Manila Media Monitor -- September 2009

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YEAR 13, No. 3 SEPTEMBER 2009

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

Toronto, Ontario

EXTENDED MOSQUERA

INSIDE Ooops & Bloops It’s going to rain today -7

“Baka ma-T&T ako dito.” Not that Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera lacks diplomatic immunity, but this has

become his standard humor every time he calls the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila, the Philippines. Mosquera told the Ma-

nila Media Monitor that he was extended -- in a way -- since he ended his term in June. He said he was told to stay until his replacement

is appointed. Mosquera was told of a shortlist of persons who would possibly take over his post, to include former (To page 3)

FLY HIGH

Deadly

Dancing To Be A Star cell- 33

phones -5

This photo was taken by pro photographer and Manila Media Monitor columnist MARIO DIMAIN during the Air Show of the Canadian Snow Birds at the Canadian National Exhibition marking Labour Day on Sept. 8.

Kayaking in RP - 28

Easier to do biz in RP? - 32

National arthritis awardee? - 36

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

news Extended

(From page 1) Consul General in London Mario De Leon, Jr. De Leon now serves as DFA Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Fiscal Management and chief coordinator of the Office of the Secretary. Up to late, Mosquera said he has not received any advice from Central Office about his successor. “I was supposed to have been recalled back to Manila in July,” Mosquera said, when his term of office lapsed at end-June. Consul Imelda Panolong, who also ended her term with the Consulate in Toronto, has since assumed her new post as executive director of the DFA Office

of Middle East and African Affairs. Mosquera said he had no idea as to when his extension would be completed. “Sometimes, it happens. I know of cases when diplomats were told to stay in their assignments. A consular officer in Asia was once extended for over a year,” he said. “There is that possibility that exigencies dictate the need for foreign service officers, like the one who will replace me, to stay on and finish important work in Manila,” he added. Reassigning personnel would be the prerogative of the Secretary, Mosquera said. Meanwhile, he reported that the consulate had vali-

dated 5,000 new registrants under the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) sign-up. This brought to between 8,000 and 9,000 the number of persons who availed themselves of the OAV. The consular validation was made from February to August in the consular jusridictions of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Ontario included the Greater Toronto Area and all other places except Kingston to Ottawa, which falls under the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa. Mosquera hinted this was a good sign that many Filipinos in Canada have become aware of the importance of casting their votes in the Philippine Presidential Election in May next year.

UN urges world leaders to halt rising global emissions By EDWIN C. MERCURIO UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his opening remarks on Sept. 22 to the UN Climate Change Summit Plenary -- the largest-ever gathering of world leaders on climate change - urged world leaders to take immediate action to halt the rise in global emissions. “Your presence bears witness to the gravity of the climate challenge. It is testament to the opportunity Copenhagen offers. Your decisions will have momentous

consequences. You have the power to chart a safer, more sustainable and prosperous course for this and future generations. The power to reduce the emissions that are causing climate change ... to help the most vulnerable adapt to changes that are already under way ... to catalyze a new era of global green growth. Now is your moment to act.” The UN Secretary-General warned that greenhouse gas emissions continue to

A Place Where You Exist By CHRISTIAN H.P. ALVAREZ Have you seen that place, the place where no one exists? A place where nothingness lives, and your most entrenching fears are gone. Do you know of this place where bliss is forever? A place where yesterday is today and tomorrow was now. A place so still, in such harmony that to call it a utopia would only be but a mere vague description. I know this place deep within the far reaches of your mind. A place where nothing exists except for your greatest desires. A place where no one can take anything from you, a place where you are free. Where your integrity is everything and your foritude lays. A place where all your senses are heightened to a degree that can only be described as extraordinary. This place exists somewhere within, someplace you’ve never gone. A place where you truly are you.

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rise. “We will soon reach critical thresholds.Consequences that we cannot reverse. “ Citing the warnings made by world’s leading scientists, the UN official stressed that “we have less than ten years to avoid the worst-case scenarios projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).” The worst-case scenarios, Ban Ki-moon said, are becoming ever more likely. After visiting the Arctic early September, he expressed his alarm over the rapid pace of change. The Arctic, he warned, “could be nearly ice-free by 2030.” The consequences of this rapid change in the Arctic, he stated, will be felt by people on every continent. “All across Africa – the most vulnerable continent – climate change threatens to roll back years of development gains.” “Climate change is the pre-eminent geopolitical (To page 4)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

news Nat’l forum aims to fill research gap on Filipinos in Canada Leading scholars will convene to address the absence of academic and policy discussions on Filipinos in Canada, the third largest non-European ethnic group in the country. Spectres of In/Visibility will be conducted at the University of Toronto (U of T) on Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public, the symposium’s featured speakers include Dr. Eleanor Ty of English and Film Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, Dr. Leonora Angeles of Community and Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Bonnie McElhinny of Anthropology and Women and Gender Studies at the U of T. The 2007 Statistics Canada Profile estimated the Filipino population in Canada to be just over 327,500. Although 31 percent of

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Filipinos have university degrees and 72 percent participate in the labor force, Filipinos in Canada make $5,000 less than the national average income. The Filipino community in Canada also has a higher proportion of women compared to the national population (57 percent compared to 51 percent nationally). Many of the women have come to Canada through the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), a federal work program that has garnered considerable attention among policymakers and in the media in recent months. The symposium will focus on migration, labor, race, and gender issues, and will also include other topics, such as arts, health, and politics. John Paul Catungal, a graduate student in Geography at the U of T, says that this broader view is necessary to expand the prevailing attention on the LCP and youth violence. Catungal notes: “While the experiences of caregivers and at-risk youth are important, we want to go beyond stereotypical ‘nannies

and gangsters’ representations and explore the complexities of Filipino lives in Canada.” “The symposium was developed out of a community need to fill the research gap on Filipinos in Canada,” says Dr. Roland Sintos Coloma, a faculty member in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education and the only Filipino professor at the U of T. Coloma adds: “It will be a groundbreaking gathering. It will bring together a critical mass of scholars throughout Canada, for the first time, to develop a national academic platform for Filipino Canadian Studies.” The symposium is organized by Kritikal Kolektibo, a group of faculty and graduate students interested in Filipino Studies at the U of T. The symposium is sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and a number of faculties, institutes, and departments at the university. The registration form and schedule are available online at www.oise.utoronto.ca/rsc/filcan2009/. PR

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

news

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Q & A on cellphones and highway safety As a public service feature, Transport Canada has come out with the following Question and Answer sheet on cellphones and highway safety: Q: Which level of government is responsible for laws dealing with cellular phones? A: Use of cell phones by drivers comes under provincial and territorial regulation. All levels of government are concerned about the increased risk posed by the use of cellular phones while driving. A number of provincial and territorial governments have conducted research, and most or all are monitoring the situation. Transport Canada is conducting research on the impact of cellular phones on driving as well as monitoring public attitudes. Recent surveys suggest that many drivers recognize the increased risk associated with using cellular phones while driving and that a large proportion of the public supports some restriction on their use. Ultimately, it will take a combination of public awareness, a shift in drivers’ attitudes and behavior, and possibly legislation to reduce the risk associated with cell phone use while driving. Q: Don’t cell phones actually contribute to highway safety? A: Cell phones can be a valu-

CEMA Speakers Series The Canadian Ethnic Media Association Speakers’ Series, the first for the 2009-2010 season, focuses on the Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony - the rituals, the meaning and the tea. The forum is on Oct. 1 at the OMNI-TV, Rogers Majestic Boardroom. PR

By TRANSPORT CANADA

You’ll survive a missed phone call; you might not survive a collision! able tool for highway safety. They enable you to rapidly report collisions, bad driving and other problem situations. However, the value lies in having the phone available in the car, not in having the phone turned on. The safety feature comes from the ability to make an outgoing call in an emergency. When reporting an emergency situation, it’s best to pull over so that your vehicle isn’t posing a risk to others and so that you can adequately report the details and answer any questions. This is much more difficult to do while navigating a vehicle through traffic. When using the phone for nonemergency situations - to report that you’re running late, for example - it’s often possible to pull over briefly or to make the call when stopped at a traffic light. But it’s best to let a passenger make the call, so you can concentrate on driving. Q: Is using a cell phone more dangerous than other distractions such as adjusting the radio, eating a snack or other things drivers do? A: The driver’s first responsi-

Q: Is using a cellular phone while driving illegal anywhere in Canada? A: As of April 1, 2003, it is illegal in Newfoundland and Labrador to use a hand-held cellular phone while driving. (Motoring journalist Kevin Fleming wrote that the provinces that have made it illegal to talk or text while driving are Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador and Nova Scotia. Fleming said Ontario has passed a law in April that officially banned the use of cell phones while driving -- along with emailing, watching DVDs, playing with

video games and operating MP3 devices. The law, however, does not take effect until November; and upon effectivity, drivers caught breaking the law can be subject to a maximum fine of $500. Under the current configuration, there will be no points charged to one’s license, but if one is found to be endangering others on the road (or off), the driver can face a maximum fine of $1,000 and six points added to his/her license.) A driver who causes a collision by using a cellular phone or who is observed driving unsafely while using the device could be charged under a number of other provincial, territorial or federal laws including, but not limited to, those related to dangerous driving, careless driving and criminal negligence causing death or injury. Q: Are hands-free devices safer? A: Hands-free phones do free you from having to physically operate the phone, but they don’t reduce your need to think about the conversation, which is also distracting. Research suggests that there is an increased risk of collision

Q: If I use a cellular phone, what can I do to become a safer driver? A: It’s simple: don’t use a cellular phone while driving. If a call is important enough, it deserves your full attention! To make or receive calls: ► Pull over and stop; ► Allow a passenger to operate the phone; ► Use voice mail and respond to the call at a safer time; or ► Let someone else drive, freeing you up to make or receive calls. Also, don’t forget: ► Wear your seat belt; ► Don’t drive aggressively; ► Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and ► Follow these simple tips for the safe use of cell phones. Ultimately, you must decide when and how to use your cell phone safely and responsibly.

CIC, MOL officials to caregivers in forum

Keeping logs, records a good habit In the absence of a written reference from employers, a daily log of the caregiver’s time, unpaid wages and other relevant information may prove helpful in the long run. Record keeping is a good practice that officers from immigration and labor ministries urge caregivers to

UN urges world leaders... (From page 3) and economic issue of the 21st century. It rewrites the global equation for development, peace and prosperity. It will increase pressure on water, food and land ... reverse years of development gains ... exacerbate poverty ... destabilize fragile states and topple governments. Some say tackling climate change is too expensive. They are wrong. The opposite is true. We will pay an unacceptable price if we do not act now.” US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao also called

bility is the safe operation of the vehicle. A driver may be charged if erratic driving or a collision results from inattention, regardless of what else may be going on. Research indicates that cellular phones do create an extra risk. The extra risk results from the distraction of thinking about the conversation, not only the distraction of physically handling or looking at the device. Research also suggests that stressful, emotional or important conversations are even more distracting.

while using a cellular phone, even when it is in hands-free mode. It’s still better to pull over, make your call and then resume driving when the call is finished. When using the phone in hands-free mode, you should prepare the phone and all equipment before your trip begins. Trying to find components, putting on a headset or changing the settings on the phone while driving increase the danger.

for action to cut emissions linked to global climate change. President Obama said the US “is determined to act” to combat climate change. Obama warned of “irreversible catastrophe to future generations if the world doesn’t limit greenhouse-gas emissions.” The United States’ and China’s assent to a climatechange treaty is critically important because the two countries together account for forty percent of greenhouse-gas emissions, media reports say.

develop at their workplace. Evidence at work Speaking at the Newcomers Orientation for the Live-in Caregivers Program, Geraldine Nerdjivanian, Ontario Regional Program Director of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, said that while T4 and ROE (record of employment) are good proof, there are other means to demonstrate evidence at work. Caregivers may submit other forms of records such as: bank receipts; account details; and daily log of hours worked. A journal of information may be relied on by the immigration officers as reference if employers fail or refuse to issue either the T4 or the ROE, Nerdjivanian told the more than 200 participants. Organized by the Caregivers Resource Centre and Association of Caregivers of Thornhill, the event was sponsored by Western Union.

Travel outside Canada For caregivers travelling with their employers outside Canada, Nerdjivanian said that a two-week vacation was fine, but it would not hurt for caregivers to ask employers for letters indicating the purpose of the trip and its duration. She warned, however, that excessive travelling outside Canada (in a span of three to four months) would definitely affect the status of the caregivers even if they were accompanying their employers. Live-in clause She encouraged caregivers to tell their employers about the live-in requirement of their work under the program. Nerdjivanian said that when a caregiver fails to meet the live-in requirement when applying for permanent residence status, they may be considered under the humanitarian and compassionate grounds. The immigration officer

reviewing the application is required to issue a procedural fairness letter, which gives the caregivers the opportunity to explain their case. “Tell the CIC what happens and the reasons behind them,” stressed Nerdjivanian, adding that “immigration officers are more aware of the situations of caregivers as a result of the recent publicity.” She emphasized the great importance of keeping backup documents to exhibit evidence of employment, saying “protect yourself because you want that permanent residence at the end of the day.” While the Ministry of Labor ensures that an employer complies with the Employment Standard Act, disputes arise from time to time, said Elaine Wu of MOL’s Provincial Specialist Employment Practices Branch. Complaint call She said that when a

caregiver calls 1-866- 3723247 to file a complaint he or she may be able to substantiate the claim with the records or journals that he or she keeps. Wu said that labor officers will take into consideration job information, including daily log of time worked, unpaid wages and overtime as reference in the course of the investigation. Written consent “Caregivers may be required to work longer hours as long as there is a written contract or agreement signed by both parties,“ she said. Wu explained that documenting even the deductions made by employers from caregivers’ wages can also shed light in case of a dispute. The law only allows employers to deduct from their wages pertaining to taxes, court order income and only when authorized by caregivers through a written consent, she stressed.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

news

Gov’t eyes US-patterned Education Highway for RP

Filipinos put a high premium on the education of their children. In photo above, Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT) president Rosalinda Javier joins graduates of an earlier batch of FCT’s regular Filipino Classes. FCT File Photo MANILA - The Philippine government, as part of efforts to make Filipinos globally competitive, is pushing for a Main Education Highway, apparently patterned after the “seamless” learning system in the United States. The program seeks to remove the barrier between pre-school, grade school, high school, and college/ Officials say this will be a platform for reform in the country as advocated by education experts.

“I happened to have a first-hand look at the improvements we need to make to improve our educational system. I have listened to what these science teachers, public servants, and stakeholders have to say. They came out with the Main Education Highway framework toward a knowledgebased economy,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said at the recent awarding ceremony of the 2009 Ten Outstanding Teachers in Malacañang.

The seamless education system allows any person of any age to enroll in any subject he wishes, which is why a high school student can, at the same time, take college subjects. “We envision seamless education from basic preschool education all the way up to grade school and high school education, to vocational school or college to make the Filipino fit for whatever job and challenge life will throw his way,” (To page 26)

STATISTICS CANADA

Back To School: Facts & Figures Here are some facts on various topics related to education and students in Canada. Teachers, professors: There are about 701,600 teachers and professors in Canada as of June 2009. Of these, 32 percent were men and 68 percent, women. Most of them, some 81 percent, worked fulltime. University enrolment There were 1,066,000 students enrolled in universities in the 20072008 school year, up 0.6 percent from 2006-2007. About 57.5 percent of the some 812,700 undergraduates in 2007-2008 were women; the rest, men. Of the same total in the same school year, 796,400 were full-time students. Fields of study: The top three fields of study, by number of registrants, accounted for half of the total enrolment in 20072008. These fields were:

► Social and behavioral sciences, and law; ► Business, management and public administration; and ► The humanities. These fields of study have been in the top three since 1992-1993. In 2007-2008, enrolment fell in the fields of personal improvement and leisure; humanities; mathematics, computer and information sciences; personal, protective and transportation services; visual and performing arts, and communications technologies; and others. The decline in the mathematics, computer and information sciences field continued a long-term trend. University degrees: In 2007, a total of 241,551 students got a degree, diploma or certificate qualification from a Canadian university. This was up seven percent from 2006. Undergrad tuition fees In the 2008-2009 academic year, at least $4,724

was the average amount paid in tuition fees by Canadian full-time undergraduate students; up from $4,558 the year before. Education spending Expenditures on school supplies, textbooks, tuition fees, other courses and lessons and educational services were reported by 4.5 million households, or 35 percent of all households, in Canada in 2007. The median expenditure was noted at $1,000. On school supplies for kindergarten, nursery, elementary, secondary and post-secondary use, the media was reported at $100; and on tuition fees for the same levels, $200. The median expenditure on textbooks for post-secondary use was $500; on tuition fees, $2,500. Reading is non-fattening: Researchers have found an association between watching TV, using a computer and obe(To page 15)

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

VIEWS

ACE ALVAREZ

Media Advisory: It’s going to rain today One radio announcer at 1150 AM in Hamilton gave an information that having a good doctor actually adds ten more years to one’s life. I told Gie that I must have been very lucky that I have Dr. Chito Collantes with me. Gie pointed out though that the radio announcer was referring to an “M.D.”, and not an Honorary PH.D. *** A message from Manila Media Monitor columnist Eva Agpaoa on August 26, 2009

referring to the Winnipeg leg of her production, “Celebrity Fastbreak: Basketball Na, May Concert Pa”: “Hi Gie, Ace … attached are some pictures taken in Winnipeg. The crowd is not so bad.” (please see photo below) It’s not true that our response was, “Oh yes, Eva. It seems to us that all of them are behaved.” *** Mavic Palanca – who wrote a column some recent years back in Manila Media Monitor, e-mailed me: “I visited/sang at

Goretti last Sunday. I was looking for you and Gie.” Mavic added, “I was just hoping to see familiar faces, not that I was checking attendance... LOL!” My response: “If you were to check on attendance, you should do what our teacher in high school used to do. Ask what the gospel was that Sunday? “Those who lied were definitely caught.” *** Another e-mail from my friend – a German-Canadian journalist and publisher of a German community paper, who lives with his family in Edmonton, Alberta, and married to a Filipino: “We have only one car, and I drive Susan to work and wherever else she wants to go. I keep on telling her that I can’t leave my desk on production day, but because her head is as hard as a coconut, I still end up in the aisles of some supermarket on these days. Is that a reason for divorce?” My response: “It may not

be a ground for divorce, but a ground for …. ahhh … a ground for … ahhh … a ground … for you to be grounded.” *** An e-mail forwarded by my good friend, Manila Media Monitor columnist Mario Dimain: AIDS WARNING ! To all of you approaching 50 or have REACHED 50 and past, this email is especially for you … SENIOR CITIZENS ARE THE NATION’S LEADING CARRIERS OF AIDS! -- hearing aids, band aids, roll aids, walking aids, medical aids, government aids, most of all, monetary aid to their kids! The message adds, “Not forgetting HIV (Hair is Vanishing).” *** From a forwarded message from Karl Haab of the New Conservatory of Music: You live in Toronto if: • Your Mayor's hair resembles your floor mop. • All your roofs are green and your city councillors are red. • Your pizza delivery man is a Hungarian doctor. • If your local supercentre features a walk-in clinic where you can get a vasectomy to go with your tomatoes. • If all buses have a bicycle rack in front that is never used. • If you have a bicycle lane in your driveway, your living room, or your underground garage.

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• If you have to pay the city to park in your driveway or to get rid of your ugly tree. • If you receive a fine when you put your garbage where you are told but can't because the strikers mug you. • If the city taxes you for the air you breathe because the provincial premier has run out of things to tax. • Your community swimming pool is now the local garbage dump. • You are fined because your driver's license expired and the driver's license office is on strike. • If your street has been under construction for more than five years so the city can build a 19th century streetcar that you will never use. • If all the streets now have a streetcar so you can't cross your street or make a left turn. • Your co-worker wears fifteen rings, most of them in places you'll never see. • The refugees make more money than you do. • The criminals are out on the street and you are in jail. • They put you in jail for a year for mistreating your dog, but you got only 30 days for killing your wife. • The government punishes you for working hard. • Your Medicare doesn't pay for eye examinations but will pay for the sex change of a criminal. (To page 18)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

September 21 -- one date in the calendar that I would always remember. For one, it was on this date 37 years ago, while attending J school in Manila, Philippines that my future from practicing what I was being trained for was marred with the issuance of Proclamation 1081 by then Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, placing the whole country under martial law. That September 21 of 1972 was a time of uncertainty for journalism students and all those in specialized field of mass communications, considering that every political scientist would tell one that the first thing that a state leader would do when he, or she, declares martial law is to close down all media outlets. So, there goes my future down the drain, and not a single soul knowing, but President Marcos himself, when Philippine martial law was to last. By the time the Philippine President lifted martial law nine years later on January 17, 1981 under Proclamation No. 2045, I was already gainfully employed -- and with my second employer along the affiliated discipline I was trained for, debunking the fears I had that September 21, 1972. Thirty years later after 1972, I had to face another September 21st uncertainy in that in 2002, a medium was born on Canadian television for which I would have an opportunity to practice further what I was trained for -- the birth of “Front Page Philippines TV”! Oh yes, for some viewers/ readers who have not unmasked yet what the logo of Front Page Philippines stands for, the image represents the person of this author -- a journalist catching

Like many foundations doing work for children, the internationally recognized Prix Jeunesse is a leanly staffed organization. It is based in Munich and has been doing credible work for decades. Recently, at the Asian Media Summit in Macau, Prix Jeunesse succeeded in inserting into the agenda a morning pre-conference on the state of children’s’ TV in Asia. Anak TV was asked to contribute the segment about the Philippine landscape. We submitted it with trepidation because the reality might put the country in a bad light. It is common knowledge that we offer our children very scant TV materials fit for them. It was therefore a surprise when the passionate Kirsten Schneid presented the results of their Asia-wide study. The Philippines did not occupy the cellar after all. While we did not fare too well, we did not place embarrassingly either. The study surveyed 20 Asian countries for two weeks. The results are rather revealing. Pakistan, Bangladesh and

VIEWS From The Monitor’s Desk

12 years of dedicated community service

ACE ALVAREZ

Managing Editor ACE ALVAREZ

Looking back on several September 21 in my life

GIE ALVAREZ

you so much for your creative idea, Paritosh!). September 21, 2002 was yet another date that I had to face another of those fears: if at all, “Front Page Philippines FFP LOGO PARITOSH would last his deadline (hhhmmm ... am even a year on air, aware of I not always in that situation, the past experiences of several in addition to my functions as people before me who produced Managing Editor of Manila independently a TV program and Media Monitor, President of proved that keeping afloat was a the Canadian Ethnic Media very difficult task.” I credit my wife, too, Front Association, Vice President of the Philippine Press Club- Page Philippines program host, Ontario, and so on ... and on ... Gie Alvarez, for the success of not to mention the things that the program in that Gie has good as a journalist, I wittingly, or rapport with our program viewers, unwittingly, dip my fingers into). without which, Front Page The creative was that Philippines would have long ago of Paritosh Mehta -- then been gone from the air. In addition, productionCoordinator (now Director) for (please read as Independent Productions of wise OMNI Television, who sent the “businesswise”), Gie is very idea for execution of the artwork, familiar with the broadcast and after I approved the proof, (radio-television) and audiosent the same to Atlanta, Georgia visual business in general learned where the computer graphics from her continuous professional was generated as Front Page broadcast practice in various Philippines’ program ID (Thank media capacities for the last 33

years. (Please pray for me as I wrote that magic number and my program host reads this part.) During seminars, meetings, events or simply chanced conversations with my fellow independent producers at OMNI Television -- the airing station for Front Page Philippines, several among them would occasionally express their envy for me in that I have an “in-house” host for the program, unlike most of them who have to shell out a handsome amount of money to pay for talent fees for their program hosts. Gie re-phrases this as “several among them would occasionally express their envy for me in that I have an ‘in-house’ host, whom I could exploit, for the program.” Last year, on September 21 - a Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. (Alberta local time, Front Page Philippines aired over OMNI Television stations, CJCO Calgary and CJEO Edmonton (collectively known as OMNI TelevisionAlberta), and gained fast regular following, as we gauged from emails sent to us by viewers. This year, September 21 marks the 7th birth anniversary of Front Page Philippines” on air (To page 11)

Roundabout MAG CRUZ-HATOL

What’s on TV for Asian kids? Vietnam are countries with huge child and youth populations but with hardly any kiddie programs to speak of. Whatever children’s programs they air are mostly imported. The situation is different in China, Japan, Nepal and Mongolia. They make certain that they give their kids mostly locally produced materials, encouraging where possible, the production of home grown TV shows designed for consumption by children! All over Asia, 21 percent of kids’ programs are telecast on what is the equivalent of a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) while a whopping 79 percent is generated by commercial channels. The most common leading sources of kids’ programs are

Cartoon Network, Disney and Nickelodeon. The US is the origin of up to 57 percent of children’s programs aired in Asia. Following America are Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Korea. The most frequently targeted age group among kids is the six to nine-year old sector with 44 percent of children’s programs addressing them. This must be the reason why the Asian Broadcasting Union has zeroed in on the age range for its item exchange program. In this novel trade off, a producer offers four of his items and is allowed to take in and freely air up to 200 items received from his participating counterparts. Regrettably, the Philippines is

Editor BUTCH GALICIA

not active in this program simply because we have little to offer for the exchange. Thanks to Prix Jeunesse, UNESCO and Goethe Institut, several ASEAN countries are being pooled together soon to jumpstart the production of a science edutainment program which will enjoy telecast in the participating countries for at least two seasons. The idea is to gather the interested PBS groups of every country and collectively conceptualize, research, write, and produce ten minute clips that will entertainingly explain scientific concepts. The peer to peer network project was first offered to RPN and IBC. However, the government stations felt they were not financially or logistically ready to confront the ambitious undertaking. ABS-CBN instantly seized the chance after the project was opened up to the majors. In a few months, we can expect the airing of short, crisp vignettes on science featuring clips from various Southeast Asian countries. If interested in the advocacy for family-friendly television, visit anaktvweb.com or email the foundation at anaktv_seal@yahoo. com. [email protected]

Associate Editor GIE ALVAREZ Contributing Editors Ben Viccari Ricky Caluen 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 Noel Perada Larry Torres 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 SEPTEMBER 2009

VIEWS

Commentary BEN VICCARI

NOT ALL ABOUT CASH

RP Central Bank goes ‘milk banking’

Adopt a Canadian author

By IGNACIO BUNYE MANILA - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has taken on a new role aside from its traditional central banking activities -- “milk banking” or the banking of milk of lactating mothers in the workplace. BSP Deputy Governor Armando Suratos, who heads the Resource Management Sector, recently approved the construction and maintenance of a “milk bank” for BSP working mothers. The “milk bank” (lactation room) enables nursing mothers to express breast milk during office breaks, deposit them in the facility’s refrigerator and withdraw them at the end of the working day. Of course, the deposits do not earn any interest. But certainly, they yield high returns in terms of the improved health and general well-being of the mothers, their babies as well as improved employee morale. The milk bank project, according to Suratos, is a special tribute to the unsung heroes of the workplace: women who choose to work to help ensure the future of their families and continue to care for their young ones at the same time. The recent BSP two-day “Breastfeeding Awareness Festival” has helped increase the appreciation of breastfeeding as a way of promoting a healthy life. The event also demonstrated that it is possible for mothers to provide the best nourishment to their children even after their maternity leaves end. My chief of staff, Atty. Jennifer Joy Ong, has proven that this seemingly difficult feat can be done. Since she started working at the BSP last year, she has been expressing breast milk for her daughter Naima -- who is now nearing two. Atty. Ong and Ms. Claire Mogol of the BSP’s Corporate Affairs Office have been instrumental in initiating awareness on the importance of breastfeeding at the BSP. After getting the support of other young working moms, they approached Ms. Ada Cruz and Ms. Daisy Sanchez of the Human Resource Management Department’s Wellness Division and suggested the introduction of a breastfeeding awareness activity at the (To page 15)

The Word on the Street, Toronto’s annual explosion of tribute to the printed page. How does it work? Make a $100 contribution in support of The Word On The Street Toronto and “adopt” one of our featured authors for the day. You’ll be able to select from a comprehensive list or you can let us select an author for you. The benefits are great: you’ll receive a tax-receipt for your charitable donation as well as an e-mail informing you of the time and location of your author’s reading. At the reading venue, your name will be announced when your author is introduced and you’ll receive a personalized certificate and a copy of the author’s book for your own library -- be sure to get the book autographed! The Adopt an Author program is a great way to be a part of Canada’s largest one-day literary festival. Individuals can adopt as many authors as they like, and authors may be available for more than one adoption subject to availability. You can adopt an author for yourself, a friend or have your book club join the fun. Companies can also use the program as a unique marketing tool or as an employee recognition

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sounding Sax Rohmer as a pseudonym. He created many villainous characters, but none so unforgettable as the Devil Doctor. Of all the portrayals in major feature films, Warner Oland, born in Sweden, was a shade too rolypoly to fill Rohmer’s criteria, but played well. Sojin, a Japanese character actor of undeniably sinister mien may have played Fu Mahchu, but I’m not sure, and Boris Karloff in The Mask of Fu Manchu most closely approximated the Rohmer description. Sir Christopher Lee, the English actor of Anglo-Italian parentage continues to play the role. It’s interesting to note that both Oland and Sojin went on the play the Chinese Hawaiian private detective Charlie Chan. Sojin’s last role was in the Seven Samurai, the blind musician (To page 11)

award. It’s easy. It’s inexpensive. It’s a fun way to support The Word On The Street Toronto. So what are you waiting for? *** Here is how a Swede, a Japanese and an Englishman gave me the willies: Of all the villains who haunted my early youth none was more insidious than Dr. Fu Manchu. “Imagine a person, tall, lean and feline, high-shouldered, with a brow like Shakespeare and a face like Satan, … one giant intellect, with all the resources of science past and present… Imagine that awful being, and you have a WARNER OLAND mental picture of Dr. Fu-Manchu, the yellow peril incarnate in one man. –The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu”. Fu Manchu was the creation of Arthur Henry Ward, an Irishman who preferred the mysterious- CHRISTOPHER LEE

KAMIYAMA SONJI

BORIS KARLOFF

VFA: Hot-button poll issue, long drawn-out process Perspective MANILA - The review of the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States is emerging as a hot-but-

By LARA JANE CLIMACO ton issue of the upcoming 2010 elections, and would likely be a long drawn-out

process, according to analysis of Austin, Texas-based global intelligence com-

Protesters display messages in a rally at the U.S. Embassy in Manila on Sept. 14 to protest the continued presence of U.S. troops in the Philippines through the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). U.S. troops are stationed in southern Philippines to help the Philippine military in its fight against terrorism. AP Photo/BULLIT MARQUEZ as posted in YahooNews

pany Strategic Forecasting Inc. (Stratfor). “It is quite possible for the VFA review process to drag out, and for any renegotiations with the United States to take even longer,” Stratfor said in its analysis released Sept. 24. Review Malacañang earlier announced a review of the VFA following a Senate vote Sept. 23 on a resolution asking the Palace to serve a termination notice to the US government, if the latter refuses to renegotiate the controversial agreement. Edilberto Adan, executive director of the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission (VFACom), had said the upcoming VFA review would take into consideration both the Senate’s position and that of various local executives whose communities have benefited from US aid related to the VFA.

RICARDO J.S. CALUEN (Will resume next issue) These benefits included medical missions, humanitarian and utilities assistance in such localities as Zamboanga, Sulu, Lanao del Norte, and Basilan. The Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, based in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City, has also helped in disaster response, such as with search and rescue efforts of the Philippine Navy following the sinking of MV SuperFerry 9 last Sept. 6 off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte. Trend in Asia Stratfor said the Philippine government’s move reflected a trend in Asia to reassess arrangements with the US, following overtures from the Obama adminis-

tration about increasing US engagement in the region. “For the most part, Asia (aside from North Korea and its nuclear weapons) has not been a high priority for the United States over the past decade, and the Obama administration’s announcements that it will become more engaged in the region are prompting countries to look for ways to benefit from the renewed attention,” Stratfor said. “Reviews of defense agreements are taking place from Japan and South Korea to the Philippines, and each will look for ways to have more say -- and gain more benefits -- from whatever arrangements are worked out,” it concluded (To page 24)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

It was my first time to see a live boxing title match, on a ringside seat courtesy of Romy Zetazate, at the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre on Sept. 4. This is so so unlike 30year Manila Bulletin sports writer and editor Willie Caballes (center in photo) who must have covered almost all bigtime summer sports events in almost all parts of the globe. He is such a good sportswriter and editor that he would not dare anger his readers by describing a spacious sports arena as carnivorous instead of cavernous. Nor would he dare classify gunrunning as a track event. Incidentally, Willie and wife Marilou came over to Toronto to visit their first grandchild to son Raymond and Yoyay. We had a mini high school batch reunion with Tony Borja at the Brampton home of car racing buff Arnel Caballes. Willie, Marilou, Tony and I are graduates of the University of Santo TomasEducation High School in 1970. Arnel came in a later batch. But back to sports, I know Willie would kind of like to pack his gear and get

“Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” An old friend from Blackpool, England recited this one-liner with such eloquence in his amusing English accent. That was many years ago. Today, the words still hold true to the message that people see only what they want to see. When I tell people that I am from Scarborough, most of the time I get unflattering remarks from those who don’t live in this east end of Toronto. They somehow equate Scarborough to all of the undesirable elements of crime that are often sensationalized by the media. The opposite of the matter is also disappointingly true. The beautiful places of Scarborough that I have captured in photographs

VIEWS

Omerta BUTCH GALICIA

Respect begets respect back to Canada to see and get a feel of the fun and excitement of the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010. Not that curling, hockey, figure skating, skiing and all those winter sports may seem mysterious to Willie, an ace in covering tropical games. I surmise that he too, like me, might have a strong bias against the Arctic blast. “Pards, sino nga ba talaga ang may rayuma?” ***** No, no, no! Puerto Rican Jose Lopez, defending World Boxing Organization junior bantamweight champ, had none of that (I mean rayuma) when he struggled to get up on wobbling knees following a fourth-round knockdown by Filipino boxer Marvin Sonsona during their title fight at Casino Rama. Everyone could see that

Lopez was at the top of his form that night. But after the fourth round sting, Lopez became wary and shielded himself most of the time from Sonsona’s power left. When he had the chance, he also let go of hard counterpunches. At the end of the day, “the kid took papa’s belt,” as I wrote to the Philippines News Agency; when the 19year old Sonsona clipped the WBO championship belt on his slim waist; after the judges scored for the Filipino boxer a unanimous (not anonymous, eh!) victory over Lopez, 37. With the hundreds of kababayans who swarmed the stands, I yelled and cheered for the boy (and the three ring girls, the sight of which made me pray the fight to last the full card). I also joined the homegrown crowd in jeers ev-

The 3rd Eye MARIO DIMAIN

Scarborough are often unrecognizable. And surprisingly enough, there are some who have lived in Scarborough since their childhood and still find it difficult to believe that those photographs were indeed shot in their neighbourhood. I have photographed Scarborough in all four seasons and I am proud to say that some of those photos are posted in the Canadian Geographic Photo

Club and are continuously getting pride-boosting comments from fellow photographers in Ontario and other provinces of Canada. There are many spots in Scarborough worthy of visiting and showing off. From Kingston Road alone, I can name three: Rosetta McLaine Park, Guildwood Park and Highland Creek Village. (To page 11)

ery time Sonsona got a low blow, winced and brought his gloves down for comfort whatsoever. And flag-waving? That was a blast. I saw the staff of Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera giving out some 300 Philippine flaglets before the showdown. ***** I also did see Sonsona waving a red and white Maple Leaf over a smaller plastic Philippine tricolor when he entered the ring. That was the same Maple Leaf he reached over for from one of his seconds during his victory run around the ring. But holy smokes! Did anybody else see where that Maple Leaf was during the whole 12 rounds? What a busy summer. So much happened both good and bad. As some of you know, in August my production company staged its first show in Canada. Wow! What an experience! Four cities in two weeks: Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal and Winnipeg. The show was billed as “Celebrity Fastbreak: Basketball Na, May Concert Pa”. The event featured beloved personalities from the Philippines and brought family fun and enjoyment to the audience and spectators.. It was also the most incredible learning experience of my life. Those of you who have been following my column know that my message has consistently been taking risks and trying new things. Without this, it would be hard to get ahead. I also said in the past that failure is not something to fear. It is a natural part of growth. In fact, we learn more from failing at something, than always succeeding (but of course, it is nice to win every now and then). The past few months that I was preparing for the show taught me over again that the journey

It was on the floor, all cloth and pole; stained by Sonsona’s perspiration and the spittle that missed the spit pail. It was ignored and abandoned, until it was time again for it to be waved for the cameras. I should know. I picked that same Maple Leaf on the floor, perhaps after having accidentally shined a couple of shoes that went over it, when it was time for the entertainment center to close its doors. But why should Sonsona’s handlers care about a flag which could be bought in any souvenir shop, a Dollarama store or in Spadina? They are not Canadians, not even Filipino-Canadians who have sworn loyalty and respect to Canada -- the land that had adopted them

-- and to everything that represents Canada, including the Maple Leaf. I might have understood what Sonsona’s seconds did if the Philippine Constitution and its civil and penal codes highlighted dishonor and disrespect to the flag. I don’t think so too. It’s just that maybe, just maybe, Team Sonsona forgot what respect -- and they were in Canadian soil -- was all about. I heard that Sonsona’s Canadian promoter is planning to bring back Sonsona and his group for a title defense match in Casino Rama. When they do, I’ll skip the slots and bet 10 to 1 that Team Sonsona has learned that respect begets respect. [email protected]

Our Journey EVA AGPAOA

Venture out Take some risks is as important as the destination. And that, if things do not go right the first time, pick yourself up, hold your head high and try it again. Now the facts: was the show a roaring success? No. Was it a dismal failure? No. Some cities did better than others. In all cases, the crowd loved it. Not enough people showed up. We did not start our advertising campaign early enough. Our celebrity players’ lineup kept changing, because some of them accepted other engagements. We did not meet our goal in sponsorship funding. Worst, some of the sponsors who pledged their commitment never

followed through with the actual monetary amount of sponsorship. Hmmm … What else went wrong? Oh yes, the van where the performers’ belongings were loaded was broken into during the Montreal show. For a heart-stopping moment, I did not think they would catch their flight to Winnipeg the next morning. Anything else? Let me think …. Oh wait! I think there was something else … Oh yes, we lost money (Ouch). Aside from those, something else happened that I was not prepared for -- the support and guidance from friends, family and colleagues; people who wanted to help the best way they could and their continued encouragement during some of my darkest (To page 18)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

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Looking back on several September 21 ... (From page 8) over OMNI.2 Television in Ontario. Grade 1 na po ang ating baby! Of course, this would not have been possible without the continuous support of PNB Remittance Company (Canada) Inc., Forex Parcel Delivery Inc. (in other locations, also known as UMAC), Manila Media Monitor, Marshayna Trading Company, Inc./ Hendersoon Weekes of North York Chev – and who, over the past years, and regardless of which GM dealership he moved, stayed with us on air. Special thanks also to our seasonal event partners, namely, the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), Culture Philippines-Ontario and during the recent years, ANCOP Canada Inc. Special mention is also deserved by Roland Chan and Lilia Tanchoco and Liland Insurance Inc. – which had, for the first five of the seven years were regular sponsors of the program; Action Honda, through its General

Manager Rafael Nebres, for five years; Jess/Tess Mallari of Mabini Express Remittance for two years, Mr. Lovely and his wife, Surjit and Lovely Travel & Tours for two years (and soon coming back as travel segment sponsor, as relayed by Surjit recently); Bert and Cora de la Cruz and Delamarc Travel – who for one year in the past was the program’s travel segment sponsor; of course, thanks also to the various Ontario government agencies and departments, specially to the Ontario Ministry of Health, which consistently were on board the program. Thanks also to Lastman’s Bad Boy, and to the numerous shortterm contract advertisers that we had over the years – including those fortune tellers that we had as advertisers for which we had to constantly ask for advance payments before broadcast, otherwise, we would never see their payments. For the short-term advertisers whom I failed to mention here, please

pardon me as it is so hard to dig from memory (which means that they did not advertise long enough to have their products and services on my personal brand recall, much more, those of viewers’), every company who boarded the program as advertisers at one time, or another – including the program’s seasonal (please read this as “election-time”) clients. To all of you, thank you so much. Of course, foremost, to all regular viewers of Front Page Philippines in Ontario, Calgary and Edmonton, and elsewhere in Canada who watch the program via the services of one of the three satellite providers -- namely StarChoice, Bell Expressvue and Look TV, allowed by the Canadian Radio-television Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission to operate across the country. Many thanks also to those viewers who have written/e-mailed and/or phoned us on our programming. ace.alvarez@ rogers.com

ADVERTISING? CALL 416-285-8583

Scarborough

(From page 10) For lakeside viewing pleasure, the places that come to mind are Scarborough Bluffs, Port Union Waterfront Trail and Rouge Beach Park. And if your “cup of tea” includes winding roads, rolling hills and flowing streams, your mapped out route easily points to Military Trail north of Ellesmere Road, and also to Twyn Rivers which is off Sheppard Avenue near the Pickering Border. All of these places have

their own beauties that can make any resident of Scarborough feel proud. But the two places that I visit the most are the Port Union Waterfront Trail and Rouge Beach Park, mainly because of its proximity from my home and the relaxing sounds of the waves from the lake. Every day on my twohour early morning walk and meditation, I watch the morning drama unfold. It begins with the seagulls flying low over

Adopt a Canadian ... (From page 9) at age 100, the year of his death. My boyhood fears of Chinese men with long knives vanished as the world observed the Japanese atrocities against China. And then came my discovery of Chinese restaurants in London: Leeon’s on Wardour Street and Maxim’s in Piccadilly. (Ben Viccari is past

president of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association and frequently appears 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)

the group of Canada Geese bathing and gracefully swimming in Lake Ontario. The seemingly quiet performance then suddenly bursts into loud cries from the geese. The noises they make herald the rising of the sun above the horizon on a bright orange backdrop. The interesting behaviour also signals the preparation for their first flight of the day. They flap their wings, make louder noises and then take off together, flying low over the lake. And once they have picked up the momentum, they shoot up in a Vformation with military fashion. With the bright yellow sun and orange sky, Canada’s finest wings are airborne. The Canada Geese are flying the Nature’s Best Morning Air Show. What a beautiful sight of Scarborough!

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

People & Events

FCT gets elements into Cabbagetown fest, TIFF, boxing The BIA (Business Improvement Area) committee couldn’t ask for a better weather for the Cabbagetown Festival parade, September 12. It was perfect! The parade started right on time, there were more sidewalk vendors, and Parliament Street was jammed with people. The Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT) had, as always, the largest contingent among ethnic participants in the parade. Through the efforts of active volunteer Mila Lupango, over 170 members from 20 Filipino groups, dressed in attractive Philippine kimona and barong, showed up to join the parade. Leading the Philippine marchers were the flagbearing Legionnaires, Effie Doroteo, Mr. Sabile and Ted Cresencia. Not far behind were the Knights of Rizal, some FCT directors, the PIDC 2009 Mrs. Philippines, Rose Bongolan, and FCT Paraluman runner-up, Hilda Arcega. Joining them were the Kayumanggi, The Pillars

By AIDA E. D’ORAZIO

MPP George Smitherman joins the FCT contingent in the Cabbagetown Festival parade. Seniors, Filipino Aspirations of Rizal with their muses – Carmen Hacuman, Marcela Miranda and Delsa Malate, Daughters of Isabella, FIL/PAR Association, Thorncliffe Seniors, Ang Magkakapitbahay, Canadian-Asian Dancers, Marian Mission, Ontario Filipino Women’s Club, PHIL/CAN Seniors

Association, Silayan Association, Bleecker (85) Coop Association, Gerrard Resource Centre, Cabbagetown Centre, Hugh Garner Coop and Photo Association of Toronto. Parade marshals were Felino Javier, Efren de Villa, Frank Maralag, Bernie Carreon and Francis Completo.

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

Pizza, sandwiches, muffins and coke were served at the Rizal Hall to all parade participants by the food committee of Wendy Arena, Suzette Cresencia, Mercy Maliglig and Letty Guiab. TIFF visitors A surprise treat for everyone in the hall was the appearance of Filipino

filmmaker Mike Escareal Sandejas and the cast of his film Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said), one of two Philippine entries in the Toronto International Film Festival. Sandejas spoke about his film and introduced the main stars of his film, 16-year old Zoe Sandejas (Mike’s daughter) and

Romalito Mallari (first Filipino deaf actor cast in a lead actor role). A clipping of the film, which revolved around a romance between a girl rocker and a deaf dancer, was shown on the giant screen at the Rizal Hall. It was premiered on Sept. 11 at the AMC. Other screenings were on Sept. 13 and 19. Volunteer work Meanwhile, FCT directors and members had their hands full with their own volunteer work. Dr. Mario Andres with Perla, his wife, as his receptionist, worked overtime to see to the needs of an overflow of patients. At the Ottawa Hall, Dr. Maselle Virey was engrossed in psychiatric consultation and mentoring. At the FCT table set up on the street outside the building, Mercy Maliglig and Cecile Kolmegies made fast sales on some pieces of costume jewelry (donated to the FCT by a generous merchant). They expected another quick sale on the second day of the festival. (To page 13)

People & Events FCT gets elements into Cabbagetown ... (From page 12) They said that people came by to ask about the FCT street show, which was a popular entertainment in the festival in the past years. But president Lynda

Javier said the directors were overwhelmed with too many activities and no one could facilitate the show. Next year perhaps? Marvelous Marvin There’s absolutely more

to Marvin Sonsona than meets the eye. When he arrived at the FCT for a press conference the day before his Rumble at Rama, he looked rather feisty in a flashy jacket

ABOVE: Filipino filmmaker Mike Escareal Sandejas and the cast of Dinig Sana Kita, one of two Filipino films screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, join FCT officers and members for a memento. BELOW: World Boxing Organization Junior Bantamweight champion Marvin Sonsona stands tall with ladies of FCT.

which he said were the colors of the Philippine flag. Yet, his young boyish face and his thin frame conveyed a non-combatant image. “Oh, the poor thing,” gasped a woman in the audience, “he’s so young and frail! He’ll be clobbered by Lopez.” But as he sat down for the interview along with his promoter, managers and trainer, 19-year old Marvin, spoke with ease and confidence about his boxing success, having not lost a single fight. And in his 13 wins, 12 were knockouts. Later on, as if to satisfy the inane curiosity of his audience, he proudly flexed his muscle and lifted the FCT shirt that he received from the Centre to show off a toned-up torso. He could have righteously said, hey, this body is that of a junior bantamweight boxer which should not tip the scale beyond 115 lbs! Oops… Since he was a kid at General Santos, the same city in Cotabato where boxing grand champ Manny Pacquiao comes from, he was fascinated with boxing. After joining the sport at age seven, he just kept winning bout after bout. The “tisoy” kid (the

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009 Spanish lineage comes from his grandfather) would eventually become “Marvelous” Marvin in the sports world. Rumble at Rama was going to be Sonsona’s first time to fight outside the Philippines. He was grateful to Manny Pacquiao for opening the door for Philippine boxers, as well as to co-promoter Allan Tremblay for giving him the opportunity to fight in Canada. If he wins this match, he will be the new World Junior Bantamweight Champion. There will be a series of fights to follow, perhaps, as early as October. Sonsona and his team were surprised to meet so many Filipinos in Toronto and felt awed by their friendliness and hospitality. His promoter, Sammy Gello-ani, said that they appreciated the gesture of the FCT for inviting them over and that Marvin felt at home and comfortable in Toronto. Casino Rama Rumble Who would not get excited now that the event of Sonsona vs Lopez was well-nigh ready to start? The line-up for tickets had stretched all the way to the hallways. There were hundreds

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of Filipinos who traveled from far distances by buses and cars to attend this first Filipino boxing event in Canada. Not many women have the guts to watch a boxing match. Those of us who came anyway were there to give away our tickets (given free to members by Casino Rama) as tickets were all sold out. As it turned out, in a heart-stopping moment in the fourth round, Sonsona almost knocked out the Puerto Rican champion, but the latter regained power to challenge Sonsona until the twelfth round. At the end, Marvelous Marvin prevailed by a unanimous decision that was met by a thunderous joyful response from the Filipino crowd. The Sonsona-Lopez match, to quote the Toronto Star, “was the most exciting main event ever staged in the Rumble at Rama series”, attended by “hundreds of Filipino fans waving miniature Filipino flags.” Tutorial classes The Pilipino Class and Homework Club will start on Oct. 4. Pilipino is at 10 a.m., Homework Club at 11 a.m. to 12 noon; same time period as last year.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

People & events

Labor Day through Mario Dimain’s lens Mario Dimain, Manila Media Monitor columnist and professional photographer, joined the Labor Day Parade on Sept. 7 “in support to my Union Brothers in ATU 113 and with the intention of finding something to write about for my column.” Above and left are the images he shared with this paper’s readers, including the page 1 photo. Dimain also filed a report on Labor Day as follows: Ontario’s Labor Unions celebrated the annual Labour Day with a parade joined by thousands who marched from University Avenue, Queen and Dufferin Streets culminating at the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). The recession and massive job losses and benefit cuts had effectively strenghtened the spirit of solidarity among Ontario’s organized labour movement. More than 28,000 people and 40 unions representing both public and private sector workers marched in the parade.

People & Events

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

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Tanza, Cavite Association of Canada celebrates St. Augustine Feast

Filipino-Canadian devotees of St. “Tata Usteng” Augustine flocked to the Earl Bales Park on Aug. 29 to celebrate the feast day of their patron saint, which falls on Aug. 24. The devotees are mostly members of the Tanza Association of Canada headed by its president Lope Perea. “Tata Usteng” (inset) is revered by the townfolk of Tanza, Cavite. Photos: EVELYN PILAPIL and MANNY MASANGKAY

RP Central Bank goes ‘milk banking’ (From page 9) institution. Their advocacy paved the way for the approval and implementation of the milk banking project. From the start, I had a fond preference for breastfeeding. My siblings and I were all breastfed by my mother. My mother, however, found me a little problematic. At birth, I already had two lower front milk teeth. Statistics reveal that more and more women join the workforce every year to share the growing responsibility of providing for their families. The 2006 Employment Situation report of the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics of the Department of Labor and Employment said there were close to 33 million Filipino workers employed in industries and services in the country. Nearly 40 percent of these workers, or 13 mil-

lion, are women, most of them mothers. Given the substantial presence of mothers in the Philippine workforce and the superior benefits of breastfeeding, the BSP has recognized the strong need to establish the milk banking project. After all, employers also stand to benefit from the countless merits of breastfeeding -- most important of which is the higher level of health for mother and baby. Breastfed babies experience fewer illnesses because human milk transfers the mother’s antibodies and other nutrients to the infant. Breastfeeding mothers, on the other hand, have reduced risks of ovarian and breast cancer, stronger bones, and a quicker recovery from pregnancy and delivery. A healthy baby means less absenteeism for the mother, who could focus on her work instead of wor-

De Juan-Velasquez nuptials

rying about her family’s medical and infant formula expenses. BSP International SubSector Managing Director Wilhelmina Mañalac, a working mother at the BSP who fondly recalled having breastfed her three children, said in a speech during the festival that supporting breastfeeding in the workplace means supporting mothers and fathers in their goal of raising healthy, productive citizens. “We must start giving our babies what is due them and we must help our mothers give only the best to their babies,” she stressed. The BSP official could not have said it better. Ensuring the future of babies through breastfeeding also means ensuring our future as a society. PNA

Advocates joins Labor Day parade

Back to School: Facts ... (From page 6) sity in both male and female adults. But a third sedentary activity - reading - was not associated with obesity for either sex. Get outside and play! Soccer was the most frequently reported sport for both boys and girls in 2005. Soccer replaced swimming, which was most frequent in 1992. At least two million

children in Canada regularly took part in organized sports in 2005. About half of them joined in more than one organized sport. Active children played on average about 2.6 times per week per sport. More interesting details may be found at http:// www42.statcan.gc.ca/ smr08/smr08_131-eng.htm. JEY DHARMARAJ

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Anthony de Juan and Patricia Velasquez were married in a solemn ceremony at the Gibson ballroom of Novotel North York. Reception followed at Royalton in Vaughan. Anthony is the son/ stepson of Tess and Ruben Cusipag. Patricia is the daughter of Cesar and Patricia Velasquez of Hamilton. PR

Police committee in PPC-O b’fast forum Members of the Asia Pacific Community Consultative Committee (APCCC) of the Toronto Police Service (TPS) will be the guests during the regular monthly Philippine Press Club-Ontario breakfast forum at Casa Manila starting at 10:30 a.m. PPC-O director Tony Sicat, forum chairman, said the APCCC is composed of representatives from the Filipino, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese communities. Sicat said the forum was requested by TPS Community Mobilization Unit liaison officer Constable Philip Mendoza. Asked to join the members of the community media are representatives from media partners Thoi Bao, Korea Canada Central Daily, The Korean Times Daily and Nikkei Voice.

NOTICE

Members of Filipino Migrant Workers’ Movement, Pilipinong Migrante sa Barrie, Migrante Youth, Gabriela and Independent Workers’ Association join labor groups in the Canadian Labor Day parade from University Ave. through downtown streets to the CNE on Sept. 8. “This is our way of expressing solidarity with fellow workers who have been under attack because of the financial crisis,” said Wilma Delo, chairperson of a group of caregivers in Barrie, Ontario. PR

Press and captioned photo releases submitted to the Manila Media Monitor are for PUBLIC SERVICE and FREE OF CHARGE; but subject to strict editorial appreciation. Send them to mediamonitor@rogers. com on or before the 15th of each month. For inquiries and AD PLACEMENTS, call 416-2858583.

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

People & Events

Yanga leads Toronto Kapuso Lions Club, charter night set Emmanuel Yanga, president of the Toronto Kapuso Lions Club, will lead officers, members and guests during the club’s charter night at the Kursa Hall of the Latvian Cultural Centre on Oct. 7. The night’s guest speaker is Lions Past International Governor Terry Graham. Officers of ten other Lions clubs in Ontario are expected to attend the occasion. Past Lions District A711 Governor Rollie de la Cruz has helped form the Toronto Kapuso Lions Club. Besides Yanga, the other ofYANGA ficers of the club are Marcus Pe, first vice president; Rose Tijam, second vice president; Nenita Pe, secretary; Constancia Sollano, treasurer; Jose Nolasco, lion tail twister; Albert Nanquil, lion tamer; George Samson and Wendell Briones, one-year directors; Paulino Sollano and Arlette Jarencio, two-year directors; Jesus Ticsay and Juliet Nanquil, membership directors; J. T. Taduran, Jr, and Rose Tijam, press relations officers; Fuasto Victorio, Jr., chairman and Elizabeth Ticsay and Julie Nanquil, fund raising committee; and Rey Maestrado and Albert Nanquil and Cesar Manebo, embers of the project activities committee. SJNS PR

KCCC receives $11,500 donation

Officers of Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) and Kalayaan show off the symbolic $11,500 check donated by Kalayaan 2009 to the KCCC. From left are Delfin, Ruffy, Doming, Madge, KCCC president Mama Ching Quejas, Resty, Rowena, Juliet, Rachel, Linda, Carmen, Art, Adie, Jojo and Pete. PR

Kalayaan conducts AGM, elects officers

Taga-Ibaan, Batangas fundraiser

Alejandro Mosquera (6th from right, standing), Philippine Consul General in Toronto, joins Taga-Ibaan, Batangas group members and guests at a fundraising event on Aug. 30. Drawn winners of a 50/50 DRAW are Marco Carreon of Edmonton, Alberta; Warly Guerra of Michigan, USA; Ma. Christina Panganiban and Ethel Panganiban, both of Toronto. Funds raised at the event will be used to send 50 computers donated by GM CANADA (Windsor) to the Ibaan Batangas Central Elementary School. The donation was solicited by Angel Panganiban of Windsor. SJNS PR

Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization (Kalayaan) chair Juliet Perez outlined the successes of activities in the past year in the group’s annual general meeting at the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) on Aug. 16. Perez said the activities included Kalayaan’s partnership with the Philippine Independence Day Council in a gala night, a community picnic and the highly-acclaimed cultural presentation Malayang Pilipinas at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Perez also reported that Kalayaan 2009 raised enough funds to cover the costs of activities. Kalayaan was also able to donate $11,500 to

KCCC. A symbolic cheque was presented to KCCC president Mama Ching Quejas and treasurer Resty del Rosario during the meeting. In the same occasion, Kalayaan members ratified an amendment to the constitution changing the term of officers from one year to two years. Kalayaan members also elected their new set of officers for 2010-2011, as follows: Erlinda OlaliaCarin, chair; Delfin Palileo, vice chair; Madoline Baluca, secretary; Rachel Lazaro, treasurer; Juliet Perez, auditor; Marilyn Palileo and Jojo Sebastian, PRO; and Adie dela Cruz, business manager. PR

Toronto Police’s Pilipino Internal Support Network raises money with BBQ for Kababayan, autism center

(RIGHT PHOTO) Dr. Alok Mukherjee and Superintendent Cyril Fernandes join members of the Toronto Police Service (TPS) – Pilipino Internal Support Network (PISN) and Community Mobilization Unit for a barbeque fundraiser infront of the TPS headquarters in downtown Toronto on Aug. 27. Part of the money raised during the event was donated to the Geneva Centre of Autism and the Kababayan Community Centre (Domestic Violence Program). The BBQ event was supported by Mhel Galeon and Flor Vendiola, owners of FV Foods. (LEFT PHOTO) TPS-PISN members Detective Jason Kraft, and Constables Ed Dizon, Susana Aguila and Philip Mendoza work hard to keep up with BBQ orders. PR

People & Events Kiwanis Club of Filipino Metro Toronto gets charter President Quintin Palisoc of the Kiwanis Club of Filipino Metro Toronto receives the Charter from District Governor Sheron Cameron-Dunn at the 1st Charter night held at the Hotel Novotel in Mississauga on Sept. 19. Shown (from left) are Governor Denny Kiroff of Michigan District, President Palisoc, Governor Cameron-Dunn, Lt. Governor Betty Wilson, Emilie Palisoc, Michigan District President Lydia Palaganas, Mrs. Kiroff and Lt. Governor Roger Palaganas of Michigan District. PR

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

Media advisory: It’s going ... (From page 7) *** An entry in Wikipedia – the Free Encyclopedia on the internet, about Congressman Mark O. Cojuangco of the 5th District of Pangasinan: “He is married to his wife, Kimi Cojuangco.” Need I say more? *** The public relations company handling the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) account, Holmes Communications, sent out daily media advisories on what was to

People & Events Felix Sr., Carmen Tulagan to mark 50th wedding year

transpire each of the 16 days at Canada’s largest fair. As a member of the Board of Governors, and the Marketing Committee of the CNE, I, for one, hoped fair to fine weather each of those 16 days, since our daily attendance was affected if it rained. It was not true, however, that on Saturday, August 29, one media advisory stated, “CNE Media Advisory: It’s Going To Rain Today”.

Felix Sr. and Carmen Tulagan will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary and renew wedding vows on Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. at the St. Barabas Church in Scarborough. Principal witnesseses are Luis Caragan, Zenaida Crescini, Quintin Palisoc and Cora Palomares. Lito Tulagan is the bestman; Helen Bying, matron of honor. The groomsmen are Arnulfo Tulagan, Romy Armas, Dante Castro, Myro Babia, George Tulagan, Brody Ruttan, Ruel Macaraeg, and Robert Bying. The bridesmaids are Jean Tulagan, Vilma Armas, Marivic Castro, Liza Tulagan, Jennelyn Akvarez, Myla Ruttan, Evangeline Tulagan, and Danalyn Bying. To lay the symbol of their love are Dan Bying and Ellen Tulagan; to light their path, Rodrigo Macaraeg and Imelda Macaraeg; to clothe them as one; Felix Tulagan, Jr. and Elaine Tulagan; to bind them together, Paul Elix Macaraeg; to carry the symbol of their love, Patrick Jose Macaraeg; to carry their symbol of treasures, Carlos Jay Tulagan; to carry their symbol of faith, Pamela Mae Macaraeg, Arjean Mae Tulagan, Ruby Ann Armas, Esraela Armas, Felischia Tulagan, Jade Tulagan, Arnulfo Arnie Tulagan, Joshua Armas, Arlyn Mae Tulagan, Elix Tulagan,, and Jasper Tulagan. After the 50th wedding ceremonies, reception will follow at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall. SJNS/MANUEL PAPA

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CALENDAR ► SEPT. 26: Filipino Migrant Workers Movement Dinner-Dance, Holy Rosary Parish Gymnasium. ► OCT. 3: Philippine Independence Day Council Dancing To Be A Star Finals, Sts. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall. ► OCT. 7: Toronto Kapuso Lions Club Charter Night, Kursa Hall, Latvian Cultural Centre. ► OCT. 22: Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto Seminar on Doing Business in the Philippines. ► OCT 17: Katbalogans Association of Ontario PreHalloween Party. ► OCT. 23: Spectres of In/Visibility Symposium, University of Toronto, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. NOV. 14: Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto Annual Christmas Party.

VB Pangasinan Ass’n induction The officers, boardmembers and advisers of the Villanueva Bautista Pangasinan Association of Ontario-Canada pose for photo after their induction to office by Philippine Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera. The association is headed by Conrado Carbonell, president; David Agustin, vice president; Rhoda Coniega, chairperson, fundraising committee. The Induction was conducted at the Garnet Williams Community Centre. PR

Venture out, take some risks (From page 10)

hours (and believe me, there were many many dark hours). Those are the gems I discovered along the way. Thank you to all who stood by me and your unyielding encouragement. I am grateful. I also learned about myself and what I was capable of doing. I found unexpected strength, but also some weaknesses which needed to be worked on. Somehow – and most importantly, I feel that the production was a success, in that we started with nothing, learned along

the way, step-by difficultstep and successfully put up four great shows that everyone enjoyed. Yes, we lost money because not enough tickets were sold. But I also learned a great deal that will make the next production a viable venture. The many mistakes we made are now etched in my brain, blazing a bright path that will make the next production easier. Some might read this and say, “Aha. Failed.” And that would be a shame because they would be missing the point. Taking a risk means

you accept the very real probability that you might fail. You also accept the fact that this is but one step along a long and, hopefully, a satisfying journey. Staying at home and refusing to participate, refusing to venture out and take some risks (just because the risk carries a possibility of failure) is a not fulfilling way to live. You could grow bitter with envy as you watch others do what you can only dream of. Don’t give the critics the power to control your future. [email protected]

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(From page 6)

The Philippines Hunger haunts millions in RP

MANILA - Food Security, as defined in the world food summit, exists when people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet the dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy lifestyle. In the Philippines, achieving food security may be farfetched since millions of Filipinos continue to suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey showed that more than three million pre-school children suffer from undernutrition.

School children, adolescents and adults also suffer from protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Malnutrition among these age groups can be attributed to the lack of sufficient, safe and nutritious food. The survey said three in every ten mothers and two out of ten children experienced food insecurity in the past three months because there was no food to eat or no money to buy food. Two out of ten mothers and one out of ten children experienced hunger.

Skipping or missing meals was the most frequent experience among food-insecure mothers and children. About seven of ten mother-respondents expressed anxiety regarding the sufficiency of the food in the household and the money to buy food. The food insecurity survey results are consistent with the results of the Social Weather Station’s hunger survey which showed an increase in the number of Filipinos who suffered from involuntary hunger. PIA 12

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

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The Philippines

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Senate-House panels ok 9th ray inclusion to RP flag The Philippine national flag will soon have nine rays in its sun instead of only eight. The Senate and House of Representatives approved on Sept. 22 the reconciled version of Senate Bill 3307 and House Bill 6424 that sought to include another ray in the sun. The approval will amend Republic Act No. 849 (An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines). Sen. Richard Gordon, principal author of the Senate bill, said the additional ray “symbolized the courage, bravery and integrity of Muslim Filipinos who fought for the nation’s independence.” Gordon said the approval would foster greater unity among Filipinos regardless of religion. He said the National Historical Institute initially opposed the proposal but he still pursued it. “I don’t care what they think about it. Once it is signed, they should follow the law.” “We are a country that has had a conflict with our Muslim brothers for the last so many decades. I think this is a big step towards reuniting our country, recognizing the contributions of our fellow countrymen, the Filipino Muslims,” he said. Gordon said the national flag “not only represents principles of sovereignty and solidarity of the Fili-

A ninth ray in the sun of the Philippine national flag? Will it really make a difference? Some say so; others do not think so. What’s your take? pino nation, but also embodies the ideals and traditions of the Filipino people developed over the course of national history. The flag symbolizes the nation’s struggle for independence and victory against foreign colonizers.” The three stars in the flag represent the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao; while the current eight rays of the sun represent the eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish regime, namely: Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac. Muslim Filipinos welcomed the approval, as it is expected to further promote respect, understanding, and acceptance between Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos. Atty. Pangnal Datu Ramos, legal counsel of the Bangsa Moro Civil Society, said: “The Bangsa Moro people will never forget Senator Dick Gordon’s consistent advocacy of recognizing the heroic struggle

for freedom of the Bangsa Moro people that led to the approval of the 9th ray in our country’s national flag. Senator Gordon displays his statesmanship and respect for the Filipino Muslims, sorely lacking in our national leaders.” Congressman Munir Arbison of the 2nd District of Sulu stated: “The people of Sulu thank Sen. Gordon for his bill honoring Filipino Muslims who, history tells, have fought foreign intruders for hundreds of years to protect and preserve our unique and inspiring way of life.” Datu Norodin Alonto Lucman, a historian, said that having the ninth ray makes him feel good “to be part of the Republic.” “I am so proud that after more than a century of nonrecognition of our heroic ancestors who gave up their lives for the freedom of our country, Congress finally added a 9th ray to the flag in honor of their heroism and historical role in the independence of our country.” Internet sources

VFA: Hot-button poll issue, long ... (From page 9) in its analysis. Lopsided In the case of the VFA with the Philippines, the main issue is its lopsidedness. “Any expansion of the VFA will first have to address the perceived inequalities of the treaty, including the status of US forces accused of criminal acts and the repayment in equipment to the Philippine armed forces to augment their capabilities,” Stratfor said. In a press briefing, Adan said that the Philippine military’s joint undertakings with the US by virtue of the VFA was crucial in preserving stability in Asia, particularly anti-terrorism efforts as governments face threats from terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah and its allies in the region. Terrorist groups in the Philippines that are on a

sanctions list of the United Nations are the Abu Sayyaf Group, the New People’s Army, and the Rajah Solaiman Movement. The Philippines remains on the US terrorist safe haven list because of these groups. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs also said the country has received US$429 million worth of military and defense assistance from the US since 1999. Earlier, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, an administration ally and chairperson of the Legislative Oversight Committee on the VFA, has said the agreement with the US violates the Philippine Constitution and international laws. Santiago has also called for a Senate probe on a supplemental VFA, which she alleged contained non-

reciprocal provisions that allowed US soldiers to be detained in the US embassy, not in Philippine jails; passport and visa exemptions to US soldiers; vehicle registration exemption to the US government; automatic exemption of US vessels from Philippine inspection upon “mere declaration from a US officer”; tax exemption for US troops; and the US not being obliged to waive claims to the Philippine government for damages or death. Santiago, who authored the Senate resolution against the VFA, said the supplemental VFA, which she called VFA 2, was invalid because Senate ratification of VFA 1 was conditioned on the President not having been authorized to amend any provision of the agreement. Both VFAs were signed in 1998. PNA

The Philippines

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Voters without biometrics cannot vote in 2013 polls -- Comelec

Perceived 2010 presidential and vice-presidential candidates take an oath to commit to clean and honest elections during GMA Network‘s “Eleksyon 2010 na…Tatakbo Ka Ba? – Hamon Para sa Kaayusan ng Pilipinas” at the Bonifacio Gobal City recently. In photo (front row, from left) are Loren Legarda, Jamby Madrigal, Kiko Pangilinan, Nicanor Perlas, Mar Roxas, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Manny Villar, (back row from left) Jojo Binay, John Carlos delos Reyes, Chiz Escudero, Erap Estrada, Bayani Fernando, and Dick Gordon. They took the oath before Commission on Elections Chairman Jose Melo. PR

MANILA - Even before the May 2010 presidential elections could commence, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a notice that it would disallow registered voters to cast their ballots in the 2013 synchronized national and local polls if they do not have biometrics identification. But Comelec chairman Jose Melo said this could only be carried out when Congress has passed a law requiring a voter to give his/her biometrics for validation by the poll body. Melo also bared that the Comelec and Unison Joint Venture have signed the P1.5 billion contract for a project that would clean the computerized list of voters. The project consists of the: validation of registration records using biometrics and data capture system, online data submission and synchronization system, automated fingerprint identification system, and the voter ID cards generation. He said only half of the 48 million registered voters in the Philippines and abroad have biometrics. PNA

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

The Philippines Gov’t eyes US-patterned Education ...

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(From page 6) Macapagal-Arroyo said. The government has been carrying out reforms in education since 2001. Todate, the government has been pouring in P3 billion for scholarship programs in science and engineering, which has so far enabled more than 600,000 students to complete their college, graduate, and postgraduate education. The government has also funded the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT), which involves a consortium of eight schools focused on engineering re-

search in several areas. The ERDT is a threeyear P3.5-billion program focused on four technology areas: ICT (information communication technology), semiconductor and electronics, energy, and environment and infrastructure. The consortium members are De La Salle University, Mapúa Institute of Technology, Ateneo de Manila University, Mindanao State University Iligan, University of San Carlos, Central Luzon State University, the University of the Philippines-Diliman,

and UP-Los Baños. Experts have been prodding the government to adopt a “knowledge-based” economy, which increases the country’s human capital index ranking in the world. “You need a good teacher to have a good education. In turn, you need a good education as a ticket to have a better life. Education is a great equalizer and allows every young Filipino a chance to realize his dream. That’s why we invest so much in education including for teacher training,” the President said. OPS

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Philippine Tourism

Kayaking in Philippine waters By LYNDA BUEN VALENCIA MANILA - The Department of Tourism (DOT) has recently launched its newest tourism product that features kayaking around the Philippines. Introduced to major foreign buyers attending the Philippine Travel Exchange ’09 (Phitex), the new tourism product highlights kayaking adventure in beaches, lagoons, rivers, lakes, and springs. DOT Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano, said: “In a country of 7,107 islands, one can only imagine the infinite possibilities of kayaking adventure.” “Exploring the span of our clear waters surely opens travelers to the unique splendor of our country,” Durano stressed. A short video on kayaking in the Philippines was presented to top travel buyers from Asia and Europe, with delegates comprised of tour operators, travel agencies, retailers, corporate planners, alternative tours companies, and incentive travel firms. “Kayaking allows tourists inside secret coves, inlets and channels that lead to stunning views of our mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, unspoiled coastlines and other exciting mysteries around our islands,” said Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions. A book entitled Kayak Philippines was also handed out to participants. Apart from kayaking tips and basic paddling symbols, the book showed top sites and trails, which include Pinacanauan River, the Hundred Islands, the Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan corridor, the Caramoan

Peninsula, Northern Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Siargao Island, and Samal Island. The Cavite-CorregidorBataan corridor features a historic kayaking trail, starting at the entrance of the Manila Bay, passing Cavite, and then Corregidor Island which bore witness to World War II. Tourists can opt to disembark on the island and enjoy a walking tour of sites in Bataan including Mt. Samat, the Shrine of Valor. The Caramoan Peninsula offers a view of limestones, rugged coastlines, and white sand-ringed islands, complemented by a stunning view of underwater marine life by snorkeling around shallow waters. For the high-spending market, the DOT offers luxury kayaking in Palawan. Known for its idyllic beaches, lagoons and caves, Palawan enjoins travelers to kayak in El Nido and Coron. Cebu draws attention to paddling in Hilutungan Island and Marine Sanctuary, Sulpa Island, Olango Island. Mactan Island is ideal for moonlight kayaking. Bohol, the frontier of ecotourism, lists several sites for kayaking which include Banacon Island, Pandanon Island, Dumog and Ubay Islands, Abatan River, and Punta Cruz, which teem with mangrove forest and sandbars. Lagoon moonlight paddling is also offered in Panglao Island. In Samar, the unspoiled waters of Marabut, and the Sohoton Natural Bridge Park are featured, while Siargao has Guyam Island,

Famous Singaporean adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow and Filipino kayakers Arnel Gabutero of Davao City and Erwin “Buzzy” Budlong of Cebu, bid farewell to well wishers at Gumasa beach in Glan town, Sarangani as they embark on “The Friendship Kayak Expedition” on Aug. 31. The expedition takes the three from Sarangani over a 3,300 kilometer route to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, a trip that will get the kayakers paddling for over three months in the first-ever attempt to kayak the entire length of the Philippines from south to north. Photo: ROMMEL REBOLLIDO Sohoton Cove, and Del Carmen Lagoon. Samal Island in Davao is likewise a kayak site, promising reefs, mountains and caves along the way. Stanie Soriano, Corporate Relations Manager of Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, DOT’s partner in the project, added that “these paddling spots can be availed of through several tour packages such as the New Adventure-Kayak Hundred Islands; Historic Manila Bay Kayaking Adventures; Luxury Kayaking Safari in Bacuit Bay, Palawan; and Bohol Extreme Packages: Kayamping (Kayak and Camping).” Phitex ‘09 was conducted Sept. 2 to 4. PNA

P1.7-B int’l airport to rise in Cagayan MANILA - The staterun Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and private consortium Cagayan Land Property Development Corp. (CLPDC) has signed a 50-year joint venture agreement to put up a P1.658-billion international airport in Lallo town, Cagayan province this year. CEZA Administrator and chief executive Jose Mari Ponce and CLPDC president Basilio Rodriguez signed the joint venture. Under the agreement, CEZA will invest P691 million, or 41.7 percent of the total equity, while CLPDC will contribute the remaining P966 million, or 58.3

percent. The two will create a company to manage the construction and operation of the international airport, which will cater to business locators, visitors and tourists in the CEZA-administered 54,000-hectare Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport. CLPDC is composed of CAMJ Construction, Inc., LR Land Developers, Inc., TCGI Engineers, and Spanish firm Asesores y Consultores Aeronauticos S.L. The Spanish firm will be tapped to manage the operations of the airport, once construction is finished. Construction of the proj-

ect is expected to start within September and expected to be completed in a year. “The CEZA International Airport will complement the Port Irene Seaport, which is emerging as an international transhipment hub and tourism destination in north-eastern part of Luzon,” Ponce said. The project involves the construction of a 2,200-meter runway, and designed to accommodate large aircraft such as Airbus A319-100. It also includes a 1,000square meter terminal building, paved apron and tarmac that can accommodate two aircraft simultaneously, and a control tower. PNA

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Philippine Regions

Mt. Matutum’s hidden wealth GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Coffee cannot be sans water and coffee is to conserve water. To a coffee-drinking journalist, that may just put in simpler terms a complex goal to save biodiversity and wildlife at the slopes of Mt. Matutum by dwellers along a mountain top community in Kinilis, Polomolok town, South Cotabato province. Yet, there is more to than just conservation in that community perched some 1,200 meters above sea level, where the wind is cold and humid amid a noontime sky. The cone-shaped Mt. Matutum that majesti-

By ROMMEL G. REBOLLIDO cally straddles a huge part of South Cotabato and portions of General Santos City and the provinces of Sarangani and Davao del Sur, is said to have grown from a previous period of volcanic activity. The 2,300-meter high volcano forms the headwater for several rivers and streams, including the Klinan, Silway and Buayan rivers that empty into Sarangani Bay. About a couple of years back, Mt. Matutum’s forest reserve was pegged at 14,000 hectares, with about ten percent considered as still primary forest.

Kaingin, a form of slash and burn farming, and illegal logging have destroyed vast tracts of timberland, made worst by drought-induced forest fires in recent years. That would not be the situation now, Fred Fredeluces, a coffee trader who is treated by locals as “family”, said. They are working on a holistic approach to address the problem on environment, and at the same time give livelihood to the locals. Mt. Matutum, which name in Blaan means “burnt out,” is host to diverse plant

Mt. Matutum towers over a pineapple field. Photo: ROMMEL REBOLLIDO

and animal species including the Philippine eagle. Estimates by experts placed the count at over a hundred plant species and about 60 animal species in the area, including the civet (Paradoxorus philippinensis), which is considered a precious creature to the community, for the value added process it does to coffee. For that, conservation efforts involving the locals are easier as they themselves find means to regreen the mountain with coffee that now grow in abundance under forest canopy. Fredeluces said the locals themselves have formed a group that helps protect the forest and its

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

wildlife, going after poachers that usually wander in the vast timberland of Matutum. The coffee helps sustain the civet, which in turn helps sustain a major livelihood of local residents – selling civet coffee beans, known to be among the world’s most expensive brew. A cup sells at P700 in top Philippine hotels. Civet population has remarkably “risen to more than 30,000 and perhaps even more from about 12,000 three years ago,” remarked Maluig Buan, a village leader. The nocturnal civet, or balos in Blaan, roam the Matutum forest in the dark foraging for ripe coffee berries. As it feasts on coffee berries, the civet instinctively discards the rind and

29

swallow the coffee berry along with its bean. Just before sunrise, Blaan farmers take over the forest, searching the ground under coffee trees for telltale signs like discarded coffee rinds that lead them to the precious civet droppings. Fredeluces explained that the process the coffee beans undergo in the cat’s abdominal tracts gives a cleansing effect and may have decaffeinated the ingested coffee beans. Buan, who is 76 years old, claimed the civet coffee “has aphrodisiac qualities” giving him strength and stamina as he brags that he has two wives, a couple of dozen kids and about a hundred (To page 30)

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

Philippine Regions

Mt. Matutum’s hidden wealth (From page 29)

BLAAN’S SIMPLE LIFE: COFFEE, A HORSE AND CHILD’S PLAY. Photos: ROMMEL REBOLLIDO

Reg. # 4533253

grandchildren. “Balos coffee strengthens the knees and muscles,” quipped a smiling Buan. Buan’s nephew, on the other hand, gives credit to civet coffee for the highpaying livelihood they get. He says this allows them to send their children to school and build better homes. Fredeluces points to the community along the slopes, saying a unique indicator on the improvement in the lives of local residents is the reflection from the roof

of houses. “They used to have nipa shingles, now they have G.I. sheets for roofing,” he said. A Blaan farmer in Kinilis makes P800 for a kilo of civet coffee which could even be a thousand pesos depending on the quality of the beans. During peak season, a farmer can sell an average of one kilo daily, Buan said. The elder Buan said he foresees that his grandchildren’s children will nurture

and sustain the practice of protecting and preserving the civet and its sanctuary. Fredeluces noted that at times, it pays for people to really understand their relationship with nature for them to take necessary conservation efforts. The coffee trader would at times bring local and foreign guests to the highland community to experience nature and get a sip of civet coffee without worrying for the price. Water for your coffee? PNA

Zambales, Swiss Global Connect ink $50-B investment infusion 919 Ellesmere Road Suite 107, Scarborough Ontario M1P 2W7

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Iba, ZAMBALES Governor Amor Deloso, Swiss Global Connect USA president/CEO Rubina Zahid and representatives of AIPAC Philippines Management Corp. have signed a memorandum of agreement that would infuse $50 billion in investments for projects in tourism, real estate and infrastructure, agricultural research, indigenous power supply and mineral enhancements in the province. Based on an unsolicited proposal the Provincial Board approved in July, the $50-billion infusion is earmarked over a 10-year period for the following: ► Tourism development projects in San Salvador Island, Masinloc Resort Complex; Mt. Tapulao, Palauig Tourism Complex;and the Zambales Fantasy Island in Subic. ► Infrastucture development projects including

the Toll By-pass Expressway linking Tarlac and Zambales and incorporating it with the North Luzon Expressway and the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway, and the upgrading and rehabilitation of the Iba Airstrip into a domestic airport. ► A 620-hectare real estate development program in Subic, transforming the area into a financial district, educational and learning center, with executive housing, parks, hotels, convention center and stateof-the-art hospital. ► An agricultural research center in a possible tie-up with the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial State University for research and development, equipped with modern laboratory equipment and machines. ► Development of at least 64 hectares in shoreline area into a facility converting magnesium energy into alternative power sup-

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ply. ► The dredging of Macolcol, Maloma and Bucao rivers to prevent flashfloods in nearby communities. In her speech, Zahid said that Swiss Global Conenct USA had set its eyes on Zambales “because of its natural beauty and topography.” “We certainly see that these proposed projects will substantially enhance the image, not only of Zambales but of the entire Philippines amidst the global economic meltdown,” Zahid said. She added that the investment would spur a “foreign investment multiplier effect” in Philippine countryside development and employment generation. Swiss Global Connect USA is a partnership of Russian, Japanese and American businessmen listed as a corporation in California. Deloso told Zahid: “We will walk through this development with you and give you all the support you will need.” The projects would be put up under the build, operate and transfer (BOT) or build, operate and own (BOO) schemes. PIA

MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

Philippine Regions

NEWS ROUNDUP Caraga solons seek to extend BO term BUTUAN CITY - Seven congressmen from the Carage Region have filed jointly House Bill No. 6736 that sought to extend by two years the term of barangay officials, beginning October 2010. The bill was filed in Congress by Reps. Francisco Matugas and Guillermo Romarate Jr. of Surigao del Norte; Philip Pichay and Florencio Garay of Surigao del Sur; Edelmiro Amante and Jose Aquino of Agusan del Norte; and Glenda Ecleo of Dinagat. The bill’s Senate version would be authored by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon. Bill supporters said the measure would save government billions of pesos usually spent for nationwide elections. PNA

Negros Oriental schools get free Net access DUMAGUETE CITY - At least 25 public high schools here and other parts of Negros Oriental got a yearlong free Internet access from Globe Telecom Inc. under its Internet in Schools Program. Jeffrey Tarayao, Globe’s community relations department head, said the recipient-school were the Dumaguete City National High School (NHS), Herminigilda F. Gloria High School (HS), Taclobo NHS and the Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial-Dumaguete Science HS; Bais City NHS, Novallas HS, Azagra HS, Lourdes L. del Prado Memorial NHS, Tanjay Legislated HS, Tanjay City Science HS and Tanjay City NHS. Fourteen schools in Negros Oriental also got free Internet access. These were the La Lilbertad NHS, Valencia NHS, Jimalalud NHS, Kauswagan HS, Manjuyod NHS, Demetrio Alviola NHS, Pamplona NHS, Jantianon NHS, Siaton NHS, Antonio B. Alejado Memorial NHS, Apolinar Macias Memorial HSl, Santiago Delmo NHS, Jose B. Cardenas Memorial HS and the Negros Oriental HS. PNA

No ‘freedom of spit’ in Davao City DAVAO CITY - When in Davao City, just don’t spit anywhere soon! The city council has passed an ordinance banning wanton spitting in public places. It was authored by medical practitioner Samuel Bangoy, who is member of the 26-man city lawmaking body. Dr. Bangoy introduced the measure at the tail-end of the Influenza A(H1N1) scare. The ordinance is awaiting the signature of Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte for implementation. There is a graduated fine from Pl00 to P200 and P300 in three stages of violations and imprisonment to be determined by a court. About eight years ago, this health-conscious city of 1.7 million multi-ethnic population was also subjected to an equally harsh regimen not to just smoke anywhere in public, including state parks and public conveyances. PNA

Mindanao ceasefire holding water COTABATO CITY - The ceasefire separately declared by Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is holding water and soldiers and Moro rebels are religiously observing “silence,” military and rebel leaders said. Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ponce, Army 6th Infantry Division (ID) spokesman, said all the army units in Maguindanao and North Cotabato were under strict instructions from 6th ID chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Cayton “to observe the cessation of hostilities” unilaterally ordered since July in observance of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan. Ghazzali Jaafar, MILF political affairs chief, said MILF fighters were under strict orders for self-restraint during the fasting month, including military action. The ceasefire was cause for some war-displaced persons to return home. But more than 300,000 still remained in evacuation sites in Maguindanao and North Cotabato. PNA

Drive vs loose guns in Ilocos region a success CAMP FLORENDO, La Union - At least 130 loose firearms were retrieved from July 1 to Sept. 3 in a police campaign against loose firearms in the Ilocos Region. Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Ramon Gatan said the guns were taken during search, checkpoint and anti-crime operations. Gatan said they were also carrying out gun listing and recovery measures for the public. He added that as of Sept. 3, his office has received some 295 applications for firearms license renewal and firearms registration. He called on all firearm holders to avail of the gun amnesty until Oct. 31. PNA

Lapu-Lapu City to be lone district by October CEBU CITY - Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz (Cebu, 6th district) is confident that the highly-urbanized Lapu-Lapu City will become a lone congressional district before the end of October. Ruiz said Senate Bill 5007 seeking for the change of status was passed on second reading. The Senate bill is very similar to the House bill. The bicameral committee may be bypassed, ensuring the passage of the law soon. And thus, Lapu-Lapu City will be separated from the sixth congressional district of Cebu Province. Lapu-Lapu obtained a highly-urbanized city status in a plebiscite in 2007. The separation will enable Lapu-Lapu City to focus on the development of its 31 barangays. PNA

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KALAHI lights up remote mountain village in Masbate By DANNY O. CALLEJA AROROY, Masbate After years of being hooked to nose-irritating kerosene lamps, households in a remote mountain village of this gold-rich town have recently realized the dream of shifting to electricity for their lights. The power comes from a generator provided by the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHICIDSS) project of the government being implemented through various agencies led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Connecting Barangay Pinanaan, which lies deep in the mountain, with the regular source of power that is run by the local electric cooperative is somewhat difficult due to its distance from the mainline rendering almost impossible the realization of that dream towards energization. Besides, the town’s power supply is scarce as it has to be reinforced by the mining firm conducting gold operations at the upper section of the town to keep the downtown and nearby villages lighted round-theclock. Fortunately, the KALAHI-CIDSS came around midyear and after thorough consultations with barangay officials and residents

on the priority project they wanted realized, the idea of providing a power generator set for the village was finalized, barangay chairman Jose Bajar said. During project implementation, “we in the entire village moved as one and formed a bayanihan volunteer brigade that rendered labor and whatever contribution each one could share,” Bajar said. The male villagers cut and hauled wooden poles for the electric posts which they also erected under the supervision of KALAHI engineers. They cleared the way for the distribution lines while the females served drinking water, prepared snacks and did helpful tasks. Early in September, the work was completed and the village had power. Josephine Capinig, an elementary school teacher of the Pinanaan Elementary School, said “it was not our first time to see lighted fluorescent bulbs; yet, the experience of seeing one downtown was totally different, if not life-changing from having one and turning it on with a flick of a switch right in the comforts of their own homes.” The generator set and distribution cables provided by KALAHI-CIDSS deliver up to 50 kilowatts of electricity, enough to light

bulbs, power up transistor radios and even run televisions of the over a hundred households served by it. Managing the system is the Barangay Pinanaan Electric Consumers Association (BAPECA). Each household consuming at least 120 watts is charged a monthly rate of P120 over and above a minimal membership fee. The money goes to maintenance, fuel and compensation of the crewmen and treasurer, BAPECA chairman Ely Saut said. “The lighting has significantly benefitted the kids who now could study and play more unlike when they had to plod on with the flickering light of kerosene lamps,” Bajar said. Teachers like Capinig can now do lesson plans and other school-related work in relative comfort at night. “We are now able to experience improvements in our lives, no matter how small. I’m so happy,” she said. During barangay assemblies, people would no longer shout to be heard. Todaym they have a sound system. For the people of Pinanaan, the project is more than just the amenity they can commonly share. It is the realization of an ardent aspiration, a long-cherished dream, Bajar added. PNA

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

GOT A FOREX DEAL?

RP among nations that made it easier to do business during crisis

Check out if you got your peso’s worth for the dollars you have had exchanged since August 24. This is a public service item from Manila Media Monitor’s Money and Business section.

US$ 47.34953 47.52531 47.60391 47.70754 47.70111 48.0555 48.48491 48.21289 48.29883 48.29261 48.31025 48.31438 48.72225 48.63201 48.83278 48.83210 48.80925 48.87556 48.82143 48.67832 48.37388 48.45454

Sept. 23 Sept. 22 Sept. 21 Sept. 18 Sept. 17 Sept. 16 Sept. 15 Sept. 14 Sept. 11 Sept. 10 Sept. 09 Sept. 08 Sept. 04 Sept. 03 Sept. 02 Sept. 01 August 31 August 28 August 27 August 26 August 25 August 24

Money

Cdn$ 44.16649 44.49706 44.48731 44.50056 44.95584 45.07721 45.05739 44.43306 44.96888 44.67104 44.78342 44.89955 44.77868 44.20831 44.15065 44.26939 44.53204 44.96090 44.54205 44.29099 44.87107 44.11293

MANILA - The PhilipBy LARA JANE M. CLIMACO pines was among the community of nations that made it easier to do business in a time of crisis but this was not enough to lift the country’s global rank. The World Bank’s Doing Business 2010 report said the Philippines did so through reforms in getting credit, paying taxes and closing a business. “The Philippines enhanced access to credit with a new credit information act that regulated the operations and services of a credit information system. The government also cut the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 30 percent and promoted company reorganization procedures (To page 34) Call centers, like the one above, have mushroomed in the Philippines.

Permanent settlers abroad keep OFW money flow up them?” Ang told the OFW Journalism Consortium. Permanent migrants are sending more money now regardless of what jobs they have overseas. They include Filipinos holding residency permits doing domestic work for foreign households and who have their families with them, Ang said. Data on the first six months of remittance inflows from Filipinos in 239 countries and territories saw the country receiving US$8.479 billion, higher than the US$8.241 billion for the same six-month period last year. Prior to the events that triggered a global economic crisis in September last year, Ang predicted that remittances from overseas Filipi-

MANILA - Growth rates of remittances are due to sustained sending from two types of overseas Filipinos, University of Santo Tomas economics professor Alvin Ang said. These are residency permit holders and naturalized citizens in Japan, Germany, Norway, Greece, the Netherlands and Canada. They are also in countries whose demand for Filipino workers is next to nil. Ang described these Filipinos as “non-traditional” remittance senders. But they have helped the Philippines weather the storm of possible remittance declines as a result of the global economic crisis. “You wonder why they are sending more money at this time. Or first of all, why

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By JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO www.ofwjournalism.net nos will reach a plateau that, according to him, is within growth range of one to three percent. True enough, after the first half of the year, the year-on-year remittance growth of 2.89 percent was within his plateau range forecast. While Ang said he was not surprised with the plateauing and the continued positive growth rates for remittances, what caught his fancy was the volume of remittances from specific countries. Non-traditional First off was Japan, which Ang said made the entry of overseas perform-

ing artists or entertainers doubly stricter since 2005. However, based on the 16-page report of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), Japan’s year-on-year remittance growth rate was higher by 61.56 percent or US$390.3 million as against the US$214.6 million received from that country during the first half of 2008. Germany, known to be a destination country for Filipino women marrying German nationals, posted a 55.27-percent growth. The Philippines got US$228.7 million from Germany during the first half of this year.

Remittance from Greece, known for money sent by seafarers and domestic workers was smaller compared to Germany at US$92.7 million. Still, money flow from Greece was at a 52.08-percent year-on-year growth rate. Likewise, money from the Netherlands was smaller at US$73.1 million, but the year-on-year growth rate was 94.16 percent. Filipino seafarers sending money from Norway were primarily responsible for not just the US$177 million sent to the Philippine as of June this year, but also for the 63.99 percent year-onyear growth rate. These countries made up for the nearly negative growth rate of remittances

from Filipinos in the United Kingdom (minus 0.70 percent), and from the declines of flows coming from Italy (minus 26.53 percent) - traditionally, the two highestremitting countries in Europe. Filipinos from these countries are among the “non-traditional” remittance sources for the Philippines, especially so that many of the remitters have brought their families with them, Ang said. As of 2007, data on the stock estimates of overseas Filipinos show that the United States alone had 2,517,833 permanent migrants and the whole of Europe only had 284,987 permanent migrants. Remittance inflows com(To page 34)

Money Cashing in on bountiful durian harvest By DIGNA BANZON DAVAO CITY -- After a production dip last year, Davao -- aptly named “durian land” -- is experiencing an oversupply of durian fruit this year. The bountiful harvest has prompted the Durian Industry Council of Davao (DICD) to explore schemes on moving the fruit to Luzon and Visayas markets. Candelario Miculob, an officer of DICD and the Mindanao Fruit Industry DURIAN IN A TRIKE: A usual scene on the streets of Davao City Council (MFIC), said the durian supply would last until November. lack of data. fruit’s farm gate price was per kilo. Miculob said that with pegged at P8 and sold in the What DICD is doing is Prevailing farm gate 2007’s production, the market between P18 to P20 price of durian is P18 per to base their projections on kilo and the fruit is sold at individual assessments of P30/kilo to as high as P60/ farm production. He noted that durian kilo for the hybrid variety. The Davao supply comes production in Thailand has from Kidapawan, Davao become a vigorous industry OTTAWA - Statistics On average, it cost $1.01 City, Davao del Norte and and 85 percent of Thai production goes to local conCanada says annual inflation a liter to fill up last month, Compostela Valley. Farmers in other areas sumption and tourists. edged up slightly in August compared to $1.27 at the gas At least 15 percent goes in Mindanao like Bukidnon but stayed well below zero pumps year-on-year. at negative 0.8 percent. Food prices remain well have also started producing out to foreign markets. He said bringing the fruit The index was at a nega- above last year’s levels, the fruit. The durian season comes to other markets would deter tive 0.9 percent in July, although the four-percent which was the lowest rate increase in food costs were in late August, when Davao oversupply and would help recorded since 1953. lower than the five percent City celebrates the Kaday- farmers with better farm The agency says overall reading in July and 5.5 per awan Festival, a celebration gate prices. Durian by-products and prices remained unchanged cent increase registered in of bountiful harvests and the rich culture of the region’s better packaging have also last month from the previ- June. been introduced. PNA ous month. Regionally, eight prov- people. Miculob said they found Gasoline prices that were inces saw overall prices deconsiderably lower than last cline in August, with only it hard to forecast supply year at this time are the pri- Quebec and Saskatchewan and demand and strategize mary reason annual inflation bucking the trend. THE on distribution and marketing initiatives because of remains below zero. CANADIAN PRESS

Canada’s inflation falls anew, at -0.8% in August

Tax benefits for students, their families By INVESTORS GROUP FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. Funding an education is expensive and important. Studies and real life experiences clearly show that those pricy years of education will typically pay dividends in the form of more personally rewarding and better paying jobs. At any time, and especially these days, students and their families need to make every penny productive. Yet many overpay their taxes because they overlook lesser known tax benefits like these. Tax deductions for students: ► Full time post secondary student who move to go to school may be able to claim moving expenses. ► Students may deduct expenses from scholarships, bursaries, research grants and employment or selfemployment income. ► Child care expenses may be claimed by the higher earning spouse when the lower earning spouse is enrolled in either secondary or post-secondary

education. Limits increase for a single parent or when both members of a two parent family are attending school full time. Tax credits for students: ► Canada employment credit – available on the first $1,000 of employment income. ► Tuition fees credit – for fees of over $100 per year paid to a Canadian university, college or other educational institution; if attending school outside Canada, the student must be enrolled in a university course of 13 weeks or longer leading toward a bachelor degree or higher. ► Education and textbook credit – available to students enrolled in a qualifying education program at a university, college or other designated educational institution. ► Unused tuition, education and textbook credits may be carried forward by the student for use in future years or

transferred to a spouse, supporting parent or grandparent to a maximum of $5,000 minus the amount used by the student. ► Public transit credit – available for monthly or longer public transit passes; parents may claim for a dependant under 19. ► Student loans interest – must be claimed by the student; unused claims can be carried forward for five years. Other tax efficient approaches for financing an education can include making an interest-free loan to a student and using the right Registered Education Savings Plan and Lifelong Learning Plan withdrawal strategies. Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have also introduced tax credit programs for the recovery of tuition fees after graduation if the graduate stays in the province. Talk to your professional advisor about the best ways to get the biggest bang for all your education bucks.

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On top of things Western Union’s Chito Gonzales ensures not to leave a stone unturned on promotional program lined up at GMA TV’s Pinoy Dance Showdown at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Exhibition Place, in Toronto. “When one is tasked to deliver ‘the goods’, one has GONZALES to take charge and be on top of things,” he reminds young managers. Gonzales is Western Union’s Business Development Manager. Photo: MANILA MEDIA MONITOR

Most Canadians live from paycheque to paycheque TORONTO - Nearly 60 percent of Canadians would have trouble paying the bills if their paycheque was delayed by one week. A Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) survey says not only most Canadians living paycheque-to-paycheque, but they have little ability to put money away for their retirement. “We were surprised that people were that close to the line,” said Patrick Culhane, president and CEO of CPA, a not-for-profit association. Culhane said those results are despite the com-

mon advice from financial planners that people should set aside three months of expenses for such items as rent, groceries and monthly bills, in case of an emergency. Of those surveyed, the younger workforce felt the greatest pinch. Some 45 percent of people aged 18 to 34 would find it hard or very hard to make ends meet if a paycheque were delayed. Not surprisingly, 72 percent of single parents said missing a paycheque would cause a problem for meeting financial obligations. THE CANADIAN PRESS

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RP among nations that ... (From page 32) by introducing prepackaged reorganizations and regulating the receiver profession,” the WB cited in a regional summary. Reducing the tax rate and establishing or promoting reorganization procedures were among the most popular reforms done during the period, the report said. The Philippines was among 27 economies that made it easier to do business through reforms in get-

ting credit; 45 economies that did it by easing the tax burden; and 18 economies that made it easier to close a business. “One way policy makers can encourage businesses to seek timely solutions is to expand the grounds on which companies suffering financial problems can file for reorganization,” the report said. By adopting the Rules of Procedure on Corporate Rehabilitation, the Philippines

MONEY has introduced the concept of pre-negotiated reorganizations and requiring receivers to have certain qualifications, it added. This would help companies in financial distress to act before going bankrupt. Currently, the Philippines is among the most difficult places in the world to close a business, taking 5.7 years to do so and logging a recovery rate of only 4.4 cents on every dollar spent. It is also among the most costly in the world at 38 per-

cent cost of estate. Starting a business is also not that easy in the country. It takes 15 procedures and 52 days to do so. On average around the world, it takes about eight procedures and 36 days to start a business. The World Bank’s Doing Business report analyzes regulations that apply to an economy’s businesses during their life cycles, including start-up and operations, trading across borders, paying taxes, and closing a

Permanent settlers abroad keep OFW money flow up

(From page 32) ing from the US continued to slump with a minus 13.13 percent growth rate. The US$3.510 billion that came from the US in the first six months was lower than the US$4.041 billion in the same period last year. Canada, known for its demand for Filipino workers and for its visible number of permanent residents (410,626), posted a 58.25percent growth rate given the US$913.3 million that came in as of June 2009. Defying odds ANG said Filipino permanent residents in these countries might be getting ready to return to the Philippines and got scared of what might happen to them

“so they are sending more money”. Knowing also the Filipino remitter’s mentality, especially when additional incomes arrive, the overseas Filipino would send money “no matter what.” Recruiter Lito Soriano of LBS e-Recruitment Solutions, on the other hand, said the government’s improved system of capturing bank and non-bank remittance inflows contributed to the current remittance uptick. Soriano, himself a former overseas worker, though, projected remittance growth for 2009 to reach only 1.5 percent. But he said he was also “worried” because it took

the country five years for remittances to be above 1998 levels (US$7.578 billion was recorded in 2003) and there were signs that remittance growth rates in terms of volume and value were slipping to the single-digit levels. Ang said while the World Bank (WB) forecast a decline in remittances, he forecast a five-percent growth rate in remittance inflows this year. The forecast was slightly above his plateau range but lower than BSP Governor Amando Tetangco’s doubledigit growth forecast. Tetangco’s forecast defied WB projections that the global economic crisis in

developed countries (where most of the world’s migrants are) would hit on migrants’ remittances to developing countries. Global remittance flows, the WB said, would decline by 7.3 percent this year. The sources of risk to the remittance outlook included uncertainty about the duration of the crisis and unpredictable movements in exchange rates. Flows to Latin American nations, including Mexico, and Sub-Saharan African nations were seen to decline while money to South Asia and Southeast Asia “have been strong but are expected to decline somewhat,” the WB report said.

business. It does not measure security, macroeconomic stability, corruption, skill level, or the strength of financial systems. “Despite the many challenges, in 2008/09 more governments implemented regulatory reforms aimed at making it easier to do business than in any year since 2004,” the report also added. It documented 287 reforms undertaken by 131 economies between June 2008 and May 2009. This is 20 percent more than the level recorded the year before. Crisis does breed reforms, the report noted. For 2008/09, most reforms were part of longerterm efforts to increase competitiveness and encourage firm and job creation by improving the regulatory environment for businesses, it said. “Analysis of six years of Doing Business reforms finds that in relatively poor but well-governed economies, a 10-day reduction in start-up time was associated with an increase of 0.4 percentage points in the growth rate and 0.27 percentage points in the investment rate,” the report said. In response to the crisis, the WB report cited the

Philippine government’s move to extend unemployment benefits. Chile, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam did the same, the report said. In Brazil, Canada, and the United States, the response was via an extended period over which unemployment benefits are paid. In Italy, it was to expand coverage to those who previously did not qualify. Korea provided aid to vulnerable workers put on temporary unpaid leave. Most reforms took place in developing economies. Rwanda, a Sub-Saharan African economy, emerged as the world’s top reformer of business regulation. But overall, Singapore remains the easiest place to do business in the world. The island republic has been No. 1 for four years in a row. The Philippines is ranked 144th globally, slipping a few notches from its previous ranking of 141. This was due mainly to the aggressive stance taken by many other developing economies on regulatory reforms. In East Asia and the Pacific, its rank places the country 21st on a ladder of 24 economies in the region. PNA

3 P.M.

Sports

‘We’ve got the best fighter here’ -- Roach Let Miguel Cotto “pull a Mayweather” and come in heavy. “I’m prepared for that possibility,” Freddie Roach said about the World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, going two pounds heavier than the required catch weight of 145 pounds when he fights Filipino phenomenon and world’s pound-for-pound (P4P) king Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 14. Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, said he was not a bit worried about the catchweight surplus. “One or two pounds heavier, we are not worried. We have the best fighter here,” he said, as he went on his rounds to look after the eight-week training regimen of Pacquiao in Baguio City, before they enplane to the US for more preparations for the match against Cotto. Weakness Roach, in an interview with GMA News, said Cotto has one glaring weakness. “He’s not strong to the body. I think we have to

break him down in the earlier rounds and work at the body a lot.” “Manny’s really never been a great body puncher, but he can do some damage to the breadbasket,” he said. But Pacquiao’s fast, slashing-style punches up above could probably cut Cotto and his vulnerable face up within just a few rounds, and give the Filipino boxing icon a big early advantage. Roach also had a piece of advice to Pacquiao, who is contemplating on trying his luck on the political ring for the second time. Beat Floyd Mayweather, Jr. first in an ultimate battle for the mythical P4P title before hanging up your gloves. “I would like (Manny) to finish with beating Mayweather,” Roach said. Pacquiao, however, insists on running for public office, despite a miserable loss in the last local elections. Pacquiao has also admitted that his career is near its end. badlefthook.com

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TALE OF THE TAPE COUNTRY THE PHILIPPINES PUERTO RICO 30 AGE 28 5’61/2” HEIGHT 5’7” 67in. REACH 67in. 49-3-2 W-L-D 34-1-0 37 KO 27 MANNY PACQUIAO

MIGUEL COTTO

Newest Filipino boxing sensation, Marvin Sonsona

Marvin ‘Marvelous’ Sonsona (3rd from left), the newest Filipino world boxing wonder, poses with his promoter and handlers -- to include Philippine Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera (2nd from right) following his victory by unanimous decision over former WBO junuior bantamweight title holder Puerto Rican Jose Lopez. The fight was staged at the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre in Orilla, Ontario. Photo: CARLOS DE LEON

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

SHOWBIZ POLLWATCH

ENTERTAINMENT 32nd Gawad Urian for excellence in filmmaking winners

♥ Will Vi be Veep? ♥ What? VP Willie? ♥ Dingdong for Noynoy “Kung tatakbo man ako uli, another term as governor, but definitely not as vice president. Kung papipiliin, ang focus ko lahat nasa Batangas, hindi yung national position na vice president. Hindi ako handa para diyan.” This Batangas Governor Vilma Santos once declared in an interview with the Internetbased Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP). But with signs that the administration party is courting Santos -- a multi-awarded actress and Philippine cinema icon, will she give in to be the running mate of SANTOS Lakas-Kamp-CMD presidential aspirant Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro in the May 2010 national polls? The answer will come when the party conducts its national convention soon. Meanwhile, the Nacionalista Party denied reports that it was wooing TV host Willie Revillame to be the running mate of standard-bearer Senator Manny Villar for the 2010 elections. Party spokesmen said Sen. Villar never made the rumored VP proposal to Revillame; not even an offer for a senatorial slot, according to PEP. But previous reports said that Villar was willing to reserve a REVILLAME slot for the TV host if he opts to run for senator. “Oo, naman, very qualified naman si Willie, wala naman akong nakikitang problema kay Willie,” Villar said in a press conference last month. Sen. Villar and Willie’s close alliance may have rooted from their previous business deals. The TV host’s new 500 to 600 million peso Wil Theater Mall, for instance, is allegedly a co-venture with the senator, who owns several companies involved in real estate. In another development, PEP said Philippine showbiz heartthrob Dingdong Dantes made known his admiration for the idealism of Senator Noynoy Aquino, who of late bared his intent to run for president in the 2010 polls. Dantes is said to have been a unanimous choice of the children of former Sen. Benigno Aquino and former President Corazon Aquino to be Noynoy’s DANTES endorser. “Mag-uusap pa kami nang pormal ni Kris (Aquino) once she arrives from Hawaii. But like what I told her, deeply honored ako sa request ng family niya that I’d be Senator Noynoy’s youth spokesman,” Dantes said. “It is a huge responsibility ... I’m interested to hear his programs, particularly for the youth,” he said. “Very soon, I will make a formal announcement as to who my choice for President and Vice President will be for 2010.” Relatedly, newest Darna starrer Marian Rivera, who is linked to Dantes, has also joined the Noynoy for President bandwagon, according to Kris Aquino. Ranking television host and entertainment writer Boy Abunda has likewise thrown in his support to the NoynoyMar Roxas team-up. At the sidelines, Piolo Pascual said he would like to know first Noynoy’s moral ascendancy and Diether Ocampo wanted to fully comprehend Noynoy’s youth programs before both would comment on supporting the candidate.

Serbis, the story of a family forced to run a prostitution den inside a movie theater, won Best Picture at the 32nd Gawad Urian awarding ceremony on Sept. 19. The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, a society of film critics, also cited Serbis director Brillante Mendoza as Best Director. Other Gawad Urian winners were Francis Xavier Pasion for Jay, Best Screenplay; Ronnie Lazaro of Yanggaw, Best Actor; Mylene Dizon of 100, Best Actress; Coco Martin, Jay, Best Supporting Actor; Aleera Montalla, Yanggaw, Best Supporting Actress; Benjamin Padero and Carlo Tabije, Serbis, Best Production Design; Odyssey Flores, Serbis, Best Cinematography; Chuck Guttierez, Francis Xavier Pasion, and Kats Serraon, Jay, Best Editing; Popong Landero, Hunghong sa Yuta, Best Music; Romy Lopez and Eduardo Velasques, Yanggaw, Best Sound; Milo Tolentino, Andong, Best Short Film; and Peque Gallaga, Natatanging Gawad for Lifetime Achievement.

stargazing Ded Na Si Lolo entered to 82nd Oscars Filipino drama-comedy film Ded Na Si Lolo is the Philippines’ entry to the 82nd Academy Awards’ best foreign language film category, to be presented at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on March 7, 2010, according to abs-cbnnews.com. The Soxie Topacio film revolves around a child whose grandfather dies, but his family’s superstitions get in the way of the mourning. The flick stars Elizabeth Oropesa, Gina Alajar, Roderick Paulate, Manilyn Reynes, Dick Israel and BJ Forbes. Judy Ann Santos’ Ploning was the country’s entry to the 2009 Oscar Awards.

Malacañang denies hand in Dukot x-rating Malacañang again clarified that it did not intervene with the decision of the Movie and Television Review and Classifications Board (MTRCB) to initially ban a film portraying the human rights situation in the Philippines from public view, according to gmanews. tv. The MTRCB initially recommended an X-rating to the movie Dukot (Desaparecidos) for showing a picture of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hanging in the wall of a military office. The agency later allowed the showing of the film with an R-18 rating after the filmmaker agreed to cover the President’s picture in the scene. Joel Lamangan’s Dukot (Desaparecidos) saw screening at the Montreal World Film Festival from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. Dukot, written by Bonifacio Ilagan, stars Iza Calzado, Snooky Serna, Emilio Garcia, Gina Alajar, Robert Arevalo, Felix Roco, Raquel Villavicencio, and Allen Dizon. The films shows the torture and suffering that young activists (portrayed by Allen and Iza) underwent when they were abducted by state security forces.

Jinkee Pacquiao’s style and substance Jinkee Pacquiao, a newbie endorser and wife of boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, has been named one of People Asia magazine’s “women of style and substance,” according to abscbnnews.com. People Asia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez said Jinkee “is an embodiment of both style and substance” and the latter made it on the magazine’s top 18 list because of her physical attributes. “Bukod sa pagiging maganda ni Jinkee at kaaya-aya niyang pananamit, tandaan natin na siya ang asawa ng hinirang na most influential Filipino. (Si Manny) nasa list ng Time magazine na 100 most influential Asians. Ngayon, kapag hinirang mo ang champ, dapat hirangin mo din ang babaeng nagbibigay ng lakas sa kanya. Kaya iyon ang substance ni Jinkee. Siya ang babae sa likod ng kampeon,” Ramirez said. Also in the list are ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. managing director Gina Lopez, Sen. Loren Legarda, and young businesswoman Camille Villar.

Dolphy seeks National Artist plum, shoots Juan Philippine Comedy King Dolphy, like any other actor, has told abscbnnews.com that it has been his ultimate dream to be listed in the rolls of the Order of National Artists. His supporters said the 81-year old actor had been cited for his invaluable contributions to the film industry. Dolphy joked: “Sabi ko nga make-up artist na lang o national arthritis award.” Dolphy is shooting his comeback film Juan, which will also feature Willie Revillame, Eddie Garcia and sons Epi Quizon, who will play the young Dolphy, and Vandolph. Juan, directed by another of Dolphy’s sons, Eric Quizon, is an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival in December. Juan tells the story of a senior citizen who desperately wants to appear on “Wowowee” where he will meet again his one true love after years of not seeing each other.

Richard G. posts bail Actor Richard Gutierrez has posted a P30,000 bail to gain temporary freedom, after homicide charges were laid against him in connection with the death of his personal assistant Nomar Pardo in a road mishap in Silang, Cavite on May 22. Gutierrez posted bail at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 216. Earlier, the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor filed charges of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide against Gutierrez. The case, spurred by a complaint of Pardo’s wife Lorayne, was sent to the municipal trial court. Chief provincial prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco said state prosecutors Larry Cabero, Alexander Leveriza and Rosa Elmina Villarin saw probable cause. The charge sheet said Gutierrez was “overspeeding.” The sheet added: “(Gutierrez), being the driver, incontrol and in-charge of a Nissan GT-R sedan ... willfully, unlawfully and feloniously managed without due regard to traffic laws ... by driving the said motor vehicle at speeds grossly in excess of the limits allowed by law, (bumped) a Meralco concrete post and three coconut trees with tremendous impact causing multiple injuries to.Nomar Pardo y Estes which resulted to the latter’s untimely death to the damage and prejudice of his heirs.” If Gutierrez is found guilty of the charges, he is likely to get a six-year jail term. Internet sources

Art ‘Toronto’ in PAG art show The Philippine Artists Group of Canada (PAG) will pay tribute to Canada’s biggest city in an art show aptly called ‘Toronto’ at the Cedar Ridge Creative Center from Oct. 4 to 17. From Toronto’s bustling downtown core with its skyscrapers to the scenic parks and homey villages, PAG captures the colors and spirit of the vibrant city in various styles -- from traditional to impressionistic to downright abstraction done in oil, acrylic, watercolor and other media. The formal opening ceremony is on Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.. Guests are Philippine Consul General Alejandro Mosquera, Councillor Paul Ainslie, PNB Remittance regional head Feliciano Miranda III and Marissa Buyco-Corpuz, founder of the Pilipino Canadian Art Collectors Club. They will be joined by other community leaders, art lovers, families and friends. Led by president Romeo Masalunga, a sculptor/ painter known for his statue of first Filipino saint Lorenzo Ruiz now standing at the lobby of a Catholic

PAG MEMBERS AFTER A MEETING school in Mississauga, the group continues to grow in passion and stature. The PAG roster includes Rolly Abarilla, Jun Afable, Teody Asuncion , Ma. Nellie Bautista, Celia Correa, Cobie Cruz, Frank Cruzet, Jhun Diamante, Tony Doctor, Rol Lampitoc, Sr., Romi MananQuil, Koni Marcoux, Calixto Quiachon, Frank Tonido and Nelia Tonido. On its 21st year,

the PAG show is fast becoming an annual event being anticipated by the community specially by the growing number of art buyers, collectors and other enthusiasts. The Philippine Consulate in Toronto is traditionally the show’s presenting sponsor while PNB Remittance (Canada) is the group’s biggest sponsor for the longest time. PR

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Entertainment

Joel Recla

Celebrity Fastbreak in Winnipeg

Producer/Host

EVA AGPAOA (right), executive producer of EveNJoy Productions, manages hands-on the activities that made the Canadian tour of Celebrity Fastbreak -- Basketball Na, May Concert Pa a huge success. Agpaoa, at the audiovisual control center, is backgrounded by spectators who almost filled the 900-seat University of Winnipeg to the rafters during the Winnipeg edition of Celebrity Fastbreak. Agpaoa flew to Winnipeg to personally take care of business after being tipped off that ticket sales were not selling according to target. She may be said to have “created a miracle” for the big attendance, which she credited for the most part to AV Communications’ creative mind Anna Maramba. Celebrity Fastbreak was EveNJoy Productions’ first concert venture, and was sponsored by Western Union and Scotiabank. Celebrity Fastbreak was also staged at Toronto , Hamilton and Montreal. RI/PR

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Galeon, Vendiola support concert events

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BATID WIKA PAHALANG 1. Minsan pa 5. Kaibigan 8. Tigmak 12. Tela ng hayop 13. Kawangis 14. Sapot ng gagamba 15. Isang pananong 16. ___gid, lihim 17. Pagsalat 18. Gilid ng bangin 20. Sutsot 22. Halik 23. Anak na lalaki 24. Titulo 28. Iunday ang itak 32. Barkilyos 33. Hawak na pera 35. Enerhiya 36. Giliw 39. Kasintahan 42. Lamanglupa 44. Pangalan ng babae 45. Dala-dalahan 48. Nakahandusay 52. Paunang suweldo 53. Asam 55. Paglilipat tanim 56. Inis 57. Tinapay 58. Pro _______ 59. Time-out, sa Tagalog 60. Apelyidong Intsik 61. Arina at hipon PABABA 1. Balita 2. Grabe 3. Luto ng kanin

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Melchor Galeon and Flor Vendiola of affiliated companies Mhel’s Fine Foods and FV Foods smile for the Manila Media Monitor lens at the recent press conference of Ultrasound Promotions Inc.’s concert production of the “Men of the 80s” in Toronto. The two are frequently seen at major concert and stage events in support of local promoters and producers. Mhel’s Fine Foods’ and FV Foods’ market share in their industry has risen tremendously in recent years, and now have three branches in the GTA (Scarborough, downtown T.O. and Mississuga) to serve its growing number of customers.

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Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) actors (from left) Zoe Sandejas and Romalito Mallari, the first Filipino deaf actor cast in a lead role, sign autographs for fans during a visit at the Filipino Centre Toronto. The stars came with Filipino filmmaker Mike Escareal Sandejas. Dinig Sana Kita revolves around a romance between a girl rocker and a deaf dancer. It was one of two Philippine entries in the Toronto International Film Festival and was screened at the AMC on Sept. 11, 13 and 19. Photo: AIDA D’ORAZIO

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MANILA MEDIA MONITOR SEPTEMBER 2009

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