For God, Not Politics
Transcription
For God, Not Politics
Toronto, Ontario Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 www.philippinecourier.com Vol. 8 No. 7 Miss Gay Philippines Canada 2012 contest is now Open! ...... page 24 ‘MEGA NA, PACQUIAO PA’ Sharon Concert & Pacquiao Fight in a back-to-back Show in Toronto! GIGANTIC SHOW: The Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley title fight June 9 in Las Vegas would be beamed LIVE! via satellite at the Massey Hall huge screen after the Sharon Cuneta concert! A one-of-a-kind entertainment presentation only Royal Mark Canada Productions of couple Lito and Ruth Roquillo could showcase this part of North America. Story on page 16 Mammoth INC rally paralyzes roads in Manila For God, Not Politics MONSTER TRAFFIC: Parked buses clog a long stretch of Roxas Boulevard after ferrying people attending a prayer rally of the Iglesia ni Cristo yesterday. Right photo shows the mammoth crowd at the Quirino Grandstand estimated at not less than 800,000. (AP/Jonjon Vicencio) Pls. turn to page 11 PIDC president vows transparency and media friendly Ms. Norma Carpio Story on page 9 Please see page 16 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 g n i n e 9! p O nd arch a r G M Bring your family or friends and enjoy a unique dining experience! M e e t YO U @ barkada RESTAURANT & CATERING, INC. Your favourite Filipino dishes prepared and served with a modern, contemporary twist. All day Filipino breakfast! gene mina [email protected] leo torres [email protected] 2 5651 Steeles Avenue East, Unit 6 (at Middlefield Road) Toronto, Ontario Tel. No. (416) 293-9449 www.barkadarestaurant.ca Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier 715 Real Estate, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Divorce, Small Claims Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 3 Philippine Courier 4 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier NEEDED IMMEDIATELY - Needs an experienced Caregiver; - Toronto area - $10.25/hour salary - Interested parties please send your Resume by Mail addressed to: Tavitha Alexander, 26 Brad St., Toronto, ON M6P 1N1 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 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 NINEZ CACHO-OLIVARES Legal nincompoops BSP, AMLC should be made to answer During the early period of the administration of former President Gloria Arroyo, the Philippines was placed in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist of so-called non-cooperative countries on the international battle against money laundering. The FATF is a body under the powerful Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) which groups the richest industrialized countries. The Philippines, along with 14 other countries, were threatened with trade sanctions from OECD members for being a tax haven and money laundering center. The FATF then demanded that the country relax its strict bank secrecy law that allowed dirty money to be safely hidden from investigation. A new law against laundered money was crafted and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) was born. The function of AMLC based on the law it was crafted is investigative and recommendatory and thus has on its own limited powers on looking into suspicious bank accounts without a court order. During the impeachment trial, impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona’s depository bank Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), through its president, Pascual Garcia III, related that sometime in late 2010, the BSP and the AMLC held a periodic check of the bank and that the accounts of Corona in the bank may have been peered into during the examination. The testimony of Garcia was in relation to a document being held by the House prosecution panel purportedly containing details of the bank accounts of Corona in PSBank and the Senate impeachment court is trying to determine whether the document is forged or leaked, which either way will involve some form of liability for those involved. Presiding judge Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was reconstructing the events prior to the surfacing of the document and through Garcia, it was narrowed down to representatives of either the BSP or the AMLC as the likely source if the documents were leaked. The AMLC was particularly identified as source of the leak because of the varied high officials that make up the council who are identified closely with Aquino. It would not take a huge effort for them to satisfy the interest of the Palace on the Corona accounts. The AMLC promptly issued a statement accusing Garcia of inaccuracy in his statement and misleading the Senate court, supposedly away from the initial suspicions that the possible leaking of the Corona bank records was an inside job that would tend to taint the credibility of the bank. AMLC’s head Vicente Aquino said the body doesn’t have the authority to audit accounts and could have not instituted such an action on Corona’s PSBank accounts since the law prohibits the AMLC to look into bank accounts without the consent of the owners or authority from the court. He also said not one of the AMLC’s financial investigators have set foot on PSBank’s Katipunan branch. Deducing from the testimony of Garcia, Enrile said that none other than some PSBank officials and the personnel of the BSP and AMLC could have leaked the Corona bank documents. Garcia had said that the AMLC and BSP were focused on so-called “politically exposed personalities” (PEP) during their “periodic examination” and that a Jerry Leal of the AMLC and the BSP was the one who requested the examination of the documents that included that of Corona’s. The PEP classification on bank accounts was supposedly adopted by the PSBank after the extensive probe undertaken by the government banking agents. What was unusual was that the 2010 BSP-AMLC audit lasted for two months, based on the narrative of Garcia when it was supposedly only a routine check of the bank complying with banking requirements. Congress has indicated plans to check the identity of Leal which Tribune sources said is indeed an official of the BSP and whether this person and the one who asked for the PEP documents were the same. The congressional probe is warranted since the BSP and the AMLC are institutions which should not be supposedly politically motivated. Senator-Judge Joker Arroyo raised the disturbing possibility of the government peering into any bank accounts at will and use this for political blackmail. Also, the government’s involvement if the document is leaked will have great bearing on the already weak evidence being presented against Corona. The probe will also stop what could be a big brother government in the making. 6 House prosecutors saw their impeachment case against the Chief Justice crumble, right before their eyes, as not only were the alleged “perks” of CJ Renato Corona from Philippine Airlines (PAL), such as his and his spouse’s platinum cards along with the inconsequential number of trips they had taken, but also that the illegally obtained bank records of the CJ, as well as the testimonies of the Philippine Savings Bank officials — being the fruit of a poisonous tree — will very probably be barred by the impeachment court as evidence for Article 2.3 on his statement of assets and liabilities networth (SALn). The problem has always lain with the hastily done impeachment articles against the CJ, owing to the fact that not only was this document railroaded — on orders of the master at Malacañang — but also that the House members did not have any evidence backing up their Articles of Impeachment. Apart from obtaining evidence illegally, the prosecutors have also been doing nothing but fish for evidence from the start of the trial and getting the court to provide them with evidence through subpoenas. But that has all changed as they really have gone too far, merely for them to try and convict Corona by publicity by reading out these bank records for media on which the yellow media feast. They even wanted a PAL executive to testify on the so-called PAL platinum card and announce the number of trips Corona took for free. They even wanted a witness from Rustan’s department store to testify on the grocery sales to Corona. Just how low can these prosecutors get, just to demonize the CJ? Those free trips altogether wouldn’t even have hit a million pesos. Are these nincompoops of a prosecutor saying that all it takes for the CJ to be influenced into a favourable decision is less than a million pesos? Duh. If the CJ were that easily bribed, wouldn’t it have been more logical for him to butter up to Noynoy and give him what Noynoy wants instead of holding firm on the independence of the high court and the judiciary? Wouldn’t it have been easier for him to pander to the desires of Noynoy to control the judiciary instead of Corona fighting him? It is also almost certain that other Chief Justices also were given platinum cards by PAL, as presumably, would other justices and even Noynoy Aquino. I can bet my bottom peso that even some of these congressmen, apart from their pocketing their pork barrel’s “soft component,” also get a lot of perks and not just for their trips. These congressmen and the yellows are such a hypocritical bunch. They too — including Noynoy — have not been truthful about their assets. Noynoy himself undervalued his Times Street house at merely some P2 million then corrected this in his latest SALn, placing it at some P14 million. Hello. The increase in land and home values, despite remodelling, can’t just increase from P2.4 million to P14 million in a year’s time! So is he corrupt as well and unfit for the presidency for under declaring his SALn and not being upfront about his assets and even his bank deposits? Oddly enough, even as the prosecutors claim that these PAL “perks” enjoyed by the CJ and his wife are “impeachable crimes,” there went their master, Noynoy, defending the “perks” obtained by Pagcor officials, which include his appointee and kaibigan Bong Naguiat who were discovered to have been given some $110,000 to facilitate a gambling license in Pagcor’s Entertainment City, as “cost-cutting measures.” As the CJ is Noynoy’s political foe, his receiving perks from PAL is a betrayal of public trust, his unfitness to be the head magistrate, has no integrity and independence, is corrupt and heaven knows what else — is an impeachable offense and not cost-cutting or a bribe. But not for Naguiat and his appointees in the Pagcor. They have not betrayed public trust, are independent and have integrity despite their having been, as claimed in a lawsuit abroad, on the gambling take but are not corrupt nor do they have illegally acquired assets and hidden wealth in their bank accounts. They are Noynoy’s friends and allies and as such, are above the law, no matter what crime they commit, as they are Noynoy’s sacred cows. And Noynoy dares mouth his hypocritical daang matuwid. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier THE TALL ORDER Reprinted from Malaya with the author’s consent By Mon Datol Balikuko pa ang daan ni Juan "After one and a half years of the straight path (daang matuwid), let us ask ourselves: Is there a difference between our system now and the system that we came upon before when for almost a decade Filipinos were affected by graft and corruption?" – President Noynoy Aquino. What’s your take on PNoy’s statement during thre26th EDSA I anniversary? Tumuwad..err.. tumuwid nga ba ang daang sinasabi ni President Noynoy in his one-and-half years as our Head of State? Maybe. It’s all over the dailies and tabloids some changes in governmental schemes that gave the poorest of the poor ‘pamatid gutom’ buwan-buwan to the tune of some Ph2.5-billion. PNoy could be correct in giving some 1.7 million ‘poorest of the poor’ cash money to buy three –square-meals a day for a month. But, is it enough to say ‘tumuwid ang landas’ ng milyones na mahihirap sa bansa due to PNoy’s pamatid-gutom fund? No way, Jose! Sa tingin ko, lalong bumaluktod ang landasin ng mga naghihirap nating kababayan. Umaasa na lang ang mga ito sa buwanang andang pera ni PNoy thru the DWSD ni Ms. Dinky Soliman. Bakit kaya hindi na lang ginamit ang bilyones na iyon sa paggawa ng mga maliliit na negosyo na kung saan magtatrabho ang mga food stamp beneficiaries at suswelduhan sila ng kahit mas mababa ng konti sa sweldo ng isang regular employee? Anong maliliit na negosyo? Ang dami. Puwedeng pagawaan ng reta-retasong basahan na itinitinda sa Divisoria ó sa mga jeepney/taxi drivers sa kalye. Bibili lang ng ilang makina ang DSWD at turuan ang mga Nanay sa paggamit na makina at paggawa ng mga retasong basahan. Pwedeng paggawaan ng tocino ó longganiza na ititinda sa mga gagawing barangay food stations na supervised ng DSWD.’ O, di kaya naman ay pagawaan ng kandila ó floorwax .Pwede ring tabi-tabing tindahan ng mga ukayukay, food stalls, tsinelas at bags at kung anik-anik pang maibebentang pangangailangan ng masa. Ang daming maiisip na pwedeng pang-negosyo ng ‘poorest of the poor’ from that billions of PNoy ‘pantawid gutom. Hindi yong ibinibigay na lang ng cash sa mga todong mahihirap na pamilya, na anong malay ng DSWD kung ibinibili lahat ng pagkain at basic needs ng pamilya. Baka ang Nanay ay itinutung-it ang kalahati at ang kalahati, si Tatay naman ... Ipinangto-toma lang sa kalye. ***** Naa-amuse ako ke Pangulong Noynoy tuwing magsasalita siya sa anumang event. Laging tinitirya si dating Pangulong Gloria Arroyo at pinupuri ang ‘nagawang’pagsulong ng bansa sa liderato niya sa tulong ng kaniyang gabinete. Parang walang ginagawang kabulastugan ang mga ‘Ángels in Malacanan Palace, ’ ah. Hindi ako kritiko ni PNoy, pero, biglang nanlaki ang aking mga mata at butas ng ilong ng hindi man lang niya inimbistigahan muna bago ‘pinatuwad .. err.. pinatawad, pala’ ang kaibigang Cristino Naguit, Jr. Ng PAGCOR ng ma-involved ito sa ‘freebies issue’ sa Macau Casino. PNoy also overlook the faults of close friends and shooting buddies like DILG undersecretary Rico Puno who bungled the Luneta hostage crisis and was also accused of involvement in "jueteng"; Virginia Torres of the LTO; political adviser Ronald Llamas, na nahuli pa ng camera na namimili ng pirated DVDs! Ni hindi nga ‘kinakastigo kahit minsan’ ni PNoy his closest buddy of all, executive secretary Paquito Ochoa, for not having done anything concrete as the "crime czar" of his administration. The criminality situation in the country has gone from worse to worst. Obviously, ginagaya lang ni PNoy si GMA as far as the wicked practice of patronage politics. Look at his recent appointment of unqualified people to the important and dignified position of ambassadors to China and Portugal, namely Domingo Lee and Philippe Lhuillier, respectively. And PNoy’s vendetta attitude is very glaring as could be gleaned at the current impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, whom he despised so much being a midnight appointee of GMA. Sa administration na ito, wala na tayong magawa dahil ... Whatever PNoy wants, PNoy gets and Pinoys just vow their heads. Pumapalakpak pa. ***** ‘For God, not politics’, daw ang ginawang prayer rally ng Iglesia ng Cristo nuong Tuesday afternoon that almost crippled the traffic situation in Manila. Do I believe INC leaders? Why not. Wala naming sinabing back-up ng INC si CJ Renato Corona, ah. Katoliko ako. Pero, ang Lolo Badong ko raw sa motherside namin, ani Utol Jun ng Alliance of Senior CitizensPartylist at insang Atty. Romy Manalo, eh, mataas na opisyal ng INC. So, elibs ako sa INC na walang pulitika sa prayer rally nila na dinaluhan ng mayruong isang milyong deboto. Mahirap na. Matagal ng ... Hindi ako napapadapa ni Lolo Badong ko. ***** Magtatagal pa kaya ang impeachment trial ni CJ Corona? Di na siguro, dangkasi, nag-rest case na ang prosecution team ni Neil Tupaz, Jr. Tinanggal na ang 5 pang natitirang impeachable charges laban ke Corona. Tatlo lang daw ay sapat na para ma-convict at matanggal sa puwesto ang CJ ng SC. Ang Defense Team ni Corona naman ang babandera sa korte ni Tata Juan. Abangan natin ang galing ng koponan ni Tata Serafin Cuevas. Namputsa, kabayan. Para tayong mga addicts sa teleserye ng bayan na pinamagatang ... Koronang tinik sa korte ni Juan. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 ‘Seniors should that the 20 percent discount to which they are entitled in hotels and restaurants also applies to take-out, takehome or drive-thru orders.’ Benny Abante on seniors’ rights AS a senior citizen, I am happy enough with the benefits that the law (R.A. 9994 the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) gives senior citizens. When I recently met former Manila Congressman Benny Abante, the principal author of R.A. 9994 in the House of Representatives, he confessed that while he has been a long-time advocate for granting more benefits and privileges for seniors, at the time that he batted for the expanded law, it was when he was about to become one. A senior is anyone aged 60 and above. "Actually" he said, "there was some self-interest behind my work for R. A. 9994 because when I pushed for its enactment starting in 2009, I was already nearing my sixth decade of existence in this planet." Benny turned 60 on July 15, 2010 or five months after the law was approved on February 15, 2010. Still, according to Benny, due to lack of a public information campaign, many senior citizens remain largely unaware of the benefits and privileges they have the law. "For instance, many seniors know that they are entitled to the mandated 20 percent senior citizens discount when they ride public buses and jeepneys,’’ said Benny. "But how many of them know that they are entitled to the same benefit when they take taxis? And even if they do know, how many of them will demand this discount from taxi drivers?" And how does this apply when a grandfather gets into a taxi with five of his grandchildren? Benny points out that this benefit is applicable not only for land transportation which includes the LRT and the MRT but also in sea and air transport services, and that it also applies for advanced bookings. Most seniors know about the 20 percent discount to which they are entitled in hotels and restaurants. What they may not be aware of, Benny says, is that the same benefit applies to take-out, take-home or drive-thru orders as long as it is the senior citizens himself (with a valid senior citizen ID) who is making the order. Many restaurants give the discount only for dine-in customers. Benny also points out that guests in hotels and lodging establishments are entitled to these discounts not only for room accommodations and food but also for services of hotel-based internet facilities, workout gyms, barber shops, Jacuzzis, ktv bars, spa, massage parlors and sauna baths. He also clarifies that beach resorts and mountain resorts fall within the definition of the term "hotel". Of course, these are only for those who can afford. On health concerns, for instance, Congressman Abantes explained that the 20 percent applies to both branded and generic medicines’ including vitamin and mineral supplements prescribed by a doctor for the prevention and treatment of diseases, illness or injury. Seniors who are classified as indigents or who are neglected, abandoned and homeless and are in government-run residential homes, centers and facilities can get free vaccinations against flu and pneumococcal diseases. They are also entitled to an allowance or stipend of P500 a month. Hospitals, clinics and similar facilities, and services of health professionals like doctors, dentists, and ophthalmolo- gists are covered, of course. Health care supplies and materials subject to the same discounts, he said, include eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, manual or electricpowered wheel chairs, crutches, walkers, canes and quad canes, and artificial bone replacements like steel. And it even covers geriatric diapers for lolos and lolas, something which, I’m sure, a lot of families don’t know about. Another benefit that many seniors may not be aware of is that they are also entitled to a 5 percent in their monthly electric and water bills as long as their electric and water consumption does not exceed 100 kWh and 30 cubic meters, respectively. To avail of these benefits however, a senior citizen must show proof of his age, citizenship and residence in the household. And also proof of billing which should show that the electric and water meters are registered in his name for at least one year. This benefit is granted on a per household basis, regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein. Another very significant benefit that the law grants to seniors is being exempt from the payment of income tax, as long as their income falls within the minimum wage in accordance with the provision of Republic Act 9504. This law extends the tax exemption to overtime pay, holiday pay, hazard pay and night shift differential of minimum wage earners, There is a common public misconception that the grant of senior citizens benefits is dependent on the presentation of a senior citizens ID card only, which is not true at all. Abante clarifies that the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R. A. 9994 allow seniors to avail of the benefits and privileges granted under the law by presenting a passport or other valid, government-issued documents which proves that a person is at least 60 years old. These include driver’s license, voters ID, postal ID, or IDs issued by the SSS, GSIS or the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). An important proviso of the senior citizens law is that the benefits extend to holders of dual citizenship as long as they can prove their being Filipino citizens, and have lived in the Philippines for at least six months. Abante also stressed that all payments made by senior citizens are also exempt from the 12 percent value added tax. (Actually, the removal of VAT or its reduction to just six percent is one other advocacy that the former Manila lawmaker continues to espouse.) And what penalties are imposed on establishments or persons who refuse to grant the mandated discounts to seniors or violate any provision of the law or its Implementing Rules and Regulations? "These include, among others, a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 and imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than six years for the first violation. For subsequent violations, a fine of not less than P100,000 but not more than P200,000 and imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than six years." *** 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 ‘Naguiat’s excuse is that the perks are industry practices and that he stayed at Wynn Macau for business purposes.’ Reprinted from Malaya with the author’s consent Questions on Aquino’s clearance of Naguiat PRESIDENT Aquino immediately cleared his classmate and friend Cristino Naguiat Jr. of allegations by Wynn Resorts that he was the recipient of the generosity of his former friend and partner Kazuo Okada. Of course, Aquino later asked Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to investigate allegations of breathtaking gifts showered by Okada, whose Universal Entertainment Corp is building a casino at the reclaimed Manila Bay area, to Naguiat whom Aquino has appointed chairman and chief operating officer of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. PAGCOR regulates and operates casinos in the country. Malacañang has brushed aside the impropriety of the perks that Naguiat, members of his family including their nanny and other Pagcor officials got from Wynn Resorts in one of their visits to Macau (free accommodation in Wynn Resorts luxury suite, $1,673 dinner, $20,000 cash gifts, $1,878 Chanel bag which Naguiat returned) saying that’s "industry practice." In Tagalog, ganyan naman talaga ang kalakaran. A friend forwarded to me a letter which raised commonsense issues on Aquino’s clearance of Naguiat. I’m sharing some parts because I know they reflect the sentiments of many I’ve talked with: "If there is a bribe-giver, then it follows that there is a bribe-taker. "Regardless of where you are or in which country you belong, if there is an accusation of bribery, there should immediately be an investigation rather that clearing the alleged bribe-taker (and then ordering an investigation after the public cries foul of the exoneration). "If this had happened in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong or Japan, the person would have immediately resigned. "Naguiat’s excuse is that the perks are industry practices and that he stayed at Wynn Macau for business purposes. He also says that the license given to Okada had been issued in the past, so there is no reason for bribing him. Let us analyze these excuses: 8 a. If Naguiat’s claims are true, why did he check- in the hotel with his party incognito? Why didn’t he register under his name or Pagcor? Who goes to a business meeting in a hotel and checks-in incognito? b. They said Okada has been issued a license so there is no more reason to bribe. "Look at the exhibits in the case. It says that the license given to Okada is only provisional until the completion of the project, when the final license will be given. "I believe Okada was playing it safe because he knew that when the new administration came in, all contracts entered into by the past administration will be reviewed. If you follow the claims in the complaint that Okada manipulated the ownership of the Philippine company that entered into an agreement with Pagcor for the entertainment city project, it’s expected that Okada would make sure that he is in good graces with the new regulators who will issue the final license. c. Pnoy stressed that the Chanel bag meant for Naguiat’s wife was returned. "Take note of the details found in the complaint, i.e.Naguiat insinuated that his wife wanted such a bag; Okada’s people bought the bag and showed it to Naguiat who did not like the bag (maybe the style or the color) and, hence, did not accept it. "It was also stated in said complaint that the bag went to the wife of Okada’s representative. "Question: Had Naguiat liked the bag, would he have accepted the bag? Why, in heaven’s name, did he have to tell his host that his wife wanted a Chanel bag? Couldn’t he just have asked one of his Pagcor people (who was with him) to go out and buy the bag with his own money, assuming that he did not have time to go out and purchase such a bag? "It’s expected that the host would make sure that his guest’s needs are satisfied. So, when Naguiat made the insinuation about the bag, what would the host do, play deadma? "Is this daang matuwid?" Riding in tandem killing is now a fad in PH, must be stopped The Philippines again is in a series of conundrum, from one disaster to another, heavily denuding our financial capability to revitalize our economy. The latest is the earthquake in the Visayas, specifically, the oriental side of Negros island. Although I felt bad with the situation after that Magnitude 6.9 hit La libertad, Guihulngan, Tayasan, Ayungon, and even Dumaguete, the devastation and deaths were so enormous which no doubt can trigger tears in your eyes. There were 14 bridges torn apart stunting the relief and rescue forces to delay their immediate assistance. The mountains and even on small hills, landslides were no longer stoppable. Now that rains fall for three days, mud will just move with less hesitation. Men became widower and lost their sons and daughters, too. Instant widows were roaming around whose cheeks were wet with tears. Some carves a word food in their valley to let the airplane glimpse for their needs. In the city of Cebu rumour of tsunami was broadcasted and people were in panic. Some ran with brief or underwear alone to the mountain areas or high level. But it was just a false alarm. Many believe that it was one sign that a Saint will soon emerge in the Province. And he will be called San Pedro de Cebu. Generally, it spared the island from a wider devastation. Cebu does not have so many damages but in the town of Dumanjug, one of the barrios suffered a sinkhole, swallowing one big mango tree and a post. People residing on that place are worried about a possible expansion knowing that inside the depth appeared a body of water. DENR speculates that the underlying baseline is an underground river. Some who lives closer to the place, because of fear, packed up their things and move to safer areas. I prayed that this monstrous freak would not increase its size. Or else another big problem lurks in the dubious shadow. The Chief Justice, Renato Corona is now on the defensive when his deposits on various bank turned out undisclosed in his SALN. His hidden deposit all in all reaches closer to sixty million pesos, and his dollar deposit alleged to have a starting deposit of 700K. His various properties, undeclared and undervalued, were also multimillions. The 188 congressmen are now asking him to be truthful to his promise that he will donate it to the government to help the poor and underprivileged. With the kind of Corona’s personality it will never happen. Since he made more dummies in his family, he will try it more, to hide his riches. But the defence lawyers are trying hard to throw more monkey wrench to halt the impeachment, or else file protest to evidences presented not to accept it. They always invoke the legal adage that evidences taken in an illegal way, are fruits of a poisonous tree. The congressmen and the lawyers of the prosecutions were all younger, compare to Corona’s camp. But all the farmers of Hacienda Lusita, the recipient of Corona’s kindness, are all out to protect him. Cuevas, who is the retainer of the INC, also drew a larger crowd and schedule a grand rally to support Corona. They never mind about the evidences, what is in their mind is their moral or immoral support for their lawyers. For me, as of this time, Corona has lost his moral ascendancy to be an impartial chief justice. His pattern of lies is very conspicuous. Whether he is bias or not, in the eyes of the people, he is presumed to be that kind. This is based on what I discerned on the impeachment trial. You might be a small monkey before, but on the ongoing trial, he is carving himself to be an orang utang. Riding in tandem crimes are becoming a new vogue for felons in the country. Most are hired killers. One Lawyer, Atty Sesbrenio, put up fifty thousand pesos just to give a clue to the killers of his wife and his adopted who was way laid and killed almost three weeks ago. There were drive by shooting and it killed four for this month. Are we culturing assassinations as a form of livelihood? Maybe, one reason is the rampant buy and sell of homemade guns and it is easier to buy them in an underground market. Teenagers are no longer afraid to tuck their guns on their waistline and they are proud to have shot and killed somebody. This culture should be stopped. But it needs a plan and a well studied strategy. Or else, as usual we are fronting a blank wall. Actually there is improvement on our Police, but not so touchable. Please do more and we will be proud of you. In Medicine, we are advised to know our blood sugar level. Normal sugar level would not cause any worry. But the high and low is abnormal and our hormonal response will immediately correct it to its proper level. The pancreas which is the main organ in charge of this will always monitor the condition. Continuous hyperglycemia is one indication that Diabetes Mellitus probably have set in. And this would be an opening remark for long and tedious travel on that illness. The bathroom and the kitchen would be the battle ground every hour of the day. And if unchecked, it will aggravate into chronicity, and undermines the normal function of other organs. If it is the kidney, chances are it will end up into renal failure which will make the patient a candidate for dialysis or kidney transplant. I have three classmates in the Philippines who left for the other world in an early age because of that. Johnriel Casimero, of Ormoc City is now the new flyweight champion. His win is so sweet and it adds more lustre for the Filipinos in this sports. The Argentineans could not accept the result and after the announcement a riot ensued. Most of the contingents were bruised on that. But anyway, the record is already posted and we are proud of him too. Manny Pacquiao is now a bible man. He is recommended by the CBCP directorate to be an ambassador of faith. He has already signed his fight against the undefeated Tim Bradley for the Pinoy icons welterweight belt. Their promotional tour has already started. He manifested lately, that after this, he will fight once and then retires. A friend of mine, who is an outspoken fan of mommy Dionesia wishes to dance with her with a tango. He said that he will hold her waistline tightly, and with a continuous dipping in all angles. He has his youtube clippings for his bedtime overture. I told him, “She is just too old for your fantasy”. He said, after it’s done, he can sleep well. He might be a pervert. I received an email from a long time friend in the Philippines. He said that his neighbour had been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS for three years already. Since, most of the diseases are blamed to “use of girlboy”, due to his anger, he let every morning his young cow sucks his junior. Now he is suffering a peyronies disease, where his penis is already curving with contracture. Anyway he has already the complete ticket to fly to kingdom come. See use next time. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier PIDC president vows transparency and media friendly Toronto – Newly-inducted PIDC president Norma Carpio said her administration would open its book, programs and policies to everyone to scrutinize and vowed unified efforts by all officers and members to achieve a common goal of bringing to the Filipino community what it needs to know about their organization and its objectives. Norma Carpio also stressed that PIDC would do its best to regain media affection by providing the 4th state with the organization’s programs and clear-cut policy on ‘coverage of PIDC Festivities.’ Aside from Carpio, other PIDC officers inducted into office by Consuk general Pete Chan included: Michael Aprieto (EVP), Gene Elamparo (VP-External); Rory Elefano (VP-Internal), Lilac Cana (VP-Spec. Proj), Chyrell Samson (Executive Secretary), Aimee Maravilla (Asst. Sec.), Ted Dayno (Treasurer), Filomena Ticzon (Asst. Treasurer), Buddy Ibe (Auditor), Ben Corpuz (PRO), Karen Pascula-Binaday (PRO), Leone Manzanarez and Verth Bugtong (Business Managers); Hela Lao and Clyde Pacis (Community Liaison Officers), and Vilma Tahsin, Pete Mauricio, Amalda Ada, Michael Masanagkay and Rose Cruz as Board Members. Advisors are: Minda Neri, Pempe Saavedra and Jane Wilcox. (Text and photos by TPC’s MonD.) SMART Express Cargo Inc. DOOR-TO-DOOR CARGO AND MONEY REMITTANCE Efren Panganiban Associate Cell: 416-839-1263 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 #402-417 Wilson Avenue, North York ON M3H 1T4 Tel: 416-638-0157 Fax: 416-638-8326 9 Philippine Courier Stars of the Month By Ores Ting FIL-ACCOUNTANTS GEAR UP FOR 2012 TAX SEASON Free Tax Services for Low-Income Individuals By W. Lim Trinity Techico Urbe Her elegance and beauty caught my attention when I first met her. She possesses certain qualities of poise, self-confidence, with an air of playfulness and innocence. And yet when speaking to her, she is a down-to-earth, warmth, soft, and attractive woman. I find her exciting and truly a very interesting person to be my February – STAR of the Month…the month we celebrate Valentines Day….Heart that beats nothing but love and peace. It is sometimes our beliefs and values that could influence our decision making and leading to significant real-life dilemmas! The question of whether being able to meet challenges while maintaining self-esteem, ambitions, would lead to exciting and successful life in another country is something to reckon with. Trinity Techico Urbe, only eighteen years old then, fresh from college, decided to explore the world and perhaps to search for a greener pasture, so without any doubt packed her suitcase, left the Philippines, flew and landed in Toronto in 1976. As a young woman in Toronto, she experienced and realized life was not all roses, adversity made her strong by having positive vision, initiative, showing creativity and above all, courage, she not only continued to survive but is now pleased with her personal achievements at work and in the community. Then, she found the man who shares the same vision, she decided to settle down, live a quiet normal life and raise a family. But like Bob Dylan’s famous song “Time a changing”, finding balance with the competing demands of career and home life became more difficult to bring forth sanity in life. Working hard with 2 children to raise, Trinity, instilled to her family that things that were important in life must possess: Honesty, character, and integrity. With those traits in tow, she went to accomplish excellence and leadership in variety of areas. Her ability and effort to be successful is well recognized by her own peers. Currently, she is employed at Pinedale Properties Ltd. – a Residential and Commercial Property Management company as an Accounting Clerk-Supervisor. Her children, Neilson Jordan and Krystie Anne Urbe are both successful in school and respective careers. She has a grandson named Ethan. Trinity is also active in Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) community-solo Parents. More success and power to you, Trinity. “If I could reach up and hold a Star for every time you’ve made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.”- Unknown (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 To prepare its members for the 2012 tax season and its tax clinics for this year, AFCA held tax seminars on February 4 and 11 at the Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Avenue, Saturdays, 9:30am to 5pm, featuring a presentation on tax theory and principles and followed by a session on tax program application with trial versions of the popular Profile tax software courtesy of Intuit Corporation, which will be providing free copies of the actual software to the tax clinic volunteers. The tax seminars were well-attended by about 200 accountants equipped with their laptop computers and notepads and questions on tax law and principles. The questions were managed and directed by a panel comprised of past president Julito Longkines, an audit manager, Ramon Guanzon, an audit manager, Ted Dayno, tax practitioner and proprietor of THD Consultants, and AFCA founder and former CRA audit manager Winston Lim. As well, certain of the AFCA officers attended workshops at Canada Revenue Agency as part of the preparation. Running into its 34th year since its founding in 1978, the association is heralding this year with 100 more new members entering membership during the association’s annual induction ball scheduled for March 10, Saturday, at the Saints Peter and Paul Banquet Hall, north-west corner of Markham Road and 401 in Scarborough. Enquiries for those interested in signing up for membership and attendance at the banquet are invited to check the AFCA website afcatoronto.com. AFCA holds a series of professional development seminars and social activities throughout the year particularly for Filipino-Canadian accountants, those recently arrived as well as those who have lived in Canada for a while but have not yet got involved. GOTCHA! 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 Toronto.-The ever-active 400-strong Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants (AFCA) under the leadership of current president Al Tupe and executive vice president Mercy Gonzalez has scheduled seven tax clinics across the Greater Toronto Area, namely: (1) Thorncliffe Neighborhood Settlement Office, February 18, Saturday, 1-5pm, team leader Rosalinda Gloria, (2) Caregivers’ Ministry Archdiocesan Fil Catholic Mission, February 19, 26, Sundays, 11-4pm, team leader Jess Garvez, (3) Silayan Community Centre, March 4, Sunday, 12-5:30pm, team leader Rosalinda Gloria, (4) Gateway Centre for New Canadians, March 17, Saturday, 1-5pm, team leader Mildred Emolaga, (5) Federation of Filipino Canadians of Brampton, March 18, Sunday, 1-5pm, team leader Vicenta Eola, (6) Kababayan Community Centre, March 18, Sunday, March 24, Saturday, 1-5pm, team leaders Nimfa Santos, Milagros Tabugsoc, (7) Caregiver Connections, Education & Support Organization, March 31, Saturday, 12-5pm, team leader Milagros Tabugsoc. Check the website of AFCA for further details and addresses of the locations at: afcatoronto.com COURIER IN PH: Mrs. Manglicmot,(middle) was caught by the roving lenses of TPC’s MonD reading this tabloid together with two other residents of Barangay Pao 2nd, Camiling, Tarlac when this paper’s editor-in-chief visited the Philippines Feb. 5 – 20. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Mammoth INC rally paralyzes roads in Manila For God, Not Politics By Rolly Carandang and Annaliza T. Villas MANILA, Philippines (February 29, 2012) — The massive Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) gathering at the Rizal Park Tuesday was not a political rally but purely a religious activity to spread the word of God. This was the assurance of INC leadership headed by its Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, allaying speculations that the mammoth religious activity, known as the Grand Evangelical Mission, had political color and was held as a show of force to influence the ongoing impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato C. Corona. Over two million INC members and guests attended Tuesday’s gathering, paralyzing major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. As early as midnight Monday, hundreds of buses carrying INC members from nearby provinces were already seen in the vicinity of Luneta. Most of those who joined in the Bible exposition at the Quirino Grandstand came from the local churches in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, and Central Luzon. This was the biggest Bible exposition this year of the influential religious group, held simultaneously in 18 selected cities and towns nationwide. The grand evangelical mission was held as the INC leadership declared 2012 as year of massive propagation of God’s words in preparation for its cen- Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 tennial celebration on July 2014. Since last week, a circular signed by Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo was read during the INC’s worship services, urging all members to invite non-INC members to attend the grand Bible exposition that started at 5 p.m. INC lay leader Moises Tolentino said the invitation was sent to all Filipinos, including government officials, justices, and legislators. “This is open to everybody as we want them to hear God’s word about the salvation of mankind come Judgment Day,” Tolentino said. Aquino, Corona Skip Rally Despite getting a general invitation to the event, President Benigno S. Aquino III and Chief Justice Corona skipped the annual gathering of the INC to avoid giving a political color to the religious affair. The INC leadership explained that the huge religious gathering was held Tuesday instead of weekend as Tuesday is the only free day for the INC. The INC has worship services every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday while classes for those taking ministerial courses are being held on Monday. On the other hand every Friday is reserved for visitation of INC members and locales and meetings of officers. The last time the religious group held a big congregation was in 1989, the 75th INC anniversary where more than four million members trooped to its central headquarters in Quezon City that paralyzed traffic in the whole of Quezon City. Traffic Paralyzed Because of the mammoth gathering, traffic buildup was experienced on all roads leading to Quirino Grandstand in Manila owing to the number of people who joined the religious gathering, an official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said several buses and other vehicles that ferried INC members started arriving from all parts of Metro Manila and the provinces Monday night until Tuesday morning that resulted in tangled traffic in the metropolis, particularly the cities of Manila and Pasay. “INC members have started flocking to the Quirino Grandstand area as early as Monday night to join their grand evangelical mission even if it was still scheduled to start on Tuesday afternoon. There were buses that arrived from Quezon, Bicol and Central Luzon,” said Tolentino. “Because of the influx of motorists, difficulties were experienced and some people were forced to walk,” said Tolentino. According to Tolentino, private vehicles and buses that ferried the INC members were stationed in the area and occupied the lanes of Roxas Boulevard and secondary streets near the Quirino Granstand. Emerson Carlos, assistant general manager for operations, noted that the agency did not close portions of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Roxas Boulevard but was impassable for a certain period Tuesday due to the heavy volume of traffic heading to the religious gathering. “All parked vehicles have reached parts of Roxas Bolevard up to the Cuneta Astrodome,” the MMDA official. The stretch of Katigbak Drive, South Drive, and Independence Road were closed starting Tuesday noon onwards to manage traffic in the area. Carlos said the agency also deployed “Libreng Sakay” buses on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila because of lack of buses during the morning. “The INC rented a number of public utility buses that stranded some commuters but deployed buses were enough to transport them to their schools and offices,” he added. To cope with the expected swell in the number of vehicles, the agency beefed up its traffic enforcers in the area, adding 700 more enforcers plus rescue workers. (With reports from Genalyn D. Kabiling and Sarah H. Velasco) 11 Philippine Courier BALITANG PINAS Dumami ang walang trabaho – SWS MANILA (Pebrero 24, 2012) Mas maraming Pilipino ngayon ang walang trabaho, batay sa pinakahuling survey ng Social Weather Station (SWS). Ayon sa survey, tumaas ng 24 porsyento ang unemployment rate sa bansa noong December 2011 na katumbas ng 9.7 milyong Pilipino ang walang trabaho sa nasabing buwan. Mas mataas ito kumpara sa 20.2 porsyento na naitala ng SWS tatlong buwan bago isinagawa ang survey noong Disyembre 3-7. Nabatid na sa naitalang 9.7 milyong walang trabaho, 10% ang natanggal sa trabaho, 9% ang nagbitiw at 5% naman ang mga first-time jobseekers. Lumalabas sa nasabing survey na ang lumalalang lagay ng ekonomiya ng bansa ang pangunahing dahilan ng malaking por¬syento ng unemployment rate sa bansa. Kaugnay nito, agad kinontra ng Malacañang ang resulta ng naturang survey. Paliwanag ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, bagama’t hindi nila minamaliit ang survey ng SWS ay may sariling labor force survey na isinagawa ang Labor Department kung saan lumitaw na bumaba ang ang unemployment figures sa bansa. “Based on our figures for 2011, the unemployment figures went down from... There are two kinds of... Well, ‘pag may unemployed ibig sabihin walang trabaho at saka underemployed, may trabaho ka pero it doesn’t match your skills. Doon po sa unemployed, if 2010 was 2.859, bumaba po in 2011 to 2.814. So there was a decrease of unemployment point by point -- 0.4 percent,” ayon kay Lacierda. ((Saida Sabiano/ Eralyn Prado) ------------------------- Sangkatutak na holiday, pinalagan na ng DOLE Umalma na ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sa napakaraming holiday sa bansa. Ayon kay DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz, sa kasalukuyan ay mayroong 19 legal at special non-working holidays sa Pilipinas bukod pa sa mga local at sectoral holidays. Maliban pa sa mga ito ay marami pa umanong iminungkahi sa Senado at Kongreso na gawing ho¬liday kabilang ang Tandang Sora Day, Katipunan Foundation Day, Cory Aquino Natal Day, Iglesia ni Cristo Day at Cory Aquino Day gayundin ang Lapu-Lapu Day, National Teachers Day, Filipino Day of Goodwill, Boxing Day, Women’s Day at iba pa. Sinabi ng DOLE chief na ang Pili- Balitang Kutsero pinas ang pinakamaraming holiday sa mga bansang kaanib ng Association of mayroong the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Kaugna nito sinabi kahapon ng Malacañang na magiging mai¬ngat ang ehekutibo sa pagdedeklara ng holiday para hindi makaapekto sa productivity ng labor sector. Napag-alaman kay presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda na18 holidays ang idineklara sa taong ito kung saan 12 dito ay regular holiday na may katapat na ‘double pay’ para sa mga magtatrabaho sa araw na iyon. ----------------------------- Sick trip ni Gloria, ihihirit ulit Bago ang arraignment kahapon kay Pampanga Congw. Gloria MacapagalArroyo, nagpahayag naman si dating First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo na lubhang nadismaya ang kanyang asawa sa paniwalang hindi makatarungan ang ginawang akusasyon laban sa kanyang misis. Kasabay sa pagkakataong ito, inilutang ni G. Arroyo na pinag-aaralan nilang muling hilingin sa Pasay RTC na makapagpagamot sa ibang bansa ang dating pangulo dahil sa patuloy na nararamdamang kirot ng likod at balikat. Nang makaalis ang convoy ng dating pangulo, tinalakay naman sa hukuman ang hirit ng kanyang mga aboga- dong sina Atty. Benjamin at Raymond Santos na payagan ang kanilang kliyente na makadalo sa burol ng namayapang bayaw na si Cong. Ignacio ‘Iggy’ Arroyo, pati na ang mosyon ng kampo ng akusado na isailalim na lamang ito sa house arrest. ((Armida Rico) --------------------------- Dagdag buwis sa alak at yosi kinondena Kinondena ng iba’t ibang kumpanya ng sigarilyo’t Tahasang alak pati ng rin ng libu-libong manggagawa nito ang planong dagdag na buwis na nais ipataw ng Department of Finance (DOF) sa kanilang mga produkto. Ayon sa Distilled Spirits Association of the Philippines (DSAP) at nagsanib-puwersang manggagawa mula sa industriya ng tabako at alak, nanganganib umanong magsara ang mga kumpanya sakaling ipasa ng Kongreso ang House Bill No. 5727. Sa naganap na public hearing ng House committee on ways and means, sinabi ni DSAP President Olivia Limpe Aw, na malabong makamit ng pamahalaan ang target nitong P62 bilyong karagdagang buwis. Aniya tataas umano ng 10 ulit ang buwis na ipapataw sa mga inuming nakalalasing na gawa sa bansa, kung kaya’t tiyak na hihina ang benta ng mga ito at delikado pang magsara ang kanilang pabrika. (Noel Abuel) It’s all about Gloria By Perry Diaz Recently, Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona’s defense lawyers at his Senate impeachment trial called on the House prosecutors not to associate Corona to former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Well, isn’t that like asking them to disregard that “chief justice” Corona was a creation of Gloria? In fact, “chief justice” Corona’s “birth” was induced during a period that the Constitution banned such births. But like all ill-conceived creations, there is a danger of creating a “monster” that could irreparably damage the very institution he was supposed to protect. And that’s what happened to the “midnight” creation of “chief justice” Corona during the constitutional ban on “midnight appointments.” And in an act of judicial voodoo, the Supreme Court issued a ruling legalizing the “midnight appointment” of Corona — a legal precedent that would be part of the country’s jurisprudence, which makes future “‘midnight appointments” of the chief justice legal regardless of the constitutional ban. It’s like a wart that would not go away, unless surgically re- 12 moved. Tyranny of supremacy If the Supreme Court, which is stacked with Gloria’s appointees, continues to issue rulings that are contrary to constitutional mandates and judicial wisdom, then we’re creating judicial dictatorship under the guise of rule of law. It did not then come as a surprise when the Supreme Court ruled against President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III’s executive orders. With a solid majority of at least nine of the 12 Arroyo justices, a de facto tyranny of supremacy is achieved by a few whose loyalty to the Constitution is questionable and whose predeliction to protect Gloria is predictable. There is nothing that could be done about it other than the people invoking their sovereign right as they did 26 years ago when street protests reached a critical mass, thus igniting the people power that deposed the hated Marcos dictatorship. Although progress had been made following EDSA 1 — as the people power revolution came to be known — it was stymied by a sham people power revolution — EDSA 2 — on January 20, 2001 staged by a shadowy group that supported then Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in grabbing power from then President Joseph “Erap” Estrada whose impeachment trial came to a screeching halt. On that fateful day, House prosecutors led by then Rep. Joker Arroyo walked out of the Senate impeachment trial when majority of the senator-judges — who came to be known as the “Craven 11″ — voted not to open the “second envelope,” which supposedly contained Erap’s bank accounts. Pandemonium followed and — as if on a cue — EDSA 2 erupted! Constructive resignation At noon that day, then Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. sworn in Gloria as “President,” not “Acting President,” which was what Erap was led to believe after he was coaxed and pressured into taking a “leave of absence” purportedly for medical reasons. Within days, the Supreme Court — at the prodding of Davide — ruled that Erap had “constructively” resigned! But “constructive resignation” does not apply in government, particularly to elected officials. The Constitution is very clear that the President can only be removed from office through impeachment. The high court ruling was another case of judicial voodoo. indeed, with one clean swoop, EDSA 2 cleared the board of the gains of EDSA 1 and installed a regime that would for the next nine years turn the country into one of the most — if not the most — corrupt in Asia. Under Gloira, corruption had become the norm of governance. At a crossroads During the 26th anniversary celebration of EDSA 1, P-Noy rallied Filipinos against a judiciary influenced by a few, and pushed for a system that favors no one and calls those who did the country wrong to account for the wrongdoing. And In reference to the impeachment trial of Corona, P-Noy urged immediate action, saying, “martial law happened and stayed for years because Filipinos chose to remain silent until they could no longer be with the sufferings it caused.” “Our country is now at a crossroads,” he said. “In one direction is the weedy path, where the influential holds the scales of justice and those who manipulate the law benefit. In the other is the straight path where the rules are clear, justice favors no one and those who are at fault are called to account. Let us remember: martial law happened because Filipinos kept silent for too long.” Quo Vadis, Filipinos? The Corona impeachment trial is clearly the most important event since EDSA 2 made a mockery of democracy and put in shambles the inroads made by EDSA 1. EDSA 2 put the country on the road to perdition where corrupt officials in partnership with greedy oligarchs held the people in bondage. This carnage must stop! With Gloria detained and facing electoral sabotage charges and with Corona fighting to keep his job, the Filipino people have one — and only one — opportunity to exorcise the country of the evil that has possessed it. At the end of the day, one can say that the Corona impeachment trial is all about Gloria. If Corona is acquitted, Gloria walks. (PerryDiaz@ gmail.com ) Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Business Edited by: Miguel Caducio Phl eyes record P180 B from RTB sale By Iris C. Gonzales MANILA, Philippines (February 25, 2012) - The Philippines will close its retail Treasury bonds (RTB) issue ahead of schedule and expects to raise a record P150 billion to P180 billion ($3.5 billion) as small investors become more confident with longer-term placements, Deputy Treasurer Eduardo Mendiola said yesterday. “Total retail bond sales could easily reach P150 billion,” Mendiola said. The country had raised P110 billion at its last retail bond sale in October, which was a record at the time. The response from retail investors shows they are no longer afraid of longterm investments, as a liquid secondary market in the paper offers them an exit route, he said over the telephone. Total bond sales reached P134 billion as of Wednesday, including P49.6 billion sold at an auction on Tuesday and purchases by state firms of P16 billion, Mendiola said. The Treasury was no longer keen on offering a second retail bond issue this year, he added. The nine-day public offer for 5.375 percent 2027 bonds and 5.875 percent 2032 bonds was originally set to end on Feb. 29. One of the government’s underwriters, First Metro Investment Corp. had earlier said Manila could easily top the P110 billion raised from October’s retail bond sale. “We are looking at setting a new high here,” said First Metro Investment Corp (FMIC) president Juanchito Dispo. FMIC is one of the issue managers tapped by the government for the RTB sale. National Treasurer Roberto Tan said the government is very pleased with the strong demand. “ We are very pleased with the robust demand. The strong build up of volume shows deep appetite by investors for government securities that provide good returns and liquidity,’’ Tan said. The Philippines relies heavily on local and foreign borrowing to fund its budget deficit, expected to hit 2.6 per- Agriculture chief cites pressure from US gov’t MANILA (February 23, 2012) – Personalities representing the United States government have said it will block the Philippine move at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to extend beyond June restrictions on rice imports, unless a local measure governing handling of frozen or chilled meat and meat products is lifted, the Agriculture chief told reporters on Thursday. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said there was an "unofficial threat" from "people representing the United States" to block the Philippines’ application, now pending at the WTO, for the extension of the quantitative restriction (QR) on rice if Administrative Order (AO) 22 is not rescinded. "One of the issues confronting our application for the QR on rice is that [people from the US] are telling us that they will block us because of our stance on AO 22," Mr. Alcala said, without divulging details. AO 22 set rules and regulations on the handling of frozen and chilled meat and meat products in order to better ensure quality and safety. Among others, the order set storage temperature requirements in bulk repacking facilities and retail market stalls, required that storage containers are made of "approved materials, preferably stainless steel or food-grade plastic" and that packing materials bear the identity of the source. The policy has been contested by local meat and food processors as well as foreign exporters of meat products to the Philippines, citing high cost of cold chain facilities, lack of scientific basis of the order and for purportedly discriminating against imported meat products. The government had formally signified to WTO on Nov. 22 last year its intention to start talks on extending its rice import quota as part of efforts to attain self-sufficiency in the grain by next year. The current quantitative restriction on rice, approved by WTO in 2006, is scheduled to end this June. It granted importers a minimum access volume (MAV) of 350,000 metric tons subject to a lower 40% duty. Imports in excess of MAV is subjected to a 50% rate. Mr. Alcala had earlier said that the Philippines would offer a reduced rate or 35% under the MAV scheme in a bid to bag an extension. The quota ending this June is already an extension of decade-long concessions granted by WTO from 1995-2005. "It’s their prerogative," Mr. Alcala said of the purported threat. "But I won’t let AO 22 be cancelled in exchange for the QR. AO stays. I won’t give this up that easily," he added. US Embassy information officer Bettina Malone declined to comment on Mr. Alcala’s account. BOC may miss Feb collection target MANILA, Philippines (February 24, 2012) - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it may miss its February collection target of roughly P18 billion. In an interview yesterday, Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said the agency’s collections are traditionally slower in February because of the Chinese New Year and because the month is shorter compared to other months. “There are a lot of factors such as the Chinese New Year,” Biazon said. He said that while the 2012 Chinese New Year fell in January, the impact on business activities spilled over in February. He added that during Chinese New Year, exports from China are slower as businessmen are busy with the festivities. In January, the BOC also missed its target of P26 billion by roughly P3 billion, collecting only P23 billion during the month. However, Biazon said collections in January exceeded the P20.53 billion recorded in the same month last year. He expressed optimism that February revenues would also be better than collections in the same period last year. Biazon also vowed to step up efforts to meet the agency’s lowered revenue goal of P357 billion for 2012. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 “I am cautiously optimistic but not all the factors are entirely in my control,” Biazon said, citing the impact of the global economic slowdown in the United States and Europe. The Aquino administration has agreed to lower the revenue goal of Customs to a range of P347 billion to P357 billion from P365 billion originally. He said that to meet the revised goal, the agency would strengthen its post-entry audit. He has also asked all district collectors to dispose of all forfeited cargoes through auction to generate extra revenues. Biazon also said he would step up the agency’s fight against smuggling. He said the Run After the Smugglers (RATS) program of the BOC would continue to file cases against smugglers as well as Customs insiders and brokers conniving with them. He also said RATS would try to file bigger cases this year. In 2011, the Bureau of Customs collected P263.85 billion or a shortfall of P56.15 billion compared to the official target of P320 billion. Compared to the revised outlook for 2011 of P276.42 billion, the shortfall of the BOC last year is only P12.57 billion. cent of GDP this year, or P279 billion year, from an estimated two percent in 2011. Mendiola reiterated the retail bond offer was meant to provide small investors with safe investment options and should not alter the government’s local borrowing plan for the year. Apart from First Metro Investment, BDO Capital, BPI Capital, and Deutsche Bank are issue managers of the bonds.Landbank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine National Bank, China Banking Corp. are joint coordinators. Philippine Airlines in sale talks with San Miguel MANILA (Agence FrancePresse ) (February 24, 2012) –Philippine Airlines said Friday it was in talks to sell a stake in the loss-making flag carrier to local conglomerate San Miguel. “Talks are definitely ongoing,” airline spokeswoman Cielo Villaluna told AFP when asked to confirm media reports that negotiations were under way. “As to the acquisition of shares and details of the negotiations, we are bound by nondisclosure until (the) fine print of the deal is reached.” One report said San Miguel planned to pay $500 million for a 49-percent stake in PAL and take management control, but Villaluna refused to discuss details. A San Miguel spokeswoman did not immediately reply to an AFP request for comment. PAL, majority owned by Philippine tycoon Lucio Tan, suffered a 1.45-billionpeso ($34 million) pre-tax loss in the three months to December 2011, its listed parent firm, PAL Holdings, reported on Tuesday. PAL was forced to cancel many flights during that quarter amid industrial action as airline management outsourced 2,600 jobs in in-flight catering, airport services and call centre reservations in an effort to cut costs. The latest result put the airline 3.60 billion pesos in the red in the first nine months of its current fiscal year, according to the parent firm. PAL had a near-monopoly on the domestic aviation market two decades ago but now ranks second in terms of number of flights behind local budget carrier Cebu Pacific. San Miguel, one of the country’s largest companies, has aggressively expanded its focus over the past few years from its core brewing operations into oil refining, electricity, toll roads, and construction. 13 Philippine Courier IT BUZZ AROUND Consumer Confidential: Facebook shows how privacy is passé By Miguel Caducio WHAT’S most striking about Facebook’s initial public offering (IPO) isn’t that it values the eight-year-old company at up to $100 billion, or that this will be the biggest-ever IPO for an Internet firm. What’s most striking is that Facebook is serving up to investors the prospect of 845 million users (read: consumers) worldwide being a captive market for businesses looking to sell them stuff. And in a twist that would have been unimaginable before social media took the Net by storm, we’ve become willing partners in the devaluing of our privacy. It’s not just that we no longer feel outraged by repeated incursions on our virtual personal space. We now welcome the scrutiny of strangers by freely sharing the most intimate details of our lives on Facebook, Twitter and other sites. In 1999, Silicon Valley bigwig Scott McNealy famously declared that “you have zero privacy anyway—get over it.” But he was ahead of his time. Before social media redefined the online experience, privacy remained an important consideration for Internet users. The Federal Trade Commission said it was one of consumers’ biggest concerns. That’s no longer the case, at least for a growing number of netizens. “There’s no question that we’ve seen a shift,” said Donna Hoffman, co-director of the University of CaliforniaRiverside’s Sloan Center for Internet 14 Retailing. “It’s a bargain. People are saying that ‘in exchange for my need to put myself out there, I’ll give up whatever privacy I used to feel was important.’” This need to put yourself out there— call it the new exhibitionism—is the driver here. It’s the wellspring for all social media growth, a craving to both share and be shared with. As Hoffman sees it, older Internet users (those over 30, say) still tiptoe a bit when it comes to Facebook and its ilk. Such people fiddle with their privacy settings and try to keep a lid on how much personal information is spilling online. Younger users, on the other hand, can’t get enough social-media sauce on their cyber-sandwich. They view this technology not as an intrusion but as a life enhancement. “They think that if they reveal all this stuff about themselves, others will be able to tell them what else they’d like and want,” Hoffman said. Think Netflix. You watch a movie via the company’s online streaming service, and the next time you log on, Netflix is suggesting other films you might enjoy. Amazon does the same thing with books. In the post-privacy era, that sort of taste-making is seen as a good thing. I declare online that I like pizza, and you tell me where I can score a superior slice. I say I drive a Ford, and you suggest I give Toyota a whirl. Meanwhile, marketers are salivating over this treasure trove of once-hardto-get information. Suddenly I’m seeing ads online for pizza restaurants and car dealers. And based on my other stated preferences, perhaps I’m soon receiving messages and emails from merchants with an uncanny sense of the kind of clothes I like, or the sports I watch, or the vacations I enjoy. “We’re definitely on the cusp of a new world when it comes to connecting online,” said Amber Yoo, a spokesman for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a San Diego advocacy group. “People are only just starting to realize the ramifications of all this sharing.” She cited the case of Ashley Payne, a Georgia high-school teacher who posted photos of herself on Facebook enjoying beer and wine while on vacation in Europe. After the parent of one of her students later complained, Payne was forced to quit her job. Yoo observed that search engines now include people’s Facebook and Twitter posts in their results. “Google someone’s name, and you can see things they’ve posted online,” she said. “That can have serious consequences.” Facebook is no stranger to privacy issues. The FTC accused the company of deception and violations of federal law last year by telling users it would keep their information under wraps “and then repeatedly allowing it to be shared and made public.” Although Facebook settled that case, it said in its IPO filing that future privacy snafus “could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner materially adverse to our business.” And those practices are extensive. Facebook says it unleashes “billions” of ads on users every day based on “the information they have chosen to share.” The question is: How big a deal is that for people? While many of us (myself included) still take our privacy seriously, it’s clear that an ever-growing number of Net users either don’t fret too much about safeguarding their personal info or see the abandonment of privacy as the price of admission to a bright, shiny theme park of online attractions. Facebook is counting on that—as are those who will end up investing in the company. Because without our complacency and complicity, social media have little to offer and little chance of making a buck. No worries. Privacy is so 20th century. Get over it. Better yet, post something online. What could be the harm? (This article was written by David Lazarus of Los Angeles Times and was lifted from the Business World because we believed it is necessary for the Filipinos in the GTA to know the intricacies of the initial public offering of Facebook.) Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier 502 - 130 Dundas St. E. Mississauga, ON L5A 3V8 (905) 232-2223 Main Office 821 Eglinton Ave. W. Toronto ON M5N 1E2 (416) 836-8147 By appointment only Licensed with The Law Society of Upper Canada OFELIA THOMPSON Licensed Paralegal AREAS OF PRACTICE IMMIGRATION MATTERS PROVINCIAL OFFENCES ACT Residence Sponsorship Invitation letters Refugee Employment Authorizations Visa Extensions Immigration Appeals Investor Entrepreneurs Skilled Workers Family Class Study and Visit Visa Canadian Experience Class Careless Driving Driving Without Insurance Driving With a Suspended License Failure to Remain at an Accident Stunt driving Racing Driving at Excessive Speeds Impaired Driving Failure to Provide a Breath Sample Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 OTHER MATTERS Small Claims Court Matters Landlord and Tenant Board 15 Philippine Courier Entertainment Time to reminisce …. TORONTO - On Friday, May 4, 2012, Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez will evoke memories of wonderful entertainment which these two icon stars started at Penthouse Live! in the Philippines, when they perform in “Twogether” show at John W.H. Bassett Theater in Toronto. Martin Nievera is now known as Concert King and Pops Fernandez as Concert Queen and they have held on to their titles, respectively, for over a decade now. Expect a serenade of Filipino songs from both Martin and Pops. As always, Martin will captivate you with his well-selected Broadway songs while Pops will enthrall you with her interpretation of Michael Jackson hits. All these, plus new songs and surprises, not to mention Martin’s wisecracks, will promise a memorable evening for everyone. So hurry, get your tickets now lest you miss the show! Ticket prices are: $140(VIP), $120, $100 Orchestra; $90, $70, $50 Balcony. For ticket information please call: NenengMaalihan (647) 401-5818; Rene Maalihan (647) 9951746; Elvie (416) 856-9401. You may also reserve online at http://twogether.jrementertainment.com/ or by email: [email protected] . Concert ticketholders are eligible to attend the “Meet and Greet” event on Thursday, May 3, 2012 to be held at Max’s Restaurant , 1520 Steeles Avenue West, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 3B9, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ticket cost is $35.00 per person (includes dinner). This occasion will be a great opportunity for Martin and Pops’ fans to have picture-taking with them and get their autographs. Edited by: Ross D. Tierra Shalani kicked out of 'Wil Time Bigtime' It was reported that newly-married 'Wil Time be one of the hosts of 'Game 'n Go' along with Bigtime' host Shalani Soledad-Romulo cried Edu Manzano, Gelli de Belen, Arnel Ignacio a bucket after learning that her name was and a few others. stricken off the list of hosts for the show. Apparently, she cannot deliver the 'kilig-factor' anymore since she is now married. The politicianTV host was very evasive when it came to questions involving co-host Willie Revillame. Revillame personally requested Shalani to be on the line-up of hosts on the show during its early stage, but now that she was stricken out, nothing was heard from him. The network offered her another Willie and Shalani hosting post instead. Shalani will Jenifer Camacho & Friends LIVE!@ Prestige By Jennifer Sy Red Alert TORONTO!!!! Miss Jenifer Camacho kicks off a dinner concert for the year of the Dragon! Our beloved Jenifer, the Filipino Diva Singer and artist will be performing at the very well-known Prestige Bar at 4544 Dufferin Street, Toronto on April 14th, 2012 at 7:30pm! The sultry performer already delivered numerous astounding concerts including the latest-beyond expectation “Jenifer Camacho Glamour Night Concert ’’ and “Jenifer Forever Part 3’’ both in 2011. No one can stop our Diva in servicing her family, friends and fans with her impressive and blow away entertainments! Miss Jenifer Camacho is performing together with her talented friends the likes of Chyrell Samson, Amsky Chan, Jeanette Ricasio, Emiline Cruz, Nicole Datol Bello, Mia Lising Napao and Edessa Andrada. Jenifer wil lalso be featuring, Ms Prestige 2010 and 2012, Ms Jovie Ann Canati and Ms. Riza Eugenio, respectively, and the Prestige dancers and singers. Singing along side is Neopolitan Band. Don’t wait, order your ticket now! CALL 647-403-8887 / 416-897-2693 / 416-824-8353. 16 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 17 Philippine Courier MMFF grosses P639M MANILA, Philippines (February 25, 2012) - IT’S official. The 2011 Metro Manila Film Fest (MMFF) grossed an all-time high of P639,792,509.77. This was announced by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF overall chair Atty. Francis Tolentino at the launching of the MMFF 2012 and appreciation dinner for the MMFF 2011 huge success held at the Rock Deck of Emar Suites in Mandaluyong City. The twin event also showcased the awarding of cash prizes to the winners in the filmfest last year led by “Asiong Salonga” which romped home with 11 awards. Enteng ng Ina Mo, however, topped the box-office race. Other entries which earned awards included Yesterday Today Tomorrow, Segunda Mano, Panday 2, My Househusband, and Shake Rattle and Roll 13. Dingdong Dantes earned the Best Actor while Maricel Soriano copped the Best Actress plum. Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story captured the Best Picture. In the new wave independent film , the best picture was Pintakasi. Other winners were HIV, Mate, Payaso, Biyahe ni Barbie and Speechless. Executive chairman of the filmfest, now on its 38th year and founded by former President Joseph Estrada during his mayorship in San Juan, is Jesse Ejercito. Beneficiaries of the filmlfest include Mowelfund, Film Academy of the Philippines and the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council. (Efren Montano) MTRCB chair against 'Anti-Typecasting Bill' By NR Ramos MANILA, Philippines (Fenruary 24, 2012) – Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chair Grace Poe-Llamanzares has expressed her disapproval of a bill recently filed in congress, which appeals to the local movie and TV industry to “minimize, prevent or stop” the depiction of members of the House of Representatives in a bad light. According to Llamanzares, the proposal infringes on a filmmaker’s freedom of expression – a sentiment shared by several celebrated film directors including Joel Lamangan and Joey Reyes. "Hello! Don't take it personally! There are good congressmen, as well as there are bad congressmen, bad and good directors. Ang focus dito characterization, ang pagkatao ng character, if you feel bad, baka guilty kayo. Let's open our mind!" said Reyes in a recent TV interview. “For me, that’s stupid,” said Lamangan in a separate report. “It’s just like having doctors, nurses, lawyers as [movie] characters. [That’s] part of life, eh. Kung masasama pinapakita nila sa taumbayan eh magkakaroon ng masasamang karakter [on film] for that,” he explained. In a recent TV report, Llaman- MTRCB Chair Grace Poe-Llamanzares believes House Bill 2140 infringes on freedom of expression zares said she initially thought that the proposed measure was “not serious.” She also reiterated that the bill could set a bad precedent in that it might encourage other sectors to seek the same sort of precaution. House resolution 2140 was filed by Representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales, Jr. (3rd dis- trict, Pampanga) who believes that typecasting of congressmen in TV and movies tends to influence the general public, including young children, into forming a negative impression against them. The resolution is already with the Committee on Public Information and it will be tackled this week. GMA Kapuso Foundation receives donation from Philippine-Canadian Charitable Foundation GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), the socio-civic arm of GMA Network, recently received a check donation of Php200,000 from Philippine-Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF). PCCF is currently one of the biggest non-profit organizations in Toronto. Headed by leaders of various groups and sects, PCCF’s thrust is to help the poor and the needy families in the Philippines, as well as the calamity victims, by mounting activities that serve to gather funds and donations 18 for its beneficiaries. Among PCCF’s activities, which are centered on showcasing Pinoy talent and culture through a variety of shows and festivals, are pageants Miss, Little Miss, and Mrs. Philippines Canada; the Pinoy Hiphop Dance Crew and Rap Competition; and the Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto, proceeds of which were donated to GMAKF from last year’s event. Aside from organizing these activities, PCCF also provides medical and educational help, and assists in the building of houses for poor families. To date, PCCF has led and assisted in the sending of medical equipment and supplies amounting to a total of $500,000 to different hospitals in the Philippines and extended help in the building of 33 houses for the poor. Above photo shows GMAKF Executive Vice President Mel Tiangco receiving the check donation from PCCF. Present during the turn over are (L-R) GMA International Assistant Manager for Events Donna Reyes, PCCF Director Ramon Cruz, PCCF Seniors Liaison (East) Sid de Guzman, Raymund Albovias, GMAKF Executive Vice President Mel Tiangco, PCCF Executive Vice President Rosemer Enverga, Nerie Albovias, PCCF Youth Liaison Denice Rosales, GMAI Senior Marketing Manager for North America Jay Redondo, and GMAI Marketing Specialist for Canada Claire Gacula. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier TRICARE ACADEMY www.tricareacademy.com 905.889.3216 / 8087 (STEELES & YONGE) [email protected] NEW!!! NACC PSW Upgrading & Bridging Programs $200.00 off Special Promo until March 31, 2012 to any Vocational Course VOCATIONAL x COURSES OFFERED Food Service Worker (FSW) The program is 400 hours in length, and consists of 260 hours of Food Service related theory and practical followed by 140 hours of work placement in the food services department of a long term care facility, hospital, school or other institution that prepares and serves food in large quantity. Typical Job Titles include: Food Service Worker, Dietary Aide, Food Service Helper, Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, Airline Food Assembler, Fast Food Service Attendant, Restaurant Counter Attendants and related occupations x Medical Office Assistant (MOA) The program is 700 hours in length. Medical Office Assistants work in: • Doctor’s offices• Hospitals• Medical clinics• Pharmaceutical companies • Government health agencies and a variety of other medical office settings. Typical Job Titles include: • Medical Office Assistant• Medical Secretary • Medical Billing Clerk/Secretary • Medical Office Administrator • Medical Receptionist • Clinical Assistant • Ward Secretary and Booking Clerk x Personal Support Worker (PSW) PSW 50 Hours Upgrading Program Upgrade Graduates from the 510 hour PSW program to the current 640 hour PSW Program PSW 205 Hours Bridging Program Designed for Health Care Aides and Home Support Workers with or without a formal certificate that have Canadian experience as a Personal Support Worker (PSW). Students may be foreign trained provided they are working or have worked within the last 3 years in a Personal Support Worker capacity in Canada. PSW 640 Hours Full Course Program Personal Support Workers work in: long-term care facilities, community service agencies, group homes, private health care company, retirement home, home, day care, hospital NON-VOCATIONAL x x x x x x x x x x x Back Injury Prevention Seminar Basic Bookkeeping & Simply Accounting Business Communication Skills ECG/EKG Course Food Handler Certification Program Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) to Dementia Care Introduction to Computer Infection Prevention & Control Keyboarding Medication Administration for the Unregulated Health Care Provider Microsoft Office 2007 x x x x x x x x x COURSES OFFERED (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access) Hospice Palliative Care Certificate Phlebotomy Course Preparation & Review for Language Proficiency Test like: IELTS, MELAB, TOEFL, CanTest Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) RPN Exam Preparatory & Review Skin Health & Wound Care Standard First Aid & CPR Level C (HCP) Training Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) “Registered as a Private Career College under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005” Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 19 Philippine Courier 20 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Scan with your mobile Scan with your mobile application for more rates. application for more rates. Or visit Or visit www.telehop.com/1010100 www.telehop.com/1010100 Mabuhay! Call Philippines Canada, U.S., Hong Kong, and Taiwan * Simply dial 10-10-100 + (011 or 1) + the Number t/POFFEUPTXJUDIQIPOFDPNQBOJFT t$IBSHFTXJMMBQQFBSPOZPVSDVSSFOUCJMM t8PSLTGSPNZPVS#FMM5FMVT3PHFSTIPNFQIPOF Easy to use. Simply dial 10-10-100 + ( 011 or 1 ) + the Number www.telehop.com 1·888·882·8056 *Flat rate of 25¢ for first 15 minutes. Calls to cell phones may be at a different rate. Rates subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply, please see website for details. 580 New Telehop website coming soon 2012! Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 21 Philippine Courier 22 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier ‘MEGA NA, PACQUIAO PA’ Sharon Concert & Pacquiao Fight in a back-to-back Show in Toronto! TORONTO –A throng of Sharonians and a mob of Pacman fanatics are expected to fill up every available space of the 2,000-seater Massey Hall this city on June 9 when the two superstars of Entertainment industry and Sports stage back-to-back performance only Royal Mark Canada Productions could offer this part of North America. “Áfter the Sharon Cuneta show, the live feed of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley will immediately follow and would be viewed in a huge screen provided by the Massey Hall,” producers Lito and Ruth Ronquillo said. It would be the first in the entertainment business here in Canada that mega shows of this kind could be staged at the same time, giving fans of different genre the opportunity to enjoy both spectacular shows paying only one ticket. Adding lustre to the already star-studded affair is the presence of the Philippines most-sought-after hunk actor Derek Ramsay, who willingly obliged to be part of megastar Sharon Cuneta’s special guest performer. Ramsay is fresh from his 2-mega hit movies ‘No other Woman’ and ‘Private Benjamin’ which grossed more than Ph100-million each, to emerge as two of the most all-time watched movies in the Philippines in 2011. Pacquiao, the only 8-division world champion and the world’s pound-for-pound boxers is staking his WBO welterweight crown (147-lbs) against an undefeated American Bradley, who also hold the world junior welterweight belt (140-lbs), in a 12-round fight at the MGM Las Vegas, Nevada. The Filipino boxing icon also stakes his 16-winstreak against a younger and hungrier Bradley and is aiming another victory that could possibly force un- defeated America Floyd Mayweather to finally face him in a projected $200-million mega fight before the year end. Mayweather, however, has to beat Miguel Cotto, a Pacquiao victim, in a May 5 title fight in Las Vegas where Cotto’s junior middleweight (154-lbs) crown is at the offing. Meanwhile, World Vision, a major sponsor to the Sharon Cuneta concert, would present a different inspiration to the audience with performances from Toronto’s promising young performers. The limited $150-ticket is already sold out and only tickets pegged at $125, $120, $100, $80 and $60 are now available and are selling fast after the announcement of the Pacquio-Bradley fight, LIVE!. For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, please contact: Ruth Ronquillo – 416-720-2602; Lito Ronquillo – 416-564-8734; Sani Baluyot – 647-242-6949 and Ophelia Valdez – 416-570-1568. 1st FARCIC Meeting “The NEW “Filipino Association of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants” (FARCIC) met for the first time in Toronto on Friday, February 17, 2012, during the First Annual General Meeting of their regulator, the “Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council” (ICCRC). FARCIC is comprised of licensed Filipino practitioners across Canada. Their mandate is to provide ethical and quality immigration service for their clients; to build awareness of "SAYING 'NO' TO FAKE CONSULTANTS" ; and to assist clients as one Filipino community. Available for the photo (L to R): Back: Liliarose Jose – Sherwin Mamaradlo – Alandrino Verdillo – Aileen Farrol – Jacqui Aquino – Gamy Romano – Bernadette Sta. Maria; Front: Mila Echevarria – Lisa de Leon – Teresa Penalosa – Chona Villapando – Larraine Ancheta-Uy” STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON CANADA’S ACADEMY AWARD WINNER Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today congratulating Christopher Plummer for winning an Oscar at the 84th Academy Awards: “On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate Christopher Plummer, and all others recognized at this year’s Academy Awards in Hollywood. Mr. Plummer was honoured with the top prize for Best Supporting Actor in Beginners. “Receiving an Oscar is the film industry’s highest accolade. Canadians have always had a strong presence in the international film industry, and the number of Canadian nominees this year is a true testament to the quality of the talent coming from our country. “I applaud Christopher Plummer and all of Canada’s nominees for their exceptional accomplishments and impressive work in the film industry and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.” For more information, please visit: www.pch.gc.ca Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 23 Philippine Courier ... In Cooperation with Nyren Salon And Prestige Club and Disco House Proudly Announce the Search For... Candidate must be legal of age, of Filipino Lineage and a good moral character Winners of the Pageant will represent the Filipino Community in the July 1, 2012 Toronto Gay Pride Parade and will ride, for the first time, in the Philippines Float allotted by the Organizing Committee Grand Winner... Become Ambassador of Gay Philippines Crown, Trophy, Sash, Bouquet of Flowers: Will RIDE ON THE FLOAT on Pride Parade First Runner up... Crown, Trophy, Sash, Bouquet of Flowers: Will RIDE ON THE FLOAT on Pride Parade Second Runner up... Crown, Trophy, Sash, Bouquet of Flowers: Will RIDE ON THE FLOAT on Pride Parade Plus... SPECIAL AWARDS: Miss Talent, Miss Photogenic, Miss Friendship, Miss Charity, and more!!! Coronation Night: June 16, 2012 Korean Cultural Center 1133 Leslie St. Toronto, Ontario 1st Presentation of Candidates: March 17, 2012 2nd Presentation of Candidates: April 28, 2012 Prestige Club & Disco House 4544 Dufferin St., North York, ON M3H 5X2 Interested Parties Please contact and get the registration form from the ff: Cecille Araneta = 416-409-4445 - [email protected] Erena Garcia = 416-222-1701 NYREN Salon; Finchhurst Plaza, corner Bathurst and Finch, North York, ON. Mon Datol = 647-588-7844 - [email protected] Miguel Caducio = 416-275-6093 - [email protected] Eva Agpoa = 416-953-5089 Design By M. Caducio 24 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Sports Edited by: Laurence Tierra PSA fetes top athletes MANILA, Philippines — The leaders of Philippine sports will be on hand when the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night honors the country’s top achievers at the Manila Hotel this Saturday. Long-time International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde, Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia have been invited to grace the awards night presented by Smart. Also expected to attend are sports commissioners Chito Loyzaga, Buddy Andrada, Akiko ThomsonGuevara, Jolly Gomez, heads of the National Sports Associations, POC chair Monico Puente-vella and supporters of local sports. Vice President Jejomar Binay, also the head of the Philippine Badminton Association, will keynote the ceremony that will be aired on dzSR Sports Radio 918. Co-Athlete of the Year awardees Nonito Donaire Jr. and Dennis Orcollo will share the limelight along with 83 other sports personalities and groups. Donaire came through with a string of world-class performances to keep his world boxing title aside SPECTATOR from enhancing his status as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters. Orcollo kept his World No. 1 ranking in billiards, underscoring the country’s status as the sport’s mecca. The awards show is also presented by Milo, CocaCola, and the PSC. Major awards will also be handed out to 19 other sports personalities during the two-hour gala also backed by ICTSI, Harbour Centre, SM Prime Holdings, Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. and the Philippine Basketball Association. The complete list of awardees Athletes of the Year: Dennis Orcollo, Nonito Donaire Jr. PSA Presidential Achievement Award: Juvic Pagunsan Executive of the Year: Ricky Vargas Major Awardees: Brian Viloria (pro boxing), Ana Julaton (pro boxing), Donnie Nietes (pro boxing), Mark Anthony Barriga (amateur boxing), Efren “Bata” Reyes (billiards), Rubilen Amit (billiards), Jessie Aligaga (wushu), Dembert Arcita (wushu), Dragon Boat team, Jimmy Alapag (pro basketball), Calvin Abueva (amateur basketball), Bobby Parks Jr.(amateur basketball), Jhonnel Ababa (pro golf), Dottie Ardina (amateur golf), Rupert Zaragosa (amateur golf), Magna Carta (Horse of the Year), Jesse Guce (Jockey of the Year), Kenneth San Andres (motocross), Malvinne Ann Alcala (badminton) Introducing Pacquiao’s next opponent By Al Mendoza (Abridged version of GENERAL ADMISSION columns both appearing at Sunday Punch, Dagupan City, Pangasinan.) ************ TIM Bradley who? He is Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent. They meet on June 10 (Manila Time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Of course, by virtue of Pacquiao’s stature, the Pacman is the heavy favorite. This, despite the fact Bradley is unbeaten in 28 fights. And Bradley is fresh from a knockout victory over Joel Casamayor serving as the under card in the Pacquiao-Marquez fight on Nov. 13, 2011, also at the MGM Grand. You remember that Pacquiao-Marquez bout, right? It was their third meeting since they fought to a draw in 2004 after a judge had erred in his scoring, thereby depriving Pacquiao of victory. In 2008, Pacquiao beat Marquez by split decision. So close was that fight it gave birth to that third encounter in November 2011. Despite Pacquiao’s majority decision victory to make it two wins against one draw against Marquez, a howl of protests accompanied the verdict. The rabidly pro-Marquez crowd insisted Pacquiao lost the fight. But I also insisted – and still insist – Pacquiao was the winner of that fight, mainly because he was more aggressive than Marquez, besides inflicting more telling blows than the Mexican whenever they mixed it up. Even in most of their toe-to-toe combat, which came rarely, Pacquiao was the constant instigator – a big plus for him as far as the judges were concerned, since it should have been Marquez exhibiting aggressiveness because he was the challenger. Anyway, that’s all water under the bridge now, so to speak. Let’s go back Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 to Bradley. Bradley is 28 years old, the owner of the world junior welterweight crown. Pacquiao is defending his WBO world welterweight title against Bradley, who should gain more weight to get to 147 pounds, the limit in the stipulated bout scheduled for 12 rounds. The 5-foot-5 Bradley is shorter than Pacquiao by an inch, making him the shortest foe for Pacquiao in the Pacman’s last five fights. Pacquiao’s four previous foes were taller – African Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito in 2010, and Shane Mosley and Marquez in 2011. Pacquiao beat them all – but “only” on points. No knockout. Prior to the four, Pacquiao also fought a much-taller opponent in 5-foot-9 Miguel Cotto, whom the Pacman had badly battered en route to a 12th-round TKO victory. Many believed Cotto was substantially weakened by his loss of weight going into the Pacquiao fight as he is a natural at junior middleweight. That could be true. Once a boxer radically goes into weight reduction, much of his power would be terribly reduced. That is why since Pacquiao climbed to 147, he has stayed there all this time because he found it very much comfortable with that weight. Bradley has the edge only in that he is unbeaten in 28 fights. But his knockout record pales in comparison with Pacquiao. He only has 12 KOs compared to Pacquiao’s 38. Power for power, therefore, Pacquiao has the undisputed margin so that once Bradley decides to fight at close range, he’ll be at great risk of absorbing a first ever loss – by knockout yet. Experience-wise also, Bradley is way behind as he’s still a babe in the woods; he’s only eight years into professional boxing compared with Pacquiao’s 17 years in the beak-busting business. Before this fight, Bradley’s purses ranged from $1,000 (4-rounders) to $5,000 (10-rounders). He will earn $5 million on June 10 – his big- gest paycheck ever. Pacquiao gets $25 million. Will Bradley decide to run circles around Pacquiao on June 10 and avoid getting knocked out? He shouldn’t. For that is tantamount to losing his chance at immortality. If he should go down fighting, so be it. Only real men aren’t afraid to lose. As the saying goes, “Only those not afraid to die are fit to live.” ********** Bitterest loss ever absorbed in PAL Interclub history (Greetings are in order for Kuya Mario Panoringan, who blew into town once more just to join the PAL Interclub in Davao City Feb. 15-25. We met up in Davao City for the PAL Media Golf tournament, the way we did last year in the 64th PAL Interclub in Bacolod. Kuya Mario was with his wife, Atche Norma, for the event. Unfortunately, Atche Norma was under the weather during the tournament. Also renewing friendship with me were Rey Fortaleza and Rene Bahena, both from Vancouver, Canada, who also joined both the PAL Interclub Golf and the PAL Media Tournament. Till next year, fellas, when we meet again, hopefully, this time in Cebu.) ******** IT’S just fine when we lose, but when the setback is absorbed in the most bitter manner, it can really break your heart. That’s what happened to Luisita on Sunday when it lost what appeared like a sure-won tournament. With one day left, Luisita was ahead by 12 imposing points over Canlubang in the PAL Interclub Seniors Tournament. Every Luisitan looked poised for a celebration. The champagne cork was ready to be popped out. The team captain was already preparing his victory speech. And then it happened. icit. With two holes left, Luisita saw itself being the chaser to the leader, Canlubang. Then on the 17th hole, Tommy Manotoc made birdie, giving Canlubang a 3-point edge with one hole remaining. It was all over but the shouting, so to speak. The PAL Seniors, to those not in the know, allows for four players to play in each team, with the best three counting in the Molave points system that gives one point to a double bogey, two to a bogey, three to a par and four to a birdie. Only those 55 years old and above are allowed to play in the PAL Seniors. When the so-called smoke of battle cleared, Canlubang was the winner by three points over Luisita, routing the threeday leader by 15 monumental points on the final day of action. With the improbable victory, Canlubang won its sixth PAL seniors crown in seven years while dealing Luisita its most humbling defeat in recent memory. The PAL Interclub is like the annual Fil-Am in Baguio in that both tournaments give premium on team play instead of individual skills. In both tournaments, you play for the team and not for yourself. It encourages teamwork more than individual play. But Canlubang skipped the PAL Men’s Regular, fulfilling its threat last year in Bacolod in protest over what they claimed as a new rule that “penalizes teams recruiting good players.” With most of its top guns gone to the pro ranks, Canlubang was forced to shy away from the PAL Men’s Regular because of an inferior lineup. It is my wish that all things will be patched up by the time the PAL Interclub makes its return to Cebu in 2013. God willing, I’ll be there for my 37th straight coverage of the PAL Interclub. Canlubang razed the 12-point def- 25 Philippine Courier Amit heads PHL campaign in women’s world 9-ball tilt Rubilen Amit with benefactor Aris ‘Putch’ Puyat MANILA – Rubilen Amit, Iris Ranola and Mary Ann Basas – the so-called Big 3 of Philippine women’s billiards – will try to extend the country’s domination of the sport when they compete in the 2012 Amway eSpring Women’s World 9-Ball Open on March 1218 in Taipei, Taiwan. The tournament is sanctioned by WPA and ABPU and organized by Chinese Taipei Billiards Federation (CTBF) with a total prize money of $70,000. The champion will get $20,000 while the runner-up will go home with $10,000. “We will try our best to bring honor to our country” said the 30-year-old Amit, the 2009 Women’s World 10-Ball Championship winner and one of the top players of sportsman/businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat. Amit is ranked 15th in the latest World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) women’s ranking, list while Ranola is listed ranked 24th. Basas is not listed in the top 100. Meanwhile, Geona Christine Gregorio, Reggie Ann Biagcong and Gillian Go of Quezon City joint at No.92 spots in the WPA ranking list. Siming Chen and Xiao Fang-fu of China occupied the top two positions. (Liberty Icao-Remate) The Game of My Life Donaire fights Mexican in Texas MANILA, Philippines — Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is putting together a slambang show for July 14 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas featuring Filipino four-division champion Nonito Donaire. Arum told the Bulletin from Los Angeles on Monday afternoon (Sunday night in the US) that Donaire, fresh from crowning himself as the World Boxing Organization super-bantamweight king, meets Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas of Mexico. It was reported earlier that Donaire might even fight a week after the June 9 fight of Manny Pacquiao but the 80-year-old Arum clarified that while “that is a possibility,” it is more feasible to put Donaire in July. Terrazas, 29, is a right-hander with an awesome overhand right that has helped him rack up a 32-21 win-loss-draw record with 18 knockouts. In his last fight, Terrazas scored a stirring upset over fellow Mexican banger Fernando Montiel, the same guy Donaire flattened in less than two rounds. Arum had originally wanted Donaire to face Jorge Arce but Arce is making an appearance under the Pacquiao headliner, making him unavailable for July. But Arum said they’re still bound to square off possibly “in the fall” here in the country. Being looked at as venues are the soon-to-beopened Mall of Asia Arena and the Araneta Coliseum, according to Arum. “I got a call from my friend Jorge Araneta, who wants the fight to be held there,” said Arum, who will be partnering with ABS-CBN in staging Donaire’s much-awaited fight on local soil. (By NICK GIONGCO) The Elordes pay tribute to Pacquiao, Donaire MANILA, Philippines — Reigning WBO champion Manny Pacquiao and four other world titlists will be honored as Most Outstanding Boxers of the Year during 12th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards/Banquet of Champions on March 25 at the grand ballroom of the Dusit Thani Hotel. Aside from Pacquiao, also to be cited are WBC/WBO bantamweight ruler Nonito Donaire, WBO flyweight king Brian Viloria and WBO female superbantamweight queen Ana Julaton, who accounted for two title wins each, and WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes who had one win. Pacquiao successfully defended the WBO 147-lb title against Sugar Shane Mosley in May and against Juan Manuel Marquez in November. The two wins alone netted Pacquiao $42M, making him sports’ highest money earner during the year. The Elorde Boxing Awards which is also being presented by COBRA Energy Drink will also honor Pacquiao with a special citation which the Elorde family will announce during the Awards Night held in memory of the boxing legend and International Hall of Famer, Flash Elorde, who held the world junior lightweight crown for seven consecutive years from 1960. Previous honors already conferred by the Elorde Boxing Awards on Pacquiao are Poundfor-Pound King, Boxer of the Year, induction into the Elorde Hall of Fame, Boxer of the Decade and Quintessential Athlete awards. What about a Department of Sports? By Bill Velasco Though the Senate has been tied up and under the intense heat of the national spotlight for the impeachment proceedings against the Chief Justice, the chamber’s true work of legislation continues. In fact, there is a pending bill that aims to change the course of sports in the country. Senate Bill No. 3092, or “The Department of Sports Act of 2012” authored by Senate Sports Committee chair Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, has passed on first reading and aims to supersede Republic Act 6847 which created the Philippine Sports Commission. S.B. 3092 consolidates 11 past sports bills from both chambers and strengthens them considerably. If and when the act becomes a law, it will add teeth and stability to the existing government sports body, and provide more protection for national athletes, as well. As of now, the government’s highest governing body for sports is the Philippine Sports Commission under the Office of the President. However, the chairman of the PSC only carries the rank of undersecretary. This weakens its position in accessing government resources in sport. The agency is also 26 vulnerable to vagaries of Congress and other agencies when it comes to budget and other essentials. Problems with funding and lack of equipment are constant, and disappointments, frequent. One of the bill’s loftier ambitions is “it shall maintain and provide equal access to resources, services and facilities related to sports to all Filipinos to foster and promote health and physical fitness, self-discipline, teamwork, excellence, peace and camaraderie, youth development, and people empowerment through sports.” These are values the passionate soldier legislator has experienced firsthand. “You look at life differently,” Trillanes told The STAR, referring to a life molded by sports. “Yet there are those kids who were not into sports, and you’ll see, just a little pressure and they crack. It’s either they succumb to drugs or they commit suicide. They were not hardened through sports. Sports, that’s what we need.” For Trillanes, the government sports program needs to be tilted more towards grassroots development, since this will be a tool of great impact in nation-building. He believes that elite athlete development, which is the other main task of the PSC, will naturally benefit if the masses are driven towards sports. “On the side, once we get more kids into sports, you widen the selection pool for national athletes,” the former table tennis varsity player opined. “Now this is the value of international competition. It can be a source of national pride and glory. It can be a galvanizing force to unite the nation, like Pacquiao. From Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, you’re proud to be a Filipino because of him. But take that away, the people from either end of the country cannot relate with one another.” The Department of Sports Law will be comprehensive. It will encompass building and maintaining sports facilities, forming its own policies, doing research and partnerships with foreign sports agencies, planning and promoting physical education, and many other duties. It will also have more power to presrcibe regulations for minimum acceptance levels for international competition, and “exercise supervisory and visitorial powers over the national sports associations in connection with their sports promotion and development programs with respect to which financial assistance is extended by the Department.” In addition, the Department will also coordinate with other government agencies, local governments and the like in implementing a comprehensive national sports program. The law has many noble objectives, and is a step in the right direction. It will make use of the existing structure of the PSC, and build upon it. Of course, since the government has – rightly or wrongly – many other priorities, there is no telling how long it will take for the law to be passed. But one can always hope that it happens sooner than later. There is only one question remaining. If I may use a horse racing metaphor, is the problem the horse or the rider? The Department of Sports Law would improve the former. When that time comes, we will have to find the right people to be the latter. **** This writer would like to thank Toyota Motor Philippines for their generous assistance in a recent out of town coverage. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Special Sports Feature: Pacquiao: Bradley, 2more fights, then, retirement By Lem Satterfield (Photos by Chris Farinas Top Rank) NEW YORK - WBO junior welterweight titleholder, Manny Pacquiao, wants to "do two or three more fights" and then retire, he told reporters during Thursday's New York press conference touting the HBO Pay Per View televised defense of his belt against WBO junior welterweight titleholder Tim Bradley, that is slated for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 9. "I still like boxing. I still love boxing. I'm still hungry in boxing. I still want to fight. I may do two or three more good fights. My kid, the youngest son who is 11, Emmanuel Jr., says he wants me to retire," said Pacquaio, a 33-year-old congressman in his native Philippines. "But before that he wants me to fight [Floyd] Mayweather Jr., beat Mayweather, and then retire. I want the fight to happen. The problem is, he really doesn't want the fight. Hopefully, before I retire, it will happen. I'm hoping for a November fight with him." Negotiations have failed three times to make a bout between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Jr. (42-0, 26 knockouts), who will challenge WBA junior middleweight titleholder Miguel Cotto on May 5 at the MGM Grand. Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) dethroned Cotto for his current title by 12th-round knockout in November of 2009, but said that it was not an easy fight. Pacquiao believes that Mayweather may be underestimating Cotto. "[Mayweather] thinks Cotto is an easy opponent. But he's not. He's strong. He's a good opponent," said Pacquiao. "Mayweather needs to train hard. He's taking a big chance. I hope he wins, but the fight is not easy." PACQUIAO'S STREAK IS ON THE LINE AGAINST BRADLEY Pacquiao will be after his 16th straight victory and his 10th knockout during that run against Bradley (28-0, 12), who, at 28 years old, is five years Pacquiao's junior. "I consider this fight one of my toughest. Timothy Bradley is undefeated, strong and he can punch," said Pacquiao, who last suffered defeat by decision against Erik Morales in March of 2005, but has since knocked out Morales twice. "Bradley's body is bigger than mine. I think we can make a good fight. That's why I picked him as an opponent. "I'm pretty sure we will make a good fight." FOR BRADLEY, PACQUIAO'S THINKING A HEAD In January of last year, Bradley was widely criticized for being a dirty fighter when it was perceived that his head butts led to an 11th-round technical decision that dethroned Devon Alexander as WBC beltholder. The Bradley-Alexander verdict was decided on the cards after it was ruled that the southpaw Alexander could no longer continue as a result of a large laceration that bled profusely following an accidental clash of heads. Bradley was careful not to allow head butts to spoil November's eighth-round knockout of former four-time titleholder and Cuban Olympic gold medalist Joel Casamayor on the undercard of Pacquiao's disputed majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez, a man Pacquiao previously fought to a draw and a splitdecision victory. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 "If he used his head, we were ready for it. That's why you saw me pull my head back, to get away from the headbutts," said Bradley after dropping Casamayor three times during the triumph. "There were rarely any headbutts and no cuts from headbutts in the fight, so no more writing about headbutts." Although he does not consider Bradley to be a dirty fighter, Pacquiao said that his opponent's head is a concern. "I can put it in my strategy not to get head butted," said Pacquiao. "I don't think Timothy Bradley is a dirty fighter. It's just his style to duck his head. His head butting is not intentional." BRADLEY: "ANYBODY NEEDS TO BEAT THIS GUY" During a recent interview with RingTV.com, Bradley talked about his appeal to the African American and Latino communities, as well as his relative youth in comparison to Pacquiao's past opponents. On Thursday, Bradley broached a subject originally addressed by RING light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins, who claimed in November of 2010 that Pacquiao, who is 33, had yet to face a young, top notch African American fighter. At the time, Pacquiao's promoter, Top Ran CEO Bob Arum, agreed with Hopkins' assertion. "There's no argument there that he has not fought a top African American fighter," said Arum. "But the notion that he would not fight an African American fighter is ridiculous." Bradley discussed the subject with RingTV.com's Joe Santoliquito at Thursday's press conference. "This is great for the black community. It’s great because it’s something the African-American community can embrace. You know, a young fighter like myself, and the sport as well. It’s about coming out and supporting me, getting rowdy and definitely believing in me," said Bradley, whose wife, Monica, is of Latino descent. "You know a big win over Manny Pacquiao will not only have the black community, but the Latin community, all communities, they would all embrace me because someone beat this guy. That’s what needs to happen, anybody, just somebody, it really doesn’t matter, just anybody needs to beat this guy. That’s what I’m aiming to do." Marquez is among several Mexican warriors who have fallen to THE RING's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, and Bradley says he has received substantial support from Latino fans, particularly in his native Palm Springs, Calif. "My wife is Latin American, and the Latino community is embracing me, especially in my home town. Absolutely. That's the case, not only in my community, but everywhere. Everybody wants to see this guy go down, and everybody wants me to be the guy to take him out. That's what I feel and that's how I see it," said Bradley. "The Latin community has embraced me in this fight. Because they want someone to beat this guy. Pacquiao has beaten a lot of Latin fighters, you know, and their champions. A lot of Mexican fighters have lost to this guy, and they're looking for someone that's friendly and someone that's humble and someone that's hungry and someone that's with them as well, and that's me." ARUM: BRADLEY HAS YOUTH ON HIS SIDE. Bradley pointed out that rivals such as the 38-year-old Marquez, the 33-yearold Antonio Margarito, and the 40-yearold Shane Mosley were past their primes when they fought Pacquiao. For Pacquiao, a victory over Bradley would silence the critics, said Arum. "We heard a lot of criticism from the press, some of it justified, that we were putting Manny in with fighters who were on the downward slope. That certainly was the case with Mosley. We got some of that with Marquez, but it turned out not to be the circumstance there. I was looking around for an opponent and I wanted to get some young guy that that criticism couldn't be directed at," said Arum. "Bradley is a young, fresh fighter who is undefeated. [Top Rank matchmaker] Bruce [Trampler] felt the styles of the two guys would mesh, and it would be an exciting fight. These are guys who throw punches and come forward. I think Bradley is the only one who can match Manny in hand speed. If Bradley can last into the later rounds, he can make it an intriguing fight for Manny." HBO's 24/7 series chronicling the events leading up to Pacquiao-Bradley will debut on Saturday, May 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT., with the second episode airing on May 26, the third on June 2, and the finale, on June 8. "We are really looking forward to presenting this all-new edition of 24/7 in a style that only 24/7 can deliver," said Ken Hershman, HBO's president of sports programming. "Manny and Tim have contrasting back stories and we will spotlight these two compelling characters against the backdrop of a major title fight." WHAT'S NEXT FOR JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.? Having successfully defended his WBC middleweight belt against Marco Antonio Rubio on Feb. 4, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is being considered for a number of options, according to Arum. Among the options is a June 16 date in El Paso, Tex., against unbeaten Martin Murray, who battled to a draw with WBA counter part Felix Sturm in December. Other potential bouts include those opposite former undisputed middleweight beltholder Kelly Pavlik, or Margarito. RING champion, Sergio Martinez, would be a possibility for early 2013. PACQUIAO-BRADLEY 24/7 27 Philippine Courier Community Potpourri Mother Erena turns another page ACTIVE FAMILY - Photo shows (L-R) Jimmy Lupango, Mila Lupangco, sister Cecile Marcelino, and brother-in-law Raymond Marcelino belonging to one family and veryc comactive in Toronto's Filipino community activities. (PHOTO BY JOJO TADURAN) Lola Sev visits family in Toronto Another golden fleece is added to her collection of golden memories when Mother Erena Garcia of NYREN SALON, book her 65th birthday March 5, 2012. Business partner Nancy Lundy arranges a simple bday party at their shop with lots of the celebrant’s kin, friends and clients greets their lovable beauty guru. (Photo lifted from TPC’s file) Ms. Joadel Concepcion (blowing candles) celebrates another winter birthday holiday February 10, 2012 with husband Noel, Mom Adela Bailey, son Jonel and Auntie in their modest home in Richmond Hill (Photo by TPC’s MonD) REUNION - The staff nurses of the St.Joseph Health Centre Medicine/Nephrology Department recently held a reunion at the Thyme Restaurant, Lakeshore, Toronto, Ontario. Shown in photo (L-R) are Team leader Perla Mancao, Raquel Chosa, Zeny Malilin, Chris Parks, Former Manager Germaine Drury, Helen Lacsina, and Alice Feruelo. (Romy Zetazate, St. Jamestown News Service) COMMUNITY EVENT - Photo shows (L-R) Rafael Nebres (middle), president of the Bicol Canada Community Association Inc. (BCCA) appealing to all Bicolanos notonly in Toronto but other parts of Canada to attend theforthcoming BCCA induction of new officers and gala nighton March 31, 2012 (Saturday) at the St. Peter & St. Paul Banquet Hall, corner Milner and Markham, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He is flanked by Oswald Tugadi, president, Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto andTony Sicat of the Philippine Press Club Ontario (PPCO). (St. Jamestown News Service, DindoOrbeso) Photo shows 3 generations of the family's women: the family matriarch Severina Paca, daughter Fe Paca-Taduran, wife of veteran broadcast and print journalist Jojo Taduran and grand-daughter Regine Andrea Taduran. The 92-year old Severina(Rening) Bustillos Paca of Calgary, Alberta, recently visited the family of her daughter Fe Paca-Taduran in Toronto. Lola Rening Paca, the widow of the late Andres Ventura Paca of the Manila Police Department, was a classroom teacher for 40 years with the Division of City Schools in Manila. She is originally from Villasis, Pangasinan and her late husband from Bayambang, Pangasinan. The Paca family resided in Project 2, Quirino District, Quezon City prior to migrating to Canada. (Dindo Orbeso, St. Jamestown News Service) 75TH CANDLES: Norma Cuevas, mother of Toronto's Doctor of Dental Medicine Dr. Shirley Salazar celebrates her 75th Birthday March 3, 2012, with a get-together of family and close friends at the Good Deal Supper Buffet at 1221 Markham Rd, Scarborough, Ontario. (Romy Zetazate & Manny Papa, St. Jamestown News Service) ‘75th Candles for Birthday Girl Juanita’ Ms. Juanita Farinas celebrated her 75th birthday recently at the Jade River Buffet in Scarbrough, Ontario, which was attended by members of the Congregation of the Friends of Jesus Christ Canada (left photo) which include Romy and Tess Zetazate, Josie Domingo, Ricky and Letty Jonayon, Roger Domingo, Conching Jaranillo, Rosalina Correa, and her children, Jel and Tina Farinas, Carlos Pedraza and daughter Lilibeth, and her grandchildren (right photo). (Photo by Lei Marie A. Zetazate, St. Jamestown News Service - Manny Papa) 28 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier SPECIAL FEATURE The Philippines brightest election lawyer to date... Atty. George Erwin Garcia By Mon Datol A young turk at 38 but lawyer George Erwin Garcia has already proved his worth as the Benjamin of Philippine political landscape by cornering almost all electoral cases filed at the Commission on Election (COMELEC) by politicians in all levels – from Mayors to Congressmen to Senators and even a former President running again to the same position in 2010 – and such other aspirants to different elective posts. Garcia, or Atty. George as he is being called by his multitude of clients all over the archipelago, is also appearing before the Supreme Court, electoral Tribunals, COMELEC, and other special courts handling election cases, and has never lost any of the voluminous cases he handles. “He is the best now,” lawyer Romy Manalo told this writer in a recent interview at the Manila Hotel where Atty. Manalo, also a noted criminal lawyer in the country, vouched Garcia’s ‘undefeated record’ in handling election cases. Garcia, who is nearing to get his Doctor Laws at the Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Manila where he also completed his Master of Laws (LLM) from 2004-2005 after completing his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the College of Law in Lyceum of the Philippines from 1993 -1997. The baby-faced lawyer graduated cum laude at the Lyceum of the Philippines when he finished his A.B. Political Science degree in 1992 and also was a candidate for his Master in Public Administration at the Claro M. Recto School of Advance Studies, also at the Lyceum of the Philippines in 1993. Atty. George took and passed the Bar Exam in 1999 at the De La Salle University with a high 82.25% rating and started working at the Comelec as Executive Assistant V (Chief of Staff) under the Office of Commissioner Julio Deaamito from May 2000 – 2001 and formed his own G.E Garcia Law Office in 2001, located at the Ground Floor of LAIKO Bldg, Cabildo St., Intramuros, Manila 1002, a stone throw away from heart of political arena. – the COMELEC. Serving back the institutions that gave him the knowledge of law, Atty. George became Faculty of Law of the Pamantasan ng Luniod ng Manila (1996), Faculty/Instructor at the Lyceum of the Philipoines from 1992 – 2004; Faculty of Law at the Philippine Law School in 2005 and Faculty of Law at the Manila Law College from 2008 to present’. The young lawyer is also a Political Commentator and co-host of the TV show titled Pollwatch aired over UNTV Thursday 8 – 9 p.m, aside from co-hosting a Radio show that also deals with the political scene in the Philippines. Atty. George is a married man, but, doesn’t want to discuss his family, except to tell this writer that he has no children, yet, as his works are his priorities as this stage of his young life and career. A very good student and follower of some of the best election lawyers in the land that include Atty. Romy Macalintal, Atty. Sixto Brillantes, now the COMELEC chairman, Atty. Leila PM Statement WELCOMING THE VATICAN’S DECISION TO CANONIZE BLESSED KATERI TEKAKWITHA OTTAWA (February 20, 2012 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement, after the Vatican announced that Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha will be canonized on October 21, 2012: “This past Saturday we learned that the Catholic Church will be bestowing its highest honour — canonization — upon Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha later this year. “Known as the ‘Lily of the Mohawks’, Kateri Tekakwitha, who is entombed in a marble shrine at St. Francis Xavier Mission in Kahnawake, Quebec, was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 in recognition of her unwavering devotion to God. “When Pope Benedict XVI canonizes her in October, Kateri Tekawitha will become North America's first aboriginal saint. “This will be a great day for Canadian Catholics and a deep honour for our country.” Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 De Lima, among other noted political lawyers, Atty. George became the successor of these luminaries after all of them left the election law practice to retire and/or accept other higher government post, like De Lima who became the Aquino government Secretary of Justice. Now, Atty. George in alone on top and with the way he handles election cases and winning for almost all kinds of politicians in the country, the road to greatness is coming his way so fast he could not believe at his young age, he could be ‘retiring’ when every election lawyer is only just starting to learn the ABCs of election procedures. How does it feel alone on top? ‘No, I am not alone in this practice, Tito. There are lots of good election lawyers now and I could not claim that I’m the best. I am just of them,” the humble Atty. George said. ‘Swerte lang siguro, Tito, at nananalo ang mga kaso na hawak ko,”the young Garcia added. Luck or not, Atty. George Erwin Garcia is definitely on top of the league now and would remain the chairman of the election law destined to join the best brains of political arena in the Philippines. Mabuhay ka, Atty. George. A true pride of the Filipino people. PTAC to Conduct Career Search and Networking Workshop for Philippine Educated Teachers By : Tony A. San Juan, OCT With its continued interest and meaningful purpose of enriching the career search skills as well as enhancing the employment capabilities of Filipino Canadian educators who are professionally certified by the Ontario College of Teachers, the Philippine Teachers Association of Canada ( PTAC) is conducting a one-day intensive workshop on April 8th, 2012(Sunday) at 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Time Zone Restaurant, Bathurst Street, North York, Toronto, Ontario. The 5-hour session will focus on topics such as : 1) Resume and Cover-Letter Writing: Format, Contents, Common Mistakes, Critique; 2) Interview Process and Mock Interview :Typical Questions and Responding to Questions; 3) Networking Process : Sourcing and Building Up Strategies; and 4) Career Building :Opportunities and Alternatives . Invited presenters and facilitators include experienced and promising Filipino-Canadian teachers and education practitioners from Ontario schools and colleges. Prospective attendees are requested to bring in their respective Resumes / Curriculum Vita. The six-year old, 105- member organization is comprised mostly of Ontario College of Teachers( OCT) - certified professionals who are current or retired Filipino - Canadian teachers in Ontario schools and colleges and/ or are former teachers in the Philippines. PTAC's 2011-2013 Executive Board is headed by President Tony A. San Juan and the following officers and directors: Rose Cruz, Boni Curutan, Bernadette Gapuz, Pet Collantes, Mila Curutan, Jesse Panem, Mel Tumamao, Jr., Mari- con Bernasor, Gigi Nicholas, Grace Avila, Sam Posadas, Rose Apilado, Elena Aguilar, Red Andres, Joan Ang, Sheng Baoit, Ruvy Bendoy, Mary Rose Cacdac, Norman Daroy, Etta Del Rosario, Cielito Drapeza, Venus Geraneo, Perly Laganas and Erlyn Simanero. Interested PTAC members and other parties are encouraged, on first come, first served basis, to contact and register with PTAC secretary Bernadette Gapuz, at : [email protected] and Maricon Bernasor, asst.secretary,at [email protected]. A registration fee of $7:30 may be charged to cover for meal and seminar materials costs.(tsj). Tony A.San Juan,OCT [email protected] 416.491.2346 29 Philippine Courier Joke Time Filcrea Open House – a Smashing Success! Ni Edgar Bello Atras ka na lang Pasahero: Mang driver bayad ko po 20 pisos Driver: Aba, kulang to dahil pang 10 kilometro lang ang binayad mo, 20 kilometros na itong bababaan mo. Pasahero: Ganon po ba? Sorry po! Kung pwede po paki-atrasan mo na lang po ako ng 10 kilometro para tama lng ang bayad ko. Driver: Ngek! ***** Magpapakasal Bobby: Pakasal na tayo? Girlie: Sige Bobby: San mo gusto? Sa pari ‘o sa mayor? Girlie: Syempre sayo! Tangang to.. nirereto pa ako sa iba. ***** 69 vs 6.9 Titser: Ano ang pinagkaiba ng 69 sa 6.9? Juan: Ma'am pareho lang po sila ng position kaya lang mas kadiri ang 6.9 kasi may period! ***** BJ Anak: Dad! Naka experience na ako ng blowjob! Yahoo!!! Dad: Wow! Anak! Binata ka na!!! Ano ang feeling? Anak: Ang sakit po sa panga!!!' ***** GROUP STUDY Dad: Hoy! baket ka na naman ginabing umuwi? Isang linggo ka ng umuuwi ng alas-dose ng hatinggabi. Hindi na tama yang ginagawa mo! Anak: Dad naman! Nag-group study lang po kami. Exam na po namin bukas eh. Dad: Group Study ka dyan! KINDER ka pa lang! Batukan kita jan, eh! ***** Exam Daddy: Anak kapag bumagsak ka sa exam mo wag na wag mo na akong tatawaging daddy,tatay,papa basta kahit kailan!! Anak: Opo, Daddy (Pagkatapos ng exam) Anak: (nag-iisip) Naku! Anu kaya sasabihin ko kay daddy Daddy: Anak kamusta ang exam mo? Anak: Ok, lang naman PAREKO. ***** Taxi Pasahero: Para ho!!!!!! Driver: Bababa ka?!!!! Pasahero: Ay hindi, tataas!!! ,May second floor ba?!!! ***** 89 to 90 Makalipas ang ilang araw pagkatapos ng final exam Teacher: Eto na ang inyung mga pagsusulit.. Teacher: 1 only got 89 over 90 Teacher: Only Pedro got 89 Pedro: Wooo!!! (nagsisigaw) hindi pala kayu nag-aaral eh!! mga weak kayu! Teacher: The rest got 90..! ***** spell it! Apo: Look at those boats lolo! Lolo: Amazing di'ba iho. They are called yachts.. Apo: Yachts?! How do you spell it lolo? Lolo: You're right iho, those are boats. 30 ***** Cigar SALESGIRL: Sir, you can't smoke here. CUSTOMER: But I bought these cigars from your store. SALESGIRL: We also sell condoms, but it doesn't mean you can fuck here! ***** Eroplano Stewardess: (Trying to get food tray) Are you done sir? Juan: No I'm Juan....... Stewardess: I mean to say, are you finish? Juan: No I'm Filipino Stewardess: I mean to say, are you through? Juan: What do you see to me I'm false? bwahahahahahahahahaha..... ***** Walang Preno Eksena sa auto supply Mr : Boy naubusan ng break fluid kotse ko, bigyan mo nga ako ng dalawang piraso, Boy : Eh bosing isang piraso lang ok na yan sa kotse mo, bakit dalawa pa kukunin mo? Mr : OO alam ko yan, yong isa para sa kotse ko, yong ikalawa, ipapainom ko dito sa Mrs ko, kanina pa walang preno ang bigbig nyan sa ka sesermon sakin, baka sakaling huminto na. ***** Marangal Ang Mag Sasaka BF: Kakaasar talaga! Sarap sapakin nung nakasalubong natin kanina. GF: Bakit? Ano bang nangyari? BF: Sabihan ba namn ako na muka akong magsasaka pag kasama kita! GF: Ok alng un! At least marangal ang magsasaka, bakit nya naman nasabi un? BF: Kasi raw mukhang kalabaw daw ang kasama ko! GF: Ganun!!! Asan ung hayop na yun! papatayin ko lang! ***** Testigo Isang tumistigo sa nangyaring krimen..... PULIS: Nakita mo ba ang pangyayari? TESTIGO: Opo sir nakita ko pong lahat PULIS: Anong baril ang ginamit sa pagpatay? TESTIGO: Sir di ko po alam ang tawag pero sir ano pong tawag sa baril nyo? PULIS: Ah! ito ba 45 ang tawag d2. TESTIGO: Sir medyo mahaba po baril nyo, baka 46 or 47 po yun... ***** SAYAD Isang pasyente ang dumating sa klinika ni Doctor Paking. TORKO: "Doctor, natatandaan n'yo pa ba ako?" DOCTOR: "Parang nakita na kita." TORKO: "Ako ho iyong pasyente ninyo last year." DOCTOR: "Ikaw nga! Ano ba ang maipaglilingkod ko?" TORKO: "Itatanong ko ho sana sa inyo kung puwede na akong maligo!" ***** PSYCHOTHERAPIST BOOK JUAN @ the library: Juan: I want to borrow the book entitled, "Psycho the rapist" The librarian searched for almost 2 hrs. And then came back, slaps Juan and says., Librarian: "IDIOT! The book's title is "Psychotherapist Filcrea Board of Directors held its first meet and greet event during an Open House at the Aristokrat Restaurant recently. In photo are Joe Evangelista, Rubi Talavera (President), Benny Jose, Vic Salazar, and Romeo Camacho. TORONTO - The Filipino Canadian Real Estate Association (Filcrea) held its very first Open House on Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Aristokrat Restaurant on Wilson Avenue. The event was a meet and greet opportunity for all realtors, mortgage brokers, lawyers, financial consultants, insurance agents, and other business professionals to network. Among the attendees were the following: Fred Postrado of Investors Group, Cristina Dizon of Sunlife, Keith Binette, of Guard Dog Security, Samual Kochinyan of Primerica, Johnder Perez of Century 21 Innovative, Tessie Lagtapon of Remax, Katherine Meana of Mortgage Brokers, Ernie Ancheta of Newbridge, Irma de Luna, Amor Mendoza of Mortgage Club. Maria Antonio of MCDilag Accounting and Tax, Cheryl Cantonjos, Ding Arellano and Andrew Arellano of Benchmark, Resty Ragragio of Century 21, Rositte Tan of Sunlife, Marissa Corpus of Megaworld, Carina Aguilto of Megaworld, Marvin Flancman of Miskin and Flancman Law Office, May Suilt of Mortgage Alliance, Virgie Gague of ICS Staffining, Jill Deleon of ICS, Victoria Sia of Coldwell Banker were also in attendance. So were Enio Ferri of Key Home Inspection, Riza Khamal of Atin Ito, Cecilia Ragragio, Sally Lintag of Royal Lepage Signature, Pete Lintag of RLP Signature, Albert Lintag of RLP, Carol Lintag of RLP, Victor Salazar of Right at Home, Benny Jose of Remax, Willie Reodica of Remax All Stars, Jess Cubos of Homelife, Tony Villarin of AMV Law Prof Corp, Tony Arroyo of Homelife, Lewilyn Lista of T-Freight. Also present were: Myla Udaundo of E.V.A. Realty, Rick Perez of RLP Innovators, Virgie Tigas of Coldwell Banker Case, Eddie Lee of Eddie Lee Realty, Marita Lee of Atin Ito, Ramon Cezar of Remax Crossroads, Joe Evangelista of Newbridge Mortgage, and Jane Saquian of Homelife Hearts. Rubi Talavera of Remax West, Jhonayza Medina of AMV Law, Romy Camacho of Remax Crossroads, Cristina Rondilla of Homelife Hearts, and Susan Nacario of Homelife Hearts also attended the networking event. According to President Rubi Talavera, the Open House is the first of a series of networking opportunities that Filcrea has planned this year. The next event is on March 31st, and will feature presentations by a real estate lawyer, a finance professional and a real estate development company. Following the March event is an even bigger function, the Gala Night on April 28th. Themed “Filcrea: Making a Difference”, it’s a fundraising dinner and dance formal affair featuring a Silent Auction and Exhibits/Booths. So please mark both dates down on your calendar: (1) March 31, Open House and Free Seminar from 11 am to 2 pm, and (2) April 28, 6:30 pm at the Don Valley Toronto Hotel. Tickets for the dinner dance are $60 each --- Email for details: [email protected] LAND FOR SALE - 7,266 Sq. Meter Facing Pacific Ocean Clean title, No Tenants Good for Resort with Black sand and Coconut trees $1.50/Sq. Meter Located at Talaonga, Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon Interested Buyers, Pls. Call Precy @ 416-655-9052 NEEDED IMMEDIATELY - Experienced Filipino Baker Scarborough Area 21 years old and up $12/hour starting Interested applicants, Pls. Call 416-655-9052 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Metro Government of Canada invests to help youth in Toronto get jobs TORONTO, Ontario (February 23, 2012) — The Government of Canada today announced new funding to support youth in Toronto to help them gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need to enter and succeed in the job market. The announcement was made by Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “Our government’s top priority is creating jobs and economic growth,” said Dr. Leitch. “Our government’s Youth Employment Strategy is helping youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to get jobs now and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow.” The City of Toronto is receiving support from the Skills Link program to help youth overcome barriers to employment. Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Dr. Leitch’s announcement is one of a series taking place across the country today. Minister Finley kicked off the nation-wide events with a funding announcement for a youth employment project in Edmonton to highlight the Government of Canada’s investment in giving youth the skills and experience they need to enter the workforce. With annual funding of more than $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed. YES includes the Skills Link and Career Focus programs and the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, which creates thousands of job opportunities for students every summer. The participants in the City of Toronto’s projects will attend skills workshops and either gain valuable work experience through job placements with local employers, or work with counsellors to develop individual action plans to help them reach their educational and employment goals. Youth employment programs are part of the Government of Canada’s broader strategy to create an educated, skilled and flexible workforce. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visitwww.actionplan.gc.ca. The Government of Canada is helping youth prepare for, find and maintain meaningful employment through enhanced online services available at Youth.gc.ca. THE ROVING EYES By Maria D. Bello All and sundry yawns whenever we feel sleepy or bored and people beside us or near us somewhat responded and also open their mouth wide and take a long deep breath, usually involuntarily, because of tiredness too, or boredom. It may not be one of life’s deepest mysteries, but as scientific conundrums go, it has a peculiar staying power. Why is yawning contagious? Researchers recently found that yawning isn’t only catching among people; it is also among chimpanzees. No one has devised a fully convincing explanation of why. yearn to replicate the action ourselves, and do it, all without thinking about it. Other times we’re aware it is happening, though it still floats somewhere beneath the realm of reason and of purposeful actions. So what gives? In an effort to find the answer, the Finnish government recently funded a brain scanning study. The results turned up some hard-to-interpret, possible clues. It also confirmed the obvious: yawn contagion is largely unconscious. Wherever it might affect the brain, it bypasses the known brain circuitry for consciously analyzing and mimicking other people’s actions. This circuitry is called the “mirrorCompounding the mystery is the odd way in which the contagious neuron system,” because it contains power of yawning is largely uncon- a special type of brain cells, or neuscious. We can see someone yawn, rons, that become active both when Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Edited by: Maria Isabelle D. Bello Grand Opening of Markham's first Filipino Restaurant MARKHAM, Ontario - Mabuhay !A lifelong dream will be realized on Saturday, March 10, 2012 when LJ Kusina hosts their official grand opening as the first Filipino restaurant in the culturally rich town of Markham, Ontario. Lorenza and John Maillet - the L&J - have envisioned a business partnership ever since they met in 2004, but opening a Filipino restaurant is only part of the story. "My vision is to feed the hungry in the Philippines," says Lorenza who grew up in the impoverished country and came to Canada in 1992 as a caregiver. "We are so blessed with all the comforts in Canada, enough that we can make small sacrifices for those who have less." Over the last 20 years Lorenza has been making those sacrifices for her family back home for everyday necessities and education. At the same time, she has been accumulating the financial resources to realize her own business. "Service to our Community will be key to our success," says John, when asked what will identify LJ Kusina in Markham. "Our facility can host events of every kind, and we will support all organizations looking for creative ways to grow." John has over 15 years in the food industry and he knows that today's market is vastly different from when he was managing a pizza franchise in Halifax, N.S. in 2003. "Back then, direct mail and knowing your customer base by name was vitally important; today you have to know how to market to everyone's smartphone," says John. "When someone dines at LJ Kusina, we want them to feel engaged in the dining experience. We will try to greet everyone personally and the word will soon spread that LJ Kusina is the place to feel welcome in our Pinoy setting." Representing the Filipino cuisine is a great responsibility, so John and Lorenza have surrounded themselves with a strong kitchen staff, guided by Lorenza's expert culinary and organizational skills. LJ Kusina offers a casual/fine dining experience with a seating capacity of 70 patrons. View details of the grand opening at www.ljkusina.com. Contact: John Maillet [email protected] 7690 Markham Road, Unit 6C Markham, Ontario L3S 4S1 Ph: 905-209-7050 Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10am - 8pm Friday & Saturday 10am - 10pm Why is yawning contagious? their owner does something, and imitated motor patterns that would when he or she senses someone else require detailed action understanding,” wrote the researchers, with doing the same thing. the Helsinki University of TechnolMirror neurons typically become ogy and the Research Centre Jülich, active when a person consciously Germany. The findings are published imitates an action of someone else, in the February issue of the research a process associated with learning. journal Neuroimage. But they seem to play no role in One thing seems clear from the yawn contagiousness, the researchers in the new study found. The cells study is that “contagious yawning are have no extra activity during does not rely on brain mechanisms contagious yawning compared with of action understanding,” wrote one during other non-contagious facial of the researchers, Riitta Hari of the Helsinki University of Technology, movements, they observed. in a recent email. Rather, she conBrain activity “associated with tinued, it seems to be an “‘automativiewing another person yawn seems cally’ released (and most likely very to circumvent the essential parts of archaic) motor pattern,” or sequence the MNS [mirror neuron system], of physical actions. (Ref: March 5, in line with the nature of contagious 2005 Special to World Science) yawns as automatically released behavioural acts—rather than truly 31 Philippine Courier MARKHAM MAYOR FRANK SCARPITTI CHINESE NEW YEAR DINNER donated $25,000 proceeds from the event to CENTER FOR DREAMS, a day school program for individuals over 16 with developmental disabilities. To mark the happy occasion CFD staff are joined by local school trustees (front L to R) Public School Trustee for Richmond Hill Carol Chan, Catholic Trustee for Markham Marlene Mogado, Public School Trustee for Markham Allan Tam, CFD President & Founder Elaine Vollett, CFD Volunteer Maria, and PPCO's Mogi Mogado, and event organizers (back) Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillor Alex Chiu, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Councillor Alan Ho. The gala was held at Markham Event Centre on February 5, 2012. (416) 755-0909 32 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Manila’s very hot weather attracts tourists In my 15-day trip and stay in Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac included, seldom did I see tourists complain of the extreme hot weather (26 to 28 degrees Celsius) the Philippines was ‘suffering’ from February 6 – 19 when I was there, whether they are just strolling in the park, walking leisurely on crowded streets of Malate or shopping at Greehills or taking snacks at the patio of the Promenade in Greenhills. They love our weather. I also travel to my hometown and birthplace Jaen, Nueva Ecija to visit the graves of my parents, Francisco and Lucia, eldest brod Kuya Vivencio and eldest sister Ate Gertrudes at the town’s cemetery, and paid respect, too, to my former elementary and HS classmates Emmanuel Yambao and Luciana Garcia-Saraza. Our formerly small church has now become a ‘Cathedral’ in size! Wow! I suddenly reminisced being a ‘Sacristan’ at the former old church circa 60’s. Time flies so fast, really, eh?.. In Tarlac, particularly Barangay Pao 2nd, Camiling, I witness the true meaning of Bayanihan sa Barangay where residents joined hands in cleaning their roads. I was also invited to join their ‘Tambayan & Tagayan sa Barangay,’ where I took some photos for everyone to see. I also visited my eldest brod Jun Datol’s Senior Citiziens’ Office in Quezon City on a Friday afternoon where they consider that day ‘Seniors Day’. It’s potluck for them, they sing and dance and exchange pleasantries until 7 p.m... Utol Jun is the 3rd nominee/Congressman of the Seniors Citizens Partylist.... Here are some of those shots I recorded. (Text and photos by Mon Datol) Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 33 Philippine Courier FIL-CAN group received ‘Key’ to the City of Manila MANILA - There was no Wang-Wang allowed in the Philippines, however the two motorcycle police escorts were able to weave the Filipino-Canadian delegation out of the heavy traffic to Manila City Hall. It was a grand reception indeed . . . a 24 piece band welcomed the Delegation upon arrival at the City Hall . As the Delegates stepped down the coaster, a lei of shells were carefully placed on each one of the Delegates by beautiful ladies in Maria Clara outfits and gentlemen in Barong. Everyone was escorted to a red carpet, fit for Dignitaries. The delegation was headed by Consul General Pedro Chan, Miss Philippines-Canada Rachel Pantaleon, Mrs. Philippines-Canada Noemi Milanes, Angel ng Tahanan Imee Solomon, WCOPA (World Championship of the Performing Arts) Champion Gian Carlo Bobila and the rest of the delegation from PCCF (Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation) headed by Jun & Rosemer Enverga. The group was led to a group tour of City Hall by no other than Miss International Gemma Cruz-Araneta and finally into the Grand Villegas Hall were Congen Pedro Chan and the PCCF delegation was given the Symbolic Key to the City of Manila, a tribute to the hard work and dedication in advocating for charity and community by everyone. It was the beginning of the Chinese New Year, hence, the group were treated to a sumptuous lunch in a grand Chinese restaurant in Ongpin, Chinatown Manila. Before the Delegation parted ways with Mayor Lim and a number of Manila Councillors, the Fil-Canadians were treated to a tour of Manila, in their own horse drawn carriages through Fort Santiago and ending with a grand salute in Luneta. It was a memorable day indeed and an experience of a lifetime for the delegation. “Our greatest appreciation to Mayor Lim and Consul General Pedro Chan for making the trip truly memorable. Next stop, ANCOP Village Inauguration, the GMA Pinoy TV shows: Party Filipinas, Eat Bulaga, and one of the wonders of the world, the Underground River of Palawan. Last stop Malacanang Palace visit.” CAREER DAY FOR FOREIGN-TRAINED LAWYERS The University of Toronto Faculty of Law recently held a “Career Day” for foreign-trained lawyers enrolled in its Internationally Trained Lawyers Program. The first and only one of its kind in Canada, the 10-month intensive program is designed to provide academic and professional career support to foreign-trained lawyers working towards obtaining their licence to practice law in Ontario. Taking part as presenters in the informal panel discussion were Paul Saguil, Archana Medhekar, Shedrack Agbakwa and Manjeet Kaur. Abner Gener of Abelaw LLP joined the presenters in discussing career moves and private practice options with attendees during the networking session that followed. Career Day for lawyers trained abroad. (From left) Abner Gener, Paul Saguil, Archana Medhekar, Shedrack Agbakwa and Manjeet Kaur took part as presenters in the “ITLP Career Day: Lawyering in the Private Sector” held last February 22 at the Flavelle House, University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Jane Price (far right), Career Advisor for the Internationally Trained Lawyers Program, facilitated the panel discussion. 34 Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier FACES Crisis = Opportunity By Miss Rubi Talavera It has been said that the Chinese character (or word) for “crisis” is the same as that for “opportunity” and in December, we experienced the “worst crisis of 2011 – Typhoon Sendong killing thousands of our kababayans in Southern Mindanao. With this crisis came the opportunity for all of us to help. There was tremendous rallying for assistance that came about in the community. And the press has covered most of them. The big ones especially. It’s the individual help, home to home, that we want to acknowledge this time. And one of those who raised quite a big sum of money from donations of her friends at Prince of Peace in Scarborough was Mimi Borromeo. Quickly mobilizing her circle of friends, Mimi worked closely with Father Romeo Tolentino of the Our Lady of Assumption parish to have a fundraising house party. Msgr. Columbus Villamil, Rector of St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagay- an de Oro City, was the guest of honour. Among those who attended were: Fr. Regulo Imperial, Fr. Alarey Abella, Sr. Mrya Dalisay, Deacon Alex & Nora Masongsong, Justin & Ryan Aquino, Luis & Lea Calleja, Ed & Nina Wijangco, Marie Pobre, Dolly Bugayong, Lyna Perez, Dottie Felix, Jose Bona, Lilia Delmo, Lulu Pasion, Sydney Aquino, Thelma Antazo, Lito Benedicto and Jessie Guinto. VALENTINE PARTY AT SOSA! We were invited to the Scarborough Ontario Seniors Association Valentine Party held at Qsys on Friday, February 10th and attended with our long time bachelor buddies, Jess Carlos and Willie Reodica. Our host and bff, Elsa Hung, reserved a table for all of us, and couples Lito and Candy Martin, and Tess Fernandez and Lito Sanchez joined Dora Pugao , Luz Lim and myself at Table Six. In the adjoining table, to our surprise were Eddie and Marita Lee, Jess and Tess Menezes, and SOSA president, Carol Banez and hubby. A great party it turned out to be! And just as we were leaving, we bumped into Naomi and Rudy Villadiego of the Philcan fame. Too bad, we did not get to boogie with a UPian friend, Cres Vasquez. Next time, ha, Cres? FILCREA MAKES IT MARK! Leave it to the Filcrea boys and girls! Their first Open House held on February 3rd at the Aristokrat Restaurant was a big hit! Standing Room only, the meet and greet affair was successfully held with many professionals in attendance. Vice President for Special Projects, Ramon Cezar, emceed the event with co chair Tony Villarin. They acknowledged the event sponsors, Miss Alene Barcia, Mortgage Specialist with TD Canada Trust and Mr. David Berdoosian, Director of International Sales with Remax Town Centre, from Orlando, Florida. Among those who attended were other realtors, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, financial planners, lawyers, home inspectors and other professionals doing business in the real estate industry. Filcrea —or its long name – Filipino Canadian Real Estate Association -- is a non profit professional organization founded in 2005 and acts as a united, singular voice of realtors and associated members. It’s next monthly event is on Saturday, March 31st, and sponsors are Malu Nejal of MVN Law Office and Marissa Corpus of MegaWorld International. Malu will present a First Time Home Buying Seminar from a real estate lawyer’s perspective. Marissa will present investment opportunities in the Philippines. The seminar is free and limited to the first 100 only. In addition, there will be a free lunch. But you need to register at [email protected]. See you there! The priest, Fr. Romeo Tolentino, and his beautiful lady friends during the Typhoon Sendong fund raising initiative. Taken by Official photographer for the evening, Sydney Aquino, guests Thelma Antazo, Lito Benedicto and Jessie Guinto, provided the live music. Attending the intimate dinner for Msgr. Columbus Villamil, Rector of St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro City, at the home of the ever-gracious Mimi Borromeo were special guests Fr. Regulo Imperial, Fr. Alarey Abella, Sr. Mrya Dalisay, Deacon Alex & Nora Masongsong, Justin & Ryan Aquino, Luis & Lea Calleja, Ed & Nina Wijangco, Marie Pobre, Dolly Bugayong, Lyna Perez, Dottie Felix, Jose Bona, Lilia Delmo and Lulu Pasion. SOSA president, Carol Banez, thanked Lito and Candy for attending the Valentine party. Filcrea boys and girls hard at work! From left to right, seated are: Alene Barcia, Virgie Tigas Our Valentine table having a groovy love-in! Seated: Elsa Hung, Rubi Talavera, Tess Fernande and and Rubi Talavera. Standing from left to right: Vic Salazar, Romeo Camacho, Benny Jose, Candy Martin; standing: Willie Reodica, Dora Pugao, Luz Lim. Tony Villarin, Willie Reodica and Joe Evangelista. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 35 Philippine Courier TICKLE ME! By Chuchi Punzalan Ni John Agustin Doc’s code of ethics Doctor: Anong problema? Pasyente: Paki-check lang po itong "ari" ko. Doctor: Ok, hubo...para makita Nang makita "ito" ng doctor, napatawa ng malakas ang doctor, dahil singlaki lang ito ng AAA size na battery Pasyente: Nasaan po yong code of ethics nyo. Di dapat pagtawanan ang isang pasyente. Doctor: (try to recover)..Sori, di na maulit. Anong problema? Pasyente: "namamaga" Eto nga po… -------A young doctor had moved out to a small community to replace a doctor who was retiring. The older doctor suggested that the young one accompany him on his rounds, so the community could become used to a new doctor. At the first house a woman complains, 'I've been a little sick to my stomach. The older doctor says, 'Well, you've probably been overdoing the fresh fruit. Why not cut back on the amount you've been eating and see if that does the trick?' As they left, the younger man said, 'You didn't even examine that woman? How'd you come to the diagnosis so quickly?' I didn't have to. You noticed I dropped my stethoscope on the floor in there? When I bent over to pick it up, I noticed a half dozen banana peels in the trash. That was what probably was making her sick. Huh,' the younger doctor said. Pretty clever. I think I'll try that at the next house. Arriving at the next house, they spent several minutes talking with a young woman. She complained that she just didn't have the energy she once did and said, 'I'm feeling terribly run down lately. You've probably been doing too much work for the Church,' the younger doctor told her. 'Perhaps you should cut back a bit and see if that helps. As they left, the elder doctor said, 'I know that woman well. Your diagnosis is almost certainly correct, but how did you arrive at it?' I did what you did at the last house. I dropped my stethoscope and when I bent down to retrieve it, I noticed the preacher under the bed. -------Word meaning … ADULT: A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle. BEAUTY PARLOR: 36 Suntok sa Buwan A place where women curl up and dye. CHICKENS: The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead. COMMITTEE: A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours. DUST: Mud with the juice squeezed out. EGOTIST: Someone who is usually medeep in conversation. HANDKERCHIEF: Cold Storage.. INFLATION: Cutting money in half without damaging the paper. MOSQUITO: An insect that makes you like flies better. RAISIN: A grape with a sunburn. SECRET: Something you tell to one person at a time. SKELETON: A bunch of bones with the person scraped off. TOOTHACHE: The pain that drives you to extraction. TOMORROW: One of the greatest labor saving devices of today. YAWN: An honest opinion openly expressed. -------Murphys’ Hat Murphy showed up at Mass one Sunday and the priest almost fell down when he saw him. He'd never been to church in his life. After Mass, the priest caught up with him and said, "Murphy, I am so glad ya decided to come to Mass. What made ya come?" Murphy said, "I got to be honest with you Father. A while back, I misplaced me hat and I really, really love that hat. I know that McGlynn had a hat just like mine and I knew he came to church every Sunday. I also knew that he had to take off his hat during Mass and figured he would leave it in the back of church. So, I was going to leave after Communion and steal McGlynn's hat." The priest said, "Well, Murphy, I notice that ya didn't steal McGlynn's hat. What changed your mind?" Murphy replied, "Well, after I heard your sermon on the 10 Commandments, I decided that I didn't need to steal McGlynn's hat after all." With a tear in his eye the priest gave Murphy a big smile and said, "After I talked about 'Thou Shalt Not Steal' ya decided you would rather do without your hat than burn in Hell?" Murphy slowly shook his head. "No, Father, after ya talked about 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery' I remembered where I left me hat." Bakit hindi pa rin tayo matuto Napakalaking dagok sa pamilya ni Marvin Ragos ng Isabela ang kaniyang walang-saysay na pagkamatay sa pamamagitan ng hazing na isagawa ng ilang members ng isang fraternity sa San Beda College. Freshman sa law school ng nasabing prestihiyosong kolehiyo si Marvin, na pinagsisikapang pagtapusin ng isang inang OFW sa South Korea. Ban na raw ang fraternity sa San Beda, ayon sa isang opisyal ng nasabing paaralan, pero, paano nakakalusot ang pagrerecruit ng bagong members ang mga frats na ito? Wala bang mga security personnel ang San Beda para makatunog man lamang ng ginagawang recruitment ng mga nasabing frats sa loob ng campus? Anong klaseng school ito, na nag-ban ng frats sa campus, pero, walang plano kung paano susugpuin ang íllegal’recruitment’ ng mga fraternities sa loob ng kanilang bakuran? Isang magandang kinabukasan na naman ang nawasak at nagwakas dahil lamang sa kagustuhan ng iilan na manakit ng sobra-sobra sa kapwa alang-alang daw sa isang brotherhood of men. Kalukuhan naman siguro yong ‘papatayin’mo ang isang neophyte sa bugbog. Para ano? Para patunayang matitigas ang mga kinukuha nilang members ng kanilang fraternity? Me giyera ba ang mga frats para magrecruit ng matitigas na members? Kung giyera among frats ang haharapin ng mga members, bakit di mga exconvicts ang recruit-in nila? Mga sigangkalye? Mga maton sa Tondo? Mga patapon sa bilangguan? Mga utak-talangka lang ang mga opisyales ng fraternity na ‘gumagawa ng hazing’sa kanilang mga recruits. Hindi ba dapat na sa halip na manakit ng kanilang mga recruits ay mag-isip na lamang ang mga officials ng mga frats ng magagandang bagay na puwedeng ipagawa para matigil na ang kulturang hazing? Galing naman sila sa mga magagaling na paaralan at edukadong mga pamilya, kaya panigurado na makakaisip sila ng mga mas makabuluhan na gawain bukod sa manakit sa mga recruits. Tama na, tigilan na ang hazing. Me batas na nga tayo hinggil dito, pero, hindi yata naipapatupad ng todo. Bakit kaya? Dahil ba malalaking tao at personalidad sa lipunan ang karamihang may-ari ng mga prestihiyosong schools na santambak ang frats sa loob ng kanikanilang campuses, at, malaking batik sa kanilang schools ang pagkakasangkot sa mga ‘deaths of students thru hazing?’ Talaga lang siguro na karamihan sa ating mga Pinoy ay mahirap matuto, ayaw matuto ó mahina mga ulo. -0Na-ambush umano si Atty. Reynaldo Esmeralda, currently NBI deputy director for technical services, nuong Martes ng gabi sa tulay ng Estero de Paco, Apacible St., Paco, Manila. Dalawang hindi pa nakikilalang suspects ang nagsagawa daw ng pananambang kay Esmeralda . Ayon sa report, nirapido ng naka-backride sa isang motorsiklo ang sasakyan ni Esmeralda gamit ang isang Baby Armalite (M-16) pero ang nakakapagtaka ay ni hindi raw nakaputok ang mga security detail ng NBI deputy director na nasa back-up vehicle. Kahit umano sina Esmeralda at mga bodyguard nito ay hindi nakaganti ng putok, na dapat ay natural na reaksyon ng mga alagad ng batas lalo na yaong mga beterano na at sanay sa barilan gaya ni Atty. Esmeralda. Pero ang labis na ipinagtataka ng MPD ay kung bakit hindi hinintay ng mga tauhan ni Esmeralda ang SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operatives) ng MPD at sa halip ay pinulot lahat ng basyo ng M-16 na ginamit sa pana¬nambang at saka dumeretso sa ospital para ipagamot ang mga sugatang sina Esmeralda, ang kapatid nitong si SPO1 Nilo Esmeralda at ang driver-bodyguard na si SPO1 Danilo Ostia. Hindi rin umano pinapasok ang SOCO team ng MPD sa NBI headquarters sa Taft Avenue para magsagawa ng ocular inspection sa Land Cruiser na binistay ng bala ng M-16 Baby Armalite na ginamit ng mga tumambang kay Esmeralda. Bakit kaya? At bakit kaya agad na naisip ni Esmeralda at ng kanyang boss na si Justice Secretary Leila de Lima na may kinalaman ang nangyaring ambush sa pagkatanggal ni Magtanggol Gatdula bilang NBI director kasama ang 10 iba pang ahente ng NBI na sangkot sa umano’y kidnapping ng Haponesang si Noriyo Ohara? Well, si Atty. Abraham Espejo na abogado ni Gatdula naman ang nagsabi na posibleng “ambush me” ang nangyari kay Esmeralda dahil sa maraming “inconsistencies” sa mga pangyayari kabilang na ang pagtawag agad ni Esmeralda kay Secretary De Lima pagkatapos ng pananambang. Ayon pa kay Espejo, ang natural na reaksyon ng isang ambush survivor ay tawagan kaagad ang kanyang asawa at mga anak para sabihing ligtas na siya. Pero, sa kaso ni Esmeralda, ang Boss na si De Lima ang unang niyang tinawagan. Bakit kaya? Ang tanong ngayon ay ano kaya ang malalim na dahilan ngpag- ambush kay Esmeralda? May ambush ba talaga ó di kaya “ambush me” ang nangyari? Abangan natin ang matinding teleseryeng ito mga kakabsat. -0Gaano karaming Pinoy ang sumusubaybay sa impeachment trial ni Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona? Ayon sa isang huling malawakang survey, iilan lang ang interesado. Basahin natin ito: Sinusundan ang impeachment 25%. Pinapanood ng live sa TV ang hearings - 7%. Ang pinagkukuhanan ng mga impormasyon tungkol sa impeachment ay ang TV Patrol o 24 Oras. Undecided kung guilty o hindi si Corona - Majority. Nais na nais na ma-impeach si Corona - 17%. Naniniwalang dapat ma-impeach si Corona - 17%. Gagalangin ang desisyon ng Senado - Majority. Magra-rally kung ma-abswelto si Corona - 7% . Magra-rally kung ma-impeach si Corona - 4%. Inaasahang babantayan ng bayan ang pakikialam ng Pangulo sa Media. Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier In Cooperation With... Agnes Miranda T. 905-760-8677 M. 416-702-9693 Proud To Announce..... THE SEARCH IS OPEN FOR..... 2nd Anghel ng Tahanan Canada 2012 (2nd 2nd Miss Caregiver Canada 2012) 2012 GRAND CORONATION NIGHT: November 17, 2012 KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER 1133 Leslie St. Toronto Corner Eglinton Ave. East and Leslie St OPEN TO ALL CAREGIVERS; NO AGE RESTRICTIONS; NO REGISTRATION FEE PRIZES: Finalists will receive participant trophy!!! 2ND ANGHEL NG TAHANAN CANADA 2012 WINNER * One (1) Round Trip Ticket to the Philippines * Appearance in GMA 7 “Walang Tulugan” German Moreno Show * $500.00 Cash * Beautiful Trophy from WFG * Crown; Sash; Bouquet of Flowers “For Reservation Please Call:” + SPECIAL AWARDS: 1st Runner Up: * $300.00 Cash * Beautiful Trophy from WFG * Crown; Sash; Bouquet of Flowers 2nd Runner Up: * $200.00 Cash * Beautiful Trophy from WFG * Crown; Sash; Bouquet of Flowers Cecille Araneta @ 647-409-4445 or Email: [email protected] : Ramon Datol @ 647-588-7844 or Email: [email protected] Miguel Caducio @ 416-275-6093 or Email: [email protected] : Edward Que @ 647-205-3900 or Email: [email protected] “PART OF THE PROCEEDS GOES TO THE CANADIAN AID RELIEF PROJECT (CARP) 2012 PROGRAMS” Design By M. Caducio Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 37 Classified Ads Philippine Courier SUDBURY WELCOMES THE DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA Recently Regent EstelitaPanganibanStewart together with twenty (20) members of the Daughters of Isabella, Queen of Peace Circle 1297, joining 50 other delegates totalling 70, headed to Sudbury, Ontario for the 9th Biennial Convention of the DOI Trillium Ontario State Circle. On Friday evening, a fellowship among the delegates of the eight (8) local Circles that comprise the State Circle was held at the Christ the King Church Hall. At the awarding night, eight members of Our Lady of Peace Circle 1297 , Charter Member and State Regent Ligaya Cana, Past Regent Arceli Catli, Past Regent Rozy Ponferrada, Past Regent Mercy Maliglig, Past Regent Dolores Bautista, Sister Nonita Carpio, Sister Tess Ma- morno, Sister Olymfia Monfero received Certificates of Recognition for being “silver”members of the Circle. It was down to business on Saturday morning as workshops were conducted and the delegates were accorded the pleasure of the presence of International Vice Regent Ms. Rachel Ducharme. Also, the State Board officers apprised the congregation with their individual reports. The afternoon witnessed the election of the State Board Officers headed by State Regent Ma. Ligaya L. Cana, charter member from Our Lady of Peace Circle 1297, conferring to them a renewed mandate with a slight modification as State Secretary Mairead Nicholls and State Treasurer Lois Lemieux switched posts. Much later in the afternoon, a Memorial Service for deceased members was observed followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by State Chaplain Father Trevor Scarfone. The installation of the newly re-elected State Board Officers followed after the Holy Mass. Saturday culminated with a banquet held at the Radisson Hotel. The delegates were honoured with the presence of Most Rev. Jean-Louis Plouffe, Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie. Recording Secretary Aimee Maravilla co-emceed the programme with State Vice Regent Cindy Chretien. Musical performances were rendered by soprano Lilac Cana and violinist Maryse Cyr. It was a double treat for our Past Regent Arceli “Eli” Catli as she was cited “Daughter of the Year”. Again, it was time for the ladies of the Queen of Peace Circle 1297 to display their terpsichorean gift as they danced to their signature number, Pearly Shells and To You Sweetheart, Aloha, which capped the festive evening. CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1 4 7 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 19 21 23 26 29 30 31 33 34 36 38 Bird Empty space Star of Panday (abbrev) Before, poetically Zoo animals homes North American country Snake like fish Isolated Cut Egyptian paper (plr.) Wagon pullers Impatient Chest bones Volcano buried city Bell stroke Kimono sash Sri __ Take to court Fogs Swelled Philippine currency 38 5 Past 6 Hard boiled egg. 7 Most amusing 8 Pounds per square inch 9 Japanese (slang) 11 Drug rings 12 Gender 18 Shrill bark 20 Gray sea eagle 22 Large eastern religion 24 Melancholy 25 Luge 26 Magnificence 27 Off-Broadway award 28 Capitol in Jefferson City 29 Philippine beast of burden used for farming. 32 Japanese dresses 35 Exceed 37 Picnic pest 39 What a snake skin 39 Banana leaf encased is delight. 41 Compass point 40 Organization of Petroleum 43 Put on __ Exporting Countries 44 Bulb flower 42 Gain 45 Northeast by east 46 Promissory note 46 One (tagalog). 48 Steam bath 47 Fat 50 Anger 49 Purple yam. 51 Title of respect 52 Jostle Solution to December 2011 issue 53 Chest bone 54 Boxer Muhammad 55 Aye 56 Compass point Down 1 Converted war vehicle used for passenger transport. 2 Region 3 Bark in pain 4 NW Spain region Name that Vehicle Early automakers couldn't decide on a common name to describe their machines. Among the candidates were automation, electrobat motor fly, oleo, locomotive, and motoring. The eventual winner was automobile, an 1876 French coinage meaning "self-movable." The word car (ultimately from the Latin carrus, meaning "two-wheeled wagon") first hit the scene 20 years later. Name Game. The Toyota Motor Corporation was founded by the Toyoda family in 1937. In Japanese, the name Toyoda takes 10 strokes to write, while the trade name Toyota takes 8. Because a numerologist advised that 8 is a luckier number than 10, we now drive Toyotas and not Toyodas. Ooops! Hara-kiri, suicide done as a ritual by cutting one's bowels open, has long entered the English language, where it becomes a loose,figurative substitute for "self-destruction" (e.g., "political hara-kiri"). Ironically, the Japanese do not use hara-kiri when referring to the ceremony performed by high-ranking Japanese to avoid disgrace. They speak seppuku, which is actually of Chinese origin. WORD WATCH Huramentado: from the Spanish juramentado, meaning "bound by oath." Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 Philippine Courier Feb. 7 - Mar. 6, 2012 39