M - LM Confidential

L.M.Confidential
ittle
anila
SEPTEMBER 2012
UNITED NATIONS VOICES
OPINION ON DIVISIVE RH BILL
UN BOOSTS
PRO-RH
AQUINO
MANILA, Philippines — Saying there is no better time than
now, the United Nations on Sunday urged Philippine policymakers to pass the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill.
“Current circumstances present this opportunity, and it is in
the hands of policy-makers to make it happen,” the UN said
in its statement on the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive
Health, and Population and Development Act Bill.
The measure has become a highly divisive issue in Congress.
On Monday, the House of Representatives will decide whether to
vote on the bill or shelve it.
On July 28, about 10,000 people attended the Catholic
Church-led prayer rally at the EDSA Shrine to oppose the
passage of the measure.
The UN statement is seen as big boost to President Benigno S.
Aquino III, a staunch advocate of the measure.
THen, on August 5 the President met with 150 congressmen
in a final effort to convince them to support the RH bill.
According to the UN, reproductive health “is not about
population numbers” but “about ensuring a life of health and
dignity.”
“Issues around the reproductive health bill have been addressed
and clarified for over a decade now,” the UN pointed out. “Time
spent discussing these issues repeatedly is measured by the lives
of the 15 women we lose to maternal deaths every day.”
The bill seeks to make it mandatory for the government to
provide free contraceptives.
Besides free contraception, it would also give the poor
preferential access to family planning services in state hospitals,
PASS RH BILL
continued on page 19
Sisters Making Waves
Toronto’s Maria Panaligan, 14, is all smiles as she listens to the judges during the elimination round of the CNE Rising
Star Talent Competition and advances to the next round. Maria, who has been singing in community events and
performing with Philippine artists won the Eastern finals of the ABS’ TFCKat contest held at PIDC’s Mabuhay festival at
the Metro Toronto Convention Centre last July.
Sotto Acting Above the law - BLOGGER
Sarah Pope: Think of Sotto in elections
PHOTO BY NOLI GUMAPAC
Sisters Anne Marie Princess and Angeline Guzman, daughters of
Doctor Solon and Josephine Guzman perform the Hawaiian dance
at the Filipinos Making Waves Festival at Yonge-Dundas Square.
SEPTEMBER 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Senator Tito Sotto is
acting like he is above the law by plagiarizing
someone else’s work with impunity, an American
blogger said.
Sarah Pope, in a telephone interview from Florida
with Tina Monzon-Palma on ANC’s “The World
Tonight,” reminded Sotto about copyright law amid
allegations that the senator’s staff copied one of
her blog posts verbatim and without permission for
Sotto’s speech against the reproductive health bill.
“He is acting as though he’s above the law, that
he is above copyright law, that he can do whatever
he wants, he can step on whoever he wants, to get
his agenda through the Philippine legislature,” Pope
SOTTO
.
.
continued
on page 2
L M Confidential
1
Filipino sa Canada
SOTTO
from page 1
Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation
Donates $10,000 for the Poor
said.
“That’s just wrong, that’s poor
very behavior. I hope the Filipino
people great note of this behavior
and subsequent denial on his bad
behavior on the part of Senator Sotto.
Think about this when they go to
the election booths when he’s up for
reelection,” she added.
The Web is not ‘public domain’
US tech and legal experts have
clarified that the Web is not “public
domain.”
Intellectual property rights are
protected by Republic Act No. 8293
Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) officers with Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver (2ND FROM LEFT) donate $10,000 to
ANCOP during the Walk for Life event alst month.
Sarah Pope, author of a blog post that was
allegedly plagiarized by Sen. Tito Sotto.
(Photo from Ms. Pope’s Facebook profile
page)
Rosemer Enverga, Gie Alvarez and Sheila Canizares poses with CP24
Newscaster Melissa Grelo (2ND FROM RIGHT).
True to its promise and the success of
various events of the Philippine Canadian
Charitable Foundation, the organization
has allocated donations to various charities
and worthy Causes. Ten Thousand dollars,
the first of its donations goes to the
Building of Houses for the Poor through
ANCOP President Temi Pangilinan explains an issue with
PCCF’s Rosemer Enverga.
ANCOP or Answering the Cry of the
poor. PCCF President Jimmy Marasigan
led the delegation that includes Miss
Philippines Canada Alev Usta, runner
ups Mary Quilao & Meghan Garvida,
Mrs. Philippines Canada June Javier and
Little Miss Philippines Canada runner
up Kiana Craig. Joining the walk includes
EVP Rosemer Enverga, VP Romy Rafael,
Officers: , Lita & Tony Leano, Alain &
Sheila Canizares, Mrs Philippines Canada
2011 Noemi Milanes, Gie Alvarez, Bing
Marasigan, Rebecca Rafael, and Jun
Enverga.
PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY COUNCIL
ABS Stars save Mabuhay
MANILA, Philippines – The combined
star wattage of Sam Milby, Nikki Gil and
Randy “Mr. Shades” Santiago proved to be a
saving grace for the Mabuhay festival.
There was a bit of noticeably less crowd
this year at the Mabuhay Festival.
“Supervisor na nga ako. Pagala-gala (I am
already the supervisor of the festival. I walk
around),” said Mel Galeon, co-owner of
FV foods, one of the food providers of the
festival. He meant that he can wallk away
from their booth because it wasn’t so busy.
“Nasaan ang mga tao (Where are
the people),” blurted FV co-owner Flor
Vendiola, to Evelyn Pagkalinawan who
dropped by to have her hundred-dollar bill
broken down.
The festival started with a mass. It’s
probably what they would calla anticipated
2
mass so people do not have to go to mass on
Sunday anymore.
But the real start to the festival is the
Santacruzan where PIDC beauties parade
before the crowd. it is usually a celebration
held in May in the Philippines. But this
being in Toronto, we stretch the celebration
of the Santacruzan and Independence Day
for the whole summer.
“This is the only city where independence
day lasts for two months,” observed the new
Consul General Juniver Mahilum-West.
Afterwards, the day is filled by
performances by different groups and
performers. In the afternoon, cultural
groups like Culture Philippines of Ontario
and Fiesta Filipina performed traditional
dances from the Philippines.
Then, there was the Original Pilipino
Music portion where old songs, mostly from
the 80’s in the Philippines is performed by
different entertainers from the community.
It was followed by MODA, a fashion
show highlighting the different designs by
Filipino designers of traditional Philippine
clothes and dresses.
Finally, the portion everyone was waiting
for. The ABS stars make their appearance.
It is always started by the person most
able to host their portion and keep the
crowd entertained. In this case, it is Randy
Santiago who opened their portion. He was
great as a host. He kept he crowd laughing
without resorting to insults. He also hosted
the TFCKat portion, a contest for singers
which was won by ayoung 14-year old
MABUHAY
continued on page 13
L. M. Confidential
in the Philippines. In the United
States, plagiarism is a criminal
offense on both the state and federal
levels.
While classic works such as those
made by Shakespeare and Beethoven
are now public domain, a lot of
online content are under copyright
protection.
“The public domain is not a
place. A work of authorship is in
the ‘public domain’ if it is no longer
under copyright protection or if it
failed to meet the requirements for
copyright protection. Works in the
public domain may be used freely
without the permission of the former
copyright owner,” according to the
US Copyright Office.
RA 8293 in the Philippines also
requires either full attribution of the
original source or creator of protected
content, or the author’s prior written
consent to reuse published works that
“are made available to the public by
wire or wireless means.”
Pope, who writes mainly about food
recipes, said her blog is copyrighted.
“If you go to my blog, there’s a
copyright notice there. That’s very
clear. While a blog is meant to be
shared, it’s meant to be shared with
proper credit given to those that do
the work to get that great information
out there,” she said.
Sotto’s chief of staff, Atty. Hector
Villacorta, said that the senator can’t
be sued because the Internet is “public
domain,” governments are allegedly
exempted from copyright rules, and
the senator enjoys parliamentary
immunity as a legislator.
He also claimed Pope is just
reacting after her sensitivities were
offended.
Sotto also earlier denied copying
the blogger’s work, only for his chief
of staff to later admit to the act.
‘Running with tail behind legs’
SOTTO
continued next page
SEPTEMBER 2012
“If Sotto apologize, I will put it in my
blog and this would be over.”
The Sotto camp’s statements have
triggered a fierce backlash from the
American blogger.
“[Sotto’s] behavior following the
incident has been even worse. By
denying and trying to hide behind his
government immunity, which should be
an embarassment to himself,” Pope said.
“When you try to hide behind your
government immunity, that shows you’ve
been backed into a corner and you have
no more cards to play. You know you are
wrong and you’re just trying to run away
with your tail between your legs,” she
added.
“What Senator Sotto should have done
is say ‘Ugh, we made a mistake. Yes
proper credit should have been given for
this information that was taken illegally
from my blog and plagiarized from my
blog, we made a mistake we are sorry and
can we move on,’” Pope said.
“You know what, if he had just said he
was sorry and said he was wrong and that
it was a mistake and that he should have
given proper credit to my blog then we
wouldn’t even be talking right now,” she
said.
Pope said plagiarism is a problem in
the blogging community.
“It’s something I talk to friends who
blog about all the time. Our material is
being taken without our consent. It is a
tremendous problem,” she said.
Journalist and blogger Raissa Robles
said Sotto copied from not just Pope but
4 other bloggers, as well as a briefing
paper.
Filipino novelist Miguel Syjuco,
winner the 2008 Man Asian Literary
Prize, also said Sotto “lifted, verbatim,
from three sources easily found online”
for his second speech against the RH bill.
Pope said US bloggers can report
plagiarism incidents to proper authorities.
However, Sotto’s act is a different matter.
“Typically those websites that
took your information illegally, that
information is removed. But in the case
of a senator who is a public figure he is
an elective representative of the people,
he’s elected to protect the people and
represent the best interest of the people.
And yet he is acting as thought he’s
above the law,” she said.
‘Sotto should apologize’
She said the issue can be settled by a
letter signed by the Sotto apologizing and
admitting the plagiarism.
“Absolutely, absolutely. If he would
send me a sincere, not the ridiculous
insulting rude comment that his chief of
staff posted on my blog yesterday, which
should be an embarassment to his office,
if he, Senator Sotto writes a sincere letter
of apology saying ‘this was a mistake,
we apologize,’ I would post that on my
blog,” she said.
“Send me that letter of apology I’ll post
that on my blog and we can consider this
issue done,” Pope added.
SEPTEMBER 2012
Committee to prepare state
funeral for Robredo
August 21, 2012 3:51pm
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on
Tuesday issued Memorandum Circular No.
36 creating an inter-agency committee that
will handle
arrangements
for the state
funeral of the
late Interior
and Local
Government
Secretary
Jesse Robredo,
whose death
was announced
earlier in the
day.
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa,
Jr. signed the memorandum creating a
Committee on Funeral Arrangements and
Burial.
Robredo was with three others in a Piper
Seneca plane going to Naga from Cebu on
Saturday when the aircraft went down in the
waters off Masbate.
Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas
announced the recovery of Robredo’s remains
early Tuesday.
“It is fitting and proper that the State
renders honor to the late Secretary of
the Interior and Local Government,
commensurate with the people’s affection and
admiration for him,” the memorandum stated.
“These honors and all forms of official
recognition must be done with law, wishes
of the bereaved family of the late Secretary,
and the fullest participation of the agencies
he headed and the people he represented,” it
continued.
Among the agencies that will compose
the committee for Robredo’s state
L. M. Confidential
funeral are the Office of the Executive
Secretary, the Presidential Management
Staff, the Department of the Interior
and Local Government, the Presidential
Communications Development and Strategic
Planning Office (PCDSPO), the Office
of the Presidential Spokesperson, and the
Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Other agencies involved are the Philippine
National Police, the Office of Presidential
Protocol, the Malacañang Social Office, the
Appointments Office, and the Presidential
Security Group.
The memorandum also said the committee
may call on the support of other government
agencies as well as non-government
organizations and groups in the private sector
if necessary. The Office of the Presidential
Spokesperson issued a statement saying
the arrangements will be in line with the
country’s laws as well as with the wishes of
Robredo’s family.
In a briefing early Tuesday, Roxas said
Robredo’s body was found 800 meters from
the shore of Masbate at a depth of 180 feet
inside the fuselage of the plane.
Retrieval operations for the remains of
pilot Jessup Bahinting and co-pilot Kshitiz
Chand are ongoing.
Robredo’s aide Senior Inspector Jun
Abrasado was the only survivor, and was
rescued from the plane shortly after it
crashed.
The government set up a tribute page
in its Official Gazette in honor of Robredo
earlier in the day. In the page, testimonials of
gratitude towards the late Interior Secretary
as well as messages of sympathy for those he
left behind may be posted.
3
Faces from the Past
DO YOU REMEMBER THEM?
Naku ha! by Jose Baking
LittleManilaConfidential.com
Summer-long Festivals
Is it our excuse to eat and party?
Flooding Left and Right
Year in and year out, it always floods in the Philippines. Hindi na
na-solve iyang problem na iyan. Politicians always have an excuse. It’s
the squatters. It’s the flood equipment. The Philippines is below sea
level. The Philippines throw garbage everywhere. Well, why do they
not enforce the laws to prevent this problems from growing? If you
see a squatter, stop him from building. If you let one build a shanty,
another one will build and so forth until dumami na hindi ba? Then,
kapag dumami, you make it an issue. In fact, some of the problems are
the authorities themselves. There was a law that you cannot build a
building beside a river. Guess who builds a 5-story apartment beside
it? Pulis daw. I will not say the location of the building.
Facebook Like
Just because your facebook friends “like” what you wrote in your wall
does not mean they read it. Others were just cajoled into clicking
“like” so that they do not have to comment anymore. And others who
comment that they love or like it does not mean they agree with it. I
asked one person why they clicked like on what somebody wrote on a
wall. The person said that when they see each other, the friend says that
that he or she does not read the wall. So, instead of giving a coment,
the friend just clicked like isntead of commenting even though the
friend did not read the posting. It is the equivalent of saying “oh I
see,” when you are face to face with the persona nd then leave it at that.
Obsession with Food
Apaprently, the reason we have so many celebrations is our way of
indulging in the North Amercan pastime - eating. It has nothing to
do with celebrating independence or our culture. It is more to do with
indulging in eating and we found an excuse. It is no big deal. We are
just joining our Canadian and American’s fascination with food. Am
I complaining? Of course not. The more festivals, the better. Ano sa
palagay ninyo? Hindi ba?
Famous for 15 Minutes
Some guy is now gettiing his 15 minutes of fame courtesy of a cellphone
when he assaulted a traffic cop in the Philippines. He allegedly ran a
red light. Philip Morris - yes, the international cigarette company - his
employer was dragged in the news. The company has suspended him
even though he was not doing company duties when he assaulted the
traffic policeman.
PHL lends $1B to Bailout
Is the Philippines acting rich by lending $1B to bailout the rich
European countries who find themselves in a fiscal mess becasue
of the generosity of their social programs? Canada’s Prime Minister
Harper wisely refused to lend a single cent unless the European
countries practice self-control
on their generous programs
like their pensions. Canada
can afford to ignore them.
Canada does not rely on the
International Monetary Fund
on a regular basis. Apparently,
the IMF is Euro-centric,
meaning controlled pala ito
ng mga Europeans. Did the
Philippines have a choice? The
Philippines keep asking for a
loan from the IMF on a regular
basis. If we did not contribute,
will they loan us again in the
future? Baka hindi.
Reputation Intact
Dolphy died with his
reputation intact. He did no
get into politics even though he
has been asked to run several
times. He always answered,” it
is easy to run. But what if you
win?” The only reputation he
kept was that he loved women
and took care of them. Does
it really matter if he did not
get the National Artist of the
Philippines award? He made
the people laugh and forget
their problems and that is all
that matters.
End Debate
Apparently, some pople are
complaining that PNoy bullied
the House of Representatives
to end the debate on the RH
bill. Sus ginoo naman. Ten
years na yata ang debate na
iyan. I think it’s about time to
end it and vote on it.
Ronald Allan Poe y
Kelley[1] (August 20, 1939
– December 14, 2004),
better known as Fernando
Poe, Jr. and colloquially
known as FPJ and Da King,
was a Filipino actor. He
did not complete high
school but went on to
win numerous awards and
prizes as an actor and
film director. During the
latter part of his career,
he unsuccessfully ran for
President of the Philippines
in the 2004 presidential
election
against
the
incumbent president Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.
He was posthumously
declared National Artist of
the Philippines for Film on
23 May 2006 by President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The award was confirmed
by President Benigno
Aquino III on 20 July 2012,
and given on 16 August.
Maria Panaligan wins
TFCkat Eastern Finals
LEFT, Grandpa Amador happily hugs grand-daughter Maria Panaligan
who won the TFCKat Eastern Finals. RIGHT, Jezriel Martinez poses with
Maria Panaligan.
Submit ads & press releases by
Sept 17 for the October 2012 issue.
..
L M Confidential
ittle
Maria Panaligan (MIDDLE) poses with ABS star Nikki Gil Singing Contest
along with uncle Jun Tenorio, mom Genelie and Ariel martinez.
anila
EDITOR: Jose Baking
TEL: 416-945-2336
FAX: 416-363-2088
EMAIL:
[email protected]
PUBLISHED BY:
Match International Group
CORRESPONDENTS:
Froilan Baking
Noli Gumapac
Raymond Santos
NOTICE
The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Little Manila Confidential only not for other publications. The exception
applies if the advertising material was supplied by the advertiser.
www.joeybaking.com
www.FilipinoGoodLife.com
www.LittleManilaConfidential.com
4
L. M. Confidential
Maria Panaligan (2ND FROM LEFT) poses with ABS star Sam Milby, uncle
Jun Tenorio, Samantha Soeuk and Ariel Martinez.
SEPTEMBER 2012
LAUGH
RESORT
Si Juan nakikipag kwentuhan kay
Pedro ang biglang sabi niya..
Juan: Pedro may nakalimutan
akong sabihin sa iyo.
Pedro: Ano un??
Juan: Nakalimutan ko nga ehh.
Honeymoon
Hon: Love, ngayon na ba natin
gagawin?
Lalake: oo naman, e di ba sinabing
honeymoon?
Hon: Dahan dahan lang ha?
Array!!
Lalake: hmmm…. Matagal ko itong
hinihintay… ang angkinin ka…
Hon: dahan dahan sabi eh!...
Array ang sakit naman!!!!!
Lalake: (nagalit) hon naman para
namang hindi sampu anak mo
bago tayo magpakasal!!! Drama
mo!!!
Honey
In Hebrew, her name
means “My God is a
vow.” Her talents are
dancing, singing, and
acting. Her favorite
Filipino foods are KareKare, Sinigang, Chicken
Adobo, Halo-Halo, Taho,
Sago at gulaman. Her
ambition is to Keep God
in my heart and becoming
an Early Childhood
Educator in the near
future. We wish her all the
luck.
PHOTO BY NOLI
GUMAPAC
A simple match thrown into the
wastebasket grew into a huge
fire at Malacanang Palace. His
bodyguard pulls him out of his
office and Erap says “What’s
going on?”
Bodyguard replies, “SIR, FIRE!
FIRE! LET’S GO, THE FIRE
EXIT IS TO YOUR RIGHT SIR”.
Erap turns left instead and
the guard, realizing Erap is not
behind him, turns around and
grabs him by the arm, “SIR,
THE FIRE EXIT IS THE OTHER
WAY!”
Erap says, “Ay, hindi ba
lumalabas and apoy sa fire exit?”
(“Isn’t that where the fire exits
the building
shot
Jesse says JM is a
special friend
Jessy Mendiola feels flattered JM de
Guzman openly admires her, but says she
doesn’t want to rush things.
“It’s so nice of him and very brave of him
to say that. I feel very flattered and happy
na galing iyon sa kanya na sinasabi niya
sa lahat ng tao. Para sa akin, siguro naman
na clear enough (na nangliligaw siya) na
nagsasalita siya sa mga ibang tao,” Jessy
said at the press conference of her new
movie “The Reunion.”
She adds, “Para sa akin, kung ano man
ang meron kami ngayon, pagkakaibigan
man, him as a suitor, me as friend, siguro I
would like to keep it that way first kasi my
priority is my work.”
Jessy further describes JM as passionate.
“Pero siya kasi, sabihin na nating intense,
mapusok siya sa mga sinasabi niya, sa
feelings niya.”
Jessy shared that when it comes to guys,
she doesn’t have any physical preference.
“Wala akong ideal man. Lahat naman ng
babae gusto nila is mabait, understanding.
Sa akin siguro, sa physical attributes, minsan
nagkakacrush ako sa maputi, moreno. So,
wala naman akong preference.”
Eliza Tongol
Real score
What’s the real score between her and
JM?
“He’s a special friend. He’s a special
person, not only for me, but also for our
friends.”
100,000 Slum Folk Must Go
Relocation urgent for Flood Control to Work - ROBREDO
MANILA, Philippines -The squatters’
colonies blocking major waterways in
Metro Manila will soon be but a bad
memory.
Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said
the national government was planning to
relocate some 100,000 informal settlers
living near danger zones in Metro Manila.
He said shanties and other illegal
structures built along creeks, canals and
other waterways would be dismantled to
allow the construction of flood-mitigating
systems.
Robredo also said the target is to
complete relocation within five years.
Monte, Bulacan province, Tanay and Baras,
Rizal province.
Relocation site flooded
A total of 979 families, who were earlier
relocated from Tondo to Rodriguez, Rizal,
just before last week’s monsoon rains, were
also affected by floods and had to be moved
to higher ground.
“I have directed the NHA to determine
whether or not to totally abandon the site.
If it is still suitable for residential purposes,
we need to come up with measures to
mitigate flooding in the area,” Binay said.
P10-billion for relocation
Robredo said an interagency body tasked
with finding a solution to the perennial
problem of flooding in Metro Manila had
asked President Aquino to earmark P10
billion for the relocation project.
But Robredo acknowledged that the
interagency body was having difficulties
finding the areas where the affected
residents would be transferred, noting that
the law mandated permanent shelters to
the relocated informal settlers.
Robredo said the interagency body had
found an area in Pasay City where the
government could construct permanent
housing units.
State-owned lands
Poor always blamed
WATERWAY HAZARDS Shanties hug the floodway banks in Pasig City. In the background are the
high-rise condominiums of Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City. The government has announced it is ready
to relocate residents living along the waterways of the metropolis.
State-owned properties registered with
the National Housing Authority (NHA)
and the Government Service Insurance
System may also be used as resettlement
areas, Robredo said.
“The challenge is for the government
to ensure that these solutions to the flood
problem would be fully implemented
because we cannot just turn our back and
abandon the projects,” he said.
Robredo said the government had
started the bidding process for the first
SEPTEMBER 2012
9,000 housing units for those who would
be displaced from priority areas.
“Even before the flooding caused by
the recent monsoon rains happened, the
interagency council was already doing its
task,” he said.
Medium-rise buildings (MRBs) will
soon be constructed in viable sites in Metro
Manila to serve as permanent relocation
sites for informal settlers, according to Vice
President Jejomar Binay.
Binay said the families would be moved
to resettlement houses in San Jose del
L. M. Confidential
Lamenting that the poor were always
blamed for the flooding, Murphy said he
was willing to do a joint inspection of the
dwellers along esteros (estuaries) with
government officials, and count families
blocking the waterways.
“I think no more than 10,000 families
had to be moved for the sake of flooding,”
he said. “We can go together, and look at
each estero. Do these people have to be
moved? If they don’t, can their housing be
improved? If they have to be moved, OK,
move them.”
Denis Murphy, a Jesuit priest and
RELOCATION
continued on page 19
5
Philippines
Durham Invitational Basketball
Tournament (DIBT)
School bans Muslim Hijab
+ Pilot, Stewardess file Complaints vs PDEA Agents
ZAMBOANGA: A Catholic-run
school in the southern Philippines has
caused controversy by banning Muslim
students from wearing the hijab
headscarf.
Mehol Sadain, who heads the
National Commission on Muslim
Filipinos, said that he had written to
Pilar College in the mixed MuslimChristian port city of Zamboanga to
demand it reverse its policy.
While the school was right to claim
it could exercise academic freedom,
Sadain said that it should do so with
“justice and fair play”.
“Pilar College should realize that
while educational institutions can
formulate their own policies, the same
should not run counter to existing laws
and state policies,” Sadain said.
The complaint has reached the local
city council, which asked the school to
reply to the allegations.
The school is believed to be the
first in the Philippines to enforce an
outright ban on wearing the hijab.
Sadain noted that an education
department policy states that Muslim
girls should be allowed to wear their
head coverings in school and be
exempted from non-Muslim religious
rites.
But the school, run by the
Congregation of the Religious of the
Virgin Mary, said in its letter to the
council that it could not “deviate” from
its Catholic leanings.
It said that students from other
religions were welcome to enroll but
must strictly follow its non-hijab policy.
“Rules and regulations are explained
to them, particularly the non-wearing
of the hijab or veil,”
the school said.
“This is part of
academic freedom
in connection with
which the school has
the right to choose
whom to teach,” it
said.
It was not clear
what
percentage
of students were
Muslim but it is
fairly
common
that
children
from
different
denominations or religions mix at
school in the mainly Catholic but
largely tolerant Philippines.
Education department officials in
Manila were not available for comment.
More than 80 percent of the Philippines’
nearly 100 million population are
Catholic, while Muslims form a large
minority in the south of the country.
Stewardess supports ‘Pilot’
versus PDEA Agents
TAGUIG: The alleged pilot who
was reportedly nabbed by agents of the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
(PDEA) for selling illegal drugs has
turned the table against his tormentors
whom he accused of planting of
evidence and of robbery.
In a letter to the PDEA chief dated
July 26, 2012 and copy furnished to
the Office of the President and the
Ombudsman, Rioklyn Toledo has
requested PDEA to conduct an indepth investigation into his allegations
that his arresting officers headed by
Intelligence Officer 2 Joseph Samson
planted the evidence against him and
stole his cash and other valuables.
“How can there be a buy-bust
operation wherein the alleged poseur
buyer himself stated in his affidavit that
the alleged sale happened inside the
Izumi Bar yet I was arrested outside
the said bar after the alleged buy-bust
operation?” Toledo asked.
“If his claim is true, I should have
been arrested right then and there
pursuant to the rule on inflagrante
delicto,” he added. He was referring
to Darwin Reed who acted as poseurbuyer.
According to Toledo, he was with
more or less 18 friends inside Izumi bar
who are all willing to attest that there
was no buy-bust operation. The security
personnel of the said bar, he said, are
also willing to support his claim.
“My arresting officers did not even
mention that when they arrested me,
I was with a woman who insisted in
coming with me to the office of the
Pdea in Quezon City,” He further said.
Toledo claimed that “my arresting
officers robbed me of my belongings,”
namely: A licensed .45 caliber pistol, a
.22 caliber pistol, P116,000 cash, Apple
laptop computer, Samsonite bag, ATM
card, Rayban and Oakley sunglasses,
among others.
“In fact, before my arresting officers
finally brought me to their office, they
drove us around Quezon City and
when they were able to find an ATM
booth, they withdrew my money from
Union Bank against my will,” Toledo
further alleged.
He added that he is now being
threatened by his arresting officers not
to file any complaint against them.
For her part, Toledo’s older sister,
Dolly, claimed that the Pdea agents
were asking P500,000 from them in
exchange for her brother’s freedom.
“According to my sister-in-law, the
agents asked for P500,000 but since
she could not give the entire amount,
the agents agreed to get a P100,000
advance,” Dolly said.
The Toledos claimed they will file
formal charges against the PDEA.
A 26-year-old flight stewardess has
backed up claims that agents of the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
(PDEA) had actually “framed” a pilot
who was also divested of his cash and
belongings before being arrested last
month for allegedly selling shabu.
In an affidavit dated July 28, 2012,
Carla Flora Reyes, who works as a cabin
crew of a local airline for four years
already, also claimed that PDEA agents
manhandled Capt. Rioklyn Toledo
while one even took lewd advances by
forcing her to kiss him.
Girls division finals MVP: team OSU Jesyca Estavillo
Bantam division champions: team Philcan.
Juvenile division MVP: team C-Six Owen Graham.
Open division finals MVP: Durham Blue Julian Barrera
LBC Cargo supports ANCOP Walk for Life
Bantam division finals MVP: Philcan Brandon Ramirez
LBC Cargo and Remittance showed their support for ANCOP Walk for Life last month at Nathan Philips Square.
6
L. M. Confidential
Girls division runner-up: team Vaughn All Stars
SEPTEMBER 2012
You want to talk to God?
Call center agents fight stress with humor, lots of patience
MANILA- A day after the controversial
Manny Pacquiao victory over Mexican Juan
Manuel Marquez on November 12, 2011,
a call center agent in Manila handling a
foreign satellite television account got a call
from someone he suspected to be Mexican.
The irate caller was complaining that he
had been unable to view the match because
he couldn’t get a satellite signal, and
demanded a refund.
Jep, the call center agent, knew that it
would be difficult to verify the claim. He
remembered receiving similar complaints
a day after Pacquiao’s earlier fight with
another Mexican boxer.
Conscious that the Mexican caller may
have been devastated by Marquez’s defeat,
Jep tried in the most polite way to tell the
caller that a refund was out of the question.
The Mexican, however, was adamant.
After almost an hour of a wearying
exchange, Jep offered a compromise. He
promised the customer a 10 percent rebate
applicable if he purchases Pacquiao’s next
pay-per-view match. The Mexican agreed.
Happy with what seemed like a good
deal, the Mexican customer then asked,
“When is the next fight of Pacquiao that I
can watch?”
Jep replied, “That is still being negotiated,
sir. Thank you and have a good day.”
Quick thinking, loads of patience, and an
ample sense of humor are important coping
mechanisms call center agents rely on in
dealing with all sorts of unseen clients from
different parts of the world with different
cultures and accents.
Business process outsourcing (BPO)
voice services such as call or contact centers
make up 70 percent of the industry in the
Philippines and employ about 350,000,
according to 2010 statistics of the Contact
Center Association of the Philippines. The
BPO industry is expected to grow to 1.3
million jobs with $25 billion in revenue in
the next couple of years.
The Philippines is the acknowledged
global leader in the BPO industry, a fact
attributed to Filipinos possessing the
qualities needed to deal with a job as
demanding as being a call center agent.
One way Filipinos maintain rapport
with callers is by adopting neutral or
“Americanized” names, especially for
U.S. accounts. American callers are
SEPTEMBER 2012
BPO Filipino
more comfortable
workers in their
addressing people by
stations deal with
their first names.
the whole world.
Chris, a 30-year-old
quality analyst for a
big call center in Ortigas, explains that this
promotes easy rapport and a connection
with customers that help both call center
agent and caller be more comfortable
conversing with each other.
Thus, call center agents in the Philippines
have no problems assuming “Americanized”
names—Pedro can be “Peter,” or Pablo
“Paul.”
Manuel, a 33-year old call center agent
in Makati handling a telecom account in
the U.S., was put on the spot when one
customer who wanted to commend him
L. M. Confidential
for a job well done asked for his real name.
Manuel assumed the call name “Ben.” The
foreign customer on the other line said,
“Ben, you did such a good job handling my
concern. Your boss ought to know. Please
allow me to commend you. What’s your full
name, Ben?”
Manuel didn’t see that coming, yet he
wanted to sound natural and spontaneous,
and at that moment only one person came
to mind. He quickly replied. “Benigno.”
The customer went on to ask, “And your
last name?” He could only think of one
surname that matched that. He replied,
“Aquino.”
“Benigno Aquino it is,” the caller
conceded.
Confidentiality agreements between
call centers and their clients or principals
come in different forms. One example is
the provision on non-disclosure of the call
center agents’ locations. This works well in
cases where callers exhibit racism, bias or
discrimination towards certain countries or
nationalities.
A call center agent from Iloilo City, in
one of those night shifts, recalled how
he survived an irate American customer.
The customer, obviously a techie, was
not satisfied with the preset and scripted
troubleshooting guides the call center agent
was reading out from a computer.
The customer demanded to know
from which country the help desk was
outsourced. This was in January 2010 and at
TALK TO GOD
continued on page 23
7
LMC History
JEWISH-PHILIPPINE RELATIONS
Jews honor Manuel L. Quezon
on his 134th birthday
Zeneida “Nini” Quezon Avanceña, daughter of former
President Manuel L. Quezon.
As the country commemorates the 134th birthday
today, August 19, of Manuel L. Quezon, he is also honored
by thousands of Jewish families who have survived and
prospered because they found a home in Manila at the
darkest time in their history as a race.
It was a point of no return.
German and Austrian Jews—1,200 of them—narrowly
escaped Adolf Hitler’s gas chambers just before the
German dictator rounded up 6 million Jews who were
eventually tortured and murdered in his concentration
camps.
“The mob was screaming bloody murder: ‘Kill the
Jews!’” recalls child refugee to Manila John Odenheimer
who saw Nazi storm troopers rampaging through their
Jewish neighborhood.
“We caught the last train out of Berlin, they closed
the border after us,” recalls German refugee Guenther
Leopold, whose house was smashed and ransacked by
Nazi soldiers. “There was nothing left (but broken) glass
on the floors.”
The year was 1940. On the other side of the world,
a Filipino leader opened his country to fleeing Jewish
refugees when no other country would take them.
President Quezon opened the Philippines’ doors to up
to 10,000 Jewish refugees.
“We went to the Philippines because it was the only
place that gave us a visa,” recalled Harry Brauer, one of the
Jews who escaped captivity, during that black period of
ignorance and anti-Semitism.
The German and Austrian Jews were given visas to
work in Manila.
“Other countries did not
think [saving the Jews] was that
important, I don’t presume to say,”
said Quezon’s daughter Zeneida
Quezon Avanceña. “But I know
dad had the moral courage to do it
because he believed in the sanctity
of human life and the right of
people to live as they believe they
should.”
The dramatic rescue plan for the
Jews was devised by three men who
mapped out a strategy over weekend
nights playing poker and smoking
cigars. They were: Quezon, who
would sanction the Jews’ official
entry and even donate his own land
in Marikina and Mindanao for
their settlements; American High
Commissioner to the Philippines
Paul McNutt, who risked his
political career convincing US
government officials to issue thousands of working visas
for Jews to the Philippines; and Herbert Frieder and his
sons, owners of the Philippine-based Helena Cigar and
Cigarette Factory, who provided jobs in their factory for
the Jews, raised money to transport them to Manila, found
them housing and schools for their children.
‘Open Doors’ monument
Quezon was the President of the first democracy in the
“Far East,” extending safety and liberty to the Jews who
would set up the first democracy and Bible-believing state
in the Middle East.
The tradition of freedom of worship and support for
the biblical “chosen people” would manifest again seven
years later when the Philippines became the only Asian
nation to vote in the United Nations for the partition of
Palestine and the recreation of the state of Israel. Many of
the refugees to Manila eventually resettled in Israel.
The Filipinos and Quezon are honored in Israel by
an attractive and imposing “Open Doors” monument
in Rishon Lezion Memorial Park just off Tel Aviv built
in 2009. It commemorates the historic and spiritual ties
between two peoples scattered among the nations, united
by their commitment to freedom, humanitarian principles
and faith in the God of the Bible.
The story of the Jews’ dramatic escape from the
Holocaust and their resettlement in the Philippines
is recorded in the book “Escape to Manila,” written by
refugee Frank Ephraim. A film that records that modernday Exodus, titled “Rescue in the Philippines,” is being
produced by Frieder Films and 3 Roads Communications,
a preview of which will be shown on “The 700 Club Asia”
on GMA News TV during a “Special Focus on Israel”
beginning on September 15.
‘Moral courage’
Durham Invitational Basketball Tournament (DIBT)
FV FOODS
BATHURST
MOVING TO A NEW
AND A BIGGER
PLACE…
TORONTO - The grass on the other side of the
fence looks greener to us, and a change of place
seems like the most capable path for growth and
development. With our goal in serving communities
with a wide array of competitive and best products,
convenient access and unsurpassed customer
service, FV Foods pull up stakes and move to a new
place.
Because of our desire to reach everyone, there
is a need for us to upgrade our facilities and
equipments. FV Foods Bathurst branch will be moving
to its new location. Our new home is located at 280
Wilson Avenue (formerly Marky’s Restaurant and
Deli ). This place is bigger and better as we feature
state-of-the-art facilities, ample parking and of
course more luscious and delicious foods.
FV Foods Bathurst is known to be a maker of
quality Filipino breads, cakes and pastries, kakanin
such as turon, sapin-sapin, halo-halo and other
Filipino foods and delicacies. We also have other
products like noodles, soy sauce, vinegar, sardines,
chips, and frozen products (ice cream, tocino, tapa,
longganisa and galunggong). You can also buy
frying pan, native broom, llanera and beauty and
health products coming from the Philippines.
Our concept is essential in today’s food and
beverages environment. FV Foods continues to enjoy
strong demand from Filipinos and other nationalities
based in Canada. Our operations remain strong.
We are going to live in our mission of providing our
customers with quality food and excellent service.
We are committed in reaching our customers as we
live in our tradition on delivering products on its
finest.
And now as we move on to our new place, we will
offer a complete dining experience that includes
outstanding service, wonderful food items, and nice
and cozy ambience. You will surely love our best
seller viands like beef caldereta, bopis, dinuguan,
paksiw na lechon, bicol express and many more.
In additional amenities that will make your event/
party a memorable one, a place for all occasion, try
our new banquet hall that accommodate 80 – 100
people. This venue is suited for different gatherings.
It includes comfortable seating for any occasion.
This is ideal for wedding receptions, family reunions,
corporate meetings, retirement parties, business,
social meetings, spiritual events, baby showers,
birthdays, and all special events.
As our special offer, there will be a discount for the
first twenty clients that will make a reservation plus a
free cake for the occasion.
So I’m inviting everyone to please visit and
support our new place. Experience and celebrate
with us the life with our best products. We will assure
you as we explore our business we will never stop
satisfying your needs and wants.
Hurry! Be our guests, come and visit us!
Odette, manager of FV Foods Wilson / Bathrust branch
serves a line-up of cutomers.
FBA of Durham officers and some of the game volunteers pose for a picture after the tournament.
8
L. M. Confidential
SEPTEMBER 2012
SEPTEMBER 2012
L. M. Confidential
9
Scenes
Philippines
Philippines is a Burden to US
in the
City
PHOTOS FROM EVENTS
However, strategically, the Phl is Important
You Gottta Wear Shades
TFCKat Eastern finals winner Maria Panaligan poses with
momGenelie, dad Sherwyn and family friend Gerry.
Robert Kaplan
MANILA - The Philippines
is “indispensable” for the United
States strategically but compared
with the global superpower’s
other allies in Southeast Asia,
it has become more of a burden
because Washington still needs
to help Manila develop its weak
military and other institutions
that are even weaker.
“The United States has to
help the Philippines improve its
capacity. It [US] doesn’t have to
do that with other allies [ Japan
and South Korea],” said Robert
Kaplan, geopolitical analyst of
US-based think-tank Stratfor.
During a recent roundtable with
The Manila Times, Kaplan said
that the Philippines is a burden
“because it is poor.” However,
he stressed that the Philippines
“is geopolitically important to
the United States because of its
location.”
The Philippines is located
east of the West Philippine Sea
(South China Sea), an important
sea route where about $4-trillion
worth of global trade passes
annually, $1-trillion of which is
said to be from the US alone.
Kaplan told The Times that the
United States has “very legitimate
interests” in the Pacific.
“They have treaty allies in
the Pacific, they fought wars
here . . . sea trade and even
communication,” he said.
The Stratfor analyst said that
the boost in presence of US
Durham
Chito Gonzales of Western Union and Joseph Alilio of UMAC and Forex Cargo
gets caught by this photographer while they chat at the Filipinos Making Waves
festival.
naval resources in the region was
US President Barack Obama’s
indirect criticism of the Bush
government for not focusing on
the Pacific.
The administration of former
president George Bush focused
on its “War on Terror” campaign
against Yterrorists, particularly
Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda, in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
Balance of power
Kaplan said that China’s
economic and military rise has
caused the Pentagon “to have
regular robust presence” in the
Pacific.
Ships and air assets have to be
deployed “to make it clear that the
US is interested in maintaining
the balance of power as it is.”
This, he said, is the same reason
why the US has recently engaged
in developing the military
capabilities of its Asian allies,
including the Philippines.
Allies
But Kaplan earlier said that
Manila must not depend on
Washington alone, and should
instead form alliances with other
developing Asian countries.
Invitational
LEFT, Open division runner-up: team All-In.
10
Beijing insists on bilateral
negotiations
with
countries
claiming parts of the West
Philippine Sea such as the
Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam,
Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
The
Asian
economic
superpower has also been accused
of influencing members of the
Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (Asean), which held its
45th foreign ministers’ forum in
Phnom Penh last July.
The regional bloc, known to
advocate unity and cooperation
among its members, failed to issue
its customary joint communiqué
because of Cambodia’s refusal to
mention the territorial disputes
with China in the statement.
Cambodia, an ally of China, is
this year’s Summit host.
The West Philippine Sea,
composed of several allegedly
resource-rich islands namely the
Spratlys, Paracels, Macclesfield
Bank and Scarborough (Panatag)
Shoal, is being claimed in whole
by China, and in part by the
Philippines and other claimantcountries.
Little Divas Maria Panaligan, Jheo Navarro and Edessa
Andrada pose with the singers of Aegis. PHOTO JOJO
NAVARRO
Bong Castillo pose with the singers of Aegis.
Bong Castillo poses with ABS stars Nikki Gil and Randy
Santago.
Basketball Tournament (DIBT)
CENTER, Juvenile division runner-up: team Durham
L. M. Confidential
RIGHT Bantam division runner-up: team Vaughn.
SEPTEMBER 2012
THE PCCF JOINS THE CARIBANA FESTIVAL
2012 FOR THE SECOND TIME
THE PCCF JOINS THE CARIBANA FESTIVAL 2012 FOR THE SECOND TIME
On its 45th Year of Caribbean culture, music, art, carnival and parade, the gigantic CARIBANA Festival dominated
all summer festivities in the whole Metro Toronto. This three week celebration concluded with colorful floats,
bands, costumes and gears during the all-day Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade last Saturday August 4. More than
a million guests from all over North America joined the parade festival which was held at the Exhibition Place and
along Lake Shore Boulevard in Toronto. Once again, the Pageant representatives and some Officers from the
Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation participated on this grand parade for the second time. During the
grand parade, This Miss Philippine Canada 2012, Alev Usta, and Meghan Garvida, one of the runner-ups where on
On trailers
its 45thwhile
Year the
of Caribbean
Foundation
participated
one of the
PCCF Officers led by Charitable
Jimmy Marasigan,
President
of PCCF and Romy Rafael, Vice
culture,
music, art,
carnival
and
grand parade
forwith
the all
second
President
for External
Affairs,
where
onparade,
a charteredon
airthis
conditioned
TTC bus
the food and drink supplies
time.
Duringanthe
grandatparade,
ThisOntario Museum which
thebehind.
gigantic
Festival
trailing
ThisCARIBANA
year’s Caribbean
Festival is also
featuring
exhibit
the Royal
dominated
all of
summer
festivities
in designer
Miss
Philippine
Canada
Alev
includes
the works
renowned
costume
as well
as photos
from2012,
past Caribbean
Festivals held in
the
whole
Metro
Toronto.
This
three
Usta,
and
Meghan
Garvida,
one
of
Toronto.
week celebration concluded with
the runner-ups where on one of the
Exhibition Place and along Lake Shore
Boulevard in Toronto. Once again,
the Pageant representatives and some
Officers from the Philippine Canadian
behind. This year’s Caribbean Festival
is also featuring an exhibit at the Royal
Ontario Museum which includes the
works of renowned costume designer
The Philippine
Canadian
Charitable
Foundation
whichwhile
sponsors
one of the
biggest
shows and the
trailers
the PCCF
Officers
ledcultural
by
colorful floats,
bands,
costumes
and (PCCF)
most gears
prestigious
pageant
contest
within the Metro Jimmy
TorontoMarasigan,
Filipino Community
as the recently concluded
during
the all-day
Caribbean
Presidentsuch
of PCCF
Pinoy Carnival
Fiesta andGrand
Trade Show
last
June
9, manages numerous
and Romyactivities
Rafael, that
Vicecomplements
President forits charitable mandate.
Parade
last
Saturday
The foundation endeavours to help other organizations that support charitable activities for the youth, the seniors
August 4. More than a million guests
External Affairs, where on a chartered
and other worthy activities. At the same time it help promotes Filipino Cultures in Canada and extends awareness
from all over North America joined the air conditioned TTC bus with all
of its charity works in the Philippines. On its year, PCCF has pledged to build houses for the poor in the Philippines
parade
festival
which
heldvarious
at the fund raising
the food
andvictims
drink supplies
through
ANCOP
initiative
andwas
support
to help
of naturaltrailing
calamities.
as well as photos from past
Caribbean Festivals held in
Toronto.
The Philippine Canadian
Charitable Foundation
(PCCF) which sponsors one
of the biggest cultural shows
and the most prestigious
pageant contest within the
Metro Toronto Filipino
Community such as the
recently concluded Pinoy
Fiesta and Trade Show last
June 9, manages numerous
activities that complements
its charitable mandate. The foundation
endeavours to help other organizations
that support charitable activities for
the youth, the seniors and other worthy
activities. At the same time it help
promotes Filipino Cultures in Canada
and extends awareness of its charity
works in the Philippines. On its year,
PCCF has pledged to build houses for
the poor in the Philippines through
ANCOP initiative and support various
fund raising to help victims of natural
calamities.
Bicol Canada Kaogmahan Annual Summer Event An
Enviable Success By : Tony A. San Juan,
The “Bicol Kaogmahan sa Earl Bales
Park” held on July 22nd, 2012, is another
annual summer event successfully
notched in the “history book” of the
southernmost natives of the home
country’s main Luzon Island. Organized
by Bicol Canada Community Association
(BCCA), a 6- province organization of
Bikolano residents in Ontario, the yearly
potluck picnic activity was a collegial
celebration and collective showcase of
Bikolandia’s exemplary cooking and
spirit of camaraderie, co-operation and
coordination. BCCA ‘s continuing theme:
“Tangani magkasararo kita gabos”.(
achieving full harmony and understanding
for all) has made a desirable cohesive flux
among the summer picnikers and other
participants..
A region well- known for its siling
labuyo-laced food, Mayon Volcano and the
Penafrancia festival, Bicolandia comprises
the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte,
Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and
Sorsogon . Favourites among the attendees
are the usual fares of spicy laing, Bikol
Express , maruya and gatang dinuguan.
Led by long-serving BCCA President
Rafael “Paeng” Nebres, more than 200
members, friends, family members and
guests joyfully participated in the whole
day gathering cum volleyball tourney
at-the- park in North York, Toronto. This
year’s Kaogmahan festivities was chaired
by Arlene Martirez,BCCA secretary.
Among the notable Filipino Canadian
community leaders & personalities
present are : Bobby & Lorna Achacon,
Noli Aquino, Jess & May Cabrias, Ester
BICOL CANADA PICNIC - The Bicol Canada Community Association Inc. (BCCA) headed by President Rafael Nebres and officers of the
association held this year’s picnic on July 22, 2012 (Sunday) at Earl Bales Park, North York, Ontario, Canada. It was highlighted by a novena
honouring Bicolandia’s Patron Saint, Our Lady of Penafrancia, and the participation of the youth and adult members of the BCCA in parlour
games and sports events.It was dubbed as Bicol Kaogmahan 2012. (PHOTO BY EUGENE (DEOCAREZA, PPCO) - Manuel Papa
Carpenter, Joe Emila, Alex Guerina, Toti
& Nati Gutierrez, Susan Llanera, Willie
& Lewie Nabus, Ely Olayon, Boy & Fely
Ortega, Tony & Joy San Juan, Jojo & Fe
Taduran, Edgar Recon and Felix Reyes. In
his address, R. Nebres thanked the entire
BCCA membership and the main sponsors
of the event : Action Honda, CANNEX
Immigration, GMA Pinoy TV, Sun Life
Financial, TFC-Kapamilya, and Western
Union Canada.
Central to the park celebration was the
2012 Fifth Volleyball Cup competition
organized by BCCA’s sports co-ordinator
and 2008-2012 Tournament chair Noli
Aquino of the Batoenos.The team
SEPTEMBER 2012
from Camarines Norte won the Men’s
Volleyball championship for the first
time. Awarded the coveted revolving
Champions’ trophy and gold medallions
are players Butch Lipang( captain &
MVP)),Lito Consolacion, Bong Fabros,
Joshua Fabros,Paatrick Mason,Ronnie
Miranda, & Manny Tan . The Camarines
Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon/
Masbate mens’ teams garnered 2nd,
Third,4th, and Fifth places.The Lady
spikers of Sorsogon-Masbate successfully
retained their Women championship
crown with players from Camarines Sur,
Albay,Camarines Norte & Catanduanes
placing 2nd & Third, 4th & Fifth,
L. M. Confidential
respectively. The champion volleybelles
are : Maria Cuaresma(captain),Senh Ban(
MVP),Jessica Bitoy,Cynthia Chung,
Lydia H.,Sarah Joseph, Jasey L., JieJie
Piedad,Rory Sibal,Jessica S.,Tasmit, and
Beb Zaragoza.
Coming up in September,according
to Paeng Nebres, is the Our Lady of the
Penafrancia seasonal festivity and weekly
group prayers, a traditional religious event
common to many Viva,Viva la Virgen !
devotees. Filipino Canadians and Bikolanos
alike are expected and encouraged to join
in the popular fluvial procession at Lake
Ontario.(JSM/tsj).
11
City
REPORT
FILIPINO DIPLOMAT WITH
CNAC-O PRESIDENT
Joey Baking’s (www.Filipinogoodlife.com)
Filipino
Good
Life
- Larry Bercasio, president of the
Camarines Sur Association Canada Ontario, is shown in photo together with
Consul General Junever Mahilum West
after swearing into office Bercasio
as CNAC-O President and other officers
and members of the board of directors
recently. - (St. Jamestown News Service,
jojo taduran)
LEFT, Philip Beloso, Forex and UMAC’s Joseph Alilio and FV’s Mel Galeon came from Quezon province. LOWER RIGHT, Mel’s partner
Flor Vendiola, also from Quezon, served as president of Sariaya Association of Toronto in the early years. UPPER RIGHT, Filipino Centre
Toronto president Linda Javier and husband Felino are active in helpinG fellow Filipinos in the community.
BEAUTIES AT THE WALK
ROOTS FROM QUEZON
We spotlight some prominent and active members of the
Filipino community who hail from the Province of Quezon
T
here is an abundance of
prominent people in the
community that come from
the province of Quezon. This
observation was pointed out to me by
Nena Gumapac of Brampton.
Just as I noticed that there must have
been something in the waters of Durham
when their muses kept winning the
Sports Model title of the Mabuhay Cup,
there must be something in Quezon why
their sons and daughters are rising into
prominence in Toronto.
Philip Beloso is well-known around
town as a host and promoter. He is indemand as host of different events in
the community. Who would not know
his fiesta during October for Dolorosa
Association of Canada? He also hosts
the kuwarta o kahon during the Filipino
Centre of Toronto’s Pistahan at Nathan
Philips Square for Forex door to Door
Cargo.
Speaking of Forex, Joseph Alilio, part
owner and Chief Operations Officer of
FOREX Toronto and UMAC Toronto
that deal with balikbayan boxes, received
the Young Entrepreneur Award from
Filipino Centre Toronto this year and
is also from Quezon. Active in various
Filipino associations, he is an officer in
the Quezon Province Association of
Canada, Dolores Association of Canada,
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and a
member of the Knights of Columbus.
They are in every event. FV Foods,
run by a couple from Quezon - Mel
Galeon and Flor Vendiola - caters to the
hungy masses in every festival. A decade
ago, Melchor Galeon brought with him
goodies from his hometown of Sariaya,
Quezon, a seaside first class municipality
some 124 kilometers south of Manila.
The town is famous for its delicacies
such as broas, pinagong, tamales, pianono
and jacobina among others.
The sweets that Mel brought to the
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
in Toronto, unknown to him would
later serve as the key to his new found
success. A graduate of Nursing from the
Philippines, Mel is also a good dancer
and it was his stint as a DI (dance
instructor) that he would be introduced
to Flor Vendiola, a community leader and
medical technologist by Linda Javier, now
the president of the Filipino Center of
Toronto (FCT) .
Coincidentally, Flor also come from the
same Quezon town as Mel. What more,
She served as the president of the Sariaya
association of Toronto in those years.
Community leaders and husband
and wife Boner and Phil Villabroasa of
Hamilton are also from Quezon.
The Filipino community in Toronto
and Hamilton are lucky to have these sons
and daughters of Quezon in the fields of
business and philanthropy.
May they always live long and prosper
for the good of the community.
PCCF Miss Philippines Canada 2012 Alev
Usta (ABOVE) talks to her dad on the phone
after the ANCOP Wlak for Life while runnerup Meghan Garvida (BELOW) chills out after
the walk.
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12
L. M. Confidential
SEPTEMBER 2012
MABUHAY
continued from page 1
Maria Panaligan. He then was able to coax
Maria’s mom, Genelie to sing a few lines also
but was unable to get the father Sherwin to
sing a few lines. Evidence of Randy’s ability
to temper his jokes is when he was introduced
to the Rodney Ronquillo who is moreno,
husband of contestant Chyrell Samson.
“Are you pure Filipino sir,” asked Randy to
the Chyrell’s husband Rodney Ronquillo. He
said yes.
“Because you look like you are from Dubai,”
said Randy.
Randy asked Rodney what province is is
from.
“La Union,” said Rodney.
“La Union,” stressed Randy in a way to
solicit laughs, “that’s why.”
The audience did laugh, some a bit
embarassingly, knowing what Randy was
going for.
““What I mean is that it’s hot there in La
Union,” explained Randy.
I had the feeling he wanted to say something
more than that but probably contolled himself.
Then, it wsas Nikki Gil’s turn. She was
suffering from a cold but she still entertained
the crowd. She sang a few songs and then she
introduced the main star of the event - Sam
Milby.
It hasnt been long since Sam Milby was
in Toronto. It was only a year ago when he
was in a concert here. He could barely speak
Tagalog. For him to fully connect with
Filipino audiences in the Philippines, he has
to learn how to speak tagalog. And judging
by fluency by the way he talked to us, he is
soeaking fluently enough to relly connect with
audiences.
The ABS stars actually stayed longer
entertaining us. Their finale was a bit of a
head-scratcher.
They brought out all the contestants of
the TFCKat to the stage and handed a
microphone to the winner Maria Panaligan. I
thought they were going to sing a finale song.
Then, all of a sudden, they all said goodnight.
without as much as introducing the next act.
So, the people left.
The few local talents after them had to
perform to a sea of empty seats.
At Pinoy Fiesta, the singing group Angelus,
with three good-looking guys and dubbed
as the Il Divo of the Philippines, closed the
festival. They performed after Marian Rivera
and Dingdong Dantes has left but were
introduced. And while the crowd has thinned,
we knew that they were part of the program.
MABUHAY
continued on page 23
SEPTEMBER 2012
SPECIAL FEATURE
20 months in-the-making in 1 spectacular evening
CEUDentBatch’87 holds SILVER ANNIVERSARY REUNION
Fil-Canadian Dr. Solon Guzman shares blessings
Located at the heart of the
Philippines‟ University Belt in
Mendiola, Manila, Centro Escolar University (CEU) is home to
one of the best dental schools in
the country.
Eternal Light.
Notwithstanding its prestigious
status in the circle of academic
excellence, its alumni is proudest
of the camaraderie and unity it
has developed over the years of
their college schooling.
It was no surprise, therefore,
that when the Organizing Committee (Org Com) of the CEU
College of Dentistry Batch of
1987 pronounced 20 months ago,
its intended Silver Anniversary
Reunion with the theme
“Reconnecting...25 Years After”, over Facebook, its alumni
from all over the country as
much as the ones from abroad
booked their flights a year earlier
to ensure their participation to a
much-anticipated event.
One such almnus is Dr. Solon
Guzman, a celebrated FilCanadian Dentist in the Toronto
area. His excitement couldn‟t be
contained so much so that his
well-known generosity spilled
over to the CEUDentBatch’87Manila Silver Anniversary Reunion. He donated
the grand raffle prize of a Demi
Plus cordless LED-type light
cure equipment. It initially went
to a batchmate (Dr. Vicky Cruz)
who came back from Australia
just to attend the affair. She bigheartedly waived her right to take
it home so it was re-raffled and
this time it was won by a batchmate who happened to be a classmate of the first recipient….talk
about being lucky!
CEUDent Batch of ‘87 in full force!
The Org Com, led by its General
Chairperson, Dr. Melanie “Mae”
Tabasondra-Lomibao, (who
herself was a student-leader during
their college years) and Dr. Grace
Rosario, Rowena Hizon, Amie
Banawis and Erleen Santos
were confident that the much
talked-about reunion would be a
spectacular success...and quite a
show it was!
After the singing of the
National Anthem and CEU
Hymn , Dr. Lomibao took to the
Dr. Solon Guzman giving out the prize
Z. Francisco-Torres, chairperson
of the Finance and Souvenir Programme Committees (Secretary of
the CEU Dental Student Council in
1987), together with the rest of the
Org Com; Drs. Cindy May
Gabayeron-del Mundo, Jhing
Chua-Sy, Meng Yabut-Cahilig,
Soraya Ahmad Padua, Lily Anne
Tamondong, Macel Joaquin,
Kends Cancio, Sharon SabioNavarro, Vilma Samson, Marisol
Princesa Capucao, Nanette
Perdido, Alma Alimangohan del
Halfway thru the buffet dinner,
the sounds of the percussion
resonated in the air and the
CEUDentBatch’87 Dancers
made their grand entrance to the
dance floor gyrating to wellchoreographed dance sequences
that made everybody nearly dance
in their seats. Not to be outdone
were batchmates who rendered
songs from the „80s which made
everyone sing along and stomp
along with the rhythm of familiar
sounds.
One of the highlights of the
affair was when Batchmates later
on donned the official Batch „87
all-black t-shirt with the silver
anniversary reunion official logo
emblazoned infront. The shirt,
souvenir programme and other
gift packs were contained in their
individualized souvenir kits.
There was also a
tribute to the Professors
and Clinical Instructors
who stood as their
mentors throughout
their dental college
years. Former Dean of
the CEU College of
Dentistry, Dr. Renato
M. Sison was the Guest
Interviewing the lucky winner
of Honor and incumbent
Dean Dr. Maria Jona D. Godoy
podium and delivered her
gave the Keynote speech.
Opening Address complete with
a powerpoint presentation
showcasing the fashion trend at
that time much to the delight of
the attendees. A moment of
silence was observed when
candles were lit as the audiovisual presentation of “In
Memoriam” was shown . It paid
tribute to the professors and
batchmates who passed on to
L. M. Confidential
The 20 months of planning and
brainstorming certainly produced
not only a spectacular night for
the CEUDentBatch’87 Alumni,
but was certainly an affair worth
coming home to. Just ask Dr.
Solon Guzman. He can’t take off
that particular smile on his face
when he starts reminiscing... and
neither could we. (jbcsy)
13
DRS. SOLON C. GUZMAN & JOSEPHINE ADORNA-GUZMAN & ASSOCIATES
General · Cosmetic Dentistry · Oral Surgery · Dentures · Periodontics · Endodontics · Implants · Orthodontics
From Our Family to yours
OUR PROFESSIONAL TEAM
Dentists
Dr. Solon C. Guzman
Dr. Josephine Adorna-Guzman
Dr. Shilpesh Parekh
Dr. Shahana Khan
Dr. Victoria Ngo
Specialists
Dr. Samuel I. Barkin- Oral Maxillo Facial Surgeon
Dr. Luis N. Queterio- Endodontist
Dr. David Leung- Periodontist / Implantologist
Restorative Hygienists
Family Medicine
Alfonso Siason
Brian Pagel
Celia Lopena
Dr. Venus B. Guzman, MD
Hygienists
Dental Laboratory
Rowena Ducusin
Michael Pendon
Doreen Ndlovu
Ruben del Rosario
Angel Espino
Gloria Maiato
Dundas Tower Medical Dental Centre & Laboratory
Dr. Solon C. Guzman & Associates
Dr. Josephine Adorna Guzman DDS
Dr. Venus B. Guzman MD
165 Dundas Street West, Suite 108, Mississauga, Ontario L5B 2N6
497 Laurier Avenue, Suite 5 Milton, Ontario L9T 3K8
905-864-8889
www.drsolonguzman.ca
Email: [email protected]
Mon to Fri 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sundays & Holidays by Appointment
14
L. M. Confidential
Email: [email protected]
905-804-8000
Monday to Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sundays & Holidays by Appointment
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SEPTEMBER 2012
L. M. Confidential
15
Filipino
World
Bianca learns from
her libel suit
Probe unpaid OFW Shelter in Saudi
+ 40% of Men in Poor Countries Still Smoke
MANILA, Philippines - A migrant workers’
rights group on Friday called on Congress to
investigate the alleged 1.3 million Saudi rials
in unpaid lease rentals of an overseas Filipino
workers (OFW) shelter being maintained by
the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia.
“A reliable source, he is an insider at the
PHL consulate who requested not to be
named, revealed to Migrante officers in Saudi
Arabia that the Philippine government has
incurred 1.3 million unpaid lease rentals for
an OFW shelter inside the Al-Mina hajj
terminal in Jeddah,” Migrante-Middle East
regional coordinator John Monterona said.
The Al-Mina hajj terminal is owned
and managed by the Saudi government’s
immigration authority.
“The investigation should primarily focus
on why the Philippine consulate has stopped
renting the shelter, how the unpaid lease
rentals accumulated reached 1.3 million rials,
and what the Philippine officials in Saudi
Arabia headed by Philippine ambassador to
Saudi Arabia Ezzadin Tago are doing to solve
this issue,” Monterona said.
“Even the DFA (Department of Foreign
Affairs) has millions of funds allocated for its
‘assistance to the nationals’ services,” he said.
40% of men in poor countries still
smoking away
LONDON—Two-fifths of men in
developing countries still smoke or use
tobacco, and women are increasingly starting
to smoke at younger ages, according to a new
international study which found “alarming
patterns” of tobacco use.
Despite years of antismoking measures
being encouraged across the world, most
developing countries have low quit rates.
“Although 1.1 billion people have been
covered by the adoption of the most effective
tobacco-control policies since 2008, 83 percent
of the world’s population are not covered by
two or more of these policies,” said Gary
Scenes
A vendor sells cigarettes
at a supermarket in
Quezon City in this
file photo. A proposed
bill restructuring the
excise tax on tobacco
and alcohol products is
seen to generate some
P60 billion, according
to President Benigno
Aquino III, who is pushing
for the passing of the sin
tax reform bill.
Giovino of the University at Buffalo School
of Public Health and Health Professions in
New York, who led the research.
Plain tobacco packaging
The findings come as the world’s leading
tobacco firms, British American Tobacco,
Britain’s Imperial Tobacco, Philip Morris and
Japan Tobacco lost a crucial legal appeal in
Australia this week against the introduction
of plain tobacco packaging.
Australia’s planned “no logo” laws are in line
with World Health Organization (WHO)
recommendations.
Tobacco kills up to half of its users,
according to the WHO.
Smoking causes lung cancer, which is often
fatal, and other chronic respiratory diseases. It
is also a major risk factor for cardiovascular
diseases, the world’s number one killers. Other
forms of tobacco use include snuff or chewing
tobacco. Giovino said his findings “reinforce
in the City
LEFT, Forex’s Joseph Alilio, Ramon Estaris and Philip Belosos
of Showbiz in Motion produced the Aegis concert.
RIGHT, GMA International Vice President and Head of
Operations Joseph T. Francia (SEATED 3RD FROM RIGHT)
poses with Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF)
officers who just donated $10,000 to ANCOP. Rosemer
Enverga (SEATED 4TH FROM RIGHT) of PCCF is also the
representative of GMA in Canada.
16
the need for effective tobacco control.”
They found disproportionately high rates
of smoking among men. With an estimated
301 million tobacco users, China has topped
all other countries, closely followed by India
with almost 275 million. Other countries
included in the study were Bangladesh,
Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey,
Ukraine, Uruguay and Vietnam.
In low-income countries, they said, for
every $9,100 received in tobacco taxes, only
$1 was spent on tobacco control.
Death by smoking
The WHO says tobacco already kills around
6 million people a year worldwide, including
more than 600,000 nonsmokers who die from
exposure to secondhand smoke.
On current trends, as many as a billion
people could die prematurely from tobacco
use during this century, the study said, citing
estimates by WHO experts.
To some, a libel suit could end
one’s profession and credibility. But
for Bianca Gonzalez, it’s part of the
lessons she’s learning
as a newspaper
columnist
and
blogger.
“My writing wasn’t
affected because my
piece which is on the
Philippine Star every Sunday is meant
to be an inspiration and is a light read.
From the start I knew that it’s a column
on the profile of a person from ‘hirap’
to fame or from struggle to success. As
long as I stick to that I think okay lang
naman ako. At the same time I can’t be
too safe kasi wala ng magbabasa. I’m
learning,” shared Bianca.
She even thinks the libel suit Amalia
Fuentes filed against her will make her
a better host. “I found it interesting
kasi di ba I report showbiz on TV?
Day in and day out, every week may
mga kung sino-sinong nasasangkot sa
kaso. So for me nagiging interesting
kasi nalalaman ko na yung proseso. I
mean what I report mas maiintindihan
ko na..”
Creative writing course
In fact, even before the libel case
came along, Bianca wanted to
take up a Creative Writing course
or something similar to it. But her
schedule as host for ABS-CBN shows
like “Pinoy Big Brother” or the now
defunct late night showbiz talk show
“SNN” prevented her from pursuing it.
“Siyempre it’s different writing on my
blog. It’s different pag sa broadsheet
parang may pressure na. Buti nga I
have editors to edit me. I’ve always
wanted to study,” she said.
Bianca added that the best thing
about being a blogger, a columnist
and now an editor at Meg magazine
is that she’s getting paid for writing
and learning at the same time.
Her hard work even earned her
two awards, Yahoo! OMG! Awards’
Favorite Female TV Host and the
Globe Tatt Awards 2012.
Bianca expressed: “Thank God
for these blessings. I’m thankful that
people are always believing in me. I
love my work and these awards add
to my satisfactions and joys in sharing
my God-given gift with everyone!”
GMA Network Wins 6 Excellence in
Multi-Cultural Marketing Awards
GMA Network, Inc. (GMA),
through its international business
unit, was once again recognized
by the National Association for
Multi-Ethnicity in Communications
(NAMIC) after winning six EMMAs
(Excellence in Multi-Cultural
Marketing Awards) for its highly
innovative international marketing
tactics.
This is by far the most number of
awards won by GMA compared to
previous years, and the Network’s
first time to earn two first place
recognitions in its long history of
winning in the competition.
“We have been recognized by
NAMIC almost every year since
GMA Pinoy TV was launched in
2005,” said GMA International Vice
L. M. Confidential
President and Head of Operations
Joseph T. Francia.
“It is worth noting that the awards
we received this year honor different
tactics in our integrated marketing
mix covering the gamut of our
360-degree approach to reaching our
existing and potential subscribers,
from our digital initiatives to more
traditional schemes.”
SEPTEMBER 2012
Films must have Subtitles
+ Not all Chinese really kidnapped
MANILA, Philippines – Pasay City Rep.
Emi G. Calixto-Rubiano has authored
House Bill 6228, which is “aimed at assisting
our foreign guests to enjoy the privilege of
watching our local films without having to
worry about the problem of translation.”
The bill is also known as “An act requiring
all local movie producers to provide English
subtitles on at least one (1) of every five (5)
copies of films produced which are intended
to be shown and/or circulated in the major
shopping malls and other prominent cinema
outlets in the country.”
On its explanatory note , CalixtoRubiano pointed out that the “recent influx
of tourists’ arrivals in our country” is an
indication that they “[are] not only [here]
for the natural wonders that our islands can
offer, but significantly, many of them are also
interested in the history and culture of our
people.”
This, the lady lawmaker surmised, is the
reason travel agencies have included in
their itineraries shopping malls – which
“[includes] in the structural designs… at
least six to 12 cinemas ready to cater both
foreign and local films.”
“Many of us may still be unaware that four
among the top ten biggest shopping malls
in the world are located in the Philippines,”
she said.
Calixto-Rubiano then reiterated the
“accepted notion” that films “are among the
more effective vehicles to showcase relevant
information about our history and culture.”
To back her claim, she observed that “many
of our foreign guests were commonly seen
watching local films together with Filipino
‘chaperons’ acting as interpreters.”
“Many of them are interested to watch
Mother-Daughter Bonding at
Aegis Concert
Theo and Perly Alilio of Forex Cargo poses with their daughters at the Aegis concert.
our local films but do not have the luxury of
having a ‘chaperon’ at all times. This is where
the hindrance comes in. This bill could be
the answer,” the representative of the lone
district of Pasay asserted.
Calixto-Rubiano claimed that the bill will
not only allow foreigners “a glimpse of what
we can offer in terms of entertainment” and
“the window to showcase our culture and
some of our tourists spots as may be shown in
the film,” but al so, and “more importantly,”
it will “boost the local film industry’s
competitiveness in the international market,
not only benefiting the local film industry
but also our culture in general.”
If it becomes law, House Bill 6228 will
cover “all films which were produced locally
or abroad containing Filipino language/
dialogue, either entirely or in part, and which
are intended to be circulated in the major
shopping malls and the other prominent
cinema outlets in the country.”
Meanwhile, the Film Development
Council of the Philippines (FDCP) “shall
implement and shall issue such rules and
regulations as may be necessary to carry out
the purpose of this act.”
Not all Chinese really kidnapped,
says Ang-See
kidnapping cases involving Chinese
nationals in the country, there is a parallel
upswing in bogus abductions of casino
players from the mainland, according to
anticrime crusader Teresita Ang-See.
“We are aware that some kidnapping
cases involving Chinese nationals have been
staged. These are casino players who lost a lot
of gambling money. They want to get back
their losses by staging their own kidnapping
and asking for ransom from their relatives in
China,” Ang-See said in a phone interview.
Ang-See, founder of the Movement for
the Restoration of Peace and Order, said her
group had received reports of at least four
kidnappings of Chinese nationals last July
in Pampanga and Metro Manila that turned
out to be false.
Ang-See
said
these
engineered
kidnappings should not distract the
Philippine National Police and Department
of the Interior and Local Government from
addressing the “real and alarming” rise in
the number of visiting Chinese tourists
who had been snatched against their will by
uniformed men.
The anticrime advocate had earlier told
about seven Chinese nationals who were
kidnapped in separate incidents while on
a tour outside Metro Manila. She said
the most glaring of these cases was the
kidnapping of four Chinese nationals while
visiting a relative in Cavite on July 27. She
said the group was held for one day and were
released after relatives paid P2.5 million in
ransom.
Ang-See said the authorities merely
shrugged off the incident without
investigating any of the policemen involved.
MANILA - Along with the rise in
Bachelor
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SEPTEMBER 2012
L. M. Confidential
17
ENTERTAINMENT
Celebrity
News & Gossip
Marian for Red Cross
FOR SALE
+ Tin ok to go Bold
Marian Rivera thanks those who joined her in donating blood during her birthday.
Naging meaningful ang pagdiriwang ng Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian
Rivera sa kanyang 28th birthday, matapos itong mag-lead ng isang blood
letting event with the humanitarian movement Philippine National Red Cross,
sa kanilang blood donation drive last Saturday (August 11) sa Ever Gotesco
Commonwealth.
Iidinetalye ni Marian kung bakit nito naisip na mag-celebrate ng kanyang
birthday through a blood letting event. “Actually, nagkataon lang na birthday ko.
Matagal ko na po iniisip na gusto kong gawin ‘to pero ‘di ko alam kung paano ko
sisimulan. Nang tanungin nila ako kung ano ang gusto ko gawin sa birthday ko,
ang sinabi ko ay gusto ko makatulong sa tao, at gusto ko na maging makabuluhan
‘yong buhay ko habang nagkaka-edad ako. Gusto ko maging makabuluhan kung
sino ba si Marian Rivera.”
Bilang ambassadress ng Philippine Red Cross, matagal nang ninanais ng
Kapuso actress na maglunsad ng isang proyekto na makatutulong sa mga
nangagailangan. Matatandaan na maraming mamamayan ang nasalanta ng
nagdaang monsoon rains sa Luzon, kaya’t naisip nitong tulungan ang mga
naapektuhan ng pagbaha. “So tinulungan kami ng Red Cross, at sinabi nila kung
ano ‘yong dapat naming gawin. Sa tulong ng Red Cross, naging successful naman
siya,” kwento ni Yan.
Naging star-studded din ang blood letting event dahil nakiisa rin ang ilang
showbiz friends ni Marian, gaya na lamang ng interpop group na Down To Mars
at ang comedian na si Betong.
Panoorin ang Kapuso Primetime Queen na si Marian Rivera sa Tweets for My
Sweet every GMA Sunday Grande, pagkatapos ng Protégé: The Battle For The
Big Artista Break.
Tin Patrimonio admits she is open to doing daring roles
Former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Tin Patrimonio revealed she is willing
to go daring in her future projects if given the
opportunity.
“Kung pumayag dad and mom ko pero I
think okay naman kasi I think lahat na actually
ng shows may kissing scenes na, so no choice,”
Patrimonio said.
Patrimonio said she also likes to take more
acting workshops to improve her skills.
While she is waiting for her projects,
Patrimonio said she currently
keeps busy with school. The
19-year-old actress just enrolled
at the National University in
Manila this semester for its ABEnglish program.
Patrimonio said it feels weird
going back to regular school again because it has
been a while since she attended one.
Patrimonio also revealed that most students in
the campus still recognize her as a former PBB
housemate and they would ask pictures from her.
“Funny rin kasi parang every time after classes
ko, they take pictures and some even wait outside
just to see pero okay naman, mababait naman sila
and they help me around school,” she said.
Aside from showbiz and school, Patrimonio
said she is hoping to finish her residency in NU so
she could also play tennis for them in the UAAP.
“Sa January sana but residency pa ako. Next
season pa ako makaka-compete pero okay lang
naman. At least I have time to practise pa. I
started going to NU this June lang kasi,” she said.
Patrimonio, the daughter of basketball icon
Alvin Patrimonio, was only 10 years old when she
first expressed her interest in tennis.
Sam Milby to do a new indie film
“Death March”
It “tells the story of its
namesake -- the forcible
transfer
of
76,000
American and Filipino
prisoners of war by the
Japanese Army in 1942.”
This historical film about
the fall of Bataan also stars Jason Abalos,
Felix Roco, Luis Alandy, Zanjoe Marudo,
Ejay Falcon and Carlo Aquino.
UMAC Cargo Supports the Whole Community
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Canon Optura 600
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UMAC cargo supports events big and small as much as possible. Here, led by Ferdie Baguisa, they have a booth at the Our Lady of
Assumption Fiesta. UMAC was at other events as you can see in other pages in this newspaper.
18
L. M. Confidential
SEPTEMBER 2012
PASS RH BILL
continued from page 1
while lessons on family planning and sex
education would become compulsory in
schools and for couples applying for a
marriage license.
The Church is adhering closely to
the Vatican teaching which allows
only the use of natural family planning
methods like the rhythm, withdrawal
and abstinence for couples to limit the
number of their children.
In line with the same teaching, it
bans the use of artificial contraceptives
and Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei
Nograles, Cebu Rep. Rachel del Mar and
Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez joined
the Catholic Church in opposing the RH
bil.
Whether it is called responsible
parenthood or reproductive health bill,
Congress ultimately needs to pass a
comprehensive health program that
would cater to the needs of Filipino
women, Senate Minority Leader Alan
Peter Cayetano yesterday said.
Cayetano said it is high time Congress
passed the controversial measure even
though some religious sectors have found
San Juan Clan Reunion:
With great reminiscences, funfare and food bonanza, 65 direct members of all the
fourteen siblings of the family in Canada and the USA, whose roots are from Daet and
Mercedes,Camarines Norte , enjoyed the August 12th, 2012 picnic-reunion at Seton Park, East
York, Toronto. Among the participants are the combined families of Shirley & Rody Rosales, Sylvia
& Frank Leaver, Sonia & Eddie Dela Cruz, Tony & Joy San Juan, Senen San Juan, Salvador &
Virgie San Juan, Andrea San Juan, Eva & Matt San Andres, Maricris San Juan, Susan & Jess
Llanera, Elizabeth & Lito Cruz, Ramon & Buhay San Juan, Grace Juschitz and Benjoe & Angelita
San Juan.
specifically the Pill, condom and
intrauterine device which it considers as
“sin” because they induce abortion.
The UN warned that the “hopes of
future prosperity could turn to dust”
if the country is not able to deal with
the population growth by giving men
and women access to the information
and means to freely and responsibly
exercise their human right to have just
the number of children they want.
If current trends continue, as the
country grows richer, the number of
people living in poverty will increase,
the UN said.
About 20 million Filipinos live in
slum conditions.
According to the UN, urban
population is growing at a rate of 60
percent, and it is estimated that by
2030, 75 percent of the Philippine
population will be living in urban
areas.
House Majority Leader and
Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali M.
Gonzales II said Malacanang has
invited all 284 House members, along
with other concerned groups to the
meeting.
“The President wants to share his
thoughts on the RH bill. As far as I
know, there about 150 congressmen
who confirmed their attendance,”
Gonzales said over DZBB’s Buena
Manong Balita program yesterday.
The House is set to vote on whether
to terminate the debates on House
Bill (HB) 4244 or the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and
Population and Development Act
of 2011, which has been subject to
plenary interpellations since May 17
last year.
Gonzales doused speculations that
during the meeting, the President will
give a marching order to the House
leadership. “The President just wants
to share his thoughts. It is up to the
members if they would accept it. I
don’t expect the President will tell us
how to vote,” he said.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of
the bill’s principal authors, said the
measure has gained the nod of 140
congressmen during the voting.
House Assistant Majority Leader
some provisions of the bill objectionable.
“I think a majority of the senators agree
that there is a need for this bill. Whether
you call it a Responsible Parenthood bill
or RH bill or by any other name, there are
PASS RH BILL
continued on page 27
SEPTEMBER 2012
Check out these blogs:
www.littlemanilaconfidential.com for news and opinions
www.filipinogoodlife.com for the society page
www.josebaking.com for the good life
RELOCATION
continued from page 5
executive director of Urban Poor
Associates (UPA) also wondered where
the government would source funds for
the relocation, and where to relocate this
large number of informal settlers.
He said the relocation could cost
billions of pesos, if the NHA’s estimated
cost of relocating a family at P150,000
was used as basis. “They always plan in a
grandiose way but they don’t look at the
details,” he said.
A labor group and a migrants’
rights organization also slammed the
administration.
No heart
“No heart, no consideration and empty
bravado. They are forcing urban poor
families to self-evict to where? Are there
decent houses waiting for them? Even the
government’s relocation sites are floodprone and more dangerous,” said Migrante
International chair Garry Martinez.
The Associated Labor Unions-TUCP
said Singson’s uncalled for remarks tended
to incite a “war” between the government
and the working poor.
“The mindset of President Aquino
and the remarks of Secretary Singson are
incendiary statements which incite and
threaten the working poor to take action
against the government in defense of their
well-being. These two public servants
forgot that these informal settlers, too, are
victims of the flood,” said Gerard Seno,
national executive vice president of ALUTUCP.
NOTE: Interior Secretary
Robredo died in a plane crash
afterwards.
L. M. Confidential
19
Entertainment
Dingdong Dantes, Now a Producer
+ Rosell transfers to GMA-7 to pair with Marian Rivera
One of the first acting stints of Dingdong
Dantes was portraying Iñaki Torres, a tall,
handsome and braces-wearing charmer in
the teen dramedy TGIS.
But even before he ventured into the
world of entertainment in 1995, Dingdong
Dantes knew he wanted to be more than
just a pretty face.
“Nong pagpasok ko kasi dati sa industry,
sabi ko sa sarili ko, I wanna do something
worthwhile, not just as an actor, not just
as a director, pero kahit papa’no makacontribute ng something sa next generation,
na maalala nila na I was part of a group that
started something.”
He has already tried directing for TV and
film, but Dingdong Dantes is now preparing
for his most exciting role to date: being a
producer.
His production company Agostodos is
one of five investors in the horror-adventure
movie Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles.
The other co-producers are Reality
Entertainment,
Mothership
Studios,
PostManila, and GMA Films.
Being a producer is a relatively new role
for Dingdong, who has already invested in a
still-unreleased indie movie for international
release two years ago.
He was invited to be part of Tiktik as an
actor, but he wanted more.
In a very short time, the actor has learned
that producing is not an easy balancing act
when you’re also in front of the camera. “If
you’re an actor gusto mo all out, but if you
put on the hat of a producer, you have to
think of the economic side of it.” Eventually,
he’ll produce movies that he doesn’t have to
star in, and maybe even produce something
for his longtime girlfriend Marian Rivera.
Now that he is very much involved in
this new field, it is possible Dingdong will
be spending more and more of his time
developing projects and seeing it go into
production. “It will take a lot of your time,
but the more you’re involved the more you
feel part of it. Hindi ka papasok na halfhearted. Sasabak ka talaga.”
Finding the new Chard
It’s been said that in all those talent
contests conducted by GMA 7 the peg
for the next big leading man is Richard
Mother & Daughter
Gutierrez. It figures that Richard has it all:
Looks, talent, appeal and dedication.
To date “the next Chard” has yet to be
discovered. No one but no
one measures up to the
actor’s standards. But then
it’s tough finding all those
traits in one person, which
makes Chard towers over his
contemporaries. He’s one of
a kind.
His current GMA telenovela, Makapiling
Kang Muli, is becoming more exciting as
the tale of love and hate, forgiveness and
revenge unfolds. Directed by Ricky Davao,
the telenovela also stars Carla Abellana,
Sarah Lahbati, Robert Arevalo, Mark
Anthony Fernandez, Phillip Salvador and
Gloria Romero. Chard recalls that Tita Glo,
the most regal movie queen ever, played
his lola years back in Let the Love Begin,
GMA’s biggest hit to date, with Angel
Locsin as leading lady.
The talk on the set of Makapiling is long
after the camera has stopped grinding, the
love scene between Chard and Sarah lingers
on and on and on.
Aside from being an actor, Chard is also
the prized talent of GMA News and Public
Affairs, host of its programs on environment.
His current assignment is Pinoy Adventures,
where Chard goes where the action is. He
is no armchair adventurer, risking life and
limbs in the name of realism.
No wonder then that his co-workers
love Chard, whose shows gave the Kapuso
network national and international
recognitions. The actor-host was named
environmental hero.
Meantime, the search for “the next
Chard” continues. He’s flattered by it all and
wishes newcomers in showbiz all the best.
As earlier noted, Chard is one of a kind.
Maja Salvador and
Guidicelli admit split
Matteo
Noong Biyernes, August 3 sa Kris TV ay
inamin ni Maja Salvador na single na siya at
wala na sila ni Matteo Guidicelli. Bago pa
man ang pag-aming ito ni Maja ay malakas
na ang mga bali-balitang nagkahiwalay na
sila ni Matteo.
“Pero magkaibigan kami. Sobrang
magkaibigan,” dagdag pa ni Maja sa
interview niya sa Kris TV. “Wala namang
third party. Nag-decide lang kami na
i-end muna ang relationship kasi may mga
priorities kaming dapat unahin, like siya
‘yung career niya at ‘yung pagiging triathlete
(niya) kasi ‘yung oras mo mahahati sa lahat.
Tapos ako syempre ‘yung taping namin…
minsan mahirap (ang pagkikita). Di mabalance ‘yung oras sa isatisa.”
Ibinunyag din ni Kim
Chiu, na guest din sa episode
na ‘yon at kaibigan ni Maja
na may pagmamahal pang
nararamdaman si Maja kay
Matteo. Aniya pa, dumadalaw minsan si
Matteo sa taping nila ni Maja sa kanilang
susunod na teleserye, ang Ina, Kapatid,
Anak. Sinabi naman ni Maja na tini-text
kasi ni Kim si Matteo at sinasabihan na
pumunta sa set.
Rafael Rosell is Transferring
to GMA-7 to Become Marian
Rivera’s Next Leading Man
Hunk actor Rafael Rosell is reportedly
transferring to the Kapuso Network and
become Marian Rivera‘s next leading man.
After Kapamilya young actress Lauren
Young (Mula sa Puso) decided to become
a Kapuso, a Kapamilya hunk
is now slated to transfer, too!
Rafael
Rosell
has
reportedly
talked
with
the top honchos of GMA
Network last Thursday,
August 9, to become the
newest Kapuso leading man!
Rafael’s contract with ABS-CBN has just
expired and his last project with the network
was the Piolo Pascual-Jericho Rosales starrer
“Dahil sa Pag-ibig.”
According to reports, the 29-year-old
Room for rent for single lady.
Please contact Criss at
647-984-2747 for more details.
Kennedy / Ellesmere
Behind Highland Farms
PCCF Miss Philippines Canada runner-up Meghan Lyz Garvida and mom Ellie take in
the sights at the Filipinos Making Waves Festival at Yonge-DFundas Square.
20
L. M. Confidential
SEPTEMBER 2012
IT’S A TEN
Family & Friends support Maria Panaligan
TFCKat Eastern winner Maria Panaligan (2ND FROM RIGHT) gets support from family and
friends.
actor will guest star first in the upcoming
drama series “Aso ni San Roque” before he
takes the plum role of becoming Marian
Rivera‘s leading man in the Philippine
adaptation of the top-rating Koreanovela
“Temptation of Wife.”
Sarah Geronimo and Gerald
Anderson do their share in helping
flood victims
Nagdesisyon mang tuluyan nang
maghiwalay ng landas sa kabila ng kanilang
gumagandang pagtitinginan, nakiisa sina
Sarah Geronimo at
Gerald
Anderson
sa tumulong sa mga
nasalanta ng matinding
baha sa maraming lugar.
Sa kasagsagan ng
pagbuhos ng matinding
ulan noong Martes
(Agosto 7), nakipagtulungan si Gerald sa
Philippine Red Cross para tulungan ang
mga nangangailangan sa Pasig at San Juan.
Matatandaang si Gerald ay hinangaan
dahil sa pagsuong niya sa baha noong 2009
upang tulungan ang ilan sa kanyang mga
kapitbahay dahil sa taas ng tubig. Noong
2010 naman ay nakipagtulungan din siya
sa Armed Forces of the Philippines upang
magbigay naman ng tulong sa mga nasalanta
ng bagyong Sendong sa Cagayan de Oro.
Noong Sabado naman, Agosto 11,
personal na nag-abot ng relief goods si Sarah
sa mga biktima ng baha sa Fairview, kasama
ang Sagip Kapamilya. “Dito po masusubok
talaga ‘yung pagtutulungan bilang Pilipino,”
ani Sarah. “Marami na po tayong calamities
na napagdaanan. Magkapit-bisig lang po
tayo, magtulungan lang po tayo. Itabi ‘yung
mga sama ng loob kung anuman po ‘yan.
Magmahalan tayo at magdasal tayo, wala po
tayong pagsubok na hindi malalampasan.”
Puring-puri pa ng dalaga ang katangian
nating mga Pilipino, na sa kabila ng mga
pagsubok ay hindi nawawala ang ngiti sa
ating mga labi.
Derek wishes Angelica happiness
Derek Ramsay is keeping himself busy
months after his breakup with Angelica
Panganiban.
“My heart is okay. For now, I’m moving
on, I’m on my feet and moving forward,”
Derek said.
Derek recalls the ordeal he went through
after the break-up.
“Nung umpisa, it was hard for me. Parang
hindi ko alam kung saan ko ilalagay ang
sarili ko because six years is six years. But
now, I’m happy. I’m working, keeping myself
busy, I competed in Japan and I know she’s
happy.”
Is he ready to fall in love again?
“You never know. You don’t look for
it. Love can hit you anywhere. I learned
a lot in my six-year
relationship with Angel,
she taught me so much,”
Derek replied.
The 3-month rule
Derek says he doesn’t
believe in the “3-month
rule” (an unwritten law
that bans a person from getting into a
relationship within the next three months
after a break-up) after a breakup. He also
doesn’t mind if Angelica dates anew as he
wants her to be happy.
He adds that he would rather date a
non-showbiz girl.
“I prefer non-showbiz, yeah. I think it’s
definitely one of my rules now I will have
to date non-showbiz. But by saying that,
it could bite me in the butt and I could be
dating somebody in showbiz. But for now,
I don’t want to be so high-profile with my
lovelife, it was a lot of pressure. I thought we
had a perfect formula. I guess it did affect
us.”
Can Bea Binene sing?
Sure, most everyone knows she can act
– thanks to GMA-7 shows and youthoriented films. But Bea Binene as a singer?
Eyebrows may rise,
questions may crop
up. Still, the 14-yearold Kapuso star is
unfazed. She’s so gungho about singing, Bea
just launched her debut
album, “Hey, It’s Me!”
(released by Galaxy
Records and released by PolyEast Records)
to pleasantly surprising results.
“It’s number two in the overall charts,” she
beams at the launch last month.
The bubbly Bea knows she still has to
convince others that she has what it takes to
do justice to a song, but you have to credit
her for giving it all she’s got.
Voice lessons
“I took up voice lessons under Annie
Quintos (of The CompanY). Never ako nag
lip synch, kahit pumiyok ako, kahit ngongo
ako kasi may sipon ako, o kahit inuubo ako.”
Bea even brings the singing bug at home,
where she breaks into song at the drop of a
hat, “kahit sa banyo!”
Not even stories about how her voice
teacher fell asleep while giving the then
two-year-old Bea singing lessons could
stop her from fulfilling hers and her mom’s
SEPTEMBER 2012
dream of becoming a singer.
Now, all she wants to do when she faces
that doubtful teacher of hers is blurt out,
“May album na ako!”
Besides, Bea just tells herself she has more
fans than bashers on Twitter, and she’s okay.
Of course, she gets hurt sometimes. She’s
human after all.
“They judge before they see the finished
product.”
Bea will reach for the stars, but she will
be honest enough to admit her limitations.
For now, she knows that she has a lot to
learn as a singer. But her album proves she
can be confident enough to stand before a
crowd and sing. That’s good enough, for a
start.
stars and show the grand premiere night of
the film, “The Reunion”.
Star Cinema is bringing back the
formidable love team of Bea Alonzo
and John Lloyd Cruz in upcoming
romantic drama “The Mistress.”
Bago, nakagugulat, mapangahas, at
pinakamatapang na Bea Alonzo ang tampok
sa
pinakapinananabikang
pagbabaliktambalan nila at selebrasyon ng 10th
anniversary ng love team nila ni John Lloyd
Zanjoe Marudo Dreams of
Joining the Olympics Someday
Unbeknown to many, Zanjoe’s favorite
sport is golf and like many golfers, he also
dreams of becoming known in this field.
“I think everyone
dreams of joining a
prestigious competition
like the Olympics. But I
think I’m not yet geared
up for it. I’m just having
fun playing it.”
This is one of his
favorite
pastimes,
according to the actor. “Playing golf is very
calming and very enjoying at the same time.”
When asked if his girlfriend, Bea Alonzo
joins him during his golf sessions he said,
“She tries to play it. Sometimes, during her
free time she accompanies me.”
Meanwhile, with the recent finale of
the London Olympics, “Banana Split” will
spoof some of its sports and re-lyric songs
about it. In “Hot Issue”, they will spoof the
“courting issue” between two Kapamilya
L. M. Confidential
Cruz sa latest mature film mula sa Star
Cinema na “The Mistress. ”
Ayon kay Bea, ang “The Mistress” ay
maituturing na engrandeng pagdiriwang
ng 10th anniversary ng love team nila
John Lloyd. “Nakakatuwa kasi ang layo na
ng narating nung relasyon namin bilang
magkatrabaho. Isang dekada na,” ani Bea.
“Honestly, bawat project ay iniisip namin
baka last na, kagaya ng ‘One More Chance’
at ‘Miss You Like Crazy,’ pero hindi. Kaya
sobra po talaga ang pasasalamat namin sa
mga naniwala at sumusuporta sa amin sa
loob ng 10 taon.”
21
Susan Roces
Journalists protest
pace of Philippine
massacre trial
Still a Refreshing Presence in the Silver Screen
It has
been a long happy journey for Susan Roces from her first movie
Boksingera Daw! (1956) to her latest, Regal Films’ Mano Po
2: My Home. Susan Roces, forever Queen of Philippine Movies, is blowing 71
candles on her birthday cake. That this paper and Susan are sharing a birthday
is not perhaps a coincidence. It’s destiny.
The Belmontes, led by Betty
Go-Belmonte, were among the
pioneers in publishing movie
magazines (in the early ‘60s),
one of them a monthly devoted
exclusively to Susan who, if my
memory serves me right, was
named after then Education
Secretary Alejandro Roces.
It was Dr. Jose “Doc”
R. Perez, the starmaker of
Sampaguita Pictures, who
launched Susan as “The Face
That Refreshes,” a title that has
stuck to Susan like a flawless
second skin. I suspect that Doc
Perez must have been inspired
by the blurb of the Coke ads
then — you know, “The Pause
That Refreshes.” Like Coke,
Susan is “the real thing.”
But did you know that Susan
almost missed her chance to
be the big star that she still is
up to this day, 56 years after
she dropped her ambition to
take up Foreign Service and
succumbed to the lure of the
klieg lights?
Doc Perez’s daughter
Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda
(who designed the gowns of
Susan in her 18th-birthday
starrer Debutante) has the story
about it.
“On the day that she was
going to have her screen test,”
related Manay Ichu, “Susan
came on time with her Uncle
Nestor (Levy). They were
met by Aring Bautista (a
Sampaguita bit player). Upon
learning that Susan was going
to have a screen test, Aring
told Susan and her uncle, ‘We
already have so many stars here,
so you better go home.’ Just
then, Papa came out, asking,
‘Nasaan na ‘yung Jesusa Sonora
na pinapunta ko rito?’ Susan
and her uncle were just out of
the studio gate, ready to board
It has been a long happy journey for Susan Roces from her first movie
Boksingera Daw! (1956) to her latest, Regal Films’ Mano Po 2: My
Home.
a taxi home, and they were
promptly asked to return to
Papa’s office. That’s the story of
how Jesusa Sonora almost did
not become Susan Roces.”
Susan’s first Sampaguita
movie, Boksingera Daw! (with
Luis Gonzales and Dolphy),
was shown in October 1956,
three months ahead of her
actual “first starring role” (as she
was billed), Kulang sa Pito (also
with Dolphy, and Eddie Arenas
and Norma Vales), shown in
December that same year.
Since then, Susan has starred
in more than (an estimated)
200 movies, the last having
been Regal Films’ Mano Po
2: My Home (2003) and she
continues to charm her fans
then and now in the top-rating,
extended (by popular demand)
ABS-CBN soap Walang
Hanggan.
It has been Funfare’s
“tradition” this past quarter
century to pay tribute to Susan
on this day, a loving nod to an
Eternal Movie Queen with
an unblemished image, a role
model whose life is untouched
by scandal and, if you may, the
beautiful first lady (after her
Ninang Imelda Marcos) that
the country never had.
I will end this tribute
with the list of Susan’s 30
memorable films (with names
of Susan’s characters) prepared
by Funfare’s “other beauty
expert” Celso de Guzman
Caparas: Boksingera Daw!
(1956) as Bregida; Torkwata
(1957, titular role); Tawag ng
Tanghalan (1958) as Inday
Laforteza; Mga Reyna ng Vicks
(1958) as Susan Montemayor;
Wedding Bells (Pamamanhikan
episode, 1959) as Rosanna;
Eca Babagot (1961) as Teresa;
Susanang Daldal (1962, titular
role); The Big Broadcast (1962)
as Susay; Lab na Lab Kita
(1962) as Susan Montes; Sabina
(1963) as Sabina/Vina; Swanie
(1965, titular role); Mariang
Kondesa (1966, titular role) ; Si
Siyanang at 7 Tsikiting (titular
role); Maruja (1967) as Maruja/
Cristy; Perlas ng Silangan
(1969) as Dayang Mahalina;
Divina Gracia (1970) as Lorna/
Lorena; Florinda (1973, titular
role); Patayin Mo sa Sindak si
Barbara (1974, titular role);
Maligno (1977) as Angela
Cortez; Gumising Ka, Maruja
(1978) as Nina Concepcion/
Maruja Isabel Sevilla; Angelita,
Ako Ang Iyong Ina (1979)
as Jeanette; Mahal, Saan Ka
Nanggaling Kagabi (1979) as
Luding; Mahal, Ginagabi Ka
Na Naman (1979) as Luding;
Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan
Kita (1986) as Rosa; Inday,
Inday sa Balitaw (1986) as
Monina; Paano Kung Wala Ka
Na (1987) as Ruby; Love Boat:
Mahal Trip Kita (1988) as
Grace Santos; Here Comes The
Bride (1989) as Azon; Mundo
Man Ay Magunaw (1990)
as Dolores; Isinakdal Ko Ang
Aking Ina (1997) as Esperanza;
and Mano Po 2: My Home
(2003) as Sol.
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine
journalists and activists gathered for
an overnight vigil last month, criticizing
the slow pace of the trial over a
massacre that left 57 people including
journalists dead.
The protesters, who assembled at a
human rights monument in Manila, also
assailed President Benigno Aquino
3rd for the continued spate of killings
of media workers despite his promises
to crack down on such crimes.
About 150 people arrived for a
ceremony marking the 1,000th day
since the massacre— allegedly by
a powerful political clan — said
organizer Sonny Fernandez. Thirty-two
journalists were among the dead.
“We are remembering the victims,
stressing the demand for justice
and urging the government to take
concrete steps to end the impunity
in media killings,” said Fernandez, of
the National Union of Journalists of the
Philippines (NUJP).
“The Aquino government is not
doing much to stop the killings,” he
said, citing 13 journalists killed since
Aquino took office in 2010.
The 2009 massacre was allegedly
carried out by the powerful Ampatuan
political clan to prevent a rival from
challenging one of their members in
elections in the troubled southern
Philippines.
However, of 196 suspects in the
case, a hundred remain at large while
the rest are being tried or face legal
processes which have dragged on for
months.
Fernandez said that families of the
victims were being bribed to drop the
case. Other reports say that witnesses
and potential witnesses live in fear of
being silenced.
The NUJP says that since 1986,
when democracy was restored to the
Philippines, 153 journalists have been
killed and only 10 people have been
convicted of these killings, with the
masterminds going unpunished.
“If the government can show that
they can haul to court and punish the
mastermind, that will make perpetrators
think twice before killing journalists,”
said Fernandez.
Human rights and media groups
widely blame the killings on a “culture
of impunity”, where powerful figures
believe they can carry out violent
attacks on their critics without being
punished.
PIDC’s Mabuhay in Toronto
LEFT, A UMAC staff helps out a customer. CENTRE, FV owners Flor Vendiola and Mel Galeon pose for picture at their food booth. RIGHT, Raffy Plicarpio of LBC Cargo announces the winner of
an Ipad (PHOTO BY NOLI GUMAPAC).
22
L. M. Confidential
SEPTEMBER 2012
Mabuhay saved by ABS Stars
MABUHAY
continued on page 13
At Mabuhay,
the performers
after the stars
have left were
local talents. So,
it was hard to tell
whether
they
were part of
the
show
or
just
rehearsing.
Also very
noticeable
at
the
Mabuhay
was
the
e m p t y
space upon
entering
Hall D of
the Metro
To r o n t o
Convention
Centre. It
was nearly
one fourth of the
rented space. They
could have put
inflatables there
for children to play
with.
A n o t h e r
inconvenience was
their decision to
use the washrooms
inside the hall as
their dressing rooms.
You had to get out of
the hall and use the
washrooms
outside
which was actually quite a walk.
Part of the reason for the low
turnout can be blamed
on their decision
to
charge
$25
admission
fee.
The night before,
Deo Moreno of
Minerva Studio
announced on
facebook that
the fee is $15.00
for the first 1000
attendees.
I bumped into
Resty del Rosario,
advisor to Culture
Philippines
of
Ontario, outside the
hall in the afternoon
of the event.
“ Tw e n t y - f i v e
dollars seem a bit
steep,” he said. I
agreed. “If you go
to Wonderland, $31
already includes all
the rides,” he added.
Even
if
the
rumors that spread
in the afternoon
of the event that
they were already
waiving
the
entrance fee is
correct, it was hard
to fill the festival
anymore.
They
were asking people
Nikki Gil, Sam Milby combined with the
hosting capabilities of Randy “Mr. Shades”
Santiago (FAR LEFT WITH TFCKAT WINNER
MARIA PANALIGAN) was the saving grace of
the Mabuhay Festival for attendees who came
for the stars. Not a few booth holders were
disappointed with the low turnout though.
LEFT, Hosts Lilac Cana and Jeff Rustia were
more than up to the task of hosting.
PHOTOS BY NOLI GUMAPAC
to call their friends to come. People said that
it was alright if our friends just lived beside
the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. But
unfotunately, most live in the suburbs.
Just as Blackberry and Nokia find it hard
to regain a stellar eputation once you’ve lost
it, we’ll see if Mabuhay can find it’s way
back to prominence next year.
Talking to God
TALK TO GOD
continued from page 7
that time one country had been hogging
the headlines because of a catastrophic
earthquake. The stressed-out call center
agent blurted, “Haiti.”
The angry customer immediately
dropped his pitch and became
sympathetic. “Oh man, sorry to hear
about your tragedy there. It was so bad, I
heard. How are you guys coping there?”
he asked. The caller did not press further
for answers that the call center agent
could not give.
Call center agents normally have
three scheduled off-phone breaks. Some
would have two 15-minute breaks and a
lunch hour, or sometimes, a 15 to 30 to
45-minute off-phone schedule.
While most call center agents spend
their 15-minute breaks smoking, some
prefer sipping coffee in the pantry while
others use them as an opportunity to take
a snooze, also called “power nap.” They do
this in their workstations without being
too obvious as this, too, is not allowed.
The sleepyheads, however, have developed
different strategies to avoid getting caught
sleeping on their desks.
Most common would be the “pseudopraying” tactic. The agent would slump
on the desk resting the forehead on the
arm and doze off. When approached by
the supervisor, often called TL for team
leader or TC for team captain, the call
center agent then immediately raises his
or her head and blurts out an “Amen”
in a firm modulated voice as though
concluding a prayer, leaving the TL
poker-faced.
Another style would be the “laglag
barya gang [coin-drop gang].” These
agents take the power nap position but
when approached by their supervisors
to call their attention, they would raise
their heads, pull out a coin or some other
object from their hands as if they were
picking up something underneath their
desks. These tactics work half the time,
says one team leader.
But there are times when sleeplessness
gets the better of the call center agent,
who dozes off while talking to a costumer.
It happened to one agent who was
talking to a customer asking for a
cancellation of his mobile phone’s
voicemail subscription. The call center
agent tried to be perky when she opened
the call. As the conversation progressed,
the call center agent fell into sleep mode.
It must have been puzzling to the
customer because he asked, “Huh?! . . . I’m
sorry, what? Hello?”
The “Hello” woke up the sleeping agent.
Slip-ups can be forgiven. But what call
center agents cannot get away with is
arrogance or disrespect toward customers.
Call center agents are not allowed to be
sarcastic even to the most unreasonable
client.
Take the case of this call center agent
from Ortigas who had been on the line
for over an hour with a very dissatisfied
customer. The customer demanded
to speak to the agent’s supervisor or
manager or whoever could take her
complaint about how her call was being
handled. The customer said, “I’d like to
speak to the highest ranking person in
your company.”
Matching anger with acid, the agent
replied, “You want to speak to God?”
The agent was fired.
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L. M. Confidential
23
Entertainment
HOT TV is Newest Showbiz Program
Scenes
in the
City
PHOTOS FROM EVENTS
+ Daniel Padilla to join Kris Aquino
In a bid to revolutionize the viewing habit of Filipinos,
GMA Pinoy TV launches its newest showbiz news
magazine program titled HOT TV (Hindi Ordinaryong
Tsismis) bringing a fresh perspective on today’s hottest
stories and controversies.
Under the direction of Rico Gutierrez, the program
will feature a diverse mix of discussions of the latest
trends and issues as well as segments highlighting
extraordinary personalities and human interest stories
every Sunday afternoon.
HOT T.V. brings together for the first time an
interesting combination of hosts headlined by TV
host and society editor Raymond Gutierrez, seasoned
comedian Roderick Paulate, 2003 Starstruck Ultimate
Female Survivor Jennylyn Mercado, and Asia’s Songbird
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid -- who will display their
humor and talent in tackling different topics from the
most controversial to the most unbelievable human feats
in the country.
Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo
will join Vice Ganda and Kris Aquino
Vice Ganda will co-star with Kris Aquino in Sisteraka,
one of the films competing in the 38th Metro Manila
Film Festival (MMFF).
Kris previously announced on her Kris TV morning
show that Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo will
also be part of this movie co-produced by Star Cinema
and Viva Films.
Vice Ganda is excited to be part of Sisteraka since it
marks his first time to join the film festival traditionally
held during the Christmas season.
“Siyempre first film fest ko ‘to, eh. Noon pa yun, sabi
ko gusto ko makasakay sa float, yung mga ganun, yung
mga simpleng ganun. Dati nga and dream ko parang
gusto ko maging bahagi ng isang Shake Rattle and Roll,
PIDC Mabuhay
yung mga ganun, yung mga
simple lang. Parang nakakaartista.”
The TV host-resident judge
of It’s Showtime revealed that
unlike her previous movies,
Kris will be veering away
from the horror genre that
she became famous for.
“Comedy ito, hindi magho-horror si Kris, comedy
yung Sisteraka.”
Kris has been dubbed as the Queen of Horror after
starring in a string of suspense-thrillers that became
box-office hits such as Feng Shui (2004) and Sukob
(2006).
Given their closeness off-cam, Vice Ganda believes
their familiarity with each other will help him perform
well with Kris.
“As co-workers, okay naman kami. Okay naman kasi
kasi were friends. Actually, we’re really good friends.
Asawa na ang turingan naming dalawa, kaya di kami
nahihiya. Di ako hesitant na lokohin siya kasi malalim
pinagsamahan naming dalawa.”
Kathryn Bernardo denies Dominic Roque
is courting her
Nilinaw ni Kathryn Bernardo na hindi totoo ang
isyung nililigawan siya ni Dominic Roque.
Sa guesting nito para sa KrisTV nitong Miyerkules,
iginiit ni Kathryn na hindi pa nga niya pormal na
nakikilala ang baguhang aktor. “Hindi talaga, hindi po.
Hindi pa nga kami formally nagkakakilala,” ani Kathryn
ng matanong kung totoo bang pinopormahan siya nito.
Pag-amin naman niya,
narinig na nga niya ang di
umano ay paghanga sa kanya
ni Dominic, isa sa cast ng
Aryana.
“Sinabi lang daw po sa
isang interview at marami po
ang nag-tweets sa akin. Pero
never ko po (siya nakilala).”
Ani, Kathryn maliban sa kanyang leading man na si
Daniel Padilla, ay wala naman talagang nanliligaw sa
kanya ngayon.
“Wala naman pong nanliligaw sa akin. At parang wala
din namang ibang vocal na tao kung hindi si DJ lang.”
Samantala, nag-react din si Daniel sa nasabing
isyu at sinabing mas maganda nga kung hindi na din
magkakakilala pa si Dominic at Kathryn.
Ani Daniel, mananatili ang pagtingin niya kay
Kathryn at wala ng iba pang babae para sa kanya.
“Wala na pong iba,” aniya.
Ted Dayno (FAR LEFT), and known and respectable accountant
in Toronto, ventured into a new business in health and wellness
in support of his wife Rhodora (2ND FROM LEFT). The newly
opened clinic is at 1450 Midland Avenue with phone number
at 647-351-8188. In photo with the couple is Gie Alvarez of
Frontpage Philippines and their business partner.
Rosemer Enverga and Ethel or Philippine Canadian
Charitable Foundation catch up on some paperwork during
the Our Lady of Assumption Fiesta.
FV Foods’ Ling Bundoc ring the cash as FV co-owner Flor
Galeon serve the customers at the Filipinos Making Waves
festival.
FV Foods co-owner Mel Galeon supervises some electrical to
be done even as customers swampt their food stall.
Festival
FIRST, The always-best-dressed Amurao shows off their Porkie brand of chicharon at the festival. SECOND, TFC Country Manager Marco Amoranto assures the crowd that ABS will always be a
presence in every big event in the Filipino community. THIRD ,Photographer Noli Gumapac wins a bag os rice at the festival. FOURTH, Suzy Llanera and Pedro Carpio poses with Consul Generla
Juniver Mahilum-West.
24
L. M. Confidential
SEPTEMBER 2012
CLASSIFIED
ADS
A place
or face
from the Past
Do you remember?
Ayala Avenue is accessible from both EDSA and Buendia Avenue. Photo taken from the Monterey Apartments, facing
west shows, at the south end of the highway, a part of Makati Commercial Centre, Rizal Theatre, First United Bank,
and San Miguel-Soriano Building. At the northern side is the FGU building.
Crossword Puzzle
UMAC delivers
For Sale
Filipino Chinese
Fastfood-Dine-In - Takeout
Well-Established
Mini Grocery
Downtown Toronto
Tel: (416) 531-3169
SEPTEMBER 2012
Anna of UMAC and Nieves Mangante pose at the UMAC Express Cargo
booth at the Filipinos Making Waves festival at Yonge Dundas Square.
Answers on
Page 26
L. M. Confidential
25
Entertainment
GMA Recreates Sana ay Ikaw
na Nga
+Bangs Garcia as villain, Mark Herras in charity
The Beer Diplomacy
Following the success of Ikaw Lang
Ang Mamahalin, GMA-7 recreates
another one of its very own masterpieces
with the upcoming remake of Sana Ay
Ikaw Na Nga. The original version ran for
two successful years, and still remains as
one of GMA’s most popular teledramas to
this day.
In the modern version, promising
Kapuso stars Mikael Daez and Andrea
Torres will breathe new life to the roles
previously portrayed by Dingdong Dantes
and Tanya Garcia.
“Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga became very
popular when it first aired 10 years ago
at time when viewers were starting to
notice GMA’s primetime offerings. The
show opened many doors for its original
lead stars, and we’re hoping that the new
version will do the same for Mikael and
Andrea,” says SAINN program manager
Hazel Abonita.
Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga will replace
Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? beginning
September on GMA Afternoon Prime.
Bangs Garcia is PH TV’s
Newest ‘Bida-Kontrabida’
Sexy Kapamilya actress Bangs Garcia
is grateful for her fierce ‘bida-kontrabida’
role as Mia in the country’s no.1
afternoon TV drama, “Kung Ako’y Iiwan
Mo.”
According to Bangs, who is also part of
Star Cinema’s latest barkada movie “The
Reunion,” she is amazed until now with
Candid
FV Foods opens a beer garden and these Media men huddle over their beers at the
Filipinos Making Waves festival at Yonge and Dundas Square.
the huge ratings success of their teleserye
in ABS-CBN. “We saw the gradual rise
of our show’s ratings but what pleases
us more is every time
we learn how attached
the viewers are with
our story, including the
Pinoy viewers abroad
who can relate with the
characters,” said Bangs.
Bangs is happy that
TV viewers are now mature in terms of
the TV dramas they watch. She explained,
“I’m glad that the audience now are more
open-minded because they can separate
Mia’s character from Bangs Garcia the
actress.”
Mark Herras G.I.V.E.S. Joy to
Caritas Kids
Herras, delights kids at GMA volunteer
event.
Kapuso star Mark Herras brightened up
the day of Caritas Manila’s beneficiaries
when he
graced GMA
G.I.V.E.S.
(Guide, Interact,
Volunteer,
Educate, Serve)
2nd Salu-Salo
Together, a
gathering of
the Network’s volunteer employees held
recently. The event, spearheaded by GMA
Corporate Affairs, aims to strengthen
volunteerism among the Network’s
employees. GMA G.I.V.E.S. members
and GMA Kapuso Foundation donated
school bags with school supplies to the
kids.
Kapuso dancing heartthrob, Mark
SPOOF
(Pop-ups are not supposed to be taken seriously - EDITOR)
US mulls
moving
assets from
Afghanistan
to PH
MANILA, Philippines—The United
States is considering moving its
“logistics assets” from war-torn
Afghanistan to the Philippines and
other Southeast Asian nations for
“future disaster response” according
to a US Department of Defense. A
report from the American Forces Press
Service said the US Pacific Command
(Pacom) was working with the US
defense department and the US
Agency for International Development
to identify what materiel assets may
be transferred to the Asia Pacific
as the Americans withdraw from
Afghanistan.
It added that the US was also
seeking more arrangements with
governments in the region for the
“rotational deployment” of American
military forces.
“Part of what this office is doing
is looking at the options of where
we can forward locate humanitarian
assistance capabilities in the
theater,” the report quoted Air Force
Brig. Gen. Mark M. McLeod, Pacom’s
director of logistics, engineering and
security, as saying.
“We want to posture them
somewhere in the theater that would
allow us to react very quickly,” he
added.
McLeod said many materials—
“tents, blankets and generators,
among them” —that would be
transferred from Afghanistan could be
vital in humanitarian crises.
“A preponderance of the natural
disasters happen in this theater, so
the question is raised: How do you
get enough assets out here to support
all of the things that happen?”
McLeod said.
He noted several locations, “such
as Singapore and the Philippines,”
which offer “not only low-cost
warehouse space, but also good
airfield and port access.”
Crossword Answers
Steve, sa Pinoy Fiesta
ka di ba? Huwag mo
na lang sabihin na
kakaunti pumunta dito
sa Mabuhay ha?
Oo. Pero iyong pangako
mo. Lilipat ka sa amin
at dadalhin mo lahat ng
mga nag rent ng booth
dito at ibang officers.
Steve Pagao of DTD Cargo and Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto chats with PIDC’s Dave Pagkalinawan at
the Mabuhay Festival last July.
26
L. M. Confidential
SEPTEMBER 2012
PASS RH BILL
continued from page 19
things needed by our people that are
found in the bill, from education to the
medical attention,” Cayetano said.
Dr. Felipe Medalla, former director
of the National and Economic
Development Authority (NEDA),
said the problem of the bill is that it is
sometimes associated with compulsory
sex education which the Catholic
Church strongly opposes.
“But I would really side more
with the President. The RH bill is
sometimes associated with compulsory
sex education, etc. whereas the
President’s point of view on this is
more on responsible parenthood
actually more aligned with what
the bishops are saying. Except that
the bishops are saying that the only
acceptable method is natural family
planning,” Medalla explained to the
media at the inaugural conference
on globalization, innovation and
economic growth of the Angara
Centre for Law and Economics.
He said an RH program would
definitely be “a very important
investment” for the Philippines
given that it is a fiscally challenged
government which does not have
enough money for public health
education and in a setting where the
government has very little funds for
the poorest families.”
hunk shot
Brampton resident
George is a college
graduate in Law
Enforcement in
Customs. Multitalented George
loves any type of
arts like singing and
producing hip-hop
and R&B music,
drawing and visual
design. Canadian
born, he speaks
Tagalog fluently. His
favorite foods are
binagoongan and
sinigang. George
enjoys his divine duty
in the Church.
PHOTO BY
NOLI GUMAPAC of
4N
George Maclean
SEPTEMBER 2012
L. M. Confidential
The DEA’s
Badge
A DEA officer stopped at a
ranch in Texas and talked with
the old rancher. “I need to
inspect your ranch for illegally
grown drugs.”
“Okay, but don’t go in that
field over there.”
The DEA officer verbally
exploded saying, “Mister, I have
the authority of the Federal
Government with me!” Reaching
into his pocket, he removed his
badge and proudly displayed it
to the rancher.
“See this badge? This badge
means I am allowed to go
wherever I wish, on any land!
No questions asked or answers
given. Have I made myself
clear? Do you understand?”
The rancher nodded politely.
“I’m sorry,” and with that he
went about his chores.
A short time later, the old
rancher heard loud screams.
He looked up and saw the DEA
officer running for his life
with the rancher’s big Santa
Gertrudis bull in hot pursuit.
The bull was gaining ground
on the officer with every step
and it seemed just a matter of
a few more steps before the
officer would be gored.
The rancher threw down his
tools, ran to the fence and
yelled at the top of his lungs:
“Your badge! Show him your
BADGE!!”
27
28
L. M. Confidential
SEPTEMBER 2012