August2011 by Filipino Journal

FRE

E P I C K - U P!

Volume 4, Number 8 • August 2011

Globalfest Calgary 2011 Trico Homes International Fireworks Festival “Tribute to Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao”

Alberta FREE COPY Record Breaking Edmonton Heritage Festival A Great Success

Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Page 11 ►

The Philippine Fireworks Team ( flown in from Manila, Philippines) filled the night sky with Roman candles, mines and cakes of assorted colours and a barrage of golden brocades, single shots mines and roman candles.

UST sets Guinness World Records for ‘Largest Human Cross’

Page 12 ►

The Ifugao Dance “Bumaya”

Ooops – They did it again! Pinay Winners!

Page 20 ►

Lea Salonga gets honored as Disney Legend

Page 14 ►

Marifel Buluran & Mariedelle Velasco

Page 14 ►

Lea Salonga also gets her handprints plastered into the Disney Legends collection.

see page 3 for more details

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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Filipino Journal

Alberta

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Alberta

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

The price of peace in Mindanao

PEREZCOPE by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

ecently, in a surprise move, President Benigno Aquino III traveled unannounced to Tokyo, Japan on a “secret” mission: to meet Al Haj Ebrahim Murad, the chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Although Aquino’s aides later said that the “secret” meeting was just a tête-àtête between the two leaders, the issue that brought them together is no secret. It’s common knowledge that the MILF – which splintered from the Muslim National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1977 — has been fighting for the creation of an independent and sovereign nation carved out of Mindanao, which they claim to be their “ancestral domain.” But Murad told Aquino at that meeting that MILF was willing to abandon its demand for independence and would settle for a Bangsamoro “sub-state.” Peace process And what exactly does a “substate” mean? That is a question that would be the focal point of the peace negotiation from here on, which I can sense would be as contentious, if not more contentious, than before. However, if the peace negotiation between the government and the MILF is not going to bear fruit soon, the issue could escalate into open warfare in Mindanao just like what happened several times in the past. Before Aquino decided to

meet Murad in Tokyo, the ceasefire pact between the government and MILF — signed 10 years ago — was tenuous and shaky. However, there seems to be a mutual attempt to maintain a peaceful coexistence. In a way, the MILF is exercising a certain degree of unofficial — or de facto – autonomy of the area it occupies. And while the peace negotiation is going on – albeit at a turtle pace – Mindanao is relatively peaceful except for occasional ceasefire violations. Now that Aquino has gotten himself directly involved in the peace negotiation, suddenly the laissez faire politics that has dominated the peace process for three decades is now on the wayside. With Aquino on the driver’s seat in the peace process, he revealed that his administration is working out the details of the creation of a Bangsamoro “sub-state.” Whoa! Slow down Mr. President. Driving a twin-turbo Porsche at top speed to reach a peace accord might be dangerously fast; but flying an F-16 at supersonic speed could be suicidal. Your predecessor — former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo — tried to fast track the creation of a Bangsamoro homeland at warp speed and failed. Are you sure you want to repeat the same mistake? Bangsamoro Judicial Entity – 2008 In my article, “What Price Peace” (PerryScope, September 9, 2008), I wrote: “In her fervent desire to have peace in Mindanao, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo went to the extent of secretly forging an agreement that would virtually cede a huge portion of Philippine territory to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The treaty would have expanded the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) into a virtual state within a state replete with all the functions and authority of a sovereign and independent state.

“But, in a twist of fate, the day before the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) last August 5, 2008 in Malaysia, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order in response to several petitions claiming that the treaty was unconstitutional. What followed next was a tragedy of error that cost lives and property in Mindanao. “In the aftermath of the public uproar over the attempt to partition the country, Gloria decided to scrap the controversial MOA-AD. She also dissolved the government’s peace panel negotiating with the MILF. Basically, it’s back to square one for the peace process. And, worst, Mindanao is now in a virtual state of war or, to be more precise, a civil war between Muslim Filipinos and Christian Filipinos. In reaction, Mohaqher Iqbal, the MILF’s chief peace negotiator declared, ‘The peace process is now in purgatory.’ ” Bangsamoro “sub-state” – 2011 If Aquino is going to create a Bangsamoro “sub-state,” how will it differ from Gloria’s Bangsamoro Judicial Entity? Aquino’s solution to that was to remove the provisions of the “sub-state” that are deemed unconstitutional. But Mr. President, the idea of a “sub-state” – or a state within a state — is by itself, unconstitutional. We’ve gone through that before and it’s very likely that the Supreme Court would take a hard look at its constitutionality again. M a r v i c Leonen, the g o v e r n m e n t ’s peace panel chairman, hinted

Malacañang readies repatriation of OFWs in Syria

s tension in Syria escalated, Malacañang said it is preparing for the repatriation of at least 17,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) mostly domestic helpers, from the Middle Eastern nation. President Aquino, in a press briefing after the recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting at the Palace, however said only a few responded to the government’s call to leave the region. The President also said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario informed him

that the alert level was raised to 3 in the entire Syria instead of just three cities. Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) would automatically impose a total ban in deployment of Filipino contract workers to Syria due to the alert level 3 issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Political and economic relations with Syria will continue but the government has expressed concern over the Filipinos who might be affected by the unrest.

Word war escalates between GMA spokesman, Palace official

he spokesman of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has accused a Palace official of using gutter language in attacking him through the media. Lawyer Raul Lambino said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda has issued incessant derogatory statements in persecution of the Arroyos in order to mislead the public and to camouflage the Aquino government’s incompetence. He cited the issuance of watch list orders, fishing investigations, intimidations,

and other forms of machinations employed by the administration in pinning down the Arroyos. Arroyo who is facing five plunder complaints, remains confined at the intensive care unit of the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City as doctors treat the infection in her cervical spine that was operated on last month. Her doctors said she may still remain in the hospital from four to eight weeks.

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that a Bangsamoro “sub-state” is not feasible. However, he said that the government is looking at a one-year timetable to “seal a peace agreement” with the MILF. But the MILF negotiator, Michael Mastura, said that MILF would not settle for anything less than a “sub-state,” which he described as similar in political structure to those of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland who have their own governments but remain within the framework of the United Kingdom. And to make his point crystal clear, Mastura said that if they were not granted a “sub-state,” the MILF would revert to its old position, which calls for secession. MNLF and ARMM In 2001, RA 9054 was passed to expand the autonomy of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which was created in 1989. However, the new law states that ARMM “shall remain an integral and inseparable part of the national territory of the Republic.” MNLF claims that the new law violated the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) – signed between the government and MNLF in 1996 — both in letter and spirit. In November 2007, the first tripartite meeting among representatives of the Philippine government, MNLF, and the 57-member-state Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) met in

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The tripartite meeting served as the mechanism to resolve the “kinks and weaknesses” in the FPA. Last February 2011, at the fourth tripartite meeting in Jeddah, the Philippine government and MNLF agreed to an “amendatory bill,” which will be introduced in the Philippine Congress for “early adoption.” The tripartite meeting also welcomed the creation of the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund (BDAF). Price of peace The ideal thing to do is to expand the FPA to include MILF. But this is easier said than done. However, if Aquino is going to pursue a separate treaty with MILF without involving – or consulting – MNLF, the political dynamics in Mindanao could dramatically change. The real challenge for Aquino would be how to bring MILF and MNLF together within the framework of ARMM. That was the spirit of the law creating ARMM. The President’s meeting with the MILF chairman was indeed a great leap forward. However, it remains to be seen what direction it would take? Will it lead to the creation of an autonomous Bangsamoro “substate,” exclusive of MNLF and separate from ARMM? Or, will it unify MILF and MNLF under the aegis of ARMM… and bring peace to Mindanao?

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

August 2011

Recent Changes in the Live-In- Caregiver Program

Immigration News by Jon

Salvador, BSc.

Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant

(About the writer: Jon Salvador is a licensed immigration consultant and a member in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). He has more than 20 years of management and business experience in Canada. Prior to establishing his immigration consulting company, he worked for a U.S. based computer company and then at TELUS, the 2nd largest telecom company in Canada in various management positions. He is originally from Manila, Philippines and graduated from DLSU (De La Salle University) in Manila with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also studied Business Management at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. If you would like to request articles on other immigration topics for future “Alberta Filipino Journal” publications, you can contact Jon at (403) 241-6276 or at jon@nuerainc.ca or the publisher of this newspaper.

ecently, I have been asked numerous questions about the Live-In-Care (LIC) program. Listed below are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the answers. If you have any questions that are not covered in this issue, please feel free to send me an email at jon@nuerainc. ca Q1: What employment requirements were recently changed in the LIC program to be eligible to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence? A: On April 1, 2010, live-in caregivers working in Canada under the Live-in Caregiver (LIC) Program have two options for calculating their work experience as LIC to be eligible to apply for permanent residence: □ a total of 24 months of authorized full-time employment, or □ a total of 3,900 hours of authorized full-time employment.

Authorized, full-time employment means, you worked with a valid LMO and a valid Work Permit and worked an average of at least 37.5 hrs. per week. Live-in caregivers submitting an application for permanent residence under the Live-in Caregiver Program on or after April 1, 2010, must select one of the two options for calculating whether they have met the employment requirement to be eligible for permanent residence as a live-in caregiver. Q2: Who can I include on my Permanent Residence application? A: All family members living in Canada and abroad must be included in your application for permanent resident status in Canada. Family members are defined as your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. “Dependent children” are defined as children of the principal applicant or of the principal applicant’s spouse or common law partner. They must: i. Be under the age of 22 yrs. old and not have a spouse or common law partner or ii. Be depend substantially on the financial support of a parent and have continuously enrolled and in attendance as full-time students in a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority since before age of 22 (or since marrying or entering into a commonlaw relationship, if this happened before the age of 22 )or iii. Depend substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22 and unable to provide for themselves due to medical condition. Your family members’ applications for permanent resident status will be processed at the same time as yours. Your family members living abroad will not receive their papers to come to Canada until you receive permanent resident status. In order for you to become a permanent resident, all of your family members who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must undergo and pass an immigration medical exams, and background security checks (eg. police clearance) even if they are not coming to Canada. If any of your family members is determined as inadmissible... then you are also inadmissible to Canada.

Q3: I am legally married in the Philippines but have been separated for several years with my spouse. There is no divorce in the Phils. I have been living “common law” with another person in Canada for more than one year. When I fill out my Permanent Residence application forms, can I put my “common law” spouse name on the form, even though I am not legally “divorced” in the Phils.?

return to Canada. The length of your vacation should be in your current employment contract. If you take a vacation longer than what you have agreed to in your contract, without a written permission from your employer, you could lose your job in Canada. Before leaving Canada, you should check with your country’s government for information on visiting or exit visa requirements. These requirements may have changed while you are A: In Canada, a couple is considered working in Canada. in a common law relationship, if they have been continuously living Q5: Can I study in Canada while I together as husband and wife am working as a live-in caregiver? (conjugal relationship) for at least A: Yes. You can study in Canada one year. This applies also to same without a Study Permit, if the course sex couples who have been living length is six months or less. However, together as “husband and wife” for at if the course you want to take lasts least one year. A conjugal relationship more than six months, then you will exists when there is a significant need to apply for a Study Permit. You degree of commitment between two do not need the permission of your people – that they support each other employer to study as long as you are emotionally, financially, etc., that fulfilling and meeting all the terms they present themselves in public and conditions of your employment as a couple. Proof of commitment contract. and living together would include but not limited to: living in same Q6: Can I work without a valid address, joint names in apartment Work Permit while I wait for a new lease agreements, joint names in one? telephone or utility bills, joint bank A: No. It is illegal to work in Canada accounts, etc. So, if you meet all the without a valid Work Permit. You above requirements for a common should talk with your employer to law relationship, you can put the apply for a new LMO at least three name of your common law partner (3) months before your current Work in your PR application. However, Permit expires. You need a new LMO you cannot marry your common before you can apply for a new Work law partner until after you obtain a Permit. LMOs nowadays can take up proper divorce in Canada. to 2 months or more before it gets approval. You should apply to extend You can file for a divorce in Alberta, your Work Permit (WP) at least 30 if you have been legally residing in days before the expiry date. Your Alberta for at least one year and you temporary status as a worker will have been separated from your spouse continue under the same conditions in the Philippines for at least one (Implied Status), until your WP year. Your spouse in the Philippines application is processed and you will have to be notified that you are have been notified of the decision. filing for a divorce in Canada. Q7: Can I work for more than one Q4: Can I take a vacation in my employer at the same time? home country? A. No, you cannot work for more A: Yes, you can take a vacation in your than one employer under the Livehome country. You should get a letter in Caregiver Program. Your Work from your employer indicating that Permit specifies your employer you have his/her permission to take a name, your work location and the vacation and that you are returning type of work you may perform in to work in Canada after the vacation. Canada. You can leave the Live-in Bring your valid Work Permit with Caregiver program to find other types you before leaving Canada. The Visa of employment, however, you need to Officer at the port of entry (POE) may have the new employer obtain a new want to see this document when you LMO and you have to obtain a new Work Permit before you can start working in another job. Remember that if you leave the LIC program, the hours you work for your new employer will not count towards the work experience required to apply for permanent residence under the Live-in Caregiver Program.

Before resigning, it is best that you have your new employer first obtain a positive LMO because he/she will not be able to hire you without one. You need a signed employment contract with your new employer before they can apply for an LMO. After your LMO is approved, you need to apply for a new Work Permit to work for your new employer.

Q8: Can I change employers, before my employment contract period is completed? A: Yes, you can change employers before your employment contract period is completed. However, you should provide the required notice of your resignation as stipulated in your employment contract. Employment contracts normally states the number of days or weeks of notice required either for you to resign on your job and notice required for the employer to fire you.

Legal Disclaimer: This news article is designed for general information only. The information presented in this article should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a consultant/client relationship. Each individual situation is different and people should seek proper advice on their specific cases with a licensed immigration consultant of their choice.

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Q9: How do I check, if the “consultant” with whom I am dealing with and paying a fee is a licensed immigration consultant? A: Licensed immigration consultants are listed in the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) website members’ directory: http://www.iccrc-crcic.ca/public/ membershipList2.cfm? ICCRC is the new regulatory body for licensed Canadian Immigration Consultants. ICCRC replaced CSIC when Bill C-35 was enacted as law effective June 30, 2011. ICCRC is now responsible for regulating the activities of licensed Canadian Immigration Consultants who are members and who provide immigration advice for a fee or other considerations. Stiff fines are now in effect for persons without a license who provide immigration advice for a fee (ie. up to $100,000 fine and/or 2 years in jail). If the person is not listed in the ICCRC website member’s directory (Full or Transitional Member), then chances are the person is NOT a licensed immigration consultant. Q10: Where should I report persons charging fees and who are not licensed immigration consultants? A: Unauthorized persons charging fees or other considerations after June 30, 2011 can be reported to the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) for investigation. Documentary evidence, (ie. proof of illegal activities), such as: samples of advertising materials, letters, documents, copies of contracts, receipts of payments made, etc. should be collected and provided to support the allegations of illegal activities. You can contact ICCRC at: The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council 1100 Burloak Drive, Suite 300 Burlington, Ontario Canada, L7L 6B2 Tel: 1-877-836-7543 Fax: 1-877-315-9868 Email: info@iccrc-crcic.ca

August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Dr. Pio Valenzuela and Events of August 1896

by Danilo V.

Donor ( M.A Ed. )

donordanilo@yahoo.com

Dr.Pio Valenzuela ,was one of the close confidants of Supremo Andres Bonifacio. He stood as a baptismal sponsor of Bonifacio's son, Andres Jr. who later died. Hence, he was the "compadre" of Bonifacio. He was initiated in the Katipunan on 1895. Even though he was not among the early members of the Katipunan, he occupied various important offices: In the Fourth Supreme Council (Jan.1896) Physician of the Katipunan ; Member of the Camara Secreta/Secret Chamber and one of the Jefes Generales of the Katipunan Army. He was the Katipunan emissary who went to Dapitan to confer with Dr. Jose Rizal. Dr.Rizal refused to join an untimely revolt.

references to other eye witness of inquired bout him. (VTMC in the events and other documents Minutes p.148) about the turbulent events that Note: Valenzela in his memoirs transpired in August 1896. claimed that he reached Readers are warned that there were Balintawak on August 20. (VM in inconsistencies, contradiction Minutes.p.100) and confusion regarding Dr. Valenzuela's court statements in AUGUST 22, 1896 (Saturday.) 1896 and 1917 as well as in his Morning at 6 Magdalena St. Tondo. "Josefa Dizon, mother of Memoirs circa 1914. Emilio Jacinto (Secretary of the AUGUST 19- Andres Bonifacio, Supreme Council), to him that Emilio Jacinto, Procopio her son and Andres Bonifacio Bonifacio, Teodoro Plata and ,fled the city to evade arrest and Aguedo del Rosario sought refuge advised him to go into hiding". in Balintawak,Caloocan. (VM in In the afternoon he took a coach going to Polo, Bulacan. When Minutes p.100) he reached Caloocan at 8:00 AUGUST 21,1896 (Friday)-After p.m his coach was stopped and dining with his cousins, he was someone that Andres Bonifacio told by a druggist, that a man in and Emilio Jacinto wanted to talk civilian clothes but appeared to to him.(Author's comment: Did be a soldier called at the house in Valenzuela originally wanted to Buenavides St.in Divisoria, and escape to his home town Polo,

Bulacan rather than join Bonifacio et.al in Caloocan? ). About 11:00 p.m. He met the outlaw "Laon" who detained and forced persons to be initiated to the Katipunan. AUGUST 23,1896 (Sunday) A.M in Balintawak. The Katipunan General Assembly held at the yard of Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora) decided to take up arms against Spanish rule. Minutes of the General Assembly was signed by Valenzuela , as Secretary General. All the minutes and funds of the Katipunan placed in separate travelling bags of Valenzuela, (Guillermo) Masangkay and Alejandro (Santiago). Emilio Jacinto and Aguedo del Rosario using the times in preparing the orders and instructions for the outbreak that which was to take place on August

29. (TVMC in Minutes, p.1190 Note: A very confusing recollection of Dr. Pio Valenzuela in the Libel case of U.S vs. Sotto (1917),regarding this event,that the Katipunan session was held in the house of Melchora Aquino at Daang Malalim,in Pasong Tamo,also known as Pacpac Lawin. ( in "Minutes" p.238 ) AUGUST 24- 1896 (Monday) Formation of a Revolutionary Government under the "Republika ng Katagalugan": Andres Bonifacio (President), Emilio Jacinto (Minister of Stae), Teodoro Plata (Minister of War), Briccio Pantas (Minister of Justice), Enrique Pacheco (Minister of Finance) and Aguedo del Rosario (Minster of Interior). The Katipunan 'Jefes Generales'. more on page 8 â&#x2013;ş

Valenzuela was among the early Katipunan members who sought refuge in the town of Caloocan, north of Manila,when the society's secret existence was betrayed by Teodoro Patino first to the Madre Potrera of the Orphan House in Mandaluyong and to the Augustinian Fr.Mariano Gil. in the parish house in Tondo. (Minutes:121- 124).He is an important witness of the events that triggered the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution of 18996. Below is the chronological reconstruction of events based on the following Valenzuela documents: Valenzuela's testimonies before the Spanish Military Court, Sept.3Dec.9,1896 in Appendix I of "Minutes "pp.146-176 (herein as VTMC), Testimony of Dr. Pio Valenzuela in Case of U.S vs. Sotto For Libel Case,1917 in Appendix W of "Minutes" pp, 230-243 (herein as U.S vs. Sotto ) and the Valenzuela Memoirs ca. in Appendix A of "Minutes", pp. 89-108,herein as VM). The author also made cross 111574-C.Rpt2AB-8x10E.indd 1

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02/08/11 11:46 AM

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August 2011

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continuation from page 7

Pio Valenzuela, Guillermo Masangkay, Apolonio Samson, Aguedo del Rosario, Tomas Remegio,Emilio Jacinto, Teodoro Plata, Alejandro Santiago one Lucino and others (BorromeoBuehler.1997;34 , 119)

AUGUST 26 (Wednesday)- Col. Francisco Pintos Ledesma of the Guardia Civil,on his report to the Captain general, Mentionednan engagement with the Katipuneros on the previous day, August 26.(Minutes.p125)

AUGUST 25 (Tuesday)-News reached Valenzuela that the town mayor of Caloocan (Silverio Baltazar) had been arrested and the Civil Guards were on march to that place. Valenzuela and others fled (abandoned the katipunan and the Revolution---D)

The truth is: How can he be witness as well as a participant in these events when he already abandoned the Katipunan and fled ? AUGUST 27 (Thursday) Valenzuela in Mariquina.

Valenzuela and two other persons reached the mountains of San AUGUST 28 (Friday) Daylight. from Mariquina. Mateo, Morong Province (now Started Valenzuela reached Escolta as far Rizal). as Pasaje de Perez. He embarked in Night- They made their way to a lake steamship going to Binang, Mariquina, stayed at the house of Laguna and called on the house of one Jacinto and there they found a native cleric, D. Sivino Manalo Cipriano Pacheco who fled from and after receiving a copy of the First clash between the Katipunan Bonifacio's party and gave him amnesty proclamation returned and the Civil Guard.( WN, in a copy of the letter (amnesty to Manila, went to Malacanang Minutes p.100) proclamation) of the governor- Place and surrender himself to the governor-general. general (Ramon Blanco). Valenzuela retracted in his testimony before the Military NOTES: AUGUST 29- Start of Philippine Court (Sept.6), he stated that In his Memoirs ca. 1914 he wrote Revolution against Spain. Towns "The fight between the Guardia that on August 26,the last meeting around Manila and Morong (now Civil and the rebels in Bulat of the Camara Secreta (secret Rizal) raised their standards of (Banlat) and Balintawak took Chamber) composed of Bonifacio, revolt as response to Bonifacio's place Wednesday, August 26, and Jacinto and himself devised a Proclamation of August 28,1896. not in the morning of Tuesday, plan on how forged documents (Agoncillo,1963:4,70) It was August 25, as he wrongly stated. of the KKK implicating the rich only on August 31, when Cavite (Minutes.p.157) anti-Katipunan Filipinos fall into Magdiwang and Magdalo Councils the hands of Spanish authorities. attacked Spanish town halls and Note: In Valenzela's testimony (Minutes .p.100) barracks.(Unabia.1997:61) before the Spanish Military Court he stated "THEY REMAINED In his testimony in U.S. vs. Sotto he The surrender of Dr. Pio Valenzuela IN BALINTAWAK, SUNDAY, mentioned about the fight between proved to be disastrous to whom MONDAY AND TUESDAY". It the Civil Guards and the rebel in he mentioned in his testimony proves that Bonifacio and Jacinto's Baulat (Banlat ?) and Balintawak before the military court many presence in BALINTAWAK from that took place August 26. That were arrested, tortured, exiled and he did not witness the fight as he the unlucky ones-executed (ie. August 23- 25, 1896. had retired with others to the rear. Dr.J.P.Rizal). (VTMC in Minutes 160)

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Carlos Ronquillo y Valdez ,Aquinaldo's private secretary in Hong Kong wrote with bitterness in his 1898 memoirs:" Sa bandong ito (proklamasyong amnestiya ni Gob.Hen.Ramon Blanco---D) ay walang napasakop ni isa mang tunay na Naghihimagsik,maliban lamang sa mga duwag at taksil...hindi nilingon ang maling kamalian at kahalayang tatamuhing pula,at nagsipaglilong humarap at magprisinta sa Punong Kaaway,sanhi sa udyok at mali nilang sapantahana magkakamit ng kapakinabangan at maliligtas balang daang ikapapahamak..... Mga taksil na walang munti mang kabaitan !...Ang mga dusta nilang pangalan ay di mangyayaring kaligtaang ilagda samaitim na dahon ng Historia at di mangyayaring mapawi magpakailanman! sa mga ito ay kabilang si Pio valenzuela...at iba't iba pa na may katungkulan sa paghihimagsik.Sa dila ng nauna ay lubhang marami ang mga tahimik na nsngapahamak sa kanilang ipinagsusumbong At paraang pagganting-loob sa kanila,ay nagsitulog sa bilangguan at nagatapon."(pp.219,221) I rather quote the entire passage than to translate the above to preserve and faithfully present the Ronquillo's emotional assessment Valenzuela's surrender and confession.

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Valenzuela was given the penalty of life imprisonment and he was incarcerated with Filipino rebels in Barcelona,Madrid and Malaga, Spain and later on transferred to Mantilla, Africa. After the Treaty of Paris of 1898,he and his fellow prisoners were set free. During the American Regime, he served as town mayor of Polo (now Valenzuela) from 1899-1901) and provincial governor from 1919 to 1925. He died on April 6,1956 at the age of 87. (Cuneta 1997:42) Additional notes: The tearing of 'cedulas '(resident/ ID certificates) was NOT done once but several times. According to Ambeth Ocampo,base on a report in the National Archives Bonifacio have a habit of carrying fake 'cedulas'."this means he probably had more than one cedula in his pocket enabling him to inspire different groups by tearing his cedula in more than one place,before different audience."(Ocampo 2001:78) Place of the First Cry of the Revolution, Pugad Lawin or Balintawak. Early accounts of the Revolution mentioned Balintawak (see above Valenzuela 1896 accounts made one week after the events and not based on murky later recollections of participants. (see full discussion: BorromeoBuehler,1997)

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Johnny Cantiveros Carl Benito Gem M. Anis Danilo Donor Lito Cleofe Dolly Punsalan Castillo

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August 2011

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Filipino Journal

Alberta

Sunday Picnic for the Quezonian Club of Edmonton Summer is not complete without the Quezonian traditional family and get together picnic at the Hawrelak Park last Sunday August 7, 2011. And of course the favorite and palatable dish laing and several delicacies pancit, lumpia, gulaman and desserts were served for everyone to enjoy. A day in the park with old times fun, singing and camaraderie.

Officers of the Quezonian Club of Edmonton Renewed for the Second Term.

The Quezonian Group with President Jimmy Villamayor strumming the guitar.

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The Filipino Journal is published twice a month in Winnipeg. We are committed to help you attain your marketing, sales, and company objectives. Your company advertisement in our newspaper will surely appeal to 50,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers. Advertisers can expect to get their message to its readers and consumers in this area. People read the Filipino Journal because of its very informative news, entertainment sections and useful everyday information on living in Canada.

Filipino Journal is the no.1 Filipino-Canadian Newspaper in Alberta that published 10,000 copies once a month. We are the largest and fastest growing Filipino-Canadian newspaper, with 70,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers. With a unique message that will attract readers and consumers. Advertising your products and services is one of the most strategic business decisions you can make.

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Filipino Journal SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES

Social media marketing brings your company to the fastest growing networking hubs on the Internet. We can help you reach out to, collaborate with, and market effectively to targeted audiences in their on-line haunts. Social Media Marketing services include: Social Media Strategy - finding your potential clients on-line and figuring out how to reach them. Corporate Facebook Pages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; building and managing effective Facebook presences; Twitter Services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; using Twitter the right way. Our social media marketing services can: * * * * * * *

increase brand awareness; create buzz; promote and advertise products and services; generate sales; establish expertise; drive more web site traffic showcase and demonstrate product effectiveness.

Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and YouTube get millions of visitors daily. Tap into this vital social phenomenon and reach a vast new audience, contact the Filipino Journal today to find out how.

Ron Cantiveros (204) 489-8894 ron@FilipinoJournal.com

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Solid planning and increased revenue lead to lower deficit forecast

Carl Benito, MLA Edmonton Mill Woods

As the MLA for Edmonton MillWoods, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions regarding any of the issues discussed in this release, I can be reached in my constituency office at #218; 4128A-97 Street, or in my Legislature office at 780-422-9299. Also, please subscribe to my e-newsletter at http://benito.mypcmla. ca/. Follow us on Facebook: facebook. com/carl.benito, twitter: http://twitter.com/ MLACarlBenito and You Tube: http://www. youtube.com/benitomla

n improved forecast for revenue, largely due to higher oil prices and nearrecord land sales, have lowered Alberta’s expected 2011-12 deficit to $1.3 billion, a decrease of 60 per cent from budget. Revenue is projected to be $2.7 billion higher than forecast at budget due to strong land lease sales and higher oil prices. Investment income is also forecast to be higher. Expense is forecast to increase $650 million from budget, with the majority ($456 million) related to disaster and emergency funding, including for forest fire-fighting and assistance to Slave Lake. Operating spending is up slightly by $62 million, with nearly half the increase going towards increased lump

sum payments for employees of community-based agencies that provide care on behalf of government for children and people with disabilities. The deficit will be covered by Alberta’s savings account, the Sustainability Fund. Government built up this account with money from its past savings to help fund priority public programs and services, maintain significant capital spending and keep taxes low during difficult economic times. The Sustainability Fund is forecast to end the year with $9.7 billion in assets, an increase of $4.4 billion from the budget estimate. The increase is due to the lower deficit, cash transferred to the account from last fiscal year’s results and positive changes in capital or other cash adjustments. In the first three months of the fiscal year, the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund earned $269 million in net investment income, and its fair market value was $15.1 billion at June 30, 2011. Investment income for the fiscal year is forecast at $999 million, a decrease of $51 million from budget, due to the higher exchange rate forecast. Struggling and uncertain world equity and financial markets will likely impact the performance of fund assets for the remainder of the year.

New grant program benefits land conservation in Alberta

A new provincial grant program will help further the conservation and protection of ecologically important lands in the province. The Alberta Land Trust Grant Program will make grants available to land trust organizations for the purchase of conservation easements on private land and to manage land administered under trusts. Conservation easements are legally binding voluntary agreements between a landowner and a land trust. When placed on the land title, an easement restricts future surface development but current activities, like grazing, continue. The landowner retains title. A land trust is a notfor-profit, non-government organization established to promote biodiversity conservation on private land. Any land trust currently operating in Alberta is eligible to apply for grant funding but must provide other funding and demonstrate that their project aligns with the government’s overall conservation objectives. The grant and matching funds must go towards a specific project. A total of $5 million will be available for 2011-12. The Alberta Land Stewardship Fund was established following changes in 2010 to the Public Lands Act, resulting from the Alberta Land Stewardship Act. The application deadline is Sept. 26, 2011. For information or to obtain an application package, contact Landtrust.grantprogram@ gov.ab.ca

Edmonton Mill Woods News

MLA Carl Benito at the 2011 National Conference of State Legislatures’ Energy Summit held in San Antanio, Texas, from August 8 to 11.

MLA Carl Benito (left) with Canadian Senator Jim Munson (second left), Massachusetts State Senator, Richard Moore (second right) and Oregon State Senator, Bruce Starr (right) at a reception for Canadian representatives at the 2011 National Conference of State Legislatures Summit in San Antonio, Texas.

MLA Carl Benito (left) at the 2011 National Conference of State Legislatures Summit in San Antanio, Texas, with delegates from Saskatchewan, Brazil and Quebec

MLA Carl Benito Confirms his Support for Alberta Premier Candidate Ted Morton

MLA Carl Benito of Edmonton MillWoods (second right), Ted Morton (third left) and other MLAs including Doug Elniski (right), Tony Vandermeer (fourth right), Peter Sandhu (third left) and David Xiao (left)

With preparations for the election of a new Progressive Conservative leader in full swing, Mr. Carl Benito MLA for Edmonton MillWoods Constituency is pleased to say that he has fully consolidated his support for Dr. Ted Morton’s run for the leadership role. Mr. Benito disclosed that Ted Morton’s political plans for Alberta

As your MLA, I can: •Commission legal documents, free of charge as a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths. •Provide official Legislature commemora tive certificates for special occasions such as significant wedding anniversaries, birthdays and facility openings. •Help you resolve issues with any government Department, or help you access assistance regarding social services, student loans, etc. •Provide you information or material on provincial issues, including copies of Hansard, Bills, Motions, News Releases, etc. •Have petitions presented to the Legislature Assembly on provincial issues that are important to you. •Meet with you, your family, your co-workers your organization, or your Community League to listen to and act on your concerns or ideas. •Assist organizations with provincial grant applications, such as the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP), Community Initiatives Program (CIP), etc. •Arrange for you to attend Question Period session or any Legislature debates, or tour of the Legislature for you, your out-oftown guests, your service club, or school.

August 2011

Constituency Office #218, 4128 A - 97 Street Edmonton, AB T6E 5Y6 Tel (780) 414-1000 Fax (780) 414-1278 E-Mail: edmonton.millwoods@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office #723 Legislature Annex 9718 - 107 Street Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4 Tel (780) 422-9299 Fax (780) 422-1671

•Visit your school or organization to explain how the Government works and answer your questions.

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resonate strongly with his personal ideologies on ways to effectively drive Alberta towards a stronger and more sustainable future. Along with Mr. Benito, other MLAs currently in support of Ted Morton’s campaign for leadership are David Xiao, Ken Allred, Tony Vandermeer, Peter Sandhu and Doug Elniski.

August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Filipino Journal

Alberta

Joanne Aguilar Two Day Concerts Globalfest Calgary 2011 Joanne Aguilar a popular singer in Edmonton held a two day concerts Elliston Park, Calgary, Alberta at Lola Emma's Restaurant last Friday and Saturday August 19th and 20th 2011. A romantic evenings of nostalgic songs and popular OPM Trico Homes International Fireworks Festival songs. On the keyboard was Ron of Vancouver who came to Edmonton The Philippines Fireworks Team for Joanne's concert.

Philippines - Sunday, August 21 Company: Platinum Fireworks Inc. Title Of Show: Let's Get Ready to Rumble Designer: Antonio Parente Musical Program: Let's Get Ready to Rumble (Jock Jams) La Chanson de Pacman (William Lymergie) Lahing Pinoy (Manny Pacquiao) Rocket (Herbie Hancock) Firework (Katy Perry) Just The Way You Are (Bruno

Joanne with somne her guests.

Andrea Celebrates 7th Birthday Andrea Marquicias Candaba daughter of Alfred and Liezel Candaba celebrates her 7th Birthday at St. Theresa Hall on Saturday August 6th, 2011. Andrea was presented with 7 candle wishes and seven roses.

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Mars) Noypi (Bamboo) My Prayer (Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli) Ghost Love Score (Nightwish) Spirit of Champions (Two Steps from Hell) This year Platinum's fireworks display centres around Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao, a professional boxer and Filipino sports hero. Platinum's presentation artfully narrates Pacquiao's triumphs in three segments. Music and pyrotechnics

combine to take the audience through a journey starting with Pacquiao's early career, then celebrating his fruition into a mature competitor, and finally, honoring his return to the Philippines as a champion and national star. Expect Roman candles, mines and cakes of assorted colours to fill the night sky, and a barrage of golden brocades, single shots mines and roman candles to signal a hero's achievement.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Record Breaking Edmonton Heritage Festival A Great Success by Jun Angeles

he Philippine Pavilion has gained lots of accolades and admiration at this year's biggest event , The (Servus) Edmonton Heritage Festival Saturday July 30, Sunday 31 and Monday August 1, 2011 at Hawrelark Park in Edmonton. The attraction of the Philippine Pavilion were not just the food that were served, the pork barbecue, pancit, camote cue, okoy, turon, spring roll, halo-halo, bitso and the refreshing gulaman and water melon but the entertainment and showcasing Philippine made arts and crafts. The entertainments provided by the Karilagan Dance Society were of par excellence. A crowd pleaser and drawer, the Karilagan Dance Society entertained the spectators with traditional Philippine Folk Dances. The appearance of Brian Abenojar aka Manny Pacquio draw a big applause from the audience when he sang Para Saiyo Ang Laban Naito and the participation of JIL (Jesus is Lord) add a spice in the entertainment. The success of the Pavilion can be summed up with its participants and behind the scene volunteers who toiled and labored to serve and be hospitable. The smiling Filipina vendors , the behind the scene cooks and runners, and the management that looked after the operation. Wilf Ladores, Chairman of the Pavilion, Jun Angeles, Vice Chairman, Mandy Servito, Chairman of Food, Memen Cochingco, Chairperson of the Entertainment and Josie Pallard, Chairperson of Arts and Crafts. The participation of the Philippine Department of Tourism headed by Debbie

Gallano and Gab Agcaoile who put up a booth and were on hand to answer all the queries and information about the Philippines added flavor to the success of the Pavillion. It drew a lot of inquires on places to visit the Philippines from Filipinos and Canadians alike. The Edmonton Heritage Festival overall broke its records in terms of attendance and food sales. The Philippine Pavilion a 36 year veteran participant to this event made it to the top ten best sellers countries. This proved the tremendous amount of preparation and effort from the people behind this event, not only with the Philippine Pavilion but the other 67 countries that participated. To see the world in a whirlwind, taste their food and learn their culture visit the Edmonton Heritage Festival a three day event that will get you to places around the world. Visit Edmonton same time next year and see the United Nations assembled into one beautiful and wonderful world.

L-R Pepito and Cecille Magpayo of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pinoy Alberta TVâ&#x20AC;?, Brian Abenojar aka Manny Pacquiao and Jun Angeles

L-R Mandy Servito, Josie Pallard, Seanna Collins of Global TV Edmonton, Memen Cochingco and Jun Angeles

Melanie Angeles and Michelle Tria, Halo-halo servers

Josie Pallard with her Arts and Crafts

JIL Participants (Jesus is Lord)

The Kids of Karilagan Dance Society

Moms and Kids enyoying the enterteinment

Karilagan Dancers taking a break

Volunteer Servers

The Volunteer Cooks

Volunteers The Management L-R Wilf Ladores, Chairman, Lulu Bernal, Treasurer, Letty Tria, President of Filipino Nurses, Hermie Angeles, Chairperson of Regional Songfest, Josie Bilo, Secretary of CEFA

Volunteers

Photos by Jun Angeles | Filipino Journal

More photos available on FilipinoJournal.com

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7333 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5N 6L4 905.819.3000 x4188

Colour:

4 colour process

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Insertion Date:

Unknown

Filipino Journal

Renee Omlas

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Lea Salonga gets honored as Disney Legend

nternational singer Lea Salonga joins the prestigious circle of Disney Legends who will be honored on Aug. 19 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. Disney President and CEO Bob Iger says The Disney Legends Award is the highest and most coveted honor given to individuals who gave voice to some of the most iconic and beloved Disney princesses. The award also recognizes the talents and outstanding contributions of the honorees to the Disney legacy. The Filipino international singer was cited for providing the singing voice for two Disney characters: Jasmine in “Aladdin” (1992), and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” (1998) and “Mulan II” (2004). She was also cited for garnering numerous awards for her impressive performance in Broadway, especially as Kim in Miss Saigon.

The 12 Disney Legends will each receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture. Their bronzed handprints will also be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at Disney’s Burbank headquarters. Aside from Salonga, the other recipients this year are Muppets creator Jim Henson, TV host Regis Philbin; and actresses who lent their voices for Disney Princesses, including Jodi Benson (Ariel from The Little Mermaid), Paige O'Hara (Belle from Beauty and the Beast), Linda Larkin (speaking voice of Jasmine from Aladdin), and Anika Noni Rose (Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog). Since its inception in 1987, more than 200 Disney Legends have already been honored that include Hollywood celebrities Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews and Barbara Walters.

Nicholas Sparks announces Manila visit

nternationally acclaimed American novelist and screenwriter Nicholas Sparks is set to visit the Philippines. This was announced by the famous author himself on his official Twitter account where he posted that he will be in Manila on October 27 to 28th. Sparks has published 16 bestselling novels with themes that include Christian faith, love, tragedy and fate.

August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

He is familiar to Filipino readers and moviegoers as six of his novels have been adapted to film including Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John, and The Last Song. Although the novelist admitted that his skill with Asian languages is virtually non-existent, his Filipino fans would be amused to know that he is trying his best to learn Tagalog.

Ooops – They did it again! Pinay Winners !

Miss Tourism Intercontinental Beauty Pageant held in Dominican Republic on July 26-July 31, 2011.

Miss Mariedelle Velasco- Miss Turismu Petite Intercontinental 2011( Miss Tourism Petite Intercontinental 2011). She also got the title "Mejor Traje Traditional" ( Best in Traditional National Costume)

Marifel Buluran & Mariedelle Velasco

Miss Marifel Buluran- 1st Runner Up Miss Golden Dream Girl Intercontinental 2011(1st Runner Up Miss Junior Teen Intercontinental 2011). She also got the title Canatalla Del Caribe 2011 which refers to the Best Fantasy Ocean Wear.

Paris Hilton enjoying her stay in the Philippines

ocialite and hotel chain heiress Paris Hilton is apparently enjoying her Philippine visit. In her official Twitter account, the American media personality who arrived in the country Sunday night, narrated that she enjoyed the dinner party hosted by boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee Pacquiao, where she got introduced to the couple’s friends. The Pacquiao couple got acquainted with Paris after she watched the boxing champ’s fight against Shane Mosley in the US last May. The couple also intimated in previous interviews about their plan to go on a business venture with Paris, whose various product lines have been successful in several countries.

Hilton also took notice of the warm reception she got upon her arrival by saying that Filipinos are warm, welcoming, genuine and sweet people. She also posted a photo of herself with Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao which made it to the 10th spot on Twitter's list of top

trending topics for the Philippines on Wednesday morning. Hilton is set to open her fourth boutique in the country. She will also help design a real estate property in Parañaque. She will stay in the Philippines until Thursday.

Aeta YouTube star gets invitation from Apl.de.ap, Charice

rjohn Gilbert, the young Aeta boy whose recent videos showcasing his professional singing voice went viral over YouTube, has been invited to perform by no less than two of the most popular Filipino world-class singers. Filipino-American Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap said he’s glad that Arjohn is gaining recognition for his innate singing talent. He also said he’ll be happy to perform with Arjohn and to help him in his singing career. International singing sensation Charice for her part also extended an invitation to Arjohn to perform with her in a future show. She even asked her fans, better known as Chasters, to find Arjohn to let him know that he will be part of her next show in the Philippines

Dubbed as “The Next Apl. He was discovered by Apl de.ap,” and “Justin Bieber of the who included him in one of Philippines,” Arjohn originally his music videos where Arjohn hails from Pampanga where he’s portrayed the young Apl. making a living selling fruits, crops and flutes.

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Alberta

2011 Ford F-150 4x4 V6 EcoBoost Platinum

by Ron

Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

he Ford F-150 is sharp and tough! I wasn’t much of a truck guy and the Ford F150 Lariat 4x4 Platinum made me a convert. The red candy metallic finish also helped or as I referred to it during the week I drove it, “Filipino Journal metallic red.” The only thing missing to make owning this beast of a vehicle at all practical was a 35’ RV trailer, a motor boat and a yard of topsoil. If you have anything to haul, tow or move, I was told that this vehicle can do it easily. Built with Ford’s new EcoBoost V6 engine, this truck can haul just about anything you hook it up to. In this model, it’s rated for towing up to 11,300 pounds and comparable to the 6.2L V8 model. It was fun to drive. This truck looks great off road and even sharper driving it downtown and through the streets of Winnipeg! The Ford F-150 can do just about everything – tow, go off-roading, climb rocks or speed through back country roads at Whiteshell Provincial Park. It’s a monster of a truck both inside and outside. The ride quality on the F150 was superb both in the city and on the highway. Good acceleration, lots of power as the engine hummed along. The engine wheezed effortlessly when overtaking and accelerating on the open highway. A short offroad excursion didn’t fairly test the F150’s full range of its 4x4 features. I’m sure it’s well equipped to handle any amount of mud, sand and snow thrown in it’s path. Let’s talk about some of my favourite features. First is the SuperCrew Cab. The cab on the F150 is huge! The legroom alone is crazy.

I could of easily camped in the back row and still be comfortable. Flipping the 2nd row of seats gives way to additional cargo space and easily accessible as the doors swing wide open. Using the short bed while delivering the Filipino Journal, I also found the use of the built-in tailgate step quite handy, easy to use and even came with its own flip-up handhold bar. There was no need to bring a plastic milk crate with you. The tailgate was also equipped with a pickup box extender. The interior of the 2011 Ford F-150 is both functional and attractive. Loaded with features for comfort and convenience, interior features include: 4.2" LCD display, rear view back-up camera, heated and cooled power front seats, power moonroof and dual zone electronic temperature controls. The cooled power leather-trimmed front bucket seats were a welcome feature during our little Winnipeg hot-spell earlier this summer. Looking for entertainment? The Ford F-150 didn't disappoint. Equipped with a 700-watt, 10-speaker Sony audio system, rear subwoofer, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Microsoft SYNC, this is a rolling concert stage on wheels. In the end, I enjoyed the responsive feel, quiet and elegant styling of the interior cabin and the aggressive exterior that looked rugged and classy. Again, the Filipino Journal red metallic finish was a definite bonus. As far as the towing and hauling capacities to full appreciate the V6 EcoBoost engine, I’ll have to wait until I own an RV camper trailer and motor boat. The 2011 Ford F-150 is priced across a wide range of models with over 30 different variations. The model as tested was the Ford F-150 Lariat 4x4 Platinum SuperCab Crew edition, with 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, premium leather option and 20” polished cast-aluminum wheels. Priced at $64,719.00 Ford F-150 Competition: Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Titan and the Ram 1500.

Built-in tailgate step and pickup box extender.

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F-150 near Nutimik Lake

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Welcome to the World Aaliyah Congratulations to Katie and Mike Angeles on the birth of their second daughter Aaliya, sister to Aylah born 8lbs 7 oz on July 11, 2011 at 8:19 AM.

Aaliyah Zion Angeles July 11th 2011 born 8lbs 7oz at 8:19am!

Aaliyah Zion Angeles

Kenyon Juan Uhuad 1st Birthday Kenyon Uhuad celebrated his first birthday on Sunday, August 7, 2011 at Derrick Club attended by relatives and friends.

L-R Hazel, Kenyon, Ben and Kobe

Kenyon with grandparents Baby and Lani Santos and family.

Grandma Mila Uhuad holding her grandson surrounded with friends.

Keoni Turns Four Keoni Tan daughter of Grace and William Tan celebrated her fourth birthday August 7, 2011

Dylan Xander Santos Turns One Congratulations to Dylan Xander Santos, son of Arturo Jr. and Rachelle Santos A birthday celebration was held on Brookview Community Hall attended by relatives and friends. Dylan is the grandson of Art, Sr. and Fely Santos, Sr.

Art Jr. and Rachelle Santos Family.

Bella Bexigaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd Birthday

Bella Bexiga daughter of Luis and Bussette Bexiga celebrated her birthday August 8, 2011 with a bunch of friends

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August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Telltale Signs: Encounter with a Child Trafficker Rodel Rodis

n its July 1, 2011 annual Trafficking in Persons Report, the US State Department announced that it had elevated the Philippines to “Tier 2” status - countries that do not fully meet standards on human trafficking but are making efforts to do so. The Philippines had faced a cutoff of US assistance if it remained (Tier 3) unresponsive in fighting human trafficking. While most of the attention has been focused on the trafficking of Filipino women to work as indentured prostitutes abroad, the issue of child trafficking at home has been largely ignored although it is a booming business where children are often lured from remote villages with promises of high-paying jobs in Manila. According to a 2009 report by Santosh Digal in AsiaNews, child labor is “a curse that touches the lives of about four million Filipino children ... victims of prostitution rings, sex slaves for hire, forced to work in high seas or open fields for up to 15 hours a day. They till the land, labour in the mines or scrub floors as domestic workers on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 15 hours a day.” One such child trafficking victim is Janus, a 15 year old boy from a remote village outside Bacolod in Negros Occidental. Six months ago, he was enticed to leave his home by the promise of a high-paying job in Manila from a man known by authorities in the province as a child trafficker. Janus had not been heard from until recently when he managed to text a sister in Caloocan City about his whereabouts in Nueva Ecija. The sister’s husband, Jerry, then tracked his brother-in-law, the ring-bearer at his wedding, to a farm in the outskirts of Munoz, Nueva Ecija where he spotted him working in a piggery. When he pleaded with the owner to let Janus go, the owner threatened Jerry that if he ever set foot on his farm again, he would kill him. He also promised Jerry that if Janus ever escaped, he would track him down and kill him and even boasted to Jerry that he had killed many men before. Jerry returned back to his wife in Caloocan City to report the slave

owner’s threats. They concluded that it was useless to call the police authorities because they would just be unwilling or unable to do anything about it. But a month ago, Jerry reported the matter to his sister who happens to be married to “John”, an American businessman living in a Manila suburb. At a dinner in Saratoga, California last week, John told me that when he heard Jerry’s story, he could barely sleep for several nights. "I just had to do something," he said. John personally knew officers in the Philippine National Police (PNP) but he agreed with Jerry that they wouldn’t be much help. So he surfed the Internet to find out which government agency dealt with the issue of child trafficking. He could not believe it when he learned that it was the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). “I was curious why something by that name would be tasked with something domestic but I called and, in very short order, found that the case was escalated. My primary initial CFO contact was a young attorney named Arthur Vitasa,” he narrated. John then drove Jerry to the CFO office in Manila to meet Arthur and two other CFO officials, Cheng Veniles and Rommel Marcos. “Having lived now in the Philippines for many years, I’ve come to expect the very worst from government, however, before my eyes were three very impressive, highly devoted professionals who really cared about what they were doing,” he wrote. The CFO contacted the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) to involve them in a rescue operation. A week later, John found himself with Jerry in a five vehicle convoy of armed NBI and DoJ operatives headed for Munoz, Nueva Ecija. “I was a bit shocked and frightened to learn that the NBI had done no ground surveillance and no background check on the slave master/criminal, nor had they even obtained court orders to be able to enter the premises of the farm. Thus the NBI Commandant said that his forces (absurdly) could not

enter the farm without the owner’s permission.” “We did not know how truly violent the bad guy was, how many guns he had, nor if had he had other armed forces there. Therefore, it was required that Arthur Vitasa and a social worker enter into the gate of the farm to talk to the slave master.” The presence of 17 armed government men at the gates of his pig farm may have done more than the CFO official’s words to convince the slave owner to give up Janus. But all that mattered was that Janus was freed and reunited with Jerry and his family. John recounted that after the rescue, he went for a drink at a local sari-sari store where he met the Barangay Captain who assured him that the slave owner was “really a nice guy”. He told John of an incident last November when a child worker was killed at the man’s pig farm perhaps trying to escape. “Yes he’s always hired child laborers, but oh, he’s not so bad.” Hired? Not so bad? One DoJ operative told John that “this area seemed like rebel territory, that if someone wants to kill you they can, they will, nothing will be done, that slavery is an accepted fact of life, that’s just the way it is.” The experience with rescuing Janus got John to wonder “how there must be far more child slaves in the Philippines than there are even distressed offshore adult workers, and to further wonder why there isn’t an agency exclusively tasked with just this domestic scourge.” “The CFO staff and agency and the NBI performed admirably, bravely in fact. But with no agency exclusively tasked with attacking the scourge of domestic child slavery, I fear that the problem will be treated as a national shame best hidden under the larger headlines covering offshore distressed Filipino workers,” he wrote.

Filipino Journal

We’ve had Edmonton Swinging for 60 Years

iverside Golf Course is hailed as one of Canada’s best municipal courses and this year it is celebrating a Diamond Anniversary. Since opening 60 years ago, this distinguished course has challenged us to beat our best game, calmed us after a long day of work and delighted us with the beauty of the surrounding river valley. “Over the years, Riverside Golf Course has played a major role in this city’s golfing scene,” says Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Our City is honoured to have a course that is rich in history and regarded as one of the best municipal golf courses in Canada.” Officially opened in 1951, the course is built on the site of the old Dawson Mine. Since the day it opened, Riverside has attracted the city’s finest golfers and helped hone the skills of those Edmontonians who would become some of the most renowned golf professionals. As construction neared completion 60 years ago, golfers couldn’t wait to swing their clubs on the new Riverside course and were striking balls on the fairways just a few weeks after the sod was laid. In the early years, weekend tee times were in such high demand that Kudos to the CFO. But clearly more patrons would line up in the early needs to be done. hours on Thursday morning to secure a spot on the greens. The Riverside (Send comments to Rodel50@gmail. Rats, as they were affectionately com or mail them to the Law Offices of Rodel Rodis at 2429 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127 or call 415.334.7800).

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known, would queue as early as 2am, pitch their tents and cozy into their sleeping bags until the fairways opened. Today, Riverside is still a favourite for avid Edmonton golfers, drawn by the course’s challenging and scenic fairways, lined with thick trees and stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River. “Riverside Golf Course has been an oasis tucked in our City’s River Valley for 60 years,” says Heather Seutter, Director of Horticultural Facilities with the City of Edmonton. “We’re excited to be sharing this anniversary with long-time Riverside golfers, staff, volunteers, and members of Riverside’s clubs who have made Riverside Golf Course the jewel that it is.” Riverside is home to many clubs and leagues. In 1954, Paris Willey organized 14 women to form the first ladies’ club. There are also Riverside men’s and women’s business leagues, a seniors’ league, and a youth club for young aspiring golf professionals. Golfers new and old are welcome to come enjoy Riverside’s stunning greens, share golf stories (or fables) and collect tips from the pros while you join in the celebration. During the week of August 22, the City of Edmonton will be celebrating Riverside Golf Course’s Diamond Anniversary with golf specials as well as offering daily contests and prizes.

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August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Horoscope Withdraw a bit. Not as avoidance but to examine and reflect upon recent ideas. Include in your reflections what is occurring in your personal and domestic life and if changes there are needed. Talk with family and express your deepest thoughts.

There is a great need for you to be involved in some sort of artistic endeavor for the purpose of expanding your imagination. The imagination is our manifesting tool. We can’t manifest what we don’t already know or haven’t seen.

You analyze your professional life, how your serve society and culture, and how you are recognized in the world. If present work tasks aren’t meeting your needs, you will begin making plans for change.

It’s a good time for a party or social interactions with friends. You will find yourself feeling friendship and perhaps love toward everyone.

It seems your property, what you own and/or where you live, has been in a state of repair, reorientation, and transformation. At some point, you will need to emerge from your domicile, and begin to plant an outer room which you will call your “garden room.”

You will communicate less and less in the next three Months, being more intent on your inner life revealing mysteries you’ve been pondering.

Your desires will be expanded, your critical nature will burst forth, your lower self will make a stand, and you will square off with anyone who crosses you.

Emotions will manifest freely, while sentimental availability and gallant behavior will become more obvious. The person dear to you will become the center of attention or a sort of mirror that will help you get to know yourself better by its reflections.

Perhaps you are concerned with business situations, money and negotiations. For these to work beneficially, plan more than usual. If traveling, more planning than usual is also needed lest you get lost somewhere far from home.

You assess your goals and expectations, examining objectives and intentions to see whether they serve you. Perhaps you will find your goals and ideals are actually someone else’s that, long ago, you assumed as your own.

Conversations and intellectual encounters will profoundly affect your mind, causing you to deepen which then creates change in your thinking.

Your subconscious mind (dreams and visions) is directing your life. You may or may not be aware of this. Everything from the past has pretty much outlived its usefulness.

Palaisipan 6 1

PAHALANG 1 Higit 4 Malupit 11 Tuntong 13 Panggigitata 14 Nakatingin sa kawalan 16 Ningas 17 ____ Filibusterismo 18 Linlang 20 Hintay sa Pangako 21 Daang bakal 23 Basketbolistang Samboy 25 Noon

PABABA 26 Tangay ng agos 29 General: daglat 30 Birhen 32 _____ Dhabi 34 Mardi ______ 36 Notang musikal 37 Kopa 39 Itayo 41 Bayan sa Pampanga 43 Anyong-tubig 44 Makulimbat 45 Bakla: Ingles

1 Alma ____ 2 Uri ng bungangkahoy 3 Pan de____ 5 Handog 6 Republic Act 7 Tatay 8 Paghuhugas ng mukha 9 Barya sa kasal 10 Magkasama 12 Estudyante sa PMA 15 Lango 19 Barandilya

22 Labasan 24 Inugali 27 Sumunod sa isa 28 Pangkayas 31 Kondisyon 33 Hadlang 35 Ms.Avila 38 Imbita 40 Label 42 ____ 47

37 41

29 34 38

20 24

39 42

40 43

PAHALANG

PABABA

1 Higit 1 Alma ____ 4 Malupit 2 Uri ng bungangkahoy 11 Tuntong 3 Pan de____ 13 Panggigitata 5 Handog 14 Nakatingin sa kawalan 6 Republic Act Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, and genius! The 16 Ningas 7 Tnumbers atay 17 ____ Filibusterismo 8 Paghuhugas ng satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzlemukha is one of the 18 Linlang 9 Barya sa kasal greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience. 20 Hintay sa Pangako 10 Magkasama 21 Daang bakal 12 Estudyante sa PMA 23 Basketbolistang Samboy 15 Lango 25 Noon 19 Barandilya 26 Tangay ng agos 22 Labasan 29 General: daglat 24 Inugali 30 Birhen 27 Sumunod sa isa 32 _____ Dhabi 28 Pangkayas 31 Kondisyon 34 Mardi ______ 36 Notang musikal 33 Hadlang 37 Kopa 35 Ms.Avila 39 Itayo 38 Imbita 41 Bayan sa Pampanga 40 Label 43 Anyong-tubig 42 ____ 47 44 Makulimbat 45 Bakla: Ingles

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

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

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August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Distracted driving With the distracted driving legislation coming into effect on Sept. 1, 2011, the Calgary Police Service is reminding drivers that this is the ideal time to practice safe and nondistracted driving. With just over a week to go before Bill 16 becomes law, motorists are encouraged to get into a healthy habit when it comes to concentrating 100 per cent when behind the wheel. Starting Sept. 1, 2011, police will be taking a common sense approach to enforcing the legislation. This is particularly the case in the first month when officers have been encouraged to continue to educate and provide warnings to drivers. However, S/Sgt. Michael Watterston of the CPS traffic Section says anyone blatantly disregarding the law in this first month and driving at the extreme end of the distracted driving scale may find themselves with a $172 fine. “We’re not going to be jumping out from behind a tree to issue a ticket to someone glancing at a map at a stop sign. However, if we see someone obviously flouting the law, driving with their knees, reading a

National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose said officials of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) should have been more perceptive in determining what kind of art should be put on public view to avoid the controversies like the one sparked by the “blasphemous” mixed media collage of Mideo Cruz entitled “Poleteismo.” During the three-hour The legislation is one of the most comprehensive in the country and discussion among national prohibits: artists, constitutional experts, and • Using hand-held cell phones CCP officials conducted by the • Texting or e-mailing Senate committee on education,

Increased Break and Enters in Northeast The Calgary Police Service would like to remind residents to lock their doors and secure their windows at all times, following a recent increase in house break and enters in the city’s northeast. The vast majority of these break-ins involve homes where windows or doors have been left open or unlocked. In particular, the communities of Temple, Pineridge, Rundle and Whitehorn have been impacted. It’s unknown if the break-ins are connected, however, police believe the thieves are targeting the homes based solely on opportunity.

Residents are encouraged to be extra vigilant during summer months when hotter weather may lead to people leaving windows open. The CPS reminds the public to keep doors and windows locked. When in the backyard, keep your front door and windows locked. Ensure your garage doors are also closed and locked. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: tttTIPS.com TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

arts, and culture on clamor for legislation to regulate exhibits and performances, Sionil Jose called the work in the controversial “Kulo” exhibit as made by a “juvenile, immature” artist Rev. Jose Palma, vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), called on the Senate to craft a legislation that would uphold freedom of expression but would set parameters to promote respect for religious beliefs. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senate President Pro

Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada called for CCP officials to resign for allowing the public exhibition of “blasphemous” art. Senator Edgardo Angara, chairman of the committee, said there is no need for legislation but only for a review of the policies employed by the CCP in the selection of exhibits and performances to prevent another controversy. Emily Abrera, CCP chairperson, assured the Senate and the public that CCP policies are undergoing review.

Ikaw ang may kapangyarihan sa sarili mong pag-unlad.

Are you looking for a career opportunity where you can make a difference and bring balance to your life? Do you want to be your own boss, where the earning potential is limitless and your efforts are rewarded? If this is you, gusto kitang makausap.

Bernard Villarena Sales Manager Bus 780-408-5480 ext 2202 Cell 780-222-0794 bernard.villarena@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/bernard.villarena Whitemud Crossing, #130, 4211-106th Street Edmonton, AB T6J 6L7 Sun Life Financial advisors are contracted with Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc., registered in Quebec as a financial services firm. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2011.

summit overview, agenda, delegate information and registration) from the summit’s website at http:/www. internationaloutsourcingsummit or through the following: TeamAsia Unit 308, Building B, The Plaz@ Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang Muntinlupa City, Philippines Fax: (632) 757 3510 or 757 3511 Email: ios2011@teamasia.com For more information please contact Ms. Bennet Ganata of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver at email: vancouverpcg@telus.net, Tel no.: 604-685-7645.

Intersection Safety Cameras The Calgary Police Service would like to clarify some information that was reported in the media this last Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, about Intersection Safety Cameras. To clarify, the Calgary Police Service is seeking to purchase 40 cameras to replace old technology in existing sites. There will be no increase in the number of sites or cameras as a result

See yourself in a whole new light.

3rd Annual International Outsourcing Summit The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver wishes to inform the public that the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) is inviting participants to its 3rd Annual International Outsourcing Summit (IOS) which will be held from 10 to 12 October 2011 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila. The IOS features topics which include: examination to today’s leading IT-BPO and Global In-House Industry Leaders (GIC) and prospect for the next five years. This year’s Summit will also review the progress towards the objectives provided in the Philippines’ IT-BPO Road Map 2011-2016. Interested parties may obtain further information (i.e.

Alberta

CCP officials lack sensitivity, says National Artist

map and sending a text, then they can certainly expect a ticket,” says A/Sgt. Watterston. This ‘common sense’ approach to enforcement will continue even after the first month. “Our priority is to ensure we do everything we can to keep our streets safe. This new legislation is a great tool for us to use to help us achieve this goal,” added S/Sgt. Watterston.

• Using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players) • Entering information on GPS units • Reading printed materials in the vehicle • Writing, printing or sketching • Personal grooming For further information on the legislation, please visit http:// www.transportation.alberta.ca/ distracteddriving.htm

Filipino Journal

of this proposed purchase. The cameras purchased will be part of a replacement schedule over a five year period. The Calgary Police Service currently has 51 intersections approved by the Solicitor General for enforcement through automated cameras. At present, 40 of these locations have operating cameras.

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August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Gloria and the Three Stooges

Balitang Kutsero by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

to flip- flop on many other issues. President Arroyo is a petty, selfabsorbed hypocrite, a thumb sucker and a nitwit. She is also a serial liar, a cheat, and a thief. I must say President Arroyo is the worst example of a Catholic I have ever personally witnessed. She married for money and is using her wealth to lie to the Filipino people. She also has a reputation for shirking her obligations both in Malacanang and to the whole country. The woman is simply not to be trusted.” The Cardinal concluded, “But, when compared with First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, President Gloria is a saint.” ###

llustration by Dave San Pedro

My good friend Joe emailed me the following story:

ne Saturday afternoon, an aide to former President Gloria Arroyo visited the Bishop of Cebu. He told the Cardinal that President Arroyo would be attending the next day’s Mass, and he asked if the Cardinal would kindly point out the President to the congregation and say a few words that would include calling her a saint. The Cardinal replied, “No. I don’t really like the woman, and there are issues of conflict with the Catholic Church over some of her views.” The president’s aide then said, “Look, I’ll write a check here and now for a donation of 5,000,000 pesos to your church if you’ll just tell the congregation you see her as a saint.” The Cardinal thought about it and said, “Well, the church can use the money, so I’ll work your request into tomorrow’s sermon.” As the aide promised, President Arroyo appeared for the Sunday worship and seated herself prominently at the forward left side of the center aisle. As promised, at the start of his sermon, the Cardinal pointed out that President Arroyo was present. The Cardinal went on to explain to the congregation, “While President Arroyo’s presence is probably an honor to some, the woman is not numbered among my personal favorite personages. Some of her views are contrary to tenets of the Church, and she tends

“Friends of Gloria Arroyo ‘unhappy’ with doctors,” says a news report. Yep, they’re unhappy cuz the doctors rarely give updates on Gloria’s real condition. I assigned my investigative reporter James Macaquecquec to check it out. After a few days of sleuthing, James sent a text message that says: “Gloria is suffering from Malingeritis.” I called James to explain. He said, “In layman’s term, Gloria is suffering from a terminal case of ‘malingering’… and apparently, there’s no cure for it.” Titanium implant… When they operated on GMA, the doctors discovered that the titanium implant they used was second hand. After an intensive investigation was conducted, it was discovered that the supplier was Mike Arroyo! Laughter is the best medicine… One of Gloria’s doctors said that after Gloria’s second surgery, “she looked very sad.” The doctor said that stress -- whether “stress of surgery, emotionally, and mentally” -- might have made Arroyo more prone to infection. Well, what could be more stressful than what Mike did to her? The doctor said that what Gloria needs is “cheering up.” But how can you cheer her up when there are six plunder cases – so far -- filed against her? Okay, Gloria, I’ll cheer you up. Ha ha ha… ‘Treatment’ abroad… Gloria’s legal spokesman, Raul Lambino, said his client was in “critical condition” and would have to seek treatment either in the United States or Singapore. Now, I can

see where this “malingering” thing is going -- medical “treatment” in the U.S. or Singapore and “rehab” in Portugal… which could last a lifetime. That would be the closest thing to fulfilling Gloria’s dream of “life in the enchanted kingdom.” Good news, bad news… After hearing that Gloria’s doctors recommended that she seeks medical treatment abroad, P-Noy said he’d allow her to go. “If the medical doctors find it necessary and the Arroyo family would request it from us, I think, as a humanitarian gesture, of course,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. Well, that’s the good news.

Could it be that he meant to say, he always brings home a Swiss knife from Switzerland? I understand that some banks in Switzerland give Swiss knives as “pabaon” to valued customers. Gloria’s three stooges… While Gloria was battling Malingeritis at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City, her three stooges were abroad for various reasons. Mike… Her husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, was in a Hong Kong hospital complaining of Type 1 Malingeritis, a mysterious heart condition that flares up every time the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigates him.

The bad news is that Gloria’s attending physician Juliet GopezMikey… Gloria’s older son, Cervantes denied that they Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, recommended Arroyo to seek was in San Francisco, California medical treatment outside the enjoying la dolce vita in the aircountry. When Gloria’s lawyercum-quack-doctor, Raul Lambino, was asked on TV about his earlier pronouncement that Gloria was in “critical condition,” he denied saying it. But Raul, you were taped saying it! Which Raul was lying? Raul, the lawyer, or, Raul, the quack doctor? Ayayay! Si Raul oh, talaga!

conditioned City by the Bay while awaiting trial in Manila for tax evasion. Iggy… Mike’s brother, Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, is still in a London hospital undergoing treatment for Type 2 Malingeritis, a rare disease that affects his liver every time the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigates him and his brother Mike. Quack-quack… With Gloria’s three stooges abroad at the same time, it would have been a perfect timing for Gloria to leave the country for medical treatment abroad. Indeed, she almost pulled off the “Great Escape” had her lawyer Raul Lambino proved that he is a doctor licensed to certify that Gloria’s condition was critical. But as it turned out, Raul was just a quack-quacking “quack doctor.” C’est la vie!

UST sets Guinness World Records for ‘Largest Human Cross’

Rumor abounds… I wonder if there’s truth to the rumor that Gloria and Mike were in Portugal several weeks ago measuring the windows of their soon-to-be home in exile in Portugal. Interestingly, Portugal doesn’t have an extradition treaty with the Philippines. Now, the “big picture” is getting clearer. Pabaon… “Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo got an advance of P98.6 million from the Presidential Social Fund (PSF) one month before stepping down from office last year,” says a news report. I guess Gloria thinks that if her generals were entitled to a P50million “pabaon” – or going-away gift, as the commander-in-chief, she’s entitled to a “pabaon” twice as much. That kind of “pabaon” could buy a lot of Swiss cheese. Dato and his Swiss knife… Some years back, the media interviewed Gloria’s younger son, Diosdado Ignacio Jose Maria Macapagal Arroyo, who goes by the moniker of “Dato.” Dato said that travel was his passion. When asked what he always brings in his travels, he said: “Swiss knife.”

The University of Sto. Tomas (UST) gathered a total of 13,266 participants consisting of students, faculty members and other employees last March 9 to form a human cross in commemoration of Ash Wednesday. The feat enabled UST to beat Norway’s record of 935 participants in May 2010 and earned for the university a certification from the Guinness World Records (GWR) as the new record holder for the “Largest Human Cross” formed. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the

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Philippines (CBCP) website, UST received a letter and a certification from GWR last Aug. 8 and 10, respectively. The GWR also posted UST’s record in its official website under the “Amazing Feats” and “Mass Participation” categories. UST is considered the oldest Catholic university in Asia. It celebrates its quadricentennial anniversary this 2011. Historians have cited the university’s Catholic and Dominican identity which has stamped Philippine history and Christian growth for four centuries.

August 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by Gem & Lita Anis

BAHRAIN, the "Kingdom of the Two Seas"

nternational attention was focused on BAHRAIN on the 17th of February 2011 due to political uprising for freedom and equality that led to the arrest of 800 people with at least 4 dead and then followed by a declaration of martial law and a 3-month state of emergency in March 2011. A national dialogue on reforms as previously announced by the King has been in progress since then. In February of 2009 we spent a whole day of limitless sightseeing tour of the Island Kingdom of Bahrain, a modern gulf state that was once the capital of one of antiquity's great trading empires. A flat and arid archipelago of 36 islands with 92% desert, located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain has a population of 1,234,596 occupying an area of 720 sq. kms. Arabic is the official language and Islam the state religion. Currency is the Bahrain dinar. A British protectorate until 1971, Bahrain is an absolute monarchy headed by a King with the prime minister as the real head of the government. Manama is the capital

and largest city with an approximate population of 155,000. Because Manama is a small city on a small island (you won't get lost very long), it's easy to get around. All roads in Bahrain lead to Manama either by taxi or a rental car. Petroleum production and processing account for 60% of government revenues. With its rich history, fascinating museums, natural attractions, souks (markets), and mosques, Bahrain has become a tourist destination of over 8 million tourists a year. Our first stop is at the Ahmed Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the largest in the island. Officially opened in 1986, the mosque is one of the largest in the world with the capacity to accommodate over 7000 worshippers at a time. The huge dome built on top of the mosque is made of pure fibreglass. The mosque is closed to visitors and tourists on all Fridays and other holidays. The tour continued to the Bahrain National Museum, the largest and one of the oldest in Bahrain. The museum has a rich collection of ancient artifacts from

Bahrain World Trade Center

the country's history dating back to the island's first human inhabitants 9000 years ago. Other halls depict the culture and lifestyle of Bahrain's pre-industrial past. The natural history hall focuses on the natural environment of Bahrain and also features its flora and fauna. The ancient history section exhibits an actual burial mound which was transported from its site in the desert and reassembled in the museum. We're off to the Camel farm situated in Janabiya, home to a herd of 500 camels including the Arabian racing camels. The camels are regular sight being herded during the day to various grazing spots. We drove through the remarkable 25-km. Causeway, called King Fahd Causeway, that links the islands of Bahrain to mainland Saudi Arabia. At the end of the causeway are the tower-shaped restaurants designed so visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of the two countries. Facts: Bahrain in 2007 is the first Arab country to institute unemployment benefits as part of a series of labour reforms. Bahrain lawyer and women's activist, Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa, is the third woman in history to be elected as the President of the United Nations General Assembly in 2006.

Camel Farm

Typical Bahrain vegetation

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Gem & Lita at the Camel Farm

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

August 2011

Ang Kwento ng Balikbayan box mo: Hahayaan mo nanaman bang hindi makarating ang pinghahahalagahan mong Balikbayan Box? Pinagpawisan at pinagpaguran? Maraming cargo companies dyan na kung ano-ano ang pinapangako sainyo. Nakarating nga may butas at kulang naman ang Balikbayan box mo. Worst, paano kung iniwan ka na sa ere tulad ng nangyari sa mga dating cargo companies na nagsara na? Hindi karapat-dapat kang tratuhin ng ganon sapagkat ang Balikabayan box mo ay iyong pinaghirapan at pinahahalagahan. Sa Manila Forwarder, kung gaano kahalaga sayo ang Balikbayan box mo, ganun din namin pahahalgahan ang mga ito. You know better than becoming a victim.

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