200901

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YEAR 12, No. 7 JANUARY 2009

INSIDE Ooops & Bloops

FEATURE: 2009 Horoscope - 12

Simply Jess C., etc., etc., etc. - 7

Dinagyang: Drums, Dance, Devotion - 26

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

Toronto, Ontario

MAMA CHING’S HANDS-ON MANAGEMENT STANDS OUT

Kalayaan aims for best in ‘09

Dancing To Be A Star - 33 ‘08 RP showbiz scene stealers - 35

OBAMA: BE THE CHANGE

LINCOLN, MODEL PRESIDENT. 44th US President Barack Obama is the first American Chief Executive to use the Lincoln Bible for his inauguration since Lincoln used it in 1861. Obama’s inaugural theme, A New Birth of Freedom, was said to be inspired by Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

INAUGURATION HIGHLIGHTS ON PAGES 21 and 22

It’s a freezing Saturday night and almost 8 p.m. Most seniors in Canada would have been tucked in their warm beds by then. At the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) in Mississauga, however, the night has just begun. Through the laughter, music and glitter in a hall and rooms nearby, an 84-year old lady stays alert, up and about in her office, ready to directly attend to the needs of the center’s guests having a memorable time of their life. That night, birthday parties and a debut. On Sunday night, more funfare. On Monday until Friday, seminars and boardroom talk, sprinkled with feel-good and healthy community activities. The week never stops short of events at the center. And so, it is, too with KCCC’s perennial occupant and president Consolacion “Mama Ching” Quejas, whose desire to be of service to a growing Filipino base in Mississauga and metro Toronto is tireless. Just in case though, Mama Ching has a folding bed nicely tucked in a corner of her office. Hands-on management The KCCC has a mandated mission, and the only way to achieve this mission is by being true to it 24/7, Mama Ching impresses on Manila Media Monitor managing editor Ace Alvarez and editor Butch Galicia in an interview. Never running out of business keeps the KCCC fit; as never running out of pro-active and productive things to do keeps Mama Ching healthy, lively and lovely. (To page 3)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

news Kalayaan CCC aims for best in ‘09 (From page 1) Mama Ching has to apply daily “person-to-person” management to meet the demands of KCCC officers, staffmembers, volunteers, donors and clients. Hands-on administration and human relations are not new to Mama Ching, who has to her name years of experience as a schoolteacher, law practitioner, entrepreneur and community worker. She understands that her work as KCCC president, a post she has held since 2004, entails her presence most of the time. Though she will be 85 come May, she shrugs off age nuisances to enjoy “simple little things” -- to include smiling at and greeting people -- “that go a long way to help” in making the KCCC a lean but mean community service outfit that can run at any time. Joyce, Mama Ching’s reliable aide, nods in agreement. Joyce knows the KCCC is alive when people in the center do the most trivial of tasks without being asked, when they share work and laugh as they correct mistakes, when they see the community enjoy being in and with the center. “More people are coming in and knowing about KCCC,” she mused.

Biggest challenge But it is not all smiles at the KCCC. Mama Ching knows she has her hands full, as she recalls the challenges that came the KCCC’s way in the past year. “So far, the KCCC is above water,” Mama Ching says, adding that “we are hoping 2009 will be better.” She avers that “money” is still the biggest challenge the center has to meet headon this new year. The KCCC’s monthly mortgage and maintenance expense has gone up to some $11,000, from the $10,000 the KCCC had when Manila Media Monitor/Front Page Philippines TV first interviewed Mama Ching two years ago. It has been delinquent in its property tax payments, but “we are managing” with the help of the Mississauga city government, she adds. Aggressive fundraising Unfazed by the biting impact of a recession, Mama Ching is confident that there “are still many kind souls who will let go of their extra cash to make the center deliver.” The KCCC will embark on an aggressive fundraising drive this year, she says. A program to receive cash donations through a

direct debit Electronic Fund Transfer scheme is in the offing and Mama Ching is sure “this will work.” Jokingly, she says that some of the dollar-laden she meets see the glitter in her eye as a quick peek and pick into fat billfolds and purses. “We don’t really make money out of our members or those who use our facilities,” Mama Ching said. “We look for other sources of funds; and every little source of donation is most welcome,” she added. Benevolent donors Recently, Mama Ching received for the KCCC a $13,000 cheque from the Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization (KFCO). KFCO officers Willie Cantos and Bennie Dicion presented the check during the KCCC Christmas gettogether for volunteers and donors on Dec. 13, 2008. On the same night, the Philippine Choral Society of Mississauga under the baton of Imelda Papa staged their Pamasko concert to raise funds for the KCCC and for a five-year old girl suffering from leukemia. Mama Ching also relates the goodness of heart of the Lions Club of Cookesville, which donated $25,000 to the KCCC. One of the cen-

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Viccari cited as Dean of Ethnic Media

As York South-Weston MPP Laura Albanese (center) cheers on, Premier McGuinty (left) recognizes Ben Viccari as Dean of Ethnic Media during a reception given to members of the media from various communities by the Ontario Liberal Caucus at Queens Park on Dec. 15. Viccari, whose column appears regularly in Manila Media Monitor, is the immediate past president of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA), and is the predecessor to the CEMA presidency of Manila Media Monitor Managing Editor Ace Alvarez. (Photo: ONTARIO PREMIER’S OFFICE) ter’s rooms was named after the club, the center’s only way to show gratitude. KCCC programs The cash donations nurture the center’s social and cultural programs. Mama Ching said the KCCC is opening a regular program to help overseas

Filipino workers, mostly women, get past social and work-related concerns during their stay in Canada. The KCCC is also supporting a full rondalla, which instruments were bought out of donations. There are a lot more programs at the KCCC prompt-

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ing Mama Ching to appeal to volunteers to help them accomplish the job. “If there is one thing we want the KCCC to be, it is to be known as a community center the grassroots built,” Mama Ching concluded, asking to be excused to take her late dinner.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

TPS Pixels for Pistols gun amnesty nets 1,897 firearms The Toronto Police Service (TPS) has recovered a total of 1,897 firearms, as the TPS ended its Pixels for Pistols gun amnesty program that ran from Oct. 22 to Dec. 1, 2008. In a press release coursed through Community Mobilization Unit (CMU) officer Constable Philip Mendoza, the TPS said 304 non-firearms, including pellet guns and replicas, were also turned in for destruction. A total of 58,217 rounds of ammunition and 1,486 boxes of assorted ammunition were likewise received for disposal. The gun amnesty program was carried out in partnership with Henry’s Camera, the TPS CMU divisions and the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force. The TPS cited Torontonians for helping the service keep Toronto safe and livable. PR

news

Flaherty unwraps package of tax relief measures for tough times ahead The Canadian government has unwrapped a package of tax relief measures intended to benefit individuals, families and businesses at the onset of 2009. (See right box) Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said the new tax reduction steps would see Canadians and Canadian businesses paying some “$31 billion less in taxes” or nearly two percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The government had been implementing some of the tax reduction measures since 2006. A summary of the federal tax relief measures included the: ► Tax-Free Savings Account, a flexible savings vehicle that allowed Canadians to contribute up to $5,000 per year to the account, with unused contribution being carried forward. Investment income, including capital gains, earned within the account would not be taxed, and withdrawals would be tax-free. This took effect on Jan.

1, 2009. ► Application of the Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIF) program to the 2008 taxation year only. The program proposed a one-time 25-percent reduction in the required minimum RRIF withdrawal for 2008, thus helping retirees affected by the market downturn to keep more of their savings in their RRIFs. ► Increase in the Northern Residents Deduction by 10 percent starting Jan. 1.

► Increase in the length of the contribution period for the Registered Education Savings Plan. ► Expansion of the list of expenses eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit. ► Extension of the deadline for opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) to March 2, 2009. This would help more parents save to ensure the long-term financial security of a child with a severe disability. The RDSP contribu-

tion year would begin on March 3. ► Extension of the capital gains exemption on gains realized on certain unlisted securities exchanged for listed securities and subsequently donated. This also applied to corporations. Personal Income ► Since Jan. 1, 2008, employers were given more flexibility to offer phased retirement programs, and to raise the reward to older (To page 32)

Employment in Alberta slows down Once described as a job haven, Alberta has experienced a considerable employment slowdown in 2008, a Statistics Canada labor force survey for December, 2008 said. From hefty increases of over 4 percent in 2006 and 2007, Alberta’s employment rate dipped to 1.3 percent in 2008. While jobs edged down in most Canadian provinces in December 2008, Alberta recorded the highest loss

at 16,000, all in full time work. However, hourly wages remained the highest in Alberta, at $24.50; followed by Ontario, at $22.40; and British Columbia, at $22.00. In general, the survey said employment in Canada declined for the second straight month in December (-34,000), the result of a large drop in full-time work. With the decline came a 0.3 percent rise in the unem-

ployment rate, which hit 6.6 percent in December. Employment growth from December 2007 to December 2008 was 0.6 percent (+98,000), slower than the increase of 2.2 percent (+358,000) seen over the same period in the previous year. From the record low of 5.8 percent in early 2008, the unemployment rate had climbed 0.8 percentage points by the end of the (To page 16)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

news Zimbabwe’s cash woes

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FUEL, POWER COSTS LOWER; BUT WATER, RICE PRICES MAY RISE

RP inflation eases to 9.3% MANILA - Philippine inflation has eased to 8 percent in December 2008 from November’s 9.9 percent, bringing the average inflation for 2008 to 9.3 percent. The drop in inflation, defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy at a given period, is expected to give consumers more value for their money. Core inflation, which measures the change in av-

erage consumer prices excluding certain items with volatile price movements such as food products and energy, also declined from 7.9 percent in November to 7.3 percent in December. But core inflation in 2008 reached 6.2 percent, higher than in 2007 at 2.8 percent. “Given the shocks to inflation in 2008, the target for 2009 will fall within the official forecast of 6 to 8 percent. Inflation is expect-

ed to return within target rates in 2010,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto. On the other hand, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. described the 8-percent inflation for December as an auspicious beginning for 2009. “As inflation ebbs, we will carefully consider opportunities for monetary easing mindful of potential tightening financial condi-

tions,” Tetangco said. Lower fuel, power costs Recto attributed the inflation dip to lower fuel, energy and power costs. Just recently, crude oil prices fell to US$35 per barrel from over US$100 per barrel in the world market due to slackening demand. “This caused local oil prices to go down by as much as P1 near the end of 2008,” Recto said, adding that power utilities have also (To page 30)

Unusual tide rise, heavy persistent rains, floods, landslides batter Philippine regions

In the AFP file photo above, a shopper buys tomatoes in Harare. Zimbabwe. The government has introduced on Jan. 16 a 100-trillion dollar note (about 300 US dollars or 225 euros) in its latest attempt to keep pace with hyperinflation that has left the once-vibrant economy in tatters, said an AFP news report posted at Yahoo News. The report said this is the latest grim measure of Zimbabwe’s staggering economic collapse, heightening the urgency of a new round of political unity talks between leader Robert Mugabe and opposition chief Morgan Tsvangirai on Jan. 19.

Unusual sea movements and heavy continuous rains have caused floods and landslides in various parts of the Philippines in the first 15 days of January, killing at least 12 people and displacing over 300,000 more. In Mindanao, at least five persons were killed, 13 missing and over 47,650 families (over 100,000 persons) sought higher grounds after flashfloods struck Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog cities and 13 towns in Misamis Oriental province.

In Cagayan de Oro City alone, flashfloods displaced at least 29,000 families in 32 barangays. Officials said 186 houses and four bridges were destroyed. Classes were suspended in public schools used as evacuation centers. Mt. Kitanglad logging Officials are investigating the extent of logging at Mt. Kitanglad to see if this had caused the floods that hit Cagayan de Oro City. Mayor Constantino Jaraula surmised that log-

ging operations in and around Mount Kitanglad which traversed Bukidnon, the Lanao provinces and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - had caused heavy downstream rainwater flow to the city. The flooding was said to be the most destructive since 1957. Disaster in Caraga Cascading boulders of rocks and sands due to soil loosening from a denuded mountain buried alive at least two persons and se-

riously hurt two others in Purok Gangas, Mangagoy, Bislig City. The Caraga Regional Disaster Coordinating Council said this brought to six the number of deaths related to a weeklong downpour that hit Caraga region. Declared under a state of calamity were coastal areas in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and in Surigao City, which all came at the mercy of strong winds and huge waves that destroyed sea (To page 28)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

news

Canada has 33-M people; fast growth rate in west

Growing Filipino community in Toronto Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has conferred on Tobias Enverga, Jr. the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (Linkapil) Presidential Award in ceremonies at Malacañang on Dec. 10, 2008. In a citation, the President said Enverga is being recognized for “his patriotism and love for fellow Filipinos through continued delivery of assistance and support by spearheading fundraising campaigns for projects that will benefit his kababayans.” Enverga was the only individual among four Linkapil awardees. The other three were groups. The Linkapil Award is conferred on Filipino associations or individuals based abroad for their significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and develop-

ment in the Philippines. Enverga was commended for his work with Filipino-Canadian and other organizations in a number of charitable projects. Enverga was credited for the conduct of medical missions worth some $500,000; raising funds for Bantay Bata, for the construction of school buildings, churches and convents, for the installation of artesian wells, and for livelihood training programs for disaster victims. Lately, he helped raised funds for the Philippine Independence Day Council’s (PIDC) Gawad Kalinga villages in Panganiban, Camarines Norte and Batasan, Quezon City. Enverga is the president of PIDC and the Lucena City Association. He coined the slogan, “The Mission is the Reason!”

Canada’s population grew by 0.39 percent in the third quarter of 2008, its highest quarterly growth rate since 1990. In its latest survey, Statistics Canada said growth remained faster in the country’s western part. As of Oct. 1, 2008, Canada’s population was estimated at 33,441,300, up

129,900 from July 1, 2008. Populations rose in every province and territory, except the Northwest Territories. The pace of Canada’s population growth was faster than in the same quarter of 2007, the result of an increase in net international migration, which set a thirdquarter record of 89,100.

This upward movement was due to an increase in the number of non-permanent residents. While immigration and emigration remained relatively steady, the number of non-permanent residents grew by 32,400, the largest third-quarter increase since 1988. In the same period,

71,300 immigrants entered Canada, slightly fewer than in the same quarter of 2007. Canada’s rate of natural increase also remained stable in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007, with the number of births and deaths increasing at a similar pace. PR

GMA confers Presidential Award on Jun Enverga

In his speech, he said: “The award is not mine alone, it is an award that is shared by all the people who have passionately and tirelessly supported the many events that we have organized”.

He said his wife, Rosemer, was a very big reason why the award was bestowed on him. He thanked everyone who worked to help the poor and the needy. PR

(TOP, LEFT) Tobias ‘Jun’ Enverga, Jr. (right) receives from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a plaque citing him for his work that benefit the poor and needy in the Philippines. (TOP, RIGHT) Jun and wife Rosemer are flanked by Jun Villaruz, Raymund Albovias, the awards emcee, Joe Eramo, Rachel Eramo and Neri Albovias. PR

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

VIEWS

ACE ALVAREZ

Simply Jess C., etc., etc., etc. At least twice, Delamarc Travel’s Cora dela Cruz told Front Page Philippines TV program host Gie Alvarez that after watching the Sunday Mass on television, her husband Bert would flip the channel over to OMNI 2 to watch the Filipino program. Cora said Bert does this every Sunday. He’s very religious, Cora stressed. She meant very religious watching Front Page Philippines every Sunday. *** The afternoon edition of the January 5 issue of Marketing Daily carried an item stating “Honda sales up in ‘08”. The news item stated that the carmaker sold 171,358 vehicles in Canada last year, up one percent from 2007 and its bestever annual sales in the 36 years it has sold cars in Canada. Please join me in congratulating Rafael Nebres, general manager of Action Honda, for advertising with Manila Media Monitor and its media affiliate, Front Page Philippines TV, thus, leading to

his dealership’s contribution to the national sales figure. (My eye winking) Ayos na! *** Another item in the same edition of Marketing Daily states that The New York Times became the latest paper to run advertising at the bottom of its front page because of falling ad revenue like those experienced by other newspapers. Well, sa amin dito sa Filipino community, even before the attribution by The New York Times to “falling ad revenue” as the reason for running advertising in the front page, we are already running ads in the front pages of our newspapers. Just look at the papers around you. Pera muna, bago basa. *** Philippine Press ClubOntario (PPC-O) president Tenny Soriano sent out a message, asking members to signify their intention in attending the seminar on libel and copyright laws. One member’s actual

response is snagged in this page as you see here. We’re sure that this PPC-O member is likewise a member of several other organizations, hence, to all those who will be stationed at the reception of all other functions in the Filipino-Canadian community, please note that when a person introduces himself as “Jess Carlos”, please see to it that the name and the person’s face

correspond with that in the photo published here. *** Because of the slumping economy, CTV announced last month that it was cutting about 105 positions. Rival Global Television, on the other hand, announced that it cut 210 positions in all its TV operations. At Front Page Philippines TV, only two jobs will be cut. Management named the two affected jobs as those of Ace and Gie Alvarez. *** Also last month, CTV programming honcho Susan Boyce said the advertising dollars simply just weren’t there for the 2009 Canadian Idol. According to Marketing Magazine Daily of December 18, the network has announced that the popular television singing

7

contest will be put on hold for the coming year and may return in the future. As of this writing, no word, in the meantime, has been heard from other singing contests in the Filipino community’s singing idols contests, such as those of the Filipino Centre Toronto and Culture Philippines of Ontario. Aba, siyempre, ibahin nila ang mga Pinoy, ano? *** Last month, PPC-O prez Tenny issued the following advisory: “To all PPC-O members and guests … Our Christmas Party and Celebrity Star Night will go on as scheduled, Friday, December 19, 2008, snowstorm or no snowstorm.” In the Philippines, the advisory would have stated “rain, or shine”. E, kaso, Mr. President, snowstorm ito e. More things are involved! *** The Manila Times internet edition of January 9, 2009 carries an item stating, “45% of Filipinos Fear Losing Jobs – Gallup”. Hhhmmm … probably, the sample of the survey was done within, and limited to the residents of Forbes Park! *** On Wednesday, January 7, 2009 -- the day of one of the last heavy snow falls in Toronto and suburbs, the corporate Danny Samson said during a phone conversation in the afternoon of that day that snow continues to fall in Richmond Hill at that very (To page 11)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

Consider the following: a journalist was driving home with his daughters and men sprayed his car with bullets, killing the journalist instantaneously, and one daughter was wounded, having able to scramble to safety; the other daughter escaped death dodging death in the back seat of the car. Another instance was that of a newspaper editor who was going out for coffee and was shot dead as he was leaving home. Further, a radio commentator was ambushed by armed men while he was outside a shopping mall, shooting him five times and was left clinging to his life, a bullet lodged in his head. Of the three instances cited above, none of the perpetrators have been held into account. Mabuhay! Welcome to the Philippines - regarded as the most dangerous place for journalists outside of war zones in the world. Outside of war zones? But since time immemorial, the Philippines’ south remains a war zone. Just ask the likes of Butch Galicia and Rickly Caluen, Manila Media Monitor editor and columnist, respectively, who both hailed from the Philippines southern island of Mindanao.. Editor Butch himself covered the Mindanao armed conflict in the past, first, for the Mindanao Cross, and later, for the Philippines News Agency - eventually becoming PNA’s executive editor, and last December wrote about his experiences. A few years ago, we visited hundreds of grade and high schools across the archipelago to ask pupils aged 9 to 17 who they enjoyed viewing on television. Nearly a million students were polled in that landmark study. The national study was occasioned by disturbing results of a mini-survey we informally conducted for a Canada-based friend in a handful of public elementary schools in Malabon, Bulacan and Laguna where, expectedly, the concept of heroism among children under nine was not yet concretely formed. To our horror, the heroes that the pupils idolized and sought to become their lifelong models were the likes of Bong Revilla, Robin Padilla and FPJ. The choices would not have been as worrisome had the subject kids cited real heroes, besides their fathers or teachers, choices which relieved us to a certain extent. Rizal and Bonifacio hardly made the top ten list and some of the respondent schools were even named after heroes. Of course today, Revilla is hardly visible on the Senate floor but very present on TV; Padilla is a reformed character since incarceration and conversion to Islam and FPJ, well, six feet under. Very evident today is the growing dependence of Pinoy children and youth on media. Media, particularly television, are now the chief source of information even education of a huge

VIEWS From The Monitor’s Desk ACE ALVAREZ

A salute to these dedicated reporters In this issue, the second installment is published. Both of Butch’s columns caught my interest due to an absence of a similar adventure (was it?) in my own career. I would have had such, when shortly after completing journalism school – and through the recommendation of Ka Doroy Valencia to then National Media Production Center (NMPC) Director Gregorio Cendana – I was given a chance to work as reporter for NMPC’s News Center assigned in Mindanao, but which my older brother Nelson did not approve of, considering that I was a very young graduate and the sheltered environment I was raised in. Butch’s column last December led me to wonder how it was like to cover a war zone, or similar environment, thus, prompting me to ask specific questions on his experience. I won’t delve into those things as editor Butch himself described them anyway in that column and the second part of the subject

published in this issue. Rather, on the same note, I asked other media friends, among others, Tenny Soriano, on his personal thought and feeling on covering a similar war zone environment as a result of what is now known as the 1986 People Power in the Philippines, on Metro Manila’s EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue). Not many know that Tenny – the incumbent president of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPC-O) was among those holed up with then Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and Gen. Fidel Ramos at either Camps Crame and Aguinaldo, in fulfillment of his assignment as a reporter for the Manila Standard. Tenny confided that at that very moment, he thought, “Gusto ko na lang maging langgam” (I just wanted to be an ant) – with his own life at stake had Marcos ordered the worst that could be expected from that situation. Manila Media Monitor columnist Jimmy Montejo was likewise holed up with them

Roundabout MAG CRUZ-HATOL

Rising concern over celebrity worship among young Filipinos percentage of Filipinos under 18. Parents and educators acknowledge, with bitterness, that morals, values, fashion tastes, decorum, language and even cultural outlook are shaped by television. It did not happen overnight. We have heard of girls fainting at the mere sight of an of Elvis poster; crying upon hearing the first strains of a Beatles hit; of boys assuming the swagger of James Dean or plastering their rooms with posters of Alice Cooper or the Rolling Stones. Not to be outdone locally, just three decades ago, Nora and Tirso would literally be engulfed, even suffocated, by the tons of leis that fans customarily slung around the necks of their pop idols. All this amid the ear-busting screams and squeals of unruly but adulating crowds. Thankfully, there is a bit more sophistication, refinement and practicality among today’s young fans because they do not splurge

as much on flowers, fan magazines, autograph books and photos as much as they do on, say, cell phone load and excursions to malls. We see the Elvis and Beatles phenomena remorphed today in the likes of Britney Spears, Hilary Duff and Miley Cyrus. However, because the parents of today’s teens are more engrossed with their own turf, and have been there and done that, the parental anxiety is not as pronounced as it should be. Celebrity obsession among today’s youth is stoked by media’s own fuel. Time was when the news section of a paper competed for attention with the puzzle and comics page. Today, the most well read are the entertainment pages. On television, the presence of celebrity in a program assured viewership; absence meant low ratings and a slow but sure death.

during those three days – the latter covering for Times Journal. PPCO member Nestor Arellano, on the other hand, was outside covering the skirmishes such as those around the perimeter of the government-owned Channel 4 TV, radio and print complex. Meanwhile, inside the facility, and on the duration of all those three-days of courage, my own Gie Alvarez continued to report for work as radio announcer for then DZRP - the Voice of the Philippines radio station (rechristened Radyo ng Bayan after the 1986 EDSA revolt). I had a chance to ask Nestor recently how he felt doing his work during those times, and he said that for him it was an adventure, considering that he was a very young and starting reporter at that time; he was only 21 and fresh from journalism school. What about Gie? Oh, I tell you, her spirits were intact and she stayed inside the VOP booth doing her work until the very time that the people barraged into the Channel 4 fence, and forcibly entered the Channel 4 building. Not many people know that my Gie’s composition for bravery is so much for a woman. Did I mention that even when she was in elementary school, she fired a toy gun inside the classroom with the teacher’s back on her, and warned her classmates simply by looking at them against snitching on her; nobody tattled. Regardless of the war-like environments that they have (To page 11) Gossip programs and shows that peddle celebrity worship have ad spaces so full that the shows last for nearly a lifetime. Not to be outdone, TV newscasts cap every segment with show biz news, the more sensational, queer and inane, the more mileage devoted. And they are purposely kept at the conclusion to ensure that the viewer is plugged in to the finish. This unhealthy worship of celebrity has serious downsides, especially on the vulnerable young who are still figuring out who they are and what they want to be. We have seen how our world has evolved. Swifter at every turn of the calendar. Five centuries ago, it took nearly a year for Magellan to inform Europe that he had successfully reached the Pacific shores. About two centuries later, messages were sent more expeditiously, through dots and dashes and the telegram. Then there was the enduring radio medium. Soon after, television in the 50s. And in one decade, shots from the moon were being beamed live to earth. Then CNN showed the way to present events in the Gulf War as though they were happening in our backyards. It is not surprising that enterprising business wizards are able to exploit the magic and power of media to make the cash register (To page 34)

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

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

VIEWS

Commentary BEN VICCARI

SURVEYS SAID:

Health is wealth For many retired Canadians, health tops it all. When asked to say what the best gift they could receive in retirement would be, most cited good health rather than not having financial worries, even amid the news of a haunting recession. The 19th Annual RBC RRSP Poll, conducted by Ipsos Reid in a national online survey of 1,272 Canadians from Oct. 16 to 23, 2008, showed 53 percent of survey respondents sought for good health, higher than the 30 percent who asked for no financial worries. The survey said 51 percent of retired Canadians had changed their lifestyle to ensure a healthy retirement. Eighty percent of those who did so said they had a better diet, 69 percent exercised more and 64 percent attended regular medical appointments. The reverse, however, was true for Canadians who have not yet retired, with 38 percent ranking no financial worries over health (34 percent) as the best gift they could give themselves in retirement. “We are seeing that pre-retirees have not planned for the possibility that health issues may force them to retire,” said Lee Anne Davies, head, advanced retirement strategies, RBC. “Prior to retirement, it’s important to take the time to think about how changes in your health, or the health of someone depending on you, could affect when and how you live in retirement. It’s important to consider how to integrate the maintenance of good health into retirement planning,” Davies said. But the same poll showed that 41 percent of pre-retired Canadians planned on becoming healthier in retirement, with 80 percent of them planning on having a better diet, 79 percent exercising more and 32 percent attending regular medical appointments. The survey also bared that about one in four retired Canadians cited health issues as the main reason for retirement. Only nine percent of pre-retired Canadians, however, believed that health issues would trigger their retirement. Besides health issues, qualifying for a pension (24 percent) and company downsizing (13 percent) were the leading factors that prompted Canadians to retire. From a CNW report

Job mart outlook varies, career concerns rise Career planning has taken a higher priority for 2009 than in past years, as Canadians took a relatively brighter outlook of the job market despite news of layoffs and a dipping employment rate. A Workopolis survey of 578 working Canadians, conducted by Harris/Decima between Dec. 11 and 14, 2008 via national omnibus telephone, showed that 25 percent of the respondents contemplated a New Year’s resolution related to their careers. This was significant compared to the 13 percent who similarly said so in a 2006 study. But many Canadians still prioritized other aspects of their lives. Quality time with friends and family ranked highest for 56 percent of Canadians, followed by exercise (53 percent), diet (45 percent) and quitting smoking (11 percent). Sixty-five percent of the respondents expected the labor market to improve and the clouds of recession to clear in a year or more. Two in ten or 22 percent expected a brighter outlook within the next six to twelve months and eight percent anticipated positive change in the next three to six months. “Canadians have been through recessions before, and we understand that this too shall pass,” said Patrick Sullivan, president of Workopolis. “If you are in the market for a new opportunity, keep in mind there are still jobs out there, but you may have to be more strategic and focused about your search, and position yourself accordingly,” Sullivan said. “Job satisfaction and career planning are part of the big picture when it comes to your overall happiness and well-being,” he stressed. Concerned about the economy and their own financial well-being in 2009, Canadians have begun thinking proactively about their careers and their marketability for future job opportunities. Four-in-ten (41 percent) said they would be more likely to seek out increased compensation in 2009. “If you’re looking for a raise or to move to a job with more salary this year, be sure to do your homework and be realistic. Prepare a strong case for yourself including being able to demonstrate your achievements,” advised Sullivan. (To page 32)

These interesting times As 2009 is just starting, I still find this the most challenging of all times in which to sermonize, speculate, predict. What is believed by some to be an ancient Chinese curse, but never authenticated: “May you live in interesting times” most certainly defines the year ahead. It looks more like horrific than “interesting” times, as we mark a massive acceleratiion of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, plus, depressing news from other zones of conflict. January 1, as a universally accepted way of marking time is not, we know, the time for all heritage celebrations. But with these greetings, we honor all with what we hope and pray will see a beginning of progress toward a world in which peace and not violence, sustenance and not starvation and respect for the rights of all men, women and children are shared in this space called Earth. *** How often I’ve jested about the man I most despise for his inability to pronounce “nuclear’” correctly. And Dubya is still doing it. Wow, another year is finally over and so much has happened. Some good and some bad. But that’s normal. Now I’m looking forward to a new fresh year. How about you? How did 2008 go for you? Did you fulfill your dreams? Did you move closer to realizing your ambition? Or was 2008 a tough year that brought you more bad than good? Like every New Year, I make a list of resolutions that I want to accomplish. But like every other year, that list sits in my drawer unread and undone. I think that’s what most of us do. Resolutions never work for the simple reason that we wait for a single day in the year in which to think about them and commit to them. If we really wanted change, we would do that throughout the year. If we really wanted to be different we would work on it every day without the need to make a list. So let’s resolve to do that this year. This year our list will be empty. Instead of a list, we can commit ourselves to ourselves, working every day on improving ourselves. Let me give you a simple example: Diet. Almost everyone I know wants to lose weight (including me!). I thought to myself, “self, let me just enjoy the remaining few holiday days, then I’ll get really serious and lose those extra few pounds”.

Now, I blush as I hear a man I admire, Ontario Minister of Economic Development Michael Bryant come out over the air with “nu-cal-ar.” Please Mr. Bryant! And, please fellow journalists; can we soft-pedal on 2008’s most overused words, “iconic” and “famously.” And to all: it’s FEBRUARY not “FEBYOUARY.” !!!!!!!!!!! *** First, may the Canadian Tories, Liberals and NDPers and down south, the Republicans and Democrats, get off the bitter and wasteful bandwagons of revenge politics and turn their thoughts to true patriotism. May the media stop making headline news of every possible negative incident. May our own Canadian youth become inspired to understand and participate in the politics of the nation. And may whoever is Prime Minister in 2009 make this a key target. May good Queen Elizabeth’s hat designer create headgear that doesn’t make her look as though she’s wearing an inverted plant pot. May some enterprising

9

midway operator feature a three shoes for five dollar chance to hit the effigy of George W.Bush, giving us a chance for fun as well as trying to laugh at why this lame duck, lame-brain insists on going a-meddling abroad. (prize: a Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld or Condoleeza Rice plush doll). And please, CTV anchor Sandy Rinaldo honour your gracious countenance with a hairdo that does it justice - not those frumpy, lank locks that you wear. A quick pink slip to the person(s) responsible for the constantly erroneous listings in the Toronto Star weekly TV guide! *** The following is excerpted from the Gallon Environmental Newsletter for December: “At the recent UN global climate change discussions in Poland, Canada received the ‘Fossil of the Day’ award more often than any other country. In the eleven years since the Kyoto Protocol was negotiated, Canada has gone from global environmental leader to global environmental pariah. Even our previous friends in the circle of Kyoto denyers, the US and Australia, have left us behind as they now move to seek out constructive solutions to the global warming challenge. Canada is risking a major global boycott of our goods and services because of our decisions to depend on dinosaurs for both fuel and governance. The environmental outlook for the private sector is somewhat more positive. A greater number (To page 18)

Our Journey EVA AGPAOA

Take control over your life Of course that’s not working out for me. Each day brings new temptations and I can’t resist. I say “self, it’s ok for today cause I’ll deal with you tomorrow” (after all the New Year has not started and this is after all a resolution!!!). Ooops. Not only do I not start my diet, but I’ve actually gained a few pounds more (come on, who can resist that roast pig at Christmas). But that’s the real problem with resolutions: They are an excuse to put off doing important things. A resolution sets a new time line, a place in the future when you can start something new. So until you arrive at that place, you think you are free to go crazy. So, I’ve made the decision to start my diet today! And not wait for the appointed resolution date. Wish me luck. The other big problem with New Year resolutions is that they allow you to lose control over your life. Think about this: If I set a New Year resolution (that by the

way keeps slipping day by day), I’ve given up control over the very thing I’ve resolved to change (like my weight). Changing something about yourself is really about proving to yourself (and others) that you have control over your life. Failing to change probably means that someone or something else has control over you (like your emotions or weakness for roast pig). In my case, I’ve been “resolving” to lose weight for some time now. But nothing’s happened (well no surprise there, I haven’t started). My point is about controlling my life. Going on a diet and staying on it is about discipline and self control. And that’s important to me. This year I will take control of my life and I will not wait for the New Year to do that. You should think about doing the same. It will be good for your soul and self image. Be well and have a great 2009. [email protected]

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

It was one of those tropical late afternoons in the mid‘80s in Cotabato City. At the southwest corner of Parang Road and Sinsuat Ave., fronting Farmacia Lourdes and just across the entrance outpost of the Central Mindanao Command (Cemcom) in PC Hill, I alit from the rather uncomfortable back seat of a mud-splattered motor bike. Abdullah had seen me off with the usual cordial ‘Wassalam (Peace be with you)’. Seconds after Abdullah throttled away, I spotted a run-down but newly-painted olive green Willis military jeep driven by a familiar staff sergeant heading towards me. In a minute or two, I and Sarge went up the winding asphalt road that led to one of the Philippine Army’s major headquarters in Mindanao. (Cemcom was put up in the early ‘70s to contain a brewing Moro rebellion sparked by Nur Misuari’s Moro National Liberation Front [MNLF]; and later with splinter groups Moro Islamic Liberation Front [MILF] led by Hashim Salamat and the MNLF Reformists under Dimas Pundato. Misuari, Salamat and Pundato used to be the MNLF’s ranking leaders. Many, if not all, MNLF fighters were academically and militarily trained in Islamic states in the Middle East and South Asia). Atop PC Hill at the camp’s tennis court, Cemcom chief Brigadier General Jose P. Magno Jr. signaled time out from a tennis game with officers and called me into the court. As he wiped off perspiration from his face, he calmly asked me: “Mayroon bang sirang tulay sa pinuntahan mo? (From where you came, did you notice a damaged bridge?)” ***** My mind raced back to earlier events of the day. Abdullah fetched me at my place a little after dawn. At Quezon Bridge, the boundary of Cotabato City and the northeast town of Nuling in Maguindanao, we changed vehicles and motored off for a one-hour ride farther northeast to the town of Pikit, North Cotabato, through the Cotabato-Davao Highway. In Pikit, we transferred to a four-wheel drive service vehicle of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA), a state agency implementing projects for Mindanao rehabilitation. SPDA Liguasan Marsh project manager Bert Ferrer and several armed chaperones, who I knew all along

The 3rd Eye MARIO DIMAIN

Tale of the Laughing Peppers

It has been said that laughter is the best medicine. Maybe so, to those who laugh? But what about if you are the one being laughed at? Would you still agree? One late afternoon, at home in our kitchen, I was preparing the ingredients for the beef stew which I planned to cook for dinner. After slicing the red bell pepper in two, my eyes were drawn to the seeds that were so remarkably undisturbed. They remained neatly clustered on its core that I felt obliged to respect its

formation. So I carefully worked the knife around them. To my surprise, the two halves of the red bell pepper revealed the unexpected. They appeared to be like two faces laughing together. As if they were making fun of me and laughing at me. And the funny thing was, I started laughing too. It seemed like all the three of us were laughing about something we did not know anything about. But there is one thing I know for sure that these two clowns did not know.

VIEWS Omerta BUTCH GALICIA

Tryst with trust were MILF fighters, joined us. Ferrer had built rapport with the MILF to get his state-initiated and Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries-aided development project on the go. A week before, Ferrer got me a one-on-one rare and exclusive interview with elusive but soft-spoken MILF Liguasan Marsh area commander Boy Hashim. In another hour over what I had always amusingly termed as first-class bad roads, we reached the Fisherman’s Wharf, so-called because the Filipino Muslim community there used it as an unloading base for fish catch from the marsh and as an open-air fish drying/salting area. From the Fisherman’s Wharf, we got into two separate motorized bancas and navigated the narrow waterways of Liguasan Marsh. In about 30 minutes, we reached open marsh waters and steered past a damaged bridge that was the entrance to Hashim’s camp, a major MILF entrenchment on one of the marsh’s bigger but unmapped floating islands some 500 meters away. In another two hours, I had my potential story for the state-owned Philippines News Agency with which I worked as Bureau Chief for Cotabato and for the Mindanao Cross, a local Cotabato City weekly run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. More than this, I got a real swell view of the camp after Hashim briefed and accorded me an unexpected ocular tour of the MILF facility. Then, it was off for home. ***** Did I see a damaged bridge? I looked at Gen. Magno It was the most hilarious and unique experience I ever had in the kitchen. It is quite amazing how an ordinary red bell pepper would turn into laughing faces. In retrospect, the laughing peppers that I accidentally created were in fact good eye-openers. They made me realize that we all need to insert a little humor in our sometimes stressful lives. It is a must. We all know how to laugh. So why not laugh the stress away? It is a lot better than crying and it is the healthiest way to stay young. At least at heart. In this day and age, we know of many different ways to amuse ourselves. TV shows are the most common and shopping would probably rank second, followed by exotic travels. What about the old fashioned and no cost humorous conversation with families and friends? Did anybody count that in? In the Holy Scripture, nothing is mentioned about Jesus laughing. Does that mean that He didn’t? I would like to believe that He did. He was just as human as anyone of us. He must have laughed at some of the jokes of His disciples. Or maybe He (To page 15)

Three years ago my wife and I decided it was time to move our son out of the nursery and into a regular bed. So, on a Saturday afternoon, we retrieved my old bunk-beds from my parent’s attic. All we needed to do was buy a couple of new mattresses. The following morning, as we lingered over coffee and the Sunday paper, my wife pointed to several ads and exclaimed, “Look at all these sales. We picked the perfect time to buy a new mattress!” Being in the advertising business, I chuckled, and said, “Honey, that’s the beauty of advertising. Mattresses are always on sale, but no one ever notices that until they’re in the market for one.” Once buyers are ready to enter the market for a particular item, their attention to advertising for that product is heightened. It’s information they want, and the questions on their minds are: “Who has the best product? Who has the best price? and Where can I buy it?” Readiness-to-Buy occurs at different times for different people. If a company is not communicating with them when they enter the market, then that company will not be considered in the buying

in the eye and, without affirming or lying, asked back: “If I told you what I saw there, could I also freely tell everyone what I see here?” I received no reply from Gen. Magno, although I was sure that he flashed me his best reassuring smile. He asked me to wait and later join him at his lounge for cocktails, excused himself, and went back to his tennis game. Over coffee and sandwiches, we indulged ourselves in non-military talk. Before biding each other adieu, I left him with a clincher: “Sir, do you really wish to know what I know? Read the papers.” He smiled back. ***** What could have happened if I opened my big mouth to answer a seemingly innocent question; which I expect would be followed by endless seemingly innocent questions? The military called it intelligence gathering and confirmation. That was then. Today, the general’s question would have been considered ridiculous. Satellite technology could speedily beam in vivid images of accurate locations. But what if? Could it have sparked another bloody chapter in a near to four-decade old civil strife in Mindanao? Could it have further resulted in loss of lives, displacement of the innocents, and utter destruction of property? Would I have been a willing participant in the vicious cycle of violence in a protracted conflict? I would not know. But what I did clearly understand later was the efficacy of military and rebel intelligence that if I made that reckless wag of the tongue, it could have cost me my life. Worse, if I lived through it, I would today be saddled with the shame of betraying the trust of people - unfortunately the protagonists in an unwanted Mindanao war - who have given me their confidence. ***** In 1998, after the Philippine National Press Club’s Centennial Gridiron in which I acted as President FVR, I had a short reunion with Gen. Magno a.k.a. JoeMag. JoeMag has since retired from the military service and was then one of President Fidel Ramos’s trusted advisers, (To page 15)

The

Un-Comfort Zone

with ROBERT WILSON

Why advertising during a recession is good business decision. This fact is just as true during a recession. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves what the short-term benefits of advertising are -- during good times or bad - it creates sales immediately; it generates added business from current customers; and it brings in new leads and prospects. Then there is the longterm benefit of advertising: it works cumulatively. The more familiar people become with a brand, the more favorable they feel toward it, and the more likely they are to buy it. In other words, people don’t like to do business with strangers. And, since the owners and staff of a company can’t personally meet all their prospective customers in advance, their advertising

must do this for them. Maintaining brand recognition should be considered an on-going business investment. The moment it stops -- it begins to lose power immediately -- and future sales are in jeopardy. Studies have shown that it takes four to six months to see the results of an advertising program. Cutting back during a down-turn is like throwing away your investment. Maintenance today costs much less than rebuilding tomorrow. This doesn’t mean advertisers shouldn’t change anything. In fact, they should work to get the most out of their advertising dollars by eliminating emotionbased, image-building advertising and using instead informative ads that (To page 14)

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

VIEWS Simply ... (From page 7)

hour. In T.O., it tapered off shortly by noon. Danny said probably it’s because they don’t pay their taxes. Reminds me of that Philippine legislator who proposed to the Philippine Congress to outlaw typhoons. *** In Indonesia, a news item in the Straits Times of January 9 states, “Gov’t Jails 11 Papuans for Raising Banned Independence Flag”. In Toronto and suburbs, we jail those raising marijuana!

Wise & Otherwise JIMMY MONTEJO (This column will resume next issue. Ed) *** “Does the advertising industry really need another awards show?” this question was subject of an article in Marketing Daily’s PM edition on January 7. Ask WalMart Canada this same question in relation to the Filipino-Canadian community in Toronto and

the answer would be in the negative. Reason: WalMart runs out of stocks of frames whenever the PIDC holds its Annual Appreciation Night for its volunteers and sponsors. PIDC prexy and First Lady Rosemer Enverga buys every stock at WalMart stores.

A salute to these dedicated reporters (From page 8) worked on in the past, and the Philippines’ present ranking in Reporters Without Borders’ worldwide press freedom index, I thank God that many of my friends in the media in and out of the Philippines are still here with us. Some of them may not have worked in warlike situations, but even just daring to investigate corruption in the government is already one journalist’s warrant to signing his own

death certificate. Every Filipino knows that the Philippines is engulfed in a culture of impunity, protecting killers and silencing news reporters and editors. If one is to remain alive, a criminal case for defamation or libel is a treat. Even so, these trueblooded people in print and broadcast media will always be there working to inform and advance readers and

viewers into action, until … each of us writes “ – 30 –”. To these people who worked with dedication in war-like environment and those who have many times opted to divulge sensitive information and placed their work above themselves and their families, I have no international journalism plaques, nor awards of recognition to hand over, but here from my heart is a snappy salute to honor you friends.

In a few days’ time come February 14, lovers all over the world will go through the rituals of re-affirming their love for one another. On that day, some would pray that Cupido, the Roman god of erotic love, would rekindle the flame of love that may have been reduced to tiny flickers. Those engaged in the “love” industry (restaurant owners, florists, chocolatiers, makers of Viagra, etc.) might even briefly enjoy a much-needed shot in the arm. All this penchant for symbolisms and the fancy will overshadow the commemoration of a different kind of love that had manifested itself 110 years ago come February 4, 2009. Perhaps only a handful of history buffs and antiimperialists will recall the significance of that day in Philippine history. But it was on the fateful night of February 4, 1899 that the first shots of the Philippine-American War were fired. Most history books name the American soldier (he was actually an English immigrant who acquired U.S. citizenship) who fired the first shot—Pvt. William

11

Perspective RICARDO J.S. CALUEN

Different kind of love W. Grayson - but not the first Filipino soldier to fall from this shot that was heard around the archipelago. Now we know him to be Cabo Anastacio Felix. As the American version of the antecedents of the so-called San Juan Bridge incident goes, Grayson, as sentry, challenged a figure that rose from the darkness of the night by shouting “halt”. After two other Filipino soldiers were shot, Grayson, in his own words, admitted to alerting the rest of the American soldiers on duty at the bridge by shouting “Line up fellows, the niggers are in here all through these yards.” The rest, they say, is history. At the time, President William McKinley was seeking the ratification of the Treaty of Paris by the US Congress. Resulting from Spain’s

defeat in the SpanishAmerican War, the treaty was signed on December 31, 1898 and provided for the cession of the Philippines to the United States in exchange for the payment of $20 million. With Gen. Elwell Otis, Commanding General of the US Armed Forces in the Philippines, reporting to President McKinley that Filipino soldiers instigated the hostilities, the US congress ratified the Treaty of Paris immediately, paving the way for the full colonization of the Philippines. President Emilio Aguinaldo issued the call to arms on February 5 but the formal declaration of war was made by Pedro Paterno, president of the freshlyminted Malolos Congress. The United States never declared war against the (To page 16) 17)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

Pioneering and courageous Aries is being called to times of incredible new growth and renewal. The considerable reflective time you have spent rehashing and deciding which avenue ARIES will best serve your highest March 21 - April 19 purpose has shaken you to the very root of your personal belief systems. Through surrendering to your higher self, new realizations and golden opportunities you never thought possible are brilliantly opening up for you. Your new commitment to self has given you a renewed appreciation of your divine wisdom and accomplishments. The understanding you have radiates love and compassion, and is attracting your highest good. As your creative spirit soars, the excitement you feel helps you submit to the larger purpose and vision gained in your dreamtime. You are easily able to bring your work out into the world with clarity and purpose. Your heart’s desires are quickly manifesting right before your eyes and you are able to reap long-standing benefits as you detach from the past and are catapulted forward. Because of your humanitarian ideals and desire to be a helper in our emerging world, be careful not to fall into old patterns of helping others fulfill their needs rather than taking care of your own. As you grow, people are drawn to your altruistic ideas and your visionary and compassionate personality. In spite of your good endurance and concentration, remember to take care of yourself on an everyday basis to maintain wholeness and integration. Finding a good physical outlet for your frustrations is important so that you don’t deplete your energy and prevent yourself from getting what you really want. Enjoyment is the fundamental desire of your life, and you are able to create the life you enjoy.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

It’s time to celebrate yourself, Taurus! You are pouring yourself into your life’s mission and rejuvenating yourself with abundant thinking, which attracts great things to you. You’re diligently creating a

FEATURE

‘09 Horoscope Provided by astrology.com public arena where opportunities will emerge for you to be a teacher or messenger. Engagements for speaking, writing and sharing your thoughts will open up. Other people will be inspired by your enthusiasm and insight, and will support you in accomplishing your goals. Taurus’s excitement radiates more than ever this year, bringing with it a magnificent energy the world has been lacking. As you embrace the power of your heart and spirit, you are allowing yourself to transform and align with a universal energy source. You discover the space for your creativity to flow and abundantly bring the truth of your being into the world. Your focus on your connection with a higher purpose brings out the best in you and refines your self-expression. You appreciate all the expansive shifts that are taking place in your life, and you are learning to break up routines and old patterns of rigidity. This allows you a new level of awareness and acceptance of your ultimate purpose. Pay attention to what has heart and meaning. Express your truth and you will advance. You will find avenues to bring your talents and belief systems to philanthropic endeavors. By the end of the year, you will be able to slow down a bit and find more time to enjoy the new you that you have created. As a Gemini, you possess an amazing ability to see dualities -- the pros and cons of situations as change approaches -- and to quickly and efficiently think them GEMINI through before making any May 21 decisions. In 2009, you dare June 21 to look deeply into your desires, regenerate self-awareness and recognize psychological ambiguities. This will bring balance into your home and family life. Pay attention to the details as you bring your

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

inner and outer life into harmony. And be sure to enjoy the changes occurring within you! As you come to terms with yourself, you are able to see a more fulfilling purpose in life, and your field of experience broadens. Focus on matters that affect you most deeply and, like magic, your life will become easier and things will seem to take care of themselves. You have all the necessary resources and motivation to make tangible changes and achieve results this year. Toward the end of the year, you’ll have time to enjoy yourself, and to bask in a great sense of accomplishment. With the expansive and idealistic energy flowing throughout 2009, Gemini is very comfortable in this age of new awareness and high-mindedness. As we enter the Golden Age of Aquarius, you are ready to receive all the blessings that are there for you, especially in the arCANCER eas of communications June 22 and relationships. Being July 22 understood and getting the responses you desire helps you believe in your ability to succeed and reach your highest potential. Your focus is excellent, and you know what you want. Use this to your advantage when working with others, but don’t demand that they see your ideas as visionary -- even if you do. As ideas start flowing freely to you, make sure you articulate your insights clearly. This year, you will be strongly motivated by transformation, especially in romantic unions. When balanced in your heart and mind, you easily express your emotions and are quick to support others. It is important for you to have a partner who is willing to explore different ways of doing things. You will experience many changes as you learn new ways of expressing yourself. As you make this shift, avoid putting restrictions on yourself and stopping the flow. You are learning to behave in a new positive way, not worrying about the outcome. This will curb your need to control situations and enable you to take your relationships -- work and personal -- to a higher level of consciousness. In 2009, you find yourself connecting with people ef(To page 13)

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

FEATURE fortlessly as your warm-hearted actions are acknowledged and radiated back to you in a way you’ve never exLEO perienced before. July 23 - August 22 The confident joy and happiness you freely give to others gives you the innate ability to be productive. For you, kind actions are the way to transformation and success. This is a perfect time for proud Leo, because you have the desire, drive and power to help society. You realize there’s work to do, and you’ll give a helping hand wherever you can. You are ready to align yourself with a higher level of awareness, and exhibit a regenerative attitude is about reaping the harvest by submitting to the larger purpose. What you are able to give to others directly reflects the transformation happening within you. Your heart is in the right place, and you are likely to accomplish all that you set out to do this year. You’re developing excellent skills in your own personal transformation process, and you are ready to make the conscious decision to be the best you can be. You feel secure, and the beauty of who you are shines through easily and effortlessly. Wo n d e r ful things are in store for you this year, Virgo! You re experiencing tremendous feelings VIRGO of rebirth and, as you release August 23 - September 22 old ways of expressing yourself, you’ll find yourself walking into all kinds of new experiences. Virgo loves to make sure everything is clear, concise and methodical, and this will help make it easy for you to graciously receive and beautifully adapt to the growth you are experiencing. You’ll feel very peaceful with the changes happening both inside and outside of you, and you welcome the opportunity to express the new knowledge you gain. There’s a renaissance going on within you that seems to have been asleep for sometime now. You discover where the doorway is and are ready to consciously find new meaning in your life, and to manifest who you are in your own way. Mentally, culturally, instinctually and spiritually, you’ll be going through incredible transformation this year. Your fresh take on life will give you the ability to manifest a new reality. You take a big leap forward as you share these changes with others. A re-emergence of your inventive and creative self will give you new ways of taking action and bringing your talents into the world. You will feel secure, safe and centered, which allows you to achieve anything you want in your life. You will feel more spiritually balanced in 2009 than ever before. Brilliant ideas come easily into Libra’s awareness throughout 2009. As you trust your higher self and allow thoughts to flow LIBRA freely, you are September 23 -able to embrace October 22 new opportunities and make positive changes in your life. You come to a higher level of understanding and appreciation as you let go of old ideas. You’re no longer separated from what you want as you to detach from limiting thoughts, bringing you a new spiritual perspective of feeling fully supported and loved. As you stay centered within your core, your highest ideals manifest, and you have the ability to help others realize their interconnectedness, and bring balance into their lives. Your efforts bring you into a more stable

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way of working than ever before, an important development, what with all the changes occurring this year. You are a natural conduit, and you are able to receive messages that will help you grow in every area of your life. You have a strong inner sense of direction for where life is going, so trust and allow your struggles to be released. Get out there and communicate your passionate awareness to the world this year, Scorpio! As you articulate your beliefs, you will move your life -- and the planet -- toward a more spiritual and thoughtful reality. SCORPIO Positively express yourself and your October 23 vision, and you will be a source of November 21 great inspiration. Scorpio loves challenges, especially when it involves transformational energy. As you purify your instincts and overcome any fears of letting your creative passion flow, a newfound enthusiasm and strength will arise within you, and affect everyone around you. You see your-

self in a completely different light this year as you discover new ways of bringing harmony into your life and communicating on a deeper level. Accept who you are at the core, and you will experience a wholeness you never thought possible. Trusting yourself is the key to spiritual growth. You tend to attract just about everything you want this year through your warmth and magnetic Sagittarian charm. That said, you may also go through some great transformational shifts in 2009 as you realize that your happiness no SAGITTARIUS longer depends so much on posNovember 22 sessions, but rather on the deeper December 21 meaning associated with things symbolic of love and sharing. Instead of controlling what s happening around you, you now have experiences that perhaps you don’t understand, but in allowing new insights to come in and (To page 14)

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FEATURE

have a voice, the rearranging of your resources and your values gives you a sense of security and growth. By surrendering to your higher power, you realize you don’t have to struggle as much to get what you want. As you open up to the ideas and energies flowing around you, your priorities shift dramatically. And you don’t need to work as hard to enjoy sensual pleasures either! Great opportunities arise as you explore your potential, and discover what kind of environment best serves you in your endeavors. Being in touch with this part of yourself helps you align with your higher purpose, and your drive to continue will lead to great success. Life becomes much easier when you trust that the universe will take care of you. CAPRICORN December 22 January 19 In order for Capricorn to accomplish their goals in 2009, intelligent brainstorming is a must. Connecting with others satisfies your mind, and friends are a source of stimulation and inspiration, adding to the scientific developments you like to explore. Be sure to take time for yourself. You don’t have to master everything in a day. You thrive on making new discoveries and developing opportunities. Call upon your inner guidance to help get the job done more efficiently. If you feel any uncertainty, other people are there to confirm your ideas, and allowing yourself to explore your inner thoughts will help you align yourself with a greater sense of awareness and meaningfulness. Capricorn rarely shies away from highly concentrated work, and you are able to meet challenges as they come up in 2009. This is a time of great self-discovery and transformation for you. As you work to manifest your best possible self, you will see things from a deeper perspective than ever before. Hidden beneath your desire to work hard is the key to making your life easier. In other words, you won’t have to strain as much if you surrender to a higher knowing. Using your powers of concentration to tune into universal knowledge will help you manifest your highest dreams. Aquarius is all about a new vision in 2009, and working

to move our planet toward the highest and healthiest quality of life. You are highly energized with this wonderful alignment, and your inspiration is rekindled to move energy in grandiose ways. You are able to utilize AQUARIUS these high frequencies in orJanuary 20 der to create new structure February 18 and value in people’s lives. This is no time to sit back and let anything slip through your fingers. Express yourself and move forward with your visionary ideas. As you forge ahead, you find a reworking of meaning on a deep level, and discover possibilities as you connect with your highest star. Your ideas have always been ahead of the times, and now you are a shining example of what the Earth force can assimilate into everyday living. You realize that the world was created with structure, and outdated modes of living that no longer serve mankind are being recognized around the world. It’s time to let go of anything that holds you back. New thinking is on the horizon, and people are ready to align with the quickly changing energies of the planets. Your leadership skills will help humanity make these shifts, and you will feel supported by those who understand the

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009 need to create peace and harmony. Be inventive in channeling your dreams into reality. As you find a place to manifest this energy, it will become easy for you to usher in a better world. The time to realize your highest ideals is here! In 2009, Pisces will enjoy swimming in new dimensions, as the highly charged Aquarius energy allows you to dream big and manifest your ideas. Your imagination soars, awakening a deep desire to seek spiritual truth and meaning PISCES in your life -- and in the February 19 - March 20 world. Your awareness and new perception helps to serve others. You are able to live freely in the world of transformation, and this encourages others to do the same. They feel supported by your wisdom and understanding. Your inspirational qualities are a large part of your purpose in the world -- your ability to heal and inspire. At times, it may be difficult for you to live in this world of concrete realities, and conversely, sometimes it is hard for others to understand that all you want to do is live in a world of endless possibilities. As you learn to balance these polarities, harmony prevails.

Why advertising during a recession is good ... (From page 10) demonstrate their product’s superiority. Perhaps the best reason to keep advertising during a recession is that it may actually provide an opportunity for companies to dominate their market. Many businesses make the mistake of assuming that because money is tight everywhere, customers will be spending less and therefore money spent on advertising will be wasted.

Another false assumption is that it’s safe to reduce the advertising budget if the competition is reducing theirs. However, research has revealed that companies maintaining or increasing advertising during periods of economic slow-down will boost market share. Some companies will even see an increase in sales over their competitors who decrease advertising.

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15

PPC-O Christmas Party, Celebrity Night with Kol Hope Foundation

PHILIPPINE PRESS CLUB -ONTARIO (PPC-O) president Tenny Soriano and vice president Ace Alvarez lead members and guests during the premier local media organization’s Christmas party on Dec. 19. Despite a snowstorm, the PPC-O also went on to successfully conduct, during the same occasion, its second Celebrity Night with Kol Hope Foundation officers and members and guest singers. PHOTO: ARIEL RAMOS

Tryst with trust

(From page 10) with a board member’s post at the Government Service Insurance System to boot. Very few words were spoken during that meeting. He was in a hurry out of Manila Hotel, being with Ramos’s party. The fast warm hug, a tight handshake and the usual flashing smile he gave me were enough to let me feel that I was still in his list of men he could swim and sink with. ***** In 2001, I had a chance to renew friendships with Boy Hashim. I was then Philippines News Agency Bureau Chief of Davao and public relations consultant of the Special Zone of Peace and Development of SPDA. Hashim has since exchanged his guns for the plow, so to speak, and has become a successful agricultural trader in southeastern Mindanao. That was what he told me and fellow Mindanao journalist Ted Marañon. Over lunch of our fave grilled hito (catfish), we recalled the good old heydays. When it came to the subject of that Liguasan Marsh sortie and Gen.

Magno’s query, he flashed a reassuring smile and, in his usual subdued tone, muttered: “We knew you as a newsman, never a spy.” ***** I never ceased to recall and talk about JoeMag and Boy, two men in opposing uniforms playing the game of life and death in a long and harsh Mindanao war. They taught me, in the least words possible, a lot about giving trust; and more, about accepting trust. JoeMag and Boy imbibed in me and my journalistic work the prime value of trust. ‘Off the record’ is sacred. So are information given in confidence. Separating facts from propaganda needs due diligence. Experience tells us that loss of trust has ended so many cordial and longrunning relations between sources and newsmen. This new year, when each day is over and when all things are said and done, I wish and pray that what is left with us is what is right. Ain’t it then just right to live by and keep dear and holy each other’s trust? [email protected]

Tale of the Laughing ... (From page 10) cracked a joke Himself just to show His human side. Were the laughing peppers, one of God’s ways to test my humor? Well, if it was a test, I must have passed it with flying colors, because today the photo of the laughing peppers can still put a smile on my face. Some have asked how I did it. How did I make them laugh and what was the trick that I used? I honestly wish, I could claim any credit for it, but these happy peppers just laughed freely on their own. Believe it or not, I have

tried many times to re-create them with other peppers that I sliced, but to this day, The Laughing Peppers’ jolly expression remains irreplaceable. The image of The Laughing Peppers is one of my most treasured shots and the most talked-about photo in my portfolio. It has been recognized by photo judges for its unique artistic expression; and with its contagious laugh, it has also won the smiles and laughter of the many that have seen it. Life is short. Make the most out of it. Be happy and laugh while you still can.

Kapisanan PCAC sets AGM on Jan. 21 Gets $42,000 Laidlaw Foundation grant The Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts and Culture will conduct its annual general meeting on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m., an occasion which officials see as an opportunity for members to elect their board members and to communicate ideas on the direction they would like Kapisanan to go. “The new board is going to do the strategic planning at the end of the month so it’s a time for paying members to submit their suggestions for what they want at the K,” said board president

Isabela Palanca. Community members interested to know about the K and Filipino artists and youth who want to join the organization are urged to attend, Palanca said. “It’s an opportunity to become part of a collective that is promoting positive visibility of Filipinos and making waves in the Toronto cultural fabric,” she added. Kapisanan members get access to shared workspace, audiovisual equipment, and a resource library.

They can also take advantage of project/career resources, mentorship for arts, design, and media/ communication, and free arts and culture programs. The non-profit Kensington Market-based center offers a range of programs, including conversational Tagalog lessons, critical Filipino history and tribal dance workshops to the community. Kapisanan also presents two festivals that showcase Filipino-Canadian talent every year: the Kultura Festi-

The Pillars CA officers inducted

Philippine Deputy Consul General in Toronto Imelda Panolong has inducted the officers of The Pillars Cultural Association (TPCA) for 2009-2010 during the group’s recent Christmas dinner-dance. Sworn in were Gerry Elises, president; Tony Niel, vice president; Rheza Evangelista, secretary and public relations officer; Zenaida Lopez, treasurer; Ben Ferrer, auditor; Ellen Mendoza, assistant secretary; Leah Garcia, assistant treasurer; Bonnie Cornista, assistant auditor; Ed Umali and Godofredo Balcita, sergeants-at-arms. Board members included Irene Reyes, Pat Martin, Rosa Siochi, Angie Umali and Bing Mendoza. Service awardee In the same occasion, TPCA was awarded a congratulatory certificate from the Minister of Culture for outstanding service to the community. Year-end report In his year-end report, Elises noted the endowment fund TPCA got last year, significantly contributing to fun Pillars events in 2008. The events were the

seniors information fair, recreational trip to the Ottawa Tulip Festival, fall prevention seminar, celebrating Seniors Day at the park, and the free flu shot clinic. TPCA also had its Valentine’s Day dinnerdance, the traditional Pabasa, Mother/Father’s Day celebration, Pillar’s 31st anniversary bash, Halloween costume and

masquerade ball, and the Christmas dinner-dance. Partnerships were also made with the Philippine Consulate in Toronto for dual citizenship seminars and oathtakings; and Merrill Lynch, through Suzy Llanera, for the seniors Christmas caroling. Elises also thanked individuals and groups who supported the TPCA. PR

val in the summer and Tales from the Flipside, in community partnership with the Carlos Bulosan Theatre, in the spring. $42,000 grant Meanwhile, Kapisanan executive director Caroline Mangosing said “2009 is going to be a big year for Kapisanan,” as the center has set its sights into formalizing its Filipino language and history programs and creating a drop-in arts and culture program for its members. (To page 16)

Harbourfront Centre opens community partnership platform Harbourfront Centre’s Community and Educational Programmes Department is accepting proposals for partners to co-produce programs and events from September 2009 to May 2010. To assist community groups to better understand a partnership with Harbourfront Centre and how to put a strong proposal forward, center officials are inviting eligible organizations to participate in an information session. Community-based, registered, non-profit organizations with arts and cultural mandates are eligible to attend. The workshop dates are Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. PR

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

Kapisanan PCAC ... (From page 15) The language, history and culture program would be bankrolled by a $42,000 grant the Kapisanan recently received from the Laidlaw Foundation. Mangosing said the “grant will really help us strengthen our internal operations and allow us to help young people develop professionally.” She said two youth coordinators would be hired and trained to help manage the project. Laidlaw, a progressive and inclusive youth arts funder, has been helping finance Kapisanan projects. “Laidlaw has supported us for the last three rounds of funding and each time their support has increased. We are very grateful to them,” Mangosing said. Trillium grant Mangosing said Kapi-

sanan has also received a $90,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, to be paid over two years. She said the the money would be used for research and to develop a revenue diversification strategy for the center. The Trillium grant is aimed to strengthen the center’s volunteer sector and get more people engaged in community work. Kapisanan hoped to increase its membership and volunteer base from the current 60 members and 45 volunteers. In the three years that Kapisanan has had a presence in downtown Toronto, it has provided the community, particularly the youth, with arts and cultural activities and events with a specific Filipino-Canadian bent. PR

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COMMUNITY Rizal groups mark 112th year of hero’s martyrdom

Officers of the Knights of Rizal Canada Region, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Aspirations of Rizal marked the 112th year of the martyrdom of Philippine national dero Dr. Jose Rizal in meaningful ceremonies on Dec. 30. Acting regional commander Sir Tom Virey, KGOR, led the groups in a wreath-laying ceremony at the park, where Rizal’s bust had been immortalized. In a short program, inspirational messages were given by Sir Alejandro Mosquera, KCR, Philippine consul general in Toronto; Sir Popoy Cana, KGCR; Sir George Poblete, KGOR, representing the Supreme Council; and Lady Asuncion Ramos, of the Aspirations of Rizal. They all talked about the life and heroism of Rizal. Sir Joe Damasco, KGOR, was the master of ceremony with host commander Sir Mike Murphy, KCR, of the OakvilleHalton Chapter. PR

Employment in Alberta ... (From page 4) year, with most of the increase occurring in the last quarter.

In December, fulltime employment losses (-71,000) were partially offset by gains in part-time employment (+36,000). Mostly occuring in Quebec and Alberta, the losses were attributed to a drop in construction, one of the largest monthly job shed-off - at 44,000 - for the industry in over 30 years. But this was partially offset by an increase in jobs in the transportation and warehousing sectors. In December, employment declined for youth aged 15 to 24 (at 37,000) and men aged 25 to 54 (at 28,000). But jobs for those aged 55 and over increased (at 28,000). The unemployment rate for youth rose by 0.6 percentage points in December to 12.9 percent. PR

NEWSBITS TCDSB night, online courses on The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) has started on Jan. 7 accepting registrations for its evening credit and online courses. Classes will begin on Feb. 17 at the Jean Vanier and Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic secondary schools and on Feb. 18 at the Bishop Marrocco/ Thomas Merton and Francis Libermann Catholic secondary schools. Online courses will also start on Feb. 18. PR

’09 Filipino Mass sked out The Filipino Neighbourhood Association of Highland Creek has released the 2009 schedule of its sponsored Masses in Filipino at the St. Joseph Church every first Saturday of the month. The incoming Mass schedules are set on Feb. 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. The schedule was approved by the Filipino Catholic Mission in the Archdiocese of Toronto. PR

SFC officers sworn in Constable Philip Mendoza, liaison officer of the Toronto Police Service’s Community Mobilization Unit, has sworn in the new officers of Samahang Filipino sa Canada in simple ceremonies on Dec. 21, 2008. Inducted were Arnel Lopez, president; Iggy Manlangit and Cora Labog, vice presidents; Jonathan Macala, secretary; Honorata Eroma, treasurer; and Jose Ellone, sergeant-at-arms. Also sworn in were directors Jay Liguidliguid, Jack Lumayor, Turing Tiri, Nestor Bautista, Amay Luib, Babie Escobar, Marissa Gimeno and Manny Nepomuceno. LETO TIGLEY/PR

BFSC officers inducted Sharon Bonello, coordinator for the Senior Citizens Program of Brampton City, has inducted into office the 200902010 officers of the Brampton Filipino Seniors Club. Inducted were Maria Abuyuan, president; Tim Evangelista, vice president; Evelyn Mates, secretary; Lydia Bernardino, treasurer; Virgie Obaldo, auditor; Epifania Acosta, assistant secretary; Laureana Roxas, assistant auditor; Ric Laxamana, sergeant-at-arms; Severino Raguindin, property custodian; Victorino Dizon, PRO; Manuel Santos, assistant PRO; and directors Honorio Bautista, Linda Mohamed, Irene Sicat and Carolina Siasat. The BFSC past president is Aurora Villanueva. PR

Press and captioned photo releases published in the Manila Media Monitor are for PUBLIC SERVICE and FREE OF CHARGE. Press releases must be in word document format. Photos, must be in JPEG, TIFF or PDF formats. All contributions are subject to strict editorial appreciation. Send them to [email protected] on or before the 8th of each month. SUBMISSIONS IN FLYER, POSTER OR OTHER BOXED FORMATS SHALL BE TREATED AS ADVERTISEMENTS AND SHALL BE BILLED ACCORDINGLY.

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COMMUNITY Different kind of love (From page 11) Philippines. McKinley treated the duration of the Fil-American War as an uprising that necessitated military intervention without having to seek congressional approval. Thus, for a hundred years, the war had officially been referred to in the United States as The Philippine Insurrection. While officially declared to have ended on July 4, 1902, Filipino historians consider the Philippine-American War to have dragged on until the surrender of Generals Miguel Malvar and Simeon Ola in 1904. Still, other historians consider the Moro Wars - that ended in 1913 - as a continuation of the war, of the struggle against American imperialism. The Philippine-American War was the United States’ first “Vietnam” with its policy of hamletting. The atrocities committed against an entire population as in the infamous Balangiga Massacre in Samar foreshadowed My Lai and later massacres by American soldiers. It is estimated that a million Filipinos, civilian and military alike, died during this war that saw

the first Asian nation fight a superpower in the nineteenth century. In his Resena Veridica de la Revolucion Filipina (written in 1899 originally in Tagalog, with Spanish translation by Felipe Buencamino ... later published by the National Historical Institute in 2002 with English translation and copy of the draft in Aguinaldo’s handwriting), President Aguinaldo offers his analysis of American interest in the Philippines: Oh, dear Philippines! Blame your wealth, your beauty for the stupendous disgrace that rests upon your faithful sons. You have aroused the ambition of the Imperialists and Expansionists of North America and both have placed their sharp claws upon your entrails. Loved mother, sweet mother, we are here to defend your liberty and independence to the death! We do not want war; on the contrary, we wish for peace; but honourable peace, which does not make blush nor stain your forehead with shame and confusion. And we swear and promise that while America with all her power and wealth could possibly

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RemitX to give back to community, to launch Free Rewards Card in February Global money transfer firm RemitX has vowed to make 2009 “a year for giving back.” In a press release, officials said the public “will see us more involved in supporting educational initiatives and other worthy

community-oriented charitable causes. As a major program for its growing number of clients, RemitX is set to launch its Free Rewards Card in February. “This is our way of thanking and giving back to

vanquish us; killing all of us; but enslave us, never!!! Captured in Palanan, Isabela, in February 1902, President Aguinaldo later swore allegiance to the United States. Major changes concerning the Philippine-American War have taken place in the past ten years. The National Historical Institute, after much study (and understandably to the dismay of the residents of San Juan City, Rizal) declared in 2003 that the first shots of the war actually took place in Sta. Mesa, specifically in the area that is now covered by Sosiego and Silencio streets, and not in San Juan. Thus, the marker had been moved accordingly to Manila district of Sta. Mesa. As well, in 1998, the 1899 war between the

Americans and Filipinos is now officially referred to in the United States as the Philippine-American War, and no longer The Philippine Insurrection. The import lies in the fact that this change in nomenclature is a recognition that at the time of the hostilities, the Philippines was, in fact, an independent republic. Most people express their love to those dear to them by buying them chocolates, taking them on a cruise, or buying expensive jewellery. Others are willing to give up their lives in the name of love. Like love of country. It’s a different kind of love. February 4 is not National Heroes Day in the Philippines. But let’s remember all those who have died, and are willing to die, for love of country.

its growing number of loyal clients. “Rewards are exactly what they should be. RemitX gives back to its customers every time ... no gimmicks ... no membership fees,” officials said. The cards would be available at RemitX agent locations and full details on the card would be posted at www.remitX.com. Officials also said RemitX is looking forward to expanding its financial services to 82 countries, from the current 43 with over

57,000 payout locations, in the early part of 2009. “We offer a safe, fast, secure and reliable way for our customers to get money to their loved ones around the world, with competitive exchange rates and transaction fees.” RemitX is a brand of First Global Data Corp., a leading financial services technology company operating in Toronto for over 21 years. First Global has offices in Canada, the USA, the UK, Guyana and the Philippines. PR

CNAC-O fund, aid drive benefits flood victims Hundreds of victims of end-November 2008 floods that hit seven towns of Camarines Norte, the Bicol Region, the Philippines have received cash and inkind donations from individuals and groups from the Greater Toronto Area. (Related story on page 28) The Camarines Norte Association Canada-Ontario (CNAC-O) spearheaded a fundraising drive in the Filipino-Canadian community. CNAC-O president Tony

San Juan publicly appealed for donations through the community media. CNAC-O raised C$3,670, which was sent to and received by provincial Bishop Gilbert Garcera. CNAC-O also shipped on Jan. 2 five door-to-door boxes containing non-perishables like canned goods, new and used clothing and other useful items. CNAC-O has expressed its thanks to all those who supported the cause. JSM/ PR

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COMMUNITY

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(From page 9) of companies are publishing environmental performance reports. Environment, led by energy, is playing a greater role in the marketplace than ever before. Companies that ignore the public’s interest in improved environmental performance are beginning to experience the costs of their folly. We expect that more will do so in the future.” *** Now that a new year is upon us, it is time to forget all those feel gooders that have been thrust down our teletubes at us. May those of us looking for good, sensitive DVDs for our home entertainment remember these: Stanley Kubrick’s’ Paths of Glory, George Clooney’s Good Night and Good Luck, Edward Zwick’s Blood Diamond and Peter Raymont’s Shake Hands With the Devil -- great movies that define some of humankind’s moral dilemmas and persons of courage who faced up to them. Paths of Glory, banned in France, is based on a true World War I story of how four blameless French soldiers were executed as scapegoats for their commanding officers. Kirk Douglas was never better than in this film as the French officer who tries to stop the slaughter. Clooney directed Good Night and Good Luck as a semi-documentary brilliantly showing how in 1954, CBS producer Fred Friendly, news anchor Edward R. Murrow and Lawyer Joseph Welch put an end to Senator Joe McCarthy’s contrived attempts to prove the US Military was riddled with Soviet spies. Clooney plays CBS producer Fred Friendly and as director, coaxes an uncannily redolent performance from David Strathairn as Ed Murrow. The whole is blended seamlessly with actual footage of McCarthy and Welch to achieve an unforgettable impact.

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

Merrill Lynch, FCT, The Pillars sponsor Yule calls for seniors On Dec. 21, 2008, Filipino-Canadian seniors flocked to facility centers to avail themselves of an opportunity to be in touch with family, relatives and friends in Canada and abroad. For 23 years without fail, the community’s seniors received this precious Christmas gift - free calls - from Merrill Lynch Canada, Inc. Merrill Lynch also arrived with a group of Victorian carollers and volunteers who spread good cheer, provided goodies and handed out the prepaid long distance phone

cards. In 2008, the Filipino Centre Toronto and the “Original” Pillars Cultural Association joined Merrill Lynch to carry out its free Yule call tradition. Passing on a worthy deed Since 1985, the late Grace San Juan had led members of the Pillars to participate in the annual Merrill Lynch Christmas Calls program. San Juan carried out her volunteer role as prime organizer of the Filipino group (To page 23)

Blood Diamond explores the depths of the illegal diamond market in Sierra Leone, adult slavery and the enlistment of child soldiers in rebel armies. Edward Zwick’s direction of Leonardo di Caprio, Djimon Hounslou and Jennifer Connelly in this tale of conspiracy to secure an enormous raw stone adds punch to a film that is narrated like a runaway train through brilliantly edited sequences of war-torn Sierra Leone. The growing chemistry between mercenary Caprio and reporter Connelly is something to behold. This is an actress who has been with us since childhood and gets by with sheer acting skill without the benefit of traditional “star” looks. On another level is the growing respect between Di Caprio and Hounsloo depicted convincingly. Canadian Peter Raymont’s documentary Shake Hands with the Devil brings us right into the mental and spiritual dilemma of General Romeo Dallaire whose climb back from the brink of suicide is a testament to the essential goodness of this man. As head of the UN peacekeeping mission, he

is forced by sheer weight of numbers, to stand by helplessly watching the genocide of hundreds of thousands ot Rwandan Tutsis by Hutus in a country that’s a virtual natural paradise. One grisly long shot shows Hutus mercilessly hacking away at Tutsis but in the main, Shake Hands With The Devil focuses on the remarkable Dallaire, now a Canadian senator. Be sure to see the documentary rather than the feature movie of the same name. Raymont went on to film Promise to the Dead, the moving documentary on novelist/playwright Ariel Dorfman, survivor of General Pinochet’s bloody 1973 coup in Chile. (Used with permission. Ben Viccari is past 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)

CALENDAR ► JAN. 17: United Aklanon Association of Toronto Ati-Atihan, Chinese Cultural Centre, 6 p.m. ► JAN. 21: Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts and Culture Annual General Meeting, Kensington Market, 6:30 p.m. ► JAN. 23: GMA 7 Kapuso Blow-Out featuring Janno Gibbs, Kyla and Allan K, Toronto International Celebration Church, 7:30 p.m. ► JAN 23 to FEB. 5: Ystillo Inc. premiere screening of Love Me Again (Land Down Under), Scarborough Town Centre. ► JAN. 25: Filipino Centre Toronto Fund-raising Trip to Casino Rama, assembly at FCT, 3 p.m. ► JAN. 26: Pistahan ng Santo Niño de Cebu, Mass at St. Ambrose Church, 11 a.m. ► FEB. 6 to 12: Ystillo Inc. premiere screening of Love Me Again (Land Down Under), Mississauga Square One Empire Theatre. ► FEB. 7: Isabela Cultural Organization of Ontario 18th Anniversary and Induction Ball, Rembrandt Banquet Hall. ► FEB. 21: Tawanan 2009 Comedy Show, Korean Cultural Community Centre. ► FEB. 27: Filipino Centre Toronto 2009 Filipino Singing Idol Competitions, Second Round, FCT Rizal Hall. ► MARCH 14: North 44 Entertainment Production The Perfect Combination (Eric Santos and Toni Gonzaga), University of Toronto Convocation Hall, 7 p.m. ► APRIL 11: Extreme Heartthrobs Canadian Tour, Massey Hall. A public service feature of the Manila Media Monitor and the Philippine Consul General Office. Also visit pakulo.com.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

COMMUNITY Jennifer Urbe turns 18

Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre Mississauga, Ontario January 10, 2009

All images courtesy of Rico de las Alas and Anagaile Soriano

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US PRESIDENT BARACK O

Key excerpts from Martin Luther King’s

‘I have a dream’

MARTIN LUTHER KING ► “In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men - yes, black men as well as white men - would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds.’” ► “The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people. For many of our white brothers as evidenced by their presence here today have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We can not walk alone.” ► “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” ► “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” ► “I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.” ► “This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” ► “Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” ► “Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics—will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” “I Have A Dream” is the popular name given to the public speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., when he spoke of his desire for a future where blacks and whites among others would coexist harmoniously as equals. King delivered the speech before more than 250,000 civil rights supporters on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

President Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States during the inauguration ceremony in Washington on Jan. 20. Michelle Obama watches at right. The Bible Obama used is the same one that 16th President Abraham Lincoln used at his Inauguration on March 4, 1861. Obama is the third US president from Illinois, next to Lincoln and Ulysses Grant. REUTERS, as posted in YahooNews

Obama: Nation must opt f The nation must choose “hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord” to overcome the worst economic crisis that has battered the US since the Great Depression. This was one of the key messages newly-inaugurated US President Barack Obama stressed in a 17minute speech after he took his oath as the 44th and first African American President of the USA. Remaking America With 11 million Americans out of work and trillions of dollars lost in the stock market’s tumble, Obama said that his biggest challenge was to repair the tattered economy outgoing President George W. Bush left behind. “Our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed,” Obama said. “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of remaking America,” he said. The dawn of the new Democratic era - with Obama allies in charge of both houses of Congress ended eight years of Republican control of the White

House by Bush, who left Washington as one of the nation’s most unpopular and divisive presidents, the architect of two unfinished wars and the man in charge at a time of economic calamity that swept away many Americans’ jobs, savings and homes. Taking stock Obama took stock of the nation’s sobering problems. “That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood,” he said. “Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age,” he added. Obama said: “Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many, and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.” New era of responsibility He said that all Americans have roles in rebuilding the nation by renewing the traditions of hard work, honesty and fair play, tol-

erance, loyalty and patriotism. “What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility, a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task,” he said. With the economy in a long and deepening recession, Obama said it was time for swift and bold action to create new jobs and lay a foundation for growth. Congressional Democrats have readied an $825billion stimulus plan of tax cuts and spending for roads, bridges, schools, electric grids and other projects. “The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works,” the new president said. ‘What you can build ...’ “To the Muslim world,” Obama said, “we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.” But he bluntly warned, “To those leaders around

the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.” He said the occasion was a moment to recall “that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” He likewise called for a political truce in Washington to end “the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.” At high noon When the clock ticked high noon, Michelle Obama patted her husband on the shoulder, reminding him that he has become the President, even if Barack Obama was six minutes away from taking his oath of office. At 47, Obama moved into the Oval Office as the nation’s fourth youngest president. The United States Constitution has mandated that the term of office of the President started at noon of January 20. This came after the 1933 ratification of the 20th Amendment that changed the start date of the term. Until 1937, Inauguration Day was on March 4. Warm cheers on a cold day Millions of Americans and foreigners packed the National Mall and parade route to welcome Obama. Cheers erupted when Obama

OBAMA’S INAUGURATION Close RP-US ties to stay

ARROYO MANILA - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is looking forward to work with new US President Barack Obama. Arroyo, in a statement before members of the diplomatic corps on during the traditional Vin D’ Honneur at Malacañang on Jan. 19, said: “In my conversations with Senator Obama before the elections and President-elect Obama after his election, it was made clear that the special relationship between the US and the

for ‘hope over fear’ stepped to the inaugural platform, a midday sun warming the crowd that had waited for hours - some for over half a day - in near freezing temperatures. Spectators stretched the almost two-mile distance from the inaugural platform at the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. All over the US, more watched the inauguration proceedings live over CNN and other news networks and over cyberspace. Giant television screens brought the coverage to many more -- in the streets, in classrooms, in bars and restaurants. Mixed feelings The same excitement pervaded elsewhere in the globe, with peoples accepting Obama as if he were their own, seeing in him a sign that America would be more embracing and open to change. But despite resounding hopes of a better future, some world leaders expressed deep caution over the difficulties that lay ahead for Obama. ► German Chancellor Angela Merkel wished Obama “the best of luck” but warned that Germany would not be swayed into adding more troops in war-torn Afghanistan, where the German contingent had been increased to 4,500. Merkel said she also understood Obama’s plan to seek direct talks with Iran, which many countries accused of seeking nuclear weapons, but was sceptical as to Obama’s chances of success.

She made it clear to Obama that Europe would not accept what it saw as unfair aid to the US auto industry during the financial turmoil. ► Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu said: “I took away the impression that Barack Obama understood our distress very well, as well as the cruelty of the enemies we face.” ► French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said: “I think we should not expect him to immediately solve all America’s problems, nor ours. Barack Obama does not have a magic wand. He will have a huge job, even if his merits are huge.” ► Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said he was “deeply convinced that the biggest disappointments are born out of big expectations. Mr. Obama looks like a sincere, open person and this of course is appealing.” “That there is such enthusiasm in European countries apparently means that there is big disappointment about what Europeans have seen in US foreign policy recently,” Putin said. ► Chinese defense ministry spokesman Colonel Hu Changming said: “In this new period we hope

that both China and the US could make joint efforts to create favorable conditions and improve and promote military-to-military ties.” ► Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said his country would back Obama “wherever our interests come together and where our political and economic ability allows.” International support A BBC World Service poll of people in 17 countries found that most - an average of two-thirds - believed Obama would improve the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world. Ghanaians are most positive, on 87 percent; followed by Italy, 79 percent; Germany and Spain, 78 percent each; France, 76 percent; Mexico and Nigeria, 74 percent each. In Canada, a Canadian Press Harris-Decima phone survey suggested Canadians did not think the sky-high expectations for Obama would bring him down. The survey said 57 percent of respondents believed the Democratic president would do better than expected. Most respondents also thought Obama would be re-elected in 2012. Wire reports

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Harper to Obama: Stabilize US economy OTTAWA - Canada’s prime minister Stephen Harper has urged US President Barack Obama to first set his sights on firming up the US financial sector and cleaning up the country’s economic mess that has sent many other nations reeling into a recession. Harper said woes in the US economy would continue to bear negatively on the global economy unless the problems are fixed. “None of us are under any illusions about the great challenges that face President Obama,” he said. But “in all the great challenges that confront him, he will find no better friend, neighbor and ally than Canada,” he said. The prime minister recalled Obama’s proposed

HARPER economic stimulus package and “the necessity of getting that right.” Harper would be announcing - before Parliament on Jan. 27 - a Canadian stimulus package during the submission of the federal budget.

The opposition vowed to oust Harper’s Conservative Party if no significant program is unveiled. Obama visit Meanwhile, Ottawa officials confirmed that Obama has accepted an offer to visit Canada, possibly in February. This would be Obama’s first foreign visit, after his inauguration as America’s 44th president. Harper said the trip would be “a wonderful gesture and a great sign of reestablishing strong Canadian-American relations.” New US presidents, dating back to Warren Harding in 1923 and Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, have typically made Canada their first international visit following their inauguration.

Philippines will continue unabated.” “Our ties run deep. Over two and a half million Americans are of Filipino descent,” Arroyo told foreign dignitaries. On the other hand, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney has assured that American foreign policies

towards “the Philippines, a close friend and ally of my country, will remain under the administration of President Barack Obama.” Kenney, in a recent interview over DZWX Bombo Radyo in Baguio City, said “the bond and friendship of our countries shall remain strong as we both work for

our economic, social and other developments.” She cited “Filipinos here and abroad for their commitment to democracy and concern to world issues.” She said: “Rest assured also that our countries can overcome the on-going world financial crisis.” OPS/PNA

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

Front Page Philippines viewers meet host

Front Page Philippines program host Gie Alvarez poses with the TV program’s regular viewers Laura and Frank Casper. The three met during the Pasko sa Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in December 2008.

Tenny Soriano’s birth anniversary bash

Philippine Press Club-Ontario president and Balita associate editor Tenny Soriano (left) shares a birth anniversary dinner with peers and friends (from left center, clockwise) Ace Alvarez, Chuchi Punsalan, wife Myrna Soriano who also celebrated her birth anniversary on Jan. 2, Gie Alvarez, Evelyn Galicia, Maribel Montemayor, Amor Gaborno, Chito Sarabia and Butch Galicia. PHOTO: RICO DELAS ALAS

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the PHILIPPINES World Bank blacklists 7 firms engaged in collusive bidding The World Bank (WB) has uncovered a major cartel “engaging in collusive practices” in bidding on a Philippine road project and has barred seven companies from participation in WB projects for at least four years. Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez Jr., in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan, said “no Philippine

government agency was linked to the mess.” “This was an internal WB investigation based on the WB’s own criteria,” Golez said. He added that the government was willing “to charge those involved once it could be proven (the Filipino companies involved) violated our laws.” He also welcomed a reported statement that the

Merrill Lynch, FCT ... (From page 18) until her death in November 1996. From then on, Suzy Llanera carried out her late mother’s role and coordinated the program with Merrill Lynch. Llanera did all she could to make the event known to seniors in the Filipino community and the mainstream group. 270,000 seniors served Merrill Lynch marked 2008 as the 28th year of its free Yule call program. The initiative has reached over 270,000 senior citizens globally since its inception.

Officials noted the participation of their Toronto office in the program for 23 of those years. “The long participation underscores how close this event is to our hearts, and we are delighted to be able to help the community maintain its holiday spirit. Merrill Lynch volunteers here today are especially pleased to see the joy experienced by all that will be making the connection with a loved one,” said Mimi Theodorou, coordinator for Merrill Lynch, APMS Canada Global Philantrophy. SSL/PR

WB would continue to give assistance to the Philippines, despite the alleged rigged bidding. In the freezer Blacklisted were: ► Philippines-based E.C. de Luna Construction Corp. and its owner Eduardo de Luna. They were barred permanently, the strongest possible WB sanction and the first since 2004. ► Philippines’ Cavite Ideal International Construction and Development Corp. and CM Pancho Construction, Inc. They were each barred for four years. ► China Road and Bridge Corp., barred for eight years. ► China State Construction Corp. and China Wu Yi Co. Ltd., each barred for six years. ► China Geo-Engineering Corp., barred for five years. The Korean firm Dongsung Construction Co. Ltd was separately sanctioned in August 2008 for four years for fraud and corruption related to the NRIMP in the Philippines. (To page 24)

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

the PHILIPPINES

Bright golden rings visible on Jan. 26 annular eclipse MANILA - The first of two solar eclipses of 2009 will be visible in the Philippines on Jan. 26, when the moon covers the sun’s disk, forming a luminous bright ring around it. “In Manila, the annular eclipse can be observed on Jan. 26 starting 4:55 p.m. The maximum eclipse will be at 5:51 p.m.,” said Prisco Nilo, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration director. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an annular solar eclipse happens when the moon’s an-

tumbral shadow crosses the Earth. During the eclipse’s maximum phase, the sun appears as a blindingly bright ring, or annulus (French word for ring), surrounding the moon. The annularity will last seven minutes 54 seconds. A partial eclipse will be seen from the southern third of Africa, Madagascar, Australia (except Tasmania), southeast India, Southeast Asia and Indonesia. An eclipse of the sun, or solar eclipse, can only occur at New Moon when the moon passes between Earth (To page 28)

Military, police in rescue ops for ICRC workers held in Sulu

Middle-school students from the Sichuan Province of China admire the tarsier, the world’s smallest monkey, during a visit to Loboc, Bohol, part of their seven-day trip to various tourism sites in the Philippines. The students also visited the Chocolate Hills and had a call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang. They arrived on Jan. 11 under a Philippine government-sponsored trip. Photo: REY BANIQUET/OPS-NIB

World Bank blacklists 7 firms engaged ... (From page 23) NRMIP 1 rigged bidding WB investigations said the committed acts of collusion were found out in the bidding of US$33 million worth of contracts under phase one of the Philippines’ National Roads Improvement and Management Program, known as NRIMP 1. WB said no funds were disbursed to any of the barred firms. “This is one of our most important and far-reaching cases, and it highlights the

effectiveness of the World Bank’s investigative and sanctions process,” said Leonard McCarthy, World Bank vice president for integrity, from Washington. “As the World Bank Group continues to ramp up its anti-corruption work, (it) will remain vigilant in investigating allegations and holding wrongdoers accountable,” McCarthy added, referring to the Philippine road project. The decision by WB president Robert Zoel-

lick followed revelations that Indian IT firm Satyam Computer Services Ltd., which WB sanctioned in September 2008, was involved in a $1-billion corporate fraud scandal. This hit Indian stocks and the rupee currency. Also barred from qualifying for direct contracts with the WB were Indian firms Wipro Technologies, India’s No. 3 software company, and India’s Megasoft Consultants. OPS, Philippine Star online

Fishers save endangered dugong PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - Fishermen in Barangay Maryugon here rescued an 8.5-foot sea cow that got beached in a shallow inlet during low tide. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said Maryugon resident Henry Barlas found the refrigerator-sized mammal, locally known as dugong, lying helplessly on the beach sand fronting his home. Barlas, other fishermen and a WWF representative nursed back the dugong to health before tying a rope

around its belly to release it back to the sea. The gentle dugong plied the Philippine archipelago until hunting and habitat degradation wiped out most of the herds. The dugongs are protected in northern Isabela province, the southern Mindanao region and Palawan. Sea cows are said to live up to 70 years. Females give birth to a single calf every few years. It takes up to 15 years to mature, making the species particularly vulnerable to extinction. PNA

Malacañang said the Philippine military and police are capable of locating and rescuing three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff reportedly kidnapped in Sulu on Jan. 15. Unidentified elements reportedly held at gunpoint ICRC’s humanitarian aid workers Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino engineer Mary Jean Lacaba. They were traveling after a visit to the Sulu provincial jail where they inspected the ICRC water and sanitation project. Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said there was no need to call in foreign help on rescue operations for the ICRC personnel. “We have not received requests for foreign help,” Golez said. The government believed terrorist Abu Sayyaf bandits abducted the three ICRC workers. The military, on orders of the President, is conducting pursuit and rescue operations. OPS

the PHILIPPINES Monument honors Tandang Sora’s heroism QUEZON CITY Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led city officials and the people in unveiling a monument and mural at the Tandang Sora Shrine in Sitio Banlat, Barangay Tandang Sora to mark the 197th birth anniversary of one of the most iconic Philippine heroes, the beloved Melchora Aquino.

Taguig City has 12 new villages TAGUIG CITY Mayor Freddie Tinga has welcomed the people’s approval of the creation of 12 new barangays here. Created after the conduct of a plebiscite in December 2008 were barangays North, South and Central Signal Villages; Katuparan; North and South Daang Hari; Bagong Tanyag (Proper); San Miguel; Central and New Lower Bicutan; Fort Bonifacio; and Pinagsama. “This would bring about the more effective delivery of basic services to city residents,” Tinga said. Taguig (pop. 615,000), once a sleepy fishing community along the shores of Laguna de Bay, became a city on Dec. 8, 2004. PNA

In his speech, Belmonte urged Filipinos to nurture the social values that were the trademark of Tandang Sora - love of country, love of service and compassion. He said that notwithstanding her old age - Tandang Sora was 84 years old when she served the country - she showed extraordinary courage and nationalism by caring for the sick and wounded Katipuneros. Belmonte noted that even her subsequent sixyear exile in the then desolate island of Guam did not break her indomitable spirit and she came back in 1903 as defiant as ever. Even the Americans, Belmonte said, recognized her heroism and offered her a pension but Tandang Sora rejected it outright saying that “love of country does not seek compensation.” “Tandang Sora is a great mother of the revolution and a great mother of Quezon City,” he added. Conceptualized and designed by sculptor Abdulmari de Leon Imao Jr., the monument stands 35 feet. It is aptly titled Melchora Aquino: Ilaw ng Tahanan, Gabay ng Katipunan, Tanglaw ng Lipunan. The monument proper is a six-by-four meter brass

sculpture comprising of four figures on a sculptural base cauldron and flame spire. The monument takes the form of an oil lamp with the flames interpreting the unfurling of flags that radiates from the beacon - the figure of Tandang Sora attending to a wounded Katipunero.

The curved secondary base depicts a coconut shell used as a lamp bowl to symbolize a cradle, the refuge of the weak and the wounded. The lower part of the monument rests between a six-panel back-to-back design mural on the life and heroism of Tandang Sora.

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MMDA’s ambitious plan

Turn U-Belt into wifi zone MANILA - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando is eyeing to turn Manila’s famed University Belt area into a wifi-zone to benefit students and residents and help police in battling crime. Fernando said the UBelt wi-fi plan would use the Wi-max (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) technology. Wi-max is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, from point-to-point links to portable internet access. The technology provides up to 75 symmetric broadband speed without the need for cables; and is based on the Broadband Wireless Access. Fernando said Wi-max was the same technology the MMDA used in its traffic surveillance cameras strategically installed along the 24-kilometer Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), the metropolis main thorough-

fare. Fernando said the wi-fi plan would likewise be of use to the police using Internet-based tracking systems against criminals. The plan is part of the MMDA’s “Univer-City” concept aimed to make the area more livable and conducive to education. The U-belt is the unofficial name of the sub-district in Manila where there is a high concentration of higher education institutions. As part of its tasks, the MMDA will clear the UBelt’s sidewalks of any obstruction, repair streets, install road signages, put up pedestrian lanes and crossings and plant trees. Further, more traffic lights and lamp posts will be put up. Traffic rules, particularly on illegal parking, will be strictly imposed to ease traffic in the area. Police sub-stations will also be established to deter criminal elements. The concept includes the protection and preservation of the area’s historical and cultural heritage. PNA

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TRAVEL & TOURISM ‘Hala Bira!’, ‘Viva Señor Santo Niño!’ in Iloilo City

Dinagyang: Drums, Dancing, Devotion

Their bodies covered with soot and ashes and donned in colorful costumes made out of native materials, Iloilo City street dancers sway to the rhythm of drum music as they show devotion to the Señor Santo Niño, give thanks to God for blessings received and mark the sale of Panay Islands. Dinagyang is drums. Thus, the synchronized rhythm and music of a thousand drums would hog the limelight as a fitting climax of this year’s Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. The festival had begun since Dec. 1, 2008 with all events and activities presenting the rich cultural and religious traditions of the people of Iloilo. The merrymaking would reach its high on the fourth week of January, a period of thanksgiving and offering for all of God’s blessings received.

But more than this, the 2009 Dinagyang Festival would once more pompously show what it had been famous for - street dancing as a tribute to the native Atis and their historic sale of Panay Islands to Malay settlers, and the people’s devotion to the Señor Santo Niño. Dinagyang’s roots In November 1967, Roman Catholic parish priest Fr. Ambrosio Galindez introduced the devotion to Santo Niño, with the usual novenas and Masses. The following year, a replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu was

brought to Iloilo by Fr. Sulpicio Enderez as a gift to the Parish of San Jose. The faithful, led by members of the Confradia del Santo Niño de Cebu, Iloilo Chapter, received and paraded the image from the Iloilo Airport to the city streets. The first parish-confined feast of the Señor Santo Niño was celebrated in 1969, highlighted by a fluvial procession where the Señor Santo Niño was borne on a decorated banca from the mouth of Iloilo river at Fort San Pedro down to Iloilo Provincial Capitol

and back to San Jose Church. Most unusual worship Later, the Confradia patterned the celebration on the Ati-atihan of Ibajay, Aklan where natives danced in the streets, their bodies covered with soot and ashes, to mark the sale of Panay. It was not an imitation in its entirety of rituals, but an imitation done in the spirit of devotion to the Child Jesus. Dinagyang had thus become the most unusual of Ilonggo worship that has surpassed the test of time. Online sources

Bacolod-Silay airport opens to int’l flights BACOLOD CITY - The new P5.6-billion Bacolod-Silay airport had its first international flight arrival at 10:58 p.m. on Jan. 2. The flight carried a group of Kazakhstan investors who expressed interest in the medical tourism potentials of Negros Occidental. Antonio Alfonso Jr., local Air Transportation Office head, said the twin-engine Russian-made aircraft - as big as a BAC 111 flew in from Amaty, Kazakhstan after a refueling stop in Chengdu, China. Local customs, quarantine, and immigration officials welcomed the plane’s eight passengers and eight crewmembers. When the Bacolod-Silay airport opened almost a year ago, Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza then said the airport would be declared an international gateway based on the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Mendoza said the airport would usher in a new air transportation era for Negros Occidental, as it would be opened to international flights initially from other Southeast Asian countries. The airport, as an international gateway, would spur progress in Negros, as in the case of the Cebu international airport that helped Cebu become an industrial zone.

Help upkeep heritage sites By LYNDA B. VALENCIA MANILA - Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano has urged local communities and domestic and foreign tourists to help protect, preserve and promote Philippine ecological and tourism areas included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list. During the recent World Heritage Travel

Expo in Macau, Durano said these sites “are sources of our livelihood, as much as they are wellsprings of our national pride. We also owe their preservation not only to our fellow Filipinos but to the world and our future generation.” He said the government has also sought help from schools, local government units and Filipino families “to enthuse our children in taking concrete steps to pro-

mote and give value to our heritage sites and our other tourism attractions.” The UNESCO list included the historic city of Vigan and the Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion Church, both in Ilocos Sur; Church of San Agustin in Ilocos Norte; Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, both in Palawan; Banawe Rice Terraces in Ifugao; Sto. Tomas de

Villanueva Church in Iloilo; and San Agustin Church in Manila. Recent reports said UNESCO had also included the Apo Reef National Park and Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, both in Mindoro, in the list. The four churches made it to the list because of their European Baroque architecture. Durano said the Tubbataha Reef “has derived great

PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER benefit from its World Heritage status.” Besides worldwide attention, the reef has harnessed tourism receipts,

impeled preservation and enticed the involvement of the local community. A testament to the (To page 28)

PHILIPPINE Regions

NEWS ROUNDUP Bacolod City: Seized firecrackers destroyed BACOLOD CITY - Negros Occidental Governor Isidro Zayco and provincial police director Senior Superintendent Manuel Felix led residents in destroying some P500,000 worth of seized firecrackers at the capitol premises on Jan. 5. The police said eight perons were arrested for displaying and selling oversized imported pyrotechnics during the holidays. Officials added that policemen in the province’s 31 police stations complied with orders against indiscriminate firing during the season. Firecracker-related injuries in Negros Occidental dropped by 20 percent. PNA

Benguet: Baguio-Aritao road cuts travel time BOKOD, Benguet - The 104-kilometer Baguio-Aritao Road has opened to traffic, linking Benguet to Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela and Quirino, all in the Cagayan Valley region. Through the new Ambuclao dam bypass road, travellers are spared from traversing the dam’s spillway, and travel time to the south-central part of the Cordillera mountain ranges was cut by five to six hours. The Baguio-Aritao road starts from the Wright Park of Baguio City and ends in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. It is etched along mountainsides and crosses gorges and rivers through 13 bridges. The road is part of the Cordillera Road Improvement Project bankrolled with a grant from the Japan Road Improvement Project. PNA

Cagayan de Oro City: MPSC becomes state U CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Mindanao Polytechnic State College (MPSC) in Barangay Lapasan here officially became the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the conversion bill on Jan. 7. MUST has satellite campuses in Jasaan and Alubijid in Misamis Oriental, Oroquieta City, and in Panaon, Misamis Occidental. The MPSC’s conversion into a state university was in response to the need for a wider and more comprehensive higher-education provider to match the demands of industries for high-level and research manpower in science and technology in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions. OPS

Camiguin Island: Ro-Ro link to Bohol soon CAMIGUIN ISLAND – The Maritime Industry Authority will allow Camiguin Island to operate a roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) ship to link the province from Balbagon Port to the Jagna Port in Bohol. Officials say this will hasten the transfer of agricultural, commercial, and industrial goods and services between the two provinces. Camiguin will set up a corporation that will run the P70-million M/V Camiguin Star RO-RO ship, to be leased from NDC Maritime Leasing Corp. PNA

Daet: Top 20 taxpayers cited NAGA CITY - Daet town mayor Tito Sarion has cited 20 persons and corporate entities for their financial and economic contributions to the growth and development of the capital town of Camarines Norte, as he awarded them plaques of recognition as Top Taxpayers of Daet. Cited were individual taxpayers Cesar Lee, Delfin Dolor, Nena Ong, Norman Ong, Henry Jimenez, Benito Kho Lo, Omar Anthony Ong, Alexander Tang, Nelson Buenavista and Benito Ching. The top corporate taxpayers were Bicolandia Drug Corp.; Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils, Inc.; Avon Cosmetics, Inc.; Motortrade Nationwide Corp.; South Star Drugs; Fuller Life Direct Selling Phil.; Family Merchant Project Development Corp.; Jack Trading, Inc.; Rural Bank of Panganiban, and Zenco Sales Inc. PNA

Davao City: Bike lane proposal gains speed DAVAO CITY - The city council has prioritized action on a proposed ordinance to put up bicycle lanes in main streets, aimed at decongesting traffic flow, promote the safety of bicycle riders and reduce pollution. A 2007 survey showed that at a given time, some 10,000 bikers traverse through city main streets, with peak hours at 6 to 7:30 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. The proposal required offices and establishments to segregate bicycle-parking bays with metal posts. Comfort rooms where biker-employees can change and freshen up are encouraged near the bike parking bays. PNA

GenSan City: DFA consular office starts work GENERAL SANTOS CITY - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) formally unveiled its 17th Regional Consular Office at the Gaisano Mall here to help address the growing list of passport applicants and provide consular services to foreign and local residents of Southwestern Mindanao and neighboring regions. Regional DFA consular offices are also expected to open soon in the cities of Bacolod, Butuan, Puerto Princesa, Baguio and Cotabato. PNA

Sorsogon City: Public smoking ban enforced SORSOGON CITY - The city government has enforced an ordinance banning cigarette smoking in public places, including mass conveyances. Violators are fined from P500 to P1,000. The police were deputized to carry out the ordinance. The ban covered malls, hospitals, health clinics, government offices, enclosed commercial or public establishments and restaurants, passenger jeepneys, buses and vans. PNA

Zambo City: Health concerns in city agenda ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city government has vowed to work towards the improvement of health centers and the delivery of basic medical services to the people in 98 barangays. Mayor Celso Lobregat and City Health Officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos agreed to the need of establishing a health center in each village. The center would be patterned after that of Barangay Cawit. Agbulos said funds to buy medicines for the health centers would be increased this year. Agbulos added that the Ayala health center for the west coast, Mercedes for the east coast and Canelar for the barangays within the seven-kilometer radius were identified as feeding centers in line with the campaign against malnutrition among children. PNA

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PHILIPPINE Regions Help upkeep heritage sites (From page 26) Philippines as an island paradise is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. said the river has ranked first on the online voting search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. “It stands out from the rest because it’s a river that has strong tidal behaviors, due to its direct connection to the sea. It’s also every conservationist’s dream –- a river that seamlessly flows into a mountain and forest landscape forming a teeming habitat of biodiversity,” Jarque said. The 2,000-year old Ifugao Rice Terraces was recognized for its unparalleled part in Philippine history, environment, culture, engineering, and agro-ecosystem. It stood out as an enduring art form and scientific

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design built by hand and simple tools. “A distinctive monuments to the genius of our ancestors, the Rice Terraces has been declared as an endangered heritage, which all the more spurs our concern and support,” Jarque said. The historic town of Vigan has provided a wellpreserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflected the fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China and Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that could not be seen elsewhere in Asia. Vigan had the unique blend of Asian building design and European colonial architecture and planning, a well preserved concept of a European trading town in Asia. PNA

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Unusual tide rise, heavy ... (From page 5) walls and houses. Landslides, floods In Catanduanes, flooding and landslides spawned by continuous heavy rains have killed one and displaced some 13,474 families (69,607 people) living in 139 villages of 11 towns. The floods and landslides destroyed at least P32 million worth of property in Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San Andres, San Miguel Viga, and capital town Virac. District engineer Ignacio Odiaman said 93 landslides have made impassable the 314-kilometer Maharlika Highway at Genitligan, Baras and Villa Aurora, Gigmoto, including the Bagamanoc and Pandan road. Rising tides In Dumaguete City, reports said rising sea tide submerged homes in Barangay Tinago, sending several families to seek shelter at a nearby women’s center. In the whole of Negros Oriental province, some

710 families from Dumaguete City and the coastal towns of Dauin, San Jose, Amlan, Vallehermoso and Sibulan were affected by natural calamities. Vallehermoso recorded the most number of flood victims at 348 families in 15 barangays. Big waves crashed homes in barangays Tinaigan and Malaga in Bindoy town, forcing villagers to evacuate. The national highway in Malaga was partially damaged, and so was part of the national highway in Lalaan, San Jose. Reports said three houses in Ajong, Sibulan were washed away. Some 21 families in Mag-abo, Amlan and 17 families in Tapon Norte, San Jose, were affected. Negros Oriental officials said they have never experienced such stormy weather in the past years and the recent sudden tide rise was a cause for concern. Storm surge In La Union, officials of

Bright ...

(From page 24) and sun. The NASA said this is the 50th eclipse of Saros 131, a 70-eclipse family that began with 22 partial eclipses on Aug. 1, 1125. The first central eclipse was ‘total’ in the Northern Hemisphere in 1522. The series will produce 29 more annular eclipses, the last on June 18, 2243. Saros 131 ends on Sept. 2, 2369, after a string of seven partial eclipses. The second eclipse of 2009 will happen in July, and will be a total solar eclipse. This will outrank the annular kind for eclipse tourists; and if weather permits, the July eclipse will be more spectacular and visibly long. PNA the coastal town of Aringay reported that a strong storm surge from the Lingayen Gulf caused big waves that swept 93 houses away and sent some 93 families in Barangay Berlin-Alaska scampering to higher grounds. PNA

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RP inflation eases to 9.3% as fuel, power costs dip (From page 25) given consumers a muchdesired rate cut relief. Fuel rollbacks As of Jan. 13, reports from the Philippines News Agency showed major oil players Shell, Petron Corp. and Chevron Philippines applying a fresh 50-centavo-per-liter rollback in gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices; with another price cut in the coming weeks. Thailand-based PTT Philippines slashed the price of its petroleum products by P1 per liter. This was the first price rollback the oil companies made for the year. Prices of gasoline stood at P29 to P32 per liter, diesel at P27 to P32 per liter and kerosene at P36 to P41 per liter. P8 fuel price cut? But while this was so, industrialist Raul Concepcion, head of the Consumer and Oil Price Watch, said oil companies should return to consumers at least another P8 per liter for January. Concepcion said oil firms, as of Oct. 31, 2008, were “all even,” thus current pump prices should reflect world market prices. “We will accept that refiners Shell and Petron and importers Chevron, Total and Seaoil incurred losses until end-2008 because they hedged when prices of oil were high,” he said. But Concepcion noted that since prices dropped to as low as US$35 per barrel for December and delivery is expected in February, the oil companies should have bought their requirements for February from the futures market at US$35.35 to protect themselves from higher prices. “It is important that they hedge now because once Barack Obama sits as the 44th US President, confidence goes back to the global economy which will trigger oil prices to go up,” he said. LPG shortage Meanwhile, liquefied petroluem gas (LPG) major suppliers Liquigas, Shell and Petron have assured the S A G O T

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supply of LPG would normalize near the end of January, when shipments arrive. Most Filipino households use LPG for cooking. LPG shortages were reported in Metro Manila and elsewhere in the nation. Power rates In Metro Manila, residential customers of power retailer Manila Electric Company (Meralco) would likely see their January bills lesser by as much as P18.80. Meralco officials said power rates were reduced by 7.9 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in January, as a result of low prices in the wholesale electricity spot market and the use of banked gas by plants of First Gas. In December, Meralco slashed its generation charge by 45 centavos per kWh due to the use of banked gas by First Gas for its two power plants in Sta. Rita and San Lorenzo. Water rates on hold Water rate hikes, on the other hand, would have to wait until February as water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad are awaiting the decision of the Metropolitan Waterworks and

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STURDY FILIPINOS IN HARD AND TOUGH TIMES. Many Filipino families, like the scavenger couple above, are so used to being poor and eking out a life a day at a time. They no longer care about anything else but food on their laps and a place to lay their tired bodies on. Pushing the cart to get somewhere and turning their backs on the rosy image of the economy state officials and politicians paint have kept them moving on.

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Sewerage System to grant them the extension of their concession contract. Maynilad is also awaiting the approval of its business plan after undergoing its own rate rebasing exercise last year. The new rate adjustment for Manila Water was set to start this January based on the company’s approved business plan for 2008 to 2012. Rice price to rise Relatedly, officials assured a stable supply of rice until mid-2009, but said the price of the staple would slightly rise due to the effects of the global financial crisis. The National Food Authority said it had an inventory of some 940,000 metric tons of rice, even as they have started estimating how much would be imported for food security purposes. The agency had been selling subsidized rice for P25 per kilo; but giving it at P18.25 per kilo to poor

families with access cards and those included in rice allocation ledgers. 4% growth in ‘09 Amid all these developments, investment house First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) predicted that the Philippine economy would grow by four percent in 2009, notwithstanding the global financial crisis. FMIC chairman Francisco Sebastian said the economic slowdown has tamed inflation, dragging interest rates with it and giving the economy the much needed boost to weather the effects of the crisis. Sebastian said this would help the Philippine economy to post a modest growth of an average of 4 percent for 2009. He also forecast the peso-US dollar exchange rate to hover between P46 to P52; the national deficit under a manageable level; and the financial market to remain under continuous volatility but would open

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new opportunities. Vulnerable But Dennis Arroyo, director of NEDA’s National Planning and Policy Staff, said there were sectors vulnerable to the global crisis. These sectors included export-oriented industries; personal consumption expenditures and private investments; overseas Filipino workers (OFW) at risk to displacement; and jobs in commodity exports particularly garments, electronics, wiring and harness and coconut oil. Shock absorbers However, the Philippine economy could count on a number of crisis shock absorbers. These included easing oil prices and the inflation rate, ample supply of gross international reserves, positive balance of payments, strong OFW remittance

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inflows and the cut in corporate income tax from 35 percent in 2008 to 30 percent in 2009, Arroyo said. He said the government had laid out a labor sector action agenda for OFWs and crisis-hit workers and would continue carrying out programs that would protect and benefit the country’s poorest of the poor. He added the state would also accelerate spending for fast, simple, small-scale infrastructure projects that could create new jobs and would intensify the marketing of BPO services as cost-cutting solutions for US firms. Eric Le Borgne, World Bank senior economist for the Philippines, noted: “The country’s resilience is no accident: it is mostly due to the robust buffers deliberately built since the East Asian crisis.”

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

MONEY

Make TFSA transfers without the pain of tax gain By the Investors Group Financial Services Inc. By now, you probably know a lot about the Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) that came on line on January 2nd. And you may be wondering if it’s a good idea to transfer some of your existing non-registered assets into a TFSA to avoid future taxation on the investment income. Here’s your answer: Yes it is a good strategy – as long as you are aware of the tax implications. First, let’s review the benefits of a TFSA: It allows you to use your savings to invest in eligible investment vehicles and the capital gains and other investment income earned in your TFSA will not be taxed. ‘Eligible’ investments are generally the same as those allowed in an RRSP – mutual funds, publiclytraded securities, government bonds, GICs, and segregated funds. TFSA contributions must be included in income for tax purposes. But investment income, including capital gains,

earned in the TFSA will not be taxed, even when withdrawn. TFSA funds can be withdrawn at any time for any purpose. Withdrawn amounts can be put back into a TFSA without reducing contribution room. Unused TFSA contribution room can be carried forward to future years. Now let’s look at how to make tax-advantaged transfers. In most cases, you will be ‘selling’ an existing investment and re-investing the money in your TFSA. If you’re selling a GICtype investment, no problem – you’re moving from an investment with fully taxable income into a taxfree investment vehicle. However, if you are selling non-registered investments that produce capital gains or losses, factor in the tax consequences: If your non-registered investment is in a ‘gain’ position, making an ‘in-kind’ transfer directly into your TFSA will trigger a ‘disposition’ and you’ll pay tax in

the year of the transfer on 50 percent of the gains. If that investment is in a ‘loss’ position and you make an ‘in-kind’ disposition into your TFSA, you will lose the loss because the CRA will deem it to be ‘nil’. But … as long as you transfer the investment into another investment inside the TFSA you will trigger the loss and be able to use it against ‘gains’ made in the past three years, this year, or in the future. If you wish the TFSA to hold the original investment, you must wait at least 30 days before the TFSA purchases this investment to be able to use the loss. Tax planning and the effective use of TFSAs are essential parts of almost any financial plan. Your professional advisor can help make sure your total plan is greater than the sum of its parts. (Related story on page 4)

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Flaherty unwraps package of tax relief measures for ... (From page 4) workers from full-time work. The 2007 Budget amended the income tax rules to permit an employee to receive pension benefits from a Registered Pension Plan and simultaneously accrue further benefits, with certain constraints. ► Effective the 2008 taxation year, proposed changes to the Income Tax Act increased the number of Canadian amateur athletes eligible to defer income tax on income from endorsements, prizes and other remuneration related to their athletic endeavors.

► Being phased in from March 19, 2007 to Jan. 1, 2011 were meal expenses for truck drivers. This raised the deductible portion of the cost of food and beverages taken by long-haul truck drivers to 80 percent from 50 percent over five years. Business Income ► On Jan. 1, 2008, the general corporate income tax rate was reduced from 22.12 percent (including the corporate surtax) to 19.5 percent. The tax rate further went down to 19 percent effective Jan. 1, 2009. On Jan. 1, 2010, it would

dip to 18 percent; on Jan. 1, 2011 to 16.5 percent; and on Jan. 1, 2012 to 15 percent. ► Since Jan. 1, 2008, the small business tax rate was reduced from 13.12 percent (including the corporate surtax) to 11 percent. ► Since Feb. 26, 2008, improvements were made on the Capital Cost Allowance (CCA), a deduction for tax purposes that recognized the depreciation of capital property. ► Since 2007, manufacturing and processing businesses were allowed to

Shaklee Corp. introduces revolutionary breakthrough going beyond resveratrol Most Americans have heard that drinking a glass of red wine can be healthy but are unaware of why exactly this is true. In 2006, researchers at the Harvard Medical School and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) reported that a natural substance found in red wine, known as resveratrol, can potentially offset the negative effects of a high-calorie diet and significantly extend lifespan in mice. After the largest research project in its 52-year history, Shaklee Corporation, the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S., is introducing Vivix™ Cellular Anti-Aging Tonic, the first all-natural dietary supplement that combines resveratrol with a patentpending plant extract to combat cellular aging. “Shaklee is proud of this breakthrough innovation of Vivix,” said Dr. Jamie McManus, Shaklee’s chair of Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education. “Our team has invested years of research to locate and isolate a unique blend of potent plant phytochemicals which when combined with resveratrol have been shown in laboratory studies to positively impact four key mechanisms of cellular aging by protecting and repairing cellular DNA, positively impacting genetic

regulators, promoting cellu-lar energy production and Vivix ingredients are 10 times more powerful than resveratrol alone at slowing AGE protein formation.” Vivix™ is made with the purest and most potent natural resveratrol available and contains a unique profile of polyphenols which have been shown to address mechanisms of cellular aging in several laboratory tests. Vivix ingredients combat these key mechanisms by; repairing cellular DNA, positively impacting genetic regulators to help turn down aging, and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis to increase power production within cells. Published in Nature, the Harvard Medical School and NIA report suggests that resveratrol could help offset some of the negative impacts of a high-calorie diet in mice. Researchers found that resveratrol extended the lifespan of mice and appeared to blunt some of the effects of aging. “This product goes far beyond resveratrol in the fight against cellular aging, says Shaklee product distributor, Mila Magno. A 30-day supply delivers the equivalent amount of resveratrol found in 3,000 glasses of red wine and has actually been shown in laboratory studies to be ten times more powerful than resveratrol alone at slowing one of the key mechanisms of

cellular aging. The recommended serving of Vivix is one teaspoon a day, taken preferably with breakfast or lunch. Vivix is all natural without artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors or added preservatives and is exclusively available through Shaklee Independent Distributors. For more information please visit www.milamagno.com or call/text 647-272-7259. (Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.) *** For 50 years, Shaklee has been a leading provider of premium quality, natural nutrition, and personal care products, environmentallyfriendly household products, and state-of-the-art air and water treatment systems. In 2000, Shaklee became the first company in the world to be Climate Neutral™ certified to totally offset its CO2 emissions, resulting in a net zero impact on the environment. With a robust product portfolio, including over 50 patents and patents pending worldwide, Shaklee has more than 750,000 members and distributors worldwide and operates in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and China. ADVERTORIAL

write off capital investments in machinery and equipment using a special two-year 50percent straight-line CCA rate for eligible assets acquired between March 19, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2009. In 2010 and 2011, an accelerated CCA would be given on a declining basis. ► Since Feb. 26, 2008, measures were made to expand eligibility for accelerated CCA for clean energy generation. Added were applications involving ground source heat pumps and energy-from-waste. ► On April 1, 2008, the temporary Mineral Exploration Tax Credit was extended for investors in flowthrough shares to March 31, 2009. The “look-back” rule would allow funds raised with the benefit of the credit to support exploration spending until the end of 2010. ► Since Feb. 26, 2008, the availability and accessibility of the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program were enhanced for small and medium-sized businesses. ► The Budget 2006 has extended the carry-forward period for unused ITCs to 20 years from 10 years, applicable to ITCs earned in taxation years that ended after 2005. The carry-forward period was extended to meet the likelihood that firms would be able to apply ITCs against future tax liabilities. In early 2008, the 20year carry-forward period was further extended to unused ITCs earned in the 1998 to 2005 taxation years. The change was seen to facilitate a smooth transition to the new single corporate tax administration in Ontario, starting in the 2009 taxation year. ► Since Jan. 1, 2008,

Threatened with layoff?

Be pro-active SAN DIEGO, CA - During these times of economic difficulties, employees under threat of layoffs must be pro-active. The following are suggestions to keep those who are under such threat: ► Always keep your eyes and ears open at your current place of employment to determine if layoffs are imminent. Take care of the career basics right away by having an updated resume, cover letter, and references ready for immediate use. If unsure about the current style of resumes or how to properly market your qualifications, you might benefit by investing in assistance from a professional resume writer. ► Be pro-active instead of reactive. Start searching for positions inside and outside your current industry now. Visit major or niche job boards to ascertain what types of positions are available and determine if your qualifications meet the requirements of those positions. If any of the positions look promising, apply for them. Network before a potential job loss. Developing a network of professionals who can help with the job search is best done while still employed. Consider investing in interview career coaching. Many job seekers have been with companies for several years and have not had to interview outside their current employer’s walls. The method employers use to evaluate external candidates has changed dramatically. If you are in an industry where the jobs will not return for a long time, you may need career coaching to determine a new career path. The Career News

Job mart outlook varies ...

(From page 9) Other career path strategies for 2009 included: ► Pursuing additional job training or skill development, which 40 percent of respondents said they would more likely consider; ► A job change for 23 percent; and ► Taking an additional job or considering part-time work for 23 percent.

Albertans were more likely than other Canadians to manage their financial concerns by considering a second or part-time job. More than a third or 34 percent of Alberta respondents said they were likely to look for additional work, compared to the national average of 23 percent. From a CNW report

the withholding tax on interest paid to arm’s length non-residents was eliminated. ► Began in 2008 and in keeping with the fifth Protocol to the Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty, the withholding tax on interest payments from Canada to non-arm’s length U.S. lenders is being phased-out over a threeyear period and completely

eliminated in 2010. The rate was reduced from 10 percent to 7 percent on Jan. 1, 2008; and further 4 percent as of Jan. 1, 2009. Flaherty admitted that the Canadian economy had been facing challenges, “but the government has a plan, and we will come out of this stronger than ever.” Finance Ministry PR

MONEY UK seeks Filipino healthcare pros MANILA - Despite the global financial crisis and fears of recession, Filipino professionals continued to be very much welcome in the United Kingdom (UK). British Ambassador to Manila Peter Beckingham said overseas Filipinos

BI new visa policy to attract foreign capital MANILA - Lito Soriano, executive director of the Federated Association of Manpower Exporters (FAME), has noted the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) move to attract external investments with an offer of a permanent resident visa for a foreigner who hire 10 Filipinos in the country. “This move gives hope that the government is serious in bringing in foreign capital to create more jobs,” Soriano said, adding that his group would like to see more of this concrete action from the state. He said FAME has written to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, suggesting that the BI new visa offer to foreigners who put up shop in the country and employ locals should also cover foreign principals who hire Filipinos. Soriano said the BI seemed to have broken off from its traditional role of just being law enforcers to being an instrument in economic growth. “The BI moves are not exactly new. Many countries friendly to foreign investors have these programs,” he added. PNA

workers (OFW) have been valuably contributing to the UK labor force, as they have a reputation for providing quality work in their respective fields. Beckingham noted the ability of Filipinos to speak English, an edge over some European Union migrants seeking work in the UK. The number of OFWs in the UK has reached some 200,000, most of them hired in the healthcare industry

as nurses, caregivers and chefs. The British Borders and Immigration Agency has bared its latest national occupation shortages list that sought for engineers, doctors, nurses and teachers. Filipino healthcare professionals and other skilled workers are urged to apply for work permits and fill up the large number of vacant National Health Service positions. PNA

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AT THE HOMEFRONT, hardworking Filipinos - such as those in a garment factory in photo - hold on to their jobs, which they pray will hold on to them for long.

Contract ban on joining labor unions abroad scrapped MANILA - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has scrapped from the Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) model employment contract the prohibition for Filipino migrants to join labor unions. The department would fully implement the move next year. The prohibition was adopted in 1975 when the Iranian government under the Shah declared joining or forming trade unions illegal in the Gulf country. Since then, the rule has been followed by other Gulf countries and was stipulated in the OFW’s contract. DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque, however, said

that despite the erasure of the prohibition, OFWs would have to follow the laws of their destination country. Meanwhile, Senator Manny Villar said the DOLE’s resolve was a big step for the improvement of OFWs’ conditions while working abroad. “Many OFWs end up in distress because they have been denied the right to organize themselves and negotiate for better terms of employment,” Villar said. He also asked diplomatic and labor officials abroad to work for the lifting of the same ban in countries where there is a big concentration of OFWs. PNA

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State braces for OFW job losses in Q1 ‘09 Labor and employment officials are bracing themselves for an impending 2009 first quarter storm in terms of potential job cuts abroad. In Taiwan alone, over 6,000 workers had to fly home before the holidays after the manufacturing plants they worked for was lamed by the global financial crisis. The same was noted in other parts of the world where big-ticket projects were cancelled; where hiring foreign workers was stopped; and where factories either closed shop or downsized operations. DOLE reports noted that in recent days, more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have returned, nursing lost jobs. And state officials are aware that unless immediate action is done about the dire situation, these OFWs and those in the homeland might as well mull over a bleak and uncertain social and economic future, even as remittance-dependent national coffers are expected to face a big dive. Situation normal, but ... An INQUIRER.net report quoted Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Carmelita Dimzon as saying that the agency has continued monitoring 24/7 the overseas labor situation. “The situation is not yet alarming. The figures are still normal. Filipinos are still being deployed every day,” Dimzon said. Records of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed that some 3,000 OFWs leave daily for work abroad.

“But the figures from the first quarter of next year would be telling ... we need to put safety nets in place,” she said. Returning jobless OFWs might need to undergo “retooling” for new jobs needed abroad, and among those who might need “aggressive training” are Filipino seafarers so that they could fill the many and still vacant positions for officers, she added. Frantic search for jobs Meanwhile, the government has begun its frantic search for a million jobs, albeit temporary, in the first six months of 2009. The job creation tickler was agreed upon during a Cabinet meeting in Iligan City on Jan. 6. It aimed to step up livelihood and emergency programs to lessen the impact of the global economic meltdown on Filipinos, especially the poorest of the poor. National Anti-Poverty Commission chair Domingo Panganiban said the Outof-school Youth Serving Towards Economic Recovery project, an emergency employment program, is expected to churn out 700,000 new jobs that included hollow blocks making and road maintenance. Various other livelihood projects, most of them in the implementation stages, are expected to generate some 150,000 jobs, Panganiban said. He added that a special program for OFWs who lost their jobs as a result of the economic meltdown, is being mapped out. With PNA, OPS and other wire services

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

Rising concern over celebrity worship among young Filipinos (From page 8) sing. As they raked in money, they also succeeded in changing lifestyles. We saw generations that suddenly could not stand the silence of the farmlands so they brought out the transistor radio. Our fathers could not begin the day without the customary cigarette, coffee and newspaper. Our own generation lived around the TV clock, and were told by our bodies that when the noontime variety came on, it was time for lunch. When the early primetime news started broadcast, it was time for supper. After the last soap or drama at night, it was time for bed. And Saturday and Sunday mornings meant cartoons. Today’s generation is several notches higher in media usage. There seems to be no blur between how they use media and how they act out media lives. Simple fascination by media in the past has been replaced by more actualization through media today. Notice how more toddlers are becoming afraid of the sight of Santa Claus but

will bravely handle the more frightful Pokemon or Transformer toys. And how their childhood fears are brought to life by gothic films and horror TV series. Much has been written and said about the obvious effect of media violence and sex on the youth. There is little discussion on celebrity worship, a usually ignored prong in the convoluted media mess. It could be that parents find our youth’s infatuation with pop stars as mere puppy love, a cute and harmless learning stage before their kids graduate to more serious romantic involvements. After all, isn’t childhood mostly drill for life’s future challenges? We play house and let’s pretend. We get drafted into competitive sports to understand the nature of life’s intramurals. We are hurled into campus politics as early practice for one of adult life’s inane addictions and afflictions. But media stokes its own fires, having discovered from the times of the carnivals and circuses, of Rudolf Valentino and WC Fields, and of Atang dela Rama and Susan Roces that celebrity

worship fattened producers’ purses. The more gullible and unquestioning an audience is, and to this category belong our vulnerable children and a vast mass of youth, the more money can be made. This is not to say that media producers are an unconscionable lot. They are simply astute businessmen. Media is, by and large, a business enterprise. Otherwise, why bother with ratings and advertising if the bottom line was not pegged to currency? And so to fuel the passion further, we have toys galore to accompany film debuts. Comicbooks and noveletas move only if there is something popsy or ticklish on the cover. The best selling school notebooks feature today’s hottest teen stars. (Would a Filipino twelve year old buy a Sterling notebook with German Moreno on the cover?) Will a horror movie attract minus the love angle featuring well-brushed, clear-skinned, teeny boppers caught in an adventure? Will a TV show run longer than a season if the pop element was not factored

in? We have noticed what makes a town fiesta a bigger crowd drawer. Certainly it is not the mayor’s speech or the presentation of plaques to the town’s seniors. We have seen how national politicians win elections handily and why there is a beeline to Pacquiao even if his name stinks in local polls. And worse, why celebrities emerge in political campaigns even without a decent platform to speak of. We wonder if toothpaste and shampoo will sell if they were endorsed by some girl from Arayat who did not have a familiar name or airbrushed face. Celebrity addiction also afflicts the adult these days, we notice. The public school teacher, forced to compete for attention in a humdrum class, has to resort to showbiz gossip to enliven discussion. Eyes roll and dour faces become eager when teacher starts to recount last night’s installment of a popular soap. Newscasts, once the bastion of formality and seriousness, has taken a nonsense turn by purposely magnifying any bit of no-

news to sensational material: the romantic reason for a pop star’s zits or why so and so celebrity broke into tears after her victory in a relay game. It happens that anything mouthed or pushed by “celebrity gods” is instantly lapped up by adoring legions, all desiring to be an inch closer to their idols. That Belo, Calayan and their ilk are making oodles of money can in part be attributed to the almost prayer-like incantations made by hosts and guests during almost every live local program on TV. Down the age ladder, youth are aping the trends started by celeb teens: before it was only in the domain of health and beauty products; today it is anything from fleece jackets in the tropics to ski caps in the humid streets, Arabic headgear slung around necks to elephantine or low-waist pants and nose studs, tattoos and rap to hair rebonding expeditions to the parlor. On the other hand, there is a celebrity stalker in each of us, we admit. We faithfully follow celebrity lives. Once a mere novelty in newspapers, added to spice up the staid publication, the

entertainment section is now the most avidly read by all ages. Parties and family gatherings are frequently peppered with idle talk, much of it revolving around celebrity lives and scandals. There is no better business season for PR handlers and gossipmongers than today. (Sarah Palin, whose popularity was catapulted by media, now regrets not having spoken to media more.) Politicians are known to spin tales to keep afloat in people’s consciousness, the more ludicrous, the more mileage they enjoy. Expect such crooked media savviness to rear an even uglier head as we inch closer to elections. And media can’t seem to have enough, assigning even ridiculous incidents to late breaking news segments, as though our GNP depended on them. As we pretend to be a media-wise nation, by buying up every conceivable gadget available in the market because some celeb or fashionista was seen carrying it, we should recognize that all this celebrity hullabaloo inevitably trickles down to the child audience we are shaping as future responsible and smart adults.

ENTERTAINMENT

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PHILIPPINE ENTERTAINMENT PORTAL’S

2008 Showbiz Scene Stealers As we say goodbye to year 2008, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) takes a look at the personalities who made Philippine showbiz more colorful. Controversy is a staple in showbiz and the Year of the Rat never ran out of it. It was a year filled with joy as many artists basked in the glory of their chosen profession. It was likewise wracked with pain, as some of Philippine entertainment’s greats rejoined their Maker. Here are the people who mattered most in Philippine showbiz this year: MARIAN RIVERA (Controversy Magnet): Whatever Marian Rivera says or does surely elicits people’s reaction - positive or negative - simply because she is the hottest star in showbiz today. Proof is the page views and comments that articles about Marian get in PEP. In our list of 100 Most Viewed articles, more than 10 are stories about Marian. Marian made the headlines this year for several reasons: a video of her confrontation with a fan; admit-

By ERWIN SANTIAGO

MARIAN RIVERA and DINGDONG DANTES ting that she is a “jologs”; pregnancy rumor; and her crying over Karylle’s “mysterious smile.” This year can be also considered a banner year for Marian’s showbiz career. She continued to reign supreme in primetime television, thanks to Marimar and Dyesebel. She was also able to do four movies this year: My Best Friend’s Girlfriend, One True Love, Despera-

das 2, and Shake, Rattle & Roll X. Todate, she has 24 endorsements tucked under her belt. DINGDONG DANTES (Sexiest Man): Marian Rivera’s screen partner Dingdong Dantes had his share of shining moments this year. Dingdong established himself as one of the most sought-after young actors in the industry. After taking a risk by shedding off

his wholesome image and his clothes, he captured the public’s wild imagination. When he first appeared in the Bench denim and underwear fashion show in July 2008, Dingdong drew the loudest cheers and applause from the audience. Unknown to Dingdong, it was the start of better things to come. Later this year, Dingdong ranked No. 3 in E! Television’s list of Top 25 Sexiest Men of the World, behind UK soccer superstar David Beckham and Argentinian actor Michael Gurfi. He became the first Filipino to be included in the Sexiest List of E! and the highestranked Asian this year. His recent breakup with singer-actress Karylle was the one of the hottest issues in showbiz this year, of course. The breakup ignited several other issues including his rumored romance with Marian and the rift between Marian and Karylle. All these made Dingdong the hottest male star in 2008. GABBY CONCEPCION (Comeback Kid): Probably the biggest come-

back in the history of Philippine showbiz is that of Gabby Concepcion. After staying away from the limelight for 13 years, Gabby, who was one of the top matinee idols in the ‘80s, arrived on March 30, 2008. Gabby’s return elicited various reactions, but people, especially his fans, were excited to see him once again. However, his homecoming did not turn out the way he wanted it to be. Although he got a very lucrative deal with ABSCBN and Star Cinema, it created an issue with GMA Films, with which he signed a contract when he was still in the United States. He also had to face all the legal cases that he left before he flew to the U.S. Two additional cases were filed against him; one by showbiz writer Jobert Sucaldito and another one by his new manager, Rose Flaminiano. Gabby is back in the U.S., probably thinking hard about returning to the Philippines. MANNY PACQUIAO (Boxing Champ): The Philippine’s pride Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has proven

GABBY CONCEPCION

MANNY PACQUIAO that he is the best poundfor-pound boxer in the world. This year alone, he won three matches in three different weight divisions: superfeatherweight, lightweight, and welterweight. After Pacquiao’s splitdecision victory in his rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15, 2008, he became the first Filipino to win three world titles in three weight divisions: WBC flyweight champion, IBF super bantamweight, and WBC super featherweight. (To page 36)

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2008 Showbiz Scene ... (From page 35) Pacquiao moved to lightweight to fight against David Diaz, who he knocked out in the ninth round during their match on June 28, 2008. Then, on Dec. 6, 2008 (U.S. time), Pacquiao made boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya surrender after the 8th round during their non-title Dream Match. All three boxers Pacquiao defeated in 2008 are Mexicans; thus fortifying his reputation as the Mexican Executioner. MARKY CIELO (Too Young To Die): Marky’s death literally stole the spotlight from Manny Pacquiao’s historic win on Dec. 7 (Philippine time). The showbiz industry was in total shock when news broke out that 20year-old actor Marky Cielo, the first and only StarStruck Ultimate Sole Survivor, was found dead in his room in Antipolo City. Marky’s sudden death was deeply mourned by his family, friends, co-workers, and fans. Marky’s clean record in showbiz, an exception rather than the rule, made him an inspiration to many. Marky was always proud of his Igorot roots in Bauko, Mountain Province, where he was buried. The cause of Marky’s death remains a mystery. There were talks that he died in his sleep, that he committed suicide, some even say that there was foul play. But most people would rather not talk about it and give Marky the peace

he deserves. RUDY FERNANDEZ (Goodbye, Daboy): The whole movie industry mourned the death of action superstar Rudy Fernandez on June 7, 2008, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. During his entire ordeal, Daboy’s wife, actress Lorna Tolentino, never left his side. It was also during this time that Daboy became closer to his family and bosom friends Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and Philip Salvador. Three months before his demise, Daboy celebrated his 56th birthday (March 3), with almost all of his closest friends in the industry.

RUDY FERNANDEZ In a speech delivered with his typical fighting spirit, he said: “I’ll see you again next year, same time ... I’m sure magkikita pa rin tayo. Hang on, huwag kayong malulungkot, I’m not going to die.” KC CONCEPCION (The Megadaughter): The daughter of Gabby Concepcion and his ex-wife Sharon Cuneta decided to follow in

ARNEL PINEDA, Journeyman At the Toronto leg of Journey’s 2008 international concert tour, a fan told fellow journalist Tenny Soriano: “Amazing how so many Filipinos love western music.” Soriano replied: “Besides the good music, we are here because that guy singing the lead for Journey is a Filipino! He made us proud.” Amazing indeed was the journey of ARNEL PINEDA, who literally sacrificed a lot and rose from humble beginnings as a barroom musician to become the world-class vocalist for the renowned Journey band that has just completed a successful world tour. Pineda placed the Philippines in the global entertainment map. For that, the Manila Media Monitor, as a rejoinder, has selected ARNEL PINEDA as its Filipino Artist of 2008.

CHARICE PEMPENGCO in one of her international appearances

KC CONCEPCION (above) JENNYLYN MERCADO (right) her parents’ footsteps and plunged into showbiz. After finishing her studies in Paris, KC formally entered her parents’ world by signing a deal with ABSCBN. As her baptism of fire, she was given a special episode in the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya. Later, she starred in the monthlong drama I Am KC. This year also saw her birth as a movie actress when she was paired with Richard Gutierrez in Star Cinema’s For The First Time. A follow-up movie is in the works, also with Richard but this time under GMA Films. She has recorded her debut album under SonyBMG and appeared in the musical Katy. KC was chosen by the World Food Program of the United Nations to be the National Ambassador Against Hunger. JENNYLYN MERCADO (Young Mother): Year 2008 was a roller-coaster ride for young actress Jennylyn Mercado. The first big story of the year was Jennylyn’s pregnancy, courtesy of boyfriend Patrick Garcia. But after just a few weeks, the couple ended their relationship bitterly. Jennylyn gave birth to Alex Jazz Mercado on Aug. 16, 2008. Three days after, her adoptive father Roger Mercado passed away. Until this day, Patrick has yet to see his son and Jennylyn has no plan to give him that privilege. Jennylyn made a comeback via a two-part episode in the weekly drama anthology Dear Friend, opposite screen partner and ex-boyfriend Mark Herras. She is also in the cast of OctoArts Films’ One Night Only, an entry in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival. She will next be seen in the GMA-7 sine novela Paano Ba Ang Mangarap? again with Mark Herras. NADIA MONTENE-

GRO (Newsmaker): Nadia Montenegro may not be active in showbiz anymore, but she never ran out of issues that became topics in showbiz talk shows. Nadia figured in hot verbal tussles this year with three women: Gretchen Barretto, Rose Flaminiano and Cristy Fermin. Nadia was accused by Gretchen as the one spreading rumors about her alleged affair with Dody Puno. Nadia was called by Mrs. Flaminiano as the “sulsoltant” of Gabby Concepcion. And finally, Cristy revealed that Nadia allegedly had a daughter out of wedlock. Nadia’s rift with these women remains unresolved, although Gretchen has expressed willingness to settle things with Nadia soon. ROSE FLAMINIANO (Manager): Former FLT Films producer Rose Flaminiano surprised everyone when she was able to convince Gabby Concepcion to return to the Philippines after 13 years in the U.S. It was Flaminiano who initiated a multimillion-peso deal with ABS-CBN for Gabby, which even his former manager Lolit Solis admitted she would not be able to do. But the partnership between Flaminiano and Gabby turned out to be shortlived. Gabby complained of “commission and omission, lack of transparency, and mismanagement of financial and employment concerns.” Gabby wanted to end his contract but Flaminiano would not allow it. Flaminiano also had a verbal feud with Nadia Montenegro, who she accused of being the “sulsoltant” of Gabby, making the actor suddenly turn his back on Rose. Later in the year, entertainment columnist Aster Amoyo and actresses Ara Mina, Aubrey Miles, and Maui Taylor filed a complaint against Flaminiano for a housing loan in PagIBIG Fund. They never

used the loan, they claimed, yet earned a bad record at the agency. ERASERHEADS (Concert of the Year): Music aficionados would remember Aug. 30, 2008 as one of the most historic moments in Philippine music. The ‘90s Pinoy rock band Eraserheads reunited for a one-night concert at the Fort Open Field, Taguig City, before an eager audience of about 40,000. Many thought that an Eraserheads reunion concert would not be possible, since band members Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro had a falling out before their disbandment in 2002. But, by some miracle, the four agreed to do the reunion concert. But the concert was cut short when Ely had to be rushed to the hospital after complaining of chest pains due to emotional and physical stress. His mother had passed away a few days before the concert. Although the concert ended abruptly, it paved the way for the Eraserheads members to reconnect and renew their friendship. CHARICE PEMPENGCO (International Singing Sensation): Teen singer Charice Pempengco conquered the international music scene in 2008 with her exceptionally powerful voice. After being discovered in YouTube and personally invited by Ellen Degeneres to perform on her show, Charice appeared in international TV shows (The Paul O’Grady Show and Oprah) and performed with some of the world’s best singers like Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, David Foster, and the Jonas Brothers. Oprah Winfrey called Charice “the most talented girl in the world.” Charice has performed in the USA, Canada, Italy and the Netherlands.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Villahermosa shares art with children, youth “There is nothing more gratifying than experiencing the innocent smiles, the sheer joy and the incredible pride the children radiate while they express themselves so honestly through their art.” These, Tiffany Joy Villahermosa says as she shares the rewards of her work with the Arts for Children and Youth (AFCY). AFCY provides unique, hands-on arts programs for the young from under-served groups through inner-city schools, community centers, hospitals and Toronto Community Housing units. Villahermosa has led an art program My Identity Memory Box Project at the O’Connor Community Centre in Toronto, wherein the children paint their own memory boxes, with images on the interior and exterior, symbolizing what makes them who they are. They visually express cultural traditions, favorite things, accomplishments and symbols of those who are most valuable to them. Villahermosa believes “the more we share, the more we understand one another, therefore building a respectful relationship, which I feel is so crucial in our culturally rich and diverse community. The wonderful dialogue of shared expressions has reinforced their selfconfidence,” she adds. Last year, Villahermosa

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Philippine Choral Society of Mississauga in concert

The junior and senior divisions of the Philippine Choral Society of Mississauga (PCSM) jointly render a Christmas song number during what was said as probably the last PCSM public performance held at the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) in Mississauga on December 13. Ching Quejas, president of the KCCC, said proceeds of the show was for the benefit of the many needs of the KCCC in its operation. The PCSM is one pride of the Filipino community and acts as the Filipinos’ ambassadors of goodwill before other cultures. PCSM’s musical director is Imelda Papa. Manila Media Monitor/Front Page Philippines Photo

VILLAHERMOSA showcased her new series of acrylic paintings at The Artisans at the Distillery show; in the design series Words That Come Alive! Tiffany also commits her time working for Visual Arts Ontario, Canada’s largest and most active association of working artists and arts professionals. Villahermosa says that “a career in the arts certainly has its own challenges and I find it rewarding to help other artists through their own creative journeys.” PR

YSTILLO, INC.

EXTREME HEARTTHROBS PROMO! 2009 Heartthrobs Concert artists Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo and Pokwang are performing in Toronto’s Massey Hall on April 11. The artists will perform at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia on April 9. Buy your tickets for the Toronto concert and you will are automatically entered to WIN A DATE WITH THE HEARTTHROBS IN VANCOUVER, giving you that rare chance to get up close and personal with two of the hottest male celebrities in the Philippines! VIP ticket holders have five chances of winning the grand prize; $115 and $108 ticket holders, four chances; $88 and $78 ticket holders, three chances; $58 ticket holders, two chances; and $38 ticket holders, one chance. The Grand Prize includes a round-trip ticket to Vancouver, a VIP ticket to the Heartthrobs concert, one night hotel stay, a spot to the exclusive sponsors-only lunch. The total prize is valued at over $1,000. The second prize is an Extreme PC package powered by Mabini Express Merchandise Direct and the third prize is an Ultimate TFCko Experience, a set-up box and six months free subscription. Get your ticket then go to www.ystillo.com to register the ticket number. All entries must be in by March 20 at 11:59 p.m. The draw will be made on March 21. The winner will be contacted by phone or e-mail. “This promotion is our way of saying thank you to our loyal concertgoers,” says Rose Ami, marketing director of concert sponsor Ystillo Inc. PR

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PAHALANG 19 1. Ika-7 araw 4. Abala 22 23 24 11. Lasa ng asin 27 28 13. Bulaklak pangkasal 14. Halamang butil 31 32 15. Sangsang 35 16. Unlapi ng pagpapahayag 18. Iyakin 38 19. Sawata 40 21. Apelyidong Intsik 22. Siyudad sa California 24. P____, kathang kuwento PABABA 26. 51 kay Caesar 1. Paniniwala 27. K____an, uri ng sayaw 2. Jai ____ 29. Tawag kay Ciriaco 3. Kaluban ng tari 31. Wari 5. Ngayon 33. ______n, angilan 6. Hayop-gubat 35. Rami 7. Bigkis 37. Payat na payat 8. Pagpapasikat 38. Tatak ng motorsiklo 9. Puri 39. Bilang 10. Tagapagtatag ng 40. Lugar sa kapisanan Muntinlupa 12. Sagisag ng pulis 41. Aspalto

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17. Baluktot ang likod 20. Galaw ng dagat 23. Hayup 25. Milyon 28. Panahon 30. Gitla 32. Taga-Gitnang Silangan, Ingles 34. Biyoleta 36. Salitang pang-gulat (Sagot sa PAHINA 32)

ADVERTISE with

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SEOUL DRIVING SCHOOL YELLOWBIRD 4862 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario

Talents of Studio Six Productions during thei Christmas party: (Sitting, from left) Arvin, Anjo, Josie, Loy, Mavic and Ailene; (2nd row) Randy, Pam, Ruth, Chat, John Paez, Mike, Jing, Tess and Zach; (3rd row) Mark, Kris, Todd, Rodney and Alvin. PR

Love Me Again (Land Down Under) premieres in Toronto The much-awaited first movie team-up of Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin, Love Me Again (Land Down Under) will have premier screenings in Toronto from Jan. 23 to Feb. 5 at the Scarborough Town Centre and in Mississauga from Feb. 6 to 12 at the Square One Empire Theatre. The Canadian screenings (including those in Winnipeg and Vancouver) are being handled by Ystillo Inc. The movie, directed by Rory B. Quintos and produced by Star Cinema, tells the story of a woman who goes to the Land Down Under for the sake of her family and her dreams, and the man who would go to the ends of the earth to follow her. After working for several years in Manila, Migo (Piolo Pascual) returns to Bukidnon, to its magnificent rolling hills and lush pasture lands, to reclaim the ranch that his family had lost after his father’s death. During the famous Kaamulan festival, Migo sees his first love, Arah (Angel Locsin), who also happens to be the beautiful and fearless rodeo queen of Bukidnon. He falls in love with her all over again and resolves to win back her heart. However, Arah is engaged to Brian Sullivan, an Australian rancher. Being the eldest daughter

(From left, clockwise) PIOLO PASCUAL, ANGEL LOCSIN, RORY QUINTOS of a poor cowboy, she feels compelled to accept this man’s offer of marriage in order to give her family a better life, no matter how much she still loves Migo. Arah leaves Bukidnon, along with a group of Pinoy cowboys who have been hired to work in the vast and lonely Australian ranch. Arah thinks it’s all over between her and her great love, but two years later,

Migo arrives in Australia to work as a cowboy and, more importantly, to reclaim his true love Arah. Can their love bloom again in the dry landscape of the Outback? Will Migo be able to reclaim the love he has lost, or will he learn to let her go and start anew? Catch the movie during its limited screening in Toronto. PR

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

See PIOLO PASCUAL, SAM MILBY, JOHN LLOYD CRUZ, BEA ALONZO, and POKWANG during the 2009 Heartthrobs Concert sponsored by Ystillo, Inc. at the Massey Hall in Toronto on Saturday, April 11 and WIN A CHANCE TO BE WITH YOUR FAVE STARS IN VANCOUVER. Details on page 37.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR JANUARY 2009

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