Philippine Canadian Inquirer #259 by Philippine Canadian Inquirer

CANADA’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONWIDE FILIPINO-CANADIAN NEWSPAPER MARCH 10, 2017

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VOL. 3 NO. 259

OPPOSING DEATH PENALTY

Students of Ateneo de Manila University protest the passage of the controversial death penalty bill by the House of Representatives. Story on page ?.

PH killings top US rights report BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA AND JAYMEE T. GAMIL Philippine Daily Inquirer THE US Department of State has quietly released its annual report on human rights around the world, with the Philippines cited as a country where instances of extrajudicial killings have risen sharply. As a result, the US government is closely scrutinizing arms purchases for the police and the military by Ma-

nila, an official warned. The US Department of State has quietly released its annual report on human rights around the world, with the Philippines cited as a country where instances of extrajudicial killings have risen sharply and carried out with impunity. The report, mandated by Congress, documents human rights conditions in nearly 200 countries and territories and is put together by staff in US embassies.

Lacson: Up to PNP, CHR to act on Lascañas’ testimony

28 Canadian citizen denied entry to United States told she needed visa to get in ❱❱ PAGE 16

❱❱ PAGE 13 PH killings

LYN RILLON / PDI

Smoking pot as a medicine raises questions for doctors

MARCH 10, 2017

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FRIDAY

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Robredo camp employing delay tactics on poll protest case — Marcos PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

mandated by its own Rules of Procedure. Protestee Robredo’s opposition to the setting of the Preliminary ConMANILA — The legal team of former ference is obviously dilatory in nature. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos This Honorable Tribunal should not be on Monday said that dilatory tactics are swayed by her ambiguous and distorted being employed by Vice President Ma. arguments,” the pleading stated. Leonor Robredo saying that they were Robredo’s argument that there redesigned to prevent the truth about the main pending incidents which have first massive cheating in the May 2016 elec- to be resolved by the Tribunal because a tions from coming out. Preliminary Conference could be sched“Today (Monday), we file the reply of uled is misleading, Garcia said. Sen. Marcos and just a brief statement “In a long line of decided cases, the Sunot content having cheated Marcos and preme Court has held that in an election her way to vice presidency, Leni Robre- protest, different causes of action can do is continuously cheating the Filipino proceed independently of each other. people by depriving them of their right- This is because the sovereign will of the ful vice president and for the speedy people is the core issue in an election resolution of this election protest,” protest. Thus, the purpose of a Prelimilawyer Victor Rodriguez, spokesman nary Conference is precisely to avoid of Marcos told reporters after filing the unnecessary delays and speed up the his Reply to the Opposition of Robredo process so that the people’s voice will be to his motion to set his election protest heard,” he stated. for preliminary conference before the The issues brought up by Robredo reSupreme Court (SC). garding the numerous unused SD cards “We have refuted all her lame justifi- which were found to have data, probcation on why the preliminary confer- lems with the diagnostics which led to ence should not proceed notwithstand- the shutting down of the servers in the ing the Court’s clear Comelec warehouse pronouncement that in Sta. Rosa, Lagu“it is beyond dispute na as well as other the Tribunal have procedural matters jurisdiction,” RodriIf protestee would be discussed guez noted. Robredo has in the Preliminary “We have waited an nothing to hide, Conference. These inordinate amount of why does she matters could be time but instead of keep trying threshed out during working for its expeto delay the the conference in orditious resolution, proceedings? der to achieve a just, it has become obviWhat is there inexpensive, orderly ous that delay is the to fear about and expeditious disname of Robredo’s a simple position of the elecgame. She is afraid of Preliminary tion contest. the truth and deterConference? “The conduct of mined to suppress at the Preliminary Conall cost the genuine ference cannot be will of the people. stifled by the pendShe is determined ing incidents in this not to proceed with the preliminary case. To rule otherwise will open the conference sapagkat nga po natatakot floodgates to abuses by incumbent prosiya na maisambulat ang katotohanan,” testees who will conveniently file flimsy he added. and dilatory motions in order to drag In an eleven-page Reply to Robredo’s the proceedings in an election protest. Opposition of his motion to set the case Needless to say, protracted delays in the for preliminary conference, lawyer resolution of electoral contest cases will George Erwin Garcia, Marcos’ counsel, only benefit protestees like Robredo” said that Robredo’s objection to set the because she does not want the truth to case for preliminary conference is “ob- come out. viously dilatory” because by law, the Tri“If protestee Robredo has nothing to bunal could have set the same as early as hide, why does she keep trying to delay September 9, 2016. the proceedings? What is there to fear “To date, more than five months have about a simple Preliminary Conferlapsed since the filing of the Answer Ad ence?,” he added. Cautelam to the Counter-Protest, the Not content with finding ways to delay last pleading in this case. It thus be- the case, Garcia also accused Robredo of hooves this Honorable Tribunal to im- raising issues that have no bearing to the mediately schedule the conduct of the scheduling of a Preliminary Conference. Preliminary Conference in this case as He then noted the election protest

LENI ROBREDO / FACEBOOK

filed by Roxas against former Vice President Jejomar Binay wherein it took the PET only 2 months after the filing of the petition to schedule the Preliminary Conference on September 30, 2010. “As an aside, it is noteworthy to mention that the Preliminary Conference in

the case of Manuel A. Roxas v. Jejomar C. Binay was scheduled on 30 September 2010 – i.e., two (2) months after the filing of Roxas’ election protest on 9 July 2010. In the instant case, eight (8) ❱❱ PAGE 7 Robredo camp

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FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

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Philippine News

From prayer to protection:

Church shields drug war targets Network of 6 churches providing refuge for addicts deemed unsafe in own communities BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer LIKE IN any war, secrecy is a primary weapon. And so Norma Dollaga can only disclose this much: For now, there are six small parishes involved in Metro Manila, and as of last week they have been providing shelter to 20 people from the slums, including a teenage boy who survived a massacre. Their initiative quietly began in October last year, when the death toll of President Duterte’s bloody crackdown on illegal drugs stood at around 3,700. Today, with the chilling body count reaching over 7,000, the unusual “ministry” launched by a network of churches is hoping for the best but bracing for the worst, with Mr. Duterte recently announcing the resumption of police operations against drug suspects after a monthlong suspension. Dollaga is one of the cofounders of Rise Up for Life and for Rights, an ecumenical alliance campaigning against extrajudicial killings (EJKs) being linked to the narcotics war since they have targeted mostly drug users or smalltime pushers. “One of our partner priests declared that he had these people (involved in drugs) wanting to change their lives and he was offering sanctuary to them,” said Dollaga, a Methodist dea-

coness, recalling how the Rise Up mission began. No sympathy

“It’s sad. If a farmer-leader is killed, the whole community is paralyzed with fear and there’s sympathy. But if it’s a suspected drug addict who’s killed, there’s no sympathy until the community realizes that he was in fact executed,” Dollaga said. “We realize the truth that is being exposed by the stories of the poor. The cry of the poor in these situations compels us to cry for social justice.” She is also the current secretary of the Association of Women in Theology, and also a member of the Board of Ecumenical Voice for Peace and Human Rights in the Philippines. “Whether we are afraid for our lives or not in providing sanctuary, the same thing will happen to us. So we might as well do the better thing. It’s imperative in your faith and your humanity,” she told the Inquirer in an interview last week. The alliance, like critics of President Duterte’s brutal approach, insists that rehabilitation, counseling and community involvement is the better, lasting path to solving the drug menace. The Rise Up organization also includes the Promotion for Church People’s Response, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, the Perma❱❱ PAGE 10 Church shields

MARCH 10, 2017

Lacson: Up to PNP, CHR to act on Lascañas’ testimony PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — It will now be up to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to follow through the testimony of retired cop SP03 Arturo Lascañas, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Monday. This after Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III moved to adjourn the Senate probe into Lascañas’ testimony on its first and last hearing. To recall, Lascañas admitted to lying in a previous Senate hearing on October 2016 when he denied the existence of a socalled vigilante group, Davao Death Squad (DDS). However last February 20, he claimed that the death squad did exist. According to Lascañas, the death squad killed criminals and non-criminals alike to maintain peace and order in Davao City. Lacson, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs which conducted the hearing, said that Lascañas himself said that if he would switch places with the senators, he would also doubt his own testimonies. “I don’t know what to believe, to be honest. He can’t remember the first person he killed,” Lacson told reporters in an interview after the hearing. Lacson meanwhile said that he will again recommend increasing the penalty for perjury especially during congressional hearings as it is considered a federal offense in the US. He said that his committee can recommend the filing of perjury against Lascañas but will not bother initiating the filing of charges. “One of the recommendations is the filing of perjury but for the committee to initiate charges against him, me, personally, I won’t do it,” he said. Last July 2016, Lacson filed Senate Bill No. 253 to mete harsher penalties on perjury charges. Doubts

RISE UP FOR LIFE AND FOR RIGHTS / FACEBOOK

FRIDAY

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito was among those who questioned Lascañas’ motive to www.canadianinquirer.net

PNA PHOTO BY AVITO C. DALAN

retract his first testimony after four of his business proposals were turned down by known allies of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte. Ejercito probed Lascañas of his attempts to put up several businesses such as getting a small time lottery (STL) franchise, establishing a customs brokerage, application to operate a van terminal and operations in Davao City, and in supplying a quarry for the proposed 53 kilometer Coastal Road in Toril-Bunawan. Lascañas confirmed that these attempts were rejected by allies of Pres. Duterte after the October 2016 Senate hearing. He retired on Dec. 16, 2016 and retracted his claims on the death squad four months after. “It appears that our witness here ay naka-’strike 4’ after his retirement. Wala sa apat na nilakad niyang mga pabor para sa business interests ng Davao Group tulad ng STL franchise, van terminal, quarry, at customs brokerage ay napagbigyan. Kaya siguro nagbago siya ng statement at sinisiraan na niya ngayon si Pres. Duterte,” Ejercito said. (“It appears that our witness here has achieved ‘strike 4’ after his retirement. None of his attempts to put up businesses such as an STL franchise, van terminal, quarry and customs brokerage were approved. Perhaps now he changed his statement and is now ruining the

reputation of Pres. Duterte.”) Ejercito also thought it questionable how Lascañas turned his back on Pres. Duterte after retirement and not immediately after he underwent “spiritual renewal.” Neophyte Sen. Joel Villanueva directly asked Lascañas if his motive was to pin down Pres. Duterte to which Lascañas denied and claimed that he only wanted to “clear his conscience.” Villanueva, like Ejercito, said that he felt it odd for Lascañas to retract his testimony now that Duterte is now president instead of when he was less powerful as a mayor. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, for his part, said that Lascañas’ testimony were “serious allegations” and said that it was better to wait for more evidence and more witnesses to surface. He said that it was not fair to dismiss his testimony just because he previously lied. “We need additional evidence and more testimony. Apart from him and (Edgar) Matobato,” Pangilinan said referring to self-confessed the hitman. Detained Sen. Leila de Lima said that she found Lascañas’ testimony “credible.” In a statement, De Lima said that the testimonies of both Lascañas and Matobato “are based on their personal first-hand knowledge, hence, admissible and worthy of credence.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Robredo camp... months have already lapsed since the filing of Marcos’ election. Regrettably, the Preliminary Conference has yet to be scheduled,” he pointed out. He further stated, “(k)nowing that the clock is ticking, it is now incumbent upon this Honorable Tribunal to set the Preliminary Conference in this case at the soonest possible time so as not to render this election protest moot and academic. The term of a Vice-President is only six years. Eight months have already gone by.” Last Feb. 16, the Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) has found sufficient grounds to proceed with the election protest filed by former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. against Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo. The Tribunal affirms its jurisdiction over the instant Protest, which is sufficient in form and substance. The protestee’s [Robredo] prayer to dismiss the Protest for lack of jurisdiction and for being insufficient in form and substance is denied,” PET said in an eight-page resolution dated Jan. 24 but was released to media on Thursday. “However, while the Tribunal finds the Protest sufficient in form and substance, it must be emphasized that, as to the veracity of the protestant’s allegations, nothing yet has been proved. The Protest is only sufficient for the Tribunal to proceed and give the protestant the opportunity to prove his case in accordance with the 2010 PET Rules,” it added. The PET also said the election protest is sufficient in form and substance. “The protest contained narrations of ultimate facts on the alleged irregularities and anomalies in the contested clustered precincts, which the protestant needs to prove in due time,” the PET said. Contrary to Robredo’s argument, the PET said they have the jurisdiction to act on the electoral protest as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. “Section IV, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution in relation to Rule 13 of the 2010 PET Rules provides that the Tribunal shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President and Vice President. The phrase “election, election, returns, and qualifications” refers to all matters affecting the validity of the contestee’s title, which includes questions on the validity, authenticity and correctness of the Certificates of Canvass,’ the PET said. At the same time, it clarified that while they found the protest sufficient in form and substance, the veracity of Marcos’ allegations against Robredo are yet to be proven. Marcos earlier said he decided to file the electoral protest due to the series of frauds, anomalies and irregularities that ❰❰ 3

marred the May 9 elections and that such activities made sure he would lose to Robredo, the vice presidential can-

didate of the administration’s Liberal Party. Robredo won the 2016 vice presiden-

tial race with 14,418,817 votes or 263,473 more than Marcos who got 14,155,344 votes. ■

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Philippine News

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Irrigation chief quits amid whiff of graft National Irrigation Administrator Peter Laviña, President Duterte’s former campaign manager, has resigned amid rumors that he had asked money from contractors BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Correspondents Jane Moraleda Cheng Ilagan Katherine Padilla Deby Mangabat Phoebe Balubar Socorro Newland Bolet Arevalo Gerna Lane Sotana News Anchor Manny Noel Abuel Administration Head Victoria Yong Graphic Designer Shanice Garcia Photographers Angelo Siglos Vic Vargas For photo submissions, please email editor@canadianinquirer.net For General Inquiries, please email info@canadianinquirer.net For Sales Inquiries, please email sales@canadianinquirer.net PHILIPPINE PUBLISHING GROUP Editorial Assistant Christelle Tolisora Associate Publisher Lurisa Villanueva In cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer digital edition Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at 11951 Hammersmith Way, Suite 108 Richmond, B.C. V7A 5H9 Canada

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“EVEN A whiff, or a whisper, of corruption and you’re out.” Rodrigo Duterte sounded that warning to government officials barely a week before he assumed the presidency in July last year. On Wednesday, Malacañang announced that the head of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Peter Laviña, had “tendered his resignation amid attempts to vilify, discredit and malign him and to spare the President from any embarrassment due to these attempts.” “It is with deep regret that our office receives this news and wishes him well in his next endeavors,” said the curt statement issued by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, which was read by presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella at a news conference. Last December, two associate commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration—Michael Robles and Al Argosino— were sacked amid an alleged P50-million bribery scandal. The two were fraternity brothers of the President at San Beda College of Law. Abella was asked if the President referred to Laviña in a speech last week in which he said he had fired someone from Davao for supposedly asking for money—40 percent—from NIA contractors, according to one news report. Mr. Duterte mentioned no name, Abella said. “So, let’s leave it at that,” he said.

ROBINSON NIÑAL / PPD

activity.” In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Laviña announced that he had left the Duterte administration just three months after he was named to the top NIA post. He said his name had been “used, abused and maligned.” “Recently, there had been efforts to discredit me again. There are rumors circulating that I have asked money from NIA contractors. These are not true!” said Laviña, whose wife is an undersecretary in the Department of Agriculture. Laviña said he decided to resign to spare Mr. Duterte embarrassment, especially now that attacks on the President are intensifying.

in the 1,755-ha reservoir. According to the bids and awards committee (BAC), only the consortium of ITP Construction Inc. and Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Co. Ltd. submitted a tender before the deadline in January. Only one other party—the consortium of Green Asia Construction and Development Corp. and Guandong No. 2 Hydropower Engineering Co. Ltd.—came to submit a bid, but did so past the deadline. The BAC said there were other qualified bidders, but they later withdrew. Incompetent contractors

Milagros Nopre, who headed the BAC secretariat, said the decision to conRigged bidding denied tinue the bidding process was based on In a statement on Monday, Laviña de- section 36 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act Abused and No. 9184 (Governmaligned ment Procurement Sonny Matula, Recently, there had been efforts to discredit me Reform Act). president of the Fedagain. There are rumors circulating that I have “The bidding can eration of Free Workasked money from NIA contractors. These are proceed even with a ers, said Mr. Duterte, not true! lone bidder because in a meeting with there is no assurance 20 labor leaders in that (this bidder) will Malacañang on Monbe awarded with the day, mentioned that he had fired Laviña, nied as “baseless” a report that the NIA contract,” Nopre said. a longtime aide when he was the Davao was repeatedly revising bidding require“What if the lone bidder failed the City mayor. ments for the Balog-Balog Multipurpose postqualification evaluation? It is only Laviña also served as Mr. Duterte’s (BBMP) dam project in Tarlac province then can we declare a failure of bidding presidential campaign spokesperson to ensure that the preferred contractor and proceed to a rebidding,” he added. last year. or contractors would win. On Jan. 11, Laviña threatened to “It was during the freeflowing dis“I have not received any report about blacklist “incompetent contractors” and cussion that the President mentioned the BBMP bidding or its results so there called for an inspection of all dams and Pete Laviña’s name as the person he had is no truth that a bidder had won the irrigation infrastructure to check their sacked,” Matula said in a telephone in- contract for this project,” Laviña said. structural integrity and safety in case of terview. The BBMP project has a potential to earthquakes and typhoons. Matula said the President recounted generate 43.5 megawatt of hydropower, Back then, Laviña said there were that he had learned that this person with the damhaving a storage capacity some contractors who had started “could not resist temptation, that he was of 560 million cubic meters. It is also “courting” him for participation in fugetting a certain percentage. That’s why expected to provide the upland com- ture NIA projects, but that he had insisthe said he talked to him and fired him. munities with livelihood opportunities ed on strict compliance with the rules He said he could not tolerate this kind of through fishery on at least 150 hectares and requirements of public bidding. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Philippine marines find remains of beheaded German hostage BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press

PNA PHOTO BY OLIVER MARQUEZ

DSWD to highlight people-centered ASEAN, resiliency under ASCC pillar PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will focus on two priorities to achieve holistic growth and development under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar, an official said here Monday. Of the six thematic priorities of the ASEAN Summit, the DSWD will prioritize the achievement of a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN and the regional grouping’s resiliency, Social Welfare Undersecretary Florita Villar said in her speech for the opening of the 22nd Senior Officials’ Committee for the ASCC (SOCA) Meeting held at the Iloilo Convention Center here. “In this two-day meeting, we hope to present the details of the aforementioned priorities under the purview of the ASCC and share information about the commemorative activities lined up this year,” said Villar, who is the Philippine SOCA leader. This year’s ASEAN Summit, which carries the theme “Partnering for change, engaging the world”, aims to put forward at least six priorities: a peopleoriented, people-centered ASEAN; peace and stability in the region; maritime security in the region; inclusive, innovative-led growth; a resilient ASEAN; and ASEAN, a model of regionalism, a global player. The 22nd SOCA Meeting is

being attended by SOCA leaders from the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with ASEAN deputy-secretary general for ASCC, Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee. The ASCC, being chaired by the DSWD this year, is one of the three pillars of the ASEAN. It aims to contribute to realizing an ASEAN Community that is people-oriented and socially responsible, in the hope of achieving enduring solidarity and unity among the peoples and member states of the ASEAN. According to the DSWD, to intensify efforts towards a people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN, the Philippines intends to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of migrant workers, as well as the vulnerable sectors — women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, internally displaced persons, indigenous peoples, among others. The country will also promote the appreciation of cultural heritage and strengthen the ASEAN cultural identity; intensify access to health care and improved nutrition; and promote the role of civil service as catalyst for achieving the ASEAN Vision 2025. Meanwhile, to strengthen the ASEAN’s resilience, in consideration of the intensity of natural and human-induced disasters that the ASEAN is currently experiencing, focus will be given on environmental protection. ■

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Philippine troops have found the remains of a German hostage who was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf militants in the country’s south, vowing Sunday to rescue more than 30 other captives and crush the ransomseeking extremists. Marines dug up the head and body of Jurgen Gustav Kantner late Saturday in the mountainous hinterlands of Indanan town in Sulu province, where the militants are holding at least 31 other foreign and Filipinohostages, said regional military commander Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. The 70-year-old Kantner was seized from his yacht with his female German companion off Malaysia’s Sabah state in November. Kantner’s companion was fatally shot on the yacht, which was later found in the southern Philippines, according to the military. The couple had survived a kidnapping ordeal off Somalia in 2008. “Once again, the command is sending its deep regrets to

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the family for not being able to rescue Mr. Kantner on time,” Galvez said. He repeated a pledge to rescue other hostages and crush the Abu Sayyaf. President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman, Ernesto Abella, said the government “will leave no stone unturned in squarely addressing the evils of extremism and plain banditry.” “Rest assured these mindless acts will not go unpunished,” Abella said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned Kantner’s killing as an “abominable act.” The Abu Sayyaf circulated a video of the beheading online. Duterte has said Filipino forces tried their best but apologized to Germany and Kantner’s family after troops failed to rescue him in his nearly four months of jungle captivity in Sulu, a poor Muslim province 590 miles (950 kilometres) south of Manila. About two dozen Filipino troops were wounded in clashes that also killed 16 Abu Sayyaf gunmen in efforts to rescue Kantner. After he was beheaded, troops intensified ground assaults and airstrikes. On Sunday, marines killed four Abu Sayyaf militants in an assault near Sulu’s Maimbung

town. At least 10 other militants were killed in a separate clash Friday that also wounded 18 troops near Patikul town, said Sulu’s military commander, Col. Cirilito Sobejana. An intelligence report seen by The Associated Press said the militants behind Kantner’s abduction and killing included Abu Sayyaf commander Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and his nephew, Mujil Yadah, who was also allegedly involved in the 2015 kidnappings of a Norwegian, a Filipina and two Canadians from a yacht club in the south. The two Canadians were separately beheaded last year. According to the report, the other kidnappers of the German included Moammar Askali and Idang Susukan. Askali, a young militant, insisted that Kantner should be killed on schedule as they had threatened to do, but others wanted to wait longer to get a huge ransom, which was last pegged at 30 million pesos ($600,000), the report said. The Abu Sayyaf, which has more than 400 fighters, has been blacklisted by the Philippines and the United States as a terrorist organization for kidnappings, beheadings and bombings. ■

Philippine News

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Church shields... nent Commission on Social Mission Apostolate of the Redemptorist Missionaries, Contak Philippines, Kasimbayan, and other community-based groups. ❰❰ 10

‘Best refuge’

Also a partner is the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, Parañaque City, where the group mounted a photo exhibit in December showing EJK victims as they lay bleeding on the streets. The exhibit was timed with the dawn Masses leading to Christmas. While the community can serve as the “best refuge” for drug users, many have since sought the help of Rise Up as they felt threatened in their own neighborhoods, Dollaga said. “Usually, we identify those who we think are in danger, then we talk to them and the priest of their parish. We really assess if the person’s life is really in danger,” she added. Most of those being given sanctuary are drug dependents who learned that they had been included in the socalled watch lists drawn up by local governments under the Oplan Tokhang campaign of the Philippine National Police. They include a minor who survived a “vigilante-style” shooting at a street party in December which killed seven people, three of them also teenagers. “We do ask them to be honest and say if they used illegal drugs or did anything bad. You’ll pity them,” Dollaga said. “We tell them: ‘This should not end with the funeral of your loved one. We should rise up together in fighting drug addiction and addressing its causes.’” Documenting drug slays

Rise Up is also documenting cases of drug-related killings and human rights violations. So far, it has documented more than 30 cases mostly in Quezon City and Caloocan. Aside from counseling, it offers free acupuncture sessions to drug addicts who want to start a detoxification regimen, as well as livelihood programs. One parish, for example, has taught them how to make religious figurines. These efforts are so far centered on a community in northern Metro Manila, where some of the drug users sheltered by Rise Up are staying. “We’re planning a medical mission as part of our wellness ministry. That will take up more funds so we’re still planning for that,” Dollaga said. A Catholic priest has also offered to help facilitate counseling sessions for those suffering from trauma, while other human rights groups are providing training in documentation. Dollaga admitted that the protection would not be permanent, because “more importantly, we want to empower the communities to be sanctuaries themselves.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

New P-DEG to focus on high value targets — PNP chief BY PERFECTO T. RAYMUNDO Philippines News Agency MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday said the newly-created PNP Drug Enforcement Group (P-DEG) will focus on high value drug targets like dealers, suppliers and drug lords Dela Rosa said the P-DEG is still in the process of constituting its ranks, which will have regional, provincial and city level units. Likewise, he challenged up-

right and dedicated policemen to volunteer in the newly created P-DEG. He said it is important to get policemen experienced in antidrug operations as members of the group, adding that, recruitment is also open to young policemen who have a spotless record and are dedicated to their work. The PNP chief assured that all members of the P-DEG will undergo a thorough background check The PNP’s war on drugs resumed with the launching of the P-DEG on Monday. Dela Rosa spearheaded the formal launching of the new P-

DEG which replaces the abolished PNP-Anti Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG) in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Senior Supt. Graciano Jaylo Mijares will be heading the PDEG. Mijares, deputy regional director for administration of the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon), said the creation of the P-DEG marks the return of the PNP to the war on drugs. He thanked Dela Rosa for his trust in appointing him to head the P-DEG which will be spearheading the PNP’s revitalized anti-drug campaign. Mijares gave assurances that

no anti-drug operation will be conducted without his knowledge. He also expressed gratitude to President Duterte giving the PNP a second chance. Dela Rosa earlier announced that the PNP will be resuming its lead role in the anti-drug campaign after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gave them the “green light”. President Duterte had ordered a stop to all PNP drugrelated operations last month after a few members of the PNP-AIDG were implicated in the kidnapping and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.

Jee was allegedly abducted in Angeles City, Pampanga and subsequently killed inside Camp Crame on Oct. 18, 2016. Mijares said the newly-created drug enforcement group already has a skeletal force, and they are now in the process of recruiting additional members, who have to pass a strict screening process. For his part, PNP Deputy Director General Fernando Mendez, chief of directorial staff, said they may tap former officers of the PNP-AIDG as they need highly experienced antidrug operatives, but only those without derogatory reports will be considered. ■

Leila’s Senate guards pulled out BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer

out a way we could convince people in control of the detention center to allow [the OSSAA personnel near De Lima’s cell]… We are regrouping to find out how we can negotiate with the person inside the detention center how to put the OSSAA ,” he said. He said the Senate would look at the custodial center’s rules, noting that the PNP had respected the Senate’s restriction against arresting De Lima

New Bilibid Prison during her time as justice secretary. The charges are nonbailable. She has repeatedly denied the THE SENATE has pulled out accusation, saying they were its security personnel from part of President Duterte’s efthe Philippine National Police forts to muzzle her after she Custodial Center where Sen. criticized his tough war on Leila de Lima is detained as drugs that has left over 7,000 they were “useless” being limdead since last year. ited outside the facility, Senate De Lima has said she would President Aquilino Pimentel continue her legislative work III said on Wednesday night. while detained. Pimentel said Pimentel said he ordered he that that was possible, but she withdrawal on would have to seTuesday of secure the permiscurity personnel sion of courts in from the Office case she would of the Senate We will allow her to file bills and like to use gadSergeant-atresolutions. Everything continues, gets and equipArms (OSSAA) except you are in detention. ment. posted at the de“We follow the tention place in rules for detainCamp Crame as ees… [Her] lawthey were not allowed to man within the chamber’s premises. yers can ask for concessions via De Lima’s detention quarters. Pimentel said he would visit the court… We will allow her to “Theoretically, they are not the detained senator “in due file bills and resolutions. Everyreally guarding [Sen. De Lima]. time.” thing continues, except you are They were 50 meters away, so De Lima was arrested outside in detention,” he said. it’s useless,” Pimentel told re- the Senate building last FriDe Lima will not be able to porters. day on allegations she profited vote on matters raised at the “We are regrouping to find from the drug trade inside the plenary, but may sign commit-

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PNA PHOTO BY AVITO C. DALAN

tee reports and even file her dissent or opinion. In a statement, meanwhile, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) issued its strong condemnation of De Lima’s detention, calling her prosecution “politically motivated and amounting to judicial persecution.” Active persecution

“This is clearly meant to silence for good a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte,” said Sam Zarifi, ICJ’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pa-

cific, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Bangkok. “If the government really wants to defeat the illegal drug trade, there should be more prosecutions before domestic courts. We do not see this, however. We only see active persecution of those who are critical of the President’s ‘war on drugs,’” Zarifi said. The ICJ is an international NGO composed of 60 eminent judges and lawyers from around the world who work together towards the promotion and protection of human rights. ■

Philippine News

MARCH 10, 2017

Pimentel seeks probe of Meco under Banayo BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer SENATE PRESIDENT Aquilino Pimentel III is calling for an investigation of the current leadership of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Meco), an agency which deals with Taiwan, for violating the country’s “One China” policy. In a resolution, the highestranking official of the Senate said Meco, now headed by former National Food Authority chief Angelito Banayo, was forcing employees to resign for being “coterminus” with the previous administration. That would give Meco, which handles trade and other transactions with Taiwan as a private corporation, an official government character which would violate the One China policy, Pimentel said. China considers Taiwan as a province and has threatened to use force if Taiwan sought independence. Tied to China

The One China policy prevents the Philippine government from entering into any official transaction with Taiwan and allows only “person-toperson” relationships with the Taiwanese people. Taiwan maintains the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Manila as a counterpart to Meco. In his resolution, Pimentel said Meco’s new officials, led by Banayo, threatened to force the resignation of regular employees carried over from past administrations. Pimentel said the employees must not be considered as political appointees because that would give Meco the characteristics of being a government agency.

Bigger motorbike license plates eyed to minimize ridingin-tandem crimes PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

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Pimentel did not mention any Meco official in his resolution, but the agency is now headed by Banayo, who had been appointed by President Duterte as managing director and resident representative. Political appointees

Banayo had been part of the campaign team of Mr. Duterte. But he is currently facing a graft case at the Office of the Ombudsman over the use of allegedly fictitious farmers’ groups to corner import permits that had been used to smuggle rice into the country. “There have been reports that recent actuation of the ‘new management’ of Mecomayprove to be in violation of the One China Policy,” Pimentel said in Senate Resolution No. 302. “Allegedly, Meco has begun treating its regular employees as mere political appointees of government who are coterminus with the former administration,” read Pimentel’s resolution. Some of the employees, he said, were “reportedly forced to resign or retire to give the ‘new management’ a free hand to appoint their own people.” But, citing a Feb. 4, 2014, Supreme Court decision, Pimentel said Meco was a “nongovern-

ment entity” where employees enjoy “security of tenure.” Government character

He said Meco employees “should not be removed for the reason of giving the ‘new management’ the right to appoint people in accordance with wishes of the Philippine government or its political appointees.” Pimentel also cautioned against constituting a board of directors or appointing officers and employees in Meco “with control and supervision” of Malacañang as this “may result in removing the status of Meco as a private corporation.” This would turn the agency into “a government-controlled entity performing diplomatic functions in Taiwan, which is a complete violation of the One China policy.” Pimentel warned that this might put the Philippines’ relations with China at risk. He said to avoid tension among China, the Philippines and Taiwan “it is imperative and necessary to conduct an inquiry on the status of Meco.” “If found necessary,” Pimentel said, new laws should be enacted “to avoid any serious diplomatic issues and problems concerning the One China policy.” ■

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FRIDAY

MANILA — Sen. Richard Gordon on Monday filed a bill that seeks to increase the size of motorcycle plates to minimize riding-in-tandem crimes. Under Senate Bill No. 1128 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act of 2017, Gordon wants the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to issue bigger and reflectorized plate numbers for every motorcycle and scooter. Acording to Gordon, many have been killed by suspects riding-in-tandem but no one can identify the plate number of the motorcycle used by these criminals because the plate number is too small and it cannot be seen properly. “This is why there are many riding-in-tandem crimes. Criminals are brave because they can quickly escape. Let’s make plate numbers bigger so that they will be easy to read,” he added. Under his measure, the plate numbers should be big enough to be readable from a distance of between 12 to 15 meters. It must also be placed both in the front and rear part of the motorcycle. It also mandates the LTO to devise a color scheme of the plate numbers for every region to easily identify where such motorcycle was registered. The agency will also devise an alphanumeric system for easier identification and recollection by the general public, whether seen by day or night. Moreover, the LTO will also

provide to the police authorities, on a 24/7 basis; a list of all the registered motorcycles and scooters including, but not limited to, the following: the name of the registered owner, the number of his driver’s license, his address and contact details, vehicle identification number, plate number, body color, and brand/manufacturer. Under the proposed measure, persons committing a crime through or with a backrider or backriders face life imprisonment. While the motorcycle or scooter used in the commission of the crime shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government. Gordon, chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, noted that for the past two decades, motorcycles have been used by criminals with hardly any witnesses being able to read or identify the motorcycle plate numbers because of the small size. Because of this, he said that motorcycles have become “crime machines.” In 2011, the Philippine National Police recorded 1,700 crime incidents involving riding-in-tandems suspects with 2,089 victims. This was higher than the 1,565 recorded incidents in 2010, with 1,819 victims. In Metro Manila alone, the number even ballooned to more than 3,000 in 2013. In 2014, it went up to 6,219 and decreased to 6,026 in 2015. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

PH killings... But its release was overshadowed by criticism that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson gave the report little attention, breaking from traditional practice. Tillerson declined to unveil the report in person on Friday, breaking a precedent established during both Democratic and Republican administrations. A senior US official, however, answered reporters’ questions on condition of anonymity. According to the report, Philippine police and vigilantes “killed more than 6,000 suspected drug dealers and users” from July to December last year. It noted that extrajudicial killings “increased sharply” in the period, even as the government officially does not tolerate human rights violations or statesponsored killings. The Inquirer and other news organizations have reported a higher death toll of more than 8,000 since President Duterte took office last year. The report noted that “killings allegedly undertaken by vigilantes, security forces, and insurgents as the principal human rights abuse documented this year,” the official said. “And it also chronicles apparent governmental disregard for human rights and due process, and a very weak and overburdened criminal justice system,” the official added. The official noted that efforts to promote human rights were crucial to bilateral and defense ties, which were on the mend after President Duterte last year said he would scrap scheduled visits here by American troops as he looked to US rivals China and Russia for military assistance. ❰❰ 1

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT

He has, however, stopped his verbal tirades against Washington after US President Donald Trump came into power. The official said Tillerson would “review each arms transfer notification for the Philippine police and armed forces on a case-by-case basis.” “Because it’s the right thing not to provide arms to units that are undermining ... the value of human life,” the official said. The 44-page report on the Philippines noted that while extrajudicial killings here were not new, they “increased sharply over the past year.” It quoted Philippine National Police figures from July to December last year showing that 2,155 suspects were killed in police operations, and 4,049 others by unknown vigilantes. It said the killings have raised concerns about “police impunity” following promises by authorities that cops involved would not be prosecuted. The report also raised questions on the “accuracy and legitimacy” of the supposed drug list that President Duterte always carries and shows the

Php 1.2-B “Protect Wildlife” project launched to boost PHL biodiversity conservation PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) formally launched Monday a Php 1.2-billion “Protect Wildlife” project that hopes to help protect and manage species and natural habitats in the Philippines. BMB Director Theresa Mundita Lim said Protect Wildlife covers a wholistic approach promoting cooperation

between both project proponents and other environmental stakeholders to achieve such goal for natural resource conservation and sustainable development. “We have thousands of species and continue discovering new ones,” Lim said at the launch’s side, highlighting urgency for the project. USAID said Protect Wildlife was its first Philippine project aligned with the US government’s newly signed Eliminate, Neutralize and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Act of 2016. Such law targets addressing global illegal wildlife trade, USAID added. ■

public during his speeches. The report also noted that President Duterte’s “public attacks on individuals and international bodies whohave criticized his policies had a chilling effect on free speech and expression.” It cited the case of Sen. Leila de Lima who herself has been jailed on drug-related charges after speaking out against the President. But presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella denied the state supported vigilante killings, even as he stressed the government was engaged in trying to arrest an “emerging narcostate” by battling drug lords. “Vigilante or extrajudicial killings are unlawful and are therefore, not sanctioned,” he said. “The government condemns such practice. These are not to

be confused with the government’s war on illegal drugs, which is an urgent and critical domestic matter.” He said President Duterte has ordered law enforcement institutions to take “decisive legal steps” against cops embroiled in summary executions or with the drug trade. The government, he said, would “punish the scalawags in uniform.” The secretary of state traditionally unveils the report with public comments emphasizing the centrality of human rights in US foreign policy and highlighting specific findings. The report’s language on Russia for instance remained broadly similar to that of years past, noting the country’s “authoritarian political system dominated by President Vladimir Putin.” Tillerson’s Democratic predecessors John Kerry and Hillary Clinton gave public comments on the report in 2013 and 2009, their first years in the post, respectively, and continued to present it throughout their tenures. In 2005, during Republican President George W. Bush’s administration, the undersecretary of state for global affairs, Paula Dobriansky, presented the report on camera on behalf of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Human rights groups criticized the way the report was made public. ■

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Opinion

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Ex-cop links Philippine leader to killings in Senate inquiry BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A retired Philippine police officer testified Monday that President Rodrigo Duterte and his men were linked to nearly 200 killings that the officer and a “death squad” carried out when Duterte was mayor of a southern city. Arturo Lascanas outlined at a Senate inquiry some of the key killings he and others allegedly staged “with the prior knowledge, direct orders, consent, tolerance or acquiescence” of Duterte, who was mayor of Davao city. “What is related here is just the tip of a bloody iceberg,” Lascanas said in a statement distributed to senators. Duterte is also under fire for his more recent national antidrug crackdown that has left thousands of suspected dealers

and users dead since he became president last June. Pro-administration senators grilled Lascanas in the televised inquiry, asking why he had earlier denied both any involvement in the Davao killings and the existence of a “Davao death squad.” Duterte’s spokesman, Ernesto Abella, described Lascanas as a “perjured witness” and called his testimony “fabricated and unacceptable.” Lascanas said Monday he had lied earlier about his role because he was concerned about his family’s safety. He testified that he was given large amounts of money and monthly allowances by Duterte, a few times directly and often through other police officers, for carrying out the Davao killings and for “blind obedience and loyalty” to the mayor. Lascanas said he knew of Duterte’s direct involvement

in some of the killings, and that his group carried out other attacks led by police officers who told him the assaults were ordered by Duterte. One target was radio commentator Jun Pala, who had angered Duterte with critical broadcasts. Lascanas said he was in a group of gunmen who killed Pala in 2003, and that Duterte personally gave him a reward of 1 million pesos ($19,800). In a separate Senate inquiry last year, alleged gunmen Edgar Matobato linked Lascanas to the Davao killings. Lascanas, who also testified, denied under oath that he took part. Lascanas, 56, who retired as a Davao police officer last December, said Monday that his conscience bothered him and that he had a spiritual awakening after suffering a kidney ailment that prompted him to publicly confess. He said he had two of

his brothers killed for their involvement in illegal drugs. “I regret what I did and I know I have to answer for all my misdeeds before the people, the law and before God,” he said in the written statement. Some crime suspects were taken to Duterte before they were killed, he said. Lascanas first made the allegations at a news conference two weeks ago, and repeated them under oath in Monday’s Senate hearing. He gave details of other killings and suggested Duterte’s son, now the vice mayor of Davao city, and the current national police chief may have been aware of the extrajudicial killings. Lascanas said the victims included 11 Chinese drug suspects who tried to bribe their way out of trouble but were gunned down in a quarry on orders from Duterte. He said his group also killed a supposed Pakistani terror suspect on an

island near Davao city. Police Chief Superintendent Augusto Marquez Jr. told the Senate inquiry that details and names provided by Lascanas may be used to reopen the investigation of the killings. National police chief Director-General Ronald Dela Rosa, meanwhile, announced Monday that the police force will rejoin the president’s crackdown on drugs after being barred about a month ago over an extortion and murder scandal. Police participating in the next stage of the campaign, called “Double Barrel Reloaded,” will be carefully screened to prevent rogue officers from using the crackdown as a cover for extortion and other crimes, he said. Duterte had wanted the national police to be cleansed thoroughly of corruption and it is not clear how extensive the internal cleansing has been. ■

PUBLIC LIVES

What ‘populist’ definition best fits Duterte? By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte and US President Donald Trump seem like twins in terms of political style. They appear to revel in their repeated breach of correct speech and behavioral codes, treating these as the hypocrisies of a detested political establishment. They have both been antagonistic toward the mainstream media, seeing them as complicit guardians of a corrupt system. In the pursuit of their pet programs, both have manifested an authoritarian intransigence darkly reminiscent of fascism. As comparisons go, that is probably where the similarities end. The issues on which their political appeal is anchored are vastly different. Mr. Duterte chose the brutal war on illegal drugs as the centerpiece of his presidency. The US president’s focus has been on the perceived threats posed by globalization—the influx of immigrants, the exportation of American jobs to other countries, unequal trade, and the domination of the American economy by a global financial elite. But, I am afraid that zeroing in on the substantive differences in the issues chosen could blind us to the worldwide reality of populist

reaction to which we can ascribe on drugs, just as there is nothing the authentic outsider who had the rise of strongmen like the two socialist about its so-called pivot crashed an exclusive party. No one presidents. to China, or, for that matter, its es- could have invented a more comWhat is populism? We might pousal of federalism as a preferred plete antithesis of the Establishstart from an interesting charac- form of political system. But, once ment politician. Yet, if another terization of populist leaders of- he was able to seize the imagina- politician had tried to imitate him, fered by the philosopher and po- tion of the public, Mr. Duterte the reaction would surely have litical commentator Pierre-André could have won on any issue he been different. The hapless copyTaguieff, in an interview with the chose to highlight. cat would have been caricatured French news website Atlantico. Second, what seems crucial to as a pathetic demagogue, as dis“In terms of the leaders’ posture, the emergence of populism is the tant from the people as the visions populism can be defined as a politi- perception that the political sys- of change he offers. cal style, compatible with any ideo- tem of representative democracy At the heart of this populist exlogical content, that involves direct has failed—that the elites have plosion is the deep resentment appeals to the people, rejection of rigged the system and expropri- against “formatted” politicians mediation, and criticism of estab- ated state power for themselves. who are perceived to have locked lished elites. This also includes the That explains why Mr. Duterte the system so that no one but those promise of change, who are sworn to a rhetorical gesserve the interests ture that populist of the elite could They are also distrusted for being complacent, meaning, of leaders have in enter. Taguieff being oblivious to the threats that ordinary citizens experience in common with all says that the drivtheir everyday lives. modern political ing impulse beleaders. But they hind this anti-elite differ from the latter by featuring presented himself as a crusader resentment is mistrust. a charismatic authority, which ex- from the periphery who has come Everywhere, for a variety of plains the fact that they are either to do battle with the political elite reasons, the elites are denounced admired or hated with equal inten- and the oligarchy in the name of as complicit, complacent and corsity.” the people. It is not uncommon, rupt. Complicity is “the idea of a I believe that the definition per- of course, to see politicians deploy certain connivance between the fectly fits Mr. Duterte like a hand- this type of populist rhetoric. ruling elites, who share power made shoe. First of all, populism But, Mr. Duterte was different; and wealth and who strive to percan ride on any issue, ignoring con- he looked and sounded the part. vert or destroy the meritocratic ventional classifications of left ver- He shunned the trappings of re- game, leading to discriminasus right, or of progressive versus spectability and formality. His de- tion and wider social injustice.” conservative. There’s nothing in- meanor was coarse, his language They are also distrusted for betrinsically rightist or leftist about rough and excessive, making him ing complacent, meaning, of bethe Duterte administration’s war every inch the personification of ing oblivious to the threats that

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ordinary citizens experience in their everyday lives. (Think of Mr. Duterte’s claim that the political elites in this country have fatally ignored or underestimated the drug problem.) But, on top of all these, these elites are also corrupt to the core, skillfully concealing the various shady deals they make with the oligarchy by overt acts of benevolence. How does one respond to populism? The challenge of populism in the West is probably far more complex and difficult to address than its local version here. Dialogue seems tough. Human rights advocates everywhere are often dismissed for their “sermonizing humanitarianism.” On the other hand, it seems counterproductive to merely demonize populist leaders by inciting public fear about their fascistic inclinations. Taguieff argues that the momentum clearly lies with populism, but there’s no way of knowing where it will go. In the face of this uncertainty, the philosopher offers little consolation, if any: “What are required are will power and a refusal of resignation, if both are conditioned by a sense of limits.” But, for the moment, he strongly believes that the most urgent task of all responsible citizens is how to prevent “ritualized clashes” from ripening into civil war. ■

Opinion

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

AT LARGE

From ‘hacienda’ to ‘hapag’ By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer ARROZ ECIJA is a newly opened restaurant (on the ground floor of Arya Residences at the Bonifacio Global City) that is both familiar and unusual. It showcases traditional Central Luzon cooking, with an emphasis on the various varieties of rice ( arroz is Spanish for rice) grown here. But it is also both an ode to a bygone lifestyle and a celebration of Filipino cuisine today, as it has evolved from the “lutong bahay” (home cooked) most of us have grown familiar with, to more rarefied and exotic variants. To the current culinary trend of “farm-to-table” dining, Andrew and Sandee Masigan, the couple behind Arroz Ecija, offer instead the “hacienda to hapag (dining table)” experience. To tell the story of the restaurant, the Masigans reach back to the late 1800s, when a young Spanish lawyer, Don Claro Verez, arrived on our shores and settled

first in Isabela where he served as a were incarcerated and eventually cable service from staff who have regional judge. But Don Claro was forced to join the Death March, taken to calling diners “señorito” just as equally fascinated with agri- which they did not survive. and“señorita.” culture as he was with the law, and *** But while the setting and service eventually settled in Jaen, Nueva The Albufuera de Verez is long at XO46 hark back to a more reEcija, where he founded a rice gone, but its memory lingers in fined past, the dishes are contemplantation, the Albufuera de Verez. the hearts of the Verez couple’s porary, classic Filipino dishes that In between Don Claro had met descendants. Perhaps taste memo- have been tweaked and modernand married Patrocinio Alindada, ries of the feasts that DoñaPatro- ized, deconstructed and reworked a mestiza who ruled over the ha- cinio used to prepare still linger in to satisfy younger, more sophisticienda kitchen, feeding her fam- the consciousness of their family cated palates. ily and farmhands, This is where while her husband Arroz Ecija deviTo tell the story of the restaurant, the Masigans reach back took charge of ates from its older to the late 1800s, when a young Spanish lawyer, Don Claro the rice fields and sibling. Much of Verez, arrived on our shores and settled first in Isabela where he farm. Even as she the menu centers served as a regional judge. saw to the meals on various ways of over 300 laborof preparing rice, ers and a growing cast of relatives members, and many of these are from “plain boiled white rice” to and visitors, Doña Patrocinio like- recreated at Arroz Ecija. varieties like basmati, jasponica, wise busied herself and her kitchen The Masigans are noted for es- jasmine, brown Sampaguita and staff with refining beloved staples tablishing another fine-dining the purple pururutong, which is of Philippine and Spanish cooking. restaurant: XO46, which they put becoming increasingly rare. It But this bucolic pastoral life was up “to showcase Filipino cuisine also offers different ways of servrudely interrupted in 1942, when in a different environment”—that ing fried rice ( sinangag) as well as World War II broke out and invad- is, different from the usual down the native version of paella, called ing Japanese troops descended on market carinderia and turo-turo bringhe, which is cooked with cothe hacienda and pillaged it. Don settings. Instead, XO46 offers el- conut milk. Claro and his eldest son Alfredo egant, refined interiors and impec***

To this rich menu of rice varieties and ways of cooking, Arroz Ecija offers viands rooted in Doña Patrocinio’s hacienda cooking as well as staples of humbler Filipino homes. At a recent gathering, for the birthday of Sandee’s mother, the Bulletin’s Deedee Siytangco, guests raved over the varieties of longanisa or native sausages; the deceptively simple boiled monggo or mung beans enriched by slices of pork and smoked fish; deepfried pata or pork hocks with incredibly crisp skin; and kuhol or field snails cooked in coconut milk or gata, the meat thoughtfully fished out of their shells for our convenience. The walls of Arroz Ecija are given to huge murals of rural scenes, including a nipa hut and an expansive view of rice fields, transporting diners to a provincial idyll, recreating memories of childhood summers, and reacquainting our palates with tastes that dwell in our hearts as well as on our tongues. ■

LOOKING BACK

What was sculptor Guillermo Tolentino’s dream? By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer ASIDE from the Eiffel Tower one of the iconic sights of Paris is the Arc de Triomphe, a grand monumental arch set on a rotunda on the Champs Élysées, from where the important avenues of the city radiate like rays of the sun or, at best, spokes on a wheel. Had it been realized, Manila would have had a similar landmark designed by Guillermo Tolentino. It is unfortunate that due to constraints in funding, debates on aesthetics, the eruption of World War II and the brutal years of the Japanese occupation, the Commonwealth Arch remained a dream in Tolentino’s creative mind. But in retrospect, had it been built, it might have been destroyed during the Battle for Manila in 1945, reduced to ruins like the old legislative building that was rebuilt after the war and now serves as the Arts Wing of the National Museum. Sculpture is an overlooked cous-

in of Philippine painting, probably been. Marble, concrete and bronze who were calling for a more “modbecause people don’t quite know would have been the material of ern” vibe instead of his old-fashwhat to do with sculptures, unlike choice, with sculpted human fig- ioned classicism, Tolentino said paintings that are mostly made to ures depicting the ethnolinguistic that unlike most triumphal arches hang on a wall. Sculptors have to and racial groups from different that commemorated military victame harder materials like stone, parts of the archipelago unified in tories, his was a memorial arch: steel, or bronze instead of daub- one purpose—to support, carry, “a tribute to our achievements in ing pigment on a canvas, drawing and hold aloft a slab of stone on self government… Because the arch on paper, or catching images on a which was to be etched the words is a tribute to Filipino achievement, camera lens. Yet for the amount “Commonwealth of the Philip- the observer is at once attracted to of work that goes the eight bas-reliefs into pieces of depicting turning This was not just an arch to commemorate the sculpture, they are points in the history establishment of the Commonwealth; it was also a yearning priced way lower of the Islands. The for the eventual independence of the Philippines. than paintings in first relief portrays the art market. the death of MaThere are more gellan in his fight painters than sculptors conferred pines” or the Seal of the Common- with Lapu-lapu. Relief No. 2 depicts the honor of National Artist for the wealth. This was not just an arch to our ceaseless resistance to Spanish Visual Arts, the giants to beat being commemorate the establishment conquest. This time we show Rajah Tolentino himself and Napoleon of the Commonwealth; it was also a Soliman, the Rajah of Manila, in Abueva. Their life and works de- yearning for the eventual indepen- his defiance to the white invaders. serve a closer look. dence of the Philippines. The third relief is the martyrdom of In the National Museum hall The maquette for the Common- Rizal, whose doctrines and teachdedicated to Tolentino and his wealth Arch can be better under- ings fired the heart of Bonifacio works, you will see the original stood and appreciated through shown in the fourth relief. Relief maquette or preliminary model of the paper trail that Tolentino left No. 5 is the unforgettable Battle of the Commonwealth Arch, which behind. In the late 1930s, explain- Manila Bay; and the subsequent Ocgives us an idea of what could have ing his design and answering critics cupation of Manila (Relief No. 6),

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the end of almost four centuries of Spanish rule. The 7th relief is that glorious moment when, our ends achieved to a certain degree, President Quezon takes his oath of office. The last and 8th plaque is self explanatory.” Unfortunately, Tolentino’s sketches or studies for these eight reliefs are not extant, but we can presume that Relief No. 8, which he described as self-explanatory, had something to do with the birth of the Philippines as a free nation, independent of the United States. Tolentino’s interpretation of history needs revision when read from the perspective of 2017 and the historical events he did not live to see. His monument was a dream of national unity, something that we have in fleeting moments in history. Our existing monuments portray how Filipinos come together in the face of a crisis or a common enemy, which begs the question: Why is it hard to maintain national unity without a crisis or a common enemy? ■

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Canada News Alberta and Ottawa Canadian citizen denied help fund Calgary entry to United States told centre for carbon she needed visa to get in conversion projects BY SIDHARTHA BANERJEE The Canadian Press

THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — The Alberta government and the federal government are each providing $10 million to help build a test facility in Calgary for technologies that convert carbon dioxide emissions into usable products. The Alberta Carbon Conversion Technology Centre will be owned and operated by InnoTech Alberta, a subsidiary of Alberta Innovates. It will initially be used by finalists of the Carbon Xprize, a global competition sponsored by power company NRG and Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance. The competition offers $20 million in prize funding to innovators who can develop technologies to maximize the value of carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities. Economic Development Minister Deron Bilous says Alberta has always been the place where people turn challenges into opportunities. He says the technology centre shows how to grow the economy at the same time as protecting the environment. “We have some of the brightest minds on the planet competing in the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, working on technologies the world needs to lower

emissions,” said Dan Wicklum, chief executive of COSIA. “The ACCTC will be one of the few places in the world where carbon conversion technologies can be tested at a reallife scale.” Friday’s announcement was lauded by the Alberta Clean Technology Industry Alliance and the Pembina Institute. “This the latest piece of good news for Alberta’s clean tech sector,” said Jason Switzer of the alliance. “The combination of the Carbon XPrize, investments by Emissions Reductions Alberta, and now the Alberta Carbon Conversion Technology Centre are helping make the case that our province is a global destination for developing and proving out the technologies that the world needs for a prosperous transition to a low-carbon economy.” “Establishing plug and play technology sandboxes like the Alberta Carbon Conversion Technology Centre is an excellent way to create partnerships and accelerate our learning with respect to new technologies, in order to develop emissions solutions and create economic opportunities,” said Duncan Kenyon of the Pembina Institute. ■

MONTREAL — A Montrealer who is a Canadian citizen by birth says she was barred from entering the United States and told to get a valid visa if she ever wants to cross the border. Manpreet Kooner said she was turned away at a crossing along the Quebec-Vermont border on Sunday after a sixhour wait where she was fingerprinted, photographed and questioned before being refused. She said she was told she was an immigrant without a valid U.S. visa. Kooner, 30, is of Indian descent and was born in Montreal to parents who came to Canada from India in the 1960s and have lived in the same LaSalle district duplex for decades. There have been several reports of Canadians encountering issues at the U.S. border, including a Canadian Muslim woman from Quebec who believes she was denied entry because of her religion. Kooner said she’s perplexed given she was travelling on a Canadian passport and has no criminal record. The only issue she had was a computer glitch that prevented her from crossing into New York State for 24 hours in December. Kooner didn’t think much of that snafu until Sunday when

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she was stopped at Highgate Springs as she was travelling with two white girlfriends. Her friends were not questioned but she was asked about the December incident. “At the end of it, they told me I was not allowed going in and that I would need a visa if I ever went in the States again,” Kooner said. Kooner claims the border agent told her, “I know you might feel like you’re being Trumped,” in reference to U.S. President Donald Trump — a statement she found odd. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman said Monday the department can’t comment on individual admissibility inspections, but noted that possession of a valid travel document does not guarantee entry to the United States.

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Asked how she feels, Kooner said, “Just so bad, I feel like I’ve done something wrong, like I’m a criminal or something, but I’m not.” Kooner went to the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, as suggested at the border, and was told the situation was “odd” and that a visa isn’t necessary for Canadians. “Maybe there is no valid reason, maybe this is something that I can’t shake because I’m born like this,” Kooner said of her skin colour. Her travel plans are up in the air: Kooner is supposed to go to a U.S. music festival at the end of March and her bachelorette in Miami in May. “I’ve never had issues before, that’s the part that kills me,” Kooner said. “Now I’m just ❱❱ PAGE 19 Canadian citizen

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Price of homes sold in Greater Toronto Area soars 27.7%, real estate board says BY ALEXANDRA POSADZKI The Canadian Press TORONTO — Limited supply drove housing prices higher in the Greater Toronto Area last month, with detached homes in the city breaking through the $1.5 million mark for the first time, according to the Toronto Real Estate Board. The average price of homes sold in the GTA last month soared 27.7 per cent compared with a year ago, while the number of properties sold rose 5.7 per cent, TREB said Friday. The increase in sales came in spite of the fact that last year was a leap year and benefited from an extra day of activity. “The listing supply crunch we are experiencing in the GTA has undoubtedly led to the double-digit home price increases we are now experiencing on a sustained basis, both in the lowrise and high-rise market seg-

ments,” Jason Mercer, TREB’s tory, I think we’ll start to see a Concerns have mounted director of market analysis, said little bit of a slowdown in pric- that home prices in Canada’s in a statement. ing, potentially,” he said. largest city have spiralled to “Until we see a marked inThe average selling price in the point where policy-makcrease in the number of homes the GTA hit $875,983 in Febru- ers need to intervene, as they available for sale, expect very ary, while in the City of Toronto have in Vancouver, where a strong annual rates of price it was $859,186, an increase of number of measures have growth to conbeen impletinue.” mented includShawn Zigeling a tax on forstein, a sales repeign buyers. The resentative with We are part of a working group with Ontario governRoyal LePage the federal government and the ment has resistYour Commuprovincial government to monitor this ed such a move. nity Realty, said very closely ... TREB presihe expects the dent Larry Certrend to continqua said govue in the months ernments at all ahead. 19.2 per cent. three levels need to address “It’s been crazy out there,” The average price of a de- the lack of homes available, not said Zigelstein. “There doesn’t tached home in the City of foreigners buying properties as seem to be a slowdown.” Toronto hit $1,573,622, an in- investments. He attributes the price crease of 29.8 per cent com“They should consider regrowth to a combination of pared to a year ago. visiting land-use designations limited inventory, strong imThe MLS home price com- in built-up areas to allow for a migration into the city and low posite benchmark price for greater diversity of home types, interest rates, making borrow- all communities measured by streamlining development aping money attractive. TREB was $727,300, up 23.8 provals and permitting pro“If we get an influx of inven- per cent. cesses, and looking at ways to

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incentivize landowners to develop their land,” Cerqua said in TREB’s statement. Toronto Mayor John Tory said he’s “very concerned” about soaring home prices and that the best thing the city can do is keep a close eye on it. “We are part of a working group with the federal government and the provincial government to monitor this very closely ... to try to make sure we understand what the root causes are of prices increasing,” Tory said. On Thursday, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver released figures showing a 41.9 per cent plunge in homes sold last month year-over-year. The MLS home price composite benchmark price for Metro Vancouver was $906,700, 14 per cent higher than what it was a year ago, but down 2.8 per cent from six months ago, after the tax on foreign buyers took effect. ■

Canada News

MARCH 10, 2017

Cabinet set to map out scenarios for dealing with illegal border crossers BY STEPHANIE LEVITZ The Canadian Press

fed into a clogged system has others urging the Liberals to put more resources into the refugee-determination process and the agencies that support newcomers. “We are the endpoint,” said Chris Friesen, director of settlement services for the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia. The Immigration and Refugee Board reported in its last quarterly financial document that in the first nine months of 2016-17, there was a 40-percent increase in new claims compared to the same period the previous year. Statistics provided to The Canadian Press show claim levels generally began rising in Canada before U.S. President Donald Trump took office. In fact, the increase seems to have begun just as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took power. In October 2015, the month

The number of Mexican claimants is also starting to rise in B.C., following the end of a requirement for Mexican citizens OTTAWA — Federal cabinet to have a visa to enter Canada. ministers are set for an in-depth During the last three months, discussion this week of the practhere were 29 refugee claimtical and political pressures beants from Mexico, the agencies ing placed on the Liberal govreported, compared to 30 who ernment by a rising number of arrived between December asylum seekers in Canada. 2015 and November 2016. Border security, RCMP and The Immigration and Refuimmigration officials have been gee board is already adjusting running scenarios to prepare to deal with the bigger numfor the possibility that a relative bers, but cabinet will consider winter trickle of illegal immigiving it more resources. gration into Canada could turn Ministers will also consider into a spring flood. whether there is room to alter The results of their table-top the Safe Third Country Agreeexercises will help form options ment between Canada and the being put before cabinet TuesU.S. The agreement says a refuday, The Canadian Press has gee claimant must apply for learned. asylum in whichever of the two Officials are also studying countries they arrive first — unlinks between distinct groups of less they qualify for an exception. border-crossers that might beIt is being singled out as the lie the common notion they’re reason people are avoiding ofall being pushed ficial border into Canada by stations and the volatile U.S. crossing into political climate. Canada illegally, Two governThe Immigration and Refugee board and there are ment officials is already adjusting to deal with the calls for Ottawa confirmed to The bigger numbers, but cabinet will to suspend the Canadian Press consider giving it more resources. agreement. that many of the Cabinet’s depeople coming cision could deinto Quebec hold pend on the next American visas issued at the U.S. of the last federal election, 1,519 iteration of Trump’s executive Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. claims were lodged in Canada. order laying out a temporary Interviews revealed the visas The next month, when the ban on immigration from seven were obtained to use the U.S. Trudeau Liberals took office, predominantly Muslim counas a transit point get to Canada there were 1,647 and — with the tries. The current order has and claim asylum — plans set exception of two months in 2016 been challenged by the courts in motion long before the U.S. — they have been rising since. and Trump is expected to reelection in November, the ofTrump is pushing people into lease a revised version soon. ficials said, neither of whom Canada, but the Trudeau govNot much can be done to stop were authorized to publicly dis- ernment’s repeated messaging the border-crossers, said Ward cuss the issue. on welcoming diversity and Elcock, who advised the former But it is the pictures of RCMP immigration is a pretty strong Conservative government on ilofficers hoisting small children pull factor, Friesen said. “We legal migration after years runabove snow-covered fields are now the beacon of hope for ning Canada’s spy agency. along the Canada-U.S. frontier desperate refugees.” Canada must keep talking that have drawn global attenIn B.C., there has been a to the Americans to find the tion and placed political pres- 60-per-cent increase in the source of the problem, but the sure on the Trudeau govern- number of refugee claimants in reality is the numbers crossing ment from all sides. the last 12 months compared to into Canada remain a fraction The Opposition Conserva- the previous one-year period. of what countries in Europe are tives are demanding a crack- Most are Iraqi Kurds and Af- seeing, he said. down, and want those crossing ghans, and there were also 18 Still, no matter how many enillegally charged with crimes, undocumented Latin Ameri- ter illegally, some voices will try something the government cans from Guatemala, Hondu- to make it a political issue. notes cannot happen until asy- ras and Venezuela who recently “It is seen as, you didn’t conlum claims are heard. crossed the Canada-U.S. bor- trol the flow of people into the The fact those claims are being der, immigration agencies said. country,” Elcock said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

Group converts online fury against cabbie’s acquittal into handwritten campaign BY ADINA BRESGE The Canadian Press HALIFAX — A small group of people spent Sunday trying to harness the social media outcry against the acquittal of Halifax taxi driver who was charged with sexually assaulting a woman in his cab. They gathered at a library on Sunday to write letters demanding a judicial council review of Judge Gregory Lenehan, who ruled last week that the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the woman did not consent to sexual activity with cab driver Bassam Al-Rawi. Elise MacIntyre, a 27-yearold auto mechanic, said she has no experience as an organizer, but was so moved by the graphic details of the case and Lenehan’s remark that a “drunk can consent” during last Wednesday’s ruling that she decided to hold an event to help others navigate the process of filing a formal complaint requesting a judicial council sanction or removal from the bench. A spokeswoman for the province’s judiciary confirmed Friday that a complaint has already been received. Al-Rawi, 40, was charged after police found the woman, in her 20s, passed out and partially naked in his car in the early hours of May 23, 2015. MacIntyre says that if a police constable’s testimony that Al-Rawi was seen shoving the woman’s pants and underwear between the front seats is not enough evidence for a conviction, then it’s “open season on drunk women.” “How do I look at those young people in my classroom and say ... ‘If somebody does something to you, you should tell somebody,”‘ said junior high school teacher Sarah Bezanson. “To have the system fail (the complainant) in this way makes other people look at the situation and go, ‘Why bother?’”

The group sat around a table with pens and yellow legal pads, each writing a personalized complaint to be sent to the office of the chief provincial court judge, who normally decides whether to refer complaints to a judicial council composed of judges, lawyers and laypeople but has recused herself in the case because she is Lenehan’s former wife. Sarah Hicks, a 28-year-old family support worker, came to the library to collect handwritten signatures for a petition to be presented to Nova Scotia’s justice minister to support an online campaign with more than 33,000 supporters. Hicks says the victim in the case was let down twice — once by the taxi driver she trusted would get her home safely and a second time by a legal process she thought would bring her justice. “Everyone can relate to being in a taxi. You have this inherent notion that you be should be safe,” she says. “Here’s a judge who’s supposed to know the law inside out ... but they both failed.” Martha Cody says she feels that there is a growing gap between the courtroom and the court of public opinion when it comes to sexual assault that needs to be remedied with proper training for law enforcement, lawyers and judges. “It’s galvanized a lot of people, this case ... because of education that people are getting elsewhere with regards to sexual assault,” says Cody. “There are potentially teenagers and very young people who have a much better idea of what consent is than perhaps a judge. That’s not right.” Sunday’s event was one of several planned this week to protest Lenehan’s ruling, including two marches on Tuesday and Wednesday. Local media reports said AlRawi’s lawyer didn’t comment last week after the verdict was handed down. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Experts: New travel ban more palatable, still problematic BY GENE JOHNSON AND SADIE GURMAN The Associated Press WASHINGTON — More palatable, but still problematic: That’s the judgment of some legal experts who have examined President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban, issued after a month of legal wrangling over the original. The version released Monday is much narrower and eases concerns about violating the due process rights of travellers. It also attempts to erase the notion that it was designed to target Muslims by spelling out more of a national security rationale. But civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers are not buying it. Here’s a look at how the new executive order differs from the old, and how any legal challenges might play out: What’s different?

Much. The initial order came by surprise, on a Friday in late January, and immigration officials had little guidance about how to implement it. People who were legal residents of the U.S. or had already been vetted to travel here found themselves detained in airports or put on planes heading back. Chaos ensued as thousands of protesters crammed airports that weekend, and judges began barring the government from deporting certain passengers. A federal judge in Seattle ruled that the ban was likely illegal and ordered the government to stop enforcing it nationwide, a decision later upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This time, Trump gave 10 days’ notice before the order goes into effect on March 16. The new ban temporarily bars new visas for citizens of six pre-

dominantly Muslim countries — one fewer than the original, with Iraq removed from the list. It does not apply to travellers who already have visas. Like the first order, it suspends the U.S. refugee program for four months and cuts the number of refugees the country is willing to take in from 110,000 to 50,000. Is it really about national security?

The order says people from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen “warrant additional scrutiny in connection with our immigration policies Union has promised to fight the will look at,” Ruthizer said. because the conditions in these new ban in court, and the atStephen Yale-Loehr, an imcountries present heightened torneys general of Washington migration law professor at threats.” and Virginia have said they’re Cornell University Law School, Intelligence analysts at the evaluating their legal options. said that even if the new order Department of Homeland SeBut it will be “much, much is on more solid legal footing, it curity have questioned that tougher” for a federal judge to “will not quell litigation or conrationale, concluding that citi- block because it’s drafted much cerns.” zenship is an “unlikely indica- more carefully, New York im“U.S. relatives will still sue tor” of terrorist ties. migration attorney Ted Ruthiz- over the inability of their loved Washington state and Min- er said. ones to join them in the United nesota argued in their successSince the order applies to States,” he said. “U.S. compaful legal case against the origi- a small portion of the world’s nies may sue because they cannal order that it was motivated Muslim population, courts not hire needed workers from by Trump’s desire — stated dur- might be hesitant to find it’s the six countries. And U.S. uniing the campaign — to ban Mus- discriminatory, he said. And versities will worry about the lims. judges have a history of uphold- impact of the order on interThe 9th Circuit ruling did ing immigration laws that dis- national students’ willingness not deal with the to attend college states’ argument in the United that the ban vioStates.” lated the First A m e n d m e n t ’s The new ban temporarily bars new What’s the separation of visas for citizens of six predominantly reaction? church and state Muslim countries — one fewer than Top Republiby allegedly disthe original, with Iraq removed from cans welcomed favouring Islam. the list. It does not apply to travellers the changes. Sen. But the judges who already have visas. Orrin Hatch of said they would Utah said the evaluate that isrevised order sue after further makes signifibriefing, and they called the criminate on the basis of race cant progress toward what he claims serious and significant. and nationality when national called for after the first version: The question is likely to be security is an issue, he said. to avoid hindering innocent central to any challenges of the “There’s still the argument travellers or refugees fleeing new ban. that, when you take down all violence and persecution. the window dressing, it’s still a House Speaker Paul Ryan Will it hold up? religion ban, but these are the said the order “advances our The American Civil Liberties kinds of nuances that the courts shared goal of protecting the

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homeland.” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the president had the authority to secure the nation’s borders “in light of the looming threat of terrorism.” The response abroad was more critical. The head of the U.N. refugee agency said it may compound the anguish of those fleeing strife or famine. Somalia’s new president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, acknowledged his nation’s security troubles but said Somalis “have contributed to the U.S. economy and the U.S. society ... and we have to talk about what the Somali people have contributed rather than a few people who may cause a problem.” Iran reiterated that it would bar travellers from the U.S. in retaliation, and a Yemeni political analyst, Hassan Al-Wareeth, denounced the new ban as hypocritical. It doesn’t affect some Gulf and Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, which, he argued, have had many citizens involved in terror attacks. ■ Johnson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Steve Peoples in Washington, Brady McCombs in Salt Lake City and Matthew Barakat in McLean, Virginia, contributed to this report.

Canadian citizen... debating whether I should cancel.” Her experience came up in the House of Commons on Monday as the NDP peppered the Liberals with ques❰❰ 16

tions about her case and about allegations of racial profiling against Canadians at the border. “We are talking about a Canadian citizen, born in Canada, illegally turned back at the U.S.

border, and we want a prime minister who knows how to stand up,” NDP Leader Tom Mulcair told Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during question period. Public Safety Minister Ralph www.canadianinquirer.net

Goodale said each country has the sovereign right to control its own borders. “We also have the high expectation that all of our citizens will be treated respectfully and

in a fair manner,” Goodale told reporters. Montreal-area MP Anju Dhillon is looking into the Kooner case to help remedy the situation. ■

World News

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

North Korea, Malaysia ban each other’s citizens from leaving BY EILEEN NG The Associated Press KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — North Korea barred Malaysians from exiting its borders and Malaysia followed suit Tuesday, turning ordinary citizens into pawns in the diplomatic battle surrounding the investigation into the bizarre death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s half brother. The tit-for-tat directives come as relations between the two countries disintegrate over the poisoning of Kim Jong Nam in a crowded airport terminal in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 13. “This is way out of normal diplomatic practice,” Lalit Mansingh, a New Delhi-based scholar and longtime top Indian diplomat, said of North Korea’s decision. He could not recall anything similar in recent years, where so many everyday citizens were pulled into a diplomatic standoff. Although there is growing speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack, Malaysia has never directly accused Pyongyang. Still, North Korea has slammed the investigation as flawed and called into question Malaysia’s autopsy report that found VX nerve agent — a banned chemical weapon — killed Kim. The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday that Pyongyang was banning Malaysians from leaving the country “until the safety

of the diplomats and citizens of (North Korea) in Malaysia is fully guaranteed through the fair settlement of the case that occurred in Malaysia.” Malaysia is looking for seven North Korean suspects. Three of them, including an official at the North Korean Embassy, are believed to still be in Malaysia. Khalid Abu Bakar, Malaysia’s national police chief, said the three are probably holed up inside the embassy. “We will not raid the embassy,” Khalid said. “... We will wait. We will wait, and if it takes five years we will wait outside. Definitely somebody will come out.” Soon after North Korea announced its travel ban, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak issued a strong condemnation and said he was barring North Koreans from leaving. “This abhorrent act, effectively holding our citizens hostage, is in total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms,” Najib said in a statement. “I have also instructed the Inspector General of Police to prevent all North Korean citizens in Malaysia from leaving the country until we are assured of the safety and security of all Malaysians in North Korea,” he said. Malaysian officials had initially said the ban would affect only North Korean Embassy staff and officials, but later expanded it to include all North Koreans. Police briefly cor-

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doned off access to the embassy. About 1,000 North Koreans are believed to be working in Malaysia. Before diplomatic ties broke down, Malaysia had been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years it’s been a quiet destination for North Koreans looking for jobs, schools and business deals. Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Marican told reporters at parliament that there were 11 Malaysians in North Korea: three working at the Malaysian Embassy, two

United Nations workers and six family members. North Korea said Malaysian diplomats and citizens “may work and live normally under the same conditions and circumstances as before” during the period of the temporary exit ban. It also said that the Malaysian ambassador would be expelled, although he has already been recalled to Malaysia. Malaysia’s finding that the nerve agent VX killed Kim boosted speculation that North Korea was behind the attack. Experts say the oily poison was

almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory, and North Korea is widely believed to possess large quantities of chemical weapons, including VX. The attack was caught on grainy surveillance camera footage that showed two women going up behind Kim as he waited for a flight and wiping something across his face. According to Malaysian investigators, the substance was VX and Kim was dead within 20 minutes. The women, one from Vietnam and the other from Indonesia, have been charged with murder. Both say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank. North Korea has not acknowledged that the victim is Kim Jong Nam or a relative of Kim Jong Un. Instead, it refers to him as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying when he died. Custody of the body has become a flashpoint. Malaysia says it needs to conduct DNA tests to formally identify the body, but North Korea says it has no right to keep the body of a North Korean citizen. Kim, who was in his mid-40s, had lived abroad for years and was estranged from his younger half brother, the North Korean ruler. ■ AP writers Tim Sullivan in New Delhi and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.

Deadlock in Cyprus reunification talks continues PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY NICOSIA — The UN envoy had failed to convince Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to return to the negotiations to attempt to reunify the Greek and Turkish communities on the island, A Cypriot government spokesman told state television on Monday. After securing the consent of Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to resume the talks, the

UN Secretary General’s special adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, met with Akinci for three hours on the weekend in an effort to bring him back to the negotiating table. “We talked to Eide after he spoke with Akinci and his message was that there was no change in the position of the Turkish Cypriot leader,” Cypriot government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said. Akinci withdrew from the negotiations after the all-Greek Cypriot parliament passed an

amendment making it mandatory for teachers to speak in class about a 1950 referendum in which the Greek Cypriot community, which makes up 80 percent of the population, expressed its wish to unite with Greece. That policy was changed in 1960 when Cyprus, until then a British colony, became an independent state. More recently, the reunification of Cyprus or part of it with any state, or the secession of any part of Cyprus was excluded in an agreement www.canadianinquirer.net

between Anastasiades and Akinci when they started negotiations 22 months ago. During his three-hour meeting with Eide on Saturday, Akinci insisted that parliament reverse its vote before he returned to the negotiations, sources said. Akinci’s demand has caused a strong reaction from lawmakers, even those who fervently support the resumption of the negotiations, as it was considered a move to dictate to parliament how to vote.

A parliamentary committee which considered the bill last week said it had not set a date to debate it. A UN spokesman in Nicosia said Eide would travel to the United States on Tuesday, where he would meet with U.S. administration officials dealing with the Cyprus problem before coming back later in the week to meet with civil society groups of Turkish and Greek Cypriots who are pressing for the resumption of the negotiations. ■

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

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Liberals extend Ukraine Drugs seized in mission to 2019, but face Athens destined criticism for not doing more for Middle East, linked to ISIS: Greek authorities BY ADINA BRESGE The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The Liberal government on Monday extended its military training mission in Ukraine, amid warnings Russia could attempt to “destabilize” Canada’s political system. But while largely welcomed by the Ukrainian government, the extension is being criticized by the Opposition for not going far enough in helping deal with a new outbreak of violence in the country. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canadian military trainers will remain in Ukraine until at least March 2019. Canada has had about 200 trainers in the eastern European country since the summer of 2015, where they have taught about 3,200 Ukrainian troops the basics of soldiering as well as some advanced skills. But the mission, which began after Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist forces in Ukraine’s Donbass region, had been set to expire at the end of this month. Sajjan said the extension was intended to show Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, while sending “a very strong message” to Russia that its actions will not be tolerated. “It is Russia’s actions that have caused us to do this,” Sajjan said during a news conference with Freeland outside the House of Commons, where the two ministers were flanked by more than a dozen Liberal MPs. “Crimea, Ukraine and some of the other actions that they have taken. So that’s something we always have to put into context. It is their actions that are making us to respond in this manner.” At one point, Freeland suggested those actions could also include trying to interfere in or “destabilize” Canada’s political system as Russia is accused of having done in the United States. “There have been efforts, as U.S. intelligence forces have

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CANADIAN ARMED FORCES / FACEBOOK

said, by Russia to destabilize the U.S. political system,” she said, referring to allegations the Kremlin tried to influence last year’s presidential election. “I think that Canadians, and indeed other western countries, should be prepared for similar efforts to be directed at us.” Monday’s announcement was highly anticipated after Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko publicly appealed for an extension when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Kyiv last July. Ukrainian Ambassador Andriy Shevchenko said his country is grateful for Canada’s continued support, particularly after the worst outbreak of violence in eastern Ukraine since 2015. Dozens of soldiers and civilians were killed in the region in February, raising fears that what had already been a tenuous ceasefire between the Ukrainian government in Kyiv and Russian-backed rebels was dead. Nearly 10,000 people have been killed since fighting erupted in April 2014, and hundreds of thousands more have been forced from their homes. “We welcome this news with great gratitude to the Canadian people and with hope that this will bring more security both for Ukraine and Canada,” Shevchenko said. “To Ukrainians, it’s a sign of solidarity. To Russia, it’s a very strong signal of deterrence. And to the world, I think it’s a very powerful message of global leadership in dealing with glob-

al threats and global issues.” But Shevchenko said his country still needs assistance in other areas, particularly “lethal aid” such as anti-tank weapons as well as satellite imagery to track rebel and Russian troop movements. Ukraine has been pressing for such lethal aid for years, but the ambassador said the recent fighting “really shows that we need these weapons just as bad as we needed them in the beginning of the war.” Canada, meanwhile, did provide satellite imagery under the previous Conservative government, but the Liberals stopped the practice when they came to power. Conservative foreign affairs critic Peter Kent criticized the Liberals’ “bare-bones” mission extension, saying it fell far short of what was needed, given the new surge in violence. That includes a resumption in the sharing of satellite imagery and the provision of weapons, which the Tories also refused to provide but which Kent said is now necessary, given the uptick in fighting. “Our worst concerns have been realized today with a barebones extension of Operation Unifier, which doesn’t recognize the very changed situation in eastern Ukraine,” he said. “We are disappointed.” Russian Embassy spokesman Kirill Kalinin, meanwhile, released a statement describing the extension as “counterproductive” and calling on Canada to pressure Ukraine to sue for peace with the rebels. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

ATHENS — A large quantity of narcotics seized last week during a raid on an illegal lab in Elefsina, 17 km west of here, were destined to countries in the Middle East and with links with Islamic State (IS), Greek authorities said on Monday, according to Greek national news agency AMNA. One Greek national, two Albanians and one Turkish national have been arrested and another three individuals are wanted in connection with the case, officials said during a press briefing at the headquarters of the Greek financial crimes squad (SDOE). According to investigators, the case is linked to IS since Captagon pills, a synthetic amphetamine, is widely used by jihadi fighters to make them ruthless, remorseless, more physically resilient, and unafraid. The 635,000 Captagon tablets seized during last week’s raid on the drug lab represent the largest quantity of such narcotic pills ever seized in Greece. Their street value is estimated at about 10 million euros (USD 10.5 million). It is the first time authorities have discovered a Captagon lab for the manufacturing of

these drugs in Greece, officials stressed. Based on the substances found during the raid, it is estimated that the lab had the capacity to produce another batch of a similar size. The bust followed a threemonth stake out and investigation carried out by the SDOE in collaboration with the Greek coast guard and the Greek police. Greek authorities were tipped off about the international ring’s action by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Greek officials said. Greek authorities are now also investigating whether any of the drugs were sold on the Greek market. During the operation, Greek authorities discovered and confiscated a truck with a secret compartment for transporting the drugs, as well as a speed boat with two powerful 500-horsepower outboard motors, capable of reaching speeds of up to about 115 km per hour. Investigators believe the drugs were to be transferred to the speedboat for transportation to Turkey and from there to countries in the Middle East, including Syria. Greek investigators have also seized documents belonging to people involved in the case that will be further examined by Greek and international authorities. ■

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FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

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MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Entertainment Heaven can’t wait: Restoring ‘Hihintayin Kita sa Langit’ BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer

2 COOL 2 BE 4GOTTEN / FACEBOOK

What’s in a movie title BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer “2COOL 2 Be 4gotten” director Petersen Vargas admitted to have “fought so hard” with members of his production team to keep the film’s title. He even came up with a threeparagraph essay to defend his choice. “It was originally titled ‘Dos Mestizos.’ I changed it because it has already become a very different material from its first draft,” explained Petersen, adding that he has come up with some 20 other titles before finally settling on one. “Nothing was working, until my mentor (filmmaker Jade Castro) and I came up with it one night while having drinks.” The original material was by writer-filmmaker Jason Paul Laxamana. Petersen explained his title of choice. “I wanted to capture the youthful and carefree vibe of the film, which is set in the ’90s. Direk Jade remembered this obscure song of the same title, also from the ’90s. When he read more about it, he found out that the singer (Lucinda Williams) first saw it as a random vandal on a wall.” Petersen said the resistance came mostly from his producers and scriptwriter. “I guess they thought that using num-

bers in the title makes it baduy. For me, it was perfect for something so youthful and dark.” He explained that the original concept centered on the effect of the arrival of the half-American Snyder brothers (portrayed by Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake) in their new school. “But I wanted my film to focus just on their relationship with Felix (Khalil Ramos). I wanted the title to talk about all three of them,” Petersen pointed out. “In the end, it worked because people liked it.” “2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten,” last year’s best picture at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival, will be shown in theaters nationwide starting March 15. A portion of the essay, which Jade sent to Cinema One producer Ronald Arguelles, said: “Petersen never loved any of the titles we threw his way, except this. It took me a moment, too, to realize why words like ‘mestizo’ or ‘lessons’ were too cumbersome and old. Everything else just seems ordinary and boring after you encounter a title such as this.” The director said he was pleased that the film had received positive comments from members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community. Petersen, a Kapampangan, shot the film in Pampanga. ■

producer, his mother Armida Siguion-Reyna of Reynafilms, for helping him weave “movie magic” in spite of the challenges. PARDON FILMMAKER Carlos “Despite our disagreements, Siguion-Reyna if he cannot help she was fully supportive and getting finicky while watching worked very hard for the crethe digitally restored version of ative and box-office success of his 1991 film, “Hihintayin Kita the film,” he remarked. sa Langit.” The film is currently being During the unveiling of the screened in Glorietta and Trirestored film last Feb. 27 at the Noma until tomorrow, as part Glorietta 4 Cinema, a series of of the ABS-CBN festival of Cin“what-could-have-beens” ran ema Classics, he volunteered. rapidly through his mind. “There are also plans to release “I saw some missed opportuit on cable, VOD, paid internet nities,” he later shared with the outlets, possibly DVD and other Inquirer. “I should have used platforms here and abroad.” acoustic music, instead of synCinema Classics is made thesizers. I should have done possible by ABS-CBN Film the film with original sound Restoration and Ayala Malls instead of dubbing afterwards. Cinemas; the restoration of I should’ve covered that mo“Hihintayin” was done in partment from another angle… and nership with Central Digital so on.” Lab. But then again, “Hihintayin” he acknowlis only the beginedged that the ning. Reynafilms film is exactly as To me, the tone remains consistent, plans to restore it should be, prethe characters’ story arcs are clean, all its titles, insenting a “picthe themes are communicated. And cluding Siguionture of me at the Batanes in the wild continues to Reyna’s “Ikaw time.” enchant. Pa Lang ang Mi“I really wantnahal,” “Ligaya ed to do the story ang Itawag Mo sa (a takeoff from Akin” and “Saan Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering ter all that running. “We could Ka Man Naroroon,” Jose Mari Heights’), with all the scope and only achieve slow motion by Avellana’s “Kung Mawawala intensity of its characters’ pas- shooting at high speed. So, yes, Ka Pa,” Romy Suzara’s “Larusions and cruelty, the themes it was very tiring for the actors, ang Apoy” and Mario O’Hara of love and revenge, even as we the camera crew and the film and Suzara’s “Mga Bilanggong emphasized the class politics,” loader.” Birhen.” he said. Needless to say, the film capBoth the director and his He described the restoration tured not only its young stars, mom feel strongly about film process as “gratifying.” but also Batanes and its rolling preservation. “Filipino films “Despite the what-could- hills in all their raw, natural need to be preserved to allow have-beens, the film has held splendor. future generations to study the up through the years,” he ex“I later learned that Batanes contributions of our filmmakplained. “To me, the tone re- experienced an upswing in ers to the country’s history of mains consistent, the charac- tourist arrivals after the film film as art,” he asserted. ters’ story arcs are clean, the was shown,” the director reHe emphasized that preserthemes are communicated. lated. “Several tourists went vation raises pertinent quesAnd Batanes in the wild contin- out looking for the balcony tions: “Who were these filmues to enchant.” Ah, Batanes. It of Dawn’s home. But we only makers? What were their was his second film, and he was constructed that balcony on a contributions? How did we “26 years younger and brasher,” spot where there was a great develop and get here? Have we he owned up. One of the bravest view of the hills—making sure gone back or moved forward?” decisions he had made then was it matched the one in the real Ultimately, he noted, “It’s an to shoot in Batanes, still unex- house, which was located in… issue of identity—the filmmakplored cinematic territory back Novaliches. Movie magic!” ers’ creative identities, the culthen. He gave full credit to his ture’s identity.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Now, it can be told: Of the film’s 26 shooting days, only five were spent on the country’s northernmost island. In those days, Philippine Airlines could only land there with small propeller-driven planes, he recounted. “We couldn’t bring those big movie lights and generators. We had to shoot the Batanes scenes in available sunlight, with reflectors, and no camera dollies.” He pointed out that the “limitations” allowed him and cinematographer Romy Vitug to create some of the film’s most “iconic” scenes—particularly, lead stars Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta running, in slow motion, along the hills during magic hour. He recalled that Richard and Dawn ended up exhausted af-

Entertainment

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

A festival for actors, too

The gospel of Luke

Cast members of the Sinag Maynila films encountered challenges, major and minor, on and off the set

Luke Evans is the dashingly devious Gaston in the live-action take on Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’

BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer THE FIVE feature films in the Sinag Maynila fest presented all sorts of dilemmas for the proponents—especially for some of the actors. “Challenging,” Martin Escudero describes his role as Kaye, a transgender, in Jason Orfalas’ “Ladyfish,” but quickly adds that it had nothing to do with the high heels, shoulder-length wig and body-hugging dresses. The five feature films in the Sinag Maynila fest presented all sorts of dilemmas for the proponents—especially for some of the actors. “Challenging,” Martin Escudero describes his role as Kaye, a transgender, in Jason Orfalas’ “Ladyfish,” but quickly adds that it had nothing to do with the high heels, shoulder-length wig and body-hugging dresses. Cortez discloses that she has stumbled on one vital realization from the dual role. “I learned that I’d rather act than produce.” She owns up that a producer had to solve numerous “headache-inducing problems” on the set. Francisco also wore two hats as producer and actor in “Bhoy Intsik.” “As producer, I have many responsibilities. But the moment I step on the set, I become an actor … not a producer.” Yambao recalls that they often had to shoot, guerrilla-style. “We had no permit, but we were able to film in Balintawak. We

BY RUEL S. DE VERA Philippine Daily Inquirer

Martin Escudero in “Ladyfish”.

Kristofer King and Angela Cortez in “Kristo”.

also had to be finished by 4 p.m. in the cockpit, because the cockfight would begin by then.” The fourth entry, Arnel Barbarona’s “Tu Pug Imatuy (The Right to Kill),” mainly features nonprofessional actors from indigenous communities, festival director Brillante Ma Mendoza points out. “I had a difficult time completing the cast,” Barbarona recounts. “Especially, the lead actress (Malona Sulatan).” Luckily, she was a standout, he notes. The other actors also did well, particularly the lumad kids. “The Ilyan girl (Jil-

lian Khayle Barbarona) is my daughter and has been acting since 2012.” Lastly, Ricardo Carranza’s documentary, “Beyond the Block,” chronicles the growth of street dancing in the Philippines, featuring stars Ray-An Fuentes and Gary Valenciano. Hector Gatdula, one of the interviewees in the docu, explains: “Dance comes from the heart. I started hip-hop in the country … it later evolved into funk, robot.” The Sinag Maynila fest will run from March 9 to 14 at Gateway, Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall. ■

LUKE EVANS understands transformations. The 37-yearold actor has played fiendishly good-looking fiends such as Owen Shaw in the 2013 carmageddon mega-smash “Fast & Furious 6” but has also played goodly handsome do-gooder Bard the Bowman in Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” trilogy. He’s gone immortal (2011’s “Immortals,”) cursed (2014’s “Dracula Untold”) and fragile (2016’s “The Girl on the Train”). But perhaps the biggest transformation for the Welsh Evans is his act of turning a two-dimensional animated character into flesh and bone. Evans will be playing the blowhard bad guy Gaston in Disney’s upcoming live-action take on the classic 1991 animated movie musical “Beauty and the Beast.” Evans spoke to reporters over the phone from China, where he was promoting the film. And

to answer the question in your head, yes, Evans will be singing his animated counterpart’s song, notably the song called, well, “Gaston.” While this muscled, musical part may surprise many people, it shouldn’t. Evans actually began his career in entertainment as a singer. “Coming from a musical background as a singer, I thought the most rewarding thing was to be able to sing in a live action film,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for a while to do that. It’s special to be able to use my voice that way in a film.” Evans recalls that he had to do two auditions for “Beauty and the Beast” director Bill Condon before getting the role. “It was a privilege to take on a role that is so loved,” Evans explains. “I hadn’t worked with Disney before. I wanted to do a movie that kids could see.” The 1991 original (in which Richard White voiced the Gaston character) holds a power❱❱ PAGE 27 The gospel

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST / FACEBOOK

‘Logan’ slices box office with $85.3M, ‘Moonlight’ gets bump BY JAKE COYLE The Associated Press NEW YORK — The R-rated “XMen” spinoff “Logan” slashed into the weekend box office, opening with a massive $85.3 million in North American theatres, according to studio estimates Sunday, while bestpicture winner “Moonlight” got a significant, if far from superhero-sized, Oscar bump. The debut of 20th Century Fox’s “Logan,” starring Hugh

Jackman as Wolverine, ranks among the biggest March openings ever and top R-rated debuts. Like last year’s R-rated “Deadpool” (also a Fox release), the better-than-expected opening for “Logan” — a darkly violent, grittily dramatic movie applauded by critics — further proves moviegoers’ hunger for less conventional comic book films. “‘Deadpool,’ was to comedy what ‘Logan’ is to drama. The only common theme is that they’re quote-unquote ‘comicbook movies’ and they’re rated

R,” said Fox distribution chief Chris Aronson, who credited director and co-writer James Mangold and Jackman for executing their personal vision for the film. Jackman has said it will be his final performance as Wolverine, whose claws he has worn for 17 years. “Logan,” made for about $100 million, also sold $152.5 million in tickets overseas. Last week’s No. 1 film, Jordan Peele’s horror sensation “Get Out” slid just 22 per cent — a small drop for any movie www.canadianinquirer.net

but particularly in the horror genre. The acclaimed Universal Pictures release, made for $5 million by Blumhouse Productions, dropped to second place but still grossed $26.1 million. Its 10-day total is $75 million. The Oscar best-picture winner “Moonlight” had its widest release yet, appearing on 1,564 screens. It turned in its biggest weekend, too, with an estimated $2.5 million. That accounts for roughly 10 per cent of the movie’s total domestic haul of $25.3 million.

“Moonlight,” made for just $1.5 million, is also out on DVD and on-demand. Indie distributor A24 said it will be its highest-grossing release in its fiveyear existence. “Moonlight” also ranks fourth on iTunes. “That’s a true Oscar halo effect in full view,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for comScore. “Usually the biggest bounce comes from the nominations. But this film hadn’t made a ton of money. A24 smartly expanded into more theatres, and it really worked for them.” ■

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Lifestyle THAT ‘CERTAIN SENSE OF Banksy’s art in West Bank PERFECTION’: hotel with world’s ‘worst view’ 15 years of the art of Wynn Wynn Ong

BY NEBI QENA The Associated Press

BETHLEHEM, PALESTINIAN Territory — A Palestinian guesthouse packed with artwork of the elusive British graffiti artist Banksy unveiled itself Friday in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, with a sneak peek of what the owner sarcastically called the “hotel with the worst view in the world.” Wisam Salsaa, 42, said the nine-room establishment named “The Walled Off Hotel” will officially open on Mar. 11, but he offered a handful of reporters a tour of the hotel looking directly at the West Bank separation barrier erected by Israel to ward off potential Palestinian attackers. The barrier, which Palestinians consider to be a land grab that stifles their movement, is heavily decorated by artists and Banksy has previously painted several murals on a walled segment of it. The hotel, several of whose rooms look onto an Israeli security watchtower, is awash in the trademark satirical work of the mysterious artist. The highlight is room number three, known as “Banksy’s Room,” where guests sleep in a kingsize bed underneath Banksy’s artwork showing a Palestinian and an Israeli in a pillow fight. The hotel also features a presidential suite and a museum with the artist’s politically-charged work. It has the markings of a gentleman’s club from the English colonial period. The entrance to one small

A retrospective of the work of one of the most-copied designers around will be ‘no dry exhibit of beauty’ BY CHECHE V. MORAL Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE WALLED OFF HOTEL / FACEBOOK

niche accommodates a life-size figure of Arthur James Balfour signing his 1917 letter that came to be known as the Balfour declaration, and was the basis for the international push for the creation of Israel. The cheapest rooms were available from $30 a night. The whole project took 14 months to complete and was kept under complete secrecy, in accordance with Banksy’s request to protect his anonymity. Salsaa said the entire interior was personally overseen by Banksy, to the very last details. The hotel is the largest new body of work in years, according to a press release distributed by representatives who attended Friday’s tour. Banksy has made previous forays into the Palestinian territories. In one secret visit, he drew a painting of a girl pulled

upward by balloons on the barrier facing his current project. Last year, he is believed to have sneaked into Gaza to draw four street murals, including one on a metal door that depicted the Greek goddess Niobe cowering against the rubble of a destroyed house. The painting, titled “Bomb Damage,” was drawn on the last remaining part of a twostory house that was destroyed in the 2014 war between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers. The artist’s satirical stencils — rats, kissing policemen, riot police with yellow smiley faces — first appeared on walls in Bristol before spreading to London and then around the world. His artwork comments on war, child poverty and the environment. His identity remains a mystery, but his works have fetched as much as $1.8 million at auctions. ■

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WHEN WYNN Wynn Ong began preparing for her upcoming retrospective exhibit, she was deluged with generous collectors proffering to loan their pieces, such as jewelry, furniture, objets d’art. The artist and designer was faced with the happy dilemma of whittling down the showpieces to a “relevant, cogent” collection that best sums up the first 15 years of her remarkable career. But more than a celebration of her achievements, Ong wants “Wynn Wynn Ong: Redefining Boundaries” (March 9-June 15 at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City) to be a “learning tool, to open people’s minds.” “Someone pointed out to me that the exhibit will not be for my collectors, because my collectors will always be there,” she says. “‘You want it to be a way of mentoring,’ my friend said.”

of the exhibit for small groups. “We don’t want it to be a dry exhibit of beauty,” she says. “If somebody is interested in design and somebody explained to them the way the mind works, that there are no rules, that there’s nothing to fear, that they shouldn’t question themselves and that they should just do it… If we could encourage kids to do that… “If we really want to be good at our craft regardless of what it is and not be pale imitations of others, it all boils down to masipag at matiyaga. Keep at it, to not think you’re so good you can’t learn anymore.” Ong, who’s recuperating from an airport mishap that left her with two fractured vertebrae, is in the final stages of editing the exhibit collection. She lost five weeks in her timetable after hospitalization and subsequent physical therapy, but she’s now back on her feet, determined to be present at the unveiling on March 8. Evolution

No rules

A former teacher, Ong was reminded of the joys teaching brought her, and her rapport with students. Perhaps, she says, the exhibit could be a teaching tool for students of design. There will be intimate talks by Ong, and guided tours

Just like when she begins a design, the retrospective started with a concept. There’s a story and a narrative. “Why did we start in the first place? Was there evolution, and in what sense? And what sort of ❱❱ PAGE 39 15 years

Lifestyle

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Artist with blood on his hands Meet Elito Circa–contemporary folk artist who uses blood as medium BY CONSTANTINO C. TEJERO Philippine Daily Inquirer FOLK ARTIST Elito Villaflor Circa has gained renown after he posted on the internet popular images of President Duterte and boxer Manny Pacquiao that he painted with his own blood. He uses his blood for pigment and his hair for texture, making it to Ripley’s Believe It or Not. He says blood symbolizes life, love and sacrifice. Afolk artist who draws from—and is revered by— the folk community is Elito Villaflor Circa, the contemporary folk artist of Pantabangan town in Nueva Ecija. Relatively young at 47, he is not only reverentially called “Amangpintor” (Father Painter) by his people; his artworks are also being collected internationally, some even housed by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. But he is proudest that they’re collected by his own people. “Nakakalat ngayon sa buong Pantabangan,” he says, and points to the statuary at the entrance of Central Luzon State University in Muñoz City as based on his painting. His paintings are thematic, often with historical and mythical subjects, using legends of his place to metaphorize the struggles of his people, the beauty of

his hometown, the destruction of the environment. He is also a folk historian. He writes articles about his town and has even created personalized comics about it. In fact, many of his paintings are records of life in Pantabangan since the 1970s, when the townsfolk were relocated uphill after their 300-year-old poblacion was submerged in water to create the reservoir of Pantabangan Dam. Hegained national renown after he posted on the internet popular images of President Duterte and boxer Manny Pacquiao that he painted with his ownblood. He did “Manny Pacquiao Hearted Fist” in 2015 during Pacquiao’s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. “President Rodrigo Duterte in the Center of the Triangle,” done last year after Mr. Duterte won the presidency, went viral online. People had heard of solar painting, sand painting, and those using coffee and mud in lieu of pigment, but not many were aware there was such a thing as blood painting. Circa paints using not only his blood as pigment but also his hair for texture on the canvas. With that, he made it to Ripley’s Believe It or Not. He is an autodidact, with no

formal training in art school. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from CLSU but ended up as a programmertechnician. He is an information system analyst at the Philippine Center for Mechanization and Development. But he has always been creative since childhood. He recalls crafting his own toys from discarded pieces of wood and tin. He would sketch on the walls and doors of their house using charcoal from their stove. He says he has been painting since he was eight years old. For canvas, he used old shirts, pillowcases, blankets. For mediums—“dagta ng kahoy, katas ng kamatis, toyo, mantika,” including extracts from fruits, onion, tuba, molasses, or any available material, even rust. His father, a carpenter, would bring home surplus enamel paint and plywood for him to paint on, and helped him make brush using his own hair. His first proper painting, done in 1978 and depicting a man in coat and tie with a tree in the background, is in mixed media of soy sauce, water, tinting colors, and enamel paint on plywood. He has done over 600 paintings since. His first blood painting, created in 1992, is a nude selfportrait. He has done 30 blood paintings since, seven of them

prominence for him. The shoot itself was something he enjoyed. “Every experience every day was fun. We really didn’t want it to end,” he says, adding that he also enjoyed working with the film’s Belle, Emma Watson. “She was wonderful.” Additionally, Evans says the film was really something different for him. “It’s nice to do a family film,” he admits. “It’s nice to do a light character, because I’ve done quite a lot of darker characters.” Approaching an iconic character like Gaston wasn’t something he took for granted. “You have to accept the fact he is a flamboyant character. You can’t do the role halfway. You have to be 110 percent in-

vested,” he says. “He’s quite an unlikeable character. My challenge was getting people to like him at the beginning and then let them see what a monster he really was later on.” The role is also interesting in that Evans had always brought a dark intensity to his role, whether he’s playing a good guy or a bad guy. In Gaston, he gets to play someone who appears to be the former before turning out to be the latter. In the available video clips of the live-action film, Evans clearly makes a great Gaston, down to the pipes and the dancing. Evans also says he shared a great rapport with Josh Gad, who plays Gaston’s hype man Lefou. Evans savored the entire

Peculiar art-making

ELITO CIRCA / FACEBOOK

full-scale. He spends five hours to work on a piece, using 75-ml blood for a small one. In 2009, he was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the first Filipino blood-and-hair painter. His work is not exclusive to blood, though, as he is also into oil and acrylic, or pigment mixed with blood. If the canvas is not saturated with blood, it is at least signed with his blood. Why blood? Because it symbolizes life, love and sacrifice— and these, to him, an authentic work of art should involve. Also, by signing each piece with his blood, considering the DNA principle, it will show that the work is truly his, notwithstanding the vicissitudes of time it may undergo. Circa also popularizes handpainting performance to music

or band accompaniment, with views of nature as subject, using the three primary colors and white, and to be finished within 5-10 minutes. He also does finger -painting with his fingernails. He is often invited to perform in provincial events, school affairs, even weddings and birthdays. He finds time to teach art to rural children. He has been pushing for an art movement of his own coinage—Indigenouism —which encourages local artists to use primary agricultural products as sources of mediums for painting. Two years ago, as homage to the noble profession of teaching, he painted “A Thousand and One Lives.” Exactly 1,001 teachers and Department of Education employees participated in its creation, donating their hair and blood to be incorporated in the mural. ■

“Beauty and the Beast” experience. In fact, he now says he would like to do more family films in the future. And he looks forward to handling more musical film roles. “This is a moment when more people are making more movie musicals,” he tells Super. “Look at how ‘La La Land’ did. They’ve really embraced the musical genre. Who knows? I would like to do more things like this.” Evans will be kept busy by an array of upcoming film roles. Among his more unusual forthcoming roles is psychologist Dr. William Moulton Marston, the creator of the comic book heroine Wonder Woman, in “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women.” It won’t be the first time

Evans would have had a hand in bringing a twodimensional character to surprising life. That’s the biggest thing he is bringing to Gaston. “When you bring an animated character to life, as a human figure, there’s a lot you can bring to the character,” he says. “You bring layers and depth.” That’s music to everyone’s ears and calls out for everyone to witness the entirety of his latest transformation when “Beauty and the Beast” debuts on screens later this month. Everyone will be there. After all, as the song goes, “no one says no to Gaston.” And no one says no to Luke Evans. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” opens in cinemas on March 16. ■

Noble profession

The gospel... ful memory for Evans when he was growing up in the village of Aberbargoed in Wales. “I was 12 when it first came out,” he remembers. “I lived in a little village in Wales. Mymumtook me to see it. I still remember coming out of the cinema singing the songs. My mum even bought me the CD of the soundtrack.” Evans left Aberbargoed at 17 to train in music before becoming a regular on the West End, playing Chris in “Miss Saigon” and Roger in “Rent.” In a way, Evans is a late bloomer, only getting his first film role when he was already 30. Evans has made the most of the seven years since and “Beauty and the Beast” represents a new level of ❰❰ 25

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Lifestyle

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Smoking pot as a medicine Cursive sees revival raises questions for doctors in school instruction about side effects Flip the script:

BY KAREN MATTHEWS The Associated Press NEW YORK — Cursive writing is looping back into style in schools across the country after a generation of students who know only keyboarding, texting and printing out their words longhand. Alabama and Louisiana passed laws in 2016 mandating cursive proficiency in public schools, the latest of 14 states that require cursive. And last fall, the 1.1 million-student New York City schools, the nation’s largest public school system, encouraged the teaching of cursive to students, generally in the third grade. “It’s definitely not necessary but I think it’s, like, cool to have it,” said Emily Ma, a 17-yearold senior at New York City’s academically rigorous Stuyvesant High School who was never taught cursive in school and had to learn it on her own. Penmanship proponents say writing words in an unbroken line of swooshing l’s and threehumped m’s is just a faster, easier way of taking notes. Others say students should be able to understand documents written in cursive, such as, say, a letter from Grandma. And still more say it’s just a good life skill to have, especially when it comes to signing your name. That was where New York state Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis drew the line on the cursive generation gap, when she encountered an 18-yearold at a voter registration event who printed out his name in block letters. “I said to him, ‘No, you have to sign here,”‘ Malliotakis said. “And he said, ‘That is my signature. I never learned script.”‘ Malliotakis, a Republican from the New York City borough of Staten Island, took her concerns to city education officials and found a receptive audience. Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina distributed a handbook on teaching cursive writing in September and is encouraging principals to use it. It cites research suggesting that fluent

cursive helps students master writing tasks such as spelling and sentence construction because they don’t have to think as much about forming letters. Malliotakis also noted that students who can’t read cursive will never be able to read historical documents. “If an American student cannot read the Declaration of Independence, that is sad.” It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when cursive writing began to fall out of favour. But cursive instruction was in decline long before 2010, when most states adopted the Common Core curriculum standards, which say nothing about handwriting. Some script skeptics question the advantage of cursive writing over printing and wonder whether teaching it takes away from other valuable instruction. Anne Trubek, author of “The History and Uncertain Future of Handwriting,” said schools should not require cursive mastery any more than they should require all children to play a musical instrument. “I think students would all benefit from learning the piano,” she said, “but I don’t think schools should require all students take piano lessons.” At P.S. 166 in Queens, Principal Jessica Geller said there was never a formal decision over the years to banish the teaching of cursive. “We just got busy with the addition of technology, and we started focusing on computers,” she said. Third-graders at the school beamed as they prepared for a cursive lesson this past week. The 8-year-olds got their markers out, straightened their posture and flexed their wrists. Then it was “swoosh, curl, swoosh, curl,” as teacher Christine Weltner guided the students in writing linked-together c’s and a’s. Norzim Lama said he prefers cursive writing to printing “‘cause it looks fancy.” Camille Santos said cursive is “actually like doodling a little bit.” Added Araceli Lazaro: “It’s a really fascinating way to write, and I really think that everybody should learn about writing in script.” ■

BY GEORDON OMAND The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — Not all medicinal marijuana is created equal. That’s what some experts are saying as they warn about the health risks and curtailed effectiveness associated with smoking medicine. As medical pot becomes increasingly mainstream and Canada moves toward legalizing the substance, health experts are emphasizing the need for doctors and patients to consider the sometimes serious side effects linked to the various ways of consuming the drug. Paul Farnan, an addictions specialist at the University of British Columbia, likened a recommendation to smoke medicinal marijuana to a doctor handing out a prescription to light up an opium pipe. “We know there’s something in opium that helps pain, and we’re able to pharmaceutically develop morphine and other analgesics, but we wouldn’t say to people, ‘You have pain? Why don’t you smoke opium?’ “ he said. “We’re kind of saying to people, ‘We think there’s some stuff that cannabinoids will be helpful for. Why don’t you just smoke cannabis?’ First of all, cannabis is actually a really dangerous thing for your lungs.” Mikhail Kogan, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., said he sees no reason for people to smoke marijuana medically anymore. It’s difficult to absorb enough of the drug through the lungs, and gastric acids interfere when someone eats it, he said, adding that it’s more effective to take the drug by other means, such as under the tongue. “Rectally is actually a lot more preferred because of the volume of absorption. You can put a lot more and it gets absorbed a lot better, but not everybody is open to this way of administration,” Kogan said. “We have so many other products now, so many modes www.canadianinquirer.net

SHUTTERSTOCK

of delivery, that smoking in my opinion is very archaic and has very little clinical applicability,” he added. “Having said that, I think that probably the majority of people still smoke because it’s the most available method.” Health Canada officially recommends against smoking marijuana. “Many of the chemicals found in tobacco smoke are also found in cannabis smoke,” reads its website. The Canadian Medical Association has no formal position on the consumption of medicinal pot, but it officially opposes the inhalation of any burned plant material. Association spokesman Jeff Blackmer added that many physicians are reluctant to prescribe medical marijuana because of the absence of peerreviewed research into whether the drug is medically effective, its possible side effects, appropriate dosage and more. A “strong majority” of doctors would prefer not to be involved as so-called gatekeepers, Blackmer added. “Most of them hate it,” he said. “This is something that was imposed on us by the government and the majority of physicians do not want to have anything to do with it.” Debra Lynkowski, head of the Canadian Lung Association, urged patients and doctors to take lung health into consideration when discussing medicinal marijuana. “When you burn something, that combustion releases toxins

and carcinogens, and they’re released regardless of what the source is,” she said. “Our primary concern with regard to that is just to be considering any kind of lung health implications.” Colette Rivet, head of the association that represents licensed cannabis producers in Canada, said that while the industry is against smoking medical marijuana, ultimately it can’t restrict what patients do. “We know that there’s an issue with smoking. However, we can’t control it at the patient level,” Rivet said. “We’re trying to develop new product forms so they would be more inclined to go away from that.” Each licensed producer has its own unique document that physicians fill out when prescribing medical marijuana, which includes a minimum amount of information required by Health Canada, Rivet said. Beyond that, some companies ask whether a patient would prefer dried marijuana or oil, while others don’t, she added. A Health Canada spokesman confirmed that patients are in charge of requesting the form of medical marijuana they prefer, whether dry leaf or oil, and they are not restricted in how they wish to consume it. The sale of edibles is banned, but a June 2015 decision from the Supreme Court of Canada ruled medicinal marijuana patients have the right to prepare their medication however they want, including cooking it. ■

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Sports Lewton wins in playoff BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer SANTA ROSA, LAGUNA — Guided by the same line of putt he missed in regulation, Englishman Steve Lewton saved par in his return to the 18th in the playoff to clinch the Solaire Philippine Open crown at the expense of American Johannes Veerman at The Country Club here. “Though mine was farther than his, I was happy that it was the same line as in regulation, and shorter, too,” the lanky 6-foot-3 Lewton told sportswriters, referring to the winning 12-footer that rewarded him a net purse of $54,000 (about P2.7 million). Facing an upward putt of six feet, the 6-foot-4 Veerman missed the cup by an inch, also virtually from the same angle that he missed holing out for a 73 earlier. Still, the one-over par effort of Veerman, the reigning Asian Development

Tour Order of Merit champion, was good enough to push him into a tie with Lewton, who went over for the first time with a 75, at one-under 287 total. Thai Rattanon Wannasrichan, the third man in the championship flight, double bogeyed the 17th hole, then misread his closing par putt and settled for a 73 that denied him a ticket to the playoff with a 288 aggregate. The Filipino challenge, led by Miguel Tabuena and Tony Lascuña, fizzled out in the back nine. Despite a double bogey start, Tabuena went one under with a 20-foot eagle on the 10th, only to be sidetracked by a bogey on the 16th and another double bogey on the 18th. The 22-year-old Tabuena, champion in the 2015 PH Open held at Luisita, finished with a 75 and wound up joint fifth at 292, three shots better than Lascuna, who collapsed with six bogeys at the back, including the last three holes, for a 79 and a 295 total.

Tabuena, winner of last month’s TCC Invitationals, Lascuna, four-time Order of Merit champion of the Philippine Golf Tour, and 2008 PH Open titlist Angelo Que, who shot a 77 for 300, will fly to New Delhi Monday to join the Hero Indian Open. American Blake Snyder matched par 72 and wound up fourth at 291, towing Tabuena, Thai Suradit Yongcharoenchai (73), Singaporean Mitchell Slorach (73) and American Brett Munson (74) at 292. Though he went over for the first time after earlier efforts of 70-71-71, Lewton said he was very pleased with the result, considering the winds that blew at 30 mph and the difficult pin placements. “It’s good to come back here and play well again, said the 33year-old Lewton, who placed fourth in the 2014 Solaire Open also held at TCC when it was shorter than the current 7735 yards. It was a tight battle between Lewton,

whose second shot in the playoff landed in the sand trap, and Veerman, whose ball landed at the edge of the fringe, as they traded pars from the 12th before closing with bogeys. Lewton’s next stop will be the New Zealand Open next week, followed by an Asian Development Tour event in Kuala Lumpur. The revered Frankie Miñoza, PH Open champion in 1998 and 2007, closed out with an 80=309 in a tie with 2009 titlist Elmer Salvador (75). Gerald Rosales, the 2000 winner, skied to an 83 for 313. Australian Marcus Both, the 2014 winner, tallied a 72 for 298, faring better than Singaporean Mardan Mamat, the 2012 titlist, who fired 76 for 307 in the event sponsored by Solaire Resort and Casino and supported by Meralco and PLDT. The Philippine Open trophy is finally in Steve Lewton’s hands, three years after he placed fourth. ■

Whom did the Lady Bulldogs beat in five sets? BY MARC ANTHONY REYES Philippine Daily Inquirer WITH UNIVERSITY of the East sending in a big crowd to cheer them on, the Lady Warriors finally collected their first win of the season. Shaya Adorador scored a career-high 23 points to power UE to its first win at the expense of lowly Adamson, 25-22, 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, in the UAAP women’s volleyball at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday. “The only thing I told them was to go out there and fight, at least now they realized that they can win,” said Vicente. “Maybe from here we can start winning again.” Vicente thanked the UE community for sending a contingent to root for them. “That boosted the team, but I think we still lacked the finishing kick,” admitted the new head coach of the national women’s team. Later, National University survived the gritty University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-17, 2225, 18-25, 25-12, and moved out of a three-game rut. The Lady Maroons absorbed their third straight defeat and tied their tor-

mentor and idle UST and FEU at 4-3. In the men’s division, National University downed University of the Philippines, 26-24, 25-13, 23-25, 25-20, for its sixth win in seven outings. The Maroons fell to 3-4. Adamson routed UE, 27-25, 25-18, 25-16, to register its second triumph against five defeats, while pushing the Warriors to their seventh straight defeat. Vicente said he didn’t feel any pressure because the Lady Warriors are in the middle of a rebuilding. “We are slowly gathering strength. We have a young untested team,” he added. In taking its first victory in seven games, UE also tightened the noose on Adamson which has lost all seven games in the first round for a total of 14 dating back to the second round last season. Feisty open spiker Adorador unleashed an all-around game and made a career-best 23 points, while libero Kath Arado also shone on defense. Vicente said he gave Adorador a dressing down before the game which he felt compelled her to give an inspired performance. “I saw her tears fell. That’s what it takes to step up as the team leader,” added Vicente. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

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MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Business China trims 2017 growth target, warns against trade controls BY JOE MCDONALD The Associated Press BEIJING — China’s top economic official trimmed the country’s growth target and warned Sunday of dangers from global pressure for trade controls as Beijing tries to build a consumer-driven economy and reduce reliance on exports and investment. In a speech to the national legislature, Premier Li Keqiang promised more steps to cut surplus steel production that is straining trade relations with Washington and Europe. He pledged equal treatment for foreign companies, apparently responding to complaints Beijing is trying to squeeze them out of technology and other promising markets. Li’s report set the growth target for the world’s second-largest economy at “around 6.5 per cent or higher, if possible.” That is down from last year’s 6.7 per cent expansion but, if achieved, would be among the world’s strongest, reflecting confidence efforts to create new industries are gaining traction. The premier called for attention to the risks of China’s surging debt levels, which economists see as a rising threat to growth. Li announced no major initiatives, but that was widely expected as the ruling Communist Party tries to avoid shocks ahead of a congress late this year at which President Xi Jinping is due to be given a second fiveyear term as leader. Analysts expect Chinese leaders to use the legislative meeting to emphasize reducing financial risks and keeping growth stable. At a time of demands in the United States and Europe for trade controls, Li warned China faces “more complicated and graver situations” at home and abroad. “Both the de-globalization trend and protectionism are growing,” Li said. “There are

many uncertainties about the direction of the major economies’ policies and their spillover effects, and the factors that could cause instability and uncertainty are visibly increasing.” Chinese leaders have publicly defended free trade in response to President Donald Trump’s promises to raise duties on Chinese goods, though Beijing’s trading partners complain China is the most closed major economy. China “may be adversely affected” if Trump goes ahead with “tough policies,” but the impact should be limited, said economist Song Lifang at Renmin University in Beijing. “With China’s domestic economy still in the phase of transformation, the tasks for China’s economic growth are arduous but with great potential,” said Song. Growth has cooled steadily since 2010 as communist leaders try to develop a consumerdriven economy and reduce reliance on trade, heavy industry and investment. The latest growth target is in line with those reforms and efforts to create a “moderately prosperous society,” Li said. Chinese leaders have tried to downplay the significance of the growth target and shift focus to improvements in incomes, consumer spending and other factors. But the target is closely watched as a forecast of economic performance, which has repercussions throughout Asia, where China is the biggest trading partner for all its neighbours. Li acknowledged concerns about the rising dangers of debt, though he said the financial system is stable. “We must be fully alert to the buildup of risks related to non-performing assets, bond defaults, shadow banking and Internet finance,” said Li. Banking and securities regulators already have said their priority this year is reducing risk and watching financial in-

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dustries more closely following a 2015 stock price collapse and warnings investors are engaged in a dangerous new bout of speculative trading. Beijing’s reliance on repeated infusions of credit to prop up growth since the 2008 global crisis has driven up debt, prompting concern it could trigger a banking crisis or drag on the economy. Total debt owed by local Chinese governments, companies and households has soared from the equivalent of 150 per cent of annual economic output before 2008 to about 260 per cent. Regulators have begun trying to hammer out deals to reduce debt loads at state companies but private sector economists say they need to move faster. Economists have warned setting a growth target too high could force Beijing to resort to stimulus spending, setting back efforts to reduce reliance on investment and debt. Sunday’s report calls for creating 11 million new jobs, an increase from last year’s target of 10 million in a possible sign of increased official optimism. Li promised to eliminate 50 million metric tons of steel production capacity. That would help to reduce the flood of Chiwww.canadianinquirer.net

nese exports that is depressing global prices and prompting complaints by Washington and Europe that thousands of jobs are in danger. Li also promised to eliminate 150 million tons of coal production capacity. He didn’t mention other industries such as aluminum in which China’s trading partners complain excess capacity supported by government subsidies is distorting global markets. Li promised “equal opportunities” and “fair rules” to private companies in the statedominated economy. He promised changes including cutting taxes for the smallest businesses and simplifying the process of registering up a private company. Party leaders have pledged repeatedly to give entrepreneurs, who create most of China’s new jobs and wealth, a bigger economic role. But reform advocates complain state companies still control industries from banking to telecoms to energy and benefit from monopolies, low-cost bank loans and other favours. Li also promised foreign companies equal treatment with their Chinese counterparts under a government development strategy dubbed “China Manu-

facturing 2025.” That follows complaints by U.S. and European business groups that Beijing appears to be trying to squeeze foreign companies out of promising markets including software and other technology. Turning to political affairs, Li warned Beijing would not tolerate any movement by self-ruled Taiwan’s popularly elected government toward formal independence. “We will resolutely oppose and contain separatist activities for Taiwan independence,” he said. A spokesman for the finance ministry told The Associated Press the that spending on China’s military, the world’s second-highest after the United States, would rise 7 per cent this year to 1.044 trillion yuan ($151 billion), marking the smallest percentage annual growth rate this century. However, unlike in previous years, the defence budget figure was not released in the documents distributed to journalists. Beijing’s military spending has grown by double digits almost every for most of the past two decades. ■ Associated Press researcher Yu Bing contributed to this report.

Business

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Which PH firms made it Cautious trading seen to the list of Endeavor? on US rate hike fears BY DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer

ship in the Philippines and expand to other emerging markets,” Perez said. “The Endeavor network gives us access to a collaborative community workTWO PHILIPPINE-BASED entrepre- ing to build businesses that create value neurs—a Filipino financial technology and social impact,” he said. (fintech) founder and a Dutch cacao proDutch entrepreneur Simon Bakker ducer—made it to the roster of Endeavor, earned a Masters in Economics from the a global nonprofit that supports high- University of Amsterdam, afterwards impact entrepreneurs around the world. serving as the managing director for AsiaMikko Perez of Ayannah and Simon Pacific at Fidelity National Information Bakker of Kennemer were handpicked Services, a US banking and payments as the 9th and 10th Philippine-based technology company. He arrived in the high-impact entrepreneurs at Endeav- Philippines in 1994. His first venture was or’s 69th international selection panel as co-founder of Enderun Colleges. held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As the company grew, the founders Growing up in the Philippines, Perez took in more partners that left Bakker witnessed poverty firsthand. After grad- thirsting to start his own company. uating with honors from Ateneo de MaInspired by his homeland’s connecnila, he left the city to become a commu- tion to the chocolate industry, Simon nity organizer and adult educator in the started a business that involved buycountryside. It was there that he real- ing cacao beans from Filipino farmers ized how entrepreneurship could uplift in 2011. Soon after, he met with buying poor families out of poverty. representatives and shared success stoAfter graduatries of consolidated ing from Harvard growership programs Business School, he around the world. worked for JP MorWhile most growgan’s technology inThe Endeavor ership arrangements vestment banking network gives only offer support group in San Franus access to a in one area— such cisco and Next Cencollaborative as planting and ustury Partners where community ing fertilizers—Sihe managed a private working to build mon believed a true equity fund. During businesses that end-to-end support his stint in the US, create value and organization could Mikko started to view social impact. increase overall promodern technology ductivity, revenue, as a way to address and social impact. infrastructure gaps Though the Philipin his home country. pines has farmed caHe co-founded Chikka, a mobile instant cao for over 300 years, it has historically messaging service that was acquired by been a low-yield, backyard crop. PLDT in 2009. Simon hired agronomists to develop Fueled by Chikka’s success, Mikko cacao growing and post-harvest techfounded Ayannah, which seeks to ad- nology and worked with local banks to dress the Philippines’ $40-billion un- develop cacao loan programs to help derserved domestic remittance and fi- farmers establish new farms. Today, nancial services industry. As urbanrural Kennemer supplies best-in-industry remittances continue to be predomi- knowledge, planting materials, fertilnantly cash-based, some taking place izers, and loan products, multiplying through pawnshops, he saw the existing the productivity of Philippine smallprocess as costly and inefficient. Perez holder farmers by four times on average and his team of engineers built Sendah, to bring a 300-600 percent increase in an electronic platform that gives un- their annual income. This not only supbanked Filipinos easy access to a suite of plies Kennemer with a steady source of financial products and services through highquality fermented cocoa beans to a network of 7,000 agents that include export to global clients but also transpawnshops, convenience stores and forms the lives of millions of smallholdother retail establishments as well as in- er farmers. dividuals. “The ISP was a rare experience. The “The [Endeavor] ISP (international se- Endeavor panelist provided me with lection panel) was a unique opportunity valuable feedback on how to further to learn from amazing mentors and en- scale up our cacao sourcing model. At trepreneurs from around the world. The the same time, the interaction with my feedback helped us refine our business fellow entrepreneurs from various replan and prepare to take our business to gions in the world was truly inspiring,” the next level to achieve market leader- Bakker said. ■

BY DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer LOCAL STOCKS are seen continuing to trade with caution this week as investors price in a prospective US interest rate increase later this month alongside continuing pressure on the local currency. Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell by 0.16 percent or 11.87 points to close at 7,247.12 on Friday. US Fed Chair Janet Yellen hinted in a business luncheon in Chicago last Friday that an interest rate hike would be coming soon. “The process of scaling back accommodation likely will not be as slow as it was in 2015 and 2016,” she said. The next US Federal Open Market Committee meeting is on March 14 to 15. “Chartwise, the week’s close at 7,247.12 continues to suggest the market to remain range-bound between the 7,000– 7,400 levels in the near term,” BDO Unibank chief strategist Jonathan Ravelas said in a research note. “Only a

move above the 7,500 levels will call the bulls back to play.” The peso’s weakening against the dollar is likewise a concern for the market, which favors a stable currency. Last week, the peso depreciated by 0.37 percent week-onweek for the fourth straight week to P50.40 to $1 on expectations of a March rate increase by the US Fed. The peso posted a new 11-year low. “Chartwise, the week’s close at 50.40 suggests the market to range between 50.25–50.50 levels in the week ahead. This puts the 51 levels within striking distance,” Ravelas said. Meanwhile, leading online stockbrokerage COL Financial said the PSEi had ended flat last week following mixed corporate earnings results. Value turnover decreased to P27.8 billion from P32.7 billion in the previous week while foreigners were net sellers throughout the week, liquidating P2.5 billion worth of shares, COL estimated. The key domestic economic data to watch this week are the February inflation rate and the January trade numbers. ■

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MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Technology Uber deploys secret weapon DOSTv officially against undercover regulators launched THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SAN FRANCISCO — Uber has been wielding a secret weapon to thwart authorities who have been trying to curtail or shut down its ride-hailing service in cities around the world. The program included a feature nicknamed “Greyball” internally that identified regulators who were posing as riders while trying to collect evidence that Uber’s service was breaking local laws governing taxis. To stymie those efforts, Uber served up a fake version of its app to make it appear the undercover regulators were summoning a car, only to have the ride cancelled. The San Francisco company mined the data that it collects through its real app to pinpoint the undercover agents. The New York Times revealed Greyball’s existence in a story published Friday based on information provided by four current and former Uber employees who were not named. Uber acknowledged it has used Greyball to counter regulators working with the company’s opponents to entrap its drivers. Greyball is part of a broader program called VTOS, shorthand for “violations of terms of service,” that Uber says it developed to protect its service. “This program denies ride requests to fraudulent users who are violating our terms of service — whether that’s people aiming to physically harm drivers, competitors looking to disrupt our operations, or op-

BY MA. CRISTINA C. ARAYATA Philippines News Agency

UBER / FACEBOOK

ponents who collude with officials on secret ‘stings’ meant to entrap drivers,” Uber said. Although Uber is becoming more widely accepted than in its early years, the company says it still uses Greyball as a tool in some cities that it declined to identify. The Times reported that Uber has targeted regulators in Boston, Paris and Las Vegas, among other cities, as well as a litany of countries that include Australia, China, Italy and South Korea. The cat-and-mouse game with regulators is the latest example of the aggressive tactics that Uber has adopted while upending the heavily regulated taxi industry. In doing so, Uber has built a rapidly growing company valued at more than $60 billion by its investors that is frequently accused of bending the rules. Among other things, the company has faced lawsuits for classifying its drivers as in-

dependent contractors to save money and allegedly stealing the technology for a fleet of autonomous cars that it is currently testing. In the past two weeks, a former female engineer alleged Uber routinely ignores claims of sexual harassment and a video surfaced of CEO Travis Kalanick profanely berating a driver who confronted him about steep cuts in its rates for a premium version of its service. Uber’s rise also has raised tensions in cities that have sometimes gone to extreme measures to crack down on a service that they contended was operating without the proper permits. In Las Vegas, local taxi regulators confronted an Uber driver while wearing ski masks. And in Florida, Hillsborough regulators co-ordinated with taxi and limousine companies on an undercover operation that lured out Uber drivers so they could be assessed $700 fines. ■

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and broadcast functions. The agency added that it planned to have the DOSTv aired on free TV for better access. STII Director Richard BurMANILA — The Department of gos announced that DOST has Science and Technology (DOST) partnered with People’s Televiofficially launched the DOSTv sion (PTV)-4 and Global News Monday evening during the Sci- Network (GNN) for the DOSTv ence and Technology Informa- to reach wider audience. tion Institute’s (STII) 30th anDOSTv can still be viewed in niversary celebration here. the aforementioned websites, First launched in 2013 and but the direction is to also make was soft-launched in May 2016, DOSTv land on national TV. the DOSTv is one of the agenBurgos added that the agency cy’s platforms to also partnered inform the pubwith SciDev.Net lic and help ease for its content. calamities. Weather upDOSTv showThrough DOSTv, dates are crucial cases real-time viewers can also in decision-makweather updates, learn to check ing and events interviews with if their homes planning. These experts, bullecan withstand an updates are also tins, trivia segearthquake. vital in disaster ments, short docp r e p a r e d n e s s, umentaries and especially in public service anareas prone to nouncements. landslides, floodFor the grand launch, ing and other hazards. DOSTv’s former tagline, “The Through DOSTv, viewers Filipino Weather Channel” can also learn to check if their was changed to “Science for homes can withstand an earththe People”, as it would cover a quake, the agency cited. wider scope of topics. Meanwhile, aside from the The DOSTv channel was ini- new aesthetics, viewers can tially telecast via livestreaming look forward to various new at www.dostv.ph/youtube and segments in the upcoming epiwww.dostv.ph. sodes, which they can view at At present, DOSTv already the same airtime. had 183 episodes, which were It may be recalled that aired from Mondays to Fridays DOSTv’s initial broadcast feaat 11 a.m. to 12 noon. tured the Diwata-1, the counDOST has worked on inten- try’s first microsatellite. sifying the program’s content, Diwata-1’s functions and the and also enhanced the studio Filipino engineers behind its personnel’s training for docu- development were showcased mentation, production, editing in the initial broadcast. ■

Technology

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Hackers drawn to energy sector’s lack of sensors, controls THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HOUSTON — Oil and gas companies, including some of the most celebrated industry names in the Houston area, are facing increasingly sophisticated hackers seeking to steal trade secrets and disrupt operations, according to a newspaper investigation. A stretch of the Gulf Coast near Houston features one of the largest concentrations of refineries, pipelines and chemical plants in the country, and cybersecurity experts say it’s an alluring target for espionage and other cyberattacks. “There are actors that are scanning for these vulnerable systems and taking advantage of those weaknesses when they find them,” said Marty Edwards, director of U.S. Homeland Security’s Cyber Emergency Response Team for industrial systems. Homeland Security, which is

responsible for protecting the nation from cybercrime, received reports of some 350 incidents at energy companies from 2011 to 2015, an investigation by the Houston Chronicle has found (http://bit.ly/2lOFJgz ). Over that period, the agency found nearly 900 security flaws within U.S. energy companies, more than any other industry. Steps are being taken to thwart attacks. For instance, the Coast Guard in a joint operation with Houston police patrolled the waters southeast of Houston last year conducting sweeps for unprotected wireless signals that hackers could use to gain access to facilities. The operation was one of the first of its kind in the U.S. concentrating on cyberattacks by sea. But the vast network of oil and gas operations makes it difficult to secure. Thousands of interconnected sensors and controls that run oil and gas facilities remain rife with weak

spots. Many companies the technology and personnel to detect hackers. Equipment was designed decades ago without security features, and efforts over the years to link computer networks to devices that monitor pressure or control valves have exposed operations to online threats. “You could mess with a refinery or cause a vessel to explode,” Richard Garcia, a former FBI agent who became a cybersecurity specialist, told the Chronicle. Power, chemical and nuclear facilities must adhere to strict cybersecurity measures, but federal law doesn’t impose such standards on the oil and gas sector. And when oil and gas companies have been infiltrated by a hacker, they’re not required to report the incident. More than 20 of the nation’s largest oil companies — including Exxon Mobil Corp. and ConocoPhillips, refiner Phil-

lips 66 and pipeline operator Kinder Morgan — declined to comment or did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The American Petroleum Institute, the national trade association for oil and gas, also declined to comment. Charles McConnell, executive director of Rice University’s Energy and Environment Initiative, said oil companies tend to rush to deploy new computer technologies that make operations more productive, but only afterward considering ways to defuse online

threats. “The pace of change of the technology we’ve adopted is every step of the way more and more vulnerable to cyberattack,” McConnell said. ■

BlackBerry’s software shift complete but branding challenge exists, says top exec BY ALEKSANDRA SAGAN The Canadian Press TORONTO — Blackberry’s shift from smartphone maker to a software company is complete but branding remains challenging for the company with a legacy in hardware design, says one of its top executives. Chief operating officer Marty Beard said that while the technology firm is “100 per cent complete” in its transformation, changing perceptions about BlackBerry remains an obstacle. “Biggest challenge?” Beard said Thursday in an interview. “You’ve got decades, literally, of a brand associated primarily with smartphones — we created that space.” All that remains of its former empire is some of its newest smartphone devices, including the DTEK50 and DTEK60, which it continues to sell until

BLACKBERRY / FACEBOOK

inventory runs out. The Waterloo, Ont.-based firm announced last September that it would stop making phones after struggling with profitability as Apple and others dominated the market, and instead focus on its growing software business. Beard said BlackBerry’s efforts now centre on what it

sees as a significant trend, connectivity, and securing all the devices consumers and businesses hook up to their Internet network, like cellphones, tablets and wearables. One burgeoning market the company feels poised to capture is self-driving vehicles. Currently, its QNX software — basically, an operating syswww.canadianinquirer.net

tem for a car’s applications, like its acoustics and infotainment system — operates in more than 60 million vehicles. Last December, that division opened a research centre for autonomous cars in Ottawa where developers are working to create secure software. Security is a huge concern for the industry, said Beard, pointing out the potential for hackers to remotely take control of a self-driving vehicle. “Obviously that’s a life or death situation,” he said. “Security becomes just paramount.” Beard believes BlackBerry’s reputation for developing secure software positions it as a leader in that space — and the company has had to amp up their marketing efforts to get the word out. The key is being consistent and clear about the new BlackBerry, he said, though that becomes complicated when, like last weekend, a new BlackBer-

ry-branded smartphone is released. Last Saturday, TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd. (TCT) revealed the KEYone, a new phone under a partnership with BlackBerry. The deal allows TCT to design, manufacture and sell BlackBerry-branded cellphones that use the technology firm’s software. BlackBerry receives a commission for each phone sold, Beard said, so it wants the device to be phenomenally successful. But it’s a brand challenge to ensure everyone understands BlackBerry only makes the software inside the phone, rather than the phone itself, he added. Despite this, the company is clearly excited about its new direction. “It’s sort of the first inning of the baseball game,” Beard said of the growing connectivity trend BlackBerry intends to capitalize on. ■

MARCH 10, 2017

CANADA

CAREGIVER NEEDED ASAP Seeking a full time caregiver to assist in an English speaking household environment, to provide personal Care, hygiene, cooking, assist in all aspects of daily routine, with day outings, appointments to a social and demanding middle-age high-quad Male. With light house & yard keeping duties. Applicant must be Canadian Citizen, Permanent resident, Foreign Worker. Living-in and with valid Drivers license for adapted minivan. Completed Caregiverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s course or nursing qualifications. Emphasis will be based on reliability, communication skills, comprehension, trust, honesty, loyalty, initiative & flexibility. Rate of Pay: $13.00/h, plus benefits. Guaranteed 168 hours bi-weekly (plus free R&B). Location: Devon. Alberta. To appy email Glen at maryglen@telusplanet.net

PROVIDE CHILD CARE FOR 4.5 YEAR OLD FULL-TIME, permanent position, $12.00 hour, 32 - 40 hours per week. Start ASAP. Location, Milton, ON. Provide child care for 4 year old. Preferably min. 3 years experience and has first aid certificate. Duties include; supervision care of child, organize activities for child, instruct child w/ personal hygiene and social development. P/u child from school. Prepare and serve nutritious meals. Light housekeeping and cleaning duties. Must speak, read and write English. Education equivalent to high schools graduate in Canada. Accommodation available at no charge on a live-in basis. (This is not a condition of employment). Relocation costs and medical equivalent to OHIP covered by employer.

Please email resume to jicconsulting@hotmail.com or call mobile: (905) 691 0776

Toronto Enquiries: salestoronto@canadianinquirer.net Philippine Enquiries: salesphilippines@canadianinquirer.net

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Tel: (1) 647-521-5155

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Travel On the Right Track:

Altering flight routes could make air travel less harmful PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

SAMANTHA CELERA / FLICKR

Sushi in Pyongyang:

Japanese chef opens rare restaurant THE CANADIAN PRESS PYONGYANG, KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF — Sushi in Pyongyang? At a restaurant run by a Japanese sushi chef famous for working for North Korea’s late leader Kim Jong Il? Kenji Fujimoto has opened his sushi restaurant in the North Korean capital, according to Canadian Michael Spavor, a consultant with a long record of working in the communist state. He was involved with NBA star Denis Rodman’s trips to North Korea, and the two spent days with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who succeeded his father after his death in 2011. Spavor said he was introduced to Fujimoto just last year, when he learnt about the chef’s plans to open a restaurant in Pyongyang and tried to track it down early this year. “I was quite excited, because I’d heard quite a lot about him,” Spavor said. “So one day, for lunch, we met up, and we got along great, he speaks fluent Korean, so we spoke Korean, and that’s when he mentioned to me he was planning on opening up a ramen restaurant or a sushi restaurant in Pyongyang.” It’s rare to find a Japanese business openly operating in North Korea, because of strained relations between the two countries. But Fujimoto is a special case. He worked for Kim Jong Il for many years.

After Kim’s death, Fujimoto reappeared in Pyongyang meeting with the new leader in images he shared with Japanese media. Fujimoto’s new restaurant in Pyongyang bears the name “Takahashi” outside its door. The main room with a sushi counter is very small, with just a handful of seats. Raw fish dishes sushi and sashimi have been available in Pyongyang for many years, but usually the fish is frozen before it comes to the table, so the customer can chose either to crunch it frozen, or wait until it defrosts and loses its texture. Neither option meets the usual standards. According to the latest images, the food at Fujimoto’s is much better. But prices are high by Pyongyang standards, starting at $50 for a sushi set, and running to more than $100. There are also cheaper options available from the noodle restaurant that operates together with Fujimoto’s sushi room. “I think everyone in the world is aware that North Korea has its challenges and economic difficulties,” Spavor said. “That being said, there are many Koreans in Pyongyang who are able to afford these kind of high-end restaurants,” he said. “And keep in mind also that Pyongyang has a lot of foreign diplomats, U.N. workers, businessmen from China and other countries who can also dine at this restaurant.” ■

routes for 400 flights crossing the Atlantic Ocean daily and calculating their emissions. MOSCOW — Airlines around the globe “Climate-friendly routing of aircraft might be able to significantly reduce the has an exciting potential to decrease the adverse impact on the environment of climate impact of aviation without the air travel by simply changing their flight need for costly redesign of aircraft, their paths, according to a study by an inter- engines and airports,” said Keith Shine, national research team. professor of meteorology and climate The study, published on Thursday science at the University of Reading and in the journal Envione of the study’s ronmental Research lead authors. Letters, found that by “With more targetimplementing insiged research, it could nificant changes to Climate-friendly become a reality in certain flight routes, routing of aircraft the next 10 years,” he airlines could reduce has an exciting said. their carriers’ adpotential to However, the reverse impact on the decrease the searchers admitclimate by as much climate impact of ted that despite the as 10%. Remarkaviation without promising perspecably, operating costs the need for costly tives, the smart routwould only increase redesign of aircraft, ing strategy was “not by 1% as a result. their engines and mature enough to Scientists long ago airports. be directly impleconcluded that carmented,” as there rebon emissions at high main such issues as altitudes do much the need for greater more damage to the scientific certainty environment than equivalent emissions in their estimations and cost increases, released on the ground. even though they were found to be low. A team of scientists from the UniverPassenger and cargo airplanes are sity of Reading in the UK, the DLR Insti- major contributors to carbon emissions tute of Atmospheric Physics in Germany around the world, with an average Boeand other institutions came up with the ing 747 burning about 36,000 gallons solution by evaluating 85 alternative over the course of a 10-hour flight. ■

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Travel

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Samar gov’t steps up partnerships 2 cruise ships dock in local tourism program in Boracay shores PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY BASEY, SAMAR — The provincial government here has forged ties with various sectors to enhance its local tourism program, dubbed as the Spark Samar Development Agenda. Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan-de los Santos said government agencies, the academe and other entities have individual programs for the people that should be harmonized. “We need partnership to identify the programs tailor-fit for the needs of our constituents and promote the Spark Samar Development Program,” the official said. “At the end of the day, it is always the welfare of our people that is our goal.” The local government signed on Friday a memorandum of understanding among the Sa-

mar Fellowship Circle entities at the Sohoton Visitors Center and Ecolodge in Guirang Village, this town. “The collaboration aims to empower the people of the province of Samar through ecotourism and enterprise creation and development,” de los Santos said. Director of the regional tourism office, Karina Rosa Tiopes, said that as stakeholders, “we should create a circle of friends among the government agencies and the academe”. “This is a milestone in the region. The signing is a good beginning because we share the same vision, walk the same path with Samar province. The enthusiasm to sign the deal should be the same enthusiasm to do the work in detail on even higher grounds. We identify the right programs and identify the gaps to address the challenges,” Tiopes said. Corazon Makabenta of the

Development Management Office of the regional environment office meanwhile said the agency supports the Spark Samar Development Agenda as it will strengthen their mandate in the protection and preservation of the environment. It ensures the integrity and sustainability of the environment and the natural resources, she said. “This is the first communitydriven tourism program in the country that prioritized and enhanced livelihood of members of the people’s organizations. Our poverty incidence in Samar is highest at 46 percent. We hope to decrease it every year until the inclusive growth is achieved,” de los Santos said. Other partner agencies are the departments of social welfare, agriculture, trade, and science and technology, state universities and colleges, and the Philippine Army. ■

PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN — Two luxury ships docked simultaneously in the shores of this resort island Tuesday, the first time since the cruise tourism started here. Marking its maiden call in the island, MS Crystal Symphony made its first stop in the country here. The vessel, owned and operated by Crystal Cruises, came from Indonesia. It arrived in the island at around 10 a.m. with about 900 passengers and 500 crew members. It will then sail to Romblon around 9 p.m. of the same day. This is, meanwhile, the second visit of Seven Seas Voyager of Regent Seven Seas Cruises since its maiden call last year. The luxury ship, which came

from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, arrived here at 8 a.m., bringing about 700 passengers and 400 crews. After Boracay, the cruise ship will sail to Manila. Cruise passengers were mostly American, Canadian and Europeans with some Asians, according to Kristoffer Vellete, officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism-Boracay. The passengers were welcomed with the performance of traditional Ati-Atihan dancers. Vellete said necessary preparations were laid down prior to the cruise ships’ visit, thus, safety and security of the guests of both cruises ships were assured. On March 4, MV Ovation of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International is scheduled to make its maiden call in the port of Boracay. ■

Fan-friendly event kicks off Iditarod race across Alaska BY MARK THIESSEN The Associated Press ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — The sound of howling dogs filled downtown Anchorage on Saturday as mushers from around the world gathered for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. About 2,000 dogs belonging to 72 mushers waited their turn — some more patiently and less vocally than others — to hit the trail this year. The race spans over 1,600 kilometres of Alaska wilderness, including the last stretch when the teams battle the frozen Bering Sea coast en route to the finish line in the community of Nome. The ceremonial start is a fanfriendly event designed to show off mushing to fans in Alaska’s largest city. Spectators pet the dogs, mingled with mushers and even grabbed an autograph or two. Racers then left the downtown area every two minutes in a staggered start with an Iditarider — people who won auctions for a prime spot in a competitor’s sled — for an

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PEÑA

17.7-kilometre course on city trails and streets. Carol Stedman, a retired postal worker from Alexandria, Virginia, was an Iditarider for the fifth time since 2011. That was the first time she came to Anchorage to watch the start of the race. She said after that initial experience, she crossed the Iditarod off her bucket list and put it on her to-do list. “You’re in the sled, you see

everything going on, it’s like a big party all the way out of town,” she said Saturday morning while wearing a stocking cap fashioned like a Husky dog. “Seeing the interaction between the mushers and the dogs is just spectacular,” she said. “Everybody should do it once.” Amanda Gourley of Sacramento, California, had business in Alaska, and decided to stick around to see her first-ever Idiwww.canadianinquirer.net

tarod. “I remember as a little girl watching the Iditarod on ‘Wide World of Sports,’ and it’s just one of those things I’ve always wanted to see,” she said. “I love dogs.” City crews trucked in snow overnight to make the streets ready for the dog sleds. Anchorage had more than enough snow to stage the ceremonial start. But just a few hundred kilometres north, the Alaska Range — a mountain span that includes Denali — has little snow and open-water conditions. That has prompted race officials to move the competition’s official start from the Anchorage area, over the mountain range to Fairbanks to avoid the dodgy spots. It’s the second time in the past three years, and third in the past 14, that the race has had to move to Fairbanks to find suitable winter conditions to start. But there is good news for mushers and dogs making the journey to Nome. “There’s lots of snow on the trail,” race marshal Mark Nordman said after surveying the

route late last week. “Lots of deep snow. And when we’re on the (Yukon) river, it’s a freeway.” The official start of the race is Monday. Dallas Seavey, who turned 30 on Saturday, has won four of the last five Iditarods. He could join Rick Swenson as the race’s only five-time winners. Five other mushers have four wins, but no one in the past quarter-century has captured the elusive fifth title. Canada is represented by Michelle Phillips of Tagish, Yukon, and Hans Gatt of Whitehorse. “I’m not worried about getting five,” Seavey said, taking a break for putting booties on his dogs’ feet. “I’m going to have the best race I can. If I get five, that’s great. If it’s 10 years until I get five, that’s great. If I never get five? I’ve already had a good run, you know what I mean?” A rule change this year will allow mushers to carry satellite or cellphones for the first time ever. The change was prompted after a drunken man on a snowmobile last year charged at two teams in separate attacks, killing one dog and injuring others. ■

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Food Bangers and Mash for a rustic, hearty St. Patrick’s Day dish THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA ST. PATRICK’S Day traditions in the United States run deep. We eat corned beef and cabbage, we drink green beer, and we shame our co-workers into wearing green sweaters to the office. If you’re looking for a change of pace this year (except for the sweaters, which are mandatory), maybe a menu swap is in order. The Culinary Institute of America’s recipe for Bangers and Mash is a rustic, hearty dish that will easily earn its place among your holiday traditions. Creamy potatoes, homemade gravy, and sausage are classic comfort foods on the Emerald Isle, and this recipe helps you make every component from scratch. You may be skeptical, but homemade sausage is incredibly easy to prepare. If you’ve ever made a meatloaf or meatball, you’ve basically made sausage. The recipes we’ve included here call for the sausages to be stuffed into casings, which you can buy from your butcher, or even on the Internet. You can use a sausage stuffing machine or stand-mixer attachment to fill the casings or, if you don’t mind a little hard work, you can even stuff the sausages by hand. For a super simplified version, though, you can skip the casings entirely. Prepare the filling as written, then form it into patties that you can cook like a hamburger. You can also roll it into sausage link-shaped logs and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate them to help them firm up a bit, then remove the plastic and cook them like you would any other sausages. The meat for your sausage will need to be finely ground, which you may be able to do at home if you have the right equipment. If not, you can ask your butcher to grind it for you. Once you have your sausage

squared away, it’s all about the velvety buttermilk whipped potatoes and stout-onion gravy. Stouts, like Guinness, are bold and rich, with enough bitterness to help cut through the creaminess of the dish. You can use any beer — or even red wine — for the gravy, but for St. Patrick’s Day, the Dublin-bred Guinness is almost a requirement. Just don’t spill it on your green sweater. Bangers and mash with buttermilk whipped potatoes and stout-onion gravy

Start to finish: 3 hours, 30 minutes (Active time: 2 hours) Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 8 links sausage of either Duck Chorizo or Chicken Sausage (recipes follow) • 2 cups cooked white beans • Stout-Onion Gravy (recipe follows) • Buttermilk Whipped Potatoes (recipe follows) • Fried Root Vegetable Chips (recipe follows) Lightly oil a grill or grill pan and heat to medium-high. Grill the sausages, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to indirect heat or a 350-degree F oven until cooked through, about 15 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the beans and about 1/4 cup of the stout gravy. Serve the cooked sausages with the beans, whipped potatoes, stout gravy, and root vegetable chips. Duck chorizo

Servings: Approximately 16

• 1/2 cup red wine • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic • Meat from 1 1/2 pounds duck legs, skin removed • 6 ounces pork belly, cubed • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

SHUTTERSTOCK

• 5 black peppercorns, cracked • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed • Lamb casings, as needed (optional)

Stuff the mixture into the casings, and twist to make 3-inch links, if desired. Alternately, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form into patties. Refrigerate until needed.

Place the wine in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the wine has reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely. Heat the oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it is fragrant and softened, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, combine the duck meat, pork belly, red pepper flakes, cumin, peppercorns, paprika, and salt. Add the cooled wine and garlic. Mix to coat the meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer. Chill until the meat is nearly frozen, but not solid, about 1 hour. Prepare an ice water bath and set aside. Set the bowl of a stand mixer over the ice bath, and pass the chilled meat mixture through the 1/4-inch plate (small or medium) of a meat grinder into the bowl. Transfer the bowl to the mixer and use the paddle attachment to mix on low speed until the mixture is sticky, about 1 minute. Take a small portion of the mixture and cook in a hot saute pan until cooked through. Taste for seasoning and add more to the mixture, as needed.

Chicken sausage

Servings: Approximately 16

• 1 pound, 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed • 8 ounces pork fatback, cubed • 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, plus more as needed • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, toasted and ground • 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted and ground • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1 teaspoon cold water • Natural hog casings, as needed In a medium bowl, combine the chicken thighs, fatback, salt, pepper, garlic, fennel, coriander, and red pepper flakes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer. Chill until the meat is nearly frozen, but not solid, about 1 hour. Prepare an ice water bath and set aside. Set the bowl of a stand mixer over the ice bath, and pass the chilled meat mixture through the 1/4-inch die of a meat grinder into the bowl. Transfer the bowl to the mixer and use the paddle attachment to mix on low speed until the mixture is sticky, about 1 minute. Add the

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water and mix to combine, for 30 seconds. Take a small portion of the mixture and cook in a hot saute pan until cooked through. Taste for seasoning and add more to the mixture, as needed. Stuff the mixture into the casings, and twist to make 3-inch links, if desired. Alternately, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form into patties. Refrigerate until needed. Buttermilk whipped potatoes

Servings: 8

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1/4 cup buttermilk • 1/2 cup milk Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by about 3 inches. Add the salt, and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork or skewer, about 18 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and shake off any excess water. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake until the potatoes are dried slightly, about 15 minutes. Place the butter in a large bowl. Place a food mill on top of the bowl and process the potatoes through the mill. Al❱❱ PAGE 38 Bangers and

Food

MARCH 10, 2017

FRIDAY

Enchiladas don’t sound healthy, unless you do these tricks BY MELISSA D’ARABIAN The Associated Press THE WEATHER we’ve been having this winter has me craving some stick-to-your ribs comfort food. Since I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, comfort food was always something Mexican or southwestern, involving tortillas, rice, beans, cheese and a tasty sauce to drown it all in. Which is a long way of saying: enchiladas are pretty much my dream food. So it became my goal to create a version of enchiladas that mimicked the flavours and comfort of my childhood but didn’t make me feel weighed down and searching for my elastic waist-band sweatpants. I swapped out white rice for brown rice to boost the nutrient profile, and used black beans without added fat (I almost don’t miss the lard). While cheese enchiladas are honestly my flavour of choice, I added chicken to give heft and protein, which enabled me to reduce drastically the amount of cheese. Without the extra fat, I needed some moisture to keep the filling luscious and tasty. Surprisingly, finely chopped baby spinach worked great, adding nary a calorie but a little boost of vitamins (A, C, folate) and iron. Win-win.

I whipped up a simple enchilada sauce using canned whole tomatoes. And my final victory? I used large chard leaves instead of tortillas. Chard is an incredible source of vitamin K (one cup has 4 times your daily requirement), while also providing vitamin C and A. And, one cup of chard has, get ready: seven calories. Using chard as a casserolewrapper is way easier than it sounds. Trim away the thick stem and then boil the leaves for two minutes, which softens them just enough to fill and roll without falling apart. Try today’s recipefor enchiladas, and once you master the roll-up technique, try swapping chard leaves for pasta in Italian dishes like manicotti. Chard-wrapped enchiladas

Start to finish: 1 hour Servings: 8

For the sauce: • 1 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes • 1/2 large yellow onion, roughly chopped • 3 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 teaspoons chili powder • 1 teaspoon olive oil For the filling: • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice • 3/4 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained if canned • 3/4 cup cubed or shredded

SHUTTERSTOCK

cooked chicken breast • 3/4 cup baby spinach leaves, chopped • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • pinch cayenne (optional) • 8 large chard leaves • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves • 1/4 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Make the sauce: place all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat, partially covered with a lid, for 20 min-

utes, gently smashing open the tomatoes with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Turn off heat, allow to cool a little. Carefully blend sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender (be very careful of steam if using a regular blender). Prepare the chard leaves: cut away the stems below the leaves (you can chop and saute stems for another side dish). Then, if the stems are tough, gently cut out the first inch or so of stem within the leaf, cutting it out in a “V” shape with a knife. Parboil the leaves in a large pan of simmering water over medium-low heat until tender, but not falling apart, about 2 minutes. (Err on undercooking; not overcooking.) Make

the filling: combine all the filling ingredients (through cayenne) in a large bowl and stir. Roll the enchiladas: Place the softened chard leaf on a cutting board with the stem end closest to you. Place about 1/4-1/3 cup of filling on the leaf, about 1 inch from the bottom of the leaf. Gently fold the sides of the leaf inward and then roll up the leaf from the bottom. (Note: if the stem is still a little tough, go ahead and let it “break” as you roll; it will be in the centre of the rollup, so it won’t be visible.) You should have a nicelyshaped enchilada-like packet. Repeat with remaining leaves. Spray a 9-by-9 or 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread about 1/4 cup of the sauce on the bottom of the pan and then lay the 8 enchiladas in pan. Pour the sauce on top, tightly cover with foil and bake until hot throughout, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil, top with remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes. Top with yogurt and cilantro and serve. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 169 calories; 58 calories from fat; 6 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 30 mg cholesterol; 597 mg sodium; 15 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 13 g protein.

Bangers and... ternately, use a potato ricer or masher to mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the buttermilk and milk, stirring to combine. Season with salt, to taste. ❰❰ 37

Stout-onion gravy

Servings: 8

• 2 tablespoons butter • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 cup stout beer (Guinness) • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as

needed Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and continue to cook until the onions are golden and caramelized, 6 to 8 minutes more. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook until the flour is well-incorporated and the mixture has thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the beer and use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the gravy has thickened, for 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and

pepper. Reserve warm until needed. Root vegetable chips

Servings: 8

• 3 pounds assorted root vegetables, such as yuca, sweet potato, taro, salsify, or lotus • Vegetable oil, as needed for frying • Kosher salt, to taste Peel the root vegetables. Use a mandoline, vegetable peeler, or chef’s knife to slice the vegetables as thinly as possible. Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with about 2 inches of oil. Heat over medium heat until a thermometer reads 350 degrees F. www.canadianinquirer.net

Use a slotted spoon or gently lower the sliced vegetables into the oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a towel-lined tray and sprinkle with salt. Cool slightly before serving. ■ Nutrition information per serving of duck chorizo: 117 calories; 69 calories from fat; 8 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 37 mg cholesterol; 155 mg sodium; 0 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 9 g protein. Nutrition information per serving of chicken sausage: 151 calories; 124 calories from fat; 14 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 35 mg cholesterol; 569 mg sodium; 0 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0

g sugar; 6 g protein. Nutrition information per serving of potatoes: 95 calories; 32 calories from fat; 4 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 255 mg sodium; 14 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 2 g protein. Nutrition information per serving of gravy: 53 calories; 27 calories from fat; 3 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 8 mg cholesterol; 139 mg sodium; 4 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 1 g protein. Nutrition information per serving of chips: 302 calories; 34 calories from fat; 4 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 264 mg sodium; 65 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 2 g protein.

Food

FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2017

Beef tenderloin gets a festive remake

AS MUCH as I love prime rib, beef tenderloin is much easier to prepare, easier to carve and the leftovers are good cold. The only challenge with beef tenderloin is that it is lean (little to no fat) and it is best served rare. I wanted to do something that looked a little fancier than plain grilled tenderloin but was just as easy to execute. I thought about one of my favourite ways to prepare filet — bacon-wrapped — and thought, let’s see what happens if I wrap the whole tenderloin in bacon mummy style. I proceeded to wrap roomtemperature bacon around the tenderloin, tucking the end pieces under the centre of the tenderloin to make sure that it was all roughly the same size. When bacon is room temperature, it will stick to itself and you don’t need toothpicks to secure it. Make sure to purchase a standard thin-cut bacon and make each piece slightly overlap the other, so it will bake into a beautiful bacon crust. Finally, to make it festive, I decided to add a rich green peppercorn sauce scented with fresh thyme and a splash of cognac. This is now my favourite presentation for beef tenderloin. I love the mash-up of the bacon-wrap with the old-school sauce. It just goes to show you that everything old can be new again.

Beginning at one side, wrap the bacon around the tenderloin, overlapping the pieces of bacon so that they stick to each other. Make sure that the ends of the bacon are tucked under. Place bacon-wrapped tenderloin on a rack set into a pan with the ends of the bacon touching the rack so the bacon doesn’t unravel. Roast at 325 F for 60 minutes or until a thermometer reaches 125 F. Remove and let rest for 20 minutes, covered with foil. If you use thin-cut bacon, it should be crisp, but if you want the bacon to be crispier, you can broil the roast for 1-2 minutes before removing from the oven. Slice and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve with sauce on the side.

Bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin

Green peppercorn and thyme sauce

Serves: 10 Start to Finish: 90 minutes

• 1 trimmed tenderloin, centre cut, about 4-5 pounds • Olive oil • Salt and pepper • 1 pound thin-cut bacon, at room temperature • Fresh thyme leaves for garnish • Green Peppercorn and Thyme sauce (see below) Preheat oven to 325 F Brush tenderloin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Tuck the small ends of the tenderloin under each side to make sure that the roast is about the same thickness all over.

15 years... evolution beyond the chronological sense? Was there growth in the technique? What were the things I learned that had a profound impact in the way that I continued? How did these change things conceptually? How did I change my philosophical approach? Was there emotional resonance? Was there an impact?” Then, she adds with a laugh, “It seems esoteric, but that’s the way I think.” Ong has a rich body of work, rich not so much for the sheer volume of her output—all her pieces are one-off, and most are bespoke—but for its range and distinct aesthetics. An accidental artist, she began weaving beads and crystals with wire in 2002 as a hobby, to “fill a void”; she had stopped working and was in the early phases of empty nesting. The beauty of her work spread by word of mouth. In the years that followed, Ong would create more jewelry, minaudieres, furniture and chandeliers, objets d’art and, just last year, a 25-piece couture collection. She has worked with metals, precious and semiprecious stones, fabrics, wood, leather. ❰❰ 26

BY ELIZABETH KARMEL The Associated Press

SHUTTERSTOCK

• 2 tablespoons butter • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar • 1 large shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons) • 3 tablespoons cognac or brandy • 1 tablespoon strong Dijon mustard • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes • 1 dash Tabasco or other favourite hot sauce, optional • 2 teaspoons thyme, plus 8-10 sprigs for infusing and garnish • 1 tablespoon green peppercorns, pressed dry • Fine-grain sea salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste

Combine the butter, vinegar, shallot, cognac and mustard in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. When the liquid is reduced, add 2 tablespoons heavy cream and whisk until it is incorporated. This addition of the cream will help prevent the sauce from breaking. Next start adding the butter, cube by cube. Whisk continually. When the first cube of butter is almost melted, add another and repeat until all of the butter is incorporated. Add the cream and a dash of Tabasco if using, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Add about 5 sprigs of thyme and let sit in the hot sauce for 10 minutes. While the mixture is still warm, strain through a fine strainer. Mix in the thyme leaves and peppercorns if using. Use immediately or keep in a pitcher in a warm water bath. If it breaks, you can reincorporate with a little heavy cream or by using an immersion blender. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 467 calories; 283 calories from fat; 31 g fat (11 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 141 mg cholesterol; 380 mg sodium; 1 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 45 g protein. Green Peppercorn and Thyme Sauce: Nutrition information per serving: 156 calories; 141 calories from fat; 16 g fat (10 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 47 mg cholesterol; 60 mg sodium; 1 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 0 g protein. www.canadianinquirer.net

Elaborate phases

Throughout this creative journey, Ong has gone through “elaborate phases.” From using the “easiest material,” wire, she has gone on to study “goldsmithing, structural techniques, metallurgy, electrical wiring, weight and balance, architectural principles, principles of lighting, safety standards, wood carving, wood staining, lost-wax casting, miniature painting.” She doesn’t take shortcuts; her lean team of artisans learns directly from her. “To get a certain sense of perfection, you need to be on top of things,” she says. Unlike most designers, she doesn’t do direct retail, preferring to consign select pieces with friends Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo of Firma. Apart from philanthropy-based collections (for Child Protection Network, Pangarap Foundation, Hands On Manila), her designs are mostly bespoke orders. Equanimity

Ong is one of the most-copied designers around. Her wire jewelry, for instance, has been

knocked-off “ad nauseam.” Ditto for her large-scale metal cuffs with jeweled insects. She doesn’t read magazines, so she’s mostly unaware of what others are doing; it’s often friends who tell her. A Wynn Wynn Ong is so distinctive it’s easy to discern the copies that appear in trade shows, often years after she made them. The designer, however, has dealt with the situation with unbelievable equanimity. “I was never driven by money, or by how many pieces I could sell,” she says. “You have many choices in life. You can call yourself a designer, you can call yourself a jeweler, or you can call yourself a businessperson.” While others are still copying pieces she has done long ago, “I’ve moved on,” she says, then adds when prodded: “Crime doesn’t pay. I keep my options open.” This year, Ong and a group of individuals like Kenneth Cobonpue, whose “names were earned the right way,” plan to resume their talks on how they could band together to protect their original works from counterfeiters. “Some designers are very successful because they’re savvy in business,” she says. “But there are also those who endure because they nurture the work, not minding the trends, what sells, or what others are doing. The Art Fair is growing each year. That means people are understanding that in a world of mass production and robotics, originality is still sought after.” Distinct style

Ong was born in Burma (now Myanmar) but was raised in Vienna and the Philippines. Her travels around the world as she was growing up informed her distinct style and aesthetics. She’s married to a Filipino investment banker with whom she has two adult children. For close to a decade, she taught literature at International School. After this retrospective, Ong plans to go back to writing and pursue her other creative interests: designing spaces, building things, cooking. “Normally a retrospective is once in a lifetime, so maybe this will be my only one,” she says, before adding with a knowing smile: “One never knows what the future brings, what one wants to do in life.” ■

MARCH 10, 2017

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