March - LM Confidential

L.M.Confidential
ittle
anila
MARCH 2012
Washington Questions Philippine
Effectiveness Against Corruption
CORRUPTIONFIGHT
INCONSISTENT
WASHINGTON D.C.- Efforts to curb corruption in the Philippines
have been too inconsistent to eliminate graft and undermine prospects
for sustained, long-term economic development, a 2012 report on
economic freedom showed.
The 2012 Index of Economic Freedom gauges business conditions in
CORRUPTION FIGHT
continued on page 5
Are Wet Markets disappearing
in Metro Manila?
(PAGE 19)
NINA JOSE
Finding Happiness
on Love & Career
ARTICLES INSIDE
Why Filipino Movies are Mostly for
Women
ProsecutionProlongingImpeachmentCaseJustto
Get Media Coverage
Europe Opens market to Filipino Au
Pairs
Rising OFW Remittances reflects
economic failures
Meet and
Greet
Kalayaan Chairman Dr. Solon Guzman (RIGHT) introduces Omel
Masalunga, president of the Philippine Artists Group and other members at
the Kalayaan meet and greet event.
MARCH 2012
GOV’t vs CHURCH
JED WOWS CROWD
MANILA,
Philippines—
Albay Representative Edcel
Lagman said he was ready to face
Catholic bishops in a debate on
the controversial reproductive
health bill to
settle the issues
once and for
all.
“Whether
the
bishops
want a sitdown dialogue
or a grand debate on the
Jed Madela wowed
the crowd in a concert
produced by UMAC
Express. (INSIDE)
Lawmaker ready to debate
bishops on birth control bill
controversial RH bill does not
matter as long as they are willing
and ready to engage face-to-face
and collectively the principal
authors of the bill,” Lagman said.
Lagman said he was proposing
to have non-confrontational
dialogues with representatives
of the Catholic hierarchy on the
core provisions and concepts of
the RH bill before the grand
debate.
RH BILL
.
.
continued
L M Confidential on page 3
1
Filipino saTORONTO
KCCC Meet & Greet
Anne defends
Lea
Dr. Solon and Josephine Guzman (FIFTH AND SIXTH FROM THE LEFT) grace the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre Meet and Greet event.
Ms. Sweetheart of Niagara 2012
PRESS RELEASE St Catharines, Niagara.
The search is on for contestants to vie for the first annual Ms. Sweetheart of Niagara 2012. A project
of the Caregivers Association of Niagara, it is aimed to develop confidence among its contestants while
promoting the values of Filipino culture.  To qualify, the candidate should be 16-39 years old, be a resident
of Niagara and must be of Filipino heritage.
 Application forms may be secured from Sally Silva at 16 Towering Heights Boulevard,St.Catharines
Ontario or e-mail to caregiversniagara@yahoo.ca.
Aside from the application forms, prospective candidates are also required to submit the following:
Philippine passport,  and close-up and full body colored photos. Aspirants who are 16-17 years of age
should also bring with them a written consent duly signed by their parents.
“If you believe you have what it takes, take the first step toward that goal by joining the Ms Sweetheart of Niagara”,
says Lea Gardingan, Event Director. Adding, “we can assure the candidates that joining the pageant is not all about
exposure but also gaining more friends since we will have a series of activities that will establish camaraderie among
its contestants”.
  The 2012 pageant will be held June 23.Pageant location would be announced at a later date.  Apply
today at caregiversniagara@yahoo.com  or contact Sally/Lea @ 905-347-3577
Snapshots at Martha Joy in a Benefit Concert
LEFT, Singers Mitchell and Pul Biaoco pose with singer Martha Joy. CENTER, Singer Maria Panaligan (IN STRIPE), mom Genelie and family
friend Ed pose with singer Martha Joy. RIGHT, Photographer Nene Panganiban poses with Martha Joy
Jed Madela
AT the
Concert
FV Foods with co-owner Flor Vendiola (SECOOND
FROM RIGHT) provides the snacks at the Jed
Madela concert.
Gian Carlo Bobila performs a song at intermission.
2
L. M. Confidential
MANILA, Philippines - Actress Anne
Curtis finally broke her silence
about a report that Tony Award
winner Lea Salonga allegedly
dissed her for being an “out-oftune” singer.
Curtis defended Salonga, saying
the international star did not say
anything bad about her.
Salonga earlier explained on
Twitter that she was only misquoted
by a reporter from a TV network.
She has accepted TV5’s apology
via the microblogging site.
“Out of respect kay ate Lea,
tigilan na natin ‘to. Marami kasing
nagagalit sa kanya sa Internet. I
believe she was misunderstood by
TV5,” Curtis said.
After clearing the issue, Curtis
announced that she will stage a
concert in Cebu this April.
The actress, who is celebrating
her 27th birthday, also shared her
blessings with cancer patients from
Childhouse.
“It’s important to share your
blessings lalo pa’t marami na ang
binigay sa ‘yo,” she said.
Aside from a film, Curtis is set to
do a series titled “Kailangan Ko’y
Ikaw” with Kris Aquino and Robin
Padilla.
Android users are
more likely to have
sex on the first
date, study finds
Users of Android phones are more
likely to have sex on a first date and
have one-night stands, according
to survey results revealed by Match.
com. The survey was conducted by
Zoomerang and found that 62% of
singles who use Android devices
have had sex on a first date,
compared with 57% of iPhone users
and 48% of BlackBerry users.
iPhone users are more likely to
date someone in their workplace,
with nearly a quarter of iPhoneowning singles having had an
office romance in the last five years.
More Android users, however,
have visited an online dating site,
compared to 58% of iPhone users
and 50% of Blackberry users. After
a first date, iPhone users will wait
just one day before contacting
an individual again, while Android
and BlackBerry users won’t initiate
contact until after the second or
third date.
Users of RIM’s BlackBerry platform
are more likely to drink alcohol on
the first date, with 67% claiming
they have experienced love at
first sight — perhaps due to the
alcohol. The results were based
on Internet surveys conducted with
1,068 Canadian singles between
October 13th and 15th last year.
MARCH 2012
Europe to get more
Filipino Au Pairs
MANILA, Philippines – The lifting
of the au pair program in European
countries where it was previously banned
will result in more jobs for Filipinos.
“The lifting of the ban on the au pair
program is sure to bring employment
opportunities to Filipinos,” Vice
President Jejomar Binay said in a press
release.
Binay, however, cautioned applicants
to wait for the official announcements
from
the
Philippine
Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA),
to prevent them from being exploited by
unscrupulous agencies.
“Au pair” is a French term meaning
“on par” or “equal to”.
Filipinos under the au pair program
“live on an equal basis in a reciprocal,
caring relationship” with their host
families, according to the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE). The
intent is for the foreigner to be at par or
AU PAIRS
continued on page 23
Mama Dionisia happy that Manny
will retire
MANILA, Philippines – It looks like
Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao’s prayers
have finally been answered with her son,
Manny, seriously mulling over retiring from
boxing by 2013.
She couldn’t be more grateful over the
news. Although she’s been supportive of
her son throughout his career, Mommy
D has always been vocal about her
wish for the boxing superstar to hang his
gloves up.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon.
Maraming, maraming salamat sa Diyos
na mag-retiro na siya,” she said in an
interview with “TV Patrol,” Feb. 15.
Manny’s recent spiritual rebirth seemed
to have broadened his perspective not
MARCH 2012
only in boxing but life in general. The
fierce fighter is now regarded as a “Bible
ambassador,” sharing the holy word
to his family, peers, and anyone with a
willing ear.
“Nakokonsensiya nga ako eh,
‘pag iniisip ko lalaban ulit ako tapos
magsusuntukan kami ng kalaban ko.
Sinasabihan ako na, ‘Tama na ‘yan,
kasi hindi maganda dahil nagsasakitan
kayo,’” said he.
He assured, though, that his match with
American boxer Timothy Bradley, Jr.—set
on June 9 at the MGM Grand Arena in
Las Vegas, Nevada—will push through.
L. M. Confidential
3
Naku ha!
(LittleManilaConfidential.com)
SATISFY A WOMAN
Every. Single. Time.
According to
some, the issue is
Corona’s guilt, not
the prosecutors’
competence. That is
where the problem
lies.
If they are
incompetent, how
can they prove the
guilt of Corona?
The senate
wanted this trial
wrapped up by
this month before
they go on recess.
The prosecution
wanted this to go
longer. The defense
already said that
the intention of the
prosecution is to
prolong this until
election 2013.
I hope not.
If that happens,
Makakatipid ang
mga congressmen
sa election expenses
dahil puro libreng
interview lang ang
gagawin nila. Wala
silang ikukuwento
kundi tungkol kay
Corona at wala
nang iba.
Jose Baking
money is coming from here. They
think tinatae natin ang pera. Now, if
I was employed here by the PI and
I know that they are a big moneymaking operation in the Philippines,
I will not work for below minimumwage dito.
Krystal caraballo
RE: RE: player1956
Nasa incoming email ko ito. Akala ko
naman press release sa community.
Pagbukas ko, nagbebenta pala ng
viagra at iba pa. Sunod sunod pa man
din. Sus ginoo. Bakit ako pinadadalhan
nito e may year-round supply na ako.
Ehe, ano ba ito?
at Commerce Court. By the entrance
of the bookstore, they had this rack of
books dealing with “intimate” matters.
There was “Red Hot Sex Secrets, The
Break-up Bible, etc...” At the bottom
of the rack was the book “Satisfy a
Woman Every Single Time.” How
am I going to read that in front of
every passers-by seeing me browsing
through it? What if a co-worker sees
me reading it? They might think I
cannot satsify a woman. Ehe. Sus
Santa Maxim, doble ehe.
Inquirer in Toronto?
According to an email Paul dela Cruz
of Balita received, Philippine Inquirer
is coming to Canada. Why? Is there
a lot of money to be made here?
They are a big corporation and big
corporations want big margins in their
profit. Good luck to them. I remember
a big industrial machine who tried to
take over a “backward, agriclutural”
country in the 1960’s until they gave
up in 1974. The country was Vietnam.
The big industrial machine who gave
up is called United States of America.
And I do not believe PI can get anyone
to work for them for free or peanuts.
Let us put this in perspective. If you
employ somebody in the Philippines
for a business venture there, the cost
will go up dahil they know that the
Election 2013
It is just right that the Philippine
senate wrap up the trial of Justice
Corona by the end of this month.
Some of the witnesses that the
prosecution is presenting are of no
value to them.
Veteran
journalist
Marites
Dañguilan-Vitug has rejected the
prosecution request for her to testify.
“Journalists are not the story. We
tell the story. We merely chronicle our
country’s comings and goings in the
best way we can. This is how we serve
the country.”
Vitug is the author of the bestselling
book on the Supreme Court, “Shadow
of Doubt.” It is controversial for
exposing corruption in the High
Court.
The defense says that the prosecution
is not interested in presenting proof
in court but rather to the press in the
hopes of getting the public to be on
their side in preparation for election
2013.
This may be the reason kaya
napkarami ng witnesses. The
congressmen
and
house
of
representatives will save money
during the election if all they have to
do is make themselves available to the
press and comment on the trial. If it
lasts that long.
Submit ads & press releases by
March 22 for the April 2012 issue.
L.M.Confidential
ittle
anila
EDITOR: Jose Baking
TEL: 416-945-2336
FAX: 416-363-2088
EMAIL:
pleasurelife@email.com
PUBLISHED BY:
Match International Group
CORRESPONDENTS:
Froilan Baking
Noli Gumapac
Raymond Santos
NOTICE
The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Little Manila Confidential only not for other publications. The exception
applies if the advertising material was supplied by the advertiser.
www.joeybaking.com
www.FilipinoGoodLife.com
www.LittleManilaConfidential.com
4
DO YOU REMEMBER THEM?
She was one of the lesser
known stars during the “Bomba”
era, entered the movies in
1970 via her first film, Uhaw,
a sensational hit during its
theater run. She was given her
first starring role in Apoy at
Paraiso in 1971 in the role of
a modern-day Eve. She only
made a handful of movies, a
so-so stint for her during that
turbulent era.
Today, she is a concert
producer, also owns a talent
center, which she efficiently runs
and operates getting good
projects for her children and
her wards. She is married to
Eddie Gutierrez, one of the 60s
popular actors. Two of their
children, Ruffa and Richard,
which she closely manages, are
successful in their respective
movie careers. Only recently,
she made a comeback movie,
My Monster Mom, with daughter
Ruffa and it did well in the
box-office. Truly, she came a
long, long way hurdling every
obstacles and challenges
come her way.
Annabelle Rama
editor’snote
I know it was the month of Valentine’s
last month. I was walking to the
subway and passed by the bookstore
Faces from the Past
L. M. Confidential
Rising OFW remittances
reflects economic failures
Policymakers must pursue reforms
MANILA, Phl - News about
increasing OFW remittances
should not distract policymakers
from pursuing economic reforms
that this country
needs. Actually, the
rising
remittances
should
remind
us that too many
Filipinos
consider
going abroad as the
only way to give their
families a bright
future and to have a
dignified lifestyle for themselves.
For some four decades now,
the government has come to
rely on labor exports to make
up for deficient or absent public
programs that were supposed to
mitigate rising unemployment and
bring about sustained economic
growth. The policy of encouraging
Filipinos to work abroad was
intended as a stop-gap measure to
arrest unemployment. Since then,
however, Filipinos have grown to
depend on the remittances, which
are a major source of foreign
exchange and are fuelling growth
through consumption.
Even as Filipinos here enjoy the
fruits of OFWs’ labor, policymakers
and economic mangers should not
become complacent about what
should be done – creating more
jobs here. Plus, there ought to be
more quality or high-paying jobs
in the country so that leaving
home to work abroad becomes a
personal choice rather than an act
of desperation following the loss of
hope in the Philippines.
For that, the economy needs to
grow at a faster rate. In a more
robust economy, more jobs are
created. Besides that, the country
needs equitable distribution of
growth. By socio-economic status,
Philippine society is shaped like a
pyramid with a rectangular base.
Much of the wealth is concentrated
in the hands of a few families that
can be represented by the pinnacle
of the pyramid. And the widest
part and tallest segment, the
base, represents the majority of
Filipinos, who belong to the lower
classes. So even if
the economy grows
in that set up, those
who benefit from
growth are only a
few. Ideally, a society
should be shaped like
a diamond, where
the middle-class or
the middle part is
the widest.
Looking for hope
Instead of faster growth,
however, weak growth is expected
to persist. In 2011, the economy
grew by only 3.7 percent, much
lower than the previous year. For
2012, the government expects
gross domestic product (GDP)
to grow between 4 percent and
5 percent. A widely accepted
assumption is that the Philippine
economy needs to expand by at
least 7 percent for several years
to become industrialized. But
given the problems faced by the
developed countries that supply
foreign capital and buy Philippine
exports, Filipinos should not
expect much.
Even the growth rate of OFW
remittances is expected to fall
in 2012 to 5 percent. Worse,
remittances may not be growing as
much as the figures suggest. Part of
the increase reported may simply
reflect improvements in efficiency
– meaning formal channels, like
banks, now capture more of the
remittances than before. But some
Filipinos still send money home
using informal channels, such as
asking a friend going home to
the Philippines to bring cash to
relatives.
The increased spending on
REMITTANCES
continued on page 27
MARCH 2012
LAUGH
RESORT
Honey
Saan binaril si Jose Rizal?
Clue:“B”angsimula(Bagumbayan)
C : Sa back?
H:Osige,pwederinnaangsimulaay“L”
(Luneta)
C : Sa likod?
H:Hindiparin.Paramasmadali,“R.P”andinitials
ngmodernnameniya(RizalPark)
C : Sa rear part?
HSaan
: tayomadalaspumupuntapagsummer
upang maligo?
Clue : Starts with “B” (Beach)
C : Banyo?
HHindi,
:
pagpumuntakadoon,maaarawanka.
C : Sa bubong?
H:Hindi,maramikangmakikitadoongmga
babaeng naka-bikini.
C : Sa beerhouse?
shot
Bea
Santiago
Bea likes dinuguan
and lechon. To keep
in shape, she goes to
the gym regularly.
HWhat
:
isthenationalbirdofthePhilippines?
Clue:Startswiththeletter“M”(Maya)
C : Manok?
H : Hindi, brown ang kulay nito.
C : Piniritong manok?
H : Hindi, nagtatapos sa letter“A”
C : Piniritong manoka?
H : Hindi, mas maliit pa sa manok.
C : Maggie chicken cube?
WhatisthenationalflowerofthePhilippines?
Clue:Itstartswiththeletter“S”(Sampaguita)
C : Sunflower?
H : Hindi. Binebenta ito sa kalye.
C : Stork?
H : Hindi. Bulaklak sabi, eh.
C : Sitsarong bulaklak?
H:Hindiparin.Endswiththeletter“A”
C:Sitsarongbulaklaknamaysuka?
H:O,paramadali,uulitinkoangcluesat
dadagdagan ko pa
C:pangalanngbulaklaknanagsisimulasa“S”,
nagtatapossaletrang“A”,atkapangalanitong
isang sikat na singer.
C : Si Sharon Cuneta!
Fight Against Corruption is Inconsistent
Long-term Development is Questioned
CORRUPTION FIGHT
continued from page 1
184 countries. The yearly report is
produced by the DC-based The
Heritage Foundation and the Wall
Street Journal.
“Despite the challenging global
economic development, the Philippine
economy has been on a steady path of
economic expansion,” the report said.
The Philippines scored 57.1 in the
index that made it the 107th freest
economy in the world, and 19th in
the Asia Pacific region. The economic
freedom index covers 10 benchmarks
ranging from property rights to
entrepreneurship that are used to gauge
economic success in each country.
“The government has pursued a
series of legislative reforms to enhance
the entrepreneurial environment and
develop a stronger private sector to
generate broader-based job growth.
Overall progress has been gradual but
regulatory efficiency has been notably
enhanced,” the report said.
Although it noted the “significant
progress” in the Philippines, the report
remained critical of anti-corruption
efforts.
“The legal framework is deficient
in independence and efficiency. The
cumbersome court system and loose
regard for contracts continues to be
causes for concern,” the report noted.
“The judiciary is nominally
independent but susceptible to political
interference. Despite some progress,
government anti-corruption efforts
have been too inconsistent to eradicate
bribery and graft effectively.”
The report was done last year, before
the start of Supreme Court Chief
Justice Renato Corona’s impeachment
trial on accusations he enriched himself
in office and tried to shield former
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,
herself facing corruption charges,
who appointed him as the country’s
top magistrate days before she was
scheduled to step down from office.
The report also scored “red tape”
and other hindrances to investments.
“Despite a strong desire to attract
longer-term
foreign
investment,
systemic inefficiency exacerbated by
heavy bureaucracy discourages dynamic
growth in investment.”
On the other hand, the report lauded
the improved business regulatory
environment. “Although launching a
business still takes more than the world
average of 7 procedures and 30 days, the
overall process has become less costly.”
The report also noted, “The financial
sector, which gradually modernizing,
remains relatively stable and sound.”
PTAC conduct Workshop
PTAC to Conduct Career Search
and Networking
Workshop for
Philippine Educated Teachers
By : Tony A. San Juan, OCT
The Philippine Teachers Association
of Canada ( PTAC) is conducting a
one-day intensive workshop on April
8th, 2012(Sunday) at 10:00 a.m.-
MARCH 2012
4:00 p.m. at Time Zone Restaurant,
Bathurst Street, North York, Toronto,
Ontario. Interested PTAC members
and other parties are encouraged, on
first come, first served basis, to contact
and register with PTAC secretary
Bernadette Gapuz, at : bgapuz@
ptacanada.org and Maricon Bernasor,
asst.secretary,at mbernasor@yahoo.
com. A registration fee of $7:30 may
be charged to cover for meal and
seminar materials costs.(tsj).
Tony A.San Juan,OCT
tnysanjuan@yahoo.ca
416.491.2346
L. M. Confidential
Alden Richards
sizzles!
There’s a new hunk in town. Kapuso artist Alden
Richards sizzles in his new EDSA billboard. Text
by Loretta Ramirez, Photo courtesy of Folded &
Hung.
Have you seen Alden Richards’ new EDSA
billboard? The sizzling hot photo of the young
Kapuso hunk made heads turn and created
a buzz that captured the Twitter addicts’
attention. In fact,
#sizzlingalden
became the
number one
trending topic in
the Philippines
last February 15,
a day after the
billboard was
put up.
“Nagulat po
ako, kasi hindi
ko po akalain
na ganun ang
kalalabasan ng
pinaghirapan
ko for almost
two months.
Pinaghandaan
ko po talaga yung topless pictorial ko para hindi
po ako mapahiya since this is my first billboard
and my first topless shoot for Folded & Hung,”
Alden told the GMANetwork.com team during his
valentine date with fans.
He adds that “Sobrang fulfilled po ako and
sobrang blessed na maganda yung kinalabasan.
Natuwa po yung boss ng F&H. And then parang
sa lahat po ng Folden & Hung stores mailalagay
yung litratong yun. Sobrang nagpapasalamat
po ako sa GMA, sa GMA Artist Center, sa
pamilya ko, sa Diyos at sa lahat ng tumutulong
sa akin kasi kung wala sila, wala rin po ako. Hindi
makukumpleto yung pagkatao ko kung hindi nila
ako tinutulungan.”
The young actor promises that we can expect
a lot from him in his upcoming projects, including
his new prime time soap, My Beloved.
“Masaya po ako na maganda yung
kinalabasan, Masaya rin ako na maraming nakaappreciate ng billboard at ng mga pictorials
ko. They will be seeing more of me like that in the
future.”
US to come
back to the PHL
Negotiations do not include
new Air or Naval bases
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine
defense and military officials confirmed a
Washington Post report on that the two
countries were negotiating a deal that
would increase cooperation between the
two militaries, but stressed that the tension
in the West Philippine Sea (South China
Sea) over the disputed Spratly Islands was
only part of the equation.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the terms of
such an agreement would still be dictated by the Visiting
Forces Agreement, which allows the periodic visits of US
troops for joint training and exercises.
“Well, first of all, it’s true that the United States wants
to expand its presence in the region, which is why they will
put up a base in Australia and station ships in Singapore.
But in the Philippines, [it involves] exercises that will still
be in accordance with our Visiting Forces Agreement,”
Gazmin said.
The Washington Post reported that the United States,
in talks with Philippine officials in Washington, was
US COME BACK
continued on page 7
5
Philippines
President Aquino praises Globe
PHL Mining laws ignores the environment
MANILA,
Philippines—
President Aquino thanked Globe
Telecom for its five-year $790million modernization program
as he underscored the importance
of the cell phone industry in his
administration’s bid to serve the
people.
The President led Globe
officials and its partners Huawei
and Alcatel-Lucent in the signing
of their respective contracts as
well as the ceremonial switchon of the Globe mobile network
modernization
program
at
Malacañang.
“We would like to thank Globe
for this massive investment, for
this placing a bet on our country’s
future that enables us to address
the problems really in a much
quicker pace to the ultimate
benefit of the people,” President
Aquino said in his speech.
Aquino acknowledged that
the cell phone industry was “very
vital in achieving the aims of
truly serving our people better.”
This as he pointed out
the need for “instantaneous
communications” on
many
concerns affecting the country,
including the fact that it
was prone to landslides and
flashfloods because there were 23
typhoons that visit the country
every year.
Mining laws vs the
environment
DAVAO CITY, Philippines—
An international environmental
expert said mining companies
get away with environmentally
destructive practices in the
Philippines because the country’s
laws and policies on mining are
not clear or strong enough.
Clive Montgomery Wicks,
vice chair of the commission on
environmental, economic and
social policy of the Switzerlandbased International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
pointed to the conduct of
environmental impact statement,
or EIS, as one example of how
Action Honda gets Mandate
Rafael Nebres, General Manager of Action Honda receives the mandate to sell “ the all New
Honda CRV 2012” that will be produced in Canada at the Honda Manufacturing plant in
Alliston, Ontario. Receiving the symbolic key to “ the all New CRV 2012” from the executives of
Honda Canada Inc., standing from left to right, Philip So, Dealer Principal Action Honda, Takashi
Sekiguchi, President and CEO Honda Canada Inc., Rafael Nebres and Jerry Chenkin, Executive
VP of Honda Canada Inc.
mining companies can go around
the law.
However, the
Philippine
government is more concerned
with economic benefits. A group
within the Cabinet will prepare a
draft executive order to enable the
government to get a bigger share
of mining revenues, according to
the finance department.
Finance Secretary Cesar V.
Purisima said in a briefing that
President Aquino himself had
tasked the group to review the
existing mining policies.
The group includes the
Executive Secretary and the
heads of finance, environment,
and local government, among
others.
“The Department of Finance’s
focus is that the Philippines gets
its fair share of revenue,” Purisima
said. “In the past few years, laws
and incentives have been taken
advantage of to the detriment of
the government.”
He cited for instance a push
for greater use of the mining
law’s provision for financial or
technical assistance agreements
(FTAAs) rather than the muchavailed mineral production
sharing agreement (MPSA).
The FTAA covers large-scale
mining concerns and allows
full foreign ownership while
the MPSA grants a contractor
exclusive mining rights and
shares in the production.
Saving Coffee Town
Ask any coffee farmer in
Amadeo, Cavite, about the going
price of their coffee and they will
answer with a frown. Josefa de la
Peña, a 77-year-old coffee grower,
grimaced when told that the
price being offered for Amadeo
coffee was P96 per kilogram.
De la Peña, who was named
one of the most outstanding
coffee farmers of Amadeo at the
Pahimis (thanksgiving) festival
expressed disgust at the price
being offered that day: “It’s too
cheap. My son said it’s higher in
the world market. He checks it
on the Internet!”
The town of Amadeo, whose
farmers grow the premium
Robusta beans that food giant
Nescafé uses for its instant coffee,
does not own a community
roaster. As such, coffee producers
there have no choice but to sell
their green, unroasted beans to
food conglomerates like Nestlé
and the Universal Robina Corp.
To help the coffee growers,
Sen. Francis Pangilinan and the
local government of Cavite have
come up with a P5-million grant
that will make it possible for the
Amadeo farmers to buy a 10-kg
roasting machine under a farm
program aimed at
injecting
modest but timely interventions
that could lead to big and
lasting results for the farming
communities.
KCCC holds a Meet & Greet
ABOVE, Dr. Solon Guzman (IN BARONG) interviews Omel Masalunga, president of the Philippine
Artists Group at the meet and greet of the Kalayaan Community Cultural Centre.
RIGHT, Rene Sevilla keeps the program going.
6
L. M. Confidential
Arnel in
new show
TV host Arnel Ignacio has promised
the viewing public a new program
choice when it comes to noontime
programming.
The comedian is set to host “Game
‘N Go”, the newest noontime show of
the Kapatid Network. He will share the
boob tube with Edu Manzano, Gelli de
Belen, Tuesday Vargas and Shalani
Soledad.
He’s not really bothered by the
timeslot of the show because they are
not here to compete, but to entertain the
audience.
He added that though the show will
go head-to-head with “Showtime” of
ABS-CBN and industry’s noontime
show institution “Eat Bulaga”, he is
positive they will also have their own
niche in that particular timeslot.
“Ang ‘Eat Bulaga’ ay parang Korte
Suprema na yan, binibigyan mo na
yan ng paggalang. Hindi natin iisipin
na makikipag banggaan ako sa ‘Eat
Bulaga,’ after all ang pinakamalalaking
hosts ng Eat Bulaga ay pinakamalalaki
din ng TV5.”
Arnel added that he will never get
tired of giving laughter to everyone
because he likes and loves the job he
got and the show is something new for
the viewing public.
The noontime show is expected to
grace the boob tube on March 10.
Marvin’s New
Goals
MANILA, Philippines — Last year,
we saw Marvin Agustin doing three TV
projects: “Iglot,” “Beauty Queen,” and
“Kitchen Superstar” which turned out to
be top raters. Not only did they garner
good reviews, they also proved anew
the actor’s versatility.
Marvin also did four movies, including
“Enteng Ng Ina Mo.” In the suspensethriller film, “The Road,” Marvin made
heads turn with his portrayal of a pastor
married to a difficult wife. The other
two films were the religious familydrama “Ikaw Ang Pag-ibig” and the
short film anthology “Kasambahay
Habambuhay.”
As concert promoter, Marvin’s
Futuretainment Inc. brought to the
country the hottest foreign acts. These
were Bruno Mars in April, followed by
Maroon 5, Miley Cyrus, Thirty Seconds
to Mars, and The Blackeyed Peas.
His restaurant businesses also did
well. Marvin’s Sumo Sam, Robotosan
Japanese Grill and Shabu-Shabu, John
and Yoko, Mr. Korosawa, Johnny Chow,
Komrad, Oyster Boy, and Marciano’s
total nearly 20 branches nationwide.
By year’s end, Marvin would have
upped the ante by opening a Sumo
Sam branch in Los Angeles, USA, and
another branch in Shanghai, China.
As chef, Marvin
pitches for
Tupperware
a n d
is
Unilever’s
newest
endorser
for
Knorr
cubes.
When asked
what Marvin’s
ingredients
to success
are,
he
simply says,
“Maturity and
patience,
driven
by
passion.”
MARCH 2012
US COME BACK
continued from page 5
considering “operating Navy ships
from the Philippines, deploying
troops on a rotational basis and
staging more frequent joint exercises,”
among other options.
‘Political sensitivities’
“Under each scenario, US forces
would effectively be guests at existing
foreign bases,” the report said. The
US daily quoted an unnamed senior
Philippine official as saying that the
American side was aware of “political
sensitivities” surrounding such an
agreement.
The report further discounted
the possibility of the United States
attempting to establish a permanent
base some 20 years after the Philippine
government rejected a new bases
treaty and evicted US forces from
their naval base in Subic, Zambales
province, the United States’ biggest
base in the Pacific.
Department of Foreign Affairs
spokesperson
Raul
Hernandez
said he was still awaiting Foreign
Secretary Albert del Rosario’s input
on the issue.
Many factors
The negotiation for such a deal
was prompted by many factors, and
the tension in the West Philippine
Sea with China over claims on the
disputed Spratlys was only part of it,
according to defense spokesperson
Peter Paul Galvez.
“There are many factors, including
our position on [maintaining]
MARCH 2012
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin
freedom of navigation and taking a
multilateral approach and a rulesbased approach in resolving the
dispute in the West Philippine Sea,”
Galvez said.
The Spratlys, a chain of tiny
islands and reefs believed to be rich
in resources, lie near the Philippine
province of Palawan.
The chain is claimed wholly or
partly by the Philippines, China,
Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and
Taiwan.
In 2002, the claimants signed the
Declaration of Conduct of Parties
in the South China Sea, which was
to serve as a nonbinding guideline
on how to tackle the disputes. But
tension has escalated in recent
months, with the Philippines and
China trading barbs on the latter’s
alleged incursions into the former’s
territory.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines
said the discussions between the
Philippines and the United States
showed that “the partnership
between our two countries’ armed
forces remains healthy, dynamic and
beneficial.”
“It continues to highlight the
unswerving commitment of our
security forces toward a more secure
Asia-Pacific region,” said the AFP
public affairs chief, Colonel Arnulfo
Marcelo Burgos Jr.
He said the Philippine military
was looking forward to more joint
bilateral exercises and undertakings,
such as the annual Balikatan exercises,
the Cooperation Afloat Readiness
and Training, and the Balance Piston
exercises.
‘Light footprint’
Philippine and US officials as
saying that they were “favorably
inclined toward a deal.” Higher-level
meetings start this month.
“The strategic talks with the
Philippines are in addition to feelers
that the Obama administration has
put out to other Southeast Asian
countries, including Vietnam and
Thailand, about possibly bolstering
military partnerships,” the report
said.
Pentagon officials said they want
to maintain a light footprint,” the
report said.
“We have no desire nor any
interest in creating a US-only base in
Southeast Asia,” said Robert Scher, a
deputy assistant secretary of defense
who oversees security policy in the
region.
“In each one of these cases, the
core decision and discussion is about
how we work better with our friends
and allies. And the key piece of that
is working from their locations.”
L. M. Confidential
Joker Arroyo tells Aquino, Corona:
Shut up and let Senate
finish its job
MANILA, Philippines—As they continued to escalate the
broadsides in their word war, President Benigno Aquino and Chief
Justice Renato Corona got a piece of unsolicited advice from a
senator: Stop the bar-room brawl and let the Senate finish its job.
“What is distressing is no longer the endless impeachment
trial to remove the Chief Justice that
the
President is supporting, but
the
uninterrupted
exchanges
of
scathing and harsh words uttered with
complete abandon outside the Senate
proceedings by no less than the head of
the executive branch and the head of
judicial branch of government,’’ Senator
Joker Arroyo lamented in an interview.
The fresh exchange was “sad’’ and
the intensity, unprecedented, Arroyo said.
“Unfortunately we enjoy this unhealthy development as a people.”
Arroyo said the “hatred” between the President and the Chief
Justice has degenerated into a “bar-room brawl” that not only
damages the country and Filipinos, but tarnishes “our reputation
as a civilized people” before the world.
He said it was about time Aquino and Corona let the Senate
proceed with Corona’s impeachment trial, and see it through the
end, without any interruption.
“Constitutionally, the ball is with the Senate and no other.
Let the Senate finish its job, uninterrupted by kibitzers, and that
includes the principals themselves,” he said.
As the trial entered Day 19, Aquino assailed Corona anew
before students of La Consolacion College in Manila, and
declared that the Chief Justice could no longer be trusted for
failing to disclose his bank deposits.
Later in the trial, Philippine Savings Bank officials volunteered
that Corona closed three peso time deposit accounts, whose
opening balances totaled P32.6 million, on December 12,
2011, the same day members of the House of Representatives
impeached him.
Corona struck back the next day, challenging the President to
disclose not only his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth,
but also his psychological records. He called on Aquino not to
interfere in, preempt and influence the impeachment court.
7
LMC Life
FROM the blog THE WORLD
The Singing and
Dancing Movie
Star
Aside
from
being
thespians, celebrities in
OF ALBERT
our country need to be
singers and dancers as
well. Despite lacking
talent
in
those
departments,
an
artista is mandated
to do such when
promoting an upcoming tv
or movie project.
Instead of just
doing a short
promotional sit
downinterviewlike
in Hollywood, our
movie stars shame
themselvesbydoing
something they are
not good at. For
reasons beyond my
comprehension,
our
The Footbal Craze
local stars who are
It baffles me how a boring sport could strictly actors cannot
be number one in the world. With a game seem to concentrate
involving athletes taking forever to score, I on what they do best,
am always unable to endure watching soccer. ACTING.
Ten Things I do Not
Understand
Mo Twister And
Beautiful Women
Bunny Paras. Janette McBride. Rhian
Ramos. You have to hand it to Mo
Twister. Despite being an imp, he
has his way with women not of his
league. He is no George Clooney.
Actually, Mo is vertically challenged,
plain looking and most often acts
like a douche bag. Yet he possesses
an unexplainable charm with lovely
women. Sometimes, God is unfair.
____________
The Two Cellphone Syndrome
From the high school student to the young
professional, it makes me wonder why some
ordinary people have the need to be subscribed
to two networks as if they were big shot
business tycoons who could not afford to miss
an important call. For a regular person like me,
I find it a hassle: the financial toll, the time one
takes to check on two phones and the bulk of
carrying both. I am practically clueless as to why
these common people could not afford to just
pick one network/phone that is best suited for
their taste.
____________
What’s more baffling is how a not-so-exciting
sport could incite more riots than any other
athletic competition. No wonder, it took much
media hype and a bunch of good looking Filforeign players before Filipinos learned to
embrace football.
FOREIGNERS Going after
Ugly Filipinas
Short,nasallychallengedanddarkskinned.Most
likely, foreigners strolling in our malls would
have a Filipino companion with these physical
attributes. Maybe they have a peculiar definition
of beauty, foreigners, Caucasians in particular,
always go for chimay looking Pinays. Despite the
factthatourcountryisblessedwithmanybeautiful
women, foreigners tend to have a different taste.
Withthisobservation,itmakesmewonderifthey
find the likes of Sam Pinto ugly.
Aging Actors Being Paired With
Young Stars
Spitting In Public
As if their lungs are infused with
to immediately evacuate, most
of spitting anywhere in public.
a health hazard, it is despicable
discharge their spit in plain view
is for this shameless habit, it is
implemented against spitting. The
violator to suck his spit right back
8
Lust for Expensive Bags
For someone
a million
hand
i t
to buy a half
peso
bag,
is
highly
unreasonable. Unlike a car or a home
theater system which is practically
more useful, bags are just bags. They
serve no purpose other than to place
your things. There are other ways of
showing off an opulent lifestyle. I
cannot find any logical reason why on
a mere hand bag.
People Becoming
Ecstatic During New
Year’s Eve
People Calling
Themselves Kapuso And
Kapamilya
Ifinditeeriehowthetvchannelsinourcountry
have turned into a religion spearheaded by
the two leading tv networks. As if they are
membersoftribesgoingintoabattleagainst
each other, ABS CBN and GMA 7 have even
instilledupontheirownwarringavidviewers
to call themselves Kapamilya and Kapuso
respectively.Subsequently,othertvchannels
followed.Withanationthatisalreadydivided,
I could not understand why this shit exists.
OPM IS NOT DEAD
Perhaps we live in a chauvinistic society, our movies
andteleseryealwaysdepictanagedmaleleadstarwith
a young actress as his love interest. Whether he is Vic
Sotto, Aga Muhlach, Robin Padilla or Bong Revilla,
femalestarswhoarehalftheirages(someevenyounger
than their real life children) are mandatorily picked as
their on screen partners. It’s like Brad Pitt pairing up
with Miley Cyrus. Ironically when a local actress turns
30, she has no choice but to play mother roles to stars
who are just ten years younger than she is. Our local
entertainment industry is truly strange.
lots of phlegm that they need
Filipinos have the nasty habit
Despite being an eyesore and
how these people nonchalantly
of others. Whatever the reason
about time that a law should be
penalty to which is forcing the
into his damn throat.
Celebrating a wedding or after passing the
board exam is understandable. But my mind
could not quite comprehend why people
become so festive during new year’s eve as if
it is a life changing event. They waste tons of
money on fireworks. They throw lavish parties.
Most notably, they become manic when the
clock strikes 12 (Yehey! Happy New Year!).
The fact is, new year is just a passing of time.
No amount of merrymaking could make your life
better. It would still suck like last year unless you
work harder or win the lottery.
L. M. Confidential
MANILA, Philippines – Although the
OPM industry is nearly “dead” as
far as record sales and the piracy
plague are concerned, the country
hasn’t run out of musical gems.
This is the belief of Maestro Ryan
Cayabyab, executive director of
the first ever Philippine Popular Music
Festival, a songwriting competition
aimed at uncovering new types
of expressions by both amateur
and professional songwriters, as
well as in reviving the passion and
appreciation for Filipino music.
For a country who adores pop music
such as that of Lady Gaga’s, actorhitmaker Ogie Alcasid believes that
Filipino artists can “create something
even better than that.”
“There just has to be an avenue
for this music to be heard again, to
revive this interest in Philippine pop
music,” said Alcasid.
Jason leaves Banana
Split
MANILA, Philippines –- The
producers of the Saturday comedy
show “Banana Split” declined
to comment on comedian Jason
Francisco’s leaving the sitcom.
Rumors have it that Francisco left
the show because of a conflict with
his girlfriend Melai Cantiveros.
Both are reported to have called
it quits but neither have spoken
about the matter.
Business Unit Head Cynthia Jordan
said that “The producers of ‘Banana
Split’ wishes to thank Jason Francisco
for his contribution and support for
the show. We wish him well on his
future endeavors,” she said.
Meanwhile, the fans of Francisco
and Cantiveros, more commonly
known as the “Melasons,” also
refused to confirm reports.
They, however, said that they will
continue to support the two despite
the controversy. “For Melai and
Jason, on behalf of Melason.com
and Melason Global, gusto naming
iparating na mananatili kaming
nandito nakasuporta sa kahit anong
pinagdadaanan at pagdadaanan
pa nila,” the statement read.
“Sana maging matatag din sila at
ma-overcome nila lahat ng pagsubok
dahil kapag nakikita namin sila at
may problema, nalulungkot din kami.
Basta kahit ano mangyari todo-todo
support namin at hinding hindi kami
bibitiw,” the statement added.
MARCH 2012
Graphic Health warnings on
Cigarette Packs proposed
Legarda propose shark-catching ban
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MANILA, Philippines - A proposed
law showing graphic health warnings
on cigarette packs and other tobacco
products has been filed at the House of
Representatives.
Marikina City Rep. Marcelino “Marcy”
Teodoro, author of House Bill (HB) No.
5667, said there is a need to install picturebased health warnings as text warnings are
not as effective and sufficient in terms of
encouraging smokers to quit the habit.
Teodoro said the bill seeks to require
all cigarette packages and other tobacco
product packages, found in the market,
to bear highly visible full-color graphic
health warnings.
He said pictorial health warnings on
tobacco products are already implemented
in 15 countries as part of the requirement
found in Article 11 of the Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control, an
international treaty initiated by the World
Health Assembly.
The bill provides that the graphic health
warnings shall have two components - a
photographic picture warning and an
accompanying textual warning that is
related to the picture.
The measure provides that the graphic
health warnings shall be printed on at
least 60% of the principal display surfaces
of any tobacco package, occupy no less
than 60% of the front and 60% of the back
panel of the packaging and that it shall be
located at the upper portions of the said
panels or principal display areas.
Legarda pushes law against
shark catching
MANILA, Philippines - Senator
Loren Legarda called for the passage of a
measure that would prohibit the catching
of sharks, stressing that the absence of
such law could lead to the extinction of
shark species.
The practice of shark finning involves
the removal of the fin, which can be sold
at a price between P600 and P3,000
per kilo. Afterwards, the finless shark
is thrown back into the sea with its life
already in danger as it could no longer
move normally.
“Clearly, the absence of the law
forbidding the catching of sharks, gives
people the courage to continue the
practice, which could eventually lead
to the extinction of shark species in the
country, especially that they reproduce
slowly” Legarda said.
The senator also cited the conservation
group, Shark Savers’ statement that the
shark population is declining by as much
as 90% because up to 100 million sharks
are killed every year.
Legarda explained that this concern
could be addressed with the enactment
into law of the proposed measure logged
as Senate Bill 2616, An Act Banning
the Catching, Sale, Purchase, Possession,
Transportation,
Importation
and
Exportation of All Sharks and Rays or
Any Part Thereof in the Country.
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MARCH 2012
L. M. Confidential
9
Philippines
Film Industry
in DECLINE
PHILIPPINE BANK SECRECY LAW
Strictest in the World
MANILA, Philippines— The
United States has questioned the
antiquated bank secrecy laws of
the Philippines, describing them
as “among the strictest in the
world,” in the face of the global
trend toward transparency.
The criticisms made by two
US envoys are contained in a
series of cables from 2005 and
2008, and have been made public
by the whistle-blower website,
Wikileaks.
Former US ambassadors to
Manila Francis Ricciardone and
Kristie Kenney, in separate cable
dispatches sent to Washington,
said the banking secrecy laws in
the country were “hampering”
transparent governance and
anticorruption mechanisms, and
went against the global trend
relaxing bank secrecy laws.
Foreshadowing events in the
Philippines as early as 2007,
Kenney talked of “institutional
challenges”—which
included
bank secrecy laws and poor
protection for whistle-blowers—
as serious barriers to corruption
convictions in the Philippines.
“The bank secrecy laws in
the Philippines are among the
strictest in the world,” said
Ricciardone.
The United States is apparently
particularly concerned about the
Foreign Currency Deposit Act
of the Philippines (FCDA),
otherwise known as Republic Act
No. 6426. The FCDA is a legacy
of the martial-law era, having
been signed into law by the late
dictator Ferdinand Marcos in
1974.
The FCDA makes the
revelation of foreign currency
details unlawful, except upon
a written permission of the
depositor.
The other law is the Bank
Secrecy Law (Republic Act No.
1405) enacted on Sept. 9, 1955.
RA 1405 declares all deposits
absolutely confidential, with the
exceptions of: written consent
of the depositor; in cases of
impeachment; upon order of
a competent court in cases of
bribery or dereliction of duty
of public officials; or in cases
where the money deposited or
invested is the subject matter of
KCCC Meet & Greet
Dr. Solon Guzman (RIGHT) poses with Kalayaan supporters Angel and Wais Habibzi.
the litigation.
In order to manage the global
financial crisis and prevent future
crises from reoccurring, financial
institutions need to pursue
accountability reforms, said the
G20 communiqué.
The FCDA was invoked last
week by the Philippine Savings
Bank (PSBank) in refusing
to divulge the alleged foreign
currency deposits of Chief
Justice Renato Corona, which
the Supreme Court acceded to by
issuing a temporary restraining
order (TRO).
Inquiry Into Dump Sites
MANILA, Philippines — To
help ease environmental concerns
affecting local government units
(LGUs), Sen. Aquilino “Koko”
Pimentel III has filed a resolution
directing the Senate committees
on health and demography,
local government and other
appropriate
committees
to
conduct an inquiry on the
condition of all dump sites in the
country.
Pimentel
said
Senate
Resolution No. 702 is meant
to determine and recommend
appropriate action that would
facilitate the full implementation
of the 2003 Solid Waste
Meet & Greet
Management Act in the wake
of reports that more than 1,000
LGUs operating open and
controlled dumpsites nationwide
have been cited for various
environmental offenses and
violations.
Job Plan For Workers
MANILA, Philippines — At
least 500 displaced sugar workers
from earthquake-hit area in
Central Visayas will receive P3
million-worth of emergency
employment program by the end
of this month, the Department of
Labor and Employment (DoLE)
said. Labor and Employment
Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said
the 500 beneficiaries will come
from five barangays in Negros
Oriental, which was devastated
by the magnitude 6.9 quake, will
receive temporary employment
from DoLE’s Region 6 office.
The fund will come from
DoLE’s Adjustment Measure
Program (AMP) and the
capability building program of
the Sugar Tripartite Council.
Probe prison sex trade
MANILA, Philippines - The
Department of Justice (DOJ)
will look into the allegations of
a Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)
employee who exposed alleged
anomalies involving no other
than the bureau’s top official.
The
allegations
involve
alleged special treatment for
VIP prisoners, prostitution, and
misappropriation of BuCor funds.
One issue is inmates being taken
out of the New Bilibid Prison
for clean-up duties that include
a subdivision in Dasmariñas,
Cavite. A BuCor employee
said the move is illegal since a
court order is needed before any
prisoner can be taken out. Justice
Secretary Leila de Lima agrees,
saying there are only 2 reasons
wherein inmates are allowed out
of prison walls.
“One is death in the family,
then hospitalization,” she said.
BuCor spokesperson Richard
Schwarzkopf
claimed
that
bringing out prisoners for cleanup work is a form of community
service.
The BuCor employee behind
the exposé, however, claimed
that someone “earns” from the
activity.
The employee also showed a
document to ABS-CBN News
to prove the alleged anomalies
in the use of National Bilibid
Prisons funds.
MANILA, Philippines – The number
of films produced in the Philippine
movie industry has halved over the
past decade in the face of piracy and
Hollywood competition, a government
study showed.
Only the rise of independent
filmmakers has saved the industry from
declining further, with “indie” movies
now accounting for more than half the
total made in the Philippines, the study
said.
“There are many factors causing the
fall. There is piracy and competition
from foreign movies. Local movies
are also not given as much support
from the public,” said government
statistical coordination officer Gerald
Clarino.
The report by Clarino and other
officers of the National Statistical
Coordination Board found that
from 1960 to 1999, the Philippines
produced an average of about 140
movies each year.
This gave local films at least 20
percent of the domestic market, the
report said. At the time, the industry
boasted of being one of the most
prolific movie producers in the
world after Hollywood and India’s
“Bollywood.”
But from 2000 to 2009, local
film output fell to an average of 73
annually with only 11 percent of the
market, the report said. Last year 78
local films were made.
Clarino said the the top-grossing
movies in the Philippines were typically
US-made films with multimillion-dollar
budgets that the local movie industry
could not afford.
He said the most popular local
movies were usually light, romantic
comedies that did not require big
budgets.
Clarino also cited copyright piracy
as a problem, with bootleg DVD
copies of Philippine movies sold in
Manila’s streets sometimes on the same
day the films opened in cinemas.
Highlighting the extent of the
problem, a top aide of President
Benigno Aquino was last month caught
buying bootleg DVDs in Manila, but
escaped any major punishment.
Movie industry leaders have
also previously blamed high taxes
on tickets and a general lack of
government support for their sector’s
plight.
Amid the overall decline, “indie”
filmmakers have emerged from virtually
nowhere a decade ago to produce
45 films in 2010 and 44 in 2011, the
report said.
Filipino “indie” directors, such as
Brillante Mendoza, Pepe Diokno
and Jim Libiran, have won awards at
prestigious foreign film festivals.
But their films, which often tackle
serious social problems in the
corruption-plagued and impoverished
Philippines, have rarely achieved boxoffice success at home.
some Members of KFCO
Some members and
officers of the Kalayaan
Filipino Cultural
Organization headed
by Chariman Dr. Solon
Guzman are happy that
the year is off to a good
start.
10
L. M. Confidential
MARCH 2012
Jed Madela’s
“Beyond Expectations” concert is Successful
First, I will start with the ending. I think
the concert finished at around 11pm. Jed
started singing at 9:07pm on my watch.
There were two singers who san a total of
3 songs between his first half and second
half. One was Gian Carlo Bobila, another
award-winnign singer. The other was a
female singer from Vancouver. Before
Jed Madela started, there were 7 singers
who sang a total of 14 songs as a front
act, starting at 7:30pm. Front acts were
Edessa Andrada, Emiline Cruz, Inah
Patrizia, Maria Panaligan, Jheo Navarro,
Alyssa Datu and Marttina Ruiz.
I think I can count in my hands the
concerts that have gone the distance in
Toronto. I believe Martin Nievera at
Roy Thomson Hall was one of them at
3 hours.
Jed Madela did not disappoint.
This Toronto was the last stop in his
Canadian tour. He started at Vancouver,
then Calgary and Winnipeg.
He sang a mix of broadway songs,
Filipino songs and oldies from the
sixties. All in all, it was an enjoyable
concert. Among them were, The Edge
of Glory by Lady Gaga, kaw lang pala,
Breathe Again, Ikaw lamang by Ogie
Alcasid, song from broadway Jesus
Christ Superstar, Long ago and so far
away by Carpenters, Rolling in the
Deep by Adele, Para sa Iyo, the Manny
Pacquiao version of Sometimes when
we Touch which was actually funny.
Marhta Joy paid tribut to the late
Whitney Huston by singing One
Moment in Time.
The producer of the concert was
UMAC cargo, avery reliable door to
door company operating worldwide.
LEFT, Jed Madela performs to the delight of the
crowd.
TOP, Front acts Edessa Andrada, Emiline Cruz,
Inah Patrizia, Maria Panaligan pose for a group
picture before the show.
ABOVE LEFT, Jheo Navarro sings an
environmental song.
ABOVE RIGHT, Maria Panaligan sings Luha.
ATTENTION: Date Change
The date of this Camilineos Fiesta has been changed from May 5 to 12. If you already marked your
calendar, change it. This change was made so it will not coincide with Pacquiao’s boxing bout.
Camilineos Association of Canada
ANNUAL TOWN FIESTA
Dinner and Dance
Holy Angel’s Church Hall
63 Jutland Road, Etobicoke
6:00 pm to 1:00 am
Saturday May 12, 2012
Tickets are : Adults $25.00 • 6-12 years old $ 10.00 • 5 and under Free
ATTIRE: Semi-Formal
For Tickets please call
Tessie Primero (President) at (416) 751-2335 or
Harold Guarin at (V.P) (416) 578-7351
MARCH 2012
L. M. Confidential
11
The author, Suzy Llanera
poses with singer Martha
Joy.
Joey Baking’s (www.Filipinogoodlife.com)
Filipino Good Life
You know spring is just around the corner when there’s
of parties and events happening
a lot
Springtime Prelude
Martha Joy’s “One
on One” Concert
by: Suzy Llanera
Dr. Solon Guzman introduces the non-Filipino companies supporting the Kalayaan and it’s projects. Lilac
Cana was one of the performers at the event.
Culture Philippines Ontario amd Jenifer Camacho performs during the KCCC Meet and Greet event.
We had the luck to be invited to the Kalayaan Meet
and Greet event where Chairman Dr. Solon Guzman
outlined the events for the year. Among ths supporters
is the Philippine Artists Group headed by their
president, Omel Masalunga who said they will hold
exhibits at the Kalayaan Centre.
Other than that, it seems to be smooth sailing for all.
events. By this time, all organizations are now busy
preparing for their summer events.
In the coming months, the only friction we see is the
same-day festival events of Filipino Centre Toronto’s
Pistahan and Philippine Canadian Charitable
Foundations’ Fiesta, both being held on June 9. On
the bright side, the Pistahan is a two-day affair.
Room for rent for single lady.
Please contact Criss at 647-984-2747
for more details.
Kennedy / Ellesmere
Behind Highland Farms
12
L. M. Confidential
Toronto, Ontario: A
resounding success! A standing ovation! A world class
performance! A mesmerizing
experience! A powerhouse
comeback!
On Saturday, January 28,
2012, Martha Joy entertained
her supporters to a “One on
One” dinner-concert which
was held at Rembrandt
Banquet Halls situated on
Progress Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario.
Now 21 years old, Martha
Joy performed live, and it was
evident she has matured a lot
as an artist and has taken her
craft to the next level. Filled
with over 200 guests, her
powerful voice resonated in
the hall. She opened her solo
concert with her own version of Adele’s popular song
“Someone Like You”. Once
again, she has proven her
versatility when she sang the
first number to a perfect pitch
and continued to belt the
rest of the song to even more
challenging notes.
The evening was a real treat
for Martha Joy’s fans who
missed her presence in the
local scene this past year or
so, which time she spent in
Manila for a big theatrical
musical production. Throughout the night, she delighted
and connected with her
guests as she effortlessly sang
with maturity and sophistication, a selection of a total
of 20 memorable love songs
and Broadway classical hits.
She swayed with the melody
of the music with ‘gusto’ and
gave all her energy to the
delight of the audience.
Martha Joy also performed
two special numbers with
Justine and Jilliane Geroche,
her twin cousins, from the
Broadway musical and movie
hit “Dreamgirls”. “Well done
Martha Joy, Justine & Jilliane,
each move was classy and
cute”! There was only a ten
minute intermission from
this continuous two-hour solo
concert.
While in the Philippines,
Martha Joy starred and took
on the lead role as Princess
Giselle in KAOS. A dance
and musical live production,
“KAOS” had a cast of over
100 performers from all over
the world that composed of
different acts like acrobats
from China, dancers from
Europe, motorcycle stuntmen
from Brazil and Colombia,
and of course, the powerhouse singers from Manila’s
various repertory theaters.
This international and huge
production was accompanied
live six nights a week by the
famous Manila Symphony
Orchestra, in Resorts World
Manila, the Philippines’
premier casino and its newly
built Newport Performing
Arts Theater that holds a
seating capacity of 1,500.
The highlight of the
show was when Martha Joy
presented a short clip of the
raving reviews from different well-known personalities
in the Philippines of the
production of “KAOS”. It
showed a glimpse of Martha
Joy’s important role in this
one-of-a-kind spectacle in
the country.
Martha Joy paid tribute
to her mother, Sonia, who
was sitting next to both Dr.
Vicky Santiago, a noted
philanthropist and dentist
and Suzy Llanera, a prominent beauty pageant organizer and community leader.
Singing “Memory” from the
musical Cats, and her Mom’s
favourite song, she instantly
revealed that it is now one of
her favourite songs, too. The
curtain was supposed to close
after her rendition of “Time
to Say Goodbye”, a song in
English/Italian made famous
by Andrea Boccelli & Sarah
Brightman. However the
show did not end there, as
a roar of “encore” was heard
from the audience, especially from Maria Geroche,
(Rembrandt Banquet Halls,
owner), her number “1” fan.
Martha Joy graciously obliged
to the audience’s request
and closed the show with an
encore with Celine Dion’s
“My Heart Will Go On”,
the theme song from the
movie Titanic. Martha Joy
left everyone in awe and some
of them hung around to get a
picture taken with her.
It was indeed, an evening
to remember!
MARCH 2012
19
MARCH 2012
L. M. Confidential
13
Skyea D’aoust gets
baptised
It
is
another
milestone for couple
Joy Sarmiento and
Warren D’Aoust of
Pinoy World TV when
their second daughter,
Skyea Wrein D’Aoust,
was
baptized
at
Immaculate Heart of
Mary Catholic Church
in
Scarborough
recently.
Their fist born,
Oceana, was the
most excited about
the event. She is very
happy being an “ate” to
her baby sister.
Family, close friends and godparents Mel
Galeon, Corey D’Aoust, Geri Villamor, Eva
Agpaoa, Jeng Guiyab and Rosary Escano
witnessed the ceremony. The mother’s
cousin, Oliver Alegre,
another ninong from
Las Vegas, did not
make it but sent his
best wishes to his new
favourite inaanak.
The
dinner
reception was held at
the Prague Restaurant,
where many enjoyed
the
food
and
performances of local
singers Bong Castillo,
Chyrell Samson and
Rodney Ronquillo.
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L. M. Confidential
MARCH 2012
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L. M. Confidential
15
Filipino
World
More Pinoys in Switzerland
Kris picks Luis
as co-host
• Young Pinoys want free rides in San Francisco
BERN – A growing number of Filipinos
consider Switzerland, one of the richest
countries in Europe, as their second home.
Jorgie Bien Stockmann has been traveling
to Switzerland for many years as a tourist.
The first time she applied for a tourist visa to
Switzerland, she was denied but this did not
stop her from pursuing her dream to visit one
of Europe’s top tourist destinations.
The second time she applied, the
Switzerland Embassy in the Philippines gave
her a tourist visa that allowed her to visit her
relatives in Zurich for a few months.
Visiting Switzerland is just part of her big
dream to look for opportunities here.
But she didn’t expect that after more than
three years of flying in and out of Switzerland
as a tourist, she is now a permanent resident
here.
Last November, she tied the knot with her
Swiss boyfriend.
She admitted that although she considers
Switzerland her second home, she still misses
the Philippines.
“Sometimes I miss Filipino foods. On
weekends if we have time, my friends and I
go out together,” she said.
“I’m lucky that my Swiss husband is not
strict. I can always go out with my friends
anytime,” she added.
Like any other overseas Filipino worker,
she and her Filipino friends overcome
homesickness by going out together during
their free days.
Jogie is just one of the estimated 10,000
Filipinos now living in Switzerland.
According to Lyn Rutz, a Filipino
community network coordinator in Bern,
many Filipinas here are married to Swiss
nationals.
“I could say many Filipinas here are married
to Swiss. You know some Swiss men are very
conservative. Sometimes they prefer their
wives staying at home,” she said.
Rutz, who is also married to a Swiss
national, stressed that this is not the case for
everybody since she has been working for
more than 20 years already. She works as the
head of a laboratory in the university hospital
here.
Many Filipinos in Switzerland, especially
in Bern, work for different embassies.
“Since Bern is the capital, many of the
embassies are here where some of our
kababayan work. Some are office clerks,
SUSPECT IN PINAY DEATH IN PARIS CAUGHT
MANILA, Philippines — French police investigatingThursday’s murder of Filipino Elena
Ortega Apilado inside her travel agency in Paris have arrested a white male suspect in
his 40s. French media reported that the suspect may be known to the victim, a 51-yearold businesswoman who set up the Mariton Travel agency in Paris late last year.
She is a naturalized citizen of France and a mother of three.
A report by the Le Parisien newspaper said her body was discovered by an intern “in
a pool of blood” at 1:15 p.m. at her workplace in the 17th Arrondissement of Paris.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Feb 18 that she bore multiple
stab wounds in the neck.
Philippine Ambassador to France Cristina Ortega stated that the embassy already
sent a letter to the Prefecture of the 17th Arrondissement, expressing concern over
the violent incident and calling for a speedy investigation of the case and asked that
results of the probe will be released early.
Embassy personnel attended a religious service at the residence of the deceased in
the evening of February 17 and a flower offering by members of the Filipino community,
friends, and relatives at the scene of the crime.
accountant, messengers, drivers,” she said.
She is proud that Swiss and foreign
employees prefer Filipino workers because of
their dedication to their job and their work
ethic.
“Filipinos can easily get a job in the
embassies because we have a good reputation
as a worker. We can speak English well and
we are educated. I could say foreign embassies
here are ‘managed’ by Filipinos,” she said.
Rutz also shared that some Filipinos here
find a job through recommendations by other
kababayans.
The Filipino community in Switzerland is
considered as one of the most united groups
in Europe. The Philippine Embassy in Bern
noted that many Filipinos reside in Bern,
Zurich, and Geneva.
In June, Filipinos are invited to one of
the biggest Philippine Independence Day
celebrations in Europe. The event will be held
in Bern.
Young Pinoys want free rides in
San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO - Filipinos joined
a rally at the San Francisco Municipal
Transportation Agency Office on Valentine’s
Day, in support of a program that would give
free rides to children and teens.
The program would allow all riders, who
are 17 years old and below, to ride the bus
for free. The two-year pilot program for
“Free Muni” is expected to cost more than $8
million annually.
New York and Portland offer free ride
programs, but only on occasion and limited
to low-income riders.
Jessica Inson, 16, is a junior who has to take
an hour-long bus ride to school everyday. Her
mother is a single parent and spending $1.50
for a round-trip bus ride is still a burden.
Low-income Filipino parents said they pay
over $20 a month for unlimited bus rides for
each child. Mely Saavedra, who has two kids,
is unemployed and only babysits occasionally
for money.
The South of Market Community Action
Network (SOMCAN) said this program
would provide much-needed relief to the
low-income immigrant families living in
San Francisco. SOMCAN director Angelica
Cabande said, “What they need to do is pass
the budget. This is going to happen. They
just need more encouragement from the
community.”
But critics pointed out that this is not
the time to offer free Muni. As it is, the
transportation agency faces a $23 million
budget deficit in the current fiscal year.
Taking away revenue from young riders,
they said, makes no sense. Instead of free
rides, some officials are pushing for deeper
discounts in fares.
The program could end up for a vote before
the San Francisco Municipal Transportation
Agency Governing Board by March 6.
Baptism of Skyea
ABOVE, Eosary Escano poses with mom Joy Sarmiento and daughter
Skyea.
RIGHT, Proud parents Warren and Joy poses with daughters Skyea
and Ocena.
16
L. M. Confidential
MANILA, Philippines –- Television
host Luis Manzano was surprised
when he learned that Queen of All
Media personally picked him to
host the returning game show “Deal
or No Deal.”
Host Toni Gonzaga told
Manzano that it was Aquino who
actually chose him to be her
successor.
This was wholeheartedly
welcomed by Manzano.
“I’m very thankful because Kris is
Ms. Kris. The fact na it’s her baby
at willing siya ipasa sa isang
katulad ko, naman, I guess it’s
overwhelming,” he said.
Manzano also said he was able
to talk to Aquino before he taped
the pilot episode of “Deal or No
Deal.”
“Pagdating sa ‘Deal or No
Deal’ I have very big shoes to fill.
Napakalaki ng markang iniwan ni
Ms. Kris sa show. Nagkausap kami
before hand and she gave very
encouraging words. It means a lot
to me,” he said.
According to Manzano, he
promised Aquino to take care of
the program the way she did when
she was still hosting it.
“Aalagaan namin ang show kung
paano niya inalaagan,” he said.
“I’m very happy. Everything
is falling into place whether sa
career ko, sa pamilya ko, sa mga
pangyayari,” he said.
For Manzano, all things
happening in his life right now is
part of God’s bigger plans.
Piolo’s son talks
about KC
MANILA, Philippines – The
son of actor Piolo Pascual has
finally broken his silence about
the controversy surrounding his
father’s break up with actress KC
Concepcion last year.
Inigo Pascual said there came a
point when he shed tears because
of the things that are being thrown
at his dad.
Inigo said he badly wanted
to tell those people who are
spreading rumors about his father
to stop telling lies.
Inigo said his father is a good
man and people should get to
know him first before bashing him.
Inigo also shared the ideal
characteristics he wants his dad to
find in a girl.
“I want him to find someone
who’s simple, someone who I can
talk to, and someone who I know
really loves him for who he is and
someone who will take me as I am
and for being my dad’s son,” he
said.
According to Inigo, he would
prefer a non-showbiz girl for his
dad in his next relationship.
MARCH 2012
Anna Rejante LIVE!
Janice: Aga asked
me to marry him
before
Anna and Phil Rejante (THIRD & FOURTH FROM LEFT) poses with the on-air talents of Talakayan radio. PHOTO BY RAYMOND SANTOS
(Press Release)
by. A. Lazaro
It has finally happened! Anna Rejante has
decided to spread her wings and perform in
a debut concert aptly titled Anna Rejante
LIVE! Promising to be an evening of jazz
and pop standards from her repertoire, Anna
is excited to venture out on her own away
from the shadows of bars and lounges in and
around the GTA where she had been known
to play.
Born in the Philippines, Anna Rejante is a
seasoned singer having performed regularly
with Neil Huab, the other half of their
musical duo, Back to Acoustic. While most
singers discover their talents at an early age,
Anna’s interest in music wasn’t realized until
her brother convinced her to join her high
school’s talent show at 16. The cheers from
the crowd at the end of her performance gave
her the courage to pursue music further by
joining her school choir. Having the blessings
of living in New York City in her teens and
sorority years, she studied voice under the
direction of world renowned soprano Ms.
Elena Heimur, landing lead roles in local
theatre productions including Cabaret and
Anything Goes to name a few. She expanded
her repertoire performing with various bands
playing in events, shows and concerts in the
Tri-State Area. This led to performing for
Philippines’ Ms. Vina Morales at the Beacon
Theatre and Mr. Leo Valdez at the Fordham
University Auditorium.
Performing duets with Philippines’
legendary crooner Mr. Nonoy Zuniga at
the Minkler Auditorium and with singer/
songwriter Mr. Jose Mari Chan at the John
Bassett Theatre in Toronto would probably
rank as one of the highlights of her musical
career. But the most memorable was in 2005
when she was selected out of 200+ hopefuls
during grueling auditions in San Francisco
to make a guest appearance with Philippines’
Musical Genius Maestro Ryan Cayabyab
on his show titled World Musikahan on
The Filipino Channel (TFC) which was
broadcasted worldwide.
2009 proved to be the beginning of a new
leaf in her long-standing musical career
when she met Neil Huab. Neil shared
his passion for singing with Anna and
they formed their musical duo, Back
to Acoustic. Back to Acoustic opened
more doors for Anna, musically, landing
a weekly Friday night headline show at
M Studio Bar and Lounge for a year
with Neil Huab. The duo has since been
featured on local TV on the first season
of Minerva TV’s “Freestyle Fridays”.
Now on a solo flight, Anna is very excited
to showcase what she has learned over the
years and how she has grown as an artist
in this joint-effort production with her
husband and confidant, Phil Rejante. In
cooperation with Bright Lights Productions
and Glamz Media, Anna Rejante LIVE will
be presented at the Maja Prentice Theatre at
1350 Burnhamthorpe Road in Mississauga
on March 10, 2012 at 8pm.
To reserve your tickets, call Phil Rejante at
416-887-5326 or email philrejante@rogers.
com . Visit Anna Rejante’s Facebook page
at
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/
Anna-Rejante/296956530355177 for more
updates.
MANILA, Philippines – Actress Janice
de Belen revealed that actor Aga
Muhlach had asked her to marry him
when they were still in a relationship.
In an interview with Boy Abunda on
“The Bottomline,” de Belen said she
and Muhlach talked about marriage
but she bowed out. “We were young.
I was still a kid myself,” she said.
De Belen said this had affected
their relationship and she believes
this was one of the reasons why they
eventually separated.
“Noong una we were still trying to
work it out pero hindi nangyari eh,”
she said.
De Belen and Muhlach had a son.
Muhlach is now happily married to
television host Charlene Gonzales.
They have twins.
De Belen, on the other hand, is
currently not in a relationship but she
had children with actor John Estrada.
CAGAYAN VALLEY TRADE MISSION
TORONT0, Canada - speranza Banares of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, Region 2
(2nd from right) briefs the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto (PCCT) on the objectives of the
Cagayan Valley Trade and Investment Mission in visiting Canada. The mission met recently with business
leaders and government officials on the three levels of government in Vancouver, the GTA, Ottawa
and Montreal aimed at promoting opportunities in trade and investment, tourism development, good
governance and education in the Philippines’ northern Luzon region. The delegation was composed of
local government officials and business people from the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan and Isabela.
With Banares in photo are (from left) Ace Alvarez, PCCT 1st Vice President; Oswald Tugadi, PCCT
President; Pedro Chan, Consul General at the Philippine Consulate in Toronto; and (rightmost) Jose
Marie Diaz, Municipal Mayor of Ilagan, Isabela and the Head of the Mission. After the business briefing,
a MoU was signed between the PCCT and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Region 2,
aimedatsharing informationand market opportunities, market trends, including information on businesses
looking for either Philippine or Canadian manufacturers, producers, suppliers and partners. (PCCT
Media Office)
MARCH 2012
L. M. Confidential
17
ENTERTAINMENT
Celebrity
News & Gossip
Nina Jose
Lovelife and career going steady
“As of now, we’re enjoying the moment.
“He has his business and I have my career.
“We’re just happy with each other.”
Part-owner daw ng B-Meg Feeds ang
kasintahan ni Niña. Maliban dito ay meron pa
itong ibang mga negosyo na hindi kabisado ng
youing actress.
“I don’t really wanna talk about his business,
that’s his thing. And we really don’t talk about it
that much.
“Pero natutuwa ako kasi sa March, yung
business is gonna go public, papasok sa stock.
“So, tinuturuan niya ako. Kaya okey sa akin.
“Pero when it comes to business or financial
whatever, I don’t ask.
“Basta, tinuturuan niya akong mag-invest. I’m
very, very proud of him.”
Pagdating naman sa kanyang career sa TV5,
ang laki ng pasasalamat ni Niña sa istasyon sa
pagbibigay sa kanya ng mga projects.
Nina Jose clears the air on issues betweenher and Vic Sotto. Her lovelife and career
is going steady at the moment and she is enjoying it.
H
Hindi pa malinaw kung bakit hindi nakarating si Niña
Jose sa major presscon para sa bagong teleserye ng TV5,
ang remake ng Valiente, noong February 1.
Hindi kaya ang isyu sa kanila ni Vic Sotto ang rason
sa hindi niya pagsipot sa presscon, para makaiwas sa
pagtatanong?
“Of course not! Why would I make iwas? Wala namang
dapat iwasan in the first place,” sabi niya.
Muling itinanggi ni Niña na naging sila ng premiere comedian-TV host.
Aniya, “No, no! Of course, we were never together.
“He’s just a very kind man. Siguro, natutuwa lang siya sa akin. I wouldn’t
deny it if ever na I have someone in my life.
“Why would I, di ba? And I have a boyfriend now. He’s a businessman.
“His name is Josh Calata. His line of business is agriculture.
“And we’ve been together a month and a half.
“We just got together December, New Year’s eve actually.
“Pero okey naman everything.”
NINA’S BOYFRIEND. Okey lang naman daw na pag-usapan ang kanyang
kasintahan. Ayon pa kay Niña, “Private person, pero open naman siya.
“Nagkakilala kami through my cousin. Ipinakilala kami, and then nanligaw
na siya. Ayun!”
Happy naman ba siya?
“Oo, very happy!” masaya niyang sagot.
Kahit daw ang intriga sa kanila ni Vic ay hindi itinatago ni Niña sa kanyang
boyfriend.
“But yung sinasabi na naging kami ni Bossing, that’s not true,” giit ng
dalaga.
THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE. Nagsimula ang intriga sa diumano’y
“short-lived mutual understanding” nina Niña at Bossing Vic sa interview ni
Zoren Legaspi kay Niña sa Paparazzi. Tinanong namin ang seksing aktres
kung ano ang naging laman ng interview sa kanya ni Zoren.
“I think he asked me if special ang treatment [ni Vic] sa akin.
“I said, ‘Oo, special. Natutuwa siguro yung tao sa akin.
AGE DOES NOT MATTER. Thirty-one years old na raw ang boyfriend
ni Niña at 23 naman siya.
Pero wala raw problema sa kanilang age gap.
Binatang-binata raw ang boyfriend ni Niña: kailanman ay hindi ikinasal at
wala ring anak sa kahit na sino.
Pero wala pa raw sa isip ng aktres ang pagpapakasal sa kasintahan.
“It’s too early to tell, pero you know, why not? But it’s too early to tell.
18
VALIENTE. Malaki ang role niya sa Valiente
kahit na kontrabida ang ginagampanan dito.
“Sobra akong nagulat. Hindi ko ini-expect.
“Pero siguro, sabi nga ng mom ko, ‘Panapanahon lang ‘yan.’
“We have to be patient and very thankful and
happy na he put their trust in me for this project.
“And sana I did very well sa role ko and I meet
up to their expectation,” nakangiti niyang sabi.
Challenge para kay Niña ang powerhouse cast
ng series na kasama sina JC de Vera at Oyo Sotto.
“Sobra talaga!” bulalas niya.
“Kaya nga talagang concentrated ako sa role ko
at sa kung ano yung kailangan kong ibigay para
ma-portray ko nang maayos yung character ko.
“And so far naman, wala naman akong naririnig
na unfavorable comments from the staff ang my
co-actors about my performance.
“Kasi talagang nag-research ako. I asked people
from the Valiente before what the storyline, my
character, is, how it develops.
“You know, it’s very, very deep, yung character
ko, e. Hindi lang siya kontrabida kasi there’s more
to her than that.
“Kaya kailangang pagbutihan talaga. So,
sobrang pressure.”
Juday wants project with Lloydie
Superstar Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo wishes
to work again with one of ABS-CBN’s ultimate
leading men, John Lloyd Cruz.
The two worked opposite each other in “Puso Ko
Ay Iingatan Ka,” where John Lloyd played as Judy
Ann’s brother. According to her, they ended up as
good friends because of the project.
“Gusto kong makatrabaho si John Lloyd kasi
baby boy ko yan, eh. Naging close din kami ng
sobra noon, then biglang nawala na lang hanggang
sikat na sikat na siya. Pero pag nagkikita kami, eh,
napakabait pa rin.”
Juday also revealed that even before, she already
saw the potential of Lloydie to become one of the
most sought-after actors of his generation.
“Noon pa man, eh, magaling na talaga siyang
artista. Nakita ko kung gaano kamahal ni John
Lloyd ang craft niya pagdating sa pag-arte,” she
said.
The actress revealed that when Star Cinema
asked her whom she wants to star opposite in her
next project, John Lloyd Cruz was her first choice.
L. M. Confidential
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MARCH 2012
After the
Concert
UMAC producer Joseph Alilio of the Jed
Madela concert (FAR RIGHT) poses with
the other artists and their parents after the
concert.
Are wet markets on the way out in Metro Manila?
MANILA, Philippines—Are wet
markets on the way out?
For the Bureau of Animal Industry
(BAI), the answer is a resounding “yes.”
According to Efren Nuestro, BAI
director, the last five years have seen a
“tremendous” change in the agricultural
retail landscape in cities with supermarkets
and groceries becoming the go-to places
instead of public wet markets.
Nuestro said that in the past, wet markets
enjoyed the patronage of shoppers and were
a source of income for backyard producers.
But now, the reality is that supermarkets
and grocery stores have usurped their place
in the public’s consciousness with more and
more Metro Manila residents buying their
meats from groceries.
The problem with this picture, however,
is that it means bad news for small-time
hog and poultry growers, who account for
70 percent of the industry. “These retail
establishments are not the usual outlet of
backyard producers,” a BAI report said.
As a result, the small-time traders find
themselves with no market for their goods
as grocery shops prefer to get their supply
from large producers.
“The so-called backyard producers [have
been] left behind by new consumers’ trends,
preferences and other market innovations.
Therefore, the government should [help
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put] them in the mainstream of the new
emerging markets,” the report added.
Demand for pork and chicken products
is on the rise in the Philippines, according
to the 2011 agricultural output report of
the Department of Agriculture. BAI cited
the popularity of fast-food establishments
that sell roasted chicken and “liempo” or
pork belly, as well as meat processing, for
the increase in demand.
Nuestro said backyard producers should
take advantage of the trend, adding that
they were eyeing a study to determine the
number of small hog raisers to map out
specific intervention measures for them.
L. M. Confidential
MANILA,
Philippines
–
Lipa
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said
the impeachment trial of Chief Justice
Renato Corona has nowhere to go
and must therefore be stopped.
Arguelles alleged that the senatorjudges are only seeking media mileage.
“It’s boring. Parang hindi totohanan
eh, umeeksena lang ‘yung mga pulitiko
eh. Gusto lang yata ma-media lang,”
he said. The archbishop also believes
that the Corona should be tried in a
regular court and not in the Senate.
Some of the chief justice’s fellow
Batangueños, however, are split over
calls to halt the proceedings.
“Dapat itigil na ‘yan, magconcentrate nalang ang gobyerno
sa mga problema ng mga tao,” said
Francisco Cortes.
William Iliw-Iliw, on the other hand,
believes the trial should continue
because Filipinos deserve to know the
truth. “Dapat lang ituloy para malaman
natin ang katotohanan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Batangas Representative
Camarines Sur Governor Luis
Raymond “LRay” Villafuerte has the
same opinion. “’Yan ang lugar para
mapatunanayan kung inosente o hindi
ang akusado. So dapat talaga, for all
parties, ituloy ‘yan,” said Villafuerte.
Villafuerte is also getting the
support of the Union of Local
Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) in
the call to continue the impeachment
trial until the end.
19
Entertainment
Pilar Pilapil back in Indie film after harrowing experience
Sarah denies demanding her own show
MANILA, Philippines – Pop Star Princess
Sarah Geronimo vehemently denied rumors
she demanded to have her own variety show
because she does not want to work with
other artists on “ASAP 2012.”
In an interview with “The Buzz” on
Sunday, Geronimo said there is no truth to
such reports, especially since they are like a
one big happy family on “ASAP.”
“Tapos na po tayo sa issue na iyan. Ang mga
hinananakit, wala na. Okay na po kaming
lahat. Happy po kami na nagtratrabaho and
pamilya po kami sa ‘ASAP,’” she said.
Geronimo also reacted to comments that
her show took away the
timeslot of “Gandang
Gabi Vice.”
“Hindi po totoo iyan.
Iba po ang timeslot
ng ‘Sarah G Live!’ and
okay po kami ni Vice.
Hindi ko po alam kung
saan
nanggagaling
‘yung issue na may
tampuhan,” she said.
According to Geronimo, she will forever
be grateful for ABS-CBN because it is
where she grew up as a performer and an
actress.
“Gusto ko lang po sabihin na I’m truly
grateful sa ABS-CBN sa tiwala na binibigay
po nila sa akin. Unang una po sa ‘ASAP.’
Naging training ground ko po ang ‘ASAP’
po talaga. Iyan ang tumulong sa akin magimprove as a performer, as a singer. Sila ang
nag-welcome sa akin with open arms talaga
kahit baguhan pa lang po ako, nangangapa
pa lang po ako, grabe po ang tiwala nila sa
akin,” she said.
“Ang ABS-CBN din po ang nagbigay
sa akin ng unang teleserye. This time, my
very own musical variety show, so sobra po
akong thankful. It’s truly an honor po na
mapagkatiwalaan ako ng ganito kalaki,” she
added.
Pilar back in Indie Film
MANILA, Philippines — After almost a
year of absence, Pilar Pilapil bounces back
with an indie film.
During our recent interview with Pilar,
For Sale
BAPTISM Skyea D’aoust, carried by godmather Geri Villamor, gets baptized at the Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Scarborough as mom Joy Sarmiento, Mel Galeon and Eva
Agpaoa looks on.
she looked very composed, hearty and
bubbly, with nary a trace of the traumatic
carjack and near-death assault on her one
day in April last year. She’s raring to go back
to acting.
With her were the
producer (Andi Villalba)
and the director ( Jowee
Morel) of the indie film,
“Leona Calderon,” a
migration drama about
the health care issue
encountered by OFWs
which needs to be
addressed by the Philippine government.
“The film is just fantastic. It was pure fun
doing it. We shot some scenes in Malapascua,
my island resort in Cebu, and the rest of the
principal photography was done in London.
It was a perfect breather for me. Such a feelgood movie!” Pilar says about the film. With
Pilar in the cast are London-based Filipino
stage-film artist Junix Inocian and British
octogenarian stage and film actress Virginia
McKenna.
“She’s a very warm person,” Pilar said of
McKenna. “A very simple woman with no
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celebrity air at all despite the fact that she is
the recipient of a Sir Laurence Olivier Best
Actress award for ‘The King and I’ opposite
Yul Bryner in London’s West End and
the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E)
for her thespic achievements. She is also a
Golden Globe Best Actress nominee for the
environmental film ‘Born Free.’”
McKenna plays an old woman abandoned
by her family and left to fend for herself.
“Leona Calderon” premieres this month
in Dubai.
Lea Earns Right To Comment
MANILA, Philippines — An online
article headline stated
that
Broadway
star
Lea Salonga dissed
Anne Curtis’ singing in
reference to the latter’s
recent
Smart-Araneta
concert.
However,
according to some sources
and witnesses, Lea was asked to comment
in general terms about off-key singers
without necessarily referring to Anne. In her
interview, Lea said she considers Anne as an
entertainer, more than a singer. Here goes:
Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) on Anne
Curtis and off-key singers:
“A full transcript of an interview answer I
gave today has just been posted. I didn’t diss
or attack @annecurtissmith directly but I
have strong opinions about off-key singers.
“Anne herself doesn’t identify as a singer.
I respect that and said so today. So before
anyone decides to launch an attack because
of what I said, which I stand by, find out
exactly what I said in full, and in context.
There are people calling themselves singers
without the talent to justify it, taking away
business from those that rightly deserve it.
That is what burns me, and is insulting to all
singer-craftsmen, gifted artists that work so
hard and need to be heard and patronized.”
Lea was attacked by some tweeple because
she made a bold stand on the subject. She
is, after all, an icon in the country’s music
industry.
Given her credentials, I guess she has
earned the right to speak her mind and
share her wisdom. Take it or leave it.
How About G?
US-based Giselle Tongi returned to
Philippine showbiz by way of a mother role
to David Archuleta’s character in TV5’s
“Nandito Ako.” She taped
her scenes in Manila for a
few weeks, and just before
flying back to the US again,
she tweeted her thoughts on
local showbiz.
Giselle Tongi (@gtongi)
on the basis of a good
actress in the Philippines: “All I did was
cry at taping yesterday and now my eyes are
swollen. tell me why is the basis of a good
actress in the PI someone that can cry?”
…. and creating new content:
“We NEED to create content that’s
fresh and not melodramatic to inspire
society to stop wallowing in their drama!
#mytwosenceworth”
First, is “my two sence worth” the same as
“my two cents’ worth?”
For someone who supposedly knows what
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L. M. Confidential
MARCH 2012
Singer Martha Joy poses
WITH HER FANS
Steve and Belen Biaoco, Father Macalipay pose with singer Martha Joy after the
Jed Madela concert.
should be done to the industry, isn’t
it funny that G doesn’t know how to
use, much less spell, such an idiomatic
expression?
People think G “nag-mamarunong.”
Grand Opening of
Markham’s first Filipino
Restaurant: Mabuhay !
Markham, Ontario - February
21, 2012 - A lifelong dream will
be realized on Saturday, March 10,
2012 when LJ Kusina hosts their
official grand opening as the first
Filipino restaurant in the culturally
rich town of Markham, Ontario.
Lorenza and John Maillet - the
L&J - have envisioned a business
partnership ever since they met
in 2004, but opening a Filipino
restaurant is only part of the story.
“My vision is to feed the hungry
in the Philippines,” says Lorenza
who grew up in the impoverished
country and came to Canada in
1992 as a caregiver.
“Service to our Community will
be key to our success,” says John,
when asked what will identify LJ
Kusina in Markham.
“Our facility can host events of
every kind.”
John has over 15 years in the food
industry and he knows that today’s
market is vastly different from when
he was managing a pizza franchise
in Halifax, N.S. in 2003.
We will try to greet everyone
personally and the word will soon
spread that LJ Kusina is the place to
feel welcome in our Pinoy setting.”
Representing the Filipino cuisine
is a great responsibility, so John and
Lorenza have surrounded themselves
with a strong kitchen staff, guided
by Lorenza’s expert culinary and
organizational skills. LJ Kusina
offers a casual/fine dining experience
with a seating capacity of 70 patrons.
View details of the grand opening
at www.ljkusina.com.
Contact: John Maillet
dine@ljkusina.com
7690 Markham Road, Unit 6C
Markham, Ontario L3S 4S1
Ph: 905-209-7050
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 10am - 8pm
Friday & Saturday 10am - 10pm
Archuleta Impressed With
Anne’s Singing
MANILA, Philippines — TV5 costars David Archuleta and Jasmine
MARCH 2012
Curtis Smith are just friends. But
David can’t say exactly the same
thing when talking about Jasmine’s
elder sister Anne Curtis.
David raved over Anne’s concert
held January 28.
“The concert was really fun. What
I really respected about Anne, for
example was that
she has always
been open about
not being the best
singer out there
but she still sang,”
expressed David.
“She was like
I can do this. As
long as I’m willing to work hard
and do my best so can you. I really
appreciate the message she tries to
Arroyo
father’s
dalawa,ang iisipin namin --- ‘yung
isa’t isa at wala kaming Diyos--- ay
naku magulo ‘yon, magulo ‘yon at
hindi kami magtatagal.
“So, we never talk about it at kung
pag-uusapan namin, I would just say,
‘Sa trailer ang sexy naman ni Sam.’
If before I was a jealous wife, that’s
normal. But now, no. I love Sam
Pinto,” Sunshine explained. Sunshine
said Cesar’s a changed man.
“Malaki ang ipinagbago ng asawa
ko. Kung maibabalik ko man ‘yung
nakaraan or papiliin man ako [ay]
siya pa rin ang pipiliin ko.”
As to his leading man in “Hitman,”
the actor admits that, “Si Sam, sa
totoo lang kaselos-selos, napakaseksi
at
napakaganda.
But
‘yung
pagmamahalan namin [ni Sunshine[
ay mas matibay [kaysa] doon sa
pagseselos.”
He then explained that could have
started the rumor
linking
them
together.
“Karamihan sa
movie may love
angle ‘yan, kung
paano nagkaroon
ng relasyon ‘yung
both characters.
May kissing scene dito, may love
scene dito. Alam mo it will invite
fabulous speculations sa mga tao.”
Melissa Ricks on ex-BF:
We’re not friends
Actress Melissa Ricks considers
the end of her two-year relationship
with model-actor Jake Cuenca her
first major heartbreak.
“I didn’t know how I got over it,”
the 22-year-old tells Inquirer. “But
name gone from Airport
CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines—It is Diosdado Macapagal
International Airport (DMIA) no more.
The name of the country’s ninth president would be dropped from
the airport in this economic zone and would be used instead in a
soon-to-rise terminal for passengers served by international and
domestic budget airlines, the head of the Clark International Airport
Corp. (CIAC) said. In dropping the name of former President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo’s father, the airport would revert to its original
name—Clark International Airport (CIA)—thus needing no executive
order, congressional fiat or resolution from the Bases Conversion and
Development Authority, said Victor Jose Luciano, CIAC president and
chief executive officer. He said the name comes with a new corporate
logo.
“We will project Clark as Clark, including its history,” Luciano said.
ational aviation players know the airport more to be Clark than DMIA,
Luciano said.
put out to people that she tried to
encourage to be the same thing,” he
remarked.
David somehow related Anne’s
singing passion to his acting in the
serial “Nandito Ako.” David said he
is not the “greatest actor around” but
because he always had fun acting in
“Nandito Ako,” he wants to explore
more.
“It is a lot of work. TV series like
this takes a lot of people to make it
happen. David confessed to having
reservations before giving acting a
go.
Sunshine Cruz Dismisses
Rumors That She’s Jealous Of
Sam Pinto
MANILA, Philippines - Sunshine
Cruz slammed rumors that she’s
gotten jealous of her husband Cesar
Montano’s leading lady, Sam Pinto.
“Kung sa pagsubok at pagsubok,
ang dami na naming pagsubok na
dinaanan talaga. ‘Pag kami lang
I’ve accepted that it wasn’t meant to
be.”
Melissa still refuses to reveal
the real reason for the breakup.
Instead, she says enigmatically: “I
don’t want to hurt other people. It’s
normal to commit mistakes. Some
people act before
they think of the
consequences.”
The actress says
she’s
enjoying
life more now
that she’s single.
“I get to meet
new friends and
experience new things.”
They’re both regular performers on
the Sunday variety show “ASAP” on
ABS-CBN, but Melissa admits she
and Jake are not on speaking terms.
“We’re not friends; it’s better that
way.”
Melissa says her idea of the perfect
guy may still be Jake, “but a more
mature version.”
L. M. Confidential
Whymainstreammovies
are currently‘for women
mostly’
By: Nestor U. Torre
BIGGEST HITS OF 2011 Vice Ganda in “Praybeyt Benjamin”
(left) and Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay and Cristine Reyes in
“No Other Woman”
What do “No Other Woman’’ and “Praybeyt Benjamin’’
have in common? They were the two biggest hits of 2011.
Anything else? They both starred Derek Ramsay.
Next question: If Derek is such a big hit-maker, why hasn’t
he been crowned King of Philippine Movies? More to the
point, why hasn’t a producer looked at all of those hot
and glowing box-office grosses and hastened to top-bill
the buff and obviously popular male lead in his own solo
starrer? Therein lies an instructive show biz tale.
Secondary role
First realization: Derek may have been the male romantic
lead in those two local flicks, but the truth of the matter is,
he didn’t “carry” either one of them. Yes, he was the hunk
whom Anne Curtis and Cristine Reyes were fighting over in
“No Other Woman,’’ but the film’s focus was principally on
the two women and their sultry seductiveness.
And in “Benjamin,’’ it was Vice Ganda who was the “male’’
lead, while Derek was cast in the secondary role of his
fantasy boy toy.
This segues quite neatly into our second big realization:
In local movies these days, it’s the leading ladies who
call the shots and get most of the attention and mileage.
True, Vic Sotto had a solid hit in “Enteng,’’ but he shared
top stellar billing with Ai Ai de las Alas. And Bong Revilla’s
“Panday 2” was a relative disappointment at the MMFF box
office, ending up in only the third slot, behind “Enteng” and
the much less expensive “Segunda Mano.”
Speaking of that movie, it was clearly a “woman’s film,”
with Kris Aquino’s character getting most of its attention.
Dingdong Dantes was the male lead, but he wasn’t the
movie’s protagonist, it was Kris’ character, while Dingdong
in fact turned out to be the antagonist.
Even in “My Househusband,” while the title stresses the
“husband” part, it was the “My” element that principally
held sway – because, let’s face it, Judy Ann Santos is a
bigger draw than Ryan Agoncillo. The movie was billed as
an equal costarrer for the two of them, since they’re a reallife couple, but it really was more of a woman’s film because
its scenes and major moments of character change were
canted in the wife’s favor.
‘Sexy’ element
Our third and final realization: Local mainstream movies
are now generally intended for female viewers – as a direct
result of the death of action films, which were obviously “for
men mostly.” The only way that male viewers can be lured
back to movie theaters these days is if the film being shown
has a strong adventure or “sexy’’ element—which was the
case with “No Other Woman.”
Another major reason why local movies have become
“for women mostly” is the huge popularity of TV teleseryes,
which also thrive on female patronage. Yes, they’re billed
as family fare, but the long tradition of local drama series,
harking back to their early days on the radio, strongly cants
TV drama series in favor of the female viewer, specifically
the “queen” of the home, who at teleserye-viewing time,
holds the “scepter’’ that is the TV remote.
And that, dear Derek, is our circuitous way of explaining
why you are not (yet) the King of Philippine Movies, despite
your great success on the big screen last year. But we trust
that your time will come.
21
Entertainment
Mark Bautista ok with Piolo Pascual
• Oyo and Pauleen’s friendship ruined by Vic
Pauleen, never pa namang
naisama ni Daddy.”
Aminado naman si Oyo na
magkaibigan sila ni Pauleen,
pero ngayon daw na may
lumabas na isyu sa kanila ni
Vic, nagkaroon na ng lamat
ang kanilang pagkakaibigan. At
never pa raw silang nagkita ulit
ni Pauleen.
Leandro deny 3rd party
in split with Nadine
MANILA, Philippines
- Singer-actor Mark Bautista
has already put behind him the
malicious rumors that dragged
him in the middle of the highprofile breakup of his good
friend Piolo Pascual and KC
Concepcion last year.
He has even remained
friends with Piolo despite
having been alleged to have
caused the split of the so-called
“fairytale” couple.
“Nagkakausap naman
kami…. Okay naman kami,
wala namang... Tsaka ayoko
nang i-elaborate pa ngayon ah,
kasi tapos na at naka-move on
na lahat, at naka-move on na
ako,” said Mark.
Speculations on his true
sexuality—an issue that
boomed in his early days
in showbiz—has made the
Kapamilya-turned-Kapuso
performer immune to such
nasty intrigues.
He also realized that in the
industry he’s in, “hindi mo
maiiwasan so tanggapin mo
na lang na ‘yun talaga ‘yung
puwedeng sabihin sa’yo.”
While other celebrities would
prefer to face issues hurled at
them head-on, Mark opted to
take the silent route. This, he
deemed, led him to learn who
his real friends are.
“As long as you’re confident
about yourself… your sexuality,
there’s no need for you to
worry,” said he.
Oyo and Pauleen’s
friendship ruined by Vic
“TV5 is a major production,”
ito ang maikling mensahe
ni TV5 president, Atty. Rey
Espinosa, sa presscon.
Katunayan, ilan sa shows na
ito ay nag-umpisa na last tulad
ng Valiente starring Oyo Sotto,
JC de Vera, Nadine Samonte,
Nina Jose.
Speaking of Oyo Sotto,
happy ito dahil sa kanya
napunta ang long-running
teleserye noon ng amang si Vic
Sotto sa GMA7.
Siyempre natanong din siya
tungkol sa relasyon ng kanyang
ama kay Pauleen Luna.
Naniniwala ba siyang may
relasyon ang dalawa?
“Si Daddy kasi kapag may
karelasyon sinasama niya ito
sa family gatherings. Pero si
Kapatid actor Leandro
Munoz said there is no third
party involved in his break-up
with actress Nadine Samonte.
During the launching of
the TV5 shows, the actor
said he and Nadine could
not just handle long distance
relationship.
“Siguro long distance
relationship somehow, kasi
lagi akong andun (US) siguro
hindi niya gusto yung ganun at
gusto niya eh magkasama kami
palagi,” he said.
He also said that maybe
Nadine is truly meant to
be with her long-time
businessman boyfriend
Emerson Chua.
To recall, Nadine and
Emerson broke up last year
after she dated Leandro while
shooting their primetime series
“The Sisters”.
After one month together,
Leandro and Nadine ended the
relationship but remain friends.
The actress is dating
Emerson again. Leandro
said he never felt that the
businessman meddled when he
was still with Nadine.
Gab dating Coleen
TV Host Gab Valenciano
has vehemently denied any
romantic involvement with
young actress, Coleen Garcia.
Valenciano’s rejection of the
insinuation came after rumor
mills kept on alluding to Garcia
being the cause of his recent
breakup with actress-model
Isabel Oli.
“I want to clarify this for
Coleen’s sake more than me.
Coleen and I are good friends,”
said he in a recent press
conference.
No, he is not courting Garcia
either.
“I’m not ready [to] invest that
much emotion right now,” said
Valenciano.
Then again, he quickly added,
“you can never say never.”
Valenciano admitted that he
and Garcia have indeed gone
out on “dates,” including this
Valentine’s. He even revealed
that he got Garcia a “very
simple” gift for the occasion.
Derek to TV5?
Derek Ramsay didn’t deny
that he has been through a
number of disenchanting
experiences with channel 2 but
maintained nonetheless that he
still wanted to hear what his
home network could offer him
before his contract expires.
The TV5 offer is said to
be so irresistible, sources say.
However, Derek isn’t one to be
easily swept over by numbers.
He told Mr. Lopez that before
making any decision, he wants
to involve his family whom he
wants to join him in the next
round of meetings with his
ABS-CBN bosses.
Derek also addressed fears of
being labeled laos or a has-been
if and when he moves to TV5.
Some people are of the opinion
that since the emerging third
network isn’t yet equipped with
stars of the first magnitude,
he will lose the privilege
of working with his home
network’s established stars.
Then again, it’s just a conjecture
based on speculation. Derek
says he’s neither afraid of being
speculated upon in that light
nor is he worried about fading
away like a has-been.
Skyea D’aoust
BAPTISM
Mel Galeon poses
with Skyea.
Prolonging
the Corona
Case
Free Media coverage
for Election 2013 is
the intention
Senators Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and
Francis Escudero put Tupas on the spot
for announcing before the opening of the
trial the purported 45 properties owned
by Corona and his family.
MANILA,
Philippines
-Media
mileage and not establishing proof on
the impeachment charges against Chief
Justice Renato Corona has become
the primary goal of the prosecution
panel based on recent developments
in the Senate impeachment court, a
spokesman for Corona’s defense said.
Defense spokesman Ramon Esguerra
said members of the House panel have
primarily shown their penchant for
gaining media mileage in time for the
2013 national elections.
Almost two weeks into the trial,
the defense panel representing the
beleaguered magistrates said based
on the observations of some senators,
“it has now become clear where
the prosecution is really trying its
impeachment case against CJ using the
bar of public opinion, not the Senate
as the constitutionally mandated
impeachment court,” Esguerra said.
Senator-Judge Jinggoy Estrada
earlier had pointed to Lead Prosecutor
Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. and his
panel’s spokesmen as having used the
proceedings for their grandstanding
and oratory.
Castigated by way of a reminder,
Senate court presiding officer Senate
President Juan Ponce-Enrile told the
prosecution to be fair and admonished
the lawyer-politicians among them to
keep their oath as lawyers and their
obligation to follow the ethics of the
profession.
Esguerra
pointed
out
“the
Defense which has been placed
in a disadvantageous situation has
persistently complained of trial
by publicity resorted to by the
prosecution.”
“We abide by the rules difficult as it
is in our case as defense counsel and as
mouthpieces of the defense team. The
prohibition against discussing the case’s
merits in public is in our consciousness.
Defense spokespersons mandate is to
only report on the outcome of the daily
trial without preempting the Senate
on its appreciation of any evidence
presented,” according to Defense
spokesman Tranquil Salvador.
“The responsible members of media,
a lot of them, have already seen the
prosecution’s strategy. They appear
to prosecute CJ in the Impeachment
Court and outside the trial, persecute
CJ before the public. Tell me if that is
fair and just,” added Esguerra.
Geri Villamor (CARRYING SKYEA) mom Joy Sarmiento, dad Warren D’aoust,
Chris D’aoust, Eva Agpaoa and Mel Galeon pose at the baptism of Skyea.
22
L. M. Confidential
MARCH 2012
COMMUNITY Event for bicol canada
Pinoy couple sentenced for
trafficking Caregivers
LOS ANGELES - A Filipino couple has been sentenced to 18 months in federal
prison for running a human trafficking scheme in Paso Robles in California.
Maximino and Melinda Morales were sentenced Monday and were ordered
to pay their victims US$600,000 in restitution.
The couple pleaded guilty to conspiracy to harbor undocumented workers
last May.
Prosecutors say the Moraleses brought caregivers from the Philippines to the
United States illegally.
They then forced their workers to live in closets, garages, and hallway floors,
confiscated their passports and threatened them with deportation when they
try to resign.
They even deducted money from their salaries as payment for bringing them
into the US.
Photo shows (L-R) Rafael Nebres (middle), president of the Bicol Canada Community
Association Inc. (BCCA) appealing to all Bicolanos not only in Toronto but other parts
of Canada to attend the forthcoming BCCA induction of new officers and gala night on
March 31, 2012 (Saturday) at the St. Peter & St. Paul Banquet Hall, corner Milner and
Markham, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He is flanked by Oswald Tugadi, president,
Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto and Tony Sicat of the Philippine Press Club
Ontario (PPCO). (St. Jamestown News Service, Dindo Orbeso)
JREM Entertainment in association with ABS-CBN TFC
Proudly Presents
“TWOGETHER”
Featuring the Concert King MARTIN NIEVERA and the Concert
Queen POPS FERNANDEZ
LIVE IN TORONTO
Friday May 4, 2012 at 7:30 P.M.
John W.H. Bassett Theatre 255 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario
M5V 2W6
For Tickets/Sponsorship Contact: Elenita (Neneng): 647.401.5818 Rene:
647.995.1746 e-mail: jrementertainment@yahoo.com
online tickets/seat plan: http://twogether.jrementertainment.com or visit www.
jrementertainment.com
Ticket Prices: $140 $120 $100 – ORCHESTRA
$90 $70 $50 – BALCONY
Isable Oli and Rufa Mae Quinto deny Romatic
entanglements with Kho-Belo Break-up
MANILA, Philippines – Although celebrity doctor Vicki Belo herself already confirmed that
her split with boyfriend Hayden Kho was because of actress Nancy Castiglione, there
are still a few wags that would rather have comedian Rufa Mae Quinto also involved in
the scenario. According to these mongers, Quinto is the real cause of the breakup, with
Castiglione only being a “fall guy” of sorts owing to her closeness with the disgraced
doctor. Not surprisingly, the comedian-TV host was quick to douse the allegation.
“Hindi naman totoo ‘yon,” said she in a recent TV interview. “Bakit ako? Eh wala naman
akong koneksyon [with Kho].” Apparently, Quinto doesn’t even know Kho personally. “’Ni
hindi ko siya nakakausap, ‘ni anino niya di ko alam. Happy naman ako all by myself,” said
she. Meanwhile, Castiglione continues to reiterate that she is not guilty of anything and
that she is willing to sit down with both Kho and Belo to clear the issue.
Kho, as with his management, on the other hand, would rather keep their mouth zipped
at the moment. Crystalle Henares discussed the breakup to media during a fashion show,
admitting that her mother is still very “emotional” about it. “The relationship is really in the
past tense,” she affirmed. But she was quick to add that, “Nakilala ko rin how good he
(Kho) is... I know he made my mother happy. But I guess their time has ended.”
On the other end of the showbiz spectrum—albeit in a totally unrelated matter—Isabel
Oli persists in her efforts to deny any romantic involvement with Kris Aquino’s ex-husband,
James Yap, this, amid suggestions that Gab Valenciano, the son of singer-actor Gary,
broke up with her due to the same.
But then again, she was brave enough to be seen supposedly being sweet with the
ball player during the latter’s birthday party, held at a posh venue in Makati, Feb. 15.
Aquino and their son Baby James were no-shows at the event, according to those who
were present at the very private affair.
Calling all alumni of
Class ’66
Binalonan High School.
We are planning to have a
50th reunion.
If interested please contact
Ricky Valdez –
Email: valdez4002@aol.com
or
Hermie EsguerraEmail: hermie.esguerra@rogers.com
MARCH 2012
AU PAIRS
from page 3
equal to locals, by being treated as a member of the family instead
of a domestic servant.
Au pairs normally perform house work and child care. While
not receiving a formal salary, they receive monetary allowance
from their host families. Individuals aged between 18 to 30 years,
unmarried and without children are eligible for the program.
The Vice President said the au pair program was reinstated with
the implementation of new guidelines for the program.
“Under the new guidelines, procedures for the departure of au
pairs have been simplified and documentary requirements have
been scaled down to the minimum,” Binay said.
“The new guidelines we have put in place will now facilitate
the departure of Filipino au pairs and provide them with safety
nets for their protection without restricting their rights to selfimprovement,” he added.
He also instructed the Inter-Agency Council Against
Trafficking (IACAT) to monitor the au pair program and ensure
that applicants “do not become victims of trafficking syndicates or
illegal recruiters”.
Binay is also the chairman emeritus of the IACAT.
During his visit to Sweden in September last year, Filipino
community leaders in Stockholm appealed to the Vice President
to facilitate the lifting of the au pair ban to Sweden and other
parts of Europe.
The Philippines stopped sending au pairs to Europe in 1997
after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) received reports
of maltreatment including unfair compensation, excessive working
hours, discrimination and sexual assault.
In 2010, the ban was lifted in Switzerland, Norway and
Denmark.
Binay previously met with officials from the DOLE, POEA,
Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education and the
Bureau of Immigration to identify other countries where the ban
could be lifted.
L. M. Confidential
23
Entertainment
Stars say the Craziest lines
Laugh Out Loud With These Real-Life, Off-Cam Lines By NESTOR CUARTERO
MANILA, Philippines — LAUGHING MATTER:
What is show business without the laughs, courtesy of
some of its
denizens, not as part of
a script
but as episodes lifted
freely
from real life?
Long before
reality TV
s h o w s
became in
vogue, we
had been
laughing
at some
of
our
favorite
celebrities’
quotable
quotes. Let’s
remember
some of them.
“My brother is not a book.” Miss International
Melanie Marquez let out this unforgettable line as she
tried to defend her brother, comedian Joey Marquez,
at the height of Kris Aquino’s declaration that he had
passed on to her sexual transmitted disease.
Melanie had meant to infer the saying, “Don’t judge a
book by its cover” when she uttered such a line on TV.
In the same line of defense, Melanie theorized that
her kuya might have contracted his STD from using
dirty public toilets.
The towering Melanie, a fashion model and actress at
the same time, is also credited with this other famous
quote: “No, of course, no. Because I am proud and
contented with my long legged.”
The beauty queen replied so when pageant host, the
late Eddie Mercado, asked her if she was willing to
insure her legs for 2 million dollars, just like Hollywood
actress Angie Dickinson, did.
QUOTABLE QUOTES: In an article entitled “Cute
na Quotes,” from the souvenir program of the 27th
L una
Awards of the Film Academy
of
the Philippines,Tess Clarin
went down memory lane
by recounting what Alma
Moreno asked singer Joey
Albert when the latter
guested on her TV variety
show, “Loveli-Ness.”
“Pakiulit mo nga ‘yung
concert mo sa University of
Belt,” Alma rushed.
ALMA MORENO
Clarin went on to remember
other funny anecdotes involving
the rich and famous. On Joe Quirino’s “Seeing Stars”
TV program, the late TV host asked Sharon Cuneta:
“Sharon, are you familiar with the problems we have in
the film industry?”
Sharon’s reply was,
“Naku, Tito Joe, I’m afraid
not.”
Turning to his next guest,
who happened to be sexy
actress Myra Manibog, JQ
asked, “What about you,
MYRA MANIBOG
Myra?”
Without batting an
eyelash, Myra snapped back, “Naku, Tito Joe, I’m afraid
also.”
Other popular lines spoken in public TV and
attributed to actors, singers, athletes, and assorted
celebrities include:
“The ball is around:” By
basketball player Fortunato
“Atoy” Co, when asked
by Joe Cantada what he
thought led to his team
Crispa’s winning a very
close game.
“Opo nga, mabilis siya,
but you know, I ran and
I fast:” By Lydia de Vega
after beating PT Usha of
India in the 1984 Asian
Games.
LYDIA DE VEGA
“Ilang taon ka na ngayon, Janice?”
The line is credited to starlet Ana
Margarita Gonzales, daughter
of ’50s matinee idol Jose Mari,
while interviewing Janice
de Belen, who was then
celebrating her debut on the
TV show, “Germspecial.”
“Buhay pa ba siya?” Such
a line elicited wild laughter
from all over when Dionisia
Pacquiao blurted it out when
the subject of a TV interview
touched on her idol, Jukebox
Queen Imelda Papin.
The innocent remark led to
a recording collaboration on
the song, “Bakit (Kung Liligaya
Ka sa Piling ng Iba),” between
Imelda and “Mommy” Dionisia.
When myniee, was caught by
surprise by her elementary school
teacher that her report card had
not been signed by either parent
or guardian, she blurted without
batting an eyelash, “I’m sorry,
Ma’am, but I forgot to sign my uncle!”
ATOY CO
Martha Joy in a Benefit Concert
*Pinoy World TV,
your window to the
Philippine culture*
*In photo are Warren D’Aoust of Pinoy World TV and Fr. Ben
Ebcas after their interview about how thankful the latter is for
the community’s great support towards Typhoon Sendong
victims in the Philippines, who are still in their recovery
stage.*
THERE’S no reason for Filipinos in Toronto and the
nearby areas to miss out any event and update in the
community, as Pinoy World TV is here to bring it to the
doorsteps of every Filipino family.
Hosted by a young Filipino-Canadian, Warren D’Aoust,
Pinoy World TV is shown only on Rogers TV 10
(Channel 63 in some areas) alternately on Saturdays at
9:30am and Tuesdays at 5:30pm.
Showcasing Philippine culture in Toronto and nearby
areas, Pinoy World TV is your window to every Filipino
event and updates as to what’s going on in our community.
The program is fast-paced, fresh and informative. Pinoy
World provides a unique, distinctly Filipino perspective
on the people and urban settings that are Toronto, from
Philippine food to events, hotspot locations to local
and “big name” artists. Pinoy World is informative and
entertaining of all things Filipino, with current activities
affecting our population, so tune in and explore with us
the vibrant world.
The program has four segments: “*Pinoy Hotspots”*,
it features new and popular Filipino hangouts and
businesses. Learn how to make delicious Filipino dishes
through “*Cooking with Mel” *of FV* *Foods. Be amazed
and get awed by “*Performances”* of Filipino talents from
Toronto, and Philippine celebrities whose concerts you
missed or want to see again. Get to know more about
known personalities thru the “*Interviews*” with the host
on-cam.
“We provide community events coverage and interviews
with interesting Torontonians who are either part of the
Filipino community or informed about the issues that are
important to us,” says the host, Warren.
“Since most Pinoys came to Canada in search of a better
lifestyle, we make sure that our culture is explored, and the
heritage is maintained,” adds Warren.
Pinoy World also covers events, festivals and cultural
activities inside and outside Toronto, where you can find
all the information in our Filipino newspapers.
“Our idea is to offer to our Philippine community in
Canada the best about of our culture and to showcase to
the mainstream society the best from Filipinos in Canada,”
says Warren.
Pinoy World TV’s upcoming schedule:
February 25, Saturday at 9:30am
February 28, Tuesday at 5:30pm
March 10, Saturday at 9:30am
March 13, Tuesday 5:30pm
March 24, Saturday 9:30am
March 27, Tuesday 5:30pm
So don’t miss any episode of Pinoy World TV, as its
theme song says: “This is our world, Pinoy World!”
*The interview can be watched on a future episode of
Pinoy World TV, only on Rogers.*
Fresh from her successful concert at Rembrandt, Martha Joy held a benefit concert for the Immaculate Heart Of Mary
Parish which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary. The place was packed and martha Joy did not disappoint. LEFT,
Singer Mitch Biaoco and friend Victorhea Rivilla pose with Martha Joy. RIGHT, Producer Philip Beloso and wife Mayet pose
with Martha Joy (PHOTOGRAPH BY NENE PANGANIBAN)
24
L. M. Confidential
MARCH 2012
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Canon Optura 600 Camcorder
2 extra batteries (LONG LIFE)
1 Ewa-Marine Underwater
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Crossword Puzzle
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EAT BULAGA!
Filipino Chinese
Fastfood-Dine-In - Takeout
Mini Grocery
584 Parliament St.
Toronto, Ontario M4X 1P8
Answers on
Page 26
Dr. Solon Guzman happily presents the $2000 donation of Madoline
Balucca to Mama Ching Quejas, KCCC president.
Tel: (416) 531-3169
MARCH 2012
L. M. Confidential
25
Entertainment
Jennica deny she’s pregnant
• Sarah Lahbati caught between two lovers
PNOY dreams of Marriage
ANG haba-haba talaga ng hair ni Kokak
girl Sarah Lahbati, huh!
Bukod kasi sa na-link siya sa tween star
na si Derrick Monasterio, heto at may bago
na namang tsika, linking her not only to
one but two guys -- kina JC Tiuseco at
Carlo Aquino.
Ang tsika, bukod kay Derrick na open
na open sa panliligaw sa magandang young
actress, masugid na manliligaw din umano
ngayon ni Sarah sina JC at Carlo.
Sa
isang
interview, natatawang
nagkomento ang magandang dalaga
hinggil sa isyu.
Say ni Sarah, hindi raw totoo na
nanliligaw si Carlo sa kanya. Kung sakali
mang nakita silang magkasama, ito ay dahil
nag-aaral siyang mag-gitara at nagkataon
na ang nagtuturo sa kanya ay kaibigan ni
Carlo, kaya sila personal na nagkakilala.
Mariin ding idinenay ni Sarah ang
panliligaw ni JC sa kanya.
Giit ni Sarah, good friends lang daw
talaga sila ni JC, na nagsimula nu’ng
magtambal sila sa Kokak ng GMA7.
Wala na raw kasing ilangan sa kanilang
dalawa ngayon at walang malisya kung
sakaling makita man na sweet sila sa isa’t
isa.
And speaking of men, tiyak na may
madaragdag sa listahan ng mga “lalaki” ni
Sarah.
Isa kasi si Sarah sa magiging leading
ladies ni Richard Gutierrez, bukod kay
Carla Abellana, na malabo na raw lumipat
sa ibang istasyon tulad ng mga naglabasang
tsikang mag-o-ober da bakod ang aktres.
Sa ganda ni Sarah, and knowing Richard
na lapitin ng magagandang babae, hindi
Candid
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III admitted he had long dreamt of standing
before the altar and exchanging vows with his flame.
Aquino however jestingly said that he is rather “unlucky” pointing out his marrying plans had begun
since he was still in college.
The President proved to be sentimental and romantic as he
reminisced the love life of the late President Manuel Quezon whom
he branded as lucky.
The President drew cheers from his audience at the capitol
grounds in Baler, Quezon when he spoke about Doña Aurora
Aragon Quezon’s life, marking the latter’s124th birth anniversary
celebration.
Aquino said the late president Quezon was “lucky” to have as
his wife, Doña Aurora, whom he noted, had helped her husband
during his term as the nation’s leader during World War II.
“Hindi ko maiwasan tuloy isipin na iba talaga kapag may
inspirasyon ka,” President Aquino said, drawing cheers and
applause from the audience that included Senator Edgardo
Angara, Aurora Governor Bellaflor Castillo and Representative Juan Edgardo Angara.
Palace reporters later pressed Aquino on his statements about having an inspiration in life only to
say that he had referred to his parents.
kaya mahulog din ang loob nila sa isa’t isa?
Jennica deny Pregnancy
Iginiit ni Jennica Garcia na hindi siya
buntis, tulad ng tsikang kumakalat.
Lumabas ang intrigang ito nang
“namahinga” sa showbiz si Jennica nang
halos isang taon, na
huling napanood sa
Bantatay.
Say ni Jennica, nasa
bahay lang daw siya at
naghihintay ng bagong
project at hindi totoong
buntis siya kaya nawala
siya sa sirkulasyon.
Dagdag pa ni Jennica, hindi lang daw
ang pagbubuntis ang intriga sa kanya,
kungdi break na rin daw sila ng dyowang
si Alwyn Uytingco.
Ikinagulat ito ni Jennica at sinabing
sinabing hindi pa sila hiwalay ng BF
at smooth-sailing pa rin ang kanilang
relasyon.
Ngayon, nagbabalik sa limelight si
Jennica, dahil kasama siya sa My Beloved
nina Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera
sa GMA7, kung saan gaganap siya bilang
younger sister ni Ma-rian na inaaapi ng
kanilang auntie, na ginagampanan naman
ni Chanda Romero.
SPOOF
Jessy receives Louis Vuitton
pouch from Gerald
“BUDOY” lead actress Jessy Mendiola
revealed she received
a Louis Vuitton pouch
from
co-star
and
leading man Gerald
Anderson during the
holidays.
Jessy,
however,
clarified in an interview
that Gerald is not courting her.
Even now that they are working together
in one project, Jessy said they never went to
any date. She said people could only spot
them together if there are parties or events
organized by their bosses or ABS-CBN’s
top executives.
“Mas okay sa akin na walang ganun
(issue na nali-link kami) kasi yung iba, eh,
hindi naman talaga totoo, eh, pinipilit nila.
Kami ni Gerald yung relationship namin
very professional, eh,” she said.
Jessy, meanwhile, said she is happy of
how people accepted their team-up even
if they are not officially a couple and they
are both linked to other names in the
entertainment industry.
Gerald is recently linked to Pop Princess
Sarah Geronimo while Jessy is paired with
“Budoy” co-star Enrique Gil.
(Pop-ups are not supposed to be taken seriously - EDITOR)
NEWKOREANLAW
BENEFITOFW’s
MANILA, Philippines - Filipino
workers are expected to benefit from
the revision of a South Korean law on
rehiring of foreign workers.
Last February 1, the South Korean
Parliament promulgated Act No. 11276
(Revision on the Act on Employment
of Foreign Workers), which is aimed
at helping Korean companies retain
skilled workers, while preventing
those with expired visas from staying
illegally. The law will take effect on
July 2.
The measure will allow foreign
workers, who leave Korea after their
contracts end, to return after 3 months
if a former employer wants to rehire
them. Returning workers will also be
exempted from taking the Korean
language test and employment
training.
Under the current law, foreign
workers can work in South Korea for
4 years and 10 months. After the end
of the contract, they have to leave the
country and can only return after 6
months.
However, the amended law would
only cover returning workers who
had no recorded transfer during the
entire employment period except
for justifiable cause. It also covers
workers in a sector which still has a
labor shortage.
Returning workers should also have
a new work contract prior to their
return to South Korea.
The law is expected to benefit
some 278,000 foreign workers in
South Korea, including 24,000 from
the Philippines, as of last year. Most
are employed in the manufacturing,
construction, agriculture and fisheries
sector.
Philippine Ambassador to South
Korea Luis Cruz and diplomats from 6
other embassies, met Representative
Kang Sung-chun of the ruling Grand
National Party last week to personally
thank him for the passage of the law
on rehiring of foreign workers.
Kang was one of 10
parliamentarians that introduced
amendments that created Act. No.
11276.
However, Cruz said the law could
further be improved to prevent
operations of Korean SMEs from
being disrupted when the foreign
workers’ contracts are finished.
CrosswordAnswers
Hindi
kaya
tumalbog
ito?
Kalayaan chairman Dr. Solon Guzman hands over the cheque that Madoline Baluca donates to Kalayaan Cultural
Community centre. Mama Ching Quejas, president of the KCCC accepts the cheque on behalf of the centre.
26
L. M. Confidential
MARCH 2012
The Philippine Ambassador
suggested a review of the foreign
workers’ contract period of 4 years
and 10 months, and raising the
age limit to take advantage of the
workers’ experience. At present,
foreign workers are only allowed to
work in South Korea until the age
of 38.
Kang said he would consider
raising the age issue in further
discussions in the National
Assembly. He also agreed to
consider issues raised by other
diplomats such as labor conditions
in the agricultural sector, and
the possibility of allowing foreign
workers in this sector to transfer to
the manufacturing sector.
REMITTANCES
from page 4
hunk shot
Pedro works in
an advertising
agency. In his
spare time, he
plays sports,
any sports. He
plays basketball,
hockey, soccer
and many more.
public works projects should bolster
the economy, at least in the first quarter
or even in the first half of the year. But
the jobs generated by that may not
be the kind that offers an attractive
alternative to Filipinos considering
overseas placement. Obviously, the
country needs long-term solutions.
The economic forecasts for 2012
suggest that the programs in place are
wanting.
Whatever strategy the government
adopts, the end goal should be to
eventually exit from the laborexporting practice. Whether that can
be done by 2016, when the President
finishes his term, or beyond that year
is for the economic managers to map
out. What is more important is to have
a plan in place and to start working
toward those objectives today.
Paolo Ocera
MARCH 2012
L. M. Confidential
RH BILL
from page 1
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines welcomed an invitation
from Congress to debate the issues and
enlighten the people further on the bill.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, the
current CBCP president, said the
bishops were always “eager and willing
to engage” in an endeavor that would
help people make guided decisions,
particularly on issues of morality and
values about love, marriage and family.
Lagman proposed that the agenda
for the discussions should center on
freedom of informed choice; the whole
menu of family planning methods from
the natural to the modern which are
legal, medically safe and truly effective;
recognition that the Philippines has
a population problem; direct linkage
between population,human development
and poverty; and adequate funding for
reproductive health and family planning
services, among other things.
He said that since the bishops were
the leading oppositors of the bill, they
should also be the principals in either or
both the dialogues and debates.
Palma said that while the bishops
would talk about the moral dimension of
the issue, it would ask lay people to talk
about maternal health and childbearing
in the proposed debate “because that is
not our expertise.”
Lagman said it would be acceptable to
the lawmakers if the bishops want to be
represented by laymen, saying the fact
that bishops were not married was not
an issue.
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28
L. M. Confidential
MARCH 2012