Ang Peryodiko "The Newspaper" Feb 16 - Feb 28 Issue

VOLUME XII NO. 4

February 16-28, 2014 WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

The Newspaper A man sells flowers in the streets of Manila, unmindful of the scorching afternoon sun, days before Valentine’s Day.

Obama to visit

PH in April 

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama will seek to ease questions over the staying power of his strategic shift to increasingly tense East Asia in April with stops in Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and South Korea.

Obama’s visits to Manila and Kuala Lumpur are intended to make up for his no-show when he cancelled a previous Asia tour in October amid domestic political strife in Washington.

A subtext to his visit will be rising territorial tensions between several US allies and China, which deepened over Beijing’s recent declaration of an “air defense identification zone” in the East China Sea. obama, 3

Entertainment

How Ellen Adarna shapes up

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Tuason: P9M in kickbacks delivered to Jinggoy MANILA (Feb. 13) - Whistleblower Ruby Tuason, speaking on Thursday before the Senate hearing on the pork barrel scam, said she was the ‘go between’ person for Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Janet Lim-Napoles in 2008, delivering at least P9 million from the businesswoman to the senator.

“I delivered here in the Senate before. I think I did it at least twice,” Tuason said.

She said a staff of Estrada would escort her in the Senate parking lot during her afternoon deliveries, and from there she made her way to the senator’s office to personally deliver the money. 

l Obama’s visits to Manila, Kuala Lumpur intended to make up for his no-show when he cancelled a previous Asia tour in October

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Palace vows to make journalists safer MANILA (Feb. 13) - The government will step up the protection of journalists from security risks amid the country’s declining status in the World Press Freedom Index, Malacañang vowed.

“We acknowledge the decline in the ranking, and we will intensify our efforts to safeguard our journalists, and uphold the freedom of expression,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a televised press briefing Thursday.

Coloma said that the Palace believes in freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

“We remain committed to the regime of freedom of the press and freedom of expresion where there are no prior restraints and no censorship,”

Coloma said.

The Philippines slipped in the Reporters Without Borders’ 2014 press freedom ranking, dropping to 149th from 147th in 2013 and 140th from 2011 to 2012. This despite the country being recognized as the freest media in Asia.

He pointed out that the Aquino administration looks to the legacy of the EDSA Revolution in 1986 when the president’s mother was installed president.

“Mataas ang ating commitment sa pangangalaga sa kalayaan ng mamamahayag.

Sa buwang ito pinagdiriwang natin ang ika-28 na anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power revolution. Isa ito sa mahalagang kalayaang pinagwagi ng EDSA People Power,” Coloma added.

(Philstar)

An infographic of the 2014 World Press Freedom Index showing the Philippines’ ranking.

US to help PH in event of China invasion MANILA (Feb. 13) - Washington is ready to help Manila in the event that Beijing invades Pag-Asa, the second largest island in the disputed Spratly Islands, a top US military official said Thursday.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, naval operations chief of the US Navy, could not say what form of assistance may be extended to the Philippines but noted that the two countries have existing defense treaties.

“Of course we would help you and now I don’t know what that help would be (given) specifi-

cally,” Greenert told students of the National Defense College of the Philippines in Quezon City.

“I mean we have an obligation because we have a treaty, but I don’t know into what capacity that help is,” he added.

Greenert was asked whether the US will help the Philippines defend its territory if China seizes Pag-Asa, which is being occupied

by Filipino soldiers and more than 200 civilians.

A Chinese news network has reported that the Chinese Navy has a detailed plan to seize the Pag-Asa Island from the Philip-

pines this year.

Pag-Asa, which China calls Zhongye, is part of Kalayaan Island, a fifth class municipality in Palawan. The Philippines has built a town hall, a 1.3-kilometer airstrip, a naval station, a health center and a kindergarten school in the island.

Greenert said aggressive acts that violate international norms should be opposed.

“We will continue to say that aggressive behavior outside of international norms, not using the established procedures… is contrary to, I’ll call it, good order

here and we have to manage, we oppose it, we will work to clarify that,” he said.

The Philippines and the US signed the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, which provides that the two countries, separately or jointly, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacities to resist armed attacks. China has been flexing its muscles in the West Philippine Sea, conducting maritime patrols in disputed areas to assert its territorial claims.

It has also declared an air defense zone above waters sepa-

rating China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, raising concerns from various countries who believe this would affect freedom of flight in international airspace.

In January, Chinese media reported that Beijing is imposing a fishing law in the West Philippine Sea that will require foreign boats to seek permission before operating in the area.

Japanese media also reported that China is planning to impose an air defense zone over the West Philippine Sea but this has been denied by the Chinese government.

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obama... 

RUBY Tuason, former social secretary of former President Joseph Estrada, arrives at the Senate to attend the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the pork barrel scam. (Senate-PRIB)

tuazon... 

From 1

“I did not pass in the main entrance because they might open my bag,” she said.

Tuason said that in another instance in 2008, Estrada called

at night asking for cash. Tuason was at that time with Napoles and her husband, and they delivered P1 million to Estrada in Zirkoh, a comedy bar along Wilson St. in Greenhills, she said.

Tuason said she delivered at least P9 million in kickbacks to the senator, for a project which cost P75 million.

After 2008, Tuason said Estrada transacted with Napoles directly. (Philstar)

From 1

Beijing was also angered last week when Washington stiffened its line on territorial disputes in the South China Sea, calling for it to adjust or clarify its claims.

Obama’s stops in Japan and South Korea will also bolster close US alliances, at a time of aggravated political tensions between its two Northeast Asian friends.

It was an open secret that Obama would call in Japan in April, to take up an invitation from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who took office in December 2012.

But the decision to add South Korea to the trip came after rising pressure from Seoul and from the Asia policy community in Washington.

The move also reflects a desire to signal to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un that there are no gaps in US and South Korean resolve to counter Pyongyang’s nuclear program and belligerent rhetoric.

It also indicates that Obama is keen to avoid dealing a political slight to South Korean President Park Geun-Hye that could result from a presidential visit to Tokyo and not one to Seoul.

Relations between the two nations were severely rattled

by Abe’s December visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals among Japan’s war dead.

Obama’s Asia itinerary also includes one noticeable exception -- a stop in China. But he is expected to return to the region

later in the year for regional summits in Australia, Beijing and Myanmar.

The White House said in a statement that Obama’s April trip will highlight his “ongoing commitment to increase US diplomatic, economic and security engagement with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.”

He is certain to try to push negotiations on a vast Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact that would include 12 nations, and is seen by some observers as an attempt to meet the economic challenge of a rising China.

The president however may encounter some skepticism from regional partners because Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid, a key Obama ally, has expressed skepticism about granting him expanded powers to negotiate trade deals.

In light of Reid’s remarks, Pacific Rim nations may be loath to make concessions in the trade talks, fearing that any deal agreed may be modified by the US Congress.

Obama will stop first in Japan where he will meet Abe. Then he will travel to Seoul for talks with Park, likely to be dominated by North Korea’s latest maneuvering on the divided peninsula.

Pyongyang is currently fuming at the prospect of annual US-South Korean military exercises starting later this month and that it views as an act of war. From Seoul, Obama will head to Malaysia to meet Prime Minister Najib Razak to discuss deepening defense and military ties. (abs-cbnnews)

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JPE, Jinggoy, Bong urged to attend Senate hearing, face accusers MANILA (Feb. 13) - Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday urged his three fellow senators accused of being involved in the pork barrel scam should face their accusers during the hearings of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

“Ang sinabi na... they are innocent until proven guilty, that is true. But that is for the court... Ang presumption na innocent... can be overturned,” Cayetano said.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. have been charged with plunder in connection with the multi-billion pork fund scam.

The three senators have repeatedly denied the allegations that they received kickbacks from the bogus non-government organizations put up by businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the scam.

The senators have also accused the Aquino administra-

tion of persecution. There were also allegations that the pork barrel scam was exposed as part of the administration’s political plans for 2016.

Cayetano said the three senators’ should back their denials with evidence.

“Hindi dapat sabihin ng mga senador na hindi totoo ‘yan, na conspiracy ‘yan, kailangan, magprisinta ka rin ng ebidensya to show na hindi yan totoo.

Hindi lang theory ang pinakita ni Benhur, nagpakita din siya ng ebidensya, ng amount ng mga SARO,” Cayetano said.

He added: “They are celebrities, they are public officials and servants. Paano kung maabswelto sila ng korte pero madumi na sila sa mata ng tao?

Pati ang justice system natin maaapektuhan. That is why kung public official ka o celebrity, hindi pwedeng sa korte ka lang sasagot. Dapat pati sa media sumasagot ka din.”

Meanwhile, there are calls for the three accused senators

Senators Enrile, Estrada and Revilla to take a leave of absence due to the allegations against them.

Cayetano said that if he would also be tagged in a scam, he would take a leave of

absence.

“It is really their call. Kung ako ang tatanungin mo, better talaga. Kung ako ang nasisi dito, 80% siguro I would want to

take a leave of absence, unless ang nakikita nila ay kaya sila ginaganito para mag-leave sila precisely para i-demolish ang pangalan nila,” he said. (Philstar)

ERC chair, Ranillo, socialite, Arroyo lawyer summoned to ‘pork’ probe MANILA (Feb. 13) - Alleged agents for businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles, including Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Zenaida Ducut and a lawyer for First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, were summoned to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the “pork barrel” scam.

During the Senate proceedings on Thursday, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV moved to issue subpoenas to Ducut, lawyer Jess Santos, actor Mat Ranillo III and socialite Justa Tantoco.

Ducut was dragged into the scandal by whistleblower Benhur Luy, who claimed that the ERC official also worked as a conduit for the alleged funds

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scam mastermind and delivered kickbacks to undisclosed principals in government.

“Si Ma’am Ducut po, sa ERC. Naging agent po namin siya,” Luy said, answering Trillanes’ question on whether there are other personalities involved in the malversation scheme.

Ducut allegedly received 5 percent of the kickbacks from Napoles’ ghost projects.

The authorizing lawmakers, meanwhile, allegedly received the lion’s share of at least 40 percent, Luy had testified.

Meanwhile, new whistleblower Ruby Tuason recalled that Santos could be the main or indirect principal of her late brother, Remy, who acted as a “go-between” for Napoles.

Remy would receive money in their house from Napoles’ employees under JLN Corporation, Tuason said.

Luy similarly recalled that Ranillo delivered “commission” to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. Ranillo and Estrada, both former show business personalities, are said to be friends.

The lead whistleblower said that Napoles gave Ranillo a

Ford E-150 van as a gift for acting as her agent.

“Hindi naman mababayaran ni sir Mat yung sasakyan agad, so sinabi ibawas na lang po sa komisyon,” Luy said.

Tuason said during the hearing that the residence of Tantoco in Dasmarinas Village in Makati City, was also used as a receiving site for the huge amounts of money from Napoles for Estrada.

Tuason, however, said that she does not know whether Tantoco was working with Napoles. Tantoco is a family friend of the Estradas.

“It was only the residence of Justa Tantoco, I’m not sure if she is an agent,” she said.

Senator Nancy Binay, meanwhile, reiterated her earlier request to the committee to subpoena some officials of the Department of Budget and Management tagged in earlier hearings.

“May I remind the committee that I have moved to subpoena some officials of the DBM, but until now, six months later, they have never attended the hearing,” she said. (Philstar)

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How Ellen Adarna shapes up “BOTTOMLINE” TACKLES THE LINK OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO RECENT PH CALAMITIES. Asia’s King of Talk Boy Abunda will be joined by heads of national

agencies for the timely discussion about climate change this Saturday (February 8).

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Usec Eduardo del Rosario, Climate Change Commission (CCC) Sec. Lucille Sering, Project NOAH director Dr. Mahar Lagmay, and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Climate Data Section chief Dr. Rosalina de Guzman will share with viewers of “The Bottomline with Boy Abunda” their insights and opinion about the causes and effects of the alarming global phenomenon. What should the government do to help stop global warming from destroying the earth? Is there any factual evidence that the worsening climate change signify the nearing end of the world? Don’t miss the 2014 UPLB Gandingan Awards’ BestDevelopment-Oriented Talk Show “The Bottomline with Boy Abunda” this Saturday, after “Banana Split: Extra Scoop.” For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

Ellen Adarna doesn’t consider herself sexy.

“Ngayon sex y ba kong tignan?” Ellen asked during an interview on “TV Patrol” while play fully striking poses. “Hindi; it’s really just the angles.”

The model-turned-actress added, “The only time I think I’m sexy is when I really diet and workout hard.”

She credits how people perceive her to confidence, disclosing that she was “drunk” when they did her viral workout video – which has almost 4 million views as of this writing – “so ang lakas ng loob ko. So, ’yun lang, but I don’t really think I’m sexy.”

Ellen even admit ted that her 33-25-33 figure isn’t all-natural.

“My boobs are fake (giggles). But I’ve always had balakang so even out lang.”

But Ellen, who is being handled by celebrity fitness trainer John Aquino (who is training the likes of Anne Cur tis, Bea Alonzo), still shared her fitness secrets (or is it?).

“It’s just protein shake; nothing else. And a lot of squats, and ab workout. But do it like five pounds, 10 pounds, like that – but it’s not healthy, I don’t advise you to do that!” she exclaimed. (Pau Aguilera)

The only time I think I’m sexy is when I really diet and workout hard.

Entertainment U

NLIKE her homecoming right after she won 2013 Miss World in Indonesia last year, Megan Young flew in quietly (sans fanfare, that is) in December to spend the holidays with her family and friends. She’s leaving either Feb. 14 or 15, but is mum on whether she’s spending Valentine with somebody special.

I am a very simple person. I miss the times when I can go out anytime without thinking about what dress to wear. Or what makeup and hairstyle I should have.

Like most beauty-crazy Filipinos, Megan is excited about the prospects of having this year’s Miss World held here.

As early as last year during Megan’s homecoming press conference, Miss World Organization (MWO) head Julia

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What’s the BUZZ?

www.angperyodiko.ca February 16-28, 2014

2013 Miss World Megan Young wore a body-fitting black, sleeveless blouse with red plaid skirt when she had dinner with members of Aces & Queens, with Funfare’s ‘beauty-watcher’/BDO executive Gerry Diaz (right) among the members.

It’s a Whirlwind!

Megan on being Miss World:

Morley (still recovering from injuries she sustained when the school build- ricky ing she and Megan, together with Lo young students, collapsed in Haiti) said that she would be glad to bring the pageant here “if the Philippines is ready to host it,” considering the disasters that hit the country.

“It would be nice to have the pageant her e,” noted Funfar e’s “beaut y-watcher” and BDO executive Gerr y Diaz, who is a member of Aces & Queens (A&Q), the team that has discovered and trained beaut y queens like Miss Universe runners-up Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup and Janine Tugonon. “The Miss Universe pageant was held here in 1974 (won by the late Amparo Muñoz of Spain), a year af ter Margie Moran won Miss Universe and then 20 years later in 1994 (won by Sushmita Sen of India),” noted Gerr y. “May 20-year gap. 20 years have elapsed since then at maganda sana kung ever y 20 years mag-host tayo ng ganyang pageant. 2014 is the right time because the Philippines has won its first Miss World title.”

Recently, A&Q hosted a dinner for Megan and 2013 Miss Universe third runner-up Ariella Arida (both are A&Q’s babies). Gerry did an exclusive interview with Megan. Here are excerpts: After winning Miss World, what is the most memorable thing that has happened to her?

“My Haiti visit. I saw the plight of the Haitians and I commiserated with what they were experiencing.

It made me appreciate more the simple things that sometimes we take for granted. It likewise gave me a preview of the mission that lay ahead for me as Miss World.” (Megan was unhur t when the school building collapsed).

What do you like most about being Miss World?

“The traveling. Before, I was scared to go out alone and explore the world. But now, I get fascinated with the dif ferent cultures and languages. Of course, what I love most are the international dishes that I get to taste.”

What do you miss most about your life before Miss World?

“The simplici t y. I am a ver y simple person. I miss the times when I can go out any time without thinking about what dress to wear. Or what makeup and hairstyle I should have.”

Now that you’re Miss World, what was the biggest adjustment you had to make?

“Having to dress up and act like a real lady all the time. I used to dress in a laid-back and casual style.”

Name one famous person that you met as Miss World, with whom you got starstruck.

“My starstruck moment came during a phone conversation with Maria Ressa, the Filipina CEO of Rappler who was once CNN’s bureau chief in Manila then Jakar ta before she became CNN’s lead investigative repor ter. I was being interviewed by CNN when I mentioned that Maria Ressa was one of my idol journalists. Then, I received a call and it was Maria Ressa on the other line.”

funfare Canada

How has being Miss World changed your life?

“To use an analogy, if before I lived my life in a basketball cour t, now I live it in a soccer field.”

What is your schedule like?

“Very hectic. I will be visiting the following places: Jakar ta, to at tend the 2014 Miss World Indonesia pageant; Russia, to crown the new Miss Russia who will be competing in both the 2014 Miss World and Miss Universe pageants and she will have the rare distinction of being crowned by t wo reigning queens (2013 Miss Universe Maria Gabriela Isler and I will crown the new Miss Russia); USA, for another telethon, details of which cannot be disclosed yet; Colombia, for a Beauty With A Purpose project; Haiti, to continue the Beauty With A Purpose project that will provide water to the residents of the Miss World Foundation’s adopted communit y. At present, the residents of that community walk two hours to get water and another t wo hours to get back home.”

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Vilma weighs in on Luis-Angel ‘wedding’ Batangas Governor Vilma SantosRecto isn’t saying much about her son Luis Manzano’s supposed plan to marry Angel Locsin but nevertheless couldn’t help express her delight.

“Kapag ako nakasiguro sa kasal na ’yun, ako (mismo) ang unang magbabalita,” the actress told ABS-CBN News in an interview.

She added, “Basta ngayon, what’s important is masaya sila pareho. At kapag masaya ang mga anak, mas doble ang saya ng magulang.”

Luis hinted on his plans to get married via a recent episode of “Kris TV.” The “Minute To Win It” host told host Kris Aquino: “Malapit na. Tatawagin ka naming ninang, maybe in

the near future.”

While they are not officially back together as a couple, Angel told Kris in an earlier interview that they are “getting there.”

Angel will be Luis’ guest in the final two episodes of “Minute To Win It,” to be aired on Feb. 20 and 21, according to an ABS-CBNNews.com report.

Vilma hinted of a surprise announcement from her son and Angel on the show, saying, “Kung may gusto kayong marinig, ako na ang tataya - mayroon kayong maririnig doon.

Nauna na ako anak. Mayroon kayong maririnig na commitment, nauna na ako.”

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Ang Peryodiko

Curb corruption and farmers will produce

FTER boasting that the country will be self-sufficient in rice by 2013 and a rice exporter by 2014, it appears the Aquino administration is admitting failure and is giving up on these lofty goals.

Malacanang announced last week that it was shifting its focus from attaining rice selfsufficiency to the farming of alternative, high-value crops such as pineapple, bananas and dragon fruit, among others.

Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said the country attained 97% self-sufficiency in rice in 2013 and is not really abandoning its rice sufficiency program.

The rice production increased 2.3 percent year-on-year to hit 18.44 million metric tons in 2013, on the back of strong harvests in the fourth quarter, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics said last week.

If these figures were true, how come the country imported more than 705,000 metric tons as of end of November last year when the domestic demand for rice was estimated at only 11.23

val g. abelgas

On Distant Shore Would it be any different if the farmers planted bananas and pineapples instead of rice? I don’t think so. It would only give new opportunities for kickbacks to those dirty politicians and businessmen.

Editorial

million metric tons? Why do the prices of rice continue to rise despite the more than 7 million MT difference between supply and demand? Why does the National Food Authority continue to authorize rice importation if indeed local production had exceeded demand? Why do rice smugglers continue to operate if there were oversupply based on the 18.44 million MT local produce as against the estimated 11.23 million MT demand in 2013?

While producing high-value crops is good for exports, the country needs to continue attaining self-sufficiency in rice for the simple reason that it is the basic staple of Filipinos. By encouraging the shift to highvalue crops, most of the rice farmers would abandon rice planting, resulting in a potential crisis that the government would find difficult to handle.

The shift to high-value crops was suggested as early as September 2011 by former NFA 

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Opinion

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Citizenship to become more difficult and expensive to acquire!

Some of the changes include increasing the residency requirement for applicants to be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Currently, to be eligible for citizenship, one must meet the residency requirement of living in Canada as a permanent resident for 3 of the past 4 years. Under C-24, this is being changed to 4 of the past 6 years.

Basically, this means that permanent residents must live in Canada for a longer period in order to qualify for citizenship. I think most Canadians would agree that citizenship is something that we all hold very dear to our hearts, and that the best way to experience what it is like to be Canadian is to live in Canada. However, I am not clear as to why four years was chosen especially when it was

mp kevin lamoureux

Straight up That said, I am not convinced that the increase in residency requirement from 3 to 4 years was warranted and the minister provided no meaningful explanation for the increase.

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A health crisis

EVERAL years ago about 100 private hospitals all over the country were forced to shut down because they lacked doctors and other health professionals. The situation has not improved since then. While there is now a glut in nurses because the demand overseas has slackened, the country still suffers from an acute lack of doctors. Health officials have warned that the problem has approached crisis proportions.

less than a year ago that many Conservative MPs were suggesting it should be reduced to two years for some.

There are 72,000 licensed physicians working in this country, attending to a population that is approaching 100 million. Even with 10 percent of that population working overseas, the situation is still a long way from the ideal ratio of one doctor for every 1,000 people, according to the Department of Health. The problem is worse in isolated areas, where it’s not unusual to have three doctors serving 33,000 people, according to the DOH.

That said, I am not convinced that the increase in residency requirement from 3 to 4 years was warranted and the minister provided no meaningful explanation for the increase.

Around the world doctors are in short supply, but advanced economies can afford to import talent. The Philippines, a major exporter of human resources, cannot replace quickly enough the talent it continues to lose to other countries. DOH officials estimate that the country lacks at least 30,000 doctors, with the need most urgent in remote communities.

Good news is the Minister has also committed to reduce the processing time to less than 12 months over the next two years. Ironically, if that happens, the net result would be positive -- people would receive their citizenship sooner compared to today when the processing time for someone applying for citizenship is over two years.

The demand for doctors in this country continues to mount along with the galloping population. Compounding the problem is the fact that not enough Filipinos are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Becoming a doctor requires substantial investments in money and time plus solid academic achievement.

Even after hurdling the professional examination, a graduate of medicine must put in at least two years of work usually at rates lower than the minimum wage before he or she can start receiving a decent paycheck.

Another magor change is related to the need to know how to speak, read and write in one of Canada’s two official languages. This was done by increasing the age range for those who must meet official 

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s predicted in the last issue of Ang Peryodiko, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (Chris Alexander) introduced a proposed new law that seeks to make several changes to the Citizenship Act.

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Ang Peryodiko 210-A Tyndall Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R2R 1S5 Phone: 204.694.6734 • Phone/Fax: 204.694.6555 Ang Peryodiko Canada is a bi-weekly publication of Ang Peryodiko Publishing Co., Inc. circulated in Winnipeg, Neepawa, Regina, and Saskatoon.

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lamoureux, 10

The best doctors can make a fortune, but being the best requires continuing training and keeping abreast of fast-paced advances in their chosen specializations. Specialized training also typically requires hefty financial investments. Even if youths may dream of becoming doctors, the investments in time, money and effort are daunting for the average Filipino.

Combined with a booming population and the ever-growing demand for health care, the shortage of doctors can only get worse.

Health officials have declared that the shortage has reached crisis proportions. The problem calls for an emergency response.

Publisher:

ANG PERYODIKO PUBLISHING co., inc.

Editor in Chief:

JEff chan ENCILA

Columnists:

MP KEVIN LAMOUREUX, VAL G. ABELGAS GREG B. MACABENTA, PASTOR FRED SEBASTIAN, PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE and TONY SANCHEZ

Entertainment Columnist:

RICKY LO

Contributing Writers:

TESS AVISO NEWTON, GEMMA DALAYOAN, Mel Talastas Soriano, Fernando Carranza and CARMELA CO

Glen Elia, WALTER CANETE and JOSE XEC

Account Executive:

Photographers:

ARNEL SAN JOSE, JUNE GARCIA and BHERNARD PABALAN

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Creative Design:

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Y the time you are reading this article, we have just celebrated Family Day (Louis Riel Day in Manitoba).

For a family to thrive, we need to have couples who are committed to their marriage. How does one dress for success in a marriage? What are you going to wear to ensure that yours will be enduring and satisfying? The apostle Paul in Colossians 3:1217, has some suggestions for a marriage wardrobe.

First, put on compassion.

Literally, compassion means “a heart of pity.” Compassion is an inner attitude you each have toward the other — a fullness of tender caring for and about the other’s vulnerability and strengths which will overflow into how you treat each other privately and in public.

On top of compassion, put on kindness. Now there’s an article of clothing that gets to be in short supply in a marriage sometimes! When you are clothed with kindness you will be seeking the other’s good as you deal with each other’s weaknesses and sore spots.

Kindness is a garment with healing in its wings.

Then there’s another item of clothing that does a marriage good: humility. If ever there is an arena where pride and the need to be right and the struggle for power occur, it’s

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For Husbands and Wives pastor fred sebastian

Living Hope in a marriage. Lack of humility leads to every kind of struggle.

Humility recognizes the other’s equal status, recognizes that each has needs and plans which are equally valid.

Gentleness is another worthy garment for a marriage.

Gentleness is the garment of the God-controlled person. When you put on gentleness, the other can take off self-defensive armor, wariness, fearfulness, and can put on trust. Every marriage could use several garments of gentleness.

Now, here’s an absolutely necessary article of clothing for a marriage: patience. Each of you will discover, if you haven’t already, that the other has the capacity to drive you crazy! It doesn’t matter what the issue is: marriage takes patience. And these are just the surface things.

Patience requires humor, a

Love is not merely an emotion. Love as an emotion can wear thin and faded when feelings deteriorate. Love, as the overcoat that keeps a marriage warm, is made up of two things, both of which must be there for marriage to endure: commitment and caring. spirit of live and let live. But mostly patience takes love.

Another essential garment for a marriage is a spirit of forbearance and forgiveness.

There’s a lot that needs to be endured in a marriage, a lot that requires forbearance. It is a spirit of forgiveness that makes difficult things endurable, maybe even erases them.

Nowhere more than in marriage, love is repeatedly having to say “I’m sorry.” Don’t say it to get out of a tight spot. Say it because you know that in no other relationship is the other so vulnerable, so easily hurt.

And when the other has asked forgiveness, grant it. Speak not only your pain, but speak the word of peace as well.

If compassion is marriage’s inner, garment, and if kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness are its active-wear shirts and pants and skirts and socks, then love is the overcoat. “On top of all these things,” Paul says, “put on love.”

Love keeps a marriage warm.

Love is not merely an emotion. Love as an emotion can wear thin and faded when feelings deteriorate. Love, as the overcoat that keeps a marriage warm, is made up of two things, both of which must be there for marriage to endure: commitment and caring. It’s the solid ground on which your marriage rests. “I will be there for you.” That’s the commitment you make with your vows.

But what good is commitment without caring? Caring says, “I commit myself to you. I will be there for you.”

When you marry, you signal, in a real way, the end to your life as you knew it. Now marriage does not mean that you lose your individualism or your freedom or your responsibility to control your life. The other will now always be a factor that conditions your decision making. When you marry, you commit yourself to the other, you promise to caringly bring your whole self to your relationship.

These clothes apostle Paul invites us to put on are not made of natural fibers. They are woven of spiritual stuff. Try as you might in your own power to create them, you need God to create them. For instance, human nature says, “I’ll do my fair share but no more.” Or, “She deserved it.” Or “It’s his turn to give in.” Compassion, humility, kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, love -- these don’t come naturally. They are gifts God gives us when we pray for them.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. And above all these things, put on love, which binds everything in perfect harmony. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

(Colossians 3:12-15) (Pastor Fred Sebastian serves the Church of the Living Hope meeting at 235 Enniskillen Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Pastor Fred invites you to their services on Sundays, beginning at 10:30 AM. We also have strong ministries for children, Youth and Young Adults. For more information: 204.633.2230/20 4.952.4460)

Jinggoy, Enrile and Binay

I

HAVE seen Sens. Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile being interviewed on television at least twice since Ruby Tuason returned to the country to testify against them in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (Pdaf) scam involving Janet Lim-Napoles.

Tuason, the former social secretary of former president Joseph Estrada, had claimed receiving for Jinggoy and Enrile, the latter through his aide Jessica “Gigi” Reyes, millions of pesos as their share in the Pdaf allocations that they allegedly skimmed using Napoles’s bogus organizations.

I could see smugness in the two senators faces as they answered questions from reporters. If they were worried about Tuason’s testimony, they succeeded in hiding it--but not the artificiality of it all. I still could not help but feel that the smugness was contrived, a mere put-on.

The plunder cases lodged by the National Bureau of Investi-

lamoureux... 

Opinion

Ang peryodiko

From 9

language requirements from the current 18-54 to 14-64. This change means more people of different ages will have to be or able to achieve for example, a 4 on an IELTS test.

The costs to getting your citizenship will be going up significantly. Today it would cost one independent adult approximately $100 but soon that will be increased to more than $400.

The Government says they

The plunder cases lodged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Jinggoy, Enrile and another senator, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., together with a few other respondents, are still being evaluated by the Office of the Ombudsman.

There’s no doubt that Tuason’s testimony, if ever she is accepted as state witness, would strengthen the said cases. gation (NBI) against Jinggoy, Enrile and another senator, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., together with a few other respondents, are still being evaluated by the Office of the Ombudsman.

There’s no doubt that Tuason’s testimony, if ever she is accepted as state witness, would strengthen the said cases.

But as long as the cases have not been filed with the court, in this instance the Sandiganbayan, Jinggoy, Enrile and the others would remain free to put on that contrived smugness. They wouldn’t be made to account yet for the millions of pesos in people’s money they allegedly siphoned to their private accounts—-even if plunder want the new application fee to complement the right of citizenship fee in order to better reflect Government costs related to the overall cost of citizenship. Keep in mind that last year, the Government mandated IELTS testing to be eligible to apply for citizenship and that means additional cost to the applicant.

The Government introduced a change to how citizenship will be decided. Citizenship officers will now have the ability to make decisions on applica-

is non-bailable.

Of the two, it is Jinggoy’s smugness that is very irritating.

He smiles and jokes his way around his answers. A colleague told me that this must be because he had been through this same situation when he was respondent in another plunder case together with his father years back.

Which makes the contrived smugness doubly infuriating. *** Vice President Jejomar Binay is an ally of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and former president Joseph Estrada and, by extension, the latter’s son Jinggoy. But he managed to distance himself tions which is different from the current model where only judges hold that ability. New wannabe citizens will have to make a commitment that their intention is to live in Canada.

Canada’s military will have a stronger presence at citizenship ceremonies as they will be required to be present and afforded the opportunity to speak.

Bill C-24 would also increase the Minister`s powers. He or she would have the ability to

Bong O. Wenceslao

Candid Thoughts from his allies’ woes largely by making himself scarce from reporters and by being generally quiet.

Binay broke his silence recently when he engaged Justice Secretary Leila de Lima in a word war over the interpretation of the significance of Tuason’s testimony. The vice president had scoffed at de Lima’s upbeat reaction to Tuason’s surfacing, something that the justice secretary interpreted as a belittling of their evidence against Binay’s allies.

I think that it’s good for the public if the verbal exchange between Binay and de Lima will continue. It is time for the vice president, whose presidential ambition is no longer a secret, to be drawn out of his shell on the pork barrel issue and the revoke citizenship under certain conditions for those who have another country’s passport or have acquired dual citizenship.

Remember in the last issue, I made reference to sad stories where people should have been accorded citizenship but were not. Well, the Minister will now be able to grant citizenship.

I suspect the Government will have Bill-C-24 passed before mid-June. However, some changes related to costs will occur sooner. The current law

alleged Napoles scam. As they say, he can’t have his cake and eat it too.

Binay, for now, is widely believed to be the top contender for the post that President Noynoy Aquino will vacate in 2016. His statements on the case involving his allies will determine the kind of presidency that this country will have if he wins. It is never too early for the public to unmask this early bird in the presidential race.

On this, I like a comment I read somewhere in Facebook.

Indeed, had Aquino not decided to run for president in 2010, Erap would have won with Binay. Enrile would still have been Senate president and Jinggoy the next powerful man in the Senate. Impunity would have continued to rule and the Pdaf scam wouldn’t have been exposed.

That was a fate we missed by a hairline in 2010. Will we be as lucky in 2016 with the next batch of presidentiables? applies until the new one takes effect so do not worry if you have already submitted your application for citizenship.

My staff over the coming weeks will become more familiar with the details and will be available to assist and answer questions where we can (204888-4000). If you need help on your application, please let me know through email at ang@ mpkevin.ca. (www.mpkevin.ca)

February 16-28, 2014

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12 www.angperyodiko.ca February 16-28, 2014

THIS Free Athletic Therapy consulation coupon entitles you to a special discount. Coupon expires on March 31, 2014.

The

upper

body

I

stretch

N OUR last issue, I introduced the use and the benefit of the foam roller. Most fitness centers in the city have a foam roller available for members to use. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to watch our foam roller video to ensure correct form. (Search: insahyugymless fitness on youtube) In this issue, we will focus on an upper body stretch. I’m sure everyone is back to work.

Don’t forget to take frequent breaks, especially if your job is sedentary, like being in front of a computer all day, or physically demanding that requires the use of hands and arms.

We use our hands daily and if we are not aware or careful, we may be prone to wrist injuries or conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis on our wrist, tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow (lateral/medial epicondylitis – inflammation of the tendons).

I have seen patients who experienced wrist and elbow pain caused by excessive typing, lif ting, use of heavy equipment/machines related to of fice or other types of job.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the athletic therapy rehab approach includes heat, ultrasound, sof t tissue massage and other rehab exercises.

Let’s focus on wrist stretches: wrist flexor stretch and wrist ex tensor stretch. Focusing on

the flexibility component of rehab is to prevent an injury to the muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments of the body.

Here are the parameters.

Wrist flexor stretch: straighten one of your elbows in front of you bringing your wrist back. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

Wrist ex tensor stretch: point your fingers down this time with your elbow straight. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

To feel the stretch closer to the wrist joint, just bend the elbow for both stretches holding it for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

To ensure proper stretch position, visit our YouTube channel : (ht tp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu6qEm-Wc3k) Thank you and we hope this helps. Do not forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Visit our website: www.insahyu.com Find us on facebook: (ht tps://www.facebook.com/pages/ Insahyu-training-therapy/249625208401576) Follow us on twit ter: www.twit ter.com/insahyu (Melanie Talastas-Soriano CAT(C), BA-Kin, CFT, RKC Level -1, CFT Cer tified Athletic Therapist, Cer tified Fitness Trainer)

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www.angperyodiko.ca February 16-28, 2014

Genesis got game

H

APPY Valentines Day to all those that are paired up this month! As for me, well, I have my car to keep me company!

For this week’s feature I thought I’d switch it up and add something dif ferent.

The Korean domestic market has grown substantially over the last couple of years, improving on their vehicles and turning towards per formance.

Without fur ther ado, make way for the 2013 Hyundai Genesis 2.0T R-Spec.

Friend, photographer, videographer and IT tech Noah has big plans for his Gen, even though it’s already appealing at first glance with its full HID/LED conversion.

The Genesis has immense potential! “I love how it looks and feels, especially with the 2013 refresh including OEM LED tail lights. It packs lots of power and style in a very af fordable car. Since it is my daily, year-round car, it has to remain somewhat practical,” Noah said, although summer mode will make this thing look absolutely unique.

Hyundai’s added some pret ty cool options, from full Brembo braking system, rear wing with LED’s, 19” R-Spec alloys, Torsen limited slip dif ferential and front strut tower brace but is only included in the R-Spec version of the ‘13 Genesis.

Sit ting at 274HP, 15-20 PSI boost, this thing pret ty much flies, drif ts like a dream as it is RWD (rear wheel drive).

Seeing this thing up close and personal has made

me consider buying one. Its aggressive styled headlights, Blue LED interior gauges, Kicker SoloBaric L7 12” subwoofer and especially how his Enkei winter set up brings it all together.

I know you’re all waiting patiently on specs because, really, who even reads the top half of what I’m even saying? Here you go: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Gran Premio Gray 2.0T R-Spec Enkei Imola 18x8 winter alloys, Michelin X-ice Xi3 winter rubber Hyundai 19x8.5 summer alloys, Forge BOV (VTA), K&N 69 Typhoon SRI, Grimmspeed front plate relocation, dipped front badge, rear wing badge, DiodeDynamics Switchback & Sidemarker LED’s, DiodeDynamics Stage 2 LED Fogs, Ex terior and Interior Lumens LEDs. Noah’s current plans will add the aggressiveness I’ve been talking about -- more boost!

Plans include - AEM A xleback Quad-Tip, Staggered Exhaust, M&S Carar t Front Grille, Lip, Hyper-G side skir ts, RoadRuns Rear Dif fuser, Eibach ProKit/Spor tline lowering Story by Fernando Carranza

springs, ATQ Shor t Shif ter & linkage bushings and, last but not least, R1 Concepts Premium drilled & Slot ted Rotors.

When asked what his summer goals included, Noah exclaimed “to enjoy it immensely, get out to lots of local events and just enjoy the time. I think I’ll be staying close to home for the most par t of the year as my holidays are accounted for in other travel!”

If you’re looking for an A+ photographer, needing your car to pop, stand out from the rest or simply need someone to take some quality family por traits visit Noah’s website - www. ncrashb.com, or check out his Instagram to find out more about his work - @ncrashb.

Expect to see Noah this year at the PegCityJDM and LowMotive meets, tap his shoulder and yell in his ear, he likes that kind of stuf f!

Want to be featured in our nex t issue?

Contact us at: Email: pegcit yjdm@gmail.com Instagram: PegCit yJDM Lanyards, decals and soon more merchandise will be for sale!

Keep up to date with us.

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Singer Rex Smith insults Charice in Cebu

MANILA -- Singer Charice was insulted by American singer Rex Smith while she was rehearsing for a corporate show at a hotel in Cebu early this week.

According to Charice’s manager Glenn Aldueza, the “Pyramid” hitmaker was doing her sound check for the event when the incident happened.

“We went there on time (2 p.m.) and she’s doing the sound check with the musical director. Then suddenly a foreigner came up to the stage and then he pointed his finger to Charice and told Charice, ‘Can you please stop what you are doing.’ Then nakipag-away si Rex Smith doon sa musical director kasi sabi ng musical director, ‘Can’t you see somebody is rehearsing?’” Aldueza told ABSCBNNews.com in an interview on Thursday.

“Actually when he left the stage nag-F word siya,” he added. “(Charice) was shocked and according to her wala pang nakakagawa sa kanya ng ganoon, especially American artists na mataas ang respect s a kanya.”

After the incident, Aldueza said someone from the team of Ovation Productions, who brought Smith to the Philippines, apologized to them, saying the American will personally say sorry to Charice .

“Pero hindi nangyari ‘yon,” the manager said.

“Ayaw (ni Charice) na palakihin’ yung nangyari pero as a manager we deserve an apology,” he said.

Smith, known for hits like “Simply Jessie” and “You Take My Breath Away” during the 1970s, regularly stages concerts in the Philippines.

February 16-28, 2014

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BETTING ON THAT NEXT BIG HIT? Insider’s tip: Shakira’s “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” which arrived two weeks ago with a rithingon-the-bed in tight undergarments video co-starring Rihanna, could be 2014’s first big song. Check out the metrics: nearly 111 million YouTube views; Number Three last week on Shazam’s charts; more than 10 million Spotify streams; and a surge of 29 spots, to Number Three, on BigChampagne’s Ultimate Chart. The song is charting well internationally, and it’s a sure thing to break in the U.S. over the next few weeks.

Lionel

Richie

at Big Dome, April 5 MANILA (Feb. 13) - Lionel Richie (photo) will be bringing his All The Hits – All Night Long World Tour to Manila on Saturday, April 5 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Five-time Grammy Award winner Lionel is a music icon known for his solo hits and as a member of the Commodores.

Collectively, he has sold more than 100 million albums, and written and recorded charttopping hits including Hello, Say You Say Me, Stuck On You, Easy, All Night Long and Endless Love.

Touring the USA, Europe, Australia and Asia, Lionel promises this tour to be unique, not-to-be-missed concert performing all of his greatest hits, where the music legend has already been receiving five-star reviews.

The Hollywood Reporter said: “Looking and sounding as good as he did a quarter century ago, he delivered a high energy set that mixed his trademark balladry with funkier songs from his Commodore days.”

The Houston Press added: “Lionel Richie has been helping us dance, cry, and love better than the sum of all of our current pop stars combined.”

And the Atlanta Constitution Journal summed it up simply: “Good times never felt so good.”

Lionel rose from humble beginnings in Tuskegee, Alabama, to become one of the most influential figures in music.

Lionel was singer, songwriter and front man of the legendary band The Commodores,

IMPORTANT NOTICE IF YOU’RE WITH FIRST LINE MORTGAGE PLEASE CALL 201-801-3505 with hits including Brick House, Too Hot To Trot and Machine Gun. He also wrote classic ballads while in The Commodores, including Easy, Sail On and Three Times A Lady.

Tickets to All The Hits – All Night Long: Live in Manila will be on-sale beginning today. For details, call Wilbros Live at 3742222 or TicketNet at 911-5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph.

(Philstar)

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Vhong affirms affidavits vs Deniece, Cedric MANILA (Feb. 13) - Actor Vhong Navarro went straight to the Department of Justice in Manila as soon as he was released from the hospital to affirm the contents of his supplemental affidavit.

Navarro, accompanied by his lawyer Alma Mallonga, amended minor details of past affidavits submitted earlier before swearing an oath. It was the first time Navarro stepped out of the hospital since he was confined nearly two weeks ago.

“Mr. Navarro confirms that he signed it and sworn to its authenticity and its contents,” Mallonga said, adding that it is important to clarify parts of the statement for use of the

investigators.

Mallonga said that Navarro’s latest affidavit contains photos of the condominium unit where the January 22 mauling incident occurred.

Navarro earlier submitted affidavits dated January 23, January 30 and February 4 before filing the latest statement against businessman Cedric Lee, model Deniece Cornejo and their companions.

Lee, however, alleged that Navarro attempted to rape Cornejo in the Forbeswood Condominium unit when he and his friends rushed to rescue her and beat up the actor.

Navarro has denied Lee’s statements. (Philstar)

Lea Salonga to join Il Divo in world tour



lea salonga, 17

abelgas...



MANILA – Tony winner Lea Salonga is set to join the pop classical group Il Divo on a world tour as the quartet promotes its album in Korea, Japan and North America.

This was announced in the official website of the all-male group, composed of Sébastien Izambard, Carlos Marin, David Miller and Urs Bühler.

Il Divo’s latest album titled “A Musical Affair” features songs

Vhong Navarro appeared before the DOJ panel to affirm all the affidavits he executed while at the hospital. DOJ

From 9

head Lito Banayo, who said the country cannot hope to attain selfsufficiency in rice because of certain factors. Among these factors, he said, are the fact that a huge part of the country’s terrain is mountainous, which is not conducive to rice farming; the lack of reliable irrigation, the frequent typhoons that destroy the staple crop, and the obvious indifference of government to agriculture.

A farmer’s group has opposed Banayo’s idea and is now protesting the government’s agriculture policy shift, saying it would result in heavy rice importation, spike in rice prices, and even more rampant rice smuggling.

“Don’t obey. Don’t listen to the dictate of a landlord president,” Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas national president Rafael Mariano told the movement’s over 1.3 million members in 65 provincial chapters and 15 regional chapters nationwide.

Quezon Rep. Aleta Suarez and Gabrila party-list Rep. Luz Ilagan said that a shift in the rice self-sufficiency policy would be counter-productive.

“They want to help the farmers in Vietnam while killing our farmers,” said Suarez, a member of the independent minority bloc in the House. She added that such a policy would not help farmers, and would not curb rice smuggling.

Ilagan called the shift “the most anti-farmer and pro-foreign trade policy.”

The shift in rice policy was an admission that the Aquino administration is “incapable of protecting the rights of our own people,” Ilagan said.

Abakada party-list representative Jonathan dela Cruz said that the shift in government’s policy on rice was “an admission of failure in the agriculture sector despite all the funds and incentives” provided for the local farmers.

Indeed, the policy shift is a capitulation by the government to capitalists, who are more interested in the profits that high-value crops could bring to them, rather than in the needs of the millions of Filipinos who are dependent on rice. While the export of these crops would enrich them, it would spell more difficulties for the

impoverished people who will have to contend with much higher prices of rice, and for farmers who stand to lose their livelihoods.

I find the idea of abandoning the country’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice both irresponsible and defeatist. Filipinos are a rice-eating people and with the population rising continuously, we just have to produce more rice. We cannot afford to be dependent on rice imports to provide the people’s need for this basic staple. It would be catastrophic if, for some reason, rice-exporting countries stopped selling rice to us.

Rice farming – and agriculture, for that matter – has not achieved the desired production output not much because of typhoons and mountainous terrains, as suggested by Banayo. Rice farmers are not getting enough support from the government. In fact, the NFA has been buying only 3% of the rice produced by local farmers and has instead bought rice from other riceproducing countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.

We all know that while the government has allotted billions of pesos to boost agriculture, most if not all of these funds went instead to the pockets of greedy politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen. If you look at the corruption scandals in the past administration, you will note that many of them were related to agriculture – the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, the P3.1-billion irrigation fund scandal, the P455-million ice making machine scam under the Department of Agriculture; the P5-billion swine scam; and the P120-million Ginintuang Masagani Ani (GMA) project scam. Even under the Aquino administration, it is always the funds of the NFA, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Reforms that the scalawags in government and business are targeting.

Would it be any different if the farmers planted bananas and pineapples instead of rice? I don’t think so.

It would only give new opportunities for kickbacks to those dirty politicians and businessmen.

Curb corruption and agriculture will flourish again. (valabelgas@aol.com)

February 16-28, 2014

lea salonga... 

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from various Broadway musicals like “South Pacific,” “West Side Story,” “Cats” and “The Lion King.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Il Divo as they continue their Musical Affair Tour worldwide. Having such a passion for musical theater since an early age myself, I cannot imagine a more talented group to join forces with to share these timeless songs with audiences of all ages,” Salonga said.

“And it doesn’t hurt that they are so handsome to look

at too,” she added.

Speaking in behalf of the group, Izambard said it is an honor to share the same stage with a renowned Broadway

star.

“We’ve been following Lea’s extraordinary career for years and are huge fans. It’s an honor that we can finally

share a stage and our love of music together for these legs of the tour. We’re looking forward to these enchanting performances,” he said.

According to the Associated Press, Salonga will be performing “Some Enchanted Evening,” ‘’Tonight,” ‘’Memory” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”

18 Ang Peryodiko

Sports

Love the GAME www.angperyodiko.ca February 16-28, 2014

PBA action at GCC T HE Philippine Basketball Association of Winnipeg Inc (PBA) featured an impressive line-up of teams during a fun weekend of basketball at the Garden City Collegiate.

The league showcased a weekend of great action among the youth and adult divisions, namely: HP Medical Uniforms team (Men’s Open Division), Team Realty 2000 (48 and Over Division; coached by Jun Urbano), and the CN Rail Roaders (39 and Over Division), to name a few.

One of the highlights of the league was the surprise visit of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and PBA Winnipeg Commissioner Manny Aranez together with some league officials and staff.

In a short message, Mayor Katz said he was impressed with the performance of each team and looks forward to more teams participating in the league as it continues to grow each year.

Aside from promoting good sportsmanship and camaraderie, the league also takes active involvement in various community, socio-civic activities and relief missions.

Witness great PBA action at the GCC every Sunday.

HP Medical Uniforms – Men’s Open Division

PBA Winnipeg Commissioner Manny Aranez and Nelson Te, president of Te Bros. Inc.

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz with Manny Aranez (2nd from left) and league officials and staff.

Manny Aranez of the PBA Winnipeg Inc (2nd from left) and Randy Viray (also of the PBA Winnipeg, right) with Delta Airlines Staff during the Typhoon Haiyan Campaign.

Michael Christian Martinez of the Philippines holds up a jacket at the “kiss and cry” area after his figure skating men’s short program at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, February 13, 2014.

Lucy Nicholson, Reuters

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz speaks during the PBA Winnipeg game.

Palace: Lone Pinoy in Winter Olympics got help from gov’t MANILA (Feb. 12) - Malacañang on Wednesday dismissed reports that the Philippine government failed to extend financial help to figure skater Michael Christian Martinez, the country’s lone representative to the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said at a televised press briefing that the government and private institutions, including the Philippine Olympic Committee, extended help to Martinez, contrary to what some online reports had claimed.

Coloma, however, did not disclose what kind of assistance was given to Martinez.

Coloma also did not confirm reports that the athlete’s family has sent a letter to Malacañang to seek help.

“Inalam po natin sa Malacañang Records Office kung may natanggap na sulat. Ayon po sa kanila, walang natanggap na sulat,” the Palace official said.

Coloma said it is the initiative of Martinez and his family to seek more help if the assistance already provided is insufficient.

According to reports circulating online, the family of Martinez took out a mortgage on their home to finance the skater’s Olympic dream.

The reports spawned criticisms toward the Aquino government for supposedly neglecting the needs of Martinez.

Businessman Manny Pangilinan, who has backed various sports teams in the country, said in his Twitter account that Martinez is supported by Smart Telecommunications and by the MVP Foundation. (Philstar)

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ABS-CBN OPENS

2014 ON TOP

ABS-CBN Corporation welcomed the year 2014 on a high note as more Filipinos across urban and rural households all over the country tuned in to its programs last January, with an average national audience share of 44%, or 12 points higher than GMA’s 32%, based on data from Kantar Media.

With ABS-CBN’s strong line-up of teleseryes, the network maintained its primetime (6PM-12MN) supremacy with 48% last January, or a solid 16-point lead against GMA’s 32%.

The primetime block is the most impor tant par t of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and adver tisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers ef fectively.

Newest primetime offering “The Legal Wife” was of f to a good star t and rated high wi th an average 

Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,609 urban and rural homes that represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population, while the other ratings data supplier AGB Nielsen repor tedly has only 1,980 homes based solely in urban areas that represent only 57% of the Philippine TV viewing population.

The Kapamilya net work also continued to rule in key territories, including Balance Luzon (all areas in Luzon outside Mega Manila), where i t registered an average audience share of 45% vs GMA’s 36%. ABS-CBN even beat GMA both with a 35-point lead in Visayas (58%) and Mindanao (57%), leaving the Kapuso net work behind with only 23% and 22% respectively.

abs-cbn, 22

Community Ang Peryodiko

PEOPLE, places & events

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www.angperyodiko.ca February 16-28, 2014

MAFTI Special Project Culminating Activity THIRTY FIVE Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc. (MAFTI) members filled up Rm. 141 at St. John’s High School for a culminating activity of their special project called, “Cultural Expression Through Theatrical Arts” last February 8, 2014 from 12:30 p.m to 3:30 p.m.

MAFTI’s past president, Gemma Dalayoan and current president, Bernadette Agpalza, led the fun-filled activities with some Valentine activities that incorporated writing skills learned during a four-day writing workshop held at St. John’s High School.

Sun Life Financial Advisor of the Year 2013 THE Sun Life Financial -FC15 Manitoba West 2014 Recognition and Awards Evening was held Friday, January 24, 2014 at Niakwa Golf and Country Club, honoring the top achievers for 2013.

The Advisor of the Year was awarded to Tess Newton who has the highest Life insurance cases. This is the 4th time Ms. Newton has won the top Advisor of the Year Award since 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2013.

Also, Tess Newton Financial Services Inc. produced the top sales credit in 2013. Again, Tess Newton is qualified as a member of the 2014 Elite Partner program of Sun Life Financial for the past four years. The Elite Partner Program is based on the Top 5%

of Financial Advisors across Canada. During the recognition evening the following Advisor who achieved the following awards for 2013 are: Paula McMillan - Growth and Holistic Award, Health Award - Ron Vestby, Wealth Award - Mikael Luik, Recruit of the Year Award - Nathaniel Libarnes and Pride and Excellence Award - Enid Kaminski.

TESS NEWTON receiving the 2013 Advisor of the Year Award. Sharing the pride in Tess’ achievement is her sister Lolina Aviso. Joining Ms. Newton and sister Lolina are the FC15 Management Team namely, from left, Ryan Cruz, Enid Kaminski, Barry Merrell, Jan FitzHenry, Dale Milne and Angie Cheaddle.

This project was launched on May 26, 2013; thereafter, a series of acting workshops for both students and teachers were held at Daniel McIntyre School led by Ernesto Ofiaza Jr. A program was held last June 29, 2013 to showcase the dramatic talents of students who had attended the workshop in front of their parents, MAFTI members, and guests.

MAFTI acknowledges and gives appreciation to the Multicultural Secretariat of the Department of Heritage and Culture of the Province of Manitoba that funded the abovementioned special project.

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n February 16-28, 2014

Let’s make it right!

Q: I am not of retirement age but I owe $40K in credit card debts, should I just pull money out from my RRSP account to pay it off?

abs-cbn... 

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national TV rating of 21.5%, ranking as the country’s eighth most viewed program in Januar y and pounding GMA’s newly-launched program “Rhodora X” (11.2%).

Kapamilya si tcom “Home Sweetie Home” (20.2%) emerged as the most watched program every Sunday, while “TV Patrol” (27.2%) is still the most watched newscast.

The Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla-starrer “Got to Believe” continued to reign on its timeslot with an average national TV rating of 25.5%, clobbering GMA’s new show “Carmela” starring Marian Rivera with only 13.8%.

Overall, 13 out of the top 15 most watched programs nationwide in January were produced

by ABS-CBN including “Honesto” (29.7%), “Wansapanataym” (28.6%), “Maalaala Mo Kaya (26.5%), “Bet On Your Baby” (25.4%), “Annaliza” (22.4%), “Rated K” (18.7), “Be Careful With My Hear t” (17.8%), “Goin Bulilit” (17.2%), and “Maria Mercedes” (15.9%).

Kantar Media is a leading television (TV) audience measurement provider with capabilities in gathering TV viewing data in both digital and analog plat forms. It is a mul tinational market research group that specializes in audience measurement in more than 80 countries, has 26 T V net works, ad agencies, and pan-regional networks subscribing to its

ratings services.

Among its current subscribers are ABS-CBN, NBN, Sky Cable, J. Romero and Associates, 720ConsumerConnect, Starcom, OMD, PhD, Mediacom, Mindshare, MEC, Ma xus, Universal McCann, Wellmade Manufacturing Corporation, Brand Ideas, and MPG Havas.

They also include pan-regional networks like CSM Media Inc., Fox International Channels, Star HK, Discovery, A XN, HBO, MTV, Sony Pictures Television International, Celestial Tiger, and A&E Television Network.

Among these, the following subscribe to both urban and rural TV audience measurement: ABSCBN, Brand Ideas, MPG Havas, and 720ConsumerConnect.

A: I have somewhat discussed this before but under a different topic. Retirement accounts are meant for when you do go on retirement. Most of these accounts are tax deferred which means that taxes will be due later when you do pull it out to use when you have retired. If it is pulled out before retirement, a 10-25% penalty is imposed depending on when this retirement account was established and taxes on the amount pulled become due for that tax year. Taxes will be based on how much you made for that tax year plus the amount you pulled out. This will be your Adjusted Gross Income.

Credit cards are unsecured debts. I still don’t understand why people would still want to suffer the consequences of the penalty and the taxes that will become due rather than have their debts be settled. Most of the answers I get from clients is that they owe the money therefore, they should pay it. That would be fine if you had the money or make enough to pay it off conveniently. The fact is, the reason they call me is that they are having a tough time paying them off and want some type of help to be done with it.

At the same token this debt did not happen overnight and most of them want a quick solution to their debt problems.

What actually happens is they pull out from their retirement account, pay off the credit cards and now have created a new problem. In the months to come, the same client will call back most certainly and their problem now is with the taxes because they cannot pay the

Ben lou

Debt Aid Consulting taxes due from pulling out the retirement money early. Now, we have created a new problem which is harder to solve. Even if the client files for bankruptcy, there is no way out on the taxes they owe. And if we were going to end up filing for bankruptcy, there would have been no need to pay off the credit cards. It becomes a web of problems.

In short, nanganganak po ang problema natin!

Folks, I do not like to be the bearer of bad news but we are doing it to ourselves. We seek the advice of an expert but we still listen to a little voice in our heads and follow it rather than actually doing the correct thing.

If you are heavily in debt with credit cards, please give me a call so I can provide you with different ways and solutions to be

done with them. I always explain to my clients all their alternatives but the road is for them to walk on. The good thing is at Debt Aid Consulting, we hold our clients’ hands while they are in our programs until they graduate. We also help them with credit repair so that we can take them back to the time that they are able to borrow money, not leave them with a ruined credit.

Reminder po! Clients call me complaining about debt companies using call centers in Manila.

The company did not disclose that they are talking to someone in Manila. They have to let you opt-out if you do not want to talk to them. Ingatan po lagi ang ating personal information. If you have been a victim, report this to the Federal Trade Commission. In Canada the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada takes care of consumer complaints. Nag-confess na yung competitor natin na call center sila sa Manila after denying it for years.

Ben Lou at your service! I have 30 years of real financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call me at Debt Aid Consulting. We are incorporated in the US and Canada.

Call us at 1-888-341-5234 and we will help you.

Itama po natin ang mali!

February 16-28, 2014

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Maximizing your RRSP

W

contribution

E ALL know a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is a great way to save so you can enjoy your retirement years. But finding the money every year can be a challenge. There are ways to make it easier.

Pay yourself first: Think of your RRSP investment as a regular bill you pay to yourself. Every month, before you spend money on any other expenses, put some money aside for your future. If you put away some money each month, you likely won’t even miss it! You’ll be surprised by how quickly your contributions will add up.

Pre-authorized chequing plan (PAC): You can contribute to your RRSPs more effectively and conveniently by set ting up a PAC. Arrange for your contributions to come directly from your bank account each month. Setting up a

PAC will spread your contribu- TESS AVISO-NEWTON tions over the whole year and help you reach your savings goals earlier.

RRSP loans: Get ting

at the last moment. This allows your money to earn more interest and grow tax-deferred throughout the year.

Each of these examples can an RRSP loan may allow you to help you ma ximize your RRSP contribute to your RRSP when contributions. Contributing more Financially you would otherwise be able helps you reduce your ta xable sound income and allows more time to. Investing your maximum allowable amount may give for your investments to grow. you a larger income tax refund. You can use your Through the power of compounding, you may be refund to help pay off the loan. And you’ll have able to increase the amount of money you save in invested more money in your future. the long run. It all helps to keep your retirement savings goals on track.

Other sources of cash: You may have other sources of cash you’re not thinking (This information is provided by Tess Newabout – work bonuses, financial gifts, income tax ton Financial Ser vices Inc., representing Sun refunds. You can use these sources to make an Life Financial. As a Financial Advisor, Tess is RRSP contribution at any time during the year. self-employed and operates her own business.

She is also a Commissioner of Oath for the Contribute early: Make your RRSP Province of Manitoba). contribution in January of the tax year instead of

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n February 16-28, 2014