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YEAR 12, No. 3

SEPTEMBER 2008

INSIDE Ooops & Bloops Classic PR stupidity -7 Less able to send money home - 11

Sarakiki-Hadang Festival - 26

Dancing To Be A Star - 33 Charlyn gets into the groove - 36

Home Paper of the 1999 Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ and Writers’ Club Winner for Best Editorial

Toronto, Ontario

Filipino-Canadian community gets media

DOUBLE TREAT = =

Ace Alvarez is new CEMA president Front Page Philippines TV debuts in Alberta

The community and its media sector got a big boost with the acclamation of Manila Media Monitor managing editor Ace Alvarez as new president of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association. Alvarez took over from noted multiculturalism proponent Ben Viccari. (Story on page 5) Relatedly, long-running community television show Front Page Philippines has premiered in Alberta. (Story on page 4)

Outgoing Canadian Ethnic Medeia Association president Ben Viccari (right) to incoming president Ace Alvarez (left): “Ace, we don’t have a gavel to hand over as a symbol but here from the heart is a sincere handshake.” MANILA MEDIA MONITOR Photo

Kenney: RP economy on solid footing MANILA - The fate of gigantic New Yorkbased Lehman Brothers would have minor effects on the Philippines, whose “economy is on solid footing.” This was the comment of U.S. Ambassador to Manila Kristie KENNEY Kenney, who added that the Philippine government should use this footing to its advantage by maintaining an investor-friendly environment. Lehman Brothers is a global lending company, with the AIG among its associates. AIG has a major operation in the Philippines. Lehman Brothers declared bank-

ruptcy mid-September, and the U.S. government moved quickly to rescue AIG. Kenney said this move helped stabilize the situation for AIG and, by extension, the Philippine market. Philippine giants Banco de Oro and Metrobank are among those that declared having “exposure” to Lehman. Due to the ripple effect U.S. firms have on US-dependent economies such as the Philippines, U.S. Congress has started “looking to improve regulations on banking” in the U.S., she added. PNA

EDITORIAL

VOTE WISELY! On October 14, over 50 percent of Canada’s some 33 million people are expected to trek to polling booths nationwide to exercise their right to elect members to the Canadian House of Commons of the 40th Canadian Parliament. Of these likely voters, over 250,000 are of Philippine heritage, members of a vibrant hardworking community that has grown across Canada to some 430,000. Notwithstanding their status in Canadian life, their Philippine regions of origin, their religion, their sex, their voting ages, bad weather, multiple working schedules, anything and everything that may come their way, they will responsibly go to their precincts and cheerfully cast their ballots as one caring community eager to have their voices matter in molding a greater, stronger Canadian nation. When they march to the polls, they are inspired by a resounding cry: VOTE WISELY! (To page 9)

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Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

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SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

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Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

Front Page Philippines TV debuts in Alberta Front Page Philippines – the weekly TV program aimed at the Filipino-Canadian community in Ontario debuts in Alberta, Sunday, September 21. The first airing of the program in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta coincides with the sixth anniversary of the program in continuously providing bits and pieces of news, cultural events and entertainment to Ontario viewers. Ace Alvarez, producer of the program, recalled that it was on September 21, 2002 that the Front Page Philippines first aired in Ontario. In Alberta, the program will be aired through the two recently-acquired television stations of Rogers OMNI Television in that province, namely, OMNI Calgary (CJCO) which airs on cable channel 4 and overthe-air on channel 38; and, OMNI Edmonton (CJEO), airing on cable channel 11 and over-the-air on channel 56. Canadian broadcast history unfolds anew when Rogers OMNI Television launched the two landmark ethnic programming television stations in Alberta

Publishers, designers get Slimp tips GIE ALVAREZ on Monday, September 15, to serve and reflect the increasingly diverse population of that province. “We’re clearly happy to be a pioneering language television in two previously underserved areas at the same time,” Al Thorgeirson, Regional Vice President of Television for Rogers Media said.. “While we are breaking new ground with Rogers OMNI Alberta we are also providing a long-overdue service by offering community-focused programming in 20 languages to ethnocultural audiences we feel will be highly receptive.” “Rogers OMNI Alberta is pleased and privileged to bring much-needed

ConGen, PCCT fete Cag. Valley, Isabela visitors

Several members of the community media, on Sept. 6, availed themselves of helpful and relevant information from newspaper technology expert Kevin Slimp of the Institute of Newspaper Technology, University of Tennessee. Among them are Manila Media Monitor managing editor Ace Alvarez, Philippine Courier’s Mon Datol and Mike Caducio, Taliba’s Rolly Cabrera, Filipiniana’s Paz, and Peryodiko Radikal’s Rodel Garcia. Alvarez, president of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association and vice president of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPC-O), fa(To page 18)

The Philippine Consulate General’s Office in Toronto and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto (PCCT) jointly hosted a reception in Toronto recently for the visiting 30-person delegation from Cagayan Valley and Isabela, Philippines. From left, Antonio Miro, Jr., municipal mayor of San Pablo, Isabela; Rafael Nebres, PCCT president; Hanz Binks, Canadian Executive Services Organization volunteer and business practices counsellor; Christopher Mamauag, municipal mayor of Cabagan, Isabela and head of delegation; ConGen Alejandro Mosquera; Roberto Agcaoili, municipal mayor of San Mateo, Isabela; and, Esperanza Banares, regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry, Region II. The mission aims to promote the agri-business industry from the Philippines’ Region II. PCCT photo

broadcast reflection to the ethnocultural communities of the province -- this is a huge victory on both sides of the camera,” says Madeline Ziniak, National Vice President of Rogers OMNI

Television. “Each OMNI station will have a strong focus on local news with a balance of local, regional and national perspectives as well as the opportunity to share ethno-

cultural issues and stories throughout our evolving national television system – something we’ve never been able to offer before,” Ziniak said. While Front Page Phil-

ippines could be viewed across Canada on OMNI 2 Television through the satellite facilities of Bell ExpressVu on Channel 216 and StarChoice on Channel 395, (To page 24)

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

NEWS

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Manila Media Monitor managing editor acclaimed to CEMA presidency Manila Media Monitor managing editor and Front Page Philippines TV producer Ace Alvarez became president of the 30-year old Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) by members’ acclamation during the organization’s General Biennial Meeting and Elections on September 11, 2008, following an announcement by CEMA chair Madeline Ziniak that no slate, nor nominations for candidates had been submitted by deadline date of September 1, 2008. The occcasion was a poignant one for everybody who saw long-time president Ben Viccari retired from the post. Members at the same time applauded their incoming president as Viccari handed over the helm of the organization to Alvarez. Alvarez’s term of office took effect immediately. CEMA is a national professional association composed of journalists and writers in the print, radio, television and the new media from various communi-

ties across Canada. Acclaimed with Alvarez were officers Dat Nguyen, 1st vice president; Bill Yancoff, 2nd vice-president; Doreen Vanini, secretary; and Irene Chu, treasurer. Serving with them in the board are Madeline Ziniak, executive chair; Ben Viccari, Jules Elder, Zuhair Kashmeri, Hyo Kim, Kati Rekai, Kiumars Rezvanifar, Gina Valle and Elena Zolotko. Arnim Joop, publisher of The Albertaner, a German language monthly and an upcoming multicultural English-language monthly and a multiple CEMA award winner, and Nick Noorani, publisher of the English language Canadian Immigrant and a 2008 award winner, became, respectively, special representatives for the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. After thanking members for attending and voting, Ziniak congratulated Alvarez and stated her pride in the organization - founded by her father - that has so successfully reached its 30th anniversary.

She called on past president Viccari to review CEMA’s activities during the past two years. In his speech, Viccari cited his work with Alvarez, saying, “In those two years, my work with Ace stepped up to almost daily contacts and I can assure you that Ace’s are high!” Viccari recalled that it was Alvarez - who prior to his presidency, served as CEMA corporate secretary for the last eight years and 1st vice president in a concurrent position for the last two years - who put together and wrote the constitution and by-laws of the organization. Before this, CEMA (then known as the Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ and Writers’ Club) had an unwritten constitution, meaning the bylaws, rules and regulations governing the organization were not embodied in one single document. Long-time member Alexander Gerhstein – a news correspondent in Toronto for the international Russian-language television

Outgoing president Ben Viccari (right) delivers his biennial report. MANILA MEDIA MONITOR Photo network RTVI, with studios in Moscow, New York and Tel Aviv, noted that it was when Alvarez got closely involved with CEMA as secretary that processes became faster within the organization. As secretary, Alvarez gathered, maintained and constantly updated the electronic data system of CEMA for use in the speedy distribution of all communication and information to members across the country and the organization’s stakeholders.

Alvarez assured members that he would do his best for some of the next 30 years. He said he was happy to have such a distinguished and efficient Board of Directors to assist him in managing CEMA’s affairs. He thanked all members, his fellow officers and board members for their support, at the same time thanking Ziniak and Viccari for their kind words and good wishes for him, as he looked forward to the time

ahead. In 2000, Alvarez gave the Filipino community honor when he was listed in Canadian Who’s Who for his contribution to Canadian journalism. The publication is the only reference book of its kind, compiled and published annually by the University of Toronto, containing names of distinguished Canadians where listing is by invitation only and based on merit. Manila Media Monitor

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NEWS

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

GK’s Wilks: Join fight vs poverty “You are the new heroes of your country because you sacrifice for the sake of providing a better future to your country.” This, English millionaire Dylan Wilks told hundreds of people who joined the Sept. 6 GK (as in Gawad Kalinga or Giving Care) Walk along major streets of Toronto and who later converged at the Nathan Philips Square for a short program. Wilks, a prime GK supporter, joined a battery of speakers who stressed on messages of hope for the Philippines and most

of its people who have less in life. Wilks had sold his BMW to bankroll the construction of a GK village. He called on Filipino-Canadians to join the battle to fight poverty in the Philippines by actively participating in GK’s rebuilding programs. Heroic sacrifice Referring to Filipinos as modern day bayani (hero), Wilks likened the Filipino expats to Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, who made sacrifices while in exile

PM Harper and Toronto community leaders

Prime Minister Stephen Harper (center, 2nd row) joins leaders of various communities in Toronto after meeting with them on Sept. 16. The leaders included Philippine Independence Day Council president and Filipino community civic leader Jun Enverga (standing, 4th from left). Photo: JASON RANSOM

to pave the way for positive changes in his beloved motherland. He said the success of GK shelter programs in the Philippines was in part courtesy of generous Filipino-Canadians. Wilks added that across Canada, people had gladly parting with cherished antique collections and luxury cars to make substantial DYLAN WILKS contributions to build GK homes. Todate, Filipino-Canadians have helped for a better future had been a “life changbuild some 80 GK villages in various re- ing process” for many GK beneficiaries and gions of the Philippines. A village com- volunteers alike. Amid bad weather prised 30 homes. Bad weather did not dampen the zeal Change people? Love them. He narrated the story of three young and spirit of more than 1,000 GK supportgirls who chose to give their money to build ers from all over the GTA and as far as Wahouses for the poor instead of having lavish terloo and Kitchener area who completed the five-kilometer walk for a worthy cause. debut parties. Among the groups that joined the Wilks emphasized that the success of GK never depended solely on generous two-hour charity walk were Canada Post, contributions from donors, but more so on Couples for Christ, Circulo Ilonggo, Bukas the caring relationship and partnership be- Loob sa Diyos. GK walkers wore light blue shirts with tween supporters and beneficiaries. “We change people by loving them,” he the message “Less for self, more for others, enough for all” emblazoned on the back. stressed. Jointly sponsored by the Philippine He called on GK Walk participants to come and visit GK communities and im- Independence Day Council, the GK Walk also promoted Filipino culture, by way of merse themselves in the programs. Wilks said helping the poor reclaim a culminating entertainment fare at Nathan (To page 16) their dignity and providing them with hope

VIEWS

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

ACE ALVAREZ

Classic PR stupidity As I was about to start writing this item, I got an e-mail for publication of a press release from a volunteer probably of the Progressive Conservatives. At the bottom of the e-mail, it states: “Confidentiality Warning: This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s), are confidential, and may be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, retransmission, conversion to hard copy, copying, circulation or other use of this message and any attachments is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, and delete this message and any attachments from your system. Thank you.” What was the press release about? I’m sorry readers, but I am not at liberty to divulge its contents, neither do I have the liberty to “retransmit” it and its attachments to Manila Media Monitor editor Butch Galicia, much more, to circulate it with this publication. Stupid request for press re-

lease! ***** My wife Gie and I thank the board members, officers and members of the Tanza, Cavite Association of Canada, including our close friends Myrna and Antero Soriano (rightmost, first row in photo below) – president of the Philippine Press Club-

Ontario (PPC-O), for having us over at the celebration of the feast of St. Augustine – Tanza, Cavite’s patron saint on Saturday, August 23, at Earl Bales Park in North York. One very prominent son of Tanza, Cavite is Antero Soriano. What? …. No … no … no

… not that guy in photo, but his grandfather – Governor of Cavite at the age of 26, senator at 34 and representative of Cavite’s lone district at 39, and whose death thereafter was described by Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon as a loss to the country of a devoted and loyal public servant. ***** I was busy on the computer one evening early this month catching up with my work, while my wife Gie was watching the CTV evening newscast, when she commented, ”First it was Gustav; now it’s Ike.” I replied, “Talagang ang magkapatid na ‘yan, oo! What’s next, Antero?”

Members and officers of the Tanza, Cavite Association of Canada, led by its president, Edgar Torres (5th from left with his son), celebrate the feast of their town’s patron, St. Augustine -- whom they fondly call “Tata Uste”, Saturday, August 23, at Earl Bales Park in North York. Among those hailing from the town is Antero Soriano (rightmost, 1st row), president of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario. MANILA MEDIA MONITOR Photo

7 She said, “What were you talking about? I was referring to the hurricanes.” “Oh, I thought you were talking about the Sorianos; PPCO President Antero ‘Tenny’ Soriano, and his brothers, Gustav and Ike.” ***** Myrna Soriano tipped us off that GMA7 is giving a free preview in the GTA of the network’s programming through Rogers Cable 646. Exchanging notes later on GMA7’s newscast and reporting, as well as that of TFC’s before this - and those of Philippine news reporting in general, we noticed that everybody was yelling their news delivery. Many of the news items were also about alleged anomalies and corruption in the government. Hhhmmm …. I remember that when I was in high school, I use to see that school on F.B. Harrison in Pasay City – the School for the Deaf and the Blind. I guess, the Philippines should have more of this kind of school with newsreaders and reporters yelling, as if their viewers and listeners would not be able to hear them if they speak normally, and with Filipinos not seeing what continues gravely in the government. ***** Citing CBC Television’s stats, the daily update of Marketing Magazine for August 27 said that more than 24 million viewers tuned in to the coverage of (To page 24)

8 I don’t understand what’s going on with the two camps involved in the Making Waves Festival, staged from August 15 to 17, 2008 at the Ontario Place. According to Filipino-Canadian talents and workers who performed their side of the agreement at the festival, they have not been paid by the corporation which organized the event, Show Philippines-Festivals of the Arts, which - judging from the negotiation with talents - is apparently headed by Teresa Torralba. The talents and some of those who worked for the festival did not get their fees because Torralba claimed there’s no money. Some publications likewise, to this writing, have not been paid the advertising placed with them. I was wondering what ever happened to the money given by Remit X in the amount of $50,000 as major sponsor of the event which Remit X executive Virgil Ignacio even confirmed with me in passing during our telephone conversation, Tuesday, July 8 - a few days before the installation of officers and board of directors of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPC-O). Nonetheless, this situation has been similarly happening repeatedly, as experienced by even the most veteran entertainers and performers in the Filipino-Canadian community; and yes, even those entertainers who are (in PPC-O president Tenny Soriano’s jargon) in “recycling mode”. In July last year, I was invited by Studio Six Productions to speak at their event where they unveiled their plans for a concert tandem of their Class A talents, Josie de Leon and Karen Tan. At this event, I called on community leaders to please pay their talents when the latter perform at Pity the poor Filpino teacher or parent unable to cope with the changes around them, timidly groping around as their young wards nimbly swing from branch to branch of the technology tree. Philippine public school teachers unanimously decry their general inability to compete with the speed with which many Filipino children are now accustomed. They cannot keep in step with the blitzkrieg pace of the way media transmit messages, with the way television encapsulizes the most sophisticated thought or idea in under 30 seconds. We have met scores of local teachers ready to throw in the towel. These are the instructors whose yellowing notes, frayed charts and outdated visuals are better thrown into the bonfire of oblivion. The most common plaint one hears from them is that modern media have made robots and tech wizards out of their pupils and bungling ignoramuses out of themselves. “We cannot catch up!” Many teachers (and parents) in the provinces can’t even begin to fiddle with a mobile phone, much less boot a computer or understand what an MP3 is.

VIEWS

Manila Media Monitor

From The Monitor’s Desk ACE ALVAREZ

MWF is Making Waves Festival; not Music With Fee? their ticketed functions - if only to pay for gas, clothing, and in some instances, parking for our Filipino-Canadian talents for their appearances and performances at those events. In the meantime, just shortly after the staging of the Making Waves Festival, another entertainer came to me and the PPC-O president, narrating how he was asked to perform at a recent concert in consideration for a fee. The entertainer appeared and performed. The fee, however,.never appeared and the verbal contract not performed. Our counsel: when concert producers approach you to perform, ask for a 50 percent down upon signing of contract (yes, contract) and full payment IN CASH before you step on the stage, otherwise, if the latter part is not handed over to you before your performance, you might as well tell the producer that you’re having a migraine attack (which will only diminish after receiving the balance to the full payment). Anyway, going back to the Making Waves Festival … for those entertainers who said they have not been paid by Show Phil-

ippines, probably – just probably, the payment of your fees were just delayed. If you haven’t been able to collect yet, you may probably inquire with the public relations and publicity people of Show Philippines, when their cameras will be rolling to photograph you receiving your talent fees (they’re quick at this, you know?). ***** Talking about entertainment, I happen to chance upon Karl Haab of the New Conservatory of Music (NCM) at his office recently when I dropped off something for his company. During my conversation with the NCM president, I asked Karl out of curiosity - how many years usually do his students stay at his music school. Karl said that his students stay for as long as they could. He said some of his students started when they were three years old and, even when they were in high school, continued to advance their talents in music. The next question from me was “why” it was so, if those students after all were not pursuing a career in music. Karl’s response was that it was

Roundabout MAG CRUZ-HATOL

What Pinoy teachers (and parents) should heed today Like their decades-old instructional materials, these teachers refuse to face modern reality squarely. With noses raised, they snobbishly refer to everything they cannot fathom as “works of the devil” and “not worth their time”. They cannot accept the fact that technology today has empowered children. It has put kids in the editor’s chair, zapping out messages deemed boring (TV and DVDs), sometimes fashioning entertainment that suits their tastes (MP3s and iPods), even creating their own media (digital and videocams, synthesizers). It is funny that the very same teachers who scorn trendy kids also flick TV channels mercilessly

when a program they watch begins to disintegrate or when they start yawning. They, however, refuse to accept that they are themselves creatures of media. It is this same group of teachers (and parents) who, after learning the most basic maneuvers in VCR technology, are as aggressive in slowing down or replaying scenes of choice, fast forwarding portions that slacken. The very same teachers, who after having discovered the wonders of computers, become the most passionate users of YouTube and the most rabid subscribers to Friendster and Multiply. It is as though the world has flipped over; where the child, often by example, sometimes by

unarguably true that those who have talents and love for music were able to focus and concentrate more, and stressed that many of the students of NCM are now professionals, among others, lawyers, doctors and accountants. One NCM brochure declares this, too, stating, “Our students range from ages 3 to 93, and many of our students between the ages of 60 and 80 are still learning very well.” Karl himself is a perfect model of the statement immediately stated above. Karl plays the accordion very well, and back in the 70s was a travelling music lesson salesman for one company, later realizing that he could do it as a business for himself, and which he did. Later, he thought of putting up a school to continue doing what he loves to be engaged in: music! To make the long story short, Karl still is into music, and built NCM into what it is today - one of the largest contemporary music schools in North America. Karl said that some of his employees have been with the school for 20 years. ***** As you may have known before you got to this page - and this column in particular, I was recently acclaimed into the presidency of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) - an all inclusive national organization of professionals working in print, radio, television and the new media (the internet). My predecessor in the post is my neighbor to my left, Ben Viccari – who, last July 2nd celebrated his 90th birth anniversary. I anticipate that in succeeding Ben as the president of such prestigious and big organization (To page 30) tutoring, teaches the adult new things: how to cut and paste, how to send messages to multiple recipients, how to burn their favorite tunes into discs. Only then does that same Pinoy teacher (or parent) understand the magic that went into a 60-second Coke ad that features 1,600 cuts or almost one cut per frame of film. But he still catches his breath while the child has easily found nuances in every second of the said ad. The very same teachers (and parents) should wake up to the fact that it was the computer that was named Time’s Machine of the Year in the early 80s. The same American newsweekly did not name any military bigshot of the Gulf War as its Man of the Year in 1991 but instead picked the Prince of the Global Village, Ted Turner who brought the war to our living rooms at the very precise moment that it was unfolding. Young kids we deal with at Anak TV have added one more thing to their wish lists: that their teachers (and parents) realize and accept that modern technology is not a monster. And that understanding media can be beneficial.

SEPTEMBER 2008

Managing Editor ACE ALVAREZ Editor BUTCH GALICIA Associate Editor GIE ALVAREZ Contributing Editors Grace P. Freires Manny Freires Ben Viccari Mag Cruz Hatol Pete Lacaba Mel Tobias Editorial Assistants Lennart Leigh Alvarez-Mahoney Dods Andrada Contributors Edwin Acuna Bien Garcia Jeannie Pilapil Eva Agpaoa Mario Dimain Noel Perada Larry Torres Chito Sarabia Account Executive MYRNA SORIANO Graphics IDTech Solutions 416-875-2541 [email protected]

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SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

Commentary BEN VICCARI

EDITORIAL

VOTE WISELY!

(From page 1) In voting wisely, Filipino-Canadians will place the valid and legal interests and welfare of the community up front. They will vote only for candidates, regardless of political affinity, who openly and sincerely subscribe to these interests and work on these without fear or favor. ***** Most adult members of the Filipino-Canadian community can only recount the repeated rape of the electoral processes back in the Philippines. They have learned their lessons well. In voting wisely, Filipino-Canadians will give their nods only to politicians who love peace and dislike violence, in any form. They will never approve of politicians who grandstand, blabbermouth and saber-rattle and those who waste taxpayers’ hard-earned cash by shrugging off or paying lip service to community issues and concerns. They will veer away from candidates who make promises that are trashed or are gone with the wind as soon as the polls are over. ***** Yearly, some 20,000 to 25,000 highly-educated Filipinos are being admitted into Canada, yet they end up in sweatshops as minimum-wage earners despite the wealth of education and experience they possess. In voting wisely, Filipino-Canadians will elect only those who are brave enough to dismiss political peer pressure to fight and push for laws that will provide fair and better treatment of immigrants -- in terms of getting jobs suited to their academic proficiencies and work experiences before they came to Canada. ***** Moreover, thousands of Filipinos, most of them females, are yearly lured to Canada, promised good jobs and the chance to someday be a Canadian citizen. In voting wisely, Filipino-Canadians will cast their ballots only for those unafraid to amend very old and discriminating laws that subject workers to abuse, maltreatment and even death. Filipino-Canadian electors will seek only those who will pursue the physical and financial well-being and security of these workers. The days are over for politicians flagrantly flaunting and making a mockery of Canadian benevolence to impress the global wilderness. ***** In voting wisely, Filipino-Canadians will put into office only those who believe in equality and fraternity, and those who can honestly say that productive communities are not just ethnological props that make up the internationally-renowned Canadian montage.

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PM’s authoritarian stance challenged According to a recent Canadian Press dispatch, Peter Russell, political scientist and professor emeritus of the University of Toronto, Prime Minister Harper’s lawsuit against the Liberal Party of Canada is “characteristic of au-

thoritarian governments.” The Liberals have filed an affidavit of defence against the $3.5 million suite Harper launched last year, claiming that the Liberals had accused Harper of attempted bribery of former Tory MP the late

9 Chuck Cadman. The Liberals claim the lawsuit is unconstitutiomal. The first hearing of the case begins September 22 in Ottawa. *** Friend Bill Andersen and his wife took in the Canadian National Exhibition with visiting brother and family. Bill told me of his amazement at the splendor of this tribute to Canadians. The Quilt of Belonging project was begun in the fall of 1998 by artist Esther Bryan. In 1995, she had gone on a life-changing journey to Slovakia with her parents to find the family and home her father had left be(To page 24)

Photo of the Quilt of belonging at the inaugural exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Photo: NICK WOLOCHATIUK When it rains it pours. Or so the saying goes. For me, that’s been the case this past month. Where to start? My car finally gave up the ghost (as I knew it would) and had to be towed. Its been rumbling and grumbling at me for weeks now but I chose to ignore the obvious signs. My trusty green VW, which I love and which I’m loath to part with, sits at my mechanic’s garage awaiting my pronouncement. I dither. I don’t want to make this choice. But alas, even I have to face the facts. What else? Oh yeah, my computer blew up. I never really liked it that much. And I have to admit that I’ve wanted its death many times (every time it did something wrong). But, now that it’s gone, I really really miss it. It’s amazing how crippled I feel without it. The doctors are looking at it now and so I wait their prognosis. What else? Oh yeah, my basement is leaking. I really don’t want to relive the details. My poor house is in so much agony that I want to cry. There has been major construction going on trying to mend my leaking house. Every day brings a new drizzle that just adds to my discomfort. This is the rainy season for me. I’m soaked to the bones with troubles and it feels like they will never be dry again. I think that if I’m not careful this downpour can drag me down and eventually drown me.

Our Journey EVA AGPAOA

Drizzles of life But there’s a point here and it is this: I have to admit that it rains troubles in my life everyday. Rainy season, dry season, every season. That’s a fundamental part of being alive. One can find problems everywhere without to much effort. And the problems can seem insurmountable. Sometimes they are. But in most cases the problems are solvable. And often they present opportunities that open new doors. But it’s easy to be overwhelmed and allow each problem to take over the day. Suddenly, all plans are out the window because a fresh problem has just arrived like an unplanned guest from hell. It sits there demanding attention, refusing to leave. And then another arrives. Then another and another ….. Soon an entire house is packed with unwanted guests. Then we go a little crazy be-

cause at one point, we actually wonder: Do I have enough food to feed them? Enough drinks? I mean, we have been raised to take proper care of your guests after all. By the end of the day, we think: What has just happened here? I’ve been so busy entertaining my problems I’ve done and resolved nothing. Will tomorrow be any different? We don’t spend enough time rejoicing in the positive. Why is that? Why do we always choose to focus on the bad things? Is it because the positive things are not worthy? It always baffles me. I told about my car, computer and house. These are bad things which happened to me last month. I’m sure next month I can come up with a list just as bad or even worse. (To page 35)

VIEWS

10 I recently got an e-mail from a friend in Manila, asking me if this was an opportune time for her son and his wife to come to Canada as immigrants under Manitoba’s provincial nominee program. They were wary of the seeming recession in the US and asked how it has been impacting on Canada, and how it might impact on them as newcomers. I wrote back: “Is it an opportune time to come here? Anytime is an opportune time. The earlier they could come here, the earlier they would be citizens. The bridge can only be crossed when it is reached.” “Just tell them not to expect too much out of Canada, but ask them to expect the most of themselves so they could make the best out of their life here. “Please do tell them not to believe too much on what they see on various literary propaganda about getting jobs in Canada they used to do in the Philippines. “Every immigrant here has been chronically brainwashed to work himself from bottom to top, whatever bottom and top means. “Even with a recession in the US, which incidentally is Cana-

da’s largest trading partner, I think Canada can stand alone. (I sent my friend the news item on Flaherty and Canada’s economy on page 32.) “Canada has been through a recession before. But the government says it is more prepared to deal with one because of its very high reserves. “It has a Winter Olympics to host in Vancouver in 2010 and the oil sands in Alberta, somewhat close to Manitoba, are starting to operate. “Please also do tell the children to keep on reading news and other information about Canada and its socio-economic standing through the Internet. “We have elections here on October 14. Prime Minister Stephen Harper called for it, as he asked the Crown to dissolve Parliament. “This may mean a lot when it comes to handling the economic affairs of Canada and prevent the country from being heavily affected by a seeming US recession.” ***** The fear (some call it excitement) of many people trying to land in North America believing

The 3rd Eye MARIO DIMAIN

The unwelcomed friend

A Canadian soldier and two curious boys. MARIO DIMAIN Inside the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV3), a young Canadian soldier was catering to the curiosity of the two boys who were bombarding him with rapid-fire queries. His answers were direct and well calculated but never failed to amuse the two youngsters who probably thought that war is just as fun as video games. The scenario was captured in my camcorder as I videotaped the simulated military base put on display by the Canadian Armed Forces at the Canadian National Exhibition. The forest-green camouflage made the Canadian flag emblem standout on his uniform. With the matching beret, he looked very sharp. “I have been in the service for two years and I am going to

Afghanistan next month,” he said without hesitation. His voice echoed the discipline and valour of a trained soldier. His thorough knowledge of operating the armoured vehicle and its firepower was quite remarkable. But inside the uniform stood an inexperienced young man whose military training would soon be tested for the first time in a real volatile battlefield. He is only twenty three years old. Young enough to be my son. His youthful smile assured me that he is confident and ready for combat. His family must be hurting to see him go, but I know that they are proud of him. With a firm handshake, I looked straight into his eyes and (To page 23)

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

Omerta BUTCH GALICIA

Opportune time? it’s a land of milk and honey (not a few call it a land of snow and taxes) are not at all that unfounded. Modern technology and cyberspace have made people aware of heaps and piles of tales of woe newcomers to Canada get to know in time and have learned to live with, albeit tears they almost always keep to themselves. Tiis lang, kabayan. Ngiti ka naman diyan. But the fear of squarely facing and enduring the Philippine social, economic and political rut seems stronger than the worries of finding good jobs and living in a strange land. Recent Philippine data show that more than 75 percent of Filipinos, if they had the resources, It was love at first sight. I was a 15-year old working as a parking lot cashier, when a brand new car pulled up to the booth. I’d never seen anything like it; it was a new model from Toyota called Celica. Approaching the legal driving age, I dreamed of owning a car. Now my dream had a form. For the next two years, I saved all my money and during that time a Celica couldn’t come within my peripheral vision without my noticing it. It was the only car I wanted. I went to the showroom dozens of times to sit in it, feel it, smell it. I talked with every owner of one who passed through my parking lot. I was driven. Unfortunately, a new one was too expensive, so I looked in the newspaper every day for a used one, but I was always more than $1,000 short. At 17 and half years old, borrowing my parents’ car was painful. The desire and the peer pressure to own a car – any car – was nearly overwhelming, and my dream was wavering. My friends began suggesting cars that I could afford. Then my Dad introduced me to a car wholesaler. When I met with him, I reluctantly gave him a list of cars I thought I could afford. As we talked about them, he seemed to sense my lack of enthusiasm. He pressed me, “Are there any others you’re interested in?” “Well... there’s the Toyota Celica,” I replied, “but I know I can’t afford it.” He jotted it down and said, “You let me worry about that.” My eyes lit up as he asked me about colors and options. Then he drew a big circle around the word Celica.

would want to get out of the Philippines and go elsewhere, ideally to work and stay for good. Nagbabaka-sakali, some 2,000 persons line up the Philippine foreign affairs department’s passport processing center daily to get passports, even if they have no immediate use for it, except as identification. ***** Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is on a working visit in New York until near-end September, is expected to harp again on the economic gains of the country, whatever figures could mean for political edge. It is also expected that Mrs. Arroyo will never admit - before the United Nations General As-

sembly and before a global audience - the stark reality that more than 70 percent of the Philippines’ close to 89 million people are poorly fed, poorly clothed, poorly sheltered and poorly served by her unpopular government. She will never admit that she has waged an all-out war - which her master spinners branded as allout peace - against elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, (MILF), shortly after negating a document signed by a peace negotiating panel she so set up, that could have moved the peace talks between her government and the MILF forward. She will never admit to so many things her government has miserably failed to do or has so brazenly dismissed as political nuances, even if she had vowed to do so when she took her oath of office. Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo must be keeping many things to herself and her legions, who must be waiting for the opportune time too. Why not? The year 2010, the year when she is supposed to end her term of office, is just around the corner. butchgalicia@yahoo. com

The Un-Comfort Zone with ROBERT WILSON

What drives your desire? Less than a week later, he phoned me. He found one I could afford. It had a small dent in the fender which I could fix for under $100. Cha-ching Desire satisfied. When was the last time you were obsessed with something? Desire is a powerful motivator, but unlike Fear it cannot be easily triggered. Oh, sure, I can create a television ad depicting a thick juicy steak sizzling on a grill and make your mouth water. Maybe I can even get you off the couch and into your car to go get one. As a marketer, an employer, or even as a parent, I can plant the seeds of desire, but in order for it to blossom, it must develop from within. Once it takes root, Desire has the amazing ability to drive itself. When it becomes very powerful, we call it Ambition. So few people reach this level that we use the word Hunger to describe it because that is a Desire that everyone can understand. When you observe the world’s most successful people - - in business, sports, or politics - - you see that Desire takes precedence over every other aspect of their lives, As Frank Sinatra sings in I’ve Got You Under My Skin: “I’d sacrifice anything come what might.” Most us have many things we are unwilling to sacrifice.

Family and friends are two of the most common. Winners give their Desire complete attention, focus and energy. Michael Jordan is an excellent example; he became one of the greatest basketball players by making 2000 practice shots everyday. Are you that dedicated to your dream? On the other hand, perhaps you gain more satisfaction from your hobbies than your work. In that case, you probably wish you could spend more time pursuing them instead of your job. That is because pleasure is the force that fans the flames of Desire. Marsha Sinetar in her book Do What You Love the Money Will Follow writes: “When you study people who are successful... it is abundantly clear that their achievements are directly related to the enjoyment they derive from their work.” Are you ready to give up everything for your Desire? (Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. is a motivational speaker and humorist. He works with companies that want to be more competitive and with people who want to think like innovators. For more information on Robert’s programs please visit www.jumpstartyourmeeting. com.)

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

11

Crisis stretching OFWs’ ability to send money By JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO www.ofwjournalism.net

WORKING TO SEND MORE, BUT FOR HOW LONG? Filipina babysitters like this one in France’s bustling capital of Paris continue to work harder to send more money back home. But given a US-generated financial crisis whose economic effects are felt both in the Philippines and in the countries where Filipinos work, an economist worries that the desire by OFWs to send more money ‘will not be physically sustainable to them. Photo by JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO

MANILA - A US-generated these Filipinos, Ang warned that months of last year. financial crisis is testing overseas remittance flows, especially from While remittances from landFilipino workers’ (OFW) ability the United States and the King- based Filipino workers in major to send cash home, an economist dom of Saudi Arabia, were enter- host countries still rose, Ang said said using government data on re- ing a “plateau.” growth rates year-on-year were Using year-on-year total for- “not significant increases.” mittances. (Related item on page mally-sent cash remittances on 12) Borderline “If OFWs persist in sending a six-month period ending May, Even the Philippines’ total more money, it will not be physi- Ang said if the growth rate of monthly remittances were either cally sustainable for them,” Al- remittances was below and up to touching plateau levels or were vin Ang told the experiencing OFW Journalism negative growth Filipinos in Canada sent US$0.46 bil- rates, according Consortium before monetary authorilion from January to May 2008, for a to Ang. ties reported on The counyear-on-year 70.65% growth rate. Aug. 15 that OFWs try received sent home a record US$1.396 billion three percent, “that for me is a pla- in December 2007 but the followUS$1.5 billion in June. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipi- teau.” ing month’s remittance declined He cited, as example, cash by 9.52 percent to US$1.264 bilnas (BSP) linked the 30-percent year-on-year remittance growth from land-based OFWs in the US lion and to US$1.258 billion in rate to an increase in the number that grew by less than a percent February this year. of Filipinos who left for work (0.66) to US$2.462 billion in the Ang said the declining rates first six months ending May as might be due to several factors, abroad from January to June. The BSP cited state data that against the same six-month period including US inflation and higher recorded that more than 600,000 in 2007 of US$2.446 billion. oil and commodities prices. Likewise, Ang noted money Filipino workers left the country He, however, said the effects using official channels during the credited as coming from land- on remittances from these ecobased OFWs in Saudi Arabia in nomic aberrations were not imfirst six months of the year. The figure was just above the the five-month period ending May mediate. total number of overseas contract hit US$528.013 million. “Give it one to one-and-a-half The amount represented a years before we really feel the full workers deployed in 1991, or 1.12 percent growth rate from effect,” he said. 615,019. While acknowledging the in- the US$522.156 million sent He noted that cash from OFWs (To page 14) creasing rate of remittances from from Saudi Arabia in the first five

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FEATURE

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

OTOP brings RP’s best town products to world marts By AURELIO A. PEÑA DAVAO CITY - Name any Philippine town, chances are there’s a unique and exciting product behind it. From the bottled spicy sardines of Dipolog, the sparkling lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga, to the aromatic roasted coffee of Tabuk, Kalinga to the crunchy banana chips of Davao, OTOP or “One Town, One Product” has been putting Philippines provinces and regions on the world trading map. Japanese beginnings Japan’s original idea of “One Village, One Product” or OVOP founded by entrepreneur Morihiko Hiramatsu some 20 years ago, has gone a long way in touching the lives of small entrepreneurs in the backyards and little factories of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, China and Indonesia. This small business concept has been so successful in all these countries that adopted Hiramatsu’s OVOP that the Philippines lost no time in jumping into the bandwagon a few years ago. For the Philippines,

its own adaptation called OTOP fitted perfectly into the ten-point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to create six million jobs for jobless Pinoys before her term ended in 2010. Only the best Most Filipinos, however, are still wondering what OTOP is all about. “Simply put, townfolk try to find out what they do best in their town and then make the best out of it. They identify a product they’re very good at, develop it, package it very well and market it,” says Trade Undersecretary Merly Cruz who has been going around the country’s regions spreading and promoting the OTOP concept and making sure the idea keeps catching fire in every town and city of the Philippines. Business vs poverty OTOP is one government program that promotes Filipino entrepreneurship. Through OTOP, mayors and governors of towns and regions try to pinpoint a unique product or services specialized by their local (To page 13)

The tuna is the product trademark of General Santos City (formerly known as Dadiangas). From the bosom of the sea to the canning plants, the tuna has made the city and its people an envy of economic prosperity by their neighbors in South Cotabato, the Mindanao islands and the Philippines. Above: Thanksgiving pomp, color and gaiety mark the opening on Aug. 29 of the Tuna Festival that highlights the 40th Charter Anniversary of General Santos City. Organizers claim there is only one Tuna Festival in the world. Photo: ROMMEL REBOLLIDO

GENERAL DENTISTRY Dr. Gilbert Chan Dr. Daphne Chien Dr. Janet Ho Dr. Janet Wong Dr. Michael Chin

13

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

FinancialProblem

OTOP brings RP’s ...

(From page 12) folks and help propagate it with funding, promotions and marketing to domestic and foreign markets. In one town for instance, a town mayor will identify, develop and promote just one specific product that has the best chances of succeeding in the market. “One can clearly see,” says Cruz, “that OTOP can help reduce poverty since it helps the small vendors, small manufacturers, small producers in the countryside, capitalizing on their unique skills and talents in turning out products that are needed both by local and global markets.” SME role Falling neatly into place are the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which the government sees as the backbone of the Philippine economy. Comprising about 99.6 percent of all the country’s registered firms, SMEs employ about 70 percent of the labor force and contributes 32 percent of overall revenues to the economy. Cruz says there are almost a million SMEs in the Philippines and two out of every three workers in the country are employed by SMEs. Worth the push An emerging new product identified and developed through the OTOP easily finds its place in the sun. With the help of the SME Development Group under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), a new OTOP entrepreneur can grow into a successful SME after going thru a series of training workshops, seminars, conferences and market exposure in trade fairs. “It’s grinding work for all of us but we’ve never rested in pushing the OTOP program because we believe in it and the results over the years show it’s all worth it,” Cruz said. Growth = jobs, money There are about 2,375 OTOP products in the country churned out by 22,445 SMEs which have generated 246,420 jobs with investments worth P6.8 billion todate, since it started sometime in 2004. These small entrepreneurs racked up total export sales of US$314 million and total domestic sales of P7.4 billion from 2,513 OTOP market outlets nationwide and 406 Pasalubong (homecoming gift) Centers in airports, bus terminals, seaports, train stations, etc. From wok to work One of the best examples of OTOP’s success is Davao entrepreneur Ruben See who started a small snack food manufacturing way back in 1996, turning cardaba bananas into banana chips using only a big crude cooking pot called a kawa (wok). With OTOP’s help, Ruben got all the help he needed to produce a world-class snack food - lots of technical support, sources of funding, branding and package design, business skills and access to foreign markets. From a handful of workers when he started, Ruben’s factories in Davao and Manila today employs around 300 workers, producing 50 to 60 metric tons of Gold Chips brand banana chips for the world’s markets. Backyard no more Another good example is Bicol entrepreneur Lydia Lomibao who started her Emmanuel Pastries as a hobby in 1993, then expanding it to a backyard pili nut factory in 1997. Lydia and her husband were the only workers when she started with only a small capital of P500 pesos. With OTOP’s help, her business grew briskly over the years, employing around 25 workers and total assets topping around P10 million pesos. Lydia’s popular pili nuts are shipped regularly to growing markets in Manila, Cebu and Japan. Market promo One of the biggest boosts Ruben and Lydia got from OTOP was market promotions thru the OTOP Island Fairs conducted in major cit-

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ies and linked their products directly to domestic and foreign buyers. Most SME entrepreneurs look forward to the yearly national trade fair called Best of the Islands which showcases the best products of SMEs nationwide. In the OTOP Mindanao Island Fair in Cagayan de Oro City on Aug. 22 to 25, all the best OTOP products from this bustling southern island shared the limelight as thousands of buyers, sellers, traders, retailers, exporters, etc. from all over the country and the world converged and jampacked the sprawling trade fair site. Direct visits by wholesale buyers who inspected every product from booth to booth and business matching sessions for buyers and sellers usually

ended up in closing sales deals on the spot. Higher sales “We expect this island trade fair in Cagayan de Oro to rake in more sales than in 2006 and 2007,” said Cruz who is overseeing DTI regional operations. Total sales racked up by OTOP Mindanao Island Trade Fair in 2006 was P39.6 million. The following year, sales surged to P46.8 million, giving trade officials “a good reason to hope that sales this year will be higher.” Think global Japanese founder Hiramatsu has been deeply impressed with the way OTOP Philippines has succeeded over the years with solid results - fast-growing number of new entrepreneurs generating thousands of jobs and big domestic and export sales.

To really succeed, Hiramatsu has called on Filipino entrepreneurs “to think global” when designing and developing products. He shared his delight at seeing many Filipino SMEs that ventured into new OTOP products and turned these into world-class products sought by many foreign buyers. Gospel for the best Perhaps this was what Hiramatsu had in mind when he started tinkering with his wild idea of challenging villages in his hometown of Oita to focus only in making what they do best and package it very well for world markets. With the world embracing his little gospel of one village, one product, little did he realize at that time in 1924 about the tremendous impact his idea has - for to us today, it has become a powerful weapon to fight poverty. PNA Features

PEOPLE & EVENTS UHSM alumni gather in Niagara

14

NIAGARA FALLS - For four days, from Aug. 6 to 9, it was “yesterday once more” for close to 100 alumni of Union High School of Manila (UHSM) from the Philippines, the U.S. and other parts of the globe, as they gathered for a Grand Reunion at the Crowne Plaza Hotel here. The reunion, organized by Ontario-based UHSM alumni, was the first ever in the Philippine high school’s 61-year history to be conducted in Canada. For more than three decades, UHSM grand reunions were done in Manila and in U.S. cities. Reunion participants, aside from rekindling relationships with former classmates, were treated to various opportunities to experience, first-hand, the Canadian way of life through tours around Niagara and neighboring communities, barbeque picnics and other outdoor activities. Nightly programs and activities allowed reunion participants to let their hair down and be high school students again, partying and dancing the night away like the memorable prom nights of days gone by. A highlight of the reunion had alumni participants dressed in replicas of their old high school uniforms or the clothes of their era. Reviving experiences of the past gave the participants a new sense of belonging and camaraderie. The affair was coordinated by

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

Sager visits Toronto

Romy Sager (right), a newswriter-reporter with the then Voice of the Philippines (VOP) under the Philippines’ National Media Production Center (NMPC) catches up with media colleagues in Toronto (from left) Front Page Philippines TV host Gie Alvarez (NMPC-VOP), Manila Media Monitor Account Executive Myrna Soriano (NMPC-Graphics) and Philippine Press Club-Ontario president and Balita columnist Tenny Soriano (NMPC-Public Relations). Not in photo is veteran print and broadcast journalist Jojo Taduran (NMPCVOP). Sager is based in Chicago and writes a column for The Philippine Weekly. MANILA MEDIA MONITOR Photo

Featinians Gala Night Olivia Galang-Daantos of Class ’67, and assisted by Elsa Ignacio-Gamelo (Class ’71), James Chanco (Class ’70) and Joel Caes (Class ’67). The Presbyterian Church in the Philippines first established Union High School of Manila in 1919. In 1947, both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches jointly

establish the Philippine Christian College (PCC), and integrated Union High School, its high school department. Today, PCC has become a top university and is known as the Philippine Christian University. It has its main campus in Malate, Manila. A second campus is located in Dasmarinas, Cavite. JAY JAINGA The Featinean Association of Toronto (FAT) has slated its Gala Night at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall on Oct. 11. The FAT (members in photo above) was formed in July 1989 as a non-profit socio-professional organization aimed at reaching out to individuals who have studied at or worked with Feati University. FAT, led by president Oliver Rey, has a scholarship program and an Academic Excellence Award partnership with FUAA. It has sent aid to worthy initiatives in Toronto and in the Philippines.

Crisis stretching ... (From page 11) in countries other than the US and Saudi Arabia have been contributing more to the growth rates and helping arrest the decline in cash flow. Land-based OFWs in Singapore, for example, sent home US$0.175 billion during the first five months, or an 81.98-percent growth year-on-year from US$95.985 million in the same period last year. Filipinos in Canada sent US$0.46 billion during the first six months, achieving a year-on-year 70.65-percent growth rate. Per BSP data, Filipinos in Canada sent US$62.386 million in 2001, US$52.49 million in 2002, US$27.072 million in 2003, US$67.338 million in 2004, US$117.061 million in 2005, US$590.627 million in 2006, and US$595.079 million in 2007. For the first half of 2008, Filipinos in Canada sent US$90.875 million in January, US$85.545 million in February, US$67.523 million in March, US$100.491 million in April, and

US$124.105 in May. Filipinos in Europe, such as Italy (22.11 percent growth rate), Germany (27.22 percent), and the United Kingdom (19.01), also saw their year-on-year five month remittance volumes grow. Returns Ang said his prognosis on the Philippines’ plateaulevel remittance growth rates recalled a basic economic concept: the law of diminishing returns. There would come a time that remittances from OFWs, whether it’s the overall total or the per-continent or per-country totals, “will go down somewhere,” he said. Given the weakening dollar, World Bank economists Dilip Ratha and Sanket Mohapatra said rising inflation rate and oil and commodities prices “further (eroded) the purchasing power of remittances” received by Mexico, India, and the Philippines. In particular, Ratha and Mohapatra noted that while Philippine remittances in-

creased by nearly 50 percent between 2004 and 2007, “[a] large part of this increase has been simply to preserve the purchasing power of recipients since the Philippine peso appreciated by 33 percent against the US dollar.” OFW remittance to the Philippines hit roughly US$14.5 billion last year. It was at US$8.5 billion in 2004. After accounting for the peso’s appreciation and domestic inflation, Philippine remittances increased by only three percent [in the three years beginning 2004],” Ratha and Mohaptra wrote in Remittances Dispatch. India’s and Mexico’s remittance growth rates after accounting for inflation were 13 and 19 percent, respectively. While the effects of the world price adjustments are yet to sink in, Ang said he expected that Filipinos in many countries would be sending lower amounts of money home. OFW Journalism Consortium

PEOPLE & EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

15

FCT a hit in 32nd Cabbagetown Festival By REY TOLENTINO The Filipino Center of Toronto (FCT) led the celebrations of the 32nd Cabbagetown Festival on Sept. 6 and 7. People celebrated the festival in the neighborhood covering Ontario St. in the west, Don Valley in the east, Wellesley in the north, and down to Gerrard in the south. Despite the light rains, many watched the parade go by from the sidelines. FCT led the parade of 14 Filipino-Canadian groups and of convertibles that carried FCT board chair Dr. Victoria Santiago, FCT president Rosalinda Cerrudo-Javier, directors Dr. Mario Andres, Irene Turner, Julie Corpuz, Luchi Sivillia, Mercy Maliglig and Nita Rejdik. Liberal MP Bob Rae and representatives of MPP George Smitherman were also in attendance. Among the Filipino organizations that participated in the parade were The Pillars Association with president Frank Maralag, Canadian Ladies Auxiliary for Rizal with president Baby Pulumbarit, Daughters of Isabela with Regent Rose Letrondo, The Aspira-

tions of Rizal with president Azun Ramos, Fil-Par Association with president Alex Parucha, Canadian/Asian Dance Troupe with president Lina Brown, Knights of Columbus with Grand

Knight Jun Lopez, American Legion with president Effied Dorotheo, American Legion Auxiliaries with Anita Dorotheo, Knights of Rizal Toronto Chapter with Commander Doug Ord, The

Philippine Canadian Seniors Association with president Bernie Carreon, The FCT Koolbhutz with Odie Arena and the Ontario Filipino Women’s Club with Elsie Maranan. The Falun Dafa group, which has participated in FCT’s Pistahan the past two summers, also joined in. Parliament St. was closed off and tents were erected in front of the FCT building where performers entertained a growing crowd that moved through the festivities. The fashion show The Evolution of the Filipino Dress choreographed by Wendy Arena and Mercy Maliglig drew applause from the audience. Among the dance groups that entertained the crowd were The Canasian Dancers of Toronto, the Lian Hua Dance Group, FCT’s Koolbhutz/Kayumanggi Dance Group, Folklorico Filipino, The Cash Town/ Hip Hop group and the Hawaiian Dance Group led by Linda Etzkorn. Musical bands that performed over the two-day presentations for FCT included Araconcept, The A.R. Band, The Folklorico Rondalla, Explicit Faith, Drop Dead, and the Inter-

state 5 Band. The great Filipino talent for singing was again enjoyed through the performances of Lolita de la Rosa, Josie de Leon and Nick Alo. It started to drizzle when Zeny “Lady Elvis” Zagala took the mike to sing. But

as soon as Zagala started her first song, the rains stopped and the sun came out. Nine-year old Edessa Andrada, the FCT’s 2008 Filipino singing idol champion was also well-applauded. The audience loved her performance that money (To page 16)

Canadian education statistics

It’s back to school. Across Canada, students of all ages will be marching to various institutions of learning to get that muchavowed education. Statistics Canada has prepared a package of information that would help this paper’s readers know and understand the vital numbers that make up Canadian education. Back to the books In the last census, some 5.2 million students attended public elementary and secondary schools in Canada during the school year 2005-2006. The number was down nearly one percent from the previous school year and down three percent from 1999/2000. Of the latest enrollment number, 2,118,544 were in public elementary and secondary schools in Ontario and 1,216,293 in Quebec. At least 551,740 were enrolled in Alberta, 589,388 in British Columbia and 5,459 in Yukon. (Data source: The Daily, July 28, 2008.) Teaching profession There are about 692,000 teachers and professors in Canada as of June 2008. Of the number, 33 percent are men and 67 percent, women. Some 560,000 or 81 percent are teaching full-time. These teachers and professors earn an average hourly salary of $30.03.

University of Toronto students help graders with their school work in a novel program, The Homework Club, initiated by the Filipino Centre Toronto. The program has been regularly going on for years now. FCT File Photo (Data source: CANSIM, table 282-0069, Labour Force Survey.) School bus There were some 35,000 school buses in Canada in 2006. (Related item on top of page) These buses were also used to transport employees. (Data source: CANSIM, table 408-0010, Canadian Passenger Bus and Urban Transit Industries.) Early learning Girls and boys differed in ways in their readiness to learn as they entered school at the age of five, with girls outperforming their male counterparts in several areas.

The child’s sex was only one dimension on which children’s readiness to learn varied. Two other key dimensions were the level of income of the child’s family and the home environment. In general, girls were more ready than boys to learn at age five. Girls scored higher than boys in communication skill, attention and self-control of behavior, and were rated higher in independence in dressing. Boys were rated above girls on only one measure: curiosity. (Data source: The Daily, Nov. 27, 2006.)

Cost of education The average cost of educating a student during the school year 2005-2006 was $9.704. This was up nearly 32 percent from 1999-2000, when the cost was $7,357. In comparison, inflation went up 15.2 percent during the same time frame. Among the provinces, the annual cost per student in 2005-2006 ranged from more than $10,000 in Manitoba and Alberta to $7,650 in Prince Edward Island. In the territories, spending per student was about $18,500 in the Yukon and more than $13,500 in the Northwest Territories and

Nunavut. (Data source: Summary of Public School Indicators for the Provinces and Territories, 1999/2000 to 2005/2006.) Global learning Canadian 15-year-old students are among the best in the world when it comes to science, reading and mathematics. In science, only students from Hong Kong and Finland outperformed Canadian 15-year-olds among 57 participating countries. In both reading and mathematics, only Korea, Finland and Hong Kong performed better than Canada. In mathematics, Chinese Taipei performed better than Canada. (Data source: The Daily, Dec. 5, 2007.) University enrolment Enrolment in Canadian universities hit a record high for the fifth consecutive year during academic year 2005-2006, in the wake of on-going growth in the number of foreign students and young Canadian adults. The total number of students enrolled in Canadian universities in 2005/2006 reached 1.01 million, up three percent from 20042005. The gain, however, was the second slowest growth rate this decade. The number of full-time students enrolled in Canadian uni(To page 16)

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATORS

MIKE CADUCIO September 1

JAZMYN CALNIAK September 6

GK’s Wilks: ...

Shielded by caps and umbrellas (photos above and below), some 1,000 people braved bad weather to join the Sept. 6 PIDC-GK fivekilometer two-hour walk for a worthy cause. Funds raised in the walk is expected to help fund the construction of homes for poor Filipinos. Photos: FAYE ARELLANO

Canadian education statistics (From page 15) versities in 2005-2006 was 781,300, a record. Of the number, 7.7 percent were foreign students, nearly double of that a decade earlier. Half were from Asia, and those from China accounted for 46 percent of the Asian students. Canadian universities also continued to register significant numbers of students from India, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong, all of which increased in 2005-2006. (Data source: The Daily, Feb. 7, 2008 and CANSIM, table 477-0013, Postsecondary Student Information System.) Undergrad tuition fees $4,524 — The average amount paid in tuition fees by Canadian full-time undergraduate students in the 2006-2007 was $4,524. This was up from $4,400 the year before. In 1998-1999, they paid $3,064 on average; and in 1988-1989, they paid $1,185. (Data source: The Daily, Oct. 18, 2007.) Top of the class Canada ranks first among the top 10 Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations when it comes to the proportion of 25 to 64 year olds having a college diploma or university degree. Canada ranks seventh when it comes to the proportion of 25 to 64 year olds

holding only a university degree. Statistics show that nearly half of residents having a doctorate and 40 percent having a master’s degree were not born in Canada. Recent immigrants have higher levels of attainment than both immigrants who arrived prior to 2001 and those born in Canada. (Data source: Educational portrait of Canada, Media Room’s) Where to? Alberta was the prime beneficiary of interprovincial migration among highly educated adults. Overall, Alberta had the biggest net inflow of postsecondary graduates while Ontario recorded the biggest net outflows. (Data source: 2006 Census: Educational Portrait of Canada, 2006.) Education spending Expenditures on school supplies, textbooks, tuition fees, other courses and lessons and educational services were reported by some 5.5 million households in Canada in 2006. There were an estimated 12.8 million households in Canada at that time. The median expenditure on education by households reached $800. Expenses on school supplies for kindergarten, nursery, elementary, secondary and post-secondary use averaged $100. On postsecondary tuition fees, the average re-

(From page 6) Philips Square. On a makeshift stage, a fiesta atmosphere ensued, as Zena ‘Lady Elvis’ Zagala and Darius Ciria, among others, belted out Original Pilipino Music and popular English tunes. Heavy applause came with the powerful choral rendition of the song Ako Ay Pilipino (I am a Filipino). Similar GK walks were simultaneously conducted in eight cities across Canada and in 30 U.S. locations. Sources from Ancop, the GK Walk organizer in Canada, said the number of participants in this year’s trek nearly doubled those of last year’s. They expected to raise more funds as a result. Article contributed by FAYE ARELLANO

ported expense was $2,500. At least four percent of Canadian households reported having spent an average of $408 on driving lessons in 2006. (Data source: CANSIM, table 203-0012, Survey of Household Spending.) School shopping For some children, “back to school” may mean it is time to get outfitted with an entire new wardrobe, or it may mean replacing clothes they have outgrown or worn out during the summer months. Here are the total sales across Canada in the third quarter of 2007 for selected categories:

► $245.4 million - The total value of sales of girls’ clothing and accessories. ► $227.6 million - The total value of sales of boys’ clothing and accessories. ► $125.7 million - The total value of sales of unisex clothing. ► $935.1 million - The total value of sales of stationery, office supplies, cards, gift wrap and party supplies. (Data source: CANSIM, table 080-0018, Quarterly Retail Commodity Survey.) Reading vs obesity Researchers have found an association between watching TV, using a computer and obesity in both

MON DATOL September 13

GENE LARA

FCT a hit in 32nd ... (From page 15) was tossed on the stage to show sincere appreciation. Food concessionaire Ilocandia dished out familiar Filipino fare and delicacies that folks enjoyed while watching the show. Efren De Villa, FCT’s vice-chairman of the board, led the FCT’s participation in the annual Cabbagetown Festival for the fifth consecutive year. Cabbagetown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Toronto. According to the Cabbagetown Preservation Association, the neighborhood male and female adults. But a third sedentary activity - reading - was not associated with obesity for either sex. (Data source: The Daily, June 18, 2008.) Outside games The most frequently reported sport for both boys and girls in 2005 was soccer. It replaced swimming, which was most frequent in 1992. Some 2 million children from five to 14 years old, or 51 percent in the age group, regularly took part in organized sports in 2005. But this proportion was down from 57 percent in 1992.

Another Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT) regular program is its conduct of Tagalog classes at its downtown facilities. Tagalog has become a subject in some Toronto public and Catholic schools. In photo, former teacher and FCT president Lynda Javier manages FCT’s Tagalog lessons. FCT File Photo

comprised “the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in North America.” As of 2004, Cabbagetown has become a Heritage Conservation District, protected by municipal bylaw. Within the district are the St. James Cemetery, Necropolis Cemetery, the Riverdale Park and Farm, and Wellesley Park. FCT’s participation in the festival has drawn the appreciation and praise of the Cabbagetown organizers and participants. About half participated in more than one organized sport. Active children played on average about 2.6 times per week per sport during their sport’s season. About 55 percent of boys were into sports in 2005, down from 59 percent in 1998. Some 44 percent of girls were active in sports in 2005, the same as in 1998. (Data source: The Daily, June 3 and Feb. 7, 2008.) Busy bodies Despite the stereotypical image of nonchalant, lounging teenagers, a Statistics Canada study shows that many teens carry a heavier load than one may think. The study notes that, when compared with nine other OECD countries, Canadian teens ranked first in terms of average hours spent on unpaid and paid labor during the school week. After school attendance, homework was the most time-consuming unpaid activity for teens, with 60 percent doing an average of two hours and 20 minutes daily. Teenagers devoted an average of 9.2 hours to school work, homework, paid work and housework on school days in Canada in 2005. On weekends, teens gave and average of 3.5 hours of their time to work, paid or unpaid, in 2005. (Data source: The Daily, May 23, 2007.) - Through the courtesy of Statistics Canada

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

PEOPLE & EVENTS

Lucena City group marks 10-year community service success

Some 325 members and friends of the Lucena City Association of Ontario marked the group’s 10th year of community service here and in the Philippines at the Sts. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall on Aug. 23. Always referring to the association’s slogan “The Mission is the Reason”, president Jun Enverga recalled the various projects the association had completed, mostly for indigents in the Philippines, namely: ► Donation and delivery of some $500,000 worth of medical equipment and supplies to hospitals in Lu-

cena City, Quezon Province and Manila. ► Medical and dental missions that brought in doctors and dentists from North America to give free medical and dental treatment and medicines to over 1,000 families. ► Donation of groceries and vitamins to over 1,000 families. ► Funding for a livelihood program for calamity victims in Infanta, Quezon. ► Help to build the Mt. Carmel Convents in Lucena City and Infanta, Quezon . ► Donation of over $3,000 worth of brand new

shoes. ► Distribution of over 30 boxes of relief goods. ► Help in funding the education of a seminarian. ► Funding for a Gawad Kalinga House for the Calamity-Stricken in Bicol. ► Funding for the installation of artesian wells in Quezon. ► Assistance in funding and building the San Rafael Church in Lucena City. ► Aid in the construction of schoolbuildings in Quezon. Enverga thanked individuals and other groups that helped the association

succeed in attaining its goals and mission-vision. He also thanked event chair Manny Abellanosa, co-chair Rosemer Enverga, and Enrico Palillo, Obet and Cris Reyes who made the celebration a success. During the program, special presentations were made by the friends of Lucena, rigodon dancers choreographed by Aida and Jun Villaruz. The dancers included Jun and Rosemer Enverga, Joe and Rachel Eramo, Jimmy and Bing Marasigan, Pors and Mitz Canlas, Tony Suarez and Gene Elamparo,

Romy Olit and Marita Enriquez and Abel Paulite and Sena Flores. Belinda Corpuz completed the memorable night with the heartwarming rendition of Hero. PR

17 Dela Cruz leads Aklanons

Beato Amiel dela Cruz was voted president of the United Aklanon Association of Toronto (UAAT) during the group’s elections-annual picnic at the Earl Bales Park on Aug. 16. Elected with Dela Cruz for the 2007 to 2009 term were Rudy Molina, first vice president; Betsy Relente-Naipul, second vice president; Vicky Icatar-Abbarin, secretary; Norlyn Relente, assistant secretary; Aida Amancio-Magnabijon, treasurer; Michel MirtoMauleon, assistant treasurer; and Julio Buiza, auditor. Dela Cruz and the new set of officers would be inducted to office at the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre on Oct. 18. The association has been known for its annual (To page 24)

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PEOPLE & EVENTS Mark Zetazate

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

CNHS alumni in Stouffville reunion

Mark Zetazate (baby in photo below) celebrates his first birthday on Aug. 16 with father Fiel (holding him), mother Jannete, and brother John Fiel. They came from Dublin, Ireland to join the 65th birthday bash of Mark’s grand father Romeo Ayson Zetazate, a Philippine Press Club-Ontario member. Photo: LEIMARIE ZETAZATE

Tyler Binaday The stork has delivered a boy to Philippine Press Club-Ontario member and Talakayan Radio reporter Karen Pascual-Binaday, and her husband, Manny. Tyler (above) was born on Aug. 8. PR

The Magnificent Eight of Batch 58, Camarines Norte High School reunite in Stouffville on Aug. 21 to 26. They are (foreground) Dodo Sismundo, (seated, from left) Victor Ricafrente, Eddie Alegre, (standing, from left) Alex Bertillo, Minda Sayoc Mendoza, Augusto Asis, Sonia San Juan de la Cruz and Romy Octa. The eight, who have not seen each other in 50 years, came with their spouses (left photo). Guests were Al and Iday Duckett. PR

Publishers, designers ... (From page 4) cilitated the participation of Filipino publishers and newspaper designers in the seminar. Alvarez described the Webnews Printing-sponsored seminar as “so instructive ... will save material time both for newspaper designers and publishers, and their printers, especially considering the industry is deadline-driven.” “(Slimp’s) talk on Media Convergence also gave new and fresh ideas to participants on new developments in print journalism,”

he said. A top newspaper industry trainor, Slimp is best known for developing remote printing utilizing the PDF file in the early 1990s, which is now the industry standard for file creation. Alvarez thanked Webnews Printing for opening the seminar to Filipino media professionals. PPC-O president Tenny Soriano thanked Alvarez for initiating PPC-O membership attendance in the seminar. “I’m sure there will be

an immense benefit and learning experience to those who attended this one-day seminar.I thank all of the PPCO members who took advantage of this rare opportunity . Lets have more of this in the near future for the development of our members,” Soriano said. The seminar covered Photoshop Tips and Tricks, Creating the Perfect PDF File, Finding and Correcting Problems in PDF Files, and Converging Media Online Journalism. While the seminar was intended for clients of Webnews Printing, the organiz-

ers, led by Dave Nguyen, decided to open the seminar to all Filipino newspaper publishers and their respective graphics/newspaper designers to thank the group for its assistance, through the PPC-O, in the Save Our Voice Coalition. Nguyen is one of the leaders of the Save Our Voice campaign late 2007 against the Ontario government in pursuing its plan to slap all community papers with the Provincial Sales Tax retroactive to five years. The campaign succeeded. Nguyen guested at a PPC-O 2007 Kapihan.

Calendar ...

(From page 3) ► OCT. 12: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Coffee Hour, Golden Valley Restaurant. ► OCT. 17: Circulo Ilonggo Hawaian Night, Rembrandt Banquet Hall. ► OCT. 17 & 18: Pinoy Fiesta ‘08 Pahiyas Festival, The Gateway Centre for New Canadians. ► OCT. 18: United Aklanon Association of Toronto Induction of Officers, Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre, Mississauga. ► OCT. 18: The Pillars Halloween and Masquerade Ball, Our Lady of Assumption Church. ► OCT. 25: University of the Philippines Alumni Association Toronto, Centennial Ball, Marriott Hotel Eaton Centre. ► OCT. 25: Canadian Magsingal Association Induction of Officers, Garnett Community Center, 8:30 p.m.

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Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

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SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

The unwelcomed friend ... (From page 10) expressed my thanks and admiration for his valuable service to the country. To this day, the number of fallen Canadian soldiers is still climbing to an alarming rate. It is the hefty price Canada pays for the sake of freedom. Whose freedom? Other country’s freedom!

Is it even worth it? To the young soldier I have just met, it is worth risking his life. He does not have to go to Afghanistan, but volunteered to join his comrades in standing for what they believe in. He knew the consequences of his decision. Most of the people he

Mosquera to induct CNAC-O leaders Philippine Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera is set to induct the new set of officers of the Camarines Norte Association Canada-Ontario (CNAC-O) at the Our Lady of Assumption Church social hall on Sept. 27. Mosquera, also the guest speaker during CNAC-O’s first foundation anniversary celebration, will admin- MOSQUERA ister the oath of office to: CNAC-O officers Tony San Juan, president; Willie Nabus, first vice president; Larry Bercasio, second vice president; Lida Muguerza, secretary; Kambz Silvio, assistant secretary; Pong Ostonal, Jr., treasurer; Rommel Yanto, auditor; and Susan Llanera, PRO; Directors Mariecris Agoston, Salvador Gumabao, Elisa Maesa and Shey Silvio. Town representatives Carlito Cruz for Basud, Randy Fermo for Capalonga, Eva San Andres for Daet, Milvin Sirvidad for Labo, Minda Alban for Paracale, Liwanag Nabus for Mercedes, Shirley Rosales for San Lorenzo Ruiz, Virgie San Juan for Santa Elena, Salve Aquino for San Vicente, and Lourdes Balce for Vinzons. Adviser is Jojo Taduran. CNAC-O, which membership has grown to over 100, was founded by 26 charter members at the Filipino Centre Toronto on April 21, 2007. PR

PEOPLE & EVENTS

will be fighting for will not welcome him. They will despise his presence. And yet he will still subject himself to extreme danger and constant fear of the unknown, whether he could make it back alive to his family or not. Is it stupidity? Or is it love for humanity? The answer depends on whom the question is directed to. The mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, spouses, sons, daughters, friends and loved ones of these brave men and women would say a thundering “No to war!” And to the Canadian Armed Forces, it would mean the medals of honour; the salute of respect; the congratulatory applause for their heroism and sometimes Canadian flags hoisted half-mast for those who came home in boxes. There was a man who was also not welcomed by the people he served and saved. They mocked him, betrayed him and crucified him. His name is . . . . . . . Jesus. The Son of God.

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

Front Page Philippines ...

(From page 4) subscribers of cable television in Edmonton and Calgary will likewise enjoy the multilingual/multicultural programming of OMNI Television . For local advertisers in Toronto whose products and services are likewise targetting consumers in Alberta, advertising on Front Page Philippines in Calgary and Edmonton can be arranged by calling (416) 285-8583, or by e-mail, frontpagephilippines@rog-

ers.com. Meanwhile, Russell International - the production arm of Front Page Philippines, announced that the alternative viewing day of the program on Thursdays has been moved from 12 noon to 3 PM, resulting from the fall re-programming of OMNI 2 TV. The Sunday original airings continues to be at 11 AM. RUSSELL INTERNATIONAL with files from OMNI Television

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

Dela Cruz ...

(From page 17) Ati-atihan party celebrated yearly in January. The organization is supporting a scholarship program for deserving college students in Aklan. Recently, it donated funds to the victims of Typhoon Frank that ravaged Aklan and most of Western Visayas in June. The association hoped to sponsor more community-based projects in all of Aklan’s municipalities. PR

Elipse is McDonald’s Employee Scholar

McDonald’s Employee Scholar Venez Elipse (3rd from left) receives a $5,000 check from McDonald’s Canada Restaurant Manager Rob Rachella and Operations Consultant Christine Atkinson (2nd and 4th from left, respectively) as Elipse’s family (from left) Teresita Abuyuan, grandmother; Angelito, father; Imleda, mother; and Rodolfo Abuyuan, grandfather look on. Manager Rachella says: “(Venez) is a great person to work with.” Venez, the eldest of six children, strives to set an example for her siblings. Her sister also works at McDonald’s. The family thanks McDonald’s for rewarding Venez for her hard work and for supporting her studies as she enters her second year at the University of Toronto. PR

Cirila Sanchez Cruz (standing, 5th from left) is flanked by her grandchildren during her 80th birthday bash on Aug. 9. ROMY ZETAZATE

PM’s authoritarian stance ... (From page 9) hind 43 years earlier. The dream of making this artwork was born from Esther’s experiences as she recognized that everyone has a story to tell and that the experiences and values of our past inform who we are today. Each culture has a unique beauty that enhances our national identity. Each person can experience a sense of belonging and find an equal place in a global family. The massive quilt is a 120-foot long by 10.5-foot high (36 metres by 3.5 metres) tapestry. The rich, cultural legacies portrayed in the 263 blocks include all the First Peoples in Canada and every nation of the world. The CNE (August 15 to September 1) visit was the one location planned for Toronto.

Classic PR stupidity ...

(From page 7) the Beijing Olympic Games on CBC Television, CBC Newsworld and the CBC’s bold channel between August 8 and 24. This was true, but what was noticeable was that viewership of the games declined on the Sundays of August 10, 17 and 24 at 11 a.m. when Front Page Philippines was airing on OMNI 2. Hhhhmmm … Great work, Ace! Ooops! I’m sorry the news update did not mention the last part. ***** On August 19, Leonie Manzanarez, chair of the PIDC 2008 Dancing to be a Star at the Metro Toronto Convention submitted a tape of the the event to me, requesting if it can be shown on Front Page Philippines. I viewed the material and am impressed with the classy and glamorous atmosphere at the venue, and saw many beautiful people present, among others Dr. Trenholm, Dr. Gamo, and if I’m not mistaken, Dr. Virey. After viewing the material, I e-mailed Leonie, saying that the video ma-

terial, however, might not meet broadcast quality standards, but assuring her that I’ll have my video editor see if he may do something about it. Leonie returned to me, saying, “I thank you in advance if you can do something to doctor the sickly DSTARS video.” I responded back, saying, “Why, what happened to all those doctors I saw in the video? Dr. Trenholm, Dr. Gamo, and Dr. Virey -- if I’m right?” ***** From a forwarded message by Myrna Soriano: A Mexican maid asked for a pay increase. The wife was very upset about this and asked: ‘Now Maria, why do you want a pay increase?’ Maria: ‘Well Señora, there are three reasons why I want an increase. The first is that I iron better than you.’ Wife: ‘Who said you iron better than me?’ Maria: ‘Your husband said so.’ Wife: ‘Oh.’ Maria: ‘The second reason is that I am a better cook than you.’

Wife: ‘Nonsense, who said you were a better cook than me?’ Maria: ‘Your husband did.’ Wife: ‘Oh.’ Maria: ‘My third reason is that I am a better lover than you.’ Wife (really furious now): ‘Did my husband say that as well?’ Maria: ‘No Señora, the gardener did.’ SHE GOT THE RAISE. ***** From a forwarded e-mail by Maribel Montemayor: An Arab Sheikh was admitted to the Philippine Heart Center in Manila for a heart transplant, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store his blood in case the need arises. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn’t be found locally, so, the call went out to a number of provinces. Finally, an Ilocano was located who had a similar type of blood. The Ilocano willingly donated his blood for the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano a new Toyota Prado, dia-

monds, jewelry and a million US dollars – all in appreciation for giving his blood. Once again, the Arab had to go through a corrective surgery. His doctor phoned the Ilocano who was more than happy to donate his blood again. After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano a “thank you” card and a jar of almond sweets. The Ilocano was shocked that the Arab this time did not reciprocate his gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab and asked him: “I thought that you would be generous again, that you would again give me a Toyota Prado, money, diamonds and jewelry ... but you only gave me a ‘thank you’ card and a jar of almond sweets!” To this, the Arab replied, “Manong, I now have Ilocano blood in my veins.” Note: No offense intended to our compatriots as the contributing source, Maribel Montemayor, comes from the region herself.

*** Like “organic” foods, the alleged omnipresence of Angus beef puzzles me. I always understood that Aberdeen Angus meat was derived from a breed of black or red cattle with a low set body, producing well-marbled meat and bred for this purpose rather than as dairy cattle. Today, one encounters the use of the word “Angus” at meat sections of supermarkets, in independent butchers, in steakhouse menus and even in fast food joints. Even in the knowledge that Angus cattle have been bred and butchered in Canada for years, one wonders at the now widespread claims being made. There’s a Canadian Angus Association to whose public relations officer I wrote some weeks ago, asking how claims were certified. I received no reply. In one supermarket chain, self -standing displays claiming the virtues of Angus beef merely indicate that it’s top quality beef without any mention of breeding or provenance. It would be interesting to see an independent report on how widely standards set by associations such as the CAA are observed. *** Some months ago, I published a letter from friend and collegue Lalita Krishna, award winning documentarian. It was written from Peru where she was filming Shift Focus, a documentary which aired in Spanish on OMNI 1 last August 9 and is set for English-language screening some time this fall. Shift Focus is the story of Chilean-born Torontonian Rodrigo Moreno who is first seen making a living as a wedding photographer. Rodrigo answers an inner call to help city kids at risk by involving them in a photography project that leaves them with the urge to face a more creative future with their proud new possessions - the cameras Rodrigo has given them to keep.

Rodrigo is invited to Peru to teach kids photography at URUKU, a centre founded by young environmental activist Carlos Daniel. URUKU, close to the Amazon embracing an animal sanctuary and a school for youngsters is at the heart of the so-called reforesation development which threatens the entire ecological system. Lalita’s documentary conveys the joys of indigenous children discovering photography as well as the menace to the lives of people like Carlos Daniel who has received several death threats. The Peruvian sequences which make up most of he film are shot by Zoe Durse with a fine regard for the natural beauty of the Amazon region, making all the more poignant the plight of the local people and the menacing times in which they live. The children learn how to use cameras to good effect and their sense of stunned delight when Rodrigo tells them they’re the owners of the cameras they’ve been working with is a joy to behold. Lalita Krishna has once again captured the essential goodness in projects like Rodrigo’s and the young people who become involved in them. I recall her Ryan’s Well, Jambo Kenya!, Shooting for Change, Chaos, Chords and Karma and of course, Move Your World which, shown at the 2006 Sprockets Children’s film festival, won the audience choice award over two hyped Hollywood productions. (Used with permission. Ben Viccari is the President of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association [CEMA] and makes frequent appearances on OMNI TV Commentary. Some of his commentaries are republished in this publication and slightly expanded in some cases from their 70-second broadcast originals. For more of his work, please visit Ben’s website at: http://canscene. ripple.ca)

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

The PHILIPPINES

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GMA in Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women MANILA - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s relentless efforts to improve governance has placed her again in Forbes magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women” for 2008. Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said the President’s

continuing efforts for good governance and her resiliency amid political and economic problems made the international audience view her as a powerful woman. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, on the other hand, said the President’s

determination to push for economic reforms amid destabilization attempts have earned her the distinction of being a strong leader. Late August, Forbes magazine announced that Mrs. Arroyo was the 41st most powerful woman in the world.

The President ranked ninth in 2004, the year she was reelected. She placed fifth in 2005. This was her best ranking so far. The magazine’s World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list for this year saw the President jumping 10 notches from last year’s 51st spot. Topping the list was German Chancellor Angela Merkel. President Arroyo is joined in the Top 100 by Hollywood talk show host and Harpo chairman Oprah Winfrey, who is at the 36th spot; United States Senator Hilary Clinton, 28; United States Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, 7; and Nobel peace laureate and former Myanmar prime minister Aung San Suu Kyi, No. 38. Forbes magazine said its annual listing of the 100 most powerful women in the world is “based on a power ranking that is the composite of visibility (measured by press citations) and economic impact. PNA

POWERFUL WOMEN. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo receives a warm embrace from former First Lady Imelda Marcos upon her arrival at the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel in Barangay Calayab, Laoag City on aug. 26. Arroyo presided over a National Diasaster Coordinating Council Cabinet meeting. In Laoag City, Arroyo led in providing relief goods and other services to victims of typhoon Karen. Photo: MARCELINO PASCUAL/OPS-NIB

UK issues Mindanao travel advisory MANILA - The British embassy has warned its citizens against traveling to Mindanao, due to clashes between government troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels. “We advise against all travel to mainland Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of the ongoing terrorist and insurgent activities,” the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth Office said in its website on Sept. 7. Earlier, the Australian government also issued a warning to its citizens from traveling to the Southern Philippines due to threats of a terrorist attack. PNA

MILF lauds government negotiating panel BUTUAN CITY - In a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect, peace negotiators of the Moro Islamic

Liberation Front (MILF) paid tribute to the integrity, capability, and dedication of their counterparts from the Philippine government headed by Secretary Rodolfo Garcia. In a statement, Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief peace negotiator, described the government peace panel as “worthy partners in peace.” “We will not forget you (referring to Secretary Garcia) and your wonderful team and we hope that in some future time and occasion we meet and cross paths for the sake of peace and humanity,” Iqbal

said in his press statement. “We will always treasure the fruits of our hard work, sleepless nights and sometimes our constructive disagreements to finally thread together the two far ends (very far when we started) into the realization of the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD)…,” he continued. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo disbanded the Philippine peace negotiating panel on Sept. 3, after the Supreme Court blocked the signing of the MOAAD, resulting in military offensives from both the government and rebel forces. The resumption of hostilities has resulted in about 70 conflict casulaties and the displacement of more than 300.000 people in Cotabato and Lanao del Norte. PNA

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TRAVEL & TOURISM

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

September in Calbayog City

Sarakiki-Hadang Festival: Crowing about chicken joy, pride They flap their wings, scratch the ground and wiggle their tails as they dance and romp through Calbayog City’s main streets in a parade full of colorful pageantry on the eve of the celebration of the city’s fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Nativity.

More tourists visit Ilocos SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union - Tourist arrivals in the Ilocos Region for the first half of 2008 increased by 56.4 percent, compared to the same period last year. A Philippine Information Agency (PIA) report said 290,787 visitors arrived in Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte from January to June. The visitors included 265,186 domestic tourists, 25,327 foreign tourists and 266 Overseas Filipino Workers. Last year, there were 165,988 domestic tourists, 19,470 foreign tourists and 520 OFWs who visited various spots in the region. The peak time of arrivals this year was in April, when 68,262 tourists came. Last year, the biggest arrival was in June, when tourists numbered 37,733. The report quoted officials as saying more tourists were expected in the region with the completion of the upgrading and rehabilitation of the San Fernando Airport before the yearend.

Thus act a legion of skilled dancers as they dress and act like roosters and hens performing an ancient dance and a pre-colonial ritual - the Sarakiki and Hadang - in a festival that shows the Calbayognons’ rich tradition, history, race, religion, arts and culture. Vicente Labro, in an Inquirer News Service dispatch, says the Sarakiki-Hadang Festival has become the joy and pride of locals who never tire of crowing about it. Sarakiki legend The Sarakiki Festival is said to be based on the story of Ilahas and Mahusay (local terms for Wildlife and Beautiful). Legend had it that Ilahas came up with new dance steps - patterned after those of a cock - that he and Mahusay performed before their tribe in Ibatan (now Calbayog). The dance was widely applauded and accepted by

In September of every year since over a decade ago, people of and visitors to Calbayog City flock to the streets and parks to perform, if not witness, the vibrant colorful Sarakiki-Hadang Festival. Sarakiki depicts the frenzied movements of a rooster (right photo) trying to court a hen or dare another rooster to a fight. Sarakiki is meant to allure, to draw with, to attract or exercise attraction, to entice or to win. Its pre-colonial denotation means to praise, extol or eulogize spirits of gods. The word does not only ascribe to the ritual or hadang to gratify the gods (left photo), but likewise to hadang as the offering or the sacrifice. Participants perform the rhythmic dance during the festival, which is thought to cure the sick and bring a good harvest. Websites on Calbayog/Photos: JOVAS33, Flickr the tribal leaders. In dance, song The dance is known since as the Sarakiki, a Waray term that describes a rooster’s movement as it courts a hen or provokes another rooster to a fight. Sarakiki refers to premeditated or frenzied movements meant to allure, to draw with, to attract or exercise attraction, to entice or to win. The cock spreads one of its wings down and moves fast with one leg up, around the object of his love or enemy. Imitating the rooster, the dancers clench their fists with the thumbs out,

to represent the fowl’s gaff (tadi in Waray and tari in Tagalog). The body movements, uproar and shouting come with the rhythmic beatings of talutangs and the pealing of church bells. Sarakiki movements can also be seen in the kuratsa, a popular Waray courtship dance that hogs the limelight in celebrations, particularly in wedding jovialities. Sarakiki also has its place in songs local bards croon during a sada-sada, or the merriment in the eve of a wedding; much like the pamalaye or pamamanhikan (asking for the blessings of the bride’s parents).

RP: A vacation, shopping site - DOT MANILA - Philippine tourism officials have drawn up a plan, hoping to get back a dwindling number of Japanese vacationers to consider visiting the country. Tourism data noted that fewer Japanese tourists came to the Philippines, dipping nine percent to some 28,000 from January to June compared to 30,389 in the same period last year. Until 2007, the Philip-

pines was a preferred travel destination for Japanese, with some 422,000 arrivals. Officials, however, remained optimistic that more female Japanese visitors, about five percent of total Japanese tourists who arrived in Manila from January to June, would continue patronizing the country. Eyeing female Japs With female Japanese visitors expected to spend more for food and shop-

ping, the Department of Tourism has promoted ideal shopping and spa sites in the country. It also launched programs encouraging older Japanese males to visit and play at the country’s finest golf facilities. Officials said adventure tourism, to include white water rafting, surfing, wakeboarding, wild bird watching, and treetop climbing, (To page 28)

Religious-cultural But more than the rooster’s intents, Sarakiki’s precolonial denotation is of a religious-cultural context, that of praising, extolling or eulogizing spirits of gods. Sarakiki is founded on pre-Magellanic beliefs. Calbayognons held that spirits occupied a position of command over the power of nature which could inflict harm or do good in society. Indubitably, Sarakiki has manifested itself in Hadang (rituals) to please spirits. Ancient rituals The Hadang is performed during feasts and other occasions like the planting and harvest seasons, drought and in times of dreadful epidemics. The ceremony could last a couple of days. It involved all villagers who offered manok (chicken) sacrifices to venerate the anitos (spirits). Traditionally, the forefathers made use of patani ug ugis nga manok (black feather and white feather chicken) as the offering. The Daragangans (Samare warriors) of yore, headed by Babaylan (high priest) used to perform rituals involving body movements and gesticulations before going to war.

This was to ask the anitos to protect them. A manok served as an offering. The warriors paint chicken blood on their bodies to assure invincibility. Birth of a festival The idea of putting up a festival that instilled pride and sense of identity among Calbayognons and to unify them as one community was hatched in the mid-1990s. The Sarakiki Festival thus came to be. In 2001, the festival was temporarily cancelled, but was revived the following year as the Sarakiki-Hadang Festival. Since its first public appearance, the city government, through the City Arts and Culture Office, has sponsored the festival. Living a faith Modern-day Calbayognons look at the Sarakiki as a dance of a people living a faith without shedding off their close attachment to their culture. For them, Sarakiki is a contemporary artistic creation to empower the relation and equanimity of culture and religion; not by being in processions and hearing masses but by inculturation, through a ritual dance, the Sarakiki. From various websites

Toronto’s Pinoy Fiesta celebrates with Pahiyas Festival, Oct. 17-18 Pinoy Fiesta will celebrate the Pahiyas Festival at The Gateway Centre for New Canadians in Mississauga on Oct. 17 and 18. The Pahiyas Festival is one of the many Philippine fiestas originating in Lucban, the summer capital of Quezon province and is referred to by many as a fiesta to end all fiestas. During the festival, each household tries to outdo each other in friendly competition as they vie

for the honor of being recognized for their creativity by decorating houses with colorful Kiping and other agricultural harvest. Something different Pinoy Fiesta, on its second year, is an event organized by The Gateway Centre for New Canadians to raise funds for its settlement programs, as well as to showcase Filipino cultures and traditions in Canada. Promising to be different from similar events, Pinoy Fiesta includes: ► A Pahiyas mini-ex-

hibit to give a historical insight of the Pahiyas Festival and Quezon, with a Pahiyas Heritage Plaza where houses are set up in Pahiyas tradition with live cultural presentations. ► Bazaar booths offering a variety of items plus free local cuisines for visitors. ► Game booths featuring traditional Filipino parlor games like palosebo, pabitin, and others in which visitors may participate in. ► Entertainment: A Celebrate Pinoy, Celebrate

Pahiyas! show starts at 6:30 p.m. and dance rock party at 9 p.m. on Oct. 17; Starting at 12 noon of Oct. 18 are: ► The search for the first Dancestruck, Dance Crew Competitions joined in by dancers 15 to 25 years old and grouped into five or seven members.The winner takes home $700; the runner-up, $300. ► Gaya-gaya Puto Maya, a sing-and-look alike contest. Contestants are 18 years old above who can impersonate a famous

personality or group. Winner gets $300, and runnerup, $200 plus trophies. ► Super Laff-In, a search for stand-up comedian. Contestants are 18 years old and above. Winner gets $300; the runner-up, $200 plus trophies. ► Variety and game show Fiesta Bulaga, where local talents will perform and various games will be played onstage. Gamers will come from the audience. Cash and other prizes are at stake. ► Do You Want to

Become a TV Star is a contest for 15- to 20-year olds with a passion for performing. Elimination rounds for the various contests have been conducted, in preparation for the grand finals on Oct. 18. The Oct. 18 entertainment fete will be capped by a martial arts demo and the restaging of the concert Sine ... Sine Musika, starring local talents performing theme songs from popular Filipino movie hits. PR

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

The PHILIPPINES

End child labor, bring children back to school PASIG CITY - The Department of Education (DepEd) has signed on Sept. 5 an agreement with the World Vision Development Foundation (WVDF) to step up efforts in bringing more than 800,000 Filipino children toiling as laborers back to the classroom. Through the ABK2 Initiative, or Pag-aaral ng mga Bata Para sa Kinabukasan, DepEd and WVDF would jointly raise public awareness and mobilize resources to combat child labor and promote school attendance. “Our children are supposed to be in school and not on the streets or in sweatshops working under horrible conditions,” said Education Secretary Jesli Lapus. ABK2 is a United States labor department-funded four-year project seeking to help reduce exploitative child labor in the Philippines. Elnora Avarientos, WVDF executive director, said the six identified sectors where child labor was noted as particularly rampant were in commercial agriculture (sugarcane plantation), domestic work, pyrotechnics business, mining, quarrying, sex trade and scavenging. DepEd would back the

project in the form of policy and technical support providing child laborers access to quality and relevant education programs. A 2007 sub-regional multiple indicator cluster survey by the National Statistic Office and the United Nation Children’s Emergency Fund showed some 830,000 children in the Philippines, or 16 percent of all children, were classified as child laborers. Of the number, about 670,000 children both attend school and work as child laborers. Lapus said that even if poverty was a major cause for such a sorry situation, the children remained the

responsibility of DepEd. “We are accountable to them in terms of their education. This is one of our major concerns,” Lapus said. DepEd has been pursuing non-traditional programs to raise the participation and retention rates of school children, especially those burdened by difficult circumstances. This included the Child Find program focused on reaching the unreached outof-school. DepEd has also been conducting multi-grade classes, with 24,882 such classes all over the country. In a multi-grade class, students of different grade

levels are being handled by a single teacher. “It not only provides access to education for children who are otherwise out of school. It also addresses the quality of education we provide to this sector,” said DepEd Assistant Secretary Teresita Inciong. DepEd has also been implementing the Accreditation and Equivalency Test and the Philippine Education Placement Test to give learners outside of the classroom a chance to return to the educational mainstream. Lapus said offerings in its 261 Tech-Voc schools have been strengthened. PR

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House junks DFA bid to raise minimum age for DH overseas MANILA - The House committee on foreign affairs has branded as “unconstitutional” the proposal of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to increase the age limit for overseas household workers from 23 to 30. “I do not subscribe to that proposal because it shall restrict or hinder one’s right to travel which is unconstitutional,” said Rep. Antonio Cuenco (2nd District, Cebu City, Lakas), chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He said the right to travel was explicitly written in the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution, under Article 3, Section 6. “The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of

the court. Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law,” he said. Cuenco reacted to Labor Undersecretary Rosalinda Baldoz who said the DFA had asked the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to raise the age limit for domestic helpers overseas due to alarming rates of suicides and runaways. State agencies should instead expand support systems for overseas Filipino workers during their stay abroad, Cuenco said. “If our OFWs are assured of adequate assistance and protection, then their minds will always be at ease during and after work,” he said. PNA

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Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

NEWS ROUNDUP Camiguin: Health, daycare centers up CAMIGUIN ISLAND - Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo opened and turned-over two newly-built barangay health stations in Barangay Hubangon in Mahinog town and in Barangay Alanginan in Sagay town. Romualdo did similarly to a day care center in Alanginan. The buildings were erected under the province’s Early Childhood Care and Development project. The health stations were built at P200,000 each,. The day care center was worth P150,000. PIA

Capiz: School to raise vegetables CAPIZ - The government recently launched its Western Visayas Gulayan sa Paaralan (vegetable gardens in schools) program at the Angub Elementary School in Cuartero, Capiz. The school, a consistent awardee for bio-intensive gardening for several years, was the first program recipient of the project in the region. The Department of Education has targetted at least 500 grade schools for the program. Recipients included 127 grade schools in Antique; 37 in Capiz; 423 in Cadiz City, 110 in Iloilo and 26 in Negros Occidental. The Department of Agriculture would distribute vegetable seeds in 500-square meter plots the schools would each allot. The seeds included those of ampalaya, eggplant, okra, pole sitao, squash and kangkong. Organic fertilizer would complement the seeds. The initiative is expected to help ease malnutrition among grade school pupils. PNA

Abra: Farmers get fertilizer subsidy BANGUED, Abra - The government’s fertilizer subsidy program is set to benefit farmers tilling some 19,000 hectares of ricelands in Abra. Linda Burton, of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, said P250 coupons would be given to farmers who availed themselves of the hybrid and certified seeds public program. In addition, the province would provide its one fertilizer bag counterpart to every participant-farmer. PIA

Tagum: Excreta as urea substitute

RP: A vacation, shopping site - DOT (From page 26) among others, would be promoted. This would attract a part of the 17.2 million Japanese travellers who vacation abroad yearly. “Japan remains one of the most important markets for the Philippines,” Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said. “While arrivals of Japanese tourists are slightly decreasing, the expenditures of these tourists in the country are actually growing, providing bigger opportunities for the domestic travel industry,” Durano said. To maximize opportunities in Japan’s growing outbound travel market,

the tourism department also invited hotels, resorts, tour operators, transport services, and other local stakeholders to participate in the Japan Association for Travel Agents World Travel Fair at the East Exhibition Hall of the Tokyo Big Sight from Sept. 19 to 21. Shopping mecca Meanwhile, the Tourism Department has started selling the Philippines as an international shopping destination. Secretary Durano said tourists preferred Filipino brands to foreign ones when shopping here. Durano said the department has booked ad place-

ments in local and foreign publications to promote its month-long September ShopFest. He said the promotions were made in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and other parts of the Asia-Pacific, including India and Spain. He said Filipino clothes and clothing accessories would be the festival’s biggest draw, describing them as value for money because of their superior design and high quality. “These are locally made but world-class products that both foreigners and Filipinos buy in popular shopping centers,” Durano said. PNA

TAGUM CITY - Human excreta could be foul-smelling; but could be soil enriching and a readily and inexpensive available substitute to costly imported urea fertilizer. Alma Uy, tourism council officer, said the city council is expected to pass a resolution that would seek for the processing of feces and urine as orchard and agricultural plantation fertilizers. Uy said prices of imported fertilizer have soared to over P1,000 per sack, as urea supply worldwide dwindled.. Plans, which might be started early 2009, included setting up separate feces and urine ponds, where excreta is treated to get rid of the foul-smell and bacterial contamination. Public school and market administrators would be required to put up novel toilets whereby excreta could be easily retrieved. Uy boasted of a good durian harvest, thanks to human excreta fertilizer, making her produce “100 percent organic.” PIA

Sulu: Military completes 7 pro-poor projects SULU - Seven military-initiated projects under the development program of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines Task Force-Sulu (JSOTF-P) were inaugurated here. The four deep well projects in barangays Timpook, Taung, Tanum, and Liang of Patikul town were turned over to the residents represented by their public officials. Other inaugurated projects included a schoolbuilding for the Bon-bon Elementary School, the Liang circumferential road, and the Bud Datu road. PR/PIA

Cavite: SMEs get credit surety help Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. and Cavite Governor Ayong Maliksi (2nd and 3rd from left, respectively) lead the launching of the Credit Surety Fund Program that will enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cavite to access bank loans without collateral. PNA Photo

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SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

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SEPTEMBER 2008

MWF is Making Waves ... (From page 8) as CEMA will pose big challenges ahead for me, especially taking into consideration the record and experience of Ben - who, for the last nine years was uncontested in the post. Ben is everything that CEMA stands for: an immigrant to this country, a print, broadcast and new media journalist, a staunch proponent of diversity (leading people to dub him as Mr. Multiculturalism himself). His work and achievements will be a very tough act to follow. But how can the humble me decline the CEMA presidency when it was Ben himself - my “father” in the aim of propagating the objectives of ethnic media, and who coached me leading to the helm of CEMA, who molded me into this role during the last two years. Of course, all these were with the concurrence of Madeline Ziniak, CEMA’S Executive Chair and daughter of Sierhey Khmara Ziniak , who founded the organization then known as the Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ and Writers’ Club, in 1978. At the launching of OMNI 2 TV in September 2002, Ted Rogers described a young producer over at

Rogers Community Channel 10, whose program made a mark in the Toronto community - the very core of diversity in Canada. The formula for the program did not go unnoticed by the executives of Rogers Television, with top man Ted Rogers himself awake, hence - together with Rogers’ Executive Vice President for Television now, Leslie Sole, summoned Madeline to bring the concept into the provincial level for CFMT Television (now OMNI 1 TV). The rest is history, where lately, Ontario’s OMNI 1 & 2 Television have expanded in the west to include OMNI TV British Columbia (launched last September 1) and OMNI TV Alberta (Calgary & Edmonton (launched last September 15). Why propagate ethnic media (diversity, or multicultural media, if you will)? I reserve the answer in my next column. ***** In the meantime, this month of September, as described in the front page by Manila Media Monitor editor Butch Galicia, has been a double treat in media for the Filipino-Canadian community; first, with a Filipino-Canadian acclaimed

PPC-O Casino Rama fundraising trip Officers, members and guests of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario strike a pose after the successful Sept. 20 Casino Rama fundraising trip coordinated by Myrna Soriano and Chuchi Punsalan. Photo: MIKE CADUCIO & MOGI MOGADO to the presidency of the multicultural media group that CEMA is; and, secondly, with your long-running humble Filipino-Canadian television program, Front Page Philippines, opted by OMNI Television to air in its two newly-acquired stations in Edmonton and in Calgary in Alberta. Ever grateful for all these blessings, there’s a third treat in that I was just sitting and participating at a finance committee meeting in my parish two days before

the CEMA Biennial General Meeting and Elections, and just before the submission of the requirements from us by the Archdiocese of Toronto, I found myself signing all the documents as the vice-chair of the committee (loud laughter). In the meantime, in between the performance of all things expected of me from these roles, I have to do what I do for a living so I can sustain my, and my family’s, needs (loud laughter again!).

Sorio at PPC-O forum Connie Sorio, interim spokesperson for the Independent Workers Association-Home Workers Section (IWA-HWS), will lead a battery of speakers to discuss caregiver and home care provider issues and concerns during the Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPC-O) Breakfast Forum at Casa Manila on Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m. PPC-O forum chair Tony Sicat says IWA-HWS is a collaboration between the Steelworkers trade union and Migrante-Ontario, which are organizing caregivers and home care providers into a self-help, self sustaining group, primarily to protect and promote caregivers’ rights, particularly those still on temporary foreign worker visa. They will also also share information on the proposed Juana Tejada Law, launched on Aug. 24.

CANADIAN HISTORY

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

31

First Monday of September

Labour Day has origins from Canadian labour movement In Canada, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. This year, the national holiday falls on Sept. 1. (See related item below) The Canadian labour movement can justly claim the title of originator of Labour Day. Peter J. McGuire, one of the founders of the American Federation of Labour, has traditionally been known as the Father of Labour Day. But historical evidence indicates that McGuire obtained his idea for the establishment of an annual demonstration and public holiday from the Canadian trade unionist. 9-hour working day The origins of Labour Day can be traced back to April 15, 1872, when the Toronto Trades Assembly (TTA) organized Canada’s first significant demonstration for worker’s rights. The beribboned parade, made on what was then Thanksgiving Day, marched smartly in martial tread accompanied by four bands. The marchers called for

the release of 24 leaders of the Toronto Typographical Union imprisoned for going on a strike, since March 25, in a campaign for a ninehour working day. At that time, trade unions were still illegal and striking was considered as a criminal conspiracy to disrupt trade. The law, however, was earlier seen as outdated and abolished in Great Britain. The TTA, a significant group to contend with, encouraged workers to form trade unions, mediated in disputes between employers and employees and signaled the end of the mistreatment of workers. About 10,000 Torontonians came to see the parade and listen to the speeches advocating for the repeal of laws against trade unionism. Workers upheld On Sept. 3, 1872, members of seven unions in Ottawa organized a similar parade. More than a mile long, it was led by the Garrison Artillery band and flanked by city firemen carrying

LABOUR DAY PARADE, Toronto, early 1900s. Photo: Toronto City Archives, Fonds 1568, Item 314 torches. The Ottawa parade wound its way to the home of Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald where the marchers hoisted him into a carriage nd drew him to city hall by torchlight. MacDonald, dubbed The Old Chieftan, was aware of the discontent of workers with the laws which made unions illegal. In a ringing declaration from the steps of city hall, he promised the marchers that his party would “sweep away all such barbarous laws from the statute books.” Parliament passed the Trade Union Act on June 14 the following year, and soon all unions were demanding a 54-hour work-week. Ten years later The tradition established by the Toronto Trades Assembly was continued through the seventies and

National Public Holidays 2008 2009 New Year’s Day Jan. 1 Good Friday April 10 Easter Monday April 13 Victoria Day (Monday preceding May 25) May 18 Canada Day* July 1 Labour Day (first Monday of September) Sept. 7 Thanksgiving Day (second Monday of October) Oct. 13 Oct. 12 Remembrance Day Nov. 11 Nov. 11 Christmas Dec. 25 Dec. 25 Boxing Day Dec. 26 Dec. 26

2010 Jan. 1 April 2 April 5 May 24 July 1 Sept. 6

2011 Jan. 1 April 22 April 25 May 23 July 1 Sept. 5

Oct. 11 Nov. 11 Dec. 25 Dec. 26

Oct. 10 Nov. 11 Dec. 25 Dec. 26

* The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day when July 1 is a Sunday. Although not public holidays, Commonwealth Day and the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster are marked in Canada by flying, where physical arrangements allow (i.e. two flagpoles), the Royal Union Flag, also know as the “Union Jack” along with the National Flag at federal buildings, airports, military bases and other federal buildings and establishments, from sunrise until sunset. Physical arrangements means the existence of at least two flag poles; the Canadian flag always takes precedence and is never replaced by the Union Jack. Where only one pole exists, no special steps should be taken to erect an additional pole to fly the Union Jack for this special day.

into the early 1880’s. In 1882, the Toronto Trades and Labour Council, succesor to the TTA, decided to organize the annual demonstration and picnic for July 22. The council invited Peter J. McGuire of New York, requesting his services as a speaker for the occasion. McGuire was the founder and general secretary of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters which organized the previous year. It was in the same year, that McGuire proposed at a meeting of the New York Central Labour Union that a festive day be set aside for a demonstration and picnic. National holiday Labour Day was first celebrated in New York on September 5,1882. It was apparent that the custom developed in Canada and the invitation sent to McGuire prompted his

suggestion to the New York labour body. Soon pressure for legislation to declare a national holiday for Labour Day was exerted in both Canada and the United States. On July 23, 1894, Canadian Prime Minister John Thompson and his government made Labour Day, to be held in September, an official holiday. Thompson piloted the bill through Parliament against the opposition of some of his Conservative followers. Canadian trade unnionists have celebrated this day ‘set aside to honour those who labour’ from the 1870’s on. The first Labour Day parade in Winnipeg, in 1894, was two miles long. Celebration Labour Day is originally an opportunity for workers to campaign for better

working conditions or pay. They later marked their achievements on this day. Today, many Canadians see the first Monday in September as an chance to take a late summer trip, perhaps to their country cottage, or enjoy the company of family or friends at picnics, fairs, festivals and fireworks displays. For teenagers and students, the Labour Day weekend is the last chance to ‘be free’ before school reopens for a new academic year. On the first Monday in September, post offices and most other businesses and organizations are closed. Most public transport services run to a reduced or “Sunday” service, although others may not run at all. Most other countries have a holiday to celebrate workers’ rights on or around May 1. Internet sources

Provincial Holidays ONTARIO: Family Day (third Monday of February) and Civic Holiday (first Monday of August). QUEBEC: National Day (June 24). NOVA SCOTIA: Natal Day (first Monday of August, except in Halifax where it varies from year to year, usually August or July). NEW BRUNSWICK: New Brunswick Day (first Monday of August). MANITOBA: Civic Holiday (first Monday of August) and Louis Riel Day (third Monday of February). BRITISH COLUMBIA: British Columbia Day (first Monday of August). PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: Natal Day (by proclamation, usually on first Monday of August). SASKATCHEWAN: Family Day (third Monday of February) and Civic Holiday (first Monday of August). ALBERTA: Alberta Family Day (third Monday of February) and Heritage Day (first Monday of August). NEWFOUNDLAND and LABRADOR: Celebrated on nearest Monday - St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), St. George’s Day (April 23), Discovery Day (June 24), Memorial Day (July 1), Orangemen’s Day (July 12), and Regatta Day/Civic Holiday (fixed by municipal council orders). NORTHWWEST TERRITORIES: National Aboriginal Day (June 21) and Civic Holiday (first Monday of August). YUKON: Discovery Day (third Monday of August). NUNAVUT: Nunavut Day (July 9).

32

MONEY

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

Flaherty expects Canadian economy to weather global economic uncertainty OTTAWA - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said he expected the real Gross Domestic Product of Canada (GDP) “to increase by one percent” this year. Flaherty made the forecast following a Statistics Canada report that real GDP was up slightly in the second quarter. But he admitted that “the pace of economic activity remains weak as a result of the U.S. slowdown and its impact on our export sector.” Flaherty said solid growth in income and employment in the second quarter should help support economic activity to move forward. Resilient, stable On Sept. 17, Flaherty said Canada, as an open trading economy, was not immune to the “considerable stress” financial markets worldwide have been going through. “I am in close contact with US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, other

G7 Finance Ministers, and with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and the Governor of the Bank of Canada, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely,” he said. Flaherty assured that the Bank of Canada has taken action to ensure the liquidity of the banking system, and indicated that it stood ready to provide further liquidity to Canadian markets as required. “Canada continues to weather the global financial market turbulence better than many other countries,” he said. “Canada’s banking and insurance industries are well capitalized and our financial system is sound. The International Monetary Fund has determined that Canada’s financial system is resilient and that the stability of our system is well supported by sound macroeconomic policies and strong prudential regulation and supervision,” he stressed. Flaherty said Canada’s

FLAHERTY economic fundamentals remained solid, as: ► “Our unemployment rate remained near a 33year low; ► “Our budget is balanced and in fact there was a budgetary surplus of $1.7 billion in the month of June; ► “In addition, real income has increased by more

than four per cent at an annual rate over the first half of this year. This is income available to Canadians for consumption or investment; ► “Canada’s household, business and financial sectors are strong; ► “Canada’s housing market is sound and interest rates are low; and ► “Core inflation is low

and stable.” Economic stimulus Flaherty said the government has provided “significant economic stimulus in Canada.” Since 2006, economic measures included the provision of $21 billion in incremental tax relief - equivalent to 1.4 percent of GDP - to Canadians and Canadian businesses this year alone, when it was needed most. This was a permanent structural tax change, unlike the temporary measures in the United States, he noted. “In fact, federal personal income tax refunds this year were almost $200 or 14 percent higher than last year, thanks to our tax relief measures,” Flaherty said. In addition, business tax reductions through 2012 are expected, he added. “Canada is the only member of the G7 with continued surpluses and a falling debt burden,” he said. Global phenomenon But he admitted that Canadians have been feeling

the impact of global economic factors, including a struggling economy of the U.S., which has been Canada’s largest trading partner. These factors included: ► The U.S. housing crisis and its far-reaching economic implications; ► Record increases in the price of oil; and ► The ongoing volatility in global financial markets. Canadian response Among the responses the government has taken were: ► The introduction of permanent broad-based tax reductions; ► The prioritization of programs involving postsecondary education, infrastructure and worker retraining; and ► The creation of centers of excellence in science and technology. “We believe in longterm initiatives that will improve Canada’s competitiveness and productivity,” Flaherty said. PR

Alberta cited as best performing labor market in North America VANCOUVER - Canada’s western province of Alberta has maintained its distinction as the best performing labor market in North America, for the past five years. “For the past five years Alberta has enjoyed strong employment growth, high levels of worker productivity, and low durations of unemployment, making it the best performing labor market overall,” said Niels Veldhuis, Director of Fiscal Studies at The Fraser Institute, an independent research group. Veldhuis is co-author of the Fraser study Measuring Labour Markets in Canada and the United States: 2008 Report released on Aug. 28. Besides Alberta, the rest of the top 10 rated jurisdictions are U.S. states, led by Nevada, Utah, and Alaska. Canadian ranking British Columbia was rated second-best labor market in Canada, but ranked 11th in North America. Saskatchewan was third in Canada and 14th among all ten Canadian provinces and 50 U.S. states. Ontario and Quebec, Canada’s most populous

provinces, ranked 25th and 50th respectively. Newfoundland was the lowest-rated at 51st with the other Atlantic provinces, all ranked in the bottom half on labor market performance. Low job growth “The research highlights the diverging labour markets within Canada. Western provinces are enjoying strong labor markets while the rest of Canada lags behind,” said Keith Godin, study co-author and Fraser senior policy analyst. Ontario and Quebec have relatively low rates of private sector job growth. The two provinces were noted to be suffering from high average unemployment rates. Both regressed in the 2008 report, compared to 2007 when they were ranked 21st and 41st. The Atlantic provinces also suffered from high average unemployment rates and low labor productivity. “The highest unemployment rates in North America are found in the Atlantic provinces,” Godin said. “Despite Newfoundland’s burgeoning resource sector, it continues to strug-

gle with an average unemployment rate of 15.2 per cent, more than three times the unemployment rate found in Alberta,” he said. Public sector jobs The study examined four aspects of labor markets directly affecting labor market performance: public sector employment, unionization, minimum wages, and labor relations laws. The study showed a gap emerged between Canadian provinces and U.S. states when public sector employment was considered. Canadian provinces consistently maintained higher levels of public-sector employment. Seven of the bottom 10 jurisdictions were Canadian provinces: Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan had the highest rate of public-sector employment in North America at 27.4 percent of total employment; almost double that of neighboring Alberta (15.5 percent). “The split between private and public sector em-

Jobs in the tar sands, like the Mildred Lake mine site and plant at the Athabasca Oil Sands, have been luring both domestic and foreign workers to fill a labor shortage. Canada’s development of its huge oil reserves has also opened employment windows in manufacturing and services. Photo: TASTY CAKES in Public Domain ployment is an important aspect of labor market performance since the incentives, productivity, and performance of labor activity in the private sector is different from that in the public sector,” Veldhuis said. “Lower labor productivity in the public sector is particularly problematic given that workers in the public sector tend to receive a wage premium compared to their private sector counterparts,” he added. Pro-labor Unionization is another aspect of the labor market

where Canadian provinces and U.S. states diverged. From 2003 to 2007, Canada’s average unionization rate was 31.8 percent, compared with 13.6 percent for the U.S. Quebec has the highest rate of unionization in North America with 40.2 percent of its workers unionized, ranking it 60 out of 60. A reason for the divergence in unionization rates was Canada’s relatively prounion labor relation laws. Evidence showed that labor relations laws biasing one group at the expense

of another, or which were overly prescriptive, reduced labor market performance. High wages All provinces, except Alberta, also maintained relatively high minimum wages that have been proven to reduce employment and on-the-job training. “Canadian provinces should reduce public sector employment, pursue more balanced and less prescriptive labor laws, and avoid increasing minimum wages to improve the functioning of their labor markets,” Veldhuis said. PR

MONEY

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

Gov’t on track in creating more competitive RP MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Sept. 15 sounded an urgent call for every Filipino to make a commitment to continue working together in creating a stronger and more competitive Philippines amid external threats to the local economy. Addressing the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), Arroyo said she convened the NCC “to make sure we remain on track to improve our business and investment climate and to continue to improve our global competitiveness.” “I called this meeting also to reassure the investment community, domestic and foreign, that the government is acting responsibly, will stay the course and has plan for the future,” she said. In her 2006 State-ofthe-Nation Address, Arroyo outlined five comprehensive strategies for global competitiveness, namely: ► Plentiful and affordable food to keep labor cost globally competitive; ► Reduced cost of elec-

FURNITURE MAKING FACTORY IN THE PHILIPPINES tricity to make factories regionally competitive; ► Modernized infrastructure to efficiently transport goods and people; ► Upgraded knowledge and technology disseminated for productivity; and, ► Reduced red tape to cut business cost. She commended the NCC, which would be two years in October, for its initiatives on competitiveness that have influenced industrial and government decisions.

The President said the Philippines’ five-notch improvement in its ranking in the Institute for International Management and Development survey and the four-rank improvement for competitiveness in the World Economic Forum could be attributed partly to the efforts of the council. But Arroyo stressed the need to reassess the Philippines’ strategies for global competitiveness, as there have been challenges in the global economic front.

These challenges included high food and fuel prices and the slowdown of the US economy. She said these seeming growth barriers were cushioned by increased revenue collections to fund government programs and projects. “While the economic picture has been challenging, thankfully we had the foresight to plan for this day through our tough choices to reform our tax system,” (To page 34)

PCCT networking, acquaintance night on Sept. 26 Members of the Nebres and TugPhilippine Chamber adi add that the dinof Commerce-Toner is aimed at recronto (PCCT) will ognizing those who have another oppormade the trade show tunity to network and another huge success get acquainted with in introducing Filitheir fellow mempino products and/or bers when the orgatheir services before nization hosts an Apmainstream consumpreciation Night and ers in the GTA. Dinner at the EllesThe trade show, mere Community NEBRES and TUGADI conducted at the Recreation Centre on same time and venue Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. of the Mabuhay Philippines Toronto SumRafael Nebres and Oswald Tugadi, mer Festival on July 19 drew an estimated president and 2008 Trade Show Chair, re- 15,000 visitors. spectively, of the PCCT, say the gathering The Appreciation Night will likewise is likewise an appreciation event for all serve as a networking and an acquaintance sponsors and vendors who participated in evening among the new and old members of the recent PCCT Trade Show at the Metro the PCCT. PR, PCCT Corporate ComToronto Convention Center. munications

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34

The PHILIPPINES

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

Judiciary’s MREP covenant

SEOUL DRIVING SCHOOL YELLOWBIRD 4862 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario

Chief Justice Reynato Puno (left) shakes hands with Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Conrado Vasquez, Jr. following the ceremonial signing of a covenant by CA Justices, as part of the judiciary’s Moral Recovery Enhancement Program launched on Sept. 15. Part of the covenant reads: “We, with one heart and one mind, solemnly make a covenant to dispense justice with honor, independence, impartiality, and integrity; to be subservient only to the truth; to give our utmost in everything that we do; to continue doing good; and to hold oursevles accountable to the Supreme Judge so that our Court may be a haven of fairness and righteousness.”

BUSINESS MEETING Filipino businessmen in Bathurst and Wilson areas will meet at the Our Lady of Assumption Church parish hall on Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss better coordination and mutual help beneficial to them. The meeting may take up the formation of the Toronto Filipino Businessmen Improvement Area. JT

Gov’t on track in creating ... (From page 33) she said. “It is important to remind ourselves of the ... successes of the revenue collection which is allowing for greater investment in the people during this tough time,” the President said. She stressed that the best buffer to external vulnerability would be domestic and internal strength. “Building a stronger, healthier economy driven by

domestic consumption and investment and relying less on external markets is exactly what our reform agenda is about,” she said. “We are doing everything in our power to focus on the fundamentals, keep the economy steady, and to provide relief for those most in need,” she said. NCC working groups presented their concerns and recommendations. OPS

SEPTEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor

Glenda Gloria wins McLuhan Prize Veteran Filipino journalist Glenda Gloria was recently named the Marshall McLuhan Fellow for 2008 during the awards ceremonies of the Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in Journalism organized by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. Gloria won the Plaque of Distinction, the top prize in this year’s competition, for her article Trapped in a Web of Lives published in Newsbreak in December, 2007. The Marshall McLuhan Prize, named after the world-renowned Canadian communication scholar, is the Embassy of Canada’s flagship public diplomacy initiative. Launched in 1997 to encourage investigative journalism in the Philippines, the Prize underlines Canada’s belief that a strong media is essential to a free democratic society. The program, with financial support from Sun Life of Canada, provides the winner with a study tour to Canada. This will be an opportunity to interact with media counterparts and to discuss

current governance issues with Canadian government officials and members of civil society. The winner will also have the chance to sit as a fellow at the McLuhan Institute in Toronto. Embassy PR

Filipino journalist Glenda Gloria (left) receives the Marshall McLuhan Prize from Canadian Ambassador to Manila Robert Desjardins.

Drizzles of ...

(From page 9) What I didn’t tell is that I really enjoyed my summer with my daughter. I didn’t tell that I was elected as the media spokesperson for the Isabella Association (and by the way, readers may want to think about joining). I didn’t tell that my new business continues to grow. I could have. But I didn’t. Like most people I focused on my problems as

the more important events in my life. It’s a bad habit. I let them overwhelm me. It’s a habit I have to work hard to overcome. There are always going to be problems. But there are always many good things that can balance out one’s day. It’s a choice of which is the more worthy of one’s focus. info@thenannyexpert. com

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The PHILIPPINES

35

ENTERTAINMENT 36 The GIG

Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2008

A look into Filipino-Canadian folksingers, bands, musicians and other performers in Canada by CHITO SARABIA

Vultocazhe: Alternative band What’s in a name? Everything that is Vultocazhe, the brand that makes a uniquely good band out of five talented Filipino youngsters who have begun to make it big in Toronto’s entertainment circuit. Vultocazhe is composed of vocalist Vlad Manalastas, guitarist and vocalist Eumir Cabatino and Adrian Perlas, bassist and vocalist Edwin Rama, and drummer Don Lunaria. According to the band’s website, Vultocazhe emerged in 2004 through the vision of bassist, Edwin Rama. Hard and heavy power riffs, melodic

tunes, soul searching lyrics and deep drum grooves have all been part of the band’s musical tradition. Having the most experience among the roster of artist under Minerva Records, Vultocazhe boasts of a legion of loyal supporters who follow all their shows and appearances. Their own rendition of the Hit song The Promise by When in Rome, has been a popular request in most of their performances. Their first album entitled VULTO has been released under Minerva Records, fea(To page 37)

Jason Nuñez tops City Singers ‘08 Jason Nunez, City of Toronto Social Services employee, has been adjudged this year’s winner of City Singers 2008 conducted at the Nthan Philips Square, during the launch of United Way Toronto’s 2008 campaign on Sept. 9. Jason effortlessly sang, with his own style and rendition, Lionel Richie’s ballad Hello. Celebrity guest judges were Jennifer Valentyne of Breakfast Television, Canadian Idol judge Farley Flez, Canadian jazz and pop diva Molly Johnson, and National Hockey League retired pro Peter Zezel. Jacqueline John of Parks and Recreation placed second with her rendition of Natural Woman, while Ron Morissette of Toronto Water sang the Garth Brooks Two of a Kind and bagged third place. Twelve talented city employees participated in City Singers 2008. The crowd was also treated to performances of the TKO urban dancers and former City Singers winner, Jassette Forbes. Erin Davis and Mike

NUÑEZS Cooper of CHFI 98.1 hosted the contest and the United Way campaign launch. United Way drive Also at the United Way city campaign were Mayor David Miller, City Manager Shirley Hoy and United Way’s Frances Lankin. At the event, United Way officials announced a 2008 overall goal of $110 million. The city’s goal for the United Way drive is $1.1 million. Many city staffmembers have taken part in summer events that supported divisional United Way efforts. SUZY LLANERA

VULTOCAZHE BAND MEMBERS

IN PURSUIT OF A PASSION FOR SINGING

Charlyn gets into the groove “I was only seven years old when my parents brought me to an amateur singing contest for children at DXMS, a local radio station in Cotabato City. I did not win, but I brought home the consolation price of one pack of biscuits. It was the sweetest I ever tasted, because it sparked my passion for singing,” enthused Charlyn Marundan, whose star in Toronto’s entertainment arena is fast rising. “My parents motivated me to believe in myself. Hence, I chanced upon every amateur singing contest in school, in our village and at CTV-12, the local TV station. I won some; lost a lot, but losing became a challenge to hone my talent,” Charlyn said. In between studies of veterinary medicine at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato, Charlyn nurtured her talent as lead vocalist of the University Music Band, playing onand off-campus. She had her first big win during an Inter-Organization singing tilt at Notre Dame University in Cotabato City, where she later transferred. She topped 18

others and was adjudged the champion. In Canada? “I never thought that I’d still pursue my singing in this huge country, a place that doesn’t sleep and people are always busy,” she confided. It took two years of keeping her talent to herself before she she joined and won the 2007 Filipino singing Idol contest, belting out New York, New York to an audience at Nathan Philips Sqaure.

She was also chosen to perform for a Filipino festival. “My love for music and my passion to sing led me to pursue my dreams. These dreams are not only for me but for others as well - that in my own simple way, I can make people smile each time I sing for people,” Charlys mused. Charlyn has lately been practicing with a band nee Banda Ni Kuya, and would soon be onstage.

CHARLYN MARUNDAN

Filipino film Pag-asa sa Paglaya in Commfest Pagasa sa Paglaya, a 71-minute film by Philippine director Cornelio Torrijos, is among 39 community films to be screened during the Community Film Festival (Commffest) at 110 The Esplanade in toronto from Sept. 26 to 28. Pag-asa ..., according to a submission from Cielito Torrijos, shows the big difference between the humane treatment of jailbirds aimed to prepare them for after-prison life as against the threats of punishment and the death penalty. Jail opportunities The film must have taken its inspiration from PSP or

Pag-asa sa Paglaya (Hope Upon Release), a prisoner rehabilitation cooperative the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS) has been running since 1994. PJPS is a foundation that is part of the social apostolate of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. A report from Sunstar News Service quotes PSP founder priest Victor Labao S.J: “PSP started as the Light a Hope project for renewed ex-prisoners and their families, and dependents of inmates in the New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa, Manila. The project involves manufacturing hand-

made liturgical, novelty and all-occasion scented candles.” PSP has since grown, getting a P1-million grant from the World Bank in 2004, after being chosen as one of the winners of the bank-sponsored competition First Philippine Development Innovation Market Place, with the theme Panibagong Paraan: Making Services Work for the Poor. Labao brought PSP to the Cebu penal system that year, and in a matter of days, was working on the operations of a new 1.6-hectare candle-making facility in Busay.

Film entries Basides Pag-asa sa Paglaya, Commffest organizers say 38 other films are entered into the event launched at primary sponsor Hotel Novotel Terrace on the Patio on Sept. 15. Of the 39 films, nine are produced by Canadians. The other films come from producers and directors from the United states, Germany, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Ireland, China, United Kingdom, France, the Philippines, Hungary, Rwanda, Spain and Cambodia,. Understanding Commffest, a charitable

group, presents a wide variety of local, national, and international films in a bid to bring communities together, with each film representing a voice to share experiences, educate others, and be a forum to discover common ties of solidarity. After every screening, Commffest conducts panel discussions to engage individuals and communities in a dialogue of social and cultural issues. Commffest provides film workshops for youth and adults as a community outreach program with funding from sponsor partners. IMELDA SUZARA

Pasko ng Pilipino to hit Toronto The Magnificat Charismatic Prayer community is set to present a gala concert The Gift of Christmas: Pasko ng Pilipino at the Imperial Oil Auditorium of the Ontario Science Centre on Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Performers Lilac Caña, Marc Ballesteros and Emilio Zarris will sing tunes ranging from Broadway to jazz, traditional to modern interwoven into a Christmas story. Also in the repertoire are popular folk songs and the singers’ original compositions. Caña, a recording artist, is known for her exceptional operatic soprano voice. Ballesteros, who comes from a musical family, has gained a name with his charm and heart-warming rendition of ballads and pop hits, including his very own songs. Zarris, who made his performing debut as member of the cast member of the Canadian production of Miss Saigon, has sang on boat cruises and social functions, concerts and cultural events in North America. An added show feature is the internationally-acclaimed Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe, which has made waves worldwide for their sensational execution of Philippine folk dances. Pasko ng Pilipino will also be a venue to enjoy Chritmas carols and get a glimpse of Philippine Yuletide traditions. Joe and Annie Lapid, presiding elders of the Magnificat Community, hope the concert can raise funds to upgrade the community’s retreat facilities, ReginaMundi, in Queensville. The center is open year round to individuals and organizations for workshops, retreats, prayer services, other events and activities. PR

SEPTEMBER 2008

Manila Media Monitor

ENTERTAINMENT

37

Anita Linda at the TIFF

Veteran Filipino actress Anita Linda (center) joins (from left) Alisha, Eugene, Anagaile and Rico in a photoshoot during a promotional lull of the movie Adela, one of three Filipino entries in the Toronto International Film Festival from Sept. 4 to 13. According to Manila Media Monitor contributor Anagaile Soriano, Adela, although a low-budget film shot in one week, stood out by sending a strong message about aging and loneliness. The story unfolded in a typical day in the life of Adela - played by Anita Linda who is in her first international film festvial. Adela needed not say much. Her facial expressions depicted her true feelings. Adela was directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., who wanted to portray a grandmother living alone, was celebrating her 80th birthday but was rejected by her children. Adela lived in poverty, among those who tried making ends meet in the Bernardo dumpsite near the Manila expressway. Director Alix said the film touched on current Philippine situations. Although the film revolved around the life of Adela in a day, Alix also paralleled the life of Adela to the Philippines.

‘Tiya Dely’, First Lady of RP radio, passes away Fidela ‘Tiya Dely’ Magpayo, one of Philippine broadcasting’s most enduring personalities, passed away at 6:10 p.m. on Sept. 1 after suffering a stroke two days earlier. Magpayo was 87 years old. She would have turned 88 on Oct. 29. Tiya Dely’s daughter Delia Reyes said her mother died peacefully with her family by her side at the Intensive Care Unit of the Manila Doctors’ Hospital. Magpayo was brought to the hospital on the night of Aug. 30, after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage due to a stroke while anchoring her long-running program Serenata Kolektibista over radio station dzRH in Pasay City. Philippine Star’s entertainment columnist Ricky Lo wrote: “She died with her boots on, so to speak,” said her good friend Danny Dolor, philanthropist, banker and Star’s Remember When? columnist. “She had just played Bella Filipina, the intro music to the program, when she began stuttering. And then, she backed away from the microphone which had been her inseparable companion for many, many years. She slipped into coma.” ‘Tiya Dely’, who started her broadcasting career in the 1940s, was among the first people in radio who popularized Filipino music. In her years in radio,

Hairdresser & make-up artist Tonnie Furto applies final touch to dynamic songstress Jennifer Camacho for her recent concert.

UPAA-PAG in Sketching for Life

PAG artists, professional model and UPAA members Sometime in 1957, ‘Tiya Dely’s’ radio program Mga Liham Kay Tiya Dely, was made into a movie by Larry Santiago Productions. The movie (poster above), a five-episode drama, launched Chiquito and Joseph Estrada’s movie careers. she became a newscaster, a commentator, radio dramatist, and a singer, but her work as an on-air counselor, coupled with her gentle onair persona, endeared her to generations of listeners. With her long service in the broadcasting industry, her voice came to be recognized as the “First Lady of Philippine Radio.” ‘Tiya Dely’ was supposed to receive a Gawad Saguisag Quezon award on Aug. 31 together with a few

others including Komiks King Carlo J. Caparas. Her relatives received the award on her behalf. The Gawad Saguisag Quezon was given in honor of her more than 60 years in broadcasting and for propagating the Filipino Language. She was buried yesterday at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, her home until she died. With reports from ABS-CBN and Internet sources

Fourteen artists, 11 of them members of the Philippine Artists Group (PAG) in Toronto, recently conducted a live sketching session, during the monthly

University of the Philippines Alumni Association Toronto (UPAA) Kapihan at the home of Oswald and Mila Magno. The artists included

Vultocazhe: Alternative band

(From page 36) turing the hit song Ode. Vultocazhe has played with various independent local bands and has shown their talents in numerous prestigious events all over Toronto. The band opened for Bamboo at the Massey Hall in 2007. Vultocazhe continues to amaze their audience with their catchy original materials and their energetic live performances.

Each member of Vultocazhe has been creating passionate, gut wrenching music all their lives. Everyone is equal, ideas shared, and bonds made to never break. This group’s down to earth attitude has easily placed them on the map as inspiration and mentor to newer independent bands trying to make it in the Toronto music scene.

PAG’s Rol Lampitoc, Toots Quiatchon, Omel Masalunga, Frank and Nelia Tonido, Frank Cruzet, Cobie Cruz, Jun Afable, Rolly Abarilla, Celia Correa and Romi MananQuil and guests Arlene Lampitoc, Andrea Fernandez and Mark Sperber. MananQuil coordinated Sketching for Life for the UPAA Kapihan series. Part of the proceeds of art works done at Sketching for Life would go to an account for UP scholarships. Framed sketches bought by UPAA members would be presented to them at the next Kapihan fellowship. Follow-up events on arts and culture are being planned. ROSE TIJAM

ENTERTAINMENT

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BATID WIKA PAHALANG 1. Punas 5. Kahilahilakbot 10. Tawag kay Abigail 11. Nota ng musika 13. Uri ng saging 14. Pahkalinga sa mahina 16. Bubble ______ 17. Bahagyang pilay 18. Dakilang babae 20. Pang-ukol 21. ___sap, kumurap 23. Tatak ng inumin 25. Ianib sa samahan 27. Pangalan ng babae 29. Tulugan ng sanggol 31. Termino sa madyong 32. Anunsiyo 34. Ika-7 araw 35. _____g, panayam 36. Higit 38. Nandusta 40. Bansa sa Gitnang Silangan

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