November 1-15, 2015 November 1-15, 2015

FR
EE
NEWSMAGAZINE
texas edition
One Philippines
Newsmagazine
(Official)
UNITING FILIPINOS WORLDWIDE
Volume 8 / No. 11
twitter.com/onephil
November 1-15, 2015
E
WHAT’S INSID
2016 Presidential
Hopefuls: 5 Things
You Should Know
About Them
Tatoy’s Manokan
and Seafoods:
Oh-La-La! Tsarap!
Janine Blooms
in Dangwa
A Fresh Change for Lotlot
and Monching’s Daughter
02
November 1-15, 2015
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November 1-15, 2015
PA S A K A LY E
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Quotable Quotes
De Numero
2
Siblings rushed to Capiz
Hospital due to shellfish
poisoning.
6.4
Million pesos donated
by European Union as
humanitarian aid to Lando
victims.
90
MILF, BIFF, armed group
members summoned by
DOJ in Mamasapano raid.
Bhong Zausa
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Aspirants shortlisted by
Judicial and Bar Council for
6 new Sandiganbayan posts.
HEADLINES
“American Nabbed for
Carrying a Bullet at NAIA
Seeks New Probe”
(The Inquirer)
KAYO NGAYON ANG
MALALAGLAG BALA SA
KALOKOHAN NYO!
“When I assume office, I will
hit the ground running. I will
also hit other people in the
vicinity.”
– Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago
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ma-convict
man ako,
hukuman
ang
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hindi
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– VP Jejomar Binay
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“Well, yung tandem na
‘yan parang si AlDub
lang yan eh. Hashtag
May Tamang
Panahon.”
–Sec. Mar
Roxas
“Poverty, Not Corruption, Is
the Top Moral Issue Today,”
Binay.
(The Manila Bulletin)
PERO GINAGAMIT NYO ANG
MAHIHIRAP PARA IBOTO
KAYO.
“COMELEC Sets Sked for
Manufacture, Delivery of
Voting Machines”
(ABS-CBN News)
AT NAGSIMULA NA PO
ANG HOCUS PCOS, MGA
KABABAYAN!
“LP Confident Admin Bets
Will Remain Loyal to Tuwid
na Daan”
(The Philippine Star)
BAKA TUWAD NA DAAN
KAMO!
“Pacquiao: We’re Negotiating
Rematch with Mayweather”
(GMA News)
LET’S GET READY TO ...
RUN-BALL!
November 1-15, 2015
05
06
November 1-15, 2015
PINAG-UUSAPAN
PNOY: FILIPINOS WON’T ALLOW ANOTHER
MARCOS PRESIDENCY. President Aquino
is confident that Filipinos would not allow the
Marcoses to have another chance to run the country,
now that the late dictator’s son, Senator Bongbong
Marcos, is running for vice president. “I have faith
in my bosses, the Filipino people. There is nothing
that has caused me to change the faith, that they
are able to discern,” Aquino said in a presidential
forum recently. Also, he think that there is a
“resurgence of support” for the Marcos, when asked
about Governor Imee Marcos’ appearance on a
society magazine’s cover and social media posts
sympathetic of the Marcos regime. “I don’t think so,” he said. “Resurgence of
support? By appearing on a cover of a magazine demonstrates a resurgence of
support? ...And social media is unquestioned source of information that cannot
be manipulated?” (ABS-CBN NEWS)
SIX MILLION VOTERS ID REMAIN
UNCLAIMED. InterAksyon reports
that close to six million voter’s
identification (ID) cards are still
unclaimed in the poll body’s local
offices all over the country, Commission
on Elections (Comelec) Chairman
Andres Bautista said, and urged the
5,969,072 voters to claim their IDs
at their local Comelec office. Bautista
noted that the voter’s ID can be claimed
personally or by a representative with an authorization letter at local Comelec
offices during regular office hours. “For those who have not gotten their voter’s
IDs, they should check the availability via the Comelec Precinct Finder at the
Comelec website,” he said. The poll body chief added, however, that voter’s
ID is not a requirement in voting in the May 2016 polls. BTW, public service
announcement: The voter’s ID is a valid ID that is recognized by all government
offices and banks for a person’s identification purposes and is being issued to a
registered voter. (INTERAKSYON.COM)
students at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City and
proceeded to list some quick tips on how to spot corrupt politicians. “Alam nyo,
ang napansin ko sa Senado, hindi naman pala mahirap na ipunin ang pera ng
gobyerno, ang problema lang sa bansa nating ito ay una, ang nagsasalita, ‘yun din
ang magnanakaw. Pangalawa, ‘pag nagsasalita sila na lalaban sila sa graft and
corruption, mali-mali pa ang Ingles nila,” Santiago said. “Pangatlo, ninanakaw
nila ang pera ng gobyerno para ‘pag nakuha nila ang
lahat ng pera, ibibili nila ulit ng boto ng taong bayan
at sa gano’ng paraan, wala nang katapusan ang
pagnakaw ng pera. This must stop!” (PHILIPPINE
STAR.COM)
PRESIDENT MAR WILL BE DAANG MATUWID
EDITION 2. Former Interior secretary Mar Roxas
told businessmen in a forum that, as president, he
will lead the “Daang Matuwid Edition 2” to continue
the reforms started by President Benigno Aquino III.
“Daang Matuwid Edition 1 has fixed the structural
reforms, has given us a platform from which to spring.
And Daang Matuwid Edition 2 will take that leap into
prosperity and development for our country,” Roxas
said during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce
and Industries presidential forum in Pasay City.
In his opening speech, Roxas laid out the progress
made by the Aquino administration through “Daang
Matuwid.” “I think that you take a look at the last
five years, there is soundness in our position that the
principal premise of the campaign of Daang Matuwid
is “ituloy.” Let’s continue. Why is that?” he said. “For
the first time in generations, a current government
has been able to put in place structural reforms, has
been able to show investments in our people and in
our infrastructure and has been able to show the road
ahead very clearly. Not just the destination but the
means of how to get there.” Roxas said that under
the current administration, the government invested
heavily on people and infrastructure. (GMA NEWS ONLINE)
OBAMA COMING OVER FOR APEC.
US President Barack Obama will visit
the Philippines for the Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit
next month and later Malaysia for the
US-ASEAN and East Asia summits.
Meetings there “underscore America’s
support for Asia’s regional institutions,
which enhance security and prosperity,
while also advancing the US strategy to rebalance to the Asia Pacific region in
all of its dimensions,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. “These visits
also will support the president’s efforts to expand opportunities for American
businesses and workers to sell their products in some of the world’s fastestgrowing markets.” (AFP VIA MANILA BULLETIN.COM)
PEOPLE’S SURVIVAL FUND NOW READY FOR SERVICE. After 3 years since
it was created by law, the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) may now be accessed by
local government units and community organizations needing financial support for
climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. A call for project proposals
was officially made by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) LAST October 28
in Makati City. “We are pleased to announce that the P1 billion climate fund is
now ready. The Climate Change Commission is ready to accept project proposals.
Climate change is happening now and it is sure to affect everyone especially our
most vulnerable population and communities,” said CCC Assistant Secretary
Joyceline Goco. (RAPPLER.COM)
PRESIDENT BONGBONG VIA THE SIDE
DOOR? If Bongbong wins the VP race, he could
become president if Poe is elected president but
later disqualified on the citizenship challenge. A
legal expert expressed the opinion the elected vice
president, not the candidate with the next highest
number of votes, instead would be sworn in as
president. This augurs well for Marcos Jr. who has
the support of the clannish Ilocanos of the Solid
North, the Visayan votes of mother Imelda and
a huge following in Mindanao after his balanced
handling of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic
Law. Given the political mix of the crowded vice
presidential race—Leni Robredo (LP), Greg Honasan
(UNA), Chiz Escudero and Antonio Trillanes IV (Independent)—are all Bicolanos
who would surely divide an otherwise potent voting bloc. So, former first lady
and incumbent Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos should not be disappointed son
Bongbong did not gun for the presidency and instead opted to run as vice president.
As it is turning out, it was a master stroke, reminiscent of his father’s skill for
political strategy. (MANILA STANDARD)
US PATROLS IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA A BALANCING OF POWER.
“I think everybody would welcome a balance of power anywhere in the world,”
said President Benigno Aquino III’s when asked to comment on United States
Navy warship sailing near the artificial islands built by China in disputed
areas of South China Sea. Aquino said he found nothing wrong with the US
move.“Everybody seems to be guaranteeing freedom of navigation so I see no
issue,” he said, later adding that there should be no problem as long as there
are “no hostile intentions being alluded to.“If we say we are in support for
freedom of navigation for everybody…then we seek to hamper anybody’s travel
that I think seems to be inconsistent,” he further explained. (GLOBALNATION
INQUIRER.NET)
MIRIAM ON HOW TO IDENTIFY CORRUPT OFFICIALS. Sen. Miriam
Defensor Santiago introduced herself as a 2016 presidential aspirant before
November 1-15, 2015
07
08
November 1-15, 2015
amp
o
By Charmaine de O
c
Prestigious “Banaag” Presidential
Medal of Honor Award Goes to Filipino Texan
us
G
IlustreMercado, a Filipino
business and community leader
from Texas, received the prestigious
“Banaag” Presidential award at a
special ceremony at the Malacañang
Palace earlier this year. His Excellency
President Benigno S. Aquino III
honored 33 distinguished and
outstanding overseas Filipinos from
13 countries selected from 8 million
Filipinos living abroad by conferring
them with a special presidential medal
of honor.
According to the Commission on
Filipinos Overseas headed by Secretary
Imelda Nicolas which organizes the
biennial event, the awards include
exemplars of Filipino excellence,
outstanding individuals who have
dedicated their work for the common
good, and advocates for the promotion
and protection of the rights of Filipinos
overseas. The president commended
the 33 individuals and groups not only
for their personal and professional
achievements but also for what they’ve
contributed with their special gifts
and talents to the development of
the Philippines and the welfare of
their fellow Filipinos everywhere.
The awards are in four categories:
“Banaag”, “Linkapil”; “Kaanib ng
Bayan” and “Pamana ng Pilipino.”
This year’s awardees were thoroughly
screened from a total of 157 nominations
from 50 consulates in 29 countries
representing about 8 million Filipinos
by three different committees with
representatives from the government,
civil society, media, academe, religious
and business sectors, and finally the
President of the Philippines.
Gus I. Mercado, Chairman & CEO
of Texas and Silicon Valley-based
Datalogix, received his award for his
outstanding business leadership that
has created hundreds of high-paying
jobs for Filipino engineers in North
America, for his exemplary stewardship
of Filipinos in his area, and his
humanitarian work in the Philippines.
According to the Program Book, “in
conferring the Banaag Award to Gus I.
Mercado, the President recognizes his
exemplary dedication to the FilipinoAmerican Texas community as well as
to disaster victims in the Philippines
and his successful application of
his entrepreneurial skills that have
contributed not only to his own success
in business and technology, but also
to the success of a wide network of
Filipino professionals in the United
States.”
Gus Mercado first gained national
prominence when the Philippine media
in the U.S. made him the “Hero of the
Texas 10”, a group of Filipino airline
mechanics from California who were
unjustly imprisoned and treated like
hardened criminals in Texas prisons
for six months as a government
overreaction to 9/11. He saved them
from conviction and certain deportation
with a permanent ban from re-entering
the United States.
The 9/11 terrorist attack on the
United States led to the enforcement
of stringent regulations that affected
the ordinary lives of a group of Filipino
airline mechanics. In the midst of this
crisis, Mr. Gus Mercado emerged as the
defender of his countrymen who were
falsely accused of having ties to terrorist
groups in Mindanao, owing to minor
infringements of immigration policy and
having worked in Muslim countries.
Mr. Mercado headed the National
Federation of Filipino-American
Associations (NaFFAA), Region VI.
He led a nationwide campaign to free
the mechanics, provided financial
and moral support to his distressed
kababayans by pooling funds for their
legal defense and collected 1,000
signatures needed to raise their appeal
to President George W. Bush. Against
all odds, Gus fought hard for them
and their families against overzealous
prosecutors and eventually won their
acquittal and release.
However, far from being an instant
advocate of justice, Mr. Mercado had
personally experienced the travails
of escaping the martial law regime
of President Ferdinand Marcos early
on, and joining the anti-Marcos
movement in America led by the
late Senators Raul Manglapus and
Ninoy Aquino that campaigned hard
for the restoration of freedom and
democracy in the Philippines. The
U.S.-based campaign culminated in the
martyrdom of Senator Ninoy Aquino
that sparked the EDSA People Power
Revolution of l986 that eventually
ended the dictatorship regime of the
Marcoses.
In recognition of Mr. Mercado’s
leadership and humanitarian
initiatives, his region was the recipient
of the first “Alex EsclamadoMemorial
Award” for being the Most Outstanding
Region in the United States.
Mr. Mercado’s commitment to
assist overseas Filipinos has a unique
multiplier effect. He actively supported
his wife, Honorary Consul-General
Ethel Reyes-Mercado, the State Fil-Am
Chamber president and the National
Chambers Federation Chair, whose
own project involved organizing
15 Consular Outreach projects in
Texas. Through this initiative, more
than 20,000 Filipinos in Texas and
neighboring states have saved more
than $10 million by facilitating their
passport renewals and dual citizenship
applications without traveling 1,650
miles to the L.A. Consulate. The
records show that from 2009 to
2015, the Texas Outreach program
attained the highest number of
passport renewals and overseas voter
registration among Filipinos in cities
without direct consular services.
Notwithstanding his dedication to
the Filipino-American community, Mr.
Mercado has kept a soft spot in his
heart for his motherland. He and his
organization donated funds, medicine,
clothing and wheelchairs for the
benefit of thousands of typhoon victims
throughout the Philippines. He also
co-organized a medical mission that
serviced a record 1,641 medical and
dental patients in one day.
Mr. Mercado is also well-known as
the founder of a successful wireless
engineering business enterprise, the
Datalogix. The corporation has an
extensive international network and
provides IT/Telecom related services. It
has contracted more than 200 associate
engineers throughout North America,
most of them Filipinos with excellent
technical competencies. Datalogix
has served as incubator and gateway
for hundreds of overseas Filipino
engineers who now work on projects of
multi-billion companies such as AT&T,
T-Mobile, Verizon, Ericsson and Nokia.
As the company’s source of strength,
Datalogix employees benefit from
innovative programs designed to ensure
a stable and professional working
environment that ensures them a secure
future in their adopted country.
Mr. Mercado applies his expertise
and his rare gifts beyond Datalogix.
For 10 years, he was publisher of an
international business technology
magazine, Business Horizonswith
readership in 92 countries and reflected
his entrepreneurial nature and
versatile writing skills.
Mr. Mercado’s successes have not
gone unnoticed. He is the recipient of
multiple awards: the Distinguished
Service Award from Dallas Mayor
Annette Strauss; the U.S. Jaycee of
the Year Award; the Twenty Most
Outstanding Filipinos in America
from Philippine Ambassador Willy
Gaa and the Fil-Am Image Magazine
in Washington DC; Most Outstanding
Fil-Am Businessman from the Greater
Chicago Philippine-American Chamber
of Commerce; the Gintong Alay Award
as an outstanding pillar of his local
Texas community; and the Gintong
Pamana Apolinario Mabini Award
from Fil-Am Megascene.
Leveraging his strategic positioning
in the American business scene,
Mr. Mercado effectively organized
and led three successful U.S. Trade
and Investment Missions to the
Philippines in 2007, 2010 and 2014.
These initiatives brought together
U.S. investors and local Philippine
businessmen, and have generated
more than $30 million worth of new
businesses and partnerships between
Filipino and foreign investors.”
Other presidential award recipients
this year includedworld-class singer
and Broadway actress Lea Salonga
who sang “Tagumpay Nating Lahat”
before the crowd of her fellow recipients
and their families; Grammy and
Oscar award winning composer
Robert Lopez of Walt Disney’s hit
song “Frozen/Let it go”; investigative
journalist Sheila Coronel, now dean of
the Columbia University in new York;
world-renowned classical musician
Cecile Licad, dubbed as the “pianist’s
pianist”; Cristeta Comerford, the first
Asian and woman Executive Chef of
the U.S. White House; famous Dubaibased fashion designer Michael Cinco;
bioterrorism and disaster planning
expert Marianito Aspillera; Danilo
Favor, first elected Filipino in East
Grinstead, U.K.; Jonathan Irabagon,
an award-winning saxophonist, who
was named one of the New York city
jazz icons; and Alfredo Roces, versatile
artist, anthropologist, historian
and essayist based in Australia,
among other outstanding Filipinos
and groupsfrom 13 countries. For a
complete list of Presidential awardees
and their special achievements, click on
the following global media report:
http://www.philstar.com/
headlines/2014/12/06/1399540/aquinoconfers-awards-33-outstanding-pinoys
“I am awed and humbled to share
the stage with such distinguished
Filipinos overseas,” said Gus Mercado
after receiving his award. “Let this
be an inspiration to other Filipino
entrepreneurs abroad to be the best
that they can possibly be, wherever
they are and whatever endeavor they
decide to pursue, even against all
odds; to fly as high and go as far as
their ambition, their talents and hard
work can take them; while always
remembering their roots and sharing
their blessings with those who have less
in life.”
The author of this article, Chairmaine
de Ocampo, is a journalism graduate
of the University of the Philippines who
works for the Commission on Filipinos
Overseas as a staff journalist.
November 1-15, 2015
09
Luisa C. Ja
and ni
o
M
G
aria
l
By
MA News
production’s new
morning series
sets the limelight on for
Janine Gutierrez as she
blooms anew after she
steps out of her teamup with Elmo Magalona
and pairs up with Aljur
Abrenica and Mark
Herras. Dangwa is a
complete turnaround
for the young daughter
of former couple and
That’s Entertainment
popular Monday
love team Lotlot and
Monching.
Janine
Blooms in
Dangwa
A Fresh Change for Lotlot
and Monching’s Daughter
When asked about her latest TV
appearance, according to Janine, “I
was surprised. It is my first time to
be paired with other Kapuso male
stars. We had fun taping and the
two have been in showbiz for a long
time and started their careers ahead
of me. It’s good that I’ll be learning
from them. Our first shooting day
was challenging because we had
to climb for the OBB. We went to
Mt. Pinatubo. It was hot up there
and there was no electricity.” The
new series will feature interesting
locations with Dangwa in Manila as
its base.
Dangwa, is the follow up to
Janine’s primetime serye More
than Words, that both explores
the universal them of love and its
different faces.
It’s about love and being good,”
she explained. “It’s about love for
boyfriend or girlfriend, love for family
or even love for yourself. Rosa, my
character, will share sayings with
other characters on the show and
with televiewers. She has this habit of
appearing from nowhere and speaking
about personal learnings that
surprise the guest characters. Nang
gugulat lang siya ng mga lessons in
life.”
Janine’s character, Rosa, the
flower vendor together with her love
interests, Baste, the flower delivery
boy, portrayed by Mark Herras and
Lorenzo, the furniture designer
portrayed by Aljur Abrenica will be
present throughout the show and
their stories will interweave with
the stories of guest stars. The show
will present and promise new stories
that audiences will look forward
to. The approach will be episodic
and Televiewers can follow even if
their busy without getting lost in
the story. “The fans will be given
the opportunity to watch their idols
in a different story apart from the
teleserye they are doing,” she added.
Dangwa is the latest offering from
GMA 7 and might run more than a
season since the storyline and plots
can be explored and more artists
can join this mid-morning, feel good
11
November 1-15, 2015
show. Dangwa’s pilot week, which
stars Kapuso teens Barbie Forteza
and Ruru Madrid, is penned by
Jerome Zamora and directed by Adolf
Alix, Jr. and Rember Gelera. This
is followed by equally engrossing
love stories portrayed by Carla
Abellana and Rafael Rosell,
Rhian Ramos and Geoff
Eigenmann, Bianca
Umali and Miguel
Tanfelix, and
Pauleen Luna and Gerald Napoles.
Dangwa also boasts of an
appealing theme music entitled “Pagibig” written and arranged by Simon
Tan and performed by OPM rock band
Spongecola.
There are initial reactions from
fans and asked about working on her
Dangwa role without teaming up with
her perennial loveteam mate, Elmo
Magalona. She replied “Siyempre
hinahanap-hanap (nila). Since More
than Words, they have been tweeting
and waiting for our next project. They
are very supportive. I’m thankful
for them. Kahit gumagawa kami ng
project na di kami magkasama, they
fully support us.”
To Janine, working on projects
requiring teaming up with other stars
is a natural course of Showbiz. “I
think lahat naman ng love team
pinagdadaanan na mapahinga, to
have a break from each other,” she
said. Again, Dangwa is a welcome
change for Janine because “siyempre
gusto ko namang mag-grow, at ayaw
ko na ng masyadong pa-bagets.
From playing Ikay, I want to do
something new. I’m embracing my
new character.”
Eventhough Janine is living up
to her dream, she also want to have
November 1-15, 2015
her own business which she believe is
more permanent than showbiz since
offers and projects may come and go.
She said “I’m still saving up for it, If
ever there’s a break from acting, I’ll be
busy doing something else.”
Janine Gutierrez or Janine Marie
Elizabeth de Leon Gutierrez in real
life was born October 2, 1989 in
Quezon City,Philippines She attended
Highschool at St. Paul Colleges, Pasig,
an all girls school. and graduated
her degree in European Studies at
the Ateneo de Manila University.
Discover the mystery behind Rosa
and fall in love every week with the
stories featured on DANGWA, which
aired last October 26 only on GMA
Pinoy TV.
To see your favourite Kapuso
shows on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life
TV and GMA News TV International,
check the airing schedules in your
territory through the website www.
gmanetwork.com/international/
programguide. b
10
As the Philippines has already
kicked off the election season, One
Philippines lets you in to take a
5
hings
You
houl
d
Know
out hem
Being one of the most interesting members
of the Senate, the “Iron Lady of Asia,” as
she was dubbed by Asia Magazine in 1989,
Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago has always
captured the interest of the Filipinos with her
wit, humor and feistiness.
Santiago
T
he
2016
presidential
election is fast
approaching, and it is
but timely to talk about
the four presidential
hopefuls, or more
popularly known as
PRESIDENTIABLES,
who have declared their
certificates of candidacy
(COCs) this month. The
Commission for Election
(COMELEC) will release
the complete list of final
candidates on December
10, 2015. Only 5 out of
the now 130 candidates
who submitted their
COCs since October 12
are sure to be included
in the ballot papers
in the coming May 9,
2016 elections, deeming
the 126 as nuisance
candidates.
November 1-15, 2015
2016 Presidential Hopefuls:
T
and ni
S
Luisa C. Ja
o
M
T
aria
l
By
Ab
12
peek in the biography of the four top
presidentiables Miriam Defensor
Santiago, Grace Poe-Llamanzares,
Jejomar Binay Sr., and Manuel
Roxas II, highlighting 5 things you
should know about them.
Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares may be more
popularly known as the daughter of the late
D’ King Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces,
but there is more than meets the eye for this
celebrity daughter.
Miriam Defensor Santiago
Being one of the most interesting
members of the Senate, the “Iron
Lady of Asia,” as she was dubbed
by Asia Magazine in 1989, Senator
Miriam Defensor Santiago has
always captured the interest of the
Filipinos with her wit, humor and
feistiness. Here are 5 of the things
you should know about her:
She was a consistent honor
student who regularly bags
recognition for her outstanding
academic performance. From grade
school to law school, Santiago has
always proven she was among the
top of her school’s academic ranking.
She was elementary and high
school Valedictorian. She earned
her Bachelor of Arts degree from
the University of the Philippines,
graduating Magna cum Laude. It
is also from the same university
where she earned her Bachelor of
Law degree finishing as Cum Laude.
But wait there’s more! She is also
a holder of three honorary Doctor
of Law degrees from the University
of San Agustin, Xavier University,
Ateneo de Cagayan de Oro, and
Centro Escolar University.
13
November 1-15, 2015
poe
1
2
She is the first female
Commissioner of Immigration
and Deportation and Secretary
of Agrarian Reform and she is
also the first Filipino and first
Southeast Asian elected as judge
of the International Criminal
Court. During the Cory Aquino
administration, Santiago was the
Commissioner of Immigration
and Deportation (1988-1989) and
Secretary of Agrarian Reform (19891990), being the first female to hold
both positions. In 2011, she was
elected by the States Parties to Rome
Statute as judge of the International
Criminal Court.
But wait there’s more again! She
was the 1968 editor-in-chief of UP
Diliman’s official school paper, the
Philippine Collegian, being the first
female given the position in 50 years.
3
She was also a beauty title
holder. Not only once but twice,
Santiago held the campus title as
part of the Reserve Officer’s Training
Corps (ROTC) core sponsors during
her law undergraduate years in UP
Diliman.
4
She is a dancing enthusiast.
The Senator admits her love
for dancing during her younger days,
even posting a picture in her Twitter
account (@senmiriam) of her younger
self with her brother Gen. Benjamin
Defensor as they attended a party.
5
She has authored several books
and the Supreme Court cases
often cite some of her law books.
Having years of experience being
a lawyer and legislator, Santiago
has published several books on
politics and law, some being used in
several Supreme Court cases. But
wait there’s more for the nth time!
She has captured the hearts of the
millennials with her two recently
published books of quotes, Stupid Is
Forever and Stupid Is Forevermore,
being one of the sources of memes
that we often encounter in our
Facebook newsfeed.
Mary Grace Sonora PoeLlamanzares
Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares
may be more popularly known as
the daughter of the late D’ King
Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces,
but there is more than meets the eye
for this celebrity daughter. Let’s take
a closer look on 5 things you should
know about her:
1
She was a Movie and
Television Rating and
Classification Board (MTRCB)
chairman, which was also her
introduction as a public servant. In
2010, Poe was appointed chairman
of the MTRCB, where her leadership
paved way for the implementation of
a new ratings system for both film
and television.
2
She is a taekwondo black
belter. Her graceful looks may
deceive you, but she is a black belt
holder in taekwondo. She also plays
tennis and enjoys outdoor activities.
3
She is a fan of David Baldacci,
an American novelist. Poe
admits to being a fan of David
Baldacci, famous for his novel
Absolute Power that was made into a
movie starring Clint Eastwood and
Gene Hackman in 1997. She said
that she even had her picture taken
with Baldacci during a book signing
event in the USA.
4
She married Neil Llamanzares
despite opposition from her
father. At the age of 22, just right
after college, Poe married Neil
Llamanzares in 1991. FPJ opposed
her intentions, wishing she’s
concentrate first on her career before
tying the knot. They have three
children, all of which have dual
citizenship, namely Brian, Hanna,
and Anika.
5
She has a green thumb. Yes,
the Senator loves gardening
and landscaping. She finds them
both therapeutic. And she got her
green thumb from her mother Susan
Roces.
Jejomar Cabauatan Binay Sr.
Being a household name in the
country since the ‘80s, Vice President
Jejomar Binay was a human rights
lawyer during the martial law
era and was mayor of Makati City
during 1988-1998 and 2001-2010.
He is now the standard bearer of the
United Nationalist Alliance (UNA)
despite controversies surrounding his
candidacy. Below are 5 interesting
things you should know about him:
1
How did Binay got his first
name? It not uncommon for
Filipinos to be named in the most
unique ways our parents could
ever come up with. VP Binay is no
excused either. His parents Diego
Binay from Batangas and Lourdes
Cabauatan from Isabela named
their son after the first syllables of
the names of the Holy Family Jesus,
Joseph and Mary.
2
He was an orphan. Being
orphaned at a tender age of 9,
under the care of his Uncle Ponciano,
Binay was brought to Makati City
and was tasked to go to the market
to collect “kaning baboy” for his
uncle’s piggery.
3
He is now worth a whooping
P60 million! Indeed a ragsto-riches example, the 72-year-old
VP has a net worth of P60 million
according to his filed Statement of
Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth
(SALN) for the year 2014, which is
a far cry from his net worth of P2.52
million when he was first elected
mayor of Makati City in 1988.
4
He is a member of the popular
University of the Philippines
Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity.
Binay admitted in 2012 that he being
a neophyte of the APO Fraternity, he
also underwent hazing as well as an
initiation called “Indian run,” where
the new members ran through two
parallel rows of fraternity brothers
who deliver blows to them. However,
he also clarified that the practice has
long been abandoned by APO.
5
He was a Martial Law
detainee. As an active provider
of free legal assistance to political
prisoners and a human rights lawyer
during the Martial Law, he was also
arrested and detained in the Ipil
Rehabilitation Center.
Manuel Araneta-Roxas II
Better known as the Padyakriding, traffic aider, port helper
cum Mr. Palengke, former DILG
secretary Mar Roxas is the standard
bearer of the Liberal Party (LP) for
the 2016 elections. Despite giving
way to President Benigno Aquino
14
November 1-15, 2015
Being a household name in the country since
the ‘80s, Vice President Jejomar Binay was a
human rights lawyer during the martial law
era and was mayor of Makati City during
1988-1998 and 2001-2010. He is now the
standard bearer of the United Nationalist
Alliance (UNA) despite controversies
surrounding his candidacy.
binay
III in 2010, he was even the first to
declare his intention to run for the
highest office seat of the country.
There’s no stopping him this time, so
to speak. Please be entertained with
the 5 things you should know about
him:
1
He comes from a family of
politicians. As it is wellknown, Roxas hailed from a family
of politicians, his grandfather being
the former President Manuel A.
Roxas, who is also a co-founder of
the Liberal Party in 1945. His
late father, Gerardo Roxas Sr.
served as representative
of the First
District of
Capiz
and
roxas
senator. His late brother Gerardo
“Dinggoy” Roxas Jr. was also a
representative of the First District
of Capiz.
2
He graduated with a Degree
in Economics from Wharton
School. Roxas is a graduate of the
business school of the University
of Pennsylvania, Wharton, with a
degree in economics in 1979. It is
reputed as the first business school
in the USA.
3
He was an investment banker
before entering politics. Before
being a public servant, Roxas was
an investment banker and was a
VP for a boutique firm Allen and
Company. In addition, under North
Star Capitals, Inc., Roxas
participated in publicizing
for the Filipino fast-food
company Jollibee.
4
He spearheaded the BPO
industry of the Philippines.
Thanks to Roxas, the Philippines is
one of the leading BPO providers in
the world. He launched the “Make
IT Philippines” campaign, which
pioneered the establishment of hightechnology industry centers and
the promotion of Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO) market in the
country, which paved way for tons of
call center jobs being opened.
5
He fell in love with the same
woman President Pnoy has
fallen in love with. And this indeed
is Rated K! Yes, aside from being
both Liberal Party members, they
have one more thing in common.
They both fell in love with ABSCBN anchorwoman Korina
Sanchez. It was Roxas who won
Sanchez’s hand as he married her
in 2009. b
Better known as the Padyak-riding,
traffic aider, port helper cum Mr.
Palengke, former DILG secretary
Mar Roxas is the standard bearer
of the Liberal Party (LP) for the
2016 elections. Despite giving way
to President Benigno Aquino III in
2010, he was even the first to declare
his intention to run for the highest
office seat of
the country.
November 1-15, 2015
15
16
November 1-15, 2015
riday
F
, October 23, 2015, Miller
Outdoor Theater, Houston, Texas. The
cool autumn evening was introduced
with a warm welcome by the Miller
Theater President! Christian Bautista
was born Oct. 19, 1981, at Imus
Cavite, Philippines.
His family background is graced
with one of them, Justice Jose
Bautista of The Court of Appeals. As
a Caviteno, the Cavite Association,
led by Loloy Reyes, met and welcomed
him in the Meet and Greet held at the
Pugon De Manila Restaurant the day
before the concert that Thursday!
When I talked to Christian, he told
me that his singing career started in
theater when he joined the “Trumpets
Productions”. Then he was one of the
finalists together with Eric Santos
and Sheryn Regis in the “Star in a
Million” singing competition.
After the competition, he joined
ABS-CBN, but at present, he is a
GMA TV Channel 7 singing artist
and also a television actor with GMA
teleseryes. He is also a variety show
host. With his banner song “The Way
You Look At Me,” and with a lot of
other popular songs, Christian is like
the Josh Groban of the Filipinos!
His cool, relaxed singing makes
end za
o
-
M
anue
l
arita
M
By
M
Filipino Balladeer Christian Bautista does a wonderful performance
in a solo concert at the Miller Theater on October 23
you want to listen to him more and
more! Like in his concert at the
Miller Theater, his repertoire started
with the pop song “Titanium” as his
opening number, followed by classics
like “Come Fly with Me”, “In Other
Words”, “Smile”, “How Deep Is Your
Love”, “You Raise Me Up,” “The Way
We Were,” “You Are So Beautiful,” and
more! Then he sang original Filipino
music such as “Nakapagtataka,” “Be
My Lady,” “Nandito Ako,” and other
original songs written for him like
his duet with Jessica Sanchez “Two
Forevers”, “Ngiti,” “The Way You Look
At Me,” “You And I Belong,” and “I’m
Already King”, the song from his
Indonesian film where he starred the
lead role!
Christian also wants to keep
reaching as many of his kababayans
around the world and sing to them! He
also wants to see Filipinos united and
helping each other. He also want for
the Filipinos outside the Philippines
to teach their children the Filipino
language, not to forget their roots and
where they came from!
He also asks that we pray for the
upcoming elections in the Philippines!
Christian’s manager is also a singer,
Carlo Orosa! This is not Christian’s
first time to come to
Texas, because he came
here some years ago
with the other singing
artists such as Sarah
Geronimo, Rachel Ann
Go, Mark Bautista, and
Eric Santos! Just like
my student Bubba and
Parent Steve & Vangie
Austin, the Filipino
Americans who saw
Christian B. perform for
the first time commented
that “Christian led the energy of his
audience!
He has an excellent interaction
with his crowd. His music is lively and
went very smoothly. It was active and
moved at his pace!
Although he had only met his
musicians that same day of his
concert, it seemed they have been
performing together for some time!”
The evening closed with a very
high level of accomplishment and
satisfaction. The crowd was very
pleased as everyone crowded to the
back stage area for pictures and
autographs with Christian!
One Phils Texas Publisher and
good friend, Bhong Zausa, organized
the meet and greet that is why we
found out that Christian Bautista
is here and about the concert of
Christian Bautista here in Houston! b
November 1-15, 2015
17
18
November 1-15, 2015
19
November 1-15, 2015
The Philippine Community Center, Inc. (PCCI) highly presents the Mrs. Philippines of
North Texas. During the event, 2,915 lead fundraisers made it possible through their
contributions. Six lovely, beautiful, compassionate ladies work hard together as a team
for one endeavour. Congratulations!
MISSION STATEMENT
The Philippine Community Center, Inc. is committed to manifesting its spirit
of volunteerism and service to the Filipino-American community in the North
Texas region through programs that provide opportunities for empowering the
individual and the collective spirit both here and in the Philippines.
HISTORY
LIZA’S
LECH
ON
The need for a common center for Filipinos in the Dallas Fort Worth
Metroplex was expressed in 1989. This expression translated into the formation
and incorporation of the Philippine Community Center, Inc. in 1990. The Mrs.
Philippines of North Texas was then initiated. In 1991, the officers and lead
fundraisers had a special audience with the late Philippine President Corazon
Aquino, who then encouraged the continuation of the charitable works of the
organization.
In 1991, the United States Internal Revenue Service awarded to PCCI its
501(c)(3) non-profit status. This designation allowed the organization to expand
its fund-raising capabilities and at the same time undertake more expansive
programs and services.
True to its core intent of providing a physical center for the Filipinos, PCCI
leased an office with a common meeting hall for its community activities. In
1998, PCCI purchased a 5,300 sq. ft building along a main thoroughfare. This
center was vibrant with community activities—from the Philippine flag-raising
ceremony during the Philippine Independence Centennial celebration in North
Texas, to medical outreach, to various social events like dinner and a movie,
banquets, meetings and much more. However, a transport-oriented development
project required PCCI to move its center location. PCCI then bought another
building on 1718 Bayside St. in Dallas, which had to be sold for better
accessibility to its served community.
It is notable that in 2015, PCCI will be completing twenty-six years as a
corporation and twenty-four years as a 501(c)(3) organization, fueled solely by
the volunteerism of its members and officers and the generous support of the
Filipino international community. b
ON
MALAKI, MALUT
G, MASARAP
(713) 483 4784
The Philippine Community Center, Inc. (PCCI) 2015-2016 Board Members and
Executive Officers. L to R: Mona Matta, Gina Bejar, Enrico Frando, TA Soriaga, Gal
Jumaoas, Grace Evangelista, Aida Madison. Back: Evelyn Armstrong, Marietta
Fontabla, Becky Johnson, Maria Cedro, Mary Jumaoas, Elna Mallari.
IT’S
PARTY
TIME!
22
November 1-15, 2015
November 1-15, 2015
23
24
November 1-15, 2015
25
November 1-15, 2015
Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. and Top
Philippine Business Delegation Attract Large Crowd
of Receptive Business Leaders in Dallas, Texas
COMMUNITYNEWS
Ambassador Cuisia congratulating and
thanking Mr. Gus Mercado, lead organizer
of the Roadshow event in Dallas
mbassador
A
Jose L. Cuisia Jr.
and prominent Filipino economist
Dr. Bernardo Villegas led a Private
Sector Delegation of Philippine
industry leaders in a very successful
Investment Roadshow Forum in
Dallas, Texas. It was held at the Hyatt
Regency DFW Airport. The Philippine
government announced in the Forum
that it is opening up numerous
opportunities for doing business
in the Philippines in the fields of
Information Technology and Business
Process Outsourcing, Transport and
Infrastructure, Real Estate, Human
Resources and Manufacturing.
The record-breaking event
was organized and hosted by the
Philippine Honorary ConsulateGeneral in Dallas and the PhilippineAmerican Chamber of Commerce,
North Texas Chapter, supported by
the Philippine Consulate General and
the Trade and Investment Center in
Los Angeles.
According to lead organizer
Gus Mercado, who is the Executive
Director of the Philippine Chamber
and CEO of one of the corporate
Part of the large audience of Dallas businessmen that attended the Roadshow
Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. delivers his Opening Remarks at the Dallas/Fort Worth
forum of the 4th Private Sector Led Investment Roadshow held at the Hyatt Regency
DFW Airport on 21 October 2015. (Addressing large crowd of business leaders in
Dallas)
Dr. Bernardo Villegas, the articulate Head
of the Private Sector Delegation, delivers
his presentation entitled “The Philippines:
The New Tiger of Asia” at the 4th Private
Sector Led Investment Roadshow held in
Dallas Texas on 21 October 2015
Members of the Philippine delegation being picked up by a long Hummer whale limo
sponsors Datalogix Texas: “The
response of the Dallas-Fort
Worth business community to
the Ambassador’s invitation was
overwhelming and exceeded all
expectations.”
Some 165 participants, including
senior executives from American
Airlines, Rio Grande Pacific
Corporation, Fluor Corporation, Texas
Instruments, U.S. Trust, Bank of
America, AIG International, Perkins
Cole Law Firm, World Affairs Council
and heads of the Fort Worth Chamber
of Commerce, the Mexico-US Chamber
of Commerce and the Greater
Dallas Asian American Chamber of
Commerce, were in attendance and
actively participated in the open
forum and the breakout sessions
that followed a sumptuous lunch that
featured Philippine Fusion Chicken
Adobo and Halibut steak. Also
represented were the Offices of Texas
Governor Gregg Abbott, Senator John
Cornyn, and the mayors and economic
development boards of the cities of
Dallas, Fort Worth, Richardson,
Gus Mercado moderates Q&A with Philippine delegation answering the questions. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (seated, fourth
from left) and Dr. Villegas (seated third from right), together with the rest of the Philippine Delegation (from left) composed of Consul
General Leo Herrera-Lim, Engelbert Camasura, Juan Pena, Jose Mari Mercado, and Ronaldo Elepano, Jr., answer questions from the
audience.
Jose Mari Mercado, President of the ITBPO industry representing $20B annual
revenues
Irving and Frisco.
The following Filipino
organizations also attended and
sponsored tables for their members:
The North Texas Association of
Philippine Physicians, the North
Texas Asian American Cultural
Association, Philippine Republic Day
Celebration Inc. ROSCON Foundation
and the Philippine-American
Chamber, whose chapters in Houston
and in Rio Grande Valley were also
represented.
In paying tribute to the successful
efforts and dedication of the host
organizations and event partners
that put together the one-day forum
on short notice, Ambassador Jose
L. Cuisia Jr. remarked that the
Roadshow had visited 13 cities, and
the Dallas event was the biggest and
most successful ever. In addition
to the Forum, the Ambassador was
keynote speaker at the Greater
Dallas Asian American Chamber of
Commerce banquet the night before
and was the special guest of honor
at a reception hosted by the World
Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth.
After the Forum, the Ambassador
and the Philippine delegation
were given a plant tour of Texas
Instruments’ modern and state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility in
Richardson, Texas. Metroplex-based
Texas Instruments is one of the oldest
and biggest U.S. companies operating
in the Philippines.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region
is home to numerous Fortune 500
companies and leads the nation in
economic strength and job growth,
with the continuing influx of national
headquarters relocating to the
Metroplex including Toyota, State
Farm, FedEx-Kinko’s, Ericsson, Nokia
and many others.
All in all, the brief Dallas visit
enabled the Ambassador to impart the
message of the Philippines as a top
investment destination to more than
1,000 receptive business people in
North Texas.
The 3-hour Forum included
business presentations from the five
country experts who were introduced
by Philippine Trade Commissioner
Jose Ma. Dinsay and Myrna Carreon,
Dallas Chair of the PACC Texas. Gus
Mercado gave the welcome remarks
and officiated in the questionand-answer segment, which drew
a large number of questions that
were enthusiastically fielded by the
delegates.Dr. Bernardo Villegas,
the Philippines’ foremost economist,
Visiting Professor at IESE Business
School in Barcelona and Professor at
the University of Asia and the Pacific,
gave the keynote address. Honorary
Consul Ethel Mercado coordinated all
the logistics of the project including
management of venue and volunteers
and published an elegant souvenir
program book.
Gilbert Camasura discussed HR planning
and outsourcing sector
Honorary
Consul Ethel
Mercado
with Vice
Consul Mary
Joy Ramirez
picking
up the
Philippine
guests
World Affairs Council president Jim Falk and Ambassador Cuisis in a fireside chat open
forum reception for the Ambassador
Johnny Pena, country expert on Transport,
Infrastructure and Outsourcing Sector
Texas Instruments Senior officers welcoming the Ambassador and members of the Investment Roadshow.
26
November 1-15, 2015
27
November 1-15, 2015
By
tephanie
ay
o
M
S
MOVIEGOER
Hardworking PACC Texas volunteers at Registration Desk welcoming guests and
distributing One Philippines
technology and business process
management (IT-BPM) industry,
making the country an ideal place for
foreign investors to do business.In just
over a decade, the Philippine IT-BMP
industry has steadily grown to become
an US$19 billion dollar industry,
showing the continued and growing
interest of international companies
to invest and put up operations in the
country. The IT & Business Process
Association of the Philippines (IBPAP)
projects that 1.3 million people will be
directly employed in IT-BPM by 2016,
with the industry generating US$25
billion in revenue.
Most of the headcount distribution
and generated revenue of the ITBMP industry in the Philippines
is from contact centers, followed by
knowledge process outsourcing (KPO),
information technology outsourcing
(ITO), healthcare, engineering
services outsourcing (ESO),
animation, and game development.
According to Mr. Mercado,
American companies prefer doing
business in the Philippines because
of the country’s scalable and educated
talent pool, cost competitiveness,
excellent infrastructure, government
support and public-private
partnership, and a proven track
record.
The talent pool of the Philippines
is continuously growing, with over
half a million students graduating
from college and more than 7,000
accountants certified per year.
In the same forum, Mr. Engelbert
Camasura, Partner at Ward Howell
International Consulting Firm,
described “Filipinos as a global
resource,” being highly trainable,
proficient in English, having an
affinity with Western culture, having
good customer service orientation, and
having a high level of commitment
and loyalty.
The Philippines’ educated and
highly skilled talent pool gives
international companies investing
in IT-BPM the advantage of scale.
Companies outsourcing to the
Philippines are no longer only looking
at investing in Metro Manila but are
now also considering the areas of
Metro Cebu, Metro Clark, and Metro
Bacolod. This domestic growth is
pushing up the number of people being
employed in other Next Wave Cities.
With everything the Philippine ITBPM industry has to offer, the country
still has one of the lowest operating
costs, making it the number one voice
outsourcing destination, surpassing
India 4 years ago, and 2nd overall
global outsourcing destination in the
world. b
BONIFACIO: ANG UNANG
PANGULO (2014)

A
Bonifacio’s colorful
character is exciting material for
cinema. A passionate and compulsive
revolutionist who met a tragic end,
a brave man who fought for the
Filipino freedom but ultimately
suffered from the hands of his own
race, Bonifacio is a national hero
whose history and legacy continue to
captivate us.
After Richard Somes’ visually
pleasing but utterly passionless
Bonifacio in 2012’s Supremo, we are,
with great relief, presented with a
passionate fighter in Bonifacio: Ang
Unang Pangulo, with action star
Robin Padilla in the titular role.
Directed by Enzo Williams,
and screenplay penned by him,
Carlo Obispo, and Keiko Aquino,
the film delivers a solid, clear, and
compact retelling of the story of the
founder of Katipunan, which would
engage Filipinos of all ages and
background—from the most hardcore
historical nut down to your regular
ndres
Members of the Manila business
delegation agreed that the
Philippines is serious in improving its
infrastructure to meet demands of the
country’s economy. This is reflected
in the government’s increased budget
allocation to infrastructure projects in
order to meet population and economic
demands.
According to Mr. Ronaldo Elepaño,
1st Vice President for Business
Development International at DM
Consunji, Inc., the 2015 Budget
invests 569.9 billion pesos in strategic
infrastructure projects. Infrastructure
outlays for this year represent 4
percent of the country’s GDP, a 28.95
percent increase in allocated budget
from the previous year.
Additionally, 287.8 billion
pesos is earmarked for transport
infrastructure projects including road,
maritime, air, and railway transport.
Of this amount, 53.1 billion will go
to agricultural infrastructure which
includes irrigation, farm-to-market
roads, and fishery infrastructure.
The growing population is a
major driving force in infrastructure
expansion. According to Mr. Juan
Olondriz Peña, President of RAJI
INC., population growth and the
expansion of the metropolis demands
that infrastructure development
extend to places outside Metro Manila.
“The Philippines has a population
of approximately 100 million people,
growing at an average rate of 1.8
to 2.3 percent annually. The main
population center is in the Metro
Manila area and within the next
six to eight years, Greater Manila
will extend as far North as Angeles
City in Pampanga, to Lucena City,
Quezon Province in the South, and
to Batangas City in the West with a
radius averaging 80 kilometers from
the center of Manila,” said Mr. Peña.
The mentioned multi-billion peso
infrastructure and transport projects,
along with an established PublicPrivate Partnership Program and
a government dedicated to battling
corruption, make the Philippines ripe
for investment.
According to Mr. Jose Mari
Mercado, President and CEO of the
Information Technology & Business
Process Association of the Philippines,
the Philippines continues to have
competitive advantage over the
rest of the world in the information
The Ambassador and the RP delegation with Philippine and Asian Chamber officials
Philippine
Business
delegates
with
members
of host
organization,
the PACC
Texas.
high school student.
With the opening scene of the
horrific death sentence of the
GOMBURZA (Mariano Gomez, José
Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, three
Filipino priests who were executed in
1872 by Spanish colonial authorities),
our anger against the Spanish
colonizers is quickly ignited, and so
we immediately feel Bonifacio’s drive
to free our beloved Motherland, and
our sense of patriotism and Filipino
pride are sustained until the end.
The film, however, has a conscious
effort to please a large demographic
of tweens who will only probably be
motivated to watch a historical film
if heartthrob Daniel Padilla is in the
picture.
Here, Daniel Padilla is Joaquin,
a present-day high school student
who, along with schoolmates
Andrea (Jasmine Curtis-Smith),
and Gary (RJ Padilla), visit Museo
ng Katipunan in San Juan City,
where they receive real education
from the museum’s curator (Eddie
Garcia), whose gems of information
on Bonifacio cannot be found in the
kids’ textbook. Apart from targeting
younger audience, this storytelling
strategy also aims to reinforce its
objective to enlighten us on what
it claims to be the true story of
Bonifacio.
This is Williams’ first full-length
film, and he succeeds in delivering
an absorbing historical film. The
flashbacks are thoroughly engaging,
evoking a strong sense of suspense,
thrill, and patriotism. There is also
dash of humor—and a lot of romance
to spice up the movie. Vina Morales
plays Bonifacio’s wife Oriang and
she delivers a heartfelt performance,
and her chemistry with Padilla
is palpable. The film is generally
well-acted, with Padilla giving his
important role the necessary fervor
to it.
The visuals are breathtaking,
artful and poetic, thanks to
Williams’ cinematic
vision aided by
multi-awarded Carlo
Mendoza’s breathtaking
cinematography,
enhanced by Von de
Guzman’s film score; the
thrilling and soaring
music heightens our
emotions; our anger,
pain, love, and pride.
The battle and fight
scenes are impressive—
except for the Spaniards’
movements when
beating up the Filipinos
with their guns; they look weak and
phony, taking away the realism and
greatly reducing these specific scenes
to a classroom skit.
But this film is chiefly
educational, delivered in an
entertaining manner. Although
lively, the Bonifacio character is still
one-dimensional; not really revealing
the man behind the hero. Beyond the
cedula-tearing, the Katipunan, the
Tejeros Convention, the Magdiwang
and Magdalo Council, and his brutal
death, we discover nothing new about
the man that is Bonifacio. There is
one scene, though, when Bonifacio
is vulnerable, in great anguish, as
he speaks to God, and you wish
there’s more of this raw side of the
character—a more intimate, personal
portrayal of the human being and not
just the revolutionary hero.
Bonificio: Ang Unang Pangulo
is, once again, all about the
Supremo, the “True First President
of the Philippines,” as the movie
title says, and not exactly the
man. Nevertheless, the movie is
competent, emotionally engaging,
and passionate, succeeding in
sparking that patriotism in you. In
fact, it took home nine awards at the
2014 Metro Manila Film Festival,
including Best Picture, the FPJ
Memorial Award for Film Excellence,
Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural
Award, and the Youth Choice Award.
On March 2015, the film won
eight more awards from the PMPC
(Philippine Movie Press Club) Star
Awards, including “Movie of the
Year” and “Movie Director of the
Year.” Also this year, the film became
an official selection at the Seattle
International Film Festival, and was
screened last May 25, 27, and 29,
2015 in Seattle, Washington. b
d
M
S
d
y
ato ’s anokan
an eafoo s
L
L
T
!
p
a
r
a
s
!
a
h- a-
November 1-15, 2015
W
made this humble and unpretentious
restaurant land a spot on Miele Guide
2011, the first and most authoritative
regional guide book to the finest restaurants
in Asia, as one of the best restaurants in the
Philippines, being cited for having the best grilled
chicken traditionally cooked in addition to other
delicacies?
hat
November 1-15, 2015
O
T
28
Honorato Tiburan Espinosa built
Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods in
the ‘70s. Honorato, fondly called
Tatoy, being a fisherman, used his
experience and knowledge of the sea
to create the best delicacies of the
freshest seafood for his customers,
prepared with the honesty and
simplicity of an instinctive cook,
not having the culinary education
fit for a chef. He started out with a
nipa shack that has three tables and
is located in the corner spot by the
beach.
Now, when word of mouth has
spread the unique charisma of its
food and service, Tatoy’s has become
famous among tourists, both local
and international. It now has a
new beachfront property that has
an indoor dining room, an outdoor
pavilion, and a convention hall.
The business is still actively
run by Tatoy and his wife, with
the help of eight of his
nine children. His other
child runs a separate
restaurant, Nes and Tats. Tatoy can
still be spotted wiping the tables and
even serving his customers.
When it comes to specialties,
Tatoy’s native lechong manok is
on the top of its list. According to
Norma Chikiamco of Food Magazine,
in an article entitled “True Tales
of Food Nirvana” in its 2007 issue,
“Tatoy’s signature dish is the native
lechong manok. Imbued with a
marinade of native vinegar and
calamansi and puffed up with a
stuffing of tamarind leaves and
lemongrass, the chicken had a rich
yet imaginative flavour. Just when
it seemed slightly sour, it would
become citrusy, then
salty, then mellow.
Likewise, the
texture, first crisp,
then tender. In short, it
was a fine example of how the right
cooking techniques can produce a
complexity of flavours and textures.”
But this native lechong manok
is not the only favourite among a
variety of dishes that Tatoy’s serve.
There is also the grilled scallops,
dabbed in a calamansi-buttergarlic concoction that adds twist
to the usual scallops served in
restaurants.
Tatoy’s grilled bangus ala inasal
is also worth having on your table,
served boneless and in big sizes!
It doesn’t need anything else on
it because it leaves a unique tasty
29
experience on your palate.
Your trip to Iloilo surely won’t be
complete if you haven’t tasted any of
the three mentioned Filipino dishes
cooked Tatoy’s way, especially if you
are a lover of seafood and native
Filipino cuisine. This Ilonggo pride is
truly an experience worth having for
the food lover among us!
Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods
is conveniently located along Villa
Beach in Iloilo City, a mere 15
minutes from the heart of the city.
It can be reached either by cab or
jeepney because all drivers know
where Tatoy’s is located. b
30
November 1-15, 2015
that the posts were linked related to
Vice Ganda’s remarks last Saturday,
October 24 that they can’t beat Eat
Bulaga! the rival show of Vice’s It’s
Showtime.
#ALDubEBTamangPanahon
lDub tweets
set a new
witter
record of
41
A
Vina Morales writes
“truth will prevail” hashtag
on Instagram post.
T
akong nararamdamang
sama ng loob, o galit,
o lungkot, ngitngit.
Puro tuwa lang at
pagpapasalamat
kasi ang laking
blessing talaga nitong
Showtime.”
Last October
24, It’s Showtime
M
#A
lDubEBTamangPanahon
hits a twitter record high
of 41 million tweets with
its recently concluded event held
at Philippine Arena last Saturday,
October 24, rendering Eat Bulaga’s
TV share to 50.8%.
On the event “Tamang Panahon”,
Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola) gave her
blessing to Alden to formally court
Yaya Dub.
Other than breaking its own
record of 25.6 million last September
26 for #AlDubEBLover, It also
shattered the record set by the
World Cup match between
Brazil and Germany,
#BRAvsGER, last July
2014.
Not only in Twitter,
it also broke the record
of the most watched
Pacquiao fight –Manny
Pacquiao vs Timothy
Bradley - last April 13,
2014 with 48.9%.
This means that the
50.8% rating of Eat
Bulaga is now on the
list of the highestrated shows.
<image 1>
Vice Ganda Bows Down
in Defeat to Eat Bulaga:
“Hindi namin matatalo
iyan”.
Vice Ganda
spoke live on
TV about their
SHOWBITZ
ongoing rating wars between
Eat Bulaga! and It’s Showtime.
It was during their Animversary
event that Vice, as he stood beside
his co-hosts Anne Curtis, Vhong
Navarro, Billy Crawford, Karylle
and Colleen Garcia, gave his take on
the rating wars that
netizens have been
doing between
their shows.
This event
coincided
with Eat
Bulaga!’s
“Ang Tamang
Panahon”
concert at the
Philippine
Arena.
According to
Vice, “Hindi
nyo ho
31
November 1-15, 2015
kailangan
makipag-away
sa tao kung sino
ang number one
na noontime show.
Kami pong mga host
ng Showtime at Eat
Bulaga! ay di magkakaaway sa totoong buhay.
Kaya dapat kayo rin, di
kayo magkaka-away.”
Vice’s speech started
with his expression of
sadness but despite that
was still thankful that
they reached six years
of airtime as a noontime
show. He added, “Ang
saya-saya ko kasi ang
tweet ko nga kaninang
umaga, ‘This is a day
to be very grateful.’
Sobrang grateful ko
ngayong araw na ito
kasi anim na taon,
hindi biro ‘yon ha. Sa
bilis ng pagpapalit ng
panahon, sa bilis ng mga
gusto ng mga tao, sa bilis
ng tiwala ng mga tao,
ibang klase yung six
years. At ang lakilaki ng nagbago sa
paligid ko, wala
also held their 6th Anniversary
Celebration while Eat Bulaga! held
their “Tamang Panahon” concert in
the Philippine Arena.
Joey De Leon surprises
netizens with his cryptic tweets
about “Kabayo.” Netizens showed
mixed reactions about Joey De
Leon’s tweets last October 28 about
the comparison of his career to a
“Kabayo”
Joey tweeted twice about the topic
and used the word “Kabayo” in all
caps twice. Netizens reacted and
thought that the tweets posted are
with “double meanings” and might
refer to Vice Ganda.
On his first tweet, the Eat
Bulaga! host said: “Like LOVE, ang
CAREER ay hindi minamadali. Ang
minamadali lang na karera
ay sa KABAYO!”
The second one
also has a similar
meaning, with
his tweet: “I
repeat, wag
madaliin ang
career. Treat
it like LOVE.
Wag itulad
sa karera ng
KABAYO,
tapos agad!”
Based on
the reactions of
the netizens, they
believe
#TRUTHWILLPREVAIL – this is
the hashtag that Vina Morales has
posted last October 28.
Kapamilya singer-actress Vina
Morales is keeping mum against
Tv host Avi Siwa’s accusations and
rants. Avi Siwa has accused Vina of
preventing her ex-bf Marc Lamber
to visit their baby. Marc is currently
Vina’s boyfriend.
Avi posted hashtags
in her Instagram posts
like”HOMEWRECKER @
vina_morales #firsttwocomments
#vinanomorals
#insecuremuch #howdareyou
#etiquetteforhomewreckers
#enjoykarma”.
She posted a message “As long
as there is SOMEONE in the sky
to protect me, there is NO ONE on
earth who could break me.” with
captions “MyProtector #MyShield
#TruthWillPrevail God is great all
the time â ¤ï¸ ðŸ™ ðŸ˜Š I’m wishing
all of you my IG family a day full of
love , God is with us 😊”.
Eventhough she didn’t gave a hint
on to whom the post was meant for,
her followers said that it was meant
for Avi Siwa.
Alonzo Muhlach admits crush
on Yaya Dub, but only wants to
work with Kuya Alden. At only
5 years old, Alonzo Muhlach, son of
former child wonder Niño Muhlach
said that he doesn’t have troubles
juggling between his studies and
following his father’s path in working
in showbiz.
Alonzo added that he
wanted to be an actor until
he grows old.
When asked on who
is his idol, It’s the
“pambansang bae”
Alden Richards that
he mentioned.
“Si Kuya Alden,
guwapo, saka mabait,”
Alonzo said. He also
knew Alden and he
also answered “opo”
when asked if he
has a crush on Maine
Eventhough
she didn’t gave
a hint on to
whom the post
was meant for,
her followers
said that it
was meant for
Avi Siwa.
Mendoza aka Yaya Dub.
But when he was asked once
again on who he wants to work with
“Only Alden”. He answered “Kasi
Pogi and mabait.”
The real yaya of Alonzo explained
why he only wants to work with
Alden because he really has a crush
on Yaya Dub and he doesn’t want
Alden to get mad at him.
32
November 1-15, 2015
33
November 1-15, 2015
i
Instruct ons:
1. In a wok, saute garlic, ginger and onion until fragrant
but not browned.
2. Add in the ground beef and stir, cook for 2 minutes
3. Then put in the fish sauce and shrimp paste and
continue to stir cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Put in 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of the coconut
milk, bring to a boil and simmer for 6 minutes or
until the liquid has reduced to an oily sauce, stirring
occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from
curdling.
5. Now add in the remaining coconut milk, winged beans,
green and red chili, continue to cook for another 5
minutes or until the vegetables are just cooked.
6. Add salt to taste.
7. Serve hot with Rice and make sure you have a lot rice
because you’ll crave for more.
like fried boneless bangus or crispy
tadyang ng baka. One can personally
add a couple of bird’s eye chili (siling
labuyo) for that extra kick. For extra
special occasions, when you just want
to wow your guests, gising gising
can be served topped with baconsliced pork belly deep-fried until it is
as crispy as chicharon, making it a
heart-stopper on so many levels!
There are many versions of gising
gising depending on your preference.
You can also use other vegetables can
also and add other meat to the dish.
Bored with your usual meal? Try
this dish and “mapapagising ka sa
sarap ng gising gising!” b
In English, it
literally means “Wake
up wake up,” and it
can be explained why
this dish is called as
such is that because
they say that the
spiciness of the dish
can awaken the eaters
senses.
ising
Ingred ents:
 1/2 kilo Sigarilyas or Winged beans, sliced diagonally
 1/4 kilo ground beef
 4 pcs Siling haba or Birds Eye chili, sliced diagonally
 4 cloves garlic, chopped
 1 medium sized onion, chopped
 1 thumb size ginger, peeled, cut into thin strips
 4 tbsp. shrimp paste, bagoong alamang
 2 cups pure coconut milk or 1 can of 400 ml Coconut
milk
 1 tbsp. fish sauce
 salt to taste
 Canola cooking oil
i
G
gising has a spicy,
salty and creamy taste similar
to Bicol express. This dish is made up of
chopped sigarilyas or
winged bean cooked
in shrimp paste and
coconut cream. The
saltiness of gising gising
is just about right, but if
you enjoy saltier dishes,
it is recommended to
add a little fish sauce
(patis) to this dish.
Salty dishes are really yummy, but please try to
minimize your sodium chloride intake for health
reasons. Gising gising is best eaten with hot
steamed rice. Try topping this over rice served
with a cold glass of juice. Perfect!
G
pice up your meal with
ising
ising!
G
S
So why is it called Gising gising?
In English, it literally means
“Wake up wake up,” and it can be
explained why this dish is called as
such is that because they say that
the spiciness of the dish can awaken
the eaters senses. Not much was
written as to the history of this dish,
and no one has ever claimed whether
this is a Bicolano dish even if it
resembles the Bicol Express dish in
some aspects.
Gising gising is a favorite among
Filipino households because it is so
easy to prepare and so affordable. All
you need can be found in the local
market. Coconut milk or gata adds
richness to the ingredients. Gising
gising is a perfect partner to grilled
favorites such as inihaw na tilapia
and inihaw na liempo, or fried treats
ore
I
BUSINESS HOURS: TUE-SAT 10AM-7PM
SUN: 11AM-6PM, CLOSED MONDAY
ORIENTAL FOODS, PASTRIES, BALIKBAYAN BOXES, MONEY
REMITTANCE, PHONE CARD, AND FILIPINO MOVIE RENTAL
D
I
J NGO AN
GRACE CALVELO
16928 HWY 3
WEBSTER TX, 77598
STORE: 832-632-2003
CELL: 281-541-9426
I
J NGO’S AS AN MARKET
BBB Helps Community Shred
Over 10,600 Pounds of Paper
Wanted Business Partner / Manager
BBB Serving Central East Texas
held its Secure Your ID Day event in
Lindale on Wednesday, October 22.
The event invited the public to bring
unwanted sensitive material to be
shredded safely. Over 15,100 pounds of
paper was collected, safely destroyed
and recycled.
Secure shredding services were
provided by Ark-La-Tex Shredding
Company, and cardboard disposal and
recycling services were provided by
Goodwill Industries of East Texas.
Participants were given information
coupled with expert advice and
resources for protecting personal
information from identity thieves.
“Every year, we are able to help
the East Texas community with
these identity protection events”, said
Kaylen Burgess, Community Outreach
Specialist for BBB Serving Central
East Texas. “Identity theft has been
prominent for decades, so providing
these types of services helps us fulfill
our mission here at BBB.”
More than 100 BBBs across
North America participated in this
simultaneous event. BBB will hold
another two in April 2016.
“We were able to shred over 15,100
pounds of paper at this event,” Burgess
stated. “That saved over 128 trees and
approximately 52,850 gallons of water,
not to mention the countless number of
identities that were protected.”
For more information, and to be
placed on a reminder list for upcoming
BBB events, call (903) 581-5704 or
visit bbb.org.
oday
T
BBB announces a call for
nominations for the 2016 BBB Awards
for Excellence, which honor businesses
and charities who demonstrate superior
ethics, reliability and trustworthiness.
All BBB-Accredited Businesses and
Accredited Charities who
have a physical location
within the nineteen
(19) counties served
by BBB Central East
Texas are eligible to be
nominated and to receive
a prestigious BBB Award.
The mission of
the Awards Program is to promote
both the importance of ethical
marketplace practices and the
willingness and efforts made by
outstanding organizations to ensure
our marketplace remains fair and
honorable to everyone. These awards
are presented to BBB-Accredited
Businesses and BBB-Accredited
Charities in recognition of their
outstanding commitment to exceptional
standards in relationships to their
consumers, employees, suppliers,
competitors, shareholders, and
surrounding communities.
“The BBB Awards for Excellence
give public recognition to businesses
and organizations for their outstanding
commitment to fair, honest and ethical
marketplace practices”, said Mechele
Agbayani Mills, President and CEO
of BBB Serving Central East Texas.
“The awards celebrate marketplace role
models who exemplify BBB principles
and uphold our ideals on trust,
reliability and ethics.”
Nominations for businesses are due
November20. Any Accredited Business
or Accredited Charity operating in
BBB’s service area is eligible to be
nominated, no matter how big or
how small. An independent panel of
volunteer community leaders will
select this year’s recipients, who will be
recognized at a ceremony on January
26, 2016, at the Crosswalk Conference
Center in Tyler.
Last year’s winners were Lazy
Boy Furniture Galleries,
Sartain Lock and Safe,
Anderson Custom
Landscaping, and East
Texas Food Bank.
Individuals and
business owners can
nominate businesses
by downloading and
completing the Nomination Form found
on bbb.org/east-texas. Please send all
nomination forms to nominations@
easttexas.bbb.org or PO Box 6652
Tyler, TX 75711.
BBB also recognizes tomorrow’s
leaders through the Students of
Integrity awards. The awards are
given to two high school seniors who
personify high character and ethical
behavior in their leadership and
contributions to their communities
and schools. Student honorees are
selected by a panel of judges to receive
a scholarship to an accredited school/
college of their choice.
About Better Business Bureau:
BBB is a nonprofit, non-governmental,
business-supported organization that
sets and upholds high standards for fair
and honest business behavior. All BBB
services to consumers are free of charge.
BBB provides objective advice, free
BBB Business Reviews on more than
4 million businesses, 11,000 Charity
Reviews, dispute resolution services,
alerts and educational information
on topics affecting marketplace trust.
BBB Serving Central East Texas
was founded in 1985 and is one of 113
local independent BBBs across North
America.
YES, we are now open!
BBB Accepting
Nominations for 2016
Awards for Excellence
Now Is the Time to Ensure
Fireplace Safety
18551 Old Richmond Rd, Ste. E
Sugar Land, TX 77498
(across from Macario Garcia Middle School)
Phone - (281) 325-1077
Fax - (281) 325-0048
And our baked goods and savory treats are prepared,
just as you like it.To serve you better, we will soon offer
hot meals to eat in or to go, native cakes, sandwiches and
salads!
Please call or fax to us your order to make sure that we
have them when you come in.
IT’S PARTY TIME
LIZA’S LECH
MALAKI, MALUT
ON
COMMUNITYNEWS
JAYLI Bakery and Café
ON
COMMUNITYNEWS
M
than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuelfired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many
people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.
In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, an average of 50,100 home
heating fires occur in the United States each year and result in an annual
average of approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries and $326 million in property
loss.
Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes.
All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and
efficiently. BBB suggests that before hiring someone to service your fireplace, be
aware of possible chimney cleaning and repair scams.
“As with many home improvement services, scam artists will lure
homeowners with door-to-door sales pitches, phone solicitation and, of most
concern, community ads and direct mailers offering extremely low prices
for their services”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB
Serving Central East Texas. “Whenever you are hiring someone to perform any
service on your home, it’s important to make educated decisions.”
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that homeowners take
a few steps when evaluating a chimney sweep to perform an annual inspection
or related service on their chimney or vent. Proper care and regular service can
help protect families from preventable fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.
However, it is important to choose the professional wisely. BBB and the CSIA
suggest asking the following questions to ensure the person hired is a credible
service technician:
•
How long has the chimney sweep company been in business?
•
What is their BBB rating and does the company have unresolved
complaints filed with either Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s
Office?
•
Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability
insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?
•
Does the company maintain professional credentials? Will a CSIA
Certified Chimney Sweep be on the job site?
Avoid chimney repair fraud by considering the following tips when any
chimney sweep service is in your home:
1. If repairs are suggested, ask for proof of the recommended repairs and do
not feel pressured into allowing work to begin immediately.
2. Don't accept broken debris as evidence of a needed repair – that rubble
may not be from your chimney. Ask to see what is broken or collapsed and make
them show you. If they can see the needed repairs, so can you.
3. Do your homework. Educate yourself before the service person arrives
about products and repairs specific to fireplaces and chimneys.
For more information on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report
fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call the BBB Hotline:
(903) 581-8373 or use BBB Scam Tracker: www.bbb.org/scamtracker/east-texas/.
35
November 1-15, 2015
November 1-15, 2015
34
G, MASARAP
(713) 483 4784
COMMUNITYNEWS
T
: 713-725-1407 / 713-483-4783
FAX: 281-933-8697 / 281-933-1871
Open 7 days a week
Allow 5 -7 days preparation time for big orders.
50% deposit required for orders over $500.00
Email: [email protected]
cross
I
ILI
ondays Closed
Tel: (713)
OCC S ONS
436-5030
I
NG FO
A
CC PT C T
ALL
W
R
Advertise in
ONE PHILIPPINES TEXAS
el
www.mypansit.com
R
P
Put your AD here
ERI
(956) 664- 0044
hone
(956) 664- 0050 Fax
We er e: Breakfast 7:30-11 am | Buffet: 11- 7pm
Halo-Halo | Pho Noodle Soup
oney emittance | Phone cards
Weekend Nights Karaoke
M
www.facebook.com/PalomasPhilippineCuisine/info • www.palomaphilippinecuisine.com
“These scams are fairly simple, which explains
why they happen so often”, said Mechele
Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB
Serving Central East Texas. “An invoice is
received – and is paid – and by the time the
company realizes, it was fraudulent. The scam
artist is long gone.”
1826 Country Place Pkwy. Suite 110
Pearland, Texas 77584
A
DINE-IN
CATERING
KAKANIN
$5.00 COMBO!
T.J F P NO Vietnamese Cuisine
v
PALOMA’S
Philippine Cuisine
M
512.291.8135
About BBB
The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization
that sets and upholds high standards for fair and
honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB
Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the
organization’s high standards of ethical business
behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB
Business Reviewsand BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM
on charities and educational information on topics
affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust,
your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for
consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded
in 1912. Today, 112 BBBs serve communities across
the U.S. and Canada.
E
For more information on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To
report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, please call
the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.
s
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
TEL: 713-797-0670
A
the United States each year, businesses lose money by paying
fraudulent bills for products and services that they never ordered and often
never receive. It is estimated that companies sustain annual losses totaling
in the millions of dollars due to bogus invoices. BBB reminds business
owners to be aware of the following schemes that target companies of all
sizes.
“These scams are fairly simple, which explains why they happen so often”,
said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central
East Texas. “An invoice is received – and is paid – and by the time the
company realizes, it was fraudulent. The scam artist is long gone.”
Operators of these schemes are skilled at obtaining information that
will be useful in making the phony invoices look more legitimate. After
sufficient information is obtained, the operator will send the bogus invoice
to the victim. The operator of the scheme hopes that the phony bill will be
paid along with a number of other routine authentic bills. The amount of
the phony invoices is usually small enough to avoid raising the suspicions
of those in the target businesses. Some of
the phony bills may actually be stamped
as “Past Due” or “Final-Notice” in order
to pressure the target into paying quickly
without careful investigation.
Another common variation of the bogus
bill scheme is the issuing of invoices that are
really solicitations for goods and services
that were never actually received. Since
these solicitations are designed to look like
an actual bill, businesses mistakenly send
in checks as if they were routine payments
and may not even receive the merchandise.
Efforts to trace the fraudulent firm are often
futile, as these types of companies often
close down operations as soon as they are
paid.
BBB provides the following tips to keep
your business from falling prey to phony
invoice schemes.
•
Carefully read all invoices and solicitations that are sent to your
company.
•
Channel all invoices through one department.
•
Clear all invoices with appropriate staff members before paying them.
•
Do not be alarmed by a language that indicates that an unfamiliar
unpaid invoice will be forwarded to a collection agency. If your business did
not order or place an order with a company, you are not responsible for paying
the invoice.
•
Educate your staff, particularly those responsible for paying invoices,
about the variety of scams involving phony invoices and solicitations.
For more information on how to be a savvy business owner, go to bbb.org.
To network with BBB Accredited Businesses and other professionals, join our
LinkedIn group or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Mechele Mills is the President/CEO for the Better Business Bureau
Serving Central East Texas. Prior to her role at BBB, she led and consulted
organizations of all sizes, managing operations, sales marketing, and
personnel for both the public and private sector. She holds a Bachelor’s in
Journalism/PR from the University of Texas at Tyler and a Master’s in
Business Administration from Baylor University.
7235 Fannin Street Houston, TX 77030
Avoid Phony
Invoice Schemes
Godos Bakery and Restaurant
eople
P
from all over the country are falling victim to a recent phone scam
by scammers pretending to be IRS agents. The callers seem to be targeting
East Texas residents, as BBB has received numerous calls Tuesday morning.
These IRS impersonators are calling up their targets, demanding that they
pay taxes they don’t even owe, by either loading money on a prepaid card or
sending it via a wire transfer. Those who refuse to pay immediately are then
threatened by the “IRS agents.” The threats include jail time, deportation, or
the suspension of the victim’s business or driver’s license.
In order to convince people that they are real IRS agents, the scammers
use several tricks including a program to make the IRS’s toll-free number
appear on the caller ID, call center background noise, and false agent badge
numbers. If the target is not already convinced, several callers are able to
report the last four digits of the person’s Social Security number.
“Don’t be pressured into making payments you don’t owe,” said Mechele
Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving
Central East Texas. “These callers are using scare tactics to try and catch
you off guard.”
Follow these tips in order to protect yourself from this IRS scam and
others like it:
• Don’t give out your financial information over the phone. The real IRS
will not ask for financial information over the phone. All initial contact
from the IRS will be through direct mail.
• Hang up the phone. Never trust callers who use threats and hostility
to bully their targets into doing what they want. This is a tactic many
scammers use.
• If you receive an email, delete it. The IRS will not attempt to contact
you through email. If you receive an email from someone claiming to
be the IRS, then it is probably a scam. Emails that scammers send may
include computer viruses that could harm your computer or access personal
information.
• Report the incident. If you are a victim of this scam, report the
incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
at 1-800-366-4484 or online at treasury.gov.
COMMUNITYNEWS
East Texas
Residents Are
Target of IRS
Phone Scam
37
November 1-15, 2015
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November 1-15, 2015
E
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November 1-15, 2015
SE D US Y UR J KES! [email protected]
O
O
N
TAWANAMAND’YAN
Laugh Out Loud (LOL)
Anak: Nandoon sa simbahan,
nagmimisa!
DOOR naming.
GF: Binabalaan kita, malapit nang
dumating ang Daddy ko!
BF: Ha, e wala naman akong
ginagawang masama ah?
GF: Oo nga, kaa kung may
binabalak ka gawin mo na.
Mister: (nagbabasa ng diaryo) Ayon
ditto sa survey, ang lalaking may
asawa ay mas
mahaba keysa lalaking
walang asawa.
Misis: Kaya pasalamat ka at
napangasawa mo ako.
Mister: Kaya dapat humahanap
ako ng isang asawa para mas humaba
ang buhay ko!
Spanish feat. Juan at Pedro
Juan: Tanungin mo ako ng English,
sasagutin kita ng Spanish.
Pedro: What is more important?
Heart or Mind?
Juan: Spanish!!!
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Matapang feat. Juan at Pedro
Pedro: And tapang ni Paeng! Biro
mo,
Tumalon sa eroplano nang walang
parachute!
Juan: Ohh, totoo?
Saan mo naman nabalitaan yan?
Pedro: Dun sa burol nya!
MAKA-DIYOS
Dad: Mabait ba ang boyfriend mo?
Anak: Yes, Daddy.
Daddy: Maka-Diyos?
Anak: Sobra Dad.
Daddy: Nasaan siya?
Tikbo: Nang girlfriend ko lang ang
misis ko ang tawag ko sa kanya ay
Darna dahil seksi sya. Ngayon ang
tawag ko sa kanya ay Dorna.
Ambo: Bakit Dorna?
Tikbo: Kasing lapad na sya ng
Tindera: Suki bili na kayo ng
pakwan at matami.
(Nabitiwan ng tindera ang
isang pakwan, bumagsak sa semento
at nabiyak
Mister: Sabi mo mapula. Maputla
naman pala ang pakwan na tinder
mo.
Tiondera: Aba, kayo man ang
bumagsak sa semento, mamumutla
rin kayo!
Driver: Talamak ang dukutan sad
yip.
Misis, pakiusad-usad lang
para makaupo ang ibang pasahero.
Misis: Bakit naman kase nag-iisa
lang kayo sa upuan e nakapamaywang
kayo?
Anung nakapamaywang...Ha!
(sabay tingin sa kamay), nadukot anf
2 pakwan na bitbit ko!
Rico: Oy, pwede raw magasama ng
asawa sa company picnic natin.
Jhun: Wala ka naming asawa ah?
Rico: E, di isasama ko asawa ng
kumpare ko.
November 1-15, 2015
39
40
November 1-15, 2015
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41