Full evacuation for OFWs in Libya
Transcription
Full evacuation for OFWs in Libya
Toronto, Ontario Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 ‘No more EDSA-type revolt’ - PNoy visit us: www.philippinecourier.com Vol. 7 No. 7 Full evacuation for OFWs in Libya Biggest batch of OFW-repatriates from Libya arrive in Manila Saturday… US, EU freeze Khadafy assets RARE OPPORTUNITY: Photo shows one of the 25 symbolic doves lands on the head of a surprised President Benigno S. Aquino III after they were released during the unveiling of the life-sized bronze statue of Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin as part of the 25th anniversary of EDSA People Power I February 25, 2011 in P. Burgos St. corner Bonifacio Drive, Manila. Together with President Aquino is Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. – (Photo by Jonas Sulit – ABANTE.com) MANILA, Philippines (February 28, 2011) - President Aquino has vowed that under his administration, there would never be a need for another EDSA type of revolution to make government address the needs of the people. FINALLY HOME: Another batch of OFWs from Libya arrives at NAIA with different scary tales of escape from the South African nation now under siege from its people Story on page 9 continued on page 11 Rep. Singson resigns Another world title for Donaire, Jr. Please turn to page 17 'Angel ng Tahanan 2011' ( Miss LSC Caregiver) Please turn to page 4 Story on page 5 Story on page 25 SERVICES: * Mortgage Insurance * Educational Plan & 20% Gov't Grant * Critical Illness Insurance * Life Isurance Arnel Jimenez Lopez Cell: (416) 568-2110 759 Warden Avenue, Scarborough Ontario, M1L 4B5 Philippine Courier 2 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier HIRING IMMEDIATELY - - We are looking for Experienced EXOTIC DANCERS Please forward your resume with picture at: [email protected] 715 Real Estate, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Divorce, Small Claims Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 3 Philippine Courier 4 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier After HK conviction for drugs in HK … Rep. Singson resigns MANILA (March 2, 2011) - Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson has formally resigned as a member of the House of Representatives, less than a week after he was sentenced to 18 months in prison in Hong Kong for drug possession. Singson, in a letter to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. dated Feb. 28, said he reached the "painful decision" to quit his post in keeping with the "time-honored tradition" of Congress that ensures that its members come “with clean hands, clean minds and clean hearts." "I am resigning as a member of the House of Representatives in humble recognition of the nobility in character and purpose of the majority of my colleagues who kept their peace and prayed while waiting for the conclusion of my case in Hong Kong," he said in his resignation letter. sentence. "I am resigning not because I am succumbing to the pressure of the noisy few among my honorable colleagues. My resignation is a fulfillment of my promise to my father," he said. He likewise thanked his fellow congressmen for their "continued friendship and moral support." He said he chose to quit his post "for the sake of the Filipino people." The letter was faxed to Belmonte's office, which officially received it at 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, by Rep. Singson's lawyer, John Reading. "I am tendering my resignation as a congressman for the sake of my countrymen, the Filipino people, especially my constituents in the first district of Ilocos Sur, who look up to the members of Congress with respect," he said. In the same letter, Rep. Singson, son of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, also took a swipe at some of his "noisy" colleagues who made moves to oust him from the chamber even before the Hong Kong court handed down the Speaker Belmonte will have to read Rep. Singson’s resignation letter before the plenary and inform House members of the convicted lawmaker's decision to quit his post before his name is formally dropped from the rolls. Gani Gregorio Assistant Sales Manager Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Rep. Singson was sentenced last week to 18 months in prison by the Hong Kong Wan Chai District Court for trafficking cocaine and Valium in the Chinese territory. He was arrested in July last year at Chek Lap Kok Airport after authorities seized 6.67 grams of cocaine from him. "Pwede si Owen (Eric Singson Jr.), pero pag-uusapan pa," he told reporters on Tuesday. In his defense, he said he went on a cocaine-and-gambling binge after attending an Usher concert in Manila that he helped organize on July 9. He said he was frustrated by an argument with his girlfriend, actress Lovi Poe. "We have to meet all the provincial and municipal leaders and let them decide," he said. He said he then decided to join a friend who was going to attend a poker tournament in Macau, but he was arrested while transiting through Hong Kong. Governor Singson, meanwhile, said a relative, Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson Jr., may act as "caretaker" of his son’s legislative district while waiting for a duly elected replacement. Kit Santos Tony Paragas Sales and Leasing Consultant Used Car Manager Singson Jr., representative of the second district of Ilocos Sur, is the son of the governor’s cousin, former Rep. Eric Singson. Gov. Singson also said he will consult other local officials from the province to decide who they will field in the special elections that will be held to elect his son’s replacement. Belmonte on Monday said he will instruct the House committee on electoral reforms and suffrage to pass a resolution asking the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct special polls in the convicted lawmaker’s district once his position is declared vacant. Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento earlier said that a temporary “caretaker" can represent Rep. Singson’s legislative district before a special election is held to determine his replacement. — KBK/HS, GMA News 5 Philippine Courier Publisher/Editor-in- Chief Ramon "Mon" Datol Managing Editor Bob Valdes Associate Editors Ross D. Tierra, Melodie Claudio, The Philippine Courier 419 Alper St., Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 2Z5 Tel No: 905-780-0114; Cell No. 647-588-7844; Fax No: 905-918-0526 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] ; [email protected] For Advertisement: Tel. No. 905-780-0114; 647-588-7844 (Mon) For Subscription: Tel No. 905-780-0114; Cell # 647-588-7844 (Mon) Miguel Caducio, Maria Isabelle D. Bello "The Only Filipino Community Newspaper that Serves York Region And GTA" Copyright of letters and other materials submitted and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the Publisher may freely reproduce them in any other forms. Opinions and views expressed are of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Philippine Courier. E-mail [email protected] Website Administrator Special Project Manager Comptroller Account Executive Lawrence Tierra Cynthia Caducio Frances Moscare Datol Cecille Araneta Contributing columnists and writers: Miss Rubi Talavera, Leto Tigley, Maria Isabelle Datol, Amado D. Gamboa, Ninez Cacho Olivarez, Ducky Paredes, Ellen Tordesillas, Bill Velasco, Freddie Claudio, Jose "Bong" Abellon, Tessie Lagtapon, Don Collantes, John Agustin, John Bello, Tony Sicat, Romy Zetazate, Al Mendoza, Alex Vidal, Ores Ting and Jojo Taduran. EDITORIAL F R O N T L I N E PNoy gets a divine message President Benigno ‘Noynoy’Aquino III , in his speech marking Edsa I, again invited Filipinos to join him in his journey through the straight path, something which he has been asking for since the campaign for the presidency. Such mindless invitation makes it look like either nobody has yet taken up his challenge or he is into rambling words that do not mean anything to him. Also he asked for unity while at the same time engaging in head bashing of former Presidents Marcos and Arroyo. The point is, why call for unity when he does not mean it? Noynoy had stuck to the reformist image that won him the elections, that is a literal meaning of stuck. He has failed to move beyond being the candidate and step into the shoes of the president that Filipinos thought would lead them to the road to good governance and prosperity. What he says seem to be rehashes, if not clean copies of what he delivered to convince Filipinos to vote for him during the campaign for the 2010 elections. These speeches were what inspired voters to go for him in the elections — which is what his propagandists say — and thus he still believes such to be a winning formula whenever he wants to impress a crowd. Most Filipinos are, however, getting frustrated over his repeated reference of past evils and his unending promise to be different and provide the nation what it has been deprived of for so long. Eight months into office and Noynoy is still handing out promises. Regarding the straight path, yet this road is becoming more fictional than the yellow brick road of the Land of Oz. Nobody has seen it or figured out where it is going, perhaps including Noynoy. Noynoy would never run out of ammunition for his entire six years in delving on the excesses of Marcos and Gloria, who have the two longest terms as presidents, and picking even on the smallest details of the supposed excesses of the two. Noynoy even railed against Marcos’ removal of Voltes V, a Japanese anime in the 1980s that could have been his favorite program at that time, or still is, perhaps. The animated series was pulled off due to what was considered its violent content at that time. The question that remains among many, however, is: Would he find the quality to leap beyond blaming the past and do something creditable in his administration? While endlessly enumerating the ills of the past, nothing substantial as a way of change is being offered by Noynoy’s administration. The padrino system remains stronger than ever, with his close associates being insulated from public criticisms. A glaring example of this is Mar Roxas, whose itch to get into the government, Noynoy accommodates every time. The financial situation of the government has not improved and had even worsened from the time of Gloria, who supposedly suctioned off most of the money in government to her pocket. Last year, half of which was under Noynoy’s watch, the budget deficit hit a record P310 billion after a P298 billion budget deficit, which was second worst, during the last full year of Gloria in 2009. Budget Secretary Butch Abad has been proclaiming that the shortfall at the end of the year was below target and manageable since it was better than in 2009 in terms of its percentage to the gross domestic product (GDP). The fiscal gap still needed mostly foreign borrowings to plug it and the country had something like $2.5 billion yearly in new foreign debts to pay off maturing loans and at the same time bridge the fiscal shortfall. The Aquino government also borrows heavily from the domestic market to cover the budget deficit. Employing justice remains selective as in the classic case of the hostage taking crisis in which Noynoy changed the recommendations of the body that investigated the globally-broadcast carnage to favor his allies and later on still abetted a snub of a reinvestigation of the incident in Hong Kong by saying that the issue of sovereignty is involved in the acceptance of the invitations of Hong Kong authorities to its own inquest. The peace dove going straight for Noynoy’s head at the Edsa I event could be a divine message with the dove representing God’s hand movement. It may have been God’s way of saying, “cut the crap Noynoy.” (Tribune) 6 NINEZ CACHO-OLIVARES Impossible changes Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, speaking before a UP crowd, pushed a shift to the parliamentary form of government which he said would lead to the restoration of the voice of the sovereign Filipino people, adding that the people are “fed up with elitism — of the royal or the blue blood.” He was quoted as saying that “we fought against a different kind of elitism. It may not be elitism coming from the royal blood but elitism nonetheless. The rule of the few over the majority of the people. People power changed that kind of elitism.” That’s his opinion, but I certainly beg to differ — and on the point of shifting to a parliamentary form in restoring the voice of the people, which Puno says will do away with the type of Philippine elitism where the rule of the few is superior to the majority of the people. The past decades have proved that our Congress, which consists of the so-called representatives of the people, and the voice of the people, hardly represent the people and neither are they the voice of the people. Over the decades, it has been proven again, and again, that Congress — whether the House or Senate — was the voice of the Malacañang tenant as Congress bows to the will of Malacañang, never of the people who have elected them. Has Congress ever used its power of overriding the presidential veto? Has it rejected a national budget as presented by the Palace tenant? And will a parliamentary government change all this? Hardly, since those who will be elected to parliament would be the very same politicians and their kin who are today’s members of Congress. And they — at least the majority — belong to the elite. All one needs to prove this statement are their statements of assets and liabilities. How then can parliamentary system packed with the same congressmen — or their wives and children after them — become the true voice of the people? It may be denied, but the House of Representatives has always been peppered with members who chuck their parties and align themselves with the Malacañang tenant, who also belongs to the elite class, and favors the elite businessmen’s interests rather than the Filipino people’s interests. One argument raised in pushing the parliamentary form of government says that this system does away with coups and revolts of the people power type, because a no confidence vote brings down a Cabinet government. Not in this country and with the Congress — or would be parliament — that we have. No matter the many scandals and scams that rock the government, that government does not fall mainly because the majority of the members of Congress are precisely there to ignore the voice of the people and to protect that government, which is why impeachments never work as far as presidents go. As for people power of the Edsa revolt type, this is so overrated. Edsa I would never have succeeded if the military did not go over to the people’s side. Edsa II was not a people power revolt. It was a coup mounted by the Vice President, who had plotted this with the bishops, the military chiefs, the elite businessmen and the opposition politicians who could not get the then sitting President convicted by a Senate court. And yes, even the Supreme Court justices were in on the coup plot inventing a doctrine of “constructive resignation” on the basis of an unauthenticated diary written by a third person with this diary coming after the fact, and done to justify their unconstitutional and illegal act of swearing in the Vice President, Gloria Arroyo. That was not the sovereign voice of the people. It was the voice of an elite mob who embraced the rule of force, not the rule of law. As for federalism, the country is hardly prepared for this, apart from being much too expensive for the Filipino people to afford. Maybe in the future, but certainly not now, and not in the near future either. Parliament is just another name for Congress. But as long as it is the same political families that dominate; as long as there are turncoats in Congress and as long as its majority continue to kowtow to the Malacañang tenant, no change is forthcoming, presidential or parliamentary form of government change. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier THE TALL ORDER Reprinted from Malaya with the author’s consent ‘Postponing the elections may just be the worst medicine for what ails our politics, as it applies to our Muslim brothers.’ By Mon Datol Willing victims Libya’s continuing unrest definitely affects worldwide economy as prices of oil skyrocketed and the Philippines is one Asian country deeply affected by this. Alam naman natin na kapag tumaas ang gasolina sa Pinas, lahat tataas – meat, veggies, rice, corn, sugar, salt, LPG, pamasahe, pandesal at kung anik-anik pa. Tipid bigla mga Pinoy, kahit pa sabihing they are receiving monthly dollars from their siblings working abroad night and day just to send hard-earned money to their loved ones in the Philippines. Even here in Canada, we are tightening our belts due to non-stop increase of gasoline. It was $1.23.1/liter yesterday ng magkarga ako. Bumaba nga ng konti from $1.24 last week after Saudi Arabia doubled its oil production after Libya temporarily stopped its production of oil due to people power. Talagang black gold ang oil. **** And now, some ‘enterprising concert producers’ are bringing Pinoy singers from Manila come March 26 with tickets prices costing as high as $150 and as low as $50 for a 2-hour-show that features not-so-popular Yeng Constantino and a Jovit Baldovino whose claim to fame is just winning a talent-search conducted for a year by ABS-CBN? Wala pa nga yatang concert sa Manila na dinumog ang show ng dalawang ito, ah. Dito pa kaya sa Toronto? Nagsama naman ng comedian named Ate Gay who impersonates the superstar herself Nora Aunor. Eh, galing na nga rito ang original na Ate Guy at nalugi pa ang producer, tapos, isang impersonator ang ipapadala rito sa Toronto? Para magpatawa at the expense of one of the greatest Filipino artists of all time? Ayaw ng mga loyal Noranians na nakatira rito niyan. I don’t know kung gagastos ang mga Pinoy rito sa Toronto ng $150 or even $50 just to watch this show produce by people connected to ABS-CBN. Sila-sila na rin ang nag-produce ng kanilang mga talents? Ano ba yan? Sayang ang perang pambili ng mahal na tickets. Malaking pera na iyon kung ipapadala sa mga pamilya nila sa Pilipinas, ah. Nasa inyo iyan, mga kabayan kung gagastos kayo ng $150 for a VIP ticket or $50-admission ticket … Sa isang ‘bigtime concert’, kuno. **** Kasabay ng nasabing concert sa March 26 and 3rd Bayanihan Gala ng Canadian Aid Relief Project (CARP) na gaganapin sa Fairmont Royal Hotel sa downtown Toronto. $150/ticket din ang nasabing fund-raising na ito ng CARP na pinamumunuan ni Dr. Francisco Portugal, pero, mapupunta naman ang pera/donation nyo sa medical/dental/optical missions na taon-taon ay ginagawa nina Dr. Portugal sa mahihirap na barangay sa Pilipinas. Excellent dinner, plus some entertainment provided by local Pinoy talents and night-long dancing after the show awaits the expected 600 guests and patrons. Dito ko na lang gagastusin ang $150 ko, makakatulong pa ako sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap sa Pinas, keysa sa show nina Yeng at Jovit na ang kikita ay mga producers na konektado rin sa ABS CBN. ‘Nakngdalagang baka, madam Charo Santos ang mga subordinates mo, …. Sila-sila ang kumikita. **** Mas magaling kumanta si Martha Joy keysa kay Yeng Constantino, pero, hindi natin sinusuportahan si Martha Joy at ang pinapanuod natin ay ang mga tagaManilang singers na dinadala rito ng mga ‘enterprising’ producers. Nagbabayad tayo ng hanggang $150 for a VIP ticket for almost all shows that feature artists com- Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 ing from the Philippines, but, we questioned why Toronto divas Jen Camacho and Josie de Leon are charging $45 per ticket in their local shows here in Toronto. May kasamang dinner pa ang shows nina Jen at Josie, huh! (By the way, Jen Camacho has her ‘Jenifer Forever3’ concert on April 8, 2011. Pls. see her poster on page 4 of this paper.) Darating na naman si Piolo Pascual dito sa March 20. Solo concert daw. $150 din ang VIP ticket. Ginagawang gatasan ng mga di-na-sikat na artist/singers ang mga Pinoy dito sa Canada, ah! Mas magaling pa sina John Alix, Rolly Gatchalian, Darius Ciria, Todd Domingo at iba pang Filipino singers keysa kay Piolo Pascual as far as singing is concerned, pero, dinadaan sa pagiging artista ang mga shows dito, eh. At saka karamihang nanunuod kina Piolo ay mga … Willing victims! **** On March 12, 2011, TPC/EDCILLE Productions presents the monthly ‘Angel ng Tahanan’ Miss LSC Caregiver 2011 to be held at ‘Prestige By Night’ disco house 4544 Dufferin St. just South of Finch St., North York, Ontario. $23/ticket that entitles the guest a fine dinner, a 2-hour beauty pageant and excellent entertainment that features teen superstar Mia Lising Napao, Andie Barredo and Andrea Asuncion. The panel of judges composed of former Miss Gay Universe Erena Garcia, former Miss Philippines runner-up Christina Paras, journalist Tenny Soriano, among others, will select three winners from the seven candidates (Miss January, Miss February and Miss March 2011). Grand finals of the 12 monthly winners will be held on Decembr 3, 2011 at the Korean Community Center along Leslie Road near Eglinton, Toronto, with the top winner pocketing the round trip plane ticket to the Philippines. Let’s go and support our caregivers, aptly called … Mga Angel ng Tahanan. **** If former AFP Chief of Staff (ret.) General Angelo Reyes was allowed to be buried to the Libingan ng mga Bayani despite committing suicide, why not give such honor, too, to former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. for being a WWII decorated soldier and also a Philippine Army officer (Lt.), like Reyes? Tama na bangayan. Pinauwi na ng mga Pinoy ang Marcos family sa Pilipinas and even elected them to public office up to the Senate, kaya’t kumpletuhin na ang pagpapatawad sa mga Marcos and allow the former president be laid at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Anong malay natin, ang susunod na pangulo ng Pilpinas, to follow the ‘on-going’ tradition ay …. Si Sen. Bongbong Marcos! **** SHORT ORDER: Our deepest sympathy to friend Jess Carlos, whose father Mr. Cornelio Carlos, died at the age of 89 last February 13, 2011, from The Philippine Courier and its staff, Ores Ting and family; AFCA; Folklorico; Kapampangan Association of Canada; FARH; Filcrea’s Ruby Talavera & colleagues, among other friends. The ARMM elections THERE have been eight postponements since the first set of ARMM officials was elected on Feb. 17, 1990. Only in 2008 have the ARMM elections been conducted on the date specified by law. Pending before Congress at the moment is a bill of Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong to postpone the August 2011 ARMM elections so it will be synchronized with the 2013 national elections. The Aquino administration would also like a postponement of the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao scheduled in August because it believes the government should first bring about major reforms to address the problems of poverty and armed rebellion in the region. I don’t think the postponement of elections is the answer. In fact, postponing the elections may just be the worst medicine for what ails our politics, as it applies to our Muslim brothers. What is going on in the Middle East where the young are asserting themselves by taking down their governments has not happened there, not yet. But when on thinks about it, would not another postponement work against the idea that we are serious about having an Autonomous Muslim Mindanao? Amina Rasul writes: "Of the arguments put forward by those in favor of holding the elections, the most compelling was on the legality of postponement. Whereas the old law (RA 6734) governing the ARMM elections specifically allowed for date of elections to be changed, Republic Act 9054, does not allow for the same flexibility. RA 9054, as an organic act, was ratified by the residents of ARMM through plebiscite. Can an act of Congress amend the Autonomy Act, which had been ratified through plebiscite? Even if Congress amends 9054, shouldn’t that amendment be subject to plebiscite before it takes effect?" Doesn’t taking the usual postponement route to the ARMM elections seem as if we are treating our Muslims as if they were not full-fledged citizens of our democracy? We would have the President appoint the leaders who should (under our laws) be elected by the people? It is argued that synchronized elections in 2013 would be good for the economy as postponement of the ARMM elections would allow the government to save money. But the Commission on Elections has already categorically stated that it has the needed budget of P1.8 billion to undertake the ARMM polls. There is no need for another budget appropriation. In fact the wiser path is to proceed with the ARMM elections because postponement could aggravate the volatile security situation in ARMM which could lead to adverse repercussions for the country’s economy. It may well be true that, as the government claims, the ARMM is a failed experiment because it has not fulfilled the aspirations of our Muslim brothers for peace and justice. The ARMM is imperfect due to abuses and mismanagement by its own leaders. If we want to put things in order in the ARMM, then we should proceed with the elections to install a new leadership freely elected by the people. With "daang matuwid" as the underlying philosophy, a new political leadership in ARMM can improve its present state of governance. Related to this, the government wants to appoint officers in charge with clean slates to oversee reforms in ARMM. But who will select those who will serve as interim officials of ARMM? And what should be their qualifications? Isn’t the best way of choosing who these will be an election? The establishment of a caretaker government and the appointment of OICs will only serve weaken the self-rule that is at the core of ARMM. The national government should, instead, stop meddling in the affairs of ARMM. Elections are essential to strengthen the autonomy of ARMM and allow it to exercise self-determination. The government should instead focus on ensuring that ARMM elections are fair, clean and peaceful. It is claimed that elections in ARMM are determined by traditional warlords and politicians who use guns, goons, and gold to cling to power. But this is also true in other parts of the country? President Aquino won in ARMM even without the help of traditional politicians there. No matter how imperfect the ARMM is, government is duty-bound to protect it. We can make the institution work, without compromising the people’s right to suffrage. The more reason then to have an ARMM elections where the people’s choices -- not the warlords’ picks -- are voted into office. Ours is a republican state founded on democratic ideals. And the regularity of elections is a key feature of a democracy. We should strengthen rather than undermine self-rule in ARMM. The ARMM elections should proceed as scheduled in August to underline the fact that ours – even in our Muslim areas -- is a working democracy. *** DZXQ (1350 kHz Metro Manila) is an AM station owned and operated by Mabuhay Broadcasting System, Inc. The station’s studio is on Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, with its transmitter located at Brgy. Muzon, Malabon, Metro Manila. I have been a blocktimer on DZXQ for the last two years. Last week, we were informed that our last broadcast would be today because the station has been sold, Who bought it? No answer. What are the plans of the new owner? Close it down for the nest six months. What? Among the affected broadcasters are Roger Arienda, Ruben Ilagan, Popo Villanueva Narissa Gonzalez, Jhino Parrucho, , Roland Lumagbas, Dr. Erick San Juan, Reggie Vizmanos, Roy Seneres and several others. I have a one-year contract with the station; others have paid for their time up to the next six months and more. What happens to them? As blocktimers, we have advertising contracts that specify our broadcast times and stations. I find it strange that someone would buy a radio station whose immediate plans are only to close it down for six months. Is there something more going on that is not being told us? The new owner has installed a security guard to make sure – no doubt – that after today, no one will be allowed entry into the broadcast studio. I have been on radio or sometime now; stations I worked in have put in new equipment without losing even one second of broadcast time. What is going on? Is there an attempt to muzzle media? Did one of us offend someone rich and powerful who then bought the station so that he could shut it down? At any rate, the affected persons, about 20 or so, are consulting lawyers to find out what can be done to right something that smells like an attempt to muzzle one or several of us. Tomorrow, I will be broadcasting, probably on DWSS, 1494 khz AM 10:30 to 11 in the morning. As I write this, we are still talking; thus, nothing is yet sure as I write this column. *** Readers who missed a column can access www.duckyparedes.com/blogs. This is updated daily. Your reactions are welcome at [email protected] 7 Philippine Courier My Cup of Tea By Dr. Leto Tigley ‘Binay said there were no concessions or promises. We really hope so that the interest of more than 90 million Filipinos is not put in jeopardy to save the lives of three drug traffickers.’ Reprinted from Malaya with the author’s consent What was the quid for the drug mules’ quo? SPRATLYS in exchange for freedom of drug mules? I’m trying hard to understand why reason seems to have left the Aquino government in the case of the Filipinos who are in China’s death row for drug trafficking. Aquino sent Vice President Jejomar Binay to Beijing last week to appeal to the leadership to spare the lives of Ramon Credo, 42, Sally Villanueva, 32, and Elizabeth Batain, 38, who were scheduled to be executed by lethal injection starting today. The three were sentenced to death for smuggling 4 to 6.8 kilograms of heroin in 2008. They were originally five but diplomatic sources said further investigations showed that the two had minor roles in the drug syndicate than the three. Hours after meeting with Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun, top foreign policy maker Dai Bingguo and the president of the Supreme People’s Court, Wang Shengjun, we got a flash report through text: VP Binay saves OFWs from death row in China. The text message said "Within hours after arrival in China, VP Jojo Binay reached an accord with Chinese government not to execute convicted OFWs and to conduct review of their cases. Binay argued that these Filipinos are themselves victims of drug syndicates. Mabuhay si Binay! Mabuhay ang ating mga OFW!" Ethan Sun, spokesman of the Chinese Embassy, declined to say if the postponement of the executions might lead to a commutation of the death sentences. The communique on Binay’s meeting with Chinese officials did not indicate when the sentence would be carried out, only that the execution was postponed "within the scope of Chinese law." We are sure that for the relatives of the three OFW, every minute that they are alive is a blessing. It’s reported that China said the suspension of the execution was a consideration of a "friend’s request." Binay said there were no a concessions or promises made in exchange for the reprieve. We really hope so that the interest of more than 90 million Filipinos is not put in jeopardy to save the lives of three drug traffickers. The case of the Filipinos in the death row has always been in the list of items in bilateral discussions with China the past years but not marked priority until Aquino had to find a reason to justify his 8 decision to follow the recommendation of the Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo to boycott the Nobel Peace prize awarding ceremonies to a Chinese activist. The DFA, in a recommendation to Malacañang, said the Nobel prizes have been politicized by the United States in recent years and they have used it as a tool against China. Malacañang saw it as an opportunity to ingratiate themselves to China whom they have been courting for "forgiveness" for their bumbling of the August 23 tragedy where eight Hong Kong tourists were killed in a bus hostage incident. How then do they justify it to the public? The bright boys of Malacañang saw the case of the Filipino drug mules in the list of issues with China and that’s what Aquino told media. But what if China does not grant the request? Anxious to please the President, DFA sources said Ambassador Francisco Benedicto indicated in a meeting with Chinese officials that the Philippines is willing to drop the Spratlys in exchange for the freedom of the Filipino drug mules. A source said it was disaster. Benedicto has been recalled. Malacañang is on the look out for a new ambassador to China. *** At the DFA, foreign service officers are asking, "What’s this oxymoron of out and yet in? Change and yet same? Acting foreign secretary of foreign affairs vice a de jure secretary of foreign affairs on indefinite leave of absence?" They are referring to Alberto Romulo who went on indefinite leave last Friday and designated Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio. Sources at DFA said that Romulo last Friday instructed Basilio not to attend the Asean meeting in Jakarta and instead sent another undersecretary, Tony Rodriguez. If there’s anybody in DFA considered as ‘expert’ on Asean, it’s Basilio. She is the acting foreign secretary. Why should she not go? Why is Romulo who is outgoing still calling the shots on who should attend? And, why hasn’t President Aquino not appointed a new foreign secretary? *** Blog:www.ellentordesillas.com E-mail:ellentordesillas@gmail. com Why Gen. Reyes ended his life … Money is the root of all evil. Notorious as it is, it can move mountain or even destroy allegiance. What happened to the Armed Forces of the Philippines during GMA’s watch is now the talk of the nation. Surprisingly, when a garbage bin of worms was uncovered at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe on the Plea Bargain Deal of former Gen. Carlos Garcia, which is now pending in the Sandigang Bayan, retired Lt. Col George Rabusa surfaced and narrated a series of misconducts during the time of COS Gen. Angelo Reyes, Roy Cimatu, and Diomedio Villanueva. All of them received an enormous Million Pesos of Pabaons on their retirements. Because money is evil, the vulnerability of temptations was not an ordinary ritual. Angelo tried to parry the charges by filing a graft case against the senators, but the exercise is just a show of futility. In the mind of the intelligent public, everything bared by their subordinate on their stint sounds very believable. Maybe, for some credible theory or speculation, this is the ultimate cause why Retired General Reyes ended his life in a very questionable manner. But the Senate which regained its good stature, pledge to continue their probe on Corruption in Military and the Government. This is also what happens to Retired COA Heidi Mendoza in the lower house probe of the same case. The crying Mendoza proved to the Filipino Public her credibility. The church and Manila Mayor Lim responded by organizing a crusade to raise funds for her to show to future witnesses in any corruption that this Government meant what had been said; to find and protect the right path for our country. This is not an easy task for PNoy because those who have the virus to do it are still there in a dormant state. Like a sickness etiology, it can relapse when time gives them an opportunity. We hope so that this thing would be a prelude to a better Philippines. I received an email from a friend in California, USA; a Filipina who runs a Health Care Business and is on the run because she is wanted by the Office of Inspector General. Her Name is Susan Bendigo. As alleged, her business supposedly composed of Licensed Health Care Professional and what was found out that he sent workers to clients who are not qualified or some of their Nurses sent were unlicensed. As far as the alleged record is concerned, the US government lost to her a total amount of 17 Million US dollar. She is presumed to be hiding in the Philippines now. Another Filipino bullshit named Brian Bolante, a son of Filipino Doctor also organized a Kaplan test review and those who enrolled later found out it was fake and he got a total of 50,000 US dollar. Although these are just few, as cited, I hope it would not be a tip of the iceberg. Please, please, if you have a corrupt virus running into your vein, before you destroy our Filipino moral fiber, do a suicide. Don’t do it after the damage. It is in our blood that when it comes to money we will not surrender and lie vehemently up to the last breathe. I knew, likewise, that there is lots of Filipino Immigrations Consultancy here that damages our Filipino name by raking dollars from our Filipino brothers through false promises. How I wish the vigilantes annihilate them, because they are obnoxious and contaminates the purity of the innocent majority here. I always disagree that we as a race will be hurling vindictive to our fellow brothers who are in business, but, sometimes, they made us reach our boiling points. That’s the reason too, why people will just erupt unknowingly because they spent thousand dollars, sold their property, only to find out they were gypped by these vultures. Maybe, Gen. Angelo Reyes, in his suicide could be a good example for those people. And the only sin of him could be that he has no right to take away his own life. Hara-kiri is not part of our culture. The Muslim in Mindanao will run amok, if they have problems unbearable. Reyes could have regained his reputation by running amok inside the Senate Probe and should have implicated all who had partaken in the corruption festival in the Military. He sure would be a good candidate as my hero. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV who acted like a prosecutor lambasted Gen. Reyes and it is now the reason that PMAyers are now bullying him as disrespectful. To all Mistahs, be reminded that inside the Senate, Trillanes is not a PMAyer only but a senator elected by the people to ferret the truth about corruptions that deprived the Filipino people from being protected by a morally strong Armed Forces of the Philippines. Naturally, they will be affected because most of them who are in the higher echelons in the military are Mistahs and upperclassmen of him. But Trillanes is indebted to the people not to mistahs. That is the great divide. Just an interlude, let’s talk about Medicine, and one simple topic that caught my attention is chocolate. I am a rabid eater of chocolate, and even if my entire tooth cracks, my taste of that stuff, would not deter. But if it is pure from cacao, science can attest that its antioxidant factor, is unique and it helps enhance the quality of our cardiovascular system. It improves sexual vitality and my ancient friends in Finchurst’ Tim Horton, many times cross their fingers of assurance, that it will strengthen penile erectness. I regretted to stop eating more, because I am not yet a candidate for support. But for them, it is a miracle and worthy to continue the gluttony of its pleasure. Go on, friends. Now that Bai Mon Datol is here from month-long medical mission coverage in the Philippines, he could lend us his sweet science analysis of the incoming super fight of Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley. Remember, Bai Mon was the boxing sport annalist during the time of Mayor Lopez of Manila who headed the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) from 1987 to 1998 that produced two Olympic bronze medals (1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Summer Games) and silver medal (1996 Atlanta Games thru Onyok Velasco). And until now his boxing insight is still a good indicator for betting. Remember too, that they were the Kambal Kamao radio broadcasters with Jess Carlos few years ago and they brook the neck of those Filipinos who are “sinungalings” of the society. I know that many who are bad in our society, can not be a friend of Mon.. For me, I still believed Pacquiao will come out, but it needs some degree of caution. One is to train hard, and do not underestimate Mosley. Follow the same pathway of glory, as in the past. Happy Post Valentine’s to all. This is the day, where in the park, bins are full of condoms. And the source of children orphans of a father nine months from now. I am sure my best friend; a priest would not be a part of it. After all, he is against RH bill in the Philippines. PNoy, our president, doesn’t like women probably. So, he elected to be bachelor forever. May God bless him and us? Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Full evacuation for OFWs in Libya Biggest batch of OFW-repatriates from Libya arrive in Manila Saturday… US, EU freeze Khadafy assets MANILA, February 27, 2011) (PNA) – Ninety-eight Libya-based repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with their dependents, mostly highly-skilled workers and engineers of the Paris-based Vinci Construction Grands Project, landed in Manila in batches on Saturday, the largest groups yet since President Benigno Aquino III ordered the full evacuation of all OFWs in Libya Friday and voluntary repatriation was announced on Wednesday by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). A total of 1,491 overseas Filipinos (OFWs) have already been safely moved in control of the oil-rich North African nation. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said the 1,491 OFWs were evacuated mostly under their employers’ contingency and safety plans. “Of the 1,491 OFWs, 1,228 are being booked for flights in the transit countries – Tunisia, 14; Turkey, 60; Egypt, 1,154; and Madrid, 2. Baldoz said the 14 OFWs in Tunisia are part of a group of 50 workers, 36 of whom would go home on March 2 via Doha, onboard Qatar Airways. The OFWs worked for Hanil Engineering & out of Libya, most of them from Benghazi, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said. As this developed, the Obama administration – dramatically sharpening its stance against Moammar Khadafy’s brutal crackdown on antigovernment protesters – is freezing billions of assets in the United States held by the Libyan government, Khadafy, and four of his children and abandoning the US Embassy in Tripoli. Construction, a Korean company. “As of today, there are 204 OFWs who are in transit or about to board their flights for the Philippines. They are expected to arrive today and tomorrow,” Baldoz said. The arriving OFWs are part of the 1,600-strong workers of SNC Lavalin in Benghazi, who have been escorted by Libyan nationals out of Libya to the border of Egypt, from where they were repatriated to the Philippines. The company’s remaining 446 workers in Benghazi will be evacuated to Alexandria, Egypt within the next 24 hours. Another 105 OFWs are in a desert in Amal ready for evacuation. The Filipinos, who work at oilfields in Amal, have yet to receive information and assistance from the Philippine embassy. One of the repatriates, Charlie Puyot, a carpenter assigned inside Libya international airport’s Air Traffic Controller Area, described what he saw as “helllike,” with anti-Khaddafy protesters running amuck in the airport premises, some of them armed with high-powered guns. Puyot and his compatriots were flown out of Libya by their company-owned plane to Paris, and from there took the connecting flights to Manila. He credited their employer for their lives, saying that plucking them out of Libya in the nick of time saved them from the wrath of protesters -- eyes aflame with hatred -- who have entered the airport. Likewise, European Union (EU) nations agreed on Friday to slap an arms embargo, assets freezes, and travel bans on Libya, while terrified residents braced for bloody battles in Tripoli after a night of gunfire. The shift in tactics after a week of caution came immediately after the US ensured that Americans were safely on their way out of the bloodsoaked North African country by air and by sea. “By any measure, Moammar Khadafy’s government has violated international norms and common decency and must be held accountable,” President Barack Obama said in a statement Friday night announcing the sanctions, which he said were designed to target Khadafy’s government and protect the assets of Libya’s people from being looted by the regime. They struck directly at Khadafy’s family, which is believed to have amassed great wealth during his 42 years Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 The groups were met at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by a composite government team of Undersecretary Jose Brilliantes of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Carmelita Dimzon of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). According to Dimzon, the first group of 20 arrived at 9:45 a.m. via Gulf Air 154. About two hours later, the second batch of 16 workers arrived aboard Cathay Pacific CX-901, followed by 30 OFWs aboard SQ-910. The fourth and last batch of 38 was due to arrive at 4 p.m. The first group to plane in consisted of Puyot of Batac, Ilocos Norte; Amante Reyes Jr. of Callao, Cagayan; Nicolas Catahan of Malolos City, Bulacan; Luis Parpo of Camarines Sur; Edward Lemaire of Quezon City; Adonis Apalla of Rizal; Francisco Naval of Leyte; Roberto Doctor, Maximino Bison, both of Nueva Ecija; Conrado Villaflores of Taytay, Rizal; Edwin Bautista of Manila; Nathaniel Ortiz of Zamboanga Sibugay; Leandro De Vera, Anselmo Sabado Jr., both of Nueva Ecija; Juan Curacha Jr. of Quezon; Leonardo Sarmiento Jr. of Cavite; Joseph Sarmiento of Pampanga; Amado Patricio of Caloocan City; Ramahdi Tapalla of Batangas; Manuel Cruz of Quezon and couple Jessie and Dina Cruz. OWWA said more Filipinos are still stranded in various parts of Libya, including some 200 female nurses of an unidentified medical facility. The repatriation team assists returning OFWs through customs and immigration procedures. Repatriates who expect their relatives from the provinces to fetch them are accommodated temporarily at the OWWA Halfway Home in Pasay City. Baldoz announced that today, February 27, another batch of 15 OFWs employed by Akakus Craddok USA in Tripoli will arrive on board a Qatar Airlines flight from Madrid. One of them, Eduardo Granadozin, is flying in separately on Sunday evening. The 15 OFWs from Spain are Jimmy Fastino, Walter Paco, Roberto Abadecio, Leandro De Castro, Jose Cacal, F. Punzalan, Castor Abaritos, Carlito Macatangay, Bernard Calnea, Aurelio Patacsil, August Bailey Caringal, Arturo del Rosario, Arnold Salvador, Alan Agriam, and Taguin Abbe. Baldoz said the 16 OFWs arrived in Spain together with Spanish engineers who evacuated from Libya on board a chartered flight. The Spanish engineers of Spain-based Repsol Petroleum took in the Filipinos for humanitarian considerations. “For this, we thank the company and the Government of Spain for allowing them to transit in Madrid,” said Baldoz. Ambassador to Spain, Carlos Salinas, assisted with consular matters. (PNA) scs/ GJB/OTO/rsm President Aquino III said that OFWs in Libya who have no means for repatriation are being prioritized by the government. He said that 13,000 out of the 26,000 Filipinos in Libya may be repatriated “if necessary.” “We have been in touch with them and their recruiting agencies here and those who will not be taken by their employers, those are ones we’re preparing for. Towards that end, we’re negotiating with PAL [Philippine Airlines] and Qatar Airways to lease their planes to bring back to the country our citizens who’d want to come back here,” Aquino said. In response, PAL said it is ready to mount emergency flights to evacuate Filipinos. PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista said the flag carrier is just waiting for final DFA instructions regarding the exact pick-up point where PAL will fetch Filipino evacuees. Last Thursday, 12 other OFWs were able to cross the Egyptian border from Libya. The OFWs were engineers and managers from the Korean construction firm Won Company who were evacuated by their employer via land from Tobruk in Libya to Asalum in Egypt. They include Engel Basa, Ruel Ascaño, Reynan Maranan, Joel Almeda, Joseph Dapitan, Joe Salas, Alex Villalobos, Michael John Noble, Elmer Legaspi, Frankie Saludaga, Jarie dela Cruz and Mark Sabay. In a press conference held at the DFA headquarters in Pasay City yesterday afternoon, acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario disclosed that the Philippine embassy has activated relocations centers in Tripoli and Benghazi where OFWs may stay in “unless of course they feel safe where they are.” In addition, Del Rosario said President Aquino has allotted an initial amount of some Php100 million for the repatriation program. 9 Philippine Courier Stars of the Month By Ores Ting Christine Manalastas To receive the Dramatic Arts Award in school is something to reckon with, not only for her talent in theatre and drama but her extraordinary spirit to support and help those in need gave her self-fulfillment and great pride in being a part of a worthy mission. Her involvement with “We Are”, a group connected to a well known organization called Free the Children, Christine and friends helped raised money through fundraising events and send all monies to the unfortunate children in other countries. But what caught my eye when I met this talented girl was her sweet, vocal voice. I will not be surprised if she will be part of teenage pop music wave going around Toronto. Her parents, Leodegario and Zenaida Manalastas are simply taking things slow and easy but are keen on focusing on developing Christine’s musical talent and career. They surely take pride having this very talented daughter and one day, hopefully, will become a well-known entertainer not only in drama but in music as well. “I enjoy performing skits and dramas for audiences,” Christine said, adding: “but singing to entertain people is my love.” Graduating from St. Gabriel Lalement Catholic Elementary School in 2010, she is now dedicating her time in obtaining her High School Diploma with flying colors. At a tender age, Christine knew what she wanted as a child. She started listening and singing her favorite songs and performing musical numbers of her singing idols. With support from her family and friends, she was invited to appear and perform at various community events, parties, and concerts held in Toronto and GTA. She is a true talent indeed, I am proud to say one of the best vocals in the community today. She deserved to be worthy of all praises and accolades. Move over Lady Gaga, Christine is ready to take over!!!!! MP Julian Fantino (right) with PM Stephen Harper Federal Government supports Canada's Seniors VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--( February 25, 2011) - The Honorable Julian Fantino, Minister of State (Seniors), today emphasized the importance of collaboration in supporting Canada's seniors, in an address to participants at a local breakfast roundtable, hosted by UniversalCare Canada Inc. "Our government is working with other levels of government and with stakeholders across Canada to help seniors remain active and engaged in their families, workplaces and communities," said Minister Fantino. The Minister highlighted several federal programs and initiatives that help older Canadians maintain a good quality of life, support positive and active aging and enhance their financial security. He also took questions from roundtable participants who represented various long-term care facilities and retirement homes in the Vaughan/York region. "We are elated to have Minister Fantino join us today," said Joseph Gulizia, President and CEO of UniversalCare Canada Inc. and moderator for the event. "This is a perfect opportunity for the Minister to speak to us about what the Government of Canada is doing to promote positive and active aging, and supporting the well-being of seniors." For more information on the Government of Canada's programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca http://www.seniors.gc.ca/ GOTCHA! (For Star of the Month inquiries, pls. call Ores Ting@ 416-546-9391) Servicio Filipino p Internationale Call us now at (416) 266-3838 or (416) 264-7676 Fax (416) 265-3939 And look for Marissa Corpus (UP Graduate) 65 Elfreda Blvd., Toronto ON M1L 4L5 Email: [email protected] > Want to sponsor / help a relative? > Visitor needing an employer? > Need a new employer? > Any immigration problems? > Caregiver sponsorship available NARIRITO PARA TUMULONG SA INYO! 10 YEARS HELPING OUR KABABAYANS Manila: Please call Rubie Tupas at Tel: (632) 830-0573 Fax: (632) 830-0547. Suite 821 Cityland Herrera Towers, #98 Herrera Corner Valero Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City Email: [email protected] Member: Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) "Full Member" M041454 10 LADY ELVIS READS COURIER: Toronto's lone 'Lady Elvis Prersley' impersonator Ms. Zena Zagala is caught here by the roving TPC's fotog reading this paper during the recent Fil-Can sports association's event. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier ‘No more EDSAtype revolt’ - PNoy from page 1 Auto Tech Services Joe Napao Tune-ups, Fuel Injection, Computerized Controls, Air Conditioning, General Repairs to Foreign & Domestic Cars Tel: (416) 916-6912 “Let us be guided by the ray of light that we have once again fired up with our reforms. There is no more need to face tanks, there is no need to block bullets and cannons with their bodies just to be listened to by the government,” Aquino said in Filipino during the live musical variety show in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the first EDSA People Power revolution on Friday night. The President vowed to keep the spirit of EDSA alive through good governance and judicious use of funds. In 2001, former President Joseph Estrada was ousted in a second EDSA People Power revolution on charges of corruption. A so-called EDSA 3 occurred when supporters of Estrada tried to remove from power his successor, former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo, now Pampanga representative. Aquino had been saying that the country was already in need of another kind of people power after it had regained freedom, including that of the media and the arts. He said his victory in the last elections was also a form of people power because his battle cry was against stealing in government amid allegations of corruption in the Arroyo administration. While Arroyo won as congresswoman, many of her allies lost in the May 2010 polls. He earlier said that being president would be his last position in government, as he did not intend to seek any other position in 2016, thus he would give it his best shot to implement reforms. The President said the youth would benefit from the sacrifices and principles that the players of EDSA stood for. Aquino said his administration would be there to guide their future that should be much better than the present. “I hope you understand the importance of the EDSA revolution and what we are fighting for right now to alleviate poverty and stamp out corruption in the country,” Aquino said. While the celebration for the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution was going on along EDSA, a number of key players in the event were also commemorating the occasion in their own way on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continued his defense of his family, particularly his father and namesake, who was the subject of the revolution with his notes on Facebook and Twitter. While Marcos’ entries were mostly his own take on the events that took place 25 years ago, a number of the participants from the other side, namely Sen. Gregorio Honasan and musicians Jim Paredes and Leah Navarro engaged in a debate on Twitter with a significant number of Filipinos witnessing the exchanges. The discussion over Twitter, organized by Newsbreak, was held the other day and was all about the 25th anniversary of the revolution. Honasan lashed out at Paredes regarding the latter’s comments on the “agenda” of various EDSA players. In the case of Sen. Marcos, the days leading up to the 25th anniversary of the People Power revolution revived a lot of strong emotions and bad feelings that he and his family have been harboring since they were taken out of the country 25 years ago. Apart from his calls for the current administration to allow his father to be buried at the Libingan ng Bayani, Marcos also defended the administration of his father, including the declaration of martial law. In his Twitter account, Marcos gave snippets of his thoughts on the 25th anniversary of the revolution, but the lengthier, more comprehensive details were posted on his Facebook page. Marcos argued that the Philippines, during the term of his father, “managed quite well despite international pressures beyond its control,” including the oil crises of the 1970s. “But beyond these figures, a simple chat with the ‘man in the street’ will confirm whether we have moved forward since ‘86 - a quarter of a century ago - or not,” Marcos said. “But again, let history be the judge of that but in the meantime, let’s get unstuck in the blame game, put aside hypocritical ‘holier than thou’ stances, roll up our sleeves, and work to move this country forward for all to benefit, with urgency in helping the very poor among us,” he added. – (With reports from Marvin Sy, Eva Visperas) Maintenance (call us for more info and pricing) • Standard oil change & filter • Synthetic oil change & filter • Tune-up • Fuel system cleaning • Transmission service • Transmission flush • Radiator system flush • Wiper blades • And much more! 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MacLean In celebration of its Foundation Anniversary, the officers, directors and members of The Featineans Association of Toronto (TFAT), will hold a dinner dance fundraiser on April 9th, 2011( Saturday). The spring rite is to be held at the Garnet Williams Community Centre in the City of Vaughan with enthusiastic dancing aficionados and rookies alike in attendance. TFAT, a 22- year old FEATI University alumni based socio - professional organization in Ontario with 55 currently active alumni members, will sponsor the annual event in pursuant to its desire of generating funds for its 11- year old scholarship project as well as various community based projects and targeted beneficiaries. Among TFAT's outreach initiatives include: financial donations to some GTA religious groups & homeland calamity victims; and participation to PCUAA's annual summerfest; and co-operation & collegial support to Bicol Canada Community Association and other FilCan community organizations. The yearly spring affair is to be coordinated by TFAT president Oliver Rey with assistance from several officers, directors and members, namely : Rolly & Beth Balangue, Cesar Banda, Ron & Florence Carpio, Ben Dioleta, Dr. Fe Q. Flora, Tom Flores, Moises & Virgie Ga, Greg & Fanny Gravador, Norma & Romy Guanzon, Jorge Isidro, Arthur Lasam, Oscar & Lana Lei, Rudy Olay, Rudy & Zeny Ortiz, Bert Pabustan, Res Paje, Max Recaido, Nenita Recaido, Darlene Rey, Jocelyn San Juan, Eric & Evelyn Serapio, Luz & John Sider, Florie Silang, Violy Vilan and new members Virginia Bagarra,Raul Danque & Renato Soria. Moreover, TFAT founders Julio Buiza, Annie T. Buiza,Tony A. San Juan and Tirso P. Balitian as usual, will extend appropriate advice and support. Nanay Catering Service and Florence DJ Sounds will provide the party food and ballroom music, respectively. To be jointly hosted by PRO Tony San Juan and Director Oscar Lei, the evening program will highlight : inspirational address by Oliver Rey, non- stop ballroom & line-dancing; Tom Flores's ala-King Elvis renditions; Rudy Olay's invocation; some special dance numbers and door prizes & raffle draws by TFAT's auxiliary ladies. Among those expected to grace the affair are some presidents , officers & members of Philippine Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (PCUAA) and other Filipino Canadian community leaders.( JSM/tsj) 11 Philippine Courier Global News Tunisian prime minister announces resignation TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) -- Tunisia's embattled prime minister said Sunday that he will resign, bowing to a key demand of protesters after at least five people died in a groundswell of new unrest in this North African country. Mohamed Ghannouchi, 69, has been a major irritant to Tunisians behind the socalled "Jasmine Revolution" that toppled autocratic President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali last month and sparked a wave of upheaval in the Arab world. "This (resignation) is not a flight from my responsibilities, but to open the way for another prime minister who - I hope - will have more margin for action than I have had, to give hope to the Tunisian people," Ghannouchi said. He didn't say when the resignation would take effect. Even though Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia on Jan. 14, Ghannouchi - who served for 11 years as his prime minister had promised to stay on to guide the country until elections expected no later than mid-July. Ghannouchi's announcement came against the backdrop of renewed street protests like those that brought Ben Ali down. Libya rebels gear for fight in city near capital ZAWIYA, Libya (AP) -- Hundreds of armed anti-government forces backed by rebel troops who control the city closest to the capital Tripoli prepared Sunday to repel an expected offensive by forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi surrounding Zawiya. Two prominent U.S. Senators said Washington should recognize and arm a provisional government in rebel-held areas of eastern Libya and impose a no-fly zone over the area - enforced by U.S. warplanes - to stop attacks by the regime. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton echoed President Barack Obama's demand for Gadhafi to relinquish power. "We want him to leave," she told reporters traveling with her Sunday to a U.N. meeting on Libya planned for Monday. "We want him to end his regime and call off the mercenaries and forces loyal to him. How he manages that is up to him." Gadhafi's son, Seif al-Islam, claimed again that the country was calm and denied the regime used force or airstrikes against its own people. But human rights groups and European officials have put the death toll since unrest began in Libya nearly two weeks ago at hundreds, or perhaps thousands, though it has been virtually impossible to verify the numbers. There were no reports of violence or clashes on Sunday. US tweaks China over web-erasing diplomat's name WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. is tweaking China for its online blocking of the American ambassador's name. Searches for Ambassador Jon Huntsman's name in Chinese on a popular microblogging site called Sina Weibo were met with a message Friday that said results were unavailable due to unspecified "laws, regulations and policies." Huntsman, a Republican, is leaving his post and is seen as a potential White House contender in 2012. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said in a Twitter posting Saturday that "it is remarkable" that even before Huntsman leaves Beijing, "China has made him disappear from the Internet." China apparently widened its Internet policing after online calls for protests like those that have swept the Middle East. Arab League boss Moussa to run f or Egypt president CAIRO (AP) -- Arab League chief Amr Moussa says he will run in this year's presidential elections in Egypt. Moussa's comments Sunday came a day after a constitutional reform panel appointed by Egypt's military rulers recommended far-reaching reforms that relaxed eligibility rules for who qualifies to run for president. Union bargaining just first year in office, P50.4 billion was budgeted for PS and only P24.2 billion was requested for 134,449 positions. That’s a discrepancy of P26.2 billion. From 2002 to 2010, the total discrepancy is P179.4 billion! It’s apparent that a portion of that By Perry Diaz huge amount was “converted” into the “slush funds” to which Rabusa based his ‘exposé’ in the Senate. But the amount that Ever since two brave mili- contingency fund that is used at Rabusa exposed appears to be just tary officers and a courageous the discretion of the AFP Chief ‘the tip of the iceberg.’ Where did government auditor came out to of Staff. the rest of the money go? In his ‘exposé’, Rabusa acexpose corruption in the military and the Commission on cused the late Gen. Angelito ‘Follow the money…’ Audit (COA), two earth-shaking Reyes of receiving P150 million events occurred that could break including a P50-million “pabaIndeed, Arroyo has a lot of exthrough the massive “walls” on” (send-off money) when he plaining to do. First, why were that were built to protect corrupt retired as AFP Chief of Staff in her administration’s national budofficials during the nine-year 2001. Rabusa said that he and gets from 2002 top 2010 bloated presidency of Gloria Macapagal his boss, then AFP Comptroller by more than 50%? Secondly, Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot, personal- where did the unused portion of Arroyo. On February 14, 2011, Bayan ly delivered the money to Reyes. the PS appropriations go? Since Muna party-list Rep. Neri Col- Rabusa acted as the “bagman” the money couldn’t just vanish menares revealed that the Armed for Ligot and his successor Maj. into thin air, there must be a stinkForces of the Philippines (AFP) Gen. Carlos Garcia. They were ing trail where it ended up? If might have “converted” P179.4 known as the “Comptroller Ma- Congress were interested to know billion into “slush funds” dur- fia.” Rabusa said that Garcia and where the money went, all they ing the Arroyo administration, he “converted” almost P1 billion have to do is follow the money and from 2002 to 2010. He said between 2000 and 2001. But it would only lead to one place – that Congress appropriated a compared to what Colmenares where the national budget was put total of P343.4 billion for “per- revealed, that was just a drop in together… in Malacañang. sonal services” (PS) -- the bud- the bucket. As a result of Colmenares’ Colmenares linked Arroyo – revelations, Rep. Rodolfo Biget term for salaries – while the total compensation requested by who is now a congresswoman azon filed House Resolution 967 the Department of National De- representing Pampanga’s second to determine if the PS appropriafense (DND) and the AFP only district – to these “conversions,” tions were indeed converted into which if proven to be true could the controversial “slush funds.” amounted to P164 billion. be the basis for the filing of plun- However, an unnamed member of der charges against Arroyo and the House Appropriations Com‘Hocus-pocus?’ the military officers involved in mittee said, “Apart from salaries During the testimony of for- conjuring this humongous finan- (of soldiers), there are 40 other mer AFP budget officer Lt. Col. cial hocus-pocus. compensation or allowances comThis alleged scam could only mon to all that if you add would George Rabusa (ret.), it was revealed that PS appropriations be done by padding – or bloating cover the so-called discrepancies were “the favorite allocations – the national budget’s PS appro- they are saying.” And then he converted into slush funds” priations for the AFP. According added, “Is conversion possible? shared by senior officers includ- to Colmenares, Congress appro- Of course, but what I’m saying ing the Chief of Staff. The “slush priated P41.3 billion for PS in is that this information (P179 bilfunds” were known officially as 2010 but the AFP only requested lion) is inaccurate and misleadProvision for Command-Direct- P19.4 billion for 137,453 posi- ing. This is such a huge amount.” ed Activities (PCDA). By the tions. That’s a discrepancy of Well, Mr. Unnamed Congressway it sounds, it would be like a P21.9 billion. In 2002, Arroyo’s man, if that would be the case, PerryScope Corruption Galore! 12 a dream for many gov workers JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- Whenever Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has asked lawmakers to weaken benefits for state employees, his proposals have met little resistance from workers. Mass. company making diesel with sun, water, CO2 CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) -- A Massachusetts biotechnology company says it can produce the fuel that runs Jaguars and jet engines using the same ingredients that make grass grow. Shape of new Irish govt yet to emerge DUBLIN (AP) -- Ireland's opposition parties have made big gains in a general election focussed on the country's economic woes, but the shape of the next government is hanging in the balance as counting continues for a second day on Sunday. Google tweaks search to punish 'low-quality' sites NEW YORK (AP) -- Google has tweaked the formulas steering its Internet search engine to take the rubbish out of its results. The overhaul is designed to lower the rankings of what Google deems "lowquality" sites.... then there would be more reasons to proceed with Rep. Biazon’s resolution and get to the bottom of this issue. ‘Supreme Court takes a detour…’ While the furor on the “slush funds” was going on, the Supreme Court made a ruling to allow the House of Representatives’ Justice Committee to proceed with the impeachment proceedings against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. By a vote of 7-5-2 with one abstention, the Supreme Court dismissed Gutierrez’s petition against the House committee, which effectively lifted the “status quo ante order” it issued exactly five months ago, on September 14, 2010. The high court’s ruling came as a big surprise since most of its past rulings concerning cases or individuals associated with Arroyo were ruled in their favor. Gutierrez is known to be very close to Gloria and her husband, Mike Arroyo, and has been widely criticized for building a protective wall around them; thus, insulating them from charges of graft and corruption like the controversial NBN-ZTE scandal. When the Supreme Court issued the “status quo ante order,” the vote was 8-3-4. Those who voted to issue the order were: Chief Justice Corona and Justices Velasco, Del Castillo, Perez, Abad, Bersamin, Villarama, and Peralta. The three dissenters were: Justices Carpio, CarpioMorales, and Sereno. And those who were on official business were: Leonardo-De Castro, Brion, Mendoza, and Nachura. On the recent 7-5-2 vote lifting the “status quo ante order,” the seven who voted for dismissal were: Justices Carpio, CarpioMorales, Sereno, Abad, Mendoza, Nachura, and Villarama. The five dissenters were: Chief Justice Corona and Justices Brion, Bersamin, Leonardo-De Castro, and Peralta. JusticesDel Castillo and Perez partially concurred with the majority; and Justice Velasco inhibited himself from the proceedings because his son, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, belongs to the House justice committee. It’s interesting to note that only three out of the eight who originally voted for the “status quo ante order” voted in favor of Gutierrez’s petition, to wit: Corona, Bersamin, and Peralta. Del Castillo and Perez partially concurred with the majority; Abad and Peralta voted to dismiss her petition; and Velasco abstained. With only five justices favoring Gutierrez in her petition to stop the House impeachment proceedings, there is a notable change in the direction of the Supreme Court. However, the vote is not yet final and executory. Gutierrez is entitled – and is expected -- to file for a reconsideration of the high court’s ruling dismissing her petition. Who knows how the justices would vote on it. And like a river, the most dangerous part is when the river’s current makes a rapid turn. It could be deadly. ‘At a crossroads…’ Meanwhile, some members of the House are ecstatic and confident. “All is assured,” they said. Indeed, with only one-third vote required in a plenary session, Gutierrez – if the Supreme Court reaffirms its decision as final and executory – is on her way to the Senate for conviction or acquittal of, among other charges, “betrayal of public trust.” Finally, the country is about to reach a crossroads – a point of no return to better times or a return to an era fraught with corruption. - ([email protected] ) Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Business RP has $6.3 B for external debt servicing MANILA, Philippines (February 24, 2011) – The country has an external or foreign exchange requirements for debt servicing this year of $6.27 billion, of which $2.3 billion will be paid through domestic market borrowings, data from the central bank show. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in a report said of the $6.3 billion, $2.54 billion is the interest cost and $3.73 billion is the principal payments. Bulk of debt servicing or $4.88 billion is owed to nonresident creditors while $1.38 billion are obligations to resident holders of ROPs or sovereign bonds. BSP said in the same report that since the estimated $4 billion foreign borrowings for 2011 would not be enough to fully cover the FX requirements for debt servicing, the National Government is expected to borrow the balance in the amount of $2.3 billion from the domestic market. The Philippines debt service ratio (DSR) has remained well below the 20 percent to 25 percent international benchmark, indicating that the country has sufficient foreign exchange earnings to service loans maturing during the current period. The DSR, or the percentage of total principal and interest payments to total exports of goods and receipts from services and income, is estimated to be higher this year compared to previous years due to the decline in foreign exchange receipts brought about by the global economic slowdown. As of September, the country's outstanding external debt amounted to $59.8 billion, up 9.2 percent yearon-year because of new borrowings which surpassed loan repayments, BSP stats show. The total foreign debt was equivalent to 33.1 percent of Inventor's Forum By Martin Paragoso ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO HELP BY CONCERNED FILIPINOS ABROAD Illegal drugs and drug-related problems in the Philippines are now considered critical and very alarming for the first time in the history despite commendable efforts by all government agencies concerned. Fellow community service oriented Filipinos of North America; You have the opportunity and the means to HELP IMPROVE OUR COUNTRY’S DRUG ENFORCEMENT STRATEGY… After eight (8) years of the Philippine government’s meager budget, last year’s national data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, an agency tasked to enforce the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 showed that seventy percent (70%) of all convicted Filipinos and other nationalities in the country are imprisoned due to illegal drug activities and drug-related crimes. CURRENT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY The current situation is critical and here are some reasons why 1. Not enough Drug Enforcement personnel due to budget constraint According to an official of PDEA, the drug enforcement agency needs 14,000 personnel to effectively enforce RA 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Unfortunately, less than 2,000 PDEA personnel are enforcing the said ACT even after 8 years of its existence as of today. At the rate the Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 government is going, they can be fully complemented with 14,000 personnel only after 48 years. 2. People’s apathy - No consistent and compelling mediabased information dissemination highlighting “that the danger of illegal drugs and pushers are now knocking our doors. That, our own children can be the next victims, just like the 70% of our neighbors”. There is “indifference syndrome” in the country because ordinary citizens do not even report their “next- door’s” pot session”. They are afraid of possible harm from retaliation by drug lords and cohorts because there are not enough policemen within their areas. No pro-active counter move by law enforcers that can assure law abiding citizens they are safe if they report pot sessions in the neighborhood. 3. The Philippine Supreme Court’s RULES OF COURT need changes and/or improvement in particular, the “extension of prescriptive period from the current 36 hours to at least one week” detention in jail of all drug offenders and drug related suspected criminals. This is to ensure that drug enforcers are given ample time in their preparation and submission of complicated, “must-be” accurate and complete reports. Physical and other “hard to secure evidences” must pass a confirmatory laboratory testing before presentation to the court of laws. Most of the time, chemical evidences (drugs) for testing must wait its turn at the PNP crime laboratory, a time consuming process. Hence, enforcement officers are repri- GDP. The DSR was estimated at 8.9 percent for the 12-month period ending in September from 9.2 percent last quarter and 10.7 percent in September 2009. The Philippines’ external debt was mainly US-dollar denominated at 48.5 percent of total currency composition. The rest were in Japanese yen or 29.1 percent and multi-currency loans from the World Bank and ADB of 10.6 percent. About 11.8 percent were denominated in 18 other currencies. BSP said the external debt portfolio remained predominantly medium to long-term in nature with the medium term account accounting for 90.4 percent of total. The weighted average maturity for all medium term accounts was 22.4 years. Public sector borrowings had longer tenors of 24 years compared to the 12.9 years for the private sector. Edited by: Fidel Josol Overseas Filipinos sent record $18.8-Billion in 2010 MANILA, Philippines — Remittances grew faster than expected in 2010 to post an all-time high as the recovery of the global economy from the recent turmoil led to growth in job opportunities abroad for Filipinos. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported last week that remittances from Filipinos based overseas reached $18.76 billion last year, the highest ever recorded by the country, an 8.2-percent growth from the $17.07 billion registered in 2009 and exceeded the government’s forecast of 8 percent. In December alone, remittances amounted to $1.69 billion, rising 8.1 percent from $1.57 billion in the same month of the previous year. “The stable flow of remittances continued to provide strong support to domestic demand, with the remittance level for the year accounting for close to 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product [GDP],” BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a statement. GDP grew 7.3 percent in 2010, the fastest pace in about three de- cades. Remittances largely came from Filipinos based in the United States, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Italy, Germany and Norway. The increasing number of job markets, as well as the expanding network of remittance centers serving Filipino workers, should be credited for boosting the amount of money sent by Filipinos to their families and other recipients in the Philippines. The BSP said that as of end2010, there were 4,581 remittance centers, banks and other offices all over the world serving the remittance needs of Filipinos. This was up from 3,730 registered as of end-2009. Citing documents from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the central bank further reported that 46,238 job orders for Filipino workers by foreign employers were processed and approved last year. There are an estimated 10 million Filipino workers abroad. CALLING ALL LIVING HEROES ABROAD, THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE IN YOUR NATIVE LAND…. manded by Prosecutors every time these documents are delayed…that usually results in their being terminated as law enforcers, increasing the unemployed in the country. Worst than the unemployment, the suspects (mostly foreigners) are released on bail and nowhere to be found later. You can check the records of some prosecutor’s office, and you will agree with this column. How can drug enforcers present quality report and evidences given this short period of time? First, let us compare the Philippine Supreme court rules with the Malaysian “Rules of Court” Malaysian law enforcers are given fourteen (14) days period to submit evidences in court and yet they have illegal drug problems too. If this disparity is not enough reason to change the prescriptive period of 36 hours to at least 7 days period, we will never be able to cut down the illegal drug trade in the next 100 years. FACTS a. The pronouncement of then Justice Department Secretary Gonzales was quite accurate and an eye–opener as well. Sometime ago, he reported to the investigating body of the Philippine Congress during a congressional hearing involving a buy-bust operation led by PDEA Major Ferdinand Marcelino popularly known in the media as “ALABANG Boys”operation , that out of 750 cases or so filed by the authorities for an automatic review by the special court at the justice department (because it was turned down by the lower court), almost half of the cases encountered legal technicalities and the suspects were allegedly released. b. Based on the PDEA’s personnel records, many of its’ good officers and agents have been sus- pended or terminated due to late submission of evidences in courts. c. The current prescriptive period (36 hours) is allegedly a source of corruption. Apprehending officers go through physical and mental stress due to time constraint, and there is great possibility that they maybe tempted to accept bribes, instead of building winning cases. 4. Not enough support from all media companies such as free air time for anti-drug campaign ads. 5. Most importantly, there is not enough investors coming in to provide the capital for the unemployed sector due to the perceived breakdown of peace and order. Muggers are common along Manila and Makati’s tourist belts. And going back to square 1, seventy (70% ) percent of these muggers are drug addicts or victims of drug addicted parents if we believe the reported statistical data by the authorities. III RECOMMENDATIONS – All Filipinos with common characteristics (bloodlines) shared by our ancestors like LAPU-LAPU, RIZAL, BONIFACIO, DAGOHOY, PALARIS and many others, must bind together to effectively require the Supreme Court or CONGRESS; 1. To cause a review and thereafter approval of the extension of the prescriptive period (MORE TIME OF STAY IN JAIL) of arrested drug offenders and drug related criminals from the current 36 hours to at least one week” detention in jail. 2. Take a good look at the Malaysian ACT 340 & Regulation 1989, Part IV, Sec. 15, Item 5 to wit; “A Magistrate may make an order for the detention in police custody of the person produced before him (drug cases) for a period not exceeding 14 days if he is satisfied that such detention is necessary for the purpose of investigation in relation to the matter in respect of which he has been arrested.” (Reference: DANGEROUS DRUG LAWS OF MALAYSIA, AS AT 2005, par. 5, page 25) WE MUST NOT WAIT FOR ANOTHER GOVERNMENT STATISCAL DATA SHOWING AN INCREASE OF THIS HORRIBLE MENACE. WE MUST NOT WAIT AND WATCH OUR CHILDREN SUFFERING DRUG ADDICTION OR KILLED, MOLESTED BY DRUG ADDICTS. NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT A STOP TO ALLEGED “NARCO-POLITICS” BEFORE WE BECOME VICTIMS LIKE THE MEXICANS and the COLUMBIANS. CALLING CONCERNED FILIPINOS ABROAD!!! Notes: This writer is also serving the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency “pro bono” (doing professional and special legal work donated for the public good) since 2003 as one of the (6) Directors in charge of Rewards for OPERATION PRIVATE EYE mandated under Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the PHILIPPINE COMPREHENSIVE DRUG ACT OF 2002. 13 Philippine Courier New Year’s Resolution IT BUZZ AROUND (part 2 of 2) By Miguel Caducio … (Continuation from January 2011 Issue about New Year’s resolution to clean your computer.) Step 2: Outside the case Run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around all of the openings on the outside of your case. Give them one swipe with the damp end of the swab and one swipe with the dry end. Do these as often as you clean the inside of your computer. Step 3: Keyboard Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and dust will fall out. Take a can of compressed air and blow into and around the keys. Next, take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. It should be damp, but not dripping wet. Run the cotton swab around the outside of each key. Rub the tops of the keys. Don't be stingy with the swabs. Discard them when they start to get dirty, and switch to a fresh one. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure but take extra care with your machine—treat it as gently as you would a carton of fresh eggs. If your laptop has a touchpad, use the damp swap to wipe it clean, as well. Do this keyboard cleanup monthly. 14 can sit inside a laptop for days. It's tempting to use a vacuum cleaner to suck the debris out of the keyboard and other parts of the computer, but technicians warn that it can create a static electrical charge that can actually damage the computer's sensitive electronics. For all spills, be aware that anything other than plain water may cause severe damage, and never attempt to dry a keyboard or laptop in a microwave or conventional oven. Step 4: Mouse Worried about spills? If a spill happens, immediately turn off your computer, disconnect the keyboard, and flip it over. While the keyboard is upside down, blot the keys with a paper towel, blow compressed air between the keys, and leave it to air dry overnight. Check to ensure that all traces of moisture have evaporated before using the keyboard again. Laptop spills need more attention because liquid can easily penetrate the keyboard and damage internal parts. For laptop spills, immediately turn off the computer and remove any external power source and other items plugged into it. Turn the laptop over, remove the battery, and then bring it to your nearest repair center to check for internal damage. Simply blowing compressed air into the keyboard and letting your computer air dry upside down overnight aren't enough, because liquids Disconnect the mouse from your computer. Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scrape hard-to-remove grime with your fingernail. If you have an optical mouse, ensure that no lint or other debris obscures the light-emitting lens on the underside of the mouse. If you use a mechanical mouse, open the underside of the mouse and remove the ball. (In most cases, you simply need to rotate the plastic ring encircling the ball one-quarter turn counterclockwise.) Wash the ball with water, and let it air dry. To clean inside a mechanical mouse, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all of the interior components, paying particular attention to the little rollers, where gunk tends to collect. Finally, blow compressed air into the opening and ensure that the interior is dry. Replace the ball and the cover. Clean your mouse monthly. Step 5: Monitor For liquid-crystal display (LCD) laptop and flat-panel monitor screens, slightly moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with plain water. Microfiber cloths are excellent for this purpose. Avoid using paper towels, which can scratch monitor surfaces. Don't spray liquid directly onto the screen—spray the cloth instead. Wipe the screen gently to remove dust and fingerprints. You can also buy monitor cleaning products at computer-supply stores. For glass CRT (television-style) monitors, use an ordinary household glass cleaning solution. Unless your manufacturer recommends differently, don't use alcohol or ammoniabased cleaners on your monitor, as these can damage anti-glare coatings. And never try to open the housing of a CRT monitor. Capacitors within can hold a dangerous electrical charge— even after the monitor has been unplugged. Clean the monitor weekly. Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier UPAA TORONTO faithful gathered for their regular monthly KAPIHAN on February 19, 2011 at Tropicana Restaurant, Quality Inn in Mississauga to honor its outgoing Council and to publicize the forthcoming annual general meeting and elections to be held on March 18, 2011 at downtown YMCA, 20 Grosvenor St. in Toronto. For more info please contact the UPAAT officers or Rene Reynoso at 416-884-7367 or [email protected] . Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 15 Philippine Courier Entertainment Edited by: Melodie Claudio Pinoy hottie Paolo Roldan making his mark in modeling world NEW YORK—When Paolo Roldan took his clothes off for a photo shoot for Paris Vogue last year, fashion blogs went into overdrive. Google his name now and one of the first images to appear is the infamous photo that features the full-frontal nude image of the six-foot-two model posing with arms outstretched, welcoming all the world to take a look. “It’s the first and only time I posed nude,” says Roldan, who was born in the Philippines twenty-some years ago and moved with his family to Mississauga at age 10. “I was nervous, and the only thing going through my head was, ‘I hope I don’t come across looking nervous in the pictures.’” There is no time for Roldan be nervous now. His career is in overdrive. He’s in New York for fashion week now. In menswear shows last month in Milan and Paris, he walked the runways for such powerhouse designers as Armani and Hermès. Roldan’s rise to fame came as a result of his work for red-hot label Givenchy, for which Roldan is clearly a favourite. In one year, he walked four runway shows for the venerable fashion house and was featured in its fall/winter 2010 ad campaign. He’s come along at a good time. With the luxury market roaring in Pacific Rim countries, Asian male models have platinum-edged cachet. But Roldan — who is attending go-sees and castings in New York this week — doesn’t see himself in cutthroat competition with his fellow models. “The more my brothers get work, it’s a positive sign for me,” Roldan says. “It’s been getting diverse in the past year.” Growing up in Mississauga, Roldan dreamed of playing professional basketball, but a knee injury put an end to his hopes. Uber-agent Elmer Olsen discovered Roldan when he was working at clothing store TNT in Toronto. Soon he was appearing on fashion runways and doing photo shoots for the Bay, all the while continuing to work as a buyer at Nomad, the menswear boutique. On a buying trip to New York, he was spotted by an agent from Boss Models who signed him on the spot. A week later, he flew back for a Sean John photo shoot. But Roldan has set his sights higher than being flavour du jour in the fickle world of modelling. “I want to design. People don’t know how much I love being in the position I’m in,” says Roldan, who says he pays close attention to the construction of the clothes he wears on shoots. “Sometimes I’m trying things on and it’s something I’ve already sketched. I tell myself, ‘I should be hitting this. I’m on point!’ ” His plan is to return to the Philippines and work there with a great-uncle, a designer who trained in the ateliers of Paris. He says that a number of people have suggested he try acting — “I’m already being pigeonholed; I’m told I would make a great bad guy” — but he is determined only to pursue that craft to fund his design aspirations. “The name recognition is key to branding,” he says. That, and image, of course. After all, it’s an infamous photo that got Toronto model Paolo Roldan in advertisement for Givenchy, is modeling him to where he is. – (Report from Derick in New York for fashion week.- (photo by Gil Inoue – TheSTAR.net) Chetty - Fashion Reporter) Jenifer Camacho LIVE! In: ‘JENIFER Forever3’ TORONTO - The long-awaited concert of the year is coming to this city. If she did marvelous performances in Jenifer Forever 1 and 2, part three will be a very spectacular one. This time she is going to stage with more explosive and more extravagant performance to conclude the concert series. Jenifer Forever 3 will be held at Capitol Event Theatre, 2492 Yonge Street in Toronto, Ontario on April 8, 2011 starting at 8:00p.m. The voluptuous Jenifer, the acknowledged Toronto Concert Queen, 16 will entertain the people from all walks of life with her supreme performance of modern, pop and R&B genre. After one year of tedious preparation, the musical genius Noel Garcia of Com 11 Studio is ready to unveil the much anticipated second CD entitled “Jenifer Reveals”. Songs included in the album are Centuries, Burn it Down, Modern Day Romance, Poison, Lost, and Dedication. of the show. This is the third time for Mr. Yap to work with Jenifer Forever Concert series. To add more harmony and strong impact to the show Terry Elegino Barker, Nora Cuenco and Mariz Francisco will be the back-up vocals of Ms. Camacho. Dancing group Bucc N Flvr will give waves to the show with Visual FX providing the sounds and technical effects of the show. Multi-talented Kim Hazen Belen is the stage & creative director with Daniel “Argyle’ Yap as the musical director Other performers showcasing their talents include Chris Fernandez AkA C-StyLeZ ,a well-known, rising vo- cal percussionist or you could say a beatboxer, balladeer John Alix, Charlyn Marundan,a Filipino singing idol champion in 2007, Ms. Ashley Suva, known for her Kundiman songs, and Ms. Zena Zagala a.k.a ‘Lady Elvis Presley’ of Toronto. With her singing prowess, her active role in the community and her entire experience from her modest beginnings and success as a "DIVA" in her own right - inspires a lot of people and Jenifer, to page 18 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 17 Philippine Courier GMA Network launches GMA NEWS TV MANILA - The biggest news on Philippine TV has just arrived - industry leader GMA Network launches GMA News TV on Channel 11. From the men and women of GMA News and Public Affairs - the only broadcast news organization in the Philippines that has won the Peabody Award (the most prestigious honor in electronic media) - GMA News TV is in response to the insistent public clamor for relevant and credible news reportage that only GMA News and Public Affairs can deliver. "We are responding to viewers' requests for timely news updates in Filipino and for public affairs shows at earlier timeslots with this groundbreaking news channel," says News TV Head Nessa Valdellon. Bannered by the respected names in broadcast journalism - Jessica Soho, Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, and Howie Severino - GMA News TV delivers serbisyong totoo with newscasts and public affairs programs, all in Filipino, from morning to night. Jenifer Also parts of the formidable lineup of names joining GMA News TV are Kara David, Prof. Winnie Monsod, and Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) Executive Director Malou Mangahas. In addition, Sheila Coronel of Columbia University, Newsbreak's Marites Vitug, and Ed Lingao of PCIJ will be joining the channel as advisers for the investigative documentaries. "For the first time, the country's most awarded documentarists will be anchoring newscasts. News TV's primetime newscast State of the Nation will be hosted by Peabody winner Jessica Soho. News TV's morning newscast will be led by GMA News Online Editor in Chief Howie Severino and another Peabody win- ner Kara David. Their shows will be in-depth, something to really look forward to," adds Valdellon. At a time of the 24/7 news cycle and new media, GMA News TV steps up to the challenge of delivering worthwhile GMA News TV airs in the Philippines this February. It will soon be available for Filipino viewers worldwide, joining GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV as the third international channel of GMA Network. 'The Amazing Spider-Man' – Coming soon from page 16 even influenced some upcoming talents to pursue their singing careers. Shimmering every minute, Jenifer has won a lot of accolades and became one of the most sought, visible, prominent performers in the community. She is an awardee of the 2010 Most Beautiful Filipinos in Canada, Maharlika awardee of Music Festival in 2006, crowned as Ms. Lakambini 2004 by the Kalayaan Centre in Mississauga and triumphed at the Tuklas Female Vocalist of the year in 1996. Jenifer is so grateful to the following sponsors …Agnes Miranda of Miranda International , Carel Ng of Déjà Vu , Dr Sharon Danesh and Dr Paul Bharaj of La Vida Clinics, Dr Solon Guzman of Dundas Tower Dental Centre, Sherwin Ico of Petals & twigs and Danny Scenna of Veritas Capital Corp. 18 content - credible and relevant news and information. Deploying its resources to help people become more socially aware, to provide viewers with the knowledge that may perhaps effect change in their lives, families, and communities. CULVER CITY, Calif., February 14, 2011 – Columbia Pictures announced today that the title of the next Spider-Man film will be “The Amazing Spider-Man.” The studio simultaneously released a photo of Andrew Garfield as SpiderMan, the first shot of Garfield in the famous full mask and suit. The film, which is now in production and is being shot entirely in 3D, will be released on July 3, 2012. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen, and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the Marvel Entertainment production for Columbia Pictures. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Michael Grillo. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 19 Philippine Courier 20 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier HAIRBANK (KOREAN HAIR SALON) 2nd Anniversary Special • Color - short $45 - long $65 • Japanese straight perm - short $99 - long $120 • Magic straight perm - short $80 - long $90 * Price may change without notice * SHOP 647 430 7020 CELL 416 908 3960 email: [email protected] 6026 Yonge St., North York, ON Leo’s Skilled Caregivers "Leo has a reputation for careful matching of families with caregivers" IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR LIVE-IN CAREGIVERS • DRIVE YOU & FACILITATE INTERVIEWS • RAPID PROCESSING OF WORK PERMIT SEARCHING FOR A CANADIAN EMPLOYER FOR YOUR FRIEND OR RELATIVE OVERSEAS? • ENSURE FULL ELIGIBILITY OF THE SPONSOR • PROCESSING OF LMO & WORK PERMITS Full year Placement Guarantee for Caregiver & Family. Call for free consultation (647) 338-7003 Mr. & Mrs. CAWAYAN Tim and Digna Cawayan Kinney DIGNA KINNEY Phone (647) 338-7003 Fax (647) 349-1690 95 Ascolda Blvd Scarborough, ON M1J 2N9 [email protected] www.leoskilledcaregivers.ca Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 21 Philippine Courier Tara na sa may Pinaka-Masarap na Lutong-Bahay restaurant sa Toronto! 4130 Bathurst St., corner Yorkdowns St., Toronto, ON. 'We are open Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 p.m.’ Kahit anong handaan ng pamilya, kaibigan 'o opisina, dito na tayo, kabayan!!! Other services offered: • Dine In • Take Out • Party Trays Party Place for: • Bridal Showers • Stag Party • Birthdays • Children's Party • Baby Showers • Other Celebrations Special Catering Service for Wedding Party!!! For Bookings, please call... Ms. Ronda Castro Mga Lutong Bahay: Inihaw na isda Iba pang lutong bahay: Adobong pata • Papaitang Kambing • Dinuguan • Pinakbet at iba pang gulay Ronda Castro - Owner Tel No. 416-630-6050 Cell No. 416-892-1383 FREE!!! Pop or Bottled Water for any Combo Order! Menudo • Kalderetang Kambing • Nilagang baka • Pancit, at marami pang iba... Tara na! Lusob Na! Sa Fiestahan Kainang Filipino, panigurado, mabubusog ka! 22 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Most Prestigious Philippine-Canada Pageant is Now Accepting Candidates Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF), on its inaugural pageant this year launching has attracted a good number of candidates who will soon become the first ‘Little Miss Philippines Canada,’ Miss Philippines Canada’ and ‘Mrs. Philippines Canada.’ The overall chair of the pageant committee, Rosemer Enverga, promised that the pageant will be the biggest and the most prestigious. The biggest because for the first time a pageant will be held at the confines of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on June 25th in conjunction with the celebration of the much awaited event ' Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto'. It is not too late to register yet, experience of a lifetime awaits you! Please contact Rosemer @ 416 -284- 9299, Bing @ 905-472- 3194, Sheila@ 416-209-2338, Ben @647-726-3878, Sena @416 -284-3938, Mitz@ 647- 808-4823. To be part of the TV taping for national broadcast, register before March 20, 2011. Free Trip to the Phils., cash and scholarships are some of the prizes awaiting the winners. Part of the Proceeds of the event will go towards the building of houses for poor families in the Philippines. Limited candidates will be accepted. Join, NOW! Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 23 Philippine Courier Proceeds benefit CARP Projects for 2011/2012 24 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Sports Edited by: Ross D. Tierra ‘Bring 'em on’- Donaire VIPs to grace PSA Awards Night LAS VEGAS (February 28, 2011) Newly crowned WBC and WBO bantamweight king Nonito Donaire just can’t wait to lay his hands on another foe. He wants to return to the ring the soonest possible time and unite all the bantamweight belts and climb another division afterwards. Days after sending a strong signal to the world with a frightening second-round knockout of Mexican mauler Fernando Montiel, the Filipino-American said he wants to return to the ring at the soonest possible time. Anselmo Moreno of Panama, the reigning WBA bantamweight champion, has been mentioned as a possibility for a fight to be held in San Francisco sometime in May. Top Rank chief Bob Arum, who also promotes Donaire, said he is looking at either May or June as Donaire’s muchawaited return. Donaire had earlier made his intentions known that he wants to become the undisputed champion in the 118-lb class, thus making Moreno a hot candidate to be signed as Donaire’s next rival. Arum said from now onwards, Donaire will headline his own card. Moreno has a 30-1-1 win-loss-draw record with 10 knockouts. Donaire, who just bought a home for him and wife Rachel, received $350,000 for his stirring 2nd round KO win over Montiel and wants to climb the ring as often as he could to reach the seven- figure ceiling for every fight his hero Manny Pacquiao has achieved after pocketing his 7th and 8th SPECTATOR wonders of the beak busting business. “I want to unify the bantamweight division and then move to the next class,” Donaire, Jr. commented right after snatching the WBO and WBC bantamweight belts from Montiel. The Filipino ‘Flash’ even mentioned the featherweight crown of Juan Manuel if he could not get a unification title fight with anyone holding the other belts. Arum, however, said he would find a very suitable foe for Donaire sometime in June, if he could not arrange a May fight for the Filipino fighter. MANILA, Philippines (February 25, 2011) - Senators Chiz Escudero and Pia Cayetano, along with Smart and PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, are just among the long list of friends of local sports expected to add glitter and glamour to the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA)-Coca-Cola Annual Awards Night at the Manila Hotel on March 5. Joining the three VIPs in the formal rites presented by the country’s oldest media organization, are top Filipino sports officials and personalities led by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by chairman Richie Garcia, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde. Escudero and Pangilinan both served as speaker and special guest of honor during the annual PSA program in 2010 and 2009, respectively. For Garcia, the guest appearance marks the first time the PSC chairman will be appearing in the formal rites after he was formally appointed last July as head of the government sports agency. The two-hour rites are also sponsored by Samsung, San Miguel Corp., Harbour Centre, Accel, Philippine Sports Commission, ICTSI, and Pagcor. Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is this year’s special guest of honor, making him the first active Filipino athlete to be accorded with esteem reverence by the oldest media organization in the land composed of editors and sportswriters from the national broadsheets and tabloids. All of them will be there to honor and toast the top achievers of the year just past bannered by billiards icon Francisco “Django” Bustamante and the Asian Games gold medalists – boxer Rey Saludar, bowler Biboy Rivera and rising cue artist Dennis Orcullo. The four have been named Athletes of the Year awardees. The Philippine men’s football team (Azkals) meanwhile, will be handed out with the PSA Presidential Achievement Award, and its manager, Dan Palami, the Executive of the Year award. Receiving major awards in their respective fields are 14 outstanding individuals led by the brother tandem of Jean-Pierre and Brian Sabido along with Anthony Matias, who bagged the gold medal in the fifth WTF World Poomsae Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The year’s National Sports Association award is going to be hand out to the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP), while coaching legend Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan and celebrated international boxing referee Carlos Padilla Jr. are to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Taking their place in the PSA Hall of Fame for 2010 are billiards icon Efren “Bata” Reyes and the late FIDE president Florencio Campomanes. 4 on Donaire, the newly-minted Filipino boxing hero By Al Mendoza (The following are four columns of mine about Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire. They all appeared in the Sun Star chain of publications with daily editions in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Baguio between January and February.) First ALL WRITE column: My advice to Nonito: Go to the Good Book WHEN do you forgive someone who has wronged you? Immediately. I have asked this here before but let me ask it again: How many times will you forgive someone who has wronged you? The Good Book says not once, not seven times, not 77 times, but 777 times. Now this: Will your love for your parents ever end? Or, is your love for your parents endless? The Good Book says the son will marry and he will become one with his wife. The Good Book says the son that gets married will leave his parents. But leaving and loving are two different things. Both are valid acts. But you can leave and can still love. The Good Book is crystal clear here: Love is the foundation of everything. How can you say you love God when you stop loving your own parents? Very un-Christian. I told my son the day he got married: “Sonny, you now have a family. (He and his wife had a son before they got married.) But it only means that your family is a mere addition to your original family. Love your new family as you love your original family.” That simple, right? In the case, however, of Nonito Donaire Jr., boxing’s “Filipino Flash,” it seems a different thing altogether. His new love has seemingly altered his love for the original family. Meaning, his love now is basically confined to his wife and he has stopped loving his parents. Not fine by me. Not fine by the reckoning of many others. I mean, he left his parents, fine. But to also stop loving them is below the belt. And what’s this I hear that Nonito has also accused his father of stealing money from him. Was it $240? Whether it was a mere $2 or a whopping $2 million, it doesn’t matter. I just can’t believe that Dad can steal money from his own son. Either that Dad is a jerk or a complete fool. But I will insist Nonito’s Dad is either of the two. For all intents and purposes, didn’t Nonito Sr. help Nonito Jr. become world boxing champion? Coach/trainer? And now, aside from being dumped like an old rag (pray tell me, it isn’t true Nonito?), the elder Donaire gets accused as a thief? By his own son? Hello? A parent owes nothing to his child. It’s the child that owes everything that he has/ owns to his parent/s. The Good Book lies not. ******** Second ALL WRITE column Donaire says talk of Dad’s firing not his … THE following is an e-mail from “Team Donaire,” an obvious reaction to my col- umn of 01/15/11. “Dear writer, “A couple of points: “1. Nonito never said he stopped loving his parents. Actually, Nonito's interview with Trix Dixon says he is sad and misses his father. Why you made the assumption that there was a 'replacement' of families is beyond comprehension. “2. Whether or not there is truth about the stolen money of Senior Donaire, which will be addressed after the fight, Nonito Donaire Jr. has never said that to the media. Imelda Donaire did. “3. As to the firing, Nonito has never made a statement about it. The only talk is from Nonito Donaire Sr. Nov. 2008 and Feb. 2010. If you would like links to all these articles, please let us know. “But we would like you to be informed so your article won’t seem... unfactual (sic) when read by those who know otherwise. “Sincerely, Team Donaire.” Well, what can I say? First off, I’m sorry if I “seem…unfactual.” Not intentional. But before proceeding, is Team Donaire and Nonito Donaire Jr. one and the same? I assume they are or I could be talking to a ghost? Anyway, you said, “A couple of points…” But you pointed out three points: STOP, STEAL and FIRE. Forgivable flaw, though. What’s one point between e-mail pals? You said you have not STOPPED loving your parents. Great! Attaboy! God bless you. You said the STEALING was made public by “Imelda Donaire.” Isn’t she your mother? You don’t call her Mom? You said the talk about the FIRING of Nonito Donaire Sr. as your trainer all came from “Nonito Donaire Sr.” You also don’t call your father Dad? But, really, I am flattered that you read ALL WRITE. You even took time out to respond despite your hectic schedule. On that note, you put one over Manny Pacquiao. Here’s hoping you’ll e-mail me again and address, as you promised, all matters “after the fight.” And, please, if it’s not too much to ask, don’t address me as “writer”? I admit I try – I’ve been trying – to be a writer, but that’s not my name. And that’s being factual. Lastly, it is my fervent prayer, as always, that you win again. I am a big fan, you know. ******** Third ALL WRITE column: Donaire has tools to knock out Montiel THE first time I saw him fight, I knew at once Nonito Donaire would go places. He is quick. He is slippery. He’s got fistic power. And to think that Donaire is relatively young in the beak-busting business. When Manny Pacquiao was young and he was almost Donaire’s age, The Pacman wasn’t quick and wasn’t slippery as an eel. In those days, the only one thing good about Pacquiao was his one-punch wonder. That was the only thing good he carried in his arsenal of shots. Boy, he could knock out anyone that stood in front of him with one single punch. Even a cow won’t have a chance. The first time I saw Pacquiao do that, live, was in General Santos City. The year was 1998 if I’m not mistaken. to page 26 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 25 Philippine Courier Dennis Orcollo grabs World 8-Ball crown MANILA (February 28, 2011) - FILIPINO Dennis Orcollo, playing tremendously good, added another international title in his collection after winning the 2011 World 8-Ball Championship at the Fujairah Exhibition Center in United Arab Emirates. Orcollo, a Surigao native, banked on his early lead and didn’t look back to whip Neils Feijen of The Netherlands, 103, in the final round to win his first ever World Pool Association (WPA) crown.He already got several titles in his career in billiards including World Pool League, World Pool Masters, Derby City Classic, US Bar Table, Billiards Congress of America, but he never experienced to win this kind of title. “At last, I already won a WPA title. This is my dream,” said Orcollo, who defeated David Alcaide of Spain, 9-3, in the semifinals. The Filipino champion took home a whopping $40,000 top prize. Orcollo took a 5-0 commanding lead before a scratch in the side pocket in Game 6 allowing Feijen to win the first rack, 5-1. Another two consecutive racks as Feijen trimmed the gap at 5-3 count. But it was the last rack of Feijen as Orcollo won five straight racks for the victory. Feijen got a runner-up prize of $25,000. Alcaide dominated Appleton, 9-2, a playoff for third place to receive third prize of $14,000. Spectator, from page 25 He was fighting a Thai in the under card of the Luisito Espinosa-Carlos Rios world title fight. (Espinosa won but, alas, he has yet to collect his purse, qualifying that fight as the saddest, darkest, chapter in Philippine boxing.) In that first round in GenSan, when the sun was still up some two hours from sundown, it was over in a flash. Suddenly, the Thai crumpled like a piece of paper. Just one punch! A left that dug deep into the ribs! I said to myself, “I’ll remember this kid: Powerpacked Pacquiao.” I did see him again. In succession, he’d knock out anyone faster than Maria Sharapova could change wardrobes. In those days, Pacquiao was merely in the ring to bang up his foes. He was never quick. Not slippery. Neither danced nor ducked. He was all maul. Well, things have changed. Under Freddie Roach, Pacquiao morphed into a complete fighter: Boxer and slugger, The Game of My Life By Bill Velasco 2010 was the most successful year for the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU). Not only has the Philippines ascended to the highest level of Asian rugby competition, it has also been able to send a women’s 7s team and a women’s 15s team to international competitions, where they have acquitted themselves very well. From the 5th to 16th centuries, many local ball games were played in different parts of Europe. These games in the middle ages were called folk football, mob football or Shrovetide football. They were similar to fiesta or town festival games played here, wherein one community would invite its neighbors to friendly matches. In those days, however, there was no specific number of players or even a limit to the members of a team. Squads would simply fight to move an inflated pig’s bladder by any means necessary to pre-set markers at each end of town. In years to come, authorities – mostly based in bigger cities – would later attempt to prohibit such dangerous games. The popular (albeit unproven) story about rugby union’s original centers on William Webb Ellis, who in 1823, “with fine disregard for the rules of football as played in his time at Rugby school, first 26 Orcollo shows off his winning stance in ruling his first-ever World 8-ball tourney Appleton satisfied fourth prize of $10,000. With his latest feat, Orcollo joined the ranks of WPA Champions such as Efren not the one-armed swordsman anymore. When I first saw Donaire fight, he was not yet called, “TheFilipino Flash.” Whoever gave him that moniker, cheers, although I’m not in total approval of it. It would have been more apt if he were called Nonito “The Decker” Donaire. In the first place, there’s but one “Flash” in world pugilism: Gabriel “Flash” Elorde. In the second place, Donaire almost always decks his opponents. In fact, he’ll deck Fernando Montiel tomorrow and become the new WBC-WBO bantamweight king. What round? It might happen in a flash. ***** Fourth ALL WRITE column: Now I know why Donaire is ‘The Flash’ I WAS wrong. I underestimated Nonito Donaire’s abilities and capabilities, as well. In a radio interview, I said he would knock out Fernando Montiel between the 5th and 8th rounds. Wrong. Donaire did it in the second round. (A previous column of mine was correct: It “Bata” Reyes, Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan, Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, Ru-bilen “Bing-kay”Amit, who have won world titles in 9-ball, [the knockout] might happen in a flash.) “I went for the body at the start,” Donaire said. It didn’t work out? Montiel a tough nut to crack? But the fight was only a round old. Donaire impatient? Not really. The body attack was a ploy. It was a ruse as beautiful as a rose. In one round, Donaire’s strategy had paid off. In one round, Donaire wanted Montiel to believe he’d be continually attacked in the body. What a strategy. It put to shame Mao Zedong’s Long March. General Patton’s war tactics became ROTC stuff. In suddenly going head-hunting in the second round, Donaire turned from expert to genius. Strategists in the Iraq War should learn a thing or two from Donaire. Donaire had barely inflicted bodily harm on Montiel in the first round. Or so it seemed. But look at this: In the first round, Donaire had successfully injected into Montiel’s mind that Donaire was all set to concentrate on body punches. That opened doors to Donaire, somewhat forcing Montiel to lower down his guard and making his 8-ball and 10-ball, respectively. (BY JOSEF T. RAMOS – Correspondent-Manila Times) head an open target. Thus, the second round was not even two minutes old when wham came the killer blow! Montiel’s totally exposed jaw got hit dead center! In an instant, Montiel was down, grimacing in pain, eyes glazed. Now I know why Donaire was called “The Filipino Flash.” A radar-like punch had been unleashed in a flash, courtesy of a left hook. Montiel fell flat on his back, his face a picture of defeat. Montiel struggled to rise, but he could barely move. When he finally rose, Montiel appeared lost. Never has he been humiliated in his boxing career. The referee, seeing the futility of further resistance from Montiel, stopped the fight when Donaire was all set to deliver the finishing blows. As king of 118-pounders in the WBC/ WBO, Donaire, in picking up his 25th straight win in 27 fights since losing his second professional bout, appears invincible at this stage. I am proud of him, as all Filipinos should. And, yes, may he also win his fights off the ring – with a flourish, too, but not necessarily in a flash. Rugby widens its reach took the ball in his arms and ran with it, thus originating the distinctive feature of the Rugby game”. This story, largely anecdotal, gained a life of its own throughout the United Kingdom to the point that the international committee named the Rugby World Cup the “William Webb Ellis Trophy”. All this, of course, took place before football (or soccer as it is more commonly known to those of us outside Europe) branched off into its different permutations. Here in the Philippines, soccer was king in early Spanish times, as it was imported by our colonizers. Gradually, it infiltrated colleges and universities, until its peak in the 1950’s. Slowly, it waned in popularity until basketball, buoyed by television, became the country’s passion in the 1980’s. Rugby union was largely unknown, played by pockets of expats in different parts of Metro Manila. For the most part, it has been kept alive by independent groups like the Nomads and a few international schools. An international tournament is played in Angeles every year to benefit the street children of Bahay Bata, supported by the Rotary Club of Clark Centennial. About two decades ago, rugby was becoming the sport of choice by Filipinos who had grown up in Commonwealth states. It was taught in their schools, and they benefited from being bigger than average. The initial Philippine teams were made mostly of foreigners, until, over the last few years, Fil-foreigners started expressing their nationalistic bent and suited up for the country. In the last few seasons, pure-blooded Filipinos have learned the game well enough to represent the country. In the last five years, the Philippines has climbed a notch every year until in 2010, we made it to Level One in Asia. “Rugby is a sport where Filipinos have done well, and can be among the world’s best,” explains Matt Cullen, national coach and program head of the PRFU. “The last few years alone have shown how much progress we can make if we set our minds to it and get the support.”With the Southeast Asian games this year, the PRFU is looking at a very busy year, along with the other international and invitational events already slated starting this month. “The Philippines Rugby Football Union are gearing up for another exciting year of developing the sport of Rugby Union here in the Philippines and attending several Asian Championships in 2011,” Cullen elaborates. “This will culminate with the SEA Games in Indonesia in November. The last time the Philippines played Rugby 7s at SEA Games events, we won the silver medal in Thailand in 2007 and the gold medal in the Philippines in 2005.” The National Women’s 7s team has also been invited to compete in the worldrenowned Hong Kong 7s international tournament this running March 24 and 25. But the campaigns begin in earnest as the Philippine national developmental team takes on Sabah Regional in Kota Kinabalu. After the Hong Kong 7s, the Philippine national men’s team challenges Hong Kong at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on April 14 and 16. Then, the most important tournament follows, as the men join the Asian 5 Nations (A5N) Division 1 Championship in Seoul, South Korea. Korea, Malaysia and Singapore make up the tough field. What makes rugby exciting is that there’s a lot of action, it’s a physical game, and strategy is just as important as physical preparation. In one’ year’s time, we’ve been able to form a competitive women’s team, though the men are undeniably reaping the rewards of having years of experience behind them. For this year, our women’s teams will gain experience against their rivals in this part of the world. Invitational tournament will also be of great help, since many club teams from other Southeast Asian countries usually count national players among their members. Perhaps, the only thing we may need on the women’s sides is a little more size, since taller players often end up playing volleyball or basketball.With the help of a few more sponsors, rugby union will have a strong, stable future. We already have the material; the players just need a little more nurturing and experience. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier MVP launches sports foundation MANILA, Philippines (February 13, 2011) - Business tycoon Manny Pangilinan, in another meaningful demonstration of his passion for sports announced on Friday the launch of the MVP Sports Foundation Inc., a philanthropic organization that seeks to uplift sports in the Philippines. Anchored on the theme “Goal! Pilipinas” Pangalinan who turned over a giant replica of a P80 million check to the president of the Philippine Football Federation Mariano “Nonong” Araneta representing a ten-year commitment was joined by Air 21 owner, businessman-sportsman Bert Lina who pledged an additional P21 million also over ten years saying he wanted to help and share the vision of MVP. Pangilinan told the Inquirer that they had identified eight sports – basketball, boxing, cycling, taekwondo, badminton , tennis, running and football and they had set “specific, reasonably ambitious, realistic and achievable goals for each sport.” He said that “in many, many respects sports is a metaphor for life – the kind of values that drive an athlete to excel are precisely the same values that drive ordinary folk to excel in their respective careers and in their lives. I think it’s a wonderful laboratory for building character, spirit, ambition and goals.” Pangilinan stressed that sports needs the support of media because to the extent that its well broadcasted, well advertised then the advertisers will flock and when you gain more eyeballs watching football or badminton then it will generate the kind of following and support that a particular sport needs.” Noting that over 18,000 turned out to see the Azkals play Mongolia at the Panaad stadium and 15,000 crammed the Araneta Coliseum to watch the PBA Finals between Pangalinan’s Talk N’ Text champion team and San Miguel Beer, Pangilinan said it reflected the Filipinos desire for something “wholesome and entertaining to watch and generates a lot of pride, whether its pride f or the team or pride f or the country.” Pangilinan said “the kind of fervor that the football fans showed was in many respects unique in the world. Football fans are different from basket- ball fans. They really get into the game more intensely than other types of fans.” He also indicated that with the growing public interest and involvement in sports they are going to put demands on our sports leaders to perform better. Pangilinan said “they should perform better because this country deserves more than what we’ve done so far and I think we in business should do our part in helping the process along.” Pangilinan praised the support of Lina. He said “that’s great. We are very grateful to Bert Lina for doing his part. It’s a great contribution to complement what we’ve done so far. We hope other companies will also join us. They are welcome. Its not just our exclusive province.” He realized that the Azkals were used as the flashpoint for pushing sports development and made it clear that it was a way of starting something big and that it would provide an impetus for “ several movements to support sports like badminton, taekwondo running and others.” Realizing the importance of television, Pangilinan revealed Punch Out By Laurence Tierra Newly crowned WBC and WBO bantamweight king Nonito Donaire, Jr. just can’t wait to lay his hands on another foe. He wants to return to the ring the soonest possible time and unite all the bantamweight belts and climb another division afterwards. Days after sending a strong signal to the boxing world with a terrifying secondround knockout of Mexican mauler Fernando Montiel, Donaire said he wants to return to the ring at the soonest possible time. And Top Rank chief Bob Arum, who also promotes Donaire, said he is looking at Anselmo Moreno of Panama, the reigning WBA bantamweight champion for Donaire’s May 2011 next assignment. Moreno has a 30-1-1 win-loss-draw record with 10 knockouts. A tougher customer for Donaire? Or another stepping stone to reach stardom the way idol Pacman trekked? Moreno is ‘an easy prey’ for Donaire, Jr., but, reaching the pinnacle of success Pacquiao attained without humility and great love for family, especially to parents, no way Donaire could even lay claim to boxing superstardom. Karma inaabot ng anak na umaaway sa magulang, higit lalo sa ama na siyang gumabay sa kaniya para maging isang ganap na magaling na boxer. Kaya nga, this early, throw to the bin all ‘anger’ in your heart towards you Dad, Nonito, and be a ‘model’ son and a prizefighter like your idol Manny Pacquiao. Now na! ######## I talked to Mang Nonito Donaire, Sr. twice when he backstopped the corner of Marvin Sonsona here in Toronto and I found the man so hurt over his junior’s Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 attitude towards him. He did not tell me everything that caused his separation from his son’s corner. He told this paper’s editor-in-chief everything, when my father-in-law, a veteran sportswriter since 1986 when he was still in Manila, interviewed him. But, it was probably an offthe-record interview because said interview never reached printing in this paper. Ahh, ibang klaseng journalist kasi talaga ang editor-in-chief namin dito, eh. When it’s off-the-record, off-the-record talaga. Pipi’t-bingi si Papa. What hurts Mang Nonito was the fact that his junior removed him from his team without formally talking to him about it. The junior just hired another trainer. Period. “Masakit iyon,” Mang Nonito told me. And he did not elaborate further. Not even answering when I asked him if money was involved in his separation from his son. Tightlipped. No ghastly word for the sibling. A real father figure any son could ask for. But, we really don’t know the cause of the senior and junior’s separation. Anong gulo ba ang nangyari sa mag-ama na up to now, the junior could not embrace his Dad again? Whatever, a father is a father at kahit baliktarin man ni Nonito Jr. ang mundo, ama pa rin niya si Mang Nonito, and that matters most! Kung si Manny Pacquiao ay pinatawad, binigyan ng kabuhayan at minahal ang amang nangibangbahay at ‘pinulutan’ ang mahal niyang alagang aso. Why can’t Nonito, Jr. do the same to his Dad? The Pacman is your idol, right, Nonito, Jr.? Go to Mang Nonito, now, Junior! Now na! ######## In an interview after the fight, The Champ Donaire, Jr. admitted that he’ll Manny V. Pangilinan whelmed" but admitted “the pressure is now on us to deliver and to really show the sponsors that we will give glory to our country.” He assured sponsors that the PFF will “provide financial reports to the sponEven as he welcomed the sors so that they will see where support of Pangilinan and Lina, the money was spent and spent PFF president Araneta said he well. – (Philboxing.com) was "flabbergasted and overthat his UHF Channel 41 will be launched on February 21 adding “we do hope we could cover the eight sports that we want to support in its entirety and give it the full media backing it deserves.” Donaire, Jr. should act like his idol Pacquiao… ‘only be receiving $350,000’ for the Montiel clash as he is not yet entitled to additional perks, like the PPV (if there’s any). “Malayo pa ako kay Idol (Pacquiao),” he added. And only half of that prize money goes to Nonito’s pocket as tax cut in, payments for trainer, manager and his team members also have to be paid. And that’s why Nonito, Jr. wants to fight even every month just to earn the RESPECT and the payment that GOES with a champion of no mean caliber like Pacquiao. Nonito could achieve what Pacquiao has attained. No doubt about it. He could be champion in the higher weight divisions and be paid seven-figure prize money. But in due time. And he could only be champion probably in five weight classes (up to lightweight or 135 lbs). Hanggang duon lang ang tingin kong maaakyat ni Donaire, Jr. Higher than that? Let’s see. But achieving five world championships in different divisions is already a dream comes true as only the best and brightest could accomplish such feat. That’s why Manny Pacquiao is a phenomenal human being since he is the only boxer in history to win eight championship crowns in 8 different weight categories. Nonito is bound to become the next Filipino multidivision boxing king like Pacquiao and he must start acting as a gentle champion like his idol. Now na! ######## The beauteous Ana 'The Hurricane' Julaton, a constant Toronto visitor, improved her record to 8wins-2loss-1draw, after successfully defending her WBO female super bantamweight title by unanimous decision in a lopsided ten-round bout against Franchesca ‘The Chosen One’ Alcanter (18W-10L-1D) of Kansas City Friday night at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, California. The 30-year-old Filipina-American, who fights out of from Daly City, California, found her range early and scored easily from the opening round. She utilized a busy left jab and well timed right straights and left hooks to dominate the fight. She also used lateral movement to avoid Alcanter’s counters. Coach Freddie Roach, who supervised Ana’s training and the last six fights, was reportedly nowhere during the fight for reason only Roach could answer. A very reliable source close to Julaton’s Team told this writer that it was Ana’s manager Angelo who tended her boxer’s corner. The three judges’ scorecards read 9992, 97-93 and 96-94, all for Julaton. A very dominating win for our woman boxing champion, whom I interviewed thrice here in Toronto last year when she won the WBO super-bantamweight belt. Well, in an interview after the fight, Julaton together with her promoter Allan Tremblay of Orion Sports, said that for her next bout she could be defending her title in the Philippines, or here in Casino Rama, again. Julaton’s win kept the winning streak this month for Filipino boxers in the United States. Mabuhay ang ating mga bayaning boksingero! 27 Philippine Courier Community Potpourri ANOTHER BLISSFUL YEAR: Ms. Joadel Concepcion (blowing candles) celebrates another year February 10, 2011 in her and hubby Noel and son Jonel's modest home. Mom Adela Bailey and an Aunt are some of the couple's guests. OLD FRIENDS MEET: Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jose Brillantes (middle) and DFA Asst. Secretary Andy Mosquera (left) play host to old Canadian buddy Mon Datol, this paper publisher/ editor-in-chief, when the three met recently at the DFA office of Brillantes, the former Philippine Ambassador to Ottawa. (Photo by Courier International Correspondent Jark Anthony Datol) DABOY TURNS ONE: BubblyTristen Rodriguez Davies celebrated his 1st birthday on New Years Day. Celebrating with the wonder boy is big sister Kayden, Mom Angela & Dad Joey; Grandma Portia Rodriguez (2nd photo) and Titos and Titas (3rd photo) THE ENGINEER'S 57th: Engr. Jose 'Bebong' Abellon of Ilocos Norte and Maple, Vaughan, Ontario, celebrated his 57th winter February 18, 2011 with a simple gathering of kin and friends. Here, the celebrant is tendering his favorite ditty and dedictaed it to his wife Lita, who prepared all the Filipino delectabe foods. ADORABLE CELEBRANT: Sister Erena Garcia of Nyren Salon, located at Bathurst Plaza corner Bathurst and Finch Sts., celebrates another milestone March 5, 2011 with a simple birthday 'salo-salo' in their cozy beauty place. CINDY’S DEBUT: Couple Jimmy and Marie Villasanta, together with son Jav, left no stone unturned to make their angel Cindy Villasanta’s 18th Birthday Party last Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 held at the Paradise Banquet Hall and Convention Centre an enormous success. Blessie Ann 7th bday SHE’S 7 NOW: Blessie Ann Ancheta, only daughter of couple Edgar and Tess Ancheta, celebrated her 7th birthday February 1, 2011with a lavish children party attended by the family kin, close friends and Blessie’ classmates. The celebrant’s brothers Kenneth and Edgar, Jr. help their sister welcome the guests. (Photos by TPC’s Miguel Caducio) 28 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier SENIORS TIME: Seniors Citizen Partylist 3rd Representative Francisco Datol, Jr (left) played host to the City, Municipal and Barangay Seniors Partylist officials led by (ret) Col. Francisco (far right) recently to discuss plans and programs of their organization for year 2011-2012. Cop in Touch By Const. Philip Mendoza Clearance Check from Toronto Police Service “Now On-line” A police clearance check is an important process that may affect future employment, volunteer work or acceptance to educational institutions. It is a popular topic that regularly comes up not only from newcomers but also community members that have, in the past, neglected to acquire. Most employers and government agencies require police clearance checks to complete the application process for jobs or volunteer work while most schools require Vulnerable Sector Screening or Police Reference Check Program. Individuals also need it if they are applying for permanent residency in Canada. Clearance Letter & Criminal Record Check The Toronto Police Service is pleased to introduce a new “online” Clearance Letter application. It can be found by navigating to www.torontopolice.on.ca and is located on the left side of the main page. If you choose this option, you may pick up your Clearance Letter from one of our designated locations. A Clearance Letter is a formal document issued by the Toronto Police Service indicating that the person of the inquiry has no criminal convictions in the National Repository of Criminal Records maintained by the RCMP. Two pieces of government issued identifications are required, one of which must contain a photo and signature. • Samples of photo identifications which provide photo, name and date of birth: Drivers Licence, Canadian Citizenship Card, Passports, Permanent Resident Card, Government Employment Card, Age of Majority Card, International Student Card, Firearm Acquisition Certificate • Samples of non-photo identification which provide name and date of birth: Birth Certificate, Immigration Papers, Baptismal Certificate, Hospital Card, Hunting Licence, Outdoors card, Canadian Blood Donor Card • Ontario Health Cards and Social Insurance Number Card (SIN) will not be accepted for identification purposes Note: Requests may also be made in person at the Toronto Police Service Headquarters, 40 College Street, Main Lobby, Monday to Friday 7:15 am - 5 pm (excluding holiday). For special circumstances such as students teaching at another country or Canadian citizens living outside Canada, an authorized person may be allowed to submit the request on their behalf. Please contact the main line: 416-808-8244 for further instructions. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 If you have a criminal record, you are not eligible for a Clearance Letter. Fingerprints will be required for positive identification before criminal records are released. You must attend an RCMP accredited fingerprinting agency listed in your local telephone book or on-line under fingerprinting services. If you have criminal charges before the courts, you may still be eligible for a Clearance Letter; however, your letter will state “before the courts”. The cost Clearance Letters or Criminal Record Check is $28.25 (taxes included). Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE Vulnerable Sector Screening • Police Reference Check Program (PRCP form) This is a program used to assist agencies, schools, churches, nursing homes, etc. to determine the suitability of successful candidates for full or part-time employment and/or volunteer duties. This may be used to check board members, personal support workers or volunteers having direct contact with children or vulnerable persons. Applicants must fill out the Consent to Disclosure form authorizing the Toronto Police Service to perform a reference check. This information will include criminal records and/or apprehensions under the Mental Health Act. You will receive a letter from Toronto Police Service indicating a summary of your record. Your potential employer or government agency will not receive a letter from Toronto Police Service. • It is your responsibility to decide whether to discuss or advise the agency/ employer the results of your Police Reference check. Important: • Due to volume of requests, applications may take ten (10) weeks to three (3) months to process. The cost is $50.85 for employment and $16.95 for volunteers. Note: Agencies, schools, churches, nursing homes, etc. must register or be registered with Toronto Police Service to participate in this program. “Please ensure to allow plenty of time for the process so that it doesn’t affect your employment or school applications” said Consolacion Arciaga, a twenty (20) year member of Toronto Police Service currently working at Records Management Unit. “Over the past year, the number of applications has multiplied exponentially”. “Applicants must be prepared to provide proper documents so we can expedite your clearance check and avoid any delays of service” noted Arciaga. For further inquiries about Clearance Letters and Criminal Records Check, please call 416-808-7991. Should you have any questions, please contact me at (416) 808-7071 or email me at [email protected] 29 Philippine Courier Philippine Bar topnotcher now a Lawyer in Ontario Joke Time Ni Edgar Bello Math wiz daw Ina: Anak matalino ka raw sa math lalo na sa addition, sabi ng titser mo? Anak: Opo. Ina: Sige nga, kunwari binigyan kita ng 5 apples at 3 grapes. Anong sagot mo? Anak: Thank you!!! *** Math Class Titser: Pedro, kung may 5 anak ako sa unang asawa ko, 7 naman sa pangalawa at 3 sa ikatlo, meron akong?... Pedro: Ma’am, kalandean poh.. isa kayong karengkeng, mahilig, immoral …. Titser: Umupo ka, tarantado ka! Hindi ka makakapasa sa akin!!!! *** Buntis ako! Pamilya sa harap ng hapag kainan habang kumakain ng almusal… Anak: Ma, Pa, buntis…… buntis po ako …di po ako makakagraduate… Nanay at Tatay, napahintong sumubo,.. di makakibo .. Anak: Ma, mahirap po bang mgbuntis? Mama: Oo anak, pero mas mahirap maging isang ina sa isang ambisyosang bakla!!! *** Lasa ng lasinggero Hindi lahat ng lasingero ay gusting tikman ang lasa ng alak. Yong iba dyan…. Gustong tikman lasa ng kainuman.. hehehehe. *** Wats love? ‘Yong bang lagi mong naalala mahal mo. Laging mong nami-miss. Kaya’t kapag everytime you miss your love one, just put your right hand in front of Your heart, close your eyes, feel the beat…ready… BAYANG MAGILIW, HANDA AWIT!!!! *** Triplets Anak: Tatay, bili mo kami tig-iisang baril! Tatay: Aba, lalakeng-lalake mga anak ko ah! (Pagkabili ng 3 baril) Tatay: OK, get ready GIRLS, Charlie’s calling!!! *** Paluwagan Betchay: Mare, kulang pa kami ng isang miyembro.Baka gusto mong sumali sa paluwagan. Dory: Hindi pa ako pwede, mare. Betchay: Bakit mare? Dory: Virgin pa kasi ako. *** Magsyota sa Motel BF: Alam mo love, ikaw ang first girl na dinala ko dito. GF: Sinungaling. Sabi nuong mga bell boys lagi ka raw dito! BF: Oo, pero ikaw lang talaga ang girl! *** Kalahati ng 1000 Ambo: Itay, pag meron na ba akong pera mayaman napo ba ako? Tatay: Kung ang pera mo ay libo mayaman ka na kapag hundred hindi pa. Bakit mo nga ba naitanong? Ambo: Ibebenta ko po itong baboy ko. Tatay: Ipagbili mo yan ng isang libo. (Agad pumunta si Ambo sa palengke para magbenta) Namimili: Magkano ang baboy mo? Ambo: Isang libo po. Namimili: Pwede bang 900 na lang? Ambo: Hindi po. Kasi sabi ng tatay ko pag hundreds di pa po ako yayaman. Dapat daw po libo. Namimili: Ah Ganon! O sige kalahating libo. Ambo: Kalahating libo? Okey. Payag ako! *** Sino nauna? Nagtalo ang mga Hudyo at Instik kung sino ang nauna sa mundo. Hudyo: Kami, dahil kami ang nagpaku kay Hesus sa krus! Instik: Aber, saan hardware kayo bili pako? *** 30 10 QUOTABLE QUOTES: - Better late than pregnant. - Pag may tyaga, gud luck! - Aanhin pa ang damo, kabayo ba ako? - Pag binato ka ng bato, kawawa ka naman.-Kung may isinuksok, may mabubuntis! - It’s better to give, much better to receive. - Cleanliness is next to godliness. Oiliness is next to blemishes. - Ang taong naglalakad na matulin, pawisin. - Pagkahaba-haba ng prusisyon, mauubusan din ng kandila. - Honesty…is such a lonely word. *** Pacquiao jokes…. NOODLE!!!!!NOODLE!!!!!" Si Mommy D Pacquiao sa ‘DEAL OR NO DEAL’ -0Isang araw, pumunta si Manny Pacquiao sa isang mamahaling restaurant… Waiter: Ano po order nyo, sir? Manny: Letter … Letter.. Waiter: Ano po yon, sir? Manny: No ba, sabi ko, letter. (Later daw, waiter, ano ka ba?) *** GF kong teacher … Laseng 1: Hik, balita ko parekoy, nakipag-break ka sa syota mong teacher, hik … Laseng 2: Oo parekoy. Laseng 1: Baket naman, parekoy, hik. Laseng 2: Biruin mong di ko lang nadalaw ng isang beses, eh, hinihingan na kaagad ako ng Excuse letter at kailangan daw pirmado ng Nanay ko! Laseng1: Ngekkkk…. *** Easter egg… Teacher: Class what is ethics? John: Sir, ethics are those cousins of ducks! What can you say sir? Teacher: Very nice answer! That duck will lay an egg and that egg will be your grade!! *** Pang-PG Jokes Teacher: Alin ang madalas gamitin.. period or comma? Estudyante: Kama, ma’am. Ang period, buwanan lang, ang kama, kahit may period puwedeng gamitin! *** Teacher: Anong gagawin kapag lumilindol? Pupil: Ma’am buksan po ilaw. Teacher: Bakit mo nasabi iyan? Pupil: Kasi po, ma’am, sa amin, kapag lumilindol, binubuksan ko lang ilaw, nawawala na! *** 10 Paalala sa mga mag-dyowa… 1. KAPAG MAGKASAMA, HUWAG GARAPAL SA KAS-SWEET-AN. SMACK LANG SA CHEEK OK NA. 2. KAPAG NAKAINOM NG RED HORSE, WAG MAGPAKALASING, KASI, BAKA MAISIPAN NYONG MANGABAYO. 3. IWASANG MAGING MAPUSOK AT MAHALAY PARA SIGURADONG MAKAPAGTAPOS NG PAG-AARAL. 4. KUNG NURSING ANG KURSO NINYO, WAG PRAKTISIN ANG PAGBABAKUNA SA ISAT ISA. 5. ANG SCHOOL I.D. AY HINDI GINAGAMIT PARA MAKA-DISCOUNT SA MOTEL. 6. KUNG BAGONG TAON ‘O MAY PAGDIRIWANG TANDAAN MAGPAPUTOK LANG SA LABAS. 7. KAPAG NAPUTUKAN, WAG MAG PANIK. PWEDENG FALSE ALARM LANG ‘YAN. 8. WAG KUMAIN NG TAHONG KAPAG MAY REDTIDE. 9. KAPAG MAINIT AT KAYONG DALAWA LANG, ALAM NYO NA. 10. KAPAG MALAMIG, UMUULAN AT KAYO LANG, ALAM NA RIN. Jon happily shows off his certificate as proof of his degree of Barrister-at-Law and admission to the Ontario bar. Second time’s the charm. That’s how it was for Abner “Jon” Gener, who took his oath as lawyer on January 28 at the Ray Thompson Hall in downtown Toronto. Jon was first admitted to the bar in the Philippines. He placed fourth among 3,194 examinees in the 1995 bar examinations. Jon and 117 others were conferred the degree of Barrister-at-Law at the Special Convocation presided by the Honourable Laurie H. Pawlitza, the Treasurer and head of the Law Society of Upper Canada. The successful candidates were also sworn in and admitted as solicitors for the province of Ontario in a special session of the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Superior Court of Justice convened after the Convocation. Jon plans to specialize in residential real estate law. He will be teaming up with his mentor, Bayani “Abe” Abesamis, who has been practicing law in Ontario for more than 16 years. As part of the licensing process, Jon worked as studentat-law of the Abesamis law office in Mississauga. Together they will form abelaw LLP, a law partnership that will engage in “high-impact law” to better serve clients in the areas of real estate, immigration law and criminal defence. Jon obtained his law degree from the University of the Philippines. He began his law career in 1995 as an associate of Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose, a reputable full-service law firm based in Makati City. Jon had a brief stint in the Philippine Supreme Court, serving as Chief Judicial Staff Officer of the Public Information Office under Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide. Returning to the private sector in 2001, he became legal counsel of Filinvest Land, Inc., one of the leading real estate developers in the Philippines. In 2008, Jon came to Canada with his wife, Julie, and their two children, Angelo and Camille. They live in Brampton. In this photo taken right after the convocation, Jon is joined by the Honourable Laurie H. Pawlitza, the Treasurer of the Law Society of Upper Canada (right), Janet E. Minor, a Bencher of the Law Society (left), and his children, Angelo and Camille. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Metro Edited by: Maria Isabelle D. Bello PINOY FIESTA & TRADE SHOW SA TORONTO, JUNE 25, 2011 IS THE BIGGEST EVENT THIS SUMMER TORONTO - The Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) and GMA Pinoy TV have proudly announced that the Greater Toronto Area will witness this year the biggest trade show and entertainment event, which by far, has been organized by any organization/s for the benefit of the Filipino Canadian community. This announcement was made jointly by Jimmy Marasigan, president of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) and Rosemer Enverga, GMA Pinoy TV Development and Marketing Consultant for Canada, who said that they are very excited to work with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto (PCCT) to provide the entertainment component for the “Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto. Dubbed as the “Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto”, Marasigan and Enverga said the event has three-pronged objectives, as follows: first, to provide a wider exposure to PCCT business and exhibitors, from where -- in the words of PCCT President Oswald Tugadi and Trade Show Chair Rafael Nebres, “visitors from the diverse communities in the greater Toronto area would have a good grasp of the products and services that the Filipino Canadian business sector carries and offers, and from which they could engage in cross sales and marketing,” From the point of view of the PCCF, Marasigan pointed out that the event will be a great avenue for the foundation to raise funds where everybody could share their bounties in Canada with those of “our poor brothers and sisters in the Philippines.” He said that funds generated by the PCCF will be used for charitable purposes, mainly through the building of houses for the poor through ANCOP Canada, the Kapuso Foundation and other worthy charities. He said that this way, it will not be too burdensome for anybody to do one’s acts of charity – especially considering the economic weather these times. THE ROVING EYES By Maria D. Bello I got this article from surfing the internet which I believe will definitely help us in preventing pneumonia which if not detected earlier could bring death to anyone inflicted by the dreaded illness. Read this: Our lungs get about as much credit for sweeping out the germs and gunk we breathe in as do Beyonce’s backup singers. So we’d like to sing their praises for working overtime during peak pneumonia season. And we’d like to keep you from crooning I’ve Got the Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu, even if your Aerosmith impersonation is great! Reports said that more than half a million cases of pneumonia will wind up in U.S. doctor’s offices this year. Some 50,000 people could die. The older or younger you are, the more dangerous it is. You can’t avoid the bugs that cause this nasty lung infection. But you can cut your risk and stop the spread. Cover up coughs. With your elbow — Dracula-style — or with a tissue. That’s better than using your hands. Those germs fly out of your lungs at 950 kilometres an hour when you cough or sneeze, so they can cover a lot of territory in search of victims. Stop shaking hands. Greet friends with a big hello and say goodbye with Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 On the entertainment angle, Enverga said that GMA Pinoy TV is very excited at this first opportunity to work with the PCCF and the PCCT to bring in person before the eyes of fans their favorite “Kapuso” stars. GMA Pinoy TV was primarily incorporated by GMA Network for the benefit of overseas Filipinos. The GMA Pinoy TV Development and Marketing Consultant for Canada, in the meantime, keeps the fans to hold their breath as who are coming from among the GMA table of stars are coming. Will it be Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes; or, the newly- married Regine and Ogie? Perhaps, Aljur Abrenica, with Rachel Ann Go; or, is it possible to be all of them? “Whoever they are,” Enverga promised, “the Kapuso stars are guaranteed to keep the audience in their seat by the entertainment program being arranged for them and catered for everyone.” The “Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto” will be held from 8 am to 11 pm, Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Hall C (very short walk from Union Station), 255 Front Street W, in Toronto. For tickets, call Rosemer 416-284-9299, Jimmy 905472-3194, Romy 416-985-2606. Here’s how we can prevent pneumonia – Docs a cheerful wave (think Royal Family). Swipe ’n’ wipe. Bacteria and viruses can live for days on hard surfaces that are shared by friends, family, neighbours and strangers — door knobs, game controls, computer keyboards and TV remotes. Airplane trays aren’t far behind. Swipe with alcohol wipes. Don’t smoke. Your lungs have enough to cope with. Get vaccinated. There is a pneumonia shot for grown-ups and the Hib vaccine series for infants and small children. Both protect against several types of pneumonia, meningitis and other serious infections. Getting a shot is a nobrainer. FOODS THAT SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE Remember when you and your partner could barely take your eyes (and your hands) off each other? Maybe what you need to bring back that rush is a walk down the aisle. The grocery aisle, that is. Here’s a food list that’ll spice up your sex life. But before the feast, try doing something else with your mouths: talking, especially about what you like in bed. Talking triggers oxytocin, a warm-andfuzzy chemical that makes people bond. Next, don’t forget the erotic organ that’s even more sensitive than your mouth. No, eyes a little higher: We mean your nose. In men, a sniff of lemons, doughnuts or licorice can increase blood flow to the penis. For women, licorice and cucumbers often do it. Why isn’t clear, though the shapes may be as arousing as the smell. (Do we have to draw a picture here?) Now for the love snacks. Stock up on: Bananas. They’re rich in bromelain, an enzyme that may boost male libido. Celery. It’s high in androsterone, a hormone released in male sweat that can turn women on. Oysters. They contain zinc, needed to produce libido-enhancing testosterone. Garlic. Any dish with garlic in it can increase blood flow to sexual organs. Just share the food. Figs. They’re rich in amino acids that heat up desire. Chocolate. It has several ingredients that trigger that loving feeling. Nibble one or go for the lot. Satisfying sex can make you feel great and make your RealAge years younger. THE SLIMMING POWER OF SOUP Want a slimmer you? Developing a soup habit will have you stepping out in clothes you haven’t worn for ages. The more often you eat soup, the more likely you are to shrink your waist, lose weight and lower your total body fat — your body mass index (BMI). That’s according to new research confirming previous soup-slimming studies. The fact is, soup makes you feel fuller on fewer calories. And it means you’ll also cut your risk of heart disease, diabetes and other unpleasantness that come with big bellies and excess weight. You don’t have to know a thing about cooking to make great soup. Here’s our three-step soup-for-dummies secret: 1. Fill a pot with water and turn on the heat. 2. Throw in lots of fresh, colourful vegetables. Carrots, celery, red peppers, onions, garlic and any other firm ones first, then tomatoes, dark greens, zucchini, whatever. All are chock-full of nutrients with almost zero calories and fat. Enrich the flavor and up the protein with beans (fiber plus flavor), chicken or fish. 3. Be bold with spices. Cayenne and hot peppers, rich in capsaicin, not only rev up the flavour but even help you burn fat a little faster. For store-bought-soup days, choose low-sodium varieties (under 260 milligrams a cup). (Ref: Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen are authors of YOU: On a Diet. For more, visit www.realage.com ) 31 Philippine Courier Thinking Out Loud The secret life of a drama queen By Tessie Lagtapon I am a drama queen still recovering from the double whammy I received from the late and venerable 2010. I love weddings, the kind where everyone is included, where the church smells of flowers and the little ring bearers and flower girls stray from the scripted event. I love the promise and the hope of the principals for a future as uncertain as the Lotto 649. I love the gathering of family and friends, the exchange of “Do you remember the time when….”, the melding of two families from backgrounds as diverse as pizza and ‘adobo’, the concerted efforts of everyone to make the special day truly special. I heard the whisperings of a special day early last year. Then I got the pre-invitation over e-mail from Child No. 4 sometime in October. I didn’t know I need to be pre-invited. It was all so businesslike: time, date, price, policy, country. Voila!! I am in for my first destination wedding. “What the…?!” was my initial reaction. “I’ll stay home.” My husband intoned. “They can have my trip money as a gift.” It was my cue to throw a temper tantrum, roll on the ground and flail my arms, but I didn’t. I just kind of whimpered and allowed my heart to break quietly. I had looked forward to this wedding; expected an announcement over a family dinner, like us old people would have done. I didn’t know a simple e-mail could be so devastating. I escalated the issue into a few sleepless nights which went like this: woke up with a start, thought about it, churned my emotions to peak point, turned on my lamp, read until I couldn’t open my eyes anymore, then slowly slid under my blanket so that I didn’t wake the baby in me while simultaneously feeling for the switch… This procedure was repeated many times through the night. I woke up a wreck. “Oh, come off it Mom.” My daughter, always the practical one, admonished. “It is their wedding not yours.” Yes, indeed. So I emailed back asking for an explanation. My three-word son is capable of five full paragraphs of logic, just like the 0s and 1s of a computer program. His arguments made absolute sense. Still I do not understand. But, it is their wedding, their life and I love his fiancée. Costa Rica should be glorious in May. Glorious or not I am writing this on the Bluest Monday of the year as per Canada AM news. The morning matched my mood but as the day progressed the sun came out in all its brilliance; proving once more what I always suspected: the sun is constant, never leaves its spot. Clouds simply obscure its brilliance and last year, they chose to descend and engulf me, to squeeze me dry like an anaconda with its prey. I love my job. Been at it for twenty five years. Will be at it for the rest of my useful life span. Fortunately, there is no expiry date to being a realtor. Even better I love the people I work with. The spectre of changing companies dogged me late last year. The anguish of deciding with my business mind as against my emotional needs dug deep into my gut. This gut-wrenching epi- sode would be “Desperate Housewife” material with a murder or two thrown in, but not a Tessie-sailing-the-tranquil-golden-pond reality. But change had to happen. Twenty five years of history is nothing to scoff at. My broker and manager are the only ones I’ve known all those years. They’ve been with me through all the milestones of my life. They’re family. And yet, the mall environment I’m into the past couple of years is seductive. It is rejuvenating, my fountain of youth. It is a successful venture. My waning zeal for real estate was set on fire again with the energy and fresh ideas of my partner. I felt like the woman with a husband (constant and true in the background), two boyfriends on the side and an affair round the corner. What a tangled web! The web unravelled in my office at Shoppers World. When you see me there, wave, say the magic word – drama queen – and you could win a trip to…..drum roll please….Tim Horton’s. 2011…I am so very ready for you. (416) 755-0909 32 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier ‘Mia Lising Napao’ – a young superstar is born! True to her moniker as the young superstar of Filipino-Canadian music here in Toronto, 12-year-old Mia Lising Napao dished out a sterling performance February 5, 2011 at the jam-packed Prestige By Nite Disco House located at 4544 Dufferin St. just south of Finch West. And though snow storm mercilessly battered the GTA that day, it did not prevent Mia’s followers from coming to the venue and show their support to their young star. Mia was excellently backstopped by friends singers Rachel Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Perez, Andrea Asuncion, Andie Barredo, Jane Khun and Nicole Datol Bello in the 2-hour-non-stop show produced by TPC/EDCILLE Productions for the benefit of kidney patient Ms. Perla Canasa, choreographed by Debbie Barredo and masterfully directed by Ms. Cecille Araneta. Edward Que and Ria Napao handled the tickets at the door. Here are some photos of the event thru the lenses of TPC’s MonD. 33 Philippine Courier FACES MY ONE AND ONLY LOVE! By Miss Rubi Talavera Rubi spends her time with her dogs, Sprite and Dex- This is Dexter, all bandaged up, after his emergency surgery at the Toronto Emergency Veterinary Rubi's guest from Indonesia, Maytha, says Clinic in Scarborough. hello to Dexter. ter. Sprite passed away two years ago. February is the love month! We all know that, right? Well, let me tell you about my one and only love! He came to my life when he was six weeks old. A tiny bundle of joy! He was all black with distinctive white fur on his nose and sable and white legs. His distinguishing mark was the white at the tip of his tail. He was cute as a button and we named him Dexter. No, not after TV’s serial killer cop. We just wanted a Dexter in our life. Dexter is a Bernese mountain dog. We took him to puppy training where he got the highest honours for his talent. He learned to sit, stay, come, bye, and cookie. He knew the words “back soon” when I went off to do my real estate work. He was smart, and his favourite toy was a baseball. We would throw it away and he would jump up in the air and catch it. He liked jumping up on the bed, lying on his back with his four feet up in the air. He was a show off. He knew he was gorgeous! And a real babe! At age five, he was diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy. Meaning he was going blind. His night vision was going, and eventually so would his day vision. Two years later, he was completely blind. The opthalmologist said it would not change anything with a dog. The quality of life would still be the same. And we continued to love him and spoil him. He loved riding in my car. I had a sports convertible then and he would be so proud sitting in the front passenger seat, looking around and feeling the summer breeze. We went to many parks and visited Cherry Beach in downtown Toronto. His favourite park though was Richmond Green. It had six or seven baseball diamonds and there were acres and acres of land, and he loved retrieving baseballs. Just by smell! We would go home with two or three balls every single day. Looking back now, I wish I had taken him to a park near a golf course… and he would have collected umpteen golf balls. We used a whistle to call him. He also loved to run and run and run at Bruce’s Mill. We would explore every nook and cranny at this conservation area. Once, there was another blind puppy there. And his master used a whistle to call him too. But Dexter knew his signal. And he always came to me. At home, we moved things around so he wouldn’t bump into furniture. If he was hungry, he would bite into his bowl and bring his bowl whereever I was. It was such a funny sight! Dexter also was the official mascot of my Toastmasters club. And whenever we had an Executive Board meeting, he was there – up, front, and centre. Guests who came to the house were greeted by him with a friendly bark. He smelled you first, and then when you passed his smell test, he moved on. We had many Christmas parties and birthday celebrations at home. One time, Ambassador Brillantes came over to visit, with MP Bryon 34 Wilfert. And probably knowing how important our guests were, Dexter sat quietly.welcoming each and every guest. He was such a great greeter! Twelve years later, Dexter has slowed down quite a bit. On December 3rd, I was scheduled to go on a trip to the Philippines for a brief vacation. But two days before, I injured my knee and could not walk. I had to cancel my trip. On December 9th, our good friend, Malu Nejal, celebrated her office Christmas Party at the Time Zone. I still could not walk without a cane, so my buddy and fellow realtor, Benny Jose, picked me up. We had a ball. Realtors Vic Salazar, Larry Bercasio, Ramon Cezar, Virgie Tigas, Sonny Cuevas, and Benny Jose were kicking up a storm. But alas, I sat it out! Around 1:00 am, we decided to head home and Benny dropped me off. Dexter, as usual, was waiting for me by the foyer. Petted him, and I went up to bed. The next morning, December 10th, I noticed Dexter was not moving. Spread out on the ceramic tiles, he was not wagging his tail. He was breathing, but that was it. Coaxing him with a toasted bagel, his favourite treat, he could not be bothered. I was really concerned because it was so unlike my dog. Carrying him – a 120 pound dog – was a real challenge. But thank goodness, I had help from my friend. She and I brought Dexter over to his regular vet, Dr. Sherkey. We waited at the Bayview Hill Animal Hospital for a couple of hours while the vet took his temperature, his heart beat, tested his blood, did an ultra sound, an X-ray, and checked his gums. His gums were pale! Panic! We were told to go immediately to the Toronto Emergency Clinic at Warden and Ellesmere. The Scarborough clinic was waiting for us. And so was the doctor. When we got there, Dexter was carried on a stretcher and immediately rushed to ICU. Two hours later, the surgeon saw us and told us Dexter had internal bleeding…that’s why his gums were pale! And he was dying! I cried! Boy, did I cry! How can that be? How can my dog be dying? He was so healthy the day before. We were just walking in the park. He was eating his favourite Mcburger, Mcnuggets and his Tim Hortons plain toasted bagel. How could he be dying? No, no! Can’t be! The surgeon, Dr. Nasser, said it was cancer….but there was something he could do. A glimmer of hope? I said “anything!” He explained that Dexter had a 25-75% chance, should he operate on him to find out what made him bleed internally. He said, “When I open him up and I see his cancer has spread, I will call you and then you can decide if you want me to let him go. I won’t wake him up anymore!” That night, I cried myself to sleep. I woke up to the ringing of my phone. It was 3:30 in the morning of Saturday. It was Dr. Nasser. He found cancer in Dexter’s liver, and it had not metastesized. His signs were stable and the surgery was a success. Thank God, I said. I could see him mid afternoon. Around 9:30 am, Dr. Nasser called again. This time, he said he was concerned that they did not have enough red blood cells for any blood transfusion, should Dexter require it during his post operative care. He suggested I take my dog to the University of Guelph, where they had a board certified surgeon on call, and all the necessities for Dexter. Guelph is a teaching hospital, I know, and is the best in the country for veterinary medicine. So I immediately rushed over to Scarborough to pick up my dog. Highway 401 was free of traffic. But there was a snowstorm. We drove carefully and got to Guelph taking 401 West, exiting at 299 with ease. The emergency doctors were again waiting for us. Dr. Boudreau of the Critical Care Unit saw us. She was very kind, very patient and very loving. I could see she was going to take good care of my baby. We left Dexter there, me balling my eyes out yet again. He looked tired, but appeared stable. Biopsy was to be done on the liver specimen that was previously taken from him at the Scarborough clinic. We would know the results in a few days. Benign or malignant? We were to wait once again for the results. Every day after leaving him in Guelph, I would brave the snowstorm and take the 2 hour drive to the hospital. For the past twelve years, my dog had been my constant companion, my best friend and my loyal pet. I was sad without him and I was definitely devastated. I kept praying to make him well. It was only a week before Christmas and all I wanted was to bring my dog home. Finally, my prayers were answered, and I got the phone call one morning from Guelph, that I could take Dexter home. Rushing over to the hospital, we brought Dexter home, his abdomen sutured from top to bottom. That night, I slept in the family room, on the couch, so that I could be with him, and watch him. After another few days, we went back to Guelph, where we met with another doctor. This time, an oncologist. My Dexter’s cancer had spread to his blood vessels and he had hemangiosarcoma, the deadliest form of cancer in dogs. Dr. Parsons, the oncologist, explained the illness to us. She offered chemotherapy for Dexter. Unlike treatment for humans, chemotherapy is not curative, it is merely palliative, meaning my dog will live a while longer but will still die. I did not want my dog to die. I wanted him to live a while longer. We opted for the chemotherapy and on January 3, 2011, Dexter had his first treatment. We were warned that should he develop adverse reaction to the drugs, usually between three to five days, we were to give anti nausea and anti vomiting pills. He was fine during the two hour trip home. He was fine the next day. On the second day, he refused to eat and to drink. He was very lethargic and did not want to move. I panicked. Calling his oncologist, we were told to bring him to his regular vet for blood tests. Oh my gosh, that was a nighmare. My dog yelped when he was given the needle five times. Three for blood tests and two for pain medication injection. My heart sank once again. Imagine, my otherwise strong and brave dog crying in pain. We took him home and everything was in a downward spiral. He could not walk, was whimpering all night long, and I was a basket case. I simply would not allow my dog to suffer that much. Right there and then, I decided enough was enough and I wanted to stop his pain. I made a decision to let him go. I said the next day, I would say goodbye to him. The next day, my eldest son and I got in the car and drove off to Guelph. It was time to let go. My younger son followed in his car. He was joining us from his work. On the way there, my son who was driving my car complained of eye problems. It was the height of the snowstorm for southern Ontario and he could not see the road. He asked me to take over driving. But I couldn’t… because I was balling my eyes out again. I was holding my dog on my lap and I did not want to let go. My other son said to get off the highway and go to a Tim Horton’s so that we could re-group and decide what to do. I went to Tim Horton’s, used their washroom and, as I normally do when I go to Timmy’s, bought a toasted bagel for Dexter. Bagels are Dexter’s favourite. Miracle number 1: As soon as I got in the car, my dog got up, looked around, smelled my coffee, and polished up the whole bagel. My dog was up! He was alive! He was eating! He was back! Thank you, Lord. We called Guelph, explained the situation and we all decided to go back home. My Dexter was not ready to go. That night, we were at peace with the world. My dog was all right. What more did we want? Now is February 16th, and as of this writing, exactly six weeks after my dog’s first chemotherapy. Miracle number 2: He is alive and well. He walks with me every morning; he eats his favourite McDonalds hamburger, chicken mcnuggets, and Swiss Chalet chicken. He still looks forward to his toasted bagels in the morning, sometimes with cheese, sometimes plain. And he climbs up on the couch and puts his head on my lap. I still take him to Richmond Green. He loves that park and loves to show off his black walking boots. When you see him, you’ll say there’s nothing wrong with him. He looks healthy and so handsome. Here are a few photos of my one and only love. Only time will tell when he decides to go. I tell him every night how I love him so much… how he has served me well. And every morning, I say a prayer of thanks for one more day with him… one more day. Please love your pets as much as I love my Dexter. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier ‘Together We Can Make It’ PCCT and PCCF in cooperation with GMA Pinoy TV joined together to bring to Toronto the best of ‘The Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show’ on June 25, 2011 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Seated from left to right; PCCF Trade Show Chair Romy Rafael, PCCF President Jimmy Marasigan, GMA Director Rosemer Enverga, PCCT President Oswald Tugadi and PCCT Trade Show Chair Rafael Nebres. Standing from left to right are the directors of PCCT, PCCF and GMA Pinoy TV associates in Toronto. Zeny’s bday gig a blast IT wiz and this paper’s associate editor and business columnist Miguel Caducio showered the love of his life Zeny with a birthday party February 18 in their modest home in Richmond Hill where he and son Michael prepared delectable Filipino dishes. Miguel and Zeny’s kin and close friends came to greet the celebrant, who actually turned 41 Feb. 5 but decided to do the bday gig on that date to accommodate more guests. Here are some photos of the affair courtesy of Miguel. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 35 Philippine Courier Suntok sa Buwan TICKLE ME! Ni John Agustin By Chuchi Punzalan The Importance of Walking Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 to $10,000 per month. My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 years old and we don't know where he is. I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me. The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again. I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing.. I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there. Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise', I wash my mouth out with chocolate. The advantage of exercising every day is so when you die, they'll say, "Well, she looks good, doesn't she?" If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country. ---------Senior Texting Codes Since more of us Seniors are texting and tweeting, there appears to be a need for a STC (Senior Texting Code). This might be of assistance to you: A T D: At The Doctor's BFF: Best Friend Farted B T W: Bring The Wheelchair B Y O T: Bring Your Own Teeth C B M: Covered By Medicare CYATSC: See You At The Senior Center D W I: Driving While Incontinent F W B B: Friend With Beta Blockers F W I W: Forgot Where I Was F Y I: Found Your Insulin GGP B L: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low G H A: Got Heartburn Again H G B M: Had Good Bowel Movement I M H A O: Is My Hearing Aid On L M D O: Laughing My Dentures Out L O L: Living On Lipitor L W O: Lawrence Welk's On O M M R: On My Massage Recliner O M S G: Oh My! Sorry, Gas. ROTFL- ACGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing, And Can't Get Up S G G P: Sorry, Gotta Go Poop T T Y L: Talk To You Louder WAITT: Who Am I Talking To? WTFA: Wet The Furniture Again WTP: Where's The Prunes? W W N O: Walker Wheels Need Oil ---------DEMENTIA QUIZ: FIRST QUESTION: YOU ARE A PA RTICIPANT IN A RACE. YOU OVERTAKE THE SECOND PERSON. WHAT POSITION ARE YOU IN? ANSWER: IF YOU ANSWERED THAT YOU ARE FIRST, THEN YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY WRONG! IF YOU OVERTAKE THE SECOND PERSON AND YOU TAKE HIS PLACE, YOU ARE IN SECOND PLACE! OK, TRY TO DO BETTER NEXT TIME. BUT DON'T TAKE AS MUCH TIME AS YOU TOOK FOR THE FIRST QUESTION, OK? SECOND QUESTION: IF YOU OVERTAKE THE LAST PERSON, THEN YOU ARE....? 36 ANSWER: IF YOU ANSWERED THAT YOU ARE SECOND TO LAST, THEN YOU ARE..... WRONG AGAIN. TELL ME SUNSHINE, HOW CAN YOU OVERTAKE THE LAST PERSON?? YOU'RE NOT VERY GOOD AT THIS, ARE YOU? THIRD QUESTION: VERY TRICKY ARITHMETIC! NOTE: THIS MUST BE DONE IN YOUR HEAD ONLY. DO NOT USE PAPER AND PENCIL OR A CALCULATOR. TRY IT. TAKE 1000 AND ADD 40 TO IT. NOW ADD ANOTHER 1000 NOW ADD 30. ADD ANOTHER 1000. NOW ADD 20 . NOW ADD ANOTHER 1000. NOW ADD 10. WHAT IS THE TOTAL? DID YOU GET 5000? THE CORRECT ANSWER IS ACTUALLY 4100... IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IT, CHECK IT WITH A CALCULATOR! TODAY IS DEFINITELY NOT YOUR DAY, IS IT? MAYBE YOU'LL GET THE LAST QUESTION RIGHT.... MAYBE... FOURTH QUESTION: MARY'S FATHER HAS FIVE DAUGHTERS: NANA, 2. NENE, 3. NINI, 4. NONO, AND ??? WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FIFTH DAUGHTER? DID YOU ANSWER NUNU? NO! OF COURSE IT ISN'T. HER NAME IS MARY! READ THE QUESTION AGAIN! OKAY, NOW THE BONUS ROUND, I.E., A FINAL CHANCE TO REDEEM YOURSELF A MUTE PERSON GOES INTO A SHOP AND WANTS TO BUY A TOOTHBRUSH. BY IMITATING THE ACTION OF BRUSHING HIS TEETH HE SUCCESSFULLY EXPRESSES HIMSELF TO THE SHOPKEEPER AND THE PURCHASE IS DONE. NEXT, A BLIND MAN COMES INTO THE SHOP WHO WANTS TO BUY A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES; HOW DOES HE INDICATE WHAT HE WANTS? IT'S REALLY VERY SIMPLE: HE OPENS HIS MOUTH AND ASKS FOR IT... DOES YOUR EMPLOYER ACTUALLY PAY YOU TO THINK?? IF SO DO NOT LET THEM SEE YOUR ANSWERS FOR THIS TEST! ---------A lawyer and a senior citizen are sitting next to each other on a long flight. The lawyer is thinking that seniors are so dumb that he could get one over on them easy. So the lawyer asks if the senior would like to play a fun game. The senior is tired and just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines and tries to catch a few winks. The lawyer persists, saying that the game is a lot of fun. I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me only $5. Then you ask me one, and if I don't know the answer, I will pay you $100, he says. This catches the senior's attention and to keep the lawyer quiet, he agrees to play the game. The lawyer asks the first question. 'What's the distance from the Earth to the Moon?' The senior doesn't say a word, but reaches into his pocket, pulls out a five-dollar bill, and hands it to the lawyer. Now it's the senior's turn. He asks the lawyer, 'What goes up a hill with three legs, and comes down with four?' The lawyer uses his laptop and searches all references he could find on the Net. He sends emails to all the smart friends he knows; all to no avail. After an hour of searching, he finally gives up. He wakes the senior and hands him $100. The senior pockets the $100 and goes right back to sleep. The lawyer is going nuts not knowing the answer. He wakes the senior up and asks, 'Well, so what goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?' The senior reaches into his pocket, hands the lawyer $5 and goes back to sleep. Tagumpay ba talaga ang EDSA I? Marami pa ring tao ang pumunta sa EDSA nuong February 25 para ipagbunyi umano ang ika-25 taong anibersaryo ng EDSA I na nagpatalsik kay dating Pangulo Ferdinand Marcos at nagluklok sa namayapa ng si Cory Aquino bilang kapalit na Presidente ng Pilipinas. People Power ang itinawag sa blood-less revolution na iyon. Tagamasid na estudyante blues pa lamang ako nuon, pero, alam ko na ang nangyayari sa kapaligiran at sa buong bansa. Nabuhay daw ang demokrasya ng mapatalsik si Macoy. Naging icon of democracy si Tita Cory, ani Erap sa napanuod kong TV interview niya sa pagdalo sa 25th EDSA I anniversary. Mayor pa lamang daw siya ng San Juan nuong 1986. Naging Senador, VP at 13th President of the Republic, pero, napatalsik din si Erap nuong 2001 ni dating VP at Prez GMA. Tinawag naman ni Erap si GMA ng ‘icon of corruption.’ Banat naman ni Rep. Mikey Arroyo, anak ni GMA, eh hindi naman si GMA, na nanay niya, ang nakakalaya dahil nabigyan ng presidential pardon na patama naman key Erap. Kani-kaniya banatan, hane, kakabsat. Sa araw mismo ng EDSA I- 25th anniversary na kung saan pagkaka-isa ang tema ng ng selebrasyon. Kaya naman di ako naniniwala na tagumpay nga ang EDSA I ‘revolution’ eh. Sila-sila ring mga lumang angkan ang napuwesto, nakapuwesto at pupuwesto pa sa ating gobiyerno. Kung hanggang kailan? Sila-sila ring lang ang nakaka-alam! Di ba, Kabayan? Teka nga pala, bakit ang EDSA I lang ang isine-selebreyt? Bakit ang EDSA 2, kuno, na nagpatalsik ke Erap ay di man lang pinagu-usapan na at inilibing na yata sa lupa ng mga amuyong ni GMA na nagpasimuno ng black days in Philippine political history. Saan ka naman nakakita na ang isang Chief Justice ng bansa ay ‘gumawa’ ng isang ‘constructive resignation’ word para sa isang ‘onleave’ na Pangulo ng Pilipinas? Talaga nga namang: ‘Onli in da Pilipins’ -0Sobrang hirap sa buhay at kawalan ng oportunidad na kumita ng malakilaki sa ating bansa para sa pamilya ang pangunahing dahilan kaya’t napipilitan sigurong maging drug mules or drug couriers ang marami nating kababayan na OFWs. Libong dolyares at libreng plane tickets paChina ‘o sa iba pang panig ng mundo ang tatangapin nila maitawid lamang ang kilo-kilong droga sa mga immigration centers ng China at iba pang bansang aatasan sila ng mga sindikato. Pag nai-deliver nila ang droga, kita sila. Pag nahuli, bitay sila. Para lang namang cara ‘y cruz ang laban ng mga OFWs na drug mules, eh, pag cara, panalo sila, pag cruz, patay sila. Katuwirang di nila alam na may dala silang droga sa kanilang maleta? Palusot lang yon mga kakabsat. In the first place, padala sa kanila ang briefcase or carry-over, at alam nilang kailangang mai-deliver nila ang nasabing ‘padala’ sa mga member ng sindikato sa China or sa anumang bansa na pupuntahan nila. May 4 na kilo, 6 hanggang 8 kilong shabu, di nila alam ang bitbit nilang laman ng padalang briefcase or carryover? Iyong isang kilong mani nga ay alam mong mabigat na kapag biyahero ka, eh, ‘yon pang 4 hanggang 8 kilong ‘bagay’ sa maleta mo ang di mo alam? Nakngbutete, Ka Ramon, katakatakang talaga ang katulad nilang ‘tanga.’ Buti na lang, may ‘karisma’ yata talaga itong si VP Jojo Binay, ha, Ka Ramon? Biruin mong ni hindi na naibigay ni Sir Jojo sa Chinese President ang personal na liham ni PNoy, eh, hindi na muna itinuloy ang pagbitay thru lethal injection sa 3 Pinoy na nahatulan nga ng bitay dahil sa drogang ipinasok sa China. Mabuhay ka, Vice President Jojo Binay! Sa ating nga OFWs, ingat lang lagi sa biyahe, ha? Huwag na huwag kayong tatanggap ng padala kapag nasa airport na kayo, o, di kaya ay buksan ninyo ang ipadadala sa inyo kaharap ang magpapadala KUNG di lang kayo makatanggi sa nagpapadala. Salamat po. -0Dapat lang na tapusin ng Senado at ng Kongreso ang kani-kanilang imbestigasyon “in aid of legislation” sa umanoy anomalya sa bilyones na pondo ng AFP kahit na nailibing na si dating AFP Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes, at kahit na may magpakamatay pa ulit na involved sa nasabing isyu. Sa aking pananaw ay unfair mismo sa namayapang dating kalihim at sa pamilya nito kung tutuldukan agad ang imbestigasyon dahil maiiwan sa isipan ng mga Pinoy na ang dahilan ng kanyang pagpapakamatay ay dahil sa ‘pagka-ipit’ sa mga bintang sa kanya. Pero, mas lalong unfair naman sa ating lahat at sa buong kasundaluhang naging tapat sa serbisyo at mga opis¬yal na hindi nagpayaman sa puwesto, kapag hindi naibunyag kung may kasalanan man ang dating heneral, ‘o wala. At dapat pa bang im¬bestigahan ang kanyang asawa at pamilya dahil ayon sa umiiral na batas, hindi puwedeng ipasa sa kaanak ng namayapa ang kanyang pagkakasalang nagawa kung meron man? Pero, hindi na ba puwedeng alamin kung paano ng naka-biyahe ng may 48 beses sa ibatibang bansa ang asawa ni Gen. Reyes sa loob ng 6 ‘o 8 taon, gayung di naman milyonaryo ang pamilya nila? Magkano na lang ba ang monthly salary ng isang AFP General at isang Chief of Staff para makapag-biyahe ng parang isang Head of State or First Lady kaya? Karamihan daw sa biyaheng ito sa abroad ay kasama niya si Mrs. Erlinda-Yambao Ligot, maybahay ni retired Lieutenant General Jacinto Ligot na dating comptroller ng AFP at inaakusahan ding ‘umangkin ng mahigit P700-milyon’ mula sa AFP slush fund. Isa naman itong katakatakang pangyayari na nagaganap lang… Onli in da Pilipins. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier CARP medical mission in Calasiao, Pangasinan Not less than 1,500 townsfolk of Calasiao, Pangasinan trekked to the municipal ground fronting the newly-constructed town hall January 24, 2011 to receive free medical, dental, optical services provided by the Canadian Aid Relief Project (CARP) headed by its founding president Dr. Francisco Portugal, a noted Toronto family physician and community leader, and a ‘battalion of volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses and CARP supporters from Canada’ that included Dr. Venancio Portugal, Dr. George Jose, Dr. Rudy Gallardo, Dr. Belle Tumbokon, RN Erly Gallardo, Rey Sunga, Justin, Edgar Adan, Lady Rose Cruz, Mary Hernandez, Mila Borsboom, Peter Tenorio, Asuncion Ramos, Sebio Aquintey and Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Shirley Bagay. Local volunteers include Calasiao MHO Dr. Jesus Arturo de Vera, Drs. Marie Anne Dy Contreras, Jose Luis Estrellas, Cristine Joy Nilo, Flores Alfredo and Sabina Sabiate; RN Allan Y. Martinez, RN Anna Lyn Martinez, Ma. Rhodora Jaropojop, Jun Aguirre, James Labrador, Rhian Mallari, Erva Portugal, Cassandra Portugal, Ryan Brugada, Rhea Brugada,, Jun Puri, Anne Abdul, Rhoda Chia, July Sangco, Fely Alfaro and a host of Calasiao volunteers headed by its youthful town Mayor Mark Roy Macanlalay, who provided CARP group all the local needs it requested that made the mission a huge success. (Text & Photos by MonD.) 37 Philippine Courier 38 Classified Ads Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Toronto Augusto (Bong) Capitin Phone: 416-464-3081 647-340-0080 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2011 Eric & Gina Estelo Phone: 647-404-0633 647-964-6703 Fax: 647-344-0981 Hamilton Cecile Araneta Olive Renante Phone: 905-521-9998 Fax: 905-522-9998 Mississauga, Ontario Agent Phone: 416-238-6474 Mobile: 647-409-4445 Fax: 289-232-1909 Email: [email protected] 39