Filipino Journal Winnipeg Volume 24 Number 08

24 Years Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com

April 20 - May 5, 2010 • Volume 24, Number 8

Tova and Larry Vickar Negev Gala 2010 honorees

Winnipeg, Manitoba Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Knights of Rizal and MAFTI to fight senior abuse with ICAPEA project

Page 27 ► Organizers, honorees and guests at the formal launching of the Negev Gala 2010 at Fairmont Hotel include Dr. Irene Guzman, Larry Vickar, CEO/president of Vickar Autogroup, the honoree; Jacqueline N. Freedman, development co-ordinator; Dr. Roland Guzman and Jean Guiang.

MaCCFA recognizes outstanding Haiti volunteers Page 4 ► Funding of $100,000 granted to Innovative Cultural Approaches in the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ICAPEA) project. Knights of Rizal (Winnipeg Chapter) and the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc., form community partnership project with government funding focused on fighting senior abuse. (L-R) Dr. Tom Colina, Kights of Rizal; MP Joy Smith, Kildonan-St. Paul; Gemma Dalayoan, MAFTI and Minister Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors.

Pinoy Billiards Champion

Philippine Election 2010 Update

Page 11 ► Rowena Oquendo, MaCCFA president; Alex Majul, PCTPAM president; and Jun Oquendo, MaCCFA asst. treasurer.

Page 10 ► see page 20

Francisco Bustamante, Filipino professional pocket billiards 2010 Presidentiables: Noynoy Aquino III, JC de los Reyes, Joseph player to compete in Winnipeg.

Estrada, Richard Gordon, Jamby Madrigal, Manny Villar, Gilbert Teodoro, Eddie Villanueva, Nicanor Perlas. See pages 5, 9 ►

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987 Filipino Journal Transcona Rotary Club of Winnipeg supports Ancop GK projects

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he Rotary Club of Transcona Winnipeg recently donated $15,000 in the presence of Nancy Morris, District Governor of Rotary Club 5550; Bernadette Romance, president Transcona Rotary Club; and Larry Vickar, former president and ceo/president of Vickar Autogroup Inc. The

amount is to support the Ancop GK component programs in education, health, livelihood and values formations for the poorest of the poor. The cheque was handed to Vic Lopez, Area manager of Ancop International Canada.

The $15,000 donation of the Transcona Rotary club was

matched by Larry Vickar, CEO/ president of Vickar Autogroup Inc., and formerly president of the rotary club.

Present during the ceremony include Rino Attardo, president of Waverley Mitsubishi; Stephen Vickar, president of Vickar Mitsubishi; Daniel Micflikier,

manager, Vickar Mitsubishi, Joel de las Alas, service manager, Vickar Mitsubishi, Stephen Menkin, marketing manager and other sales associates Noel Cadelina, Lito Dabu and other employees and staff of the Vickar Community Chev and Vickar and Waverley Mitsubishi.

Some of the Filipino leaders were

April 20 - May 5, 2010

also in attendance.

ANCOP International has been providing housing to the homeless and marginalized Filipinos thru the Gawad Kalinga Projects in the Philippines. Various GK villages have been constructed in the various parts in the Philippines and in some other countries.

The officers and guests of Transcona Rotary Winnipeg took a time for a souvenir photo with Larry and Tova Vickar, Nancy Morris, District Governor, Rotary Club 5550; Bernadette Romance, president, Transcona Rotary and the staff of Vickar Chev and Vickar and Waverley Mitsubishi together with some members of the Transcona Rotary and some leaders from the Filipino community.

L-R: Transcona Rotary president Bernadette Romance, Vic Lopez, Area Manager Ancop International Canada; Rotary 5550 District Governor, Nancy Morris and Larry Vickar, CEO/president Vickar Autogroup Inc.

L-R: Bernadette Romance, president, Transcona Rotary Club; Tova Vickar, Helen Marsh; and Nancy Morris, Rotary 5550 District Governor.

Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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April 20 - May 5, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Larry Vickar’s gift to ANCOP hit $50K

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ver the years, Mr. Larry Vickar had financially supported various organizations in Winnipeg, including Gawad Kalinga Projects in the Philippines. To date, Mr. Vickar’s charitable donations reached $50K for Gawad Kalinga.

Last March 25, 2010, Mr. Larry

Vickar made a presentation of $15,000.00 to Ancop GK to match the other $15,000.00 donation of Rotary Club of Transcona Winnipeg during the special meeting of the Rotarians at Canad Inns Transcona. The gifts will be allocated for the education, health, livelihood and

values formation programs of Ancop at Portview GK Village in Camiguin Island, Mindanao, Philippines which will be later updated to VICKAR ROTARY TRANSCONA WINNIPEG ANCOP PORTVIEW GK VILLAGE.

L-R: Stephen Menkin, marketing, Vickar Autogroup Inc., Rino Attardo, president, Waverley Mitsubishi; Rod E. Cantiveros, co-publisher & vp marketing, Filipino Journal; and Daniel Micflikier, general manager, Vickar Mitsubishi

L-R: Mike Pagtakhan, councillor, Point Douglas; Mr. Vickar, Larry Vicka’s dad; and Russ Wyatt, councilor, Transcona.

Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

April 20 - May 5, 2010

ICAPEA Project aims to prevent elder abuse in our community

Guests, officers and members of the Knight of Rizal and the Manitoba Filipino Teachers Inc. during the launching of its joint project, ICAPEA on senior’s abuse.

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he Innovative Cultural Approaches in the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ICAPEA) is a joint program between the Knights of Rizal (KOR) and the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc (MAFTI). The program received more than $100,000 and is specifically targetted to Winnipeg’s Asian communities.

The project is receiving a grant from Human Resources Skills and Development Canada, under the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The program is aimed at empowering seniors by increasing their self esteem and overcoming cultural barriers to

help them report abuse. ICAPEA will re-examine South East Asians traditional values and the effects it has on senior’s willingness and ability to report abuse.

A forum to be held on May 22nd for services providers and representatives of Winnipeg’s Asian communities followed by a second forum strictly for seniors on August 7. Both forums will take place at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM).

Stay tuned for on-going ICAPEA program annoucements from KoR, MAFTI and the Filipino Journal throughout the coming months.

Some of the seniors from other ethnic groups who attended the launching of the project on senior’s abuse, include, L-R: John Gano, of Knights of Rizal; from the Korean Senior Group, Harry Lee. Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal Won and Yoon Kim, Glecy Gano, Angie Rigor and Elsa and Art Michael.

More photos available on FilipinoJournal. com

Filipino Journal Ron Cantiveros Publisher

aLfie vera mella Associate Editor

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal 1987-2008

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually

Published Quarterly

Derksen Printers (Steinbach, MB) Printers

Contributing Writers: Lucille Nolasco

Fran Avila-Anthony

RG (Bob) Gabuna Dr. Eusebio Koh Reis Pagtakhan

Joan Duhaylungsod

Mike Pagtakhan

Pastor Junie Josue

Ramon Toralba

Johnny Cantiveros

Perry Diaz

Paulo G. Ercia

Gem M. Anis

Ruwiz Mercado

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/ Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

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April 20 - May 5, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Philippine Election Update

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he Commission on Elections (Comelec) revealed that 32 party-list groups not accredited by the poll body remain on the official ballots.

Comelec chairman Jose Melo said the groups were either not accredited outright or have pending motions for reconsiderations with the poll body or with the Supreme Court (SC). Melo added that the 32 party-list organizations listed were denied accreditation due to some “deficiencies.”

The unaccredited partylist groups are: 1. 1- NET, 2.

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who reportedly became the election lawyer of the Ampatuans and President Gloria MacapagalArroyo in 2004 to 2007, could be following an order from Malacanang.

Louis Riel School Division Extends an International Invitation

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he Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) believes that cultural diversity and global interconnectivity are essential components to support a vibrant school community, and has recruited students from around the world to join its schools and classrooms—a measure to support its Mission “to develop responsible global citizens.”

LRSD’s international student program offers excellent and affordable educational experiences with complete immersion in English or Frenchspeaking environments.

Its unique programming is designed to provide international students with meaningful and engaging experiences that foster personal, academic and social growth.

“Winnipeg is an ideal city in which to study. Our broad cultural diversity is a real selling feature for international students and their families,” says Monèle Schrot, International Student Program Administrator. “Not only do we provide excellent opportunities to learn English or French, but we also have strong cultural organizations that help to provide a home-away-from-home for our international students.”

Student support is paramount, and families of students of all ages can rest assured that their children receive a quality education in safe, supportive and inclusive environments. Program staff assists international students at every stage of their experience— from arranging immigration papers to registering for postsecondary institutions.

LRSD encourages international students to stay with homestay families during their visits as they provide excellent opportunities for them to immerse themselves in Canadian culture.

“Students are not simply tenants in the home; they are members of the family,” says Schrot.

International students receive private rooms in secure and welcoming home environments, three daily meals and a positive atmosphere in which to study and live.

School and academics are an important part of the program, but the new LRSD accredited summer enrichment program provides international students with numerous opportunities to explore beyond the classroom.

The program allows students

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Poll body bares 32 unaccredited party-lists on ballot

Erap would fire Agra if he were the President wersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) standard bearer Joseph “Erap” Estrada said if he were president, he would immediately fire and dismiss acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra from the Department of Justice (DoJ).

Estrada, called the decision of Agra to clear Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan and Mamasapano Mayor Akhmad Ampatuan of murder charges regarding Maguindanao massacre a glaring injustice to the family of the victims and embarrassing on a global scale. The former president also expressed belief that Agra,

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to begin studies before the fall semester or continue studies after the spring semester to enhance their educational experiences and participate in various activities in and around Winnipeg.

For more information about this innovative program call 257-7827 or e-mail internationalstudent@lrsd.net.

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AASCA, 3. ABBA-AMA, 4.

ABO, 5. ACMA, 6. ACTS, 7.

AK, 8. AKAP, 9. AKAP TAO, 10. AKI, 11. ALNA , 12. ALUM, 13. ANG MINERO, 14. ANG PADER, 15. ANG SAMAKA, 16.

ANG TRABAHANTE, 17. ANG TSINOY, 18. APELA, 19. AS, 20. AVPAP, 21. AWAT, 22. BIDA (BINIGKIS), 23. DAMAYAN, 24. EMMANUEL, 25. FFW, 26.

NCCP, 27. PFP, 28. SAGIP, 29.

UCAP, 30. UFS, 31. UNLAD PILIPINAS, and 32. AKSI.

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Filipino Journal

Philippine News

Appointment of President Arroyo’s manicurist to Pag-IBIG defended, nixed

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resident Arroyo’s personal manicurist will soon have the power to approve government housing projects after she was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the P202 billion PagIBIG Fund, the fund’s president said Thursday (April 22).

Jaime Fabiaña, president and CEO of Pag-IBIG Fund, said Mrs. Arroyo’s personal manicurist, Anita Carpon, will have a hand in formulating government policy on housing loans and housing projects as a member of the PagIBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

“The Board of Trustees reviews the policy recommendations coming from the management of Pag-IBIG. If we have housing loans or membership guidelines, the PagFJ-Wpg JS Furniture (April5-20,2010)1.pdf IBIG management will make a Width: 5” Height: 7.5”

April 20 - May 5, 2010

Earth Day award for ‘Ondoy’ hero

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EBU, Philippines - A construction worker who perished after saving 30 people from certain death during the onslaught of tropical storm “Ondoy” is among this year’s recipients of the Fr. Neri Satur Award for Environmental Heroism.

Muelmar Magallanes, who was also named one of TIME magazine’s Top 10 Heroes of 2009, was posthumously honored for his selflessness and bravery.

The award will be given to his family at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts today to be witnessed by President Arroyo.

Said to be a strong swimmer,

Magallanes, after relocating his own family to higher ground, repeatedly returned to the flooded streets of his neighborhood in Quezon City to help his neighbors trapped by rising waters.

Among those Magallanes saved were a mother and her sixmonth-old baby who survived the tragedy because of the heroic efforts of the 18-year-old construction worker.

Award organizer Secretary Heherson Alvarez, vice chairman of the Climate Change.

Commission (CCC), said Magallanes is among the nine recipients of the Fr. Neri Satur Award for Environmental Heroism for 2010.

policy recommendation and we will submit it to the Board of Trustees for their appreciation and AFP, PNP begin implementing poll approval. There are also projects that are not under the authority security plans of the officers and employees of he Armed Forces of the Nepomuceno said special Pag-IBIG, which are supported to Philippines (AFP) and the attention would be given to areas the Board of Trustees.”

Philippine National Police identified by security agencies as He added: “Basically, it’s more of policy formulation and (PNP) have begun implementing election hotspots.

“We have also placed troops review of projects that need security plans for the May 10 approval. Mabigat yan in terms of elections even as the number and special units on standby that of private armed groups has can readily be deployed to any responsibility.”

Deputy Presidential reportedly increased during the possible flashpoint, but we hope that would not be necessary,” he Spokesman Gary Olivar earlier campaign period.

Army Col. Ricardo said. confirmed that President Arroyo He added that the National appointed her personal manicurist Nepomuceno, action officer of to the housing fund to represent the Task Force HOPE (Honest, Capital Region Command has government employees. He also Peaceful and Orderly Elections), also activated its civil disturbance confirmed that the President’s and Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo told management units or anti-riot gardener, Armando Macapagal, a news briefing at the Palace that personnel to address possible was appointed deputy of the troops have been deployed in unrest before, during or after the voting areas ahead of the polls. elections.

Creative Services Luneta Park Administration.

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Massacre suspects plead ‘not guilty’

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leven of the 15 accused in the murder last year of 57 persons in Maguindanao Wednesday (April 21) entered a not guilty plea during their arraignment inside the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) building in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig .

The arraignment of four other accused was deferred pending the resolution of a motion filed by their counsel.

The prosecution, however, criticized the deferment of the arraignment of the other accused.

Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon said, “Filing a motion a day before the hearing will cause further delay in the proceedings.

The prosecution should not be made to suffer.”

Counsels for the accused later said they intended to file a petition for bail during the court hearing presided over by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.

The accused are among 197 suspects charged in the Nov. 23 massacre of 57 people, including the wife of Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu of Buluan, Maguindanao and two of his sisters, two female lawyers and at least 30 media men who covered the supposed filing of certificate of candidacy of the vice mayor who will run for governor of Maguindanao to challenge a scion of the Ampatuan clan.

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April 20 - May 5, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

by Lucille Nolasco lucille_nolasco@yahoo.com

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Earth Day, Our Day

n April 22nd, various countries around the world celebrated the 40th Earth Day. Founded in 1970

by American senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day is dedicated to strengthening awareness about our environment and in working together to protect and cherish it.

With concers about global warming, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and others, our troubled planet needs everyone’s care and attention now more than ever.

But how do we solve something that is so big and complex? Something we don’t fully grasp the meaning of?

Wouldn’t it be better for experts and zealous environmentalists to solve the problems of our environment?

Since we all live in the same planet, enjoy the same nature and breathe the same air, we all have to do our part. We are all into this. No matter how small or how simple, our actions would

mean something. To save the environment, we should start with ourselves.

Reduce, Re-Use, Recyle When I and my family visited Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay, Philippines a few years ago, the words “Reduce, Re-Use, Recyle” were plastered all over the place. If you think about it, these three words can be applied to our everyday lives. Reducing our use of plastic and other nonbiodegrable materials such as styrofoam cups, plates, and food containers. As well, reducing the clothing that we buy. Do you really have to buy new clothes every month? Don’t you know that clothes that don’t make it to charitable institutions get dumped in the landfill, and that most of them are made from chemicals that harm the environment?

The modern world has taught us (big time!) to be lazy and wasteful. More often than not, we would rather use things that

Estrada, Enrile: Villar pressured PSE board for financial gain

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residential candidate Joseph Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile alleged on Thursday that Sen. Manuel Villar, another presidential bet, used his influence as then Senate president to illegally profit from the public listing of his company’s shares in 2007.

Estrada claimed that Villar pressured the board of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) board to decide in the former Senate President’s favor on an issue regarding the shares of Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc., the holding company for Villar family’s real estate businesses.

In June 2007, Vista Land listed existing and new shares in the bourse, but some of these shares were subject to a lock-up period. The shares of those who owned 10% or more could not be sold during the lock up period, which lasts 6 months to 1 year.

These shares are equivalent to billions of pesos, according to Estrada, and are part of those that Vista Land was able to list in the exchange to raise over P20 billion in fresh funds.

Estrada alleged that Villar, the standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party, is now reaping this money to fund his presidential campaign.

Real estate business has spawned the wealth of Villar, the biggest advertising spender among the presidential contenders.

Vista Land is the largest homebuilder in the country

we can just throw away after use.

The excuse? We don’t have the time to wash and clean so we can use them again. Yeah, right, not a very smart practice. There are a lot of things surrounding us that we can re-use and recycle, papers, bottles and jars, boxes and so much more.

It only takes a few minutes of research to find out all the things we can re-use and recycle. You save not just the environment but money, too.

Electronic waste or e-waste is also getting to be a big problem now.

As the technology industry churns out newer and more

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high tech versions of computers, televisions, computers and mobile phones, people are enticed to buy more and more of them. Sure, people call you cool if they see

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you with the hottest gadgets. Your ego is stoked because you get the latest model of TV or cellphone every year. But have you ever wondered where they end up after they go out of fashion and you no longer want them?

Many e-waste don’t get recycled as they should.

They are illegally shipped to countries such as China and Africa where they are stripped and burned with little concern for environmental or human health.

There are of other ways to help protect our environment. Find out what you can do. NOW. For this is our planet, our lives we are talking about.

Hanggang sa muli!

IMF official presses Philippines to improve tax collection

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ax collection efforts have to be improved by the Philippines if the country is to grow at the same pace as its Southeast Asian peers, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said Thursday (April 22).

It was a sentiment shared by a visiting team of London-based Fitch Ratings, a Finance official said separately.

“For the Philippines to grow consistently at the levels observed in neighboring countries, it is essential that the tax effort increases substantially,” Denis J. Botman, IMF resident representative to the Philippines, said in an e-mail to BusinessWorld.

“The additional resources can be used for higher public

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investment and social spending. If this is combined with improving governance and lowering the cost of doing business, investment will increase, jobs will be created, and growth will accelerate.”

The Washington-based lender, according to an excerpt from its latest World Economic Outlook, has raised its 2010 growth forecast for the Philippines to 3.6%, up from its February estimate of 3.25%. The outlook, however, is still lower than the 5.4% expected this year of the ASEAN-5, of which the country forms a part.

The IMF, said Mr. Botman, expects the Philippines to trail its neighbors in terms of growth since some of the factors that allowed the country to avoid

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the global recession were now working against it. “Growth in the Philippines depends less on exports, which partly insulated the economy when world trade collapsed in an unprecedented manner. The flip side is now that world trade is rebounding, the Philippines experiences a smaller boost,” he said.

He also explained that the IMF raised its Philippine forecast in line with a rosier outlook for the global economy. “The Philippines is no exception and leading economic indicators suggest that growth is accelerating, led by a rebound in exports and consumption as confidence improves and remittances continue to grow,” he said

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Far from Quiet

by Joan Duhaylungsod

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There is no such thing as “safe voting”

onestly, I still find it awkward to use the words “safe voting”, as to me, they sound grammatically incorrect.

But this statement was what my friend uttered when I campaigned to him Richard Gordon for this upcoming Presidential election in the Philippines. He stressed out, “there is nothing really wrong with Gordon as far as his leadership is concerned, but he isn’t winning. So I’d rather vote safe, either Gibo or Noynoy,” so Villar won’t have the chance to win”.

It sounds obvious he dislikes Villar so much. Personally, I am not so convinced with Villar’s sincerity too for leadership. So I won’t further mention his name here.

Now whether or not “safe voting” did not observe the grammatical rule or I just have a little knowledge on syntax- at least, I heard the semantics of what “safe voting” my friend just said. I got what he meant. It’s about playing safe.

Perhaps he meant that “safe voting” is choosing whoever top notches the survey that could defeat another contender who is blatantly

undeserving. Perhaps, “safe” in his lexicon implies that to be able defeat an evil in a democratic country, we will choose a lesser evil, or a saint, just as long as he is a darling of the crowd. It might do its purpose to prevent one from getting into the position, but in the context of the Philippine national situation, who says this same mindset will make Philippines safe and secure in the coming years?

This thing is not actually new. Six years ago, as a studentleader, I campaigned for Raul Roco whose integrity, intelligence, and prowess in politics qualify him for a position. He was not the typical TraPo. He was a man of wisdom, humility and service. I campaigned for him because I had faith in his leadership. And so many people realized that too. But he was contending with Fernando Poe Jr., and Gloria MacapagalArroyo- two personalities whose popularities have become their company, leaving Roco and other presidential candidates that time a little bit wobbly in the campaign.

For some who did not like GMA’s craving for power, they voted for

FPJ who is as popular as her. Just to let her not win, they had FPJ in the ballot. For some who did not like FPJ’s political innocence (or ignorance or whatever) to govern the country, they voted for Gloria who is as popular as him. It was safe just to let him not win. When asked why not Roco, some would say that he really is qualified but he is not as prominent as them--- too much a risk for a Filipino to do during the election. They had to play safe.

And for those who did not want FPJ win and rather chose Gloria--- they triumphed, at least, on that election.

It was short-lived though. Look at what the Philippines is now.

History repeats itself and now, it is becoming a farce. We have never learned our lessons really.

Perhaps this is the reason why same situation carrying different names is still confronting us. May I make it clear that I have nothing against who voted for GMA or FPJ, or who will vote GIBO or Noynoy, just as long as they solemnly believe on these people’s platforms.

It is preposterous, actually nonprincipled, when these people vote a candidate because of popularity or just to keep the election turnout pretty much safe to their advantage.

It is insulting to our country, above all, to have brought up a manpower, which does not analyze, yet just go with the flow. We, Filipinos, are intelligent people, and we basically understand what political competence is by just merely looking at the candidates’ backgrounds and credentials. We don’t cast our votes to whoever is winning; we cast our votes because we believe they are

the best among all the candidates to empower Filipinos, and lead in the betterment of our country. The Philippine election is not like a horse race when you just place your bet to the horse on the lead.

Our election is far big-time, simply because this will spell the future of the Philippines, including each Filipino’s children’s children.

Yes I campaign for Richard Gordon and I will vote for him even if the survey says he is a “non- winning” candidate. This is the essence of the sacredness of a vote and ballot. You vote because you have faith in your leader’s competence, and not because he is other Filipinos’ choice, or he is what other surveys say. Sometimes, I just find surveys so influential to the extent that it becomes manipulative, taking off the capacity of some Filipinos to be critical. This is not just a fashion trend, when if majority wears the skinny jeans, you should wear one too even it does not really look right on you.

April 20 - May 5, 2010 This is no time for joining the bandwagon. This is the time to be analytical. This is the time to think.

If we aim for good governance, we should realize that it starts with us, casting our vote to whoever we think is the best. To know what’s best entails a Filipino to spare at least a bit of his time, shorten his facebooking, do research and look into the candidates’ credentials and credibility. Campaign and vote.

This is such a little job that we need to do as Filipinos, actually our prime responsibility, to help shape the future of the Philippines.

I will vote for Gordon- and I’d rather be wise than play safe. See what happened to the Philippines when GMA won because we played safe. We don’t want the same thing to happen again, do we?

Comments are welcome@ joan0622_rn2yahoo.com Next article to post: Why Gordon?

A Busy Month for UMSigaw

By JM Jimenez

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he month of March was a very exciting month for UMSigaw. Even though the end of the term was near, UMSigaw was still active with its several fundraisers and events.

Fundraisers such as a bake sale and dance workshop proved to be a success while the UMSigaw Elections decided the new officers for the upcoming Fall Term in September.

On March 15, 17, and 19, the Spring Bake Sale was held at the Fletcher-Argue and Armes buildings. I had been tasked to organize the event, but it would not have been as structured without the considerable help from the President, Linger Aragon, the Vice-President, Agnus-Mariae Lucas, and other dedicated members such as Ralvi Visarra and Grace General. We served many Filipino goods like puto, ensaymada, hopia, pulvoron, and many others that can satisfy the many sweets lovers out there. Of course, we also served cookies, pancakes, waffles and toast just to cater to everyone’s needs, in case some people were afraid of trying out the foreign foods we were serving. It was a very successful event as we were almost sold out of everything that was displayed on the table; the ensaymada especially sold really well.

A week later, we held the “Dancing With ‘Sigaw” Workshop on March 25 at the University

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College Concourse Lounge. It was the first time UMSigaw held such an event, and seeing a sizable amount of people come was a triumph in itself already.

Excitement gushed from me and my fellow attendees as we were excited to learn about the intricate dance moves of hip-hop and waltz. Roley Leyson was the head of the event and was joined by other dancers who helped us get through the basic (yet still difficult) dance moves. I even got to try out pop and lock moves, and no matter how funny I looked as I did it, I was still determined to get it right. Although tiring, everyone had a blast. It was a fun and new experience and it clearly showed in everyone’s faces at the end.

Lastly, the UMSigaw Elections were held starting March 30 and lasted until April 1.

The results are as follows: Linger Aragon remains as President, Agnus-Mariae Lucas remains as Vice-President, Richelle Servida was elected as Treasurer, Lyndon Perez as Auditor, Rojuane Aragon as Secretary, Celine Jimenez as Assistant Secretary, and Jay Jimenez as Public Relations Officer.

Congratulations to everyone who won in the elections!

Now, let’s look forward to the next event on April 30: The 2nd UMSigaw Basketball Tournament. See you guys there!

April 20 - May 5, 2010

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Filipino Journal

9

Philippine Election Update

PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

I

Agra’s ‘Aggravated Assault’

n an announcement that shocked the judiciary and enraged the people, Acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra issued an order to the government prosecutors to exonerate former ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan and Akmad Ampatuan Sr. of any complicity in the “Maguindanao massacre” last year where at least 57 unarmed civilians were murdered. The two were among several members of the powerful Ampatuan clan who were detained by the government on charges of masterminding or participating in the mass murder.

But the prosecutors defied Agra’s order to clear and release the two suspects saying, “it dishonors the institution’s mandate to dispense justice.”

In response, Agra arrogantly threatened to remove them from the case and appoint another prosecutor who would follow his order.

In an apparent approval of Agra’s controversial decision, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was quiet about it. Agra said, “In this case silence means approval unless there’s an explicit directive to resign or report. I like to think I did nothing wrong for her to berate, rebuff or replace me.”

Self-glorifying, self-absolving.

There is a term for that: arrogance of power.

Agra reasoned that Zaldy had an alibi that placed him somewhere else. Actually, on the day of the massacre, Zaldy was in Malacañang -- the Ampatuans are political allies of President Gloria Arroyo -- conferring with Arroyo’s political staff. However, Harry Roque, lawyer for most of the journalists killed in the massacre, said, “Alibi is the weakest form of defense.”

Zaldy could have participated in planning the mass murder days or weeks before it happened. And the prosecution had presented witnesses and signed affidavits naming Zaldy as one of the masterminds. It is not uncommon in political assassinations for the mastermind to be far away while hired killers do the job. It’s the “perfect alibi” unless it can be proven with incontrovertible proof and compelling evidence.

And the prosecutors have the “ammunition” to blow Zaldy’s alibi to smithereens.

Who is Alberto Agra?

Alberto Agra passed the bar in 1991 and taught at the Ateneo de Manila, his alma mater. He served as Arroyo’s lawyer when the House of Representatives tried to impeach her in 2006. In 2007, Arroyo appointed him as head of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

Alberto Agra

On January 8, 2010, Arroyo appointed Agra as Solicitor General. On March 3, 2010, Arroyo appointed him acting Secretary of Justice concurrently.

As the head of the Justice Department, Agra sits as ex-officio member of the 8-member Judicial Bar Council which is responsible for vetting and preparing the short lists of nominees for judicial appointments by the President.

That’s a lot of power vested on one man. He is, without a shadow of doubt, a rabid Arroyo loyalist, who would gleefully execute her orders without question or reservation.

Midnight appointments It did not come as a big surprise that as soon as Agra was appointed acting Justice Secretary, he didn’t waste any time peddling the notion that the constitution does not ban “midnight appointments” in the Judiciary.

It is interesting to note what Philippine Star columnist Jarius Bondoc wrote in his column a day prior to the Supreme Court’s controversial ruling allowing the President to appoint a “midnight Chief Justice.” Bondoc said: “As if midnight deals were not bad enough, President Arroyo too is coming closer to naming a midnight Chief Justice. That’s if what a braggart at Malacañang is saying is true.

“The showoff claims to have scored at the Supreme Court for Arroyo. Allegedly he has convinced most justices to rule that the constitutional ban on midnight appointments does not apply to the judiciary. This would let Arroyo name a replacement when CJ Reynato Puno retires on May 17.” Further, he said, “And the boastful Palace operator claims to have clinched it for her.

The next step supposedly is to petition the Court to resolve the issue once and for all.”

The following day, by a 91 vote, the Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional ban on midnight appointments does not apply to the Chief Justice. Did Agra have a hand in convincing nine justices to turn a blind eye to the law and give Arroyo her last wish to satisfy their “utang

na loob” (debt of gratitude) to Arroyo for bestowing on them the highest honor a magistrate could dream of?

A week ago, the Judicial Bar Council assailed the Supreme Court’s March 17 decision allowing Arroyo to appoint the next Chief Justice during the constitutional ban on midnight appointments. The JBC sent its comment to the High Court signed by seven members. The only member who did not sign the comment was Agra. Instead, Agra, in his capacity as Solicitor General, filed a separate comment “asking the high court to state that the President can appoint all vacancies in the judiciary and not just in the Supreme Court during her final three months in office despite the ban against midnight appointments.”

Now, not only did Agra insist that Arroyo can appoint a midnight Chief Justice, but also she can appoint all vacancies in the judiciary including the one soon to be vacated by retiring Chief Justice Puno. Makes one wonder who Agra had in mind to fill the last seat in the Supreme Court?

With the Supreme Court’s final ruling yesterday, April 20, affirming the President’s power to appoint the next Chief Justice, I wouldn’t be surprised if Agra would be Arroyo’s next Supreme Court appointee. Interestingly, the High Court failed to make a “doctrinal ruling” on whether the exemption to the midnight appointment ban applies only to the Chief Justice or to the entire judiciary. But the fact that the justices did not make a ruling would be enough for Arroyo to insist that she appoint a vacancy as soon as Puno retires. What has she got to lose by doing it?

I am pretty sure that Agra had his eyes wide open for that opening. It would seem that he had been “working” on it from the first day he to took over the Justice department. He has served his master very well and appointment to the High Court would be his if he asked for it. The only thing that would stop him from being appointed to the High Court is if a lawsuit or disbarment petition is filed against him.

Group asks Comelec on location of spare poll machines

T

he Compact for Peaceful and Democratic Elections (Compact), a poll watchdog composed of a network of nongovernment organizations and social movements, ask the Comelec to reveal the location of the more than 6,000 spares of the 82,000 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to be used in May and open them to public scrutiny.

Compact co-convener Etta Rosales said it is important for the public to be able to keep a close watch on the people in charge of the spare machines because there is no way to check where results are

SC rules in favor of GMA’s authority to appoint next chief justice

T

he Supreme Court upheld its March 17 decision and dismissed the motions for reconsideration filed by various groups during full Court session in Baguio City thus ruling with finality that President Arroyo has the authority to appoint the next chief justice as positions in the SC are not covered by the constitutional ban on midnight appointments during the election period.

According to Court administrator and SC spokesman

Agra’s “aggravated assault” Agra’s “aggravated assault” on the wheel of justice could be his Achilles heel. What he did in exonerating the Ampatuans is contemptuous, cowardly, and lacking the balanced mind required of those who dispense justice. Agra has dishonored the legal profession and thus should lose his place among the honorable men and women who are entrusted in upholding the law of the land and in protecting the people from criminal elements.

Therefore, he should be disbarred from his profession and barred from serving in the government for the rest of his life. The people deserve no less.

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coming from, or whether the results are being transmitted to the central canvassing system (CCS) are actual results from actual counting machines. Comelec Chairman Jose Melo however said that personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and watchers from the political parties are expected to guard the machines.

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Midas Marquez, nine magistrates kept their stand that the ban on midnight appointments under Section 15, Article VII of the Constitution does not cover the chief justice post. The nine are Justices Lucas Bersamin, Jose Perez, Roberto Abad, Martin Villarama, Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta, Jose Mendoza and Mariano del Castillo. All are appointees of Mrs. Arroyo.

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April 20 - May 5, 2010

The Super Series of the World Professional Billiard League Francisco “Django” Bustamante coming to Winnipeg

B

illiard aficionados will have an experience of a lifetime as Canada plays a historic role in the annals of international sports when it hosts the first ever professional Bonus Ball event in the world from May 6 to 9 at the McPhillips Station Casino in Winnipeg.

The participants involves an internationally known cast of multi-titled players that includes Johnny Archer, Rodney Morris, Francisco Bustamante, Corey Deuel, Nick Varner, Shane Van Boening, John Schmidt, and Eric Hjorleifson…

Philippine-born Francisco Bustamante nicknamed “Django”,

after the lead character of the film of the same name has won titles such as the Munich Masters, The German Nine-ball Championship, and the Japan Nine-ball Championship, making him one

of billiard’s greatest international stars. Known for his graceful style at the table and his signature behind-the-back shot, Bustamante is one of the best Filipino players of the game. He also reportedly

holds the world record for having the most powerful break shot at 43 miles per hour.

For information on how to play the game, tickets, videos, links, articles, points and awards

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and other information, visit playbonus.com Join us in a 4-day exciting game of billiards. See you where the action is!

April 20 - May 5, 2010

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Filipino Journal 11

MaCCFA celebrates Haiti fundraising success by recognizing outstanding volunteers

MaCCFA recognizes outstanding Haiti volunteers, front row, L-R: Clara Orallo, Letty Ahorro, Carrie de la Cruz, Julie Javier, Clarita Nazario, Letty Antonio, Delia Majul, Africa Torres and Carmelita de la Cruz; standing, L-R : Florencio Antonio, Norman Padilla, Ben Ahorro, Jose La Figuera, Peter Estrada, Allan Zoleta, Jun Oquendo, Rowena Oquendo, Dr. Paul Orallo, Alex Majul, volunteer, Mrs. Sarmiento, Pipo Sarmiento and Jaime de la Cruz.. (not in pictures are some of other awardees).

PCCM received an award for being one of the sites where donations for Haiti fundraising campaign were accepted. L-R: Jun Oquendo, corresponding secretary; Rowena Oquendo, MaCCFA president; Alex Majul, PCTPAM president; Julie Javier, treasurer; Allan Zoleta, vice-president; Clarita Nazario, recording secretary; Norman Padilla, auditor; and Rod Escobar Cantiveros, president.

Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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ABS-CBN’s Charo Santos Concio and Gina Lopez win in 2010CEO EXCEL Awards

A

BS-CBN president and chief operating officer Charo Santos Concio andABS-CBN Foundation Inc. managing director Gina Lopez were honored recently at the 2010 CEO Communication Excellence in Organizations (CEO EXCEL) Awards given by the prestigious International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.

Santos-Concio was recognized in the field of Media, Advertising, PR, Entertainment, Special Events and Sports category while Lopez was honored in the Non-Government Organizations, Corporate Foundations, Industry Associations and Civil Society category.

Santo-Concio was cited for her hands-on leadership responsible for the successful communication programs of ABS-CBN that pushed the network to achieve record-high advertising revenues, leadership in the TV ratings, and recognition at the 4th Corporate Governance Scorecard given by the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Lopez, on the other hand, was recognized for her unparalleled dedication to her advocacies. Lopez was a driving force who effectively maximized the mass media to mobilize the public and the private sectors in the Pasig River rehabilitation efforts via ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig” project.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines also conferred Oscar Lopez, chairman emeritus of the Lopez Group of Companies, with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

IABC Philippines president Rey Anthony David, Jr. said the organization’s board of trustees unanimously voted to recognize Lopez for his “extraordinary and transformational leadership over the years in communicating effectively the vision and values of the Lopez Group of Companies to employees, business partners, customers, and other stakeholders.”

IABC Philippines’ CEO EXCEL Awards are given to Philippine-based CEO’s, presidents or top level executives of various industry categories who consistently demonstrate vision and leadership in his commitment to effective business communication strategies.

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Philippine Entertainment News

Dethroned beauty queen to train for Miss Universe

M

aria Venus Raj, winner of the 2010 Binibining Pilipinas-Universe, has been offered to train for Miss Universe starting April 19 by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) the same organization which stripped her of her title due

to alleged inconsistencies in her birth records.

The Filipino-Indian beauty from Camarines Sur however will train in the Philippines and not in Colombia where Bb Pilipinas winners are usually sent to prepare for international beauty pageants.

Lea Salonga one of the most trustworthy personalities in the country

W In addition her reinstatement to the throne is still uncertain pending her capability to secure a valid Philippine passport.

The Camsur beauty is optimistic that she will be able to obtain her passport. She said even prior to BPCI’s announcement of her conditional reinstatement, she has already began working on the requirements for the said document. She also added that everything is okay between her and BPCI even though their lawyers have not yet discussed the issue of her reclaiming the tile.

April 20 - May 5, 2010

orld-renowned theater actress-singer Lea Salonga admits being surprised when the results of the survey conducted by Reader’s Digest Asia show she ranked second to Rosa Rosal, former actress and Philippine Red Cross governor, in the most trusted poll conducted by the popular magazine.

Salonga said she considers it a great honor to be considered by her fellow Filipinos as one of the most trustworthy personalities in the country. She added that the survey reveals how ordinary people see her besides being a singer and a showbiz personality.

The Filipina singing icon became famous internationally for her role as Kim in the musical Miss Saigon which she performed at the West End, London.

She went to Broadway and

earned recognitions from Olivier Awards and Tony Awards. She also made her mark as the lead role in the musical Les Misérables.

Hollywood came next when she was chosen to be the singing voice of Disney’s Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and the title character in Mulan.

Showbiz magazine releases list of top 20 stars of the decade

O

n the occasion of its tenth anniversary, the YES! Magazine May issue has made public its choice of the top 20 stars from 2000 to 2009.

Topping the list is actress and TV host Kris Aquino, whom the magazine said singlehandedly redefined the meaning of celebrity and has blurred the lines between personal and public matters thereby triggering the unquenchable public appetite for both.

The second and third placers went to Judy Ann Santos and Vic Sotto, respectively, followed by young stars Sarah Geronimo and Dingdong Dantes.

The choice of the top 20 stars was based on extensive research that includes television ratings, box-office figures, record sales figures, and number of product endorsements.

The magazine also conducted interviews of movie producers, network executives, creative talents, star-makers, and entertainment reporters.

LJ Reyes soon to be a mom

WATC ANNOUN

Y

oung actress LJ Reyes of the afternoon soap “Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita” Winners will c and fellow GMA Artist Center talent Paulo Avelino of “Panday For info Kids” have come outmore in the open to admit that they are expecting 46 Pincarrow Rd the birth of their baby soon. Tel: (2 The actress who is already Fax: (2 six months pregnant will soon be info filipi leaving for the US to give birth in www.filipi New York, where her mother is based.

Avelino said fatherhood changed his life greatly as he has to work doubly hard not only for himself and Reyes but also for their coming baby.

The ultrasound shows the couple will have a baby boy.

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April 20 - May 5, 2010

Original American Idol sets to rock Manila

T

he original “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson, is set to rock Manila in the coming flower month as she performs for her Filipino fans on May 1 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 28-year old Clarkson, an American singer and songwriter, gained prominence when she won the first season of the television series American Idol in 2002.

To date the singer has already released four albums,

More Melason After “Melason In Love.”

won two Grammy Awards, and have sold over 10.5 million copies in the United States and around 23 million albums worldwide, making her as the highest-selling American Idol winner.

Dubbed as “Kelly Clarkson Live in Manila” the concert will be opened by local poprock heartthrob Miguel Escueta.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide.

Lara Quigaman admits relationship with Marco Alcaraz.

T

he beauty queen has finally ended the persistent rumors of her alleged ongoing relationship with an actor.

Precious Lara Quigaman, the Bb. Pilipinas International and Miss International 2005 has admitted that actor Marco Alcaraz is her boyfriend.

Their relationship blossomed when they were introduced to each other on the set of a popular noontime television program where Quigaman was one of the co-hosts.

The beauty queen has already introduced the actor to her family in Cebu and was with him when she visited her mother in Canada last Holy Week.

Alcaraz said Quigaman inspired him to work harder and has given direction to his life.

Nalagpasan ng Melason ang iba’t ibang tests na sumubok sa kanilang samahan at isang patunay noon ang eksenang ito.

T

he romance of Jason Francisco and Melisa Cantiveros continues after the realiserye “Melason In Love,” which followed their love story outside the “Pinoy Big Brother” house. How will the two react when they are told that all the

Baby James takes a retreat from showbiz

C

elebrity parents Kris Aquino and James Yap have decided to cut short their son’s up-and-coming showbiz career.

For now, James “Baby James” Yap Jr., who has just turned 3 will only be doing commercial endorsements and will focus on his studies starting August. Presently the celebrity toddler is a certified commercial endorser, recording artist and the youngest talent of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.

The couple’s decision was also influenced by the child’s grandma, the late former president Corazon Aquino who once told Kris to allow her child to be a child.

The doting mother told Baby James that he may chose to be a singer, a dancer, or a performer only after finishing high school.

The kid is a big fan of Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Pussycat Dolls, and his newest idol, April Boy Regino.

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tests in their relationship were staged, and that the people involved, including their fellow Big 5 and the Jason’s A n g e l s , were all accomplices?

Find out about this and other revelations in

three bonus episodes of “Melason In Love: The Truth Revealed” on The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Also watch out for more of the “Prinsipe at Prinsesa ng Masa” in the reality show “Melason in the City”.

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Hollander grand valentine event The Gendringen Group II 69-72, “The Hollanders” held their 11th year of grand valentine social recently at the Marlborough Hotel.

Among the special guests include MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis of Winnipeg North and Kevin Lamoureaux, MLA Inkster.

Highlights of the event include the coronation of the Queen Valentine - Rochelle Buenaventura escorted by her husband, Mel Buenaventura.

Rochelle would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her friends and supporters.

The Fili-Gen’s Group 1969-1972

El Shaddai Fellowship-St. Patrick Catholic Church’s Praise and Worship, April 18, 2010 Queen Valentine Rochele Buenaventura with her escort, her husband Mel Buenaventura.

Queen Rochele was crowned by MP Judey Wasylycia-Leis.

Participants at the El Shaddai Fellowship - St. Patrick Catholic Church’s Praise and Worship held at the Church Hall, St. Patrick RC Church at 172 Worth Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 18, 2010.

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Canada to send 22 observers for Philippine elections in May by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Ang Balyena Nga Ba ang Pinakamalaking Isda sa Buong Mundo?

[Is the Whale the Largest Fish in the World?]

“Tito, ang balyena ba ang pinakamalaking isda sa buong mundo?” tanong sa akin ng isa kong pamangkin.

“No,” I replied. “Although the whale—specifically the blue whale—is the world’s largest animal, it is not a fish.”

Whale is the common name for various marine mammals belonging to the order Cetacea, which includes dolphins and porpoises. Whales range in size— from the blue whale (scientific name: Balaenoptera musculus), which at about 35 meters and 180 metric tons is the world’s largest animal, to various small species such as the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) which can be as small as 3.5 meters. Blue whales naturally inhabit the North Atlantic Ocean, North Pacific Ocean, Antarctic Ocean, and Indian Ocean. Other species of whales are the beluga, narwhal, orca, baleen whale, humpback

whale, and minke whale.

Sa Madaling Salita Bagama’t ang balyena ang pinakamalaking hayop sa buong mundo, ito ay hindi isda kundi mamalya. Bukod pa rito, hindi lahat ng balyena ay ubod ng laki.

Meron ding maliliit na ispisis.

Or, in Simple Words Although the whale— specifically the blue whale—is the world’s largest animal, it is not a fish. Moreover, not all whales are gigantic. There are also small species of whales.

Reference http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Whales [04/21/10].

T

wenty-two Canadian citizens, including representatives from churches, labour unions, academics, lawyers and a sitting Member of Parliament, Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway), are preparing to head to the Philippines as part of an international observers mission during that country’s upcoming Presidential elections.

On election day, scheduled for May 10, 2010, more than 17,000 offices will be contested across the country including the key posts of President, Vice President along with representatives to the House of Representatives, the Senate, and a range of provincial, municipal, and local offices.

The election will mark the end of the Presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose nine years in power have been marked by hundreds of politically motivated killings and enforced disappearances, along with a climate of impunity for those guilty of the crimes, as revealed by Philip Alston in his April 2008 Report of the United

Nations-Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

The People’s International Observers Mission (PIOM), to take place May 7 to 15, 2010, will monitor and investigate electoral fraud and violence, particularly since this is the first nationwide automated election in the Philippines. The goal is to assure that voters are protected and free to vote according to their conscience and that democratic processes are fully respected.

The Mission is organized by civil society groups in the Philippines, including churches, human rights advocates, lawyers and other non-governmental organizations.

Randall Garrison, an elected City Councillor from Esquimalt, B.C. and Mission member said, “The way Canadians have answered the call for this mission shows our strong concern for the deterioration of democracy and human rights in the Philippines.”

“The Philippines has a long history of election fraud, manipulation and violence,

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exemplified by the horrific massacre near the town of Ampatuan on the island of Mindanao late last year in which 52 people were killed in cold blood, including a record 30 journalists,” he said. “The role of the Mission is to help ensure and to assess whether the conditions exist for the conduct of a free, fair and credible election in which Philippine citizens fully exercise their right to vote.”

An eight-member delegation from British Columbia also includes Professor Valerie Raoul and health worker Ron Jeffries.

Six delegates from five provinces are active with the United Church of Canada (UCC), including Omega Bula, Executive Minister of the UCC-Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit and Shaun E. Fryday, ordained Minister at Beaconsfield United Church in Quebec. Priscillia Lefebvre will attend as a member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, local 4600 in Ottawa.

For further information and interviews contact Beth Dollaga in Vancouver at +1 604 320-0285

April 20 - May 5, 2010

Balitang Kutsero

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com llustration by Dave San Pedro

that Villar made P6.2 billion from the realignment of C-5 while Bro. Mike made P1.2 billion in rightof-way payment. Indeed, Villar is very good in mixing business with politics while Bro. Mike is very good in mixing business with religion. Now, they can be called the “Villarde” partners.

Gloria’s “kiss of death” is hurting Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro’s presidential bid. The word is that Gloria is now supporting Villar… secretly. And guess what? Villar is now called “Money Villarroyo.”

But it seems like he’s been smacked by Gloria’s deadly kiss because his poll rating has mysteriously began to go down.

Gloria didn’t like the talks about “Villarroyo” so she ordered her PaLaKa party members to stop talking about “Villarroyo.”

But the problem is that most of the PaLaKa party members have already defected to the Villarroyo camp. PaLaKa was designed like the “unsinkable” Titanic but it turned out to be more like Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose, a humongous seaplane that couldn’t fly.

And then Gibo quit as PaLaKa’s chairman when he heard that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo had been calling PaLaKa members to switch to Villarroyo.

And guess who took over the chairmanship? Gloria’s good friend, House Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa. Gibo is now

seeing “VILLAR” written all over. And when Gloria ordered the PaLaKa troops to “circle the wagons” around him, Gibo knew the end is near. Wasn’t that what the Seventh Cavalry did for Gen. George Armstrong Custer at the battle of Little Big Horn? The buzz now is: “Giba na si Gibo.”

With Villarroyo’s poll rating lagging behind Noynoy Aquino, Noynoy would likely be the first bachelor president of the Philippines. Noynoy said that he’s not going to marry right away. Lucky for his sister Kris, she’d be the First Lady and, sadly, Noynoy’s girlfriend Shalani Soledad would have to contend as the First Lady-in-waiting. And if there’s another one, Second Ladyin-waiting and so on. However, I don’t think Noynoy is that kind of a guy. I could be wrong though ‘cuz I used to say the same thing about Tiger Woods… and Pacman, too! Didn’t someone once say, “All men are the same”? Yup, but different sizes… ahem, I mean… like heights and weights.

Reminds me of former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada.

Before he became president, he reputedly built identical houses for his five -- or was it six or seven? -- mistresses. He could then sleep in any one of them and he’d always feel at home. But when he moved to Malacanang when he was elected president, his real wife moved in, too, and immediately took the title of First Lady. Like they say, “it comes

with the territory.” His mistresses had to settle for First Mistress, Second Mistress, and so on. *** Presidential wannabe Richard “Flashy Dick” Gordon asked voters to make a principled choice on May 10. For once, the voters believe him. Yup, his poll rating is still stuck at one percent, never went up a bit. Maybe, he should tell voters to forget about their principles and vote for him.

But that’s too risky though, he might end up with zero vote.

Recently, Flashy Dick and his side kick Bayani Fernando met their supporters at Barbara’s Restaurant, owned by Flashy Dick’s sister, in Intramuros. I’ve been to that restaurant before and I believe it only has a seating capacity of no more than 50 people. His event was graced by comic Moymoy Palaboy (who?) and several other lesser-known celebs. Well, it really takes money to get known celebs like Dolphy.

Supposedly it cost Pekman P30 million to get the octogenarian comedy king to just wave his hands at his rallies.

But Flashy Dick has been winning in mock elections in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, two countries each the size of Intramuros. Seriously,

I think he should expand his campaign to big cities like Quezon City and Davao City.

Former prez Fidel V. Ramos, an octogenarian who looks like a young tiger in the woods as he puffs an unlit Churchill cigar, gave advice to the “tailenders” like Flashy Dick, Gibo, and Jamby Madrigal. He said they shouldn’t be discouraged by their poor performance because he too was a tailender when he ran for prez in 1998. And he won! *** After clobbering Joshua Clottey but failing to knock him out, Pacman hinted that he might be retiring soon. While Pacman earned billions of pesos punching other people’s faces, he must have figured out that there was a better way of becoming rich without getting hurt. I’m beginning to suspect that Pekman had been mentoring Pacman on the “fine art” of grabbing land and building homes using other people’s money. My investigative reporter James Macaquecquec found out that Pacman has been going to Norzagaray, Bulacan lately looking for land to grab. Attaboy, Pacman, you’re learning fast!

Watch out, folks! Here come Pacman and Pekman! Rockin’ and grabbin’!

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Pacman and Pekman

t must be destiny that brought them together. Both claimed they came from dirt poor families. Both became filthy rich.

They’re tocayos, named Manny.

And they believe that they’re destined to make history. Yup, Manny Pacquiao already made history punching his way to fame.

Meanwhile, Manny Villar’s critics were saying that he wants to make history by faking poverty -- or as one columnist said, “PEKENG MAHIRAP” -- to become president. Pacquiao’s fans call him “Pacman” while Villar’s critics call him “Pekman,” like in “fake man.”

Pacman and Pekman hit it off and off they hit the road entertaining enthusiastic crowds.

But it’s beginning to look more like a Pacman show when the people shouted, “Pacman!

Pacman!

Pacman!”

Poor Pekman, he should have brought the octogenarian comedy king Dolphy instead of the macho and mean-looking Pacman who’s getting all the attention especially from the women. Hey, his friends didn’t call him “chickboy” for nothing. *** The other day, the fearless Sen. Jamby “Indiana Jones” Madrigal accused Villar and Bro. Mike Velarde -- head of the religious sect El Shaddai -- as “partners in crime” in the controversial C-5 road extension project. Jamby said

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Mga Puna ni Inna Kung Gusto, May Paraan; Kung Ayaw, May Dahilan

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abuti na lang at maganda na uli ang panahon, kundi e siguradong ilang araw na naman akong asar sa ilan kong kaklase. Bakit nga ba may mga taong tila ba walang pakialam sa plano ng iba kahit na kasama sila mismo sa planong ito? Parang andali-dali nilang mawala sa eksena o takasan ang responsibilidad kahit alam naman nilang bahagi sila nito.

Pinatutungkulan ko e yung ilan kong kaklase na in-assign ng professor namin na makagrupo ko sa isang proyekto. Maayos naman ang aming sinimulan.

Mabusisi naming pinlano ang mga gagawin, pinarte-parte ang kanya-kanyang gagawin.

Makalipas ang ilang araw, ang ilan sa kanila’y isa-isa nang hindi uma-attend ng meetings. Di tuloy kami makausad. Okey lang sana kung responsable silang tumawag man lang sa telepono (lahat

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naman ay may cellphone) o magmessage man lang (lahat ay nasa Facebook) para sabihing hindi sila makararating sa pinag-usapang oras. Kung sakali namang ayaw na nilang sumali, mas mabuting magpaalam na lang nang maayos, para naman makausad kaming mga iniwanan sa ere.

Haynaku! sabi ni Tito George. Huwag ka nang magtaka.

Hindi lang sa mga kabataang gaya ninyo makikita ang ganyang klaseng kaugalian. Sa aming mga matatanda e laganap din ang ganyang pag-uugali. Ang pagtakas sa responsibilidad. Ang kaduwagang sabihing ayaw na nila. Ang kawalan ng pakialam.

Ang kawalan ng konsiderasyon.

Maraming tao na napakaduwag pagdating sa pagharap sa mga pinasok nilang responsibilidad.

Kulang sila sa komitment. Kung ayaw na nila sa isang bagay e madali para sa kanilang bitiwan

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Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

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PAHALANG Sigurado Walang suwerte Diwata Asikaso Louie Ocampo Asunto Hindi sa salitang Kapampangan Bulalas ng nakahuli Los Angeles Kapital ng Columbia Ouch Responsibilidad Si Sayyaf Sapa na mababaw ang tubig Barandilyang nakaakma Tipo ng dugo Gabok Inam Kasintahan Ano? Alpabetong Arabiko Pagsusulit ng mga abogado Iba’t iba Hukumang Muslim

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Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.

So what is Sudoku? Pronounced [su:doku], Sudoku is the Japanese abbreviation of “the digits remain single”. In Japan Sudoku is sometimes referred to as “Number Place” and can be spelt “Su Doku”. Sodoku originated in Japan and was designed by Howard Garns. The Sudoku Game was first published in New York in 1979 and was likely inspired by a game called Latin Square.

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ito. Hindi nila iniisip na marami silang taong maaapektuhan-lalo na yung mga kasama nila sa isang plano na sila rin naman ang sumali.

Ang mga taong ganyan ay iresponsable at duwag. Akala nila, sa tuwing nagbibigay sila ng dahilan (na alam naman ng lahat na hindi totoo) e natakasan na nila ang responsibilidad. Ang nakatatawa pa, kapag nalaman nilang tinanggal na pala sila sa grupo at hindi na sila kasali e sila pa ang magugulat at magagalit.

Karamihan sa kanila e may problema sa ego. Akala kasi nila e napakaimportante nila. Aalis sila pag gusto nila; babalik sa sandaling maisipang sumali uli. O di kaya, kapag nakikita nilang gumaganda ang proyekto at malaki ang posibilidad na maging matagumpay e ipipilit ang mga sarili, pero pag oras ng trabaho e nawawalang parang bula. Hayaan mo na lang sila.

Ika nga, usad lang nang usad.

Sa bandang huli e yung mga ganyang tao e nawawalan ng kredibilidad. Sa dami ng mga taong nakakasalamuha natin, ibaiba ang pag-uugali at paniniwala.

Intindihin na lang natin sila. Sila rin naman ang kawawalan ng tiwala ng mga taong kakilala nila.

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Tagos Taong hinahangaan Yayo Aguila Ikaw Lakambini Isang computer school Yugto sa karera Sabi nila Bihasa Likido sa mata Munting palos Ravanes ng PBA ____ Doki Doc Hamak Batong hiyas Suyo Kakayahan Busy Kaya Siyensya Bigkis na may mga hiyas na sinusuot ng mga babae Ibig sa salitang Maranaw Subscriber Identity Module Hika Tawag ng bata sa dumi Kurso sa kolehiyo

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com

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Part time Event Coordinator Wanted to coordinate events in Winnipeg, Manitoba Job description: • Schedule events • Post events on various web sites • Market event • Recruit attendees for event • Set up for event • Run event • Send out e-mail communications to attendees • Update database with new attendees and new contacts • Attend networking meetings and mixers Please respond with an attachment of your resume or a description of your qualifications and why you are interested in this role.

Applications to this role can be submitted to info@FilipinoJournal.com Thank you for your interest.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

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by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

True Faith Remains Faithful to Their Music

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ne of the pillars of Philippine Alternative Pop music, the band True Faith was formed in 1992.

Its music is rooted on 1980s New Wave, particularly influenced by bands whose style lies on the soft and light end of the New Wave spectrum—bands like The Railway Children, Fra Lippo Lippi, Johnny Hates Jazz, Crowded House, Spandau Ballet, and Everything but the Girl. Other genres that are apparent in True Faith’s music include Jazz, Folk, and Pop. True Faith brokethrough

commercially in 1993, when a demo of an original, entitled “Perfect,” catapulted to mass popularity via a number of Philippine FM radio stations that started to play the song. However, the band’s third studio album, Build, was what put the band in the consciousness of the Filipino masses, especially because of the Filipino-worded songs that it contains—such as “Alaala” and “Kundi Rin lang Ikaw.”

In the late 1990s onwards, True Faith took a backseat, as many other new Filipino Alternative Rock bands dominated the scene.

However, in the late 2000s, the band reactivated and started to tour the country again, promoting songs from their latest album of new materials.

Love Parade is True Faith’s ninth studio album—which, despite the advent of louder subgenres of Rock music, remains in touch with their melodic, catchy, and breezy New Wave style. The rest of the band’s discography are Perfect (1993), Beyond Doubt (1994), Build (1995), Looking Up (1997), Bliss (1998), Legalized Intense Vague Emotions (2001), Grace (2002), and Stray to Be Found (2006). Other songs of True Faith which became radio

April 20 - May 5, 2010

hits in the Philippines include “Ambon,” “Huwag Na Lang Kaya,” “Muntik nang Maabot ang Langit,” “Sumasarap ang Gising,” and “Shotgun Baby Bang!

Bang!”

True Faith currently consists of Medwin Marfil (vocals), Eugene Marfil (acoustic guitar / vocals), Bimbo Yance (bass), Allan Elgar (lead guitar), Jake Lumacad (keyboards), and Benedict Esguerra (drums).

Final Note On May 22, see True Faith live in Winnipeg, at Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba, and get to listen up close to the band’s popular hits as well as singles from their latest album, like “Kaya Mo ’Yan” and “Yun Lang.”

Tau Gamma Phi at Siloan Mission Siloam Mission, where the Tau Gamma Phi donated a small sum of money as part of its anniversary celebration. Included herewith are pictures taken last saturday April 17, 2010 at the Players golf course during our anniversary celebration proper.

photos by JB Casares

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PRAGUE - the “Mother of Cities”

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ne of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe, Prague with 1.3 million people is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated on the swan-filled Vltava River which is crossed by 18 bridges the city has been the political, commercial and cultural centre of the country for more than 1100 years. It was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

A guided walking tour is the best way to discover and explore the historic centre of Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Old Town Square, the picturesque Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle with its St. Vitus Cathedral and the Mala Strana with its Holy Infant Jesus shrine.

Dating back to the 12th century, the Old Town Square (Stare Mesto) is the oldest and most important square of the historical Prague. Stepping into the square seems like a journey back in time as you see the most notable sights surrounding it such as the Old Town City Hall with its famous astronomical clock, the St. Nicholas Church, the Church

of our Lady before Tyn, and the many medieval houses and palaces of various gothic and baroque architectural styles.

On top of every Prague visitors’ must-see list is the worldfamous Charles Bridge, a gothic stone bridge connecting the Old Town and Mala Strana, built in 1357 over the Vltava River.

Crossing the footbridge is a must for anyone visiting the city. Almost constantly filled with people the pedestrian zone bridge offers great views over the river and the city. It is quite popular with local artists, musicians and souvenir vendors whose stands line both sides of the bridge year-round. A tower stands on each side of the structure with baroque statutes (30 of them) placed on either side of the bridge.

Right after we crossed over the Charles Bridge is the area known as Mala Strana (Lesser Town) , also known as the Lesser Quarter which clusters around the foothills of the Prague Castle across the river from the Old Town.

The area is rich with charmingly restored old buildings with plenty of character and cobblestone streets with small shops to browse,

churches to explore and czech pubs and restaurants to discover.

Located in Mala Strana is the Church of our Lady Victorious, home to the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. Representing the Infant Jesus dressed in royal robes and wearing a crown, the statue is 19 inches tall, made of wood and wax.

Throughout the years the devotion and the church draw millions of

Roman Catholic faithful to Mala Strana.

From here we climbed Nerudova Street to reach and visit the Prague Castle, the biggest ancient castle in the world. The castle complex is home to the city’s fine museums and churches including the Roman Catholic St. Vitus Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Prague and the

April 20 - May 5, 2010

burial place of former Czech kings and queens. The Czech crown jewels and large treasure are also kept here.

(You should know that entrance fees are payable at most tourist attractions)

Bridges over Vitava River Lita & Gem on Charles Bridge

Prague Castle & Old Town Square & Prague House Signs

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St. Vitus’s Cathedral

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Filipino Journal 27

The Jewish National Fund of Manitoba formally launches the NEGEW GALA honouring Tova and Larry Vickar

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t the formal reception at Fairmont Hotel recently, The Jewish National Fund of Manitoba formally announced the 2010 Negev Gala to be held on June 1, 2010 at the Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall.

The Negev Gala honors Tova and Larry Vickar for their many accomplishments in the business world, they are both active volunteers in the broader community, dedicated to improving opportunities for Winnipeggers and Manitobans.

And this yearly event gathers support for environmental research and development projects. And the proceeds from the 2010 Negev Gala will go to support a unique project the Alexander-Zaymar

River Project for Peace.

The Alexander River Restoration Administration, in which the JNF plays a leading role, is the only current example of its kind involving cooperation between the Israelis and Palestinians on environmental issue, with results which are visible on the ground. The creation of a Constructed Wetland along the banks of the stream is the next stage in this distinct cooperation

between neighbors from Tul Karem and Emek Hefer.

Negev Gala is co-chaired

by Howard and Hope Morry; Joel Lazer and Mel Lazarck, president of JNF, Prairie Region, as corporate roll of honour co-chairs; Earl Pitch and Sheldom Zamick, canvassers co-chairs.

For more information please contact the Jewish National Fund at (204) 947-0207; Fax: (204)0475449 email: winnipeg@jnf.ca

Lolila Aviso, Tova Vickar, honoree; and Tess Newton

Stephen Vickar, president, Vickar Mitsubishi; guest; Hope Mory, Negev Gala co-chair; Tova Vickar, honoree; Erez Rotem, JNF director/KKL emissary; and Jacqueline N. Freedman, development co-ordinator.

Larry Vickar, CEO/president, Vickar Autogroup, Inc., Negev Gala 2010 honoree with his wife, Tova.

Dr. Roland Guzman, former honorary consul general; Dr. Irene Guzman, asst. treasurer, PCCM; Mr. Vickar, father of Larry Vickar; Rod E. Cantiveros, PCCM president; and Jean Guiang. O.M., vice president, MAFTI.

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Howard and Hope Mory, Negev Gala co-chairs Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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