Death toll uncertain

NE H
W AP
YEPY
AR
!
Toronto, Ontario
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
www.philippinecourier.com
Vol. 8 No. 5
WANTED: PH500,000 reward for Palparan arrest... story on page 29 ...
Aquino declares national calamity …
Death toll uncertain
Sharon is back in T.O.!
‘I know government could have done more’ – PNoy
LORD, PLEASE HELP US! – Thousands of evacuees, mostly children, pray to the Almighty
before receiving relief goods and toys being distributed by a non-governmental organization
yesterday (December 22, 2011) in one of the many evacuation centers in Cagayan de Oro
City after killer-typhoon ‘Sendong’ wrought havoc to CDO and Iligan City last Friday where
unnumbered died and thousands of families were rendered homeless by the worst storm that
hit the Philippines in years. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez/Abante Online)
Pls. turn to page 17
Story on page 23
CARP nets initial $8,000 for
Typhoon ‘Sendong’ victims
5359 Dundas St. West,
Suite 200 & 203, Etobicoke, ON
(Close to Kipling Subway) M9B 1B1
Tel: 416.236.7277
Fax: 416.236.7275
registrar@ontariohealthcareacademy.com
www.ontariohealthcareacademy.com
"Be equipped with standard knowledge and
skills. Be a frontline health care career worker!"
Story on page 31
Imee Solomon is ‘1st
Anghel ng Tahanan
Canada 2011’ winner
Please see page 23
SERVICES:
* Mortgage Insurance
* Educational Plan & 20% Gov't Grant
* Critical Illness Insurance
* Life Isurance
Arnel Jimenez Lopez
Cell: (416) 568-2110
759 Warden Avenue, Scarborough
Ontario, M1L 4B5
Philippine Courier
2
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Merry Christmas &
a Very Prosperous 2012 to All!!!
715
Dr. & Mrs. Francisco and Alu Portugal
Bloor East Village Health Centre
33 Howard St., Toronto, Ontario M4X 1J6
Tel. No. 416-928-1197
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Real Estate, Wills,
Powers of Attorney,
Divorce, Small Claims
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Philippine Courier
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Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!
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FAMILY DOCTOR
3170
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Toronto, ON M8V 3X8
TEL. NO. 416-252-6451
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
5
Philippine Courier
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EDITORIAL
F R O N T L I N E
NINEZ CACHO-OLIVARES
No hope for independence
A Humble Holiday
At the very beginning, it was a time of great humility. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem
to take part in a census, though Mary was not only with child but about to give birth. They moved
from inn to inn, searching for a place to stay the night, but there were no rooms available. Finally,
one man took pity on them and told them he had a stable free. Joseph and Mary found shelter in
that place, and Jesus was soon born in a manger, all of them finding the humblest of shelters. But
it was enough.
Shelter is something so many Filipinos now seek. After the devastating journey of Tropical
Storm “Sendong” down South, more than 50,000 families and over 300,000 people were left homeless by the untimely storm. The force of nature did not choose, destroying the domicile of both rich
and poor, but while the sturdy houses of the well-off proved in many cases to be ample protection, entire populations of impoverished were immediately left helpless, their ramshackle shanties
swept away in a howling heartbeat. The humble were rendered even more so.
Now, they seek any kind of shelter and security in the disastrous aftermath. And like the Holy
Family before them, there may not be enough room at the inn. The evacuation centers groan with
the multitudes, able only to hold so many refugees from the storm; thousands more are still where
the storm found them. Government is reeling with the casualties: some P1 billion in damage and
more than a thousand dead and a thousand more missing. Their families face the bleakest Christmas of all.
Sendong’s passage puts the Social Weather Stations’ newest survey results in a harsh light.
The number of Filipinos looking forward to a happy Christmas in 2011 was pegged at 64 percent,
seemingly a good number, until one considers that it is actually down five points from 2010’s 69
percent. More tellingly, that number has been going steadily down every year since 2002, save
for 2010. The 2011 survey notes that the expectation of a sad Christmas also rose four points to
11 percent from 2010’s 7 percent. And these were the results of a survey done before the arrival
of Sendong.
This month must count as perhaps the saddest Christmas in recent memory, with so many
grieving and others without a roof over their heads, men, women and children lost at a time when
Filipinos expect to be happiest. But there is hope. The response to the calamity has been simply
overwhelming as government and private sources readily gave—and continue to give—aid to the
storm victims.
In that selfless act of giving, one remembers that the first to come and adore the newborn Savior in Bethlehem were shepherds led to the manger by an angel announcing the birth of Jesus. The
shepherds came and did their part, led by a bright light and leading a humble example for us all.
It is an example that has found form in how Filipinos responded to the plight of our brethren in
the Visayas and Mindanao. Everywhere, they donated money and goods while others gave of their
time, working at evacuation centers and relief organizations. After all, a 2006 survey conducted
by the SWS and the consultancy group Venture for Fund Raising revealed that 99 percent of all
Filipinos donate in some way or other to charitable causes.
But from that same survey, we find that the most impressive thing is how the poor still responded to disasters. These Filipinos who have almost nothing found it in themselves to still give
to those who had even less than they.
That survey reveals one inspiring fact: “The poor give more than the rich. It’s fantastic,” according to Venture executive director Marianne Quebral. “And it’s not because there are more poor
people than there are rich people. It’s (based on) absolute figures, in terms of average annual giving,” she explained. “Filipinos are really a hospitable people. Kahit hirap na hirap na, magbibigay
pa rin (Even those living in deep poverty would still give to charity). Nobody is too poor to give.”
As we give of ourselves in this time of great need, we follow in the example put forth at the very
first Christmas, where a carpenter and his wife welcomed a son in a manger, under the bright light
of a star that shone over all things and all men, rich and poor, a loving light we celebrate today.
6
Senate and House allies of
Noynoy Aquino have been warning the high court not to intervene
in the impeachment of Supreme
Court (SC) Chief Justice Renato
Corona, insisting that impeachment is the sole prerogative of
Congress.
As a matter of fact, one of the
Articles of Impeachment against
Corona is that he had intervened
in the impeachment case against
then Ombudsman Merceditas
Gutierrez through the issuance of
the status quo ante order.
What is not being said of
course is the fact that in the final decision of the court, the SC
gave the House the go-signal to
proceed with the impeachment of
the Ombudsman.
That aside, it will be good
for these congressional allies
of Noynoy to be reminded that
some years back, when then SC
Chief Justice Hilario Davide
Jr., then Gloria Arroyo’s allies
in Congress, now Yellow allies
of Noynoy, was being probed
by the House justice committee
and where the required number
of congressmen to impeach him
was obtained and where the Articles of Impeachment were to
have been submitted for trial at
the Senate.
What did the two leaders of
Congress do?
The allies went to the SC
to have it stop the impeachment complaint based on solid
grounds, against Davide. The
then Senate President, Franklin
Drilon, made it clear that the Senate will not move until the issue
was resolved by the high court.
In the end, the high court
ruled that the second impeachment complaint, which had the
required number to impeach
Davide, was deemed unconstitutional while the first impeachment complaint which was hardly acted upon, was deemed by the
high court as valid, knowing that
such a ruling would protect the
hide of Davide.
None of these Gloria allies —
including Sen. Kiko Pangilinan,
then argued that the legislature
had the sole power to impeach.
No warning against the then high
court was aired by the members
of Congress. They, being the allies of Gloria, wanted the high
court to intervene, because they
knew that the court will rule
against the impeachment and the
trial.
Thus, a precedent was born.
But now that it is Noynoy’s
foe in the high court that is the
subject of an impeachment trial,
there went his congressional allies, all puffed up with their power to impeach and warning the
high court not to intervene.
Why the change at this time?
Simply this: As they are today’s lapdogs of Noynoy, what
was the claimed right for them to
save the hide of a certified constitutional violator, Davide, by
getting the high court to stop the
impeachment, is now the claimed
wrong to get the SC to intervene,
and all because their master,
Noynoy, wants to get rid of Corona in the high court, to put in
his favored Justice as chief, and,
at the same time, control the high
court by threatening to impeach
all Arroyo-appointed justices to
make them toe his line.
This is why the nation can
never hope to strengthen the independence of democratic institutions, such as Congress, the
judiciary and other constitutional
offices. Once allied with the executive power, and why the President of the Republic gets more
and more powers that should go
with accountability and responsibility, but doesn’t and why soft
coups d’etat can happen almost
overnight.
Today, it is the President —
whoever it is in Malacañang
— that wields the power of the
purse, when this power belongs
to Congress.
Today, the President can directly interfere in the functions of the
House, by ordering the House to
impeach whoever Noynoy wants
impeach, to get them out of his
tyrannical and dictatorial ways.
And all he has to do is to withhold their pork barrel allocations.
Today, he has appointed
Noynoy-friendly officials to
constitutional offices, who do
his bidding, including charging
Noynoy’s foes, despite a lack of
evidence.
Today, Noynoy wants to control the high court to make the
justices toe his line.
And there go his unprincipled
allies in Congress — giving their
master what he wants.
***
Have a caring Christmas. Do
what you can to help Sendong’s
victims. It’s the least we can all
do.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
THE TALL ORDER
Reprinted from
Malaya with the
author’s consent
By Mon Datol
Only CJ Corona is under fire, not the entire Judiciary
It’s only Supreme Court Chief Justice
Renato Corona who is under PNoy’s knife
and not the whole Judiciary as what CJ blabbermouth Midas Marquez ‘claims’ and wants
to make an issue out of the impeachment
Congress poked on his Bossing. Marquez
forgot that he is a spokesman of the Judiciary
and not of Corona and that he has no...
Midas touch.
****
‘Weak and defective’ was how prosecutors
of the House of Representatives described
the answer of Chief Justice Renato Corona to
the impeachment complaint filed against him
with the Senate. CJ’s answer does not even
have his signature. It also lacks what lawyers
call ‘verification’ which is a cardinal requirement in all court proceedings, including an
impeachment trial, according to Marikina
Rep. Miro Quimbo who is speaking for the
prosecution panel.
Quimbo also suggests that CJ Corona
should go on leave to spare the court and so
that he could concentrate on his defense once
the impeachment is heard by the Senate middle of January next year. But CJ Corona is so
stubborn and even vowed to fight, while still
wearing the Top Robe in the SC. Probably;
Mr. Corona never heard nor read the word …
Delicadeza from Adam?
****
It was a very gloomy Christmas night for
the thousands of kababayans in Northern
Mindanao, particularly in Cagayan de Oro
and Iligan cities, who were rendered homeless by ‘killer typhoon ‘Sendong’ which
also killed more than two thousand people
and destroyed an early estimated Ph2-billion
worth of private and public properties including houses, school buildings, bridges, roads,
motor vehicles, among others.
Illegal loggings in Northern Mindanao are
being pointed as the cause of the flashfloods
in the twin cities as evident of the hundreds of
huge logs carried away by the muddy waters
that slammed and destroyed thousands of
houses along the river banks.
Ano ang laban ng maliliit na bahay at
shanties sa rumaragasang mga troso na daladala ng maputik na baha galing sa bundok?
At sino ang dapat sisihin sa patuloy na illegal
logging sa Mindanao? DENR ba or mga local
officials?
Magkano…err… papaano nakakalusot
ang mga illegal loggers?
****
The Canadian Air Relief Project (CARP),
a non-profit organization founded and still
headed by noted Filipino family physician
Dr. Francisco Portugal, together with several other Filipino organizations like the
PCCF group of Jun and Rosemer Enverga;
Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto
(PCCT) headed by Mr. Paeng Nebres, Royal
Mark Canada Productions of couple Lito and
Ruth Ronquillo who hails from Mindanao,
among others, have started fund-raising
campaigns for the victims of ‘Sendong’ in
Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. Please
read somewhere here in this issue where
to send your donations – cash or in kind
– and help our kababayans in Northern
Mindanao. Tatayo at lalaban muli ang ating
mga kababayang sinalanta ni ‘Sendong’,
pero, kailangan …
Tulungan po natin sila!
****
Some friends in Manila and other parts of
the globe asked me (emails, FB pm, text) if
I pity the Filipinos convicted to die in China
for trying to smuggle kilos of cocaine, and
other illegal drugs in that country.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
I returned their question with this question: Do we have to shed tears and pity drug
mules? These friends kept mum, until now.
Our local politicians, led by VP Jojo Binay,
place compassion above anything else when
dealing with such kind of human issue that
involves family. But, looking in a wider
picture, we are painting an image of the
Philippines as a country where drug-pushing
is an accepted norm or profession.
And the media, partikular na ang malalaking TV networks ay ginagawa ng teleserye
ang pagbitay sa mga nahatulang Pinoy drug
mules sa China! Halos mahigit isang linggo
na ilalabas sa national at international primetime news ang ginagawang pagra-rally ng
mga Human Rights Group (kuno) kasama
ang mga kamag-anak ng mga bibitaying
Pinoy, upang hilingin ke Pangulong Noynoy
Aquino na pigilin ang pagbitay sa convicted
drug mules!
Nakngteteng! Filipino pa rin ako, at ayaw
ko ring mabitay sa ibang bansa ang isang
kabayan, pero, gumawa sila ng matinding
kasalanan sa ibang bansa na mahigpit na
nagpapatupad ng batas kontra illegal drugs
pushers at drug mules. Kaya’t paano ko ihahayag ang aking damdamin? Maawa ba ako?
Gagawa ba ako ng paraan para pigilin din
ang China sa pag-patay sa isang kabayan na
nahatulan ng death by lethal injection dahil
naging drug mule?
Hindi. It’s their choice. Pinili nilang lumiko
sa isang masikip na daan na kung saan tatlong
libong dolyares ang kapalit ng pagdadala nila
ng kilo-kilong cocaine sa China. Kapag di
sila nahuli, malaking pera ang ipapadala nila
sa mga pamilya sa Pinas, na laging naghihintay ng malaking pera mula sa abroad. Ke
sa mabuti o sa masama galing ang libong
ipinadadala sa kanila, wala silang paki-alam.
Basta tuloy lang ang ligaya buwan-buwan.
Eh, nahuli at nakulong ng ilang buwan o taon
hanggang mamatay na nga sa lethal injection.
Paano na ang buwanang padalang pera mula
sa abroad? Ala na. Sisihin na ang gobiyerno
na walang kasalanan, dangkasi, todas na
sila…
Tapos na ang ligaya.
****
What’s wrong with Manny Pacquio buying a Ph25-million luxury yatch for his
family? Regalo ni Pacman yon sa kaniyang
asawa at mga anak matapos ang laban niya
ke Juan Marquez. Nataon lang na nagkaruon
ng unos sa Cagayan de Oro at Iligan city
ng lumabas ang balitang ito. Hindi lahat ng
bibilhin ni Pacquiao out of his pocket would
be scrutinized by his critics. Huwag na nating paki-alaman si Pacman. Dugo at pawis at
pati buhay niya ay nakataya sa kaniyang mga
laban, na ang kapalit nga ay ang milyones
na dolyares na kinikita niya. Tigilan na si
Pacquiao, dahil…
Nakamamatay ang inggit.
****
SHORT ORDER: It’s my partner/brother
Rey Fortaleza’s birth anniversary and let me
take this opportune time to greet him a very
happy, happy birthday! Also, more blessing
and a very prosperous New Year, parekoy,
also to mareng Cely and kids, Nanay, Rose,
and the whole Fortaleza clan in Vancouver,
Australia and the Philippines! Love you all,
my other family! … It’s another New Year’s
Eve Party (December 31, 2011) for all members of the Filipino Association of Richmond
Hill (FARH) at the Masonic Hall, corner
Crosby and Pugsley Roads, Richmond Hill.
Party starts at 7 p.m. Potluck po to. Walang
ticket. A Very Prosperous 2012 po sa inyong
Lahat!!! God Bless.
‘I have a feeling though that most will eventually
give him the benefit of the doubt as long as he
keeps his hands clean and his friends at arm’s
length.’
An apolitical PN0y
IT was definitely no politician
talking; PNoy, in Cagayan de Oro,
sounded more like the father of his
country: "I need to ask myself. Did
the government do enough to prevent this kind of a tragedy? I don’t
think I can accept that we have done
everything. I know we could have
done more.
"My concern right now is specifically those missing, Let us exhaust
all possible means to try and find all
of these missing individuals."
The President was on a an inspection tour to see what "Sendong"
wrought on the cities of Cagayan de
Oro, Iligan, Dumaguete and Iloilo,
places not too often visited by typhoons, which made the destruction
even more shocking to these cities’
residents.
The President sounded more like
some CEO: "We will be assisting not
only Cagayan and Iligan, but also
Negros Oriental and Iloilo. We’d
like to assure you that we are going to fine-tune all of the systems in
place so that we can prevent a similar tragedy from happening.
"Plus, part of the reason that
we’re here is really to assess the need
for the houses, permanent houses.
We don’t have an estimate for that
yet but there’s an initial 1,000 houses earmarked for Cagayan from the
(National Housing Authority)."
He had set up a multi-agency
task force to look into ways to improve the present systems so that
such natural disasters as these would
not affect us so much or take so
many lives: "There is also going to
be a fact-finding team to determine
exactly where we can still augment
the systems and procedures in place
so that there are no casualties of this
magnitude ever again.
"I think all of us are aware exactly of certain situations that have
happened, deforestation which has
always been a problem."
How would he prevent these
things from again happening:" Going back to danger areas should no
longer be permitted. I want that very
clear... no settlement in portions already described as extremely dangerous ...like Isla De Oro, and neighboring barangays.
"To prevent a repeat of this tragedy, we need to know where there
were shortcomings, who were at
fault and how these should be made
accountable," he said, adding that he
had ordered Mujiv Hataman, officer
in charge of the Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao, to stop illegal
logging.
Maybe the Dictator Marcos had
it right when his paid hacks proclaimed: "Sa ikauunlad ng bayan,
Disiplina ang kailangan." That really sounded right, truly (as in the
prayer, "right and just"); but, eventually, it was FM’s own people – family and friends – who would not discipline themselves for the good and
the progress of our country. Let us
hope that, a Christmas gift of a nonpolitical president will again manifest itself in the coming weeks and
months. If there is anything that can
move us forward, it is a President
who will be more of a father to his
country rather than a politician or a
crook, who is out only for himself.
An apolitical leader is a something we have sorely needed for
sometime now! Of course, most will
not see him as such and will continue to ascribe political motives to
whatever he does, seeing each move
as favoring one party (his) over the
others. I have a feeling though that
most will eventually give him the
benefit of the doubt as long as he
keeps his hands clean and his friends
at arm’s length.
***
This is my Christmas column.
I hope for the reader’s forebearance and forgiveness. I may have
brought you along on an uncomfortable ride, spouting strange ideas and
regaling you with my often unorthodox turn of mind. In the spirit of the
season, I hope you will forgive me
and come back for more of the same
in 2012. It will be more of the same
only if the characters in our playbook remain who they are and how
they are.
I enjoy the writing. It is one of the
pleasures that are still enjoyable as
my mortal shell gives up its youthful excesses. My golf game seems
to have surrendered to time and the
violence that years of living extracts
from what was once the exuberance
of youth. The results is a tired old
man sitting at his computer turning
out day-by-day, still one more thousand-word observation of slices of
life in the Philippines.
Too often it is controversies that
we write about, not because they are
the more important but only because
they are easier subjects and they do
excite the reader who will sometimes read the column only because
he wants to see how this idiot can
disagree with the reader on such a
simple matter.
Sometimes, the reader agrees
with me, which sometimes gets to
be discomfiting, especially when
one believes that his view is that of
one man alone not to be shared by
others.
At any rate, I am glad to still be
writing (and still being read). I will
be 73 at the end of next month, the
first of 2012 and hope that at the
end of the next several years, you
will still be reading my Christmas
letter for some more years to come,
only because it would mean that I
would still be writing. As one gets
older, one finds himself praying for
friends, former classmates and others who have moved on to what we
Christians officially regard as a better world.
For myself, I would really rather
enjoy the worlds that are given to us,
one world at a time. I am in no hurry
to move on.
Merry Christmas, a Happy New
Year and, hopefully, a better country
for us all!
***
Readers who missed a column
can access www.duckyparedes.com/
blogs. This is updated daily. Your
reactions are welcome at duckyparedes@yahoo.com
7
Philippine Courier
My Cup of Tea
By Dr. Leto Tigley
‘Arroyo is now on hospital arrest
at the Veterans Memorial Medical
Center. Palparan is on the run…’
Reprinted from
Malaya with the
author’s consent
A battle for the Crown in the Philippines begins
Time for reckoning
for Palparan
I REMEMBER that speech to
be most obscene.
In her sixth State-of-the- Nation address on July 24, 2006,
Gloria Arroyo, amidst cries
of parents of University of
the Philippines Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño and
relatives of Manuel Merino, a
farmer, Gloria Arroyo lavished
praise on one of the most feared
and hated generals – then Maj.
Gen. Jovito Palparan, commander of the 7th Infantry Division in central Luzon, where
many of the extra-judicial killings happened.
Arroyo said: "Sa ganitong
mga proyekto, palalakasin natin
ang ekonomiya ng mga barangay at lalawigan. And we will
end the long oppression of barangays by rebel terrorists who
kill without qualms, even their
own. Sa mga lalawigang sakop
ng 7th Division, nakikibaka
sa kalaban si Jovito Palparan.
Hindi siya aatras hanggang
makawala sa gabi ng kilabot
ang mga pamayanan at makaahon sa bukang-liwayway ng
hustisya at kalayaan."
Times have indeed changed.
Hunted by police authorities
and National Bureau of Investigation agents armed with a warrant for his arrest for the kidnapping of Cadapan, Empeño
and Merino.
He was last seen trying to
board a plane to Singapore at
the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark,
Pampanga while everybody’s
attention was on the tragedy
in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and
other parts of Central Mindanao.
He was stopped on orders of
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima
and has not been seen since
then.
Two of Palparan’s co-accused, Lt. Col Felipe Anotado,
Jr. and S/Sgt Edgardo Osrio of
the AFP Intelligence and security Group have surrendered to
the office of the Armed Forces’
Provost Marshal in Camp Aguinaldo.
The role of the military, especially Palparan in the abduction
of Cadapan, Empeño, and Merino was related by Raymond
Manalo, who together with his
brother Reynaldo, survived abduction and torture by the mili-
8
tary.
Manalo said six armed men
in military uniform abducted
him and his brother on Feb. 14,
2006 from their place in Barangay Buhol na Mangga, San
Ildefonso, Bulacan.
From there, they were detained and moved from one
place to another, particularly
military camps and detachments
including Fort Magsaysay and
a detachment in Sapang, San
Miguel, Bulacan, where they
allegedly met Palparan.
From Sapang, Manalo was
transported to Camp Tecson under the 24th Infantry Battalion,
where three men loaded him in
a white car.
Manalo said he was taken
to what he learned later was
a training detachment of the
Scout Rangers. He said it was in
the barracks that he met Cadapan, with her feet chained to a
double bed.
During their conversation,
Manalo said Cadapan told
him she was abducted from
Hagonoy and was subjected to
torture."
After a week, Manalo was
reunited with his brother who
also brought to the camp, where
they stayed from September
2006 until Nov. 22, 2006.
Three days after, Raymond
said Empeño and Merino were
also brought to the camp.
Raymond further said he
saw Cadapan being subjected
to torture like water treatment
through nose, and electric
shocks.
Palparan and Arroyo’s military denied any role in the abduction of Cadapan, Empeño
and Merino as well as extrajudicial killings of activists.
As the family of the three
hope for justice with the warrant of arrest for Palparan, we
remember the words of Edith
Burgos, mother of another missing activist, Jonas Burgos, in
the play "Mrs.B":" Walang kasing-sakit mawalan ng mahal sa
buhay. Kahit gaano ka katibay,
kahit gaano ka katapang, kahit
gaano ka kabuo, mababasag at
mababasag ka rin."
***
Blog:www.ellentordesillas.
com
E-mail:ellentordesillas@
gmail.com
Christmas is so close from now, as of this
writing and again the big businessmen who
thrive on the weaknesses of the buying public are salivating like a snake waiting for the
prey. Prices are high and the recycled toys
are back in the market. Our countrymen here
are not happy because of the catastrophe suffered by our Filipino Brothers in the south of
the Philippines, is so very devastating. Like
Ondoy almost three years ago, people along
the river in the City of Cagayan de Oro were
inundated and dead people in the morning were
seen wrapped with mud, lifeless, thrown here
and there. Someone reported that the mayor
was allegedly playing mahjong, reminiscing of
King Nero playing his warp while Rome was
on fire, unknown to him, that his constituent’s
houses and establishment were flooded by the
angry spilling river.
And somewhere about 50 km from Cagayan
de oro, a City where I wish to visit when I was a
boy, was also hit. It is Iligan City, where Maria
Christina falls is located. The flowing falls is no
longer an image of a falling lady’s hair but the
rampaging sounds became very horrifying, and
same thing it brought houses to the grounds,
left countless bodies along the festival’s thoroughfare. Relatives cried to high heavens, but
as usual, no one listened. How sad was the
misa de gallo of those two Cities of Northern
Mindanao. If it was the will of God that brought
those things then with love, still we can say,
Merry Christmas to all. Sendong, instead of a
gift, gave suffering. But a strong Filipino will
always stand in the midst of these.
Just about two weeks ago, a political thunderstorm was felt in our Filipino democracy,
when Congress in almost two third signed the
impeachment of Chief justice Renato Corona.
188 congressmen agreed that the impeachment
will be elevated to the Senate for adjudication.
Those who favor Corona commented that it is
an assault to the judiciary, but for the majority, on ABS CBN survey favored the act of
Congress. They said that it is a Constitutional
process and Corona shall defend it there as
a matter of fairness. One article of impeachment is about the appointment of his wife to 5
executive positions in Camp John Hay which
most of those who signed it said that it was an
abuse of influence since Corona was already a
magistrate. Arroyo may not understand it, but
the huge number on that survey also believed it
was an act to win the heart of Corona to protect
her on future litigations. When Renato Puno
retired, in the wee hour of that historic midnight
appointment, Corona accepted the spoon-fed
position as Chief Justice, and there goes the
chaos. The President who is the flag bearer
against corruption cannot swallow the motives
of the ex President and many believed that with
Corona exonerated, corruptions would pose a
bigger Problem. As of this time, if it is a number game, possibly, it will not prosper. With
two senators, Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid,
who are high school graduates, can be swayed
anytime to favor corruptions. The Liberal Party
Senators were only five and they need 16 senators to convict Corona. Since it is less, Corona
and Arroyo will be the happiest animal in earth.
To those who are tax evader, those charged by
the Ombudsman and those charge with electoral sabotage will have some good reasons to
be happy. Their cases will be elevated to the
Supreme Court and with Corona at the helm;
all of those will soon be squashed. It is truly
possible just to embarrass the administration.
But the people, who are not happy of the outcome, will work hard against the senators who
favored Corona. The exonerations of Corona
will make the Senate change the image and
new names will soon emerge there. Some independent minded will bind themselves and fight
corruption again as an issue in 2013 senatorial
race. The President will work for it double time
and all who are in favor of crushing corruptions
will unify their strength against those GMA and
Corona.
In the US setting, Newt Gingrich, the newest leading candidate for President for the
Republican, is not a pushover opposition. He
can make Obama a run of his popularity. With
issue of economy, as the pedestal pillar of all
issues, Obama is somewhat blinded by it. But
we don’t know how America will play their
politics. The request of the people that all soldiers will return before election time is a signal
that politics is on the go now. Obama did a good
job in how he handled Osama bin laden and the
Khadafi problem. He is a triumphant President.
But in the economic side, he could not be proud
about it. Houses in Ohio and Michigan are
cheaper by the dozen. Unemployment is very
palpable. The less in life are barricading the
Wall Street and created a reverberation all over
the world.
Let’s be watchful about how America will
deal with the New Dictator in North Korea. He
is young and grew in the Military. If this guy
will push the button, surely, the whole Asean
countries will be affected. But Obama is not
new on this and an outright response will create
a much bigger damage. Russia would not dare
to enter into the melee because as of this time
they have their own problem. Putin’s party is
under fire and his control in the parliamentary
is decreasing. If he will not use his extra effort,
he will wake up in the morning an ordinary
parliamentarian. No one can question that Putin
rebuilt Russia as a potent nation again. Their
membership in the league of power is still vivid
and strong. But the thing is, there is no such
thing as permanent in this world.
In sport, Manny Pacquiao celebrated his
birthday with a taste of Hollywood again. They
hired a program specialist from Cebu, entertainers from Manila, and a thousand special
friends all over the Philippines. His prayer is
for the healthy recovery of his mom Dionesia.
He made his vow, that for the good of boxing;
he could even sacrifice himself to accept a
smaller purse just to satisfy the history of boxing. The offer has not been answered concretely
by the Mayweather’s camp. If this will not push
through, it only means that Mayweather is a
real coward. Period.
I saw someone in Toronto, an old friend from
Richmond Hill, he was a dancer and always
with beautiful ladies ten years ago. But to my
dismay, his partner told me that he suffered
stroke 8 months ago. Gone are those days when
life was full of gay and laughter. Winter in
life is always edging us as we age in time. We
are not owners in this world. God in his good
intent, lend us the experience. And we should
be thankful for that. It is a great experience to
watch the moon, the sun and the stars. We are
just lucky to have witnessed some memorable
events in the world. Few days from now will
be the birth of 2012, a new year. Let us pray
together for abundance, and progress. Happy
Holidays to All.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Top Nation stories for 2011:
When politics becomes personal
MANILA (December 25, 2011) – It was the best of times, it was the worst
of times. For many Filipinos, 2011 was a year of firsts -- the first time that a
senator gave up his post because of cheating allegations, the first time that
an Ombudsman resigned ahead of her own impeachment trial, and the first
time that a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was impeached. Here on abscbnNEWS.com, we marveled at which of our Nation stories drew the most
reads and discovered -- to no one's surprise -- that political stories draw the
highest attention when it becomes personal.
A scandal ends in a general's suicide
PNoy's Porsche
At the start of 2011, the Philippine military was rocked
by allegations that past AFP
chiefs received millions of
pesos in "pabaon" or sendoff money after they retired.
The allegations, coupled by
a controversial Ombudsman
deal that would allow ex-AFP
comptroller Carlos Garcia to
go free after being accused of
stealing P303 million in military funds, sparked an investigation into military corruption that would end in a shocking note: the suicide of former AFP and defense chief Angelo Reyes.
Remember President
Aquino's
white Porsche?
At the start of
the year, the
President
was
roundly
criticized for buying
a
second-hand
Porsche with his
own money after
imposing austerity measures in government. The controversial sports car became the subject of a spoof video
by political satirist Juana Change, causing a rift between
Malacañang and one of its ardent supporters. Aquino later sold the Porsche but told reporters that he still wants to
buy his dream car when he is no longer president.
Mike Arroyo's helicopter sale
2011 was not a good year for
lawyer Jose Miguel Arroyo
or his wife, former president
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Mr.
Arroyo's woes started after
senators accused him of selling second-hand helicopters to
the Philippine National Police.
Not even the claim of Arroyo's
brother, Iggy, that he owned
the choppers would stop the
Senate investigation on the scandal, which would later lead
to the filing of plunder charges against Arroyo, former Department of Interior and Local Government chief Ronaldo
Puno and former police officials.
Marcos' dream: PH another Singapore?
This story started a firestorm
of debate. A day after the country celebrated Ninoy Aquino
Day, Sen. Bongbong Marcos
said the Philippines could have
been another Singapore if his
father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, was not ousted
from power. His remark drew
criticism and praise from Marcos haters and supporters, and prompted President Aquino
to note that the Philippines would have been another Libya
if Marcos' 14-year-rule was not cut short.
PNoy takes on Corona
It's a story that
has the makings
of high drama:
President Aquino railing against
the
Supreme
Court for blocking his plans for
good governance
and
reforms,
while Chief Justice Renato Corona listened stone-faced just 2 seats away.
One week after Aquino's speech, 188 congressmen would
vote to impeach Corona, setting the stage for the first impeachment trial for a sitting Chief Justice. We expect high
interest for this story once the trial begins after the holiday
break in January.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Zaldy talks, Zubiri quits
This is the story
that led to the resignation of a senator. Jailed Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao
Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan reveals that
his father, ex-Maguindanao Gov.
Andal Ampatuan Sr., received money from Malacañang to
ensure the victory of senatorial bet Juan Miguel Zubiri in
the 2007 election. His interview, coupled with the testimony of former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang
Bedol, prompted Zubiri to resign and claim that he had no
knowledge of the cheating.
Magsaysay and that 'menopausal bitch'
Picture this: a party-list congressman asks an airline customer
service agent if he could change
seats on a plane to Los Angeles
but his request is denied. He then
starts calling said employee "a
menopausal bitch" and allegedly
demands better service because he is a congressman. AVE
Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay would later apologize for the remark, saying he was irritated by Sarah Bonnin-Ocampo's
high-pitched voice. He also said the remark was not meant
to malign but to describe Sarah's temper.
Gloria's woes
Even before he was elected, President Aquino vowed to
make his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, answer
for her alleged sins against the people. Last month, he finally took a giant step towards that goal when a local court
ordered Mrs. Arroyo's arrest on electoral sabotage charges.
The arrest was made even more fascinating by the events
leading up to it. On a single day, the Commission on Elections voted to sue Mrs. Arroyo then filed the charges before the Pasay Regional Trial Court even as the Supreme
Court issued an order that allowed Mrs. Arroyo to leave
the country. The judge who received the case then ordered
Arroyo's arrest, stopping her from leaving.
Pacquiao fights The Pill; Pacmom takes on
Miriam
The fighting congressman from Sarangani
Manny
Pacquiao has had
his share of ups and
downs in and out of
the ring this year but
last May, he turned
heads after taking on
supporters of the controversial Reproductive Health Bill.
Sen. Miriam Defensor challenged the Pacman to a fist
fight, prompting his mother, Aling Dionisia, to retort: "Huwag ang anak ko ang pakialaman niyo. [Ang pakialaman
niyo] 'yung malaswa, yung malaswa!” Not even the feisty
senator could come up with a proper comeback after that
one. As stories go, this one was a knockout.
The DPWH Photoshop fail
Like Cain and Abel? Ramgen Bautista murdered
A murdered son of
a former senator, a
lone eyewitness and
near-victim, sibling
rivalry, mismatched
alibis and a flight to
another country by
one of the suspects.
These and more are
just some of the details that made the murder of Ramgen Bautista, son of
former action senator Ramon Revilla Jr., one of the most
shocking stories of the year. After his death, police said
sibling rivalry over the family's monthly allowance could
be the motive behind the murder. Police said that before
his death, Ramgen told his father of his mom's P2.3 million
credit card debt, causing friction in the family. Ramgen's
brother, RJ, would later be arrested while his sister, Ramona, would flee to another country after issuing conflicting statements about what she did after the murder.- (ABSCBN News)
This story caused an Internet meme. Days after typhoon
Pedring flooded Roxas Boulevard, officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had to fight
a public relations fiasco after a poorly fabricated photo of
3 DPWH officials near the damaged sea wall was uploaded in the government agency's Facebook page. The photo,
which showed the 3 officials seemingly hovering in the air,
was dubbed an "embarrassment" by the DPWH chief who
promptly sanctioned the photographer. The image of the
3 DPWH officials then took a life of its own as scores of
netizens placed the 3 in a variety of settings including the
White House, the moon, and the UP Pep Squad formation.
9
Philippine Courier
Stars of the Month
PM Harper Christmas Greetings
By Ores Ting
We all know that life doesn’t go according to our plans, yet at a certain moment
in our lives, we accept whatever disappointments, failures, tragedies or success that
shaped our lives we have now. I believe there will always be a guiding STAR that will
lead us to happiness and contentment.
What better way to celebrate Christmas Holidays than to gather all our friends,
relatives, and be merry here in Toronto. The Festivities, colourful lights and gifts giving
surely make us feel life is beautiful.
I am proud to present the “STARS OF THE MONTH – 2011”. These are students,
women and men who achieved success, and faithful to their spirit that inspired many. It
is often said that personal desires are endless but when one gets fulfilled for the betterment of others…it is priceless.
Here they are: from Top to Bottom…..
“In spite of continued global instability,
Canada’s economy has performed well,
compared to other countries. And our
country is more confident and more united
than ever.
“Our Government will keep working hard
to create jobs and growth. And we will keep
promoting the things that unite us as
Canadians. This holiday season let us
remember those who are less fortunate.
Let us honour our men and women in
uniform. And let us give thanks for our
great country, Canada.
“From Laureen, Ben, Rachel and me, to
your family, Merry Christmas, Happy
Hanukah and all the best for the holiday
season and for the year to come.”
Servicio Filipino
p Internationale
“The Stars will shine upon us –
Peace on earth and goodwill to mankind”
Tess Meneses – an active community leader and past president of Abranian Association. Proud mother of two daughters, a Nurse and a Bank Manager, and only son, a
computer analyst. Husband is Jess Meneses,
Anita Sanchez – an Architect by profession, and worked at Ontario Hydro for many
years. Two daughters, both government employees.
Ligaya Dulce - currently employed at Canadian National Institute for the Blind
(CNIB). Two daughters, Mariel and Leanne. Husband is Antonio.
Adela Agustin – President of Alcalanians Organization. Her only daughter is a biologist and her son is computer analyst. Married to Conrad.
Noemi Andaya – a professional Hairdresser instructor. Her only son is a computer
manager. Proud grandmother of two granddaughters and two grandsons.
Edwin Corton – President and CEO of Eaufilaire Quality Inc., Associate Pastor for
Ethnic Ministry of Dominion Chalmers United Church. Married to charming Theody.
Leoncia Guaio – a hardworking mother of two sons, and an independent distributor
of water filter.
Christina Manalastas – a Grade 10 student; hopefully will pursue a career in singing
or acting. An excellent vocalist.
Alex Guiam - Editorial Editor of their School newspaper. A straight A student . Will
either enroll at Austin State University or Dallas State University to pursue a career
in Law and Economics. Parents are Fraulein and Ronnie. Brothers are Myles and
Quinton.
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree”
– Roy L. Smith
10
Call us now at
(416) 266-3838 or
(416) 264-7676
Fax (416) 265-3939
And look for
Marissa Corpus (UP Graduate)
65 Elfreda Blvd.,
Toronto ON M1L 4L5
Email: mbcimmigration@yahoo.ca
> Want to sponsor / help a relative?
> Visitor needing an employer?
> Need a new employer?
> Any immigration problems?
> Caregiver sponsorship available
NARIRITO PARA
TUMULONG SA INYO!
10 YEARS HELPING OUR
KABABAYANS
Manila: Please call Rubie Tupas at Tel: (632) 830-0573
Fax: (632) 830-0547. Suite 821 Cityland Herrera Towers,
#98 Herrera Corner Valero Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City
Email: mbbcons@nsclub.net
Member: Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC)
"Full Member" M041454
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year
To All Our Kababayan!!!
from
Mr. Rafael ‘Paeng’ Nebres
General Manager
Action HONDA
4334 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, ON
(South of Lawrence Ave. East)
Tel. No. 416-281-1234
Pls. call: Virgie Gagne
Cecille Araneta
Mon Datol
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
- 416-409-7967
- 647-409-4445
- 647-508-7844
11
Philippine Courier
Global News
Pope urges faithful to look beyond Christmas ‘glitter’
VATICAN CITY (December 25, 2011) — Pope
Benedict XVI decried the increasing commercialization
of Christmas as he celebrated
Christmas Eve Mass on Saturday night, urging the faithful
to look beyond the holiday’s
“superficial glitter” to discover
its true meaning.
Benedict presided over the
service in a packed St. Peter’s
Basilica, kicking off an intense two weeks of Christmasrelated public appearances that
will test the 84-year-old pontiff’s stamina amid signs that
fatigue is starting to slow him
down.
The Christmas Eve Mass
was moved up to 10 p.m. from
midnight several years ago
to spare the pope a late night
that is followed by an important Christmas Day speech.
In a new concession this year,
Benedict processed down the
basilica’s central aisle on a
moving platform to spare him
the long walk.
Benedict appeared to hold
up well during the Mass despite the late hour and a dry
cough that interrupted his
homily.
In his homily, Benedict lamented that Christmas has become an increasingly commercial celebration that obscures
the simplicity of the message
of Christ’s birth.
“Let us ask the Lord to help
us see through the superficial
glitter of this season, and to
discover behind it the child in
the stable in Bethlehem, so as
to find true joy and true light,”
he said.
It was the second time in
as many days that Benedict
has pointed to the need to rediscover faith to confront the
problems facing the world today. In his end-of-year meeting with Vatican officials on
Thursday, Benedict said Europe’s financial crisis was
largely “based on the ethical
crisis looming over the Old
Continent.”
Benedict officially kicked
off Christmas a few hours before the evening Mass, lighting a candle in his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s
Square in a sign of peace, as
crowds gathered to witness
the unveiling of the Vatican’s
larger-than-life sized nativity
scene.
Security was tight for the
evening Mass, as it has been
in recent years. There was no
word of any repeat of the 2008
and 2009 Christmas Eve security breaches, in which a woman with a history of psychiatric
problems and wearing a telltale red sweat shirt jumped the
wooden security barrier along
the basilica’s central aisle and
lunged for the pope.
Pope Benedict XVI holds the book of the gospels as he leads the Christmas
mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.
In 2008, the pope’s security
detail blocked her from getting
to Benedict. But in 2009, she
managed to grab Benedict’s
vestments and pulled him to
the ground. The pope was unhurt and continued along with
the service, but a French cardinal who was nearby fell and
broke his hip.
On Sunday, Benedict will
deliver his traditional “Urbi
et Orbi” speech, Latin for “to
the city and the world,” from
the central loggia of St. Peter’s
overlooking the piazza. Usually, the speech is a survey of
sorts of the hardships and wars
confronting humanity. He’s
also due to deliver Christmas
greetings in dozens of languages.
Next weekend, he’ll preside over a New Year’s Eve
vespers service, followed by
a New Year’s Day Mass. A
few days later he’ll celebrate
Epiphany Mass followed by
his traditional baptizing of babies in the Vatican’s frescoed
Sistine Chapel. – (MAX ROSSI/REUTERS - Nicole Winfield /Associated Press)
Kim Jong Il’s son called ‘supreme leader’
PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA
— North Korea hailed Kim Jong Il’s
son as “supreme leader” of the 1.2-million strong military, ramping up its
campaign to install the young man as
the nation’s next leader even as millions continue mourning the father a
week after his death.
Kim Jong Un made a third visit Saturday to the palace where his father’s
body is lying in state — this time as
“supreme leader of the revolutionary
armed forces” and accompanied by
North Korea’s top military brass, according to the official Korean Central
News Agency.
The new title and public show of
support from the military leadership
sent a strong signal that the nation will
maintain Kim Jong Il’s “military first”
policy for the time being.
Earlier Saturday, the newspaper
Rodong Sinmun, mouthpiece of the
ruling Workers’ Party, urged Kim Jong
Un to accept the top military post:
“Comrade Kim Jong Un, please assume the supreme commandership, as
wished by the people.”
Kim Jong Un, who is in his late 20s
and was unveiled in September 2010
as his father’s choice as successor, will
be the third-generation Kim to rule
12
the nation of 24 million. His father
and grandfather led the country under
different titles, and it remains unclear
which other titles will be bestowed on
the grandson.
Kim Il Sung, who founded North Korea in 1948, retains the title of “eternal
president” even after his death in 1994.
Son Kim Jong Il ruled as chairman of
the National Defence Commission, supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army and general secretary of the
Workers’ Party.
Kim Jong Un was promoted to fourstar general and appointed a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party. He had been
expected to assume a number of other
key posts while being groomed to succeed his father.
His father’s death comes at a sensitive time for North Korea, which was
in the middle of discussions with the
U.S. on food aid and restarting talks to
dismantle the North’s nuclear weapons
program. Chronically short of food
and suffering from a shortfall in basic
staples after several harsh seasons, officials had been asking for help feeding
its people even as North Koreans prepared for 2012 celebrations marking
Kim Il Sung’s 100th birthday.
At the tender age of 27, give or take a year or two, Kim Jong Un is poised to become the
world's youngest commander in chief. (Vincent Yu/AP Associated Press)
North Korea has emphasized the
Kim family legacy during the sped-up
succession movement for Kim Jong
Un. State media invoked Kim Il Sung
in declaring the people’s support for
the next leader, comparing the occasion to Kim Jong Il’s ascension to “supreme commander” exactly 20 years
ago Saturday.
At the Kumsusan Memorial Palace,
Kim Jong Un and senior command-
ers paid silent tribute to Kim Jong Il,
“praying for his immortality,” KCNA
said. The military also pledged its loyalty to Kim Jong Un, the report said.
“Let the whole army remain true to
the leadership of Kim Jong Un over
the army,” KCNA reported — a pledge
reminiscent of those made when Kim
Jong Il was named supreme commander.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Business
Edited by: Miguel Caducio
2011 Business Yearender:
Phl economy struggles amid crisis in major economies
MANILA, Philippines (December 25,
2011) - The Philippine economy struggled under the weight of weak public
spending and the crises – financial and
natural – in the world’s major economies,
but has remained resilient in the first full
year of the Aquino administration.
According to latest economic data, the
Philippine economy, as measured by the
gross domestic product (GDP), grew by
only 3.2 percent in the third quarter of
the year, noticeably far behind the 7.3
percent third-quarter growth recorded in
the same period last year.
The third-quarter figure brought the
January to September economic growth
at 3.6 percent, still below the target for
the full year of 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent.
Even the aspirational target of seven
percent to eight percent earlier set by
the government has been abandoned for
months now and private analysts believe
that growth would barely hit even just
the low end of the official forecast range
of 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent.
Still, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said GDP
may still grow by five percent and even
by 5.5 percent this year, which is the upper end of the forecast range.
“We still have a good chance of meeting the upper end of the projection,” he
said in a yearend briefing last week.
Estimates from the National Economic
and Development Authority (NEDA)
showed that the economy in the fourth
quarter of the year has to expand by 7.8
percent for full-year growth to hit 5.5
percent.
Paderanga said that the government
has confidence in its “spending catch up
plan.” Under-spending has been largely
blamed for the lackluster growth this
year as the Aquino government tightened disbursements in favor of prudent
spending and as part of its fight against
corruption.
President Aquino presented a Tuwidna-Daan governance framework. He
promised to rid the bureaucracy of red
tape and corruption. As a result, stateowned agencies have had to be more
careful in dealing and releasing funds.
“We’re hoping our catch-up program
has finally become on track,” Paderanga
said.
Bank loans up P2.6T in October
MANILA - Ignoring a possible
spillover of the euro zone crisis into
the Philippines, bank loans grew 22
per cent to P2.6 trillion in October
after recording an increase of 21.7
percent in the previous month.
"Robust credit growth should help
buoy up the domestic economy in
the midst of ongoing external headwinds," Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Gov. Amando Tetangco said.
This is the 10th month in a row
that bank lending grew by doubledigits. Close to 85 per cent of bank
loans went to production. Loans
for the sector grew 23.1 percent in
October from 22.9 percent a month
earlier.
Growth in consumer loans likewise accelerated to 20.2 percent
from 17.9 percent in September, reflecting the rapid growth in lending
across all types of household loans,
Tetangco said.
BSP said the expansion in production loans was driven primarily by
increased lending to manufacturing
(which grew 30.6 percent); real estate, renting and business services
(26.1 percent); electricity, gas and
water (51.0 percent); wholesale and
retail trade (31.6 percent); financial
intermediation (25.9 percent); transportation, storage and communication (30.9 percent); and construction
(24.0 percent).
Loans to mining and quarrying
nearly doubled in October from a
year ago, sustaining the three-digit
growth rate since May 2011.
Meanwhile, declines were observed in lending to three production
sectors, namely, education (-10.2
percent), agriculture, hunting and
forestry (-6.0 percent), and health
and social work (-5.7 percent).
Tetangco also said that the BSP
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
will continue to monitor economic
developments, especially liquidity
expansion, to ensure that the monetary policy stance also remains supportive of domestic economic activity consistent with the price stability
objective.
Bank of the Philippine Islands and
Banco de Oro earlier said that bank
lending will continue to be robust
next year as they expect double-digit
growth in their own lending portfolio despite possible headwinds.
Aurelio Montinola, BPI president,
said the bank’s lending will grow 15
percent next year and be affected by
the "slowdown in consumer loans,
particularly auto loans."
Year-to-date, Montinola said, the
bank’s corporate sector loan growth
has continued to be strong with the
following growth rates: top-tier corporations, 24 percent; middle market, 30 percent; small and medium
enterprises, 20 percent, while the
consumer loan growth was modest
at 11 percent.
The bank’s loan to deposit ratio
thus improved from 56 percent to
66 percent with the peso component
now at 75 percent from 64 percent.
Nestor Tan, BDO president, said
the bank is positive that its "loan
portfolio will be as stable as this
year’s growth on the back of good
middle market response and big
ticket items."
Tan said the biggest driver of loan
growth will be consumer loans as the
improvement in the gross national
product will yield more demand.
BDO said lending operations
posted above-industry growth rates,
with gross customer loans increasing 24 percent to P620.8 billion as
of end-September, faster than the 19
percent average rate for the industry.
In October, the government announced
a P72-billion Disbursement Acceleration
Package, or what it calls a stimulus program. However, Paderanga said underspending isn’t all to be blamed.
He said there are also global uncertainties such as the financial woes in the
United States and the debt crisis in the
eurozone that also affected the economic
environment. These risks may continue
throughout next year, he said.
“The downside risks are the evolving
global environment,” he said, referring
to the financial woes in the United States
and the eurozone.
He also that the impact of the tsunami
in Japan lingered longer than expected
and made worst by the recent floods in
Thailand. These disasters affected the
country’s export growth.
“As you know, the country’s growth
in 2011 was affected by the global economic slowdown amid uncertainties in
Europe, continuing weakness of the US
economy and disasters in Japan, which
led to weak exports. On the local front,
growth was weakened by the contraction in the construction sector, which
was pulled down by lower government
spending, given the process improvements and project reviews for public
construction projects,” Paderanga said.
Latest data showed that on the supply-side, the services sector remained
the largest contributor to growth in the
first three quarters of the year with a 4.7
growth. Similarly, agriculture production also improved despite the typhoons
in the third quarter of the year.
However, the industry sector decelerated to 1.4 percent, dragged by a decline
in construction and utilities. Total exports declined 3.7 percent due to supply
chain disruptions.
For 2012, Paderanga said the economy
is expected to hit the five percent to six
percent target for next year.
He hopes that there would be improvement in the external environment and
that the spending would improve significantly. “We would like to see some
pleasant events,” he said.
In terms of policy directions, Paderanga said the government would be
stimulating domestic consumption while
safeguarding price stability.
Electronics rose 4.6% month on month in Oct.
6th straight month of decline for exports
Philippine exports in October
fell 14.6 percent as
electronic shipments, which
dominate exports,
contracted 36.5 percent from
October 2010.
MANILA - Philippine exports in October fell 14.6 percent to $4.09 billion from
$4.79 billion a year ago, a sixth straight fall
that added to concerns that economic growth
may miss the government’s target for 2011.
Electronics shipments, which dominate
exports at $1.9 billion, contracted 36.5 percent from a year earlier, the statistics office
said Tuesday. Compared with the previous
month, however, electronics was up 4.6 percent.
Exports account for about two-fifths of
the country’s GDP based on expenditure
terms. Electronics made up 46.4 percent of
October export revenues.
Exports to Japan, the country’s top export
destination in the month, rose 8.6 percent in
October from a year earlier. Shipments to the
United States, the second-biggest market,
were down 12.8 percent from a year earlier.
Exports to China, the third-biggest market,
fell 0.8 percent from a year ago.
Exports to Eastern Asia—the top export
destination by economic bloc accounting for
49.5 percent of total shipments—rose 1.8
percent from a year earlier. Southeast Asia
and the European Union were the second
and third top economic blocs.
Exports in January to October were down
4.3 percent from a year ago.
Eugene Leow, economist at DBS in Singapore, said: “The (month-on-month) improvement in electronics exports can probably be attributed to restocking and seasonal
factors going into the end of the year. How-
ever, the final demand outlook in the coming
quarters still look decidedly weak. Exports,
which dragged heavily on growth in 2011,
will continue to face headwind in 2012.”
Jun Neri, economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, added: “If you remove electronics, we are seeing more than 20-percent
growth, which is quite encouraging. The
problem is down the road if Europe does enter a recession even the non-electronics component might weaken. I suppose this might
cause some upward pressure on the currency
market especially after the seasonal inflows
of remittances start to slow down in early
next year. We anticipate that if neither of
those two items—exports of electronics and
non-electronics show a remarkable rebound,
the pressure will be on the currency.
He said other non-traditional markets like
Africa and even intra-Asia have been able to
take up to some extent some of slack that
was left by Europe and the US, “but whether
it will be enough to compensate for traditional destinations is a big question mark.
“We are hoping that monetary and fiscal
authorities will come up with quick mitigating solutions to counter these external developments,” Neri said.
Radhika Rao, economist at Forecast Pte
in Singapore, said shipments picked pace in
real terms on bunched-up holiday demand
and probably some replacement demand
spilling over from affected Thai manufacturers.—Reuters
13
Philippine Courier
IT BUZZ
AROUND
By Miguel Caducio
PEOPLE want to bring their laptops
almost everywhere. But a full-sized
laptop is obviously a pain to carry
around with its size and weight, thus,
this gave birth to the rise of smaller,
lighter, and more portable models
called netbooks.
Though more convenient to put inside bags and more stylish to flaunt,
netbooks also have its downsides:
smaller keyboards, less memory capacity, and the lack of CD drives.
Still, in 2011, the netizens have
seen an outpouring of 11-inch versions
flooding the market as brands battled
for smaller yet more capable netbooks.
So for those on the lookout of owning one this Christmas season, here
are some of the best 11-inch netbooks
available in the local market today.
Sony VAIO Y
The 11.6-inch VAIO Y series or the
VPCYB35AG is undoubtedly a standout for Sony VAIO in 2011. Launched
in September, the 11.6-inch VAIO Y
series features a high-resolution screen
and AMD Dual-Core E-450 processor.
"This PC is more powerful than any
netbook in the market, with its AMD
Dual-Core E-450 Processor," explained Jhoey Benedicto, Sony Philippines Product Marketing Manager for
VAIO.
"This VISION Technology from
14
Smaller doesn’t mean less powerful
AMD offers an incredibly vivid and
smooth HD experience, including
comfortable full HD video playback
and faster HD streaming," she added.
The 11.60-inch VAIO Y is lightweight, weighing only about 1.46 kg
and has an isolated-style keyboard for
easier typing.
The VAIO Y series is equipped with
an HDMI output to enjoy viewing HD
contents on a larger screen as well.
Ladies can opt for the netbook’s
pink and green model, while men can
choose the black and silver color.
The 11.6-inch VAIO Y series is
available at Sony stores at P26,999.
Lenovo Thinkpad EDGE E120
Lenovo took it more to the edge
when it introduced its Thinkpad EDGE
E120 in the country in 2011 as the latest addition to its growing Thinkpad
Edge series family.
The 11.6-inch Thinkpad EDGE
E120 is a netbook standout from
Lenovo because of its comfortable,
full-size, and spill resistant keyboard
with the trackpoint which Lenovo’s
Thinkpad family is known for.
The netbook comes with a new feature which automatically retrieves system updates and a Password Manager
software for easier password management and better computer security.
It also has a multitouch touchpad
for easy one-or-two-finger zooming,
rotating, and scrolling, and comes
with an HD screen which is glossy and
scratch resistant.
Running on second generation Intel Core i3, the Thinkpad EDGE E120
delivers superior user performance
and good graphics quality which will
make it a good buy for the holiday
season.
The Thinkpad EDGE E120 comes
in various shades of red and black color and is available on Lenovo outlets
at P29,990.
Samsung Series 9
Samsung Series 9 or the 900X1AA01US stands out among its competition with its elegant look. It might
look simple on the outside but it’s
definitely packed with powerful features inside.
This 11.6-inch offering from Samsung is perfect for those who use their
netbooks more for entertainment, like
watching HD movies and playing
games, than for business purposes.
Samsung’s 11.6-inch Series 9
comes with a HD LED-backlit antiglare display which allows viewing
in direct sunlight without reflections,
and a backlit keyboard for typing in
the dark.
The netbook is powered by Intel
Core i3 Processor and boasts of a 64
GB solid state drive for the users ultimate storage satisfaction.
It is available in black color, and is
priced at P46, 500 on Samsung outlets.
MacBook Air
Apple’s MacBook Air is probably
the most expensive 11-inch netbook
you can find in the market, but it sure
compensates well for its price.
Coming from the makers who
brought us the world-renowned iMac
and iPhone, the MacBook Air surely
did not let the Apple brand down.
The 11-inch MacBook Air runs on
an ultra-fast dual-core Intel core i5
processor for supreme computing performance.
Despite being slim and weighing
only about 2.4 pounds, the MacBook
Air features a full-size keyboard to
make typing even more comfortable.
And to make things even better, the
MacBook Air’s keyboard is backlit so
there will be no problem for typing
under low lights and dark places.
The 11-inch MacBook Air with a
2GB memory is priced at P49,990 on
Power Mac outlets.
So if you’re on a tight budget this
holidays, the MacBook Air might not
be the one for you. But if you’re looking for unrivaled portability and performance that come at a high price,
then Apple’s 11-inch offering is perfect for you. – (Ref: RICHMOND S.
MERCURIO)
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
ConGen Chan appeals to Fil-Cans
to join the dual citizenship program
By Manuel Papa
TORONTO - Philippine Consul General Pedro O. Chan appeals to the officers, members, and guests during the
Christmas Party and get-together of
the Bicol Canada Community Association (BCCA) December 11, 2011 at
the Quiapo, Quiapo Restaurant and to
participate in the government’s campaign on the absentee voting and the
dual citizenship law.
Chan encouraged the Filipinos overseas to register in the dual citizenships
program to have a say in electing the
men and women who will draft the future of Philippines.
The Filipino diplomat, who was
introduced
by
BCCA president
Rafael
Nebres,
cited the advantages of having
dual citizenships
specifically
in
buying and owning real properties
in the Philippines.
He also encouraged the Filipino-Canadians in
Toronto and other
parts of Ontario
to join the tour
group he is heading which will be
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
going to the Philippines in January 11
and 12, 2012.
Chan said those who are interested
are requested to contact Ms. Rosemer
Enverga, the hardworking marketing
consultant of GMA TV Kapuso in Toronto. Her contact numbers are Tel.
416 - 284 -2810 and 416- 284 - 9299.
The Bicolano shindig was attended
by Bicolanos coming from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon,
and Masbate. - (St. Jamestown News
Services)
Statement by the Liberal Party on the Floods in the Philippines:
TORONTO and SYDNEY, N.S— Liberal Leader Bob Rae made the following statement today on the flooding in the Philippines:
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the people of the Philippines who
have been affected by the ongoing flash floods and landslides. We commend
the continued efforts of the emergency workers who are working tirelessly
to help rescue those who are missing, and to secure the damaged areas.”
Liberal Critic for International Cooperation Mark Eyking added:
“Canada must do what it can to help out the relief efforts in the Philippines.
Both the United States and China have come forward to offer their support.
The Liberal Party calls on the Government of Canada to engage with the
diaspora community here in Canada and match dollar-for-dollar what the
community raises to help their families and friends in the Philippines.”
15
Philippine Courier
Entertainment
Edited by: Ross D. Tierra
Mega 2012: New Network, Projects and Concerts!
Sharon Cuneta Is Back and Better than Ever!
By: Pamela Reyes
TORONTO - The end of 2011 brought about
some new and exciting changes for Megastar
Sharon Cuneta. She made a move to different
network, has a number of shows and movies in
the works for 2012, and a set of concerts lined up
abroad for her loyal Sharonians.
These changes came as a surprise to everyone in
the industry, but it has all been welcomed with
enthusiasm and anticipation.
Sharon Cuneta is now a certified Kapatid and
her fans are eagerly waiting to see what she will
be offering with TV5. Without a doubt, next year
will definitely be a busy one for one of the most
famous showbiz personalities of the Philippines.
TV5 will give Sharon her own talk show, reality
program, and much anticipated reunion movie
with her 80’s loveteam, Gabby Concepcion. Sharon has been an icon in the industry for more
than 30 years, and the move to TV5 is a sign of a
fresh and newly inspired Megastar.
Along with a brand new network and the endless
opportunities that come along with it, are a slew
of concerts set up for her fans abroad. Sharon
will be singing all her chart topping hits that her
fans love. She is set to take the stage in Toronto
for a one night only concert at Massey Hall on
June 9, 2012.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of
an intimate and personal show with the Megastar
and top musical director Louie Ocampo. There is
also a surprise guest. Who knows, maybe Gabby
Concepcion will make an appearance? To be a
part of one of the major changes in Sharon’s life,
don’t forget to purchase your tickets to Sharon
Cuneta’s 2012 Live in Toronto concert.
For ticket inquiries please call the Massey Hall
Box office at 416-872-4255 or Ticketmaster at
416-870-8000 or visit www.royalmarkcanada.
com.
Shining sweethearts!
TORONTO – Fast-rising young singing stars
Martina Ortiz-Luis, Alyssa Datu and Edessa
Andrada delivered a fantastic performance December 16, 2011 at the full-packed Grand Baccus Banquet Hall in Scarborough in a ‘Christmas Special’ produced by P&O Productions for
the benefits of ‘Bantay-Bata’ Foundation in the
Philippines.
Ten-year-old
Martina,
11-year-old Alyssa and
12-year-old
Edessa
showcased their respective pieces to near perfection to the delight and
amazement of the very
receptive audience which
applauded to every piece
the three young performers did.
16
“This is one astounding concert of many more
to come for our three lovely and talented young
stars!” quipped Jennifer Sy.
“Kudos to the musical director Harold Gutierrez, production manager and director Belinda
Reyes but most especially to the producers Paul
and Ophelia Valdez for this worthy cause. Our
hats are off for a job well done! We need you
back next year to begin an exciting year filled
with new challenges, bigger achievements and
outstanding camaraderie,” noted Elsie Altamirano, BA EPC - Millenium Financial Services.
A cheque in the amount of $2,500.00 was handed by the producers Paul and Ophelia Valdez to
Rosary Escano, Regional Marketing Specialist
of TFC Canada ABS-CBN to be given to “Bantay Bata” Foundation in the Philippines.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
17
Philippine Courier
Josie de Leon opens Music School
Scarborough, Ontario - The Josie de Leon School
of Performing Arts ribbon cutting ceremony and
“Student Showcase” held on this town east of
downtown Toronto December 17th was such a
delight to watch.
Held at their Scarborough location, the second of
the initial two music centers, the ribbon cutting
ceremony was headed by Ms. Josie de Leon and
husband, Mark Crescini with honorary guests
that included Ms. Marilen Patricio, Mr. Eugene
Habon , Mr. Henry Lee and Cultural Attache of
the Philippine Consulate Ms. Janet Hizon.
The simple ribbon cutting rite was then followed
by a “Student Showcase.” The program started
with video-taped congratulatory messages from
Josie’s long time friends in the music industry
like Mon David, Nyoy Volante, Arthur Manuntag, Jackie Cayuca-Loyzaga , Leander Mendoza
and Vernie Varga, to name a few .
Miss de Leon welcomed and thanked everyone, especially expressing her own experience
of having trained at the Center for Pop Music
Philippines and how important it is to have the
proper training to be a better performer . She
proved that with a powerful vocal number , “Orange Coloured Sky” that displayed her class and
fluidity .
Wonderful song
numbers including
Christmas
tunes from students
Minay
Aleron , Glenn
Sevillo, Jocelyn
Cinco, Joy Vale,
the Starlites (
Bhea, Bella and
Lourds Adao ),
Jessica Mica Ambat and Nicole
Ramos
entertained the full audience that night.
“ I have always
been a fan of Josie and I love to sing but knew
I lack training and confidence , so when she
put up the school, I had to find a way to go to
Toronto and enroll “ says Minay Aleron , a student from Maryland who was one of the students that performed that night.
Miss de Leon ended the night with a beautiful
message to her students that she will always be
there to help them and to never give up
on their dreams, she led the group with
their finale song “Ain’t no Mountain
High Enough.”
The Josie de Leon School of Performing Arts ( JDLSPA) has officially
opened in Scarborough and Mississauga and it is indeed a great training
ground for any aspiring performer of
any age.
Congratulations Miss Josie de Leon!
Inah Patrizia’s show sizzles!
Toronto – Proving to all and sundry that she could
now fly free and alone on stage, 17 year-old Inah Patrizia Canlapan soared high and left the mesmerized
full-packed crowd in awe for almost two hours as she
breezed through the timeline of musical excellence
and returned at the grand Pope John Paull II Polish
Cultural Centre guided by the deafening applause of
the audience which could not stop praising the new
star of Toronto’s music scene.
“She’s so good! She’s changed a lot. Her repertoire
of songs really complemented the audience’s mood.
What a performance,” noted EDCILLE Productions’
Eduard Que and Cecille Araneta, who together with
journalists Miguel Caducio, Tenny Soriano, Myrna
Soriano, Gie & Ace Alvarez and Drs. Solon, Josephine and children Angelina & Annemarie Princess
Guzman watched the show from start to finish and
gave an A-1 review.
Produced by Starworx Media and directed by Rei Ching with Butch Miraflor as musical director, the ‘It’s
About Time’ Inah Patrizia major solo concert really
lived up to its billing of showcasing the bests of Inah
whose opening medley of ‘My life Would Suck Without you’ and ‘It’s My life’ ignited the fire on house.
Inah’s ‘Rock & Roll Medley’ followed by medleys
of Rey Valera, Manila Sounds and the Telecines’ further rocked the grand hall. Special guest svelte singer
Josie de Leon rendition’s of ‘Ikaw’ and as duet with
Michael Masangkay gave the show a notch higher.
Other Inah’s guests were Lia Luz, Martina Ortiz-Luis,
Glenn Sevillo and kin Mikael & JR Canlapan. Emceed by Chris Zoleta with support from Margie Bueno , Belinda Reyes & Chatty Bautista. Here are some
photos of the show thru the lenses of TPC’s Miguel
Caducio.
18
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
19
Philippine Courier
20
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
21
Philippine Courier
22
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Imee Solomon is ‘1st Anghel ng Tahanan Canada 2011’ winner
TORONTO – Using her vast experience on stage and her wit and smartness to the fullest, Imee Solomon captivated the huge crowd and the judges
to capture the ‘1st Anghel ng Tahanan
Canada 2011’ title December 3, 2011
at the spacious Korean Cultural Centre,
1133 Leslie St., Toronto, Ontario.
Solomon, a curvaceous native of Dagohoy, Bohol in the Philippines who is
at present a live-in caregiver at North
York, Ontario, got the nods of the panel
of judges after scoring consistently on
all the criteria set by the producers The
Philippine Courier-EDCILLE Productions particularly in the Question and
Answer Portion, Talent Competition
and the Best in Gown contest.
Vangie Agpawa, also a live-in caregiver in Mississauga, was adjudged
first runner-up aside from capturing the
Best in Gown competition, while Sheryl dela Pena was picked as the 2nd
runner up, who also won the Miss Talent award and chosen by the 11 Finalists as the Miss Friendship of the event.
Aside from the queenly crown donated and awarded by head judge Erena
Garcia, Miss Solomon also received
$500 cash donated and awarded by
Ms. Lilibeth Bobila and her son, World
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
COPA 2011 SingingChampion, Gian
Carlo Boliba, a Round-Trip-Ticket to
the Philippines donated and awarded
by ASAP Travel owner Ms. Carol David-Belle, a huge trophy donated by
WFG VP Agnes Miranda represented
by Dennis Williams, bouquet of flowers from Ms. Tess Cusipag, publisher
of BALITA newspaper and a sash donated by NYEN Salon.
First runner-up Vangie Agapawa also
received a crown from Erena Garcia,
$300 Cash from Dr. Francisco Portugal, trophy from WFG, Gift Certificates from Dr. Belle Tumbokon, Nancy
delos Santos of FLAWLESS, Rosemer
Enverga of GMA7 and OMG, Chat
Bautista of Studio Six, bouquet of
flowers from Ms. Tess Cusipag and a
sash from NYREN Salon.
Second runner-up Miss Sheryl dela
Pena also receive a crown from Ms.
Garcia, $200 cash from Mr. Rafael Nebres, gift certificates from Joe
Ocampo of STUDIO75, Josie de Leon
of JDL School of Performing Arts,
Linda Wong of 5LINX, June Javier of
HelbaLIFE, ICS Staffing.
Ms. Josephine Orpiano, meanwhile, received the Special Award trophy donated by World Financial Group for Miss
Charity and a sash from NYREN Salon
and all the 11 finalists were also given
the Participants Trophy donated by the
WFG thru VP Ms. Agnes Miranda.
Hosts of the pageant were veteran Radio/TV personality and now publishereditor-in-chief of Toronto-based newspaper The Philippine Courier Mon
Datol and 2006 Binibining Pilipinas of
the World and 2009 Mutya ng Pilipinas
1st Runner-up Miss Samantha East,
also the only child of Toronto-based
couturier Diwata East.
The panel of judges was composed of
Erena Garcia, the first Filipino who
won the Miss Gay Universe Contests
held in Japan in the 70s; Dr. Franciso
Portugal; Dr. Belle Tumbokon, Ms.
Rosemer Enverga of GMA7 North
America Marketing; Ms. Lilibeth Bobila; BALITA Publisher Ms. Tess Cusipag, former Philippine movie child
actress Ms. Nancy delos Santos; Toronto’s Diva Josie de Leon; ACTION
Honda GM Rafael Nebres; ASAP
Travel owner Ms. Carol David-Bella;
Ms. Ruth Ronquillo of Royal Mark
Canada Productions; and, Ms. Linda
Wong of 5LINX.
The 11 finalists who survived the strict
and most comprehensive search f or
the ‘1st Anghel ng Tahanan Canada
2011’ were: (1) Juliet Joven; (2) Sheryl
dela Pena; (3) Josephine Orpiano; (4)
Alma Sabalburo; (5) Cheryl Martinez;
(6) Analyn Cruz; (7) Maritess Loro;
(8) Cecille de Guzman; (9) Marilyn
Labay; (10) Imee Solomon and (11)
Vangie Agpawa.
Other sponsors of TPC-EDCILLE Productions include Manila Capital LTD;
Fiestahan Restaurant @ Fort Ilocandia; Sunrise Restaurant and Disco Bar
of Ricky and Lorie; Sampaguita Village Restaurant;Studio Six; TimeZone
and Prestige; Belle Orptical; ACTION
Honda; SHYAN Showcase Fashion
Online; TALIBA Newspaper; June
Javier, Independent Ditributor Helbal
Life; UMAC & FOREX; 5LINX; ARBONNE International; A&K Filipino
Store; Ontario Health Care Academy;
NYREN Salon and Dr. Nestor Bobila
Dentistry Professional Corp.;
Registration for the ‘2nd Anghel ng
Tahanan Canada 2012’ starts January
2012 and interested Filipino Caregivers could call Cecille Araneta @
647-409-4445; Mon Datol @647-5887844; Erena Garcia @ 4516-222-1701
or Miguel Caducio @ 416-275-6093. –
(By MonD-Photos by Antonio Tecson,
Miguel Caducio and Ariel Ramos)
23
Philippine Courier
An Evening with the '1st Anghel ng Canada 2011' Winners
More photos on page 37
24
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Sports
Imposing season for Pinay golfer
MANILA, Philippines (December 20, 2011)
- Jayvie Agojo’s victory in the Hong Kong
Ladies Amateur Open, along with Sunshine
Baraquiel and Lovelynn Guioguio’s romps
abroad highlighted an impressive season for
the ICTSI golf squad that nearly hit the 50win mark in the year about to end.
Agojo, a former Philippine Ladies Open
champion, posted a three-shot win over Taiwan’s Peng Chieh in Hong Kong’s premier
amateur tournament and went on to complete
a rare double by claiming the Mid-Amateur
crown to herald her comeback from motherhood to big-time golf.
She also teamed up with Baraquiel and Chihiro Ikeda to annex the team crown in the Pacific Northwest Golf Association in Wyoming
with Baraquiel bagging the low medal honors.
Guioguio, on the other hand, won the Sarawak
Open plum that went along with her victories
in the DHL Open and the Samsung Open.
SPECTATOR
By Al Mendoza
(With slight alterations, the following
appeared originally at Manila StandardTODAY. Thank you for your continued patronage. Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year to all of you out there
in Canada.)
NOW you know why Giovani Segura
scored 11 knockouts in the first round: He
would barrel his way into enemy territory
right at the sound of the opening bell with
all guns ablaze.
He did that again on December 11 at the
Ynares Center in Pasig City. Alas, he was
unsuccessful.
Brian Viloria was prepared for the blitzkrieg, using an axe-like left hook with
chilling consistency to earn a much-deserved 8th-round
TKO win over the Mexican monikered
“The Aztec Warrior.”
Showing no signs of intimidation in
view of Segura’s impressive 28-1-1, winloss-draw record, with 24 knockouts, the
Narvacan, Ilocos Sur-born Viloria fought
with ferocious focus on a lethal left hook
that would soon transform the Mexican’s
face into a grotesque ET prototype.
Referee Samuel Viruet of New York,
seeing Segura’s right face and eye swollen
bizarrely that even the Mexican’s right ear
had now appeared like a rabbit’s, halted
the fight just seconds into the eighth round
when Viloria staggered Segura with yet another telling left hook.
The victory, Viloria’s 17th KO win for
a 30-3 mark, validated Brian’s grip of the
WBO world flyweight crown (112 lb) that
he captured from Julius Cesar Miranda, another Mexican, only last July.
Here’s a glass to Viloria, the famed “Hawaiian Punch,” for a job well done.
I believe Viloria will reign for long, given his talent.
********
I am glad that this early, the National Golf Association of the Philippines
(NGAP) headed by my primo, Larry Mendoza, has earmarked Feb. 7-12 as next
year’s date of staging the Philippine Open
at Wack Wack.
Sponsored by Ricky Razon’s ICTSI, the
Open, Asia’s oldest professional golf event
that was born in 1913, will stake $300,000
as part again of the Asian Tour with the
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
DOUBLE V: Jayvie Agojo holds her trophies after
scoring a twin victory in the Hong Kong Ladies
Amateur Open, winning the Open and Mid-Amateur
division titles.
“We had a breakthrough year for Jayvie, Sunshine and Lovelynn, all winning their first international events as members of the team,”
said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez. “Overall,
it was another good year for the team although
there were a number of near misses.”
Edited by: Laurence Tierra
Kobe’s wife files for divorce
ORANGE, California-AP- (December
17, 2011) —Basketball star Kobe Bryant’s wife, who stood by her husband
when he was charged with sexual assault in 2003, filed for divorce on Friday from the Los Angeles Lakers star,
citing irreconcilable differences after a
decade of marriage.
Vanessa Bryant signed the papers on
Dec. 1. Kobe Bryant signed his response on Dec. 7 and it was filed Friday, documents revealed.
“The Bryants have resolved all issues
incident to their divorce privately with
the assistance of counsel and a judgment dissolving their marital status
will be entered in 2012,” according to
a statement from a representative for
the couple.
In the filing, Vanessa Bryant asked for
joint legal and physical custody of the
couple’s two daughters, Natalia, 8, and
Gianna, 5. Kobe Bryant asked for the
same in his response. Vanessa also requested spousal support.
Bryant met his future wife in 1999 on a
music video shoot when Vanessa Laine
was 18 years old. Six months later, she
and the then 21-year-old Bryant became engaged. They married on April
18, 2001.
The Bryants have been through trying
times together. Vanessa appeared at
a news conference with her husband
when he was charged with sexually
assaulting a 19-year-old woman who
worked at the exclusive Lodge & Spa
at Cordillera near Vail, Colorado, in
2003. She held his hand and stroked it
tenderly as the NBA star admitted he
was guilty of adultery—but nothing
else.
Viloria’s recent TKO win validates his second
coming in the beak-busting business
NGAP as the co-sanctioning body.
Matters had been simplified when the
Asian Tour officials headed by Kyi La Han
gave NGAP $20,000 to sort of “buy the
right” to manage the staging of the ICTSI
Philippine Open.
That would free the NGAP of any Openrelated headache that may arise before,
during and even after the tournament.
If you ask me, fair enough.
**********
THE just-ended 62nd Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament in Baguio City’s
Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay
produced incidents both bad and beautiful, triggering lessons to be used when the
Tournament Committee assesses its directions for next year’s edition of the fabled
event.
“Definitely, our lessons this year ought
to give us durable directions when we chart
the 63rd Fil-Am golf next year,” said Shin
Paul Chan, who was finally given a free
rein as the event’s Tournament cochairman this year with Steve McDonald of
John Hay upon the imprimatur of Baguio
Country Club general manager Anthony
de Leon. “That’s why we are always dynamic because we are willing to reinvent
ourselves in keeping with the legacy of the
Fil-Am as a world-beater.”
No sooner than the tournament’s last
putt was dropped on Saturday that Committee members Shean Bedi, Ely Lagman,
Freddie Mendoza and Atty. Luis “Louie”
Sison resolved to hold an assessment in a
bid to further improve the running of the
tournament, the world’s biggest on the
planet according to the Guinness Book of
World Record.
Indeed, among perfectionists, quality
has no price.
Go for it, fellers!
********
‘Humble Riches’ robbed of victory
worth P1.5 million in horseracing
I thought horseracing rules were as fair
as ever.
But how come the result in the Philracom Juvenile Championship on December
11 was shrouded in mystery, if not bathed
in scandal?
“Humble Riches” had clearly won that
race.
Yet, barely five minutes after “Humble
Riches” had crossed the finish line first,
“bayang karerista” was thrown in turmoil.
“Humble Riches” was dropped from
first to second, and “Hagdang Bato” elevated from second to first.
If that wasn’t racetrack robbery, then
Fr. Suarez’s miraculous healing power is a
fluke.
I have watched the tapes of the race
maybe a dozen times or more. I’d be as
blind as Andrea Bocelli, if not Stevie Wonder or even Jose Feliciano, if I say “Humble Riches” didn’t win it fair and square.
But grotesquely, not in the eyes of the
board of stewards of the Manila Jockey
Club, Inc. composed of Chairman Rogelio A. Tadiama and members Virgilio
M. Figueroa Jr. and Vicente Jesus C. Villanueva, who annulled “Humble Riches’”
victory based on the flimsiest of reasons:
“jostling.”
Bizarrely, a “telecom” conversation between one of the three stewards and the
jockeys of “Humble Riches” (Val Dilema)
and “Hagdang Bato”
(Jonathan Hernandez) became the chief
basis to make “Hagdang Bato” the winner.
At the stables after the jockeys had
brought their horses after the race, Hernandez received a call.
“What happened there?
Why the collision between you and
Dilema?” came the query from the steward.
Under the rules, it is customary for stewards to inquire if they feel something went
wrong during a race.
“Yes, if Dilema did not collide with me,
I would have won the race,” was Hernandez’s reply.
The steward next talked to Dilema, also
via “telecom,” and he asked the jockey,
“Why did you bump Hernandez?”
Dilema replied, “I did not intentionally
do it. If I did, I would have been thrown
off my mount and, maybe, my horse would
have suffered a spill as we were racing at
almost breakneck speed. His horse is much
bigger than mine.”
“Humble Riches” was at the homestretch turn in full throttle inside and “Hagdang Bato” was coming in from the outside. They collided a bit. But because they
were still a good 300 meters away from the
finish line, it could not, would not, have
caused the defeat of “Hagdang Bato.”
There was a bump, all right, but, surely,
“Humble Riches” was not guilty of “jostling.” The bump was clearly one of those
things that can’t be usually avoided in the
heat of a race.
After the “inquiry,” the decision dropping “Humble Riches”
from first to second came thundering
in the race track to the utter shock of the
crowd.
Simple logic would tell us Dilema could
not have committed “jostling” as the stewards had termed it.
To begin with, “Humble Riches” had
previously won all her seven races, certainly making her a certified genuine
champ. By depriving “Humble Riches”
of her much-deserved win in the Juvenile,
the two-year-old filly lost a perfect 8-0 start
since she first won on June 26, 2011 in the
Maiden Race.
In winning the Juvenile, “Humble
Riches” humbled all her five male rivals
owned by respected horse owners like
Hermie Esguerra, Jun Almeda, Sandy Javier (2 entries) and, yes, Mayor Benhur
Abalos (“Hagdang Bato”).
Kenneth Causon, the humble owner of
“Humble Riches,” has appealed the stewards’ decision and his prayer, through his
lawyer Edmundo R. Calo, is pending at the
office of Angel L. Castano Jr., the muchrespected chairman of the Philippine Racing Commission.
Not for anything, but I do miss the glory
days of horseracing when the late, lamented Leo Prieto was at the helm of things,
and Boss Danding Cojuangco was still
very much active in the industry. Unsullied almost was the reputation of everyone
in the business, including the late, likewise, lamented Rudy Salud (who would
become my beloved compadre), then the
legal counsel of MJCI.
The winner’s purse in the Juvenile is
P1.5 million but that’s almost immaterial
now as, humbly, “Humble Riches” won
P1.8 million in topping a previous race, the
Philtobo, on December 4.
Yes, it would have been nice to see
“Humble Riches” capture the Juvenile and
score a back-to-back million-peso victory,
which is a rarity in these trying times.
Alas, the stewards on December 11 had
other things in mind in deciding to deflect
a monumental feat. Unthinkable.
25
Philippine Courier
Pacquiao ignored…
Donaire, Viloria make 'All-ESPN' boxing
MANILA, Philippines (Philboxing.com)-- Two Filipino boxers
made it to the 2011 All-ESPN Boxing
Team, the list of boxers who had the
best year in their respective divisions
as voted on by ESPN boxing writers.
ESPN named Nonito "The Filipino
Flash" Donaire as the top fighter in the
bantamweight division, while Brian
"The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria was the
number 1 fighter in the flyweight division.
"Nonito Donaire blew up Fernando Montiel in a knockout of the year
candidate in February, and although
it wasn't nearly as spectacular, he was
just as dominant in October's unanimous decision victory against Omar
Narvaez," ESPN said.
"Brian Viloria outdueled Julio
Cesar Miranda for a flyweight title in
July, then defended it in perhaps his
most notable win to date: an eighthround TKO of former 108-pound
champ Giovani Segura in December,"
it added.
Donaire has decided to leave the
bantamweight division and will make
his debut at the junior featherweight
division on February 2012 against Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. Viloria, meanwhile,
plans to stay at flyweight.
Notably left out of the All-ESPN
boxing team is Filipino boxing icon
The Game
of My Life
Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, who routed Shane Mosley in his first match of
2011 last May, before salvaging a majority decision win against Mexican
rival Juan Manuel Marquez in November.
Instead, ESPN named undefeated
American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.
as its top boxer for the welterweight
division.
"Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought just
once in 2011, and although the outcome was semi-controversial, it was
absolute: In September, Mayweather
delivered a merciless knockout of Victor Ortiz to repossess a welterweight
strap," ESPN said.
The other fighters included in the
All-ESPN boxing team are:
- Wladimir Klitschko, heavyweight division
- Marco Huck, cruiserweight division
- Bernard Hopkins, light heavyweight division
- Andre Ward, super middleweight
division
- Sergio Martinez, middleweight
division
- Miguel Cotto, junior middleweight division
- Lamont Peterson, junior welterweight division
- Brandon Rios, lightweight divi-
WBO welterweight boxing champion and congressman Manny Pacquiao
(L) raises the hand of WBO Flyweight champion Filipino-Hawaiian Brian Viloria (R) after his win against Giovani Segura of Mexico during their
WBO Flyweight championship fight at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig
City, Metro Manila December 11, 2011. Photo by Cheryl Ravelo, Reuters
sion
- Adrien Boner, junior lightweight
division
- Yuriorkis Gamboa, featherweight
division
- Jorge Arce, junior featherweight
division
- Omar Narvaez, junior bantamweight division
- Roman Gonzales, junior flyweight/strawweight division
NBA Q and A
By Bill Velasco
NBA fans are singing “Joy to the
World” because the NBA finally reels
off today with a massive schedule of
games. Their appetite has been whetted enough with pre-season games that
have, for the most part, lived up to the
hype.
Our television program Hardball allotted its Christmas episode answering
fans’ questions about the NBA season.
Perhaps the long wait has done more
good than harm, and the ratings are expected to be astronomical as the Bulls,
Knicks, Lakers, Heat and Mavs all hit
the ground running. Of course, some of
the queries are a little carried away, but
bear a realistic response.
Many of the initial questions revolved around the Los Angeles Clippers and the possibility that they will
contend for a championship this season. A few fans even casually threw the
word “dynasty” around, although that
seems grossly unrealistic at this point.
To be fair, the Clips are already an exciting team to watch, and Chris Paul’s
arrival has fired up Blake Griffin, that’s
true.
But the team’s resident star, though
complemented immensely by Paul,
still has to work on his defense and pe-
26
rimeter shooting. Without that, defenses will just slack off and adjust when
he tries to penetrate.
There’s also the question of the frontcourt. DeAndre Jordan was impressive
during the offseason, but was that because of all the buzz? Will he be able
to keep the numbers and excitement up
with the coming compressed grind of
the entire season? As I’ve said before,
any contender needs three solid stars to
be a force to reckon with.
As of now, Lob City has two. There’s
also the question of how long Chauncey Billups will be content playing
alongside Paul as a lesser light. His
initial statements coming over were
an attempt to establish that he expected to have equal stature on the team.
Lastly, Paul’s contract isn’t really that
long, leaving him open to bailing out
if things don’t go his way. What is of
utmost importance to the league is that
the other Staples Center tenant is relevant again.
The next set of questions came from
the legions of Los Angeles Lakers fans,
naturally. Honestly, the Lakers’ problems are more about the intangibles
than anything else. The departure of
Phil Jackson has made this Kobe Bry-
ant’s team, as no other coach would really be able to command his respect the
way Jackson did. Secondly, there are
still some sore feelings about the whole
Lamar Odom incident. Bryant needs
some salve, and Odom left friends on
the team who feel betrayed by the entire departure. Make no mistake, the
Lakers will be up there with their sheer
size, talent and experience. They lost
some depth, but addressed some weakness at the guard spot. Jason Kapono is
an intriguing addition, too.
Lastly, Mike Brown said: “We have
to worry about ourselves. We still have
a long way to go before we can start
worrying about other teams.” How
will the players take that. New system,
strong-willed new coach and proud
superstar. Interesting mix. Now, will
Brown last, or will they be shopping
for a new coach soon?
Third on the most-requested list was
the Dallas Mavericks. True they are
older, and the shortened season may
be to their benefit. But remember that
the last 50-game season started earlier,
and had less travel in less time. Still, if
Odom has his head on straight, he will
be out to prove that he can take another
franchise to the Finals, and get some
payback against the Lakers in the West.
Also, pundits forget the flexibility
Odom can give, playing almost any
position, a luxury for a team that has
an aging point guard in Jason Kidd
(who almost retired and will be 39 in
March), and a somewhat soft star in
Dirk Nowitzki. He and Vince Carter
will give the defending champions a
big shot of energy, toughness and scoring.
Next, the Miami Heat came up. To
my mind, the Heat will make the Finals again, and it will be because of the
experience and continuity. The franchise came to terms with head coach
Erik Spoelstra. The Heat have the athletic ability, depth and seasoning to be
champions, assuming no injuries derail
them, and no finger-pointing in the
locker room takes place after losses.
Other teams mentioned as big playoff contenders were Boston (if Rajon
Rondo doesn’t get his hackles up about
trade rumors), Chicago (Richard Hamilton will be big) and Indiana. Then
again, the trading deadline is far away,
teams are still tinkering, and the emphasis will be on who can rack up early
wins. The pressure is on, and the players are thrilled to be back on the court.
And we get to have Christmas for another day
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
BARE
EYE
By Recah Trinidad
How big is Manny Pacquiao’s charitable heart?
Philippine Daily Inquirer
This time out, he gave of himself, his
heart and soul going all out for the victims.
There was great expectation and everybody was wary how Manny Pacquiao
would respond to the horrible devastation dealt by typhoon Sendong on our
unfortunate countrymen in Mindanao.
All eyes were on Pacquiao as though
he was the President of the country
himself.
terms on how much he had doled out.
Actually, Pacquiao had already completed plans to leave for a holiday in
the United States with his family when
the killer typhoon struck. “They were
booked for a Dec. 21 flight to California,” informed boxing expert Hermie
Rivera.
It was both odd and unfortunate how
there were those who would grumble
over the size of Pacquiao’s donations.
He could work for massive reforestation or see to it that the international
aid doesn’t go to waste.
Maybe, it was plain coincidence the typhoon struck almost at the same time
Pacquiao, who turned 33 last Dec. 17,
was hosting a lavish birthday bash.
A big part of the foreign donations
should be used to put in place strict
anti-logging measures.
One report said he gave P1 million
from his congressional fund.
Another report said he donated
P500,000 from his pocket.
***
With international aid flooding in, Pacquiao can only be expected to seek other ways to prevent future devastation
in his capacity as a lawmaker.
***
***
Nobody would be disappointed after
Pacquiao, the single biggest symbol of
hope hereabouts, elected to be stranded, as though he was himself a victim
of the calamity.
“The vacation was canceled in order
for the champ to devote more time
looking after those who have been
miserably marginalized by devastating
floods,” Rivera reported.
Pacquiao did pay a visit to devastated
areas, but there would be conflicting
In an awkward twist, it was next announced that he had given his wife and
kids a Christmas gift in the form of a
P25-million luxury yacht.
By the way, there can never be a way to
determine how much Pacquiao continues to donate to the poor, often anonymously.
***
There would next be critical whispers
saying Pacquiao should have cough
out more.
But, come to think of it, hasn’t Pacquiao become the single biggest oneman charity institution in the country?
Today alone, Pacquiao will be part of
the group that will bring cheer to poor
farm families in Pangao, Lipa City.
Pacquiao, without being asked, has donated P10,000 in the form of a raffle
prize won by one of the gift-givers in
a recent media get-together hosted by
the international boxing hero.
Mayweather to serve 90 days in jail for attack
New donors include Roger and Mechie
Mabanta, who sent clothes and assorted goodies. Mandaluyong marketplace
buddies Romulo “Boy Puti” Sebreros
and Pete Tanyao of Little Ongpin restaurant gave 50 pieces of balled ham;
Ramon Rivero of Jackson Shoes and
Nando Balahan of Jaycee Pools gave
cash; old reliables Gerry Mayor and
Mar Maralit of Lipa brought instant
coffee and packed noodles; Bambi Rivilla and Barts Mayo donated canned
goods; Go Teng Kok sent rice.
As in past years, Rene del Monte will
be in charge, with Dr. Ruel Reyes coming all the way from San Pablo City to
help out.
Our sincerest thanks to Manny Pacquiao who has become an inspiration
in this annual affair initiated by the late
three-time Olympian Narciso Bernardo, civic worker Nandy Charvet and
trader-sportsman Lucio “Luchie” Yan.
Thank you to all, Merry Christmas, indeed.
No Dow Chemical branding
on 2012 Olympics stadium
LONDON (December 20, 2011)
- The organizers of the 2012 London Olympics said on Monday
that Dow Chemical’s name will
not appear on a fabric ‘wrap’
around the main stadium, in an
issue which sparked threats of an
Indian boycott.
‘MONEY’ IN JAIL: Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. appears in court to plead guilty on domestic violence and
othercharges at the Clark County Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, Nevada December 21, 2011. Mayweather received a six-month sentence and will have to spend at least 90 days in jail. (Photo by Sam Morris,
Reuters).
LAS VEGAS-Reuters- (December 22,
2011) - A Las Vegas judge sentenced boxer Floyd Mayweather on Wednesday to six
months behind bars for a 2010 attack on
the mother of his children, but half of that
jail term was suspended, officials said.
Mayweather, the World Boxing Council
welterweight champion, pleaded guilty to
one count of battery and no contest to two
counts of harassment after reaching a deal
with prosecutors, said Mary Ann Price,
spokeswoman for the Clark County Courts.
Those charges were part of a criminal complaint against Mayweather, 34, that originally included charges of robbery, grand
larceny and coercion over an altercation
at the home of his former girlfriend, Josie
Harris.
Las Vegas Judge Melissa Saragosa sentenced Mayweather to six months in jail,
but she only ordered him to serve three
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
India is opposed to the company’s
involvement with the Games because of its links to the 1984
Bhopal gas disaster which killed
tens of thousands of people in the
capital of India’s Madhya Pradesh
state.
months behind bars, officials said.
Saragosa suspended the other three months
of the sentence, but if he is arrested again
or fails to complete certain parts of his sentence he would have to spend those three
months in jail, said Tess Driver, spokeswoman for the Clark County District Attorney's Office which prosecuted the case.
The judge ordered Mayweather to complete 100 hours of community service
and attend a 12-month domestic violence
program, officials said. Mayweather, who
lives in Las Vegas, must report to court on
Jan. 6 to be transferred to jail, officials said.
He is due back in court for a separate case
next week, when he is expected to plead
guilty to a charge of misdemeanor battery
against a security guard, Driver said. That
would carry a $1,000 fine, she said. - (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis and Mark
Lamport-Stokes)
The London Olympics organizers,
LOCOG, said it was never their
intention that Dow’s name would
be on the wrap during the Games,
but Dow had also agreed that its
branding will not now appear on
five ‘test’ panels either.
A LOCOG spokeswoman told
AFP: “There will definitely not
be any Dow Chemical branding
on the wrap before, during or after
the Olympic Games.
“There was discussion about (having the branding on) the test panels but Dow Chemical have now
agreed to adhere to what we call
our ‘clean policy’.”
the London Games and the International Olympic Committee.
India’s Olympic chief said on Friday that any decision to boycott
the London Games over the involvement of Dow rested with the
government.
Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the acting
president of the Indian Olympic
Association, said his body could
only lodge a protest against the
use of Dow Chemical as a sponsor with the Olympic organizers,
but could not decide on a boycott.
Dow is now the parent company
of Union Carbide, whose pesticide plant leaked gas into Bhopal
in 1984 in the world’s worst industrial accident.
The company has said all liabilities for the disaster were resolved
after Union Carbide settled with
the Indian government in 1989 by
paying $470 million to the Bhopal
victims.
Dow Chemical spokesman Scot
Wheeler said: “The agreement
between Dow and LOCOG was
limited to branding of five ‘test
panels’ that were to be removed in
the months before the Games and
were not part of the final design.
(AFP)
Dow is a major sponsor of both
27
Philippine Courier
Community Potpourri
57th Anniversary for Zosimo & Noring
Rene Andrada, 65th Birthday
Long-time Scarborough resident Rene Andrada was given a surprise party at The Keg in Scarborough by his
seven children, the Prince of Peace Church Ministry and
long time close friends on Dec. 03, 2011. (From left):
Lady Dolly Poblete, Cynthia Acayan, Nina Wijangco,
Malou Andrada, celebrant Rene Andrada, Sir George R.
Poblete, Ed Wijangco and Rommel Acayan.
SHE’S 2: Avrae Louise Jopillo received a surprised
children party from her doting Mom Ropel Mae Jopillo,
a nurse at the St. Joseph Health centre in downtown
Toronto, when the angelic Avrae celebrated recently her
2nd birthday in her parent’s modest home in North York,
Ontario. (Romy Zetazate)
THE BARKADA: Romeo Ayson Zetazate (2nd from left), news coordinator of the St. Jamestown News Service together with THE BARKADA which include (L-R) Dindo Orbeso, SJTNS; Joy Sarmiento, publisher/editor of Pinoy TO News; and veteran journalist Jojo Taduran of
www.ugnayan.ca/com. (Manuel Papa, SJTNS)
JUN'S WINTER DAY: Jun Mexion (3rd from
right) celebrrated his birthday December 23,
2011 toghter with his closest family friends led by
couple John and Anita Agustin, during the XMas
Party of the Agustins at the Masonic Hall in Richmond Hill. Jun's lovely wife, Consuelo, is 2nd
from right.
Best Wishes Congratulations to the newly-weds
Cesserie and Alan Maramba of the Ladyof Penafrancia Choir (Manuel Papa)
Angel Yumi Lara is now 3 years old!
SHE'S 3 NOW: Yumi Lara D. Tierra (center photo) turns 3 December 6, 2011 and parents Laurence and Yeng (right photo with two daughters Yumi and Ate Iyam Lauren) just
prepared a simple dinner for the family. Yumi's grandparents (Papa and Mama with grandaughters) were also present.
28
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
P500,000 reward put up for Palparan arrest
By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines (December
27, 2011) –A bounty of P500,000 has
been put up by the government for the
capture of retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said Tuesday.
“Secretary Leila de Lima (of the Department of Justice), DILG-PNP (Department of the Interior and Local
Government-Philippine National Police) is offering reward money of P 0.5
million for anyone who will be able to
provide information for the capture of
retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan,” Robredo said in a text message.
Palparan is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by a Malolos court over his
alleged involvement in the disappearance of two student activists in 2006.
Earlier, emissaries from Palparan were
reported to be seeking an assurance
from the PNP that he would be in safe
hands if taken into custody.
PNP Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said emissaries negotiating on
behalf of Palparan wanted to be assured that his security would not be
compromised.
“We assure them that he will be properly secured,” Bartolome told reporters
at Camp Crame.
He said Palparan, who has gone into
hiding since a Malolos court issued a
warrant for his arrest over the cases of
missing University of the Philippines
students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn
Cadapan, had no reason to fear for his
life while in PNP custody.
Bartolome said there was a possibility Palparan would be detained at the
Camp Crame detention center, but
this would depend on the court, which
would issue a commitment order for
his incarceration once arrested.
He confirmed receiving feelers from
Palparan’s camp about a possible surrender.
“Yes. We have also received surrender
feelers. We are talking to some people.
But of course we will always give this
consideration. All this information we
are getting from the community and
from those who would like to negotiate,” Bartolome said.
He said the emissaries had been talking to his subordinates but not directly
to him.
come out to face the charges. If not, if
he does not come out voluntarily, we
will find him,” Bartolome said.
Asked if the emissaries from Palparan
had laid out conditions for his surrender, he said: “There’s none. Their concern is that we take care of him well.
Of course, anybody in that position
would want their condition to be safe.”
“We’re always hopeful that he will
BCHSIAA new officers inducted
TORONTO – The Baguio City High School International Alumni Association (BCHSIAA), one of the Philippines largest international high school
alumni associations of its kind Ontario Chapter recently inducted its newly
elected officers for the 2012 - 2115 term.
The officers were sworn in by Ms. Luz Balbin , former Ontario Chapter President. The induction was held at South Common Community Centre in Mississauga last November 26, 2011. Over 130 BCHS alumni and their guests
attended the dinner dance celebration. Many offered their
Best wishes and congratulations to the alumni members and officers.
BCHSIAA Ontario Chapter Officials Oath Taking: Standing from (right to left) R.Wren Calpito
‘65, PRO; Amelia Hamada-Nanni ’62, Soc E Coor; Estela De Francia ‘81,Sec; Bernardin
Nebres-Berza ‘74, Aud; Melisa Alibin-Flores ‘80, Treas; Aurora Rosalin-Alcampo ‘65, Pres;
Jerrold Pimentel ‘72, V-Pres; Arsenia Lagasca–Reyes ‘47, Brd. Mem ; Nonette Corrion ‘74,
Brd Mem; Lionel Hamada ‘67, Brd Mem; Luz Balbin ‘56, Brd Mem; Absent were: Rogelio
Cabading ‘72, Soc Ev Coord; Aurora Lambino ‘62, Brd Mem.; Rolly Difunturom ‘74 ,Past Pres.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
"Our association in Ontario is growing strong because of the long lasting camaraderie between Baguio City High School alumni,” said R. Wren Calpito,
Press Relations Officer. "We are excited to start a new term where we hope
to build our membership base, reconnect past acquaintances and make new
friendships."
For membership inquiries, please call 647-999-4338 or send an email to R.
wren Calpito @ bchsiaa.on@gmail.com.
Present BCHSIAA Ontario Chapter Alumni: Standing (from left to right) Nonette Corrion ‘74,
R.Wren Calpito ‘65, Rogelio Cabading ‘72, Melisa Flores ‘80, Jerrold Pimentel ‘72, Gerry Rio
'76, Norbert Rosalin '68, Geneviev Plank'69, Lionel Hamada ’67, Carlos Padilla '57 , Marilyn
Batoon '90 ,**Amelia Nanni ’62, Estela De Francia ’81, Luz Balbin’56, Arsenia Reyes’47,
Aurora Alcampo ‘65, Bernardin Berza ’74.
29
Philippine Courier
Joke Time
Ni Edgar Bello
ASAWA
1st year masaya.
After 5 years: tanggalin ang A =
SAWA na
After 10 years: tanggalin ang S =
AWA na lang
Sa susunod na taon tanggalin ang
A = WA na
*****
Home version of Who Wants to be
A Millionaire:
Husband: dear pwede ka
ba ngayon?
Wife: de pwede, pagod
ako!
Husband: Is that your final answer?
Wife: Final. Husband:
ok, can I phone a friend?
*****
Warning:
Children playing outside the car
can cause accident...and...
Adults playing inside the car can
cause CHILDREN!!!
*****
Loveliness through the years:
- 1950s - Iniirog kita.
- 1960s - Iniibig kita.
- 1970s - Minamahal kita.
- 1980s - I love you.
- 1990s - Tara sa kwarto.
- 2000s - Pwede na rito.
*****
Forever young?
Mrs: Sa palagay mo mahal, ilang
taon na ako?
Mr: Kung titignan kita sa buhok
18 ka lang,
kung nakatalikod 16 ka lang,
kung sa kutis 22 lang.
Bale total ay 56 sweetheart.
*****
Duck Dictionary:
- Maliit na duck - panduck
- Tirahan ng maliit na duck - Pandacan
- Mataas na duck - bunduck
- Nagulat na duck - nasinduck
- Photogenic na duck - kodak
- Malaking duck sa Ilocos - duckil
- Madaldal na duck - dakdak
- Pantakip sa bibig ng madaldal na
duck - duck tape
- Manggagamot na duck - ducktor
- Musikero na duck - konducktor
*****
More ERAPtions..
- Erap went to Starbucks...
- Erap: Isang kape nga!
- Barista: Decaf po ba?
- Erap: (angry) Aba op kors, alangan namang de plato!
-0Tumatakbo si Erap galing computer room na sinusundan ng staff:
"Sir, bakit ka tumatakbo?"
Erap: Tatakas ako, sabi kasi ng
computer "press Ctrl then Escape."
-0- Erap: Pareng Ronnie, akyat ka
sa puno, pisilin mo mangga kung
hinog na.
- FPJ: (umakyat at pinisil ang
mangga) Oo pare, hinog na.
- Erap: sige baba ka na, sungkitin
natin.
-0- FVR: Erap may gift ako para sa
yo galing pa sa India. It's a 10 ft.
snake.
- Erap: Ows, niloloko mo naman
ako e, 10 ft? Hoy di ako ganun ka
30
tanga!
Ang snake walang FEET.
-0- Erap delivering speech at the
mental hospital.
- Inmates shouting: Mabuhay si
Erap!
- PSG seeing one guy not cheering: Bakit di ka sumabay sa
kanila?
- Guy: Di ako sira ulo. Janitor ako.
Family Xmas Affair
Richmond Hill, Ontario – Christmas is a family affair, an old adage the Dela Cruz and
Agustin clan in the Greater Toroto Area (GTA) observed for a long time now, thus, gathered
almost all their kin December 25, 2011 for the yearly Christmas Party held at the Masonic
Hall located in this town. John Agustin from Nueva Ecija and wife Anita dela Cruz from
Pangasinan hosted the affair and here are some photos of the gathering courtesy of TPC’s
Miguel Caducio.
*****
erfect
Perfect Heaven: Having American salary, British home, German
car,
Chinese food, and Pinay
wife.
Perfect Hell: Having Korean car,
British wife, German food, American home, and Pinoy salary,
*****
Hindi umasa ..
Mare 1: Naku mare, ang gaganda
ng mga anak mo!
Mare 2: Talaga mare! Hay naku,
kung asawa ko lang ang inasahan
ko, hindi sana mangyayari yan.
*****
Letter to OFW dad:
"Luv, thanks sa padala mo, happy
si Nene kasi Toblerone ang baon
sa
school, yung Nike suot
na ni junior, next time wag ka na
padala ng NIVEA MILK, mapait
daw, ayaw nilang kainin.
*****
What choice?
MISTER: Ano ang pagkain natin?
MISIS: Nasa mesa, bahala ka na
pumili.
MISTER: Isang pirasong tuyo?
Ano pagpipilian ko?
MISIS: Pumili ka kung kakain ka
o hindi.
*****
New Maid
DONYA: Bilang bagong katulong, tandaan mo na ang almusal
dito ay
alas 6 empunto!
MAID: Walang problema donya.
Kung tulog pa ako sa oras na yun,
mauna na kayong mag-almusal!
*****
FOR SALE BY OWNER:
Complete set of Encyclopedia
Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent
condition.
$1000 or best offer. No longer
needed. Got married last month.
Wife
knows EVERYTHING.
*****
LIFE'S CYCLE:
- 3 to 8 years old: paramihan ng
toys
- 9 to 18: pataasan ng grades
- 19 to 25: padamihan ng chicks
- 26 to 35: pagandahan ng asawa
- 36 to 45: palakihan ng income
- 46 to 55: padamihan, pagandahan, at pabataan ng kabit
- 56 to 70: padamihan ng sakit
- 71 and above: pabonggahan ng
LIBING
*****
ESSENCE OF SMELL IN
LIFE:
- Lotion for babies
- Cologne for the 20s:
- Efficacent oil for the 40s
- Bawang and luya for the 60s
- Beyond 60s...FORMALIN na
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Metro
Edited by:
Maria Isabelle D. Bello
CARP nets initial $8,000 for Typhoon ‘Sendong’ victims
By Mon Datol
TORONTO (December 23, 2011) - The
Canadian Aid & Relief Project (CARP)
successfully launched last yesterday its
fund drive for the victims of Typhoon Sendong, particularly those in the worst-hit
areas of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, oftentimes referred to locally as the twin cities
of Northern Mindanao due to their close
proximity.
Some fifty business and community leaders and members of the Filipino media in
Toronto responded to the invitation of Dr.
Francisco Portugal, CARP founder. In his
brief remarks, Dr. Portugal expressed confidence that the organization’s success during the Typhoon Ondoy campaign would
be repeated. At the time, CARP raised
$60,000. “And for the record, 99% of the
funds raised are directly spent on the intended beneficiaries, with hardly any expense for administrative costs,” adds Dr.
Portugal.
Also present at the launch were Philippine
Consul General to Toronto Pedro Chan and
Mr. Robert Lee, Canada’s Honorary Consul to Cebu. ConGen Chan was optimistic the Filipino community will rise to the
occasion, citing the fact that Filipinos in
North America enjoy a financial edge over
compatriots in the Middle East where the
minimum wage sometimes dips to as low
as $300.
For his part, Consul Lee rallied all Filipinos to be united in sending aid to the Phil-
ippines. “This is not the time to be thinking of oneself as being Bisaya, Tagalog, or
Ilokano,” said the Cebu native who also
took the opportunity to happily announce
the shipment of (10) dialysis units to Cebu
City, a donation of the Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Mr. Lee said underprivileged Filipinos from various regions of the
country are the target beneficiaries of these
dialysis units.
Among the first to respond to the call for
aid to Northern Mindanao were Howard
Pharmacy ($5,000), TPC-EDCILLE Production’s Angel ng Tahanan Beauty Pageant ($250) and Mr. Jose Fajardo ($50).
During the launch itself held at Aristokrat
Restaurant, some $3,000 was raised in
combined actual donations and pledges.
CARP has benefited thousands of Filipinos
in the past four years that it has conducted
medical missions in various parts of the
country. During such missions, medicine
and medical supplies that could cost as
much as $50,000 would be distributed to
the patients who reside mainly in the rural
areas. Funds and relief goods from Canada are coursed through to Kup Kop Kita
Kababayan (K4) Foundation, its partner
organization in Manila. Dr. Venancio Portugal, brother of Dr. Francisco Portugal,
heads the foundation.
Cash donations may be deposited directly
to: The Canadian Aid & Relief Project, TD
Canada Trust account number 11682-004
-0519 521 2688.
THE ROVING EYES
By Maria D. Bello
With high blood pressure you want
to have a diet low in sodium and fat,
so here are the top foods you should
really avoid, not only during Holiday
Seasons, but, the rest of your life.
1. Pickles are low calorie,
which is great, but they are loaded
with sodium. One medium pickle (about 5 inches long) can have
around 570 mg of sodium. That's
over 1/3 of your sodium limit (2300
mg) for the day!
2. Chicken noodle soup is often
considered a comfort food, but it is
not so comforting to know that there
can be up to 880 mg of sodium in a
one cup serving.
3. Sauerkraut - It's low calorie
and a great way to add vegetables to
a bratwurst, right? Nope. A half cup
may only have about 13 calories, but
it also has over 460 mg of sodium.
4.
Fast Food French Fries - It's
low calorie and a great way to add
vegetables to a bratwurst, right?
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Drop off centers for non-perishable items
are the ff:
East Downtown: Bloor East Village Health Centre
c/o Dr. Francisco Portugal and Dr.
Jorge Jose, 33 Howard Street, Toronto;
(416) 928-1197
West Downtown: Belle Optical,
c/o Belle Tumbokon, 1388 Queen Street
West, Toronto; (416) 533-9888
North Toronto: 1) Aristokrat
Restaurant, 355 Wilson Street (Wilson/
Bathurst); (416) 635-6812 2) Pharmacita
–4810 Sheppard Avenue East, Unit 224,
Toronto
Mississauga:
Kalayaan Cultural Community
Centre, 5225 Orbitor Drive, Suite 3; (905)
602-0923
Typhoon Sendong (international code
name: Washi) has been named the “world’s
deadliest storm for 2011”, its swath of destruction---mainly from massive flooding
from tributaries that line both Iligan and
Cagayan de Oro—leaving a death toll of
an estimated 1,000 and an even bigger figure for those who are still missing. Loss
of property is estimated in the hundreds of
millions of pesos. (Photos by Eugene Deocareza & Ariel Ramos)
(more photos on page 33)
Top Foods to Avoid with High Blood Pressure
Nope. A half cup may only have
about 13 calories, but it also has over
460 mg of sodium.
5. Bacon is mostly fat. Three
slices have 4.5 grams of fat and
about 270 mg of sodium. Opt for
lower sodium varieties and try turkey bacon instead of pork. Even with
these switches bacon should remain
a "special treat", not an everyday indulgence.
6. Whole Milk - Dairy is a great
source of calcium, but high fat dairy
sources, like whole milk, provide
more fat than you need. A one cup
serving of whole milk provides 8
grams of fat, 5 of which are saturated. Saturated fats are worse for you
than other types and has been linked
to heart disease. Try using 2% milk,
or even better - 1% or skim.
7.
Frozen Pot Pies - A single
pot pie equals a serving of about
1300-1400 mg of sodium PLUS
about 35 g of fat! Keep in mind that
this is over 50% of your daily recom-
mended values for both. The fat also
includes trans fat, which you want to
eliminate from your diet completely,
and an unhealthy dose of saturated
fat. Clear out your freezer!
8. Donuts may be popular, but
they sure aren't very good for your
health and body. Just one donut
packs in 200 calories with 12 grams
of fat.
9. Ramen noodles are popular
among college students, but they are
not a healthy meal. One package of
Ramen noodles adds 14 grams of
fat to your day AND 1580 MG of
sodium! Interestingly, it is actually
the flavor packet that contains most
of that sodium. (To the left is a look
at the dry noodles before adding hot
water).
10. Margarine is not necessarily
bad, you just have to make sure to
pick the kind with no trans fats. Read
the label closely. It is important for
your health to avoid trans fats all together.
11. Sugar - Foods with extra calories and full of sugar cause you to
gain weight. Obesity is a significant
determinant for high blood pressure.
The extra weight puts surplus strain
on the heart and slows down the
blood flow.
12. Alcohol consumption actively causes the blood pressure to elevate. It also damages the walls of the
blood vessels, while simultaneously
increases risks of further complications.
13. Red Meat - A healthy eating plan should include only a small
amount (if any) of saturated or transfats. Fatty foods are bad for both the
heart and blood vessels. Avoid red
meat and fast food along with other
fats that include olives and hydrogenated oils.
14. Table Salt - Too much sodium does direct damage to the heart
and arteries and raises blood pressure
significantly.
31
Philippine Courier
PCCF spearheads relief for typhoon Sendong Victims
TORONTO - Philippine Canadian Charitable
Foundation were all indeed brought together for a
great reason... this was demonstrated well during
a Christmas Get-together last Sunday December
18th by PCCF officers and supporters … out of nowhere and spontaneous at that, PCCF have shown
their compassion and charitable spirits... That night,
PCCF organizations pledged over $4000 for the
calamity victims in the Philippines... to date Dec
21 the pledges have reached over the $6000 level.
Maraming Salamat Po!
strive to do a lot more because we know Christmas
is all about giving... On this note we are pleading
for everyone’s help! Let us work together to help
the victims of Typhoon Sendong ! For those who
haven't made any pledges or want to pledge more...
please do so ASAP as the victims are in dire need.
Please visit www.philippinecanadianfoundation.
com for more info or call Rosemer Enverga 416284-9299 or any officers of PCCF. PCCF is working in collaboration with AFCM and the Philippine
Consulate. We are also collecting canned goods and
other non-perishable food items.
With all our passion to help our kababayan, we will
(416) 755-0909
32
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Paeng Nebres re-elected BCCA president
Bi-Election Feb. 27, 2012…
Apple GALLAZA runs for School
Board Trustee
-Board of Director, Community Outreach
Canada
-Board of Director, TLFCC Toronto Lions
Club Community Chapter
-Member at Large, (SCAN) Scarborough
Civic Action Network
-Management & Industrial Engineer 4th yr
-Certificate in Business Administration
-Certified Personal Support Worker
-ESL & Computer Literacy Teacher
Mr. Paeng Nebres
TORONTO -The Bicolanos in Ontario were so enthusiastic in giving Rafael Nebres a fresh mandate to serve as president of the Bicol
Canada Community Association (BCCA) for another two years from
2012-2013 in the election held on December 4, 2011 at the Quiapo,
Quiapo Restaurant, No. 2 Principal Road,Scarborough.
Nebres is presently the general manager of ACTION HONDA and
has served for several years as president of the prestigious Philippine
Chamber of Commerce Toronto (PCCT). Aside from Nebres, the other
elected officers of the BCCA include Noli Aquino, 1st vice president;
Jess Cabrias, 2nd vice president; Jojo Taduran, 3rd vice president;
Arlene Martinez, 1st secretary; Elizabeth Malanyaon, 2nd secretary;
Bobby Achacon, 1st treasurer; Ching Ragos, 2nd treasurer; Alex Guerina, 1st auditor: and Felix Reyes, 2nd auditor.
Members of the BBCA board of directors who will take care of the
special projects are Director Eugene Deocareza and Benhur Salcedo,
Jr. The other members of the BCCA board of directors are Naty Gutierrez, Larry Bercasio. Annabelle Migalbin, Willie Nabus, Floro Dabu Jr.,
Eusebio Ortega, Ely Olayon, Tony Ragos, and Homer Senson.
In the meantime, Nebres called on the Bicolanos coming from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Masbate
and Catanduanes, who settled in Ontario and other parts of Canada to
connect with the Bicol Canada Community Association (BCCA) and
other Bicolanos in order to strengthen the organization and to re-link
and link with their fellow Bikolnon in this part of the world.
Nebres can be reached at 416 - 281 - 1742 and 416 -618 - 1362;
Emails: rafael168@yahoo.com and rafaeln@action-honda.com . (By
Romy Zetazate and Manny Papa of St. Jamestown News Service)
Appoline Penaflor
GALLAZA
Candidate for TDSB Toronto District
School Board Trustee Ward 20
Bi-election is on Feb 27, 21012
Ambassador of Peace, United Peace
Federation
-Pastoral and Children Ministry, International
Gospel Fellowship Church IGFC and APC
Agincourt Pentecostal Church
-Candidate, Ward 20 Toronto Public School
Board Trustee Candidate 2006
-Delegate, Ontario Liberal Provincial and
Federal Party
Member of:
-Committee Member of TIMS Toronto Micro
Finance Summit 2011
-Maytree Foundation
-Community Social Planning Council of
Toronto
-Campaign for Child Poverty
-Ontario Woman’s Network
-CSAC Notre Dame Catholic School
-Ontario Liberal Fundraising Committee
-Agincourt Pentecostal Church Outreach,
Children Ministry
-Toronto Community Housing Bus Ministry,
Cook
-Toronto Housing, Chester Le, Glendower,
Bay Mills and Glen Morgan Sat Night Kids
Ministry
-Filipino Parents Association, Treasurer
-PIDC- Philippine Independence Day
Celebration, Committee Co- Chair-Picnic
-Prison Ministry, Federal Peniteciary
(Woman, Youth and Adults)
Awards:
-Canada Day Achievement Award 2001
-Outstanding Canadian 1999 by the City of
Toronto
-Computer Literacy Enhancement Award 2000
-Mrs. Philippines PIDC 2009
-Miss Teenage Philippines 1978
LT. COL. PACQUIAO: Eight-division world boxing champion and Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao was promoted anew in the Army Reserve Force and now carry a rank of Lieutenant PCCF PLAQUE: Jun Enverga (3rd from left) of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation presColonel. Lt. Col. Paquiao received his promotion from the officers of the Philippine Army in a ents to The Philippine Courier Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Mon Datol (2nd from right) a Foundation
Award for the newspaper's total support on the PCCF's programs and projects in 2011. Other in phosimple ceremony held recently at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. –(Jonas Sulit)
tos are (from left): Joe Damasco, Paeng Nebres and TPC's Miguel Caducio. (Photo by Ariel Ramos)
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
33
Philippine Courier
Aquino declares national calamity …
Death toll uncertain
‘I know government could have done more’ – PNoy
MANILA, Philippines- (December 23, 2011) — Philippine Red Cross
secretary-general Gwedolyn Pang said
that the exact toll of tropical storm
“Sendong” may never be known as
some of those reported missing may
in fact be among the dead, and there
could be many more whose disappearance was never reported.
“Many will never be found and we
don’t know how many are really missing. No one will report them because
entire families were swept away,” Pang
added.
“By this time, there will be no survivors, just dead bodies,” National
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director
Benito Ramos added. He said bodies
of victims of “Sendong” still litter the
waters off Northern Mindanao.
In Cagayan de Oro City, President
Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday declared a state of national calamity and
vowed to mobilize assistance for victims of the worst storm to hit his presidency.
“I need to ask myself. Did the government do enough to prevent this kind
of a tragedy? I don’t think I can accept
that we have done everything,” Mr.
Aquino told evacuees at Cagayan de
Oro Central School during a lightning
visit to the disaster zone four days after
Tropical Storm “Sendong” struck. “I
know we could have done more.”
“My concern right now is specifically those missing,” Mr. Aquino said.
“Let us exhaust all possible means to
try and find all of these missing individuals,” he told national and local officials at the base of the Philippine Air
Force Tactical Operations Group 10.
The President also stopped at the
cities of Iligan and Dumaguete to inspect the devastation and help distribute relief goods at the evacuation cen-
34
ters.
“We will be assisting not only Cagayan and Iligan, but also Negros Oriental and Iloilo. We’d like to assure you
that we are going to fine-tune all of the
systems in place so that we can prevent
a similar tragedy from happening.”
The President said the calamity
funds stood at P1.17 billion. He said
he declared the state of calamity to
start the mechanisms from which the
government could get additional relief
funding.
The official death toll from last
weekend’s disaster, which swept away
shantytowns built near major rivers,
has exceeded a thousand but some authorities said hundreds more people
could be missing and may never be
found.
Ramos put the death toll at 1,010
while the NRRMC put the number of
missing at 51.
Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz
said that in his city alone, more than
400 residents had been reported missing, with another 283 confirmed dead.
“We could only assume they are
dead already. There is so much mud
that has to be cleared up and maybe the
missing are buried deep inside,” Cruz
said.
Iligan and nearby Cagayan de Oro
accounted for most of the confirmed
deaths so far.
A navy vessel recovered 11 badly
decomposed bodies off the coastal
town of Salay last Wednesday, navy
spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Omar
Tonsay told AFP.
The main priority now is finding
permanent shelter for the 309,000
people displaced by the floods, particularly the more than 43,000 housed in
cramped evacuation centers, he said.
Health officials have warned of the
risk of epidemics breaking out at the
camps,
which
remain without
proper water supply and sanitation.
Many of those
in the evacuation
centers are forbidden from returning home as
the flood-prone
areas have been
identified by government as too
dangerous for human habitation.
Navy personnel carry donated caskets at the Navy headquarters in Manila
for transport by ship toflood-affected provinces. (JONJON VICENCIO)
Aid pours
With rescue officials slowly losing
hope on survivors, relief aid continues
to pour. On Thursday, San Juan Rep.
Joseph Victor Ejercito decided to donate his entire salary for 2012 to victims of “Sendong.”
Likewise, the Taipei Economic and
Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines donated US$150,000. Social
Welfare and Development Secretary
Dinky Soliman accepted the check donation worth US$150,000 from TECO
Representative Donald Lee.
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla flew to
Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday
and personally led the relief operations,
while Sen. Lito Lapid, although out of
the country, sent 5,000 bags of relief
goods to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.
Earlier, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong”
Marcos Jr. sent assorted medicines to
affected areas in Northern Mindanao
and Negros Oriental. Aside from the
lawmakers, local officials also pitched
in to support the storm victims.
The provincial government of Cebu
led by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia will
give P5 million each to the local governments of Iligan City and Cagayan
de Oro City; and P1 million each for
Dumaguete City and Tanjay City in
Negros Oriental. It also sent a 25-man
rescue and medical team to Mindanao.
Pangasinan Governor Amado Es-
pino announced Thursday that the provincial government will give at least
P1 million each to Cagayan de Oro and
Iligan.
The Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) also prepared 43,000 “noche buena” packs for
“Sendong” victims in Cagayan de Oro
and Iligan.
On Thursday, the Lucio Tan Group’s
relief drive went full blast with the
distribution of food, water, medicine,
blankets, and body bags in various areas hit by flood.
Led by its philanthropic arm Tan
Yan Kee Foundation and sister companies Asia Brewery, Agua Vida, Tanduay, PMFTC and other partner organizations, the Tan Group began airlifting
relief items for 10,000 families through
Philippine Airlines (PAL). The flag
carrier is also working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and
private entities for free carriage of
relief goods to Cagayan de Oro and
Dumaguete.
PAL Chairman Lucio Tan visited
Cagayan de Oro to lead relief operations with top officials of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers
of Commerce and Industry, Cagayan
de Oro Filipino-Chinese Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations
of the Philippines, Inc.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church
declared an all-out war against illegal
logging and mining in the Cagayan
de Oro river basin, following the
killer flash flood.
The Archdiocese of Cagayan de
Oro, led by Archbishop Antonio
Ledesma, backed by civil society
groups and local government units
have joined hands to ask President
Benigno S. Aquino III to declare
the Cagayan de Oro a protected
watershed area. (With reports from
Ellalyn B. de Vera, Rolly T. Carandang, Mario B. Casayuran, Mars W.
Mosqueda Jr., Mike U. Crismundo,
Liezle Basa Iñigo, and Raymund F.
Antonio)
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
FACES HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
By Miss Rubi Talavera
December was really such a hectic
month for us--- what with our business trip
to Florida, the traditional Christmas parties, simbang gabi which we started this
year in Markham, and the endless Christmas luncheons and company dinner get
togethers.
Let's start with our business trip to Orlando from December 1st to 7th.
FLORIDA - A DREAM!
Fellow realtor, Benny Jose, his wife,
Ludy, and I, flew to Poinciana, Florida,
some few miles south of Orlando to check
out this "55 and over" adult community.
Boy, were we impressed!
It was like a dream come true - a Nirvana of sorts, with 43,000 acres of expansive
land, two 18- hole golf courses, 16 swimming pools, two humongous fitness centers
complete with zumba, line dancing, ballroom dancing lessons and so much more.
The builder, Avatar Holdings, is selling
these houses (not condo apartments) dirt
cheap. There are model homes backing on
to golf courses, or the woods, or man-made
lakes, where serenity is the piece d resistance.
If you are looking for a place totally out
of this world in ambience and class, this is
the place to be! Prices start from as low as
$1280,000 for a beautiful bungalow, with
lots of trees in the back, or a lake or a golf
course! Contact me or Benny through Remax West at 905-731-3948. Or if you have
a realtor, ask him or her, to get in touch
with us asap.
But enough business -- let's party!!!
COZY FILCREA PARTY
The first one we attended was the Filcrea
Christmas Intimate Get Together at the
Time Zone Restaurant.
Bayani was UPAA past president), we just
could not trek downtown and still go to our
Filcrea party.
Kudos to dynamic VP Special Projects
Vic Salazar, for arranging the intimate
gathering. Holiday cheer was felt among
those who attended, and a warm spirit of
fellowship, camaraderie, and Christmas
fun was the toast of the cold winter Saturday night. Maligayang Pasko, to all fellow
Filcreans!
But our social reporters said the party
was a smashing success! Merry Christmas, UPAAT!
Let's have a great and prosperous new
year!
One of the pitfalls of travelling is you
miss out on other wonderful times with
friends.
PPCO - BIG, BOLD AND
BEAUTIFUL
Like the December 3rd, PPCO party.
PPCO is the Philippine Press Club of Ontario, headed by our friend, Rose Tijam.
Held at the Rembrandt Hall, the party was
a big hit, attended by no less than His Excellency Leslie Gatan, our Philippine Ambassador to Canada, and Toronto Consul
General Pedro Chan.
Missed hobnobbing with our press colleagues Jess and May Cabrias, Mogi and
Marlene Mogado, Jess Carlos, Mila Astorga and Hermie Garcia, Jojo Taduran, Tess
and Ruben Cusipag, Teresa and Mon Torralba, Ricky Caluen, and other friends at
the press! Joyeux Noele, PPCO!
UPSILON SIGMA DELTA - DA
BEST!
And speaking of UP, our Upsilon brods
and Sigma Delta sisters held the annual
Christmas celebration on December 17th
at the beautiful Bluffer's Restaurant in
Scarborough.
Comite de Festejos chair, Rudy Ilag,
once again did a superb job organizing everything including the gift exchange and
the entertainment. Galing, brod, and Feliz
Navidad, Brods and Sis!
It was great to see and chat with long
time chum, Virgie Santiago, who is now
retired but was once the first and only
woman president of Bayer Aspirin and Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. Very, very proud of
you, Vig!
Those who attended included brods Noel
Cruz, Rudy Ilag, Henry Uy, Pepe Benavidez, Bobby Palacios, Jun Mejia, Bryan
Lim, Monching Solis, Rogie Concepcion,
Del Cruz, Bo Magno, (who did I miss?)
and sis, Toots Evidente, Tita Leynes, Lea
Cruz, Alma Manahan, Sol Allen, Vigit Lozano, plus all the brods and sis spouses.
to meet their friends, the Tans and the De
Asis. Of course, Brenda Gutierrez, Yoly
and Panny Ladines were also there for the
celebration.
Thanks for inviting us, Baby Kate!
CHRISTMAS PARTY NI MALU
NEJAL!
Almost 200 people showed up at the
Prestige Ballroom for lawyer, Malu Nejal's
Christmas Party. And was it ever a super
smasharoo!
When Malu plans it, she implements it
with a BANG and proof was the presence
of so many media people and entertainers galore including famed Mon Torralba,
with lovely wife, Teresa, former PPCO
prexy Tenny Soriano, former radio and TV
personality Jess Carlos, and our very own
Courier columnist, Rubi Talavera.
Mind you, we were there wearing a different hat, as a realtor, of course, and colleagues, Benny Jose, Romy Camacho, Joe
Nolasco, Vic Salazar, Ramon Cezar, Bert
Lintag, Sonny Cuevas, Tony and Linda Insigne and other realtors were there too.
Others in attendance included Ariel Santos, Lilian Legaspi, Joe Evangelista, Lisa
Dematera, Gonzales, Ailene Barcia, Leizl
Albano, Margie Gutierrez.
FARH NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN!
Another year gone - welcome 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE ALEXIS!
A milestone birthday celebration was
held for one-year old Kate Alexis, by proud
parents, Louie and Joanne Comendador.
We and hundreds others are looking forward to December 31st coz FARH president Miguel Caducio promises a heck of a
party to usher in the New Year!
Bina and Tito Comendador, lolo and lola
of Kate, were both beaming with pride, as
they warmly greeted us and ushered us in
My report next issue....meanwhile A
HAPPY PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO
ALL!
UPAA - MASAYA!
December 10th also was the University of the Philippines Alumni Association
Christmas Party. Held at the FCT Centre
in downtown Toronto, we could not, of
course, be in two places at the same time.
Invited by Daisy Bernabe, (her hubby,
Baby Kate Alexis celebrated her very first Virgie Santiago and Arlene Solis joined Rubi Talavera in a Taken at this dream home sales office in Florida, Avatar executives. Micheal and Donna,
birthday with mom and dad, Louie and Joanne quiet tete-a-tete during the Upsilon Sigma Delta Christmas pose with realtors Benny Jose and Rubi Talavera of Remax West, Bert Dyliaco of Florida,
Party held at the Bluffers Resto recently.
and Ludy Jose.
Comendador.
Filcrea held an intimate dinner with lawyer Tony Villarin and realtor wife Marissa, Vic Salazar, Virgie Tigas, Ramon Cezar, Romy Camacho, guests Ludy Jose, Sergio and Lori Canilapas, Keith Binette,
May, Angela and Michael at the Timezone Restaurant. Those who dropped by but not in photo were Jon and Sylvia Amante and Noel and Betty Frias.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
35
Philippine Courier
TICKLE ME!
By Chuchi Punzalan
Ten Commandments for Seniors… (New Version)
1. Thou shalt not complain.
(Huwag maging reklamador.
Kung hindi mo gusto ang isang bagay
talikuran at kalimutan.)
2. Thou shalt not discuss thy ailments, even if asked.
(Lahat ng tao ay may karamdaman
sa, o pananakit ng katawan. Kahit usisain ng ibang tao huwag magpahayag
ng mahabang nobela ng inyong karamdaman.)
3. Thou shalt not be argumentative,
domineering and sanctimonious.
(Iwasan
ang
makipagtalo,mapagmataas at magkutya
ng kapwa tao, o magpakitang banal
na virgen. Lahat ng tao ay magkaiba merong gago na madada pero walang
magawang tama, merong mataas ang
noo saksakan naman ang utang, at
meron ding palasimba ala angel ngunit
palaaway at ang salita ay parating nagtatapos ng p.... ina mo.)
4. Thou shalt not feel sorry for thyself.
(Huwag maawa sa sarili. Kahit
maglulupasay sa iyak at maguntog ng
ulo sa pader walang makikiramay sa
mga taong malalim ang katangahan at
mababa ang pagtingin sa kanilang sarili.)
5. Thou shalt not despairingly compare today with the "good old days."
(Huwag paulit-ulit na ihahambing
ang magagandang nakaraan sa nangyayaring kasalukuyan. Kahit pumuti
ang uwak hindi na babalik ang mga nakaraang panahon.)
6. Thou shalt not find too much fault
with younger people.
(Huwag makialam sa problema
ng mga kabataan. Ang kanilang ginagawa ay umaayon sa kanilang panahon
at mga kaibigan.)
7. Thou shalt not let thyself grow
sloppy in body, dress or mind.
(Mag-ayos ng katawan at maligo
araw araw.)
8. Thou shalt not expect constant attention from thy family.
(Huwag maghintay ng pagkalinga
na manggagaling sa sariling pamilya.
Tapos na ang iyong panahon. Ang panahon nila ay para sa kanilang sariling
pamilya.)
9. Thou shalt not try to change people.
(Huwag na huwag subukan na baguhin ang ibang tao. Lahat tayo ay may
iba-ibang kulay, hugis at isip. Manahimik ka na lang kung ayaw mo ng away.
10. Thou shalt not insist upon being
right all the time.
(Huwag kang makulit. Ang makukulit ay ipinapakain sa leon.)
********
What is sex?
An 8-year-old girl went to her grandfather, who was working in the yard and
asked him, "Grampa, what is sex?"
The grandfather was surprised that
she would ask such a question, but decided that if she's old enough to know to
ask the question, then she's old enough
to get a straight answer. Steeling himself to leave nothing out, he proceeded
to tell her all about human reproduction
and the joys and responsibilities of intercourse.
When he finished explaining, the
little girl was looking at him with her
mouth hanging open, eyes wide in
amazement.
Seeing the look on her face, the
grandfather asked her, "Why did you
ask this question, honey?"
The little girl replied, "Grandma says
that dinner will be ready in just a couple
of secs.
36
********
Here is the definition of "paraprosdokian". "Figure of speech in which the
latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently used
in a humorous situation."
"Where there's a will, I want to be
in it," is a type of paraprosdokian. Here
are more:
1. Do not argue with an idiot. He will
drag you down to his level and beat you
with experience.
2. The last thing I want to do is
hurt you. But it's still on my list.
3. Light travels faster than
sound. This is why some people appear
bright until you hear them speak.
4. If I agreed with you, we'd
both be wrong.
5. We never really grow up, we
only learn how to act in public.
6. War does not determine who
is right - only who is left.
7. Knowledge is knowing a
tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting
it in a fruit salad.
8. Evening news is where they
begin with 'Good Evening,' and then
proceed to tell you why it isn't.
9. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many
is research.
10. A bus station is where a
bus stops. A train station is where a train
stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
11.. I thought I wanted a career.
Turns out I just wanted paychecks.
12. Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, 'In case
of emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.'
13. I didn't say it was your fault,
I said I was blaming you.
14. Women will never be equal
to men until they can walk down the
street with a bald head and a beer gut,
and still think they are sexy.
15. Behind every successful man
is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
16. A clear conscience is the
sign of a fuzzy memory.
17. I asked God for a bike, but
I know God doesn't work that way. So I
stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
18. You do not need a parachute
to skydive. You only need a parachute
to skydive twice.
19. Money can't buy happiness,
but it sure makes misery easier to live
with.
20. There's a fine line between
cuddling and holding someone down so
they can't get away.
21. I used to be indecisive. Now
I'm not so sure.
22. You're never too old to learn
something stupid.
23. To be sure of hitting the
target, shoot first and call whatever you
hit the target.
24. Nostalgia isn't what it used
to be.
25. Change is inevitable, except
from a vending machine.
26. Going to church doesn't
make you a Christian any more than
standing in a garage makes you a car.
27. A diplomat is someone who
tells you to go to hell in such a way that
you look forward to the trip.
28. Hospitality is making your
guests feel at home even when you wish
they were.
29. I always take life with a
grain of salt. Plus a slice of lemon, and
a shot of tequila.
30. When tempted to fight fire
with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water..
Suntok sa Buwan
Ni John Agustin
Dapat ng ibalik ang ‘death penalty’ sa Pinas sa 2012
Habang nagsasaya ang karamihan sa
ating mga kababayang Pinoy sa buong
mundo nuong Linggo sa pagdiriwang
ng Pasko, sobrang lungkot at sama ng
loob naman ang nadarama ng ating mga
kababayan na sinalanta ng Bagyong
Sendong sa Northern Mindanao partikular
na sa Cagayan de Oro City at Iligan City
na kung saan mahigit dalawang libo ang
namatay at nawawala pa habang tinitipa
ko ang akingkolum.
Karamihan sa daang-libong biktima ay
nananatili pa sa mga evacuation centers at
naghihintay na ma-relocate. Nalanos ang
kanilang tahanan ng putik at baha pati na
kabuhayan at umaasa na lang sa tulong
ng pamahalaan at iba’t ibang pribadong
grupo.
Ang Isla de Oro ay mayruon mahigit
isang libong naninirahan at lahat sila ay
itinaboy ni Sendong na umalis ng isla sa
pamamagitan ng sobrang baha at putik at
malaking trosong gumiba ng mga barongbarong at maliliit na tahanan. At dahil dito
ay inataasan kaagad ni Pangulong Noynoy
ang local na pamahalaan na huwag ng
pabalikin pa ang mga tao sa Isla de Oro at
ire-locate na silang lahat.
Dapat ding managot ang mga magtotroso or illegal loggers na halos kumalbo na sa mga bulubuldukin ng Northern
Mindanao, at sa kasalukuyan at nagtuturuan na ang DNER at Local governments sa
kung sino-sino ang dapat sisihin at managot sa malayang pagputol ng mga trosong
dala ng maputik na bahang nagwasak ng
libo-libon trahanan, mga tuly at kalsada sa
Cagayan de Oro at Iligan cities.
Sa napanuod ko sa TFC at GMA TV
News ay sumalod ako kay Mayor Vicente
Emano ng CDO, di ko kakilala ang
mamang ito, pero nakita natin na kahit
kulang sa tao, kagamitan at pondo, ginawa lahat ni Mayor Emano para matulungan ang kanyang mga kababayan. Parang
di na yata siya natutulog sa kasagsagan
ng bagyo at baha. Kaya naman ganun
na lamang ang simpatiya at tiwala ng
kanyang mga kababayan. Kahit nga ako
at si Ka Ramon ay humanga sa mayor ng
CDO, di ba? (Tama ka dyan, Johnny
meyn, saludo ako kay Mayor Emano
– ed)
Sana ay mabigyan muna ng tulong ang
mga nasalanta ng bagyong Sendong bago
magturu-turuan ang mga opisyales ng
pmahalaan at maging leksiyon sa atin ang
nangyari sa CDO at Iligan City. Ang kailangan ngayon ay aksyon para masiguro
ang kahandaan ng balana kasi marami
pang darating na delubyo bunga ng lumalalang problema ng kalikasan or ‘climate
change’ sa inglis.
-0Hindi ko maintindihan at mawari kung
bakit pinag-aaksayahan natin ng panahon
at pagdarasal ang isang taong ang trabaho
ay mas masama at masahol pa sa drug
pusher. Ang paghahatid ng droga sa isang
bansa ay isang napakalaking kasalanan
ng isang tao or drug mule na tinatawag
sa inglis at nararapat lamang na tumaggap ito ng mabigat na kaparusahan. At sa
China nga ay kamatayan.
Ang mga Pinoy na pintay na ng Chinese
government sa pamamagitan ng lethal
injections ay hindi mga OFWs na pinalalabas ng mga kritikong kalaban ng ating
gobiyerno. Sila ay mga Pinoy na gustong
kumita ng malaking pera na nilinlang ng
mga sindikatong magdala ng hindi niya
nalalamang bagay sa Tsina. Sa totoo lang,
ang pagiging Drug Mule na ang kanilang
propesyon.
Ang atin namang mga opisyal, gaya ng
ating Bise Presidente ay binibigyan ng
importansiya ang mga taong ito dahil sa
isa siyang Pinoy na pinatay sa labas ng
bansa na para bang kapag pinatay ka sa
kahit na gaano kasamang krimen sa labas
ng bansa ay dapat ka nang ituring na bayani. Mali ang pag-iisip na ganito. Pangpapogi points lang mga ilang pulitiko ito.
Dapat na ikinahihiya natin ang mga
taong ganito. Nagmumukha tayong mga
gago sa mata ng mga Intsik at iba pang
panig ng buong mundo na iniiyakan pa
natin ang mga taong dapat na ikinahihiya
natin.
Iyong mga nahuhuling foreign drugrunners and drug makers sa Pinas ay
isininigaw nating makulong ng habang
buhay dahil wala na ngang death penalty
sa bansa. Galit na galit tayo dahil sinisira
ng mga dayuhang ito ang buhay ng ating
mga kabataan addicts sa droga.
Pero, galit na galit tayo sa Chinese government at nagmamartsa pa sa EDSA at
iba pang public places, vigil pa nga, kapag
may Pinoy drug mule na bibitayin na sa
China dahil nahulihan itong nagpapasok
sa kanilang bansa ng kilo-kilo heroin,
shabu at iba pang droga!
Mukhang mali ang nagiging reaksyon
natin sa ginagawa ng bansang Tsina na
pagpatay sa kapwa nating Pinoy. Dapat
na yata nating ayusin ang ating mga
ginagawa. Hindi naman yata tama na para
nating kinukunsinti ang krimen ng mga
kabayan nating ito.
Parang sinusuportahan pa natin ang
kanyang pagpuslit ng napakaraming
pinagbabawal na gamot sa bansang Tsina.
Kapag ginawa ba ng kabayan nating drug
mule ito sa ating bansa ay tanggap natin
ang kanyang pagpuslit ng heroin sa Pinas?
OK, sabihin na nating kapwa natin
Pinoy ang gumawa ng kahiya-hiyang
paglabag niya ng batas ng ibang bansa.
Ikinalulungkot natin na merong mga
Pinoy na ganito ang trabaho at kinukondena ko kung sino man ang nagpapasok
ng heroin, shabu o kahit na marijuana lamang sa kahit na anumang bansa
sa mundo. Malaking kasalanan iyon!
Ka-demonyohan iyon!
Kaya nga matagal ko ng isinusulat
s amga kolumn ko na dapat ng ibalik
ang Death Penalty sa Pinas para sa mga
krimen na merong kaugnayan sa pinagbabawal na gamot o droga.
Napakasama ng mga taong gumagawa
ng ganito at tama lamang na sila ay tinatapos na upang hindi na nila ulit-ulitin
pa ang kanilang kasamaan. Panawagang
dapat na aksiyunan ni Pangulong Noynoy.
Now Na!, ani nga idol Ted Pailon.
-0PAHABOL: Maraming salamat po sa
dumalo sa Christmas Party ng mga pamilyang Dela cruz, Agustin, Ancheta at
mga kaibigang taga-Pangasinan nuong
December 25, 2011 sa Masonic Hall,
Pugsley corner Crosby Rd, Richmond
Hill.. Salamat din po at nagustuhan ninyo
ang inawit ko (hehehehe..) at ang tinugtog namin ni Pareng Gilbert (owner ng
Tindahan).. And of course, thanks, Ka
Ramon (publisher natin dito sa TPC) for
coming…See you all, again sa December
31, 2011 New Years Eve Celebration ng
Filipino Association of Richmond Hill
(FARH) headed by my compadre Miguel
Caducio. Potluck po ito. Come and join
us!
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
An Evening with '1st Anghel ng Tahanan 2011' Winners
The Judges
Beth Bobila
N.delosSantos
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Carol Bella
Paeng Nebres
Belle Tumbokon
R. Enverga
Dr. F.Portugal
R. Ronquillo
Josie deLeon
Tess Cusipag
Lynda Wong
Erena Garcia
37
Classified Ads
Philippine Courier
AFCM Christmas Party a success
AFCM Officers & some media people with Ambassador Leslie Gatan (5th from right)
AFCM Members with Fr. Ben Ebcas & Chairperson Rosemer Enverga of AFCM Temporalities Ministry
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across
1 Nervous system
4 Cow sound
7 Charged particle
10 Knock
11 Passes through a sieve
13 Congressional vote
14 Three
15 Machine tool
16 Kapamilya.
17 Milk fish.
19 Vessel
21 Silent actor
23 Brand of milk
26 Famous Philippine beach
resort area.
29 Kingly
30 Be
31 Advantaged
33 North American nation
38
34
36
38
39
40
42
46
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
Juan _______.
Gold lumps
Skidded
Aggressive feelings
Science channel
Chinch
___ up
Metal bar
The other half of Jima
Before (prefix)
Thoughts
Dot
Cruse
Sweaty
Slide on snow
Down
1 Baby bed
2 Philippine Airport
3 Revolve
44
45
46
47
49
4 Vapor like
5 Often poetically
6 Remaining one
7 Fascinate
8 Klutz
9 New York City
11 Channeled for water
12 Stitch
18 Kapuso.
20 Adam's wife
22 Looking at
24 Large
25 AiAi Delas _____
26 Flying mammals
27 Voiced
28 Memo
29 Laments
32 Barge puller
35 Hoopla
37 Supreme Being
39 Root beer brand (3
wds.)
41 Heptad
43 Offers
Pag puti ng ________...
Mongolian desert
Star of Panday (abbrev)
Epoch
"To the right!"
Name that Vehicle
Early automakers couldn't decide on a common name to describe their
machines. Among the candidates were automation, electrobat motor fly,
oleo, locomotive, and motoring. The enentual winner was automobile, an
1876 French coinage meaning "self-movable." The word car (ultimately
from the Latin carrus, meaning "two-wheeled wagon") first hit th escene
20 years later.
Name Game. The Toyota Motor Corporation was founded by the Toyoda
family in 1937. In Japanese, the name Toyoda takes 10 strokes to write,
while the trade name Toyota takes 8. Because a numerologist advised that
8 is a luckier number than 10, we now drive Toyotas and not Toyodas.
Solution to November 2011 issue
Ooops! Hara-kiri, suicide done as a ritual by cutting one's bowels open,
has long
entered the English language, where it becomes a loose,figurative substitute for "self-destruction" (e.g., "political hara-kiri"). Ironically, the Japanese do not use hara-kiri when referring to the ceremony restored to by
high-ranking Japanese to avoid disgrace. They speak seppuku, which is
actually of Chinese origin.
WORD WATCH
Huramentado: from the Spanish juramentado, meaning "bound by oath."
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
Philippine Courier
Dec. 7 - Jan. 6, 2012
39