Philippine Canadian Inquirer Issue #4

PHILIPPINE CANADIAN

NEWS inside Prosecution rests case vs Corona ( On page 2) INC show of force ‘a strong message’ to P-noy ( On page 6 )

VOL. 3 NO. 4

FRIDAY MARCH 2, 2012

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Composite photo by Edwin Bacasmas and Raffy Lerma

WE REMEMBER YELLOW Confetti rains on the Edsa parade at the People Power Monument to mark the 26th anniversary of the uprising that ousted dictator Marcos and returned democracy to the people. Some of Edsa’s major players, including Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who snubbed most previous commemorations, are joined by political and civil society leaders who lock arms to renew their pledge to keep alive the Edsa spirit. Up from from left are Rep. Roilo Golez, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, presidential adviser Ronald Llamas, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Sen. Tito Sotto, Speaker Sonny Belmonte, ex-President Fidel Ramos, Vice President Jejomar Binay, President Aquino, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., ex-President Joseph Estrada, Enrile, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Butz Aguino and Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. At right is Freddie Aguilar.

Toward a more developed PH by 2050

By Jocelyn R. Uy Philippine Daily Inquirer

Is the country’s growing population a boon or bane?

A STUDY recently published by multinational financial services firm HSBC says the Philippines, a middle-income country with about 26 percent of its population living below the poverty line, will be the 16th largest economy in the world by 2050.

By then, according to the study, the Philippines will have outperformed all of its Southeast Asian neighbors, including Singapore.

The HSBC study cites the Philippines’ growing population, which is said to meet the growing demands for labor as more investments come in, as one of the factors that will help the country significantly progress over the next four decades.

The rosy projection for the Philippines has thrilled some, but has also caused others to raise their eyebrows.

The study—titled “The World in 2050” and authored by Karen Ward, Nick Robins, and Zoe Knight of HSBC—has refueled the debate over whether the country’s growing population is really an advantage or a drag on the Philippines’ quest to becoming a developed economy over the long run.

The release of the study came amid ongoing talks on the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, which is both being strongly pushed by supporters and ardently blocked by critics.

Some economists say the bill, which seeks to promote family planning, is long overdue and has been one of the missing pieces for faster economic growth; others thumb it down, cautioning against what they consider as its potentially adverse effects on the economy.

Side 1: Why the country’s growing population is a bane Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia, an economics professor from the University of the Philippines and a former economist from the Asian Development Bank, says a growing population serves as an advantage for an economy only if it meets the quality of labor required by businesses.

The problem with the Philippines, he says, is that growth in its population is driven by poor households who cannot afford to provide education and other basic needs for their children. Consequently, he says, these children grow up finding difficulty in getting jobs and end up being poor themselves. This trend leads to the problem of inter-generational poverty, he says.

‘Shoddy’ “It seems that HSBC, in drawing its conclusion, just considered the size of the population, completely ignoring the fact that for a labor force to become an asset, it must be educated,” Pernia says, describing the conclusion of the HSBC study as “shoddy.”

Pernia says policymakers should acknowledge

that resources—both of private households and the government— are just not enough to educate all Filipino children.

This point is substantiated both by the significant number of out-of-school youths who belong to households that cannot support them, and the insufficiency of public schools, classrooms, and other facilities needed to provide good-quality education to all the country’s school-aged children.

The problem of poverty has been cited by many international institutions, including the ADB and the World Bank, as one of the biggest challenges that the Philippines has to overcome.

Educated workforce While other Southeast Asian countries were able to trim their poor populations over the years, the Philippines has seen its poverty incidence rise.

Latest government statistics show that the number of poor Filipinos stood at 26.5 percent of the Philippine population in 2009, up from 26.4 percent in 2006 and 24.4 percent in 2003.

The poverty rate in the Philippines in 2009 was much higher than Indonesia’s 13 percent, Thailand’s 8.1 percent, and Malaysia’s 3.8 percent.

Pernia opines that the projection that the Philippines will have outperformed all its Southeast Asian neighbors by 2050 was highly unrealistic given the

CNN Hero’s ‘kariton’ gets bigger, better ( On page 7 )

‘It’s a showdown’: Lin phenomenon set to add more spice to Knicks Heat rivalry ( On page 16 )

Government of Canada taking action to support newcomers ( On page 26 )

Looking out for the Seniors ( On page 27 ) Filipino job seekers reminded to be vigilant against illegal immigrant recruiters ( On page 28 )

Filipino-Canadian in Focus: Winnie Tan ( On page 31 ) Family ski fun in the Okanagan ( On page 34 )

More on A3

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News-Phils Prosecution rests case vs Corona

By TJ Burgonio Philippine Daily Inquirer After arguing three of eight articles of impeachment, the prosecution on Tuesday suddenly announced it was resting its case against Chief Justice Renato Corona, confident it had presented overwhelming evidence to convict him of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.

Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., the chief prosecutor, announced the decision to drop five articles on Day 25 of the impeachment trial.

Tupas later told reporters that the 11-member House panel, in consultation with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, agreed on Monday night to scrap Articles 1,4,5,6 and 8 of the impeachment complaint.

Tupas said the panel members believed it had presented convincing evidence to support Article 2 (Corona’s nondisclosure of statement of assets, liabilities and net worth, or SALN), Article 3 (lack of probity, integrity and independence resulting in flip-flopping decisions), and Article 7 (irregular issuance of a temporary restraining order, or TRO, on the hold-departure order on former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria MacapagalArroyo).

Article 2 pertains to culpable violation of the Constitution while Articles 3 and 7 constitute the charge of betrayal of public trust.

Tupas said that while the idea of resting the prosecution case was first broached at the end of the presentation of evidence for Article 2, the “final final decision” to terminate was made at the end of Monday’s trial.

He said the presentations on Article 3 and 7 already completed the prosecution’s story line that Corona was not fit to remain in his position.

Tupas also said the decision of the Senate impeachment court to disallow the presentation of a Philippine Airlines executive as witness for the prosecution, and the Supreme Court’s issuance of a resolution on February 14 prohibiting any of its members and employees from testifying in the trial were factors that prompted the decision.

“Finally, we felt that we have presented more than enough to remove the Chief Justice so we decided to end this. However, this is subject to the dollar account deposits of the Chief Justice. We will

go back to Article 2 if the Supreme Court TRO on the dollar account is lifted,” he stressed.

Just a dismissal case Marikina Representative Romero Quimbo, the prosecution spokesperson, said, “As far as we are concerned, we feel very strongly about our case in terms of having proved Articles 2, 3 as well as 7.”

“It’s just a dismissal case which is why we feel that we have presented enough evidence to warrant the dismissal of the Chief Justice from his position,” Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara said, stressing his liberty and property were not at stake.

Quimbo said the prosecution decided to just forget about its bid to have Supreme Court Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno testify after hearing the tribunal’s spokesperson, Midas Marquez, reiterating the February 14 resolution in a press briefing prohibiting justices and court employees from appearing in the impeachment trial.

“We were hoping that Justice Sereno would show up to be able to give further meat to Article 7 but based on our assessment last night, Article 7 can stand even without her and the presscon of Midas clearly showed to us that Justice Sereno will not be able to show up in the Senate,” Quimbo added.

Turn of defense It is now the turn of the defense to present evidence.

Chief defense counsel, Serafin Cuevas, said his team had at least 25 witnesses to disprove the allegations against the respondent.

In a post-trial interview, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said he “cannot predict the repercussions” of the prosecution decision but said the panel had the right not to pursue the other charges.

Enrile warned prosecutors shortly before the session was adjourned that the defense panel could still use evidence it planned to present for the articles that were dropped to controvert charges against Corona in the articles where evidence against him were presented.

The articles that prosecutors would no longer present evidence for include: Article 1 accusing Corona of “partiality” in cases involving the Arroyo administration Article 4 charging the Chief Justice with disregarding the principle of separation of powers by issuing a status quo ante order against the House of Representatives in connection with the impeachment case of then Ombudsman

Merceditas Gutierrez, who later resigned.

Article 5 alleging Corona showed “arbitrariness and partiality” in the creation of 16 new cities and the promotion of Dinagat Island into a province.

Article 6 where Corona allegedly arrogated unto himself the authority to investigate Supreme Court associate justice Mariano del Castillo to exculpate him of plagiarism charges.

Article 8 accusing the Chief Justice of failure and refusal to account for the Judiciary Development Fund and the Special Allowance for the Judiciary collections.

Tupas took the floor after Enrile announced that the impeachment court would honor a decision of the Supreme Court not to allow two of its employees to testify against Corona, invoking judicial privilege.

25 witnesses “We do not wish to prolong the proceedings,” Tupas explained.

He said that the prosecution had presented 17 witnesses and 166 documents for Article 2, accusing Corona of failure to include expensive properties in his SALN; one witness and 16 documents for Article 3 charging the Chief Justice with failure to observe stringent standards of competence, integrity, probity and independence and seven witnesses and 65 documents for Article 7 accusing Corona of “partiality” in the court’s issuance of the TRO on the ban on Arroyo’s travel abroad, allegedly to help her to escape prosecution.

Tupas earlier said that the prosecution had as many as 100 witnesses.

Enrile was noncommittal when later asked whether the defense would be allowed to begin their presentation Wednesday should Cuevas finish his cross-examination of ABS-CBN cameraman Danilo Piedad.

Cuevas asked that he be allowed to crossexamine Piedad on Wednesday since he was still not in court when the prosecution presented Piedad’s direct testimony at the first hour of the trial.

Piedad’s officemates—cameraman Edmond Losalla and Rochelle Mendez, head of the ABS-CBN news library—were also presented in connection with the raw footage of Arroyo’s attempt to leave the country on Nov. 15, 2011, and the press conference conducted by Midas Marquez in the Supreme Court announcing the issuance of the TRO. ■

Being gay doesn’t mean you’re immoral, SC rules in judge’s case

By Jerome Aning Philippine Daily Inquirer A JUDGE who admitted he was gay should not be automatically presumed to be immoral, the Supreme Court (SC) has ruled.

In a decision, the Supreme Court’s Second Division dismissed the administrative cases of immorality and dishonesty filed against Judge Eliseo Campos, the now-retired presiding judge of the municipal trial court of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, by his estranged wife and son.

“There was no evidence that the respondent engaged in scandalous conduct that would warrant the imposition of disciplinary action against him,” the high court said in a decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.

However, the court found Campos guilty of simple misconduct and fined him P20,000 for registering his then minor son as the owner of a piece of land that figured in the couple’s pending legal separation and annulment cases.

“In order to manipulate the situation, and taking advantage of his knowledge of the law, respondent caused the registration of the property in [his son’s] name with the intention of defrauding a possible judgment-

obligee. Clearly, it was improper behavior which warrants disciplinary sanction by this court.”

The three administrative cases stemmed from the annulment case filed by Campos in July 2008, a year before he retired. In his suit he said he was a homosexual and that his wife had affairs with other men which he did not bother to stop or question.

His wife denied Campos’ accusations of infidelity and claimed her husband only wanted their marriage annulled so he could marry another woman with whom he was allegedly having a relationship. She opposed the annulment and filed for a legal separation instead.

The high tribunal affirmed the findings of the investigating judge that there was no proof that Campos had a relationship with another woman or was immoral on account of his supposedly being gay.

Hiding true sexuality “With respect to respondent’s alleged homosexuality, such issue is for the determination of the trial court wherein the [annulment case] is pending. Thus, we also agree in absolving [him] from the charge of dishonesty. The fact that [he] got married and

had children is not proof against his claim of homosexuality. As pointed out, it is possible that [he] was only suppressing or hiding his true sexuality,” the high court said.

The justices, however, ruled that Campos committed an unlawful act when he executed an affidavit of loss of a land title that was in his possession. The investigation showed Campos had his then minor son registered as the owner of the land.

After reporting the loss, Campos told the provincial register of deeds that he (Campos) was the real owner and that the title had been wrongly registered in his son’s name.

The wife, however, claimed the title was never lost and that their son had it all along.

She claimed the judge merely wanted the property back in the event that the annulment was granted.

Campos had said that he only wanted to protect his interest, adding that his wife and son wanted to use the property as collateral for a loan.

Based on the decision, the judge may have anticipated the breakup of his marriage and registered the title in the son’s name so the land would not become conjugal property, which would have to be split if Campos’ wife won the legal separation case. ■

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FRIDAY March 2, 2012 2

PHILIPPINE CANADIAN

Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer Head of Editorial Melissa Remulla-Briones Editorial Consultant J.J. McCullough Contributors Jeffrey J.D. Andrion Gigi Astudillo Dr. Rizaldy Ferrer Marietta Pangan-Dutkoski Stella Reyes Jenn Torres Graphic Designer Victoria Yong Illustration Danvic C. Briones Photographer Ryan Ferrer Sales and Operations Laarni de Paula Dominador Masakayan MaryAnn Roque

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News-Phils

FRIDAY March 2, 2012

Toward a more...continued from A1

country’s rising poverty. Another problem hindering growth is the lack of investments, which Pernia says would need an educated workforce to come into the country.

Foreign direct investments into the Philippines was estimated to be just a little over a $1 billion in 2011, paling in comparison with Malaysia’s $10 billion and Indonesia’s close to $20 billion.

Total investments, including those of locals, stood at only 15.6 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product in 2010.

This figure was inferior compared with Cambodia’s 17.2 percent, Malaysia’s 21 percent, Thailand’s 26 percent, Indonesia’s 32 percent, and Vietnam’s 39 percent.

“Our neighbors have been addressing the issue of poverty and investments. At the rate we [the Philippines] are going, it is impossible for us to be more progressive than Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand by 2050,” says Pernia, who is an advocate of the RH bill.

Pernia also notes the drag caused by poverty on tourism, which many considers to have a great income potential if the country’s natural resources were the sole factor to be considered. The UP economist says the picture of poverty is a turnoff for some tourists.

Former president’s doubts The HSBC study had caused not only an economist but also a former president to express his doubts.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos, who says he regretted that the administrations that came after his did not make a strong follow-through on the population program during his term, says the projection of the HSBC study was pleasing, but stressed that it was a fallacy.

“It is not the quantity but the quality of the labor force that counts,” Ramos says.

He says that without a strong family planning

program that will address poverty, becoming a progressive country is just not possible.

Ramos cites another study, commissioned by the Asian Development Bank and released last year, that projected the Philippines to remain among a group of slowest-growing economies in Asia by 2050 given existing problems on poverty, weakness of institutions, and lack of investments, among others.

The Adb-commissioned study, titled “Asia 2050: Realizing the Asian Century,” grouped the Philippines together with Myanmar, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyz Republic, among others.

On the other hand, it categorized Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan to be among the most progressive Asian economies by 2050.

Ramos says the study commissioned by the ADB should serve as a wake-up call for the Philippine government and the private sector to address pressing problems that continue preventing the country from catching up with its neighbors.

War against poverty He says the country, first and foremost, has to address the problem of poverty—adding that population management is a prudent way to do it—if it is to become one of the most progressive economies.

“The country’s biggest battle is not against terrorism; it’s against poverty,” the former chief executive opines.

Winning the war against poverty will somehow alleviate tendencies for armed conflict, such as that seen in the southern part of the country, he explains.

Side 2: Why the country’s growing population is boon Meantime, there are also economists who agreed with the HSBC’S claim that a growing population will help the country’s efforts toward progress.

Bernardo De Vera, economics professor from

the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), an Opus Dei institution, that opposes the RH bill, says that before one harps on the significance of quality over quantity of population, the point that a sufficient number of population is needed to run an economy should first be established.

“It is true that economic development is not only a matter of quantity nor a matter only of having warm bodies. However, a country has to have warm bodies to begin with,” De Vera says.

De Vera opines that the problem of poverty, although a heavy burden, is easier to solve than the problem of not having enough people. He says controlling population growth poses the serious threat of population aging and dwindling number of human resources, which many advanced economies now face.

He says the projection that some more developed economies like Singapore will be overtaken by the Philippines by 2050 hinges on the fact that the former are now facing serious problems of population aging.

De Vera also disagrees with the notion that there are not enough resources to educate all school-aged children in the country. He says government resources, if efficiently monitored and allocated, should be able to accommodate the education needs of Filipino children belonging to households who cannot financially afford sending kids to school.

Dr. Victor A. Abola, also an economics professor from the UA&P, says a large population is an advantage rather than a drag on economic growth based on two fronts—advancement of knowledge and economies of scale.

“Advances in knowledge are faster in a large population because intelligence and genius is not confined to the rich. It is normally distributed, and, therefore, with a larger population you would have an absolutely larger number of outstanding people who do make a difference,” Abola says.

He adds that economies of scale (which happens when cost of per-unit production declines as volume

increases) can be more easily achieved with a large population. Countries with smaller population have to rely on the export markets just to achieve economies of scale, he explains.

Abola says previous studies have concluded that 58 percent of economic growth can be traced to advancement in knowledge, while 17 percent is anchored on economies of scale.

On the HSBC’S projection that the Philippines can become one of the biggest economies in the world by 2050, both De Vera and Abola say that such a projection is realistic.

De Vera says ongoing efforts of the government to improve governance and rising contributions from the private sector as far as investments are concerned should bear positive results over the long term.

Abola says existing resources of the Philippines, including human capital, will help the country become progressive decades from now.

“Discrediting the findings of the study outright is unscientific and biased. “Yes, I agree with the conclusion of the HSBC study that the Philippines objectively has what it takes to be on the Top 20 biggest economies in the world by 2050,” Abola adds.

Where the two sides meet Although people disagree over whether the country’s growing population is boon or bane for the economy, there is a consensus that good-quality education and training are badly needed to have the human resources required to attract more job-generating investments, which in turn are necessary to sustain a robust growth for the Philippines.

“Education is key,” UP’S Pernia says.

“We can achieve faster growth through education,” UA&P’S De Vera says.

However, whether the country has enough resources to provide good-quality education and training for its people is still open to debate.■

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FRIDAY March 2, 2012 4

PH stocks hit record high, breach 5,000 mark for 1st time

By Doris C. Dumlao Philippine Daily Inquirer THE LOCAL stock barometer breached the 5,000 mark for the first time in history in intraday trade last March 1, riding on upbeat investor sentiment in a low interest rate regime. The index, however, pared down gains at closing.

The main Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEI) finished 40.96 points, or 0.84-percent higher, at 4,938.61, pulling back from the day’s peak of 5,011.

Dealers said the 5,000-mark was breached in the morning as investors anticipated a further monetary easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) while global risk appetite was also boosted by a fresh liquidity release by the European Central Bank.

As expected, the BSP cut after the market closed its main policy rate by 25 basis points to a record low of 4 percent to help cushion the domestic economy from the global slowdown.

Top lender Bank of the Philippine Islands closed nearly 5 percent higher and secondranked Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. rose 3.7 percent.

“The market anticipated another rate cut and we’ve seen a lot of buying into banks,” said Ira Ganhin, an analyst with Manilabased BPI Asset Management. “The level of

bad loans has fallen while loan growth is also increasing. So everything seems to be going right for the banking sector,” he said.

Retreat in much of Asia Shares in much of the rest of Asia retreated on concerns about the global economic outlook.

All counters performed strongly in morning trade but toward the end of the session, the property, services and mining/oil counters succumbed to profit-taking.

Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke on February 29 put the brakes on the recent global rally by curbing optimism about the strength of the US economic recovery, but without signaling any further monetary easing to stimulate growth.

The financial counter outperformed the main index as it gained 2.5 percent while the industrial and holding firm counters firmed up slightly.

“The PSEI breached the 5,000 level but was unable to sustain it. The market is susceptible to near-term consolidation. We, however, view pullbacks as opportunities to increase exposure,” said Mark Angeles, head of research at First Metro Securities. “The financial world is better today than it was last year.”

Trying it on for size “The market tried the 5,000 level on for size today but did not stay there for long as many participants sold into the rally,” said Manuel Lisbona, deputy chief at PNB Securities.

“I think the market will continue to attempt to push through 5,000. A decisive close above the level will provide stimulus for additional buying,” he added.

Value turnover for the day amounted to P8.1 billion. There were 93 advancers as against 70 decliners while 45 stocks were unchanged.

Chinese official and private sector factory data also reminded investors of the fragile state of the global economy, while suggesting Beijing could avoid a hard landing.

Stocks in Singapore erased early gains to end 0.5 percent lower, while Indonesia’s main index fell 0.58 percent after gaining 2.1 percent the previous session.

Malaysia also pulled back from the day’s high to end up 0.2 percent and Thailand’s SET index was up 0.4 percent. Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange index rose 1 percent.

The Morgan Stanley Capital International’s (MSCI) broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1 percent by 1000 Gmtwhile the MSCI index for Southeast Asia, made up of selected regional stocks, was down 0.6 percent.

The Southeast Asia index had surged more than 13 percent so far in 2012 through February 29’s close as hopes for some stabilization in Europe’s debt crisis and encouraging US economic data emboldened investors to move back into riskier assets. ■

Subject SSS, GSIS holdings to challenge– labor group

BY Jerome Aning Philippine Daily Inquirer DISMAYED by audit reports showing the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) may not have gotten the best deal for their members when they sold their Meralco holdings for only P90 per share, the country’s biggest labor union proposed that the two state pension funds submit their marketable securities to a “Swiss challenge.”

“A Swiss challenge will allow the discovery of other potential investors who may be willing to acquire at higher prices the securities held by SSS or GSIS,” said Trade Union Congress of the Philippines president Ernesto Herrera in a statement.

The TUCP issued the statement in reaction to a Commission on Audit report that questioned the sale by SSS of its 62,990,638 shares in power firm Meralco for P5.66 billion to a newly formed entity with net assets of only P60 million.

The Meralco shares were sold at P90 each to Global 5000 Investment Corp. in December 2008.

Meralco’s stock closed last February 24 at P269 per share. ■

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News-Phils 36 OFWS fleeing Syria come home on gov’t tab

By Jerry E. Esplanada Philippine Daily Inquirer ANOTHER 20 overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) arrived in the Philippines from strife-wracked Syria last February 27 courtesy of the government’s free repatriation program, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The Ofws—accompanied by Charge d’affaires Olivia Palala of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus—arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:12 p.m. on Emirates EK 332.

At Terminal 1, the repatriates were welcomed by staff of the DFA and the labor department-attached Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Another 16 OFWS were scheduled to arrive from Syria on another Emirates flight.

The two batches of OFWS brings to

1,009 the number of Philippine nationals repatriated from the strife-torn Middle East country, according to the DFA. “The OFWS’ airfare was shouldered entirely by the government,” according to Raul Hernandez, the DFA spokesperson.

Hernandez said that “at least nine of the OFWS came from the Syrian protest hubs of Homs, Hama and Idli, while nine others, all overstaying aliens, were released from Kaffarseuseh prison in Damascus.”

Last week, 21 OFWS from Syria were flown home by the foreign office.

Early this month, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario deployed the DFA’S “rapid response team,” which includes personnel from the Philippine National Police and Department of Labor and Employment, to “help out in the extraction and repatriation of OFWS from Syria’s conflict areas.”

Hernandez said the foreign office was set to evacuate 160 more OFWS based in the conflict areas, where the “violence has become very alarming.”

The embassy has so far received nearly 280 repatriation applicants from the four conflict areas, he noted.

Del Rosario earlier said that based on

new developments in the protest hubs, the DFA “may need to go one step further and resort to a strategy of extraction.”

He said that “rather than reduce the operating teams to help our distressed nationals, we are expanding to do what is necessary.”

The DFA had “anticipated a probable escalation of violence which resulted in our bringing in an additional team of negotiators to focus on mandatory repatriation,” the secretary said.

He said that unlike the United States Embassy in Damascus, the Philippine mission would remain open “as long as we have OFWS there that need help.”

“We have no plans of closing... our embassy will continue to operate as mandated by President Aquino,” he added.

So far, no Filipino has been killed or wounded in the deadly crackdown on protests by Syrian security forces, said the embassy.

More than 5,500 people have died in the 11-month uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-assad, according to the United Nations. ■

NPC opposes Palace on hiking ‘sin tax’

BY Jaymee T. Gamil Philippine Daily Inquirer GOING against the wishes of Malacañang, the administration ally Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) has decided to oppose a House bill seeking to raise taxes on socalled “sin products,” or alcoholic drinks and cigarettes.

Batangas Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza said the NPC had decided that the party would stand against the administration backed House Bill No. 5727 authored by Cavite Rep. Joseph E.A. Abaya because its proponents failed to address concerns on the massive job displacement that would arise from the proposal, which envisages a unitary tax

scheme from the current fourtiered tax system.

Local distillers and cigarette makers, including San Miguel Corp. which is chaired by NPC founder Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, warned that the 1,000-percent hike in taxes sought in the measure would drive local players out of business and render hundreds of thousands of employees jobless as local brands would lose their price advantage over foreign brands.

Malacañang has endorsed the bill as it would have the effect of raising an additional P400 billion in revenue during the last four years of President Aquino’s term and make up for the inability of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs to meet their targets.

The NPC is a member of the ruling coalition

that is led by the Liberal Party which is headed

by President Aquino.

Mendoza said the bill’s proponents also failed to assuage fears that approval of the bill would lead to increased smuggling of lowcost cigarettes that would be priced out of the market with the imposition of a single tax.

He also said that there was no assurance the revenue raised would go toward easing rising health problems in the country as promised by the Department of Health.

The NPC bloc is expected to join lawmakers from the “solid North” or the tobaccogrowing Regions I, II and III as well as members of the minority bloc who had earlier expressed their opposition to the government plan to raise sin taxes. ■

INC show of force ‘a strong message’ to P-noy

BY Jocelyn R. Uy, Marlon Ramos and Jeannette I. Andrade Philippine Daily Inquirer

IN A SHOW of force amid perceived tension with their once staunch ally President Aquino, some 600,000 members of the politically influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) gathered for a prayer rally last February 28 at Rizal Park in Manila.

Tens of thousands of INC members also assembled in the provinces.

The 1.8-million-strong sect, based on a 2000 government census, is one of a handful of religious groups courted by politicians of all stripes during election campaigns for its massive block vote that gives it huge political clout.

“The INC leadership and most of our members are displeased with how the [administration] is treating some of our brethren,” said the source, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on behalf of the sect.

“It seems that this [administration] is only interested in exacting revenge against its political opponents [instead of] bringing meaningful reforms for the good of the Filipino people,” he said.

Asked if the INC hierarchy would issue a statement against Mr. Aquino, he said: “Do we really have to say the words? The number of INC members who trooped to the event is enough

indication of our position.”

Mr. Aquino’s previously strong ties with the sect appear to have soured since Chief Justice Renato Corona—who has indirect links to Inc—was impeached in December, stirring condemnation from the group.

But the President said the sect had assured him the rallies were purely religious events leading up to the 100th anniversary of its founding next year.

“There are others who are saying that there is a political dimension here,” he told reporters.

In an interview on national television, Bienvenido Santiago, INC general evangelist and official spokesperson, said the activities were purely religious.

Corona invited But an INC insider told the INQUIRER that the gathering was a “show of force to deliver a strong message” to the Aquino administration.

Although he was invited, Corona decided not to attend the prayer rally so as not to “politicize” the gathering, according to Supreme Court spokesperson Midas Marquez.

Midas said Corona and the other justices of the Supreme Court were invited to the rally but the Chief Justice decided to skip the gathering on the advice of his close associates.

“We’ve been receiving a number of comments

that he might use [the rally] for political purposes,” Marquez said. “Just the same, he extends his congratulations to the Iglesia ni Cristo. I think all the justices were invited.”

Marquez said the Chief Justice decided to just watch the rally on television.

Support for judiciary He said the invitation was a show of support for the entire judiciary.

“More than the Chief Justice, it’s the institution which is being supported,” Marquez told reporters before the start of the “Grand Evangelical Mission.”

Led by Eduardo Manalo, grandson of the INC’S late founder Felix Manalo, the sect exerts huge political influence in the Philippines, home to more than 75 million Catholics.

While Mr. Aquino cannot stand for a second sixyear term, the sect’s block vote can have an impact on the electoral success of his political allies in next year’s midterm congressional polls.

INC members had been leading rallies backing Corona, who could lose his job if convicted in an ongoing Senate impeachment trial on charges of graft and illegally favoring former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-arroyo.

Arroyo is detained in a government hospital on a charge of electoral sabotage.

Mr. Aquino also fired an INC member,

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War declared vs blast fishers

BY Kristine L. Alave Philippine Daily Inquirer THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared an “all-out war” against dynamite fishing and other illegal fishing practices.

BFAR Director Asis Perez said the government was beefing up enforcement of the laws against fishing with explosives, as the bureau recently revealed that the country’s major fishing grounds have shown signs of over-fishing.

Municipal and commercial fishermen have reported declining catch in the past 40 years due to over-fishing, illegal fishing and pollution, the BFAR said.

“All the major causes of a fish decline are manmade and therefore preventable if all stakeholders would take their responsibilities seriously,” Perez said.

This year, the BFAR was given P100 million for law enforcement to run after dynamite fishers.

Perez said fishermen who used explosives not only killed fish but also other marine species necessary for a healthy ecosystem.

“What is shocking to note is that for one fish species alone, the damage could run up to P240 million in losses per day,” he added. ■

Magtanggol Gatdula, as National Bureau of Investigation chief last month after the official was accused of covering up the abduction of a Japanese woman by his aides. Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco.

Marquez said he went to the event in deference to the personal invitation he received from the INC a few days ago.

Gatdula said his presence at the prayer rally was part of his commitment as a longtime INC member.

Asked if he enjoyed the support of INC, Gatdula said: “Yes. I think so.”

Tiangco, who bolted the House majority after he refused to sign the impeachment complaint against Corona, also downplayed allegations that the INC event had a political dimension.

Spin Except for a 20-year-old man, who allegedly tried to politicize the INC gathering, the sect stuck to its promise of avoiding political discussions.

A few minutes before the rally began, INC spokesperson Santiago told reporters in an interview that “the spin,” if anything, had helped the sect draw people to attend its “grand evangelical mission.”

Santiago himself did not mention Corona’s name or anything politically related during the interview. He said the event was part of the church’s 2012 mission to extensively spread God’s words.

Maceda, Zubiri et al.

Among the politicians in attendance were former Senators Ernesto Maceda and Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Laguna Gov. Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito, Rizal Gov. Jun Ynares, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto and Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia.

Only two key INC figures were allowed to speak in front of the crowd: Reynaldo de los Reyes and Arnel Tumanan, assistant dean of the College of Evangelical Ministry. ■

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News-Phils

‘Let’s go, let’s make it right’ P-noy says judiciary one wrong committed in the past

By Norman Bordadora Philippine Daily Inquirer Twenty-six years after millions flocked to Edsa to overthrow a dictator, President Benigno Aquino III on February 24 rallied Filipinos to take action against the judiciary that, he said, like martial law was one of the “wrongs committed in the past” that needed to be corrected.

Apparently continuing on a recent favorite theme, the condemnation of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, Mr. Aquino urged “immediate action,” saying martial law happened because people decades ago chose to keep silent until they could no longer bear the sufferings it brought the country.

“Now, after 26 years, it is clear that our fight is not yet finished,” Mr. Aquino said in a speech during the Edsa anniversary ceremonies at the People Power Monument.

“As we link our arms in the straight path, I trust that we can reach a society that is free from a judiciary with two faces—one with a partial justice system and another with balanced scales,” he said.

As in previous speeches attacking Corona, the President urged the people to participate and act as the Chief Justice’s trial at the Senate impeachment court enters its seventh week.

“If you want to remain in the old system, go ahead and pretend to be deaf. Pretend to be blind. Don’t speak. Don’t participate,” he said.

“But if you believe that there’s something wrong in the system and that this has to be corrected, let’s go and push back (Tara, pumalag tayo). Let’s participate. Let’s make it right,” he added.

The President made these remarks in the presence of three senator-judges who were sitting onstage with him—Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Gregorio Honasan.

Enrile made one of his rare appearances at an Edsa anniversary celebration.

Enrile and Honasan were among the military and defense leaders who went against the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the first Edsa People Power Revolution in February 1986. Enrile was the then defense minister and Honasan was his chief security aide and leader of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, or RAM. Weedy and straight paths “Our country is now facing a crossroad. In one direction is the weedy path, where the influential holds the scales of justice and those who manipulate the law benefit,” Mr. Aquino said.

“In the other is the straight path where the rules are clear, justice favors no one and those who are at fault are made answerable.

Let’s remember: Martial law happened because Filipinos kept silent for too long,” he said.

“As was said way before, ‘Kung hindi ka kikilos, sino pa?

CNN Hero’s ‘kariton’ gets bigger, better

BY Tarra Quismundo Philippine Daily Inquirer THE MODEST kariton (pushcart) that caught the attention of the world is waging a new revolution.

The mobile Kariton Klasrum learning project of 2009 CNN Hero Efren Peñaflorida is breaking even more ambitious ground, pounding the streets of Cavite City with a holistic education, health and values initiative for out-of-school youth.

Dubbed Kariton Revolution, Peñaflorida’s Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) has expanded its alternative classroom program to tackle the 7Ks: Karunungan

Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?’ Let us now move before it’s too late. Let us now move so that we can quickly leave behind the darkness in the past,” he said.

In another speech earlier that day, following wreath-laying rites at the monuments in Manila of his parents—the late former President Corazon Aquino and martyred opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr.—and the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, the President pressed on with his anti-Corona theme.

Filipinos have an opportunity to effect change, they should not waste it, he said.

“Unity, concern and love for country. Let us use these for the legacy of Edsa to be fruitful. Let us not waste this opportunity.

This is our time. This is our time. Let’s go, Filipino,” he said.

He said working for reforms is the duty of every Filipino, “not just of Ninoy and Cory Aquino.”

Record highs In his speech, the President also said investor confidence in the Philippines was at a record high during his 19-month administration, as shown by P439 billion worth of investments that have poured into the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

The amount already represents 22 percent of the P2.003 trillion worth of investments that went into the Peza since 1995, he said.

Mr. Aquino made the remarks amid criticism that the economy slowed down during his administration because of his alleged preoccupation with politics and going after perceived political foes, including former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Chief Justice Corona.

“After one and a half years of the straight path, let us ask ourselves: Is there a difference between our system now and the system that we came upon before when for almost a decade Filipinos were affected by graft and corruption?” Mr. Aquino said.

“The correct answer: It’s a huge difference,” he said.

The President said the international financial community has placed much confidence in the country because of the reforms his administration has been carrying out.

Bragging rights “We are not one to brag but when the country has registered all-time highs in the stock index 16 times and when Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s and Fitch credit-rating raised our grade several times, this is no longer called bragging,” he said.

“This is called reforms and results,” he said.

Mr. Aquino said the Japan External Trade Organization has also declared that the Philippines is an ideal destination for businessmen in Asia in both manufacturing and services sectors.

He said the organization cited the country’s skilled workers and the affordability of doing business in the country.

“This kind of success isn’t achieved by chance,” he added.

He said his government has “dismantled the barricades of poverty using our conditional cash transfer program.”

He said the target of getting 2.3 million families into the (education), Kabataan (youth), Kalusugan (health), Kapayapaan (peace and order), Kalinangan (arts and culture), Kalikasan (environment) and Kabuhayan (livelihood).

The themes will be discussed during classes held in DTC’S known style: Volunteers will park their kariton—each carrying instructional materials—on the streets and encourage out-of-school youth to take part in lessons. ’Be the change’ “I’ve always believed that we, as individuals, have to be the change that we dream of. We all have the hero within us and we can unleash it by coming together uniting for a common purpose for the sake of our country, our community, our very own family,” Peñaflorida said in a statement.

“I am always grateful for opportunities to bring my kariton to a wider public and, more importantly, to encourage more people to volunteer their time and resources,” he said.

To launch the Kariton Revolution, the DTC, the Department of Education’s Cavite division office and

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program in 2011 has been exceeded by 45,000 before the year ended.

Rehashed speeches The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said Mr. Aquino’s Edsa anniversary speech was just a rehash of his previous “daang matuwid” (straight path) rhetoric, and just glorified his administration’s conditional cash transfer program and improved ratings from foreign agencies.

Bayan said the nation may have another Aquino at the helm, but this is not necessarily a sign of better things to come. Human rights violations continue, victims of the Marcos dictatorship have yet to receive true and complete justice, human rights violations victims during the Arroyo administration have yet to receive their due as well, it said. Hunger, poverty, unemployment and US intervention continue, Bayan said.

“We commemorate Edsa I not because it represents a heroism that is singularly ascribed to any one person or political color. We commemorate Edsa I because it represents the Filipino people’s dreams and aspirations that have yet to be fulfilled,” said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes.

“And these dreams and aspirations will not likely be fulfilled even under the second Aquino regime. We definitely have no illusions in that regard,” he further said.

Don’t just criticize But for Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, it will not do for people to just sit and criticize.

“Let everyone be involved. Don’t wait to be critics alone,” the young archbishop told the hundreds of devotees who continued to pour in even after his homily had started at the noontime Mass on Saturday at the Edsa Shrine.

Tagle told reporters his message was not addressed to any person in particular.

Change, after all, cannot be achieved by one person alone, or only by the people who hold positions of power, he said.

“Do not leave the responsibility up to the (people in government),” he said.

This was what God did in the first place, Tagle said. The Supreme Being chose several people, and not only one man, to be the “light of this world,” he said.

In Bacolod City, at least 200 people joined two separate rallies that demanded the ouster of Corona and the transfer of Arroyo to a regular jail facility from Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

The rallies at the Fountain of Justice were organized by Bayan and the yellow-clad members of the Negrenses for Corona Removal (N4CR).

Bayan denounced the President for allegedly using the Corona impeachment and Arroyo trial to hide his inutile position on the series of oil price increases.

“Aquino has long betrayed the spirit of the Edsa by not standing with the people’s demand for genuine land reform, nationalist industrialization and upholding national patrimony over foreign interests,” said Bayan Negros secretary-general Christian Tuayon.■ the Cavite youth council will hold a weeklong event from March 1 to 5 in Cavite City.

Organizers are calling on interested students to take part in arts and literary competitions to be held during the launch week. The DTC will also hold a kariton design project open to schools, families, barangays, people’s organizations and other groups.

Celebrities, meanwhile, will grace a Kariton Revolution caravan to be held on March 4. Education Secretary Armin Luistro is among those expected to grace the culmination of the launch on March 5.

Under the program, volunteers and sponsors may choose which of the seven key concerns to support.

“By highlighting these 7Ks, the [Kariton Revolution] is expanding the world view of our less privileged youth and giving them a more well-rounded education, even outside the classroom” said Deped Cavite division chief Dr. Cresenciana R. Fancuvilla.

Last month, the Deped and the DTC launched K4 (Kariton Klasrum, Klinik, Kantin), a joint program adopting Peñaflorida’s alternative classroom method to provide learning, healthcare and feeding to street children around Metro Manila.■

News-Phils Want to keep up with JPE?

Impeachment books may help

By TJ Burgonio Philippine Daily Inquirer IT WOULD be difficult to match Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s comprehensive knowledge of the law and his capacity for making firm decisions that are on full display at Chief Justice Renato Corona’s impeachment trial. So how is one to try to keep pace with him?

In the course of the trial, Enrile has offered some pointers to Corona’s lawyers, the prosecutors, and even the senatorjudges, on how they could be on the same page with him: Read up on books by Charles Black and Raoul Berger writing on impeachment.

Hearsay rule In last February 23’s hearing, Enrile specifically referred chief defense counsel Serafin Cuevas to the books by the two authors following an exchange on the application of the “hearsay rule” in an impeachment trial.

Enrile had just ruled as hearsay Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s testimony on irregularities at the Supreme Court as disclosed by Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno in her dissenting opinion to the Nov. 15, 2011, tribunal decision to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against a travel ban on former President Gloria Macapagal-arroyo.

Cuevas said he had searched for the rules of procedure relating to “hearsay evidence” and did not find any.

Enrile tersely told him: “Counsel, I’m going to ask you to read the books of Charles [Black] and Raoul Berger… These two books will tell you that the hearsay rule is not adhered to strictly in impeachment cases.”

“If you want I can bring them here. I have them in my office,” he added.

Photocopy books Cuevas thanked him, and said he had gone over Black’s 1974 layman’s guide to impeachment, but had not yet seen Berger’s 1972 book, “Impeachment: The Constitutional Problems.”

Lead prosecutor Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., for his part, said he had been looking for copies of the books in local bookstores to no avail. In the end, he said, he might have to go to Enrile’s office and photocopy them.

“When he mentioned those books, he said the present case was not a criminal case, which was our argument from day one. So those books must be helpful to us,” Tupas said by phone.

His colleague, Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo, said he had read Black’s book, which he said was “useful because of the dearth of jurisprudence on impeachment in the country.’’

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said he had browsed through Black’s book ahead of Corona’s trial, while Senators Francis Pangilinan and Gregorio Honasan said they had read both books.

Pangilinan said he had also read Michael Gerhardt’s “The Federal Impeachment Process.”

“It gives us a better perspective,” Sotto said in a phone interview.

Honasan agreed and said that both books “add value to perspective.” But he noted that they were written in the context of the American political system. “You have to discern what can be applicable to our situation,” he said.

Down to conscience Defense counsel Ramon Esguerra said he had not yet read either of the two books, but some of his colleagues in the defense had. “But I know that it is ultimately the impeachment court’s call whether to be liberal in the application of the technical rules on evidence,” he said in a text message.

But Honasan said that in the end, the trial would boil down to the senator-judges voting according to their conscience, and not so much on the number of books they had read.

“Whatever standards you apply in weighing the evidence, we will all have to use our conscience,” he said. ■

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‘Helpful’ Manila policeman in hot water for duping unsuspecting housemaid

BY Jaymee T. Gamil A policeman who saved a house maid from being victimized by the “dugo-dugo” gang has been arrested after he took the valuables meant for the group of swindlers.

Geraldine Tamorete, 29, the helper of a businesswoman in Caloocan City, said that she received a call from a woman who told her that the trader, her two children and their driver were in the hospital after an accident.

The woman then ordered her to retrieve a vault in her employer’s bedroom and bring it to the hospital. “I was ordered not to tell anyone because [my employer] did not want media attention.

I was told the family’s phones were all with the police so I shouldn’t try to contact them either,” Tamorete said.

Tamorete said she took the caller’s word for it because she seemed to know a lot about her and her employer and even where the vault was. Tamorete ended up following even the unusual instructions, taking the landline off the hook so no one could call the house. The caller, instead, contacted Tamorete on her cell phone.

After taking the steel vault from the second floor bedroom, Tamorete hailed a cab to take her to the hospital in Manila.

But the taxi driver, Hadji Heradoma of Las Piñas City, sensed something was amiss and took her to a patrolling policeman on Tayuman Street who turned out to be Police Officer 1 Dominic Lappay of the Manila Police District (MPD) Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Lappay accompanied Tamorete on the taxi ride to hospital.

He also answered her cell phone and identified himself to the caller as a policeman. This apparently scared the caller off, because upon reaching the hospital, she no longer responded to Tamorete’s texts and calls.

Tamorete got out of the cab to reload her cell phone, but upon her return, she found out that Lappay had made off with the vault.

She returned to her employer who accompanied her to the police.

A check with Senior Inspector Maying de la Cruz of the MPD Homicide Section turned up Lappay’s name and on Sunday morning, he was arrested and the vault recovered.

“He said he was going to turn over the vault to Mayor Alfredo Lim on Monday but that seemed like an afterthought. He should have immediately reported it to his superior,” De la Cruz said. ■

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OFWS demand policy change Breathing Metro Manila air on Owwa membership fees now risky–doh

BY Philip C. Tubeza Philippine Daily Inquirer

OVERSEAS FILIPINO workers (OFWS) in Hong Kong on February 24 urged Manila to make it its official policy to issue to OFWS their overseas employment certificates (OEC) without requiring from them proof that they had paid their Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) membership fees.

In a statement, the United Filipinos in Hong Kong (Unifil-migrante-hk) said the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) should declare as “official” the announcement of Labor Attache Manuel Roldan that the department would take up the move at a community leaders’ forum on Feb. 12.

Roldan had said that, effective Feb. 1, OFWS applying for an OEC would no longer be required to present proof that they had paid their Owwa membership fee, Unifil said.

The group added that Roldan also announced that OFWS who had to go back to the Philippines to wait for the processing of their visas would also be issued OECS in Hong Kong.

Clear victory “This is clearly a victory of the campaign of OFW groups in HK to remove preconditional fee requirements to get an OEC. We do, however, want it to be more official and urge the Dole or the Polo (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) to issue an order stating such,” said Dolores Balladares, Unifil chair.

OFWS vacationing in the Philippines are required to present their OECS before they are allowed to return to their jobs abroad.

Balladares said the issuance of OECS without any other charges was one of the demands that more than 100 OFW

FVR: Impeachment won’t solve poverty

BY DJ Yap Philippine Daily Inquirer FORMER President Fidel V. Ramos took the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the first Edsa People Power Revolution to assail the infighting between government branches as seen through the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“This anniversary is supposed to be a day of coming together. But that is what is missing in our country today … because our coequal, powerful branches of government are so divided,” he told reporters.

“That’s why now what we need is cooperation of all Filipinos and that’s something that won’t be attained just by impeachment,” said Ramos, one of the key players of Edsa I. “Because there are still beggars, there are still starving people and there are still jobless people, impeachment will not solve the problem of poverty, inequity, and lack of jobs and a declining economy,” he said.

Not the message of Edsa He said the disunity in government was

organizations in Hong Kong submitted to President Aquino when he assumed office.

“While we welcome this development, it is highly disappointing that such action was made more than year after we submitted our demands. Notable still is that P-noy himself is still disturbingly quiet on the demands of OFWS, and only because of the persistent efforts of OFWS did the Polo-hk relent on this issue,” Balladares said.

“At the rate this government is going, are we going to wait for more than a year again for our other concerns to be addressed?” she asked.

Other demands OFW groups in Hong Kong had also asked Mr. Aquino to lower the fees for the processing of passports abroad, that is, to make them similar to the fees paid in the Philippines; to stop putting in other preconditional fees (like Pag-ibig or Philhealth) for OECS; the immediate issuance of voter’s IDS for overseas absentee voters; the lifting of the ban on direct hiring, and more funds for onsite services for OFWS in need of assistance.

“The list we submitted included those that require simple and direct response from P-noy if he only has the political will and the sincerity to uphold the rights of OFWS,” Balladares said.

“Sadly, P-noy is really more concerned only about how many more Filipinos can be exported abroad, how many dollars we can remit and how we can be further squeezed dry of our hard-earned income through useless government fees,” she said.

On March 11, during the commemoration of the International Women’s Day, OFWS under the banners of Unifil and Gabriela-hk will hold a protest action to further press the government to respond to the OFWS’ demands.■

not in keeping with the oneness that characterized the Edsa revolution when the people toppled the Marcos dictatorship through a peaceful uprising.

“I think that’s not the message of Edsa during our time,” Ramos said.

“After Edsa, we experienced change.

We restored democracy during the time of Cory. And during my time [as president], I signed a final peace agreement with rebels like Sen. Gringo Honasan and the Moro National Liberation Front under Nur Misuari. We completed that in 1995-1996,” he said.

At the start of the Edsa revolution, Ramos, who then headed the Philippine Constabulary, withdrew support from Marcos and threw in his lot with then Defense Minister, now Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

Key figures reunite The Edsa commemoration was the first time in years that many of the key figures from the original revolution appeared, from Ramos to Enrile and Honasan.

People Power veterans reenacted the “Salubungan,” or the meeting of civilians and military troops at the height of the 1986 revolt.

From the gates of the Corinthian

BY Jeannette I. Andrade Philippine Daily Inquirer

BREATHING has become risky in Metro Manila.

The Department of Health (DOH) has warned of a higher incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDS) in the summer caused by the worsening air pollution in the metropolis.

At a press conference, Health Secretary Enrique Ona lamented that air pollution was an important issue often overlooked. “It is an on-and-off topic that is often forgotten,” he said.

Most NCDS, such as allergies, acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), cancer and cardiovascular diseases, are attributable to air pollution.

“There is a misconception that heart disease, cancer, pulmonary diseases are illnesses exclusive to the rich,” he said, stressing that attention must be called to the unhealthy effects of the constant exposure of the public, particularly pedestrians and those who work on the streets, to air pollution.

Ona pointed out that in the summer, people tend to travel more and thus contribute to air pollution.

Based on the 2006 National Emission Inventory of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 65 percent of air pollution comes from vehicles while 21 percent each comes from stationary sources, such as factories and waste burning.

Ona stressed that apart from contributing to air pollution, smoking was another primary cause of NCDS. He revealed that of the top 10 leading causes of mortality in 2008, three were NCDS related to air pollution such as chronic lower respiratory diseases, heart disease and

Gardens subdivision, former Sen. Agapito “Butz” Aquino led the civilian contingent, which marched on the short stretch of Edsa toward the People Power Monument, where the main program was held.

The civilians were met by the military group led by Ramos, who marched from Gate 3 of Camp Aguinaldo, the Armed Forces headquarters, at the head of hundreds of uniformed military and police troops.

Two armored vehicles, festooned with yellow flowers, joined the procession of uniformed soldiers.

Government employees, church workers, civic leaders, boy scouts and students— many of them wearing yellow—assembled in front of the monument.

Among top government officials who attended the commemoration were President Aquino, Vice President Jejomar Binay, ex-president Joseph Estrada, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa and Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

Also present were Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio

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pneumonia, adding that 200,000 Filipinos die annually from noncommunicable diseases.

Ona likewise cited the economic impact of air pollution-caused diseases based on a 2006 Philippine Environment Monitor by the World Bank.

He pointed out that based on the study, P52 million was lost due to reduced work days of employees afflicted with acute lower respiratory infection/pneumonia, COPD and cardiovascular diseases. The study also found that P910 million was spent on hospitalization and medical expenses for the treatment of NCDS. “I amsure it is worse today,” he said. Philippine Medical Association (PMA) Manila governor Dr. Leo Olarte, who attended the press conference, put it simply: “Air pollution kills.” He pointed out that smoke emissions from passenger utility vehicles and the smog in the country’s capital were terrible.

“I hope smokers can be told to quit or if they do smoke, to keep the habit inside their rooms or in the privacy of their homes and not in public,” Olarte said.

Ona said that air pollution was something that the Clean Air Summit to be held on Feb. 29 hopes to finally address.

“The Clean Air Summit will delve more on making sure that people understand that air pollution is a significant health issue, just as breathing is very basic and important to us,” he said.

The summit, with the theme “Usok Mo, Buhay Ko (Your Smoke, My Life) Clean Air Summit for Metro Manila,” will be attended by various government agencies, the PMA and representatives from the transportation sector in order to come up with solutions aimed at drawing attention to the adverse effects of exposure to air pollution. ■

Coloma, Sen. Vicento Sotto III, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino.

‘Bayan Ko’ A helicopter flew overhead and sprinkled the crowd with yellow confetti, drawing cheers and applause. But some of the confetti appeared to have clumped together and dropped like bricks, nearly hitting a group of reporters in the media section.

Later, more showers of yellow paper strips burst from confetti cannons, rendering a yellow mist-like effect that made the crowd gasp.

Some 2,000 civil disturbance management troops were deployed to secure the festivities, which started at past 6 a.m. with Mr. Aquino’s arrival.

The “Salubungan” is a symbolic reenactment of the military leadership’s joining forces with civilian groups and breaking away with Marcos to rally behind opposition leader Corazon Aquino.

This marked the beginning of the People Power Revolution and the meeting has become an enduring symbol of military defiance against the dictatorship.

The festivities were capped by folk singer Freddie Aguilar’s rendition of the People Power anthem, “Bayan Ko.”■

News-Phils

Frat leader faces raps in hazing death

By Niña Calleja Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE ANTIPOLO police will soon file charges against the leader of the fraternity believed to be responsible for the death through hazing of San Beda law student Marvin Reglos as an official said there was enough evidence to link Eduardo Escobal II to the case.

“Everyone in the fraternity is a suspect, especially their Grand Rhoan,” Senior Insp. Ronald Zamora, head of the Antipolo police investigation unit, said yesterday.

As the highest official of the Lambda Beta Rho Fraternity, Escobal holds the title of “Grand Rhoan.” On February 24, he went to the National Bureau of Investigation where he denied any involvement in the initiation rites held last week in Antipolo City where Reglos, 25, was killed.

Escobal was later allowed to go home because officials said that he was not yet a suspect.

According to Zamora, the police will file a supplemental complaint for the inclusion of Escobal and 15 other suspects whom they have already identified.

“The evidence we have now is enough to file charges against them,” he added.

The police filed charges against San Sebastian College students Erick Castillo and Bodjie Yap who remain detained at the Antipolo police headquarters. Also charged were Arjay Gregana, Juffali Abdula and several John Does who remain at large.

All of them are facing murder charges in relation with the AntiHazing Law, which, according to the police, is a nonbailable offense.

Zamora added that after some verification, they were able to confirm that the red Honda City which was used by several men to bring Reglos to Unciano Medical City was owned by Escobal’s father.

The police went to Escobal’s house in Las Piñas City last week to inquire about the red car but they were told that the Escobals were no longer staying there while the car had been sold to someone else.

“Now, we have witnesses who will prove Escobal was there during the hazing. We are just readying the information and we will file a case against him and the others soon,” he said. ■

Aliens in PH urged to renew IDS early

BY Jeannette I. Andrade Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE BUREAU of Immigration (BI) advised foreign nationals living in the country to renew their identity cards before these expire to avoid any inconvenience should they wish to travel abroad.

BI Associate Commissioner Siegfred Mison issued an advisory urging foreigners with travel plans to renew their expiring alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-card) at least 30 days before the date of their intended travel.

The I-card is issued to all Bi-registered foreigners who are holders of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.

Mison said that aliens with pending I-card applications would not be allowed to leave as the cards serve as their reentry and exit permits.

Aliens who leave despite pending ICard applications will have their resident visas downgraded to tourist upon their return to the Philippines, he said.

Lawyer Ronaldo Ledesma, BI acting alien registration chief, said the visas of returning aliens with expired I-cards would also

Dean’s Consolation

BY Gil C. Cabacungan Philippine Daily Inquirer WHILE he is not happy that the University of the Philippines did not place in the top 10 of the 2011 bar exams, the dean of the UP College of Law is more than satisfied with the school’s improved passing rate.

“Perhaps we are not that happy that we didn’t land in the top 10, but we are happy that our passing rate went up from 80 percent the year before to 94 percent,” said Danny Concepcion, the law dean.Of the 150Upgraduateswhotook the bar last year, 141 passed while nine were not as lucky.

Concepcion pointed out that the state university has enjoyed a 100 percent passing rate in the bar examinations from the school’s earliest beginnings in 1911 up to 1984.

Not the first time He said that as far as he knew, it was not the first time that the UP did not place in the topnotchers’ list.

He noted that the class of 1984 also did not land in the top 10 when results were released the following year.

And yet, he said, some of the class members went on to become accomplished professionals, citing former Energy Secretary Rafael Lotilla and Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Roan Libarios.

Not to mention Supreme Court Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, the class valedictorian, who was President Aquino’s first appointment to the high court.

“We train our students not only to pass the bar, but to become good practitioners,” said Concepcion.

The law dean said that making it to the top 10 was not that big a deal anyway. He noted that in 1990 the law schools of San Beda College

be downgraded to tourist.

However, Ledesma said only the “no visa-required” aliens shall be allowed entry as tourists, while visarequired foreigners will be turned back as they need to secure entry visas from the Philippine consulate at their port of origin.

Ledesma advised aliens with plans to temporarily leave the Philippines to immediately renew their I-cards.

The cards may be renewed at the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila, or at district offices in San Fernando in La Union, Aparri in Cagayan, Subic, Batangas, Legaspi, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao and Davao.

The I-card is a credit card-size ID issued to registered aliens. It has an embedded computer chip containing biometric security features.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. recently prescribed new guidelines for immigration officers in processing arriving and departing passengers with expiring or expired I-cards and those with pending I-card applications.

The guidelines may be viewed on the bureau’s website (www.immigration.gov.ph)■

and Ateneo de Manila University were also unable to land a spot in the top 10.

Still, Concepcion said he was puzzled at the state university’s failure to make the topnotchers’ list.

He said the law faculty will have a long talk with the school’s 150 examinees at a traditional post-bar examinations affair today concerning their assessment of the 2011 exams and what needed to be improved.

The faculty will be conducting a survey of the recent bar takers as a form of evaluation, he said.

New format Asked if the new format of the bar examinations—which included a multiple choice test aside from the usual essays—may have been a factor, Concepcion said: “It’s possible, but we can’t say for sure until we talk to our students.”

Concepcion recalled how the Supreme Court had asked for inputs on how the exams could be improved, and one of the UP Law’s suggestions was to limit the coverage of the test to the basics.

He explained that the bar exams test a student on all subjects, including some “highly specialized fields which not all lawyers will go into.”

“Some of the areas covered like international law, taxation, commercial law and intellectual property law, these are highly specialized. Not all would go into those fields,” he noted.

According to Concepcion, the test should cover only the basics like remedial law, constitutional law, criminal law, court procedure, human relations, evidence, etc.

He said UP Law is continually making improvements on its curriculum to make their course offerings comparable with those of international law schools.

According to Concepcion, the college was not competing with other law schools in the country.

“Instead, wewish to prepare our students for global practice,” he said. ■

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Out- of-school youth can go to summer school

By Niña Calleja Philippine Daily Inquirer THE DEPARTMENT of Education (Deped) is inviting outof-school youth to attend a summer class where alternative lessons will be taught using “learning-friendly strategies.”

In a statement, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the initiative was part of the department’s move to make education more accessible and inclusive to all learners.

“We are calling on children and youth who have not been to school to attend this summer class which was specifically designed for them,” said Luistro.

Called the alternative delivery mode (ADM) summer program, the class caters to all youth regardless of gender; physical, intellectual, social condition and linguistic background. This includes high school dropouts, Luistro added.

The program aims to address concerns on access and quality of education in elementary and secondary levels.

Luistro instructed all regional ADM teams to meet with division coordinators and launch a massive information campaign to reach the targeted summer class attendees.

“We are likewise enlisting the support of other education stakeholders such as parent-teachers associations, local government units, alumni associations as well as barangay personnel to help the Deped bring these learners to the summer class,” Luistro said. Registration was conducted during the four Saturdays of February.

Paper work, however, is required in case of loss or inadequate registration documents (such as an elementary certificate of graduation, elementary card or high school report card of the last year attended). Interested attendees are required to secure a certification from their local government and the local office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The certification should express the willingness of the institution to temporarily act as guardian and assist the prospective enrollee in the submission of the required documents.

The department did not say how many out-of-school youth actually enrolled or were able to comply with all the documentation requirements. ■

Solon seeks lifestyle check at customs

BY Gil C. Cabacungan Philippine Daily Inquirer A LAWMAKER has asked the Aquino administration to conduct a lifestyle check on all employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile made the suggestion after BOC clerk Paulino Elevado resigned on Feb. 21, a month after he fired his gun at and beat up a 20-year-old student who had bumped his Porsche Carrera.

Enrile believes there could be other employees at the BOC who are living beyond their government incomes like Elevado.

“Like many ordinary and hardworking Filipinos, I find the arrogance of the customs clerk who drives a Porsche and shoots another motorist over a traffic altercation very appalling. I am also quite intrigued by how this guy can afford his lifestyle given the level of salary he is supposed to be receiving at the BOC,” Enrile said.

He said the BOC should not stop at going after Elevado but should make a serious effort to shed its image as a beehive of corruption by conducting a mandatory lifestyle check on all employees.

“It would be wise for the President to order a lifestyle check on all customs employees, starting with their senior officials, to send a message that nobody is exempt from the administration’s ‘daang matuwid’ campaign,” he said. ■

News-Phils St. Clare is here, don’t bring eggs A 11

FRIDAY March 2, 2012

behind a screen window in the monastery’s receiving area.

The relic’s two-month visit would give Filipino Catholics a chance to know more about St. Clare—best known to Filipinos as the go-to saint when one wishes for fair weather—especially at the onset of the 40-day Lenten season, the nun said.

St. Clare, who gave up her noble stature and embraced a life of poverty in the service of Christ, embodies the message of the holy season, she said.

“She was a person who was really in touch with the passion of Christ.

Her focus is also on conversion and change of heart, which is the message of Lent,” Sister Ma. Amelia added.

By Jocelyn R. Uy Philippine Daily Inquirer THE MOMENT the monastery’s chapel closed for the night, a group of nuns in brown habits quietly emerged from their cloistered choir loft and swarmed around their “special guest,” ready with their handkerchiefs and digital cameras.

Near the altar, inside an ornate, gleaming monstrance, was the relic of their monastic order’s founder, St. Clare of Assisi.

For the first time in 800 years, the relic—a fragment of the saint’s cranium—left its home at Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi, Italy, in line with the octocentennial celebration of the Order of St. Clare, also known as the Poor Clares.

Following its arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on February 21, the relic was brought to Monasterio de Sta. Clara in Quezon City, where it was kept overnight before it was flown to Cebu.

That night at the monastery, the nuns silently savored a private moment with their Italian founder, reverently wiping the glass casing that contained the monstrance with their hankies, taking souvenir photos, whispering prayers. The relic’s exquisitely crafted vessel depicts the Virgin Mary surrounded by a host of angels.

Though it was not the first time for the nuns to see the relic up close, it was the first time for the sacred object to visit their secluded home, according to Sr. Ma. Amelia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, a councilor of the Madre Jerónima Federation of Monasteries of St. Clare.

Special request Sister Ma. Amelia said the nuns had seen the relic during visits to their mother monastery in Rome, but the Poor Clares in the Philippines requested that the relic be brought to their 29 monasteries in the country for a more memorable celebration of the order’s 800th founding anniversary.

The relic’s Philippine tour was also timed with the 25th anniversary of the federation’s establishment in the country.

“One way to make the occasion more significant and for us to get into some connectedness with the saint is to bring the relic [here],” Sister Ma. Amelia told the INQUIRER. She spoke to this reporter from

Why eggs?

That message calls on Filipinos to focus on the “person of Christ, especially because everything is just temporary and nothing in this world is permanent and could bring us eternal happiness and richness,” she added.

Many altar-bound couples traditionally troop to Monasterio de Sta. Clara on Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, to pray for good weather on their wedding day through St. Clare’s intercession. Their prayers usually come with an offering of eggs wrapped in colorful cellophane.

Sister Ma. Amelia said eggs came to be associated with the saint because her name—also spelled as Ciara, Claire or Clara—means “clear.”

“So those who want to have clear skies, a clear mind or a clear conscience seek her intercession. It’s also because the egg white is clear,” she explained.

The practice of offering eggs dates back to the medieval times, she said. When nobles made donations to monasteries, the monks preferred eggs because of their many uses: the yolk for food and the white for making a strong adhesive for stone buildings.

‘Shining light’ But unknown to many, St. Clare’s life was foretold as a source of “shining light” even before she was born in July 1194, according to the nun.

In an age when maternal and infant deaths were high (most women were married off in their early teens), St. Clare’s mother, Ortalana, fervently prayed to God for a safe delivery.

“Then she heard a voice telling her not to worry because the child she was going to give birth to will become a (source of) light. St. Clare indeed became a light to the world. Because of her, people were enlightened to do good, to give their life of service to the Church,” said Sister Ma. Amelia.

“Despite abuses in the Church and the many problems it faced in the early times, St. Clare didn’t doubt the Church ... She professed loyalty to the Church.”

Clare was born to a wealthy Roman family who in the 12th century owned many properties, including a palace in Assisi and a castle on Monte Subasio in Perugia, Umbria, in Central Italy. She grew up devoted to prayer and refused to be married off to a young and wealthy man at age 15.

Meeting Francis At 18, she quietly left home to join an Italian friar who would be known in history as St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Clare sought out St. Francis in secret and begged him to help her so she, too, “might live after the manner of the Holy Gospel.” This was after the friar came to preach at the church of San Giorgio in Assisi during one Lenten season.

On the night of Palm Sunday, on March 20, 1212, she left home accompanied by an aunt and went to a chapel where, based on accounts, St. Francis and his followers shared a miraculous experience during a gathering: light beamed from their hands.

Upon reaching the chapel, she swapped her gilded dress for a rough brown tunic and a thick veil. St. Francis also cut off her hair as she made a pledge to serve Christ.

She later became an abbess of a female religious community that would include her sister, St. Agnes, and their mother. It was considered the second Franciscan Order to be established and became known as the Order of Poor Clares. It was renamed the Order of St. Clare by Pope Urban IV in 1263, 10 years after her death.

Clare was canonized by Pope Alexander IV on Aug. 15, 1255.

Here in 17th century The Poor Clares came to the Philippines in the 17th century after a small community of Colettine nuns led by Mother Jeronima of the Assumption was authorized by the King of Spain and the Minister General of the Order to establish a monastery in the country.

Sister Ma. Amelia said the bone relic, a piece of Clare’s cranium, was a fitting symbol of the Italian saint’s reputation as “the brain” of the Church during her time.

At a time when men were generally in command, St. Clare fought for her ideals and wrote down her own “Rule” that focuses on poverty and simplicity, embodying the Rule of St. Francis. “She was the first woman to write a rule for a religious order. All the rest just depended on the rule of men,” Sister Ma. Amelia said.

Here until April 30 After visiting 29 monasteries and several cathedrals around the Philippines, the relic will return to Monasterio de Sta. Clara for public viewing on April 23. It leaves the country on April 30.

Ronald Factor, who hails from Nueva Ecija, was among the lucky devotees who saw the relic during its short stay in Quezon City. A few minutes before the chapel closed on Tuesday night, Factor kissed the relic’s glass casing while in deep prayer.

The 25-year-old man is set to enter the seminary in June. “I asked for divine intervention and for her guidance. I prayed that if she will appear in my dreams tonight, I will become a Franciscan,” he said.

For Sister Florentina of the Daughters of Divine Zeal, whose convent is located near the monastery, being close to St. Clare’s relic made her feel more connected with Jesus.

“She’s a saint, and saints are close with Jesus, so I believe that the more I become close to her, the more I become close to Jesus,” she said. ■

Lighting up lives earns 2 high school teeners Edsa honors By dj yap Philippine Daily Inquirer FOR LIGHTING up lives in the country’s poorest villages through a solar lamp project, cited as embodying the spirit of people power, two teenagers were honored during the 26th commemoration of the 1986 Edsa Revolution.

High school senior Mark Benjamin Lozano, 17, and college freshman Catherine Felicia Marie Peralta, 18, were recognized

by President Aquino and the Edsa People Power Commission for their efforts in jumpstarting the Philippine version of the One Million Lights movement.

Through One Million Lights, the pair, aided by a modest army of young volunteers here and abroad, brought 250 solarpowered lanterns to remote and off-the-grid communities in Virac, Catanduanes, to keep residents there from using unsafe kerosene lamps.

For Lozano and Peralta, who shared the stage with key Edsa figures—former President Fidel V. Ramos, 83, and former Defense Minister and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, 88—youth should be no impediment toward achieving Edsalike ideals.

All-encompassing ideal “We weren’t even born then, but I think it’s [the spirit of Edsa] in us,” said Peralta, a business administration and accountancy student at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

“Our parents were in Edsa. They told us the stories. And some way or another, I think Edsa transcends people. It transcends time.

And until now we keep the spirit because we enjoy the freedom they so carefully got for us,” she said.

Lozano, a student at Southridge School, said he believed Edsa to be an all-encompassing ideal.

“I think the spirit of Edsa is something very universal, something adopted by other countries as well. And likewise, because it’s such a universal value of empowerment, it’s something anyone can live today, as long as they live,” he said.

The two received a plaque from Mr. Aquino that cited them for “choosing to light up the lives of the less fortunate rather than being insensitive to the darkness that surrounds them.”

One Million Lights-philippines sprang from a moment of inspiration following Lozano’s participation at the Global Youth Leaders Conference in Washington, DC. With a group of friends, Lozano and Peralta brainstormed for ideas on an environmental project that would benefit the poor, and came across the One Million Lights, an international nonprofit organization based in Palo Alto, California.

Series of hurdles After a series of hurdles, ranging from fund-raising problems to customs mishaps, the movement finally took shape when the group managed to deliver the 250 solar lamps to residents of Barangay Dugui Too. The bulbs of the solar lamps, which have a seven-year life span, are energized by sunlight and can store reserve energy, and thus can be used even at night.

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According to the One Million Lights website, more than 1.6 billion people worldwide lack access to electricity and depend on kerosene for lighting.

“Families may spend up to half of their income on kerosene, even though it provides inadequate illumination,” it said.

“Used four hours a day, a kerosene lamp emits over 100 kilogram of carbon each year. Consequently, the worldwide combustion of fuel for lighting results in 190 million tons per year of carbon emissions,” it said.

One Million Lights also said kerosene is responsible for 1.5 million deaths from burns and respiratory illnesses annually, 62 percent of which [involve] children.”

New beginning “By switching to solar-powered lights, the recipients freed themselves from the shackles of kerosene lamps and welcomed a new beginning into their lives,” Lozano and Peralta said in an article they wrote for their community newsletter, “One Million Lights: Lighting Up Lives.”

“The 30 percent of their daily income spent on kerosene became their children’s tuition fees. Work hours farming abaca deep in the forest became longer, since night time is no longer an obstacle for them, allowing them to earn more money. Little by little, they are alleviating themselves from poverty,” they said.

One Million Lights is headed for Mindoro, Kalinga-apayao, Mountain Province, Eastern Samar and Rizal—to distribute 2,750 lights to isolated and impoverished rural communities. ■

Latest ruling keeps Banco Filipino shut

By Marlon ramos Philippine Daily Inquirer WHICH is which?

Earlier last month, the Court of Appeals declared the closure of Banco Filipino (BF) illegal and ordered the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to reopen Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgage Bank and give it a P25-billion financial rehabilitation package.

Now, a ruling by another division of the appellate court seems to say just the opposite.

The latest ruling from the court’s Former Special 10th Division denied a motion to reconsider an October 2011 ruling overturning Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Joselito Villarosa’s temporary restraining order (TRO) on the closure of Banco Filipino and directing the BSP to support the bank’s multibillion-peso business and recovery plan.

The latest ruling, penned by Associate Justice Hakim Abdulwahid, said the court saw no reason to overturn the earlier ruling that found the Makati judge to have committed grave abuse of discretion and showed “undue haste” when he issued a TRO on Oct. 28, 2010, which barred the BSP from performing its regulatory functions over the bank.

Associate Justices Noel Tijam and Ricardo Rosario concurred in the ruling, saying that Villarosa had no juristiction over the case.

“For lack of jurisdiction, the (Makati court) is ordered to stop and desist from continuing with the proceedings...other than to dismiss the said case,” the court ruled.

Banco Filipino had argued that it was entitled to financial assistance based on a 1991 Supreme Court decision which ordered the reopening and reorganization of Banco Filipino after its closure in 1985.

The BSP and the Monetary Board had sought the appellate court’s intervention.

Abdulwahid wrote: “To be sure, the Supreme Court did not intend to dictate how Banco Filipino should be reorganized and what (the BSP) should do under the premises in the process or reorganizing (the bank).”

The new ruling, dated Feb. 14, comes barely two weeks after the court’s Former Special 14th Division ordered the BSP to reopen Banco Filipino and provide the P25billion rehabilitation fund. In that decision, Justice Agnes Reyes-carpio ruled that the closure of Banco Filipino by the BSP was illegal. Concurring justices were Vicente Veloso and Normandie Pizarro.

The Special 14th Division had ordered the BSP to release funds to Banco Filipino within 30 days, saying the central bank and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. committed grave abuse of discretion and violated BF’S right to due process when they placed the bank under receivership.

The BSP placed Banco Filipino under receivership on March 17, 2011, after it was reported to be insolvent.

Banco Filipino claimed it became insolvent due to the BSP’S failure to release its rehabilitation fund and the publicity it generated. ■

News-Phils

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DFA: No to joint dev’t with China dispute settlement mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” or Unclos.

He said he told his guests the government was “endeavoring to look at all means to arrive at a peaceful solution of the disputes in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with international law, specifically Unclos.”

Apart from China’s suggestion that the Philippines revisit the concept of joint development of the Spratlys, the two sides also discussed “how both nations are advancing our bilateral agenda while treating contentious issues separately, and the view that we should not accept all that appear in the press as being factual,” Del Rosario said.

According to the secretary, the retired ambassadors were “very appreciative (they) came to enhance our friendship and cooperation.”

Earlier, he told this paper that “their visit serves to put substance in the initiative (of China and the Philippines) on friendly visits.”

During President Aquino’s state visit to Beijing last August, both sides declared 2012 and 2013 the “Years of Friendly Exchanges” between the two Asian neighbors.

By Jerry E. Esplanada Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE JOINT development of areas in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) that “are clearly ours is not a viable solution” to our problem with China, according to Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.

As for the potentially resource-rich Spratlys group of islands, the Philippines is “open to considering joint development in the disputed areas,” Del Rosario told the INQUIRER yesterday.

Del Rosario said that during his meeting last week with Wang Yingfan and Wang Chungui, two former Chinese ambassadors to the Philippines who were here on a goodwill visit, he “reiterated our position that we are open to inviting China in the Recto Bank as an investor to be governed by [our] laws.”

The Recto Bank (Reed Bank), he pointed out, was an “integral part of the Philippines and, as such, cannot be jointly developed.”

“To do so would be in violation of our Constitution,” he said.

The Recto Bank had drawn China’s interest several months ago when the Philippine Air Force discovered several Chinese vessels in its Set aside quarrel Wang Yingfan told a media forum organized vicinity. by the Chinese Embassy that the Philippine government should consider the “Deng Xiaoping Other option As another option, Del Rosario said “we again Solution” to the Spratlys dispute, that is, setting asked if China would join us in availing of the aside the territorial quarrel in favor of a joint

exploration and development of the disputed waters.

Wang, who served in Manila from 1988 to 1990, stressed “it is time for cooperation, not confrontation, not fighting.”

He said he had “talked with some important people in your government that we should work hard to find ways that are acceptable to both sides, that we must work hard to prepare the ground so that we could share the resources together.”

According to Wang, the response he got “was very encouraging. They said they would consider this kind of thinking. So with patience, with goodwill and with hard work, we could find a way out that’s agreeable and acceptable to both sides. ” Wang also advised Filipinos to “spend your energy on economic development.”

He said it would be some time before the two Spratlys claimants could find a solution to the dispute.

Wang also warned the Philippines against bringing the United States into the equation, saying this would be unacceptable to China which would “certainly react” if that happened.

Wang stressed that allowing the US to meddle in the sixnation Spratlys conflict was another story. “That would make the issue more complicated and more difficult to settle among ourselves,” he said.

The Philippines and China claim all or part of the Spratlys along with Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.■

No seafood splurge in Lent, says bishop

BY Jocelyn R. Uy Philippine Daily Inquirer IN THIS season of Lent, go easy on seafood, too.

Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz gave this advice to Filipino Catholics, noting that while many of them do abstain from eating meat, some make up for it by splurging on crabs, lobsters, shrimps and other delectable marine products.

Another Church official, Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon, has another piece of advice: Why not also cut down on excessive texting?

Baylon said that in these modern times, easing up on the habit of sending text messages as well as Internet surfing— temporarily, at least—could count as a form of sacrifice in the observance of Lent.

In Europe—where meat is a major component of diet—abstinence during Lent was a big sacrifice, according to Cruz.

But the meaning has been blurred when the practice was brought to Asia, particularly the Philippines.

Now an 80-percent Roman Catholic country, the Philippines is also known as the texting capital of the world.

Fiesta time “In the Philippines, if it’s abstinence, it’s a big feast,” Cruz said in an interview. “Fasting, abstinence is a big welcome because you can eat crabs, shrimps, etcetera.”

The retired archbishop said he was basing his advice on personal experience. When he was at the seminary and in charge of food marketing, he bought all kinds of seafood for Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.

“It was fiesta for us because then we served delicacies like crabs, shrimps. They are more delicious so it lost the sense of sacrifice of a law that was made in Europe,” Cruz said.

He suggested that the most “logical thing” to do for Lent to retain its real meaning was to eat less seafood, too.

Time for moderation During Lent, a 40-day preparation for the death and eventual resurrection of Jesus Christ, the faithful are expected to exercise moderation.

Cruz said there were other ways to observe fasting and abstinence not only from food, particularly meat.

One form of sacrifice this Lent is to refrain from doing what one enjoys the most, he said.

“For example, I am a coin collector so during Lent, I make sure not to touch my coins,” he said. “There are so many things that gives you pleasure right? Food from Mcdonald’s can give you pleasure.”

Cruz said the sick and the elderly were exempted from fasting and abstinence from food. But they should pray the rosary as a sacrifice, he said.

Sincere sacrifice Baylon, the chair of the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said sacrifice during Lent should

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not only mean avoiding meat on Fridays but also nonmeat that one loves to eat, like junk food, sweets and soft drinks.

To experience a meaningful Lent, the faithful should also abstain from vices and from indulging in luxury and leisure, Baylon said in the CBCPNEWS, the official news service of the CBCP. “If health-conscious people undergo diet and refuse a lot of food to get slim and fit to maintain external beauty, why can’t we impose the same discipline to make ourselves beautiful inside, too?” Baylon said.

He added: “Cutting down one’s excessive texting, Internet surfing, smoking, drinking alcohol or even going on vacation this summer are other ways to make a sincere sacrifice this Lent.”

“The point of abstinence is depriving ourselves of the things that give us comfort and luxury. It is imposing discipline on our body so that we may free up our souls,” he said.

Baylon reminded the faithful, particularly the youth, that Lent was a more important season for the Church than Christmas.

“It is Lent that leads to Easter, when we are reminded that Jesus sacrificed his life for our sins,” he explained.

Improper perspective Baylon said that owing to its joy and glitter— mostly due to its “commercialization”—more Catholics observe Christmas than Lent, which is associated with fasting, alms-giving and sacrifice.

He said it was necessary to correct the faithful’s “improper perspective about Lent visà-vis Christmas.”

“Lent is an opportunity to know Jesus who was sent by the Father to be our Savior. Fasting, alms-giving and abstaining this Lent remind us of the great sacrifice that Christ did for human salvation,” he said. ■

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FRIDAY March 2, 2012

Public Lives

Opinion

The ‘brod’ mystique

By RANDY DAVID Philippine Daily Inquirer WHEN REP. Raul Daza stood up at the Senate impeachment trial to introduce himself as the prosecution lead counsel for the day, Presiding Senator-judge Juan Ponce Enrile formally acknowledged him, and fondly called him “brod.” Enrile then quickly turned to the senior defense counsel, Serafin Cuevas, and likewise referred to him as “brod.”

Broadly smiling, the venerable defense lawyer impishly nodded to the chair, and forthwith called out the other “brods” among the senatorjudges—senators Edgardo Angara and Franklin Drilon. This is not how lawyers address one another; it is how frat men call their brethren from the same fraternity.

“Sigma Rhoans” watching the proceedings would certainly have taken pride in seeing their alumni brods take the major roles in that courtroom—prosecutor, defense counsel, and judge. At the same time, everyone would have been aware that frat membership was an irrelevant affiliation in that setting. That is the reason the “brod” bit came up as part of preliminary banter. It broke the ice among some of the key figures in this otherwise stressful play. But perhaps it was also these senior lawyers’ subtle way of paying tribute to a chapter in their youth that remains enveloped in pride, mystique, and the anxieties of growing up.

By a strange coincidence, the violence often associated with fraternities hit the headlines once again. Marvin Reglos, a freshman law student of San Beda College, succumbed to severe injuries he sustained in the course of his initiation into the Lambda Rho Beta fraternity. Like all the other hazing victims before him, this young man was literally beaten to death by the same people he aspired to call “brods.” In October last year, another law student, this time from Ateneo de Manila University, was rushed to the hospital for serious injuries allegedly inflicted during his initiation into the Utopia fraternity.

Police investigators usually face a blank wall in such cases. Those who participate in these bloody initiation rites maintain a strict code of silence. Victims who survive the ordeal seldom speak out against their tormentors. None of them was forced to join these organizations. They knew more or less what to expect in these initiations. As absurd as it may sound, they were “willing” victims.

Knowing this, however, does not make the crime any less grievous. It only draws our attention to the enormous complexity of the motivations involved. Of the countless affiliations worthy of young people’s loyalties, why would they choose organizations that they know can injure, maim, or even kill them? And why would these organizations wish to confer membership on the basis of how well their applicants can withstand the

rigors of physical punishment? The answers are not easy—not even for a frat man and a sociologist like myself.

But we may begin our search for answers by looking at what fraternity membership might mean to a potential applicant. He will, first of all, be made to think that he is not so much applying to join as he is being invited. He is being singled out as someone who can be a worthy member of an exclusive group, a small elite that links generations of individuals like him to a timeless chain of great achievers.

What is being tapped here is not merely what the sociologist Georg Simmel calls the inherent human capacity for sociability, but the need to belong to a tightly knit group. A group that lies outside one’s family, but is as strong and enduring. Most fraternities offer not only solidarity and camaraderie, but as importantly, a functional bridge to one’s future professional world.

The initiation into this exclusive world begins with an introduction to the names of the illustrious members of the fraternity. It is on the latter’s combined achievements, and the powerful positions they occupy in society, that the organization rests its claim to distinction.

It is for this reason that connections to alumni brods are kept alive.

When a brod introduces himself to an older brod who could well be his grandfather, he asserts a tie that binds equals. It is a bond that is supposed to transcend the traditional

barriers of age and social status. In that sense, fraternity membership shares the characteristics of modern affiliations. Yet, in another sense, fraternities in transitional societies like ours mimic the functions of traditional kinship. Where everyday social relationships are casual and thin, the brotherhood of frat men is expected to remain special and thick, utilizable in a variety of settings.

Whether this happens in fact is, of course, another question. It is obvious, for instance, that the fraternity affiliation of defense counsel Cuevas, which makes him a brod of “Sigma Rhoan” Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, has not made him less assiduous in his defense of his client, Chief Justice Renato Corona, who belongs to Ateneo’s Utopia fraternity. Carpio was Corona’s main rival for the position.

It is as it should be in a modern society.

Personal ties of friendship or enmity should not matter in professional settings. As Niklas Luhmann said: “While on duty, we must not take revenge on our private enemies.” But where connections still matter, the allure of fraternities will remain. The question is whether these organizations can find ways of preserving their exclusiveness and testing the worthiness of their recruits without having to resort to barbaric methods. There’s no reason to believe that hazing is the common experience that binds brods to one another.■

as i see it

Two uncles dead in battle for Intramuros

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer February is the anniversary month of the liberation of Manila by American forces. I would like to write about the deaths of two of my uncles and the narrow escape of my aunt and her 7-year-old son from the Japanese in the battle for Intramuros.

We lived on an idyllic island in the middle of fishponds in Malabon, but an uncle had a shoe store on Calle Real in Intramuros. It was called Real Shoe Store and was one of the most popular shoe stores there during the Japanese occupation. The store sold made-to-order shoes and boots to Japanese officers.

Workers made the shoes at the back of the store.

The second floor was the living quarters for my aunt (the younger sister of my mother), her husband and their young son, and her brother who was crippled by polio.

My eldest sister used to take me there on some Sundays, and I liked it very much because on the way there we passed through the Mehan Gardens which had a zoo with many animals.

After the Americans landed in Leyte and later in Lingayen, and as the battle for the liberation of the Philippines raged closer to Manila, we were advised to evacuate to the provinces as many other families had already done. My aunt and uncles, however, refused to leave. Business was good, the war was still far away and they wanted to earn as much as they could before the battle reached them. That was a big mistake.

The three youngest children in the family, I and

two brothers, were told to evacuate with the family of my oldest brother, his father-inlaw and motherin-law, and the families of three brothers-in-law.

We set out on foot with two pushcarts piled high with our belongings. It was like an outing for us children. We were bound for a farm in Pangasinan, and it was estimated that it would take us at least a week of walking to get there.

We cooked our food at the side of the highway and slept either on the ground or in some of the abandoned huts near the road. We bought what we could from markets along the way.

My eldest sister and older brother and my grandfather were left in our house in Malabon.

My father and his new family were living in an apartment on Lepanto Street, Sampaloc, Manila.

Meanwhile in Intramuros, my aunt and uncles were blissfully unaware of the coming holocaust. They were too busy raking in Mickey Mouse money from the Japanese.

At Barrio Agoso in Tarlac, two American bombers, Liberators, swooped very, very low. We thought they were going to land. But they only dropped leaflets. They said that American forces had landed in Lingayen and were fighting their way to Manila, and advised Filipinos to stay away from the highway and move inland so they would not get caught in the crossfire.

We were in a quandary. If we continued on to Pangasinan, we would meet the American troops and we probably would get killed in the crossfire between the American and the Japanese forces.

The barrio folk in Agoso knew that, too, and kindly

invited us to go with them across the wide river to a barrio on the other side.

We accepted the offer, and that same afternoon there was a mass evacuation from Agoso to the other barrios on the other side: San Jose, Sta. Maria and Sto. Niño.

The barrio folk piled their belongings into their carabao-drawn carts and led the trek across the river. The river was very wide, but it was summer and there was only a stream flowing in the middle, and pools of water were scattered here and there.

The rest was white sand that became so hot in the middle of the day you could not walk barefoot on it.

Luckily, the sun was on the way down and we could walk behind the carts.

We led an idyllic life there until Manila was liberated and we went back home.

My relatives in Intramuros, however, went through hell. As the sound of the big guns came closer, they decided to leave. But it was too late.

All the bridges across the Pasig had been blown up.

They could not go south because there was fighting there.

So they went back to Calle Real. One day, Japanese soldiers went from door to door and told the residents to gather in a church. The men were separated from the women and children.

The men, including my two uncles, were taken to Fort Santiago, but the women and children were taken to a church. They stayed there while the battle raged nearer and nearer. Shrapnel from exploding artillery tore through the roof and windows, but the church remained standing. The people inside

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took shelter under the pews and even behind the altar. My aunt put a basin on the head of her son as if that would protect him from shrapnel. It turned out, a very small piece tore through the basin and wounded him in the forehead.

When—from the sounds of battle—they knew there was already house-to-house fighting, the church doors opened and there stood several Japanese soldiers. They poured gasoline inside the church, and one Japanese then threw in two incendiary grenades.

Fire raged and everybody thought they were going to die. Luckily, the doors were left open by the Japanese hurrying to get away. Somany of the refugees were able to rush through the fire and escape. My aunt, now almost 100 years old, is still alive to tell us the story of their harrowing escape.

My two uncles were not as lucky, however.

Their deaths were told by the few who were able to get away.

They were packed into a cell in Fort Santiago.

Some of them began chipping off the adobe roof of the cell. In time, they were able to punch a hole, just big enough for a body to push through.

Just then, Japanese soldiers poured gasoline into the cell and lighted it. There was pandemonium as everybody rushed to the escape hole.

One uncle, the husband of my aunt, was already out, but my other uncle, the cripple, called out to him for help. So he went back although the fire was already licking at him. The two of them, and many other prisoners, never got out. ■

There’s the Rub

Opinion

FRIDAY March 2, 2012 14

A

Mob rule By conrado de quiros Philippine Daily Inquirer ONE, so far the prosecution’s best witnesses have been two secretaries, both women. They are Kim Henares and Leila de Lima. They are the surest signs P-noy is serious about prosecuting his anticorruption campaign.

De Lima did a particularly outstanding job in light of what she was up against. It’s not the easiest thing proving a chief justice is biased toward someone he is beholden to. Easier proving he is corrupt. To prove bias, you need to show two things: pattern and ascendancy.

You take Renato Corona’s decisions singly, and however wrongheaded they are, they can always be excused as oversight or lapse in judgment. It’s like someone who always gets into trouble with his bosses. He can always argue in each case that it’s his boss’ fault. But you take the cases collectively and you see the problem is not with his bosses, it’s with him. It’s the pattern that reveals, not the individual cases.

Just as well, you take Corona’s decisions singly or collectively, and however wrongheaded they are, they can still be excused as the product of a collective delusion. He did not make the mistake alone, most of his fellows did.

Despite this, De Lima managed to do very well. She managed to at least posit, if not prove, that in the case alone of the Supreme Court’s ruling to allow Gloria Macapagal-arroyo to leave the country, Corona exercised ascendancy over

his fellows and did everything in his power or out of it, including bend the rules to misshapen form, to enforce his will. Prosecution still needs to show pattern and continuing ascendancy, but it’s a good start.

Two, arguably De Lima rested her case on the word, or account, of two dissenting justices, who are Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Antonio Carpio.

Which had Serafin Cuevas crying hearsay and Miriam Santiago crying foul, the latter specifically saying that if you must cite from the record, cite the majority opinion and not the minority one.

Juan Ponce Enrile, I thought, gave a nicely nuanced ruling when he ruled that some parts of De Lima’s testimony could not be accepted, particularly the ones that have to do with Corona’s behavior, because she did not personally witness how he went about doing what he did, but some parts of it could because she was citing from a document on record. You can always question the accuracy of what a public document says, but you cannot question that it says those things.

Citing from it is no more hearsay than citing from the Constitution. You can always disagree with the Constitution, but you cannot disagree that it says what it does.

Particularly noteworthy is Carpio’s claim that he and Presbitero Velasco agreed that Arroyo had not complied with one of the conditions of the TRO but Corona’s version, which the Court adopted, was that Arroyo had “substantially complied” with them. That only points to the

importance of either Carpio or Sereno, or both, providing the testimony themselves. Nothing like getting it straight from the horse’s mouth.

That of course will require Carpio and/or Sereno summoning reserves of courage to take on their fellows in the Court. And Carpio’s appearance in particular will be used by Corona’s camp to sow intrigue, or fears, that Carpio is after his job. But it’s their word and not anybody else’s that will clinch that deal.

As to Santiago’s point, why must we naturally scorn the minority decision in favor of the majority one? Where the Court itself is under indictment, where the justices themselves are suspected of acting like a Mafia, the minority decision is the best thing to look at. That was how the Supreme Court was during Marcos’ time, which was how Claudio Teehankee rose to prominence. That was how the Supreme Court was during Arroyo’s time, and that is how the Supreme Court is under Corona. In conditions of utter benightedness, voices in the wilderness are the harbinger of wisdom. In conditions of conscripted silence, dissenting voices are the roar of truth.

Three, in conditions of conspiracy, collegiality is just a fancy word for mob rule.

Why should collegiality protect Corona? Why should the fact that the other justices who—like him are Arroyo’s protégés, but who unlike him were not midnight appointees— voted like him lessen his guilt or make it disappear altogether?

If the pattern of their votes shows bias, which

cannot fail to escape even the blind, only the nagbubulag-bulagan, then they deserve to be impeached too. Then they deserve to be kicked out too.

The justification of a collegial decision is not unlike the justification for cheating in the elections on the ground that “everybody cheats anyway.” That was expressly how an archbishop justified “Hello Garci.” What’s the logic: Everybody cheats anyway, so, that makes Arroyo innocent? Wrong. Everybody cheats anyway, so that makes the others guilty too. Collective guilt doesn’t make the collective innocent, it just makes the collective equally guilty. Or since Arroyo’s scale of cheating dwarfed that of others, it just makes her guiltier primus inter pares. Or since Corona’s scale of shamelessness crowns him peerless, it just makes him guiltier primus inter pares.

Collegiality may not save Corona, it may only damn his fellows. It may not free Corona, it may only indict the Supreme Court itself. It may only make us realize that there is no justice in the justices, at least insofar as they are currently constituted. It may only make us realize there is nothing supreme about the Supreme Court other than a capacity for supreme folly. The collective conscription of law to serve the ends of tyranny is not the rule of law. The collective distortion of law for the greater glory of Gloria, or at least to keep her beyond the reach of the law, is not the rule of law.

It is mob rule. ■

get real

P-noy’s ‘Daang Matuwid’ and Pagcor’s Naguiat

By Solita Collas-Monsod Philippine Daily Inquirer JAPANESE BILLIONAIRE and pachinko king Kazuo Okada and American gambling tycoon Steve Wynn used to be close business associates and are now engaged in a bitter legal fight. President Aquino and former President Gloria Macapagal-arroyo used to be close political allies (maybe not so close) but are now the bitterest of enemies, engaged in even more deadly legal battles.

In the Okada-wynn battle, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and its chair Cristino Naguiat Jr. have gotten caught in the crossfire, as Wynn has charged Okada with making illegal payments to him (Naguiat) and other Pagcor officials over a 3-year period. In the Aquino-arroyo war, the latter is not only in jail (charged with electoral sabotage), but her “midnight” appointee Chief Justice Renato Corona is also standing trial on impeachment charges—and it can be argued that he, too, is caught in the crossfire.

Both Naguiat and Corona have averred their innocence, of course. What is remarkable, though, is that P-noy has pronounced Naguiat innocent, with the same lightning speed with which he pronounced Corona guilty, in both instances seemingly satisfied with just hearing one side of the story (Corona still has to present his evidence). Such a rush to judgment in both cases is what makes me uncomfortable.

It must also be noted that the charges regarding Naguiat’s involvement in what are alleged to be illegal payments were based on a “multi-month” investigation report to the Wynn board on Feb. 18, 2012. The inquiry, which was commissioned on or about Oct. 29, 2011, was conducted by the law firm of former FBI Director Louis Freeh and involved conducting dozens of interviews (including one with Okada) and reviewing “thousands of documents and e-mails.”

Contrast this attention to detail with the impeachment charges against Corona which were prepared over a weekend and sent to the Senate after a 7-hour process of approval.

Among the improprieties detailed by the Freeh report, and carried by the international press, were the more than $110,000 worth of payments made on 36 separate occasions (including, by the way, a $4,642 bill run up by then President Arroyo’s husband Mike Arroyo, who must have been there under Pagcor auspices) for “luxury lodging, extravagant dinners, shopping, and cash to spend” for both the former and current Pagcor chairs, as well as the occasion when “Okada arranged for Pagcor Chairman Naguiat, his wife, his three children, his nanny, other senior Pagcor officials, one of whom also brought his family, to stay at Wynn Macau.”

With regard to the latter incident, the Freeh report goes on to say how Okada and his associates “refused to provide the Wynn

Macau management with the name of Chairman Naguiat and tried to conceal his identity (he was registered as ‘ Incognito’).” It adds: “At Okada’s ... direction, Chairman Naguiat and his entourage were provided with the most expensive accommodation, food, and star treatment. In addition, Okada’s associates asked that each guest be provided with $5,000 cash advance during their stay.” Moreover, after the Naguiat group had left, Okada aides asked the hotel to reduce the bill of charges that had been run up because they feared an investigation and did not want their principal to get into trouble (the request was refused).

If the reader is interested in what is meant by “the most expensive accommodation, food and star treatment,” a Bloomberg news headline tells it all—“okada Put Philippines Gambling Official in $6,000 Macau Suite, Wynn Says”— and goes on to describe the suite as the most expensive at Wynn Resorts Macau, with a 700-square-meter floor area and known as “Villa 81.” The amenities include three master bedrooms, a private casino and a beauty salon.

Bloomberg even provides a video of the $6,000 suite. The international press has really gone to town on this one.

Naguiat denies that he got cash gifts and claims that he returned others (e.g., a Chanel bag). As for the rest of the perks, these were dismissed as SOP, i.e., “industry practice.”

The President has apparently accepted Naguiat’s explanation, ignoring the important

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distinction between your run-of-the-mill casino owner/operator and the head of a government agency like Pagcor that not only runs casinos but regulates, authorizes and licenses gambling operations. This is a distinction that the international press does not miss, or it wouldn’t have made such a big issue of the Pagcor involvement in the Okada-wynn battle.

Neither has the Freeh report, which apparently concludes that Okada et al. “appear to have engaged” in violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the Philippines (and maybe also in South Korea).

But the real kicker is in the findings of an independent investigation and risk assessment of the gaming industry in the Philippines commissioned by the Wynn Resorts Compliance Committee in January 2011, as contained in the Wynn complaint against Okada: “a) Official corruption in the Philippine gaming industry is ‘deeply ingrained;’ b) Doubts that newly elected President Aquino’s stated plans for reform would eliminate corruption in the gaming industry; c) The country’s legal/regulatory frameworks were not closely aligned with American compliance and transparency standards; and d) Despite a general refusal by witnesses to discuss Okada’s role in the Philippines (many refused to comment), other information created the suspicion that persons acting on Okada’s behalf had engaged in improprieties.”

So goes the “Daang Matuwid” 20 months into P-noy, and 26 years after our Edsa Revolt. ■

A 15

FRIDAY March 2, 2012

Aggresive sports grassroots program UP

BY Marc Anthony Reyes Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINE Sports Commission will bankroll the salaries of about 500 coaches and former athletes who will be fanned out all over the country to educate local trainers and teachers in line with the agency’s grassroots sports development program.

PSC chair Richie Garcia yesterday said the program was approved during the recent Sports Summit held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., said the summit took the theme of “working together and pooling all the resources for a grassroots program nationwide from municipal, provincial and regional organizations.”

“The most important thing here is that the LGUS (local government units) wanted to get involved,” Garcia told the INQUIRER. “They offered their facilities become training centers.”

The program is also seen as a way to help maintain sports facilities in the provinces which were constructed to stage the annual Palarong Pambansa only to lie idle afterward.

But the main problem, Garcia pointed out, is the local coaches’ lack of technical skill to elevate their training to competition level.

“That’s why we thought of this as our outreach program,” Garcia said.

He added that the PSC will pay national coaches and retired athletes P15,000 a month while they share their technical knowhow with the coaches in about 250 LGUS across the country.

Among the top five sports the LGUS expressed interest in are basketball, volleyball, boxing, taekwondo and football.

The PSC already has a satellite office in Cebu but Garcia said they are planning to re-open the Mindanao office in Davao and establish more branches in Visayas like Bacolod, Leyte and Iloilo, and new ones in Northern and Southern Luzon.

“This is going to be an active year for the grassroots development,” added Garcia. ■

Django halts Ko in face-off Avenges buddy Reyes’ defeat

BY Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer FORMER world champion Francisco “Django” Bustamante rallied past erstwhile tormentor Ko Pin-yi of Chinese Taipei, 9-7, February 25 night in their Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Series duel at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City.

Making the most out of the winnerbreaks format, Bustamante prevailed in the last four racks to complete the dramatic comefrom-behind victory.

Bustamante’s victory, not only avenged the loss of his bosom buddy Efren “Bata” Reyes to Ko last week, but also evened the Team Philippines versus Team Asia series in the top-flight billiards showdown.

Ko, who easily beat Reyes, 9-4, last Saturday, took a 7-5 lead, before Bustamante flashed ruthless form.

“I was nervous at the start, but there is always hope with the winner-breaks format,” said Bustamante, the 2010 World 9-Ball champion.

The series resumes Saturday night with Filipino standout Lee Vann Corteza facing 2012 World 8-Ball Champion Chang Junglin, also of Chinese-taipei.

Chang clashes with Filipino World No. 1 Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo on March 10 in the event jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp. and aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34.

The highly competitive matches will also be shown via live streaming on www.megasportsworld.com and www. philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

Backing the event are Sorsogon sports patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil, Airport Casino Filipino, Hermes Sports Bar, I-bar, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Bugsy Promotions, Mandarin Sky Sea Food Restaurant, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP). ■

Sports Johnson, Airasia Patriots clobber Bangkok Cobras

By Jasmine W. Payo Philippine Daily Inquirer A FLASHY reverse dunk late in the game capped another huge outing from Airasia Philippine import Anthony Johnson.

With more locals also providing ample support, the Patriots subdued the souped-up Bangkok Cobras, 80-72, February 26 to solidify their hold of top spot in the Asean Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena.

“We really needed the support of the locals because (other import Nakiea) Miller had been struggling the past games,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio.

Johnson knocked in a game-high 26 points on top of 13 rebounds and six assists as the Patriots raised their streak to six games for a 7-1 record.

Ardy Larong fired 13 points, including 10 in a second-half stretch that pushed that Patriots ahead, 70-53, while veteran guard Warren Ybañez also had his most impressive outing yet with 10 markers and five assists.

The Cobras, who slipped to 3-5, proved tougher this time with Jai Reyes and Ken Bono joining Marvin Cruz as their Filipino imports.

Reyes and Cruz topscored for the Cobras with 21 points each.

Meanwhile, San Miguel coach Bobby Parks acknowledged that overconfidence doomed the Beermen in their last outing.

On a roll the last two weeks, the Beermen blew a chance to claim solo second following a repeat setback against the Westports Malaysia Dragons, 70-73, Saturday night right in San Miguel’s homecourt.

“I think the guys didn’t come out ready to play,” said Parks.

“We won three straight and they probably think they can just

show up and automatically win. But I’m not taking anything away from Malaysia, they came out and shot the ball well.”

The Beermen— who also absorbed their first loss against the Dragons, 77-83, in overtime, in Kuala Lumpur last month— slipped to third at 5-3.

Since that opening-day loss, the Beermen had made key adjustments by tapping new import Doug Thomas and former PBA cagers Aris Dimaunahan and John Ferriols.

Rajko Toroman, the Serbian coach who mentored the Smart Gilas national team, sat behind the Beermen’s bench last Saturday in his new capacity as consultant of SMC’S basketball programs.

“The positive thing is [the losses happened] early in the season and we have a chance to bounce back.” said Parks. “And another positive is wedidn’t give up. ” Surprising the Beermen right in the first half, the Dragons dropped a 28-4 bomb to take a 32-17 lead that grew to 40-20 at halftime.

Although the Beermen rallied to move within two, 70-68, Malaysia’s import Tiras Wade responded with clutch free throws in the dwindling seconds.

“Every time you come down by 20 points against a good team, it’s hard to come back,” said Parks. “We have to be ready next game, we have to play better for sure.” ■ The scores: AIRASIA PHILIPPINES 80— Johnson 26, Larong 13, Ybañez 10, Miller 9, Wainwright 5, Fernandez 5, Ramos 5, Raymundo 3, Laure 2, Vergara 2, Rodriguez 0, Juntilla 0.

BANGKOK 72— Cruz 21, Reyes 21, Kruatiwa 9, Earl 8, Lewis 7,Wanna 4, Chaiwat 2, Bono 0, Apiromvilaichai 0.

Quarters: 20-16, 36-27, 60-47, 80-72

Mendoza rules Pocari duathlon

BY Jasmine W. Payo Philippine Daily Inquirer

FORMER Asian duathlon champion Ryan Mendoza stayed at the forefront of his sport as the 35-year-old racer ruled the Pocari Sweat Duathlon last February 26 at the Bonifcacio Global City in Taguig.

Banking on his pet bike event, Mendoza captured the elite men’s crown by clocking 1 hour, 31 minutes and 21 seconds in the 6K run-30k bike-4k run event.

Another veteran also topped the women’s side as 40-yearold Doray Ellis dominated with a 1:52:42 clocking to emerge as the only female athlete to beat the twohour psychological barrier.

Topping the team division were John Paul Gaba and Ryan Salcedo who timed 1:42.43 in the race that drew 250 entries.

“Just like before, I pulled away in the bike leg,” said Mendoza, who posted the best splits of 21:39, 54:16 and 15:25 minutes.

Mendoza, the Philippine Air Force enlistedman who also topped the 42k Subic International Marathon last month, said it paid to stay in competitive shape always.

“That’s why I wasn’t surprised with my running performance,” Mendoza added in Filipino.

Xycos Angelo Gonzago finished second overall with a 1:35:18 clocking, also the best time posted in the 30-34 age group.

Other age group winners include Mervin Santiago (1:38:41), Michael Raymundo (1:38:55), Julian Valencia (1:39:55), Mark Ellis (1:42:43), Bong Patrimonio (1:51:04), Jose Trinidad (1:42:21), Wayne Dearing (1:58:00), Fiona Lauren Molina (2:05:23) and Kaight Forgie (2:04:55).

Pocari Sweat sales and marketing manager Kenneth Mercado presided over the awarding ceremony of the event organized by Bike King.

Nine more Bike King races are lined up this year, including the Tri United and Bike United Series and the Timex 226 Bohol Triathlon. ■

Figure skater Martinez PSC buying sports gear from China shines

BY Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY Marc Anthony Reyes Philippine Daily Inquirer

FILIPINO standout Michael Christian Martinez made a good account of himself in the men’s figure skating event of the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games at Innsbruck, Austria.

The 15-year-old Martinez, the lone Filipino entry in the prestigious event, emerged third in the short program, before ending up seventh in the free skate in the Jan. 16 to 22 event.

Martinez, a former Asian novice champion, bucked subzero conditions, finishing ahead of skaters from Germany, France, Japan and Korea in the short program ruled by Yan Chan of China.

Efremenko Feodosi of Russia actually edged Martinez for second spot by just .35 points.

Martinez tallied 97.25 points in the free skate event also won convincingly by Chan, who posted 132.8 points. Uno Shoma of Japan settled for the silver with 115.63 points.

In preparation for the Winter Olympics, Martinez, whose skills were developed when he enrolled at SM Ice Skating, worked with Ilia Kulik, a Russion ice skating figure skating champion, and noted choreographer Alex Chang. ■

FILIPINO athletes will soon sharpen their skills using equipment manufactured in China.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia yesterday said he will fly to China with commissioner Jolly Gomez on March 3 to shop for equipment that will also be used in national competitions like the Palarong Pambansa.

Garcia said priority will be for brands that are of “Olympic quality” or were used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

He didn’t say, though, how much the agency will spend for the equipment.

Last December, the PSC purchased from a Chinese firm the landing pit for pole vault although it took the Bureau of Customs several weeks to release the equipment to the agency.

Garcia said the equipment will be used in the Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan, on May 6 to 13 through the PSC’S “equipment-sharing” program. ■

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Sports ‘It’s a showdown’: Lin phenomenon set to add more spice to Knicks Heat rivalry

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press MIAMI - The hottest team versus the hottest story.

Linsanity is on its way to Miami, and the Heat can finally say they’re eager for the arrival.

It may be the NBA’s marquee matchup so far this season, the phenomenon that is New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin taking centre stage in Miami on Thursday against the NBAleading Heat in both sides’ finale before the All-Star break.

Online ticket brokers reported early Wednesday that the average price of a seat on the resale markets is about $600.

Unless you want courtside seats, that is. They run about $8,000 each.

“It’s not about Jeremy Lin versus LeBron James,” Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. “It’s the Miami Heat versus the New York Knicks.”

And, sure, Heat-Knicks is a big deal. Always is, probably always will be, even though the teams’ run of four straight years of playoff knockdown-drag outs ended nearly 12 years ago. But the Lin story has already seemed to crank the intensity of the rivalry up several more notches, to the point where some Heat players and coaches have been getting asked about this particular matchup for more than a week already.

Most had been hesitant to talk about the Lin story line, usually declining because there were other games on the schedule beforehand.

No more. When Miami finished off Sacramento on Tuesday night and the Knicks were officially the next order of Heat business, the questions - hardly any having to do with Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire or any other New York player - started coming in bunches.

“Who do we play?” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra asked with a sly grin.

Mm-hmm. Right.

He knows.

Everyone knows.

“It’s the game right before All-Star,” James said. “But it won’t be like ‘that’ game before All-Star, like people are accustomed to. Everybody always says, you know, the game before All-Star, people are ready to get to All-Star weekend.

I don’t think so. Just knowing the rivalry, knowing the history between the Heat and Knicks. It could be one of the most watched games we’ve had in a long time, especially with what Jeremy Lin is doing.”

A couple weeks ago, there was probably no one who thought James would be touting Lin as a reason to watch this game.

Lin has played against the Heat before, a short stint best described as unremarkable.

A missed shot, an offensive rebound, two assists and a steal. That’s what Lin managed against the Heat on Dec. 10, 2010, when he checked in for the final 3:20 of a blowout Miami victory against Golden State. He was inactive when the Warriors came to Miami three weeks later, and didn’t play on Jan. 27 when the Knicks visited the Heat and lost 99-89.

Linsanity started about a week later, when the point guard who was a career 12.9-point-per-game scorer at Harvard came off the bench and scored 25 points in a 99-92 Knicks victory over New Jersey. Entering Wednesday’s game against Atlanta at Madison Square Garden, New York - suddenly a strong playoff hopeful after a dreadful start - is 8-2 with Lin in the rotation, and he’s averaging 24.6 points and 9.2 assists in that stretch.

“The kid deserves it, he’s worked hard, he’s a great story,” Wade said. “But for us, it’s another game - a big game - and a chance to get a win.”

Celebrities are expected in droves. Floyd Mayweather Jr., who’s been to many Heat games since James, Wade and Chris Bosh decided in 2010 to play together in Miami, has

Bradley tags Pacquiao ‘old man’

Editorial credit: s_bukley/Shutterstock.com

By Roy Luarca Philippine Daily Inquirer

Manny Pacquiao

AT 33, Manny Pacquiao is already an “old man,” according to his June 9 adversary Timothy Bradley.

“It’s new blood against old blood,” Bradley told The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay Sunday. “I’m in my prime, man.” At 28, Bradley is arguably at the top of his game.

The World Boxing Organization light welterweight (140 lb) champion is unbeaten in 29 fights, proving his mettle against aging warrior Joel Casamayor and erstwhile unbeaten Devon Alexander, Luis Carlos Abregu and Lamont Peterson.

While his power is suspect with only 12 knockouts to show in 28 wins, Bradley promised to stop Pacquiao, the WBO welterweight king, in earlier interviews.

Bradley believes his vegetarian diet during training for the showdown at MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be a key factor in upending Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOS) and stunning the bookies who have listed him a 1-3 underdog.

A $340 bet on Pacquiao will earn only $100 while a $100 bet on Bradley will pay $280.

Though he’s an acknowledged “meat and potatoes guy”—he easily balloons to 160 to 165 lb—bradley transforms himself before starting training camp, fasting for five days first to rid his body of impurities before switching to the vegetarian diet.

Meanwhile, opening-day ticket sales of Pacquiao-bradley reportedly went well Friday, with only 3,000 tickets still up for grabs. ■

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FRIDAY March 2, 2012 16

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tickets. Knicks superfan Spike Lee is almost certain to be courtside.

Rest assured, Lin won’t be the only star visiting Miami on Thursday night.

Oh, there’s even rumours that former President Bill Clinton - who watched the Heat beat Orlando on Sunday from a courtside seat - may be back Thursday. And President Barack Obama - a noted basketball fan - has some speaking engagements in nearby Coral Gables, Fla., on Thursday afternoon, wrapping up just a little while before Heat-Knicks will tip off.

“This will be a game that won’t require a lot of motivation, by either team,” Spoelstra said. “It’ll be good for the fans.”

Spoelstra and Lin are both Asian-American. Spoelstra is of Filipino descent, while Lin’s parents were born in Taiwan.

Miami will bring a seven-game winning streak and a 26-7 record into the game, both of those marks the best in the league. Each of Miami’s wins during that streak have come by at least 12 points, and the Heat have won 17 of their last 20 games overall. The Knicks are 16-17 entering Wednesday.

Records rarely mean much in Knicks-Heat games, though.

“We love playing against them and they love playing against us,” Wade said. “I don’t have to pump it up. It’s going to be pumped up enough.”

Maybe that’s why the two Heat players who will spend much of their time guarding Lin on Thursday added little fuel to the fire when asked about the matchup.

“It’s a showdown. Everybody’s been hyping this game up,” Heat starting point guard Mario Chalmers said. “So it’s going to be a lot of fun. Crazy atmosphere. It’s not really personal. It’s team. Team on team. Heat versus Knicks.”

Added Heat backup point guard Norris Cole: “Definitely looking forward to it. I’ve heard about what he’s done. I’ve watched the highlights. I’ve seen some of the games. He’s produced. You’ve got to give the guy credit. He’s been playing very well.”

So have the Heat, of course.

Which means this one could be worthy of the hype.

“It’s going to be a high-energy game,” Wade said. “The crowd is going to be into it. Fans around the world are going to watch the game, obviously, for many different reasons, so it’ll be great.” ■

Shooting gets one ticket to London Olympics

BY Jasmine W. Payo Philippine Daily Inquirer AT LEAST six Filipinos will campaign in the 2012 London Olympics as the Philippines earned yesterday another slot in shooting.

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) granted the Philippines one Olympic berth, adding to the country’s so far lean contingent from boxing, athletics and swimming.

“The ISSF just sent us a communiqué that by virtue of the seven athletes who met the minimum qualifying standard, we are entitled to one slot,” Manny Lopez, the country’s chef de mission to the Summer Games, said in the PSA Forum yesterday at Shakey’s Unavenue.

Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) president Mikee Romero, in a separate statement, said the board has yet to choose who among the seven Filipino shooters—three in trap, two in the 10-m rifle and one each in the 25-m rapid fire and skeet—will represent the country.

Only boxer Mark Anthony Barriga has earned an Olympic slot by his own merit after a successful stint in the world qualifiers last year in Azerbaijan.

Swimming and athletics have two mandatory slots each, where one will be given to Southeast Asia’s long jump queen Marestella Torres, the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) announced recently.

“We’re hoping that more of our athletes will qualify,” said Lopez. “The number we’re targeting is 10 athletes.”

Lopez said the Filipino qualifiers can avail of the threeweek, pre-olympic training in London courtesy of the London Olympic Committee, which will allot 25,000 pounds (P1.7 million) to each National Olympic Committee. ■

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FRIDAY March 2, 2012

25 firms vie for 15 oil, gas areas

Gov’t agency sees $7.5B in initial investments

By Amy R. Remo Philippine Daily Inquirer AT LEAST 25 local and foreign petroleum exploration companies have firmed up their interest in acquiring the 15 oil and gas blocks being offered by the Aquino administration under the Philippine Energy Contracting Round 4 with the submission of documents prequalifying them to the bidding.

Energy Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr. identified the major players as French multinational Total, one of the world’s leading oil and gas groups; Eni S.P.A., an Italian multinational oil and gas company that is present in 79 countries; American firm Calenergy, an international leader in the development and production of energy from diversified fuel sources like geothermal, natural gas and hydroelectric, and GDF Suez of France, which is currently the No. 1 independent power producer in the world and the top importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and supplier of energy and environmental efficiency services in Europe.

The other companies that submitted prequalification

More firms to increase workforce this year BSP survey shows positive employment index

By Michelle V. Remo Philippine Daily Inquirer MORE companies intend to hire additional workers in the months ahead as a means to cope with an expected increase in demand for their goods and services amid a likely faster growth of the economy, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said.

Citing results of one of its latest surveys, conducted between Jan. 6 to Feb. 14, the BSP said the employment outlook index, which indicates the intention of firms in the country to expand their workforce in the coming quarter, settled at a favorable +24 percent.

This was better than the +16.8 percent registered in the survey three months ago and the +23 percent obtained from the survey conducted a year ago.

A positive index means the percentage of respondent-firms that cited plans to hire more workers in the coming quarter exceeds those that do not have such plans.

Intentions to hire workers are seen to help reduce the country’s unemployment rate, which stood at 6.4 percent in end-october last year.

“Favorable employment prospects are anticipated across sectors, as companies gear up for the expected pickup in demand,” the BSP said in the report.

Northrail project delayed anew DOTC holds off talks with Beijing

By Paolo G. Montecillo Philippine Daily Inquirer THE CONTROVERSIAL Northrail project faces more delays after the government has decided to hold off any negotiations with the contract’s Chinese proponents due to the prevailing political landscape in Beijing.

To insulate the Philippines from any sudden policy shifts in Beijing, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said it would postpone discussions until China’s leadership change is completed.

DOTC Secretary Manuel Roxas II said newly installed Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing wanted to schedule a trip to Beijing in the middle of the year.

“We had a very productive talk, and they are trying to schedule a visit to China. We wanted to find out the next steps for the project,”

Business documents, according to Layug, were Shell Philippines Exploration BV (SPEX), Norasian Energy Ltd., Australian firm Nido Petroleum Corp., Malaysia’s Mitra Energy Ltd., Australian firm Tap Oil Ltd., Minergy Corp. Ltd., Pitkin Petroleum Plc. and Esso, a subsidiary of oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp.

Based on the initial list as of last February 24, the more notable local firms that submitted the requirements were Petroenergy Resources Corp., PNOC Exploration Corp., Monte Oro Resources and Philex Petroleum, which is owned by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan’s Philex Mining Corp.

Other companies that submitted their respective prequalification documents were Golden Dragon, Kris Energy, KRX Energy, Caranarvon Energy, Planet Gas, Forum Pacific, Southernpec Pte. Ltd., Mindanao Asia International Energy Corp. and Dilmoro Energy Corp.

Layug said they expected more companies to seek prequalification to the PECR 4 until the deadline of submission this Wednesday (Feb. 29). Once these companies have been found to be qualified to join the bidding, they will be given between April and July this year to submit actual bid proposals for the areas of their choice.

In June last year, the Department of Energy launched the PECR 4 for petroleum, during which it offered 15 prospective oil and gas blocks in Cagayan, Central Luzon, Northwest Palawan, Mindoro-cuyo, East Palawan, Cotabato and the Sulu Sea. ■ According to the central bank, the plans to hire more workers were cited by respondent-firms together with their intention to expand operations in the second quarter.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the results of the survey substantiated projections that the Philippines could accelerate growth this year despite the problems confronting the global economy due to the debt crisis in Europe.

Guinigundo said the BSP concurred with forecasts that the euro zone might enter into a mild recession this year. He said such an event would have a dampening effect on growth of the Philippines, but added that there were favorable factors to offset the illeffects of the crisis in the Western region.

The euro zone is a major export market, host to many overseas Filipino workers and is one of the sources of foreign direct investments and official development assistance.

“Europe is now going into a very difficult situation that one can describe as recessionary, but we have means to counter the adverse effects of what is happening in Europe,” Guinigundo told reporters.

He said efforts to increase trade with Asian markets as well as rising demand for Filipino workers in alternative labor markets would help offset the impact on the Philippines of the euro zone problems.

Guinigundo said expectations that consumption of Filipino households would increase further this year was favorable to businesses and was expected to help the domestic economy grow faster this year despite the crisis in Europe.

Benign inflation in the country encourages households to spend and businesses to invest in capital goods.

The Philippine economy grew 3.7 percent last year. The government aims to accelerate the growth of the economy to 5 to 6 percent this year. ■ Roxas said. “But the fact is, the Chinese leadership is going through changes. They want to meet with us earlier but we don’t want our projects to be disrupted because of that.”

Late last year, the DOTC submitted major revisions to the Northrail project. Under the proposed new contract, the Philippine government will write the terms of reference to ensure that the contractor has the capability and track record to carry out the rail project.

The new project will contain an entirely new train section that will connect the Makati central business district to Caloocan, a 12-kilometer distance. The second phase will link Mabalacat in Pampanga to Clark airport, another 15kilometer distance.

The project, to be funded with a concessional loan from the Chinese Export Import Credit Agency, involves the construction of a train line connecting Metro Manila to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and other provinces in Northern Luzon for $1.2 billion.

But construction has been delayed. The deadline to complete the first phase was moved from 2007 to 2013, and the total cost estimate has ballooned to $1.8 billion.

The DOTC likewise noted that the project’s Chinese contractor, Sinomach, had asked for more money for construction, despite the reduction of the project’s scale.■

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Economy seen heading toward high growth path CLSA study sees start of private investment cycle

By Doris C. Dumlao Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES is undergoing a renaissance that looks all set to bring the economy to a higher trend growth and power stocks to new heights, according to regional investment house CLSAAsia-pacific.

In a research titled “The Eagle Flies Again” dated Feb. 20, the CLSA report written by analyst Mitzi de Dios said that like the rare endangered Philippine eagle, a private sector investment cycle was a rare sighting in the country. But now, it said the country was on the cusp of another investment cycle for the first time in 15 years driven by political stability, rising business confidence, low interest rates, robust balance sheet and the country’s long-term demographic potentials.

“The Philippines soars like an eagle, again,” the research said, adding, however, that this time around, there was hope that this nascent recovery would not be as endangered as that rare eagle.

After years of false starts and missed opportunity, there was a real sense of optimism building in the business community, the research said, suggesting the time was right for the Philippines to shed the stigma of being the “sick man of Asia.” Beyond the huge remittances from overseas Filipinos, CLSA said the country could now count on other major growth drivers.

“The transformation continues for Asia’s once most promising.

The service sector continues to grow with the BPO (business process outsourcing) segment underpinning rising employment and per capita spend. Tourism and gaming are other drivers,” the research said.

Well known globally for the Philippines’ quality service sector, CLSA said the BPO sector would likely see its employment doubling to 1.2 million and generating revenues of $25 billion by 2016. The employment opportunities will keep more locals at home while per capita income should improve and the middle class continue to grow, the research said.

The country’s middle class was growing at 9 percent a year and by 2015 could well represent a fifth of the Philippines’ population, the research said.

“For sure the country’s middle class is still nascent, especially in areas such as investment. Most have their savings in fixed income and have yet to invest in equities in a big way,” it said.

CLSA recounted that the last investment cycle in the Philippines took place in the early 1990s under President Ramos, who deregulated the telecom and banking sector, which coincidentally laid the foundations for the growth and development of the BPO industry over the past decade.

In the past 12 years, the country’s gross domestic product growth averaged 4.54 percent with population growth of 2.6 percent in the past 10 years. CLSA said trend GDP growth should be higher starting 2013.

“The country’s economic growth has lagged its regional peers. But, without much fanfare, the economy has transformed itself into an emerging services center, laying the foundations for today’s growth,” it said.

What all these meant for stock market investors, CLSA said, was that old reliable names and upcoming companies would be the ones investors should own. By sector, it said conglomerates, banks, construction and infrastructure firms would likely outperform.

CLSA has recommended a “conviction buy” on Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Cebu Air, Philippine National Bank, Security Bank and Robinsons Land Corp.

For specific infrastructure play, CLSA also has “buy” ratings on construction firms Megawide Corp. and EEI Corp. and a buy rating onmetrobank.

Bonifacio Global City was cited as a “microcosm” of the change afoot in the broader economy. “Fifteen years ago it was a military camp most famous for the incarceration of Sen. [Benigno “Ninoy”] Aquino. Today, it is home to high offices, luxury residential towers and upmarket shopping centers catering to the emerging middle class,” the research said.

The CLSA report also noted that total tourist arrivals hit an all-time high of 3.9 million in 2011 and was forecast to grow at doubledigit rates over the next few years, eventually hitting more than eight million by 2016. The tourism industry employs 3.7 million people and tourism receipts accounts for 2 percent of GDP. ■

Business

Cirtek may bid for 2 overseas firms to support expansion Joint venture with Japanese firm also planned

By Doris C. Dumlao Philippine Daily Inquirer LAGUNA-BASED semiconductor manufacturer Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. is considering bidding for electronics companies in China and Malaysia in line with its expansion plans following its stock market debut late last year.

Cirtek is likewise planning to boost its Philippine capacity by forming a joint venture (JV) with a Japanese electronics firm, a prospective tie-up that will open up the Japanese market for the company, Cirtek chief finance officer Anthony Buyawe said in an interview with the INQUIRER. The top officials of this large Japanese company are visiting Cirtek in Laguna soon to discuss the potential partnership for the establishment of a new manufacturing plant that will be 51-percent owned by Cirtek, Buyawe said.

The new facility will later be consolidated into the company’s balance sheet.

“The plan was already raised in one of our meetings,” he said, adding that Cirtek was hopeful that a deal would be firmed up soon.

He said it was possible that the new plant would be located near Cirtek’s existing plant in Laguna.

“The beauty about the Peza (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) is that it is run very professionally. The locator will appreciate how simple the process is,” Buyawe said.

One year after a great earthquake hit Japan, Buyawe said Cirtek’s prospective Japanese partner realized how its value chain could easily be disrupted without back-up offshore operations. On the part of Cirtek, he said the tie up could be its ticket to gain a foothold in the Japanese market.

“They have already done JVS in other countries so it’s not something new to them, so we are hopeful. Their bosses won’t bother to come here if they are not serious,” Buyawe said.

Cirtek is also looking to acquire offshore manufacturing plants to expand its clientele base and minimize the risk of disruption in its production if and when disasters strike.

“It also offers redundancy to us in case something happens in the Philippines,” he said.

The prospective acquisitions in China and Malaysia could boost Cirtek’s business. The plan is to submit a letter of intent and join a competitive tender in the first quarter of the year. “But we’ll bid for what we feel the value is, not just to beat the competition,” Buyawe said.

The negotiations are in their early stages, he said.

The opportunity in China is interesting given the large market offered by the mainland and its clientele base in the US and China that could complement Cirtek’s own, the official said. At the same time, he said Cirtek was interested in this Chinese firm’s advanced technology. The electronics firm in China is owned by a fund that is now keen on exiting, thereby putting its stake on the block.

Meanwhile, he said the target in Malaysia was a semiconductor factory owned by an operator like Cirtek.

This company is likewise about Cirtek’s size and had very little debt, he said.

If these expansion opportunities push through, Buyawe said Cirtek had room to finance them through either additional borrowing or sale of shares. “We don’t have any debt in our balance sheet so we can use either debt or equity. We’ll raise debt as well and maybe we can do a secondary offering,” he said.

Cirtek is an independent complete solution provider for subcontract manufacturing of semiconductor devices with 25 years of experience in the assembly and testing segment.

It provides turnkey solutions that include package design and development, wafer probing, wafer back grinding, assembly and packaging, final testing of semiconductor devices and delivery and shipment to its customers’ end users. It listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange in November last year under the ticker “CHIPS.” ■

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Century spending P1.5B for new residential project

By Doris C. Dumlao Philippine Daily Inquirer HIGH-RISE condominium developer Century Properties Group Inc. is investing P1.5 billion to build a residential building with the interior design of Italian luxury fashion house Missoni.

The 52-tower residential building, Livingstone, is the fourth tower to rise in CPG’S six-tower Pasig riverside Aqua Private Residences project in Mandaluyong City, which was estimated to cost a total of P7 billion.

In a press briefing, CPG executive vice president Jose Marco Antonio said the group through subsidiary Century Limitless Corp. was ready to bring to the market additional residential units in Acqua, following the market success of the first three towers—the 43-storey Niagara, 45-storey Sutherland and the 47storey Dettifoss.

The upcoming residential buildings in Acqua, designed as a riverside “residential eden” amidst an urban jungle, are all named after the great waterfalls of the world. The residential units in Livingstone, named after the most majestic waterfall in Africa, are expected to be turned over to buyers by 2016.

The six-tower Acqua project brings to the local market new property inventory with sales value of P15 billion, of which Livingstone will account for P3.5 billion, Antonio said.

Acqua Livingstone will offer 645 units for pre-selling prices averaging P145,000 per square meter for the first first tranche.

This means the smallest unit of 27 square meters is selling for

P3.9 million while the largest unit with 140 sq mis selling for P20.3 million.

“In the Philippines, Century has found a market appreciates high design and haute couture living,” Antonio said.

Missoni, founded in 1953 as a knitwear label in Italy by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, grew into a fashion empire run by three generations of the Missoni family. Globally recognized for its creative use of patterns and prints, Missoni earned the acclaim of the fashion world throughout the decades for elevating knitwear to an artistic form, and for its inventiveness and consistently progressive style.

In 1996, the Italian fashion house diversified into furniture, home accessories and interior design through the brand Missonihome. It was one of the first fashion line to branch out into home lines like Versace, also a partner of CPG in another residential project.

There are also two Missoni-branded hotels in the world, one in the Edinburgh, Scotland and another in Kuwait.

CPG plans to sell the units to domestic end-users such as young upwardly mobile professionals, overseas-based Filipinos and foreign buyers. With 70 percent of CPG’S sales coming from the international market, Antonio said CPG had the biggest overseas market share among Philippine high-rise condominiumdevelopers.“We feel we’re following the money trail,” he said.

The Livingstone tower offers the rich and colorful MissoniHome-designed living space.■

DOF eyes new revenue collection tack CAB: Airlines need to tone down strict trade rules

By Paolo G. Montecillo Philippine Daily Inquirer BUDGET airlines have spurred the growth of the country’s air travel sector, bringing down plane tickets to prices most Filipinos can afford.

But carriers, in their pursuit of bigger market shares, may have disregarded the rights of the very consumers they serve.

The country’s top commercial regulator said some of the budget airlines’ “business rules” have become too strict and would have to be scaled back in the interest of protecting the flying public.

“There has to be a balance between public interest and consumer rights,” Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said.

Last week, the House Committee on Transportation in a hearing ordered airlines to institute reforms in their booking and ticketing policies, among others.

The hearing zeroed in on the practice of budget airlines to overbook flights or sell discounted tickets that are nonrefundable if not used by a passenger for whatever reason.

Airlines, particularly Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express, were

also criticized for not letting passengers on flights if the said customers happened to miss their boarding time, even by just a minute.

Arcilla said these budget airline practices were industry norms, noting that the same measures are applied in other countries.

“If fares are cheaper, the conditions are less flexible,” he said. “That’s a global trend and that has been successful in many markets.”

But in the Philippines, Arcilla said airlines would have to be put in their “proper place,” explaining that what works in other countries need not apply in the local market.

“Of course, we want to give them the opportunity to grow.

But Congress needs better passenger protection,” he said.

Arcilla said another factor to consider is that the lower fares, which make air travel accessible to more Filipinos, helped spur trade and tourism in many parts of the country.

He said budget carriers now dominate the country’s domestic travel sector, which means any change in rules will affect a large segment of the population.

“About 80 percent of all domestic air travel is handled by budget airlines,” he said.■

DOE seeks easing of rules on gov’t oil exploration deals

By Amy R. Remo Philippine Daily Inquirer THE DEPARTMENT of Energy is seeking the issuance of an executive order that will overturn the controversial EO 556, which barred any government agency from entering into an agreement or contract with another entity for the exploration, development and production of oil.

Energy Undersecretary Jose M. Layug Jr. said Executive Order 556, which was signed by former President Macapagal Arroyo in June 2006, had become a “stumbling block” for PNOC Exploration Corp.” in its efforts to tap partners in its projects.

While amendments to EO 556 are being pursued, PNOC EC should be allowed to take in a partner on condition that it is legally, technically and financially qualified, he said.

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Layug said the proposed amendment to EO 556 would allow PNOC EC to enter into more service contracts.

EO 556 earlier ordered staterun Philippine National Oil Co., the parent firm of PNOC EC, to hold a “strict bidding procedure” for the contract involving the exploration, development, and production of crude oil from the Camagomalampaya reservoir instead of resorting to “farm-in” or “farm-out” contracts.

This order effectively terminated Malaysia-based Mitra Energy Ltd.’s right to take part in the development of oil deposits in the Camago-malampaya field off western Palawan, two months after PNOC EC had signed the farm-in contract with Mitra.

Arroyo’s issuance of this EO was received negatively by the local and international business communities, as this signaled instability in the policy environment in the country. ■

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FRIDAY March 2, 2012

Lifestyle

Lulu Tan-gan goes from knit to piña Knit queen takes on the challenge of recasting the indigenous fabric in a more modern and contemporary light.

BY Cheche V. Moral Philippine Daily Inquirer LULU TAN-GAN has been known to go against the grain.

When most fashion entrepreneurs started outsourcing their merchandise from China, she insisted on producing her own knits in her workshop here, where they’re handknit—the same way she has been doing it since 1985.

Now that the trend is fast, disposable fashion, she’s going back to traditional artisan craftsmanship—slower, lower yield and, consequently, costlier way of producing fashion.

“I’m starting all over again! I’m young again!” she announces with a glee that matches her youthful good looks and disposition.

This March, the knit queen is going full throttle with the release of her contemporary fash ion collection made of piña fabric, a material that she started dabbling in back in 2006, a year before she opened her L Manila boutique at Greenbelt 5.

Unlike her 2007 collection, which showed predominantly piña formal wear, however, TanGan’s new venture will show piña more as an apparel accessory than a garment, a way to showcase the indigenous fabric in a more modern and contemporary light. She calls it “indigenous couture.”

Challenge The piña fabric, which is woven from the pineapple fiber, is traditionally used in Filipino formal wear, such that it has been a challenge to repackage the fabric to appeal to a wider, more contemporary consumers of fashion.

“We want to prove that it’s not just for special, Filipiniana events,” says Tan-gan. “We want to promote it to make it relevant, to be used as an apparel accessory, like a vest or a scarf, to be worn over a garment, to be worn with denim and in a variety of colors. We want piña to be accessible.”

Experimenting with piña has had Tan-gan dealing with several challenges posed by the qualities of the material. Compared to knits, piña is flimsier. It’s also quite lightweight and, unlike knits, it doesn’t have a stretch.

“I’ve learned to accept its properties and work with them and innovate,” she says.

Tan-gan clarifies that she’s not giving up knits. She has, in fact, combined the two materials in some of the pieces. “I can’t

Retelling the story of the country’s most prominent twins Joe and Raul Concepcion–different in personalities but identical in convictions–mark their 80th birthday with books intimately written by their loved ones

BY Thelma Sioson San Juan Philippine Daily Inquirer AS THE IMPEACHMENT trial was under way in the Senate, a pair of twins was being feted by family and friends, indeed the country’s power society, at ShangriLa Makati’s Rizal Ballroom on the occasion of their 80th birthday. So what was the connection?

On the surface, there was hardly any. But a closer look at the lives of the twin brothers can’t but show not only how they became power-wielders in the country, but also how they’ve lived their lives to try to make a difference in society.

Twins Jose Jr. or “Joecon,” as he has been popularly known, and Raul “Ronnie” Conepcion steered their respective businesses into market leaderships on par with today’s global players, and while doing so, fought to help reform society. Joecon was a political detainee in the Martial Law years and helped found Namfrel, the movement for free elections which became the catalyst of the People Power Revolution; Raul has been at the forefront in the fight for consumer rights, particularly in oil price hike issues.

say goodbye to knitwear, so I had to think of ways to mix them together.” All pieces are handmade.

Tan-gan has brought in her daughter Jessica, 25, to take care of operations. She finished merchandise marketing and business management, summa cum laude, at California’s Fashion Institute of Fashion Merchandising.

She has also hired Sergio Boero, an Italian who’s an experienced fashion industry professional and educator, to become the company’s managing director. Boero, who was general manager of the Istituto Europeo di Design Moda Lab and has worked for several years in China, first moved to Asia in 2001 and is married to a Filipina.

“When I first met Lulu and saw the piña wear, I was fascinated with the idea and its potential,” he says. “The fiber is old but the concept of the design is new. Working with natural materials is a mega trend all over the world.”

Intimidated Just as her knitwear, TanGan’s piña is designed with the jet set in mind, so practicality and movement are foremost qualities of the design. Tan-gan says the fabrics are cut—“engineered”—such that they’re easy to pack and travel, for out-oftown weddings, for instance. The higher-end pieces are, in fact, packaged in a traditional woven basket called tampipi.

Tan-gan acknowledges that Filipinos are intimidated with piña because it creases easily and they think it’s hard to maintain, requiring dry cleaning after each wear.

“Not true at all,” says her daughter. “Some of the pieces you can just put in a net bag and stuff in the washing machine. Others you can hand-wash. It’s the same with knits.” Jessica says they’re just as easy to iron. Only the more elaborate pieces with heavy beadwork require dry cleaning. Washing, in fact, makes the fabric softer and suppler. Over time, it requires a patina that adds to its vintage character.

Boero thinks it may be easier to introduce piña abroad since foreigners don’t have preconceived notions about the fabric. “They see it and they don’t think barong,” he says. “You just need to explain what it’s all about.” And for that, he’s now developing the company’s website, where they will also be selling.

“It’s attractive to foreigners,” Tan-gan says, as evidenced by the walk-ins in her boutique during the course of this interview. “It has not really been shown that much outside so we’re developing it.”

On March 8, she will show her Spring-summer 2012 piña collection in London with a group of local designers via the Ayala Foundation. It will also be shown at Manila FAME next month, and in Hong Kong for a group show in April, then at Fashion Watch. The collection will be available at the Greenbelt 5 boutique in March.

Not only did they practice a work ethic and manifest a nationalist zeal that embodied the best of the Filipino businessman and industrialist; they were also like the Don Quixotes of their era, fighting what many deemed in their time were losing battles.

Today, you can say they don’t make Filipino businessmen like they used to.

Juxtaposed against an arduous impeachment trial that puts in question the values—particularly, integrity—that are the bedrock of the Filipino soul, the celebration of the twins’ 80th birthday last Jan. 27 struck you as ironic.

Here are two gentlemen of the old school who have remained relatively idealistic even well into their twilight years, and here is a country that is gripped with cynicism, if not mistrust of the nation’s revered institutions, a country that not only has grown jaded about its body politic, but is also on the brink of losing hope—yet again.

Fulfilled lives And yet, you couldn’t deny the happiness brought on by the milestone celebration. Happiness not in the form of fun and mirth like in any party, but happiness in a deeper sense—brought about by lessons learned from their fulfilled lives.

If the past era could breed men like the Concepcion brothers who displayed and continue to manifest strong, unstinting faith in God and in their country, perhaps we’re not a hopeless nation after all.

Their families chose to celebrate their birthdays not only with a party, but also by publishing their individual biographies—so that the younger generations may know, and learn from and revel in their stories.

Joecon’s biography, “Joecon’s Journey,” was written by his

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Most of Tan-gan’s materials come from the piña weavers of Aklan.

“It’s slow but I don’t want to change their traditional way of weaving, we just maximize what they can do,” Lulu says.

“It’s respecting the tradition,” Jessica explains.

Boero also says they need to consider the sustainability of the material. Asked if China is killing the world’s artisan crafts, says the Italian: “I don’t think of it that way. It gives people a chance to choose. Some are afraid of China because they can do things, but there are things they can’t do. You can compete in another level, like creativity and design.”

Handloom “Once you mechanize it, it becomes just like any imported material,” says Tan-gan. “My knits are all handloom. I feel like I’ve not given it justice; people think it’s just cut and sew, and it’s not, that’s why it has lasted for over 25 years… Anything that’s of great quantity really bores me. I’ve wanted piña for the longest time. I’ve learned to accept its qualities and see its better side.” She adds with a chuckle, “It’s a matter of spending time, like marriage, to see how it behaves.”

Prices start at P3,000-P6,000 for smaller vests; from P20,000 for the short dresses; from P60,000 for long dresses.

Tan-gan says her company’s efforts aim to give justice to the craft and the craftsmen. “We’re losing our craftsmen. When there’s no demand for their work, it’s not lucrative. If there are more people buying, they can increase their price.”

Jessica says consumers her age are also discovering the versatility and potential of piña. “They’re amazed that piña can be sexy,” she says.

While most consumers now like to buy disposable fashion, Tangan believes there’s a market with a sensibility than can appreciate traditional wear that’s worth investing in.

“It takes strong values,” she says. “Even if you can’t afford it, if you can see it and feel it, it adds to national pride.” At the moment, Tan-gan personally cuts the piña fabrics, noting that most cutters work too fast, without respect for the fabric. Mistakes can be costly.

It’s important to follow the grain of the material, she stresses.

“It’s nonstop learning. I’m continuously improving my skills even after 25 years with this new material. Perseverance is very important. And there’s passion; it drives you to go after what you want. People were telling me to just buy knits from China, I felt it would be a mortal sin! Eventually you just become a retailer, you’re no longer a designer.”

Then, she adds, laughing: “That’s why we’re not yet billionaires.”

To which Boero warns, “Not yet!” ■ eldest child, Joey, who himself has formed his own advocacy (Go Negosyo); Raul’s was—secretly—written by his wife, the former Menchu de las Alas, who wanted to spring a birthday surprise on her husband. It’s titled “In pursuit of excellence… The Legacy of Raul T. Concepcion.”

Joey, with his mother Marivic, and Menchu, separately raced against time to finish the books in time for the celebration. “I gave them (five children) deadlines (for their inputs). I even threatened them: ‘Do you want your mother to look very old before the book is finished?’ I told them that for each day they delay to give their respective contributions, I get 10 new strands of white hair…”

Menchu wrote in her introduction.

Behind accomplished men are supportive women. Behind the making of the biographies of accomplished men are women who kept mementos. In this case, behind the Concepcion men are their wives who, through the decades, have lovingly preserved volumes of clippings, stories, photographs of their men and families.

Menchu has kept scrapbooks of mementos, aside from clippings; Marivic (nee Araneta), to this day, has the love letters Joecon had written her, from their courtship to their married life—all 400 of them—which she has kept for more than 50 years now. Some of these are reprinted in the book. (Joecon can write really long love letters. Yup, girls in the Facebook era are missing something: guys who write love letters—without abbreviations.)

Diligence, organizational ability, and undying admiration and affection for their husbands—menchu and Marivic have huge doses of all these to make publishing these biographies a cinch.

Joecon and Raul are identical twins born 10 minutes apart.

“I kicked him (Joecon) so he could get out ahead of me,” Raul would tell us, in jest, in an interview two weeks ago. ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY March 2, 2012 20

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H ow k i d d i e p a r t i e s g ave r i s e t o a t h r e e - b r a n ch b a ke s h o p

BY Vanessa B. Hidalgo Philippine Daily Inquirer THIS IS the story of a little bakeshop with big dreams.

Agnes Cayetano Villabona, owner of Aggy’s cakes & sweets, describes how her bakeshop began. Aggy, as friends’ call her, already has a penchant for baking ever since she was little. In 1988, her best friend, who then worked for Jollibee, asked Aggy to bake a cake for her boss. To Aggy’s surprise, her cake was an instant hit.

It was around this time when Jollibee’s kiddie parties started growing roots. Jollibee opened their doors for accreditations for those who would want to create themes and design cakes for the fast-food chain. Aggy, who is a cum laude graduate of Fine Arts and Advertising from the University of Santo Tomas, tried her luck in the accreditation.

Aggy comes from a family who loves to bake goods and sell things. “It was my mother, Aida, who taught me how to bake and my father was managing a mini retailing store at Recto. As a child, I was already exposed to the world of business,” she recounts. She then used her “business mind” when she presented to Jollibee.

She remembers that she bought with her figurines and said to the Jollibee group that she can turn their famous characters into figurines to be placed on top of the cakes. Jollibee’s management liked what they saw and approved her accreditation. But it came with a condition that she opened her own bakeshop outlet. They explained to her that she needs to open a business to make it a legitimate accreditation between two corporations.

Aggy readily agreed to the condition. “I remember it was Jollibee which suggested that I name my business after me,” she says.

Aggy’s Cakes & Sweets started its operation in 1989 supplying birthday party cakes to Jollibee until 2005 when Jollibee acquired Red Ribbon. From a home kitchen setup, Aggy’s cakes and sweets have evolved into a fully equipped baking facility.

Together with husband Romeo they continued their baking business. She describes their first store was only 30 square meters. It was located in Phase 1 of BF Homes in Parañaque.

Their first kitchen was located at her parents’ residence also in BF Homes. “With so much clutter, my parents’ house no longer looked like a house. My siblings would complain that it was such a mess,” she narrates.

Aggy recalls that their starting capital was less than P100,000.

Back then, she had less overhead expenses because she made her goods at her parents’ kitchen. “Kung ano lang ang meron sa bahay, yung muna ang ginagamit (We only used what was

‘Just get up and run’

BY Irene C. Perez Philippine Daily Inquirer TRIATHLETE Anii de Leon-brown has been active all her life—until she got pregnant and had to slow down. A 10K used to be an “easy run,” but three months after giving birth, she could hardly run for four minutes straight.

“It was very hard for me to get back to my former speed.

My first run was just four minutes, and the next was 10. After three days, I was able to complete 10 minutes, then 15,” she explained. “The thing with running is you have to slug it out for the first two weeks, then it will get better—and you will feel better.”

The new mom is a three-time Philippine National Triathlon champion and the first Filipino woman to join the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. She is promoting an active lifestyle not just for women, but for the whole family, reminding everyone that getting active means having energy to do more things.

Ani is one of the partner athletes in Unilab’s Active Health campaign. She and husband Dan, runners Rio del Rosario and Jaymie Pizarro, and cyclist Raul Cuevas recently gave a talk on how to start and stay active.

The event, held at Holiday Inn Galleria in Ortigas, Pasig, also introduced Unilab’s lineup of sports activities for the year.

Family run Active Health is the fitness division of Unilab Laboratories, Inc., a 65-year-old pharmaceutical company (among its brands are Enervon, Alaxan, Myra). It has been hosting the

available in my parents’ house),” she says. During the early years, they did not yet think of how much they would profit. “Kung ano ang kinikita, ipinapaikot din namin (We used the initial earnings to improve our business),” Aggy, 51, says.

Romeo, who joined the company in 1991, is the former assistant marketing manager of Storck Products Inc.makers of Storck candies and Bazooka Bubble Gum. He recounts that their first purchase for their little bakery was a bicycle. He remembers that he and Aggy even argued on what kind of bicycle to acquire.

“We were thinking whether to buy a bike with a sidecar or a two-seat bike. We were going to use this for the delivery of our goods from the house to the bakeshop,” he narrates. He says they really started small. He adds that their first staff was made up of a household help and a cook.

After they went solo in 1991, the husband and wife tandem became more involved with their product. Both being fine arts graduates, they designed the boxes and logos. In time, they focused on improving their product by selling more than just cakes. They baked loaves of bread and pan de sal.

“When I saw the need, I fulfilled it by studying how to bake it,” she says. Aggy participated in baking lessons under the tutelage of Heny Sison, Sylvia Reynoso, Center for Culinary Arts, Mrs. Floriendo, Insular Bakery and Dorothy Ferreria. “I believe that you should never stop learning, even if you spend money on it because you will reap the benefits someday,” she adds.

Asked about the difficulties she encountered, Aggy says, “It’s really, really hard work.” She describes that being an entrepreneur is truly a 24/7 job.

“I bring my work home, eat with it, sleep with it and wake up with,” she adds. She says that you truly must possess the gut and the determination to pursue a vision.

Aggy recalls that Jollibee made their first wave of order during their honeymoon. She remembers that she was at the hotel room while Jollibee booked its orders. “Even in our honeymoon, we were working,” she says.

The hard work begins with securing the necessary permits.

“But that’s just the beginning. The process can be scary for a newbie,” Aggy says. But she points out that no star is out of reach. Yet she hopes that somehow the government would find ways to fine-tune the system of setting up a new business.

“It has a long way to go. Lots of room for improvement,” she states.

Yet Aggy’s Bakeshop has survived and it is still surviving to this day. “In order to survive, you have to find ways to reinvent yourself. Offer variety to your customers and try to answer their needs,” Aggy says.

Now, their bakeshop has three branches located in Festival

Mall in Alabang, Magallanes and BF Homes. Their kitchen moved out of her parents’ house and transferred to Parañaque with a production area of 720 square meters.

In order to maintain the freshness of their goods, Aggy sells their bread for half the price twice a week. “We hold sales in order to avoid spoilage. It’s very true that customers can taste the difference in your product. You could never hide it if your goods are no longer fresh,” she explains.

“Don’t be afraid to fail,” this is her advice to those who would want to make their mark in the bread and pastry business. “You will never learn if you do not fail. There are lessons in every failure. You should never forget the lessons,” she says.

For manpower, Aggy employs around 30 people. She says that managing employees is like having an extended family. “I always tell them to work hard, remain humble and don’t spend beyond your means. They should always think of the bakeshop as a means to give their children a better future,” she adds.

Asked on her favorite part on managing Aggy’s, she says that she finds the occasion cakes such a delightful task. “It makes me think out of the box and it brings out my creativity,” she answers.

Even her daughters, Arianne, Anelle and Aisha, participate in the inception of the cakes. Aggy says that from the sketching of the design to the finishing touches make her job as a baker cum entrepreneur such a joyful task. “It is never boring. Each cake is always a different one. And this is what makes it special,” she adds.

Aggy’s chocolate moist caramel cake won the quest for the best chocolate cake by Glam-o-mamas—a group of bloggers who specialize on mothering advice and experiences on the best products for mothers and their children. The runner-up also went to Aggy’s choco lava cake.

Right now, Aggy teaches at Heny Sison Culinary School in Quezon City. “I teach subjects such as cake rolls, fondant for beginners, themed cupcakes, party theme cakes, three-tier fondant for beginners and cookies for all occasions. I only teach twice a week but how I wish I could devote my time to teaching.

Because it keeps me abreast with the latest trends and helps me avoid stagnation. At the same time, I get to share my skills to my students,” she says.

On the lessons, Aggy imparts to her students, “You have to be passionate about what you’re doing. Without it, it won’t prosper.

You really have to love what you do despite the pain attached to it.

I also tell my students to make sure that they have a product that they believe in before opening a store. A product that will sell that people will keep coming back for and that will eventually help their business to grow,” Aggy shares. ■

Run United, Bike United and Tri United events since 2010.

The three-leg Run United will be on March 4 (registration closed), June 17, and Sept. 16; the Tri United triathlon will be on April 14-15 in Batangas, June 30-July 1 in Bataan, and Nov. 10-11; and the first-ever Run United Philippine Marathon will be on Oct. 28.

Registration fee is from P350 to P900, and part of the proceeds will go to the Gawad Kalusugan (the health program of Gawad Kalinga) and Hero Foundation. Organizers said joining fee covers logistics cost.

Unilab Active Health head Alex Panlilio said Run United focuses on gathering family members of different fitness levels; that’s why it has a 500-meter dash for kids, and more competitive 5, 10 and 21K distances. “We call it a ‘family run’ because we believe that if someone in the family is into fitness, he can influence the others. And running also provides family bonding time.”

Panlilio recently did his first triathlon. He considers himself a beginner.

“I was into basketball when I was younger, but there came a time when when I let myself go,” he said. “I tried running 5K and I couldn’t even get past a kilometer! That’s when I decided to train.”

Since running calls for a lifestyle change, Panlilio said it is also important to surround yourself with people who are into it.

Ani, also a coach and trainer, said you have to set realistic goals, then work on how to sustain it. Her tip: Work around your schedule, find time within your work and family life, identify goal rate, and slowly build up your runs around it. Prioritize.

Being too busy is not an excuse, because “if you want it hard enough you will find a way.”

Pizarro, a mother of two and publisher of The Bull Runner Magazine, said running is a convenient way to get fit, especially for multitasking women. “You can squeeze in outdoor runs in the morning. If it’s too hot in the daytime, you can run on the treadmill; at night, you can run with friends. It is very flexible.

Make sure running won’t be hassle so that you wouldn’t easily give up.”

And while running complements your life, you should never forget to have fun.

“I can be very competitive,” said Pizarro. “So my weekday runs are fast, while my weekend runs with friends are more relaxed. We don’t worry about time and personal records, just what we’ll be having for breakfast afterwards.”

Pizarro is organizing the Bull Runner Dream Marathon on March 18.

Find a way You are never too young or too old to get active; it is a matter of getting started and keeping your activities exciting.

Kids can be “programmed” at an early age, said Ani, while it’s more of mental and physical conditioning for adults. “I know it is very hard to get up very in the morning, so it is best to join a group so that you can follow a training time and routine.”

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Avoid injuries Ready to run? Now keep these in mind to avoid injuries.

Preparation is key, said Dan, a 15-time Ironman finisher and former coach of the Philippine Triathlon team. Follow a progression and build your speed slowly. Don’t overdo it.

Del Rosario said passion is good, but you don’t have to be too aggressive. Start slow. Your initial goal should be to finish a 3K run-walk until you can run the whole length. Do this until you can finish 5K without walking. Also, find out your foot type (flat-footed, high-arch, neutral) and invest in proper running shoes. His Runrio race company organizes all Unilab Active Health events.■

B 21 FRIDAY March 2, 2012

Lifestyle

Beauty Manicurist to Renee, Meryl and other stars Celebrity favorite Deborah Lippmann talks about nail care, music, glitter—and what you should wear on your nails in 2012

BY Pam Pastor Philippine Daily Inquirer DEBORAH LIPPMANN, manicurist to the stars, is actually a star herself. She’s an accomplished jazz singer with two albums.

Although music is her first love, Lippmann decided to pursue her second love and entered cosmetology school. She started working as editorial manicurist for Vogue, Vanity Fair, W and Instyle, giving big celebrities like Madonna, Beyonce, Kate Winslet and Mariah Carey cover-worthy manicures.

She took things a step further and launched her own nail polish line, collaborating with her favorite celebrities to create gorgeous nail-polish shades. With actress Renee Zellweger, she created a black cherry crème they named “Just Walk Away Renee.”

Lippmann and Sarah Jessica Parker partnered to make a sexy sheer pink called “Sarah Smile.” Her collaboration with Cher resulted in “Believe,” a beautiful metallic gold beige.

Lippmann has also worked with designers, perfecting the shade “Stormy Weather” (edgy granite) with Narciso Rodriguez, and “Purple Rain” (metallic purple) with Zac Posen.

Each shade Lippmann makes is named after songs—another testament to her love of music. “I decided to name my shades after song titles because I’m a jazz singer and so passionate about music, and I felt strongly that the names should evoke a feeling rather than a specific shade because we all see color differently. Whether you know the song or not, the names are just fun!” she said.

It isn’t just her collaborations with celebrities that women love. Her grownup take on glitter has made them realize that sparkly nails aren’t just for little girls.

Deborah Lippmann, the brand, has become hugely successful. Like the women whose nails she preps for their concerts and big awards shows (she did Meryl Streep’s nails for the Golden Globes and has done Lady Gaga’s nails for the Grammys), she now has fans all over the world.

In this e-mail interview, Lippmann answers INQUIRER Lifestyle’s questions on nail care, glitter and what will be hot in nails in 2012.

Your big passion has always been music—why did you decide to go into the beauty industry?

After college I had to pay the rent, so while I was singing my way around the local lounge scene and starring in musical theater, I pursued my second love of the beauty industry and went to cosmetology school. I then worked as manicurist in an elite Phoenix salon—a job

Parents should never tell a child they hate having to leave home because they have to work

BY Pam Pastor Philippine Daily Inquirer SUZE ORMAN speaks fondly of Filipinos. For many years, she has had Filipinos working for her back home in the US, and she only has praises for their diligence and dedication. Children should learn the responsibility of what it takes to eat. Finance expert Having Filipinos in her household has made the Emmy-winning TV host, best-selling author, and straighttalking motivational speaker familiar with Filipino cultural idiosyncrasies, one of which she has come to frown upon as a personal finance expert: They send all the money they make to the Philippines.

Orman, who was just in the Philippines as guest of BPI, told the INQUIRER of one employee who, after a decade or so of taking a month off each year without fail to visit her family back home in Cebu, suddenly no longer wanted to make the trip.

“So I asked why. And she said, ‘Because when I go home, all they want is money. And I’m getting older, Suze, and I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to work.’” The Filipino employee said she now wanted to save up for her old age.

Hearing this deeply saddened the TV host, as she knew how hard her household staff worked. “That had a profound effect on me,” she said. “This is a woman who didn’t see her child from the age of 5 until the age of 15, because she couldn’t go home until

that helped me land some high-profile gigs.

When I moved to New York to pursue singing jazz, which I still do today, I couldn’t make the kind of living I wanted to and I was not successful at waiting tables.

I started working as an editorial manicurist for some top fashion and beauty magazines and found myself literally hand in hand with some of the most iconic celebrities of our time.

It was Renee Zellweger who inspired me to pursue my true passion—music.

What sets Deborah Lippmann apart from other polish brands?

My nail lacquers are long-wearing, quick-drying, highly pigmented. and free of formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalates. They are made with finest ingredients, offering more than just gorgeous color, but also treatment benefits. Biotin and green tea, with Aucoumea Klaineana extract (a natural resin from West African trees) strengthen, hydrate, stimulate nail growth and prevent ridge formation.

With a slightly thicker consistency and brush bristles that are more densely packed, my nail color glides on evenly and effortlessly for a truly professional finish.

My collection includes colors that are on the cutting edge of fashion and my hand and foot treatments are as luxurious as they are indulgent.

What are your inspirations?

Everything in life inspires me—it could be anything from a rock on the street and people I meet, to art, fashion and design. Traveling and seeing the world is a definite source of inspiration, but it could also come from something as simple as a salt shaker on the table.

Inspiration comes from the funniest places. I also get inspiration from my customers and clients.

You’ve changed the way countless women feel about wearing glitter—was that something you really set out to do or did that come as a surprise?

When I started creating my glitter formulas, I had the feeling that we all needed to be feeling happier. Sometimes we can’t get the luxury things we want. It really took off in a way I never expected.

The first chunky glitter, Happy Birthday, is by far our top-selling shade years later. Nail lacquer is growing in popularity because we started getting into the trend when the recession hit, and we had to she got her green card, and it took 10 years. She cared enough for her family to not see her child for 10 years! And now she voluntarily doesn’t want to go home.”

Orman acknowledged that people—parents, in particular— have a propensity to express their love materially, and to quickly bail out their children when they have money issues, and this is not unique to Filipinos.

“What’s unique to the Philippines is this built-in culture that one person could take care of a lot of people, a built-in culture that if you leave the Philippines and you go abroad to make money, it’s absolutely your obligation to send home that money, whether you can afford to or not,” she said.

Orman doesn’t see this as a good thing. “You know, I have a saying, ‘When is helping hurting, and when is hurting helping?’

Sometimes when you give and you give, people never have the ability to rise and see what they can do on their own. In a very strange way it keeps people down. It keeps them thinking that they can’t do something unless someone sends them money.”

Precarious situation If a family pins all its hopes on that one member working overseas, it puts the entire household in a precarious situation, Orman pointed out. “If something happens to that person, say, they lose their job, that one person has now affected the lives of four, five people that he or she has been sending money home to.

And they don’t even have money saved because they sent all that money home.”

She added, “But I understand that it’s a cultural event, that it’s an obligatory event. I’m just not sure that helping people who can take care of themselves is really helping the country, the family and the people.”

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rethink how we did things. Women started doing their own nails and realized how fun it could be to create their own look—it can be therapeutic, a time for girlfriends to spend together, and bonding time for mothers and daughters.

Originally, women may have been doing it as a necessity when they were impacted by the recession, but now women are doing their nails because it’s fun and they’re into it. Recession or not, nails have become an affordable accessory.

How do you choose which celebrities to create nail polish shades with? Which collaborations are your favorite?

I have had the privilege of working closely with incredibly talented artists and have collaborated with a number of them on nail lacquers.

Lady Gaga loves Fashion, Fade to Black, and the past holiday season we launched an exclusive shade with Lady Gaga for Barneys Gaga Workshop. I worked with Cher to create her own lacquer called Believe, Mary J. Blige to create No More Drama, Pat Benatar to create Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Mariah Carey to create Satin Doll.

What’s going to be hot in nails in 2012?

I love vibrant blues and greens like my new spring shades, Mermaid’s Dream, a gorgeous glittery sea foam, and On the Beach, a rich Riviera blue. We’ll also see bright neon shades like plum, orange, yellow, salmon and pink.

I think the neon shades we’ll see this spring will be more wearable.

I did a more sophisticated neon for spring that has a great matte finish.

My neon shades are also Fda-approved which we haven’t seen in the past.

Painting nails with different shades is becoming a trend, and if you go with the trend you can use a different lacquer on every nail. You could use glitter on some nails, and crème on others. The idea is to mix and match, and never worry about what you’re wearing.

Nails are a way to express feelings and creativity—it gives people so much pleasure. It’s fun, nails are very much in the forefront of fashion now, and it’s really all about having the confidence to pull it off.

What are you wearing on your nails now?

For the last year it’s been Naked. It’s sheer beige, a very nude, sheer beige. I felt that a nude beige was a prettier way to wear a nude nail since we saw sheer pinks for so long. If I want to feel chic, French and sophisticated I would wear a nude beige over a sheer pink which would be Naked. If I wore a sheer pink, it would be Baby Love.

I’m like a lot of my customers—on my toes I’ll wear anything. On my nails I either go nude or super dark, but I don’t do in the middle much. I love Stormy Weather, a deep granite gray and I’ve been wearing a beautiful dark red crème shade called Single Ladies.

Deborah Lippmann’s nail care and nail polish line is available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source. ■

Filipinos working overseas, Orman said, shouldn’t have to send all their money home. They must learn to withhold, since doing so could mean helping their loved ones in the long run.

In short, Orman suggests dispensing some tough love, which is exactly her trademark manner of giving financial advice on her top-rated CNBC show.

Parents should teach their children financial responsibility at an early age, she said. Parents should never tell a young child that they hate having to leave the child because they have to work.

When you do that, “You just taught your kid to hate work and to hate money,” she said. “What you should say is that, ‘I’m so lucky that I get to go to work and I’m able to make money so I can help support the family. I’m gonna miss you but I’m so lucky that I get to go to work.’”

Orman also said there’s nothing wrong in asking adult children who live with their parents to pay for rent or living expenses— even if the parents can afford to shoulder all household expenses.

“I do think it’s important that children learn the responsibility of what it takes to pay for something, what it takes to eat,” she noted. “You start to train them so that when they do leave the house, they understand that, ‘Oh it’s gonna cost me money to buy food, it’s gonna cost me to have water and electricity,’ the realities in life. You’re helping them rather than just taking care of them…”

Take the money, she said, and save it for when the child leaves the coop. “You now have a lump sum of money that you can give them that they themselves created, so that they can see how that works.”

Instead of indulging their children’s whims, she said, parents must also think of saving for their old age. They should not automatically expect their children to care for them. ■

B 22

FRIDAY March 2, 2012

Entertainment Entertainment photos courtesy of Ervin Santiago

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Judy Ann Santos: Ryan and I are getting old ‘Rearing children is similar to cooking– it requires time and patience’

By Marinel R. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer Judy Ann Santos with husband Ryan Agoncillo

Filmmaker’s next: Indie with mainstream star Ian Dean Loreños wrote the script with Jericho Rosales in mind; six months later, he was on board.

By Bayani San Diego Jr. Philippine Daily Inquirer INDEPENDENT filmmaker Ian Dean Loreños recounted how he stumbled on the story for his second movie, “Alagwa,” his follow-up to the 2010 Cinemalaya winner “The Leaving.”

While shooting “The Leaving” in Binondo, Loreños decided to take a stroll on the streets of his childhood neighborhood “to destress.”

Instead of calming down, he was agitated all the more, after chancing upon the poster of a missing kid on a wall.

“He looked like a Chinoy kid,” Loreños said.

He recalled that in the 1990s, “an urban legend made the rounds in Binondo, scaring the crap out of me and my friends. It was about the disappearance of a Chinoy kid who was believed to be a victim of a human-trafficking syndicate.”

Just like in “The Leaving,” Loreños has chosen to highlight the uniqueness of the Filipino-chinese experience in “Alagwa.”

He considers “Alagwa,” an advocacy film, his modest contribution to the struggle against human-trafficking and modern-day slavery. “My goal as filmmaker is to communicate. I don’t make films just for the money. I want to tell a story that could affect the lives of viewers, even for a brief moment.”

It took two years before he could return to filmmaking after “The Leaving,” which won three awards at the Cinemalaya fest (best cinematography, production design and supporting actress for LJ Reyes).

“Getting funding in our country is not a walk in the park,” he explained.

When he finally found the right partners for the film, things fell squarely into place. “Sometimes the universe really conspires to fulfill our dreams,” he quipped.

He wrote the script with mainstream actor Jericho Rosales in mind. On a cold call, he sent a copy of the script to Rosales and his management.

After six months of waiting, Loreños got Rosales on board, not just as an actor, but as a coproducer as well.

Sharing the screen with Rosales is another popular actor, child star Bugoy Cariño.

“Echo (Rosales’ nickname) is very passionate about his craft,” Loreños remarked. “I appreciate his creative input to the project. Bugoy is a prodigy. On the set, I sometimes forget that he’s only 9 years old.”

He describes the shoot as a “fun ride” so far.

Before he could return to Binondo for “Alagwa,” he had to make a quick detour to Busan, Korea.

Loreños, who was part of the Berlin Talent Campus in 2007, attended the Asian Film Academy (AFA) in Busan last year.

“Incomparable” was he described his trips to Germany and Korea. “It’s so cool how those two cities give importance to the arts and cinema,” he explained. “I’m glad that I attended the AFA right before ‘Alagwa.’”

Busan served as a refresher course of sorts, he confessed.

“When I got back from AFA, I felt like an upgraded version of myself ... I learned a lot and was inspired by great mentors. Now I’m well-prepared for my next projects.”

Cinemalaya, however, proved to be his crash course in filmmaking.

“It gave me my film degree,” he reminisced. “It opened me to the world of filmmaking and showed me the good and bad sides of the industry. It molded me to be the filmmaker that I amtoday. I will always be grateful to Cinemalaya.”

“Alagwa” is set for release in the last quarter of the year.■

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“IT’S REFRESHING, something ‘out of the box’ and I’m looking forward to it,” Judy Ann Santos said of the indie movie she is making with director Jose Javier Reyes.

The award-winning mainstream actress stars in “Mga Mumunting Lihim,” an entry to the 2012 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in July.

It’s about a group of childhood friends (Judy Ann, Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado and Agot Isidro) who face all odds together.

“It will be fun to watch. This is Direk Joey’s first Cinemalaya entry, and mine as well.” It’s not her first indie movie, though. In 2008, she starred and coproduced the Dante Nico Garcia drama, “Ploning,” shot entirely in Palawan province.

Judy Ann is also set to make a movie this year with Coco Martin for Star Cinema. “We’re just finalizing the schedule. Coco is extremely busy these days.

I, on the other hand, am eager to start on my next cooking show.” She just finished one season of “Junior Masterchef Pinoy Edition” as host, and will work on the “Masterchef” edition soon.

Judy Ann said she learned a lot from hosting a kiddie cooking contest. “Rearing children is similar to cooking—it requires time and patience,” said the actress, mom to Lucho, 1, and adopted daughter Yohan, 6.

She added: “My husband (TV host Ryan Agoncillo) and I take turns spending time with the kids. As much as possible, we don’t schedule work on weekends.” The couple recently flew to Japan for an eight-day break.

Judy Ann said her family celebrated Valentine’s Day simply. “Ryan gave Yohan and me flowers. I cooked a simple meal—salad, roast beef, mashed potato and grilled corn. For dessert, I made chocolate-covered strawberries. I also had a bottle of champagne chilled, but I guess we’re getting old, because Ryan and I felt very sleepy and never got to dessert.” ■

Entertainment Single-again Ruffa G: Men, stay away for now

B 23 FRIDAY March 2, 2012

By Dolly Anne Carvajal Philippine Daily Inquirer Ruffa Gutierrez is officially single. Her marriage to Yilmaz Bektas is finally annulled.

How does she feel? “Emotional,” she says. “As I close a chapter in my life and open a new one, I wish to thank my family, friends and fans for being so supportive during this bittersweet journey.”

Has she told her daughters, Venice and Lorin? “I had an intimate, quiet and personal moment with them as we were locked in an embrace watching the Boracay sunset,” she relates. “We were in tears. Whatever it is we shared, I would like to keep it to ourselves.”

Is she ready to fall in love again? “I’m on a love sabbatical,” she declares. “I pray I won’t get distracted this year. So men, stay away. But I still believe in love. One day my life partner will find me.”

What’s her message for Yilmaz? “I wish him all the best. May we continue to be at peace with each other.”

Love truly owes Ruffa a happy-ever-after; she has always given love her all.

Proud mama Liezl Martinez is proud that her daughter, my inaanak Alyanna, has found her niche as stylist to many celebs.

“She has moved out and into her own condo,” says Liezl. “At first, Albert and I were worried, but we realized that it is for her own good—so she will learn to stand on her own. Albert is tempted to buy her an air-con because she needs one. But I told him not to, so Alyanna will really feel what it’s like to live within her means.”

Liezl and Albert have given Alyanna strong roots; it’s time to give her wings. As my fave line in “The Descendants” goes: “We should give our children just enough so they will do something, but not too much that they will do nothing.”

Sarah live Sarah Geronimo shines anew in “Sarah G Live,” airing Sundays at 8 to 9 p.m. on ABS-CBN. She describes herself as a “modern Filipina” who’s between the “manang” type and the liberated ladies.

Although she has made it big in the biz, Sarah admits that she still has a lot to learn. For her, becoming a “modern-day Filipina” entails being independent.

With her much publicized heartbreak over Rayver Cruz, Sarah wants to become wiser when it comes to love. “Kilala ko po kasi ang sarili ko. Sobra akong malambot. Kailangan kong maging matalino pagdating sa matters of the heart.”

Sarah also admitted that it’s still Mommy Divine who handles her finances.

“Ipinagkakatiwala ko muna po kay mommy ang lahat. Pero soon, aayusin ko rin talaga para maging hands-on din ako sa savings ko, sa sarili kong kinikita.” With her new show, Sarah will surely be singing all the way to the bank.

Lucky charm ABS-CBN 2’s hit game show “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” is back on Saturdays, 6 p.m. after “TV Patrol Weekend.” It has a new host, Luis Manzano, plus a new banker and new briefcase 24K girls. A whopping jackpot prize of P2 million is at stake.

Televiewers also have the chance to win prizes.

CHECKING ON THE KIDS Review board mounts summit on the welfare of children in showbiz.

BY Marinel R. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer THE MOVIE and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) will host in April a summit on the welfare of children working in show business, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

MTRCB Chair Grace Poe Llamanzares said among the issues to be discussed are the children’s work schedules and requirements set by the labor department.

“As it is now, when a child works, everything is confined within a definite time period,” Llamanzares explained. “He or she cannot work overtime. When the child enters into an agreement, a permit from the DOLE has to be secured.”

She said necessary steps should be taken to ensure that these regulations are strictly followed.

Roles that children are allowed to portray would also be tackled, she said.

“We don’t want to be too strict. That’s why TV network representatives and content providers have also been invited. Among the questions to be asked are: ‘Should the child portray a role that he/she may not understand?’ ‘Should the child have

to pretend to be an adult, like in Goin’ Bulilit?’”

Dialogue in March Llamanzares told the INQUIRER that child psychologists and a representative from the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) should also participate in the summit, which she describes as a one-year-inthe-making venture. “We need to set guidelines that can help us. We don’t have the monopoly on what’s right,” she said.

The MTRCB chief also said a dialogue would be held in March to discuss “what constitutes the sexualization of a scene.”

She explained: “The perennial complaint about TV variety shows is that dancers’ outfits are too short. But when you really think about it, dancers have been wearing mini skirts since the 1960s. What makes an outfit controversial is how it is used in a scene. That’s called sexualization.”

Actor and MTRCB board member Bobby Andrews will head the committee on the treatment of a scene on television. He has been chosen, Llamanzares explained, because he has been acting since he was a teenager and he’s “quite smart.”

According to Llamanzares, the board also promotes the self-regulation of programs, which requires empowering the audience. “You have to teach the audience to be the watchdog, encourage them to field all the complaints if TV people are already going beyond their limits.” ■

What did Luis buy when he made his first million? “I bought myself a car—a Honda CRV,” he reveals. Isn’t he wary of being compared to the game show’s former host, Kris Aquino?

“I know I will be but I’m not trying to be the Kris of ‘Deal,’” he explains. “I’m going to be myself.”

Gone are the days when his mommy Vi would say “I love you, Lucky” on TV. But Luis will serve as the game show contestants’ lucky charm.

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com ■

Sarah Geronimo

Ruffa Gutierrez

Charice needs votes Philippine Daily Inquirer INTERNATIONAL Filipino pop star Charice competes with four other Asian popular music acts—agnes Monica of Indonesia, Wonder Girls of Korea and Yuna of Malaysia— in this year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, which introduces the Asian-exclusive category, favorite Asian act.

Fans across North and Southeast Asia will be given the opportunity to support their regional artists when they cast their votes beginning today via Nickelodeon’s digital outlets, including Nick. com, Nick Mobile app, as well as Nickelodeon’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.

The annual awards show, now on its 25th year, honors kids’ favorite celebrities in the worlds of film, music, TV and sports, including Jessica Alba, Antonio Banderas, Justin Bieber, Big Time Rush, Jack Black, Ty Burrell, Jim Carrey, Miranda Cosgrove, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Victoria Justice, Bruno Mars, Taylor Lautner, Danica Patrick, Katy Perry, Michael Phelps, Daniel Radcliffe, Adam Sandler and Kristen Stewart.

Will Smith hosts the March 31 show at USC’S Galen Center in Los Angeles, which airs on April 14 at 8 p.m.■

Too young, too busy to get hitched

Mark Herras

BY Bayani San Diego Jr. Philippine Daily Inquirer BACOLOD CITY—IN spite of the incessant buzz, GMA 7 actor Mark Herras insisted that marriage was farthest from his mind, for now.

He was joined by girlfriend Ynna Asistio at the network’s road show to celebrate the city’s Bacolaodiat Festival recently.

“We are focusing on work,” Mark told the media. “We have a lot of dreams and we have set priorities.” Ynna agreed, stressing, “We are not in a hurry.” They are able to endure in-

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trigues, they said, because they make it a point to listen to each other. “Constant communication is important,” Ynna added.

That’s why they’re both cool about being paired with other stars in their new Kapuso shows—mark with Kris Bernal in “Hiram na Puso,” and Ynna with Alden Richards in “My Beloved.” “We’re all friends,” Mark pointed out. Mark is also thankful about appearing with veteran stars Cesar Montano and Phillip Salvador in the action film “Hitman,” which opened in local cinemas yesterday.

“I learned a lot from them,” Mark said.

“They are two of the best actors in the industry.

I watched them closely.”

Since it’s his first action film, Mark was eager to do his own stunts: “My background in dance came in handy ... It’s a pity that I didn’t get to do a lot of fight scenes. ” Among the foreign action stars he admires are Nicolas Cage and John Travolta—both “bad boys” on the dance floor.

In the local scene, he looks up to Cesar and Robin Padilla. “I’m lucky that I got to work with both Kuya Robin in (the old GMA 7 show) ‘Joaquin Bordado’ and, now, with Kuya Cesar.”

Mark remains hardworking because he knows his responsibilities as breadwinner— especially after his father and uncle fell ill and he assumed the role of head of the extended family. “I’ve been in the business for eight years,” he said. “I can say my experiences helped me mature.” ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY March 2, 2012 24

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Before Charice, there was Carina Afable

By Bayani San Diego Jr. Philippine Daily Inquirer DECADES before Charice Pempengco was seen in “Glee,” another petite Filipina had landed a recurring role in an American television show.

That pioneering singer-actress is Carina Afable, who portrayed a Filipino mail-order bride named Perlita Avilar in the sitcom, “Barney Miller,” starring Emmy and Tony winner Hal Linden, in the early 1980s.

“I came out in four episodes,” Carina told the INQUIRER. (Now based in Los Angeles, California, she visited Manila in August last year.) “I was supposed to tie the knot with a regular character, Inspector Frank Luger, played by the late James Gregory.”

Unfortunately, the show was canceled in the same season that she got on board, in 1982. But Carina has no regrets about that.

“It was fun,” she recalled.

She found the work system in Hollywood impressive. “On the first day, we had script reading. On the second day, rehearsals.

Then, we taped the show in front of a live studio audience.”

She added, proudly: “The show’s props are now on display at the Smithsonian in Washington DC.” After “Barney Miller,” she appeared in a string of commercials—for the Reggie Jackson barbecue grill and Wienerschnitzel hotdogs, among other products. “I even sang the jingle for Wienerschnitzel,” she said.

These days, however, when her name crops up in print, it’s usually before or after the words “Ryan Agoncillo’s aunt.” She explained: “Ryan is the son of my brother Chito.” Her real name is Carina Agoncillo.

Original star Carina was the original star in the Agoncillo family—having cut her teeth as a performer in the noontime variety show “Stop, Look & Listen,” which was hosted by the late Eddie Mercado and which ran from 1968 to 1972 on ABSCBN. Before migrating to America in the late 1970s, Carina had a thriving career in local movies and TV. She topbilled several musical-variety shows in her teens—from “Chelsea Dance Time” to “Spotlight on Carina,” from “Carina” to “May I Sing to You.” During her August 2011 visit, the star became an audience member, watching the GMA 7 noontime show, “Eat Bulaga,” in Broadway Centrum, as Ryan’s guest. That gave her the chance to reconnect with comic Joey de Leon, her nephew’s cohost, who kept teasing her on air.

Carina recounted that she first met Joey when she sang with Norma Ledesma and Linda Magno in the ’70s girl group Hipertensions. “Joey, who was a deejay at the time, would carry our glittery costumes whenever we had auditions,” Carina related.

Before that last visit, she was in town in 2001. “The main reason I came home after 10 years was to attend the 100th birthday celebration of my lola, Nena Agoncillo-manalo,” Carina related. “She is the great-granddaughter of revolutionary heroine Marcela Agoncillo.” It was a huge event, she said. “The entire town of Rosario, Batangas, turned up.”

Stage aunt Last year, she hung out a lot with Ryan, his wife Judy Ann Santos and their kids Lucho and Yohan. “Lucho is so malambing (affectionate),” Carina said. “He always offers his cheeks to be kissed.”

In the United States, Carina never treats Judy Ann like a celebrity. “She’s just Judy Ann, the take-charge girl we like playing board games with,” Carina said. When she vacationed in Manila last year, she realized how huge a star Judy Ann was.

“I saw commercial with Yohan on TV,” Carina said. “I was the same age as Yohan when I joined show biz.”

Yes, she was seven years old when she started tagging along with her late aunt, Dori Villena, who took her to different radio and TV stations in the 1950s.

“She introduced me to the big stars, like Eddie San Jose and Dely AtayAtayan, on the ABS-CBN lot,” Carina said. “Tita Dori was my stage aunt. She badgered the executives to hire me for their shows.”

Her aunt’s persistence paid off. “I was cast in a lot of radio soap operas,” said Carina. “It helped that I could make my voice

deeper and portray a boy. I also did a lot of commercials. One was for Carnation milk.”

As a child in the biz, she also met her idols Susan Roces, Irma Alegre and Charito Solis.

A big break came when she joined the radio program, “Botika sa Baryo,” which was later turned into a TV show, and then a movie, in 1960.

On the set of “Botika,” she developed a fast friendship with Marita Zobel, then an LVN star. “We were like sisters. I used to her chaperone her when her late husband Boy Roxas was still courting her.”

When Marita left “Botika,” another singer-actress, Helen Gamboa, replaced her. Carina recounted: “On the set, a constant visitor was Helen’s niece, Sharon Cuneta. Sharon’s mom, Elaine, used to take Sharon to the location shoots. Little did I know that small girl would grow up to be the Megastar.”

Carina also acted in movies—“i’m a Tiger” with Helen and Chiquito, and “I’ll See You in September” in 1967 with Jean Lopez and Romano Castellvi.

Memorable role In 1968, Carina acted with Bernard Belleza and Pugak and Tugak in “We Only Live Wais,” and with Chiquito and Zaldy Zshornack in “Agents Wen Manong.” In 1970, she starred in her last local film, “Intensity ’70,” which featured the top stars of that time—novo Bono Jr., Eddie Mesa, Esperanza Fabon, Perla Adea, Boy Mondragon, Jeanne Young and Sahlee Quizon, among others.

Her most memorable film role, however, was opposite former President Joseph Estrada, Eddie Garcia and Barbara Perez in “Patria Adorada (Dugo ng Bayani).” For playing a nun in this action-drama, Carina was nominated for best supporting actress in the 1970 Famas awards.

Still, she considers television as her main medium. “I even had a children’s show called ‘Kiddie Land’ on Channel 5.” (“Spotlight on Carina” was aired on Channel 3; “Carina” on Channel 11; and the last one, “May I Sing to You,” also on Channel 5.)

She kept moving from one station to another because of her marital status. The teen star, who also waxed records on the Villar label, was already married to TV director Raul Silos then.

“I became a mother at a very early age,” she said. “I had my eldest at 16.”

The kids came in quick succession. So as not to disorient conservative viewers, Carina would disappear from the boob tube every time she was heavy with a child—which was almost every year.

When martial law was declared in 1972 and the TV studios were padlocked, she found herself jobless. Live shows became scarce as well.

She recalled: “Norma, Linda and I formed Hi-pertensions.

We had concerts all over Asia—we’d spend two months in Singapore, then move to Malaysia, then to Indonesia.”

In the 1990s, she had a reunion show with the Hi-pertensions and the Reycard Duet (whose members have both passed on) at the Caesars Palace. “Norma is now based in the United States; Linda in Canada,” Carina said.

On her own, Carina did concerts all over North America and Europe (Germany and France), before deciding to try her luck in the United States.

After Raul and Carina divorced, she married American Leonard Bell in the 1970s. “We were together for seven years— until he passed away.”

Carina has five children: Richie, Robert, Cherry and Ronnie Silos and Christopher Bell. “And now I have a dozen grandchildren!”

In an e-mail, daughter Cherry described Carina as a “cool” mom. “She has developed a deep friendship with each one of her kids,” Cherry said. “We love her. We enjoy hanging out with her because she’s youthful and fun. Her grandkids adore her.”

Work ethic Having a singer-actress as mom was a blast, said Cherry.

“Growing up with a talented artist ... we all learned to sing and play at least one musical instrument. During get-togethers, we often jam as a family.”

Cherry explained that seeing their mom work hard at a very young age “instilled an exacting work ethic” in them. “She taught us to be self-sufficient. She deserves credit for the fact

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that we are all doing well in our respective careers.”

While Carina auditioned for shows and commercials in the United States, she also held a day job. The rat race can be grueling, she admitted. “To unwind, I sing. I do concerts on weekends. I let go onstage.”

It was in one of those weekend concerts that she met her current husband, Samuel H. Gray. “He used to watch my shows,” Carina said.

Cherry noted that her mom and Sam stick to a pretty active and vital lifestyle. “She enjoys life to the fullest! She and Sam travel a lot,” Cherry said. “Aside from getting together for the holidays and on special occasions, the entire family also tries to go on a major trip at least once a year.”

Carina currently works for the insurance company, Anthemblue Cross. “Our clients include the Screen Actors’ Guild, the Directors’ Guild,” she said. “It’s a large company.”

Last year, the couple flew to Tacloban to visit Sam’s relatives as well. “I thought my husband was an American. Waray pala,” Carina jested. “He was in the US Marines. His father was an American but he was born in Tacloban, where a lot of Americans decided to stay after World War II.” They visited Leyte to check out a piece of property that her husband had bought. “He plans to build our retirement home there.” Will Carina ever slow down? Not in the foreseeable future. ■

Aljur caught between Kylie and Rhian IT’S NOT easy being Aljur Abrenica.

By Bayani San Diego Jr. Philippine Daily Inquirer The GMA 7 hunk is caught between two gorgeous girls on and off the set: alleged girlfriend Kylie Padilla and “My Kontrabida Girl” partner Rhian Ramos.

Aljur and Kylie have reportedly decided to go easy on their budding relationship. At the press con for her new afternoon TV series “The Good Daughter,” Kylie told the INQUIRER that she wanted to focus on her career, and that she “sort of got distracted” while hanging out with Aljur.

Told of Kylie’s statement, an incredulous Aljur asked: “Did she really say that?” But he quickly changed gears, turning diplomatic: “We want the same things. I want her to focus on her work, too. I want her to fulfill her dreams.”

He had no time to fret over affairs of the heart, he said, busy as he was wrapping up his movie with Rhian, who is recovering from a messy breakup with radio-tv personality Mo Twister.

There’s no chance for them to go on a rebound romance, Aljur insisted. “Rhian is very beautiful ... but I have to control my feelings because we are close friends.”

But he really didn’t have to comfort Rhian during the shoot of “My Kontrabida Girl,” he said. Instead, they had a blast during the shoot of the rom-com directed by Jade Castro, the young filmmaker behind the indie hit “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington.”

“The mood on the set was light,” Aljur said. “Even if it was already early morning, Direk Jade was still energetic.

We couldn’t help being hyper as well ... ” Aljur is glad that he gets to work with different directors because he knows it’ll help him grow in his craft. He has taken workshops under theater director Freddie Santos and actress-director Gina Alajar.

“Direk Freddie gave me tips on voice projection,” he said.

“I learned to modulate. I used to have a high-pitched voice ... I didn’t realize how hard it was to do vocal exercises. I vomited once, and almost fainted.”

From Direk Gina, Aljur picked up valuable lessons. “She told me to be truthful in every performance. She noticed that I tended to hold back. I’ve now learned to let go of my emotions and ignore my fears.” ■

B 25 FRIDAY March 2, 2012

By ISSA

Travel-Phils

Amorita of Bohol

I like hotels.

I like them so much – and traveling! – that we bought our own timeshare. But like I said in my MoneySmarts guest post: It gives birth to other expenses – yearly maintenance fees (which went up from P2,500 to P4,000 in the blink of an eye), RCI fees (S$150 annually –in Singapore dollars, but with the current exchange rate, it might as well be in US dollars), booking fees that could range from P2,500 (Asia) to almost P10,000 (outside of Asia). It does not include airfare, or the cost of food. The RCI hotels, although three or four stars, are almost always in the outskirts of the city – that means it is 30 minutes away from

where the action is. With the cab fares we are paying, we could have had a decent room at a city hotel with dancing lights, Prada and great food at our doorstep.

But it is not all bad, as we have found out in our two years of owning one.

But it may have outlived its usefulness, I think. We have not used it for two years.

Because travel is now made very affordable – airfare, hotel and tours, for a very low price, are now all in.

And some great hotels are not included in the timeshare ring, like those where guests can have their own villas with their own private plunge pool.

And I have always wanted to stay in one (just one of my crazy-weird dreams).

Entry way into the restaurant and it was quite fetching, especially with the sun breaking through the opening. Magazines, newspapers and books are littered through the place. There is a fooz ball table, a billiard table and a showcase of desserts whispering to me to please take a bite.

So I did.

Enter Amorita.

Okay. I have been to Bohol and did the whole Bohol route – looked at a tarsier squarely in the eye (it refused to look at me), did the Loboc River cruise (almost belted out a song), climbed the so-many steps to see the wonder that is the Chocolate Hills (there is a God and He is great), dipped in its seas (crystal blue, shining, shimmering, splendid). But my husband and my daughter have not been there. So I took them. But I wanted a little extra something to perk up our stay (and RCI did not have any hotels there), so I looked at the virtual sites of the hotels in the province and something caught my attention – Amorita.

News reports say that no less than the

president of the land stayed there very recently.

The packages are also attractive, not too expensive, not too cheap.

But then there’s Ananyana (expensive and a dream of OurAwesomePlanet’s Anton Diaz) and Eskaya (very expensive) and the old reliable Bohol Beach Club (moderate).

I took a chance with Amorita. (I tell you – a website can really give you the “come on” and Amorita has a nice one).

I reserved the standard hotel room. But when I got there knowing what I know about the villas, I requested for an upgrade. But the girl at the counter did not understand me – I did not want to pay more – but getting a $300 room for $150 seemed too much to ask. So I paid more (sigh).

Eternity pool which overlooked Alona Beach.

Comments about this stay: (1) Now that I have tasted the “villa” experience, I will probably go back to booking standard rooms. After all, a hotel room is just a place to sleep in. A new place is to be explored.

And it seems such a waste of time and money to just stay in the room – no matter how beautiful it is – when there is just too much to do, places to see and people to meet. (2) The guided tour is too expensive. An alternative is to just rent a car (comes with a driver and gas, 5 can fit in a car) and have the driver take you to places of interest.

If you have a talkative one like ours, he can serve as tour guide too and tell you enchanting stories.

You can ask him any questions and request him to take you off the beaten path. (3) If you can, try to go to Bohol Bee Farm. It is like a seaside

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Sonya’s Garden and you can get malunggayflavored ice cream there. They have affordable packages that come with all the meals and the tours, including a dolphin tour. I was debating whether I should get this one or Amorita. I think I should have gotten the Bee Farm package. (4) If you go during the low season like we did, the sea will be a little cloudy. (5) Check out Alona Beach and the restaurants along the coast. It is starting to have a Boracay-like feel but a little more laid back. (6) I am thinking about using my timeshare again.

Issa is the author of the website YouWantToBeRich.com, a personal finance site that tackles the hard questions, the silly questions, and those in between. She recently moved to Vancouver, Canada with her family.

News-Canada

FRIDAY March 2, 2012 26

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Government of Canada taking action to support newcomers Vancouver - The Government of Canada announced the launch of a three-year pilot project that will make it easier for internationally trained professionals to have their credentials recognized and find jobs in their fields.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism also participated in the announcement.

“Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth,” said Minister Finley. “In the Economic Action Plan, we made a commitment to help internationally trained professionals cover the costs of having their credentials recognized. Today we are delivering on that commitment.”

“Today’s announcement is part of the Government’s commitment to making it easier for immigrants to join the Canadian labour market,” said Minister Kenney. “We want newcomers to be able to use their skills as soon as possible in Canada and work to their full potential. It’s good for them and good for the Canadian economy.”

For many internationally trained professionals, the cost of licensing exams, training and skills upgrading can present a significant barrier to credential recognition. The Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot will develop and test innovative projects that provide financial assistance to internationally trained professionals to lessen some of these financial burdens. Delivered in partnership with community organizations, the loans will make it easier for internationally trained professionals to find jobs that best suit their skills and experience.

“Through our partnership with the Government of Canada and our years of involvement with bridge programs such as foreign credential recognition, we look forward to providing services for flexible, easily accessible and low cost loan applications to internationally trained professionals.” said Thomas Tam, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. British Columbia, where Minister Finley made the announcement, is one of several partners across Canada to receive support through this pilot. Similar agreements were also announced in Ontario and Saskatchewan. The announcements are part of an $18 million commitment that the Government of Canada made in its 2011 budget for the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Internationally trained workers, including skilled immigrants and Canadians with international training or education, make an important contribution to Canada’s job market and the economy,” added Minister Finley. “That’s why we are working in partnership with organizations like S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to help them find meaningful work that

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism

contributes to Canada’s overall prosperity.”

Additional projects with selected organizations across the country will be announced in the future. This innovative, community-based pilot project is another example of how the federal government is working with partners to help internationally trained professionals have their credentials recognized.

The Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot complements the significant investments that the Government of Canada has made in recent years to help new Canadians succeed. ■

Locomotive last of passenger train wreckage to be cleared in deadly derailment

BY Omina maurino The Canadian Press TORONTO - The locomotive from a deadly train derailment was destined for a secure holding facility Tuesday where investigators could pore over the wreckage as they work to uncover the cause of the tragedy.

The twisted and crushed steel of the massive engine car was the last piece to be removed from the crash site west of Toronto, where three engineers were killed and 45 passengers injured when the Via passenger train careened off the tracks Sunday.

The Transportation Safety Board refused to comment on the progress of their investigation Tuesday, but have said the black box would be key in the search for answers. The train’s speed, the brake pressure, when the brakes were applied, and whether the whistle was blowing can all be ascertained from the data held in the device.

Via reported that train operations in the area had returned to normal by late Tuesday afternoon.

“The trains are back on the track today,” said Via spokeswoman Michelle Lamarche.

Halton police reported Tuesday that they had accounted for all 75 passengers who were on the train. Some were not injured and left the scene Sunday on their own.

Forty-five passengers were admitted to hospital for injuries ranging from minor to a broken leg, a back injury and a heart attack after the locomotive and one passenger car flipped onto their sides and crashed into a small building next to the tracks. Another passenger car was leaning precariously in the aftermath, and three other cars were vacant.

All but eight passengers had been discharged from hospital by Monday, and another passenger was reported to have been discharged Tuesday.

A lawsuit was launched Tuesday on behalf of the passengers by Toronto firm Falconer Charney and Sutts, Strosberg LLP of Windsor, Ont. - the same firm that argued a successful class action in a 1999 Via accident in Thamesville, Ont. Two engineers died in that crash after a train jumped the tracks and plowed into parked freight cars.

“In a case like this, if we’re successful, people would be compensated for personal injury, psychological injury, lost income, lost belongings,” said lawyer Sharon Strosberg.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of one person, but Strosberg said she expected to add more passengers Wednesday.

Although investigators have refused to speculate on the possible cause of the crash, they had said the train was switching tracks when it derailed.

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The speed limit for a passenger train along that corridor is about 80 mph, or 130 kilometres per hour, except when it’s changing tracks. Then the speed limit drops to 15 mph, or 24 kilometres per hour.

Faisal Abid, a Toronto entrepreneur sitting near the front of the first car, said Tuesday that he felt the train “wasn’t going as fast as normal, but it was still going fast.”

“It was really crazy,” Abid said. “I was just trying to hold on and stay in my seat.”

CN, which owns the tracks and leases them to Via, has also said it investigated the tracks before the crash and found no signs of deterioration or wear.

Police remained at the scene of the accident to help with security Tuesday, but were no longer involved in the investigation since there’s been no indication of a criminal element to the derailment.

Three locomotive engineers were killed in the crash, including Peter Snarr, 52, and Ken Simmonds, 56, two experienced drivers, each with more than 30 years in the industry.

A trainee, Patrick Robinson, 40, of Cornwall, Ont., joined them in the cab to observe, though investigators haven’t ruled out the possibility that he was driving at some point. Although Robinson was new to passenger trains, he had 20 years experience with freight. ■

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FRIDAY March 2, 2012

News-Canada

Looking out for the Seniors by the PCI Staff

citizenship, and family relationships.

A few years ago, Angie Igonia found her dream job — working with seniors at the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS). She did not have any experience in handling a seniors’ program before, but under her able hands, the number of seniors under MHHS’ care grew from just seven to more than 400.

“This program and our planned annual convention are ways for the MHHS to help our seniors battle social isolation, participate in the community, embrace diversity, and empower them so they will get involved and be leaders,” explains Igonia. Since most seniors practically have little or no social life, the MHHS activities provide a much needed respite.

And what are our seniors busy with? According to Igonia, they have Saturday potluck lunches at MHHS, line dancing, bingo and karaoke nights.

They also have the much celebrated and anticipated beauty pageant, which serves as a fundraising event. On this day, the seniors get to play dress-up and come in their Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana finery. The beauty queen winner gets a crown, a cape and the adulation of the adoring crowd. This event gets all the seniors excited and raises money for their other activities, which includes the weekly Kapihan (socializing over coffee), Surfing Grannies (a beginner computer course for seniors), field trips, and picnics.

The big dream for Igonia and the MHHS’ patriarch, Tatay Tom Avendano, however, is an annual senior’s convention, which is being planned for this year. MHHS plans to hold it in a big venue and invite several facilitators and guest speakers to discuss the issues that seniors are concerned with, including medical services, finances, sponsorship,

Angie Igonia

“My seniors are so good. I assure you, if other seniors come here, they will be warmly welcomed and they will surely enjoy and want to return,” says Igonia.

Seniors have paid their dues to society. In the twilight of their years, many have relegated their lives and dreams to the sidelines so they can take care of their children and their grandchildren.

Through MHHS and other similar organizations, the seniors have begun to get active and take charge of their lives again. But this will entail, most of the time, the participation and equal commitment of their relatives as well. Igonia urges every immigrant household to let their parents or relatives age 50 and up participate in MHHS activities.

“Leave them with me for two to three hours every Saturday and I assure you, they will have a good time,” promises Igonia.■

Montreal drivers hit with sudden, 14 cent spike in gasoline prices BY auren Krugel and Andy Blatchford The Canadian Press Energy industry experts are warning that the 14-cent per litre spike in gasoline prices in Montreal on Tuesday is just a taste of the high fuel costs Canadians can expect in the coming months.

The average pump price in Montreal was $1.44 a litre, compared with $1.30 a day earlier, according to price-tracking website Gasbuddy.com. By contrast, the Canadian average only rose a penny to $1.28.

“I’m expecting to see the national average breaking all-time highs. We’ll likely see $1.45 to $1.50 this summer,” said Jason Toews, co-founder of Gasbuddy.

Roger McKnight, senior petroleum adviser at EnPro International, agreed more pain is in store for motorists.

“I’m calling for gasoline prices at the end of April to be 12 to 15 per cent higher than they are today, right across the country,” he said.

The potential national unity implications of higher oil prices have surfaced in recent days.

While some regions celebrate the benefits of higher oil prices, there is resentment in other parts of Canada about the impact of a high “petro-dollar.”

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has said booming oilsands development is pushing up the Canadian dollar, making it harder for the manufacturers in his province to export goods. His Alberta counterpart, Alison Redford, has shot back, calling that approach “simplistic.”

On Tuesday, that same pressure was mounting within Quebec. With a provincial election looming as early as this spring, high oil prices appeared as an irresistible attack theme for the province’s separatist opposition party.

The pro-Canada government of Jean Charest found itself under attack during a six-minute exchange in the legislature, as the Parti Quebecois repeatedly urged it to take action to reduce prices.

One PQ legislator asked: “Is the Liberal government on the side of the big oil companies, or on the side of Quebecers?”

Also, a speechwriter to PQ Leader Pauline Marois took to Twitter to decry what he called the $24 billion negative impact of Canada’s “petro-dollar” on Quebec’s economy, notably in reduced exports. He cited the government’s silence as proof the Charest government is beholden to the energy industry.

Alberta enjoyed the lowest gas prices in the country on Tuesday, with Edmonton posting an average of just under $1.10 and Calgary averaging $1.12.

Montrealers, meanwhile, were already reacting to the burn.

A frustrated Jade Stevenson spat out a profane response when asked about the increase. “I can’t carry my kids to school on my back, I’ve got to use my vehicle to get to work, so I’m pretty well stuck,” Stevenson said as he filled up his massive Lincoln pickup truck at a gas station near the Bell Centre.

Stevenson’s fill-up cost him $1.42 per litre, forcing him to use his credit card twice on the same visit.

The pump only accepted a maximum payment of $100 on each swipe and his total came to more than $132.

“I don’t know what can be done,” he said. “I just have to live with it for now and hope that the government, or somebody, steps up to the plate and does something about it.”

While Stevenson grappled with the feeling of helplessness, a pump attendant at a full-service station around the corner battled boredom.

Bilal Aysh tapped away on a laptop in a cramped booth along one of Montreal’s busiest boulevards.

In one 10-minute span, he didn’t serve a single customer.

“Today is not normal,” said Aysh. “It’s very quiet because of the price.”

Gas prices generally rise as the weather warms up and motorists take to the road, bumping up demand.

The increase Toews and McKnight foresee would break the record national average above $1.40 hit during the summer of 2008 when crude oil - the main ingredient in gasoline - rose to US$147 a barrel.

Toews said crude oil is part of the equation this time around, with tensions in the Middle East making speculators nervous.

“That will definitely cause some big problems with gas prices,” he said.

North American benchmark crude for April delivery settled below US$107 on the New York Mercantile Exchange on Tuesday. But North Sea Brent crude, which many refineries in the eastern part of the continent use to make fuel, has been trading much higher, settling at US$121.55 a barrel.

McKnight sees the higher gas prices less as a function of higher crude and more as a result of recent woes in the refining industry.

Refineries in the east that use Brent crude have seen their costs go up significantly, causing two Philadelphia refineries to shut their doors in recent months, and a potential third closure in the summer.

Since the Canadian and U.S. markets are so interconnected, it has ripple effects north of the border.

“So all of a sudden we’ve got this big black hole emerging right now and that’s what’s driving prices up,” said McKnight.

“It’s a huge domino effect, really.”

In Montreal, the effect is particularly severe after Shell decided to close its 130,000-barrel-per-day refinery there in 2010, reducing competition in that market.

Now, the city relies on fuel from Suncor Energy Inc.’s (TSX:SU) refinery there, and another run by Ultramar in Quebec City.

The prices consumers are willing to stomach has gradually shifted over the years, said Toews.

He recalls that in the fall of 2005, in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, consumers were outraged by gas prices above $1 a litre.

“But now look where we are. Six short years later, we view $1 per litre as being cheap. We would love to have gas at $1 per litre again,” he said.

And after the 2008 run-up, gasoline prices above $1.40 per litre - as Montreal and Vancouver are experiencing now – “doesn’t scare anybody anymore, not like it used to,” Toews said. “I think once you start getting to $1.50 or $1.60, then people really start taking notice and might start getting upset again.”

Consultancy Kent Marketing Services also found an upward trend in pump prices in its latest weekly

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survey released Tuesday. Gasoline averaged $1.32 per litre in the last seven days, compared with $1.27 a week earlier and $1.20 a year ago. ■

Dementia and driving in Ontario In 2004, an assessment came out regarding the problem of driving and dementia in Ontario. It recognized the fact of the aging population and dementia and the risk it posed to both the aging drivers and the general public.

Driving data, census data and dementia prevalence data from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation were used to determine that the number of senior drivers will increase markedly from just under 500,000 in 1986 to nearly 2,500,000 in 2028, while the number of drivers with dementia will grow from just under 15,000 in 1986 to about nearly 100,000 in 2028.

To answer this problem, Ontario’s Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli announced that there will be tougher rules in 2012 for drivers with dementia. The new rules may include more rigorous on-road testing of senior drivers, better training for family doctors on reporting cognitively impaired patients who drive, and the introduction of graduated licensing for some seniors who would not be allowed to drive at night or on 400-series highways.

According to Alz.org, dementia is not a specific disease. It is an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.

While symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, a cause for concern for senior-drivers with dementia is their ability to focus and pay attention and their impaired visual perception.

Many seniors, though, who recognize the risk of hurting themselves and others, voluntarily give up their license. ■

Immigration

FRIDAY March 2, 2012 28

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Filipino job seekers reminded to be vigilant against illegal immigrant recruiters

By Frances Grace H. Quiddaoen Since the boom in Alberta’s oil and gas industries in the mid-2000’s, there has been a steady surge in the recruitment of temporary foreign workers to Canada.

Filipino workers comprise one of the largest ethnic groups to have entered via Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which aims to fill-in immediate labour and skills shortages. As well, the country’s Live-in Caregiver Program, which allows caregivers to apply for permanent residency, has attracted Filipinos, even professionals, to work as caregivers and nannies in Canada.

This demand, according to Philippine Labour Attache Bernardino Julve, and the need to protect Filipino workers from being victimized by illegal recruiters, prompted the 2008 establishment of the Labour Office at the Philippine Consulate General otherwise known as Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) which is now located at 410-675 West Hastings in downtown Vancouver.

While Filipinos’ interest in working in Canada remains high, and the prospect of becoming a permanent resident continues to be an attractive dream, the cited cases of Filipinos falling prey to illegal recruiters and becoming vulnerable to abuse and deception remains high as well. Some arrive in Canada only to learn that there are no jobs awaiting them. Some are refused at the point of entry because border authorities could not contact their alleged employers and confirm their employment, as was the case of five Filipinas who came from Hong Kong around Christmas eve and were immediately ordered to return.

There were also cases of those shipped to destinations different from what was specified in their employment contracts and made to work under conditions no better than the animals as in the case of eighteen workers in Ontario. Still other cases involved under-payment of wages, workers released by their employers immediately upon or soon after arrival, being required to work for long hours without overtime pay and subjected to other forms of violation of the terms of their employment.

Julve said that as an added measure to increase protection for Filipino workers and prevent human trafficking, Canadian employers who wish to recruit Filipino workers to Canada will now be required to submit their papers for verification by the POLO and authentication by the Philippine Consulate. These documents include business registration certificate, proofs of identity, job orders, employment contracts, special power of attorney (SPA) authorizing a duly licensed Philippine employment agency to recruit workers in the Philippines on behalf of the employer, and a Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

The LMO is an assessment of the impact of hiring a foreign worker on Canada’s labour market. It is issued by Service Canada based on an assessment of the

The Author with Labor Attache Julve

employer’s LMO application. A positive LMO authorizes an employer to hire foreign workers.

According to Julve, “POLO’s verification process complements Service Canada’s vetting of employers for issuance of a positive LMO.” He noted that during the days when there was no verification

by POLO, unscrupulous recruiters would readily exact money or fees from their unsuspecting Filipino recruits based on a master employment contract or job orders which could turn out to be fake. Since the establishment of POLO in 2008, a Filipino worker bound for Canada needs to have his employer’s documents verified by POLO for the issuance of an exit pass.

While verification of employer documents by the POLO affords added protection to workers recruited from the Philippines, the problem of Filipino worker exploitation persists for those directly recruited offshore — in Singapore, Hongkong, Taiwan, or the Middle East — where recruitment activities take place beyond Philippine jurisdiction.

In response to this challenge, Julve, whose previous overseas postings as a labour attaché were in Italy and Hong Kong, stressed that part of the solution lies in information dissemination campaigns.

This can be done through conduct of seminars and dialogues with employers’ associations and Filipino communities to increase awareness of the perils of dealing with recruiters whose records have not been previously verified. As part of this effort, the POLO has held various video conferencing in Hong Kong, Taiwan and other countries with Filipino workers based there. It continues to network with Filipino organizations and communities in Canada for holding meet-ups or sponsoring forums to provide a venue for discussion of issues faced by incoming

Philippine Labor Attache Bernardino Julve

migrant workers especially those recruited offshore and temporary workers who are already in Canada.

Thus, last February, the first of a series of workshops for temporary workers and caregivers jointly sponsored by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of BC (UPAABC), the Philippine Consulate General, and POLO was held at Metrotown mall in Burnaby.

More Filipino workers are expected to make their way to Canada over the next few years, especially with the opening up of the labour market particularly in the Province of Alberta. Similarly, more Filipino caregivers are predicted to arrive as Canada’s senior population and demand for home care services increase. Julve reiterated the need for increased vigilance among Filipino workers and this is precisely what POLO strives to address. Job seekers should, as a first step, ask the recruiter to show the license to recruit issued by the Employment Standard

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Branch in the case of British Columbia and the Office of Fair Trading in the case of Alberta [recent Federal regulations require that only lawyers, paralegals, licensed immigration consultants in good standing with their Societies and, in Quebec, also notaries, can represent employers with concerned Canadian agencies in the matter of bringing in foreign workers to Canada].

As a second step, they should ask for a copy of the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) and if one is shown, they should as a further step contact Service Canada/HRSDC and/or POLO or the POEA to verify its authenticity and the legitimate existence of and the need by the employer for the workers. If no LMO is shown, job seekers should immediately desist from dealing with the recruiter.

POLO also reminds job seekers that collection of placement fees from the workers is prohibited under both Philippine and Canadian regulations as all costs related to recruitment are the responsibility of the employer. ■

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News-Canada

FRIDAY March 2, 2012

The Filipino Diaspora

By Melissa Remulla-Briones Philippine Canadian Inquirer

There is nothing to stop the Filipino.

Not the Constitution, for it grants to the citizens the right to liberty of travel, not the OFW horror stories the Filipino takes with his morning coffee every day, not the promise of racism or abuse. Nothing worse than what the Filipino has left behind.

As they neared the valley, closer and closer to El Dorado, it became obvious that this was not a city, nor was it gold. It was a group of natural geometric formations, like the crystals they had seen in the grottos. The golden color came from mica, a mineral with little value, and pyrite, called — with good reason — “fool’s gold”. Alex smiled quietly, thinking that if the conquistadores and countless other adventurers had succeeded in conquering the incredible obstacles on the road to El Dorado, they would have gone home poorer than they’d come.

— City of the Beasts, Isabel Allende

The simplest solution to the problem of migration would be giving Filipinos a reason to stay. A story appeared in Max Soliven’s column in which tells the tale of Alex Lacson, an attorney and a graduate of the U.P. College of Law. Lacson and his wife had a serious discussion about migrating to the U.S. or Canada, concluding that their birth country appeared hopeless. They had three children. They debated if they would be better off staying in the Philippines or moving abroad. What would life be like in 20 years? Then a realization struck them: the answer to that question was themselves.

Their country would improve only if they, and every other Filipino, did something about it. Leaving the Philippines was not the solution. As Lacson, in his book “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country” stated: “The answer is in us as a people; that hope is in us as a people.”

In the white edifice on Manila’s Roxas Boulevard which houses the U.S. Embassy, there is little to no activity. Only a slim line slithers through its robust gates. Beneath the earth, the Embassy’s phone lines silently bustle with $1-a-minute visa interviews.

Only once you go well beyond the gates and pass countless security checks can you see the sea of people. Excitement, hope, and fear permeate the atmosphere. Filipinos wanting to be anywhere but home. Ang Mga Bagong Bayani, we say. “The New Heroes.”

Yes, heroes and hopefuls — masters of their fates, both protagonists and victims, holding the future in their hands, rebelling against their fate. The Filipino diaspora.

The Diaspora starts here and in countless other embassies and government offices.

It can be found in the ships that leave port and the planes that fly Filipinos who never return. The sky turns crimson, but nothing stems the tide. Not hope, for there is none.

Not danger, not the dire warnings conveyed by the coffins lining the tarmac carrying the remains of those who have gone before them.

Abject poverty has deadened the hearing of the Filipino.

“Gold mountain” is the mythical name given to First World countries by the Chinese to symbolize familial aspirations for wealth, freedom and happiness. In a playful exchange in Maxine Hong Kingston’s China Men (1989), the “Gold Mountain” trope becomes detached from the aura of myth, owing to the pressure of painful, dehumanizing experiences undergone by generations of sojourners and settlers from the 1860s onward. It becomes what it is — a floating signifier, a charisma-laden manna, lulling the traveler to wherever his idle

imagination or adventurous utopian drive takes him. Lures him.

Carlos Bulosan and Philip Vera Cruz tried to sound the warning bell. They were those whose names were unspoken, or at best, were muttered as afterthoughts in the history books. They tried to speak of miscegenation, of the sign “Positively no Filipinos allowed” — a portent of things to come for the immigrant, and the hardship – soul-searing and life-altering — that lies ahead.

A lot has changed since Bulosan and Vera Cruz’ time. It could be argued that everything is so much different now. First World countries have a more humane attitude towards immigration and immigrants. Yet their leaders continue to bring these issues to the forefront, always offering a vision of the day the First World countries close their gates, just as a tide of humanity continues to surge towards what they perceive to be their only hope.

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Until recently there was always a sense of loss and absence within my explorations of identity. The Philippines of my childhood no longer exists. My ‘Philippines’ is in a state of memory, more than what its reality is today. I am a Filipino in the diaspora. Consequently, I am a Filipino not tied to a birth land but I am forced to — and wish to — engage with the entirety of the world as a means of forging my identity.

— Leny Mendoza-Strobel in What My Lola Taught Me The Filipino will continue to travel outside the country. He has an aboveaverage level of education, a talent for cultural adaptation, and good English skills, and enjoys a competitive advantage in a host of professions and occupations as a result. He will continue to be attractive to countries experiencing a shortage of the skills he offers.

From author Conrado de Quiros: “The current Filipino Diaspora is not the disease, it is a symptom of the disease. Long before Filipinos live physically abroad, they are already living mentally abroad. Our concept of globalization, far from being a mark of sophistication, is a mark of parochialism.

History is the one lesson that has been lost to us all these years. The knowledge that we weren’t spawned from a kawayan, as the myth goes, but were forged from the smithy of struggle is the one legacy we have spurned.

Ask Rizal what happens to people who do not know where they came from.”

One thing is certain. Nothing can stop the Filipino from trying to attain that dream in that distant shore, even if it means he may die trying, except maybe a government that would put his interest above its own, a government that would uphold the principle salus populi est suprema lex, a government that would, for once, get its act together and steer his country to a better future. The simplest solution — making the Filipino want to stay — may not be the easiest.

In the meantime, he dreams, and in that dreaming, his wings might, would, could, carry him far away. ■

If you are part of the Filipino diaspora and would like to share your Canadian experience to inspire Filipinos in Canada and around the world, please e-mail your articles to info@canadianinquirer.net or inquirerinc@gmail.com.

Please also include a short bio and a headshot photo.

Chosen articles will be published. www.canadianinquirer.net

Health, disability and human rights

BY Jeffrey J.D. Andrion, PT, MA, BScPT While most of us have known disability as a medical entity, it is noteworthy to mention that in the past few years, there has been an emerging interest among disability activists to view it from the human rights perspective. With the many promulgated international treaties (both binding and nonbinding) and passed national laws that pertain to disability, it becomes necessary to dissect the social issues that affect people with disabilities -- considered to be the world’s largest minority.

Perhaps due to the strong influence of cultural beliefs and religion, disability in the Philippines is rarely discussed as a human rights issue. It is not unusual to hear why Filipinos become disabled: it could be a curse from an ancestor’s wrongdoing or a special gift from a higher being. Regardless

Lifestyle-Canada of the explanation, Filipinos with disabilities often find themselves unable to go to school or work and unable to engage in social functions. Aside from the lack of physical accessibility, there is also a much stronger negative influence that prevents these individuals from achieving their full potentials: discrimination. For instance, a family might hide a child with a disability because of embarrassment or for fear of being criticized. This is truly dismaying, considering that the Philippines has one of the most comprehensive antidiscrimination disability laws in the world.

To better understand disability as a human rights issue, it would be necessary for us to define what a human right is.

The United Nations explains human rights as “basic rights and fundamental freedoms ...inherent to all human beings, inalienable and equally applicable to everyone, and that every one of us is born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Adopted in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the result of the many atrocities committed during World War II. Notice that in the above definition, “everyone” was mentioned twice---everyone including persons with disabilities. To further reiterate the rights of this minority group in the

My friend is getting married and I am sad.

Do I have some unresolved issues with him?

Dear Dr. Z, Just few days ago, I got a wedding invitation and excitedly opened it. Fred is getting married! The thought of it brought a smile to my face, but shortly after I felt a little bit of sadness. I was reminded of the times we shared at work over a decade ago.

We used to be “partners-in-crime” and had a good amount of laughter together. The fun was cut short when he went to study abroad.

We remained in touch but not for long—until we saw each other again a few years back.

The encounter was not a pleasant memory to recall because there was an “argument” between my spouse and Fred. Still, we remain good friends. I just don’t understand why I can’t be just happy for him now that he has finally found the woman to marry. A true friend should be sincere in saying her wishes to the future couple. Yet, I have few regrets and resentments, despite the fact that I already have a family of my own for almost 12 years now. I don’t understand why I am feeling this way. Do I have unresolved issues with him that I need to clarify? Please help me think clearly Dr.Z so I can understand what I am going through.

Adelina Ontario, Canada Dear Adelina, I want to appreciate your for your courage to write this letter. I sense that your predicament is not easy. I am curious as to what you mean by “unresolved issues.”

What thoughts and feelings that you have about Fred remain unprocessed? What kind of relationship did you have with him, anyway? Was it friendship or do you think it was something more? Is that what you are confused about? Clearly, your answer to my questions will determine a more fitting response. But, even if we did not have the opportunity to correspond several times, I will make an attempt to tell you what my thoughts are.

Each individual has the capacity for close relationships: old or new, male or female, young or old. Just because you are married does not mean certain biological or social force can prevent you from forming or maintaining connection with others. If you have experienced emotional bond with Fred,

that is in-and-of-itself, wonderful.

Understanding the meaning of that relationship with Fred is rather irrelevant. It is already clear that you both have created fondness for each other. Instead, ask yourself what you intended that experience to be. You have unresolved issues that you need to clarify with him because you have not clarified for yourself what relationship it must have been.

In other words, it is not what it meant; it is what you would have liked it to be. If you choose that it was friendship, then it is. If it was something else, then your intention is something else.

The next thought I have is about loss.

Sure, there are different kinds and levels.

Regardless, it makes us feel sad. I am sure you are not the first to experience losing a friend to marriage. How couldn’t it be upsetting when you know your relationship is not going to be the same anymore? Is that why you could not be happy for him? Things may not be they way they used to, but who you are for each other is not necessarily lost. You can always forge a different relationship with him and evolve your friendship to the next stage. Perhaps this time, it will involve his soon-to-be wife. This leads me to my last thought. Change.

We always find ourselves challenged with change, be it positive or negative. We are so familiar with constancy, and get so comfortable that we just hang in there. If you resist change, then it is no surprise that you will feel like swimming against the current.

Truth is many single people get married.

Then, from being a couple, they raise children.

Their children grow and one day, become independent. So on and so forth. Similarly, Fred is moving on to the next phase of his life. Perhaps, your sadness comes from your inkling that the change for your friend may not include you—in such that you will drift apart from each other. However, I think that is really up to you. If you want to continue your friendship, I am sure you can as long as you are keen to some changes.

May you find contentment with the friendship you intend to have with Fred in the years to come. May you attain the thought that while we lose some, we also gain some.

And may, in your own time, learn to welcome change.

All the best to you!

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Philippine context, Article 2, Section 11 of the country’s Bill of Rights maintains that the State values the dignity and respects the rights of every person. Thus, disabled or not, all Filipinos are equal before the law. If we cease to advocate the rights of Filipinos with disabilities, then we also cease to identify ourselves as a distinct culture and race for amongst us, the Philippines has produced brilliant and talented people with disabilities, including Apolinario Mabini.

The Philippine Working Group of the International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto was formed in 2007. Its mission is to promote the equalization of opportunities for Filipinos of all abilities.

Relying on global partnerships for its community projects in the Philippines, the Philippine Working Group is a proud partner of the Association of Differently Abled Persons (Iloilo City), the Consulate of Canada (Cebu), KAAKBAY Rehabilitation Centre (Davao City), the Philippine Physical Therapy Association, and the Society of Physiotherapists with Foreign Credentials (Toronto), among others. The official website of the Philippine Working Group is www. philippineworkinggroup.com. ■

ASK THE EXPERTS Jeffrey J.D. Andrion, PT, MA, BScPT Physiotherapist Jeffrey J.D. Andrion is a physiotherapist at the Sunnybrook Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre in Toronto. He holds the rank of Instructor at the Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto and is the Co-Chair of the Philippine Working Group of the International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation. He earned his BSc Physical Therapy at Capitol University (Philippines) and completed his equivalency studies in Physiotherapy at McGill University in Montreal. He holds a Master’s Degree in Critical Disability Studies from York University in Toronto.

Dr. Rizaldy R. Ferrer Psychologist Dr. Rizaldy R. Ferrer has studied psychology since he was 15 and attended Ateneo de Davao University and De La Salle University.

He commenced and obtained his Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles, California USA. Dr. Z, as fondly called by his families and friends is a licensed psychologist in the state of California. He works as a Research Associate and Clinical Supervisor also at Alliant International Univeristy. He also maintains a private practice serving children, families and adults. For more about Dr. Z, visit his website atwww.thehealthymind.org. Dr. Z answers your questions about psychological wellbeing and mental health. If you or your loved ones are going through tough times and need some support, write to Dr. Z atask@canadianinquirer.net.

Get answers to your important questions with the help of our immigration, health, real estate, love and life experts.

Please e-mail your questions to info@canadianinquirer. net. Opinions and views expressed are of the expert’s and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Philippine Canadian Inquirer.

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Lifestyle-Canada

FRIDAY March 2, 2012

They do say the darndest things

By Felichi Pangilinan Buizon A merry heart does good like medicine but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry. Cheerful thoughts certainly influence the way we feel, for the better. I distinctly remember one of my favorite shows back in the 90s, which always made me feel lighter all throughout. This was Bill Cosby’s Kids Say the Darndest Things. The candid, pure and hilarious reactions of the kids on the set would amuse me and even make me laugh. Their child-like views were refreshing and surprisingly, convicting at times. The show would also feature flashbacks of a 1950s variety show called House Party which included a segment with the host, Art Linkletter, catching the kids say the darndest things. They have such an unadulterated view of life.

Though the show has been off the air for quite sometime, I still have the privilege of hearing the darndest things, as a mother of four. The timing and delivery of our kids’ responses are at times so orchestrated as if they were wellthought of punch lines. Here are some of my favorites that occurred during ages 3 to 5. For

those who know me well, you probably can name who among my kids said these things. I hope that it promotes cheerful thoughts adding a little sunshine to your day.

“Mommy, my tummy has a headache.”

“V is for Vegas, Lost Vegas.”

“Mama, why do they have so much hair?”

(Referring to the British royal guards) (Reading a bible verse) “Every one must give an account to God...” What does “give an account” mean, Mama? A-one, a-two, a-three?

“The day is so sunny, why are you so cloudy?”

“If half of the time he is a good boy and half of the time he is not, then half of him will go to heaven and the other half to hell.”

While looking at a picture book and naming all that he could, he came upon a picture of a mosquito and identified it, “Dengue.”

After finding out that a female friend, who was single, got pregnant, our daughter comments, “She is just like the mom of Anakin (in Star Wars). She got pregnant by the Force.”

One time our son woke up from his sleep and he told us that someone was calling his name.

His dad and I told him about Samuel who was being called by God in his sleep and to this our son replied, “But the voice is a girl’s!”

About Adam & Eve. “Her name is Eve because she did something Eve-il.”

Once I was speaking to the eldest and ended the discussion by asking, “Get the point?” Then she replied, “Got the point.” Then our 3 year old squeezes in, “Mama, I also want to get a point!”

“Why did Jesus become cruci-five?”

One time I gently and honestly shared with my small child that her words were hurting my feelings and she immediately replied, “But I want to hurt your feelings!”

“Mom, how does Jesus get the money we give in church? Do they throw it in the air or something?”

Sang to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, “Wrinkle, wrinkle on my face/Can you fly to outer space/Up above the world so high/ Like a crumpled butterfly…”

“I had so much fun in Sunday School. I want to do it again, Mom. Can’t you rewind us?”

After a 3 day confinement in the hospital and an extended time of reflection, I resolved to stay home and be more available to my kids.

My daughter observes, “Did they experiment on you in the hospital? Cause you’re not the same mama anymore.”

Oh, how these memories and more have successfully put a smile on my face and lightened my load. Do email me at felichi. buizon@cbnasia.org and share with me the darndest things you have heard from kids to add a bit of sunshine to my day! ■

Filipina-Canadian in Focus: Winnie Tan

Photos courtesy of DG Photography

we are”. If there’s one thing that would unite and make us ( Filipinos) all live and work in harmony, it is the Filipino blood in each one of us that carries the “makabayan, mapagmahal, mapaglingkod at makatao” (patriotic, loving, dutiful, pro-people) traits.

Beauty queen, singer, dancer, director, host - what else is on Winnie Tan’s bucket list?

I am not your typical woman or Filipina, I do have a prodigious character to say the least. I guess it would be the artist side which brings out my eccentricity. I will try anything that would push me to surpass my personal goals. I don’t dwell much on things that are tangible, I like setting my so called bucket list derived from my deficiencies or frailties. My list includes: (1) becoming a Director in one of North America’s 100 Top Corporate or Company, (2) to be mentored by a female CEO of a big Corporation in North America, (3) to be a mentor to other females and (4) to be a speaker and hold my own “How To” seminars.

Winnie Tan with Family

Please give us a little background. Why did you immigrate to Canada?

My family and I immigrated to Canada in July 1993. The decision was more of strategic purpose than anything else. My parents believed (just like all the other parents out there) in giving their children a “bright future”. So, aside from education they felt that having the opportunity to be a citizen of another country would be a good fall back or plan B for their children.

Did you have a hard time like other Filipino professionals when you first landed?

I was in my early 20’s when I came. I wasn’t focused on finding a profession or career, my goal was to find any job that would be good enough to pay for childish wants. We did have relatives here in Vancouver so the transition wasn’t really as hard.

I know that it is quite difficult now for newly landed immigrants to establish their lives here. The competition and also the demands imposed especially trying to find a job when you have no Canadian experience. Kailangan lang ng sipag at tyaga (all is needed is hard work and patience), you can’t be picky about work. I started off as a crew at Mcdonalds, I would say that it is not a lucrative job but it is a decent job. Set your goals and always strive to be the best that you can be regardless of your job title or work. Hard work and

perseverance will pay off, one day you’ll be on your way up the ladder of success.

You are a player in the Filipino community. How would you describe the dynamics of the Filipino associations and organizations? What would you change in the dynamics?

I would say I am more of a volunteer than anything. The Filipino Organizations and Associations here are quite unbelievable in number. You would think that since we have approximately 30,000 Filipinos residing in BC that we might probably have just a handful of such groups. It was astounding to learn that there’s approximately between 130-150 Filipino Associations or organizations. Some of those groups are quite active and on the other hand some just stay under the radar. Dynamics, I think that is an understatement.

The way we function amongst our “brothers or kababayan” cannot just be summed up in one word, we are such a unique race that to describe how we actually co-exist with one another is quite hard to explain. One very unique characteristic of Filipinos - we are like chameleons. Oh yes! We can be anything or anyone we want to be so, imagine that.

I wouldn’t change anything but if there’s one thing that I would want to do is to just remind All the Filipinos whether living here in Vancouver or just about anywhere in the world to remember “who

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How are you enjoying FYE Live? What should we watch out for in the next episodes?

FYE Live is such an engaging show, it is definitely a melting pot of great budding Filipino talents. It is such a privilege and honour to be performing with all those kids and to see them improve and work on their craft. I wish that other Filipinos out there would support not just the show but more importantly those talented kids. Their success is our success.

On March 25th, FYE Live will take you to the yester years of Motown. We definitely will deliver entertainment, memories and remarkable talents that will keep you glued to your TV’s.

What is it that you like doing that people do not know?

I’m just your typical Monday to Friday employee, working hard to make a living. I am more importantly a Mother. Believe it or not I am a reclusive or reserved person. I enjoy being at home or in the company of my daughter, my family or my real friends.

One thing that I like doing, I like giving back to my community. I have embraced the world of volunteerism- is there such a word?

It gives me a certain high, knowing that I’ve shared a part of me.

I don’t have to be anything or anyone to feel good, I just have to be “me”. Paradoxical but true, the reward that you receive isn’t from someone but the reward that you get from volunteering comes from within. Each time I volunteer I gain experience and knowledge most importantly I grow emotionally, mentally and spiritually as a person.

The life lessons I learn…..priceless. ■

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Travel Canada

FRIDAY March 2, 2012 34

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Family ski fun in the Okanagan Snow much to do at Big White & Silver Star

BY Lori McNulty Courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Picture a brightly painted Victorian-style ski village, a snow season that runs from late November to early April, and 115 marked trails to satisfy everyone from beginners to double diamond divas.

Silver Star Mountain Resort is perfect for picky kids and fun-seeking parents. Grooming the family for greatness?

Teens love shredding the rails and jumps at the TELUS Park terrain park. Next door, the Kiddie Park is the perfect training ground for new riders. The Silver StarSnowsports School offers programs for everyone from tiny tots to adults. Enjoy a night out by signing up your kids for one of the Star Kids Center dinner and fun programs.

Slide into Tube Town on a fat inner tube. Listen to the horses clop on a horse sleigh ride. Watch the fire flicker as you skate at Brewer’s Pond. There are mini snowmobiles for the over six crowd, and full-on snowmobile tours for the older set. Laid-back snowshoers can enjoy 16 km (10 miles) of forested trails, while cross-country skiers can cover 60 km (37 miles) of pristine track-set trails.

Look for special Family Games Nights and Carnival Nights to bring you together. Ski-in/ski-out accommodations range from luxury to value-priced lodges, many with views of the Monashee Mountains.

Families from all over Europe and the US visit Big White

Ski Resort for world-famous champagne powder and glade skiing among trees ghosted with snow.

This place has it all: 118 runs and five alpine bowls; a snowboarder’s paradise at TELUS Park terrain park; a Mega Snow Coaster tubing park; and 25 km (15.5 miles) of groomed Nordic trails.

Kids can take the driver’s seat on the MiniZ’s snowmobiles. There’s dogsledding, snowshoe tours, skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Or try the newest snow sport: ski-mountain-biking.

Big White’s superb Ski & Board School is legendary among learners. The Kids’ Centre offers programs

for “Jumping Joeys” and “Ready Teddys” aged four to 12. Leave the little ones at the Tot Town Daycare or take the night off by signing up for special kids-only evening programs.

Family Après Ski events include bonfires, Carnival Nights and Wii Nights. There’s free popcorn, pop and prizes every night at Happy Valley Day Lodge. Eighteen slopeside restaurants offer pizza, burgers, steak and seafood, featuring award-winning Okanagan wines.

Step-off-the-slopes accommodations range from townhouses to full-service hotels – hot tubbing included.

Check out these hot deals.

promises to send riders blasting out of the chutes on a twisting, stomach-churning adventure as wild as any cowboy’s eightsecond rodeo ride.

packages. Anderson Vacations also offers travel packages.

Giddy up!

Calgary Stampede turns 100

BY Cinda Chavich Courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Dust off those cowboy boots and get ready to party – the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is about to get even greater.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede and that means more world-class rodeo, faster horses, cooler cowboy crooners and bigger roller coasters.

The city of Calgary returns to its ranch roots for 10 days every July, but this year the party – July 6-15 – will be in the national and international spotlight, and the Stampede Centennial Committee has just begun to reveal some of the special highlights of the 2012 event.

They’re promising a stunning new equine show, featuring incredible sets, the finest western horsemanship, First Nations performers and 30 talented horses. There’s also a special Stampede Saddledome concert series this year, featuring country stars like the legendary Johnny Reid, a Juno and 15-time Canadian Country Music Award winner.

Roots Canada has designed a special Stampede Centennial rodeo jacket that will be a must have for cowboys and buckle bunnies alike, along with a complete line of Stampede bags and fashions to celebrate the anniversary. You’ll find them at the Stampede shops on the grounds and at Roots retailers across Canada.

And hang onto your hats – there’s a new roller coaster for the midway, dubbed Outlaw, in honor of the famed Stampede rodeo bull. The first midway ride to ever carry the Stampede brand, it

Or if high flying speed is more your style, climb to the top of the 24-metre (80-foot) tower and experience the longest temporary zipline in Canada, soaring for 260 metres (850 feet) over Stampede Park at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).

Go to the Calgary Stampede website to buy rodeo or grandstand show tickets, or to get in on some of the unique Stampede

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Whether it’s the Parade Day getaway ($110 pp) with great seats for the opening day Stampede parade or the Two-Day Thrill package ($259 pp) complete with souvenirs to take home, you can plan your visit online.

The Calgary Stampede is 10 days when Calgary really gets its western vibe on so plan to explore the city, buy a cool pair of custom cowboy boots and eat some Alberta beef. It truly is a wild western experience! ■