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VOL. 11 NO. 346

33RD ASEAN SUMMIT

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses for a photo with the leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries during the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore. Story on page 7.

KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Sandiganbayan orders Imelda Marcos’ arrest for graft raps

BY MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Sandiganbayan on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant against former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos following her conviction for seven counts of graft last week.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division

ordered the bail bonds to be posted by Marcos for the graft cases be forfeited due to her and her counsel’s “unjustified” absence during the promulgation of judgment on her cases, in connection with the ill-gotten wealth during the regime of her late husband President Ferdinand Marcos. “…The accused is given 30 days from

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Hontiveros calls for inquiry into alleged Miss Earth sexual harassment

15 The Class is in Session: Dr. Glenda Bonifacio’s Life Lesson

❱❱ PAGE 11 Sandiganbayan orders

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❱❱ PAGE 20

Amnesty calls for accountability on coerced sterilization of Indigenous women

Philippine News

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NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

DENR vows to find solution over NBI tasked garbage shipped from S. Korea to conduct

deeper probe on Sagay massacre

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) vowed to immediately take appropriate action to the issue on the garbage shipped to the Philippines from South Korea about four months ago.

“Hindi natin hahayaang humaba ang [isyung] ito (We will not let this issue continue),” DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management Benny Antiporda said on Tuesday, November 13.

On July 21, some 5,100 tons of waste onboard MV Affluent Ocean, arrived at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Misamis Oriental.

According to DENR’s initial finding the shipment, misdeclared as “plastic synthetic flakes,” contained used dextrose tubes, used diapers, batteries, bulbs, and electronic equipment.

It was consigned to South Korean Verde Soko II Industrial Corporation, which the DENR did not recognize as an importer of recyclable materials.

Antiporda said the DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), is currently conducting a waste analysis and characterization study (WACS) on the shipment.

“Appropriate action,” he stressed, will immediately be taken once the result of the WACS is revealed, probably within this week.

BY BENJAMIN PULTA Philippine News Agency

The DENR official added that it will recommend the return of the garbage to South Korea if its contents are found to be hazardous. Filing of administrative and criminal charges against those behind the shipment will also be recommended.

EcoWaste Coalition earlier called on the government not to allow garbage imports and demand other countries and manufacturers of plastic and other disposable goods to “take full responsibility for their products throughout their whole life cycle.”

“We find this latest incident of plastic waste dumping outrageous and unacceptable.

Why do we keep on accepting garbage from other countries when we know that our country’s plastic waste, which is literally everywhere, is spilling to the oceans and endangering

marine life?” Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste Coalition’s National Coordinator, said.

“We also find it ironic that while South Korea is taking action to control its plastic waste, including banning plastic bags in supermarkets starting October this year, and yet its unwanted plastics are being sent abroad,” she added.

To recall, about 103 shipping containers of 2,450 tons of garbage from Chronic Incorporated, a plastic exporter based in Ontario, Canada, were brought to the Philippines between 2013 to 2014.

These containers were supposed to contain recyclable plastics, but upon inspection by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), these were actually filled with wastes like used adult diapers and household trash. ■

MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has tasked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to take a closer look into the circumstances surrounding the Oct. 20 massacre of nine sugar farmers in Sagay City, Negros Occidental. “(The) NBI has submitted a progress report. I directed them to investigate more deeply,” Guevarra said in a message to reporters Thursday.

“It’s basically a narration of what happened before, during, and after the attack, based on the accounts of witnesses. but no clear indication yet as to who were the perpetrators,” he added.

The murder of nine farmers occurred in a farm at Hacienda Nene, Purok Firetree, Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City.

The farm, owned by a certain Carmen Tolentino, was occupied by alleged members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) on the morning of Oct. 20, a day after Tolentino harvested the sugar canes.

Witnesses claimed that the victims were resting inside their improvised tents when they were allegedly fired upon by around 40 unidentified

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armed men.

Some of the farmers escaped but nine died in the attack, with three of the victims allegedly burned by their assailants.

On Wednesday, the Justice Department asked the NBI to investigate whether the murder of 56-year-old civil rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos was connected to the Sagay incident.

Ramos, a founding member of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), was shot dead in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental Tuesday night in an attack by motorcycle-riding men along Rojas St., Barangay 5, about 3 km. away from a police station.

The victim, a resident of Baranggay Binicuil in the same city, was brought to the Holy Mother of Mercy Kabankalan City Hospital after suffering from three gunshot wounds at the right back side and upper left portion of his chest but was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Ruffa Vicete.

Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) director, Chief Supt. John C. Bulalacao, condemned the attack.

The NUPL confirmed that Ramos was part of a team that they sent to assist the victims of the Oct. 20 Sagay incident. ■

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Philippine News

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

PNP probes ambush of La Union mayor, vice mayor

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BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde ordered a probe on the ambush, which killed Balaoan, La Union Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion and wounded his daughter, Mayor Aleli Concepcion, on Wednesday morning.

“I have directed the Regional Director of PRO-1, Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula to extend all possible assistance to the Concepcion family even as I assure them of the availability of PNP resources and personnel for a speedy and thorough investigation of this incident,” Albayalde told reporters in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

“I have been informed that a provincewide dragnet operation is underway while an all–points bulletin has been raised to all Municipal Police Stations to possibly intercept the suspects,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde also ordered an extensive manhunt against the perpetrators, including any mastermind who would be identified in the course of the investigation.

“As we speak, the Provincial Mobile Force Company and SWAT of La Union are leading massive dragnet operations in the towns of Bangar, Sudipen, Bacnotan, Santol and San Juan all in La Union,” he noted.

Aside from the vice mayor, gunmen on board a sports utility vehicle also killed his aide identified as Michael Ulep, according to Sapitula.

The PNP chief has extended condolences to the families of the victims who succumbed to gunshot wounds when their two-car convoy was ambushed along the Balaoan-Luna Road in Barangay Antonino, Balaoan, La Union at 8:22 a.m.

Both were declared dead on arrival at the local hospital.

Albayalde said additional security has been provided to Aleli, who survived the ambush and is now undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The attack occurred months after the police started to prepare for the mid-term elections next year. The early preparations were triggered by the series of attacks on mayors and vice mayors in the past two years.

Based on police data, at least 18 government officials were either wounded or killed from January to December this year. ■

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Arrest of Ladlad legitimate: Lorenzana

BY PRIAM NEPOMUCENO Philippine News Agency

localized peace efforts have achieved far more success in less than a year than the numerous formal talks abroad since the 1980s.

MANILA — Department of National “The Enhanced Comprehensive LoDefense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lo- cal Integration Program (E-CLIP) of renzana on Wednesday emphasized that the Task Force Balik Loob continues to the arrest of ranking Communist Party positively transform the lives of former of the Philippines (CPP) leader Vicente CPP-NPA (New People’s Army) and MiLadlad last week is a legitimate law en- litia ng Bayan rebels who returned to the forcement operation contrary to claims folds of the law to rejoin their commumade by some groups. nities and live normal lives,” he pointed “The arrest of Mr. Vicente Ladlad was out. a legitimate law enforcement operation Ladlad is known for his involvement conducted by the proper authorities in the purging of communist members who recovered hightagged by the CPP powered firearms leadership as alleged and explosives in his government spies in possession. True to the organization. form, Mrs. Fides Lim At least 67 bodies Ladlad now claims She is wrong. were unearthed in they were planted to How can September 2006 in discredit the Philipthe peace what is now dubbed pine National Police process be as the Inopacan, and to exonerate her derailed when Leyte massacre inhusband,” he said in a it has been volving the Southern statement to reportsuspended/ Leyte Front of the ers. stopped last New People’s Army.

Lorenzana also disJune by the Ladlad was among missed claims made President? the prominent names

by Ladlad’s wife that in the CPP charged her husband’s arrest with multiple counts was done to derail of murder over the the peace process.

Inopacan massacre.

“She is wrong. How Also charged was can the peace process be derailed when Adelberto Silva, who was arrested earliit has been suspended/stopped last June er last month in Laguna, the head of the by the President? Upon termination of National Organization Department and the peace talks, Mr. Ladlad should have Secretary General of the CPP. turned himself in as his provisional “As for Mr. Ladlad’s arrest, anyone liberty to be part of the NDF (National found violating Philippine laws will be Democratic Front) negotiating panel as dealt with accordingly. This is now best a negotiator had also expired,” the DND left to the courts. Mrs. Ladlad should chief added. trust in the fairness of our justice sysLorenzana also said that the ongoing tem,” the DND chief emphasized. ■

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Philippine News

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

Hontiveros calls for inquiry into alleged Miss Earth sexual harassment

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer AN OPPOSITION lawmaker is pushing for a Senate inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment made by three Miss Earth 2018 candidates against one of the pageant’s sponsor.

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, November 11, filed Senate Resolution No. 932, calling for a probe into the incidents of sexual harassment that reportedly victimized the three candidates of this year’s Miss Earth pageant, stressing that such acts should be given “zero tolerance.”

“Sexual harassment has no place anywhere, especially in a pageant that claims to uphold the value and power of women,” Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, said.

“At a time when women and girls are battered by rape jokes, sexual violence, and sex for freedom cases, it is imperative that sexual harassment of any kind, shape or form be brought out into the open,” she added.

The Senator filed the resolution after three Miss Earth candidates — Jaime Vandenberg

of Canada, Abbey-Anne GylesBrown of England, and Emma Mae Sheedy of Guam — shared through their social media accounts their supposed experience of sexual harassment allegedly committed by a male pageant sponsor, identified as Amado S. Cruz.

According to Vandenberg, who did not push through with the competition, Cruz got her mobile number without her consent and kept calling her to ask for her hotel and room number. She added that Cruz also offered her help to get further in the pageant in exchange for sexual favors.

Sheedy, meanwhile, said Cruz grabbed her bare backside during the National Costume Competition, but she was able to push him away. The latter, she added, told her not to tell anyone about any of the instances.

Gyles-Brown, who had also experienced sexual advances from Cruz, shared that she and Vandenberg approached their team managers to bring up their concerns “only to be laughed at.”

The British representative added that she even talked to Lorraine Schuck, executive vice president of Miss Earth organizer Carousel Productions,

who told her that Cruz will be “removed from all contact with contestants, however, GylesBrown said it did not happen.

Schuck, in an interview with GMA News Online, said she talked to Gyles-Brown and told her not to worry as Cruz will not be a judge in the pageant and that the official will ban him in their events. Since the coronation night was a public event, Schuck admitted that they had no control of the attendees, but assured the safety of the candidates as they have their own police escorts with them.

Cruz earlier denied allegations of misconduct thrown against him by the three Miss Earth candidates in an interview with ABS-CBN, while a staff of him told GMA News TV that Cruz cannot commit such accusations as her boss is already “old” and “weak.”

Hontiveros said Cruz should not be the only one to be held accountable for the incident, but also the organizers of the event.

“I am surprised that despite reports of sexual harassment, the sponsor was still allowed to see the candidates in succeeding events. This shows disregard for their welfare and a flippant attitude towards the handling of this case,” the lady

Senator Risa Hontiveros.

senator said.

“This cannot be allowed to pass un-addressed. This inquiry seeks to shed light on the true events of the case, and to aid in the future protection of women from sexual harassment. No woman should ever be a victim, whatever country they come from,” she added.

Before the lawmaker, women’s group Gabriela called for a probe into the sexual harass-

RISA HONTIVEROS/FACEBOOK

ment issue and urged other Miss Earth hopefuls and contestants of other beauty contests to break their silence and speak against same incidents and file legal action against perpetrators.

“The climate of impunity against misogynist acts like these, boosted by a misogynist leader, is a grave cause of concern that must be immediately addressed,” Gabriela said. ■

Deferment of warrant vs. Imelda part of ‘due process’

BY JOSE CIELITO REGANIT Philippine News Agency MANILA — Senators on Wednesday said despite the conviction of former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, the deferment of the issuance of an arrest warrant against her is all part of “due process.”

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said what is happening in the Marcos case is just “normal.”

He said while the cancellation of bail may cause the automatic enforcement of the original arrest order at the start of the trial, the accused can still seek available legal remedies.

“If the reason for ordering

arrest is absence from hearing, then the subject person is always allowed and is given the chance to explain and justify their absence from the promulgation,” Pimentel said in a text message to reporters.

Under Section 6, Rule 120, if the judgment is for conviction and the person snubbed the promulgation without justifiable cause, he or she shall lose the available remedies, among them post-conviction bail.

An accused, nonetheless, can file a motion for leave of court within 15 days from promulgation, explaining the absence.

The motion filed by camp of Marcos is set to be heard by the Sandiganbayan on November 16.

Senator Francis Escudero echoed Pimentel’s observa-

tions, noting that any accused has a lot of legal remedies at his/her disposal.

He pointed out that any party aggrieved by a ruling of a court can seek remedies from the court itself — which includes filing a motion for reconsideration among others — or from a higher court through an appeal.

“If the Sandiganbayan does not find the reason acceptable, again, the aggrieved party can still seek redress from the Supreme Court to reverse the Sandiganbayan decision,” Escudero said.

“Kaya nga nagtagal ng ganyan eh. Kada incident, meron remedies ang akusado (That’s why the case has dragged on for that long. The accused have remedies for every incident),” he said. www.canadianinquirer.net

On the other hand, Senator Panfilo Lacson said the deferment of the warrant against Marcos tends to show the “ugly side of due process,” but nonetheless must be observed because it is enshrined in the Constitution.

“If it were an ordinary Juan or Juana de la Cruz on the stand without access to pricey lawyers, the subject would have been hauled to prison upon conviction and while awaiting appeal,” he noted.

“It happens all the time.

While we may not like it, that is how justice is served in our country,” Lacson said.

Last Friday, the Sandiganbayan convicted the Marcos matriarch of seven counts of graft for using her official government positions to create and main-

tain Swiss foundations and bank accounts during the Marcos regime.

She was sentenced to a minimum of six years and one month to a maximum prison sentence of 11 years for each count of graft. She is also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Marcos’ bail paid during the trial stage was also canceled after failing to attend the promulgation.

The court ordered the issuance of a warrant against Marcos but later deferred the release of the document after her camp filed a motion Monday asking leave of court to avail of remedies and deferment of issuance of warrant. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

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Duterte vows to work Senate ‘conditionally’ approves for early conclusion proposed 2019 PCOO budget of COC in WPS

BY JELLY MUSICO Philippine News Agency

overflight in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he said.

MANILA — President Rodrigo The Filipino leader emphaDuterte has assured the Phil- sized the need to intensify ippines’ commitment to work cooperation amid many the with all concerned parties to threats that the region face achieve early conclusion of an nowadays. effective Code of Conduct in “ASEAN still faces many the West Philippine Sea (WPS). threats, including non-traDuterte made this commit- ditional security challenges ment as he assured his fellow that divide our communities, Association of Southeast Asian destroy families, and hold Nations (ASEAN) leaders, dur- back economic growth. These ing the 33rd ASEAN Summit challenges include terrorism, working dinviolent extremner on Tuesday ism, radicalizanight, that the tion, piracy and Philippines will armed robbery do its part to at sea, and trafrealize a more We must ficking of perpeaceful, stable also sons and illicit and secure reinvest in drugs,” Duterte gion.

MSMEs, the said.

“In our role as backbone “We need to Country Coorof our intensify cooperdinator of ASEeconomies, ation and impleAN-China Diaby enabling ment previously logue Relations them to agreed-upon acuntil 2021, we participate tion plans if we are committed in the are to address to work with all global value these issues and concerned parchain and realize a more ties in the subproduction peaceful, stable stantive negotianetworks. and secure retions and early gion. The Philipconclusion of an pines is prepared effective Code to do its part,” he of Conduct,” added.

Duterte said in Duterte also his intervention speech. encouraged ASEAN member A code of conduct is a set of states to remain “undeterred rules outlining the norms and and focused” in performing responsibilities, which aim to their crucial task of sustainprevent conflicting territorial ing innovative and inclusive claims in the WPS. growth.

During the regional bloc’s He also urged fellow leaders summit in 2002, ASEAN and to continue investing in the reChina agreed to set up a code of gion and in its people. conduct in the South China Sea, “We must also invest in considered as one of the world’s MSMEs, the backbone of our most important shipping lanes economies, by enabling them to believed to be rich in mineral participate in the global value and marine resources. chain and production networks.

Duterte also reaffirmed the Certainly, we have to invest in country’s commitment to the our people,” Duterte said. full and effective implementa“Amidst prevailing uncertaintion of the Declaration on the ties in the global economy, we Conduct of Parties in the WPS must continue supporting the or South China Sea. rules-based multilateral trading “This includes the peace- system. Trade actions contrary ful settlement of disputes, the to this benefit no one and only exercise of self-restraint, and threaten the prospects of ecothe freedom of navigation and nomic growth,” he added. ■

BY JOSE CIELITO REGANIT Philippine News Agency

MANILA — The Senate Finance Sub-Committee “F” on Monday “conditionally” approved the PHP1.47-billion proposed 2019 budget of the Presidential Communications Operations office (PCOO) and its attached agencies, pending the issuance of an executive order (EO) that would revert the PCOO to the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, the panel chair, made the announcement after PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar briefed the Senate on the preparations being made for the transition to the OPS. Andanar said his office is instituting reforms while waiting for President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the EO. One of them is the prepa-

ration of a transition team that would pave the way for a smooth transition once the EO is signed.

“Second reform is the setting up of the Global Media Affairs Division (GMAD). This new division would it easier for us to transition and revert the entire office to the OPS,” Andanar said.

Under the GMAD, Andanar said press attachés would be revived and established in select Philippine embassies around the world.

Among the countries being considered for the deployment of press attaches are the United States, the United Kingdom, Paris, Israel, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Thailand and Singapore.

Except for the revival of press attachés, Andanar said he sees little problem in reverting the PCOO to the OPS since the offices and attached agencies would be “more or less” similar.

“The major difference would

be the Secretary. The Press Secretary would be the (Presidential) spokesperson,” he said.

In an interview after the budget hearing, Ejercito said he is in favor of reverting the PCOO to the old OPS, especially the revival of press attaché offices in Philippine embassies.

The lawmaker said the role of press attachés is vital, especially in communicating the official position of the government to the international media.

“For several decades, wala tayong (we have no) press attachés. But since we are reverting to the old OPS sinuggest na rin na buhayin ito(it was suggested to revive this) to improve country’s image, investor’s confidence. Matagal tayong walang presence kasi wala tayong tagasagot (It has been a long time that we don’t have presence because we don’t have press attaches) especially in international media,” Ejercito said. ■

Sotto unfazed by Enrile’s comeback bid

BY JOSE CIELITO REGANIT Philippine News Agency MANILA — Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Wednesday he is not at all threatened by former senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s comeback bid, saying he would even gladly hand over the Senate presidency to Enrile if circumstances warrant it.

Enrile, more popularly known as JPE, has served as Senate President under two administrations — under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2008 to 2010, and again under Benigno Aquino III from 2010 to 2013.

The 94-year-old seasoned lawmaker is vying for a Senate seat in the 2019 mid-term elections.

“Why would I be threatened with that? I’ve heard the interview of JPE and, asked about my Senate presidency, he gave nice words,” Sotto said when asked by reporters over the possibility that Enrile might regain the Senate presidency if he www.canadianinquirer.net

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III JOSEPH VIDAL VIA SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES/FACEBOOK

wins in May. Sotto, who has only served as Senate President (SP) since May 21 of this year, added that he has no qualms about handing over the Senate presidency to Enrile if his fellow senators would vote for the latter.

The Senate President is elected by the majority of the members of the Senate from among

themselves.

“He would be an asset. If my colleagues will elect him as SP, I will give it. I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues,” he said.

In the meantime, Sotto said he enjoys the full support of his colleagues.

“Oo (Yes), I am confident with that,” he said. ■

Philippine News

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Legality of K-12 law key to quality educ, social dev’t

BY MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR Philippine News Agency

ances including RA 10157 or the Kindergarten Education Act, and DepEd Order (DO) 31, s. 2012 entitled, “Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of Grades 1 to 10 of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum,” are all constitutional.

MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday expressed confidence that the Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of Republic Act 10533, otherwise known Thrust for K to 12, ALS as the “Enhanced Basic Education Act The education chief also acknowlof 2013,” shall pave the way not only for edged the preliminary work carried out the achievement of basic education ob- by her predecessor, Bro. Armin Luistro, jectives, but also of social development who was at the helm of the department goals. when the K to 12 was enacted into law by DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis former president Benigno Aquino III. Briones expressed her high hopes for “His administration’s determination the future of the country’s biggest edu- and unwavering commitment built a cation reform to date, as well as for the strong foundation for the full implefuture of the country.

“The Supreme Court (SC) ruling empowers us to better deliver quality, As with any journey, there will always be accessible, relevant, and gaps that need to be filled [...]. and liberating basic education to the Filipino learners whom we are sworn to serve,” she said in a mentation of this reform, especially statement. the two additional years of Senior High “We shall continue amplifying our ef- School (SHS) which provide graduates forts to produce 21st century graduates with four exits and life options,” Briones equipped with the core values and life- added, referring to employment, enlong competencies they need to contrib- trepreneurship, higher education, and ute to societal development and nation- middle-level skills development. building — the very goal of the K to 12 With its full implementation of the K program,” she added. to 12 program, the Duterte administraSigned by Associate Justice Alfredo tion completes the education reform as Benjamin Caguioa, the decision, dated it committed to and continues to expand Oct. 9, 2018, ruled that the K to 12 law and intensify the Alternative Learning was “duly enacted,” as “it adequately System (ALS). provides the legislative policy that it Considered as a priority education seeks to implement.” program of the administration, ALS is a It also declared that its related issu- step in the direction of the Philippines’ www.canadianinquirer.net

commitment to the Philippine Education for All Plan of Action for out-ofschool youth and adults.

The 94-page SC decision also stated that “more than a year prior to the adoption of DO No. 31, and contrary to petitioners’ assertions, DepEd conducted regional consultations and focus group discussions, participated by students, parents, teachers and administrators, government representatives, and representatives from private schools and private sector to elicit opinions, thoughts and suggestions about the K to 12 basic education.”

Milestones, challenges

With the graduation of the first 1.2 million SHS learners in 2018, Briones said the reform is on the right track. pitfalls “As with any journey, there will always be pitfalls and gaps that need to be filled, especially given the continuously shifting socio-political and economic conditions of the country,” Briones cited.

“But the challenges do not discredit our milestones,” she added, citing DepEd’s successful efforts to fine-tune the program, and continuous identification of ways forward together with its many stakeholders.

“While we acknowledge the criticisms of various groups and individuals, we continuously call on all members of the society to support our goal of being at par with the rest of the world through the K to 12 Program,” Briones said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

9

Lapeña blasts Comelec asked to disqualify NBI for graft Cayetano couple from 2019 polls complaint over 105 missing containers

BY FERDINAND PATINIO Philippine News Agency

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer TECHNICAL EDUCATION and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Isidro Lapeña slammed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for lodging a graft complaint against him in connection with the 105 containers of tiles allegedly released with irregularities last March, saying that the agency did not reveal “real” perpetrators behind the plot.

“It is unfortunate that the NBI concluded its concluded its investigations on the case of the 105 illegally released containers from the Port of Manila without getting any statements from me,” Lapeña said on Tuesday, November 13.

“What is more unfortunate is that the NBI did not unmask the real people behind the illegal scheme,” he added.

The NBI, on Monday, filed its 35-page report before the Department of Justice (DOJ), recommending that the former Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief be “charged and prosecuted” for violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act over the alleged irregularities in the release of the 105 containers of ceramic tiles from China, amounting to at least P69 million.

It also recommended that Lapeña should be administratively charged with gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct over the same matter.

In his statement, Lapeña said the illegal release of the containers would not have been found if it is not because of the 22 alert orders he issued against the shipments which involved a total of 119 containers.

“I know that this illegal scheme is possibly happening even long before I was placed in the Bureau of Customs. Under my watch, this modus was uncovered,” he stressed.

Lapeña said he already filed

criminal cases against 53 involved individuals and that he already referred the case of Port of Manila District Collector to PACC (Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission) for “failure to observe relevant procedures that led to the unauthorized release of said shipments.”

“It is unclear to me why would NBI find negligence on y part when I was the one who alerted the containers. Based on existing procedure in the BOC, the release of containers from a certain port is the responsibility of the concerned officers of that port,” the TESDA director general noted.

Lapeña then hopes that the investigation to the controversy would find out the truth and those who conspired together to release the containers from the terminal.

Despite the filing of charges against him, Malacañang said Lapeña still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte, who “promoted” him to a Cabinet-rank position amid the P11-billion shabu (crystal meth) shipment controversy at the BOC. “We point out that TESDA Director-General Isidro Lapeña has the constitutional right to be presumed innocent,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo, however, stressed that Lapeña’s case is a proof that the government will not spare anyone from investigations, not even the President’s allies, who are involved in irregularities.

“No one, friends or political foes alike, is spared in our fight against corruption,” the spokesman said.

“The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has a mandate to fulfill and its action is proof that the President shall not shield those upon whom a shadow of doubt has been cast,” he added. ■

MANILA — Separate petitions to deny due course were filed on Monday against former senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his wife, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for not possessing the minimum residency qualification imposed by the 1987 Constitution for the members of the House of Representatives.

Petitioner and Taguig resident Leonides Buac Jr. said the couple must be disqualified from running in the forthcoming polls, adding that they cannot claim living in separate residences as indicated on their respective Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) which is not in accordance with Article 69 of the Family Code.

He noted that the law mandates them to fix one matrimonial domicile or residence, as well as Article 68, which obliges them to live there together.

“In his COC, Alan Peter Cayetano claimed that he is a resident of Barangay Bagumbayan in the First District, while Lani Cayetano claimed that she resides in Barangay Fort Boni-

www.canadianinquirer.net

Alan Peter Cayetano and Lani Cayetano.

facio in the Second District,” lawyer Emil Marañon III, the petitioner’s counsel, said in a statement.

“Following this rule, the spouses cannot keep separate domiciles or for one spouse to claim a separate and independent domicile from the matrimonial domicile,” he added.

Cayetano, former Foreign Affairs Secretary, is running as representative of Taguig’s first district while his wife is run-

ALAN PETER CAYETANO/FACEBOOK

ning in the city’s second district.

“Thus, Alan cannot claim domicile in Barangay Bagumbayan, while his wife, Lani Cayetano, in Barangay Fort Bonifacio. In other words, they cannot run in two different districts or jurisdictions at the same time,” Marañon added.

Alan’s older sister, Pia, is running again for senator while his youngest brother, Lino, is running for mayor of the city. ■

10

Philippine News

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

PRRD inks Filipino Sign Language Act into law

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency

OLIVER MARQUEZ / PNA

LTFRB to conduct hearing on jeep, bus fare rollback

BY AEROL JOHN PATEÑA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will conduct a hearing on the petition for rollback in public utility jeepney and bus fares amid the recent decreases in petroleum prices.

The United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) on Monday filed a petition seeking a rollback in jeepney fares from PHP10 to PHP8, air-conditioned bus fares from PHP13 to PHP12, and ordinary bus fares in Metro Manila from PHP11 to PHP10.

“The LTFRB has received a letter petition asking for a rollback in the fare rate of public utility jeepneys and public utility buses, which will be set for hearing. The merits of the case will be addressed, especially the basis for the petition and consultations,” the LTFRB said in a statement on Tuesday.

The board has yet to determine the specific date for the hearing as of this writing.

The UFCC said in its petition that fare rollbacks are necessary due to lower fuel prices.

“Limang linggo na magkakasunod na bumaba ang halaga ng petrolyo. Ayon mismo sa mga eksperto na ang pagbaba sa pandaigdigan pamilihan ay magpapatuloy hanggang sa susunod na taong 2019 (Petroleum prices have been going down for five consecutive weeks. Experts themselves said that the decline in global market prices will continue until 2019),” UFCC President Rodolfo Javellana Jr. said.

The price of diesel has gone down by PHP5.05 and gasoline

by PHP7.50 per liter for the past five weeks.

The commuter group also cited the directive given by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade for the LTFRB to review the fare hikes.

The Pantawid Pasada Program has likewise mitigated the impact of oil prices on public utility vehicle drivers.

The LTFRB has granted the petition for jeepney and bus fare hikes last Oct. 18, which took effect on November 2. ■

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed into a law an Act declaring the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf.

Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11106 or the Filipino Sign Language Act on Oct. 30 but it was released to the media on Monday (Nov. 12).

Under the law, FSL will be “the official sign language of the government in all transactions involving the deaf and mandate its use in schools, broadcast media, and workplaces.”

“The FSL shall be recognized, promoted, and supported as the medium of official communication in all transactions involving the deaf, and as the language of instruction of deaf education, without prejudice to the use of other forms of communication depending on individual choice or preference,” the law read.

It also assigns the Department of Education (DepED), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and all other national and local government agencies involved in the education of the deaf to use and coordinate with each other on the use of FSL as the medium of instruction in deaf education.

The FSL shall also be taught as a separate subject in the curriculum for deaf learners aside from reading and writing in Filipino, other Philippine languages, and English.

The University of the Philippines, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipio (KWF), professional sign linguistics and linguistics

www.canadianinquirer.net

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

researchers in collaboration with the CHED and the DepEd, and the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, to develop guidelines for the development of training materials in the education of the deaf for use by all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and their teachers and staff.

The DepEd, CHED, UP KWF, Linguistic Society of the Philippines and other national agencies and local government units shall, in consultation with professional organizations with expertise and experience in language policy and planning and the deaf community, take appropriate steps to propagate sign language competence among the hearing people by offering FSL as an elective subject in the regular or mainstream curriculum particularly of SUCs. The FSL shall also be the official language of legal interpreting for the deaf in all public hearings, proceedings, and

ROBINSON NIÑAL / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

transactions of the courts, quasi-judicial agencies, and other tribunals, the official language of the Filipino deaf employed in the civil service and all government workplaces, in the health system, in all other public transactions, services and facilities, and in the media.

Government offices shall take reasonable measures to encourage the use of FSL among its deaf and hearing employees, including the conduct of awareness and training seminars of the rationale and use of FSL. The initial funding of the Act will be taken from the current year’s appropriations of the concerned agencies.

Eventually, the amount necessary for its continued implementation will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

11

Palace on tax case vs. Rappler: PSA to roll out 7-M ‘No one is above law’ nat’l IDs in 2019

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency

BY JOANN VILLANUEVA Philippine News Agency

MANILA — The filing of tax evasion case against Rappler Holdings Corp. (RHC), the holding company of online news site Rappler, its president Maria Ressa and its accountant Noel Baladiang shows no one is above the law, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this comment noting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) “found probable cause” in the complaint filed the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against Rappler officials in connection with the PHP133-million tax evasion complaint filed by BIR. “The issue simply is: Has Rappler violated the law? The Department of Justice (DOJ) has found probable cause hence a case was filed against the media outlet,” Panelo said in a press statement.

“In the Duterte administration, obedience to the law is not, and cannot be an option. No one is above the law,” he added.

Panelo explained that everyone or every entity is accountable for every transgression of the law.

“No one is exempted, rich or poor, powerful or weak. Friendship, fraternal and political ties, as well as blood relationship do not matter to this President,” Panelo said.

“If you violate the law, then you cannot escape the wrath of its punishment. Dura lex sed lex, the law may be harsh, but it is the law,” he added.

MANILA — Some 7 million Filipinos, who are mostly beneficiaries of the government’s cash transfer program, including indigenous peoples (IPs), will be the initial holders of the national ID. This was disclosed by National Statistician and Civil Registrar General of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Lisa Grace S. Bersales, during the round table discussion hosted by financial technology firm FINTQ in its office in Mandaluyong City Tuesday.

The Philippine Identification System Act, which was signed into law on August 6, 2018, establishes a central database for all Filipinos.

Under the 2018 national budget, the national ID system has been allocated a PHP2-billion fund, which was included in the PSA budget while its funding under the proposed 2019 national budget amounts to PHP2.1 billion.

Bersales said the national ID system “will give dignity to our people.” “(It is) something that we really need to do to our people,” she said, citing that to date, about 7 percent of Filipinos do not have birth certificates while about 66 percent of deceased Filipinos do not have death certificates.

She said most of those who do not have death certificates are Muslims, whose tradition calls for the dead to be buried within 24 hours after death, and those who are living in far-flung areas.

She said the national ID system cannot address this issue

Rappler CEO Maria Ressa.

On Friday, DOJ said Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar Machacon-Caparros found probable cause to indict RHC and Ressa “for willful attempt to evade or defeat tax and willful failure to supply correct and accurate information under Sections 254 and 255 of the Tax Code.”

Caparros added that Ressa “should be held to account for such violation because Section 253 of the Tax Code makes a corporate president, among other officers, personally liable for such infraction by the corporation.”

Revenue officials claimed RHC has purchased shares from Rappler Inc., amounting to PHP19.245 million and, subsequently, sold Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) on various dates to two foreign entities — NBM Rappler LP and Omidyar Network Find LLC for

PCOO

PHP181.658 million.

The BIR noted that RHC also used the same common shares it purchased from Rappler Inc. as underlying asset/share of the PDRs. It explained that RHC is clearly a dealer in securities and is subject to income tax (IT) and value-added tax (VAT) because of these transactions.

Rappler’s lawyer, Francis Lim, in a statement published on its website, said it is not surprised by the decision, which he described as a “clear form of continuing intimidation and harassment and an attempt to silence reporting that does not please the administration.”

In January, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked Rappler’s certification of incorporation for allegedly violating the constitutional restriction on foreign ownership of mass media. ■

Sandiganbayan orders... ❰❰ 1

today to explain why no judgment on the bonds should be issued. Let a warrant of arrest be issued against the accused,” the Sandiganbayan said in its order dated Nov. 9, 2018.

On Friday, the Sandiganbayan convicted Marcos of seven counts of graft due to her “financial interests and participation in the management of private foundations in Switzerland” when she served as a

Cabinet official during her late husband’s term.

The anti-graft court also sentenced Marcos “to suffer the penalty of imprisonment of from six years and one month as minimum, up to 11 years as maximum for each count of the graft case filed against her.”

She is also perpetually disqualified from holding any public post.

Assistant Special Prosecutor Ryan Quilala said the former

First Lady would not be automatically imprisoned as she can still file an appeal before the Supreme Court.

The promulgation of the sentence took so long because majority of the witnesses are already dead, Quilala added.

Marcos, a former minister of Human Settlements, Metro Manila governor, and member of the Interim Batasan Pambansa, was prohibited by law to take part in such businesses. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

but it can do something with the issue of having their birth registered.

For the implementation of the national ID, Bersales said they are now working with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) for the proof of concept.

“We already have a design of concept. We will test it starting January (2019),” Bersales said, noting that the procurement of the system to be used will be done in June next year, ideally through a competitive bidding, while the roll-out of the IDs will start by September next year or a year after the measure was signed into law.

Bersales said they target to issue IDs to all living Filipinos by 2023.

For babies, the National Statistician said they need to be registered while biometrics is eyed to be done when they are already five years old or before they start formal schooling or age of late teens.

Bersales also said they plan to do a privacy impact assessment and a vulnerability test while in the process of doing the proof of concept.

She added that while “we can never be 100 percent sure” on the security of the national ID, the PSA will work with the Department of Information and Technology (DICT), the National Privacy Commission, the National ID Council, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank to ensure that data collected by the agency will be safe.

“We are doing our best to do the data privacy by design,” she said, adding that data to be gathered are similar to those asked by social media groups. ■

GINNO ALCANTARA / PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER

12

Philippine News

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

Sandiganbayan clarifies: Arrest warrant for Imelda Marcos deferred

Mayor ‘coddling’ gun-for-hire leader Peralta: PNP

PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER

BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency

FORMER FIRST lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos remains a free individual, for now, as Sandiganbayan has not yet issued a warrant of arrest against her, Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said.

“I just learned that the Court has deferred release of the warrant of arrest because the lawyer of Mrs. Marcos filed a motion yesterday asking leave of court to avail of remedies and deferment of issuance of warrant,” Tang clarified on Tuesday, November 13.

Although Marcos filed the motion on Monday, further details about it have not yet been disclosed to media. The antigraft court is set to hear the motion on Friday, November 16.

Tang issued this statement a few days after the Sandiganyaban Fifth Division found Marcos, 89, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of seven counts of graft due to her “financial interests and participation in the management of private foundations in Switzerland” while holding a government position during her late husband’s term, former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Mrs. Marcos was sentenced to imprisonment from six years and one month up to 11 years for each count of graft, and that

Imelda Marcos.

she is also perpetually disqualified to run in any government position.

The former first lady, however, may still post bail while her conviction is not yet final and executory.

“Ordinarily, an accused who has been convicted of a bailable offense may still be granted bail pending appeal which is addressed to the sound discretion of the court,” Tang said.

Apart from imprisonment and disqualification from public office, the Sandiganbayan

ILOCOS NORTE / FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

also ordered the forfeiture of the bail bonds that Marcos earlier posted, citing her “unjustified” absence in the promulgation of her cases last Friday.

“The accused is given thirty (30) days from today to explain why no judgment on the bonds should be issued,” the anti-graft court said on its order dated November 9, but was only released to media on Tuesday.

“Let a warrant of arrest be issued against the accused,” it added. ■

there. They will probably be the one to call us that the suspect is here,” Dumlao said in a press conference.

The PNP official said Peralta MANILA — The Philippine and his group has a long list of National Police (PNP) said assassination activities in NueWednesday it is monitoring a va Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Metro mayor in Central Luzon who is Manila, and Cagayan Valley. allegedly coddling gun-for-hire He also has standing wargang leader Ricardo Peralta. rants of arrest for multiple PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group murder, kidnapping, car theft, head, Chief Supt. Glen Dumlao, and highway robbery. said this information was based VACC president Boy Evanon the accounts of the arrested gelista, meanwhile, said the members of the Peralta Group. reward money was increased He said the AKG, together through the help of Gapan with the local poMayor Emerson lice, is building Pascual, whose up a case against brothers Erickthe mayor, son and Ebert[...] we have whom he refused son, were killed the eyes of the to identify. by the Peralta community of Dumlao said group in 2016 the tipster. they have also reportedly folidentified two lowing the order other politicians of then Gapan who had been mayor Ernesto using the Peralta Natividad due to group for their illegal activities. politics.

He revealed that the VolunPNP Chief, Director General teers Against Crime and Cor- Oscar Albayalde, said the group ruption (VACC) has increased is being tapped by politicians, to PHP10 million the reward especially during election pefor information leading to the riod to get ahead of their politiarrest of Peralta. cal rivals.

“The good thing here is that On Monday, the PNP Antiwe have the eyes of the commu- Kidnapping Group arrested five nity of the tipster. The PHP10 members of the Peralta Group, million reward will not go to identified as Dennis Matian, the person who is coddling him Mary Ann Mallari, Raymond but probably, to that person’s Dequina, John Lana, and Jackie aides. Maybe the caretaker in Lou Isidro in separate operathe farm or the one who cooks tions from October 25 to 29. ■

PSA to recommend OFWs secure nat’l IDs

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Although getting a national identification (ID) card is not mandatory, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Saturday said it will recommend it for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Ang balak po namin ay ipopropose po namin sa POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) na sana

iyong mga OFW natin bago sila lumabas ng bansa para magtrabaho sa labas ay makakuha na sila ng national ID (We plan to propose to the POEA that our OFWs, before they leave the country, secure a national ID),” PSA head Lisa Grace Bersales said in a radio interview.

Bersales said though that OFWs can also secure their national IDs while abroad by visiting the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) consulates in their respective countries.

She said the consulates are where OFWs secure their birth certificates, marriage licenses, among other identification documents.

She added that a national ID will also benefit senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“Ang vision uli ay hindi na natin kailangan ng (The vision is that there will no longer be a need for the) senior citizen card, eventually. For senior citizens to avail of all of the privileges, then a national ID is what www.canadianinquirer.net

they can show,” she added.

According to Bersales, parents can register their children’s national ID soon as they secure a birth certificate.

She, however, said biometric can first be captured when the child is five years old and the ID will be renewed when they turn 18.

“Siya po ay pupunta sa registration center to capture biometric and all other information. Ang naisip po namin, five years old ang una (The child

has to go to the registration center to capture biometric and all other information. We are thinking they can start with those as young as five-yearsold),” Bersales said.

On Aug. 6, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Philippine Identification System Act, which seeks to integrate the various government IDs of all citizens and foreign residents in the country. ■

13

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

Stan Lee, creator of a galaxy of Marvel superheroes, dies BYANDREW DALTON AND DAVE ZELIO The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Stan Lee, the creative dynamo who revolutionized the comic book and helped make billions for Hollywood by introducing human frailties in Marvel superheroes such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk, died Monday. He was 95.

Lee was declared dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to Kirk Schenck, an attorney for Lee’s daughter, J.C. Lee. As the top writer at Marvel Comics and later as its publisher, Lee was widely considered the architect of the contemporary comic book. He revived the industry in the 1960s by offering the costumes and action craved by younger readers while insisting on sophisticated plots, college-level dialogue, satire, science fiction, even philosophy.

Millions responded to the unlikely mix of realistic fantasy, and many of his characters, including Spider-Man, the Hulk and X-Men went on to become stars of blockbuster films. He won the National Medal of Arts in 2008.

Recent projects Lee helped make possible range from the films “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Black Panther” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” to such TV series as “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” and “Daredevil.” Lee was recognizable to his fans, having had cameos in many Marvel films and TV projects, often delivering his trademark motto, “Excelsior!”

“Captain America” actor Chris Evans mourned the loss on Twitter: “There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!!”

Lee considered the comicbook medium an art form and he was prolific: By some accounts, he came up with a new comic book every day for 10 years.

“I wrote so many I don’t even know. I wrote either hundreds

or thousands of them,” he told The Associated Press in 2006.

He hit his stride in the 1960s when he brought the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron Man and numerous others to life. “It was like there was something in the air. I couldn’t do anything wrong,” he said.

His heroes, meanwhile, were a far cry from virtuous do-gooders such as rival DC Comics’ Superman.

The Fantastic Four fought with each other. Spider-Man was goaded into superhero work by his alter ego, Peter Parker, who suffered from unrequited crushes, money problems and dandruff. The Silver Surfer, an alien doomed to wander Earth’s atmosphere, waxed about the woeful nature of man.

The Hulk was marked by selfloathing. Daredevil was blind and Iron Man had a weak heart.

“The beauty of Stan Lee’s characters is that they were characters first and superheroes next,” Jeff Kline, executive producer of the “Men in Black” animated television series, told The Blade of Toledo, Ohio, in 1998.

Some of Lee’s creations became symbols of social change — the inner turmoil of SpiderMan represented ‘60s America, for example, while The Black Panther and The Savage SheHulk mirrored the travails of minorities and women.

“I think of them as fairy tales for grown-ups,” he told The AP in 2006. “We all grew up with giants and ogres and witches.

Well, you get a little bit older and you’re too old to read fairy tales. But I don’t think you ever outgrow your love for those kind of things, things that are bigger than life and magical and very imaginative.”

Lee scripted most of Marvel’s superhero comics himself during the ‘60s, including the Avengers and the X-Men, two of the most enduring. In 1972, he became Marvel’s publisher and editorial director; four years later, 72 million copies of Spider-Man were sold.

“He’s become our Mickey Mouse,” he once said of the masked, web-crawling crusader.

Lee also published several books, including “The Superhero Women” in 1977 and “How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way”

the following year, when he was named publisher of the year by the Periodical and Book Association of America.

CBS turned the Hulk into a successful TV series, with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno portraying the doomed scientist from 1978-82. A Spider-Man series ran briefly in 1978. Both characters were featured in animated TV series as well.

The first big-budget movie based on Lee’s characters, “XMen,” was a smash in 2000, earning more than $130 million at North American theatres.

“Spider-Man” did even better, taking in more than $400 million in 2002. A Marvel movie empire would emerge after that, one of the most lucrative mega-franchises in cinema history, with the recent “Avengers: Infinity War” grossing more than $2 billion worldwide. In 10 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe film shave netted over $17.6 billion in worldwide grosses.

“Black Panther” actor Winston Duke took to Twitter to pay his respects to Lee: “You gave us characters that continue to stand the test of time and evolve with our consciousness.

You taught us that there are no limits to our future as long as we have access to our imagination. Rest in power!”

Stanley Martin Lieber was born Dec. 28, 1922, in New York. He grew up a fan of “Hardy Boys” adventure books and Errol Flynn movies, and got a job at Timely Comics after graduating from high school.

Within a few months, the editor and art director quit, leaving the 17-year-old Lee with creative control over the company, which grew and was renamed Atlas Comics and, finally, Marvel. Lieber changed his name, thinking Lee would be used for “silly little comics” and his real name would be reserved for novels.

His early work largely reflected popular movies — westerns, crime dramas, romance, whatever was the rage at the time. He worked for about 50 cents per page.

After a stint in the Army during World War II, writing for training films, he was back at Marvel to begin a long and admittedly boring run of assembly line comic book production. www.canadianinquirer.net

GAGE SKIDMORE / FLICKR, CC BY-SA 2.0

Comics in the 1950s were the subject of Senate hearings pushed by the Comics Code Authority, which frowned on gore and characters that questioned authority. Major comic book companies adopted the code as a form of self-regulation to avoid sanctions.

Lee said he was also working for a publisher who considered comics as fare only for children.

“One day I said, ‘This is insane,”‘ Lee told the Guardian in 1979. “I’m just doing the same type of stories as everybody else. I wasn’t taking pride in my work and I wanted to quit. But my wife said, ‘Look, why don’t you do the kind of comics you want for a change?”‘ The result was the first issue of “The Fantastic Four,” in 1960, with the characters, plot and text from Lee and the illustrations by famed Marvel artist Jack Kirby.

The characters were normal people changed into reluctant superheroes through no fault of their own.

Writing in “Origins of Marvel Comics,” Lee described the quartet this way: “The characters would be the kind of characters I could personally relate to; they’d be flesh and blood, they’d have their faults and foibles, they’d be fallible and feisty and — most important of all — inside their colorful, costumed booties they’d still have feet of clay.”

“The Amazing Spider-Man” followed in 1962 and before long, Marvel Comics was an industry behemoth.

Lee knew his work was different, proudly noting that stories were drawn out over several issues not to make money but to better develop characters, situations and themes. He didn’t

neglect his villains, either. One, the Moleman, went bad when he was ostracized because of his appearance, Lee wrote, adding it was “almost unheard of in a comic book” to explain why a character was what he was.

Lee’s direct influence faded in the 1970s as he gave up some of his editorial duties at Marvel.

But with his trademark white moustache and tinted sunglasses, he was the industry’s most recognizable figure. He lectured widely on popular culture.

Lee moved to Los Angeles in 1981 to head Marvel Productions, an animation studio that was later purchased, along with Marvel Comics, for $50 million

by New World Entertainment.

As sales of comics declined, Marvel was forced into bankruptcy proceedings that meant it had to void a lifetime contract prohibiting Lee from working for anyone else. Lee later sued Marvel for $10 million, saying the company cheated him out of millions in profits from movies based on his characters.

In 2000, Lee agreed to write stories for DC Comics, reinventing Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and other signature characters for Marvel’s one-time rival. DC Vice-President and Publisher Paul Levitz had nothing but praise when the agreement was made.

“With his artistic collaborators at Marvel, Stan co-created the richest imaginary universe a single comics writer has ever built,” he said.

The dapper, friendly comic book genius continued to work into his 90s on numerous projects, including comics, films and DVDs. ❱❱ PAGE 24 Stan Lee

14

Canada News Trudeau: Canadian intelligence has heard Khashoggi tapes

BY THOMAS ADAMSON The Canadian Press PARIS — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday became the first Western leader to acknowledge his country had heard recordings of the killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi.

“Canada has been fully briefed up on what Turkey had to share,” Trudeau said from Paris, where he was attending the Peace Forum following the World War I armistice centenary.

His comments come just two days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had given recordings “to Saudi Arabia, to America, to the Germans, the French, to the British, to all of them.”

The Canadian leader is the first since that announcement to officially confirm that his country’s intelligence had listened to the audio as Canada’s intelligence agencies continue to work “very closely” with Turkish intelligence on Khashoggi’s killing.

Trudeau said that he himself had not heard the shared audio, which is the latest move

by Turkey to maintain international pressure on Saudi Arabia to stop a cover up of the Oct. 2 killing.

He declined to give any details on the contents of the tapes.

Trudeau also said he thanked Erdogan in person for “his strength in responding to the Khashoggi situation” when the two leaders met in Paris this

weekend.

The co-operation between the two countries comes at a rocky moment. In an unrelated diplomatic spat, Canada in August criticized the arrests of Saudi women’s rights activists. In response, Saudi Arabia ordered the Canadian ambassador to leave the kingdom and froze all new business between the two countries.

France’s account somewhat differed on Erdogan’s claim to have shared the audio.

When questioned on France 2 Television Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Turkey has “not to my knowledge” given the French government any such recordings, and suggested the Turks were playing games.

“If the Turkish president has information to give to us, he must give it to us… That means he is playing a political game in this situation,” Le Drian said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu accused his French counterpart of “impertinence” and said Turkish officials had shared “all information” with France’s intelligence on Oct. 24.

Going further, Cavusoglu suggested that Le Drian may be trying to coverup the killing so as not to endanger agreements with Saudi Arabia.

“No one should be surprised if soon they begin to deny the murder that even Saudi Arabia accepted,” Cavusoglu said.

“Who has recently reached which agreement — this should be carefully looked into.”

He said: “Are they trying to

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

cover up this murder? There are things we know … What kind of an agreement are they in? We are following these.”

CIA Director Gina Haspel, who visited Turkey last month for information on the investigation, is reported to have heard the recordings, the existence of which was leaked to the media but never openly confirmed until Saturday.

Also Monday, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt was in Saudi Arabia where he met King Salman and was expected to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Hunt — the first British minister to visit Saudi Arabia since Khashoggi was killed — said he would press the kingdom to fully co-operate with a Turkish investigation into the writer’s killing.

“The international community remain united in horror and outrage at the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi one month ago. It is clearly unac-

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ceptable that the full circumstances behind his murder still remain unclear,” Hunt said in a statement ahead of landing in Riyadh.

A statement by the state-run Saudi News Agency did not make any references to Khashoggi, saying only that King Salman and Hunt discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.

On Sunday U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with the Saudi crown prince on the telephone and “emphasized that the United States will hold all of those involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi accountable, and that Saudi Arabia must do the same.”

The crown prince is widely suspected of at least having knowledge of the killing, which involved some members of his security entourage. Khashoggi was a Washington Post columnist and a critic of the crown prince who was living in selfimposed exile before his death.

Under mounting pressure, Saudi Arabia has changed its narrative about Khashoggi’s killing, first saying that he walked out of the embassy the day he disappeared before eventually acknowledging Khashoggi died inside the consulate. Saudi Arabia has also recently acknowledged Turkish evidence that showed the slaying was premeditated.

Turkey says a 15-member Saudi assassination squad strangled and dismembered Khashoggi at the consulate.

Media reports have suggested that his body could have been chemically dissolved as it has not yet been found.

Saudi officials characterize the killing as a rogue operation carried out by Saudi agents who exceeded their authority. ■ Associated Press writers Aya Batrawy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Suzan Fraser in Ankara and Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.

Canada News

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

15

Amnesty calls for accountability on coerced sterilization of Indigenous women

BY KRISTY KIRKUP The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The federal government needs to appoint a special representative to hear from Indigenous women coerced into being sterilized to learn what justice would look like for the survivors, says Amnesty International Canada.

The human-rights organization, which plans to take the issue to the United Nations Committee Against Torture this month, insists there must be action from the federal government, the provinces and territories, and medical regulators.

Many people are familiar with historic cases of coerced or forced sterilizations of Indigenous women in Canada, but Amnesty’s gender-rights campaigner, Jacqueline Hansen, said people are shocked to learn it’s still occurring.

“It just shouldn’t be happening and those who have experienced this need to see justice,”

Hansen said in an interview Monday.

The issue of forced sterilization of Indigenous women has been on Amnesty International’s radar for some time, she added, pointing to a large body of work regarding the practice in Peru and the Americas.

But she called it “deplorable” that reports indicate it is still happening in Canada, especially when the country has committed to reconciling its relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

Coerced sterilization was raised at the UN in May when Canada’s entire human-rights record was up for review, Hansen said, noting she hopes the committee against torture will ensure Canada is accountable and compliant with international human rights obligations.

Systemic bias against Indigenous women in policing is well-established and known, she added, and it also exists in the provision of health services to Indigenous people.

Sen. Yvonne Boyer said Mon-

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: CANADA

day she welcomes Amnesty’s call for an outsider to examine the practice and collect data on its prevalence. She said she’s heard from Indigenous women

in different parts of Canada who have suffered it.

In 2017, Boyer produced a report with Metis physician and researcher Dr. Judith Bartlett

detailing how Indigenous women were coerced into tubal ligations — the severing, burning or tying of the Fallopian tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus — after childbirth in the Saskatoon Health Region.

A class-action suit was launched the same year and about 60 women have joined it.

“There’s lot of research that needs to be done,” Boyer said.

“The report that Dr. Bartlett and I did was just a mere glimpse into the problem.”

Boyer also said the special representative should be Indigenous and that the issue must be examined with an Indigenous framework.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Monday on Twitter that the sterilization of Indigenous women is a grave rights violation and he demanded the federal government immediately end what he called a dehumanizing and harmful practice in all corners of the country. ❱❱ PAGE 17 Amnesty calls

Federal government’s appeal of solitary confinement decision in B.C. to be heard

BY CAMILLE BAINS The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — British Columbia’s top court is set to hear the federal government’s appeal of a ruling that said indefinite solitary confinement of prisoners is unconstitutional and causes permanent harm.

The B.C. Court of Appeal hearing Tuesday follows a lower-court decision in January that gave the government one year to draft new legislation with time limits on segregation.

Ottawa filed an appeal of the B.C. Supreme Court ruling in February, saying it needed clarity because an earlier decision by the Ontario Superior Court also struck down parts of the so-called administrative segregation law but it was a more limited judgment.

The Court of Appeal for Ontario will hear a separate chal-

lenge by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which argues the lower court in Ontario court should have imposed independent oversight for how long prisoners can be segregated.

The British Columbia legal challenge was launched by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the John Howard Society of Canada in 2015, and they say the ruling to strike down the law must be upheld.

Josh Paterson, executive director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, said there does not appear to be any basis for the federal government’s appeal.

“Our decision goes further than the one in Ontario but they’re not contradictory so there was no need to appeal in order to get clarity,” he said Monday.

“We don’t understand why it is that they are dragging us back to court.”

The two groups are also fighting Ottawa’s introduction of a bill last month that the government says would end the Correctional Service of Canada’s use of solitary confinement for 22 or more hours a day.

However, the segregation regime does not include hard caps on how long people can be isolated from the general prison population.

Under Bill C-83, prisoners who pose risks to security or themselves would instead be moved to new “structured intervention units” and offered the opportunity to spend four hours a day outside their cell, with a minimum of two hours to interact with others.

Before the B.C. Supreme Court trial began, Ottawa introduced another bill that put a 15day cap on the number of consecutive days an inmate could spend in segregation. However, it was never debated and will no www.canadianinquirer.net

longer be pursued.

“We have deep concerns about the new bill and we remain flabbergasted that for a government that says they want to put a end to these harmful practices, they’re going to try and challenge, or overturn, a judgment that forces them to act,” Paterson said.

He said a warden would still have the final say in decisions and the bill would not prevent cases such as the 2007 in-custody death of 19-year-old Ashley Smith of Moncton, N.B., who spent 1,000 days in segregation in various correctional facilities.

“While there is an internal review of placement that goes up to regional and then commissioner level, there is no external review on placements in these units,” Paterson said, adding the B.C. Supreme Court decision that is being appealed stated the lack of an outside

decision maker was unconstitutional.

A nine-week trial last year heard from former inmates who continue to experience mental health issues after being released and from the father of a 37-year-old man who hanged himself at Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford, B.C., following his placement in a segregation cell.

Paterson said the federal government is expected to apply for a delay in the appeal court to the one-year timeline that B.C. Supreme Court Justice Peter Leask provided for the introduction of new legislation.

“A few weeks ago the minister said he hoped with this new legislation we might be able to avoid the continuation of litigation and yet they are proceeding with their appeal,” he said of Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. ■

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Canada News

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

The First China-Canada Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue.

FRIDAY

@JIMCARR_WPG / TWITTER

Canada eyes sweeping free trade deal with China but remains open to sector deals

BY TERESA WRIGHT The Canadian Press OTTAWA — A full-scale trade deal between Canada and China is possible even as Canada remains open to striking smaller sector-by-sector agreements, says International Trade Minister Jim Carr.

Speaking in Beijing Monday after bilateral economic meetings, Carr said China is interested in a wide range of Canadian products across many different sectors.

But while Canada is in talks with China on a number of fronts, he insisted those efforts don’t preclude a wideranging trade agreement between the two countries.

“It’s not one or the other,” he said.

“These are trade conversations over a period of time. Trade is not an event and we’re having a continuous dialogue with our Chinese counterparts about a whole variety of products.”

Last week, Treasury Board President Scott Brison told the Globe and Mail the best way to move forward quickly with China on trade would be to focus on opportunities for immediate gains in areas such as food and agriculture.

And indeed Canada has sector-by-sector targets, including an aim to double Canadian agricultural exports to China to $75 billion by 2025, Carr said. “We’re well on our way to meeting those goals,” he said.

Brison’s comments echoed those put forward by dozens of business experts in a recent Public Policy Forum paper, warning that a sweeping deal risks provoking the United States. President Donald Trump has been raising trade barriers with China.

Canada’s efforts to start formal freetrade talks with China stalled late last www.canadianinquirer.net

year after Chinese leaders bristled at a Canadian trade agenda that includes gender, labour and Indigenous rights.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over a clause in the new United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement that allows any of the countries to withdraw from the deal on six months’ notice if one of the partners enters a free-trade agreement with a nonmarket economy — language widely seen as referring to China.

China questioned Canada about the USMCA during talks this week and was informed of the provision that could affect negotiations between China and any of the three USMCA countries, Carr said.

A number of federal and provincial officials have been in China over the last week to talk trade and drum up import and export deals between Canadian and Chinese businesses. Canadian companies taking part in the China International Import Expo last week secured $1.67 billion in agreements.

China’s interest in so many Canadian products could ultimately lead to a comprehensive trade agreement, Carr said.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau, who’s also in China, said high-level economic and financial discussions this week between the two countries were productive, and those talks will continue regularly to keep the momentum going.

But he also noted that while Canada is actively promoting itself as “open for business” with China, when it comes to state-owned enterprises looking to invest in Canadian companies, Canada will be cautious.

“We will examine those investment to make sure there are no security or other challenges for the Canadian economy,” Morneau said. “It’s consistent with the way other countries consider these investments.” ■

Canada News

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

17

Canadians reflect on horror of First World War amid worries of today, tomorrow

BY LEE BERTHIAUME AND TERESA WRIGHT The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Spiritual leaders reflected on the horrors of the First World War while calling for a world of tolerance and peace on Sunday as thousands of Canadians braved the biting cold to remember and honour those who fought to defend such ideals.

While the sun shone down on those assembled around the National War Memorial under a brilliant blue sky, thoughts and memories of the War to End All Wars — which ended exactly 100 years earlier — hung heavy over the annual ceremony.

“We gather on this hallowed ground, on which is interred Canada’s unknown soldiers, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Maj.-Gen. Guy Chapdelaine, the military’s most senior chaplain, intoned as the crowd stood silently.

“On the centenary of the signing of the armistice, we honour those whose names we know — and those whose names are known to God alone.”

Yet the present and future were also very much in the air as Chapdelaine preached a message of peace and reconciliation amid growing concerns in Canada and around the world that the hard lessons learned a century ago are in danger of being forgotten.

“We know that peace is more than tolerating one another — it is recognizing ourselves in others and realizing that we are all on the path of life together,” Chapdelaine said.

“Lord of justice and peace, enable us to lay down our own weapons of exclusion, intolerance, hatred and strife. Make us instruments of peace that we may seek reconciliation in our world.”

The same theme was picked up by Rabbi Reuven Bulka in his own sermon, as he urged Canadians to “reflect on the notion of a world war,” and asked: “If the world can be at war, is it not possible for the world to be at peace?

“It is not only possible, it is terribly necessary,” he added.

“We gather today yearning for a world that is truly at peace.

Peace that is highlighted by respect, inclusion, co-operation, helpfulness, kindness and enveloping appreciation.”

The messages were timely, coinciding as they did with a gathering of world leaders in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the War to End All Wars — and to discuss efforts to prevent such a terrible conflict from erupting again.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those in Paris, where nationalism has been identified as a real threat to the fragile state of international peace and stability that has persisted since the end of the Second World War. Much of that concern centres on U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions since coming to power, which include undercutting the NATO military alliance and threatening the rules-based order established after 1945.

The angst was clearly felt by some of those attending Sunday’s ceremony in Ottawa as well as other parts of the country, as Canadians from coast to coast to coast marked Remembrance Day at local cenotaphs and monuments.

“As we turn to reflection, we note that over those 100 years we have in fact secured, for ourselves, much progress,” Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell said during a ceremony in front of Queen’s Park in Toronto.

“Yet today we are living in

The National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, immediately following the Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 11, 2006.

MIKKEL PAULSON / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, PUBLIC DOMAIN

strange and uncertain times, times when democracies around the world are fragile.

We face significant change that all too often threatens to tear us apart.”

Royal Canadian Legion member Mark Monk, who attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in Halifax to lay a wreath for Halifax Pride, said Sunday was both a day for remembrance, and a day to think about current conflicts.

“Although we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of the armistice of the end of the First World War, war is still prevalent in all places around the world,” he said.

“Even at home there’s still conflict of every kind, everywhere: in our own communities, abroad, everybody. And it’s

the responsibility as a community and as a society to work together to remove conflict, barriers and work together.”

While much of Sunday’s national ceremony in Ottawa was on the importance of defending international peace, there was also a significant focus on inner peace for those who have served in uniform.

Even before the ceremony, the Royal Canadian Legion had focused attention on the issue by naming Anita Cenerini, whose son, Thomas Welch, took his own life in 2004 after serving in Afghanistan, as this year’s Silver Cross Mother.

Welch was the first Canadian soldier to die by suicide after serving in the war in Afghanistan, and Cenerini fought for years to have her son’s death

Press.

In response to Philpott’s remarks, Hansen stressed the importance of accountability — making sure medical and child-welfare workers who

bully unwilling women into life-changing surgeries are held responsible.

“Yes, awareness-raising is important,” Hansen said. “Yes, policies are important. But

recognized as being caused by his military service.

“As we remember those who returned from past wars with injuries, both visible and invisible, inspire us to care for all military personnel who are wounded in body, mind and soul,” Chapdelaine said during his sermon.

“Help us to have compassion for our brothers and sisters who, for reasons known and unknown, have considered or attempted suicide. May we be compassionate for the families and friends impacted by these tragedies.”

Chief of defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance praised the Legion for naming Cenerini this year’s Silver Cross mother, saying it was long past time for the military to honour those like Welch, “who served honourably and died so as a result of their service.

“Her son committed suicide and is remembered as one of our war dead, and I think that is a very good thing that we recognize her today and his service.”

In Montreal, retired majorgeneral Denis Thompson, who served 39 years with Canada’s armed forces, said Remembrance Day events are “cathartic and important” for those who served.

Thompson, who commanded troops in Cypress, Bosnia and Egypt’s Sinai peninsula, said he remembers the 25 Canadian and dozen American soldiers who died and the 100 that were injured during his time in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009.

“I can fill those two minutes of silence very easily,” he said, “just by cycling through the names of the men that died under my command.” ■ With files from Morgan Lowrie in Montreal, Alanna Rizza in Toronto and Alex Cooke in Halifax.

Amnesty calls... ❰❰ 15

In an interview last week, Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott said Canada must ensure the practice stops through policies, education and

awareness-raising.

“The issue of forced sterilization of vulnerable people, including Indigenous women, is a very serious violation of human rights,” she told The Canadian

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there also is a piece around accountability … We want to make sure this just doesn’t happen again and for that to happen, there’s a number of jurisdictions that are involved.” ■

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World News

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

After 17 years, many Afghans blame US for unending war

BY KATHY GANNON The Associated Press KABUL — When U.S. forces and their Afghan allies rode into Kabul in November 2001 they were greeted as liberators. But after 17 years of war, the Taliban have retaken half the country, security is worse than it’s ever been, and many Afghans place the blame squarely on the Americans.

The United States has lost more than 2,400 soldiers in its longest war, and has spent more than $900 billion on everything from military operations to the construction of roads, bridges and power plants. Three U.S. presidents have pledged to bring peace to Afghanistan, either by adding or withdrawing troops, by engaging the Taliban or shunning them. Last year, the U.S. dropped the “mother of all bombs” on a cave complex.

None of it has worked. After years of frustration, Afghanistan is rife with conspiracy theories, including the idea that Americans didn’t stumble into a forever war, but planned one all along.

Mohammed Ismail Qasimyar, a member of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, wonders how U.S. and NATO forces — which at their peak numbered 150,000 and fought alongside hundreds of thousands of Afghan troops, were unable to vanquish tens of thousands of Taliban.

“Either they did not want to or they could not do it,” he said.

He now suspects the U.S. and its ally Pakistan deliberately sowed chaos in Afghanistan to justify the lingering presence of foreign forces — now numbering around 15,000 — in order to use the country as a listening post to monitor Iran, Russia and China.

“They have made a hell, not a

paradise for us,” he said.

Afghanistan is rife with such conspiracy theories. After last month’s assassination of Kandahar’s powerful police chief, Gen. Abdul Raziq, social media exploded with pictures and posts suggesting he was the victim of a U.S. conspiracy. Recent insider attacks, in which Afghan forces have killed their erstwhile U.S. and NATO allies, have attracted online praise.

“In 2001 the Afghan people supported the arrival of the United States and the international community wholeheartedly,” said Hamid Karzai, who was installed as Afghanistan’s first president and twice won re-election, serving until 2014.

“For a number of years things worked perfectly well,” he said in a recent interview. “Then we saw the United States either changed course or simply neglected the views of the Afghan people and the conditions of

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the Afghans.”

He blames the lingering war on the U.S. failure to eliminate militant sanctuaries in neighbouring Pakistan, the bombing of Afghan villages and homes, and the detention of Afghans in raids.

Others blame the notoriously corrupt government, which Karzai headed for more than a decade, and which is widely

seen as yet another bitter fruit of the American invasion.

“All the money that has come to this country has gone to the people in power. The poor people didn’t get anything,” said Hajji Akram, a day labourer in Kabul’s Old City who struggles to feed his family on around $4 a day. “The foreigners are not ❱❱ PAGE 22 After 17

World News

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

19

More races go to Democrats, Netanyahu rushes including Senate seat in Ariz. back to Israel after burst of Gaza violence

BY STEVE PEOPLES The Associated Press NEW YORK — No, it wasn’t a blue wave. But a week after the voting, Democrats are riding higher than they thought on election night.

As vote counting presses on in several states, the Democrats have steadily chalked up victories across the country, firming up their grip on the U.S. House and statehouses. The slow roll of wins has given the party plenty to celebrate.

President Donald Trump was quick to claim victory for his party on election night. But the Democrats, who hit political rock bottom just two years ago, have now picked up at least 32 seats in the House — and lead in four more — in addition to flipping seven governorships and eight state legislative chambers.

They are on track to lose two seats in the Senate in a year both parties predicted more.

On Monday night, Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema won Arizona’s Senate race, beating Republican Rep. Martha McSally to take the seat held by retiring GOP Sen. Jeff Flake.

The overall results in the first nationwide election of the Trump presidency represent the Democratic Party’s best midterm performance since Watergate.

“Over the last week we’ve moved from relief at winning the House to rejoicing at a genuine wave of diverse, progressive and inspiring Democrats winning office,” said Ben Wikler, Washington director of the liberal group MoveOn. The blue shift alters the trajectory of Trump’s next two years in the White House, breaking up the Republican monopoly in Washington. It also gives Democrats stronger footing in key states ahead of the next presidential race and in the redrawing of congressional districts — a complicated process that has been dominated by the GOP, which has drawn favourable boundaries for their candidates.

Trump and his allies discounted the Democratic victories on Monday, pointing to

BY TIA GOLDENBERG The Associated Press

GAGE SKIDMORE / FLICKR, CC BY-SA 2.0

GOP successes in Republicanleaning states.

“Thanks to the grassroots support for ?realDonaldTrump and our party’s ground game, we were able to #DefyHistory and make gains in the Senate!”

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel tweeted, citing Senate wins in Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota and Tennessee, among others.

Indeed, just once in the past three decades had a sitting president added Senate seats in his first midterm election. But lost in McDaniel’s assessment was the difficult 2018 Senate landscape for Democrats, who were defending 10 seats in states Trump carried just two years ago.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said in an interview: “I believe in facts. And the fact of the matter is, the Democratic Party had a historic night at the ballot box — and we are not resting,” He said, “Our goal was to compete everywhere, to expand and reshape the electorate everywhere — and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

The Democrats found success by attracting support from women, minorities and collegeeducated voters. Overall, 50 per cent of white college-educated voters and 56 per cent of women backed Democrats nationwide, according to AP VoteCast, a wide-ranging survey of the electorate.

Democrats featured historic diversity on the ballot.

Their winning class includes Massachusetts’ first AfricanAmerican female member of Congress, Ayanna Presley, and Michigan’s Rashida Talib and Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar, the first two Muslim women to serve in Congress, along with Kansas’ Sharice Davids, the first lesbian Native American.

They also won by running candidates with military backgrounds who openly embraced gun ownership, such as Pennsylvania Rep. Conor Lamb and Maine’s Jared Golden, who is poised to win his contest because of the state’s rankedchoice voting system.

The Democrats needed to gain 23 seats to seize the House majority. Once all the votes are counted, which could take weeks in some cases as absentees and provisional ballots are tallied, they could win close to 40.

Democrats have not lost a single House incumbent so far. Yet they defeated Republican targets such as Reps. Mike Coffman of Colorado, Barbara Comstock of Virginia, Carlos Curbelo of Florida and Dana Rohrabacher of California.

They could win as many as 19 House races in districts carried by Trump two years ago, according to House Democrats’ campaign arm.

Ten House races remained ❱❱ PAGE 22 More races

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While the fighting eased early on Monday, and the sides appeared to show restraint, the fate of the progress toward a JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime truce remained uncertain.

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu It was not clear what exactly was rushing back to Israel on touched off Sunday’s fighting.

Monday following a sudden, Hamas’ armed wing, the rare burst of fighting the previ- Qassam Brigades, said Israeli ous night that left in doubt ef- undercover forces in a civilian forts to bring to an end months vehicle infiltrated 3 kilometres of relentless violence between (about 2 miles), into Gaza on Israel and Hamas.

Sunday and fatally shot Nour The Israeli military said an of- el-Deen Baraka, its local comficer was killed and another was mander in Khan Younis town. moderately wounded during an It said militants discovered operation in the southeast Gaza the car and chased it down, Strip, involvprompting Israeing an exchange li airstrikes that of gunfire. It killed “a numdid not disclose ber of people.” other details surThe Israeli milirounding the inLast week, tary said milicident.

Israel tants launched The Palestinallowed 17 rockets from ians said seven Qatar to Gaza toward people, among deliver Israeli commuthem at least five $15 million nities, where militants, were in aid to school was cankilled in the conGaza’s celled in reflagration. cashsponse.

N e t a ny a h u’s strapped Netanyahu office said he cut Hamas was in Paris, short a visit to rulers. where he had Paris because of joined dozens of the flare-up and world leaders in he was set to arcommemorating rive back in Isthe end World rael on Monday War I. morning.

On Sunday, he defended his The unexpected spasm of decision to allow through the violence came days after both Qatari cash to Gaza as a way Israel and Hamas had begun to avert an “unnecessary war,” taking steps to ratchet down maintain quiet for residents of months of border fighting, that southern Israel and prevent a has seen thousands of protest- humanitarian catastrophe in ers descend on the perimeter the impoverished Gaza Strip. fence between Gaza and Israel, Hamas has been leading the with many throwing stones, protests since March 30 in a bid burning tires and hurling gre- to ease a crippling Israeli-Egypnades at Israeli troops. tian blockade that was imposed About 170 demonstrators, in 2007 in order to weaken the many unarmed, have been militant group. The blockade killed by Israeli fire in the has led to over 50 per cent unmonths of confrontations, employment and chronic powwhich appeared to be reaching er outages, and prevents most a turning point with the steps Gazans from being able to leave toward an unofficial cease-fire the tiny territory. between Israel and Hamas.

Israel says it is defending its Last week, Israel allowed Qa- border against militant infiltar to deliver $15 million in aid trations, but its army has come to Gaza’s cash-strapped Hamas under international criticism rulers. Hamas responded by because of the large number of lowering the intensity of the unarmed protesters who have border protest last Friday. been shot. ■

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NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS

The Class is in Session: Dr. Glenda Bonifacio’s Life Lesson

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer A ROOM slowly fills as students start occupying their respective seats, with some preparing for the next class, while others are maximizing their remaining free time to take a quick nap or chat with their friends — this is the usual scenario we see in a classroom before the next subject begins.

But as the clock ticks, hitting the time the class will start, students quickly pull their acts together, all of them sitting firmly with their arms on their table as their mentor enters the room.

Just like these students, the rest of the world is also all eyes and ears to the spotlight stealer, a professor in glasses named Dr. Glenda Bonifacio, who now takes the floor, ready to inspire many people with her life lesson.

Chapter 1: The making of an educator

As an educator, Glenda is expected to inspire and encourage her students to work harder and bring out their full potentials in order to reach whatever goals they have. Aside from their parents, students look at her as someone with much experience in life and brilliance who could help them excel by teaching them lessons that they can use not only on their term papers and exams but also in real life.

Glenda does these things everyday in hopes that her teaching will take her students to great heights of achievements someday, but looking on the other side of the paper, what actually made her to become somebody who will make an enormous contribution to one’s existence?

Looking back, Glenda was just then living her simple life with her family in Tacloban City as a daughter of a public school dentist and a school employee.

In her early age, Glenda attended Leyte Normal Laboratory School, now Leyte Normal University (LNU), for elementary and later on transferred to Leyte Research and Development High School.

She finished her Bachelor’s

degree in Political Science as a Magna Cum Laude and her Master’s degree in Asian Studies at the University of the Philippines (UP).

During that time, Glenda never imagined herself doing the works of her teachers like dealing with students, making lesson plans and presentations, and checking a mountain of academic papers.

“I did not dream to be a teacher. I guess I was the least likely to be one in elementary or high school.”

But what or who pulled her to the world of teaching? Was it her parents whose jobs are related to school that influenced her to become someone she never thinks she would be?

“Perhaps am drawn by some force to be where I can best shape the future. Teaching is the only job I know I could do best.”

Having a strong will to help make this world a better place for everyone, Glenda, without any second thought, decided to step her foot into the world of the education sector, commencing her career as a professor at the University of the Philippines-Tacloban College.

Chapter 2: Turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones

For someone who has an extreme and insatiable thirst for knowledge in her field, searching for new information she can share to her students in the bookshelves of various libraries and off campus in her home country was not enough.

This was what made Glenda and her own family leave the Pearl of the Orient Seas in 2000 and fly to Australia to pursue her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholarship in History and Politics at the University of Wollongong, New South Wales.

Glenda and her family, however, did not stay there for so long because three years later, they moved to Canada to explore more opportunities in her field of study.

“At that time, the centres for migration studies were closing down in Australia while the same centres have expanded in Canada, the now defunct Metropolis.”

Dr. Glenda Bonifacio.

“According to my colleagues then, Canada offers better opportunities than Australia for my field of study.”

Being able to spend years living in Australia, Glenda for sure has experienced cold temperatures — trembling as the cold air hits her skin with her hands and feet feeling like blocks of ice. Perhaps, many would think Glenda and her family already got used to this kind of weather, but surprisingly, they were still not.

As someone born in a tropical country where even in its ‘cool’ months, bone-chilling temperatures can only be felt in airconditioned areas or provinces, probably using a jacket, long sleeves and, pants will suffice.

“We arrived in September during the fall season. Our understanding of how cold will it be was tested upon arrival with our insufficient Australian jackets.”

Going to Toronto, her family took the Seoul route from Sydney and that their long flight and jet lag made them spend most of their time sleeping for a week.

“We arranged to rent a townhouse while still in Australia and the realtor met us at the airport to hand over the keys and showed us where we live.

The strip mall nearby offered us the basic necessities while we figured out how the system works for registering kids in schools, etc.”

Their struggle as first-timers in Canada did not end with battling the country’s cold weather and adjusting to their new surwww.canadianinquirer.net

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roundings — it was just the beginning.

Just like other new Filipino immigrants who flew to Canada in hopes of having a brighter future, Glenda said she and her husband had to struggle, seeking for a decent work as they lack the “Canadian experience.”

In order to gain that experience Canadian employers are looking for and to put food on their table, they took temporary jobs for the meantime while they wait for their ideal job interviews to come.

“Looking back, new immigrants were classified as new ‘graduates’ of the labour market where the way up starts from way down.”

“While our experience maybe different from others based on migration status, we have to understand how the system operates with limited social network.

Along the way my husband found relatives and friends who helped us learn the ropes of living in Mississauga for a year.”

Despite her excellent educational background and work experience, and even if she does her job competently without stepping on someone else’s toes, Glenda still became the target of discrimination in her white-dominated workplace.

Glenda, who was held in high regard not just by her students but also by her other former colleagues, was labelled as visible minority, wherein she was considered as a caregiver regardless of her profession.

“Unconscious bias of some

people tends to designate us as all caregivers; perhaps a consequence of the longstanding caregiver program where over 90% are participated in by Filipinos compared to other groups in Canada.”

Aside from this, the way the newcomers speak in English also became an issue, that being asked “where did you come from” all the time made her annoyed. Some of her Canadian students, who grew up with Filipino nannies, are also not used to seeing her as their professor.

“Some could be mean in rendering course evaluations. It’s as if race is an excuse to put your class efforts down.”

Experiencing discrimination in her adopted country did not stop her from recognizing the best things in Canada. Living in the Great White North, Glenda said that she is allowed to do whatever makes her happy without having fear of persecution, being able to enjoy quality education and health regardless of income, and of course, the seeming lack of corruption in the Canadian government.

She wakes up every morning with a mission to discover life’s full meaning by interacting with her husband and five daughters, her friends, colleagues, and the community.

If Glenda is not overwhelmed by her workload, Glenda gets to spend her time with her loved ones and attends to meetings or events that matters to her the most.

Even if Glenda was away from her home territory for more than a decade, she never forgets that Filipino blood is running through her veins.

“I am a Filipino and will always be wherever I am,” she said. “As a parent, I try to inculcate values of respect, harmony, and bayanihan, for example, to my children. I try to show these by examples and letting them be a part of what I do, both at home and outside. We still speak our dialect to them.”

Chapter 3: Shaping stepping stones to success

Upon their arrival in Canada, ❱❱ PAGE 24 The Class

World News

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

21

China postpones on allowing tiger bone, rhino horn trading

BY CHRISTOPHER BODEEN The Associated Press BEIJING — China is postponing its decision to allow trading in tiger and rhinoceros parts a bare two weeks after the easing of the ban had raised fears the country was giving legal cover to poaching and smuggling of endangered wildlife.

The official Xinhua News Agency quoted Cabinet official Ding Xuedong as saying Monday that the change had “been postponed after study.”

“Relevant departments of the Chinese government will soon continue to organize special crackdown campaigns with focus on addressing the illegal trade of rhinos, tigers and their byproducts. Illegal acts will be dealt with severely,” Ding, an executive deputy secretarygeneral of the State Council was quoted as saying.

The Xinhua report said the ban on the import and export of rhino and tiger parts and their use in traditional Chinese med-

icine would also be maintained.

Ding’s comments did not address whether the postponement meant the decision would be revived.

The traditional medicinal uses of tiger bone and rhino horn have continued despite no proof of their effectiveness and the decreasing wild populations.

China has also long tolerated the farming of tigers and the semilegal sale of their parts.

Late last month, authorities said they would allow trading in products made from tigers and rhinos under “special circumstances,” bringing condemnation from conservation groups.

Farming of non-native rhinos is not known in China but the changing law raised speculation it was being planned.

The World Wildlife Fund said overturning the ban would have “devastating consequences globally” by allowing poachers and smugglers to hide behind legalized trade.

China’s authoritarian Communist Party-led government rarely responds to interna-

Ding Xuedong.

ST. PETERSBURG INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM / FACEBOOK

tional pressure and the reversal appeared to reflect concerns over the country’s reputation as a supporter of environmental preservation. China, home to the highly endangered giant panda, has frequently been named as a top market for endangered wildlife products including ivory and skin from African elephants and meat and scales from the anteater-like pangolin, native to Africa and

www.canadianinquirer.net

southern Asia.

Reacting to the latest development, the Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States called for China to completely ban the trade in tigerand rhino products.

“To truly protect tigers and rhinos we need an official written proclamation from the State Council that permanently reinstates a complete ban. Full

stop,” Iris Ho, senior specialist for Wildlife Program and Policy at Humane Society International was quoted as saying in a news release. “Species extinction is irreversible and we cannot afford any missteps,” Ho said.

Along with other animal protection organizations, the Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States have filed a legal appeal for a ban on U.S. imports of all wildlife and their parts from China “unless or until China formally reinstates a complete ban on domestic trade in tigers and rhinos and their parts and products,” the groups said in a statement.

An estimated 3,890 tigers remain alive in the wild, according to a report presented during the Third Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation in 2016. Studies put the population of wild rhinos at less than 30,000, while poaching to cultivate their horns is reducing that number drastically each year. ■

22

World News

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

After 17... ❰❰ 18

making things better.

“After the Taliban we were province. This year he went on They should go.” expecting something good, but holiday and never returned, It’s not just Af- instead, day by day, it is getting trading his $180 monthly salary ghans. The United States’ own worse,” he said. “How is it that for work as a day labourer makinspector general for Afghani- a superpower like the United ing much less. He said morale stan’s reconstruction offered a States cannot stop the Taliban? is at an all-time low, with many blistering critique in a speech It is a question every Afghan is soldiers expressing sympathy in Ohio earlier this month. asking.” for the Taliban.

John Sopko pointed out that The U.S. and NATO formally Jawad Mohammadi served the U.S. has spent $132 billion concluded their combat mis- for more than seven years in on Afghanistan’s reconstruc- sion in 2014. Since then, the the security forces until 2015, tion — more than was spent on Taliban have carried out near- when he stepped on a landWestern Europe after World daily attacks on rural check- mine he was tasked to clear and War II. Another $750 billion points and staged co-ordinated lost both his legs. He was just 25 has been spent years old. on U.S. military He recalls how operations, and the foreign inWashington has structors told pledged $4 bilHow is it that a superpower like him to always lion a year for the United States cannot stop the check his mine Afghanistan’s seTaliban? detector by wavcurity forces. ing it over a piece The result? of metal before “Even after 17 heading out into years of U.S. and coalition effort assaults on major cities. Au- the field. But whenever a device and financial largesse, Afghani- thorities stopped publishing failed to respond, his Afghan stan remains one of the poor- casualty figures earlier this commander would tell him to est, least educated, and most year, deeming them classified. use it anyway. corrupt countries in the world,” An Islamic State affiliate has “I was told that’s all we have.

Sopko said. “It is also one of the meanwhile carried out massive That’s what we were given, you most violent.” bombings against the country’s just have to use it,” he said.

Hamidullah Nasrat sells im- Shiite minority.

The next time he went out ported fabrics in the capital’s Afghans who have recently with a faulty device, his foot main bazaar on the banks of the served on the front lines com- found a bomb the detector had Kabul River, a fetid trickle run- plain of faulty equipment, inad- missed. ning through a garbage-filled equate supplies and reinforce“I felt myself being thrown trench. He remembers wel- ments that show up late and through the air. I looked and I coming the overthrow of the ill-equipped, if at all. saw my legs were near me and Taliban, who had shut down his Tameem Darvesh served in there was so much blood. I photography studio because it the Afghan army for nearly five yelled: ‘Please help me.’” ■ was deemed un-Islamic. years in the southern Helmand

More races... ❰❰ 19

too close for the AP to call as of Monday evening.

Far more of the Senate landscape was decided early, although contests in Florida and Mississippi remain outstanding.

While there were notable statehouse Democratic losses in Iowa and Ohio, the party flipped governorships in seven states: Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, Kansas, New Mexico and Maine.

Republicans now control 25 governorships nationwide compared to 23 for Democrats.

High-profile contests in Florida and Georgia remain outstanding, though Republicans hold narrow leads in both states.

Overshadowed perhaps by the higher-profile statewide elections, Democratic gains in state legislatures could prove deeply consequential.

Overall, they flipped state legislative chambers in eight states this midterm season, including Washington state’s Senate in 2017. The others include the state Senates in Maine, Colorado, New York, New Hampshire and Connecticut in addition to the state Houses of Representatives in New Hampshire and Minnesota.

With hundreds of races still too close to call, Democrats have won at least 370 new state legislative seats nationwide, according to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, although the new seats were offset by Republican wins in some cases. The pickups include surprises in West Virginia, where Democrats knocked off the GOP majority leaderdesignate in the House and the majority leader in the Senate.

“We have elected a new gen-

eration of inspiring leaders and we know that a new era of democratic dominance is on the horizon,” said the committee’s executive director Jessica Post.

Still, Republicans will control the majority of state legislative chambers, governorships, the U.S. Senate and the White House. And even before the new Democrats take office, attention has begun to shift toward 2020.

Many Democrats have yet to shake off the stinging losses of 2016. Publicly and privately, Democrats are lining up for the chance to take down Trump in two years.

“This is step one of a twostep process to right the ship,” Guy Cecil, chairman of the proDemocrat super PAC Priorities USA, said of the midterms.

“Democrats have every reason to be optimistic.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano.

IAEA IMAGEBANK / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC BY-SA 2.0

UN nuclear watchdog says Iran abiding with 2015 deal limits

BY CHRISTOPHER BODEEN The Associated Press VIENNA — The U.N.’s nuclear watchdog said Monday that Iran is abiding by the deal reached in 2015 with major powers that aimed at preventing Tehran from building atomic weapons in exchange for economic incentives.

In a confidential quarterly report distributed to member states and reviewed by The Associated Press, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran has been abiding with key limitations set in the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. The issue has grown more complicated since the U.S. withdrew unilaterally in May from the deal and then re-imposed sanctions. Iran’s economy has been struggling ever since and its currency has plummeted in value.

The other signatories to the deal — Germany, Britain, France, Russia and China — are continuing to try and make it work.

In the report, the Viennabased IAEA said the agency had access to all sites in Iran that it needed to visit and that inspectors confirmed Iran has kept within limits of heavy water and low-enriched uranium

stockpiles.

“Timely and proactive cooperation by Iran in providing such access facilitates implementation of the additional protocol and enhances confidence,” the report stated, referring to the procedure detailing safeguards and tools for verification.

In its last quarterly report in August, the agency also concluded Iran had stayed within key limitations set by the JCPOA. A senior diplomat, who was speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t officially allowed to discuss the report, said that “there’s nothing that indicates that Iran’s cooperation or Iran’s attitude has changed since November 5.”

On that date, the U.S. re-imposed further oil and banking sanctions on Iran that where lifted under the 2015 deal but granted waivers to eight countries, including Japan and Turkey, to continue buying Iranian petroleum products without penalty for another six months.

The latest batch of U.S. sanctions severely impacts Iran’s oil industry, the major source of the country’s foreign revenue.

Tehran worries OPEC and non-OPEC countries such as Russia will increase their production to fill the gap in response. ■

23

Entertainment From bookshelf to TV: 13 reasons why you should see #TreseOnNetflix

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer AS THE weekend draws nearer, some of us might be thinking of what other important activities — whether it is work-related or school-related — can we get done during our free time.

But while others plan to spend their weekend that way, pretty sure that many of us are wondering what cool and fun things we can do. Undoubtedly, turning ourselves to a major couch potato and looking for something to binge-watch on Netflix will not be out from our list.

“What to stream next?” is probably the biggest question to have in mind right now.

Well, if you are searching for a show that will make you bite your nails in suspense and keep you on the edge of your seat, leaving you wanting to find out more about it, then the upcoming anime, Trese is the show you definitely must not miss.

Here are 13 reasons why you should join the hype train: 1. Made in the Philippines

Viewers, brace yourselves as more “Proud to be Pinoy” comments are coming! When Netflix announced at their “See What’s Next Asia” event held in Singapore new anime titles that will be rolling out soon, Filipino fans cannot get hold of themselves, shaking the internet with their excitement, as it was revealed an adaptation of Filipino supernatural crime comic book series, Trese, is included in the lineup. Behind the hit comics is writer Budgette Tan and artist Kajo Baldisimo.

2. Two-time Best Graphic Literature

A Pinoy-made comic series to be shown in an international streaming giant is not the only thing Filipinos should be proud of. Adding to the list of what they should rejoice about Trese is that it has bagged awards in

the past years. Back in 2010, the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle recognized Trese Book 3: Mass Murders as the winner of the 29th National Book Award for Best Graphic Literature.

Budgette and Kajo continued to hold the title as their Trese Book 4: Last Seen After Midnight won the same award the following year.

3. One of the few

Filipinos produce numerous movies that made noise outside the country, earning praises from other people. While it receives much recognition, Pinoy animated projects, on the other hand, experience otherwise.

That is why when it was announced that the Philippines is going to have its own anime series, Barangay 143, many of us, especially fans of Japanese anime and manga, went gaga.

This time, Trese is taking the local animation to the next level, bringing honor to the other Filipino animated works like Urduja, Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia, and Saving Sallyto name a few.

4. First Filipino anime in Netflix

Trese is indeed stepping up the game in our country’s animation universe as it will be the first Filipino anime series in the global streaming service. If you cannot wait to watch other new anime in Netflix, what more anticipation can you feel once you see the work of your kababayan on the list?

5. You can’t see them, but you can feel them

Remember the supernatural stories that our parents used to scare us so we won’t go outside at night and go to bed early?

About aswang, nuno, kapre and many more that even though we do not see them, once our parents talk about these mythical creatures, we feel like they are just there, hiding behind us or under our beds? Well, expect that this comic book series will

be both bringing out the little child in us who easily get scared from those myths and our mature self enjoying how such tales are written and told brilliantly.

6. Horror? Crime? Or both?

Do you prefer films that will make you curl up in fetal position and scream out of fear? Or do you like crime stories that will make you try to solve some mysteries? It does not really matter though because Trese offers both.

7. Hear Trese

As it was revealed that Trese will be seen as an anime series on Netflix, Filipinos are also excited on who could be the celebrities that will give life to the characters with their voices.

There were no details about it yet, but some netizens are already floating names of stars, like actress Glaiza de Castro, that will nail the role of Alexandra Trese, the main protagonist in the story.

8. Badass female lead

It is true that it is not easy to find a badass female protagonist in Filipino-animated projects because most of them were led by a male character like those in Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementia, RPG Metanoia, and Barangay 143. But Trese has joined Urduja in breaking the usual set up, when it showcased a strong independent female lead in the story, who rather than give up or rely on a man, choose to bring out her inner strength and do things her own way. Guess we need more Alexandra Trese in our local animation projects.

9. Filipino Executive Producer

Since Trese is a comic series based on Philippine folklore written and illustrated by two Filipinos, of course, the executive producer (EP) tapped for its adaptation also has Filipino blood in his veins. Introducing Jay Oliva, a Filipino-American www.canadianinquirer.net

Trese: Intersection of 13 Street.

storyboard artist who worked on various blockbusters like Wonder Woman, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and The Legend of Korra, among others.

10. The Original Soundtrack

An anime package will not be complete without a signature opening and ending credits.

Aside from being excited about who is going to dub for the characters, most of us also might be wondering: What songs will they use for the opening and ending? Who will be the singer?

Will it be a band? A solo singer?

While these questions remain unanswered, one thing is for sure, we cannot wait for the original soundtrack (OST) that will set the mood for Trese’s anime series.

11. See it in motion

From only seeing the characters as illustrated on pages and imagining every action’s pace in our minds, we can now finally see Alexandra, the Kambal (Twins), Captain Guerrero, Hank Sparow, Anton Trese, Puti, and the others more real than reel (Although they are definitely unreal).

12. Hits home

TRESE / FACEBOOK

Filipino viewers, of course, are the ones who can certainly relate to this story because it involves concepts and words or names that are very much familiar to us. For example, the names of Alexandra’s bodyguards, the Kambal also known as Crispin and Basilio, surely rings a bell from our high school books. Often hearing it in weather reports, we are also undeniably familiar with the names of the tribes in the story — Amihan and Habagat. Lastly, Filipino horror will not be complete without the creepy stories in the Balete Drive.

13. The real mystery

Many of us are eager to see how Alexandra solves the mysteries in the story. However, the real mystery is not in the story, but on the details of the show like when will the animated series hit the screens, how long will it be aired, how many episodes and seasons will it have, and above all, how Shanty Harmayn and Tanya Yuson of BASE Entertainment will produce Trese for our eyes?

With all that has been said, aren’t these 13 reasons enough for you to hype for Trese? ■

24

Entertainment

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

The Class... ❰❰ 20

the first thing that Glenda did was not to have fun nor enjoy its beautiful sceneries. Instead, she processed needed documents to enroll her daughters in school and got their social insurance numbers. But right after she has settled her kids in school, Glenda and her husband immediately registered with an employment agency.

“My youngest then was about six years old so my husband and I decided to do shift work.”

Teaching for many years, 10 years to be exact, Glenda has probably acquired tons of knowledge and experience in her previous workplace which most employers are exactly looking for when they are hiring — but this was not how it works for Canadian employers.

“My career was on hold as everything that I have accomplished in the Philippines were not considered for academic employment. I started from scratch.”

After seven months of waiting for a job interview, Glenda received a call for a sessional post at the University of Guelph in Ontario to teach Women’s History in Asia, which became her first Canadian teaching experience.

“Thereafter, I applied for teaching jobs related to Women’s Studies and Asian Studies instead of Political Science, my main teaching area at the University of the Philippines, and was eventually shortlisted.”

From struggling to adjust in her new environment in Canada, to being discriminated because of her racial roots, also to starting from zero in her career, Glenda managed to surf big waves of her life as she got her first full-time academic job as a professor in her first full campus interview at the University of Lethbridge (U of L) in Alberta. Glenda has been teaching there since 2005.

Although she is known for being one of the experts in Wom-

en & Gender Studies with one monograph, three edited books, and four co-edited books, Glenda never thought that she would be teaching this course to her students.

“I did not first choose to be a professor in women and gender studies. My PhD dissertation is about gender and politics, and somehow this often becomes the basis of your specialization.”

But for Glenda, who gained an interdisciplinary background in Social Sciences and Asian Studies, being able to teach women’s studies is just a perfect timing.

“With bias, I could say that Women & Gender Studies is the best interdisciplinary field of study because it covers everything – politics, economics, science, philosophy, etc. — as gleaned from the standpoint of women or gendered lens. Gender matters in all aspects of study.”

With Glenda’s almost perfect profile and also being one of the Global FWN 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the World in 2015 by the Filipino Women’s Network in the United States (U.S.), perhaps many would think that she will have a smooth and upward moving career path especially now that she is already a professor. However, as Glenda’s career in the education industry blossoms, her struggles and adversities also continue.

“My politics in the Philippines hindered some opportunities for research and promotion; there is the perception that those outside of the inner circles of governance have lesser chance of success or knowing about them in the first place.”

Not letting this stop her from achieving her dream, Glenda accepted the fact that struggles and failures are part of one building their career. That is why in order for her to succeed, Glenda bears in her mind that she must have the resilience to face the inevitable and must

trust the process.

“I try to practice my principles in life, to ‘be the change you want to see,’ and if these crosses with certain structures of power along the way, I face it head on; understanding that life without a fight is having no life at all.”

“I believe the system now is advanced to deal with redress, and filing complaints is the first step of the fight. Hence, for each struggle, I say keep fighting.”

Having a mission to play a vital role in the youth’s education as well as in their lives, Glenda utilizes her career in the education industry not only as a professor inside the four corners of the classroom, but also a member of a group outside the university that, like her, is firmly believing that education is the key to everything.

tional aid agencies and other accommodations were too expensive or lack the security personnel which led them to stay in a university dormitory like regular Filipino students just to continue with their field course “Despite the stress and the workload of being with students 24/7, it was the best form of field instruction I ever did.

I would love to do it again but there are other risk factors to consider now.”

Remember the time when Super Typhoon Yolanda, internationally known as Typhoon Haiyan, made headlines all over the world where it left thousands of Filipinos dead and unimaginable damages in several parts in the Philippines?

Returning to the Philippines where she started her teaching career, Glenda was one of those who came to help her kababayans to get back on their feet after the disaster.

It was in 2014 when Glenda, along with other passionate women in Lethbridge, organized ReadWorld Foundation to help schools which were affected by the typhoon rebuild their library resources through collecting, organizing, and shipping used books to impoverished communities in the Philippines.

“We operate on zero budget and sustained by the commitment of volunteers and their families, and the support of community donors and sponsors to raise funds for shipping costs.”

“We ship these books directly to the schools in many areas in the Philippines.”

A month after Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in Tacloban City, Glenda’s former colleague sent her an email, asking for her books on gender to replace the books at their resource centre to which Glenda quickly responded.

She sent out information materials and did presentations at local elementary schools regarding the ReadWorld Foundation’s ‘adopt a school project.’

“I provided participating schools with balikbayan boxes and the names of schools in Leyte. My friends helped me a lot; the project and the network spread in that spring of 2014.”

The local book drive that she spearheaded did not stop in that same year or even in the following years. In fact, the campaign still continues up to this day with the organization recently shipping 16 boxes of books and other supplies in July 2018.

True to her word that literacy is critical to youth development, Glenda also organized her first summer field course of the Department of Women & Gender Studies in Tacloban in 2015 where, unexpectedly, 14 Canadian students registered from the limited 10 slots available.

The reason for conducting this field course was for them to examine gender and localglobal intersections that relate to their discipline such as education, economy, culture, environment, among others. The foreign students were able to participate in several festivals and had the chance to interact with other Filipino students.

In addition to their experience apart from their interaction with the localities, Glenda and her students also experienced living in a place with no air conditioning and hot water, far from their situation back in Canada. This happened because, during that time, all hotels were booked by interna-

deals with pop artists the Backstreet Boys and Mary J. Blige.

The company went bankrupt, and three men were indicted for allegedly defrauding the business in a check kiting scam.

Lee wasn’t implicated.

After that initial failure, Lee formed the successful Pow! Entertainment company to launch animated Internet-based projects.

Lee’s wife and partner in nearly everything, Joan Lee,

died on July 6, 2017, leaving a void that made her husband, by then in mental and physical decline, vulnerable to hangerson who began to surround him.

Lawsuits, court fights and an elder abuse investigation all

emerged in the fight over who spoke for the elderly Lee. Lee is survived by his daughter, Joanie, and a younger brother who also worked in comics, Larry Lieber. ■

Chapter 4: Returning to the main classroom

Final chapter: Inspiring others to mold the future

As a proud U of L’s associate professor, Glenda enjoys her freedom to design courses the way she likes, as well as interpret the subject she is teaching based on broad and critical perspectives. Apart from sharing her knowledge, she also gets to enjoy being inspired by the difference she makes in the lives of her students during and after the course.

“To contribute towards equity and social justice through education is an important rationale why I teach.”

“When we shape the minds of young people to become part of the solution in fostering change in their own communities and see a better world for themselves, their children, and everyone — we are part of the process for change.”

While she enjoys what she calls the best part of teaching, Glenda too, has a few words for those who want to be like her someday.

Continuing her journey filled with both struggle and triumph, she said: “Do your best always no matter the limitations, but recognize as well that in our struggles we rely on the people who love us for support and with others with whom we share our time and resources to become better persons.”

“Embrace teaching as a way of life, not as a day job; if we do, we could make a difference.” ■

Stan Lee... ❰❰ 13

In the late 1990s, he looked to capitalize on the Internet craze, offering animated “Webisodes” of comic-like action. Stan Lee Media also sought to reach out to Web-savvy youth through

www.canadianinquirer.net

Entertainment

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

25

Actress Keanna Reeves arrested due to cyberlibel charges

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Bobby of iKon with the Kramer siblings.

@DOUGKRAMER / INSTAGRAM

Scarlett Kramer finally meets Uncle Bobby

BY ARLNIE COLLEENE TALAIN SINGCA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

nounced the back-to-back concerts of Kpop groups iKON and Winner on November through their social media pages — secure chance for Scarlett to see the iKON’s rapper perform live.

WHAT COULD be the best birthday gift But what made Scarlett luckier than for a fangirl if not a chance to meet her the other Filipino iKONics at the concert idol in person, right? last night was her meet-up with Bobby For Filipino fans of the Kpop group before the concert started. Doug shared iKON, or collectively known as iKONics, on his Instagram a video of him with his the luckiest fangirl of them all is actually family meeting the Kpop idol backstage. the celebrity daughter Scarlett Kramer Doug and Chesca Kramer, his wife, intro– after she met her favorite member, duced themselves and the kids, and Cris and the group’s rapper Bobby, moments Jean Silva whom they said was the one before their 2018 Continue Tour started who introduced the Kpop group to their at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena last No- family. Bobby, looking very thankful, kept vember 12. on waving to Kendra and Scarlett. While Remember earthe two girls stood lier this year when quietly, staring at Scarlett’s dad, Doug Bobby – and later on Kramer, took to Inhanded their handstagram to seek for written letters to him Team Kramer fans’ The CAB would to which he appreciahelp for Scarlett’s deputize its tively accepted and birthday wish – members said, “Thank you very which is for the Kpop to become much.” Bobby hugged idol Bobby to perBoracay the Kendra and Scarform or sing a song marshals. let and took a couple for her on her birthof pictures after. day? In the video Later on, Doug posted, Scarlett was commented on how crying, inviting the it was his first time idol to go to her birthday. seeing Scarlett so composed. The little After the video went viral, Scarlett’s fangirl answered, “I’m shaking.” video request to Bobby reached the idol, Doug posted on his Instagram a picto which he replied with a video through ture of Bobby with his two beautiful his own Instagram account (@bobby- daughters Scarlett and Kendra, with indaeyo), where he greets the little girl, caption: “We didn’t think it was pos“Scarlett, this is Uncle Bobby. Happy sible, but @bobbyindaeyo made it hapbirthday!” and even sang her a birthday pen! Happy birthday scarlett!!” song.

Meanwhile, on Bobby’s Instagram But just when Scarlett thought it’s the stories, he posted a photo of Scarlett’s most she could have as a birthday pres- and Kendra’s handwritten letters with ent from Bobby, she was wrong. caption: “@chekkakramer Thank you so On July 31, Pulp Live World an- much.” ■

CELEBRITY JANET Derecho Duterte, also known as Keanna Reeves, was arrested around lunchtime on Monday, November 12 at the Timog area in Quezon City after being served a warrant of her arrest by Judge Maria Florencia FormesBaculo of Laguna Regional Trial Court Branch 34 with cyberlibel accusations.

The controversial star was immediately brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Office in Laguna after her arrest. The warrant issued by Judge Baculo dated from last November 7 claimed that Keanna violated Republic Act No. 10175, better known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Back in August 2010, Keanna allegedly provided false information and gave negative statements about transgender female businesswoman Nancy Ignacio Dimaranan through Facebook live. The complainant stated that due to contrac-

tual conflict and issues with talent fees, Keanna misaligned her name by calling her ‘pig,’ ‘gay,’ and ‘devil.’ Nancy reported that she was most insulted when Keanna mocked her for being a transgender. The disagreement stemmed from Keanna asking Nancy for additional talent fee to cover her transportation expenses as she worked as a performer at a comedy bar in Calamba.

Through a series of videos on her Facebook account, Nancy shared her delight in Keanna’s arrest, saying in Filipino, “My children and I can now have revenge in what Keanna Reeves did to me. Ten of my family and especially the LGBT community, this fight is for us.”

Judge Baculo is only asking Keanna to post P20,000 bail for her release.

Forty-eight-year-old Keanna is known for her appearances in films like Squalor, Wam Bam Pac’s The Man, and Juan Happy Love Story. In 2006, she was the “big winner” of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, which premiered on ABS-CBN. ■

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26

Lifestyle Think before you click: Experts warn that ‘likes’ can be loaded with meaning

BY ADINA BRESGE The Canadian Press

Shortly after the premiere of the latest season of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” it was discovered that star Garrett Yrigoyen had liked Instagram posts that mocked transgender people, feminists and Parkland, Fla., shooting survivor David Hogg.

He responded quickly by deleting the account and apologizing, describing the likes as “mindless taps.”

Last year Texas Sen. Ted

Cruz said an aide with access to his Twitter account inadvertently liked pornography — an episode that gained widespread attention on Twitter before he addressed it.

Jaigris Hodson, a professor at Royal Roads University in Victoria, cautioned that every like must be read within its individual context, taking into account the power dynamics between the participants, what content is being engaged, whether that interaction is welcome and

www.canadianinquirer.net

whether it fits into a broader pattern of behaviour.

An errant tweet may be nothing more than a mistake or a hack that, through the force of virality, becomes ginned up into a scandal, said Hodson. But if there’s a power imbalance between users, unsolicited likes can be akin to a cat call, or even forebode an escalation of predatory online behaviour.

“It’s a very complex issue, and I think it’s much more complex than simply what we like or don’t like,” said Hodson. “As an individual user, you do have to be reflective about your behaviour.”

Pringle said a single like can be understood on three different levels: There’s the intent of the liker, the message interpreted by the receiver, and the public’s perception of the interaction.

This ambiguity can turn what was meant to be a simple expression of acknowledgment into a virtual Rashomon, where the meaning of a like tends to be in the eye of the beholder.

“It’s a necessity of digital literacy to sort of understand that these new modes of communication, where … it seems ridiculous that (a like) could harbour so much meaning, but we will read a lot into things,” said Pringle. “Relationships

are complicated, and I think our online relationships are as complicated as any of them offline — if not more.”

While older social media users may be oblivious to these nuances, said Pringle, the digital generation has forged a complex etiquette of liking, whereby a lack of reciprocity could signal a social imbalance, and these pixular metrics can determine a person’s sense of self-worth.

For 23-year-old Jesse Boland, a like can be a reflexive tap of a screen, or a shot across the bow.

If a friend likes a post by someone he’s feuding with, he may question where the supposed ally’s loyalties lie.

Scrolling through a romantic prospect’s profile pictures on Facebook, Boland will like the first photo as a courtesy, and the second as a sign of intrigue. But like a photo too far back in someone’s online albums, he warns, and you’ll seem desperate.

And when a post flops, Boland said one has to wait a few days before taking it down, he said, so as not to seem too preoccupied with likes.

His philosophy is to like liberally, but not too liberally, lest he be mistaken for an overzealous relative on Facebook.

“To them, they’re scrolling around because they have no real twisted intention, and they’re liking a photo because they … think it’s literally just saying, ‘I like this photo,’” said Boland.”

“Their intentions are very, very harmless, and they don’t understand the coding and nuances that we overly invest into it.” ■

ARLNIE COLLEENE TALAIN SINGCA / PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER

TORONTO — Be careful about what you ‘like’ on social media, experts warn, because the click of a button could be loaded with meaning — intended or not.

A like is a blunt instrument that can impute a complex range of interpersonal meaning, say researchers, but these cues can become muddled in the transmission from one user to another.

Depending on how it’s deployed, a like can be a token of affirmation, a subtle slight, a flirtatious gesture, a digital betrayal or an act of aggression.

While the digital semiotics of hearts, thumbs-up and emoji may seem trivial to some, several high-profile figures have found that likes can land you in hot water.

MP Tony Clement, a former Conservative stalwart who has been ousted from his caucus, admitted Thursday to having had more than one inappropriate online relationship amid allegations that he used social media to connect with young women, message them privately and like their photos.

“During a period of personal difficulty and weakness I engaged in inappropriate exchanges that crossed lines that should never have been crossed,” Clement wrote in a statement to his constituents in the Ontario riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka.

Clement’s statement came as part of series of disclosures this week about sharing explicit images of himself online, which he

said were consensual and mutual, but led to multiple acts of infidelity, alleged extortion attempts, and forced him to turn to police after a woman was offered money in exchange for intimate information.

The growing scandal prompted veteran NDP MP Nathan Cullen to call for women and social media companies to be brought into a critical discussion about how parliamentarians conduct themselves online.

“This aspect of liking (online images), trolling, I don’t recall it being talked about,” Cullen said. “It is another layer but it is striking.

This is not the first online sexual story that’s happened.”

Ramona Pringle, director of Ryerson University’s Innovation Studio, understands Cullen’s bafflement.

Pringle said many people think of likes as being a one-on-one interaction between users, when in fact, those digital exchanges are viewable to everyone else in their social media network.

“That a controversy could come from something as simple as a like, I think to other generations, may have seemed unfathomable,” said Pringle. “A decade into the social-media era, I think certainly people in public roles would know by now that everything they do online has the potential to be under scrutiny.”

And indeed it is — social media sleuths are scrutinizing feeds closely.

Lifestyle

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

27

New exercise guidelines: Move more, sit less, start younger

BY MARILYNN MARCHIONE The Associated Press CHICAGO — Move more, sit less and get kids active as young as age 3, say new federal guidelines that stress that any amount and any type of exercise helps health.

The advice is the first update since the government’s physical activity guidelines came out a decade ago. Since then, the list of benefits of exercise has grown, and there’s more evidence to back things that were of unknown value before, such as short, highintense workouts and taking the stairs instead of an elevator.

“Doing something is better than doing nothing, and doing more is better than doing something,” said Dr. Donald LloydJones, a preventive medicine expert at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Only 20 per cent of Americans get enough exercise now, and the childhood obesity problem has prompted the push to aim younger to prevent poor health later in life.

Highlights of the advice released Monday at an American Heart Association conference in Chicago and published in the

Journal of the American Medical Association: Children and teens

The biggest change: Start young. Guidelines used to begin at age 6, but the new ones say preschoolers ages 3 through 5 should be encouraged to take part in active play throughout the day. They don’t call for a certain amount but say a reasonable target may be three hours of various intensities. That’s consistent with guidelines in many other countries and is the average amount of activity observed in kids this age.

From ages 6 through 17, at least an hour of moderate-tovigorous activity throughout the day is recommended. Most of it should be aerobic, the kind that gets the heart rate up such as brisk walking, biking or running. At least three times a week, exercise should be vigorous and include muscle- and bone-strengthening activities like climbing on playground equipment or playing sports.

Adults

Duration stays the same — at least 2 1/2 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity or 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours of vigorous activity a week, plus at least two days that

include muscle-strengthening exercise like pushups or lifting weights.

One key change: It used to be thought that aerobic activity had to be done for at least 10 minutes. Now even short times are known to help. Even a single episode of activity gives shortterm benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and improving sleep.

Sitting a lot is especially harmful.

The advice is similar for older adults, but activities should include things that promote bal-

ance to help avoid falls.

Brought to you by the letter E

Targeting young children is the goal of a project that Dr. Valentin Fuster, a cardiologist at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, has worked on for years with the Heart Association and Sesame Workshop, producers of television’s “Sesame Street.”

At the heart conference, he gave results of an intensive fourmonth program to improve knowledge and attitudes about exercise and health among 562 kids ages 3 to 5 in Head Start

preschools in Harlem.

“It was really successful,” Fuster said. “Once they understand how the body works, they begin to understand physical activity” and its importance.

When brains are young, “it’s the best opportunity” to set health habits that last, he said. ■ The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education.

The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Money Monitor: How much pricier are organic groceries? Some items nearly on par

BY CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS The Associated Press MONTREAL — Vanessa Baratta is cut up about purchasing organic produce.

“Price factors into it now that I’m a homeowner. Beforehand I didn’t really care,” said the 29-year-old urban planner, reaching hesitantly for a package of pesticide-free mixed greens.

“I used to go with mostly organic, but it’s much more expensive.”

Baratta tries to eat and drink with an environmental conscience. “But there’s other things that I’d rather spend my

money on than organic fruits and vegetables.”

Experts peg the price premium for organic food products at between 20 and 60 per cent. All but one item — spinach — out of 17 were at least 20 per cent more expensive in the organic section, according to a 2016 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eggs and milk tended to be among the costliest.

But fret not, frugal fruit finder.

Seasonal fluctuations and a longer shelf life for some products, on top of the time-tested tactics of buying in bulk and hewing toward house brands, mean organic consumption doesn’t have to suck your savings dry.

Several organic and conven-

tionally grown items consistently boast comparable prices — “The Big Five,” as dubbed by Pat Pessotto, vice-president of merchandising and procurement at Longo’s, a southern Ontario grocery chain.

Apples, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and pre-packed salads make up the bunch. They’re often locally grown — meaning lower transport costs — and have longer storage times, making them less susceptible to price fluctuation.

“Follow the season and follow what Mother Nature is offering up for that time of year,” Pessotto said. “Personally, I like snacking on organic carrots.”

At a Provigo grocery in Monwww.canadianinquirer.net

treal, a 900-gram bag of organic baby carrots cost $5.99, 20 per cent more than the $4.99 nonorganic package.

Meanwhile, organic bell peppers and bananas cost $3 each and $1.29 per pound, respectively, versus $1.67 each and 79 cents per pound for their conventionally grown brethren — a top-up of 80 per cent and 63 per cent.

When produce is in season, the price difference drops due to greater supply, noted Andrew Telfer, vice-president of health and wellness a the Retail Council of Canada.

The price premium derives partly from higher costs for farmers who swear off products such as synthetic fertiliz-

ers, sewage sludge and genetic engineering as well as growth hormones and antibiotics. But it also comes from processors and retailers who must ensure organic products don’t rub leaf by jowl with non-organic items during storage or transportation — all necessary to earn organic certification from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

“Preservatives, colouring agents, synthetic fertilizers are used in the food system not because the human diet needs them but to benefit the food system on reduced costs,” said Tia Loftsgard, executive director of the Canada Organic ❱❱ PAGE 28 Money Monitor

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Lifestyle

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

War bride portraits capture ‘strength, frailty’ of women who left home for love

BY SHERYL UBELACKER The Canadian Press FOR BEV Tosh, it began as a labour of love: creating a portrait of her mother as a 1940s war bride on the occasion of her 80th birthday, a likeness rendered in oil from a decades-old photo.

But that single painting took the Calgary artist down a path she could never have foreseen.

Eighteen years later, Tosh has amassed more than 150 portraits of women from around the world who married Second World War airmen, soldiers and sailors and left their home countries to start new lives with men they often barely knew.

“So I did this painting, never really thinking it would go anywhere because it was for me, it was not for my mom,” says Tosh, 70, whose parents met at a 1944 New Year’s dance in Saskatchewan, where her mother lived and her father, a Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot, was stationed as a flight training officer.

“That was going to be it.”

But fate, it seems, had other ideas.

Tosh’s parents married in June 1944, before her father was sent back to England for active duty and subsequently shipped home to New Zealand at war’s end. Her mother, who had remained in Saskatoon, set sail from Vancouver in 1946 to join her husband in New Zealand, where Tosh and her sister were born. But the marriage lasted only six years, and the two girls and their mother returned to Canada.

About seven years ago, as an established artist and fine arts teacher, Tosh was asked to come to New Zealand to teach painting classes, and a local newspaper wrote an article

about the expat.

“It all happened accidentally,” she says, recalling that she had brought slides of her mother’s portrait, which was projected on a wall behind her as her photo was taken for the front-page story.

Word of the artist spread and war brides living in New Zealand began contacting her: “The phone where I was staying never stopped ringing. War brides came to me on breaks during my classes.

“I realized that these were very, very multi-layered stories. They were stories of leaving home and adaptation and heartbreak and love and riches and loss.”

There was no way back from New Zealand for these women, says Tosh, explaining that the government tried to discourage the marriages and provided only a one-way passage to the servicemen’s Canadian wives, about 4,000 of whom took ship for such countries as Australia, New Zealand, England and Scotland.

Many thousands more emigrated from their overseas homes to Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere.

One of those women was Kay Patterson, an English war bride whose Kiwi husband was killed in action, but who chose to travel to New Zealand with their young son after the war.

Patterson had a premonition of his death when she lost her “sweetheart wings” — a tiny pin or pendant given as a love token by airmen to their wives or girlfriends.

“That’s why her story still gives me goosebumps,” says Tosh, who etched tiny wings inside a gold-painted knothole in the plywood base of Patterson’s portrait. “Her story had a really profound effect on me.”

When the artist returned home to Calgary, she started telling stories about the New Zealand women and the portraits she had painted — and then “the local war brides came,” says Tosh.

“They’ve welcomed me — hundreds of them,” she says.

“They’ve opened their photo albums, poured me cups of tea.”

So compelling were their stories that Tosh gave up teaching and stopped showing her art in galleries to dedicate herself fulltime to immortalizing war brides from their wedding-day photos.

“It’s taken over my life … Other artists often said ‘You know this is a career-killer.’ And it didn’t matter, because something in me needed to do it.”

The portraits have an ethereal quality, almost as if seen through the mists of time, featuring a limited palette in keeping with the era of ration books and the threat of death always on the doorstep.

Asked what she wanted to capture in the paintings, Tosh said: “I wanted a sense of their strength and their frailty at the time. They know life is uncertain. They’re losing loved ones no matter where they are.

“But they’re still teenagers or young women and they still

want to be stylish, rationing or not. They still want to dance.”

Boarding a ship for a strange country took a huge leap of faith, she says.

“They were not falling in love to go elsewhere, or even to get away. In fact, the hardest thing for all of them was to walk up that gang plank.

“Everything they’d ever known was gone or going and they were coming to a man they hoped would be waiting for them on a station platform in a land they didn’t choose, and sometimes knew nothing about.”

As it turns out, Tosh’s choice was anything but a careerender. The artist is internationally recognized for her portraits, for which she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General earlier this week.

And in the run-up to Remembrance Day, 40 of her portraits were put on exhibit at the RAF Museum in London, where they will remain until mid-September 2019. Others will be on display in France next year for the anniversary of the June 6, 1944 D-Day landing by Canadian forces on Juno Beach.

Among those at the RAF Museum is a portrait of Hazel (Walker) West, a Londoner who met her husband Russell, an RCAF pilot, on a blind date. The couple tied the knot in February 1945, a few months before VE-Day. She was 20, he was three years older.

Her wedding day portrait shows a woman happy and smiling, though the 94-yearold admits that inside she was “scared spitless … I kept saying to myself, what am I doing?”

In 1946, after having been separated from her groom for 10 months following his return to Canada, West travelled by ship to Halifax and train to Calgary, to be met by a man dressed in civvies instead of a crisply smart uniform, who seemed like a stranger.

And she wasn’t prepared for the bleak vastness of the Prairies or small-town living in Raymond, Alta., where the couple lived for four years before moving permanently to nearby Taber.

“All in all, I’ve had a good life,” West says. “It’s had its rotten, rocky moments, it’s had sadness, it’s had fear and stress, but don’t we all in life at sometime?”

Having her portrait painted

by Tosh, with whom she’s become friends, was a gift: “I was thrilled beyond belief that it would be possible that she would do that.”

As for the artist, she had thought she might be done with her series of war bride paintings with the opening of the London exhibit last month, but whenever she hears another of their stories, “the hair stands up on my arms.”

“It’s not finished yet. And when it’s finished with me, it’ll be finished. But it’s not me deciding it’s finished.” ■

not go to the farmer; it goes to processing, and it goes to marketing the food.”

One way to skirt that premium is to toss a house-brand organic item in your cart rather than a non-organic branded one, she said. Adopting a coupon-collecting habit is another option. Buying in bulk — in-

cluding direct from the farm — and growing your own greens, from kale to coriander, can also cut costs while still yielding the benefits touted by organic champions.

About 66 per cent of shoppers buy organic products weekly, according to the organic trade association. That number rises

to 73 per cent among millennial customers, with the numbers continuing to grow, said Dan Branson, senior director of produce for Loblaw Companies Ltd. “I really think of organics being a lifestyle choice for a lot of people who are thinking about their health and wellness,” he said. Products under the Presi-

dent’s Choice house label have mushroomed into the hundreds over the past decade.

“I remember when I was a kid, it used to be a huge excitement for us to get a Spanish clementine and now we have mandarins and clementines available all year long, both organic and non-organic.” ■

Money Monitor... ❰❰ 27

Trade Association.

Loftsgard also stressed the challenge of price comparisons, citing package sizes, “seasonality” and ingredient differences.

Charlotte Vallaeys, a policy analyst with Consumers Union in the U.S., said that “a lot of the cost that consumers pay does

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29

Sports Coach Yeng Guiao announces new 20-man pool, Blatche, Romeo missing

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer IN ANTICIPATION for Gilas Pilipinas’ next game for the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Coach Yeng Guiao announced the final twenty names he chose for his lineup on Tuesday, November 6.

The names included are: Jayson Castro, Paul Lee, Stanley Pringle, Alex Cabagnot, LA Tenorio, Matthew Wright, Marcio Lassiter, Ricci Rivero, Scottie Thompson, Gabe Norwood, Troy Rosario, Arwind Santos, Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, June Mar Fajardo, Beau Belga, Christian Standhardinger, JP Erram, Ian Sangalang, and Kai Sotto.

Samahang Basketball ng Pili-

pinas (SBP) Inc. President Al Panlilio is in agreement with Coach Yeng’s decision, proudly stating, ”We are very happy to announce that both the SBP and the PBA support the proposal of coach Yeng Guiao. This is the best team ever formed to actually represent the Philippines in the international competition.”

Numerous expected both Andray Blatche and Terrence Romeo to be in the pool as well as they are eligible for the game against Iran, however, Coach Yeng explained his decisions.

About Blatche in particular, he said, “It was really a hard decision on our part, but we took into consideration the chemistry that has been built up from the Asian Games.” He added, “There’s a really strong bond

among the members and we want to preserve that.” When it came to Romeo, Guiao said that Romeo would have difficulty working with the team that is already filled with numerous talented guards, explaining the “consensus.” He states, “There’s just too much talent.

Aside from the coaching staff, we also sought the approval of the PBA and the SBL and they supported the decision.” However, he assures that Romeo “is going to be considered in the next window.”

Team Philippines will be battling it out with host Kazakhstan on November 30 then Team Iran on December 3, both games held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay. ■

San Beda Red Lions snag third championship title in a row

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE SAN Beda University Red Lions still prove to be the strongest team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as they snagged the top trophy for the league’s ninth season in a best-of-three series against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, winning the first two games – the most recent at the Mall of Asia Arena last Monday, November 12. The score finished at 71-56. This is the third season in a row that San Beda won first place and the school’s 11th crown in the past 13 years.

The Mendiola-based team consists of the big three graduating lions who are also part

of this season’s mythical five, namely Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, and Donald Tankoua.

Mocon was hailed Finals MVP as he played a huge part especially in game two of the series, contributing 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks. At one point in the game, the Lions were leading as much as 21 points, despite Pirate CJ Perez’s much-anticipated return to the court.

Head Coach Boyet Fernandez beamed with joy at his players’ championship performance, telling the media in Filipino, “I’m happy. For all our preparations this season, we got the championship. We got the three-peat.”

Besides thanking his coaching staff, he also gives a word of appreciation to his lineup, sharing, “I really want to give

a huge thank you to all of the players. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be champion, we wouldn’t have gotten the three-peat.”

As for how he believes they won the top spot, Coach Boyet added, “It’s the product of the preparation and the scouting. We’re always there for every game of LPU.” The Red Lions found their niche at the three-point line during the final game, making a total of 11 and shooting 35.71% from the field. Besides Mocon’s impressive 16 points, Clint Doliguez and Tankoua made 14 and 13 points respectively. In retrospect, Coach Boyet concluded, “At least all the hard work and sacrifices paid off. It is not only my effort but the effort of the whole community.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Quezon City Capitals vs Mandaluyong El Tigre.

QUEZON CITY CAPITALS / FACEBOOK

MPBL bans ex-pro Ronjay Buenafe while opening up one-week trading period

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer SENATOR MANNY Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has made a few announcements following ‘the longest half-time break in the league yet’ when the Quezon City Capitals refused to leave the dugout for about 45 minutes after the second quarter after finding out about the participation of Mandaluyong El Tigre newly acquired former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) shooting guard Ronjay Buenafe as a violation of the league’s guidelines.

Last Thursday, November 8, the El Tigre defeated the Quezon City capitals 87-76 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The highest Mandaluyong’s squad led throughout the game was 16 points, at the end of the fourth quarter, with Buenafe scoring a total of 15 points, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal. His performance helped in breaking his team’s fivegame losing streak.

One source from the Quezon City team owners shared that they were only given the memo about Buenafe’s participation minutes before the start of the game. It stated, “This is to ad-

vice all teams concerned that Ronjay Buenafe will not be playing for Mandaluyong in lieu of Jojo Duncil,” who initially replaced El Tigre’s star player Ray Ray Parks after Parks left the league to represent the Philippines in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

Unfortunately for Team Mandaluyong, after the team owners’ meeting last Saturday, November 11 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes announced that due to their violation of rules, Mandaluyong’s win will be nullified and the match will be replayed – this time, without the presence of Buenafe who has been banned from the league’s Datu Cup. After the news, Buenafe took to Facebook and shared, “I know God has a better plan for me.”

In light of the situation, the Commissioner who was guided by league head Pacquiao also revealed opening up a new trade week that spans from November 12 to Sunday, November 18.

The league’s last trade period lapsed on October 24. According to Duremdes, “There were several teams which asked for this, so we decided to open up a one week trading period to allow these teams to improve their line ups.” ■

30

Business Lazada gears up for PH expansion Auto manufacturers amid e-commerce boom sales up month-onBY KRIS CRISMUNDO Philippine News Agency MANILA — The local unit of e-commerce site Lazada is looking into the construction of additional logistics facilities to expand its footprint in the country, bullish about the ‘exponential growth’ prospects of the Philippine e-commerce market over the next five years.

“We will open more facilities in the next three to five years starting by this fifth-generation warehouse in Clark (Pampanga),” Lazada Philippines Chief Executive Officer for Logistics, Juan Pavez Spencer, told reporters Sunday on the sidelines of media tour of its warehouse in Cabuyao, Laguna, Lazada’s biggest e-commerce facility for Southeast Asia.

Pavez said the company also has short-tail warehouses in

Cebu and Davao catering the volume of orders and deliveries in different regions.

“And we are planning to (also) open one in Central Luzon, in North Luzon, in North Mindanao and in some other populated islands of Visayas.

We have plans to actually triple our fulfillment capabilities that we have in the next three to five years,” he added.

Pavez pointed out that Lazada is gearing up for continued growth amid the local boom in e-commerce.

“It’s very exciting because you always double every year, so you can expect the growth to be exponential. In the next two to three years, our forecast that the e-commerce in the Philippines will hit 1.5 percent of the retail but will even grow up to 6 to 7 percent in the next three to five years, which is huge,” he said.

In the Philippines, Pavez said Lazada has over 28 million monthly site visits, of which 23 million are active users.

The e-commerce site offers a range of products in categories from beauty, fashion, and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, sports equipment and groceries.

Lazada has about 30,000 listed sellers offering over 80 million products in the Philippines.

“We are very proud of this because this is a way to develop the local economy. We also try to emphasize the SMEs (small and medium enterprises) to give them access to this online business. We have a lot of small sellers that are doing very well in the platform,” he added.

Majority owned by Alibaba Group Holding Limited, Lazada Group has also presence in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. ■

House keen on passing tax reform Package 4

BY FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Philippine News Agency

(Package 4). Our agenda is to carry out the agenda of President Duterte. So, he has his 15 measures that he enumerated in the SONA (State of the Nation Address). We already passed 11 of them,” Arroyo said.

The measure seeks to reform the taxation of the financial sector, including capital and financial services, to be simpler, fairer, more efficient, and reveMANILA — Speaker Gloria nue-neutral.

Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday The bill seeks to reform the said the House of financial secRepresentatives tor taxation by intends to pass reducing the the fourth comnumber of rates prehensive tax Well, we cannot dictate the timing of withholding reform program of democratic processes. taxes; unify tax (CTRP), which rates for interis a measure on ests, dividends, reforms of finanand capital gains; cial taxes, under harmonize busithe Duterte administration.

While she did not give a time- ness taxes; remove or minimize In an ambush interview, Arroyo line, the Speaker assured that barriers to capital market desaid the passage of the proposed Package 4 of the Duterte ad- velopment, adopt a regionally Package 4 is part of her commit- ministration’s CTRP would be competitive tax system. ment to push for President Rodri- prioritized by the House.

The House ways and means go Duterte’s legislative priorities “Well, we cannot dictate the committee has already started at the lower chamber. timing of democratic processes. its deliberation on the said tax “That’s our plan to legislate We just do our best,” Arroyo said. reform program. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

month in October

BY KRIS CRISMUNDO Philippine News Agency MANILA — The combined number of vehicles sold by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) in October has notably improved relative to sales the previous month, a joint report released Tuesday revealed.

The combined sales of CAMPI and TMA for October 2018 increased by 6.5 percent to 33,150 units from 31,116 unit sales in September.

Sales of commercial vehicles buoyed the performance in October, growing month-onmonth by 9.4 percent to 23,706 units from 21,675 units.

Passenger car sales were little changed from 9,441 units in September to 9,444 vehicles sold last month.

CAMPI President Rommel Gutierrez attributed the growth of the industry to the aggressive promotion and supply of new model units during the 7th Philippine International Motor Show last month.

“We remain optimistic that sales growth will be sustained in November, as we expect more sales from PIMS will be delivered this month,” Gutierrez said.

However, the industry posted negative sales growth compared to October 2017, when 36,511 units were sold, or 9.2 percent higher than the sales last month.

Both passenger cars and commercial vehicles posted decrements of 19.2 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively.

The year-to-date sales of the industry likewise sustained drop in sales.

CAMPI and TMA sales from January to October this year decreased by 13.3 percent to 294,207 units from 339,380 units in the same period in 2017.

Sales of passenger cars in the first 10 months of the year declined by 20.1 percent to 90,522 units from 113,341 units a year ago.

Sales of commercial vehicles registered a 9.9-percent drop, selling 203,685 units in January to October this year from 226,039 units in the same period last year.

Despite the 16.7-percent decrement in sales, Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. remained the market leader in the said period.

Other market leaders in January to October period are Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Nissan Philippines, Inc., Ford Motor Company Phils., Inc., and Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. ■

Business

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

31

PH on track in borrowing program

BY JOANN VILLANUEVA Philippine News Agency MANILA — National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon on Monday said that government is on track in its borrowing program for this year, citing that the planned US dollar bond issuance in the fourth quarter is for

pre-funding.

“Even for the global bond, if ever we do issue it would be for prefunding for next year,” she told reporters in an interview.

The government’s programmed borrowing for this year is PHP986 billion, while next year that goes up to PHP1.19 trillion.

As of end-September this

year, the government has borrowed PHP551.616 billion.

Last September alone, government borrowing amounted to PHP129.60 billion.

De Leon said they are still monitoring external developments for the planned Republic of the Philippines (ROP) bond.

She said they are still considering to issue tenors of between

10 to 25 years and stressed that “we’ll just see how market development will be.”

“We will have to see again in the coming weeks how the market will play out. We continue to be very watchful of market developments, what would be a good opportunity for us to be able to go out,” she said.

The planned ROP bond is-

suance this quarter will be the second for the country this year after the USD2-billion worth of 25-year global bond issued last January.

Of the total issuance at the start of the year, USD500 million was in new money while the remaining volume was used to swap previously-issued bond with higher yields. ■

ICTSI eyes P5-B upgrade of Iloilo ports

Risk-off sentiment pull down local markets

BY AEROL JOHN PATENA Philippine News Agency

BY JOANN VILLANUEVA Philippine News Agency

MANILA — The International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has proposed to invest more than PHP5 billion to develop the Iloilo Port Complex and the Port of Dumangas in the province of Iloilo.

This, as ICTSI submitted a Letter of Intent to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to modernize its infrastructures, as well as manage and operate the two ports – in line with the future development needs of Iloilo and the Visayas.

The company seeks to assist the PPA in upgrading the port network in the country to facilitate inter-island and international cargo movement.

“We truly believe in the growth potential of the Visayas in general and of Iloilo in particular. That growth is anchored on the building of infrastructure and the delivery of basic utilities and services.

With the development of port superstructure and the costefficient delivery of electric services, we hope to be able to help Iloilo in attaining its full potential,” ICTSI Chairman and President Enrique Razon Jr. said in a statement on Monday.

Under its proposal, the company will invest more than PHP 5 billion to develop the Iloilo Port Complex, which includes the dredging and deepening of the port and the channel to allow the entry of new international vessels.

New port equipment, including modern quayside crane handling equipment will be deployed during the first phase,

MANILA — Expectations of further increases in the US Federal Reserve’s key rates along with drop of prices of oil in the international market weighed down both the Philippine peso and the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) Monday.

The peso finished the day at 53.295 from 52.96 to a greenback Friday last week.

“It’s more about bets of US rate hikes ahead due to higherthan-expected US PCE inflation and consumer sentiment,” Landbank market economist Guian Angelo Dumalagan said in a reply to an e-mail from the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), in its meeting last Nov. 7-8, kept the Fed’s key policy rates but indicated upward adjustments in the coming days.

Thus, market players now expect the Committee to announce a hike after its meeting on December 18-19, 2018 after US monetary officials have noted that the labor market continues to strengthen and economic activity is still on an upward trajectory.

Aside from rate hike expectations, Dumalagan said “many are also expecting strong US consumer price inflation later this week.”

US’s Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to report the October 2018 inflation on Wednesday.

Last September, US’s 12-month inflation stood at 2.28, within the Fed’s long-term

The Iloilo International Port or Loboc Wharf.

BERNIEMACK ARELLÁNO BERNARDO ARELLANO III / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC BY 3.0

estimated to cost PHP1.35 billion.

The company is also offering to substantially invest in the development of the Port of Dumangas to handle passenger spillover from the city port.

ICTSI envisions to upgrade the two ports into international gateways.

“ICTSI believes that the ports’ development will not only improve efficiency, but will, more importantly evolve the ports into becoming the Philippines’ Visayas hub that will improve connectivity for cargo movement within the country. Our vision is to ultimately turn these ports into international gateways,” according to ICTSI global corporate head Christian Gonzales.

ICTSI will introduce automation in the operations, engineering and administration of the ports to promote efficiency and security.

It will likewise deploy its

commercial team to promote the services of the Iloilo ports and employ local talents for their operations.

The company will likewise rollout engagement programs for port users to ease business transactions.

The ICTSI is involved in the business of port development, management and operations and is established and headquartered in Manila. It operates the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in the Port of Manila, which is one of the major seaports in Asia and one of the most active ports in the country.

It currently has operation in 18 countries, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Poland, Croatia, Georgia, Iraq, Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

target of 2 percent.

This, economists have said, is the reason for expectations for additional increase in the Fed’s key policy rates.

For the day, the peso opened at 53.09, weaker than the 52.87 level in the previous session.

It traded between 53.3 and 53.09, resulting to an average of 53.203.

Volume reached USD666.1 million, lower than the USD897.5 million in the previous session.

Relatively, the main equities gauge fell 0.61 percent, or 42.62 points, to 6,926.20 points.

Regina Capital Managing Director Luis Limlingan attributed this to further decline of oil prices and the lower close of the European and US stocks last week.

Concerns on Italy and the Brexit added to risk-off sentiment, he said.

With these, most of the other counters also finished the day on the red, with the All Shares down by 0.40 percent, or 16.91 points, to 4,252.97 points.

Industrial registered the highest drop with 1.07 percent and was followed by the Holding Firms, 0.95 percent; Financials, 0.57 percent; and Services, 0.48 percent.

On the other hand, Mining and Oil rose 0.47 percent and Property, 0.24 percent.

Volume reached 883.54 million shares amounting to PHP6.64 billion.

Losers led gainers at 127 to 68 while 44 shares were unchanged. ■

32

Technology Facebook chooses Canada for Dating feature launch, but privacy concerns abound

BY TARA DESCHAMPS The Canadian Press TORONTO — Mark Zuckerberg is ready to play matchmaker for Canadians.

His company Facebook Inc. will aim to make its social media platform’s users more than just friends with a new dating feature that will mark its North American launch in Canada on Thursday.

Facebook Dating, which was previously piloted in Colombia, operates with users creating profiles that are separate from their Facebook ones and kept out of sight of friends.

The company will recommend matches that users aren’t already friends with, but who share dating preferences, interests and if they’d like, mutual friends or groups and events.

The offering will support text-only conversations between matches in an effort to minimize “casual encounters” by building long-term relationships instead and will attempt to reduce catfishing —using a fake online identity to trick prospective love interests — by importing ages and locations from a user’s traditional Facebook profile.

“We were really thinking about how inauthentic experiences are making online dating really difficult… and preventing people from trusting online dating and forming a meaningful connection,” said Charmaine Hung, Facebook Dating’s technical program manager. “We wanted to make sure you could

build that trust with someone.” previously claimed “we have into their (Dating) profile…

Facebook Dating’s Canadian designed this with privacy and but we have seen over and over roll-out comes as the technolo- safety in mind from the begin- again that those types of divides gy giant is embroiled in privacy ning.” are difficult to maintain,” Israel concerns following a series of Tamir Israel, a lawyer at the said. data breaches. The most high- Samuelson-Glushko Canadian “It looks like, in spite of the profile came last winter, when Internet Policy and Public In- challenges, they are making an the company admitted the data terest Clinic at the University effort to silo this a bit from the of up to 50 milrest of their ecolion Facebook system, but the users was misproblem is they used by analytics have a bit of a firm Cambridge We wanted to make sure you could bad track record Analytica. User build that trust with someone. of eroding that privacy was at over time.” risk again this Privacy conSeptember when cerns are why the company reFacebook has inported a major security breach of Ottawa, said he had concerns troduced Dating with a slew of in which 50 million accounts around how separate some- measures aimed at “integrity may have been accessed by un- one’s Facebook and Dating and safety,” said Hung. known attackers. profiles will truly be because For example, users will have Some experts said the dating they’re contained within the to opt-in for the dating feature offering will raise privacy con- same app. instead of being automatically cerns of its own and is unlikely “People will think there is a enrolled. When they opt-in, to assuage worries about the degree of insulation because they will need to initialize their platform — even if Zuckerberg they are deciding what goes location services to verify they

www.canadianinquirer.net

are in the city they are purporting to be in, but they can rescind that access once they’ve signed up.

There will also be a feature that allows people to be blocked and prevents users from messaging potential interests more than once, if the other person hasn’t reciprocated with a response.

If a user is overwhelmed with matches or wants to take a break from dating, they can pause Dating and if they decide the app isn’t for them, they can opt-out and all their Dating data will be destroyed, Hung said.

“Good on Facebook for having thought through some of these issues, given some of the concerns they have had on privacy,” said Imran Ahmad, a partner at Miller Thomson who leads the firm’s cybersecurity practice.

“The more you share about yourself, the more there is potential exposure from a privacy point of view.”

He said he was going to give Facebook the benefit of the doubt because it has pledged to address its privacy issues and has helped create a culture where social media users are becoming more attuned to privacy concerns.

“Arguably folks should be more comfortable with Facebook now given all the scrutiny they have gone through in terms of their recent missteps because everyone is watching everything they have done,” he said. “Their information is probably more secure than it was in the past.” ■

Technology

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018

33

Xtech shouldering its way into locker rooms on all levels

BY SARAH DILORENZO The Associated Press EAST HANOVER, N.J. — At 43, Baylor coach Matt Rhule is far removed from a playing career.

That doesn’t mean he won’t run the gauntlet with his guys to prove a point.

When Rhule was helping turn around the program at Temple, he already had many of his players outfitted with XTECH shoulder pads, a revolutionary protective device that is gaining traction on all levels of football.

“I even wore the XTECH pads and went through bull-inthe-ring while I was at Temple,” he recalls, “and I can tell you that the next day I felt less sore than I should have felt.”

That’s the refrain from many a player, including NFL stars such as Khalil Mack, Matt Ryan, Odell Beckham Jr., and Andrew Luck — who missed an entire season because of shoulder issues.

“I had a unique history after being at the New York Giants where several players wore the XTECH pads,” says Rhule, who left Temple for Baylor in 2016.

“Then Muhammad Wilkerson, who played for me at Temple, was a proponent of the pads. I had a chance to see them work firsthand. When we went to Temple, we put them on several guys, and they all had positive reviews. Shoulder injuries went down. Upon coming to Baylor, we had a chance to implement the same thing. We’ve watched our occurrence of injuries and post-season surgeries come

down subsequently.

“The pads have been shown to work at a high level, and we have had tremendous personal success with them. The vast majority of our players have enjoyed the pads and appreciated the commitment to their health and welfare. I’ve even had other coaches reach out to me over the years to ask about them.”

That seems to be the reaction from high schools — famed Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California, originally bought three sets and now the entire team is wearing XTECH — to college, where company co-founder Bob Broderick says close to 500 schools across all levels have players suiting up in the pads, with virtually the entire Washington State roster using them.

Dozens of players at the likes of Michigan, Penn State, Syracuse, Mississippi and Notre Dame use the pads.

As for the pros — the NFL does not survey shoulder pads as it does helmets — Patriots running back James White, in the midst of the finest season of his five-year career, says: “I like that the pads are light and give me a lot of range to move my arms.

But at the same time, they give me all the protection my shoulders need. I’ve always given thought to my shoulder pads because as a person who runs and catches the football, I feel like you should have the right pads to help you get your job done.”

XTECH has been on the job for six years, though the work staff is small: 11 full-timers, seven part-timers. That could be

increased as Broderick and cofounder Ted Monica break into the European market; there are distribution deals in place for January to expand in Germany, Switzerland and the UK. Also next year, XTECH will make available its first five-padded girdle; most states require all high school football players to wear a five-padded girdle.

Their Cover-2 Program works with NFL teams, current and former coaches and players to buy pads and donate them back to their high schools. Zach Ertz, Melvin Gordon and the McCourty brothers have done so, and the Giants donated equipment to the New York Police Department’s football squad.

Monica has worked in the football equipment world for nearly 38 years. He custom designs every pad, which Broderick says are the only pads made entirely in the United States.

What makes those pads stand out?

The patented design features the only dual-cantilever system on the market, an adjustable three-piece body system that allows each pad to fit the player’s body at the proper angle while creating a natural channel for the AC joint to sit in. On the performance side, a threepoint swivel system allows for enhanced range of motion, and air flow occurs into the front and back to work in conjunction with uniforms, allowing for maximum ventilation.

Additionally, XTECH uses XRD Technology, which is well

XTECHPADS / WEBSITE

known in the military space and is the foam XTECH uses in the entire pad. XRD, a division of Rogers Corporation, has a multi-year exclusive partnership with XTECH for American football. Monica calls it “smart foam,” which is water resistant as well as highly protective and durable.

The majority of the shoulder pad industry uses foam from China and an “air management” system which was developed in the 1970s. Think of a pillow and every time you hit it air goes out the side, and it compresses down and is therefore less protective for the subsequent hit.

According to many of the players using XTech’s pads, that’s never been a concern.

Recent company addition Brooks Barnard is the vicepresident of sales and left Under Armour after 12 years overseeing its high school properties to join XTECH. He was attracted

by XTech’s implementing “an idea that was disruptive and challenged a predictable way of thinking.”

“As I spent time in locker rooms across the country, I noticed the XTECH brand growing in popularity with elite athletes as their choice of pads to wear

on Friday nights,” he says. “The design of XTECH naturally captures your attention and automatically engages any football mind. It was evident that XTECH was sought by top players at the NFL and NCAA level and a groundswell was happening at the high school level. Several of the nationally ranked programs in the country already had players in XTECH and I witnessed first-hand what top recruits were saying about the pad.”

If anyone needs a reliable shoulder pad, naturally it is Luck. The first overall selection in the 2012 draft and the Colts’ franchise QB since then never suited up in 2017. He’s back now and having a strong season despite a general dearth of talent around him.

Luck is intrigued by technology, but his reasons for switching to XTECH appear simpler.

“Just a little lighter,” Luck says. “Been wearing the same shoulder pads and thought I’d try a new one out. It didn’t come from a place that I need something different, I need more protection. It was just some new technology that our equipment managers came to me about and it’s worked well so far.” ■

Kids Help Phone adds texting option to connect young people with crisis counsellors THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Canadian youth can now access mental health support through a free bilingual texting service being rolled out across the country by Kids Help Phone.

The charitable organization is introducing the 24/7 texting support option through a

service partnership with U.S. based helpline and technology pioneer Crisis Text Line.

A pilot project begun in February in Manitoba and select provinces has logged more than 13,000 texting conversations between young people seeking help and trained volunteer crisis responders.

The pilot study showed that the most common issues affect-

ing young people were anxiety, relationships and feelings of isolation. Twenty-four per cent of texters reached out because of suicidal thoughts.

The confidential service is accessible by texting TALK to 686868 for an English-speaking crisis responder and TEXTO to 686868 to reach a Frenchspeaking counsellor on any text/SMS- enabled cellphone. www.canadianinquirer.net

The texting service requires no data plan, Internet connection or app. For many young people, a lack of privacy, unreliable Internet, and limited data plans make it difficult to communicate by phone.

“As we move forward with the national rollout, we are again boldly changing the landscape in virtual care knowing the Canada of tomorrow is depend-

ing on how we deal with the mental health needs our youth are facing today,” said Katherine Hay, president and CEO of Kids Help Phone.

Along with the texting option, phone and online Live Chat services remain core programs of Kids Help Phone, providing anonymous and confidential professional counselling to young people across Canada. ■

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

34

CANADA

AMP PROMATIC IS LOOKING FOR PRODUCTION WORKERS Sheet metal manufacturing company is looking to hire workers with some experience on metal cutting machines, plus general labor.

If you don’t have experience but are hard worker we will train and will oer you good wages.

This can be a full-time or part-time position and we are located in Vaughan, Hwy 7 and Weston Rd.

Contact: Walter at 416-991-1007 or send e-mail ampincwf@gmail.com

HIRING

NANNY/BABYSITTER

LOCATION: BRAMPTON Employer: Romelo Perez for 2 children (15 & 11 y.o.), Mon-Fri, $14/hr for 40 hrs/wk. 3 year-contract Requirements: LanguageEnglish. Education- Completion of secondary school (min.)

Experience- 1-2 yrs. child care/babysitting exp; criminal record check, in good health. Duties: Supervise and care for children, prepare and serve meals, assist with feeding, grooming, hygiene, homework and school projects. Perform light housekeeping & cleaning duties including wash/iron clothes and household linens.

Take children to and from school and appointments, travel with family if needed.

LUCKY SUPERMARKET 10628 King George Blvd, Surrey B.C is hiring all positions such as: store manager, grocery manager, produce manager, office administration, file maintenance clerk, head cashier, cook, BBQ chef, meat cutter, baker, bakery clerk, grocery clerk, frozen clerk, meat clerk, produce clerk, cashier, truck driver and kitchen helper.

APPLY BY EMAIL: melo.perez@outlook.com

Please email resume to: hrsurrey@luckysupermarket.ca

Electronic Technicians Needed Experience in Low Voltage Electrical System installation and Servicing Computers with Networking Email resume to suda@alarmboss.com Call 416-432-1902

www.canadianinquirer.net

35

Travel New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree goes up

BY SVERENA DOBNIK AND JULIE WALKER The Associated Press NEW YORK — The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is in place and will soon be strung with 50,000 lights as one of New York City’s star holiday attractions, a gift from a same-sex married couple.

The 72-foot-tall, 12-ton Norway spruce arrived on a flatbed trailer Saturday morning and was hoisted by a crane into a spot overlooking the Rockefeller skating rink. Millions of people are expected to visit the tree, which will stay up till Jan. 7.

Crowds will see the tree burst alive with 5 miles (8 kilometres) of LED multicolored lights and a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star during a televised ceremony on Nov. 28.

The 75-year-old spruce came from Wallkill, 60 miles (96 kilometres) north of New York. It was donated by Lis-

sette Gutierrez and her wife, Shirley Figueroa, from their home property.

They nicknamed the tree “Shelby.”

“Now it’s not my tree, it’s the world’s tree; I’m so happy to be able to share her with everyone,” Figueroa said at Rockefeller Center on Saturday. “Millions of people will come to visit Shelby.”

Figueroa, 49, explained that she refers to the tree as “she” because “I felt she has a female spirit.”

Figueroa said that when she and Gutierrez bought their house, the previous owner said Rockefeller Center’s gardener had his eye on the tree. Gutierrez, 47, said she initially was reluctant to give up the spruce, but Figueroa convinced her.

Erik Pauze, the centre’s head gardener, also attended the ceremony. He cared for the tree over the summer, watering and feeding it compost tea as the couple watched outside their home.

After the tree is dismantled, it will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to help

The 72-foot-tall Norway Spruce will be decorated with more than 5 miles of lights and will be lit on November 28.

ROCKEFELLER CENTER/FACEBOOK

build housing.

The legacy of the famed New York holiday tree reaches back to Christmas Eve in 1931, during the Great Depression.

Workers building Rockefeller Center pooled their money to buy a 20-foot tree

they decorated with garland handmade by their families.

Two years later, Rockefeller Center officials made the tree an annual tradition, starting with the first lighting ceremony in 1933. ■

Rice grain-shaped lanterns light up Nueva Ecija’s Xmas capital

BY MARILYN GALANG Philippine News Agency SAN JOSE CITY, NUEVA ECIJA — Bishop Roberto Mallari of the Diocese of San Jose urged the faithful to “follow the light that led the three Kings to Jesus in Bethlehem” as the city government turned on Christmas lights at the Social Circle here on Saturday night.

Officiating the blessing of the “belen” (nativity scene) in the city, Mallari said looking at the lights for two months should remind people of the birth of Jesus to redeem mankind from sins.

“Sama-sama nating matutunan na ang Diyos ay naging tao, nakiisa sa atin at nakipamuhay sa atin (Together, we learn that God became a man and lived with us),” Mallari said, stressing this also underscored the importance of family for God. “Just like in an English saying, no

amount of success compensates for failure in the home,” he said.

The provincial government of Nueva Ecija has declared this city as the Christmas Capital of the province.

Under a project called “Liwanag ng Pasko sa San Jose,” huge rice grain-shaped bulbs also light up the three-kilometer section of the Maharlika Highway near the city hall and the public market, to highlight the city’s lifeblood—rice farming.

“Yung liwanag ng mga Christmas lights na yan ay sana’y magbigay ng liwanag sa atin dito sa lungsod ng San Jose para mas makita natinmagbigay ng tamang kahulugan na ang ilaw na yan ay magliliwanag tungo sa kaunlaran ng San Jose (May the radiance of those Christmas lights give brightness to us here in San Jose City, so we will see the real meaning of those lights leading us to the progress of San Jose),” Mayor Mario Salvador said during the lighting-up ceremony. ■

# 1 7 9 - 8 1 3 8 1 2 8 S t r e e t S u r r e y, B C

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36

Travel

NOVEMBER 16, 2018

FRIDAY

Baguio Christmas Village adopts Singapore, Dubai attractions

BY PAMELA MARIZ GEMINIANO Philippine News Agency BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Country Club (BCC) has never failed to amaze locals and visitors in bringing world-class attraction closer to Filipinos in its famed Christmas Village that comes alive at this time of year.

“This year’s theme is inspired

by Singapore’s ‘Gardens by the Bay’ and Dubai’s Butterfly Garden,” said Andrew Pinero, BCC communication officer and client relations manager.

Pinero said not everyone can go to Singapore and Dubai, so they brought the beautiful attractions for Filipinos to experience it here.

Featuring these world-class attractions, this year’s Christmas Village bears the banner “Santa’s Garden.”

Eco-friendly village

“The original concept of using recyclable materials is still here, complemented with lights,” Pinero enthused. “Take for example the Santa Claus, which is made of 100-percent mineral water bottles.”

They also used damaged room key cards for the “Wishing Wall” beside the huge Santa.

Since Baguio is known for its Flower Festival, a mixture of artificial and real flowers was used to decorate the area across the main gate of the country club.

A total of 10,000 pieces of artificial flowers and plants like sakura trees, sunflowers, tulips, fioni, various orchid species, stargazers, roses, carnations, and Malaysian mums are combined with about 5,000 pieces of real plants with fresh blooms.

Pinero said they made use of artificial flowers in some parts of the garden, especially near the snow machine area.

“It would be difficult to maintain the freshness of the flowers, considering that the city has a very unpredictable weather, and we have an artificial snow, which will drench flowers and cause them to wilt,” he explained.

The snow machine is among the main attractions in the annual event that has become the children’s favorite, giving them enjoyment whenever it sprays snow in the area.

Adopting the concept of the Singapore’s Garden by the Bay and the Dubai Butterfly Garden was the idea of BCC General Manager Anthony De Leon, who recently arrived from a trip to Singapore and Dubai.

Pinero said the total cost of the production for the Christmas Village was just over PHP700,000, excluding labor cost.

The country club executive said the BCC financially sustains the annual Christmas Village to provide enjoyment to thousands of locals and tourists at the most cheerful time of the year.

Last year, around a hundred

Baguio Country Club's Christmas Village 2018.

thousand visitors flocked to the “enchanting” Village, especially on weekends.

More jolly-making time

This year, the Christmas Village will be open seven days a week from Nov. 9, 2018 to Jan. 6, 2019.

“This year we are operating from two 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. for weekdays, and from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, so that more people will be able to enjoy and experience it,” Pinero said. Last year, the Christmas Village started to operate at 5 p.m.

Entrance fee remains the same as last year—PHP120 for adults, PHP85 for senior citizens, and PHP50 for four up to 12 years old.

Toddlers three years old and

below, as well as Persons With Disabilities (PWD), are free of charge.

BCC resident manager Malou Galiste executed the concept and saw to it that the idea would come out in the design as conceived.

Galiste said the proceeds they get from the operation of the Christmas Village are used to help the surrounding barangays and the club’s beneficiaries.

BCC conducts community activities for the locals, such as distributing “mobility” equipment for the PWDs and donating to calamity-stricken communities.

Prelude to Panagbenga

Galiste said it took them over

JAYSON BUGTONG / FACEBOOK

a month to finish this year’s Christmas Village.

“We, the managers, are always hands-on with the production and the operation itself. We don’t just let our ranks do everything we need to be hands on. In everything that we do in the club, it’s always been a collaborative effort,” she said.

Galiste said since this year’s concept is garden and flowers, the club has decided to let the decoration and the Village stay even after Christmas, ready for the Panagbenga festival that opens every Feb. 1.

This is meant to be an added attraction for those who will visit Baguio for the Flower Festival next year but could not come this December. ■

Puyat eyes closure of non-compliant El Nido resorts

BY JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Monday said she recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte the closure of non-compliant tourism establishments in El Nido.

Puyat wrote to the local government unit of El Nido in September 2018, urging them to address the easement issues

and environmental woes of the Palawan tourist draw.

To date, the enforcement of easement zone is currently done by the national government, Romulo-Puyat said.

“I saw the lagoons, they were very dirty already and I wrote to them and Secretary (Roy) Cimatu and Secretary (Eduardo) Año about it. In fact, right now, the easement is being done by the national government, and the overcrowding of the lagoon, it is also the DENR (Department of Environment and Nat-

ural Resources) that is doing it,” she said.

The provincial government and some Cabinet members are set to meet on Wednesday to hold consultations about Palawan.

“The mayor of El Nido is coming here and hopefully, she starts to listen to us, or else... my suggestion to the president is not to close El Nido, but to close only those that are not compliant,” the DOT chief said.

Romulo-Puyat said El Nido www.canadianinquirer.net

officials only replied to her notice when the issue was discussed fully on national television.

“That’s the only time they replied after, because I am always ‘seen zoned.’ I wrote to them twice and then nothing,” she noted.

After the Boracay shutdown, the government looked out for environmental violators in major destinations in the country, and at the same time, pushed and advocated for sustainable tourism.

Romulo-Puyat acknowledged that some municipalities and provinces have been self-policing, but “other mayors” are still stubborn in enforcing environmental laws in place.

The Tourism head warned that if President Duterte had the political will to close Boracay, it should serve as a reminder to all major tourist destinations in the country to start following local regulations and laws. ■

37

Food Invite your kids to help make Roasting gets Brussels this chocolate sheet cake sprouts caramelized on the outside

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN THIS CHOCOLATE sheet cake requires that you use Dutchprocessed cocoa powder. What exactly is that? A process called Dutching, which was invented in the 19th century by a Dutch chemist and chocolatier named Coenraad Van Houten, raises cocoa powder’s pH level, which gives the cocoa a fuller flavour and deeper colour. Dutch-processed cocoa (sometimes called “alkalized” or “Europeanstyle” cocoa) is the best choice for most baked goods. Using a natural (or “unalkalized”) cocoa powder results in a drier cake. Follow this recipe with your kids.

Chocolate sheet cake

Servings: 15 Start to finish: 1 hour, 15 minutes (Inactive time: 1 hour, plus cooling time) • Vegetable oil spray • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1 1/4 cups all- purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 1/3 cups bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips • 1 cup whole milk • 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder • 2-3 cup vegetable oil • 4 large eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Milk Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows) Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 325 F. Spray bottom and sides of 13-by-9- inch metal baking pan with vegetable oil spray.

In medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.

In large saucepan, combine chocolate chips, milk, and cocoa. Place saucepan over low heat and cook, whisking often, until chocolate chips are melted and mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes.

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN

STEVEN LABINSKI / FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Turn off heat. Slide saucepan to cool burner and let mixture cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

Add oil, eggs, and vanilla to saucepan with chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Add flour mixture and whisk until smooth, making sure to scrape corners of saucepan.

Use rubber spatula to scrape batter into greased baking pan and smooth top (ask an adult for help because saucepan will be heavy).

Place baking pan in oven.

Bake until toothpick inserted in centre comes out with few crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes.

Use oven mitts to remove baking pan from oven (ask an adult for help). Place baking pan on cooling rack and let cake cool completely in pan, about 2 hours.

Use icing spatula to spread frosting evenly over cooled cake (see photo, right). Cut cake into pieces and serve.

Milk Chocolate Frosting:

Makes about 2 Cups Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 10 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling time This recipe calls for just three ingredients but they are transformed by the microwave and refrigerator. Don’t use salted butter in this recipe. This rec-

ipe makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes or one sheet cake.

• 11/3 cups milk chocolate chips • 1/3 cup heavy cream • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces and softened In large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate and cream. Heat microwave at 50 per cent power for 1 minute.

Stop microwave and stir with rubber spatula. Heat in microwave at 50 per cent power until melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove bowl from microwave.

Add softened butter to chocolate mixture and use whisk to stir and break up large butter pieces. Let sit until butter is fully melted, about 5 minutes. Whisk until completely smooth.

Refrigerate frosting until cooled and thickened, about 1 hour.

Use electric mixer to beat frosting on medium-high speed until frosting is light and fluffy, 30 seconds. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 456 calories; 253 calories from fat; 28 g fat (11 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 86 mg cholesterol; 159 mg sodium; 45 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 32 g sugar; 6 g protein. www.canadianinquirer.net

ROASTING IS an easy way to produce Brussels sprouts that are caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside. To ensure that we achieved this balance, we started by roasting them covered with foil; tossing them in a little bit of water to create a steamy environment helped cook them through.

We then removed the foil and roasted them for another 10 minutes to allow their exteriors to dry out and caramelize. Since Brussels sprouts can take some time to prep, we found that we could prep them in advance so all we needed to do at serving time was toss them on a baking sheet and cook them. If you are buying loose Brussels sprouts, select those that are about 1 1/2 inches long. Quarter Brussels sprouts longer than 2 1/2 inches; don’t cut those that are shorter than 1 inch.

Roasted brussels sprouts

Servings: 6-8

Start to finish: 40 minutes • 2 1/4 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon water • Salt and pepper Adjust oven rack to uppermiddle position and heat oven to 500 F. Toss Brussels sprouts, oil, water, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in bowl until Brussels sprouts are coated.

Transfer Brussels sprouts to rimmed baking sheet and arrange so cut sides are facing down. Cover sheet tightly with aluminum foil and roast for 10 minutes. Remove foil and continue to cook until Brussels sprouts are well browned and tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 136 calories; 68 calories from fat; 8 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 139 mg sodium; 15 g carbohydrate; 6 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 6 g protein.

PAT KNIGHT / FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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A tender and fluffy alternative to plain white dinner rolls AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN GOOD HONEY-WHEAT dinner rolls have the softness of white rolls, with satisfying heft and a nutty whole-wheat flavour that’s complemented by a touch of floral sweetness.

That said, these appealing rolls rarely hit the mark: Commercial versions are soft but taste artificially sweet, while homemade rolls have good flavour but can be as dense as wet sand.

We wanted a flavourful alternative to white rolls that was tender and fluffy and that actually tasted like its namesake ingredients. What makes achieving great whole-wheat breads so difficult is the presence of the bran. This part of the grain, which is removed from white flour, gives whole-wheat flour its distinct hearty flavour. But the bran is sharp—so sharp that it cuts through the bread’s gluten structure, leaving you with a dense product.

To produce a light, fluffy whole-wheat roll, we’d have to incorporate some allpurpose flour—but not so much that we’d lose the roll’s earthy, nutty whole-

wheat flavour. We also had success when we made a very wet dough. The excess liquid softened the bran’s edges, ensuring that it didn’t wreak havoc on the dough’s structure.

To boost the honey flavour, we used 6 tablespoons instead of the 2 tablespoons that many recipes call for. As a bonus, the liquid honey hydrated the dough further and contributed softness.

And to make sure the flavour came through loud and clear, we brushed the warm baked rolls with honey butter.

With this finishing touch, our fluffy, pleasantly sweet, nutty-tasting rolls really earned their honey-wheat title.

Honey-wheat dinner rolls

Servings: 15 Start to finish: 4 1/4 to 5 1/4 hours (rising time: 2 1/2- 3 1/2 hours; baking time 25 minutes) • Key Equipment: 13-by 9-inch baking dish, pastry brush • 2 1/2 cups (13 3/4 ounces) wholewheat flour • 1 3/4 cups (8 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour

BOXER_BOB/FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant or rapid-rise yeast • 2 1/4 teaspoons salt • 1 3/4 cups (14 ounces) whole milk, room temperature • 6 tablespoons (4 1/2 ounces) plus 1 teaspoon honey • 5 tablespoons (2 1/2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted • 1 large egg, room temperature • 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water and pinch salt Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt together in bowl of stand mixer. Whisk milk, 6 tablespoons honey, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and egg in 4-cup liquid measuring cup until honey has dissolved.

Using dough hook on low speed, slowly add milk mixture to flour mixture and mix until cohesive dough starts to form and no dry flour remains, about 2 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed. Increase speed to medium-low and knead until dough is smooth and elastic and clears sides of bowl but sticks to bottom, about 8 minutes.

Transfer dough to lightly floured counter and knead by hand to form smooth, round ball, about 30 seconds.

Place dough seam side down in lightly greased large bowl or container, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Make foil sling for 13-by 9-inch baking dish by folding 2 long sheets of aluminum foil; first sheet should be 13 inches wide and second sheet should be 9 inches wide. Lay sheets of foil in dish perpendicular to each other, with extra foil hanging over edges of dish. Push foil into corners and up sides of dish, smoothing

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foil flush to dish, then spray foil with vegetable oil spray.

Press down on dough to deflate.

Transfer dough to clean counter and stretch into even 15-inch log. Cut log into 15 equal pieces (about 2 1/2 ounces each) and cover loosely with greased plastic. Working with 1 piece of dough at a time (keep remaining pieces covered), form into rough ball by stretching dough around your thumbs and pinching edges together so that top is smooth. Place ball seam side down on clean counter and, using your cupped hand, drag in small circles until dough feels taut and round.

Arrange dough balls seam side down into 5 rows of 3 in prepared dish, cover loosely with greased plastic, and let rise until nearly doubled in size and dough springs back minimally when poked gently with your knuckle, 1 to 11/2 hours.

(Unrisen rolls can be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or up to 16 hours; let rolls sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.)

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 350 F. Gently brush rolls with egg mixture and bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating dish halfway through baking.

Combine remaining honey and melted butter in bowl. Let rolls cool in dish for 15 minutes. Using foil overhang, transfer rolls to wire rack and brush with honey mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 211 calories; 54 calories from fat; 6 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 42 mg cholesterol; 372 mg sodium; 35 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 9 g sugar; 6 g protein.

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