March 2010 Toronto, Canada

“to keep the patriotic fire burning among Filipinos.”

“I look for cooperation

By Ace Alvarez
Philippine Consul General
in Toronto Minerva Jean A.

with you”
Falcon looks forward for coop-
eration with the Filipino media
in Toronto to achieve her man-
date from the Philippine gov-
ernment “to keep the patriotic

- Con Gen Falcon

fire burning among Filipinos.”
The new Consul General
aired this message during the
first breakfast forum for 2010
of the Philippine Press Club-
Ontario (PPCO) held in Scar-
borough, March 6 -- barely
two weeks after she assumed
her post.
The forum touched several
issues affecting the Filipino
Canadian community in To-
ronto and its suburbs, among
others, migrant workers, espe-
cially the live-in caregivers.
Consul General Falcon as-
sured the Filipino media that
“little by little, the government
is doing something for the bet-
terment of the Filipino migrant
workers.” Consul General Minerva Falcon (center) respondng to a question during the Philippine Press Club-Ontario Breakfast
Forum in Scarborough, presided by club president Tenny Soriano (left). Accompanying the new Consul General at her
Consul General Falcon, second public function since assuming her post in Toronto is Consul Edna Mae Lazaro. (Photo: Ariel Ramos)
a career diplomat She graduated from the ippine Bar. She has an M.A. has held several positions in the Posts: Sydney, Melbourne,
A career diplomat, Mrs. Fal- University of the Philippines in International Relations from Department of Foreign Affairs Paris, Madrid, Honolulu, Ham-
con passed the Foreign Service with a Bachelor of Laws and a Boston University. (DFA) and was assigned to
Officers Examination in 1971. member of the Phil- Consul General Falcon the following Foreign Service FALCON continued on p. 12

Noynoy, Mar most elections on May 10, according clined, with Villar suffering a

trusted candidates
- Pulse Asia
MANILA - The Liberal
Party (LP) said recently that
its standard-bearer, Sen. Beni-
gno “Noynoy” Aquino III and
his running mate, Sen. Manuel
Roxas II were the most trusted
by Filipino voters among pub-
lic figures and among all can-
didates running in the presi-
dential and vice-presidential
to a Pulse Asia survey. double-digit drop.
In contrast, voters’ trust for According to the LP, the lat-
their rivals, Na- est Pulse Asia survey conduct-
cionalista Party ed from Feb. 21 to 25 among
standard- 1,800 respondents also showed
bearer Sen. Aquino and Roxas topping vot-
Manuel ers’ preferences for president
Villar Jr. and vice president, respective-
and his run- ly if elections were held during
ning mate, the time of the survey.
Sen. Loren Pulse Asia said Aquino en-
Legarda’s joyed the “big trust” of 64 per-
ratings de- cent of Filipino voters, making
Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas III, left, and partymate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. NOYNOY continued on p. 13
2 Manila Media Monitor March 2010
NEWS
Villar Governance Matrix Unveiled
MANILA -- Global
Filipino Nation (GFN)
presents the comprehen-
sive Governance Matrix
of Senator Villar. The
Matrix is drawn from the
many speeches and inter-
views given by Senator
Villar. GFN has invited
other “Presidentiables”
to provide inputs for their
respective Governance
Matrices. GFN is an in-
ternational organization
of global Filipino leaders
and organizations com-
mitted to “Building the
Global Filipino Nation
for Good Governance”.
Its Convenors reside in
30 countries, including
the Philippines.
The focus of
Senator Villar’s
governance vision is
on economic, social
and political prog-
ress. As a Change
Leader, he aims to
apply strong politi-
cal will, among oth-
ers, to:
 promote good
governance and se-
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 3
high power cost; high do-
mestic transport cost;
Mindanao peace prob-
lem; Rule of Law (incl.
Social Issues: moral a possible jury system);
riously redress corrup- stabilizing price adjust- social (8) and political degradation and values corruption; and pork bar-
tion; ments for medicines and (8) reforms. The targeted transformation; public rel.
 carry out a bi-focal basic necessities; policy initiatives cover: safety and national se- Highlights of the Vil-
economic thrust of lift-  arrest the wide- Economic issues: curity; human rights; lar Governance Matrix,
ing Investments and Net spread degradation of the poverty alleviation and population; youth; en- which are in the current
Exports as the main GDP environment and engen- employment; regulatory vironment; housing and radar screen of discus-
growth drivers -- en- der healthy ecological and bureaucratic reforms; urbanization; and migra- sion groups the world
compassing a deepened balance; and fiscal management; do- tion; and over, include:
reservoir of internation-  curb widespread mestic and foreign debt; Political Issues: Con- Economic
ally-competitive entre- criminality and usher in oligopolies and level stitutional amendments;  restore the ratio of
preneurs, increased agri- lasting peace. playing field; capital mo- global Filipinos and Investments to GDP from
cultural productivity and The Villar Governance bilization, esp. microfi- universal proportional the present weak circa
an enlarged domestic in- Matrix specifies the ma- nance; agrarian reform; representation; electoral
dustrial base; jor policy elements for infrastructure program; reform; foreign affairs; VILLAR cont’d on p.5
 broaden social pro- 6 major sectors: educa-
grams through revital- tion; health, nutrition
ized education, expanded and reproductive health;
basic health services and investments; agriculture;
extensive housing pro- exports; and military.
grams; The Matrix provides 26
 develop a built-in detailed policy initia-
safety net that avoids de- tives for economic (10),
4 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 NEWS

City of Toronto’s Budget Committee

- a 2.9% Assessment Corporation average for those facing
tax levy in- (MPAC) conducts prop- phased-in CVA-related

deliberates 2010 tax rates, ratios

crease on erty reassessments on a increases is 1.8% or $71.
the residen- four-year cycle with Cur- Reassessment is rev-
tial class; rent Value Assessment enue-neutral to the City.
The City of Toronto’s additional $63.04 mil- residential tax class, the - enhanced assistance (CVA) increases being Legislation requires mu-
Budget Committee is lion ($44.22 million from policy provided a reduc- to small businesses (a phased-in between the nicipalities to reduce
considering the 2010 mu- residential, and $18.82 tion to 2.5-times the resi- 3.0% tax decrease) which four-year periods. their tax rates in propor-
nicipal tax rates and mu- million from non-resi- dential tax rate by 2015 will further improve their Increases arising from tion to the increase in to-
nicipal tax ratios. dential). (a 10-year plan). competitiveness; the 2009 reassessment are tal assessed value arising
Overall, Toronto prop- In 2009, partly due to - lower impacts to being phased-in at incre- from reassessment.
erties will see a 1.8% tax Enhancing Toronto’s the impacts of reassess- larger businesses and in- ments of one-quarter of The 2010 phased-in
increase - an amount in Business Climate ment, Council voted to dustries by partially off- the total increase, spread CVA for the residential
line with the inflation Council adopted a tax speed up reductions in setting the CVA-related over the 2009 to 2012 property class has ap-
rate as well as being policy called ‘Enhancing non-residential and tax tax increase that would taxation years. Any CVA preciated on average by
among the lowest in the Toronto’s Business Cli- rates so they are in place otherwise occur; and, decreases are not subject 5.2% as compared to the
GTA. On average, due mate’ starting in 2006, three years sooner. City - providing tax re- to phase-in and will be 2009 phased-in CVA.
to Toronto City Council’s to reduce the municipal staff have recommended ductions for apartment applied immediately. The average assessed
progressive tax policies tax ratios for the non- this initiative be contin- buildings (a 1.8% tax de- This year, 58% of To- value for all residential
for city businesses, small residential tax classes to ued for 2010. crease). ronto’s 651,000 residen- property types for 2010
businesses will see taxes 2.5-times the residential Council’s action on tial properties will see taxation is $407,374, as
reduced by 3% and apart- tax rate by 2020 (a 15- enhancing Toronto’s Current Value As- immediate CVA-related
ment building owners year plan). For small business climate will re- sessment (CVA) tax decreases of 1.8% BUDGET
(multi-residential) will businesses in the non- sult in: Municipal Property or $51 on average. The continued on p. 5
see reductions of 1.8%.
A 2.9% single fam-
ily residential tax rate
increase means an addi- Entrepreneurs
tional $67.69 on the av- wanted
erage property assessed for Canadian
at $407,374 in 2010. At homebased
the same time, industrial business.
properties will see a 1.7%
increase and large com-
mercial properties’ taxes
will rise by 2.1%.
In total, 2010 prop-
erty taxes will raise an
NEWS March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 5
BUDGET from p. 4 ation date. The next as- The City provides tion Program, eligible ho-
sessment update will take both a Tax Increase Can- meowners can have their
compared to $387,217 for place for taxation years cellation Program and tax increases - whether
2009 taxation purposes. 2013-2016, with the val- a Tax Increase Deferral CVA or budgetary-relat-
For the tax years 2009 uation basis being Janu- Program for low-income ed - cancelled. Under
through to 2012 inclu- ary 1, 2012. seniors and low-income the Tax Increase Deferral
sive, properties have persons with a disability program, eligible home-
been reassessed to reflect City of Toronto con- that meet certain eligibil-
a January 1, 2008 valu- tinues to help the city’s ity criteria. Under the BUDGET
most vulnerable Tax Increase Cancella- continued on p. 17

VILLAR from p. 3 groups; projects under the glare fuel entrepreneurial revo-
 take steps to avert of television lights and lution;
changes in “rules of the cameras;  reintroduce English
15% level to the 30% game” to suit the whims Social as the medium of instruc-
ratio or more over 2 de- of “cronies” since there  oppose the pas- tion;
cades ago; will be “no cronies”; sage of the Reproductive  protect the environ-
 promote high value  guarantee the sta- Health Bill; ment and rehabilitate de-
added exports, especially bility of policies affect-  uphold the right to stroyed forest resources;
multinational onshore ing business; life of the unborn child, Political
production for exports;  pursue agricultural without intruding into  support amendment including the proposed without the Freedom In-
 consistently main- development as a corner- the right of individuals to of Overseas Absentee adoption of the Jury Sys- formation Act), aggres-
tain policies that are do- stone in carrying out the follow their conscience; Voting Law to allow In- tem; sively simplify all govern-
mestic and foreign in- goal of poverty allevia-  encourage the role ternet Voter Registration  prohibit salvaging ment transactions, reduce
vestments friendly; tion; of parents to provide sex and Voting, and provide by the police and mili- discretionary powers of
 streamline regula-  ensure that the ben- education to their chil- for continuous, uninter- tary, while protecting, bureaucrats and improve
tory processes to drasti- efits of economic growth dren; rupted voter registration not intimidating or kill- the efficiency of govern-
cally reduce the number filter down to the poor on  affirm the central abroad; ing, journalists and me- ment services; and
of review steps and ap- a sustainable basis; importance of the family  support the applica- dia personnel;  institute a System of
proving/recommending  prohibit schemes in Philippine society; tion of Article 6, Section  place economic de- Rewards and Punishment
signatures; and methods to circum-  oppose legislation 5 of the Constitution pro- velopment priority in to promote efficient and
 transparently pur- vent the intent of the that would legalize di- viding for proportional Mindanao where con- effective public services.
sue an economic level agrarian reform law; vorce or terminate mar- legislative representation flicts and insurgency per- (GFN)
playing field, with gov-  prescribe the “BOT” riage; of global Filipinos; sist – on a parallel basis
ernment laying down model for infrastructures  introduce entrepre-  call a Summit on Ju- with peace initiatives;
rules that cannot be bent that may be privatized, neurship as a major cur- Manila Media Monitor
dicial Reform, covering a  provide easy ac-
by any vested interest with bidding for these riculum module to help Tel. (416) 285-8583
wide range of key issues, cess to information (even
6 Manila Media Monitor March 2010
“To my enemies in the press.”
(Ugh! Doesn’t sound right)
Josephine Recto – a service
manager at Erin Mills Mitsubi-
shi in Mississauga, Ontario
said some people were asking
her why they hardly see cars at
the service area of the dealer-
ship.
Josephine would tell them
na ang mga kotse namin dito
ay hindi masisira.
Jo … one piece of advice;
and I’m smiling Don’t tell peo-
ple that. Save your job, other-
wise, the bosses might think
that the dealership does not
need a service manager.
***
See those Philippine movie/
television love teams in photo
1? The first couple on the left
is Regine Velasquez and Ogie
Alcasid; and the second, Ding-
dong Dantes and Marian Ri-
vera.
As you might have known
by now, they are coming to To-
A C E A LVA R E Z
PHOTO 1
ronto on Friday, May 14, for a
show at the Massey Hall, 7:30
PM, to be brought to us primar-
ily by JREM Group in associa-
tion with Belo Essentials and
GMA Pinoy TV (please see
page 22 for ticket outlets).
Meanwhile, see that guy in
photo 2? If you think that the
guy is looking for a female tan-
dem, well, you are wrong. The
guy is not in the entertainment
business. He is Rafael Nebres
– the president of the Philip-
pine Chamber of Commerce-
Toronto, and is in the car sales
and service business.
***
Oh gee! This situation about
the Philippine Labor Repre-
sentative in Toronto, RP en-
voy Chito Brillantes and for-
mer ConGen Andy Mosquera
having recognized only Dale
Brazao of the Toronto Star for
his past reportages on Filipino
caregivers, and not recogniz-
ing Filipino publisher Eddie
Lee of Atin Ito for his work on
the same has gone far.
Well, gentlemen, if Eddie
did not meet the criteria for
news reportage, how about a
citation for best editorial, such
as for his “Corrigenda” in his
PHOTO 2
publication’s January 2010 is-
sue?
What? There’s a problem?
Why?
***
At all times that the Philip-
pine Consulate General’s In-
VIEWS
formation Officer, Lei Media,
sends us press releases, her sal-
utation is “To our friends from
the press.”
Should the Philippine La-
bor Representative Frank Luna
send a press release to Atin Ito
publisher Eddie Lee, I believe
the same salutation is good.
Now, with the “Corrigen-
da” and “moron” issues on-
going, my question now is, if
the press release is to be sent
by the Philippine Labor Repre-
sentative to Philippine Couri-
er’s Mon Datol, Balita’s Tenny
Soriano, and probably to me,
would the salutation change to
the following: “To my enemies
in the press.”
Ugh! Doesn’t sound right.
***
The Philippine Star had the
following item last February 2
in its internet edition: “Online
social networking blamed for
rise of AIDS cases in RP”
Really, they can do it on-
line? How?
***
On Saturday, May 1, 2010,
the North American Muslim
Foundation (NAMF) will have
OOOPS continued on p. 7
VIEWS March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 7
OOOPS from p. 6 Texas; another forwarded mes- himself and have some fun at ty. “License and registration, the ticket. If not, you let me go
sage, also from my niece -- the Texas deputy’s expense. please.” and don’t give me the ticket.”
a speech competition at the Ruthylyn Alvarez-Jimenez. The deputy says, “License The lawyer says, “What’s ”That sounds fair. Please
Jamil Dar Convention Hall Only in Texas, readers ... and registration, please.” the difference?” exit your vehicle, sir,” the dep-
at 4140 Finch Avenue East in Only in Texas .... ”What for?” says the law- ”The difference is you have uty says.
Scarborough. A lawyer runs a stop sign yer. to come to complete stop, At this point, the deputy
The topic is, “Are Canadi- and gets pulled over by a sher- The deputy says, “You that’s the law. License and reg- takes out his nightstick and
ans charitable enough towards iff’s deputy. He thinks that he didn’t come to a complete stop istration, please!” the Deputy starts beating the daylights out
the poor?” is smarter than the deputy, be- at the stop sign.” repeats. of the lawyer and says, “Do
I don’t know. Please ask cause he is a lawyer from New Then the lawyer says, “I Lawyer says, “If you can you want me to stop, or just
those who are soliciting do- York and is certain that he has slowed down, and no one was show me the legal difference slow down?”
nations of funds for houses at a better education then any coming.” between slow down and stop,
GK villages meant for the very cop from Houston. ”You still didn’t come to a I’ll give you my license and Manila Media Monitor
poor in the Philippines: AN- He decides to prove this to complete stop, says the depu- registration; and you give me Tel. (416) 285-8583
COP Canada’s Ricky Cuenca,
PCCT president Rafael Nebres
(2nd mention in this column;
sa susunod,may bayad na!),
Jun and Rosemer Enverga, at
… marami pa sila.
***
A forwarded message from
my niece, Rowena Alvarez,
who lives in Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia:
“WHY AMERICA ‘S
ECONOMY FELL OFF THE
CLIFF?”
John Smith started the day
early having set his alarm clock
(MADE IN JAPAN ) for 6 am.
While his coffeepot (MADE
IN CHINA ) was perking, he
shaved with his electric razor
(MADE IN HONG KONG ) He
put on a dress shirt (MADE IN
SRI LANKA ), designer jeans
(MADE IN SINGAPORE )
and tennis shoes (MADE IN
KOREA).
After cooking his break-
fast in his new electric skil-
let (MADE IN INDIA ), he
sat down with his calculator
(MADE IN MEXICO ) to see
how much he could spend to-
day. After setting his watch
(MADE IN TAIWAN ) to the ra-
dio (MADE IN PHILIPPINES
), he got in his car (MADE IN
GERMANY ), filled it with
GAS (from Saudi Arabia ) and
continued his search for a good
paying AMERICAN JOB.
At the end of yet another
discouraging and fruitless day
checking his Computer (made
in MALAYSIA), John decided
to relax for a while.
Bawat patak ng pawis at pagod mo........
He put on his sandals
(MADE IN BRAZIL), poured
himself a glass of wine
buong pusong ihahatid ng Forex sa
(MADE IN FRANCE ) and
turned on his TV (MADE pamilya mo.....
IN INDONESIA ), and then
wondered why he can’t find a
good paying job in AMERICA
kahit saan....... kahit kailan
AND NOW HE’S HOPING
HE CAN GET HELP FROM
THE PRESIDENT (MADE IN
KENYA )!!!
***
Meanwhile, here’s one from

Manila Media Monitor

Tel. (416) 285-8583
8 Manila Media Monitor March 2010
This season being Lent, I
spend part of my time reflect-
ing on matters personally af-
fecting me and my family: my
deeds, my failures, my accom-
plishments; everything that
came my way from way back
to the present time. Not that I
reflect only during these times,
but by practice, I do it almost
daily, sometimes sitting quietly
and calmly, immersed in my
thoughts.
Personal reflections enrich
one’s self, and good for the
soul.
***
For five years now since
it was given to me by Philip-
pine Chamber of Commerce-
Toronto president and Action
Honda dealership general man-
ager Rafael Nebres, I recite the
“Prayer to the Holy Spirit” on a
daily basis.
In that prayer, there’s a line
stating, “Let my charity be
such as to offend no one, and
hurt no one’s feelings.” Every
time I would come to this line,
my mind would take me back
to the early 70s when a poor
carpenter I knew – whom I
addressed as Mang Ernie, and
who lived in the slums of Ton-
do, Manila narrated to me what
he saw when Pope Paul VI vis-
ited the poor people in Tondo.
The line took me back to
those years, thinking, “One
does a work of charity and of-
fends someone?” Oh yes, one
perfect example was when
then-Philippine First Lady
Imelda Marcos threw cookies
and biscuits to the crowd gath-
ered during the reception by the
poor people of Tondo, Manila
for the visiting Pope Paul VI,
the first lady herself and their
When we excitedly told
a colleague in broadcasting
that Britain will not allow any
product placement on any tele-
vision program aimed at kids
under 16 beginning December
last year, the report was met
with a frown.
It does not surprise us any-
more that Philippine broadcast-
ing seems to be chiefly focused
on the quest for profit. It has
evolved into this after years of
sheer indifference on the part
of both the industry and gov-
ernment.
If that were not so, why
are blocktimers for children’s
programs all gone, having mi-
grated to more profitable cen-
ters? Why do TV stations re-
gard children’s programming
like a cactus field? Why can’t
government resolve to give
up even just one of its three
stations to fill in for the vast
chasm in education?
From the
Monitor’s Desk
A C E A LVA R E Z
Afterthoughts
party. As the cookies fell on the
ground, children scrambled for
a piece and a bite.
I recall Mang Ernie saying
that the Pope shed tears as he
witnessed the incident.
Unable to continue eating
his lunch when he came to this
point in his narration, Mang
Ernie almost choked, saying,
“We may be poor, but please,
give us dignity, too.”
***
In 2002, Gie and I, together
with my aunt, were invited for
dinner by the latter’s relatives
at their palatial home in Thorn-
hill, Ontario.
The food was great, I must
admit; and we were using sil-
verware – including the serving
spoons and forks, and befit the
hosts’ palatial home. After din-
ner though, Gie and I felt we
were incinerators. Reason: the
hostess said on a good quantity
of “sinigang na baka”, “Itapon
na natin ito, wala nang kakain
nito. Noong isang araw pa ito,
e.”
It was okay to throw left-
overs, but, please don’t have
the people you just hosted a
dinner for hear it. Gie and I felt
throwing up.
Our hosts might not have
a bad intent, but they might
just simply meant that since
the sinigang had been heated
Roundabout
M A G C R U Z - H ATO L
No product placements
on kids’ TV shows?
A public broadcasting sys-
tem had been in the planning
stage for years. Even the re-
cently demised Cerge Re-
monde took it up at one time
in his career in Malacanang
but the idea just petered away.
No legislator has fully champi-
oned the cause, as though they
do not have children who de-
serve a PBS.
The UK’s Office of Com-
munications (OfCom) has up-
dated its broadcast code, fol-
lowing the implementation of
a new Europe-wide Audio Vi-
on the microwave, might as
well throw them out. But this
thought came up later after it
happened.
***
Surfing the net recently, I
landed on Renato Zane’s “Pen
and Paper” blogsite, through a
link in “ripple.ca”, a blogsite of
my good friend, former Toron-
to advertising agency art direc-
tor and promotions man -- Bill
Andersen.
Renato’s blog contains a
collection of his notes, travel
stories and personal reflec-
tions.
There are two things that I
have in common with Renato.
Firstly, both of us work in the
media industry; secondly, my
love for drawing, or sketching.
One sketch of Renato that
sual & Media Services direc-
tive. OfCom is an independent
organization which regulates
the UK’s broadcasting, tele-
communications and wireless
communications sectors. They
also set and enforce rules on
fair competition between com-
panies in these industries.
No to product placements
Among many objectives,
OfCom ensures that people
who watch television are pro-
tected from harmful or offen-
sive material and are protected
from being treated unfairly in
VIEWS
brought back memories in my
mind is that of an airplane,
which I snagged from his site
and posted here.
Renato’s entry accompa-
nying the sketch reads: “Like
many people, I enjoy looking
at planes when I’m at the air-
port. I did this drawing while
I was awaiting a flight in To- 13 years of dedicated
ronto a few months ago. Com- community service
mercial airliners are complex,
Managing Editor
large machines that take off ACE ALVAREZ
and land thousands of times
without incident ….” Associate Editor
Airplanes are likewise of in- GIE ALVAREZ
terest to me. Contributing Editors
Renatos’ sketch reminded RICKY CALUEN
me of that one afternoon in MARIO DIMAIN
1980 while sitting on my car at MAG CRUZ HATOL
GRACE P. FREIRES
the parking lot of Miramar Res- MANNY FREIRES
BEN VICCARI
Editorial Assistant
LEN ALVAREZ-MAHONEY
Contributors
EVA AGPAOA
NOEL PERADA
LARRY TORRES
Account Executives
MYRNA SORIANO
JOHN TAN
Graphics
COBIE CRUZ
Published by
Manila MEDIA MONITOR,
taurant across the Manila Do- INC.
10 - 300 Invergordon
mestic Airport on Airport Road Avenue
in Pasay City after a plateful of Scarborough, Ontario M1S
my favorite Pancit Canton at 4K7
the Chinese restaurant. CANADA
Tel. 416.285.8583
Watching those BAC One-
Eleven jets taxied from where Manila MEDIA MONITOR
I was parked, I toyed with an is published and circulated
idea to becoming a pilot and once a month
inquired about flying lessons in Toronto and its suburbs.
on those small Piper planes at Manila MEDIA MONITOR
AFTERTHOUGHTS accepts submissions,
cont’d on p.17 subject
to availability of space, but
reserves the right to edit for
publication. Contributed
TV programs, and from having articles
their privacy invaded. must be in MS Word
OfCom is the same agency
funded by grants from the Brit-
document
format.
ish government that dictates the Photo releases must be with
rules which broadcasters must captions and in JPEG
format.
follow. The said code aims to
set standards to protect people
Item and photo submissions
must be sent by e-mail at
under the age of 18 from mate-
mediamonitor@rogers.com
rial that is not suitable for them,
Articles published in
while allowing broadcasters an
Manila MEDIA MONITOR
appropriate amount of creative may be reproduced only
freedom. with the permission
Under OfCom’s revised of the publisher.
code, all programs including
SUBSCRIPTIONS,
those imported from the US, ADVERTISING,
will disallow product place- CIRCULATION
ments when broadcast. This and other inquiries
means that programs explicitly may be addressed at the
following:
for youth audiences under 16
may not feature product place- TEL. (416) 285-8583
ments. FAX (416) 285-6862
Thankfully, much of kiddie
programming is of the anima- e-mail:
manilamediamonitor@
tion type which does not have rogers.com
TV SHOWS continued on p.13
VIEWS
The response both in finan-
cal and physical aid to Haiti
has been enormous and the
humanitarians of the world are
to be profoundly thanked. But
it must be clearly understand
that in our relationships with
this benighted country, we are
dealing with a psyche that has
been damaged for years.
Right now the recent visit of
Prime Minister Harper and his
pledge of building a govern-
ment headquarters raises once
again the question of his im-
maturity in foreign affairs.
Back when George W. Bush
was calling the shots, the bru-
tal, terroristic reign of the Du-
valiers and their thug enforcers
the tontons macoutes was tacit-
ly accepted by the so-called de-
mocracies and the succeeding
democratic president, Father
Aristide, quickly dispensed
with because of his socialistic
views.
As we give generously, we
must ensure that our govern-
As the mild weather in
March melts the dreaded snow,
have you ever wondered why
the season after winter is called
spring?
The word “spring”, as an
intransitive verb, is defined
as moving back rapidly to an
original position after being
forced in another direction.
The definition makes per-
fect sense. Spring brings back
the colors that the cold winter
erased. The trees regain the lost
leaves on their dead-looking
branches; once more the grass
turns greener; the beautiful
vibrant tulips emerge; and the
perennials in the garden come
back to life in full bloom as the
returning birds chirp the com-
ing of spring.
Is it a coincidence that the
celebration of the Resurrection
of our Lord Jesus falls in the
spring? Did God plan it that
way, so we can easily relate the
By Jeremaiah M. Opiniano
OFW Journalism Consortium
MANILA—MORE fami-
lies of overseas Filipino work-
ers are spending less on food
and more on health, a study by
the Asian Development Bank
revealed.
Using econometric estima-
tions, Filipino Alvin Ang, Indi-
an Shikha Jha, and Indonesian
Guntur Sugiyarto noted that
the percentage share of expen-
ditures of migrant households
to food went down slightly,
from 44.9 percent in 2000 to
43.3 percent in 2006.
ments make every
effort to pressure the
future of governance
into a democratic
mould.
No less serious
is the danger in Af-
ghanistan of seeking
Two clear and
compromise with the present dangers
Taliban as President
Karzai seems so trans-
parently to desire. From its
past and present performance,
the Taliban has clearly demon-
strated that in its extreme ap-
plication of sharia law, punish-
ment for offences against this
law are barbaric and inhuman.
The rights of women are totally
denied and punishment is intol-
erant, cruel —- and public.
We hope the world can be
persuaded that any form of
concession to the Taliban in
Afghanistan means the spread
of this vicious doctrine wher-
ever militants support it. The
stand of President Obama in
calling for a surge offensive
season of coming-
back-to-life to Eas-
ter Sunday? From
every angle, no mat-
ter how you slice it,
all indications point
to a thundering
YES!
To us, Christians, Easter
Sunday is not about bunnies
and children hunting egg-
shaped chocolates. Neither is
OFW families spending less on food,
more on health—ADB study
But expenditures to health
are increasing (from 2.3 per-
cent in 2000 to three percent)
while allocations for durables
are steady (2.2 percent in 2000,
2.2 in 2006).
Remittances “do not have a
significant influence on other
items of expenditure, particu-
larly investment spending on
education, health care, and du-
rable goods,” said the authors
of “Remittances and House-
hold Behavior in the Philip-
Commentary
BEN VICCARI
shows that America knows that
with a strong Taliban presence
in Afghanistan, so goes Paki-
stan and then other nations in
which the Taliban has a foot-
hold in Islamic communities.
There should be no alterna-
tive than to destroy the Taliban
in Afghanistan as a vicious
ideological blot on the face of
humanity.
***
Mixed Company Theatre
has announced a new spon-
sorship from the Rotary Club
of Toronto for their new play,
DISS, about youth violence,
which will tour schools March
The 3rd Eye
MARIO DIMAIN
Spring
it limited to
God’s mes-
sage that His
son died for
us to save
our sins. It
expands far
more than
that. We
should see
beyond the
tomb where
Jesus sprung
to life. Res-
urrection has the underlying
message of awakening and
bring back to life our goodness
that was deeply buried in our
pines.”
Whether it’s a crisis year or
not, Ang told the OFW Jour-
nalism Consortium that the
share of spending for food by
households in the Philippines
receiving remittances is lower
even with rising remittances.
Some 18.05 percent of all
Filipino households received
cash from abroad in the year
2000, ADB estimations show.
This figure rose to 20.72 per-
cent in 2003 and 23.3 percent
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor
22 to April 16.
This acclaimed
production, premiered
in 2009, focuses on
gang presence in our
neighborhoods and the
pressures youth face
finding social connec-
tion and identity.
DISS incorporates
raps based on experi-
ences with violence and cov-
ers topics including snitching,
family relationships, friend-
ship, theft, gun violence and
many other issues that affect
young people in communities
with gang presence.
“The first step in confront-
ing the problems of youth vio-
lence is bringing issues into the
open and facing the drama that
is played out with terrible con-
sequences,” says Ric Williams,
board member of the Rotary
Club of Toronto.
DISS facilitates this through
a narrative that does not shame
individuals or damage lives.
selfish thoughts.
All of us have
been hurt at one time
in our lives. Some
of the pains that we
harbor are so agoniz-
ing that we have for-
gotten to forgive the
aggressor who had
offended us. We have been im-
mersed in our failures and self-
pity that we turned to blaming
others and overlooked the pow-
er of prayer. Our potential in
making more money to pamper
in 2006.
“[This is] because these
families are getting increased
incomes, and also spend on
other items,” said Ang who
also teaches economics at the
University of Santo Tomas.
Hence,Ang and his col-
leagues concluded in the paper,
there’s no evidence consump-
tion is being fueled solely by
remittances.
This view douses the oft-
quoted analysts’ view that
9
Engaging us all in our shared
reality leads to involvement in
the issues, and, eventually, the
development of solutions and
new norms for living together.
“We are proud to be involved
with DISS, and we honor their
contribution to a better life in
our communities,” Williams
said.
Created in collaboration
with the Toronto Police Ser-
vice and youth who have expe-
rienced violence, the play pres-
ents the worst-case scenarios of
gang involvement, catalyzing
audience members to express
their voices to make our com-
munities safer. (Ben Viccari is
past president of the Canadian
Ethnic Media Association and
frequently appeared on OMNI
TV Commentary, until his re-
tirement September 2009 from
the TV commentary series. For
more of his work, please visit
Ben’s website at http://can-
scene.ripple.ca)
our endless whims has made us
lost our grip in our Christian
values. We have neglected the
importance of giving and have
taken for granted the qual-
ity time with our families. We
have given-in to the abundance
of man-made comfort, making
us less energetic and allowing
our bodies to erode away.
We have become so content
that we have missed the big
picture of spring; its splen-
dor and its meaning.
So come spring, when the
birds are singing, stop what-
ever you are doing. Pause for
a moment and listen. Wake
yourself up. You have been
in hibernation for too long.
Pick up that shovel and start
digging up the buried goodness
in you.
Spring time is the season for
all of us, to reconnect spiritu-
ally and rediscover our good
old selves.
prompted property developers,
telecommunication companies,
insurance firms, and shopping
malls to chase the money of
overseas Filipinos.
Not even billions of dollars
coming from over-eight million
Filipinos overseas can provide
clear proof remittances have
been stirring domestic demand
in sectors such as education,
health care, and durable goods.
“[Our] analysis…does not
support evidence of remit-
tances contributing toward re-
balancing growth by creating
OFW continued on p.25
10 Manila Media Monitor March 2010
Last January, my wife and
I went to the Philippines to at-
tend the inauguration of a very
beautiful Sto. Nino Chapel
(donated by a very good friend
of my family). in the mountain
community of Monte Maria,
Batangas and ground break
another GK ANCOP village in
Batasan, Quezon City.
It was an exhausting and
physically demanding ten-
day trip, where along the way,
we met people from different
backgrounds and cultures.
During our travel, my wife
and I took turns engaging our
drivers into conversation on
their thoughts on Philippine
politics.
Billboards, posters, radio
announcements are all too com-
mon at this time in the streets
of Manila with the upcoming
April 10 presidential election.
We asked each of our driv-
ers who they want to be the
next president of the Philip-
pines and for what reasons?
The answers were often var-
ied and deep in logic and trepi-
dation, prompting me to inter-
pret the words the best I could:
Driver 1: I am not going to
vote this year, I am fed up.
When I voted Erap the last
time, we thought he would
help us, poor people, but I was
wrong.
Then, when I voted for Glo-
ria the last time, I thought she
was a sure bet. Unfortunately,
During a conversation with
a friend recently, the topic of
Filipino unity came up.
When I look around the dif-
ferent communities in Toronto,
it is clear some are unified and
some are not.
What does it mean to be
unified?
Many things of course but a
few stand out as being impor-
tant:
- A unified community sup-
ports its members. A core value
within a community is its abil-
ity and desire to support its
members.
This can happen in a num-
ber of ways.
Support of local business;
support through social organi-
zations which cater to the less
well off and the needy within
the community; educational
support.
The key is that a unified
community looks for ways to
offer support in the belief that
strong members mean a strong
community.
- A unified community
speaks with a unified voice.
Another core value is the
strength to speak with one
I was wrong
again.
votes seemed
My
useless. I just
could not trust
anyone, any-
more. She is
Focus on leadership must be for
also corrupt, the good of the majority
although oth-
ers say, it is her husband; it is
still her fault because she is the
president. I am definitely not
going to vote this year. Who
ever will be in power will be
similarly an ineffective presi-
dent and cannot be trusted.
Driver 2: I will vote for
Noynoy, even if other candi-
dates pay me five thousand pe-
sos. I will not let anyone buy
my vote! I am so fed up! Work-
ers are so fed up. We believe
that Noynoy is our only hope.
His family is the best; his fa-
ther gave his life for his coun-
try and his mother was a re-
spected person -- and the only
non-corrupt president that we
know. Noynoy is the only one I
can trust, although, he does not
look like a tough leader at this
time. All I want is someone
with a clean heart, leadership
qualities can be learned.
Driver 3: Although I can-
not say anything bad about the
family of Noynoy, what the
Philippines needs is someone
who can control the country.
Noynoy does not show tough
leadership qualities as we saw
in senate sessions, so we are
voice to all the
other communi-
ties around us as
well as the gov-
ernment.
A single voice
has a much better
chance of getting What does it mean
to be unified?
things done for
the community
than a babble of
incoherent rants.
Of course, there are so
many different needs within a
community and a single voice
can never hope to address all of
them. But, an organized com-
munity has a sound process
for hearing its constituents and
reaching a consensus on priori-
ties.
Don’t misunderstand me
here.
A single voice doesn’t liter-
ally mean a single vocal chord
bleating in the wind like a dis-
tressed lamb in the wilderness.
A single, unified voice
means a coherent well thought
out series of messages that are
important to the community.
A unified community takes
pride in and celebrates its
achievements.
You’re Entitled
to My Opinion
JUN ENVERGA
afraid that Noynoy will be-
come just like his mom, Cory.
Cory just followed the or-
ders of her advisers; the people
around her.
On the other hand, Gibo
(Teodoro) is smart, but I think
a vote for him will be mean-
ingless, because, surely, he is
not going to win for lack of
campaign funds. For me, it is
Villar. First of all, he is already
too rich; if ever he is corrupt,
he will not steal much.
Driver 3 added: Here in the
Philippines, a presidentiable
needs one billion pesos to
run for the presidential office.
From what I heard, Villar has
more than a billion in cam-
paign funds. Noynoy got only
66 million, so far. For me, Vil-
lar is a sure win; I always go
with the sure winner.
***
There you go! Three op-
posing views from our kaba-
bayans.
Athough, some of their rea-
soning might have contained
just unfounded information, it
looks like Noynoy and Villar
are the top two contenders in
Our Journey
E VA A G PA O A
- A strong community cel-
ebrates its achievements and
invites all around them to cel-
ebrate with them.
This is a healthy pride that
announces to the world, we are
worthy of your respect.
- A community becomes
unified when it chooses to or-
ganize itself.
First and foremost, organiz-
ing around a strong leadership
is key to becoming a strong-
community.
Many fear that choosing
leadership means relinquishing
personal power and worse, that
they risk corruption and per-
sonal gain among their lead-
ers.
But real leadership is not
about power or personal gain.
greater Ma-
nila at least. It
looks like it is
going to be a
battle of cred-
ibility, trust
and money.
The driv-
ers are the
people who lived in the streets
of Manila; people who have
experienced the life and got a
good feel of the pulse of the
nation by reason of their oc-
cupation. The good thing about
all these is that people are con-
scious about their actions, or
inactions, in the coming elec-
tions.
Obviously, our kababayans
in the Philippines are mostly
confused. I feel like an out-
sider in my own country at the
time of my recent travel. Elicit-
ing reasons from the question
I posed was what I thought I
could do, either to familiarize,
or re-familiarize myself again
with Philippine politics.
What may we do here in
Canada? Our country needs
our help. May we, overseas
Filipinos, be the conscience of
the nation? May our opinions
count? May our law-abiding
experiences and upbringing
here help our kababayans?
Our answers are as varied
and complicated as the ques-
tions, which gave me thoughts
on our own community in To-
ronto. Let us look at ourselves
It is about a
public trust be-
stowed on one or
more individuals.
A strong leader
knows this and
treats that trust
with care and re-
spect.
These are just
four of the many
different values
that make a strong unified
community.
I’m certain you can think of
many more values and in fact I
invite you to do so.
The benefits of a strong
community are many.
Political relevance is a key
benefit.
It means we have a seat at
the table when decisions about
our city are being made.
It means we have the nec-
essary infl uence to help our
members in meaningful ways.
Another benefit is increasing
our overall financial strength.
Clearly, not every individ-
ual within the community will
be rich.
And some will be poor to the
point of poverty. But a strong
VIEWS
now … our kababayans and
our so-called thinkers and
leaders in the community. Just
look at all the so-called presi-
dents for life in countless com-
munity organizations? Look at
the people who are aspiring to
be leaders in the community --
the newly minted leaders and
thinkers.
I am so sorry to say that my
observation points to the fact
that most of our community
leaders and thinkers around
continue to have the shadows
of the political culture nurtured
from back home.
To all the so-called leaders
and thinkers in the Philippines,
in Toronto and elsewhere alike,
I counsel that it is not the po-
sition of power in any organi-
zation, nor money, that gain
respect and accolades from our
kababayans, and anyone for
that matter.
Respect, however, will
only come when leaders have
proven and acted themselves
worthy; when they have come
to the full realization that the
community, much more – the
country, are above them and
their supporters.
If the focus of the opinion
of our leaders and thinkers is
not the welfare of the major-
ity in the Filipino society, then
leaders are bound to failure;
and yes, this is my opinion,
and you are entitled to them.
(junenverga@gmail.com)
community seeks to minimize
the disenfranchisement of its
individuals through the values
mentioned above.
We must never be afraid to
help someone else better their
life.
Individual financial strength
means a financially stable com-
munity overall.
And let’s face it, more mon-
ey usually means more clout.
A rich, coherent community
can be an awesome thing.
Think about our community
and think about whether or not
we meet these simple criteria.
Are we, the Filipino com-
munity in Toronto, unified and
strong?
I’m not sure. I really believe
most of us want this. I know
we need this.
We need the strength of uni-
ty and organization. We need it
because our numbers are grow-
ing and our needs are many. We
need it because we risk being
marginalized as a people.
Let’s think about this to-
gether and reach for strength
and unity. (info@thenannyex-
pert.com)
NEWS
A ban on recruitment fees is
among a series of new protec-
tions for foreign live-in care-
givers in Ontario that came
into effect on March 22, 2010.
Under the Employment
Protection for Foreign Nation-
als Act (EPFNA) , the province
is providing expanded protec-
tions for some of Ontario’s
most vulnerable workers.
New protections for work-
ers include:
* A ban on all fees charged
to live-in caregivers by recruit-
ers, either directly or indirect-
ly, or by anyone on behalf of a
recruiter.
* Preventing employers
from recovering, directly or
indirectly, recruitment and
placement costs from live-in
caregivers.
* Prohibiting the practice
of taking a caregiver’s personal
documents such as a passport
and work permit.
* Prohibiting reprisals
against caregivers for exercis-
ing their rights under the leg-
islation.
Live-in caregivers will also
get more information about
their rights and Ministry of La-
bour inspectors will have more
authority to investigate viola-
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 11
tions based on tips. Generally, they ment Insurance (EI) from their
All of these steps
To protect live-in must have at least 11 total pay and their employer
will help curb the caregivers and consecutive hours must make CPP and EI contri-
abuse of foreign na- off work each day, butions for them.
tionals who come to other workers and 24 consecutive If live-in caregivers and
Employment
Ontario to work, in- hours off work each their employer agree that they
cluding the practice week, or 48 consec- will receive a wage greater
of collecting place- utive hours off work than the minimum wage, then
ment fees for bogus
job offers. Protection for in every 2-week pe-
riod.
that is the amount the employ-
ees are entitled to receive.
Foreign
Foreign Nation- Overtime Pay Can an employer deduct
al Live-in Caregiv- Live-in caregiv- room and board (meals)?
Nationals Act
ers ers must be paid An employer can take into
Foreign nationals overtime pay after account having provided live-in
working as a live-in 44 hours of work caregivers with room and board
caregivers in Ontar-
io have employment
standards rights un-
becomes law each week. The
overtime rate must
be at least 1½ times
(meals) for the purpose of en-
suring that the minimum wage
has been paid. The amounts
der the Employment the regular rate of that an employer is considered
Limits on Hours of Work
Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). pay. to have paid as wages for room
Generally, live-in caregiv-
They also have protections and board (meals) are set out
ers cannot be required to work
under the Employment Protec- Minimum Wage below:
more than 8 hours a day or their
tion for Foreign Nationals Act The minimum wage is the Room: weekly
regular daily work schedule (if
(Live-in Caregivers and Oth- lowest hourly rate an employer * private room: $31.70
more than 8 hours). For them to
ers), 2009 (EPFNA). can pay an employee.
work more than the daily limit,
Currently the minimum Meals
their employer must have their
Employment Standards wage is $9.50 per hour and it * each meal: $2.55
written agreement.
Rights At Work will rise to $10.25 per hour on * weekly maximum: $53.55
Generally, they cannot be
Live-in caregivers must be March 31, 2010.
required to work more than 48
paid on a regular, recurring Live-in caregivers’ gross Room and board (meals):
hours a week, and for them to
payday, and employers must pay, before deductions, must weekly
work more than 48 hours in a
provide them with a statement be at least minimum wage. By * private room: $85.25
week, employers must have
showing their wages and de- law, their employer must de-
their written agreement and an
ductions for that pay period. duct Income Tax, Canada Pen-
approval from the Ministry of
sion Plan (CPP), and Employ- LIVE-IN continued on p. 15
Labour.
12 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 NEWS
FALCON from p. 1 hours up to 7 PM to ac- ing and Canvassing of commissioned by the
burg and Vancouver. She commodate the consular the ballots held in Los COMELEC to serve dur-
was Ambassador to Tur- needs of working clients Angeles, California. The ing the May 10 elections,
key, Germany and Swit- who are unable to come training was hosted by participated in during the
zerland. to the Consulate during the Philippine Consulate three-day seminar.
Before coming to To- office hours. General in Los Angeles. Echo training for the
ronto, she was the Direc- Meanwhile, in con- Members of the Spe- other members of the
tor of the Foreign Service nection with the Philip- cial Board of Canvassers SBEI and SBRCG of the
Institute -- the training pine national elections (SBOC), Special Board Consulate General in To-
arm and research office in May, Consul General of Election Inspectors ronto who were appointed
of the Department of For- Falcon, with Cultural Of- (SBEI), and Special Bal- by the COMELEC will
Toronto-based folksinger Chito Sarabia with Ma- eign Affairs. ficer Evangeline Cayong- lot Reception and Custo- be conducted at the Con-
nila-based songwriter-performer Kitchie Nadal Consul General Fal- cat, participated in the dy Group (SBRCG) from sulate next month. (With
after her recent performance at Mstudio in Missis- con hails from Lal-lo, Commission on Elections the different Embassies files from the Philippine
sauga. Sarabia has three canned compositions, (COMELEC) Training on and Consulates General Consulate General’s Of-
Cagayan and has three
“Sa Likod ng Musika”, :Press to Play”, and “Plaze
of Light”, for future release. grown-up children. She the conduct of Overseas based in North and South fice in Toronto)
speaks English, Spanish Absentee Voting, Count- America, who were
and French.

Improve-
ments on con-
sular services
in Toronto
After her as-
sumption to of-
fice, the new Con-
sul General has
announced that
effective Friday,
April 9, and every
first Friday of the
month after such
date, the Philip-
pine Consulate
Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPCO) members and guests after the breakfast fo-
General’s office rum with Consul General Minerva Falcon (seated center) held Saturday, March 6,
in Toronto will 2010, at “Quiapo, Quiapo”, # 2 Principal Road in Scarborough. The PPCO gather-
extend its office ing was sponsored in part by the venue of the event. (Photo: Ariel Ramos)
NEWS March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 13

‘GMA can appoint next chief justice’ NOYNOY from p. 1

him the most trusted can-

MANILA, Philippines hibition contained in sec-
– The Supreme Court has tion 15, Article VII to the
given President Arroyo appointment of members
the power to appoint the of the Supreme Court
successor of Chief Jus- they could have explicitly
tice Reynato Puno who is done so,” the high court
retiring on May 17. said in affirming the ar-
In a 55-page landmark guments presented by the
ruling penned by Asso- petitioners, lawyers Ar-
ciate Justice Lucas Ber- turo de Castro, Estelito
samin, nine justices of Mendoza and Philconsa.
the Court agreed that the Concurring with the
appointment of the chief majority decision were
justice is not covered by Justices Jose Perez, Ro-
the constitutional ban on berto Abad, Martin Vil-
midnight appointments. larama, Teresita Leonar-
“Had the framers in- do, Teresita Leonardo-de
tended to extend the pro- Castro,Arturo Brion, Di-
TV SHOWS can Center for Children
from p. 8 and Media, explains that
“product placement is
any such placements. implicitly banned from
British produced programs targeted to chil-
shows follow the regula- dren in the US. American
tion, leaving out imports producers have steered
and live action programs. clear of doing so to be
We imagine that even certain of staying on the
prime time programs that right side of the regula-
are viewed widely by this tors.”
young audience niche It is anybody’s guess
could be affected. if the same rule will pros-
David Kleeman, the per or will even get intro-
president of the Ameri- duced in the Philippines.
osdado Peralta, Jose
Mendoza and Mariano
del Castillo.
Justice Conchita Car-
pio Morales dissented,
while Justices Antonio
Eduardo Nachura and
Presbitero Velasco Jr.
voted that the case is pre-
mature.
Chief Justice Puno
and the two frontrunners
for the position – Senior
Justices Renato Corona
and Antonio Carpio – did
not take part in the vot-
ing. (Philippine Star)
When that happens, a tap
on the shoulder is due
both government and
broadcasters for under-
standing that children are
so impressionable and
easily influenced by what
they see on TV. A prod-
uct, subliminally inserted
or blatantly featured, has
the same effect as obvi-
ous advertising because it
entices the young viewer
to want the item. (magha-
tol@yahoo.com)
didate for president. Only
14 percent of voters said
they had “small/no trust”
for Aquino, with the rest
undecided.
Roxas, on the other
hand, still earned the
highest trust among Fili-
pino voters with 70 per-
cent saying they had “big
trust” in him, with only
10 percent having “small/
no trust” and the rest un-
decided.
Villar’s ratings dipped
to 59 percent due to an
11-point drop among
Filipinos with ”big trust”
in him.
Legarda’s trust rating
likewise went down to 58
percent, or a drop of three
percent from her January
trust rating.
Among the presiden-
tial candidates, former
President Joseph Estrada
came third with 40 per-
cent, followed by admin-
istration standard-bearer
Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
with 29 percent and Sen.
Richard Gordon with a
25 percent rating.
In the vice presiden-
tial race, Makati City
Mayor Jejomar Binay
getting. She had also been
complaining that she was
being considered a liabil-
came third, with only 45 ity to her brother.
percent; former Metro Kris has three oth-
Manila Development ers shows at ABS-CBN
Authority chief Bayani Channel 2.
Fernando with 22 percent Aquino said, “It’s her
and actor Edu Manzano, decision. But it’s me who
19 percent. got into this and the cam-
Aquino and Roxas are paign should be my pri-
campaigning on a plat- mary responsibility.
form of good governance “I think she’s old
and transformational enough to decide for her-
leadership. They prom- self. She has been helping
ised to open their bank me in so many ways. In
accounts to public scru- this people’s campaign,
tiny to stress their com- we do not want to im-
mitment to wipe out graft pose on anyone, whether
and corruption in govern- relatives or not, if they
ment. voluntarily help in the
campaign, we are thank-
‘Up to Kris to take a ful, whoever they are,”
leave’ Aquino said.
Aquino also said re- Aquino said he was
cently that it would be proud of his sister and the
up to his sister, actress other showbiz personali-
and television host Kris ties who were making a
Aquino-Yap to decide on stand during these crucial
whether to take a leave elections.
from her shows during Even if Kris takes a
the campaign period. leave, Aquino said he was
Kris said she was not expecting the black
thinking of saying good- propaganda against him
bye to the showbiz talk
show The Buzz because NOYNOY
of criticisms she had been continued on p. 17
14 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 NEWS

Study cites two regions ‘efficiently

use’ OFW money for dev’t
By Jeremaiah M. Opiniano that score.
OFW Journalism Consortium The next highest scores
in Calara’s computations
MANILA–PHILIP- Titled “Remittances went to Central Visayas
PINE regions with higher and Regional Perfor- (0.99); Davao region and
growth rates used remit- mance for the Philip- Western Visayas (both
tances for development pines,” Calara’s paper 0.98); and, Zamboanga
efficiently, a paper by looked at data from the and Northern Mindanao
a University of Santo triennial Family Income regions (both 0.97).
Tomas economist finds. and Expenditures Sur- The scores reflect
College of Com- vey (FIES) from 1988 to how remittances migrant
merce Assistant Dean 2006. households received
Ma. Socorro Calara said Using FIES results in seeped in efficiently or
these are the Cordillera the same period, Calara not to regional develop-
Administrative Region, also culled data on cash ment activities.
Southern Tagalog region, received from abroad Even if regions such as gional development since or indirectly through the were already efficient,
and the National Capital or remittances received Ilocos (0.69 average), Ca- it is in the birthplaces of multiplier effect of remit- Calara wrote that remit-
Region. Her study cited by households of over- gayan Valley (0.79) and overseas Filipinos were tances and the subsequent tances “do not contrib-
these regions were more seas Filipino workers Central Luzon (0.91) got the remittances are used stimulus to labor,” Calara ute to efficiency” and
efficient in making re- (OFWs). more remittances since to stir local economic ac- wrote. “have no effect on [that
mittances contribute to These were then jux- they had more overseas tivity. Calara’s paper also region’s] regional effi-
regional productivity, taposed to GRDP data, migrants and more remit- “The (household looked at how many of ciency performance”.
which is measured by as well as regional data tances than other regions, members) of migrants are the 14 regions with data CAR, Southern Taga-
gross regional domestic on personal consumption these regions are in the the immediate recipients were efficient in develop- log and NCR are part of
product or GRDP. and government spend- bottom rungs in Calara’s of remittances. Whether ment, with and without this grouping.
Calara’s paper was ing, and investments study. these remittances are remittances. But for eight of the
featured at a research from 1998 to 2006. Ilocos is even the least spent to purchase basic She came into the lat- 14 regions found to be
forum the same week Calara’s econometric efficient region of all 17 commodities, durable ter result by deducting a inefficient in 2006, Ca-
government officials said calculations showed that regions covered by the goods or are invested in region’s remittances data lara said the results may
that the overall gross do- the highest efficiency study, while Central Lu- productive endeavors, it from GRDP and regional mean that remittances
mestic product of 0.92 score is one. The NCR, zon is only 10th overall. is the region which ben- personal consumption may have had a positive
percent in 2009 was the CAR and Southern Ta- Calara argued that her efits from such activi- expenditure.
lowest in 11 years. galog consistently earned study is valuable to re- ties —whether directly Since some regions OFW continued on p. 15
NEWS
LIVE-IN from p. 11
The room must be fit
for human habitation. It
must also be reasonably
furnished, supplied with
clean bed linen and tow-
els, and be reasonably
accessible to proper toilet
and wash basin facilities.
Room and/or board
is not considered part of
wages unless the employ-
ee has actually received
the meals or occupied the
room.
Public Holidays
Live-in caregivers are
entitled to take a public
holiday off work, with
public holiday pay, re-
gardless of how long they
have been working. On-
tario has nine public holi-
days every year. They are:
New Year’s Day, Family
Day, Good Friday, Victo-
ria Day, Canada Day, La-
bour Day, Thanksgiving
Day, Christmas Day, and
Boxing Day.
Pregnancy Leave
and Parental Leave
Live-in caregivers
may be entitled to take Live-in caregivers
17 weeks of pregnancy are entitled to at least 2
leave and 35 weeks of weeks of vacation time
parental leave (if they after every 12 months
have taken pregnancy of employment. They
leave). All other eligible are entitled to be paid an
new parents, including amount equal to at least
birth mothers who do not 4% of their total wages
take pregnancy leave, earned as vacation pay.
can take up to 37 weeks Termination Notice
of parental leave. These and/or Pay Instead of
are unpaid, job-protected Notice (if employed for
leaves. To get more in- at least 3 months)
formation about eligibil- Employers must give
ity for pregnancy and their employees advance
parental leave, call the written notice, termina-
Employment Standards tion pay instead of notice,
Information Centre. or a combination of both,
if their live-in caregivers
Family Medical Leave have been continuously
Live-in caregivers can employed for 3 months
take family medical leave or more and their em-
to provide care or support ployment is terminated.
for certain family mem- The amount of notice or
bers – and people who pay depends on how long
consider them to be like they have been employed
a family member – who by the employer.
have a serious illness Can an employer pun-
with a significant risk of ish or threaten them be-
dying within a period of cause they ask questions
26 weeks. It is unpaid, about their rights or ask
job-protected leave of up for their rights?
to 8 weeks in a 26-week No. Employer cannot
period. do any of the following
because live-in caregiv-
Vacation with Pay ers ask for or about their
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor
workplace rights: cannot agree to give up
* Intimidate them any of their employment
* Fire them standards rights. Any
* Suspend them such agreement is inval-
* Reduce or withhold id.
pay For questions, or fil-
* Punish them in any ing a claim?
way, or For questions about
* Threaten any of employment standards,
these actions. or if live-in caregivers
believe they have not
If live-in caregivers received their rights and
think their employer has want to make a claim to
punished them for ask- the Ministry of Labour,
ing about or for exercis- please contact the Em-
ing their rights at work, ployment Standards In-
contact the Employment formation Centre at (416)
Standards Information 326-7160 (toll-free at
Centre as soon as pos- 1-800-531-5551) or, for
sible. If, after a live-in the hearing impaired, at
caregiver files a claim, TTY 1-866-567-8893.
the Ministry of Labor They may also visit www.
will decide whether the labour.gov.on.ca for more
employer has punished information or to file a
the employee for asking claim on-line. They can
about or for exercising also get an Employment
the rights at work, gthe Standards claim form at
Ministry of Labor can or- a ServiceOntario Cen-
der the employer to com- tre. To locate the Centre
pensate the employee or nearest them, please call
pay any wages owed. 1-800-267-8097. Please
note that separate forms
Live-in caregivers are used to file claims un-
cannot agree to give up der the ESA and the EPF-
their rights NA. (Ontario Ministry of
Live-in caregivers Labour)
15
OFW from p. 14
effect, had no effect, or
have a negative effect on
regional development.
As for NCR and re-
gions near it, Calara ob-
served that the sending
of more overseas work-
ers complements high
government spending
and investments in these
places.
Yet on the overall,
Calara said the paper
“showed mixed results
with respect to the effect
of remittances on the re-
gional performance of
the Philippines”.
At the same time, the
multiplier effect of re-
mittances in rural areas
is higher than those in
urban regions, Calara’s
computations showed.
Estimates using the
2000, 2003 and 2006
FIES data revealed that
some 1.107 million
households of migrant
workers got P208.848
billion in 2000.
The number of house-
OFW continued on p. 16
16 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 NEWS

Heads of GTA associations at the chaired by Dr. Maselle

Virey, will soon final-
FCT Presidents’ Gala ize the event’s memento,
hence, requesting that
materials for advertising
By Aida D’ Orazio
as well as personal greet-
with the recipient Dr. Vicky Santiago is ings from friends and
of the Young En- the event chair. Likewise, families, be forwarded to
trepreneur and she chairs the silent auc- the committee now.
Young Professional tion. The gala night will be
Awards (YEPA) Dr. Santiago, who emceed by popular CTV
during the gather- chairs the event, is like- anchor Pauline Chan and
ing to be held Sat- wise chairing the silent FCT Executive Vice-
urday, April 24, at auction – which, with President Rey Tolentino. Rey Tolentino and Pauline Chan
the Fairmont Royal her and her committee’s
York Hotel. classy tastes, is expected share to the national to- tal, Mindoro Oriental,
YEPA recipi- to draw a good crowd
OFW from p.15
tal, all regions outside of Romblon, and Palawan])
ents in 2008 were and bidders. NCR have been getting are the top-most recipi-
holds increased by 18.34
Melchor Galeon Since November, par- increased remittances: ents of remittances from
percent after three years
-- who won the ticipants to the Rigodon 71.56 percent in 2000, abroad, followed by Cen-
to 1.31 million and
Young Entrepre- de Honor – numbering 76.58 percent in 2003, tral Luzon and the Ilocos
having received some
Dr Vicky Santiago neur Award, and Maria 48 and composed main- and 78.89 percent in region (see Table).
P245.856-billion worth
Louisa Diaz -- who won ly of chairs, presidents, 2006. Data from the National
of remittances.
The presidents of the Young Professional and vice presidents of
The 2006 FIES Among provincial re- Statistical Coordination
various Filipino associa- Award. Filipino associations and
showed the number of gions, Southern Tagalog Board show that South-
tions in the GTA will be FCT president Lynda proprietors of business-
households increased by (to include sub-regions ern Tagalog (combining

‘‘
presented to the public Javier said tickets to the es in the GTA and their
22.2 percent, having re- Calabarzon [or Cavite, Calabarzon and Mima-
during the Presidents’ Presidents’ Gala, which partners have been prac-
ceived some P348.524 Laguna, Batangas, Rizal ropa) contribute some
Gala, a biennial event is one of the most suc- ticing -- oftentimes driv-
billion. and Quezon] and Mima- 14 percent to Philippine
organized by the Filipino cessful fundraisers of her ing down to Parliament
By percentage ropa [Mindoro Occiden- GDP.
Centre Toronto (FCT). organization are sold out. Street in downtown T.O.
Saturday, April 24, at Over 500 guests, through the bitter winter
the Fairmont Royal York dressed up in their best cold to attend their prac-
Hotel. Filipino formal wear, are tices. The dance number There is nothing like returning to a place
Likewise, the heads expected to attend. Cock- is choreographed by Odie that remains unchanged to find the ways in
of businesses in the me-
tropolis will be presented
tails, photo shoots and
piano entertainment at
Arena and Wendy Arena.
Meanwhile, the souve- which you yourself have altered.
at the event, together the foyer start at 6 PM. nir program committee, - Nelson Mandela

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NEWS
GMA News & Public Affairs’
pillars among Reader’s Digest
most trusted
Four of GMA News
and Public Affairs’ pillars
made it to the top fifteen
most trusted Filipinos,
according to a survey
conducted nationwide by
monthly magazine Read-
er’s Digest.
Jessica Soho, GMA
Vice President for News
Programs, noted as the
most awarded Filipino
broadcast journalist,
placed third in the survey,
with Philippine National
Red Cross governor Rosa
Rosal and international
star Lea Salonga in the
first and second spots, re-
spectively.
The most trusted news
personality on the list,
Soho was cited for her
expertise in breaking
BUDGET from p.5
owners can have their tax
increases - whether CVA
or budgetary related - de-
ferred without interest,
and only repayable once
the homeowner sells the
property.
The City most recent-
ly enhanced its tax relief
program for low income
seniors and low income
persons with a disability
in 2009. At that time,
City Council increased
the household income cri-
NOYNOY from p.13
and his family to stop.
He said only Baby
James, son of Kris, had
been spared of criticisms
thrown against their fam-
ily.
‘Worse than Marcos’
Meanwhile in Daet,
Camarines Sur, Sen.
Aquino rated President
Arroyo as a leader worse
than the late dictator Fer-
dinand Marcos because
she had the tenacity to
muzzle institutions when
the country had suppos-
edly become more demo-
cratic.
The Liberal Party also
said it was not concerned
about the attacks from
Malacañang and wel-
comed the “non-endorse-
ment” from Mrs. Arroyo.
In an interview with
reporters on after a rally,
Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo
news stories on cam.
“For two decades,
Soho has been the familiar
face in front of the cam-
era whenever a big story
breaks,”
said
Sarah
Etchells
in her
special
report
pub-
lished
in the
March
Jessica Soho
2010 is-
sue of Reader’s Digest.
Veteran documentary
filmmaker and GMA
News.TV Editor-in-Chief
Howie Severino tied with
bowling champion Paeng
Nepomuceno at number
teria for the cancellation
program from $26,000
to $36,000 and the CVA
threshold for property
value from $454,000 to
$525,000 (automatically
increases to $575,000 for
2011 and 2012). It is es-
timated that over 19,000
households are eligible
for the cancellation pro-
gram.
City Council also in-
creased the household
income criteria for the
deferral program from
$40,000 to $50,000 for
pushed the country back-
wards instead of strength-
ening the democratic
institutions put in place
after the late strongman
was ousted in a peaceful
people power revolution
on EDSA in 1986.
Earlier, Aquino said
Mrs. Arroyo disrespected
the Office of the Presi-
dent.
He said this was the
reason why he would like
to have a commission
to handle all the cases
against Mrs. Arroyo, if
elected, so that all the is-
sues against her would
be resolved. Aquino said
this body would run after
ill-gotten wealth of the
Arroyos, if there were
any.
“The lack of closure
on many issues does not
help the country, we are
weakening many institu-
tions,” Aquino said.
six, GMA Kapuso Foun-
dation Executive Vice
President Mel Tiangco
placed ninth, while GMA
Senior Vice President for
Howie Severino Mel Tiangco
Radio Operations Mike
Enriquez ranked 13th.
Tiangco and Enriquez
are anchors of GMA’s
primetime newscast “24
Oras.”
“Readers’ Digest is
2009 and beyond. The
age criteria for the de-
ferral program is still
50 years of age or older,
and there is no CVA
property-value threshold
for the deferral program.
Approximately 82,000
households are estimated
to be eligible for the de-
ferral program.
The City also provides
a Water Rebate Program
on Utility Bills for low-
income seniors and low-
AFTERTHOUGHTS
from p. 8
the nearby Pat’s Flying
School, likewise, located
near the terminal; and so
I did.
Having learned that it
would cost only P450 per
hour to fly the plane —
after classroom hours, I
put in the initial payment
to reserve my place in the
class.
Driving home later, I
saw my oldest brother,
Randolph (now deceased)
by chance near his home,
hence, stopped the car,
alighted and chatted with
him.
Casually, I mentioned
that I enrolled at a fly-
ing school that afternoon
and thought of eventu-
ally becoming a commer-
cial airline pilot. Whoa!
I thought he would be
excited for his youngest
sibling, but lo — and be-
hold, I got a lecture.
“Look, brother,” he
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor
one of the publications
that made me love read-
ing, so I consider it a
great honor to be includ-
ed in its list of the most
trusted Filipinos, espe-
cially since a lot of those
included in the list are
highly respected,” Soho
said in an interview.
Severino added, “This
Mike Enriquez
is probably one of the top
aspirations of any jour-
nalist, to earn the trust of
the public.”
The trustworthiness
ratings were surveyed
last October 2009 by
income persons with a
disability who are eligible
for either of the tax relief
programs, where eligible
homeowners are entitled
to approximately 30% re-
bate on their Utility Bill
water charges. Consump-
tion thresholds have also
been increased for 2010
to 400 cubic metres. This
means that homeowners
with a metered account
can be eligible, if they
consume less than this
said, “you just completed
your first year in the Col-
lege of Law. Now, you
tell me — and be decisive
now, what do you really
want to do for a living?”
I spent the next 20 or
30 minutes listening to
the litany of my oldest
brother on the steps that
I have to go through —
involving many years of
service, trainings, etc.
– in order to be a pilot
flying a commercial pas-
senger jetliner on inter-
national route.
You see, my broth-
er Randolph was well
abreast on the business
because his brother-in-
law, was a pilot: Capt.
Antonio Misa — who
was the pilot of that Phil-
ippine Airlines BAC 111
jet seized by five hijack-
ers on a domestic flight
from Manila to south-
ern Philippines, forcing
Capt. Misa to fly them to
Canton,China on March
31, 1971.
independent market re-
search company The
Digital Edge in behalf of
Reader’s Digest.
The results echo the
high credibility ratings
of GMA in the quantita-
tive survey conducted by
AGB Nielsen Philippines
last September.
GMA scored a cred-
Arnold Clavio
ibility rating of 68.9 per-
cent, besting its rival’s
45.7 percent.
In the same survey,
GMA News and Pub-
lic Affairs personalities
topped the list based
amount.
Toronto is Canada’s
largest city and sixth
largest government, and
home to a diverse popu-
lation of about 2.6 mil-
lion people. It is the eco-
nomic engine of Canada
and one of the greenest
and most creative cities
in North America. To-
ronto has won numerous
awards for quality, inno-
vation and efficiency in
delivering public servic-
The following day, I
found myself at the Pat’s
Flying School refund-
ing the initial payment I
made.
In the next two months
after that, I just enjoyed
my summer vacation
away from evening law
school; worked at day; on
R & R on week-ends at
nearby Tagaytay, or vari-
ous Laguna towns with
my wife and my first-born
child and … just forgot
the whole thing about
wearing that Philippine
Airlines white uniform
with Pershing cap.
Meanwhile, just like
Renato, I’m in the media
business, but unlike Re-
nato, he actuallty man-
aged to pursue his interest
in drawing, or sketching.
In my case, I actually
stopped sketching after
graduating from high
school and pursued a
degree in journalism (in-
stead of the B.S. Archi-
tecture that I had always
17
on appeal, credibility,
competence, and inter-
est to watch. Soho led
all anchors and reporters
in terms of appeal, En-
riquez was considered by
respondents as the most
credible, while Tiangco
was said to be the most
competent and most in-
teresting to watch. Ar-
Vicky Morales
nold Clavio and Vicky
Morales were also con-
sistently in the top five
news anchors across all
measured attributes.
es. Toronto’s government
is dedicated to prosperity,
opportunity and liveabili-
ty for all its residents. For
information about non-
emergency City services
and programs, Toronto
residents, businesses and
visitors can dial 311, 24
hours a day, 7 days a
week. (City of Toronto
Media office)
Manila Media Monitor
Tel. (416) 285-8583
set my mind on after
graduating from elemen-
tary school).
Nowadays, during
my solemn moments
of reflection, I wonder
what would have been
had I pursued that flying
course, or my love for
architecture, the law and
the several other interests
that I would have loved
doing. On this, my wife,
Gie, would always tell
me, “Had you traversed
either of those roads,
probably, we would not
have met, because being
in one of those indus-
tries, you would not have
worked at the radio sta-
tion as a young reporter-
writer, and where I started
my career in broadcast as
a young radio announcer
myself, but most impor-
tantly, where we first
met.” And Gie was right,
because, having met, and
later marrying her, is
something I will not ex-
change for anything else.
18 Manila Media Monitor March 2010
MPP Balkissoon cites AFCA
contribution to business, gov’t
Member of Provin-
cial Parliament Bas
Balkissoon (Lib., Scar-
borough Rouge River)
has stressed the contri-
bution of the Associa-
tion of Filipino Canadian
Accountants (AFCA)
with the group’s great
provision of resource for
talented pool of accoun-
tants to the industrial and
commercial sectors in the
Canadian Society.
Speaking at the 32nd
anniversary ball of
AFCA, Balkissoon said
Filipino accountants can
be found in most areas of
government and private
sectors today.
2010-2011 officers
sworn to office
Witnessed by around
350 guests, the event also
celebrated the induction
into office of the 2010-
2011 AFCA officers and
55 new members.
AFCA Immediate Past
President Edgardo Gon-
zales, initiated AFCA’s
PEOPLE & EVENTS
into office
by Consul
Over the 32
years, AFCA has
ippine Canadian com-
munity organizations,
Edna Mae
Lazaro, new-
ly-installed
had a string of
achievements and
successes due to the
among them, the Philip-
pine Independence Day
Committee and the Ka-
first day-long national president Minerva Gar- fortune of having layaan community asso-
convention at the Ryer- cia said she and her fel- strong and capable ciation of Mississauga.
son University campus in low officers aim to fur- presidents, who Aside from Garcia,
mid-2009, which provid- ther the goals of AFCA led it to such mile- the officers and board
ed an inspiring program and achieve even higher stones as – achiev- members inducted were:
particularly to newly ar- target levels for the good ing better recogni- executive vice president
rived Filipino accoun- of the association and its tion of Philippine Al Tupe, CPA; vice presi-
tants interested in get- members. accounting degrees dent internal, Maria Vida
ting an insight into how AFCA had its begin- within the program Cruz, CPA; vice presi-
to prepare themselves to nings in Mississauga in Minerva Garcia is newly- of studies under the dent external Rodolfo
installed president of the
get into the work force 1978, when a group of Association of Filipino Ca-
Certified General Perez, Jr., CPA; secretary
or attain better jobs in Filipino accountants got nadian Accountants. (Photo: Accountants asso- Rodolfo Acoba, MBA;
accounting and related together, among others, Ariel Ramos) ciation and the Cer- assistant secretary Ezra
fields. Winston Lim, Ed Sarm- tified Management Suyom, CPA; Mercy
During her talk af- iento, Roger Calabio, and Romy Dizon, formed Accountants Association, Gonzales, CPA, CPA
ter having been sworn Dan Palis, Ben Agellon the organization. initiating a program of (US); assistant treasurer
tax clinics in partnership Roan Joy de Vera, CPA;
with other Philippine Ca- Myra Famero, CPA,
nadian community orga- CPA (US); public rela-
nizations for low income tions officer Imelda Bau-
groups, providing pro- tista, BSBA; and direc-
fessional seminars and tors Luisa Abu, BSBA;
training in various areas Anjanet Chan, MBA;
of accounting and its re- Danilo Dimaano, CPA;
lated fields, establishing Ma Vicente Eola, BSC
ties with other organiza- Acctg;Marrietta Gique,
tions to further its objec- CPA; Jaric Justo, CPA;
tives, such as the CGA Melanie Sarmiento,
Association, the CMA BSBA; Helen Silva,
Association, CPA (U.S.) CGA; and immediate
training organizations, past president Edgardo
Consul Edna Mae Lazaro (far right) inducts into office the 2010-2011 of-
and providing services Gonzales, CPA. (PR)
ficers and directors of the Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants.
(Photo: Ariel Ramos) and support to other Phil-
Toronto newspaperman Jojo Taduran (right) with former broadcast col-
league Al Pedroche -- editor-in-chief of “Pilipino Star Ngayon” during the
former’s visit to the Philippines. (Manuel Papa)
YOUR GATEWAY TO THE FILIPINO CANADIAN
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March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 19
 March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 21

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22 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS
PEOPLE & EVENTS March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 23

Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton along with Cast of

‘‘
Angels Mike, Chris and Lando during her visit at
M Studio Restaurant in Mississauga. (Courtesy:
Romy Zetazate)
The first of the series of 2010 Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) events unfolds before us,
Saturday, April 24, and as such, the hardworking PIDC volunteers settle to work. To start off the sea-
son, the chairs and vice-chairs of various PIDC committees, led by PIDC president Minda Neri (5th
from right) gather together for a one entire day of taping aimed at promoting on television the events
of the organization. Among those who joined the new PIDC president for a souvenir photo of the day- Everyone ought to
worship God
long TV production work are (from left) Jun Villaruz, Cesar Manebo, Imie Belanger, Rory Elefano, Es-
tring Aguinaldo, program host Gie Alvarez, Leonie Manzanares, Josie Consunji, Gene Elamparo and
Bernie Sychangco. The PIDC is reputed to be the biggest Filipino Canadian organization in Ontario,
and probably the whole of Canada, mandated to bring to the fore the best of Philippine arts, culture according to his own
and heritage, and now includes charity. Particulars of the PIDC events will soon be circulated widely inclinations, and not
to be constrained by force.
by the executive officers. Front Page Philippines TV is a major media partner of the PIDC having a
reach unparalleled currently by no other existing Filipino Canadian media. The program airs on Rog-
ers Cable, Sundays, 11 AM, on OMNI 2 TV in Ontario and Saturdays, 5:30 PM, in Alberta, and via satel-
lite (ExpressVu -- Channel 216, Star Choice -- Channel 395 and Look Communications -- Channel 74), - Flavius Josephus
simulcast Ontario time. To contact PIDC, please call (416) 621-4985. To contact Front Page Philippines
TV, please call (416) 285-8583. (Manila Media Monitor Photo)

Millennium Support & Care Group

Calling all Seniors, Volunteer Members

Join our club for fun, enjoy a free-food
party, card games, bingo, outings, meet
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Top Photo: A souvenir photo at the dinner hosted by Filipino Centre To-
ronto (FCT) director Mercy Maliglig (seated, 2nd from right) at her residence All for Free with Membership
for the Philippine Consulate staff with Vice Consul Edna Mae Grecia-Lazaro
(seated, 3rd from right). FCT Chair, Dr. Victoria Santiago (3rd from left) was Interested participants, please call
also present during the occasion. Below: FCT president Linda Javier with
MPP for Central Toronto Glen Murray (right) and Brad Duguid, MPP for Scar- or leave a message for
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Toronto (Aida D’Orazio)
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(416) 925-4417
for more information

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24 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS

Crowned as Miss Little Leyteño 2010, March 6, 2010, in Mississauga is Cath-

erine Mae Palanca Dipasupil, representing the town of Julita; 1st Runner
up was Cassie Rosalini Antoni Elises of Alangalang; 2nd Runner up was
Clarissa Serrano Baylon of Dulag; and, 3rd Runner up, Jessica Luib Chami
of Abuyog. Since August, 2009, candidates representing various towns in
Leyte sold raffle tickets, to their parents, relatives, friends, and supporters
for financial donations for a project to be designated by the candidate in
the town they represent. Leytenos Association of Ontario (LAO) President
Jose ‘Pempe’ Saavedra explained that as a provincial organization, there is
always the problem of situating a project in the various towns in the island
of Leyte without offending members in towns not designated. To avoid this
issue, the association encouraged members to help their hometown by leav-
ing the choice to the candidates in the pageant. Ninety per cent of what the
money raised will be used directly for the initiative chosen. (LAO)
Top: Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) pageants chair Rosemer
Enverga responds to a query from Front Page Philippines TV program host
Gie Alvarez on the “Little Miss Philippines PIDC 2010 pageant” as her co-
chair, Sheila Canizares (2nd row, right), smiles and listens. The segment will
air sometime April. Vying for the title are (L-R) Samantha Mangune, Alyssa
Datu, MaeLynn Bucao, Lanna Dadural, Krystal Abrigo, Keisha Denise Balat-
bat and Mya Miskiw. Below: Aso appearing in a future Front Page Philip-
pines episode are the candidates to the “Miss Philippines PIDC 2010″ pag-
eant. In photo (L-R) are Lilly Malloy, Lindsay Anne Farrell, Aileen Gomez,
Michelle Amaral, Chanetelle Yumol, Catherine Grace Amaral, Naomi Macapa-
gal, Joannie Magbania-Nguyen and Jessica Eusebio. Two other candidates
-- whose names are not readily available at press time, are not in the photo.
Both pageants will be held, Saturday, May 8, 2010, at the Korean Cultural
Centre in North York, Ontario. Bing Marasigan co-chairs the Miss Philip-
pines pageant with Rosemer Enverga. At the bottom, are candidates for the
“Mrs. Philippines PIDC 2010”. To be held at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall in
Scarborough, Saturday, April 24, those vying for the title are (L-R) Nancy
Mesa, Amelia Estrada, Josephine Jumaway, Annabelle Migalbin and Maria
Bautista. Sena Flores co-chairs the event. (Manila Media Monitor Photo)

Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) pageant promoters Rosemer

Enverga (left) and Bing Marasigan (right) join Natalie Rafael for a souvenir
photo after the reigning Miss Philippines PIDC taped her 3-second bumper
and other promotional materials for the pageant on Front Page Philippines,
Saturday, March 13. The bumpers and promos will soon air on the Filipino
television program, airing on Rogers Cable, Sundays, 11 AM, on OMNI 2 TV
in Ontario and Saturdays, 5:30 PM, in Alberta, and via satellite (ExpressVu
-- Channel 216, Star Choice -- Channel 395 and Look Communications --
Channel 74), simulcast Ontario time. candidates to the 2010 Little Miss Phil-
ippines, Miss Philippines and Mrs. Philippines pageants likewise recorded
bumpers for airing. (Manila Media Monitor Photo)
PEOPLE & EVENTS March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 25

(L-R) Front Page Philippines TV host Gie Alvarez; Pharma-Cita’s Conchita

DOUBLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Yulito Capillas and Alesandra Ocay
(4th and 6th from left, respectively) are joined by their family in photo, Sat-
urday, March 6, when the former celebrated his 69th, and the latter, her 9th.
Personal and family friends of the celebrators were likewise present during
the night-long fete. (Manila Media Monitor Photo)
and Boy Belo; Manila Media Monitor’s Ace Alvarez; Ducharme Financial
Group’s Jerico Esguera; Zoraida and husband, Dr. Romeo Tan, are among
those who toasted and celebrated the double family celebration on the birth
anniversaries of Yulito Capilles on his 69th and Alesandra Ocay on her 9th.
(Manila Media Monitor Photo)

OFW from p. 9 OFWs and their house- tive expenses”. and expenditures of both 2009.

‘‘
holds spend their remit- The authors analyzed migrant and non-migrant Ang, however, said it Manila Media Monitor
domestic demand, except tances, even as previous data from the 2000, 2003, households. does not matter whether Tel. (416) 285-8583
for food.” studies have observed and 2006 Family Income The data used were there is a crisis or not.
Spend that overseas Filipinos and Expenditures Sur- prior to the global eco-
THE ADB paper is spend their remittances vey (FIES) of the Na- nomic crisis of 2008 Only I can change my life. No one
among the first papers on “conspicuous con- tional Statistics Office, since government has yet can do it for me.
to precisely show how sumption” or “unproduc- and looked at the income to process the FIES of - Carol Burnett
26 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 PEOPLE & EVENTS

Canada Region Commander Sir Emiliano R. Silverio (2nd from left) congratulates
Sir Tobias (Jun) Enverga of the Dimasalang Chapter on his promotion by the Rizal
Canada Region to Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR). Sir Jun’s promotion was
the result of his extensive help in the Rizal operations and projects for the past
several years. Others in photo are Sir Ed Prillo, KGOR (left) and Supreme Council
Trustee Sir George R. Poblete, KGOR (right). What made the event even memo-
rable was that the KCR jewel was presented to the newly promoted KCR by his
wife, Lady Rosemer Enverga (3rd from left).

IT’S A TIE between Buddy Ibe and Ted Dayno (4th and 5th from left, respec-
tively) for the Founders’ Award of the Association of Filipino Canadian Ac-
countants (AFCA). The prestigious AFCA Founders’ Award is given to one
person biennially for one’s meritorious contributions and service to the or-
ganization. Ibe and Dayno, however, earned the highest total points equally
from among the nominees on the various criteria to receive the award, strict-
ly and carefully chosen by their peers in the profession. Joining them in the
celebration of their accomplishments are the council pf past presidents of
AFCA. (Photo: Ariel Ramos)
The Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) has launched the most
prestigious pageants in Toronto: the 2010 “PIDC Miss Philippines” and
“Little Miss Philippines”. Miss Philippines candidates (L-R) are Michelle
Amaral, Regine Semira, Joannie Magbanla-Nguyen, Jessica Eusebio, Ch-
antelle Yumol, Catherine Grace Amaral, Eileen Gomez, and (front row, left)
Lindsay Miijares Farrell. Also in the front row are the candidates for Little
Miss Philippines Candidates (starting, 2nd from left): Maelynn Bucao, Mya
Miskiw, Samantha Mangune, Keisha Balatbat, Alyssa Grace Datu. The win-
ners will become the Ambassadors of Goodwill for the Filipino Community.
PIDC continues to accept candidates for the Little-Miss, ages 5 to10 and
Miss Philippines, ages 15 to 21. Please contact Rosemer Enverga for ad-
ditional information, (416) 284 2810, or email littlemissphilippines@gmail.
com or missphilippinespidc@gmail.com. The PIDC beauties and talents will
soon appear on TV program, “Front Page Philippines” airing on OMNI 2 Tele-
vision, Channel 69, Cable 14, Sundays, 11 AM with alternative viewing on
Thursdays, 4 PM.(PIDC)
 March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 27

LILAND INSURANCE INC.

Sponsored by
1996-2009 TOP MGA IN CANADA AWARDEE
Registration is on going for the next batch
call: 416-759-5453 x-222
 ‘‘
28 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 MONEY

Governments of Canada & Ontario Ontario is making it easier for businesses

support small businesses to work with government, grow and suc-
Launch Single Toll–Free Number, Making It Easier ceed. Creating an environment that will
For Businesses To Get Government Information help attract investment is a key compo-
To make it easier for busi- telephone number with busi- to get information on several nent of the government’s plan to create
ness owners to get the infor- ness information from both topics including financing op- jobs and grow the economy.

‘‘
mation they need, the govern- levels of government. tions, starting or growing a
ments of Canada and Ontario Callers can dial 1-888-745- business, federal and provincial - Harinder S. Takhar,
have collaborated to create a 8888 or TTY 1-800-268-7095 government programs, manag- Minister of Government Services
ing employees, regulations,
taxes, permits and licences,
Small and medium sized enterprises importing and exporting re-
quirements, and more. Government Services at the partnership between Industry
are the engine of the Canadian This was jointly announced Economic Developers Council Canada and ServiceOntario to
recently by Rob Moore, federal of Ontario’s 53rd annual con-
economy. Their success fuels economic ference and showcase.
provide integrated services to
Minister of State, Small Busi- businesses, through the Can-
growth and job creation. This new ness and Tourism and Harinder This new toll-free telephone ada-Ontario Business Service
S. Takhar, Ontario Minister of service is part of an ongoing Centre, and other services.
toll-free number makes it easier for
businesses to find the assistance they
need to make Canada more competitive,
by reducing the burden on hard
working Canadian entrepreneurs.
- Rob Moore, Minister of State,
Small Business and Tourism

PCCT Mini Trade Show slated

Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Philippine Chamber of
Commerce-Toronto (PCCT) is
inviting the public to its mini
trade show and networking
day, Saturday, March 27, from
9 AM to 9:00 PM to be held
at the Quiapo! Quiapo! Res-
taurant and Banquet Hall at
#2Principal Road in Scarbor-
ough.
Rafael Nebres, president
of the PCCT said the full day
event is part of PCCT’s stra-
tegic leadership vision in the
Filipino Canadian business en-
vironment in Toronto and aims
to facilitate interaction among
Filipino businesses, the com-
munity and government insti-
tutions.
The mini trade show is also
aimed at enhancing growth
through team-building efforts
and organizational effective-
ness.
For those who want to join
and rent a table as exhibitor,
please contact the PCCT office
at (416) 850-4966, or e-mail
Oswald Tugadi at ojtugadi@
rogers.com or Agnes Loshusan
at agnesmk@rogers.com.
(AA)
Front Page Philippines TV host Gie Alvarez discusses with Jun Miranda, Asst. Vice Presi-
dent & Regional Head of PNB Global Remit, the topics that she will cover before taping of
the segment for inclusion in an upcoming episode of the program, airing on OMNI 2 Televi-
sion. During the same interview, the PNB Global Remit executive explains to viewers the
company’s new product, dubbed as Email Money Transfer (EMT), where clients of the re-
mittance subsidiary of the Philippine National Bank do not have to go to its office, or agent
locations. Through EMT, clients may transfer money by doing online banking through their
personal banking online facility; safe and secure, says, Miranda. Aside from stressing that
PNB Global Remit offers one best exchange rate, he points out that EMT is “the best service
we can offer to clients who would like to do their remittance at the comfort of their homes,
or offices, especially if their locations are in the outskirts of the city.” PNB Global Remit is a
regular and one major sponsor of Front Page Philippines since it started airing seven years
ago on September 21, 2002 -- both in the program’s airing in Ontario and Alberta. (Manila
Media Monitor Photo)
MONEY
Why pay tax on money
you never see?
By the Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
Based on their in-depth
knowledge of the invest-
ing habits of Canadians,
investment professionals
estimate that half to two-
thirds of all investable
wealth in Canada is held
outside registered sav-
ings plans (RSPs).
That’s understandable
because most conserva-
tive investors take a prac-
tical approach to invest-
ing that seeks to reduce
risk and volatility while
delivering a desired level
of returns over the long
term – in other words,
creating and maintaining
a properly diversified-
portfolio with the best
prospects for long term
growth.
Often, those inves-
tors seek the safety of
‘guaranteed’ or ‘fixed-in-
come’ investments such
as bonds, mortgages,
Guaranteed Investment
Certificates (GICs), and
other interestgenerating
securities, which gener-
ally provide a stream of
income while preserving
capital. (Fixed-income
investments are one of
the three basic types of
investments; the other
PNB names Acevedo
incoming President
MANILA -- The Phil-
ippine National Bank
is embarking on a new
and ambitious five-year
plan aimed at delivering
sustained and enhanced
value to its stakehold-
ers with the recent ap-
pointment of Eugene S.
Acevedo as president and
chief executive officer,
replacing Byron T. Mier
who will stay on as direc-
tor of the bank.
The five-year plan is
intended to boost PNB’s
traditional sources of
revenues which are loan
operations, retail bank-
ing and remittance. Us-
ing this business model,
the PNB looks forward to
generating significantly
higher return on equity
in the range of 18-20 per-
cent.
two are cash and equity).
The problem is that
interest income is the
least tax-efficient income
type.
Every $1 of interest
income is fully taxable,
just the same as your em-
ployment income.
So, if you are heavily
invested in interest-gen-
erating investments, you
are likely to incur a stiff
tax liability each year
-- even though you may
not currently need that
income.
And, your tax liabil-
ity becomes even more
problematic if your in-
vestments produce tax-
able income each year
but this income is auto-
matically reinvested (or
compounded), creating
a tax bill with no cor-
responding cash flow to
pay the tax.
After-tax return
Even though your
interest income invest-
ments may be deliver-
ing a significant return,
that return may also be
significantly reduced by
the high rate of taxes you
must pay.
One option is to move
Acevedo assumes his
position on the annual
stockholders’ meeting
May 25, 2010, and also
the end of the current
term of Mier.
Acevedo brings with
him 23 years of solid
banking experience fo-
cused on treasury opera-
tions at Citibank. He is
currently connected with
Citigroup as Managing
Director and Head of
Global Markets, Hong
Kong and Taiwan Clus-
ter; Country Treasurer,
Hong Kong and Macau;
Treasurer, Citicorp In-
ternational Limited; and
Chairman, Markets Asia
Recruitment Committee.
Mier will be nominat-
ed as a director of PNB
during the forthcom-
ing annual stockholders’
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 29
a portion of your non-reg-
istered investments into
‘equities’ that provide
income from dividends
and capital gains, which
are taxed at a much more
favorable rate than inter-
est income.
For example, any re-
alized capital gains you
receive from an equity
investment are taxed at
just 50 percent -- in other
words, only 50 cents of
every dollar of the capi-
tal gain is subject to tax.
Dividend income also
benefits from federal and
provincial tax credits that
provide a fair degree of
tax relief.
Tax relief,
investment security
If you’re a conserva-
tive, tax-sensitive inves-
tor yet feel uncomfort-
able about increasing
your level of risk by ex-
panding your portfolio of
equities (typically more
volatile investments)
there is a ‘conservative’
solution available to you:
corporate structured deferral benefits similar capital gains. delivering the levels of
mutual funds can of- to equities (or equity mu- A professional advi- return you want in order
ten be as ‘safe’ as fixed- tual funds), as along with sor can help ensure your to help realize your finan-
income investments yet the advantage of having portfolio is both tax- cial goals.
can also provide same tax your returns realized as efficient and capable of
meeting in May. He will a company under the re- merger with Allied Bank- sion and wider domestic
continue to be PNB’s rep- ceivership of the Securi- ing Corporation likewise and international foot-
resentative to the board ties and Exchange Com- signals a new phase and print that are expected
of Victorias Milling mission. a new set of opportunities
Corp., the first successful Management said such as revenue and cost PNB
bank-led rehabilitation of that PNB’s forthcoming synergies, market expan- continued on p. 30
30 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 MONEY
PNB from p. 29 profitability.
With the strong foun-
to significantly enhance dation set in place, PNB
the bank’s financial pros- is thus well positioned to
pects. explore new territories
“PNB is grateful for that will provide addi-
President Mier’s com- tional sources of income
petent leadership which and growth. As a whole,
enabled the Bank to suc- this new business tack
cessfully complete its is envisioned to enable
rehabilitation program in PNB to further strength-
2007.” en its franchise as one
From 2003 up to 2009, of the most stable and
PNB has achieved signif- well entrenched banks
icant strides in reducing in the Philippines serv-
its non-performing loans, ing a broad segment of
fortifying its core busi- customers, both here and
nesses, and improving overseas. (Manila Times)
Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre’s Resty del Rosario with wife, Luz del
Rosario, who serves as Trustee for Ward 6 and 11 in the English Separate
District School Board of the Dufferin-Peel region, together with other guests
at the induction of the new board and officers of the Association of Filipino
Canadian Accountants in Scarborough, Ontario, March 6, 2010. (Ariel Ra-
mos)
ENVIRONMENT
Q
Dear
EarthTalk:
My husband
and I want to
start a gar-
den this year.
I really want
to make compost from
leftover food scraps and
yard materials. He says
it will attract unwanted
animals, and refuses to
agree to it. Is he right? If
so, how do we deal with
that issue in a green-
friendly, non-lethal
way? ashes before burying it
-- Carmen Veurink, Grand
Rapids, MI
A
It’s true
that outdoor
compost piles
and bins can
be a draw for
wildlife—be it
bears, rats, rac-
coons, skunks, opossums
or some other creatures
of the night—but there
are ways to minimize the
attraction. For one, make
sure everyone in your
household knows to keep
meat, bones, fish, fat and
dairy out of the compost.
Not only will these items
“overheat” the compost
pile, they’ll also stink
it up and attract ani-
mals.
Otherwise, home
composters should
keep in mind that
critters aren’t actu-
ally eating the com-
post but are sifting
through it to find fresh
edible kitchen or garden
scraps. To discourage
animals, the website Or-
ganicGardening.com rec-
ommends mixing kitchen
garbage with soil or wood
in the hot center of your
compost pile. Washing-
ton State’s Department
of Fish and Wildlife rec-
ommends not putting any
food scraps in open com-
post piles, but says that if
you must, bury them un-
der at least eight inches
of soil and then place a
wire mesh barrier over
the top held in place with
a heavy object or two.
Putting your compost
pile in a pest-proof con-
tainer is another way to
prevent tampering with
your precious organic
soil-to-be. Compost tum-
blers are popular because
they mix and aerate by
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor
EarthTalk®
From the Editors of
E/The Environmental Magazine
Gardening & Composting
just being turned occa- worm bin. You can still
sionally, and they keep put kitchen scraps in just
raccoons, rats, dogs and like in a bigger outdoor
other interlopers at bay. compost pile, but with-
Otherwise, compost bins out the worry of attract-
LexnGer, courtesy Flickr.
with wire tops or sealed ing wildlife. The website
lids work well too, but re- Instructables.com offers
quire a little more manual instructions for how to
labor in terms of stirring. create your own worm
Of course, another op- composting bin. Another
tion would be to make the good source is the blog
compost indoors using a One-Change.com, which
31
offers a step-by-step cally placed fencing and
guide to the process.
The long and short
wire mesh can frustrate
some critters enough to
of it is that if you keep them moving along,
know what you’re but you can be sure some
doing, composting of your neighborhood
can be a reward- wildlife will reap the har-
ing, environmentally vest that you’ve sown.
friendly and pest-free And as long as they leave
experience. For some enough for you, who
great tips on how to get can’t live with that?
started, visit the website CONTACTS: Organ-
Composting101.com, a icGardening.com, www.
comprehensive and free organicgardening.com;
guide for the home gar- State of Washington
dener on what to do and Department of Fish &
how to do it. Also, some Wildlife, wdfw.wa.gov;
forward-thinking cities Instructables, www.in-
such as Seattle are pick- structables.com; One
ing up food scraps with Change Indoor Compost
yard waste at the curb- Bin, one-change.com/
side along with garbage blog/2006/04/indoor-
collection, and making compost-bin/; Compost-
huge amounts of com- ing101.com, www.com-
mercially viable compost posing101.com.
out of it. If your city or SEND YOUR ENVI-
town offers a similar pro- RONMENTAL QUES-
gram you might want to TIONS TO: EarthTalk®,
consider saving yourself c/o E – The Environ-
the trouble of doing it at mental Magazine, P.O.
home for the common Box 5098, Westport, CT
good. 06881; earthtalk@emag-
One more thing to keep azine.com. E is a non-
in mind is that the garden profit publication.
itself may attract as much
if not more wildlife than Manila Media Monitor
some food scraps in a Tel. (416) 285-8583
compost pile. Strategi-
32 Manila Media Monitor March 2010
Frequently, family and
friends ask, “Doesn’t it cost
more when I service my car at
the dealership?”
The answer is “no”. The
price is what you pay, but the
value is what you receive.
Three months ago, I asked
an employee to bring her 1995
Honda Civic to a popular
“Quick Lube” station to have
her oil changed. The facility
changed her oil, checked her
fluids, and recommended some
additional service work – and
all inside of 25 minutes. The
Masse demands gov’t
investigate Toyota
OTTAWA - The government
must launch an investigation
into Toyota that parallels ac-
tions taken in the United States
so that Canadians receive equal
treatment and protection, New
Democrat Industry and Au-
tomotive Critic Brian Masse
(Windsor West) recently said.
“The inaction of this gov-
ernment in dealing with Toyota
recalls has left Canadian con-
sumers with nothing compared
to their American neighbors,”
total cost of her
invoice was
Car Ownership service. The oil
change includes
$51.34. Not bad
you say, but let’s
Made Easy an original oil
filter engineered
compare this to RAFAEL NEBRES specifically for
what you would that brand to
receive at the
dealer.
The value you receive is protect
engine.
your
They
At a dealer-
ship, the staff
the price you paid for use the highest
grade oil in ac-
value your time, cordance with
but maintain that 25 minutes is of any maintenance require- your car engine’s specifica-
an unrealistic duration to prop- ments. A brand trained techni- tions. Most dealers check your
erly evaluate a vehicle. They cian who works exclusively on vehicle’s serial number to en-
endeavour to inspect each vehi- the brand of the car that you sure that there is no outstand-
cle thoroughly and apprise you are driving will complete your ing recalls. They provide you
edies worldwide. Toyota also
announced it would pick up
recalled vehicles and provide
rental cars with no charge for
American consumers. In addi-
tion, Toyota will establish an
Masse said. ta’s Canadian consumers?” Automotive Centre of Quality
“Toyota is providing better Congressional hearings in Excellence with a significant
compensation, more informa- Washington have led to com- investment of resources and
personnel. There have been no
equivalent announcements or
Canadian investigation commitments in Canada.
Investigations by the U.S.
needed to get equal Attorney for the Southern Dis-
trict of Manhattan, the U.S.
treatment for Canadians Securities and Exchange Com-
mission, and the National High-
tion and better protection to mitments by Toyota to dis- way Safety Administration are
Americans. Why won’t this close information concerning ongoing. Transport Canada has
government stand up for Toyo- all vehicle recalls and rem- declined further investigation.
MOTORING
with a vehicle check list indi-
cating areas of concerns and
the level of urgency for repair.
Your tires are measured for
tread wear and adjusted to the
proper pressures. You get all
this for 2 to 5 dollars more than
the leading “Quick Lube”.
Please remember next time
that the price is what you pay
but the value is what you re-
ceive.
Another way to “make your
car ownership easy.” (rafa-
el168@yahoo.com)
“All these new commit-
ments by Toyota to U.S. con-
sumers and the U.S. Congress
are a result of the committee
hearings and various crimi-
nal and regulatory investiga-
tions. Meanwhile in Canada,
the government has decided
not to investigate at all. They
have abandoned Canadians
and let Toyota off the hook,
says Masse. “Committee hear-
ings in the House of Commons
are the only way to protect Ca-
nadians since the Harper Con-
servatives are derelict in their
responsibilities.” (NDP)
Manila Media Monitor
Tel. (416) 285-8583
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
FDCP runs a historical
scriptwriting contest for 2010
The Film Develop-
ment Council of the
Philippines (FDCP) is
holding a national script-
writing competition
this year. Deadline for
submission of entries is
May 20. Winners will
be announced on Inde-
pendence Day, June 12,
2011.
The contest aims to
promote and support the
development and growth
of the Philippine film in-
dustry to uplift aesthetic,
cultural and social values
for a better understand-
ing and appreciation of
the Filipino identity.
This historical script-
writing contest is open to
all Filipino writers, his-
torians, film enthusiasts,
overseas Filipino work-
Heart 2 Heart - Lovers delight
After a successful
stint in Doha, Qatar on
February 4, 2010 and
Dubai last February 5,
H2H kicks off its North
American tour in Toronto
on Friday, May 14, 2010,
7:30 p.m. at the Massey
Hall before proceeding to
eleven different cities in
the U.S.
Toronto, Canada got
the best deal, eh!
All this is brought
about by JREM Group
Productions in associa-
tion with Belo Essen-
tials.
Heart 2 Heart features
two famous love teams
of GMA-7. Regine Ve-
lasquez and Ogie Al-
Max Out on Your
Promotional and
Marketing Efforts.
Get Combo Ad Rates
for Television,
Newspaper &
Radio.
Call (416) 285-8583
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 33
ers and Filipino expats. pages of the script. The
Contestants may either be screenplay must be writ-
based in the Philippines ten in Filipino, English
or outside the country. or in any local Filipino
The Philippine Con- dialect. Script written
sulate General’s office in in a local dialect should
Toronto said a panel of have a Tagalog or Eng-
distinguished judges will lish translation. Also,
declare three winners. if the script is written in
The first prize winner Filipino or English but
will receive P350,000; carries in part dialogues
the second prize winner, in a local dialect, the ver-
P250,000; and the third nacular should also have
prize winner, P150,000. translation. There should
Applicant should sub- be historical accuracy
mit only one entry repro- in the script that will be
duced into 7 copies, each submitted.
copy to be accompanied For more information Arevalo Ledesma Edmundo King Kizer
by a synopsis. The name and queries concerning Arevalo Ledesma does a 60s Elvis Presley showmanship while singing
of the writer and title of the contest, please call “Johnny B. Goode”, while Edmundo King Kizer seriously belts out “Help
the script must be typed FDCP: Cely Tomas at Me” at the first round of the Filipino Singing Idol 2010 at the Filipino Centre
out on a separate infor- 634-6984 or Abi Portillo Toronto’s Rizal Hall. Ledesma won the first prize and Kizer, second. Both
are new arrivals in Toronto from the Philippines. They will appear in the Fili-
mation sheet. No identi- at 638-2739 or log on to pino Singing Idol Grand Finals at Nathan Phillips Square on June 13. (Aida
fying marks of the writer www.filmdevcouncilph. D’Orazio)
should appear on the org.
host of the Philippines’ also one of the biggest Maalihan, (905) 472-
version of Family Feud. product endorsers. 5818, Cell (647) 401-
Marian Rivera -- who As a bonus treat, for 5818; Rene Maalihan,
casid; DingDong Dantes and PMPC (Philippine became popular for her the first time the Brange- (647) 401-7363; and El-
and Marian Rivera. Movie Press Club) “TV role in teleseries Mari- lina of the Philippines vie, (416) 656-8269.
Regine Velasquez, the Best Comedy Actor” Mar, is now the hottest will be in Toronto. So For tickets reserva-
Diva, and also known as DingDong Dantes, 3rd actress and dancer in the don’t miss the show! tion, please visit www.
jrementertainment.com.
VISA and Mastercard ac-
cepted.
Ticket prices: $145
VIPs; $120, $110; $100;
$80, $70, $55.,
A chance to meet the
stars in person for auto-
graph and photo oppor-
tunities. VIP ticket hold-
ers are invited to attend
the VIP Night, Thursday,
May 13, 2010 at the Rem-
brandt Banquet Hall, 930
Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes Progress Avenue, Scar-
Asia’s Songbird. Sexiest Man in the World, Philippines. She is also For ticket information borough. Dinner costs
Ogie Alcasid, Aliw ‘s most popular male model known as “Dyesebel” and sponsorship, please $40.00 per person. (PR)
“Entertainer of the Year” in the Philippines, and and “Darna”. Marian is call Elenita (Neneng)
34 Manila Media Monitor March 2010
KCCC Board of
Directors and officers
elected
The Kalayaan Cul-
tural Community Centre
(KCCC) has announced
the election of a new
board of directors during
the annual general mem-
bership meeting last Feb-
ruary 28 to serve for the
next two years.
Five of newly elected
board were new members,
namely, Minnie Ban-
dayrel, Benny Cuevillas,
Tommy de Guia, Benja-
min Montada, and Eula
Rulloda, were welcomed
to the board after the
election.
The Financial State-
ment for the fiscal year
2009 was presented to
the members during the
meeting, which Ching
Quejas, KCCC president
said, was highlighted
by the reduction of the
building’s mortgage in-
terest rate from 9.75% to
3.75%.
The KCCC president
said this is significant be-
cause a bigger amount of
mortgage payments are
now applied to the prin-
cipal amount of the loan,
Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a
defeat, for it is momentary.
ARTS / ENTERTAINMENT
Kitchie Nadal signs with Mstudio exchange and exposure
of unknown, independent
artists here in Canada as
Manila singer and based on real-life well as the Philippines.
songwriter Kitchie Nadal events and char- On March 20, Nadal
has agreed to collaborate acters at Mstudio performed one of her
instead of the interest.
with Mississauga-based Bar. Working ti- chart-topping single,
The Board of Direc-
Mstudio Productions to tles are Freestyle Huwag na Huwag Mong
tors and Officers elected
produce a new album. Friday, Rakaoke, Sasabihin at The Poor
were Ching Quejas, Pres-
This was announced Sound Check, Alex located at 772A
ident ; Edgar Frondozo,
recently by Mstudio’s and Dating Disco Dundas St. West of
Executive VP; Resty del
Deo Moreno, who said Game. Bathurst, the concert will
Rosario, VP, Programs/
that Nadal is also break- The shows feature a number of local
Admin.; Eula Rulloda,
ing a new ground as an will be aired on indie bands such as Cos-
Secretary; Estelita Liwag,
actress, and agreed to ap- FTV, a subscrip- micrayons, Noizytoyz,
Treasurer; Benny Cuevil-
pear in “barKada”, a TV tion channel on and Out of Luck – music
las, Auditor ; Dr. Romy
series planned to go in Rogers Cable 869 pieces which have been
Sinajon, PRO. Elected to
production this year. and other social used in television com-
the board are Archie Ay-
The show is currently network media mercials and have had
ala ; Minnie Bandayrel;
in development phase outlets. radio airplay both here in
Luis Carbonell; Tommy
where the characters are Moreno said, Toronto and in the Philip-
de Guia; Benjamin Mon-
acquainted with script “We are still look- Kitchie Nadal pines
tada ; Delfin Palileo; and,
writers while the plots ing for people valuable experience or Mstudio is calling all
Ruffy Romano.
are fully developed. The with or without experi- agreeable to deferred wannabe rock stars, VJs,
show revolves around ence who are interested payments, then you may stand-up comics, beauty
Ring in Spring!
a bar that has become a in working behind-the- want to throw yourself in queens, ladies’ men and
Spring Dinner &
haven for artists and their scenes or in front of the the mix.” everyone in between.
Dance at Kalayaan
stories. camera,” adding that Moreno expressed an- Call 905 564 8773 or
Centre
Moreno said Mstudio “Most of the positions ticipation that the collab- send email inquiries to
Meanwhile, everyone
Productions has plans to available are unpaid but oration with Nadal will moreno.deo@gmail.com
is invited to make one’s
produce other TV shows if you are looking for open doors that will allow (PR)
way to the Kalayaan
Centre on Friday, April 9
for a treat to an evening Drive, Suite 3. going to Kalayaan Cen- always visit us at: www. of the broader Canadian,
of dancing, great food, So, Break out your tre. kalayaancentre.ca. Filipino and global so-
and great fun! semi-formal attire for this For tickets or more The KCCC is a non- cieties, thru affirming,
Kalayaan Centre’s big event! Doors open at information about this profit charitable orga- strengthening and em-
Spring Dinner & Dance 6:30 p.m. and dinner will event contact Kalayaan nization that serves the powering processes, ser-
Fundraiser will take place be served at 7:30 p.m. Centre at: coordinator. interest of the Filipino- vices and activities. (PR)
at the facility’s beautiful Tickets are only $20 kccc@bellnet.ca or 905- Canadian community as
Grand Hall, 5225 Orbitor each with all proceeds 602-0923. Or you can a contributing member
Superstar of RP Moviedom calls on the New
Consul General in Toronto: Nora Aunor paid a
courtesy call on the new Consul General of the
Philippines in Toronto, Tuesday, March 16, as
she prepares for her live concert in the city at
the Toronto International Celebration Church
in Scarborough. The concert, originally
scheduled Saturday, March 20, was cancelled.
No explanation was communicated by ThMS
Thee Mustard Seeds Entertainment Limited
-- the concert promoters for Ms. Aunor in To-
ronto, to this publication why the concert was
cancelled, nor when the show is re-scheduled.
(also with files from PhilConGen-Toronto
The rock metal band “Cast of Angels” after another performance at the Poor
- Mahatma Gandhi Alex Theatre in Toronto, March 20. (L-R) Chris, Lando, Ramon (sitting), Liz,
Lei and Mike. ( Romy Zetazate/St. Jamestown News Service)
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 35

Filipino Canadian community’s gration, family separa-

stories of migration unravels at the
arrival of the Maleta
Over 180 Filipino
women, workers, youth
and allies linked arms last
March 20, welcoming
the arrival of the much-
anticipated Maleta (Suit-
case) Project in Toronto.
Entitled “End the Exploi-
tation, March for Libera-
tion: The Maleta Project
Launch,” the multi-me-
dia arts exhibit and cul-
tural show unpacked the
Filipino-Canadian com-
munity’s maletas before
the public, exposing their
rich history of migration.
With a particular focus
on enhancing women’s
equality, human rights
and genuine develop-
ment, the launch was a
milestone event for the
Magkaisa Centre’s or-
ganizing work with the
community.
The exhibit fea-
tured art produced by
the member organiza-
tions of the Magkaisa
Centre: the Philippine
Women Centre of Ontar-
io; SIKLAB-Ontario (a
Filipino-Canadian work-
ers organization); and
Ugnayan ng Kabataang
Pilipino sa Canada/Fili-
pino Canadian Youth Al-
liance-Ontario (UKPC/
FCYA-ON). Drawing
an overcapacity crowd
of community members,
marked the day as the
beginning of the celebra-
tion of PWC’s 10 years
of organizing work in
Ontario.
Messages of solidarity
were read from the Ka-
layaan Centre in British
Columbia and the Kapit
Bisig Centre in Quebec,
followed by a keynote
speech from Cecilia Di-
ocson, Executive Director
of the National Alliance
of Philippine Women in
Canada (NAPWC).
Diocson shared the
journey of her maleta
when she migrated in the
1970’s. “I only had
one suitcase. Being a
landed immigrant and a
nurse, I knew what I had
in my maleta – a dozen
of nursing uniforms and
nursing caps. I was ready
for work,” she narrates,
illustrating how the mi-
gration of the Filipino
community in Canada
has always been in re-
sponse to the economy’s
labour demands. For her,
the maleta represented
both the community’s
history and its future as
the 4th largest commu-
nity in Canada.
Diocson encouraged
the audience to unpack
more maletas through
documenting our wom-
mon struggles.” He dis-
covered that the true con-
tents of the maletas were
these actual narratives.
“Otherwise, art without
social relevance is hol-
low, like an empty suit-
case,” he further stated.
The closing remarks
were delivered by Alle-
ben Purugganan, member
of the PWC-ON. Posing
the question, “What do
art and women’s libera-
tion have in common?”
She challenged dominant
notions of freedom in a
world where systemic
barriers continually hin-
der Filipino women from
achieving genuine equal-
ity. As both an artist and
a community organizer,
she described Maleta as a
larger project of redefin-
ing culture – one that is
for the people and raises
a collective conscious-
ness. “Art for the people
is for liberation,” she em-
phasized.
The volunteers and
participants of the proj-
ect then returned on stage
to perform a song called
“Wavin Flag” expressing
the community’s strength
and their continuing
struggle for freedom.
“Interweaved through
years of educating, or-
ganizing and mobiliz-
tion, racism and access to
healthcare. The fact that
people could relate to the
Maleta Project is a testa-
ment to the effectiveness
of the collective process
through which the project
was conceived. “It was so
fun getting involved with
something like this for
the first time, especially
when I hear people say
how good and well-orga-
nized the exhibit is,” said
Meryll Aguila, who is
currently in high school
and is one of the project’s
participants.
A groundbreaking
Classic Pilipino Puzzle 2
PAHALANG
1 Alalay sa paglakad
5 Abono
11 Biyuleta
12 Tanggalan
13 Mithi
and historic evening for
the Filipino community,
the night marked the be-
ginning of the Magkaisa
Centre’s seven-month
long art and culture ini-
tiative. “The launching
just gave us all a glimpse
of the bigger and bet-
ter things that will come
out of the Maleta Proj-
ect,” said Sanchez. The
Magkaisa Centre knows
Filipinos will continue to
arrive with their maletas:
there will be more stories
to be told, and more bat-
tles to be fought. Sanchez
said “The Maleta is the
story of our lives. It is the
1 2 3 4 5 6
11 12
13 14
15 16
tangible manifestation of
our assertion of making
the Filipino community
count in Canada.”
Members of the Mag-
kaisa Centre are getting
ready for another round
of workshops, research
projects and community
mobilizations – together
envisioning Filipinos as
empowered members of
this society. Members
of the Magkaisa Centre
concluded the night with
the statement that “the
Maleta project siginifies
the beginning of a new
paradigm for our com-
munity.” (PWC)
7 8 9 10
17

academics, artists, trade en’s oral histories to fur- ing, the Maleta Project 14 Laganap 18 19

unionists and members ther reveal the commu- not only makes our task 15 Atraso
17 Param
of other progressive or- nity’s inspiring stories of of community building 20 21 22 23 24
18 Pangunahing dasal
ganizations, the launch struggle and resistance. more fun and engaging (2 salita) 25 26

was a celebration of a Artist/Educator Ma- but, more importantly, re- 20 Newscaster na

unique form of creativ- rissa Largo shared her claims the central role of Failon 27 28 29 30

ity expressed with strong experiences and valuable women as producers of 21 __ Fernando, 31 32 33

social content, setting the insights as a community history and innovators of Pampanga
spotlight on a community artist who works with creative expression,” ex- 22 Mr. Atienza 34 35

25 Umpisa
that strives to define and women and youth in To- plainsed Stephanie San- 27 Sawata 36 37

produce a dynamic cul- ronto and in Montreal. chez, a UKPC/FCYA-ON 30 Muni

ture that is truly empow-
ering and transformative.
The night opened with
a song performed by Si-
nag Bayan Ontario en-
titled “Bangon Maria,”
a call to women’s upris-
ing and liberation. Joy
Sioson, Chairperson of
the Philippine Women
Centre of Ontario (PWC-
ON) welcomed everyone
as she announced the ar-
rival of the Maleta Proj-
ect in Toronto, ushering
in another phase in Fili-
pino women’s organizing
towards full participation
and entitlement in Ca-
nadian society. She also
She emphasized that the and PWC-ON member. 31 Silong
use of Participatory Ac- “We may not be what 33 Ulupong
24 Manyayahan 27 Leteng
tion Research method- the mainstream perceives 34 Pigil
35 Lamanloob 25 Plata 28 Gaano
ology in the art-making as artists, but the collec- 26 Aklat dasalan 29 Yari
36 Niyapos
process is rooted in genu- tive process allowed us 37 Langis 32 Krokis
ine community partici- to creatively harness our
pation and driven by the particular struggles and PABABA
passion for social change. resistance. We were able 1 Barandilya
“Everyone was involved to make art that our com- 2 Parte ng bahay
3 Taginting
in every stage, from the munity can really relate 4 Ari-arian
Ang millipede, na
conceptualization to the to” she added. 5 Phone o pen__
parang alupihan, ay
art-making,” comments Many were impressed ang hayop na may
6 Busabusin
pinakamaraming
Mark Serrano, a mem- by the ingenuity and 7 Kasunduan
legs. Umaabot sa
ber of UKPC/FCYA-ON. beauty of the art pieces, 8 Modo
750 ang legs ng
“As participants of the noting the clear convey- 9 Bayan sa
ibang millipede.
Pangasinan
project, working and in- ance of the issues that
10 Bulong
tegrating with others al- they shed light on. 16 Madaldal
lowed me to connect my Topics ranged from 19 Din
personal experiences to the Live-in Caregiver 22 Puluhan ng Baril
our community’s com- Program, traumas of mi- 23 Tanglawan Sagot sa puzzle sa pahina 38
36 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 REFLECTIONS

God’s 26 Guards
A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home counted them.
church in Michigan . ”It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.
”While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I trav- ”At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped
eled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the
This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the exact day this happened.
halfway point. ”The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who inter-
”On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect rupted told him this story:
money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my ”On the night of your incident in Africa , It was morning here and I was
two-day journey back to the field preparing to go play golf. I was about
hospital. to putt when I felt the urge to pray for
”Upon arrival in the city, I you.
observed two men fighting, one The men who had met together ”In fact, the urging of the Lord was
of whom had been seriously in- to pray that day stood up. so strong, I called men in this church
jured. I treated him for his inju- to meet with me here in the sanctuary
ries and at the same time talked The missionary wasn’t concerned with who to pray for you.
to him about the Lord. they were. He was too busy counting ”Would all of those men who met
”I then traveled two days,
camping overnight, and arrived
how many men he saw. with me on that day stand up?”
The men who had met together to
home without incident.... .
”Two weeks later I repeated
There were 26. pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn’t concerned
my journey. with who they were. He was too busy
”Upon arriving in the city, I counting how many men he saw.
was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had
known I carried money and medicines. He said, ‘Some friends and I followed There were 26.
you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to
kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves
into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. in behalf of those who love Him.
”At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle- If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it.
campsite. Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the plans of the wicked one. (Shared
”The young man pressed the point, however, and said, ‘No, sir, I was by Ric S. Medina)
not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all
REFLECTIONS March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 37

Just Stay

‘‘
A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.
“Your son is here,” she said to the old man.
She had to repeat the words several times before the patient’s eyes opened.
Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young
uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand.
The Marine wrapped his toughened
fingers around the old man’s limp ones,
The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went
to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.
Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the
Marine interrupted her.
“Who was that man?” he asked.
The nurse was startled, “He was your father,” she answered.
“No, he wasn’t,” the Marine replied. “I never saw him before in my
life.”

The next time someone

squeezing a message of love and encour- “Then why didn’t you say
agement. something when I took you to

needs you... just be there.

The nurse brought a chair so that the him?”
Marine could sit beside the bed.
“I knew right away there had
All through the night, the young Ma-
rine sat there in the poorly lighted ward,
holding the old man’s hand and offering
Stay. been a mistake, but I also knew
he needed his son, and his son
just wasn’t here.
him words of love and strength. -Author unknown
When I realized that he was
Occasionally, the nurse suggested that too sick to tell whether or not I
the Marine move away and rest awhile. was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed.
He refused.
Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and “I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His son was killed
of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman’s
of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other Name?”
patients.
The nurse with tears in her eyes answered, “Mr. William Grey.”
Now and then, she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said noth-
ing, only held tightly to his son all through the night. The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay. (Author un-
known; shared by Ric S. Medina, Philippine Gideons International – Lu-
Along towards dawn, the old man died. zon)
38 Manila Media Monitor March 2010 REFLECTIONS

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After all, it is real and
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The world offers great
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Traditional Filipino rites mark Catholic Mission and

Semana Santa
Paschal Triduum highlights Lenten observance
By Faye Arellano
This season of Lent,
the church of Our Lady of
Assumption on Bathurst
Street (North of Eglinton
Avenue W) – the Fili-
pinop chaplaincy in To-
ronto, is again humming
with activities in the 40-
day observance of the
“Semana Santa” or the
Holy Week.
While the whole of
Christendom is immersed
sumption Church in the
strict observance of the
Lenten and Easter sea-
sons. These Filipino tra-
ditional Lenten practices
are replete with meaning,
which characterizes the
strong Catholic faith in
the land.
Aside from the regular
devotion to the Stations
of the Cross held on Fri-
days, traditional services
Lenten rituals in the Phil-
ippine homeland.
The marathon Pabasa
of Pasyon -- the singing
of the narrative text of
Christ’s passion, death
and resurrection, will
usher in the Paschal Trid-
uum on Maundy Thurs-
day, April 1.
Spearheaded by the
Knights of Columbus
Council #12582, the
various religious groups,
including the Youth Min-
istry.
“Pious faith expres-
sion in the language of our
homeland brings back to
life intense spiritual jour-
ney of the Filipino com-
munity during the Lenten
season,” explained Grand
Knight Fidel de Guzman,
adding that the Pabasa is
a good example to Ca-
nadian-born Filipinos to
learn about the rich spiri-
tual culture and tradition
of their Filipino heritage.
The Pasyon, the po-
etic rendition in verse
made by individuals or
families and is passed on
to the big crowd expected
to attend.
for generations since it
was popularized back in
The Triduum service
will continue with the Sa-
1703 by Gaspar Aquino lubong, the early morning
de Belen. procession of the statues
The non-stop Pabasa, of the Sorrowful Mother
which ends before noon Mary and the Risen Christ
of Good Friday, will be in a joyful reunion. The
participated in by mem- ceremony, scheduled for
bers of various choirs at 4:30 a.m. on April 4, will
the Assumption Church be followed immediately
and will be held at the by a concelebrated Easter
parish hall. Mass.
Immediately to follow Parishioners are also
the Pabasa will be the invited by the commit-
reading of Huling Pitong tee to a fellowship and
Wika (The Seven Last Easter breakfast at the
Words), which include church basement, where
meditations and reflec- sharing of traditional

in prayers, fasting and
almsgiving, unique Fili-
pino Christian traditions
are in full display at As-
such as Pabasa, Huling
Pitong Wika and Salu-
bong have been lined up,
reminiscent of the staple
Pabasa has been the hall-
mark lenten tradition for
over two decades of the
Archdiocesan Filipino
of the life and suffering
of Christ, is perceived
by many practitioners as
a lenten vow or panata
‘‘
tions by participants. Filipino food will be on
The congregation is en- spread.
couraged to assemble at
the church by 10 a.m. due

Family, close friends, Sagot sa PUZZLE

neighbours, Knights
A K A Y P A T A B A
Call on
of Columbus, reli-
gious associates and L I L A A L I S A N
friends from his church
thronged to his Scar-
A
B
S
A
A
L
M
A M
L I P A N A
God, but
row away
P A L I S
borough home and A M A N A M I N
from the
gave George R. Poblete
(3rd from right) a sur- T E D S A N K I M
prise visit on his75th
Birthday. P I G
P A N
I L
I
N
M
I
U
L
L
A
A
Y rocks.
I L A L I M S A W A
- Indian Proverb
S A W A T A A T A Y
I N A K A P L A N A

Mom Len Mahoney celebrates her birth anniversary with children (left to
right)) Abigail, Russell, Delilah and husband Matthew
March 2010 Manila Media Monitor 39
40 Manila Media Monitor March 2010