February 2009

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YEAR 12, No. 8 FEBRUARY 2009

INSIDE Ooops & Bloops Economy, media, atbp. -7

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

HOPE REIGNS

Toronto, Ontario

KCCC gets $25K grant

FOR CANCER-ILL CAREGIVER CELIA MANSIBANG By BUTCH DG. GALICIA

All gears up for Mabuhay FestFest- 12

Credit card gouging - 31 Dancing To Be A Star - 33

Oscar winners - 36

When live-in caregiver Celia Vinasoy Mansibang came to work in Canada in September, 2004, she had a string of wishes: physical, moral and spiritual strength; enough earnings; permanent residency and citizenship; and a happy reunion with husband William Mallillin and children Vincent and La Sandra on Canadian soil. Today, Celia hangs on to those wishes. Under entirely different circumstances, she hopes for: ► A Divine miracle to survive stomach cancer. Medical tests sadly said she had less than six months to live. ► Generous hands to help her pay some $17,000 in hospital bills. ► A change of heart by officials who blocked her application for permanent stay after knowing of Celia’s illness in January; though earlier, Celia was declared “Landed Immigrant by Principle”. Celia also lost her Ontario health insurance coverage. ► The presence of William, Vincent and La Sandra; her mother and sisters Eloisa, Chona and Michelle to have by her side and to hold and cherish for a lifetime. Teacher turned nanny Celia, 46, is a native of Isabela province in the Philippines. She used to be a teacher back home but dire economic straits made her decide to leave her family and work in Hong Kong as a

domestic for 12 years. Celia helped siblings Eloisa and Chona to get nanny jobs in Hong Kong. Eloisa later got into Canada through the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) and helped sisters

Chona and Michelle through the LCP. They, in turn, assisted Celia to join them. But before she got her Canadian working visa, Celia had to undergo nasopharyngal treatment, (To page 20)

MAMA CHING QUEJAS MISSISSAUGA - The Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) has received a $25,000 federal grant to fund the center’s Happy Seniors for a Happy Community project. Consolacion “Mama Ching” Quejas, KCCC president, said she expected seniors and the youth alike “will enjoy the project.” The grant, Quejas said, was given through the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program under its new focus, Community Participation and Leadership (To page 3)

Obama, Harper vow to work jointly on mutual issues OTTAWA - U.S. President Barack Obama and Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper have agreed to jointly work on efforts responsive to issues impacting on the mutual interests of both countries. The agreement was made in a meeting between Obama and Harper at Parliament Hill, during the former’s whirlwind working visit to Canada, Obama’s first foreign trip since being installed to the White House on Jan. 20. In remarks, Obama said: “I value our strategic part-

nership with Canada and look forward to working closely with the Prime Minister to address the global economic recession and create jobs, to protect our environment through promoting clean energy technologies, and achieve our shared goals in responding to international security challenges.” “The President and I agree that both our countries must take immediate action to restore economic growth by lowering taxes, ensuring access to credit and unleashing spending

that stimulates economic growth. We also agreed to strengthen our cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and global security,” Harper said. Economic growth Both world leaders discussed their respective economic recovery plans and their focus on saving and creating jobs. They also talked about common challenges they faced, including: ► The restructuring of the North American auto sector. (To page 4)

US President BARACK OBAMA & Canada Prime Minister STEPHEN HARPER

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

Overseas absentee voting listup ongoing Philippine Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera has called on compatriots to register under the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) law to be able to cast their ballots for the May 10, 2010 presidential elections. Mosquera said the listup resumed at the consulate at 161 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 800, downtown Toronto. The registration began on Feb. 1 and would go on until Aug. 31. OAV registrations are ongoing in Philippine diplomatic posts across Canada.

Mosquera s a i d O A V registrants should be Filipinos and MOSQUERA dual citizens, at least 18 years old on the day of the elections and not disqualified by law. They are allowed to vote for the President, Vice-President, 12 Senators and PartyList Representatives. Mosquera said the voting would be from April 10,

2010 until 3 p.m. (Philippine time) of May 10, 2010. He advised registrants to bring their Philippine passport when registering. Dual citizens have to present the original copy of their Oath of Allegiance and Order of Approval or Identification Certificate. Synchronization The Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to use its data capturing machines in about 40 diplomatic posts for OAV registration. The (To page 24)

news

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

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PCSM donations go to sick baby, KCCC

KCCC gets $15K grant (From page 1) Funding. The seniors’ project, which would run for a year, “will showcase their artistic and musical talents; highlight their skills, wisdom and experience; encourage values transfer through peer support, mentoring and inter-generational sharing.” Some of the activities included: ► Organizing a multidimensional musical play where seniors and the youth could celebrate music and the arts while contributing to the cultural development of the community; ► Conducting dialogues, seminars and workshops that promote meaningful learning

and social experience; that increase seniors’ knowledge and awareness of critical social issues that affect them; ► Going on seniors’ weekend get-aways where

they could share and learn about each other’s day to day lives and thus learn and develop coping skills while appreciating nature and working together and mentoring each other. PR

Five-year old Katarina Mangrobang, her parents and kin pose with Imelda Papa, Philippine Choral Society of Mississauga (PCSM) musical director, and PCSM members at a thanksgiving get-together for the $4,212.72 the choral group donated to help Katarina with her medical expenses. The amount was raised during PCSM’s concert Pamasko on Dec. 6, 2008. A second concert for the benefit of the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) raised $6,076.46. A plaque will be installed on the KCCC Donors’ Wall in appreciation of the donation. PR

Filipino trade expert to address CEMA

GERARDO

A Filipino Canadian expert in international business will speak before members of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) on March 5 at 6:45 p.m., at the Majestic Boardroom, OMNI Television, 545 Lakeshore Boulevard in Toronto. Forte Gerardo will talk about understanding traditions, core values and managing cross-cultural relations as imperative tools for

enhancing efficiency and human productivity. Gerardo is managing director of an Aurora, Ontario-based trading company that supplies the international market with specialty fine and security papers, among other innovative products. CEMA president Ace Alvarez said Gerardo’s talk

before CEMA members is aimed at improving the skills of the diverse business communities in Canada in the conduct of their businesses across the globe through their respective community print, radio, television and the internet composing this Canadian premier ethnic media organization. Alvarez said that to his

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recollection, this will be the first time that a Filipino Canadian will address the group. Gerardo, who was a UNESCO scholarship grantee in inter-cultural relations and UNCTAD trainee in trade promotion, has gained a full generation of experience in trade (To page 17)

4 Air traveller rights pushed

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

OTTAWA – New Democrat MP Jim Maloway (Elmwood-Transcona) has sought for the compensation of inconvenienced airline passengers under a bill of rights protecting travellers in Canada. The parliamentary bill provided compensation for overbooked flights, unreasonable tarmac delays, cancelled or delayed flights, late and misplaced luggage, and all-inclusive pricing by airline companies in their advertising. “The legislation is inspired by a European Union law, where over-bookings have dropped significantly,” said Maloway. “Air Canada is already operating under the European laws for their flights in Europe. Why should an Air Canada customer receive better treatment in Europe than in Canada?” he asked. The bill of rights would ensure that passengers are kept informed of flight changes, whether delays or cancellations. The new rules would be posted in the airport and airlines should inform passengers of their rights and the process to file for compensation. “The changes are not meant to punish the airlines,” said Maloway. “If the airlines follow the rules, they will not have to pay one dollar in compensation to travellers.” PR

news

Rumor on ‘temp hands’ is ... plain rumor, until ... Philippine Overseas Labor Officer Frank Luna has promised to look into rumors that caregivers recently admitted into Canada under the Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP) might lose their right to obtain permanent residency (PR) even after they complete the LCP. Luna, in a phone interview with the Manila Media Monitor on Feb. 20, said that while he got wind of the rumors, his office has not heard of or been informed about the matter from official Philippine and Canadian foreign affairs, immigration and labor sources. “Philippine consular officials would have been the first to know” anything

official related to Filipino workers and their status in Canada, Luna said. A source informed the Manila Media Monitor about the rumor, said to be circulating in nanny and activist groups. The source said passports of caregivers who arrived only this year were stamped with “temporary worker,” leading to speculations that they might not be granted PR status when they graduate from the LCP. There were also assumptions that the Philippine and Canadian governments might have sealed an agreement to the effect cited above, the source added. Luna said this assump-

tion was baseless and unfounded. The source said no solid evidence (passports, persons involved, official documents) was shown to support the allegations. Luna said the LCP had been there for years; and in recent time, Philippine officials and their counterparts in Canadian provinces have re-inforced the recruitment and employment of caregivers with a set of regulations protecting the nannies from abuse and exploitation. Newcomer numbers Earlier in Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said the government is considering a cut in the number of

economic recovery and reinvestment efforts. They discussed practical ways the U.S. and Canada could encourage the development of clean energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gases and combat climate change. They established a senior-level joint Clean Energy Dialogue that would cooperate on several critical energy science and technology issues, including the:

► Expansion of clean energy research and development. ► Development and deployment of clean energy technology. ► Building of more efficient electricity grid based on clean and renewable generation. Security Obama and Harper agreed on the importance of cooperating closely on a number of key international

priorities, with particular focus on Afghanistan. The leaders also agreed to work together closely in the Americas, including promoting effective discussion and meaningful results at the Summit of the Americas in April. U.S. and Canadian foreign and defense ministers would shortly meet in Washington to pursue dialogues on key security challenges. PM Office PR

Obama, Harper vow to ... (From page 1) ► Developing effective global responses to the economic crisis, through the G8 and G-20 processes. They said the G-20 Summit in April should contribute to restoring confidence in the financial markets. Both instructed senior officials to meet immediately to develop strategies enhancing “our collective security” in North America, including a review of the management of the Canada-

U.S. border. Climate change, energy Noting the long and productive history of bilateral co-operation on continental environmental protection and energy trade and technology, Obama and Harper agreed that environmental protection and the development of clean energy were inextricably linked. They announced plans to build a new energy economy as a key element of broader

newcomers allowed into the country, in view of rising domestic job losses. “We don’t want people to be coming to Canada and facing unemployment,” Kenney said. “We need to be sensitive to a changing labour market, and if we need to make changes, we will.” But for now, the government strives to maintain current immigration targets of up to 265,000 new permanent residents in 2009. He said regulations would be introduced in the spring to protect foreign workers left in a bind after being laid off from their jobs in Canada. Discussions only? Meanwhile, MP Jim Karygiannis (LP, Scarborough-Agincourt) promised to open avenues for further discussions on newcomer and caregiver issues when he met with community groups in Markham on Feb. 22. Karygiannis presented CIC statistics showing fewer immigrants being accepted as permanent residents and longer waiting periods in processing immigrant applications in the last few years. “The backlog is growing,” he said. The changes immigration introduced “are not for the better.”

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

news

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StatsCan: Job losses mount, psyche distress hits low-income families TORONTO - Some 129,000 Canadian jobs, mostly full-time, were lost in January. This pushed the unemployment rate to 7.2 percent from the past month’s 6.6 percent, surpassing any monthly decline during the economic crises of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Job losses since October, 2008 has reached some

70 Filipinos benefit from H4H mission BAGUIO CITY - Some 70 poor patients underwent free surgery at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center here, courtesy of Canadian doctors of Health for Humanity (H4H). On their second medical mission here, members of the H4H team - to include Cordillera-born nurse Shirley Pinlac Maas - had an average of seven surgeries daily from a week Jan. 29. Vancouver Hospital’s Dr. Peter Blair invited Filipino surgeons to train on microscopic surgery, which is among the latest technologies in the medical world.

213,000, a Statistics Canada (StatsCan) survey said. Ontario: hardest hit Ontario reeled from the most job cuts, at 71,000. This drop was Ontario’s largest in over 30 years. Large declines were seen in British Columbia, at 35,000, and Quebec, 26,000. Other provinces had negligible employment rate

changes. Male workers hurt At least 111,000 persons between 25 to 54 years old got the pink slip in January, nearly two-thirds of them male workers. The unemployment rate for core-age adults jumped to 6.2 percent, the highest since November 2004. Employment fell by 1.2 percent in the public sector.

The private sector declined by 0.9 percent. But the average hourly wages, year on year, was up 4.8 percent in January. Manufacturing down The manufacturing sector took the brunt with 101,000 job cuts in January, the largest monthly industry dip on record. Job declines were noted in several other industries.

DiverseCity, anti-bullying gain support Maytree and the Toronto City Summit Alliance said officials of over 100 private, non-profit and public groups vowed support to DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership project. Maytree president Rama Omidvar said the project hoped to name and help 1,000 new diverse leaders “move into positions of leadership and influence” in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the next three years. “Our city will benefit from the competitive advantage diverse leaders bring,” Omidvar said.

At least 44 percent of the GTA’s population is foreign born, surpassing immigrant proportions in Miami, Sydney, Los Angeles and New York. Despite the GTA’s multicultural strength, visible minorities are under-represented in its leadership. Anti-bullying The youth-initiated bullyingcanada.ca website has called on Parliament to take a stand against all forms of bullying and declare Dec. 17 as national Blue Day. The website - launched by Rob Frenette, 19, of Woodstock, New Brunswick and Katie Neu, 17 of

Kitchener - has been circulating petitions and has gathered over 5,000 signatures. Frenette said bullying has been a social problem for years. The response to petitions showed Canadians could act together on a single subject, added Neu. MP Mike Allen (Tobique-Mactaquac) said “while we still have schoolyard fights,” bullying has taken on various forms. “With the Internet and text messaging - can happen any time of the day no matter where a child is.” PR

However, gains were made in the health care and social assistance sectors, where hiring rose by 31,000. Psyche distress Meanwhile, A StatsCan study said members of lower-income households suffered from high psychological distress than those with better pays. The study, based on data

gathered from 1994 to 2007, noted the presence of stressors in the lives of lower-income individuals. The stressors included job strain, financial problems, personal stress, and problems with relationships, neighborhoods or children. Earlier research suggested that the poorer mental health of lower-income (To page 34)

Non-Canadian credentials

A ‘quick’ year’s wait OTTAWA - Foreigntrained workers applying for a license or to be listed to work in their profession are to be informed of a government decision within one year of the application. The decision would tell them if their qualifications are recognized. If not, they would be advised about other requirements for recognition or be directed to related occupations that could use their skills and experience. The first surge of such decisions would come in 2010, for a limited number of high priority jobs. Immigration Minister Diane Finley said the First Ministers’ Meeting agreed

to carry out a common framework to recognize foreign credentials by September 2009, with an interim report on progress by June 2009.” “We need to ensure newcomers can quickly integrate into the Canadian labor market,” Finley said. Studies showed that immigration would account for most of the labor force growth in Canada within the next 10 to 15 years, and all net population growth within the next 30 years. But qualifications of many newcomers are not recognized in Canada, hindering programs to attract skilled newcomers. PR

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

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Council oks plan to ban smoking in city playgrounds TORONTO - The city council has approved a plan to prohibit smoking at city playgrounds and other childcentered areas, thus amending provisions on parks under the Municipal Code. “Banning smoking in playgrounds ensures that children have healthy environments in which to play,” said Councillor Paula

Fletcher (Ward 30, TorontoDanforth), parks and environment committee chair. The proposed code changes would ban smoking and the holding of lighted tobacco in Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation (TPFR) zoos, farms and within a nine-meter radius of playground safety surfaces or playground equipment

in city parks, including wading pools and splash pads. Second-hand smoke is a Class A carcinogen linked to cancer, increased risk of heart disease and respiratory illness. Outdoor concentrations of second-hand smoke have been found to rival those of indoor second-hand smoke during periods of active

smoking (depending on the direction of the wind and the distance from the smoker). “There is simply no reason to subject children, who are in our parks getting fresh air and exercise, to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke,” said Dr. David McKeown, city medical officer. “This is also a good

Canadians turn to newspapers in times of crisis TORONTO - A new Ipsos-Reid poll said most Canadians relied on newspapers for trustworthy information in bad times. Forty percent of those surveyed said they relied more on newspapers during the political crisis in Ottawa, while almost a third (30 percent) said they turned more often to newspapers for analysis of the economic downturn. Only 15 percent of respondents said they did not read newspapers (print or online) at all. The findings were based on over 1,000 online interviews conducted in December for the Canadian Newspaper Association (CNA). “Clearly, newspapers remain the trusted medium of communication during

Members of the Candonians of Toronto enjoy reading the Manila Media Monitor. File Photo: JOE DAMASCO periods of change, such as we are experiencing today,” said John Hinds, president and CEO of CNA. The survey also asked Canadians how they responded to advertising during economic crises.

Over a quarter of respondents (26 percent) said they found themselves looking at newspapers and inserts for “discounts, bargains and sales” more often during hard economic times. Ipsos-Reid also found

that almost a third of Canadians (27 percent) - including a plurality of better-educated and wealthier respondents - were more likely to read newspapers when making decisions about personal finances. CNW

time to remind the public that children are influenced by the behavior of others around them, and we should all work to be healthy role models for the next generation,” McKeown said. The bylaw is expected to

be in effect in spring, after the Province of Ontario has approved the set fines to be imposed on violators. The TPFR would enforce the by-law, starting off with public awareness and education. PR

TPS set to implement anew Youth In Policing Initiative TORONTO - This summer, the Toronto Police Service, with the Toronto Police Services Board and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, will again employ youths for the Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI). Under YIPI, 100 youth between 14 and 17 years old will work with TPS elements in various educational yet productuive assignments from June 29 to Aug. 21. Applicants must be from one of the following neighborhoods: Malvern, Jane-Finch, Jamestown, Regent Park, Dorset Park, Steeles-L’Amoureaux, Weston-Mt. Dennis, Lawrence Heights, Flemingdon-Victoria Village, Crescent Town, Eglinton

East-Kennedy Park, Scarborough Village, Kingston- Galloway, South Parkdale, and Westminister-Branson. Recruitment for YIPI will end on Feb. 25. Applications may be made at the TPS headquarters, its 17 stations, community and youth resource centers. YIPI is intended to: ► Promote youth participation in and exposure to the police work environment; ► Enhance the link between the police and neighborhoods; ► Provide safe and positive job opportunities for youth during the summer months; and ► Promote TPS as an employer of choice. PR

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

VIEWS

ACE ALVAREZ

On the tight economy, media, atbp. Excerpt from a conversation between the beauteous Rowena – that pleasantly smiling front office lady at Dr. Evangeline Bernabe’s dental clinic on Overlea Boulevard and Front Page Philippines’ Gie Alvarez regarding the difficulty of individuals and organizations alike in trying to make both ends meet at this time of economic slump: Rowena: “… kaya nga maraming pasyente dito are trying to get an early appointment, before their insurance coverage ends.” Gie: “Dapat bunutin na la’ng lahat ang mga ngipin para wala nang problema sa future.” (Laughter …) *** A person in charge of the Marketing Department of several funeral homes in Toronto and area phoned Manila Media Monitor regarding her company’s efforts in marketing their services. At the time of her phone call, our conversation somehow also

touched on her advertising work background in the Philippines – and where some people whom she worked with were among my acquaintances, friends, or schoolmates. During the same conversation … (1) it wasn’t true that I asked her if death occurs rarely during this time of economic slump, hence, they are enhancing their marketing efforts during these tight economic times; (2) it was not true either that I suggested to her to take photos of all the dead just before the public viewing, so that she may compile them altogether to include in her portfolio, just like advertising creative people do. In the first place, this is already less expense in the creation of a portfolio, considering that those finished photos will no longer need frames, dahil may salamin na ang kuha ng photograph. *** A story appearing on February

15, 2009 in Marketing Daily stated that private broadcasters generated $2.1 billion in total revenue last year, and that the sale of local advertising generated $387.3 million in revenue, versus national advertising, which dropped to $1.47 billion from $1.52 billion in 2007. I’ll see you around, readers. I am retiring now. *** The president of the Association of FilipinoCanadian Accountants (AFCA), Egay Gonzales, e-mailed me on Monday, February 9, requesting to forward a press release for his organization to all Filipino publications. Obliging to the request, I sent out the press release with a note to my fellow publishers and/or the editors of the various Filipino print media as follows: “While I’ve vacated already my post, which I held for two consecutive terms, as Media Relations Officer for

the Philippine Chamber of Commerce -- Toronto (PCCT) during the organization’s last election, it might come to you as a surprise that I am sending you a press release this time from AFCA. “Nope, I haven’t taken the position from AFCA., hence, my good friend, Jess Carlos (who is the least of my idols among community organization PROs, and which I stress without offense intended to this good friend of mine), may continue to serve as AFCA PRO (if he doesn’t occupy the same anymore). *** News item in Marketing Daily of February 6: “Canwest Global Communications is exploring the sale of five conventional television stations across Canada just days after bankers pulled back the debt-laden company’s borrowing power.” To my good friend Deo Moreno and his growing M Studio facility in Mississauga: “Welcome to the bidding, buddy!” *** On February 4, Philippine Press Club-Ontario member Sherwin Sunico, who is in the audio-visual recording business, sent me an e-mail notice, among other recipeints, saying: “Check out the new 2009 Remix of Nasayang si Jenifer Camacho, remixed by Sherwin Sunico: http://www.youtube.

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com/watch?v=VneqbIlKRco. Oh wait a minute, readers, I apologize for my error in retyping the item. It actually read: “Check out the new 2009 Remix of Nasayang by Jenifer Camacho, remixed by Sherwin Sunico.” *** January 30, 2009 news item in Marketing Daily: “Internet usage in Canada continues to rise, a trend that will soon make the web the top medium for Canadians under 55, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada’s 2008 Media Usage Trend Study.” To our fellow print publishers: Please prepare for a shorter ad placement contract as we are left with advertisers over 55, hence, nearing their …. *** Another item in the same issue states, “Wine drinking up, gin down.” Calling the attention of PPCO prez Tenny Soriano. Man, we’ve not been counted! Please make representation on this with the “International Wine and Spirit Record” that they have not included beer in the study. *** Marketing Daily item of January 29: In response to what it calls “economic and market realities,” the CanadianAssociation of Broadcasters (CAB) lays off 14 people and cancelled a scheduled (To page 14)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

A month after Barack Obama was inaugurated to office, the fever continues on the assumption to office of the first African American president to lead the country -- reputed as the most powerful country in the world that the U.S. is, for at least the next four years. Even at the music industry’s Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 8, a rhythm and blues group, whose members collectively acted as award presentor exalted Obama on stage. As in all parts of the world, people look beyond with optimism on Obama’s government that in Toronto, people of various colors, creeds and cultures filled several buses and hit the road for the U.S. capital in time for the historic inaugural moment. Each of us could share the hope (along with the faith and charity -- the three great virtues that the New Testament calls for in Christians), that the world banks with Obama’s leadership. I myself shared the excitement watching the images on television during Obama’s inauguration, even empathizing with mostly the black Americans whom I saw shed a tear, or two, during the ceremonies. On this, the tears of joy of those black Americans were understandable if one thinks of what they probably personally went through the racial prejudices in the U.S. during their lifetime. Those images on television brought back memories in me when I first landed in Canada It is true, after all, what Pinoy TV networks insiders have been whispering to us the past few weeks. To face the likely damage that the “imagined” recession may inflict on the broadcasting industry, there will be some radical changes in programming. The recession is imagined because to our mind, we have been in this sorry state since the Marcos years. We have become inured to it that we do not give a hoot at all … not until the Americans started pumping thoughts of the Apocalypse into our minds. We have been coasting along famously with labor strikes, mass layoffs and shortages in water, energy, even moral ascendancy that to wake up one day finding ourselves rich and stable is a thought found only in fables. We are also told that it is not entirely the perceived economic crunch that has triggered this proactive move in local broadcasting but the palpable tremors from the smaller stations that have started to eat into the local audience pie. The broadcast firmament in the Philippines does not begin with ABS and end with GMA. There are myriad other players in free TV. Net 25’s programming is steadfastly improving with obvious support from a large and loyal Iglesia ni Kristo community. RJTV, once only a name to reckon on radio, is using 2nd

VIEWS From The Monitor’s Desk ACE ALVAREZ

Did media create this world economic downturn? some 18 years ago. Coming to Toronto with a broadcast media background, I started looking for work in this area. During my phone conversation that time in 1990 with the station manager of one very popular news and information radio station, he told me that he was always on the look for good people (and I knew I’m good at what I offer my services in) in his team, and for me to send in my resume. I did, after which, it was the last I heard from the station manager and the station itself. I knew it was my accent. But if this country even at that time was loudly proclaiming before the world its multiculturalism policy, why would accent be an issue? Narrating this experience during a Q & A after Terry Scott (Broadcast News/The Canadian Press) and Renato Zane (OMNI Television), who, at that time were president and treasurer, respectively, of the Radio and Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) talked

before the members of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association in 2004, Scott and Zane said that situation was slowly changing; and it could be as we continue to see and hear on-air talents from mainstream broadcast media as apparently coming from the minority groups in Canada. Even the Filipino Canadian community has a good share of its on-air talents in mainstream media – where the funny thing is that those networks and stations which were snobby before are now proclaiming on their station IDs their diversity and support for what Canada stands for. My friend, Macedonian television producer Bill Yancoff, told me twice during a conversation that after he completed his college program on radio and television, and thereafter joining a popular sports radio station in Toronto as an on-air reporter, he was asked to change his Macedonian name into an English-sounding one. Such was the mind then. I had several more experiences of what we, non-Caucasians, went

Roundabout MAG CRUZ-HATOL

Life back home with TV, prof. heckler, imagined recession Avenue to slowly ensnare the fickle AB audience; SBN is following suit and threatens to rise from the doldrums soon. UNTV has its hands tied with a religious group but has been noisy of late with its alternative programming that has a faithful, albeit small, following. For its part, RPN has started to climb back where it used to be after inking a strategic partnership with formidable blocktimer Solar Entertainment and rebranding itself as C/S (Crime/Suspense). Meanwhile, despite inside stories about disenchantment and mass resignations at the Shake Mo TV channel, ABC is providing ample competition to the giants. There must be truth that the unfair competition suit filed against them by a giant might actually be a knee-jerk reaction to ABC’s ascent in the ratings. ABC is now managed by a Malaysian group and people are crying foul as the move

breaks a constitutional provision disallowing foreign interests to own and control any broadcast or print medium. Where Studio 23, NBN and IBC figure in all this, we wonder. Like UNTV, IBC and NBN are shackled in their program offerings because of government whim and restrictions. Studio 23 was for a time a deadringer in the ratings but has of late become a quiet player. It insists it caters to the 13 to 30 age bracket, particularly the hoity-toity variety. And then to Professor Heckler. It is the name of an anonymous blogger who literally snatches the wit off the minds of helpless Filipino citizens who can only wince in pain each time some corrupt politician appears to go scot free. Recently, the invincible First Gentleman Mike Arroyo has allegedly been implicated in another nasty scheme, for the nth

through at one time, or another, hence, the emphathy to Obama’s leadership. But as Obama himself very well knows, he is the president for all the Americans and leader of the most powerful country in the world, and not just of the blacks. *** Like those with our local mainstream, national and international media counterparts, community newspaper advertising revenue is on the downturn. During the first week of January, the New York Times started running advertising at the bottom of its front page because of falling ad revenue. In December in Canada, CTV cut about 105 positions, and its rival Global Television, on the other hand, cut 210 positions in all its TV operations. The retrenchment of personnel at the latter TV network, however, was not enough that early this month, it announced that five of its TV stations were for sale, including CHCH in Hamilton. This developed as lending institutions to Global Television cut all credit facility to the network. Meanwhile, a news story from the 12 PM News Roundup of 1050 CHUM Radio sometime last January said some Canadian politicians are blaming the media for writing too much about the credit crunch, thus creating panic. Back in December, Manila Media Monitor editor Butch Galicia and I were talking about (To page 14) time, this time care of a World Bank report that outlined for the world to see that a number of huge road building contracts it funded have been rigged to favor a few allies. Could it be the final straw? Many ask. There have been dozens of massive instances of fraud and graft, dishonesty and immorality, negligence and loss of confidence, that this current administration had faced but it has thus far managed to squirm out each time, successfully sweeping the debris under the rug and into oblivion. In the tradition of “How DoYou Solve a Problem Like Maria?” Professor Heckler jestingly suggests that congressmen will each get five percent of pork barrel for every hour that they agree to grill their compadre. At the Upper House, Heckler maliciously suggests that heretofore inactive and uncannily quiet senators Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid handle the investigation. And that Mike Arroyo be asked the four Rotary questions about truth and morality. Interestingly, it is during times of distress in contemporary Philippine history when our mettle and resilience as a race are tested. And interestingly again, it is through humor that we are able to keep our heads together. Jokes fly like unshackled sparks in the internet, through (To page 24)

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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Tel. 416.285.8583 YOUR TOTAL, CONCISE and COMPREHENSIVE Manila MEDIA MONITOR is published and circulated once a month in Toronto and its suburbs. Manila MEDIA MONITOR is a publication dedicated to the formation of positive values in the Filipino-Canadian social and business community. Manila MEDIA MONITOR covers all aspects of interest to the community it serves. Every effort is made to verify the information published in Manila MEDIA MONITOR your one of only two community papers in Toronto (the other paper being ... ‘the others’). The views and opinions expressed, however, by individual writers are not necessarily the opinion, nor reflect those, of the publisher. Thus, the publication accepts no responsibility in connection with any liability which might develop resulting from articles published. Manila MEDIA MONITOR accepts submissions, subject to availability of space, but reserves the right to edit for publication. Contributed articles must be in word document format. Photo releases must be with captions and in JPEG format. Item and photo submissions must be sent by e-mail via [email protected] Articles published in Manila MEDIA MONITOR may be reproduced only with the permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADVERTISING, CIRCULATION and other inquiries may be addressed at the following:

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

VIEWS

Commentary BEN VICCARI

OPINION

OFW realities Hindi mayaman ang overseas Filipino worker (OFW). We have this notion na ‘pag OFW o nasa abroad ay mayaman na. Hindi totoo yun. A regular OFW might earn from P50K-P300K per month depende sa lokasyon. Yung mga taga-Saudi or US siguro ay mas malaki ang suweldo, but to say that they’re rich is a fallacy (amen!). Malaki ang pangangailangan kaya karamihan ay nag-a-abroad. Maraming bunganga ang kailangang pakainin kaya umaalis ang mga pipol sa Philippines. Madalas, 3/4 o kalahati ng suweldo ay napupunta sa tuition ng anak at gastusin ng pamilya. Mahirap maging OFW. Kailangan magtipid hangga’t kaya. Oo, masarap ang pagkain sa abroad pero madalas na paksiw o adobo at itlog lang ang tinitira para makaipon. Pagdating ng kinsenas o katapusan, ang unang tinitingnan eh ang conversion ng peso sa dollar o riyal o euro. Mas okay na magtiis sa konti kaysa gutumin ang pamilya. Kapag umuuwi, kailangan may baon kahit konti kasi maraming kamag-anak ang sumusundo sa airport o naghihintay sa probinsya. Alam mo naman ‘pag Pinoy, yung tsismis na OFW ka eh surely attracts a lot of kin. Kapag hindi mo nabigyan ng pasalubong eh magtatampo na yun at sisiraan ka na. Well, hindi naman lahat pero I’m sure sa mga OFW dito eh may mga pangyayaring ganun. Magtatrabaho ka sa bansang iba ang tingin sa mga Pinoy. Malamang marami ang naka-experience ng gulang o discrimination in their various workplaces. Sige lang, tiis lang, iniiyak na lang kasi kawawa naman pamilya ‘pag umuwi. Besides, wala ka naman talagang maasahang trabaho sa Philippines ngayon. Mahal ang bigas, ang gatas, ang sardinas, ang upa sa apartment. Tiis lang kahit maraming asar sa trabaho, kahit may sakit at walang nag-aalaga, kahit hindi masarap ang tsibog, kahit pangit ang working conditions, kahit delikado, kahit mahirap. Kapag nakapadala ka na, okay na, tawag lang, “Hello! kumusta na kayo?” Hindi bato ang OFW.-Tao rin ang OFW, hindi money o cash machine. Napapagod rin, nalulungkot (madalas), nagkakasakit, nag-iisip at nagugutom. Kailangan din ang suporta, kundi man physically, emotionally o spiritually man lang. Tumatanda rin ang OFW. Sa mga nakausap at nakita ko, marami ang panot at kalbo na. Most of them have signs and symptoms of hypertension, coronary artery disease and arthritis. Yet, they continue to work thinking about the family they left behind. Marami ang nasa abroad, 20-30 years na, pero wala pa ring ipon. Kahit anong pakahirap, sablay pa rin. Masakit pa kung olats rin ang sinusuportahang pamilya – ang anak adik o nabuntis; ang asawa may kabit. Naalala ko tuloy ang sikat na kanta dati, “NAPAKASAKIT KUYA EDDIE!” Bayani ang OFW. Totoo yun! Ngayon ko lang na na-realize na bayani ang OFW sa maraming bagay. Hindi bayani na tulad ni Nora Aunor o Flor Contemplacion. Bayani in the truest sense of the word. Hindi katulad ni Rizal o Bonifacio. Mas higit pa dun, mas maraming giyera at gulo ang pinapasok ng OFW para lang mabuhay. Mas maraming pulitika ang kailangang suungin para lang tumagal sa trabaho lalo na’t gago ang mga kasama sa trabaho. Mas mahaba ang pasensya kaysa sa mga ordinaryong kongresista o senador sa Philippines dahil sa takot na mawalan ng sweldo. Matindi ang OFW. Matindi ang Pinoy. Matindi pa sa daga, o cockroaches which have survived cataclysmic evolution. Maraming sakripisyo pero walang makitang tangible solutions or consequences. Malas ng OFW, swerte ng pulitiko. Hindi umuupo ang OFW para magbigay ng autograph o interbyuhin ng media (unless nakidnap!). Madalas nasa sidelines lang ang OFW. Kapag umaalis, malungkot and on the verge of tears. Kapag dumadating, swerte ‘pag may sundo (madalas meron). Kapag naubos na ang ipon, wala ng kamag-anak. Sana sikat ang OFW para may boses sa Kamara. Ang swerte ng mga politiko nakaupo sila at ginagastusan ng pera ng Filipino. Hindi nga sila naiinitan o napapaso ng langis, o napagagalitan ng amo, o kumakain ng paksiw para makatipid, o nakatira sa compound with conditions less than favorable, o nakikisama sa ibang lahi para mabuhay. Ang swerte, sobrang swerte nila. (To page 24)

Move over, Mrs. Malaprop! Acting on his promises, President Barack Obama filled his first full day of office with implementing some of them. His contacts with Middle Eastern leaders and an undertaking to close down Guantanamo had implicatons for the world scene while at home curbing lobbyists. Strengthening ethics in government and salary freezes for senior White House officials were all positive moves that will resonate as the Democratic government’s future unfolds. Of course, the economical

It seems everywhere you turn today the economy is in the news. We are constantly hearing about the economic downturn as well as near record numbers of job losses. The January job loss report announced a staggering 70,000 plus jobs lost in Ontario alone. It leaves you breathless and it certainly focuses your attention on your own job and financial security. It’s tough and the experts are predicting it’s going to get even tougher before we see some relief. So what can you do to strengthen your position? What are the steps you can take? The main objective is to free up some cash flow that can either be invested wisely or used to pay off some debt. The very first thing is to have a close look at your expenses and start to ease off on those things which are not essential. I’m not suggesting that you cut them out altogether because that tough to do. If it is difficult most of us will not stay with a plan that brings on more hardship. So be realistic. Keep track of the money you save when cutting back. It’s important to see a tangible benefit (such as growing your savings account) when you have deprived yourself or your family of something they are used to. If you have large debts (other than a mortgage), try to refinance

future of the U.S remains to be tackled if a major depression is to be halted, and the going will not be smooth. But at least Obama’s translating of rhetoric into action has had an auspicious beginning. *** Sheridan’s 18th century comedy The Rivals introduced Mrs. Malaprop, a woman given to blunders in the use of the English language. Here are just a couple: “He is the very pineapple (pinnacle) of success” and “I have since

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laid Sir Anthony’s preposition (proposition) before her.” However, the rights to recognition as the crowned head of the malapropism must now surely pass to the former president of the United States. It’s a matter of record that in his speeches, he used such words as “anecdotes” when he should have said “antidotes” and “perpetuators” instead of “perpetrators.” The Toronto Star recently listed 40 such glaring examples which suggest that the former president is a master at spooking the English language. *** LOSODE - a Canadian website created out of need In setting down my reasons for creating this web site (http:// losode.com), I lay claim to no pomposities such as a “mission statement.” Simply, in my own personal quest for more information on the availability of low sodium products in Canada, I may be able to help others as they can help me. The present food supply chain, from manufacturer/processor to wholesaler to retailer to the public has many shortcomings. First and foremost, Canadians need a reference guide to the existence and availability of low sodium food products, enabling them to observe a balanced and healthy diet according to standards published by Health Canada. We shudder at transfats, struggle to keep cholesterol levels (To page 14)

Our Journey EVA AGPAOA

Of belt tightening et. al. high interest rate debts into lower interest rate loans. For example use your line of credit to pay off your credit card debt. If you have the extra cash, try to pay down some debt. Stop using your credit card. Credit cards have the worst interest rates imaginable. Anyway in tough times like now, it’s never a good idea to buy something you can’t afford. If you must use your card, pay off the entire amount at the end of the month. These are simple common sense steps we should all be taking. Financial security is one of the most important things you will want to achieve. Ok, now you’ve tightened your belt, paid down some (or all of your debt), and you still have some free cash in bank at the end of each month. Consider yourself lucky. But is the bank really the best place to leave the cash?

Financial security is not just about having cash in the bank, it’s also about wisely investing that money so that it can grow and protect you. There are so many different ways to invest today. Some investment vehicles are safe but don’t yield a large return, while others are considered risky but could return a large gain. Still others provide services as well as protecting your money. For example, life insurance gives you the best of both worlds. It provides valuable benefit for you and your love ones. Which protection and investment you choose will depend on many factors that include your age and your appetite for risk among others. But it’s also important to have a balanced plan. In that plan some essentials are: Insurance (term and life); Mutual Funds; Property (but remember: location, location, location); Revenue generating invest(To page 34)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

VIEWS

Angelita Mina Galicia OCTOBER 1, 1913 - FEBRUARY 12, 2009

THE MATRIARCH OF FOUR GENERATIONS

A TOAST TO LIFE

She was the mother of 12. Of the dozen, Juanito, Elenita, Florinda, Zenaida, Angelita, Florencia and Manolito are carrying on her legacy. When she breathed her last, she reunited with husband Antonio and children Felicisimo, Maximino, Antonio Jr., Gloria and Renato in the Creator’s Home. She was the grandmother of 19, two of them - Pinky and June Marie - welcoming her in Heaven. She was great grandmother to 26; and great great grandmother to seven. Down the line, she loved and respected at least 20 sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren in-law.

Part of Lola-Lola-Lola’s flock in Canada during the family Christmas celebration in Brampton in 2005 (More photos on page 22)

The 3rd Eye MARIO DIMAIN

The ending Aside from an appealing introduction, an alluring plot and a thrilling climax, a well-written story is not complete without an ending. When translated into film, the ending is the part when the last scene fades to black. On stage, it is the part when the star performer seals his brilliant performance with a gracious bow to the applauding audience as the curtain gently rolls down. The world we live in is like a big stage. It presents a drama. And every one of us has a role to play. Our scripts begin on the day we are born. As we grow older, we unknowingly write pages of events that form the book of our lives. Then, when the final chapter is fully revealed, the book closes its covers. There was a remarkable old man whose wizard-like eloquence in telling stories made me feel like a child

listening to a fairytale. It was a delight to watch his expressive face as his baritone voice narrated his riveting life story. The anecdote of his adventure in the deep forest of the Philippines when he was hunting for wildlife was very fascinating. The suspenseful account of his experiences with the invading Japanese soldiers is one of my favourites and certainly put me on the edge of my seat when I heard it. Every conversation we had was always wrapped up

with a promise of another episode. And in his own words, he would say with his infectious smile, “Sa susunod uli,” which means “to be continued.” Sadly, the next session did not materialize. My dear old friend, whom I got accustomed to calling Tatay, became gravely ill and passed away. On January 12, 2009, at the age of 82, he faced the final curtain of his life and breathed his last. My stubborn admiration for the man refused to accept that his story had ended just like that. No. Not that way. He was a wonderful man and deserved a better ending. So I took upon myself to produce a short video tribute which was centred upon his deep love for his family. Every passing image (To page 24)

It was a celebration of life; just as it was an endless commemoration of the memory of a maternal figure who, in her lifetime, unconditionally loved and steered her large flock towards the right track. ANGELITA MINA GALICIA, 95 - in her eternal slumber - was at the center of arrangements her ever increasing brood and those who took her as their own were doing to make her meeting with God and kin who preceded her a reunion of joyful souls in heaven. I am pretty sure that from a distance above, she observed in her usual casual silence, smiling each time each one fondly bade her adieu - during the viewing at the Highland Funeral Home and Cremation Centre from Valentine’s Day to Family Day and during the funeral Mass at the St. Dunstan Catholic Church and her interment at the Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery on Feb. 17. As family members in Toronto, Brampton and Scarborough in Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba came to pay their last respects, those in the Philippines, in Angola, and in Edmonton, Canada kept up with the Half a century ago marketing consultant, James Vicary, pulled a hoax on the American people as a way to promote his advertising agency. He reported that he flashed the words “Drink Coca-Cola” and “Eat popcorn” on the screen for a millisecond during a movie in a theater, and caused large numbers of people to visit the concession stand. He called the effect Subliminal Advertising. Subliminal means that the effect functions below the threshold of consciousness. Years later, when others failed to duplicate his results, he admitted that he made the whole thing up. Never-the-less, the myth continues. So, is there any advertising that does work below the threshold of consciousness? Yes. Much of advertising is clearly designed to speak to you on a subconscious level. Ads are created to get you to relate to the setting; the background music; the age, race and gender of the actors; their clothing; and the activities in which they are involved. The idea is that you will recognize yourself in these people and, in turn, make the connection, “Ah, this is my kind of product.” You don’t think it ... you

Omerta BUTCH GALICIA

That dash is a full circle Catholic rites of final passage dutifully given the matriarch. ***** Long-time friend and confessor Fr. Carl Matthews, in remarks during the funeral Mass, summed up Angelita’s earthly stay as the epitome of Christian life centered on love and family. Fr. Carl noted how Angelita’s great grandchildren led the Rosary during funeral prayers. Angelita, he said, successfully passed on the faith, that belief in and fear of God her family would love to pass on to and share with generations to come. (Another great great grandchild is expected in April, and will surely be baptized a Catholic.) Fr. Carl also cited An-

gelita’s children who attended to her care and comfort at their homes from the time she came to Canada in 1976, during her most senior years, and up to the time of her demise. This familial love and sense of togetherness voided any stray thought of Angelita entering the doors of a seniors’ home, he said. ***** Angelita was Mama to children Juanito, Elenita, Florinda, Zenaida, Angelita, Florencia and Manolito who are carrying on her legacy on earth; and to husband Antonio and children Felicisimo, Maximino, Antonio Jr., Gloria and Renato who she would be reunited with in the Creator’s Home. She was Lola (grandmother) to 19, two of them (To page 11)

The

Un-Comfort Zone with ROBERT WILSON

Bleed it out feel it. And, feelings move us to act. A few years ago I was involved in non-profit fund-raising for a Christian Mission in Africa. In order to learn what type of appeal would bring in the most money, we conducted a series of focus groups. We asked, “Which would you be more likely to do: A. Give money to feed starving babies; or B. Give money to teach people how to grow drought resistant crops that would end starvation in their community.” The answer they gave was almost universally: B. The comments we heard frequently included the proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; Teach a man to fish and you feed him for life.” We then tested both appeals. Oops, the focus groups were wrong. The appeal for feeding starving babies won by a landslide. The lesson we learned

was that the emotional appeal to save the life of a child is much more powerful than a logical appeal for teaching a village survival skills that would eliminate starvation. From that point forward, the heart-tugging stories of babies dying headlined every ad we ran. Emotion trumps logic every time. Take for example, Nick Ut’s 1972 photograph of a 9-year-old Vietnamese girl who was naked, shrieking and running away from her village that had just been bombed with napalm. Fear, despair and suffering were written all over her face. More than anything it was her complete vulnerability that captured our attention. One snapshot revealed the gut-wrenching horror of war, and millions of people, whose hearts were touched, turned their attention toward ending the Vietnam War. Perhaps you recall (To page 24)

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

VIEWS That dash is a full circle (From page 10) - Pinky and June Marie welcoming her in Heaven. She was Lola Lola (great grandmother) to 26; and Lola Lola Lola (great great grandmother) to seven. She respected and loved some 20 sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren in-law. ***** So large is the family that in offbeat talks, someone suggested that Lola and her tribe should have been etched in the pages of a records book for, perhaps, being a family in Toronto, if not in Canada, with the most living members spanning five generations. My uncles even joked that when Lola lived, I and my younger brother Gie held the distinction of being - at the same quite extraordinary instance - a grandson (to Lola) and a grandfather (to our grandchildren). Witty that she was especially when the family’s lineage was conversation topic, Lola was undoubtedly chuckling in delight and exclaiming “Awesome!” That was Lola - a resilient physical, moral and spiritual root to a sturdy family tree that had grown and branched out in many

dimensions through all 95 years of her lifetime. ***** I know she left a will; a testament found only in the recesses of her kind heart and could only be manifested to us if we appreciate the good memories she left us. If I will dare peek into this will, I know that she gave us her most valued treasures: ► Our dreams: Lola dreamt and dared with us. With only words of encouragement and confidence, Lola always egged me to dream, fulfill that dream, be the best of what I wanted to be, no matter the odds. I know she did similarly with everyone she kept dear under her wings. ► Our talents: Lola always lent an attentive ear to our versions of how we played our best in the game of life. When Tita Ester and cousins Regan, Patricia and Kevin had to miss her burial to fly back to Winnipeg to be in time for Patricia’s musical concert, I am pretty sure Lola soared with them to watch her granddaughter’s sterling performance. She was proud of our laurels, no matter its size.

But she was even prouder when we apply the right values she taught us to ably rise and shine after every temporary fall. ► Our life: Lola kept the bloodline flowing in our veins. She was a major influence in our lives. Her strength of character was ours. So were her soothing touch and graciousness of speech. In times of want, she was hope personified; during plenty, charity - values she knew should be ours too. Orderliness and organization were her great marks. We would have never been us without her stewardship. ***** October 1, 1913 -- February 12, 2009. Letters and numbers may suggest a thing or two. But more significant is the dash between Lola’s birth and death dates. That dash is the full circle of life Lola strove to be, had become, and had shared with us to appreciate and enjoy. It’s just too sad that we could no longer hold her hand, give her a big hug, or kiss her forehead. But she left us a great DASH I know would serve us well as we straighten out our own. [email protected]

Juan Ponce Enrile is making headlines again these days. Not only because of his recent election as president of the Philippine Senate ... but for advocating for presidential clemency in order to release from their incarceration the few remaining soldiers who are serving reclusion perpetua for their participation in the assassination of Benigno Aquino, Jr. His reason: they were foot soldiers blindly obeying orders from a chain of command. The Senate president suggests instead for the Aquino family to prosecute the search for the identity/ ties of the murderous mastermind/s to its natural conclusion. The Cagayanon senator went so far as to practically berating former president Corazon Aquino for not pursuing the identification of her late husband’s ultimate murderer a priority of her presidency. August 21, 1983 was a balmy Sunday afternoon in Iligan City where I was enjoying beer and pulutan with my new compadres, having earlier participated in a christening. Our revelry was cut short as news of Ninoy’s

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Perspective RICARDO J.S. CALUEN

Who ordered Ninoy’s death? assassination crackled over the radio ... prompting us to turn on the TV to see the image of a fallen Ninoy that was beamed around the world. Everyone in the room sat practically speechless for a moment or two as we processed the newsbreaker in our liquor-infused brains. All we could hear from the womenfolk was a succession of “Oh, my God! Oh, my God!” with hands on cheeks. To this day, no one seems to know with certainty the identity of the mastermind/s of the Aquino assassination. Marcos was quick to declare - just hours after the assassination and without even having announced the creation of a fact-find body that the Communists did it. This is not to say the

grapevine was quiet. The country was rife with conjectures and rumors. There was talk of an irate President Marcos throwing an ashtray at the First Lady for hatching a poorly-executed scheme (would the dictator have done a better job if he masterminded it?). Marcos loyalists maintained the late president couldn’t have planned anything whose authorship could be traced all the way back to Malacanang or so sloppy. Everyone had a field day repeating the line: Patay na si Galman, buhay pa ang gunman. A few months earlier, I had attended a refresher course in Political Science at the University of the Philippines where we had bravely discussed post-Marcos (To page 16) 17)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

Turning down the heat Setback thermostats can save energy and money. Just as you shut off lights and appliances when you’re not using them, you can save energy by turning down the furnace and air conditioner when you leave the house or go to sleep. This practice can result in energy savings of five to 15 percent, according to a Canadian Centre for Housing Technology study. Setting the air conditioner thermostat a couple of degrees higher in the summer when the house is empty also brings significant energy savings and helps control indoor humidity. If your schedule is predictable, then a setback thermostat that automatically bumps the temperature up or down when you want it to may be right for you. Is a setback thermostat right for you? Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations advises you to consider the following: ► Personal schedule: A setback thermostat is ideal for people with predictable work and sleep patterns. If your schedule changes often, you probably won’t find a setback thermostat as convenient. ► Comfort: It can take up to an hour for the home’s temperature to change. You may need to experiment with your setback thermostat to ensure that your home is at your ideal temperature by the time you wake up and by the time you return home. ► Moisture and ventilation problems: A setback of four to six degrees can increase the possibility of high humidity, which can lead to condensation on windows and walls. Also, a setback thermostat causes a sustained lack of air circulation for forced air systems as the house cools down. For houses where bedroom doors are kept closed, this could lead to stuffiness in those rooms and a lack of fresh air. If your house is in good condition, if you do not have excessive moisture problems and if you keep a fairly regular schedule, then a setback thermostat can offer convenience, comfort and may help reduce energy costs. PR

Community

PIDC gears up for Mabuhay Festival Preparations for this year’s edition of the Philippine Independence Day Council’s (PIDC) Mabuhay Festival are in high gear. Organizers said the daylong festival would be conducted on July 18 at Hall D of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto, right in the hub of the city’s business, shopping, tourism, cultural and fashion districts. Among the regular features of the 2009 Mabuhay Festival are cultural and contemporary entertainment with local artists; the Santa Cruzan; and a showcase of Philippine cuisine, kakanin and other desserts. A PIDC Cafe or tambayan ng bayan where one could connect with compatriots just like back home would be put up. Organizers said they would later announce featured artists from the Philippines. Last year’s crowd drawer was Filipino comedianne Ai Ai delas Alas. Festival booths The PIDC is inviting interested businesses to maximize exposure and expand market opportunities to be a festival exhibitor. “Show your product to

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

PIDC Little Miss Philippines will be crowned on May 2 at the Korean Cultural Centre. The candidates are Abby Kowalczyk, Rina Rafael, Louise Chanco, Melissa Manaig, Thayra Sugunalan, Olga Martinez, Jamie Ariaga and Annabelle Da Silva. Photo: RUDY CASTRO/PR

PIDC will choose anew the community’s Ambassadress of Goodwill, to represent the Philippines in multicultural events in Toronto. One will be chosen as the Reyna Elena in the Grand Santa Cruzan on July 18 at the Mabuhay Festival. PIDC Miss Philippines candidates Mandy Law, Trisha Ruiz, Natalie Rafael, Lysa Tagalog, Jemi Echevarria, Kat Romero, Gielyn Edjan. Photo: RUDY CASTRO/PR a captive audience. Take the opportunity to know and engage potential clients. The festival is the perfect place and time,” PIDC said. Exhibitor booths are available on a first pay first assigned basis.

Each booth is a 10x10 ft. frame with eight-foot back and three-foot side drapes, with one eight-foot table, two chairs and four exhibitor badges. Limited additional tables and chairs may be negotiated.

Booth prices are: prime corner booth, $350; regular booth, non-prime, $300; two or more connected booths, non-prime, $275 each. A ten percent discount is given for booths paid on (To page 18)

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

Community FFCB looks for 1st youth ambassador BRAMPTON, ON. – The Federation of Filipino Canadians of Brampton (FFCB) is looking for its first Youth Ambassador, who will travel on an all-expenses paid trip to the Philippines to promote friendship and goodwill between Canada and the Philippines, specifically between Brampton and its sister city, Marikina. The winner will see, live and experience Filipino culture first-hand, as he/she visits some of the schools adopted by the Federation in the Philippines, and get a close-up look at the similarities and differences between the schools there and in Canada. Competition information will be released at a Youth Ambassador Dance at the Rose Theatre in Brampton on Feb. 28. FFCB is a registered, non-profit organization of Filipino individuals and associations which main objective is the preservation and promotion of Filipino culture, traditions, and heritage. PR

PNB Remit names Yule draw winners The PNB Remittance Co. (Canada) Inc. has announced the winners of its Pasko Na, Bayan Ko Christmas Promo ’08. Grand prize - winner for an LG 42” HDTV is Randy Asuncion of Toronto. Two second prize winners for an ASUS 10” Laptop are Airene Cunanan of Mississauga and Susana Sanico of Surrey, BC. The third prize for a digital video camera each are Grace Sayson of Mississauga and Nestor Diamzon of Vancouver. In the east coast, consolation prizes of 12 free remittances each go to Evelyn Hufana, Belma Descargar and Irene Pangilinan, all of Eglinton; Miriam Pascua, Carlos Rivero, Cely Osorio, Marjorie Gabay and Yolando Hurtedo all of Mississauga; Mark Daclag of Toronto; and Virginia Almodal of Scarborough. Consolation prize winners in the west coast are Nestor Tolentino and Merycris Seaman, both of Vancouver; Alfonso Gumban, Amarelli Ongyiu, Sheila Ann Laanan, Marietta Veloo, Ralph de Asis, and Andylyn Sambile, all of Surrey; Neil Duholke of Calgary; and Francisco Robles of Winnipeg. The draws were conducted at the company’s Scarborough Branch on Jan. 30. Walk-in clients drew the winners, as witnessed by three representatives from Filipino newspapers in Toronto. PR

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Gathering @ Ballada Community mediamen and local entertainment greats pose for a souvenir photo during a recent gathering at the Ballada Restaurant. Among those in the photo are Philippine Press Club-Ontario’s Tenny Soriano and wife Myrna, Ace and Gie Alvarez and Joe Damasco; concert artists Jen Camacho and Candace Santos; and community leader Chito Collantes. Photo: TONY ANG

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Community

Move over, Mrs. Malaprop! (From page 9) down - why not look at excessive sodium in the same way? To achieve this, we must ask ourselves, and above all those responsible for supplying the food chain, things like why in the United States is there a no-sodium tomato ketchup and, so far as we know, none here. And a no-sodium chicken broth while we

must content ourselves with “reduced sodium” broths? In my experience, consultant dietitians recommending low-sodium intake have varied from as high as 3,600 millligrams of sodium daily down to 1,500 milligrams. In my own case, my cardiologist prefers that I hew as closely as possible to 1,500 milligrams daily.

What I’m trying to do with Losode is to inform you from my own findings and to pass on to others information I may glean from you. We need ammunition with which to tell the food chain that we’re just not satisfied with the present attitude toward low sodium diets. We shall ferret out the addresses of responsible politicians and food chain

executives you can write or e-mail expressing your own dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. Because this site is primarily for North American readers, we shall publish information supported by the Canadian and U.S. medical professions. We will filter out dubious nostrums, looking for workable recipes with available ingredient lists

Broadcasters’ gathering

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009 that give sodium amounts correctly in milligrams. Deepest Thanks: for the design of the site and as always, his mentoring, Bill Andersen; for an insight into the world of dietetics, Donna Andersen and for information on shopping in the U.S.A., Windsor resident Cheryl Oliver. We’re out to create an exchange of information and ideas. We hope that the Losode site can stimulate a greater acceptance of the importance of healthy attitudes on the part of us all

toward maintaining balance in our diets. So let’s hear from you! (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)

Did media create this ...

THEY ARE ON RADIO, BECAUSE SOME PICTURES NEED A THOUSAND WORDS, as one saying goes. This one time though, radio announcers of Manila’s Radyo ng Bayan (formerly Voice of the Philippines) and DZSR/Sports Radio gathered together to share with former fellow announcers, now based in Toronto - Front Page Philippines TV host Gie Alvarez and Philippine Courier Publisher Mon Datol. Among those in photo are Radyo ng Bayan announcer Norma Marco and DZSR/Sports radio announcers Judith Caringal, Ria Arevalo, Cecil Quimlat, Aida Gatdula and Rick Yap Santos. We could not identify the others in the photo, because, as the saying goes, “some pictures simply need a thousand words,” and this is one of those. Photo: DZSR-SPORTS RADIO / Caption: ACE ALVAREZ

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(From page 8) the tough economic times ahead of us – which a month later openly manifested itself across the globe. At that time, both of us could only express our optimism. Concerned, involved and having interest on the business operation side of Manila Media Monitor, Butch said before we parted, “Don’t worry. The situation is just media hype so that the North American car industry could get money from the government. We both laughed, understanding each other without further explanation because of our close familiarity to the journalism profession (and some of you readers will understand, too, what we meant here, absent a detailed explanation). While blame on the media as the cause of this financial crash remains debatable, this column holds

On the tight economy, media, atbp. (From page 7) convention. Great and reasonable move by the CAB! No ... no … the example doesn’t apply to organizations with scheduled “Spring Dance” events, induction of officers. The example only applies to a convention, kaya … tuloy ang ligaya! *** U.K.’s most famous businessman, Sir Richard Branson, addressed a packed house of media owners, marketers and Toronto Mayor David Miller on Wednesday, January 28, during an hour-long interview with Toronto Star media and culture critic Geoff Pevere at Toronto Filmport movie studio, saying bad businesses should “make way for new trees.” To my fellow publishers in the Filipino Canadian community in Toronto, please pay attention to Branson. I think he’s addressing you, too. ***

A news item in one Manila daily newspaper on January 26: “Even the Dead Held to Environmental Standards As New Regulations Target Funeral Services”. To Philippine funeral services company owners in the Philippines: Now … now ! Your prayers of “Give us this day our daily dead …” is no longer enough as the Philippine government set its eyes on you, guys. *** According to a study done by Ipsos Reid, many Canadians consume many media. You guys, at Ipsos Reid, why do you pick on us publishers in the Filipino Canadian community in Toronto? Why, afterall there are only 14 or 15 publications in the Toronto area? *** One news item on January 22: “Astral Media Inc. has reorganized some of its English-language radio operations across Canada and shed 23 employees”.

No … no … What I said was “Astral Media”; not Joel Recla’s Perlas ng Silanganan radio. Besides, the news item said English language radio program; Tagalog radio program naman ang Perlas ng Silanganan radio, e. Perlas ng Silanganan airs every Saturday, 6:30 to 7 p.m. over CHIN Radio International, 1540 AM, simulcast 100.7 FM. *** News item of January 22: Microsoft to slash 5,000 jobs. Iyan naman ang puri ko for Danny Samson’s ID Tech Solutions, on the one hand, and Omie and Lorna De Vera’s LDV Computers, on the other hand. Regardless of the downturn in the economy, they are not laying off people. (Libre na naman ang “honorable mention” here, dahil love sila ng writer dito. Ako la’ng ang mahina sa mga ito, e. To Danny, Omie and Lorna, please read the message

between the lines here) *** PCCT board chair and president, Rafael Nebres, sent an e-mail on January 21, to his board members requesting for RSVP for their scheduled meeting for Thursday, February 5. PCCT Director Agnes Loshusan of Mary Kay Cosmetics replied as follows: “See you there Kuya Paeng and honourary Board Members!” Agnes, your fellow board members were elected, hence, not “honourary”. (Of course, Agnes’ reply was a slip of the finger.) *** FINALLY, the last three items from Marketing Daily of January 21: Item # 1: “Global consulting firm Deloitte included the following item in its 2009 Canadian media predictions: ‘For sale: 1 major city nwspapr—$20 obo’.” The mock ad underscores the magnitude of the problems facing the newspaper.” To the PCCT president,

Action Honda general manager, Rafael Nebres: Sir Paeng, take note. All papers might just close shop. Item # 2: “Toyota supplants GM as world No. 1” Again, Sir Paeng, your attention, please. Action Honda, more than ever, needs advertising and promotion this time. Item # 3: BBM Nielsen lists “Top Ten Television Programs for the week of January 5 to 11”. Sir Paeng, on a related matter! Front Page Philippines is listed again by BBM Nielsen. Let me show you the list. It’s listed as number …. Let me re-check it … it’s listed as number … hhmmm … just be patient with me … I can’t seem to find it now … hhhmmm … ah ... Sir Paeng, let me just get back to you on this in the next issue. I can’t seem to find the indication on this. Thank you, sir.

true what one executive producer with the BBC said that “the media has helped spread confusion – at least in the early stages of the credit crunch.” The BBC producer, Dominic Crossley-Holland, said in an article published in The Independent in Britain opined that there is no doubt that the crash has exposed some lack of understanding by the media on how the financial world has evolved. As to the question if media made things worse, Holland wrote, “It depends which media,” citing BBC Newsnight’s economic editor Paul Mason, who in turn, said, “I would be critical of the broadcast financial channels, not for the quality of their reporting but for creating an almost incoherent babble about something that hardly matters in modern finance: the stock market.” As you know, the stock market crash is traditionally used by economists and historians alike as the first indicator of a recession. Now, while the debate goes on whether media is to blame on the present world economic state (described as the worst since the Great Depression), this corner say that we in the media industry are now suffering the most, too, from the effects of our industry’s own doing as business reduced drastically, if not totally held back on their advertising and promotions budgets – which we hope will only last at least for the first quarter of this year.

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15

Isabela organization officers take oath ABOVE: Gamu, Isabela Mayor Fernando Cumigad inducts the 2009 officers of the Isabela Cultural Organization of Canada (ICOC). Sworn in were Ariel Villamil, president; Teotimo Dugenia, 1st vice president; Butch Gumaru, 2nd vice president; Alicia Guillermo, secretary; Maria Elena Gervacio, assistant secretary; Perlita Visaya, treasurer; Malou Mendez, assistant treasurer; Elmira Villamil, auditor; Celia Caramat, assistant auditor; Don McCormick, PRO; Eva Agpaoa, assistant PRO; Gerard de Guzman, business manager; Ernesto Agsalda, assistant business manager. Inducted as directors were Jingle de Guzman, chair; Teresita Visaya, Elsa Galanza, Juliet dela Cruz, Alfred Mendez, Beth Asiddao, Luz Agsalda, Melody Marcelo, Grace Suguitan and Jovita Lim. Also taking their oaths were advisors Eduardo Calucag, Julita Calucag, Bayani Aban, Fili Visaya, Ric Dumlao and Catalina Gumaru. LEFT PHOTOS: Mayor Cumigad and Philippine Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera join ICOC officers and members. EVA AGPAOA

Cumigad lauds ICOC for work in Toronto, RP Fernando Cumigad, mayor of the Philippine town of Gamu in Isabela province, has lauded the Isabela Cultural Organization of Canada (ICOC) for its civic and philanthropic work for the Filipino community in Toronto and for compatriots in the Philippines.

Cumigad urged the community to help promote Philippine products in the Canadian market. Likewise, he said skilled and professional Filipino manpower could be tapped to help steer economic productivity in Canada. The mayor made the call

during the Feb. 7 induction of ICOC 2009 officers and in a meeting with members of the community media on Feb. 12. With him were Marlo Padaca and Romy Lanuza, executive assistants of Isabela governor Grace (To page 27)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

COMMUNITY Who ordered Ninoy’s death?

Miss Teen GTA ‘09 Rachelle Perez vies for the crown of Miss Teen Canada Globe in August. Her family and friends thank all those who are supporting Perez in her bid.

(From page 11) scenarios. (I say “bravely” because while “the effects of Martial Law” had been lifted, martial rule was still very much the name of the game.) The major dramatis personae included Imelda Marcos, Juan Ponce Enrile, General Fabian Ver, Ninoy Aquino, and a few other opposition leaders (the Marcos children did not even figure). Ninoy Aquino assassinated? Wow, this was one hell of a simulation game gone berserk. Ninoy’s death gripped the nation’s attention all the way up to the snap elections of 1986. I joined JAJA or the “Justice for Ninoy, Justice for All” Movement - like many others who were otherwise without any specific ideological leanings and just tired of martial rule. Ninoy’s funeral galvanized two million mourners. Surely Marcos would have seen the writing on the wall and should just have “cut and cut cleanly”, without prodding from US Senator Lugar. But then it would have deprived the Filipino nation of the legend of EDSA. In the days following

the Aquino assassination, President Marcos sent a fact-finding commission headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Enrique Fernando to investigate the Aquino murder (pretty much taking cue from President Johnson constituting the Warren Commission in the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination). This was a short-lived commission as the four other members - retired Supreme Court Justices - resigned after its composition was challenged in court. Later, Marcos created another fact-finding committee known as the Agrava Fact-Finding Board, headed by former Court of Appeals Justice Corazon Agrava. The Agrava Board released the reports concluding that military officers, including then Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Fabian Ver, conspired to kill Ninoy Aquino and the Supreme Court assigned the case to the Sandiganbayan. On December 2, 1985, the Sandiganbayan acquitted all the accused. Following the EDSA Revolution, the reorganized Supreme Court ordered a retrial of the accused. Warrants of arrests were subsequently issued by the Sandiganbayan for 25 military men, led by General Ver, and one civilian. On September 28, 1990, the Sandiganbayan convicted 16 of the suspects and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua or life sentence. Those convicted were

the Avsecom chief, Brig. Gen. Luther Custodio, Capt. Romeo Bautista, 2nd Lt. Jesus Castro, and Sergeants Claro Lat, Arnulfo de Mesa, Filomeno Miranda, Rolando de Guzman, Ernesto Mateo, Rodolfo Desolong, Ruben Aquino and Arnulfo Artates, gunman Constable Rogelio Moreno, M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, C1C Mario Lazaga, A1C Cordova Estelo and A1C Felizardo Taran. No mastermind was named. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction on July 23, 1991. On November 21, 1998, General Ver died of a lung ailment while in exile in Bangkok (perhaps carrying with him to the grave whatever secret there was about the Aquino assassination.) On the 24th anniversary of Ninoy’s murder (August 21, 2007), Chief Justice Andres Narvasa appealed for the closure of the case while Juan Ponce Enrile asked for the review for clemency in favor of the 14 convicts. Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo, chairman of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC), asked pardon for the convicts. President Aquino and Benigno Aquino III granted forgiveness to the 14 soldiers but opposed their appeals for clemency or parole. Since then, one by one the prisoners have started dying (some say on highlysuspicious causes) or had

been granted executive clemency for humanitarian reasons. Recently, two others were ordered released for health reasons, which leaves the number of remaining convicts at the National Penitentiary at 10. Could the Aquino family have known all the while who ordered Ninoy killed? And wouldn’t Senator Enrile himself, given his high position in the Cabinet and the time and his access to military or police intelligence, have known too? The Warren Commission concluded that the assassination of President Kennedy was not the product of a conspiracy. Yet, there are those who maintain that there was a conspiracy whose plotters belonged at the time at the highest echelons of government. But to pursue this angle would have far-reaching effects that would traumatize the national psyche and undermine the American people’s faith in their own democratic institutions. Why is Senator Enrile so fired up about obtaining executive clemency for the Aquino murderers and for ferreting out the truth as to the masterminds of their crime? I am interested to know. As I am interested to know who the conspirators are behind the Aquino assassination. Fiat justitia, ruat coelum. Let justice be done, though the heavens fall.

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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KCCC’s Mama Ching Quejas graces PPC-O forum

PPCO WITH MAMA CHING AT CASA MANILA: Consolacion “Mama Ching” Quejas (seated, 4th from left), president of Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC), spoke on the challenges facing the KCCC during this economically challenging times. Mama Ching was guest speaker at the Almusalan forum of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPC-O) at Casa Manila on Jan. 31. With her are PPC-O members and guests. Photo: PHILIPPINE COURIER

Filipino trade expert to address CEMA (From page 3) commissioning and international business through his past service in various capacities for the Philippine government. He was the first Philippine Trade Promotion Representative in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Likewise, he was the first Trade Commissioner and Manager of the Philippine House in Toronto. Gerardo is a member of the Advisory Board of the International Import &

Export Institute (www.iiei. edu), based in Phoenix, Arizona U.S.A. Recently, Gerardo launched a book, entitled Ka-intindi’han (Mutual Understanding). The book fills in the need for the diverse cultural mosaic of Canada to fully understand the Filipinos’ work ethics, values and potential worth, since they comprise the fourth largest ethnic group in Canada. Several of Gerardo’s peers in international

relations, among others Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Brillantes and Ambassador and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines Edsel Custodio described the book as very timely. The reviews said the Filipino population in Canada is significantly impacting the country’s population infrastructure. For more information on Gerardo’s talk and CEMA, visit www. canadianethnicmedia.com CEMA

AFCA induction, dinner-dance set The Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants (AFCA) has set the induction of its new board officers and members and its spring dance at the Sts. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall on March 14. An event highlight is the AFCA Board’s presentation of updates on a strategic plan based on four cross-cutting themes: professional development, well-being of members, community participation and organizational effectiveness. To be an AFCA member, one should be of Filipino descent, a designated accountant or a holder of university/college accounting degree, or enrolled in an accounting designation program, or employed and engaged in accounting -related field. In 1978, a group of six accountants and auditors, mostly from Revenue Canada, conceived the idea of forming an organization of Filipino accountants in Toronto. Today, after 30 years, AFCA has become a 550-member strong group of Filipino accountants. PR

Remittances, economic crisis up in PPC-O forum The issues of remittances and exchange rates vis-avis the prevailing economic crisis and other related subjects will be the focus of the Philippine Press Club-Ontario’s (PPC-O) Almusalan at Casa Manila at 11 a.m. on Feb. 28. Feliciano Miranda III of PNB Remit is the guest speaker, according to Almusalan committee chair Tony Sicat.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

COMMUNITY PIDC gears up ... TCWCIM fellowship inspires businessmen

The Mrs. Philippines pageant will be conducted at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall on April 24. The candidates Marilou Tamboong, Apple Aldea, Rose Bongolan and Lena Magdalena. Photo: RUDY CASTRO/PR (From page 12) or before April 30. Parking pass at $11 and Festival tickets at $15 (limited to four) are available if ordered with application only. Exhibitor packages and floor plans were sent out to everyone in the PIDC’s list since Feb. 2. PR

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The economy is in crisis - but not business people. And while governments are diligently looking for ways to mitigate the recession, the Toronto Christian Worship Centre International Ministries (TCWCIM) is likewise boosting businessmen’s spirits. Entrepreneurs from the insurance, health and wellness, networking, food and realty industries operating in the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal attended the business breakfast fellowship organized by Monit Copreros. In his sermon, TCWCIM pastor Rev. Ogie Fernandez challenged the audience to survive the economic slump by trusting in the Lord, and listening to and obeying His instructions. Fernandez exhorted on the book of Luke, Chapter 5, where Jesus asked tested fishermen to ‘put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ They complained that they have been toiling all

night but caught nothing. Nevertheless, they obeyed. And the result: a net-breaking and a boat-sinking catch. During the fellowship, Joy Copreros, seasoned accountant-turned budding networking specialist, said her business has been successful because she made God her business partner, knowing God’s Word on finances and applying them to her daily life. Her principle: ‘Put God first and He will put everything in place and, success and victory is assured.’ Egay Gonzales encouraged listeners in building the house of God, but with new attitude; and Bonna Rabang shared her testimony of how God has been faithful throughout her life. Among those who also attended was Freddie Magno, Liland’s 2008 Rookie of the Year awardee and the youngest member of the prestigious University of the Philippines Alumni Association Toronto. PR

CALENDAR ► FEB. 27: Filipino Centre Toronto 2009 Filipino Singing Idol Competitions, Second Round, FCT Rizal Hall. ► MARCH 7: Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto Induction Gala Night, Crowne Plaza. ► MARCH 14: Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants Induction of New Members and Spring Dance, Sts. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall, 6 p.m. ► MARCH 15 & 22; APRIL 5, 19 & 26: Filipino Centre Toronto Free Income Tax Preparation. ► MARCH 26: Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto Taxation Seminar for Small Business. ► APRIL 11: Extreme Heartthrobs Canadian Tour, Massey Hall. ► APRIL 26: Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre Children’s Fashion Show. ► MAY 9 & 23: Segga Productions Inc. Juan dela Cruz Band Canadian Reunion Tour, Toronto International Celebration Church. ► MAY 16 & 17: Filipino Centre Toronto Victoria Invitational Basketball Tournament, Hoopdome. ► MAY 21: Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto Seminar on Business Planning and Marketing. ► MAY 30 (tentative): Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre Cultural Show. ► JUNE 6 & 7: Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre Independence Gala Night and Summer Festival Picnic, respectively. ► JUNE 7: Sharon Cuneta & KC Concepcion Live in Toronto, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 6 p.m. A public service feature of the Manila Media Monitor and the Philippine Consul General Office. Also visit pakulo.com.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Western Union (2) Dr. Evangeline M. Bernabe and Associates (3) All Debt Solutions, Consulting Services (4) Dr. Arla Rondilla Professional Corp. (5) Dr. Albine A. Miciano Cosmetic & General Dentistry (6) LBC (7) Kaakbay Financial Services (11) Ellesmere-Kennedy Dental Centre (12) Amit Bhatia Credit Management Services (13) Infinity Travel & Tours (15) Mendoza’s Debt/Financial Services (15) Timeless Images (16) Forex (17) Photographers for Christ (18) Henderson Weekes (19) Dr. Roslyn Sabilano Dentistry Professional Corp. (19) JC Eye Care (20) New Conservatory of Music (20) Pilot Courier Canada (21) Laguna Jewellers (21) UMAC Toronto (23)

Gonzales Dentistry Professional Corp. (23) LDV Computers (24) TFC-Gemini (24) Saratoga (25) Lovely Travel and Tours (26) Dr. Bernarda Rosales Verzonilla Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (27) Superb Travel Services (28) Wellness Company (28) Liland Insurance Inc. (29) musicpad.com (30) OCDC Parcel Services (31) Rhowena Adolfo, Investors Group (32) Innovation Video/Photo (32) Fiesta Filipino (33) T.H.D. Consultants (33) Roadsport Honda (34) needananny.ca (35) Seoul Driving School (36) Front Page Philippines (36) Eva Agpaoa, Liland (37) Freddie Magno, Liland (38) CHIN Radio (38) Clem Cabillan (39) areyouindebt.ca (39) Russell International (39) Dr. Santiago & Associates (40) Fairview Dental Centre (40)

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven.” MATTHEW 6:16

To all gifted photographers out there who have the third eye in capturing photos that reflect a Christian message, there is a Christian Fellowship of talented photographers that awaits you. They are Photographers For Christ who use the art of photography in spreading the word of God. Listen to your hearts, the Holy Spirit is calling you.

Pick up your camera and follow us.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

Community

FCT Paraluman ‘09 candidates

A D S

Candidates for the Filipino Centre Toronto’s Search for Paraluman 2009 are (from left) Hilda Arcega, Annabelle Chipongian, Maria Dolores Shinn, Isabel Aberocho, Susan Lee and Felisa Pulumbarit. They were presented at the contest launching on Feb. 14. AIDA D’ORAZIO

Hope reigns for cancer-ill caregiver ...

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(From page 1) to fully cure an abnormal growth behind her ear. The disease is beyond her now, but those times strained her and sisters’ finances. She had to get treatment in the Philippines. Back in Canada, Celia worked and completed her LCP contract. Medical tests In March 2008, she applied for permanent residency with the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). She included her sponsorship for her husband and two children. In Sept. 2008, CIC informed her she was eligible for status, but the final decision would be made after she completed requirements, including a medical test she took in Oct. 2008. Sad news On Jan. 20, 2009, Celia was admitted to the North York General Hospital for low hemoglobin. This time, the CIC advised Celia to take another check up to assure the nonrecurrence of nasopharyngal cancer she was cleared of four years ago. It was on Feb. 3 when Celia learned she had stage IV stomach cancer and that treatment would be futile. Her attending surgeon said the cancer cells have spread to her bones. But the doctor stressed the stomach cancer, diagnosed on Jan. 23, had no connection with Celia’s nasopharyngal case. Celia was also told she had less than six months to spend time with love ones. Celia left the hospital with $17,000 in bills, with no OHIP to back her up. She was with her sisters and two others - including caregiver advocate Terry Olayta of the Caregiver Resource Centre (CRC), when the sad news was delivered. Call for help Olayta, in a phone talk

on Feb. 19 with the Manila Media Monitor, has called on the community to help Celia get over these hard times in her life. Olayta said that initially, several persons have stood up to address Celia’s plea. She said Dr. Rolando Gallardo has been assisting Celia, medically. She also thanked lawyer Deanna Santos for the free legal services given Celia in her immigration case. Others, particularly fellow caregivers, and groups have rallied behind Celia’s plight and cause, she said. Signature drive Olayta said CRC launched a signature campaign to speedily get Celia’s case to the attention of immigration officials. As of Feb. 22, at least 300 concerned persons have signed up in a letter of appeal addressed to the CIC Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, AB. The appeal asked the CIC to “grant Celia her landing immigrant status in Canada and be reunited with her family in her last few days.” The appeal is posted over the CRC website (caregiverresourcecentre_ canada@yahoogroups. com) and being circulated by CRC members and support groups. Study sought Relatedly, Olayta aired observations of an increasing number of nannies found with clinical illness upon completing the LCP. “One can reasonably suspect that the long hours of work, uncertainty in their status, separation from family and all the stress that go with these greatly contribute to the deterioration of their health condition,” she noted. LCP participants are required to go through a medical exam before being

issued the LCP work visa. Then they would have to take another medical test when applying for permanent residency (PR), after working as full time live-in caregiver (LIC) for two of three years of arrival. Olayta suggested the conduct of a governmentfunded study to properly validate and record observations. A campaign to do away with the PR-related medical test is in the works. Caregiver concerns Other caregiver issues included poor and unfair labor conditions like long hours with no overtime pay, lack of vacation and sick leave benefits, vulnerability to physical and sexual abuse, and exploitation from employers and recruiters, etc. Olayta said the government could ease the situation by: ► Conducting an intensive information drive on the employment rights of LICs, particularly addressed to employers. ► Monitoring LIC employers to ensure they complied with labor laws. In British Columbia, for instance, there is a registry of employers. One cannot hire a caregiver if unregistered. This has also allowed known abusive employers to be blacklisted and closely monitored by concerned state agencies (e.g. labor, police, and immigration). ► Efficiently investigating violations of LIC rights and effectively enforcing LIC-related laws. ► Extending financial and legal aid for caregivervictims of employer abuse and recruitment scams. ► Overhauling the LCP e.g. removing the mandatory live-in requirement and providing less stringent requirements for obtaining PR status.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

ANGELITA MINA GALICIA (October 1, 1913 - February 12, 2009)

Members of the family express their profound gratitude to all who joined in prayers, offered flowers and condolences, went to the viewing at the Highland Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, heard the funeral Mass at the St. Dunstan Catholic Church, attended the interment services at the Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery and celebrated Angelita’s memory with them during their hour of bereavement. (PHOTOS: MATTHEW ORTUOSTE, MARIB GALICIA, BUTCH GALICIA)

Community Arianna Turla’s 1st birthday party

Arianna Turla (center and inset) at right) celebrates her first birthday with a clown-show and fun-games party given by parents Pocholo and Anna; grandparents Romy and Patri Turla, and Tito and Linda del Carmen. PR

USAAA members plan reunion

Members of the University of San Agustin Alumni Association plan an upcoming reunion. From left (back row) are Edwin Alderete, Agustin Te, Joel Pineda. Edward De la Rama, Roland Ortega, (front row) Amethyst Bautista, Leah Legaspi-De la Rama, Isabel Tan-Militar, Mae Javelosa-Te, Arlene Geolingo-Celajes, Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte and Mary Grace Guillen-Pineda. PR

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

23

24

OFW realities (From page 9) Matatag ang OFW. Matatag ang OFW, mas matatag pa sa sundalo o kung ano pang grupo na alam nyo. Magaling sa reverse psychology, negotiations at counter-attacks. Tatagal ba ang OFW? Tatagal pa kasi hindi pa natin alam kung kailan magbabago ang Philippines. Kailan nga kaya, o may tsansa pa ba? May pangarap rin ang OFW. Masarap isipin na kasama mo ang pamilya mo araw-araw. Nakikita mo mga anak mong lumalaki at naaalagaan nang maayos. Masarap kumain ng sitaw, ng bagoong, lechon, inihaw na isda, taba ng talangka. Masarap manood ng

pelikulang Pinoy, luma man o bago. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam kung kilala mo ang kapitbahay mo. Iba pa rin sa Philippines, iba pa rin kapag Pinoy ang kasama mo (except ‘pag utak-talangka), iba pa rin ‘pag nagkukwento ka at naiintindihan ng iba ang sinasabi mo. Iba pa rin ang tunog ng “mahal kita!”, “day, ginahigugma tika.” “Mingaw na ko nimo ba, kalagot!”, “ Inday, diin ka na subong haw? ganahan guid ko simo ba”. Iba pa rin talaga -“aprusam man ti likod ko baket.” Sige lang, tiis lang, saan ba’t darating din ang pagasa. SOURCE: ANONYMOUS

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

Bleed it out

(From page 10) hearing these potent words in a speech by Jesse Jackson back in 1984: “These hands ... these black hands ... these hands that once picked cotton will now pick

Life back ...

(From page 8) the mobile phone circuit, in bars and across fences. Back home, television and the rumor mill are still inextricably conjoined. A happy partner in the arrangement is wry wit and charming humor. If we can only export them all, the Philippines will have such a surplus of income that the word recession will cease to be in our mouths.

Overseas ... presidents.” Thrilling words. Exciting words. I remember them well. And, even though I wasn’t his target audience, they created a powerful image in my mind, and when he finished, all I could say was, “Wow!” Meanwhile, for millions of African Americans, it was the motivation needed

The ending

(From page 10) was a reminder of how he lived a contented life. And just before the last frame faded to black, a smiling photo I took of him on the first day we met appeared on the screen, then, gradually drifted away into the colourful sunset backdrop, to join up with his loving parents who predeceased him. This is what I believe he would have told his ultimate journey. His book is now closed and the curtain is down. My friend, Celestino G. Yokingco left our world with a heart-warming memory that I will always cherish. And to all of us, who are still here, let us enjoy the most of what life has to offer. We too will reach our end.

to put apathy aside and go to the ballot box. We are charged and moved by many emotions. Here are just a few: acceptance, amusement, anger, angst, annoyance, anticipation, arrogance, awe, anxiety, bitterness, calmness, caution, confidence, courage, determination, disappointment, discontent, disgust, desire, delight, elation, embarrassment, envy, excitement, fear, friendship, frustration, gratitude, grief, guilt, hate, happiness, impatience, inadequacy, irritability, inspiration, joy, jealousy, kindness, loneliness, love, lust, modesty, negativity, nostalgia, paranoia, patience, pity, pride, regret, resentment, sadness, selfpity, serenity, shame, surprise, timidity, torment, worry, yearning, and zeal. Which ones move you? (Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. is a motivational speaker and humorist. He works with companies that want to be more competitive and with people who want to think like innovators. For more information on Robert’s programs please visit www. jumpstartyourmeeting. com.)

(From page 3) DFA is using the machines to capture the biometrics data of Filipinos applying for passports. Poll commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer said Comelec and DFA machines could be synchronized. Ferrer said the poll body hoped to register one million voters worldwide. In 2007, over 500,000 enlisted as absentee voters. But about 3,000 voters would be deleted from the voter’s list if they failed to participate in two consecutive polls. NAIA listup site Transient overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) could enlist for the OAV at a registration center installed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). NAIA is one of at least four sites set up to maximize OAV registration. Poll automation Meanwhile, Senator Richard Gordon called on Comelec to ensure that the security and safety features of the machines to be used in automating the May 2010 presidential elections would ably do away with any forms of electoral cheating. The Comelec has asked Congress for a supplemental budget of P11.3 billion for poll automation. PNA

25 the PHILIPPINES Humanitarian, community projects top RP-US Balikatan ‘09 agenda MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

MANILA - Set to start on Feb. 23, the PhilippineUS Balikatan joint military exercises this year would focus on community and humanitarian projects in far-flung areas. Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, AFP public affairs chief, said Balikatan ‘09 would be the 25th in a series the Philippine and US militaries are conducting yearly. “The joint military training exercises aim to formulate and assess defense plan

concepts and its transition to post-conflict response,” said Torres. He said elements of the Philippine Armed Forces’ unilateral and bilateral defense capabilities would be put to an acid test during exercises from Feb. 23 to March 2 and April 16 to 28, respectively. Exercises with American troopers would commence for members of the Philippine National Maneuver Force, the Navy’s

Ready Force and the Air Force’s Rapid Deployment Force on April 1. The exercises would be conducted simultaneously in different venues, including Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Clark Air Base in Pampanga; Ternate and Sangley Point in Cavite and Crow Valley in Pampanga. But more than assessing military capabilities, the joint Philippine-US military exercises would focus on the conduct of disaster

rehabilitation and rural development projects. These would materialize through engineering and medical civic action programs in the Bicol region. Torres said FilipinoAmerican military personnel have volunteered to lend a hand to their needy compatriots during the humanitarian mission. Civil-military relations activities would also be conducted in Metro Manila and Central Luzon. PNA

Filipino and American soldiers train

5,000 deported from Sabah - BI

Bishop: Molding faithful on morality needs extra effort

MANILA - Nearly 5,000 Filipinos earlier deported by Malaysian authorities from Sabah have returned to the Philippines. But immigration officials said there were still about 3,000 more detained in Sandakan, Malaysia for lack of travel documents. Most of them reportedly worked either as domestic helpers, factory workers or market vendors without proper documents. Immigration commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the deportation was a result of Malaysia’s crackdown against illegal foreign

MANILA - A senior official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has admitted that Church evangelization efforts to mold moral minds among the faithful were not enough. Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, CBCP’s public affairs commission chair, said evangelization of the faithful seemed “not that deep enough especially in terms of their role to the country and the society.” “As members of the religious sector, it is our responsibility and privilege to mold the minds of the peo-

workers. Libanan said the deportees were processed by Task Force Sabah formed last

year. Earlier, processing was done in Zamboanga City, until Mayor Claro Lobregat

Filipino deportees from Sabah, Malaysia

sought help in addressing the influx of deportees to the southern port. Carandang said the task force has since processed deportees in Bongao, TawiTawi. Task Force Sabah head Jose Carandang said the repatriation of deportees began on July 24, 2008. He said two vessels, the M/V Danica Joy and M/V Weezam plied to Sabah twice a week to pick up and bring the deportees to Mindanao. First stop was Bongao, after which they were brought to Sulu and Zamboanga. PNA

ple to do the right thing,” Bishop Iñiguez said. “We should spearhead the moral transformation for the country and for the common good,” he added. But CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said “we’re already there.” Lagdameo asserted that the CBCP had been very zealous in its duties and responsibilities to society. This could be seen in the big number of pastoral letters and statements the Church had issued on social and spiritual issues haunting the Philippines. PNA

26

TRAVEL & TOURISM

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

February in Zamboanga Sibugay

Oysters abound in Sibug-Sibug Festival The biggest and juiciest oyster meat in the Philippines and perhaps elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region is off for the showing and the tasting on Feb. 26, when residents of one of the country’s youngest provinces Zamboanga Sibugay - stage their Sibug-Sibug Festival. While endorsing the day, Feb. 26. The area was province’s prime product formerly a part of Zambo- the oyster (talaba in Ta- anga del Sur. The new provgalog), the Sibug-Sibug ince was created by RepubFestival depicts the dancing lic Act No. 8973. Longest talaba grill rituals of a people hoping to In the capital town of have a bountiful harvest, a beautiful wife, healthy chil- Ipil, the festival’s highlight dren, and the healing of the is the talaba grill showcase, when at least 15,000 pieces sick. The two-week festival of oysters from five to 11 reaches its peak on Zambo- inches long are cooked on a anga Sibugay’s foundation 1.2-kilometer grill. The meat of grilled oysters would later be the object of expectant taste buds. The feat had earlier earned for Zamboanga Sibugay the title of World’s Longest Oyster Grill. The province has been known as the Talaba Capital of the Philippines. Oyster galore KABAYAN, BenZamboanga Sibugay’s guet - The people of this famed oysters are found small but scenic town only on the coast of Kaare gearing up for anothbasalan town fed by the er edition of a yearly late February eco-tourism climb of the Philippines’ fifth tallest mountain and visit to four unique mountain lakes. Mayor Faustino MANILA - The advent Aquisan said the mounof warm weather and the tain trek, supported by promise of a good tropical the Department of Tourtan have spurred tourism ism, started in 2004 with officials to urge domestic the visits to the centuand foreign tourists to plan ries-old mummy caves.” their holiday vacations way Aquisan said the ahead for real enjoyment. trek has instilled in the “We urge our countryminds of residents and men, particularly those from visitors a commitment abroad, to explore the Philto protect the environippine archipelago’s 7,107 ment and preserve the islands,” Tourism Secretary mountain lakes AmbuJoseph Ace Durano said. lalacao, Incolos, Tabeyo “We have the beaches, and Letepngepos. mountains, countryside, “For mountain heritage sites, caves, rivclimbers, the exciting ers, food trips, urban verve. challenge is to reach the The Philippines has almost apex of Mount Tabayok everything a traveler would (9,322 feet above sea want to experience. We urge level),” he added. PNA people to book ahead to get the best tour packages and

Climb a mountain, discover its lakes

winding Sibuguey River. Fisherfolk claimed that their talaba could grow as long as 12 inches in length. In contrast to the way other communities in the country farm oysters, the Kabasalan oysters are not grown on sticks but are instead buried in mud and left there to grow to maturity. There are four kinds of talaba, but it is the kukong (To page 28)

DOT - Plan holiday vacations early promotional fares.” Durano admitted that the global economic crisis is foreseen to temper tourism receipts. Domestic tourism, however, is expected to cushion the slowdown in foreign arrivals, he said. “Why not? We can all enjoy our holiday while helping out our economy,” Durano added. Tourism would mean more jobs and increased spending would help local businesses, he said. He said he had urged “partners - hotels, resorts, spas, tour operators, and transportation stakeholders - to come out with more options and flexible packages.

“Group tours will be big. Filipinos simply love to travel with family and friends,” he added. Tourism Planning and Promotions Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. said preferred tourism sites would be Boracay in Aklan, Palawan, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Vigan, Baguio and Manila. But the tourism agency is advocating the discovery of still unexplored sites. Jarque said Siquijor, Camiguin, Quezon, Zamboanga, Camarines Sur, Batangas, Mindoro, Dumaguete, Leyte and Negros have pristine beaches that could rival Boracay. Old heritage sites are not exclusive to Vigan, as

Iloilo, Bacolod, and Laguna have their own century-old architectural marvels. Trekkers might like to consider the mountains of Sagada, Cavite, Bataan, Bulacan, Mountain Province, Romblon, Batanes, and Marinduque, among others, Jarque added. The agency has also started to promote birdwatching. “In other parts of the world, birdwatching is an expensive leisure pursuit, taken up mostly by famous personalities. Here we have over 200 endemic species of birds within our view, we should be the first to discover our own national treasures,” Jarque said. PNA

RP is home to world’s largest orchid specie MANILA - Orchid enthusiasts across the globe are raving for the exotic beauty of Sadokum, a new specie of one of the world’s biggest orchids found in the Philippines. Filipino horticulturist and orchid specialist Danilo Tiu and Jim Cootes, his Australian co-researcher, have discovered Sadokum, the new genus of Grammatophyllum. Sadokum ((from sadok, a Leyte-Samar vernacular for cap or hood) got its name from the prominent hood-like dorsal sepal of the flower that seemed to protect the column of the bloom. Tiu said the specie originated from the province of Surigao. Tiu is a member of the experts pool of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development while Cootes is a research associate for the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research in Canberra. Cootes had been studying Philippine orchids for more than 30 years. Sadokum’s features were enough to categorize it as a new Gramma genus, characterized by its brittle and shiny leaves; short, glossy, and more rounded pseudobulb (solid bulbous enlargement of the stem in orchids). The name Sadokum has given the plant an AustroMalayan sound, since the Philippine language and its dialects are part of the greater Austro-Malayan family of languages. Sadokum can be found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. The genus has a specie, S. stapeliiflorum D. Tiu & Cootes. PNA

PHILIPPINE Regions

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

27

NEWS ROUNDUP Vigan City: Basi lady VIGAN CITY - Homemaker Jean Alones, 39, drinks basi, a native wine; and she gulps it down fast. During the 2nd Kannawidan Ylocos Festival here on Jan. 28, Alones bested male counterparts in the basi drinking contest; taking in a liter of the wine in 30 seconds without showing signs of being under the influence. Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano cited Alones’s feat as a record, which “serves as a very significant reference in the succeeding competitions that seeks to promote our own basi.” The Kannawidan (an Iluko term meaning feast of all heritages, practices and products) Ylocos Festival commemorated the creation of Ilocos Sur into a province on Feb. 2, 1818. PNA

Nueva Vizcaya: Twinning with Basque ARITAO, Nueva Vizcaya - The twinning agreement between Nueva Vizcaya in the Philippines and Basque in Spain is starting to reap benefits, particularly for the former’s indigenous communities. The establishment of a P17-million hospital here, a student exchange program, and the establishment of a cultural center that would serve as a repository edifice for cultural practices and traditional arts of the 15 tribes in Nueva Vizcaya were the subjects of recent negotiations between Governor Luisa Cuaresma and Bishop Ramon Villena and officials of Basque in Spain. PNA

Camarines Sur: Pili class AA abattoir PILI, Camarines Sur - A new P7-million class “AA” slaughterhouse would soon rise in Barangay San Isidro here. Mayor Alex San Luis said the local government and the National Meat Inspection Service would fund the construction of the abattoir. San Luis said that with a double-A status, the town’s slaughterhouse could accept more animals from neighboring towns for slaughtering and could sell meat products within the Philippines, meaning more income for municipal coffers. There are only three double-A certified abattoirs in the Bicol region - in Gubat, Sorsogon; Masbate City, and Naga City. PNA

NE Mindanao: Land titles for farmers BUTUAN CITY - At least 5,104 landless farmers in the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga Region) have received land titles under the Handog Titulo ni Pangulong GMA program. The titles covered an area of 5,188 hectares. Each beneficiary got an average of one hectare of agricultural land. Nationwide, the DENR is expecting to distribute 187,389 patents covering 159,503 hectares this year. PNA

Palawan: Mt. Mantalingahan preservation PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - Mt. Mantalingahan, habitat to threatened and endemic flora and fauna and site of watersheds, is on its way to being a protected area, after state environment officials declared a moratorium on the processing of new mining applications in southern Palawan. The 120,000-hectare Mt. Mantalingahan straddles the towns of Quezon, Brooke’s Point, Sofronio Española, Rizal and Bataraza, populated mostly by native Tagbanuas. The moratorium put on hold 65 large mining rights applications covering 116,999 hectares, or 97 percent of the total area of Mt. Mantalingahan. PNA

Cumigad lauds ICOC for work ...

Cebu: US$500-M power plant CEBU CITY - Cebu Energy Development Corp. (CEDC), a consortium of Global Formosa Holdings Inc. of Taiwan, Global Business Power Corp. and Abovant Holdings Inc. of the Cebu-based Aboitiz Group, is pushing through its US$500-million power plant in Toledo City despite the global economic meltdown. The coal-fired power plant, with a combined capacity of 246 megawatts, broke ground on Jan. 26, 2008 and is expected to be completed by early 2010. PNA

Iloilo City: Another flyover ILOILO CITY - Mayor Jerry Treñas is set to push the construction of a flyover at the junction of El 98 and the diversion road in Mandurriao district under the Presidential Bridge Program. Treñas said the proposed site is regularly bothered by traffic congestion. A flyover in the area would also smooth out traffic to and from the new airport in the Sta Barbara-Cabatuan boundary. In late 2007, the city saw its first flyover project completed at the junction of Infante and Gen. Luna streets. PNA

Santiago City: Scholarships SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela - Almost 25,000 children enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools and colleges here have completed their studies in 2008, courtesy of the city’s scholarship program. Mayor Amelita Navarro said the city has provided these graduates with school supplies, books, uniforms and financial aid. She said the city also put up 10 classrooms and a daycare center and repaired 16 classrooms in the year. “We have invested a whooping P58 million to education,” Navarro said. PNA

Sarangani: Sea marine turtles KIAMBA, Sarangani – Natural resources and local officials here released 116 hatchlings of sea marine turtles in the coastal village of Suli, site of the proposed Pawikan Conservation and Protection Center in Central Mindanao. Suli is a known nesting site of marine turtles, locally known as pawikan. In November last year, village volunteers found 120 sea turtle eggs and took care of these until 116 of the eggs hatched on Dec. 28, 2008. The 24day-old marine turtles were of the Olive Ridley species (Lepidochelys olivacea), protected under international treaties and agreements. Lately, the population has dwindled due to the long-term collection of eggs and indiscriminate catching and butchering of adult ones. PNA

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Gamu, Isabela Mayor Fernando Cumigad (4th from left, seated) has explained to community pressmen Tenny Soriano, Ramon Datol, Eva Agpaoa and Butch Galicia the advantages of investing in Philippine enterprises, particularly in quality products in Isabela, and of helping skilled and professional Filipinos get work in Canada. Joining in are Consul General Alejandro Mosquera, Teresa Mosquera and officers of the Isabela Cultural Organization of Canada. (From page 15) Padaca. Cumigad, one of Isabela’s officials who have visited Canadian cities in the recent past, also went to Winnipeg to push for Isabela’s agricultural workers and products. He said they have been trying to attend international trade fairs and exhibits to tap market possibilities. Visible, active ICOC He said Isabelans all over the globe have been very kind to extend their helping hand to help build lives and communities back home. He cited the ICOC for being visible and active in Filipino-Canadian multicultural events such as

celebrations of Philippine historical events i.e. Independence Day and the Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival; He thanked the ICOC for remembering Isabela and providing assistance to its people in the form of goods and services. Some of the ICOC’s help included: ►Scholarship programs for poor but deserving Isabela students; ► Financial assistance, sent through the Isabela Red Cross, to help needy families in times of crisis such as the typhoon and flood calamities; ► Financial aid sent to families in their time of

bereavement; ► Help for over 200 less fortunate families, through a door-to-door drive for goods, medicines, books, clothing and food. ► Computers sent to elementary schools; and ► Aid provided for the Lingap Orphanage center. RP situation Meanwhile, Cumigad said the situation in the Philippines “is not as bad as it is being portrayed.” But he admitted the need for leaders who could devote their time on improving the lives of Filipinos and in reviving the country’s socio-economic and political greatness. EVA AGPAOA

28

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

PHILIPPINE Regions

UN: Zero maternal death in 2 Bohol towns Carmen and Talibon are two remote towns tucked deep in the interiors of Bohol in central Philippines. Like any other town in the archipelago, Carmen and Talibon are blessed with natural resources, sublime nature-carved terrains and gentle hospitable people. Yet, health care in Bohol comes in trickles, bordering to almost none at the expense of its over a million population. Notwithstanding the challenges, Carmen and Talibon have successfully won the battle on maternal deaths, with sterling records of zero mortality among conceiving mothers - a record even highly modernized cities in Metro Manila have not achieved in years. This is according to the

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By MEDIATRIX P. CRISTOBAL, PNA Features latest United Nations (UN) populations report. Maternal deaths Every year, about 500,000 lives are lost around the world due to maternityrelated causes, 99 percent of these deaths occur in developing countries and almost all of them are preventable, the UN said. More than 10 Filipino mothers die everyday leaving more than 30 children motherless. The deaths are attributed to hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labor. The UN’s target is to reduce maternity-related deaths by 75 percent be-

tween 1990 and 2015. The world body also seeks for universal access to reproductive health services for all regardless of gender and age. The Philippine government has adopted Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood as a flagship program of the health department. It involves a threepronged strategy, namely: skilled attendants at birth; emergency obstetric care, referral system, and reproductive health and family planning services. Wise move on RH One would say that Bohol is an easy target for maternal mortality as it is one of the poorest in the Philip-

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pines, ranked 16th in 2007. It is the 10th largest island in the country and relies on agriculture as main source of livelihood, with ecotourism as secondary industry. Yet, despite the poverty and geographical inaccessibility, Bohol triumphed with well-thought steps that ensures all mothers will live after giving birth. First, Boholanos modified the culture of how reproductive health (RH) is typically viewed. After years of campaign, RH is now as indispensable as any other health concern. Teen interest “Carmen and Talibon posted 22 and 49 percent increase, respectively, of people, particularly teens, seeking RH information and services,” the UN report said. These steps eliminate a huge portion of promiscuity or reckless behavior among the youth. A jump of 10,000 people are seeking RH information and services in Talibon from 22,111 to 32,989 from 2000 to 2007, respectively,

the biggest figure recorded in the province. Provincewide initative Bohol tapped the services of competent doctors, local government units and even young adults or teens in waging the war against RH-related concerns. Councils in three towns are ready to approve RH ordinances. Moreover, 27 birthing centers were put up, complementing community-managed newborn care facilities. Thus, more women are paying visits to health care workers, averaging four prenatal check-ups. Carmen recorded the biggest growth of pregnant women turning to legitimate health facilities upon delivery with 49.12 percent in 2007, from a mere 19.58 percent in 2000. Ubay town, north of the province, and Talibon serve as national models in expanded RH integration program in coastal resource management. Advocacy through information dissemination, community involvement, male participation, and empowerment of women play a major role in wiping out Bohol’s maternal deaths.

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(From page 26) kabayo (horse’s toenail) or oblong shaped (saccosrea malabonensis) oyster that grows best in Kabasalan. Zamboanga Sibugay is a major oyster supplier to neighboring Asia-Pacific countries. Its three major talaba farms are in Kabasalan, Siay and Alicia towns. Besides oysters, Zamboanga Sibugay’s economy also thrives on rubber. The province has the oldest rubber plantation in the country. Aboriginal rituals Among the many activities of the two-week-long festival is a street dancing competition, a West-

ern Subanen cultural show (where natives present various rituals showcasing their preparation for war, a wedding and many others. The Subanen are aborigines of Zamboanga, inhabiting the province even before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century. Also featured in the festival are the aesthetic performances of native rituals from members of the indigenous Kalibugan, Yakan and Samal people. At least 14 of Zamboanga Sibugay’s 16 towns are densely inhabited by ethnolinguistic groups.

RICEFIELD RAT

Albay farmers wage war vs ricefield rats LIGAO CITY - Farmers of Albay have turned to applying various methods to get rid of pesky field rats that have been invading farms across the province. Local officials are mulling over bankrolling the purchase of rodenticides to wipe out the rat race that has grown by pandemic proportions in the rice granary towns of Polangui, Oas, Libon and Malinao. But farmers are lukewarm to the idea of scattering poison in the field, as it poses risks to humans and domestic animals. Roger Moradillo of this city has something better to offer - the use of cementlaced palay as a safe yet effective way of controlling farm pests, not just rats. “Once ingested, the cement creates heat inside the rat’s digestive tract due to chemical reactions, eventually turning their stomachs concrete,” Moradillo said. He said the method is being used by farmers in Masbate and Sorsogon. Local governments have also resorted to the old-time strategy of luring farmhands to catch and kill field rats, by buying rat tails at P2 apiece. Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda approves of the rat tail buy-out over rodenticides. Farmers partly blamed rat infestation to the decline in yield last year. PNA

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RP to sail past recession woes MANILA - Prevailing weak world oil prices and strong domestic demand would shield the Philippines from an economic recession this year. Stock market and financial analyst Astro del Castillo said lower oil prices have translated to lower prices of goods, fares, power and other oil-based variables that weighed in on decisions of consumers. Subsequently, lower prices have spurred private consumption and public spending, creating domestic demand that would take up the slack and support economic growth this year. Del Castillo said a strong domestic demand would counter the combined impact of rising risk-aversion and easing want for Philippine products.

The resilient Philippine village sari-sari (retail or convenience) store will once more stand up to its billing as an effective way to beat cash flow woes. It is, perhaps, the only consumer spending venue where credit is based on trust, not cards; and where goods are bought cheaply in the exact quantity one wants it, not in big bulky packages passed off by grocers as bargains. Experiences from previous crises showed that a healthy domestic demand was the key to ensuring sustainable real growth. The economic plunge in the United States, Europe and other developed countries would mean fewer jobs abroad and fewer export products bought by foreign consumers, adversely affecting the Philippine export and manufacturing sectors.

PSE pushes capital market subjects in HS MANILA - The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) has laid out an ambitious plan to have capital market subjects integrated into the curriculum of high schools. PSE president Francis E. Lim said it was high time to educate the youth on the role the capital market plays for national development. Lim said the implementation of the PSE-Bureau of Secondary Education Module Development Project would teach students the value of saving and investing, instill in them an alternative and viable personal fiscal management strategy, and encourage them to become future investors. The PSE would fund curriculum integration processes and the production of a teacher’s guide. PNA

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much as they had in better times. Dollar remittances are expected to decline since a big number of overseas Filipino workers are in North America. “This year’s growth will definitely slow down and people should brace themselves for harder times, but we will not slip into recession,” del Castillo said. PNA

PTT to put in P3B in 200 Luzon, Visayas gas stops

SAGOT(MULA SASABATID WIKA PAHINA 38) 1

But del Castillo said the continued robust growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector would offset the impact. The BPO sector has been contributing more than two percent to the country’s gross domestic product. The sector is expecting a 35-percent growth for 2009. There would be fewer foreign tourists who would most likely not spend as

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Pothiapinyanvisuth said they have no plans yet to expand in Mindanao. The state-owned PTT runs some 1,200 stations in Thailand and five of six re-

fineries in Bangkok. While admitting a slowdown in PTT operations, he said they remained confident with the Philippine economy. PNA

BNPP is option vs power lack LUBAO, Pampanga - The opening of the Bataan Nuclear Power plant (BNPP) is a viable option for the Philippines to meet its electricity requirements. Zenaida Ducut, Energy Regulatory Commission head, said the operation of the plant is up for consideration, as nuclear power is still the most practical and efficient option to prevent

energy shortages. Energy officials said the Philippines, by 2010, is expected to experience power shortage due to rising demand and lack of new power plants. Activists have been opposing the operationalization of the mothballed BNPP, built at a cost of US2.3 billion but never generated power. PNA

GOT A FOREX DEAL? Check out if you got your peso’s worth for the dollars you have had exchanged since Jan. 20. Feb. 13 Feb. 12 Feb. 11 Feb. 10 Feb. 09 Feb. 06 Feb. 05 Feb. 04 Feb. 03 Feb. 02 Jan. 30 Jan. 29 Jan. 28 Jan. 27 Jan. 26 Jan. 23 Jan. 22 Jan. 21 Jan. 20

US$ 47.13267 47.22828 46.72707 46.73128 46.93123 47.12636 47.33936 47.43479 47.09008 46.96997 46.48370 46.50333 46.49772 46.85583 47.25319 47.34615 47.35957 47.50764 47.26518

Cdn$ 37.91665 37.87191 37.62068 37.89817 38.49732 38.06468 38.48538 38.68877 38.18911 37.87653 37.60598 38.17769 38.74645 38.12265 38.73087 37.93531 37.58451 37.28853 37.50946

Indian firm eyes IT, healthcare By LESLIE D. VENZON NEW DELHI - There are very good prospects of India doing business with the Philippines even in areas where they compete, including the healthcare and information technology (IT) industries. K. K. Modi, president of Modi Enterprises, said “India has a very large population and this requires a lot of help in terms of medical treatment and healthcare, which are very good especially in the Philippines.” World development indicators in 2005 estimated India’s population at 1.055 billion. The Philippine medical services are deemed one of the best in the world. Modi said “IT is becoming more and more expensive in India and there is a need for diversification.” Many Indian companies are trying to enter viable sites like the Philippines as markets in the West, partic-

ularly the US, are sinking, he said. “Regional focus is possible and outsourcing can be diversified. There are a number of Indian IT companies in the Philippines,” he added. Modi urged the Philippines to ship more products to India, particularly embroidered textile. “But I don’t think there has been very large exportimport program between India and the Philippines,” he noted. India’s imports from the Philippines included semiconductors, inorganic chemicals, auto parts, newsprint, minerals, garments and miscellaneous industrial products. Indian investments in the Philippines are mainly in textiles, IT and steel and oleo-chemicals. N. Ravi, Ministry of (To page 34)

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

Gov’t lame in shielding people against credit card gouging? OTTAWA – The government has not done enough to protect Canadian consumers from the predatory practices of credit card companies, said NDP Critic for Consumer Protection Glenn Thibeault. Even as the Bank of Canada has reduced its trend-setting rate, credit card providers and other financial institutions continue to increase their interest rates and add on superfluous fees. VISA alone saw a 35-percent rise in profits last year, an NDP press release said. “Why is it that credit card companies continue to raise interest rates, when the bank of Canada’s rate continues to decrease?” asked Thibeault during Question Period on Feb. 5. “It’s because they know no one is going to stop them and its hard-hit Canadian families who are paying the price,” he said. “Does this Conservative government seriously think a consumer awareness program will help solve the skyrocketing family debt that Canadian families are

facing?” asked Thibeault. “The Conservative government’s plan won’t do anything more than inform Canadian consumers just how much they are being ripped off,” he added. Since 2004, the personal debt load of Canadian families has risen by 40 percent

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reaching their highest levels ever. By increasing rates, credit card companies are simply profiting off families struggling to ends meet. “Canadian families shouldn’t bear the brunt of these tough economic times,” said Thibeault. PR

CRA: Be wary of mail scam The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning taxpayers to be aware of a letter fraudulently identified as coming from the CRA and asking for personal information. The letter claims that there is “insufficient information” for the individual’s tax return and in order to receive any “claims,” they will have to update their records. The letter attaches a form specifically requesting the individual’s personal information in writing, via fax or email, including information on bank accounts and passports. This letter is not from the CRA and Canadians should not provide their personal information to the sender. All taxpayers should be vigilant when divulging any confidential information to third parties. The CRA has well established practices to protect the confidentiality of taxpayers’ information. The CRA has notified the proper law enforcement authorities of this scam. For information about this and other similar scams, or to report deceptive telemarketing activity, visit www. phonebusters.com, send an email to info@phonebusters. com, or call 1-888-495-8501. PR

9 tax tips for ‘09 - and beyond TORONTO - Author and tax expert Evelyn Jacks has provided nine tips that could help Canadians relieve their stress and save them money as they prepare their tax returns. The tips, according to Jacks, founder and president of The Knowledge Bureau, a leading Canadian financial services institute: ► Take control. Real wealth management is the accumulation, growth, preservation and transition of personal net worth - after tax, costs and inflation.Mastering your taxes will help you get richer. Decide now that you’re going to get a handle on your taxes. ► Shift your focus. If taxes are mystical to you, learn enough to ask deep, probing questions about your after-tax results. Shift your focus from annual tax preparation to a strategic plan for tax efficiency - all year long. ► Stop the madness. The average tax refund in Canada has climbed to more than $1,400. That’s an interest free loan to the government. Change the game - pay only the

right amount of tax, but on time, not in advance. Minimize the taxes withheld at source. Ask your employer for a copy of Form TD1 Tax Credit Return and its sister, Form T1213 Request for Reduction of Taxes at Source. ► Consider variety. A variety of income sources may bring better after-tax results. It’s important to keep on top of marginal tax rates - by income source - to average down the taxes you pay. Find out how much you’ll pay on the next dollar of income you’ll earn, by source. Interest income, for example, will be taxed at a top marginal rate (around 45 percent for upper earners) while income resulting from capital gains attracts half that amount. ► Take the team approach. Refuse to deal with professional advisors who work in silos - a team approach is best. Make sure your financial and tax advisors are working together to create and preserve your wealth. ► Make it a family affair. Through income-splitting, families can pay the least amount of taxes possible and build significantly more wealth than single people. The family can be

a powerful economic unit. ► Consider self-employment. If you don’t own a business, consider starting one, even a parttime operation. There are decided tax advantages to self-employment, because your business will likely pay much lower taxes than you do personally. ► Focus on the outcome. What counts is what’s left. What can you still do to reduce the taxes you’ll pay? Are you claiming all the deductions and credits you’re entitled to? Don’t be reluctant to ask questions - of your advisor, of your tax preparer, of the Canada Revenue Agency - to fully maximize your after-tax income. ► Never miss filing a tax return. A tax return is required to build contribution room for the Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) and Registered Retirement Savings Account (RRSP), so it’s folly to miss filing a return, or to file late. Don’t cut into your tax exempt and tax deferred wealth accumulation potential by being tardy. Increase your tax refund with an RRSP, and use the savings to fund the TFSA. CNW

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Strong global labor demand keeps OFW deployment rate high MANILA - The strong demand for skilled Filipino hands is seen to ease any potential effect of the global economic slowdown on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFW). Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said host countries like Canada, Bulgaria, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have continued to hire Filipino workers adept in the English language and whose work values are highly rated. Roque based his assessment from reports from Philippine Overseas Labor

Offices (POLO) in over 30 strategic host destinations worldwide. The POLOs have been conducting marketing missions and employment facilitation programs to widen opportunities for OFWs. Deployment surge Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reports showed that a total of 1,376,823 OFWs were deployed to some 190 host destinations in 2008 alone. Roque said this represented growth of 27.8 percent, compared to the

1,077,623 OFWs deployed in 2007. He said an average of 3,770 OFWs flew out for work abroad in 2008. Remittances The labor chief added that global OFW remittances reached US$15 billion in the first 11 months (January to November) of 2008. Citing the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) update, Roque said the remittance was 15.1 percent higher than that recorded in the same period in 2007. The BSP said the continued demand for profes-

sional and skilled OFWs in overseas economies substantially contributed to sustained dollar remittances to the country in 2008. Bahrain’s need Meanwhile, Bahrain Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Salman Al Khalifa invited Filipino professionals to consider his country as a preferred place to work and stay in. “We have no problem with Filipinos. We should have more of them,” Khalifa told NBN Channel 4, while waiting for the arrival of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the tarmac of the Bahrain International Airport on Feb. 4. “We really want more Filipinos because they are

hard working,” he added. In a speech before the Filipino community at the convention center of Gulf International Hotel, President Arroyo said the Prime Minister intimated that Bahrain needed more salesladies for shopping malls. Wanted: Butchers In another development, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) bared the big demand for butchers in meat processing plants in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Davao TESDA regional director Elmer Talavera said some 10,000 butchers are sought to turn cattle and sheep into fresh and frozen meat cuts for domestic and

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export markets. Talavera said most workers in Australia, New Zealand and Canada were not so keen in working as butchers or meat cutters as job standards in the industry were just too low for them. “Feelers to fill up job openings for butchers have been sent to us,” he said. Training programs for butchering and meat cutting operations are in TESDA’s list of skills development programs. HK: No mass layoffs Relatedly, Senator Aquilino Pimentel said while households in Hong Kong “are scrimping on househelps,” the possibility of a mass layoff for more than 150,000 OFWs, mostly domestic helpers, there is nil. Pimentel got the information during a brief stopover in Hong Kong. He also allayed fears of OFW job losses in the Swiss Confederation, after getting a positive briefing from Ambassadors Erlinda Basilio and Maria Theresa Lazaro on the OFW situation in Geneva, Lausanne and the rest of Switzerland. “The work of our compatriots in Germany also appear stable from information passed on to me by Consul General Manalo,” he added. In Taiwan, more than 2,000 OFWs were displaced due to the global financial crisis. With PNA

Giving (An item from the Investors Group Financial Services) LENDING A HELPING HAND. Is this you? You’re in your 40s or 50s, physically and financially healthy. You’ve reached that stage in life when your focus is shifting inward toward an examination of what’s important to you for personal satisfaction and fulfillment. And that leads you to consider your fellow citizens, your community, and the causes you believe in - and how you can help. GIVING OF YOURSELF AS A VOLUNTEER. More and more active and engaged ‘Baby Boomers’ are acting on their strong desire to give back to causes they are passionate about by sharing their time - and sometimes their wealth - with the charitable and nonprofit organizations that provide so many essential services in every Canadian community.

Whether they are on the front lines directly helping others, on fundraising committees or on boards of directors for non-profit organizations, volunteers play a critical role in our society. As a volunteer, you have an enormous range of areas to choose from: health, social services, education, sports, recreation, arts, culture, environmental concerns, food banks, emergency shelters, crisis hotlines - and much more. And besides, volunteering is good for you. A study by Volunteer Canada found direct links between volunteering and better health and happiness, generally in the later years. If you’re thinking about becoming a volunteer, here are some tips for getting the most out of your volunteering experience: ► Volunteer for an organization or cause that complements your lifestyle, suits your personality and is of personal interest to you.

► Before you get involved, ask yourself these questions: -- What do I hope to achieve from the experience? -- What causes or issues matter most to me? -- What skills, experience or talents do I want to share? -- Are there areas in which I want to stretch myself? -- How much time do I have to give? ► When you’ve answered those questions, get your volunteering life started with a call to your local volunteer centre or Volunteer Canada at 1800-670-0401 (www.volunteer.ca). GIVING OF YOUR WEALTH - PHILANTROPHY. You may decide to support the causes you care about with charitable gifts. You may want to help your favorite charity continue its important work.

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

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Sun Life affirms strong financial position MANILA - Sun Life Financial Plans Inc., the preneed firm of Sun Life Financial Philippines (SLFP), has announced that it had sufficient funds to meet all obligations for its planholders. “We are a prudent com-

pany by nature and we have always brought this prudence to our pre-need company,” said SLFP president and chief executive officer Henry Herrera. “Rumors relating to the state of the industry are not reflective of Sun Life’s

pre-need business which continues to be strong and well-capitalized,” he said. Herrera added that SLFP’s capitalization is one of the highest in the industry and it has a conservative investment portfolio, having invested in government

bonds locked-in at interest rates sufficient to cover its obligations. “At Sun Life, our message to plan holders is crystal clear - we can and will continue to fulfill our obligations to our planholders,” he said. “After 114 years of experience in the Philippines, we have always met our obligations no matter what the crisis and we will continue to do so. Of this, we are very proud,” Herrera further stated.

The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently renewed SLFP’s license to sell pre-need plans. The license was signed by SEC Director Jose P. Aquino on Dec. 10, 2008, taking effect from January to December 2009. SLFP’s pre-need firm was established in 2001 and since then has posted steady growth. The company has evolved to become a fully diversified financial servic-

es institution offering life insurance, mutual funds, and pre-need. It started operations in the Philippines in 1895 when its mother company Sun Life of Canada decided to expand its operations in Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest and most trusted insurers in the country with almost a half a million policies in force and is boosted by the strength and stability of SLFP shares in the Philippine Stock Exchange. PNA

T.H.D. CONSULTANTS 4800 Sheppard Ave., East Unit 123, Scarborough, Ont., M1S 4N5 Tel. Nos. (416) 335-8555; (416) 609-8912 ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Computerized Accounting Financial Statement Filipino call center agents attend to US clients at the new branch of Advance Contact Solutions Inc., a call center facility that opened 1,600 jobs for professionals in 2007. (See related story below, right)

Hackett Group cites OPG as world-class performer The Hackett Group, Inc., a global strategic advisory firm, has announced its recognition of the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as a world-class performer in finance operations. The award cited OPG as an organization that has demonstrated top efficiency and effectiveness in finance operations, based on metrics captured during a finance functional benchmark. The company’s results were compared with results from more than 200 recent Hackett benchmarks performed with Global 1000 companies, state and federal government organizations, and academic institutions. “We congratulate OPG on this exceptional accomplishment,” said Hackett President Wayne Mincey. “OPG has reason to be proud, because it’s no easy feat to achieve world-class performance. In today’s increasingly competitive global marketplace, worldclass performance in finance and other areas has become even more valuable. Clearly this is something that OPG has internalized,” he said. According to The Hackett Group’s Book of Numbers research, world-class finance organizations spend approximately 50 percent of what typical companies do on operations, and operate with 60 percent fewer staff. Keys to success in-

cluded: a focus on process simplification and standardization; utilization of shared services; improved technology leverage; better data centralization and information access; and business partnering, including investments in planning and analysis processes and overall improvement in the skill set of finance staff. Only about 10 percent of all finance organizations benchmarked by Hackett achieved world-class performance. “OPG joins an elite group, like Dow and Alcoa, that have been able to drive meaningful change in a balanced way,” commented Bryan Hall, Hackett Finance Practice Leader. OPG’s Chief Financial Officer Donn Hanbidge said, “It’s an honour to receive this prestigious award and to join the other distinguished organizations who have received it in the past. This award reflects the dedication of finance employees who are committed to continuously improving OPG’s financial systems and processes. Their efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance function have delivered significant value to the entire company. I am very proud of their perseverance, professionalism and dedication. This award is a testimony to their success.” PR

RP still preferred for outsourcing MANILA - The Philippines has remained a preferred voice outsourcing site, as industry players have continued embarking on ways to improve competitiveness. Oscar Sañez, chief executive officer of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), said the country had been favored over India in voice outsourcing because of the Filipinos’ proficiency in the English language and the presence of a customer service-centered work culture. Sañez said the Philippines has better prospects in voice outsourcing than emerging markets like Malaysia, South Africa, China and East Europe countries. Voice outsourcing firms in the Philippines have been conducting recruitment and training programs to further improve service quality. Industry stakeholders have tied up with top notch universities to carry out industry-standard English language improvement and post-graduate degree programs to earn credits towards an MBA specific to the outsourcing industry. Partnerships with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are made on training programs for call center agents, transcription agents, java software, and animation and film. PNA

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

MONEY

Promoting Isabela’s potentials

Nebres re-elected PCCT president

Gamu, Isabela Mayor Fernando Cumigad (right) visited Ontario and Manitoba to promote Isabela’s labor potentials and products in the Canadian market. With him in photo are (from left) Teresa and Alejandro Mosquera, Philippine Consul General in Toronto, and Eva Agpaoa. (Related story on page 17)

Of belt ...

Statscan: Job losses ...

Indian ...

(From page 9) ments such as income trusts and others. Don’t forget, you can place most of these investments into your RRSP account or even the new Tax Free Savings Account. Talk to an investment counselor you trust as well as to your insurance broker. Both have a wealth of information and can help guide you in the right direction. But remember, financial security has many sides to it: Better management of your cash flow and debt; better smarter investments; and the willingness on your part to plan into the future and see that plan all the way through. ([email protected])

(From page 5) individuals might be related to the higher prevalence of stressors to which they were exposed, and their lack of coping support. New findings But new findings showed that stressors played a vital role in the relationship between household income and psychological distress. Considering stressors, the direct association between income and the subsequent risk of experiencing an episode of distress was reduced, since lower income is associated with more stressors. This direct association remained significant for lower-income men, but not for lower-income women. For both sexes, the

(From page 30) External Affairs SecretaryEast, said India and the Philippines are also engaged in cooperation in the energy and education areas. “We have a program on jatropha plantations in which we give seeds to the Philippines to grow. The other cooperation is in the field of student exchange and training so that the young people come to know more about our countries,” he said. Ravi said India is also pursuing agricultural cooperation with the Philippines. PNA

stressors tied with having an episode of psychological distress were job strain, cash woes, personal stress and relationship problems. For men, neighborhood problems were a factor. For women, problems with children and recent negative life events, such as someone in the family being demoted at work or failing an education program, were important. Low-household income is a marker for difficult material and psychosocial life situations. Distress is a psychological state characterized by anxiety or a depressed mood, and may indicate more serious disorders such as clinical depression. PR

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The Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto (PCCT), the community’s premier business group, has re-elected RAFAEL NEBRES (General Manager, Action Honda), as President. Elected with Nebres are ACE ALVAREZ (Managing Editor, Manila Media Monitor), 1st Vice President- Government Relations; OSWALD TUGADI (President, Albee Enterprises), 2nd Vice PresidentMembership; CORI NARON (Estate Administrator, David Sklar and Associates), 3rd Vice PresidentPublic Relations; EDGARDO GONZALES (President, Association of Fil-Canadian Accountants), Treasurer; ARLENE MARTIREZ (Immigration Services Manager) Secretary, ELIZABETH LEGGETT (Certified General Accountant), Auditor. The Board Directors are ED JOAQUIN (President, Asian Global Media Inc.), Asst. to the 1st VP; CHERRIE LIU (President, A2Z Solutions), Asst. to the 2nd VP; AGNES LOSHUSAN (Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics), ROGER YU (Director, Red Sea Enterprises), FLOR VENDIOLA (Vice President, FV Foods Inc.), and STEVE PAGAO (President, Door to Door Services Inc.), all for Special Projects; HENRY SIA (President, Golden Valley’s Food Outlet Inc.) and TED DAYNO (President, Forex Cargo, Toronto), both for Bilateral Relations, CanadaPhilippines. PR

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

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ENTERTAINMENT

... And the 81st Academy Awards winners are ...

WINSLET, PENN and CRUZ

Here is the complete list of winners at the 81st annual Academy Awards presented on Feb. 23 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles: • Motion Picture: Slumdog Millionaire. • Actor: Sean Penn, Milk. • Actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader. • Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight. • Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona. • Director: Danny

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Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire. • Foreign Film: Departures, Japan. • Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire. • Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, Milk. • Animated Feature Film: WALL-E. • Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. • Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire. • Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire.

• Sound Editing: The Dark Knight. • Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman. • Original Song: Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman and Gulzar. • Costume: The Duchess. • Documentary Feature: Man on Wire. • Documentary (short subject): Smile Pinki. • Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire. • Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

• Animated Short Film: La Maison en Petits Cubes. • Live Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland). • Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Academy Award winners previously announced this season are: ► Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (Oscar statuette): Jerry Lewis. ► Gordon E. Sawyer Award (Oscar statuette): Pixar Animation co-founder Ed Catmull.

Bantay Bata Special bags gold medal in NY Festivals ABS-CBN’s winning streak continues with a triumphant campaign in the prestigious 2009 New York Festivals, taking home four medals, the most by a single TV station in the country this year. Leading the winners are Bantay Bata 163’s 10th Anniversary Special, which won the Gold World Medal for Best Variety Special, and Korina Sanchez’s investigative report on sub-

standard glutathione food supplements, which took a Silver World Medal. Bantay Bata 163’s 10th Anniversary Special was produced by the ABS-CBN Special Projects Group (SPG), headed by eventmaven Chit Guerrero. The SPG is behind the company’s grandest and biggest special events like “Miss Earth” and “Dolphy at 80.” (To page 37)

KORINA SANCHEZ

3 P.M.

ENTERTAINMENT

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

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Top caliber artists fused in ‘May Bukas Pa’

Another inspiring ABS-CBN high-quality series premiered on Feb. 2 in the network’s Primetime Bida. May Bukas Pa features one of the cutest kids in the entertainment industry, Zaijian Jaranilla. Under the direction of Jerome Pobocan and Jojo Saguin, May Bukas Pa characters are played by Philippine movie and television greats Dina Bonnevie, Albert Martinez, Jaime Fabregas, Tony Mabesa, Precious Lara Quigaman, Lito Pimentel, Dominic Ochoa, Victor Basa, David Chua, Ruben Gonzaga, Desiree del Valle, Arlene Muhlach, Rayver Cruz, Maja Salvador and Tonton Gutierrez. PR

Bantay Bata Special ... (From page 36)

BOY ABUNDA AND KRIS AQUINO The Bantay Bata Special, which also won in the 17th Golden Dove Awards, is just one of the group’s many world-class productions. Meanwhile, also making an impression among the judges at the New York Festivals are Silver World Medalists “Boy & Kris” for the Talk/Interview category and “Lastikman” for the Action/ Adventure category. Kapamilya programs “Kung Fu Kids,” “Wowowee,” and “Rated K,” meanwhile, were awarded with finalist certificates for Children’s Program, Family Program, and Magazine Format, respectively. Korina, ABS-CBN’s chief correspondent and “Bandila” news anchor, also received a finalist certificate in the Best News Reporter category at the New York Festivals. The New York Festivals International Television Programming and Promotion Awards is on its 49th year of recognizing “The World’s Best Work” in news, documentary, information, entertainment programming, music videos, infomercials, promotion spots, opening, and IDs. Judging is done by several hundred US producers, directors, writers, and other media professionals. With this victory, the network is even more upbeat to outperform itself in next year’s competition to bring more glory to the country, while in the service of Filipino worldwide. LASTIKMAN PR

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

LIFE & LEISURE

BATID WIKA PAHALANG 1. Hithit 5. Umpisa 13. Katay 14. Bayan sa Laguna 15. Halamang-damo 17. Palayaw ng lalaki 18. Bawas gatong 19. Hagupit 20. Ilagan 23. ‘Di katulad 24. Libot 25. Uri ng gulay 30. Dag-is 31. Libro 32. Bahagyang pilay 33. Dalaga 35. Alo 36. Tinapay 37. Taliwas 39. Tagilid 42. Talo 43. Sambit 44. Ayon sa batas 48. Iba-iba 50. Karaka 51. Minanduhan 52. Gusto PABABA 1. Kabyaw 2. Kaibigan 3. Darak 4. Sagana 5. Anak ng kapatid 6. Lasa ng asin 7. Tawag sa banal 8. Titulo sa ahedres

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By Fox Karma

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Astrology

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9. Isang beses 10. Paghuhugas ng bigas 11. Kambas 12. Asim 16. Saksak 19. Tambang 20. Salok 21. Parang 22. Tanong sa mamimili 23. Huwag sabaysabayin 26. K___, pugon, Ingles 27. Sigaw 28. Marka ng mali 29. Bigo

45 50 52

31. Konsorte 34. Ihalili 35. Awayan 38. Agrabyado 40. Tanong ng naghahanap 41. Utos sa drayber 42. Digma 44. ___ Piñas 45. Tuyo 46. Higit 47. Tula 49. Ika-16 letra (Sagot sa PAHINA 30)

MARCH HOROSCOPE PISCES (February 19 – March 20): As you celebrate your birthday and welcome the new journey that you are about to enter with open arms, it may be in your nature to wallow in self-pity, but you will overcome your obstacles by trying to strike balance with your personal, romantic and professional life and accept the reality that life is not a stage play and happy endings are indeed within your control by taking matters into your own hands. Lucky Number 8 ARIES (March 21 –April 19): Take advantage of your great leadership skills by initiating change for the better in the workplace. Do not stop halfway through before finishingup your project and being overly concerned with your social status by feeling the need to be the life of the party. Show them what you’re really made of by being assertive! Lucky Number 10 TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): As awful as you may feel when you are a little under the weather, usually because of your own doing, like overindulging after work and on the weekends, you try your best to get by to fit in even though there may be something that is seriously bothering you. Just remember, that it is okay to take a personal day for recovery. Better now than too late. Lucky Number 6 GEMINI (May 21 – June 21): Continue to use your charismatic personality and your ability to sell yourself to get ahead in life. Though it is often difficult for you to be alone, this might be a good time to take some time off and reflect on your future and what really makes you happy. Lucky Number 1 CANCER (June 22 – July 23): Don’t worry too much about other people’s criticism, for you know deep down what your strengths really are. Instead, focus on finding the solution to problems more than wasting your time worrying about issues that will not matter even months from now. You’ll be surprised with your productivity as a result. Lucky Number 15 LEO (July 23 – Aug 23): People often trust you to give sufficient control over business ventures. Be careful with making too many promises, although you usually win trust quite easily; you don’t want to seem insincere with future commitments to be made. VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept. 23): Your adamant persistence will lead to your personal success. People admire your sense of loyalty and humility. You are very guarded and do not trust very easily. Those who are fortunate enough to obtain being your friend must know that being treated with proper respect is very important to you, as you find it difficult to forgive and forget. Lucky Number 7 LIBRA (Sept 24 – Aug 23): You’re happiest when your devotion and hard work is recognized and appreciated. You can easily adapt to change, which is strength in itself. Your balanced nature provides others with happiness and satisfaction in any relationship that they may have with you. Be careful when making a constructive criticism towards your significant other, as they may feel as if they are to blame rather than wanting to work out a solution to a problem with you. Lucky Number 69 SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22): You’re a go-getter and everybody knows it. It is your way or the highway! Though you have many achievements to be proud of, try and place yourself in the other person’s shoes as it will lead to greater understanding. Try and be more sensitive towards the other person’s needs as you would with yourself. Know when to stop or back down as this will bring you inner harmony. Lucky Number 11 SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 – Dec. 21): Finances are booming for you right now with money coming-in left right and centre. Take advantage of this high and move on to the next step. Lucky Number 25 CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19): You have finally reached your boiling point and you can either move on for the better or continue judging and pointing out other people’s shortcomings. The choice is yours to either be the sore loser or to be the better person. Lucky Number 26 AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18): Too busy drowning in your sorrows to appreciate everything else that you may have achieved? Take a moment and realize that there is no need to dislike others because it seems like they have had nothing but good luck. For you too can achieve success by realizing that it starts with your positive attitude first! Lucky Number 10

Joel Recla Producer/Host

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR FEBRUARY 2009

GENERAL DENTISTRY

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