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MAY 31, 2019

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VOL. 5 NO. 373

PRRD ARRIVES IN JAPAN President Rodrigo R. Duterte receives a warm welcome from Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda upon his arrival at the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan on May 28, 2019. The President is scheduled to attend business forums and roundtable meetings with the Japanese business sector to encourage investments and further heighten interest in the Philippines as a Japanese tourist destination of choice. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Palace hails improved PH rank in World Competitiveness Yearbook BY EJ ROQUE Philippine News Agency MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday hailed the recent improvement of the country in this year’s World Competi-

tiveness Yearbook published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Philip-

38% of Pinoys say their lives improved in Q1 of 2019 — SWS survey

20 Tanong No. 10: Handa ka na ba?

❱❱ PAGE 8 Palace hails

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❱❱ PAGE 19

May to quit as party leader June 7, opening race for new PM

Philippine News

MAY 31, 2019

Villar still richest senator BY FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Philippine News Agency MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar retained her ranking as the richest member of the Senate based on her 2018 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) released Monday. Villar’s declared net worth as of Dec. 31, 2018 was pegged at PHP3,719,941,858 with zero liabilities. Villar was followed by Senator Manny Pacquiao, who reported a net worth of PHP3,005,808,000. Pacqiuao declared assets amounting to PHP3,151,813,728, while registering liabilities amounting to PHP146,005,728. The eight other senators who landed in the Top 10 richest are Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto (PHP555.32 million), Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri (PHP182.85 million), Sonny Angara (PHP135.84 million), JV Ejercito (PHP132.82 million), Franklin Drilon (PHP97.72 million) Sherwin

Gatchalian (PHP96.21 million), Grace Poe (PHP93.039 million), and Richard Gordon (PHP71.285 million). Opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was at the bottom of

CYNTHIA A. VILLAR / FACEBOOK

the list with P7,533,012 wealth in his SALN with total assets amounting to PHP15,909,800 but with PHP8,376,787 in liabilities. ■

New adviser for religious affairs vows to ‘concretize’ PRRD visions BY EJ ROQUE Philippine News Agency MANILA — Newly-appointed Presidential Adviser for Religious Affairs Bishop Grepor “Butch” Belgica on Friday vowed to concretize President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s vision of a God-fearing nation. “As Adviser for Religious Affairs, my primary concern is concretizing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s vision of a Godfearing nation endowed with liberty, truly free to worship the true and living God, Creator of the universe,” he said in a statement. Belgica thanked the President for his appointment, adding that he will only have a onepeso compensation every year. “For the prestigious position of Presidential Adviser for Religious Affairs, I am overwhelmed

Waste materials from Australia not illegal: Customs exec BY JIGGER JERUSALEM Philippine News Agency

Senator Cynthia Villa.

with joy and that awesome feeling of gratefulness. Thank you Mayor Rody,” he said. Belgica expressed his support for the Duterte administration’s initiatives, adding that his “agenda should correspond with President Duterte’s agenda.” “As a Presidential Adviser for Religious Affairs to the Head of State, I serve gratis et amore since the position is in line with the Lord’s highest calling in life which rejects hirelings.” he said. “I receive the responsibility as God-ordained. May I be a blessing to the President, in particular, and to our people and nation, in general,” he added. Belgica cited the illegal drug problem as one of those that destroys the Filipino youth. “It is, particularly, the evil infestation of drugs that he wants

removed. He is determined to stop the destruction of Filipino youth, our posterity. And consequently, he desires the transformation of broken lives that were ruined by substance abuse. These are which he wants addressed,” he said. Belgica also commended the Kontra Droga campaign of the Duterte administration. “President Rodrigo Duterte launched a no-nonsense Kontra Droga campaign for the sake of keeping our nation a wholesome place to live in, with a vibrant Filipino society in an atmosphere of love and freedom. This Kontra Droga initiative will prevent the disintegration and denigration of more Filipino families,” he said. Belgica is the father of Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission commissioner Greco Belgica. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

manufacturing process. Meanwhile, copies of letters from the Singapore-based ResourceCo Asia Pte. Ltd. and CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — EMB showed the government’s The nearly dozen container approval of the PEF importavans that arrived from Austra- tion. lia early this month were not In 2017, ResourceCo sought toxic garbage but processed EMB’s approval to export PEF materials that will be used as and to supply the same to the fuel for a cement company’s cement manufacturers in the manufacturing plants, an of- Philippines. ficial of the Bureau of Customs In his letter to EMB, Pavel (BOC) 10 (Northern Mindanao) Cech, ResourceCo managsaid Thursday. ing director, said “the cement Lawyer Roswald Joseph Pague, manufacturers in the country BOC-10 deputy customs collec- have been continuously explortor, said the contents of the nine ing the use of green and altercontainer vans were declared native fuels and raw materials by the importer as “processed (AFR) for use in their cement engineered fuel” manufacturing and arrived at the process as part of Mindanao Contheir sustainabiltainer Terminal ity programs.” (MCT) in TagoEMB Direcloan, Misamis The evil that tor Metodio Oriental on May we’re trying to Turbella replied 3. avoid (is that) in his Oct. 30, Allaying fears it might cause 2017 letter that that the materiseepage to the the agency has als may be hazwater tables interposed no ardous and are or whatever objection on the purely garbage, contamination. import of PEF to like the trash be used as alterfrom Canada native fuel in ceand South Korea, ment kiln. Pague said the Last March imported prothis year, Turcessed engineered fuel (PEF) — bella has maintained that its which contain items from mu- approval of ResourceCo is nicipal waste, such as plastic, “technically binding until such rubber, wood, and paper — are time that there will be updated safe and will not pose any haz- legislation or policy on the imard to the public. portation of recyclable materi“The evil that we’re trying to als prohibiting the importation avoid (is that) it might cause of PEF.” seepage to the water tables or The imported materials are whatever contamination — it is currently stored at the Phividec totally absent, considering that Industrial Estate compound in it will be directly fed to the fur- Tagoloan. nace,” Pague said, referring to In a television interview the cement manufacturer Hol- Wednesday, MCT collector John cim Philippines, Inc., a member Simon said the broker of the of the Lafarge Holcim Group, shipment — the same one who the company that imported the handled the import of wastes materials. from South Korea last year — The PEF will be used by Hol- should be held answerable for cim’s cement plants in Davao the entry of the materials from and Lugait, Misamis Oriental. Australia, adding that the broker Pague said the regional office committed infractions. of the Department of EnvironIn the same interview, Alan ment and Natural Resources’ Cuyno, technical manager of Environmental Management Holcim Phils. Inc., said what Bureau has cleared Holcim to they imported was “not garimport the PEF for its cement bage” but “low-grade fuel.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

Duterte to resign if son Paolo seeks House speakership BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — If his son, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, decides to bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives, President Rodrigo Duterte said he will resign. Duterte, in a speech in Malacañan Palace on Monday, admitted that although he was “neutral” when it comes to who would be the next House Speaker, there were sectors urging Paolo to run. “[Sa] Speakership, neutral ako (I’m neutral). My son Paolo, he’s being rooted to run. I will tell my son publicly now, we would have a talk,” Duterte said. He reiterated that he never discussed politics with any of his children except the time when he asked his eldest daughter Sara to be his running mate in 2007. The President, however, said he would step down once Paolo chooses to seek House Speakership since his winning could mean too many Dutertes occupying top posts. “Itong si Paolo, sabihin ko sa kanya (I told Paolo), if you run for speakership, let me know. Kasi kung tatakbo ka, magre-resign ako. Kasi marami na tayo

(because if you’re running, I will resign. Because there’s too many of us now),” Duterte said. Sara is currently Davao City mayor while his youngest son, Sebastian, nicknamed “Baste” is vice mayor. “Then ’yung kapatid mo mayor tapos (then your sister is mayor) quite really for someone who’s so uneasy about these things. Though I think it’s a democratic practice,” Duterte said. “But then again, with the vice mayor, anak ko, ‘yung youngest son ko si Baste and Pulong as Speaker, ako ang Presidente, hindi na maganda tingnan (my youngest son, Baste and Pulong as Speaker, me as President, it no longer looks good),” he added. Duterte said he has no control over Paolo’s decisions since he is an adult who could make up his own mind. He, however, appealed to his son to tell him of his intentions of running for speakership three days before he announces it in public. “He does not listen to me. He has his own life to live. Good,” Duterte said. “If he insists on running, maniwala siya sa mga advisers niya (if he believes his advisers), go ahead. Let me know three days in advance before you make

RICHARD MADELO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

the announcement and I will tender my resignation,” he added. Last week, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte will not meddle in the selection of the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. There are three PDP-Laban members seeking to replace former President and

Locsin says garbage from Canada ‘ready to go’ on May 30 BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE TONS of Canadian garbage shipped to the Philippines from several years ago is all set to be shipped back to its country of origin this week, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. on Monday, May 27. “All containers containing garbage cleaned and ready to go. Waiting for a couple of documents and routine permission from China for transshipment to Canada,” Locsin said in a tweet. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief said the trash will leave the country on May 30, Thursday, and if “anybody gets in the way one way or another,” he said, “I will screw you dry. Don’t provoke me.” A May 22 news release from the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) earlier said the Canadian Government awarded a contract to Bolloré Logistics Canada to “bring the waste back promptly and to ensure its safe and environmentally sound disposal,”

according to Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine Mckenna. The company’s preparation for the reshipment of the garbage, the statement read, will begin “in the coming days” and that the removal will be “complete by the end of June.” But Malacañang did not agree with Canada’s timetable. “Hindi papayag si Presidente doon (The President won’t allow that),” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, adding, ”Hindi natin alam kung ano iyong soonest (We do not know when is the soonest) – could be this week or a week after. Definitely hindi (not by) the end of June.” “Ayaw natin iyon. Ang tagal-tagal na masyado (We do not want that. It is too late),” he further said. President Rodrigo Duterte gave Canada until May 15 to ship out its garbage from the Philippines. The North American country, however, failed to meet the deadline, prompting the Philippine government to recall its ambassador and consuls to Canada. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, namely Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, and former Speaker and reelected Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, who is seeking to reclaim the House Speakership that he lost in a coup last year. ■

Philippine News

MAY 31, 2019

FRIDAY

PRRD to new gov’t officials: Fight corruption BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Almost 200 new government officials took their oath of office on Monday before President Rodrigo Duterte, who reminded them that public office is a public trust. During the oath-taking ceremony at Malacañan Palace, Duterte expressed confidence that the new officials would perform their duties to the best of their abilities and fight corruption in their respective offices. “I am confident that as you take your oath, you will also espouse our collective hopes and dreams and advance this administration’s programs and initiatives to realize a prosperous future for all Filipinos,” said Duterte in his speech. “Let us be reminded that public office is a public trust and for the nth time as echoed by the rest of the humanity of Filipinos, that public office is a public trust,” he added. Despite the many “daunting challenges” that lies ahead, Duterte is hoping the new government officials would “lead by example” and inspire colleagues to em-

body values befitting of a civil servant such as honesty, humility, and simplicity. Duterte also appealed to them to use their resources wisely, develop policies and social programs conscientiously, and treat everyone equally regardless of ethnicity, status, religious belief and political affiliation since the public expected so much from them. “With competent civil servants at the reins of our government offices, I am confident that we will maintain the program of government that you all desire and the public morale to the highest of expectations from our people,” Duterte said. He also hoped that they “leave behind a legacy of real and tangible change” as part of their mandate to serve the people. “Let us look forward to the future with optimism as we do our best in building a more secure, equitable, prosperous future for all Filipinos,” he added. Duterte led the oath-taking ceremony of government officials from several agencies including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Education (DepEd), Trade and Industry (DTI), Foreign Affairs (DFA), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Bureau of Customs, and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), among others. ■

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38% of Pinoys say their lives improved in Q1 of 2019 — SWS survey BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE NUMBER of adult Filipinos who said their lives improved in the past 12 months has increased, the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) published on Friday, May 24, showed. The survey, done on March 28 to 31, revealed that among its 1,440 respondents, 38 percent of them believe that their lives improved, while 21 percent said it worsened. Those who said their lives improved were classified by the pollster as “gainers” and those who said otherwise as “losers.” This result, the SWS noted, gives a net gainers score of “very high” +17, a fivepoint increase from December 2018’s “very high” +12. “The Net Gainers score continues to improve for two quarters in a row after dropping to -2 (fair) in September 2018,” it said. It reported that the upgrade in the net gainers score was due to increases in Visayas, Metro Manila, and Balance Luzon. However, it went down by two points in Mindanao, from “very high” +18 recorded last December to “very high” +16 in March 2019. The same survey also found that half of adult Filipinos foresee that their personal quality of life will improve in the next 12 months, while only four percent of them said it will get worse. This resulted in a net personal optimists score of “excellent” +47, a seven-point increase from December’s +40.

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Aside from this, the March 2019 survey also revealed that 45 percent of its respondents were optimistic that the country’s economy will be better in the next 12 months, while 10 percent were pessimistic about it. This yielded a net economic optimists score of “excellent” +35, up by three points from the “excellent” +32 in December. The survey used face-to-face interviews of their respondents, aged 18 years old and above, nationwide. It has sampling error margins of plusminus 2.6 percent for national percentages, and plus-minus five percent each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. ‘Wake-up call’

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Friday welcomed the results of the SWS survey, saying it once again emphasized that the Filipino people “see and appreciate the President [Rodrigo Roa Duterte]’s tireless efforts to improve and bring about genuine and positive change to the nation.” He added that this is “another wakeup call” to the critics of the current administration “who continuously and deliberately ignore our achievements which redound to the benefit of the Filipino masses.” Fueled by this positive outcome, the spokesman vowed that the Duterte administration will even work harder to “improve on the significant gains of the past three years during the remainder of PRRD’s term as Chief Executive.” ■

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

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Philippine News

MAY 31, 2019

FRIDAY

Palace defends PRRD sitting out PMA grads’ diploma distribution BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Malacañang defended President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s decision to let Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana distribute most of the diplomas to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets during their graduation rites on Sunday. By practice, the President, who is also commander-in-chief of the military, is delegated the task of distributing diplomas. However, this is the first time Duterte mostly watched from his seat since he assumed office in 2016. Duterte, who only handed out a diploma to class valedictorian Cadet 1st Class Dionne Mae Umalla, took a seat and let Lorenzana hand out the rest of the diplomas. He stood up again to hand out a diploma to 1st Class Danmark Solomon, goat or lowest-ranked member. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo explained that Duterte only had two hours of sleep prior to the commencement exercises, which were supposed to start at 9 a.m. but was delayed due to the President’s late arrival.

“PRRD lacked (sleep) the day before the event, working on papers, reading reports from various departments, and signing papers,” Panelo said in a statement to media. “He is a night person. He usually sleeps at 6 a.m., he had to wake up at 8:30 a.m. for the PMA graduation rites so he had only two hours sleep,” he added. Panelo said that the 9 a.m. graduation rites was still part of Duterte’s “sleeping time,” which is why he “struggled to be awake.” He pointed out that Duterte asked Lorenzana to hand out most of the diplomas because he wanted to “reserve” his energy for the graduation rites’ other ceremonial acts. “The protocol in distributing diplomas is either he does it himself or he tasks the Secretary of National Defense to do it. He opted to let SND did the handing of certificates. He reserved his energy for the other ceremonial acts he had to perform for the graduation rites,” Panelo said. Panelo, meanwhile, assured the public that despite Duterte’s tardiness and sleepiness during the graduation rites,

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte applauds as he witnesses the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Mabalasik’ Class of 2019 celebrate following the commencement exercises at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on May 26, 2019. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

he was in good health and ready to travel to Japan on Tuesday (May 28) to attend the 25th Nikkei Conference on the Future of Asia on May 30 to 31. “To the people who wish him to be seriously ill, they will be disappointed. To those who are concerned about his wellbeing, they should be assured that apart from what he already told the public of what ails him (which is not life-threatening) the President is in good health, robust enough to be travelling to Japan for an official visit upon the invitation of Prime Minister Abe,” Panelo said. Panelo also defended Duterte’s jokes

about offenses made by PMA cadets which included rape, robbery while he was pardoning the outstanding punishments for PMA underclassmen, saying that it is already part of the President’s personality. “By the time he delivered his speech he was already in his usual, alert, impassioned and assertive self. He made some mischievous remarks to make people laugh. People have been used to his jokes hence his audience always receive them with hearty laughter,” Panelo said. Duterte is known to crack jokes and use profanities in his speeches. ■

PNP trusts Bikoy will submit “extrajudicial confession” BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday expressed belief that Peter Joemel Advincula, alias “Bikoy,” will submit extrajudicial confession supporting his allegations against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and several Liberal Party members as behind the ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte. Advincula, the man behind a series of videos called “Ang Totoong Narcolist,” posted bail over the weekend but promised to return at Camp Crame to submit his sworn statement and evidences to support his claims. “We believe that he will be going back and preparing for his extrajudicial confession. That’s what he said. Of course, hindi naman natin siya puwedeng pigilan kung ayaw niya (of course, we cannot force him if does not want),” said PNP www.canadianinquirer.net

chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday. “Wala pa syang binibigay (He has yet to submit it) as of this time and probably kung babalik siya (if will return) and he is willing to give his extrajudicial confession through his counsel then will gladly take his extrajudicial confession,” he added. Last week, Advincula surrendered to authorities, claiming the Bikoy videos linking President Rodrigo Duterte and his family and associates to the illegal drug trades were allegedly orchestrated by Trillanes and the opposition LP. Albayalde said Advincula did not request for any security amid alleged threats against his life and his family. “But we have started of course ‘yung sinasabi niya (what he said) but without his sworn statement pati ‘yung mga pangalan at lugar na pinagsasabi niya (including the names and places he mentioned) it has to be covered by a sworn statement,” he said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

CHED lauds SC ruling Zubiri optimistic of Senate’s swift excluding Filipino, nod to tobacco tax hike bill Panitikan in college BY MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Wednesday lauded the Supreme Court (SC) decision, which denied the motion for reconsideration filed by critics against the exclusion of Filipino and Panitikan in the general education curriculum of all higher education institutions. In a statement, CHED chair J. Prospero De Vera III said the SC decision proves that “CHED did not abolish Filipino and Panitikan in the General Education Curriculum” and that they were “transferred to the Senior High School level since these are important building blocks in the preparation of senior high students to be universityready when they graduate.” “The accusation of critics that CHED is anti-Filipino is wrong. The Commission believes in the fundamental role played by language in education. To be properly cultivated, Filipino cannot merely be taught as a subject, but must be used in oral and written forms, across academic domains,” de Vera added. The SC denied the motion for reconsideration to stop the implementation of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) Number 20, series of 2013 or the General Education Curriculum: Holistic Understandings, Intellectual and Civic Competencies. The CMO, which was issued during the Aquino administration, delisted Filipino and Panitikan as part of the core subjects of the general education curriculum. The SC ruling said the CMO did not violate the Constitution when it transferred these subjects, as part of the curriculum of primary and secondary education, and it did not limit the academic freedom of universities and colleges to require additional courses in Filipino, Panitikan and the Constitution in their respective curricula. The SC added that the Enhanced Basic Education Act of

2013 was enacted to promote the interest of the public and not only of a particular class, thus, it “does not violate substantive due process of petitioners because the means employed still aim to improve the quality of basic education and to make the country’s graduates more competitive in the international arena.” On November 26, 2018, Tanggol Wika, a group of university professors, filed a motion for reconsideration asking the SC to reinstate a temporary restraining order against the CMO, which they said must be declared unconstitutional. Tanggol Wika stressed that tertiary level Filipino covers topics not taught in basic education Filipino. These include issues on Filipino language, Filipino identity outside the Philippines, the intellectualization of the Filipino language, and thesis writing. The group also said the exclusion of Filipino in the college curriculum “reverses the decades of efforts of trying to put Filipino in higher education.” Citing that the issue has been debated upon for a long time, de Vera called on all sectors to respect and abide by the High Court decision. “So that the revised curriculum for various degree programs can now be fully implemented with dispatch by the close to 2,000 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) nationwide,” he said. De Vera said HEIs must now exercise their academic freedom to include language proficiency not just in Filipino but also other Philippine languages such as Ilocano, Waray, Cebuano, Ilonggo, Pangasinan, Bicolano, and Asian languages that will make graduates regionally and globally competitive. “CHED will support HEIs that will pursue language innovation while providing scholarship and professional education assistance to affected Filipino and Panitikan teachers through the K to 12 Transition Program Fund,” he said. ■

BY FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Philippine News Agency

MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri is optimistic that the upper chamber can pass the bill seeking to increase excise taxes on tobacco products by Wednesday or Monday next week at the latest. In an ambush interview on Tuesday, Zubiri assured that the tobacco tax hike bill, which was certified by President Rodrigo Duterte as urgent, can be approved on final reading within the remaining session days of the 17th Congress. “Matapos by tomorrow (Wednesday). Pinaka-latest na

ng Lunes. Kung certified siya agad-agad mati-third reading namin (It can be done tomorrow, or Monday at the latest. If it is certified [as urgent], it can be approved on third reading immediately [after the second reading approval]),” Zubiri said. Zubiri, however, noted that there is no material time to convene a bicameral conference committee to reconcile the differing provisions in the respective versions of the House of Representatives and Senate. Zubiri suggested that the House adopt the Senate version of the bill to dispense with the bicam. “We don’t have any more material time for a bicam. We’re hoping that they could just adopt the Senate version,” Zubiri added.

House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has already assured in a letter addressed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III that the lower chamber would “await the action of the Senate and stand ready to adopt the Senate version in the interest of speedy legislation.” The Senate bill proposes an increase of PHP45 to PHP60 per pack in excise tax beginning next year to 2023 and then 5 percent yearly hike effective Jan. 1, 2024. It proposes the following scheduled increase: PHP45 per pack increase effective Jan. 1, 2020 until Dec. 31, 2021, PHP50 in January 2021, PHP55 per pack in January 2022 and PHP60 per pack effective Jan. 1, 2023. ■

MMDA to file rebuttal on SC petition vs. prov’l bus ban BY AEROL JOHN PATEÑA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to file its reply to a petition filed before the Supreme Court (SC) by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda seeking to stop the implementation of the provincial bus ban along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa). This, as MMDA Edsa traffic chief Edison “Bong” Nebrija on Tuesday said he respects the filing of the petition as part of the democratic process, adding that the agency “will wait for our copy being named as respondent in the said petition and we will let our legal team draft and file the rebuttal.” The MMDA official said the agency will continue to conduct its public information drive on the policy. In his petition filed before the SC last Monday, Salceda questioned MMDA Regulation No 19-002 which prohibits or revoked permits of provincial public utility bus terminals and operators along Edsa. The lawmaker claimed that www.canadianinquirer.net

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the regulation is “anti-poor” because only the provincial commuters will be affected. He further stated that the traffic congestion in Edsa during office hours is caused by private vehicles and city public buses. Another petition was filed by the Ako Bicol Partylist last April seeking for the SC to issue a temporary restraining order against the provincial bus ban. MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo “Jojo” Garcia Jr.

earlier said that the provincial bus ban has been deliberated for quite some time with bus operators before the agency decided to implement it. According to Garcia, bus terminals along Edsa contribute to the traffic congestion in Metro Manila. MMDA is eyeing to remove all 47 bus terminals along Edsa, which will affect around 4,000 provincial buses going to and from Metro Manila. ■

Philippine News

MAY 31, 2019

FRIDAY

PH to ship back garbage to Hong Kong BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

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Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Friday, May 24, said the Philippine government will be sending back to Hong Kong its garbage that was shipped to the country early this year. In his statement, the Palace official commended the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for discovering the entry of “mixed plastic wastes” from Hong Kong into Misamis Oriental. The garbage, declared as “assorted electronic accessories,” reportedly arrived at Mindanao International Container Terminal (MICT) in January. “We understand that the BOC would export this illegal shipment back to its port of origin,” Panelo said. “We call on concerned agencies of the government to continue exercising vigilance and hinder the entry of such shipments of garbage into our territorial jurisdiction at the first instance,” he added. The spokesman also maintained that the Philippines “will not allow its territory to be treated as a dumping ground for trash by any foreign country or entity.” Waste and pollution watch group EcoWaste Coalition has denounced the trash shipment from Hong Kong, which came amid another garbage issue be-

ECOWASTE COALITION / WEBSITE

tween the Philippines and Canada. The group said they find it “truly ironic” that the trash came from Hong Kong, noting that China took an “unprecedented move to protect its own environment” when it earlier banned waste imports, including electronic and plastic scraps, from being dumped in their country. “We, therefore, request the Chinese government to seriously look into this matter” Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, urged.

Lucero also reiterated their call for a “comprehensive and immediate ban on waste imports” and the ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment which, she said, seeks to prohibit the export of hazardous wastes and other wasted from developed to developing countries. The BOC regional office in Northern Mindanao previously issued an alert order as well as a warrant of seizure and detention last February 19 and March 7, respectively, over the misdeclaration and lack of permit of the said shipment. ■

Palace hails... ❰❰ 1

pines’ improved ranking “augurs well for the country and our economy.” “There is an emerging investor confidence in our country. It shows our trade environment remains attractive and viable to foreign businesses,” he said. Panelo attributed the improvement to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “strong and effective style of governance.” “Putting premium on cutting down red tape and promoting ease in doing business while we begin to implement the nation’s most ambitious infrastructure program, ‘Build-Build-Build,’ boost the government’s strategy for sustained and inclusive growth,” Panelo said. From last year’s 50th spot, the Philippines jumped to 46th in terms of competitiveness, measured by using four factors: economic performance; government efficiency; business efficiency; and, infrastructure. “We improved in all four,” Panelo said. According to its website, the IMD defined competitiveness as both a tool and an objective of economic policy. “Ultimately, it allows us to recognize the factors that facilitate prosperity. And this is how we expect our rankings to be used and interpreted,” it said.

Pres. Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS (GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES) / FACEBOOK

Singapore topped the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2019 list, dislodging the United States, which skidded to third spot behind Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of Chi-

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na, while Switzerland and United Arab Emirates completed the top five. Saudi Arabia posted the highest improvement, jumping by 13 positions from 39th to 26th place. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

PRRD signs into law Sagip Saka Act BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency

Senator Loren Legarda.

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA / FACEBOOK

Legarda to hold meeting to discuss 2019 growth targets BY FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Philippine News Agency MANILA — Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on Finance, is eyeing to conduct a meeting with concerned government agencies to discuss strategies on how to meet the 2019 growth targets amid the impact of the budget delay on the country’s projected economic growth. Legarda made the announcement following a committee hearing Monday on the status of implementation of the 2018 budget and the effect of the four-month re-enacted budget for 2019. Legarda stressed that accelerated spending can still allow the government to reach its growth targets. She particularly noted that the panel could discuss ways forward for the Department of Agriculture to meet the annual two percent growth target for the agriculture sector. She suggested that there should be sustained efforts in improving the environment and conditions for farmers, particularly in providing fertilizer and access to roads and addressing irrigation, climate change, and other land issues. The senator also added that

agricultural research must be improved and convergence among agencies in rural and agricultural areas must be strengthened. Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the growth target for the first quarter of 2019 is between 6.6 and 7.2 percent. However, the impasse on the 2019 budget, among other factors, caused the government to reach an amount of PHP1 billion underspending per day, decelerated GDP growth by 5.6 percent, and affected the implementation of programs for the first quarter of the year. “May this be a lesson for the government and for all of us. The underspending of Php 1 billion per day could have gone to education, health care, and social services. It resulted in the delay of programs and greatly affected the lives of our constituents,” said Legarda in a statement. “However, we are confident with the commitment of the DOF and of the government to drive our economy to the growth we aim for, as well as to ensure that the government continues to deliver quality services and programs to the people. We must not only meet our growth targets, but also ensure that the lives of Filipinos are improved,” Legarda added. ■

following agencies such as the Philippine Coconut Authority, National Dairy Authority, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Agriculture Training Institute, Agricultural Credit and Policy Council, and the Bureau of Agricultural Research. The law also entails the creation of the “Farmers and Fish-

sentative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; (d) a representative of the Department of Finance; (e) MANILA — President Rodrigo a representative of the CoopDuterte has signed the Sagip erative Development AuthorSaka Act to help increase farmity; (f ) a representative of a naers’ and fishermen’s income tional organization of farmers and reach their full potential. cooperatives or association; (g) Duterte signed Republic Act a representative of a national 11321 on April 17, 2019 yet reorganization of fisherfolk coopporters only got a copy on Moneratives or association; and (h) day (May 27). two representatives from the The new law establishes agriculture, food, restaurant the “Farmers and business and Fisherfolk sectors. Enterprise DeWithin 60 days velopment Profrom the date gram” which The program shall be integrated of effectivity of refers to “the and be made consistent with the Act, the DA, comprehensive the Agriculture and Fisheries in consultation set of objectives, Modernization Plan, and the Micro, with the DTI and targets, and hoSmall, and Medium Enterprises the DOF shall listic approach Development Plan. formulate the in promoting the rules and reguestablishment of lations for the enterprises inproper implevolving agricultural and fishery erfolk Enterprise Development mentation of this Act. products.” Council” to oversee the proper The law was passed by the The program shall be inte- implementation of the pro- House of Representatives as grated and be made consistent gram. House Bill 8857 on January 28, with the Agriculture and FishIt shall be composed of (a) 2019 and was adopted by the eries Modernization Plan, and the Secretary of the DA or his Senate of the Philippines as an the Micro, Small, and Medium duly authorized representative amendment to Senate Bill 1281 Enterprises Development Plan. who is at least an Undersecre- on February 6, 2019. The Department of Agricul- tary, who shall be the Chair (b), It will take effect 15 days after ture (DA) shall be the imple- a representative of the Depart- its publication in the Official menting agency of the program, ment of Trade and Industry, Gazette or in a newspaper of which shall tap the assistance, who shall likewise at least be general circulation. ■ expertise and resources of the an Undersecretary; (c) a repre-

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Philippine News

MAY 31, 2019

FRIDAY

Pope Francis tells Bishop David to face trials with ‘courage’ BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

PNA

Partylist coalition wants to retain 32 key posts in 18th Congress BY JOSE CIELITO REGANIT Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI) would be insisting on retaining all the positions it presently holds in the House of Representatives to whoever the Speaker will be in the 18th Congress, an officer of the group said Tuesday. In an interview, Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. said the party-list bloc currently holds 32 positions in the House. “Gusto namin, amin pa rin ang mga posisyon na hawak na mga party-list Congressmen ngayon (What we wanted is to retain all the positions currently held by Partlist lawmakers),” said Garbin, who is a member of the PCFI board of trustees. Among those positions include the chairmanships in the House committee on suffrage and electoral reform, committee on cooperatives, committee

on women and gender equality, committee on government reorganization, committee on micro, medium and small enterprises development, committee on overseas workers affairs, and committee on poverty alleviation, among others. Partylist lawmakers also hold two seats in the powerful Commission on Appointment, as well as two seats in the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal. Meanwhile, party-list lawmakers also hold ranking positions as deputy speaker, deputy majority leader, and deputy minority leadership positions. “We want to retain these positions in the incoming Congress, no matter who will be the next Speaker,” Garbin said. There will be 61 party-list lawmakers, from 51 party-list groups who won in the midterm elections, who will sit in the 18th Congress. Of this number, 54 belong to the PCFI. Members of the so-

called Makabayan bloc and the Magdalo Partylist group do not belong to the coalition. Garbin earlier said that the PCFI has been solidifying its forces in voting for the next Speaker, as party-list representatives want equal treatment with district congressmen. He said the PCFI has invited all those who expressed interest in the Speakership post to ask for their respective plans for the 18th Congress and also for the coalition. These included Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, Taguig Representative-elect Alan Peter Cayetano, former Speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, and returning Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. Garbin said the PCFI will vote as a bloc and will come out with only one candidate to support for Speaker. The lawmaker said the endorsement of Malacañang, if any, will also give weight to their decision. ■

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CALOOCAN BISHOP Pablo Virgilio David, who has become the subject of some of President Rodrigo Duterte’s verbal attacks, was told to face challenges in his diocese with “courage” by none other than the Pope himself. David, through a Facebook post on Friday, May 24, shared his experience when he and other Filipino bishops went to Rome for their “Ad Limina apostolorum” (to the threshold of the apostles) visit. The “Ad Limina” visit, which is said to be held every five years, is where the Church leaders report the status of their respective archdioceses and dioceses to the Pontiff. According to him, they were seated around Pope Francis in a circle and were allowed to address him freely without having to use a microphone. When it was his turn, David did not ask the Pontiff any questions, instead, he asked for his prayers. “He looked into my eyes as I spoke. I was surprised when he interrupted me in the middle of my sentence and said, ‘I want you to know that I know your situation; I know what you are going through. I am praying for you. Please continue,’“ the bishop said. David said Pope Francis also gave each of them a gift — but this was not the only thing he received. When he was about to leave after their meeting, David said the Pontiff held his arm and told him, “Wait. Please let me give you a special blessing. I want you to know I am with you as you face trials in your minis-

try in your diocese.” “He extended his right hand to pray over me. He said, ‘May the Lord keep within you the heart of the Good Shepherd,’“ the prelate said. “Then he pulled me to himself to give me a warm paternal embrace, pressing his head against mine, and brushing his hand gently on my back as he whispered into my ears, ‘Courage!’ My heart melted after that,” he added. David also said he handed the Pope a personal gift, a book titled “El Evangelio del Amor De Acuerdo a Juan/a.” This is the Spanish version of the second volume of a book titled, “The Gospel of Love According to Juan/a,” which the bishop coauthored with Nina Tomen. It was translated by Argentinian Fr. Salvador Curutchet. “He was delighted to find out that the book was in his mother tongue,” he shared. The Chief Executive has launched a series of verbal attacks against the Catholic Church, which has expressed opposition to the administration’s war on drugs. In some of his tirades, Duterte specifically mentioned David, whom he accused of stealing from mass offerings and being involved in illegal drugs, which the latter had denied. David, in February, revealed that he has been receiving threats to his life. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

New law gives TIEZA power to grant incentives BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a new law giving the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) sole and exclusive jurisdiction to grant incentives to tourism enterprise zones (TEZs) until December 31, 2029. The new law or Republic Act 11262, which Duterte signed on April 10, 2019, amends sections of Republic Act 9593 otherwise known as The Tourism Act of 2009 to allow the incentives scheme to tourism enterprises to be implemented for another 10 years.

Under the current law, TIEZA has only until August 2019 to grant its incentives. The incentives include income tax holidays for a period of six years, a 5 percent preferential tax on gross income, exemptions on all taxes and customs duties on the importation of capital equipment, and exemption of transportation equipment and spare parts from tariffs and duties. “In the grant of incentives, it shall give equal preference to large investments, those with great potential for employment generation and those of local small and medium enterprises. Registered tourism enterprises owned and operated by overseas Filipino investors

shall enjoy the same incentives granted to TEZ operators and registered enterprises in general,” the law read. To prevent abuse of the incentives, TIEZA may also coordinate with the Bureaus of Customs and Internal Revenue. It also encourages local government units to provide incentives for tourism enterprises through, among others, reductions in applicable real estate taxes and waivers of fees and charges among others. This Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill 1616 and House Bill 8861, was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 6, 2019. ■

Youth volunteers help raise awareness on climate change BY LEILANIE ADRIANO Philippine News Agency LAOAG CITY — Students and youth volunteers from different parts of the province gathered on Friday at the Taoid museum to help raise awareness about climate change and how they can mit`igate its impact. On the same day, organizers led by the Movement Against Plastic Pollution, in partnership with SwitchPH and with the support from the provincial government of Ilocos Norte and Sangguniang Kabataan, joined a silent protest at the Aurora Park this city to express their concern to protect the environment. While holding banners and placards about climate change, around 53 volunteers joined 14 other areas in the Philippines who participated in the second International Youth Strike for Climate. “Climate change is a global emergency. It is our duty to help our planet recover and protect it for the future generation,” said Patrizia Dacanay-Diaz, who expressed admiration on the number of youth volunteers who participated in the

Together with 53 volunteers we did a climate talk and strike infront of the provincial capitol, in support to the movement of 350.org 350 Pilipinas 350.org East Asia and Greta Thunberg. MOVEMENT AGAINST PLASTIC POLLUTION - ILOCOS NORTE/FACEBOOK

historic event. In Ilocos Norte, several youth volunteers continue to conduct clean-up drives in riversides and shorelines, while urging everyone to prevent single-use plastics. Just after the election period, the same group of youth volunteers collected tarpaulins and other election paraphernalia for recycling.

“We hope to raise awareness regarding climate change and influence a lot of people to be more conscious about our lifestyle,” the organizers said, as they thanked participants composed of representatives from the Rotaract, Boy Scouts of the Philippines-Laoag City as well as public and private schools in the province, among others. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

SENATOR PING LACSON/FACEBOOK

Lacson: Customs ‘tara’ system still alive BY FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Philippine News Agency

PHP5,000 per container plus 10 percent of the collections of each section/office directly under OCOM; PHP3,000 for Intelligence Group; PHP1,000 MANILA — Senator Panfilo to PHP2,000 for the EnforceLacson on Wednesday revealed ment Group; PHP3,000 for the that the so-called ”tara” (pay- Risk Management Office; and off ) system continues to exist PHP2,000 to PHP3,000 for the within the Bureau of Customs Import and Assessment Ser(BOC). vice. In a privilege speech, Lacson “Kung kani-kanino napupunnoted that while BOC Commis- ta ang nasabing mga ‘tara’ (The sioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero ’tara’ is going to various people) has remained for his office or untainted by the Office of the corruption, sevCommissioner, eral “corrupt” I will leave it to Customs offiGen. Guerrero to cials continue to ...The public investigate and receive grease will start to find out,” Lacson money. believe it is said. “Despite my a given and Lacson said expose on the Customs the Manila Inmassive corrupofficials will ternational tion inside the start to believe Container Port Bureau of Cusit is a routine. (MICP) and toms, much to Port of Manila my dismay, I was (POM) district informed just offices receive recently that the PHP3,000 per Tara System has container, notnot been, by any chance, sup- ing that container with alert pressed. Worse, for many Cus- order may be charged as high as toms officials, it remains busi- PHP50,000. ness-as-usual,” Lacson said. “When we tolerate corrupLacson said his sources con- tion and its perpetrators in the firmed that the following de- institution, reward incompepartments or sections in the tence rather than weed out the BOC continue to take their roots that breed it; the public “tara” per container suppos- will start to believe it is a given edly distributed as follows: and Customs officials will start for the Office of the Commis- to believe it is a routine,” Lacsioner (OCOM), an average of son added. ■

Philippine News

MAY 31, 2019

FRIDAY

Hong Kong registers highest OAV Duterte appoints turnout in 2019 midterm polls replacement for

late BTA member

BY FERDINAND PATINIO Philippine News Agency MANILA – Filipino voters in Hong Kong have registered the highest turnout in the recent May 13 mid-term elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) data. The Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) data showed that the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Hong Kong has recorded 36,009 overseas Filipino voters who joined in the overseas absentee voting (OAV) held from April 30 to May 13. There are 87,969 registered Filipino voters, majority of them household service workers, in Hong Kong. Dubai PCG posted the second highest turnout with 28,487 votes, followed by Singapore (25,110), Abu Dhabi (15,806),

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN HONG KONG / FACEBOOK

Kuwait (15,558), Riyadh (14,616), Jeddah (11,484), Tokyo (11,484), San Francisco (9,630) and New York (9,045). The Comelec said a total of 334,242 overseas voters or 18.34 percent of the 1,822,173 million registered voters participated in the midterm elections. The figure is higher than 15.63 percent turnout in the 2013 midterm elections but lower than the presidential

elections in 2004 (64%), in 2010 (26%), and in 2016 (31%). Comelec is tasked to administer the elections nationwide while the Department of Foreign Affairs has been designated to implement the 2013 Overseas Absentee Voting Act (Republic No. 9189) which provides for a system for citizens of the Philippines currently residing or working abroad to vote in national-level elections. ■

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Mudjib Compania Abu as member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), replacing the late Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chair Ghazali Jaafar, Malacañang said on Thursday. Jaafar, who also served as chairperson of the MILF Peace Negotiating Panel from 1996 to 1997, died in a hospital in Davao City on March 13. Duterte appointed him as chairperson of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission in January 2017 and as member of the BTA, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in February 2019.

Aside from Compania, Duterte also appointed pastor Grepor Belgica as the new presidential adviser for religious affairs. Beglica will have a one-peso compensation every year. He appointed Jose Sylton Solidum as assistant Cabinet secretary under the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat, Office of the President. The President also appointed former special envoy to China Fernando Borja as his new special envoy to Japan for business and investment promotion for a term of six months. He renewed the appointment of Almarim Tillah as special envoy of the President to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation from Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2019. ■

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FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

Duterte signs Magna Carta of the Poor BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency

SIMEON CELI JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed into law the Magna Carta of the Poor which is meant to uplift the standard of living and quality of life of impoverished Filipinos. Duterte signed Republic Act 11291 on April 12, 2019 but a copy of which was released to media on Monday (May 27). Under the law, “the government shall establish a system of progressive realization or implementation to provide the requirements, conditions, and opportunities for the full enjoyment or realization of the following rights of the poor, which

are essential requirements towards poverty alleviation.” It also states that there will be a non-diminution of the rights of the poor or that “all other rights of the poor provided under existing laws shall remain in full force and effect.” Within six months from the effectivity of this act, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) shall, in coordination with the government departments and agencies, with the participation of the local government units and the basic sectors, promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. This Act was passed by the Senate of the Philippines as Senate Bill 2121 on January

29, 2019 and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill 5811 on January 30, 2019. It shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. On April 17, Duterte also signed into law an act institutionalizing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years to improve the health, nutrition and education aspects of their lives. ■

Top PMA grad wanted to be doctor, teacher BY PAMELA MARIZ GEMINIANO Philippine News Agency

In her speech, she recalled that after finishing high school, she was given two choices — one is to take up Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology where she will get a one year free tuition, or take up Bachelor of Secondary Education with free board, lodging and travel from her hometown for the entire duration of her college education. “I thought of my mother who single-handedly raised us that she may not be able to afford the finances if I pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. That is why even with a heavy heart I pursued education,” she said. “To relieve myself from sulking, I always tell myself that I will be a doctor someday per-

becoming a teacher but another unexpected opportunity came in. “It was my mother’s persistence who pushed me in enterBAGUIO CITY — Philippine ing the Academy. I was told by Military Academy (PMA) Mamy mother that it’s okay if I’ll balasik Class 2019 top gradujust try my luck to apply in the ate, Dionne Mae Apolog UmAcademy since I have nothing alla, of Alilem, Ilocos Sur never to lose,” she shared. thought that she would emThe valedictorian recalled brace the profession of arms, that she was frustrated because but entering the country’s prenothing seemed to go as she mier military academy made planned. her realize how PMA is making During her early year in the her dreams come true. Academy, she thought of being “We had the hardest training swept away from her dreams in the academy that is capable from becoming a doctor and of breaking us, even the most from her passion in becoming a indomitable experience is an teacher. understatement. Despite this, “I came to realize that a lot the academy is a dream-maker, of my underclass are just like it turned our aspirations into me who is pushed and lured to reality, perhaps enter the Acadnot exactly the emy and joining way we wanted, the [military] but what we profession,” she We became what not we wanted needed,” Umalla said. but what we needed to be, to said in her valeOn Sunday, serve the country and the Filipino dictory address while deliverpeople. during the PMA ing her valedicgraduation on tory speech as Sunday. top graduate, “We became she talked about what not we wanted but what haps not a medical doctor at- realizing her dreams — as a we needed to be, to serve the tached to my name, but doctor doctor, because she and other country and the Filipino peo- of philosophy,” she added. cadets help mend the pains of ple,” she added. While in college, she tried to being away from their famiUmalla said she really wanted enjoy her course and was on her lies, and as a teacher, when she to be a medical doctor but due second year when another chal- helps other cadets in their lesto financial constraints, she lenge came. sons to cope with the demand was trapped in a dilemma beUmalla shared that she was of academics. tween her dream and reality. close to reaching her dreams of Aside from being the valewww.canadianinquirer.net

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte awards the Camella House and Lot Certificate of Ownership to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Mabalasik’ Class of 2019 Valedictorian CDT 1CL Dionne Umalla during the commencement exercises at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on May 26, 2019. @USAMBJAPAN/TWITTER

dictorian, Umalla received 14 awards which include the Presidential Saber for finishing at the top of her class. She also received the Philippine Navy Saber, the Distinguished cadet award (Starman), the Academic group award, the Humanities plaque, the Management plaque, the Social Sciences plaque, the Natural Sciences plaque, the Computing and Information Sciences plaque, the Department of Leadership plaque, the Joint United States Military Assistance Group award, the Austra-

lian Defense best overall performance, the Spanish Armed Forces award, and the Association of Generals and Flag Officers award. President Rodrigo Duterte also awarded to Umalla a house and lot, a reward for topping her class. Duterte on Sunday conferred to 260 cadets aside from Umalla the rank of 2nd Lieutenant for those joining the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force and Ensign to those joining the Philippine Navy. ■

Canada News Wilson-Raybould and Philpott to run as Independents in fall election campaign BY KRISTY KIRKUP The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Former Liberal cabinet ministers Jody WilsonRaybould and Jane Philpott will run as Independents in the upcoming federal election, they declared Monday. The pair made their plans known through separate but co-ordinated announcements in their ridings — WilsonRaybould in Vancouver and Philpott outside Toronto. Both dressed in white, pointedly eschewing any party’s colours. “I know you’re all wondering what colour I was going to wear today,” said Philpott, standing on a riser at a farm store, a wide grin on her face. “I am going to run in the federal election as an Independent candidate for the people of Markham-Stouffville. We are going to do it together. Yes. All of us, all of us together.” At a small community centre in her riding of Vancouver Granville, Wilson Raybould told her supporters she’s heard an “overwhelming” message about the need to do politics differently, adding she believes running as Independent — the political version of a free agent — is the best way to achieve that goal. “I know that it will not be easy to run a campaign as an Independent,” she said. “There will be challenges, but with your support, I am confident that running as an Independent is the best way to … go about it at this time and the best way

to transform our political culture.” Philpott acknowledged some will be surprised by her decision but she said running on her own is the most honest thing for her to do. “There’s probably a few of you who were wishing for something different,” she said. “That’s OK. I heard a whole range of advice.” Julia Reesor, a 61-year-old family friend at Monday’s event, said she thought Philpott running as an Independent candidate is a “great fit.” “She said she has more work to do and I know she’ll deliver and get things done,” Reesor said. Monday’s announcements put to rest political speculation about next steps for the two former Liberal cabinet ministers, who were removed from their party caucus in the House of Commons following the SNCLavalin controversy. Wilson-Raybould served as Canada’s first Indigenous justice minister before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled her to the portfolio of veterans affairs in January. She later revealed she thought the decision to move her out of Justice was motivated by her refusal to intervene in the criminal prosecution of the Quebec engineering giant SNC-Lavalin. She ultimately resigned from cabinet. Trudeau denied any wrongdoing but conceded there was an “erosion of trust” between his office and Wilson-Raybould.

Former Liberal cabinet ministers Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott. @PUGLAAS / TWITTER

Philpott, who served as health minister, Indigenous-services minister and then president of the Treasury Board, also resigned over Trudeau’s handling of the controversy. Both were subsequently removed from the Liberal caucus in early April and sit as Independent MPs in the House of Commons. Trudeau barred them from running again as Liberals. It’s been a challenging five months, Wilson-Raybould said. “I find myself in a place that I never expected to be for, as I’ve said, doing my job and speaking the truth,” she said. “I regret that it has come to this place.” There were issues that could have been resolved sooner, she said, but she has had time to reflect on her choice. “I am really pleased and happy with the decision that I’ve

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made,” she said. With few resources as a legislator and none of the authority she had as a minister, Philpott said, she hasn’t lost her voice — she’s found it. She said MPs who are more independent, whether it’s within parties or outside of them, are good for the country. The House of Commons has five other Independents, plus two Greens and solo representatives of the People’s Party of Canada and the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. Any of them who are re-elected could wield outsized influence in the event the October federal election produces a minority government, which typically requires the party that forms government to forge alliances across the aisle to hold on to power. Both Philpott and WilsonRaybould spoke highly of the

Green party and its leader Elizabeth May, and acknowledged having repeated conversations about running for that party, but decided that Canadian politics needs more people beholden to no central authority. May said she spoke to both Wilson-Raybould and Philpott ahead of Monday’s announcement, adding she was willing to step aside if they had leadership aspirations. “It’s hard for people to quite understand the extent to which this wasn’t a negotiation,” May said. “Neither of them were interested in taking on leadership roles.” In response to a question Monday about whether her running as an Independent could split the vote in her riding and lead to a Conservative win, Wilson-Raybould said she hopes voters will support her because she stands for their values. “I don’t believe that votes are simply … to be divided among three or four political parties,” she said. “I believe in the people of Vancouver Granville. I believe in Canadians to make informed decisions about policy, informed decisions about who to vote for.” She also said it is fair to say she and Philpott have similar world views. “We’re going to continue to work together,” she said. ■ With files from Laura Kane in Vancouver and Alanna Rizza in Toronto

Canada News

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

Canada files North Pole competing ConGen Rosalita claim with Russia, Denmark Prospero passes

away in Toronto

BY BOB WEBER The Canadian Press CANADA HAS finally made its case that the top of the world flies the Maple Leaf. After years of delay and political debate, Canada has submitted its scientific argument for control of a vast portion of the Arctic seabed, including the North Pole, to the UN body that will evaluate it. Denmark and Russia have already released their own evidence that the Pole and good bits of the sea floor around it — including any resources they hold — should belong to them. “All of the countries involved recognize that there will have to be boundary negotiations at some future point,” said Michael Byers, professor of international law at the University of British Columbia. Last Thursday, Canada submitted 1,200 pages of scientific evidence to prove that the continental shelf from the High Arctic islands extends past 200 nautical miles from shore. It includes a contested section of sea floor that stretches from the top of Ellesmere Island along an undersea ridge to the Pole and more than 200 kilometres past it. Russia says that same undersea ridge originates from its continental shelf. Consequently, it argues all of the sea floor alongside the ridge from Russia’s coast to just past the Pole belongs to the bear. The Danes say the ridge is associated with Greenland, so it is theirs right up to Russian territorial waters. “Continental shelf overlaps are a normal part of the process,” Stefano Maron of Global Affairs Canada wrote in an email. “All five Arctic Ocean coastal states have been working collaboratively through the Arctic Ocean continental shelf workshop for the past 10 years.” Canada was expected to file a submission five years ago that would have stopped just shy of the Pole. That submission, the result of years of research costing more than $100 million, was pulled at the last minute. Reports suggested that was

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Sea ice at the North Pole in 2006. NOAA / PACIFIC MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY

due to a direct order from then-prime minister Stephen Harper, who felt the submission should be for a much larger area. Documents obtained by The Canadian Press suggest the move surprised both bureaucrats working on the file and Canada’s Arctic neighbours. Additional research expeditions were mounted every summer from 2014 to 2016, say government officials. No cost figure was provided. Thursday’s submission shows there is evidence to back Harper’s decision, said Rob Huebert, an Arctic expert from the University of Calgary. “It totally validates it. If you actually have a look at what has been submitted, it is a substantial chunk.” Byers and Huebert said the negotiations to come will be based more on the principle of equidistance than undersea geography. That principle holds that a maritime boundary is drawn along a line equidistant from the shores of neighbouring nations. It’s still worth having done the research, said Huebert, if only to prove there’s a need to negotiate. “You had to determine you had a continental shelf. That was the first and necessary step. If we’d only gone up to the North Pole, to a very large de-

gree we would be ceding everything the Russians and Danes were putting within their claim. “It doesn’t mean you’re going to get everything you want, but now it becomes much more possible.” Byers has his doubts. He points out that the equidistance principle will probably give the Pole to the Danes. Canada’s submission tacitly acknowledges that, he said, because it stops partway along the ridge. “Why bother spending hundreds of millions of dollars mapping the seabed in an area you know will fall to the other country at the conclusion of negotiations?” Byers asked. “Our scientific claim might be valid. The North Pole is on the Danish side of an equidistance line.” The people who actually live in the Arctic welcome the federal submission. “I’m pleased Canada has done this work,” said Monica Ell-Kanayuk of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference. She noted the submission was made in consultation with Inuit. The UN Commission on Limits of the Continental Shelf will review the validity of the science done by all three countries. It’s expected to be years before negotiations begin. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

CONSUL GENERAL to Toronto Rosalita Sayoc Prospero has passed away, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto announced. In a Facebook post, the office said Prospero died in Toronto early morning on Tuesday, May 28, but did not reveal the cause of her death. “She was a career diplomat who dedicated her life in the service of our country and its people,” it said. The post also added that Prospero’s remains will be sent back to the Philippines “in accordance with her wishes.” A memorial service will also be organized. “The details of which shall be released in due course,” it noted. Prior to being a consul general of the Philippines in Toronto, Canada on May 24, 2015, Prospero served as Executive Director of the Office of American Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). In a previous interview with Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Late ConGen Rosalita Prospero.

(PCI), Prospero said she was proud to have come from a family of educators, from her great-grandparents to her own mother. But unlike her family members, Prospero chose to take a different career path which was in foreign service. Her interest in foreign affairs grew when she became an international science relations officer in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), where she was able to coordinate with the DFA in the foreign-assisted projects of the DOST. Prospero then served as vice consul and then consul in Sydney, Australia, where she said she “learned the ropes of this role.” She then served as minister and consul general at the Philippine Embassy in Paris, France and then, later on, became the minister and permanent deputy representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As a consul general, Prospero said she wanted her office to serve and protect each Filipino immigrant or Filipino-Canadians who struggle to have a better life in Canada. ■

SUPPLIED

Canada News

MAY 31, 2019

Canada-China relations hit ‘rock bottom’ and at ‘freezing point’: Chinese envoy BY MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — China’s ambassador to Canada says the bilateral relationship is now at “rock bottom” compared to any time since diplomatic ties were first established decades ago. In prepared text for a speech Thursday, Lu Shaye said he’s saddened Canada-China relations are at what he called a “freezing point.” Lu’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions following the December arrest of Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on an extradition request by the United States. The Huawei executive’s arrest has enraged China, which has since detained two Canadians on allegations of endangering Chinese national security, sentenced two Canadians to

death for drug-related convictions and blocked key agricultural shipments. Lu did not mention Meng’s arrest — but he said the ChinaCanada relationship is now facing serious difficulties. He said China has long valued its relationship with Canada, particularly since it was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the Asian country. “For clear reasons, the current China-Canada relations are facing serious difficulties and are situated at the rock bottom since the two countries have established diplomatic relations,” said a copy of Lu’s speech, which was posted on the Chinese Embassy’s website. “It saddens us that the current China-Canada relations are ‘at a freezing point’ and face huge difficulties. The knots shall be untied by those who got them tied.”

He continued by urging Canada to view China’s development in a “fair and objective” manner and to respect its concerns. Lu also warned Canada to “stop the moves that undermine the interests of China.” In recent months, Beijing’s envoy has used strong words when talking about the relationship. In January, he told Canadian journalists that Meng’s arrest was the “backstabbing” of a friend and said it was evidence of white supremacism. Lu also warned of repercussions if the federal government bars Huawei from selling equipment to build a Canadian 5G wireless network. He made the remarks in Toronto at an event hosted by the Globe and Mail. The document said former prime minister Jean Chretien was in attendance as was Darryl White, chief executive of BMO.

those with credit scores below 600 continued to trend lower. The total number of new mortgages issued in the quarter came in at 223,000, down 4.8 per cent from a year earlier. The slower volume came as the market slowed and average prices fell on slightly higher interest rates, slower economic growth and stricter mortgage regulations. The new mortgage regulations, which set higher stresstests for would-be borrowers in an effort to slow the market, have come under criticism in some corners for making real estate less accessible. The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday that Canada should maintain the regulations because household debt

remains high, and a gradual slowdown in the housing market is desirable. The average value of new loans in the quarter was 3.8 per cent lower than a year ago at $264,000 as house prices remain historically elevated, while the average value of all mortgages rose 3.1 per cent to $209,570 in the quarter, said the CMHC. The agency said debt issues are increasing for older consumers as the share of mortgage holders 55 and older continues to grow. It said mortgage delinquency rates in the 65-andabove age group have been rising and have been the highest of all age grounds since late 2015, while still relatively low. ■

CMHC says... ❰❰ 31

disposable incomerose only 2.5 per cent, the agency said. Debt levels rose as average balances for credit cards and lines of credit grew at a faster pace than in 2017, especially in Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto, it said. Delinquency rates, however, remain low and stable, said CMHC senior market analyst Genevieve Lapointe in the report. “Despite high debt levels, delinquency rates remain low and the number of highly indebted and more vulnerable consumers has decreased.” The mortgage delinquency rate came in at 0.3 per cent, up 0.01 of a percentage point, while the share of mortgages held by

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

Liberals begin effort to get new NAFTA ratified in House of Commons BY MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The new North American free trade agreement will beat its June legislative deadline and be ratified by Parliament, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland predicted Monday, but she acknowledged that Canada can’t bring the new deal into force by itself. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement — USMCA, or CUSMA to Canadian officials — requires the ratification of all three countries, which is why the federal government is collaborating so closely with its other two partners, she said after question period. “I am confident we will be successful moving forward,” said Freeland, who kicked off the process Monday by tabling a so-called ways and means motion in the House of Commons. “Of course, the entry into force of this agreement does not depend solely on Canada.” In the politically tumultuous U.S., it remains an open question at the moment whether Congress can muster progress on anything, including the new continental trade pact and a plan to unleash infrastructure spending to fix crumbling American bridges and roads. President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Democrat who controls the agenda in the House of Representatives, are locked in a bitter battle. Pelosi has questioned Trump’s fitness for office, while he has branded her “crazy” and incapable of understanding the

complexities of the agreement. On Thursday, U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence will be in Ottawa, where he is expected to exchange views with Freeland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the legislative way forward in their two countries. “It will be interesting for us to hear from Vice-President Pence about the U.S. domestic ratification process,” Freeland said, adding that Canada will move forward in tandem with the U.S. as much as possible in order to get the deal approved. She also said last week’s”full lift” of the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian imports has paved the way for formal approval of the new deal, and that she plans to brief the federal cabinet soon on plans to table the necessary ratification bill. Less than two weeks ago, Freeland hosted her Mexican counterparts in Toronto where they discussed how Canada and Mexico can collaborate on “the very ambitious labour reforms that Mexico has now passed, which are an important part of the new NAFTA.” Canada and the U.S. pushed Mexico to improve workers’ rights during the rocky NAFTA renegotiation, which culminated in a deal late last September, because they wanted to level the playing field between their workers and lower-paid Mexican workers, especially in the auto sector. Last month, Mexico’s lower house of Congress approved a reform of labour law that aims to ensure workers can freely vote for their union representation and contracts. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

Scheer accuses Trudeau of ‘stacking the deck’ to get re-elected BY TERESA WRIGHT The Canadian Press

“Journalism is at the core of our democracy, but Conservatives aren’t one to miss an opportunity to attack its independence. They are into conspiracy theOTTAWA — Conservative Leader An- ories and it’s insulting to the intelligence drew Scheer says the Liberals’ decision of Canadians and the professionalism of to name an anti-Conservative union to a journalists.” panel that will decide which media outBelanger also noted the panel will not lets receive government funding is the decide which organization gets what, latest example of Prime Minister Justin but rather will advise on criteria that Trudeau “stacking the deck” in his fa- would be applied by a second panel, vour to get re-elected in October. which has not yet been created. In an interview with The Canadian But Scheer said he believes this move Press Sunday, Scheer said he believes is indicative of a broader strategy by the decision to include Unifor on the Trudeau in making decisions to give panel — which will determine eligibil- himself an upper hand in advance of the ity for a $595-million bailout package — fall federal election. undermines the credibility of the panel’s He pointed to changes made to the work. amounts of money political parties can “There’s no reason for Unifor to be on spend in the run-up to a federal electhis panel. They are a very aggressive, tion — changes Scheer says mainly afpartisan group with very aggressive and fect the Conservative party — while no partisan goals, even as late as a couple limits have been placed on government of days ago attacking Conservatives and spending or travel in advance of the writ me personally, and period. yet Justin Trudeau “They’ve only aphas decided to put plied that to oppothis group on the sition parties,” he panel,” Scheer said. said. “So we expect to “That is completeJournalism is see ministers flying ly unacceptable.” at the core of around and making Unifor has camour democracy, announcements and paigned against the but government adverConservative party Conservatives tising continuing at and, in November, aren’t one a time when political published tweets to miss an parties won’t.” calling itself Scheer’s opportunity The Conservative “worst nightmare.” to attack its leader also said the Earlier this week, independence. Liberals presented the union’s national opposition parties president Jerry Dias with a “fait accompli” said the Conservative when it created the leader is trying to unnew commission on dermine confidence leaders’ debates. in a free and independent press by rais“(They) said ‘here’s how the debate ing concern about Unifor’s presence on commission will work. Here are the the panel. Dias compared Scheer’s tac- criteria. No ability for consultation, tics to those employed by U.S. President just rammed that through,” Scheer Donald Trump. said. This further proves Unifor’s partisan Meg Jaques, press secretary for Demleanings against his party and should ocratic Institutions Minister Karina disqualify the union from participating Gould, says the new elections modernin the process, Scheer said. ization law does place limits on governHeritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez ment advertising during a dedicated has defended Unifor’s place on the pan- pre-writ period that will begin June 30 el, saying the union has been included — a legislative change that was made to among other groups that represent jour- address the fact that former Conservanalists to ensure broad representation tive government led by Stephen Harper from the industry. did not limit the government’s spending “Unifor is the single largest media before the 2015 election and “took adunion representing over 13,000 workers vantage of the government’s resources coming from a wide diversity of news- to spend taxpayers dollars for partisan papers. We feel that putting the voice of purposes.” journalists on this panel is essential. AfAs for the debates commission — it ter all, who is best paced to advocate for is independent of government and its the future of journalism than journalists work is being guided by Canadians, themselves?” said Rodriguez’s spokes- Jaques said. man Louis Belanger. “The independent debates commis-

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer.

sion we announced reflects what was heard from cross country consultations. The main message that we took away was that debates should be organized in the interests of Canadians.” But Scheer remains convinced the Liberals are “stacking the deck against

ANDREW SCHEER / FACEBOOK

Justin Trudeau’s political opponents” ahead of the Oct. 21 election. A Conservative official said Scheer and his MPs plan to take this message to the House of Commons when it resumes this week for its final four weeks of deliberations before voting day. ■

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World News

MAY 31, 2019

Trump is first head of state to meet Japan’s new emperor

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and were later seen siting with cups of water and cool compresses on their foreheads. At the White House last week, Trump noted the significance of his meeting TOKYO — Under a blazing hot sun at with the emperor. Naruhito took the Japan’s Imperial Palace, President Don- throne after his father stepped down, ald Trump on Monday became the first the first abdication in Japan’s royal famworld leader to meet the new emperor ily in about two centuries. of Japan. “It’s a very big thing going on with the The president, who is on a four-day emperor. It’s something that hasn’t hapstate visit, was the centre of attention pened in over 200 years,” Trump said. “I at a grand outdoor welcome ceremony am the guest, meaning the United States where he took a solo walk down red is the guest.” carpets, reviewing Japanese troops Trump stressed that Abe “very specifias the guest of honour. The pomp and cally” said Trump is the guest of honour. pageantry then gave “With all the counway to meetings tries of the world, I’m with Japanese Prime the guest of honour at Minister Shinzo Abe the biggest event that about trade and other they’ve had in over world issues. It’s a very big 200 years,” Trump Trump’s “state thing going said. call” opened with on with the It’s not the emperhandshakes and emperor. It’s or who chose Trump greetings from Nasomething as his first state guest. ruhito, who ascended that hasn’t It was Abe, who is to the throne on May happened in seen by some as using 1, and his wife, Emover 200 years. the invitation to meet press Masako. Naruhito to curry As he approached favour with Trump the emperor, Trump who is threatening said, “How are you? to impose potentially Thank you very devastating tariffs on much.” The first lady told the empress, Japan’s auto industry, among other ten“Nice to meet you.” sions in the relationship.. After exchanging pleasantries inside After leaving the Imperial Palace, the palace, the couples emerged and Trump went to the Akasaka Palace, the walked to a raised platform as the na- Japanese state guest house with lush tional anthems of both countries were manicured grounds, for meetings, a played. working lunch and joint news conferTrump showed little emotion, but ence with Abe. The president also will waved near schoolchildren feverishly be the guest of honour at an imperial waving U.S. and Japanese flags. Some banquet at the palace hosted by the emof the children suffered from the heat peror. ■

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@POTUS Makes history as the first head of state in The #Reiwa Era to meet with His and Her Majesties, the Emperor and Empress. #POTUSinJapan #Alliance President Trump was the first state guests to come to the conference with the Emperor. @USAMBJAPAN/TWITTER

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World News

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

PANGARAP: SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS

Tanong No. 10: Handa ka na ba? BY BOLET AREVALO

SABI-SABI: Boy Scouts lang ang laging handa. Iba-iba ang kakayahan ng tao upang maging handa o masabing sila ay handa. I remember, when we were leaving for abroad, isang taon yata akong nag-empake ng gamit. Pero hanggang sa the night before kami umalis, nageempake pa rin ako. Yet, packing your bags is the easiest thing to accomplish when you are leaving, whether it is for good or for a long period of time, or may be even for a vacation. The emotional preparedness is probably one of the hardest things to hurdle. Ang hirap ihanda ang ating puso at diwa.

Ang utak ay maaaring turuan, pero hindi ang nararamdaman ng puso, ang isinisigaw ng diwa. Nothing comes easy. But nothing is impossible. Kung confident ka sa maraming aspeto ng iyong desisyon at masusi ang iyong naging paghahanda lalo na sa pagiging wellinformed, lahat nang ‘yan ay maaaring pag-aralan. Sabi ko nga before, lahat ng bagay ay isang desisyon lang. You can decide to be happy. You can decide to try and make it. Para sa akin, ang punto ng paghahanda ay hindi lamang sa haharapin, kundi para pa rin sa mga iiwanan at lalayuan. Kailangang maging handa ang iyong mga kamag-anak o kaibigang iiwanang tanggapin ang iyong desisyon. Kailangang alam nila na ok ka at confident kang mapagtatagumpayan mo ito. Kasi kung tunay silang nagmamahal sa iyo, hindi rin sila

matatahimik ‘pag nakikitang malungkot ka at hindi nagtatagumpay. Mabigat ang desisyong umalis. Nguni’t mas mabigat ang aspeto ng paghahanda Ngunit kung magtulongtulong ang bawa’t miyembro pamilya or even mga kaibigan mo lang, walang imposibleng harapin. Ang Totoo: Mahirap masabing handa ka na. You can never be completely prepared. Just as you can never say enough will never be enough. But if you had done your homework, ika nga, dapat may tiwala kang everything, if not, most things, will be all right. ■ Abangan sa susunod na isyu: Ang pagbabahagi ng ikalawang aklat ng Taglish version ng Pangarap Series. Sa pangalawang aklat, layunin kong mailarawan ang tamis ng tagumpay sa

likod ng pangangarap nating makapangibang-bansa, at kung paano makakamit ang minimithi gamit ang determinasyon, kababaang-loob at pagharap sa riyalidad. Bolet is a marketing communications practitioner and dabbles in writing as a personal passion.

She is author-publisher of the book: The Most Practical Immigrating and Job Hunting Survival Guide, proven simple steps to success without the fears and the doubts. book is available in Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, the Reading Room and other online bookshops worldwide.

Brexit Party wins, Conservatives bashed in UK’s EU voting BY JILL LAWLESS The Associated Press LONDON — Britain’s governing Conservative Party was all but wiped out in the European Parliament election as voters sick of the country’s stalled European Union exit flocked to uncompromisingly pro-Brexit or pro-EU parties. The main opposition Labour Party also faced a drubbing in a vote that upended the traditional order of British politics and plunged the country into even more Brexit uncertainty. The big winners were the newly founded Brexit Party led by veteran anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage and the strongly proEuropean Liberal Democrats. With results announced early Monday for all of England and Wales, the Brexit Party had won 28 of the 73 British EU seats up for grabs and almost a third of the votes. The Liberal Democrats took about 20% of the vote and 15 seats — up from only one at the last EU election in 2014. Labour came third with 10 seats, followed by the Greens with seven. The ruling Conservatives were in fifth place with

just three EU seats and under 10% of the vote. Scotland and Northern Ireland are due to announce their results later. Farage’s Brexit Party was one of several nationalist and populist parties making gains across the continent in an election that saw erosion of support for the traditionally dominant political parties. Conservative Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said it was a “painful result” and warned there was an “existential risk to our party unless we now come together and get Brexit done.” The results reflect an electorate deeply divided over Britain’s 2016 decision to leave the EU, but united in anger at the two long-dominant parties, the Conservatives and Labour, who have brought the Brexitprocess to deadlock. Britain is participating in the EU election because it is still a member of the bloc, but the lawmakers it elects will only sit in the European Parliament until the country leaves the EU, which is currently scheduled for Oct. 31. Farage’s Brexit Party was officially launched in April and

Nigel Farage.

has only one policy: for Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible, even without a divorce agreement in place. Farage said his party’s performance was “a massive message” for the Conservatives and Labour, and he said it should be given a role in future negotiations with the EU. “If we don’t leave on Oct. 31, then the scores you have seen for the Brexit Party today will be repeated in a general election — and we are getting ready for it,” said Farage. www.canadianinquirer.net

BREXIT PARTY / FACEBOOK

But the election leaves Britain’s EU exit ever more uncertain, with both Brexiteers and pro-EU “remainers” able to claim strong support. Labour and the Conservatives, who in different ways each sought a compromise Brexit, were hammered. The result raises the likelihood of a chaotic “no deal” exit from the EU — but also of a new referendum that could reverse the decision to leave. The Conservatives were punished for failing to take the

country out of the EU on March 29 as promised, a failure that led Prime Minister Theresa May to announce Friday that she is stepping down from leading the party on June 7. Britain’s new prime minister will be whoever wins the Conservative party leadership race to replace her. The favourites, including exBrexit Secretary Dominic Raab and former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, have vowed to leave the EU on Oct. 31 even if there is no deal in place. Most businesses and economists think that would cause economic turmoil and plunge Britain into recession. But many Conservatives think embracing a no-deal Brexit may be the only way to win back voters from Farage’s party. Labour was punished for a fence-sitting Brexit policy that saw the party dither over whether to support a new referendum that could halt Brexit. Labour foreign affairs spokeswoman Emily Thornberry said the party needed to adopt a clearer pro-EU stance. “There should be a (new Brexit) referendum and we should campaign to remain,” she said. ■

World News

MAY 31, 2019

FRIDAY

May to quit as party leader June 7, opening race for new PM BY JILL LAWLESS The Associated Press LONDON — Theresa May ended her failed three-year quest to lead Britain out of the European Union on Friday, announcing that she will step down as Conservative Party leader June 7 and triggering a contest to choose a new prime minister who will try to complete Brexit. “I have done my best,” May said in a speech outside 10 Downing St., as close aides and her husband Philip looked on, before acknowledging that it was not good enough. Concluding her remarks, she struggled to contain her emotions and her voice broke as she expressed “enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love.” Then she turned and strode through the famous black door of No. 10. May will stay on as a caretaker prime minister until the new leader is chosen, a process the Conservatives aim to complete by late July. The new party leader will become prime minister without the need for a general election. She became prime minister the month after the U.K. voted in June 2016 to leave the European Union, and her premiership has been consumed by the attempt to deliver on that verdict. May was brought down by Brexit, but her nemesis wasn’t the EU, with which she successfully struck a divorce deal. She was felled by her own Conservative Party, which refused to accept it. The plan was defeated three times in Parliament, rejected both by pro-EU opposition lawmakers and by Brexit-supporting Conserva-

tives who thought it kept Britain too closely bound to the bloc. Many Conservative lawmakers came to see May as an obstacle and blamed her for the U.K.’s failure to leave the EU on the scheduled date of March 29. The bloc has extended that deadline until Oct. 31 in hope Britain’s politicians can break their political deadlock. The pressure on May reached breaking point this week as House of Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom quit and several Cabinet colleagues rejected the bill she planned to put before Parliament in a fourth attempt to secure lawmakers’ backing for her Brexit blueprint. In her farewell speech, May defended her record, saying she had “negotiated the terms of our exit and a new relationship with our closest neighbours that protects jobs, our security and our Union.” “I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back that deal,” she said. “Sadly, I have not been able to do so.” “It is now clear to me that it is in the best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort,” she added. Multiple contenders are already jockeying to replace her in a contest that will see a new leader chosen by Conservative lawmakers and party members. The early front-runner is Boris Johnson, a former foreign secretary and strong champion of Brexit. Other contenders are likely to include Leadsom, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab. Johnson, whose relentless criticism helped push May out of the door, tweeted: “Thank you for your stoical service to

our country and the Conservative Party. It is now time to follow her urgings: to come together and deliver Brexit.” Whether it is Johnson or another contender, the next prime minister is likely to be a staunch Brexiteer, who will try to renegotiate the divorce deal, and if that fails, to leave the bloc without an agreement on the terms of the departure. “The person who will replace her will embrace the possibility of a no deal with alacrity rather than fear,” said Steven Fielding, professor of political history at the University of Nottingham. “They will have to embrace it if they want to be elected by the Tory party membership.” Most businesses and economists think that would cause economic turmoil and plunge Britain into recession. Parliament has voted to rule out a nodeal Brexit, though it remains the legal default option. But many Conservatives think embracing a no-deal Brexit may be the only way to keep the support of voters who opted in 2016 to leave the EU. The Conservatives expect to take a bruising when results come in late Sunday from this week’s European Parliament election, which many British voters are expected to use to express displeasure over the political gridlock. Opinion polls suggest Conservative voters deserting in droves to the singleissue Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage. Any attempt to take Britain out of the EU without a deal will be fiercely resisted by Parliament, and could see pro-Europeans leave the Conservative Party. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, an opponent of Brexit, tweeted that May’s exit

with the law. Chan acknowledged eliminating cyberthreats poses a huge challenge. “It’s a bit of an arms race, right? So as we find ways to prevent bad actors from doing certain things, they’re going to want to evolve and they’re going to want to find different ways to do it and then we then want to counteract by further evolving

our systems and our processes,” he said in an interview. Politicians initially embraced social media as an innovative and inexpensive way to engage and communicate with more voters. But their enthusiasm has waned since the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign, which was bedevilled by disinformation, fake social-media accounts and hacked emails aimed

Theresa May.

ALEXANDROS MICHAILIDIS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

“will not solve the Brexit mess that the Tories have created. … The prospect of an even more hard-line Brexiteer now becoming PM and threatening a no deal exit is deeply concerning.” EU leaders expressed respect for May, and stressed they would not renegotiate the Brexit deal. “We have set out our position on the withdrawal agreement and on the political declaration,” said EU spokeswoman Mina Andreeva. She said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had great respect for May and would”equally respect and establish working relations” with any new British leader. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany would continue to “do everything it can to ensure there is a good partnership with Britain, an orderly exit, and then continuing good co-operation.”

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sometimes differed publicly with May, said he was “feeling badly” for her. “I like her very much,” said Trump who is due to meet May on a state visit to Britain June 3-5. And May departed with a warning to her successor. “To succeed, he or she will have to find consensus in Parliament where I have not,” she said. “Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise.” She said it had been “the honour of my life” to serve as Britain’s leader, the second woman to hold the job, after Margaret Thatcher. “The second female prime minister — but certainly not the last,” May said. ■

at sowing dissension and manipulating the outcome — much of it engineered by Russia. Their trust in social media evaporated following last year’s Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which it was revealed that the personal data of some 87 million Facebook users had been improperly shared with the political consultancy firm for use in the 2016 U.S. campaign and

Britain’s Brexit referendum. The international grand committee was formed after that scandal and held its first meetings in London last year. Politicians from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Morocco, Estonia, Ireland and Singapore are taking part in the second set of meetings in Ottawa this week. ■

Associated Press writers Gregory Katz in London, Raf Casert in Brussels and David Rising in Berlin contributed.

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above” the recently legislated requirement that digital platforms create an online registry for political ads. Facebook will not just identify the source of each ad, it will also provide information on how much was spent on it and the target audience. It will also use artificial intelligence to try to seek out political ads that do not comply

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FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

Narendra Modi’s Trump awards trophy at victory speech marquee sumo event in Tokyo delivers visions of a Hindu nationalist ascetic BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE AND JILL COLVIN The Associated Press

BY CHANDRIMA CHAKRABORTY Professor of English and Cultural Studies McMaster University, The Canadian Press In the recently concluded Indian parliamentary elections, the electorate gave a thumping majority to current Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Hindu right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead the nation for another five years. In his victory speech at the BJP headquarters, Modi addressed the nation. Throughout his speech, Modi crafted an image of himself as a Hindu ascetic who renounces worldly possessions, not for personal liberation but to serve the nation’s needy — a karmayogi. This image of the selfless Hindu ascetic devoted to the nation has been carefully cultivated over decades by the Hindu right. The creation of this figure is partly a response to the British colonial denigration of Hindu

ascetics as wilfully idle, otherworldly, apathetic and apolitical. It is also a response to the secular middle class derision of monks in saffron robes entering politics. India has seen a remarkable public resurgence of Hindu ascetics in politics since the 1980s, with the ascendance of the Hindu right. Notable political figures include the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, MP Sakshi Maharaj and MP Uma Bharati, among others. Although not dressed in saffron robes like his compatriots, Modi’s biography speaks to nationalist ascetic virtues: celibacy, renunciation of family and service for the nation. He left his home in his teenage years and wandered the Himalayas for two years, joined the militant Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the parent organization of the BJP, and abandoned his wife for the nation. Symbolically, Modi chose Va❱❱ PAGE 22 Narendra Modi’s

MOBARA, JAPAN — President Donald Trump presented a special Trump trophy to the winner of a sumo tournament in Tokyo on Sunday as he got a taste of one of Japan’s most treasured cultural institutions. The honour given to Trump was part of a charm offensive Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe continued Sunday as he courted the president with three things close to his heart: wrestling matches, cheeseburgers and golf. Call it sumo diplomacy. The president, first lady Melania Trump, Abe and his wife, Akie, joined an estimated 11,500 fans who packed Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium to watch oversized, muscular men battling in loin cloths. At the end, Trump stepped into the ring and presented the eagle-topped “President’s Cup” to champion wrestler Asanoyama, making him the first American president to participate. Shoes aren’t permitted in the sumo ring, but Trump wore dark-colored slippers. “That was something to see these great athletes,” Trump said before dinner at a Hibachi restaurant. Trump’s four-day state visit to Japan is designed to demonstrate the strength of the bond between the nations. The president received a warm welcome as he arrived at Mobara Country Club, south of Tokyo, for a steamy morning round of golf with the Japanese leader. It was

their fifth golf outing. Abe is pulling out all the stops as he seeks to placate Trump amid growing U.S.-Japan trade tensions and the threat of auto tariffs. Japan is also contending with the continued threat of North Korea and Trump’s apparent dismissal of Pyongyang’s recent tests of short-range missiles that could reach Japan. But minus several antagonistic tweets, Sunday was all about bromance and keeping Trump happy. First it was the golf course, where Trump and Abe played 16 holes, joined by Japanese professional golfer Isao Aoki. Aoki, who is famous for his putting technique, was expected to present Trump with a putter he designed. On the lunch menu: Double cheeseburgers made with U.S. beef. Next, Abe introduced Trump to Japan’s ancient sport of sumo wrestling — something Trump has said he said he finds “fascinating.” The president was welcomed to the stadium with loud applause and sat ringside at the match in a low-back, breaking the custom of sitting crosslegged on a mat. Once it was done, Trump climbed on stage to present his cup to wrestler Asanoyama, who clinched the tournament win on Saturday. Trump read from a scroll, praising Asanoyama’s “outstanding achievement” and then hoisted the hefty cup, which the White House said stands 54 inches (137 centimetres) tall and weighs 60 to 70 pounds (27-32 kilograms), into Asanoyama’s arms with the help of an official.

Asanoyama was presented with a trophy by Abe and an emperor’s trophy as well. The president’s attendance at the annual summer sumo tournament in Tokyo might have recalled memories of time he spent promoting the World Wrestling Federation. Trump sponsored major events, appeared in bits and was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2013. On Monday, Trump will receive another honour when he becomes the first foreign leader to meet with Japan’s new emperor, Naruhito, since he ascended to the throne on May 1. Trump and Abe will also meet in a more formal setting and participate in a joint news conference. In the evening, Trump will be guest of honour at a banquet hosted by the emperor at Japan’s Imperial Palace. “We’ve had a great time, a great stay, and tomorrow is really the big event, a very important event in the history of Japan,” Trump said. “It’s over 200 years since something like this has happened so it’s a great honour to be representing the United States.” The Abe-Trump bromance began even before Trump took office when Abe rushed to New York to greet the presidentelect at Trump Tower. Japan is deeply dependent on the U.S. for security and Abe has tried to encourage Trump to maintain international agreements and keep pressure on North Korea. Golf, in particular, has been a bonding activity for the leaders, who both love the game. ❱❱ PAGE 27 Trump awards

Ramadan in Mideast is for fasting and Facebook, data shows BY AYA BATRAWY The Associated Press

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

NARENDRA MODI / FACEBOOK

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with its long days of fasting and prayer meant to draw worshippers www.canadianinquirer.net

closer to God and away from worldly distractions, is being reshaped by technology. People in the Middle East spend close to 58 million more hours on Facebook during Ramadan and watch more YouTube videos — everything from beauty tips and recipes to

sports and TV dramas — than any other time of the year, making the holy month not only the most important one for Muslims, but also the prime time of the year for advertisers. For Facebook, which also ❱❱ PAGE 33 Ramadan in

World News

MAY 31, 2019

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Narendra Modi’s... ❰❰ 21

ranasi, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities and the spiritual home for Hindu ascetics, as the constituency to represent at the close of his election. Nationalist asceticism is valourized by the Hindu right, but it also holds appeal for a broad section of Hindus. Modi’s victory speech impresses the audience with the popular image of the Hindu ascetic devoted to the nation’s cause. Performance of ascetic humility

Amit Shah, national president of the BJP, set the stage for the prime minister’s address with a heart-pumping, chestthumping victory speech offering data on states, towns and personalities that had suffered unprecedented losses for the Congress party. Rejoicing over the BJP’s continued supremacy in the Hindi heartland in the 2019 elections, Shah was exuberant about the party’s electoral successes in eastern India. Following these highpitched, triumphalist accounts of electoral victories, which the audience greeted with thunderous applause, Modi took the podium to address his supporters

as the crowd chanted “ModiModi.” What ensued was a spectacular public performance of humility. Reminding the masses of his humble origins, Modi repeatedly applauded the generosity of the voters for filling his fakir’s jholi (ascetic’s bag). In sharp contrast to Shah, he instructed his supporters to move ahead with humility. Modi made three promises and asked the people to hold him accountable on these promises for the tenure of his public office. First, he said he would not do anything with ill intent. Second, he vowed not do anything for himself. That is, he would not make any personal gains from his public office. Third, he promised he would dedicate every moment of his time and every cell in his body to serving the country. Modi’s self-deprecating speech — replete with references to Hindu mythology (god of clouds), Hindu practices (cleansing oneself with a bath in the river Ganga) and the Hindu epic Mahabharata — speaks to a receptive Hindu majority. Using Hindu religious texts in

politics

Modi’s three promises consolidate the image of the karmayogi — articulated in one of Hinduism’s primary texts, the Bhagavad Gita — without having to name it. The Bhagavad Gita is the Hindu right’s religious text of choice. The book starts at the beginning of an epic war and reveals a battlefield discussion between prince Arjun and his charioteer Lord Krishna. Arjun feels squeamish going to war against his own family. Lord Krishna encourages him to think of himself as a karmayogi: someone who works with detachment without anticipating the fruits of his labour. In his speech, Modi informed his listeners that he had a busy day. Therefore he did not have the opportunity to look through the poll results and would look later that night. Thus, he put forth himself as a detached and selfless worker for the nation. As Modi publicly rededicates himself to serve the nation at the beginning of his second five-year political mandate, this coded messaging will appeal to his Hindu sympathizers. Many of them are fed up with cor-

rupt politicians and feel marginalized by privileged liberal elites. A humble, Hindi-speaking prime minister elicits their trust. Others feel encouraged to uphold their religious identity. Many of these same people believe that secularism is an unmanly appeasement of religious minorities, especially Muslims. Crafting images of devotion

A few days before the election results were declared, images of Modi draped in a saffron shawl meditating in a cave emerged. His election victory speech fleshed out this self-representation as an ascetic. Modi presents himself as a Hindu ascetic walking from door to door seeking alms (votes), thankful for the generosity of the masses. In an ironic twist, the voter becomes the kind benefactor, rather than the prime minister, who can improve the lives of the poor. Such skillful use of imagery also tells the Indian public that while Modi may be the prime minister of India, he continues to be one of them. This alms-seeking ascetic narrative invokes Modi’s humble origins. It emphasizes

his strong personal virtues of dedication and hard work. This is what allowed him to climb through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to become the leader of the largest democracy in the world. It’s a reminder to those frustrated with the Congress Party’s dynastic politics that this humble son of the soil, with limited English fluency, has proven his ascendancy over the privileged, English-speaking Gandhis. More so, it offers assurances to his supporters, many of whom speak a variety of vernacular tongues — but especially to his Hindi speakers — that the days of the liberal, Englisheducated elite are over. Modi’s carefully crafted, religiously coded public enactment of unabashed patriotic loyalty is a dog whistle that those who support his vision of a Hindu majoritarian “new India” can hear loud and clear. ■ This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Disclosure information is available on the original site.

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Entertainment Kathryn goes ‘extra cheesy’ for Kathniel’s 7th anniversary BY GIANNA LLANES AND BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer WITH SEVEN years and counting, Kathryn Bernardo in a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday, May 25, makes their anniversary “an excuse to be extra cheesy” as she shares to the online world how her boyfriend Daniel Padilla is both her “dream guy and reality guy.” The 23-year-old recalled the many projects that the onscreen partners-turned-reallife couple did by comparing Daniel to the characters he portrayed like Patrick from Growing Up (2011), Gino from Princess and I (2012-2013), Joaquin from Got to Believe (2013-2014), Dos from Can’t

Help Falling in Love (2017), and Primo from The Hows of Us (2018). “First, I’m thankful that you’re a lot like Patrick. You have that natural charm about you that you’re not even aware of. I’m also thankful of how Gino reminds me of you. You tend to look arrogant at times, but you’re actually genuinely kind and always the first person to fight for love. I’m thankful that you’re like Joaquin, who’s always enveloped in some kind of mystery that never fails to draw me in. I’m thankful that you’re like Dos. You’re fun, you’re adventurous, and you’re such a natural at making people laugh. Of course, I’m thankful that you’re so much like Primo. You have so much passion in everything that you do and you always work hard for your

dreams. You’re sincerely apologetic when you need to be, and you cherish and prioritize the people you love above all,” she wrote. However, Kathryn also writes, “But more than anything in the world, I’m thankful that you are you — you’re DJ, my tangi, my bal.” She also states that numerous people have asked her how they stay in love after all these years, to which she says in truth, they also do not know the answer. “Because for us, we just wing it—it’s not forced, it’s not planned, it’s not strategic. There’s no formula. But these I do know: Staying in love is a decision you make every day,” she continues. To celebrate their anniversary, Kathryn and Daniel are currently enjoying Morocco.

@BERNADOKATH / INSTAGRAM

The couple first met on the set of teen show Growing Up, then starred on more television shows after as more people recognized them as the love team Kathniel. They were also partnered up for films “She’s Dating

the Gangster,” “Crazy Beautiful You,” and “Barcelona: A Love Untold.” In 2019, both celebrities announced temporarily not doing future projects together to help foster individual growth. ■

Amidst the chaos, Sara Bareilles finds a new voice BY GARY GERARD HAMILTON The Associated Press NEW YORK — Feeling “lost” after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, Sara Bareilles found herself in a meditation class to help deal with the new American reality. “I felt like the world was on fire and I didn’t have any tools to just cope with the idea that I was in a catastrophe,” she said. “It was just like apocalyptic for me.” The one thing she could do? Write songs. Her emotions, combined with navigating through an increasingly divided country, led to her latest album, “Amidst the Chaos.” “For me the thing that always stays the most important is to feel that I’m being authentic and truthful in terms of what my messaging is,” Bareilles said. “And I think I’ve gotten

less afraid.” “Chaos,” released last month, marks her return to pop music after a nearly six-year hiatus. It follows 2013’s “The Blessed Unrest,” which boasted the successful single “Brave” and scored her a Grammy nomination for album of the year. During that gap, she wrote music for and later starred in the Broadway musical, “Waitress.” She’s earned two Tony Award nominations and released the theatre album, “What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress,” in 2015. Bareilles said theatre “took over my whole life,” and she wanted to write music for herself again. That’s when she got in touch with iconic producer T Bone Burnett, who has won 13 Grammys and an Oscar. “The algorithms may place her in more of a pop place with Katy Perry or something like that. (But) as an artist, as a songwriter, she’s much closer to Dylan,” Burnett said. Labeling “Chaos” a political

@SARABAREILLES / INSTAGRAM

album, however, is fair — and unfair. It’s filled with camouflaged love songs like “No Such Thing” and “If I Can’t Have You.” “Those are basically direct love songs to the Obamas, which I feel like at some point www.canadianinquirer.net

I’m gonna get a cease-and-desist because I’m such a fan-girl,” Bareilles said with a laugh. “I’m a proud believer in their messaging and their leadership and their grace. So I found that after the election, I was really heartbroken. I think a lot of people

were.” But don’t be confused — “Chaos” is not anti-Trump music as there are no mentions of the president by name on the project. Instead, it features Bareilles speaking out more than ever. “I’m 39 now, I turn 40 this year,” she said. “When I look back on my life, I want to feel like I was outspoken for the things that really fall into my belief system and the causes and the people that I believe deserve advocacy. I really want to be someone who speaks up for them.” She added with a sly smile, “If that’s upsetting — sorry, not sorry.” The Bareilles-Burnett combo has been decades in the making, even if he was unaware. “He’s been on my bucket list my whole life,” she said. “Wrote letters to him when I was in my teens.” ❱❱ PAGE 24 Amidst the

Entertainment

MAY 31, 2019

Being a music critic not PDEA’s job — CAP

Angel Locsin fires back at Jimmy Bondoc’s ABS-CBN renewal criticism

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer A GROUP of artists slammed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) over its request to ban the song ‘Amatz’ by Filipino rapper Shanti Dope, stressing that being a music critic is not part of their mandate. In its statement posted on Facebook on Friday, May 24, the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), which was co-founded by filmmaker and National Artist Lino Brocka, said they find it “ridiculous” that PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino had asked the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM), and ABS-CBN Corporation to prevent the airing and promotion of the song as it allegedly promotes recreational marijuana use. “Everyone is free to debate on the merits of the song, and its repetitive message of a ‘natural high’ can be interpreted in many ways. One thing, however, is clear: it is not PDEA’s job to be a music critic. Neither is it mandated to promote censorship and the suppression of artistic expression,” the group said. The group noted that PDEA’s

BY GIANNA LLANES AND BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer

SHANTI DOPE / FACEBOOK

proposed ban can be tantamount to “censorship” and how it actually “runs the risk of degrading the quality and integrity of the national conversation on the subject.” The artists told the PDEA to instead focus on addressing the country’s drug problem, instead of “wasting” resources to ban a rap song. “We warn the PDEA: Leave the cultural commentary to the musicians, the fans, and the public at large. Instead, focus on your mandate to jail the big drug lords who still roam free,” it stressed. “As long as the chief purvey-

ors of illegal drugs remain, so will the culture of drug use and the social illness of addiction— and cultural expressions like music are mere reflections of this,” it added. Shanti Dope’s management had denied that ‘Amatz,’ promotes the use of marijuana and described PDEA’s move to ban the song as a “brazen use of power, and an affront to our right to think, write, create, and talk freely about the state of the nation.” It also urged Aquino to listen to the whole song and not just take “a few lines out of context.” ■

song “Orpheus,” a tune about being fearless and hopeful in a chaotic world, is “one of the best songs I’ve ever heard.” The confidence Burnett stirred up gave Bareilles, who will launch a tour this fall, the freedom to try things she had never accomplished before. For instance, her song “Saint Honesty” was recorded in one take. Burnett said love made it possible. “I just remember loving her and appreciating what she was doing,” he said. “And if you genuinely love the thing that you’re doing and the people you’re working with, it’s an easy job.” Love is a concurrent theme pulsating through Bareilles’

music. While there are songs like “Armor,” birthed from her Women’s March participation, and “A Safe Place to Land,” a collaboration with frequent Trump-critic John Legend created when she and co-writer Lori McKenna saw footage of detained immigrant children last year, it’s still an album filled with stories from the heart. “Love has always been my deepest motivator,” said Bareilles, who wrote the track “Poetry by Dead Men” about her boyfriend. “I think that if there’s any one message that I believe is worth sending — it’s that to love and be loved this is the greatest gift.” ■

Amidst the... ❰❰ 23

Burnett helming the project gave her the opportunity to sit at a master’s footsteps. “I had a little journal with me and there were so many bits of wisdom. And every time T Bone would say something, it sounded like a freakin’ fortune cookie.” But what might be surprising to Bareilles is that Burnett, 71, reciprocates the sentiment. “I look at her as a teacher as well,” he said. “I’m almost twice as old as she is, so I can understand how I could slip into a teacher role. I’ve certainly had a lot of experience. She’s a smart person, and I have great respect for Sara.” So much respect, he said her

FRIDAY

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THIRTY-FOUR-YEAR- OLD ACTRESS Angel Locsin proves that she is not afraid to express her dismay over comments of “Let Me Be the One” singer Jimmy Bondoc stating that he is “excited to see the biggest TV Network, ABS-CBN, close down.” Despite being a former Kapuso, Angel defends her current employers immediately from Bondoc’s criticism, directing her opinions to the singer and sharing with her 10.9 million followers in a lengthy post that reads, “Let me be the one to break this news to you so you don’t have to make excuses. The network might not be perfect but for you to be happy about thousands of people losing their jobs is pure evil. Maybe you’re just having a bad day. I will pray for you,” continuing in Filipino, “When you became famous, did you experience sexual harassment? If yes, I encourage you and all the victims to report this to the police. But generalizing that sexual favor is a prerequisite to success is just wrong.” The situation stems from Bondoc, who is also an appointee of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, sharing his thoughts last Wednesday, May 22 in a public post, stating, “[ABSCBN] is a snake pit, where success is based on politics and sexual favors. Nobody dares to talk about it because they either benefit from it, or they would rather not have them as enemies.” He adds, “I am eagerly waiting for your demise. I know how this sounds. And I know the nasty comments which are bound to come. I don’t care. If you think COMELEC (Commission on Elections) is bad, wait until you see the real ma-

chinery that is known as ‘the biggest network.’” The two exchanged lengthy responses to each other to explain their sides, with Angel’s final statement on the issue, encouraging them to ‘help one another and not destroy each other.’ In a recent interview with blogger Mocha Uson, Jimmy apologized to Angel. “Una sa lahat, buong-buo po ang respeto ko sa inyo bilang babae, bilang kapwa entertainer (First of all, I have full respect to you as a woman and as a coentertainer),” he said. “So ang message ko lang is, kung ano man ‘yung personal na nasaktan sa kanya dun sa message ko at sa mga kapwa niyang artista, paumanhin po (So my only message is that whatever personal stuff hurt her or her other co-artists with my message, I am sorry),” Jimmy added. The singer also elaborated that he wanted to discuss the issue personally as not his whole side nor Angel’s were heard with their heated exchange. He also asked for the people to not be angered by his words as he is ‘only a government employee.’ Jimmy also called on to the ‘real point’ of his post, “which is bakit meron tayong ganitong sistema ng kapangyarihan sa media na kahit ano yata pwede na nilang sabihin, kahit sinong sagasaan, kahit sinong mawalan ng trabaho, hindi ko po maintindihan ‘yun (why do we have this kind of system of power in media where they can say anything, attack anyone, make anyone lose their job, that I do not understand).” ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

‘Aladdin’ soars, but ‘Booksmart’ barely passes at box office BY LINDSEY BAHR The Associated Press

and sequels. “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum,” now in its second weekend, placed second with $24.4 million. “Avengers: Endgame” took third with LOS ANGELES — Moviegoers voted $16.8 million, and “Pokemon Detective with their dollars and chose the familiar Pikachu” landed in fourth with $13.3 over the new this Memorial Day week- million. end. The Walt Disney Co.’s live-action Original films are struggling to attract remake of “Aladdin” crushed the com- significant audiences at the moment. petition at the box office, which includ- Sony’s modestly budgeted horror movie ed two new original R-rated films that “Brightburn” opened in fifth with $7.5 opened as counterprogramming to the million. The James Gunn-produced film family pic: The critically acclaimed teen starring Elizabeth Banks puts a sinister comedy “Booksmart” and the horror spin on the Superman myth and has removie “Brightburn.” ceived mediocre reviews from critics. But the strategy didn’t quite work. A surprise for many, however, was “Aladdin” did better than expected, “Booksmart,” an Annapurna film disgrossing an estimated $86.1 million to tributed by United Artists Releasing, take the top spot at the North American which debuted in sixth with only $6.5 box office, according to studio estimates million, despite excellent reviews and on Sunday. It’ll likely pass $100 mil- steady buzz from its SXSW film festilion by Monday. The others didn’t even val debut. Although in line with studio break $10 million. expectations going into the weekend, “Aladdin,” a musical-adventure di- some had thought that this would be a rected by Guy Ritchie, stars Will Smith, summer breakout hit. Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott and Olivia Wilde directed the film that draws heavily on the stars Kaitlyn Demusic and story of ver and Beanie Feldthe 1992 animated stein as two teenfilm (the top earner age overachievers of that year) that it’s We are getting and rule-followers based on. creamed by the who decide to go to “We’re delighted,” big dogs out a party on their last said Cathleen Taff, there and need night of high school. Disney’s president of your support. Many compared it to theatrical distribuDon’t give “Superbad,” which tion. “Between the studios an excuse opened in August fun action-adventure not to green-light 2007 to $33 million. and spectacular mumovies made But despite all the sic combined with by and about hype, including a lot the cast, which is so women. of celebrity endorsecharming and has ments on social mesuch great chemistry dia from the likes together, we’ve hit of Natalie Portman something that fans and Ryan Reynare embracing and walking out of want- olds, audiences just didn’t turn out for ing to share with others.” “Booksmart” in noteworthy numbers. Audiences, who were 54% women and Wilde saw the writing on the wall Sat51% families, gave the remake an A Cin- urday and tried to change the course emaScore, which is much more prom- with a Twitter plea. ising for its continued success than the “Anyone out there saving @ tepid critical reviews. The studio also got Booksmart for another day, consider another metric with the newly launched making that day TODAY,” Wilde wrote. verified Rotten Tomatoes audience rat- “We are getting creamed by the big dogs ing. Over 7,000 people rated the film to out there and need your support. Don’t give it a 93%. give studios an excuse not to green-light “I’m so pleased that Rotten Tomatoes movies made by and about women.” launched this, it means people bought Those who did make to “Booksmart” the ticket. You can trust that people giv- were mostly women (61 and under the ing you the score actually sat through age of 35 (74%). And the target 17-34 age the movie,” Taff said. “We couldn’t ask group gave a more favourable exit score for a better barometer of fan reception.” (an A) than audiences overall, who gave With an international gross of $121 it a B+. million, “Aladdin” has already earned “People are in a popcorn mood,” Comover $207 million globally. It cost a re- score senior media analyst Paul Dergaported $183 million to produce. rabedian said. “Films trying to be more The top few spots at the holiday box introspective and fresh are having a office were populated by known brands tougher time getting their head above

Disney’s #Aladdin stars @willsmith, @menamassoud, and @naomigscott join director @guyritchie and songwriter and composer @alanmenken as the international press tour kicks off in Paris! @DISNEYALADDIN/INSTAGRAM

water.” Still, he noted, to have three R-rated films in the top 6 (“Brightburn,” “Booksmart” and “John Wick: Chapter 3”) is impressive. And one limited release that did manage to connect was the Laurel Canyon music documentary “Echo in the Canyon,” which earned an impressive $103,716 from two locations

in Los Angeles. It expands to New York next week. The deficit is still running around 9% for the year, but next weekend could chip away at that with a diverse set of new offerings including the Elton John biopic “Rocketman,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” and the Octavia Spencer thriller “Ma.” ■

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Lifestyle Sending surplus food to charity is not the way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions BY ELAINE POWER Associate Professor in Health Studies Queen’s University Ontario, The Canadian Press WITH THE recent news that Canada is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is calling for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing food loss and waste is one important action we can take. When food waste is sent to landfill, it decomposes to methane, which is 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. In addition, food waste represents a tremendous loss of the energy, land, water and labour used to produce the food. And we waste a lot of food. An incredible 58 per cent of all food produced in Canada is either lost or wasted. This is an enormous amount of food, worth almost $50 billion, according to a report by the Toronto-based food charity, Second Harvest. The first proposed strategy, laid out by ECCC in a draft document circulated in early spring 2019 to academics and others with interests and expertise in addressing food loss and waste, is the most obvious: to reduce the amount of food that is wasted, most of which originates in food processing, production and manufacturing. The second proposed strategy is to enhance the donation of surplus food to feed hungry people. This strategy appears to be a simple “no-brainer,” as

demonstrated by the more than 233,000 Canadians who signed a Change.org petition to end food waste. The comments on the petition website show that many Canadians believe it to be morally wrong to waste edible food, especially when some Canadians are hungry. However, while giving food that would otherwise go to landfill to hungry people may be a convenient part of a solution to reduce greenhouse gases, it will do little to ensure the well-being of the four million Canadians who are food insecure. Reducing food waste by feeding hungry Canadians is a simplistic solution that is deeply problematic and morally distressing. It provides the comforting illusion of a solution to hunger while the underlying problem — poverty — is not addressed. Food insecurity

Food insecurity — the inadequate or uncertain access to food because of financial constraints — is a symptom and result of poverty. It is a public health crisis, with profound consequences for individual health and for health-care costs. It cannot be solved by food charity. Only one in five hungry Canadians use food banks. And even when they do, they remain food insecure. When food banks and soup kitchens distribute edible food that would otherwise go to landfill, it means that some hungry Canadians are less hungry than they would otherwise

be. But food charity is not a solution to the problem of food insecurity. Nobel Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has recounted the profound poverty affecting black South Africans when he was a boy. He explained that the free school meals provided to white — but not Black — school children were often thrown in the garbage in favour of homemade packed lunches. Watching another Black boy rummaging in the garbage to find the food that white children had rejected was indelibly marked in his memory of childhood. “It was perfectly edible food. But I knew it was wrong,” he said. For Archbishop Tutu, the idea that some people have

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to eat the cast-off food that others do not want is a powerful symbol of profound, systemic injustice. I expect he would be shocked that the government of one of the richest countries in the world, with an international reputation as a just society, would consider endorsing such a proposal. The right to an adequate standard of living

While Canada has committed to the Sustainable Development Goal of halving per capita food waste globally by 2030 and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 232 million tonnes by 2030, we must remember that we have other international ob-

ligations too. In 2012, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier De Schutter, expressed concern about the growing gap between Canada’s international human rights commitments and their domestic implementation. He recommended that Canada ensure income security for all citizens at a level sufficient to “enjoy the human right to an adequate standard of living,” which includes the right to food. There is no reason why we cannot achieve our goals of reducing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions while also assuring all Canadians the income they need for an adequate standard of living, including the ability to buy their own food. Reducing poverty through effective public policy, such as the poverty reduction strategy introduced by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the ill-fated Ontario Basic Income Pilot project, reduces food insecurity. In a country as wealthy as ours, it is immoral, unjust and unconscionable that the Government of Canada would endorse a plan that effectively relegates four million Canadians to second-class citizenry by recommending that they eat the garbage that no one else wants. ■ This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Disclosure information is available on the original site.

Lifestyle

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

Men and women agree on problems Brandon Maxwell in their sex lives, study suggests talks ‘Project Runway,’ undressing Lady Gaga BY MICHELLE MCQUIGGE The Canadian Press

NEW RESEARCH suggests men and women are on the same wavelength when it comes to problems in their sex lives. The study from the University of Waterloo asked more than 100 heterosexual couples in long-term relationships about issues that are most likely to surface in the bedroom. It found that men and women identified the same dominant issues in the same order of importance. Frequency of sex was the most pressing concern, followed closely by initiation of sex and showing interest in sex with their partner. Study lead author Siobhan Sutherland says much of the research to date has focused on the individual sexual dysfunctions reported by men and women rather than the shared issues that impact a couple’s sex life. She says researchers were struck by how much men and women agreed on the issues that mattered most.

“It was amazing that not only did men and women report the same problems, they also reported them in the same order,” Sutherland said in a telephone interview. The study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, surveyed 117 opposite-sex couples from in and around the Waterloo, Ont., area who had been married or living together for a minimum of two years. The average length of the relationships involved in the study hovered just above 10.5 years. The research found that 39 per cent of participating men and 36 per cent of women identified frequency of sex as the most consistent issue they faced in their intimate relationship. The data showed 33 per cent of women and 32 per cent of men named initiating sex as a key barrier, while 25 per cent of both men and women indicated showing interest in sex was a persistent problem. Sutherland said that men and women agreed on all but one of the most problematic issues. Other potential sources of conflict included when and where to

have sex, amount of foreplay before or tenderness after the fact, and incompatible sexual desires or preferred activities. “All of these issues, if you look at them together, relate to sexual desire,” Sutherland said. “This tells us that men and women agree that desire problems are the top issues in their relationship.” The study authors said not much time or effort has been devoted to date to exploring the shared issues that couples face during a long-term sexual relationship. Sutherland said the latest findings will serve as a jumping-off point for researchers to delve deeper into the issues couples wrestle with in their most intimate moments. “Couples may be agreeing on the nature of the problem, but we don’t know that they’re on the same page in terms of wanting more or less of these things,” she said of the specific issues they grapple with. “So that’s kind of a direction for follow-up.” ■

Joe Biden, saying he’d smiled when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “called Swampman Joe Biden a low IQ individual, & worse.” He also downplayed North Korea’s recent series of shortrange missile tests. He tweeted that the tests weren’t a concern for him — even though they most certainly are for Japan, due to the country’s proximity to the North. “North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me,” Trump wrote in a message that appeared to undermine his national security adviser, John Bolton, who told reporters Saturday the tests violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. The president also sought to manage expectations that he and Abe will make significant headway on trade issues when they hold more formal talks on Monday. Trump has

been seeking a bilateral trade agreement with Tokyo since he pulled the U.S. out of the multinational Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement two years ago, though analysts expect no breakthroughs during Trump’s visit. “Great progress being made in our Trade Negotiations with Japan. Agriculture and beef heavily in play. Much will wait until after their July elections where I anticipate big numbers!” he wrote, referring to Japan’s upcoming parliamentary elections. The Trump administration has been threatening Japan with new tariffs on imports of autos and auto parts on national security grounds. Trump has suggested he will impose tariffs if the U.S. can’t wrest concessions from Japan and the European Union. In April, Japan’s trade surplus surged almost 18% to 723 billion yen ($6.6 billion). ■

with files from Liam Casey

Trump awards... ❰❰ 21

“We were able to exchange our views frankly in a cozy atmosphere. It was wonderful,” Abe told reporters as he returned to his official residence mid-day. He tweeted a selfie photo of him and Trump, smiling widely on the greens. Trump tweeted that he’d had “Great fun and meeting with Prime Minister ?AbeShinzo,” but also continued to stew about domestic politics, claiming that, “Numerous Japanese officials told me that the Democrats would rather see the United States fail than see me or the Republican Party succeed – Death Wish!” There has long been a tradition of American presidents and candidates holding their tongues about rivals while on foreign soil — but Trump is not one to abide by such norms. Earlier, Trump had gone after one of his potential Democratic rivals, former President

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BY GINA ABDY The Associated Press NEW YORK — Lada Gaga’s multiple fashion reveals were a big moment at the Met Gala, and a sweet one for her friend Brandon Maxwell. Maxwell was the guy by her side who peeled off all her layers on the pink carpet. He also created the look that had her transitioning from a huge pink gown down to black bra and panties, including glittery skyhigh boots. Dressing and undressing Lady Gaga is nothing new for Maxwell, on her style squad for years, but he admitted to some nerves over the Met Gala earlier this month. “I, of course, was super nervous leading up but then I had to tell myself, you know, I have changed her under the stage in live performances many, many times and this is what we do,” he told The Associated Press in an interview. “Every time I looked over and saw her, I felt calm because I knew that we had each other. And we have always had each other,” Maxwell said. Lady Gaga has been a driving force in his life, a “stable friend that has been there to catch me whenever I felt like I am falling, and that goes for many of the

Brandon Maxwell.

other best girlfriends in my life.” Maxwell said it’s the women closest to him who motivated him to break out with a brand of his own. “It is not about fame or glamour or money or being at the cool table,” he said. “It is really, for me, about saying thank you.” Among Maxwell’s latest projects is judging on a revived 17th season of “Project Runway,” featuring Karlie Kloss as host and fellow womenswear designer Christian Siriano as the mentor. “I love the contestants,” Maxwell said. “What they are doing is hard. To make a dress in two days, like when you have a full team, it is incredibly hard, so I really think that speaks to the level of talent they possess.” Maxwell has been at the helm of his own company for about four years. In addition to Lady Gaga, he’s dressed Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and a host of other celebrities. He can still relate to the contestants he’s helping to judge on the Bravo series. “I am in the trenches every day with the real issues and I feel so many of the pressures that they feel,” Maxwell said. “It is like holding up a mirror to myself when I am seeing them on the runway.” ■

@BRANDONMAXWELL / INSTAGRAM

Lifestyle

MAY 31, 2019

FRIDAY

Graves, crypts and tombs offer history lessons in the nation’s capital BY ANDY BLATCHFORD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Away from the busiest tourist draws of the nation’s capital lies a tranquil area of comparable historical importance — without the lineups. But despite the peacefulness of Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery, one is never truly alone. More than 82,000 people, including dozens of people who have changed Canada’s story, have been buried in the graveyard east of Rideau Hall since its opening in 1873. A stroll along its twisting pathways, under its mature trees and over its rolling hills, offers a range of lessons for visitors, especially those with an eye for detail. Beechwood’s monuments mark the eternal resting places of a prime minister, a governorgeneral, the founder of medicare, a wartime general, military personnel and a pioneer who helped create the game of hockey. Graves are also occupied by well-known poets, performers and artists. A closer look at the more obscure tombstones, of those who lived outside the public eye, tell more stories about Canada’s past, including its religion, immigration and architecture. In 2017, representatives of multiple Christian sects attended the reburials at Beechwood of the remains of 79 people found in a forgotten burial ground from Ottawa’s earliest days. Their bones were uncovered by a city construction proj-

ect metres from Parliament in 2013, apparently left behind long ago when no descendants would pay to move them — many were children when they died. Now they share Plot 106, marked by a plaque. Beechwood also holds several prominent titles to further satisfy history buffs — Parliament declared it the National Cemetery of Canada about a decade ago and it’s home to the country’s National Military Cemetery. At Beechwood, notable grave sites include those of prime minister Sir Robert Borden; governor general Ramon Hnatyshyn; and Gen. Andrew McNaughton, who commanded the Canadian force in Europe in the Second World War and served briefly as defence minister. Saskatchewan premier, NDP leader and medicare founder Tommy Douglas has a tomb near the cemetery’s southwest corner, whose view of Parliament in the distance is protected by law. James George Aylwin Creighton, a founding figure of hockey, is also buried at Beechwood, as is Sir Sandford Fleming, the Canadian railway engineer who came up with the concept of global time zones. So is Thomas Ahearn, who is famous in Ottawa for pioneering local streetcar service and incidentally lays claim to inventing the electric oven. Beechwood’s sweeping military cemeteries are the final resting places for personnel

who served overseas during the world wars and in Korea, as well as 28 of the Canadians killed in Afghanistan. Until the 1970s, Canadian soldiers killed abroad were buried where they died — now Canada brings its war dead home. Capt. Nichola Goddard, the first female Canadian soldier killed in combat, is buried there. Beechwood also has a section for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and another for spies who worked for Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Together, Beechwood says there are more than 400 famous burials on its grounds. Bruce Elliott, a history professor at Ottawa’s Carleton University, said cemeteries are becoming more popular tourist attractions around the world as people realize they can be beautiful rural oases in urban spaces. “These big, garden-like cemeteries were high on the list of tourist attraction back in the late Victorian period,” said Elliott, an expert on cemeteries. “Our 20th-century sensibilities shifted away from that, and graveyards became associated with spookiness and morbidity. I guess as we became less comfortable with death, we became less comfortable with cemeteries.” Elliott said death became less a part of life as society began to conquer childhood illnesses, people started living longer and the importance of religion faded away. Visitors who head to Beech-

Celtic cross at Beechwood Cemetery.

DELANEY TURNER, SKEEZIX1000, CC BY 2.0

wood will see an excellent Canadian example of the “rural cemetery” movement of the 19th century, Elliott said. The style became popular in part because of public concerns that crowded burial grounds in downtown areas were sources of disease, he said, but also because of their pleasant designs with meandering paths, small ponds and different elevations. A neo-gothic mausoleum, opened in 1930, is a key fixture in the cemetery atop a hill near the main entrance. Inside, there are 546 crypts, including that of Father of Confederation William McDougall. “I think we take for granted that we have 150 years of history buried at Beechwood,” said Nick McCarthy, Beechwood’s director of marketing and public outreach.

“Even if you’re not related to them, you can connect to the people who are buried here ... It’s a place where you can see art and culture and see how the human condition has evolved over time.” Beechwood is not-for-profit and entrance is free, just like most of its events. The cemetery holds dozens of public events each year — for example, this summer it will host three outdoor movie nights, organized by Capital Pop-Up Cinema, near the mausoleum. Visitors can explore the grounds on their own — with help from historical plaques around the cemetery — or they can take 90-minute, free guided tours, which are offered monthly. Beechwood also offers private tours for groups of four or more. ■

WHO clarifies burnout not a medical condition but ‘occupational phenomenon’ BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday, May 28, clarified that burnout is not a disease. Based on reports earlier, burnout has been listed in WHO’s latest version of International Classification of Diseases (ICD), a handbook used globally as a benchmark for health diagnosis, dubbed as

ICD-11. Burnout can be found under the category of problems associated with employment or unemployment. Contrary to earlier reports, although it is included in the updated ICD list, the WHO clarified on its website under its evidence and research section that burnout is an “occupational phenomenon” and not classified as a medical condition. “It is described in the chapter: ‘Factors influencing health

status or contact with health services’ — which includes reasons for which people contact health services but that are not classed as illnesses or health conditions,” the international body stressed. The WHO said burnout was already included in the past version of the ICD, the ICD-10, in the same category but the definition of it is now “more detailed.” In the ICD-11, the WHO defines burnout as “a syndrome www.canadianinquirer.net

conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” Burnout, it noted, can be characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. “Burn-out refers specifically to phenomena in the occupa-

tional context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life,” the WHO said. The health agency added that it is about to “embark on the development of evidence-based guidelines on mental well-being in the workplace.” The ICD-11 was drafted last year, following recommendations from health experts in different countries. It was only approved last Saturday and will take effect in January 2022. ■

Sports Thurman threatens Pacquiao for next match BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Thirdy Ravena awarded as Collegiate Player of the Year. CHOOKS-TO-GO PILIPINAS/FACEBOOK

Thirdy Ravena hailed Collegiate Player of the Year BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer TWENTY-TWO year-old Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagle Thirdy Ravena is named the Collegiate Player of the Year and was awarded during the 2019 Chooks-To-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night las Monday, May 27 at the Amelie Hotel in Manila. Ravena obtained the award through voting of various sportswriters from different publications after he led his team to another University Athletics of the Philippines (UAAP) championship title for the second year in a row this past season 81. During the most recent finals series against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, the young star averaged 29.5 points, eight rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. Among the athletes who joined Ravena in the list of awardees include his brother Kiefer, Far Eastern University (FEU) alumni Mac Belo, past San Beda Red Lion point guard Robert Bolick, and former De

La Salle University (DLSU) green archers Jeron Teng and Ben Mbala. UAAP Coach of the Year is presented to Ateneo’s Tab Baldwin, while National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Coach of the Year is Boyet Fernandez of San Beda. The first ever UAAP Volleyball Player of the Year was given to University of Santo Tomas’ Sisi Rondina, while NCAA Volleyball of the Year is awarded to Arellano’s Regina Arocha. With that, Ravena, who aims to follow in his dad and older brother’s footsteps in playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), completes the 2019 All-Collegiate team that already consists of Bolick, Prince Eze from Perpetual, and Paul Desiderio and Bright Akhuetie both from UP. The 2019 Chooks-To-Go Collegiate Press Corps Award Night is presented by Amelie Hotel Manila, Rain or Shine, NorthPort, World Balance, Arellano University, AXA Team Eds, and NBL, while it will be aired live on both the Chooksto-Go Pilipinas and Tiebreaker Times Facebook accounts. ■

it’s a big fight against a little guy. I’ve dismantled veterans in the past, and throughout my career. I would have destroyed him five years ago.” The undefeated boxer continued to explain, “[Pacquiao’s] never fought a fighter like me with the lateral movement,

– ‘I’m easy to beat’. But when we get into the ring it changes. We’ll see who’s young in the ring on July 20,” referring to his IN ANTICIPATION of their upcoming opponent being 10 upcoming fight happening in years younger. Pacquiao conLas Vegas on July 20, 30-yearcluded, “I don’t like trash-talkold American boxer Keith ing before a fight. I’m going to Thurman declared to the media let my fists do the talking.” during a recent Thurman curpress conference rently holds a last Wednesday, 29-0 win-loss May 22 that he record with 22 will “crucify” the I’m destroying the legend of Manny knockouts, most Filipino eightPacquiao. His legacy ends on July recently winning time champion 20. He’s had a wonderful career by decision over as they battle it and been an inspiration. Josesito Lopez out for the World last January 26 Boxing Associaafter 12 rounds. tion (WBA) title. Pacquiao, on the Thurman elaborated that he speed, power. He’s never fought other hand, is also coming off will make sure that their face- anyone this young, strong, and of a win against Adrien Broner off will be “Pacquiao’s last fight,” hungry and I’m coming for who he faced last January 19. declaring, “I’m destroying the him.” To prepare for battle, Paclegend of Manny Pacquiao. His In response, the Filipino quiao is splitting training belegacy ends on July 20. He’s had boxer who is taking a break tween the Philippines and Los a wonderful career and been an from politics shared, “All I can Angeles, enjoying the return inspiration. We all love him and say is that most of my oppo- of his original coach during respect him.” He added, “This is nents say things before a fight. his professional years, Freddie a big fight as far as the stage. But That’s what I hear from them Roach. ■

Defending champs rip Meralco for comeback BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE GINEBRA Kings proved that they want to win another Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup title after a double-digit victory over Meralco at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao last Sunday, May 26. The score ended at 110-95 with the Ginebra Kings shooting past a 15-point deficit in the first quarter. Justin Brownlee totalled 27 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists to redeem his team from their overtime loss against Blackwater last Friday. Japeth Aguilar, Arth Dela Cruz, Sol Mercado, and Scottie www.canadianinquirer.net

Thompson also added doubledigits with 19, 16, 14, and 11 points respectively. For the Bolts, import Gani Lawal had a whopping 38 points and 20 rebounds, while Baser Amer helped with 10, but it did not prevent the team from dropping to a 1-2 win-loss standing as the Kings outscored the bolts, 39-17, in the third quarter alone. According to Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, “We played about as badly as we could in that first half,” referring to being 11 points down during halftime, “We didn’t look like we had any fight whatsoever. It was so discouraging.” He continued, “But then we played with so much fight

in the second half. Couldn’t be prouder of this group in terms of getting that game around.” Cone shared that during their break after the second quarter, he “went to the locker room and turned off the lights, and when we turned the lights on, [Ginebra was] a completely different team,” smiling and adding, “It was fun to watch and fun to be around.” Ginebra has a little less than a week’s break as they prepare for their next match against Northport Batang Pier next Saturday, June 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while Meralco is set to face the Rain or Shine Elastopainters on Friday, May 31 at the same venue. ■

Business New auto giant? Fiat Chrysler wants to merge with Renault BY ANGELA CHARLTON AND COLLEEN BARRY The Associated Press PARIS — Fiat Chrysler proposed on Monday to merge with France’s Renault to create the world’s third-biggest automaker, worth $40 billion, and combine forces in the race to make electric and autonomous vehicles. The merged company would reshape the global industry: it would produce some 8.7 million vehicles a year, leapfrogging General Motors and trailing only Volkswagen and Toyota. Shares of both companies jumped on the news of the offer, which would see each side’s shareholders split ownership in the new manufacturer. Renault welcomed what it called a “friendly” offer. The company’s board met Monday at its headquarters outside Paris and said afterward that Renault will study the proposal “with interest.” In a statement, Renault said such a fusion could “improve Renault’s industrial footprint and be a generator of additional value for the Alliance” with Japan’s Nissan and Mitsubishi. Fiat Chrysler’s offer comes at a key moment for Renault. The French manufacturer had wanted to merge fully with Nissan, but those plans were derailed by the arrest of boss Carlos Ghosn on financial misconduct charges in Japan. Now, questions are growing over the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance , which together make more passenger cars than any one company. While Fiat Chrysler says the merger with Renault would accommodate the alliance and lead to savings for them, it is unclear how the Japanese companies might react in the longer term to being tied to a much larger partner. Automakers have collaborated more in recent years as they come under pressure to invest

heavily in developing electric cars, self-driving vehicles and in-car connectivity. Regulators, particularly in Europe and China, are pushing automakers to produce electric vehicles and meet tougher climate change regulations, pressure that only grew after scandals over the amount of pollutants emitted by gas and diesel-powered engines. A deal would save 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) a year for the merged companies by sharing research, purchasing costs and other activities, Fiat Chrysler said. It promised the deal would involve no plant closures, but it didn’t address potential job cuts. The companies are largely complementary: Fiat Chrysler is stronger in the U.S. and SUV markets, while Renault is stronger in Europe and in developing electric vehicles. Analysts say both companies are weak in China, which is now the world’s largest auto market. Together, they would be worth almost 37 billion euros ($40 billion). Fiat Chrysler, which includes the holding company of the founding Agnelli family with a 29% stake, proposed that its shareholders get a 2.5 billion euro ($2.8 billion) special dividend because of Fiat Chrysler’s higher market value. “This operation will bring benefits to both countries,” Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann told reporters in Italy, noting that it had been 10 years since Fiat’s takeover of bankrupt Chrysler, in exchange for small-car technology and management know-how. The car market has shifted dramatically in the meantime, with Fiat Chrysler abandoning small cars in the United States in favour of SUVs. Analysts at financial firm Jefferies said it was “hard to disagree with the logic” of the deal, as there is a strong fit in the markets each company covers and the brands they offer.

FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES / FACEBOOK

“The elephant in the room is who will run the entity,” analysts Philippe Houchois and Himanshu Agarwal wrote in a note to investors. Mergers of equals can be difficult to manage over questions of who gets the top leadership positions and which brands are promoted and invested in most. A tie-up between Daimler and Chrysler in the 1990s was billed as a merger of equals, but it eventually collapsed amid cultural differences and recriminations. Investors were nevertheless enthusiastic about Fiat Chrysler’s plan, pushing the company’s shares up 8% and Renault’s 12%. The French government, which owns 15% of Renault, said it is “favourable” to the idea of a merger but wants to study the conditions more carefully, especially in terms of “Renault’s industrial development” and employees’ working conditions, government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said. “We need giants to be built in Europe.” Ghosn’s legal problems in Japan have left Renault vulnerable . Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, head of the CAR automotive rewww.canadianinquirer.net

search centre at the DuisburgEssen University, said Ghosn’s plans to merge Renault with Nissan-Mitsubishi had “little appeal” for the Japanese. He noted that Renault’s sales represented just 36 per cent of 2018 alliance sales – and the Japanese didn’t want to see the French carmaker drive a merger with those numbers. A Renault merger with Fiat Chrysler, however, could strengthen both companies’ positions and put pressure on smaller companies like Ford in Europe. The merger idea is the biggest corporate move so far by Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley, who took his position after the unexpected death last year of the charismatic leader Sergio Marchionne. What happens to jobs is likely to be a source of concern. France’s influential CGT union warned against cuts and said it wants the French government to retain a blocking stake in any new company. “We know that when there is talk of a merger … at the end, it’s the employees who are paying the high price for it — loss of jobs, having to compete with others around,” said Fabien

Gache of the CGT. Matteo Salvini, the leader of Italy’s rightwing populist League party and the deputy premier, said that “if Fiat grows, it is good news for Italy and Italians,” though he warned a deal should protect “every single job.” In Tokyo, Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa wouldn’t comment directly on the merger idea but said, “I am always open to exchanging constructive views on strengthening the alliance.” The merger will be complicated because the combined company would involve operations in the U.S. and multiple European countries and Renault’s “eroding alliance” with two Japanese carmakers, said Karl Brauer, the executive publisher of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. “It’s a powerful combination in theory,” he said, “but aiming for a single, aligned automotive entity, with everyone rowing in the same direction, might not be realistic.” ■ Barry reported from Milan. AP Business Writer Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo, Sam Petrequin in Paris and David Koenig in Dallas contributed to this report.

Business

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

First-ever ‘green’ mall in Bacolod City to rise in 2021 BY NANETTE GUADALQUIVER Philippine News Agency

neo-classical and art deco architecture. The Upper East Mall, which will be managed and operated by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, will have sustainable features such as solar panel roofing and energy-efficiency features such as perceived air-conditioning cooling design; escalators with crawling features; rainwater harvesting system where the rainwater is recy-

as four state-of-the-art cinemas and an open food hall with an indoor garden. Engr. Dick Montes, head of mall operations and technical BACOLOD CITY — Property services group of Megaworld, giant Megaworld Corp. is tarsaid about 30 percent of the geting the completion of The mall’s power requirement will Upper East Mall, the first-ever be sourced from solar energy. “green” mall in this city, by “This will be a grid-type tech2021. nology so during peak hours of The three-level lifestyle the mall’s operations, part of mall, with a project cost of (the energy requirement) will PHP1.2 billion, come from solar will rise inside power,” he addthe 34-hected. are The Upper The Upper East township, We are curating an architectural East Mall, poised a PHP28-billion masterpiece that depicts the to become an armaster-planned cosmopolitan vibe of our Bacolod chitectural landdevelopment township. mark in Bacolod, located in the will be highlighteastern side of ed by a 48-meter Bacolod. high clock tower The mall’s design was un- cled for plant watering; and a that illuminates at night along veiled by Kevin Tan, chief strat- gray water recycling system, the six-lane main avenue of the egy officer of Megaworld, and wherein the water discharged township, stretching from Lodesign architect Raji Casas from the sewage treatment pez Jaena Street to Circumferin a press conference held at plant is collected and used ential Road. L’Fisher Hotel on Friday. for secondary flushing of the In Negros Occidental, Mega“We are building not just an mall’s toilets and urinals. world is investing a total of ordinary mall. We are curating Spanning 24,200 square me- PHP35 billion, the biggest so an architectural masterpiece ters, the mall will partly house far by a property developer, for that depicts the cosmopolitan rows of restaurants facing a its two township developments vibe of our Bacolod township,” garden of century-old trees sur- located in Bacolod City and TalTan said of the mall’s blend of rounded by Koi ponds, as well isay City. ■

CMHC says Canadians debt levels hit record highs at end of last year THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Canadian household debt reached a record high at the end of last year even as mortgage activity slowed, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said in a report out Wednesday. The debt to income ratio of

Canadians hit a record high of 178.5 per cent in the fourth quarter last year as mortgage holders continued to take on non-mortgage debt. The ratio increased as average monthly required payments rose 4.5 per cent compared with a year earlier, while ❱❱ PAGE 16 CMHC says

Encana CEO says Canadian oilfield would produce more if regulated in the U.S. BY DAN HEALING The Canadian Press CALGARY — Western Canada’s Montney oil and gas region would be two to four times more productive if it was in the United States with its more efficient regulatory systems, says the CEO of Encana Corp. The enormous hydrocarbonbearing formation that underlies the northern Alberta-B.C. border can compete with premier Texas shale oilfields, said Doug Suttles on Wednesday. But it’s being held back by a “cumbersome” regulatory system, along with the inability of smaller Canadian producers to access development capital. The “complexity and uncer-

tainty in the regulatory process is orders of magnitude higher” in Canada, where Encana produces about one-third of its oil and gas, compared with the U.S., Suttles said. “The Montney now is the biggest area of growth in Canada — it’s where we’re focusing our attention — and if it sat in the United States it would probably be producing two, three, four times what it is producing today,” he said. Suttles said his company and its partner have built gasprocessing plants to process Encana’s Montney production that use hydroelectric power and are among the world’s most energy-efficient. He said it’s “ridiculous” that getting permits for such plants

can take longer than the time required to construct them. Calgary-based Encana has been focused on growing its U.S. operations of late, including gaining a new core operating area in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma with the all-shares acquisition of U.S. rival Newfield Exploration Co. in mid-February. Suttles made the comments during a panel discussion at a PwC-sponsored energy forum in downtown Calgary that examined what Canada’s energy sector can do to compete more effectively. It’s vital that the country get pipelines built to take products to market, starting with the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion that could be approved by the federal government next www.canadianinquirer.net

month, said PwC national energy leader Reynold Tetzlaff. Canadian politicians also need to co-operate to establish a credible national energy policy, he added, noting that investors don’t want to put their money in a country whose policies are a mystery. “People need certainty. We saw it in 2011 when we had investment flowing into the Canadian sector,” Tetzlaff said. “If they can’t model it out, foreign investors aren’t going to invest here. And to get certainty, we need these governments to actually get along.” Alberta’s recently elected premier, Jason Kenney, has promised to take on foes of the oil and gas sector with an energy “war room” to counter mis-

leading stories on the industry. It’s a good idea if it focuses on delivering a torrent of good information about Canada’s climate strategy and sector efficiency but it shouldn’t let the focus be on anti-development non-government organizations, said Robert Johnston, managing director of global energy and natural resources for the Eurasia Group consulting firm. “I know it’s painful but, trust me, no one is listening to those people, they really aren’t,” he said, citing his experience working with some 400 international investment entities. “It’s just not relevant. What political leaders say and our CEOs say, (that) matters everything. What a lot of those groups say, matters not at all.” ■

Technology Some tech giants sign onto Canada’s declaration on electoral integrity BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Facebook, Google and Microsoft have signed onto a declaration promising a dozen initiatives to protect the integrity of the Canadian election this fall — including working to remove phoney social-media accounts and fake content. But other tech giants, including Twitter, have not signed on. And experts, meanwhile, are warning that such efforts to address disinformation and online attempts to sow dissension and manipulate election outcomes are focusing merely on symptoms of a much larger problem: the very business model that underpins the tech giants. The “Canada Declaration on Electoral Integrity Online” was announced Monday by Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould, just hours before an international committee of politicians began a three-day meeting in Ottawa aimed at figuring out how best to protect citizens’ privacy and democratic fairness in the age of social media. During the opening session of the grand committee on big data and privacy and experts painted a grim, almost apocalyptic, picture of democracy under assault. Ben Scott, who worked on the digital campaigns of U.S. presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, described the tech giants’ business model this way: “Step 1:

track everything that billions of people do online and put it in a data base. Number 2: sort that data and group people into target audiences and then sell access to their attention, engineering your entire information marketplace to optimize … addictiveness and time spent on the platform because the more time they spend on the platform, the more ads they see and the more money (the platforms) make,” he told the committee. “The entire communications environment in which we live is now tailored by machine intelligence to hold our attention. This is not a recipe for truth and justice. … Conspiracy and hate have become the organizing themes of social media and that is a space that is easily exploited by propagandists peddling bigotry, social division and hatred to the disillusioned.” Shosana Zuboff, author of “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism,” said the problem extends well beyond the tech giants. It started with Google and Facebook, became the “default model” of the entire tech sector and “by now this is a virus that has infected every economic sector,” she told the committee. The various experts who testified Monday agreed that government regulation is required, but the declaration announced by Gould is non-binding and voluntary. “I wish to stress that the Wild-West online era cannot continue,” she told the House of Commons. “Inaction is not an option. Disinformation must

not stand.” She appealed to other digital platforms “who are operating in Canada and who care about protecting our election to join Microsoft and Facebook and publicly commit to meeting these expectations” laid out in the declaration. She did not mention Google, but the company later said it had informed the minister’s office prior to her statement that it was supporting the declaration. The NDP’s new democraticreform critic, Daniel Blaikie, dismissed Gould’s new declaration as meaningless “lip service” because it does not compel any social-media company to comply with Canada’s privacy laws or do anything else to protect against foreign interference, disinformation and other cyberthreats during the coming election campaign. Real protection would mean “taking a regulatory approach rather than going cap in hand to social media giants and asking them to pretty-please change the way they do things,” Blaikie said. Gould later said regulation will inevitably come if tech giants don’t follow through on the commitments in the declaration. “If that’s not the case, then following the election they can probably count on the fact that there’s going to be regulation in place,” she said outside the Commons. The grand committee is to grill representatives from a host of internet giants — Facebook, Google, Twitter, Micro-

www.canadianinquirer.net

soft, Amazon and Mozilla — on what they’re doing, or not doing, to prevent abuse. Many politicians from all three major parties in Canada have come to the conclusion that government needs to regulate the tech giants because they can’t be relied upon to regulate themselves. But by signing onto Gould’s declaration, some of the largest internet companies at least signalled a willingness to voluntarily tackle some of the problems that politicians fear threaten democracies around the globe. “Joining the Canada Declaration on Electoral Integrity reflects how deeply committed we are to playing a meaningful role in promoting a healthy and resilient democracy,” said Kevin Chan, head of public policy for Facebook Canada. “We support principles aimed at affording all Canadians access to technology, control over their data and peace of mind when it comes to their on-

line privacy and security,” said Colin McKay, Google Canada’s head of public policy. Among other things, Facebook, Google and Microsoft commit to: — Intensify efforts to combat disinformation and promote transparency. — Protect against cyberthreats and misrepresentation of candidates, parties and election officials, and ensure privacy protection. — Ensure transparency for regulated political advertising, including helping users understand when and why they’ve been targeted by an ad. — Assist users to better understand the sources behind content they see; block and remove malicious bots. — Work to remove fake accounts and inauthentic content. For Facebook, Chan said that will mean going “over and ❱❱ PAGE 20 Some tech

Technology

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

Ramadan in... ❰❰ 21

owns Instagram, and in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Fatima el-Barbar, an EgypGoogle, which owns United Arab Emirates, for ex- tian mother living in Dubai, YouTube, Ramadan ample, viewing of sports videos said she searches more for brings a welcome boost of busi- jumps by 22%, travel videos by recipes and watches her favouness in the region. 30%, and action games, simu- rite TV dramas online during “Consumption and time lation and video games by 10- Ramadan. But she said that bespent on our platforms does 20% during the holy month. tween her job, taking care of the indeed increase,” said Ramez People also spend 27% more children, preparing iftar each Shehadi, Facebook’s managing time watching religious con- night, her daily prayers and director for Mideast and North tent on YouTube in Ramadan. reading the Qur’an, the Muslim Africa. “To us, YouTube brings holy book, there’s little time for People stay up a lot more people together. We see a lot the internet. at night during Ramadan and of people wanting to watch “I actually have less time for have more downtime — espe- things together,” said Joyce the internet in Ramadan than cially before iftar, the evening Baz, Google’s head of commu- in other days of the year,” she meal that breaks the daylong nications in Mideast and North said. fast, and the “suhoor,” when Africa. To help companies better unpeople gather to eat before anShe added that Google prod- derstand consumer habits in other day of fasting. Many also ucts, like its search engine, are Ramadan, Google identified six work shorter hours during the there “to simplify people’s lives categories of audiences: dediday. so that they can focus on things cated watchers, devoted fasters, All that translates to 5% more that matter like being with their foodies, groomers, travellers time spent on Facebook’s plat- loved ones and family.” Google’s and shoppers. forms, or what is nearly 58 mil- “Qibla Finder,” for example, “YouTube is a companion lion more hours, Shehadi said. helps Muslims find the direc- during Ramadan, a platform Put another way, where viewers there are almost can watch what 2 million hours they want, whenof additional ever they want time spent daily It resonates with the ethos of throughout the on Facebook in Ramadan and certainly the ethos of day,” Google says the Mideast durFacebook, which is around bringing in its own pitch ing Ramadan. people together around things that to advertisers. Ramadan is matter to them. To more aualso the peak thentically conseason for adnect with roughvertising in the ly 180 million region, as TV dramas and soap tion of Mecca to pray toward, users in the Middle East, Faceoperas get a 151% increase in wherever they happen to be. book and Instagram launch viewership on YouTube during Google says this year’s top special Ramadan icons to give the holy month, according to trending search queries dur- people more customized ways Google. ing the first week of Ramadan of expressing themselves on“Our revenue is a function of in Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia line. Instagram also has a campeople’s engagement,” Shehadi included a surprising mix of paign to promote acts of kindsaid. “The more that they en- Game of Thrones, prayer times, ness during the month. gage on our platforms, the more Ramadan TV shows, movie “We’re trying to be magnithat advertisers want to be able timings and English Premier fiers and propagators of goodto reach those that are engag- League results. ness as opposed to what might ing. That’s what drives our revMeanwhile, some of the most seem on the surface like an exenue.” popular downloaded apps in tension of consumerism,” SheSo much ad revenue is spent the Mideast on the Google Play hadi said. “It resonates with the during Ramadan that Google store during Ramadan include ethos of Ramadan and certainly launched “The Lantern Award” games like Stack Ball, stream- the ethos of Facebook, which is to celebrate the most creative ing apps like Vu and Shahid and around bringing people togethand engaging ads of the month. online retailers Noon and Jolly er around things that matter to Yet Ramadan is not just about Chic. them.” abstaining from food and drink, Iftar evening meals are a Haitham el-Ghoneim, a Jorincluding water, during the day. major social affair during Ra- danian resident in Dubai, the It’s also about disconnecting madan, ranging from lavish United Arab Emirates, said he from vacuous distractions and spreads at home to decadent uses Facebook to connect with focusing on contemplation, in- five-star hotel buffets. This friends during Ramadan, shartrospection, acts of good, char- translates into a 16% spike in ing traditional greetings for the ity and connecting with God. It beauty product searches and an holy month and checking on his can appear then as a contradic- 18% spike in searches for beau- family in Jordan. tion that this is also when com- ty tips on YouTube, compared Still, he doesn’t think the panies ramp up their efforts to to the rest of the year. Also, ac- rest of it — all that time spent get people to buy more, view cording to Google maps, trips to online, on games, scrolling and more and engage in excess con- the malls increase by more than ads — is a good thing. “It’s not sumerism. 20% in the last weeks of Rama- being spent in a useful way. It’s Google does not disclose to- dan in preparation for the Eid mostly fake news, or jokes and tal watch time for YouTube al-Fitr holiday, which ends the things that have no benefit,” he during Ramadan, but says that holy month. said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Kapampangan 1st literacy app for school kids launched BY FROILAN MAGTOTO Philippine News Agency ANGELES CITY — The first-ever Kapampangan literacy mobile application was launched here on Monday in a bid to promote mother tongue-based learning to school children. The launching of the mobile application named “Singsing” held at the city hall was spearheaded by the city government in partnership with Smart Communications as well as local culture and arts advocates. The mobile application was created to serve as an interactive learning tool for pre-school children, as it features words, letters and numbers, all in Kapampangan. The software was developed by the students of the City College of Angeles (CCA) and OrangeFix Media, while the content was provided by Sinupan Singsing: Center for Kapampangan Cultural Heritage. Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the project will help safeguard the city’s advocacy of promoting Kapampangan as the official language of the city alongside other official languages. The application will also further the cause of Ordinance No. 424 of promoting the use of Kapampangan language, especially to young Angeleños and the generations to come. Pamintuan attributed the project as another milestone for Angeleños whose love and un-

wavering dedication to promote Pampanga’s rich arts and culture have resulted in the shedding of its “Sin City” image. “We have come to the age where heritage, culture, and the arts are of most importance to our people. We are now reaping all what we have sowed during the earlier years of my term and now, there is indeed a renaissance of culture and arts in our city,” he said. “While we are enjoying the advantages of urbanization, we have been keen in protecting the soul of our city - its cultural heritage legacies,” the mayor said. Culture and Heritage officer Joy Cruz said the application manifests the collaborative and unified efforts of the public and private sectors towards attaining this goal of the city. “An app intended to teach pre-school children to speak, read, and count in Kapampangan,” Cruz said. Stephanie Orlino, senior manager and head of Education Programs of Smart Communication, said the app is part of their nationwide endeavor of promoting digital learning through the use of the Amanung Sisuan or the “mothertongue.” The ‘Singsing’ app can now be downloaded for android handsets via Google Play for free. Smart Communications disclosed that additional features will be infused to the app in the future updates of the mobile application. ■

ANGELES CITY GOVERNMENT / WEBSITE

MAY 31, 2019

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Travel Nature-inspired adventure tourism opens in Batangas BY SAUL PA-A Philippine News Agency NASUGBU, BATANGAS — A new, adventure-filled, and nature-inspired tree top experience now beckons tourists and vacationers at the lush centuries-old Batulao forest here as part of their summer travel goals. Nestled at the 170-hectare Chateau Royale Hotel Resort and Spa in Batulao village, the Tree Top Adventure was envisioned by the hotel resort management as an added attraction to boost the country’s tourism industry, apart from those that cater to both the laidback and thrill-seeking tourists. Lawyer Christine Base, president of Chateau Royale Hotel Resort and Spa, described the adventure as the first in Batangas, and synonymous to fun, excitement, thrill and adventure. “You don’t have to go far like Baguio City or Subic to enjoy other thrills such as zipline and other fun activities because it is

now right here,” Base said, citing the proximity of the tourism destination which is some 2.5-hour drive south of Metro Manila. She expects the forest trail site “the newest go-to-place” for families, friends, tourists, and even for lovers of nature, zipline, and adventure treks at affordable prices. Base, with Marie Abolencia, Chateau Royale’s Director of Sales and Marketing and General Manager Ferdie Pulia, led guests, visitors, resort clients, and local officials during the official launching of the Tree Top Adventure last Sunday. Located next to the sprawling campsite dubbed “Camp Sawi” for the lonely and heartbroken, the tree top adventure forest park offers trekkers and trailblazers the experience of zipline courses clamped around humongous and centuries-old trees and nature trip, with a panoramic view of the Batangas highlands. As one tries the exciting journey to the forest, a cool tropical

breeze and refreshing natural lush environs greet him/her while stepping on several platforms nuzzled on tree branches, suspension bridges that span midway through huge tree trunks, and the verdant canopies. “Chateau Royale’s newest adventure is surely not for the faint-hearted but rather for seekers of heart-stopping forest expedition that triggers an adrenaline rush,” a forest trail guide said. According to the adventure park guides, the elevated zipline courses boast one of the most advanced safety systems in the world with the Smart Safe Belay (SSB) kits by Bornack from Germany, which has been offering holistic concepts for rope protection for over 50 years. The guides were trained by Joey Cuerdo, a certified Petzl Technical Institute of Utah, USA adventurist and outdoors man, after having trained under the Petzl’s Work at Heights training and assessment pro-

Chateau Royale Hotel Resort and Spa General Manager Ferdie Pulia, Chateau Royale President lawyer Christine Base, and Marie Abolencia, Director of Sales and Marketing, lead the official launching of the Tree Top Adventure park nestled at the centuries-old Batulao forest, the newest addition to the exciting and fun-filled experience at the 170-hectare tourism destination in Nasugbu, Batangas.

SAUL E. PA-A VIA PTV

gram for commercial and institutional climbing gym operations. Using the outdoors scenery safety operations, the Tree Top Adventure has safety cables connected as interconnected hanging “bridges” attached to the tree trunks that could operate even in harsh conditions, and also patterned after the Power Up Climbing Gyms that are now the trend in vertical sports. With the newest tree top experience as part of its 170-hectare destination, Abolencia claimed that Chateau Royale Hotel Resort and Spa was expected to be the largest inte-

grated resort in Luzon. For the lovers of spectacular nature sceneries and the outdoors, the resort has become a favorite spot for rock climbing, rainforest trekking, orchidarium, aviary, biking, horseback riding, zipline, go-karting, kalesa rides, wave pool and team building facilities; and for the sports enthusiasts with their various courts in basketball, tennis, volleyball, badminton and the outdoor archery field. The resort also offers room accommodations for the cabin type, the French-inspired “Gulod” townhouses, Lakeboat for weekday or weekend staycation and day-time travels. ■

The white sands of Oahu’s Kailua beach named best in America BY CALEB JONES The Associated Press KAILUA, HAWAII — In Kailua, the sand is soft and white, the water is clear and calm, and the view is exactly what you would expect from a beach in the Hawaiian Islands. Those are among the reasons Oahu’s Kailua Beach Park has been selected as the best stretch of sand for an annual list of top U.S. beaches. Stephen Leatherman, a coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University, has been drafting the list under the alias “Dr. Beach” since 1991. Leatherman uses 50 criteria to evaluate beaches, with the

most important categories being water cleanliness, safety and management of the beach environment and its facilities. Leatherman uses data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to grade the beaches on water quality and has been to all the beaches on his list. Beaches in Hawaii are consistently ranked high, sometimes at the top of his list. “I love Waikiki Beach. No question about that — a worldfamous beach — but Kailua is a lot smaller and quieter,” Leatherman said. “It’s so much more peaceful. ... You don’t have big high-rises and all that. Kailua is on the other side of the mountains. It’s like a different world.” In recent years Leatherman

Kailua Beach.

has been giving extra credit to beaches that prohibit smoking, which all Oahu beaches do. He www.canadianinquirer.net

MARK & KYLIE / FLICKR, CC BY-NC 2.0

thinks other beaches around the state and country should follow suit.

Leatherman also looks for powdery soft white sand, something Kailua Beach Park has in abundance. Vari Singh and her family were visiting Oahu from Los Angeles and spent a day in Kailua. “The colour of the sea is something like we’ve never seen before. The sand is super soft and fun to play with, it makes good sandcastles,” she said as her daughter wiped sand from her face. “And the scenery is beautiful, you just come over the hill and it’s just this majestic scene of green ocean.” Leatherman acknowledged that not everyone appreciates the publicity his lists give to top ❱❱ PAGE 38 The white

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‘Move along’: Stormtroopers ready for Star Wars land crowds BY JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. The Associated Press

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LOS ANGELES — Disneyland’s new Galaxy’s Edge attraction promises to transport visitors to a new locale in the Star Wars universe, but any who overstay their visit might not catch their ride on the Millennium Falcon. The theme park is expecting massive crowds when Galaxy’s Edge opens May 31, and has detailed plans on how to accommodate guests or help them “move along” with the aid of Stormtroopers. For the first three weeks, guests must have a reservation to enter and will be limited to four hours inside the immersive new land, the largest single-theme land inside a Disney park. It is spread out over 14 acres of rides and experiences, including shops selling personal droids, lightsabers, and Star Wars-appropriate food and drink. A special wristband will identify a visitor’s time window, and once it expires, Disney said it will shut off access to key attractions and merchandise locations. Park employees dressed as Star Wars characters will ultimately ask visitors to make their way toward one of the three exits so a new group can enter. “There might be some First Order officers out there helping us or maybe some Stormtroopers asking people to move along,” said Kris Theiler, vice-president of Disneyland park. “We’ll employ the First Order maybe later in the reservation period if we need to.” It’s just one example of the lengths to which Disney has gone to make Galaxy’s Edge look and feel like part of the Star Wars universe. It’s designed as a grungy outpost on a distant planet. The marquee attraction is a massive replica of the Millennium Falcon, where guests can roam the ship’s halls and en-

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gage in a dogfight with TIE Fighters. The park has plenty of other, more subtle ways to manage crowd flow. Theiler said walkways were widened from 3 to about 6 feet in different areas, and stroller parking is available. Around 7,500 new parking spaces along with new parking lot entrances and toll booths were added. A new pedestrian bridge was also built to help avoid logjams. Disneyland declined to share the capacity limit for Galaxy’s Edge. The park will implement a virtual queue system after June 23, when the pre-reservation requirement and fourhour time limit are set to expire. The virtual queue will be offered inside Disneyland only for visitors to reserve a spot to enter the Star Wars attraction, and is intended to alleviate long lines. Updates will be available through the Disneyland app or a kiosk in the park. “We believe that we can get a lot of folks through the land, and the wait won’t be unmanageable,” Theiler said. Theiler said Disneyland has learned from its other attractions, such as It’s a Small World, Dumbo and Matterhorn Bobsled, how to manage crowds. “Many of these attractions were built in the ‘50s,” she said. “We didn’t have the volume back then that we do today. We’ve gotten into the practice of utilizing walkway space. We really want to make sure from a guest perspective that we’re ready to go. We’ve been doing a lot of infrastructure work the last couple years.” Even before Galaxy’s Edge opens, Disneyland was the second most popular theme park in the world last year with 18.6 million visitors. It is second only to Disney World in Florida, where a version of Galaxy’s Edge is scheduled to open Aug. ■

Food Dress your kebabs with a rich za'atar yogurt sauce AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN IN THE Middle East, kebabs — called kofte — feature ground meat (not chunks) mixed with lots of spices and fresh herbs that is formed around metal skewers and quickly grilled. We like them dressed with a za’atar yogurt sauce; the kebabs’ spices and extreme savour are contrasted with welcome herbal freshness and tang from the za’atar while the creaminess from the also-tart yogurt cuts through the richness. For the kofte, the biggest challenge was getting the patties’ sausage-like texture right. We found that adding a small amount of powdered gelatin to the ground lamb helped the meat firm up and hold fast to the skewer. Ground pine nuts added to the meat prevented toughness and contributed their own pleasant texture and a boost in richness. A concentrated charcoal fire setup mimicked the intense heat of a kofte grill. Serve with rice pilaf, or make sandwiches with warm pita bread, sliced red onion, tomatoes, and fresh mint; just make sure to drizzle with the spiced sauce. You will need eight 12 inch metal skewers for this recipe. Grilled lamb kofte with za’atar yogurt sauce

Servings: 4-6 Start to finish: 1 hour, 45 minutes

• 1/2 cup pine nuts • 4 garlic cloves, peeled • 11/2 teaspoons smoked hot paprika • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb • 1/2 cup grated onion, drained • 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley • 1/3 cup minced fresh mint • 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin • 1 (13 by 9 inch) disposable aluminum roasting pan (if using charcoal) • 1 cup Za’atar Yogurt Sauce (recipe follows) Process pine nuts, garlic, paprika, salt, cumin, pepper, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon in food processor until coarse paste forms, 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Add lamb, onion, parsley, mint, and gelatin and knead with your hands until thoroughly combined and mixture feels slightly sticky, about 2 minutes. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into 5 inch-long cylinder about 1 inch in diameter. Using eight 12 inch metal skewers, thread 1 cylinder onto each skewer, pressing gently to adhere. Transfer kebabs to lightly greased baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and re-

frigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. For a charcoal grill: Using skewer, poke 12 holes in bottom of disposable pan. Open bottom vent completely and place pan in centre of grill. Light large chimney starter two-thirds filled with charcoal -briquettes (4 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour into disposable pan. 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. Leave all burners on high. Clean and oil cooking grate. Place kebabs on grill (directly over coals if using charcoal) at 45 degree angle to bars. Cook (covered if using gas) until browned and meat easily releases from grill, 4 to 7 minutes. Flip kebabs and continue to cook until meat is browned on second side and registers 160 F, about 6 minutes. Transfer

kebabs to serving platter and serve, passing yogurt sauce separately. Za’atar yogurt sauce

We prefer to use our homemade Za’atar, but you can substitute store-bought za’atar; different za’atar blends include varying salt amounts. • 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt • 1 tablespoon za’atar (recipe follows) • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon juice • Salt and pepper Whisk yogurt, za’atar, garlic, and lemon zest and juice together in bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate so flavours meld, about 30 minutes. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.) Za’atar

Za’atar is an aromatic eastern

Mediterranean spice blend that is used as both a seasoning and a condiment. The thyme gives it a round herbal flavour, the sumac lemony tartness, and the sesame seeds richness and subtle crunch. • 1/2 cup dried thyme • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground sumac ■ Working in batches, process thyme in spice grinder until finely ground, about 30 seconds; transfer to small bowl. Stir in sesame seeds and sumac. (Za’atar can be stored in airtight container for up to 3 months.) Nutrition information per serving: 359 calories; 222 calories from fat; 25 g fat (7 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 77 mg cholesterol; 530 mg sodium; 9 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 28 g protein.

Supersize your falafel into a uniquely delicious burger AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN FALAFEL ARE crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, packed with seasoning, and utterly irresistible. Here we essentially supersize these chick-

pea fritters to make a uniquely delicious burger. We started by soaking dried chickpeas overnight to soften before grinding them into coarse bits along with onion, herbs, garlic, and spices. Traditional falafel recipes use flour and chickpeas for a

dough-like texture, but uncooked flour yielded patties that were dry and bready; instead, we used a microwaved flour paste to add moisture and create a soft interior. To ensure burger-size falafel, we used a dry measuring cup and dropped scoops of the www.canadianinquirer.net

falafel mixture into a heated skillet and then used the back of a spoon to press each portion into a 3/4-inch-thick patty. To top off our burgers, we created a sauce featuring tahini, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice and also added sliced cucumber and quick pickled red on-

ions for a burger so flavourful we may never go back to falafel wrapped in pita bread. Falafel burgers with tahiniyogurt sauce

Servings: 4

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Start to finish: 45 minutes

• 8 ounces dried chickpeas, picked over and rinsed • 1/3 cup tahini • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt • 3 tablespoons lemon juice, plus extra for seasoning • 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems • 3/4 cup fresh parsley leaves • 1/2 onion, chopped fine • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon table salt • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra as needed • 4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired • 1/4 English cucumber, sliced thin • 1/2 cup Quick Pickled Red Onions (recipe follows) Place chickpeas in large container and cover with water by 2 to 3 inches. Soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours or

up to 24 hours. Drain well. Whisk tahini, yogurt, and lemon juice in medium bowl until smooth. Season with salt and extra lemon juice to taste; set aside. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days; let come to room temperature and stir to recombine before serving.) Process cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, and cayenne in food processor until mixture is finely ground, about 30 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add chickpeas and pulse 6 times. Continue to pulse until chickpeas are coarsely chopped and resemble sesame seeds, about 6 more pulses. Transfer mixture to large bowl and set aside. Whisk flour and 1/3 cup water in bowl until no lumps remain. Microwave, whisking every 10 seconds, until mixture thickens to stiff, smooth, pudding-like consistency that forms mound when dropped from end of whisk into bowl, 40 to 80 seconds. Stir baking powder into flour paste. Add flour paste to chickpea mixture and, using rubber spatula, mix un-

til fully incorporated. (Falafel mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours.) Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Using 1 cup measure, drop 4 even portions (about 3/4 cup each) into skillet, then press each portion into 3/4-inch-thick patty with back of spoon. Cook until golden brown and crisp on first side, 4 to 6 minutes. Using 2 spatulas, gently flip patties and cook until well browned and crisp on second side, 4 to 6 minutes, adding extra oil as needed if skillet looks dry. Serve burgers on buns, topped with cucum-

ber, pickled onions, and tahiniyogurt sauce. Quick Pickled Red Onions:

Makes about 1 cup Pickled onions are an absolute breeze to make--just a few minutes of hands-on preparation plus a 30-minute brine bath transform simple slices of red onion into a vibrant topping for burgers. Look for a firm, dry onion with thin, shiny skin and a deep purple colour. • 1 cup red wine vinegar • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/4 teaspoon table salt • 1 red onion, halved and sliced

thin through root end Bring vinegar, sugar, and salt to simmer in small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Off heat, stir in onion, cover, and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Serve. (Pickled onions can be refrigerated in airtight container for up to 1 week.) ■ Nutrition information per serving: 625 calories; 222 calories from fat; 25 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 3 mg cholesterol; 1177 mg sodium; 81 g carbohydrate; 11 g fiber; 18 g sugar; 23 g protein.

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beaches. “I get a lot of people who are very happy about it. They like to know where to go,” Leatherman said. But “I always get some pushback. Oh yes, people say, ‘Oh no, we already have too many people coming here. What are you doing?’ It’s almost like they think it’s a secret beach or something. (Kailua) is not quite a secret beach. It is a real gem though.” Braden Marquez, 18, who grew up in Kailua, says he is worried about overcrowding but also hopeful about the future of his hometown. “This beach is pretty special to me just because my family has been coming here for years and years,” he said, noting the area has changed a lot since his childhood. “(My) biggest concern would www.canadianinquirer.net

be losing the locals because of the influx of people,” he said during a recent visit to the beach. “But other than that I’m pretty excited about all the new things to come.” For the first 25 years of ranking, any beach that won the top spot on Leatherman’s list was ineligible for inclusion in subsequent years. But in 2015, Dr. Beach cleared the slate to allow any beach in the nation to once again be eligible, resetting the clock — and perhaps the relevance— involving his annual contest. Kailua was named the best beach in 1998, making it a twotime winner. Leatherman is again retiring new winners and posting them on his website . The other beaches on this year’s list are Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach on North Caro-

lina’s Outer Banks in second place, followed by Grayton Beach State Park in the Florida panhandle; Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York; Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu; Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin-Clearwater, Florida; Hapuna State Beach Park on Hawaii’s Big Island; Coronado Beach, San Diego, California; and Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Leatherman’s goal in producing the list each year, he says, is to reward high-quality, safe beaches that balance nature with accessibility and amenities. He hopes beaches that haven’t made his list will make changes for a better experience and a healthier coastal ecosystem. ■

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