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OCTOBER 4, 2013
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UN Chief hails Pinoy peacekeepers
SC asked to declare RH unconstitutional
Young Fil-Canadian in Sports: Avi Rhanzal Arellano
A Filipino Chef in the Fraser Valley Food Show
Are you a Foodie?
PH’s Megan is Miss World Olongapo beauty is first Pinay to win crown BY ARMIN ADINA Philippine Daily Inquirer AFTER 63 years of waiting, the Philippines finally scored a victory in the Miss World pageant when Megan Lynne Young bested 126 other aspirants in the contest’s 2013 edition held in Bali, Indonesia, amid tight security following weeks of hardline Muslim protest. The 23-year-old Young entered the semifinal round with the highest score based on preliminary activities. Just a day before the coronation night, the Miss World Organization announced on its official website (www. missworld.com) that Young topped the “Top Model” competition, placed fourth in the “Multimedia Challenge” and fifth in the “Beach Beauty” contest.
It’s all systems go for Juan TV Network—offering the largest selections of Filipino channels from the Philippines ‘Mission accomplished’ ❱❱ PAGE 7 PHOTO BY BY MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
❱❱ PAGE 32 It’s all systems
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❱❱ PAGE 12 PH’s Megan
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Philippine News
3 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
UN chief hails Pinoy peacekeepers BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer
UNINTENDED CASUALTY. Army Scout Ranger 1st Lt. Francis Damian died in a hospital on Tuesday
after being shot in combat with MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City on Monday. He leaves behind ninemonth-old Sophie Damian. PHOTO FROM IRDC.IR
Lieutenant killed in Zambo, leaves little Sophie BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer ZAMBOANGA CITY—IN her mother’s arms, little Sophie Andrea Damian reached down to tap her father’s metal coffin, oblivious to the somber mood at the military air base here. She rapped on the coffin playfully, as if she knew her daddy lay inside. Navy Lt. Aemy Leslie Campos hugged her young daughter tight. Nine-monthold Sophie looks a lot like her father. Army 1st Lt. Francis Damian was the third military officer to be killed in the battle with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels that is still not over, 17 days after the insurgents loyal to Nur Misuari supposedly tried to hold a peace rally and hoist their “Bangsamoro Republik” flag at City Hall on Sept. 9. Beside Damian’s coffin were those of Police Officers Enrique Afable III and Lavin Salisa of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police with their relatives crying over their coffins. Afable and Salisa had gunned down MNLF rebels in close quarter combat before they, too, were felled by enemy fire. In close-quarter combat, fighting takes place within the confines of buildings or on narrow roads where houses stand in tight rows, making it difficult for the combatants to maneuver. Top government and security officials—Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and PNP Special Action Force Director Carmelo Balmoria— led the sendoff for Damian, Afable and Salisa at Edwin Andrews Air Base here, saluting the fallen men. The Air Force chaplain prayed for them. Military choppers flew over the sendoff ceremonies, as fighting persisted in the combat zones. Life returns to normal
Earlier in the day, the officials attend-
ed the flag-raising ceremony at Santa Maria Elementary School where classes resumed after an interruption of two weeks. The officials later joined the reopening of one of the popular shopping malls here to show the residents that life in the city is returning to normal. It was not noon yet, but the officials were already in the middle of the striking contrast between hope and grief. The military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, said Campos had told him that her husband would have been a good father to Sophie, who was baptized a few weeks before the Zamboanga City crisis. “And then she just cried and cried,” Zagala said, admitting that he was tearyeyed as he consoled the young widow. Classmates
Damian and Campos were classmates at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), graduating in 2007. Zagala learned that Damian, a member of the Light Reaction Company, had just finished his airborne course when he volunteered to serve in Zamboanga. Some reporters covering the front line remembered seeing Damian and his men while they rested on Sunday after a fierce gun battle with the rebels. The next day, in close-quarter fighting with the rebels, a high-velocity bullet pierced Damian’s helmet and hit him in the middle of his forehead. He was taken to hospital where he died. Sons of PMAers
UNITED NATIONS Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has commended Philippine peacekeepers for staying put in the Golan Heights despite two incidents of abduction, where Filipino troops were taken earlier this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. In a statement, the DFA said Ban “profusely thanked” the Philippine government through Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario for deciding to retain its force of 340 peacekeepers in the volatile ceasefire zone between Israel and Syria. The DFA said Ban extended his gratitude to Del Rosario during his meeting with foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in New York. Ban “publicly commended the Philippine government for maintaining Filipino peacekeepers in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights despite the two kidnapping incidents in March and May this year,” the DFA said.
The UN chief praised the Filipino peacekeepers for being “extremely courageous” in carrying out an outstanding task, the DFA said. After the second kidnapping incident in May, Del Rosario proposed to President Aquino the withdrawal of Filipino peacekeepers from the conflict stricken transit zone by the end of the troop rotation schedule on Aug. 11 due to concerns over the safety of the Philippine contingent. Peacekeepers seized
Twenty five Filipinos were abducted in separate incidents during the summer while one was wounded amid fighting between Syrian rebel and government forces on June 6. But President Aquino decided to maintain the country’s peacekeeping force in the area, following appeals from the UN, the United States and other countries. The UN also heeded the Philippines’ request for improved security for UNDOF, including the provision of more ❱❱ PAGE 14 UN chief
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One of the pilots of the Air Force C-130 plane that flew the coffins back to Manila was Damian’s PMA classmate, 1st Lt. Jose Mari Manalo. Both are sons of PMA graduates. Manalo’s father is still in active duty. Damian’s father is a retired police general. There is no telling when the battle will be over. “The last phase (of the battle) is the longest and most difficult,” said General Bautista. ■
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 4
Miriam says JPE financed Zambo attack BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer SEN. MIRIAM Defensor-Santiago accused her political enemy, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, of allegedly financing the rebellion by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City to divert the public’s attention from the accusations of plunder against him. “Enrile is so desperate that he is like a crocodile who has left his maritime kingdom and is flapping around on land, still hoping to kill his prey. I am morally convinced of his culpability in trashing the Commission on Audit and its chair, as well as in engulfing Zamboanga City in an expensive rebellion,” Santiago said in a statement. Santiago first hinted at Enrile’s alleged involvement in the MNLF attack on Zamboanga City in a speech at the 13th annual postgraduate course of the University of the PhilippinesDepartment of Emergency Medicine at Diamond Hotel in Manila.
P40 million
In her speech, Santiago cited the estimate of the party-list group Magdalo, whose members come from the armed services, that the MNLF faction led by Nur Misuari and ground commander Habier Malik would have spent at least P40 million on the attack on Zamboanga that began on Sept. 9. Magdalo Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo urged the government on Wednesday to investigate the information that somebody linked to the P10-billion pork barrel scam paid the Misuari faction of the MNLF P40 million to create trouble in Zamboanga. Speaking at a news forum in San Juan City, Acedillo said the information, received recently by Magdalo, was “very plausible.” While P40 million was “not enough to sway the scheme of things in one direction or another,” Acedillo said it was “enough to create trouble.” “Any trouble outside the [pork barrel scam] is, I think, a welcome development [to those involved]. Because, without naming names, it is of
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago: In the buzzing public mind, Enrile could easily afford to spend P40million on the Zamboanga rebellion as a diversionary tactic. PHOTO FROM ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
interest to them that the government is preoccupied on so many fronts,” Acedillo said. Welcome to pork abusers
In the portion of her speech where she tackled her suspicions on who the financiers of the Zamboanga attacks were, Santiago referred to “rumors” and did not identify Enrile by name. But later in the day, she issued a stronger statement implicating Enrile. “The question now is: Who gave the P40 million to the MNLF [faction] led by Misuari? Where did he get it? He doesn’t have P40 million? Maybe [there
is an] overseas [financier]? Maybe someone who wants our country to be engulfed in conflict? Or maybe a Filipino who is now being grilled over the pork barrel scam so he wants public attention diverted to Mindanao?” Santiago said in her speech. “Can you guess who? Imagine, the charge of plunder [involves] a minimum amount of P50 million. If he stole at least P50 million—but even more, if he already stole P500 million— what is P40 million to him, right? Think about it,” she said. In her statement, Santiago pointed out that according to the whistle-blowers, Enrile re-
portedly gave some P400 million of his allocation in the Priority Development Assistance Fund to a nongovernment organization set up by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles. “Thus, in the buzzing public mind, Enrile could easily afford to spend P40million on the Zamboanga rebellion as a diversionary tactic. The public should consider his background as defense secretary during martial law, with a proclivity for coddling former police and military officials, and a feckless ambition to rewrite history,” Santiago said. Plunder charges
Enrile is facing plunder charges in the Office of the Ombudsman, along with Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., Napoles and a number of congressmen. The MNLF faction led by Misuari denied the Magdalo information. Emmanuel Fontanilla, lawyer and spokesperson for Misuari, said the MNLF would “never accept funds from a corrupt source.” ■
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Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 6
Sharon Cuneta’s mega-defense: Prove it, I’ll give P10M, leave Kiko Philippine Daily Inquirer HELL HATH no fury like a “megastar” rising in defense of her senator-husband. Soon after Sen. Jinggoy Estrada named former Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as among the senators who misused their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), the latter’s wife, Sharon Cuneta, responded with a dare on her Twitter account. “If anyone reading this can prove to me that my husband has stolen any amount from his PDAF in his 12 years as senator, I will give you P10 million in cash and I will leave my husband. That is how confident I am,” she tweeted. “Hindi kami magnanakaw. Hindi kami tulad ng iba na kaya ipakain sa mga anak namin ang perang di amin o di namin pinaghirapan,” Cuneta added. Cuneta’s dare registered 268 retweets by 6:45 p.m. Bacoor Rep. Lani M. Mercado was also
tagged in some of the retweets. Soon after Sen. Jinggoy Estrada named former Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as among the senators who misused their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), the latter’s wife, Sharon Cuneta, responded with a dare on her Twitter account. Mercado is married to Sen. Bong Revilla, who is also linked to the P10-billion pork barrel scam. By some happy coincidence, Mercado, Revilla, Estrada and Cuneta are members of the movie and entertainment industry. One netizen even asked Cuneta if Estrada was her “kumpare.” “Yon na nga. Nakakagulat lang,” Cuneta tweeted back: ‘Huh??’ Sen. Pia Cayetano (@piacayetano) expressed surprise at Estrada’s statement that senators who voted for the conviction of then Chief Justice Renato Corona in May 2012 were rewarded with an additional
P50 million in PDAF. “Huh?? I voted yes to all— RH, sin tax and conviction of CJ Corona. I never got addl PDAF. So easy to check records,” Cayetano said. In general, netizens just chided Estrada for his hour-long privilege speech, “Bombshell??? Liar,” tweeted former Miss International @ aupijuan. ‘Victim bigger lie’
“To be called ‘sexy’ is a lie. To say, I am a VICTIM, is a bigger lie,” Aurora Pijuan added. “Sen. #jinggoy’s speech went for almost an hour when in fact, it can be said in just one sentence “ba’t ako lang, eh sila din nakinabang,” said netizen ? @nixiroll. “Gusto na lang yata maging whistle-blower. Para daw gumanda-ganda image nya. lol,” netizen koai posted on the Inquirer.net website. “Two wrongs do not make it right. Others may be guilty of pdaf scam, but that does not ac-
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Sharon and Kiko with their daughters. PHOTO FROM PHOTO AGENCY | FANPIX.NET
quit you from your involvement in the crime,” Nihil also posted on the Inquirer.net website “Debate on #porkscam after Sen #jinggoy privilege speech: flawed system or greedy hands?” Dr. Eric Tayag tweeted using his name @erictayagSays. Desperate move
“Desperate move of a spoiled kid Jinggoy Estrada, please grow up,” netizen Anne Sop also posted on Facebook of Inquirer.net. And @HecklerForever tweeted this: “THIS JUST IN: Statesman Claro M. Recto is listening in heaven. Every time he hears something laughable he slaps a cherubim.” “My favorite part of #jinggoy’s speech is when he said he
did not steal money. There was no such part on the speech,” netizen @justineloise posted on Twitter. “He is NOT explaining his role in the scandal, all he is doing is involving some of his cohorts! He is saying Sama Sama na tayong lahat sa Imyerno, hnd lang ako!,” Amorsolo Sanlo posted on the Facebook account of Inquirer.net But Cuneta was apparently requested by her husband to stop tweeting about Estrada’s accusation. “I said na my piece, Sweetheart, no more na! :-) hahaha sowy!!” she said in a tweet where she tagged her husband’s tweeter handle @kikopangilinan. ■
Philippine News
7 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
‘Mission accomplished’ All hostages rescued; troops hunting down MNLF commander BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer ZAMBOANGA CITY—With the last hostages rescued from their Moro captors, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin declared the military’s mission here accomplished. “The mission of the operation was really to rescue and ensure the safety of the hostages,” Gazmin said. He said government forces rescued 194 hostages, residents of the coastal villages that Habier Malik’s band seized after the military had thwarted the rebels’ attempt to take the city and declare an “independent Bangsamoro Republik.” Gazmin told the INQUIRER that security forces were now conducting a “direct action” on the remaining rebels, primarily to find Malik, commander of the rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction led by Nur Misuari that attacked Zamboanga City on Sept. 9, igniting the nearly threeweek security crisis here. Gazmin said the government “overshot” its initial estimate of 182 hostages. He said security officials were able to determine the real number of hostages from the accounts of captives who had been rescued and from the interrogation of MNLF rebels under custody. “With that done, we are now starting to locate the leader, Malik. There were so many bodies recovered (Thursday), we just have to identify (Malik). If he is not among the dead, we continue to cordon off and seal the area of conflict,” Gazmin said. Asked if Malik had been unable to escape, Gazmin replied, “We cannot say that one hundred percent.” “But we are doing all we can to make sure that this is an airtight containment,” the defense chief said. Gunfire from Sta. Catalina
Fighting was going on in the village of Rio Hondo while the INQUIRER was talking with Gazmin. Later, two fires broke out in Rio Hondo, and gunfire rang out from Santa Catalina village. Gazmin said about 15 MNLF rebels were fighting it out with security forces. He said the Armed Forces was about to take on a “supportive role” from its initial “active role.” “We are entering into another phase… We will hand over phase two to the (Philippine National Police) to do the mopping up operation, which is the house to house search together with the (local government) and the media so that this will be transparent and they will know what is going on,” Gazmin said. The military said 19 soldiers, five po-
licemen and nine civilians were killed in 19 days of fighting. One hundred sixtyseven soldiers, 14 policemen and 57 civilians were wounded. One hundred thirty-eight MNLF rebels were killed, 223 captured, and 52 surrendered. Can’t relax yet
Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala told a news briefing here that the six hostages rescued on Thursday night claimed they were the last captives. But the military was verifying the information, Zagala said. “We can’t relax because there might be [others],” he said. The military said 194 hostages escaped or were rescued during the fighting. Zagala said government forces were clearing Rio Hondo, Santa Catalina and Talon-Talon villages of the last of the rebels. “It is important that we search areas to remove threats,” Zagala said. Aside from going house to house, government troops were also looking into the sewers, which the rebels used not only to hide but also to escape, Zagala said. Zagala said the military had turned over to the police personal belongings of villagers— jewelry, watches, cell phones—that the rebels seized from villagers. After the surrender of 70 MNLF rebels, only a small band of fighters led by Malik remains unaccounted for. “What we are doing is continuous clearing and it’s not against a particular person or specific place,” Zagala said. “There is no such thing as final attack on a specific lair. We are clearing areas and our troops are encountering pockets of resistance,” he said. Malik not sighted
Chief Insp. Ariel Huesca, spokesperson for the police in Western Mindanao, said Malik had not been sighted during the fighting in Rio Hondo. There were reports that Malik was wounded, but the information could not be independently verified. Emmanuel Fontanilla, a lawyer and spokesperson for Misuari, said the death of Malik, if hewas killed, would benefit the Bangsamoro struggle. “This will further radicalize the struggle because the government has left us with no other options,” Fontanilla told the INQUIRER by phone. He said more and bigger hostilities would happen if the government refused to allow a “political resolution” of the conflict. Fontanilla explained that the armed MNLF members who entered Zamboanga City before Sept. 9 were to serve as
CUT OUT FOR PEACE. A mother instructs her child to reach out to a cutout of a dove on a board with
a flock of peace messengers during a rally at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City to pray for peace in Zamboange City. PHOTO BY MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
escorts of Misuari but were not to take part in a “peace caravan” in the city on Sept. 9. It was the first time that a plan by Misuari to be in Zamboanga on Sept. 9 became known. Paid to join caravan
A female MNLF member, Misba Baldji, 69, told the INQUIRER on Sept. 9 that members of the group were promised P10,000 and livelihood for joining the peace caravan. Baldji said MNLF members were to march to Plaza Pershing, in front of City Hall, and hold a rally. “We are here for a declaration of independence,” Baldji said, brandishing an M-16. “We are ready to die,” she said. But when presented to reporters, Baldji, who surrendered on Wednesday, sang a different tune. “I was told there would be a caravan in Zamboanga City and after attending the caravan, we would be given financial assistance,” Baldji said. But there was no caravan, she said. “They tricked me.”
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Baldji said a certain Haider, an MNLF commander from Zamboanga Sibugay loyal to Misuari, asked her to join the caravan. She said she was with Ismael Dasta, another MNLF commander from Basilan, on the first day of skirmishes with government troops. She said Dasta’s group took at least 36 hostages from Santa Catalina village. Dasta surrendered. Rebellion charges
In Manila, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said that charges of rebellion and violations of international humanitarian laws would be brought against Misuari and other MNLF commanders for the deadly attack on Zamboanga. “There are many [MNLF rebels captured or who surrendered] who have been charged, by batches. Our prosecutors have conducted inquest. Those who surrendered go straight to inquest. But those who are not in Zamboanga anymore or those who are still there [holding out] will be charged, including Misuari and other commanders,” De Lima said. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 8
Erap nephew ousted as gov BY PHILIP C. TUBEZA Philippine Daily Inquirer LAGUNA GOV. Jeorge “ER” Ejercito, nephew of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada and cousin of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, may yet become the poster boy of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) campaign to penalize politicians who violated election rules after a Comelec division ruled to unseat the governor for excessive spending to win reelection. As if to emphasize how determined the election body was in its campaign to enforce election laws, Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes Jr. himself announced the decision of the first division on the case against Ejercito. Brillantes said Ejercito spent more than P20 million in political ads in the TV network ABS-CBN in violation of the campaign finance law that set a P4.5-million ceiling on his campaign expenses. Aside from the prospect of losing his seat as Laguna governor, Ejercito also faces criminal charges for underreporting his campaign expenses, according to Brillantes. “[Ejercito] is now ordered to be disqualified ... and he will be succeeded under the succession law ... and the order of the division is for the vice governor to assume office,” Brillantes said in an interview. The vice governor is Ramil Laurel Hernandez, a political ally of Ejercito. More will be removed
“We just want to make an impression that we are not joking. There will be officials who will be removed from office. More will follow [Ejercito]. We are doing this no matter who is affected,” Brillantes said. In a text message, Ejercito said he had no intention of stepping down and would remain governor of Laguna province since the Comelec’s decision was not final and executory. “I am entitled to file a motion for reconsideration,” said Ejercito. “I just hope and pray that evil politics is not behind this.” He said he had full trust in the integrity of the Comelec and would leave the discussion on themerits of his case to his lawyers.
Napoles to testify or not, that’s the question BY NORMAN BORDADORA Philippine Daily Inquirer
Laguna Governor Jeorge “ER” Ejercito PHOTO FROM INQUIRER.NET
Well-documented
“Based on my own reading, this decision of the first division is well documented because this involves contracts. This is the first time that we are hitting a governor of a large province,” the Comelec chief said. Brillantes, however, said Ejercito might be removed from office only after the Comelec ruling became final and executory. That would happen if Ejercito fails to file a motion for reconsideration in the Comelec en banc within five days after he receives a copy of the first division ruling, which is expected to be served. “His disqualification will be implemented immediately once the decision becomes final. That’s the time he will be removed,” Brillantes said. Not unique case
Brillantes said Ejercito’s case was not unique, noting that the Comelec en banc last week also recommended the filing of charges against Antique Gov. Exequiel Javier for suspending a mayor during the election period. “He suspended a mayor during the prohibition period. That is an election offense but our [en banc ruling] is still under
appeal,” he said. The complaint over expenses against Ejercito, who played the role of a criminal in a remake of a movie about crime leader Asiong Salonga, was filed by defeated Liberal Party candidate for governor Edgar San Luis, who also provided documentary evidence against Ejercito. P3 per voter
Brillantes said Ejercito, under the campaign finance law, was allowed to spend only P3 for each of the 1,525,522 registered voters in Laguna province or a “maximum limit of P4.5 million.” But documents submitted by San Luis from ABS-CBN showed that Ejercito spent at least P6 million on TV ads. “We also have additional documents showing that there was not just one receipt for P6 million. There were also other contracts [between Ejercito and] ABS-CBN,” Brillantes said. “The total, as far as the records would show, reached over P20 million. Therefore, there’s a violation under the campaign finance law and the Omnibus Election Code,” he added. San Luis lost in the elections to Ejercito despite an endorsement by President Aquino. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
IT WAS “unusual” that Senate President Franklin Drilon sought the opinion of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on whether to subpoena alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, according to Sen. Francis Escudero. Escudero, who filed the resolution for the Senate blue ribbon inquiry into the P10-billion pork scam, said the Senate President found himself in an awkward situation where he couldn’t have gone against the opinion rendered by the Ombudsman. The former chair of the Senate committee on justice also disagreed with Morales’ opinion that it wasn’t a good idea for Napoles to appear in the Senate at this time, saying that the alleged mastermind behind the pork scam wasn’t even under the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman. “Well, that was unusual. We should have also asked for the opinion of the Ombudsman as regards the whistle-blowers who already appeared before the Ombudsman,” Escudero said on Drilon’s seeking Morales’ view on Napoles’ testifying in the blue ribbon committee. “Second, it would have been awkward for Senate President Drilon to seek an opinion and then don’t act according to that opinion. It wouldn’t have been good if the noncompliance would have come from him,” Escudero said. He made the remarks on the
heels of Drilon’s continued refusal to sign the subpoena that the blue ribbon committee chair, Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, had issued for Napoles to appear at the pork barrel scam inquiry. Drilon sought and received Morales’ opinion on whether Napoles could appear at the panel inquiry on Thursday. Morales said Napoles’ appearance was “not advisable,” citing the Ombudsman law and its rules and regulations. Drilon said he was deferring to the Ombudsman’s opinion and didn’t sign Guingona’s subpoena. But the Senate President signed a subpoena requiring Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and a few whistle-blowers to attend the blue ribbon inquiry. “In the history of the Senate, a pending case in the Sandiganbayan or more especially before the Ombudsman has never been an obstacle for a witness to be invited,” Escudero said. “Also, the law being cited by Ombudsman Morales is only applicable to the Office of the Ombudsman, where they are not allowed to disclose [details of a case]. But we’re not sending a subpoena to the Ombudsman,” he added. In her letter to Drilon, Morales said: It cannot be gainsaid that the publicity that may be spawned by the testimony of Ms Napoles would, among other things, adversely affect public interest, prejudice the safety of witnesses or the disposition of cases against her and/ or her correspondents pending ❱❱ PAGE 12 Napoles to
PHOTO FROM ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
Philippine News
9 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
DA exec in plunder rap still dealing with bogus NGOs BY GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer SALVADOR SALACUP, the former head of ZNAC Rubber Estate Corp. (ZREC), continues to funnel state funds to bogus nongovernment organizations (NGOs) as an assistant secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), apparently with the full blessing of his bosses, Secretary Proceso Alcala and Undersecretary Antonio Fleta, the INQUIRER learned. Salacup was among 38 people charged with plunder and malversation by the National Bureau of Investigation for their alleged complicity in the P10billion pork barrel scam masterminded by detained businesswoman Janet LimNapoles. Alcala has not suspended or asked Salacup to go on a leave of absence despite being charged by the NBI in the Office of the Ombudsman. Alcala has not replied to the INQUIRER’s request for comment. Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon said Salacup was the manager of the DA’s Organic Agriculture Program which gave out roughly P100 million in DA funds to NGOs, including two entities associated with the Napoles ring of fake foundations, endorsed by senators, representatives and mayors from 2011 to 2012. “All these projects should be thoroughly investigated to determine whether these are similar ghost projects as those under the P10-billion pork barrel scam of Napoles. The complicity of executives and LGU (local government unit) officials should be fully revealed,” Ridon
said in a text message. “These projects are part of the DA’s national organic agriculture program and are financed by the agriculture department itself, not from PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund). In other words, reveals that Napoles group’s operation is even far wider than what we thought, as they also operate inside agencies,” Ridon said. The INQUIRER obtained copies of seven memoranda of agreement (MOA) signed by Fleta and prepared by Salacup which released funds from the DA’s Organic Agriculture Program to bogus NGOs ran by Napoles employees Merlina Suñas and John Lim. Salvador Salacup, the former head of ZNAC Rubber Estate Corp. (ZREC)
LGU recipients
Suñas was the handpicked NGO head for the P10 million allocated by the DA to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada who chose Umingan, Pangasinan, as the recipient. The MOA was signed by Fleta and Umingan Mayor Eldred P. Tumbocon on July 21, 2011. Lim was the designated NGO head for the P10 milion released by the DA to Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III who chose Surigao del Sur province as recipient. The MOA was signed by Fleta and Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel on Jan. 2, 2012. Lim was also the designated NGOchief facilitator for five other MOAs giving DA funds directly to LGUs—P10 million to Tago, Surigao del Sur (Mayor Henrich Pimentel); P10 million to Madrid, Surigao del Sur (Jose Arpilleda); P10 million to Cantilla, Surigao del Norte (Mayor Genito B. Guardo); P10 million to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
PHOTO FROM RAPPLER.COM
(Mayor Candelario Viola Jr.); and P5 million to San Antonio, Nueva Ecija (Mayor Arvin Salonga). Ridon identified sixMOAs with other LGUs—Bulacan, Bulacan; Catanduanes province; Baras, Catanduanes; Dinalupihan, Bataan; Sanchez-Mira, Cagayan; and Padada municipality—but he did not reveal the amount nor the endorsing lawmakers nor the facilitating NGOs. A DA source, who requested anonymity for lack of authority to speak on thematter, said that Salacup had asked Fleta to skip the normal process of vetting the recipients of the organic farming funds of the agency through the technical committee and the national organic board where Salacup was designated as the secretariat. Senators involved
The DA source said that aside
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from Estrada and Pimentel, other senators who were allocated DA funds were Senators Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (P15 million), Juan Ponce Enrile (P10 million), Ramon Revilla Jr. (P10 million), Loren Legarda (P5 million), and Vicente Sotto III (P5 million). The same DA source said that the other NGO operators who signed the MOAs were Fernando Sandrino, Rowel Alcaraz, Jessie Urbano, Ma. Elena Santos, Fe Ignacio and Jasper Madrigal. The DA source said the MOAs prepared by Salacup were notarized by only two lawyers—Irene D.T. Alogoc and Raymond Gerardo Tansip. Alcala has refused to reveal the DA’s list of accredited NGOs even after he was forced to confirm an INQUIRER report that he authorized in 2012 the release of P83 million in DA funds allocated to six incumbent and
former representatives—Isidro Ungab of Davao City, Reynaldo Umali of Oriental Mindoro, Neil Montejo of the party-list group An Waray and Antonio Lagdameo Jr. of Davao del Norte, Arnulfo Fuentebella of Camarines Sur and Rizalina Seachon-Lanete ofMasbate. Alcala himself was tagged by the Commission on Audit among the lawmakers who released their pork to fake NGOs from 2007 to 2009. In his testimony in the Senate blue ribbon committee before he was charged last week by the NBI, Salacup confirmed that Enrile, Estrada and Revilla and Association of Philippine Electric Cooperative (Apec) Rep. Edgar Valdez and Buhay Rep. Rene Velarde used ZREC as the implementing agency for the release of his PDAF to fake NGOs belonging to the Napoles group. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 10
Jinggoy rats on colleagues COA slammed: ‘Selective justice is injustice’ BY NORMAN BORDADORA Philippine Daily Inquirer MISERY LOVES company. The much-awaited privilege speech of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada predictably took to task his other colleagues in the Senate and some members of the House of Representatives for the alleged abuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). “Selective justice is injustice,” Estrada said, pointing out that out of the 371 lawmakers with “irregularities” in the PDAF noted in the Commission on Audit (COA) special report, the government seemed to focus only on himself and Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon Revilla Jr. The three are already charged before the Ombudsman. “We have been singled out,” Estrada lamented in his 17page speech that curiously did not contain a single line in his defense. Entitled “The Untold PDAF Story that the People Should Know,” the speech told a not so pretty story of how senators and congressmen are readily “rewarded, bribed,” and given “additionals” by the executive branch to get its way. The speech was considered in the Senate as an attempt by Estrada to balance the adverse public opinion against the opposition lawmakers who have been implicated in the P10-billion pork barrel scam masterminded allegedly by Janet LimNapoles. Estrada said the supposed “government-wide” performance audit conducted by the COA covered only three national agencies and five provinces. Pilloried in the media and charged in the Ombudsman for allegedly making millions of pesos in kickbacks from the PDAF, Estrada said the Aquino administration also used the pork barrel system to get its way in Congress, such as the conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona in his impeachment trial. “After the conviction of the former Chief Justice, those who voted to convict were allotted an additional P50 million as provided in a private and confidential letter memorandum of the then chair of the Senate committee on finance [now
Senate President Franklin Drilon],” Estrada said in his speech. Incentive after the fact
“Where did the money come from? I am sure [Budget] Secretary [Florencio] Abad knows the answer to this. And I am sure that this was not a unilateral decision of Senate President Drilon to hand out P50 million to each senator,” Estrada said in English and Filipino. Estrada said he voted for the removal of Corona but did so only because he believed it was the right thing to do. “I stand by my decision in my vote to convict the former Chief Justice and assure our people that I was never influenced by this incentive, which came after the fact,” Estrada said. Estrada also hinted at the lack of transparency on how many millions of pesos in pork barrel funds the executive branch actually released to its allies during the previous administration. “The unclear system in the apparent secret arrangements and how much each lawmaker received could be the reason why the DBM refuses to render a complete account of releases to all lawmakers as requested by the COA,” Estrada said. Economic stimulus fund
“The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) website only provides information on PDAF releases from 2009 onwards. Why was there no information on releases in 2008? 2007? 2006? And other years? If you open the 2009 pages, the PDAF releases for then Senators (Rodolfo) Biazon, (Mar) Roxas, (Aquilino) Pimentel and Senators (Francis) Escudero, (Antonio) Trillanes and Manny Villar are among those conspicuously not posted,” Estrada added. These current and former senators are known allies of President Aquino. Estrada said Drilon and former Senate Presidents Juan Ponce Enrile, Manny Villar and Edgardo Angara “all know that the budget negotiations they conduct with the House and the DBM include negotiations not only for PDAF and the infrastructure projects of legislators but also for so-called congressional initiatives or budget in-
sertions.” “At one point, when Sen. Edgardo Angara was chair of the finance committee, I remember he even advised the senators in a caucus that there was a so-called economic stimulus fund where legislators from both Houses were allowed to avail of allocations for projects over and above the regular pork barrels. Thereafter, we were all asked to submit our listings to the committee,” Estrada said. Puzzling DBM silence
Estrada challenged Abad to release to the COA the complete documents so that the agency could complete the audit of P115 billion worth of pork barrel funds released from 2007 to 2009. The COA special audit managed to audit just P41 billion of the pork released during the period. “It is puzzling that the DBM has kept silent in the midst of the discussions about the nation’s treasury,” he said. Estrada lashed out at his colleagues, Senators Teofisto Guingona III and Alan Peter Cayetano in particular, for focusing the blue ribbon inquiry on him, Enrile and Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. Estrada said the blue ribbon panel failed to investigate the COA’s finding of P1.2-billion questionable transactions of some local government units funded from the PDAF of administration allies Cayetano, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and former Senators Francis Pangilinan and Manny Villar. “Why were they not mentioned? Was it because they are your allies? I am not saying that they have sinned. This is based on the COA report that there were irregularities in their allotments,” Estrada said.
LATEST WHISTLE-BLOWER? Sen. Jinggoy Estrada says each senator who voted
in May 2012 for the conviction of then Chief Justice Renato Corona at his impeachment trial got a P50-million allocation. PHOTO FROM NEWSINFO.INQUIRER.NET
actions amounting to P28.744 million,” Estrada said. “It means there were 28 suppliers of Mandaluyong who said they had no transactions worth P28.7million in the city of Mandaluyong so it could be said that they were also ghost projects,” Estrada added. Never a bribe
During interpellation, Drilon asked Estrada if the P50 million given after the Corona impeachment trial was “a bribe.” “But categorically Senator Estrada, categorically you can state that it was not a bribe?” Drilon said. “It was not a bribe. It was never a bribe,” Estrada said. On interpellation by Enrile, the Senate President and presiding officer during the Corona impeachment trial, Estrada said “somebody” approached him as regards the needed conviction “but did not promise any reward.” Enrile pressed Estrada to identify the person but Estrada said, “I would rather keep it to myself since I was never swayed by the influence of this person.”
Allies in House
Estrada also turned his fire on the irregularities involving public funds allegedly committed by staunch Aquino allies in the House of Representatives— Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II and former An-Waray Rep. Florencio Noel. “Were their PDAF properly used? It doesn’t appear so because according to the COA special audit report, 28 suppliers of Mandaluyong City denied having undertaken 167 transwww.canadianinquirer.net
Integrity of impeachment
“I just want to preserve the integrity of the impeachment,” Enrile said. “I was never swayed by anybody. Not even Senate President Drilon. Not even the one close to Malacañang. I was never swayed,” Estrada said. Just as he inhibited from the blue ribbon proceedings, Estrada didn’t offer any explanation of his involvement in the Napoles PDAF scam.
He instead scored Guingona for repeatedly asking resource persons to name him, Enrile and Revilla as those that endorsed Napoles’ fake NGOs as recipients of their PDAF. “I am not stopping nor do I plan to stop resource persons from naming names if this is part of their narrative,” Estrada said, lamenting that the names of the three senators were being men this tioned “like a broken record.” Estrada also called out Cayetano, who during the course of principal whistle-blower Benhur Luy’s testimony, asked if one of those involved had the slogan “Gusto ko happy ka” in apparent reference to Enrile. “I know these people know they are the ones I’m referring to. My only message to them is, ‘For every finger you point to accuse and taunt, four fingers are pointed right back at you,’” Estrada said. ‘Blatantly incomplete’
“And since he is fond of quoting from the Bible, perhaps he can reflect on this. Let the one without sin cast the first stone. Don’t be too self-righteous. And most of all, don’t be too hypocritical,” Estrada added. Estrada lashed out at the COA for its “selective and blatantly incomplete” report on the use of lawmakers’ PDAF. “The COA report also said that it was not able to establish total releases for each legislator. Is this the reason why only P2 million was audited for Congresswoman Henedina Abad? ❱❱ PAGE 13 Jinggoy rats
Philippine News
11 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
BIR files tax raps vs Napoleses BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE HIGHEST income declared by Janet Lim-Napoles was P195,800 in 2004 but she made pricey purchases amounting to P4.17 million. Two years later, the alleged brains behind the P10-billion pork barrel scam declared no income but she paid P22.29 million for purchases. Napoles’ husband, retired Marine Maj. Jaime Garcia Napoles, also made multimillionpeso purchases from 2004 to 2012 but he did not file any income tax returns (ITRs) until 2009 when he declared zero income. Because of these discrepancies, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) yesterday sued the Napoles couple in the Department of Justice for tax evasion (a total of P61 million for taxable years 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012), and for deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information in their ITRs. Napoles was charged with failing to supply correct and accurate information in her ITR for 2004,2006,2008 and 2009, and with willful failure to file her ITRs for 2010 to 2012. Her husband was charged with not supplying correct and accurate information in his ITR for 2009 and with willful failure to file his ITRs for 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The BIR said the taxes paid by the couple were not commensurate with their assumed levels of incomes. The bureau said it used the “expenditure method” of investigation based on the assumption that if an individual’s spending in a given period exceeded his or her reported income—and if the source of the funds is unexplained—the excess expenditures represented the unreported income. First batch of cases
Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares said her office was filing the first of several tax evasion cases against the couple as the BIR had yet to complete its investigation of properties listed in the names of their corporations, their children’s companies and people
BIR Commissioner Kim Henares files a tax-evasion complaint in the Department of Justice against Janet Lim-Napoles and her husband, Jaime. The bureau has found that the couple’s spending on assets like real properties and vehicles exceeded their reported income. There were years they filed zero income. PHOTO FROM ANC.YAHOO.COM
who were registered owners of the real estate assets. At a news conference, Henares said the tax evasion cases filed yesterday were based on properties that were registered in the couple’s name. “The amount is just what we have now. It can keep growing,” she told reporters, explaining why the amount was small compared with media reports that she owned up to 40 real estate properties and 30motor vehicles. Even if the investigation was not yet complete, Henares said the BIR was suing the Napoleses because the couple had committed tax evasion. The couple are registered taxpayers with addresses at Suite 2502 Discovery Center on 25 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center in Barangay San Antonio, Pasig City and San Isidro Street in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City. Napoles’ registration with the BIR was canceled in 2010. The BIR found that Napoles had a total tax liability of P44.68 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests broken down into P3.49 million in 2004; P19.77
million in 2006, P3.18 million in 2008; P7.74 million in 2009; P3.93 million in 2010; P3.14 million in 2011 and P3.42 million in 2012. The BIR based the liability on her purchases amounting to a total of P59.51 million in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. There was no record of her purchases in 2005 and 2007. Napoles declared in her ITR an income of P195,800 in 2004; P100,744.59 in 2008; and no income in 2006 and 2009. She did not file any ITR for the years 2010 to 2012. Jo-Christine Trading
The BIR said Napoles had declared in her ITR that she was the sole proprietor of JoChristine Trading, which she canceled in 2010. As for her husband, he had a total income tax liability of P16.43 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests (P0.83 million in 2004; P4.78 million in 2006; P0.45 million in 2008; P6.33 million in 2009; P1.52 million in 2010; P0.77 million in 2011 and P1.75 million in 2012). Napoles’ husband had total www.canadianinquirer.net
acquisitions of P23.88 million (from 2004 to 2012 except for 2005 and 2007) but he failed to file any ITR for these years except for 2009 when he declared nothing. Based on reports
Henares said the BIR had tracked down the properties of the couple based on media reports. From 2004 to 2012, the Napoles couple purchased and listed in their names various real properties, a number of motor vehicles, several insurance policies and club shares. They also invested millions of pesos in new corporations. Their acquisitions included condominium units in City and Land Mega Plaza and the Discovery Center, parcels of lands in Pangasinan and Kidapawan City, insurance policies with Insular Life Assurance, Philippine American Life, General Insurance and Philippine Axa Life Insurance, and vehicles such as a Ford Lincoln Navigator, a Honda Civic and a Porsche Cayenne. The filing of tax evasion cases came two months after Hena-
res announced that her office had started to investigate Napoles if she paid taxes properly. Napoles at the time was at the center of the pork barrel controversy, with former employees claiming that she had connived with lawmakers to pocket their pork barrel funds through the use of dubious nongovernment organizations. Since then, the National Bureau of Investigation has filed plunder cases against Napoles, lawmakers and officials, including Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Properties abroad
Henares said her office was dealing with foreign governments in pursuit of reports she had acquired properties abroad or had companies there. Asked whether her office was investigating other alleged players in the scam, the BIR chief said she did not want to comment on what she said was confidential investigations. “BIR can motu proprio [on its own initiative] investigate somebody when we get information that he has income that he did not report. I just leave it at that and let everyone come to their own conclusion,” Henares said. Not political institution
“If there is a suspicion of undeclared income, we will investigate,” she added. When the BIR conducts an investigation, it will be an objective one, Henares assured the public. “The BIR is not a political institution. It’s an executive, implementing enforcement institution. So, we look at things based on evidence and file it based on what evidence tells us,” she said. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 12
Sex-for-flight raps filed vs labor exec BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed a complaint before the Department of Justice against an assistant labor attaché based in the Middle East for attempted rape and three counts of sexual abuse against three overseas Filipino workers. The NBI recommended the charges against the official whom it did not identify after wrapping up its probe into the so-called “sex-for-flight” scheme allegedly perpetrated by certain labor officials posted in the Middle East. Asked why the official’s identity was being withheld, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima explained that the NBI final
report was flagged as ‘confidential’ in recognition of the right to privacy of those involved, and pursuant to Section 5 of Republic Act No. 8505 or the Rape Assistance Act. “Names or actual identity of the alleged perpetrators and alleged victims are being concealed due to the nature of the offenses recommended to be filed,” De Lima said in a statement. The NBI report was forwarded to Prosecutor General Claro Arellano for preliminary investigation. The Senate investigated last month the sex-for-flight scheme. Among those summoned was Riyadh-based assistant labor attaché Antonio “Tony” Villafuerte who was accused by three OFWs of sexually molesting and pimping them in exchange for plane tickets. ■
PH’s Megan... This is the first time the Philippines has won a Miss World
title. The country has won the Miss Universe title twice, Miss International four times, Miss Earth once and Miss Supranational also once (this year). The closest the Philippines came to win the Miss World title before were in 1973 with Evangeline Pascual and in 2011 with Gwendoline Ruais. Both finished first runner-up. To the question “Why should you be Miss World?” Young answered, “I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides people why they act the way they do. I will use this to show other people how they can understand each other ... as one, we can help society.” Young thanked the judges for choosing her and promised to “be the best Miss World ever.” The decision to hold the pageant in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country had sparked hardline anger. Heavily armed police and wa-
ter cannons were guarding the venue in Nusa Dua, southern Bali. Thousands of hardliners had taken to the streets around the country to protest against the pageant in recent weeks, and radical group the Islamic Defenders’ Front had pledged to stage protests against the pageant. But in the end no demonstrations materialized, and the group limited itself to holding a mass prayer session in a mosque just outside the capital Jakarta to express their opposition. Other representatives in the Top 6 were Brazil’s Sancler Frantz who won the Beach Beauty competition, Spain’s Elena Ibarbia, and Gibraltar’s Maroua Kharbouch who advanced by amassing the highest number of public votes. Young’s proclamation as the new Miss World came just weeks after her coronation as the country’s official representative to the global competition. She was a clear favorite in the
2013 Miss World Philippines pageant and bested 25 other contestants in the finale held Aug. 18 at the Solaire Resort and Casino. In the national tilt, the Olongapo-based Young also bagged the lion’s share of special awards—Best in Fashion Runway, Miss Sports by Fila, Miss Reducin, Miss Olay, Miss Laguna, Miss Bold and Glamorous by Revlon, Miss Figlia, Miss Bench Body, Miss Slimmers World and Miss Solaire Resort and Casino. Young was just as impressive in the international competition. During the opening press conference, she joined 2013 winner Yu Wenxia of China and Miss World owner Julia Morley in addressing the media delegation. Eight other international representatives joined the Philippines’ bet. The American-Filipino TV personality also earned a spot in the “Dances of the World” segment for the final telecast, where only a select few contestants were chosen. ■
But Escudero said the prohibition on disclosure applied only when the Ombudsman was already in the preliminary investigation stage. The Ombudsman, he said, was still in the fact-finding stage in its handling of the pork barrel scam. “Third, the Ombudsman has no jurisdiction over Napoles at this time. The one that has jurisdiction over her is the court because she is being detained for another crime,” Escudero said.
Opposition Sen, JV Ejercito said the testimony of Napoles if summoned to the Senate inquiry could incriminate people and officials associated with the Aquino administration. “Most likely there will be those from the administration who could be implicated,” he told the INQUIRER. Ejercito, chair of the Senate committee on economic affairs, indicated his disagreement with Drilon’s move to ask Morales for her opinion on
whether Napoles’ testimony in the Senate inquiry would affect the plunder charges filed in her office. “The Ombudsman’s opinion is irrelevant,” Ejercito said in a text message. Ejercito, a former congressman representing San Juan, said, “it is clear from a long line of cases that the Supreme Court has upheld the independence of the blue ribbon committee not only to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation but to investigate
other wrongdoings and recommend the prosecution of erring parties.” “I am for getting the whole truth about the scam. It should not be limited to the three senators who were accused. Limiting the probe on them will have a semblance of being selective,” he said. “Let no stone be left unturned even if those who might be implicated are close to the present administration,” Ejercito added. ■
PHOTO FROM THE MISS WORLD WEBSITE.
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Napoles to... ❰❰ 8
before the Office or unduly expose them to ridicule or public
censure.” Morales cited the Ombudsman Law of 1989 and the Rules of the Ombudsman. She also cited the filing in her office on Sept. 16 of the first Priority Development Assistance Fund complaints against 38 people, including three senators and Napoles, by the National Bureau of Investigation and a private lawyer.
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Philippine News
13 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
Jinggoy rats... P178 million for Congressman Niel Tupas? P197 million for Congressman Isidro Ungab? P351 million for Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano? P5 million for former Sen. Mar Roxas? P3 million for Senator Trillanes?” Estrada said. “In contrast, the PDAF of Enrile, Estrada and Revilla are closely examined and entirely audited. What makes us so special, COA Chair Pulido-Tan?” Estrada added. Estrada said the COA report on the PDAF only audited P41 billion out of the P115.987 billion in pork released between 2007 and 2009. He said the COA report also failed to identify the legislators behind P69.2 billion in infrastructure projects and the legislators behind the more than P1 billion in PDAF releases. “P70 billion are unaccounted for. Shouldn’t the public know who the legislators are behind these? Can’t they be identified or does Chair Pulido-Tan just refuse to do so?” Estrada said. ❰❰ 10
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada seeking counsel of his father, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. PHOTO FROM INTERAKSYON.COM
Drilon confirms P50M But says not a bribe; incentive, Estrada says BY JULIET LABOG-JAVELLANA, MICHAEL LIM UBAC, AND NORMAN BORDADORA Philippine Daily Inquirer NEITHER A bribe nor a reward. Senate President Franklin Drilon said the P50 million worth of pork barrel projects made available to senators after the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona last year was part of the senators’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) which was withheld during the entire Corona impeachment trial. Drilon stressed it was not a bribe. “What I remember was during the four-month Corona trial no PDAF was released by Malacañang precisely to avoid suspicions that funds were being peddled to influence the trial. The PDAF that Senator Estrada was talking about was released after the trial,” Drilon told the INQUIRER. After the trial, he said the senators were asked to submit a list of their projects so that their PDAF could be released. Drilon vehemently denied that the P50 million pork per senator was a bribe, noting that even Sen. Jinggoy Estrada clarified this to him immediately after the latter’s speech. Estrada himself admitted that he accepted the P50-million “incentive” after the Senate convicted Corona. “I have yet to see that letter mentioned by Senator Estrada. But if the insinuation is that the Department of Budget and Management and I gave out additional PDAF funds as incentives to those who voted to convict then Chief Justice Renato Corona, that is not true,” Drilon said in an earlier statement, adding senators voted according to their conscience and their own evaluation of the evidence presented during the trial.
Pressed on whether he did write a letter as claimed by Estrada, Drilon yesterday said he might have. “If there is a letter, it only said submit your projects worth P50 million,” said Drilon, who was Senate finance committee chair last year when the Corona trial took place. “I cannot determine with accuracy if that was the additional PDAF because I do not keep track of releases as finance committee chair. I only relay the request of the senators for fund releases of their proposed PDAF projects. DBM releases the funds, and I am not informed of the total releases per senator,” Drilon said. Drilon could not say who among the senators got or did not get the P50 million allocation. The Senate in 2012 voted 20-3 to convict Corona for dishonesty in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. The three who voted against his impeachment were Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Joker Arroyo. ‘Incredible leap in logic’
“I cannot say this enough and with any more clarity: The accusations that Senator Estrada leveled against me and the administration are not true. I have absolutely no knowledge of this letter, nor am I privy to its contents or circulation,” said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. “His conclusion—that I would somehow be involved in the distribution of the letter and the course of action outlined in it—requires an incredible leap in logic that is ill-justified by fact,” said Abad. The budget chief stressed that the Aquino administration “does not and will not bribe any group or individuals—whether these ‘bribes’ are offered
Selective reporting
Estrada also trained his guns on the report presented by Tan before the Senate inquiry. “The special audit report also covered PDAF releases to 371 legislators. Yet dur-
ing the hearing again, Chair Pulido-Tan conveniently mentioned and repeatedly named only four legislators—Enrile, Revilla, Estrada and (Gregorio) Honasan,” Estrada said. Estrada said that when Sen. Nancy Binay asked that she name the other legislators in the COA report, Tan excused herself. “We therefore ask why Mr. President. Why the propensity for selective reporting? Why are certain pieces of information readily released?” Estrada said. He also scored Tan for releasing the audit report to the media and then offering her often quoted “kahindik-hindik [appalling]” commentary. He also criticized Tan for traveling abroad too many times a year. Estrada said that Tan traveled five times in 2010, nine times in 2011 and 10 times in 2012. “And one more thing about the COA, Mr. President. Since when did COA ever start to have its findings validated by a broadsheet?” Estrada said. “Chair Tan’s statement in a newspaper was quite appalling. ‘The INQUIRER validates our findings. It’s providential.’ Is this the kind of Commission on Audit we have now?” Estrada added. “We all here are victims of a flawed system which is so ingrained that it has been institutionalized,” he said. ■
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❱❱ PAGE 15 Drilon confirms
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Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 14
SC asked to declare RH law unconstitutional BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer AN OFFICIAL of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked the Supreme Court to declare as unconstitutional the reproductive health (RH) law following allegations that pork barrel was used as “incentive” to push its approval. “We would like the high tribunal to take cognizance of this serious allegation and declare the RH law unconstitutional [if ] only for the fact that it was passed through bribery and through illegal means,” according to Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada disclosed in his privilege speech that the graft-tainted Priority Development Assistance Fund (also known as pork barrel) was used by the executive branch as “incentive” for lawmakers to push several issues, including the controversial family planning measure. Estrada was expected to use his speech to answer allegations that he got as much as P183.79 million in kickbacks from PDAF allocations coursed through bogus nongovernment organizations connected to detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles. Instead, the senator zeroed in on alleged abuses in the use of the PDAF, claiming that P50 million was given to lawmakers for their support in the impeachment of former
Chief Justice Renato Corona. The Palace denied Estrada’s allegations. “It was the senator who said the PDAF was used to push for the RH measure so we are appealing to the SC to consider such a serious allegation [in deciding on the case],” Castro said. The high court last month concluded oral arguments on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law after five hearings that started in July. The law, which was signed by President Aquino in December last year, allows the state to use public funds to provide poor couples with contraceptives, educate the youth on reproductive health matters and improve maternal health. ■
Drilon to clear subpoena issue with Ombudsman a second time BY NORMAN BORDADORA Philippine Daily Inquirer SENATE PRESIDENT Franklin Drilon has again resisted signing the subpoena to compel Janet Lim Napoles, the main suspect in the P10-billion pork barrel scam, to give testimony to the Senate blue ribbon committee. Drilon said he would again seek the opinion of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, this time apparently her comment on jurisprudence cited by Senate blue ribbon committee chair Sen. Teofisto Guingona III that gives the Senate the power to summon Napoles. Drilon earlier refused to sign Guingona’s subpoena for Napoles’ testimony after Morales—in an opinon Drilon earlier sought—indicated that Napoles’ appearance at the blue ribbon committee inquiry would prejudice the Ombudsman’s proceedings in the plunder case against her. Napoles, Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., and former Representatives Rizalina Seachon Lanete and Edgar Valdes are facing plunder charges before the Ombudsman in
connection with the scam that reportedly turned billions of pesos of the Priority Development Assistance Fund into fat kickbacks. “May we respectfully refer to your office for comment on the attached letter of Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, seeking the reconsideration of our earlier decision not to approve a subpoena for Janet Lim-Napoles for her to appear before the Senate Committee on the Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon Committee),” Drilon said in his letter to Morales. Deferred action
“Please be informed that we have deferred any action on the aforementioned request on account of your advice in your letter dated 23 September 2013, wherein you expressed the opinion that compelling Mrs. Napoles to testify before the committee, at this time, would not be advisable,” Drilon said. Guingona wrote Drilon asking the Senate President to reconsider his decision, based on Morales’ opinion, to defer the signing of the blue ribbon committee’s subpoena for Napoles. In his letter to Drilon, Guingona cited Supreme Court de-
cisions related to the power of the Senate to summon resource persons. These included Romero v Chavez that said “[ongoing] judicial proceedings do not preclude congressional hearings in aid of legislation” and Senate blue ribbon committee vMajaducon and Flaviano that ruled that a regional trial court “had no authority to prohibit the committee from requiring a respondent to appear and testify before it.” Drilon, in a statement, said the opinion of the Ombudsman on the question of whether or not Napoles could appear before the blue ribbon committee must not be underestimated and neglected. “What is at stake here is the ability of the Office of the Ombudsman to prosecute the PDAF misuse cases against Napoles with dispatch and without delay. This is the principal goal of our justice system,” Drilon said. “While my decision appears unpopular to the media and a public eager to see Napoles grilled by the blue ribbon committee, I have decided on the side of caution. I would rather err on the side of prudence,” he added. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
UN chief... armored equipment, raising the force to the regular strength of 1,250 through encouraging other nations to send peacekeepers and a six month rotation cycle for the Philippine contingent. The world body had asked the Philippines to rethink its withdrawal plan, as this would likely “create a situation where there would be maximum volatility,” Del Rosario said earlier. ❰❰ 3
UN General Assembly
Del Rosario is in New York for the UN General Assembly. He will address the world body to discuss the Philippines’ efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are global development goals on health, education, poverty reduction, gender equality and environmental sustainability that nations must achieve by 2015. “His statement will share the Philippine experience on lessons learned in achieving the eight MDGs and the Philippines’ proposals on how the post-2015 development agenda should look. His statement will also highlight critical issues that are important to the Philippines, such as migration, peace and security, and disaster risk reduction,” the foreign of-
fice said in an earlier statement. The UN General Assembly, an annual diplomatic event that gathers world leaders in one hall, opened on Tuesday, providing member nations opportunity for high-level discussions on critical world issues, including the Syrian conflict, Iran-US tensions, the IsraeliPalestine conflict, nuclear disarmament and the MDGs. This year’s general assembly is themed around “The Post2015 Development Agenda: Setting the Stage,” laying the groundwork for plans of member countries for the years following the MDG deadline. Some progress
A report recently released by the UN Development Program, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the Asian Development Bank found the Philippines an “early achiever” in gender equality and women empowerment, and noted some progress in implementing programs for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other deadly diseases. The report, however, found the Philippines lagging in achieving the other goals, particularly poverty reduction and improving access to basic education. ■
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. PHOTO FROM UN.ORG
Philippine News
15 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
Drilon confirms... officially or otherwise—all for the sake of getting our way, or for the sake of gaining political leverage over parties that may oppose us.” Told about the caucus of senators wherein the amount was mentioned, he said that the executive was “not privy to what happened in that caucus.” “Second, we deny that there was a P50-million bribe to induce the senators to convict Corona,” said Abad. When the INQUIRER pointed out that several senators, including Senators Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile and former Sen. Panfilo Lacson, had already validated Estrada’s claim, Abad said: “Let me check our facts and get back to you.” He later sent a text message to say that the process would take “some more time.”
❰❰ 13
Call it ‘incentive’
Estrada said the P50 million worth of projects distributed to senators after the conviction of Corona might not have been a bribe but itwas an “incentive” that the executive should do away with just the same. “That was not a bribe because that came after the fact or after the conviction… You may call it an incentive,” Es-
trada told reporters in a telephone interview. Estrada said he used the allocation because there were many requests for assistance from among local government units. “I availed [myself ] of it. It’s part of the infrastructure projects. If there are senators who say they can’t remember, they should check their files if there was really a letter given them, whether they [accepted it] or not,” Estrada added. Asked if there was anything wrong with an incentive after the Senate convicted Corona, Estrada said, “I said in the latter part of the speech there is a flawed system already that’s why we have to fix the system.” “It can’t be that whenever there’s a crisis in Malacañang, the executive will use pork barrel funds as bribes or rewards. That happened during the time of GMA [former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo], that’s why she wasn’t impeached,” Estrada said. On Abad’s challenge for him to reveal the contents of the confidential and private memo presented by then committee on finance chair Drilon, Estrada said, “I think he just has to check the records of the (DBM).” “[After] the conviction of Chief Justice Corona, senators availed [themselves]
That was not a bribe because that came after the fact or after the conviction… You may call it an incentive. - Sen. Jinggoy Estrada
of additional P50 million,” Estrada said. No selective persecution
Administration senators used the Senate inquiry into the pork barrel scam— ironically one of the forums that Estrada said were being used to vilify him and other opposition senators—to debunk his claim of selective investigation and prosecution. Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano even mocked Estrada by referring to the opposition lawmaker as the “one who should not be named” —a paraphrase of the description in the Harry Potter series of the devilish villain Voldemort. Cayetano said Estrada and his allies were being singled out by the government investigation of the PDAF scam. He asked why only Estrada and a few others were charged when there were
Solon proposes not bill, but marriage at House hearing BY CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Congressmen burning the midnight oil to pass next year’s national budget on second reading witnessed a rather unusual “proposal” from one of their own Friday night. His colleagues and top government officials watching, Magdalo Rep. Ashley Acedillo made a “manifestation” to formally ask his girlfriend, then seated in the VIP section, to be his partner for life. “Ms. Ma. Paz Ignacio Ocampo, will you please do me the honor, that please be my wife?” Acedillo, kneeling and a bouquet and engagement ring in hand, asked while a picture of the woman was flashed on the big screen. Then came the awaited response, which Acedillo, a former coup plotter, promptly announced to the chamber: “Please put on record, yes daw!” The marriage proposal interrupted an otherwise heated period of interpellation dominated by members of the militant Makabayan bloc. Shortly before Acedillo, a neophyte congressman, took the floor, ACT Teachers Rep.
Magdalo Rep. Ashley Acedillo PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK ACCOUNT
Antonio Tinio had been arguing about the need to abolish, not just the Priority Development Assistance Fund of legislators, but President Benigno Aquino’s pork barrel as well. While congressional pork stood at P25.2 billion, the President’s was estimated at P964 billion in the 2014 national budget per Tinio’s computation. With the appropriations committee chairman firm on keeping Mr. Aquino’s pork barrel, Tinio asked that deliberations on the budget of the Office of the President be deferred. Enter Acedillo. Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II asked his colleagues to “welcome the subject of your concern” to the floor. Holding red roses, some of them lined up the aisle to receive the bride-to-be. Session was suspended and Acedillo got his wish, all according to plan. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
many lawmakers that figured in the COA special report on PDAF misuse. “It doesn’t mean that if your name is in the COA report, that will already be the subject of an investigation by the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation],” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said during the hearing. “As I always say, the scope of the NBI investigation is only on the Napoles component of the PDAF scam and the Malampaya Fund, meaning the information coming from the whistle-blowers and validated and verified by the paper trail,” De Lima said. Even some personalities already named in the whistle-affidavits aren’t charged unless the documentary support are completed, she said. Once the case documents are completed against those implicated by the whistle-blowers, De Lima said they will be charged. ■
Opinion
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 16
THERE’S THE RUB
For starters By Conrado De Quiros Philippine Daily Inquirer ERAP LIKES to tell people about a joke he likes to tell Jojo Binay. That joke goes: “You know, Jojo, we have a lot of things in common. I became mayor of San Juan, you became mayor of Makati. I became vice president, you became vice president. I became president, you could become president too. “I got jailed for corruption. You’ll probably get jailed for corruption too.” Life being ironic, or perverse, in this magic-realist country, his joke has unfolded with a cruel twist not upon Binay—though that could still happen—but upon his son, Jinggoy. With variations of course. Erap was in show business, Jinggoy was in show business. Erap became mayor of San Juan, Jinggoy became mayor of San Juan. Erap became a senator, Jinggoy became a senator. Erap got jailed for corruption. Jinggoy could get jailed for corruption too. Sadly for the junior Estrada, his is the more shortcut version, going from rise to fall without having reached crest, or being faced with jail without having become vice president or president along the way. The way things are, his biggest problem is not finding a way to higher office, it is
finding a way to remain free. For all practical purposes, his political career is done. Though of course you never know, in this country mahirap magsalita nang tapos, it ain’t over till it’s over. But right now, it seems very much so. His much-touted bombshell in the Senate turned out to be supot (dud). If not indeed an “eraption” that obliterated him. Of course the public pounced on what he said—or did not say. Immediately after he spoke, the social media rioted with snide remarks about how nowhere in his speech did he refute the charges against him. Nowhere in his speech did he say that the charge that he frittered away his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in Janet Lim-Napoles’ NGOs was a lie, and he would sue anyone who kept repeating it. Nowhere in his speech did he say he was innocent. Everywhere in his speech, he merely said others were just as guilty as him. If not more so. That’s as close to an admission of guilt as you can get. In fact, he was far better off before he dropped his dud. Reminding us again of Mark Twain’s remark that it is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and confirm the fact. What he did not say, rather than what he did, was the loudest noise he produced.
His silence on his innocence was the most damning thing there was. You wonder who advised him to take that tack. It’s suicidal in every respect. Of course he may have taken his cue from his father’s experience. His father was also accused by his successor, Gloria Arroyo, of being corrupt to the bone, and even convicted by the courts for being so. But he managed to escape public opprobrium, if not jail— though the commodious conditions he found himself in challenged conventional definitions of the “jail”—by accusing his tormentor of being far
Unfortunately for Jinggoy, the gap between him and his father is vaster than the Grand Canyon. His father at least has the crooked smile of a rogue, he merely has the smirk of a hood. more corrupt than him. If he was corrupt to the bone, he proposed, she was corrupt to the marrow of the bone. It was a tack that so removed the stigma from him he nearly became president again—he might well have if Aquino had not resurrected like the phoenix from the ashes of his mother. He’s the mayor of Manila as we speak. Unfortunately for Jinggoy, the gap between him and his father is vaster
than the Grand Canyon. His father at least has the crooked smile of a rogue, he merely has the smirk of a hood. Far more importantly, Arroyo’s corruption was epically patent, shown not just in the theft of money but in the theft of the vote, and undercut completely her moral authority to punish anyone for it. Jinggoy’s problem is proving not just the “others” are more corrupt than him—he doesn’t name them—but even just that they are as corrupt as him. I grant it can be done, there are scams right enough in the executive and judiciary, quite apart from legislative, to bolster the claim. But he does not. After accusing the senators who voted against Renato Corona of taking money in the form of P50 million additional PDAF from Malacañang, he wrecked his own case by saying it wasn’t a bribe at all, merely an “incentive.” Senate President Franklin Drilon and Budget Secretary Butch Abad would subsequently say it wasn’t additional at all, it was the senators’ much delayed PDAF, which had been delayed during the course of the impeachment precisely to prevent suspicion it was a bribe. How much worse off would Jinggoy have been if he had called it a bribe, if he had said Drilon and Abad had bribed him, if he had said he, like the other senators, had
voted the way Malacañang wanted because he had been bribed? Might as well hang for a sheep as for a lamb. Might as well go down with guns blazing. But charging that the other senators were guilty of accepting an “incentive” that had no effect on their votes? That’s pathetic. Even more unfortunately for Jinggoy, Erap’s prosecution and conviction took place in more cynical times. When a public, grown numb from the resolute display of bad manners and wrong conduct from their last two presidents (the other a fake one), and from an even more resolute display of worse manners and “wronger” conduct from their Pharisees who bid them close their eyes and ears and blissfully “move on,” merely shrugged off the atrocity. These are different times, these are awakened times, these are furious times. When the public will no longer abide being treated like mushrooms, kept in the dark and dumped on. When the public will no longer agree that when the pot calls the kettle black they are magically transformed into white, but will see them both as blacker than ever. When the public, given a line that others are just as guilty will no longer say, “Ok, you both go free,” but will now say, “Ok, we’ll get them too, we’ll jail them too.” “But we’ll start with you.” ■
ANALYSIS
Constitutional crisis averted in Senate probe By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer CANBERRA—A potential constitutional crisis involving a clash between the Senate and the Aquino administration was averted when Justice Secretary Leila de Lima escorted the pork barrel scam whistle-blowers to the chamber. The group showed up in obedience to a subpoena issued by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III in connection with his blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into the P10-billion fund scam. Such a political clash would have diverted public attention away from the criminal charges of plunder filed by the Department of Justice at the Office of the Ombudsman against three senators, two former congressmen, other officials, and Janet LimNapoles, the alleged mastermind of the scheme that siphoned legislators’ pork barrel funds to her group of dummy nongovernment organizations. At yesterday’s hearing, De Lima told reporters she had “no choice” but to obey the subpoena because she did not want the cases filed by the DOJ on Sept. 16 to be “diverted or sidetracked.” She said: “I want a successful prosecution of those charged with misuse of the pork barrel fund. I want to preserve the proceedings before
the Ombudsman. I want to protect the whistle-blowers and the witnesses.” Apparently realizing that prudence is the better part of valor in dealing with the Senate, the normally combative De Lima bowed to the subpoena that was issued after an exchange between her and Guingona last Tuesday. Among all of the Senate panels, none is more feared and inquisitorial than the blue ribbon committee, as attested to by those who have experienced the ordeal of appearing before it. De Lima received a tongue-lashing from Guingona when she appeared solo before the committee after earlier promising that she would bring Benhur Luy, the principal witness in the operations of the Napoles group of companies and the other whistle-blowers. “What you have done is unprecedented. Unprecedented. And in my view, you have attempted to undermine and diminish the power of the blue ribbon committee. I’m very, very disappointed,” Guingona lambasted De Lima. He added: “And I don’t agree with your stand. I’m therefore issuing a subpoena for you, directing you to have the whistle-blowers appear before the Senate blue ribbon committee on Thursday, at 10 in the morning.” The whistle-blowers are in the
custody of the National Bureau of Investigation under its witness protection program. According to Guingona, the committee received a letter from De Lima saying she could not bring the whistle-blowers. She cited the rules of the Office of the Ombudsman prohibiting “publicity” when the case related to the diversion of the congressional pork barrel fund to the Napoles group of companies has been filed in court.
Among all of the Senate panels, none is more feared and inquisitorial than the blue ribbon committee, as attested to by those who have experienced the ordeal of appearing before it. The letter apparently poured oil on the flames. “You invoked the rules of the Ombudsman in that letter,” said a bristling Guingona. “You can’t invoke the rules of the Ombudsman because you are not the Ombudsman.” The exchange marked an early encounter between the executive branch and the Senate, which has historically been jealous of guarding its independence against encroachments by the latter. It also put Guingona on the spot concerning the issue
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of whether the Senate leadership or the majority would support him in his conduct of the blue ribbon committee’s investigation, as it affects senators charged by the DOJ with plunder for allegedly endorsing their Priority Development Assistance Fund to Napoles’ group of NGOs, allegedly in exchange for kickbacks. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales advised the Senate against inviting Napoles to its inquiry into the pork barrel scam. In her letter to Senate President Franklin Drilon dated Sept. 23, Morales said: “Even as I recognize the Senate’s power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, I submit it would not be advisable, at this time for Ms Napoles to testify before the committee on what she knows about the alleged scam.” Among the reasons cited by Morales for her advice was the filing of charges of plunder or other offenses at her office against some legislators, Napoles, and others. “There are also other PDAF-related cases involving other government officials in conspiracy with other private persons that are pending investigation by this office,” Morales said. She said summoning Napoles would not produce at this stage “complete, nay, reliable information that legislation in-
tends to affect change.” She added that the appearance of Napoles at the Senate would be an “exercise in futility.” Morales further said: “It cannot be gainsaid that the publicity that may be spawned by the testimony of Ms Napoles would, among other things, adversely affect public interest, prejudice the safety of witnesses or the disposition of cases against her and/or her co-respondents pending before this office, or unduly expose them to public censure or ridicule.” Drilon, who had sought the opinion of the Ombudsman, announced on Tuesday that he was deferring to her advice “out of prudence and respect for her office...as she has acquired primary jurisdiction over the case.” Despite Drilon’s deference to the opinion of the Ombudsman, Guingona issued the subpoena ordering De Lima and the whistle-blowers to appear at yesterday’s hearing. Guingona indicated that if the blue ribbon committee did not assert its authority, wrongdoers who do not appear at its hearings could have other people file flimsy cases at the Office of the Ombudsman. In the end, Drilon signed the subpoena for De Lima and the whistle-blowers. In the process, he also averted a Senate revolt against his leadership. ■
Opinion
17 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
PUBLIC LIVES
‘Calidad Humana’ By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer FATE COULD not have written it better if this was a movie script. The convergence of recent events in our society is filled with many ironies and is deeply disturbing. It invites thoughtful reflection. At the highest level of our government, the country’s most senior senator, who has lived through some of the most critical phases of our nation’s history, has been indicted for the crime of plunder. He is accused of taking millions of pesos in kickbacks from the use of pork barrel funds allotted to him. At the University of the Philippines, a state institution originally established to produce the highest quality of Filipino civil servants, a graduate student in public administration has been exposed for passing off someone else’s work as his own in a photo contest, and collecting the prize money of $1,000 that came with the winning entry. The 89-year-old Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who, until recently, was the Senate president, has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer claims that any wrongful utilization of the senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) could only have
been done by his former chief of staff, without the senator’s authorization. The 22-year-old UP Masters in Public Administration student, Mark Joseph Solis, a cum laude graduate from UP, has, in contrast, admitted guilt and begs for forgiveness. He ascribes what he did to “youth, lack of experience, and the inability to see the repercussions of my actions.” Given this excuse, one must ask if he understands the basic wrongfulness of taking things belonging to others. It appears that this is not the first time that Solis has plagiarized other people’s works. By the sheer disparity of the amounts involved, it is obvious where the bigger crime lies. As a public official, Senator Enrile, a wealthy and successful man in his own right, is a trustee of public funds. Given his age, stature and experience, people expect him to conduct himself like a statesman—wisely, selflessly, and with utmost integrity. If it should happen, his conviction, together with that of other lawfulness? makers, would rank as the lowest point in the history of the entire Philippine Congress. It is doubtful if the political system can absorb this kind of blow without giving way to farreaching changes in the structure of our political life. On the other hand, some might be
inclined to ignore the gravity of Mark Joseph Solis’ act in view of his youth and financial need. What he stole, after all, were not public funds meant for the poor in our society. He is not a public official, even if we dread the thought that he might become one someday. Still, something about the context of his deed deeply bothers me. The “Calidad Humana” photo contest, in which the plagiarized image he submitted won first prize, was a project of the Embassy of Chile in Manila.
In a world that has become too complex to navigate with old moral compasses... too fragmented to be governed by a single moral code... Today’s challenge is to find an ethical way of being human. It was meant to celebrate the abundance of the quality of humaneness among Filipinos in a world fixated with material prosperity. In the effusive words of Ambassador Roberto L. Mayorga, whose brainchild this project is, “(H)ere in the Philippines, most of the people give priority to ‘concern for others’ rather than material things. They have what we call: ‘Calidad Humana’: Human Compas-
sion, Humanity, Human Tone.” The project seeks to explain and preserve this perceived valuable asset among our people. I vividly recall the small meeting I attended a few months ago where Ambassador Mayorga expounded on the concept. Listening to him made me wonder if, as a sociologist, I had missed something so important in our culture. “The question is,” he asked, “In what way and by what motives do Filipinos have Calidad Humana, compassion, resiliency, humility, cheer An explanation of these elements is fundamental to take the appropriate action in order to cultivate, protect and preserve them.” Ominously, almost as an aside, the good ambassador also said: “Of course, there are exceptions; we are not in paradise.” It is this background that assailed me when I heard the news of Solis’ admission of his offense after the real creator of the winning photograph, a British photographer, stepped forward to protest the theft of his image. I thought of the Chilean ambassador’s spirited homage to the Filipino, and felt overcome by disgust over the fact that this young person, Mark Joseph Solis, who now stands as the negation of everything that a foreign diplomat has found praiseworthy in our people,
earned his first degree under our tutelage and continues to train with us as a future public servant. The question that rushed to my mind was: Where do young people like Mark Joseph Solis learn their ethics? My suspicion is that they don’t. They witness the collapse of traditional morality in their elders and leaders, and soon they are led to believe that anything goes in the quest for success, power and wealth. Skeptical of the legal system, and lacking any guidance, they begin to view the world with the cold eyes of predators that must prevail at any cost. This is clearly the opposite of the “Calidad Humana” that the Chilean ambassador generously extols in us. But, perhaps, in quite another sense, this too is an integral part of being human—to be lost in a world that has become too complex to navigate with old moral compasses. Those tools were appropriate for a time when parents had control over their children’s time, when teaching was a holistic face-toface encounter, when public officials behaved honorably because they regarded public service as a vocation. Today’s challenge is to find an ethical way of being human in a world that has become too fragmented to be governed by a single moral code. ■
sius surge, were faltering. A 4-degreesCelsius hotter world will wreak havoc everywhere. “Things can get ugly fast.” The bank ranks the Philippines as the third in the world’s list of countries most vulnerable to weather-related extreme events—from droughts to sea level rise. More than 20 typhoons annually lash the country’s northern and eastern parts. (In the last three years, three storms slammed a Mindanao that used to have a typhoon barrel through every 12 years or so, notes 1992 Ramon Magsaysay Foundation awardee for public service, Angel Alcala.) Floods rampage through Central Luzon and southern Mindanao. And there have been disastrous landslides. “These climate-related impacts will reduce cultivatable land,” the report foresees. That in turn will whittle down “agricultural productivity and increase food insecurity.” “In a 4-degrees-Celsius warmer world, sea levels will rise between 0.5 and 1 meter by 2100 and could affect cities in the Philippines. Coral bleaching and reef degradation will accelerate in the next 10-20 years.” Last Friday, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported in New York: Scientists are “virtually certain” that man’s fossilfuel-related emissions drove global
warming. “Each of the last three decades has been probably warmer than any time in the past 1,400 years.” “The heat is on,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said. Act now or face disaster. In Sweden, 195 member-nations meet this week to discuss IPCC’s study. Even if the greenhouse gas emissions are curbed, they’d still breach the critical threshold of 2 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. “Those who choose excuses over action are playing with fire,” US Secretary of State John Kerry warned. The Philippines must urgently cobble adaptive capacity to increase “climate resilience of agricultural practices,” World Bank stressed. This can create jobs, alleviate food insecurity, reduce malnutrition, and help conserve water resources. “Future development (should) be carried out with accommodation to climate change in mind. Otherwise, the country could be locked into infrastructure development, land use changes, and urbanization processes that are more vulnerable to climate risks.” The Philippines should “employ a sustainable green growth strategy expanding on mitigation opportunities.” The unacceptable alternative is symbolized by those toxin-laced rivers. ■
VIEWPOINT
Toxin-laced symbols By Juan L. Mercado Philippine Daily Inquirer “ONLY WHEN the last river has been polluted, the last tree cut and the last fish caught, will we realize we cannot eat money.” Is this why 50 of the country’s 421 rivers are “biologically dead”? Rivers form a community’s circulation system. But a growing number have been clogged with trash, toxic spill from factories and waste dumped from homes sans toilets. These morph into cesspools. When oxygen is sealed off, the river dies. All five Cebu City rivers, for example, are kaput. So is Marilao in Bulacan, as Greenpeace inspectors found. But the Philippines has no monopoly on sewerage dumps. Ganges and Yamuna in India, Tietê in Brazil, Yangtze and Jian in China are among the world’s most toxic rivers. So are the Mississippi in the United States, plus all Jakarta rivers in Indonesia. To revive the Pasig and 47 tributaries, President Aquino committed P10 billion a year, says Gina Lopez, chair of the commission for the river’s rehabilitation. Half that money will relocate 300,000 squatters who huddle along the banks or esteros. Since 2010, the commission rehabilitated four esteros. Over 6,500 squatters
were relocated from the 2.9-kilometer Estero de Paco alone. It now sports tree-lined boardwalks, Agence FrancePresse reports. Significantly, vendors stopped using it as a refuse bin. Work will start on 16 esteros this year. Pasig River’s water remains badly polluted, cautions Asian Development Bank’s urban development specialist Javier Coloma Brotons. Problems range from lack of sewage treatment plants to geography. The Pasig River links 3,813-square-kilometer Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. At high tide, waste from Manila’s huge ports and crammed communities surge back. “To clean up Pasig, address problems with the bay,” Coloma Brotons urges. The political system’s “general chaos make a coordinated approach extremely difficult,” ADB notes. Vested interests interlock. And these took their toll “in repeated and costly failures to transform Pasig.” The Aquino administration has dusted off the moribund Clean Water Act of 2004 by pinpointing eight rivers as critical “Water Quality Management Areas.” They are geographically spread. In Luzon, there are the SinocalanDagupan rivers of Pangasinan, the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system, areas within the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s jurisdic-
tion, plus the San Juan River in Metro Manila. For the Visayas, these are the Tigum-Aganan watershed and the Iloilo-Batiano river system. The Silway River and Sarangani Bay, and Taguibo River in Agusan del Norte, are in Mindanao. Citizen-based initiatives are sprouting: Cebu held a “River Summit 2013” and its academe network taps research facilities and expertise from universities—among them, San Carlos, University of the Philippines, Southwestern, San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu Institute of
“The heat is on,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said. Act now or face disaster. Technology, Cebu Doctors. Cebu Mayor Mike Rama pledged that the city’s Risk Management Council will cooperate. If it delivers, Cebu could set a model. But the work is grueling. And like other cities, Cebu haphazardly enforced laws on clean water and solid waste. Global climate change is inflicting a heavy toll, warns the 2013 World Bank report titled “Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines.” This study follows up the bank’s earlier “Turn Down the Heat” report. That warned current efforts to tamp down global warming, below a 2-degrees-Cel-
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
18
Canada News NEWS BRIEFS
FROM THE CANADIAN PRESS
GLUTEN-FREE AND ETHNIC PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO MAKE INROADS AT GROCERY STORES
SCREENSHOT FROM METISAUTHORITY.COM
Is “reverse racism” keeping Filipino couple from adopting a Métis child? BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer “IT IS reverse racism,” says Paul Walsh. Paul Walsh is an attorney representing a Filipino-Canadian couple in Winnipeg who are in the middle of a dirty legal battle for the child they considered their own for the last two years. The 2 ½ year old little boy is part Métis, one of the constitutionally recognized and protected Aboriginal peoples of Canada under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The custody fight began when Manitoba’s Métis Child and Family Services Authority (MCFSA) deemed the Fil-Can couple as “culturally” unfit to raise the child, even after the child has been with them for two years of his life and refers to the couple lovingly as “Mama” and “Papa.” “And it is a tragedy for this little boy,” Walsh said. “I suppose the Métis people would prefer to put a positive spin on it, but I don’t know how you can have positive racism,” he continued. “They will say it is cultural rather than racist, but we all know what the facts are and the facts are this: I have two Filipino clients that are ideal parents that can’t adopt a child of Métis background—no matter how long that child has been in their care, because
they are not culturally appropriate.” The couple and MCFSA gave their arguments with an independent arbitrator and a decision is expected to be issued soon. The legal battle-slash-mess has been gaining spectators and raising questions about adoption not just in Canada but all over the world. Is cultural heritage really important? How did the kid end up living with the couple for so long before family services decided they were actually not the right people to raise the little boy? Is this an issue of parenting abilities or (reverse) racism? According to MCFSA chief executive officer Billie Schibler, the agency’s aim is to match a Métis child with a foster family who identifies themselves as Métis as well. “We refer to it as ’60s Scoop,’” Ms. Schibler tells Jon O’Connor of the National Post. “Thousands of children were taken away from their culture and their communities, and a lot of communities are still suffering the effects of that,” she explained. From 1960s to the 1980s, thousands of Métis children were taken from their foster families and brought to other places, even as far as the United States, only to be raised by non-Métis parents and family members. “Our children are the spirit of our communities. If you don’t have that spirit, if you don’t have children in
your life, you lose all purpose in life,” Schibler noted. Though this may be the sad history that gave birth to the MCFSA, some people can’t help but disagree with their mandate. Some people like the little boy’s biological mother. “Right now the people he’s (little boy) with, he sees them as his parents. To him, it doesn’t matter what color or race they are… Why should it matter to anyone else?” she asked. “I’d be really sad if people could just open the door and say goodbye to a child that they have cared for without there being some feeling of loss. “But, again, I don’t think it has to be the end for them. If everybody is doing this right, the [MCFSA] will see that these [Fil-Can couple] are people who need to be involved in the adoptive child’s life… It doesn’t matter what your culture is,” the mother explained. On the other hand, the MCFSA disagrees. To them, culture matters and it matters a lot. Schibler also insists that the parents know what they were getting themselves into two years ago–that nothing’s final until the court of law agrees. Whether it matters or not, an innocent kids life is at stake, and perhaps there are just some things that are beyond the court of law or a government-recognized agency to declare. With report from Joe O’Connor, National Post
TORONTO—The two-day Grocery Innovations Canada event offers a glimpse into the future of emerging food products Canadian consumers could soon see at the supermarket. Tom Barlow, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, says there will be an emphasis on sustainability at this year’s show, running Monday and Tuesday, as retailers look for creative ways to be stewards to the planet while reducing costs within their operations. Gluten-free and ethnic products will be showcased along with “functional” beverages, which “have something in them to help you do whatever you’re looking for.” By Lois Abraham FINANCIAL PINCH OF ILLNESS HAMPERS CANADIANS TORONTO—Nearly half of all Canadians facing a major health crisis, such as cancer or a stroke, are struggling financially as a result, according to the latest research from Sun Life Financial. The company’s annual health index found that 40 per cent of those surveyed reported feeling financially strapped after a serious health issue or diagnosis, while 53 per cent of 45- to 54-year-olds said they’d been hit hard by unforeseen health-care costs. TORONTO CHILD ABUSE CENTRE LAUNCHES TORONTO—A Toronto group hopes bringing medical examinations, police interviews and other key events in a child abuse case under one roof will make the inquiries easier for investigators as well as children. The Child and Youth Advocacy Centre will provide the full range of services an abuse child requires. It means rather than visiting several agencies around the city, a child would be assigned a team of law enforcement, medical, and mental health professionals who would be in charge of the case.
Canada News
19 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
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their packages without delays. Providing our customers with this faster option will give them a greater degree of flexibility and better connection with their loved ones back home,” Ms. Garcia explained. She further pointed out that LBC is offering this new feature as a show of appreciation to their customers. “We are in the business of making our kababayan’s loved ones in the Philippines happy. We know how hard our kababayans work for what they send home. We are introducing this new feature for air cargo as a show of appreciation for the trust that our customers continue to give us,” Ms. Garcia explained. ■
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World News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 20
In aftermath of Kenya mall siege, shop owners suspect security troops in widespread thefts BY JASON STRAZIUSO AND RUKMINI CALLIMACHI The Associated Press NAIROBI, KENYA—Jewelry cases smashed. Mobile phones ripped from displays. Cash registers emptied. Alcohol stocks plundered. For the second time in two months, poorly paid Kenyan security forces that moved in to control an emergency are being accused of robbing the very property they were supposed to protect. First the troops were accused of looting during a huge fire in August at Nairobi’s main airport. Now shop owners at Westgate Mall are returning to their stores after last week’s devastating terrorist attack to find displays ransacked and valuables stolen. One witness told The Associated Press that he saw a Kenyan soldier take cigarettes out of a dead man’s pocket. Shopkeepers spent Monday carting merchandise and other valuables out of their stores and restaurants to prevent any more thefts. No one can say for sure who is responsible, but Kenya’s security forces are strongly suspected. Soon after the attack began on Sept. 21, Kenyan officials put a cordon around the mall, allowing only security forces and a few government personnel to pass through. Since then, alcohol stocks from the restaurants have been depleted. One business owner at the mall said money and mobile phones were taken from bags and purses left behind in the mayhem. The owner insisted on anonymity to avoid retribution from Kenya’s government. Employees of a book shop on the mall’s second floor returned to find registers yanked open and cash gone. The store’s laptops were also stolen. All the shop’s books remained in place, said owner Paku Tsavani. Perhaps reluctant to blame Kenyan security forces, Tsavani said he doesn’t know who took his goods. “Obviously the terrorists wouldn’t steal those things, so we just don’t know,” Tsavani
It is ironic, said the management team of one Westgate business, that store owners must now make reports of stolen goods to the same security forces suspected of doing the thieving. PHOTO FROM NEWS.YAHOO.COM
said. Sandeep Vidyarthi went into the mall Sunday to help a relative retrieve equipment from his dental practice. Inside he said he passed shop after shop that had been looted, including the Rado store that sells highend Swiss watches. As he was leaving the mall, Vidyarthi passed a jewelry shop near the front entrance. The owner, he said, was presenting security officials with a long list of missing precious stones and high-end necklaces. “The jeweler had written down this very long list,” he said. It is ironic, said the management team of one Westgate business, that store owners must now make reports of stolen goods to the same security forces suspected of doing the thieving. Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku confirmed the reports of theft Sunday in a news conference. The majority of the responders to the terrorist attack came from Kenya’s military. A military spokesman did not answer repeated calls for comment. “Those responsible for loot-
ing will be prosecuted,” Lenku said. The mall attack also saw good Samaritans. Paresh Shah, a volunteer who helped evacuate the injured and recover the dead during the first day, said he carried out the body of Aleem Jamal. Shah frowned at the memory and said he saw a Kenyan soldier take Jamal’s cigarettes while in the ambulance. “I could never do that, take a dead man’s cigarettes,” Shah said. Jamal’s family retrieved the body at the morgue, where his wife, Taz Jamal, said her husband’s wallet was missing. A team of terrorists entered Westgate Mall shortly after noon on a busy Saturday, firing guns and throwing grenades. The attackers—the Somali extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility—held off Kenya’s military and controlled at least parts of the mall for four days. The attack killed at least 67 people. The mall now has a gaping three-story hole in it from the siege. Almost a week after the attack ended, more than three www.canadianinquirer.net
dozen people remain unaccounted for, the head of the Kenyan Red Cross said Monday. The government contends there are no remaining missing people. “The only way to verify this is when the government declares the Westgate Mall 100 per cent cleared. Then we can resolve it,” Red Cross head Abbas Gullet said. A morgue worker told AP on Monday that six body parts have been found in the rubble. The worker, who insisted on anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about information not yet released, said it was not clear if the parts came from one or multiple bodies. Five terrorists are believed to be under the rubble but no dead hostages, Interior Minister Lenku said Sunday. Government officials have said 10 to 15 terrorists attacked the mall. Lenku said some attackers might have escaped. “We do not rule out the possibility that when we were evacuating people in the first stages of the operation, it is possible some could have slipped out,” he said. FBI agents, along with inves-
tigators from Britain, Canada and Germany, are participating in the investigation into the attack and are aiding Kenyan forensic experts. Results are not expected until later this week at the earliest. Kenyan authorities have used anti-terrorism laws to detain a total of 12 people in connection with the attack, including one on Sunday. Three have been set free, including a British man with a bruised face who was reportedly arrested last week as he tried to board a flight from Nairobi to Turkey while acting suspiciously, the British Foreign Office confirmed Monday. Ndung’u Githinji, chairman of parliament’s foreign relations committee, said officials will “rethink” Kenya’s hospitality in supporting refugee camps, a reference to Dadaab, a refugee camp near Somalia filled with more than 400,000 Somalis. Security officials say some elements in the camp support and facilitate terror attacks. ■ Associated Press writers Tom Odula and David Rising contributed to this report.
World News
21 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
US government plunges into shutdown; Senate rejects House negotiation offer over ‘Obamacare’ BY JULIE PACE The Associated Press WASHINGTON—The standoff that partially shut down the U.S. government persisted with no sign of a breakthrough Tuesday, as the Democratic-led Senate rejected a House Republican effort to negotiate a solution to a dispute over the health care overhaul. Ominously, there were suggestions from leaders in both parties that the shutdown, heading for its second day, could last for weeks and grow to encompass a possible default by the Treasury if Congress fails to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. Speaking at the White House, President Barack Obama accused Republicans of causing the first partial closure in 17 years as part of a non-stop “ideological crusade’’ to wipe out his signature health care law. House Speaker John Boehner disagreed: “The president isn’t telling the whole story,’’ he said in an opinion article posted on the USA Today website. ‘’The fact is that Washington Democrats have slammed the door on reopening the government by refusing to engage in bipartisan talks.” About 800,000 employees—about a third of the federal workforce—are be-
ing forced off the job in the first government shutdown in 17 years, suspending most nonessential federal programs and services. People classified as essential employees—such as air traffic controllers, Border Patrol agents and most food inspectors—will continue to work. In a 54-46 party-line vote, the Senate turned aside a House request to name negotiators to a conference to resolve differences. The shutdown began when Congress missed a midnight deadline Monday to pass temporary funding bill, stalled by conservative efforts to push through a delay in Obama’s health law. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would not negotiate as long as Republicans were holding up a straightforward spending bill to keep the government operating. It wasn’t clear how long the impasse would last. The Senate vote marked the fourth time during this fight that it has rejected House Republican proposals, including an initial attempt to defund the health care program altogether. House Republicans answered the latest Senate vote with a proposal for legislation to reopen portions of the government, including iconic national parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, while still demanding concessions on health care. The idea was swiftly rejected by White House spokesman Jay Carney as
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“not a serious approach.’’ House and Senate Democrats also said they would reject the bid to reopen portions of the government. Reid accused Republicans of “trying to cherry-pick some of the few parts of government that they like.’’ White House communications director Jennifer Palmieri told MSNBC that the administration is open to changes in the health care law in future negotiations, but not as part of passing a budget bill. Stock markets around the world reacted resiliently, with analysts saying significant damage to the U.S. economy was unlikely unless the shutdown lasted more than a few days. U.S. stocks edged higher Tuesday, while European stocks mostly recovered after falling the day before the shutdown deadline. Asian stocks were mixed. The stalemate pits Democrats against a core of conservative small-government activists who have mounted a campaign to seize the must-do budget measure in an effort to dismantle the 2010 health care reform, which is intended to provide coverage for the millions of Americans now uninsured. In the House, conservative Rep. Marsha Blackburn predicted the standoff would drag for several days. “People are going to realize they can live with a lot less government,’’ she told Fox News. Republicans passionately oppose the plan they have dubbed “Obamacare’’ as wasteful and restricting freedom by requiring most Americans to have health insurance. A key part of the health law was taking effect Tuesday, unaffected by the shutdown. Enrollment opened for millions of people shopping for medical insurance. National parks, museums in Washington and agencies like NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency nearly closed. The National Zoo in Washington was closed to visitors and employees turned off the popular panda cam that had showed off a weeks-old cub. Pentagon and administration lawyers were looking for ways to expand the number of Defence Department civilians who are exempt from furloughs, amid worries that that the shutdown is damaging U.S. credibility among its
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international allies, Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said. Until now, such temporary spending bills have been routinely passed with bipartisan support, ever since a pair of unpopular shutdowns in the winter of 1995-1996 severely damaged Republican election prospects and revived then-President Bill Clinton’s political standing. Republican leaders have voiced reservations about the effort and many lawmakers predicted it wouldn’t work, fearing the public will blame their party for the shutdown. But individual Republican House members may face a greater risk by embracing a compromise. Many represent heavily partisan congressional districts, and voters in Republican primaries have ousted lawmakers they see as too moderate. Looming ahead is a potentially more dangerous fight: Republicans are likely to take up the health care fight again when Congress must pass a measure to increase the nation’s borrowing cap. The U.S. risks a market-rattling, first-ever default on its obligations if Congress fails to raise that limit. The White House was operating with a skeletal staff Tuesday, and officials were discussing whether Obama should change plans for a trip to Asia scheduled to begin Saturday. The State Department continued processing passports and visas because that service is financed through fees. Embassies and consulates overseas were also open. Lawmakers and the president were still getting paid, at a rate totalling more than $250,000 per day. That frustrated some Americans worried about the ripple effects of the shutdown. Barbara Haxton, executive director of Ohio Head Start Association, said her program for poor preschoolers would be in jeopardy if the shutdown lasted more than two weeks. “These are the poorest of the poor children,’’ Haxton said. “And our congressman still gets his paycheque.’’ ■ Associated Press writers Andrew Taylor, Connie Cass, Donna Cassata, Alan Fram, Nedra Pickler and Seth Borenstein contributed to this report.
Immigration
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 22
WelcomePack Canada launches a ‘welcome to remember’ for new immigrants: WelcomePack 2013 ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2013, WelcomePack Canada Inc., a Toronto-based company launched its innovative ‘Welcome to Canada’ program for new immigrants. It brings together over 30 Canadian brands in an initiative that will deliver welcome gift packs to 30,000 new Canadian immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area. The inaugural WelcomePack 2013 was unveiled at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto. WelcomePack 2013 is a specially designed welcome gift box filled with products that are of immediate and valuable use to newly landed immigrants. It also contains the WelcomePack magazine with helpful settlement information and over $1,000 in special discount offers from the participating brands, all free of cost. New immigrants, who get the pack will continue to receive special offers and valuable information
from WelcomePack Canada on an ongoing basis. To qualify to receive a WelcomePack, newly landed immigrants have to be over 18 years of age and have arrived in Canada on or after September 1, 2011. They have to register to be able to collect the WelcomePack gift boxes being distributed by over 20 settlement services centres conveniently located throughout the GTA. The leading settlement services centers—YMCA of Greater Toronto, India Rainbow Community Services of Peel, S.E.A.S. Centres, Toronto District School Board (Newcomer Services for Adults) among others—are part of this innovative ‘Welcome To Canada’ initiative. “WelcomePack is an innovative ambassador, introducing Canada’s leading brands to new immigrants. We are pleased to have more than 30 brands participating this year,” says Albert Yue, President and CEO, Wel-
comePack Canada Inc. Andrew Srinarayan, Vice President, WelcomePack Canada adds, “This landmark new immigrant program integrates corporate Canada as a cohesive welcoming team, working together to make the arrival of new immigrants memorable.” The participating brands are from sectors like banking, telecommunications, real estate, automobile, food & beverages, consumer products and services. Together, they will help
make settling into Canada simpler, with products, advice and savings tailored specially for newcomers. Since the announcements of this initiative 6 months ago, it has attracted more than 30 leading Canadian brands like Achieve International Language Centre, Air Wick, Axe, Becel, Billy Bee, Brooke Bond Red Label Tea, Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea, Bru Coffee, CIBC, Club House, Dettol, Dove, FedEx, Finish, Frank’s Red Hot,
Heinz, Hyundai, Knorr, Lady’s Choice, Lipton Tea, Lysol, Mandarin Restaurants, McCormick, Pillers, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Rogers, Snuggle, SunLight, T&T Supermarket, Tridel, Veet, etc. They have provided gifts, products, special offers and valuable information to the pack. For more information For more information about the WelcomePack Canada Program, please visit www.welcomepackcanada.com ■
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Immigration
23 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
ON THE MOVE
A networking experience for internationally-trained professionals
BY FRANCES GRACE QUIDDAOEN AND LEO MARCO LUI Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE IMMIGRANT Services Society of BC through the Skills Connect Program held a highly informative networking session at its Terminal Avenue office last August 29 intended for new immigrants who are internationally-trained trades/ architectural and engineering professionals. Filipino interior designer George Verdolaga and Geoff Sale, Manager of Applied Science Techonologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)
were the main speakers. George moved to Vancouver in 1999 after having worked successfully in Manila, New York and Milan as an interior designer. He established Flowform Design Ltd. in 2002, a kitchen and bathroom design company and his works have been featured in “Spectacular Homes of Western Canada” which showcases the creations of Canada’s finest designers and decorators. George is also a prolific writer and one of Canada’s top coaches who is passionate about teaching and helping people reach their personal and professional objectives “as quickly and painlessly as possible”. From his vast experience of finding jobs in the international market, he has created the Sitting Pretty Home Study Course to help people find jobs by going “through the backdoor” and has co-written “The Contractual Lifestyle: How to be
Highly Sought After by Employers and Develop a Career that’s Immune to Lay-offs”. During his talk, George shared that networking enables a job searcher go through the backdoor and knowing your way around the backdoor is important because the Human Resource Department which initially screens applications and the Technical Department which has a need for the advertised jobs are not always on the same page. Your resume is just one among the thousands. You are nameless and faceless but with networking, you have a face to match your resume. A key to networking is knowing how to make small talk and in making small talks, you should know the triggers or the right questions. George also sees the need for skills upgrading and getting the right education to get the job you want but he emphasized that education should be
Geoff Sale with Arnold Quiddaoen
something that you pick up along the way while working to land the job of your dreams. For many technologists and technicians in British Columbia, the way to attain professional recognition in their field and to land top jobs is to be accredited by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC), the self-governing association for these professionals. Internationally-trained engineers, architects and technical specialists who are members of ASTTBC enjoy rewarding careers in design, project management and applied technology
fields such as architecture; civil, bio-medical or environmental or electrical engineering; fire protection, house inspection and other related disciplines. Geoff Sale, an Applied Science Technologist; BCIT teacher and past president of ASTTBC is currently the manager of ASTTBC’s Internationally Employed Professionals (IEP) Program. In his talk, he mentioned that too many professionals are driving cabs, doing survival jobs or worse, cannot find work. Internationally trained engineers, ❱❱ PAGE 27 A networking
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Seen & Scenes
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 24
FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN NEWFOUNDLAND Members of the Filipino Community in Labrador and Newfoundland, Canada attended a seminar on Social Security System, PhilHealth, and Pagibig held at the Philippine Oriental Goods and International (POGI) in Labrador, through the coordinated efforts of I-Remit and the Philippine Consul General’s Office St. Jamestown News Service, Manuel Papa
Right: The silent auction table with Zox of the Forest entertaining families in the background Below: Julie Robertson of ElectroRecycle collects the recycled appliances and power tools
FUN FUN PARK RECY
The Fun Fun Park Recycling F 128 Street in Surrey was a free ebration event held to raise $ playground, which is greatly in enhancements to better serve With an overall fundraising go ElectroRecycle, B.C.’s small ap tool recycling program, has co support the initiative. The pub their old or broken electrical p ing toasters, microwaves, elec power tools, and more to be r charge. Photos courtesy of Lin
Guests include the Pres. of Friends of Sto. Nino Society of BC Goyee Agtarap, Rowena de los Reyes, Wayne Johnson, Llyod Lofstrom, and several other friends.
FSCBC Pres. Freddie Bagunu together with the Queen and the Chichiquita Dancers
PILGRIMAGE TO MARMORA, ONTARIO The Block Rosary Crusaders of Toronto had their Pilgrimage to Marmora, Ontario on the Blessed Mary’s Birthday on September 8, 2013. More than 50 devotees joined the bus pilgrimage. They attended the Holy Mass at the Sacred Heart Church in the town of Marmora. They proceeded to the reported Miracle site, “Greenside Farms”, where they prayed the Rosary, and climbed up the rugged hill, to pray the “Way of the Cross”. This place is reported to have miracles of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
FSBC FALL FESTIVAL The Filipino Seniors Club of BC recently held their Fall Festival with special guests.
Filipino Seniors Club of BC (FSCBC) Fall Festival Queen 2013, Agustin Silvia, and escorted by Alex Toumeno.
For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net.
Above photo show the Block Rosary Pilgrims: led by the Block Rosary Chairpersons L Madeleine Ong. Block Rosary Executives with them include Marylin & Mogi Mogado Dolly Poblete, Jimmy and Bing Marasigan, Angela Field, Angelita Santos, Coordinato Cruz, Jozef Widjaya, Sollie Navarro, Dr. Bina & Tito Commendador, Myrna de Leon.
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Seen & Scenes
25 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
YCLING FAIR
DURING THE FLOOD
Fair held at 1472 e community cel$5,000 for the park’s n need of major e kids of all ages. oal of $35,000, ppliance and power ome on board to blic dropped off products, includctric toothbrushes, recycled free of ndsay Marett.
Litz Leano and o George and ors Tessie de la
AFTER THE FLOOD
DONORS Alan Yong, Victoria Yong, Lita Nuguid, Joe Damasco, Beth Dimaculanga, Bernie Julve, Violet Chan, Bong Roscuata, Gigi Ricarse, Manny Ilao, Violet Chan, Mary Tecson, Laarni Liwanag, Gigi Astudillo, Socorro and Bob Newland, Terry Bahar, Peter Cheung, May Yip, David Mew, Rebecca Lim, Dominador Masakayan, Vinelli Rumbaua, Briones and Remulla Families, Tisha Newland-Figueroa, Russel Figueroa and Family Corinthian Distributors Ltd., Georgio’s BBQ, Kumare Restaurant & Bakery, Natie Sotana Canada Immigration, Philippines Cultural Pista ng Bayan Society, Planet Philippines, Rescue 72, Simply No Debt Relief Goods Packing: Ma. Josefina Silos, Ruth Silva, Sharon Presa, Jess Requimin, Allan Christian De Villa, Francis Israel, Mark Edrian Bragais, John Paul Yancha, Josephine Labor, Seychelle Barres, Rosalina Mangaliman
OLONGAPO FLOODING Friends of Canada recently distributed relief goods to 750 families who were affected by the “worst flooding ever” in Olongapo. Damage from the flooding has reached an estimated P2.1B, according to Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino. This is the second relief operations of Friends of Canada.
Relief Goods Distribution: Alberto Espedido, Jhynet Juanillas, Maribel Dugay, Rhea Naron, Elaine Carupo, Myra Dapulag, Lady Ana Saavedra, Dexter delos Reyes, Mar Vizconde, Juvina Jao, Bernajun dela Cruz, Roderick Pamiloza
LET’S ROCK CANADA 2 IN MONTREAL Yeng Constantino, Jovit Baldovino, and Marcelito Pomoy rocked Canada at the Olympia De Montreal on September 19, with special guests Serge “Donsmoove” Cayanong and Tony Tran. An exclusive After Concert Party was held at the People Club at Rue McGill. PCI was a media partner. Photos by Cheryl Cantonjos. www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 26
YOUNG FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN SPORTS
Avi Rhanzal Arellano
BY ANGIE DUARTE Philippine Canadian Inquirer HE GREW up in the town of Guagua; a bustling municipality in the Philippine province of Pampanga. Like many others in a country laden with economic challenges, he came from a family that struggled to make ends meet. At one point, both his parents sought work on foreign soil; his dad, in Saudi Arabia, and his mom, in Hong Kong. His dad returned to play both mother and father, while his mom stayed on—sacrificing precious time with her loved ones—in order to augment the family’s income. He recalls this to be the most difficult of challenges faced in his young life. Yet he endured; choosing instead to focus on his favourite sport, pastime, and release: Basketball. This is the story of FilipinoCanadian Avi Rhanzal Arellano; young athlete, achiever, and player par-excellence. Noonday sun
Avi recalls life in his home province; hours on end spent with his dad, who was his role model and mentor. His father— also an avid player—had big basketball dreams of his own. Sadly, poverty proved an equally big nightmare, and father found himself living his dreams vicariously through son Avi. Father poured into son: advice, tips, nuggets of wisdom, practical skills. “My Dad said, I started really loving basketball when I was like in grade 2 in elementary school. I was very skinny and short that time, so I usually got beaten by taller and bigger kids in basketball. So everyday my dad gave me advice, taught me some basketball skills, motivated me,” Avi shared.
Avi with his family
While most of the town’s kids spent afternoons taking their siesta (afternoon nap)—which Avid candidly shares was “required” by parents—the young boy, with his dad’s consent, dribbled the ball under noonday sun. “Even at 12 noon high sun, I played basketball. My skin was so dark then,” he lightheartedly recounted. New basketball shoes, old life lessons
So it was that every time Avi’s dad would buy him a new pair of basketball shoes, father reminded son of life’s timetested, valuable lessons: Count your blessings, and learn to give importance to the things that really matter. “Whenever he (dad) would
Avi Rhanzal Arellano
buy me a new pair of basketball shoes, he reminded me of his time; though he loved playing basketball and he had skills, he wasn’t able to reach his dream of becoming a very successful basketball player, simply because they come from a poor family…he had to settle for old pairs of shoes given to him by friends. He said that I am very, very lucky; I have everything I need to be successful in basketball. Also, he would always remind me that education is equally important, or even more important than basketball. So as hard as I trained, I studied hard too…my success is all up to me now,” Avi said. Sacrifice pays off
Avi reveals his biggest inspirations in life: His parents.
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“My parents are my inspirations. I have seen them work so hard for us, sacrifice time and distance. Just to be able to give all we need,” he shared. While working in Hong Kong, Avi’s mom applied for a nanny job in Canada, and in December 2006, years of sacrifice, hard work, and time spent apart finally paid off. The Arellano family was finally reunited as new immigrants to Canada. Sudden change
Although life in Canada has proven to be rewarding, it wasn’t without its challenges. “Here in Canada, the obstacle I had to face was the sudden change of environment and culture. It took time for me to get along with new friends here. I was a shy person and there
were times I got this fear of getting bullied by other kids. But slowly, I got used to everything here,” Avi recalled. Basketball was once more his outlet. He trained hard, played hard, continued to strive for excellence; always looking to his dad for strength, with added input from one new mentor: his high school basketball coach. He did well in hockey and volleyball, too, but basketball is his true love. “I love everything about basketball. But what I like most is, it’s a team game. And I consider my team mates as friends. There is nothing more fulfilling than winning a game together and sharing the joy of it with your team mates. I really love playing the game. After school, I stay in the gym for another 2
27 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
Avi with his family, friends and the Filipino community
Avi (Number 6) with his team.
hours to practice and train. Even if I am alone.” Defining moment
Avi looks back to a moment that will forever define his dedication to the sport: “I remember a game, it was a very crucial and important game; a ‘do or die’ to make it to the finals. I tried so hard and gave everything. We lost. My dad was speechless on the bleachers. I did not know then—he did not show me—that he cried. In the locker room…I cried with my teammates and friends. He approached me and tapped my back and said, ‘It’s alright son.’ It made me stronger. I will never ever forget that moment.” Big payoff
Commitment, discipline, dedication to the sport has paid off in big ways for Avi. Medal upon medal, award after award; the list of accolades this young man has achieved is indeed lengthy. To name just a few: Sea to Sky basketball league 2010 All-Star MVP; Junior Boys Athlete Of The Year 2009-2010 (Howe Sound Secondary School); Cougar Classic Tournament All-Star MVP 2011; Senior Boys Athlete Of The Year 2013; First Draft, North Shore First All Star Team, 2013. The ultimate dream
Like every serious player of the sport,
Avi’s ultimate dream is to someday play for the NBA. He is quick to name Canadian Steve Nash of the LA Lakers as his favorite player. He also dreams of playing in the land of his roots. “I do wish to be able to play back home in the Philippines. Basketball is a very big sport there and I think it would be so much fun to play in front of my kababayans.” Like there is no tomorrow
In the meantime, Avi continues to press towards the mark; pushing himself to higher limits as he progresses. To other aspiring athletes and young achievers like him, he says: “There is always room for improvement. Train as hard as you can, train like there is no more tomorrow. If you are resting this day, remember that someone out there is not and is getting better than you…set a goal and focus on it.” “Be competitive in each game and practice, but at the same time be humble and friendly,” he adds; keeping things in perspective. And finally, he shares: “Faith and gratitude to God, gratitude to family and friends…believe and achieve!!!” His personal mantra for the game? “l will go wherever it (basketball) leads me…by God’s grace and will.” ■
A networking... architects and technologists could see themselves getting employed as building designers or project managers and being accredited by ASTTBC is a way to land these jobs. An ASTTBC accredited professional means one who has met the minimum requirements for his profession and possesses proven work experience in his field. ASTTBC is working to simplify the registration for internationally employed professionals who could now access the fast-track registration process. ASTTBC also offers a one-year provisional membership for those with equivalent educational qualifications/degrees but lack Canadian work experience. In closing, Geoff gave this advice to internationally trained professionals: “Don’t be afraid ❰❰ 23
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to work on a low-level job to get the job you want in your field. Once you’re hired, start networking within the company.” One of the participants, Arnold Quiddaoen shared his experience as a new immigrant. Arnold who arrived in Vancouver 2 years ago as a federal skilled worker is an engineer from the Philippines with many years of experience in the housing industry. An internationally-trained professional, he had a lot of technical skills but realized that it was important to get the “right education” along the way. Thus, he enrolled for courses in BCIT, aided by Skills Connect funding and is now employed with BC Hydro as a scheduler. He is working towards getting his accreditation from ASTTBC.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
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A Foodie Fantasy
Meet Chef Froilan Alejo, possibly the Fraser Valley Master Chef Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE PHILIPPINE-CANADIAN Inquirer talks with Chef Froilan Alejo, Filipino-Canadian chef par-excellence, and competitor in this year’s Master Chef Competition (Iron Chef style) at the Fraser Valley Food Show. On its eleventh year, the competition showcases the culinary genius of 17 chefs from British Columbia, as they compete for the title of Master Chef in a sizzling-hot battle of skill and flair in the kitchen. This competition is considered the most challenging of culinary contests, given the “Black Box” cooking twist: The food content of the boxes remains a mystery up until the last minute. Each chef is face with the challenge of creating a main course using only the ingredients contained in the Black Box. Chefs are allotted a nerve-wracking 35 minutes to let their talents take over, and whip up the most innovative, delicious dish with the ingredients. Dishes are judged by distinguished members of the BC Chefs Association, in the areas of: Composition, creativity, correct preparation, service practicality, taste, proper utilization of ingredients, presentation and consistency. PCI: Hello, Chef Froilan! Can you tell our readers a little more about your immigrant story? When did your family
Crab cakes with papaya salsa Ingredients:
immigrate to Canada? Chef Froilan: We immigrated in Canada in 1993 I was 17 years old, along with our younger brother. Our Mom was already living in Canada at that time. PCI: What were the challenges you deal with, as an immigrant to Canada? Chef Froilan: Being an immigrant, we have to work hard for a better future. PCI: Can you tell us about your work as an Executive Chef of Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, BC? How did you make your decision to become a chef, and what are some of your memorable moments in the profession? Chef Froilan: I’ve been the Executive Chef at Beach Grove Golf Club for 2 years. I love serving the members, creating menus for their private parties. Other examples are weddings, birthdays and celebration of life. I decided to do cooking because I just loved cooking! I
think about how to make the members happy. At the end of the day when the members are happy that’s my winning moment. PCI: Any interesting, inspiring or humorous stories you would like to share about your personal journey as a Filipino in Canada? Chef Froilan: When I started learning to wash dishes at Red Robin it was my first job ever and I cried on my first night, because I had never worked in a restaurant before. After a few days, I started to love my job, even if it was just minimum wage at that time. After a few weeks the General Manager asked me if I wanted to become a cook or a chef one day, and I said “Yes!” After those weeks they started training me to be a line cook. One month later, they approached me if I wanted the role to be a Kitchen Manager. And I said “No!” Because I wanted to go to
• ½ head celery, 1 red pepper, ½ medium red onion, all diced fine • 1 egg • 1 cups mayonnaise • 1tblsp Tabasco • 4 tbsp Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 lb Crabmeat • Salt & pepper to taste • 1 cup Panko (Japanese bread crumbs) • ½ bunch cilantro
Salsa Ingredients:
• 1 pc of ripe Papaya fined diced
cooking school. Now my journey is just starting. PCI: What advice could you give to those who perhaps would like to follow your path and be an executive chef in Canada? Chef Froilan: Just kept following your dreams and never give up. PCI: What are your top 3 rec-
• 4tsp Red Onion Fine diced • ½ tsp cilantro • 3tsp Honey • Salt & pepper • 1oz Lime juice • Combine and serve with crab cakes. Procedure
Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl then mix really well. Make sure you check the flavor, and add more seasoning if needed. Form the crab cakes into nuggets of 2 ounces per portion. Label and date unused portions for freezing. Defrost as needed.
ommended books? What was the best advice you have been given? Chef Froilan: Books that I recommend: those by Chef Ramsay, David Rocco, Bobby Flay. “Keep going and keep watching Iron Chef.” Chef Froilan shares his recipe for scrumptious Crab cakes with papaya salsa. Enjoy! ■
A Foodie Fantasy
29 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
In the realm of the Peacock: A foodie’s paradise BY ANGIE DUARTE Philippine Canadian Inquirer WHO WOULD have thought that in the heart of Baclayon province in Bohol, gourmet dining is truly at its finest? Not I, for one. Yet it came as a happy surprise to find that in the town famed for beautiful and historic Baclayon Church, there is a restaurant with eats as beautiful to the palate, set in an atmosphere steeped in history. The Old Heidelberg, the main restaurant of Baclayon’s luxury boutique resort, The Peacock Garden, is the must-try for every foodie on a visit to Bohol. Love and dreams
Nestled atop 11 hectares of sprawling gardens, sloping terrain dotted with majestic mahogany trees, and a breathtaking view of the Bohol Sea, The Peacock Garden stands testament to the power of love and dreams. It started out with a dream for a house on a hill; a dream born in the hearts of then lovers, now long-time husband and wife, Hans and Lani Schoof. He is German; she hails from Baclayon. The dream house resulted in a breath-taking resort, spilling over with myth, history (Hans is an avid collector of memorabilia) and whimsy. A quick one hour and 15 minute plane ride from Manila to the city of Tagbilaran in Bohol, followed by a 20-minute drive to the provincial township of Upper Laya in Baclayon takes you to this very special destination. Ornate gates open up to the wonders of the resort, revealing grounds as beautiful and awe-inspiring as its regal namesake. Romancing the stove
Eating at the resort is a loveaffair in itself, and the Cupid to this palatable romance is Old Heidelberg chef, Klaus Weingaertner. His remarkable affinity with all things food, uberperfectionist standards and expert techniques in the kitchen create a whirlwind romance between dish and diner. Chef Klaus desires to give diners an experience like no other, whether trying a new
Smoked Salmon and Scallop Salad, with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and chanterelle mushrooms in a tangy raspberry-olive oil dressing. An explosion of zesty flavour and eye-catching colour!
Grilled Mulwarra Beef Tenderloin flown in from Australia, with potatoes au gratin and black peppercorn sauce; a winning combo for the heartiest of appetites!
dish or one they’ve eaten numerous times before. He creates an unrivaled romantic gustatory rendezvous, meant to be savored and enjoyed with every scrumptious morsel. A word of advice; every calorie is well-worth it. So treat your diet as an ex-love and relegate its’ memory to a dark nook somewhere way, way back of a very high shelf, to be dusted off at a later time. Though the menu of the restaurant is predominantly European, Eastern-influenced specials are offered on a daily basis. Menus can readily be customized, as well, for those with specific dietary requirements. Meals begin with freshly baked homemade bread (the crusty dinner rolls are absolutely wonderful!), paired with French butter, herbed whipped butter, and—be still, my heart— German Schmaltz from Mr. Schoof’s grandmother’s recipe. Schmaltz is butter’s decidedly more raunchy, decadent and wicked but oh-so-yummy cousin, made of whipped pork lard with apple, onion, and bay leaf tidbits. It requires the virtue of
a saint to put down the butter knife and push away the bread basket, but one must leave room for the actual meal. Start with a refreshing salad: perhaps the Smoked Salmon and Scallop Salad, with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and chanterelle mushrooms in a tangy raspberry-olive oil dressing. Or maybe the Fresh Garden Greens, with sauteed pork tenderloin strips, prawns, tomatoes, cucumber and onions in a spicy Thai dressing. I must say that Chef Klaus’ take on the Ceasar Salad is incredible, and well-worthy of seconds, nay, thirds. Of their many main-course offerings, I especially enjoyed the super tender and juicy Grilled Mulwarra Beef Tenderloin with potatoes au gratin and black peppercorn sauce, and the very tasty Coconut Curried Chicken with Prawns. The Ostrich Steak Fillets with chanterelle mushrooms and red wine sauce is sure to satisfy your craving for adventurous and delicious dining. Take the afterglow of this hearty affair to the next level with one of the many delecwww.canadianinquirer.net
Deeply rich and luxurious Chocolate Noir cake—well-worth every calorie!
table desserts on the menu. The deeply rich and luxurious Chocolate Mousse Noir, served with apple slices and raspberry sauce, is simply divine! But don’t be too reckless in pledging your love because the light and creamy, almost sinful Orange Crème Brulee with Cointreau, with its crackling burnt sugar top and melt-in-
your-mouth custard, is sure to steal your heart away. Add to that the harem of homemade ice creams, in unexpected yet enthralling combinations such as Mango-Chili-Coriander, Olive Oil and Balsalmic Vinegar, Vanilla Ginger, Wheat Beer and Port Wine, and voila! A dessert ❱❱ PAGE 31 In the realm
A Foodie Fantasy
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 30
Foodies on the Go: Food Truck craze hits Metro Manila BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer THEY CONQUERED the south with Mercato Centrale— a flourishing night market in Bonifacio Global City featuring the best food items of the south, which is the perfect destination for post-clubbing nourishment. They invaded the north with Mezza Norte—a burgeoning weekend market along West Avenue, Quezon City, featuring food merchants of the north and their signature goodies. They also took over the Mandaluyong Business District with Manda Centrale—a food night market bazaar where night owls and call center employees can flock to even at the wee hours of the night. The same organizers (food and travel blogger Anton Diaz and TV personality RJ Ledesma) decided to up the ante by putting wheels on food and came up with Cucina Andare: “the first food truck market and bazaar in the Philippines.” Located in Glorietta Park, Makati City (in front of Glori-
etta 3, Landmark, and Makati Shangri-la Hotel), the enterprise was inspired by the booming food truck businesses in the West, like ‘Din Din A Go Go’ in Los Angeles and ‘Off the Grid’ food truck markets in San Francisco. On its opening on December 2012, the organizers also launched the Food Truck Association of the Philippines in hopes of encouraging more people to join the industry and keeping the charm of food trucks alive. So, what’s waiting for you at Cucina Andare? Just a look around the vicinity will flood your senses with scrumptious scents and unbelievable visions of food—from gourmet to traditional to downright strange! Cucina Andare aims to enlarge the market of the favorite Mercato Centrale vendors and expose more audience to awesome home-based food businesses in and around Makati. Live acoustic performances can also be enjoyed by patrons. From appetizers to main course to desserts and even
your drink, Cucina Andare is complete— all you need to do is walk around. Here are some of the food trucks who started 2013 and Cucina Andare with a YUM! SHAWARMA BROS From your traditional Shawarma to the “Filipinized” Shawarma Rice Plate (beef, chicken, and other awesome options) to Naan Pockets filled with veggies and meat, these college friends surely know how to move Shawarma around.
PHOTO FROM SHAWARMA BROS FACEBOOK PAGE
FOOD TRUCK BY CHEF BROOSY This is where you wanna go after partying at ICON or HIVE or just after spending a long day in the office. Chef Broosy’s hearty Ramen and Chicken Pops will liven up any tired soul. MEXIKOMBI If you’re craving for a Mexican meal on-the-go, then grab a burChicken Pops
PHOTO FROM CHEF BROOSY FACEBOOK PAGE
❱❱ PAGE 44 Foodies on
Historical Fiction Evelyn - She is American! (Kanojo wa Amerika-jin desu!) Dedicated to World War II American and Filipino guerrillas. It is about American and Filipino guerrillas’ fight for freedom. (Most events are true and the historical dates accurate - First edition May 2013.)
Great gift to dad, grandpa and greatgrandpa! This novel is not all about atrocities of war, it is a story of love, of goodness in the hearts of individuals. It is a story of two peace-loving people caught by the web of war complexity. It is a story of espionage, survival, revenge, and greed -- most of all love and forgiveness.
One does not have to fight to show loyalty to his country; Ole grandpa and Ole grandma could not fight but they were heroes. The author worked as radio operator/clerk for 623rd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, USAF in 1945 to 1950. He is a holder of B.S. in Electrical Engineering degree - FEATI University graduate - Class 1958. He worked for DZBB-TV-7 (now GMA-TV-7) in the Philippines for twelve years and for Baton Broadcasting Inc. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for sixteen years. He worked as field engineer for FF Cruz & Co. and was assigned to Project SECOR (Sequential Collation of Range) of the US Army Map Service which ended in 1970. The author is a Filipino-Canadian - a handicapped. With a desire to reinvent himself and maintain a peaceful and worthy retirement. He allocated part of his time writing.
Order at Chapers, Indigo, Coles or any National bookstore in Philippines. (Ebook available at Lybrary.com and eBookPie.com)
ORDER INSTORE: Title: Evelyn She is American!, Author: Angel Caguiat, Publisher: FriesenPress, ISBN: Hardcover: 978-1-4602-1358-2, Paperback: 978-1-4602-1359-9, E-book: 978-1-4602-1360-5
ORDER ONLINE: Friesenpress.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com & Barnes&Noble.com
ON SEARCH BOX type: Evelyn She Is American! http://friesenpress-accounts.appspot.com/bookstore/title/119734000009808113
Thank you for your support! From the author, Angel Caguiat. www.canadianinquirer.net
A Foodie Fantasy
31 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
Buffet Dining at its finest A look at the most popular buffet restaurants in Manila BY KATHERINE MARFALTEVES Philippine Canadian Inquirer EVERYWHERE YOU go in the metro, you’ll find buffet restaurants. And, this isn’t a surprise anymore, as we, Filipinos, love to eat—much! I, for one, am a fan of buffet restaurants, regardless of who I am with (but I prefer to be with my husband so I can eat for free!). These restaurants appeal to me, because I can eat a variety of foods/cuisines in one day. Imagine that, sampling a handful of cuisines from all over the world! But hey, buffet-eating requires us to follow certain techniques so we can conquer the odds—one of which is the fullness of our stomach. So, here, I will share with you some techniques that I’ve learned from some buffet warriors I know: • Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes so you can eat freely without worrying that your buttons will pop open (or dislodge!) in the middle of the buffet war. • Take a light meal (or don’t eat at all) before eating in a buffet restaurant, so you can eat as much as you want to (those succulent foie gras are waiting for you). • Start from light to heavy. Have a light appetizer in the form of green salads, and then attack the roast beef. • Ignore foods/cuisines that you can normally eat at a regular restaurant so you can have more space for classic and notyour-day-to-day cuisine. • If you get full right away, drink hot water. • Change your plate. Pace yourself. • Relax and talk to your friends. Enjoy the ambiance. Get ready for yet another round. Depending on your budget and food preferences, here are some of the most popular buffet restaurants in Manila. Hotel Buffets (P1,600-P3,000+ per plate or CAD$40-$75)
Spiral at Sofitel. As you walk into this restaurant, you will be greeted “Bonjour, Mabuhay!” by its costumed employees. You can choose from their wide-ranging food selections
Vikings
Buffet 101
that include North Indian, French, Japanese, Chinese dumplings, lobster, sashimi, 19 types of cheeses and 20 types of charcuterie. (but expect a rate that fits its abundance and quality—-a whopping P2,400P3,000+ per plate or CAD$60$75!). Circles at Shangri-La Makati. If you want a cheaper version of Spiral, you can go for Circles. At P1,671 (CAD$40), you can already enjoy a great weekday lunch, with quality, ambiance and presentation that its more expensive counterpart is known for. Spectrum at the Raffles Hotel. Here, you can find international cuisines with a Filipino twist. You can enjoy lechon kawali sushi or chocolate calamansi cake, among others. Affordable buffet restaurants (P245- P1,000 per head)
Cabalen. This 26-year-old Filipino buffet restaurant continues to give the best value for your money. For just P298 (CAD$8), you can enjoy their wide-ranging Filipino buffet, and if you prefer a FilipinoAsian buffet, just add P100 (CAD$2.50) to the Filipino buffet rate. Buffet 101. If you want a hotel ambience at a lower price, this buffet restaurant is for you. Their lunch buffet costs P699 (CAD$17) per head and their dinner buffet is P950 (CAD$25). Vikings. Food bloggers de-
scribed it as the cheaper version of Spiral. For P800-P1,000 (CAD$20-$25), you can already enjoy 300 selections of your favorite cuisines. Kids who are below 3 feet can eat for free, while senior citizens are given a 50% discount. But you will need tons of patience as you will have to wait outside before you can dine in. But it is worth the wait. Yakimix and Sambo Kojin. Here, you can already enjoy sukiyaki the hotpot style and eat beef sukiyaki all you want at P500- P600 (CAD$12-$15) per head. Kowloon House. If you want authentic Chinese cuisine at an affordable price, this buffet restaurant is a must-try. At P298 (CAD$7.50), you can already sample exciting selections. It also has a romantic ambience and relaxing music—ideal for first (second, or third) dates. Kowloon also holds wedding receptions, and this is why (maybe) the ambience is one of love. Tramway Buffet. Perhaps, it is one of the most affordable buffet restaurants in Manila. At P245 (CAD$6), you can already enjoy Chinese cuisine that includes sweet and sour pork, dumplings, noodles, fried rice, sushi and some Filipino desserts on the side. A last piece of advice: Exercise. So you can eat buffet style again, of course. Happy eating, foodies! ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
What’s in a Bun? BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA IS teeming with restaurants and fast food joints claiming to have the best burger in the city. And it has proved to be most difficult to quantify taste without hunkering factors down to cholesterol level and sodium content and what-nots. The only way to go about this noble quest for the best burger in town is to try them all—one burger joint at a time. It’s a hard job, but someone’s gotta do it and I ever-so-courageously step out of the line and yell on top of my lungs words that Katniss Everdeen immortalized—”I volunteer!” On a payday Friday night, Yo and I found ourselves purposefully walking along Sgt. Esguerra Street in Quezon City, right across ABS-CBN Network, in
search for a burger spot that’s been making waves online: Backyard Burgers. Well, at least in my world. Located between a kebab restaurant and a car wash, Backyard Burgers is indeed a wonderful surprise. The place may not be so big, but the flavors and burgers are huge. Their burgers come in three sizes: Supreme (⅓-lb patty), Extreme (½-lb patty), and Obscene (1-lb patty). Their servers worked quite fast. Our order reached our table one element at a time and was completed in less than 20 minutes. I find the crew neither respectful nor rude, in a way that they didn’t look happy to see customers, but they also didn’t do anything unpleasant. For this meal, I had “The Godfather” (PhP 195.00)—a ❱❱ PAGE 44 What’s in
In the realm... ❰❰ 29
lover’s drool-worthy dilemma.
For the love of heroes
And if—after that delightfully decadent hedonistic experience—you have not slipped into a food-coma, do take the time to browse around the restaurant. The Old Heidelberg houses an extensive collection of items associated with—or once owned by—Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Mr. Schoof is passionate about all things Rizal, and he has managed to obtain an impressive inventory of Rizaliana. Amidst castle chairs from 19th
century European estates, one will find the very living room set Rizal used while he studied in Heidelberg, Germany. The list of historical curio items is rather lengthy: Fencing caps and swords, 19th century beer mugs and song books, a piano and a couple of china hutches from the 1800’s, to name a few. So on second thought, perhaps it is best to browse around the restaurant before sitting down to a meal. It has been a while since my trip to the Peacock Garden, but the food memories linger as a deeply-missed lover. I must plan the next tryst, and soon. ■
Super rich and delectable Coconut Curried Chicken with Prawns; one of my ultimate fave dishes.
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Entertainment FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT, CANADA!
Lani Misalucha top-bills as special guest on Timmy Pavino OPM album launch BY SOCORROBABES NEWLAND
GREAT SUCCESSES come from humble beginnings. This unassuming Fil-Am premier balladeer promises a night of musical extravaganza for his 1st all-OPM album USA launch and concert tour. Come Saturday, October 12th, all roads will lead to the prestigious Benaroya Hall in Downtown Seattle. Timmy Pavino is
It’s all systems... offsprings of Pinoy baby-boomers, Juan TV’s own channel— Channel Juan—boasts of alternative viewing choices of local shows depicting their parents’ cultural heritage in lifestyle and entertainment like music, beauty, fashion, cooking, news and local community affairs, learning Tagalog, tourism, reality game and talent shows and more… Juan TV Network has spent almost a year of building its own network infrastructure with server installations made in 5 cities spanning 4 countries, i.e. in Manila (Philippines), Vancouver BC (Canada), San Francisco (USA), Los Angeles (USA) and Beijing (China). It has affiliated itself with the Philippines’ major player in film, television, music recording, concert production and talent management—VIVA ENTERTAINMENT. Viva Entertainment manages/provides some of the hottest celebrity
ready to launch his OPM Album in the States which he signed up for distribution by the Philippines’ Star Records. And with no less than the Queen of the Night/ Aria (5th Element) herself—Lani Misalucha—as a Very Special Guest. Lani is a popular singer from the Philippines currently performing in the United States where she also resides. She holds shows at the Flamingo Las Vegas with the Hawaiian variety troupe Society of Seven or SOS. Upon realizing her free schedule, Lani readily accepted Timmy’s invitation to guest at his concert. Other special guests in his
Concert include Edward Granadosin, Rosario Strings and Vancouver BC’s Powerhouse Station artists—2013 Variety’s Got Talent Winner Jerrica Santos, 2012 ABS-CBN TFCkat Canada Champion Russel Figueroa, 2013 ABS-CBN TFCkat Champion Jenessa Escabarte, JP Nilo, Angel Escabarte and Anezka Alvarez. And Special Participation of Goldie (REtroSPECT), Jhett Hermano, Eva Sabiniano, Natalie Nilo, Kontagious, plus more surprise guests. For ticket reservations, please call Pavison (206) 498 0572 or Benaroya Hall 1-855-443 4231. ■
Beauties take up cudgels for Megan Young
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artists to broadcast media moguls ABS-CBN, GMA-7 and Kapatid TV-5 Network. Viva’s 24-hour movies on PBO and Lifestyle Viva Channel are just two of the linear channel offerings of Juan TV. Others include Kapatid TV-5, Aksyon TV International, Pinoy Extreme, Juan Pay-Per-View and its own Channel Juan. Following daily proceedings of events as they unfold from the Philippines and public affairs programming is via Channel Juan’s SOLAR NEWS NETWORK. Filipino-Canadians are now able to watch Solar Daybreak, Solar Headlines, Solar Newsday, Solar News Cebuano, Solar Network News, Solar Nightly News, Solar Sports Desk; and Current Affairs programs such as Legal Help Desk,
MedTalk, News Café, News.PH, amongst others. Channel Juan completes its plethora of shows with teleseryes from Kapuso GMA-7; local productions like trending of Pinoy personalities and events, “HASHTAG #PINOY”; MTV-style musical extravaganza “MUSIKAHAN EXPRESS”, JUAN NEWS CHECKPOINT, lifestyle/music/beauty/fashion talk show “MISS B”, fun family game show “FAMILY KARAOKE FEUD”, plus many more. Juan TV network channels and shows promise not only to take Filipino-Canadian television entertainment to the next level, but also hopes to inform and inspire Filipino communities in Canada and bring families close together. ■
BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES— Don’t mess with a beauty queen from the Philippines. Former beauty titlists and Miss World Philippines officials are rushing to the defense of Megan Young, the Filipino Miss World 2013 title winner who has come under attack
Megan Young
from online haters. On Sunday, a certain Facebook user (Devina DeDiva) criticized Young’s Miss World victory, dismissing the Philippines as a country of maids. The Facebook user said: “Miss Philippines is Miss World? What a joke? I didn’t know those maids have anything else in them. Hahaha.” ❱❱ PAGE 34 Beauties take
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Two films in Hawaii fest star Lovi Plus, she gets to collaborate with top directors in new shows BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer “I LITERALLY jumped for joy.” That was GMA 7 actress Lovi Poe’s initial reaction when she learned that she would be directed by Laurice Guillen in her latest soap opera, “Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas.” “It’s a dream come true,” she told the INQUIRER. It’s her second collaboration with Guillen. “We first worked together on an episode of ‘Magpakailanman,’” Poe recalled. She holds the director in high regard. An actress herself, Guillen was able to push Poe to the limit. Poe recalled: “Direk Laurice motivated me by talking to me … we went through my personal experiences as we shot certain scenes.” Coincidentally, Poe made waves in the recent Cinemalaya fest, of which Guillen was competition director. Poe said she was proud that her Cinemalaya entry, Jerrold Tarog’s “Sana Dati,” had swept the awards in the Directors’ Showcase section. “We worked hard on that movie,” she said. “Direk Jerrold gave his whole heart to the project.” She was drawn to the film because it was not the usual love story. Or, in her words, “It had an unpredictable script.” “Sana Dati” will be screened at the 33rd Hawaii International Film Festival, set from Oct. 10 to 20. Hectic sked
Poe has two films in the Hawaii fest, in fact. Apart from “Sana Dati,” Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “ThyWomb,” where Poe plays the woman who came between Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco’s characters, is included in the section dubbed “Spotlight on the Philippines.” “I just got the invitation via e-mail,” she said. “It will be my first time there. I told my manager (Leo Dominguez) that I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’m sure it’ll be fun.” Actually, the Hawaii trip will largely depend on her very hectic schedule. Apart from the prime-time soap opera “Akin Pa Rin ang
Volleybelle Michelle Gumabao posed naked in a photo shoot? BY KATHERINE MARFALTEVES Philippine Canadian Inquirer
LOVI Poe is one busy actress.
Bukas,” she topbills the GMA News TV drama “Titser.” She portrays completely different women in the two projects. On “Titser,” she takes on the role of Michelle, a high school valedictorian forced to work as a domestic helper before becoming a schoolteacher. Another Cinemalaya director, Alvin Yapan, directs her on “Titser.” Said Yapan of Poe: “She has a very tight schedule, but is always game on the set. She has a deep wellspring of emotions she can draw from.” Poe similarly praised Yapan: “Working with Alvin is a delight. He’s creative and collaborative. He doesn’t intimidate his actors; he treats us as partners, making thework a satisfying creative endeavor.” In “Akin,” she is cast as Lovelia, an illegitimate child who strives hard to prove herworth in the eyes of her family. She recounted: “I try to find something I can relate to with each new character I play. At first, Lovelia was insecure. But she slowly gains self-confidence.” Not a few observers will surely notice that she shares Lovelia’s journey. Is the soap mining her private tribulations? “It’s hard to talk about personal stuff. It’s just a role. If I find something in my character that I can relate with, then I will
use it,” she said. For “Titser,” she has to tap into her past. “It’s very technical. I have to recall what my old teachers were like.” Apparently, her home studio is giving her challenging projects, while allowing her to explore her craft in indie films. She was also recently seen in the Sineng Pambansa film, Joel Lamangan’s “Lihis.” “I try to do different and unforgettable roles. I don’t want to disappoint my coactors and directors,” she said. Was she glad that she stayed put and didn’t move to another station, as rumored a few months back? Best workshop
“I signed a three-year contract with GMA 7. There was never talk of [moving]. I’m happy.” In spite of the confounding title bestowed on her by her studio (“Primera Aktresa”), she insisted that she had a long way to go. “I consider myself an amateur,” she explained. “The best workshop is the work itself. Every day, I learn something new.” This year, Poe women are riding high. Older half-sister Grace topped the midterm senatorial elections. “I’m really proud of Ate Grace,” Lovi said. “God is good. Our dad (Fernando Poe Jr.) must be smiling in heaven.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
A FEW days back and up until now, netizens have something new to share and discuss, do you have a wild guess? Well, these are the seemingly nude photos of former De La Salle University (DLSU) volleybelle Michele Gumabao. As the photos came out, many were asking if she had already veered away from her wholesome image. The 21-year-old volleybellesportscaster posted the allegedly nude photos on her Instagram account shortly after the photo shoot. Seasoned photographer Jojit Lorenzo did the shots which were intended to support Toby’s Sports’ campaign. The controversial photos showed her allegedly nude body as she tried to spike a volleyball while being splashed in water. Her breasts, meanwhile, were covered with her arm. In an interview with fellow sportscaster Noel Zarate, she explained why she agreed to almost bare it all. “I may have looked nude in the pictures, but when I first looked at them what registered in my mind was the very essence of why I love the sports because these pictures show women empowerment and strength and any person with a broad mind and sound judgment would see that,” she said. She added, “This sense of nakedness is like me starting from nothing, humbling myself before God and explaining how I
love playing even beyond fame, popularity and it’s much more than just my school, last name or jersey number. It’s about raw passion that keeps me going.” Gumabao also shared that his pastor-dad, Dennis Roldan approved of her decision to do the photo shoot. “I know that it would be controversial knowing how a lot of people think but I really wanted to share this one of a kind piece. So I allowed Toby’s to use the photo—with the permission of my parents, yes my dad’s a pastor—and if there’s one thing I learned from my faith is that you can’t judge something by just looking at it.” “Perversion is a product of the mind and we have to train our minds to look beyond the naked body that you can see in the picture,” she continued. Gumabao also dispelled rumors that she was actually naked during the photo shoot. “I was actually wearing nude underwear and a lot of Leucoplast tape to just secure them while jumping—yes Leucoplast. It’s something you’ve never seen before and for me it’s something to be proud of,” she said. A headline was also posted on FHM’s website which reads as: “FHM to Michele Gumabao: So Kelan Ka Magpo-Pose?” ( So, when will you pose?”) Toby’s campaign also features iconic Filipino athletes James Yap of the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the PBA and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge of the Philippine Azkals. As of this writing, the controversial photos already have 2,000 likes. ■
PHOTOS FROM THE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT OF MICHELLE GUMABAO
Entertainment
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Ai-Ai apologizes to P-Noy Comedienne doesn’t find the rumor of presidential intervention funny BY CATHY YAMSUAN Philippine Daily Inquirer “THE PRESIDENT has his hands full with the country’s problems. Why should I bother him with my love life?” said Ai-Ai de las Alas, who recently apologized to President Aquino after Malacañang had to address a rumor that the President was meddling with the comedienne’s court case. “This is embarrassing. I don’t think P-Noy (Aquino’s nickname) even asks about his sister’s (TV host Kris Aquino) relationships. This issue is nakakatawang nakakaasar,” Ai-Ai said during a media gathering for her latest movie, “Kung Fu Divas.” Ai-Ai married businessman Jed Salang on April 3. They separated a month later, with Ai-Ai accusing Jed of beating her up. In June, Ai-Ai filed a court case against Jed for violating Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence AgainstWomen and Children Act of 2004. Traumatized
The accusation that P-Noy was help-
ing Ai-Ai with her court case was allegedly made by Jed’s lawyer Joel Ferrer. “Next time he talks with the press, he should pray and think hard first,” Ai-Ai said of Ferrer. “Like me, he should be very careful. I think he is forgetting that his client was given a gag order.” In June, Malacañang denied that members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) had been assigned to the comedienne. During the press conference, Ai-Ai clarified that her two bodyguards were not members of the PSG, but personal employees. “Pinapasweldo ko sila. They protect me,” she said. Ai-Ai admitted she was still recovering from heartbreak and wasn’t at all ready to fall in love again. “I was traumatized. I still cry at night, not for the person who broke my heart but because of this situation I am in.” She added, “I’m only 40 percent healed. I have a long way to go. I’m giving myself two or three years to rest. I’m not ready for anything yet, although I go out on group dates. I enjoy eating out with friends.” To keep herself busy when not working, the “Toda Max” mainstay said she
AI-AI, right (with Marian Rivera in their coming movie), says she hasn’t fully recovered.
frequented the gym, played badminton and watched movies. “I also like trying out different night spots. My friend Direk Wenn (Deramas, film and TV director) told me, ‘If you’re going through something, you have to make extra effort to feel better. You should go out and socialize.’” She claimed to have learned a lot from the experience. “I’ve realized that God has a big plan for me and that His time is the perfect time. He will give me what I need when I really need it,” Ai-Ai told INQUIRER. “What I went through strengthened my faith. There was a time when I questioned His intentions. Only recently did I acknowledge that I knew what I had to do all along, but was just too stubborn. I had to learn the hard way.”
Overprotective
She said her children, Sancho, Sophia and Niccolo, were now overprotective of her as a result of her failed marriage. “Sancho told me, ‘We will really give the guys who will show interest in you a hard time.’ With the three of them, I imagine, having a screening committee. I can’t date those who flunk the test.” Ai-Ai added, “My wounds are deep, but I’m trying to move forward. While it’s easy to forgive, I admit I’m having a hard time forgetting.” Directed by Onat Diaz, “Kung Fu Divas” also features Marian Rivera, Edward Mendez, Gloria Diaz, Bianca Manalo, Precious Lara Quigaman, Nova Villa and Roderick Paulate. It will be shown in theaters starting Oct. 2. ■
Beauties take... The post has since been taken down from the social networking site. Inquirer tried to reach that Facebook user, who is alleged to be based in Singapore and studied at Manchester University, for comment but has not received a reply at press time. Soon after the racial slur went online, a hate page attacking the Facebook user was put up on Tuesday, gaining 11,068 “likes” in a matter of hours. Scriptwriter-actress Bibeth Orteza asked on Facebook: “But is DeDiva even her real name? Is that a surname typical from that part of the world…a cowardly pseudonym…or a play on ‘diva?’” Filipino beauty queens have come to Young’s defense against the Facebook hater and other bashers. Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Miss International 1964, asked pointedly: “What’s wrong with being a maid? Is that a crime?” Melanie Marquez, Miss International 1979, told the Inquirer: “To all her de❰❰ 32
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tractors, bless your hearts. That’s all I can say. I am proud of and grateful for Megan’s simplicity and golden heart.” Jennifer Cortes, Binibining PilipinasUniverse 1978, said: “Seems the Philippines has become a powerhouse (in the pageant scene). Lots of people are getting envious. Sad about the personal attacks, but we are a country of beautiful people.” Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe first runnerup 1999, quipped: “I have nothing to say (to those critics). Let Megan show the world how great she is as a Filipino woman. Meanwhile, let’s all do our best to uplift our country by giving nobility to our jobs…wherever we are. This is a call for everyone to step up and show the world that we are kind, God-fearing people.” Fashion model and Miss Visayas-RP 1976 Bessie Badilla quipped: “They are just sore losers. We shouldn’t waste our time on them. Let us enjoy Megan’s victory and ignore those who do not wish to celebrate with us.” ■
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Rayver Cruz denies video scandal with Cristine Reyes BY KATHERINE MARFALTEVES Philippine Canadian Inquirer AS RAYVER Cruz showed his stuff at the Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2013 at the World Trade Center on Tuesday, Sept. 24, he was not able to escape this question from the press: does he really have a video scandal with his former girlfriend Cristine Reyes? He confirmed that he and his
family received a text message about the alleged video scandal. “Natanggap ko rin ‘yon [text], pero ano ba kayo? Siyempre, kung meron ‘yon, malamang nasa Facebook ko na ‘yon.” ( I also received the text, but hey? Of course, if there is, most probably, it’s posted on Facebook already). Cruz added that he and Reyes just laughed at the news. The two remained friends even after the breakup. They are now co-stars in the ABS-
CBN teleserye “Bukas na lang kita Mamahalin.” Derek Ramsay was quoted as saying he is not affected by the rumored sex video of his girlfriend and Rayver. According to a close friend of the couple, however, Ramsay and Reyes already ended their month-long romance. It is to be remembered that days after they revealed the relationship, Ramsey posted a photo of him kissing Cristine on Instagram, with a caption, “This is forever.” ■
PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK PAGE OF COSMO BACHELOR BASH 2013
Mitoy named “The Voice of the Philippines” Lea ecstatic with bet’s win VETERAN BAND vocalist Mitoy Yonting of Team Lea was hailed as the first-ever winner of “The Voice of the Philippines” after garnering the highest percentage of public votes in the singing-reality show’s final showdown at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater Sunday night (Sept 29). “I feel very happy. I’m so blessed today. I thank God and those who voted for me,” said Mitoy in an interview with the media minutes after his victory. Mitoy received 57.65% of the combined text and online votes to beat second placer, Team Sarah’s Klarisse de Guzman (42.35%) in their ultimate faceoff. Their scores were reset back to zero before the poll for them opened. His coach Lea Salonga, meanwhile, said, “Whenever I won something, my mom would also feel like she won it because she contributed to it. Now I feel as if I had a son who won and did something right. That’s how it feels.” In Sunday’s finale, Mitoy crooned the Beatles hit “Help” and performed with his coach Lea and comedian Vice Ganda in a comic take of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” In Saturday’s (Sept 28) Live Show, Mitoy sang Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” and his original song “Bulag.” The 43-year old winner also beat other final four artists, Team Apl’s Janice Javier and Team Bamboo’s Myk Perez,
Mitoy hugged by his wife after being announced as the winner of The Voice of the Philippines
Mitoy and Lea Salonga
who got 13.56% and 12.81% of the votes, respectively, from the initial poll. As the winner of “The Voice of the Philippines,” Mitoy won P2 million, a home entertainment package, a new car, an Asian tour package for two, and a four-year recording contract with MCA Universal. Mitoy had been an early favorite since the show’s Blind Auditions where he delivered a spectacular performance of “Bakit Ako Mahihiya,” which had Lea and Bamboo fighting for him to be on their respective teams. Since then, Mitoy had consistently delivered superb performances that impressed the coaches and viewers through the Battle Rounds and Live
singer Jed Madela. Earlier in the show, the other final contenders also performed with their coaches and surprise guests to urge the public to vote for them. Klarisse took on “Your Song” with coach Sarah and theater actor Robert Sena, while Myk and Bamboo, who danced the waltz with Linn Oeymo, performed “Morning Rose.” Janice, meanwhile, sang “Himig ng Pag-ibig” with Asin’s Lolita Carbon before joining coach Apl in an electrifying performance of “The Time (Dirty Bit)” that earned cheers from the audience. The four coaches also shared the stage to give an inspirational performance of “Man in the Mirror,” while Mitoy, Klarisse,
Shows. Most Filipinos watched the Sunday finale of “The Voice of the Philippines” as it recorded a national TV rating of 30.3%, based on data from Kantar Media. It also had Twitter abuzz and landed on its list of trending topics in the Philippines and worldwide with the hashtags and topics #VoicePHFinale, #TheVoicePHFinale, #MitoyForTheWin, #Westlife, Man in the Mirror, Ted Filan, Lolita Carbon, Vice Ganda, #TeamLea, #PopstersUniteForTeamSarah, Morning Rose, among others. The finale opened with an energetic performance from the Top 24 artists of “The Voice of the Philippines,” Journey frontman Arnel Pineda and www.canadianinquirer.net
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABS-CBN
Janice, and Myk later joined Shane Filan of Westlife in “Fool Again” and “Uptown Girl.” “The Voice of the Philippines” is only one of the 40 local versions of the hit global franchise in different countries, including the more popular US version of “The Voice” hosted by Carson Daly with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, and Blake Shelton as coaches. Before the finale drew to a close, host Toni Gonzaga and V Reporters Alex Gonzaga and Robi Domingo announced that auditions will soon be held for the second season of “The Voice of the Philippines.” for updates, like www.facebook.com/thevoiceabscbn or follow @thevoiceabscbn on Twitter. ■
Entertainment
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 36
‘Breaking Bad’ ends, but 10 NBA confirms Toronto lessons linger; words to the will host 2016 NBA all wise from this devilish drama star game BY FRAZIER MOORE The Associated Press
The Canadian Press
NEW YORK—Sunday’s “Breaking Bad” turned out the lights on one of the darkest shows in television history. Even as this drama cooked up storylines that celebrated evil and depravity, “Breaking Bad” gleamed with a bright side, too. There were plenty of positive messages for the viewer who acknowledged them during the series’ five-season run. Here are 10 lessons “Breaking Bad” leaves behind: • Stay in school and study hard! As Walter White demonstrated after he ditched teaching for producing crystal meth, you can make millions from a subject like chemistry that far too many youngsters (including Mr. White’s bored students) find annoying and useless. Walt (aka drug lord Heisenberg) proved otherwise with his storage shed of money. • Chemistry has everyday applications. The next time you dispose of a corpse with hydrofluoric acid, all you devoted “Breaking Bad” viewers will know not to dissolve the body in a bathtub, but instead in a plastic container. You learned this valuable tip in Season 1, when Walt’s lab assistant Jesse Pinkman disregarded his instructions and regretted it. The acid memorably dissolved through the bathtub and floor at Jesse’s house, leaving a bloody mess in the hallway downstairs. You won’t make that mistake. • Family is oh, so important. “Breaking Bad” reminds you that entering the drug trade and messing with the wrong people in it can lead to your wife and teenage son despising you. It can also lead to your brother-in-law getting brutally murdered. You would hate that if it happened. • Build a better mousetrap! Steve Jobs knew it. Jeff Bezos knows it. Walt White serves as a mythical champion of their kind of acumen: Offer a better
This image released by AMC shows Lydia Rodarte-Quayle, played by Laura Fraser, right, using ricin-laced artificial sweetener in her camomile tea in a scene from the series finale of “Breaking Bad.” PHOTO FROM AP PHOTO/AMC, URSULA COYOTE
product with an obvious advantage, and the world (or, anyway, addicts who loved Walt’s superpotent “blue sky” crystal meth) will beat a path to your door. • Need a lift? Try a personal makeover. If you’re stuck in a rut, like Walter White at the start of “Breaking Bad,” consider a new look. Shave your head, grow a tidy, I-mean-business beard and fit yourself with a black pork pie hat. Then come up with a new name. Like Heisenberg. In your new identity, people will fear you and you’re sure to go far. • Keep your personal vehicles, especially your RV, in good running order. A regular checkup to keep Walt’s rolling meth lab in tiptop shape would have spared him and Jesse inconvenience, not to mention mortal danger. • Keep a shrewd lawyer on call, especially if you mean to routinely break the law. Sure, he may be a sleazebag and a shameless self-promoter. But a lawyer like Saul Goodman (“Better call Saul!”) is worth his weight in hundred-dollar bills to a client like Walter White, whom he represented faithfully, if more than often sarcastically. With his mastery of trade practices—legal and illegal— Saul was the most impressive
TV lawyer since Perry Mason. • Like it or hate it, Obamacare might cut down on illegal drug trade (at least on TV). If financially strapped schoolteacher Walt White had had better health care when he got his cancer diagnosis, maybe he wouldn’t have begun cooking meth to help cover his expenses. Meanwhile, his longterm problem—leaving his family provided for after his death— might have been a non-issue had teachers in his district been better paid. On the other hand, if Walt had found himself in less of a jam, there would have been no “Breaking Bad.” • Finish what you start. It’s never good to leave hanging important tasks. Walt is a shining example of a guy determined to tie up loose ends. That was part of why the “Breaking Bad” finale was so good. • Follow your bliss (and be willing to forge a different path getting there). Walter White discovered this lesson. Vince Gilligan demonstrated its wisdom in real life by creating “Breaking Bad,” a radically different series. So did AMC execs by airing what turned out to be perhaps the best drama of all time. How many other networks are willing to learn? ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
TORONTO—The 2016 NBA allstar game is coming to Toronto and the Raptors are looking to one of the music industry’s biggest stars to help revamp the franchise in time for the festivities. The club has named Drake its new “global ambassador” and the Toronto rap star will have a voice in the team’s rebranding. Tim Lieweke, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment says he and his team are in the process of planning a major facelift that will include a new look and new colours, but not a new name. Lieweke says Drake will be heavily involved in the rebranding effort, which is expected to take the next two seasons. “I’m really out here with the people, I’m in touch with what they want to see,” Drake said at a news conference Monday confirming Toronto as the 2016 host. “I really just want excitement for this team. I want us to be one of the biggest teams in the league.” Drake says he wants to do “everything in my power to increase the brand and just grow the franchise.” Lieweke called the all-star announcement the beginning of a “new age” for the Raptors. “This is a team and this is a sport that is going to rock this city going forward,” he said. “Good days are coming and we couldn’t be more excited.” But the Raptors have a long way to go on the court. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2008. New general manager Masai Ujiri says the onus is now on
him and his players to improve. “We have now a responsibility to grow our basketball team so that it meets the momentum of the all-star game,” he said. “We promise you in Toronto that we’re going to bring the best basketball. We are going to do everything we can to play basketball the right way in this city to bring success.” NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver is optimistic the Raptors will turn things around. “By the time we come here for the all-star game there will be a winning tradition in Toronto,” he promised. Mayor Rob Ford also attended the Monday’s announcement. The city last hosted an allstar game in 2006 when the National Lacrosse League held its showcase here. The NHL staged its all-star game in Toronto in 2000 while the Toronto Blue Jays hosted baseball’s marquee contest in 1991. The 2014 all-star game will be held in New Orleans while New York will host the 2015 contest. Lieweke says an NBA all-star game usually generates somewhere around $100 million for the host city but he predicted Toronto will eclipse that, saying he and Drake have been discussing making the festivities about more than just basketball and music. “We’re already talking about fashion, we’re talking about films, we’re talking about food, we’re talking about all the things ... that are the trademark of this great city,” said Lieweke. “We certainly see it as an opportunity to let everyone see all the phenomenal parts of Toronto.” ■
PHOTO FROM CA.YAHOO.SPORTS.COM
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
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Lifestyle
With winter on the way, some TLC for your home will keep all safe and healthy BY HELEN BRANSWELL The Canadian Press TORONTO—Leaves are turning, temperatures are dipping. As they warn on the novelsturned-TV cult favourite, “Game of Thrones”: Winter is coming. For homeowners or home dwellers, that means there are chores that need doing to ensure a safe and healthy home for the months to come. From the basement to the attic, here are some things that need tending to in the weeks ahead: The furnace: You can’t through a winter without one in our part of the world—or at least a heating stove of some sort. But the beast in the basement needs regular care and maintenance to run efficiently and safely. “It should be done once a year, particularly in the winter when the furnace will be running. You don’t want to have any problems with carbon monoxide,” says Wolf Saxler, manager of healthy environments for Toronto Public Health. Filters should be replaced as frequently as the unit’s manufacturer instructs, he says. “Put a date on it so you know when it was last changed and just replace it. It helps with allergens and dust moving around the house. And it helps with the efficiency of the furnace.” Raynald Marchand of the Canada Safety Council says if there’s a humidifier system attached to the furnace, it’s a good idea to give it a good cleaning. Bacteria can accumulate in the units, especially the older drum types, he says. The wood stove or woodburning fireplace: If you heat with a wood stove or enjoy a blazing hearth on cold winter nights, it’s important to make sure your chimney is checked
out and cleaned regularly, Marchand says. Creosote buildup in a chimney can trigger a fire. “If you’re using it at Christmas and then you don’t use it again, then it can probably go a few years. But if you’re using it reasonably ... you probably should have it cleaned every year or two. It depends on usage,” he suggests. Check for radon: A radioactive gas emitted from the soil, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. It’s responsible for about 16 per cent of lung cancer cases in this country. All homes have some radon, but in some the undetectable gas can build up to dangerous levels. Concentrations vary depending on where you live and the type of soil on which your house is built. There are measures you can take to reduce the amount of radon in your house if it reaches dangerous levels. But the only way to know how much radon is in your home is to test. Health Canada recommends homeowners test their homes. You take readings over several months and the best time to start is in the fall and winter, when windows are closed. You can find plenty of information about radon and radon testing on Health Canada’s website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewhsemt/pubs/radiation/radon_ brochure/index-eng.php. Space heaters: If you use a space heater to take the chill out of a drafty room, it’s a good idea to check out the state of the unit before plugging it in for the season, Marchand says. Space heaters should be plugged directly into a wall socket, not into an extension cord that can heat up because of the amount of power the units draw, he notes. “They take a lot of electricity so you’ve got to
make sure you don’t overload the circuit.” Marchand also suggests space heaters should be located away from flammable items when in use. Carbon monoxide detectors: Hopefully if you’ve kept your furnace in good nick, carbon monoxide shouldn’t be a problem. Still, experts recommend having carbon monoxide detectors to alert you in case there is a build up of the odourless gas, which can kill. Like real estate, with CO detectors the important thing is location, location, location. A unit in the basement, near the furnace, isn’t going to be of much help if you are losing consciousness two storeys up. “With carbon monoxide, if the levels do go up it’s not noticeable. You’ll tend to drift off into sleep. You need the alarm to wake you,” Saxler says. “Make sure you have one in the bedrooms.... If one goes off in the basement, you won’t hear
it.” Smoke detectors: If yours aren’t hard wired, ensuring that the batteries in your smoke detectors are still functioning could save your family in the event of a fire. The best idea, experts say, is not to wait till the device starts that annoying beeping that signals the batteries are about to die. They suggest people replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors pre-emptively twice a year, when clocks are put forward and turned back in conjunction with the start and end of daylight savings time. Saxler says it’s also worth eyeing the equipment to see if it is past its best-before date. “They’re usually good for maybe 10 years from the date of manufacturing,” he says. “It’s like anything: Equipment wears out, they get plugged with dust, things like that. They generally recommend that you change them ev-
ery 10 years.” The gutters: If your eaves troughs need clearing of fallen leaves, that’s going to involve climbing a ladder. And this time of year, ladder falls are a common cause of emergency room visits, data collected a few years ago by the Canadian Institute for Health Information suggests. It found that between gutter cleaning and Christmas light installations, November is a peak time for ladder fall accidents. Most of the accidents happened at individual homes and most involved middle-aged men. Marchand says you might want to think about getting a professional to clear out the gutters on your house. But if you decide to brave the climb, be careful. “Ladder safety is important. The ladder should be attached at the top and you should have somebody at the bottom,” he says. ■
Lifestyle
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 38
Primed for post secondary life? Tips to prep applications and choose right school BY LAUREN LA ROSE The Canadian Press TORONTO—It may be just a few weeks into the school year, but soon, thousands of Canadian students will be turning their focus towards the next stage of their academic careers: applying for post-secondary school. In 2012, there were 793,000 full-time and 234,000 parttime undergraduate students in Canada, according to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. The annual Ontario Universities’ Fair is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre until Sept. 29. The free event features 21 post-secondary institutions from across the province aimed at informing and parents and students about school programs and life on campus. “Grade 12 comes upon students very quickly—quicker than they realize,” said George Granger, executive director of the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, whose organization worked with an affiliate group of the Council of Ontario Universities to organize the fair. Granger, who previously served as a registrar and director of admissions, said selecting a university is “one of the most important choices” students will make at this point in their lives. “It’s right up there with careers and relationships and where you’re going to live. For a lot of them, it’s a challenging moment.” Granger shares tips on how students can best prepare for the application process and ways to whittle down their pool of choices to select their ideal school. 1. Start thinking of—and settling on—an area of study. While the largest group of students who will attend the fair are in Grade 12, Granger said pupils in younger grades can also start casting their mind to potential areas of study after high school. “Those are the years where they’re starting to fit them-
selves into the streaming of courses,” Granger said of students in Grades 10 and 11. “They’re starting to become more aware of what they’re good at, what they like to do, becoming more aware of where they’d like to take themselves in their career life in terms of work.” 2. Offer a well-rounded resume. While some programs rely entirely on academic standing to make admission decisions, others may factor supplementary information into the fold, Granger said. For example, some fine arts programs require the submission of a portfolio, while others may demand a profile of a student that demonstrates well-roundedness, leadership experience and community involvement, he noted. Granger said all students planning to pursue post-secondary studies should be mindful of extracurricular activities that will help balance them as individuals as well as potential applicants. “Those experiences on the playing fields, in student government, in student clubs—those are all things that develop transferable skill sets that are going to be very important during the university experience, but also after graduation. “Working as a member of a team, working in groups— there’s a lot of emphasis on that in modern education.”
itself. “For some students, it’s a question of: ‘Can I live at home and attend school or do I have to go away?’ In some cases, the program that they’re interested in is offered only at a few universities. And so, that means they’d have to make a commitment to go away and they’d have to come to terms with that.” In other cases, the program students are interested in may be more widely available— therefore altering the decision of whether to stay put or move away. Granger said students with some degree of flexibility in their minds and a willingness to be mobile should be weighing whether they’d prefer to be at a larger school in a metropolitan area or if they’d feel more at ease on a smaller campus outside of the city. “It’s all linked to: ‘What is
3. Location— and size—matters. Granger said once students have assessed longer-term goals and ensured they have the appropriate prerequisites, another key step follows: selecting the school www.canadianinquirer.net
the program I want? Where is it available? What’s the reputation of that program?”’ said Granger. “For many students and parents, they want to be able to perceive vocational links or career tracks that might come from one program or another,” he added. “Others recognize that the goal is to get a good strong liberal arts or science education and develop those critical thinking skills—research methodology, flexibility, those transferable skills. So that all goes into the mix.” 4. Check out the campus. As students narrow down their choices, Granger said they should also make a point of visiting school websites and social media pages to gather information. Another important com-
ponent of the research and decision-making process is to pay a visit fo the campus. “All of the universities offer tours, some of them on a daily basis, some of them on a scheduled basis. All of them have special visit days in the fall and in the spring,” Granger said. If students and parents are unable to make the trek, virtual tours of the campus are also an alternative option, he noted. 5. Seek advice on ways to cope with costs. Granger said parents can take the opportunity to speak with school representatives about scholarships, bursaries and various mitigation strategies to address the financial costs of higher learning. “It’s an investment, and I think for younger parents today, you think ahead, you perhaps think about costs of postsecondary education like you think about a retirement fund. And certainly, I think that’s appropriate,” he said. “Beginning to think about: ‘Where do I see myself going? What’s the cost going to be?’ And planning for it.” ■
Lifestyle
39 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
An invitation to a special mass Comic book heroes are hot. Comic books are not. And that's OK with their fans
BY RENE CALALANG, THERESE BADURIA AND SUSAN ASUNCION ON SATURDAY, October 5, 2013, at 7 p.m., at the regular First Saturday Pilipino Mass at St Joseph Parish located at 200 Morrish Rd., Scarborough, Ontario, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David from the Philippines will celebrate the mass. (Bishop David is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga, a former Member of the Executive Committee of the CBF (Catholic Biblical Federation) and a native of the same province. He was born in Betis, Pampanga). During his homily, the Bishop will speak on a project called “May They Be One” (“May They Be One” is a Bible campaign in the Philippines that aims to put a Bible in every home and encourage Filipinos to read and live the Bible resulting in the transformation of many Filipinos. The MTBO Campaign aims to raise sufficient funds within Canada, the Philippines and other countries, to enable to at least print five millions Bibles to be sold at the subsidized price of P50.00 or about $1.00 each. (Note that the full production cost of a Bible is P150). About 20% of all Bibles to be printed will be given away free at the discretion of the affiliated local parish priest or pastor). This is the largest Bible distribution campaign ever in the Philippines and the 1,000,000th household will receive a Bible this year. That’s 3,000,000 poor people who will have had access to a Bible that was not possible until now. St Joseph’s Parish is promoting this project hoping that many Filipinos and non Filipino parishioners will attend the mass and support the Project. Actual samples of the Bibles will be available to view and order. A small reception will follow after the mass like the Simbang Gabi reception some of you had attended. There will be a presentation to allow more time to talk to the Bishop. Also, during the reception the Canadian Bible Society will do a 15-min presentation of the project. Note that on the next day, Sunday, October 6, 2013, Bishop David will be celebrating simi-
BY MELISSA RAYWORTH The Associated Press
lar masses in Hamilton, Ontario at the following churches: • Cathedral of Christ the King, 714 King Street West (at 4 p.m.) • St. Patrick’s Church (at 7:15 p.m.) For more information regarding the October mass please contact one of the following: Francis and Therese 416-2815973 Susan Asuncion 905-4661873 For more information about the MTBO program and how you can get involved, please visit Biblesociety.ca/MayTheyBeOne, or call 1-800-465-2425.
Acknowledgement
The Organizers would like to thank the following priests for their support in this noble project • Father David Wynen of Cathedral of Christ the King • Father Tony O’deil of St Patrick Church • Father Michal Jurkowski of St. Joseph Parish • Father Ben Ebcas of Our Lady of the Assumption (Note that Our Lady of the Assumption was not included in this invitation as the special mass on this church(to be held on September 29, 2013) should have been over when this invitation is published. We hope to see all there. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
PITTSBURGH—He towers over the land, his muscles rippling and blond mane blowing in a windstorm of his own making. Wielding his trusty magical hammer, he crushes villains as easily as he romances beautiful women. Thor, epic god of thunder, was inspired by Norse mythology. But his modern, movie-star incarnation was born on the pulpy, hand-drawn pages of 1960s comic books. He will storm into your local multiplex again next month, one of the many superheroes who have escaped the illustrated panels of comic books to dominate not only our movie theatres and TV screens, but much of our pop culture landscape, from toys to clothes. But while comic book characters are everywhere, comic books themselves remain mostly a niche product. Take Arkham Gift Shoppe, for instance, a small comic book store on the northern fringe of Pittsburgh. When regulars arrive to pick up their monthly orders, some slip in with all the stealth of Catwoman eluding Batman. These guys carefully hide their comic-buying habit, or the extent of it, from their girlfriends or wives (yes, they have those) because these women "aren't cool with them spending their money on something so juvenile,'' shop owner Jeff Bigley says. How is it that the painstakingly inked comic pages where these wildly popular characters were born still don't get the attention and respect that fans say they deserve? Lina Krueger's life is very different from Osman-Balzell's— she's a single woman in her 20s working in Washington, D.C.— but her love of comics garners an identical reaction. "A lot of guys are like, 'Really?''' Krueger says. In her spare time, she blogs at girlsreadcomics.com, hoping to fight that attitude. Is it simply a problem of supply and demand? Many towns lack a brick-and-mortar comic book shop. And who needs to
hunt for one when television is suddenly stocked with heroes and their friends? A generation ago, only a comic book or cartoon could depict an apocalyptic clash of titans just as easily as it delivered an intimate, whispered moment between two characters. Liveaction movies needed a thousand extras and weeks of shooting to do the same. The science of computergenerated animation, which has rocketed forward even in the years since Robert Downey, Jr., first climbed inside an Iron Man suit, now does the same trick on a vastly larger scale. How can a 10-by-7-inch booklet of stapled paper compete with a thundering IMAX screen? And there are roadblocks to luring new readers. Many of today's fans began reading comics as kids in the '80s and '90s, says Caleb Williams, founder and editor of SuperheroMovieNews.com. But "I don't see kids reading comics now,'' he says, partly because no one issues kid-friendly comic books tied to a movie release. Mature themes and violent imagery leave parents frustrated "that a little girl can't read 'Wonder Woman' and it's hard to find a Batman comic for little boys,'' says Sims. And public relations disasters like DC Comics' recent contest to have readers submit drawings of Batman villain Harley Quinn committing suicide while naked in a bathtub didn't endear comics to parents of young readers. Could all of this spell eventual doom for the humble comic book? Will comics eventually be shouted down by their larger, louder, blockbuster offspring? Hardcore fans aren't worried. If anything, Sims says, some comic book readers wish their favourite characters hadn't become quite so mainstream. Seeing soccer moms in superhero T-shirts and hearing co-workers complain about Ben Affleck's casting as Batman "removes some of the faux-specialness of being a fan,'' he says. "You're not a unique snowflake because you like Spider-Man anymore.'' ■
Business
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 40
Imports up 8.7% in July PH, China sign cooperation pact on electronics rebound Move seen boosting investments, trade ties BY MICHELLE V. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE COUNTRY’S imports rebounded in July from a year ago after a slump in the two previous months as global demand for electronics improved. The increase in imports for July substantiated earlier projections that purchases by key export markets would improve in the second half as the global economy continued to go through the recovery process. The National Statistics Office reported yesterday that imports grew by 8.7 percent year on year to $5.49 billion in July. Electronics, which accounted for nearly a third of the country’s import bill, led the gain as sales to foreign markets amounted to $1.63 billion, up
33 percent from a year ago. “This reflects the broadly upbeat prospects for the country’s export-oriented electronics industry for the remaining months of the year,” Neda Deputy Director General Rolando Tungpalan said in a statement. Imports in July brought the total for the first seven months of 2013 to $35.1 billion, which was still lower by 2 percent from a year ago. With exports for the same seven-month period at $30.42 billion, the country’s balance of trade as of July settled at a deficit of $4.68 billion. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials were the second-biggest imports for July, with receipts amounting to $1.03 billion. Unlike electronics, however, imports of items in this group registered a 14-percent contraction from a year ago. ■
BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer DESPITE AN ongoing territorial dispute, the Philippines and China have signed an agreement to jointly create a transparent, liberal and facilitative investment regime and to deepen bilateral economic development between the two countries. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, chair of the Philippine Investment Promotions Plan Steering Committee (PIPP-SC), and Xu Ning Ning, executive secretary general of the China-Asean Business Council (CABC), at the recent 10th China-Asean Expo in Nanning, China. “The signing of the MOU is based on the principle of equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation for both countries,” said Casanova, who also heads the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
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Casanova noted that the memorandum reaffirmed the existing strong investment promotion cooperation between the Philippines and China. Both parties, he added, have agreed to position the Philippines in global supply chains by engaging CABC member associations in the areas of manufacturing, agro-industrial business and tourism infrastructure development. The CABC, which is one of the five main cooperation and dialogue organizations between China and the Asean, includes the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the Asean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the national business leaders, well-known enterprises and expert members of Asean. PIPP-SC and CABC also agreed to develop industrial linkages as a necessary step in investment promotion cooperation through special economic zones (SEZs) as part of a long-term process of strategic engagement between the host
governments. Mutual investments will also be promoted between the Philippines and China through exchanges and mutual understanding among investment promotion and the CABC to establish effective agencies and CABC-member platforms for cooperation and expand industry associations. channels of exchanges to enable, Casanova also disclosed that “inbound support and complement the and outbound missions among offshore strategies of Chinese enterprises the PIPP-SC and CABCwill be promoted to the Philippines. to further strengthen appreciation In addition, the MOU is expected of actual business and industry conditions to generate beneficial contacts to to enable speedy facilitation of promote the interchange of educational potential investment agreements.” experience, information and On top of such benefits, the memorandum will enable the PIPP-SC industrial strategic alliances. ■
Sports/Horoscope
41 FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
NBA legends set to arrive for Rockets, Pacers game BY JASMINE W. PAYO Philippine Daily Inquirer THREE HARDCOURT legends will spice up the first NBA preseason game in Manila pitting the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 10 at Mall of Asia Arena. Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry and Jalen Rose will grace the historic event as NBA Global Games ambassadors of the match that will also be a first in Southeast Asia. “The fans are very passionate about the game,” said Horry, who won NBA championships with the Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. “I’ve been very, very fortunate to travel to a bunch of places and experience different cultures. And everyone has that
love for you.” The preseason match will feature some of the league’s most exciting players led by Dwight Howard, James Harden and Taiwanese-American Jeremy Lin of the Rockets and AllStar players Paul George and Roy Hibbert of the Pacers. Tickets for the game have been selling briskly even if it ranges from P550 to as high as P32,300. This year will mark the most number of NBA teams playing internationally in a single season as 12 squads will travel to play 10 regular season and preseason games in 10 cities in 7 countries. Drexler also starred for the Rockets and the Portland Trailblazers, while Rose saw action alongside former Pacers star Reggie Miller.
Australian Open to increase prize money by $2.8M, bringing total pot to $31M The Associated Press
Drexler
Rose noted “how the fans’ knowledge of the game was advanced [and how] they truly craved and supported NBA basketball.” “They know the NBA brand and they come out and support it because they know it’s going to be a fun-filled event,” said Horry. ■
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA— The Australian Open is increasing its prize money by $2.8 million to bring overall player compensation to $31 million next year. Australian Open organizers did not break down the prize money awarded per round at their launch Wednesday for the tournament Jan. 13-26, but men and women will receive equal amounts as in previous years. In keeping with player demands to see a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four of the sport's major tournaments have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years. Wimbledon now offers about
$36.5 million, while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the French Open went up to $29.7 million. Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka are the defending champions at Melbourne Park. Tournament director Craig Tiley said Wednesday at the official launch for the Jan. 13-26 tournament that he expects the top 100 ranked men and women to play. Organizers also said that Margaret Court Arena, the third-largest spectator court, will have a fixed roof in place for the 2014 tournament and it will be fully retractable in time for the 2015 event. Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena at Melbourne Park already have retractable roofs. ■
HOROSCOPE ARIES
CANCER
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)
(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)
(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)
(DEC 22 - JAN 19)
Exciting new developments make you upbeat about your career. Perhaps the Earth-shattering solution you’ve been searching for suddenly happens, or an enthusiastic potential partner appears on the scene. Either way, you’re excited, and you can look forward to interesting projects and possible advancement. You could also make a new friend, someone who will around for a long time.
Some unexpected but welcome communications could come your way, probably from a lover or close friend. Planning for a pleasant, exciting journey is indicated. Today you relate well to others, friendships grow closer, romantic relationships become more intimate. Someone close to you could move to your neighborhood. Plan a small gathering for tonight.
SCORPIO
TAURUS
LEO
(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)
(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)
Interest in art from distant lands might capture your interest today, possibly through the influence of friends. Your desire to travel may be awakened, and you might toy with the idea of visiting faraway places, perhaps in the company of a lover. If you’re serious, start doing research. This is a great day to plan a vacation.
GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 21)
An old friend you may not have seen for a long time could come to visit today. This should be a surprise, but you’ll probably be glad to see this person. You could purchase a new piece of equipment of some kind - a computer or home entertainment center. Your home should be busy, but you’ll have fun.
(OCT 23 - NOV 21)
Experiments combining creativity and technology could lead to opportunities to increase your income. You’re receptive to new ideas and willing to make an effort to put them to work for you. You’re likely to uncover new talents that you didn’t know you had. This is a great day to sign up for a class, attend a lecture, or seek tutoring.
Today you may plan a long journey to a place you’ve never been, probably in the company of a lover or close friend. The excitement of making the arrangements brings you closer, and a great time is promised. Romance looks good, as increased communication between you and your special someone is strongly indicated. The two of you may have an exciting evening out.
AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18)
An unexpected invitation from a friend could have you taking a short trip, perhaps to visit this person. Conversations with friends should prove interesting and enlightening. A part of you may be forever changed for the better. New interests, perhaps humanitarian, could come your way. It’s a busy, satisfying day.
VIRGO
An unexpected visit from a friend you haven’t seen for a while could bring up long-forgotten memories. You could confront hidden psychological and emotional issues. Though it may be tempting, don’t try to repress them again. It’s important that you face and release these points. Today you should greatly enjoy seeing your friend again.
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
(NOV 22 - DEC 21)
(FEB 19 - MAR 20)
(AUG 23 - SEPT 22) Purchases for your home might be one of your projects today. Your aesthetic sense is very high right now and your good taste at a peak. You’re likely to be more attracted to the unusual and unconventional than usual. Unexpected but welcome visitors could come to your door, and some fascinating conversations could result. You might even host an impromptu event.
Today you might be more attracted to unusual art forms. Perhaps exhibits of local artists have caught your attention, or you may be developing a taste for alternative music. Movies with a lot of special effects could also appeal to you. If you’re so inclined, this is a good day to start learning about any of these fields.
New career opportunities appear on the scene to reawaken your ambition. You might come across some unusual possibilities for advancement that you’ve never considered before. This can be a bit intimidating but also exciting. You’re unlikely to pass up any chances until you consider them. Success and good fortune are indicated.
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Today you may fall in love at first sight. Perhaps with someone you’ve never met before or an old friend you suddenly see in a new light. You could also learn something wonderful you never knew before about a current partner. However it manifests, today bodes well for romance. Look your best all day. If possible, go out with your partner tonight!
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
42
Travel
Philippine Embassy Rolls out Winter Escapade Tour in Ottawa and Montreal THE PHILIPPINE Embassy in Ottawa has launched its promotional campaign for the first-ever Winter Escapade— It’s More Fun in the Philippines (WE-IMFIT PH), a special group tour targeting snowbirds and balikbayans from all over Canada. In a series of presentations kicking off in Ottawa and Montreal, Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan rallied support for the winter tour taking place on 18-24 January 2014 in the Philippines. Prefacing the presentations, Ambassador Gatan unveiled the five destinations covered by package over six nights and seven days at incredibly attractive rates. Embassy presenters walked the audience through the highlights of the Winter Escapade itinerary which include the Paeapak healing ritual and Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo; a two-night stay in breathtaking Boracay, a preview of the Dinagyang Festival, historical tours and a tourism and investment fair in Iloilo; island hopping in Guimaras; and a planned courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Malacañang Palace in Manila. Ambassador Gatan got the show on the road at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa on September 18 where members of the community immediately signified their intention to sign up for the tour. In Montreal, the Ambassador extended his Winter Escapade invitation to some 300 guests at the induction ceremonies of the Filipino Association of Montreal and Suburbs (FAMAS) on September 20. On the same evening, the Embassy team party hopped to the Kahirup Association of Quebec’s 22nd anniversary
celebration to make the same pitch in Ilonggo. Another Embassy presentation was mounted before the Aklanon Association of Montreal on September 21. Interested parties are advised to visit www.philembassy.ca, www.winterescapadeph. com or the Embassy’s Facebook page (Philippine Embassy Ottawa) for tour information. Booking assistance is just a phone call away with the Philippine Embassy, all consular posts in Canada and the Department of Tourism (DOT) offices in the U.S. ready to provide guidance. “This first-ever Winter Escapade is Team PhilippinesCanada’s spin-off from the Ambassadors, Consuls-General and Tourism Directors (ACGTDT) summer tour originating from North America. Because we are doubling the fun and hospitality this time around, participants from Canada will be treated to an unforgettable visit to the Philippines like never before. Please spread the word to your friends and relatives and avail yourselves of our special tour rates by signing up for the tour before the October 30 deadline. I look forward to keeping warm over winter with you in the Philippines!” Ambassador Gatan said. WE-IMFIT PH is coordinated by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and DOT’s New York office with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, DOT, the provincial governments of Iloilo and Guimaras, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and private sponsors such as Western Union. ■
Right: Amb. Gatan unveils the tour before FAMAS members and guests Below: First Secretary Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo make their WE-IMFIT sales pitch at the FAMAS Induction Ball and Kahirup anniversary, respectively.
Amb. Gatan is interviewed by Filipino media and speaks before the Kahirup Association of Montreal.
Amb. Gatan fields questions from the floor with Mr. Rudy Sabas and Consul Flerida Mayo at the WE launch in Ottawa
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
43
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For your daily dose of the most current and up to date Philippine and Canadian news!
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013 44
Foodies on...
MIO GELATI Once you’ve had your fill of savory appetizers and main course(s), do head on to this pretty little truck and enjoy a scoop or two of the creamiest Gelato this side of town. Awarded as the second best tasting concoction at Ultimate Taste Test 7.0, everyone should definitely try their refreshingly delectable flavors.
rito from Mexikombi. Named after Mexico (or perhaps Mexican food?) and their food truck (a Volkswagen Kombi), Mexikombi serves Mexican delights like Beef/Chicken Burrito, Nachos, and their Soft Tacos. ❰❰ 30
GUAC TRUCK Officially introduced to the public at Mercato Centrale, The Guac Team decided to venture on to new territories. Armed with their bestselling burrito bowl, they will surely steal your heart and give you a hearty meal in return.
Soft Tacos
CHEESE STEAK SHOP MANILA
Breakfast Cheese Steak
The authentic Philly cheesesteak shop in Manila has invaded Cucina Andare and we’re glad they did! More people should check out their classic Philly cheesesteak and breakfast cheesesteak.
HUNGRY ROVER Once again, collegiate friendships give birth to an awesome source of great food. The Hungry Rover is the brainchild of UST students. Together, they bring the public their bestsellers like US Beef Tapa with Hot Chili Rice, Pork BBQ, and Chicken BBQ.
Turkey Pepper Steak
YLAYA NUTRI BAR One might think that a food truck bazaar ain’t no place for healthy food, but think again! Ylaya Nutri Bar boasts of 100% nutritious culinary options like their Sauger—a sausage with coco relish, cheddar cheese, and Ylaya original sauce—all sandwiched between a Moringa (Malunggay) bun.
Spicy Ramen
Q KEBAB
Sultana Pork Wrap
Turkish Doner Kebabs. How can anyone go wrong with those three words? Shawarma may be abundant in Cucina Andare, but Q Kebab definitely holds its own against fellow food truckers. Trust us when we say that their Premium Beef Shawarma and Sultana Pork Wrap are must-tries.
The food truck population (and popularity) is growing tremendously, making Cucina Andare a weekend destination for yuppies, groups of friends, and even entire families. Cucina Andare opens at 4PM until 3AM from Fridays to Sundays. ■
Mio Gelati
What’s in... half-pound beef patty stuffed with mozzarella cheese, topped with a slice of cheddar, lettuce, onions (I asked them not to put it in), and tomatoes sandwiched between a hoagie bun deliciously swabbed with pesto. For an additional PhP 50.00, you get a small tumbler of their house onion rings and a tall glass of red iced tea. The patty was well done (the way I like it) but still juicy, and the gooey mozzarella cheese contributed an interesting play on texture and flavors. The sharp cheddar cheese was a nice salty contrast to the almost fruity crunch and tang of the tomatoes and the fresh burst of lettuce. The hoagie bun itself was a little dry, but the pesto ❰❰ 31
surely fixed that problem. With every bite served with a generous dose of Sriracha hot sauce, I reduced “The Godfather” to nothing in less than an hour. Yo had a “Heart Attack” with an order of onion rings and a glass of iced tea (PhP 195.00 + PhP 50.00). Aptly named, it’s a half-pound all-beef patty topped with cheese and crispy pork belly, once again served between Backyard Burger’s hoagie bun. Yo said there was nothing exceptional with the beef patty, but the pork belly was a welcomed treat. Their house onion rings looked great, but seemed to taste of raw flour. For me, the raw taste overpowered the flavors of the spices in their batter or coating. It was a little disap-
pointing. I’m hoping it’s just a one-time thing and that their rings really taste better on most days. So, what was I supposed to do with sad onion rings? Put ‘em in my burger, or course! And I gave “The Godfather” an offer he simply could not refuse. Or rather, it was the other way around. The meal was indeed hefty and I had to do breathing exercises to make room for dessert, which we had elsewhere so we can maximize our night out. Good thing we had to walk a little bit to our dessert spot. All in all, we will come back at Backyard Burgers just to try out their other signature burgers. I’ve been getting rave reviews for their Truffle Burger (halfwww.canadianinquirer.net
The Heart Attack
pound all-beef patty stuffed with mozzarella cheese, “truffled” shiitake mushrooms, and a slice of cheddar cheese). They also serve non-burger options,
like beef belly cheese steak and chick-n-cheese, as well as homemade dulce de leche ice cream with sea salt and dark chocolate ice cream. ■
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4, 2013
45
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An evening of prayer for Zamboanga BY TANCHO BAES ON SEPTEMBER 11th, Evelyn Bangayan-Yadao, a Zamboanguena, texted us to pray for peace in Zamboanga after some of its villages were attacked two days earlier by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), clamoring for independence from the Philippine government. Before this, she had already requested Praise 106.5 FM (a Christian radio station in Washington state) and some churches to send out a call to pray for Zamboanga City. She, along with Pastor Gody and wife Joy Binalla, had an appointment to see the Consul General—Jose Ampeso—the next day to talk about how Filipino Canadians, particularly those in the Lower Mainland, can help. I was invited to join in the meeting. After the meeting with the Consul General, we felt a need to call people to come together and pray. Since there had not yet been a resolution to the strife and there was no talk of having a peaceful process, we strongly believed that prayer is the only, yet a more powerful option we have where everyone can be a part of. So we prayed for God’s wisdom, drew up a plan, started contacting key people, met with organization leaders, booked Surrey Christian School’s Performing Arts Center and then posted announcements and invitations on Facebook and by email. On September 27, 16 days after we started planning, we held the prayer rally called “An Evening of Prayer for Zamboanga.” The churches and organizations represented at the event are: • Lighthouse Christian Church (LCC), Surrey • Jesus is Lord Canada • 19th Avenue Christian Fellowship, Vancouver • First Presbyterian Church, New West • God’s Light Christian Fellowship, Surrey • Prayer Canada • Zamboanguenos in Metro Vancouver • Sillimanians in British Columbia It began with a Praise and Worship song led by the LCC Worship Team. I welcomed everyone present and explained the purpose of the prayer rally through an Opening Prayer. Consul Jose Ampeso from the Philippine Consulate General, Vancouver, British Columbia and the Yukon gave a message saying, “…there is much work to be done—to rebuild and rehabilitate, to bring the lives of tens of thousands back to normal, to weed out the seeds of discontent, and to bring Zamboanga back on the path of stability and growth.” “At the end
Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editor Melissa Remulla-Briones editor@canadianinquirer.net Associate Editor Laarni de Paula
Mayor Climaco
Pilipinas Kong Mahal
Correspondents Gigi Astudillo Angie Duarte Maria Ramona Ledesma Katherine Marfal Frances Grace Quiddaoen Agnes Tecson Ching Dee Socorro Newland Graphic Designer Victoria Yong Jennifer Yen Photographers Solon Licas Angelo Siglos Danvic Briones Operations and Marketing Head Laarni de Paula (604) 551-3360 laarni.liwanag@canadianinquirer.net
Prayert
Prayer for Zamboangenos
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Praying for One Another
Praying for the Consul General
of the day,” Mr. Ampeso said, “I think prayer is paramount. It doesn’t matter what faith or religion you practice, or what region you come from. We can all unite in prayer and good wishes for our countrymen, especially those affected by this strife, who need our help most at this time.” In a video greeting from the city mayor, Beng Climaco, she vowed to preserve the city for its children’s future from the lawless elements and appealed for help to rebuild a better and brighter Zamboanga for all Christians, Muslims and Lumads who call it their home. Mark Villanueva, Youth Pastor,LCC prayed the Exhortation of God’s Word (2 Chronicles 7:14) and a Video Pre-
sentation (footages of Zamboanga and the standoff ) was shown. Prayers of Thanksgiving, Adoration, Worship, Forgiveness, for Guidance, Supplication, and of Assurance .were led by different Pastors. Voluntary offerings took place after which the song,”Pilipinas Kong Mahal”, was sang by the congregation. The highlight of the evening was when all the Zamboanguenos present were prayed over for themselves and their families caught in the strife. The closing song, “Hope of the Nations “ended the program. Snacks and fellowship concluded the night of prayer. With a report from Monette Ledesma.
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TRADEX, Abbotsford
Whether you are looking for specialty products that taste great or trying to learn how to cook and bake to meet your dietary needs, the Gluten-Free Living Show is the place to be. It’s a Show-WithinA-Show at the Fraser Valley Food Show.
Chef Rob Feenie Executive Chef, Cactus Restaurants
starting at 11:30 AM Taste the competitors’ creations and enjoy a glass of ERDINGER gluten-free beer.
Chef Corbin Tomaszeski
Competition Prizes Sponsored by:
Host of Food Network’s Dinner Party Wars
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