Filipino Star
Transcription
Filipino Star
Step up and join the trade professionals. Become a PREPARE FOR A NEW CAREER! E N R O L L AT GILMORE COLLEGE CITP Register now at Gilmore College. Tel.514-485-7861 November 2006, Vol. XXIV, No. 11 Be prepared for the global economy www.filipinostar.org CALL 514-485-7861 Jubilant Filipinos acquire own church By Alvin D. Veloso Zamboanga Del Norte Tourism Page 16 Contents Community News . . . . p. 10-11 Philippine Cuisine . . . . . p. 12 Classified Ads . . . . . . . p. 12 Photo Gallery . . . . . p. 14-15 To u r i s m . . . . . . . . . . . p. 16 Global Perspectives . . . . p. 17 Entertainment . . . . . p. 18-19 Health & Science . . . . . p. 23 The new Filipino Catholic Mission Church - St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 8500 boul. St. Laurent After years of waiting, parishioners of Nôtre Dame des Philippines Catholic Mission of Montreal finally have a church of their Montreal Community Leader Awarded Story on Page 10 own and can bid adieu to the problems they once had with space, scheduling and use of facilities at Nôtre Dame des Neiges and St. Denis. As the "maître chez-nous" so to speak, the church will be able to See Page 4 Filipino Catholic Mission _ Gilmore International College marks its 17th anniversary Story on page 7 by Cristina Pa-ac Fely Rosales-Cariño, the only Filipino Canadian who received a TOFA trophy in Washington, D.C., this year sponsored by the FIL-AM Image Magazine., on September 22, 2006 Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi, Director-General of Gilmore College stands by while Ambassador Jose Brillantes hands out a certificate to a Cambodian student, Somanear Cheam, October 28, 2006. 2 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 Filipino Solidarity Cooperative will start offering special discounts to members EDITORIAL The Filipino Solidarity Cooperative, merchandise that Filipinos want and need. popularly known as Divisoria Cubao, has been Attractive deals are now being offered to full in our community since July 2005. It was pledged members only. There is a 10-cent featured in the Star in August of that year, discount per item bought anytime and $1.00 off for each 20-kg bag of rice purchased by explaining how it started and its mission. First of all, it is important to point out the members during weekends. There is also a purpose of establishing a cooperative. It is 5% discount given to a member who buys at behaviour. However, they are often topics of designed to provide services to its members the Coop on his or her birthday. Moreover, a conversations and indiscriminately used as the reasons for all kinds of conflicts in the political, social and economic arena. Unfortunately, the more we tell ourselves we suffer from this malaise, the more it becomes a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Moreover, It is quite embarassing to hear our fellow citizens say that we have a “crab mentality” as we are actually condemning ourselves to be so jealous of one another, as if we wish others to fail simply because we know we can not succeed. On the other hand, if we turn our attention to changing that negative self-image of Filipinos, perhaps, we can convince ourselves Photo taken during the general assembly and election of new directors held on October 22, 2006 that we are basically nice people and that we by being able to procure goods and sell to member who buys $35 or more will be given care about one another. In fact, we hear them at a price lower than anywhere else. a raffle ticket in the draw for a gift basket about people who have done good deeds Members can also earn dividends when the every month. More special discounts will be without any publicity - they just help their Coop makes a profit. They can also get offered to members in the near future in order fellow citizens without expecting anything in patronage dividends from their purchases. to attract more memberships and to increase return. Take for example, Laila Elumbra who The Coop is run democratically; each member sales. All fully paid members are requested has received support from many people who has one vote, regardless of the amount of to bring or send an ID card size photo to the are complete strangers to her, yet, they feel shares one owns. There are laws that govern Coop in order to make their ID cards. To happy just to have done something for her, cooperatives. Directors are elected for a term cover the cost of plastic lamination, a modest like visiting her at the hospital and praying for of 2 or 3 years. The coop that we have is one fee of $3.00 will be charged. This ID card is her recovery. of the most flexible as it allows members to be required in order to enjoy the full benefits of Lately, it is quite heartening to note that our either users or workers. It has the capacity to membership in the Coop. a community seems to be moving towards a create employment in our community and realization that unity and cooperation is the also to be involved in the selling of popular only way to go. Hence, if our leaders begin to encourage this “bayanihan” spirit, and they become models themselves, it should gradually transform our self-image and break our old habits of putting our fellow citizens down. After all, we should be encouraged by 4711 Van Horne Avenue, Montreal, QC H3W 18 the example of the FCMM’s members who exemplified the true “bayanihan” way of life. They worked hard behind the scenes in doing More choices, fund raising, doing all kinds of jobs for the competitive prices! • Frozen/Refrigerated • Barong Tagalog • Phone Cards products benefit of the FCMM. They should all be • Health, Beauty and • Dry Goods congratulated for their hard work. Although Home Care • Fruits & Vegetables we have acquired a church of our own, the Products • Canned Goods, Oil, work continues for we have to maintain it. • Ladies, Childlren’s Vinegar, Spices Certainly, there are many more challenges Wear • Juice, Soft Drinks, that need to be met and obstacles to be • Souvenirs Snacks hurdled but if we keep on working together, • Miscellaneous new • Rice, Cereals, “bayanihan” style, nothing seems impossible. items added daily Noodles At last, we can say, Filipinos in Montreal, Canada have a reason to be proud and to be jubilant. a Filipino “bayanihan” spirit should transform our self-image If ever we find ourselves lamenting our lack of identity, we only have to remember that there is one genuine trait that is typically Filipino - the “bayanihan” spirit that we unconsciously practice wherever we are. We are happy to note that the recent move of the Filipino Catholic Mission of Montreal is a good example of “bayanihan.” Many FilipinoCanadians gladly came to help in the big move on October 21, to its new location on 8500 boulevard St. Laurent. There is no doubt that without the united effort of all those who volunteered their time and effort, the move would have not been easy. Father Francisco Alvarez is indeed lucky to have so many willing hands to do the repairs and renovations that must be done in a hurry to prepare St. Thomas the Apostle premises for the new parishioners. Bayanihan is quite a popular word that is used as a name like the Bayanihan Dance Troupe. In a sense, it seems synonymous to charity work and volunteerism. It is quite often demonstrated when people move to a new home or apartment. Friends and neighbors help out in lifting boxes, furniture, etc. and in loading them into a van or even in their own vehicles to help someone who cannot afford to pay a professional moving company. Oftentimes, “bayanihan” is also demonstrated in big events like town festivals and celebrations of national holidays. It seems that “bayanihan” is quite a natural part of our lives as we often just go ahead and spontaneously participate in doing something we know is needed. Realizing that “bayanihan” is a wonderful trait of Filipinos, we think that it should have been easier for us to be united because it implies “working together” willingly and enthusiastically. Ironically, it seems that this wonderful trait is overshadowed by negative ones like “crab mentality” and overzealousness in politics. There is nothing wrong with politics per se but it becomes a dirty game when it is pursued for purely personal profit. As far as crab mentality is concerned, that actually seems to be often cited as one of the reasons why Filipinos do not do well in business because there is no concerted effort to patronize fellow Filipinos who are in business. All of these complaints are, of course, not founded on scientific studies of human Divisoria cubao Filipino Solidarity Cooperative Tel. 514-733-8915 Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Tangkilikin ang sariling atin para umunlad Help yourself by supporting your own cooperative. The Noth American Filipino Star SUBSCRIPTION Name:___________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________ Telephone: Residence:____________ Office: ________________ Enclose a cheque or money order for: 1 year or 12 issues$28 2 years or 24 issues$45 4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse (5th Floor) Montreal, QC H3W 1X3 Columnists Tel.: 514-485-7861 Enquiries: [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] Riza Esmeralda Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Lourdes Fabia Lina V. Fernandez Entertainment News Dr. Victor Gavino Chief Editor & Publisher Hilda T. Veloso Sam Ferry Prof. Isaac Goodine Community News Editor Ast. Editor - News - Tourism Esther Stansfield Nida Verginom Butaran Anna May Tappan Bert Abiera Mary Joy Lizarondo Alvin D. Veloso Founder Sales Representatives Opinions, comments of writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that of the management of Filcan Publications, Inc. www.filipinostar.org November 2006 The North American Filipino Star Accused coup plotter Honassan captured November 15, 2006 A former Philippine senator and army colonel who was allegedly among key plotters of February's failed coup against President Gloria Arroyo has been arrested. A veteran of coup attempts in the 1980s, Gregorio 'Gringo' Honasan has been on the run since he was charged over the February plot, which prompted Arroyo to declare a weeklong state of national emergency. He had evaded a nationwide manhunt for nine months, forcing frustrated police chiefs to offer a five million peso (100,000 dollar) bounty on his head. Joint army and police intelligence operatives spotted Honasan in Manila late Tuesday and tailed his vehicle to the exclusive Greenmeadows residential enclave near the military headquarters in suburban Quezon city. "The team arrested him after a brief chase," national police chief Director General Oscar Calderon told a news conference after the capture. In fact, Honasan injured his right foot when he In this framegrab released by the Philippine National Police, PNP, former Senator and Army Col. Gregorio 'Gringo' Honasan, right, is booked by authorities at PNP headquarters in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines following his capture early Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006. tried to elude arrest by jumping from the second floor, hoping to climb over the concrete fence of the building. He was brought to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame, where doctors recommended his temporary confinement for treatment of a "large wound." Two former colonels and close associates of Honasan -- named as Jake Malajacan and Felix Turingan, also implicated in the plot -- remain at large.. Dozens of opposition activists as well as military personnel have, however, been charged since Arroyo accused them in February of plotting to oust her. An Arroyo official declared that Honasan's arrest would lead to political stability in the nation whose citizens go to the polls in May to choose congressional leaders. "The destabilizers' backbone has been broken. We hope they would lose their steam to further pursue plots against government," Arroyo's chief aide Eduardo Ermita said. The 58-year-old charismatic Honasan once described himself as the Philippines' "resident adviser on failed coup attempts". Shortly after he went into hiding, he appeared on public television to declare he would never surrender and called on Arroyo to step down. Honasan is also linked to a 2003 mutiny by some 300 junior officers and men who took over an upscale apartment hotel in Manila to demand Back Pain Is A Modern Epidemic Don’t Be A Victim Back pain is a modern epidemic.80% of the population will experience disabling low back pain at least once during their lives. At this moment 10% of Canadians are in bed with back pain, at a yearly cost of up to 50 billion dollars in lost work, compensation payments and medical bills. Back injury represents 30 % of all worker compensation board claims. Each year, millions of dollars and millions of hours are lost to industry due to low back pain. Opting for back surgery cost approximately 50 thousand dollars per operation. Suffers of back pain pay a personal price, back pain destroys lives. It limits activities and leads to irritability and depression. In 1993 the Canadian Government commissioned a study to be done by health economists. The study known as the Magna Report was done to determine which method of health care is most cost -effecient,safe and highest in terms of patient satisfaction. The 216 page report became a landmark Canadian study,demonstrating that society must turn away from traditional therapies of drugs or surgery for management of low back pain. Treatment used by Chiropractors, physiotherapists and medical practitioners were all examined and compared. A summary of the findings of the Magna Report ,based on scientifically valid clinical studies shows that : “Spinal adjustment applied by chiropractors is shown to be more effective than alternative treatments for low back pain.” The literature clearly and consistency shows that major savings from chiropractic management come from few and lower costs of auxiliary services, much fewer hospitalizations and a higher significant reduction in chronic problems, as well as levels of duration of disability.” The truth is that in most cases you don’t even know that your spine is out of alignment, and a small move ex. bending down or sneezing will be unbearable .That’s not when the problem started that’s when the body is asking you for help. If you are suffering from low back pain or pain anywhere in your body, you need not to live with it any longer. You don’t have to be a victim, why limit yourself because of pain and hope it goes away? It usually doesn’t it only gets worst. Chiropractic can add years to your life and life to those years. You simply must experience it to truly understand it. ! Call for your appointment today (514344-6118) We are offering you a special price for your initial consultation; normally $210.00 will be offered to you at $45.00. ACT NOW this offer is only valid for two weeks and for the first 18 callers. You can call Dr. Goel at DECARIE SQUARE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC (located at 6900 Decarie Blvd #340, near Human Resources Canada). Dr.Sima Goel Gilmore Students Christmas Party Sunday, December 17, 2006 1:00 to 5:00 PM 4950 Queen Mary Penthouse Call 514-485-7861 www.filipinostar.org 3 Arroyo quit. The rebellion was crushed in less than a day, the ringleaders arrested and detained at barracks, although Honasan remained free. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales said Honasan had sent out surrender feelers last month, in exchange for the government dropping charges against him. The request was denied. "Senator Honasan is involved in all cases. In all the coup d'etat attempts he is involved. His finger prints are always in every attempt at destabilization," Gonzales said, adding Honsan would later face court charged over the plot. Armed forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Bartolome Bacarro said Honasan's support from the military ranks has dwindled and warned that troops and police were working together to flush the remainder out. In the 1970s, Honasan was aidede-camp to defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile, the enforcer of then president Ferdinand Marcos's brutal martial law. But in 1986, Honasan led a cabal of colonels, backed by Enrile, to foment popular unrest against the dictator. Marcos discovered the plot and Honasan and Enrile holed up at the military headquarters and called on civilians and others for protection. See HONASSAN page 10 4 From Page 1 The North American Filipino Star Filipino Catholic Mission continue as the center of liturgical celebrations, devotions, and observance of Filipino religious customs and traditions. Examples of these celebrations are the Sto. Niño Feast in January, the "Pabasa" and Easter "Salubong" during the Holy Week, "Flores de Mayo", Pangasinan’s “Our Lady of Manaoag”, Bicol’s “Our Lady of Peñafrancia”, Tanay’s “San Ildefonso” in May, and the week-long "simbang gabi", the hallmark of cleaned the place. Renovations and repairs are progressing well and are almost complete. After its canonical installation on December 10, 1989 by the late Paul Cardinal Gregoire, the Nôtre Dame des Philippines Catholic Mission, the first and only Filipino Mission in North America, has grown, becoming a fully functional church and a vibrant community of Filipino Catholics in Metropolitan Montreal. Two masses are held on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., novenas Fr. Francisco Alvarez, PME, pastor of the FCMM church poses with Our Lady of the Philippines. Filipino celebration of the yuletide. Nôtre Dame des Philippines is the patroness of the Mission; San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, the first Filipino saint, is the secondary patron. His feast is celebrated in September. The Filipino Catholic Mission moved to its new location at 8500 Boulevard St. Laurent on October 21, after it had received the nod from JeanClaude Cardinal Turcotte and an acceptance of the offer to sell by the wardens of St. Thomas the Apostle. Fr. Serge Laverdure, CssR, their parish priest, welcomed the takeover by Filipinos. Financing of the sale is being provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal. The church is beautiful; its presbytery is spacious for the priest's residence, offices and rooms for catechetical ministry, and other pastoral ministries but it needed renovation and repair after years of disuse and neglect. Known for the Filipino “bayanihan” spirit, members came in droves to do the work and to the Mother of Perpetual Help on Wednesdays and to the Sto. Niño on Fridays, with masses following both devotions at 6:00 p.m. The last Sunday of the month, liturgies are held in Pilipino, the national language of the Philippines, whenever there are no special scheduled animations. It annually performs around 80 to 100 baptisms, 15 weddings, 30 confirmations, 25 first communions and funeral services. The FCMM is blessed with hardworking presbyteral team led by Fr. Francisco Alvarez, P.M.E., pastor for the last 10 years. Fr. Roger Bégin, also a P.M.E., a retired missionary in Davao, looks after Evangelization and Bible Discovery. Three Filipino sisters, all Philippine-based, were sent by their congregations to help in the Mission Sr. Luz Paderanga, O.P., works as the parish fiscal; Sr. Elizabeth Relacion, M.I.C., in charge of the Legion of Mary and Sr. Mila Gomez, M.I.C., part-time volunteer for pastoral formator. Jose "Butch" Aracena, the only layman on November 2006 the team, serves as the pastoral assistant. He is also the head of the Ministry of Praise which is composed of four different choirs that provide beautiful songs and hymns. These groups are the life and soul of liturgical celebrations in the FCMM. On occasion, priests of the Foreign Mission Society of Quebec, mostly retired missionaries in Davao, Philippines, attend and help out during celebrations of big events. Fr. Gérard Loiselle, P.M.E., in particular, has been a valuable help since the start, performing tasks he is requested to do. He also replaces the pastor during his absence. The FCMM has a team of Administrators of six, chaired by the pastor; a pastoral council and a variety of ministries such as worship, family life, Legion of Mary, youth, evangelization, catechetical, prayer groups, Knights of Columbus, care of the sick, St. Martha’s Club and the Kawan ng Panginoon. The acquisition of St. Thomas the Apostle Church is the culmination of years of searching, coordinated by the Office of the Cultural Communities initiated during the time of Monsignor Mario Paquette, the Episcopal Vicar then for cultural communities, who is now the Secretary General of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in Ottawa. Côte des Neiges, where most Filipinos gravitate, was originally the preferred area for a permanent church, but none was forthcoming. Flexibility became the code word for the search which resulted in the Mission's relocation to St. Denis after the departure from its temporary location at Nôtre Dame des Neiges. Hopes were initially high to acquire St. Denis. Monsignor Pierre Coté, S.J., whose jurisdiction at the time included St. Denis, preferred the Filipinos to take over. Monsignors Pierre Blanchard and André Desroches had also hoped for the same, but, at the end, the Fabrique prevailed. Unfazed by their dwindling numbers, the decision was to keep the church and wanted the Filipino Mission out. This sudden turn of events created a rupture in the relationship between the two communities and hastened the departure of FCMM. Finally, Divine Providence came to the aid of the Mission. St. Thomas the Apostle became available. Monsignor Michel Parent, the present Episcopal Vicar for Cultural Communities and Chancellor of the Archdiocese offered the church after he had consulted with Monsignor Pierre Blanchard who has territorial jurisdiction of the property. What a day, indeed, to celebrate this milestone event of the acquisition of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and say, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it." "Hic est dies quem fecit Dominus; exultemus et laetemur in eo." To mark this occasion, preparation is underway for a grand celebration to coincide with the feast of Nôtre Dame des Philippines in December. On Sunday, December 10, at noontime, there will be a Thanksgiving Mass marking the 17th year anniversary of the Canonical Installation of the Filipino Mission that will be attended by church and civic dignitaries, members and guests. A hospitality reception will follow at the church's social hall to acknowledge the help of church authorities, members, volunteers, sponsors, benefactors and friends of the Mission. The dream to bring a Filipino priest to Montreal and eventually have a church was first broached in the early 70's when Mr. Veloso, the president then of the FAMAS, met Fr. Mario Paquette with a group of officers and members of the Filipino community. Also invited to that meeting was the late Fr. Gagne, P.M.E. The maze involved in the process, timing and the financial responsibility required to bring a priest to Montreal put the proposal in abeyance but kept the torch alive for the fruition of the dream. Suddenly, in the early '80s, some individuals caught on the idea, and bypassing proper channels, brought Fr. Carmelo Gosioco, a former Jesuit, to Montreal. The Archdiocese of Montreal eventually consented to Fr. Gosioco's presence and cooperated with the community in the process. Fr. Mel, the tenacious ex-Jesuit, was determined to establish a Filipino Mission, and "per aspera" through hardships, finally savored the realization of his initiative "ad astra" to the star, with the canonical installation of Nôtre Dame des Philippines Catholic Mission. True to his Jesuit upbringing, he always attributed his success to the "Greater glory and honor of God "Ad majorem Dei gloriam," or to borrow the Benedictine motto, "That in all things, God may be glorified." "Ut in omnibus, glorificetur Deus." The Filipino Catholic Mission of Montreal is a non-territorial parish which technically makes all Filipinos, parishioners of the Mission. All are always welcome, regardless of F. FARHAT LUNETTERIE 10% off For Students & Seniors Eye examination on site • • • • Guess Easy-Clip Versace and many more designer rands Bring this ad to get 5540 Cote des Neiges (cor. St. Kevin) 1274 Mount Royal East www.filipinostar.org 10% discount. 514-340-0135 514-527-8201 residence, to participate in the FCMM’s ministries and activities. The establishment of the Mission, notwithstanding some early setbacks, has brought the best in the Filipino: resilience, tenacity, devotion and loyalty which make up the core of the Filipino identity. Through thick and thin, pioneers and present members of the Mission have remained loyal and deserve praise. They are the unsung heroes and although human praise has eluded them, they are certainly precious in the eyes of God for their work and contributions. a For information, you may contact the FCMM office at 514-387-5292. 2nd Filcan Idol Grand Finals Sunday, November 18, 2006 7:00 P.M. DB Clark Theater Concordia University 1455 Maisonneuve Blvd Contact: Ariel Tan 514-570-3698 5 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 Notre-Dame-des-Philippines Catholic Mission Filipino Catholic Mission of Montreal 8500 Boulevard St. Laurent Montreal, Quebec H2P 2M8 Tel. No. (514) 387-5292 Calendar ADVENT and CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Dec, 10, 2006, Sunday 17th anniversary of the canonical installation of the Mission Fiesta Mass 11:30 AM No 5:00 PM mass SIMBANG GABI Masses will start Dec. 15 - Dec. 23, 7:30 PM 11:30 AM Mass No 5:00 PM Mass 8:00 PM Mass of the LORD’S NATIVITY 12:00 noon – CHRISTMAS DAY MASS No 5:00 PM mass 11:30 AM – Mass ; No 5:00 PM mass 7:00 PM - New Year’s Eve Thanksgiving Mass 12:00 noon – NEW YEAR’S DAY MASS No 5:00 PM mass 11:30 AM - Mass - FEAST OF STO. NINO 2:00 PM – SINULOG ‘ 07 Dec. 24, 2006, Sunday Dec. 25, 2006, Monday Dec. 31, 2006 Sunday Jan. 1, 2007 Monday Jan. 21, 2007 Sunday Pamaskong Handog 2006 Bill Wong Restaurant 7965 Boul. Decarie, Montreal Saturday, December 9, 2006 12 noon Sponsored by SAMAHANG MAKABAYAN Chairperson: Ms. Elvie Maximo President: Mr. Benny Parial Tel No. 514 737 8645 Apha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Montreal Inc. Foundation Day and Christmas Party Saturday, December 16, 2006 6:00 p.m. Bill Wong Restaurant 7965 Boul. Decarie, Montreal President: Bro. Romy Valenzuela Tel No. 514-733-2897 PASKONG PINOY Phil. Folk Art Society of Quebec Dec. 10, 2006 1:00-5:00 P.M. 6767 Cote-des-Neiges Enjoy your Christmas break! You have no reason to refuse our offer: • Luxury bus tour • Strong Canadian dollars! It is the best time to travel to the United States of America • Enjoy the warmth of Disney World, Enjoy Daytona Beach in Florida • Professional tour guide all the way with you. Orlando Disney World 9-Day Tour $488 (Quad) & Up via Baltimore, Washington, & New York Departures: Dec. 26/30/ Daytona Beach & Orlando Disney World. Magic Kingdom, Universal Studio, Epcot Center, Sea World Cost: Quad $488 Triple: $568 Double: $648 Single: $898 (Cost covers transportation, hotel & tour guide) Not included: Entrance fee, tour guide tips, meals, and insurance Entrance fee: over 9 $US260 (child 3-9) US$220 Tips: US$4.00/adult, US$2.00/child New York / Woodbury 3-Day Tour Depature: December 26, 2006 Washington, DC, New York, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Boston, 5-Day Tour $258 (Quad) & Up Please contact: Gilmore College 4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse, Montreal Telephone: 514-485-7861 $158 (Quad) & Up Associated with Concord Tours & Travel, permit No. 702448 www.filipinostar.org Concord Tours & Travel 1071 St. Urbain R 06 Tel. 514-876-1680 6 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 Souvenir Program Messages for Gilmore’s 17th Anniversary, October 28, 2006 Message du Premier Ministre C’est avec plaisir que je souligne ici le travail exceptionnel du personnel et des administrateurs du collège Gilmore. Depuis 17 ans, ce sont des gens ouverts, un enseignement de qualité et une approche personnalisée qui sont la force motrice de ce milieu de vie tourné vers l’avenir, pour des jeunes qui en sont le cour. Félicitations pour ce 17e anniversaire et bravo aux nouveaux diplômés. MESSAGE DU MINISTRE DE L’ÉDUCATION, DU LOISIR ET DU SPORT Les personnes qui sont rassemblées aujourd’hui à l’occasion de l’anniversaire du Collège Gilmore viennent souligner dix-sept années au service de l’excellence dans le milieu de l’éducation. Jean Charest I am pleased to have this opportunity to underscore the exceptional work of the staff and administrators of Gilmore College. For 17 years now, the driving force of this forwardlooking school community is people with an open perspective, quality instruction, and a personalized approach for the young people at the heart of the establishment. L’histoire du Collège est synonyme d’évolution et de progrès puisque, de tout temps, l’équipe de dirigeants et d’enseignants qui l’anime au quotidien a eu le souci d’adapter la formation qui y est offerte aux besoins des élèves. Les diplômés du Collège Gilmore sont donc préparés adéquatement pour relever les défis qui se posent à eux, en ce début de XXIe siècle. Pour cette raison et pour toutes ces années d’engagement auprès de la jeunesse, j’adresse à l’équipe du Collège mes plus chaleureuses félicitations. Congratulations on this 17th anniversary and bravo to the new graduates. JEAN-MARC FOURNIER Jean Charest Le savoir joue un rôle de plus en plus grand dans le développement de notre ville et l’épanouissement de notre collectivité. Je profite donc du 17e anniversaire du Collège Gilmore et de la remise annuelle des diplômes aux étudiantes et aux étudiants pour féliciter les professeurs, le personnel de l’institution et les parents qui contribuent au progrès de notre société en favorisant la réussite des jeunes. Mes meilleurs voux de succès accompagnent les gradués. ________________________________________ Knowledge plays an increasingly important role in the development of our city and for the growth of our society. On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of Gilmore College as well as the annual issuing of diplomas to students, I would like to congratulate the professors and staff as well as all the parents who contribute to the advancement of our society by encouraging our youth to succeed. I would also like to offer my best wishes of success to all the graduates. Le maire de Montréal, Gérald Tremblay Mayor of Montréal www.filipinostar.org November 2006 7 The North American Filipino Star Gilmore International College marks its 17th anniversary By Cristina Pa-ac “I do not get paid and have no financial profits from founding and owning a school. I would therefore have given up a long time ago if not for my strong belief in education and commitment to the teaching profession.” weather and despite the fact that other organizations held different celebrations in other places that night. Unknown to Mrs. Kharroubi, the people who attended secretly prepared awards to commend her exemplary devotion to the educational and social development of the community by founding her own college, the Philippine Centre Foundation of Greater Montreal; Hilda Veloso, Elenita Belgica and Riza Esmeralda representing the Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec and Kalinangan Dance Troupe; Ben Bade and Alex Robles representing Filipino Solidarity Cooperative; Claro Bermudez, Richard San Miguel, Romeo Valenzuela, Scout Volunteers and Parents gladly given references to them whenever they found the need to move to a bigger college for advancement. Although Mrs. Kharroubi planned the party to be a celebration of the 17th anniversary and graduation of her students, her generosity and appreciation to the people she works with never seems to cease. She Zenaida Kharroubi and Hilda Veloso pose with the teachers, students and their family at this table. This was stated by Mrs. Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi, founder and owner of Gilmore College, the only Filipino owned College in Quebec. Gilmore International College successfully celebrated its 17th year anniversary last October 28 at a dinner-dance party held at Ruby Rouge Restaurant in leading in the formation of the first FilipinoCanadian Scout group in Quebec, in being a volunteer liaison officer for Divisoria Cubao Cooperative and for her tireless efforts in editing and publishing a community newspaper, the North American Filipino Star newspaper. Lorena Padirayon, one of the graduates in the nursing aid program, poses with her teacher, Amy Manon-og, the guest speaker, Ambassador Brillantes, and the Director-General, Zenaida Kharroubi. representing Laging Handa of Scouts Canada. Tears of joy welled in her eyes when she was given these awards. She was deeply grateful that her efforts have not gone unnoticed and were sincerely appreciated. The 17th anniversary was therefore not gave certificates of recognition to the following people for their voluntary work in Scouting: Claro Bermudez, Romy Valenzuela, Richard San Miguel and Nida Butaran (who received her certificate later as she was unable to come). She expressed her Dr. Victor Gavino receives a handshake and a certificate of appreciation from Zenaida Kharroubi. downtown Montreal. The event was attended by approximately 140 people and around 19 organizations were represented. She stated in a short speech how glad she was that a lot of Mrs. Kharroubi was thus greatly surprised and warmly pleased when certificates of appreciation and bouquets of flowers were presented to her by four different Juvy Vales (seated, 2nd from the left), a 1992 Gilmore College alumni, posing with other guests and community leaders, Emma Resurrecion, Hilda Veloso, Vilma Garque, Merly and her friends. people attended despite of the inclement organizations namely: Carmelita Ongpauco Sideco representing the Management Team of Merly San Pedro poses for souvenir with Mrs. Kharroubi and Ambassador Jose S. Brillantes after receiving a certificate of proficiency in English. only a celebration of how the school struggled from its humble beginnings on November 1, 1989. It tells a story of how a courageous Filipino leader single-handedly established an international College that caters not only to Filipino students but also to other nationals of countries such as Korea, Kenya, Tunisia, Ghana, Japan, Greece, Taiwan, Cambodia, Venezuela, France, Romania, Hungary, Cameroon, Tanzania and of course, from Canada It is also the only school that accommodates the budget and time of students and provides a personalized instruction in all its courses. Mrs. Kharroubi also takes pride not only in having been able to help develop the best in her students but also in having provided freelance teachers the opportunity to advance in their careers. Some of them did not have any Canadian experience but after teaching in Gilmore College for a year or two, she has www.filipinostar.org great appreciation to Dr. Victor Gavino who has been a volunteer writer in the Filipino Star since 1998. She donated a $150.00 cheque to the Philippine Center Foundation of Greater Montreal for the Philippine Community Center Building Fund and hopes that every organization will also donate part of their proceeds whenever they hold parties. Mrs. Kharroubi also planned to give the first “Community Volunteer of the Year” award. Unfortunately, the committee for the said volunteer awards composed of Edith Fedalizo (chairperson), and three members, Paul Imperial, Dr. Emmie Pelausa and Fely Rosales Carino, has not received any nominations yet. Fort this reason, the competition for the title of “Volunteer of the Year” will be postponed until such time as there are nominations received, hopefully See Page 8 GILMORE 8 From Page 7 The North American Filipino Star GILMORE before the next anniverary celebration which will probably be held in 2009, Although Ambassador Jose S. Brillantes was supposed to be in Geneva for a UN conference, he accepted the invitation to be the guest speaker and had to make some adjustments to his travel plans. He stated that Gilmore College is very close to his heart. He also said that Gilmore is one success story that should make the Filipino community in Canada proud. He extended his congratulations to the graduates of the different courses and assisted in handing out their certificates. He also reiterated that the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa is always there to be called upon for help whenever any Filipino in Canada needs help. Mrs. Elenita Belgica emceed the celebration. Some parts of the program was Nida Butaran receives her certificate of appreciation from Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi for her shared and coordinated with the Panday Tinig commitment to Scouting and Youth Development. Nida was not able to come during the 17th Chorale Group which coincidentally booked Anniversary & Graduation Ceremony of Gilmore Inmternational College their event at the same place. A dance exhibition was performed by Volvick Edouard, a former Arthur Murray dance instructor and Significant gain made in Laila Elumbra’s case The case of Laila Elumbra which began in the summer of 2005 is now making progress. Lately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has accepted Ms. Elumbra’s application for permanent resident status under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds, under the step one assessment. She would still proceed to the step two assessment to finally gain her permanent residence status. This is a significant gain because she has earned the right of assessing her application for permanent resident status while within Canada. Her order of voluntary departure brought about by her being out of status when she was not able to renew her working permit under the Live-in Care giver Program has been stayed. An application for consideration to remain in Canada on H&C grounds is comprised of two-step assessment: During the first-step assessment, the immigration officer assesses H&C grounds and determines whether a foreign national should be exempted from the selection criteria related to becoming a permanent resident from within Canada. There is no particular case to be met to get approval. The applicant determines what he/she feels are humanitarian and compassionate reasons for his/her particular circumstances and makes submissions on these grounds. It requires an open-minded immigration officer, with a strong sense of natural justice and fairness to render an impartial decision. During the second-step assessment, Miss Elumbra must meet certain requirements. She must pass the security check, the identity check and the medical check. Normally, the NBI clearance will suffice for the security check. Ms. Elumbra has already submitted her NBI clearance. Her valid Philippine passport will suffice for the identity check. Her big obstacle is the medical check because she has been ill with a serious disease. Under medical check, she has to prove that she would not be a burden to the health and social services of Canada. That is, she would not be in and out of the hospital frequently and she would not be under social welfare while remaining in Canada. Ms. Elumbra made submissions which See Page 11 Laila Elumbra www.filipinostar.org November 2006 his student, Svetlana Doudko. Door prizes donated by students and guests were raffled and the proceeds were given to the Laging Handa Scout Group. The College will offer soon an intensive training program for registered nurses who are graduates from other countries. This program is designed to integrate and familiarize them with the Canadian health care system, particularly in Quebec. An application for accreditation has been submitted to the Quebec Ministry of Education last September and if approved, the College will be able to offer for the first time a college level course in nursing this coming school year. The College also offers a variety of other programs and courses designed to meet the needs of a global economy. People interested to learn and develop themselves can contact the College at (514)-485-7861. a 9 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 anything to chance - she even installed a foot spa which will surely pamper her customers’ tired feet. She has also acquired the latest Welcome back, Alicia! is better to make an appointment by calling her at 514-731-8881. (Please refer to the advertisement on this page.) By Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Alicia Atayde has made a lot of her customers happy when she announced the opening of her new beauty salon on 6210 Decarie corner of Van Horne in Montreal under the new name “Ajennat Coiffure.” She was greatly missed by those who used to go and she has established her beauty salon on a very strategic location that is close to the main road and accessible by bus as well as by Plamondon Metro which is located a few blocks away. On October 21, 2006, she inaugurated her This photo shows partial inside view of Ajennat Coiffure. Alicia Atayde (3rd from the left) poses with Ambassador Jose Brillantes and other guests durng the inauguration. His Excellency, Jose S. Brillantes cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the new unisex salon, AJENNAT COIFFURE. Alicia Atayde (on the left, front row), holds the ribbon with her husband, Thomas Lee, who is on the right beside the Ambassador. to Salon Atayde because she was noted for her great facial massage, artistic make up, and anything else related to making women look their best. Now, she is back in business new salon and invited His Excellency, Jose S. Brillantes, the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, as her guest of honor. Ajennat Coiffure is very well equipped and attractively furnished. Alicia did not leave equipment for facial message - a comfortable reclining bed, steamer, and nice background music. When this writer tried out her services from “head to toe”, she completely convinced her that she is an expert. Not only does she prove to be a professional beautician but she also shows that she loves her work. The future looks bright for this young businesswoman. In a matter of weeks, she has already served many customers who come either by appointment or walk-in. But it The best and the most beautiful things in the world cannot be touched. They must be felt with the heart Helen Keller From head to toe - beauty and care. Hair • Cut & Set • Blow Dry • Hair Coloring • Highlights & Streaks • Perm • Hot Oil Treatment • Japanese hair straightening (Yuko system) Esthetics Hands & Feet • Manicure • Pedicure • Foot Spa & Scrub Body • Massage • Waxing • Brazilian Waxing 6210 Decarie Boulevard Montreal, QC H3W 2J9 • Facial • Eyebrow Shaping • Make-up & Hairdo for special occasions Gift Certificates available www.filipinostar.org 10 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 Community News Montreal Community Leader awarded in Washington, D.C. Fely Rosales-Carino is known to be a pioneer in organizing community associations. She held positions in several civic associations and was one of the founding members of the Quebec Association of Canadian-Filipino Teachers, Inc., FilipinoCanadian Friendship Association of Quebec and served as the first president of both associations. Among the positions she held were: Secretary, Filipino-Canadian Association of West Island (FCAWI), 1984; Director, Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec, 1985-1986; Vice-Chairman, Philippine Benevolent & Scholarship Society recognition of their dynamic leadership and unwavering support of activities enhancing a positive Filipino image in the United States and Canada. The awardees came from all over the United States. Montrealers that were there to witness the occasion are Manny and Purita Fausto and their two sons Irwin and Richard, Nenita Saguyod, Hilda and Alvin Veloso, a former 1998 TOFA awardee. Regarding what she has accomplished, Fely ranks her position as president of the Federation as the most significant. “It was a time when delegates from the 19 member-associations really participated From Page 3 TOFA awardees pose for a souvenir photo with the Publisher & Editor of FIL-AM Image Magazine. of Quebec (PBSSQ); President, Federation of Filipino-Canadian Associations of Quebec (FFCAQ), 1988-1990; Member of Abranian Club of Quebec, Anak Ti Ilocos of Quebec, Filipino Association of Montreal and Suburbs (FAMAS), Canadian Association of People Helping People and Circle of Friendly Filipinos of Quebec. Fely Rosales Carino has been recognized for her many contributions to the community. These include: Appreciation and Dedicated Service award from the Protestant School Board of Chateauguay. In 1999, she was one of the recipients of the Ten Most Outstanding Filipino Canadians award given by the Binibining Pilipinas of North America, Toronto. For her outstanding record of accomplishments, she had been chosen to be this year’s TOFA awardee, the only Filipino Canadian among the 20 Filipino-Americans who received awards on September 22, 2006. The FIL-AM IMAGE magazine honored Twenty Outstanding Filipino Americans ( TOFA ) in the United States and Canada with a gala dinner held at the J.C. Marriott Hotel in Washington DC. There was also a reception the night before honoring them at the Philippine Embassy hosted by Ambassador Willy Gaa who is the current Philippine Ambassador to the United States. Mr. Nonoy Mendoza, Editor and publisher of the FIL-AM IMAGE magazine and the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Willy Gaa presented the trophies to the elite batch of the Circle of Leaders in and were allowed to vote. Through them, I Fely Rosales Carino, 2006 TOFA awardee with Alvin Veloso who received the same award in 1998. heard the voice of the community and we followed the constitution,” she said. Her advice to future community leaders is simple and straight: “Follow the constitution, then you can never go wrong. Attend meetings and listen to the global mind of the community.” Some of the previous TOFA awardees are : Leticia Bulotano- Wheeler, Dr. Jake Aranda, Dr. Gene Santander, Alvin Veloso and the Panday Tinig. a The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their life by altering their attitude of mind. William James HONASSAN Filipinos trooped onto the streets to serve as human shields to keep Marcos' forces from crushing Honasan's men. That sparked the "people power" revolt that installed opposition leader Corazon Aquino as president. Honasan, however, would later turn on Aquino, leading several bloody coup attempts. He was captured in 1987 only to later escape. In 1989, Honasan and his allies launched their deadliest coup attempt, occupying key points in the capital and even major airbases, and using captured aircraft to bomb the presidential palace. Honasan's forces did not retreat until US jet fighters buzzed the city. Honasan was given amnesty and later won a Senate seat when Aquino stepped down and was replaced by former police general Fidel Ramos, who was also a key player in the 1986 revolt against Marcos. In a statement, Presidential Adviser Carolina Hernandez said that among the key recommendations of the Feliciano Commission was to "enforce the law against all violators…to control and reverse the culture of impunity (among) erring officers, troops and civilian partners in coup plots." Hernandez said she is confident that the rule of law and due process would be strictly observed in dealing with the pending cases against the former senator. a Gilmore Alumni & Students Christmas Party December 17 Call 514-485-7861 for info. Need Money? Do you have a full time job? If yes, call (514) 344-1499 AND GET CASH NOW! Good & Bad Credit Accepted www.filipinostar.org Press Release No. 20-2006 06 November 2006 Over 1,000% increase from previous registration period Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose S. Brillantes today commended the respective overseas absentee voting (OAV) teams of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver for the smooth and successful conduct of OAV registration in Canada. Registration for overseas Filipinos ended on 31 October 2006. “I congratulate the deputized Comelec representatives at our Philippine consular offices in Canada not only for ensuring the sanctity of the registration process, but also for making registration as convenient as possible, notwithstanding the constraints that Filipinos in Canada face in terms of time and distance from our posts,” Ambassador Brillantes said. The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa recorded the highest percentage increase during the OAV registration period which began in October 2005, with four hundred eighty two (482) OAV registrants, compared with forty seven (47) in the previous registration period. The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto registered a total of one thousand four hundred thirty eight (1,438), a 100% rise from seven hundred thirty four (734) during the 2003 registration period, while the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver had eight hundred nineteen (819) registrants at the end of the 2006 registration period, against four hundred twenty two (422) in 2003. Ambassador Brillantes said these figures indicate greater involvement and participation among Filipinos in Canada in future elections. sighted and will violate existing international tax treaties, Liberal Finance Critic John McCallum said today. "Reversing this longstanding policy and making Canadian nationals living overseas vulnerable to double taxation would be nothing more than a cash grab," said Mr. McCallum. "It would almost certainly backfire by making Canada a less inviting destination for the foreign nationals. Likewise, it would impede Canadians ability to explore opportunities around the world." Mr. MacKay recently told a Senate Committee that the government is considering imposing a tax on Canadians living abroad under a second nationality. Such a policy would force Canadians working abroad to pay income tax to both the Government of Canada and to the government of their country of residence. "There are Canadians all over the world living with dual citizenship," said Mr. McCallum. "To all of a sudden impose some arbitrary tax on Canadians living abroad would violate tax treaties we have signed with dozens of countries that allow for the free movement of people and capital." Mr. McCallum also noted that imposing an income tax on dual-citizen Canadian nationals living abroad would also seriously reduce the country's domestic tax base by opening up the possibility of foreign dual-nationals in Canada to face double taxation in their other country of citizenship. "This is yet another example of the Conservatives hiking taxes while professing that they are a government of lower taxes," said Mr. McCallum. "First they raised Canadians personal income taxes in the 2006 budget, and then they announced that they would begin taxing income trusts, now the personal income of Canadians living abroad is in their sights." a Contact: Conservatives Looking at David Hurl Office of John McCallum Taxing Dual Citizens OTTAWA - Nov. 8, 2006 The Conservative Government's decision to consider the imposition of new taxes on Canadians living outside the country who want to keep their Canadian passport is short 11 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 PHILIPPINE EMBASSY, OTTAWA REGISTERS 482 OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS AS REGISTRATION WRAPPED UP ON 31 OCTOBER (613) 996-3374 Annua\l Gilmore Christmas Party - December 17, 2006 Join us! Call 514-485-7861 Filipino Solidarity Cooperative receives CDEC grant On October 21, the Filipino Solidarity Cooperative on 4711 Van Horne Avenue received the balance of $10 000 of the first grant approved for its start up which totals For the next three months, the objective is to increase the sales of the Coop but this will be difficult if the cash flow is low. The most immediate source of cash is the Ben Bade, president of the Filipino Solidarity Cooperative (left) holds cheque and contract with Zenaida Kharroubi who helped in doing the liaison work for the Coop. Mr. Claude Lauzon (right), director of CIDEC, stands by. The cheque for $10 000 is the balance remaining of the $25 000 start up grant. $25,000. The first cheque of $10 000 was already received in April 2006 while the amount of $5 000 will be issued to pay for the auditing services of Gosselin & Associates, the accounting firm that did the financial statements of the Cooperative. The board of directors of CDEC (Corporation de Developpement Economique Communautaire Code-des-Neigs/Notre-Dame de-Grace) has approved another subsidy in the amount of $40 000 but subject to the condition of getting a $25 000 loan which the Coop should obtain from another lending institution. The deadline to obtain this loan and qualify for the subsidy is March 31, 2007. The first business plan submitted was not acceptable and must be revised to meet the criteria of ACEM and Investissement Québec, lending institutions for cooperatives. Since the Coop has already operated, real sales figures must be provided in this business plan to show that it is a good credit risk. membership. Although there are 590 members who signed up, only about 130 have fully paid $100. The Coop is sending a letter, appealing to those who have not fullly paid for their memberships to pay their balances in order to build up the cash flow which will be used to buy more merchandise. By having more merchandise available, the sales target of about $30 000 monthly may be met. Members are therefore urged to help by patronizing the Coop more often. Mr. Jason Prince, Social Economy Agent of CDEC, is working closely with the Coop. He provides the invaluable service of assisting the new board of directors in meeting the challenges of maintaining the viability of the Cooperative and in making sure that proper procedures are followed. He has recommended that meetings of the board be held at least monthly to keep everyone informed. (See article on page 2 of this issue regarding advantages of membership). a Laila Elumbra designated medical officer, who will examine her in due time, that she is fit to work and could be self sufficient. According to Dr. Chang, she could be fully recovered in a few months by undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the Constance-Lethbridge Rehabilitation Center at N.D.G.. She must prove now that she would not be perpetually dependent on others. For this reason, Julie Parado, an active member of the steering committee, has sought for a volunteer work for Ms. Elumbra in which she would be given a stipend for a three-hour work per day at a minimum of three days per week. In order that Ms. Elumbra would be able to meet the French Language requirement during the Selection for Acceptance by Quebec, Ms. Parado has arranged for Ms. Elumbra a slot to get into a French Immersion Course during weekends at Gilmore International College. Evelyn Calugay of PINAY and Tess Tessaluna of the Immigrant Workers” Center have engaged Ms. Elumbra for a four-hour a week volunteer work to further show that she is a productive contributing member of the Canadian society which would add points to her From Page 8 are indeed worthy of humanitarian and compassionate consideration that made the immigration officer handling her case accept her application. This is made possible through a group of individuals who formed an ad hoc steering committee to undertake the “Campaign for Laila Elumbra to Remain in Canada.” The submissions were properly thought of and deliberated on to make it credible for approval. Marlene Birao Schachter, the steering committee chairperson, sees to it that the members meet on emergency calls in order to arrive at submissions that are concrete and credible. She also sees to it that the necessary funds for processing fees and incidental expenses are always available. Some of the people who provided references and support are: Dr. Harvey Chang, M.D., FRCPC, Ms. Lois J. Aitkens, Ms. Deserie Lyon Howe, Ms. Judith Kovalski, Mayor Michael Applebaum, CDN/NDG Borough, Rev. John Lyng, Tess Agustin, Jose Calugay, Felix Salazar, and Marlene Birao. Ms. Elumbra to pass the medical check, she must endeavor to get fully rehabilitated from the weakening of her four limbs to show the www.filipinostar.org admissibility to be a landed immigrant under the second step assessment. a 12 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 Philippine Cuisine Lapu-Lapu en mayonesa (steamed grouper with mayonnaise) When ready to serve, remove the skin from the fish, arrange on a platter, coat evenly with mayonnaise and garnish with alternating layers of egg, carrot, relish and parsley. Bibingka (Sweet Rice Cake) 1.5 kilos red lapu-lapu (grouper) 1 tbsp sea salt 1 tsp freshly ground pepper 1 tbsp fresh calamansi juice 30 g leeks, julienned 20 g ginger, julienned 150 g mayonnaise Garnish 2 hard boiled eggs, whites and yolks chopped separately 100 g boiled carrots, finely chopped 100 g pickle relish, chopped 3 tbsp chopped parsley Clean and scale the fish and season with salt, pepper and calamansi juice. Top the fish with leek and ginger and cook in a steamer for 20-25 minutes. Set aside to cool, then chill in the refrigerator. 2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine 6 eggs 2 cups milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cup mochiko (sweet rice flour) 2 tablespoons baking powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix sugar and melted butter. Add eggs and mix until blended with sugar mixture. Add milk and vanilla. Mix. Add sweet rice flour and baking powder. Mix well. Pour into a 9 x 13-inch pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads ADVERTISING 9. 99 First 3 lines $1.50 per extra line (maximum 4 words a line, font size 10 Classified Advertising- cheapest way to advertise! Call 514-485-7861 Ads must be prepaid. Send text via E-Mail to: [email protected] or Fax: 514-485-3076 COMPUTERS • Business Data Base • Repairs & Trouble Shooting • Web Page Design Call Joseph - 514-651-9745 514-630-9701 ext. 273 COURSES Centre 2000 Professional Training Institute Specials for December • • • • • • Dental Assistant Pharmacy Assistant Nursing Aide Daycare Provider Security Agent French Course (conversation) Info: Call 514-342-1000 4950 Queen Mary Rd. Suite 351 (Front of Snowdon Metro) Big Room in an upper duplex, quiet, bright, clean, heated, newly painted, share duplex with 2 other ladies $300/month, non-smoker Call 514-485-7861 LECHON TUTORIAL BigD's Lechon, telephone number (514) 426-9088 or www.bigd-lechon.com. Early childhood education courses to prepare you to work with children’s centers, day care or your own home day care business. Call : 514-485-7861 DRIVING Quebec certified driving instructor with 11 years experience in giving driving lessons. Exam car vailable Toton 514-969-9622 DRIVING LESSONS * Car available for EXAM * 1 hour practice only $25 (tax incl.) * Many examples of first time success * packages available MR. KHALIL (514) 965-0903 ROOM FOR RENT Garage, infront of Jewish General Hospital, $100/month Call 514-793-2524 DAY CARE COURSE BUSINESS FOR SALE Pizza restaurant on Van Horne Avenue, excellent potential, attractive location, wellequipped, reasonable price Call owner at 514-928-6822 GARAGE FOR RENT MOVING Anywhere in Canada Contact Joseph - 514-651-9745 • Mathematics • French • Physics • Science 514-485-7861 514-489-6968, ext. 113 WANTED OFFICE EQUIPMENT Caregiver for a nursing home in La Salle, live-in, full time, with references, perm. resident status Canon bubble jet, for 3 paper sizes, color, or black and white, office furniture, etc. Call 514-485-7861 PSW (P.A.B.) Get your professional training from a reputable school, good references, Enroll in nursing aid course starting in Jan. 2007 - flexible schedules and budget payment plan. Call 514-485-7861 to register by appointment www.filipinostar.org 514-595-5474, 514-773-4007 WANTED General Employees and Fork Lift Drivers Phone 514-570-8429 November 2006 Earth Talk From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that driving with soft tires wastes energy and results in more pollution? -- Nanci Graham, via e-mail When tires are not inflated to the pounds per square inch (PSI) rating recommended by manufacturers, they are less “round” and require more energy to begin moving and to maintain speed. As such, under-inflated tires do indeed contribute to pollution and increase fuel costs. An informal study by students at Carnegie Mellon University found that the majority of cars on U.S. roads are operating on tires inflated to only 80 percent of capacity. According to the website, fueleconomy.gov, inflating tires to their proper pressure can improve mileage by about 3.3 percent, whereas leaving them under-inflated can lower mileage by 0.4 percent for every one PSI drop in pressure of all four tires. That may not sound like much, but it means that the average person who drives 12,000 miles yearly on under-inflated tires uses about 144 extra gallons of gas, at a cost of $300-$500 a year. And each time one of those gallons of gas is burned, 20 pounds of carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere as the carbons in the gas are released and combine with the oxygen in the air. As such, 13 The North American Filipino Star any vehicle running on soft tires is contributing as much as 1.5 extra tons (2,880 pounds) of greenhouse gases to the environment annually. Besides saving fuel and money and minimizing emissions, properly inflated tires are safer and less likely to fail at high speeds. Underinflated tires make for longer stopping distances and will skid longer on wet surfaces. Analysts point to under-inflated tires as a likely cause of many SUV rollover accidents. Properly inflated tires also wear more evenly and will last longer accordingly. Mechanics advise drivers to check their tire pressure monthly, if not more frequently. The correct air pressure for tires that come with new vehicles can be found either in the owner’s manual or inside the driver-side door. Beware, though, that replacement tires may carry a different PSI rating than the originals that came with the car. Most new replacement tires display their PSI rating on their sidewalls. Also, tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, as internal pressure increases when the car has been on the road for a while, but then drops when the tires cool back down. It is best to check tire pressure before heading out on the road to avoid inaccurate readings. As part of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act of 2000, Congress has mandated that automakers install tire pressure monitoring systems on all new cars, pickups and SUVs beginning in 2008. To comply with the regulation, automakers will be required to attach tiny sensors to each wheel that will signal if a tire falls 25 percent below its recommended PSI rating. Car makers will likely spend as much as $70 per vehicle to install these sensors, a cost that will no doubt be passed along to consumers. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some 120 lives a year will be saved once all new vehicles are equipped with such systems. CONTACTS: Carnegie Mellon Today, “Save Gas, Money and the Environment with Properly Inflated Tires,” www.cmu.edu/cmnews/extra///050921_tire.html; FuelEconomy.gov, “Keeping Your Car in Shape,” www.fueleconomy.org/feg/maintain.shtml. GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or email: [email protected]. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php. --------------------------------------------------------Dear EarthTalk: What exactly does “not tested on animals” mean on a product, like a shampoo? Where can I find products that are completely not tested on animals and are also eco-friendly? -- James Masarech, via e-mail Many consumer products go through precise testing to make sure they are safe and healthy for people and the environment before they are made available in the marketplace. The downside is that many of these tests make use of live animals. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), safety testing of chemicals and consumer products accounts for roughly 10 to 20 percent of the use of animals in laboratories (or approximately two to four million animals) in the U.S. The majority of animals used in product tests are rats and mice, but dogs, cats, sheep, hamsters, guinea pigs and primates are also used. Significantly more animals are used in biomedical and other kinds of research, but the use of animals in product testing figures prominently in the animal research controversy because it questions the “ethics and humaneness of deliberately poisoning animals [and] the propriety of harming animals for the sake of marketing a new cosmetic or household product,” says HSUS. Governments often mandate that certain products, such as drugs, automotive fluids, garden chemicals and food additives, be tested on animals. In other cases, such as with cosmetics, personal care and household cleaning products, companies voluntarily test on animals to better understand the pros and cons of using certain ingredients, to see what effects a given product or ingredient will have on living systems--and to demonstrate due diligence should their products harm someone and a lawsuit be filed. In response to these widespread practices, advocacy groups like HSUS and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaign vigorously to eliminate or reduce the use of animals in product testing, even recommending boycotts of companies that continue to voluntarily engage in what they argue is both cruel and unnecessary. This advocacy has been effective, as more than 500 cosmetic, personal care and household cleaning products manufacturers have vowed to stop testing their products on animals. In 2003 the European Parliament approved a Europe-wide ban on the use of animals in cosmetics testing. Set to go into effect in 2009, the prohibition also mandates that no beauty or hygiene products tested on animals elsewhere be sold inside the European Union. Some exemptions do exist, however, such as products tested for toxicity or for their potential effects on human fertility. Some animal advocacy groups see these as unacceptable loopholes likely to undermine the ban or push back its implementation. In 1986 an international group of animal protection organizations that includes HSUS formed the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). The coalition urges cosmetics and household products manufacturers to sign on to a “Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals” policy and agree to not conduct or commission animal tests or use any ingredient or formulation that is tested on animals. Companies portray the coalition’s “leaping bunny” logo on products as proof of their commitment. CCIC publishes a pocket-sized “cruelty free” shopping guide which can also be downloaded from its website. CONTACT: CCIC Shopping Guide, www.leapingbunny.org/pdf/ccicguide_full.pdf. GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or email: @emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php. EarthTalk Questions and Answers About Our c/o E/The Environmental Magazinenonprofit publication***28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851PHONE: (203) 854-5559/(X106) - FAX: (203) 866-0602 E-mail: [email protected] P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881 U.S.A. RESTAURANT LA MAISON NEW KUM MON 6565 Cote des Neiges, Montreal, 5047 Henri Bourassa Est Montréal, QC H1G 2S1 QC (Corner Appleton) Tel.: (514) 322-3133, 322-3130 Bean Curd Seafood Soup 1/2 Crispy Chicken Salt and Pepper Pork Loin Stuffed Bean Curd with Shrimps Sauted Seasonal Vegetables Steamed Rice $37.95 4 Persons Bean Curd Soup 1/2 Crispy Chicken Shrimp Cake with Chinese Broccoli Sweet and Sour Pork Seafood with Bean Curd in Hot Pot Salt and Pepper Squid Fried Sea Bass Fish Steamed Rice $63.95 6 Persons F R E E D E L I V E RY Minimum order of $10 Delivery hours: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. www.filipinostar.org Fish Maw Seafood Soup Baked Lobster with Ginger Seafood with Chinese Broccoli Saltand Pepper Cuttle Fish Fried Sea Bass Fish Steamed Rice $58.95 4 Persons Fish maw seafood soup 2 Baked Lobsters with Ginger Seafood with Eggplant in Hot Pot Stuffed Bean Curd with Shrimp Seafood with Chinese broccoli Fried Sea Bass Fish House Fried Rice Special Fried Noodles $125.95 10 Persons 514-733-6029 514-733-1067 For party menu, call Kenny 14 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 The North American Filipino Star Photo Gallery Claro Bermudez and Richard San Miguel of APO are busy presenting Halloween costume contestants, November 4, 2006 at St. Kevin’s Church Hall. Cristina Pa-ac, Anna May Tappan, Mary Joy Lizarondo, and Cristeta Pa-ac pose with the unidentified man dressed as an electrical transformer during the Halloween Party of APO at St. Kevin’s Church Hall, November 4, 2006. The children are proudly showing off their parols after two and half hours’ work. Behind them are some parents and guests with Riza Esmeralda, president, Janet Samaniego, vice-president of the Phil. Folk Art Society of Que. The view from the altar of St. Thomas the Apostle Church on 8500 boulevard St-Laurent, now owned by the Filipino Catholic Mission of Montreal, showing the bright lights. www.filipinostar.org The Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec officers and members are busy preparing parol decorations to be used by the kids in finishing their Christmas lanterns (parol), November 5, 2006 . November 2006 15 The North American Filipino Star Gilmore International College 17th Anniversary, October 28, 2006 Hilda Veloso, Riza Esmeralda, and Elenita Belgica representing the Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec and Kalinangan Dance Troupe awarded Zenaida F. Kharroubi a plaque of recognition for her work as an educator and community leader. The “Gilmore Girls” singing “A Whole New World” during their graduation ceremony. From left are: Juvy Perreiras, Charito Cebu, Josie Aquino, Elizabeth Azuelo, and Lorena Padirayon. The Laging Handa Scout Group 0592 members and their families, pose with the Ambassador after presenting their plaque of recognition to Mrs. Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi for her work as administrator. Some of the community leaders reprsenting different associations pose for a souvenir photo with the Ambassador, Jose S. Brillantes. For their commitment to Scouting and youth development, certificates of appreciation were given to Claro Bermudez (left photo) and Richard San Miguel (right photo) Laging Handa Scouts Group 0592 presenting the plaque of recognition and a bouquet of flowers to Group Commissioner Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi who was pleasantly surprised by the group’s gesture. Romeo Valenzuela being congratulated by Mrs. Zenaida Kharroubi shares a good laugh with The Filipino Solidarity Cooperative represented by Ben Bade, president, and Alex Robles, vice-president, giving a Kharroubi after presenting him with a certificate of Ambassador Jose Brillantes. appreciation for his commitment to Scouting. plaque of recognition (in Tagalog) to Mrs. Kharroubi. www.filipinostar.org Mrs. Lita Sideco presented a gift of appreciation to Zenaida Kharroubi on behalf of the “Foundation”, the Philippine Centre of Greater Montreal, Inc. 16 The North American Filipino Star TOURISM Zamboanga Del Norte From Orchid City To Shrine City Dubbed as the “Twin-City Province,” Zamboanga del Norte has been made famous by the beauty and charm of the Orchid City of Dipolog and the historical, rustic quaintness of the Shrine City of Dapitan. Decrying Spanish authority over his beloved country, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero, lived in exile in faraway Dapitan City, then only a sleepy town in Mindanao. Here, he spent fruitfully his last four years in exile, from 1892 to 1896, to practice medicine, pursue scientific studies, keep with his artistic and literary endeavors, and widen his knowledge of languages. In Dapitan, Dr. Rizal found a school and a hospital, and became a farmer to prove to the people that farming is as good a profession as medicine. The original estate of Dr. Rizal in Dapitan has been declared a national shrine. Zamboanga del Norte today is equally famous for Dakak Beach, the province’s foremost natural attraction. The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautfiully shaped cove and powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca in Mindanao. Pristine blue waters, excellent dive sites with an abundance of coral reefs, and a magnificent sunset horizon characterize this tropical eden. Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter private white-sand beach. Zamboanga del Norte is situated in Northern Mindanao. It is bounded on the north and west by the Sulu Sea, on the east by Misamis Occidental, and on the south by Zamboanga del Sur. The main dialect is Cebuano/Visayan. English and Tagalog are also spoken, indicative of a high level of literacy. The original and native Subanen dialect lives on, especially in the highlands. About half of the province’s land area is devoted to agriculture. Corn, coconut, and rice are major crops. Commercial fishing is the other main industry. November 2006 Treehouse located in Pasonanca Park Taluksangay village’s popular mosque Exquisite Yakan weaving Fort Pilar Tradional 'vintas' on the waterfront of the boulevard & sailing on the calm seas Entrance to Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa, or Fort Pilar. The fort with its imposing stonewalls was eventually converted into a shrine. Miraculous powers are attributed to the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patron Saint of Zamboanga City. . A tropical eden: white sand Dakak Beach Things to Do and see This province's major places of interest are Dipolog and Dapitan cities. In Dipolog which is about 2 hours by air from Manila, you will enjoy the beauty of Dakak where you can discover coral reefs while you scuba dive in incredible clear waters. It also boasts of fine white sand and surrounded by exotic flowers and coconut palms. Dapitan is a historical and old Spanish town where most of the interesting sites are associated with the Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal. Exotic Zamboanga is the melting pot of the south. Five tribal groups may be found in and around Zamboanga. These are: the Badjao, Subanon, Sama, Tausug, and Yakan. Though the Muslim influence is seen in the architecture, Zamboanga's population is actually 80% Christian with the remaining 20% mostly Muslim The more popular attractions in the province are: Fort del Pilar; Pasonanca Park with its botanical garden, Rio Hondo and Taluksangay, both villages where members of the Samal Tribe live in their huts on stilts. For shopping, visitors must go to Lantaka Hotel . The nearby sea becomes afloat with Muslim boats with colorful sails called ‘vintas’ , filled with handicrafts such as mats, brassware, and handwoven native cloths. The Sta. Cruz Island, a 25minute boat-ride away from the city is unique because of its pink coral beach while Samal Island is best for swimming and snorkeling. You can also head inland and go trekking to the 3003 Steps of Linabo Peak. Found up high at the foot of the heavens, these concrete steps wind along a tunnel of verdant trees, leading the visitor to a panoramic vista of sky, plains and sea; horizons and a spectacular view of the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. This is Dipolog's highest elevation point - 460 meters above sea level. Savor a rarefied experience, at the very least. a www.filipinostar.org Learn French the fast and easy way Register now at Gilmore International College 514-485-7861 November 2006 Global Perspectives Isaac T. Goodine Canada awakens to the world “The good news, though, is that after a calamitous decade of somnolence, Canada is awakening. It is showing new interest in Parliament, in the Liberal party leadership race, in the streets, on the airwaves, and in the newspapers, where a group of citizens recently took out an ad in the Globe and Mail offering a provocative blueprint of principled foreign policy.” …Andrew Cohen, Professor of Journalism and International Affairs. We applaud Andrew Cohen for publishing his observations published recently in the Ottawa Citizen under the title “Canada awakens to the world”. He is the author of the book “While Canada Slept: How We Lost Our Place in the World” (2004) and in the book he traces how Canada used quiet diplomacy and well focused action planning, backed by firm resolve and commitment to cooperation, to gain the respect of the world and became a major power among the top 192 nations of the United Nations. Most prominent among the many Canadians who contributed to the process 17 The North American Filipino Star was the statesman, politician and diplomat, Lester B. Pearson. He played key roles in: (i) the formation of the Colombo Plan for Economic Cooperation in 1950; (ii) negotiating the United Nations Peacekeeping mechanism in 1956, for which he was awarded the Nobel peace prize; (iii) the establishment of the Canadian International Development Agency in 1967, while he was Prime Minister; and (iv) setting up and leading the Commission on International Development in 1968, after he completed his service as Prime Minister. Pearson accepted an invitation from the World Bank through its President, Robert S. McNamara, to form a Commission and Pearson invited seven colleagues, from different countries, to join him on the Commission. All were imminent persons and one of them, Sir Arthur Lewis, of Saint Lucia, subsequently won a Nobel Prize in Economics for his work in development of human capital. The Commission set up offices in Suite 907, Fuller Building, 75 Albert Street, Ottawa, assembled a staff of fourteen experts in various fields of development from nine countries in both the developed and developing worlds, and began work in August 1968 and about a year later the Chairman submitted the document Partners in Development: Report of the Commission on International Development, to Robert S. McNamara, President of the World Bank, on September 15, 1969. Partners in Development stands as a turning point in relations between rich and poor nations. As sensitive to human problems as it is knowledgeable about fiscal implications, the report is relevant to all major policy decisions concerning the manifold, complex, and urgent problems of development. It was adopted by the World Bank and served as guidance for international development efforts by the major international financial institutions for ensuing decades. The recommendations on partnership for capacity building led the World Bank to increase emphasis on education and training and other agencies followed suit. In particular, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) made a significant contribution to the international development efforts in several countries and this was summarized in a document called “Sharing Our Future” approved by Parliament in 1987 that affirms, in the introduction, that human resource development shall be the lens through official development assistance (ODA) shall be focused. Highly successful partnerships were formed and technology transfer completed by a combination of financial and technical assistance. About 3000 Canadians worked abroad for an average of three years, or about 9,000 staff years of technical assistance, numerous scholarships for study in Canada were financed by the Colombo Plan, CIDA, the World Bank, and by other sponsors of ODA. This worked well, is well documented, and is highly appreciated in several countries. And then came the period that Andrew Cohen calls the calamitous decade of somnolence. Canada withdrew from the Colombo Plan, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, that Lester Pearson had helped to create and also withdrew from the autonomous Colombo Plan Staff College, based in Manila, that Canada had helped to establish in 1973 as a Specialized Agency under the umbrella of the Colombo Plan. Withdrawal from the Staff CANADA See Page 25 Hours: Mon.-Tues. Wed. Thursday -Friday Saturday 8 AM-5 PM 8 AM-9 PM 8 AM-5 PM Closed on Sundays. Fill up your freezer for the winter season. Picnic ham (with bone) Beef Blade steak Pork loin Approximately 15 lbs 1.99lb 2.99lb Half or Whole pork Cut & Wrapped Approximately 200 lbs Boneless leg of ham 1.89lb 3.79lb Pork Spare Ribs 1 litre of fresh blood with purchase 1/2 pork Front quarter of beef 1.19 lb Regular Buffet $7.99 new price effective December 1, 2006 Starts Fri. 5 to 9 pm Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Home smoked meat Christmas Special 2.29lb 8.29lb BUFFET- 15 choices w/ Lechon - $7.99 +taxes Regular smoked bacon 4.79lb Beef short ribs Fresh Belly with skin Sunday, December 3 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 1.39lb 10 lbs & over 2.99lb 2.99lb 4.69lb St.Chrysostome St. Remi St. Edouard Crispy pata available starting Friday and the weekend Pearl of Manila was featured in the Montreal Gazette by Sarah Musgrave in her column “Casual Restos” and in a restaurant guide “Cheap Thrills” sold at bookstores. Special Rate for Private arties (max. 60 persons) Business Hours: Mon. & Tues. - 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Wed. to Fri. - 12 - 9 p.m Sat. & Sun. - 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. 5839 Decarie Boulevard (near Bourret) Montreal, Quebec Tel.: 344-3670 Napierville Fresh pork blood Fresh bacon Fresh liver Pork skin Available 203 Havelock Sherrington Barrington Hemmingford Jackson Road 202 219 Lacolle Sortie Exit No.6 Canada 219 Parc Safari Class Covey Hill Road Boucherie Viau Inc. Malone Moders U. S. A. Champlain 83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0 Tel.: (450) 247-2130 or (450) 247-3561 www.filipinostar.org 15 18 The North American Filipino Star Who Is Regine's Mystery Lover? KC Reunites With Gabby KC Pangilinan (formerly Concepcion) and her real father, Gabby Concepcion, had an emotional reunion recently in San Francisco after 10 years of living apart. KC had officially adopted her stepfather’s (Senator Kiko Pangilinan) surname. “I thought, ‘He’s exactly the way I pictured him to be.’ I’d known him all along pala,” KC wrote about her Papa in an e-mail to The Philippine Daily Inquirer from Paris, where she is a junior in college. “We ate out [a lot] -Vietnamese and Japanese food. Also at Cheesecake Factory, one of my favorite restaurants in the US. We went around San Francisco... We hit the beach. We couldn’t not do that. My childhood memories of him are mostly being with him in Anilao, Batangas. Everything I know about the ocean, I learned from him. Also, I met all my cousins and saw all my aunts and uncles (father’s side) again. That was the biggest highlight for me,” KC wrote. She met her dad’s wife, Genevieve. “They don’t have kids yet, but his wife’s really nice. She never made me feel like an outsider. I was initially apprehensive, but she was the first to joke that it’s okay if I decide to stay with them forever! At night, I’d call my Mama (Sharon Cuneta) and she (Genevieve) didn’t mind even if I used up her phone cards! We cooked together. I’d text my Mama to ask about recipes and the best marinade for tuna.” She added, “Just seeing him in the flesh appeased some of the confusion I had. I finally got to ask my Papa things I had wanted out of my system. Now, I have a better understanding of exactly what happened.” a Regine Velasquez recently made a shocking revelation that she had been carrying on a love affair with a nonshowbiz guy for the past four years now. “And this person that I am right now is making me so happy,” she disclosed. “He’s making my life so colorful. Masarap naman talaga na you have somebody to share whatever success you have. To share life with him, di ba?” “Medyo matagal-tagal na rin kami. Magaling lang talaga akong magtago ng secret. Kasi nga parang gusto ko naman na parang sa akin na lang muna ito. I’m sure naman na maiintindihan ninyo ako eh. One day, I will definitely announce who the guy is,” she continued. “Ganun lang naman ‘yon. At alam ko namang nirerespeto ninyo ako.” Then she added boisterously, “Basta, ang alalahanin na lang ninyo, hindi na virgin ang lola ninyo! May experience na! Hello?” Rumors have linked her to singer-composer Ogie Alcasid but both have denied they were carrying an affair. Regine is preparing for an upcoming major concert at the Araneta Coliseum, titled Twenty, to mark her 20 years in showbiz. a It's Borgy, Not Imelda, For Mayor of Manila The latest word from the Marcos camp is that it’s the grandson, not the grandma, who’s running for mayor of Manila next year. Ilocos Norte Representative Imee Marcos said it’s her son Fernando Martin “Borgy” Manotoc -- and not her mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, as earlier announced – who would seek Manila’s mayoralty post in the coming May 2007 www.filipinostar.org November 2006 polls. Borgy, 23, is the eldest of three sons of Imee and former husband Tommy Manotoc and is the Marcoses’ eldest grandchild. In a press statement, Imee disclosed that her mother would be Borgy’s campaign manager instead. Imee said her mother has convinced Borgy to seek the post of outgoing Mayor Lito Atienza "since he has lots to offer to the people of Manila, particularly the youth." "Borgy comes from Tondo. His dad, sportsman Tommy Manotoc, hails from Gagalangin, Tondo. Borgy’s grandparents are all from Tondo. Borgy’s lineage and roots are all native residents of Manila," she said. Imee said her mother, who was once Metro Manila governor, “still has a strong influence and charisma among the people in depressed areas in Manila." Borgy, a fashion ramp and commercial model, will be ranged against established political names that include Senators Panfilo Lacson and Alfredo Lim, Representatives Rodolfo Bacani and Joey Hizon, former Rep. Mark Jimenez, Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna and Ali Atienza, son of Mayor Atienza. a Loren Admits Separation What had been a staple of high society’s rumor mills is now an open book. Former senator Loren Legarda has finally admitted on national TV that she and her husband Tony Leviste had been separated for about two years now. The couple has two sons, who are staying with their mother. Appearing recently on Korina Sanchez’s television program on ANC, Korina Today, the 46-year-old losing vice presidential contender in the 2004 elections said, “I am a happy, single parent.” Asked if she would consider marrying again in the future, Loren replied, “I don’t think so.” Before Leviste, Loren had a short-lived marriage to a guy surnamed Aranda. Loren’s admission would hopefully put to rest the rumors about the true state of her second marriage to the former Batangas governor, who is about 20 years her senior. Loren has a pending electoral protest against Vice President Noli de Castro. The case could be prejudiced, however, if she runs for senator in the May 2007 polls, as is widely expected. a November 2006 Break na sina John at Vanessa Inamin na ni John Estrada na hiwalay na sila ng kanyang Fil-Canadian girlfriend na si Vanessa del Bianco. Pero wala daw third party sa kanilang break-up. Mutual decision daw nilang dalawa ito ni Vanessa. Nagtagal din nang limang taon ang kanilang relasyon. “Mahirap talagang magmaintain ng long distance relationship, magkalayo ang bansa namin, iba pa rin ‘yung nasa isang lugar lang kayong dalawa,” ani John. “Alam mo naman kung gaano ko kamahal ang taong ‘yun. I don’t mind kung malaki ang gastos sa pagpunta sa Canada, mahal mo ang tao at gusto mo siyang makasama, kaya bale wala lang sa akin ‘yun,” kuwento pa ni John. Sa isa 19 The North American Filipino Star pang pahayag ni John, busy daw sila ni Vanessa kung kaya’t minabuti nilang mag-break. “Si Vanessa kasi, nagaaral sa Canada. Ako naman, may mga anak ako rito, at the same time, eh, nandito ang career ko. Nagsisimula na ’kong mag-taping ng teleserye sa Dos. Masakit sa amin, pero kung ano ang nararapat, ’yun ang ginawa namin.” At kung saka-sakali daw na may manliligaw kay Vanessa, alam niyang sasabihin sa kanya agad iyon ng dalaga. At maging siya ay ganoon din ang kanyang gagawin. Limang buwan nang hiwalay sina John at Vanessa pero hanggang ngayon ay kay Vanessa pa rin tumitibok ang kanyang puso, sabi ni John. a 2 Pinoy Teams In 'Amazing Race Asia' Actress Aubrey Miles There are two teams from the couple has tried a range of sports Philippines entered in the first-ever including diving, hiking, and rockAsian edition of “The Amazing Race.” climbing. These days, the couple plays One is led by actress Aubrey Miles different sports: Jeena enjoys horseand the other by publisher Ernie jumping while Ernie participates in Lopez. They are among the 10 couples adventure racing and tennis. The who will compete in for the grand prize Amazing Race Asia selected from a of $100,000. Aubrey Miles is teamed broad spectrum of people from various up with her best friend, Jacqueline Yu, Asian countries since the call for who works as a professional model. participation was made in February. "It "They jokingly associate was a tough process, but after much themselves with Paris Hilton and Nicole deliberation, a diverse group of Richie," according to the AXN-Asia contestants living in different parts of website. Ernie Lopez, brother of ABS- Asia, of various backgrounds and life CBN chairman Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez experiences were thrown into the mix III, is paired with wife Jeena. Ernie is to outrun, outsmart and conquer in the head of ABS-CBN Publishing which race," AXN said. The Amazing Race prints Metro Magazine and the Asia will be broadcast exclusively on Philippine edition of Maxim. The Lopez AXN later in 2006. a Dayanara Torres Returns to Manila I am Not Anorexic – Zsa Zsa Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres returns to the Philippines as poster girl for Beverly Hills 6750, a new surgical center in Makati City specializing in plastic surgery. Beverly Hills 6750 medical director Eduardo Santos said that as an image model, Dayanara “provides credibility to the whole business with her wholesome image and professional reputation.” The Puerto Rican model-actress was only 18 when she won the Miss Universe title in 1993 in Manila. She stayed in the country and made movies here until 1998. She was once the girlfriend of Aga Muhlach. Dayanara was married for four years to Marc Anthony, a Puerto RicanAmerican singer-songwriter popular for his IZsa Zsa Padilla is vehemently denying reports that she is anorexic. (Anorexia is defined as lack of appetite for food. Full anorexia nervosa refers to a psychological illness, especially in young women, characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat.) The rumors began when people noticed the Divine Diva’s “rapid loss of weight.” But Zsa Zsa explained that her loss of weight had been due to her hectic schedule. She recently finished the soap Bituing Walang Ningning, appears on the salsa music who later married American actress-singer Jennifer Lopez. Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor expressed his optimism about Dayanara’s decision to endorse the country’s booming medical tourism industry. “We are encouraged by Miss Torres’ decision to endorse a local company, and the Philippines as a whole, as a hub of wellness and rejuvenation,” Defensor said. “As an international celebrity, she will help attract interest for the country. I think she has the credibility to pull in the tourists and she has a strong affinity with Filipinos.” a www.filipinostar.org Sunday show ASAP, and is currentlyshooting Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Regal Films’ an entry to the December Metro Manila Film Festival. Zsa Zsa plays a superwoman in Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. The part, she says, is physically exhausting, what with all the fighting and flying scenes. She said she had to lose weight as the costume is skimpy. Her shapely body must have sparked the rumors that she’s anorexic, she said. Anorexic or not, Zsa Zsa at 40 is a goddess of beauty. Just ask Dolphy. a 20 The North American Filipino Star Thousands evacuated as typhoon Chebi leaves Philippines November 12, 2006 More than 8,000 people were evacuated from their homes as typhoon Chebi departed from the Philippines Sunday, moving further west into the South China Sea, authorities said. The typhoon left two people injured and forced some 8,280 people in San Jose City in the northern Philippines to flee to evacuation centres due to flooding, the civil defence office said. Several roads in the northern Philippines were rendered impassable due to landslides and swollen rivers with the water in many major dams reaching critical levels due to heavy rains. However, there were no immediate reports of deaths or people missing after the typhoon weakened as it cut across the northern part of the main Philippine island of Luzon Saturday. As of 4:00am Sunday (2000 GMT Saturday), typhoon Chebi, packing maximum winds of 120 kilometres per hour, was located 120 kilometres west of the town of Iba in Zambales province, moving west at 17 kilometres per hour, the government weather station said. All storm alerts were lowered, except for the first level storm alert in the westernmost provinces of Pangasinan and Zambales, the weather station said. The Philippines is still recovering from typhoon Cimaron, the strongest cyclone to hit the country in more than 10 years, which left 38 people dead or missing late last month. a November 2006 Gloria tells detractors: Forget about power grab November 17, 2006 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has vowed to make sure that the Feb. 24 coup will be the last power grab attempt against her administration until her term expires in 2010. “We must put coup threats in the dustbin of history, and coup plotters in jail. The people are tired of adventurism and seek opportunities to move up and forward in an atmosphere of political stability,” the the past eight months after he was implicated in the Feb. 24 power grab attempt that forced the President to place the nation under a state of emergency for a week. Prior to the aborted coup, there had been several destabilization attempts against the President by groups citing her alleged election rigging as basis for the change of government through extra-judicial means. Philippines defense secretary quits November 5, 2006 Philippine Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, one of President Gloria Arroyo's most senior aides, resigned suddenly, the presidential spokesman said. "Secretary Cruz has submitted his resignation, but President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is not taking any action," presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said in a short statement to the press. The defense department confirmed Cruz submitted a letter of resignation to Arroyo during a brief meeting earlier in the day. Cruz could not be independently reached for comment but sources said he had told the president his resignation was "irrevocable". Cruz, a successful lawyer before he joined the cabinet, is presiding over the modernization of the armed forces, a project with major support from Manila's key ally the United States. The project is aimed at improving the forces' ability to resist communist and Muslim separatist insurgencies. He is also supervising the prosecution of a number of past and present officers, including at least one general, accused of either plotting a coup against Arroyo or of defrauding the government in military supply contracts. Before his appointment as Defence Secretary, Cruz had served as Arroy's chief legal counsel from January 2001 to January 2004. A close ally of the president, Cruz was seen by many as a man of high principles although reports had been circulating that some cabinet members wanted him out of the government. There has been speculation in the local media that Cruz was opposed to Arroyo's moves to amend the 1987 constitution to scrap the current presidential system of government and replacing it with a parliamentary system. One foreign diplomatic source told AFP that Cruz was highly regarded and was one of the more stabilising forces within her cabinet. "The question now is what will happen to the military reform programme?" the source asked. a President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her address to a television broadcaster's forum at Tagaytay city, south of Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006. President said in her keynote speech during yesterday’s 32nd Top Level Management Conference of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas held at the Taal Vista Hotel. Mrs. Arroyo also lauded the members of the National PoliceCriminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces who were responsible for arresting former Senator Gringo Honasan Wednesday dawn. “I personally commend the operatives who worked on this case. I hope that there will be no more destabilizing our democracy and our Philippine Defense Secretary Avelino economy.” Cruz, pictured March 2006 Honasan had been on the run for Advertise now in the North American Filipino Star Call 514-485-7861 www.filipinostar.org The President quashed the coup that saw the alliance of disgruntled military and communist rebels at the price of losing more popularity points over Proclamation 1017 that imposed a state of emergency in the country. “It is time for solidarity and hard work, and not messing up the lives of our people,” Mrs. Arroyo said. But the Palace is not keen on granting amnesty to Honasan in exchange for the information he plans to give on his fellow coup plotters as well as those who financed the destabilization attempts. a The North American Filipino Star November 2006 Medical tourism a shot in the arm for RP November 6, 2006 The Philippines earned an estimated 200 million dollars this year from foreign patients seeking affordable medical services, the health department said. A quarter million people flew into the country this year for cosmetic surgery, eye treatment or get their dentures fixed, said Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo. It is the first year of government efforts to promote the Southeast Asian A ceramic denture, for instance, can be had for about 1,000 dollars, compared with 8,000 dollars in the United States, she said. Del Mundo said the government expected medical tourism turnover to be between 300 million and 400 million dollars next year, out of a global health care market valued at some three trillion dollars. She said the Philippines now ranked just fifth in the business in Asia, with the Two staff nurses of the government San Lazaro Hospital in Manila attend to patients at the adult infectious disease and tropical medicine department in October 2006 nation as a "medical tourism" site, The program seeks to offer the Philippines as a destination for health care and tourism where patients can go for rest and recreation while recuperating, De Mundo said. Low prices of health services and treatment are the main attractions of the Philippines, she told reporters. field also dominated by Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Singapore in that order. Del Mundo said the government planned to ramp up the business by accrediting more quality hospitals and health care facilities and banking on Filipinos' "unique" hospitality in taking care of patients. 21 6 countries pledge support for RP's peace-building effort November 14, 2006 Six countries that are allies of the Philippines in the fight against the alQaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants have pledged their support to the government's peace efforts and to help develop Mindanao. These were the pledged made by Ambassadors Kristi Kenney of the United States of America; Ryuichiro Yamazaki of Japan; Peter Beckingham of the United Kingdom; Peter Sutherland of Canada; David Pine of New Zealand; and Tony Hely of Australia during their visit here and Basilan on Monday. "These six countries all support myriad development projects in Mindanao, focusing on education and job skills training, small business development, local governance, improved healthcare, agricultural sustainability, poverty alleviation, peace building, and counter-terrorism," they said in a joint statement. "They coordinate their efforts with one another and with the national and local government of the Philippines," the statement added. Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, chief of the military's Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), briefed them about the security situation in a closed-door meeting at Camp Don Basilio Navarro that houses the Wesmincom headquarters in this city. Cedo's command covers Western Mindanao that includes autonomous region's provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and Lanao del Norte. At a www.filipinostar.org present, troops are hot on trail for the Abu Sayyafs in Sulu hinterlands. Camp Navarro hosts US soldiers of the Joint Special Operations Task ForcePhilippines (JSOTF-P), who are helping to train, advise, and assist the Philippine military to bring peace and prosperity to conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. "We are here to know the situation on the ground," said Japanese Ambassador Yamazaki, whose government has poured 5,187 support package for peace and stability in Mindanao. Japan has sent a development and policy expert to Central Mindanao and is now helping the Bangsamoro Development Agency formulate a comprehensive development plan for the conflict-affected areas. The Japanese development and policy expert has joined the Malaysianled International Monitoring Team (IMT) that monitors the peace process between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Australian Ambassador Hely said his government has come up with a program that will uplift the capacity of the Philippines' law enforcement agencies in the fight against local terrorists. Aside from the US, Japan and Australia, the other three countries – New Zealand, Canada and United Kingdom – also have their respective programs aimed at helping the government in its peace building and anti-terrorist campaign. a 22 The North American Filipino Star What to Show and Say Shoot before disaster strikes! It happens everyday. Somewhere in Canada or the U*nited States, a fire or flood destroys homes, valuables and lifetimes of memories. Or thieves steal the possessions and valuables that we thought were safe. It never comes at a good time, and we're never ready for it. Many of the victims of these personal tragedies lose all their belongings and need to start over again. However, the real pain of their loss may not become apparent until they start dealing with their insurance companies and try to collect on the value of their lost goods. Trying to rely on your memory to account for everything after such traumatic events is tricky at best, and the insurance companies usually require some kind of proof that these items were indeed yours in the first place. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Dollars The perfect solution: home inventory on video. Sure, you can make a written list of your earthly goods but such documents cannot capture the detail that video can. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a ten or fifteen-minute video of your belongings can be worth the entire replacement value of your lost items. Having your possessions videotaped and then safely stored away could be your best resource when it comes time to present your claim for lost items to your insurance company. The tape can be as simple as a hand-held, self-narrated walk through your home, or as complex as a fully edited, titled affair with wipes, fades and special effects. But the insurance companies could care less about production value. It's the content that they are after. Clearly understood narration and/or titles can do more than increase production value, they can help adjusters determine the value of your pieces. This article will assist you in using home video to accurately document your possessions in case of catastrophic loss. Keep it Simple Inventory videos are not family history lessons or nostalgic romps down memory lane. An inventory video is a factual record of your valuables. If you narrate this yourselfand there's no reason not to think of yourself in court in front of a judge. Be direct, brief and truthful. If you have records of your purchases, it's a perfect opportunity to try out your macro or close-up lens on your camcorder. Hold the shot long enough so the viewer can read the purchase date, price and product description on the document. Shoot all like items in the same sequence, so you're not jumping from jewelry to clothes and then back to Nanay's favorite necklace. Try to limit the scope of the tape so you don't lose sight of your original purpose to document your belongings. If you take a minute and look around your house, you'll probably be surprised at how much stuff you have. Do you tape everything? And how do you choose between things that have real value and those objects that have purely sentimental value? Well, here's where you become the director. Choose those items that you would declare on your insurance schedule: furniture, TVs and stereo equipment, satellite dish, karaoeki machines, computers, housewares, art, antiques, and of course, video gear. Also include sports equipment, cars and boats, and those special collections you might have (stamps, coins, LP records, beer mugs, etc.) If you work in a home office, make sure you tape items you use in your work. If you have a home studio of any kind, whether for art, music or photography, make sure you show the room and all of its contents. Look in your closets and in the garage and drag out those gems you may have forgotten about. For your voiceover or on-screen narration, clearly state when you bought the item and its cost at the time. Say it in English not in Tagalog or your dialect. If you've had the item appraised within the last year or two, mention the appraised value, and take some closeups of the relevant documents or receipts. (near Plamondon Metro) Tel.: 514-344-9999 Bubble tea with a variety of flavors Break free from personal debt Part of series called “Take Charge of Your Money” from The Philippines Financial Times Debt is one of those things in life that can be seen as good or bad. It’s good when it’s used to invest or purchase things that give a higher return than the cost of borrowing (interest). It can be seen in a bad light when it becomes so big and monstrous that you can’t seem to handle it anymore. The truth is, you have control over the amount of debt you get into. If your debts seem enormous and daunting, try these tips to manage your debt and get out of that rut: 1. Keep control of your cash flow and plan ahead. Regularly keep track of your expenses and money inflows. If you see that there is a need to get a loan a month from now to fund necessary expenses, shop around for a loan with the best terms: affordable payment scheme, low interest, and minimum charges. You can go to banks, savings and loan associations, or the Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System for your loan needs. 2. Avoid making short-term debt a longterm habit. Pay off your short-term debt as soon as possible then be more Steady as She Goes disciplined to avoid going into A tripod is highly recommended for unnecessary debt. home inventory footage. Once you decide what to shoot, you'll want to 3. Protect your credit history. Pay on make sure the viewer will have a good, time or even ahead of the due date for clear look at the object. You don't want your loan or credit card accounts. to draw attention to the shot, but the When you have a good credit history, content of the shot. If you have your banks would lay out the red carpet for jewelry out to tape, for example, lay it you the next time you apply for a loan. against a black background, and move You may get better deals and more or pan the camera slowly over the flexible terms. collection. Make sure the shot is well lit. Start each section of the video 4. Use debt constructively. Apply for a inventory with a master shot, showing loan to finance projects or purchases the entire object or collection, then that would give you a higher return than shoot individual closeups and detail the cost of borrowing. Examples would shots. If you plan to use zooms, make be borrowing to finance your own sure they are slow and steady. Once home, your own business, or higher again, this is not an art piece, so save education for you or your children. that creative urge for your next Also, avoid borrowing to get into highvacation. risk investments. This may be an extreme scenario but you might end up Happy Shooting. a with just the clothes on your back and still be faced with the bill to pay off your loan. Al Abdon Video Hollywood Junkies (514) 264-8706 4715 Van Horne November 2006 Advertise in the Filipino Star Call 514-485-7861 5. Evaluate whether you need to go into debt or use cash. If you want to buy a new car, for instance, weigh the pros and cons of buying in cash versus going into debt. If you calculate the See BREAK FREE page 24 Internet Café DR. EMILIA ESPIRITU CHIRURGIEN DENTISTE / DENTAL SURGEON $27. 99 5790 COTE DES NEIGES RD. SUITE A-024 MONTREAL, QUEBEC H3S 1Y9 www.filipinostar.org PHONE: 54-340-8222 (4077) E-Mail: [email protected] 23 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 Eggs: Good or Bad? First, eggs were good for you. Then, eggs were bad for you. Now, eggs may not be so bad for you after all, and if you love them, you may have them anytime. If you are confused by these winds of change, then you are among a great many. My purpose in this article is to first examine and explain the background for our nutritional recommendations on dietary fat and cholesterol, and second, why some nutritionists have begun to change their opinions concerning eggs. Let me comment on the frustration on the part of many concerning the manner by which health and nutrition recommendations seem to change and contradict each other so frequently over time. Our knowledge and understanding of nature is continually getting better everyday. This means that long-held beliefs will be challenged by new ideas. Many times, the old theories hold up to modern scrutiny. However, in some other instances, more accurate data do not fit accepted beliefs. When this happens, we are obliged to reexamine and refine our ideas and come up with better ones. No better example can be given but the case with health and nutrition. I begin with a history of our understanding of the relation between dietary cholesterol to heart disease, a topic that directly relates to egg consumption. In the 1950s when Dr. Ancel Keys, working at the University of Minnesota, initiated the so-called “Seven Countries Study”, intended to test his hypothesis of a connection between diet and heart disease. This study demonstrated that blood serum cholesterol is a predictor of deaths due to heart disease. The investigators looked at the medical records of people from seven different countries within the years 19581970 and compared it to different environmental, lifestyle and dietary factors which formed their living conditions. They found for example that Japanese in the Tanushimaru and Ushibuka regions had low serum cholesterol (ca. 150 mg/dL) and about a 0.5% death rate due to heart disease. In contrast, people in East Finland had high serum cholesterol (>270 mg/dL) and showed about a 7% death rate due to heart disease. The results from the other countries fell roughly in-between these two extremes. There are notable exceptions that I will come back to later. As a next step, Dr. Keys looked for a relationship between diet and heart disease. Roughly said, he found that in general, a highfat diet is associated with higher death rates due to heart disease. In addition, he found that the association was strongest with dietary saturated fat. If blood cholesterol is a predictor of heart disease, and if dietary fat was also a predictor of heart disease, it is logical to suppose that dietary fat is somehow related to blood cholesterol. Thus was born the so-called “Keys equation” that still forms the basis of current nutritional recommendations concerning dietary fat and heart disease. In short, the Keys equation predicted that dietary saturated fat will increase, while dietary polyunsaturated fat will decrease blood cholesterol. In addition, the equation also predicted that the more cholesterol you eat, the higher your blood cholesterol will be. The impact of the Seven Countries Study and the Keys equation was enormous, changing in a significant way our dietary habits and the practices of the food industry, It also opened a new opportunity for the pharmaceutical industry with respect to cholesterol-controlling drugs. Cholesterol was bad, dietary fat was bad, dietary saturated fat was bad. We were told to avoid eating foods rich in cholesterol, e.g., eggs; we were told to avoid eating foods rich in fat; we were told to use polyunsaturated vegetable oil if we were going to put any fat in our food. Cholesterol-containing animal fat was verboten: Lard contains cholesterol. Therefore, in response to this new nutritional trend, the food industry began to develop and market cholesterol-free vegetable oil rich in polyunsaturates such as corn oil. The coconut oil and palm oil markets shrank significantly. Butter contains cholesterol. Therefore, in response, the food industry, backed by nutritionists, began aggressively marketing margarines that were made exclusively with vegetable oils. The sales of butter dropped dramatically. Dietary fat was bad, because the Keys equation said that dietary fat was a predictor of heart disease. This is a primary reason for the widespread popularity of “fat-free” food products. However, exceptions and modifications began to surface. Certain sectors of the medical-scientific community began to raise important questions, even question the validity of the Seven Countries Study and the Keys equation. The debate still continues. In the meantime, the public feels tossed back and forth with ever-changing opinions concerning the link between nutrition, cholesterol and heart disease. What are these exceptions? I will name a few and conclude with the original subject of this column: eggs. First, it turns out that not all polyunsaturated fat is the same. To maintain good health, it is important to keep a balance between the omega-6 and the omega-3 polyunsaturated fat. The immediate influence of Dr. Key’s studies was an overemphasis on polyunsaturated fat. The food industry, backed by nutritionists and doctors at the time, flooded the market with edible oils that contained almost exclusively omega-6. This was in the 1970s to the 80s. We are now only beginning to appreciate the negative effects of such a practice Second, it turns out that it is not healthy to restrict dietary fat to levels that are too low. In reality, when you lower dietary fat, you will also unconsciously compensate by raising dietary carbohydrate. We are now beginning to understand that dietary carbohydrate may actually be more “unhealthy” than dietary fat. Get ready for another change in nutritional advice. Perhaps this could be a future topic of this column. Third, there are notable exceptions to the Seven Countries Study and its conclusions. For one, the blood serum cholesterol of people living in Crete, Greece (210 mg/dL) falls squarely between that of people in Japan and those in East Finland and yet they have zero deaths due to heart disease within the 10 years of study. From this arose the concept of the “Mediterranean diet”, perhaps another See Page 25 Enterprise Immigration Canada Inc. 4661 Van Horne Avenue, Suite 10, Montreal, Quebec H3W 1H9 Tel.: 514-738-8549 • Fax: 514-738-5631 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN FLORIDA FOR PHILIPPINE REGISTERED NURSES ..... we will be in your area for interviews and information session in February 2007 YOUR SOLUTION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE Tel. (905) 646-6407 Email: [email protected] LIFE INSURANCE INCOME TAX Dennis Buenviaje Financial Services Life Insurance, Car/House Insurance and Mortgage Loans referrals Loans, RRSP, RESP, Investments, SegFunds, Bookkeeping, Income Tax Corporation/Registered Commissioner of Oath Address: 4781 Van Horne, Suite 208, Montreal, Quebec H3W 1J1 Across from the Philippine Center Call 514-895-4076, off: 514-344-2506, 626-4226 Also call: Mila Villaflor tel:744-8508 Rose Zagata tel. 543-8291, 346-3794 Glen Magbanua tel.: 731-1859 14th yr serving the Filipino community Western Union EGGS Mme M. Gauthier, B.A., MBA, President of the company, is a former representative of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. She will help you solve your problems such as: • Demand for refugee status and related appeals • Demand for refugee status outside of Canada • Detention reviews • Memorandum for PRAA observations • Memorandum for Humanitarian observations • Appeal on all decisions rendered by foreign Canadian Embassies • Visa • Sponsorship inside and outside Canada • Independent Immigration • Inscription to provincial programs such as job offers, investor, entrepreneur, skilled worker • Citizenship application • Job placement (caregivers, nannies) “No victory is ever won without a struggle.” Congratulations to the Winners of Back to School “2005 of P2,500.00 each Myrna Recto, Antonio Vargas, Nancy Pagaray, Emmanuel Francisco, Nova Genir Ma. Lourdes Alea, Servando Buning, Anatalia Donlia We gave P60,000 in winnings ! Congratulations to the 9 winners of the Back to School 2006 Contest! Winners are: From Sariling Atin: Dianne Cimafranca & Wenndolyn, Carasucho From Pat Loung Grocery, Excessa Ferrer & Grace Almeda From DBFS: Eric Pamintuan & Beatriiz de Guzman www.filipinostar.org WE OFFER CONSULTATION & TRANSLATION SERVICES AND WE COMPLETE FORMS WE ALSO OFFER COMMISSIONER OF OATHS SERVICES 24 The North American Filipino Star Mag-Tagalog tayo ni Anna May Tappan Paskong Pinoy Noong Ika-walo ng Nobyembre, ang kalipunan Ukol sa Pangkalinangang PIlipino na pinamumunuan ni GInang Riza Esmeralda ay muli na namang nagbigay ng kanilang panahon sa ating mga kabataang Pilipino kung paano ang paggawa ng Parol. Ito ay ginanap sa 6767 Cotes-des-neiges mula ala una hanggang ala singko ng hapon. Ito ang ika-apat na taon nilang pagbibigay ng kanilang kaalaman sa ating mga kabataang Pilipino upang kanilang maranasan ang kahalagahan ng tunay na Pasko mula sa ating kultura, kahit na sila ay malayo sa ating bansa. Maraming mga kabataan ang nagsidalo sa araw na ito, kumpara noong nakalipas na taon labing-anim lamang ang nagsidalo ngayon ay apat-naput pito ang mga nagsidalo mula tatlong taong gulang hanggang labing-apat na taong gulang. Aking nasilayan ang ating mga kabataang Pilipino habang kanilang ipinamamalas sa kanilang mga magulang ang kanilang talento at pagiging malikhain sa paglalagay ng mga palamuti sa kanilang Parol.Aking kinausap ang ilan sa mga kabataang nagsidalo, ang kaunaunahang nakatapos ay si Matthew labing-tatlong taong gulang,siya ay sanay na sa paggawa ng Parol ,lubos na nasiyahan ng matapos na niya ang kanyang Parol. Mayroon ding mga kabataan na baguhan lamang sa Ika-17 taong anibersaryo ng Kolehiyo Gilmore Ika dalawamput-walo ng Oktubre, ang kolehiyo ng Gilmore ay nagdiwang ng Ikalabimpitong anibersaryo na pinamamahalaan ng kagalang-galang na si Ginang Zenaida Kharoubi. Maraming mga tao ang nagsidalo sa araw na ito upang tunghayan ang pagdiriwang na ito. kabilang na ang Embahador ng Pilipinas na si Ginoong Jose Brillantes, ang pangulo ng kalipunan ukol sa Pangkalinangang Pilipino na si Ginang Riza Esmeralda, ang mga estudyante na nagsipagtapos sa kanilang kurso,mga taong nagmamahal kay Ginang Zenaida Kharoubi, isa na dito ang mga tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA. Binigyan namin siya ng parangal s ating mga kabataang tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA . Ito ay pinamumunuan ni Ginoong Claro Bermudes, Ginoong Romy........... at Ginoong Richard.......... Kung gusto ninyong maging kabilang sa aming grupo at magkaroon ng bagong kaalaman kung paano maging isang tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA, kayo ay inaanyayahan namin,kung mayroon kayong mga katanungan maari kayong tumawag o mag-iwan ng mensahe sa numerong ito 514-485-7861. Narito po ang mga larawan ng mga tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA. Ika dalawamput-walo ng Oktubre, ang kolehiyo ng Gilmore ay nagdiwang ng Ikalabimpitong anibersaryo na pinamamahalaan ng kagalang-galang na si Ginang Zenaida Kharoubi. Maraming mga tao ang nagsidalo sa araw na ito upang tunghayan ang pagdiriwang na ito. kabilang na ang Embahador ng Pilipinas na si Ginoong Jose Brillantes, ang pangulo ng kalipunan ukol sa Pangkalinangang Pilipino na si Ginang Riza Esmeralda, ang mga estudyante na nagsipagtapos sa kanilang kurso,mga taong nagmamahal kay Ginang Zenaida Kharoubi, isa na dito ang mga tagatuklas na LAGING paggawa ng Parol ito ay si Maureen,labingapat na taong gulang, nilagyan niya ng Mad Soul ang kanyang Parol,ayon sa kanya ito ang pangalang tawag sa kanya ng kanyang mga kaibigan.Si Cristina labing-isang taong gulang , ang kulay ng kanyang Parol ay berde at nilagyan din niya ng mga palamuti siya rin ay nasisiyahan habang kanyang ginagawa ang kanyang Parol. Nakausap ko din ang isa sa mga magulang na nagsidalo na si Ginang Len at siya ay nasiyahan sapagkat naranasan ng kanyang mga anak kung paano ang paggawa ng Parol at naipakita nila ang kahalagahan ng tunay ng Pasko bilang isang Pilipino. May walong mga kabataan ang naghandog ng kanilang Parol at ito ay inilagay ng Tagapangasiwa ng Aklatan na si Ginang Justine Lamourouex sa pangkat ng mga Aklat na Pilipino na matatagpuan sa ikalawang palapag sa 6767 Cotes-des-Neiges makikita ninyo ang mga Parol na ginawa nila Ilyssa, Maureen,Katherine,kyle,Mathew,Remy, Inaanyayahan kayo ng grupong ito na magsidalo sa Paskong Pinoy na gaganapin sa ika sampu ng Disyembre.linggo mula ala una hanggang alas singko ng hapon. Inaanyayahan din nila ang mga may sapat na gulang kung mayroon kayong talento sa paggawa ng Parol maari din kayong dumalo at ipakita ang inyong mga likhang Parol. From Page 22 BREAK FREE total amortization (including interest) for the whole period (three years or more, according to your loan payment period), you might be shocked at the figure. You might be better off buying a good secondhand car in cash, or holding off buying a car at all until your income gets better. 6. Ask if you really need it. Ads for “good deals” on consumer goods, cars or vacation houses may be very enticing. After all, the financing scheme offered may sound reasonable at first glance. But avoid impulse buying. Ask yourself first if you really need to buy another TV set, car or vacation home, and if you have the funds to pay it off should you get a loan. Habang kumakanta ng pambansang awit ang Panay Tinig, ang mga Scouts ay sumasaludo. Ipinagpaparangalan ni Ezra Raquepo ang parol na ginawa niya. November 2006 nilang pagbibigay ng kanilang panahon sa ating mga kabataang tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA. Ito ay pinamumunuan ni Ginoong Claro Bermudes, Ginoong Romy Valenzuela , Ginoong Richard San Miguel, at Ginang Nida Butaran. Kung gusto ninyong maging kabilang sa aming grupo at magkaroon ng bagong kaalaman kung paano maging isang tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA, kayo ay inaanyayahan namin,kung mayroon kayong mga katanungan maari kayong tumawag o mag-iwan ng mensahe sa numerong ito 514485-7861. Narito po ang mga larawan ng mga tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA. a araw na ito. Taos puso namin siyang pinasalamatan sa kanyang walang sawang pagtulong sa ating mga kabataang tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA, at higit sa lahat sa pagbibigay niya ng kanyang panahon upang lumago ang grupong ito. Sa araw na ito kanyang pinatunayan ang kanyang pagpapahalaga sa mga kabataang ito, siya ay nagbigay ng paripa, at ang mga salapi na nalikom ay kanyang inihandog sa grupong ito, HANDA. Binigyan namin siya ng parangal sa araw na ito. Taos puso namin siyang pinasalamatan sa kanyang walang sawang pagtulong sa ating mga kabataang tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA, at higit sa lahat sa pagbibigay niya ng kanyang panahon upang lumago ang grupong ito. Sa araw na ito kanyang pinatunayan ang kanyang pagpapahalaga sa mga kabataang ito, siya ay nagbigay ng paripa, at ang mga salapi na 7. Tighten your belt. Not only do you need to avoid impulse buying, you need to avoid unnecessary expenses as well. Examples would be taxi fares when you could take the MRT or carpool, gourmet coffee every day when you could brew your own coffee in the office or at home. The amount that you can save can be used to pay off your loan – or at least a chunk of it. 8. Grow your income. Look for a sideline you could get into, or other similar opportunities to increase your income. Then use the additional income for debt payments, not for splurging. Paying off a debt or debts should be just one of your financial goals. There are other goals you should aim for, such as building a nest egg for retirement, ensuring your family’s wellbeing after your death, and so on. Look at the long term and plan to build your wealth accordingly to meet your goals and ensure your family’s financial future. Nag-aalok ng paripa ang mga Scouts sa mga bisita. Narito ang larawan ng mga bisitang bumibili kina Kevin at Mathew. nagbigay din siya ng mga handog sa mga panauhing nanalo. Kanya ding binigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang mga nagboluntaryo sa grupong ito sa nakalipas na tatlong taon nilang pagbibigay ng kanilang panahon sa nalikom ay kanyang inihandog sa grupong ito, nagbigay din siya ng mga handog sa mga panauhing nanalo. Kanya ding binigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang mga nagboluntaryo sa grupong ito sa nakalipas na tatlong taon www.filipinostar.org Did you know… …that borrowing for the long term is cheaper than borrowing for the short term? Interest rates for housing loans may thus come cheaper than shortterm personal loans or credit card debt. This is why the book The Citibank Guide to Building Personal Wealth advises readers “not to use short term loans to pay for long term purchases; not only is this very expensive, but you could have difficulty in paying off the short-term loan or refinancing it when it becomes due.” a Arroyo hails Filipino cue artist's victory in world pool tilt November 14, 2006 Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday said the victory of 2006 World Pool Champion Ronato Alcano Sunday night "serves as an inspiration" for all Filipinos to "work hard in achieving our dreams for the greater good of the nation." Arroyo, who led Filipinos in congratulating Alcano for his victory over Germany's Ralf Souquet, said the event showcased both the Filipino's mastery of billiards and "the fact that we never run out of champions of excellence in all fields." New World Pool Champion Philippines' Ronato Alcano kisses his trophy, Sunday Nov 16 2006 Wisconsin pair sentenced in forced maid case November 16, 2006 Two doctors were sentenced Thursday to four years in prison for forcing a woman from the Philippines to be a maid in their home for 19 years. Jefferson N. Calimlim, 62, and his wife, Elnora, 61, each were sentenced in federal court on felony counts of harboring an illegal immigrant for financial gain, conspiracy, forced labor and attempted forced labor. Their adult son, Jefferson M. Calimlim, 31, was sentenced to three years of probation and fined $5,000 on a count of harboring an illegal immigrant. Prosecutors said the Calimlims kept the maid, Irma Martinez, as a virtual prisoner in their 8,600-squarefoot home by convincing her if she didn't work the long hours they demanded for minimal wages, she would be deported. The defense argued that the Calimlims kept Martinez hidden in their home for her own protection. Martinez agreed to the working conditions because her situation here was better than the life she would have had in the From Page 17 25 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 CANADA College was precipitous, notwithstanding the fact that I had only recently been appointed by the Board of Governors as the Director and the first Canadian to serve in that capacity. That was the beginning of the calamitous decade of somnolence as other events followed in rapid succession. Canada then closed the Canada -ASEAN Centre in Singapore, ceased its support for the South East Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), and wound up the decentralized operations of CIDA in Manila, Zimbabwe, Singapore, and Barbados and then curtailed the long-standing Canadian Training Awards Program (CTAP) and other ODA to the member countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Trade with the United States has been the preoccupation of Canada and Canadians so the hiatus has lasted until recently.sssss In the past few months I have been referring, in this column, to encouraging signs that Canadians were serious about wanting to reengage the world. Now, the important new signals show that the Government also is awakening to the opportunities. Here are some of the indicators that have been mentioned in previous issues of thiscolumn: *I participated in a symposium on ASEAN held at Carlton University in 2004, followed by a well attended conference in Toronto, in 2005, designed to return ASEAN to the radar screen of Canadians. Philippines. Martinez told U.S. District Judge Rudolph T. Randa that her time with the Calimlims has been a "sweet nightmare." "I'm not mad," she said. "I'm scared. I'm very scared. I'm sorry. I didn't do any of this. The truth came out, but it did not come from me." Prosecutors had recommended 71 months in prison. Randa disagreed, but said a prison term was necessary because to uphold the ideals of coming to the United States. "Anybody coming here has got first and foremost what this country is founded on, and that is liberty," he said. "Freedom to do what you want to do, be what you want to be within the confines of the law." Randa said the Caimlims must report to prison within 60 days. He hasn't yet decided on a restitution amount owed to Martinez, but the government has asked that she be paid $704,635 in back wages for working at least 15 hours a day, seven days a week. a *I participated in the first “annual” conference of the Canada –Hong Kong Business Council, held in Ottawa, in 2005, and found that the 250,000 holders of Canadian Passports now living in Hong Kong are anxious to strengthen cultural and economic links and the use Hong Kong as a stepping stone to China. *Several meetings the Ottawa-based Canada-Philippines Business Council designed to generate two-way trade links and exchange trade missions. * A Canadian trade mission to the Asian Development Bank, in September 2006, a first-time event for most of the participants. * A PEMD (Program for Export Marketing Development) to East Africa, by members of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, in 2004. * The formation, last year, of the International Educators Association of Canada. * Last month’s report that the “new Canadian Government” has engaged the Association of Canadian Community Colleges to implement the Canadian Immigration Integration Project that will include field offices in the hilippines, China and India. Most recently, former Prime Minister, Paul Martin, has been named as Cochairman of a Commission to review the mandate of the African Development Bank make recommendations on strengthening its capacity. (It is never too late to do something useful with your life, even if you are no Lester B. Pearson!) From page 23 Eggs topic for a future article. We should also mention the so-called “French Paradox”, paradoxical only with respect to the Seven Countries Study and the Keys equation. In France, deaths due to heart disease are 3times less than that in the US, despite the fact the French eat much more saturated fat and animal fat (butter, cheese, pork) than their American counterparts. Some have proposed that red wine makes the difference, but again, this is for a future column. Perhaps the most intriguing development is a follow-up study on the people of Tanushimaru, Japan, one of the populations in the Seven Countries Study. The work was published in the Journal of Epidemiology, 2005. Over the years, the dietary habits of the people of Tanushimaru changed dramatically, e.g., fat intake is now 4-times higher and their serum cholesterol increased by about 50 mg/dL. Yet, deaths due to heart disease remain low as ever, despite the Westernization of their diets. The evidence remains strong that “bad cholesterol” in the blood is a good predictor of heart disease. However, the evidence is not so strong that dietary cholesterol has any influence on bad cholesterol or on heart disease. This brings us finally to the subject of eggs. Ever since the Seven Countries Study and the Keys equation, eggs have been maligned as the symbol of a bad diet rich in cholesterol and fat. However, in 1999, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study led by Dr. FB Hu of Harvard involving about 120,000 participants, showing that eating 1 egg/day does not increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in healthy men or women. In diabetics, on the other hand, 1 egg/day versus no eggs at all is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Subsequently, several other studies on human subjects published in reputable journals have come up with the same general conclusions, that eating eggs at even more than 1/day does not necessarily increase the incidence of heart disease. Most recently, a team led by Dr. CM Greene from the University of Connecticut reported in April this year at the Experimental Biology Meeting in San Francisco, that people are generally able to handle dietary cholesterol from eggs in such a way that it does not increase the risk for heart disease. Dr. Greene was quick to add that her team observed that certain people are socalled “hyper-responders”, that is, their blood cholesterol spikes up in response to dietary cholesterol. However, Dr. Greene goes on to say that the cholesterol spike is accounted for by forms of cholesterol that do not increase the risk of heart disease. Finally, the most intriguing so far is that there is some evidence that increased consumption may even be protective against heart disease. There is yet no final word on this debate.. The official nutritional recommendations still advice against eating too many eggs, limiting intake to not more than 3-4 egg yolks per week. Your doctor or nutritionist will probably still advise you, if you have high blood cholesterol, to avoid eggs or egg products. These restrictions are based solely on the classic model that dietary cholesterol increases blood cholesterol which in turn predisposes an individual to heart disease. In contrast, eggs are an inexpensive source of high-quality protein. In fact, egg yolk protein is considered to be the standard by which all other proteins are judged. Egg yolks are rich in biologically-active omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the kind that is required for the proper development of the nervous system of a young child. Perhaps soon the scientific-medical community will come up with a more reasoned recommendation concerning eggs and dietary fat in general. The best advice still remains true: get off your busy schedule and take time to prepare and eat a wide variety of foods. a The compassion and affection we show to all creatures is a measure of our spiritual health. Dalai Lama DRIVELINES DRIVING SCHOOL 5497 A Victoria, Suite 104, Montreal, Metro Côte-Ste-Catherine Tel: (514) 344-0085, (514) 816-6124, web: www.drivelines.ca NEW BRANCH OPENING SPECIALS * 12 hours for $ 232, 6 hours $132, 4 Hours $ 100 and 2 Hours $ 55 * Theory + 12 Hours Practical for $ 264, including free CD and Car for exam * Great discounts on collective registration, further rebates for students * Day-evening-weekend sessions at flexible hours * Monitors certified by Quebec Safety League available to teach nervous drivers * S.A.A.Q examination and pick n’ drop services Registration: Monday to Friday: 5-7 PM or by appointment www.filipinostar.org 26 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 Philippines' Sept remittances up 7.6 pct on year Foreign tourists on the rise in RP, says card-issuer Visa November 15, 2006 Money sent home by Filipinos working abroad rose nearly 8 percent in September from a year ago, easing after four months of double digit growth but keeping the Philippines on track for a record year for remittances. The central bank said on Wednesday that Filipinos sent back $1.014 billion through official channels in September, taking the total for the first nine months to $9.11 billion, a 14.4 percent increase over the same yearearlier period. The central bank is monitoring the inflows for any inflationary impact after the Philippines' money supply grew in September 14.5 percent from a year earlier, the fastest pace in a year and above the authority's preferred 13 percent rate. Remittances drive consumer spending and have triggered a real estate boom as more higher-paid professionals seek work overseas, augmenting the traditional mix of maids, nurses, entertainers and sailors. Preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration showed that the number of Filipinos working abroad between January and September rose 8 percent to 86,307 from the same period of 2005. Due to poverty and lack of opportunities, around 10 percent of the Philippines' 86 million people work overseas. The number of land-based workers increased by 18.8 percent to 70,847, more than compensating for the decline in deployment of sea-based workers contracted by 24.4 percent to 15,460. Remittances help keep the economy afloat, but analysts have warned that the Philippines will suffer in the long term from an exodus of its brightest and best workers. The health sector has already been hit by doctors leaving for higher paid jobs as nurses. The central bank said remittances sent through banks were expected to reach $11.87 billion this year, beating last year's record of $10.7 billion -equivalent to about 10 percent of gross domestic product. For January-September 2006, growth in deployment at 9.6 percent was higher compared to 7.9 percent for the same period last year. Official remittance figures were likely to underestimate the total by at least 20 percent because cash is frequently sent home with friends, relatives and through other informal channels. The major sources of remittances remain to be the United States, Saudi Arabia, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Canada and Singapore. a November 15, 2006 FOREIGN visitors to the Philippines are on the rise, based on purchases they made while in the country using their Visa credit cards, the card-issuer said Thursday. At a briefing, James Dixon, Visa International country manager, said travelers spent P21.5 billion in the first half, or 16 percent higher than last year. Visa card spending by international travelers in the country grew 29 percent to P37.5 billion in 2005 from P29 billion in 2004. Metro Manila accounted for P22.4 billion or 60 percent of that amount. Visa said 44 percent of total spending last year by international cardholders in the Philippines came from the United States, 28 percent from the Asia-Pacific and 20 percent from the European Union. About 2.6 million tourists visited the Philippines last year, which was the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam had 3.5 million tourists; Tsunami alert triggers panic November 16, 2006 Hundreds of residents in northern and central Philippines evacuated coastal towns, mostly around Leyte, on Thursday fearing a major tsunami. The panic followed a large quake in the north Pacific and residents fled despite official assurances that there was no tsunami threat. Entire villages were abandoned as mobile telephone text messages from people warning of 40-foot waves AMPYRE CAPITAL CORPORATION MORTGAGE LOAN GUARANTEED APPROVAL 100% 4. DRIVING SCHOOL 7370 Cote St. Luc Suite 118 Credit and Income Problems No Credit History Leverage Financing and Equity Line of Credit (re-mortgage) 100% Financing Available on : a. Bungalows b. Duplexes c. Triplexes d. Fourplexes Pls. Call (514) 244-8717 caused panic among villagers after an estimated 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck 1,700 km northeast of Tokyo late on Wednesday. Disaster officials had issued an alert level 2, meaning coastal dwellers should be watchful, late on Wednesday after the quake but cancelled the advisory shortly after midnight when no large waves occurred. Hundreds of residents remain on higher ground, afraid to go home. a AUTO ECOLE COOL Will help you realize your dream 1. 2. 3. Indonesia, 4.9 million; Singapore, 8.9 million; and Malaysia, 16.4 million. While improving, credit card spending in the Philippines still lags behind its neighbors. Dixon said Visa’s retail sales volume from local cardholders reached P42.9 billion in the first six months this year, or 21.1 percent higher than last year. Local cardholders outspent their visiting foreign counterparts. Visa card circulation in the country reached 8.2 million by end-June, with 2 million credit cards and over 6.2 million debit and prepaid cards. “We see stronger growth of Visa card spending this year,” Dixon said, citing the expected increase of travelers and local credit card spending. He said Visa supports the elimination of surcharges on credit card transactions, as recently directed by the Department of Trade and Industry to retailers. a Montreal, Quebec H4W 1P9 Tel.: 514-509-9390 Fax: 514-509-9389 SPECIAL OFFER 12 COURSES $240, CD + Book Also included: Car for exam (514) 227-2223 Office Call Paul François Charlie A. Hael (Consultant) FSA www.ampyrecapital.com 514-509-9390 Free Pick Up from the Metro: MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON www.filipinostar.org • • • • • Vendome Villa Maria Cote Ste-Catherine Cote des Neiges Plamondon Passenger Sneaks Crocodiles In Carry-On Bag November 14, 2006 A Filipino man who flew home from Cambodia said he was carrying live fish in his carryon luggage, until a check of the bag at Manila airport revealed three half-meter (1.5-foot) long crocodiles, officials said Wednesday. The head of the Manila International Airport Authority said it wasn't clear how Enrique Yu Castillo, 50, was able to carry the Siamese November 17, 2006 Manny Pacquiao is right there, where his camp wants him to be, three days to fight night. Trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday afternoon that the Filipino boxing hero tipped the scales that day and checked in at 131 pounds, just one over the limit of the super featherweight division where he and Mexican Erik Morales will duke it out for the right to be called the best of the best on Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in Manila). but it looks like he’ll have no problem in that area. Then again, it hasn’t been Pacquiao (42-3-2, 32 KOs) whose been bothered by weight problems before but his arch-nemesis Morales (48-4, 34 KOs). Pacquiao said he is praying that neither he nor Morales gets seriously hurt in the match, vowing again to give it his best to win honor for his country. “I also include Morales in my prayers,” Pacquiao told a television journalist in Filipino. “I pray that none Still it was a welcome development on a day when Pacquiao’s younger brother Bobby, failed to make the weight in his clash with Mexican Hector Velazquez early in the day and was stripped of his Continetal Americas super featherweight title. Pacquiao continued tapering off in his workouts, going through fewer rounds with the mitts and few minutes with the speedball and the ropes. He did, however, run two miles at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas track oval. of us get hurt. I know it’s boxing and we will try to hurt each other but I hope it won’t be so serious that we have to be taken to the hospital.” Both fighters are eagerly looking forward to a match that has this entire desert oasis in Nevada buzzing with excitement. In fact, whenever Pacquiao closes his eyes to drift to sleep, he often conjures dreams about this match. “I dream about Morales and this fight a lot,” he admitted, refusing to reveal the details of those dreams. a crocodiles from Phnom Penh to Singapore to Manila on Monday night. The crocodiles are on an endangered species list and their importation is prohibited, airport manager Alfonso Cusi said in a statement. He said charges were being readied against Castillo, while the reptiles were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Castillo had earlier sought a permit to import the exotic animals but his application was denied, said Teddy Aguir, from the environment department's Wildlife Traffic Monitoring unit at the airport. Airport authorities had been on a lookout for Castillo since last week, when the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau alerted them on the possibility that Castillo might try to sneak in the Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, right, and Erik Morales, of Mexico, pose for photos during a news conference at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday, Nov. 16, crocodiles, Aguir said. a 2006 Pacquiao right on target; 3 days to go And here’s further good news: The weighing scale Pacquiao used was a defective one. “The machine was like two pounds off so going by that, he’s around 129 right now,” Roach said. Small wonder that Pacquiao was in a good mood late Wednesday afternoon, talking about eating to his heart’s content. “They’re going to calibrate the scales to see how much he really weighs 6430 Victoria Avenue, Montreal, QC Tel.: 514-733-7816 Chicken legs 99¢ lb Prices valid from November 17 to 3 0, 2006 Picnic shoulder pork 99¢ lb Windsor salt Black Tie Shrimps 80/100 $3.99 27 The North American Filipino Star November 2006 99¢ Lady’s Choice Sandwich Spread 470 mL $4.29 Bananas 29¢ lb Sardines Pailin 155 g 2 for 99¢ Pineapple slices, chunks, Jackfruit Young Green, 580 g 99¢ Dutch Baby Milk 300 mL $1.79 Iceberg Lettuce 99¢ Rice Stick, Erawan,454 g 99¢ Diwa Canton 227 g 99¢ Datu Puti vinegar 1 L $1..29 Kim Oil 3 L $3.99 Thin Soy Sauce 233 fl oz $2.89 Vermicelli Long Kou, 500 g 99¢ Bamboo Shoots Elephants 280 g 99¢ Coconut Milk 400 mL 99¢ www.filipinostar.org Wai Wai noodles 500 g 79¢ Education raises the bar but lowers the b a r r i e r s t o a r e w a r d i n g c a r e e r. 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