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L.M.Confidential
ittle
anila
JULY 2012
MONEY LAUNDERING IN THE
PHILIPPINES
Phl Casino
Mobsters
PINOY FIESTA 2012
MANILA, Philippines - A Manila Times source who regularly plays
at the Resorts World Casino has confirmed that it is widely talked about
that drug and other kinds of “dirty” money are laundered inside casinos.
The launderers either buy chips directly or invest large amounts in
so-called rolling schemes by casino “financiers.”
“The question is, where do these foreigners and local people get all
their money?” he asked.
Many of the casino’s foreign financiers are operating illegally because
their visas do not entitle them to do business here.
He said that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and the
Bureau of Internal Revenue should pry into the transactions of these
dubious individuals since nobody among the known casino financiers
pay taxes. In fact, they do not declare their income.
Non-Filipinos
A list containing the names and photos of financiers operating at
Resorts World was given to The Times. Many of them are non-Filipinos
who have been providing quick financial assistance to losing gamblers.
These foreigners and their local counterparts are said to be
representing corporations that are actually imaginary, meaning nonexistent.
One of the biggest financiers is Hong Kong passport holder Joseph
Ang of the unknown Ringson International Group. The other foreigners
are Wang Li Duan of China, O Men Hyoung of South Korea and Kim
Dong Cho, also a Korean.
Besides foreign passport holders, the following locals are said to be
providing similar “assistance” to gamblers: Lee Moon Sung Thomas,
Osacr Cu, Quintin Ong, Christine Manalo, Anita Ong, Henry Callano
and Kristine Tirona.
“The casino management should be asked to explain and account for
the income of these financiers. Who do they deal with? Where did their
money come from? Where did their money go? These are among the
questions that need to be answered,” the source added.
HK Triad presence
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is verifying
reports that members of some Hong Kong Triad groups are among the
criminal elements that frequent the country’s casinos to launder money
MOBSTERS IN CASINOS
continued on page 7
Ms. Philippines PIDC 2012
Joanne Ascueta, who won Miss Philippines PIDC 2012 is flanked
on her right 2nd runner-up Kristel Arenas and on her left is 1st
runner-up Christina Dumo PHOTO BY ARIEL RAMOS
JULY 2012
PHOTO BY:
999mm Imaging
Group
Marian Rivera looks on as Alev Usta smiles after winning the Miss Philippines Canada 2012 title at the Pinoy
Fiesta and Trade Show Festival. The hottest love-team of Philippine showbiz received a very warm reception from
the appreciative crowd. PHOTO BY ELGIN EVIDENTE
United States fosters closer ties with Vietnam
US Asks Use of Cam Ranh Bay
CAM RANH BAY, VIETNAM (AP) — From
the flight deck of the USNS Richard E. Byrd, U.S.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta could look out
across Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay towards the South
China Sea.
Panetta used a visit to Vietnam to restate the
United States’ intent to help allies in the region
develop and enforce maritime rights in the sea, a
waterway largely claimed by China.
“The new defense strategy that we have put in
place for the United States represents a number of
key elements that will be tested in the Asia-Pacific
region,” Panetta told reporters. He said the U.S.
would “work with our partners like Vietnam to be
able to use harbors like this as we move our ships
L. M. Confidential
from our ports on the West Coast towards our
stations here in the Pacific.”
His visit here, however, is likely to irritate Chinese
leaders who are unhappy with any U.S. buildup in the
region and view it as a possible threat.
“Access for United States naval ships into this
facility is a key component of this relationship (with
Vietnam) and we see a tremendous potential here for
the future,” he said.
The new U.S. strategy for the Asia-Pacific includes
a broad plan to help countries learn to better defend
themselves, and for that to happen “it is very
important that we be able to protect key maritime
US - VIETNAM TIES
continued on page 19
1
Filipino saTORONTO
Victoria Cup is another Success
York Grizzlies Capture the 2012 Victoria Invitational Basketball Tournament Championship
Staff Inspector Doug Quan and Duke U Veteran Robert Brickey greet participants
by Rey Tolentino
th
Bianca
Gonzalez
apologizes
to Amalia
Fuentes
The 6 annual Victoria Invitational Basketball Tournament concluded the 2-day weekend games at the Hoopdome in Downsview Park
with some heart pounding championship games that went down to the last seconds of the game clock to determine the winners.
The Toronto Police team poses at the VictoriaThe
Invitational
BasketballClub
Tournament.
FCT President
Linda
Javierofaddresses
thethe
crowd.
Grizzlies Basketball
emerged asBELOW
the newLEFT,
VIBT Champions
for 2012
by virtue
their wins in
Tykes and the Bantam Divisions.
“I was
BOTTOM RIGHT, The Toronto Raptors cheerleading
squadthe
graces
the Falcons
event. who were defending their 4-time consecutive wins in the tournament.
They unseated
Toronto
shocked.”
Ito ang naging reaksiyon ng
of theToronto,
National
Anthems
open
The Filipino
under
Filipino Centre
President
Linda to
Javier
andthe
Chairman of the Board
Dr. VictoriaCentre
SantiagoToronto
were on hand
to the
greet guests whoTV host-columnist na si Bianca
program
and
endeared
themselves
leadership
Cerrudo-Javier
included opening
Staff Inspector
Douglas
Quan
of the Toronto
Police Service
who came of
forRosalinda
Staff Superintendent
Jane Wilcox, Co-Chair of the Asia
Gonzalez nang mabalitaan niyang
Pacific Community
Consultative
Brickey,
U veteran
and currently
Head Coach
of the Oshawa
to the audience
withCommittee;
a medleyRobert
of songs
thatDuke and
Dr. Victoria
Santiago
is starting
out Power of the
kasama siya sa inireklamo ng dating
National showcased
Basketball League
Canada; Staff
Sergeant
Ronald Khanits
and2nd
Sergeant
Skitting
of the Community
Mobilization Unit of the
theirofindividual
and
melded
decade
of operations
that started
Toronto Police
Service;
Paralumanchampions
winners and sponsors
TFC – the
ABS CBN,
FOREX Toronto,assistance
Body Bliss and FV Foods. movie queen na si Amalia Fuentes.
talents.
All 4the
are2012
pastFCT
individual
out with
Tax Preparation
Naghain si Amalia ang 11 counts
of the Filipino Singing Idol competition
programs in March and April earlier this
The NBA Toronto Raptors Mascot along with the NBA Toronto Raptors Cheerleaders gave out prizes as they entertained the hugeof
crowd
libel complaint laban sa talent
sponsored by the Filipino Centre.
year and the recently concluded President’s
of participants and spectators who filled the courts of the Hoopdome.
manager na si Annabelle Rama.
The Asia Pacific Community
Ball last April 28 at the Royal York
Committee
cooperation
Hotel.
As weand
have
completed
The LittleConsultative
Divas of Toronto:
Alyysa Datu,in
Edessa
Andrada, Maria Teresa
Panaligan
Jheo
Navarro ledthe
the VIBT
singing of the National Isinama rin ni Amalia sa kanyang
with
the
Community
Mobilization
Unit
tournament,
we
now
turn
our
attention
reklamo si Bianca dahil sa isinulat
Anthems to open the opening program and endeared themselves to the audience with a medley of songs that showcased their individual
of
the
Toronto
Police
Service
sponsored
to
the
preparations
for
the
Dr.
Guillermo
and melded talents. All 4 are past individual champions of the Filipino Singing Idol competition sponsored by the Filipino Centre. nitong artikulo sa kanyang kolum sa
2 exhibition games between the FOREX
de Villa Memorial Golf Tournament in
The Philippine Star noong Pebrero
The Asia team
Pacific led
Community
Committee inof
cooperation
withthe
the Miss
Community
Mobilization
Unit of theand
Toronto Police Service
by 2012Consultative
FCT Entrepreneur
July;
Paraluman
competition
12, 2012, na may titulong “Love,
sponsored
2 exhibition
games
between
FOREX
team led
Entrepreneur
of Festival
the Year Joseph
the
Year Joseph
Alilio
andthe
select
players
ofby 2012
theFCT
Cabbage
Town
in theAlilio
fall.and
In select players of the
Laughter
& Intrigues with Eddie &
Toronto Police
led by Sergeant
Mendoza
and PC
Renato Valdez.
won thethe
firstFree
gameClinic
while the
Police
Officers team won
the
the Toronto
PolicePhilip
led by
Sergeant
Philip
the Forex
meantime,
and
other
nd
Annabelle.”
2 game. The friendly competition will continue in next year’s tournament.
Mendoza and PC Renato Valdez. Forex
programs that support seniors, students,
Ang nilalaman ng artikulo ay
won
the
first
game
while
the
Police
Officers
new comers and many other social events
10 Basketball Clubs participated in this year’s VIBT with teams that competed in 7 divisions of youths aged 8 to 19. The basketball clubs
base sa panayam ni Bianca sa
won
the 2ndingame.
Thetournament
friendly included The
in the
FCT
calendar
as scheduled.
that wereteam
invited
to compete
this year’s
Angiels,
Bayan,
Dream continue
Large Basketball,
Gladiators, Durham,
mag-asawang Annabelle Rama at
York Grizzlies Capture the 2012 Victoria
competition
will
continue
in
next
year’s
All
of
these
programs
are
being
completed
Toronto Falcons, Grizzlies, MYAA, North York and Vaughan. The Divisions they competed in were Mosquito - 8 to 9; Tykes – 10 to 11; Pee
Invitational Basketball Tournament
Eddie Gutierrez. Sa isang bahagi
tournament.
while
successfully
managing
the
FCT
Wee – 12 to 13; Bantam – 14 to 15; Midgets – 16 to 17; Junior – 18 to 19; Girls ages 16 and under.
Championship Staff Inspector Doug Quan
10 Basketball Clubs participated in this
building property and its tenants. The 19
ng artikulo ay nabanggit ang
Philip Beloso,
Director,
by long-time VIBT volunteers
and Cris
with the
and
and Duke U Veteran Robert Brickey greet
year’sTournament
VIBT with
teamssupported
that competed
membersLyn
of Tabula
the Board
of Reyes
Directors
as help
wellof Arnel Santos
pangalan
ni Amalia.
Rowell Pacson
managed the
schedules,
conflict
resolution
andvolunteers
ensured the 78 games were played
participants by Rey Tolentino
in 7 divisions
of game
youths
aged 8 referee
to 19. and scorer assignments,
as numerous
supporters
and
results recorded
led the rest
the FCT officers
and volunteers
who made sure the
The 6th annual Victoria Invitational on schedule
Theand
basketball
clubs accurately.
that werePresident
invited Linda Javierprovide
the ofsupport
and foundation
needed
BECOME A BETTER WRITER.
was a success:
Efren
de Villa,
Dr. Mario & Perla Andres,
Annthe
Sanservices
Juan, Mercy
Malou
Parcero, Frank Cruzet,
Basketball Tournament concluded the tournament
to compete
in this
year’s
tournament
toMary
ensure
of Maliglig,
the FCT
continue
Bukod sa reklamong libelo,
2-day weekend games at the HoopdomeTheresa Lumanlan, Suzette Cresencia, Felino Javier, Babes de Villa, Vicky Gerra, Paul and Wendy Arena, Ron Carpio and so many more.
pinayuhan din ni Amalia si Bianca
in Downsview Park with some heart
Here
the
Here are the final
resultsare
for the
2012final
Victoriaresults
Invitational:for the 2012 Victoria Invitational
na “take a seminar on writing.”
pounding championship games that went
Division
Teams
Champion
MVP
Hindi naman ito minasama ng
down to the last seconds of the game clock
Girls
Gladiators vs. Durham
Durham
Mary Jo Isip #8
TV
personality, na nagsimulang
to determine the winners.
Mosquito
Bayan vs. North York
Bayan
#5 Tyler Garcia
The Grizzlies Basketball Club emerged
magsulat
ng kanyang kolumn sa
Tykes
North York vs. York Grizzlies
York Grizzlies
Ivan Nana
as the new VIBT Champions for 2012
Philippine
Star noong 2011.
Pee Wee
Falcons vs. North York
Falcons
# 15 James Canlas
by virtue of their wins in the Tykes and
Bantam
North York vs. York Grizzlies
York Grizzlies
#11 Paul Galas
Sa halip, itinuring pa niya itong
the Bantam Divisions. They unseated the
Midget
Dream Large vs. North York
North York
Jaden Magnaye
isang paalala para mapabuti ang
Toronto Falcons who were defending their
Juniors
Falcons vs. Dream Large Basketball
Dream Large Basketball
#23 Jenno Alamasol
kanyang karera bilang manunulat.
4-time consecutive wins in the tournament.
Filipino Centre Toronto, President
“I’D LIKE TO APOLOGIZE.”
Centre Toronto
under the
leadership
of Rosalinda
and
Dr. Victoria
included
The Angiels,
Bayan,
Dream
Large Cerrudo-Javier
year in and
year
out. Santiago is starting out its 2nd decade of
Linda Javier and Chairman of the BoardThe Filipino
operations
that startedGladiators,
out with the Tax
Preparation
assistance programs
in March and April
earlier
thistoyear
and the recently concluded
Basketball,
Durham,
Toronto
Congratulations
once
again
the
Bagamat
naihain na ang reklamong
Dr. Victoria Santiago were on hand to
President’s
Ball lastGrizzlies,
April 28 at the
Royal York
Hotel.
As we
have completed
the
VIBT tournament,
weanother
now turn our attention to the
Falcons,
MYAA,
North
York
and
Filipino
Centre
Toronto
for
libelo laban sa kanya, umaasa
greet guests who included Staff Inspector
Vaughan. The Divisions they competed in
successful running of the Victoria
si Bianca na maaayos pa ito sa
Douglas Quan of the Toronto Police
Invitational Basketball Tournament!
Service who came for Staff Superintendent were Mosquito - 8 to 9; Tykes – 10 to 11;
labas ng korte.
Pee Wee – 12 to 13; Bantam – 14 to 15;
Jane Wilcox, Co-Chair of the Asia Pacific
Aniya, “Nobody likes na may
Midgets – 16 to 17; Junior – 18 to 19; Girls
Community Consultative Committee;
kaaway, na may masaktan, so I’m
ages 16 and under.
Robert Brickey, Duke U veteran and
hoping na magkaayos, like Ms.
Philip Beloso, Tournament Director,
currently Head Coach of the Oshawa
Amalia, whom I’ve never had the
supported by long-time VIBT volunteers
Power of the National Basketball League
honor of meeting.
Lyn Tabula and Cris Reyes with the
of Canada; Staff Sergeant Ronald Khan
“So if given the chance, oo
help
of
Arnel
Santos
and
Rowell
Pacson
and Sergeant Skitting of the Community
managed
the
game
schedules,
referee
and
naman,
I’d love to [make amends].”
Mobilization Unit of the Toronto Police
scorer
assignments,
conflict
resolution
Kasunod nito ay humingi ng
Service; the 2012 FCT Paraluman winners
and ensured the 78 games were played on
paumanhin si Bianca kay Amalia.
and sponsors TFC – ABS CBN, FOREX
schedule and results recorded accurately.
Toronto, Body Bliss and FV Foods.
“I had no intention whatsoever na
President Linda Javier led the rest of the
The NBA Toronto Raptors Mascot
ilagay siya sa masamang posisyon.
FCT officers and volunteers who made
along with the NBA Toronto Raptors
“I highly respect everything she
sure the tournament was a success: Efren
Cheerleaders gave out prizes as they
said,
yung opinion niya.
de Villa, Dr. Mario & Perla Andres, Mary
entertained the huge crowd of participants
“I
understand
where she’s coming
Ann San Juan, Mercy Maliglig, Malou
and spectators who filled the courts of the
from and hopefully maayos ‘to.
Parcero, Frank Cruzet, Theresa Lumanlan,
Hoopdome.
“If she got hurt, or if any one got
Suzette
Cresencia,
Felino
Javier,
Babes
de
The Little Divas of Toronto: Alyysa
Villa,
Vicky
Gerra,
Paul
and
Wendy
Arena,
hurt,
I’d like to apologize.”
Datu, Edessa Andrada, Maria Teresa
Ron
Carpio
and
so
many
more.
Panaligan and Jheo Navarro led the singing
2
L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
Pinoy child smokers rise,
aided by cheap cigarettes
Joshua and Gian, aged nine and six, make
a meager living scouring mountains of
trash for recyclable items to sell. The
two hardly make enough money to feed
themselves, yet everyday, after spending
hours clawing through garbage, the two
visit a nearby nearby sari-sari store where
they spend their hard-earned money on
cigarettes.
MANILA, Philippines -- In an
episode that aired on June 7, the GMA
public affairs program “Reporter’s
Notebook” tackled the alarming increase
in the number of young Filipinos who
smoke. According to the Global Youth
Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted
by the World Health Organization,
the percentage of Filipino teens aged
13 to 15 who smoke rose from 19.6
percent in 2003 to 27.3 percent in 2007.
Today, the National Youth Commission
estimates the figures to reach as high as
40 percent.
Young people who smoke may pick
up the habit at home, experts say. Over
half of the students surveyed for the
JULY 2012
2007 GYTS reported having family
members who smoked at home. Joshua,
the nine-year-old boy interviewed
for “Reporter’s Notebook” started
smoking when he was five because his
siblings would send him to the store
to buy their cigarettes. “’Pag wala pong
mapasindihan, sinisindihan ko po,” says
Joshua.
In Southeast Asia, cigarettes are
cheapest in the Philippines, where the
number of smokers is also highest. It
is no surprise, therefore, that seven
out of 10 leading causes of mortality
among Filipinos are smoking-related.
According to the Department of
Health, around 240 Filipinos die from
smoking-related diseases everyday,
while another 500 to 800 fall ill.
These alarming statistics are among
the reasons for the filing of House Bill
5727, also known as the Sin Tax Reform
Bill. The Sin Tax Reform Bill seeks to
increase the price of cigarette products
from P11.50 to P23.50 on its first year
of implementation. Tobacco products
costing P11.50 and above will be sold
for P31.80. On June 6, the House of
Representatives, despite lobbying from
tobacco companies, passed the Palacebacked bill, which now awaits passage
in the Senate.
Meanwhile, cigarettes can still be
bought per stick at neighborhood stores
by curious children whose parents and
older siblings continue to puff away.
L. M. Confidential
3
Naku ha!
editor’s
(LittleManilaConfidential.com)
glance. The sad part is I still left
the convention not getting laid.
I did tell them that this was
discrimination and tantamount
to Press Censorship. They told
me that they are not censoring
me. I can write about it all I
want. After thinking hard, I
work in raising funds and goods decided it was humilating for
to help the victims of a typhoon me to reveal it so I shut up. But
in the Philippines last year. after all these years, I wanted
Congratulations to the Envergas closure so I am now revealing
for making the Filipinos proud.
it. There, I feel better now.
Well, not really. Ehe, ano ba
Free Entrance sa Pinoy itong nabulatlat ko? Sus Maria
nakatihaya na hindi ko man
Fiesta?
According to “investigative lang napatungan...ehe uli.
reporter” Romy Marquez, he was
not allowed to enter the Pinoy What are you watching?
Fiesta festival because he was not But seriously, are you really
on the list. He said he showed going to the Pinoy Fiesta
them his Press Pass to no avail. festival
to
interview
a
He told them he just wanted to minister? You really think
interview Immigration Minister they are going to grant you
Jason Kenney. In the end, he was an interview? That is like a
not allowed. He also claimed man going to the Philippines
that the festival wanted to have to watch the Santacruzan to
more people inside so they let see the councilor who will
in people for free. This is really, make a 5-minute speech at
really sad. And pathetic. They the end of the parade. Really?
already made the event free Or going to a car show to see
and you still can’t get in. In his the promo girls. Oh wait, I
Balita column, he said friends do go to car shows to see the
offered free tickets on the eve of promo girls. Now, I really can’t
Pinoy Fiesta. Bakit hindi niya wait until Romy Marquez
tinanggap at nakapasok siya nang interviews Minister Kenney
walang problema sana?
and watch and or read his
in-depth interview. I miss
his yearly coverage of elderly
Brings Tears to my Eyes
This reminds me of a convention naked cyclists this year. The
I once covered. I once tried nude cyclists always makes an
to cover a Swimsuit Models appearance during the FCT
Nymphomaniacs
convention Pistahan sa Nathan. And
and I was the only man covering “investigative reporter” Romy
the event. I knew that a senior Marquez always covers them.
80-year old female government I miss it. But I think the pain
Minister of Women’s Rights was of being turned away from a
going to drop by and I told them “free entrance” to Pinoy Fiesta
I just wanted to interview her. still hurts so he never covered
They told me I was not on the the nude cyclists. You should
list. I also showed them my Press see them in all their glory.
Pass. In the end, it did no good. I
stood outside the convention hall
looking in as one nymphomaniac
attendee after another went in
without as much giving me a
note
Pacquiao loses, move on
By now, everybody should have
gotten over Manny Pacquaio’s
lost to Timothy Bradley. We do
not agree with it but let us live
with it and move on. As one of
the comments in a news article,
“Filipinos should stop living their
lives through a boxer.... Work to
make “your” life better... That guy
is a multi multi millionaire, he’s
doing just fine...” There is still
the November rematch. Besides,
MP has accepted it. Why not us?
No More Freebies
Siguro din naman, wala nang
pipila sa labas ng bahay niya para
humingi ng balato. Kahit hindi
niya kilala, binibigyan niya. Sus
ginoo naman. Bakit kaya? Hindi
naman niya kamag anak at ni
hindi kakilala. O baka kaya siya
nagpatalo para tumigil na iyong
mga pumipila.
Who’s Next?
Now, we are going to find
another hero. Sino kaya? Wala
pa namang nasa horizon? Hindi
puwede si Jessica Sanchez. She
sang the US abntional anthem.
We have to develop our soccer
teams. We have better chances
of making it internationally with
this game than with basketball.
In basketball, you need to be tall.
In soccer, you do not need height
to compete.
Power Couple
Last month, it was Toronto
School board trustee Jun
Enverga who got a Queen’s
jubilee medal for advocating for
community and charity. On the
same month, it was his wife,
Rosemner Enverga who received
a jubilee medal her for her selfless
DO YOU REMEMBER THEM?
Alicia Vergel (1927-1993) was
a Filipina actress noted for her roles
as fighting women and amazons
and, like Norma Blancaflor, for her
heart-shaped face. She married
Sampaguita Pictures leading
man Cesar Ramirez and had two
children who are also celebrities
in the Philippines: Ace Vergel and
Beverly Vergel.
Vergel’s film credits include
Diwani opposite Cesar Ramirez,
MN with Carmen Rosales as her
arch-enemy, Balisong with Ramon
Revilla and Madame X with Gloria
Romero as her daughter. She made
the unfinished movie Masarap
ang Bibingka under Sampaguita
Pictures in the late 40s. Her
performance in Basahang Ginto
won Vergel the first Famas Award
for Best Actress in 1952.
In the 1980s she had a role as
Ricky Davao’s strict grandmother
in Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig.
Vergel died of natural causes in
1993.
MAMA ZENY GUZMAN’S
BIRTHDAY
LEFT, Dr. Solon Guzman dances with mom
Zeny. ABOVE, Mama and doc cuts the
cake with Edward and his wife April.
Jose Baking
Submit ads & press releases by July
22 for the August 2012 issue.
..
Faces from the Past
Mama Zeny blows the candle on her cake.
L M Confidential
ittle
anila
EDITOR: Jose Baking
TEL: 416-945-2336
FAX: 416-363-2088
EMAIL:
pleasurelife@email.com
PUBLISHED BY:
Match International Group
CORRESPONDENTS:
Mama Zeny Guzman poses with well-wishers.
Froilan Baking
Noli Gumapac
Raymond Santos
NOTICE
The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Little Manila Confidential only not for other publications. The exception
applies if the advertising material was supplied by the advertiser.
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4
L. M. Confidential
Mama Zeny gets serenaded on her birthday.
JULY 2012
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L. M. Confidential
5
Philippines
PHL Welcomes US Travel Advise
+ PHL to probe why Universities dropped in rankings
MANILA,
Philippines—
Malacañang welcomed the latest travel
advisory of the United States on the
Philippines, even as the government
maintained that the urban areas in the
country are safe.
Deputy presidential spokesperson
Abigail Valte said the latest travel
advisory no longer covered Metro
Manila and other urban centers.
“If you compare (the latest advisory
with the one issued in January), the
travel advisory was downgraded. There
are no more warnings about Cagayan
de Oro, Davao and Manila,” she said.
“It’s good that it (travel warning)
has been downgraded because we’ve
always maintained that Metro Manila
is safe. Our urban centers are safe for
our tourists,” she added.
In January, the US State Department
warned US citizens of possible
terrorist activity in Manila and other
public places like airports, shopping
malls, and conference centers.
The Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) had described the latest US
travel advisory as an improvement.
While the advisory continued to
mention terror threats and insurgent
activities, it was confined to some
areas of Mindanao like Sulu.
DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez
said the new advisory even cited “more
controlled and safety conditions” in
Davao, General Santos and Cagayan
de Oro.
Probe drop in rankings of
Phl’s top universities
Manila, Philippines - Malacañang
wants to know why the country’s top
universities obtained lower rankings in
a study conducted by an international
research organization.
“We also want to be able to look into
why that (drop in the rankings of top
Philippine universities) happened,”
deputy presidential spokesperson
Abigail Valte said.
“But I’m sure that the universities
have already taken notice of this,” she
added.
Valte noted the drop in rankings
could be attributed to different factors,
including the higher rankings of
institutions from other countries.
“It’s not a laughing matter. While
Mama Zeny Guzman’s Birthday
GMA Pinoy TV defines
drama in Kasalanan
Bang Ibigin Ka?
Staff at Dr. Guzman’s Dental office led by Jessica (CENTER)
attend Zeny Guzman’s birthday.
it is still on the list, I’m sure that the
universities are also looking to improve
their rankings. So this is probably
something that their administrations
will be talking about,” she said.
According to research organization
Quacquarelli Symonds Intelligence
Unit (QSIU), five Philippine schools
landed in the top 300 universities
in Asia, but four of them got lower
rankings compared to last year.
University of the Philippines in
Diliman, Quezon City dropped to
68th from 62nd last year. Ateneo de
Manila University ranked 86th, down
21 places from 65th, while De La
Salle University landed on the 142nd
slot from 107th.
University of Santo Tomas, the
oldest existing university in Asia,
ranked 148th from 104th in 2011.
Marriage By Proxy Allowed
MANILA, Philippines --- Can you
imagine yourself having a proxy taking
your wedding vows?
Retired
Lingayen-Dagupan
Archbishop Oscar Cruz said marriage
by proxy is allowed but only under
emergency cases and as a last recourse.
“Strictly speaking this law was
enacted specifically in favor of men
who while in a foreign country, and in
actual battle, they might lose their lives
before they could celebrate marriage
in their own homeland,” Archbishop
Cruz said in an interview.
The chairman of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
National Appellate Matrimonial
Tribunal
(CBCP-NAMT)
said
Canon Law 1105 also states that for
a marriage by proxy to be valid, there
must be documents duly signed by
the one giving the proxy before two
witnesses plus the permission of the
bishop and priest concerned.
Asked who can substitute for the
bride or groom, Cruz said, it should
be somebody who is known to both
parties. “It should be somebody known
to the man and woman who will
stand as proxy during the exchange of
consent,” he said. Cruz said that while
marriage by proxy is still allowed, it is
something that is not done in most
countries such as the Philippines. “In
the Philippines there is not one single
marriage proxy that took place and
allowed by the bishop,” said Cruz.
The former head of the CBCP
said this is because Universal Laws
that apply to the Catholic faithful
all over the globe are also subject to
cultural values of a given place for the
observance.
“Just imagine yourself having your
wedding picture taken with the proxy?
It’s ridiculous and incongruous,” Cruz
said.
GMA Pinoy TV offers an intriguing but no less
heartrending addition to its unbeatable drama block
with “Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka?”
Starring Geoff Eigenmann, Jennica Garcia and Jackie
Rice, Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? follows a compelling
storyline that explores how bonds between family
members are put to the test in the face of love. It also
features Michael de Mesa, Angelika dela Cruz, Bobby
Andrews, and Sharmaine Arnaiz together with Bubbles
Paraiso, Diego Castro, and Pancho Magno.
“Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? is deliciously daring
and sinfully addicting,” described its director Mr. Mark
Reyes. “It’s very exciting to see real life father and son
Michael de Mesa and Geoff Eigenmann face off as
rivals in an edgy love triangle with Jackie Rice, as we
guarantee everyone an unpredictable show.”
While this new Kapuso afternoon drama delves on
mature topics, it also looks at a person’s capacity to
bear with life’s challenges, and sacrifice for the sake of
his or her loved ones.
In the series, sisters Erica (Jackie Rice) and Bianca
(Jennica Garcia) have always lived a happy and
comfortable life with their parents that painted for them
an ideal image of “true love”. Keeping this so-called
image in mind, the simple and unassuming Erica meets
the endearingly handsome yet arrogant Jake (Geoff
Eigenmann) and falls in love with him. But her idea of
a perfect love story was ruined after Jake mysteriously
disappeared and was never heard from again.
What lengths will Leslie take to ruin Erica’s reputation
in the eyes of her father as well as her brother? Can
anything or anyone still come between Erica and
Bianca?
Discover the answers in this drama created by the
GMA Drama Group led by GMA Entertainment OIC
Lilybeth Rasonable, AVP for Drama Redgie Acuña
Magno, Senior Program Manager Cheryl Ching-Sy,
Program Manager Hazel Abonita, and executive
producer Joy Lumboy-Pili. The show is crafted by
creative director Jun Lana, creative head Roy Iglesias,
creative consultant Des Garbes-Severino, concept
creator Kit Villanueva-Langit, and headwriter Agnes
Gagelonia-Uligan.
Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? redefines love, sacrifice
and rivalry, only via GMA Pinoy TV. Call your preferred
pay TV operator now to subscribe.
PCCF OFFICERS
PCCF Officers
pose with Father
Fernando Suarez
(FRONT LEFT).
6
L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
Women and the sari-sari store
She believes people do not
need a lot of things in life to
live comfortably. Her mantra is
to live by the basics and avoid
buying unnecessary luxuries. True
enough, from the earnings of their
store, she has since been able
to send all her seven children to
school.
Economic empowerment
Teresita Antonio makes 4000 a day from her
sari-sari store
IN 1984, Nellie Cornel opened her sari-sari
store with a start-up capital of P800—an
amount she was able to save from the P280salary her husband turned over every month.
With some iron sheets and light materials,
the sari-sari store opened in front of the
family’s humble home. It catered to small
community in Puerto Princesa from 3 in
the morning, all the way to 12 midnight
each day. Nellie and her husband took turns
manning the small the business, clocking
in long hours while taking care of three
children—Nellie even pregnant with the
fourth—at that time.
Today, the sari-sari store has turned into a
mini-grocery, situated on the ground floor of
the Cornels’ four-storey building.
Asked how she was able to turn such a
small venture into a successful livelihood,
Nellie replied that it all boils down to her
“principle of being simple.”
JULY 2012
In December 2010, the CocaCola system in the Philippines
took the challenge of Muhtar Kent,
the company’s chief executive
officer, to economically empower
5 million women all across the
globe by 2020.
Called National Convergence Program
on Empowering Grassroots Women
Entrepreneurs, this program has been
mounted in the Philippines in partnership
with the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (Tesda), local
government units, micro-finance institutions
and
nongovernment
organizations.
Coca-Cola provides access to business
management education, operational training
and financial planning to the chosen women
entrepreneurs.
Coca-Cola and Tesda recently inked a
memorandum of agreement for a renewed
partnership, the softdrink brand’s chief
legal counsel Cristina Bernardino and the
government agency’s director general Joel
Villanueva and as signatories. Coca-Cola
Philippines vice president for Public Affairs
and Communications,
“We know that women have the
confidence and commitment to venture
into small business or micro-enterprise, but
don’t know how to go about it. This is where
we believe our intervention is needed,”
Villanueva stated.
Business intervention
This is exactly what happened to Teresita
Antonio, another sari-sari store owner in
Puerto Princesa who received support and
guidance from the program of Coca-Cola
Bottlers Philippines Inc.
She pawned an old bracelet for capital—
the only family heirloom passed on to her
by her late father. Raising P5,000, Teresita
opened a store named after her only son,
John Clarence, and decided to exclusively
sell Coca-Cola products.
A Coca-Cola account developer noticed
her store during the first few months of its
operation.
They extended support and guidance,
which boosted the income of John Clarence
store.
In a matter of four years, Teresita now
makes P4,000 a day from the sales of CocaCola and other basic supplies. She was
able redeem her family heirloom from the
pawnshop, buy back her small family lot
in Bicol, and is now looking forward to a
brighter future.
Inspiring Lola Bernadita
Bernadita Rivamonde, a native of
Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, is just one of
such inspirational women who, up to this
very day, is a steadfast provider for her
grandchildren and great grandchildren,
some of whom have also ventured in the
same business of sari-sari stores, while
completing their college education.
Since her family could not send her to
school, she worked as a young helper to
several Chinese-owned stores in order to
L. M. Confidential
help her parents and siblings.
When the Japanese-American war broke,
she carried on with her duties and guarded
the store with diligence and honesty. When
the owner of the store came back after the
war, they were amazed that their business
was secure, and as a token of their gratitude,
they gave Lola Bernadita P40 for her
honesty.
With that money, Lola Bernadita, bought
several goods from the market and began
selling them in the town plaza. According to
her, soft drinks had always been part of her
inventory because young men and women
often looked for refreshment after a walk in
the park.
Two years on her mobile sari-sari store by
the plaza, she met a young soldier and they
got married when she was 17. They were
blessed with two children but her husband
passed away after 18 years of marriage.
Since then, she has been the sole bread
winner of the family. They moved to Puerto
Princesa in 1987 after her eldest son died
leaving her with his children.
It was hard for Lola Bernadita but she
took care of her grandchildren and raised
them with the earnings of her sari-sari store
business.
During her start-up years in Puerto
Princesa, Lola Bernadita was grateful that
Coca-Cola extended guidance, keeping
retailers like her abreast with promos and
products. She can never forget the time
her granddaughter won in the three-minute
“Hakot” text promo, bringing home CocaCola products and other grocery items
worth P105,000. Naturally, the promo
boosted Lola Bernadita’s store inventory
and increased her income.
7
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JULY 2012
LMC Life
Filipino moms speak up:
How extreme is extreme?
to get people talking, to have an open discussion about breastfeeding.”
Annavic Aquino-Go, mother of three
ANNAVIC Aquino-Go
According to AAP and WHO, mothers can breastfeed their
children up to two years and beyond.
Yes, it is unusual but I don’t see anything wrong
about it, as long as the mother and the child are happy
about it. Decision to stop breastfeeding should come
from both of them and not because people around
them are uncomfortable about it.
And that’s not even considering actual scenarios
happening here in the Philippines, where less fortunate families
who can’t afford to buy milk and sufficient food for their children
breastfeed for as long as they are able to, even if their children are
already two, three or even four years old.
Kai Nakanishi-Lim, mother of two
The May 21, 2012, issue of Time Magazine, depicting a mother
breastfeeding her standing three-year-old toddler, has caused an
uproar worldwide. Breastfeeding advocates are divided: while
others claim how long the breastfeeding period lasts is the mother’s
prerogative, others insist such children are being set up for dysfunction
in the name of “attachment parenting.” Here, Filipino mothers speak
their minds on the matter.
Teasing
Marta Luque-Araneta, mother of four
MARTA Luque-Araneta
I recently saw the Time Magazine cover of the
breastfeeding mother and her three-year-old child, and
thought it was interesting. On one hand, I am a proadvocate breastfeeding mother; on the other hand, I do
see how this could shock a lot of people.
I can’t imagine the kind of teasing this poor boy is
going to go through, growing up as the “breastfed boy” from Time
Magazine. Psychological health is just as important as physical, and
unfortunately the poor boy is going to go through a lot of ridicule
because of this.
The choice
Lala Gotao-Wong, mother of two
LALA Gotao-Wong
I believe that everything boils down to choosing
what is right for your lifestyle and your values as
parents and individuals.
Whether it is breastfeeding vs formula feeding,
attachment parenting vs non-attachment, co-sleeping
vs not co-sleeping, it is really the choice you make
for yourself and for your child and family, and what you are most
comfortable with as a parent.
Marga Garcia-Morera Blake, mother of three
I’ve never been a fan of extremes so I’ve always opted for the middle
ground. Breastfeeding, although ideal, is not
for everyone and it isn’t fair to imply that you
are less of a mom if you don’t. As a working
mom who nurses, I can also see that it is a
luxury; not every working mom has help to
thaw and feed breast milk to a baby every
three hours. Furthermore, parenting is such a
subjective endeavor that you can’t put definite
rules or timelines. What works for one family
may not necessarily work well for another.
Tootsy Echauz -Angara, mother of three
TOOTSY Echauz-Angara with Rep. Sonny Angara and kids
Breastfeeding is natural, beautiful and is the best thing a mother
can do for her children, its nothing to be ashamed
of. Time Magazine got a lot of praise and a lot
of criticism about their cover. I personally think
there is nothing wrong with having an attractive
woman breastfeeding her child on the cover, not
all moms look tired and haggard. There is so much
opinion and passion about it on talk shows and
online but I think that’s exactly what they wanted—to get attention,
JULY 2012
KAI NAKANISHI-LIM
This Time cover was meant to be controversial, a
nearly four-year-old boy being breastfed in that manner
with the title “Are you mom enough?” It questions the
values of mothers.
I believe no one has the right to judge a mother’s love
on the basis of breastfeeding alone. A mother’s love is
unconditional, but when it comes to breastfeeding, to
each is own. I can imagine how seeing this in public may be awkward
and uncomfortable for many but done in the privacy of their own
home then that would be a different story.
Iza G. Abeja
Director, Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding Inc., and UN MDG-F
Ambassador on Child Food Security and Nutrition
IZA ABEJA and Amina Isabelle
I am a mother of two kids. I breastfed my son Joaquin till his
sixth birthday and am still breastfeeding my daughter Amina, who
is four years old now. I intend to continue this until
she turns six as well. I am an advocate and practice cosleeping and baby wearing all in relation and support
to my extended breastfeeding. I so love the Time
Magazine breastfeeding cover. To have a beautiful
mother with such a healthy toddler, standing proud
and breastfeeding, is a dream come true for me as an
advocate. I have been working very hard together with other advocates
to promote breastfeeding in a country whose majority of its citizen
believes that breastfeeding is but a practice of those too poor to afford
formula and that formula makes children gifted and healthier. Thanks
to formula TV commercials!
That Time cover is a victorious thing for me. And yes, I do believe
extended breastfeeding creates an incredible and amazing bond
between mother and child. I think the mother on the cover exudes
confidence not sexuality. I think showing a toddler breastfeeding
on the cover of Time Magazine is an eye-opener that extended
breastfeeding is a normal and very acceptable practice. After all,
WHO and Unicef recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months
and continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary food
for at least two years and beyond. I think that is enough said.
Ginny Lopez-Proximo, mother of two
GINNY Lopez-Proximo
My view on it is mixed. I am happy to be very handson with my kids and I am so pro for other mothers to
be as hands-on as possible as well but I think this one
is a bit extreme. This photo just gives me the impression
that the mom is still babying her not-so-baby son. And
I don’t think it’s good for the kid in the long run.
MARIVIC Limcaoco
My thoughts on attachment parenting, which is what the article is
all about, right? (and not really about that skinny gorgeous mom with
that naughty-faced little boy?)
If only these Americans knew that what they are
describing is regular parenting, Pinoy-style. We carry
our babies all the time—if not us, it’s our moms, our
sisters, our friends, our yayas. Pinoy babies hardly
“cry it out” because there just seems to be extra hands
always to pick that baby up.
Co-sleeping? Everyone co-sleeps in Manila—it has
to do with the electric bill.
Now, about breastfeeding up to three years old, I don’t think so. I
breastfed each of my kids for six months each (no more, no less—
equal opportunity.
But breastfeeding up to three years old, for sole purpose of getting
the kids attached to me? Are you kidding? The problem with our
parenting style here is that the kids are too attached to their parents.
I think kids need to learn to be more independent and self-sufficient.
L. M. Confidential
Fil-Ams laud
Obama’s Move
NEW YORK, USA - Hundreds of
undocumented Filipinos in the United States
will benefit from US President Barack Obama’s
order to allow young illegal immigrants to stay
in the country so long as they’ve not broken any
laws, a Fil-Am group predicted.
“We welcome and applaud President Obama’s
announcement today giving legal status to young
immigrants whose parents came to this country
without legal status,” said a statement from
the National Federation of Filipino American
Associations (NaFFAA).
The group, which serves an umbrella of dozens
of Fil-Am organizations across America, agreed
with the President “that it makes no sense to
expel talented young persons who are, for all
intents and purposes, Americans.”
Among those celebrating today’s
announcement was Pulitzer Prize winning
Filipino journalist Jose Antonio Vargas
who revealed last year that he too was an
undocumented immigrant. He won the coveted
journalism award while working for the
Washington Post in 2008.
He was in the center of a Time Magazine
cover story that hit newsstands today. His 4,500word essay delved on the need for Congress to
enact the DREAM Act – a proposed law that
opens a path for citizenship to young illegal
immigrants who have served in the military or
finished college here.
The measure has been stuck in Congress
and the highly divisive nature of immigration
reforms virtually guaranteed it would remain in
limbo until at least after the November elections.
President Obama’s directive mirrors the
DREAM Act but only provides for 2-year
permits to live and work in the US, with no limit
on how many times the permits can be renewed.
The order covers only undocumented
immigrants without criminal records who were
brought into the country when they were less
than 16 years old but not older than 30 years old
this year.
The order is estimated to benefit about
800,000 undocumented immigrants.
“We know there are hundreds of young
Filipinos who have grown up in the United
States as Americans but have no basic rights.
They do not present a threat to this country.
They are, instead, valuable assets to a nation that
can use their skills and talents for the betterment
of American society,” NaFFAA spokesman Jon
Melegrito said.
It was too early to gauge the national
mood following President Obama’s surprise
announcement. But one indication perhaps of
how immigration is such an unsettling issue,
President Obama was heckled by a reporter
from an conservative website as he unveiled the
new policy in the White House this afternoon.
“We are grateful for the courage of activists
like Jose Antonio Vargas, a Filipino journalist,
who has taken great risks in calling attention
to the plight of these young people,” Melegrito
said.
They called on Capitol Hill to pass the
DREAM Act immediately and “end the
nightmare of a generation of young people who
are Americans and deserve to have the basic
rights that all Americans enjoy.”
9
Philippines
Senators vs $1B Loan to IMF
+ Comelec did not break rule in Party Listing
MANILA,
Philippines
--Senators criticized the government’s
decision to lend $1 billion from
its reserves to the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), ostensibly
to help other countries in need of
funding, while the Philippines is not
even financially well-off.
Malacañang had already defended
the move, saying it was time for the
Philippines to help other countries
after having been a recipient of IMF
assistance for the past 40 years.
“I’m not in favor (of lending to
the IMF). We are a poor country
pretending to be rich,” said Senate
Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III.
“Wala ngang makain ang mga
mahihirap sa atin, magpapautang
pa tayo (Why lend when our poor
hardly eat)?” Sotto said.
Quite
surprised
over
this
development, Senate President
Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada said “charity
should begin at home.”
“Ang daming kulang sa mga
silid aralan sa ating bansa. Ang
daming kulang na tulay; ang daming
nagugutom; madaming mga pulis
at military na walang sariling bahay,
tapos magpapautang tayo sa IMF
para ipang-tulong sa mga mahihirap
na bansa (Our classrooms are
wanting. We have a big shortage in
bridges; many are going hungry; so
many of our police and soldiers don’t
have housing, yet we will lend money
to the IMF to help poor nations)?”
Estrada asked.
He said corruption in the police
and military establishments may be
reduced if government solves their
housing problems.
“Government should resolve the
many problems in the country before
it attempts to lend money to the IMF
for relending to poorer countries,”
said Estrada.
Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III,
president of PDD-Laban party, said
the government should have used the
$1 billion to retire a portion of the
principal of the national debt.
For his part, Sen. Gregorio
Honasan II pointed out that
the $1 billion comes from the
country’s dollar reserves which are
not convertible into pro-poor or
infrastructure projects.
Presidential
Communications
Pinoy
Sarah Geronimo
is the most popular singer among 7- to
14–year-old Filipinos today
Victoria Cup
Joseph Alilio of Forex coaches his team against the Toronto Police team.
Development and Strategic Planning
Office Secretary Ricky Carandang
said that instead of criticizing the
government, Filipinos should be
proud that the Philippines is now a
lender.
“We have been a member of the
IMF since it was found. The IMF has
helped us and as a member of good
standing, we are no longer borrowing
but contributing,” he said.
He also said the Philippines
has also contributed to other
international
organizations
of
which it is a member, including
the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN).
“I don’t think it’s an issue that we
contribute to the IMF,” Carandang
said.
The Philippines has pledged to beef
up its contribution to the IMF to help
countries in Europe experiencing
economic crisis, including Portugal,
Ireland and Greece.
Other neighboring countries that
have pledged $1-billion to the IMF
include Thailand and Malaysia.
In 2011, the Philippines infused
$251.1-million in the IMF’s
Financial Transactions Plan, which
enabled financial aid to European
countries like Ireland, Portugal and
Greece.
Comelec’s Party-list
Random Listing Backed
MANILA, Philippines --- An
election lawyer said the Commission
on Elections (Comelec) did not
violate any law nor any right of any
party-list group when it ordered the
random listing of party-list groups
in the official ballots for the 2013
national elections, saying it is within
their power.
“It is within the power of the
Comelec to institute such reformative
poll measure in order to ensure a
more credible election and to be fair
to party-list groups that honestly
came up with a name or acronym that
befits its organization as compared
to those who took advantage of
being first in the list by using names
beginning with the letter “A” or
number “1” although very clearly
not connected with nor relevant to
their cause or organization,” election
lawyer Romulo Macalintal said in a
statement.
The lawyer was referring to the
Comelec resolution directing the
random listing of party-list groups in
the official ballots for the May 2013
polls by raffling off their names to
determine the order of their listing
in the ballots.
“New Generations Philippines 2012,” conducted
by cable channel Cartoon Network, reveals that
the 24-year-old singer-actress is more popular
than YouTube sensation Charice Pempengco and
international pop star Justin Bieber.
Charice and Justin both rank second in the survey,
followed by Grammy Award-winning artists Taylor
Swift and Bruno Mars, who place fourth and fifth
respectively.Meanwhile, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant
of the Los Angeles Lakers is the most popular sports
personality among Filipino kids.
The People’s Champ, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao,
comes in second as NBA legend Michael Jordan
remains a prominent name among the Filipino kids.
They also favor PBA star player James Yap of the
B-Meg Llamados, Smart Gilas’ Chris Tiu, and Azkals
football player Phil Younghusband—all of whom
place fourth in the survey conducted from February
25 to March 26 of this year.
“The New Generations 2012” is part and parcel
of Cartoon Networks’ efforts to keep track of
kids’ lifestyle, opinion, and behavior as they are
influenced by their relationships with technology, the
media, and role models.
The New Generations 2012 survey is the fifth of the
fully-localized research about Filipino kids with prior
studies conducted in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009.
MEDIA HABITS. The results of the survey were
based on in-home face-to-face interviews with 1,000
Filipino kids, aged 7 to 14 years old, who were
randomly selected from Metro Manila, Cebu, and
Davao. It covers socio-economic classes A, B, C,
and D.
According to the survey, Filipino kids’ top six
“media habits” include watching the television
(99 percent), accessing the internet (76 percent),
reading books (70 percent), listening to music (53
percent), watching DVDs (49 percent), and listening
to the radio (40 percent).
Kids likewise spend time reading the newspaper
(13 percent), comics (11 percent), and magazines
(9 percent).
Fiesta
LEFT, Philippine Heritage band perfroms at the Pinoy Fiesta. CENTER, Rachel Pantaleon, Reyna Elena and Miss Philippines-Canada 2011 RIGHT The winners of the Little Miss Philippines
(PHOTO BY NOLI GUMAPAC)
10
L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
China
tightening
grip on
Spratlys
A contributed photo shows the Coast
Guard’s BRP Corregidor (left) and a
Bureau of Fisheries vessel on stand by at
an undisclosed location for redeployment
to Panatag Shoal.
MANILA, Philippines - China has set up
a new “prefecture level” city called
Sansha to administer three disputed
islands in the West Philippine Sea
(South China Sea), according to
Chinese state-owned Xinhua news
agency.
The development has tightened
Legarda seeks protection of
Philippine works of art
MANILA , Philippines - In a bid to
safeguard Philippine works of art against
forgery, Sen. Loren Legarda on Friday
filed a resolution seeking the creation of
a national registry that would oversee the
country’s important cultural properties.
Under Senate Resolution No. 803, the
Senate Committee on Education, Arts
and Culture is directed to strengthen the
Philippine Registry of Cultural Property
through the creation of a National Registry
for Fine Art.
“The National Registry for Fine Art will
register all properties deemed important to
the country’s cultural heritage, especially
works by artists with the titles Manlilikha
ng Bayan and Alagad ng Sining,” Legarda
said.
“It [the registry’s creation] will go a long
way in ensuring the quick identification
and destruction of forgeries committed
against Filipino artists,” she added.
The senator said she filed the resolution
after it was discovered that a forged copy
of a painting by National Artist for Visual
Arts Vicente Manansala was sold in the
international market.
According to her, an organization of art
lovers and collectors sought the removal of
the forged work, titled “The Bird Seller”
from the catalogue of the international
auction house Christie’s in Hong Kong.
The artwork was reportedly very
similar to Manansala’s “The Birdman”,
owned by Judy Araneta Roxas, mother of
Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas
2nd.
Legarda said that the forged painting’s
whereabouts are unknown, raising the
possibility that it might again be passed off
as genuine and put up for auction.
She also encouraged artists to register
their works in the proposed registry to
provide information and reference on the
provenance of important works.
The senator said that by supporting the
creation of private organizations composed
of art collectors of known integrity and
probity, the issue of provenance or origin
of the artworks by now-deceased artists
may be easily established.
China’s grip on islands that it calls its own
in the West Philippine Sea, particularly
the Spratlys.
Xinhua reported that Xisha (Paracels),
Zhongsha (Macclesfield bank), and
Nansha (Spratlys) islands have been
collectively elevated to prefecture status
under Sansha city from their previous
county-level status.
Sansha means “city of three sands” in
Chinese.
A statement from the Ministry of Civil
Affairs said the State Council or China’s
Cabinet has approved the establishment
of Sansha, with its seat of government
on Yongxing Island, which is part of the
Paracels.
The county-level “administration office”
for the three islands was also based on
Yongxing Island.
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry
of Civil Affairs said the creation of
Sansha city would help improve China’s
“administrative management on Xisha,
Zhongsha and Nansha islands and their
future development.”
“It is also conducive to protecting the
oceanic environment of the South China
Sea,” the spokesman said.
He claimed that China set up the
administration office for the three islands
in 1959.
He also maintained that it was China
which first discovered and named the
reefs and islets around Xisha, Zhongsha
and Nansha Islands.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said
it had no detailed information on China’s
latest declaration. Also China’s foreign
ministry spokesman Hong Lei urged
Philippine officials to refrain from making
remarks meant to influence public opinion
on the month-old standoff at Panatag
(Scarborough) Shoal.Hong asserted it
was the Philippine warships’ “harassment”
of Chinese fishermen in early April that
triggered the Panatag Shoal incident.
He said the Philippines’ tough and
high profile stance on the issue had only
heightened tensions.
But he said tensions have eased and
that the two sides have been vigorously
exerting efforts to repair bilateral
relations.
“China hopes the Philippine side will do
more to help the development of bilateral
ties and refrain from stirring public
opinion, so as to safeguard the recovery
of bilateral ties,” Hong said.
JULY 2012
L. M. Confidential
11
Joey Baking’s (www.Filipinogoodlife.com)
Filipino Good Life
LEFT, Police Staff Inspector Douglas Quan, Dr. Victoria Santiago, Romacita Santos, Mercy Maliglig, Julie Mae Duce pose at the Victoria Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament at the
Hoopdome. SECOND, Western Union led by Chito Gonzales pose with Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. THIRD, Larry Baguisa of Forex chats with the LBC Cargo man at
the Pinoy Fiesta. FOURTH, Christina Policarpio is a beautiful presence at the LBC cargo booth.
Independence Day Summer
A Reason to Celebrate
A senior from Vancouver
asked me last June 10 during
the Filipino Centre
of
Toronto Pistahan if there is
no celebration on June 12.
“No, today is the last
day,” I said. He said that in
Vancouver, when June 12
comes, which is the day of
Independence, they really
have a celebration on that
day.
“Oh, we have flag-raising
ceremonies all over the city,
that’s all,” I said. “But the
celebrations and parties
are held on weekends, and
the extended all over the
summer.”
There
are
more
Pinoy Fiesta Chairman Romy Rafael, PCCF President Jimmy Marasigan, Minister
celebrations than there are of Parliament Corneliu Chisu, Marketing Chair Rosemer Enverga, Minister of
spaces in this newspaper. Natural Resources Joe Oliver, and Founder Jun Enverga (FAR RIGHT) receives
We just love to party. We Prime Minister Stephen Harper ‘s message of appreciation plaque from Minister of
love to argue. We agree Citizenship, Immigration and Culture Jason Kenney (2nd FROM RIGHT).
to disagree. Then, we
Pinoy Fiesta last June 9, which clashed with the first
split and form our own
organizations. This is why we have so many celebrations. day of FCT’s Pistahan. Then, there was the outdoor
And almost all these celebrations happen at almost the celebration Salo Salo sa Earl Bales by PIDC.
All in all, it looks like a a bad time to be losing
same time starting during the warm month of June to
weight.
the hot months July and Augusts in summer.
There was the Victoria Cup,named after the
benefactor Dr. Victoria Santiago. Then, there was the
GAA Enterprises, famous for their crunchy and delicious chicharon
has consistently joined the Filipino festival circuit. Here, Always-BestDressed Gabby Amurao is selling his chicharon.
DTD DOOR to DOOR Cargo also showed support for the festival by
renting a booth at Pinoy Fiesta.
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L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
Verth Bugtong, unnamed guest, Jenifer Camacho,
Rodney Ronquillo, Chyrell Samsona nd Bong Castillo
attended the Salo Salo sa Earl Bales by PIDC.
Anne Curtis wraps up Hollywood Movie
Anne Curtis is about to end her month-long stay in the
United States after shooting her Hollywood project
Blood Ransom.
“Just a few more days to go. Manila and my
‘Showtime’ family, I’ll be seeing you guys on
Tuesday.”
In the film, Anne is cast as a young woman who is
kidnapped but eventually becomes attracted to her
abductor.
Anne’s co-stars in this crime thriller include
American actors Emily Skinner and Alexander
Doetsch.
Blood Ransom is written and directed by Francis
dela Torre, who helmed Jericho Rosales’ Hollywood
movie titled Subject: I Love You.
Through her Twitter account, Anne gave regular
updates regarding her international project.
The TV host-actress hinted that she is shooting some
gory scenes for the movie.
“Shooting again tonight for ‘Blood Ransom.’ It’s
going to be a bloody and heavy night.”
During the last week of May, Anne temporarily bid
goodbye to her Showtime family before she took her
flight to Los Angeles, California.
Erich Gonzales wraps up Thai Movie
Erich Gonzales has finished shooting her scenes
with Mario Maurer in Bangkok, Thailand. On June
19, Mario comforted the staff of the movie who were
emotional as they bid farewell. He posted his photo
with this caption: “last day for movie I wanna say
thx u to all my filipino team don’t cry we will see u
soon love u.” Through his official Twitter account (@
ohohmario), Mario also shared a photo of him with
Erich. He also provided this caption: “Don’t forget to
support me and erich gonzales for our movie “suddenly
it’s magic” good bye friend.”
Titled Suddenly It’s Magic, this movie is directed by
Rory Quintos and produced by Star Cinema.
Aside from shooting scenes in Bangkok, the love
team partners also shot for several days in Ilocos.
Mario is best known for his films Love of Siam and
Crazy Little Thing Called Love.
JULY 2012
L. M. Confidential
13
14
L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
JULY 2012
L. M. Confidential
15
Filipino
World
Learn German & Get a job in Germany
+ Filipino Maid fights to stay in HongKong + Seamen Ban Deferred
It upheld Hong Kong’s denial of permanent
residency for foreign domestic helpers.
Other foreign residents can apply to settle
permanently in the southern Chinese city
after living here at least seven years.
The judges said the Court of Final Appeal
would have to decide whether immigration
law is inconsistent with Hong Kong’s miniconstitution, the Basic Law.
Ban on Phl seamen deferred
Philippine Chamber of Commerce of Toronto pose with Philippine showbiz royalty, GMA-7 stars
Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera at the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation’s VIP night.
MANILA, Philippines - Learning
German increases the chances of Filipino
graduates to secure jobs in Germany or find
employment in any of the over 100 German
companies in the Philippines, an executive of
Goethe-Institut Philippines told members of
the Foundation for Upgrading the Standard
of Education (FUSE).
Addressing a recent FUSE general
assembly in Manila, Falk Schleicher, head
of Goethe Institut Philippines’ language
program, said nurses and caregivers are in
high demand in Germany due to its aging
population, but it would greatly help if job
applicants know how to speak German.
“There’s a shortage of nurses and caregivers
in our country as young Germans leave their
parents in rural areas,” Schleicher said. “To fill
the shortage, Germany is looking for healthcare providers who can speak our language.”
Schleicher told FUSE members – composed
of the country’s top educators from public
and private schools and university officials –
that there are currently 150,000 nurses and
caregivers in Germany. Meanwhile, there
are about 150 German companies operating
in the Philippines, many of them in the
call-center industry, which require Germanspeaking staff.
According to Schleicher, nine public
high schools in the Philippines are offering
German classes through a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) entered into by the
Department of Education (DepEd) and
Goethe-Institut Philippines last year.
About 680 students attend the German
classes, while 36 English teachers have been
attending a training program to become
German teachers, with eight of them
currently on a six-month immersion program
in Germany.
Plans are afoot to make German part of the
school curriculum from grades 7-12 and set
up international teacher training programs in
Philippine universities to meet the demand
for German teachers. According to Goethe
Institut Philippines, knowledge of the
German language increases job opportunities
with foreign companies, as well as in the
tourism and hospitality industry both in the
Philippines and abroad.
Under the current K-12 program, foreign
languages are optional subjects.
Filipino maid takes HK abode
fight to top court
HONG KONG (AP) — A Filipino
domestic helper is taking her fight for
permanent residency in Hong Kong to its
top court after judges gave her permission to
appeal the rejection of her application.
Lawyer Mark Daly said Friday that
Evangeline Banao Vallejos is being allowed
to appeal the decision the lower court made
in March.
MANILA, Philippines - The European
Union has put off for at least a year a ban on
Filipino seafarers on board European EUregistered ships.
President Aquino recently signed Executive
Order 75 that transfers the task of ensuring
the country’s compliance with the 1978
International Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
(STCW) for seafarers to the Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA).
This duty was formerly with the Department
of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Lawyer Nicasio Conti, MARINA acting
administrator and concurrent spokesman
for the Department of Transportation and
Communications (DOTC), said that the
European Commission’s Directorate General
for Mobility and Transport (DGMOVE) has
informed the Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) that it will not take any final action
on deficiencies they found in the country’s
maritime education and training institutions
until the “latter part of the year or early 2013.”
Until then, the DGMOVE will send
another audit mission to the Philippines.
Loans stands OFW in Doha
MANILA, Philippines - An elderly
overseas Filipino worker could not return to
the Philippines due of an outstanding bank
obligation amounting to 90,000 Qatari riyals
(about P1.07 million). Migrante-Middle
East regional coordinator John Monterona
said Tomas Barandon, 62, of Taytay, Rizal, is
also confined at the Heart Center of Hamad
Medical Hospitfal in Doha, Qatar.
“He was confined for treatment of health
ailment. He’s old and is suffering from heart
complications,” Monterona said.
Vina Morales:
‘Leaving my
lovelife to God’
What happened to the foreigner
Vina Morales spoke about on Kris
TV months ago when she was
asked about her love life?
“Akala ko yun na pero hindi
pala,” she said smiling during a
recent interview.
She admitted too that she found
herself at a stage in her life where
she was confused whether she was
single or not. She found a solution
though—trusting God when it
comes to finding her “partner in
life.”
“Ngayon, I’m just leaving it up to
God. I don’t want my way anymore.
I don’t want to push things. Gusto
ko kung saan ako dadalhin ni Lord
kasi mas maskit, mas masasaktan
ako kung pipilitin kong mangyari
ang isang bagay,” she explained.
She added that because of this
decision, she has become more
relaxed and even happier.
“I’m dating someone exclusively,
but it’s just that now, hindi ko na
alam kung saan ang patutunguhan.
Now I only trust God kung sino ang
para sa akin,” she related.
The 36-year-old singer-actress
said that she’s been over her past
relationship, the father of her child
and that she’s ready to have a
new relationship.
Does she have an ideal man in
mind?
“Wala na yatang ideal man
ngayon. Parang di naman yata
nasusunod yung ganun. Basta ang
importante, mahal niya ang anak
ko, mahal ako, mahal ko rin at may
respeto kami sa isa’t-isa. And we’ll
always have quality time with each
other. Of course, masipag din
naman na pwede kong respetuhin.
Gusto ko rin ng cute,” she replied.
It will just be a question of time
when Vina will find her true partner
in life.
Pinoy Fiesta Santacruzan
Paticipants at the Pinoy Fiesta Santacruzan get on stage at the end of the parade. PHOTO BY ALAIN CANIZARES
16
L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
ABOVE, GMA-& loveteam Dingdong Dantes
and Marian Rivera indulges the crowd with a
kiss.
RIGHT , Miss Philippines Canada 2012 Alev
Usta smiles as GMA-7 stars Marian Rivera and
Dingdong Dantes looks on.
One hundredd thousand square feet or 22
basketball courts or 2 football field of spaces
at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Hall D seems to be… not big enough to
handle the crowd at the Pinoy Fiesta &
Trade Show sa Toronto, quipped Marketing
Chair, Rosemer Enverga.
An estimated 14,000 to 15,000 guests
passed through the gatesof the biggest event
in the Philippine Canadian community
scene since the Centennial event . Pinoy
Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto started
two years ago as a partnership between
PhilippineCanadian Charitable Foundation
(PCCF) and Philippine Chamber of
CommerceToronto (PCCT) kept its
JULY 2012
promise to bring a true Pinoy Fiesta in
Toronto withall the Pomps, all the Actions…
JimmyMarasigan, President of PCCF
added, ‘All the colours that are well beyond
everyone’s expectations’. On the same note,
PCCT President, Oswald Tugadi declared
the Trade Show as a complete success.
The all-day entertainment and shopping
galore started with a solemn Spiritual service
led by Deacon Bob
Rosales, immediately
followed
by
performances
of the different
C o m m u n i t y
organizations,
notably, Philippine
Heritage
Band,
Cordillerans
and
theAti-atihan group.
Program
Chair,
Sheila
Canizares,
made sure that
the program was
e n t e r t a i n i n g. T h e
performances
surely gave lasting
memories amongst
the fiesta goers. But
then, the day has
just started … Santa
Cruzan
followed
by
the
Little
MissPhilippines
Canada, Miss Philippines Canada and Mrs.
Philippines Canada finals.The pageants were
very much entertaining, very professionally
choreographed by Kim Belen and of
course, very exciting for everyone. Jackie of
Montreal commented, “I did not realize
that they were pageants until they presented
trophies to the winners, ang galing!”
Cora Achacoso of Windsor commented,
L. M. Confidential
“Miss Philippines-Canada is truly a
prestigious pageant in thePhilippineCanadian community. I have never heard
anywhere, where the winner of a pageantry
is crowned by a prime time queen of the
Philippines, Marian Rivera and serenaded
by Dingdong Dantes, one of themost
popular stars in the Philippines”.
Marian and Dingdong on the stage made
everyone scream in chorus and harmony
to their limits, MARIAN, MARIAN,
DINGDONG,
DINGDONG!.
Everyone’seyes were fixed and glued to the
stars of the Fiesta as they entertained with
their songs and dances, genuine talents and
of course, their great charisma. “We love you
Marian!” shouted Rina Reyes of New Jersey.
Culture Philippines of Ontario captivated
everyone with their rendition of Singkil,
what a colourful ensemble! The young
and upcomingstars, the Angelos made
a very memorable performance, now
everyone knows why they are called the
IL DIVOS of Asia, because they truly are,
explained FiestaChair, Romy Rafael. Sports
aficionados were never left behind , Ping
Pong exhibition and Basketball shooting
were ongoing
during the day, while
thePacquiao-Bradley fight was shown late
in the evening.
The Divos and Divas of Toronto composed
of the best of the best of our local talents,
PINOY FIESTA
continued on page 27
17
ENTERTAINMENT
Celebrity
News & Gossip
Marian & Angel Together
+ Maxene Magalona back in Faithfully
Parang ‘yong taga-Channel 2 puwedeng makasama
ng taga-Channel 7.
“So, mas maganda. Mas okay para sa atin na
nanonood na, puwede pala.
“’Yong taga-kabila magsama sa kabila, na
maganda ‘yon para sa amin na mga artista,” ang
pahayag ni Marian.
Sa huli, nagbigay siya ng garantiya na okay sila ni
Angel: “Walang problema sa amin, sa totoo lang.”
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Aga Muhlach wife ok’s for Politics
Alex and Zor Guerina of Bodyflex were some of the lucky invited guests at the PCCF
Gala Night or the Pinoy Fiesta. Here, they pose with GMA-7 stars and Philippines’
hottest loveteam Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.
Isa sa mga napag-usapan sa PEP Talk, ang online show ng PEP.ph
(Philippine Entertainment Portal), ay kung paano hina-handle nina Marian
Rivera at Dingdong Dantes ang selos.
Taong 2009 nang hinirang na sexiest Pinay si Marian ng FHM Philippines.
Sa kasalukuyan, siya ang pumapangalawa sa ongoing voting para sa FHM
100 Sexiest Women of the World.
Ang tanong ng PEP associate editor na si Rommel Llanes kay Marian, paano
hina-handle ni Dingdong ang mga “nagpapantasya” sa kanya?
“Marami ba? Parang wala naman…” ang pabirong sagot ng aktres na
umaktong nag-pose nang pa-sexy.
At habang nakangiti, humirit ito ng, “Water lang,” na umani ng malakas
na tawanan mula sa grupo na kinabibilangan nina Jo-Ann Maglipon (editorin-chief ), Karen Pagsolingan (managing editor), Erwin Santiago (associate
editor), at Monching Jaramillo (section editor).
Sa pagpapatuloy ni Marian, “Gano’n lang. ‘I’m all yours, okay?’ Water lang.
‘I’m all yours.’
“’Tsaka ang buhay ng tao, kahit saan naman, pagkakaunawaan lang naman at
tamang pag-uusap.
“Lahat naman ng bagay napag-uusapan nang maayos, naniniwala ako do’n.”
ANGEL LOCSIN. Nadako rin ang usapan kay Angel Locsin, na itinuturing
ng karamihan bilang karibal ni Marian.
Simula noong naging successful ang Marimar (2007), na nakatakda sanang
gawin ni Angel, hindi na tumigil ang fans sa pagkukumpara sa dalawa.
Mas lalong umigting ang rivalry noong ginawa rin ng Filipina-Spanish star
ang Darna, na siyang unang title role ni Angel sa Kapuso network.
Pero tila wala namang epekto kina Marian at Angel ang pag-aaway ng
kanilang mga fans. Sa katunayan, noong 2009, sinuportahan ng una ang sociocivic project ng huli para sa mga biktima
ng Ondoy.
“Hindi naman super close,” sagot ni
Marian nang tanungin kung nagkalapit
ba sila ni Angel pagkatapos ng naturang
proyekto.
“Pero at least alam namin sa isa’t isa
na kaming dalawa ay walang problema
talaga. ‘Yon yung mahalaga para sa aming
dalawa.”
Okay lang ba sa kanya kung magkaroon
sila ng pelikula ni Angel?
Ayon sa Kapuso actress, magandang
ideya raw kung magkakasama sila ng
27-year-old Kapamilya.
“For sure, sana... looking forward
din ako, di ba? ’Tsaka walang problema
naman, e, kahit sinong makasama mo.
“’Yon nga yung maganda ngayon, e.
18
SAN FRANCISCO—Aga Muhlach said his
wife, Charlene Gonzales, has given him the goahead to enter the political arena in 2013.
Aga, 42, has been very vocal about
his plan to represent the 4th district
of Camarines Sur in Congress.
“We’ve discussed this. Charlene
just said, ‘In case you decide to run,
you have to promise to close your
eyes and ears to what people will
say against you.’ She said I should
not show any sign of weakness and that, in times
of self-doubt, I should go back to my desire to help
people.”
Aga said he avoided joining politics for many
years, but that he recently came to a point when he
“just wanted to do something different, to pay back
the people who supported me all these years.”
Major influence
He admitted that Camarines Sur Gov. Luis
Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte was a major influence
on his decision. “He’s a good friend. He convinced
me to help this poor district. He said whatever little
help I could give to improve the lives of the people
there would be really appreciated. I told myself,
kaya ko ’yon. I can make a name for this district,
I can encourage business people to invest there.”
Joey
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Maxene leads girl power in GMA7’s
‘Faithfully’
After a longish break from television, young
actress Maxene Magalona has returned to the
afternoon drama block with a more daring role in
Faithfully. She leads four other talented actresses
in the hot new series, which premiered Monday
on GMA Network. They are Isabel Oli, Vaness del
Moral, Michelle Madrigal and Isabelle Daza.
In a story about love, treachery,
sacrifice and vengeance, did
Maxene find difficulty in sharing
the spotlight with her equally
beautiful cast mates?
“Not at all,” she quickly replied.
“We are all friends, and walang mga
prima donnas or divas sa set.”
Maxene plays a pivotal role in Faithfully as
Stella. Though poor, Stella strives to earn an
education with the meager earnings of her family.
Through the help of her childhood friend, Luchie
(Michelle Madrigal) Stella lands a job as a cashier
in her flower shop. Here, she meets Misha (Isabelle
Daza), an events organizer and one of Luchie’s
closest friends. The three ladies get along together
and develop a special friendship, save for Misha’s
socialite friend Dina (Isabel Oli) who looks down
on Stella.
Of course, as the story progresses, men—
and love—will get in the way of these females’
friendship.
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JULY 2012
‘House husbands’
emerging in Phl
PINOY FIESTA
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP; Monica
Labuguen enjoys her photo session
with Noli Gumapac; Basketball
provide relaxation; Table Tennis
players compete with one another;
Bal Yujuico and Samantha East
host the event; Aklan Assocaition of
Toronto provide the lively ati-atihan
number; Pinoy Fiesta VP Rosemer
Enverga pose with Dongdon Dantes
and Marian Rivera.
Manila, Philippines - With more than 50 percent of
Filipino migrants being women, a Catholic Church official
hinted yesterday that more fathers or “house husbands”
are left at home to care for the children and do household
chores.
Fr. Edwin Corros, executive secretary of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the PhilippinesEpiscopal Commission on Pastoral Care for Migrants
and Itinerant (CBCP-ECMI), said that while they do
not have figures to back up this claim, it is a given that
majority of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are women.
“More than 50 percent of them (migrants) happened to
be Filipino women,” he said.
But he clarified that since OFWs are not classified
according to their civil status, it would be difficult to
determine how many of them were married and had left
their families to seek employment abroad.
“Even if they say that they are married, but they did not
disclose that they are separated, that can also be a problem.
That’s why it’s hard to make a generalization, but it’s
possible that they (house husbands) are many,” he added.
The CBCP official noted that there are more employed
women than men in the country.
“Since the demand for jobs are changing, women are
now more proactive in work than men,” Fr. Corros said.
But he said there is no shame in being a “house
husband” since they contribute a lot to the welfare of their
families by caring for the kids and doing the household
chores.
“Don’t be ashamed if you are a house husband… It’s
only proper for those husbands who do not have work to
do their share by doing the work that is normally being
done by women at home to contribute in improving their
families,” he added.
He urged the children to give these “house husbands” a
fitting tribute.
JULY 2012
FROM TOP; Bal Yujuico and Jun
Enverga raffle off 2 LCD TV; Visitors
pose with cutouts of GMA7 stars;
A Little Miss Philippines Canada
contestants joins the Santacruzan; a
little girl poses with Miss Philippines
Canada candidates.
Comelec ok’s
premature
campaigning
US - VIETNAM TIES
continued from page 1
rights for all nations in the South China
Sea and elsewhere,” Panetta said. China
claims almost the entire South China
Sea as its own, setting up conflicts with
other nations in the region, including
Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore
and others who also have territorial
claims there.
Panetta flew to Vietnam from a
major defense conference in Singapore,
where he met with leaders from allies
all across the region. There he issued
a strong call for Asian nations to
set up a code of conduct, including
rules governing maritime rights and
navigation in the South China Sea, and
then develop a forum where disputes
can be settled.
At the same time he detailed plans
to boost U.S. military presence in the
region, including a modest increase
in ships and more troops that would
mainly rotate in and out. Defense
officials said that by 2020 the U.S.
Navy would add about eight ships to
the Asia-Pacific region, and overall
would have about 60 percent of the
fleet assigned there.
Tensions between the U.S. and China
reverberate across the region, and are
often focused on America’s support
of the island of Taiwan, which China
considers its own. Another key area of
dispute is the South China Sea, which
China claims almost entirely as its
own. But Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia,
Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines
also have territorial claims there.
In addition, more recently the U.S.
has been vocal in blaming China for
cyberattacks that emanate from the
country and steal critical data from
U.S. government agencies and private
American companies.
PINOY FIESTA
MANILA, Philippines - Those planning
to run for public office in the 2013
midterm elections are now free to
campaign.
Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes
Jr. said that the poll body would not file
charges of premature campaigning against
those seeking public office, describing the
practice as “a thing of the past.”
Brillantes warned would-be candidates,
though, that they risk disqualification if
they abuse new campaign rules or violate
provisions on allowable expenditures in
the Omnibus Election Code.
Under the law, a candidate is only
allowed to spend P3 for every voter and
an additional P5 for every voter if he
or she belongs to a Comelec-accredited
political party.
“If you are seeking a smaller public
office, you are only entitled to spend
the base on the number of voters in
your jurisdiction and only those seeking
a national position can maximize the
expenditures,” Brillantes said.
He added that the deadline for
submissions of certificates of candidacy is
set for October 5.
Brillantes also said that it is unfair
to block candidates from campaigning
after they had filed their certificates of
candidacy.
Those seeking election to a nationallevel position can start campaigning on
the second week of February 2013, while
those running for local office can begin on
the fourth week of March 2013.
L. M. Confidential
19
Entertainment
Charee Pineda
focus on Career
After ending with a high TV viewership
during its finale last April, Angelito: Ang
Bagong Yugto will return to Kapamilya
Gold’s afternoon slot very soon. But it’s a
tall order for the people behind this teleserye
to maintain another successful season
according to lead actress Charee Pineda.
At the same time, she’s very grateful to
be given another huge project knowing
that competition is very tight among the
network’s pool of talented young stars.
“Sobrang
happy
kasi
mas
pinagkakatiwalaan na kami.”
Asked about her stand with regards to
marriage, Charee believed that there’s no
ideal age once a person decides to enter
a lifetime commitment. “My mom got
married at 18, so feeling ko wala naman sa
age yun para masabi mo na ready ka.”
Incidentally, there have been a number
of reports pertaining to her rumored
engagement to her non-showbiz boyfriend.
But the young actress refused to comment
on the issue, stating that it’s “too soon” since
she’s very focused on her showbiz career to
think about settling down.
Katrina Halili wants Marian
Rivera to be a ninang to her child
Mahigit anim na buwan na ang
ipinagbubuntis ni Katrina Halili at malaki
na ang tiyan nito nang makausap. Ayon kay
Katrina, nagdagdag na siya ng ten pounds at
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Kaya naglalakad pa rin daw siya
minsan o kaya nag-treadmill para medyo
mabawasan daw siya ng timbang.
Napag-usapan na rin daw nila ni Kris
kung kailan ito bibinyagan at kung sino
ang mga kukuning ninong at ninang.
Sabi ni Kris, “Sa January siguro ang
binyag kasi yun ang dating ng Mommy ni
Kris galing States.”
Isa si Marian Rivera sa kukuning
ninang ni Katrina dahil okay na raw
sila talaga bago natapos ang taping ng
pinagsamahan nilang priemtime series,
ang My Beloved.
Masayang kuwento ni Katrina,
“Nagkausap kami mga months na.
Kinumpirma rin ni Marian ang pagkuha
sa kanya ni Katrina bilang ninang sa anak
nito.
Ilan pa raw sa mga nakausap niyang
mag-ninang sa baby girl niya ay ang kabatch niya sa StarStruck na sina Jennylyn
Mercado at Cristine Reyes, at si Sunshine
Dizon.
Dagdag pang kuwento ni Katrina,
pagkatapos
niyang
manganak
ay
magpapapayat agad siya, para makabalik
na siya sa trabaho.
Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin
daw nila napagkasunduan ni Kris kung
Katrence o Kristine ang ipapangalan nila
sa kanilang baby.
Why Ruffa lost her wits
“Trashy reporting,” “disrespect” and
“disgrace” were some of the words Ruffa
Gutierrez posted on Twitter to describe
her ordeal on the hot seat of the TV5 show
“Paparazzi,” which she also cohosts—or used
to, since she has also declared that “from this
day on” (last Saturday), she “will no longer
be part” of the show. Online news reports
say Ruffa—who celebrated her birthday
Sunday—was asked crude questions about
her ex-boyfriends Aga Muhlach, Zoren
Legaspi and Robin Padilla.
Bibeth orteza for Dolphy
MANILA, Philippines – For director
Bibeth Orteza, who wrote
the biography of Dolphy, the
Comedy King should have
been made National Artist a
long time ago.
Amid
the
veteran
comedian’s current, critical
condition, Orteza, author of the actor’s
published biography “Dolphy, Hindi Ko Ito
Narating Mag-isa,“ raised the issue anew
that echoes Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s proposal
two months ago.
“Dolphy is the last of the icons na
talagang nagdugtong sa iba’t-ibang aspeto
ng pagiging artista dito sa ating bansa,” said
Bibeth during a live interview with “Unang
Hirit” aired on Thursday morning.
From being a dancer in Hong Kong and
Japan to becoming a stage performer, a radio
sitcom star and then a TV and movie actor,
Bibeth firmly underscored that Dolphy’s
rich journey to fame showcased the “cultural
milieu of the making of a Dolphy” through
all possible mediums.
“So, by that alone, the man deserves to be
a National Artist eh,” Bibeth pointed out.
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L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
DRS. SOLON C. GUZMAN & JOSEPHINE ADORNA-GUZMAN & ASSOCIATES
General · Cosmetic Dentistry · Oral Surgery · Dentures · Periodontics · Endodontics · Implants · Orthodontics
From Our Family to yours
OUR PROFESSIONAL TEAM
Dentists
Dr. Solon C. Guzman
Dr. Josephine Adorna-Guzman
Dr. Shilpesh Parekh
Dr. Shahana Khan
Dr. Victoria Ngo
Specialists
Dr. Samuel I. Barkin- Oral Maxillo Facial Surgeon
Dr. Luis N. Queterio- Endodontist
Dr. David Leung- Periodontist / Implantologist
Restorative Hygienists
Family Medicine
Alfonso Siason
Brian Pagel
Celia Lopena
Dr. Venus B. Guzman, MD
Hygienists
Dental Laboratory
Rowena Ducusin
Michael Pendon
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Ruben del Rosario
Angel Espino
Gloria Maiato
Dundas Tower Medical Dental Centre & Laboratory
Dr. Solon C. Guzman & Associates
Dr. Josephine Adorna Guzman DDS
Dr. Venus B. Guzman MD
165 Dundas Street West, Suite 108, Mississauga, Ontario L5B 2N6
www.drsolonguzman.ca
497 Laurier Avenue, Suite 5 Milton, Ontario L9T 3K8
905-804-8000
905-864-8889
Email: dentistryinmilton@hotmail.com
Mon to Fri 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sundays & Holidays by Appointment
Monday to Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sundays & Holidays by Appointment
ROSEMER ENVERGA
RECEIVED QUEEN
ELIZABETH II 60TH
JUBILEE MEDAL
VICTORIA
CUP
Robert Brickey, Head coach
of the Oshawa Power of the
National Basketball League
of Canada, Toronto Police
Staff Inspector Douglas
Quan, and Dr. Vicky
Santiago join together in
the ceremonial jumpball at
the Victoria Cup Basketball
Invitational Tournament at
the Hoopdome.
There were so many pleasant surprises
at the Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show last
June 9 at the Metro Toronto Convention
Centre, one of the more notable ones are
the announcement of the pledge to donate
over one Million pesos for the needy in
the Philippines by the Philippine Canadian
Charitable Foundation (PCCF) and the other
one is the announcement by a member
of the Parliament, Corneliu Chisu, that
Rosemer Enverga, the EVP and Marketing
Chair for the Fiesta will receive the Queen
Elizabeth II 60th Jubilee Medal.
Rosemer Enverga received the medal
the same night and with a certificate that
indicates “… for your outstanding community
and charitable involvements….” Rosemer
l e d various major fund raisers that benefited
the poor and the needy in the Philippines
and Canada. Rosemer Enverga humbly
received the award and indicated that the
award is not her alone but also for all the
members of PCCF and other organizations
that supported and believed in her.
PHOTOS BY ARIEL RAMOS
Happy
Birthday
Mama
Zeny
Guzman
Mama Zeny
Guzman poses
with grandchildren
Princess and Angelina
Grace, daughter in
law Dr. Josephine
while son, community
leader Dr. Solon
Guzman hams it up
for the cameras.
JULY 2012
Email: drsolonguzman@yahoo.ca
PIDC SALO SALO sa
EARL BALES
PIDC Officers and their beauty titlists
pose for a group picture at the SaloSalo sa Earl Bales festival. Blessed
with good weather, lots people,
food, fun and games the event was a
success.
PHOTO BY ARIEL RAMOS
Pinoy Fiesta
Santacruzan
Little Miss Philippines 2nd runner-up
Britney Waito joins the Santacruzan with
jezriel Martinez (RIGHT)
L. M. Confidential
21
Entertainment
Toni trusts Vice Ganda
+ Nora & Vilma in One Film, Carla for Geoff
for Star Cinema.
Mendoza hopes to start filming early next year barring problems
relating to his actors’ schedules.
“As usual, schedules e. Alam mo naman ako, ‘pag nagsu-shoot
ako, ayoko ng masyadong ano… E, tatakbo pa ata si Ate Vi next
year. So, schedules.”
Michael Likes Carla For Son Geoff
Toni Gonzaga is slated to do a comedy film with Vice Ganda and
Luis Manzano within the year. With all the projects coming her
way, members of the media asked if she has any lucky charm. The
28-year-old says that she just prays for what’s best for her showbiz
career. “Nagpapasalamat lang talaga tayo sa mga oportunidad na
ipinagkakatiwala sa atin. Siguro yung faith mo in God na alam
mong siya ang bahala sayo. Wala naman akong ginagawang plano,
basta pinagpre-pray ko lang na ‘Kayo na ang bahala sa akin, kung
anong ibibigay Mo tatanggapin ko.’”
Toni further shared that she’s excited to work with Vice whom
she first met when the latter was just staring his showbiz career
when in 2007. Apparently, they’ve become good friends since then.
“Isa siya sa mga mapagkakatiwalaan ko na totoong tao sa industriya.
At ngayong Vice Ganda na siya hindi pa rin nagbabago kung
sino siya noon at hanggang ngayon ganon pa rin siya. Madaming
konsepto ang pelikulang ito—it’s a mixture of romance, comedy
and friendship—so excited kami.”
Brillante Working On Getting Nora, Vilma For
Future Film
Brillante Mendoza has revealed plans to helm a mainstream
movie starring two of the countries best
actresses, Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos, as
well as indie actor Coco Martin.
“Okay na kay Nora, okay na kay Coco, so,
schedule na lang ni Ate Vi [ang inaantay],”
he said.
Mendoza, however, is mum on the storyline
and the roles each actor would play.
“Hindi pa natin puwedeng sabihin, kasi, mahaba-haba pa ‘yan
[process],e,” he explained.
Mendoza fervently hopes for the project, which he described as
very “commercial,” to push through.
“Excited ako dito, kasi, sabi ko, kung gagawa ako ng commercial
movie, gusto ko, commercial talaga na maraming manonood. Gusto
ko talagang panoorin ng mga tao,” he said.
Mendoza said that both Aunor and Martin share his excitement
over the project even as he admits that he is yet to coordinate with
Santos, who is currently busy working on a film opposite Kim Chiu
FCT Pistahan
Comebacking actor Michael de Mesa likes actress Carla Abellana
for his son, actor Geoff Eigenmann. His advice is simple: “Just be
certain.”
“I always tell Geoff to be sure talaga. Kung talagang sure and
kung ready na siya, eh di go. Boto naman ako kay Carla,” said
Michael with a smile.
As a father, he is not the type who meddles in his children’s
lovelife and even with their acting.
“Si Geoff naman he knows his craft. He
knows what he is doing. He has reached a
level already na talagang maipagmamalaki mo
talaga,” he expressed.
“I’m super proud. Geoff has gone a long way
and I know he loves what he is doing. Like
what I always tell him and his brother Ryan,
they should love their craft, be serious with their craft and to love
their jobs. They should also love the people they work with,” he said.
He added that what’s good about Geoff and Ryan is that their
respective acting fortes are totally different from each other. They
are not competing against each other because Ryan is the character
actor type.
Michael is back in the country for TV project “Kasalan Bang
Ibigin Ka?” where he plays the father of Geoff. “It is very interesting
that I’ll be working with Geoff at yun ang nagbigay ng more weight
para sa akin para tanggapin ito. For me the story is groundbreaking.
It’s a sensitive issue,” related Michael.
Indian, Jewish and a Redneck
A man boarded an airplane and took his seat. As he settled in he glanced up and
saw the most beautiful woman boarding the plane. He soon realized that she was
heading straight towards his seat. As fate would have it, she took the seat right beside
his. Eager to strike up a conversation, he blurted out, “Business trip or pleasure?” She
turned, smiled and said., “Business, I’m going to the Annual Nymphomaniacs of
America Convention in Chicago.” He swallowed hard. Here was the most gorgeous
woman he had ever seen sitting next to him and she was going to a meeting for
nymphomaniacs! Struggling to maintain his composure, he calmly asked, “What’s
your business role at the convention?”
“I am the lead lecturer,” she responded. “I take what I have learned from my own
personal experiences to debunk some of the popular myths about sexuality.”
“Really,” he said, “and what kinds of myths are there?”
“Well,” she explained, “one popular myth is that African-American men are the
most well-endowed of all men, when in fact it is the Native American Indian who
is most likely to possess that trait. Another popular myth is that Frenchmen are the
best lovers, when actually it is the men of Jewish descent that are the best. I have also
discovered that the lover with the absolute best stamina is the Southern Redneck.”
Suddenly the woman became a little uncomfortable and blushed.
“I’m sorry” she said, “I shouldn’t really be discussing all this with you. I don’t even
know your name.”
“Tonto!” the man said, “Tonto Goldstein, but my friends call me Bubba.”
Do not send
ofw to ‘abusive’
countries
MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Loren
Legarda, Senate committee on foreign
relations chairperson, has called on the
Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) and the Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA) to stop sending Filipino
domestic workers to countries where a
lot of abuses have been reported.
During a hearing on the International
Labor Organization (ILO) Convention
189 said the government should take
steps to protect Filipino domestic
workers, from being subjected to abuse
at the hands of their employers.
The ILO Convention 189 was
adopted and signed by President
Aquino last May 18 and she asked
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile,
Aquino called to ratify the treaty soon.
Legarda said she is ready to sponsor
the Convention in plenary when the
legislative sessions resume next month.
Legarda asked for a list of the top
five countries with recorded abuses on
Filipino domestic workers.
Outgoing DFA Undersecretary
Esteban Conejos Jr. said the
department will provide Legarda with
a list of the 10 countries.
Philippine Overseas Employment
Administration (POEA) head Hans
Cacdac also provided a list of five
countries with the most number of
violations involving OFWs: Saudi
Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan,
Qatar and Kuwait.
Cacdac said the POEA and the DFA
are negotiating with these countries for
the institution of several measures that
would protect the OFWs.
Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar
Binay lauded an agreement signed
by the Philippines and United States,
wherein the two government will
coordinate to ensure that OFWs are
well-informed on US health, safety and
wage laws.
Sa Nathan Philips Square
FILIPINO CENTRE TORONTO PISTAHAN FESTIVAL - from left, FV Foods co-owner Mel Galeon poses with FV staff; Co-owner Flor Vendiola works at nathan Philips after working the day before at
the Metro Toronto Convention Centre; Alyssa Datu and Maria Panaligan were two of the long line-ups of performers who entertained the crowds at the festival.
22
L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED TEACHERS HOLD ANNUAL
EDUCATION CONFERENCE By : Tony A. San Juan, OCT
PTAC joins the PIDC Salo-salo sa Earl Bales
celebration.
“Filipino Canadian teachers and
educators in Ontario are continually
faced with employment challenges in
seeking teaching assignments under
the current job environment”. This
may sound as a not -so encouraging
picture as portrayed in the keynote
speech by noted community leader
and School TrustreeMarlene Mogado
at the 6th Annual Teachers Conference
of International Trained Education
Professionals and Practitioners on May
26th, 2012. The yearly conference
sponsored jointly by Philippine Teachers
Association of Canada( PTAC)
andKababayan Community Centre
Multicultural Services(KCCMS) was
held at May Robinson Recreation Hall,
Toronto, Ontario.
Marlene Mogado, a long- serving
School Trustee at the York Catholic
District School Board, addressed
the 65 participants who are mostly
Philippine-trained educators seeking
professional certification in Ontario as
well as practicing, registered teachers
in the GTA school boards. Mogado
described the various challenges and
prospects for new teachers and those
in the process of Ontario teacher
certification. She, however, encouraged
the attendees to diligently aspire
and continue the process with solid
determination as the trend points to a
good picture in the near future, adding
that they must “pursue
their dream of building
and reconnecting their
career”, elusive it may
be but there is “always
light at the end of the
tunnel”. Further, Mogado
cited that independent
or private schools as
well as early- schooling
programs are good
venues in this “highly
competitive, supply-anddemand based teacher
job market”.
Joining Trustee
Mogado was Kathy Anstett, the
Director of External Relations of the
Ontario College of Teachers, the
government’s regulatory agency of the
teaching profession in the province’s
secondary and elementary schools.
Anstett specified the requirements
and procedures involved in teacher
licensing in the province. Norma Bernal,
an employment counsellor at Skills for
Change-Toronto and noted columnist of
Filipino Bulletin aptly outlined the many
alternatives and opportunities open to
teachers planning and applying their
transferable skill sets to establish a
related career or transition jobs.
At the conference open forum,
7 resource panelists shared their
professional insights , teaching
experiences and meaningful advice on
proven teaching-learning practices.
The experts panel include senior
schoolteachers Rosario Apilado,
Marissa Ciacico & Annalyn Galarion
of Dufferin-PeelCDSB; Regina
Lozano-Nuguid of PeelDSB; Marissa
Largo,TorontoCDSB; & Tony A. San Juan,
TorontoDSB and Flor Dandal of KCCMS.
KCCMS , led by its Executive Director
Flordeliz Dandal and Board Chair
Aguido Dela Cruz were assisted by
Settlement Counsellors Amy Basingan
and Loida Gatchalian. PTAC President
Tony A. San Juan, was ably supported by
his officers & directors, namely : Redentor
Andres, Arthur Apilado, Grace Avila,
Sheryll Baoit, Maricon Bernasor, Pet
Collantes, Rose Cruz, Cielito Drapeza,
Bernadette Gapuz, Perly Laganas,
Benedicta Madamba, Gigi Nicolas,
Jesse Panem, and Erlyn Simanero.
PTAC is a 6-year old volunteer- run
socioprofessional organization of
Ontario practicing certified educators
and former education professionals &
teachers in the Philippines, as well. (TSJ).
Tony A.San Juan,OCT
tnysanjuan@yahoo.ca
Gambling as Biggest Earner
MOBSTERS IN CASINOS
continued from page 1
derived from drug trafficking and perhaps
human trafficking.
In its report, PDEA said that “personalities
of Chinese descent largely make up the
composition of transnational drug groups.”
“The advent of globalization resulted
in more liberal movement of people and
commerce, an opportunity being capitalized
on by the drug syndicates. They recognize
no boundary or jurisdiction and their main
motivation is profit,” the report said.
“Most of the bulk trafficking and
manufacturing activities in the Philippines
are undertaken by transnational syndicates,”
it added.
The PDEA further claimed that besides
personalities “of Chinese descent,” most
of the support organizations of these drug
rings based in the Philippines are “made up
of ethnic Fil-Chinese and the activities are
largely concentrated among themselves with
the inclusion of very few and well-selected
locals.”
Illegal drug transactions are being done
in casinos where traffickers launder drug
payments by converting them into chips, the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
said in a undated repor. The report said drug
traffickers are more comfortable transacting
business in casinos and other gambling spots
because chips are safer to handle than crisp
bills, which could turn out to be marked
money.
“It’s fast and it’s easy to launder money in
casinos,” the informant said.
The PDEA official noted with dismay
that since officials of casinos tend to protect
their legitimate players, drug traffickers
moonlighting as big-time players are taking
advantage of this privilege.
He said that the Philippine Amusement
and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) must institute
safeguards in its accredited gambling sites to
minimize, if not totally eradicate, this practice.
“We understand that casino management
can not just put the heat on anyone, even
suspected drug traffickers or money
JULY 2012
launderers who disguise themselves as highroller players. They have to protect their
business too and money, no matter where it
came from, is a casino’s main business,” the
source added.
SB 3123
It is for this reason that Senate Bill (a)
3123, a proposed act to further strengthen the
anti-money laundering law, was filed.
The authors of the bill seek to expand the
list of entities required to report financial
transactions to the AMLC by including
casinos, dealers, pre-need companies,
real estate agents, and trust and company
providers, among others.
Frozen
Only recently, the Court of Appeals
extended for another six months the 20day freeze order on bank accounts of three
Chinese charged with possession and selling
of illegal drugs.
The appellate court’s third division
dismissed the motion filed by respondents
Changxin Wang, Mark Sy Tan and Matthew
Lee Tan to lift the freeze order on their bank
accounts dated May 15, 2012.
The Chinese, arrested in February, argued
that the AMLC had enough time to examine
their bank accounts and determine their
alleged money laundering activities.
But the appellate court disagreed.
“The bare allegation that the period from
February to May 2012 is already sufficient
for the government to file the necessary
cases against the respondents relative to the
allegation on the violation of the Anti-Money
Laundering Act cannot overturn the Court’s
finding of probable cause,” the Court of
Appeals ruled.
“Thus, in order to thwart any further
withdrawal, removal, transfer, concealment
or disposition of the frozen accounts, and
to prevent the same to be placed beyond the
reach of law enforcement authorities, an
extension of the freeze order for a period of
six months is warranted,” the appeals court
noted.
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Office: 416-635-1232
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not be relied upon as a statement or representation of fact or that the property or it’s services are in good condition.
L. M. Confidential
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L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
CLASSIFIED
ADS
A Certain Place from the Past
DO you remember WHERE?
Babies in nursery at Phillippine General Hospital. • July 1946 • Photographer: John Florea
Crossword Puzzle
PCCF at Asian Games
For Sale
Filipino Chinese
Fastfood-Dine-In - Takeout
Well-Established
Mini Grocery
Downtown Toronto
Tel: (416) 531-3169
JULY 2012
Answers on
Page 26
Sid Ikeda of Canadian Multicultural Council chats with the beauty titlists of
the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation. From left, Miss Philippines
Canada runner-up Meghan Garvida, Little Miss Philipppines 2012 2nd
runner-up Britney Waito, Miss Philippines Canada 2012 Alev Usta, Miss
Philippines Canada 2012 runner-up Christal Bautista and Sid Ikeda.
L. M. Confidential
25
Entertainment
Sarah & Gerald date others
+Kean Cipriano
Pinoy Fiesta Gala
Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson
say that they are free to date others
Nagiging mainit ngayon ang usapan
hinggil sa isyung tila tumatabang
na yata ang dati’y very promising na
pagkakaibigan nina Sarah Geronimo at
Gerald Anderson.
Sa magkahiwalay na interview inalam
kung ano ba talaga ang tunay na estado ng
relasyon ng dalawa.
“Wala naman po kaming karapatan
sa isat-isa (na magselos), wala naman po
akong karapatan din na magselos kung
halimbawang manligaw siya. Single siya,
single din ako,” sagot ni Sarah sa tanong
na diumano’y nakita si Gerald na may
kasamang ibang babae.
Sa kabilang banda, ganito rin halos ang
sagot ni Gerald. Kahit noong premiere
night ng pelikulang Born To Love You
last week ay dumating ng magkahiwalay
ang dalawa sa venue. Tinanong tuloy si
Sarah kung kamusta na ba ang kanilang
pagtitinginan na inasahan ng marami na
mauuwi sa tunay na pagmamahalan. “We
are friends at totoo po ‘yan, totoo talaga
‘yan at walang halong showbiz na sagot.
‘Di po kami nagdi-deny ng kahit ano,
okay po kaming magkaibigan,” sagot ng
Pop Star Princess.
Singer Kean Cipriano enjoys
acting and friendship with Yeng
Naging daan ang pelikulang The
Reunion upang maging mga kaibigan ni
Kean Cipriano ang mga co-stars na sina
Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil at Xian Lim.
Kabilang si Kean sa mga music artists
na nakatawid sa larangan ng pag-arte at
aniya, masyado nga niyang nae-enjoy ang
Candid
Alex and Zor Guerina of Bodyflex poses with GMA-& stars and loveteam Dingdong
Dantes and Marian Rivera at the PCCF Pinoy Fiesta Gala night.
bagong mundong ito.
“Lagi naman akong thankful, I feel
so blessed na binigyan ako ng mga TV
projects. Parang dun ako namulat na, ‘Uy,
ang sarap nito ah!’ Nae-enjoy ko siya.
Nung una, trabaho siya, oo trabaho siya
pero it’s one of the best jobs in the world,
you get paid for waiting, you get paid for
eating.”
Sinagot din ni Kean ang isyung
pagbibiro niya minsan sa isang interview
na tinawag umano niyang “Mrs. Cipriano”
si Yeng Constantino, kaya naman inisip
ng iba na may something romantic na
nangyayari sa dalawa. Pero paglilinaw ni
Kean, isa lang daw iyong pick up line sa
ginawa niyang performance. Nag-meet
daw kasi ang wavelength nila ni Yeng
sa pagpe-perform pero wala namang
romantic. Dagdag pa niya, hindi niya
nililigawan si Yeng.
Sam Milby lets go of US model
Naitanong kay Sam tungkol sa babaeng
nakilala niya habang nago-audition sa
US, si Miss Teen USA 2006 Candace
SPOOF
Kuykendell. Pero paglilinaw ni Sam
magkaibigan lang sila ng beauty queen
dahil ito ay mayroong nobyo.
Gayunpaman, nilinaw ni Sam na hindi
dapat lagyan ng malisya ang kanilang
pagkakaibigan kahit aminado siyang
humahanga siya kay Candace. “I’ve only
known her for a month. May boyfriend
siya, so friends lang talaga kami.” Aniya
hindi rin naman porke’t committed
si Candace ay hindi na sila pwedeng
magkaibigan.
Hindi naman din siya ang tipong sisira
ng relasyon. Kung siya raw ang nasa
sitwasyon ng boyfriend ni Candace ay
ayaw rin niyang mangyari sa kanya iyon.
“One month pa lang ko kilala siya and
alam ko naman ‘yon na she’s committed
before we became friends.
“When we became friends, alam ko na
may boyfriend siya. So it’s not like I’m
going to allow myself to fall for this girl,
kasi alam ko na ang sitwasyon, and it’s
not like we get to talk a lot kasi mali din
‘yung lagi kaming nag-uusap [tapos] may
boyfriend siya,” paglilinaw niya.
(Pop-ups are not supposed to be taken seriously - EDITOR)
Why does this remind me of Germany’s non-aggression pact with Russia in world war 2?
MANILA, Philippines - A Chinese vessel
rammed a Philippine fishing boat north of
the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the
West Philippine Sea (South China Sea),
killing a Filipino fisherman and leaving
four others missing.
Executive Director Benito Ramos of
the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC) on
Sunday said the Chinese vessel might
have intentionally hit the fishing boat AXL
John, but the vessel did nothing to help
the fishermen.
“They did not [help],” Ramos said.
“That’s why it’s suspicious. If it was
accidental, then they should have
helped.”
The AXL John may have been the first
casualty in the dispute between China
and the Philippines over Scarborough
Shoal. Manila refers to the area as
Panatag Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc.
The state-owned China News Agency
(CNA) reported on Saturday that a
Chinese official had ordered navy ships
to target “Filipino vessels that hang
around” Scarborough Shoal “and don’t
leave.”
The order of Rear Adm. Yin Zhuo,
director of the People’s Liberation
Army Navy’s (PLAN) Information Expert
Committee, came as an answer to
President Benigno Aquino’s statement
that he would order Philippine vessels
back to the shoal if air surveillance found
China still had vessels there.
An agreement had been reached
for a withdrawal. Expecting that China
would keep its word, Mr. Aquino ordered
a Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel
and a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources survey ship home on the night
of June 15.
But China withdrew only some fishing
boats from the shoal’s lagoon, refusing
to call home seven government vessels
that had been stationed outside the
lagoon to assert Chinese sovereignty
over the area. Beijing refers to the shoal
as Huangyan Island.
Crossword Answers
This feels like
the calm before the
storm.
The calm before the storm. Shortly after this photo was taken in a presscon held by Rosemer Enverga, Balita
publisher Tess Cusipag (4th FROM LEFT) and her columnist Tenny Soriano (3RD FROM LEFT) will write vitriolic
articles against PCCF VP Rosemer Enverga (4TH FROM RIGHT) and anybody who sides with her.
26
Chinese rams
fishing boat
L. M. Confidential
JULY 2012
PINOY FIESTA
continued from page 17
Mark De Guzman, Bong Castillo,
Glenn Montera, Jenifer Camacho,
AmskyRamos-Chan, Candace Santos,
Emilene Cruz, Jeanette Ricasio, Nicole
Datol Bello,Little Divas: Jan “Lucky”
Lucas, Elle Delizo, Vianne Gaerlan,
JheoNavarro and Edessa Andrade
cannot be upstaged, their repertoire of
famous ballads. Their spine tingling and
unforgettable rendition of “We are the
World” was a paradise for the senses…
they put everyone to their feet,with
everyone’s hands waving singing in
unison to the tune of “.. to make a better
world for you and me!”, a very fitting
song for the fiesta… after all…Pinoy
Fiesta is all about Charity, the event is all
about giving. …That same night, PCCF
founder, Jun Enverga, announced that
PCCF will donate MORE THAN
ONE MILLION PESOS to build
houses for the needy, to help the street
children in the Philippines and other
worthy charitable causes.
PCCF and PCCT, organizers of the
Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Showsa Toronto,
would like to thank GMA Pinoy TV,
the international channel of the number
one TV station in the Philippines, Bell,
Western Union and all the sponsors.
Most of all, the organizers would like
to extend their sincere appreciation to
all the performers, vendors, volunteers,
members, officers and all of the
supporters who made Pinoy Fiesta &
TradeShow sa Toronto an enormous
success! YES, WE HAD FUN AND
HELPED AT THE SAME TIME!
Visit
www.
philippinecanadianfoundation.com,
or ‘like’ us onfb: pinoyfiestatoronto or
email: pinoyfiestatoronto@gmail.com
for more info.
hunk shot
Cody is 16 years old,
5’10 high and plays
triple A East York
baseball, a starting
center fielder and
2nd batter. His life
revolves around sports
in general, baseball
mostly, watching
sports, hanging
out with
friends, and
being social
but most
of his time
is spent
improving
his skills in
baseball.
He goes to
Birchmount
Park C.I.
Cody Waito
Pastors Milking Pacquiao
Who will win GMA-7?
GENERAL SANTOS CITY,
Philippines—Protestant pastors have been
coming in droves to Manny Pacquiao’s
mansion here. And their number is
increasing each day.
One day, seven of them coming from
different religious factions arrived. The
next day, the number rose to 10. They take
a bath, sleep and eat right there as if it is
their own house.
They are forming to be the Achilles’
heel of the boxing icon. They follow him
wherever he goes—from here to Baguio
and even the United States.
They started stalking the Filipino ring
idol after the Pacquiao-Marquez fight
in November 2011, when the world’s
eight-division boxing champ decided to
change his lifestyle and began holding
daily Bible study with his family, friends
and supporters.
But there were just two or three pastors
then attending the Bible study.
A source close to Pacquiao told the
Philippine Daily Inquirer that these
pastors have been abusing the man’s
kindness and generosity.
“They are making our boxing idol a
milking cow. The real Manny Pacquiao
doesn’t know how to say no. But if they
are real disciples of God, they should be
ashamed of what they are doing,” the
source said.
Battle for Kapuso
After the race to the skies and the
continuing race on toll roads, the next
JULY 2012
tug-of-war between frenemies Manuel V.
Pangilinan and Ramon S. Ang is the battle
for the “heart” (and mind) of the people.
After all, well-placed industry sources said
that when RSA talked about San Miguel
Corp. “seriously considering” to enter the
broadcasting business, he really meant
GMA Network, not ABS-CBN, not Solar
TV as others theorize.
The fact is SMC has started to look at
GMA 7 in 1999 when the latter’s owners
were seeking fresh capital, but SMC
had no leeway in its charter to engage
in other businesses outside its core food
and beverage interests. A few years ago
when SMC started to diversify, RSA also
talked to GMA7’s controlling triumvirate
to acquire an initial 30-percent interest,
which could be raised to 60 percent in
three years’ time, but talks bogged down
on pricing issues, our reliable sources
said. But about a year and a half ago, our
sources said that such talks were revived
but that must be about the same time that
GMA7’s owners also revived talks with
MVP’s group.
Since MVP-led First Pacific group
controls the country’s dominant telecom
firm PLDT, going into media is part
of the “convergence” strategy, knowing
that telcos must deepen value-added and
content services to stay relevant in this day
and age of social networking. Apart from
TV5, MVP’s group has minority interests
in broadsheets Philippine Daily Inquirer,
Philippine Star and BusinessWorld.
So who will get GMA7? As always,
whoever wants it more will get it.
Isabel Oli’s dad dies
Matapos ang halos isang taong
pakikipaglaban sa kanyang karamdaman,
pumanaw noong Miyerkules, June 20, ang
ama ng Kapuso actress na si Isabel Oli.
Ang 73-anyos na si Jorge Tan So ay
sumakabilang-buhay sanhi ng cerebral
degeneration, isang hindi pangkaraniwang
sakit sa utak. Pitong buwan din itong
comatose bago tuluyang nalagutan ng
hininga.
“Sobrang rare [nung sakit niya], alam
mo, hindi mo alam kung ano yung next.
“E, wala ngang cure yun. Sinabihan na
rin kami ng doctors na kung anong… kung
maging okay naman parang for a short time
lang.
LAST MOMENTS. Nasa taping noong
Miyerkules si Isabel nang pauwiin siya ng
kanyang ina, na nagbabantay sa may sakit
niyang ama sa St. Luke’s Medical Center sa
Quezon City.
Pag-alala nga ni Isabel sa huling sandali
ng kanyang ama, “Kasi nandun ako sa tabi
niya habang nire-revive siya, nasa tabi ako.
“Tinawagan ko yung sisters ko sa abroad
at saka sa Cebu. Ni-loudspeaker ko, sinasabi
ko talaga lahat, as in sinabi ko lahat, habang
nakikita namin yung heart rate niya, wala
na, pababa nang pababa.”
WILL MISS DADDY. Malapit sa
kanyang ama ang aktres. Ito ang kasakasama ni Isabel sa mga taping mula nang
magsimula siya sa showbiz hanggang sa
dapuan na ng sakit ang ama. Ito nga raw
ang isa sa mami-miss niya sa mga ginagawa
ng daddy niya.
“Ang mami-miss ko sa kanya siguro yung
pag sinasamahan niya ako sa taping. Kasi
hindi lang yun sasama tapos uuwi. Sasama
talaga siya tapos hanggang the next day na
rin. Silang dalawa ng mommy ko ganun
yung ginagawa nila.”
“Lagi naman niyang sinasabi na parang
sige yun nga yung hard work of today daw
yun din ang parang magiging comfort din
sa kinabukasan mo. Ayun work hard, tapos
magtipid.”
Calling all alumni of
Class ’66
Binalonan High School.
We are planning to have a
50th reunion.
If interested please contact
Ricky Valdez –
Email: valdez4002@aol.com
or
Hermie EsguerraEmail:
hermie.esguerra@rogers.com
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JULY 2012