Planet Philippines (Calgary Edition) May 1-15, 2012 issue

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MAY 1-15, 2012

‘Ang boyfriend ko is the John Lloyd Cruz not in front of the camera, hindi yung nakikita n’yo.’

Boring before, stronger than ever now

“Non-stop yung trabaho niya talaga. Non-stop din yung trabaho ko,” says Shaina, leaving little time to enjoy each other’s company.

Sweeter

By jErriCho reynaldo

f it were a road, the relationship between screen gems John Lloyd Cruz and Shaina Magdayao would’ve been characterized as rocky.

And no, we’re not talking about ice cream flavors here. Late last year, the couple confirmed in an interview that their romance was getting ‘boring’ and that things “were not looking good,” all amid hospital scandals and rumors of third-parties. But after taking a breather for two months, the pair has patched things up, making their romance stronger than ever.

“Hindi naman all over again kasi hindi naman natapos completely or

the Second time Around

After a brief separation, the lovebirds have patched things up, making their romance stronger than ever. In the face of their busy schedules, which leave them little time to enjoy each other’s company, they make extra effort to satisfy the needs of their relationship. nabasura yung unang part. Okey na kami at papunta sa mas magandang relasyon,” explained John Lloyd when asked if everything had begun anew.

Shaina, meanwhile, says she won’t be giving in to jealousy this time. She confirmed that she had texted Ruffa Gutierrez ‘psychotic’ messages last year, telling her to

leave John Lloyd alone. “Lahat naman tayo may kanya-kanyang tolerance. Hindi po ako martir. Pero I don’t think na bibigyan niya (John Lloyd) ako ng reason para magselos ngayon.”

John Lloyd says it’s been a while since the romance has been rekindled, but refuses to put a label on it. “Matagal tagal na rin. Sa akin lang whatever works for you whether of-

ficial or unofficial. Kung ano man ang napag-usapan ninyo or set-up ninyo as long as okey kayo, kasi ang hirap, masyadong complex ang issue.”

According to Shaina, though, it’s not hard being the girlfriend of a box-office king. “Makulit kami pareho,” she says. “Ang boyfriend ko is the John Lloyd Cruz not in front of the camera, hindi yung nakikita n’yo.

Kung sino ang minamahal ko, it’s far from the roles na pino-portray niya.”

2012 is indeed proving to be a good year for the lovebirds, with both of them enjoying fame in both the big and small screens. Early this year, John Lloyd starred opposite Angel Locsin in the top-grossing film Unofficially Yours before he is set to reunite with Sarah Geronimo for a third time in their tried-andtested movie pairing. Meanwhile, Shaina started April with a new series in their home channel, Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo, which chronicles the life of OfWs in Qatar.

“Natutuwa ako kasi non-stop yung trabaho niya talaga. Non-stop din yung trabaho ko,” says Shaina, which leaves little time for the two to enjoy each other’s company. She talks about the effort each of them have to put in in order to satisfy the needs of their relationship. “Sobrang effort sa both sides.

We try to have breakfast or dinner together pag may konting oras na rest.”

On the other hand, the actor feels equally emotional regarding their state. “Ito ang pwede kong i-share for now with the intention na doon ko siya gustong dalhin sa ganung klase ng pag-aalaga.”

When asked about their summer plans, John Lloyd said that a big family outing should be in order. “Kung papayagan kami [ng producers], we’re planning this big trip kasama ‘yung family niya naman.”

Shaina, otherwise, wishes another European escapade with her boyfriend. “The first time that we went there, parang pinilit naming puntahan lahat ng cities. So hindi namin na-namnam yung each city. Siguro sa susunod na punta namin dun, mas matagal sa bawat city, para ma-enjoy namin!” n

PLANET

MAY 1-15, 2012

24 PHILIPPINES

CELEBR TY

Calgary Edition

PNOY AND GRACE STILL ON REPORTS of President Benigno Aquino III’s alleged breakup with rumored girlfriend Grace Lee are greatly exaggerated.

What better proof of their enduring relationship than seeing the lovebirds watching a concert last April 24? PNoy and the Korean radio-TV personality were seated at the lower box section of the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao during the concert of Brazilian singer Sergio Mendez.

The couple was accompanied by presidential sisters Ballsy Cruz, Viel Dee and Pinky Abellada, and other family members. Transportation Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, whose clan owns the concert

KIM AND GERALD REUNITED IN NEW MOVIE

GRACE

venue, was also at the Big Dome to welcome the president. Mar his wife, broadcaster Korina Sanchez, also watched the concert.

Despite the presence of numerous security details, PNoy, Grace and their company were not given special treatment during the concert.

Other personalities who watched the concert were former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and wife Loi, actress Gretchen Barretto and husband Antonio Cojuangco, and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.

PNoy and Grace made their first public appearance together in February.

CRISTINE & ARA

FORMER real-life sweethearts Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson will be reunited on the big screen to celebrate the 20th year of Star Magic.

Kim disclosed that she already started shooting some scenes for the movie. “Nagsimula na ako, pero hindi ko siya ka-eksena.

Okey lang naman. Kung trabaho, trabaho,” she said.

JASON

CHIZ FILES FOR ANNULMENT SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero is filing for the annulment of his marriage to Christine Elizabeth “Tintin” Flores with whom he has been estranged for more than two years, according to entertainment columnist Ricky Lo. The couple has twin kids.

The couple has remained mum on the matter, but somebody close to Chiz confirmed that the lawmaker decided to file for annulment after weighing the pros and cons, Lo said in his column in The

Philippine Star.

“They have reached the point of no return,” Lo wrote, quoting his source.

Lo said it was Tintin who left the conjugal home in December 2010, leaving Chiz to care for the children.

Media reports have linked Tintin to a member of a dance group. A Philippine Entertainment Portal story had reported that Tintin was spotted at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City with dancer Jason Zamora of the dance group Maneuvers.

HEART, DANIEL SPLIT SISTERS’ ACT: ARA SUES CRISTINE FOR LIBEL

“Magkaibigan naman talaga kami. Wala naman kaming pinagawayan as kaming dalawa,” she added, defusing rumors of tension between the former couple.

Kim said she is happy for Gerald, who is being romantically linked to Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo.

“Super happy ako para kay Gerald,” she said. “Sa kung ano man ang naabot niya ngayon sa personal life niya at sa career niya, masayang masaya ako.”

Right now, Kim said she’s enjoying the single life and is just waiting for Mr. Right to come.

“Siyempre naninigurado lang tayo. Mayroon naman kahit papano na umaaligid. Na-e-enjoy ko naman ang nangyayari sa buhay ko ngayon na single. Pwede naman magka-relasyon kung nandiyan ‘yung tamang lalaki,” she said.

TINTIN

ARA Mina is furious over younger half-sister Cristine Reyes and she is suing her for libel and grave coercion.

Media reports have it that the root cause of their quarrel is a financial dispute over the payment for their mother’s house which, Ara alleged, caused Cristine to send her a series of vulgar text messages throughout the Holy Week.

Ara, 32, shed copious tears during a press interview in which she explained why she felt compelled to take legal action against her 23-year-old half sister. Ara claimed they shared in the payment of the property for which Cristine gave the down payment worth P1 million while Ara made installment payments totaling P3.2 milion.

Ara said Cristine wants her to pay for half of the down payment and has been badgering her to surrender her SUV in lieu of the P500,000.

One message that Cristine sent to Ara read: “Kung ayaw niyo manggulo ako sa buhay niyo, bayaran utang niyo sa akin. Kung wala kayo pangbayad, ibigay niyo hinihingi ko.”

Ara said another text, which could form the crux of the libel case read: “I’m sure ibebenta mo ‘yang laspag mong katawan na pinagsawaan na ng lahat. Daig pa aso sa sobrang kati.”

Ara said this is not the first time she and Cristine had a serious feud, but she brought the matter to the court this time to “teach her a lesson.”

“IT’S basically about culture.”

That’s how Heart Evangelista explained to entertainment columnist Ricky Lo her breakup from Brazilian-Japanese model-turnedactor Daniel Matsunaga.

The couple’s split came to public knowledge after Heart posted on her Twitter account last April 14: “Being single is embracing growth.” She posted another one a few minutes later that said, “breakups don’t always mean the other one was bad or we didn’t love each other it could just be…we were too different.”

Heart said that she loved Daniel, but there were things that they couldn’t agree on. “Pretty much, we argue a lot and about a lot of things, and it got so tiring that I just had to say enough is enough.”

She added: “We parted ways as friends, no violent quarrel, no nothing. We agreed that this could be better for the two of us.”

Heart didn’t want to go into the details of the breakup beyond saying that both of them tried their best to make the relation-

HEART & DANIEL ship work.

“Daniel is good person. But women, especially my age, are looking for something, and unfortunately, I failed to see in our relationship,” she said hinting perhaps to a personality flaw in Daniel, adding, “Remember he is not just Brazilian, he is also Japanese.”

Daniel said it was Heart who initiated the breakup although it was a mutual decision.

“Actually, we both agreed and we both talked. . . It’s just that the relationship didn’t work,” said Daniel, who is currently in Brazil.

PLANET

Calgary Edition

25 PHILIPPINES

MAY 1-15, 2012

CELEBRITYFILES

PHIL ON ANGEL: WE’RE A PERFECT MATCH

ANGEL & PHIL

THE SON ALSO RISES

ROBIN Nievera, the eldest son of OPM icons Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez, refuses to concern himself with the inevitable comparisons now that he is a recording artist himself.

The 25-year-old singer-songwriter, who has just released his debut album under Polyeast Records, said, “My parents are the ones who started all of this. I have been watching them for 25 years. And I couldn’t help but be inspired by what they do.”

“I wasn’t just their son, I was also a huge fan,” he added. “I may not sound like them and may not be writing ballads but I did learn a lot from them.”

His album is called Overwait “because I’m 25,” he explained, “and I have been planning this album since I was 15.”

Robin is a singer-songwriter who performs with a guitar. Overwait is filled with graceful, proficient guitar work on steel acoustic, bluesy vocals, and heart- inhand lyrics.

FIL-BRIT soccer player Phil Younghusband admits that he’s head over heels in love with Angel Locsin, but they’re far from tying the knot at this point in their relationship.

As it is, they’re not even ready to be an official couple yet. “We’re taking it one step at a time. We’re not trying to rush anything. I’m very happy and when the time comes, we’ll see. But right now, we’re very happy,” he said in an interview with Push.com.ph.

The Philippine Azkals striker maintains, however, that Angel is definitely wife-material. “As I said before, I want a future with Angel. That’s still the way I feel.

And hopefully, I have a future with Angel. But wedding plans are [too] soon. [Our] love is getting stronger. Everyday, I’m growing more and more in love with her.”

As if to prove that they’re a perfect match, Phil pointed out that they inspire each other to be better at what they do. Angel was very proud of what he had accomplished during the Azkals’ bid at the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal. “We’ve been very lucky and blessed. She won an award (Star Awards for Movies Best Actress), I won an award (Golden Boot Award). So I think we’re good for each other. I also wish her congratulations. She has been there all the way.”

ANNE TO APPEAR ON ‘AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL’

ANNE Curtis, one of the bestdressed women in showbiz, proudly tweeted that she will soon appear on the US reality TV show America’s Next Top Model, wearing the creations of Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran.

“The cat is out of the bag. I can finally announce it! Yes, I will be on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ wearing the beautiful gowns of Francis Libiran. Congratulations Francis Libiran! You deserve the recognition,” Anne said on her official Twitter account.

She made the announcement after Libiran posted on YouTube a video of a photo shoot in which Anne models four of his gowns.

“I picked Anne for this photo shoot because she represents the perfect Filipina for me,” Libiran said.

The photo shoot was shown on

the popular program on April 25 in the US and on April 30 in the Philippines.

“I’m super duper nervous that Tyra [Banks, the former Super Model who hosts the show] is going to be able to see the pictures.

I’m excited to find out what she has to say,” Anne said.

Libiran is now the third Filipino designer to be profiled on “ANTM,” after Michael Cinco and Oliver Tolentino.

Anne is the second Filipina celebrity to appear on the show.

Last year, her friend Georgina Wilson was featured modeling underwear by Filipino fashion brand Bench in a photo shoot in Greece.

LIBEL CASE VS ANNABELLE AFFIRMED

THE Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has upheld the 14 counts of libel filed against talent manager Annabelle Rama in connection with her tirades on the Internet against former actress Nadia Montenegro.

The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office said Annabelle’s accusations on Twitter against Nadia are malicious and against the law whether there’s truth to them or not.

ANNABELLE & RUFFA The fiscal, however, junked the child abuse case filed by Nadia’s children against the talent manager

saying there was no sufficient evidence found.

The prosecutor’s office also dismissed for lack of probable cause the attempted kidnapping rap filed by Annabelle against Nadia following an incident when the latter brought policemen to the former’s office in Quezon City.

It also junked the attempted physical injuries case filed against Annabelle.

ANNE

VICKI ADMITS MISSING HAYDEN CELEBRITY cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo denies rumors that she and former boyfriend Hayden Kho have kissed and made up.

“Naghihintay pa po. Pray ako ng pray na ‘God give me the man na meant for me’.

Pero single na single ako,” said Vicki in an interview on the morning show KrisTV on April 17.

Though she’s enjoying being single again, Vicki admits that she still misses Hayden.

“Well na mi-miss ko pa din, ‘yun ang problem. Pero single pa din ako,” she said.

The couple broke up last February 10 after Vicki accused Hayden of dating former actress Nancy Castiglione. They only had a chance to talk a month after their separation.

“In fairness, ngayon hindi na kami nag-usap. Nag-tweet lang tapos ‘di nag-usap after noong nagkita kami a month and half later. But for me the reason it’s different kasi wala nang discussion. Tweet tapos finish na,” she said.

Vicki also confirmed that part of their agreement is that they have to be apart for one year.

“We agreed na ganoon. I thought I was being helpful to him. Akala ko tinutulungan ko siya all this time pero ang nangyari hindi pala maganda ang ganoong relationship. Mas maganda ‘yung ang lalaki talaga nakakatayo sa sarili niya at ngayon nakita niya na kayang-kaya naman niya. So ang desisyon namin is to stay away from each other for a while and if it’s real, a year is not too long. If it’s not real then something will happen also in the next months,” she explained.

PLANET

MAY 1-15, 2012

By ChEriE del rio

HE PHiliPPinEs has been ranked as one of the top social media countries in a recent study conducted by socialBakers, one of the leading social analytics platforms in Europe.

Transcending the boundaries of age, gender, and social status, Filipinos have penetrated the cyber worlds of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Consequently, claim to fames have been made. But as much as social networking sites have been a platform for stellar recognition among celebrities, they have also served as a proverbial battleground for the quarrelling showbiz personalities. These Twitter wars have been waged not only against celebrity colleagues but also against fans.

Although the issues concerning hate Tweet attacks continue to plague the Twitter universe (aptly termed Twitterverse), majority of showbiz big names have opted to ignore the spiteful messages sent to them via the micro-blogging site. local celebrities continue to dominate Twitter, some of them even have more followers than Hollywood celebrities! Anne Curtis (Twitter handle @annecurtissmith) is hailed as being the Most Followed Filipino Celebrity with a total of about 2.6 million followers. next in line are: Angel locsin (@143redangel) with 1.7M, Vice Ganda (@vicegandako) with 1.5M, Kris Aquino (@ itsmekrisaquino) with 1.4M, and Angelica Panganiban with @1.3M. But although these celebrities are the most followed and they do sometimes still “trend”, their Twitter presence is not as turbulent as the celebrities who have publicly posted hate tweets against their fellow artists.

Cristine Reyes vs Sarah Geronimo Perhaps the earliest buzz-worthy Twitter war (albeit one-sided) was that of Cristine Reyes and sarah Geronimo back in December 2010.

Although sarah never replied back to Cristine’s angry tweets, the Dahil Sa Pagibig lead star posted several angry tweets directed towards

26 PHILIPPINES

Calgary Edition

CELEBRITY TWITTER WARS

SHOWCASING SPECTACLE AND SCANDAL IN 140 CHARACTERS OR LESS Twitter is a haven for both good and bad publicity. It has made bigger stars out of newcomers and even made more famous those who already were. Celebrities are able to reach out to their supporters and respond to their messages.

Cristine Reyes, with Rayver Cruz the Pop star Princess. This was as Cristine’s retaliation to what she perceived to be sarah’s comment about Rayver Cruz, whom the former was currently dating.

Apparently, sarah made an offhand comment to John Prats implying that when men who are good dancers are often chased by a lot of women. Rayver thought sarah was

referring to him and told the same to Cristine. As a response, Cristine (formerly @Pilyangsweet, now @yourqueenAA) posted that she was so pissed off because of what sarah had said and even went as far as saying that maybe sarah should start being true to her image of being sweet and kind.

There was, of c o u r s e, a barrage of Tweets from fans supporting sarah and it was even reported that even Mega star sharon Cuneta stepped in to control the Twitter feud between the two Viva talents. sarah kept mum about the tweets Cristine had launched against

The latest breakup of Vicki and Hayden first came to public knowledge on Twitter. her camp and eventually, the issue died a natural death.

Dr. Vicki Belo vs. Hayden Kho Another big shocker in Twitterverse is the revelation of celebrity cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo’s breakup with Hayden Kho through a rather short and simple tweet of: “nancycastilogne you can now openly date @haydenjr. You have my blessings. Hope you›ll both be happy.” indeed, a juicy intrigue couldn’t have been told in much fewer characters. in two sentences and a single (and final) tweet from Vicki, she was able to announce the end of her controversial relationship with Hayden and also disclose the reason for it.

Hayden defended himself using the same medium. He posted several tweets trying to explain the situation and apologizing for the angry tweets he had earlier posted (some of which insinuated that it was Vicki who cheated on him). He tweeted: “And about nancy, it is also not true that we were dating or were having an affair. i hope that clears her name and my name as well.”

Hayden’s explanatory tweets also served as his goodbye message: “And so, finally and officially, i am quitting this twitter account and abandoning my previous plan of going back to THAT world.” +28

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PHILIPPINES

KULINARYA TAGALA

Kulawo, a humble dish of banana heart with coconut milk dressing.

By vAngiE Baga-reyes

N QuezoN, you’ll go nuts with coconuts,” says our tour guide, Tina Diasanta-Decal, who operates Kulinarya Tagala, a food and culture tour of southern Tagalog (Laguna, Quezon and Batangas).

By going nuts with coconuts, Decal means savoring the native fruit and exploring ways of incorporating it in the daily meal.

In southern Luzon, coconuts abound. Most, if not all, households, especially in Quezon, incorporate coconut (meat or juice) in their food. For instance, the adobo is cooked with buko strips that give the stewed meat a splash of sweetness and mellowed flavor. Sinigang has coconut water and tamarind that give a refreshing sweet-sour essence.

The kakanin, like nilupak, are all made with coconut milk. unlike Bicol, a region known for mixing gata (coconut milk) with its spicy cuisine, Quezon has minimal spice, which makes it more appealing to Manileños. Heritage recipes are not too fancy -- none of the dishes are fiesta fare. Rather, dishes are everyday food -- simple and straightforward.

“Quezon has one of the most unique dishes that combine wellloved and traditional Filipino flavors, making them more exciting for diners,” says Decal.

Kulinarya Tagala Quezon is beginning to make a buzz among foodies and travelers.

San Miguel Purefoods Culinary Center recently partnered with Kulinarya Tagala to showcase the flavors and diverse culinary heritage of Laguna and Quezon.

“Laguna and Quezon are so near Manila and yet you seldom hear about these provinces,” says Decal. “People go to us only in summer for Pahiyas. We are more

FROM PATIS’ ADOBO WITH BUKO MEAT TO UGU’S PAKO SALAD One doesn’t go to Tiaong, Quezon, without visiting Ugu Bigyan’s Pottery Garden. Pottery artist Augusto “Ugu” Bigyan is a renowned potter who loves to cook.

Ugu has been lauded for making sure the dishes coming out from the kitchen look like works of art.

Alimasag, wrapped in a special leaf called kamamba, is wrapped again in banana leaf. than that. The food, culture and traditions we keep are worth discovering.”

Kulinarya Tagala used to be Kulinarya Quezon showcasing only Tiaong, Sariaya, Tayabas and Lucban in Quezon. In 2005 the Department of Tourism came out with Kulinarya Filipina, a food tour around the country. Then Kulinarya Quezon and another group organizing food trips in Laguna, called Viaje del Sol led by Patis Tesoro, merged to further boost the southern Tagalog region.

“Women from southern Tagalog are called tagalas,” says Decal. “And, most women are in the kitchen.”

Kulinarya Tagala features good home cooking, Filipino ingenuity and the creativity of various artists in Southern Tagalog.

Longganisang San Pablo sautéed in tomatoes and onions.

Patis Tito Garden Café Kulinarya Tagala -- which can be a day trip, overnight and three daystwo nights -- has dishes enjoyed in Laguna and Quezon not usually served in Manila restaurants.

First stop is Patis Tito Garden Café in San Pablo City in Laguna

for a hearty breakfast. Patis, a leading fashion designer, has been running her restaurant for some time, serving typical Filipino breakfast in her beautiful, lush garden.

The place has the ambiance of an old provincial home with capiz windows, wooden floors and tables

MAY 1-15, 2012

“We are more than Pahiyas.

The food, culture and traditions we keep are worth discovering,” said Decal of Kulinarya Tagala. and chairs made of hardwood.

A buffet spread of garlicky longganisa San Pablo blended with sautéed onions and tomatoes, chicken and pork adobo with buko meat, and crispy dilis salad -- whets anyone’s appetite.

Laguna can’t do away with kesong puti, so there’s always hot pan de sal with kesong puti, paired with kapeng barako and tsokolate.

A demonstration of a local favorite, Pancit Buko, is an added attraction. The “noodles,” made of buko strips, are simply sautéed with fresh veggies.

Villa Sariaya Sariaya, Quezon, is about 130 kms. from Manila -- a quaint municipality at the foot of the mystical Mt. Banahaw. Sariaya has many ancestral homes built in late 1800 and early 1900.

A unique experience dining in an ancestral house is part of Kulinarya food trip. Here, guests must don period costumes before enjoying lunch at Villa Sariaya, formerly known as the Rodriguez House and one of the biggest bahay-na-bato in the province.

The lunch spread is prepared

by Ma. Carmen “Chuchay” Marasigan, owner of Luisa and Daughter, a 23-year-old restaurant in Lucena.

Marasigan dishes are Beef Minanok, Lengua estofado, Bulanglang na ubod with Tomato Liver Sauce, Fish with Mayonnaise Dressing, Pinais na Alimasag and Chicken Pastel.

In Quezon, pinais is always wrapped in a leaf. The alimasag, wrapped in a special leaf called kamamba (found only in the foothills of Mt. Banahaw), is wrapped again in banana leaf. It becomes more flavorful as it is cooked in buko water.

Beef Minanok is an ordinary fare in Quezon that tastes like chicken tinola but using beef. Instead of sili leaves, blanched mustasa is added last.

A dessert of Caramel Gulaman and Bukayo completes the deal.

PLANET

MAY 1-15, 2012

Graceland Estates and Country Club In Tayabas, the old capital of Quezon, the original Haing Quezon can be had.

At Memphis Garden Café of the 22-ha Graceland Estates and Country Club, one may savor Minalutong Kanin, Sinigang na Hipon sa Mura, Hardinera at Dona Aurora, Inihaw na Manok, Adobong Baka sa Gata at Papaya, Pansit na Malunggay, Lumpiang Gulay na Sariwa and Kilawing Bangus.

The sinigang is served in coconut shell, side by side with Delino Chicken, which is a cross between tinola and sinigang. The chicken is stuffed with spices, herbs, malagkit rice and sausage before being submerged in hot broth. The soup is light and refreshing. The chicken meat is absolutely divine, being so tender and moist.

The Minalutong Kanin is made more flavorful as it is topped with sweet potato before being wrapped in banana leaves.

Capping the meal is Coconut Cream Puff, Pilipit (made of squash) and fresh fruits. Budin, a pudding made of cassava, is not to be missed as it is creamier with the use of Star margarine and coconut milk.

28 PHILIPPINES

“Tagayan is a discovery of Filipino’s gentle race. We were so gentle as drinkers but we’ve forgotten how to do it the right way.”

A tagayan (drinking) ritual usually ends the celebration.

“Tagayan ritual is a dying culture,” says Decal. “We’re trying to revive this dying culture which makes Quezon very unique. Tagayan is a discovery of Filipino’s gentle race. We were so gentle as drinkers but we’ve forgotten how to do it the right way.”

Drinking lambanog is part of the ritual and is a special way of welcoming guests.

“We always use the lambanog, especially during special occasions, like pamanhikan, weddings or birthdays,” Decal says. “A tagay (a shot of liquor) of lambanog is passed around and offered guests.”

Ensaladang Pako, fiddlehead ferns with mixed greens and fruits drizzled with kalamansi juice, fish sauce and sugar.

Breakfast is also served at Memphis Café with Pistang Almusal by San Miguel Purefoods, consisting of Mainit na Kanin at Sinangag, Sinaing na Tulingan sa Tuyong Kalamyas, Longganisang Lucban, pan de sal, Bonete and Pinagong, Budin, Kalamay, Kapeng Barako.

Standouts include Bonete and Pinagong breads served with Spiced Ham, Salami & Bologna from Purefoods; Chicken Adobo (Magnolia Free Range Chicken stewed in vinegar, garlic and peppercorns); Corned Beef Hash; Sausage with Onions

(Purefoods Beef Franks sautéed with caramelized onions); Sinaing na Tulingan; and Lucban Longganisa.

Ugu Bigyan One doesn’t go to Tiaong, Quezon, without visiting Ugu Bigyan’s Pottery Garden.

Pottery artist Augusto “Ugu” Bigyan is a renowned potter who loves to cook. He was born and raised in Tiaong.

In his restaurant, you dine on his crafted flatware and relish his Ginataang Hipon, Fish Escabeche

Calgary Edition

in Mango Sauce, Tahong with Mustasa, Pork Sparerins, Pako Salad, Kulawo and Calamares.

Ugu has been lauded for making sure the dishes coming out from the kitchen look like works of art.

Ugu’s restaurant surrounded with lush greenery and charming kubo (15 of them) adds to the gastronomical adventure. The air is light and breezy with the soothing pipe-in music.

An important dish in the house is Ensaladang Pako, fiddlehead ferns with mixed greens and fruits drizzled with kalamansi juice, fish sauce and sugar. This is a perfect marriage of spinach, mangoes and other mixed greens that usually set the tone for some hearty dining ahead.

The pako is blanched, tossed with finely chopped red onions, then topped with a few slices of itlog na maalat.

Another favorite is Kulawo, a humble dish of banana heart (others use eggplant) with coconut milk dressing. The grated coconut is cooked in charcoal which adds a unique smoky flavor to the dish. Kulawo is topped with edible Ternate flower. n (For more inquiries on Kulinarya Tagala, call 5196145 and 09275630989.) -- Philippine Daily Inquirer

SHOWCASING SPECTACLE AND SCANDAL IN 140...

From page 26

Amalia Fuentes vs Annabelle Rama The most recent Twitter scandal in Pinoy showbizlandia is between veteran celebrities Amalia Fuentes and Annabelle Rama. The issue sprung from Annabelle’s attendance at the wake of Amalia’s husband last April. Amalia was enraged that Annabelle wore a red ensemble to the wake. She tweeted in all caps: “HOW DARE YOU COME TO THE WAKE OF MY HUSBAND THIS MORNING WHEN YOU KNOW YOURE NOT WELCOME. YOU COME WEARING A RED BLOUSE,RED BAG,RED PANTS...”

After Amalia’s initial tweet came a few other nasty tweets all hurled towards Annabelle. The talent manager then countered the messages by posting a photo of what she wore to the wake, claiming that her clothes were orange in color and not red. Annabelle proceeded to defend herself via her Twitter account (@annabellerama2) and even re-tweeted messages from her supporters, some of which attacked Amalia directly as well.

Recently, Annabelle’s only daughter, Ruffa Gutierrez, also posted some remarks on her Twitter account (@iloveruffag) and one can only speculate that she was talking about Amalia in her tweets: “Who is this old, fat, smelly woman who won›t stop inventing false stories about me & my family? SHUT UP & get a life! Don›t involve me!” followed by “Dude ur 80 yrs old. Make the most of your remaining yrs on this earth. You›re own family is sick to their stomach with ur nasty attitude!” and “What›s really pathetic is that her only child & grandchildren are well-loved while she›s the most hated. Will pray for u nalang old woman.” Both camps show no sign of defeat or surrender and the whole of Twitterverse is anxiously waiting for the next events in this Amalia-Annabelle saga to unfold.

Sharon Cuneta vs Followers The number of Twitter followers celebrities possess is not a determinant of the number of supporters they have. Haters follow these showbiz icons just the same and they really take time to bash these celebrities. Although a lot of artists have chosen to ignore the tweets

Sharon thinks KC’s detractors were either Kapamilya or Piolo diehards. and put the “Block/Report” option and tell the whole REAL story…”

She painstakingly read all the to good use, it wasn’t the case for Mega Star Sharon Cuenta. Some- hateful tweets and answered back. time in mid-March, the Mega Star She later took a short break after started to get hate tweets from what the flow of intense Twitter exshe suspected were either Kapami- changes between herself and the lya or Piolo Pascual die-hard fans. haters and tweeted that she is sorry She and daughter KC Concepcion but she is not plastic. If she’s angry, were being maligned via Twitter then she’s angry. She also thanked and the Mega Star wasn’t going to her Sharonians for the outpour of take things sitting down. She tweet- support they’ve shown her during ed, “Since you won›t stop bashing the Twitter attacks. Her husband, me and my daughter and it›s all the Senator Kiko Pangilinan, tweeted same to you -- maybe it›s time I talk that although his wife was taking

a Twitter break, things were going to be okay: “She will be fine. Underneath all that, she is one tough woman…” Sharon ended her Twitter sabbatical not very long after.

She’s actively tweeting under the username @sharon_cuneta12.

Twitter is a haven for both good and bad publicity. It has made bigger stars out of newcomers and even made more famous those who already were. Celebrities are able to reach out to their supporters and respond to their messages, much to the delight of the fans. From simple re-tweets to birthday greetings, celebrities have brought themselves closer to their fans through Twitter.

In the same light, fans get a glimpse of the daily lives of their idols by checking out their photos, stalking their current location, and following conversations between celebrities. These are just a few of the advantages of having showbiz royalties dominate Twitterverse.

However, a downside to all this micro-blogging drama is that the intrigue and scandals are also hyped, multiplied, and brought to “trend” worldwide, resonating the issues to louder, more unpleasant proportions. n

Calgary Edition

N K N OW N to many Filipinos, stocks have been an i nv e s t m e n t instrument in the Philippines since 1927, when the Manila Stock Exchange opened shop in the Binondo business district and its sister bourse Makati Stock Exchange started operating that same year in the Makati financial district.

Jay Peñaflor, assistant head of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) market education department, offers interesting tips on investing in publicly listed shares of stock.

Why invest in stocks?

“First of all, because the returns that you get from stock investment are bigger compared to what you can get from bank products...

In stocks, you can get as much as 50 percent in just one day, that is technically possible,” says Peñaflor, adding that putting your money in banks yields from 1 percent to 4 percent a year only.

Peñaflor notes that there are still many misconceptions about the stock market that turn investors off.

“In the Philippines, stock investing is not really popular. Many Filipinos think that stock investing is complex, that stock investing is only for rich and affluent Filipinos, and that this is a form of gambling.”

Though the PSE has been operating as the oldest stock market in the region, less than 1 percent of the Philippine population has actually placed in the market. “‘Yung stock market natin is one of the oldest in the Asia Pacific...

We have to educate the Filipinos about these investments… that [the stock market] could be a very good alternative investment instrument to everybody, not only for rich Filipinos,” says Peñaflor.

Here are some important pieces of advice on investing in the stock market: • Study the stock market: Prospective investors must first invest on knowledge. Those who are interested should attend seminars or orientations, including online webinars, with gigabytes of reading materials available on the Internet, especially PSE Academy.

• Find a broker: Looking for a broker seems a tedious matter -- but it’s a must. A broker is a licensed

29 PHILIPPINES

A QUICK GUIDE TO INVESTING IN PH STOCKS PLANET

Why invest in stocks? First of all, because the returns that you get from stock investment are bigger compared to what you can get from bank products, says a stockbroker.

In stocks, you can get as much as 50 percent in just one day, compared to a bank deposit that yields from 1 percent to 4 percent a year only.

Investing in stocks is not only for the rich.

Though the PSE has been operating as the oldest stock market in the region, less than 1 percent of the Philippine population has actually placed in the market.

In stocks, the higher the risk, the higher the return.

MAY 1-15, 2012

equities trader, who can advice you on which stocks to invest in and if it is the right time to buy or sell.

Verify with the PSE if the broker is licensed to trade on the floor.

The PSE website also has a list of licensed brokers complete with contact details.

• Identify your profile as an investor: Your profile guides you on how you would ‘play’ with your stocks. You can be an ‘aggressive’ or ‘passive’ investor. Your broker can help you pick the profile that suits you. An aggressive player is one who buys and sells his stocks each time the price moves. A passive investor usually waits for companies to declare dividends on his stocks based on how much was earned the previous year.

• Set-up an account: Setting up an account with a stock brokerage house is just like opening a bank account with at least P5,000 initial deposit. Your broker will help you set-up an account. Fill out a customer information sheet, submit two valid IDs with picture, sign on a specimen signature card, and you are a bona fide stock market investor.

• Invest! Follow corporate news and start investing on promising stocks. Contact your broker online or by phone to buy or sell and don’t forget to verify your transactions.

Your broker is tasked to submit a monthly report on your market activity.

Peñaflor says newbie investors should understand the concept of risks and returns: the higher the returns, the higher the corresponding risks.

“Maximize your returns by minimizing the risks in investing, that is how you should do it,” he adds. “No other investment instrument can match the possible returns that you can get from stocks, that is when you invest with the proper knowledge, the right skills and the proper discipline.”

As American business tycoon and philanthropist Warren Buffet once said, there are only two rules when investing your money.

Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1. (GMA News) n

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30 PHILIPPINES

Calgary Edition

BEAUTIFUL P

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The communal grazing area of Racu a’ Payaman seems to come right out of the movie The Lord of the Rings.

F you’re still thinking of a place to go to this summer, the time-warped Batanes group of islands offers a unique eco-cultural experience, allowing visitors to glimpse the Philippines of old.

With 11 islands and a population of just 15,000, Batanes is an ideal travel destination for people who seek a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The weather isn’t always sunny, and you should be prepared for power interruptions.

But the place is undeniably charming, and Batanes’ breathtaking landscapes and seascapes have earned it a nomination to the uNeSCo World Heritage List. The islands have been described as one of the most beautiful corners of the world, and while there’s plenty to do outdoors, Batanes also has

several indoor spots that are worth a visit.

While much of the islands remain untouched, Spanish influence is very much evident in the inhabited islands of Batanes. The centuries-old churches built by the Dominicans and limestone houses still stand, even after years of strong typhoons.

Notable churches include the San Jose obrero Church in Ivana, Sabtang; San Carlos Borromeo Church in Mahatao (1873); Sto. Domingo Cathedral in Basco (the old- est

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TIME STANDS STILL IN BATANES Nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List, the islands have been described as one of the most beautiful corners of the world, and while there’s plenty to do outdoors, Batanes also has several indoor spots that are worth a visit.

built in early 18th century); and, Sta. Maria Immaculada (1845) in Itbayat.

Also worth visiting are the churches of Itbud and Chavayan, famous for being the only thatchedroof church in Batanes today. old Spanish bridges in Mahatao and Ivana, as well as the iconic vernacular houses made out of limestone, stones, corals and a thatched roof, are scattered in the

three inhabited islands of Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. These structures were built using the limestone technology introduced by the Spaniards when they arrived in the province at the turn of the 18th century.

The sights are so beautiful that you’ll find your-

self wondering if the place is real. everywhere in Batanes is picture-perfect, with some corners seemingly cut out of the movie scenes of The Lord of The Rings.

Villages are nestled between tall, lush mountains, with cliffs on one side and a sweeping view of the sea on the other. Traditional stone houses stand along quiet, narrow streets of Savidug and Chavayan in Sabtang island. Walking through the villages is like being transported to another world where time stands still.

As for accommodations, everyone is friendly and visitors will have no difficulty getting directions for where to stay. of course, no trip will be complete without tasting the local cuisine. uvud, Venus and Tatus are must-try dishes, but Batanes also has surprises like the pizza at Casa Napoli. Apart from the amazing scenery, the flavors will make you fall in love with the place. (GMA News) n

NEWS

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UNDUP

AQUINO VOWS TO FIGHT FOR SCRABOROUGH P SHOAL

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has vowed to defend the Philippines’ sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and asked China to fulfill its obligations under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

“Hinahabol natin ay hindi i-escalate ang problema pero at the end of the day, obligado po ako, nasa Saligang Batas po ‘yan, kung di ako nagkakamali sa Article 2, and that I have to defend the patrimony. So ito po ay pagaari natin, pagkatagal-tagal na po na pagaari natin, recognized by international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea where we and China are both signatories,” Aquino said during a forum with the People Power Volunteers for Reform.

With China not amenable to the Philippine proposal to bring the matter to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Aquino indicated that what the Philippines can do is to influence the opinion of other countries on China.

“So ang ginagawa po natin, talagang parang pinakasandata po natin dito ay malaman ng buong mundo kung anong ginagawa sa atin dahil… marami ho silang relasyon sa iba’t-ibang bansa sa mundo na mapapag-isip ’yung mga ibang bansa rin naman. Kung ganito tayo tinatrato at sila’y kasinlaki natin o mas maliit sa atin baka dumating ang panahon ganoon rin ang pagtrato sa kanila,” Aquino said.

Chinese and Philippine ships began a standoff in Scarborough Shoal on April 8, giving increased attention to the annual joint military exercise this year. A Philippine coast guard ship and two Chinese vessels are still facing off over the two countries’ conflicting claims to the shoal, about 230 kilometers (140 miles) from the main Philippine island of Luzon.

As the Scarborough Shoal stand-off drags

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Protesters slam China’s “bullying.”

on, the Philippine military is accusing the Chinese embassy of lying.

The Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said contrary to Beijing’s claims, advanced patrol vessel Yuzheng 310 and surveillance ship CMS 83 have not left the disputed area.

“We are not doubting their claims, we are telling them they are not telling the truth.

The Yuzheng had been spotted eight nautical

miles southeast of the shoal,” said Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara, Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Nolcom chief.

Five other Chinese fishing boats have also been spotted at Scarborough Shoal.

“We will not allow the Chinese to conquer our territory,” Alcantara said.

On April 23, the Chinese Embassy said, two of its vessels were pulled out of Scarborough Shoal, adding that the move was meant to

ease tensions with the Philippines.

“The withdrawal of the two ships proves once again China is not escalating the situation as some people said,” said Chinese embassy spokesperson Zhang Hua. While Manila and Beijing have vowed to resolve the matter peacefully, the Philippine Armed Forces asserted that it is ready to defend the country’s sovereignty.

“I can assure you that the AFP is prepared, the government is prepared to handle the situation. We call on our countrymen to support your military,” Alcantara said.

China has so far ignored the Philippines’s call to bring the territorial dispute to an international court. n

MAY 1-15, 2012

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32

PHILIPPINES

Calgary Edition

NEWSROUND-UP

MANILA SEEKS INT’L SUPPORT IN STANDOFF WITH CHINA THE Philippines warned Monday that China’s sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea may eventually threaten freedom of navigation in the busy region and called on Western and Asian countries to take a stand against any such potential threat.

China’s ambiguous territorial claims have brought it into a tense, 14-day high seas standoff with the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal, which both Asian countries claim. China’s aggressive actions at the shoal — including ordering ships to leave and flying a Chinese plane low over one of them — show what it could do to the rest of the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said.

Chinese surveillance ships have told a lone Philippine coast guard vessel to leave the uninhabited but resource-rich shoal, which lies between the northwestern Philippines and the South China Sea, saying China has sovereignty over the area. The Filipino vessel has refused to leave, saying it’s Philippine territory.

China has claimed virtually the entire South China Sea for years. Now, they could aggressively assert its claims as shown

US COMMANDER REAFFIRMS DEFENSE PACT WITH PH

CHINA TO PH: DON’T INTERNATIONALIZE DISPUTE CHINA has warned the Philippines not to “internationalize” the two countries’ simmering territorial dispute in the South China Sea, as US and Philippine forces staged war games in the area.

China has been locked in a maritime dispute with the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, a body of water considered a potential Asian flashpoint due to the overlapping claims of several nations.

“Internationalizing this issue will only complicate and magnify the situation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin told reporters in response to a question about the current situation in the dispute.

“We do not wish to see the Philippines get other countries involved and get them to take sides over the issue.”

He spoke as US and Filipino soldiers staged an operation in which they stormed the Philippine island of Palawan in a war exercise not far from the real-life maritime standoff.

For the past two weeks, Chinese patrol vessels have prevented the Philippines from arresting alleged poachers in the disputed waters around the Scarborough Shoal.

A Philippine military official stressed the exercise was not a veiled threat against China, which has protested US moves to boost its military presence in the region.

China claims all of the South China Sea as a historic part of its territory, even waters close to the coasts of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.

The Philippines has complained over the past two years that China has become increasingly aggressive in staking its claim to the waters, with tensions spiking over the Scarborough Shoal standoff. n

by its actions at Scarborough, Hernandez told reporters. “This is a manifestation of a potential threat to freedom of navigation as well as unimpeded commerce in the area.”

Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario said that with Beijing claiming almost everything in the South China Sea, “the message is” they “can set the rules for anybody.”

Del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will raise the Scarborough Shoal incident when they meet their U.S. counterparts in Washington, Hernandez told a news conference, adding that the United States has been concerned about ensuring freedom of navigation in Southeast Asian waters.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin reiterated China’s sovereignty over the shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan island, and added that involving other nations in the dispute would only complicate the problem.

The International Crisis Group, meanwhile, said in a report Monday that China’s deployment of more surveillance and paramilitary ships, which are tasked to assert Beijing’s unclear territorial claims, risks more confrontations in the area.

Philippine and US Navy ships in Balikatan exercise off Palawan.

A SENIOR US commander in the Pacific reaffirmed the United States’ mutual defense treaty with the Philippines amid increased tensions between the archipelago and China.

In the strongest comments yet from an American official on the South China Sea dispute, Commander of the US Marines in the Pacific Lieutenant General Duane Thiessen said the Philippines and US were bound by a military agreement.

“The United States and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty which guarantees that we get involved in each other’s defense and that is self explanatory,” he told reporters in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, last April 22.

Thiessen was responding to a question about whether the US would provide assistance if Chinese armed forces

attacked Philippine units over conflicting claims to the Scarborough Shoal which have flared up in recent weeks.

The US commander did not elaborate on what kind of assistance would be provided.

He also stressed that ongoing US-Philippine military exercises were not directed at China and not linked to territorial tensions.

“There is no direct linkage. There is no tie between Scarborough Shoal and US movement in the Pacific,” he said.

Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban also supported Thiessen’s statements, saying the war exercises will continue amid a warning published by China’s People’s Liberation Army Daily.

The paper said the war exercises may spark more confrontation between China and the Philippines. The daily is the mouthpiece of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

Sabban called it “war mongering,” insisting that the ongoing exercises are not related to the dispute with China.

The annual Balikatan exercises officially began last April 16 and will end on April 27. This year’s Balikatan calls for a number of field training exercises, disaster response trainings and civic action programs by Filipino and US troops.

Thiessen, for his part, also downplayed the daily’s report. “This is an exercise to increase cooperation and interoperability with the Philippines and this exercise is always valuable to us.”

He said he is not bothered with the statement “because we are not doing anything.” n

PLANET

Calgary Edition

33 PHILIPPINES

MAY 1-15, 2012

NEWSROUND-UP

Land to the tillers, the high court rules.

IT’S FINAL: LUISITA GOES TO FARMERS FOR P196-M THE Supreme Court on April 24 rejected with finality a bid by the family of President Benigno Aquino III to secure at least P5 billion in compensation for its Hacienda Luisita, affirming a ruling last November basing the value of the sugar plantation at around P196 million on 1989 prices.

The court voted 8-6 with one abstention in the decision described as a “litmus test” of the government resolve to implement a Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program launched by Mr. Aquino’s mother, Corazon Aquino, after she took power following a People Power Revolution that ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.

Briefing reporters in Baguio City where the high tribunal is holding its summer session, spokesperson Midas Marquez said the court ruling was “final and executory.” He said the court would no longer entertain further pleadings and motions for reconsideration on the dispute that had taken 27 years to resolve.

The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, also ruled that the Luisita farmers may pay amortization fees for the next 30 years, according to the 1989 land values for the 4,915-hectare estate when Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) struck a deal in which management offered a stock distribution option (SDO) in lieu of outright land distribution.

In a ruling last November 22, the court rescinded the SDO and voted 14-0 to distribute the hacienda.

Chief Justice Renato Corona and Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Arturo Brion, Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Roberto Abad, Jose Perez, Jose Mendoza and Martin Villarama Jr. voted for the 1989 valuation, Marquez said.

Voting against were Associate Justices Lucas Bersamin, Maria Lourdes Sereno, Mariano del Castillo, Diosdado Peralta, Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Bienvenido Reyes. In the Nov. 22 decision, Sereno, Mr. Aquino’s first appointee to the high tribunal,

batted for a 2006 valuation, echoing the position of the HLI management.

As in previous court deliberations on Hacienda Luisita, Associate Justice Antonio Carpio inhibited himself from the case, Marquez said.

President Aquino’s spokespersons declined comment on the decision, saying it was up to the Department of Agrarian Reform and the solicitor general to issue a reaction.

Antonio Ligon, HLI spokesperson, said: “We have always believed that the purpose of the law is ultimate justice and equal rule for everyone. The application of the law in this case is no exception. The majority of the justices have spoken. HLI shall abide and will comply with what is required by the decision.”

The decision dismissed HLI’s motion to clarify and reconsider its Nov. 22 ruling, which junked the SDO and ordered the distribution of land to farm workers. It set the 1989 market price for Hacienda Luisita land as a basis for computing just compensation at P40,000 per hectare, then placed at P196 million by HLI. HLI, however, asked the court to peg the value of the land at its fair market value in 2006, when then Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman issued the “notice of coverage” for the sugarcane plantation.

Lito Bais, president of the United Luisita Workers Union (Ulwu), said the value of the property was important to farmers because it would determine how much they would need to pay the government in 30 years. Bais said the decision meant that each hectare of farmland would now cost P40,000.

Lawyer Jobert Pahilga, counsel for the Alyansa ng mga Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita, said the DAR must now buckle down and process the distribution of Luisita land, saying the agency could fulfill this in six months.

‘WORLD-CLASS DISCOVERY’ IN RECTO BANK The Recto Bank is also being claimed by China.

THE Department of Energy has confirmed that the natural gas reserves in Recto Bank are bigger than those in Malampaya.

The energy department’s revelation came on the heels of remarks by a member of the private consortium exploring oil in the area that it may have made a “worldclass discovery.”

Officials of Atok-Big Wedge Co. had told shareholders during its annual meeting that a report from experts commissioned to assess Service Contract (SC) 72 in Reed Bank has yielded a “world-class discovery.”

According to Energy Undersecretary Jay Layug, it is very likely that the natural gas at Recto Bank exceeds the 2.7-trillion cubic feet in the Malampaya Natural Gas Field that has for years provided the country billions in revenue.

“We are hoping for equal, if not at least a bit higher natural gas from Sampaguita Field,” Layug said, referring to the area in Recto Bank where a consortium of three firms -- Forum Energy, Monte de Oro and

Walter Brown -- have been exploring.

The DoE said a new, substantial find in natural gas is important to the Philippines because the supply coming from Malampaya is estimated to run out by 2024.

Malampaya now supplies 40 percent of power to provide electricity to Luzon. Of the 2.7-trillion cubic feet of reserves in the field off Palawan, an estimated 1.2-trillion cubic feet of natural gas has been used.

Meanwhile, Layug stressed that Philippine ownership of Recto Bank is beyond dispute, considering it is only 70 nautical miles west of Palawan, nearly twice as close to the mainland than Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal off Zambales province, and parts of the Spratly island chain.

China insists on claiming both Recto Bank and Panatag Shoal, even though both are within the Philippines’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

As for Recto Bank, Layug said, “Hindi na dapat issue yan. As far as the Philippines is concerned, Recto Bank is ours,” sabi ni Layug.

Walter Brown, Atok vice chairman, said the board had met to assess the results of the seismic test at SC 72, also known as the Recto Bank, and they were “encouraged” by what they have seen from the report. n

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NEWSROUND-UP

NEW BODY EYED TO REPLACE ARMM

THE government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to create a new autonomous political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), moving closer to a peace agreement that could bring development to the war-torn, impoverished Philippine south.

Speaking from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a day after the government and the MILF concluded the 27th round of talks, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said on April 25 that the two sides had signed a document that contained their “decision points on principles.”

Those points, he said, would guide discussions on the substantive agenda of the peace negotiations.

The signing of the document dispelled cynicism about the progress of the peace talks, Leonen said.

“As far as the government is concerned, these common points are commitments that can be properly accommodated by our current legal and political realities,” Leonen said, reading from a prepared statement.

Among the issues the two sides agreed upon was the commitment to “work for the creation of an

Toward peace and development in Muslim Mindanao. autonomous political entity in place of the ARMM,” as both sides recognized that the “status quo is unacceptable.”

The ARMM is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. It

is currently run by officer in charge Mujib Hattaman, appointed by President Benigno Aquino III last year when Congress passed a law

that postponed the August 2011 regional elections to May 2013, to be held simultaneously with the midterm polls.

Leonen said replacing the ARMM with a new entity would require a law. The government must convince Congress to pass such a law.

The new autonomous political entity “should improve on the experiences of the past,” Leonen said, referring to President Aquino’s insistence on reforms in the ARMM. At present, he said the “contours” of the entity and how it will be put in place were still under discussion.”

Thechiefnegotiatoracknowledged that right now the government and the MILF were “poles apart” when it comes to their respective positions on the geographic scope of the autonomous political entity.

Leonen said the two sides were talking about an autonomous political entity that would meet the requirements of the Constitution.

How this could be done is still under discussion, he said.

Included in the 10-point agreement was that the autonomous political entity will have a ministerial form of government. n

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Calgary Edition

35

NEWSROUND-UP

K+12 EDUCATION PROGRAM LAUNCHED FILIPINO children who are five years old will have to enter kindergarten and attend 12 years of basic elementary and secondary education before they could enter college starting this coming school year.

President Aquino led the formal launching of the K+ 12 reformed basic education program at Malacañang on April 24, which makes mandatory kindergarten education for five-year-old children and two additional two years of senior high school for all students.

The President noted that the Philippines is the only country in Asia and one of only three in the world – two of which are in Africa – with a 10-year basic education program.

“How do Filipinos become competitive if from the very beginning we are already at a disadvantage in the number of years of studying and training? What we want is to give the next generation a strong foundation,” Aquino said.

The curriculum of the K+12 program will focus on the core subjects –Mathematics, Science and English– with electives that are sensitive and responsive to the learners’ interest and local industry needs.

Graduates will be accredited in their areas of specialization, including academics, technical-vocational and sports and arts.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said an enhanced curriculum would decongest academic workload, giving students more time to master competencies and participate in co-curricular activities and community involvement, thus allowing for a more holistic development.

Graduates would possess competencies and skills relevant to the job market. They

would be given a certificate of proficiency, certificate of competency or national certification in their areas of specialization, it added.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said there is no more backlog in textbooks and school furniture.

“We have also procured over one million school chairs so when classes open in June, we would have closed two of the five input

President Aquino (second from left) greets schoolchildren during the launch of the K-12 program in Malacanang Palace. gaps haunting the public school system,” Luistro said.

The President said the government is also striving to address the shortage in classrooms and will push for tablet-based reading materials for public school students.

Aquino said the DepEd was given a P238.8-billion budget this year, or P30 billion higher compared to last year.

The President said these improvements would complement the reformed curriculum and make Filipino students more competitive in the world. n

11 SOLDIERS KILLED IN IFUGAO AMBUSH ELEVEN soldiers, including an Army captain, and a civilian were killed while three others were wounded in an ambush by communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Ifugao province last April 25.

The military said the convoy of soldiers led by Lt. Col. Eugene Batarra of the Army’s 86th Infantry Battalion was attacked by the rebels in Gumhang, Tinoc town.

The soldiers were on their way to their headquarters in Kiangan.

Batarra and several of his men survived the attack. However, his battalion operations officer Capt. Seigfred Kafilas was among those killed.

“This is considered one of the most daring attacks by the NPA in this area in recent years,” he said.

Regional military spokesman Col. Miguel Puyao identified the other slain soldiers as S/Sgt. Torres, Cpl. Lazaro, Pfc. Salud, Pfc. Lakitero, Pfc. Veloria,

Pfc. Dawaton, Pfc. David. Pfc. Naliw, Pfc. Lorenzo, and one Pfc. Sanadan who later died in hospital.

A civilian identified as Aimee Labug was also killed while Jefferson de la Cruz was among the wounded, along with Lt. Nabatias and Pfc. Lopez. It was learned that Labug and De la Cruz were civilian members of the Army brass band.

It was not immediately known if the NPA suffered casualties during the counterattack.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos condemned the attack.

The government last year claimed it had decimated the NPA ranks in the northern mountain regions due to successes on the battlefield and effective community work that turned villagers against the rebels.

Across the Philippines, the military said the NPA has dwindled to just over 4,000 fighters as of 2011 from over 26,000 at the peak of its strength in the 1980s. n

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63% OF PINOYS THINK CORONA HAS HIDDEN WEALTH SIX out of 10 Filipinos believe Chief Justice Renato Corona has hidden wealth, the latest Social Weather Stations survey revealed last April 23.

The survey conducted last March 1013 found 63% of Filipinos agree that Corona has hidden wealth “based on the undeclared money and assets in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN).”

Twenty-four percent of respondents said they were undecided if they agree or disagree with the statement while 12% of respondents said they disagree that Corona has hidden wealth.

The survey showed that 58% of Filipinos believe Corona intended to help former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband to flee the country to elude the charges that she is facing.

Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they believe Corona accepted favors such as discounts for condominiums and plane tickets, 13% said they do not believe while 28% said they were unsure.

The survey said 73% of Filipinos believe the Senate should give a guilty verdict in the impeachment trial against Corona, while 25% said he should be acquitted.

A total of 45% of respondents said a

GOV’T ALLOTS P10-B A YEAR TO CLEAN UP PASIG RIVER

HIGH COURT STOPS PURCHASE OF VOTING MACHINES

THE Supreme Court en banc has issued a temporary restraining order against the purchase by the Commission on Elections of the controversial precinct count optical scan machines used for automated elections.

The high court set a special en banc session for oral arguments on the issue in Manila on May 2.

The Comelec said it remains confident about automating the 2013 elections despite theTRO. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said they understand the decision of the SC and that the TRO is a “protective measure” and not a “judgment on the merits” of their plan to purchase some 80,000 machines from Smartmatic.

But if the SC does decide against them, Jimenez noted that they are prepared to conduct another bidding and have already drawn up terms of reference for this.

He also said only the acquisition of the hardware, software, and consolidation and canvassing system is temporarily stopped; preparations for the bidding of other election-related services, such as ballot boxes, ballot paper, printing and hiring of technical personnel, will continue.

Hidden wealth issue haunts Corona.

People Power revolt should be used to force Corona out of office if he is acquitted in the impeachment trial. Twenty-five percent of respondents said they are unsure if a People Power revolt should be used to remove Corona if he is acquitted while 28% said they oppose a People Power revolt.

Atty. Ramon Esguerra said the respondents had no “concrete evidence” on which to base their opinions and that ousting Mr. Corona would be an act of sedition.

“If media wants to continue creating a perception that [Mr. Corona] is by his detractors’ appreciation damaged goods, so be it,” Mr. Esguerra said. n

An election staff shows how PCOS machine works.

However, Jimenez also stressed that another bidding might not be a realistic solution given the small budget for the elections. “’Yung bidding hindi lang time ang issue, ang issue diyan is money. The question is do we have the money to do this? Meron kami P7 billion na budget pero ang projected cost natin ay P6.8 billion so that would leave very little money left for everything else,” he said.

A new bidding would take at least six months, enough time, he said, for the 2013 polls.

Base on their original plan, of the P7billion budget, between P1.8 billion and P1.9 billion will be allotted to procure the Smartmatic machines.

The rest will be used by the Comelec’s special bids and awards committee to bid out for ballot printing, supply of ballot paper, warehouse rental and hiring of technical personnel, among others.

Jimenez said they hope the SC will decide on the issue quickly because “we are looking at our election calendar.” n

THE Aquino administration is committing P10 billion a year to fund efforts to clean up the Pasig River, according to the head of the body tasked to oversee the project.

“The local and national government set aside P10 billion a year. That’s why it’s good because they’re putting money there,” Regina Paz L. Lopez, chairperson of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) told reporters on the sidelines of a forum organized by the Asian Development Bank on Tuesday.

A cleanup of Pasig River - including all the canals leading to it - is possible in six to seven years provided the national government and local government units (LGUs) that straddle the river, or whose waterways end up there cooperate, Lopez said.

“If everyone works together, six to seven years. You do a little and then when people see the benefits then it will bankroll. If you see Estero de Paco, it’s doing well,” she said.

Citing a study done by PRRC, Lopez said the benefits from the rehabilitation of Estero de Paco could reach up to P23.94 billion in the next 20 years, with the LGU gaining P1.36 billion in taxes. She said land values along the estero could rise to P22.45 billion in the next 20 years.

Lopez said the cleanup of six canals in Manila is underway at a cost of P173.26 million. These include Estero de Aviles, Estero de Uli-Uli, Estero de Quiapo, Estero de San

Sebastian, Estero de Sampaloc, and Estero de Valencia.

Five canals in Tondo, as well as the Guadalupe Nuevo Creek and Balisampan Creek are s n cheduled for cleanup in 2013.

Estero de San Francisco, Estero de Culiat and Pateros-Taguig River would be rehabilitated in 2015, while the Maytunas Creek and Ermitanyo Creek are scheduled on 2016.

Then President Fidel V. Ramos established the PRRC to restore the Pasig River to class C - which means it could sustain life - by 2014.

The river has been diagnosed as biologically dead.

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PH WORLD’S MOST DISASTER-HIT COUNTRY IN 2011 THE number of documented natural disasters in the Philippines surged 50 percent last year, making it the world’s most disaster-hit country in 2011, according to the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC).

In a report, the non-government CDRC said natural disasters last year cost the Philippines P26 billion, displacing a record 15.3 million people - a huge jump from the 6.75 million people in 2010.

Carlos Padolina, CDRC deputy executive director, said the records of the Centre for Research on the

Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) showed that 33 of the 302 natural disasters worldwide occurred in the Philippines.

If human-induced disasters, such as armed conflict and fire were included, the total number of disaster would climb to 431, or more than 50 percent the 202 disasters in 2010.

CDRC said 2011 was the first time in six years that disaster frequency surged, reversing a downtrend through 2005.

It said the 15.3 million people displaced by disasters last year

exceeded the previous record of 14.5 million in 2006.

CDRC said tropical cyclones explained the jump in the number of displaced people. It cited typhoon Reming in 2006 and tropical storm Ondoy in 2009.

«When it comes to combined data on natural and humaninduced disasters, the 2011 figures far exceeded the 2010 human impact data. Even if compared to the 2009 figures, which included tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng, the number of affected population

Disasters cost the country P26 billion last year.

in 2011 is still much higher at 15.3 million,» CDRC said.

Flooding was the top disaster with 121 incidents or 28 percent of the total number, followed by fire, 98; earthquakes, 78; landslides, 66; and tornadoes, 23.

«Tropical cyclones may not have made it to the top five most frequent disasters, but it affected the most number of people. At least 10.3 million people were affected in 2011,» CDRC said.

Natural disasters displaced the most number of people at 10.5 million or 69 percent of the total number displaced.

Human-induced disasters, namely armed conflict, fire, and development aggression affected 121,970 people one percent of the total disasteraffected population. n

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