Philippine Canadian Inquirer #369

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MAY 3, 2019

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VOL. 5 NO. 369

LABOR DAY RALLY

Various labor groups converge in Mendiola, Manila on Labor Day to demand for better working conditions such as security of tenure, higher pay, and equal job opportunities, among others, on Wednesday (May 1, 2019). Despite being open to protests, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo has warned that anti-government activities could “scare away” foreign investors and eventually result to job losses.

AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

PRRD to Congress: Pass security of tenure bill

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday appealed to Congress to consider passing legislative measures to benefit Filipino workers, especially on security of tenure and self-organization.

Duterte made this call as he pointed

out that although the executive has taken strides to ban illegal contracting (endo) last year, it is unfortunate how the “plight” of workers remains the same.

“Despite this yearly observance, the plight of our workers, especially those who choose to leave their families so

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PRRD gives Canada ultimatum to take back trash

21 Fil-Can in Focus: Ninja Bubble Tea: A shop born out of ‘randomness’

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Philippine News

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Malacañang wishes Japan emperor well as he ends 3-decade reign

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency

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The Presidential Spokesperson was also hopeful that ties between the Philippines and Japan will remain strong MANILA — Malacañang sent well wish- under the reign of Crown Prince Naes to Japanese Emperor Akihito, who ruhito as the new emperor. will be ending his three-decade reign on “We hope to build the ‘golden age’ for Tuesday (April 30), making him the first Philippines-Japan strategic partnership emperor to abdicate in 200 years. during the reign of the new Emperor. As Presidential Spokesperson Salvador PRRD himself said, Japan is our friend, Panelo said the Palace is “melancholic” closer even than a brother,” Panelo said. but respects the emMeanwhile, Panperor’s decision to elo recalled the time step down from his Emperor Akihito, tothrone and to relingether with his wife, quish it to his son, Empress Michiko, Crown Prince NaWe hope visited the Philipruhito. to build the pines in 2016 to “The Palace feels ‘golden age’ commemorate the melancholic about for Philippines60th anniversary of the abdication of Japan strategic the normalization Japanese Emperor partnership of Philippine-Japan Akihito, who is conduring the reign diplomatic relations. sidered a good friend of the new He also recalled of the Philippines,” Emperor. the time Duterte was Panelo said in a statehumbled by meeting ment on Monday.

His Majesty at the “But he has made a Imperial Palace two decision and we can years ago, where he only respect it and wish him well with personally extended his gratitude for whatever awaits him after he leaves the the kindness and compassion of the Emthrone,” he added. peror.

Panelo expressed confidence that Reports showed that Emperor AkiCrown Prince Naruhito’s assumption hito’s decision to end his reign stemmed would augur well for Philippines-Japan from concerns about his age, declining relations. health, and his desire to abdicate while He noted that Japan’s USD9-billion in- he is still well and capable. vestment and aid package for the PhilipPrince Naruhito, 59, who ascends the pines, spread over five years, is the larg- throne on Wednesday (May 1), is the elest amount the Japanese government has der of Emperor Akihito’s two sons. ■

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Thank you to community groups across Canada for your strong advocacy!

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Philippine News

MAY 3, 2019

Pets can now ride in public transport

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer IT AIN’T easy for pet parents to bring their babies somewhere far especially when they don’t own a car.

To take their pets with them, it is either they probably will have to ask a friend who has an auto to be their service or hail a cab and do some bargain with the driver. It also might be a little hassle if they choose to take a bus, UV express, or jeepney because some drivers won’t allow your pet to get in the vehicle for certain reasons like one: they can be messy.

But the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LFTRB) made the life of pet owners somehow trouble-free with their good news on Friday, April 26, announcing through a Facebook post that pets are now allowed in public transport effective April 15.

The LTFRB said it amended a provision in Memorandum Circular No. 2011004 with Memorandum Circular No. 2019-019, allowing pets inside public utility vehicles (PUVs).

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If there are no passengers, owners can carry their pet as long as they have no foul order and that the owners should maintain cleanliness and sanitation as there will be next riding passengers.

Should the pet cause damage, the owner should shoulder the repair fee, including the cleaning and sanitation of the PUV if necessary.

Lastly, the LTRB said the safety, convenience, and comfort of passengers should not be sacrificed.

The memorandum circular was signed

by LTFRB chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III and board members Engr. Ronaldo Corpus and retired general Antonio Gardiola, Jr. This development was done due to the “public clamor” specifically from the group of pet owners and lovers who consistently appealed to the LTFRB to allow pet animals in the PUVs, the memorandum read. ■

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‘I leave the country to you’, PRRD to Palaro athletes PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

taon ang ibigay mo sa isang presidente, walang mangyari. At kung ang Pilipino ayaw huminto sa graft and corruption, DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Roa ganon rin (If there is no law and order, Duterte on Sunday emphasized the im- and graft and corruption persist nothing portance of the youth in determining will happen no matter how many years the future of the nation, as he led the the President serves.) “ opening ceremonies of the 2019 PalarDuterte added that among other qualong Pambansa here. ifications in choosing Speaking before the country’s future 15,000 student athleaders, the most letes from 17 differimportant quality is ent regions at the someone’s “heart.”

University of the “You have so many Philippines Mindanoptions in a democao Sports Complex, Remember, I racy, and maybe piliin President Duterte will not stay na ninyo yung tao na said when his term forever. In 3 (choose the person) expires, the fate of years, I will be who has the heart,” the country will be gone I will retire, he said. “It could be left to the hands of you will forget a Muslim. It could the younger generame and that be a Maguindanao. It tions. is good. Look could be a Tausug. It “You are just on the forward, and not could be an Ilocano.” wings waiting. I leave backwards.

Aside from corrupit up to you to decide tion and lawlessness, someday, what you Duterte also told the intend to do about young athlete-paryour country. Inyo ticipants to stay away na yan (That will be from illegal drugs yours),” the Chief Exand turn instead to ecutive said. sports to develop imDuterte’s limited portant life skills that time, among other reasons, is why he is may later on be useful in life. working tirelessly to fight corruption Sports, he said, is truly an effective avand lawlessness to set up a better future enue to instill among the youth essential for the young Filipinos. characteristics for nation-building such “Remember, I will not stay forever. In as discipline, teamwork, perseverance 3 years, I will be gone I will retire, you and excellence. will forget me and that is good. Look “Sports also play an important role in forward, and not backwards,” President encouraging the youth to live a healthy Duterte said. “Pag ang Pilipino, hindi lifestyle and to keep them away from ilmakaabot ng law and order enough for legal drugs,” he added. ■ our civilization to survive, baski ilang

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Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

7

PH, China open to resolve WPS ‘irritants’ through negotiations

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte brought up the presence of “irritants” in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, Malacañang bared on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said “irritants” refer to the presence of the Chinese vessels surrounding Pag-asa Island and the alleged harassment of Filipino fishermen, among others.

“They repeated their previous stand. But what is more important is that, kasi sabi ni Presidente (the President said), there have been irritants because of that ruling,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Duterte and Xi met during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China from April 25 to 27 where both

leaders reiterated their respective stands on the sea row.

Panelo said the two leaders also agreed to use a bilateral consultation mechanism to resolve the conflict.

“The fact na sinabi niya na (that Chinese President Xi said) ‘we will resolve that in the bilateral negotiations.’ So, di ibig sabihin open sila(that means they are open),” Panelo said.

“When you open yourself to negotiation relative to whatever irritants or challenges that are raised in relation to the ruling, then ibig sabihin, malambot sila pareho; so pag-uusapan nila (that means both countries are amenable; so they’ll talk about it),” he added.

Panelo said China’s guarantee to withdraw their vessels in the contested waters was not brought up in detail.

He, however, said Duterte was “respectful” in raising the issue on irritants in the contested waters but will continue to assert Philippine sovereignty.

“The President is always re-

spectful,” Panelo said.

“What is important, the President is very assertive on our principled stand that that territory is ours,” he added.

Panelo said the two leaders also agreed that as “allies,” Philippines and China should “strengthen each other” and “not destroy each other.”

No need for consent

Panelo, meanwhile, said the Philippines does not need consent from China before declaring some parts of the West Philippine Sea, including Pag-asa Island, as marine protected areas (MPAs).

“That’s ours. You don’t have to ask any consent from anyone,” Panelo said, stressing that despite China’s claim, the Philippines had its own claim.

He emphasized that it is only through bilateral negotiations where disagreements can be resolved, warning declaring the area as MPA could become another “irritant.”

“That will be another irritant.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte receives a warm welcome from People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping prior to the start of the Leaders’ Roundtable Discussion of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Yanqi Lake International Convention Center.

SIMEON CELI JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

If you declare a particular stand and they will declare another stand, oh ‘di may (then there’s a) deadlock,” Panelo said.

Earlier, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. raised the possibility that the Philippines could declare Pag-asa Island and Ayungin Shoal as MPAs. On July 12, 2016, the Hague-

based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) released its decision nullifying China’s nine-dash line map which covers nearly the whole of WPS. China has repeatedly rejected the ruling, prompting Duterte to opt for peaceful and friendly dialogues and a promise to assert the PCA’s verdict before the end of his term in 2022. ■

PNP calls Ateneo study on drug war deaths ‘erroneous’

BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is casting doubts on the accuracy of studies made by the Ateneo Policy Center, which alleges that over 7,000 people have died in government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac said that while he respects the results of studies made by the academe, it is, however, inaccurate.

“It is totally erroneous to record more than 7,000 homicide deaths, with all sorts of possible motives including family feuds, quarrels, land disputes, accidents, stray bullets, road rage, etc., directly as drug-related incidents,” Banac said when sought for a comment.

Banac noted that according to government’s records, the “Real Number PH,” the drug war has only produced 5,281

fatalities from the time it was launched in July 2016 until February 28, 2019.

The PNP spokesperson also said that it is normal for policemen to be accused of human rights violations amid the conduct of anti-drug operations, which sometimes result in the killing of drug suspects.

“But as an institution, let this be known to all, that we adhere to the rule of law, respect human rights and value life. Like any organization, we are not perfect. But this has not deterred us from intensifying internal cleansing to maintain discipline among our personnel and weed out from our ranks rogues, misfits, and scalawags,” Banac explained.

He said since 2016, a total of 8,440 personnel have already been disciplined for various offenses and illegal acts. Out of this number, he said 4,500 were suspended and 2,600 were dismissed from the service.

Of those dismissed, 322 were found positive for use of illegal

Col. Bernard Banac.

drugs and 119 either for coddling, protecting drug suspects or not attending court duties.

“Despite this, we assure the public that the PNP remains committed to performing its mandate to enforce the law, dismantle drug syndicates, www.canadianinquirer.net

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE / FACEBOOK

and assist the rehabilitation of drug users with transparency, and utmost respect for human rights,” Banac said.

“But as a dynamic organization, the PNP will always remain open to listening, and understand ways how to best

serve our people. In fact, we have already introduced improvements in our law enforcement operations, such as the use of body cameras; the shift to reduction of drug supply by going after high-value targets and big drug syndicates; the emphasis on adherence to rule of law and respect for human rights; and, the intensified PNP internal cleansing,” he stressed.

The Ateneo Policy Center has recorded a total of 7,029 drugrelated deaths from May 2016 until December 2018.

It said the killing was most rampant in the National Capital Region with 2,475 reported deaths. Among the provinces, Bulacan has recorded the most number of killings with 937 followed by Cebu with 542.

Of the figure, 4,512 people were killed after allegedly trying to fight it out with police during the conduct of anti-drug operations, 2,469 were killed by other assailants and the rest were bodies discovered or found. ■

Philippine News

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MAY 3, 2019

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New EO starts Bangsamoro peace deal normalization process

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — As part of efforts to attain lasting peace and development in Mindanao, President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an executive order (EO) implementing the Annex on Normalization under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Under EO 79, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on April 24, the President recognized the need “to fully implement the various components of the normalization process and capitalize on existing mechanisms and framework under the Annex on Normalization.”

“The National Government recognizes that normalization is a process whereby communities can achieve their desired quality of life within a peaceful and deliberate society,” the order read.

“To this end, the National Government adopts a Normalization Program that is multi-faceted and covers the aspects of security, socio-economic development, sustainable livelihood, political participation, confidence-building, and transitional justice and reconciliation,” it added.

The EO also creates an Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) “to ensure timely, appropriate and efficient delivery of the Normalization Program.”

As for powers and functions, the ICCMN will coordinate and mobilize relevant government agencies in implementing the various aspects of the Normalization Program, in accordance with their respective functions and

mandates It will also provide policy advice, further support and other necessary input or assistance as to the appropriate modality and mechanism for the timely and smooth implementation of the different components of the Normalization Program.

Moreover, the ICCMN will also supervise and monitor all socio-economic interventions under the Normalization Program that are implemented through relevant government agencies.

Under ICCMN, a Working Group on Vulnerable Sectors composed of relevant government agencies will be created to recommend a set of interventions for vulnerable sectors, including indigenous peoples, internally-displaced persons, widows, orphans, people with disabilities, detainees and their families.

The ICCMN shall be composed of representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS) with a rank not lower than an Undersecretary, as co-chairpersons.

Members of the ICCMN shall consist of representatives from 17 agencies with ranks not lower than an Assistant Secretary or its equivalent.

The Order shall take effect immediately upon the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

The Annex on Normalization, signed in 2014, is an integral part of the CAB because it provides for a process to ensure human security in the Bangsamoro; and enable the communities to achieve their desired quality of life through the pursuit of sustainable livelihood and political participation within a peaceful

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and deliberative society.

On March 27, 2017, the government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the CAB, which marked the end of 17 years of negotiations between the parties, and provided a negotiated political settlement for the attainment of a just and lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro.

On April 29, members of the Philippine government and the MILF Peace Implementing Panels signed a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to fully implement the five-yearold CAB and other signed peace pacts in a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

New Philippine government Implementing Panel chair Gloria J. Mercado, MILF Implementing Panel chair Mohagher Iqbal and Malaysia facilitator Dato’ Kamarudin bin Mustafa signed the joint statement.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. graced the event as he highlighted achievements made in the Bangsamoro peace process under the leadership of Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

“I would like to express my extreme happiness at the significant progress we have achieved in implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro or the CAB that was signed between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF five years ago,” Galvez said.

Galvez said the national government, under the Duterte administration, is seriously committed to the full implementation of the Bangsamoro peace agreements. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

Gov’t to prioritize houses, not business establishments in Marawi

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The government will prioritize the reconstruction of houses and hospitals for the people of Marawi and not business establishments destroyed during the 2017 Marawi siege, Malacañang said on Monday.

This after President Rodrigo Duterte, last week, said he is not keen on funding the reconstruction of the buildings of rich residents, particularly businessmen, in Marawi City since they have “lots of money.”

“Marami man ‘yang pera ‘yang mga tao diyan (Those people have a lot of money).

Every Maranao, there is a businessman, kasali na ‘yang shabu (including shabu). May pera sila (They have money),” Duterte said during a situational briefing in San Fernando City, Pampanga on April 23.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured that government has enough funds for the rehabilitation of Marawi but had to prioritize people’s needs.

“Meron naman talagang funds ang Marawi. Pero hindi iyong para sa mga negosyo nila (We really have funds for Marawi. But it’s not for their businesses),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“Ang priority siyempre iyong mga tao, sa tao tayo, iyong mga nawalan ng mga bahay doon, iyong mga may sakit doon . Hindi iyong ire-rebuild natin iyong mga building nilang nasira, hindi iyon siyempre ang priority (Our priority will be the people, the ones who lost their homes, the ones who are ill. Not the rebuilding of damaged business establishments, of course that won’t be the priority),” he added.

Panelo, however, said businessmen, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were still free to loan money from the government.

“Sa ngayon, sila muna. Iyon ang sinasabi ni Presidente. Later on siguro kung hindi mo kaya, oh di mag-loan ka sa gobyerno (For now, it’s up to them to spend for reconstruction. That’s what the President said. Later on, per-

Housing project in Marawi.

haps if they can’t afford it anymore, they can loan from the government),” Panelo said.

Asked what prompted Duterte to make this declaration, Panelo said the President simply did not want businessmen to expect that government will spend for the reconstruction of their buildings immediately.

“Siguro sinasabi niya lang priority para hindi umasa.

Kasi baka naman umaasa sila kaagad na pati gobyerno ay itatayo iyong building nilang nasira (Perhaps he is saying his priorities so that they don’t keep their hopes up. Because they might be expecting that government will spend for the reconstruction of their damaged buildings),” Panelo said.

Earlier, Duterte commended the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) for building resilient housing units for the victims of Marawi siege in 2017.

“The thing I admired most was the speed that you built the houses in Marawi,” Duterte said.

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson and housing czar, Eduardo del Rosario has repeatedly assured the public that there is “no delay” in the

TASK FORCE BANGON MARAWI / FACEBOOK

target completion of the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

He said the government is still “on target” with respect to its timetable for completion of the rebuilding of the war-torn city by December 2021. ■

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PRRD to... ❰❰ 1

they may earn better compensation abroad, remains the same,” Duterte said in his Labor Day message.

“This is why my administration has implemented measures within its powers to afford full protection to labor and promote equal work opportunities for all,” he added.

On Labor Day last year, Duterte signed Executive Order 51 to ban the practice of endo (end of contract), a practice that violates the employees’ security of tenure.

He also certified as urgent the passage of the security of tenure bill, which will require contractors to strictly follow the provision in the Labor Code that provides that an employee working in the company for six months have to be deemed a regular employee.

The President hopes that Congress will follow suit by also passing bills to ensure that workers have the legal right to keep their jobs.

“I remain optimistic that one year since I issued Executive Order 51 implementing existing constitutional and statutory provisions against illegal contracting, my counterparts in Congress will consider passing much needed legislative measures that will fully protect our workers’ rights, especially

to security of tenure and selforganization,” Duterte said.

Duterte, meanwhile, wished all Filipino workers a meaningful commemoration for their “valuable contributions” to the nation’s progress.

“Our nation’s strength has always depended on the hard work, grit, and perseverance of our labor force. Every year, we set aside this day to celebrate their valuable contributions not only in the struggle to provide a better life for our people, but in building the foundations of a more promising future for succeeding generations of Filipinos,” Duterte said.

“Today, we celebrate the working class not as a tool of employers and capitalists, but as an essential catalyst for our nation’s overall progress,” he said.

He said the observance of Labor Day should inspire all sectors to create an environment conducive to workers’ personal and professional growth and development.

Labor Day is declared as a regular holiday, where workers get full pay. They are entitled to receive double of their basic pay if they work on a regular holiday. ■

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Philippine News

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

Duterte’s 4th China trip ‘highly successful’

Filipinos in Spain condemn CPP-NPA

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency

PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

MANILA — The fourth official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Beijing, China to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum was “highly successful,” Malacañang said on Sunday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo noted that Duterte’s trip paved the way for the signing of 19 business agreements on investments such as in energy, infrastructure that includes tourism-related facilities and internet connectivity, agriculture and training of Filipinos sojourning in China, to name a few.

“As PRRD noted, the People’s Republic of China is the largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investments of the Philippines,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the estimated investment value of these agreements is US12.165 billion which will create more than 21,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Duterte gave assurance to prospective foreign investors that the Philippine government will create an enabling environment for their investments to prosper.

The President also had, as Panelo described, “productive and fruitful” separate bilateral meetings with top Chinese leaders where he affirmed the country’s commitment to friendship and understanding with China.

“He expressed the country’s readiness to pursue more highquality and good-impact projects,” Panelo said.

Panelo said Duterte’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping yielded a 1 billion Renminbi (over PHP7 billion) grant to the Philippines.

MADRID, SPAIN – They may be far away from home but Filipinos here expressed condemnation over the atrocities of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) perpetrated in the Philippines.

In a rally staged on April 28 at the Rizal monument in Islas Filipinas, in this Spanish capital city, overseas Filipinos called for the end of the 50-year-old communist group.

Placard-bearing rallyists denounced CPP founder Jose Maria Sison and pressed for his repatriation so that he could be held accountable for the CPPNPA’s atrocities against the Filipino people.

Aware of the reported funding grants received by CPPNPA front organizations from Belgium, European Union, and other European countries, the protesters urged the European governments to cease financial support to these communistlinked organizations noting that the money is used to advance their terrorism and anti-people activities especially the exploitation of indigenous people, children and other marginalized sectors.

They also expressed support to the petition filed before the Commission on Elections on April 26 urging the cancellation of registration of partylist groups identified with the CPP-NPA namely, Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (MAKABAYAN), Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Kabataan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action (GABRIELA), with senato-

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte disembarks from the plane upon his arrival in Davao City on Saturday, April 27, 2019, after a productive visit to the People's Republic of China. With the President is his daughter Veronica.

TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Duterte reiterated to Xi his resolve to endeavor to make the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity.

“He expounded the need for both countries to exercise restraint and caution to avoid actions that could complicate situations,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, Panelo pointed out that Duterte also advocated for the protection and welfare of migrant workers during the High-Level Meeting Session 1 of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Duterte pitched for development assistance based on reciprocal benefits, Panelo added.

In his last day in China, Panelo said Duterte attended the Leaders’ Roundtable Sessions in the Yanqi Lake International Conference Center where he emphasized the value of

the nations, especially in Asia, working together with a shared goal of inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth and prosperity.

“He welcomed economic investments that will help our country improve its economic productivity in the area of agriculture as well as in our country’s massive infrastructure development program while ensuring that it will be clean and green,” Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, assured Filipinos that Duterte is chartering an “independent foreign policy to a new height of diplomatic relations with other nations.”

He said this independent policy will be solely based on national security and interest, national development, and the aspiration to attain economic progress and a comfortable life. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

rial aspirant Neri Colmenares as the lone individual respondent.

Petitioner Angela O. Aguilar, who is reportedly current secretary general of Kababaihang Maralita, a non-government organization, and former CPP “kadre” and ACT member, said she has personal knowledge that MAKABAYAN party-list groups and Colmenares are connected with the NPA. Aguilar said statements such as “Oust Duterte” that are exhibited in the tarpaulins, clearly indicate the groups’ unlawful intent to overthrow the duly constituted government and undermine the security of the country.

They called on their fellow Filipinos not to vote for partylist groups associated with the CPP-NPA, in the May 13 elections.

The CPP-NPA, which was founded by exiled leader Sison, was declared by the United States of America, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as a terrorist group. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

11

PRRD gives Canada ultimatum to take back trash

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte gave Canada a weeklong ultimatum to take back tons of garbage dumped in the Philippines back in 2013, Malacañang confirmed on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark after Duterte, in a recent speech, threatened to dump the garbage on Canada’s beaches if it will not take its trash back within a week.

Panelo said while the President’s earlier threat to declare war with Canada over the garbage shipment or dump the garbage on its beaches are merely “figures of speech,” Duterte was serious about shipping the

trash back if they failed to retrieve it. “‘Yun ang sinabi ni Presidente (That’s what the President said),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“We will send them back to your shores if you don’t get that (back). And the President last night, he said that, throw them to your beach. Totoo ‘yun. Galit siya (That’s true. He’s angry),” he added.

During the opening ceremonies of the Palarong Pambansa 2019 in Davao City on Sunday (April 28) night, Duterte said the Philippines is not a garbage dump.

“The Filipinos are not scavengers,” the President added.

Panelo rejected claims that Duterte’s threat to declare an all-out-war was irresponsible, noting that it was simply “an

expression of outrage.”

He also allayed fears that any country would trigger a war, noting that resolving the conflict through diplomatic negotiations has always been the best route to take.

“I don’t think any country would want to trigger another world war because all of us will be annihilated,” Panelo said.

Panelo earlier warned that Canada’s disposal of its garbage to an ally is “dangerously disruptive “of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada.

He, however, clarified that this did not mean that there would be cutting of ties between the Philippines and Canada.

“Hindi naman, disruptive lang (Not really, it will just disrupt our ties),” Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, expressed

JOEY DALUMPINES / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

hope that Canada will respond to Duterte’s ultimatum.

“I suppose they will respond,” Panelo said.

The Canadian Embassy earlier reiterated commitment to retrieve the trash but did not

give any time frame when this would start.

Panelo described Canada’s response as “quick but vague” and noted the country’s stance on the issue is “non-negotiable.” ■

PH joins other nations in maritime exercise in Korea

DFA chief raises alert level in Libya to 4

BY PRIAM NEPOMUCENO Philippine News Agency

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

training exercise of the ADMMPlus.

The South Korean naval officer thanked all the representatives of participating navies for visiting Korea.

He believed that the efforts rendered throughout the planning of this exercise will be fruitful.

“With the increased maritime threats, the collective ef-

activities like this that will bring together partners, likeminded nations as we go out to the sea and do what we love MANILA — The head of the best,” he added.

Philippine Navy (PN) continBoth the ROK-Navy and Regent to the ASEAN Defense public of Singapore Navy (RSN) Ministers’ Meeting – Plus (ADco-chair in this year’s exercise.

MM-Plus) Maritime Security The first part of the mariField Training Exercise 2019, time training exercise will be together with the captain of led by the ROK Navy in Busan BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), from April 29 to May 2. The US paid a courtesy Navy will be also call on the fleet participating in commander of these drills. the Republic of After which, Korea (ROK) We need to enhance our the RSN will Navy Tuesday. cooperation in maritime security took over while Captain Jonaand counter-terrorism. sailing down to than Zata, PN Changi, Singaspokesperson, pore for the culsaid Naval Task mination of the Group 80.6 commander Cap- fort of our navies is very im- exercise. Japan, Thailand, Viettain Roy Vincent Trinidad and portant in the region. We need nam and other ADMM-Plus BRP Andres Bonifacio skipper, to enhance our cooperation in members will join in this secCaptain Jerry Garrido, were maritime security and counter- ond part of the exercise. joined by naval representatives terrorism,” Park said.

The PN’s participation in from Brunei, China, India, MaMeanwhile, Trinidad this exercise manifests the laysia, Singapore and were for- thanked the ROK Navy for wel- Command’s commitment in mally received by Vice Admiral coming the PN contingent on promoting multilateral coopPark Ki Kyun at ROK Navy fleet its arrival on April 27. eration with other ASEAN and headquarters.

“The PN is playing a bigger partner navies in multilateral He said these navies will form role by engaging our regional environment for peace and stathe first part of the maritime partners. We look forward for bility. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

AS TENSIONS continued to flare up, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. on Wednesday, May 1, said he already raised the alert level in Libya to four.

“Yesterday informed President that I raised the Alert Level to 4 in Tripoli + 100 kms around. More mortar fire, more Filipinos hurt,” Locsin said in a tweet.

Alert level four requires mandatory repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the North African country, but Locsin said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cannot “compel” them to go home.

“What is mandatory is that DFA stays in Tripoli until last OFW goes—& then it stays,” he added.

The country’s top diplomat earlier ‘begged’ Filipinos in Libya to leave due to the rising violence in the area.

Locsin made the appeal after Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato urged more than 60 OFWs

working at the Ali Omar Ashkr Hospital in Esbea and their dependents to evacuate the place as it was “no longer safe” there.

“Please don’t want for more artillery rounds to fall. Please move to the Embassy now,” Cato had tweeted.

As per Cato’s latest update, 13 OFWs who are carpet factory workers were sent back to the Philippines by their employers.

This, he said, raised the number of repatriated Filipinos to 32 since the fighting began last April 4.

On Tuesday, Cato informed the public in a tweet, saying that the ability of Philippine Embassy in Libya to assist Filipinos in distress “becomes more difficult or even impossible to carry out.”

“That’s why this early we ask our kababayan (fellow countrymen) to let us help lead them out of harm’s way,” he said.

Cato had said the Philippine Embassy has ‘doubled’ its efforts to convince more than 1,000 Filipinos who are in the Libyan capital of Tripoli to fly back to the Philippines. ■

Philippine News

12

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

No conflict of interest in Dante Ang’s Oust Duterte matrix story

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Malacañang on Monday said it does not see a conflict of interest on the decision of Manila Times chairman Dante Ang to publish a story claiming journalists and lawyers’ groups are part of a plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ang, who is also President Rodrigo Duterte’s special envoy for international public relations, has claimed that the ouster plot is a “legitimate story.”

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said he sees nothing wrong with the running of the story since he has no control over the paper’s editorial.

“Mukhang wala naman akong makita. Publisher lang naman siya eh. Hindi naman siya nagaano ng editorial. (I don’t see

anything wrong. He’s only a publisher. He’s not involved in the editorial),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

On April 22, Panelo bared the same matrix, confirming that the Manila Times, which was first to publish it, beat him to it.

He said the President himself ordered him to release the matrix in a Malacañang press conference but denied that the Office of the President gave Manila Times a copy.

Among the names mentioned in the matrix are members of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Vera Files, and Rappler.

In a speech in Tuguegarao City on April 16, Duterte said intelligence reports have been fed to him from “foreign” sources about the supposed coordinated media plot to discredit him.

Panelo said the Palace would

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo.

rather wait for results of the investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to validate the Oust Duterte matrix.

“Let’s wait for the full-blown investigation,” Panelo said.

YANCY LIM / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Meanwhile, Panelo said he will not delve into the conflict between publishers and editors of the Manila Times following the resignation of its managing editor Felipe Salvosa II, who opposed the publication of the

story.

“I think, it’s an internal dispute between the publisher and the editor and we will not delve into that. Let them resolve their conflict,” Panelo said. ■

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Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

Palace offers P10-M bounty for Acierto’s arrest

BY BENJAMIN PULTA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The government is offering a PHP10-million bounty for information leading to the arrest of fugitive drug suspect and former police officer, Eduardo Acierto.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra confirmed to reporters Monday that Malacañang raised the amount.

“The bounty is from Malacañang, so I’m not privy to where it will be sourced. It’s not from DOJ because such amount is certainly much larger than what the DOJ could offer,” he clarified.

The DOJ Secretary likewise confirmed his agency will focus on Acierto’s coddlers and protectors.

“We will have them (coddlers) wherever Acierto may be found hiding and brought to inquest immediately,” he stressed.

He reiterated that Acierto’s coddlers are likewise criminally liable under Section 4 of the Dangerous Drugs Law (importation of illegal drugs) and stand to suffer imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to PHP500,000.”

Guevarra said there is so far no record indicating that Acierto has left the country.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 35 issued an arrest warrant and hold departure order (HDO) against Acierto and his co-accused last April 12.

Covered by the orders apart from Acierto are former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Deputy Director for Administration Ismael Fajardo; importers Chan Yee Wah alias KC Chan and Zhou Quan alias Zhang Quan; consignees Vedasto Cabral Baraquel Jr. and Maria Lagrimas Catipan of Vecaba Trading; and Emily Luquingan.

Another accused, former Customs Intelligence Officer Jimmy Guban, was already taken into custody of the National Bureau of Investigation last April 17.

The DOJ indicted Acierto and other accused in court after finding probable cause in the charges filed against them by the NBI. The case stemmed from the successive seizure in August last year of two abandoned magnetic lifters at the Port of Manila, which contained 355 kilos of shabu worth PHP2.4 billion; and of four more magnetic lifters at a warehouse in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite believed to have been used to smuggle 1.6 tons of shabu worth PHP11 billion. ■

Duterte tagged in labor group’s ‘anti-worker matrix’

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer A FEW days before the country celebrates Labor Day, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) on Saturday, April 27, bared in public what it called an “anti-worker matrix,” where President Rodrigo Duterte is included.

In a photo posted by the KMU on its Facebook page, Duterte is at the center of the matrix and was surrounded by his children Sara Duterte-Carpio and Paolo Duterte, his former aide Christopher “Bong” Go, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno, and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“This matrix shows who’s behind the gross attacks on workers’ wages, job security and labor and human rights,” KMU Vice Chairperson Lito Ustarez said.

“On top of the list is President Rodrigo Duterte who has been hell-bent on establishing his fascist dictatorship to further promote the interests of American and Chinese bigbusinesses,” he added.

TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

KILUSANG MAYO UNO / FACEBOOK

The labor group said in its release that some Palace officials who are in the matrix are “behind the anti-worker and anti-people policies” of the government. The KMU also tagged some military and police officials for alleged “massive human rights violations,” and other big companies and government agencies for supposedly “promoting cheap, contractual labor and other labor rights violations.”

A photo of the United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are also in the matrix.

“Linking these personalities and agencies are the US

and China which KMU claims are the biggest foreign powers that controls the political and economic conditions of the country that worsens hunger, poverty and human rights situation of Filipino workers and people,” the group stressed.

The KMU said the matrix will be the “target” of this year’s Labor Day protest on Wednesday, May 1. It added that they will also demand a P750 nationwide wage hike.

The group said it released the matrix to “counter” the administration’s matrix, linking media organizations and lawyers to an alleged plot to oust Duterte. ■

Malacañang backs probe on influx of foreign doctors in PH

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

13

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday said that it will support Senator Richard Gordon’s call to investigate the influx of foreign doctors working in the Philippines without permits.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo pointed out that this probe will also determine whether there is a lack of Filipino doctors in the country.

“Ang daming mga doktor na nagpupunta sa ibang bansa, baka kulang na tayo kaya nakakapasok sila (There are many Filipino doctors going abroad to work, maybe there is a lack of Filipino doctors that’s why www.canadianinquirer.net

these illegal foreign doctors can enter the country),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“Tama iyon (That’s right), he should really investigate the whys and the wherefores of this influx of foreign doctors in the country para malaman natin (so that we find out),” he added.

On Saturday, Gordon, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, called for an inquiry into illegal foreign doctors following reports on the presence of Pakistani or Nepalese doctors working as medical consultants in the country.

Gordon said this is a violation of the reciprocity requirement under The Medical Act of 1959 (Republic Act 2382) since the Philippines only has a reciprocity

principal with Japan, Spain, and the US, including ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements.

The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) is in charge of authorizing the issuance of a certificate of registration/license or a Special Temporary Permit to foreign professionals who desire to practice their professions in the country under reciprocity and other international agreements.

This probe on illegal foreign doctors comes amid controversy on the rise of illegal Chinese workers in the country.

Panelo earlier assured that government will apply immigration laws with “full force” against all foreign workers without working permits. ■

14

Canada News Canada banning oil, gas and mining from marine protected areas

BY MIA RABSON The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The oil-and-gas industry has worn out its welcome in Canadian marine conservation areas, and Canada’s environmentalists are overjoyed.

Fisheries Minister Jonathan Wilkinson unveiled new standards for marine protected areas in Canada on Thursday, fully prohibiting oil-and-gas activity, as well as mining, wastedumping and bottom-trawling.

The change implements recommendations made to the government last year by an advisory panel, and brings Canada up to international standards set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

“The new standards that I’m announcing today will help to ensure that we will be able to provide an environmental inheritance to our children and our grandchildren that includes healthy, sustainable and productive oceans,” said Wilkinson.

He was speaking at an international nature summit Canada is hosting in Montreal this week to push other countries to do more to protect the global environment.

Megan Leslie, a former NDP MP from Halifax and now president of World Wildlife Fund – Canada, tweeted a delighted response.

“I’m at a bit of a loss for words so here it is in emojis,” she wrote, followed by emojis of trophies, clapping hands, whales and noisemakers with confetti.

The industrial-activity prohibition includes the new Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area off the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2017, proposed regulations for the area would have allowed oil-and-gas development in 80 per cent of the channel, which caused a significant outcry from the public.

The government received more than 70,000 submissions demanding Canada make some marine areas off-limits to development. Wilkinson said the

Laurentian Channel will be the first marine protected area to use the new standards.

The new standards will apply only in federally protected areas. Up until now industrial activities have been allowed or restricted on a case-by-case basis.

There are two existing marine protected areas where exploration companies hold oil-and-gas discovery licences: the Tarium Niryutait protected area off the Northwest Territories and the Gully protected area off Nova Scotia. Wilkinson said those licences won’t be immediately cancelled but will be reconsidered when the management plans for each come up for regular reviews. Neither has active exploration going on now.

It will be up to provinces to determine the standards for marine areas protected by provincial legislation.

The standards will also not apply in marine refuges, which are more numerous areas where governments impose fisheries closures, often to protect just a single species. Some

still allow oil-and-gas operations. The ones that do will not be counted towards Canada’s commitment to protect 10 per cent of the country’s marine and coastal areas by 2020.

With the new 11,600-squarekilometre Laurentian protected area announced Thursday, Canada has now hit 8.27 per cent on its quest to get to 10 per cent, and more than half of that is in refuges. In 2015, Canada had protected only about one per cent.

Wilkinson said no refuges will be removed from that total at the moment.

Oceana Canada, a charity devoted to protecting ocean life, raised concerns that four months after Canada named the Northeast Newfoundland Slope Conservation Area — a 47,000-square-kilometre section of the Atlantic Ocean — as a marine refuge in 2017, it agreed to allow oil-and-gas exploration in the same area. That decision also angered local fishers since the designation barred all fishing in the name of environmental protection.

In a statement, Oceana Canada called the new standards a good step forward. ■

The Doug Ford doctrine: Short term gain for long term pain

BY MARK WINFIELD Professor of Environmental Studies York University Canada, The Canadian Press ALTHOUGH LESS than a year in office, Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government has already

demonstrated a remarkable talent for pursuing short-term gains at the expense of serious long-term costs and risks.

The pattern was set early. The Ford government’s first action was to terminate the province’s cap-and-trade carbon pricing system. That move the cost the

province billions in revenue needed to prepare the province for the already evident impacts of climate change, and to reduce the province’s emissions and prevent even more serious damage.

In exchange, consumers got a reduction of a few cents per li-

www.canadianinquirer.net

tre on gasoline prices – far less than gas prices fluctuate over a typical weekend.

These kinds of moves are coming to be a defining feature of the Ford government. In a world where economies are increasingly defined in terms of knowledge and information

services, cuts to secondary and post-secondary education run significant risks undermining the province’s long-term economic prospects.

The major cuts in funding to legal aid announced in the ❱❱ PAGE 28 The Doug

Canada News

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

15

Canada warnings about meds Alberta Energy should be more consistent Regulator official quits with other countries: prof ahead of being fired by incoming premier

BY CAMILLE BAINS The Canadian Press VANCOUVER – Health Canada needs to be more consistent with three other countries when it comes to issuing warnings about the safety risks of certain medications, especially if the jurisdictions with similar demographics have already advised patients taking the same drugs, a University of British Columbia professor says.

Barbara Mintzes, the lead investigator of a new study published Monday, said that between 2007 and 2016, Health Canada issued safety warnings for only 50 per cent of drugsafety issues identified in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

She joined researchers in analyzing 1,441 advisories over that period and found regulators in all four countries were only consistent in the decision to warn their populations 10 per cent of the time regarding issues with the same medication.

Compared with the other countries, Health Canada issued advisories for only 317 of 635 drug-risk issues, or nearly 50 per cent of the drug-risk issues identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, the study said.

The study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine, published by the American Medical Association, and also involves researchers from York University in Toronto and the University of Sydney in Australia.

Health Canada issues warnings on its website, and Mintzes said it also sends letters to doctors who prescribe the drugs.

“Some of the safety warnings are put out by Health Canada, together with the manufacturer, and that will come as an individually sent letter to each doctor within a specialty or … a broader set of all doctors who are practising in Canada,” said Mintzes, who is an affili-

BY DEAN BENNETT AND BOB WEBER The Canadian Press

ate associate professor at UBC’s School of Population and Public Health.

She said that in January 2013, Health Canada issued a warning about commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, or statins, being linked to an increased risk of diabetes among patients already at risk for the disease.

However, the warning was issued a year after the United States and Australia informed patients about the drugs following large studies showing an association with diabetes, she said.

“Why did Health Canada wait another year after these warnings occurred in the U.S. and Australia?” asked Mintzes, who is also an associate professor at the University of Sydney.

The department said it regularly liaises with key international counterparts including the U.S., Australia and the European Union to determine if there are any emerging safety concerns. Once it becomes aware of any potential issues, an assessment is done to determine if a similar risk is warranted in Canada.

“Timing and content of risk communications can differ across jurisdictions for a number of reasons including, for example, how a product is used in Canada,” it said in a statement.

Health Canada should be

more transparent about the information on which it bases its warnings, especially because clinical-trial data that were previously confidential have been publicly made available for some time following a similar stance in the European Union, Mintzes said.

“We could do more as a country to have more services available to people who are using medicines, with a user-friendly website that provides information to the public so they can just look up their drug fairly easily.”

Pharmacies in Canada are also inconsistent in providing patients with written information about drugs and possible adverse reactions, Mintzes added.

“We should have a legislated right to always having approved patient information provided to us every time we have a prescription dispensed.”

A study in 2013 by the Canadian Institute for Health Information said up to a quarter of patients who visit emergency rooms due to adverse reactions are admitted to hospital and that seniors at greater risk for such effects.

Antibiotics are among the most common drugs associated with adverse drug reactions, which are known to be associated with factors such as the number of drugs a patient is taking, the study said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

EDMONTON – A member of Alberta’s energy regulator who was singled out by incoming premier Jason Kenney as a foe of oil development has quit.

Ed Whittingham says it’s a decision he made the night of April 16, when Kenney’s United Conservatives won the provincial election.

“I felt I couldn’t work with this government. Nor does this government want to work with me,” Whittingham said Monday in an interview.

“It does feel like a load off my back. It’s not fun to be a punching bag.”

Whittingham resigned from the board of directors of the Alberta Energy Regulator in a letter sent Sunday to board chairwoman Sheila O’Brien.

“I was subjected to a smear campaign without precedent in Alberta for a public appointment held by a private citizen,” wrote Whittingham in the letter.

“Much effort was made to defame my character.”

The resignation came just days ahead of Kenney’s promised date to fire Whittingham from the post, which paid a base wage of $76,500 a year.

Kenney and his new cabinet are to be sworn in Tuesday and he had said one of his first tasks

Ed Whittingham.

would be to fire Whittingham.

Kenney has also promised to replace the rest of the board. He has said approvals for energy projects take far longer when compared with competing jurisdictions and the lag has hurt Alberta’s economy.

On the campaign trail, Kenney singled out Whittingham for his former work as executive director of the Pembina Institute, an Alberta-based think tank that promotes economically responsible energy development.

Kenney accused Whittingham of committing “economic sabotage” against Alberta’s oil interests while at Pembina because the institute accepted millions of dollars from foreign-funded special interest groups which Kenney says were seeking to landlock the province’s oil under the guise of promoting a greener future.

Whittingham, in his letter, rejected the charge.

“My views on responsible energy development are well documented in many op-eds and blogs readily available online, and are entirely consistent with safe, environmentally responsible development of oil and gas resources,” he wrote.

He said that under his directorship, Pembina never intervened in a regulatory process to oppose a pipeline, and about 85 per cent of its revenue came ❱❱ PAGE 25 Alberta Energy

STEPHEN HUI VIA PEMBINA INSTITUTE / FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

16

Canada News

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

No respite from flood threat for thousands in Que., Ont., and N.B.

BY JORDAN PRESS The Canadian Press

“We don’t have any limit. It’s all based on the situation. If more are needed, we will always make more troops available,” Sajjan told reporters near Saint John, N.B. The military’s orders have been to protect property, but Quebec Premier Francois Legault said Monday afternoon that he wants the troops to stay in the province once the waters subside to help remove the sandbags, which have to be carefully disposed of after being exposed to potentially contaminated water.

“Someone needs to remove them and clean up,” Legault told reporters on a visit to the flood zone in Maskinonge, about 100 kilometres northeast of Montreal. “It’s not exactly in the job description of the army, but we are trying to insist to have the army there for cleanup operations and we are waiting for an answer from Ottawa.”

A change in orders would require negotiations among the municipal, provincial and federal governments. Municipal officials in Ottawa didn’t expect to be near clean-up mode until

vide sandbagging, or sandbags at the right place and the right time … and anything beyond that, we’re just not there right OTTAWA – More Canadian solnow.” diers are helping in the battle An estimated million sandto sandbag homes against the bags are standing between the still-rising floodwaters in cenbloated Ottawa River and resitral and eastern Canada than dences and businesses in the are deployed overseas, Defence capital. More are in place in Minister Harjit Sajjan says, Gatineau, Que., on the river’s though in a few places the water opposite bank. Even so, whole is slowly beginning to recede. riverfront neighbourhoods are States of emergency have flooded. been declared in Quebec, OnThe Ottawa River isn’t extario, and New Brunswick as pected to peak until mid-week, waters reach or surpass historic after rising by another 50 cm. flood levels reached, in some What happens after that, as in cases, just two years ago. other regions, depends on the Thousands of people have weather. Forecasts call for bebeen forced from their homes, tween 35 and 50 mm of rain including 9,500 in Quebec – toward the end of the week and two-thirds of them in Ste-Mardepending on where it falls – the-sur-le-Lac, west of Montrethe Ottawa River drains about al, after fleeing water from the 140,000 square kilometres of Lake of Two Mountains that eastern Ontario and western burst through a natural dike Quebec – and how long the rivSaturday – and more are being er takes to recede, there could urged to leave before water cuts be a second flood peak. them off from help.

Ontario’s cottage country is The military has helped build also bracing for rain after floodone new dike in ing prompted states of emerSte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac and is gency in Bracebridge, Muskoka almost finished a second, said Lakes, Huntsville and Minden Quebec Hills.

Public SecuriIn New Brunsty Minister Genwick, floodwaevieve Guilbault, ters along the though she had We don’t have any limit. It’s all Saint John River no based on the situation. If more are slowly receded answer about needed, we will always make more Monday, though why the dike in troops available. more than 80 the bedroom roads cross the community province remain failed. underwater and The mammoth military re- the Victoria Day long weekend, closed, including a major secsponse now stands at 2,000 sol- and planning for cleanup hasn’t tion of the Trans-Canada Highdiers in flood-ravaged regions yet included talk about asking way. that have requested help, com- the military for more help.

Provincial officials urged papared to about 1,600 deployed “We’re looking at this day- tience from affected communioverseas. Sajjan said Monday to-day,” said Col. Jason Adair, ties, warning it will take time that more could be sent if cit- whose brigade is spread from before recovery and cleanup ies that have declared states of the east to west edges of the na- begin. emergency ask for additional tional capital. “Our mandate is Quebec’s short-term weather troops. crystal clear and that is to pro- forecast has no serious rain ex-

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The iconic red maple tree in Port Sydney is submerged as the annual spring runoff leads to flooding in Muskoka. @TONYCLEMENTCPC / TWITTER

pected across the province until Wednesday. But many parts of Quebec are likewise expected to remain flooded for some time.

The record flooding is expected to push losses for homeowners from extreme weather to more than $1 billion this year – in all of 2018 the figure was close to $2 billion – which has led governments to look at “alternative solutions in order to shield the taxpayer from the continued bailouts,” said Craig Stewart, vice-president of federal affairs with the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Federal, provincial and territorial emergency-management ministers appear to be most interested in a British model

that would see the people living in high-risk flood areas moved out of harm’s way and a public insurance program for the remainder of homes.

Quebec is offering $200,000 to people with deep damage to their homes to move out of flood zones, an idea that the federal Liberals say they’ll also consider, along with spending on infrastructure to mitigate the effects of floods and extreme weather from climate change.

Premier Legault reiterated his call for people to “seriously consider” the offer. ■ With files from Giuseppe Valiante in Montreal and Kevin Bissett in Saint John

Canada News

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

17

Abe, Trudeau tout trade gains without U.S. participation in Pacific Rim pact

BY MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s whirlwind visit to Ottawa this weekend offered the Liberal government a rare chance to trumpet a strong international alliance in the face of unyielding strain with its two top trading partners.

But a gaffe by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — referring twice to strong ties between Canada and China, not Japan — affixed a jarring asterisk to an otherwise warm and upbeat meeting between two allies facing the same common threats and challenges.

Trudeau kicked off a Sunday morning photo-op in his Parliament Hill office noting 90 years of diplomatic relations between “Canada and China,” but immediately corrected himself to Japan. Later, in his opening remarks at a joint press conference, Trudeau said: “I am very, very glad that you were able to make such time for the tremendous friendship that we celebrate every day between Canada and China. Thank you, Shinzo.”

Abe’s visit comes as Canada finds itself between a rock and a hard place with the United States and China. The Trump administration is holding firm on punitive metal tariffs, while the People’s Republic’s ongoing imprisonment of two Canadian men following the arrest of Huawei’s chief financial officer in Vancouver has thwarted the Trudeau government’s Asian trade ambitions.

Abe and Trudeau celebrated their successful launch late last year of the rebooted Trans-Pacific Partnership — the 11-country Pacific Rim trade alliance that was rescued after President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from it in January 2017, nearly killing it.

Trudeau said the new deal “stands in stark contrast with the United States withdrawal from that agreement,” and has given Canadian farmers an advantage over their American counterparts.

“I can certainly say that there are many Canadian ranchers, among others, who are significantly benefiting from the tremendous increase in beef and pork exports to Japan over the past months, while the Americans do not have that kind of access.”

Abe said the entry into force of the new Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership — the CPTPP — has enabled Japanese consumers to enjoy “high-quality Canadian products in Japan.” He said he had “high hopes for further expansion of the export of Japanese high-quality products to the Canadian market.”

Productive conversations with PM @AbeShinzo in Ottawa today. We focused on the progress made so far with the CPTPP, our shared values & strong relationship, and how we can keep creating jobs & opportunities for people in both our countries. @JUSTINTRUDEAU/TWITTER

“As such we are very happy to see the development of our bilateral relationship as well as partnership in various areas, including our economic co-operation (and) security co-operation.”

The two countries are also charter members of a new international club that doesn’t include the U.S.: the Alliance for Multilateralism, a French-German initiative aimed at supporting the post-Second World War architecture — the United Nations, NATO, the World Trade Organization, and other groups — to which Trump has taken a wrecking ball.

Abe is to host the G20 summit in June and will join Trudeau at the G7 leaders’ gathering in France in late August, and while Trump’s seat at those two multilateral tables is guaranteed, continuing U.S. participation is no longer a given with its mercurial president.

Abe noted Trudeau’s leadership of the G7 last year in Quebec — memorable for Trump hurling personal insults at Trudeau over Twitter from Air Force One after leaving — and said he looked forward to the prime minister’s help when he welcomes the G20 leaders to Osaka.

The veteran Japanese leader made it clear that differences with China and the U.S. are significant, but he advocated a constructive path to bridge those divides.

“Japan and Canada share freedom, human rights, rules of law and other universal values,” Abe said.

“Based on this foundation, the global community must unite and try to encourage China to play a constructive role.”

Canada and Japan also share the same

vision when it comes to reaching out to the U.S., he said.

“We should co-operate together so

that the United States will be encouraged to be the leader of the liberal free world.”

Abe arrived in Ottawa on Saturday, hours after playing a round of golf with Trump at his Virginia course on a visit that demonstrated personal bonhomie but bore no fruit towards advancing a U.S.-Japan trade deal to replace the TPP that Trump abandoned.

Abe had warm words at his Saturday night dinner at the Prime Minister’s Meech Lake retreat in West Quebec.

“It was a tremendous honour for me,” Abe said through a translator. “My wife, Akie, and I had a very special time with you and Sophie.”

On Friday, the Abes dined at the White House to celebrate the 49th birthday of Trump’s wife, Melania.

Abe’s apparent personal bond with Trump has blossomed even though Japan, like Canada, is suffering under the president’s punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, and facing the threat of more tariffs on its automobiles.

Trudeau and his cabinet have branded those tariffs illegal and insulting. ■

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MAY 3, 2019

Emperor Naruhito takes throne day after his father abdicates

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TOKYO — Japan’s new Emperor Naruhito will perform his first ritual Wednesday hours after succeeding his father on the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Naruhito will receive the Imperial regalia of sword and jewel as proof of succession at the ceremony and later will make his first address.

His wife, Empress Masako, a Harvardeducated former diplomat, and their daughter Princess Aiko, are barred from the first ceremony, where only adult male royals can participate.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet earlier Wednesday approved the maleonly ritual as an official duty under Japan’s Constitution. The sword and jewel succession ceremony has been criticized as being out of step.

Akihito, 85, now holds the title of emperor emeritus after becoming Japan’s first emperor to abdicate in 200 years.

Japan is in a festive mood celebrating an imperial succession that occurred by retirement rather than by death. Many people stood outside the palace Tuesday to reminisce about Akihito’s era, others joined midnight events when the transition occurred, and more came to celebrate the beginning of Naruhito’s reign.

From a car window on his way to palace, Naruhito smiled and waved at the people on the sidewalk who cheered him. He and his family still live at the crown prince’s Togu palace until they switch places with his parents.

He is the nation’s 126th emperor, according to a palace count historians say could include mythical figures until around the 5th century.

The emperor under Japan’s constitution is a symbol without political power.

Naruhito is free of influence from Japan’s imperial worship that was fanned

by the wartime militarist government that had deified the emperor as a living god until his grandfather renounced that status after Japan’s 1945 war defeat.

Naruhito has promised to emulate his father in seeking peace and staying close to people. Palace watchers say he might focus on global issues, including disaster prevention, water conservation and climate change, which could appeal to younger Japanese.

He will also face uncertainties in the Imperial household. Only his younger brother, Prince Akishino, 53, and Akishino’s 12-year-old son, Prince Hisahito, can currently succeed him. The Imperial House Law confines the succession to male heirs, leaving Naruhito’s daughter, Aiko, now 17, out of the running.

Naruhito’s wife Masako is a Harvardeducated former diplomat who may prove an adept partner in his overseas travels and activities. But much will depend on her health, since she has been recovering from what the palace describes as stress-induced depression for about 15 years.

Naruhito, the first Japanese emperor to have studied abroad, is considered a new breed of royal, his outlook forged by the tradition-defying choices of his mother, Empress Emeritus Michiko, and Akihito, who broke with ancient imperial traditions.

Naruhito is also the first monarch raised by his own parents, as Akihito and Michiko, who was born a commoner, chose to take care of their children instead of leaving them in the hands of palace staff. They also supported his choice to attend Oxford University, where he researched the history of the Thames River transportation systems.

In an annual news conference marking his Feb. 23 birthday, Naruhito said he was open to taking up a new role that “suits the times.” But he said his father’s work will be his guidepost. ■

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Crowds waiving paper flags as the Japanese Emperor Akihito's and family greet them on the 2nd day of 2019, the last New Year greeting before his abdication.

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World News

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

19

Together again? Trump, Pelosi, Schumer tackle infrastructure

BY KEVIN FREKING The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The last time President Donald Trump sat down with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, the president walked out in a huff and dismissed their government shutdown talks as a “total waste of time.”

Nearly four months later, the leaders are at coming together again Tuesday, this time in search of a plan to fix the country’s crumbling infrastructure.

It’s seen as the one issue with the best chance for the two sides to work together this Congress — and even that isn’t given good odds for a fruitful ending.

The meeting plays out against the backdrop of high tensions over escalating Democratic investigations following the release of special counsel Robert Mueller’s report into Russian meddling.

Lawmakers and the president also have on eye on the 2020 elections, meaning every provision of an infrastructure package — including how to pay for it — will be made with that in mind.

More than one “infrastructure week” already has come and gone over the past two years with nothing to show for it. Still, advocates for an infrastructure package boost see a narrow window for action.

“I think a deal can be had if everybody is willing to put their battle axes away for a period,” said former Republican Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, who served as chairman of the House’s transportation committee for six years.

A compromise could offer political benefits to both sides.

Trump’s re-election prospects are tied to a strong economy that would get another boost from new road and bridge projects. House Democrats have passed an array of bills that have gone nowhere in the GOPcontrolled Senate.

Pelosi has dozens of new Democratic House members who won in competitive districts, said Shuster, and “they need to be able to go home next year and say they’ve accomplished something.”

But the two sides also have

some competing priorities that will complicate matters. The president and Republican leaders want to speed up the permitting process for building energy and transportation projects and that’s not on most Democratic lawmakers’ to-do lists. Democrats are looking for ways to pay for greater infrastructure spending without adding to the national debt, and that could mean higher fuel taxes.

The Trump White House has sent conflicting signals on that issue. On Friday, the president tweeted that California’s recent 12-cent increase in the state’s gas tax was “causing big problems on pricing for that state. Speak to your Governor about reducing.” When asked if Trump could support a higher federal gas tax, economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Monday, “He hasn’t made up his mind on any of that yet.”

Pelosi and Schumer on Monday sent Trump a letter setting out their priorities, including a call for “substantial, new and real revenue” and investments to make infrastructure more resilient to climate change.

Neither of those bolsters confidence in prospects for a deal.

Several Democratic lawmakers from committees with jurisdiction on infrastructure issues are also expected to attend the White House meeting, but no Republican lawmakers.

Committees in both chambers of Congress have started to lay the groundwork for an infrastructure bill through hearings, with Democratic lawmakers hoping to have legislation ready for consideration by June or July.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will give every House lawmaker a chance to share their infrastructure priorities on Wednesday.

Then, the committee’s chairman, Rep. Peter DeFazio, DOre., will lead a delegation to visit a dilapidated, centuryold tunnel that connects New Jersey and New York. Experts say a new tunnel is essential to ensuring reliable rail travel throughout the Northeast, but the price tag will be steep.

The infrastructure issue has aligned the nation’s top busi-

ness groups and unions, a rarity in Washington. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has proposed increasing the federal fuel tax 5 cents a year for five years, then allowing it to increase with inflation. The federal tax on gasoline now stands at 18.3 cents per gallon and at 24.3 cents per gallon for diesel fuel. The last time the federal gas tax went up was in 1993.

Ed Mortimer, a vice-president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the group would have the back of lawmakers who face criticism back home for supporting a higher federal gas tax.

“We’re going to support any elected official willing to have a serious discussion and vote to raise revenue for infrastructure,” Mortimer said.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer, DOre., plans to introduce a bill incorporating the chamber’s wishes to gradually raise the fuel tax by 25 cents and then allow the tax to rise with inflation. The bill will also call for eventually replacing the gas tax in favour of a system where drivers pay a user fee based on distance travelled.

“That’s the ultimate solution.

We can’t do that in less than 10 years, but we need to lay the foundation for it,” Blumenauer said.

So far this year, Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio and Virginia have enacted gas tax increases, although Virginia’s only applies to a portion of the state. Some 30 states have done so since 2013. Blumenauer said many of the states that approved gas tax increases are led by Republicans, and he hopes they’ll make their voices heard to Congress.

But it’s unclear whether Blumenauer will get support from Republican members of Congress, or even top Democratic leaders.

Schumer advocated Monday for rescinding portions of the tax cut bill Republicans passed in 2017 to pay for infrastructure.

“By reversing only the most egregious giveaways in President Trump’s tax bill, those given to the wealthiest of the wealthy, and raising the corporate tax cut a smidge we could finance the entirety of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill,” Schumer said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

PAUL PRESCOTT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

No Mass for Sri Lanka’s Catholics; no veils for Muslim women

BY JON GAMBRELL AND KRISHAN FRANCIS The Associated Press AMPARA, SRI LANKA — The effects of Sri Lanka’s Easter suicide bombings reverberated across two faiths Sunday, with Catholics shut out of their churches for fear of new attacks, left with only a televised Mass, and Muslim women ordered to stop wearing veils in public.

Many across the nation knelt before their televisions as Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, delivered a homily before members of the clergy and the country’s leaders in a small chapel at his residence in the capital.

The closing of all of Sri Lanka’s Catholic churches — an extraordinary measure unheard of in the church’s centuries on this island off the southern tip of India — came after local officials and the U.S. Embassy in Colombo warned that more militants remained on the loose with explosives a week after bombings claimed by the Islamic State group and aimed at churches and hotels killed more than 250 people.

Before services began, the Is-

lamic State group claimed three militants who blew themselves up Friday night after exchanging fire with police in the country’s east. Investigators sifting through that site and others uncovered a bomb-making operation capable of spreading far more destruction.

“This is a time our hearts are tested by the great destruction that took place last Sunday,” Ranjith told those watching across the nation. “This is a time questions such as, does God truly love us, does he have compassion toward us, can arise in human hearts.”

Later on Sunday, President Maithripala Sirisena banned all kinds of face coverings that may conceal people’s identities. The emergency law, which takes effect Monday, prevents Muslim women from veiling their faces.

The decision came after the Cabinet had proposed laws on face veils at a recent meeting.

It had deferred the matter until talks with Islamic clerics could be held, on the advice of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In a rare show of unity, Sirisena, Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Mahinda Raj❱❱ PAGE 31 No Mass

20

World News

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

South Africa marks Freedom Day, apartheid ended 25 years ago

BY ANDREW MELDRUM The Associated Press KWA-THEMA, SOUTH AFRICA – Calls for more jobs for South Africa’s black majority and respect for the rights of the LGBTI community marked Freedom Day celebrations on Saturday commemorating the 25th anniversary of the end of apartheid.

Singing and dancing punctuated one gathering of about 3,500 people on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

A quarter-century ago South Africa’s blacks finally were able to vote, bringing democracy to the country. But long after the brutal apartheid system of racial discrimination, speakers said many still struggle to find a decent life.

“What is the meaning of freedom if many people in a township are unemployed?” asked David Makhura, premier of Gauteng province, which includes South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, and the

capital, Pretoria.

“What is the meaning of freedom if you don’t have a job?

Or if you don’t have a house or land?” Makhura said the government of the African National Congress party is working to get title deeds for black South Africans: “The land must belong to our people!”

All South Africans must respect the rights of the country’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex citizens, the premier added, saying many in the LGBTI community still suffer violence and discrimination in their workplaces, in church and elsewhere.

Makhura honoured Eudy Simelane, a star on South Africa’s women’s national soccer team and a gay rights activist who was gang-raped and murdered in Kwa-Thema in 2008.

“Eudy did not die in vain,” he said.

Kwa-Thema, a black township that was prominent in the struggle against apartheid, joined the Freedom Day celebrations as the anniversary was

marked in a low-key way across South Africa. Much attention was focused on the upcoming elections on May 8.

The rally was marked by the bright yellow, green and black colours of the ruling ANC party of the late Nelson Mandela, who was crucial in the decadeslong fight to end apartheid.

“I was born in the struggle,” said Lucky Ntshabele, 34. “My father was an activist and as a boy I knew the smell of tear gas.

From the land of suffering we have come to Canaan, the land of plenty. But plenty still needs to be done.”

Wearing a rainbow T-shirt, Bontle Muhapi said she was celebrating Freedom Day but added that troubling issues must be addressed.

“There’s still a lot of racism, there’s still a lot of homophobia, there’s still xenophobia,” Muhapi said. “There are many social ills that we are dealing with.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa marked Freedom Day at a rally in Makhanda in Eastern Cape province.

I am proud to be part of the Eudy Simelane Pilgrimage Walk in KwaThema this morning. Today we honour her life. This #FreedomDay, the @GautengProvince has decided to focus on the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, & Intersex community in honour of Eudy. @DAVID_MAKHURA/TWITTER

“On this day 25 years ago, we founded a new country defined by the principles of equality, unity, non-racialism and nonsexism,” Ramaphosa said. “Despite the passage of time, it is a day we remember vividly – the exhilaration of seeing nearly 20 million South Africans of all races waiting patiently at polling stations around the country to cast their ballots.”

Ramaphosa, who as ANC leader is running for re-election, acknowledged that South Africa has many inequalities that his

government must address.

“There are great divisions between rich and poor, between urban and rural, between men and women, between those with jobs and those who are unemployed, between those who own land and those who were deprived of it,” the president said.

“As we celebrate 25 years of democracy, we need to focus all our attention and efforts on ensuring that all South Africans can equally experience the economic and social benefits of freedom.” ■

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FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

Here are 10 ways to celebrate your day, hardworking ladies and gentlemen!

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer HOW MANY of us have skipped meals and spent long hours burning the midnight oil just so we could finish tons of paperwork that we have? How many of us have to work under the scorching heat of the sun or continuing rains while carrying heavy materials or equipment all day and every day to make ends meet? And how many of us have missed a lot of family gatherings, anniversaries, or children event because we were needed at work?

These are only few of the things we sacrifice to provide for our families, as well as for our passion and dreams. Yup, working hard is a good thing, but working too hard by making sacrifices all the time and putting your own health at stake is not. At some point in our lives — either we are just hardworking employees or we are already overworking — we all need to have a breather; we all need to take time off from our jobs and reward ourselves for doing our best in all we are doing.

And today, diligent men and women, is the best time to take a break, as the Philippines honors all Filipino workers on the first day of May a.k.a. the celebration of Labor Day. But since this day falls between two working days, which are Tuesday and Thursday, having a vacation out of town is probably out of the list. Still, you can have a ‘staycation’ and below are some suggestions that you might wanna try to do: 1. Hit the hay

This is one of the best rewards you can give to yourself without having to spend a single dime. After days of waking up early and surviving a whole work day, it is now your turn to finally catch up on some sleep, rest your eyes, hug your pillows, and dream of better days. No words can truly describe how it feels good to be finally glued on your bed all day without the need to turn on your alarm clock.

2. Eat a lot

For sure, many of us at times do not realize that it is past lunch /dinner time because we are too busy accomplishing our to-do-list. Some even skip breakfast. We can barely remember when we had our last meal or snack; we would not know that we needed food if our stomach does not scream “feed me” to us.

So to make up with our bellies, we must treat ourselves with good food; either you go to a restaurant or try out those recipes you have been dying to cook for a while now. Make sure that you eat your food slowly and deliberately, and most

ation and inner peace at the mall, surrounded by shops; the merchandise waiting to be bought. Sometimes, it is good to treat yourself some nice bits from your favorite shops and buy that thing you have been eyeing on for a while because after all, you have worked hard for it and you have earned it.

7. Pamper yourself

Forget those seemingly endless obligations. ‘De-stress’ yourself by going to a spa to relieve the tension that beat up your body. Get that full body massage!

You might as well spoil yourself at a hair salon, get a trim or a perm, have a mani pedi, and feel like a new person — just be sure that you give yourself the self-care you deserve after everything you have been through.

8. Workout

importantly, savor every luscious bite of it.

memories with your pets.

3. Binge-watch

While many would choose to stay at home, some of us, however, find relax-

Holidays like this bring out our inner couch potato. Days like this are the only time we can lessen our long list of “movies to watch” and catch up on our favorite television series that we always forgot to watch because we have been too busy with the demands of life. Do not waste any second — go grab your snacks and drinks and binge watch those all the way through!

6. Shop till you drop

4. Bond with the family

More than being rest days, holidays are, of course, time for our family. Detach yourself from anything work-related, then reconnect and strengthen your intimate bond with your family through playing board or video games, eating together, having a karaoke party, sharing stories, cleaning the house, and a lot more. Let’s admit it, although we hang out with our friends or colleagues to refresh ourselves and have a good laugh, still, nothing can beat the feeling of coming home to our parents, wife or husband, and children after a long and tiring day at work.

5. Play with your pet/s

When we say family members, obviously, pets won’t be out of the frame. If you are a pet parent, you might as well want to spend lots of quality time with your furbabies. Make up for the time and attention that you were not able to give them these past few days by taking them out for walk, grooming them, playing while you train them, or having a quiet time together. Today is another opportunity for you to create more ‘pawsome’ www.canadianinquirer.net

Whether you intend to lose weight and build muscles or not, exercising your body is still a must, especially if your work requires you to sit down on your office chair and in front of your ❱❱ PAGE 35 Here are

22

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS

Ninja Bubble Tea: A shop born out of ‘randomness’

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer LET’S TALK about something, random.

When the word ‘ninja’ is dropped in a conversation, one may have the impression of the shadows in Japan’s Sengoku period and the masters of espionage and the art of stealth.

It could also invite thoughts on popular culture such as that flashy orange-wearing blonde shinobi who loves ramen, and wanted to be (and eventually became) a hokage.

On another point, the words ‘bubble tea’ refer to one of the beverages that fill today’s list of trendy drinks. Originating from Taiwan as early as 1980s, its popularity has introduced to different palates the different flavors of tea and different varieties of mouth-watering add-ons.

Combining all these random facts, there is a shop called Ninja Bubble Tea in British Columbia (B.C.) and it is actually not owned by someone with Japanese, Thai, nor Canadian blood. Consider this as another random trivia thrown into the topic, but it is in fact owned and founded by Filipinos.

While it is not really a ‘top secret mission’ to keep their Philippine roots under the veil, the founders finally found this to be the time to be more open about it.

“We do not broadcast it often that Ninja is Filipino-owned, but when fellow kababayans do discover that it is Filipino-owned, we mutually feel a sense of pride that such a shop exists,” Founder and CEO Philbert de Torres says.

“This story is attribute of that, since its nearing six years and it’s only now that we’re reaching out to the Filipino community. Nonetheless, we are very glad to share, and there is so much to tell,” he adds.

Indeed, there is so much more to tell from Philbert’s journey and Philippine Canadian Inquirer (PCI) presents the story behind Ninja Bubble Tea. Embarking on a journey

For something to truly begin,

one must embark on a journey, and this can be literal or figurative. For Philbert’s case, it was a little bit of both.

Born in Batangas City in the Philippines, as young as 10 years old, Philbert with his father Freddie, mother Emmie, and sister Zabrina, had to prepare those suitcases of a lifetime the moment they decided to immigrate to Canada in 1992.

They joined their family’s father side who were already in the Great White North since the 70s and early 80s.

While this may only be a new beginning for them, they are actually the last of that side of the family to move.

“Shortly, a year after, we moved to Coquitlam (British Columbia) for greener pastures, since Winnipeg at the time was experiencing a recession and my parents were having difficulty finding work.”

Two words best described the feeling that welcomed the family – culture shock. And these two words apply to not only language but also to social dynamics and food. Adjustment was the biggest challenge their family had to face, Philbert said, especially when they had to move away from the rest of the family in Canada.

“Having left our family support system in Winnipeg and then move to Coquitlam, a city that did not have many Filipinos at the time, my family was left to pioneer its way to have a sense of belonging in the community.”

Despite this test to their family and their Filipino-ness, the Ninja founder said that this new home has been good to them.

“My family learned to embrace the diverse culture Coquitlam had to offer, and we were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to re-start our lives in this city.”

A journey within the journey

While living in Canada is one of the paths that unfolded for his family, Philbert had another journey to take, and that was to walk and build his career path; which is actually made up of detours, corners, bumps, and

intersections.

“I never knew I was going to be an entrepreneur and it was purely accidental.”

Filipinos are known for our love of singing. Not to mention, the number of singing competitions nationwide and even the echoes of Karaoke throughout the barangays. Philbert was not exempted from this love of singing. While this was the case, for someone who always had his eyes (and heart) set to being a musician, being an entrepreneur is really out of the way.

“I started singing at the age of five and won countless singing competitions.”

Philbert mentioned a few such as Jolibee Bulilit Singing Contest back in the Philippines and the YTV Vocal Spotlight in Canada. In his early 20s, he was also a finalist in Canadian Idol and a grand finalist in GMA’s Pinoy Pop Superstar. He joined the stage with Jonalyn Viray, more popularly known as Jona, who is now a mainstay at ABSCBN. However, with a country known for loving singing, it meant sharing the love with (almost) everyone. This applies to sharing the stage, the fame, and the dream.

“Music was difficult, you basically competed with several thousands of people with no promise of success. I can close my eyes and go back to all the auditions I have experienced and all the people I had to compete against.”

Philbert found his musical journey life-changing, and while he may have closed this chapter of his life, he feels content with what he has reached.

“My take-away from my music experience is definitely what every entrepreneur should have, and that is simply to have perseverance.”

Moving forward to his mid20s, he was actually a Planning/ Design Draftsman at a Burnaby engineering firm. The company he worked for discovered that he had a knack for photoshop and digital print and his work was used for conventions and marketing materials.

Philbert described it as a “cushy” job that was ‘not for www.canadianinquirer.net

Justin, Philbert, and Zabrina.

him’ despite investing some years in the job. He said that at first, it seemed like a waste of time since it did not really challenge his full potential, but little did he know that his experience there will be an essential part of his future.

The next stop for this FilipinoCanadian was a Head Instructor post in a Taekwondo gym.

“At a very young age, [the love for martial arts] started with myself wanting to emulate and achieve the same skills my father had – being a black belter in Shotokan Karate.”

With Philbert leaving the engineering firm, a friend of his who was the Master of a school offered him the position.

“From there, I learned how to run a school, sign clients, and even do the marketing with my digital print and marketing skill experience from the engineer firm applied, I helped the school grow to a healthier number.”

While this new venture for Philbert has helped him grow in terms of handling business, he confessed that that was not really the case financially. Not only was the pay way lower than his previous, but he said that school was not doing well in terms of earnings even before he became a part of it.

Choosing to look at the brighter side, he knew the potential of the school so he worked hard for its growth.

The Master of the school even offered him a “silent partnership/ownership” however, the direction and vision just kept changing.

“The turning point was when I suffered a major injury (total rupture of Achilles tendon), that made me re-think if the gym business was for me.”

SUPPLIED

Philbert shared how this injury which was physical, also affected him mentally as he went through a period of depression.

“Since I bounced around from a rollercoaster of careers, I was completely lost to what would be the next chapter of my life. Where would a musician, draftsman, martial arts instructor go next?”

When the pieces fit

The road may have been a bumpy one, but believe it or not, all of these were necessary to find his way to Ninja Bubble Tea. “At first glance, these paths may look random on the other ends of the spectrum, but in all honesty, I value all of these ‘random’ experiences since they are prolific towards leading the success of our company.”

True to his word, that job he once called “cushy” helped him big time.

“Little did I know that I would use the skills that I gathered from that experience to design Ninja’s Floor plans, logos, videos, and marketing images that are vital for Ninja Bubble Tea’s business,” he says referring to his very first job.

But before this, how did his Way of the Ninja come to fruition?

It was one cold, freezing night in December when an old friend wanted to cheer the depressed Philbert up, through a bubble tea.

The beverage is something he described as the “closest dessert” he could think of that reminded him of our local morning (usually) sweetened soybean pudding, taho.

It was a busy late night with ❱❱ PAGE 38 Ninja Bubble

23

Entertainment Nadine Lustre hailed as FAMAS’ best actress

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer ANOTHER FEATHER is added to Nadine Lustre’s cap after she was named as the Best Actress at the 67th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards for her outstanding performance in her movie “Never Not Love You.�

Wearing a dazzling dress with sparkly details, the young actress received the award herself during the awarding ceremony held at the Meralco Theater on Sunday, April 28. “Oh my God, hindi ko po alam kung anong nararamdaman ko ngayon (I do not know what to feel right now). Mixed emotions po,� Nadine said as she faced the crowd while holding her trophy.

In her acceptance speech, an emotional Nadine shared her experience of having to go through a rough patch when she was filming “Never Not Love You,� admitting that she had thought of backing out from it even before the production begins.

“October 2017 po kasi mayroong malaking bagyo na dumating sa buhay ko and sobrang malakingdamage rin po ‘yung ginawa nito sa’kin (there was a big storm that came into my life and it damaged me greatly),� she said, continuing, “Palagi ko pong iniisip kung itutuloy ko kasi nararamdaman ko na baka ma-disappoint ko lang po sina direk Tonette [Antoinette Jadaone] and sina Boss Vic [Vicente del Rosario, Jr.] (I always think whether I will continue this or not because I feel that I may disappoint director Tonette and Boss Vic).�

Nadine went on saying, “Pero ‘yung reason po kasi talaga kung bakit sobrang proud and sobrang unforgettable po nitong pelikula na ito para sa akin is kahit po nandoon po ako sa lowest point ko, naitawid ko po ‘yung pelikula with flying colors (But the reason why I’m so proud of it and why it is so unforgettable for me is that even though I’m at my lowest point, I was able to do this movie with flying colors).�

She then thanked the staff of “Never Not Love You,� her

Congratulations again to the #MultimediaPrincess @nadine for bagging the FAMAS 2019 Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role #NeverNotLoveYou

đ&#x;‘?đ&#x;‘?đ&#x;‘?

VIVA family, and everyone who supported her including her family and friends who has always been there for her. She, of course, did not forget to acknowledge her reel-to-real-life boyfriend, James Reid, who was also her leading man in the film. “And of course, kay James na parati akong pinu-push to (to James who always pushing me to) give my very best and sinisigurado po na naaalala ko na (making sure I remember that)

@VIVAARTISTSAGENCY/INSTAGRAM

I am bigger and stronger than any storm that will come my way. Para po ito sa kanila ang award na ito (This award is for them),� she said.

The 2018 romantic drama film directed by Director Antoinette features the story of seemingly opposite persons who fall in love with one another.

Nadine, in the film, played the role of Joanne who is a careerdriven woman, while James portrayed Gio, a free-spirited

tattoo artist, whose goal in life is simply to be happy. Destiny tested their relationship when Gio got a job offer in London.

The movie’s director took to Instagram on Monday, April 29, to congratulate Nadine for bagging the Best Actress Award.

Tagging the actress on her caption, Antoinette wrote, “WAHHHHH OMG!!! @nadine Lustre, cafe assistant brand manager now a FAMAS Best Actress Awardee. Congrats, Leah, Iris, and my favorite of our collabs, Joanne!!!� “Huhu ang saya (I’m so happy)!!!!!!!!! Hindi sinasabing ako ang nanalo pero parang ganun na nga (I’m not saying that I won, but it feels like it). (PS. @ james! Gio!!! Ikaw rin naman (you too)!!!),� she further said, this time, tagging James.

This was not the first project Antoinette had with Nadine and James, popularly known as JaDine. Prior to the said movie, the filmmaker already worked with the couple in the 2015 romantic-comedy television series “On The Wings of Loveâ€? and the 2016 romantic dramedy film “Till I Met You.â€? â–

Filipino contestant of ‘The Voice’ USA makes top 24

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer REPRESENTING FILIPINO talent on an American stage, DavaeĂąo Jej Vinson, has officially advanced to the Top 24 of “The Voice USâ€? after besting out Team Adam Levine’s contestant LB with his rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Versace on the Floorâ€? during the Cross Battle Round.

The episode, which was revealed last Tuesday, April 23, announced that Jej has advanced to the show’s next round after receiving a qualifying amount of public votes. To express his delight, the singer

posts a photo hugging his coach, former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, captioned, “Top 24! Thank you so much to everyone who supported me so far in this incredible journey.

Words can’t even express how grateful I am,� adding a note to his mentor, saying, “Kelly Clarkson, you’re incredible.

Thank you for believing in me.

I’m excited to learn more from you. Excited for next week!

Again, thank you for all the support. Love you all.�

Jej immediately attracted attention on the show’s 16th season after singing Drake’s track “Passionfruit� during the Blind Auditions and receiving a fourchair turn. Prior to the Cross

Battle Round, Jej was chosen

by Kelly over Beth GriffithManley when the two artists sang the same song, “Jealous�

by Labrinth.

The t22-year-old moved to South Dakota from the Philippines at the age of 15. When he was 18, he left his family to pursue a singing career in Los Angeles, while balancing nursing school at the University of Southern California. Eventually, Jej gave up nursing by switching his major to music, where he eventually joined award-winning acapella group SoCal VoCals as their music director.

One of the highlights of Jej’s career has been singing in front of former President and First www.canadianinquirer.net

TOP 24!! Wtheck guys!! Thank you so much to everyone who supported me so far in this incredible journey. Words can’t even express how grateful I am @JEJVINSON/INSTAGRAM

Lady Barack and Michelle Obama.

The young star cites Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Be-

yonce, Brian McKnight, Daryl Ong, Morissette Amon, and Regine Velasquez as some of his musical inspirations. â–

24

Entertainment

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

‘Milan’ stars Claudine Barretto, Onto the championship: Piolo Pascual to reunite in big screen Pinoy group VPeepz advances to finals of ‘World of Dance US’

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

IT’S HAPPENING! Piolo Pascual and Claudine Barretto are finally going to star in another movie, this time to be directed by none other than the awardwinning director Cathy GarciaMolina.

This was spilled by Claudine herself in an interview on “Tonight With Boy Abunda” on Wednesday, April 24, 15 years after her movie with Piolo, “Milan,” was released.

“I will be doing a movie this end of June or July in Florence with Piolo,” Claudine confirmed, although further details about it are still kept under wraps.

This drew nothing but ‘kilig’ reactions from the audience and surprise from the show’s host, Boy Abunda, with him saying, “Wow! With Piolo Pascual.

Gandang balita ‘yan. Abangan natin ‘yan (That is good news.

Let’s wait for it).”

The 39-year-old actress is set to have her comeback in the entertainment industry as she will be starring in a new episode of drama anthology series

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

CLAUBARRETTO/INSTAGRAM

“Maalala Mo Kaya (MMK)” along with Jameson Blake.

This episode, which will air this Saturday, April 27, will center on the life of RJ Cunanan, a talented dancer who has Guillain-Barre syndrome — a rare disorder wherein a person’s immune system attacks his nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and can eventually make his body paralyzed. Jameson will play the role of RJ, while Claudine will portray the role of his mother.

During the interview, Claudine said she wanted to return in the show business already,

but was not able to because she got sick.

“This time talaga, I really want to work again because the last time I did ‘Etiquette,’ I got really really sick and I got really really big,” she told Boy. “I couldn’t work. I was always in the hospital, I had six operations in what? Four months,” she added. Claudine, however, assured that she is now in good shape.

Claudine’s last movie appearance was in the “Etiquette for Mistresses” in 2015 alongside Iza Calzado, Kim Chiu, and Kris Aquino, among others. ■

Nadine Samonte now a mother of two

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer THIRTY-ONE-year-old Kapuso artist Nadine Samonte and husband Richard Chua have welcomed the newest addition to their family, a son name named Augustus Titus, last Sunday, April 28 at the Manila Doctors Hospital.

The news was officially announced by Richard on Instagram, who posted a photo carrying his baby captioned, “World, please meet my son, Titus,” also sharing another image alongside an old photo of their firstborn Heather Sloane from August 27, 2016, stating, “My life right here in this pic.”

The celebrities’ family and friends were quick to congratulate the couple, including Lorna Tolentino, Rachel Peters, Gwen Zamora, Migz Villafuerte,

and Yasmien Kurdi. Richard’s mother, actress Isabel Rivas, was also present throughout the birth.

Nadine has been married to Richard, who is a businessman, since October 30, 2013. They had a private ceremony at Isabel’s farm in Zambales, initially stating that they wanted to have their intimacy as a couple during their first year of marriage which is why it wasn’t announced until then. In June 2016, the couple shared that they were expecting their first daughter, who is now three years old. Nadine told her 347,000 followers on Instagram about her second pregnancy last October.

At the beginning of her second pregnancy, Nadine was rushed to the hospital due to difficulty in breathing but found out it was simply due to a food allergy. She has been

very candid about having antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APAS) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) during her first pregnancy, so she describes her second baby as “unexpected,” sharing that she is “not complaining” about the food allergies and difficulty in breathing. She says, “I know this will be another beautiful journey for me because he/she is beautiful. Thank you, Lord.”

As a message to her supporters, Nadine tells other future mothers, “Don’t lose hope. I know how hard it is to have a baby. I’ve been there. I really got depressed, but that didn’t stop me [from looking forward to having] an amazing child. It may not come right away but remember God knows when the perfect timing is. Never ever give up and have faith.

Trust and believe in him; it will come.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

THE DREAM of these young Filipino dancers to become the season 3 champions of the American reality competition, World of Dance, is now within their reach!

VPeepz, a group composed of dancers aged 11 to 16 years old, rocked their dance routine during the show’s Divisional Finals, where they performed Nelly and Fergie’s “Party People.” Dancing their hearts out and slaying the choreography, these young Filipinos earned an standing ovation from judges Derek Hough and Ne-Yo. “There’s a level of synchronicity that you guys have that I can genuinely say there are few other people in this competition that even come close. It’s that good,” Ne-Yo said, commending VPeepz.

VPeepz successfully stole the show when they got an almost perfect score — a total of 98.7 points — during the competition’s The Cut last week, following their jaw-dropping performance to Billie Eilish’s “&Burn” which prompts Ne-Yo to ask, “How is the pressure tonight? How do you feel?”

To this, a member of the group shared that they were all being nervous backstage and had a thought that Jennifer Lopez, who is also one of the judges, would not be impressed with their routine.

“So we added a lot of stuff to make sure that this time we’re gonna be able to impress all the judges,” the member said.

But it turns out the JLo was actually electrified by their performance, even saying that her favorite part was when VPeepz executed their broken leg trick.

“You guys were body slamming and doing all kinds of crazy things up there, but you also broke somebody’s legs,” she said, adding, “The illusion of it was a really great illusion and really gave you guys a high point in the middle of your routine.”

Derek, on the other hand, told the Filipino dancers, “I love the theme. It’s so appropriate for right now at this stage of the competition.”

“Guys, well done and you should be very, very proud.

Great job,” he further said.

VPeepz obtained a score of 96, winning the junior team division and making their way into the competition’s final round. ■

Who will come out on top at The Divisional Finals of @nbcworldofdance and be the rightful Junior Division Champions? We’re going up against teams that are just as incredible. Fighting our way for a spot at the World Finals. Let’s get it! @VPEEPZOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM

Entertainment

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

25

‘Days Gone’ video game director on rebranding zombies into ‘freakers’

BY MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Canadian Press TORONTO — From their humble beginnings as shambling, brain-eating monsters in shlocky horror films, zombies have shown a surprising amount of cultural staying power.

Movies, television shows, and video games found a lot of creative latitude over the decades in what might seem a limited concept, discovering new ways to feature zombies or variations of the mindless minions. John Garvin, creative director of game developer Bend Studios, believes his company’s new post-apocalyptic open-world title “ Days Gone” will show there is still more to be mined from the venerable genre.

Set in the woods of Oregon after much of humanity is either killed off or infected by a massive epidemic, the world of “Days Gone” is not overrun by undead, but by living feral creatures known as “freakers.” While comparisons to previous genre hits like “The Last of Us” will be difficult to avoid, Garvin says playing through “Days Gone” will show the freakers can stand in a class of their own.

“I totally understand why we’re under the larger umbrella of zombie games, but what we’re really trying to do is create something brand new,” Garvin said in a recent interview. “I mean yes you start with this trope of ‘Hey it’s a virus that transforms people and decimates the world,’ but there’s still new things to be done with that idea, and hopefully we’re doing it.

“They (freakers) really are not zom-

bies, they’re a new thing. Maybe in future games we’ll say ‘Freakers have been played out. Why did you do a game with freakers?”’

At first blush, the freakers seem to behave like a modern incarnation of the prototypical zombie. They appear to have a singular desire to hunt for food, and will swarm victims in large numbers to overpower them.

But as they are infected living humans, rather than undead reincarnations, freakers are also subject to human frailties. Rain can dampen their sense of hearing. The sun’s glare off snow can impair their sight.

They are seen roaming in greater numbers at night and tend to hibernate during the day. Players can use that knowledge strategically, choosing to explore the Oregon wilds in daylight to lessen the chances of an enemy encounter, or to attack a freaker nest at night, when more of the creatures will be out wandering around.

And the virus in “Days Gone” is not limited to humans. Along the way players will encounter infected wolves, capable of outrunning the protagonist’s motorbike and knocking him to the ground with a leaping attack, to freaker bears imbued with increased strength and aggressiveness.

As a narrative-driven game, however, “Days Gone” can’t rely solely on its new breed of monster. Considerable creative effort went into the creation of protagonist Deacon St. John, a former member of a motorcycle gang who became a drifter and bounty hunter after losing

Alberta Energy... ❰❰ 15

from people and institutions within Canada.

The rest, he wrote, “originated from international sources that share (Pembina’s) clean energy goals. That put it in the same boat as hundreds of other Canadian non-profit groups and companies interested in public policy.”

Kenney responded Monday on Twitter. “It was gracious of Ed Whittingham to resign a day before we could fire him.

Our government will never appoint people like him who are avowed opponents of Alberta jobs. And we will stop all funding to groups engaged in economic sabotage against Alberta.”

The UCP caucus added in a statement that “Mr Whittingham and Pembina’s agenda is clear: they want to shut down the Alberta energy sector. And it has been reported that they have taken $8 million in foreign money to fund their anti-oil, anti-pipeline agenda.

“Mr. Whittingham and Pembina have opposed every proposed pipeline project in recent memory.”

Whittingham is the first high-profile casualty in what’s expected to be a legal and public relations war by Kenney against those he says are conspiring to hamstring Alberta’s oil and gas industry.

Kenney has also promised to roll back elements of outgoing NDP Premier Rachel Notley’s environmental plan, including a provincial carbon tax and a phase-out of coal-fired electricity.

Shannon Phillips, who was the NDP’s environment minister and will be part of the Opposition caucus, said Kenney’s decision to boot the AER board, along with his other environment policies, are knee-jerk responses that will cost jobs and investment.

“This is part of a broader approach in which Jason Kenney shoots first and asks questions later,” said Phillips. ■

SCREENSHOT FROM THE GAME

his wife during the early days of the epidemic. Veteran actor Sam Witwer delivers a slightly unhinged performance as the voice of St. John, who can often heard muttering to himself in frustrated snippets as he struggles to survive in the dangerous woods.

“We really wanted to give the sense that he only has his own ear most of the time,” Garvin said. “He spends a lot of time isolated. And I think if you were a drifter or mercenary or bounty hunter in this world, you would be alone a lot of the time.”

Along the way St. John encounters camps of human survivors, led by char-

acters with their own agendas and takes on the world they now live in. One of the leaders St. John meets early on, the conspiracy theorist-spouting Mark Copeland, seems almost gleefully at ease in the new dystopia.

“He is kind of at home here because he predicted it,” Garvin said. “He’s the kind of guy who would totally relish the chance to have been proven right and then to use his own perspective to rebuild.

“Basically what we wanted to do is have every encampment embody a different philosophy.”

“Days Gone” comes out Friday exclusively on the PlayStation 4. ■

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26

Lifestyle Fashion production is modern slavery: 5 things you can do to help now

BY ANIKA KOZLOWSKI Assistant Professor of Fashion Design Ethics and Sustainability School of Fashion Ryerson University, The Canadian Press FASHION SHOULDN’T cost lives and it shouldn’t cost us our planet. Yet this is what is happening today. Globalization, fast fashion, economies of scale, social media and offshore production have created a perfect storm for cheap, easy and abundant fashion consumption. And there are few signs of it slowing down: clothing production has nearly doubled in the last 15 years.

With Earth Day and Fashion Revolution week upon us, fashion lovers need to reflect on how their consumption has an undeniably negative impact on both planet and people.

Fashion is rife with gender inequality, environmental degradation and human rights abuses — all of which are intrinsically interconnected. The Fashion Revolution campaign began because of the unresponsiveness of the fashion sector to the continuous tragedies that occur in the making of clothing, such as the death of 1,138 garment workers when the Rana Plaza factory collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on April 24, 2013.

Fashion Revolution aims to bring awareness to these injustices by highlighting the hands and faces of those behind the things we wear.

Fashion: Labour intensive modern slavery

Fashion is one of the most labour-intensive industries, directly employing at least 60 million people.

Handicraft artisan production is the second largest employer across the Global South.

India counts some 34 million handicraft artisans. Women represent the overwhelming majority of these artisans and today’s garment workers. The Global Slavery index estimates 40 million people are living in modern slavery today, many of whom are in the Global South working in the supply chains of western clothing brands.

Modern slavery, though not defined in law, “covers a set of specific legal concepts including forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, slavery and slavery-like practices and human trafficking.” It refers to situations like forced to work overtime without being paid, children being forced to pick cotton by the Uzbekistan government when they should be in school, women being threatened with violence if they don’t complete an order in time and workers having their passports taken away until they work off what it cost for their transportation to bring them to the factory, their living quarters and food.

Fashion is one of five key industries implicated in modern slavery by advocacy organizations. G20 countries imported $US127.7 billion fashion garments identified as at-risk products of modern slavery.

Canada has been identified as one of 12 G20 countries not taking action against modern slavery.

Colonialism and enviromental racism must be addressed if we are to tackle climate change, gender inequality, environmental degradation and human rights abuses. The poorest people on the planet and their cheap labour are exploited to make fashion clothing.

These workers are the ones who work overtime without pay and return home to contaminated toxic waterways from the factories. They suffer from diseases caused by living in devastatingly polluted areas.

When “we,” the western world, are finished with our fashions, we export back our unwanted clothing to these nations in the Global South.

These “donations” destroy these communities by filling up their landfills and deteriorate their local economies as local artisans and businesses cannot compete with the cheap prices of our discarded donations.

Transparency and traceability is key

Transparency and traceability by companies is key. Transparency involves openness, communication and accountability. As citizens of this planet, we need to demand transparency and accountability.

We can no longer afford to live the same lifestyle we have become accustomed to. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry produces 53 million

www.canadianinquirer.net

tonnes of fibre each year, more than 70 per cent of that ends up in landfills or bonfires and less than one per cent of it is used to make new clothes.

More than half of “fast” fashion produced is disposed of in less than one year. A truckload of clothing is wasted every second across the world.

The average number of times a garment is worn before it ceases to be used has decreased by 36 per cent in 15 years. Polyester is the most common fibre used today, as a result, half a million tonnes of plastic microfibres are released per year from washed clothes — 16 times more than plastic microbeads from cosmetics — contributing to ocean pollution.

Five things you can do now

We cannot keep chasing the

cheapest labour and exploiting natural resources forever. Business as usual is no longer an option. In light of the positive change that is needed to tackle climate change and create an equitable future for everyone, here are five things you can do: 1. Ask questions: #whomademyclothes?

Ask questions, educate yourself and act consciously. Who made your clothes? How will this product end its life? How long am I going to use this product for? Do I really need it? What is it made from? Does the price reflect the effort and resources that went into this?

2. Wear what you have Don’t throw away your clothes, shoes and accessories.

There are ways to keep them ❱❱ PAGE 33 Fashion production

Lifestyle

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

27

How Pinoys rise from the Study: Kids’ suicides rubble 5 years after ‘Yolanda’ spiked after Netflix’s ‘13 Reasons’

BY JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA Philippine News Agency MANILA — What started as a goal to create employment and help the people affected

by Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) to start a new life has now become a written achievement in the Canada-funded Typhoon Haiyan Reconstruction Assistance (THRA) program.

“What we experienced after Yolanda was unimaginable. But through the years, we’ve managed to recover and now we can say we are more prepared for future disasters,” said Yolanda Colbe, a cassava farmer from Carigara, Leyte, citing the assistance and skills she acquired from the THRA. The Canadian government, through CARE Philippines, an international humanitarian organization focused on strengthening livelihood and disaster preparedness, launched the four-year THRA project in 2016.

It was able to support 449 community associations through technical assistance, provision of tools and equipment for their enterprises, trainings, financial literacy, values formation, and good agricultural practices.

Of these communities, about 153,206 producers and entrepreneurs were produced, 57 percent of whom are women.

Colbe, one of the THRA beneficiaries, said before Haiyan, they only produced cassava for household consumption.

Equipped with knowledge on the elements of good and climate-resilient farming, Colbe

BY LINDSEY TANNER The Associated Press

Ambassador Holmes visits one of the THRA beneficiaries' booths during a conference in Quezon City.

PNA

said they have now maximized their agricultural lands for commercial purposes.

“After participating in CARE’s livelihood project, we learned that cassava has a market in our province and there’s a big company buying processed cassava,” she said.

Colbe’s story is common to the many individuals affected by the typhoon, said to be the one of the worst natural catastrophes of all time.

In an interview Wednesday, Ambassador John Holmes tagged it as a successful project, as it draws to its official end of implementation in June.

“It’s definitely a successful project. We’re learning here.

What we focus on is not only helping Filipinos get back on their feet, we also developed mechanisms which will contribute to the long-term viability of the individual products they produce,” Holmes said.

The envoy believes the project has effectively enabled

both women and men to work together, “how men could help in increasing the income of the family.”

More than 14 million people were affected by Haiyan, with thousands of fatalities recorded. Witnessing its aftermath, international aid poured in, including those from the Canadian government.

Holmes said the THRA project worth around 6 million Canadian dollars is only one part of its continuing development assistance to help the Yolanda victims in the Philippines.

“In the aftermath of Haiyan, Canada put out a call to Canadians to contribute to the relief efforts,” he shared. “Canadians were generous, they provided 85 million Canadian dollars, we developed the number of projects, four major ones at that to provide immediate relief in the areas affected by the typhoon and a four to five-year projects to help with the redevelopment of the devastated areas.” ■

Liz Weston:

Income can peak before you’re ready

BY LIZ WESTON OF NERDWALLET The Associated Press MOST RETIREMENT calculators are optimistic to a fault.

They assume our incomes will rise throughout our working

lives, or at least stay roughly the same.

In reality, our incomes are likely to peak years — and sometimes decades — before we retire. Consider this: — People’s biggest wage increases tend to happen in their 20s and 30s, with more modest

increases in midlife followed by declines, according to a 2016 analysis of Social Security earnings records underwritten by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

— Most people’s incomes ❱❱ PAGE 30 Income can

www.canadianinquirer.net

SUICIDES AMONG U.S. kids aged 10 to 17 jumped to a 19year high in the month following the release of a popular TV series that depicted a girl ending her life, researchers said.

The study published Monday can’t prove that the Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” was the cause, but there were 195 more youth suicides than would have been expected in the nine months following the show’s March 2017 release, given historical and seasonal suicide trends, the study estimated.

During April 2017 alone, 190 U.S. tweens and teens took their own lives. Their April 2017 suicide rate was .57 per 100,000 people, nearly 30 per cent higher than in the preceding five years included in the study. An additional analysis found that the April rate was higher than in the previous 19 years, said lead author Jeff Bridge, a suicide researcher at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

“The creators of the series intentionally portrayed the suicide of the main character.

It was a very graphic depiction of the suicide death,” which can trigger suicidal behaviour, Bridge said.

Bridge acknowledged the study’s limitations included not knowing whether anyone who died by suicide had watched the show. Also, the researchers were not able to account for other factors that might have influenced suicides. Those include the April 19, 2017, suicide of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez and a man accused of a Facebookpublicized killing who died by suicide the day before Hernandez. Bridge said those deaths couldn’t account for the spike the study found for the entire month of April.

The researchers analyzed data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on deaths in Americans aged 10 to 64 from January 2013 through December 2017.

Their results were published

in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The researchers found no change in suicide rates in those 18 and older after the show was released.

The results are plausible and add to evidence that compelling media depictions of suicide can negatively influence young people, said sociologist Anna Mueller of the University of Chicago, who was not involved in the research.

Lisa Horowitz, a co-author and researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health, noted that suicide is the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens and called it “a major public health crisis.” Her agency helped pay for the study.

Teen suicide rates have increased in recent years and other research has suggested that bullying and heavy use of social media may contribute to the risk.

Netflix included warning messages with some of the episodes and created a website with crisis hotlines and other resources. In the second season, the show’s actors offered advice to viewers on where to seek help. The series’ third season will run later this year.

A Netflix spokesman noted that the new study conflicts with University of Pennsylvania research published last week that found fewer suicidal thoughts among young adults who watched the entire second season than among non-viewers.

“We’ve just seen the study and are looking into the research,” he said. “This is a critically important topic and we have worked hard to ensure that we handle this sensitive issue responsibly.”

Horowitz said the new results highlight how important it is for parents and other adults to connect with young people.

“Start a conversation, ask how are they coping with the ups and downs of life, and don’t be afraid to ask about suicide,” she said. It’s a myth that just asking might be a trigger, Horowitz said.

“One of the best ways to prevent is to ask,” she said. ■

28

Lifestyle

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

Pain during sex? Incontinence or constipation?

You might benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy

BY CLAUDIA BROWN Assistant Professor School of Physical and Occupational Therapy McGill University, The Canadian Press “HOW DID I not know this was a pelvic floor issue? Why didn’t my doctor send me here sooner? Do you have other patients with problems like mine?”

As a physiotherapist, I hear these questions again and again, from people of all ages and genders, who are struggling with issues related to the urinary system, sexual function and the lower digestive tract.

Adrian is one example. A 35 year-old active cyclist and successful professional, he has a nagging pain in the private

parts that just won’t go away.

It is interfering with his sporting activities and ruining his sex life. Pressure from the bicycle seat, the ambitious effort to cycle 100 kilometres in record time, and the stress from a crazy week at work have all resulted in pelvic floor muscle tension and chronic pelvic pain.

Then there’s Lisa, a 63 yearold woman who is ready to become involved in a new relationship. In her search for a companion, she explores online dating and begins to realize that sex may be involved sooner than later. She worries that she may not be ready, physically, not having had sex for quite a few years, and wonders what she could do to improve her vaginal comfort and physical

confidence.

These patients, and many others, did not know that a physiotherapist could help them. In my role as a clinician and as course co-ordinator for pelvic floor rehabilitation at McGill University’s School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, I see a huge lack of awareness of the impact that physiotherapy can have on the lives of people suffering these very personal conditions.

From pain during sexual intercourse to urinary incontinence after surgery for prostate cancer, to anal incontinence after pregnancy, physiotherapy can help.

lic health programming. That changed dramatically with the Ford government’s first budget.

The budget included a $200 million cut in funding for programs delivered by local public health units as part of a proposed restructuring and consolidation of the units.

In the case of the city of Toronto, this will amount to a withdrawal of 50 per cent of provincial funding. These cuts will go directly to front-line public health services – vaccination programs, the management of infectious diseases, health inspections of restaurants and food vendors and drinking water safety.

Local medical officers of health have pointed out that these cuts are likely to “have significant negative impacts on the health of residents.” The chair of the Toronto Board of Health has been more direct, stating that “people will die” as a result of the cuts.

affecting front-line delivery of public health services.

It’s difficult to imagine a more short-sighted choice in a time marked by re-emergence of serious infectious diseases, like measles, that were thought to be virtually eradicated in Canada.

Both energy conservation and public health services suffer from the relative invisibility of their benefits – they are about avoiding costs and preventing bad outcomes. This may partially explain why they were targeted by the Ford government.

At the same time, both sets of decisions seem to demonstrate a remarkable incapacity to think or recognize benefits beyond the shortest of terms.

The government’s moves are consistent with an apparent emerging Ford doctrine of short-term gain for long-term pain. That doctrine carries with it major risks of embedding long-term structural costs for the province and its taxpayers, while undermining their ability to deal with the economic, social, environmental and health consequences. ■

❱❱ PAGE 33 Pain during

The Doug... ❰❰ 14

province’s recent budget will also exacerbate backlogs in the courts as more people, particularly those with low incomes, will find themselves without representation.

Cuts in funding to conservation authorities for flood protection seem to contradict the words of the government’s own November 2018 “made in Ontario” environment plan, which acknowledged of the impacts of climate change, including increased risks of flooding.

Long-term benefits

Yet even in this context, two recent decisions stand out as particularly significant examples of this pattern, the first related to energy conservation, and the second to the delivery of front-line public health programming. Both these areas are characterized by very high ratios of long-term benefits to immediate costs, and therefore should appeal to a government focused on value for money and “respect or taxpayers.”

Energy conservation – in the form of such things as replacing older inefficient, lighting, appliances, heating and air conditioning systems with newer models that provide the same services while using far less energy – is widely acknowledged as

the cheapest and most efficient way of meeting energy needs and reducing consumers’ bills.

Conservation measures can also play a major role in managing peaks in electricity demand and stabilizing the grid. The Ford government seemed to acknowledge much of this in its environment plan, which highlighted the benefits of energy conservation.

Ontario’s 2014 Conservation First Framework had established a province-wide structure for conservation efforts.

It established funding and inventive mechanisms, conservation targets at the provincial level and for Hydro One and local electricity utilities, and programming targeted at sectors ranging from low-income households to large industry.

The framework was widely regarded as highly effective.

Virtually all of this was eliminated by the Ford government in March, when the province terminated its entire framework for electricity conservation.

Energy conservation measures, particularly for buildings, that had also been central components of the provincial climate change strategy ended with the elimination of the capand-trade system as soon as Ford took office.

All that remains of the prov-

ince’s once comprehensive strategy are some programs for industry and the low-income sector. Utility-provided programming related to natural gas remains intact for now, although there is no certainty regarding its long-term role. The short-term gain from all of this will amount to less than $10 per person per year.

Electricity shortage looming

While province has a surplus of electricity for now, that situation is going to change significantly over the next few years with the looming and dangerously overdue retirement of the Pickering nuclear plant, and with reactors at the Darlington and Bruce facilities coming offline for refurbishment.

Conservation would be the least costly and lowest impact option to fill these gaps, yet the province has just eliminated much of the foundation of experience and capacity needed to respond to these emerging needs. Electricity costs can only rise as a result.

Short-changing public health

While there was a brief reference to moving energy conservation off electricity rates in the 2018 Progressive Conservative platform, there was no mention of cutting funding to local pubwww.canadianinquirer.net

Remembering Walkerton

Less direct cuts to public health services and oversight were implicated as contributing factors to the May 2000 Walkerton drinking water contamination tragedy, in which seven died and nearly 3,000 were made seriously ill. The Ford government’s moves are more direct,

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Disclosure information is available on the original site.

29

Sports Obiena TOPS Athlete San Juan Knights are MPBL of the Month for April Datu Cup champions

BY JEAN MALANUM Philippine News Agency MANILA — For his historic win at the Asian Athletics Championships last week, pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena was unanimously chosen by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) as its Athlete of the Month for April.

The 23-year-old Obiena cleared 5.71 meters to beat Chinese bets Zhang Wei and Huang Bokai during the 23rd edition of the Asian Athletics Championships held from April 21 to 24 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Obiena’s record erased the 5.70 meters registered by Grigoriy Yegorov of Kazakhstan when the tournament was hosted by Manila in 1993.

Obiena’s gold medal was the first by the Philippines in the continental competition since long jumper Marestella TorresSunang triumphed in 2009.

“EJ Obiena’s personal success and tournament record, which ended the country’s decade-long gold medal drought in the Asian Athletics Championships is clearly the most inspiring achievement by the Filipino athletes this April,” TOPS president Ed Andaya said in a statement on Monday.

“With his feat, Obiena also qualified to the World Championships in September,” added Andaya, also sports editor of

Ernest John Obiena.

People’s Tonight.

Also considered for the TOPS Athlete of the Month for April were 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who won three silvers in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China; World Boxing Association bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, who knocked out Stephon Young in the World Boxing Super Series at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA; John Riel Casimero, who took the vacant World Boxing Organization interim bantamweight title over Mexican Ricardo Espinoza in Carson, California; and, the Philippine women’s ice hockey team which won the gold in the IIHF Women’s Hockey Challenge in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Other winners of the TOPS Athlete of the Month this year were boxer Manny Pacquiao (January), swimmer Mikaela Jasmine Mojdeh (February) and pole vaulter Natalie Uy (March).

TOPS is composed of editors, reporters and photographers from the country’s leading tabloids. It has a weekly “Usapang Sports” forum every Thursday at the National Press Club and sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Community Basketball Association (CBA) and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drink with live streaming from Glitter Livestreaming. ■

ATHLETICS FEDERATION OF INDIA, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC BY-SA 4.0

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer AFTER 10 months of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) competition and an exciting Best-of-Five finals series, the San Juan Knights are officially crowned as the overall champions of the Datu Cup after conquering the Davao Occidental Tigers last Thursday, April 25 at the Almedras Gym in Davao.

The Senator Jinggoy Estrada-owned team was led by Mike Ayonayon at 33 points with a 12-of-18 success shooting from the field. Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) ex-pro Larry Rodriguez had a double-double at 15 points and 13 rebounds, while fellow legend Mac Cardona chipped

12 points and five assists. Former Most Valuable Player (MVP) contender Mark Yee, however, did not want to give up for Team Davao and spearheaded his team at 27 points and seven rebounds. Bonbon Custodio added 19 points, five steals, and four rebounds, while Arnold Adormeo and Eman Calo contributed 12 and 10 points respectively as well.

The score ended at 87-86, with Knights’ Jhonard Clarito scoring his 11th point of the game at the last eight seconds of the fourth quarter, causing their one-point advantage over the South Division Finalists and the overall top spot.

Knights’ head coach Randy Alcantara tells Fox Sports Philippines after the game in Filipino, “It felt good. We didn’t get the home court advantage, but

still, we were champions,” also sharing on his delight bringing a trophy home to their respective city. The last time the San Juan Knights ruled the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), which is what the MPBL is modeled after, was more than 20 years ago. Coach Randy also tells Philippine Star, “[My players] played their hearts out. They didn’t give up.

I just told them to go on playing as long as the final buzzer has not sounded. We played the right defense and have the proper players at crunch time.”

After the match, MPBL founding owner Senator Manny Pacquiao and Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes awarded the San Juan Knights their P10-million champion trophy and each player their P100,000worth championship ring. ■

Kaya FC-Iloilo looks to bounce back against Lao Toyota

BY NANETTE GUADALQUIVER Philippine News Agency BACOLOD CITY — Kaya FCIloilo is looking to bounce back from its loss in a previous home match as it takes on Lao Toyota FC in the AFC Cup 2019 at the Panaad Park and Stadium come Tuesday afternoon.

Head coach Noel Marcaida said the team will focus on their objective and maximize the opportunities to win the crucial three points.

“It’s very important, for us to go through the next round, we need to win our next two games,” Marcaida said during the pre-match press conference held at Luxor Place on Monday night.

In Group H, Kaya FC is currently on the third spot, with five points, behind Indonesia’s www.canadianinquirer.net

PSM Makassar, which leads with eight points, and Singapore’s Home United with seven points.

Lao Toyota, with only one point, is considered eliminated but still pose a threat. The visitors’ first encounter with the Filipino club in Vientiane ended in a 1-1 draw.

“My players are ready. They are looking forward to the remaining games in the elimination stage,” Marcaida said.

Kaya FC will be playing without one of its top scorers, Jovin Bedic, and defender Jalsor Soriano, who are serving suspensions.

“It’s a big loss, but we were able to come up with a solution.

We have other players who are performing well,” sqid the Kaya FC head coach.

Defender Shirmar Felongco, who came from an injury, said he is excited to play his first

match in this year’s AFC Cup. “We need to focus and not be distracted. We just have to bounce back,” he said.

Lao Toyota FC head coach Jun Fukuda said Wednesday’s game could have a different outcome from their first match against Kaya FC since the players of both teams are not the same.

“From the start, we try to get good result. Not only for our team, but also because we expect to improve for Lao football,” he added. ■

30

Business Google stock drops amid slowing ad revenue growth

BY RACHEL LERMAN The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Google parent Alphabet beat analyst earnings expectations but reported slowing revenue growth amid tougher competition in the online advertising market.

Alphabet shares dropped more than 7% in after-hours trading.

Google’s advertising revenue, its key moneymaker, grew by 15 per cent to $30.7 billion — slower than investors had hoped.

Google’s digital-ad rivals include Facebook and Amazon, the latter of which has been steadily gaining ground.

The results sparked concerns that Google’s enormously profitable advertising machine might be starting to sputter. Some analysts suggested it’s a signal that Google might need to diversify its business more quickly.

“Does this put more pressure on Google to make more aggressive bets on cloud?” asked Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives.

Google executives highlighted the company’s cloud-computing business as one of its fastest growing segments during a call with analysts Monday. But the cloud currently accounts for only a small slice of overall revenue. Google reported $5.4 billion in “other”

SUNDRY PHOTOGRAPHY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

revenue, which includes cloud, hardware and Play store purchases.

Alphabet reported a firstquarter profit of $8.3 billion, down 6% from $8.9 billion in the year-earlier period. Profit amounted to $11.90 per share, well above Wall Street estimates of $10.60.

That figure doesn’t include an expected charge of $1.7 billion to account for a European Union antitrust fine. The fine was imposed in March for anti-competitive practices in Google’s advertising business, referring to a specific exclusivity practice Google now says it has ended.

Including the fine, Alphabet’s profit of $6.7 billion fell short of

analyst estimates.

Excluding advertising commissions that Google pays to customers, Alphabet’s overall revenue was $29.5 billion — also falling short of the $30 billion analysts were expecting.

Alphabet also reported widening losses in its “Other Bets” category — a broad segment that includes experimental ventures such as self-driving car business Waymo and internet-balloon subsidiary Loon.

Losses grew to $868 million from $571 million a year ago.

Alphabet once again expanded its workforce, growing to 103,459 employees — adding nearly 4,700 workers in the last three months. ■

Bank of Canada holds interest rate, drops growth forecast for 2019

BY ANDY BLATCHFORD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada ditched its discussion of interest rate hikes Wednesday as it downgraded its 2019 growth forecast on a prediction the economy nearly ground to a halt at the start of the year.

The central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged, as expected, and appeared to be in no hurry to move the interest rate any time soon. Unlike its recent statements, the announcement Wednesday made no mention of a need for future increases.

The decision left the trendsetting rate at a still-stim-

ulative 1.75 per cent for a fourth-straight announcement — a pause that followed governor Stephen Poloz’s stretch of five hikes between mid-2017 and last fall.

The economy was operating close to full tilt for most of 2017 and 2018, the bank said, before ❱❱ PAGE 33 Bank of

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Income can... ❰❰ 27

peak by age 45, the researchers found, although the top 20% of earners peaked in their 50s.

— More than half of those who enter their 50s with a stable job are laid off or otherwise forced out the door, and the vast majority don’t recover financially, according to analysis

by ProPublica and the Urban Institute.

These may be grim statistics, but if you’re tempted to put off saving for retirement, take heed.

“When you’re 40 and things are going well, you think, ‘OK, I can see when things are going to get better and that’s when I can save for retirement,’” says Gary Burtless, an economist with the Brookings Institution who studies earnings patterns. “And those days just don’t come.”

The biggest gains come early

What’s true on average for a group of people may not be true for an individual, of course. Understanding these general patterns, though, could help people make better decisions about spending, saving and when to retire.

Generally, the more education people have, the more money they make over their lifetime and the later their earnings peak, Burtless says.

“For somebody with a position like professor at a university, it might be when they’re in the second half of their 50s, as opposed to the second half of their 30s, which it might be for your brother-in-law who failed to complete high school,” Burtless says.

But the 50s tends to be a dangerous decade for workers, according to ProPublica, an independent non-profit newsroom, and the Urban Institute, a nonprofitthink-tank that researches social and economic issues.

The researchers found 56% of full-time, full-year workers ages 51 to 54 suffered an involuntary job loss after age 50 that had a substantial economic impact, either by reducing their earnings at least 50% or resulting in six months or more of unemployment. The median

household income of these workers dropped 42%, and only one in 10 ever earned as much after they left their jobs as before. An additional 9% left their jobs involuntarily for personal reasons such as health. The analysis was based on data from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study, which tracks 20,000 people in the U.S. Save early and avoid lifestyle creep

Job disruptions and declining earnings help explain why so many people in their 60s have so little saved, Burtless says.

“Instead of having those last years when you no longer have children in the house to bulk up your savings, you are using up your savings even before you reach retirement age,” he says.

People entering their 50s without having saved enough for retirement may need to plan to work longer, or cut their expenses, rather than assume rising incomes will help them make up the deficit, says certified financial planner Michael Kitces, who blogs at Nerd’s Eye View.

Kitces advises people in their 20s and 30s to commit to putting half of their raises into retirement funds. Since those raises are likely to be largest in the early years, saving half can jump-start retirement funds while limiting “lifestyle inflation,” or the tendency to spend more as income increases.

It can be tempting to take on a big mortgage, for instance, thinking that future salary boosts will make the payments more manageable, or to celebrate a raise by buying a fancier car. If your income doesn’t rise — or starts to drop — it can be painful to downsize or go back to plainer vehicles. (Also, the more expensive your lifestyle, the more money you’ll need to retire.)

“Recognize that it’s a lot harder to remove something from our lives than it is to just not add it to our lives in the first place,” Kitces says. ■

Business

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

31

Deal or no deal? US and Chinese sides resume trade talks

BY PAUL WISEMAN The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he and other negotiators for the Trump administration should know this week or next whether they can reach a trade deal with China — or whether it’s time to “move on.”

Mnuchin and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are travelling to Beijing to resume talks Tuesday to try to end a yearlong trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

A Chinese team is scheduled to visit Washington next week for another round of talks.

“We hope within the next two rounds of (talks) in China and in D.C. to be at the point where we can either recommend to the president we have a deal or make a recommendation we don’t,” Mnuchin told FoxBusiness Network on Monday.

“There is a strong desire for both sides to see if we can wrap

this up or move on.”

The two sides are locked in a standoff over the Trump administration’s charges that Beijing steals technology and forces foreign companies operating in China to hand over trade secrets. China is pushing to make its companies world leaders in advanced industries like robotics and artificial intelligence.

President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese imports; Beijing has retaliated by taxing $110 billion in U.S. goods.

During their previous rounds of trade talks, Mnuchin said, the two sides have “made a lot of progress,” but “we still have more work to do.”

The negotiators are still discussing how to ensure that Beijing would adhere to whatever commitments it makes, as well as whether the Trump administration would keep tariffs on Chinese imports to maintain leverage over Beijing. Mnuchin told Fox Business Network that an enforcement mechanism

just “needs a little bit of fine tuning.”

U.S. officials and businesses assert that China has failed to keep past promises concerning its trade practices.

“We are at a pivotal moment in these negotiations, with a real chance to hammer out a strong, enforceable bilateral trade agreement,” said Linda Dempsey, vice-president of international economic affairs at the National Association of

Manufacturers.

American manufacturers, she said, “need a robust final deal to ensure they can compete on a level playing field.”

Trump also wants to narrow America’s huge trade deficit with China — $379 billion last year — by pressing Beijing to agree to accept more U.S. exports. But critics worry that any agreement would come at the expense of other countries that do business with China. Or that

U.S. companies might receive preferential access to China and marginalize the World Trade Organization, which is meant to enforce global free trade rule for everybody.

“It clearly undermines the WTO,” said Mary Lovely, a Syracuse University economist.

“The two bullies in the room are basically running the show.

The rest of the world is going to have to deal with the aftermath.” ■

Police entered the mosque, located in Kattankudy in eastern Sri Lanka, and stopped an interview among foreign journalists and mosque officials.

Later, a senior police officer dispersed journalists waiting outside, saying authorities were conducting a “cordon and search operation.”

Police then left, locking up the mosque just before afternoon prayers were to start.

Authorities banned National Towheed Jamaat over its ties to Mohammed Zahran, the alleged mastermind of the Easter Sunday bombings. Zahran and masked others had pledged their loyalty to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi before carrying out the attacks, showing the danger the extremist group poses even after losing all its territory in Iraq and Syria.

On Friday night, a confrontation with police sparked a firefight with the militants in Kalmunai, some 225 kilometres (140 miles) northeast of Colombo. Sri Lanka’s military said the gunfire and later suicide blasts

killed 15 people, including six children.

On Sunday, the Islamic State group claimed three of the militants who blew themselves up there. In a statement carried by the extremists’ Aamaq news agency, IS identified the bombers by their noms du guerre as Abu Hammad, Abu Sufyan and Abu al-Qa’qa. It said they opened fire with automatic weapons and “after exhausting their ammunition, detonated … their explosive belts.”

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said a woman and a 4-year-old child found wounded after the gunbattle have been identified as Zahran’s wife and daughter.

At the main police station in Ampara, an outdoor stage now holds what police recovered after the firefight. The IS-aligned militants had created a bombmaking factory at the home, complete with laboratorystyle beakers and thick rubber gloves.

Bags of fertilizer, gunpowder and small ball bearings filled

boxes. Police found tens of litres (gallons) of acids, used to make the fire of the blast more lethal.

A police investigator, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to publicly comment, said the mix of acids worsened the wounds suffered by those who didn’t immediately die in the blast.

“At the hospital a lot more people died. That’s why,” he said, nodding toward the acids.

“It made the wounds incurable.”

The bombers likely carried two rectangular detonators in their pockets similar to the ones recovered, the investigator said. A red switch armed the explosives, while a light teal button detonated the bombs hidden inside of their large backpacks.

Along with the acids, the bombs contained a mixture of fertilizer, gunpowder, ball bearings and explosives typically used by quarries to blast loose rocks, the investigator

said. Those explosives made the bombs powerful enough to blow the roof off of St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, he said, referring to one of the churches near Colombo targeted in the Easter attacks.

The Sri Lankan navy controls the sale of the mining explosives and investigators already have begun tracing the serial numbers off of the plastic sticks, he said. A notebook contained bomb-making instructions that had apparently been explained to the writer.

Police also recovered religious tracts in Tamil glorifying suicide bombings, saying they granted the attacker direct entrance to heaven. The investigator contrasted that to the Tamil Tigers, a separatist group the government defeated in 2009 after a 26-year civil war.

“Their only intention is to kill as many as possible,” the investigator said. “That is different than the Tamil Tigers. They wanted to control land. These people want to kill as many as possible.” ■

No Mass... ❰❰ 19

apaksa had attended the Mass in person.

Their political rivalry and government dysfunction are blamed for a failure to act upon near-specific information received from foreign intelligence agencies that preceded the bombings, which targeted three churches and three luxury hotels.

Police said they had arrested 48 suspects over the last 24 hours as checkpoints mounted by all of Sri Lanka’s security forces sprung up across this country of 21 million people.

Those arrested include two men whom authorities recently appealed to the public to locate.

The government also warned that it would crack down on those spreading false information and making inflammatory remarks.

Police, meanwhile, entered the main mosque of National Towheed Jamaat on Sunday afternoon, just a day after authorities declared it and another organization terror groups over the bombings.

www.canadianinquirer.net

32

Technology Be wary of robot emotions; ‘simulated love is never love’

BY RACHEL LERMAN The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO – When a robot “dies,” does it make you sad? For lots of people, the answer is “yes” – and that tells us something important, and potentially worrisome, about our emotional responses to the social machines that are starting to move into our lives.

For Christal White, a 42-yearold marketing and customer service director in Bedford, Texas, that moment came several months ago with the cute, friendly Jibo robot perched in her home office. After more than two years in her house, the foot-tall humanoid and its inviting, round screen “face” had started to grate on her. Sure, it danced and played fun word games with her kids, but it also sometimes interrupted her during conference calls.

White and her husband Peter had already started talking about moving Jibo into the empty guest bedroom upstairs.

Then they heard about the “death sentence” Jibo’s maker had levied on the product as its business collapsed. News arrived via Jibo itself, which said its servers would be shutting down, effectively lobotomizing it.

“My heart broke,” she said. “It was like an annoying dog that you don’t really like because it’s your husband’s dog. But then you realize you actually loved it all along.”

The Whites are far from the first to experience this feeling.

People took to social media can influence the tendency this year to say teary goodbyes people have to project narrato the Mars Opportunity rover tives and feelings onto mechanwhen NASA lost contact with ical objects, said Julie Carpenthe 15-year-old robot. A few ter, a researcher who studies years ago, scads of concerned people’s interaction with new commenters weighed in on technologies. Especially if a a demonstration video from robot has something resemrobotics company Boston Dy- bling a face, its body resembles namics in which employees those of humans or animals, or kicked a dog-like robot to prove just seems self-directed, like a its stability.

Roomba robot vacuum.

Smart robots like Jibo ob“Even if you know a robot viously aren’t alive, but that has very little autonomy, when us. Some AI systems already doesn’t stop us from acting as something moves in your space present as socially and emothough they are. Research has and it seems to have a sense tionally aware, but those reacshown that people have a ten- of purpose, we associate that tions are often scripted, making dency to project human traits with something having an inner the machine seem “smarter” onto robots, especially when awareness or goals,” she said. than it actually is. they move or act in even vagueSuch design decisions are “The performance of empaly human-like ways. also practical, she said. Our thy is not empathy,” she said.

Designers acknowledge that homes are built for humans and “Simulated thinking might be such traits can be powerful pets, so robots that look and thinking, but simulated feeling tools for both connection and move like humans or pets will is never feeling. Simulated love manipulation. That could be an fit in more easily. is never love.” especially acute Designers at issue as robots robotic startups move into our insist that huhomes – parmanizing eleticularly if, like It was like an annoying dog that ments are critiso many other you don’t really like because it’s cal as robot use home devices, your husband’s dog. But then you expands. “There they also turn realize you actually loved it all is a need to apinto conduits for along. pease the public, data collected on to show that you their owners. are not disrup“When we intive to the public teract with another human, Some researchers, however, culture,” said Gadi Amit, presidog, or machine, how we treat worry that designers are un- dent of NewDealDesign in San it is influenced by what kind derestimating the dangers as- Francisco. of mind we think it has,” said sociated with attachment to inHis agency recently worked Jonathan Gratch, a professor at creasingly life-like robots. on designing a new delivery University of Southern CaliforLongtime AI researcher and robot for Postmates – a fournia who studies virtual human MIT professor Sherry Turkle, wheeled, bucket-shaped object interactions. “When you feel for instance, is concerned that with a cute, if abstract, face; something has emotion, it now design cues can trick us into rounded edges; and lights that merits protection from harm.” thinking some robots are ex- indicate which way it’s going to The way robots are designed pressing emotion back toward turn.

www.canadianinquirer.net

@JIBO / TWITTER

It’ll take time for humans and robots to establish a common language as they move throughout the world together, Amit said. But he expects it to happen in the next few decades.

But what about robots that work with kids? In 2016, Dallas-based startup RoboKind introduced a robot called Milo designed specifically to help teach social behaviours to kids who have autism. The mechanism, which resembles a young boy, is now in about 400 schools and has worked with thousands of kids.

It’s meant to connect emotionally with kids at a certain level, but RoboKind co-founder Richard Margolin says the company is sensitive to the concern that kids could get too attached to the robot, which features human-like speech and facial expressions.

So RoboKind suggests limits in its curriculum, both to keep Milo interesting and to make sure kids are able to transfer those skills to real life. Kids are only recommended to meet with Milo three to five times a week for 30 minutes each time. ■

33

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

Pain during... ❰❰ 28

Pain during sexual intercourse

Up to 20 per cent of women have pain during sexual intercourse. This is a surprising statistic, especially when it predominantly includes active women in their twenties and thirties, who may believe that there is something psychologically wrong with them when all of the gynaecological tests come up negative.

Vestibulodynia, an invisible hypersensitivity at the entrance to the vagina, is considered the most common cause of sexual pain in pre-menopausal women. It can be treated in physiotherapy.

The pelvic floor muscles span the private area under the pelvis. They are responsible not only for helping to control the passage of urine, stool and gas, but also for allowing comfort and pleasure during sex.

These muscles also support the pelvic organs and help with balance and stability. It is important to be able to contract and to relax these muscles.

Pelvic floor exercises train the muscles for the desired result, and are sometimes referred to as “targeted” Kegels.

In pelvic floor physiotherapy, patients learn exercises, and they may receive manual treatments, biofeedback and/ or electrical stimulation. Biofeedback displays pelvic floor activity on a computer screen, making it easier to contract and relax muscles that are usually hidden from view. Electrical stimulation causes a painfree muscle contraction, with the goal of improving the ability to contract and relax natu-

Bank of... rally.

Research supports the use of physiotherapy in the treatment of a variety of pelvic disorders.

A team approach is ideal, and, depending upon the condition, may involve collaboration with general practitioners, urologists, gynaecologists, sex therapists and others.

Prostate, pregnancy and potty

After surgery for prostate cancer, up to 40 per cent of men experience problems with urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor physiotherapy teaches men different strategies to control leakage. Men can even consult prior to surgery, in order to prepare.

Women experience an array of pelvic floor issues during and after pregnancy. It is important to mention that many women who have had a third or fourth degree tear during delivery will experience issues with anal incontinence later in life.

Some countries systematically refer these patients for preventative physiotherapy and some centres in Canada are now beginning to follow suit.

More than 40 per cent of women also have issues with bladder control. Patients with stress urinary incontinence and those with an overactive bladder can experience significant improvement in physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy is considered first-line intervention for both types of incontinence by the International Continence Society, the Canadian Urological Association and the European Association of Urology.

Constipation is another is-

sue that may be caused by the inability to relax the muscles of the pelvic floor and anal sphincter at the appropriate time.

Physiotherapists can work to improve “defecation dynamics” and provide suggestions for lifestyle changes.

In children, constipation may lead to soiling or overflow incontinence. Children may also be seen for urinary disorders.

A co-ordinated physiotherapy plan

The internet has been instrumental in enabling patients to learn about embarrassing or taboo subjects in the privacy of their own homes, and has led many to seek out physiotherapy as a viable treatment option for pelvic conditions.

Patients consulting for pelvic floor issues learn how the bladder functions, how the pelvic floor muscles can be involved in constipation, what causes the muscles to be such culprits in pelvic pain and how new brain research supports a biopsycho-social approach for the management of their problems.

They find an ally in the physiotherapist, who supports them and directs them towards the improvement of their condition.

A step-by-step coordinated physiotherapy plan is a key element in the interdisciplinary management of patients with disorders related to the pelvic floor. ■ This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Disclosure information is available on the original site.

Fashion production... ❰❰ 26

out of landfills (reuse, resell, swap, repair, tailor, donation, hand me downs). Can it be repaired?

Tailored? Learn to care for your clothes, the longer we keep wearing items, the more we reduce the emissions footprint of our closet.

3. Find alternative ways to be fashionable Buy vintage, reduce, rent, resell, reuse, swap, repair, tailor or share. Think about the impact you want to make and whether you can sustain that?

E.g. reducing plastic use, using

less animal products or supporting local businesses.

4. Build a personal style Knowing what works for you, your body and your lifestyle will have you feeling fabulous all the time (regardless of what the latest “trends” are).

5. Support ethical producers — but only if you need something You can’t buy your way into sustainability. Overconsumption has led us to an unsustainable ecosystem. We need to reconsider what are “our needs” are vs. “our wants.” The abun-

dance offered to consumers is far greater than any need. Consider Livia Firth’s #30wears campaign which encourages consumers to ask: Will I wear this item a minimum of 30 times? “If the answer is yes, then buy it. But you’d be surprised how many times you say no.” ■ This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Disclosure information is available on the original site. www.canadianinquirer.net

❰❰ 30

a sudden decelera- rate increases.” The January tion in the final three statement said the benchmark months of last year. would need to rise over time to The slowdown was largely a so-called neutral range that caused by a drop in oil prices had been estimated at between and unexpectedly weak num- 2.5 and 3.5 per cent. bers for investment and exports In addition to the change in — and the bank says its effects the statement’s language, the have spilled into 2019. central bank also updated its “In Canada, growth during estimate Wednesday of the neuthe first half of 2019 is now ex- tral — or destination — range, pected to be slower than was which is the preferred level anticipated in January,” said when the economy is running the bank, noting how weaker- at full capacity and when inflathan-expected housing and tion is within its target zone of consumption one to three per also weighed on cent. the economy.

The bank said In its latits new, slightly est quarterly lower estimated projections, We will range is between also released continue to 2.25 and 3.25 per Wednesday, the evaluate the cent. bank predicted appropriate Many econogrowth in real degree of mists expect the gross domestic monetary policy bank to leave the product of 1.2 accommodation interest rate unper cent for 2019, as new data touched until at down from its arrive. least late in the January forecast year, with some of 1.7 per cent. warning a rate The Bank of cut could arrive Canada projectbefore the next ed growth at an annualized rate increase. of just 0.3 per cent in the first The Bank of Canada, which three months of 2019. was widely expected to stand Following the release pat on the rate Wednesday, will Wednesday, the Canadian dol- make its next policy announcelar came under pressure and ment on May 29. fell nearly half a cent.

Poloz has stressed the bank’s The central bank, howev- dependence on data, and the er, also predicted better days statement Wednesday said it ahead. will pay close attention to the The economy should pick evolution of household spendup its pace in the second quar- ing, oil markets and global trade ter on expectations of stron- policy. ger housing activity, consumer Looking ahead, the bank spending, exports and business projects a gradual expansion of investment, the bank said. It ex- investment outside the oil and pects the economy to build mo- gas sector before it turns into mentum through 2019 before solid growth in the second half returning to above-potential of 2019. It expects the boost growth of 2.1 per cent in 2020 to come with companies’ reand two per cent in 2021. sponses to capacity constraints, Even with the anticipated higher operating profits and improvements, the bank avoid- investment incentives from the ed mentioning future rate hikes federal and Ontario governin its statement Wednesday like ments. it had in the past.

Exports of goods and servic“Given all of these devel- es, in particular, are expected opments, governing council to grow with a lift from foreign judges that an accommodative demand, though the bank noted policy interest rate continues there’s still uncertainty given to be warranted,” the bank said. global trade tensions.

“We will continue to evaluate The bank predicts consumpthe appropriate degree of mon- tion to continue expanding etary policy accommodation as along with growing wages — new data arrive.” even though households are The central bank’s March burdened with high debt loads rate announcement said there — and for the dampening efwas “increased uncertainty fects of recent housing meaabout the timing of future sures to fade over time. ■

MAY 3, 2019

34

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35

Travel Popular river overlook in Arizona now has parking fee

BY FELICIA FONSECA The Associated Press

that as short as five to six years ago, it was a relatively local spot, and then it just started growing exponentially,” said Mary Plumb, a spokeswoman for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which encompasses the canyon. “Most people believe it’s caused by Instagram.”

Page recently completed the first phase of a parking lot that has 160 spaces. The cost starts at $5 per motorcycle and $10 per vehicle, and goes up for commercial vans and tour buses, depending on how many passengers they carry. A second phase that will be completed next month will add 140 spots.

An overflow lot with 300 spaces has shuttle service to the site.

From the parking lot, tourists hike less than a mile to the canyon’s rim and can see the river bend either from a platform with safety railings or with

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ. — Parking at a spot near the edge of an Arizona canyon where the Colorado River makes a sharp U-turn now comes at a cost.

You can blame that mostly on social media.

Countless posts have celebrated the wonder of Horseshoe Bend, where the bluishgreen river takes a 270-degree turn just outside the town of Page, near the Utah border.

Photographs on Facebook, Inreation area is rerouting part of stagram and elsewhere show the trail that has a sandy, steep tourists dangling their feet over ascent to make it accessible to a more than 500-foot (152-methe disabled, and has plans for ter) drop, staring contemplashade structures. tively or throwing their hands Parking was a free-for-all in in the air. a dirt area before Page decided Chances are, the tourists to develop the lot, city manager are surrounded by hundreds Mike Celaya said. Law enforceof people from ment officers around the world routinely patrol who marveled at the area to direct the site online traffic and keep and wanted to He said he was drawn by online tourists from see it in person. research that declared Horseshoe parking along The traffic and Bend one of the region’s must-see the highway. safety concerns places, and said it was “better than Two years ago, that come with in the pictures.” a tour bus that the site’s popudidn’t see a tourlarity are what ist in the parking led officials to lot hit and killed start charging a parking fee this nothing but open space in front the person, Celaya said. month. of them. The viewing platform “We felt that a more orches“Most people in Page will say opened last year, and the rec- trated, more co-ordinated

parking structure would obviously be a remedy to some of the issues and challenges the city was facing,” Celaya said.

The congestion isn’t unique to Horseshoe Bend. Other places around the West, including Hanging Lake in western Colorado, Conundrum Hot Springs near Aspen, Colorado, Fossil Creek in northern Arizona, and Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon, have started charging, or requiring permits or reservations to visit.

Page plans to use the revenue to pay for the development, which eventually will include restrooms and a visitors centre, maintain the improvements and provide emergency services, Celaya said. He said the city has spent $5 million so far.

Officials estimate up to 2

million people visit Horseshoe Bend annually.

James Hamilton, of London, recently spent five days in Page visiting Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

He said he was drawn by online research that declared Horseshoe Bend one of the region’s must-see places, and said it was “better than in the pictures.”

He and a friend arrived by bicycle just before the implementation of the parking fee, which doesn’t affect bicyclists.

“I understand why there’s need for some facilities at that area, maybe for the disabled access, or toilets or parking,” he said. “But it would be better if it was free or if it was included in some wider pass where you could access lots of different areas.” ■

but being organized can make our lives easier and in order.

And who knows? You might find lots of buried treasures from long ago like old photos or letters, but the best type to find is money or gift cards you have forgotten about. It feels as if you struck gold!

tomers, need to have a rest day sometimes to remind ourselves that we have a life outside work and to refrain ourselves from being burned out that cannot only wreak havoc on our job performance, but also on our health, relationships, and happiness.

So leave every work-related stuff behind for a while and do not waste your holiday. Enjoy the taste of freedom and make sure to have a blessed relaxing day today! ■

Here are... ❰❰ 21

desk for at least eight hours a day; you really have to flex and warm up those muscles. So start your much-appreciated rest day, perhaps, with stretching, to walking, long slow jogging, and to sprinting. Sometimes a workout is needed to get that satisfying relaxing feeling.

9. Exercise your brain

Raise your hands if you have ever tried to focus at work but you felt so overwhelmed that

you could not get it all together; you just went blank. Well then, guess it’s best for you to exercise not only your body but also your brain through reading books, playing games that make you think, strategize, and remember information (like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and chess), writing essays or journals, or just find a peaceful place and meditate. Listening to your favorite music can also be of help; it is actually the easiest way to do a brain workout

and cope with stress.

10. Organize your stuff

Can your room still be recognized as a “room?” Or it can be compared to a dumpsite? If it is the latter, then guess it is time for you to get organized.

From folding your clothes, to keeping your drawers tidy, to sweeping the floor, and to taking a mountain of garbage out of your room — yes, it is going to be a chore to do all these and it can be a daunting task to some, www.canadianinquirer.net

Having a break does not mean we are neglecting our duties and responsibilities as part of the country’s workforce. We all, including your boss and cus-

36

Travel

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

Pandang Gitab, Oriental Mindoro’s ‘unique’ festival of lights

BY JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Pandang Gitab Festival, coined from the Filipino folk dance Pandango sa Ilaw (Dance of Lights), is a far cry from the loud, usual drummed beats of older and much famous festivals in the Philippines. But for the people of Oriental Mindoro, that unique aspect adds to the annual festival’s allure.

Set at night, the event lit up the streets of Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro province last Saturday, with the melodious Pandango sa Ilaw composition of National Artist for Music Col. Antonino Buenaventura serenading fiesta-goers.

Street dancers donning colorful and glittery garbs inspired from the traditional baro’t saya twirled and swayed with the rural, lively tune of Pandango to relive the old and simple living

of fisherfolk in the island.

According to the book “Ramon Obusan, Philippine Folkdance, and Me” authored by Kanami Namiki, the word “Pandango” descended from Spanish Fandango. It is danced with various properties such as sa ilaw (with light) in Mindoro, sa sambalilo (with hat) in Bulacan, and other regional and local variations.

The Pandango sa Ilaw, similar to that of Pangasinan province, originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

It is also described in the book that Pandango sa Ilaw is “a dance made up of two dances using lights, one from Mindoro where dancers balance oil lamps on their head and on their palms, and the other from Pangasinan, which uses lamps wrapped in dark-pink scarves to provide a beacon for fishermen coming from the sea.”

The wives from the coastal community of Mindoro accompany their husbands with

oil lamps and its burning wisps light the way to the shore. Part of this practice is a ritual dance for a safe voyage and bountiful catch.

The Pandang Gitab, a nod to this tradition, came to being as a street dance and an activity at the 51st founding anniversary of Oriental Mindoro in 2001.

It was held as an annual affair since then.

For Don Stephenson Calda, Oriental Mindoro tourism officer, this still nascent festival has a “big potential” to attract foreign and domestic tourists outside the province.

“We want to promote Pandang Gitab not only in Calapan area but also to other provinces and foreigners. As you notice, the influx of spectators are limited, usually it’s only from Calapan and Baco area,” he said.

At present, Oriental Mindoro has Puerto Galera, known for its dive sites and beaches, as its main tourist draw.

Calda said aside from Puerto Galera, the agriculture-oriented province has a lot more to offer since it is teeming with vi-

Dancers wear headdresses adorned with lights as they dance on the streets of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro during the Pandang Gitab Festival.

PNA

brant traditions from locals.

He said they wanted to boost tourism in the province through cultural events such as Pandang Gitab, and the promotion of Oriental Mindoro’s different tourism products per town.

Dr. Jay Mark Atienza, choreographer for the Baco delegation, the 2019 Pandang Gitab Dance Parade Competition champion, said the festival is

unique from the other wellknown Philippine festivals and expressed optimism it would catch the attention of fiesta revelers nationwide.

“This is unique from others, it’s festive (in interpretation) yet it fully captures the culture and tradition of Mindoro. Yes, it has a lot of potential,” he said in Filipino. “I think this is what will make Oriental Mindoro popular in the future.” ■

130K Filipino tourists expected to visit France this year

BY JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The French government is seeking to attract at least 130,000 Filipino tourists to its numerous medieval towns and religious destinations by end of 2019.

Morad Tayebi, Southeast Asian director for AtoutFrance, the European nation’s Development Tourism Agency, said Filipino tourists in France reached around 110,000 in 2018, 44 percent of whom travelled for religious purposes.

“The good about Filipino market is they usually combine shopping, pilgrimage, cultural visits, even sports some times,” he told reporters.

“This year, hopefully, we reach 130,000 or maybe more.” www.canadianinquirer.net

Tayebi said Atout-France already organized familiarization trips for several Filipino travel agents to visit their key spiritual destinations.

The Atout-France and its partners, Tourism Boards from Lourdes, Avignon, and Chartes, as well as French hotel chain The Original Hotels conducted their fourth visit to the Philippines to touch base with the media and travel sector focused on Catholic pilgrimages.

Last year, the roadshow was held in Manila and Cebu. This year, similar activities such as workshops and press gatherings were also organized in Davao City.

France has about 50,000 religious sites wherein around 10,000 are protected “historical buildings.” Of this number, 11 are UNESCO world heritage sites, including the Cathedral of

Notre-Dame in Paris.

Aside from Paris, France offers other religious sites once connected to some key Catholic figures such as Lourdes, the birthplace of St. Bernadette; Nevers, her resting place; Lisieux and Alencon with its connection to St. Theresa; and Avignon where the Pope’s palace was situated in the 14th century and is also the largest Gothic palace in the world.

In an effort to increase the number of Filipino tourists in France, the French Embassy in Manila has implemented the delivery of visas within 48 hours after submitting to VFS Global, France’s external service provider since 2017.

According to the Embassy, this move helped increase the number of visas issued by their consular section by around 50 percent in 2018. ■

37

Food Buttermilk and salt key to this crispy oven fried chicken AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN SOAKING CHICKEN in seasoned buttermilk guarantees that your crispy chicken will come out of the oven moist and juicy on the inside.

Salt doesn’t just enhance flavour—when you soak meat in a salty solution (a brine), the salt reshapes protein molecules and helps them hold onto moisture when the meat is cooked.

Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which is a mild acid that gently breaks down some proteins and makes chicken more tender.

Follow this recipe with your kids.

Crispy oven-fried chicken

Servings: 4 Cook Time: 1 1/2 hours

• 2 cups buttermilk • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • Salt and pepper • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 3 pounds bone-in chicken

pieces (split breasts, drumsticks, and/or thighs) • Vegetable oil spray • 4 cups cornflakes • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning • 1 teaspoon paprika In large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and garlic powder.

Use paper towel to grasp skin on one piece of chicken, then pull off and discard skin. Repeat with remaining pieces of chicken. Add chicken to buttermilk mixture and turn to coat well. Wash your hands. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 F. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set cooling rack inside baking sheet. Spray rack with vegetable oil spray.

Place cornflakes in large zipper-lock bag. Add poultry seasoning and paprika. Seal bag and shake to combine. Use rolling pin to crush cornflakes into

small pieces. Pour cornflake mixture into second large bowl.

Remove one piece of chicken from buttermilk mixture, add to bowl with cornflake mixture, and toss to coat. Use your hands to gently press crumbs onto all sides of chicken. Place chicken on greased rack in baking sheet.

Repeat with remaining pieces of chicken. Wash your hands.

Spray chicken all over with vegetable oil spray until each piece is shiny. Place baking sheet in oven and bake until chicken breasts register 165 F on instant-read thermometer and drumsticks/thighs register 175 F, 35 to 45 minutes.

Use oven mitts to remove baking sheet from oven (ask an adult for help). Place bak-

ing sheet on second cooling rack and let cool for 5 minutes.

Serve. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 438 calories; 166 calories from fat; 18 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 155 mg cholesterol; 1160 mg sodium; 26 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 39 g protein.

Cauliflower on the grill? Don’t be scared. It’s easy AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN TO MAKE grilled cauliflower with a tender interior and a flavourful, nicely browned exterior, we first microwaved it until it was cooked through and then briefly grilled it to pick up colour and flavour.

To ensure that the cauliflower held up on the grill without falling through the grate and to provide sufficient surface area for browning, we cut the head into wedges.

Dunking the cauliflower in a salt and sugar solution before microwaving seasoned it all over, even in the nooks and crannies. Look for cauliflower with densely packed florets www.canadianinquirer.net

that feels heavy for its size.

Using tongs or a thin metal spatula to gently flip the wedges helps keep them intact. This dish stands well on its own, but to dress it up, serve it sprinkled with 1 tablespoon of Almond, Raisin, and Caper Relish (recipe follows).

Grilled cauliflower

Servings: 4-6 Start to finish: 35 minutes

• 1/4 cup salt • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 head cauliflower (2 pounds), cut into 6 equal wedges • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives • 1 tablespoon topping (recipe

follows) • Lemon wedges Whisk 2 cups water, salt, and sugar in medium bowl until salt and sugar dissolve. Holding wedges by core, gently dunk in salt-sugar mixture until evenly moistened (do not dry—residual water will help cauliflower steam). Transfer wedges, rounded side down, to large plate and cover with inverted large bowl.

Microwave until cauliflower is translucent and tender and paring knife slips easily in and out of thickest stem of florets (not core), 14 to 16 minutes.

Carefully (bowl and cauliflower will be very hot) transfer cauliflower to paper towel-lined ❱❱ PAGE 38 Cauliflower on

38

MAY 3, 2019

FRIDAY

Cauliflower on... ❰❰ 37

plate and pat dry with paper towels. Brush cut sides of wedges with 1 tablespoon oil.

— For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter three-quarters filled with charcoal briquettes (4 1/2 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.

— For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium-high.

Clean and oil cooking grate. Place cauliflower, cut side down, on grill and cook, covered, until well browned with spots of charring, 3 to 4 minutes. Using tongs or thin metal spatula, flip cauliflower and cook second cut side until well browned with spots of charring, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip again so cauliflower is sitting on rounded edge and cook until browned, 1 to 2 minutes.

Transfer cauliflower to serving platter. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, sprinkle with chives and topping, and serve with lemon wedges.

Almond, Raisin, and Caper Relish

Makes about 1/2 cup

Golden raisins plus briny capers, crunchy almonds, and white wine vinegar make for a sweet, salty, and tangy topping.

Champagne vinegar can be used in place of white wine vinegar and regular raisins in place of golden raisins, if desired.

• 2 tablespoons golden raisins • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted and chopped fine • 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped fine • 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley • Pinch red pepper flakes • 3-4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper Combine raisins and 2 tablespoons hot water in small bowl and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain raisins and chop fine. Toss raisins and vinegar in bowl, then stir in almonds, capers, parsley, and pepper flakes. Stir in 3 tablespoons oil; mixture should be well moistened. If still dry, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 233 calories; 145 calories from fat; 16 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 1021 mg sodium; 18 g carbohydrate; 6 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 6 g protein.

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Ninja Bubble... ❰❰ 22

people rushing in and out for a drink that was basically of tea, milk, sugar, and pearls. Finding himself seated at the bubble tea place, at 10 of the evening, was an experience that changed his life and was “the spark that pulled me out of my depression.” Just to add to that momentous night, the pain he felt because of his achilles injury was suddenly non-existent as he found himself compellingly inspired to open his own bubble tea shop.

Voila! In a week, Philbert finished a “comprehensive” 100+ page business plan. This new endeavor, however, is something he could not do alone, and he knew that. This time, instead of threading the path alone, he decided to ask two people to join him – Zabrina and his bestfriend Justin Umali.

“I called it Ninja, because we wanted to run the company through the great philosophies of martial arts… that include: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, modesty, self-control, and indomitable spirit.”

Now having his own team to work with, they tendered their business plan to a bank to start with a partial funding.

And with this new path that he started, Philbert parted ways with the gym.

However, easy is definitely not found in his first steps as the funds were still not enough to hire general trades.

“If you see our Coquitlam location, I always like to say that we literally have our fingerprints in every nook and cranny of the shop. How? Because we built the shop with our bare hands.”

Taking the major role as the general contractor, together with his partners Zabrina and Justin, it was definitely the power of family and friends that turned the “bare empty shell site and made it to what is now.”

Just to make this already more difficult than it sounds, Philbert also shared that he was still in his crutches and in his period of healing from his injury. “…climbing scaffolding to install drywall that is 10 to 20 ft. high. Call me crazy, but it needed to be done and I’m proud that we got it done.”

It was a success to see Ninja Bubble Tea standing… literally. But the struggles do not end here. It was only the beginning.

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Stand tall

Who says that all it takes to start up a business is literally open a store? Probably no one, because doing so is definitely not an easy job.

In its first year, Ninja Bubble Tea, with influences and origins coming from different nations, owned by a Filipino, did not sit well with some customers.

“We even had customers that walk out simply because ‘we were not Chinese.’

Apparently to a few, if bubble tea was not served by Chinese, it was not authentic.”

Though harsh, Philbert said they just learned to roll with such comments and continued to bank on their idea.

He says that they are a go-to for their Loco Ferrero, Calamansi-Mango Chia Green Tea, Tater-Tot Poutine, and Kale Ninja. “Looking forward, we recently opened our first franchise shop at the Rivermarket, New Westminster and we are eyeing more locations in the future.”

Philbert says that they are now looking for like-minded individuals who are interested to invest and open their own Ninja Bubble Tea. Some areas they would love to be in are “Filipino areas” such as Main Street, Joyce, Surrey, and Edmonds.

Every step – good or bad, wonderful or tiring, simple or difficult – are taken as a stepping stone in Ninja’s journey. This makes their shop welcome to everyone, wishing to not cater to only one demographic, and be appealing to all.

Ninja also chooses to be involved in its surrounding community.

“We are a company that believes that service for the community translates to our existence.”

And while Ninja is a made from randomness, one thing is intact, and that is the Filipino in Philbert.

“Filipinos are very hardworking, creative, and resourceful. Whenever I see our shop, I imagine the indomitable spirit of the Filipino shining through. I am lucky to have even partial of these traits.”

Ninja Bubble Tea, amidst its mix of different ideas and cultures, makes sure to have its Philippine flag, Manny Pacquiao posters, and Calamansi drinks to remind our Kababayans of home. However, for Philbert, aside from these, “I think you will see the warmth of the Filipino in our shop.” ■

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FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

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MAY 3, 2019

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