`What is ours is ours` – Pres. Aquino
Transcription
`What is ours is ours` – Pres. Aquino
Toronto, Ontario July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 PIDC ‘Mabuhay Philippines’ … www.philippinecourier.com Vol. 7 No. 12 On West Philippine Sea… Top Pinoy couturiers shake T.O.! ‘What is ours is ours’ – Pres. Aquino PNoy also appoints retired Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as the new ombudsman in his second State of the Nation Address. EXQUISITE: Iconic fashion designer Renee Salud waves to the huge crowd after accepting a bouquet of flowers from event sponsor WFG Canada President Richard Williams (left) and PIDC’s Ms. Norma Carpio, chair of the most-awaited Fashion Show that drew a record audience at the Metro Convention Centre in downtown Toronto July 23, 2011. (Photo by TPC’s Miguel Caducio) PNOY WARNING: President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III assures the Filipino people of his administration’s strong stand against invaders to the nation’s maritime islands in West Philippine Sea and vows to fight anyone which try to claim what the country owns. (Photo by PNA) Story on page 9 Story on page 22 Jen Cmacho opens 'Estilo Royale' ‘Ghost delivery?’ Please turn to page 37 Story on page 11 SERVICES: * Mortgage Insurance * Educational Plan & 20% Gov't Grant * Critical Illness Insurance * Life Isurance Arnel Jimenez Lopez Cell: (416) 568-2110 759 Warden Avenue, Scarborough Ontario, M1L 4B5 Philippine Courier 2 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier 715 FOR RENT - Walk-out Basement Fully furnished Along Islington-Steeles Area Interested parties could call: Michelle @ 416-741-0236 CP: 647-836-5529 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Real Estate, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Divorce, Small Claims 3 Philippine Courier 4 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Gani Gregorio Assistant Sales Manager July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Kit Santos Tony Paragas Jose Santos Sales and Leasing Consultant Used Car Manager Sales and Leasing Consultant 5 Philippine Courier Publisher/Editor-in- Chief Ramon "Mon" Datol Managing Editor Bob Valdes Associate Editors Ross D. Tierra, Melodie Claudio, The Philippine Courier 419 Alper St., Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 2Z5 Tel No: 905-780-0114; Cell No. 647-588-7844; Fax No: 905-918-0526 E-mail: philcourier@rogers.com; mondatol@rogers.com ; mondats13@yahoo.ca For Advertisement: Tel. No. 905-780-0114; 647-588-7844 (Mon) For Subscription: Tel No. 905-780-0114; Cell # 647-588-7844 (Mon) Miguel Caducio, Maria Isabelle D. Bello "The Only Filipino Community Newspaper that Serves York Region And GTA" Copyright of letters and other materials submitted and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the Publisher may freely reproduce them in any other forms. Opinions and views expressed are of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Philippine Courier. E-mail mondatol@rogers.com Website Administrator Special Project Manager Comptroller Account Executive Lawrence Tierra Cynthia Caducio Frances Moscare Datol Cecille Araneta Contributing columnists and writers: Miss Rubi Talavera, Leto Tigley, Maria Isabelle Datol, Amado D. Gamboa, Ninez Cacho Olivarez, Ducky Paredes, Ellen Tordesillas, Bill Velasco, Freddie Claudio, Jose "Bong" Abellon, Tessie Lagtapon, Don Collantes, John Agustin, John Bello, Tony Sicat, Romy Zetazate, Al Mendoza, Alex Vidal, Ores Ting and Jojo Taduran. EDITORIAL F R O N T L I N E NINEZ CACHO-OLIVARES Directionless Noynoy Bleak future under PNoy Recapturing an “exhilarating” condition that may have existed in the past is near nigh impossible and usually results in depressive failure. Such an attempt to recapture that which is clearly lost was what President Noynoy tried to do when he came up with his second State of the Nation Address (Sona) where he brought back the “wang-wang” speech during his inaugural address in June last year, in a bid to make it the symbol of past government abuse and his “success” at eliminating this wang-wang which he tried to portray his “success” in doing away with government abuse and in transforming society. President Noynoy and his speechwriters failed, as usual, but perhaps Noynoy had nothing by way of achievement and performance and even vision in his full year as president, which explains the total absence of a road map to follow in the next year and throughout his term. Noynoy and his ghost writers should have looked at how US President Barack Obama, then a newly minted president, succeeded in bringing about excitement to the American people with his call for change; an excitement and inspiration he gave the people that he can no longer recapture from his voters, as he makes a bid for a second presidential term, owing to the fact that despite his oratory, there has been little change in the ways of his government, and worse, racking up trillions in budget deficits, with little done to decrease the unemployment amid high prices along with other problems. And it cannot be said that Obama was a do-nothing, know-nothing president, unlike the current Philippine president who is totally devoid of vision and achievements that he had to come up with lies in his Sona and pepper his speech with his wang-wang tales. The irony of it all is that the elimination of the wang-wang is illusory, as all that has been eliminated is the blaring of sirens, but now replaced by blinking lights from police motorcycles that also replicate that which the sirens did. But the illusory elimination of the wang-wang does characterize Noynoy, his presidency and his administration, as they try to give the illusion of their being “achievers” and “performers” when they are hardly that and portray themselves too, as cleaner than clean, when they are hardly that, as corruption still reeks in the Aquino administration. They even portray themselves as filled with integrity even as they lie constantly, and yes, even as they bribe and threaten to get what they want, whether from Congress, or from so-called whistle-blowers. That Noynoy is a do-nothing, know-nothing incompetent president has been cemented by his second Sona. That he and his administration failed miserably in even achieving self-imposed targets, as well as resorting to crediting his presidency and administration for the gains in rice production when the truth is that they had nothing to do with the increase in rice production, as analysts pointed out that the increase in palay production for the first half of 2011 is attributable to “the expansion in harvest area and improvement in yield compared to last year’s conditions when palay production was adversely affected by the El Niño phenomenon.” Noynoy spoke of having created over a million jobs but failed to mention that the jobs created “were more than offset” by a growing labor force of 1.2 million people and an 829,000-increase in underemployment, which jobs were mostly made up of low-quality work opportunities. While Noynoy speaks of transparency in his government, he made no mention of the passage of the Freedom of Information measure, nor spoke of the Hacienda Luisita problem, nor, for that matter, did he make any mention of his PPP program which is evidently a failure, and no mention at all of the RH bill’s passage. And just what legislative measures that Noynoy sought from Congress which obviously won’t bring about better governance, if not a bill seeking compensation for human rights victims during the martial law period; a magna carta for household helpers which Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada already had a measure on this passed recently and an improvement of the system on the awarding of pensions for retired soldiers, expansion of scholarships and universal quality healthcare; the responsible management of the environment (which his admnistration ought to be doing); and the formation of facilities that will ensure the safety of our citizens during times of great need and calamity which should also be done by the executive, without a congressional measure needed. All that is no road map to the future under Noynoy, and with his continuing incompetence, the future looks bleak. 6 Looks like we will have five more years of a directionless government, with the nobody home president in the saddle. One would have thought that after a year in office, and with the Palace hype on Noynoy’s State of the Nation’s “where-we-camefrom-where-we-are-at-what-wehave-done-and where-we-will-beheaded-to-in-the-next-five-years,” Noynoy would have, for a change, a speech with substance and vision, complete with a road map for the five-year future. No such luck, but then again, what can one really expect from a thoroughly incompetent president, who, after one year in office, still hasn’t even started to learn the ropes, as shown by his brainless Sona filled with lies and exaggerations to make himself look good, not even realizing that all his lies and exaggerations could be checked out with official data that show up his lies. All his, and his administration’s failures were nowhere to be found in his wang-wang Sona which was billed as a social transformation Sona. Why did he omit the fact that again, there was that shortfall in revenue collection? Why speak of the stock market index rise when this only benefits stock market players, and not the rest of the Filipino people? Where was his much vaunted Private-Public Partnership program he bragged about as his centerpiece program of government in his first Sona? He claims to have embraced transparency in his government, yet he refuses to certify as urgent the Freedom of Information bill, which bill he incidentally pushed when he was a presidential candidate, as he wanted to use that to dig up dirt on his predecessor. But as he now sits in Malacañang and coddles his KKK, he no longer wants this FoI since this would open his government to the prying eyes of the media. As for his silly wang-wang symbolism and his claim of the wangwang culture changing the Filipino, that’s a laugh. It hasn’t even changed the ways of his aides and his KKKs. It hasn’t even changed him, for that matter. He knows that even as the sound of the wang- wang is virtually gone, the perks — and yes — abuse of the powerful — remain. Don’t the officials — especially Noynoy — still have the motorcycle escorts and their blinking lights to get through traffic and even close the roads for Noynoy to pass through? The wang-wang is hardly the right symbol of abuse — especially when just the sound of the sirens is gone and everything else about the symbol of power and abuse remains. There are other manifestations of government abuse and well does Noynoy know it, or ought to know it. Noynoy pounded on the negativity of the Filipinos, yet he was certainly pretty negative in continuing to place all blame on the previous administration, again, obviously, as an excuse for his failure as president. It is precisely this negative mindset of Noynoy that has prevented the nation from moving forward. Hasn’t he realized yet that the people are sick and tired of his constant blaming of the ills of government on his predecessor? Hasn’t he realized that the Filipino see through him, seeing him as a donothing, know-nothing president who moreover coddles his KKKs, his cronies, classmates and shooting buddies whom he obviously cannot even control? His business cronies he spared, even as he slammed the professionals who he said paid so little by way of income tax, yet he said nothing of the big corporations that have not been paying the right amount of taxes. Why was he so silent on them and focused instead on the individual professionals? He never seems to see the big picture, and focuses instead on the minutiae to press his point, such as the P1 billion spent by the previous Pagcor management on coffee. True, there appears to have been plundering in Pagcor by the previous management, but what’s a billion in coffee plunder compared to the billions in taxes being evaded by these big corporations and big businessmen who are identified with him? All told, no road map was presented to the nation mainly because Noynoy and his aides don’t really know where they are going — and even what they are doing. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier THE TALL ORDER Reprinted from Malaya with the author’s consent By Mon Datol PNoy’s utak wang-wang sa daang matuwid In his State of the Nation (SONA) address President Noynoy Aquino dubbed those who abuse power and position of “utak wang-wang,” highly criticized them and vowed to change that mind-set by stopping the culture of government abuse. PNoy need not look elsewhere. Daming utak wang-wang sa balikat niya, utak-tuko sa Palasyo at… At utak-buwaya sa paligid niya. **** PNoy is not ‘mayabang’ or ‘utak wangwang’ as what his sisters Kris and Ballsy told TV Patrol in yesterday’s (August 1) 2nd death anniversary of their mother the late former President Cory Aquino. PNoy is like their Mom who also seeks divine intervention when confronted of sensitive decision on matters that affect the nation, the sisters said. Religious ang pamilya Aquino. Owww? Why fight the church, then, on reproductive issue? And PNoy is ready to face the church wrath to the extent of excommunication? Ito ba ang relihiyosong .. Daang matuwid? **** Talagang hindi mayabang si PNoy. Ni walang ngang porma sa katawang ang taong ito, eh. Ni hindi ito umiinow ng alak, kahit yata erbi, eh, di niya alam ang lasa. Ni hindi rin yata alam ang power-tripping, eh. Ani nga mga kritiko niya, si PNoy .. Walang alam talaga… opppssss… **** Sigarilyo at babae LANG ang bisyo ni PNoy. Ala na. Kaya’t pabayaan na lang natin ang ating Pangulo ang leave him alone do his duties as our Head of State. Hindi naman sagabal ang dawalang bisyong yon sa pagtupad niya sa kaniyang tungkulin, eh. Sa gabi nga, eh, rosario at kape lang daw ang kasama niya saPalasyo. At kapag tapos na itong manigarilyo, eh … Magpapatimpla na ito ng kape ke Rosario. **** Seriously speaking, PNoy is now doing what his predecessor has done when GMA assumed the presidency in 2001 at the expense of Prez Erap Estrada by also picking people to handle sensitive posts in the government like the Ombudsman, CA, including the SC even if such appointments would violate the Constitution. How many SC justices did GMA appoint? How many Associate Justices at CA got their robes from GMA? How many small courts judges got their gavels from GMA? How many Comelec Commissioners got GMA blessings? How many government controlled corporations almost got bankrupt because of GMA’s appointment of ‘utak wang-wang ang utakbuwaya’ to these government ‘gatasan’ corporations? Legions, kabayan! And PNoy now wants to put members of his KKK men and women to the same government posts vacated by GMA’s battalion of ‘utak wang-wang and utak buwaya.’ Look, PNoy wanted Ombusdman Merceditas Gutierez’s chair. He got it. He now wants the JBC to prepare another list of contenders for the vacant CA associate justice post because he doesn’t like the names prepared by the JBC. PNoy is now withholding the release of the pork barrel of Congressmen who do not toe the line with him in the approval of the P1.8-trillion 2012 national budget PNoy wants to be approved. PNoy wants Congress and Senate to follow him in his daang matuwid dahil kung hindi sila susunod … Babaluktot pork barrel nga mga Mambabatas. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 **** Going back to his SONA, PNoy did a good job of speaking in Pilipino. Naiintidihang mabuti ng bawat Pilipino ang kaniyang speech na pulos utak wangwang ang madalas sabihin. Pulos atake sa adminitrasyon ni GMA ang sinabi ni PNoy. Kulang sa malalim na sustansiya ang SONA niya. And while PNoy talked proudly of the few accomplishments of his 12 months in office, there were several missed opportunities to score pogi points. Some of these were: - He should have pushed for reconciliation with Chief Justice Renato Corona whom PNoy snubbed when he took his oath of office with Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, his newly appointed Ombudsman; - He should have talked on not accepting the recommendations of IIRC headed by DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima to discipline 12 officials headed by Usec Rico Puno who handled the Luneta Hostage crisis; - He should have talked on his refusal to fire DILG Usec Rico Puno, a “Kabarilan” who is clearly incompetent in handling police matters; - He should have touched on not convincing his family to distribute Hacienda Luisita to its farmer tenants; - He should have talked on his failure to push hard for the approval of the House for the Reproductive Health (RH) bill in the same way he campaigned for the impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and the postponement of the ARMM elections; - He should have clarified his failure to certify the Freedom of Information bill; - He should have talked on his refusal to fire Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez, the Alabang Golf cheat for failure to achieve his collection targets; It’s not too late, however, to rectify his SONA misfire by considering revising some of the issues I stated above. To start with, PNoy must: Certify the Reproductive Health Bill; Reassign DILG Usec Rico Puno; Reduce the price of NFA rice to P23 or P24/kilo. NFA just announced billions in profits and savings; appoint a new Commissioner of Customs, and solve the classroom shortage crisis in the next 12 months. Limit pork barrel to building classrooms to begin with. If PNoy could do it … Bukana ng daang matuwid makikita na. **** Here in Toronto, more and more Filipino-Canadians are faced with identity crisis. Hindi na alam ng maraming Pinoy dito kung Pilipino pa ba sila ‘o nilamon na ang kanilang ugat ng pagiging immigrants ‘o Canadian citizens. Karamihang Pinoy dito, PR (permanent residents) holders pa lang, mayabang na. Ayaw ng magsalita ng Tagalog, o, Bisaya o Ilokano. Inglis-inglisan na, baluktok naman. At may accent pa! At ayaw ng maki-halubilo sa mga kabayan, lalo na sa mga disco. Target ng mga babaeng ito ang mga Jamaican, Turko, Iranian, Pakistani at kung sinong anik-anik basta’t hindi Pinoy. Dako daw? Nakowww… bahala na sila sa mga buhay nila. Ako? Ang pamilya namin?.. (Pakantang bigkas) Kami’y mga Pinoyyyy… kami’y hindi nahihiyaaaa, kung ang ilong namin ayyyyy … pangoooo!!! Mabuhay ka PNoy! Mamatay mga utak wangwang at utak buwaya!!! Hehehee… ‘The governor has been endorsing the Calamba Park for the greater interest of further promoting this sport in the country and attracting more people to the CWC. CamSur rejects HB 4728 CAMARINES Sur Provincial Administrator Fermin Mabolo has sent an e-mail protesting the congressional move to split Camarines Sur into two. (I have abridged the letter to fit my allotted space.) The proponents of the congressional measure to divvy up Camarines Sur into two provinces have been peddling three (3) fallacies to justify carving out a new province–Nueva Camarines– from CamSur’s 4th and 5th districts. Supporters of House Bill No. 4728 led by Deputy Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella claim that the separation will benefit these two districts because: There will be two 1st class provinces instead of just one (CamSur). The 4th and 5th districts will never grow or progress unless emancipated from CamSur, which is saddled with bad governance as alleged in the graft cases filed against Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. The provincial governor no longer promotes CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) and the Caramoan Islands because the Governor now promotes the rival Republic Nuvali Wake Park in Laguna. They say, on one hand, that CamSur is first class and on the other that it remains a backwater province because of alleged bad governance. Why separate the two districts from an already firstclass province of CamSur? Consider these rosy indicators for CamSur: According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) no less, in its Philippine Human Development Report 2008/2009 with the Human Development Network and the New Zealand Agency for International Development or NZAID, CamSur is the Sixth Most Improved Philippine Province. CamSur has overtaken Boracay Islands as the country’s top tourist draw, boasting thrice the number of visitors -- 1,879,172 against Boracay’s 607,537 in 2010. CamSur, according to the Department of Agriculture, is the province with the highest growth in palay production. From 39th poorest province, CamSur now ranks as the 10th richest province in the country in terms of net income (P233.85 million) and total equity (P1.99 billion), based on the 2007 COA Financial Statement Highlights of LGUs. CamSur received the 2009 Presidential Citation for Best Practice (in the field of creating a business and investment enabling environment), and was cited by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as model province in Bicol for fighting red tape, when it came to establishing Citizen’s Charters, setting up public assistance and complaint desks and adopting measures to stop fixing activities. As noted by the governor in a media interview: "We are the No. 1 tourist destination in the Philippines, and one of the country’s highest producers of rice despite the typhoons. How can that be a result of bad management?" Only one person – former Sanggunian member Carlo Batalla – filed nine complaints, of which seven have been dismissed thus far by the Office of the Ombudsman for lack of merit. Batalla presents himself as an anticorruption crusader, but it seems that he is just harassing the governor for mil- lions of reasons. What Batalla presented in his 10th complaint was just a Commission on Audit (COA) observation that only meant there was a deficiency on documentation. There was no categorical COA declaration that the governor had misused funds. Tourists flock to our province, among them internationally acclaimed triathletes, drawn to CWC and Caramoan Islands, the site of five international editions of the immensely popular reality TV show "Survivor." In fact, this month, CWC will host the third edition of the Cobra Ironman World Championship–a triathlon that will be participated in by over a thousand professional and amateur triathletes from 28 countries. This annual CamSur sports event is an official qualifier to the two World Ironman Championships later this year in Kona, Hawaii and Las Vegas, Nevada. In Argument No. 3, Gov. Villafuerte is accused of betrayal with the canard that he has been hurting CWC tourismwise in promoting the Republic Wake Park Nuvali in Calamba, Laguna as an alternative venue for wakeboarding. The governor has been endorsing the Calamba Park in his capacity as president of the Philippine Water Ski and Wakeboard Federation, Inc. and vice president of the Asian Wakeboarding Association and, more importantly, for the greater interest of further promoting this sport in the country and attracting more people to the CWC. As Governor Villafuerte himself points out in media interviews, more facilities elsewhere in the country will spell more enthusiasts, and more enthusiasts will mean more tourists going to the CWC–and to Caramoan as well–to go wakeboarding and even join the annual competitions being held in this world-class sports complex.7 Unlike the non-issues being hurled against the governor and the provincial government, there is truth to the charge that HB 4728 is being railroaded. It only took nine days for the bill to be introduced in the House, discussed and approved at committee level, then passed sans plenary debates during the last session day on the eve of Congress’ sine die adjournment last June. Only nine days! And only two hours for the bill’s passage on second and third reading with no plenary debates! The bill’s authors should explain why no congressional hearings were ever held anywhere in CamSur when the most logical thing to do is for its authors to spearhead an official inquiry in the affected locality or localities so as to get the views of the affected citizens. They are saying that two consultations were held at the Ateneo in Naga City and the University of St. Anthony in Iriga City, but these were not formal congressional hearings where all sectors could air their sentiments. These were just informal meetings with hakot crowds brought to the Naga and Iriga venues by the split-CamSur advocates. The only genuine conclusion that can be drawn from the failure of the bill’s proponents to hold formal congressional hearings is that they deliberately chose not to hold public hearings in CamSur for fear of generating and having to put on record the true and overwhelming sentiment of the people: utter contempt for this scheme to balkanize their province. continued on page 11 7 Philippine Courier My Cup of Tea ‘Nagpapasalamat din ako na hindi na sinali ni PNoy kanyang lovelife o yung kawala nun katulad ng ginawa niya maraming beses sa ibang okasyun.’ Reprinted from Malaya with the author’s consent Maraming salamat, PNoy PRESIDENT Aquino delivered his second State of the National address in Pilipino. I’m following his example and write this piece in Tagalog: *** May mga pumipintas sa pangalawang SONA ni Pangulong Aquino noong Lunes. Kesyo boring daw, hindi raw naglahad ng vision at hindi raw malinaw kung saan ang destinasyon ng matuwid na daan. Huwag na nga masyadong magreklamo. Ano kayo, "utak-alimango?" Sige lang, deretsong lakad. Makikita mo na rin ang patutunguhan mo kapag nakarating ka na doon. Ako naman ay nagpapasalamat at hindi umabot ng isang oras kasi may miting pa ako ng alas-singko ng hapon. Nagsimula ang kanyang talumpati ng 4:10 ng hapon at natapos ng 4:57 n.h. Apat na po at pitong minutes. Tama na rin yun kasi kung hinabaan pa niya, baka sobra nang mapagod ang mga nandun sa Batasan. Nahuhuli na nga ang mga palakpak. Nakapag-simula na si PNoy ng panibagong topic at saka pumapalakpak. Nahuhuli siguro ang signal. Maraming beses, kailangan niyang ulitin ang simula ng sentence. Sa bilang ni Mark Ubalde ng Interaksyun5, 48 na beses pinalakpakan si PNoy. Ang pinakamasigabong palakpak ay nang inanunsyo niya ang pagkahirang kay dating Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales na bagong Ombudsman. "Pagpasok ng bagong Ombudsman na si dating Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, magkakaroon tayo ng tanodbayan na hindi magiging tanod-bayad ng mga nagwawang-wang sa pamahalaan. " Ang isa ring pinalakpakan ng malakas ay nang sabihin niya ang tungkol sa Spratlys: " Kung seguridad na rin lang po ang ating paguusapan, di ba’t karugtong din nito ang ating pambansang dangal? Dati, hindi man lang natin makuhang pumalag tuwing may sisindak sa atin sa loob mismo ng ating bakuran. Malinaw ang pahiwatig natin ngayon sa buong mundo: Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipinas; kapag tumapak ka sa Recto Bank, para ka na ring tumapak sa Recto Avenue." Hindi masyadong pinalakpakan ngunit natuwa ako sa kuwento niya na may insidente daw ng stand off sa Spratlys: "Tinapatan daw ang mga marino natin ng kanyon. Ang ginawa nila, pumutol ng puno ng niyog, pininturahan ito ng itim, saka itinutok sa kalaban." Ganyan ang Pinoy, resourceful. Nagpapasalamat talaga ko na ganun lang kahaba ang kanyang SONA na nang i-printout ko ay umabot lang ng 14 na pahina. Kasi sa haba na yan 18 na beses niyang sinabi ang salitang ‘wangwang", ang na simbolo ng pagmamayabang at walang malasakit sa taumbayan. Kung humaba pa yun din as maraming salitang "wangwang" pa ang marining natin. Tatlong beses siyang umubo. Ganyan daw kasi kapag naninigarilyo. Nagpapasalamat din ako na hindi na sinali ni PNoy kanyang lovelife o yung kawala nun katulad ng ginawa niya maraming beses sa ibang okasyun. Para sa akin kasi, wala kong paki-alam kung may asawa siya o wala basta ayusin lang niya ang pamamalakad ng bayan. *** Blog:www.ellentordesillas.com E-mail:ellentordesillas@gmail.com 8 By Dr. Leto Tigley Maria Aragon, new Pinoy pride! Congratulation to J and P Pilipino Store in Kitchener for their new location. So, they are now in downtown and most of the Filipinos can enjoy now for its availability. Philippine Courier, as usual can be found in this store monthly. We appreciate the kindness of Mon Datol, Publisher and Editor in Chief of this prestigious Newspaper for serving our far flung region with no cost of return. August 27, Saturday would be a great day for the Carolinians and the Maroon & Gold of Toronto and its suburbs. USC, or Carolinians, has their President Zeny Uy and CIT aka Maroon & Gold, with their many past presidents, but none recently, ventures another try making all Cebuanos to unite a new community. If you speak the language, then, you are wanted and a “Warrant of Arrest” is issued to be part of this long, long dream. On that day, there will be Picnic and Pot Luck is commonly the required process. If you are on diet, then, bring your own menu. Just don’t forget to bring water to protect you from heat exhaustion or stroke. The venue would be at Centennial Park, Mississauga. Manny Pacquiao, if not busy, will be there. But surely Fr. Ben Ibcas will do the invocation. If you want to ask more information, just send them to their E mail Address: yellowbirdzen@yahoo.ca ; chris.vasquez@ sympatico.ca I was very impressed about the visit of the new royal couple: The Prince William, who is the duke of Cambridge and Kate Middleton, the duchess of Cambridge. The guy is so humble and the lady looks like no shade of hypocrisy in her face, a true commoner. It seems like the handsome and the beautiful were there. But what is most proud for us Filipinos was Maria Aragon, the Filipina girl who sang the National Anthem of Canada. There, we can say, that all of us should be proud of. She is now in the Philippines and a proud member of the Kapamilya sa TFC. I believe she will reap more accolades in our home country. After all, she has an international color on her name now. She can sing and she can dance, a talent needed for a versatile entertainer. Congratulations to her parents. The ugly history of the past nine years of Ex President GMA is gradually unfolding every minute, hours or day. It makes us excited to know more about the happenings because life in our country needs a determined leader with integrity to resuscitate our lost economy. And it is vital that the basic part of it should be uncovered. “Kung walang korap walang mahirap” the cry of President Noynoy Aquino III, is now sailing towards the sunny end of success. The Ombudsman, Merceditas Gutierrez, who had covered up all corruption issues in her terms, was about to be impeached and to break the impact; she tendered her resignation, a first base win of PNoy in his first year in office. GOCC, an entity owned by the government, was found to have abused their capital and its income and most of the resources are siphoned to their individual needs and interest. They did not follow the rule as they appropriate for themselves, gargantuan salaries, side incentives and allowances, much bigger, extremely, than our Present President. They have mansions in almost all international locations. In short, they are one of the recipients of the demonic policy of “madam pandak” GMA. The deceased General Angelo Reyes, who had been mentioned many times as one of the recipients of the pabaon in AFP was grilled by the Senate of his participations of corruption in the military. When he was about to sing out the maladies, allegedly in the evening, he was called by the Pandak and was warned and in the following day due to anxiety and lack of sleep, he lost his morale and shot himself in front of his mother’s grave. And now, the mafia in the AFP is now open to the public, and million to billions of our money were found to have lost to their pockets. Now here’s the LWUA, administered as chairman by ex-congressman Prospero Pichay, known to be the right hand of GMA. He ran the entity as if it is his private corporation. He appropriated a large amount of money to buy a bankrupt bank, in spite of being disallowed by its charter. He ran the bank like it is his own. And now he is shouting to the whole world that he is harassed or persecuted. The ombudsman dismissed him with no benefits and bar to work in the Government for life. He is also sued for tax evasion by the BIR; he is the 57th uncovered tax evader. His unpaid tax is pegged at 32.5 million pesos. Mikee Arroyo with his 75 million is one of them too. And there is a PCSO scandal where a large amount of budget, more than half a billion, was appropriated for promotions and advertisements. A multi-million appropriation for ghost intelligence approved and was disbursed on two elections in 2007 and 2010. And an immoral appropriations for SUV’s for the seven bishops known as pajero bishops, who were much closed to her. And she gave a Montero to a bishop of Butuan who showed to her their Hitleric allegiance by asking Pnoy to step down just earlier. All of these have an imprimatur of the Pandak. A sudden turn of events unfolded anew when Zaldy Ampatuan, with no pressures, crowed like a roaster that in 2007, GMA instructed them to cheat for Senator Zubiri. The instruction is to zero three senators, Aquino, the president now, Peter Cayetano and Ping Lacson. The main reasons, Aquino is potential to become President, Peter Cayetano can not be relied as an ally and Ping Lacson, a perpetual Critic to her. And a fugitive election supervisor, Atty Lintang Bedol, burst into the scene and corroborated the incantation of the suspended ARMM Governor that the instruction to cheat came from the first couple, mainly Miguel Arroyo. So, all the election paraphernalia were all fakes, and they changed it with prepared results. Most of those were under the close supervisions of Garcillano. Bedol also implicated Garcillano about the cheating in 2004 Presidential Election where Panday - FPJ won. And more so, we have NFA scandal, Fertilizers scam and NBT ZTE scam, which we can not elucidate for lack of space now. Now, that we are clearing and cleaning our country, I am very proud to be a Filipino. Transparency, honesty, and integrity, for the whole year, President Benigno Aquino III achieves it. By July 31, at the backyard of Dolping’s home, again we will have the Fiesta Barili. All friends are invited, especially, Mon Datol, Tenny Soriano, and Ricky Caluen. As usual, after the prayer will be foods, and then, the “kantahan sa mga Barkada”. Come and join with us. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier On West Philippine Sea… ‘What is ours is ours’ – Pres. Aquino PNoy also appoints retired Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as the new ombudsman in his second State of the Nation Address. MANILA, Philippines (July 26, 2011) - President Aquino reiterated the Philippines’ foreign policy with regard to the country’s decades-old jurisdiction over Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea, which is now being claimed by China. “Our message to the world is clear: what is ours is ours. Setting foot on Recto Bank is no different from setting foot on Recto Avenue,” he said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of Congress Monday. While Aquino did not mention China, it was an obvious reference to the Chinese. “We do not wish to increase tensions with anyone, but we must let the world know that we are ready to protect what is ours.” Aquino said the government is also studying the possibility of elevating the case on the West Philippine Sea to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, to make certain that all involved nations approach the dispute with calm and forbearance. Aquino said it is about time that state forces respond to threats in our own backyard, particularly because enhanced security in keeping the country safe from foreign intruders is already underway with the military’s acquisition of a new warship. “At times I wonder if the stories about some of our past standoffs are true - that when cannons were aimed at our Marines, they could only reciprocate by cutting down a coconut tree, painting it black, and aiming it back,” he joked. He said the country might acquire more vessels in the future in addition to helicopters and patrol craft, and the weapons that the armed forces and the police will buy in bulk to get a significant discount. President Aquino had ruled out bilateral talks with China over the disputed oil-rich Spratly islands, insisting there is no other forum to settle the issue but the United Nations tribunal that has authority over the law of the sea. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told Chinese officials during his recent visit to Beijing that the West Philippine Sea issue is best left to the decision of the UN tribunal, but the Chinese government rejected the idea. “China always maintains that the South China Sea dispute should be resolved through direct negotiations between directly concerned countries,” foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters in Beijing. Aquino, who is scheduled for a state visit to Beijing either late August or early September, said, “We want to establish first precisely who is in the right in terms of the definition of the rights imbued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” The tribunal is an independent judicial body established by UNCLOS, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to handle disputes. “So where do you go? You have to go to the body where everybody is a signatory practically to, and that is the UN, and specifically the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea,” he said, adding that he will raise this issue when he visits China this year. Hong Lei said the Spratlys row should also be dealt with according to “recognized international laws.” The July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Spratlys are being claimed in part or in whole by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. Del Rosario said he pointed out that the Philippines’ claims over parts of the West Philippine Sea, including the Spratly islands, were “based on international law, specifically UNCLOS”. Chinese officials, however, said their claims were based on “historic rights.” The Philippines and Vietnam have in recent months accused China of taking increasingly aggressive actions in staking its claims in the disputed waters, including an incident where the Chinese allegedly fired on Filipino fishermen. In April, the Philippine government lodged a formal protest at the United Nations over China’s claims. Carpio-Morales named new Ombudsman President Aquino also named the other day retired Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as the new ombudsman in his second State of the Nation Address. “When the new Ombudsman, former Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, takes office, we will have an honest-to-goodness anti-corruption office, not one that condones the corruption and abuses in government,” the President said, receiving one of the loudest and strongest applause when he made the announcement as part of his speech. “I expect that this year, we will have filed our first major case against the corrupt and their accomplices. And these will be real cases, with strong evidence and clear testimonies, which will lead to the punishment of the guilty,” he said. Carpio-Morales was the one who administered Aquino’s oath of office and was chosen over three other names submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council, including Justice Undersecretary Leah Armamento, Presidential Commission on Good Government Commissioner Gerard Mosquera and former justice secretary Artemio Tuquero. She will replace Merceditas Gutierrez, who had been closely identified with former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Gutierrez was impeached by the House of Representatives mainly due to complaints that she failed to act on various corruption cases involving the past administration. Arroyo had openly opposed the appointment of Carpio-Morales as ombudsman, saying as SC justice, she never voted in her favor in almost all cases. A native of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Carpio-Morales brings with her 42 years of legal experience in the executive and judiciary, with special interests in anticorruption and human rights. Enrile cites weak AFP Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile meanwhile said that there is really a need to prioritize the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to boost its ability to defend the country’s sovereignty against China over the West Philippine Sea. Enrile, a former defense minister during the Marcos regime, said the AFP does not have the capability to defend the country from invaders. “The rift with China over our territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea is a wake-up call. While the issue must be settled diplomatically, the incident showed us how lacking our armed forces are in terms of military materiel and equipage,” Enrile said. “We have no decent military might to speak of, not even to defend our own territory. This sad state of affairs must also be addressed immediately,” the Senate president added. Meanwhile, Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon of the municipality of Kalayaan in the disputed Spratlys said the troops stationed in the disputed area are helpless in enforcing our maritime laws in the area. Bito-onon said troops based at Pag-Asa island, the biggest Philippineoccupied islands in the Spratlys, could not stop the massive destruction of corals and illegal fishing by foreign fishermen and unmarked vessels believed to be owned by other Spratlys claimant countries. He said that until the UNCLOS is respected in the disputed area, the Filipino troops couldn’t do anything. “We could not just drive away poachers who’ve been engaged in the massive destruction of our coral reefs and other marine resources around the island because the waters around here is still the subject of claims by other Spratlys claimant-countries,” Bito-onon said. Bito-onon was referring to the regular presence of unmarked vessels just four or six kilometers away from PagAsa island. Former leaders were satisfied Former President Fidel Ramos said Aquino’s SONA “was better” than last year’s. “But we need to move faster because, although he (Aquino) show it, we are already at the bottom in the whole of Southeast Asia and in the whole Asia-Pacific region,” Ramos told reporters. “We need to work now,” he added. Former President Joseph Estrada also commended Aquino for his “clear” SONA. “We need to give PNoy time in restoring faith in government because of the immeasurable and insurmountable acts of corruption of the past administration,” Estrada said. The Black and White Movement renewed its support for Aquino’s yearold government but said it needs to know the President’s vision. “We want to know what his vision is. He needs to spell it out,” group leader Leah Navarro told reporters. “Where does this government want to take us?” Navarro said while the government had been coming up with tag lines like “Daang Matuwid” or “Kung Walang Corrupt Walang Mahirap,” it has yet to lay down plans on how it plans to achieve it. AFP all praises for P-Noy Meanwhile, the military yesterday called President Aquino “a good planner” and is optimistic that he would remain supportive of the armed forces’ capability upgrade program. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Commodore Miguel Rodriguez said they are inspired by Aquino’s vision for the country as well as his drive to implement reforms. Rodriguez said Aquino has given them direction through the internal security plan Bayanihan, which seeks to curb armed conflict through development. “We also have a clear marching order to step up reforms. He brought back the honor and commitment of soldiers. The soldiers become more enthusiastic under his term,” he said. Rodriguez said they are confident that through Aquino’s guidance, the internal conflict with armed groups would eventually come to an end. “We are optimistic that we will finally put an end to internal strife. We are considering the primacy of peace process. We’re making inroads in the peace negotiations with CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” he said. Rodriguez said the AFP would remain supportive of Aquino’s development programs. “We’re looking at being able to contribute to the development of the countryside especially in conflict areas,” he said. – Christina Mendez, Jess Diaz, Aie Balagtas See, Jose Rodel Clapano, Alexis Romero 9 Philippine Courier Stars of the Month By Ores Ting 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visa to Canada now in effect TORONTO, Ontario --(Marketwire - July 20, 2011) - Improvements to make it easier to visit Canada are coming soon, announced the Honorable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. A new ten-year multipleentry visa will make applying more efficient for applicants and better use government resources. Ligaya Dulce Friends call her “Gay” or “Guy” for Ligaya but she prefers the latter, because being called “gay” nowadays means something else. How true indeed!! But I would rather call her by her real name “Ligaya” – which simply means in English: happy or happiness. She is a person with a positive outlook in life. Always with a smile on her face. But with eleven siblings in the family, according to Ligaya, everything was a struggle; and life was a challenge for what one can imagine or hope and dream . It is just matter of time to say I finally made it!! From an early age, Ligaya admired her dad as a strong loving man; proud that her father- a guerilla fighter brought honors and accolades to the family when the war ended. She noted “matapang ang tatay ko pero napakabait sa pamilya”. While growing up in the Philippines, she enjoyed helping her mother in the kitchen and developed a talent for preparing excellent meals, which she continued to do throughout her life. She eventually became known in community as the “chef”. She makes the best Cassava cake too! Then, she migrated to Canada in 1978, got married to Tony and now a proud mother of two teenage daughters, Mariel Nichol and Leanne. Currently employed at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), she is responsible for the recording and duplication of reading materials for people with visual impairment. She worked at the CNIB for over 22 years now. She is active in the community doing volunteer work, raising funds, and assisted in getting donations to help those people affected in the Philippines during the worst flooding the country had. Her success in life is a reflection of how she learned to sacrifice and persevere. She is humbled by what she has accomplished and proud to be given the opportunity to be in the company with the rest of her kababayans who achieved success in life. As what Ralph Emerson said, “Hitch your wagon to a star”. (For Star of the Month inquiries, pls. call Ores Ting@ 416-546-9391) Servicio Filipino p Internationale "More applications and higher expectations mean that Citizenship and Immigration Canada needs a more responsive and flexible processing system," said Minister Kenney. "To achieve that, the Department is providing applicants and staff with the right tools to deliver on those expectations." Immigration Minister Jason Kenny Citizens of certain countries require a visa to come to Canada temporarily. Currently, the maximum validity period of a multiple-entry visa is five years. However, increasingly, countries are issuing passports which are valid for ten years. In light of this, CIC is changing its policy for visa issuance. Where applicants apply for multiple-entry visas, they may now be issued to the maximum validity according to the length of the passport validity (up to ten years, minus one month). This practice, already recommended for parents and grandparents with sponsorships in process, may now be extended to other clientele, such as business visitors. As Canada is becoming a preferred destination for visitors and business travelers alike, CIC continues to balance the need to facilitate this travel while responsibly managing our borders. We will increasingly focus attention on applications with the greatest potential for threat and vulnerability, while streamlining low risk cases. Further limitations on validity may apply on a case-by-case basis. The ten-year visa will be an option available to more low-risk travellers who are citizens of visa-required countries. As of Monday, the technical changes needed to issue it were in place. GOTCHA! Call us now at (416) 266-3838 or (416) 264-7676 Fax (416) 265-3939 And look for Marissa Corpus (UP Graduate) 65 Elfreda Blvd., Toronto ON M1L 4L5 Email: mbcimmigration@yahoo.ca > Want to sponsor / help a relative? > Visitor needing an employer? > Need a new employer? > Any immigration problems? > Caregiver sponsorship available NARIRITO PARA TUMULONG SA INYO! 10 YEARS HELPING OUR KABABAYANS Manila: Please call Rubie Tupas at Tel: (632) 830-0573 Fax: (632) 830-0547. Suite 821 Cityland Herrera Towers, #98 Herrera Corner Valero Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City Email: mbbcons@nsclub.net Member: Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) "Full Member" M041454 10 The Philippines' MMFF Best Actress and popular comedianne Miss AiAis delas Alas takes time out in the PCCF Meet & Greet held at the Max's Restaurant and reads The Philippine Courier with gusto. Photo by TPC's MonD. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier ‘Ghost delivery?’ By Mon Datol TORONTO – Do you believe in ghost? Either way, read this story because what happened here could also happen to you in the near future. A Filipina caregiver living and working at the Wilson/Bathrust area sent an email to this newspaper last week and eventually called this writer to air her grievances over the alleged failure of a doorto-door agency to act accordingly to her complaint that her three boxes sent to her family in Caloocan City in the Philippines were allegedly opened, re-do and ‘allegedly looted’ of several items. Elenita Moreno, a nanny for four years now in this city, claimed her two big boxes and a small one she sent to her family in Caloocan City in May this year and received by his father Santos Moreno only last July 7, were opened and ransacked of several can goods, tooth paste, bath soaps, coffee, chocolates, panties and 6 pcs. of Lazenza bra. ‘I was really devastated hearing from my children that they only received a few chocolate bars and that my daughter could not find the 6 pcs. of Lazenza brassieres that she personally asked from me,” Moreno, a widow, tearfully told this writer during an interview. Moreno, who said she send boxes to her family twice a year (May and December), already received complaints from her children of receiving few chocolates bars from her previous boxes sent, but, ignored her children ‘whining’ and just promised them of sending more goodies the next time around. ‘I called Atin Ito delivery agency immediately after I talked to my children and asked them to investigate what happened to my boxes, but, the one who answered me said they could not do anything since my father who received the 3 boxes signed the delivery receipt that all the boxes were delivered in good condition,” Moreno narrated. Atin Ito owner Eusebio Corpuz, meanwhile, told this writer in a phone interview that it is not true that they did not investigate Moreno’s complaint as evidenced of the documents Corpuz emailed this writer stating that Corpus immediately asked their warehouse administrative staff in Pasig City to investigate Moreno’s complaint of losing several items in her three boxes. Corpuz also sent this writer photos of the 3 boxes Moreno sent to her family in Caloocan and received by her father Santos Moreno still visibly intact with all those ‘Fragile Tapes’ wrapped around the 3 boxes Elenita Moreno admitted to this writer that she is the one who put all those tapes in all the 3 boxes. “Buntis (bulging) ang mga boxes ko ng ipinadala ko, pero, tingnan mo sa photos, patag na patag, di ba?” Moreno pointed out. “Lahat ng mga boxes, kapag ipinasok na sa container van ay patong-patong na at sa bigat ng mga boxes at talagang mapapa- tag kahit na gaano ‘kabuntis’ ang mga kahon,” Corpuz explained in answer to Moreno’s claim. “Ayokong maghinala rin, pero, marami na akong tinanggap na complaints tulad ng sa kaniya, (Moreno) nuong araw pa at nagbabayad ako nuon kahit na hindi napatunayang nawalan nga sila ng mga items sa kanilang mga ipinadalang kahon para huwag ng humaba pa ang usapan,” Corpuz said. “Pero, hindi na ngayon. Sinasabi namin sa mga customers namin to read carefully the agreement na hindi kami responsible sa kanilang mga boxes kung mawawalan ito ng items dahil kung sa palagay nila ay nabawasan ang laman ng mga boxes nila ay HUWAG nilang tanggapin at huwag pirmahan ang resibo ng delivery. Babayaran lang naming sila KUNG HINDI nai-deliver ‘o nakarating sa kanila ang mga boxes na galing sa kanilang mga kamag-anak dito sa Canada,” Corpuz further explained. Moreno, however, said she doesn’t ask for payment for the lost items and only ask that her complaint be investigated and Atin Ito management to do something to prevent occurrence of similar issue in the near future. “Sana napakinabangan ng kung sino man kumuha ang mga nawala sa boxes ko,” Moreno said. Corpuz also send this writer the affidavit executed by the driver and delivery man of the boxes in questioned where the driver strongly denied ‘charges’ that they allegedly ‘looted’ any box they delivered in Metro Manila. “Iniimbestigahan namin ang lahat ng reklamo at never kaming tumalikod sa anumang reklamo ng aming mga customers,” Corpuz said. “Wala po kaming magagawa kung hindi na magpapadala sa amin si Ms. Moreno,” Corpuz added. Moreno, meanwhile, said she learned a lot now in sending boxes to her family in the Philippines, and the foremost is to find a new door-to-door agency. Now, it’s you our dearest readers, who decide if there’s a ‘ghost delivery’ in this issue. Ducky Paredes, from page 7 CamSur’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan; and its provincial chapters of the Mayors League, Provincial Councilors’ League and Association of Barangay Captains all oppose the division of CamSur. In fact, elective officials in the Partido districts–which cover Iriga City and 11 municipalities– are evenly divided with an almost even number of mayors supporting and opposing HB 4728. Even Rep. Salvio Fortuno, whose district is included in the proposed Nueva Camarines, expressed his dismay over the inclusion of the municipalities in his district without being informed by Fuentebella on this balkanization move. Business executives are just as riled up as Fortuno and local elective officials, with officers of the local Chamber of Commerce warn legislators that the province could lose its competitive edge as the Philippines’ ecotourism capital–on the back of its worldclass CWC and now-internationally famous Caramoan Islands–should Congress pass a bill chopping CamSur into two separate provinces. The chamber’s chairman and past president Butch Figuracion and its vice president Roger Peyra note that the split-CamSur move disturbs the existing tourism plans of CamSur, which has proven to be highly successful formula as shown by its current status as the country’s No.1 tourism hub. The Local Government Development Foundation agrees with the German foundation Konrad Adenauer Stiftung on the consolidation, rather than the fragmentation, of existing local government units: "Bills in Congress proposing to break provinces ultimately will lead to the creation of much weaker provincial governments or local government administrations. Forty-five up to fifty-five percent (45%-55%) of its annual budget are likely to be allocated for personal services normally characterized by a bloated local government bureaucracy." This study notes that it would cost a total of P789.65 million based on 2005 prices, just to create a new province. Factoring in inflation, the study’s conclusion means that it would cost some P1.4 billion to put up a new province based on 2011 prices. Considering that CamSur ain’t broke–to paraphrase an American saying–why spend P1.4 billion to fix it? *** Readers who missed a column can access www.duckyparedes.com/blogs. This is updated daily. Your reactions are welcome at duckyparedes@yahoo.com July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 11 Philippine Courier Global News Insanity ruling not likely in Norway OSLO, Norway (AP) -- It's unlikely that the right-wing extremist who admitted killing dozens in Norway last week will be declared legally insane because he appears to have been in control of his actions, the head of the panel that will review his psychiatric evaluation told The Associated Press. Afghan official: Kabul Bank scam involved up to 40 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- As many as 40 people were allegedly involved in scams to bilk hundreds of millions of dollars from the Kabul Bank, and nearly half the cases will be sent to the Afghan court system next week, a top Afghan prosecutor said Sunday. Mexico says a top Juarez cartel figure captured MEXICO CITY (AP) -- A key drug cartel figure who acknowledged ordering 1,500 killings has been captured in northern Mexico, federal officials said Sunday. Congress closing in on a deal to avert US default WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Senate plunged on Sunday into what many lawmakers and the White House - and millions of Americans coast to coast - hoped would be an all-but-decisive last-minute effort to raise the nation's debt ceiling and defuse a crisis that still could lead to an unprecedented government default.... States ponder: What happens when the money stops? LOS ANGELES (AP) -- As gridlocked Washington edges toward default, states staggering out of the last recession are preparing for the worst: The federal piggy-bank that helps them pay for health care, jobless benefits, road building and schools could run out of cash.... AT&T to throttle data speeds for 'unlimited' hogs NEW YORK (AP) -- AT&T Inc. said Friday that it's going to start limiting speeds for the 5 percent of its customers with "unlimited" data smartphone plans who clog the airwaves the most. Extremists flocking to Facebook for recruits LONDON (AP) -- When the English Defense League sprang to life Balitang Kutsero By Perry Diaz ‘Hello, Zaldy’ Zaldy Ampatuan got a call after he spilled the beans on ex-prez Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The conversation went this way: Gloria: Hello, Zaldy. Zaldy: Who’s this? Gloria: This is Gloria. Remember me? Zaldy: Oh, hi, ma’am. Of course, I remember you! How can I forget you? You still owe me P20 million! Gloria: Hoy, tawad na lang, okay? Zaldy: Anong tawad! You must pay what you owe me, ma’am! I delivered you the presidency in 2004! That’s worth more than P10 million. You should pay me P100 million instead. Gloria: Okay, okay, I’ll increase it on one condition. Zaldy: What condition? Gloria: Don’t testify against 12 two years ago, it had fewer than 50 members - a rough-and-tumble bunch of mostly white guys shouting from a street corner about what they viewed as uncontrolled Muslim immigration Samsung second quarter profit slides 18 percent SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Samsung's net profit slid 18 percent in the second quarter as weakness in semiconductors and liquid crystal displays countered the electronics giant's growing strength in smartphones. From jail to Jets, Burress finds a new NFL home NEW YORK (AP) -- Stuck in prison and his NFL career derailed, Plaxico Burress insisted he'd be back one day.... Yani Tseng wins Women's British Open by 4 strokes CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) – Twenty-two-year-old top-ranked Taiwanese Yani Tseng won the Women's British Open for the second straight year, beating Brittany Lang by four strokes Sunday and becoming the youngest woman to capture a fifth major title. Keep your faith in me, my loyal friend. Zaldy: I think the only way for me to get out of prison is to strike a deal with P-Noy; that is, my testimony for my freedom! Gloria: Can you trust P-Noy? Zaldy: Who else can I trust? Gloria: Listen very carefully, my dear friend. As soon as you promise not to testify against me, I’ll deposit $1 billion – that’s one billion US dollars! – in a bank in Beijing. And another $1 billion after I’m cleared, okay? Zaldy: Bank in Beijing? Why Beijing? me, okay? Zaldy: Huh? No way! First you promise me P10 million if I delivered Mindanao to you in 2004. Then you promised another P10 million if I delivered a 12-0 victory to your senatorial candidates in 2007. That’s worth at least another Gloria: Basta, akong bahaP100 million. You never paid me and now you don’t want me la. I got a sweetheart deal with to tell the truth about what hap- some powerful people in China a few years ago. I got a big tongpened? Naloloko ka naba? pat on an energy project I signed Gloria: Ikaw naman, relax when I was still prez. Zaldy: Aha! So what Jun Lo ka lang. I’ll make you a billionaire when this is all over. were saying all along was true Zaldy: Relax? I’m detained in then! Corrupt kang talaga, Glothis stinking cell 24/7 and you ria! And you can’t even pay me want me to relax? my tong-pat for the dagdag-baGloria: Kunting sacrifice was operation I did for you in lang pare ko and everything 2004 and 2007. If I didn’t pull will be okay. I’ll make you a that stuff, FPJ would have won the presidency in 2004! very rich man, my friend. Zaldy: Rich man, bah! Gloria: That’s past, Zaldy. What good is your money if I’d They can’t undo my election. be in prison for life? Let’s move on. Here’s the plan. Gloria: I’ll think of some- Are you listening? Zaldy: Huh? Uh… Yeah, thing to get you out of prison. US dominates world championships with 16 golds SHANGHAI (AP) -- Michael Phelps kept telling everyone he wasn't in shape at the world championships. Winning seven medals, including four golds, didn't change his mind. ‘Cowboys & Aliens,' 'Smurfs' tie for No. 1 spot LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Little blue Smurfs and not-so-little green men from space are in a photo finish for the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office. Angelina Jolie in Bosnia for film festival SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) -- Angelina Jolie attended the closing ceremony of the eight-day Sarajevo Film Festival in Bosnia's capital Saturday and organizers presented her with a special award for bringing attention to refugees from the country's 1992-95 war. Kings of Leon vow to redo 'too hot' Dallas show NEW YORK (AP) -- The Kings of Leon are promising to make it up to their Dallas fans after canceling a show because their lead singer complained it was too hot to perform. yeah, I’m listening. Go ahead. And, please speak a little louder cuz my hearing is getting bad. Gloria: Okay, the plan is for Mike and I to leave the country in a few days. Nobody knows where we’re going but I’ll tell you cuz I trust you. Got that? Zaldy: Go ahead, I’m listening. Where are you going? Gloria: We’re going to Portugal. We bought a large estate on the coast. Beautiful place! Zaldy: But why Portugal? Why not Spain… in Costa del Sol. Fantastic place! Gloria: Listen, idiot! Spain has extradition treaty with the Philippines. Portugal doesn’t. Got that? Zaldy: You called me an idiot? Gloria: That’s better than retard, right? He he he… Zaldy: Retard, ha? You know what, Gloria? Gloria: Yes… Zaldy: When you called I was talking to somebody on the phone. I put her on conference call with the two of us, so she heard everything you said. She’s right here. Other person: Hello, Gloria. Remember me? You appointed me as chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission, remember? Gloria: Hoy, Leila! It’s you! It’s you! You’re Leila de Lima! We should get together and reminisce the good old days. You were good in that commission. I’m very proud of you, my loyal friend. Leila: Gloria… as you know, I’m the Secretary of Justice now. Gloria: Umm… yeah… Leila: Well, Gloria, my job is to prosecute you for tons of plunder cases, not to mention the 2004 and 2007 election fraud that you did. Gloria: Leila, I’ll make you a deal. What’s your price? Leila: You can’t buy me, Gloria. I’ll come and get you. And as of today, I have put a hold order on your travels. You’re not going to leave the country. And I got you on tape this time. Thanks to you, Zaldy. Zaldy: Anytime, Leila. Leila: Oh, by the way, Gloria, I just want you to know that PNoy signed the appointment of retired Justice Conchita CarpioMorales as the next Ombudsman. Zaldy: Yeah, start praying, Gloria. He he he… Gloria: *Mga walang hiya!* (PerryDiaz@gmail.com ) July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Business Edited by: Miguel Caducio US default would have far-reaching impact – IMF chief NEW YORK (July 28, 2011) — A default or significant credit downgrade in the United States would be a "very very serious event," IMF chief Christine Lagarde said on Tuesday, warning it could have farreaching consequences for the world. The International Monetary Fund's managing director also pressed Greece to quickly implement rescue measures and a privatization program to keep its economy afloat. "The clock is really ticking. And people have to really find the appropriate solution," she said of US deadlocked talks on raising the US debt ceiling by an Aug. 2 deadline. "Default would be terrible for the United States and for the economy at large," Lagarde told the Council on Foreign Relations. She called on the United States to develop a credible fiscal adjustment plan to address its public debt but cautioned that near-term budget cuts could undercut an already sluggish economy. "The United States could face another jobless recovery. That is why we've advised against fiscal consolidation that is unduly hasty — even as we stress the importance of getting a fiscal consolidation plan agreed soon," she said. Her warning on the dangers of not raising the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling by next week came as the dollar fell across the board after US President Barack Obama gave no sign of a breakthrough in deadlocked talks in a televised speech late on Monday. The Obama administration has warned that next Tuesday the government will run out of cash to pay all its bills, raising the prospect that it could default on its debts. "An adverse shock in the United States could have serious spillovers on the rest of the world," Lagarde cautioned. An IMF report on the US economy on Monday warned that if the debate over the debt ceiling dragged on it could further slow the US economy and tip it into another recession. Lagarde also urged European leaders to quickly implement measures agreed at a recent EU summit to tackle the euro zone's debt problems and to strengthen economic governance. — (Reuters) In Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper pulled no punches Wednesday, describing the U.S. debt crisis as “very bad” and a product of a "difficult" political process in Washington. After marking the 58th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Wednesday, Harper said American leaders have their work cut out for them as they struggle to find ways to meet the country’s financial responsibilities while searching for ways to slash the $14.3 trillion federal debt. “Canadians should understand that part of the reason Americans are having such trouble dealing with this is that the U.S. debt and fiscal situation is extremely difficult. It is very bad and the United States faces very difficult choices,” he told reporters. Despite that, Harper said his Conservative government is confident that Canada’s largest trading party can put its fiscal house In a televised speech on Monday, U.S. President Barack Obama said congressional leaders must produce a compromise that can reach his desk before the Aug. 2 deadline. (JIM WATSON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES) back in order. “Obviously the (political) process in the United States is a difficult process at the best of times,” the prime minister said. Harper said Canada’s fiscal situation is significantly better but added his government just the same is committed to taking “some difficult actions” over the next two years to ensure “that we stay on track and we balance our budget and we don’t see anything like the kind of situation we have in the United States.” The Harper government is proposing to cut federal spending by $11 billion over four years and balance the books by 2015. While Harper put on a brave face, others are concerned with what affects the U.S. situation might have on Canada. (CP) Coco exports seen to grow further MANILA, Philippines (July 30, 2011) - Coconut exports are expected to grow further in markets where the Philippines has preferential trade agreements with because of the zero tariff, the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) said. “The elimination of tariffs under these trade agreements helped further boost the market access of low-to-medium moving coconut July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 products,” Yvonne T. Agustin, executive director of UCAP said. UCAP is a confederation of associations and organizations involved in the various activities of the Philippine coconut industry. 2010. In 2010, total exports of coconut reached $1.5 billion and accounted for 20 percent world market share, the highest among key sectors identified in the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP). Industry reports show that exports of coconut products have been consistently rising with an average growth rate of eight percent over the period of 2007- “These trade agreements level the playing field for Filipino exporters with our other neighboring countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand,” said Marco C. Reyes, group product manager of HanCole Industries Ltd., a company that exports vegetable oils, surfactants, oleo-chemical derivatives and other derivatives from coconut to Japan, China, Australia, Europe and North America. In 2010, three-fourths of Philippine coconut exports revenue went to markets where the Philippines has free trade agreements with, namely ASEAN, China, Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In the first quarter of 2011, the Philippine coconut shell charcoal exports to Japan has already accounted for 60.7 percent of total market share while total glycerin exports accounted for 69.8 percent, both figures based on volume. This is a remarkable increase over 2010’s total market share in Japan of 57.5 percent and 56.8 percent, respectively. 13 Philippine Courier IT BUZZ AROUND By Miguel Caducio I am not surprised at all of the report that Asia-Pacific consumers are the world's most prolific online shoppers and many rely on Internet reviews when making purchases, a research firm Nielsen published recently. Well, the firm said 35 percent of consumers in the region used over 11 percent of their monthly spending to make online purchases, compared to a global average of 27 percent of consumers with the South Koreans considered the heaviest online buyers in Asia, with 59 percent directing more than 11 percent of their monthly spending to online purchases, followed by 41 percent in China, Nielsen report continued. Furthermore, 31 percent of Asian consumers use between six and 10 percent of their monthly shopping spending to buy items online. "Consumers in the Asia-Pacific region are the world's most prolific online shoppers," Nielsen said. More Asia-Pacific consumers also intend to buy online in the next six months than those from other regions, with South Koreans and Chinese the most likely to make such purchases. Among the purchases consumers in the region are likely to make in the next six months are books, clothing, accessories and shoes, airline tickets, electronic equipment and hotel reservations. Asians are world's most prolific online shoppers Technology and the Internet will very likely fundamentally change how and where shoppers spend their money and interact with retailers reported Pete Gale, a managing director at Nielsen's Retailer Services. Gale added that they are seeing a strong trend in markets like Korea, where a significant population of online shoppers buy essentials such as groceries, cosmetics and nutrition supplies over the Internet. Nielsen said opinions posted online were important in customers' decisions to buy products such as electronics, cosmetics, cars, software and food. It added that Asia-Pacific consumers were also the most likely to share dissatisfaction at a product on the Internet compared with consumers elsewhere. "The increasing accessibility of the Internet and the incredible popularity of social media and online discussion forums mean today's brands have nowhere to hide," said Megan Clarken, Asia-Pacific managing director at Nielsen's online division. Nielsen added that in June, social media such as Facebook and Twitter or blogging sites had become powerful tools influencing what people buy and urged businesses to embrace the trend. ######################## In the Philippines, the Aquino government’s anti-red tape campaign gets a big boost as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) signed up as the first government agency to be interconnected with the Citizen’s Helpline or Call Center ng Bayan (CCB). Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chair Francisco T. Duque III, National Computer Center (NCC) Director General Angelo Timoteo M. Diaz de Rivera and BIR Commissioner Joel L. Tan-Torres signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) last May 26 at the BIR National Training Center marking the BIR’s participation in the project. “Today’s signing of the MoA gets us closer to the goal, which is to provide fast and reliable support via the CCB. This system was devised to save clients the time and frustration of being given the run-around by providing their needed information or assistance at the soonest time possible,” stated Duque during a press conference held after the MoA signing. The Citizen’s Helpline or CCB is a 24/7 contact center facility intended to address the concerns of the general public via voice call, short messaging service (SMS), fax, e-mail or the Internet. It shall be the means for citizens to air their complaints or request for information and assistance, and get corresponding action or feedback in real time. The pilot stage of the project will start in the third quarter of 2010. Agencies identified to undergo the pilot run are BIR, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Department of Health. The CSC is the lead agency for the implementation and interconnection of the citizen’s helplines, with technical assistance from NCC which acts as the Project Manager of the CCB Project. Under the MOA, the NCC has a oneyear funding for the network, software, hardware and technology, and the corresponding technical expertise in the pilot run of the Citizen’s Helpline. The CSC will then gather pertinent data and information as input to the Central Knowledge Database which will be utilized by the CCB agents. These data will be used as tool to respond to the concerns of the public. It may also serve as basis for the issuance of corresponding performance report to the pilot agencies on its efficiency and effectiveness in responding to calls based on the reports generated by the System. The BIR on its part shall extend its existing contract center infrastructure, call center agents and pertinent contact information of BIR officials and employees, and services. The CCB is in line with the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 and Administrative Order (AO) No. 241 which provides the establishment and interconnectivity of government help lines to current and future public assistance systems to improve the delivery of services to the public and cut red tape. Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants (AFCA) P.O. Box 55303, 300 Borough Drive, On Scarborough M1P 4Z7 www.afcatoronto.com Affiliated with the National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants (NCPACA) Cordially invites members and non-members to its 2nd PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONVENTION September 10-11, 2011 Qssis Banquet Hall 3474 Kingston Road Toronto Ontario M1M 1R5 The 2nd Professional Development Convention offers 12 CPE credit hours and hot topics to the Accounting Profession. It is also about networking – knowing and learning from others. Take advantage of this convention. For further details please contact the following Committee members or visit AFCA website (www.afcatoronto.org) to secure registration form. Joe Ragual Mercy Gonzales 14 jragual@rogers.com renzmercy@yahoo.com Tel No. 416-258-1553 Tel No. 416-551-9053 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier York Central Hospital Receives Approval to Build New Hospital in Vaughan Vaughan, ON. – Today it was announced that York Central Hospital has been approved to build a new hospital in Vaughan. The Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care made the announcement alongside Greg Sorbara, MPP for Vaughan. • Access to Acute Inpatient and Intensive Care Beds; Today’s announcement confirms the approval of a new hospital for Vaughan in the provincial infrastructure plan. Under the leadership of York Central Hospital, the new hospital in Vaughan will be publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable. The new hospital in Vaughan will be part of York Central Hospital’s twohospital model for health care services and will ensure people living in the rapidly growing communities of Southwest York Region, including Vaughan and Richmond Hill, have access to high quality, state-ofthe-art health care, closer to home. • 80 per cent single acute care patient rooms for superior infection prevention and control; and, This announcement follows York Central Hospital’s project milestone in April, when its Stage 1 Proposal was delivered to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as part of the government’s capital planning process. The proposal outlined York Central’s plans to create a Major Regional Health System for Southwest York Region, with a new hospital in Vaughan at Jane and Major Mackenzie as well as further development at the existing York Central Hospital on Trench Street in Richmond Hill. The hospitals would also operate alongside community-based locations and will be linked to a regional network of providers. Planning is underway for a new hospital in Vaughan that will offer: • A state-of the art Emergency Department • New Modern Surgical Services and Operating Rooms; • Technologically Advanced Diagnostic Imaging; • Specialized Ambulatory Clinics; • A flexible design to permit adaptation over time as new thinking and best practices emerge. The new hospital will be enabled by an efficient organizational structure with a single governance, administration and medical staff as part of the two-hospital model. York Central Hospital is currently undergoing a rebranding exercise to represent our expanded mandate as a new major regional health system. Quotes “We are working with our community to develop a new brand for York Central Hospital that will better communicate our expanded mandate to create a Major Regional Health System including the building of a new hospital in Vaughan and further development of the existing Richmond Hill hospital site,” said Dina Palozzi, Chair, York Central Hospital Board of Directors. “I am delighted to have the government’s support for our vision of creating a Major Regional Health System by approving our organization to build a new hospital in Vaughan. The new hospital will benefit the citizens of Vaughan and all of Southwest York Region,” said Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO of York Central Hospital. “Achieving our hospital approval is an ex- July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 tremely important milestone for our community. This muchneeded investment will improve local access to quality health care for our residents. I'd like to thank the people of our community, the City of Vaughan, and the many devoted volunteers who have contributed so much of their time and energy to our hospital project. While we still have important work to do, today's announcement gives us reason to celebrate what we have worked so hard to achieve." - Greg Sorbara, MPP, Vaughan “I know how important this new hospital is to the people of Vaughan and I’m proud to see it move forward. For Vaughan and area-residents, new hospital services not only mean faster and easier access to high quality health care services much closer to home, but also greater peace of mind.” - Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care “I want to thank the province for taking this important step and thank the community for its unwavering support of our goal to build a hospital in the City of Vaughan. Today’s announcement is an example of how different levels of government can work together with the community to improve health care services in our city. I want to personally thank everyone involved in this process for their hard work, commitment and dedication. In the coming months and years, discipline, cooperation and focus will be required to bring this project to fruition. The City of Vaughan and its citizens are up to the task. Today's announcement is great news for Vaughan!" -Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor, City of Vaughan 15 Philippine Courier Entertainment Edited by: Ross D. Tierra Dance to the beat of life with … GMA Pinoy TV’s ‘TIME OF MY LIFE’ MANILA - Known for producing groundbreaking programs, GMA Network introduces yet another unique and innovative show on TV. On August 3, the very first ‘Pinoy danserye’ titled “Time of My Life” premieres on GMA Pinoy TV, the network’s flagship international channel. ward to seasoned actors Jean Garcia, Raymond Bagatsing, and Cherie Gil showing off their dancing talent. “Time of My Life” features three of Starstruck’s most talented discoveries who have all matured in their craft – Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, and Mark Herras. Viewers should also look for- Completing the cast of the ‘danserye’ are reputable actors Ms. Caridad Sanchez as Lola Becky, Rez Cortez as Douglas, Samantha Lopez as Lucinda, Geleen Eugenio as Janet, Joshua A story about family, love and dreams, “Time of My Life” will inspire viewers to take hold of their loved ones as they work hard for their aim in life. Zamora as Mario, and Ronnie Henares as Vernon. “Time of My Life” also showcases young talents who form the two dance troupes. The Elite Crew are Steven Silva as John, Enzo Pineda as Donnie, Diva Motelaba as Lally, Yassi Pressman as Terry, and Myra Carel (Jump In 1st runner up) as Paula. On the other hand, Motion Masters is composed of Ryza Cenon as Rochelle, Sarah Lahbati as Pia, Sef Cadayona as Harry, Mayton Eugenio as Amera, Ken Chan as Rudolph, Teejay Marquez as Chicho, and Renelee Asilum (Jump In grand winner) as Cynthia. The Kapuso Network's ‘danserye’ is based on the original concept created for GMA Television by Senedy Que with head writer Des Garbes Severino, choreographers Miggy Tanchanco (modern), and Donald Balbuena (ballroom), and directors Mark Reyes (musicals) and Andoy Ranay (drama). Needs Babysitter ASAP!!! - Part-time only 3 days a-week (Wednesday/Thursday/Friday) 3 Hours a-day $11/hour Richmond Hill Area Interested could call: Maria @ 905-237-3703 or 647-262-9525 - 16 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 17 Philippine Courier Unstoppable – A Super Show! TORONTO – Two great artists, two queens in their respective genre - comedy and concert acts - lots of laughter and musical entertainment, what a night! Still voluptuously sexy despite her age, Pops Fernandez first enthralled the audience with her rendition of Carpenters’ songs. Followed by Ai Ai de las Alas “green” monologue and audience participation: you could hear guffaws from the people watching the show. Pops and Ai Ai did an excellent duet of beautiful Filipino love songs. Ai Ai can sing to the surprise of the audience. Her medley of “Journey” songs was remarkable. But not to be outdone, Pops’ interpretations of Michael Jackson’s hits really made the huge crowd stood and dance to the tunes. Just superb! Overall, Ai Ai and Pops provided a good match. It was worth the time! It was worth the money! And kudos should go to JREM producers Rene and Neneng Maalihan for bringing again in Toronto quality show the like the ‘Unstoppable’ of Miss Aiai delas Alas and Miss Pops Fernandez. (Photos by STUDIO75 Productions) Harry Potter’ beats ‘The Dark Knight’ with record $168.6M opening weekend LOS ANGELES, California (July 18, 2011) — The boy wizard has vanquished the ‘Dark Knight’ with a record-setting magic act at the weekend box office. Warner Bros. estimates that “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” took in $168.6 million domestically from Friday to Sunday. That beats the previous best opening weekend of $158.4 million, also held by Warner Bros. for 2008’s Batman blockbuster “The Dark Knight.” The studio had not yet released international numbers for the full weekend, but “Deathly Hallows: Part 2” has been working the same charms since it began rolling out overseas Wednesday. Through Friday, the film had taken in $157.5 million internationally, putting it on course to become the franchise’s first billion-dollar worldwide hit. “This will be the biggest ‘Harry Potter’ by far,” said Dan Fellman, head of domestic distribution at Warner Bros. “A billion dollars is definitely going to happen.” The current franchise high is $974.8 million worldwide 18 for the first film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” 10 years ago. “Deathly Hallows: Part 2” does have the advantage of 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D shows. Because of the higher 3-D price, plus regular inflation, “Deathly Hallows: Part 2” sold fewer tickets than “The Dark Knight” over opening weekend. The “Harry Potter” finale also set a record for best opening day domestically Friday with $92.1 million, nearly $20 million ahead of the previous high for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” two years ago. Other records for “Deathly Hallows: Part 2: best domestic gross for debut midnight shows at $43.5 million, topping the $30 million for last year’s “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”; best domestic opening in huge-screen IMAX theatres with $15.5 million, surpassing the $12.2 million Rupert Grint, left, Daniel Radcliffe, centre, and Emma Watson attend the New for last year’s “Alice in Won- York premiere of "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2." derland”; and best worldwide The weekend’s other new mation style of earlier adaptaIMAX debut with $23.5 mil- had been No. 1 the previous lion, beating the $20.4 million two weekends, slipped to sec- wide release, Disney’s ani- tions of A.A. Milne’s beloved for “Transformers: Dark of ond-place with $21.3 million mated family flick “Winnie storybook characters, “Windomestically. It remains the the Pooh,” got swamped by nie the Pooh” pulled in just $8 the Moon” two weeks ago. Paramount’s third “Trans- year’s top domestic hit with “Harry Potter” mania. A re- million domestically, finishturn to the hand-drawn ani- ing at No. 6. formers” blockbuster, which $302.8 million. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 19 Philippine Courier 20 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier HAIRBANK (KOREAN HAIR SALON) 2nd Anniversary Special We have special offer starting August: • 50% off on Magic straight perm, digital perm, setting perm and color (long hair) • Only valid on Tuesday and Friday. • Skin Care Available * Price may change without any notice * SHOP 647 430 7020 CELL 416 908 3960 email: babo_kiki624@hotmail.com 6026 Yonge St., Toronto M2M 3W5 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 21 Philippine Courier PIDC ‘Mabuhay Philippines’ … By Mon Datol Top Pinoy couturiers shake T.O.! TORONTO (July 25, 2011) – Three of fashion industry’s brightest designers – Renee Salud, Shanon Pamaong and Diwata East – brightened up the relatively moody atmosphere inside the vast Metro Convention Center this city last Saturday with a no-nonsense, non-stop display of exquisite creations showed off by Filipino-Canadian mannequins that awakened sleepy heads who earlier showed uneasiness over a very dragging activities at the halls. The most awaited and talked-about PIDC fashion show, chaired by Norma Carpio who was also instrumental to the successful Centennial (100th Year) Celebration of the Philippine Independence Day in 1998 at the Canadian National Exhibition Place, was sponsored by World Financial Group headed by its President Richard Williams and VP Agnes Miranda and Imperial Travel. The presentation entitled “Romantic 22 Philippines” showcased the Philippines not only as a vacation destination for Canadians and Filipinos in North America but also as a ‘honeymoon’ and/or wedding destination through fashion and audio visual presentations. Featured designer Shanon Pamaong was a former Toronto-based stylish, then Paris-based and now is back in Manila where he is a participant of the annual Philippine Fashion Week. In 2007, he was awarded by Hewlett-Packard as the Best Original Filipino Designer from among the more than 100 fashion week contributors. In 2003, he founded and until now is the director-general of the Philippines’ biggest and best fashion school – the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. Fashion icon Renee Salud is not only a name in the fashion industry in the Philippines but also in cities abroad where he shows his Filipiniana-inspired collections using indigenous Philippine materials like piña, abaca, etc. to Filipino and foreign audience giving him the title “Ambassador of Philippine Fashion”. Diwata East is a new name in Philippine-fashion circle but an old-hand in Toronto’s fashion industry and is known as the designer of Miss Toronto pageant winners that include daughter Samantha East. Diwata also specializes in Philippine-designed Barongs and Ternos being worn by Filipiniana dancers here in Ontario. The more than an-hour-long show was directed and choreographed by Raymund Villanueva, one of the Philippines top fashion directors and a director of Philippine Fashion Week. Raymund is also the consultant and official trainer of the Binibining Pilipinas candidates. His expertise in training models, beauty contest participants and title-holders was shared to all PIDC beauties, title-holders and all the participating models in this show. Meanwhile, Teri Agpoon captured the 1st ABS-CBN TFCKat Talent Show in Canada by besting five other talented finalists and pocketed the top purse of $3,000 and a trip to USA as part of ABSCBN USA Tour Caravan. The other finalists were singers Inah Canlapan, AJ Libramonte, Genesis Ann Ruiz, ballet dancer Nicole Samantha Huff and hiphop individual dancer Axel Villamil. Pinoy entertainers led by John Lloyd Cruz, Jericho Rosales, Billy Crawford, Jed Madela, Vina Morales, Kaye Brosas, and Angeline Quinto were wildly received by the boisterous crowd which stayed until the curtains finally rolled down the stage and production director Direk Deo Moreno shouted ‘Packup guys, the Show is Over.’ (Photos by TPC’s Miguel Caducio, Larry Torres and Eugene Deocareza) July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Comedian gets P3M per concert MANILA —Vice Ganda is reportedly the highest paid concert performer now in the Philippines after he was paid P3-million in his latest show in Araneta Coliseum which was filled to the rafters when the former stand-up comedian held his second major solo show recently. Vice Ganda allegedly demanded an additional P1-million after the show producers failed to get Miss Sarah Geronimo as Vice’s special guest, thus, the additional payment that was granted by the producers. The “Gandang Gabi Vice” TV show star is also is also receiving good reviews for his witty and funny antics in his debut TV show. His skyrocketing talent fee, however, could backfire and stall producers from getting his services thinking if they could recoup their investments. Vice Gand’s manager Ogie Diaz believes otherwise and said several productions are keenly waiting for Vice’s free time to get the comedian’s services in local and international shows. Ariel Rivera plans to migrate to Canada MANILA, Philippines (August 1, 2011) - Singer-actor Ariel Rivera confirmed on Sunday that he has plans to bring his entire family to Canada and live there permanently, but was quick to add that it won't happen anytime soon. "Yes, pero matagal pa 'yon. We are not even sure it if it's going to happen because the original plan was when my kids are in college na. Right now they are in Ateneo, Grade 5 and Grade 6 so malayo pa 'yan if ever that's going to happen," Rivera, hus- television series "Mula sa Puso," is about to end. "You know, we love each other on the set. After our work day, we are all sad kasi patapos na. We are sad na matatapos na. It's been a part of our lives," he said. "You see the best and worst part of everybody on the set." "Mula sa Puso" is set to air its final episode on August 12. Rivera thanked all those who have watched the show since it premiered 5 months ago. Ariel Rivera Vice Ganda band of actress Gelli de Belen, said in an interview on "The Buzz." Meanwhile, Rivera said he feels sad that his show, the remake of 1990s hit "Sincerely, thank you not only from me po pero from the staff, utility stars, lahat kami nagpapasalamat sa inyo na sumusuporta sa amin," he said. Caducio is new FARH president RICHMOND HILL, Ontario – Miguel Caducio has been elected new president of the Filipino Association of Richmond Hill (FARH) July 9 replacing founding president Rubi Talavera during the organization’s annual picnic held at the Sunset Beach, July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Lake Wilcox along Bayview Road, Richmond Hill. Other elected officers and members of the Board were: Conrad Caiyod (VP); Mabel D. Bello (secretary); Hazel Herardo (asst. secretary); Nanette Tambo (treasurer) and Susan Tambo (auditor). Members of FARH Board are: Francis Datol, Mely Claudio, Flor Hopkins, Anita Bugarin, Anita Agustin, Gina Montojo, Jocelyn Fernandez, Beth Caritativo and Rubi Talavera. Advisers are Mon Datol and Alex Decelis. Richmond Hill MPP Dr. Reza Moridi was FARH special guest and made an encouraging speech as he congratulated the new set of Filipino association. Caducio also announced the induction of the new officers would be held during FARH’s annual Halloween Party on October 29, 2011 at the Masonic Hall in Richmond Hill. Consul general Pedro Chan has been invited to grance the occasion and induct the officers into office. 23 Philippine Courier Aida and Jason exchange ‘I Do’s’ Jason Bryum finally made his vows to marry his love Aida Barcella in solemn church wedding ceremonies July 16, 2011with a lavish reception held at the North Memorial Community Hall located at Nathan Philip Square at North York, Ontario where not less than 150 guests came to greet the newlyweds. A short program emceed by Mimi Laurente was held where the father of the groom made a wonderful speech accepting Aida to their family. Here are some photos of the affair courtesy of TPC’s MonD and Miguel Caducio. 24 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Sports Edited by: Laurence Tierra Donaire back in ring October – Arum PROMOTER Bob Arum wants a bigticket fight for Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. in October, possibly against the winner of the Showtime bantamweight tournament between Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko. Arum, the chief executive of Top Rank Promotions, said another option is for Donaire to go up in weight to challenge Top Rank-promoted World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight titlist Jorge Arce of Mexico. Donaire, 27, has a record of 26 wins, 18 of them by knockouts, against a single loss. A puncher-boxer, he has not lost a fight in 10 years and has won nine of his 10 last fights by knockouts. “There’s a whole lot out there for this kid,” Arum told Lem Satterfield of RingTV.com, the Internet sister company of Ring Magazine. He said he would have a clearer picture on the next ring assignment of Donaire, who has officially returned to Top Rank with a joint statement this month by the Filipino American world SPECTATOR bantamweight champion champ and Top Rank president Todd duBoef. “Nonito’s situation, hopefully, will be resolved early next week when we have these meetings,” Arum said. “But we want Nonito to fight in October, because he is planning to have a church wedding in November. So we want to get this fight in before that date.” Donaire has not fought since winning the World Boxing Council and WBO bantamweight belts from Fernando Montiel of Mexico on February 19 at the Mandalay Bay Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Arum said Donaire fighting the winner of Mares-Agbeko would enable his fighter to fulfill his dream of unifying the bantamweight belts by adding the International Boxing Federation should he win that planned match. The Hall of Fame promoter was ar- ranging a similar title unification match for Donaire against World Boxing Association bantamweight titlist Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno until Donaire signed up with Top Rank rival Golden Boy Promotions, a seeming misstep that derailed that fight. “[Donaire] is very, very confident and he feels that he can fight anybody up through 126. But we’re not going to rush him to 126. We’ll fight him at 118, and then, 122,” Arum said. “The 126-pounders will be there. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he winds up fighting as a lightweight eventually,” he added. Gulf Air could be in hot water over PBA fiasco in Dubai By Al Mendoza IF I read his mind, PBA Commissioner Rudy Salud will sue Gulf Air for breach of contract arising from the cancelled flight of confirmed tickets of 18 players and staff of Talk ‘N Text in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). As I writethis, Gulf Air has kept mum on a letter from Salud on July 4 demanding explanation why the TNT crew and players were bumped off in their return flight from Dubai to Manila late last month. TNT played two games in Dubai as part of the PBA’s corporate social responsibility of bringing entertainment to our Overseas Filipino Workers. TNT lost to B-Meg in Game 1 before venting its ire on Barangay Ginebra to win Game 2. Legions of Pinoy workers in Dubai and from surrounding Emirate areas packed the coliseum in a big break from work as they savored every minute of PBA-style basketball the razzmatazz way. On their return flight for home, the entire delegations of B-Meg and Ginebra were able to get their assigned seats but not the TNT Team – save for TNT coach Chot Reyes and assistant coach Mike Jarin. Commissioner Salud had wanted to stay behind to be with the stranded TNT July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 delegation but unfortunately, Salud had been checked in already and held a boarding pass. His luggage had also already been loaded and it was almost next to impossible to unload his belongings. “This is a lesson for all of us in the PBA staff,” said Salud. “In the future, we will be the last to check in, making sure that everybody’s checked in before any PBA staff could startchecking in. This will never happen again under my watch.” The stranded TNT entourage and personnel were able to board their plane only the next day after paying their own new tickets. Their confirmed tickets the day before were totally ignored to the chagrin of from Salud down to the water boy. “Central issue here is, the canceled tickets were confirmed,” said Salud when I had the rare chance to have an evening beer with him. “We are still awaiting an explanation from Gulf Air in writing before we could proceed with our next moves.” It marked the first time this major snafu had happened to an out-of-town trip for the PBA. It was really quite strange, if not totally bizarre, why a confirmed ticket had be to cancelled at the airport – while you are trying to check in and ready to board your plane. It turned out the confirmed tickets had yet to be paid by the promoter of the PBA games in Dubai. It was learned that a certain Ramon Pizarras, based in Dubai, did not pay the tickets. Pizarras promoted the games in Dubai. “We have also written Mr. Pizarras to explain his side of the matter,” said Salud. Obviously, Pizarras had a good credit standing with a travel agency that booked the tickets, assuring the entire PBA delegation of tickets already paid before leaving Manila for Dubai. Why Gulf Air acceded to this set-up boggles the mind since it is common knowledge that you don’t get hold of a confirmed ticket unless it is paid. “That’s a super valid observation,” said Salud, who vowed he’d not stop until he “got to the bottom of all this.” Salud said the next time the PBA goes out of town, the PBA will handle everything – from ticket purchase to hotel booking and practically all matters involving money. “Sad as it is,” Salud said, “this will not stop us from presenting more PBA games in the future to our OFWs situated anywhere in the world (including Canada). It is to them that we continue to pursue our desire to provide them entertainment, PBA-style.” He acknowledged “with humility that the Dubai debacle should be a learning experience and must prod the PBA to institute radical reforms in its future jousts overseas.” To prove his point, Salud said he has started convincing the PBA Board of changes happening in the league “ASAP” as he pointed out he wanted to erase the bitter memory of the Dubai disaster. “I swear this will not happen again under my watch,” said Salud. “I’m sticking my neck out on this and if it would cost me my job if only to prove my point, so be it.” Along this line, Salud has also written the travel agency to solicit “more solid proof” so that the PBA could build a strong case against all those responsible for the mess brought upon the league. “In the meantime,” said Salud, “let’s continue with the task at hand as we proceed with the games during the remaining conference of the season. Let’s move on.” TNT, despite the humiliation in Dubai, is hell-bent on capturing the third conference to complete only the fourth Grand Slam feat in the PBA after Crispa, Alaska and San Miguel Beer. Good luck, coach Chot. 25 Philippine Courier Pinoy teen Canada's bet in intl chess tilt TORONTO - An 18-year-old Filipino will represent Canada at the World Youth Chess Championship in Brazil this November, after topping the Canadian Youth Chess Championship held in Richmond Hill, Ontario, north of this city, earlier this month. funds for his trip to Brazil. “Sana ho matulungan kami [ng] ating mga kababayan para sa travel costs to Brazil at makabili ng laptop for Loren to use for chess game analysis of his opponent," said Melchor, Loren’s father. TOPPS Trading Card honors Pacman & Julaton Mel Laceste and his wife, Maria Teresa, greeting their victorious son, Loren, as he arrives at YVR on July 11 after winning the Canadian Youth Chess Championship held July 6 – 9 in Richmond Hill, Ontario. (Photo: Capilano U) Loren Laceste bagged the championship less than two years after he and his family settled in Canada from Santo Tomas town in La Union province in the Philippines. “It was the toughest I’ve played so far," Loren said of his latest win over international master Arthur Calugar, according to an article posted on Philippine Asian News Today. One of the challenges waiting for Laceste, who recently graduated with honors from Carson Graham Secondary in North Vancouver, is raising enough The Game of My Life Melchor, a custodian at Capilano College in Vancouver, said he taught Loren to play chess when he was young. He said his son is now training for his next matches by playing chess online, and will play tune-up matches in British Columbia tournaments at the end of July and at Thanksgiving. The elder Laceste can be reached via email at melchorlaceste@rocketmail. com or by phone at 604-339-4079. (PNT) The future of the Azkals By Bill Velasco The eye-opening loss of the Philippine Azkals to the much higher-seeded Al-Asraq of Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers served as a proper, albeit bitter gauge of the development of football in the country. True, at times it seemed like adolescents playing against adults, but let’s not be too disheartened. This is literally Year One of a developmental process that is teaching the Filipino sports fan to be patient. “Disappointed, of course,” was how Azkals media bureau chief Rick Olivares described the feeling of the team after the match. “They knew it would be tough. Before the match, the players talked about it, and they said they were doing it for the people; they would go all-out, no matter what.” Most people did not realize how seriously the Kuwaitis took the match, despite being up 3-nil from the first match. They made five line-up changes – which was unusual, which begot a very open match. The visitors were even disappointed with how spirited they allowed the Filipino players to be on their home turf. But they took the match to heart. “When you’re playing a far superior 26 team, it doesn’t matter where you’re playing,” Olivares continued. “Whether it’s a home pitch or an away pitch, they’ll find a way to score goals. When another team prepares for you, they take it to another level. We saw this in the Suzuki Cup against Indonesia.” Mental lapses on the part of the Azkals allowed the Kuwaitis to score their first goal early in the second half and tie the score. “The players lost focus for a moment, and they paid for it,” elaborated Bob Guerrero, who commentated on the match for ABS-CBN. “The second goal was forgivable.” The Kuwaitis were privately generous in their praise of the Azkals, repeatedly reminding them to learn from this experience. One point they made was that when they qualified for the World Cup in 1982, they did it purely with homegrown players. But they wished the Philippine program luck. “Right now, it’s impossible to field a competitive line-up without them,” Guerrero says. But in the next years, when we field a starting line-up, half of the players will be Fil-foreigners, half will be homegrown. We want to grow the game here, play more games in front of a home crowd. Some of the Kuwaiti players have played more than 100 international matches, and they’re only in their mid-20’s.” But that would also mean playing together more, which the Fil-foreigners have not entirely been able to do. FIFA’s schedule for major international matches does not overlap with bigger club competitions (particularly in Europe) but in some of the smaller leagues and second-tier tournaments like the ones Stephan Schrock and Manny Ott play for in Germany, club teams may be reluctant to release players for national team outings in smaller tournaments. The good news is that there are more tournaments in the works. After the team takes a two-week break, team management will convene to decide the next matches. One local sponsor is willing to pay for a short tournament in October, and a four-nation invitational is also on the drawing board, similar to the Asian Five Nations competitions in rugby. The United Football League is also expanding, and this will give younger players a career to aspire for. Thousands of players take up soccer in grade school and high school, but either stop or change sports because they don’t see a future in it. That has changed with the attention the Azkals have brought to the game, which hope- fully will not wane while the team matures. There’s more attention on football. More parents are getting their kids into the game,” Guerrero says, with a warning. “We shouldn’t just look for the next Phil Younghusband or Neil Etheridge. We should look for the next Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta. They are the ones who are going to take the game higher. This is a long process but we’ve come very far already.” Indeed, there are some new football fans who have shown resentment, claiming they were taken for a ride. But the fact is that football, like many other sports, takes time to gestate. The fact of the matter is we drew blood against a team among the top 100 in the world. We have players who barely play each other, and a coach who has had less than a year on the job. In spite of that, the Azkals have never faltered, and have taken Philippine football higher than it ever has gone. And despite the outcome, the home match against Kuwait was an impressive, enjoyable show. It’s time we, as fans who love highscoring, instantly gratifying sports like basketball, boxing and billiards, to also grow up along with the Azkals, who find themselves fighting lions of the game, and never backing down. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Viloria wins 3rd world title By Ronnie Nathanielz Philboxing.com HONOLULU, Hawaii (July 18, 2011) Former two-time world light flyweight champion Brian Viloria fulfilled his dream of winning a third crown by scoring a unanimous twelve round decision over hard-hitting Mexican champion Julio Cesar “Pingo” Miranda before a cheering throng of supporters at the Blaisdell Arena here Sunday night. Viloria stunned Miranda in the opening round when he dropped him at 1:04 of Judge Robert Hoyle scored it for Viloria by a wide 117-110 margin, Ruben Garcia of Texas had it a much closer 114-113 while Tamotsu Tomihara had Viloria the winner 115-113. Despite being dropped in the opening round Miranda fought back and tried to bully Viloria who often engaged the tough Mexican with a fearsome knockout record in furious exchanges, never backing off. However, Viloria listened to his corner-man Ruben Gomez and used his ring savvy to pile up points with a stinging left jab and flurries to the body in an effort to wear down Miranda who appeared lean after having to reduce two pounds to make the 112 pound weight limit on Saturday.. After losing a 10-8 opening round Miranda came charging back in the second but Viloria was unfazed and nailed the Mexican with some hard body shots. the round with a perfect right followed by a cracking left hook that saw referee Joe Cortez gives the champion a standing eight count. All three judges in the fight telecast by ABC 5 in Manila, Philippines, scored the fight for the Filipino whose parents are from Ilocos Sur but who grew up in Waipahu and represented the US in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. It was Viloria’s first appearance at the Blaisdell Arena since he successfully defended his IBF 108 pound title against Jesus Iribe of Mexico in a twelve round unanimous decision on August 29, 2009. It was Miranda’s fourth defense of the title he won by a 5th round knockout over another Filipino Richie Mepranum. Miranda caught Viloria flush on the face that rocked his head back a couple of times but every time Miranda tried to put the pressure on, Viloria used his excellent footwork and speed to good effect. The champion used his elbow in round six and also caught Viloria with a low blow which referee Joe Cortez apparently didn’t see before the challenger hurt Miranda with an excellent combination as he pinned him against the ropes. Viloria caught Miranda with another solid body shot that sent the champion against the ropes before connecting with several combinations that had Miranda in trouble in round seven. The crowd rose in unison as Viloria who is a favorite in Hawaii landed three solid rights in round nine even as Miranda continued to press the action hoping to catch the challenger with one big punch. But Viloria proved to be too smart and went on to deservedly win his third world title. In a post fight interview immediately after the fight and before the official press conference the newly crowned champion told the Daily Inquirer “It was my speed and better foot movement and the body shots which took a lot out of him. He was frustrated and tired towards the end.” On the undercard super featherweight Michael Farenas and light flyweight Denver Cuello made it a clean sweep for the Philippines. Cuello dropped Puerto Rico’s Omar Soto (15-7-1, 6 KO’s) innumerable times before the referee called a halt to the mismatch in 56 seconds of round two to set Cuello in line for a possible world title shot behind a record of 26-4-6 with 16 knockouts. Farenas suffered a nasty cut above his right eyelid in the opening round against Mexico’ Fernando Beltran Jr in an accidental clash of heads but some solid shots to the body and head somehow appeared to negate the workmanlike performance of Beltran (35-5-1, 19 KO’s) with the judges scoring the fight for Farenas (31-3-3, 26 KO’s) by a split decision. Two judges based on what the ring announcer said scored the fight for the Filipino in a battle of southpaws 78-74 and 7875 while the third judge scored the fight for Beltran who appeared to have done enough to win 80-76. The decision in favor of Farenas was roundly booed by the fans while both Beltran and his trainer could only shake their heads in disbelief. (Photo Credit: Greg Honda / BoxingScene.com) Pacquiao steals show at NBA All Star vs Smart Gilas Pilipinas Game MANILA - In a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for Filipino fans as well as its players, they get the chance to see Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul and company play against the Philippine National Team Smart Gilas Pilipinas in an exhibition game held on July24, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum. It was a competitive game won by the visitors, 98-89. In the 4th quarter, there was a massive commotion when pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao arrived at the arena. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 While the Filipinos were awestruck by the NBA superstars, the same could be said for the visitors as they surrounded Pacquiao when he stepped onto the game floor. Pacquiao talked with Kobe (his co-endorser for the Nike AW77 Hoodie) and Chris Paul playfully challenged him to a game of boxing. If Pacquiao the basketball player played, it would have brought the arena down even more. 27 Philippine Courier Community Potpourri CAMILO’S DAY: Camilo Olaer (standing) celebrated his birthday July 23, 2011 with a simple gathering in his and wife Josie Olaer (sitting left) home in Toronto with some of his relatives and friends that include (from left) Cora De Perio, Sir Knight Nestor De Perio, Gilda dela Rosa, Deputy Grand Knight Rolando dela Rosa, members of The Knight of Columbus St. Patrick MOMMY NORMA IS 61: A birthday celebration of Mrs Norma Lorenzo for her 61st birthday at her Council 1272. home in Brampton with family and close friends. (Photo taken by R. Abrenica) YENG's DAY: Ross 'Yeng' D. Tierra (right) with hubby Laurence and children (left) Iyam Lauren and Yumi Lara in a happy family portrait after having a dinner at Max's Restaurant in Vaughan in celebration of Yeng's July 30, 2011 birthday. (Photo by Papa MonD) MOMMY ROSING DAY: Mrs. Rosita 'Mommy Rosing' Tambo of Richmond Hill (right) celebrated her birthday July 22, 2011 and children Eddie, Susan and Caloy with their respective family, tendered her a party for family and friends at Eddie and Nanette's home where abundant Ilokano foods, delicacies were served. At left is Mommy Rosing best friend Ms. Linda Fernandez, also from Nueva Viscaya. DR. BELLE'S MOMENT: One of the most revered Filipino pioneers in Toronto, Dr. Belle Tumbokon of Belle Optical, turned another blessed year July 25, 2011 with a simple dinner with kin in her home. Happy, happy birthday, Belle! (from TPC staff) HAZEL'S DAY: Veteran journalist Hazel Dacanay turned another colorful page to her already exciting book July 20, 2011 and celebrated her natal day with gigs with kin and close friends. More blessed years to you, friend! SHERYL TIME: 'Anghel ng Tahanan' candidate Sheryl dela Pena celebrated her birthday July 25, 2011 with a simple family dinner in their home in downtown Toronto NANAY PACING IS 8O YEARS OLD: Nanay Pacing Estoesta (with gray hair) celebrated her 80th birthday on July 24, 2011 . Her Teng Lamarca and Alving Estoesta together with the senior members of the congregation of Friends of Jesus Christ Canada attended the get-together social event as shown in the pictures taken by Romy Zetazate of St. Jamestown News Service. 28 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Another well-attended annual BBQ Party for MP Reza Moridi Residents of the town of Richmond Hill came in droves and filled every available space at the huge Richmond Green Hall located at Elgin Mills corner Leslie St. and enjoyed the sumptuous hamburger sandwiches, cold drinks and bottled water prepared by RH MP Reza Moridi and his platoon of volunteers headed by his lovely wife Pari and ably supported by his secretary Ms. Glory Rezzler. Not less than 3,000 people lined up for the 3rd annual BBQ gathering starting at 10 am up to 3 p.m. and received the packet, then, enjoyed the program participated in by the different RH associations which performed on stage to the delight of the very appreciative crowd. 14-year-old Nicole Celeste Datol Bello was the Filipino community’s representative and sang two lovely songs as the curtains rolled down amid thunderous applause from the crowd. Here are some photos of the event courtesy of TPC’s MonD. Fil-Can sports 2011 pageant begins After the opening of its 2011 men and women volleyball competition first week of July, the Filipino Canadian Sports Association (FIL-CANSA) unwraps its beauty pageant July 24 with the Little Miss Fil-Can, Miss Teen Fil-Can and the regular Miss Fil-Can 2011 crowns at stake in the Finals set August 23 at the Earl Bales Park Hall. Here are some photos of the early contestants during their rehearsal with FilCan officials Rowena Roque, Malou Gines, Karen Victoria, Larry Fisher and Vivien Paderan courtesy of TPC’s MonD. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 29 Philippine Courier Joke Time Ni Edgar Bello Manny many jokes Si Manny sa imbitasyon ni PGMA sa isang hapunan... GMA: "I`ll have Swiss steak and French Fries", order si GMA sa waiter. Waiter: And you, Sir? Manny: The same, give me sweepstake and first prize, too *** Manny: Honey, buksan mo na yung sweets. Jinkee : Lambing mo talaga. mwah !! nasan ang sweets honey? Manny: Yung sweets ng ilaw, di ako makakita… ang dilim!! *** Jinkee: Manny, kung magka-kaanak ulet tayu anu magandang name? Manny: Hmm. Eh di combine na lang name natin… “MANKY” *** CHAVIT: Manny, paki-acknowledge naman si First Gentleman, late dumating, hayun kadadaan lang tabi ng ringside., MANNY: I wud like to acknowledge da ARRIVAL OF DA LATE 1st GENTLEMAN WHO JUST PASSED AWAY. *** PINOY, eh. Ano kadalasan ang sinasabi kapag nautot? American: Excuse me. British: Pardon me. Pinoy: NOT ME! *** Sinong bading? Juan: Pare balita ko bading ka daw. totoo ba?! Pedro: Pare, Mga chismax lang ‘yun galing sa Pare, Mga chismax lang ‘yun galing sa mga chuvanes na walang magawa sa mga chenilyn nila…. chura nila! hmpf! *** Tattoo BOGART: Pare, lagyan mo nga ako ng tattoo! GREG: Bakit naman? BOGART: Napapagkamalan kasi akong bading. GREG: Ganu’n ba? Sige. Saan mo gusto? BOGART: Sa kilay para mukhang suplada. IQ ni Nanay .. JUNIOR: Inay! Bibili po ako ng HIGH CAKE! Pengeng pera! INAY: Hindi ‘yun HIGH CAKE, anak… HOT CAKE ‘yun! JUNIOR: Kahit ano pa siya, penge na lang po ng barya! INAY: Sige! Kumuha ka na lang doon sa SOLDIER BAG! *** Sa pampasaherong jeep… ANALYN: Mare, di ba, sa Gen. Tinio ka? Bakit lampas ka parati kung bumaba? MARISSA: Naku, mare… umiiwas lang ako sa disgrasya! Ha¬yan… malapit na ako… pakinggan mo! DRIVER: (pasigaw) ‘Yung bababa, KANTO TINIO na! *** Ano ba ‘yannnn? Kabagyo-BAGUIO ka dito sa MANILA, dami mo nang ginagawang CALOOCAN. DAGUPAN kita, eh! Baka mahILOILO ka, magsumbong ka sa TAGAYTAY mo! *** Li’l whisper … I found out that the most important and most intimate feelings you can tell a person are expressed through fewer words: “Will you go out with me?” “I’ll be there for you.” “I care for you.” “I love you.” “Take care.” “Hubad!” *** PANATANG KAIBIGAN - Iniibig ko ang aking tropa, ang tumanggap sa aking kalokohan. -Tagapunas ng aking luha. 30 ‘Kalag-Luksa’ Kinfolk and friends of the late Auntie Anecita Rausa led by nieces Josie Rausa and Nancy Lundy observed her 1st death anniversary July 22, 2011 with a novena and prayers for the departed at the Nyren Salon of very close friend Erena Garcia, who also prepared and served diner for the relatives and friends thru the help and assistance of Ms. Cris Bustos, Ligaya, Alex and Bing. Here are some photos of the ‘Kalag-Luksa’ observance courtesy of TPC’s MonD. - Ako’y kanilang tinutulungan na maging malakas, masaya at mas maligaya kahit wala akong pakinabang. - Bilang ganti ay ibibigay ko ang aking tiwala. Ililibre ko sila ng kwek-kwek kapag ako’y yumaman. - Susunduin ko sila pag ako’y may kotse. Tutuparin ko ang mga pangako ko, huwag lang ang pagbabayad ng mga utang. - Sisipain ko ang sinumang umaway sa kanila, sa pigi, sa hita at sa mukha. *** WORDS TO LIVE BY: Iwasang maglaro ng computer kung wala ka namang computer. Kung may computer, iwasan pa ring maglaro kung hindi ka naman marunong mag-computer. Kung may computer at marunong magcomputer, iwasan pa ring maglaro ng computer dahil sayang… mahal ang kuryente! *** Breastfed baby Ayon sa isang pag-aaral, kapag breastfed ka, mas close ka sa nanay mo. Kaya sa tingin ko, bottlefed ka. Kasi, mas close ka sa bote… ng Red Horse, Strong Ice at San Mig Light. *** Txt mania Di ba, nakakasawa sa umaga ang txt na puro “Gud AM.” “Mzta na?” “Kain kna.” “Gawa mo?” Para maiba naman… “Pakagat nga kahit sa lips lang!” *** GREAT! GREAT PERSON, ikaw ‘yan. GREAT FRIEND, ikaw uli ‘yan. GREAT LOOKS, sa ‘yo talaga ‘yan. GREAT HEART, sa ‘yo pa rin ‘yan. GREAT TASTE… sobra ka na! Kape na ‘yan! *** Mahal ka .. Kapag nagmahal ka, huwag kang pakasiguro na ganu’n din siya. Huwag mong isipin na sa ‘yo lang siya. Huwag mong akalain na totoo siya. Dahil baka hindi mo alam, mahal ka lang niya pag may datung ka! *** Bangus Q: Ano ang sabi ng bangus nang mamamatay na siya? A ’m daing! Q: Ano ang sabi ng isda nang hiwain siya sa gitna? A: I’m tuna (two na). *** Flor Nagalit si Juan dahil puro FLOR ang ipinangalan ng misis niya sa triplets nila. Juan: Paano mo ngayon tatawagin ang mga bata? Misis: Ang dali… 1st Flor, 2nd Flor at 3rd Flor *** First time … Sa loob ng isang motel: Ko-iks: O, Kathie !!! Nanginginig ka, ah … Kathie: Pasensya ka na, kinakabahan ako, eh... Ko-iks : 1st time mo ba? Kathie: Yah…. Ko-iks: Ang dilim, ah, teka, asan ba ang switch mabuksan nga ang ilaw.. Kathie: Dyan, sa uluhan ng kama..... *** Ang bata … Mommy- Anak bakit ba ayaw mong mag paligo ke yaya, ha? Anak- Ayaw ko po, mommy. Kasi nung pinaliguan ni YAYA si DADDY kanigat ung Bird! Sakit-sakit. Pero ‘di sigaw dadi. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Metro Edited by: Maria Isabelle D. Bello MP Menegakis highlights new children’s arts tax credit Richmond Hill, Ontario, (July 27, 2011) - Richmond Hill MP Costas Menegakis today highlighted the Children’s Arts Tax Credit as a great way to support future artists and provide tax relief for families. “The Children’s Arts Tax Credit will help families across our country to involve their children in arts programs, music lessons and much more,” said Mr. Menegakis. “This tax relief is good news for Richmond Hill and I urge all families with children involved in qualifying programs to take advantage of the tax credit.” The new tax credit will provide a 15-per-cent non-refundable tax credit on up to $500 in eligible fees for programs associated with children’s artistic, cultural, recreational, and developmental activities. Qualifying expenses for 2011 and future years will be counted for children who are under age 16 at the beginning of the tax year. For children eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, an additional $500 amount will be provided and the age limit extended to 18. Eligible programs must be ongoing (a minimum of once a week for at least eight weeks, or five consecutive days), supervised and suitable for children. Programs must include activities that; contribute to the development of creative skills or expertise in artistic or cultural activities, focus on the natural environment, help children develop and use particular intellectual skills, teach interpersonal skills, or provide enrichment or tutoring in academic subjects. As part of the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Children’s Arts Tax Credit, along with many other measures, aims to lower taxes for Canadian families. It also builds on the popular Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, also introduced by the Conservative Government. For more information on the Children’s Arts Tax Credit, please visit www.cra.gc.ca/artscredit<http://www. cra.gc.ca/artscredit . Richmond Hill MP Costas Menegakis Jack Layton temporarily steps down to fight Big C OTTAWA (July 25, 2011) - Jack Layton is temporarily stepping down as New Democrat party leader to undergo treatment for cancer. "I"m going to fight this cancer now so I can be back to fight for families when Parliament resumes," Layton stressed. "I have a new cancer, non-prostate cancer, that’s going to require further treatment," Layton, who looked and sounded weak, told a news conference in Toronto Monday afternoon. Layton also said he already asked NDP president Brian Topp to consult with the parliamentary caucus and convene meeting of federal council to appoint an interim leader. THE ROVING EYES By Maria D. Bello Former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos was reported to have died of lupus with complications on his liver, and many more had reportedly suffered and died of this malignant illness without ‘seeing any light’ of putting an end to their miseries. However, Health Canada found a potential cure to lupus, which is presented here in an article I’ve surfed. Lupus is also dissected in this article, thus, we will have a clearer glance on what kind of disease is this. It’s known as “the disease of a thousand faces” and for good reason — lupus can affect so many divergent areas of the body that no two people are afflicted with exactly the same symptoms, posing a challenge for doctors trying to tailor an individual’s treatment. Now, for the first time in almost 50 years, Canadians with systemic lupus erythematosus have a potential new treatment option with Health Canada’s approval of the drug Benlysta (belimumab). Lupus is an autoimmune disease which affects an estimated one in every 1,000 Canadians, nine out of 10 of them female, with age of onset typically between the late teens and early 40s. While the exact cause hasn’t been pinned down, it’s known that the potentially deadly disease is the result of the immune system having gone off script, as it were. “The immune system, rather than acting as a protector, in these people it actually turns on itself and acts to injure,” said Dr. Murray Urowitz, a Toronto rheumatologist whose research focuses on the disease. “So July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 First new drug approved for lupus in 50 years patients produce antibodies — proteins — against various constituents of their own body.” When those antibodies react with different tissues — and that can include the skin, joints, heart, kidneys and brain — it ignites a process of inflammation, Urowitz said Tuesday. “Lupus is an inflammation, like a little fire that begins in many organs in the body.” People with lupus feel lousy much of the time, with the extreme fatigue and the achiness reminiscent of a nasty flu. But depending what organs are also affected, patients can suffer a host of other symptoms: “If it’s the brain, they could have psychosis, cognitive disability — not being able to think clearly — or they could have seizures,” he explained. Inflammation of the heart lining can cause severe chest pain, while inflammation of the kidneys can lead to renal failure. Rowena Rodriguez of Toronto was just 19 and about to start her first year at Ottawa’s Carleton University when she began experiencing severe joint pain and spiking high fevers; much of her hair fell out and 30 pounds dropped off her five-foot-two, 115-pound frame in three weeks. She also developed lupus’s tell-tale butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of her nose and both cheeks. Despite her symptoms, several doctors dismissed her symptoms as flu. But after months in the hospital with myriad symptoms, Rodriguez was finally diagnosed with lupus. Because some of the medications she takes suppress her immune system, she has had excruciating shingles four times and now is suffering painful nerve damage in much of one leg. “You really feel like you’re constantly at war with yourself,” Rodriguez explained. “Your body becomes like a battlefield.” Standard treatments range from antiinflammatory pain killers like ibuprofen to potent but often toxic corticosteroids and medications to suppress the immune system. While their mechanism of action isn’t well understood, antimalarial drugs can also be effective in tamping down the effects of lupus in milder cases. “All of those treatments taken together have actually resulted in significant improvement in patients with lupus,” said Urowitz. But a significant group of patients do not respond or can’t tolerate their sideeffects. “And that’s the group of people that we are always trying to find something new for.” Benlysta, developed by Human Genome Sciences and jointly marketed with GlaxoSmithKline, targets a protein called BLyS (B-lymphocyte stimulator) that nurtures the cells that make the antibody underlying the inflammatory response seen in lupus. “So we’re not wiping out the whole immune system; we’re targeting one particular part only,” he said. “That was the innovation.” The injectable drug is intended to act as an adjunct therapy for patients who are see- ing too little benefit from other treatments, he said. “So it’s not a cure, but it’s an added treatment.” So far, Benlysta is indicated for patients with milder disease: it has not been evaluated in subjects with severe kidney or central nervous system inflammation, although such clinical trials are planned, says its maker. But even for milder cases of lupus, the medication has had a lukewarm response in some quarters. While a committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration backed approval of the drug last year, some of the panel’s 15 members voiced reservations about its effectiveness. The drug is designed to treat flare-ups and pain caused by lupus, but experts said it worked in only a subset of patients and was not effective against the deadliest forms of the disease. Still, the executive director of Lupus Canada welcomed Benlysta’s approval in Canada. “Lupus is a really a life-altering, lifethreatening diagnosis for people,” said Catherine Madden. “We haven’t had a new medication or therapy available for people living with lupus in almost 50 years. “While it isn’t going to be a sort of onesize-fits-all for all patients with lupus, we’re certainly hopeful that it’s a new opportunity to add to the paradigm of treatment.” (By: Sheryl Ubelacker of theTHE CANADIAN PRESS) 31 Philippine Courier Government allots P2 billion for OFWs displaced by 'Saudization' policy MANILA, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who stand to lose their jobs in Saudi Arabia as a result of the “Saudization” policy can avail of business loans out of the P2 billion re-integration program of the government. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) administrator lawyer Carlos Cao in yesterday’s “Balitaan sa Aloha Hotel” forum said returning OFWs from Saudi Arabia can secure loans from P300,000 to P2 million with no collateral although a 7.5-percent interest will be charged. Cao said borrowers will be given training on financial literacy and basic production, marketing, accounting and bookkeeping and the whole gamut of helping them shepherd this entrepreneurial ventures until it becomes viable and sustainable. Saudi Arabia. He said the government also has micro-financing programs for OFWs involved in household services in Saudi Arabia, called the “Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” program. Nicon Fameronag, labor communications director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Philippine labor officials in Saudi Arabia were also asked to make representation with the Saudi Ministry of Labor, employers and other stakeholders to ensure those to be displaced can transferred to other companies without going back to the Philippines. Saudi still top choice for OFWs The planned “Saudization” policy however failed to dampen the desire of most Filipino workers’ to work in Local recruitment industry reported that there has been no drop in the number of Filipinos applying for employment in the Kingdom despite the impending implementation of “Saudization” policy. “We have not seen any effect yet and the number of applicants has not been affected until this time because many still need jobs,” recruitment leader Lito Soriano disclosed. According to Soriano, Saudi Arabia remained the top market for Filipino workers seeking employment abroad followed by another country in the Middle East-United Arab Emirates (UAE). OFWs are being deployed to Saudi Arabia annually while about 40,000 are seeking employment in UAE. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz meanwhile said the government has started an accounting of OFWs who are likely to return home soon as a result of the “Saudization” policy. Baldoz said concerned Filipino workers were asked to register with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to enable government agencies to immediately provide them the necessary assistance. An estimated 100, 000 OFWs could be affected by Saudization, but Baldoz said they could get the exact figure once the policy has taken effect. – Sandy Araneta, Mayen Jaymalin He said around 80,000 highly skilled Missing Canadian found dead in Cebu — police MANILA, Philippines (July 17, 2011) - Cebu police yesterday said they had found the body of a missing retired Canadian missionary and arrested a familyof-three who owned the farm where the corpse was buried. The decomposed remains, thought to be of Darcy Hans Rentenberg, 53, were sent for a post mortem examination to determine the cause of death, said Michael Codaste, a murder squad detective in the central city of Cebu. Rentenberg’s landlord reported him missing on July 5, 10 days after he left his flat in nearby Mandaue city on his motorbike and failed to return, Codaste said, reading from a police report. “We have three suspects in custody,” Codaste said, identifying them as Rentenberg’s 46-year-old Filipino former assistant during his missionary work, the ex-aide’s wife and their 17-year-old son. Police looking for the missing Canadian visited the former aide’s farm on the outskirts of Cebu last Thursday and found a concealed grave beneath a pig pen, Codaste said. The family fled the property during the search but were arrested at a nearby village a few hours later, he said, adding that they were being held on suspicion of causing the Canadian’s death and concealing his body. Police said Rentenberg had been involved in missionary work in the Philippines from the 1980s and chose to live in the area at the end of his assignment. They said they did not have the name of his mission. Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade ministry spokesman Alain Cacchione said: “The Canadian Embassy in Manila is in contact with the local police authorities to gather additional information.” “Due to the Privacy Act, no further information can be provided,” he added. The Canadian Embassy in Manila was closed for the weekend. (AFP) (416) 755-0909 32 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Multiparty for July birthday celebrants Mommy Rosita Tambo (July 22) and son Eddie (July 16), with relatives Jocelyn Fernandez (July 21) jointly shared birthday celebration with family and close friends in a gathering at Eddie Tambo’s Richmond Hill residence July 16; while Josie Velasco-Lucena (July 24) and Maricel jointly held their birthday party July 24 at the Lucena backyard with similar delectable Filipino foods and delicacies on the table for the taking. Here are some photos of the affair theur the lenses of TPC’s Miguel Caducio. Pacquiao, Dominguez to trade places in 2013 SARANGGANI, Philippines - Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez and Rep. Manny Pacquiao have formalized their political alliance by agreeing to trade positions in 2013. During a recent meeting at the farm of Paquiao in Malungon, all seven town mayors of Sarangani also backed the union between erstwhile political rivals who fielded separate full slates during the 2010 local elections. In a text message, Dominguez said “we both agreed to swap positions.” Dominguez is on his third and last term and would have to contest Pacquiao for the lone congressional seat of Sarangani to keep his political career alive. Pacquiao is on his first term and is still eligible to run for two re-elections but his still active boxing career has forced him to skip sessions and has been unable to personally keep track with the deliberation at the House of Representatives. Pacquiao is believed to be eyeing a higher position and his American promoter has floated a possible run at the presidency. But he won’t be eligible for July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 the Philippine Senate in 2013 and will have to wait until 2022 to be able to run for the presidency under Philippine election laws. Dominguez, however, said “the governorship will be a good training ground to serve his people directly. “It will also be a good training ground for him for his future political plans.” Pacquiao lost in his first foray into politics in 2007 when he challenged then Rep. Darlene Antonino for a seat in the House of Representatives representing the First District of South Cotabato. He reportedly spent more than P140 million (US$2.5m at 2007 exchange rate) in losing to Antonino who is now the mayor of General Santos City. In 2009, he transferred his residence to Sarangani which allowed him to run against the Chiongbians, an old political family responsible for the creation of the province in 1992. Pacquiao and his slate won by landslides, winning five of the town mayoralty races. His People’s Champ Movement (PCM), established as a Gov. Migs Dominguez (right) and Rep. Manny Pacquiao formally joined hands. (FOTO BY COCOY SEXCION) local party for the elections, also won majority of the seats of the provincial board but failed to unseat Dominguez and his vice governor Steve Solon. Pacquiao, however, ran a high-finance campaign that cost him more than US$6 million, according to a foreign journalist who covered his campaign trail. It was not immediately made clear which local party will survive in the union between Dominguez and Pacquiao. Pacquiao’s PCM was allied to Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party while Dominguez’s SARRO supported the candidacy of Lakas’ Gilberto Teodoro. Dominguez was appointed Lakas national president but resigned shortly before May 10 elections. 33 Philippine Courier FACES By Miss Rubi Talavera So, has the heat bothered you yet? To escape completely, why not take a cruise with me to the Baltic Sea? Let’s explore Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Norway, Estonia together! I’m leaving first week in August and returning end of the month. C’mon, it will be fun. Next issue, I will share our adventures in this column. Meanwhile, congratulations and birthday greetings to the following: Vince and Juliet Masongsong – they delighted us with a luncheon at the Markham Federation (MFFC) during our Thursday seniors’ recreation program. Then they continued the celebration with an intimate coffee-after at Jean and Vic Todas’ home in Scarboro, where we got a tour of the newly built two level deck, complete with evening lights and a mahjong table. A new game to learn! Happy birthday again Vince SUMMER SIZZLERS! and Juliet! Carlos Comendador – the 35 year old son of Bina and Tito Comendador. Bina Comendador, known to many as Dr. Albina Comendador, a top notch psychiatrist, is also our line dance instructor. She has invited us to join in on the celebration of Carlos’ birthday. The hall, beaming with flags from all over the world, was wonderfully and warmly decorated. Among their guests was Dr. Tessie Torres (we love this lady physician, she thought I was only in my 40’s! bff ko na siya ngayon!!) . Tessie flew in from Chicago just to join the party and see her friend, Bina. Other guests included Yoly and Panny Ladines, Dolly Bugayong, Dr. Yolanda Cruz, Mel and Tino Caguiat, Roy and Brenda Gutierrez. Birthday hugs again, Carlos! Darryl Cheung and Erin Luk – the young couple got married at the St. Thomas Church in Markham and held the reception at the Paradise Banquet Hall in Vaugahn. Darryl is the eldest son of our tennis and golf buddies, Connie and King Cheung. Congratulations to the newly weds and best wishes in the years ahead! Thank you, Connie, for inviting us. It was super fantastic to see you and Joan after all these years!! A moment of prayer, please, for my mom, whose birthday is on July 25th. Mommy Pat, as she was known to all her friends in Toronto, passed away in 1995. I still miss you, Mom. Rest in Peace. Kudos are in order for the newly elected officers and directors of the Filipino Association of Richmond Hill (FARH). President Miguel Caducio was unanimously elected as the new man at the helm. Now, I can rest, and enjoy my senior life as I know our FARH is in good hands. Here’s wishing you all the best in your future undertakings! Anyone wishing to participate in FARH activities, such as Casino Rama trips, (one is scheduled on Saturday, August 27th), the much awaited Halloween Dance on October 29th, and the New Year’s Eve Bash, please contact Miguel Caducio at 416-2756093. You don’t have to live in Richmond (Left Photo) Fr. Romeo celebrated his 10th year anniversary as a priest with the Borromeo family and friends, Gina Montojo and Rubi Talavera and Fr. Joel Pabilona. Hill. As long as you are referred to FARH by a member, you can join this association. Halika sali na kayo! On Sunday, July 18th, we joined the fundraising Casino Rama trip sponsored by the Gamma Epsilon Fraternity. On the bus, we were glad to see long time friends, Chuchie Punsalan and our favourite singer/ guitarist, Chito Sarabia. Thank you to Sonny and Gina Montojo for thinking of us and inviting us. Needless to say, we had a very profitable time, ha ha ha! Last and certainly not the least, we trekked over to Our Lady of Assumption or OLA to everyone recently to join in on the celebration of Fr. Romeo Tolentino’s 10th year of priesthood. So many people, so much food! We were delighted to see Naty Hisle and hubby, Wolfgang, Father Joel Pabilona, Gina Montojo, Mark and Mimi Borromeo, Naomi Villadiego, Justin, Ryan, Sidney and Geraldine Aquino, and Jun Enverga. Happy anniversay, Fr. Romy, and bon voyage to Spain! !Hasta la vista, amigos y amigas! Long time no see! Naomi Villadiego (extreme right) is shown here, gorgeous as ever, with Rubi Talavera and Mimi Borromeo. Tuloy ang ligaya! Birlthday celebrant, Juliet Masongsong, continued the tete-a-tete with Rubi Talavera, Elsa Hung and Jean Todas, at Vic and Jean's newly built deck. A pleasure meeting new friend Dr. Tessie Torres from Chicago (left) and friend from yesteryears Dolly Bugayong. Also shown Attending Darryl Cheung and Erin Luk's wedding are tennis and golf above are standing UPian, Roy Gutierrez and his wife, Brenda (seated). buddies, Rubi Talavera, Connie Cheung and Joan Bryant. Dr. Bina Comendador (left) threw her son, Carlos, a 35th birthday party, and friends -- from left to right,Dr. Tessie Torres, Rubi Talavera, Yoly Ladines and Brenda Gutierrez helped them celebrate. Carlos is in front enjoying the celebration. Golf Buddies, Leann, Rubi and Joan show off their golf smiles 34 Juliet and Vince Masongsong, jointly celebrated their birthdays at the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians Centre (MFFC) recently. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier 308 July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 35 Philippine Courier TICKLE ME! By Chuchi Punzalan Order in the courts (These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.) _____ ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active? WITNESS: No, I just lie there. _____ ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all? WITNESS: Yes. ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory? WITNESS: I forget. ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot? ______ ATTORNEY: Now doctor, "isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?" WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam? ______ ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he? WITNESS: He's twenty, much like your IQ. ______ ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken? WITNESS: Are you shitting me? ______ ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th? WITNESS: Yes. ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time? WITNESS: Getting laid ______ ATTORNEY: She had three children, right? WITNESS: Yes. ATTORNEY: How many were boys? WITNESS: None. ATTORNEY: Were there any girls? WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney? _______ ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated? WITNESS: By death. ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated? WITNESS: Take a guess. _______ ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual? WITNESS: He was about 20, medium height, and had a beard. ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female? WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male. _______ ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people? WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight. _______ ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to? WITNESS: Oral. ______ ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body? WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m. ATTORNEY: And, Mr. Denton was dead at the time? WITNESS: If not, he was by the time 36 I finished. ______ ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample? WITNESS: Are you qualified to ask that question? ______ And the best for last: ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy? WITNESS: No . ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor? WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar. ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless? WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law. _______ ASAWA 1st year masaya. After 5 years: tanggalin ang A = SAWA na After 10 years: tanggalin ang S = AWA na lang Sa susunod na taon tanggalin an A = WA na _______ Home version of Who Wants to be A Millionaire: Husband: dear pwede ka ba ngayon? Wife: de pwede, pagod ako! Husband: Is that your final answer? Wife: Final. Husband: ok, can I phone a friend? _______ Warning: Children playing outside the car can cause accident... ...adults playing inside the car can cause CHILDREN!!! _______ Loveliness through the years: 1950s - Iniirog kita. 1960s - Iniibig kita. 1970s - Minamahal kita. 1980s - I love you. 1990s - Tara sa kwarto. 2000s - Pwede na rito. _______ Mrs: Sa palagay mo mahal, ilang taon na ako? Mr: Kung titignan kita sa buhok 18 ka lang, kung nakatalikod 16 ka lang, kung sa kutis 22 lang. Bale total ay 56 sweetheart. _______ Duck Dictionary: Maliit na duck - panduck Tirahan ng maliit na duck - Pandacan Mataas na duck - bunduck Nagulat na duck - nasinduck Photogenic na duck - kodak Malaking duck sa Ilocos - duckil Madaldal na duck - dakdak Pantakip sa bibig ng madaldal na duck - duck tape Manggagamot na duck - ducktor Musikero na duck – konducktor _______ ERAPtions3… Erap went to Starbucks... Erap: isang kape nga! Barista: decaf po ba? Erap: (angry) aba op kors, alangan namang de plato! _______ Suntok sa Buwan Ni John Agustin Dayaan sa 2004 presidential polls Naging emosyonal sina Susan Roces and anak nitong si Grace PoeLlamanzanares sa ginawang paghingi ng paumanhin ni Police Sr. Supt. Rafael Santiago dahil sa naging partisipasyon nito sa dayaan noong 2004 presidential elections. “We would like to extend our apology to the Filipino nation, especially to Madam Susan Roces for the error and at this point we are trying to rectify,” ani Santiago sa isang press conference na ginanap nuong nakaraang Huwebes sa Department of Justice (DOJ). Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay humarap sa media si Santiago kasama sina PO2 Rudy Gahar, PO2 Alan Layugan, Rodel Tabangin, Trifon Laxamana at PO1 Norman Duco kung saan isinumite ng mga ito kay Justice Sec. Leila de Lima ang may 38 kopya ng orihinal na election returns (ERs) mula sa Maguindanao na pawang kinuha umano nila nang isagawa ang break-in sa Batasang Pambansa noong Enero 2005. “We know that our lives are at risk here and that of our families and that we are facing powerful people but there will be no turning back. The truth shall set us free,” giit ni Santiago. Tutoo yan. The truth shall set them free. Gagaan ang kanilang mga konsensiya sa ginawa nilang panlilinlang sa sambayanang Pilipino. Biruin mong sa palagay ng mga nakakarami, lalo na sa Maguindanao, ay nanalo bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas si Fernando Poe, Jr. nuong 2004 presidential election, subalit, natalo dahil pinalitan nga ng mga fake na ERs ang mga original na ERs na posibleng naglalalaman ng malaking kalamangan ni FPJ kay GMA. Hindi talaga kapani-kapaniwala na mase-zero si FPJ sa Muslimland ng Mindanao gayung hero worship ang ibinibigay ng mga Muslims brads natin ke ‘Da King’ di ba Ka Ramon? – (Korek ka dyan, Johnny meyn… ed) .. May istorya pa nga nuong araw na sa isang movie ni Da King na kung saan namatay sa ending ng pelikula si FPJ, eh, nagalit ang mga nanunuod na Muslims at pinagbabaril ang telon ng sinehan! Magmula nuon, hindi na pinatay sa anumang pelikula si FPJ! Ganyan kamahal ng mga Muslims si FPJ! Tapos, mase-zero sa election 2004 sa Mindanao si Fernando Poe, Jr? Malaking kalokohan yon, di ba my friend Acmad Ontil? -0Hindi dapat tigilan ng COMELEC at Department of Justice ang imbestigasyon sa nasabing 2004 election dahil naglalabasan na ang mga taong involved sa ginawang ‘pandaraya’ sa natalong si FPJ. Dapat ring ipatawag si Garcilliano, ang Comelec official na tinawagan ni GMA para masigurong hindi bababa sa 1 milyong boto ang lamang niya ke ‘Da King.’ Si ‘Hello Garci’ lamang ang solidong ebidensiya sa direct participation ni GMA sa nasabing dayaan umano sa 2004 presidential polls. At hindi rin tamang sabihin na walang participation sina GMA at asawa nitong si Mike Arroyo dahil sila lamang ang direktong makikinabang sa panalong muli ni GMA bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas. Bakit? Kikilos ba ang kahit sino at itataya ang propesiyon at buhay kung walang kapalit na sandamakmak na pera at magandang puwesto sa gobiyerno? Mandaraya ka ba para ipanalo si GMA for nothing? Tell it the the marines, people! -0Dapat ng magkaruon ng closure ang 2004 presidential election. Kung nadaya si FPJ ni GMA, ibigay ang karangalan ke ‘Da King’ kahit patay na ito at ilagay sa pedestal sa Malacanang ang kaniyang pangalan at litrato bilang Elected President in 2004 at tanggalin ang name and foto of GMA in the halls of Malacanang Palace, AT, ibalik sa kaban ng bayan ang LAHAT na tinanggap na sweldo at benepisyo ni GMA bilang isang FAKE na Presidente ng Pilipinas. Sana bago matapos ang termino ni PNoy ay maresolba ang ‘panadaraya’ umanong naganap nuong 2004 elections, at ng makita na natin ng maliwanag ang Daang Matuwid na pinapangarap ni President Benigno ‘Noynoy’Aquino III. Sana nga po, Lord. -0Php5.6-Bilyong budget para sa linissquatters sa Metro Manila? Wow! Tila seryoso ang kasalukuyang administrasyon ni PNoy na linisin ang mga squatters, ah, lalo na ang mga nakatira sa mga tinatawag na “danger zone” tulad ng estero, tabing ilog at iba pa matapos laanan ang mga ito ng 5.6 bilyongpisong pondo para sa kanilang relokasyon. Ito ang isa sa mga nila¬laman ng 2012 General Appropriations Act na nagkakahalaga ng P1.816 trilyon na isinumite ni Pangulong Aquino at nakatakda ng pag-usapan sa Kongreso sa susunod na linggo. At base sa nasabing proposed budget ay ililipat sa mga ligtas na lugar ang mga pamilyang nakatira sa mga estero, tabing ilog at gilid ng kalsada lalo na sa Metro Manila. Ayon sa statistics, sa ngayon ay may 14,132 pamilya ang nakatira sa mga estero sa Metro Manila: 11,340 sa tabi ‘o gilid ng mga daan, 67,949 sa mga waterways, 14,702 sa mga transmission lines, 2,821 sa mga tabi ng airport at 16,506 sa mga dumpsites, MWSS at mga palengke. Subalit malapit na umanong mawala ang mga ito sa kinatitirikan ng kanilang barung-barong dahil ililipat na sila sa mga resettlement centers ng gobyerno sa iba’t ibang lugar sa labas ng Metro Manila, dahil bahagi rin umano ito ng pangako ni Pangulong Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III na bigyan ng maayos na tirahan ang mga mahihirap na kababayan. Bukod sa nasabing pondo, naglaan din ang Aquino administration ng P500 milyon para bilhin ang mga lupang kinatitirikan ng mga squatter na hindi nabibilang sa danger zone. Bibilhin na lamang umano ng gobyerno ang mga lupang ito na ilegal na inokupahan ng mga tao at saka ibibigay sa mga nakatira rito upang hindi na sila mademolis ng mga may-ari ng lugar. Napakanda ng planong ito ni PNoy! Gaganda na ang Metro Manila kapag nawala na ang mga iskwaters na siyang ‘sore-eyes’ ng Pinas sa buong mundo. Aabangan po natin ito. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier Estilo Royale opens golden gate to 7th heaven No less than the acknowledge Toronto’s Concert Queen Jenifer Camacho, entertainer par excellent, model and endorser of quality products, cut the ribbon that finally unwrapped the mystery that shrouded Estilo Royale as the Numero Uno direct-selling company of gold-layered jewelry from Brazil and now is the exclusive distributor for Canada of SKILLUS, one of the world’s top producers of quality gold layered products sold in over 170 countries worldwide. Owned and operated by highly successful business couple Arnold and Marissa Fajardo, Estilo Royale, Inc. (ERI) new Head Office is located at 1601 Birchmount Rd., Unit 4, Scarborough, Ontario where hundreds of pieces of gold-layered jewelry of varying styles and sizes are on display for everyone to choose and acquire afterwards. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Arnold Fajardo, President and CEO of ERI, said they are encouraging people of all walks of life, young and adults, workers and entrepreneurs, regardless of training and education to join them in building a community of happy and contented people. “At ERI, our collective quest for a better life is anchored on well established FREEDOM. We are genuinely concerned for the success of every member of the community, not just by expression but by individual realities. We care for everyone as much we care for ourselves. We cultivate that feeling of oneness, and we truly feel good about it. JOIN us now! And make yourself feel even better. After all, everybody is welcome.” For more details, please contact 647-428-7826 … 647-927-3511 … 647427-0353/ 1-888-250-1942 or send inquiries thru Fax No. 647-427-0396 37 Classified Ads Philippine Courier Encore for Studio Six! Studio Six Productions did it again. Got all audience screaming "More, more" for an OPM Musical Comedy titled ‘Manila, Manila’ presented at the Mississauga Celebration Square last July 30. The festivities started at noon and ended up at twelve midnite. It was well attended and people are hoping that this will be a yearly activity in Mississauga. Studio Six Productions of ‘Manila, Manila’ is composed of Josie de Leon, Rolly Gatchalian, Ruth Morales, Alvin Alba, and John Alix and produced by Chat de Leon-Bautista. CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1 Gambling game 5 Pixies 9 Furious 14 Clouds (tagalog) 15 Lather 16 Sensible 17 Hunted animal 18 Opposed 19 Philippine super heroine. 20 Manuel Marquez drinks this during his training. 22 Breath mint 24 Peeper 25 Puckers 27 Solid 31 Restaurant 32 Resort hotel 34 Cow speak 35 Realm 38 Clod 40 Banana leaf encased delight. 42 Capital of Lithuania 44 Licensed practical nurse 46 Period 47 Revises 38 48 50 51 52 55 57 59 61 64 66 68 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 Task Wager Scarlet Former USSR's secret police Cry like a cat Star __ (tv show) Setting Halloween mo. Infer Release God Sham Land measurement Dupery Cab Profit Small money units Old Expression of pain (tagalog). Down 1 2 3 4 5 Musical composition Wing shaped Synthetic fabric Start One (tagalog). 62 63 65 67 68 69 70 72 6 Expos’ fan’s city 7 Fish Sauce. 8 Herbs 9 Tagalog for fish. 10 Pacman's coach. 11 Reduced (abbr.) 12 X 13 Epoch 21 Environmental protection agency (abbr) 23 Teaspoon (abbr.) 26 Unidentified flying object 28 Capital of Jordan 29 Cook with dry heat 30 Beneficiary 31 Tilt 33 Poisonous snake 35 Forestall 36 Traveler 37 Omit 39 Star of Panday (abbrev) 41 Thirsty (tagalog) 43 Question 45 Name as candidate 49 Stinger 53 Kapuso. 54 Capital of Guinea-Bissau 56 French "yes" 58 A German soldier (slang) 60 Place 61 Movie award Pope's governing organization Tiny Ceases Heroic tale Kapamilya. Wrath Beige Modern Solution to June 2011 issue Its derivation is easy to trace: the Old English word was niwes, from niew, meaning “new”. WORD WATCH Titillomania (tit’i low-may-ni-a): the uncontrollable compulsion to scratch. HABLA, TAGALOG? SOUTHPAW Q. Why is a left-handed person called a “southpaw?” A. The term was first applied to American baseball pitchers. Most baseball fields are laid out with the home plate toward the west so that the sun will not be in the batter’s eyes. Thus the pitcher faces west and his left hand, or paw, is towards the south. Name Game. Original names of southern Philippines cities: Buklod (Bacolod); San Miguel (Cebu); Vergara (Davao); Caraga (Surigao); Kankabatok (Tacloban). Ooops! Some people, reporters mostly, like to believe that he word news is an acronym for north, east, west, south- the four points of the compass from which all news comes. This is incorrect. Hundreds of Sapnish words have Tagalog roots. Examples: acharra (Atsara); banguerra (banggera); barrumbado ( barumbado); bucayo (bukayo); caua (kawa); cascasero (kaskasero); Panciteria (pansiteria); quizame (kisame); salacot (salakot); tampipi (tampipi); tinapa (tinapa); Tulisan (tulisan). Q. Which language has the biggest vocabulary? A. English, with about 490,000 words plus another 300,000 technical terms. It is doubtful, However, if any individual uses more than 60,000 English words. The most frequently used words in written English are, in order: the, of, and, to, a, in, that, is, I, it, for, as. WORD WATCH Xenoepist (zen-ow’e-pist) : someone who speaks with a foreign accent. July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 Philippine Courier July 7 - Aug. 6, 2011 39