Filipino Journal Winnipeg Volume 24 Number 2

24 Years January 20 - February 5, 2010 • Volume 24, Number 2

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Winnipeg, Manitoba

MaCCFA and FCTPAM team up to help Haiti Earthquake Relief Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Ready, Set, I Do!

Page 10 ► Filipino wedding businesses showcase at the Wonderful Wedding Show

Golden Aspirations

Pages 2,3,4 ► Canadians ready to cheer Go Canada Go

Page 9 ►

Rowena Oquendo, President of Manitoba Council of Canadian-Filipino Associations and Alex Majul, President of Filipino-Canadian Technical Professionals Association of Manitoba have partnered up with the Canadian Red Cross to help fund raise for Haiti earthquake relief operations.

Donations are being accepted at Polo Park and PCCM. Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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Filipino Journal

January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

FCTPAM and MaCCFA joint forces to raise fund for Haiti earthquake victims

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he Haiti disaster touches the heart of the Filipino Canadians as it had touched when Ondoy flood devastated the Philippines last year. And to respond to the crying needs the Haitians, the The Filipino Canadian Technical Professionals Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Council of Canadian Filipino Associations forged together to launch the 1st fundraising campaign for another country. “Our mission is to help other people and this is our first time to do the fundraising for another country; and do hope that other ethnic groups would do the

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January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

same, “ Alex Majul, president of FCTPAM said.

“We felt that the Haitians have almost the same needs we had provided to our kababayans last year during the Ondoy fundraising. Helping our neighbors is one of our mission, and this is to raise the funds which will be needed for food, shelter and medicine. We are only a part of the universal response to what is happening now in Haiti,” Rowena Oquendo, president of MaCCFA, said during the meeting.

All the members of the FCTPAM and member Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal associations of MaCCFA have been working on the volunteer work at the PCCM and at the Polo For more information on donation 9209 and Rowena Oquendo at Park. please contact Alex Majul at 633- 995-7730

Fundraising volunteers at Polo Park

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Filipino Journal

January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Donations for Haiti earthquake relief also being accepted at PCCM

Youngest donor

Taken Saturday morning, January 23, 2009, at Polo Park Mall. The youngest donor of the day to the Haiti Relief Efforts, 4 years old Taggart Dimaculangnan.

Taggart puts in his $5.00 bill into the vault and gleefully smiled to the camera for a very worthy endeavor

Advertise with us!

Taggart is talking to Mrs. Dolly Estrada and Mrs. Clara Orallo about this Haiti Relief Efforts fund raising.

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Contributing Writers: Lucille Nolasco

Fran Avila-Anthony

RG (Bob) Gabuna Dr. Eusebio Koh Reis Pagtakhan

Joan Duhaylungsod

Mike Pagtakhan

Pastor Junie Josue

Ramon Toralba

Johnny Cantiveros

Perry Diaz

Paulo G. Ercia

Gem M. Anis

Ruwiz Mercado

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

Published by Molave Publishing Company, Inc. 46 Pincarrow Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3 •Tel: (204) 489-8894 Fax: (204) 489-1575 •info@filipinojournal.com •www.filipinojournal.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032612 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Molave Publishing Company, Inc. 46 Pincarrow Road, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3

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January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

by Dr. Eusebio Koh

T

he devastation wrought by the recent earthquake in Haiti continues to bother us as we watch the news on TV or read newspapers. An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 on the Richter scale is considered catastrophic with its epicenter just 25 km west of the heavily populated capital city of Port-au-Prince.

It happened at 4:53 p.m. local time on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. This was followed by over thirty aftershocks, half of which were of magnitudes 5.0 to 5.9, wreaking havoc such as crashing buildings and other structures. Haitian authorities estimate that close to 200,000 lives must have been claimed by the disaster.

Many known landmark buildings including the Presidential Palace and the Port-au-Prince Cathedral were destroyed.

Fortunately, President René Préval and other officials survived.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere occupying the western third of Hispaniola, the island just east of Cuba and southeast of Florida. Its population of 9.8 million is 90 to 95% of African descent many live around the capital Port-au-Prince. The remaining people are Haitians of mixed race (French, Spaniards, Germans, Arabs, some Chinese) many of whom live in the wealthier suburban towns of Petionville or Kenscoff in the mountainous areas southeast of the capital.

Haiti is as old as America, going way back to Christopher Columbus who claimed Hispaniola for Spain in 1492. Two centuries later, Spain gave up part of the island to France in a treaty. For a long time, France exploited the territory for its rich natural resources: sugar, coffee, cotton using slaves from western

Africa. By January 1, 1804, slave rebellion drove the French out and Haiti (which means “mountainous country” in Creole) was born as a second republic of the hemisphere, after the United States.

Haiti is poor because the people descended from slaves with no properties and because

the country was exploited by other nationals and their own kind.

Foremost of the latter were Papa Doc Duvalier and his son Baby Doc who ruled Haiti in the 1960s through the ’80s. The corrupt Duvalier dictatorships were a black spot in Haitian history with tens of thousands killed by the infamous Tonton Macoute and untold wealth including international aid usurped.

(Does this sound familiar to us Filipinos?)

Haiti is predominantly Roman Catholic (80%), which partly explains how Fr. Jean-Bernard Aristide, a parish priest, became in 1990 the first democratically elected president with a large majority. He was known for his love of the poor.

That was five years after Baby Doc fell from power. The present president Rene Preval was elected and inaugurated to succeed Aristide in 1996. Aristide came back for another term in 2001 but was removed by a coup d’état in 2004 and is now in exile. Preval too had a second crack at the presidency beginning 2006.

Due to poverty and political violence and insecurity, millions

of Haitians have moved to other parts of North America and Europe.

There’s at least half a million Haitians in the U. S. and 100,000 in Canada. Appeals for help for Haiti have come from many of these expatriates.

A sad commentary to this Haitian calamity is the lack of infrastructure and mechanism to deliver the aids to the victims who need them most. We saw on TV American helicopters’ dumping the aid packages and the poor Haitians’ fighting over them. The strongest always wins out. There’s also the problem of sanitation and health for the countless victims and displaced people.

Another problem seems to be the total loss of order and service.

Whatever happened to Haitian police officers, firefighters, soldiers, healthcare workers, social workers, and so on? Did the government just disappear into the earth? I recently saw the movie 2012—starring John Cusack and Amanda Peet—in which the world as we know it was coming to an end. Skyscrapers and massive buildings were crashing left and right. People by the millions were killed. Crevices and cracks appeared from nowhere.

There was tsunami overrunning people, houses, and other structures and properties. The chaos and panic in Haiti must be similar to this make-believe movie. Yet the movie had a happy ending. I hope that Haiti would have too, with help from better-off nations.

It is heartening to see that President Barack Obama has gotten former presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush into joining him in coordinating fundraising activities for Haiti. Other countries including Brazil, Canada, France and the rest of the European Union are getting involved in the reconstruction of Haiti. Senegal even offered free land to dispossessed and homeless Haitians. Even celebrities like George Clooney are organizing fundraising for Haiti.

It warms my heart to see so many people and organizations coming to help the stricken poor country. I’ll put in my share, my two bits, so to speak. I hope you do too.

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Maples Community Centre to get upgraded with new funding

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innipeg, Manitoba – Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, Joy Smith, on behalf of the Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, Lynne Yelich; Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Flor Marcelino, on behalf of the Province of Manitoba; and Councillor Mike Pagtakan, Chair of Protection and Community Services, on behalf of the City of Winnipeg, announced funding for the Maples Recreation Association.

The federal contribution to the project is $203,797, while the Province of Manitoba is contributing $100,000, and the City of Winnipeg is putting $20,000 in funding toward this project.

“I have worked closely with our Government to ensure that this important project was funded,” commented Mrs. Smith. “This is an investment that will create local jobs and contribute to the wellbeing and health of our families. This funding could not have come at a better time for our community.”

“Community clubs are extremely important to neighbourhoods and the health and well-being of families,” said Marcelino. “Increasing sports and recreation opportunities help get them active, learn new skills, practice team building, learn new pastimes and build friendships, many that last a lifetime.”

“Maples Community Centre

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is an important recreational facility not only for our City’s North-West residents, but families and athletes city-wide who come here to train and compete. I am proud that we can provide our athletes, families and youth, with an updated and safer facility and welcome more programs and participation from every age and level,” said Councillor Pagtakhan.

“This track and field project will be a fabulous addition to the Maples community,” said Claudia Sarbit, Chairperson of the Seven Oaks School Division.

“The fact that we were able to collaborate as a school division with our Community Centre and the three levels of government is a real show of our collective support for the families we serve.

New and existing sports programs will benefit from these improved facilities and a clear message has been sent to this corner of Winnipeg.”

The Maples Recreation Association will use this funding to replace and improve the aging infrastructure at the community centre. These upgrades include replacing the track, rehabilitating the football/soccer field and installing a drainage and irrigation system for the football/soccer field.

The RInC program is an important portion of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. It is spread over a two year period and will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across the country. RInC will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help renew, upgrade and expand recreational infrastructure in communities across Canada while stimulating the economy and creating jobs.

The four western provinces will receive a total of almost $153 million in RInC funding.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit: www. actionplan.gc.ca.

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Filipino Journal

P120 million allegedly found in Ampatuan

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olice and military operatives reported recovering more ammunition for high-powered weapons at the compound of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr.’s mother-in-law in Shariff Aguak last Wednesday (Jan 20).

But was something else recovered but not declared?

Sources alleged that the raiders also found, but did not declare, P120 million in cash stored in cigarette boxes. The police director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

(ARMM), Senior Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, denied that cash was found. He said members of the household were present during the raid.

The informants said the cash found in the compound of Samera Nor Santiago were loaded into vehicles of the operatives from Camp Crame and the intelligence unit of the Armed Forces, together with the local police force, before media and the public were allowed access to the area.

Philippine News

January 5 - 20, 2010

Noynoy Aquino is the man to beat in 2010

Binay says nothing to celebrate about EDSA II

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Philippine election update

f Philippine Elections is to be held today, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III would be the next Malacañang occupant by June 30, 2010.

The latest SWS Survey conducted on December 27-28, 2009 shows Aquino garnering 44% of the 2,100 respondents in a field of 8 candidates. His closest

rival Sen. Manny Villar garnered 33%, and former President Joseph “Erap” is in third with only 15%.

The rest of the survey shows administration candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro got only 5%.

Brother Eddie Villanueva has 1%, Richard Gordon has 0.5% while Jamby Madrigal and J.C. De Los Reyes got 0.4% each.

Comelec junks disqualification case against Estrada

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QPAM, Inc. Holds Valentines Social 2010 The Quezon Province Association of Manitoba, Inc. will be hosting a Valentine’s Social on February 13, 2010 at the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Hall at 932 College Avenue. The event will kick-off at 7:00 pm and end at 12:00 am.

Everybody is invited and encouraged to bring their friends and relatives along.

Highlights for the night will be: • Crowning of “Mr. & Ms. Valentine” • Chinese Auction • Dancing Light dinner will be served. Tickets are currently being sold at $10.00 each.

Proceeds of the event will fund QPAM, Inc’s scholarship program for deserving but indigent youth from the province of Quezon.

Interested individuals and groups may contact the following persons for details and ticket sales: • Ms. Maan Chan-Urbano at @ 775-7428 • Ms. Be Aquino @ 654-9396

he Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has dismissed for lack of merit the disqualification case filed

by Evilio Pormento and Mary Lou Estrada seeking to prevent former President Joseph Estrada from running for president in the coming national elections. The poll body said it is the Filipino people who would finally decide on whether they would have Estrada sit again as president, adding that the sovereign people will be the final arbiter in choosing who will be the next president.

Final list of presidential aspirants

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he number of presidential candidates has been raised to 10 after the Comelec reconsidered its earlier decision and allowed environmentalist Nicanor Perlas and Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) standard-bearer Vetallano Acosta to be in the roster of presidential candidates..

The rest of the presidential aspirants are: Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (Liberal Party), John Carlos “JC” de los

Reyes (Ang Kapatiran Party), former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino), Senator Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan), Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. (LakasKampi-CMD), Bro. Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas), Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar (Nacionalista Party) and Senator Jamby Madrigal, who is running as an independent candidate.

here is nothing to celebrate about the so-called EDSA II that ousted former President Joseph Estrada in 2001, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay asserted Thursday (January 21).

Binay, Estrada’s vice presidential candidate under the United Opposition (UNO), lamented the country ended up worse when President Arroyo took over the presidency in the aftermath of EDSA II. He said Mrs. Arroyo’s leadership following EDSA II only led to nine long years of plunder, wanton violations of human rights and widespread hunger and poverty.

“The country is far worse off today than it was when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo grabbed power nine years ago. Any government claim of economic growth since January 20, 2001 could be dismissed with a simple question: Are you better off today than you were nine years ago?” Binay said..

Binay maintained Estrada was illegally removed from office.

He said he has no regrets, even if he was vilified by EDSA II supporters in the early years of the Arroyo administration.

“I do not regret sticking to my principles and my belief that the Constitution needs to be upheld at all times, even if at that time it was an unpopular position to take. Love for the Constitution means never having to say you’re sorry,” Binay said.

He said that disregard for the Constitution was the reason why Mrs. Arroyo, when she came to power, “treated democratic institutions badly.”

He said it would be appropriate to call EDSA People Power 2 as “Plunder Power of the 2.”

Comelec guarantees success of automated elections

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omelec Chair Jose Melo assures various sectors that the automated polling in May will be held as scheduled. He said that

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the poll body is comfortable with the pace of the preparation as the laboratory and field tests for the software for the Precinct Count Optical System (PCOS) would be completed as programmed.

Comelec also awaits the delivery of the rest of the 82,000 PCOS machines from contractor Smartmatic-TIM next month.

January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

From the Desk of

Councilor Mike Pagtakhan

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n response to the number of inquiries that our office has been receiving in regard to snow removal, I would like to take this opportunity to share the following important bits of information on the existing Snow Clearing Policy of our City.

Objectives: The goal of the Snow and Ice Control Program is to maintain the City’s roadways and sidewalks so as to: • Reduce the hazards of icy conditions to motorists and pedestrians; • Minimize economic losses to the community and industry resulting from unsatisfactory winter driving conditions; • Facilitate the handling of emergencies by Police, Fire and Ambulance services during the winter.

Street Priorities: For the purpose of snow clearing, the street system has been classified in three categories (PI, PII, PIII). However, for a variety of reasons, some streets designated as a particular priority may be plowed on an accelerated basis together with streets in a higher priority. The definitions listed below describe the general rule and some exceptions to the rule.

It is to be noted that these definitions do not form a part of the Policy on Snow Clearing and Ice Control adopted by the Works & Operations Committee. Should clarification for any specific location be necessary, contact the respective Area Streets Supervisor.

Priority I Streets: Includes all Regional Streets, in addition, some streets around the Health Sciences Centre have been plowed as Priority I to facilitate ambulance access to the hospital.

Priority II Streets: These include non-regional bus routes and collector streets based on traffic counts although some streets in industrial areas are exceptions to the traffic count standard.

Priority III Streets: Residential and/or little used industrial streets.

Alleys: For reasons of accessibility for citizens and refuse collection, alleys are usually given an accelerated priority for plowing.

over the full pavement width.

Generally, snow accumulating beyond a depth of 3 cm shall be removed through the use of de-icing chemicals and/or by plowing.

Streets shall be plowed on a continuous basis until completed.

Plowing shall be undertaken during the night as much as possible in order to minimize the problems associated with traffic and parked vehicles. The snow plowing operations shall be completed within thirty-six hours following the end of an average storm. During extreme snowfall events where the snowfall amount and/or accompanying severe drifting conditions makes it impractical to complete the snow clearing operations on the street system with a full complement of resources and continuous effort, the time limits specified may be extended.

Excessive ice or snow buildup along gutters and medians or between traffic wheel paths shall normally be removed.

PRIORITY II STREETS Priority II streets shall normally be plowed to bare pavement over the full pavement width. However, minor snowfall accumulations and the City policy restricting the use of de-icing chemicals on Priority II streets may result in a layer of compacted snow on the street surface between all-out plowing operations. A plowing operation shall normally be initiated when SECTION A: Plowing of Streets the snow has accumulated beyond and Alleys a depth of 5 cm.

PRIORITY I STREETS Streets shall be plowed on a Priority I streets shall normally continuous basis until completed. be maintained to bare pavement During a major storm, advanced

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priority for plowing shall be given to bus routes. The snow plowing operations shall be completed within thirty-six hours following the end of an average storm. During extreme snowfall events where the snowfall amount and/or accompanying severe drifting conditions makes it impractical to complete the snow clearing operations on the street system with a full complement of resources and continuous effort, the time limits specified may be extended.

Excessive ice or snow buildup along gutters and medians or between traffic wheel paths shall normally be removed.

PRIORITY III STREETS Priority III streets shall normally be maintained to a compacted snow surface as opposed to bare pavement. However, Priority III streets shall be plowed to the pavement surface whenever conditions allow during an all-out plowing operation.

Plowing on Priority III streets shall commence after an inspection warrants a clearing operation, usually following a 10 cm snowfall accumulation or equivalent local drifting conditions.

The snow plowing operations shall normally be completed within five working days following the commencement time of the plowing effort on Priority III streets. Work on weekends and holidays shall be limited if streets are passable.

During a major storm, the Priority I and II streets shall be brought to a satisfactory condition prior to work commencing on the Priority III streets.

A full non-storm related

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widening/spot maintenance plow on Priority III streets may be initiated as a result of an assessment of the depth of ruts and/or the difference in depth of compacted snow and ice in the parking lane of a street as compared to the traffic lane. This plowing operation will normally be initiated in February, depending on weather conditions.

ALLEYS Alleys shall normally be maintained to a compacted snow surface as opposed to bare pavement. Plowing of alleys shall commence after an inspection warrants a clearing operation, usually following a 5 cm snowfall accumulation or equivalent local drifting conditions. Snow plowing of alleys shall normally be undertaken using rubber tired front end loaders.

The snow plowing operations shall normally be completed within two days following the end of an average storm.

Generally, the plowing of alleys shall be undertaken concurrently with Priority I and II streets and prioritization may be necessary to facilitate refuse pickup.

During extended periods of mild weather, it may be necessary to undertake additional plowing of alleys, where specifically warranted, to reduce rutting. A full non-storm maintenance plow of alleys may be initiated based on an evaluation of alley conditions citywide. The plow should be a quality maintenance plow, preferably during day shifts, in order to result in acceptable driving conditions.

Source: “Public Works – Snow Clearing and Ice Control” (www. winnipeg.ca/publicworks)

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Far from Quiet

by Joan Duhaylungsod

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ne time, while I was having a casual conversation with a nonFilipino who seemed so interested about where I came from, she stressed out “Philippines is a very poor country, eh?”

For a moment I thought of rebutting her. I wanted to tell her that it’s a misconception, basically because the richness of a country is not just based on economic standards, rather it encompasses the country’s people, culture, and natural environment. However, contemplating about it, I ended up dumbfounded.

Inasmuch as I dislike people’s calling the Philippines a poor country, I know that there is a grain of truth behind this. I know that poverty is a word not alien in the Philippines. I should know, because at one point in my life, I worked for those poor people.

After I obtained my license as a nurse in the Philippines, I chose to work in a government hospital. I could have worked in a private and more sophisticated health facility, but my desire for public service took me to working at a hospital which lacked highend equipments, sufficient stock of drugs, and—even if structurally big—is still too small, because the majority of the less privileged in my home province crowded and sought care in that facility.

Working in a government hospital and for the less fortunate made my profession so fulfilling.

People looked up to me as a savior and healer amid their lives’ crises (They surely knew I am not a God though). This made my job a vocation, for I was motivated not with money but with the thought that I was doing the very essence of nursing: to serve and care for the sick people. At the same time, my job as a nurse was a heart-shattering experience too. Every day, I was somehow living the poor people’s world, witnessing their having nothing to eat and their having nothing to spend for precious medicines that treat their illnesses. Some of them died helplessly because they were penniless. On the one hand, working as a nurse was a humbling experience, for seeing their conditions convinced me that I was three times luckier than they. More so, it taught me to share—my nursing skills to manage their health conditions, my money when I had to shell it out for patients who needed it, and my faith that God would never abandon them even if the government seemingly just did.

That was my world when I was a nurse in the Philippines.

However, Philippines is not just about the picture of the world I had.

A different scene, there are also huge and sophisticated hospitals in my home country which are top-notch; and when it comes to competitiveness, they could also be at par with other hospitals in first-world countries. Yet there’s

the rub: It is almost improbable, if not impossible, that those who do not do much financially will not make expensive health care their option.

Fast forward. After two years of working in a government hospital, I took my chance and went to Manitoba to work as a nurse. I was one of the 130 Filipino nurses whom the province hired to work outside the capital—cities and municipalities that include Central, Brandon, Assiniboine, and Parkland.

This trek has given me a 180degree turn, both as a person and as a professional. The challenges for a newcomer like me just pile up, yet they compel me to survive every day. I bear with the frigid Manitoba weather, which is the sheer opposite of that of ’Pinas.

With not many public transports in towns, I push myself to learn to drive a vehicle. I learn also to adapt my activities to Manitoba’s long and short days. I even teach myself to master Canadian expressions like eh, oh for sure, and awesome—which might help me in my conversations with the people around me.

As to my work, it has also been a paradigm shift to me— from working in a hospital that has exhausted resources for health care delivery to working in another that has almost everything readily available. Patients here won’t miss doses of their medications because there is enough stock for everybody. No one that I know of, has so far died inside a hospital just because he couldn’t afford the basic healthcare or was denied of it. Every time I think how lucky these people are, I also think about how deprived my former patients were. It’s the same feeling of weariness that I have knowing some Filipinos avail of top-quality health care there, while some do not and could not. The world can really be at its extremes.

It has been nearly a year since I came to Manitoba. I am sure that there is still a lot in store for me so I will learn and grow more as a nurse and as a Filipino. I’ll be meeting more people, exchanging conversations, and hopefully sharing with them my stories from home. So in case someone throws me again the same question, I think I will then be more ready to handle it. The Philippines may have its share of poverty, but I dare say it is not a poor country.

There are scenes and patterns of its kaleidoscope that certainly prides for its manpower, nature, and rich culture, which just need to be uncovered. I should know, because I am from there.

Joan Duhaylungsod is one of the more than a hundred Filipino nurses who arrived last summer.

She is currently working in Pilot Mound.

January 5 - 20, 2010

(This new column is reserved for the readers of Filipino Journal who have something to say about particular issues concerning, but not limited to, the Filipino culture especially politics and current events. So, if you have something to say, write it down and then submit it to elfideas102@yahoo.com. If we find your article befitting our standards, we will publish it here.—Ed.)

D

uring the Ferdinand Marcos regime, the Philippine government was training Muslim Filipinos in commando warfare. When they discovered that they would be sent to a secret mission to invade the neighboring Sabah—a territory occupied by Muslim Malaysia—they rebelled, causing their handlers to ruthlessly gun them down. This was the catalyst that sparked the Muslim separatist movement in the Philippines and the creation of MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front).

During its early years, MNLF received support from Malaysia to engage in a proxy war in Mindanao which would divert attention away from Sabah – a territory the Philippines officially owned through the sultan of Sulu and which was being leased to him for 1,500 dollars a year.

Diplomatic avenues to reclaim Sabah have so far failed, and Malaysia continually rejects calls to take the issue to the world court. Sadly its true residents-Muslim and Christian Filipinos who live there “illegally”—are being mistreated and deported, with reports of rape and caning common. Because of the general apathy in the international community, the Philippines must take the initiative to stop this injustice.

If Sabah is transferred to the Philippines, its resources could be tapped, but there could be another use for the land—that is, to give all or parts of Sabah to the Moros in return for immigration to their new state. It would be an ideal situation for the Moros, who would subsequently live in a Muslim region; and for the Philippine government, which could then focus on developing Mindanao.

Obtaining Sabah diplomatically will be difficult, but there are ways to rally support.

The United States has supported the Philippines’ claim in the past, specifically in 1906 and in 1920; but they may be persuaded to be more outspoken by promising them privileges in Sabah such as resource rights or a military

presence. This is to deflect the rumored economic interest that the U.S. owns parts of Mindanao, and to shift the area of conflict closer to Malaysia. China, the most powerful member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Nations), may also be persuaded to side with the Philippines by forfeiting to China all Philippine claims on Spratley Islands.

The Philippines can also find strong support from Indonesia, its traditional ally and a country which has also been at odds with Malaysia since the inception of the Malaysian federation. Perhaps the greatest obstacle would be Great Britain, which might support its former colony on this issue once again, the way it consistently had in the past. However, Great Britain has taken a keen interest in the Philippines recently, so these stronger economic and diplomatic ties may be used to help persuade them.

MNLF, the other important party involved, is already ahead on this issue. In 2008, Nur Misuari, its founder and former chairman, spoke to a crowd that included the sultan of Sulu and pledged his full support for the return of Sabah.

This is now an opportunity for the Philippine government to bolster ties with MNLF by focusing on one common goal. If a deal is made, Malaysia may have to contend with the dual threat of a U.S.-backed Philippine army as well as veteran contingents of Muslim commandos hardened through years of conflict with the government.

Nolan Casama is a FilipinoAmerican living in San Diego, California.

References http://corregidor.org/heritage_ battalion/jabidah.html http://www.mindanews.com/ index..php?option=com_content &task=view&id=4414&Itemid= 191 http://www1.voanews.com/ english/news/a-13-a-2002-08-275-Philippines-67436642.html

WANTED: Bus Driver with Class 2 License Vacancies for part-time casual drivers with Class 2 Licenses are available. Community shuttle bus will be used for major community events and initiatives throughout Winnipeg this summer and fall. Drivers that are able to speak Tagalog/Filipino is an asset. Must have clean driving record, and own their own vehicle to travel to/from bus storage facility. Please send resume, cover letter and availability by email info@FilipinoJournal.com with the Subject: “Community Shuttle Driver”

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January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Filipino Journal

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enough, after the player announcements, several reports and fans from Toronto were disappointed to Ron Cantiveros see that no Toronto ron@filipinojournal.com Maple Leafs. All I could do was laugh in my mind. I guess I should of complained that there were no Canadian athletes set to own the podium Winnipeg Jets players Hockey Canada Executive Director, Steve Yzerman and Head Coach of the men’s Olympic hockey team, he Vancouver 2010 you consider hockey is Canada’s selected either.

Mike Babcock.

That being said, Photo by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal Olympics are less than a national sport.

I was extremely happy and quite month away and there are Earlier this year, Hockey The teams have all been As a small update from my high hopes by Canadians that the Canada made the much anticipated pleased when they announced that announced and as much as Canada last article, I’m happy to report athletes competing in Vancouver announcement of the twenty NHL Manitoba’s own Jonathan Toews does have a strong team, we have that Pepsi’s attempt to force will walk away with a significant pros that will be wearing the maple was one of the selected forwards. to watch out for Team Russia. upon Canadians a new cheer has number of medals. leaf at the Olympics and I was My first encounter with this They have an all-star line up and effectively died a quiet death.

In the sport of ice hockey, lucky enough to be there. 3,000 die- young hockey phenom was during Remember that “Eh O’Canada there is huge pressure for our hard fans that made it to the early the 2007 World Junior Hockey it’s hard to ignore players like Go” chant. If you didn’t hear it, in Leksand, Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, don’t worry. You didn’t miss much.

Canadian men’s and women’s morning public press conference Championships Sweden.

It was after the Canada- Ilya Kovalchuk, Sergei Gonchar, I think Pepsi has the right idea now hockey teams to bring home the at WorldFest in Saskatoon. First USA semi-final shoot where and Andrei Markov… Wow! No by stating that no matter what you gold especially the disappointing announcements were the goalies, Jonathan Toews won the game matter what plays out during the cheer, cheer it loud and proud. results at the 2006 Winter games followed by defensemen and in Torino, Italy. Canada lost in finally the forwards. Twenty for Canada. That shoot-out is one ice hockey tournament, I may be I’ve got my red Olympic the quarter-finals and ended up three Canadian players selected of the most heart pounding events fortunate enough to be at one of mittens! It’s off to Vancouver 7th. Not the best result when to represent Canada. Interesting that I’ve been part of. the games in Vancouver.

2010! Go Canada Go!

T

...

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January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Ready, Set, I Do!

Filipino businesses at the Wonderful Wedding Show

Aldo Formal Wear

Provici Cosmetics

Gelyn’s Wedding Lounge

Natalie’s Dream Creations

Sugar Blooms & Cakes

Scerbo Formals

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midst the craziness during the Wonderful Wedding Show recently held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, the Filipino Journal was able to catch up with some local Filipino businesses that somehow enjoy catering to godzilla brides (yes, ladies, you know who you are)!

Planning a wedding can be a challenge, some couple rise up to it while other just hire professionals.

Make sure to check out FilipinoBrideAndGroom. com for all your wedding industry suppliers.

Alyst Creative Paperie

Where To Look Photography

Jerry Vergel Photography Marietta Kung of Helene’s Bridal Salon

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Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

[Are Mammals the Only Animals that Produce Milk?]

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apag ang pinagusapan ay naturál na produksyón ng gatas, ang akala ng maraming tao ay sa mga hayop na nabibilang sa Class Mammalia lamang ito makikita.

Lingid sa kanilang kaalaman, mayroon ding mga uri ng ibon na kayang lumikha ng gatas na ipinakakain nila sa kanilang mga inakay.

the entire upper digestive tract— not just in the crop—with the help of a hormone called prolactin.

Flamingo young feed on this milk, which contains also red and white blood cells.

Sa Madaling Salita Hindi lang pala mga hayop na nabibilang sa klase ng Mamalya ang may kakayanang lumikha ng gatas na kanilang ipinakakain sa kanilang mga anak, kundi pati ilang uri ng ibon.

Or, in Simple Words The ability to produce milk is not a unique characteristic of mammals. There are some species of birds that produce milk which they also use to nourish their of these than cow or human young. milk does.

Another species of References bird that produces milk is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ the flamingo. In this case, Crop_milk [01/22/10]. however, the substance is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ produced in glands that line Flamingo#Feeding [01/22/10].

Greetings from Dulce and Robin

Bird Milk Although it is usually associated with mammals, milk production is observed also in some species of birds. For instance, pigeons and doves produce a substance called crop milk, secreted from the lining of the crop of both males and females. Parents use this to feed their young by regurgitation.

Regurgitation is the controlled flow of stomach contents back into the esophagus and mouth. It is a normal and voluntary process that some animals use to feed their young.

Whereas mammalian milk is liquid, crop milk is semi-solid and looks like pale-yellow cottage cheese. It is extremely high in protein and fat and contains more

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Philippine Entertainment News

January 5 - 20, 2010

Filipina model wins international competition

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young Filipina model was recently chosen as among the 7 lucky women around the world for Ford modeling contracts this 2010.

Charlene Louise “Chat” Almarvez, 16, was adjudged as 1st runner-up at the “Ford Supermodel

of the World 2009” Finals held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on January 15. She received $150,000 (P6.9 million) modeling contract from the prestigious modeling agency Ford Models NYC. Almarvez was the only Asian to make it to the Top 7 at

the Supermodel of the World 2009 Finals. She is originally from Laguna and a student at the College of Saint Benilde.

The Ford Supermodel of the World serves as the worldwide talent search Ford Models. It started in 1980 and is the largest and most prestigious international competition with over 60,000 contestants from 40 countries worldwide.

The grand prize was won

by Katrina Karlina Caune, 16, of Baltic State ($250,000 modeling contract). The other winners were Isabelle Storck from Sweden at third place ($100,000 modeling contract), Olivia Majour from the USA, Maryna Linchuck of Belarus, Grace Hurley of Australia and Bruna Tiedt of Brazil.

MJ book features Cebu dancing inmates

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he inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) are among those featured in a recently published

book dedicated to the late pop star, “The Official Michael Jackson Opus.”

This was learned from Byron Garcia, the provincial capitol

consultant on security, who also doubles as dance instructor for the inmates. A friend from abroad told Garcia that pictures of the inmates dancing to the beat of “Thriller” were included in two pages of the book.

A local radio station Radio dzBB-Cebu also reported that Jackson’s choreographer and associate director for 18 years, Travis Payne, visited the dancing inmates to work on a collaboration number.

Recently the dancing inmates worked with the Sexbomb Dancers for a new video “Bilog.”

The song video tackles election awareness that aims to teach voters how to properly shade the circles provided in the official ballots to be used in the coming May elections.

Mocha Uson fumes over disabled Facebook account

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he lead member of the allgirl group Mocha Girls is mad due to the shutting down of her social networking account which boosts of over 15,000 fans, due to alleged obscene content.

Mocha Uson has even called the Facebook users who had her profile disabled last Jan. 12 as narrow-minded people with outdated views.

The controversial sexy pictorials and videos. She is also performer is known for her daring open enough to talk about nudity

St. John Brebeuf Catholic School

Living, Learning, Serving in Christ A Christ-centred K to 8 education with a focus on academic excellence and social justice.

• Full Time Kindergarten • Dynamic Programs: Computer Literacy, AIM French, Orff Music and Tyner & Barton Literacy • Clubs, competitive teams, and full-sized gym • Social Justice focus • Before & After School Care, with optional private music lessons • Convenient central location • Open to other faiths Please join us for an informational

Thursday, January 28, 2010, 7:00 pm 605 Renfrew Street, Winnipeg For more information, call 489-2115 (Ext. 241) or email schooloffice@sjbcommunity.ca www.sjbcommunity.ca/school St. John Brebeuf Catholic School Open House Ad FILIPINO JOURNAL Ad size: 1/8 Page: 4” x 5” Full Colour

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which she considers an art instead of indecent exposure. She added that the Filipino home should provide a good foundation for teenagers in order to educate them on the responsibility of having sex.

A new account has been created on Jan. 17 which attracted over 2,800 subscribers after only five days since its creation.

Freddie Aguilar saddens by nephew’s troubles

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olk singer Freddie Aguilar is deeply saddened over what happened to his nephew, Jason Ivler.

Ivler, the son of Aguilar’s sister Marlene, is now confined at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center when he engaged NBI operatives in a shoot-out on Jan. 18. He is the prime suspect in the killing of a son of Malacañang official, Renato Victor Ebarle Jr., over traffic dispute in November last year.

The musician claimed that he was among those who asked his sister to surrender her son to authorities. Ivler went into hiding and Marlene had denied in past interviews that she had knowledge of her son’s whereabouts.

Aguilar rose to fame for his song “Anak,” about an errant son who defied his parents’ many sacrifices for his well being.

Filipino Journal 13

January 5 - 20, 2010

Ciara Sotto, Jojo Oconer exchange I do’s

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iara Sotto and boyfriend Jojo Oconer recently tie the knot in a Christian wedding ceremony held at the Manila Polo Club, Makati City, last January 17.

Sotto, 28 is the youngest of the four children of former Sen. Tito Sotto and actress Helen Gamboa, while Oconer, 37, is the Chief Operating Officer of APT Entertainment. The newly weds met during one of Eat, Bulaga!’s US tours which Oconers’s company produces.

The couple will be spending their honeymoon in Maldives and will settle down at their own condo unit in White Plains, Quezon City. Sotto said she would continue her showbiz career if Oconer would allow her.

James Yap, Kris Aquino back in each other’s arms

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asketball star James Yap said he never cheated nor been unfaithful to his wife, TV host and actress Kris Aquino.

The PBA player said that Mayen Austria, the girl in the center of the latest brouhaha that rocked their marriage life, is just a friend and a fan from whom they have been ordering cookies and cakes.

Aquino confronted Austria who reportedly kept calling, texting, and sending food to her cager-husband.

Aquino’s statement on national television that she is the only one making effort to save their marriage has elicited a torrent of reactions from people close to Yap. A Purefooods team-mate said Aquino may have overlooked Yap’s hard work because she is too busy. A statement has also been attributed to the actress that says she has put her brother Noynoy’s presidential bid as her number l priority,

her kids next, and his husband as only number 3.

An unassuming guy who seldom issues public statements, Yap it seems is still unused to the showbiz life that his marriage to Aquino has brought him into. The couple has now reconciled and the TV host-actress has returned to their Valle Verde nest in Pasig two days after she moved to her sister Pinky’s house with her sons, Joshua and Baby James.

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January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Pangasinan Basketball League Opening Ceremony

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he 2010 Basketball season has started once again. Its time to take out those dusty high-tops and get those knee joints oiled. Its time to play ball!

Our PGM basketball league has grown by leaps and bounds in just over a year. Our PGM basketball committee has worked so hard this past summer in organizing and planning our 2nd season for 2010. Our heartfelt thanks to our basketball committe, chairman-Peter Estrada, commissioner-Jun Oquendo, referee-in-charge-Jun Alvis, and member Ben Ahorro for their time and tireless efforts.

We would also like to give our thanks to Romy Munoz of Munoz Silk Screen for assisting us in acquiring uniforms for some of the teams. It was a lot of hard work but Romy pulled through for us. As well, the committe wants to thank Romy for allowing us to use the Monday slot at St. John’s High School (small gym) for our games. We greatly appreciate all the assistance Romy has given us.

Last year was a great learning curve for us and we will strive again this season to make the games safe, fair and fun for our players and spectators. PGM has seen the passion that our players and the spectators have for this game. To Filipinos basketball is not a joke, it is a serious game. So gentlemen when you are on the court, play your best game, play as a team and most of all have fun.

The committee wants to thank Zeny Calimlim for doing a great job with singing the national anthem.

Thank you also to Orlando Buduhan for marshalling the teams to their designated spots during introductions and also to Ben Ahorro and Freddie Sion for helping out at the score table.

Many, many thanks to the rest of the PGM officers for participating and showing your support for our basketball league. Heartfelt thanks also to Hon. Kevin Lamoureaux (MLA Inkster), Roldan Sevillano Jr. (Liberal MP candidate for Wpg, North), Councillor Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas ward).

Your presence at our League’s opening ceremony was greatly appreciated.

It was great to see so many family and friends rooting for their teams. PGM is grateful for your presence and participation at the opening ceremony. We hope that you will follow the games till the championship games at the end of the season. Enjoy the games!

GAME SCHEDULE PER WEEK

Team Brothers

Team Bluejay

Team FEC

Team Global

Team Muñoz

Team Polycast

Team Young’s Supermarket

Team Titans

Team Qpam

Eam Sunnyday Environmentals

One(1) game Mondays (9:00 10:15) St. John’s High School small gym Two(2) games Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 & 9:0010:00) St. John’s High School big gym.

Full schedule is available on the PGM website PangasinanGroupMB.com

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January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Goodbye 2009, Welcome 2010

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by Agnus-Mariae Lucas

espite the numerous final exams and other holiday maelstrom, UMSigaw wrapped up an active year with their annual Christmas party. Held at Martini’s Ristorante Italiano on Dec. 22nd, we really filled the house with over 40 members in attendance. The festivous evening consisted of a fabulous buffet meal, hilarious games, excellent singing performances, and lively, convivial karaoke. The executives would like to thank the party organizers J.M. Jimenez, Janine Urbano, and Rojuane Aragon for

their dedication and efficiency.

Coming up, UMSigaw is holding a scavenger hunt-type race in the central city area.

Like the basketball tournament, this is a pilot project for a larger scale race to be held later on in the year. The Ridiculously Awesome Challenging Escapade (or R.A.C.E. for short) will take place on Saturday, January 30th, 2010. For more information and registration details, you can visit our website, http://umsigaw.org/ or email us at umsigaw@gmail. com.

2009-2010 UMSigaw members with 1st place winning parol

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by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

features five Winnipeg-based bands all of which will be performing mostly-original sets. haLf man haLf eLf is the only New Wave / Postpunkinfluenced Filipino band in Winnipeg, consisting of Gilbert Trillana (keyboards), Jun Villanueva (guitars), Aldo Cazianis (guitars), Bert Nicanor (drums/ Ferdz Yap (bass), Mclauren Nimedez (drums), David Manalo (keyboards/ guitar), and Dwardz Daquina (percussion).

Despite the members’ coming from a wide spectrum of musical references—from Thrash Metal to Hip-

(A first in the history of Filipino music scene in Manitoba) “

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ock against Ignorance” is the second musical event organized by Winnipeg’s Filipino Artists & Music Enthusiasts, slated on February 19 at West End Cultural Centre. Fresh from the relative success of its predecessor—“Rock against Ondoy,” held last October at Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba—“Rock against Ignorance” is a cultural milestone because never in the history of Filipino music scene in Manitoba that organizers encourage musicians

January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

to write their original compositions and require to perform these instead of cover songs.

Not to belittle the great number of Filipinos in Manitoba who have impressive singing voices and who are karaoke experts, but true artists who deserve greater support and appreciation are those who spend time and effort in writing their own songs and music. Songwriters and musicmakers are the real cultural heroes who contribute something original to the Filipino culture.

“Rock against Ignorance”

percussion), and aLfie vera mella (vocals/keyboards). The band is currently recording songs such as “For Her Brilliance,” “Fireflies (flicker in my heart),” “Unfated Life,” “Vanilla Float,” “Chocolate Mousse,” and “Buhay Karnabal,” which will comprise their CD tentatively entitled Stories from a Half Forgotten Era. Check out the band on http://www.myspace.com/ halfmanhalfelf102 and on http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half_Life_ Half_Death.

Here the World is a Canadian

hop—artists like Black Sabbath, Metallica, Megadeth, System of a Down, Switchfoot, Korn, Nirvana, Radiohead, Incubus, Green Day, Coldplay, 2pac, and Juan Dela Cruz Band— their love for music and the way they value friendship amalgamate them as a band. Young as they are, Narra have already a number of originals— “Unreal,” “Forsaken,” “No Doubt,” “Pony Rides,” and “Long Lost Halo.” Check out their videos on http://www. youtube.com/user/ TheNarrah.

Sacrament was formed in 2009 by Paul Magnaye (vocals), Joseph David (drums), band comprised by the brothers Michael Borja (bass), and Chris Johnny and Tyler Holmes and their father, John P. Holmes.

Their music may be described as Alternative Rock with Synthpop influences. The trio is in the process of finishing their debut album, The Ripple Effect, which will include songs like “Hello,” “Dear You,” “Colours,” and “Behind the Clouds.” For more information and to sample their music, check their Web site: http://heretheworld.ca.

Narra was formed in April 2009 by Popo Santos (vocals/ Pangan (guitars). This Metalguitar), Vic Bautista (guitar), and Postgrunge-influenced band

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is currently recording songs for their debut album—compositions that include “Undivided,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Path to Arise,” and “Sino Ka?” Their musical influences include System of a Down, Metallica, Creed, Slapshock, and Mudvayne. Some of their songs will remind listeners of Postgrunge bands like Three Days Grace, Nickelback, and Puddle of Mud. Skip the Silence is an Emo / Pop Punk / Metal-influenced band consisting of JhayAr Culajara (vocals), Maeiou Roldan (guitar), Sherwin Skarlet Ylagan (guitar), Nicco Earl Gutierrez (bass), and Dion Estoesa (drums). The group

continues to work on their original songs which include “Monochrome Panorama.” Check them out on Facebook.

The Last Leaf “Rock against Ignorance” will feature also two local artists-Ronald Yaya, who will showcase samples of his tattoo art, and Arnel San Jose of Jeprox Photography, who will exhibit selected photographs taken during various Filipino musical events held in the city Final Note Support artists who play original music. Attend “Rock against Ignorance,” on February 19 at West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Ave. at Sherbrook St). Ticket is only $5 each.

We are making music accessible.

Contact aLfie (783-5687), Sherwin (955-3498), or Dulce (998-5653) for more information.

January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

recreated villages with exhibits and hands-on activities. Watch the colourful Canoe Pageant and don’t miss the educational film “The Living Sea” at the IMAX. Depending on the ticket package you purchase, you can enjoy the all-you-can-eat Gateway buffet dinner or the feast at the Ali’i Luau. The lavish evening show, “Horizons, Where the Sea Meets the Sky” is the highlight of our Polynesian experience.

Just a short flight from Honolulu is the beautiful island of Maui. Through a mini coach service we had a scenic tour to soaring Iao Needle in the lush Vally State Park combined with a visit to Haleakala Volcano (House of the Sun). We enjoyed the whaling port of Lahaina, internationally famous for its art galleries, waterfront restaurants and false-front stores.

ALOHA! (This is the most universally known word of the Hawaiian language used in greetings of hello and goodbye, welcome or farewell, romantic love, affection, or best wishes.)

by Gem M. Anis

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awaii, the Aloha State, has been a long-time favourite vacation spot among Canadians. Its natural beauty, lush mountainous forests, warm tropical climate, blue waters and beautiful beaches, and active volcanoes make it a popular tourist destination.

including the rich cultural history of its people consider renting a car or taking bus tours.

In the neighbourhood of Honolulu is Waikiki with its world-famous white sandy beachfront resort Waikiki Beach.

The beach hosts yearly events like surf competitions canoe races and outdoor performances.

Waikiki is home to the largest and oldest park in the islands, Kapiolani Park which has something for just about everyone from a tennis court to a jogging path with aerobic exercise stations. Beside the Waikiki Shell, host to live musical events, the park is home to the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium where you can view the state fish called humuhumunukuapuaa.

A historical look at the islands through the beauty of the hula, the Kodak Hula Show in the park has been a Hawaiian tradition since 1937.

Waikiki Beach is also noted for its view of Gem beside fresh-caught Lahaina blue marlin. the Diamond Head. Many visitors, equipped with The largest city and capital water and flashlight, enjoy the of Hawaii is Honolulu on the hike up to the top of the extinct island of O’ahu. Admitted as the volcanic crater by ascending steps 50th state of the United States in and then through narrow dark 1959, Hawaii has a population of tunnels. From the summit could 1.3 million, a large proportion of been the entire Waikiki and the which is now of Asian ancestry Pacific Ocean. especially Filipino, Chinese and The Pali Lookout is a favourite Japanese with many of them as tourist stop offering panoramic descendants of those immigrants views of the Windward coast of

Waikiki Beach looking towards Diamond Head.

A beach in Maui

the pineapple is still the king at the Dole Plantation where you can experience the Pineapple Express train tour or find your way through the giant pineapple maze and then treat yourself to an icy-cool cup of the famous Dole Whip.

Visitors to Hawaii can take boat trips out to SS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbour.

The memorial, resting place of 1,102 servicemen who lost their lives, stands above the battleship Arizona sunk during the Japanese surprise attack on 7 December 1941.

Be among one of the 56 million people visiting annually the Ala Moana Centre, the largest shopping mall in Hawaii and currently the biggest open-air shopping centre on earth with almost 300 shops focusing on tourism marketing.

The attraction not to be missed is the Polynesian Cultural Centre on the north shore of the island about an hour drive from Waikiki.

This landmark introduces you to the culture of Hawaii and the major South Pacific Islands through the

Gem & lita Anis at the Polynesian Cultural Centre.

brought to work on the sugar plantations in the 1850’s and after.

175,000 Filipino-Americans live in Hawaii.

There is so much to experience in the Hawaiian islands on every visit and beyond. To conveniently explore all that Hawaii offers

O’ahu. From this historical vantage point, once the scene of the most important and bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history between King Kamehameha and O’ahu armies, you can see Chinaman’s Hat Island and Kaneohe Bay. Long associated with Hawaii,

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

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

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

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Ibig Bura Saka Dami ng tubig na umapaw Dating sikat na boxer Pagtugtog ng instrumentong may tiklado Karera ng mga bangka Alpha Phi Omega Marka Milby ng pelikula Pagbawalan Nikki, aktres Uri ng puno Ginapas Almusal Ugali Ina sa Kapampangan Kuwit Ikaw Utos Katas ng niyog

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PABABA

Liyab Pagdurugo Hila Taglay Gatgat Unlaping pamilang Ikwartel Halimuyak Gambala Kulay ng balat Clown: Tagalog Kapital ng Guam Bayong Laganap Sabog Ingay ng lasing Bukbok Sa lalong madaling panahon Haligi ng tahanan

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

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Balitang Kutsero

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

W

ith 10 candidates running for President of the Philippines, God decided to interview all of them to decide whom to anoint. God asked each of the presidential wannabes the same question: “What would be your first act on Day One of your presidency?”

God: “Who wants to volunteer first?”

Noynoy Aquino: “Me! Me!” God: “Since you’re the frontrunner, go ahead, Noynoy.

Your mom talks highly of you.

So, let’s hear what you have in mind.”

Noynoy: “Lord, my first act would be to confiscate all of Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth and use them to build millions of ‘Gawad Kalinga’ homes for the poor, provide jobs for the jobless, and feed the hungry. I’ll build a Bagong Pilipinas (new Philippines) in memory of my parents, Ninoy and Cory. Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!”

God: “Very good! I like your vision of a Bagong Pilipinas. I’m sure your mom and dad will not be disappointed with you. Who’s next?”

Manny Villar: “Bah! ‘Gawad Kalinga’ homes are cheap.

There’s no profit in building those little homes. I’ve been building homes for more than 30 years, Lord. My first act will be to build roads — like the C-5 Road — all over the Philippines to link all the subdivisions that I’m going build and sell to the people. And then I’ll donate 10% of my profit to Gawad Kalinga so they can build those little homes for the poor.”

God: “That sounds like an excellent business plan. I’m sure that it would make you 100 times richer than you are today. Maybe you should donate 10% of your profits to the Church too. How about you, Gibo?”

Gibo Teodoro: “Lord, with all due respect to Manny, but his roads aren’t going to connect all the 7,000 islands in the country.

So I’m going to build bridges and tunnels to connect all the islands.”

God: “Wow wow wee!

That’s fantastic! And do you think that you’ll accomplish all that in six years? You may have to stay in power for at least another 30 years just to finish a fraction

OPINIONS

of your plan. It might be worth keeping you in power as long as you continue building bridges.

Let me think about it.”

Gibo: “Actually, that’s my personal agenda, Lord. I have to stay in power until all the bridges and tunnels are completed. I’ll transform our beloved Pilipinas into an ‘Enchanted Kingdom’ in 20 years.”

God: “Enchanted kingdom?

Twenty years? Hmmm… I heard that line before. Well… How about you, Dick?”

Dick Gordon: “Lord, that Global Balita editor didn’t call me ‘Flashy Dick’ for nothing! My plan is to fire all government employees and replace them with thousands of Red Cross volunteers. You see, I used volunteers to convert Subic Naval Base into an international free port. Look what it is today.”

God: “You’re indeed flashy, Dick. I like your idea of using volunteers. You’re pretty good at that. Keep up the good work. How about you, Bro. Eddie?”

Bro. Eddie Villanueva: “Lord, I believe that prayers can perform miracles. I’ll make it mandatory for all Filipinos to pray 10 times a day. Look at the Arabs! They only pray five times a day and they’re very wealthy. The Filipinos will become the wealthiest people on Earth!”

God: “Sounds like a great idea. Rest assured that I’ll hear their prayers, my loyal follower.

I just want to make sure that the people will pray to me and not to Allah, okay? Let’s move on. How about you, Nick?”

Nick Perlas: “Lord, since I’m an environmentalist, I’ll save all the forests. To achieve that would require that we stop using paper products. The Philippines will be the first ‘paperless society’ on Earth. No more paper money.

No more newspapers. No more toilet paper. The country is having water shortage too, so we need to conserve water as well. To achieve that, I’ll invent a waterless bidet that would only use air to do its work. I’ll also make it mandatory for every citizen over 18 years of age to have a computer at home so they can check my Facebook every day.”

God: “Excellent! You are going to save the Earth from destruction. More power to you, Nick. I’m glad the Comelec accepted your Certificate of Candidacy. Nick, we need people like you. I salute you. Who’s next?

John Carlos?”

John Carlos de los Reyes: “I don’t really know what to do if I get elected, Lord. I’m new in the political game and the youngest of the candidates. However, if I win, I will stop corruption and send all the corrupt officials to jail and.…”

God: “Enough! I’ve heard that line since Quezon’s time and that’s not going to happen in your lifetime, kiddo. Good try, though.

You’re next, Jamby.”

Jamby Madrigal: “Thank you, Lord! I just want you to know that I’m the only woman

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January 5 - 20, 2010

running for president. If elected, I will fight for women’s rights! I will also…”

God: “I agree with you Jamby. But we’re running out of time. Next!”

Vetellano Acosta: “I’m the standard bearer of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, the late president Ferdinand Marcos’ political party.

If elected, I’ll build a monument to Apo Ferdinand that would be higher than the Quezon Memorial.

I will also…”

God: “Stop it! That’s not going to happen, pal. Not in my lifetime. Okay? Let’s see who’s the best…”

Erap Estrada: “Hold it! Hold it, Lord! How about me?”

God: “Oh, I’m sorry, Erap.

I didn’t know you’re still in the race. Okay, Let’s hear what’s in your mind.”

Erap: “Don’t underestimate my ability, Lord. I’m the oldest in this group but I’m wiser than a turkey.”

God: “You mean to say, ‘wiser than an owl,’ right?”

Erap: “Same thing. My first act as President would be to file plunder charges against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She grabbed the presidency from me in 2001 and cheated my best friend Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004.

It’s payback time, Lord. An eye for an eye! And I promise you that if she’s convicted, I will never pardon her! Lintik lang ang walang ganti!”

God: “Aha! You know, you’re the only one who thought of punishing Gloria for all her kalokohan (shenanigans).

Erap, you’re my man! I hereby anoint you as the country’s next President.”

January 5 - 20, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

rich country such as Canada. Take time to explore, experience, and understand other cultures—which include food, language, behaviors, and preoccupations. In doing so, we are giving ourselves the favor of alleviating our minds of cultural apathy and ignorance.

Reference http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Chinese_language [01/25/10].

languages of Hong Kong (together with English) and of Macau (together with Portuguese). by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

M

any people refer to the language spoken by the Chinese people as simply Chinese. Every time they would hear Chinese people talking or conversing, they would immediately say that “they are talking Chinese.” Seldom do we see people who care to know what variety of Chinese language they are hearing.

Yes, Chinese itself is not the actual language of China.

The fact is, there are between seven and thirteen main regional groups of Chinese (depending on classification scheme), of which the most spoken, by far, is Mandarin (about 850 million), followed

by Wu (90 million), Cantonese (Yue) (70 million), and Min (70 million). The standardized form of spoken Chinese is Standard Mandarin, based on the Beijing dialect. This is the official language of the People’s Republic of China (commonly referred to as Mainland China) and the Republic of China (better known as Taiwan), as well as one of four official languages of Singapore (together with English, Malay,

and Tamil). Of the other varieties, Standard Cantonese is common and influential in Guangdong Province and Cantonesespeaking overseas communities, and remains one of the official

The Last Leaf As social beings, we have a moral obligation to learn even the basic aspects of the culture and languages of other races, especially those of our fellow immigrants in the country where we live. Let’s take advantage of our being in a very multiculturally

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OFSAM Annivesary Celebration

Mga Puna ni Inna

N

oong isang linggo e bumisita sa bahay ang isang kumare ni Mommy. Tulad ng nakagawian nila, maghapon silang naghuntahan tungkol sa kanya-kanyang buhay. Napunta ang usapan tungkol sa mga lugar na mapupuntahan sa Winnipeg.

Nabanggit ni Mommy sa kanyang kumare na madalas kaming mamasyal sa busy commercial districts na gaya ng Osborne Village, kahabaan ng Corydon Avenue, Pembina Hiway, at iba-iba pang lugar sa Winnipeg—lalo na iyong mga nasa labas ng Filipino community. Nagulat ako nang marinig ko sa kumare ni Mommy na hindi pa ito nakapupunta sa mga lugar na ’yun. Teka, mahigit dalawampung taon na sila rito sa Winnipeg ng kanyang pamilya ah?

Ang dahilan nito e kasi raw wala masyadong Filipino na naglalagi sa mga lugar na ’yon. Bukod pa, kuntento na raw siya at kanyang pamilya sa mga lugar na maituturing na parte ng Filipino community.

Ayaw raw nilang makisalamuha sa ibang lahi.

Sabagay, sarili niyang kagustuhan iyon—na limitahan ang

mundong kanilang ginagalawan.

Subalit, sayang naman. Nasa Canada na nga sila kaya sana naman matuto silang palawakin ang kanilang mundo. Isa itong paraan upang makilala nila nang husto ang kultura ng iba’t ibang lahi na nakakasalamuha nila rito sa Winnipeg. At habang nakikilala nila ang iba’t ibang kultura e lalong lalawak ang kanilang kaalaman pati na rin ang kakayanang kilalanin at intindihin ang ibang tao. Sabi sa akin ni Tito George, ang mga ayaw makisalamuha sa ibang lahi at hindi interesadong matutunan ang kultura ng iba ay sila ring mga karaniwang may tendency na mag-discriminate at mamuna nang walang magandang basihan.

Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa aking mga magulang kasi lagi nilang pangaral sa aming magkakapatid na ang pinakamagandang paraan ng pagrespeto sa ibang lahi ay ang pagkilala sa kultura ng mga ito.

At kapag naramdaman ng iba na interesado kang matutunan ang kanilang kultura, e magsisimula rin ang mga ito na kilalaning mabuti ang sarili mong kultura.

Front Row - Rod Cantiveros, Cris Aglugob, Kevin Lamoureux, Fred Stumpf. Back Row - Dolly Borja, Nellie Moranon, Zeny Calimlim, Cesar Fronda, Sharon Thiessen, Consul Edda Pangilinan, Letty Antonio, Carmelita Andres, Belen Leyda, Tessie Briones, Tony Antonio & Ellen Chua.

Kevin

Edda

Mike, Letty & Tony

Back Row -Frank Dumisiw, Eril Deculing, Auring Cleofas, Robert Viray, Lito Taruc, Felix Diaz, Fred De Villa. Front Row - Mrs. Deculing, Manny & Kevin.

Back Row - Adelina & Pio Valencia,Ding Raquin, Diosa Zoleta, Apring Torres, Espie Villejo, Rodencio Visda, Rosie Ringrose, Juanita Limon, Mercy Cuaresma, Mely Pagaduan, Lorie Fernandez, Dulce Ordonez, Pacita Balite. Seated - Auring Cleofas, Relieta Segumpan, Arlene Simon, Leonor Lucero, Luz Sarmiento & Prisca Marquez.

Front Row - Ding Rose Raquin, Philip & Lisa Pascual, Mr. & Mrs. Noel Cadelina, Clarita Nazario, Julie Javier, Cathy Lamoureux. Back Row - Apring Torres, Kevin Lamoureux, Allan Zoleta, Rodencio Visda, Giffty San Juan, Diosa Zoleta & Relieta Segumpam.

Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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