with a leading research group and a dozen other organizations to develop a position statement advocating for active outdoor play. The report addressed the “protection paradox” which may be stifling kids' ability to be more active and resilient by keeping them indoors. Research highlighted the benefits of outdoor play in significantly boosting activity levels. Another study found Grade 5 and 6 students who were often or always allowed to go out and explore unsupervised were 20 per cent more active than kids

SHUTTERSTOCK

who were constantly super- educators, health professionals policies that inhibit that,” said vised. and governments among others Antunes. “We need to recognize the to help promote outdoor play. While his children are homedifference between danger and Antunes said parents should schooled, Bryan Black's two risk. And we need to value long- ensure kids are streetproofed eldest kids make weekly visits term health and fun as much as and provided with some limits to Ottawa Forest and Nature we value safety,” the position while encouraged to explore School for an education in the statement reads. outdoors. But they aren't the outdoors. “We're certainly not sug- only adults who should shoulBlack said it's been beneficial gesting that we for his sevenexpose kids to year-old daughdangerous situter and five-yearations. But I old son to engage think our sociYou need to make decisions. You in hands-on acety and our enexplore. There's more creativity. tivity in nature, vironments have You're not being driven by a digital from learning gone (to) the exscreen. You're actually chasing a frog about trees and treme,” said Elio or climbing a tree or you're exploring tadpoles to idenAntunes, presiin the forest or you're inventing a tifying animal dent and CEO of game in the park tracks during the ParticipAction. winter. “Because we “That's part of fear kids being the reason that alone playing we withdrew outside, or we fear them scraping der the responsibility. from the regular school system a knee, we constantly supervise “A lot of schools have banned is there's not enough regular kids (and) keep them indoors. ball playing during recess or outdoor play,” he said. “It's very And we know that kids indoors running for fear of injuries be- structured at the school system are less active and have higher cause kids scrape a knee. So where they can't just go and exlevels of sedentary behaviour.” schools have a real role to play plore and be out in the outdoors The report outlines several in encouraging kids to go out- as kids we used to do. It's not recommendations for parents, side and play — not creating like it used to be.” www.canadianinquirer.net

Whether their kids are exploring the forested area at the family cottage or heading to the neighbourhood park in the city, Black said they make an effort to ensure their kids are outdoors regularly. In addition to improved bone health and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, there are added cognitive and psychosocial benefits to being in nature, noted Mark Tremblay, the report card's chief scientific officer. “You need to make decisions. You explore. There's more creativity. You're not being driven by a digital screen. You're actually chasing a frog or climbing a tree or you're exploring in the forest or you're inventing a game in the park,” said Tremblay, director of Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. “We've lost the calibration of what's associated with healthy childhood development and we need to recalibrate society.” ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

How’s marriage doing? A mixed diagnosis finds rich poor gap, later vows, gays gaining access BY DAVID CRARY The Associated Press THROUGH TWO decades of debate on whether America’s gays and lesbians should have the right to marry, opponents of such unions depicted their resistance as “defence of marriage.” Now, on the cusp of a Supreme Court ruling that could legalize same-sex marriage nationwide, the underlying institution is under scrutiny anew. Does marriage in America indeed need help? What kind of shape is it in? In simplest terms, the diagnosis is mixed. Among college-educated, relatively affluent couples, marriage is doing pretty well. Where education and income levels are lower, it’s often a different story — higher divorce rates; far more children being born out of wedlock, including many to single mothers. There’s broad sentiment that this “marriage gap” is unfortunate, but no consensus on what to do about it. Some believe government-funded marriage-promotion programs can make a difference. Others depict marriage-focused solutions as misguided and say the problems can be eased only by broader economic and social initiatives benefiting all types of households. “There is no one silver bullet,” said David Blankenhorn, head of a centrist think-tank, the Institute for American Values, that focuses much of its work on marriage and families. Yet despite uncertainty about solutions, he and others believe there is now an opportunity to bridge the left-right split over marriage, particularly in light of the sweeping gains for gay and lesbian couples. For many years, the gay-marriage debate was intertwined with assertions about “traditional marriage” between a man and a woman. A federal act passed in 1996 and a subsequent wave of amendments adopted in many states used the term “defence of marriage” to deny recognition to samesex unions. Many opponents of same-sex marriage argued that allowing gays to wed would somehow undermine hetero-

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sexual marriage. Such arguments have fared poorly in recent federal court cases. And there’s a strong likelihood that the Supreme Court will order the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states in a ruling expected soon. Opinion polls show a solid majority of Americans support it. “Marriage as culture war in America can now be replaced by marriage as common cause,” said a coalition of scholars and civic leaders in their manifesto for a new initiative called Marriage Opportunity. The group, with Blankenhorn as an organizer, envisions liberals fighting for economic opportunity, conservatives fighting for stronger families and gays who have now won marriage rights for themselves all uniting to confront the marriage gap. Scholars who have chronicled the gap say it stems in large measure from the loss of stable,

well-paid industrial jobs — consigning many young adults to precarious, low-paid work, and prompting some to put off marriage even while having children out of wedlock. In contrast, college-educated young adults are more likely to wait until marriage to have children and then have the prospect of raising them in a household supported by two good incomes. According to the Pew Research Center, the share of American adults who’ve never married is at a historic high. In 2012, 20 per cent of adults 25 and older had never been married, compared to 9 per cent of adults in 1960. Back then, according to Pew, the likelihood of being married didn’t vary according to level of education; now men with advanced degrees are far more likely to have married than those who didn’t go beyond high school. Another striking figure: Unwww.canadianinquirer.net

married mothers account for 40.6 per cent of children born in the U.S., according to recent Census data. In the AfricanAmerican community, the rate is 71.5 per cent. Tera Jordan, a professor of human development at Iowa State University, has studied various aspects of marriage and relationships among black Americans. She sees a need for multiple changes — more access to good-paying jobs, better educational opportunities, a lowering of the incarceration rate for young black men. Her advice to young adults wondering about marriage: “Be clear about your goals, be patient. Finish your education.” Before moving to Iowa, Jordan worked with a federally funded marriage-strengthening program in Georgia. In all, according to experts who study the field, more than $1 billion in public funding has been spent

since 2005 on such programs, yet their effectiveness remains subject to debate. The largest, most durable state-level program is the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative, recently renamed Project Relate. Since its launch in 1999, it has served more than 400,000 Oklahomans — about 10 per cent of the population. One of its primary programs, Family Expectations, entails 30 hours of classes for low-income expectant parents who want to strengthen their relationships. Independent assessments found that couples taking the program are more likely to stay together than other couples. Kendy Cox, a senior director of Project Relate, said many low-income couples believe in the concept of marriage, yet are unsure if it’s the right step for them. “It’s become seen as sort of pie in the sky for some couples,” she said. Among Family Expectations’ graduates is Rachel Chudoba, 27. She and her then-fiance, Chad — now her husband — were 19 when they signed up in 2007; they’re now parents of a son and a daughter. Chudoba said communications skills they learned came in handy when Chad, a member of the Army National Guard, was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. “It’s hard to acknowledge that you need a timeout in a conversation when you don’t get to talk very often,” Chudoba said. “But being separated for a year, you are going to have disagreements.” Chudoba said she and her husband came from challenging backgrounds. Both of Rachel’s parents had multiple divorces; Chad spent time in foster care. “We didn’t have a lot of positive examples of how to have a relationship and how to raise children,” she said. “That was a huge thing for me and my husband — not repeating the mistakes of the older generation.” Several members of her extended family are in their early 20s, and wondering about marriage. “I see people who are apprehensive,” Chudoba said. “I see a lot of looking for answers.” ■

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Business BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFS BLACKS PHOTO CHAIN SHUTTERING ALL STORES TORONTO — Photography chain Blacks is shuttering all of its 59 stores in Canada after nearly 70 years of selling pictures, albums and frames to capture treasured family moments. Parent company Telus said the closures will take effect Aug. 8 and affect about 485 employees, most of whom work in Ontario. PHOTO. Moves National, Business and Ontario; guard against duplication. Will be updated to 500 words by 5 p.m. By Liam Casey. MINISTERS NEARING DEAL ON INTERNAL TRADE? TORONTO — Federal, provincial and territorial trade ministers say discussions to create a new internal trade deal are about halfway finished and there is a “historic” amount of agreement between them.The ministers met today in Toronto to talk about renewing the 20-year-old Agreement on Internal Trade. Will be updated to 450 words by 5 p.m. By Allison Jones.

Firms leaving China seen skipping PH Group urges Congress to amend taxation system BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE EUROPEAN Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) warned yesterday that the country risked losing potential investments to its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) if the government would not adjust the current taxation system that has been a drag to the competitiveness of the local business environment. “We have to bring the Philippines forward. The government now has limited time to approve economic legislation and institute reforms. If we do not address the issue now, companies will be going to Vietnam

and not here,” ECCP president Michael Raeuber said. “The ECCP has been encouraging European businesses to invest in the Philippines. We are also working closely with Philippine exporters not just to Europe but to other countries. There is a need to see some action,” he added. According to Raeuber, the Philippines must be competitive enough by offering the right set of incentives and tax system if it wanted to tap the companies that were planning to leave China and convince them to relocate to the Philippines. Many of these companies, however, were considering Vietnam as their preferred destination. Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo was earlier quoted as say-

ing that it made good economic sense to completely overhaul the country’s corporate and individual income taxes in order to be competitive amid the impending establishment of the Asean Economic Community (AEC). Such a move might especially prove to be critical in attracting more foreign investments in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors to achieve inclusive growth. Otherwise, the country might lose out to Thailand Vietnam, and Cambodia, he added. According to Quimbo, the tax bracket rates have not been adjusted since 1997 with 86 percent of income taxes being shouldered by only 16 percent of the population. ■

EXCHANGE RATES

CAPP SEES SLOWING OIL PRODUCTION GROWTH CALGARY — The low price of crude today is expected to put a damper on Canada’s oil output 15 years from now, according to a new forecast by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. The CAPP predicts the country’s total daily oil production will hit 5.3 million barrels by 2030 — a 43 per cent increase over 2014 levels. Moved Business and National; guard against duplication. 410 words. By Lauren Krugel. CPP TO BUY ANTARES FROM GE CAPITAL TORONTO — Canada Pension Plan Investment Board has a $12-billion deal to acquire Antares Capital, a Chicago-based lender that caters to a broad range of mid-sized businesses throughout the United States. CPP Investment Board executives say Antares Capital — part of the General Electric financial services arm GE Capital — has 20 per cent share of a stable U.S. lending sector worth an estimated US$96 billion a year. 460 words. By David Paddon. ONTARIO DEBATES CORPORATE WHISTLEBLOWER PLAN TORONTO — A proposal by Ontario’s securities watchdog to pay corporate whistleblowers up to $1.5 million is too stingy to spur senior executives with knowledge of accounting fraud, insider trading and market manipulation to come forward, a number of experts say. “I don’t think we should be calling on potential whistleblowers to be heroes,” class-action lawyer Dimitri Lascaris said during a roundtable held in Toronto on Tuesday to discuss the Ontario Securities Commission’s proposed whistleblower program. Moves Business and National, please guard against duplication. 460 words. By Alexandra Posadzki.

As of June 10, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CDN/USD

1.2234

-0.0102

-0.8268%

CDN/PHP

36.7795

+0.2235

+0.6113%

CDN/EUR

1.3824

-0.0086

-0.6152%

www.canadianinquirer.net

Business

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

HSBC cutting up to 25,000 jobs, aims for cost savings as it turns focus to fast growing Asia BY PAN PYLAS The Associated Press

Asia, but HSBC has the advantage of already having a major presence there. Around 75 per cent of its 2014 profits were generated in the region, even though it only has about a third of its staff there and its assets are dwarfed by those it controls in Europe. HSBC has historic ties to the region. It was founded in Hong Kong in 1865 when the city was a British colony in order to finance growing trade between China and Europe, much of it involving opium. Its original name says it all: The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. The company only became London-based in 1992 to meet the regulatory requirements of its acquisition of Midland Bank at the time. “The world is increasingly connected, with Asia expected to show high growth and become the centre of global trade over the next decade,” said Stu-

in over 70 countries and around 51 million customers, aims to cut costs by $4.5 billion to $5.0 billion by the end of 2017 and LONDON — HSBC Holdings, reduce the number of full-time Europe’s largest bank by maremployees by around 10 per ket value, will cut up to 25,000 cent, or between 22,000 and jobs globally to reduce costs 25,000. and shift its centre of gravity It intends to sell its operafurther toward the fast-growtions in Turkey and Brazil, reing Asian economies where it ducing its workforce by another started out 150 years ago. 25,000. HSBC said it plans to The London-based group, maintain a presence in Brazil to which is worth 120 billion serve large corporate clients. pounds ($184 billion), about About 8,000 of HSBC’s the same as U.S. giant Bank of 48,000 workforce in Britain America, said Tuesday it is “rewill lose their job, with a numdeploying resources to capture ber of branches earmarked for expected future growth opporclosure. The bank, which is also tunities.” to rename its remaining U.K. Though it has not yet decided branch network, hopes many of whether to move its headquarthe job cuts globally will come ters, the bank is clear on where from attrition. it thinks its commercial future A top union official in Britlies — China and the Asia-Pacifain said the cuts were the latest ic region. example of a workforce being The bank has suffered a series punished for the misconduct of of regulatory fines and cracksenior management. HSBC has downs in Europe and the U.S. paid billions in fines globally to and now wants settle investigato capitalize on tions of market Asia’s rapidly exrigging and allepanding class of gations it helped newly wealthy. It The world is increasingly connected, clients evade intends to grow with Asia expected to show high taxes and launits asset managegrowth and become the centre of der money. ment and insurglobal trade over the next decade. We “ Fr o n t - l i n e ance businesses, recognize that the world has changed staff have suffor example, and we need to change with it. fered time and in China’s rich time again as manufacturthey are forced ing heartland to pay for the in Guangdong mistakes of othprovince and in South Asia, art Gulliver, HSBC’s chief ex- ers with their jobs, their terms where economies like Indone- ecutive. “We recognize that the and conditions and their repusia are booming. world has changed and we need tation,” said Dominic Hook of Many Western banks have to change with it.” Unite union. sought to bolster operations in HSBC, which has operations A further concern for Brit-

HSBC building, Canary Wharf, London, England.

ish staff is the possibility that the bank will move its headquarters out of London. HSBC said it will make a decision this year. The bank has already warned about the economic risks facing Britain if the country opts to leave the European Union in a referendum that is due by the end of 2017. It’s also complained about the cost of a levy that the British government puts on banks — HSBC is set to pay around $1.5 billion this year alone on that. HSBC’s announcement comes a day ahead of a major speech from British economy minister, George Osborne, who many think is considering pulling back the bank levy. “We think the financial logic

BARRY CARUTH / FLICKR

for HSBC to escape the clutches of the U.K. — and Europe — is overwhelming,” said Ian Gordon, an analyst at Investec. “What possible reason is there to stay?” HSBC also said Tuesday it wants to return to profitability its global banking and markets division, which have been hit by tougher regulations since the financial crisis. In 2014, HSBC saw its post-tax profit fall to $14.7 billion from $17.8 billion the year before, largely because of fines and settlements with regulators. Shares in HSBC closed down 0.9 per cent at 614 pence in a weaker market in London. ■ Kelvin Chan in Hong Kong contributed to this report.

Gov’t economists keeping growth goals BY PAOLO G. MONTECILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer ECONOMIC MANAGERS are holding on to the government’s growth targets for the year even after the disappointing first quarter, citing measures that could spur a recovery in the coming months. The Philippine economy grew by 5.2 percent in January to March of this year, the slow-

est rate since 2012, official data released last month showed. This fell short of the state’s target range of 7 to 8 percent. Despite the rough start, the economy can still be expected to rally later in the year on the back of higher investment flows and increased state spending ahead of next year’s national elections. “I would tend to agree with… that it’s too early to abandon our 7 to 8 percent growth tar-

get,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said. “After all, this is just one data point,” he said. Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the economy would have to grow north of 7 percent for the rest of the year for the state’s goal to be met. Underspending by the national government, coupled with weak demand for the www.canadianinquirer.net

country’s exports, were tagged as the main culprit for the first quarter slowdown. Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad blamed weak disbursements on bureaucratic bottlenecks in the rollout of projects. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this year projected that the Philippine economy would expand by 6.7 percent. In light of the weak

first quarter, the IMF said its forecast might have been too generous. For his part, Tetangco said there remained enough cash in the economy to support domestic output. “We see that with sufficient liquidity, and as domestic credit remains healthy, there are developments that should boost economic performance going forward,” the central bank chief said. ■

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Technology

Apple expected to take aim at Spotify with new music streaming service BY BRANDON BAILEY AND RYAN NAKASHIMA The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Apple’s iTunes helped change the way music-lovers bought their favourite songs, replacing plastic discs with digital downloads. Now the maker of iPods and iPhones wants to carve out a leading role in a revolution well under way, with a new, paid streaming-music service set to launch this summer. With millions of listeners already tuning in to streaming outlets like Pandora and Spotify, analysts and music-industry sources say Apple has been gearing up to launch its own service, aimed at winning back some of those customers and nudging longtime iTunes users into a new mode of listening. Apple is expected to announce the service at its annual conference for software developers, which kicks off Monday in San Francisco. In a keynote session, CEO Tim Cook and other executives are also expected to show off new features in Apple’s operating software for iPhones, iPads and Macintosh computers, as well as tools for building new apps for the Apple Watch. Analysts also expect enhancements to the mobile-payment service known as Apple Pay. The world’s biggest tech company makes most of its money from selling handheld gadgets, like the popular iPhone, and other computer hardware. But Apple uses its annual World Wide Developers Conference to highlight the software, online services and apps that make those devices indispensable to consumers around the world. Along with a new music service, industry experts had been expecting Apple to announce a new streaming-video package and upgrades for its Apple TV service. But that may be delayed, according to reports by the New York Times and the tech blog Re/code, which said

SHUTTERSTOCK

Apple is still negotiating with broadcasters and isn’t ready to announce the video service. That puts the spotlight on Apple’s music initiative. Analysts say the company needs to build a robust streaming business if it wants to maintain its central role in the popularmusic ecosystem. Most recordings today are still sold through digital stores like iTunes, which opened in 2003. But those sales have declined, while streaming services are rapidly gaining subscribers and revenue. “Streaming media is increasingly important to the computer-using experience, so it’s important for Apple to have a role there,” said Creative Strategies analyst Ben Bajarin. About 41 million people globally now pay for streaming music from Spotify, Deezer and other outlets, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, which says subscription revenue grew 39 per cent last year to $1.6 billion. Overall download sales fell

8 per cent to $3.6 billion. Apple Inc. bought the Beats headphone maker and music streaming service for $3 billion last year, but publishers’ data confirmed by royalty tracking company Audiam shows Beats Music had just 303,000 U.S. subscribers as of December, compared to 4.7 million in the U.S. for market leader Spotify. While Apple wouldn’t comment last week, a person familiar with its plans said Apple has an ambitious goal to sign up 100 million subscribers for a new streaming service that will cost $10 a month and compete with other on-demand services such as Spotify and Rhapsody. Beats users will be migrated over before eventually closing down, and buyers of songs and albums on iTunes will also be presented with the option to purchase a subscription instead. Along with a lengthy threemonth free trial period for the paid service, the company also plans to bolster its free offering, iTunes Radio, with a live online www.canadianinquirer.net

radio station featuring DJs like former BBC host Zane Lowe and artists Pharell, Drake, Muse and David Guetta. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations between the company and record labels were private. “They are very late to the game on streaming,” said analyst Van Baker at the Gartner research firm. But he said Apple can still catch up by making it easy for iPhone owners to use the new service. That’s a huge pool of potential customers: Apple sold 61 million iPhones in the last quarter alone. Aside from music, analysts expect Apple will tout improvements to other services like Apple Pay and Siri, the voiceactivated digital assistant for iPhones and iPads. Apple has also hinted it will release programming tools for its new smartwatch. Most apps available for the Apple Watch are extensions of apps that run on the iPhone. In-

dependent app-builders like Jordan Edelson, CEO of Appetizer Mobile, are hoping Apple will release the code to build apps that interact directly with sensors and controls on the watch. “That would let us build some really cool experiences,” added Edelson, who said it could make the watch more appealing to consumers who aren’t sure now if they need one. Edelson also predicted Apple will introduce software that ties other products more closely together, such as apps that make the iPhone into a controller for television sets and other appliances. That’s a smart strategy, said Forrester Research analyst Frank Gillett. “Once you start organizing your life around Apple products, you’re less likely to ditch your iPhone and go over to Android,” he said, referring to the competing technology from Apple’s rival, Google. ■ Nakashima reported from Los Angeles.

Technology

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Failure of ‘Storm’ smartphone dealt major blow to BlackBerry: Balsillie BY DAVID FRIEND The Canadian Press TORONTO — Former co-chief executive Jim Balsillie says BlackBerry’s reputation was dealt a major blow by the BlackBerry Storm, a rushed attempt by the Waterloo, Ont., company to fend off Apple’s iPhone with its own version of a touchscreen device. “With Storm we tried to do too much,” he told the audience in a fireside chat at an Empire Club of Canada event in Toronto. “It was a touch display, a clickable display, it had new applications. It was all done in an incredibly short period of time and it blew up on us.” Speaking for the first time publicly about BlackBerry since his abrupt departure from the company in early 2012, Balsillie offered his take on how the company tumbled from its perch as the global smartphone leader, pointing to patents and aggressive competition from Apple. But he said the technical problems with the phone

left customers returning it to stores, and that soured BlackBerry’s relationship with U.S. telecom giant Verizon, which decided to sever ties with the Canadian company. “That was the time I knew we couldn’t compete on high-end hardware,” Balsillie said. Sporting a more laid-back look than his days at BlackBerry, then known as Research In Motion, Balsillie arrived dressed in a salmon-coloured blazer and khakis, with no tie — a stark contrast to the traditional business attire of most attendees. Balsillie focused on his hopes for change in Canada’s technology sector and called for a national lobby organization to help homebred startups get the attention they need to grow. He said industry and government need to work together if Canada is to hold its own against international competition in the tech world. “The Canadian government doesn’t understand the innovation economy,” he said. Balsillie pointed to successful American entrepreneurs, like Facebook founder Mark Zuck-

erberg, as examples of quality of tech leaders who could be from Canada if they were given the right environment to grow. “These guys are no smarter than Canadian entrepreneurs, but the government doesn’t support them properly,” he added. Without lobbyists working in their favour, the voices of Canadian tech companies are being drowned out by multinational corporations, he said. “If anybody here has a tech company, who do you join to take your voice to Ottawa or Queen’s Park?” Balsillie said, referring to the Ontario legislature. “They’re all dominated and populated by foreign multinationals.” Balsillie suggested the government enact infrastructure and other policies to help the local tech sector, adding that political leaders need to start to seeing “how predatory this game is.” Over the last few years a number of Silicon Valley giants like Google and Amazon have set up satellite offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Waterloo, in part to attract top local talent. In-

BB Storm

ternational companies are now funnelling “big returns” out of Canada and back to their global headquarters, he said. While Balsillie has distanced himself professionally from BlackBerry in recent years, he hasn’t given up on the Black-

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Berry brand. Asked by an audience member which phone he uses, Balsillie proudly announced it’s still a BlackBerry Bold. “I love it,” he said. “And you’ll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands.” ■

Long term forecast from www.theweathernetwork.com CALGARY

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www.canadianinquirer.net

JUNE 12, 2015

FRIDAY

Sports

They sing, they dance, they play rugby: How the Philippines won rugby 7s at SEA Games THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SINGAPORE — Jolly Gomez devised a unique benchmark for recruiting overseas-born players for the Philippines: If you can remember your mother forcing you to get up and sing in front of the family, you’re in. And so it was that the Philippines could assemble a rugby sevens squad featuring players from places like France, Australia, the United States and Japan for the Southeast Asian Games, where they took a bow on the weekend after an undefeated run to the gold medal. They can sing; they can dance, as they did on the victory podium in Singapore; and they can certainly play rugby. Next target is the Asian qualifying tournament in November for the 2016 Olympics. Jake Letts was raised near Sydney’s northern beaches, a quintessentially Australian place. But he grew up with his mother keeping some strong Filipino traditions alive, and he laughs when he recalls selection criteria espoused by Jolly, who works for the Philippines Sports Commission. “That’s what it is,” Letts said. “You have to do that — it’s all the food, it’s singing, dancing... all part of it.” His mother was from the Philippines,”one of nine — our family is huge,” said Letts, who has played for the Philippines for a decade and lives in Manila. He came to it by chance in his last year of high school, through a friend at the Warringah Rugby

Club who knew of the Filipino connection. “That’s one of the most special things. When you play sport, it’s almost always for your dad,” Letts said.”We have the opportunity to represent our mother’s country. All us players, we took it with both hands and we’ve never been more proud.” The Philippines beat Malaysia 24-7 in the final at Choa Chu Kang Stadium, quite a distance from the Singapore Sports Hub that is hosting most of the SEA Games sports. There’s some rugby tradition in Singapore, so the grandstand was full. “I think our story is the most special,” Letts said, talking about the squad which gathers from all over the world, including the four players with professional contracts in Japan. “We call ourselves a brotherhood because that’s what it really is. We all had the same upbringing. All our mothers raised us the Filipino way. We have very similar stories.” Patrice Olivier is quite distinctive within the team. He’s the tallest, he plays as a professional and he speaks with a distinct French accent when he describes how proud he is to a win a gold medal. “I’m French Filipino — (others are) half Welsh, half Aussie, half USA,” he said.”It’s such a mix when we bring the band together. It’s just beautiful. We have a very strong link.” Preparing the squad has its challenges for coach Geoff Alley, who splits his time between national team duties and living

“Thank you to everyone at the Philippine Sports Commission & Philippine Olympic Committee, especially Commissioner Jolly Gomez for generously supporting Philippine Rugby. We couldn't have done this without you! Maraming, maraming salamat po!” PHILIPPINE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION / PH VOLCANOES FACEBOOK PAGE

in Auckland, New Zealand. For the SEA Games, he had the squad together for 10 days. His main task for 2015 is to try to get the team into the Olympics via a regional qualifying tournament in Hong Kong in November. “With this team, we could give Japan and Hong Kong a good crack,” he said. “As long as we keep this group together, keep hammering the patterns, we should be fine.” Gomez is a commissioner of the Philippines Sports Commission, which puts a big emphasis on development. Overseas-born players have been recruited for other sports, most notably in soccer.

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“In the development plan we’ve had for rugby, the first thing was to bring in some Philippines-heritage athletes,” Gomez said. “One of the things I told the athletes is, ‘You have to rediscover your country.’ I told all these kids, ‘Has your mother ever forced you to perform in front of your relatives? If the answer is yes, then you are a Filipino.’“ He said it was important to recruit players to develop the game at the local, grassroots level, “because you need heroes.” “So, maybe today you have guys like this, but in a couple more SEA Games and maybe the Olympics, you’re going to

see a homegrown strong lineup mixed with people like what we have right here,” Gomez said. Trevor Gregory, the Hong Kong-based president of Asia Rugby, applauds the Philippines’ approach, saying the interest and standard of sevens rugby across the continent has grown quickly in the last three years and ``for sure, winning a medal at a SEA Games is a massive boost.” “It’s impressive to see the way the Philippines is playing,’’ Gregory said. ``It shouldn’t be discouraged.” “(The players) are qualified. It lifts the level of the game,” he added. “The (Olympic) charter says bring your best athletes.” ■

Sports

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Three Cebuanos compete in ASEAN youth chess PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

also in Singapore just last weekend and will be going for the gold in his latest tournament. He had seven wins and two losses in the tournament and earned the title Candidate Master for finishing within the top three. His father, John, said he hoped that his showing in the previous two tournaments will

leading to his blunders in some of his matches last year. IM Yap, who thinks Velarde can be a future Grandmaster, CEBU CITY — After becoming has helped prepare the kid for a Candidate Master in the 11th his international stints. Asian Schools Chess Champi“We gave Jerish tough tuneonship, Cebuano chess whiz kid up matches and we had him play Jerish John Velarde will join data base games, concentrating two other local players in the more on his openings and ref64-person Philippine delegation erences. Then we reviewed his to the Associagames and we tion of Southeast solved puzzles Asian Nations regularly,” Yap (ASEAN) Age said. Group Chess This is Velarde’s third international The eightChampionship in tournament in just eight weeks. year-old will be Singapore. joined by CeThis is Vebuanos Rhenzi larde’s third inKyle Sevillano ternational tournament in just help him prepare in his latest and Laila Camel Nadera in the eight weeks. international foray. ASEAN tournament, who got He finished at 11th place, af“Jerish had already shown their spots in the Asean tournater placing as high as third in his maturity during the world ment after topping the national the middle rounds in the 2015 tournament in Thailand and qualifiers last April. Fide World Schools Individual has proven he can stay in a long Sevillano is an incoming Chess Championship in Thai- game. It is a good sign and IM freshman at Far Eastern Uniland last May. Kim Yap has added more to his versity and will join the Under He also got a silver medal in skills,” he said. 16 division, while Nadera is a the 11th Asian Schools Chess The younger Velarde said he 10th grader of the University of Championship Under 9 division, easily gets frustrated before, San Carlos. ■

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Nadal falls to 10th in rankings, worst in a decade; French Open champ Wawrinka rises to #4 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PARIS — Nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal’s loss in the quarterfinals dropped him three places to No. 10 in Monday’s ATP rankings, his lowest spot since April 2005, while champion Stan Wawrinka rose from No. 9 to No. 4. Novak Djokovic maintained a healthy lead at No. 1, despite losing to Wawrinka on Sunday in the final at Roland Garros. That prevented Djokovic from completing a career Grand Slam. It was Djokovic who beat Nadal this year, ending the Spaniard’s 39-match French Open winning streak. Wawrinka’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory in the final — a year after he lost in the first round in Paris — gave him a second major title. He also

won the 2014 Australian Open. No. 2 Roger Federer, No. 3 Andy Murray, and No. 5 Kei Nishikori did not move in the rankings. Serena Williams’ third French Open championship and 20th Grand Slam title overall increased her margin at No. 1 in the WTA rankings. Lucie Safarova, the runner-up in Paris, moved from No. 13 to a career-best No. 7 after reaching her first Grand Slam final. Timea Bacsinszky, who pushed an ailing Williams to three sets in the semifinals, climbed nine spots to No. 15, her top ranking. Maria Sharapova fell from No. 2 to No. 4 after losing to Safarova in the fourth round as the defending champion. Petra Kvitova went up two places to No. 2, while Simona Halep remained at No. 3, and Caroline Wozniacki at No. 5. ■

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 Tagalog Class By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto

JUNE 12, 2015

Philippine Flag Raising By Philippine Independence Day Council WHEN/WHERE: 10:30 a.m., June 12, at Queens Park, 111 Wellesley St. West, Toronto Salo-salo sa Earl Bales Park By Philippine Independence Day Council WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. June 13, at Earl Bales Park Bathurst Street (South of Sheppard), Toronto. Philippine Independence Ball 2015 By Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley and Embassy of the Philippines WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m. June 12 at St. Elias Centre 750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa, On. MORENUNAVUT INFO: Formal or Traditional Filipino Attire

Homework/Tutorial Class By FCT YUKON WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto NORTHWEST MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416928-9355. The office, atTERRITORIES 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on 154th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and By Order of Knights of Rizal Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. WHEN/WHERE: wreath-laying at 5

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CANADA EVENTS

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p.m. June 19, at Earl Bales Park, Toronto; followed by a program proper at the Earl Bales Community Centre at 6:30 p.m. MORE INFO: Contact Manny Yanga, KCR, Email: mannyyanga@gmail.com, Tel. 416 - 858 - 0616;or/and SirAristeo Mondragon,KCR, Email: aristeo. mondragon@hotmail.com, Tel.416 - 291 - 8202 and 416 - 388 - 4293

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sa Toronto By Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. June 27, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St., W. Toronto, On. Philippine Fiesta and Flag Raising By Filipino-Canadian Heritage and Resource of Durham WHEN/WHERE: June 27, Pickering City Hall

Miss Philippines and Little Miss NEWFOUNDLAND Philippines Coronation Night Fiesta ng Kalayaan at By PIDC Mississauga Celebration Square QUEBEC WHEN/WHERE: June 20, at By Kalayaan Korean Cultural Centre, 1133 WHEN/WHERE: 12 nn to 10 Leslie St. North York, Ont. p.m. June 27, at Mississauga Celebration Square, Mississauga, 5th Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show On.

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 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

WHEN/WHERE: 4 to 6 p.m., June 12 at Mosaic Moving Ahead Office, #310–7155 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C. MORE INFO: Meet newcomer youth and share ideas and experiences. Call 604-779-1398

Freedom Rocks Independence Day Celebration WHEN/WHERE: 9 p.m. June 13, at 7 Dining Lounge 53 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: $10 Danger Blanket, Drop the Hate, Unwritten Sculptures and Kunware

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.

Filipino Association in British Columbia Independence Day Gala By FABC WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., June 13, Holiday Inn, 711 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Carlito Pragas – 604-251-5097

Musikalayaan By Olympia Resto WHEN/WHERE: 8 p.m., June 12, at Olympia Resto Bar MORE INFO: Pinoy Bands of BC – Subdivide; Thamara; Octovibes; Marge and Francis Gabo. Free Admission

2015 Philippine Days Festival By Metro Vancouver Philippine Arts & Culture Exposition Society WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 13 & 14, Waterfront Park, North Vancouver MORE INFO: Call Alvin Relleve – 604-773-6641

Canadian Citizenship Preparation By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m to 1 p.m. June 11 & 12, at Vancouver Public Library Champlain Heights Branch, 7110 Kerr St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-254-9626 ext 227

The Philippine Independence Day Gala Night By United Filipino-Canadian Associations in BC WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., June 13, at Crystal Ballroom Pan Pacific Vancouver MORE INFO: Attire: Filipiniana or formal. Tickets at $75

Flag Raising in Richmond By Multicultural Helping House Society WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m to 12 nn June 20, at Richmond City Hall, Richmond B.C. MORE INFO: Call Monette Ledesma – 604-8793277

Independence Day Dinner & Dance By Victoria Filipino Canadian Association WHEN/WHERE: June 12, Laurel Pointe Inn Victoria, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Agnes Miranda – 778-265-4728

Kalayaan 2015 By Circulo Cagayano WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m, June 13, at Our Lady of Mercy School Gym, 7455 10th Ave., Burnaby B.C. MORE INFO: Call Rudy Tuliao 604-908-1664

Pagdiriwang 2015 By Richmond Pagdiriwang WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m to 5 p.m., June 20, Lansdowne Mall Centre, 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C. MORE INFO: Lita Nuguid – 604-765-8396; Dante Aviso -778-881-5815

Free Running Friendship Circle By Mosaic

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Travel

JUNE 12, 2015

Naked tourist saga shows need for cultural sensitivity among travellers: experts

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TORONTO — While travelling in Thailand, Heather Greenwood Davis was asked to cover her bare arms prior to visiting the Buddha. She happily obliged. “I’m in their place, I need to cover up, and I did,” said the Toronto-based travel writer behind the website Globetrotting Mama. “That is why people travel for the most part, we want to go and experience these new things and live lives a little different than what we have at home. You’ve got to take the steps to understand what the rules are.” Two Canadians made headlines over the weekend when they were accused of disregarding the rules and stripping on a sacred mountain in Malaysia. Saskatchewan siblings Lindsey and Danielle Petersen have been detained in the country and Malaysian officials said the alleged incident was so offensive that it caused a deadly earthquake. Being mindful of local traditions while abroad is one of the basic rules of responsible travel, say experts like Greenwood Davis. “If you’re travelling and you’ve got a guide who is saying to you: ‘Don’t do this, this is not something that’s allowed to be done,’ take that as valuable advice,” she said Tuesday. Officials say several foreigners — including the Petersens — broke away from their guided group and took photos of themselves naked on the peak of Mount Kinabalu on the island of Borneo. Locals believe the popular hiking destination for tourists is a sacred resting place for ancient spirits. “It comes down to respect,” said Greenwood Davis, who travelled to 29

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countries during a year-long adventure with her husband and two sons in 2011. “You’re visiting someone just the same way as if you were visiting someone’s home and you would behave accordingly. You wouldn’t sort of barge in (like a) bull in a china shop and act any particular way you’d want.” Outpost senior writer-editor Simon Vaughan, who has visited more than 50 countries, referenced the alleged stripping incident in a blog post for the magazine titled “Travelling with Respect.” “We don’t hesitate to spend a lot of time and a lot of money travelling to distant places to see these temples, or in this case, a mountain,” he said in an interview. “But unfortunately, because we put all of that effort into it, we don’t necessarily take the extra step of really appreciating why they are sacred and why they are spiritual.” Vaughan said it can be difficult for travellers to properly inform themselves of everything everywhere they visit. But he said it’s critical for tourists to be observant when they arrive at their destination — and to do their homework ahead of time. “If you just go and see a particularly nice building somewhere, you appreciate it perhaps from an architectural perspective. But only once you’ve done some research do you really understand what went into its construction, what the significance is, why it’s facing in a particular direction. “I think it’s not even really important to do that research when you arrive at a particular spot in terms of the way you act there, but it’s also important in terms of the experience you take away from it. “And of course today with the Internet, it doesn’t have to mean that you spend a day in the library before you leave home.” ■

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATIONS The 2015 Freedom Day celebrations in Metro Vancouver commenced with the opening of the Dimasalang Artists III group exhibit, followed by the Pista ng Bayan community picnic in Slocan, the annual Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Peach Arch Park in Surrey, and the Masskara Festival Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence Day Fundraiser on June 6. Meanwhile, On June 7, the Royal City-Sister City Flag Raising and Parade was held in New Westminster. Here are some highlights of the events (Photos by Christian Cunanan, Freddie Bagunu and Angelo Siglos).

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Seen and Scenes

JUNE 12, 2015

CONCIERTO

FRIDAY

OTTAWA COMMUNITY PICNIC

Concierto, an evening of classical, sacred, showtune and kundiman music featuring Soprano Kay Balajadia-Liggayu, Tenor Nazer Salcedo and Pianist Molinder Cadiz was held June 7, in Victoria, B.C. (Photos from Annette Beech and Ben Pires’ FBs).

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia during the Philippine Independence picnic at Vincent Massey Park on June 7 (Photo from Regina Sosing’s FB).

Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Democratic Reform Pierre Poilievre (in blue shirt) poses with members of the Philippine Independence Committee in the Ottawa Valley (Photos from Regina Sosing’s FB).

MP for Nepean-Carleton (Ontario) Pierre Poilievre dancing to the beat with FilCans during the Independence Day celebration in Ottawa. (Photo from Regina Sosing’s FB). Participants await their turn at the Lechon (Roasted Pig) Parade.

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Travel

FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015

Senior travel booms in growing China, with Yangtze River among the most popular spots BY JACK CHANG The Associated Press BEIJING — When Li Caohua retired in her late 50s, the doctor immediately joined millions of other Chinese seniors and hit the road to see more of her giant country. At the top of her destination list was tropical Hainan island in the south and the ancient villages around her home city of Beijing. Then there was the most grandiose of China’s landscapes — the mythic brown waters of the Yangtze River and its mist-enveloped Three Gorges. Over the decades, Li survived such horrors of 20th century Chinese history as the man-made famines that killed more than 30 million people in the late 1950s and the political anarchy of the Cultural Revolution that followed. Now, as she and hundreds of other seniors danced, played cards and chatted Thursday in the winding walkways of Beijing’s (1,400 kilometres). Temple of Heaven, Li said it was her There are many versions of seniortime to play. friendly trips designed for different “We are fortunate in China that we income groups, with some low-cost opcan travel, and I’ve seen so much,” the tions charging 3,000 yuan, or about 60-year-old woman said. “We’re all trav- $480, for five days on Hainan island, elling now to a lot of places.” not including airfare, said Beijing travel Travel agencies and packages catering agent Qi Chun Guan. For Yangtze River to elderly Chinese say business is boom- travel, most groups fly into the metroping, amid overall growth in the country’s olis of Chongqing and thentravel downtravel industry. The number of senior stream to the city of Yichang, Qi said. tourists in China jumped by 58 per cent “Before, the elderly saved all their last year compared to 2013, according to money,” Qi said. “Now, they want to go the state-run China Daily newspaper, out and see the rest of the world. These and 62 per cent of Chinese senior citi- people have seen their share of suffering zens join organized tours. in their lives. Now, with economic develOne such tour ended tragically a week opment, it’s so different from previous ago when a river cruiser carrying more generations.” than 450 people, The boom in travel mostly elderly tourhas been one ecoists, capsized in a nomic bright spot heavy storm in the to a greying populaYangtze. By SaturNow, they want tion that’s presenting day, nearly 400 have to go out and China with one of its been confirmed dead, see the rest of most serious policy making the capsizing the world. These challenges. the deadliest maripeople have With U.N. data time tragedy to hit seen their share showing the number China since the counof suffering in of Chinese over age try’s civil war seven their lives. Now, 65 projected to aldecades earlier. with economic most double to 210 The tour was orgadevelopment, million people by nized by the Shangit’s so different 2030, the country’s hai Xiehe Tourism from previous retirement system Agency, with the generations. will struggle to keep ship run by the stateup, especially as Chiowned Chongqing na’s one-child policy Eastern Shipping limits the number of Corp., which specialworking-age people izes in Yangtze River travel. The ship, who can pay for the pensions and meathe Eastern Star, was plying the river gre benefits of their elders, said Yong upstream from Nanjing near the east- Cai, an assistant sociology professor at ern coast all the way inland to Chongq- the University of North Carolina, Chaing, a trip of 10 days and about 870 miles pel Hill.

JAKRIT JIRARAWATRO / SHUTTERSTOCK

“It’s very clear that the next 10 to 15 years down the road will not be so good for the pension system,” Yong said. “Xi Jinping has been saying China has to deal with the new economic reality and part of this is a new demographic reality.” For middle-class seniors, however,

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comes strength in numbers, Qi said. Elderly women known as “dancing grannies” fill the parks of many cities with their music and dance routines. Enormous groups of seniors are also regular sights at Chinese tourist attractions such as Beijing’s Forbidden City. Among the most popular domestic destinations for elderly Chinese are the southeastern coastal province of Fujian and central Sichuan province, where the Eastern Star cruise ship was headed Monday when it overturned, Qi said. He said travel along the Yangtze has fallen since the world’s biggest hydroelectric project, the Three Gorges Dam, opened in 2012 and flooded historic sites and scenic canyons. One 55-year-old property manager, who would only identify himself by his family name of Shu, said he took twoday trips to towns around Beijing with other older Chinese, paying 600 yuan, or about $100, for each excursion. On Thursday, he strolled along the Temple of Heaven’s historic covered walkway, protected from the rain and taking in the fresh air, part of what he said was his semi-retired morning routine. “If you have the money, you go out and play,” Shu said. “I’ve learned to like it.” ■

JUNE 12, 2015

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