Arroyo sees rosy 2008 economy - Filipino Star · 2008-01-04 · English proficiency needed to be...

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www.filipinostar.orgNovember 2007, Vol. XXV, No. 11a

Joey Albert concert warmly received

Arroyo sees rosy 2008 economy

See 7 Joey Albert concert

See Page 4 2008 economy

will devote the new year to bringing ininvestments, improving educationaland public infrastructure, and bringingtechnology to the rural areas wheremost of the poor live.

Toward this end, students'English proficiency needed to beimproved, while skills training wouldhave to be reoriented based on jobsdemand, she said.

The government also needs to"redouble revenue efforts" to achieve abalanced budget next year, or twoyears earlier than target.

Arroyo said she intends toachieve this by pensioning off "poor-performing" tax and customs bureaupersonnel and beefing up operationsagainst smuggling.She also pledged todevote more resources to improvingthe environment.

"People need to breathe clean airand swim in clean water while we also

Joey Albert’s concert entitled “I willbe here” attracted quite a big crowdlast Friday, December 14, 2007, held atthe College Brebeuf theater In fact,there was still a big line up of peopletrying to buy tickets at 7:00 p.m. Theshow finally started around 8:00 P:M.but did not end until 11:30 p.m.

Joey’s repertoire covered anextensive variety of melodies from the60s, 70s and 80s. She seemed to havesomething for everybody – the young,and the not so young age groups. Shesang a good mixture of Tagalog andEnglish songs. Backed by a stringquartette and a pianist, Joey’s beautfilvoice could be heard clearly. Thepeople seemed to be captivated by thenatural way she delivered every songand they all felt like singing along andclapping. She was also veryentertaining and showed a great senseof humor.

The people clamored for severalencores. Joey was very happy to

C o n t e n t sC o o p e r a t i v e M o v e m e n t . . . . p . 6

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Manila, Philippines, December 27President Arroyo said Thursday sheexpects the Philippines economy tomaintain its vibrancy in 2008 afterposting growth in excess of sevenpercent in the first nine months of2007.

"We are filled with hope as theyear ends and a new year begins. Ourcountry is stable, strong andpeaceful. Our economy is vibrant, thestock market is on a bull run andinvestments come pouring in," shesaid in a statement.

The growth rate of 7.1percent in the nine months toSeptember is the highest in nearly 20years.

Economists say Manila needsseven years of at least seven percentgross domestic product growth toimprove the lives of the 40 percent ofFilipinos who live on two dollars a dayor less.

Arroyo said the governmentPresident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivers her speech at a cabinet meeting, December 27, 2007 i

Page 10

Lanao Del Norte

By Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi

December 20072


The North American Filipino Star

Jerry EstradaLina V. FernandezDr. Victor Gavino

Prof. Isaac GoodineEsther StansfieldAlvin D. Veloso

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Hilda T. VelosoCommunity News

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514-733-8915Tangkilin ang sariling atin.

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FILIPINO SOLIDARITYCOOPERATIVECoopérative de Solidarité Filipino

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Not yet a member? Support your first and onlyFilipino cooperative in Canada. Be a member now!

Sunday Coffee Club at the Coop to continue

It seems to be a commonexperience to realize, at the end of theyear, that there are many things whichwere left undone in spite of our goodintentions to do them. Then the feelingof regret comes to each one of us inrecognizing that time rules us all andthat it is beyond our power to changethe past. The only thing we can do isto look forward to the future and neverto repeat our past mistakes. But this iseasier said than done. There are justtoo many things that happen aroundus, both good and bad, and it is hard tokeep our optimism at all times. Yet, wealso know that we can never quit andthat we should try and try until wesucceed. because giving up neverleads to victory but to defeat.

Last December 8, we had tried toraise funds on behalf of the FilipinoSolidarity Cooperative for which wecelebrated the Silver Jubilee of theNorth American Star and the 18thanniversary of Gilmore InternationalCollege. The result of our huge effortwas not very encouraging for therewere many other parties held on thesame day. Our mission to raiseenough funds to make a difference didnot materialize, and yet, we feel that itwas worth the trouble of trying to raisethe awareness of the community tosupport the Cooperative movement.Will many people remember thisevent? Will they make an effort to seeif they can do something to help out?Do they ever read the articles in thisnewspaper about the Coop? JerryEstrada has been writing a columnentitled “Cooperative movement –bigger than what you think.” Has thiscolumn made anyone take the step tobecome a member? Up to this point,no one really knows but we hope thatone day, all our efforts to have asuccessful cooperative will be realizedwhen all the 15 000 Filipinos living inCote des Neiges area will choose tobecome members and buy theirgroceries there. Slowly but surely, wehope to persuade our fellowkababayan to be united and cooperatewith one another through thecooperative movement.- There are signs that there is apotential for Filipinos to work togetherand accomplish common goals.However, this potential can only bedeveloped fully with a certain type of

leadership at every level – from apersonal to the social or group level.As we are living in a democracy, wehave the freedom to choose to workalone or with others. But commonsense tells us that we can do morewhen we are united in workingtowards a common goal. We haveseen a good example of achieving abetter result when many peopleparticipate. The Filipino CatholicMission just had a very successful fundraising drive through the Queen ofAngels contest that raised over$100,000. If a similar type of support isextended to the Filipino SolidarityCooperative, it will not take long beforeit succeeds in overcoming its financialdifficulties. It is not owned by oneperson but by about 600 people, someare fully qualified members, others arepartially paid. If all these members willdecide to be fully committed to theirown Coop, it will become a successfulbusiness overnight. For the time being,it is like a lonely soldier fighting a warwith no weapons for it does not haveenough funds with which to buy allkinds of merchandise that people arebuying from the other stores. We hopethat this is a temporary situation, orjust a question of time. We believe thatwhen the 2006 financial statement isfinalized in a month, and after thegeneral assembly is held soonthereafter, we will encourage others tobe members and those who arealready members to be more activelyinvolved. We also hope to attractpeople with altruistic motives to help bycontributing their time and knowledgeto form a strong management team tolead this Cooperative out of its financialblack hole.

In spite of the difficult fiscal yearjust about to be over, we are hopingthat 2008 will be better. As it is oftensaid – “the best things are yet tocome.” We hope that this time willcome soon for the sake of all who havesacrificed themselves in workingvoluntarily for the Coop. We also wishthat we all may enjoy a wonderfulholiday and have a Happy andProsperous New Year !

Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi

“The best things are yet to come.”

Due to the snowstormsrecently, our coffee club has been puton hold, however, we intend tocontinue with this idea in order to en-courage our members to drop in andbuy from the Coop. We will resume it

on Sunday, January 7, 2008, andevery Sunday thereafter.

We are planning onrefurbishing the store to make it lookmore presentable but we need some

help in terms of appropriate furniturelike two or three small round tables,and a good coffee machine that canbe used to prepare freshly brewedcoffee for everyone’s enjoyment. Wealso need handy people to help us in

re-arranging the shelves to displaymerchandise properly, and to re-arrange office furniture in order to have

See Page 7 Coop Coffee Club

Members who attended the first Coffee Club with Magnolia Camat as animator, (2nd from right) lastDecember 9, 2007, are Myrna Penaranda, Anita Lo, Jee May Ojoylan, Joyce Lorica, and Jun Lorica.

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december 2007 3The North American Filipino Star


Joint Anniversary Celebration of the North American Filipino Star andthe Gilmore International College, December 8, 2007 (Photos by Joselito Sarto)

From left: Hilda Veloso, Nemia Bermudez, Annie Miaral, Zenaida Kharroubi, RizaEsmeralda, and Claro Bermudez, posing for a souvenir of the anniversary.

Hilda Veloso poses with Zenaida Kharroubi and Ambassador Brillantes afterreceiving a certificate of appreciation for her volunteer work for the Star.

Amy Manon-og receiving a certificate of apprecia-tion from Ambassador Brillantes for her work withGilmore International College.

Ambassador Brillantes receives a certificate ofappreciation and a token gift from Zenaida Kharroubifor being the guest speaker during the anniversary.

Alex Robles receiving a certificate of appreciationfor being a volunteer for the Filipino SolidarityCooperative.

Zenaida Kharroubi shakes hands with Ambassador Jose Brillantes to express herpersonal thanks for all the support she has received. Visible on the background isthe QP8 band poster and the anniversary banner.

The Bade brothers, Ben, Carlito and Noli, received certificates of appreciationfrom Ambassador Brillantes for their volunteer work at the Coop.

December 20074



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build manufacturing and bridges tospan our waters," she added.

Finance Secretary Margarito Tevescalled for more aggressive spendingon public infrastructure as well astourism investment and promotion tosoften the impact of soaring oil pricesand a forecast downturn in the globaleconomy next year.

He said the remittances of Filipinosworkers overseas must be channeledto infrastructure projects, which will bean outlet for excess dollars to also helptemper the peso's strength.

Between January and October,remittances totaled $11.87 billion, up15 percent from a year ago and ontrack to meet the central bank's full-year target of $14 billion.

University of the Philippineseconomics professor BenjaminDiokno, a former budget secretary,projected that growth would be slowernext year, noting that possiblerecession in the U.S. will affect thePhilippine economy.MANILA, DECEMBER 27, 2007Stressing that “knowledge is the

greatest creator of wealth,” PresidentGloria Macapagal-Arroyo met today forthe fourth time the stakeholders in theeducation sector to set up the

mechanisms needed to furtherimprove the country’s educationalsystem.

Today’s meeting was the fourth ofa series of meetings with the educationsector this month. The first and thirdmeetings were held also in Manilawhile the second meeting was in CebuCity last Dec. 13.

“We are holding a series ofmeetings to feel how the stakeholdersin the education sector are thinking inimproving our education system,” thePresident said as she was greeted bymembers of the Coordinating Councilof Private Education Associations(COCOPEA), Commission on HigherEducation Chairman Romulo Neri andEducation Secretary Jesli Lapus.

Neri said the President has timeand again stressed the importance ofquality education in uplifting the livesof the poor and in improving theeconomy and that she wanted to leavea legacy of better education to theyounger generation.

Thus, Lapus said there is aproposal that the government’s pre-school program must include childrenenrolled in Day Care centers.

“We have to start them young,” hesaid.

He said the program targets tocover 1.8 million private and publicschool pupils nationwide, including the28,000 pupils in public schools withoutpre-school.

Another issue to be discussedduring the meeting, Lapus said, is the

retraining of teachers, specifically inEnglish, in a move to further improvethe English proficiency of students.

Lapus said a lot has yet to be donein the retraining of teachers and onesolution he would suggest is rigidcollege curriculum and training tospare government from spending alarge sum in retraining of teachers.

He cited that about 52 percent ofteachers in Mathematics and Scienceneed retraining.

The President has listed educationas one of her top priorities at the startof her fresh six-year term.

“Our administration has spentmore on human capital formation thanany other administration in the past,”the President has said, adding that“Education is the foundation ofeconomic prosperity and individualliberty, justice and self-worth.”THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2007 |GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT

An upbeat President GloriaMacapagal-Arroyo unveiled today amini-agenda of the key programs andtargets of her administration in 2008topped by the economy, ruraldevelopment, education, theenvironment and the national budget.

Exulting over the peacefulcelebration of Christmas, the Presidentsaid “we are filled with optimism andhope as 2007 comes to an end and anew year begins.”

In her opening statement at theyearend meeting of the NationalEconomic and Development Authority-Cabinet Group (NEDA-CG), thePresident said:

“This Christmas demonstrated thestability and strength of the Philippinesand the peace it enjoys. We have avibrant economy, the stock market isup and investments are pouring in. Weare pushing ahead with ourinfrastructure programs for thebetterment and progress of ourpeople.”

She added that it is important thatthe benefits of the country’s improvingeconomy and fiscal position seepdown to the people nationwideespecially the poor.

“Kaya naman sa huling pulong ngGabinete sa taong ito, ibig natinbalangkasin at palakasin ang mgaprograma para sa kaunlaran atpamumuhunan sa lalawigan, at parasa education sa magandangkabuhayan at kinabukasan ngmamamayan,” the President pointedout.

This is the first time in years that theFirst Family spent Christmas in MetroManila. In previous years, thePresident spent the Christmas andNew Year holidays in Baguio City.

In her statement, the President said:“Paaabutin natin sa nayon ang capital,kaalaman, imprastraktura atteknolohiya na mabilis magpasaganasa lungsod. At pag-iibayuhin natin angpagtuturo ng wikang Ingles at mgakasanayan sa mga trabahong agadmakukuha ng may sapat nakaalaman.”

Another key program of thegovernment, she said, is to balance thenational budget next year, two yearsahead of the original 2010 goal.

To attain this objective, the Presidentsaid “we shall redouble revenue effortsthat we balance the budget next yearwhile accelerating our infrastructureprojects. These include the transfer orattrition of poor-performing Bureau ofInternal Revenue (BIR) and Customspersonnel, and more intensive anti-smuggling operations.”

She said the protection of theenvironment will not be sacrificed forthe sake of development, and “we shallalso survey the condition of water, landand air in and around Laguna de Bay.”

It was imperative, the Presidentpointed out, that “(we) build ourenvironment as a reflection of ourcommitment to our quality of life.People need to breath clean air andswim in clean water while we also buildmanufacturing and bridges to span ourwaters.”

She declared that what heradministration will do, the priorityprograms it will undertake and its goalsare clearly defined.

“Maliwanag ang ating mgagagawin sa taong darating.Magdiwang tayo sa gumagandanghinaharap ng bayan, at ating balikatingsama-sama ang kaunlaran ng bawatmamamayan, sa lungsod man o bukid,sa bisa ng dunong, imprastraktura atpuhunan sa taong bayan,” she said.

From Page 1 2008 Economy

Arroyo holds 4thmeeting with educationstakeholders

President Arroyo flanked by Coordinating Council of Private Education Associations(COCOPEA), Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri and EducationSecretary Jesli Lapus.

PGMA outlines goalsof her administrationin 2008

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December 20, 2007The 53 Philippine army officers,

accused in mutiny attempts againstPresident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo'sregime, were freed Thursday as aChristmas reprieve.

They were originally scheduled tobe freed Jan. 27 but Macapagal-Arroyo commuted one month of theirsentence, news reports said.

The Manila Times reported therebellious junior officers, who havebeen in detention since 2003, mayeven be allowed to return to militaryservice. A military tribunal had earlierdecided to discharge the men andgive them a lighter sentence under aplea bargain with military prosecutors.

"Effective today, they are releasedas civilians," military chief Gen.Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said. "Theyare separated from the service withoutprejudice to benefits due to them."

The freed officers were part of amuch larger group involved in themutiny in July 2003 but the effort wascrushed a day later and all accusedwere arrested.

Many of them have since beenreleased or given lighter sentences. Agroup of 29 officers, considered thecore group in the mutiny attempt, maystill face more serious charges.. a

Philippines' accusedmutineers of 2003 freed

December 29, 2007The camp of detained Sen. Antonio

Trillanes 4th on Friday asked thegovernment to dismiss rebellioncharges against him and 15 othersaccused of taking over an upscale hotelin Makati City in November anddemanding the resignation of PresidentGloria Arroyo.

In a 60-page motion forreconsideration filed before the MakatiRegional Trial Court, Trillanes’ lawyerErnesto Francisco said the siege of theManila Peninsula did not constituteenough ground for rebellion even whenthe senator’s group demanded thatPresident Arroyo step down.

Citing Supreme Court decisions, headded that the crime of rebellion was notcommitted by the accused because thetakeover did not involve any massivearmed uprising, complex plots, or civilwar.

Francisco said an earlier resolutionof Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda thathad junked the case against civilianslinked to the mutiny acknowledged thesame fact. He added that not a singlegunshot was fired by the accused, whoalso did not use force or firearms onanyone during the standoff.

Francisco said the preliminaryinvestigation conducted by governmentlawyers led by Senior State ProsecutorEmmanuel Velasco was void sincecomplainant and witnesses did not fileaffidavits and sworn statements. He saidthe probe had violated a policy of thejustice department on rules on inquests.

Trillanes, Army Brig. Gen. DaniloLim and their Magdaló group of juniormilitary officers and their civiliansupporters had holed up at the hotel fornearly six hours before troops assaulted

the building.Alameda also on Friday granted

Lim’s motion that he be transferred toCamp Crame, the police headquarters.

Early this week, he was moved fromCamp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, to theheadquarters of the Intelligence Serviceof the Armed Forces of the Philippines in

Camp Aguinaldo.The military’s chief of staff, Gen.

Hermogenes Esperon Jr., said henee-ded Lim in Camp Aguinaldo so thepro-vost marshal could conduct his owninvestigation of the hotel standoff.

Lim was held for almost a month atCamp Crame with Trillanes and otherjunior military officers and men from theMagdaló group for their role in themutiny.

Esperon ordered Lim’s transfer atthe request of Col. Arthur Abadilla, theprovost marshal, the military’s PublicInformation Office said in a statement.

Another reason cited in Esperon’sorder was the scheduled January 15arraignment on rebellion chargesagainst the Trillanes’ group before theAlameda sala. a

Trillanes petitions to dismiss mutiny case

Brig. General Danilo LimSen. Antonio Trilanes

December 20076 The North American Filipino Star


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Proof of Attendance:An attractive certificate and tax receipt will be given at theend of the workshop.Proceedings will be videotaped. You may purchase acopy for your future reference.NOTE:In addition to establishing a writers’ network, a publicspeaking course will be a follow-up to this workshop.

Schedule: (Tentatively set for Jan. 08)Friday - 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.Saturday & Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Tuition Fee:2 1/2 days seminar for the low rate of $495 includingtaxes and materials.

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Zenaida F. KharroubiB.A. English, M.A. Ed. StudiesDiploma in Education, TESL

Founder & Director-GeneralGilmore International College

Editor & Publisher,North American Filipino StarGroup Commissioner, Scouts

Canada, Quebec Council“Laging Handa” 0592

Gilmore International College4950 Queen Mary Rd. PenthouseMontreal, QC H3W 1X3

www.gilmorecollege.com Call 514-485-7861 to register

Seminars to be held in March and April 2008

Coop volunteers, Star contributors, and Gilmore faculty members receive certificates ofappreciation from Gilmore International College administration (Photos: Courtesy of Joselito Sarto)

Celebrating the silver jubilee ofthe North American Filipino Star onDecember 8, 2007 in conjunction withthe 18th anniversary of GilmoreInternational College was not plannedahead of time, I decided to hold aparty around the third week ofOctober, and had barely two monthsto promote it in the community. Aftergoing through such a rush, I realizedit could have been better to postponesuch a celebration until the time whenthere are less parties being held at thesame time, but the timeliness of theevent would be gone. But the mostimportant and driving force behind mydecision is my desire to raise

awareness of the Filipino-Canadiancommunity that there is a FilipinoSolidarity Cooperative that needstheir support. I also want them toappreciate the fact that the FilipinoSolidarity Cooperative is the first oneof its kind that is founded by Filipinosin Canada. Moreover, having acooperative in our midst is a symbolof cooperation, and a worthy causeas it will give us the opportunity to beempowered economically andpolitically. As there are 600 Coopmembers, I thought that there will beat least 200 people who will attendthis party. . Consequently, I signed a

Ambassador Brillantes presents a certificate to Jogie Perez, a volunteer of theFilipino Solidarity Cooperative assisted by Zenaida Kharroubi.

Joecel Trinidad, one of the most activve volunteers, receives her certificate ofappreciation from Ambassador Brillantes.

Magnolia Camat receives a certificate of appreciation from Ambassador Brillantes Ms.Camatos is one of the original founders of the Cooperative.

See Page 7 Anniversary



contract based on a minimum of 200tickets. As there were only 135 ticketssold and I had to nonor the contract, Idid not raise the money that Iexpected.

Our guest of honor was HisExcellency, Ambassador JoseBrillantes who was introduced by Mr.Alex Robles, vice-president of theCoop.. The Ambassador delivered abrief speech in which he underscoredthe importance of the joint anniverarycelebration as a testimony to thesuccess of Gilmoe InternationalCollege and the Nroth AmerkicanFilipino Star.

After the Ambassador’s speech, apresntation of certificates followed.The first ones called were Filipino Starcontributors:, namely, Al Abdon,Joyce Alzate, Michael Davantes, Atty.Lito Domingo, Lina Fernandez, Dr.Victor Gavino, Isaac T. Goodine,Chantal Harvey, Julie Parado, EsterStansfield, Alvin and Hilda VelosoMagdalena Villanueva.

The next group was the GilmoreCollege Faculty namely, DavidBercusson, Edith Fedalizo, ClariceMackay, Amy Manon-og, Dindo Miras,Nina Schiff, Kadri Shiriffi, JosefinaToledo (Faculty during the currentyear. Faculty of other years havealready been acknowledged)

The third and last group were theFilipino Solidarity Cooper-ativevolunteers: John Aquino, BenjaminBade, Carlito Bade, Noli Bade, PazCalope, Magnolia Camat, Erlinda delaCruz, Leticia de los Santos (paidcashier but works extra hours to helpout), Nole Detorio, Jerry Estrada (alsoa contributor to the Filipino Star),Lourdes Fagsao, Norma Foz(volunteer cashier), Estrella Gascon,Domingo Lorica, Jr., RemediosMonteagudo, Julie Parado (volunteercashier for 3 months), Jogie Perez,André Proulx, Alex Robles, EdgarTandugon, Rhoda Tremocha, JoecelTrinidad, and Magdalena Villanueva.

A special certificate of recognitionis to be given to Bert Abiera at a laterdate when he comes back from thePhilippines.

The QP8 band played dancemusic all evening but was onlyinterrupted by the presentation of twosongs by two young people from theMusical Tribute concert slated to beheld on December 15 at the St. JamesUnited Church in Westmount. Thisentertainment number wascontributed by The Filipino CanadianAssociation of the West Island(FCAWI), sponsors of the concert.

Ms. Amy Manon-og did anexcellent job as emcee of the evening. The International Entertainment Mtl-Phil Inc. through its president, Mr.Gaetan Danis, and manager Mr.Raymund Faustino, provided a verygood refreshment to all the guests. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed theevening as the dancing lasted until thewee hours of the morning.

Representatives from somecommunity associations attended thecelebration, namely, the PhilippineFolk Art Society, FCAWI, FAMAS,

Filipino Nurses Association ofQuebec, and Filipino-CanadianAlliance of Quebec. Sponsors,patrons and advertisers namesappeared in the anniversary souvenirprogram. To acknowledge theirinvaluable support, their names arecited hereunder:

Platinum sponsors:CDN/NDG Borough Mayor

Michael Applebaum, Warren Almand,Councilor, Loyola District; MarvinRotrand, Councilor, SnowndonDistrict; Saulie Sajdel, Councilor,Darlington District; Francine Senévsl,Councilor, CDN District, and MarcelTremblay, Councilor, NDG District.

Bronze sponsors:Mrs. Ursulene Mora, College Prep

International; Mr. James Ma, ConcordTours; Dr. Emmie Pelausa, PhilippineBenevolent & Scholarship Society ofQuebec; Dr. & Mrs. Jesus Pelausa,and Gimore College Accounting IClass 2007.

Patrons:Francisco Altares, Dora Banawa,

Mr. Carlito & Mrs. Thema Arlegui, CoraEriza, Mr. Gaudencio Evaristo, EstrellaGascon, Janet Haydock, RomyLalisan of Highlights Express, ClariceMackay, Betty Peralta, Rose & FlorRillo, and Felly Sorillo.

Advertisers:(1/2 pages) FAMAS, Philippine FolkArts Society of Quebec, Mr. MarcelTremblay, Hon. Stephan Dion, Hon.Irwin Cotler, Saratoga, PhilippineBenevolent & Scholarship Society ofQuebec, and InternationalEntertainment Mtl-Philippines Inc.(1/4pages) Erlinda & Erlwin Camat,Canadian Association of PeopleHelping People from the Philippins.College Prep International, NovoEcijanos Association of Montreal andSuburbs, Pearl of Manila Restaurant,Ajennat Coiffure, and Panday Tinig.(business card) : Al Abdon, Dr. GeneSantander, Filipino Martial Arts (ChrisBautista), Rey Balansi, and Norcy &Ray Morales and the St. Kevin’s LineDancers.

Before midnight, door prizes wereraffled off. These prizes were donatedby Amy Manon-og, Nina Schiff, HelenRose Molino, Ben Bade, and ZenaidaKharroubi.

From page 6 Anniversary From page 2 Coffee Club

no more clutter that makes the placelook unattractive. We can also use theservices of an electrician to check allthe wiring for we would like to re-arrange the freezers and make themmore accessible but without crowdingthe aisle.

We also would like to remindyou to become a member now. Yourmembership will contribute to theimprovement of the cash flowsituation, and eventually help us offeryou lower prices by allowing us to buymerchandise in bulk from a supplier.By increasing our membership, we willbe able to improve sales and enableus to issue dividends sooner. We canalso earn recognition if we achieve thelevel of membership necessary to earna reward from CDR which is in chargeof all cooperatives in Quebec. Theopportunity to be recognized for thistype of award exists for cooperativesthat are less than 5 years old.

One of the important reasonsfor having a cooperative is to offerlower prices to members. For thisreason, we need to implement an IDcard system. Please send us or bringan ID card photo with a $3.00 feeHowever, it is also important to settlethe balance of your qualifying sharesbefore this ID card is issued. Amember of the MembershipCommittee will be calling you to letyou know your balance. if there is anyerror in your record, please let usknow.

The financial record for 2006fiscal year is now in the auditors’hands. As soon as the financialstatement is completed, we will becalling a general assembly. Moreinformation to follow next issue.

Food Safety InformationSociety: It's HolidaySeason-Know Your Limits

'Tis the season forentertaining family and friends, andyour food safety knowledge may beput to the test when planning,preparing, cooking and servingholiday foods. "Plan on serving onlythose amounts of food you can cookand serve safely," says Jill Kartushyn,Food Safety Information Officer withthe Food Safety Information Society(FSIS). "Consider how much roomyou have in your fridge, freezer andoven because food stays fresh andsafe for only a limited period of time.Know these limits". If unsure, checkthe FSIS websitewww.foodsafetyinfo.org or call theFood Safety Officers at 1-800-892-8333.

When using prepared orpartially prepared foods, carefullyread the cooking instructions on thelabel. "Storage and preparationdirections may differ for similarproducts", says Kartushyn. "Somefoods may be safely prepared in themicrowave, while others must becooked thoroughly in an oven or onthe stove".

Foods served buffet style

must be kept at safe temperatures.Keep hot food hot (60 degrees C/140degrees F or higher) and cold foodcold (4 degrees C/40 degrees F orcolder) and don't leave perishablefoods out at room temperature forlonger than two hours. It is importantto keep portions small and refill whennecessary to maintain freshness andsafety. Chafing dishes and casseroleswarmed with tea lights look festive butmay not be keeping food at a safetemperature. If you plan to use these,insert an instant read foodthermometer into the food to checkthat the temperature is safe.

Adhere to 'Best Before Dates'and recommended storage times. Forinstance, your cooked version ofhomemade eggnog can berefrigerated for three to four days,cooked shrimp one to two days andcheesecake five days.

This season, know your limitsand make it a safe holiday when itcomes to your food.

We acknowledge the financialsupport of Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada and Alberta Agriculture andFood under the Agricultural PolicyFramework, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

CONTACT INFORMATION:Food Safety Information Society103, 14707 Bannister Road SECalgary, Alberta T2X 1Z21-800-892-8333Email: [email protected]: www.foodsafetyinfo.org

The Conservative government'sideological opposition to guncontrol will make our streetsmore dangerous, Liberal criticsays

OTTAWA - Liberal Public Safety"How can the Conservatives claim tobe serious about tackling crime andgang violence, while making it harderfor the police to keep guns off thestreets?" said Mr. Dosanjh. "In orderto appeal to their ideological basethe Conservative government isbringing forward legislation toweaken gun control by scrapping thegun registry."

Mr. Dosanjh explained thatdespite clear evidence that the gunregistry works, the Conservativegovernment has re-introduced its billto kill the registry for rifles andshotguns. "During meetings onParliament Hill last April, Canadian PoliceAssociation (CPA) President TonyCannavino said that the gun registry isused more than 5,000 times daily, usuallyto determine whether or not firearms arepresent when police are called to respondto emergencies," said Mr. Dosanjh.

"The Conservatives are out ofstep with Canadians on gun control andhave allowed themselves to be taken in bythe US Republican and National

Rifleman's Association (NRA) ideologythat refuses to make the link between the

supply of guns and gun crime." M r .Dosanjh said that registration andlicensing introduced by the Liberalgovernment in 1995 have made Canadasafer:

Montreal, December 20, 2007Recognizing that the immigranthuman resource pool is not beingutilized and that it is mainlyconcentrated in metropolitanMontreal, the Ministre de l’Emploi etde la Solidarité sociale, Mr. SamHamad, and the Ministre del’Immigration et des communautésculturelle, Mme Yolande James,entrusted to their parliamentaryassistants respectively, MNA of Viau,M. Emmanuel Dubourg, and MNA ofde Robert-Baldwin, M. Pierre Marsan,lthe mandate to find solutions incoordination with employers andlabor syndicates, communityorganizations, solutions that willneutralize the obstacles to the fullemployment of immigrants.

Integration of immigrantsin the job market

December 20078



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December 29, 2007Former president Joseph Estrada

said Friday that he is still eligible to runfor the presidency in 2010, but, as ofnow, he opts not to.

In his speech before resettlers inTanay town in Rizal, the former presidentasserted that he could still run for thepresidency in 2010 because what he gotwas an absolute pardon and there wasnothing in his release that wasconditional, ABS-CBN Newscorrespondent Timi Nubla reported.

However, Estrada said that as ofnow, he has no plans of running andthat his goal is to unite the oppositionand field just one candidate for the nextpresidential elections.

Estrada, who was convicted lastSeptember 12 for plunder, also said thathis visits to poor areas is not a form ofcampaign. He said his goal was to bringhis case to the people and tell them thetruth.

During a gift-giving session in Tanayhe said, in his speech, that he couldlook people in the eye because he isinnocent, even taking off his shades toprove his point.

On reports that the Lakas-CMDparty is talking to the Liberal andNacionalista parties, Estrada, in an

ambush interview, said that if they findout that any of the members of theopposition would hold any form of talkswith the administration, they will be outof the selection of the opposition'scandidates and the opposition won'tendorse their candidacy in the 2010elections.

Meanwhile, former senator ErnestoMaceda, in his speech at the sameevent, recounted how he bumped intoChief Justice Artemio Panganiban at adinner where they discussed thejustice's column about Estrada's pardonwhich Maceda said declared that Erapwas granted absolute pardon that's whyhe was able to vote in the recentbarangay elections.

Maceda, who itroduced the formerpresident in the Tanay event, introducedEstrada as "ang babalik na pangulo ngPilipinas."

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay,who was also at the gathering, said thatacademically speaking, Estrada can stillrun. He also asked the presidentialaspirants from the opposition who aretalking to Malacañang to tell oppositiongroups their plans early on.

The only thing he is sure of, Binaysaid, was that he and Estrada are loyalto each other.

‘Erap can still be jailed for pardonviolations’

Meanwhile The Philippine Starreported that Special Prosecutor DennisVilla-Ignacio warned Friday oustedPresident Joseph Estrada that he couldbe detained again if he fails to complywith the conditions set by the executiveclemency granted him by PresidentArroyo.

The ban on Estrada’s running foroffice is part of the conditions containedin the pardon, he told The STAR.

In response, Estrada said yesterdayhe would be forced to run in the 2010presidential elections if Villa-Ignacio andthe government would not stopthreatening to have his executiveclemency revoked.

"He (Villa-Ignacio) is crazy," he said."I challenge him. Although I have nointention of running right now, I might beforced to run if they will continue withthat kind of thinking. I hope they don’ttry me.

"Villa-Ignacio is supposed to be agood lawyer. But with that statement, heis not competent to be a lawyer. Even aformer Justice says that I can still run.

"The dispositive portion of thepardon that I signed says restoring (my)civil and political rights. I did vote in thelast barangay elections. If I can vote, Ican be voted upon. It means my full civiland political rights were restored."

In a telephone interview, Estradasaid he can still run for presidentbecause the pardon granted to him byPresident Arroyo was absolute.

Estrada said Villa-Ignacio does notdeserve to be in the government’s legalservice, and should uphold his wordand resign from his post.

"He (Villa-Ignacio) was the one whohas no word of honor," he said.

"He said that he will resign should Ibe granted pardon. He was the one whosaid that, not me. He has no word ofhonor."

Estrada said he has not beencampaigning and his "LakbayPasasalamat" is to bring his case to thepeople.

Villa-Ignacio said Estrada’sexecutive clemency could be recalled ifhe fails to comply with the conditions setin the order of Mrs. Arroyo.

"That’s (not running) part of the

conditions set by Malacañang that hewas supposed to comply with," he said.

"The other one is that he (Estrada)would return the money (he illegallyamassed during his term)."

Prosecutors will look into the caseof Estrada and work for the recall of hisexecutive clemency if he is found tohave failed to comply with its conditions,Villa-Ignacio said.

Estrada and his lawyers had saidonly about P2,000 is left in the JoseVelarde account in Equitable PCI Bank,which has since merged with Banco deOro.

However, Villa-Ignacio said therewas more than P3 billion deposited inthe Jose Velarde account when Estradawas president.

"It is not right (that the P2,000 wouldonly be the amount that should bereturned)," he said.

In telephone interview with TheSTAR, retired Manila fiscal JoseFlaminiano, one of Estrada’s lawyers,said they cannot comment on thestatement of Solicitor General AgnesDevanadera that Estrada was given aconditional pardon until they havethoroughly studied the issue.

"That is the (Office of the SolicitorGeneral’s) opinion," he said.

Flaminiano said that statementsabout Estrada running for presidentagain are mere speculations.

"He (Estrada) says he will not runanymore," he said.

"He says that he would devote histime to helping the masses. He alsosays that he would be willing toreconcile with the (Arroyo)administration for the improvement ofthe country." a

Joseph Estrada: ‘I could still run for president in 2010!‘



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(Ingredients:

½ kilo green elongated chilies(julienned)

200 grams shrimp paste (unsalted)

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 whole onion (chopped)

¼ kilo pork (cut into tiny pieces)

¼ kilo tomatoes (chopped)

4 tbs. vegetable oil

1 cup coconut milk, extracted from 3coconut fruit If using an instant cocopowder which is available in manyAsian stores, 1 medium sachetdissolved in 1 cup of water is enough

bicol express - 37.8 kbbicol express

In a pan or a wok, sauté garlic, onion,and tomatoes in oil. When onion isslightly cooked, add pork. Fry themixture for 2 minutes until pork turneda little brown, and then add ½ cup ofwater. Boil until water is almost goneand pork is completely cooked. Thenadd shrimp paste. After three minutes,add in chilies. Without overcookingthe chili, or in a minute, pour in thecoconut milk. Simmer until mixture isdry. Season with salt and pepper andserve hot or cold with rice. This dishis best eaten with fried fish or friedmeat.1 package egg roll wrappers

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* 1 small carrot, finely chopped* 1/4 cup soy sauce* 4 tablespoons of cooking oil* ham, finely chopped* raisins* cooked peas* salt and pepper to taste

Rellenong Bangus CookingInstructions:

* Scale and remove theintestines of the bangus.

* With a very sharp knife, slowlyremove the meat of the fish from theskin through the opening cavity belowthe head. Remove the spine bysnapping off the bone at the base ofthe tail and head. Use a long spoon toscrape all the meat from the skin.

* Marinate the head and skin inlemon juice, soy sauce and pepper.

* Boil in 1/2 cup of water thebangus meat with some salt for 5minutes.

* Sauté the garlic and onionsuntil slightly brown then add thetomatoes and carrots until tender.

* Add the chopped ham,cooked peas, raisins and the bangusmeat to the mixture. Cook for anadditional 5 minute Add a beatenegg to the sauté and mix well.

* Stuff the mixture inside thebangus skin and head. Sew the cavityif needed.

* Fry in oil until golden brown.* slice slightly diagonal (1 1/2

inch thick) and serve.

Filipino Fruit SaladI 1 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (NestleBrand) 8 ea Ounce pgk. CreamCheese 3 ea 14 ounce cans FruitCocktail, drained 14 ounce canPineapple chunks, drained 14 ouncecan Lychees, drained 1 cup Coconut8 Ounce package Chopped almonds,unsalted 1 1/2 cup Cubed apples(optional) Procedures: Mix heavy cream andcream cheese together to a smoothsauce like consistency. Combine withother ingredients and blend well, chillovernight. Lychees can be skipped,use tropical fruit cocktail instead of theregular fruit cocktail, make it fourcans.

Rellyenong Bangus

December 200710



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Iligan Fiesta, these week-long festivities are held in September in the capital

Maria Cristina Falls Iligan's greatest heritage, it is the most resplendent amongthe city's 20 waterfalls.

Tinago Falls - As literally implied, it is hidden in a deep ravine, the fallscascading beautifully into a basin-like pool, calm, deep and icy cold. It has anelevation of approximately 420 ft.

‘Dancers (top) and children (bottom) at the Lubi-lubi Festival, Linamon. Alsocalled Hudyaka sa Lubi’, it celebrates the city’s charter day.



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Dancers performing at the Lubi-Lubi Festival held in January

The province of Lanao is locatedon the Northern Mindanao districtalong the northwest coast of Iligan Bay.The lowland peninsula gives way to arealm of hilly terrene which ascendstowards the mountains in thesoutheast and northeast portion. Therivers flows in deep interval as theycascade from the mountains going tothe coast, constructing many waterfallsand the Maria Cristina Falls is the mostwell-known of all.

One of the famous dish in Iligan isthe binaki, a grated young corn mixedwith milk, then wrapped with freshcorncob and steamed. Other muslim-influenced dishes are utak-utak andlolot.

Being the "Industrial Center of theSouth", the city of Iligan housedsmaller industries like steel, tinplate,pulp and paper and flourmills.Agriculture, fishing and forestry are theprovince’s primary source of livelihood.It is also a major producer of fruits andcommercial crops like bananas,coconut, corn and rice.

Blessed with ample waterresources, which are the province'stourist attractions, there are 22waterfalls cascading the rivers ofLanao. The most famous of is theMaria Cristina Falls with a height of 320ft that plunges into the Agus River. The

Tinago Falls is one of the mostbeautiful falls hidden within the deepravine. And in the town of Munai, runsan intriguing Lidpa Subterranean Riverthat flows through the top of the hill inthe mountain.

The people of Lanao celebratesViva Sr. San Miguel every last week ofSeptember. This is to honor SaintMichael the Archangel. They performdances similar to the Sinulogcelebration. Alongside thismerrymaking, they also perform thePana-ad and Yawa-yawa. Pana-adrefers to the pledges of the loyaldevotees of San Miguel for the favorsthat were granted. And the Yawa-yawais a miracle play performed in theirnative dialect, songs and dances. Other popular spots include: Mt.Agad-Agad which served as a majorlookout during the JapaneseOccupation. Sandayan Cave, locatedin the deep forest of Rorongon. It is athree-chambered cavern with stalactiteand stalagmites looking ominous tostangers.

You can visit Iligan City viaPhilippine Airlines which has a dailyflight to Cagayan de Oro and fromthere several buses travel theCagayan-Iligan route. By sea, WilliamLines and Gothong Lines sails fromManila to Iligan City. a

View from Mt. Agad-Agad overlooking Iligan City

December 200712


The North American Filipino StarThe North American Filipino Star

Star Photo Gallery

Laging Handa Scouts salute during the singing of the national anthems at the FAMASchildren’s Christmas party held last December 2, 2007 at St. Kevin’s Church Hall.

Joey Albert poses for souvenir with the Filipino Star editor, Zenaida Kharroubi who interviewed herduring a press conference at FAMAS, December 13, 2007 prior to her benefit concert for the FCMM.

Santa Claus is busy giving gifts to children during the FAMAS Children’s Christmas party held at St.Kevin’s Church Hall, December 2, 2007, assisted by Miss Nabor, Bb. Pilipinas of Montreal.

Paskong Pinoy parol winner Cherry poses with the prize donor, Mr. Rene Calfat of Saratoga during the parol contestlast Sunday, December 9, sponsored by the Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec, Inc.

December 200714



FFIILLIIPPIINNOO SSTTAARRSS HH OO WW BB II ZZ GG OO SS SS II PP

2008 will be a busy year forMegastar Sharon Cuneta. Sporting amuch slimmer frame, Sharon ispreparing herself for a moviecomeback after a long lull.

She's also gearing up to promotethe sequel of her 2006 album, Isn't ItRomantic? under Sony/BMG records.

"Now, I do the South Beach [diet]phase 1," revealed Sharon to GMANews reporter Lhar Santiago about herstrict diet regimen, "I don't do itstraight, apparently you need to go onphase 2."

Sharon's decision to revive hermovie career incidentally coincideswith ex-husband Gabby Concepcion'santicipated comeback film reportedly

under GMA Films.Is the possibility of a reunion movie

now possible considering that thewounds of the past had long beenforgotten?

The Megastar doesn't mind theprospect of teaming up anew with thefather of her first daughter, KCConcepcion, but her reservationoutweighs the positive—knowing fullywell how promotions necessitate noiseand gossips to generate publicinterest.

"Ang worry ko is I don't think Iwould have the heart to put myhusband and my children throughthat," she said, sounding soconcerned. "Kasi parang paglalaruanwhether totoo o hindi. Ang masasaktanhindi kami, 'yong kanya-kanyang mgataong importante sa amin like his[Gabby's] wife, my husband, and mychildren."

She also brushed off the persistentrumors that her husband, SenatorFrancis "Kiko" Pangilinan has a childoutside wedlock.

"Nagtataka nga ako, saannanggagaling ang mga ganung issue.Hinihintay ko na lang na may dumatingsa bahay para magpakilala o sabihinman lang kung saan ba ang bahaypara madalaw naman namin, walanaman, e!" laughed Sharon.

Like any other normal couples,Sharon bluntly confessed that herunion with Kiko is also marred withimperfections mixed with trials. But thepair, as what Sharon pointed out,approached every problem withobjectivity and lots of humor. a

No reunion movie for Sharon Cuneta,Gabby Concepcion

Internet singing sensation CharicePempengco received two standingovations from the audience of TheEllen DeGeneres Show that happenedrecently.

The 14-year-old Little Big Starfinalist showed off her singing talentthat wowed the American audienceincluding the Emmy Award-winninghost Ellen DeGeneres.

It was late November when Ellenannounced on her show that shewanted this teenager singer from thePhilippines—who sang in a televisedtalent contest in Korea titled Star Kingthat hit the video-sharing siteYouTube—to guest on Ellen. When shelearned about Ellen’s wish, Charicesaid, “Nagulat po ako, parang napaisipako, ‘Wow! Pang-international!’”

Indeed she looked like aninternational star when she sangDreamgirls original soundtrack “And IAm Telling You I’m Not Going.” After

this, Charice hugged Ellen while intears.

“You’re amazing! You’re amazing!”Ellen gushed. She continued, “We justwitnessed the beginning of this girl’scareer that we’re gonna go, ‘I wasthere, I saw her.’ She is unbelieveable.”

And then, Charice got a secondstanding ovation when she performedWhitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love

You.” In fact, in YouTube, one usercommented, “That’s the same voice asWhitney Houston.”

As for the bonus surprise, Ellengave Charice an iPod Touch to replaceCharice’s iPod, which was lost duringher flight to the United States.

With all the warm welcome andpraises that she got for her guestappearance in The Ellen DeGeneresShow, Charice was left speechless andcould only say, “Oh, my God! Oh, myGod! Thank you very much.” a

A young diva is born. Charice Pempengco wowed audiences with her performance on theEllen Degeneres show aired December 19, 2007

Charice Pempengco amazesEllen Degeneres

Sharon Cuneta

Marian Rivera went home toCavite yesterday, December 25, tocelebrate Christmas with her motherand grandmother.

In connection with herhomecoming, the Marimar lead starwas asked by “Chika Minute” shownyesterday, December 25, whetherErvic Vijandre—the non-showbiz guybeing linked to her and identified inthe January 2008 issue of YES!magazine—would be her specialguest for Christmas.

But Marian answered evasively,“Si Ervic? Di ko alam kasi, di ba,kapag Christmas, di mo namanmapipigilan ang pumupunta sabahay mo?”

The young actress also askedGMA News reporter Lhar Santiagonot to delve too much on Ervic or herlovelife. She said, “Basta masaya poako. Huwag na po nating pag-usapan.”

Despite her silence, Marianassured the media that her careerwould still be her priority over herlovelife.

Meanwhile, people are alreadyconfused about Marian’s next projectin 2008. Some say she would star inthe TV adaptation of Mars Ravelo’sDyesebel while others believe thatshe would be the next Darna in the

soap tentatively titled Captain BarbellMeets Darna.

But Marian herself is still unsureof her next project. She said, “Di kopo alam kung alin sa dalawa, e.Tingnan na lang po natin kung alinang ibibigay sa akin ng GMA.”

Whatever GMA-7 gives her,Marian seems confident in taking onany role. In fact, she said, “Handaakong lumipad nang mataas, handaakong lumangoy nang malalim.”. a

Marian refuses to talk about herrumored love life

Marian Rivera



Lolit Solis now willing to apologizeto Piolo, Sam

Eula Valdes is a queen in‘Kamandag’

Veteran actress Eula Valdes joinsthe Kapuso network and takes part inthe all-star ensemble of its latestprimetime hit, Carlo J. Caparas’sKamandag.

With great passion for her job andthe eagerness to overcome challengesher character has in store, Eula hasmade herself all comfortable in her newplayground.

“I am very eager to work with GMA"Eula says in an interview with iGMAduring her photo shoot for the show.“Para ibang playground naman" sheadds.

In Kamandag, Eula plays Alicia, amortal woman from a wealthy familybrought by the snake-king Sadan(Gardo Versoza) to the underworldkingdom, Ambograw. She becomeshis queen, and eventually bears Sadana son. Later she is taken by the wolf-king Gulag (Zoren Legazpi) after killingher husband in a duel.

“Alicia’s good naman" Eula affirms,and then shares that she familiarizesherself with her new character bychatting with the writers. “Gusto kongmalaman kung anong type of personshe is" she adds.

The seasoned actress admits herexcitement over working in a fantasy-themed television series and says shelooks forward to wearing the queen’scostumes. “Excited ako sa idea na maycostume, kasi mahilig ako maglaro eh"she says.

Eula believes wearing costumeswill work to her advantage. “Para din‘yan sa moods ng tao, depende sakung ano 'yung nafi-feed sa’yo ngenvironment mo. Big help din 'yunglook, automatic 'yun sa tao 'di ba?Kapag nag-dress ka, nagiging primand proper ka, kapag nag-casual ka,cowboy ka lang" she explains.

Destined to Shine

Growing up watching old films, Eulabelieves she has been lured into theentertainment world by its “glamour[because] everyone’s all made up [at]ang gaganda nila".

As a TV kid who eventually foundherself in the business, Eula confessesshe could not imagine herself beinganything else but an actress. “Itotalaga ang gusto ko" she says.“Pinanganak yata ako na kapagtinanong, ‘Anong gusto mo, prinsesaor artista?’, 'yun [pag-aartista] anggusto ko" she shares.

And now that she has successfullymade name for herself in showbiz, Eulafeels it no longer matters which showgenre she works in. “It really doesn’tmatter kasi this is all play para sa’kin"she replies when made to choosebetween fantasy-themed shows andthe tug-at-heart reality types. “Pine-prefer ko to be given different rolespara mas masarap paglaruan…bastagusto ko iba-iba para hindi boring" shestates.

“Ngayon ang importante sa’kin'yung magandang story. Bastamagandang character. Hindi namankailangang sobrang complicated'yung pagkatao. Ngayon mas na-a-attract ako sa mas simple [at] mastotoo" she adds.

Overcoming Fears

As she stars in a project as bigand grand as Kamandag, Eula saysshe expects to have lots of fun – buthopes to have fewer moments with thesnakes.

“Terrified ako dun sa snakes" shesays in a small voice, almost in awhisper. “Hindi ako nakakagalaw. I’mafraid of snakes, lizards – reptiles. Asin kasehodang breakdown scene" shediscloses.

Fortunately for her, she has notdealt with any of the slithery creaturesin the duration of the show. But sheassures everyone that she willcondition herself to deal with her leastfavorite creatures when the needarises.

“Basta alam ko kaya ko 'yan" sheguarantees. “Bahala na, ayokongisipin kasi baka manlata ako. Pagnandyan na, I’ll deal with it."

Eula expresses her glee as sheworks on her first television series withthe Kapuso network. “I’m happy kasipleasant 'yung mga tao. Nervous akoat first pero buti naman veryaccommodating si Miss Carol(Kamandag’s executive producer),tapos in-introduce na rin niya ako saiba. Very warm [sila] so at ease na akoagad" she says. a

FHM January 2008 cover girlJennylyn Mercado reportedly got intoan argument with boyfriend PatrickGarcia. The said argument was sointense that Jennylyn, in a fit of temper,rushed to the street and lied down.

This was just another rumorJennylyn would normally shrug off.But, with news about people actuallybelieving the rumor, she could not helpbut air her side in frustration.

"Sorry, pero ang cheap talaga ngissue na ‘yon," said Jennylyn in aninterview with Chika Minute airedyesterday, December 26. "Puwedenaman kaming mag-away sa loob ngbahay. Pero sa labas? That's sad!"

Jennylyn also explained that shedidn't have any major arguments withPatrick, so the rumor about her lyingdown on the middle of the road wasnothing but pure fiction. When askedabout what Patrick's reaction was, shesaid, "Hindi pa niya naririnig, e. Tatawalang yun, I'm sure."

On a lighter note, Jennylynexcitedly said that she has startedtaping for her first Sine Novela for

GMA-7 titled Maging Aking Ka Lamangwith Patrick. However, Jennylynexpressed some worries because it is,after all, her first soap opera withPatrick as leading man. " a

Talent manager Lolit Solis hasreiterated her readiness to makepeace and, if needed, apologize tomatinee idols Piolo Pascual and SamMilby, GMA News’ 24-Oras reportedTuesday.

“Gusto ko naman talagangmakipag-ayos kina Piolo at Sam kasisaan ba pupunta ito, ‘di ba? Walanaman. Ano bang mapapala ko? Anodin mapapala nila?," she said in ataped interview.

Solis insisted that she have nopersonal grudge against Sam andPiolo. She maintained that she doesnot know the two actors personally.

According to Solis, once the twoactors express willingness to settle thematter with her, she will prepare theplace where she can meet them.

“Halimbawa kung sasabihin nilangwilling silang makipagkita sa akintalagang ako pa ang mag-aano kungsaan ko sila pwedeng imbitahin," thehost of GMA’s Startalk said.

She added that one of herChristmas wishes is mending of tiesbetween her and the two actors.

“Christmas wish ko yung totoo?Sana maayos yung sa amin nina Pioloat Sam kasi mabigat din yun e.Mabigat din yun sa loob. Saka abalayun," she said.

The television report said ManilaMayor Alfredo Lim and SenatePresident Manuel Villar advised Solisto bury the hatchet with the two actors.

Villar, in a separate interview, saidhe is willing to facilitate thereconciliation.

“Ako naman ay mas gusto ko namas konti ang problema sa mundo.Tamang tama ito Kapaskuhan emagandang tyempo," he said.

Lawyer Joji Alonso, counsel of thetwo actors, said it is possible that herclients will heed the request of Solisbut their decision will still depend onthe talent manager’s next move. - a

Jennylyn Mercado vehemently deniesthrowing tantrums in public

December 200716


Gretchen Barretto left for the UnitedStates on December 26 together withher partner, businessman TonyboyCojuangco, and their daughterDominique.

Tonyboy will be having a medicalcheck-up in the US He had a throatoperation in the middle of 2007.

"Ganito ba ang hiwalay?" Gretchensaid as she laughed off rumors of heralleged separation from Tonyboy.

"Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa akoor maiinis ako sa mga kuwento.Natutuwa ako na natsitsimis pa rin ako,kasi ibig sabihin, buhay pa rin siGretchen Barretto sa isip at puso ngbawat Pilipino para intrigahin ako,"

Chynna Ortaleza, the 24-year oldGMA star, is taking up Associate in Artsat the University of the PhilippinesOpen University. “Well, it’s actually allgeneral subjects, leading to arts," sheexplains.

Now on her sophomore year, shesays that the Open University is veryeasy and convenient for busy peoplelike her. “Usually, my classes are a mixof all sorts of people -- workingstudents, young moms, everyone! Orpeople who just want to continuestudying."

She continues, “Masaya naman,kasi di ba, it’s UP, there’s anopportunity for you to graduate [from]a good school, and it’s also convenientbecause you can take classes via theInternet. And then sometimes, if youwant, you can go the University, andthen you can take classes with yourclassmates and your teachers. Peroit’s not as demanding as regularschool."

Chynna further explains that thereare two options for the OpenUniversity: a purely Internet-basedlearning system, and a face-to-facesystem, which she chose. In the face-to-face system, there is a need toattend classes every now and then –something that Chynna considers

important.“It’s going to be healthy to discuss

things with other people, ‘cos it’s sohard if it’s just Internet based andyou’re left with your modules," shesays.

But for this semester, Chynna tooka break because she has toconcentrate on her show and herbusiness. “I’m quite busy with LaVendetta and I’m busy with Stellar. So Idecided to stop first, until my businesshas stabilized, and I’ve trained enoughpeople to take care of it."

Mystery character

Chynna’s role in La Vendetta will enterthe story by the third week as thepersonal assistant of Amanda (JeanGarcia). “Joan [is] a mystery character.She’s grey - kung baga parang medyogitna lang siya. There is a reason whyshe’s angry. I’m [Amanda’s] righthand, so she trusts me, but hindi natinalam kung ano pwede kong gawin,"Chynna narrates.

Her last primetime show was lastyear (Atlantika), and although she’sglad to be in the GMA Telebabad slotagain, she’s proud of the fact that shecan be in “different places" when itcomes to acting. “I can be in

primetime, and the last project I hadwas in Dramarama [Pati Ba Pintig ngPuso?], and it was quite successful aswell. I trust GMA, e. They know wherethey can put their stars na hindi namanmasusuya yung viewers na lagi silangnakikita."

Chynna says she’s delighted to bein La Vendetta, especially since she issurrounded by really good actors. “I’malso happy because it’s not fantasy fora change. And I’m proud to be part ofthis, because it’s the first suspense-drama that they have."

She has done fantaseryes,teenybopper roles, and heavy dramas,but what does she consider thetoughest among the lot?

“I’d have to say my role inMagpakailanman," she answers. “Iplayed Bobby Mercado. The role is sodifferent from me -- I haven’t trieddrugs, [and] I’m not the type of personthat goes around and rebels againstmy parents. So when they gave methat role, I really had a hard time

getting into it. So I had to prepare forthat. And I really had to ask help frommy directors, because it’s so hard toportray somebody like that!"

Chynna refuses to cite a dreamrole, saying that as long as it’schallenging and it’s new, she’s gamefor it. She adds, “I don’t really care ifthey give me bida or support – itdoesn’t matter. Just as long as I knowthere is something I can do with thecharacter; it’s the challenge na I canportray different people."

An actress since 2001, Chynnaacknowledges her growth in her craftand remains quite thankful for all theopportunities given to her. “It’s alsobecause of all the projects that theyhave given me – parang, they listen tome when I say I want to be versatile.And they say, ‘Sige, sige, we’re gonnasupport you with that decision.’ So I’mvery, very happy. I have a long way togo – I still have dreams of becoming anaward-winning actress, but it will comewhen the time is right." a

Sexy TV star juggles business,college, career

Valerie Concepcion is unfazed bythe rumor linking her to Anak ngKumander lead actor, MannyPacquiao.

They have a kissing scene in themovie, which said to have deviatedManny’s wife, Jinkee’s focus ofjealousy. In fact, it was rumored thatValerie received a text message from acertain Jinkee, but which was later ondenied by Jinkee herself.

“Wala naman po talaga ‘yon,” thebeautuous Wowowee host said duringthe Coca Cola Christmas Caravan atthe Fiesta Carnival in Cubao, QuezonCity. “Trabaho lang po.”

Meanwhile, the Coke caravan willalso bring her to Cebu (December 15)and Davao (December 22) withcomedian Bayani Agbayani andrapper-musician Francis M with somebands. Coke executives who werepresent during the Cubao caravan saidthe projects aims to bring Filipinofamilies together during Christmas.

They can use Coke caps andcrowns as currency in the caravans.There is also an ongoing parol makingcontest using Coke plastic bottles,caps and crowns. In the caravans,there are also games for families whostand to win big cash prizes. It started

last December 1 at Burnham Park inBaguio City.

When Valerie comes back from thecaravan, she will join the Parade ofStars on December 24 where she willjoin Manny Pacquiao, Ara Mina andthe other stars in the Anak ngKumander float. (MNS) a

Valerie unfazed by rumors

Gretchen laughs off reports ofbreak-up with Tonyboy

continued page 17



continued from page 16

Gretchen said in an interview with 24Oras.

Gretchen was involved in so manyissues this year. The "kisscandal'involving her and John Estrada wasthe biggest scandal she got involvedin. According to Gretchen, she hasalready moved on after that incident.

"Andami kong napagdaanan thisyear. Nagkasakit si Tony. Nagkaroonako ng iskandalo. I guess it's part ofgrowing up. Gretchen is no longer the14-year old-Gretchen Going Steady[her first film] noong araw. It just goesto show na tao din ako. Nagkakamali,nadadapa, at marunong tumayo," shesaid.

She also shared to the reportersgathered at the Centennial airportdeparture area that she spent this

Christmas with her sisters Marjorie andClaudine. The three had a falling apartfor quite some time before theyreconciled April this year.

"Ang sarap. Parang na-miss ko‘yon. For me, that was one of the giftna nakuha ko this Christmas,"remarked Gretchen.

By 2008, Gretchen expects torelease her 12-song album. Though,she admits this was the onlyconcession Tonyboy has given her inany showbiz commitments.

"Hindi naman ako pinapayagan niTony ng movies. Ayaw niya pa rin kasisabi niya maintriga. O sige, mag-CDna lang ako. Maintriga pa rin. Sanapayagan niya na ako," she jested.

Gretchen ended, "Basta masayaako na naiintriga ako. Kasi kapag hindina ako naiintriga, wala na akongcareer." a

Senate Minority Leader AquilinoPimentel Jr on Thursday expressedconcern that the film Sakal, Sakali, Saklolois conveying a wrong message to Filipinosby denigrating the use of the Visayanlanguage, which is most widely spoken inthe Visayas and large parts of Mindanao.

Pimentel, who hails from Mindanao,cited a portion of the film where agrandmother was telling a nanny (yaya) inPilipino: “Bakit pinapalaki ninyong Bisayaang apo ko?" (Why are you rearing mygrandchild as a Bisaya?)

The mother then butts in and tells thenanny: “Speak to the kid in Tagalog.Parang Pinoy. (So that he grows up like aPinoy)."

Pimentel said that the scene smacksof an ethnic slur to non-Tagalog speakingFilipinos as he called on the producer of

the film, Star Cinema, to promptly takesteps to rectify the error.

“It offends the sensibilities of theVisayans and other non-Tagalog speakingcitizens by making them feel as if they areless Filipino than the Tagalogs. It createsuseless hatred in the nation," he said.

Pimentel also expresseddisappointment at the Movie andTelevision Review and ClassificationBoard (MTRCB).

He said that the MTRCB hadapparently overlooked the flaw in the filmwhich it should not have tolerated.

“Sakal Sakali Saklolo," with Judy AnnSantos and Ryan Agoncillo in the leadroles, is an official entry to the ongoingMetro Manila Film Festival. a

Pimentel slams ethnic slur in ‘Sakal,Sakali, Saklolo’

oblige. Towards the end of herperformance, she completely relaxedand even sat on the step to the stage

as shown in the front page photo. Thenall the participants were invited to thestage and they all sang with herincluding Father Frank Alvarez.

This concert was organized for thebenefit of the Filipino Catholic Missionin collaboration with the PremierManagement Group. Randomsampling of reaction to her show

revealed that everyone enjoyed theshow. It was quite a relaxing evening,as she was not accompanied by a loudorchestra but by a string quartette anda pianist. As a result, the voice of JoeyAlbert could be heard better andappreciated for its tone, pitch and lyrics.She was also very relaxed and often

showed spontaneity in her reaction tothe audience’s remarks.

Joey Albert, to some of us who havebeen living abroad, and who have neverhad the occasion to listen to her, may

have some hesitation to go to herconcerts. But after talking to her duringthe press conference prior to theconcert, one can appreciate that thislady has her heart in the right place, thatshe is generous, kind, caring, andhumble. I had seen her once during theconcert for Gawad Kalinga last year, butit seemed that I did not know her enough

to say much about her. But this timearound, I learned more about her Shesounded so passionate about being aFilipino. When I asked her what shewould like us to do to help our country,she gave quite an extensive reply,pointing out the feeling of beinghumbled after seeing young people go

back to the Philippines to do somethingfor the poor through Gawad Kalinga.She feels as if she has not done enoughfor her country and how she wishes todo more whatever it is that will make the

Philippines a better place to live in. Shesaid that she left, like many us, in searchof better opportunities and now she hasrealized that what she left behind are thereal treasures. It is only now that sheunderstands how proud she is of beinga Filipino, and that no one should diewithout doing something for the country.She asks: Who else is going to help thepoor in our country? Can you turn yourback to them? She said she definitelycan’t. When asked about her plan forthe next ten years, she replied that shewill be working for the poor.

How does one show love and pridein being a Filipino? According to her,there are many things one could do –being with other Filipinos, sharing ideas

with them, and maintaining the Filipinoculture. We should always keep our linkwith the Philippines in order not to bedisconnected from our roots whereverwe are. She pointed out one sadexperience of hearing an eight-year oldchild deny her being a Filipino for shewas born in America and only wanted tobe called an American, although shewas of Filipino parentage. She wouldlike to see parents teach their children tovalue their Filipino culture even thoughthey may be living abroad.

Joey Albert started her formaleducation in music after she had madea record that people were willing to buy.She then decided to study music at St.Scholastica College for one year andtook voice lessons as well. Somesurprising things happened to herafterwards. For instance, she did notreally join any contest but someone didand she won the title of Miss Dream Girlin 1982, and eventually made herbecome an ambassadress of goodwill.As areward, she was given a trip aroundthe world and a car which she wanted tohave upon graduation from college.

Her first important concert was atribute to contemporary Filipino artists inJuly 1985 at the University of Life. Afterthis concert, she was considered tohave made it as a real major artist.

According to Joey Albert, Filipinossucceed when given opportunities.However, she feels quite sad that thereare not enough opportunities backhome but if there are, she feels sure thatour country will rise again.

To sum up her message to usabroad - teach children to love thePhilippines even though we haveadopted Canada as our second home.

From Page 1 Joey Albert

At the end of the show, all performers were invited to the stage to sing and to pose for souvenir with Joey Albert and Father Frank Alvarez

The whole crew of people working for the Joey Albert concert pose for souvenir after thepress conference held at FAMAS, December 13, 2007

We thank our readers forsupporting our advertisers.

December 200718



December 27, 2007Pakistani opposition leader and

former prime minister Benazir Bhuttowas assassinated Thursday, throwingthe nuclear-armed U.S. ally into crisisand raising the specter of deeperinstability in an already volatile region.

World leaders condemned theassassination, which sent shockwaves through the Pakistani politicalsystem. It immediately raisedquestions about whetherparliamentary elections scheduled forJan. 8 would be held and whetherPresident Pervez Musharraf wouldreimpose a recently lifted state ofemergency.

Nawaz Sharif, a main oppositionleader, said his political party wouldboycott the election, casting furtherdoubt on its viability.

The death of Bhutto, who was aleading candidate to become primeminister following the election, alsocast U.S. policy toward the region intoturmoil. U.S. officials had hoped thatBhutto and Musharraf could team upto bring stability to the country andsideline extremist factions.

Pakistan is a key ally in the U.S.-declared war on terror. It bordersAfghanistan, where the United Statesbelieves Osama bin Laden is hidingand is the recipient of billions of dollarsof U.S. aid.

The attack sent ripples through theworld's financial markets, where stocksand the dollar fell and gold and oilprices rose. The longer-term impact ofthe killing was unclear, but could bedeep and far-reaching. See First Takecommentary. Read more commentary.

Gun and bomb attack

The circumstances of the attack,which took place in Rawalpindi,Pakistan, as Bhutto left a political rally,remained unclear hours after she waspronounced dead by hospital officials.Some reports said Bhutto, 54, waskilled by gunshots. Others saidshrapnel from a bomb detonated by a

suicide attacker took her life.Witnesses quoted in news reports

said Bhutto raised her head throughthe sun roof of her armored vehicle asshe was leaving the rally and thencollapsed after two or three shots werefired. A large explosion followed thegunfire, the reports said. The blastkilled at least 20 other people, reportssaid.

Bhutto's supporters took to thestreets following the killing, attackingpolice in several cities, according tonews reports. The Associated Pressreported that nine people were killed inthe rioting.

Internet statements said Al-Qaidahad claimed responsibility for theattack, and officials were said to beinvestigating the veracity of the claim,according to an Associated Pressreport. However, some analystspointed out that Bhutto had manyenemies and rivals who could beresponsible for the murder.

CNN reported late Thursday thatan email message written by Bhuttobefore her death said that Musharrafshould be held responsible if she wereto meet a violent death, saying shewas made "to feel insecure."

Musharraf condemned the killingand urged calm. He blamed extremistsfor the attack and declared three daysof mourning, but did not say ifelections would be postponed or thestate of emergency reimposed.

President Bush demanded that theattackers be brought to justice."The United States strongly condemnsthis cowardly act by murderousextremists who are trying to underminePakistan's democracy," Bush said in astatement from Texas.

Indian Prime Minister ManmohanSingh said Bhutto's death deprived thesubcontinent of "an outstanding leaderwho worked for democracy andreconciliation in her country," Reutersreported.

British Prime Minister GordonBrown said it was a "sad day fordemocracy" and a "tragic hour" forPakistan, according to cable newschannel CNN. The attack also drewcondemnation from U.S. candidatesfor President, who will be facing off in

the key Iowa caucuses next week. Seefull story.

Violent politics

Pakistan's political system is nostranger to violence. In recent weeks,suicide bombers have repeatedlytargeted security forces in Rawalpindi,a city near the capital where Musharrafstays and the Pakistan army has itsheadquarters. An attack on a Bhuttocampaign rally in October killed about150 people. Earlier on Thursday,several people were killed at a rallyheld by another election candidate,according to news reports. Musharrafhimself has been repeatedly targetedby violent attacks.

Before the rally, Bhutto met withAfghan President Hamid Karzai andtold him that if she were elected primeminister she would work with him tofight terrorism, the AP reported.

Bhutto was Pakistan's primeminister twice, once between 1988 and1990 and again from 1993 to 1996,and had been campaigning beforeelections next month. Earlier this yearshe returned to Pakistan from self-imposed exile. Just before her deathshe had given a speech to thousandsof supporters, according to thereports.

The U.S. had been urgingMusharraf to reach an accommodationwith the opposition, particularlyBhutto, who was seen as having awide base of support in Pakistan, theAP reported. Her party had beenwidely expected to do well inparliamentary elections set for nextmonth.

Bhutto, the first female primeminister in the Muslim world when shewas elected in 1988, was a member ofwhat many considered to be Pakistan'spreeminent political family. Her fatherwas Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a former primeminister of Pakistan, who wasexecuted in 1979 after being deposedin a military coup. Both of her brothersdied in mysterious circumstances. a

Pakistani opposition leader Bhutto assassinatedKilling throws doubt on regional stability, draws international condemnation

Pakistan's former Prime Minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto attends an electionrally in Rawalpindi December 27, 2007, shortly before she was killed in a gun and bombattack.

Supporters of assassinated Pakistaniopposition leader Benazir Bhutto cry duringa gathering to mourn her death in Dubai,December 28, 2007

The Filipino Star wishes to extend itscondolences to the Pakistanicommunity of Montreal & abroad onthis tragic occasion.



DR. EMILIA ESPIRITU

CHIRURGIEN DENTISTE / DENTAL

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December 22, 2007Meeting for the first time after the

controversial October 11 cash doles atMalacañang, President GloriaMacapagal-Arroyo and PampangaGovernor Eddie Panlilio shook handsand exchanged greetings of peace at the4 a.m. pre-Christmas Mass here onSaturday.

It was Arroyo who was seen initiatingthe peace greetings to local officials whojoined her at the front pew of theMetropolitan Cathedral here.

She first shook hands with SanFernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, thenwith Panlilio and finally with PampangaRepresentative Aurelio Gonzales. Shesat beside Buhay Representative CarissaCoscolluela and PangasinanRepresentative Rachel Arenas.

"It was mutual," Panlilio said of hisand Arroyo's exchange of peacegreetings.

Panlilio and Rodriguez lateraccompanied Arroyo toward the plazawhere the giant lanterns of the villages ofTelasbastagan and San Felipe weredisplayed.

Arroyo, a native of Lubao town, washeard telling Coscolluela and Arenashow lanterns are made and how theseare able to give out patterns of blinkinglights.

It was a different scene altogetherduring breakfast at the Plaza de Arrozalof the City Hall, across the street from thechurch.

Arroyo and Panlilio, with SanFernando Archbishop Paciano Anicetoseated between them, did not talk inprivate in the entire 30 minutes that they

were together.The President appeared to be

addressing everyone in that table for 10people. Panlilio was seen nodding asArroyo spoke.

By way of courtesy, Panlilio said hedid not open a topic or ask a question.

"We were talking as a group," hesaid, adding that he did not want tojudge her attitude toward him that

morning.On the still unresolved issue, Panlilio

said he had not called the cash gift asbribe money or identified Arroyo as itssource.

During the November 14 inquiry of

the Senate's Blue Ribbon Committee,Panlilio told senators that he consideredthe money to be illegally disbursedbecause no one had shown strong proofof its source.

Sources in Pampanga said Panliliohad earned the ire of Arroyo. But thegovernor said he hoped that was nottrue.

"I deeply appreciate it that she joined

us, her kabalen (province mates) in theMass," he said.

Arroyo has regularly attended theMissa de Gallo here since 2001.

In his homily, Aniceto remindedCatholics that the "way to God was not

through the power of this world butthrough the simplicity of life, obedienceto the will of God, and humility."

Without referring to anyone, the 70-year-old prelate said: "There is hope andthe way to hope is by dialogue. That isour responsibility to Christ's community."

By 10 a.m., Arroyo led inaugural ritesfor the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark at theExpo Pilipino inside the Clark Freeport.

She was supposed to lead theopening of the park on November 30.The Nayong Pilipino Foundation advisedher to cancel the plan due to expectedbad weather, not because of the standoffthat Senator Antonio Trillanes IV led atthe Peninsula Manila a day before herscheduled visit here.

The Nayong Pilipino sa Clarkoccupies 13 hectares of the 60-hectareExpo Pilipino. It reuses the pre-colonialand colonial plazas of the Expo, whichthe Ramos administration built for thecentennial of Philippine independence in1998.

The foundation spent P40 million toimprove the place and install newattractions.

The rest of the P3-billion ExpoPilipino remained unused, its businessviability hobbled by allegations ofcorruption discovered during the Estradaadministration.

Former President Joseph Estradaordered the park closed in 1999 andArroyo has tried to help turn it into aneconomic enterprise through the state-owned Clark Development Corp.

The Nayong Pilipino sa Clark hasdrawn 100,000 visitors since its openinglast June 12. a

Arroyo, Panlilio swap peace signs but still don’t talk

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio (back to the camera)shake hands and greet each other "Peace be with you" before communion rites in a Christmasmass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in the City of San Fernando on Saturday, Dec 22, 2007.

December 200720


The North American Filipino Star 2007

Isaac T. Goodine

GlobalPerspectives Western Union and the

Philippine Embassy in Ottawa recentlywelcomed over 200 Ottawa, Kingstonand Montreal caregivers as well asmigrant workers to Tahanang Rizal, thePhilippine Ambassador’s residence. Itwas a memorable day for ourcaregivers and migrant workers as itwas filled with laughter, dancing anddelicious Filipino food. It was also agreat opportunity to spend time witheach other, get to know the members

of the Philippine Embassy and friendsfrom Western Union.

Despite the cold weather, thewhole day affair was fun-filled withgames, door prizes and entertainmentnumbers from the Pastoral Care forMigrants, Mutyang Ina ng Migrante2007 Candidates and Noypi band.Aside from the Philippine Ambassador,the event was greatly supported by theMinister and Consul General JosephGerard Angeles, Second Secretaryand Consul Rhenita Rodriguez, Labor

Representative Frank Luna, SettlementManager Nasir Tarafder and of coursethe Western Union representativesheaded by Brian Fox, Regional VP andGeneral Manager of Western UnionCanada, Bill Van Koot, Director ofOperations and Patricia Riingen, Vice

President for Philippines who came allthe way from Manila just to attend thisspecial event.

Two lucky attendees wonMoney Transfer Gift Certificates worthPhp 3000 each courtesy of WesternUnion, the leader in money transfers inCanada. They both agreed that theprocess of sending money was reallyeasy and convenient.

Araw ng Migrante

Philippine Ambassador Jose Brillantesaddressed the crowd during the Araw ngMigrante at the Tahanang Rizal

Western Union Vice President andGeneral Manager Brian Fox gave a shortmessage to the caregivers and migrantworkers

Patricia Riingen, Western Union VicePresident for Philippines traveled all theway from Manila to thank the caregiversand migrants workers for their constantsupport.

One of the lucky migrant worker receiving thePhp 3000 Money Transfer Gift Certificatefrom Western Union representatives (left toright), Moises Calo – Director for RetailMarketing, Patricia Riingen – Vice Presidentfor Philippines, Brian Fox – Regional VicePresident and General Manager and DanielFihn – Market Development

Caregivers and Migrant workersparticipating in one of the Western Unionfun games during the Araw ng Migranteat the Tahanang Rizal

So this is Christmas(War is over)

So this is ChristmasAnd what have you doneAnother year overAnd a new one just begun

And so this is ChristmasI hope you have funThe near and the dear oneThe old and the young

A very merry ChristmasAnd a happy New YearLet’s hope it’s a good one Without any fear

...by John Lennon and Yoko Ono

What a difference a yearmakes! This time last year I was inManila for a conference on Ageing andTransition and someone came out withthe observation that Life is whathappens while we are planning what todo next. Transition is what weencounter as life happens—whether ornot we are conscious of anythinghappening. So, much hashappened since John and Yoko wroteand sang the lyrics to the much lovedChristmas song that was intended toconvey the message that, hopefully,(war is over) the new year would be agood one without any fear. What’s thatyou say? War is not over? Ah yes butStephen Harper has assured us thatCanada’s war will be over as soon aswe pacify (or kill) the Taliban and winthe hearts and minds of the people ofAfghanistan. George W. Bush hasassured the world that America willprevail—ultimately, and there will befreedom for all, someday. We arecomforted to hear from these leadersbut, in the meantime we must stillconcern ourselves with the period oftransition that lies ahead.

Sixty percent of the peopleliving in Canada today were not hereyet when John and Yoko staged a “liein” and stayed in bed for a week in

Fredericton, New Brunswick, topromote peace. The majority oftoday’s Canadians were not born orhad not yet immigrated here at thattime, and it is only at this time of theyear that we hear this particularmessage; So this is Christmas andwhat have you done? Thanks tomodern technology old ideas can bebrought forward and this Christmasmessage can be downloaded from theinternet at:www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBfEGETyGjs

Since last year some progresshas been made in my field of interestin promoting international education.After a rather long waiting period mycredentials have been approved toteach in Quebec, specifically atGilmore International College, and Ilook forward to that prospect since theCollege is also under renovation andimprovement as the eighteenthanniversary of operations in Montrealapproaches in January 2008.

Otherwise in my world, I havebecome a Board Member-at-Large forthe International EducatorsAssociation of Canada (IEAC) and aMember of the Board of Directors ofthe Canada Philippine BusinessCouncil (CPBC), with a specialportfolio for Business Education.

In a related development Ihave been able to secure a businessarrangement with a company in thePhilippines engaged in recruitmentand placement of workers abroad andto link up with a firm based in Torontoestablished to facilitate placement offoreign workers in Canada. Altogether,the past year has afforded me anopportunity to contribute to educationand diplomacy from a GlobalPerspective as I continue to networkwith colleagues and friends at homeand abroad. For 75 year old Retiree —that’s a good year.

Isaac Goodine may be reached at:[email protected]

False promises for recentimmigrants: Studyreveals low wage jobcycle, workplace rightsviolations

VANCOUVER, Dec. 10 /CNW/ - In spiteof high education levels, many recentimmigrants to BC find themselves stuck inlow wage jobs, with few meaningfulprotections in the workplace, according to

a new study released by theCanadian Centre for Policy Alternativesand the Philippine Women Centre.

Workplace Rights for Immigrants in BC:The Case of Filipino Workersreveals that despite a booming BCeconomy, recent immigrants to theprovince often find economic securityelusive. They frequently work in unsafeconditions with little training or access toinformation about their rights.The studyalso finds that enforcement of the

Employment Standards Act (ESA) iseffectively non-existent. None of thestudy's interviewees had made use of theEnglish-only "self-help kit" (the only way toreport violations to theMinistry of Labour and Citizens' Services),despite experiencing ESAviolations.

"The provincial government's rollback ofemployment standards in 2002means that many basic employment rightsnow exist only as 'paper-rights,'particularly for recent immigrants," saysHabiba Zaman, SFU professor andco-author of the report.

"If no one has informed you of yourrights and no one is activelyenforcing them, how can you enjoy the

protections that are supposed to existfor all workers in BC?" continues Zaman.

"Highly educated immigrants arearriving in Canada with the promise ofgood employment," says Cecilia Diocson,co-author of the report and executivedirector of the National Alliance ofPhilippine Women in Canada. "Instead,they are experiencing a severe transitionpenalty in the form of low-paying jobs,often with inadequate protections. This is acycle that stretches into unsatisfactoryemployment for years and can eventuallyresult in long-term economic hardship."

See Page 21 Immigrants



Virgin coconut oil, or VCO, isthe current health food hot topic inManila, alongside new trends such asglutathione injections or moringa oil,otherwise known as malunggay oil. Itwas therefore timely that the Editor ofthis paper asked that I write a piece onVCO, and this shortly before my wifeand I were to leave for Manila on aninvitation from the Philippinegovernment to give a series of lectureson the topic, and to give advice tocolleagues at the Ateneo de Manilaand at UPDiliman on various optionsfor research.

In June 2006, I had written anarticle concerning VCO for thiscolumn. In that article, I raised somequestions concerning the Diet-HeartHypothesis. For over 30 years, theDiet-Heart Hypothesis has been theguiding principle in public healthpolicy as well as in the manner bywhich physicians manage heartdisease. It is based on the almostunquestioned belief that high bloodcholesterol is a primary cause of heartdisease and in turn, that cholesteroland saturated fat in food are primarycauses of high blood cholesterol. Thisprinciple is so ingrained in the thinkingof the majority that I rarely meetanyone anymore who is not worriedabout his/her blood cholesterol andworried about fat calories in his/herdiet, particular saturated fat. Coconutoil is about 98% saturated fat andtherefore, VCO has an image problemamong most if not all healthprofessionals.

Today, you can find VCO inthe shelves of just about anysupermarket in Manila. VCO hasmade it to North American andEuropean markets, particularly thosethat cater to the Filipino expatriatecommunities. I brought 3 bottles backto Montréal to try. One is unflavoured,manufactured by a process patentedby UPLosBanos. The other two areflavoured, one jackfruit and the othersweet corn. I do not have informationconcerning the production methodused for these flavoured varieties. Thetype of manufacturing is a potentiallycritical issue in VCO quality which I willexplain later.

Although the bottles of VCOsold in the Philippines all carry aprinted disclaimer of “no approvedtherapeutic claims”, manufacturersplace health claims on the labelsanyway. Typical would be: 1) helpsreduce the risk of heart disease; 2)boosts energy level and increasesmetabolism; 3) improves bloodcirculation; 4) helps control diabetes;

5) helps prevent bacterial, viral andfungal infections; 5) promotes healthyskin and scalp.

The health claims are for themost part based on testimonials. Atestimonial is an individual’s owndescription of his/her experience withthe product in question. We do notdeny the potential value oftestimonials, but very often, it isimpossible to weed out exaggerationsfrom objective truth in any one’s self-account of either a positive or anegative experience. Health claimsmust be based on well-designedclinical trials where for example, boththe patient and the physician areunaware of whether they belong to atest group or a placebo group.Furthermore, the medical histories ofthe patients are taken into accountwhen sorting out the results of the trial.These clinical trials are to beconducted in such a way that medicalresults will be as much as possiblefree from bias, personal opinion oreven prejudice. In the case of VCO,such well-designed clinical trials arelacking. This is not to say that therehaven’t been so far any attempts toverify the health effects of VCO, butthat we need a large number of clinicaltrials involving hundreds eventhousands of patients in order to makevalid health claims.

For starters, we need to studywhether people whose daily dietregularly includes coconut oil exhibitmore cases of chronic disease, e.g.,heart disease, compared to peoplewhose diet does not include coconut.They say that the Bicolanos, known fortheir high consumption of coconut donot suffer from a higher incidence ofheart disease compared with otherpopulation groups in the Philippines.This is still hearsay. What we need isa survey of the food habits of theBicolanos, their blood chemistries,and medical data on the incidence ofheart disease in this region. If it turnsout that among the Bicolanos, theamount of coconut one eats is linkedto susceptibility to heart disease, thiswould be the end for VCO and all suchproducts. If on the other hand,Bicolanos who eat the most coconutsexhibit the least susceptibility to heartdisease, then this would be indicativeof a protective effect of coconut oilagainst this malady.

I would like to return to thetopic of VCO manufacture. I found outthat there are 8 distinct methods ofpreparing VCO. In general, VCO is theoil contained in the white “cream” thatrises to the top of “gata”, which for theuninitiated, is coconut milk preparedby squeezing the liquid from gratedcoconut flesh. The big challenge in

Virgin Coconut Oil

VCO production is how to maximizethe yield of oil from the “gata” withoutresorting to extreme treatments. I wastold that a traditional method was tolet the coconut milk sit out andferment for about 2 weeks. The oilthat separates is collectedmechanically. Another method uses amachine called an expeller, which isessentially a “squeezer” able tosqueeze the milk out of the coconutflesh. Another method calls for theuse of a centrifuge where the “gata” isspun causing the oil to rise and thesolids to sediment.

At this stage in VCOmarketing where health claims are stillbased on testimonials, it is entirelypossible that the effect of one brandproduced by a given method mightbe different from the effect of anotherbrand produced by a differentprocedure. In my conversation withthe VCO association in Manila, weagreed that something should bedone to standardize manufacturingprocedures. There is for example apossibility that the fermentationprocedure, because it is notstandardized, might become taintedwith a pathogen. The industry couldbe ruined if a batch of bottles resultedin many getting sick. Unfortunately,the manufacturers have so far beenunwilling to sit together to workthrough their differences andpreferences with respect to theprocedures. We hope that for thesake of this fledgling industry, thestakeholders will see beyond theirdifferences and begin to worktogether to make sure that VCO willnot be a flash in the pan.

In a subsequent article, I willdig into the health issues to see ifthere is merit to some of the claimsmade for VCO. Later on I will explainthe origins of the Diet-HeartHypothesis and why we need tochange our thinking on the subject.

Based on the report's findings and

In consultation with immigrant-servingorganizations, the study makesextensive policy recommendations,including:

- Eliminate the $6 first-job wage, andincrease the minimum wage to $10 per

hour.- Institute proactive monitoring

teams who would randomly investigateworkplaces for employment standardsand Work Safe violations.

- Increase penalties for violations.- Eliminate the "self-help kit" and

allow workers to bring complaints aboutworkplace violations directly to theEmployment Standards Branch. Also,fund a community-based, non-profitsystem, which would provide assistance,including advocacy, to workers whobelieve their rights have been violated.

- Substantially increase publiceducation of the ESA throughinformation sessions, translation intoappropriate languages, and extensivedistribution. Restore the requirementthat rights be posted at workplaces.

Workplace Rights for Immigrants inBC: The Case of Filipino Workers, byHabiba Zaman, Cecilia Diocson andRebecca Scott is available at www.policyalternatives.ca

Multilingual versions of this release areavailable at

www.policyalternatives.ca.Call Terra Poirier at 604-801-5121 x229

to arrange interviews with the followingspokespeople:

- Habiba Zaman, report co-author,Associate Professor of Women'sStudies, SFU

- Cecilia Diocson, report co-author,Executive Director of the NationalAlliance of Philippine Women in Canada

- Leah Diana, Vice-Chairperson,Philippine Women Centre of BC (PWC)

Charan Gill, CEO,ProgressiveIntercultural CommunityServices Society (PICS)

- Sherman Chan, Director ofSettlement Services, OSAIC

The study was produced as part ofthe Economic Security Project, a jointresearch initiative of the CCPA andSimon Fraser University, funded primarilyby the Social Sciences and HumanitiesResearch Council of Canada (SSHRC).This study also received a grant from theVancouver Foundation, whichsignificantly facilitated the researchprocess.

For further information: Call TerraPoirier at (604) 801-5121 x229 to arrangeinterviews

From page 20 Immigrants

New batch of students canattend the Nursing Aid (PAB)course starting Feb. 10, 2008

on weekendsCall 514-485-7861 to register

December 200722



FCMM King and Queen of Angels 2007

Rachel Marie Ambayec WongQueen of Angels

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. David (Beth) Wong

Kerabelle Maningas DeriquitoPrincess of Archangels

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Roderick (Benedicta) Deriquito

Elisha Kaye RodilPrincess of Guardian Angels

Parent: Ms. Maryrose Cos Rodil

Melissa Rose Cuaresma LocquiaoPrincess of Principalities

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Melito (Herminia) Locquiao

Arianne Larroza FalconitPrincess of Powers

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Roderick (Corazon) Falconit

Marie Andrée CuartoPrincess of Virtues

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Pierre (Dulce) Laurion

Maria Rodica Dizon FloreaPrincess of Dominions

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Patre (Theresa) FloreaRepresentat by Lindsy Borja

Dean Patrick Ballesteros TanKing of Angels

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Dino (Rouema)Tan

Maverick Lawrence Pavico UmaliPrince of Archangels

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Henri (Maria Fe) UmaliGary Joseph Fenol Panganiban

Prince of Guardian AngelsParent: Ms. Lina Fenol

Ian Carlo Lagman de la CruzPrince of Powers

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Roberto (Agnes) dela Cruz

Brandon Ray de Lena FaustinoPrince of Powers

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Raymond (Emily) Faustino

John Clark Perez ZapantaPrince of Virtues

Parents: Mr. & mrs. Jhun (Claire) Zapanta


We wish you happy holidays,Merry Christmas and aProsperous New Year

Daycare Assistant

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Administrative Assistant Certified International TradeProfessional (C.I.T.P.) Personal Support Worker (Nursing Aide)

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(Education Permit Pending)2007 Students and Staff Annual Christmas party

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To register by appointment, please call 514-485-7861Classes start January 13, 2008

Tutorials:• English • French •Math/Science(Private or semi-private)

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December 200724 The North American Filipino Star

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