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JUNE 17, 2016

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VOL. 6 NO. 222

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Beheading of Canadian hostage draws outrage

Noy: Let’s guard our democracy

No stopping Leni assuming post, sans expense report

Gay clubs: Patrons treasure a place to feel safe

A Torontonian’s impressions of Cabanatuan City

ON HIS OWN A little boy wearing a Katipunero costume learns the meaning of independence as he is separated from his companions on Saturday during practice for participation in Independence Day ceremonies at Rizal Park. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / PDI

He will ‘live on in our hearts and minds,’ says family of slain hostage Robert Hall THE CANADIAN PRESS CANADIAN ROBERT Hall, held hostage by the militant Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines since September, was killed earlier this week by his extremist captors. On Tuesday, relatives of Hall issued

a statement in which they recalled his life and values, and in which they said they agreed with Canada’s policy of not paying ransom for hostages. Here is a text of the unsigned statement titled “Hall Family Media Release” that was

Fil-Can in Focus: Edward Edison Antejos

Official Opposition Leader Rona Ambrose greets Fil-Cans on Independence Day, talks of programs for PH immigrants BY KATHERINE PADILLA Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE LEADER of the Official Opposition, Hon. Rona Ambrose, greets Filipino-Canadians on the 118th Philippine Independence Day. In an interview with Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Ambrose discussed diversity in the Conservative Party and the party’s policies for immigrants, whose large part is composed of Filipinos. Despite the Conservative Party’s loss to the Liberal Party in the 2015 election, the morale of the party is very high, according to Ambrose. “Obviously while the 2015 election campaign didn’t end the way we hoped it would, I can say over the past few months I’ve travelled all across the

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JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

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Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

P-Noy to address nation for the last time BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESIDENT AQUINO will address the nation for the last time today as the country celebrates the 118th anniversary of its independence, more than a month since 16.6 million Filipinos ignored his warning about a looming threat to democracy and voted to replace him in Malacañang with Rodrigo Duterte. Malacañang gave no hints yesterday as to what Mr. Aquino had to tell the people 19 days before the shift to Duterte’s administration. Duterte, the tough-talking mayor of Davao City, promised during the campaign to impose a curfew on the nation, kill tens of thousands of suspected criminals outside the justice system, and restore the death penalty, among other aspects of what seemed to be his plan for a mailed-fist rule. Campaigning for his preferred successor, Mar Roxas, Mr. Aquino, the son of democracy icon President Corazon Aquino and the assassinated leader of the opposition to the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., warned Filipinos about the possible loss of the freedoms they regained with the resto-

ration of democracy in 1986 if they voted for Duterte. More than 27 million Filipinos listened to Mr. Aquino and rejected Duterte at the polls on May 9, but because of the absence of runoff elections in the Philippines, the Davao mayor captured the presidency by a plurality of the votes.

Instead of addressing the diplomats led by their dean, Archbishop Giuseppi Pinto, the papal nuncio to the Philippines, Mr. Aquino will speak to the nation. The Palace said today’s celebration would be simple but meaningful.

Coloma said on state-run Radyo ng Bayan. “[A]nother important aspect of this is for us to be able to reflect that the freedom we enjoy today is the result of the sacrifices and the fight waged by our forefathers,” he said. Coloma emphasized that Contemplate freedoms along with the reflection on But Filipinos, Presidential freedom comes the need for Global firestorm Communications Secretary vigilance. Not yet in office, Duterte has Herminio Coloma Jr. said, “We need to continually be already kicked up a global fire- should contemplate the free- perceptive and remain vigilant storm with his to fight whatever profanity-laced attempt to supstatements that press our rights tended to show in a democracy his disregard for Hopefully, we use this celebration that we highly human rights, alas an opportunity to reflect on the value,” Coloma though his camp true meaning of freedom and make said. insists he has this significant for our countrymen This year’s Inbeen misquoted throughout the archipelago. dependence Day by the press. celebration carAlthough disries the theme appointed, Mr. “Kalayaan 2016: Aquino has kept quiet, directing doms they now enjoy. Pagkakaisa, Pagaambagan, Paghis officials to cooperate for a Those freedoms, he said, sulong.” smooth transition of power from are the fruits of the revolution Commemorative rites will his administration to Duterte’s. waged by the nation’s heroes be held in Cavite, Malolos in Today, Mr. Aquino leads the against colonizers, as well as the Bulacan, Angeles in Pampanga, nation in celebrating Indepen- struggle against martial law that Davao City, Cebu City and sevdence Day for the last time as culminated in the Edsa People eral parts of Metro Manila. President. Power Revolution in 1986. President Aquino will also He will lead the flag- raising “Hopefully, we use this cel- attend the launching of the Naceremony and wreath- laying at ebration as an opportunity to tional Historical Commission the Rizal National Monument reflect on the true meaning of the Philippines’ coffee table at Rizal Park in Manila at 8 a. m. of freedom and make this sig- book, “A Sense of Nation: The and play host to the diplomatic nificant for our countrymen Birthright of Rizal, Bonifacio corps in Malacañang. throughout the archipelago,” and Mabini.”

Flag in Spratlys

The Philippine flag will also be raised at 7 a.m. on all nine Philippine-occupied islands in the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, simultaneously with other military camps in the mainland. Collectively called Kalayaan Island Group, the Philippineoccupied islands in the Spratlys are Pag-asa (Thitu Island), Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), Likas (West York Island), Parola (Northeast Cay), Kota (Loita Island), Panata (Lankiam Cay), Lawak (Nanshan Island), Patag (Flat Island) and Rizal Reef (Commodore Reef ). The Philippines is locked in a territorial dispute with China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, including waters within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone called West Philippine Sea. The Philippines, and the rest of the world, are waiting for the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to hand down its ruling on a petition filed by the Philippines to invalidate China’s sweeping claim. President Aquino will step down from office at noon on June 30. Duterte, 71, will be sworn into office as the 16th President of the Philippines at noon on the same day. ■

LP submits SOCE on Tuesday, six days after the deadline BY FERDINAND G. PATINO Philippines News Agency MANILA — The Liberal Party (LP) on Tuesday submitted its Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) for the May 2016 polls, six days after the deadline set by

the Commission on Election (Comelec). The LP declared it has an even amount of contributions and expenditures totalling Php241,097,372.73. The SOCE, which was submitted to the Comelec - Campaign Finance Office (CFO), revealed that LP got a total of

Php181,080,000.00 cash contributions from non-members and Php60,017,372,73 cash donations from party members. The LP explained its cash expenditures amounting to Php60,017,372,73 came from their funds, while the Php181,080,000.00 cash ex-

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penses were from their nonmember supporters. The document was submitted in spite of the provision of Comelec Resolution No. 9991 stressing that submissions beyond the June 8 deadline “shall not be accepted.” According to the CFO, they will only accept the SOCE of

LP as part of their “ministerial” duty. The document was also filed even as the Commission en banc has yet to decide on the requests of the LP standard bearer Mar Roxas in the last May polls and the party itself to extend the filing period beyond the June 8 deadline. ■

Philippine News

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Pimentel to meet Duterte on agenda BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer SEN. AQUILINO Pimentel III, the presumptive Senate president, is set to meet with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on June 20 in Davao City to discuss the legislative agenda for the next six years. Pimentel told the INQUIRER yesterday he will also show Duterte the original signed Senate resolution electing him Senate president. The next Congress opens on July 25. At present, he said, the resolution has been signed by 13 senators and he expects the 14th, Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao, to sign it by Tuesday. Pimentel said Senator-elect Joel Villanueva had yet to sign

the resolution but had committed to do so, while he still had to talk to Sen. Ralph Recto about joining his “supermajority.” Pimentel said he was still hoping to talk to Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and convince him to join his supermajority group, along with the latter’s allies. Cayetano and his few supporters had claimed he had the numbers to be elected Senate President. On questions about committee chairmanships allotted to certain members of the supermajority as pointed out by Cayetano and Senator-elect Juan Miguel Zubiri, Pimentel gave a firm position on this issue. “I owe it to the early supporters who joined the majority that I will respect their first choices of committees, and if there will

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be changes it will be with their consent. There will not be any change without their consent,” Pimentel said. Cayetano and Zubiri had pointed out that the committees on public order as well as justice and human rights were

given to non-allies—Senatorselect Panfilo Lacson and Leila de Lima—when these were sensitive committees close to Duterte’s advocacy against drugs and corruption. But Pimentel said both De Lima and Lacson were a perfect fit for the committees since Lacson was Philippine National Police chief under President Joseph Estrada, while De Lima was a justice secretary. Meanwhile, Sen. Vicente Sotto III said Sen. Grace Poe was taken aback by Zubiri’s statement that he was among the senators who were “primary allies” of Duterte, when Zubiri campaigned with Poe and company in the elections. Sotto quoted Poe, who ran for president, saying: “How can (Zubiri) say that? We thought he was with us.” Sotto said he told Poe “we should have known better.”

Lacson, for his part, made it clear that he was “not at all against Duterte as averred by Senator Cayetano.” “In fact, I continue to believe the mayor can really make a difference in reducing crime and corruption in our country,” Lacson said in a text message. He said he had merely commented on Duterte’s undermining the integrity and independence of the Senate “because I felt it was my obligation to do so.” “Save for that, I’d rather not comment any further on Senator Alan’s obvious political trickery. No amount of intrigue and self-serving statements coming from him or anybody can alter what the majority of the senators of the 17th Congress consider a sealed and delivered Senate presidency to Senator Pimentel,” Lacson said. ■

Intel efforts intensified to locate lairs, hostages in Sulu BY PRIAM F. NEPOMUCENO Philippines News Agency MANILA — The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) on Tuesday announced that it has intensified efforts to track the exact locations of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits and the two remaining Samal Island hostages in Sulu. This in wake of the bandit group’s brutal beheading of Canadian Robert Hall on Monday and subsequent discovery and recovery of the victim’s head in front of the Jolo Cathedral at 8:45 p.m. of the same day. “What we are strengthening right now is the intelligence collection to detrmine once and for all, where they are hiding and the location of their hostages,” WESMINCOM spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said when asked on what counteractions the military is planning against the ASG. He added that heavy vegetation, difficulties in making undetected approaches, and the bandits’ mastery of the Sulu terrain, ability to blend with www.canadianinquirer.net

the civilian population due to kinship, and refusal of the ASG to fight, are the reasons why the military, despite the deployment of around 10 battalions in the province, is having a difficult time in tracking the brigands. Aside from Samal Island captives Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingtad and Filipina Marites Flor, Hall’s girlfriend, another five hostages are in the hands of the ASG in Sulu. These include Dutch birdwatcher Ewold Horn and four Filipinos. Hall was beheaded after both the Philippine and Canadian governments ignored the 3:00 p.m., June 13 deadline of the ASG which stipulated that they will execute one of the hostages if the Php600 million was not paid. Hall, Sekkingtad and Flor and Canadian John Ridsel were snatched by the ASG at a posh resort in Samal Island last Sept. 21. The ASG beheaded Ridsel last April 25 after the Philippine and Canadian governments refused to pay his PHP300 million ransom. ■

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

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Philippine News

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Land-based overseas work applicants must undergo mandatory online PEOS – Baldoz PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis Baldoz reiterated on Tuesday to overseas work applicants to undergo the mandatory online Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS Online) required by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. “I enjoin all Filipino overseas work applicants to adhere to this mandatory PEOS Online policy issued by the POEA which took effect this month,” said Baldoz, adding that this comprehensive, client specific, self-instructional, and computer-based education program seeks to provide prospective overseas Filipino workers with

relevant, quality, and more accessible information about overseas employment. The Labor chief underscored the importance to overseas job seekers the realities of working abroad which will help them in making a decision on whether or not to pursue overseas employment. The online PEOS is also designed as an anti-illegal recruitment and human trafficking strategy. It bridges the community based PEOS and the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar for overseas work-bound Filipinos. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has already issued Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2016, requiring all Filipinos seeking overseas jobs for the first time to undergo and complete the mandatory online pre-employment orientation seminar (PEOS Online).

In his report to Secretary Baldoz, POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the online PEOS is now a pre-qualification requirement for new overseas job applicants as mandated by Section 23, Rule VI of the Omnibus Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by R.A. 10022, the POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 6, Series of 2016, and the Revised Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Land-based Overseas Filipino Workers of 2016. “The mandatory PEOS also covers newly hired workers who have no prior record of deployment in the POEA database,” Cacdac said. The POEA administrator informed that the online PEOS was developed separately for the

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skilled and professional workers category and the household or domestic workers category. “New applicants should take the PEOS Online prior to submission of his application to a licensed recruitment agency. Likewise, the recruitment agency should submit for POEA processing only documents of workers who have completed the online PEOS,” Cacdac said. He said the online PEOS is free of charge and applicants should report to the POEA any person, entity or recruitment agency charging any fee for its use. The PEOS Online is accessible through the website www.peos. poea.gov.ph using any personal computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone with internet connection. Applicants without internet access may use the facilities of the POEA’s PEOS Online Hub, licensed recruitment agencies,

POEA Regional Offices, Public Employment Service Offices, and POEA private partners. Licensed recruitment agencies are also required to adhere to the full compliance and implementation of the memorandum circular by ensuring, primarily, that all their applicants have taken the mandatory PEOS online before accepting applications. They are also enjoined to offer their facilities for free for the applicants to take and complete the PEOS online. Licensed recruitment agencies that will violate the POEA Memorandum Circular, as well as applicants who submit false information or documents, will be held liable based on the 2016 POEA rules and regulations governing the recruitment and employment of land-based workers. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

Beheading of Canadian hostage draws outrage but no end in sight for Abu Sayyaf BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Enraged by the beheading of a second Canadian hostage by ransom-seeking Abu Sayyaf extremists, Philippine troops pressed a major offensive in the south Tuesday but there was no sign of an end to the small but brutal insurgency that a new president will inherit in about two weeks. With a black Islamic State group-style flag as a backdrop, Abu Sayyaf fighters beheaded Canadian hostage Robert Hall on southern Jolo island on Monday after a ransom deadline passed. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Philippine counterpart, Benigno Aquino III, expressed outrage and vowed to exact justice. Another Canadian, former mining executive John Ridsdel, was beheaded by the militants in April. The fate of two other hostages from Norway and the Philippines who were abducted with Hall and Ridsdel from a small marina on southern Samal Island in September remains unknown, according to the military. “This latest heinous crime serves to strengthen our government’s resolve to put an end to this reign of terror and banditry,” Aquino said through his spokesman. In Ottawa, Trudeau said his government is “more committed than ever to working with the government of the Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for these heinous acts and bring them to justice, however long it takes.” RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said the Mounties are helping local authorities give chase to the kidnappers, “but as you know, it’s a very difficult piece of geography and it’s a very complex and challenging environment.” The RCMP is conducting an extraterritorial investigation into the murders, meaning the perpetrators could one day face justice in Canada, he added. Hall was born in Calgary, but lived in various places in Western Canada, and his career path took him from insurance sales to welding to acting, the Globe and Mail reported after he was taken hostage last September. Monday’s beheading is the latest tragedy in the volatile mix of poverty, firearms, neglect and lawlessness that has cursed the southern Philippines. The resource-rich region, where foreign and domestic mining, pineapple and banana companies have made fortunes, has been engulfed by Muslim and Marxist insurgencies.

Screenshot of the footage showing the four hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf emerged in the early 1990s as an extremist offshoot of a decades-long Muslim separatist rebellion waged by a large group named the Moro National Liberation Front. But the nascent Abu Sayyaf lost its commanders early in combat, sending its mostly rural fighters on a violent path of criminality, banditry and terrorism. The group currently has about 400 fighters split into at least four factions. Aside from support from an informal network of armed groups, the Abu Sayyaf also finds a lifeline among relatives and friends in rural communities who shelter them and provide food, logistics and information when they are pressed by army offensives. Some local officials have also been suspected of providing support, regional military spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan said, explaining why the militants have endured in the mountainous hinterlands despite on-and-off military offensives against them. “There are an extraordinarily large number of troops now trying to find the Abu Sayyaf on Jolo island,” Tan said. “The problem really is how to locate them.” Early last year, a U.S. military force ended more than a decade of non-combat counterterrorism support, including satellite and drone surveillance, for Filipino troops battling the Abu Sayyaf, as the militants’ zeal waned. The underfunded military, one of Asia’s most ill-equipped, began focusing instead on external defence as territorial rifts with China in the South China Sea escalated. Under the new circumstances, the

Abu Sayyaf sprang back into action with ransom kidnappings of tourists from

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neighbouring Malaysia as well as the southern Philippines, including the Samal island marina where Hall, Ridsdel, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipino woman Marites Flor were taken at gunpoint last Sept. 21. Following Ridsdel’s beheading on April 25 and Canadian expressions of outrage, Aquino ordered an intensified offensive against the militants. He plans to fly to Jolo, about 960 kilometres south of Manila, this week to impart a sense of urgency in containing the Abu Sayyaf, according to two military officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about details of the trip with the media. One of the officials, a general, said Aquino has made tremendous efforts to end the Abu Sayyaf’s brutal presence before he steps down at the end of the month. As things stand, however, the incoming president, crime-busting Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, will have to take over the campaign to end the group’s insurrection. ■ With files from The Canadian Press.

Philippine News

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Republic of Finland Ambassador to the Philippines Petri Juhani Puhakka during the Presentation of Credentials at the Music Room of Malacañang. BENHUR ARCAYAN / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU / PNA

Noy: Let’s guard our democracy Vigilance vs martial law urged BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESIDENT AQUINO yesterday appealed to Filipinos to defend their freedom and democracy and remain vigilant, warning that the horrors of martial law under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos could happen again. In his last Independence Day speech before stepping down from office, Mr. Aquino hailed the transformation of the Philippines during his term from being the “sick man of Asia” to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. He said such progress came without disregard for the rule of law, due process and human rights. As the country prepares for a change in leadership, some people fear that Mr. Aquino’s successor, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, could take a more authoritarian path. Duterte, a thuggish, trash-talking former prosecutor, promised during the campaign to impose a curfew on the nation, kill tens of thousands of suspected criminals outside the justice system, and restore the death penalty. Campaigning for his administration’s candidates, Mr. Aquino warned Filipinos about a looming threat to democracy as Duterte powered to the top of the polls. The President never directly referred to Duterte on the campaign trail, but his message was clear and the identity of the source of the threat to democracy was unmistakable. But Duterte went on to win the May 9 presidential election by a landslide, and now the Philippines, just 30 years after the fall of Marcos, again faces the prospect of authoritarian rule.

In his speech titled “Never Forget/ Never Again,” Mr. Aquino urged Filipinos to be vigilant and to fight for their freedom lest it be curtailed anew. “May we never lose our patience with the ways of democracy, and may we never take it for granted or be passive in its defense,” the President said in an address to the nation during a reception for diplomats in Malacañang. “To our hard-won Filipino freedom, earned by the blood and sacrifice of martyrs, nurtured by the vigilance of an empowered people, may it never again be challenged, diminished or negated,” Mr. Aquino said. “We have shown that we can fight for democracy. We have shown that we can restore the democracy that was taken away from us. Today, we are able to prove that we can make democracy work for the good of our countrymen,” he said. Video presentation

Part of the President’s speech was a video presentation about how his father and namesake and the entire family suffered during the martial law years. His father, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., was assassinated at the then Manila International Airport, three years before the Edsa People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos from power. “A fellow Filipino had once stolen our freedom. This means that if we are not going to be vigilant, it could happen again,” Mr. Aquino said after the video presentation at the event that was also attended by top government officials and business executives. “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing,” Mr. Aquino said, quoting British-Irish statesman, philosopher and author Edmund Burke.

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Mr. Aquino’s presentation was a break from tradition. Instead of addressing the diplomats, for whom the event is held twice a year, the President chose to address the nation with a speech that was pregnant with meaning. Mr. Aquino maintained his silence on the election of Duterte, leaving the actions and pronouncements of the irascible mayor of Davao describe the threat to the Filipinos’ freedom. Friend of Marcoses

Duterte, 71, is a friend of the Marcoses and he just may be their stepping stone to an ultimate return to power. He had promised the Marcos family that he would allow the burial of the dictator at Libingan ng mga Bayani. The body of the dictator, who died in Hawaii in 1989, is preserved in a glass coffin in a mausoleum in his hometown, Batac, Ilocos Norte province. Duterte and the son of the dictator, outgoing Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., had a meeting in Davao City last week and discussed the burial of the strongman at Libingan ng mga Bayani in September. Senator Marcos told reporters after the meeting that he and Duterte also discussed the possibility of a Cabinet position for him after the yearlong ban on the appointment to government posts of politicians who had lost elections. Marcos narrowly lost the May 9 vice presidential race to Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo. But a Cabinet post would be an ideal launching pad for a run for Malacañang in 2022 for Marcos, whose strong showing at the polls, fueled by the millennial vote, indicated a weakness in education that could be exploited for his presidential ambition. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

3 senators to defy Duterte ‘You can’t stop us from probing abuses’ BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE SENATE will investigate government abuses and nobody, not even the President, can stop it from doing its job, three incoming senators said yesterday. Through separate text messages to the INQUIRER, Senators-elect Panfilo Lacson, Leila de Lima and Risa Hontiveros took an uncompromising stand after President-elect Rodrigo Duterte warned lawmakers not to stand in the way of his merciless fight against crime. Speaking to supporters in Cebu City whowere celebrating his electoral victory on Wednesday, Duterte said that on Tuesday night he told some congressmen, including incoming House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, not to make the mistake of conducting congressional inquiries into his anticrime campaign. “Don’t investigate me. The road ends with me. The buck stops here. We’re going to have a fight,” Duterte said. “I’m going to do what is right, as long as it is the truth.” Duterte was pushing the tough guy image, fortified with profanity-laced language, that he used to win votes during the campaign, but yesterday’s response from Lacson, De Lima and Hontiveros

indicated that he failed to chill spines in the Senate. ‘President can’t stop us’

Lacson, who is expected to head the committee on public order and dangerous drugs, said the Senate was not like a provincial, city, or municipal council that could be controlled by local executives. “Having said that, we will conduct investigations in aid of legislation whenever necessary, and nobody, not even the President of the Republic, can dictate and stop us from doing our job,” Lacson said in his text message. “The President should not and cannot stand in the way of our mandated duty,” he added. The Senate will use its powers when necessary, including the power to issue subpoenas and cite people who defy its authority for contempt, he said. Lacson stressed the importance of respect for others. “In a civilized society, respect deserves respect. On the other hand, unmannerliness deserves some rudeness,” he said. Intolerance

In her text message, De Lima said that if Duterte had not been misquoted, then his statements showed that people could expect from his administration “intolerance to any

form or measure of checks to possible abuses.” “The concept of checks and balances is seemingly lost on the President-elect,” said De Lima, who is expected to head the committee on justice and human rights. Duterte’s statements were intended to have a “chilling effect [on] Congress,” she said. But she said she believed lawmakers would not take his warnings sitting down and would investigate government abuses and “continue to fulfill their mandate as the people’s last guarantee against a possible tyranny of the executive branch.” Anticrime advocate

De Lima said, however, that she was a firm advocate of the fight against crime and corruption, and would not be a hindrance to any legitimate anticrime operation. “I don’t think any of us who will be sitting in the Senate and the House will unnecessarily hamper law enforcement just for the sake of conducting investigations,” she added. But if the war against crime tramples on human rights and disregards the rule of law, the senators will not be blind, she said. “When this so-called allout war against crime is conducted without regard for the rule of law

and human rights, then I think it would be an abdication of our mandate if we keep our eyes closed to abuses in the name of fighting criminality,” she said. “We were not elected by the people to be a rubber-stamp Congress,” she added. In her text message, Hontiveros said Senate investigations should not be seen as a hindrance to efforts to stamp out crime and corruption. “Congressional inquiries could improve an anticrime campaign, as well as prevent or correct any possible excesses in its prosecution,” Hontiveros said. But the separate, coequal branches of government must respect each other in carrying out their mandates, she said. There has been no reaction from the House of Representatives since Tuesday. Members of the chamber have been traveling to Davao in

recent days to pledge allegiance to Duterte, seen as necessary to securing the leadership of major House committees. Duterte, a longtime mayor of Davao City who has been linked to so-called death squads that have killed more than 1,000 suspected criminals in his municipality, was elected on an anticrime platform that included mass killings of lawbreakers. During the campaign, he promised to kill tens of thousands of suspected criminals and after his election on May 9, he announced bounties in the millions of pesos for drug bosses. He urged the public to help him fight criminals, offering medals to armed civilians who would kill drug dealers in their neighborhoods. Duterte also vowed to restore the death penalty, with hanging as the preferred method of execution. ■

PHP97,500 worth of ecstasy pills seized in QC buy bust PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Operatives of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (RAIDSOTG) arrested two persons and seized

from them almost PHP100,000 worth of ecstasy tablets in a buy-bust operation in Quezon City on Tuesday. National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Police Director Joel Pagdilao identified the suspects as Lilia Ong, 62, residing at no. 45 E. Rodriguez Brgy. Immaculate Concepcion Cubao,

Quezon City and Neil Songco, 47, residing at No.6 Consuelo st, Doña Petrona, Brgy Holy Spirit. Pagdilao said the suspects was nabbed around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday after they sold 10 ecstasy pills to an undercover officer during a buy-bust operation along Timog Avenue, near corner Morato, fronting Padi’s

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Point bar at Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City. He said that the suspects were under surveillance for two weeks. Also seized from the suspects’ possession were additional 50 ecstasy tablets, for a total of 60 pieces of the said drug, having a total street value of PHP97,500. The suspects are currently de-

tained and are facing charges for violation of selling dangerous drugs (Section 5), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. ■

Philippine News

JUNE 17, 2016

He will... issued through the press gallery in Ottawa: Robert Ward Hall was a selfmade man, in the truest sense of the word. He worked his entire life and honed his many talents in the pursuit of a life for his family, far removed from the hardships of his own youth. He owned and operated many small businesses in his life, from a small engine repair shop to a fresh pizza stand. He spent 25 years building his custom welding and fabrication business, which specialized in a variety of projects from custom truck decks to highly delicate aircraft repair. After retirement, he would use his years of experience, many technical and artistic skills, and engineer’s mind to become a consultant. But his real passions were lived outside of his businesses. A romantic to the very core, Robert believed in controlling his own destiny, and that hard work and a desire to succeed were the two main ingredients to any successful endeavor. He has been described as a “dreamer,” which he certainly was, but more than that he was an achiever. He didn’t sit around and dream about sailing the world; he got up and did it, made it happen. Robert was a race car driver, and as a young man he built and raced his own cars. He was a pilot, and took every opportunity to fly. Through the years we did many cross country trips to visit family, and most were done with him as the pilot. Robert was an athlete; an undersized two-way high school football player, a championship wrestler, a hockey player, and above all he loved the beautiful game. Later in life he would discover archery, fencing, and sailing. He was a coach; coaching a variety of soccer and hockey teams throughout his life, including a soccer team in the Philippines. When he moved out west, choosing to live on his boat and pursue part time acting jobs it became clear; he was only a marlin trophy away from the full Hemingway. He started another small business, a custom carpentry and home renovation/repair business. It was successful, and he had more projects than he had time to do them. His business card said simply “Any Damn Thing”. ❰❰ 1

Which is Robert in a nutshell, any damn thing you wanted built, fixed, serviced, repaired, redesigned, altered, simplified, or reproduced, he could do it. Through his consulting, Robert travelled the world; from Chile to China, Australia, and Thailand. It was on one of these trips that he discovered the Philippines. He was resolved to live there, to sail across the Pacific, with or without company, and make his home in what he called his paradise on earth. His great adventure, which he undertook with a single-minded determination, had its setbacks. Undaunted, in the fall of 2014, he set sail with his brother across the great unknown. In Hawaii, he found another setting that he was resolved to see more of, and after a brief stay, he again set sail; this time alone, across the Pacific. He loved everything about the Philippines. The people, he said, are warm and gracious. He took an active interest in his community and his neighbors, and coached a local soccer team. The port city of Davao, where he lived, was renowned for being one of the safest places in South East Asia. With its mild weather, friendly people and in the company of other expats, he knew that he had found his home. More importantly than the things he did, is the way he lived his life and the manner in which he impacted the people who knew him. He believed in right and wrong, in doing the right thing even when it was difficult or no one was watching, and in helping people who couldn’t otherwise help themselves. Robert believed in telling the truth, no matter what. He was rooted in the philosophies of responsibility, integrity, and respect. He instilled in his family that anything worth doing was worth doing right the first time, that shortcuts in life never pan out and that the question is more important than the answer. Robert believed in knowing your self-worth, and in never settling for less. He was a volunteer, a philanthropist, a coach, and a teacher. Robert Hall was a son, a brother, a father and a grandfather. He was a true friend to those he held close, and a mentor to those who needed guidance. He was friendly and open, always up

for a spirited conversation about anything and everything. He lived with the idea that you only had so much time, “only so many heartbeats” as he put it, and it was important to do as much living as possible while you could. All those who knew him were indelibly touched by his passing, and surely are seeking some sort of explanation in order to help make sense of such an unreasonable situation. Please know that the efforts taken to free Robert were vast and exhaustive. Every option was considered, every contact was sought. Ultimately, our efforts, and those of the various governmental agencies involved, weren’t enough. However; our family, even in our darkest hour, agrees wholeheartedly with Canada’s policy of not paying ransom to those who would seek to undermine the fundamental values with which my father lived his life. We stand with the ideals that built this country; strength of character, resilience of spirit, and refusal to succumb to the demands of the wretched, in order to satisfy the bloodlust of the weak. We will persevere. Robert will continue to live on in our hearts and minds, in our memories, in our children, and in the very manner in which we live our lives. Don’t forget him. And don’t forget about the other families who continue to suffer through these circumstances. To the Ridsdels, the Sekkingstads and the Flors; we stand with you in your time of grief and struggle, as your loved one stood with our Robert. Undoubtedly, there is now curiosity and interest in Robert and his life. But you’ll forgive us for staying away from the media. We ask that all media refrain from contacting any members of the family, and to please respect our privacy as we do our best to come to terms with this unspeakable tragedy. ■

✝

Robert Ward Hall 1949 - 2016

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FRIDAY

Iglesia row flares up anew at QC property BY JAYMEE T. GAMIL Philippine Daily Inquirer GUARDS POSTED by the Iglesia ni Cristo are barring the delivery of food and water to a disputed property in Quezon City, where the expelled siblings of INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo remain holed up almost a year after a leadership crisis rocked the influential religious group. This was according to lawyer Trixie Cruz Angeles, who said the property’s occupants—led by her clients, siblings Angel Manalo and Lottie Manalo-Hemedez—were being deprived of supplies since Thursday at No. 36, Tandang Sora Avenue. Told of the lawyer’s complaint, INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala issued a statement saying the church was just exercising its right as the legitimate owner of the property. He also cited “the unauthorized presence of unknown armed men” inside it. The Tandang Sora address has served as the home of the church’s founding family since the 1970s, but the internal feud that went public in July 2015 has since led to a legal battle between Hemedez and the INC over the property’s ownership. The INC then asked a Quezon City court to bar visitors to the property, citing security reasons, while Hemedez filed a complaint saying a 2015 document bearing her signature and affirming the sale of the property to INC was falsified. The city prosecutor’s office on May 6 dismissed Hemedez’s complaint for lack of evidence. In a phone interview on Saturday, Angeles confirmed reports that since Thursday, food and water deliveries were being “rejected” by INC-posted guards at the compound. On Friday, the lawyer said, the guards first stopped a food delivery in the morning but allowed a water delivery in the early afternoon when a representative of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) arrived. But later that same afternoon, they blocked Angeles’s staff when they tried to bring in more water. “They said we can only (deliver) during office hours, which is strange because we used to be able

to make deliveries up to 9 p.m. There are no ‘office hours’ when someone needs food and water,” Angeles told the INQUIRER. One of the guards told her staff that they needed to ask permission first from the INC legal office, she added. “The claim of INC is that they own the property. We had manifested before the court that ownership of the property has nothing to do with privacy. Ownership of the property does not negate the privacy of the occupants,” Angeles said. The guards also claimed that the order to restrict to deliveries came from public officials, she said. “They would mention different officials, from the mayor to the barangay, then even (incoming President Rodrigo) Duterte. That was yesterday. My staff heard that and we’ll take appropriate action on that. I seriously doubt that the incoming President would have said something like that.” In text messages to the media, Zabala, the Iglesia spokesperson, said the INC was just exercising its right as the legitimate property owner with legitimate security concerns. Zabala maintained that “Angel Manalo and Lottie Hemedez currently occupy a house inside a compound in 36 Tandang Sora, that is the property of our Church.” He said the INC was “gravely concerned” about the presence of unknown armed men in the property “without the consent of the Church.” “As custodians of the Iglesia ni Cristo, our officials have both the legal authority and moral responsibility to ensure that its properties are used properly and in accordance with the teachings of the Church, and not for illegal activities,” he said. “We wish to emphasize that we will continue to exercise our rights as the legitimate owner. It bears stressing that the unauthorized presence of unknown armed men at the said property, located in such close proximity to the central office— where Church officials work and where our executive minister, Ka Eduardo V. Manalo currently resides—is a legitimate security concern for us, just as it would be for any property owner similarly situated.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

‘Climate of timidity, fear’ Former CHR chair cites lessons of June 12, 1898 BY DJ YAP Philippine Daily Inquirer THE INCOMING administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is creating a “climate of timidity and fear,” a human rights advocate said on Friday as the Philippines prepared to celebrate Independence Day. In a message to the INQUIRER, Loretta Ann Rosales, former chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), said the incoming Duterte administration ought to be reminded of the lessons of June 12, 1898, and to refrain from policies and pronouncements antithetical to democracy. Duterte, the foul-mouthed mayor of Davao City who takes office as the 16th President of the Philippines on June 30, has announced an explosive anticrime campaign that includes the summary killing of criminal suspects, especially drug dealers, and warned the incoming Congress “not to make the mistake” of investigating his administration’s law-enforcement actions. The brash former prosecutor has also vowed to restore the death penalty, with hanging as the preferred method of execution. Rule of fear

“It is an old adage that has been said over and over again: A government that rules in a climate of fear does not make the place safer for its citizens. It only makes the citizens weaker before the government,” she said. Rosales, a survivor of human rights abuses during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, lamented what she called a creeping climate of self-censorship, noting that so few political leaders seemed willing to chal-

lenge Duterte on his views on human rights and free speech. “We experienced this in 14 years of dictatorial rule under Marcos where citizens were cowed into timidity and fear. We learned to liberate ourselves from fear and timidity when we gradually understood the meaning of our basic rights and responsibilities the way our forefathers did,” she said. “We were able to overcome the dictatorship. Let us learn our lessons from the past that we may not be cowed into timidity and self-censorship before it is too late,” she said. Intolerance for reminders

abdicate responsibility as law enforcers, making a mockery of the rule of law and civilized governance,” she said. Standing up to Duterte

Rosales said this was the reason why it was so important to make the human rights issue known to the public and to air the side of the CHR against the “current attitude of arrogance and condescension drawn from the might of the popular vote.” She was alluding to the statements of her successor, CHR Chair Jose Luis Martin Gascon, one of the few officials who dared to stand up to Duterte, earning him a stinging rebuke from the President-elect. In May, in response to a CHR report finding him liable for violations of the Magna Carta for Women for his outrageous remark about the gang-rape and murder of an Australian missionary during a prison riot in Davao City in 1989, Duterte told Gascon to shut up and called

Loretta Ann Rosales, former chair of the Commission on Human Rights.

Rosales said Duterte’s promrights, the CHR is prepared to ise to eradicate crime was welstand firm in the defense of or come, but his lack of tolerance promotion and fulfillment of for reminders about the obhuman rights for all people,” servance of human rights was Gascon said. alarming. The CHR chief said his role “While the entire nation fulwas only that of a “referee.” ly supports a relentless drive “As referee, our job is to call against crime, illegal drugs out if the line has been crossed. and corruption, the incoming Let’s not take offense. This is Duterte adminnot personal,” he istration exsaid. presses little tol“If there are erance or none at abuses in word all for those who or deed, we will remind him that It is an old adage that has been said say ‘this goes the rule of law, over and over again: A government against the Conincluding the huthat rules in a climate of fear does not stitution,’” he man rights law, make the place safer for its citizens. It said. must govern polonly makes the citizens weaker before “All leaders of icies in the purthe government. the nation, from suit of criminals the President while due proto the barangay cess must prevail tanod, has the in dealing with responsibility to those arrested,” she said. the CHR chief an idiot. act according to the Constitu“The daily news of buy-bust At a CHR event on Wednes- tion,” he said. operations arresting suspected day, Gascon spoke about the drug pushers and drug lords promises and threats made by Human dignity by an energized Philippine Na- the incoming Duterte adminisRosales said Independence tional Police is an encouraging tration, vowing to respond only Day could be a reminder to sign that there is much resolve to events and facts instead of Duterte and his people about in the drive to eradicate crime. speculations and rumor. their moral obligation to reBut to keep silent in the face “If the events and facts sug- spect human dignity. of summary killings without gest there’s repression rather “Today, we commemorate benefit of investigation is to than promotion of human the greatness of our forefathers

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as martyrs and heroes who did not hesitate to offer their lives that their sons and daughters and the generations thereafter would enjoy the freedom to be alive and live freely, to be respected and enjoy one’s human dignity, to pursue their development and self-worth through the full enjoyment of their human rights,” she said. These treasured principles, she said, are now enshrined in eight of nine international human rights treaties the Philippines has ratified and that oblige the country to comply with international human rights standards and norms. Duterte has said that human rights is a Western concept that does not apply to the Philippines. He has been linked to socalled death squads that have killed more than 1,000 criminal suspects in Davao City. He has denied any role in the killings and no charges have been brought against him. But during the campaign, Duterte vowed to kill tens of thousands of criminals and dump their bodies in Manila Bay, where the fish would grow fat from feeding on the corpses. ■

Philippine News

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

No stopping Leni assuming post even sans expense report BY DJ YAP Philippine Daily Inquirer THE LAWYER of Vice President-elect Leni Robredo said yesterday the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) of the Liberal Party would not imperil the assumption to office of the outgoing Camarines Sur representative. “With or without the filing of the SOCE of the LP, which nominated VPelect Leni Robredo, the latter can still assume the office of the Vice President since she had already filed her own SOCE,” said lawyer Romulo Macalintal. Macalintal said Robredo could assume her office even if the LP failed to submit its list of donors and expenses on time, arguing that the concerned provision in law was “of doubtful constitutionality.” “The will of the people cannot be set aside on mere misdoing or omission of the political party, which nominated a winning candidate,” he said in a statement issued by Robredo’s staff. Macalintal questioned the constitutionality of Section 14 of Republic Act No.

LENI ROBREDO / TWITTER

7166, or the Synchronized Election Act of 1991, which states that failure of the political party, which nominated the winning candidate, to file the SOCE could bar the latter from assuming office. He said the provision “violates the bill of rights provision that no person shall be deprived of his life, liberty or property without due process of law or without having been heard.” “The failure of the Liberal Party and former Secretary Mar Roxas to file their SOCE on time is a simple case of late-filing and not

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considered as ‘ nonfiling,’” Macalintal said. At most, he said the LP and Roxas might be asked to pay a fine ranging from P10,000 to P30,000 in the discretion of the Comelec as provided under paragraph 4 of RA 7166. “Thus, it is too premature to say that Robredo and other winning candidates could not assume office since their said assumption is still on June 30, 2016, and for sure by that time the LP would have already filed its own SOCE,” he said. The lawyer said that to say that Robredo

could not assume her position because of LP’s failure to file its SOCE would also mean that Senators-elect Frank Drilon, Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, Ralph Recto and Leila de Lima and all winning governors, mayors and other local elective officials nominated by LP could not assume their respective offices. Macalintal also questioned the legality of Comelec’s resolution that “submission of SOCE beyond the deadline shall not be accepted,” arguing that the “Comelec cannot prescribe what the law does not provide.” “There is no law prohibiting late submission of SOCE precisely because the law provides for penalties in case of late or nonfiling of SOCE,” he said. Macalintal cited hundreds of cases now pending with the Comelec involving winning candidates in past elections who failed to comply with SOCE requirement and yet were allowed to assume the offices for which they were elected. “I’m sure the party will submit before June 30,” Robredo said. She also assured the public that there were “no favors” demanded of her by her campaign contributors. ■

Sereno on silence: Reticence not cowardice BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer RETICENCE — a kind of reserve or cautiousness in speaking out—is not cowardice or weakness, Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno said during Independence Day rites at the Quezon City Hall yesterday. Apparently alluding to her seeming evasiveness in commenting on various controversial pronouncements made by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, Sereno said there was a proper time for the courts to join in the topics that the people have been discussing lately. The Commission on Human Rights recently lashed out at what it perceived to be a creeping climate of fear and timidity sparked by statements made by Duterte appearing to support extrajudicial killings of suspected criminals and journalists, including veiled warnings made to the legislature and the judiciary not to get in his way. The Chief Justice said it would be unfair to judge matters before they reached the court. “I ask for the reticence of judges, especially the Chief Justice. Reticence is not cowardice nor weakness. There is a right time to examine things,” Sereno said. The Chief Justice did not specify what

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topics people were talking about. During the Supreme Court anniversary rites on Friday, however, Sereno was pressed by reporters for comments on legal issues, such as the restoration of the death penalty and other policy pronouncements made by Duterte. “Until that (capital punishment) is a law, it does not yet become a justiciable matter. And even if it becomes a law, of course, you already know the requirements before a justiciable matter ripens before us. Until then, we will really need to keep our peace on this and observe,” she said. Sereno said the judiciary would continue to fulfill its role under the principle of checks and balances and its duty to interpret the Constitution. “The judiciary is here to ensure that the constitutionally identified values of the people are upheld and so we will see in what way the objectives of the government can be met within the parameters of the Constitution—when, only when, a controversy is before us,” she said. In her Independence Day speech, the Chief Justice spoke about what she thought was the definition of real courage. “True courage is finishing the good deeds that were began even if it would be others who would reap the praise,” she said. Joining the Chief Justice were acting QC Mayor Joy Belmonte and acting QC Vice Mayor Anthony Peter Crisologo. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

Miss PH-Earth bets asked: How can Duterte help? BY ARMIN P. ADINA Philippine Daily Inquirer

“#ChangeIsComing,” #MediaCensorship,” “#DeathPenalty” and “#Curfew” during the semifinal interview round.

IT WAS a Duterte-inspired 2016 Miss Viral answer Philippines-Earth coronation ceremony “El Niño is what we are facing right at the UP Theater in Quezon City on Sat- now. If we do simple things like planturday night. ing trees, then we will not experience In the final question-and-answer drought, right? So if we start now, we round, the Top 5 candidates were asked: will achieve La Niña,” said the commu“If you have a chance to talk one-on-one nication student from Ateneo de Zamwith [President-elect Rodrigo Duterte], boanga University, punctuating her rewhat assistance would you ask from him sponse with a toothy grin, indicating her for your climate change advocacy?” satisfaction with her answer. Twenty-one-year-old German-FilipiSchweighart responded to the topic no student Imelda Bautista Schweighart, “#TunayNaDiwaNgKalayaan.” who emerged the “Ang tunay na diwa winner, replied: “My ng kalayaan ay ang climate change adpagpapalawak ng isivocacy is banning pan (The true spirit genetically modified of independence is organisms (GMOs) Yes, there is the development of and genetically engia problem, the mind). First of neered seeds because but there is all, we must open our I believe in natua solution as minds and do more ral food in order to well. Let’s all research about the feed our mind, body fight together world in order to find and soul. So if we rebecause we are the solution to what ally want to feed our the people of is already happening minds and become ‘now’ and we around us. Yes, there smarter, let’s support will help each is a problem, but banning GMOs. I other to save there is a solution as would also encourage Mother Earth. well. Let’s all fight [Duterte] to put bike together because lanes here in Manila, we are the people and I will invite him of ‘now’ and we will to Puerto Princesa so help each other to he can see how clean it is there.” save Mother Earth,” she said. Schweighart, who is based in Puerto Schweighart will attempt to give the Princesa City in Palawan, won over 45 country an unprecedented three conother aspirants. The beauty pageant vet- secutive wins in the international pageran joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2013, eant scene, after the twin victories of the the same year 2015 Miss Universe Pia Philippines’ Jamie Herrell and Angelia Alonzo Wurtzbach first participated in Ong as Miss Earth in 2014 and 2015, rethe contest. The Palaweña went home spectively. empty-handed. Schweighart edged out another veteran for the top spot. Kiara Secret to greatness Giel Gregorio from the Filipino commuWhen asked how she plans to make nity in London, England, placed second this happen, Schweighart told the INand received the title “Miss Philippine- QUIRER: “You never tell anyone your sAir.” plan. That’s the secret to greatness.” Gregorio, 19, previously joined the “I am well-trained. You should exMutya ng Pilipinas and Miss World Phil- pect the true Filipino spirit on the [Miss ippines pageants. Earth] stage. You should expect stability Laoag City’s Loren Artajos was Miss in all aspects [of the competition] and Philippines-Water, while the Miss Phil- proficiency,” she said. ippines-Fire title went to AustralianThe pageant carried the IndepenFilipino Shannon Rebecca Bridgman dence Day theme, with the festivities asfrom Rosales, Pangasinan. sociated with the coming inauguration Melanie Mader from the Filipino com- of a new administration. munity in Vienna, Austria, was crowned The Miss Philippines-Earth pageant Miss Philippines-Ecotourism. selects the country’s representatives to A contestant who made it to the Top 12 the annual Miss Earth tilt. made her own mark with a remark that The Philippines is the best performtrended online. ing country in the Miss Earth pageant, Zamboanga City’s Bellatrix Tan with a total of three wins. Karla Paula picked “#ElNinoLaNina” from the Henry was the first Filipino to bag the trending topics on social media such as international title in 2008. ■

UNA wants to lead House minority bloc BY SAMMY F. MARTIN Philippines News Agency

LP, headed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., is already trying to negotiate with incoming Speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez to MANILA — United Nationalist Alliance be part of the coalition but PDP-Laban (UNA) is interested to capture the minor- is still negotiating with the Makabayan ity bloc in the House of Representatives. bloc to join the bandwagon. Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, presAlvarez said he would maintained that ident of UNA on Tuesday said he was in- there would still be a healthy opposition terested to run for speakership on July in the lower house, adding that “super 25, the opening of the 17th Congress. majority” in Congress did not mean But his partymate, Quezon Rep. Dani- Duterte was walking into a “virtual diclo Suarez has also insinuated that he too tatorship.” is interested to get the minority. He explained that with the clout of the “We need to field only one candidate. incoming Duterte administration, they We will resolve this issue before the are not heading for a “virtual dictatorship” opening,” Tiangco said. as defeated senatorial candidate and AlIn order to be the minority leader, the bayan Rep. Walden Bello has claimed. aspirant needs to run for speakership Bello said that Duterte might be the and if he gets the number 2 slot to grab most powerful leader since Marcos bethe minority leadership. All those who cause by 2019, nine of the retiring Sudid not vote for the winning speaker, be- preme Court members will be appointcomes part of the minority. ed by the next government. UNA, Makabayan bloc and the Liberal Alvarez recalled that he previously Party (LP) are the remaining political said that he would reduce the minority group that has not been declared as of- to a “bite-size” number of 20, he would ficial members of the growing “super still maintain a healthy opposition in majority.” Congress. Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Alvarez, Duterte’s handpick for Nacionalista Party, Lakas-Party, Nation- Speaker, has already the support of 260 al Unity Party (NUP), party list group, of the 290-strong House of RepresenLakas-CMD, Visayan and Northern Lu- tatives to clinch the Speaker post from zon blocsBCBC-Treatment-PhilipineCanInq_5x6_BW_01.pdf are already part of super ma- just three members9:37 in the 1 10/04/2016 pm incoming 17th jority. Congress. ■

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JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

PANGARAP : SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS

So, Do You Have a Bachelor’s Degree? BY BOLET AREVALO

AFTER A CREDENTIALS’ EVALUATION ABROAD, YOU MAY REALIZE THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY BACHELOR’S DEGREE AFTER ALL. Do you have a bachelor’s degree? Check again. You don’t have it. So you came with a copy of your transcript from the university and your diploma? And you are really mighty proud of your good grades and your honour citations from school? Where will that take you? For many of us, graduating from the university or college is an achievement of a lifetime. It is the conclusion of years of hard work and dedication to one’s studies, taking an average of four years and even more so for those

who need to review for and pass being pushed back to just where that it is much more dignified to licensure examinations to cap the you had once graduated from? grow old in the academe. In the achievement of their diplomas. The other reason I went for a school environment, the more Yet, what do you find out master’s degree was to be able grey your hair grows, the more when your credentials are eval- to teach in college or become a respect you gain. That does not uated by an accredited inter- college instructor. I kept moving make me so vain, does it? national body? Your four-year away from this dream because I Now that I am literally recourse is almost always just kept having children. The clos- duced to having just a bachelor’s equivalent to degree, does that two years of colmake the childlege. If you had hood dream an worked harder, impossible one? took two more Teaching has been a childhood What has this years to go for a dream. I have always believed that it migration done master’s degree, is much more dignified to grow old in to me? No career then lucky you. the academe. to speak of. ShatYou are now a tered dreams. bachelor’s deFast waning selfgree holder! esteem. But let I had my credentials evalu- est I got to teaching was doing me think again. ated and I am not sure how I employee orientations, product It may seem unfortunate feel about being downgraded briefings, and hosting events. I that, back in your home counto a post-secondary school or planned that, when the kids get try, you were required to fincollege graduate. Imagine how bigger and office work got more ish both primary and secondI went to night school for my stabilized, I would go back to ary school in only ten years. As master’s, heavy with a child at school and teach. such, you are two years short one point, to be able to get a litTeaching has been a childhood of your required school or acatle ahead of the pack and then dream. I have always believed demic preparation when you

go abroad. Minus those precious two years, you are virtually stripped of your bachelor’s degree. But, Can You Get a Job Without Your Bachelor’s Degree?

THE PROCESS OF APPROVAL FOR IMMIGRATION AS AN INDEPENDENT SKILLED IMMIGRANT LOOKS CAREFULLY INTO YOUR SKILLS AND EDUCATION AS QUALIFYING FACTORS. Yes, you can. Each and every local company will not ask you to show your international credentials evaluation certification or document. There are many companies that receive your resume as a tongue-in-cheek declaration of your academic background. If you say you are a bachelor’s degree graduate of ❱❱ PAGE 21 So, Do You

PUBLIC LIVES

Duterte and the media By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer REGARDLESS OF whether they voted for him or not, many Filipinos wish the incoming President, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, success as he prepares to assume the nation’s highest office. His victory in the recent polls, it has been said, signifies the voters’ disenchantment with the status quo and their desire for urgent change. Duterte knows what is expected of him. He should be given a chance to do his work with the least distraction. But the media should always be there to watch him, and not be afraid to criticize him whenever the need arises. As a candidate, he struck a familiar chord when he pledged willfulness and strong leadership in protecting the people against criminality, drugs, corruption, and inefficient public service. The media found his simple message powerful. What gave it greater resonance, however, was the inimitable style in which it was delivered. The invective, profanity, and obscenity that laced Duterte’s rambling speeches dramatically captured the resentments of an aggrieved public. This earned for him a stunning media presence that other politicians could only dream about. He doesn’t need this now.

After his landslide victory over out to be much more than that. of unnecessarily creating enemies, the ruling party’s standard-bearer, In unstructured monologues of being distracted from more urnearly every member of the political punctuated by a freewheeling Q&A, gent concerns, are multiplied several class pledged support for the Duterte Duterte has exposed more of his pri- times when the one talking happens presidency. That’s a strong signal for vate self, of his temperament, of his to be the head of state. him to claim a mandate to set new habits—indeed, of who he is—than The beauty of democracy, says Dapriorities for government. When he may be considered prudent for an vid Runciman, professor of politics formally assumes office at the end of elected president. The candor and at Cambridge, lies in the fact that the month, the new President is ex- bluntness may be refreshing, but, if democratic governments can change pected to present a more thoughtful this routine baring of souls is going course when they make mistakes. program of action than what could be to be the norm at press briefings, the “The politics of restraint has proved gleaned from his campaign speeches Office of the President can expect to good at correcting for the most seriand interviews. spend more time reinterpreting the ous errors of judgment that politiIn the meantime, the public can- President’s actions and off-the-cuff cians can make…. Autocratic regimes, not be blamed for wanting to take a statements than discussing pressing which are often better at taking snap closer look at the man, who, against matters of state. decisions, are worse at spotting when all odds, has won the those decisions are presidency. Beyond the wrong ones.” But the risks of being misinterpreted, of unintentionally the coarse language The restraint that triggering a crisis, of unnecessarily creating enemies, of being and the down-toRunciman refers to distracted from more urgent concerns, are multiplied several earth attitude asis built into the systimes when the one talking happens to be the head of state. sociated with him, tem, not in one indithe media are keen vidual’s capacity for to define him more sharply both as a Duterte is no doubt an interesting self-control. In a democracy, a presiperson and as the future president of and colorful person. In front of the dent listens to his party, his Cabinet, this country. crowds during the campaign period, his and, through the media, the public in Interestingly, between receiving unadorned persona formed a big part of general. But, more than this, he alwell-wishers, position seekers, and his appeal. They laughed with him when lows himself to be circumscribed in diplomats, the incoming President he mocked his rivals; they reveled in the his speech and in his actions by the has made himself available to the profanity he freely spewed against re- traditions of the office he occupies. inquisitive media quite a few times. vered figures and institutions. He may not personally care much These encounters—billed as “press Would this demeanor work the about the conventions and rituals of briefings”—were originally meant to same magic in the larger national the office, but he is sworn to care for inform the media about the individu- and global stage? It’s hard to tell. But what it represents. als being recruited into the Duterte the risks of being misinterpreted, of I amsure many of Duterte’s administration. They have turned unintentionally triggering a crisis, friends, allies, and supporters—peo-

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ple who genuinely care for him and worked hard to get him elected— have advised him to be more circumspect and guarded in his statements and behavior before the media. But, I imagine how hard it is to protect someone who recoils from being admonished and feels diminished by any attempt to change him. For no other reason than because he needs more time to sit down with his interesting Cabinet designates, organize them into a functioning team, and, with them, put together a coherent policy agenda, the incoming President might do well to avoid those streamof-consciousness briefings where he makes impulsive statements that require yet another briefing to explain. I think Duterte is aware of the function of the news media in a democracy. It is to watch government. In the performance of that function, they will reserve a special eye for the unexpected, the extraordinary, the bizarre, or controversial. In the process, they may sometimes bait their subject to say more than what he’s prepared to say. They are not picking on anyone when they do this. It’s just the way newsgathering is structured. The media are not President-elect Duterte’s enemy. There is no point in antagonizing them by wishing the death or rationalizing the murder of their most corrupt practitioners. ■

Opinion

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

AT LARGE

Impulse control By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer I SUPPOSE the country, if not the world, should be grateful that the Philippine president doesn’t have a “security briefcase” within reach. Judging fromHollywood movies, one of the first things a new American president learns is the code to unlock the briefcase that contains the trigger that will set off nuclear missiles in various parts of the continental United States. The world trusts that the man or woman who has the power to set off a nuclear conflagration is able to judge the level of threat that would justify letting loose Armageddon in our time. But imagine if that person is someone like our President-elect? This is a man who has, to put it kindly, problems with impulse control. We already know he cannot stop himself from telling crass jokes at a political rally, especially about his thwarted desire to be first in line at the gang rape of a murdered Australian missionary. We already know he cannot stop himself from releasing a wolf whistle upon catching sight of a certain female reporter, even if it’s in the midst of a public, televised press conference. And he doesn’t have enough self-control to bite his tongue when provoked to curse, cuss

and drop f-bombs, even if the target clear war, he would do so at the least absolutely refuses to apologize after of his ire are such venerable entities provocation, maybe beginning with he himself, I suspect, realizes that he as the Catholic Church and the Unit- the annoying media who cover his “misspoke,” there is no quelling the ed Nations. midnight press conferences. hard feelings he provokes. We also know that as a public of*** *** ficial, he believes that the best way DURING his most recent meet-and- LET me close this by quoting from to deal with suspected criminals greet, Duterte issued a vague promise a statement of Pilipina, a national is through summary execution. about undergoing a “metamorpho- women’s organization (disclosure: I Though there is no direct proof that sis” once he takes his oath as Presi- amnational chair, although I had no he encouraged or at least tolerated dent. He vowed to temper his lan- hand in crafting the document) in rethe infamous Davao Death Squad, guage and to avoid losing his temper. action to the tsunami of harsh words his public statements make clear But why can’t he do it now? He’s issued by Duterte. The statement is that he would have no problem if it not a kid who needs the permission of originally in Filipino, and I have simwent on a renewed rampage. Heed- his bosses (to borrow PNoy’s term) to ply translated portions of it. ing his signal, mayors around the turn a new leaf. He knows he’s a pub“We in Pilipina, an organization country have begun conducting lic figure, and as the incoming Presi- working for the rights of women,” their own variations of shaming and dent, he should be aware that the it opens, “have been working for slamming. He even the last 35 years encouraged the for ‘gender equalIt is not in our culture to consider as possessions of the communist New ity’—equality for all man or father or boss his wife, child or women employees, who People’s Army to genders, in laws and could be treated rudely or be forced into sex. convene a “kangaimplementation, roo court” to try a and in all leading inpolice officer suspected of being a country, nay the world, is looking at stitutions that shape culture and sodrug pusher. and listening to his every action and ciety—the family, education, religion, As for murdered journalists, they gesture, every word and statement. mass media, the arts, and most of all are to blame for their own deaths, he What the President-elect needs at today, the government. One reality declares. Not all are martyrs to press this time, it seems, is not a modera- we have sought to confront since the freedom, he says, some are corrupt tor or a crafter of public statements, beginning has been ‘non-sexist chilor have earned powerful enemies. but an interpreter, or perhaps a spin drearing,’ or the raising and educatBut unlike the bile he reserves for all doctor, who can soften the blow of his ing of children as equals, to respect sorts of criminals, he has only justi- offensive statements, and rephrase others, no matter their gender.” fications to offer for those who kill his often injudicious remarks. But as Which is why, says the statement, journalists or have them killed. it happens, once the words leave his Pilipina is calling on the MayorMaybe that’s why I believe if he mouth, there is no taking them back, turned-President “not to show this had the opportunity to set off a nu- or sugarcoating them. And since he kind of behavior to our children, our

nieces and nephews, our grandchildren, especially on national TV and radio.” “Your behavior of whistling at a woman who was merely doing her job, and even your kissing women who approached you during the campaign, your cursing of other people, especially of mothers. Please don’t say that your use of ‘gutter language’ is a product of your breeding or a manifestation of prevailing culture. “Filipino culture is humane and respectful of mothers, colleagues and children. Filipino culture is compassionate, especially with our poorer brethren. Filipino culture is respectful of the elderly and of women. It is not in our culture to consider as possessions of the man or father or boss his wife, child or women employees, who could be treated rudely or be forced into sex.” As for those who say that wolfwhistling or overt harassment is just a sign of “admiration,” the women ask: “How do we teach our youth that this is wrong? That women are not possessions or playthings of men? That the so-called reality of a macho culture should not be emulated because it violates the dignity of women?” For whatever it’s worth, the next six years should prove to be verrry interesting indeed. ■

LOOKING BACK

How we became the way we are By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer WHILE THERE is some pessimism regarding the implementation of the K-to-12 program, I believe it is a bitter pill we have to swallow for longterm gains. Some countries will not employ Filipinos, regardless of the graduate and postgraduate degrees they hold, if they lack two years in the 12-year basic education that is now the worldwide standard. We are just talking here of years clocked in, and not even venturing into the issue of the basic education curriculum and the effective delivery of its content. Over the years, watching my favorite nephew grow, I have always inquired about his history class in an upscale private school to compare it with my own basic education, as well as that given to public schools. I marvel at my nephew’s school that both delivers an appreciation for facts (narrative and memorization) and develops critical thinking. Once, my nephew asked his mother to make him a conquistador costume for a report he was to deliver in class. He wrote the text himself

and memorized the story of Pedro Alvares Cabral, who “discovered Brazil.” When he ran the report by me I asked, “Were there people in Brazil when Alvares Cabral arrived?” After he replied with a big “Yes,” my followup question was: “If there were people there, how could Alvares Cabral discover Brazil?” At this point my sister stepped in, worried that her son would be confused or, worse, flunk his history class. I assured her that if critical thinking became a problem, I would speak to the teacher myself. To my surprise, my Grade 3 nephew reacted to the arguing adults by declaring: “Alvares Cabral did not discover Brazil. That’s why we refer to them in school as explorers rather than discoverers.” How I wished he had made a report on Ferdinand Magellan instead. How I wished I had this kind of history class when I was in Grade 3, a class that imparts the difference between history (narrative of the past) and historiography (how historical narratives are constructed). When Prof. Danilo Madrid Gerona titled his recent book “Ferdinand Magellan: The Armada de Maluco and

the European Discovery of the Philippines” he rightly asserts the Filipino point of view. It is a nationalist reading that can also argue that maybe it was the islands, later named “Filipinas,” that discovered Magellan! Remember that Magellan named the islands “Islas de San Lazaro” because he “discovered” them on the Feast of Saint Lazarus in 1521, while the name Filipinas was given by Villalobos in 1544 to the islands of Samar and Leyte, when the archipelago was then known as the “Islas del Poniente” (Islands of the West). Imagine if we didn’t adopt the name Filipinas and became Filipinos. We would be “Lazareans” or “Lazareanos” today. Worse, we could even be referred to as “Ponientas,” which resembles Gen. Antonio Luna and Manuel L. Quezon’s favorite expletive. I grew up with a history based on nationalism that rightfully rejected the colonial periods under the Spanish, the Americans, and the Japanese. What I find wrong with this in retrospect was the hatred for a time we cannot return to, a revulsion for a history we cannot reverse or change. When I teach history, I try to help

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my students develop an open nationalism in tune with the globalizing world, rather than repeating the xenophobic anticolonial nationalism I learned during the 1960s. Referring to the Magellan Expedition as the European discovery of the Philippines, while correct, requires some retooling to be more inclusive. When Magellan arrived in Cebu in 1521, he found a busy port with Arab, Thai, Chinese and perhaps Japanese traders passing through, carrying goods from all over the world. These foreigners trading with Rajah Humabon neither needed to discover the Philippines nor wished to colonize, civilize, and Christianize its people. What we should learn from the Magellan Expedition today is how the Europeans and the “Filipinos” discovered one another in 1521, and how this encounter made us into what we are 400 years since. There seems to be no national committee preparing for the 2021 commemoration of this encounter. I hope that when it is organized, its members would look into the way the Columbus Expedition was commemorated in 1992, not as the “Discovery

of America,” but as the more inclusive and politically correct “encuentro de dos mundos.” It was an encounter of twoworlds: the old (Europe) and the new (America), each with its own culture and history. AUnesco document on the 1992 commemoration not only explains the encounter but also describes it as: “a unique opportunity to reflect on the circumstances and consequences of the meeting of peoples and of their cultures, on their successive borrowings from, and contributions to, one another, and on the resulting transformations that have so profoundly affected the general evolution of mankind.” Reading that in 1992 weaned me from the antiSpanish and anti-American Philippine history I learned in school. Now that I amolder, and hopefully a wee bit wiser, I see how the past can be relevant, to push the present into the future. The way history is taught in schools provides Filipino students with a choice to wallow in the past and blame it for all our present ills, or to be liberated from it by understanding the process of how we became the way we are. ■

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Canada News Health Canada acknowledges lack of data about potency, classification of W-18 THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — Health Canada has taken a step back from claims that W-18 is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl, now acknowledging more research is needed. The department issued a statement Tuesday clarifying its position on the drug after experts questioned widely circulated assertions about its potency and classification. Health Canada said it referred to W-18 as a synthetic opioid to align with multiple sources, including the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Abuse, and because the limited scientific information available compared it to morphine. However, doubts about this classification have been raised recently by a number of “credible sources,” the department said. “It has been noted that, at

present, while the only publicly available scientific report compares W-18 and related compounds to opioids, it does not determine whether or not W-18 binds to opioid receptors in the body,” it said. “The department is aware of ongoing studies to determine the mode of action of W-18 and will continue to assess new information as it becomes available.” W-18 is a chemical created at the University of Alberta between 1977 and 1979 as part of a drug-design project aimed at creating a compound for pain relief. It was never produced commercially and the series was eventually shelved. Police and health officials have issued several warnings about the drug, which they say is extremely dangerous. Canada recently made it illegal to produce, possess, import, export or traffic W-18 after the substance was identified during several drug seizures. In a June

1 news release, Health Canada said W-18 “can be 100 times stronger than fentanyl.” But the inventor of W-18, Ed Knaus, has pointed out that he and other researchers who developed the drug never compared its potency to fentanyl. Health Canada said on Tuesday that the only publicly available report on W-18 is the 1984 patent application, which included a study that used mice to test the pain-relieving activity of the compound. The results were compared to several other drugs, including aspirin and morphine. The research found it takes 10,000 times more morphine than W-18 to produce the same analgesic effect in mice. Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine. Therefore, if the research results are interpreted to mean W-18 is 10,000 times stronger than morphine, that would make the drug 100 times stronger than fentanyl. However, Bryan Roth, a phar-

SCREENSHOT FROM YOUTUBE

macologist at the University of North Carolina, has said the study results don’t necessarily mean W-18 is 10,000 times more dangerous than morphine. He is conducting his own research on W-18. On Tuesday, Health Canada noted the limitations of the research but said the available data suggests a “potentially severe risk for harm to individuals.” “In addition, the lack of data ... could lead users to rely on

self-reported experiences and other information from user web forums, which may be inaccurate.” Health Canada emphasized that it is not currently known whether overdose-reversing agent naloxone would be effective for someone who had taken W-18. However, administering naloxone would not hurt the person, and 911 should also be called for emergency medical assistance, it said. ■

Dellen Millard and Mark Smich: former best friends and their other charges BY LIAM CASEY The Canadian Press HAMILTON — The accused killers of a Hamilton man whose remains were found burned beyond recognition face another murder trial next year in the death of a young woman. But a judge in Hamilton did not allow any mention of the upcoming proceedings during the lengthy trial of Dellen Millard and Mark Smich, who are accused of killing Tim Bosma and torching his body in an animal incinerator three years ago. Both Millard, 30, of Toronto, and Smich, 28, of Oakville, Ont., have pleaded not guilty to the murder charges in the death of Bosma, who disappeared on May 6, 2013 after taking two men for a test drive in a truck he was trying to sell online. The two men — who court heard first met via drug dealing and later committed “mis-

sions” together, code name for thefts — are also charged with first-degree murder in the death of Laura Babcock, a 23-year-old woman from Toronto who disappeared in the summer of 2012. Police says Babcock, whose body was never found, was romantically involved with Millard. The trial into her slaying is expected begin early next year. Smich’s lawyer, Thomas Dungey, said his client intends to plead not guilty to those charges. Millard did not respond to a request for comment, but at a court appearance for that case early this year, he said he intends to represent himself at trial. The circumstances of Bosma’s disappearance and the massive search for the married father of a two-year-old girl made headlines across the country. The graphic testimony during the trial, which often prompted Bosma’s widow and

other family members to burst into tears or rush out of the courtroom, hogged headlines in Ontario for months. Millard chose not to testify, so the jury didn’t hear him talk about his friend and co-accused. Smich, who did take the stand, described the relationship in detail. The two first met after Millard called Smich looking to buy drugs, Smich testified, describing himself as a small-time drug dealer. “As time went on, our bond was stronger and I felt like he was a brother to me,” Smich said of Millard. On the surface, the two had vastly different backgrounds. Millard was the heir to an aviation empire — Millardair — that his grandfather started more than 50 years ago. He owned numerous real estate properties in and around Toronto, several cars, trucks, planes and a helicopter. Court heard Millard travelled the world — and once www.canadianinquirer.net

competed in the famous Baja off-road race in Mexico. Smich testified he was broke, sold drugs as his only means of income and held odd jobs throughout his life. He said he also worked for Millard in odd jobs that ranged from painting his friend’s house in western Toronto to doing manual labour at the hangar in Waterloo, Ont. Millard would sometimes pay him in weed, shoes or would cover his cellphone bills, Smich said. The two bonded over video games, he added, and would play Halo for hours on end with other friends at Millard’s house. They often partied together. “We both liked to smoke weed and hang out,” Smich testified. Smich also told court they stole together, from trees to trailers to a “skid steer” — a small loading vehicle used in construction. One time, he said, after the two enjoyed chicken wings and beer in a restaurant, they stole a floor polisher that

was in the bed of a pickup truck in the parking lot. Smich said neither knew what it was, but they stole it anyway. The tight friendship changed at some point after Bosma’s death, court heard. Smich testified it was Millard who shot and killed Bosma in his truck and then burned his body. He said he helped cover the crime because he was terrified of his “lunatic” friend. Millard’s lawyer, meantime, says Smich accidentally killed Bosma while he was trying to steal his truck. Millard didn’t mince words in secret jailhouse letters that he sent to his girlfriend, Christina Noudga. In one letter from the summer of 2013, read out in court, Millard said Smich screwed up the truck robbery and he only helped clean up his mess. In another letter, Millard wrote: “And treacherous Mark; got himself charged by trying to put it on me.” ■

Canada News

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

Official Opposition... country — literally vative Party’s Stephen Harper from Newfoundland as Prime Minister, the number to BC — and morale of Filipino immigrants in Canais very high. Canada’s Conser- da raised significantly. Accordvatives have never been more ing to the Canadian Magazine united, energized and deter- of Immigration, Filipinos in mined to regain the trust of Ca- Canada grew to 454,335 in 2011 nadians in 2019,” she says. “The from 232,665 in 2001. core of our programs and poli“For a number of years uncies has not changed.” der the previous Conserva“Conservatives remain the tive Government, Canada reparty of small government, free ceived more immigrants from markets, low taxes, and helping the Philippines than from Canadians achieve the best for anywhere else in the world,” their families,” she adds. Ambrose says. “We made imThe Conservative Party also provements to the Temporary continues to “stand in stark Foreign Worker program helpcontrast” to the Liberals’ fiscal ing Filipinos find employment management. in places like Saskatchewan and According to Ambrose, the Alberta.” fiscal management of the curConservatives’ core values rent government “includes resonate with Filipinos the borrowing billions of dollars, most, according to Ambrose. plunging Canada into deeper “We lowered the tax burden on debt and deficit, and then rais- Canadians to its lowest level in 50 ing taxes on families and busi- years, which definitely made an nesses to pay it back.” impact. We had a number of tax“This is not the recipe for a saving initiatives to help not just healthy econoFilipino families, my, and we will but all families,” continue to enshe says. “Unforgage with all Catunately, the curnadians on this [...] no other rent government in the coming Party has a is rolling back a months,” Ambetter record number of those brose vows. of bringing initiatives that Canadians of many families Diversity in the all different relied on, like the party backgrounds Universal Child The Conservatogether. Care Benefit, tax tive Party boasts credits for chilof diversity in dren’s arts and its members. fitness activities, The first Musand the Tax-Free lim and Hindu Members of the Savings Account.” Parliament (MP) belong to the party. As well as the first MPs of On the 118th Philippine Chinese, Greek, and Japanese Independence Day descent; senators of Korean, In lieu of Filipino-Canadians’ Pakistani, Vietnamese and even celebration of Philippine IndeFilipino descent are members pendence Day, Hon. Rona Amof the Conservative Party. brose sends a message to the “Diversity within the Con- Filipino community in Canada. servative Party is imperative to “I’d like to start by wishing ensuring we represent the best everyone a Happy Philippine interests of all Canadians. We Independence Day!” the Leader have a strong history of being of the Official Opposition says. the party that best represents “The Filipino community in the aspirations of all Canadi- Canada is so strong — more than ans,” Ambrose says. 700,000 people. The friendship “Past and present, no other between our two countries has Party has a better record of always been resilient. And we bringing Canadians of all differ- were proud to be at the forefront ent backgrounds together, and of international efforts in 2013 that’s a record we’re very proud in response to the catastrophe of,” she says. of Typhoon Haiyan.” “You are an integral comConservative Party and Filipino munity to the make-up of our immigrants great country! I hope everyone Filipinos are among the larg- has a great time with family and est foreign-born groups in Can- friends, and an enjoyable celada. During the term of Conser- ebration.” ■ ❰❰ 1

OECD lauds Ottawa’s approach to boosting economy; raises concerns over housing THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL — Canada got a pat on the back from the OECD for trying to boost economic growth through infrastructure spending, but the international economic think-tank said more action is needed to address overheating in major pockets of the housing market. “Canada actually is a good example of a country taking the right measures to break out of the low-growth trap,” Angel Gurria, secretary general of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, said Monday during a news conference with federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Higher public investment in Canada means that monetary policy isn’t being left to do all the “heavy lifting” to support the economy, Gurria said. While many countries are curtailing spending, Gurria said Canada is pursuing a different approach to improving sluggish economic growth since the 2008 world financial crisis. Initial signs are promising, with unemployment falling and growth reviving despite wildfires in the Fort McMurray area that hammered the oilpatch and Alberta’s economy, he added. Morneau said the plan to make $50 billion in strategic investments over six years is forecast to grow the country’s economic output by 0.5 per cent this year and one per cent

BILL MORNEAU / FACEBOOK

in 2017, creating 100,000 jobs. “There’s no doubt it’s a challenging time for the global economy and we recognize that external developments continue to impact the outlook for Canada,” he said. He pointed to the volatility of oil prices, the Chinese economy, the strong U.S. dollar and the state of the Canadian housing market. The OECD said in a report that the federal government has taken action to cool the housing market, such as boosting down payments for insured mortgages beyond $500,000 but recommended further measures targeted to regional markets. The report also noted the sharp increase in housing prices in major centres such as Toronto and Vancouver along with a rise in already high household debt. It said those factors are squeezing middle class families.

Morneau said it is a complex market with different situations in cities. “In order to come up with the right approach to ensuring that Canadians can continue to buy homes, we are looking very closely at all the dynamics in that market,” he told reporters. Among the areas being examined are demographic changes, labour markets, and the impact of foreign investment in housing. The OECD’s report also said Canada’s non-resource industries have offset some of the economic weakness created by slumping commodity prices. It said output has dropped sharply in Canadian industries affected by commodity prices but had risen in the rest of the economy. The Paris-based organization said the shift towards nonresource sectors has led to new job creation to offset some of the losses in the energy sector. ■

Saskatchewan native group angry over parole for residential school sex offender THE CANADIAN PRESS SASKATOON — A Saskatchewan aboriginal group says granting parole to a man who sexually assaulted young boys at a residential school is “a slap in the face” to his victims. The Federation of Sovereign www.canadianinquirer.net

Indigenous Nations says it’s outraged at the decision in April by the Parole Board of Canada in the case of Paul Mary Leroux. In December 2013, Leroux was convicted of indecent assault and gross indecency for attacks on young boys while he was a dormitory supervisor at the Beauval Indian Residential

School between 1959 and 1967. He was sentenced to three years in prison, but that was overturned on appeal by the Crown and changed to eight years. The Appeal Court decision said Leroux was not remorseful and had not accepted responsibility ❱❱ PAGE 18 Saskatchewan native

Canada News

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

G4S defends employee screening practices following Orlando, Edmonton shootings BY DAN HEALING The Canadian Press CALGARY — The security company that employed both the Florida nightclub gunman and an armoured car guard who killed three co-workers in Edmonton in 2012 has defended its hiring practices, but says it cannot guarantee employees won’t commit violent crimes. Communications director Katie McLeod of the Canadian arm of U.K.-based G4S says the global security company does as much as it can to investigate prospective employees before hiring them, using both government and its own checks to screen them. “In Canada, you must have your provincial security licence

before you are even considered for employment and that follows all sorts of processes with the different provincial authorities,” McLeod said Monday. “It varies from province to province,” she added. Omar Mateen, a G4S employee in Orlando, Fla., has been identified as the gunman who killed 49 people and wounded more than 50 others in an attack early Sunday on a gay nightclub in the city. Shares in G4S fell Monday after it emerged that Mateen worked for the firm. The company said Mateen was subject to a detailed screening and checks by U.S. law enforcement, which reported no findings to G4S. The FBI has said he was interviewed twice in 2013 after making inflammatory comments

to co-workers and, in 2014, he was found to have had ties to an American suicide bomber. In 2012 in Edmonton, an armed G4S guard killed three coworkers and wounded a fourth while they were servicing a University of Alberta campus ATM. Travis Baumgartner pleaded guilty to one count of firstdegree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted murder in the Edmonton slayings and was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 40 years. He fled the shootings with more than $300,000 before being apprehended in British Columbia at the Canada-U.S. border two days later. McLeod said G4S has since sold its armoured car division, which required staff to be

Pipeline leak fouls creek near grizzly bear protection area in northwestern Alberta BY DAN HEALING The Canadian Press

sponse plan,” ConocoPhillips said. “We have deployed over 150 responders to the site with equipment to contain the release and mitigate any environmental impact.” The company said it reported the leak to the Alberta Energy Regulator. It said it has erected fencing and amphibian barriers

cess, collecting water and soil samples and submitting a final report to the AER. The provincial agency said its CALGARY — A pipeline leak has staff are at the site, which is in spilled 380,000 litres of light pethe Little Smoky caribou range troleum within five kilometres and near a core grizzly bear of a provincially designated grizzone. It says condensate was zly bear zone in northwestern visible as a sheen on the surface Alberta, with some of it reaching of the creek for about 4.5 kiloa nearby creek. metres below the pipeline leak. Producer The creek ConocoPhillips flows to a beaver Canada says in a dam and then statement postinto the Simed Tuesday on The pipeline has been shut down and onette River. its website that isolated and we have activated our The AER said the leak of conemergency response plan. the sheen was densate, a liquid not visible on produced with the river but an natural gas, was analysis indicatseen at a pipeline ed hydrocarbons right-of-way near its Resthaven to keep wildlife away from the present at slightly above minigas plant about 65 kilometres area. A wildlife biologist is also mum detection limits. northeast of Grand Cache last on site. The regulator said no cause Thursday afternoon. The regulator said in a news for the leak has been estabCompany staff also observed release Tuesday that it had is- lished and an investigation is condensate in nearby Webb sued an environmental protec- underway. Creek. tion order to ConocoPhillips diOne of the key uses of con“The pipeline has been shut recting the company to contain densate is to dilute raw Alberta down and isolated and we have the release and prevent it from oilsands crude to allow it to activated our emergency re- spreading, while controlling ac- flow in a pipeline to market. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

armed, to Montreal-based rival GardaWorld. Spokeswoman Melanie Otero said in an email Monday that GardaWorld conducts criminal background and global homeland security checks on all North American personnel and also verifies their previous three years of employment before hiring. According to B.C.’s security licensing program website, prospective security licence applicants in British Columbia must provide digital fingerprints, be sufficiently fluent in English for their job and pass a criminal record check. It says licence applicants and licence holders must report any existing or new mental health condition for which he or she is receiving treatment. McLeod said G4S employs a

third party to undertake a fiveyear employment history verification on all employees and contractors before hiring. She added that while American G4S employees carry guns at times while working, that’s not true of its 9,000 Canadian employees. “Our guards are not armed,” she said. G4S is active in some 100 countries and has 610,000 employees. It came under fire during the 2012 London Olympics after failing to provide the number of security guards promised to protect the games. The British military had to be called in to fill the gap. ■ With files from The Associated Press

Saskatchewan native... for his crimes. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron says the legal and judicial process surrounding the case has revictimized the residential school survivors Leroux assaulted. “This sexual predator is basically allowed to destroy the lives of innocent children with minimal consequences,” Cameron said in a news release Tuesday. Eric Sylvestre, chief of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, said survivors have been victimized again by the decision to grant Leroux parole. “The detrimental effects of Leroux’s criminal actions have impacted our people for their entire lives and caused irreparable damage to them and their families. The decision by the ❰❰ 17

national parole board to release Leroux shows that the suffering he has caused means nothing to the ... parole board,” Sylvestre said in the same release. The Beauval school was operated by the Roman Catholic Church from 1895 to 1983. It wasn’t Leroux’s first conviction for abusing boys and youth. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1998 for abusing 14 boys and young men at Grollier Hall, a residential school in Inuvik, N.W.T., run by the Roman Catholic Church. Those convictions were for gross indecency, indecent assault and attempted buggery between 1967 and 1979. Leroux worked as an activities supervisor and guidance counsellor at Grollier. ■

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

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JUNE 17, 2016

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FRIDAY

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS:

Edward Edison Antejos: Re-discovering His Pinoy-ness From the Scent of Mom’s Kitchen BY BOLET AREVALO

A BOWL of piping hot rice and salted, dried herring (tuyo, in other words) with salad made of fresh cilantro, tomatoes and onions on the side. Who would think that such simple meal makes this executive sous chef happiest? But the journey to becoming a Fil-Canadian is not that simple. Edward Edison Antejos speaks of his evolution from a shy Filipino-originated boy to someone who is excited today to showcase his origin through Pinoy cuisine. Ed is actually second-generation Filipino in Canada, with both parents having come in the 70s. Mom Sonia is from Bicol while Dad Edward

is from Dumaguete City. Sonia and Edward Sr. met in Richmond, BC and got married in 1975. While Ed Jr. failed to learn to speak Tagalog fluently, Mom’s fine cooking successfully trained his palate to like mostloved Filipino food such as adobo, kare-kare, bopiz, dinuguan, pancit, lumpiang shanghai and lumpiang sariwa, to name a few. But appreciating these dishes gastronomically is entirely different now that he is learning to see value in their uniqueness and potential. But that is not how his story started. Whether by accident or by fate, most of Ed’s life revolved around restaurants, hotels and kitchens. It was not a choice at the beginning because choice was something he did not recognize at first. As a normal high school graduate, he went

So, Do You... a 4-year course, then you are a bachelor’s degree holder. Perhaps the assumption is that the immigration process has filtered out the independent skilled immigrants who are coming in on the basis of their skills and education. As for the other immigration programs, like the Caregiver Livein Program, there are separate, unique sets of requirements. There are also opportunities that allow you to challenge examinations and academic areas of discipline. These will enable you to take fewer subjects in school and eventually move faster to your accreditation as, for example, a licensed engineer. The licensing and accreditation issues are varied and there are long-standing concerns for specific courses. I am not about to pretend that I can tackle them here, even as just a quack doctor. If it is any consolation, the issues are continually being looked into and slowly, we will get there. A job is not a career. So you can get a job for as long as you are willing to do it, and have ❰❰ 14

some skills to make your training on this job much easier and faster. Your willingness, your availability, and your flexibility are key elements. With or without a degree, you will need these attributes to land your first or your second job. International credentials evaluation is not a requirement to be able to land a job or find employment. Companies that trust the immigration process believe you when you say that you are a university graduate, complete with your transcript and diploma. With or without a degree, your willingness, your availability, and your flexibility are key factors in helping you land a job or keep one. ■ Bolet is a marketing communications practitioner and dabbles in writing as a personal passion. She is author-publisher of the book: The Most Practical Immigrating and Job Hunting Survival Guide, proven simple steps to success without the fears and the doubts. The book is available in Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, the Reading Room and other online bookshops worldwide.

Ed Antejos.

to college for general studies as he did not know what he wanted. Worse, when a very good friend met a tragic death, he flunked out of college and did not know what to do. Recovering from that, he went to Vancouver Community College for hospitality management, then

to University of Victoria for a commerce degree. Part of his university studies included an internship for which he went to Hyatt Hotel’s food and beverage department. An extended placement came up for Hyatt in Columbus, Ohio and he went through it for 8

months. He moved in various departments both in the front office and then in the restaurant, lounge and banquet areas as server. After the Ohio training, he went back to finish his commerce degree at the University of Victoria, after which Hyatt in Columbus hired him back as assistant outlet manager. Hyatt he did for five (5) years, including helping Hyatt open its Boston and San Diego branches. We are always wont to say that fate has a way of twisting and turning circumstances for us. And to Ed, it was as simple as watching an episode of Oprah Winfrey show. In this episode, he encountered Po Bronson and his book on “What Should I Do With My Life?” The best-selling book ❱❱ PAGE 36 Edward Edison

Liberals seek public input on perennial quest for improved innovation BY BRUCE CHEADLE The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The Liberal government is embarking on another round of public consultations, this time on the issue of fostering innovation in the economy. It’s an old theme that governments of various stripes have wrestled with for at least two decades: how to improve the competitiveness and international clout of Canadian entrepreneurs. Navdeep Bains, the federal minister of innovation, science and economic development, says the Liberal government will focus on six policy areas, including supporting research excellence, competing in a digital world, building business and research clusters and making it easier to do business. Bains says ensuring government procurement supports smaller companies, cutting barriers to interprovincial trade and making it easier for Canadian firms to hire foreign “Cwww.canadianinquirer.net

suite” executives are all part of the potential policy mix. Bardish Chagger, the Liberal minister for small business and tourism, said the goal is to double the current 169 Canadian companies with sales of more than $1 billion — although she didn’t set a time frame. The Conservative opposition treated the government announcement with disdain, pointing to the involvement of progressive think tank Canada 2020 in the consultations and noting the Liberal-connected group’s principals include a lobbyist who is registered to lobby Bains’s department. Consulting the public through an online portal and a series of round tables headed by eminent Canadians is the latest attempt to goose the country’s entrepreneurial spirit. A news conference Tuesday announcing the public consultation opened with a short video advertisement touting famous Canadian inventions such as the telephone and insu-

lin, with a we-can-do-it tag line. “Innovation is a mind-set,” Bains told the news conference. “It’s the desire to challenge the status quo, it’s about finding solutions to problems and the outcome of innovation fundamentally is improving one’s quality of life, standard of living. It’s about good quality jobs.” It’s also the Holy Grail of modern Canadian governments. The 1997 federal Liberal budget, for instance, referred to making “strategic investments that will strengthen job creation in the long term by helping Canadians undertake the higher education, training and innovation needed to make the most of the opportunities provided by globalization and technological change.” “Canada’s Entrepreneurial Advantage,” said the 2008 Conservative budget, “means creating a competitive business environment that supports innovation, rewards success and reduces unnecessary regulations and red tape.” ■

World News

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Across the world, shock and condemnation at Orlando massacre THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FROM ACROSS the world, officials and public figures are expressing condemnation and shock over the Florida mass shooting at the Pulse Orlando nightclub on Sunday when police say a gunman wielding an assault-type rifle opened fire, killing at least 50 people and wounding dozens. France

The Eiffel tower will shine in the colours of a rainbow on Monday night, starting at 10:45 p.m. (2045 GMT) to honour victims of the mass shooting at an Orlando gay club. Paris City Hall will pay its respects starting at about 1:30 p.m. (1130 GMT) when American and rainbow flags will fly. France feels deeply the horror of deadly attacks after the November terror attacks on a music hall, restaurants and bars and the main sports stadium killed 130. That was preceded by attacks on a satirical newspaper and a kosher grocery store. All were claimed by the Islamic state group. Britain

J.K. Rowling says one victim of the Orlando killings worked on the Harry Potter Ride at the Universal Studios theme park. The author tweeted a picture of 22-year-old Luis Vielma in a Hogwarts school tie, and said: “I can’t stop crying.” Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister David Cameron have sent messages of condolence from Britain for the attack, which killed 50 people at a gay nightclub. Buckingham Palace says the queen sent a message to President Barack Obama saying: “Prince Philip and I have been shocked by the events in Orlando. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected.” Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says it’s important to continue with “our open, tolerant life” following attacks such as the mass shooting at an Orlando gay club. Speaking during a visit to China on Monday, Merkel said that “we have a heavy heart” over the fact that “the hatred and malignancy of a single person cost over 50 people their lives.” She added: “We are firmly determined, even when such murderous attacks put us into deep sorrow, to continue with our open, tolerant life.” Israel

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin says in

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a letter to President Barack Obama that Israel stands “shoulder to shoulder with our American brothers and sisters” after the attack on the LGBT community. Rivlin sent his condolences, saying there is “no comfort for those who have had their loved ones torn away from them.” The Orlando attack has dominated news in Israel, which has seen a wave of Palestinian attacks in recent months. On Wednesday two Palestinian gunmen killed four people at a popular shopping and restaurant area in Tel Aviv. LGBT groups in Israel planned rallies and other support for the community in Orlando. Palestinian territories

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah says the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history is a “senseless act of terror and hate” and that “Palestinians stand with the American people in this difficult time.” The statement made no direct reference to the LGBT community. Homosexuality is deeply taboo in the conservative Palestinian society. Gay Palestinians tend to be secretive about their social lives and some have crossed into Israel to live openly safely. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates — home to the Western-friendly metropolises of Abu Dhabi and Dubai_ condemned “the terrorist attack” in Orlando, expressed its solidarity with the United States and called on the international community to work to “eliminate the scourge of terrorism.” Singapore

The mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub happened shortly after a same-sex kiss was removed from a production of the musical “Les Miserables” in Singapore, and after the government said it would look into rules of foreign funding for gay pride parades like Pink Dot. Law Minister K. Shanmugam said on Facebook: “Another senseless shooting. ... It just goes on and on. The madness is not going to stop.” Malaysia

The prime minister of Muslim-majority Malaysia, Najib Razak, said he was “horrified” by the Orlando mass shooting. “Islam abhors killing of innocent people,” he tweeted. A few Malaysians, using pseudonyms, wrote on social media that they approved of the attack at the gay nightclub because the victims were “sinners,” but they were quickly condemned by many others. ■

Community News

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

Canada gets first apparel and textile sourcing show SMALL BUSINESSES, retailers, manufacturers and designers across Canada will get a boost this summer when the Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC) show — a first-of-itskind event for Canada — makes its debut in Toronto. A comprehensive trade show and conference, ATSC will take place Aug. 22 to 24, at the International Centre in Toronto. The event will bring to Canada hundreds of apparel and textile manufacturers from around the world, including China, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, the U.S., Honduras, and Peru. Delivering an unprecedented platform for making global industry connections, ATSC will provide attendees with new insights and up-to-date information needed to more easily and effectively navigate through the sourcing process. “The introduction of ATSC is a direct response to market demand and fills a significant

gap in the Canadian market,” said Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications, parent-company to Top Ten Wholesale and Manufacturer and organizer of the event. JP Communications runs the most expansive network of business-to-business sourcing platforms in the U.S. “ATSC provides an unparalleled opportunity for Canadian apparel and textile importers and retailers to access the most current importing information from industry insiders and connect with the world’s major apparel and textile manufacturers all under one roof, without having to incur the time or expense of travelling abroad,” he said, emphasizing that Canadians import more than $14 billion in apparel and textiles annually, up 20 per cent from 2012. Presented in coordination with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel

(CCCT), the event is supported by the Ottawa-based Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF), the Consulate General of the P. R. China in Toronto, the Trade Office of Peru, and exporting agencies ProMexico and ProColombia. “Canada has long needed a venue where apparel and textile importers and retailers can learn about sourcing best practices while meeting producers from around the world,” said Bob Kirke, CAF Executive Director. “ATSC offers an important new resource for our domestic market and the Canadian Apparel Federation is excited to support this endeavor.” Canadian designer Jennifer Fukushima, owner of the Jennifer Fukushima fashion brand and Professor, Fashion Business and Management Program at Centennial College in Toronto, agreed: “I’m thrilled that Canadian fashion start-ups as well as established brands will

finally have the opportunity to source without leaving the country,” she said. According to Yu Jianwei, commercial counselor of the Consulate General of the P. R. China in Toronto, Canadian business owners and importers will have the opportunity to secure new partners among the more than 125 apparel suppliers from China represented at the event. “Chinese suppliers are eager to do business with Canadian partners and work together to make the importing process smooth and efficient,” he said. “Canadians are looking for simpler access to quality, competitive goods and an international sourcing event for the apparel sector is long overdue in this country.” In addition to the 200 international exhibits to be displayed at the show, ATSC will also feature: Three days of conference sessions lead by acclaimed indus-

try and government experts, covering topics from the TransPacific Partnership and other trade agreements, to best practices and the changing Canadian market, to tips on how to choose overseas producers and new approaches for Canadians looking to enter the U.S. market. A panel on ethical manufacturing of apparel and textiles, featuring executives from quality control organizations Wrap and TesTex, will also be presented. A “Made in Canada” section, showcasing Canadian manufacturers who source apparel and textiles from abroad for their finished goods, as well as Canadian designers who have their designs produced into finished products overseas. A 2017 Apparel and Textile Trends display, providing a first-hand look at the colours, patterns and textures that will be all the rage for the coming year. ■

Enverga outraged at Canadian’s death in PH TOBIAS C. Enverga, Jr., senator from Ontario, expressed outrage at reports of the execution of Canadian Robert Hall by a terrorist group in the Philippines. “I am deeply sorrowed by the news of the loss of another Canadian in the Philippines,” Enverga said in a statement. “Can-

ada will remain firm in working with our friends and allies around the world in responding to threats to Canadian values and interests.” Robert Hall, a native of Calgary, Alberta, was part of a group abducted from a resort island by the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist organization with links to

Al-Quaeda, in September 2015. Canadian John Ridsdel was executed earlier in April. Senator Enverga expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hall. “My family and I are praying for Robert’s loved ones to find strength and comfort in this difficult time,” Enverga said. ■

Niel McLaren and Amy Fielder recently won the “Best In Innovation Award” at theVancouver Mini Maker Faire 2016 for their project Obscurious. Amy and Niel combined their talents and skills to create whimsical needle-felted creatures embedded with programmable LED lighting.

Paige Bolante (centre) from Surrey, B.C. is representing the National Canadian Girl Petite Miss Lower Mainland BC at the finals to be held in West Edmonton Mall from July 7 to 10.

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JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Entertainment

Portrait of an actress as the face of the OFW Mercedes Cabral ‘represents’ the country in yet another international production BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer MERCEDES CABRAL is certainly no neophyte when it comes to international productions. Mercedes, who made a name for herself in Filipino indie films, has appeared in South Korean (Chan-wook Park’s “Thirst” in 2009), Danish (Frederikke Aspock’s “Rosita,” 2015) and Australian (Tom and Sam McKeith’s “Beast,” 2015) films, as well. Now comes another first for the Filipino actress: She has a pivotal role in the Kuwaiti TV series, “Saq al Bamboo (The Bamboo Stalk),” which is currently being aired daily for a month during the Ramadan in the Middle East (on Al-Rai TV and MBC Drama). It is customary for families to gather in the living room, to eat dinner and watch TV shows during Ramadan, when people seldom go out to work, Mercedes explains. “That’s why it’s crucial to have a strong beginning for a show—to hook viewers to follow it for an entire month,” she points out. In the soap opera, which is based on an Arabic Booker prize-winning novel by Saud Alsanousi, she plays a Filipino

maid who falls for her employer’s son. She is then left to raise her son on her own because her husband’s family disapproves of her. Mercedes recalls that she shot her scenes in Dubai for two weeks. (The production couldn’t shoot in Kuwait due to its sensitive theme.) The actress admits that the work system in the Middle East is different from the sets she has worked in in Asia and Europe. “We didn’t exceed 15 hours of work, but we shot every day in Dubai,” she recounts. The most challenging part was memorizing her Arabic lines. Her fellow actors Wonho Chung and Abdul Mohsen, and producer Badih Fattouh came to her rescue. “They helped me understand the script. They tried their best to communicate with me, which was really sweet.” She felt honored working with the series director Mohamed Al Qaffas. “He is wellknown and -respected in the Gulf region,” she relates. Due to the heat and the pressure, Mercedes got sick during filming. Luckily, the show’s Filipino line producer Sarah Pagcaliwagan was around. “Nay Sarah took care of me. She made sure I ate well and didn’t get stressed out.”

Mercedes Cabral.

“Even big stars are expected to do their own makeup, prepare their own props and costumes,” Sarah remarks. It was Sarah who recommended Mercedes to the foreign producers, Creative Venture and Sabbah Pictures. Another Filipino, acting coach Joan Bugcat, also served as Mercedes’ confidante. “I talked to Joan about my realizations while I was in Dubai. She

MATTEO CHINELLATO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

was the acting coach of Wonho, who has Tagalog lines in the show.” (Wonho plays Mercedes’ son as an adult. Some scenes were shot in the Philippines.) Mercedes has yet to catch the series, but got to view snippets posted online by netizens. “You can watch it on Shahid.net,” she says. She is “overjoyed,” reading the positive feedback so far. “Some foreign viewers thought

I was from Kuwait. I cried. It feels good to know that people value your work.” She concedes, “I feel more appreciated in the Middle East and Europe than in my own country. It’s not that I am craving attention. It’s just sad that Filipinos don’t see what we do for our country, the entertainment industry and the arts.” As someone who frequently plays transplanted Filipinos, she is also disheartened by the fact that some Filipinos back home have little regard for the sacrifices made by their relatives who work abroad. “It will be awesome to give OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) the respect and recognition they deserve. They are real-life heroes. Saludo po ako sa inyong lahat! (I salute all of you!)” This is precisely the reason why she feels strongly about “representing” OFWs well in her work. “International projects give me the chance to be the face and voice of Filipinos.” Especially those who are often ignored and pushed aside, she notes. It is more than a movie or TV role for her; it’s a calling. “I want to share their experiences abroad because, more often than not, they don’t have the voice…I want to tell their stories to the world.” ■

Avoiding temptation, Gretchen-Robi-style BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer ALTHOUGH ALREADY of age, athlete-turned-TV host Gretchen Ho said she would never travel abroad alone with her boyfriend Robi Domingo. “That’s temptation! Our parents don’t allow us to travel [alone],” Gretchen disclosed at a recent media gathering for her latest talk show, “Modern Girls.” “We agree with them be-

cause we don’t want other people to think that we’re doing something [immoral],” she explained. “We don’t want to put ourselves at risk.” She further said that being public figures, they want to be responsible role models. “Robi and I still follow a curfew,” she added. “[Robi has a] self-imposed curfew. Often, he wants to go home early because he would need to wake up early for several projects the following day. I sleep early now that I have a morning show.”

Asked by INQUIRER what type of girlfriend she is, Gretchen described herself as “a balance of both traditional and modern.” The 26-year-old said she is a conservative Catholic Christian who believes in a long courtship. “I’m modern in the sense that I value having a career of my own alongside my partner,” Gretchen said. “It’s important for us to have two separate worlds, that’s why we don’t always work together.” www.canadianinquirer.net

She and Robi used to fight about the lack of quality time together. “Maybe because during the past years, we were on different life stages. We’re both so driven. We’re on our third year now. I feel like we’re getting to know each other better and are understanding each other more,” she said. Gretchen said they’re now able to spend more time together. “We’re always here (at the ABS-CBN compound). Also, a lot of the things that were conflict points are now things that

we can talk about. We compromise.” She and Robi, who is also an ABSCBN talent, were “investing more into the relationship … we’re also planning for the future.” The former member of the Ateneo Lady Eagles volleyball team said she has adjusted to working in show business, although “there are some things that still shock me.” Gretchen cohosts “Modern Girls” with Denise Laurel and Sam Oh. It airs on Lifestyle every Saturday at 9 p.m. ■

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

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JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Lifestyle

Drugs for physician assisted death: What will they cost and who will pay? BY SHERYL UBELACKER The Canadian Press TORONTO — With medically assisted death now legal in Canada, doctors need access to specific drugs that will painlessly and humanely terminate a suffering patient’s life. But just what are these drugs and what do they cost? And most importantly perhaps, who will cover that cost? One week after the ban on physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia was officially lifted under the Supreme Court of Canada’s mandate, doctors, provincial health ministries, private insurers and the pharmacy sector are still trying to sort out the answers. Complicating the issue is the fact that oral drugs that would be taken by eligible individuals seeking to end their lives on their own are not readily available in Canada, so doctors willing to help a patient die must administer the lethal medications. Vancouver’s Dr. Ellen Wiebe has so far delivered those injections to seven patients who fit the top court’s criteria for assisted death due to intolerable suffering from a “grievous and irremediable” medical condition. “We prescribe a double-dose, that’s the standard protocol and the idea is you’re giving one dose and the other is a standby, and then the doctor has to bring those drugs back to the pharmacist,” said Wiebe, noting that the unused portion must be destroyed.

But in B.C. at least, the trio of powerful and fast-acting anesthesia-related drugs Wiebe uses — midazolam, propofol and rocuronium — aren’t covered by either provincial or private insurance, so their $250 cost must be paid for by the patient. “Basically, this is just in process,” she said. “I expect and want the government to pay for these drugs and I expect that will happen, it just takes time.” A few provinces have already committed to covering the cost. That includes Quebec, which brought in its own physicianassisted dying legislation last December. The province covers the price tag for euthanasia drug kits provided to doctors willing to help a patient end their life. While all the details haven’t been worked out, Ontario has also said it will cover the cost of the medications. “When it comes to patient access to medical assistance in dying, I don’t think financial costs should be a barrier,” said Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins. Hoskins said a letter has been sent out to all pharmacists informing them the drugs will be made available to eligible patients for free and outlining the process for dispensing them and covering their cost. “So it won’t require patients to purchase the drugs and then be reimbursed,” he said. “The health-care provider will receive the drugs from a licensed pharmacist and the pharmacist will bill the province directly.”

Alberta, which is in the process of drafting its own regulations based on the high court’s ruling, is also prepared to cover the cost of the lethal drugs, where applicable. “If you’re in a hospital setting or another primary-care setting like a long-term care facility, it would be covered in accordance with the Canada Health Act, so the hospital would pick up the cost,” Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said from Edmonton. “And if you’re at home, we’re working to make sure this is absolutely not a barrier,” added Hoffman. “We’re working with our own drug plan — with Blue Cross — and having conversations with others. “But we want to ensure that again in accordance with the Supreme Court direction that access is not a barrier, and that of course includes access to the actual drugs.” As for private insurers, Joan

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Weir of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association suggested the decision as to whether employee-based plans or policies held by individuals would cover medications for assisted dying is still in flux. “From the perspective of drugs, we’re just starting to look at this now,” said Weir, director of health and dental policy for the association, noting that individual insurance companies have their own lists of medications eligible for coverage, called formularies. “Private plans pay for drugs that are dispensed by pharmacies and not knowing what these drugs are, I’m not certain that pharmacies actually dispense these drugs today,” she said. “Depending on what that drug mix is, they could already be on formularies. That’s the next step for us to take a look at. And if they’re not, we probably will be looking at what the

industry should do on a whole.” Phil Emberley, director of pharmacy innovation at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, said his sector is also seeking clarity on the issue of which drugs are appropriate for helping patients who meet the necessary criteria to end their lives. Of particular concern are oral pharmaceuticals that patients could take themselves on their own timetable, rather than booking a specific time to have a physician provide a lethal injection. “When we looked to other jurisdictions that have assisted dying, such as the State of Oregon and the Netherlands, in general they use medications known as barbiturates,” he explained. “This is a class of medications that in the past were used for sleeping disorders, but they have very limited therapeutic uses other than assisted dying these days.” But these drugs — secobarbital and pentobarbital — are not readily available because manufacturers are no longer producing the medications in any quantity, Emberley said. “So that’s one of the concerns we have in light of the many drug shortages that we’ve dealt with recently. And this is a very specific need that would be out there. “We are very much pressing for medications that would be available and could be prescribed and accessed when there is a need.” Wiebe said patients aren’t ❱❱ PAGE 36 Drugs for

Lifestyle

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

Gay clubs: Patrons treasure a place to feel safe, be oneself BY DAVID CRARY The Associated Press NEW YORK — Like many gay men across America, Jamie Brown has treasured memories of nights spent reveling at a gay club, a boisterous community gathering place where he could feel safe and be himself. He remembers it as a sanctuary. After the nightclub massacre in Orlando, Florida, “it just won’t be the same,” Brown wrote in an emotional Facebook post. “The sanctuary has been defiled.” Sunday’s attack on the Pulse nightclub, in which 49 people were killed and gunman Omar Mateen died in a gun battle with police, prompted an outpouring of reminiscence and reflection on the vital roles that such clubs have played for many lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people across the U.S. “Clubs are terribly important to the LGBT community,” said Ken Darling, owner of the Minneapolis club LUSH. “It’s where we can be ourselves, develop relationships, be with your community,” he said. “It’s where our history is.” Indeed, one of pivotal moments of the gay-rights movement revolved around a gay bar in New York City, the Stonewall Inn. A police raid there in 1969

led to violent street riots that emboldened gay activists nationwide. After the Orlando shooting, clusters of flowers were laid outside the Stonewall’s door. Among them was a bouquet of white roses, accompanied by this message: “Never stop dancing.” The club that holds such a fond place in Jamie Brown’s memory is called Hula’s, in one of Honolulu’s edgier neighbourhoods. He was stationed in Hawaii with the Army two decades ago as a 21-year-old, in an era when being outed as gay would lead to ouster from the military. “I imagine that a lot of young gay people could feel the same way about their own regular weekend hot spot as I did about Hula’s,” Brown wrote in his post. “It’s where you go when you don’t want to lie... It’s where you go to connect, to experience community, forget your secret, and to combat the isolation that a secret of that magnitude can cause.” Now 42, Brown lives in Columbia, South Carolina, and works as a brain-wave analyst for a hospital system. Two years ago, he married his longtime partner; they go out to clubs infrequently, usually for special occasions. “When we do go, you still have that nostalgia,” he said.

Paul Guequierre, now 38 and working for the American Constitution Society in Washington, D.C, says he has vivid memories of his first visit to a gay bar as a 21-year-old college student in Milwaukee. “It was so exciting,” he said. “You walk into a club as a young gay man, barely out of the closet, and see all these other people who were just like you, and you felt this sense of community that you didn’t know existed.” That communal sprit was especially powerful at holiday parties, said Guequierre, recalling times when he would have Thanksgiving dinner with his family in a small town about an hour from Milwaukee, then drive back to the city for the nighttime revelry at a club. In Madison, Wisconsin, members of the LGBT community still harbour fond memories of the Hotel Washington, a building housing a gay bar, dance club, restaurant and music hall that burned down in 1996. “We still miss it,” said Michael Bruno, 60, who sometimes served as a master of ceremonies there. “I don’t think the community has ever rebounded from its loss.” There’s a Facebook page devoted to memories of the place. A reunion picnic is scheduled for this August. “It was such a wonderful,

In Poland, people gathered the near American Consulate in memory of victims of the massacre in popular gay club Pulse in Orlando, Florida. DE VISU / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

safe place,” said Bruno. “Everyone was welcome — no one was made to feel ostracized.” Across the country, many gay bars served as venues for vigils or commemorations honouring the victims of the Orlando attack. At LUSH in Minneapolis — where weekend brunches rival drag performances as favoured attractions — patrons were brimming with emotion on Sunday as details of the Orlando shooting emerged. “It was exactly the right place to be — in my bar with all the people I care about,” said Ken Darling. “There was singing and laughing. There were tears and hugs of love, not tears and hugs of fear and foreboding.” Nonetheless, the attack was sobering, he said. “We in the LGBT community have had to live with this threat of random violence forever,” he said. “We’ve had a lull where we didn’t have to think about it, and then something like this hap-

pens and we’re reminded what’s out there — an ideology of hate that’s directed toward us.” Prior to the attack on Pulse, a handful of other U.S. gay bars have been targeted, including Neighbours, a popular gay nightclub in Seattle. It was packed with New Year’s Eve revelers on Dec. 31, 2013, when a man poured gasoline on a carpeted stairway and set it ablaze. No one was injured; Masub Masmari was sentenced to 10 years in prison for arson. Robert Matencio, who works as a host at Neighbours, said the club opened in 1983. “For gays and lesbians, before social media and the internet, we were forced to build community in person, and one of the most natural places for us to congregate are the nightclubs and bars,” he said. “It’s a place to let loose.” ■ Associated Press writer Phuong Le in Seattle contributed to this report.

Crystal, enamel works of art for your wrist Watches with that unmistakable Hermès touch–elegant and wearable for any occasion BY CHECHE V. MORAL Philippine Daily Inquirer ENAMELING, engraving and crystal-making are just a few of the age-old artisanal crafts that Hermès—primarily known for exceptional leather craftsmanship —employs in its latest collection of timepieces. Slim d’Hermès Émail Grand Feu, presented at Baselworld 2016 and shown to us recently at a private viewing at the La Montre Hermès offices in Singapore, is the embodiment of a modern classic—an ultra slim (2.6-mm thick), round rosegold

dial (39.5 mm in diameter), and runs on the ultra-thin Hermès H1950 movement. It features a bright-white enamel dial, with custom-designed typography for the hour markers. The watch, a follow-up to the Slim d’ Hermès launched in 2015, comes with a matte Havana alligator strap, in a limited numbered series of 100. Like its predecessor, it’s being positioned as the Hermès staple— both elegant and wearable for any occasion. “Émail” is the French word for enamel, and has nothing to do with the typical workings of socalled smartwatches, and “grand

feu” translates to “great fire,” pertaining to the arduous and masterful technique involved in achieving the shiny, extremely white enamel of the dial. The process starts with a copper disc rubbed to just 0.2-mm thick. It’s brushed with a “highly inflammable” material, and then a thin dusting of glass powder—a secretly guarded composition— is applied before it’s fired in a kiln at 830°C. It becomes enamel as the molten glass powder solidifies on the disc. The coating, dusting and firing are repeated up to six times. The Arceau Millefiori, meanwhile, marries horology and the www.canadianinquirer.net

art of crystalmaking, as Hermès partners with the artisans of its sister company, Cristalleries royales de Saint-Louis, to adorn the dials of its Arceau women’s wristwatches and pocket watches. The designs are inspired by the 19th-century paperweights created by the latter. Millefiori means “a thousand flowers” in Italian. Colorful molten crystals are formed into tiny canes, which are cut into 10-mm pieces, and pieced together by hand to create a floral pattern for the watch’s dial. It comes in 34-mm and 41-mm models for the wristwatches, while the front cover of the

pocket watch bears the Millefiori design. At Baselworld, Hermès also showed the Arceau’s expanded collection, including the 36mm model with and without diamonds. It comes with several choices of colored leather straps. One of the highlights of the Arceau line is the Arceau Tigre, which uses the shaded enameling technique on the dial. There’s also the cuff jewelry women’s watch called Faubourg Manchette Joaillerie, which showcases Hermès’ legendary saddlery tradition in the leatherwork. ■

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Business

Online retailers open stores to help promote brands, boost sales BY ALEKSANDRA SAGAN The Canadian Press TORONTO — Companies often launch online stores without a physical presence in order to save on costly overhead expenses from stores or to avoid being tied down by geography. But many e-commerce operators eventually look to expand their reach beyond the nimble digital realm. Men’s clothing retailer Frank + Oak opened its first store about two years after it started selling clothes online. Parka giant Canada Goose just announced plans to open its first two stores, and made-to-measure suit-and-shirt maker Indochino plans to go from eight to 150 locations by 2020. Physical stores offer digital retailers something the Internet cannot — a space to experience the brand’s community, products and strong customer service in person. That can boost sales.

“You’re real. You’re alive. You’re touchable,” said John C. Williams, a senior partner at retail and marketing consulting firm J.C. Williams Group, explaining why online retailers open bricks-and-mortar locations. “When you have ... four walls, you know, you can build in an emotional experience much better.” That’s what men’s clothing retailer, Frank + Oak, is attempting to do as it expands its stable of shops. Part of the brand’s ethos is creating a sense of community, said co-founder Ethan Song, and “physical spaces can play a very powerful role in doing that.” The company now boasts 13 locations in Canada and the U.S., with two more Canadian stores coming this summer. Visitors to the store are treated to experiences they can’t get online, Song said. The brand uses the stores as a way to engage with customers and create a deeper relationship. The brand’s Queen Street West loca-

Dear Editor,

Did you know there are currently more than 1100 registered chiropractors across British Columbia? In BC, doctors of chiropractic have a minimum of 7 years of education and training, and are regulated by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia. They provide care to thousands in our province every year. But many British Columbians, particularly new Canadians, may not be aware of the benefits of chiropractic care. To ensure that all British Columbians have the information they need to make informed health decisions, the College and the BC Chiropractic Association have jointly launched BackCareBC. Thanks to this new program, not only can you learn how chiropractic care may benefit your health, you can also find a chiropractor who speaks your native tongue. With a dozen languages spoken by BC chiropractors, it is easier than ever to get the care you need. Why should you see a chiropractor? If you suffer from back, neck or joint pain, a visit to the chiropractor may help. If you have headaches, sprains or another problem involving your muscles or nerves, a visit to the chiropractor may help. If you’ve been injured at work or in a car accident, a visit to the chiropractor may help. If aches and pain are preventing you from working or doing the things you love, a visit to the chiropractor may help get you moving again.

A visit to a chiropractor can help you recover by addressing the underlying cause of your pain and dysfunction. It is one of the fastest and most effective forms of care available to address spine and spinal-related problems. Most importantly, your chiropractor can help with your overall health as well, working on everything from posture correction to stretches and even nutritional advice. Best of all, you do not need a referral to visit a chiropractor as chiropractors are primary healthcare providers. And, when you visit a registered chiropractor, you can be confident that you are visiting a doctor who is well-educated, well-trained, and who will have your speedy recovery as a top priority.

Visit www.backcarebc.ca to find a chiropractor near you, to learn more about when a visit to a chiropractor might be advised, and what to expect from your visit.

Jay Robinson, President and Registrar, BC Chiropractic Association

Michelle Da Roza, Registrar, College of Chiropractors of British Columbia

tion in Toronto, for example, includes a barber and coffee shop. Many of their stores include at least one of these amenities, while the Vancouver shop sells cold-pressed juices. Most Frank + Oak stores dedicate a third of their square footage to such lifestyle features, Song said. “But the actual act of cutting hair is not necessarily important to us,” he said. Instead, those services help communicate to customers what the brand stands for. Physical stores also allow companies to offer superb service, Williams said. When Apple opened its first Apple Stores in 2001, for example, co-founder Steve Jobs declared it “an amazing new way to buy a computer.” Previously, the company sold its Mac computers through an e-shop and its partners, whose lacklustre customer service and product knowledge frustrated Jobs. At Apple Stores, he promised, knowledgeable sales staff would demonstrate how to use Mac computers. The stores would also include the first so-called genius bars to help customers troubleshoot issues.

That amped-up customer service seems to be the same approach luxury winter jacket retailer Canada Goose is banking on as it plans to open its first two retail stores in Toronto and New York this fall. Employees will be brand ambassadors, the company said in a statement. They’ll tour Canada Goose factories, some will visit Churchill, Man., as part of the company’s partnership with a polar bear conservation group and some will even travel to the company’s resource centres located in a number of Arctic communities. The company currently sells its parkas and other winterwear through its website and authorized retailers. The decision to become a so-called omni-channel retailer can pay off. Indochino, which sells made-to-measure shirts and suits, launched online in March 2007 and opened its first store in Toronto seven years later. Its eight showrooms now account for nearly 50 per cent of the company’s sales, said spokesperson Sarah Mayer in ❱❱ PAGE 36 Online retailers

Bolder economic plan needed, Duterte told BY DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESIDENT-ELECT Rodrigo Duterte must harness his formidable political capital to address structural bottlenecks in the country, including limitations on foreign direct investments, weak regulatory frameworks, widespread corruption and public security threats, a top economist said. Gilberto Llanto, president of think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said in a June 6 commentary that these were some of the factors that have constrained the Philippines from realizing its full potential. “[There] is precious political capital that can and should be used to intensify market-friendly economic policy reforms and deal with those critical development constraints. It is time for the ‘tough guy’ president to make some tough policy choices,” Llanto said. He said Duterte’s eight-point eco-

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nomic agenda was “generally fine” but contained no surprises. The economist also noted Duterte’s campaign promise to reduce personal and corporate income taxes was “simplistic but popular.” Any proposal to reduce taxes, he said, should be part of a well-studied, comprehensive overhaul of the Philippines’ outdated tax system. In the meantime, Llanto said the “sterling” economic performance of the country is a feather to outgoing President Aquino’s cap. “Aquino’s main contribution lies in demonstrating that investor-friendly, market-enhancing economic policies and improvements in the governance framework lead to higher growth. The shedding of the Philippines’ reputation as the ‘sick man of Asia’ can largely be credited to his administration of the economy,” Llanto said. However, Llanto noted deep-seated problems of poverty and high levels of income inequality remained. ■

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

PHL boxing’s bid for Olympic slot suffers big blow BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency MANILA — The Philippines’ bid for more slots in the forthcoming 2016 Rio Olympic Games suffered a big blow after two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Mario Fernandez skipped the Azerbaijan qualifying tournament due to health reasons. According to the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP), bantamweight Fernandez has been diagnosed with cataract in his left eye, prompting the local boxing body to send only two boxers in the final qualifying tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan slated from June 14 to 26. “It was Mario himself who decided he could not concentrate fully with the thought of his eye condition in the back of his mind,” said ABAP executive director Ed Picson. “Although it is not life-threatening nor a serious condition, this is boxing and the cause of the condition was trauma so we didn’t want to take the risk. We would rather he continue with the tests and treatment the doctors have lined up for him and hopefully he can fully recover and fight another day,” he added. Fernandez first complained of double vision while train-

Sports

ing in Baguio last week. He was immediately brought to PLDT Medical Baguio which referred him to an ophthalmologist who discovered the cataracts on his left eye. A second opinion by another ophthalmologist in Manila Friday revealed the same result. Informed of Fernandez’s condition, ABAP president Ricky Vargas gave assurance the boxer’s medical needs will be taken care of, Picson said. With Fernandez skipping the last Olympic qualifying tournament, the ABAP team will leave on Tuesday for Azerbaijan with only two hopefuls — flyweight Ian Clark Bautista and welterweight Eumir Felix Marcial. Bautista and Marcial are hoping to join light flyweight Rogen Ladon and lightweight Charly Suarez who already qualified in the Olympic Games slated in August 5-21 this year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bautista, a native of Bukidnon, garnered a bronze medal last April in Qian’An, China in the Asian/Oceanian Olympic qualifier where Ladon and Suarez booked their tickets. Unfortunately, there were only three slots available for the Olympics in his weight class and he ended up as No. 4. Marcial was put in a similar situation, hoping the Baku qualifier would have been their redemption. ■

Canadian golf legend Sandra Post: Brooke Henderson is fearless, just like her BY RYAN MCKENNA The Canadian Press IT’S BEEN 48 years since a Canadian last won an LPGA major championship, but the similarities between Brooke Henderson and Sandra Post are hard to miss. The 18-year-old Henderson won her first major title on Sunday by beating Lydia Ko on the first hole of a playoff at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The Smiths Falls, Ont., native also became the first Canadian woman since Post to capture a major championship. “I think a little bit of fearless and believing in yourself,” Post said of the similarities between Golfer Brooke Henderson. MARY BETH LACY - SUNICE GOLF / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS her and Henderson in a phone interview. “She really believes the teenager came during her at 6-under 65. in herself and I believed in my- opening round on Thursday. Henderson is the second self. “I think the first sign was her youngest player to win a major “And I think we both know hole in one the first day,” Post championship in LPGA hishow to score. We didn’t think said. “When she hung on over tory behind only Ko. She said it had to be perfect all the time the weekend when it was rainy after her round that she knows but we just knew how to make and the conditions were really Post a little bit and has gotten a number and that’s how she tough, she really hung tough to talk to her on multiple occaplays and it’s kind of refresh- on Friday and Saturday, but the sions, including Post wishing ing to watch, that it’s not always first sign that maybe her week her good luck leading into the looks perfect Women’s PGA but the number Championship. at the end looks “She had an pretty good.” incredible career Like HenderI think a little bit of fearless and and was defison, Post also believing in yourself. She really nitely huge for won her first mabelieves in herself and I believed Canadian golf, jor in a playoff, in myself. especially womdowning Kathy en’s Canadian Whitworth by golf,” Henderson seven strokes in said. “It’s nice to 1968 to become be right up there the first non-U.S. player and was the hole in one. And the with her.” rookie to win the LPGA cham- next sign was maybe when she Post believes that the future pionship. made that eagle today. is bright for Henderson. Post won eight LPGA events “Sometimes there are signs “I’ve said this before, she will over her career and was elected when you watch golf as long as surpass my record,” Post said. to the Canadian Sports Hall I have that it says this is your “I think she’ll go running by my of Fame in 1988. The Oakville, week and to me those were the record and I think it’s gonna be Ont., native also received the indicators.” fun to watch.” Order of Canada in 2003. Henderson drained a 90-foot “It’s been 48 years since I won, The 68-year-old Post eagle putt at the 11th to help her so I wish it would have happened watched Henderson through- jump into second place. She fin- sooner, but better late than nevout the entire tournament and ished with the best round of the er and what a great gal to finally says that the turning point for week at Sahalee Country Club pass this torch to.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Technology

Apple rolls out its next big software improvements BY BRANDON BAILEY The Associated Press

nies. The change will open up new ways for Siri to help iPhone owners get things done more quickly. Such AI features are emerging as a major new tech battleground, one where Apple is racing to catch up with other virtual assistants from Google and Amazon. Amazon’s assistant, Alexa, is enjoying a surge in popularity, partly because it works well with a variety of other applications. Experts say the move could make Siri more useful to consumers and help Apple learn more about its users. But it could diminish use of Apple’s homegrown apps, such as Apple Music or Maps. Now, users might ask Siri to open a competitor like Spotify.

SAN FRANCISCO — Apple kicked off its annual software developer conference with new software features for its smartwatch and its streaming TV device, following a moment of reflection for the Sunday mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. Saying that Apple offered its “deepest sympathies to everyone whose lives were touched by this violence,” CEO Tim Cook called the shooting a “senseless, unconscionable act of terrorism and hate aimed at dividing and destroying.” He noted that Apple makes a point of celebrating its diversity, before asking the crowd to rise and take part in a moment of silence. As usual, Apple Apple, however, has long been is using the conreluctant to pry too deeply into ference to tout personal information. software improvements for iPhones, iPads, Mac computers and watches. Getting to know you An overhaul of its music service With AI, “systems get much also could be in the mix. After better the more they know Apple’s dust-up with the FBI about the user,” said Alan Black, earlier this year over iPhone se- an expert in voice-enabled techcurity, it might also announce nology at Carnegie Mellon Uninew security measures to pro- versity. Apple collects plenty of tect users’ data. data from its users, but hasn’t “focused on connecting all the Making Siri smarter dots,” said Raj Singh, co-founder Artificial intelligence, and of Tempo AI, an artificial intelliApple’s wisecracking digital as- gence startup acquired by Salessistant Siri, is starting to play force.com last year. a larger role in Apple’s future Apple, however, has long plans. been reluctant to pry too deeply On Monday, Apple announced into your personal information. that the voice-controlled assis- And some experts say that puts tant will work on Mac desktop it at a disadvantage compared and laptop computers, where to Google, which has compiled it can locate files and perform vast quantities of data — about other feats. Siri is also better in- both individual users and contegrated with Apple TV, where it sumer trends — from its search will let you launch live TV view- engine, Gmail, maps and other ing with voice command and well-liked online services. search YouTube and the iTunes “We don’t mine your email, store for videos. your photos, or your contacts in Perhaps more important, Ap- the cloud to learn things about ple is letting Siri work with ap- you,” Apple VP Craig Federighi plications made by other compa- said at the company’s World-

wide Developers Conference last year. “We honestly just don’t want to know.” Last fall, however, Apple acquired a startup that makes AI software specifically for mobile devices, and another that helps computers carry on extensive voice conversations. What to watch

Apple’s watch, the company’s first new product since Cook replaced co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011, is getting an upgrade in September that will bring fitness tracking to wheelchairbound users . The retooled watch software will include an “SOS” feature that will automatically call for help in emergencies and the ability to share exercise activities with other people. It will also launch software apps faster your than before. Apple is making it easier to use its Apple TV set-top box as the new hub of a digital home. The new version of the tvOS system will enable you to sign in once to access multiple apps from various TV network providers. It’s also adding services like Dish’s Sling TV and Fox Sports Go.

Solar powered airplane lands in New York City

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — The solar-powered airplane on a globe-circling voyage that began more than a year ago in the United Arab Emirates reached a milestone Saturday, completing a trip across the United States with a Statue of Liberty fly-by before landing in New York. The Swiss-made Solar Impulse 2 landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 4 a.m. after a 4 hour 41 minute flight of about 165 miles from Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania. Its trip across the U.S. mainland began April 24, when Solar Impulse landed in San Francisco from Hawaii. “Si2 is now safe in New York, JFK airport ... Our new home is Hangar 19 in John F. Kennedy International Airport!” the pilots’ logbook read. Pilots Andre Borschberg, who flew the plane to New York, and Bertrand Piccard, who will start the next leg of the journey, expect to leave “soon” to cross the Atlantic Ocean for Europe or South Africa on their way to completing an aviation engineering feat to advance

environmentally compatible technology. Across the U.S., they stopped in Phoenix; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dayton, Ohio, home of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright; and Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Solar Impulse 2’s wings, which stretch wider than those of a Boeing 747, are equipped with 17,000 solar cells that power propellers and charge batteries. The plane runs on stored energy at night. Ideal flight speed is about 28 mph, although that can double during the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. The plane originally was scheduled to head to the Big Apple Monday night but showers and thunderstorms moving through the area caused it to be grounded. The trip began in March 2015 from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and made stops in Oman, Myanmar, China and Japan. The plane had a five-day trip from Japan to Hawaii, where the crew was forced to stay in Oahu for nine months after the plane’s battery system sustained heat damage on its trip from Japan. ■

Pay as you go

The company’s digital payment system, Apple Pay, is coming to the web. The service already lets people pay in stores without opening a separate app, by holding their phone or watch near a reader. Apple says users can now use their phone’s fingerprint sensor to pay and check out when they are shopping online using a web browser. Google brought a similar feature to Android Pay last month. Apple says it will soon expand the service to Switzerland, France and Hong Kong. It’s already available in the U.S., the U.K., China and a few other markets. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Solar Impulse 2 at the Payerne Air Base in 2014. MILKO VUILLE / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Technology

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

DOST encourages public to look back at the lessons learned from Pinatubo eruption BY MA. CRISTINA C. ARAYATA Philippines News Agency MANILA — As the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), commemorates the 25th year of the 1991 Pinatubo eruption on Wednesday, the DOST encourages the public to remember not just the event, but also the lessons learned. Highlighting that Pinatubo eruption as among the largest eruptions of the 20th century, DOST said awareness and preparedness will increase the public’s chances to combat natural hazards and disasters. Moreover, the agency said it will keep the communities safe and resilient to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and other hazards through Phivolcs’ continuous monitoring and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign. Pinatubo Volcano is straddling the boundaries of Pampanga, Zambales, and Tarlac, and is part of the chain of volcanoes that lies in the central part of Zambales Mountain

Range. Based on radiometric age dating, Pinatubo Volcano’s last eruption prior to the 1991 eruption occurred about 400 years ago. Philvolcs said that prior to the June 15, 1991 eruption, initial signs of restiveness of the Pinatubo Volcano started in April 1991 as reported by residents living in the western flank (Zambales area). The agency had immediately installed a temporary seismic station in Poon Bato, Botolan, Zambales, and with the assistance of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a Pinatubo Volcano Observatory (PVO) was set up in Clark Air Base to study and monitor the activities of the volcano. Furthermore, a team of scientists from Philvolcs and USGS collaborated to produce hazard maps which were disseminated to local authorities. Volcano Alert Signals was issued to the Office of the President, the national, regional, and provincial disaster coordinating councils, and the media to inform the public of the volcano’s activities and advise them on risks and safety measures. “Proper coordination of these agencies and institutions,

On June 15, 1991, the eruption plume minutes after the climactic eruption. USGS / CASCADE VOLCANO OBSERVATORY

and right forecast of the 1991 Pinatubo eruption resulted to saving of at least 5,000 lives,” Phivolcs said. On June 15, 1991, the Plinian eruption of Pinatubo Volcano produced a 40-kilometer ash column above its summit. A 1216 kilometer zone of pyroclastic flows — the hazardous and dangerous high velocity mixture of hot gases, steam, fragmented rocks and ashes caused nearby cities to be enveloped in total darkness. The thick ash fall that accumulated and made heavier with

rainwater from typhoon “Yunya” (Diding) caused roofs of many houses to collapse. The ash fall affected not only Luzon, but also reached as far as the Indian Ocean. The eruption had also caused global temperatures to decrease by about 0.5 degree Celsius temporarily from 1991 to 1993. According to Phivolcs, smaller but still dangerous eruptions of ash occurred on the early part of September 1991. Also, due to the magnitude of the eruption, Pinatubo Volcano’s original summit was destroyed,

creating a new crater almost two kilometers wide, which after sometime was filled with water, forming a lake months after the eruption. From July to September 1992, a lava dome was formed in the new crater as fresh magma was quietly effused out of Pinatubo Volcano. This dome has since been submerged with the continuous increase of the lake water level. The agency noted that the hazardous effect of the Pinatubo eruption continued for more than five years, and the hot and thick pyroclastic flow and ash deposits have been remobilized by monsoon and typhoon rains to form a rapidly flowing thick mixture of volcanic materials and water (lahar). “Several major lahars buried numerous towns and villages, including huge area of agricultural land that affected the livelihood of the communities,” the agency said. More than 249,000 families were affected. Properties, agricultural lands, water ways and infrastructures were damaged. Phivolcs also cited that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport was closed for four days. ■

Microsoft to buy networking site LinkedIn for $26.2 billion BY BARBARA ORTUTAY The Associated Press NEW YORK — In a surprise move, Microsoft said Monday that it is buying LinkedIn for about $26.2 billion, a deal that could bring subtle but significant changes for the professional network’s more than 430 million members. LinkedIn will remain an independent unit of Microsoft. It will keep its name, and current CEO Jeff Weiner will stay on and report directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. LinkedIn lets members network with other professionals, upload their resumes, catch up on career advice and search for jobs. For Microsoft, the deal presents an opportunity to cement itself as the tech company for

the world’s professionals, helping them find jobs, learn new skills and do their work. Microsoft will also look for ways to combine Microsoft’s software for workers with the information stored in LinkedIn’s online professional network. For instance, Nadella told The Associated Press that Microsoft’s digital assistant Cortana could mine LinkedIn for helpful data. “Cortana can wake up before you go into a meeting and inform you about all the people you are meeting for the first time and the connections you have with them,” he said. Similarly, he said, LinkedIn’s “news feed” — which provides articles and updates from your contacts on the network — could highlight information that’s relevant to a project you might be working on using

Microsoft’s Office 365 software. LinkedIn users might see changes in the first year after the deal is closed, Nadella said. Microsoft may also integrate its business software with LinkedIn’s growing business of providing sales professionals with contacts and information to help make sales to large companies. LinkedIn, based in Mountain View, California, is by far Microsoft’s largest acquisition — much larger than Skype, which the company bought for $8.5 billion in 2011. Microsoft Corp., which is in Redmond, Washington, is paying $196 for each share of LinkedIn Corp., a 50 per cent premium over the stock’s closing price of $131.08 on Friday. The deal is expected to close this year. LinkedIn’s business and www.canadianinquirer.net

share price have been rocky recently. In February, it gave a surprise forecast for slower growth that led to a big sell-off, wiping out nearly $11 billion in market value. The company said at the time that its adjusted earnings would be 55 cents a share on revenue of roughly $820 million. Its stock climbed higher after it reported better than expected results for the first quarter, though not enough to recover from the earlier plunge. In an email to LinkedIn employees posted online, Weiner asked them to give themselves “some time to process the news.” “You might feel a sense of excitement, fear, sadness, or some combination of all of those emotions. Every member of the exec team has experienced the same, but we’ve had months to pro-

cess,” he wrote. “Regardless of the ups and downs, we’ve come out the other side knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt, this is the best thing for our company.” Microsoft has a mixed track record with acquisitions, having written off more than $10 billion it poured into companies such as cellphone maker Nokia and an online ad firm called aQuantive. Nadella expressed confidence that this one will succeed, citing the company’s more successful takeovers of Skype and Minecraft. LinkedIn shares soared 47 per cent to $192.50 in midday trading Monday. Microsoft shares slipped nearly 3 per cent to $50.01. ■ AP Technology Writer Brandon Bailey contributed to this story from San Francisco.

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Travel

Montreal tradition: Classic car shows at Gibeau Orange Julep restaurant BY NATHALIE LAFLAMME The Canadian Press MONTREAL — Gibeau Orange Julep has been an odd yet iconic sight in Montreal for the last 50 years. The giant three-storey orange located on the busy Decarie Expressway which doubles as a restaurant stands out in a sea of grey — and even more so on Wednesday nights in the spring and summer. That’s when the kooky snack bar’s parking lot is taken over by car fanatics, the smell of french fries and the rumble of engines: it’s the Orange Julep’s weekly classic car meet-up. On Wednesday evenings from May to September, Montrealers of all ages come by to check out the many vehicles that congregate in the restaurant’s round parking lot. Fabien Haddad’s “baby” — a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air that matches the orange sphere almost perfectly — is always a crowd pleaser. Haddad has been coming to the “Big Orange” meet-ups since 2007, the year he purchased the car. Wednesday night meet-ups are a regular outing for Rebel Ridez, the classic car club to which he belongs. Haddad is one of many car owners who entered the diner’s

Gibeau Orange Julep storefront.

weekly contest on June 1. Participants have the chance to win one of five “best car” categories: ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, Corvette, and most memorable. The winners, determined by the restaurant and usually announced around sundown, get a trophy and a meal on the house. Haddad has won more than 15 times. “I’ve got so many trophies, I don’t know where to put them,” he said. Getting a classic car was Haddad’s dream for over 30 years. Now that he finally has it, he spends endless hours keeping it perfectly polished and never

KHAYMAN / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

takes it out if it’s raining. “Somebody says to me, ‘Do you want to sell it?’ And I say, ‘No, I’ll sell the wife and the kids first!”’ he joked. Serge Bergeron doesn’t have just one “baby.” He’s been attending the car show with his wife Line Champagne for over 15 years (and now with their puppy, Elle Woods) with many different cars. These include a 1960 Bel Air, a 1967 Impala, a 1978 Camaro, two Corvettes (‘72 and ‘79), and a 1949 Plymouth. This evening he was proudly showing off his matte-black 1950 Mercury.

Just a few metres from Bergeron and Champagne, Michael Neilson saw his dream car: a ‘77 Trans Am. “I grew up loving that car,” said Neilson. “If you saw one on the road you stopped and talked to the guy because it’s just a cool car to have. Everyone wants to be Burt Reynolds.” Neilson has been visiting the car show for 20 years. He still owns the candy-apple-red 1981 Camaro he purchased for $800 back in 1998, and loves to bring it by the Orange Julep on Wednesdays. But this week he just wanted to check out other

people’s wheels. Unforgettable classic cars aren’t the only reason to stop by the Orange Julep: the snack bar’s timeless menu is an attraction in itself. The diner is best known for its sweet, frothy, creamy orange julep concoction. The top-secret recipe has been kept in the Gibeau family since the ‘30s. As for the rest of the menu, ice cream and frappes (a blend of vanilla ice cream and orange julep) are obvious crowd pleasers in the summer months. Other options include hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, spaghetti, club sandwiches, smoked meat, grilled cheese, veggie dogs and burgers and, of course, poutine. For the car fanatics that come by on Wednesdays, the food is just another plus. Bergeron and Champagne never drive off from the Big Orange without a litre of sweet, creamy OJ. As for Haddad, he and the Rebel Ridez gang always grab a bite at the Orange Julep on Wednesdays. But, of course, they never, ever, eat in their cars. If You Go...

Gibeau Orange Julep is located at 7700 Boulevard Decarie in Montreal. The weekly classic car meet-ups run May to September from about 7 p.m. to sundown. ■

Sistine Chapel replica unveiled in Mexico City BY LULU OROZCO The Associated Press MEXICO CITY — Renaissance art lovers in Mexico won’t need to travel to Vatican City to see the glories of the Sistine Chapel. A private art project has created a temporary replica of the chapel in Mexico’s art deco Monument to the Revolution. People were lined up on

Thursday to see the replica, which is open free to the public through June 30. “I got the idea two years ago with my brother, inside the Sistine Chapel,” said Gabriel Berumen, creative director and producer of the replica. “When we walked inside and saw its beauty we said ‘Can we replicate this? Of course we can, in Mexico’, that’s when the dream began.”

The Vatican-approved Mexican replica was created using more than 2.7 million photographs printed on cloth and hung from a metal framework. The replica not only includes the frescos of Michelangelo, but sculptures and decorations also adorn the life-size model. Pope Julius II who was pontiff from 1503 to 1513, hired Michelangelo to paint the ceiling, which was completed in www.canadianinquirer.net

1512. The nine central panels illustrate the episodes of Genesis, from the creation of man to the fall, the flood and the resurgence of humanity with the family of Noah. “Particularly in Mexico I think this benefits a lot of people; it’s something marvelous that a lot of people don’t have access to. People who can’t travel to Rome can witness the replica; it’s a blessing,” said Alberto Salvador,

exhibit assistant. It once would have been considered a political miracle as well. Among the Mexican heroes entombed beneath the simulated chapel is Plutarco Elias Calles, the president who led a ferocious crackdown on the church in the 1920s that resulted in open warfare. Tight restrictions on the Catholic church remained in place for more than half a century. ■

Travel

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

A Torontonian’s impressions of Cabanatuan City BY BRUCE GATES CABANATUAN CITY, PHILIPPINES — Aside from the sweltering heat, the first thing a visiting Torontonian notices about Cabanatuan is the chaotic choreography of tricycles, motorbikes, jeepneys, cars and trucks as they vie for space along limited roadways. The lines on the road seem more like suggestions than hard rules as vehicles frequently cross double lines or use the shoulders to squeeze through a traffic jam. It all makes for a dynamic picture, where Jwalking is a game of chance. Toronto’s traffic problems seem almost sedate by comparison. But this is the charm of the place. Chaotic, yes, yet the drivers seem to have it figured out without the aid of road signs or traffic signals. (There are a few, but they’re rare). A toot of the horn in the day or flash of the light at night and the slower vehicles give way to the faster ones. Everybody gets to where they’re going, as long as they have the patience. Which brings us to the tricycle. They’re much slower than cars and trucks, but far more nimble. It’s also amazing how many people or product can be packed into one of them. And they’re a cheap way of getting around. It’s no wonder they’re popular, and it’s also why Cabanatuan calls itself the “tricycle capital of the Philippines” with about 30,000 of them on the roads, according to Wikipedia. This former capital of Nueva Ecija (now it’s Palayan City), with a metro population of 643,000, has a few lessons it could teach Toronto drivers about sharing the road. Over here there’s so little road to share that it’s become a concern incoming President Rodrigo Duterte says he wants to address. For the long-term economic and tourism health of the country, improving road and highway infrastructure is crucial. There’s no way, for example, it should take five hours to drive 160 kilometres

from Manila to Cabanatuan City, even in rush hour traffic. And it’s not just Manila. The smaller towns on the way back to Cabanatuan were just as congested with tricycles and trucks. So what brought a Torontonian halfway around the world to a city that is not exactly on the average tourist’s radar? It was the 50th wedding anniversary of the sister of my wife, Nida — a family reunion that lasted nearly three weeks. We hit some good spots in and around Cabanatuan and Caalibangbangan. One thing for certain, if New York is a city that doesn’t sleep, Cabanatuan isn’t too far behind. There are night markets where vendors make bibinka and putobumbong, and streetside outdoor cafes where you can have a bowl of congee late into the night before heading across the street for a little live-band music. One bar we went to, called Zapp’s, had a band called Replay and fronted by two female and one male singer. They played cover songs and took requests from the audience. My brothers-in-law took me and my nephew-in-law (who’s married to my wife’s niece) there one evening — two white guys among scores of Filipinos. It was easy for the singers to single us out for requests. I couldn’t think of anything but the “spaghetti song,” which they played and danced to with great skill. Daytime, sari sari shops and the palengke district are crowded with shoppers, though my wife says there aren’t the same kinds of bargains around compared with the last time she was there 18 years ago. And then there’s the ever-present Jollibee, the local Filipino fast-food chain, whose version of the Egg McMuffin uses pancakes rather than English muffins. Jollibee has yet to make any serious inroads in Toronto. To escape the heat during the day, many locals go to the large, air-conditioned malls that have sprung up in Cabanatuan over the past two decades — Walter Mart, Robinsons Townville Cabanatuan, NE Pacific mall, SM Mega Centre, and, the largest of them all, SM

City Cabanatuan, with 300 stores and services, similar to Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. These malls contain international chains such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Bench and H&M, as well as local chains and stores unique to Asia. One thing noticeable at the malls, which you rarely see in Toronto: armed guards at the entrance to check your bags when you come in. Even cars entering the parking lot at SM City get a random once-over from security, including checking beneath the vehicles with mirrors on a stick. There are also security at most store entrances. I asked my wife if there had been any trouble in Cabanatuan in the past, and both she and her brother said no, it’s just precautions. Another thing I quickly noticed is the scarcity of bathroom tissue and hand towels in public restrooms. Apparently the malls have had problems with theft, so locals bring their own or buy a few sheets from dispensers in the restrooms. It was also advisable to carry tissue when we travelled outside Cabanatuan as there are few OnRoute-type rest stops along the way. We made sure we had plenty for trips to Baguio and Baler, birthplace of former president Manuel Quezon and the setting for Apocalypse Now. The twisty roads and mountainous

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terrain on the way to both places deliver spectacular views, and the beaches near Baler belong on postcards. Once again, though, road issues made trips longer than one would expect, even for short trips, like our drive one evening to Isdaan, a themed “floating” restaurant near Tarlac. It delivered an unusual seafood experience, and a roving band of guitar-playing musicians added to the atmosphere. The atmosphere at the beach we visited in Puerto Galera, Mindoro, was also greatly enhanced by restaurants, clubs and stores stretching along the beach’s length. Filipinos are famous for their hospitality, and we experienced plenty of it everywhere we went, at homes of all shapes and sizes. I liked the use of colour on many homes’ and public buildings’ exteriors. Shades of yellows, ochres, greens, reds, blues and the like really add to the street scenery. Toronto homes and buildings could do with more of that, especially when winter turns everything black and white. Compared with the Philippines, it almost felt like winter when we got back to Toronto on June 7, when the temperature was only 15C. It made me think it would be nice to have a little bit of that Philippine heat here — but just a little. ■

Events

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

CANADA EVENTS

To have your events featured on PCI, please email events@canadianinquirer.net

YUKON NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

New WelcomePack Canada Distribution Centre By WelcomePack Canada Inc. NUNAVUTWHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Mon, Tues, Thu & Fri at the Filipino Centre Bldg., 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, On. MORE INFO: Call (416) 9289355

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Tagalog Class By Filipino Center Toronto

ALBERTA

WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto, Toronto Homework/Tutorial Class By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto, 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, ON MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416-928-

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

ONTARIO

Skills Now: Project-based Training for Immigrants in Retail and Administration By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: Call or email at 604-684-2581 (ext 2193 Nanki) skillsnow@issbc.org MORE INFO: Receive a certificate or skills training in retail or administration; job search workshops; and strong employment opportunities. Mentoring Programme for Immigrant High School Students: Breakfast & Baon 101 By Mentorship & Leadership for Youth Programme WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 12 nn at Corpus Christi College (near UBC) 5935 Iona Dr. Vancouver BC. Free pick up and drop off service. MORE INFO: Meet young professionals plus learn to cook. Call/text Anna de Quito 604-763-2210.

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9355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. Girl, Ikakasal Ka Nga Ba? By JDL Performing Arts WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., June 16, at 50 Gervais Drive, Toronto, On. MORE INFO: with Gabby Concepcion

NEWFOUNDLAND

QUEBEC

Philippine Independence Day Gala By Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., June 17, Centurion Conference and Event Centre MORE INFO: Call Nora Arriola (613)745-3433 and Lee Rodrigue (819)664-6521

Temporary Foreign Workers Uncontested Divorce Clinic By Law Courts Center WHEN/WHERE: Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Justice Education Society at the Provincial Court of BC Room 260 800 Hornby St., Vancouver B.C. MORE INFO: To book an appointment, call/text 778322-2839 or email: tfw.divorce@gmail.com

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Free Counselling Support Group By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., every last Monday of the month, at Mosaic Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Darae (604)254-9626 Harana Vancouver By Tribu Productions WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., June 14, Gibsons Heritage Playhouse 662 N Road, Gibsons B.C. and 7:30 p.m., June 16, Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave., Surrey B.C. MORE INFO: Call Clifford Belgica Tel No. 604.888.5624 or email tribu@telus.net Gathering of Poels – Fresh Local Poetry WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 4 p.m., June 18, at Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre. 7646 Prince Albert, Vancouver, B.C. A Family Retreat By Alliance of the Holy Family International WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 18 and 19, Immaculate Conception 8842 119th St. Delta, www.canadianinquirer.net

NOVA SCOTIA Filipino Cultural Gal Night By Filipino-Canadian Community of New Brunswick WHEN/WHERE: 5 p.m., June 18, Willie O’ree Place, 605 Cliff St., Fredericton NB

Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: With Fr. Edgardo Arellano Seniors Club Knitting Circle By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 1–3 p.m., Tuesdays at Mosaic Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call (604)438-8214 Harana, Balagtasan, Tula at Kundiman By UP Alumni Association of B.C. and the Philippine Consulate General-Vancouver WHEN/WHERE: 4 p.m., 15310 103A Ave. Surrey, B.C. Kababayang Pilipino Presents: Kawayan By Kababayang Pilipino WHEN/WHERE: 4 p.m., June 26, Gateway Theatre 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond, B.C. MORE INFO: General admission - $25 Zumba Fitness By Abi Salas & Kane WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 12 nn, July 1, Canada Day at Pier Park, New Westminster, B.C.

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

Food

Doughnut puffs make a childhood treat extra special BY ELIZABETH KARMEL The Associated Press WHEN I was growing up, my father would take us to get fresh hot doughnuts from Krispy Kreme every Sunday. The cake doughnuts, covered in peanuts or dipped in sprinkles, were always my favourite. And to this day, I crave cake doughnuts. Fast forward 20 years to the time when both my sister and I lived in the same New York neighbourhood. There was a fantastic bakery nearby where the counters were piled high with zucchini bread, apple walnut muffins, whoopie pies. As a cook myself, I loved the setup as much as the pastries. It was an open commissary kitchen with a walk-up counter for ordering. As you waited in line, you could watch the bakers make all manner of homespun baked goods. Among the array of deliciousness displayed on the counter was what looked like a mini muffin coated in cinnamon and sugar. The texture of the crumb inside was less dense and more cake than muffin, and it had a cinnamon flavour and a pop of nutmeg. It was called a “puff,” or at least that is what my sister and I called it. A puff with a double-shot cappuccino was morning heaven. My sister moved out the neighbourhood years before I too relocated. Because the bakery is no longer close, I decided that I should try to re-create those puffs. A Google search brought up dozens of images for what resembled the mini bites of heaven, but it was amazing how the actual recipes varied greatly and how few delivered. Finally, I hit upon a recipe with more sugar and more milk making a thinner, more cake-like batter. I increased the cinnamon and nutmeg and added a pinch of lemony cardamom to round out the warm spices — and frankly, just because I love cardamom. The advantage of the sweeter lighter cake is that they will last up to three days in an airtight container. In fact, I think that they are better the next day, making them ideal for a Father’s Day breakfast. Make them on Saturday and serve them on Sunday. These are so good that I often make them for dessert and serve them with a dark chocolate dipping sauce. Baked Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnut Puffs

with Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Start to finish: 45 minutes Servings: 6 • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 generous teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 scant teaspoon ground nutmeg, preferably fresh ground • Pinch of cardamom • 1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten • 1 cup whole milk • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla Topping: • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/8 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt • Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce • 6 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate (chips or chopped block chocolate) • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream • 1 tablespoon Bourbon (or liqueur such as Kahlua, Frangelico, etc.,), optional • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar, if desired Preheat oven to 350 F. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and salt into a large bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, butter and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry and stir a little at a time until combined. Spoon the batter into prepared mini muffin tins or regular muffin tins. The easiest way to do this is by transferring the batter (which is fairly thin) to a liquid measuring cup and pouring into tin. Bake for 16-18 minutes for minis, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the muffin comes out clean. The tops of the muffins will look dry and slightly nubby. In a second shallow bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and sea salt together. When “puffs” are done, remove from muffin tin after about 2-3 minutes and place on cooling rack. Let cool on the rack for about 1 minute. While the muffins are still warm, swirl them entirely in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place muffin back on cooling rack to cool. Eat when cool with or without

chocolate dipping sauce, and place any leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep for 3 days. For dipping sauce: Make the chocolate sauce up to 2 days in advance. Heat cream to almost boiling, remove from heat and add chocolate. Stir until melted and well combined. Add liquor and vanilla, stirring constantly. If you like it a little sweeter, add sugar, otherwise leave as is. The doughnuts are covered in cinnamon sugar, so I like the chocolate sauce without any added sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside,

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or refrigerate. Nutrition information per serving: 676 calories; 201 calories from fat; 22 g fat (13 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 109 mg cholesterol; 360 mg sodium; 113 g carbohydrate; 9 g fiber; 77 g sugar; 9 g protein. EDITOR’S NOTE: Elizabeth Karmel is a barbecue and Southern foods expert. She is the chef and pitmaster at online retailer CarolinaCueToGo.com and author of three books, including “Taming the Flame.”

JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY

Edward Edison... resonates among people who wants to find larger truths in their lives by overcoming fear and confusion and eventually experiencing transformation. The Book “struck a powerful, resonant chord on publication, causing a multitude of people to rethink their vocations and priorities and start on the path to finding their true place in the world.” It is an anthology of inspiring success stories of people “who broke away from the chorus to learn the sound of their own voice.” ❰❰ 21

On to His Journey to Culinary

Change strikes you hardest when you are most vulnerable. The Oprah episode came at a time when Ed was at a crossroad. He knew he had started a successful career in Hyatt Ohio but he also knew he had other aspirations. And these aspirations he felt he had to start chasing. Even if that meant dropping everything he had in Ohio and going back to Vancouver and going back to school. Culinary arts at the Vancouver Community College it was. New ground, new challenges to hurdle. Having decided on culinary as a second career in his late 20s meant that he was competing with younger classmates who were similarly full of hopes and energy. But his maturity gave him the sweet advantage of focus and determination to succeed at this newfound vocation. Cooking is a competitive arena, says Ed. Not only competing as to who prepares the best dish but who gets the best job. And to stay on top of his game at the time that he was studying, Ed said he almost ate and breathed culinary. He also set his own goal –” to become an executive chef/sous chef by age 40” – and truly, he has accom-

plished that. Ed is currently executive sous chef at Pier 73 of the Pacific Gateway Hotel. His 12 years in the industry include stints at Showcase Restaurant & Bar at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown, Grand Bay Café at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Conference Centre, and the former Griffins at The Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver. He had come a long way from his first taste of the kitchen as sandwich artist of Subway in Blundell Centre. “It is about your attitude. You need to love what you are doing. Love to cook. Love the industry. It is okay to be passionate about success but learn to enjoy the ride, “ advises Ed. He adds that this industry is a very small field. Networking for a job is common and real. Word gets around fast, do, you are always auditioning enjoy. “Cooking may not make too. If he sees, for example, a re- for something. you rich but the knowledge and sume on his desk, all he needs When pressed for an answer excitement that I gain from it is to ask a colleague about the why men excel in cooking when makes me feel rich.” As in a typapplicant to make a hiring de- the kitchen is supposed to be a ical Filipino, he confesses that cision. It is the passion that Ed woman’s turf, his gentlemanly family and friends are imporwants to see in aspiring chefs. reply was “women today are tant to him. Ed recalls that when he was very liberated. May be they have While his appreciation of the in Columbus, Boston and even realized that their place is not Filipino cuisine as a chef did San Diego, he saw these places only in the kitchen anymore. not come early on, his present as great places for food. Yet he They have branched into other journey into discovering Filipidid not see the no dishes excites passion in peoboth his palate ple doing the job and creativity to or working in the want to show the culinary busiCooking may not make you rich but world that Filipiness. And this the knowledge and excitement that I no cuisine is one frustrated him, gain from it makes me feel rich. of the best in the he recalls. But world, and that Filipinos, they people should have the best atnot miss that. “I tributes to sucwant us Filipinos ceed. “I have met a lot of Filipi- fields and found even more suc- to be proud of our cooking, just nos who are very hardworking, cess.” To this, he added, many of as the Chinese and Japanese dedicated, ambitious and loyal. his classmates in the culinary are.” “In this arena, you don’t stop school have moved on to other For his part, he has already learning. Whenever you can, fields, too. embarked on a project with gather as much as knowledge some Filipino friends filming and experience,” he said. Ed Kwik Snaks and other Cooking and sharing quick recipes via feels that in this industry, you Twists Instagram and Twitter in a senever know when you are apBut to Ed who also goes by ries called Kwik Snaks. The seplying for a job. He added that the monicker Eddy Ramen, ries intends to showcase Asian it seems like for everything you there is so much to discover and cuisine and promote those in-

Drugs for... able to choose to die with self-administered oral drugs because pentobarbital is difficult to obtain and other medications are not considered effective for bringing on death without potential complications and in a reasonable amount of time. “The ones we have are just not acceptable for that,” she ❰❰ 26

spired by the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Ed is also proud to be working with Executive Chef Morgan Lechner on Pacific Gateway’s Growing Chefs Program, where they give elementary school kids hands-on experience with agriculture and cooking. Ed considers Growing Chefs Program as a significant highlight of his career as a chef. In a separate interview, Ed said, ““(These kids) are our future. If we instill them with that knowledge, hopefully, some of them will take that to heart,” says Antejos. As part of their commitment to the program, at Pier 73, $1 from every order of Pacific Provider wild salmon ($28), with crispy eggplant, green pea spaetzle, roasted cauliflower, kale, and girondine sauce, is donated to the Growing Chefs Program. What more is there to aspire for? Ed hopes to deliver the best fusion of Filipino and Southeast Asian cuisine in the near future. He believes he could almost see the Pinoy factor in cooking as making great strides and already on its way to conquering North America. It is n ow making a big buzz in the East Coast, specifically New York. Probably, western conquest can come from his side of Canada in the beautiful British Columbia. “I would love to put up my own restaurant 5-10 years from now. Cooking Filipino food, my take on Filipino cuisine and its influences. I am proud of my Filipino culture.” Although such culture admittedly had to grow on second generation Filipinos like him, Ed Antejos proves that once the burner has been set on fire, there can be no stopping from keeping the flames of pride alive in his Filipino heart from now on. To which, we would always say — Bon appetit! ■

Online retailers... said. “And so none of us are going to be using oral until we get pentobarbital.” Wiebe could have accessed this barbiturate — the drug is approved in Canada — but the company that has the rights to sell it in this country told her it would cost $23,000 for a single dose. So doctors like Wiebe — and

the patients who wish to seek an end to their suffering on their own terms and in their own time — must wait to see whether pentobarbital will become accessible at a reasonable cost. “The issue with the oral drugs is very complex and it would be nice if it could be solved,” said Wiebe. “But that’s not going to happen quickly.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

an email. But despite all the benefits, it’s unlikely the retail world will be seeing a significant increase in stores, said Frank + Oak’s Song. “It’s clear that you need fewer stores in the future,” he said, adding many big chains could benefit from closing about 30 per cent of their retail outlets as ❰❰ 28

more and more sales come from e-commerce. Nonetheless stores have the ability to provide a space for brands to express themselves and build consumer loyalty. “They can be very useful if you invest and do the right things that make sense for your customer.” ■

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

Here are highlights of the numerous events in Metro Vancouver to commemorate the 118th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence (Photos by Angelo Siglos, Christian Cunanan, Freddie Bagunu, Diones Lago, Charen Divina Cusi and Kyle Mandap). www.canadianinquirer.net

Seen and Scenes

JUNE 17, 2016

Kalayaan 2016 kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony on Parliament Hill. Several events to celebrate Philippine Independence were likewise held in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Kingston and more (Photos from Philippine Embassy and Alfeche Mitch).

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

JUNE 17, 2016

CANADA

RETAIL SALES SUPERVISOR

F ill Unused Capacity

for Cascade Gift Store - Banff, AB.

C ash Savings

Responsibilities: Supervise and Coordinate sales staﬀ and cashiers, Assign duties, Authorize merchandise return, Sell Merchandise, Resolve customer complaints and supply shortages, Maintain speciﬁed inventory, Prepare reports on sales volumes,merchandising, personnel.

B ill More Hours E xtra Income

High School graduate, with 2 yrs Retail Supervisory experience. F/T Permanent: $18.25/ hour. 40 hours/week.

If you want new customers, more sales and are looking for ways to save cash, call First Canadian Barter Exchange. 604.759.3223 / info@barterfirst.com

Subsidized staﬀ accommodation and Extended health beneﬁts.

Send resume to: Cascade Gifts, P.O. Box 2428, Banff, AB T1L 1C2 info@cascadegifts.com

Wanted: Carpenter Helper

WANTED: ELDERLY CAREGIVER

Full Time Position

Education: At least Secondary Education graduate. Must have at least 1 to less than 2 yrs of experience.

Local carpentry company (Established since 1992) looking to hire an installer position. Work consists of installing crown moulding, baseboard, casings, doors, & etc. Experience is appreciated but not mandatory. Individual must be motivated and willing to learn. Must have steal toe boots. Work is mostly Vancouver & Richmond.

Duties: Monitor the elderly on the needs of medication, Food preparation. Companionship,perform minor Household cleaning. Full Time. Pays $14/hr., 40Hrs/wk.(Mon.To Fri) EMPLOYERS: Drexler Harry of 88 Wells St. TORONTO ON. drexlerharry@yahoo.ca (416-532-8016) Loriedella Addun of 4222 Bathurst St. TORONTO ON. A.loriedelle@yahoo.ca (647-995-1058) Aruna Lambotharan of 89 Red Ash Dr.MARKHAM ON. Arlam298@yahoo.ca (647-449-3547) Ric Abenoja of 205-44 Valley Woods Rd. TORONTO ON. raabenoja@yahoo.com Adriana De Luca.51 Dybal St.Woodbridge ON. (647-996-2273)

Call Ajay- 604-318-7964.

CAREGIVERS WANTED!

WANTED: NANNY (LIVE OUT)

Taking Care of 8 Elderly Dementia Residents.

Education: At least Secondary Education graduate. Must have at least 1 to less than 2 yrs of experience.

Must be able to do Live In. Duties include: Assist with Bathing, Dressing, Feeding, Housekeeping, Cooking and medication management. Must be willing to re-locate to the United States.

Duties: Take care of child/children.Feeding, meal &snack Preparation,indoor/outdoor companionship,Light housekeeping, reading,playing and organize games. Education: At least Secondary Education graduate. Full Time. Pays $11.25/hr., 40Hrs/wk.(Mon.To Fri)

Please call: (510) 522-3812 Office (Alameda, CA) Maricel Tinio (Golden Age Senior Living)

EMPLOYERS: Marla Francos#707-900 Mt. Pleassant Rd. Toronto ON. marlafrancoz@yahoo.ca Fe De Guzman #514 Speedvale East Guelph ON. Fedeguzman791@yahoo.ca (1-519-760-4639) Mazar/Zahida.#33 Benson Ave. Richmondhill ON. imazaher74@yahoo.ca (647-920-2089) Ann Ha.Richmond Hill ON. phuha817@yahoo.ca (647-400-7862) Marina.#25 Diploma Dr.Brampton ON. mp694647@gmail.com (905-913-0624) Rodel.#206-141 Erskine Ave Toronto ON. rodelfernandez148@yahoo.ca (647-779-7292) Dinah G.#88 Ridgevale Dr.Toronto ON. dinahgrossman@yahoo.ca (416-781-8553) Racquel Miranda.#3 First Red Deer Alberta. mracquel67@yahoo.ca (1-403-245-4747) Liza Sotto#51 Hawkview Blvd.Woodbridge ON. lizavillanueva173@yahoo.ca (905-553-0681) Shahid Sattar Burlington. Shahidsattar007@gmail.com (905-220-5963) Davina #86 Northdale Rd.Willowdale ON. Davinalopez996@yahoo.com (416-879-7441) Alexia #31 Northbrook Rd.TORONTO ON. boualexia@yahoo.com (416-644-4270) Dhona#1102-25 By Mills Blvd. Scarborough ON. dhonarizaursua@yahoo.ca (647-937-2884) Aman 5304 Roanoke Crt Mississauga, ON. aman_sangha@hotmail.com (416-458-2375) Enrique Reyes 72 Ryder Cres Ajax ON. rechelreyes416@yahoo.ca (416-953-8558) Libya Gameng .172 Vauhhall Dr. Toronto ON. Libyagameng@yahoo.com (416-985-0616) Joanna Raoet124-42 Pinery Trl. Scarborough ON. joannaraoet@yahoo.com (416-779-7110) Maila Abenoja.9 Acores Ave.Toronto ON. mailaabenoja@yahoo.com (647-965-3235) Purvaiz/Sonia At 88 Attridge Dr. Aurora ON. visaprocesscanada@yahoo.com (647-996-2273)

WANTED: HOMECARE PERSONAL ASSISTANT Terms of Employment: Salary: Anticipated Start Date: Location:

Full-time, Permanent $14.50/hour, for 40 hours per week As soon as possible Scarborough, Canada (1 vacancy)

Wanted homecare personal assistant to provide elderly care to a 74-year old senior male with medical disability. Administer bedside and personal care to client such as aid in ambulation, bathing, personal hygiene and administration of medication. Prepare and serve nutritious meals. Perform routine housekeeping duties such as laundry and ironing clothes and linens, washing dishes and making beds, house cleaning, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping. Preferably with 1 year to less than 2 years work experience in elderly care. Must speak and write English. Completion of high school graduate equivalent in Canada. Optional accommodation available at no charge on a live-in basis. (This is not a condition of employment)

Email your resume to temarish_odes@yahoo.com

3.00

www.canadianinquirer.net

JUNE 17, 2016

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY