Filipino Journal Winnipeg Volume 26 Number 03

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26 Years February 5 - 20, 2012 • Volume 26, Number 3

Christchurch, the “Garden City�

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Winnipeg, Manitoba Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Knights of Rizal celebrate 15th Annual Youth Recognition Awards

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Filipina wins National Singing Contest in Korea

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The Knights of Rizal Winnipeg Chapter celebrated and hounoured the recipients of the 2011 Youth Recognition Awards. Over a dozen students from Winnipeg high schools were recognized for their high school academic achievements.

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February 5 - 20, 2012

February 5 - 20, 2012

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by R. Reis Pagtakhan, LL.B., B.A. (Hons.) rrp@aikins.com

Can You Go to Jail for Submitting False Documents to Immigration?

I

mmigration law requires all applicants to be truthful. This means being truthful in what you write down in an application and with the documents you submit. Submitting false information with an immigration application can result in fines and jail time as confirmed by two cases in 2008. In the Hupang case, Mr. Hupang was convicted of an immigration violation because he attached a false school transcript and false acceptance letter to his application to renew his expired study permit. Mr. Hupang purchased these documents for $3,000.00. Before doing this, Mr. Hupang was validly studying at a private college in Vancouver. When that college closed, he lost his tuition and his student status in Canada. In order to try to extend his status, he submitted the false documents to immigration. Despite having no criminal record Mr. Hupang was sentenced to two month in jail and a $2,500.00 fine. While the B.C. Court of Appeal partially overturned this decision, it did impose a sentence of 17 days in jail which represented the amount of time Mr. Hupang had already served. In addition, the Court of Appeal maintained the $2,500.00 fine. While the Court of Appeal indicated that there is no requirement to imprison individuals who provide

false documents to immigration, the 17 days of imprisonment was still maintained. Also in 2008, B.C. Courts considered the case of Lei Zhong. In Mr. Zhong case, Mr. Zhong was convicted of making false statements on his immigration application to renew his study permit. Like Mr. Hupang, Mr. Zhong provided false transcripts and acceptance documents to immigration. In Mr. Zhong’s case, the judge found that the large fee that Mr. Zhong paid to the immigration consultant was a factor that could lead to the conclusion that Mr. Zhong knowingly submitted false documentation. As a result, Mr. Zhong’s sentence of 3 months in jail was upheld. This Article is prepared for general information purposes only and is intended to provide comments for readers and friends of the Filipino Journal. The contents should not be viewed as legal advice or opinion. Reis is a lawyer with Aikins Law and practices in the areas of immigration law. His direct line is 957-4640. If you would like to know more about Reis or Aikins you can visit the firm’s web page at www.aikins.com, follow Reis on Twitter at http://twitter. com/#!/ImmigrationReis, or connect with him on LinkedIn at http://www. linkedin.com/in/reispagtakhan

Super Visa sham There has been a lot of discussion about the Conservative government’s new “Super Visa” in the community recently, but unfortunately it has turned out to be an insult to families desperate to bring their parents here. The Super Visa was supposed to bring families closer together by allowing parents and grandparents to visit their children in Canada for up to two years at a time over a decade. But the reality is that most families won’t be able to afford the high-costs involved with the Visa, including meeting minimum salary levels and paying thousands for private health insurance. All of this is assuming the application is even approved, and we all know how difficult that has become under the Conservatives. Worse, the Super Visa controversy is distracting attention from the Conservatives’ decision to freeze parental sponsorship applications for two years - breaking a promise to new Canadians. For some, having the right to sponsor their parents is the reason why they chose to come to Canada. What the Conservatives have done - no matter what their excuse - is not right. With a majority, the Conservatives have begun their Reform Party agenda, known for its anti-immigrant policies. They have chosen to ignore all the hard-working new Canadians who elected them based on empty promises. In contrast, the Liberal Party of Canada believes in reuniting families. In government, Liberals worked closely with immigrant communities leading to a fair and flexible immigration system. Indeed, more immigrants have been welcomed in by Liberals than by any other Party in Canada. Only with a Liberal government in Ottawa will Canada have an immigration policy that puts the concerns and needs of immigrants first. Sincerely, Kevin Lamoureux Critic for Immigration for the Liberal Party of Canada

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explanation of Eastern mythology as it developed into the distinctive religions of Egypt, India, China, Japan, and Tibet.

AMIGO

By JOHN SAYLES 2010 | US | 124 MIN (English, Tagalog and Spanish with English subtitles) FRI FEB 10 TO SUN FEB 12 – 7:00 PM WED FEB 15 – 9:00 PM THU FEB 16 – 7:00 & 9:30 PM Cinematheque, 100 Arthur Street WWW.WINNIPEGCINEMATHEQUE.COM

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

The Precious Lifeblood of a Master Spirit

(On Some More Randomly Selected Books Reviewed)

L

ast issue, I started reviewing books selected randomly from my vast collection. Here are my short reviews of some more books in that collection.

When U.S. troops occupy his village, diplomat Rafael comes under pressure from a tough-as-nails officer to help the Americans in their hunt for Filipino guerilla fighters. But Rafael’s brother is the head of the local guerillas, and considers anyone who cooperates with the Americans to be a traitor. Rafael quickly finds himself forced to make the impossible, potentially deadly decisions faced by ordinary civilians in an occupied country.A powerful drama of friendship, betrayal, romance and heartbreaking violence, Amigo is a page torn from the untold history of the Philippines, and a mirror of today’s unresolvable conflicts. Our screening of Amigo is generously sponsored by the Manitoba Federation of Labour and CUPE Manitoba.

February 5 - 20, 2012

strategies and principles which the reader may apply to all the challenges and conflicts of life. Despite having been written centuries ago, the wisdom of The Art of War is timeless; many contemporary books about 1. The Art of War by Sun Tzu (2005, management and leadership would Shambhala Publications) – I’ve been pale in comparison. familiar with this popular classic book since my university days, but “An unreliable ally is more dangerous only in the recent years when I had than a clever opponent.� the chance to acquire a copy of it. The Art of War is regarded as one of the 2. The Masks of God Volume 1: most influential books of strategy in Primitive Mythology by Joseph the world. It is believed to have been Campbell (1992, Penguin Books) authored by Sun Tzu, a mysterious – In this volume, Campbell discusses Chinese warrior/philosopher who the primitive roots of mythology, lived in sixth century BC; although, examining these in light of the most some scholars surmise that unknown recent discoveries in archaeology, Chinese philosophers had authored anthropology, and psychology. Sun Tzu’s work and that Sun Tzu was a semimythical figure who—in 3. The Masks of God Volume 2: fairness though—might have at Oriental Mythology by Joseph least been based on a real Chinese Campbell (1992, Penguin Books) warrior. Regardless, The Art of War is – In this second installment to The doubtlessly a rich source of military Masks of God, the author offers an

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4. Selected Poems by John Milton (1993, Dover Publications) – So far, I’ve already amassed more than a hundred poetry books published by Dover Publications; primarily because these are thrift editions, economically priced—ranging from C$1.50 to C$5—yet they are unabridged. 5. A History of Language by Steven Roger Fischer (2003, Reaktion Books Ltd.) – After I’ve finished reading A History of Writing, I was compelled to own as well the remaining volumes of the trilogy. As a lover of languages and writing systems, I found A History of Writing useful and enlightening. The second installment, A History of Language charts the history of language from the time of Homo erectus to the nineteenth century, analyzing the emergence of linguistics as a science and the development of language as a written form. It also investigates the rise of pidgin, jargon, slang, and dialectology, as well as the relationship of literature and literacy to language. Finally, it demonstrates the effect of media on language today. The Last Leaf The English poet John Milton (1608–1674) wrote: “A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured upon purpose to a life beyond life.�

February 5 - 20, 2012

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PEREZCOPE by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

Brouhaha over pirated DVDs

F

rom the time President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III appointed Ronald Llamas as presidential adviser on political affairs, Llamas has become the lightning rod for criticism against P-Noy’s administration. But PNoy doesn’t seem to be bothered with the attacks directed at Llamas. Indeed, nobody could touch Llamas… unless his critics could produce incontrovertible evidence of malfeasance. The latest “torpedo” launched at Llamas was an allegation that he purchased pirated DVDs. As a result of this controversy involving one of P-Noy’s despised – and envied – shooting buddies, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. issued a memorandum instructing Llamas to explain within five days – by February 1 -- why no administrative disciplinary case should be filed against him for buying pirated DVDs. In his memo, Ochoa said that Llamas was “seen buying a stack of pirated DVDs worth P2,000.” Llamas responded to the memo immediately to which Ochoa’s office said that it would make a recommendation. According to deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, the recommendation could be administrative sanctions or dismissal. When P-Noy heard the story, he pooh-poohed it saying that Llamas “might just have been passing by.” But according to a first-hand account by Dona Policar, the associate editor of Bandera, she saw -- and photographed - Llamas going over the pirated DVDs on display at the Circle C mall in Quezon City. According to the DVD retailer, Llamas bought P2,000 worth of pirated DVDs. He also said that Llamas was a regular customer. Poor Llamas, he never realized that in one of his rare personal and private moments, a paparazzo was lurking behind a stack of DVDs while he was browsing over the merchandise displayed. But Llamas should have known better that as

an alter ego of the President, he is public property, 24/7. Admission of “guilt” Last January 30, Llamas issued a statement saying that he had apologized to P-Noy for the “impropriety and lack of discretion as well as the unintended embarrassment” caused by his actions. He promised to “exercise more care and prudence in his actions in the future.” Meanwhile, a number of columnists – some of whom are veterans from a bygone era of “yellow journalism” -- jumped on Llamas and demanded his resignation or termination from his job. Yes, the Llamas incident was like throwing red meat at them. They’d devour Llamas, flesh and bones. Previous controversy Before this latest incident, Llamas was caught in another controversy. Last October 2011 while he was abroad, his sports utility vehicle driven by one of his security men had a road accident near his home in Quezon City. Some people saw three assault rifles in the vehicle but his security men removed them before the police arrived at the scene. That was red meat for the media! Poor Llamas had to cut his trip short and come home to explain to P-Noy why he owns an arsenal of assault rifles. Claiming that he had been receiving death threats, his acquisition of highcaliber firearms was justified. PNoy slapped Llamas – one of his “shooting buddies” -- on the wrist for that incident. However, Llamas had to fire his security men. Who committed a crime? In an opinion made by the Optical Media Board (OMB), buyers of pirated DVDs are “not criminally liable” under the Optical Media Act of 1993. Lawyer Coco Padilla, chief of the OMB legal division, was reported to have said: “The purchase of DVDs (that

are not original and) not used for commercial activities does not entail liability based on the law on Optical Media. Those in the possession of the same, but who do not sell them, are not penalized.” So, unless it could be proven that Llamas was reselling the pirated DVDs and profiting from it, then he did not commit a crime. Presidential spokesman, Edwin Lacierda echoed the OMB position, saying: “Technically, Llamas did not violate any laws as there was no punishment for buying pirated materials in the Optical Media Act of 2003.” Okay, so what is all this brouhaha about pirated DVDs then? One can argue that Llamas violated the government’s campaign against “film pirates” to get the country removed from the international “piracy watch list.” Now if the government is really serious in its war against “film pirates,” why isn’t the government going after the real culprits? What about the retailer who sold Llamas the pirated DVDs? Why was he not arrested for illegally peddling pirated DVDs? And how about the importers and wholesalers of pirated DVDs? How did their illicit products get past Customs? And they have to crucify an innocent end-user of pirated DVDs for all the sins of illegal traders? Poor Llamas! Political liability? The question is: Now, that Llamas is in trouble again, would P-Noy consider him as a political liability and let go of him? Before we answer this question, let’s look at why P-Noy appointed Llamas as presidential adviser on political affairs and a cabinet-ranked secretary as well. Llamas is the President of the leftist Akbayan party-list group. He is perceived to be the “point man” of P-Noy’s moves in the House of Representatives to remove high-ranking government officials associated with the previous Arroyo government, which include former Ombudsman Merceditas “Merci” Gutierrez and Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. The fact that the House had impeached both of them by large numbers is a testament to Llamas’ ability as an astute and effective political operative. That makes him an asset in P-Noy’s “political” Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (Pol-SALN).

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Now that Merci is gone and Corona is facing a Senate impeachment court, Llamas’ political stock value is not as strong as it was before Merci and Corona were impeached in the House – when he was badly needed -- while his political liability is accruing each time he makes a boo-boo. Has Llamas finally reached the tipping point where his political liabilities are piling up and his political assets diminishing? Is he now a liability in P-Noy’s Pol-SALN?

As someone once said before, “There are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.” This mantra has been proven time and time again. Let’s see what P-Noy would do if Ochoa recommends for his removal from office. Would P-Noy do for Llamas what he did for his other two shooting buddies, Rico Puno and Virginia Torres, that is - keep them? In my opinion, Llamas is still a valuable asset to P-Noy and therefore he’d keep him.

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

by Dr. Eusebio Koh

The U. S. Republican Primaries

I

f you have been watching the Republican primary caucuses leading to the American presidential election in November

this year, you would know how the number of candidates for the U.S. presidency has dropped from eight to four now. The first to drop

out was the only black candidate, Herman Cain, businessman and past president of the National Restaurant Association. He quit because of allegations of sexual harassment and adultery which he vehemently denied. Others who quit the race were Texas Governor Rick Perry who forgot one of three things he was talking about during the Iowa debate, Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann who polled strongly as the only woman but came through rather poorly, and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman who really didn’t campaign in Iowa but concentrated on New Hampshire. The four remaining candidates are former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania who won a close race in Iowa, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney who won the New Hampshire and the Florida primaries, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich who won the South Carolina primary and Texas Congressman Ron Paul who fared so-so in the first four primaries. The primaries are the selection processes to pick the delegates to attend the 2012 Republican National Convention in August. The delegates vote for the presidential candidates by a simple majority of 1144 out of the total of 2286 leading to the Republican nominee to run against President Barack Obama who is running for reelection. To date, of the 131 delegates selected after four primaries the top four are: Romney (83), Gingrich (28), Paul (10) and Santorum (8). The primaries will go on to June when California with

the largest delegation of 172 will have its primary. The other states with large delegations, namely Texas with 155 and New York with 95 will have theirs in April. For now, the anticipated date is Super Tuesday, March 6 when ten states will have their primaries with a total of 437 delegates up for grabs. Georgia (76), Ohio (66) and Tennessee (58) have the most at stake on that date. Who is the best candidate? Listening to the debates, you would have learned that multimillionaire Romney has the most money for his campaign, is a very successful businessman who made $42 million last year but is paying tax at 15% only. Gingrich is the seasoned politician who had a hand as House Speaker in helping President Ronald Reagan ran a successful government. Santorum is the conservative Republican who opposes abortion and gay marriages. But Paul seems to be the man who attracts the young and college-educated voters with his honest and libertarian platform. In economy, Paul would audit and eventually end the Federal Reserve System which he blames for increasing American debt. In foreign affairs, he would bring home the American troops and stop America’s role as the policeman for the world, thus cutting down the loss of American lives and saving trillions of dollars in military expenses. He is always invoking the constitution and clamoring for less government. But of course I doubt that he will be the Republican presidential nominee.

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February 5 - 20, 2012

American voters are often influenced by good image and drama. I think Newt Gingrich won South Carolina because of his bombastic repudiation of Moderator John King’s opening question about Gingrich’s offer of an open marriage to his second wife, i. e., he will remain married to her but also keep his mistress. A video showed his ex-wife Marianne saying Gingrich made the offer. True or not, she knows that Gingrich was dating her before he divorced his first wife. Voters are also polled on the electability of the candidates and who they think can best beat Obama. In appearance, Romney, Santorum and Gingrich (with his infidelities) do look like executives or presidential material as they say while Paul looks like your doddering grampa. Although Obama’s popularity has plummeted because of the poor American economy and his inability to end the Afghanistan War, there is no certainty the Republican will win. Obama’s silver tongue can still sway the voters with his oratory and rhetoric. To date, his birth as a natural born American citizen is not yet fully resolved. The display of an authentic birth certificate should have ended the debate once and for all. So where is it? I’d like to see Paul get the nomination because of his forthrightness and his determination to bring home the American troops, thus reducing the huge American deficit. But it looks like Romney is the best bet to beat Obama and restore the failing American economy.

February 5 - 20, 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Filipino Journal 9

Five RRC students join student art show and auction at the Forks

Y

oung graphic artists had gathered to show their painting skills to create original work of arts using a variety of drawing and painting

technique last Jan. 28-29 at the Forks. For two days, the young artists, all students of Red River College Graphic Design course,

created original designs and Gabutero, Christian Gilbang, subjects which are truly creative Chris Oliveros, Nelson Pacua and challenging. The following and Myles Genido. Filipino students include Karen The Sunday afternoon auction of the paintings took

place. And the proceeds would be the Winnipeg Harvest and for the Red River Graphic Design Student’s Graduation Funds.

Chris Oliveros

Christian Gilbang

Karen Gabutero

Myles Genido

Penthouse sold to Corona at reduced price due to water damage

A

n official of the Megaworld Properties and Holdings, Inc. testified at the 9th day of Corona’s impeachment trial that the penthouse unit of impeached Chief Justice Renato C. Corona was sold in 2008 at a reduced price due to water damage brought about by a typhoon. Nilo Hernandez, senior vice president for marketing and sales of Megaworld, said the original price of P24 million was reduced to P14.5 million as the property at the posh Bellagio condominium was considered already damaged. Because of the damage, Megaworld decided to reduce the original P24 million sale price to P19.6 million. As the calendar year 2008 was about to end, the price of the penthouse was further cut to P14.5 million. Hernandez clarified that Megaworld didn’t gave a discounted price to the Chief Justice in order to get favorable rulings on its pending cases at the High Tribunal. He added that Megaworld had in fact already lost its two cases before the High Tribunal, involving P21.7 million and P26 million, respectively. Sen. Manuel Villar tried to explain to his fellow senatorjudges that developers could reduce their prices depending on market forces and other factors. Villar is a billionaire-real estate developer. Hernandez took the witness stand for the prosecution.

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Nelson Pascua

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February 5 - 20, 2012

Rizal the Great Malay is Relevant among the Youth of Today

O

n December 30th the Order of the Knights of Rizal Winnipeg Chapter (OKoRW) commemorated Dr. Jose Rizal’s ultimate sacrifice for his Malayan brethren the people he so loved he personally took his battle all the way to the land of the oppressors. He wrote that education is what the Malayan people need to gain their freedom in a letter to his good friend Ferdinand Blumentritt in Litomerice, Austria (now Czech Republic) and educate his people is what he did thru his writing and literally during his exile in Dapitan, Mindanao. The

Knights of Rizal Winnipeg (KoRW) encourages the Filipino youth to work hard in their studies by recognizing their accomplishments in high school with Youth Recognition Award (YRA), a program that saw its 15th year on December 30th in memory of Dr. Jose Rizal’s ideal. The recipients were nominated by their corresponding high school, supported by their transcript of record, school and list of their leadership participation/s in the community at large. The recipients of 2011 YRA are Yzah Dianna Magpantay Macalintal,

Nestor Luis Abarca, Kaye Amira Quizon, Kevin J. Rosario Fiestan, Jiezl M. Lacanilao Abaigar, Coleen I. Fronteras Valdez, Issiah B. Mandia Lozada, Jake Genese Manliguez, Andreah May Gumtang Anterola, Joseph Q. Joven Gille, Ginello L. Suarez, Megan Sumaya Carta, Gerard Francis Sales, Sheena Taway. Ms. Yzah Macalinta and Mr. Nestor Abarca top the grade mark average at 99% IB and 97%. KoR Winnipeg commemorated Rizal’s martyrdom with wreath laying at Rizal’s memorial in Chapel Lawn

attended by the KoR Western Canada Region Commander Sir Dr. Tom Colina KGOR, Sir Les Crisostomo KGOR, Western Canada Region Executive Officer, Sir Edgar de Leon KCR, KoR-W Deputy Commander and other Knights Executive Council and members and Lady Rose de Leon. Dr. Tom Colina was recognized for his socially conscious and generous leadership with a certificate of appreciation by the members and executive council of KoR-W. Sir Mike Pagtakhan KCR, eloquently express Rizal’s ideal relevance to him

and the youth of Malayan today, and in her response to the award she just received Ms. Andreah May Anterola extolled the value of Rizal’s sacrifice and the valuable projects that the Order of the Knights of Rizal around the world executes every year. “The KoR-W are grateful for all the support that the donors and the community accorded them year in and year out and thank you very much award recipients for making us proud to be Filipino” the Chapter Commander Sir Felino de Jesus KCR so remarked in his closing remarks.

KoR-W Award recipients Knights, Ladies of KoR and Recipient Family Members.

Lady Grace Davies, Sir Dr. Roland Guzman, Sir Dr. Rey Pagtakhan and Lady Leah Magsino.

Sir Manny Fabre, Lady Precy Fabre and Sir Glynn Davies.

Standing L-R: Sir John Gano, Sir Les Crisostomo, guest, Sir Edgar de Leon, Lady Rose de Leon and Sir Glynn Davies / Sitting L-R: Sir Eli Mones, Sir Dr. Tom Colina DMD, Sir Mohamed Alli and Sir Art Domingo.

Sir Dr. Roland Guzman KGOR, Sir Dr. Tom Colina KGOR, Lady Sharon Colina, Sir Felino de Jesus KCR, Sir Dr. Rey Pagtakhan KGOR, MD, PC and Sir Mohamed Alli KCR (back).

Sir Terry Duguids, Sir Felino de Jesus, Sir Dr.Tom Colina, Sir Dr.Rey Pagtakhan, Dr.Jean Raphael Nepomuceno & Dr. Michael deJesus Pokhoy.

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Ms. Andreah May Anterola.

February 5 - 20, 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

What’s for Lunch?

M

y 9-year-old son has always enjoyed coming home for lunch from school. He loves eating his warm meal at his own leisurely pace in our comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. We have a wonderful routine, I enjoy seeing my son midday, and meal-making is super easy. So, last year, when his little sister started Grade 1 and decided that she wanted to have lunch at school instead, I panicked. Packing a school lunch bag was totally unfamiliar territory for me. What do I pack for a little girl who, until then, ate only rice for lunch at home? Will she actually eat what I gave her? Or would she not eat it and stay hungry for the rest of the day? Could I still give her rice? Or will it just be a big mess to handle in a crowded, high-energy environment of a school cafeteria? My daughter is now starting Grade 2, and I’ve learned a few things about lunch-making over the past year. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the wilds of the lunch bag...

DO

- Ask your child what she wants to have for lunch. She may have some good ideas that she’s picked up from the lunches her friends bring to school. With her input, you’ll have a better chance of having your child come home with an empty lunch bag and a full tummy. - Find out what the school’s policy is with regard to food restrictions and food allergies. For example, my children’s school has a strict Nut-Free Policy to ensure that students keep nut and peanut products at home and away from their classmates who have severe and potentially fatal allergies. - Finger foods are always a hit. Baby carrots, celery sticks, cheese strintg, rolled up ham slices, and apple boats are a list of healthy finger foods that my daughter loves. It’s simple, very easy food. And that’s okay -- young kids like items they recognize and can handle. - Include a lunch bag note in your child’s lunch bag once in a while. It makes them feel special, and they think it’s fun! For my son,

Filipino Journal 11

may have a microwave, don’t be tempted to pack one of those ready-made freezer meals in their lunch. Those things are loaded with sodium which isn’t healthy for young children. Or adults for that matter. - Don’t be afraid to give your kids regular home food like rice and pasta if she can handle it. Your kids can heat them up in the school microwave. Just be sure to include a plastic disposable/ recycleable spoon and/or fork so DON’T - Don’t get upset with your child if, it won’t be so bad if it gets thrown once in a while, she comes home in the garbage by accident. with an uneaten lunch. If you do, she’ll just find a way to avoid your anger by either giving her food to a friend or just throwing it away. Encourage her to bring home any leftovers so you can keep track of how much she does eat and learn which foods she likes and doesn’t like. - Don’t worry if your child requests the same lunch every day several days in a row. Sometimes kids get very attached to a certain food item and will get refuse to eat anything different for long stretches of time. This is okay. Eventually, your child will get tired of it and will ask for something different. - Even though your child’s school on days he would have lunch at school, I’d write jokes and quiz questions (with the answer on the back). On the other hand, my daughter -- who couldn’t read at the time -- would get Mommy’s hand-drawn stick figures of things she loves (eg. her little stuffed bear) or pictures of recent events she’s enjoyed (eg. her daddy pushing her on the swing at her favourite playground).

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- Don’t ignore recommendations from your fellow-moms who’ve been there. Like me. And I recommend you try the following recipe! Hawaiian Ambrosia Hawaiian Ambrosia is a fresh and tasty dish you can easily pack for lunch. Kids love the tasty fruit, and somehow the combination of yogurt and sweet fruit reminds many of them of ice cream. Just be sure to put it in a thermal container with a cold pack to keep it cool.

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Julia Montes willing to be paired with older actors

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Meanwhile, Julia revealed that ilipino-German actress Julia Montes is willing to be paired she’s now more comfortable working with older actors anew in future with Coco when filming their scenes. movie projects. Julia, 16, currently topbills the primetime series “Walang Hanggan” along with actor CocoMartin, 30. They play the characters Katerina and Daniel, respectively The young actress said she is using the criticisms on the age gap between her and leading man as motivation to improve her craft. She is aware though that negative reactions can’t be avoided because Filipino fans are used to relate the actor to the character that he portrays on the screen.

February 5 - 20, 2012

Filipina singer first foreigner to win Korean nat’l songfest

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ary Viena Tolentino Park, 27, a native of Bulacan, recently made history in South Korea when she became the first foreigner to win the “daesang,” or grand prize, in the 2011 KBS 1TV National Singing Contest finals. The singing contest which was broadcast on popular Korean TV station KBS and emceed by veteran Korean actor and TV presenter Song Hae and announcer Park Un Yong, has been held for the last 50 years and is considered as Korea’s longest running TV program. Viena was among the twenty finalists that qualified from among the 140 weekly winners of the contest in the past year. In the final round, she sang the Korean song “Azalea” which won her applause and cheers from the audience. For her championship feat, she won 5 million won (P191,000). Viena first came to South Korea in 2009 to work and in September 2010, she met Park Jong Woong, a manager at a clinic in Chuncheon who was destined to be her husband.

Viena said she learned how to speak Korean by reading Korean language books, watching Korean dramas and movies and enrolling in a basic Korean language class. She first joined a Korean singing contest in June last year at the Shinsegae shopping mall in Incheon and finished in second place and 500,000 won (P19,000).

This started her string of achievements that led to her being was awarded a document by the Korean Singers Association to signify that she is now a certified singer in South Korea. As for their plans for a family, Viena said they are planning to have a baby but she will first enroll in a nursing assistant course in March.

Jeff Timmons looks forward to perform in Manila

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eff Timmons said he knows Manila fairly well including its pancit, jeepney traffic rides, and pretty Filipinas that he is looking forward to performing in Manila. Timmons said the wild traffic in Manila is balanced by its people who treat foreigners fairly well. He also said that Filipino women are gorgeous and sweet. The former 98 Degrees singer is set to perform familiar hits of the band alongside era brothers Blue and a1 in “The Greatest Hits Tour: Blue, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and a1 Concert” on Feb. 25, 2012 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The 98ees band are behind such hits as “Invisible Man,” “Because

Of You,” “The Hardest Thing,” “I Do (Cherish You)” and “My Everything”. On the other hand, Blue is behind “All Rise,” “Too Close,” “If You Come Back,” “Fly By,” “One Love,” “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word,” “Guilty,” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” The group is composed of Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan, Duncan James and Antony Costa Meanwhile, a1 has the following singles under its belt: “Like A Rose,” “Take On Me,” “Ready Or Not / Everytime,” “Same Old Brand New You,” “Caught In The Middle” and “Make It Good.”

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by Gem and Lita Anis

Christchurch - the “Garden City” of New Zealand

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alking on streets with names like Worcester, Gloucester, Peterborough, or Lichfield, punting on the tree-lined and meandering Avon River, touring the English-style gardens, walkways and cycle paths under magnificent trees, or driving past a Gothic cathedral. No, this is not England it’s Christchurch, which deserves its name as the “garden city” of New Zealand because of its vast tracts of parklands, rose and water gradens, and verdant surroundings. With 300,000 residents, Christchurch, also known as the “most English city outside of England” is the second largest city of New Zealand. In spite of the magnitude 6.3 earthquake that jolted the city on 22 February 2011, with confirmed 166 deaths, Christchurch is still the gateway to the South Island. Today, the city is deemed safe for locals and tourists and, of course, open for business. The focal point and the heart of this well-planned metropolis is the Cathedral Square, which is actually in the shape of a cross, not a square, surrounding the renowned Gothicstyle Anglican Cathedral, a historic landmark and considered a national treasure. In and around the square are some of the city’s exclusive hotels, cinemas, bars, cafes, restaurants,

and shops. Just recently added to the square is the “Chalice” sculpture to mark the new millenium and to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the city founding. The other famous square is the Victoria Square, graced by the statues of Queen Victoria and James Cook, the British explorer. It boasts of a floral clock and the oldest iron and stone bridge in the city. Located on the Cashel Street Bridge at the head of the city mall is the “Bridge of Remembrance”, a war memorial dedicated to those who died in the two world wars and also from the Korean and Vietnam wars. Noticeable is the arch’s central frame with a patriotic inscription “What will a man not do for his country”. An easy walk from the Cathedral and located in Worcester Blvd. is the must-see Arts Centre, a unique complex which serves to promote the growth of arts and crafts in Christchurch. It houses studios and art galleries, specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants, and theatres the most popular of which is The Courth Theatre, a professional theatre company. Outside the Arts Centre is a series of bronze busts, “The Twelve Local Heores” to commemorate twelve local Christchurch people who were prominent in their respective fields during the latter part of the 20th century.

Close to the Arts Centre is the Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863 with 75 acres nestled in a bend of the Avon River, and featuring one of the finest collections of plants found in the island and mature trees from around the world. Just beside the Botanic Gardens is the Canterbury Museum, a beautiful stone building with more than 2 million specimens on display. The museum specializes in the stories of Maori culture and history, European settlement and Antartic explorations as well as the cultural and natural history of New Zealand. Winter in New Zealand? Yes! From June to August you can explore the eighteen alpine skiing areas of the country in Canterbury starting with the mountain called Mt. Hutt. Christchurch alone has thirteen ski resorts! Aside from walking the best way to explore the city is by riding the vintage tramway which travels a loop throughout the the town providing informative tour of the most interesting and historical sights.

Gem and Lita with granddaughter Cassidy at Botanic Garden.

The Bridge of Remembrance.

The Chalice Cathedral Square.

February 5 - 20, 2012

Tramway in front of Canterbury Museum.

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My Ride Ron Cantiveros

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2012 Toyota Camry: Completely Redesigned

remember my uncle was passionate about his Camry back when I was in high school. He took that car on so many long drives all over Canada. I was a teenager at the time and thought the Camry was an old man’s car. My uncle wasn’t that old, I was just young and it was always fun driving with him as we skipped across the province. The Camry I drove last month was the newly redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry SE and remains as Toyota’s foundation for other Toyota and Lexus models including the Highlander which I drove last summer. Other models that the Camry is built on include the Avalon, Sienna, Venza and the ES350. The RX350 which I also reviewed last month is also built on the same Camry foundation. You can expect the review of the Lexus RX350 in an upcoming issue of the Filipino Journal. The Camry comes in many models - L, LE, SE, SE V-6, XLE, XLE V-6, Hybrid LE and the Hybrid XLE. The model tested was the Camry SE 4-cylinder 178 horsepower 2.5-litre engine, while quick and smooth, it can still provide you the utility for most of

your driving needs. The 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 option would certainly provide more power and punch. As a driving enthusiast, I’m all for more power and performance. Why drive with 4 when you can ante up to 6? For the long drivers out there, more power on the highways is always a good thing. The car has been completely redesigned for 2012, inside and out. On the outside, the Camry is lower, wider and makes the car a bit sportier. My uncle would of approved. The interior, is a bit more refined and provides some of the more luxury touches you might see in a Lexus. Larger cabin with more knee and headroom, and more trunk space. Higher grade, softer-to-thetouch materials and next generation seats that offer full body support. The entertainment features found in the Camry are pretty standard with many mid-size sedan offerings. You can easily connect external audio devices through your audio mini-jack input, UPS port and streaming Bluetooth capability. Text-to-voice and voice-controlled navigation is also an option. Toyota has jacked up the fuel efficiency of the Camry with new

aerodynamic styling, reducing overall weight reduction in both 4-cylinder and V-6 models. Gas mileage for the 4-cylinder is 8.2l/100km (city) and 5.6l/100 (highway) and for the V-6 its 9.7l/100kms (city) and 6.4l/100kms (highway). Overall, the 2012 Camry comes with many features you would find in other cars in the same class with trim and option features you’d expect to see in luxury models. Other vehicles in the midsize sedan class include the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima and the Honda Accord.

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February 5 - 20, 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Horoscope Try to tune in what people are really saying. There is a possibility that someone would wont to monopolies your time and energy during this week. Beware of such people. Ideals and ideas can be worthy of devotion, but destructive at the same time.

You will be very active in work & career, although hurdles will remain high throughout. A tendency to be frequently angry remains this month which could spoil your thought process as well as ability to think & act rationally. You need to work around this issue and work on remaining calm throughout.

All is not as calm and pleasant as you’d wish where a certain relationship is concerned and this month sees Gemini required to confront the issues head on.

There might be an issue that might raise confrontations or requires compromise with someone. Extra caution is advised in driving or anything related to transportation.

You have a tendency to be outgoing and liberal when it comes to love. Public relations work, promotion, and other such activities are favored. It is more about how you communicate yourself than the essentials of what you are saying that helps influencing others to you.

You have a tendency to act and reflect automatically, and you could come across as an “open book” now. It’s a favorable time for solving problems and to work on improving your skills. Circumstances are such that you need to become accustomed to communication or travel. You tend to say what you believe now. Keep in mind that what you say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

This is a very playful period of the year, when you are inspired creatively and emotionally. After a period of selfprotectiveness, you are now more spontaneous and more willing to take risks. A rich, fruitful and happy phase comes to you and you’re enjoying it. The spice of life is there for you in the variety of interests, activities, and feelings that you are bound to experience this month.

Your personal equations with people are directly relevant, where your sense of duty, obligation, and responsibility are concerned and you maintain a sense of proportion and stability right now.

It might be a good time to make a thorough scrutiny of the real you, an honest assessment of your face, figure, health and assets and seek to implement a make-over where necessary.

House or office may require renovation, refurbishing or expansion. Perhaps even a shift for either the office home factory/workplace. You want working conditions that satisfy you in every way, physically, technically and in the prevailing atmosphere and will take pains to achieve just that.

You will have a sense of awareness of your own limitations this month, leading up to your birthday phase, be they physical, emotional or even financial, as well as a sense of being confined and restricted.

All the activities you’ve been involved in over the past few weeks such as legal matters, love, laughter, social life, good times and parties carry right on. You’re really whirling in a waltz around the world you live in. 1

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by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Ano ang Iyong Kinahuhumalingan? (On Understanding the Roots of One’s Fixation and Some Fond Youthful Memories)

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n November 2004, while I was organizing some articles I printed, I saw my grandfather get the small scissors from my shelf and put it inside his pocket. I asked him what he would need the scissors for. He said: “I don’t know.” I told him to hand the scissors to me, and to ask me for it just when he would already use it. I was especially wary because he might leave it somewhere and

then my little nieces Amber and Julie might play with it. For, there was already an instance in the recent past when Papa, fixated with his sewing needles, unknowingly dropped a needle on the carpet. Spirited Julie, who has the penchant to run in the living room, had accidentally stepped on the needle, which pricked her sole and remained there sticking with blood oozing from the wound. I was

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really shocked and felt scared, not because of the blood or the wound (for I knew how minor it was) but because the parents, despite having chosen to be quiet about what happened, might had been blaming me in their minds, for I, having been Papa’s keeper, should have been the one responsible for whatever Papa did. (I thought then that I felt now how parents feel guilty every time their children get in trouble, regardless if the fault was the children’s and not theirs. In retrospect, I now regard that task as my grandfather’s caregiver as a disguised preparation for my current fatherhood.) Papa wouldn’t give in. He wouldn’t give me the scissors. He insisted that the scissors remain in his pocket: “Gagamitin ko ‘to mamaya,” and mumbled, “Ako ang bahala,” then he fell silent, the way he always did every time I would chide him about similar things. “Kayo ho bahala” was all I could muster, defeated once again; and in my mind, Ako na naman ang kawawa. I just sighed in exasperation. Seemingly trivial instances like that exhausted me very much; sometimes they even made me cry in frustration. My feelings of frustration were overwhelming. Was that normal? I think yes, now. Will anyone caught in the same situation react similarly, if not the same? Or was I only too emotional, too vulnerable? If so, I could only wish that my emotionality eventually translates to compassion and my vulnerability to resilience. Again, in retrospect, I was correct—the experience had added to my sense of compassion and strength of mind. I took note of where Papa hid the scissors, so I knew where to get it afterwards without his knowledge. I wouldn’t let another accident to happen. Several minutes after finally having succeeded in spiriting the scissors away from Papa’s pocket, I fell deep in contemplation concerning my grandfather’s fixation; my exasperation turned to compassion when questions began to haunt my mind. Will I be like him when I become as old as he? Will I someday also develop a fixation on things, like scissors, needles, scotch tapes, or even sandpapers and screwdrivers?— things I usually discover inside my grandfather’s pockets every time I check them before I launder our clothes. In my case, will my future grandchildren find pens, papers, books, letters, or even CDs inside my pockets? Is this kind of fixation a common and inevitable part of growing old? My Grandfather when He Was Much Younger In his youth, my grandfather used to be a good swimmer, gymnast, biker, cook, tailor, carpenter, and book lover. He’d sewn dresses, pants, and

curtains. He’d cooked the most delicious kare-kare, mechado, and dinuguan. He had built bookshelves, simple cabinets, and mahjong tables. He said he used to read books inside a mosquito net with only a flashlight and the moon as the only sources of light. In short, my grandfather was what we may call a “Jack of all trades.” One particular story my grandfather is fond of recounting to me--with matching actions--was the time, in early 30s, when he walked from Pasay City to Antipolo, Rizal, simply because he wanted a simple adventure. One might quip: Back then anyway, streets were safer and not yet heavily polluted thus walking long distances wouldn’t tire and intimidate almost anyone. But, hey, whatever one might have to say, walking from Pasay to Antipolo is unarguably a remarkable achievement. Only a physically fit person could endure such feat. This may perhaps be the reason my grandfather, at his current age of 89, can still cover several hundreds of meters without resting. Another classic story was the time (also during the pre–World War II era) when my grandfather was a student at Manila North High School (now known as Arellano High School in Pasay City). According to his colorful recollection, he and a best friend named Juan Diaz used to swim kilometer-long distances there in what is now the reclamation areas on Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard to gather mussels (tahóng) and shrimp fry (alamáng). Breast stroke, back stroke, butterfly stroke—name it, he was once an expert at it. The Time My Grandfather Immigrated to Canada I was a grade-one pupil at St. Mary’s Academy in Pasay City, August 1977, when my maternal grandfather and grandmother with their youngest child, my then 15-year-old Tito Gerry, immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I remember feeling very sad on my way to school on the morning of their departure. I was urging my mother to take me along with them to the airport, but of course, going to school was far more important. I went home that afternoon missing my grandfather; he was very affectionate of me. I think, at that very young age I

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February 5 - 20, 2012 was already entertaining the idea that I might be my grandfather’s favorite grandson—simply because I noticed that, among his many grandchildren, it was to me whom he used to tell his wartime stories. How we enjoyed watching Combat together, and from my grandfather where I learned the names of the TV show’s characters Vic Morrow and Rick Jason. Thinking of it all, I long realized that my having come to Canada, to take care of my grandfather and be his last companion on his last days, had been a completion of a circle after all. It was like, a grandson taking care of the grandfather who used to care for him when he was a child. Sa Madaling Salita Matagal ko nang naintindihan si Lolo. Malaki ang naitulong ng pagkakasama namin nang halos tatlong taon—araw-gabi—na animo e magkaibigan lang—galit-bati, tampuhan dito, tampuhan doon. Or, in Simple Words I have long understood my grandfather’s fixation very well. Perhaps deep inside him, he was battling his deteriorating memory, strength, and agility by way of trying to be as independent as he could. Maybe, being always “in touch” with the tools with which he was onceupon-a-time skilled in using, made him feel the same strong and agile young man he once was. I could no longer imagine myself not doing the same when I reach such an age. Oh, pens and CDs in my pockets, books and letters.... And when that time comes, all I wish to have are children and grandchildren who will be patient and broad-minded enough to not only understand me but more so empathize with my condition, the way I felt what my grandfather felt during the last days of his life. Grandfather died in July 2006, because of old age. He was 91. For the first time in my life, I was both sad and happy in equal measures. “I saw my grandfather’s getting the chainsaw and put it inside his pocket. I wouldn’t chide him anymore about it....”

February 5 - 20, 2012

Winnipeg Jets Report By Ron Cantiveros Photos by Rob Buenaventura

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Filipino Journal 23

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Jets still in the playoff hunt

he Winnipeg Jets ended up 49 during a busy month on the road in January. Overall, the Jets are 23-22-6 and are still in the hunt for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They’re five points behind division leading Florida Panthers, one point behind the Washington Capitals and also five points behind the New Jersey Devils. Coming off the NHL All-Star break, the Winnipeg Jets were in Philadelphia to take on the Flyers. If anyone remembers the last Jets-Flyers game at the Wells Fargo Arena back in October, the Jets won 9-8. Unlike the game in October, Winnipeg Jets forward Bryan Little scored on the last shootout to give the Jets a 2-1 win against their conference rival. The Winnipeg Jets are still sporting a battered and beat up bunch

of players. Dustin Byfuglien still remains on the injury roster and as a result, was not able to represent the Winnipeg Jets during the recent AllStar Weekend in Ottawa. Also missing

from the Jets lineup are Evander Kane (concussion), Alex Burmistrov (suspected concussion) and Tim Stapleton (lower body injury). The schedule for the Jets in February is a little more balanced with eight games in the comfortable confines of MTS Centre and only six away games. The Winnipeg Jets will have to win as many games at home, while trying to improve on their dismal road record with is 22nd overall. Upcoming home games for the Jets include: Toronto Maple Leafs (Feb. 7), New York Islanders (Feb. 14) followed by an 8-game homestand starting with the Boston Bruins (Feb. 17).

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey attempts to block a shot by Florida Panther Kris Versteeg. The Winnipeg Jets ended up losing in a shootout against the visiting Florida Panthers on January 21 at MTS Centre.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Filipino Journal 25

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 5 - 20, 2012

February 5 - 20, 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

Filipino Journal 27

28

Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 5 - 20, 2012

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