March 15, 2008, Vol. XXVI, No. 2A www.filipinostar.org FAMAS presents 2008 Bb Pilipinas During the press conference on March 9, 2008, the Philippine Association of Montreal and Suburbs, popularly known as FAMAS, announced that its beauty pageant, Bb. PILIPINAS-MONTREAL BEAUTY PAGEANT will be held on April 12, 2008 at the Hellenic Community Cenmter at 5757 Wilderton Ave., Montreal, Quebec. This event has become a yearly tradition for our Filipino Community here in Montreal for the past 34 years. Besides having a chance to win fabulous prizes, the beauty pageant also provides our community’s young Filipina-Cana- dians an opportunity to exercise their capability and showcase their talent, beauty and intellectual prowess while fostering friendship among their peers and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. The Beauty Pageant is also The five candidates for this year’s pageant pose with the current title holder, Miss Yashica Nabor, and Munting Bb. Pilipinas, See Page 4 FAMAS Heather Mondoux, during the press conference held on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at the FAMAS Community Centre. TOURISM PAGE 6 Filipino Solidarity Cooperative holds its 3rd general assembly

By Zenaida Kharroubi ILOILO After a long delay, the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 were presented to Contents the membership during the 3rd general assembly held on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at the FAMAS building, 4708 Van Horne in Montreal. The secretary- Tourism ...... p. 6 treasurer of the Coop, Mrs. Zenaida Kharroubi, explained the details of the Showbiz Gossip ...... p. 10 report, highlighting the need to increase membership in order to have Classified Ads ...... p. 16 the capital required and buy merchandise to increase sales that will Philippine Cuisine . . . . . p. 16 cover the high overhead costs. As already reported in the previous issues Global Perspectives . . . . p. 18 of the Star, the biggest problem of the Coop was due to the Paluagan which Community News ...... p. 22 until now has a balance of approximately $8 000 as of February 2008. At the end of December 31, 2006, there was a balance of $23725.00 which has not been A group photo of all who attended the meeting was not taken until almost at the end of the gathering after some members had already left. Hence, this is a partial record See Page 4 General of members who attended the general assembly on Sunday, Mach 16, 2008. GET A SECOND OPINION. When you invest, a second opinion can give you great peace of mind. Whether you’re a novice investor or a seasoned veteran, a second opinion on your investment portfolio can let you know whether you’re on the right track. Find out if your current investments are right for you. Call MARLENE AYOTTE at Van Horne branch to arrange a FREE 4861 Van Horne Avenue Portfolio review. (514) 731-2203 Montreal, QC H3W 1J2 514-731-2203

www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 2 The North American Filipino Star FILIPINO SOLIDARITY FSCI 2004 COOPERATIVE EDITORIAL Coopérative de Solidarité Filipino What do we need to change? 4711 Van Horne Avenue, Montreal H3W 1H8 The buzz word nowadays is We have been increasing in numbers, change. Barrack Obama makes his and settling down in the same area of We have new merchandise speeches on this subject. Which town, and yet, the biggest stores are direct from the Philippines! changes should be done first? Our owned by the Chinese and Vietnamese. enrironment is adversely affected by We usually admit they are better Shop now while sufficient global warming; poverty and corruption organized and supported by their own are still rampant, violence of wars and people and yet, we do not seem to think quantities are available. conflicts are raging in many parts of the that it is also possible to do the same. world, homeless people are still found thing. We hear people say that Filipinos even in affluent societies, racism is too will never change their attitudes, as if deeply ingrained in our society; the one speaking is not a Filipino, too. terrorism constantly haunts us, equality The first Filipino Solidarity between men and women has not been Cooperative has been founded here in completely achieved, our health care Montreal since July 15, 2005. but in systems are deteriorating, and the list spite of the Filipino Star’s effort to goes on. Which of these problems publicize the fact that it badly needs should be given priority? Indeed, there community support, not too many are still many serious issues which have people have volunteered to come and remained unresolved since time become a member. Out of 15 000 immemorial. Filipinos in the Cote des Neiges area, On the other hand, we may we only have around 630 members realize that we are looking too far during the past two years. What will it beyond our reach. After all, we cannot take to make more people aware that it carry the whole world on our shoulders is within their power to make a but at least, we can make a difference in difference? Don’t they know that it is in our own community by doing the little people’s hands to make the cooperative things within our means. We should movement work? learn to take one small step at a time The Filipino Coop is a worthy and start within ourselves first to cause. to support as it can prove that recognize what is holding us from being Filipinos are able to work together and united in solving our common problems be united. It is our reason to work hard Mahatma Gandhi said: “be the change and see it grow into a big business that yourself.” These words lead us to think will serve the community’s needs. If we that we need not wait for others to can persuade many people to join the change, but we should start first. Coop, we will not have any problem in Eventually, the process of change meeting this challenge for it is in being affects us all until we alll have become united that we are stronger. of one mind. It is said that to effect We would like to see the day change, everyone has to decide to do when things change for the better. Our so. wish to keep the Filipino Coop open is As a start, let us think of how to show we can succeed against all we can make our own neighborhood a odds if many more people become better place to live in. If we all make members Some examples of exclusive products sure that no garbage is thrown around With the thawing of the snow the streets and backyards, and if we and the beginning of spring, buds will imported from the Philippines help our youth in their development to be on the trees which will become alive be good citizens, if we think of taking an again. In no time at all, we will be FILIPINO COOP extra step to patronize our local seeing bare trees suddenly become full businesses to help create a better of leaves. We hope that the same thing STORE HOURS economy within our own community. will happen to the Filipino Coop. Its we will have prosperity for all which is empty shelves will suddenly be filled Monday to Friday - 9 am to 5 pm probably the greatest deterrent to with all kinds of merchandise, and that Saturday-Sunday - 10 am to 7 pm crimes It has been said that when the good weather will bring many people donot have anything to eat, they people to come to the store. When this Telephone: 514-733-8915 may be forced to steal to feed their happens, the Coop will be on its way to children. a successful year. Then we will all have Not yet a member? Support your first and only Our community is quite well a reason to rejoice for we have proven Filipino cooperative in Canada. Be a member now! established as there are many of us to ourselves that everything is possible who have been here for quite a while. to do when we decide to act togehter. TANGKILIKIN ANG SARILING ATIN But unfortunately, there is no business Finally, to answer the question: owned by anyone of us that is big What change then do we need to have? enough to employ hundreds of people. It is the change within ourselves which We have not yet built a larger is the most important change of all. community center until now while other ethnic groups have already done so. Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi

The North American Filipino Star 4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse Tel.: 514-485-7861 (5th Floor) near Snowdon Metro E-Mail: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION Montreal, QC H3W 1X3 Name:______Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Hilda T. Veloso Jerry Estrada Chief Editor & Publisher Community News Lina V. Fernandez Mary Joy Lizarondo Address:______Dr. Victor Gavino Sam Ferry Prof. Isaac Goodine Assistant Editor Sports News News & Tourism 12 issues $25 24 issues $45 Esther Stansfield Nida Verginom Butaran Alvin D. Veloso Bert Abiera Sales Representative Telephone: Residence:______Office: ______Contributors Founder Opinions, comments of writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that of Enclose a cheque or money order for:$_____ the management of Filcan Publications, Inc. www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 3 year-old son Alex still suffers from a of men pound their bleeding bare backs Devotees nailed to cross in Good Friday rites stomach ailment. with bamboo sticks dangling from ropes March 22, 2008 province. On Wednesday, Archbishop Paciano in a flagellation rite meant to atone for Philippine devotees re-enacted It was Mamangon's 13th straight B. Aniceto of San Fernando city urged sins. Jesus Christ's suffering Friday by having year for the rite, which penitents endure devotees not to turn Holy Week into a Aniceto lamented that a surge of themselves nailed to crosses in rites to fulfill a vow or pray for a cure for "circus." vendors and tourists has injected too frowned upon by church leaders in Asia's illnesses. Aniceto said he has been telling much commercialism into Holy Week largest predominantly Roman Catholic "I started having myself nailed to the penitents "to take time to thank God for celebrations. nation. cross in 1995 because my eldest son got the blessings and never use their But Mamangon vowed to continue Fernando Mamangon, 37, was sick and almost died," Mamangon, clad devotion for tourism purposes." with the practice handed down by his late among the first of some 30 men in a maroon robe with a crown of vines The yearly tradition has become a father, who was nailed to the cross 15 scheduled to go through the Good and thorns, said minutes before he was tourist attraction, especially in San times. Friday rites in three villages in northern nailed to a wooden cross on a dusty Fernando's San Pedro Cutud village, "After being nailed to the cross, I feel Pampanga province's San Fernando city. mound in Santa Lucia village. which sometimes draws thousands of so refreshed, like all my sins are washed Five other devotees, including a woman, He said his eldest son was cured of local and foreign tourists. away," Mamangon said. "I will continue were nailed to crosses in nearby Bulacan complications from measles, but his 5- Aside from the cross nailings, scores this until my son Alex is cured." a

“Tumatanda na ako”

Makakakuha kayo ng pera ngayon upang tulungan kayong mag-ipon para sa edukasyon o training ng inyong anak pagkatapos ng high school. Ang maliit na halaga na iipunin ngayon ay maaaring makagawa ng malaking pagkakaiba sa kinabukasan ng inyong anak. Magagawa ninyo ito nang may kaunting pagpaplano lamang. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa Canada Learning Bond at Canada Education Savings Grant, tumawag sa amin o bisitahin ang aming website. 1 800 O-Canada www.canlearn.ca MARCH 2008 4 The North American Filipino Star

they allow the first Filipino Cooperative service, ask members to prepay their in the bank. He hired Eugene Salinas From Page 1 FAMAS to fail. Ironically, they buy their orders, have gift certificates available, as a bookkeeper but did not do his groceries from the stores who do not institute an ID card system to track job to remit to or make claims from the a fund-raising project of FAMAS for give them back anything while the down the amount of purchases made government. Thanks God that we its civic, social, cultural, educational Coop could be the key to their own by each member, give rebates for have knowledgeable members who and sports activities. economic improvement. members’ purchases at the end of the volunteered to help us find ways and The search for young In order to remove the bad year, follow-up members who stilll have means to cope up with the problems. Filipina-Canadians to vie for the title image and bitter experience caused by not fully paid their qualifying shares Zeny Kharoubbi volunteered to deal of Bb. Pilipinas-Montreal 2008 is the Paluagan which was the idea of the and to encourage everyone to become with CDEC about giving us a grant based on the following criteria: first president of the Coop, Mrs. members. In addition to these and accepting to be our guarantor - Must be between the ages of Kharroubi proposed to the proposals, interest- bearing preferred giving her GIC as collateral in the 16 and 25. membership to remove the name of shares will be issued to members who bank. Thanks to God that we have - Must be single (Never been Divisoria Cubao. According to the are willing to help the Coop financially. volunteers like Lita Parado, Andre Married). feedback she received from many Dindo Abella, who used to provide the Proulx and Rhoda Tremocha, Joecel - Must be a Filipino descent people, in particular from the students Coop with lechon on weekends, Trinidad, Norma Foz, Salve Duprez (Mixed race are included). of Gilmore College, this name evokes a announced that he will resume this and husband and other friends who - Must comply with the rules negative reaction. A resolution to service starting on Saturday, March 22. are members. With all their help, the and regulations governing the beauty remove Divisoria Cubao was When the needed equipment is 2nd business year of 2007 was a bit pageant. unanimously approved by the available, he will also be able to supply bearable. We, the directors tried our - Must be able to attend members present. From now on, the fresh meat to the Coop. best to keep the coop surviving. To rehearsals in preparation for the legal name, Filipino Solidarity Riza Esmeralda moderated lessen our salary expenses we were event. Cooperative, in English, and the meeting while Angie Ogerio acted able to: The duties of the Bb. Coopérative Solidarité Filipino in as secretary to take the minutes which 1. Ask the government to pay for us a PILIPINAS-MONTREAL include serv- French will be the only names printed must be forwarded to the Minister of cashier for 1 full year, one who is ing as an Ambassador of Goodwill and in all literature. A short name, Filipino Cooperatives together with the unemployed which was Letty. role model for young Filipinos. Coop can also be used An e-mail financial statement for the year ended 2. With Jason Prince;s help, CDEC Interested potential contestants can address has been created for the December 31, 2006. has required and given us funding to contact Jojoe Hervieux, Pageant purpose of communication among all PRESIDENT’S REPORT DELIVERED pay a store manager who can also Chairperson, at 514-660-8505 or Claro members. They are asked to send BY MAGNOLIA CAMAT ON BEHALF straighten up our accounting system Bermudez, FAMAS president, at 514- suggestions, questions and OF Ben Bade, Coop President and do internal bookkeeping. 576-0906 and 514-485-0428. You can information about prices of other In the absence of 3. We are able to lessen what also contact any of the members of the stores by sending a message to: BenjaminBade, the president of the we owed the paluwagan to down to FAMAS Executive Board. [email protected]. The Coop coop, with the consent of the board $8,000.00 or less. To date, here are the five (5) will try to maintain prices the same as please allow me to deliver his report 4. We have a member Remy official candidates for this year's other stores or even lower for for today’s meeting. Monteagudo who is willing to do Pageant with their respective escorts: members whenever possible. His report goes: importation of Philippine products to 1) May Ann Miras, escort: Johan After the treasurer’s report, Good afternoon fellow Canada. We are happy to announce Linares; 2) Jory Daisy Juan, escort: Magnolia Camat, one of the founders members of the coop and to our to you that we have now received the Julius Caesar Quintin; 3) Marie- of the Coop, read the president’s guests – our future members. 1st shipment of 19 boxes of Philippine Antonette Carbon, escort: Bryan report (please see full text of this report Welcome to the 3rd General Assembly products direct from the Philippines Winston Felipe; 4) Katherine Mariquit, on page___) on behalf of Ben Bade of the Filipino Solidarity Cooperative. just the other day and now they are escort: Devino Nabor, and 5) who could not be present due to the First of all I would like to apologize for available for you to buy. In connection Stephanie Deluso St. Pierre, escort: death of his mother in the Philippines. not being present at this meeting with this, we, the directors are Sean Michael Seekumar. The current He expressed regret for his inability to which is due to the death of my encouraging all members to invest title holder is Miss Yashica Nabor, Bb. attend the assembly. He made a brief beloved mother and being their $100 or more at a calculated interest Pilipinas – Montreal 2007. overview of what had happened since eldest son it’s a must for me to be so we can buy more and boos up our The pageant officials are as the second general assembly held on back home with my family during the inventory with all goods coming from follows; Over-all Chairman, Claro V. October 22, 2006. He cited the two weeks of my mom’s wake and at the Philippine including San Miguel Bermudez; Pageant Chairperson difficulties encountered from the time the funeral. I asked Zeny Kharoubbi beer exclusively for the Filipino Jojoe Q. Hervieux; Pageant Co- when Jose Gaviola resigned and left our Secretary–Treasurer to take Solidarity Coop. Chairperson over-all Pageant the Coop, but did not leave important charge on the realization of this 5. We are also introducing pre-paid Coordinator, Nemia Palconite documents which could have made life meeting today. I know it’s very hard for shopping of $10 or more every week Bermudez; Pageant Choreographer - easier for those left behind. The her to handle but I can’t do anything as a temporary solution to fill up our Mimi Noche Tamayo; Program reason why the Coop is still operating as the Vice-President went home to shelves so people have the things Coordinator - Dorie E. Francisco is because of the help of volunteers the Philippines for emergency also. they want to buy when they come to The occasion will not be and the financial support given by Mrs. Fellow members, it’s been 3 the store. I believe that if each successful without the support of the Zenaida Kharroubi. He urged years now since the Coop has been member comes to buy worth $10 or community. Everyone is invited to members to continue supporting the founded and it’s been 2 years that it’s more each week we could easily and attend. Tickets are available for the Coop by buying their groceries from been in business operation. During roughly generate $6,000 from just the donation of $ 40.00 which includes the store and to help in recruiting their this time too many problems have members. Don’t forget the more you dinner, and can be obtained by calling friends and families to become been encountered by us and nobody buy from the store, the more money the aforementioned numbers or the members as well. knows why the store is still open. The we make and return more dividends PHILIPPINE COMMUNITY CENTER at The election of the new board 1st year of our operation was very that we will give back to you. 514 341 7477 or any of the FAMAS of directors was part of the agenda critical we admit and became worst 6. We are also bringing back take out EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS. Although two directors’ terms have not when the 1st coop president Jose lechon. You can buy it whole or by yet expired, they expressed their wish From Page 1 General Assembly Gaviola disappeared without turning pound. Our member Dindo Abella will to be replaced because of their work over all important documents of the supply us together with a warmer. We included yet in the statement schedules that limit their availability to coop. Our overhead expense were too can also add chicken lechon on top of presented. This needs to be attend board meetings. Five people high due to unprioritized expenses that. corrected and a final statement will be were nominated to be directors. As like the renting and renovation of the 7. We would like to maximize published in the next issue of the there was no one else willing to run to basement instead of using the money volunteerism. Please volunteer to get Filipino Star for all members to see be directors, these five people were for merchandise. His creation of involved in the coop activities in order and compare with what they received acclaimed, namely, Benjamin Bade, paluwagan was a mess, his leasing of to lessen our salary expenses, to during the assembly. Salvé Desprez, Joy Estabillo, Zenaida too many old and new fridges which facilitate work at the coop like In response to Ms. Julie Kharroubi, and Victorina Laya. The were not all needed. When he realized cashing, pricing, displaying and Parado’s question if we should really new board will have their first meeting that he had overspent and he didn’t maintenance. The lesser expense we keep the Coop open, Mrs. Kharroubi on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 6 p.m. know what to do , he disappeared and have, the better dividends we stated her reasons why it should Suggestions to help the Coop left me and Rhoda. We nearly went members make. 2008 will be a better continue. She cited the fact that there improve are the following: Recruit lunatic due to stress on how to pay the year if we work together. are about 15000 Filipinos living in volunteers to do some of the work in rent, pay the bills, pay back the I would like to let you know Cote des Neiges area and it would be the store in order to cut salary paluwagan and how to buy that my term as president has expired a disgrace to the whole community if expenses, introduce shop by phone merchandise without enough money

www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 5 and cannot be nominated again for How we can make the Filipino Coop become a community annually and paid at the end of each director due to my absence but I resource for the development of enterpreneurship skills year. These preferred shares wil have promise I will still be there to volunteer a term of two years but can be in all of the coop’s activities because I The golden opportunity for will be part of the Coop’s policy renewed if the members so desire. found, I capitalized on fantacized it not our community to show its true approved by the board. The Filipino Coop will also for me but as legacy that I will leave to solidarity is now. The Filipino Coop is 7) Phone Service – to call issue auxiiliary and support the community – it’s my dream and in need of your help. members to place their orders, as well memberships. This type of you are the only ones who can help We have now elected a new as to remind them of their outstanding membership will be addressed to me make this dream come true. board of directors. This board is balance political leaders and other supporters I would like to thank my co- going to work together and make sure 8) Inventory clerk – to help in of the Coop. Solicitation letters will be directors for being there with me that the Filipino Coop can overcome counting stock sent to prospective supporters in during decision making especially to its financial problems by adopting 9) Handyman or handywoman – government and civic organizations. Zeny Kharoubbi for her unlimited many strategies. to help re-decorate or re-arrange To promote solidarity and support to the coop, physically, First, we are going to institute furniture and fixtures fellowship among members, we will morally and financially. Without her a volunteer corps from our To keep a record of the be organizing at least two social expertise I don’t know what I could membership. They will be given tasks purchasing activities of members in gatherings – a summer picnic, trips, have done. I thank you all members to perform in different areas. order to grant them rebates or and parties on festival days like who have volunteered to come and 1) Price Canvassing – All patronage dividends, an ID card Valentine’s Day, Christmas, work at the coop for free, Remy members should check prices of system will be instituted. Members Thanksgiving, etc.. Other acitivities Monteagudo, Joecel Trinidad, Jojie products they buy from other stores are therefore requested to submit an can be organized upon request of Perez and John Aquino, Lita Parado, and send the information by e-mail to: ID card photo together with a $3 fee to members. Estrella Gascon, Alex Robles, Aida de [email protected] laminate their ID cards. Those The following committees la Cruz and many more. And thanks to 2) Substitute cashier needed for members who have not yet fully paid have been set up during the general all members who have come to invest holidays and weekends, and weekday their $100 qualifying shares are assembly held on Sunday, March 16, on fast moving merchandise. evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. requested to send their cheques or 2008: Communications – Riza In the name of the Filipino 3) Store clerk – to help the come in person to pay their account. Esmeralda’ ocial Relations - Solidarity Cooperative, I thank you all cashier in locating merchandise and Those who have changed their Magnolia Camat; and Membership - our members and expected members checking prices telephone numbers and addresses Remedios Monteagudo. Other for shopping at Divisoria Cubao. We 4) Stock clerk – to help in must also advise the Coop by calling committees to be set up and require have to see you more often at the arranging stock o n the shelves 514-733-8915. volunteers: are the Audit Committee store. The more we are the merrier we 5) Shoppers – to help in To keep our accounting and Community Relations will be. Let’s make our tribe increase. purchasing merchandise accurate, please demand a receipt for Committees. The specific tasks to be Finally, I hope that we 6) Delivery service – members any payment you make to the Coop. performed by these committees will continue to work, communicate and who have transportation to deliver Gift certficates will also be be discussed at the board meeting. think together as one. I ask that every members orders. Delivery fees available for members to purchase Training sessions for one of you to forget whatever personal charged to member will be given to and give to their friends, or relatives. volunteers will be provided as soon grudges you had to each other so we the volunteer based on a reasonable Fully paid members are also as possible and ensure the smooth can work together happily and share of revenue betweent the urged to invest additional funds for operation of the Coop. harmoniously for the survival of the 1st volunteer driver and the Coop which which they will be given interest- Please send us your ideas Filipino Solidarity Coop in Canada. bearing preferred shares at 4% via e-mail: [email protected] Learn to speak French the easy way Enroll now at Gilmore Call 514-485-7861

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www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 6 The North American Filipino Star TOURISM ILOILO Heritage Haven Of Panay

Iloilo province, and its beautiful so rewarding. The Miag-ao Fortress city, ranks as one of the country's Church is a grand example of a foremost centers of culture, industry medieval bastion church with onrnate and trade. Located on the floral designs on the facade; another southwestern tip of Panay Island colossal monument is the San Joaquin between the Iloilo River and the Church and cemetery known for its Guimara Strait, its attributes as the bas relief featuring the Castilian and repository of architectural and artistic Moorish wars, while its cemetery is legacies, as the promising point of picturesque for its hexagonal chapel progress in aquaculture, and as a trove with rose windows and twin-tiered of unexplored tourist attractions give it balustrades that lead to its entrance; an allure so bewitching as not to be meanwhile, three staircases lead to the missed. historic rock; whereas the Iloilo is the cradle of early Rennaissance - inspired Molo Church Philippine civilization. The telltale and orphanage, the Asilo de Molo, are marks of such cultural influences live unique for their architecture as well as on in the century-old houses, the for a rare product, hand-embroidered period churches, the colorful festivals, barong Pilipino in pina cloth; the Pavia and in the enterprising bloodline of its Church is a red brick and coral people. Iloilo has a glorious past as the windows cases and rightfully deserves land's great sugarbowl and the locale a place in one's travelogue. These of the haciendas of the old rich - whose churches are no farther than two hours' scions and daughters turned down the distance from each other. In the city of centuries into the dons and donas of Iloilo, one can gaze with awe at the powerful economic dynasties. imposing & exquisite structure of the Some of the testimonies to this Jaro Belfry, ruined by an earthquake in awesome heritage are the churches. 1948, one of the few bell towers in the Nowhere else can church tours prove country that stand apart from the

The Jaro Belfry, Iloilo City - ruined by a 1948 earthquake, but now restored. One of the few belfries in the country that stands apart from the church

Miag-ao Church, Iloilo City - Built in 1768, it has a native façade and a unique explosion of botanical motif reminiscent of Aztec Art. Declared a national landmark in 1973.

Top: Isla Naburot - A small coral island off Guimaras Island, with white sand and Lizares Mansion, Iloilo City colorful tropical corals and marine life. Bottom: Igang Point - Noted for its secluded beaches, multicolored fish and corals. www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 7 church. to mesmerize the traveller. For a view of Iloilo's is a byword for its famous grand mountain canyons, a drop-by at festival - the Dinagyang Festival, a Bucari Mountain Ranges in Leon 28 local mardigras. Held every January in kilometers away is simply thrilling. honor of the Infant Jesus, the festival is Visits to the colleges of agriculture a major tourist attraction. Another even in Leon and Lambunao, and the Iloilo is known for is the Paraw Regatta. fisheries college of Barotac Nuevo. Which is participated in by local and Show that the province is a hive of foreign sportsmen. economic progress. Iloilo is a trove of historical sites. Today, Iloilo still reigns as the Tour the province's famous sunset gateway to the Visayan belt. Its riches strip, Fort San Pedro or the flower- are more plentiful than ever on the decked La Villa Rica de Arevalo, site of combined merits of industrial the Hispanic governance. Or one can significance, historical antiquity and visit another historical landmark, Plaza natural poetry. Libertad in the central city district where the flag of the Philippine Other attractions include: revolutionaries was first raised upon - Guimbal Church, Iloilo City - Yellow Spain's final surrender. Old paintings, sandstone church with a vintage tower tapestries, furniture and memorabilia and stonewalled cemetery. may be viewed in the Museo Iloilo and - Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City - The place also in private galleries deeo in the where the flag of the First Philippines heart of the city. Republic was raised in triumph after Iloilo may be relished by nature Spain surrendered Iloilo, her last trips to its delightful beaches that are capital in the islands, to the best for swimming, snorkeling and revolutionaries led by Gen. Martin other water sports. Delgado on Dec. 25, 1898. Igbaras, an hour and fifteen - Alubihod Bay - Found in Nueva minute's drive from the city is sure to Valencia, Guimaras, it is an ideal site captivate visitors with its waterfalls, for swimming, excursions and picnics. climbing hills, crystal caves and - Isla De Gigantes, Estancia - Site springs. Another cave haunt is Dingle, where 15th century burial caves are still only 35 minutes from the city proper - it found. One cave has a stone elephant also boasts of a number of religious and a natural swimming pool. shrines and healing springwaters. - Nadsadjan Falls, Igbaras - A 50-foot Sicogon Island and the Islas de high falls dropping on a giant cauldron- Gigantes are nearby isles which are like natural swimming pool. laced with shimmering sands and - Cataan Cave, San Joaquin - Has deep blue waters that teem with marine beautiful marine gardens. Ideal site for life and corals. Pavia, a ten minutes scuba diving. drive by jeepney, is noted for its red - Sicogon Island - A 1,104 hectare brick Church while memories of the white sand, palm-fringed island past may be evoked by visits to gradually sloping down to some 350 Janiuay, where ruins of abbeys, feet beyond the shoreline. a cemeteries and watchtowers still stand

Images of the Dinagyang Festival , held every 4th weekend of January in Iloilo City. A colorful cavalcade in honor of the Holy Child Jesus amidst the cracking drumbeats, Iloilo's version of the world famous Ati-Atihan Festival.

www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 8 The North American Filipino Star Philippines 81st in world tourism Philippine eagle gets chance to return to Mount itanglad March 6, 2008 Many kinks have to be ironed out March 6, 2008 found in Luzon (Sierra Madre Ranges Here’s good news for a change. before we could achieve a robust and The Department of Environment and Cordillera Region), Samar, Leyte The Philippines has advanced by five fully rewarding tourism industry. By all and Na-tural Resources (DENR) is set and Mindanao. rungs in world tourism, according to means, we should widen the door to to release a two-year old Philippine The bird builds its nest on top of the World Economic Forum, ranking our visitors, ensuring that a correct Eagle back to the forest of Mount tall trees, nests once every two years 81st among 130 countries surveyed. proactive policy environment actively Kitanlad today. and lays only one egg that is The WEF’s Travel and Tourism backs our culture of hospitality. The DENR, the Philippine Eagle incubated alternately by both parents Competitiveness Report 2008 said Foun-dation and the provincial for about 60 to 61 days. The eaglet Manila was 86th among 124 countries Political tourism government of Bukid-non, will release remains on the nest up to about 5 1/2 polled last year. The report ranked the the juvenile male Phi-lippine Eagle months. Once the young fledges, the most attractive environments for the Filipinos have tried every approach travel and tourism industry, factoring in from traditional tourism, ecotourism to today at Mount Kitanglad Range parents look after it for about 17 government policy, regulations, medical tourism. We haven’t tried a Natural Park in Bar-ngay Lupiagan, months. environmental sustainability, safety potential winner—political tourism. Su-milao, Bukidnon. and security, health and hygiene and Philippine politics is unlike many Park guards confiscated the the priority given to tourism. others. Partisanship is a crowning Philippine Eagle named “Kag-sabua” Tourism is a big moneymaker for glory. Permissiveness is a quality since from a resident of Ba-rangay the Philippines. The WEF estimated it is not a crime for politicians to jump Ka-antuan, Lan-tapan, Bukidnon on that our hospitality industry last year from one party to another. Families and September 6, 2006. amounted to $5.57 billion, reflecting a political dynasties rule local and “Kagsabua,” when rescued, 4.4- percent annual growth with an national elections. Succession is weighed 3.5 kilograms only, sustained employment of about 1.3 million guaranteed by wealth. a gunshot wound at the back of its people. Our report yesterday said This is a country where people head. After receiving first aid treatment travel and tourism contributed about squabble about an election that is two at the Bukidnon Provincial Veterinary $12.3 billion to the national economy. or three years away. The only place Office, the bird was transported by a Tourism also boosts the national where many election outcomes are team led by Mount Kitanglad Park image. It reflects foreign confidence in known in advance. All candidates Superintendent Felix S. Mirasol to the our stability, infrastructure and sense of sincerely believe they could only lose Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City hospitality. Travel is a big come-on for to cheating. This explains why for further treatment and rehabilitation. The Philippine Eagle is listed as investments since businessmen are concessions are rare. Kagsabua, now about two years critically endangered under the part of the tourist crowd and their The campaigns are unique. Issues old and fully rehabilitated, will add to International Union for Conservation impressions count much for and platforms are never discussed. the six individual Philippine Eagles of Nature and Natural Resources investment decisions. There has never been a presidential already recorded in separate locations (IUCN) Red Data Book. Its present Like housing, tourism has wide debate in history. You cannot tell the within the Mount Kitanlad park. status is due to destruction of multiplier effect, boosting the travel parties or the political coalitions from The Philippine Eagle is the largest dipterocarp forest brought about by (ships, airlines, bus lines) industry, the each other because no group offers eagle in the world. It measures up to logging and agricultural practices and accommodations (hotels, condotels, honest options. The messages and about one meter high with a wingspan collection for illegal trade and trophy. tourist inns) business, sports and appeals are delivered to the voters of about two meters. Its massive Because of this, trade is strictly entertainment, restaurants, handicraft, through dance-and-song onstage, arched beak and narrow and pointed prohibited and collection may only be historical and cultural centers and a donations, black propaganda, crown feathers that form a crest allowed for conservation-related wide constellation of local attractions. motorcades and naked vote buying. characterize the rare bird. research purposes as may be granted It has advanced significantly on It takes weeks and months to know Also known as the monkey-eating through a permit by the DENR. a the programs of the Department of the victors and the losers. Some eagle, the Philippine Eagle can be Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority election protests take so long the real and the Department of Foreign Affairs. winner never gets to take his seat until RESTAURANT The report on arrivals for January is the last day of the congressional LA MAISON NEW KUM MON impressive. Problems remain however. session or until the incumbent local We have not reached the target we official has bled the treasury dry. 6565 Cote desk Neiges, 5047 Henri Bourassa Est have been aiming for in the last Filipinos may have contributed Montréal, QC H1G 2S1 decade. Among Asean (Association of “people power” to the world but now Montreal, QC (Corner Appleton) Tel.: (514) 322-3133, 322-3130 Southeast Asian Nations) countries, they are increasingly embarrassed by Malaysia (ranked 32nd), Thailand “Edsa One” and “Edsa Two.” Mob Bean Curd Seafood Soup Fish Maw Seafood Soup (42nd) and Indonesia (80th) outpace power was never an answer to misrule. 1/2 Crispy Chicken Baked Lobster with Ginger Salt and Pepper Pork Loin us. Singapore is in the top 10, along Gossips and rumors, especially Seafood with Chinese Stuffed Bean Curd with Broccoli with Iceland, the United States, Hong about military coups and civilian Shrimps Kong, Canada, Luxembourg and the mutinies, are part of the landscape. Saltand Pepper Cuttle Fish Sauted Seasonal Vegetables Fried Sea Bass Fish United Kingdom. Vietnam is 96th, but There is always a scandal—true or Steamed Rice Steamed Rice Hanoi’s economy is one of the fastest imagined—breaking out each month. $37.95 growing in the region, pulling along the Media focus and coffeeshop talk keep 4 Persons $58.95 tourist trade. the rumors alive. The Congress 4 Persons The growing strength of the peso spends as much time to investigations Fish maw seafood soup could hurt tourism as travelers look as to lawmaking. Bean Curd Soup 1/2 Crispy Chicken 2 Baked Lobsters with Ginger elsewhere for cheaper destinations. Foreigners have a lot to learn from Seafood with Eggplant Shrimp Cake with Chinese Reports say that many metro Manila our politics. They could have their pick in Hot Pot establishments prefer to receive peso, of the walking tours to the presidential Broccoli Stuffed Bean Curd with not dollar, payments for their services. palace, the Batasan Building, the Sweet and Sour Pork Shrimp The government has reduced Senate Executive Bldg., the Seafood with Bean Curd in Seafood with Chinese broccoli paperwork for travel to the Philippines. Commission on Elections offices, city Hot Pot Fried Sea Bass Fish Under the visa-upon-entry program of hall, the provincial capitol and the Salt and Pepper Squid House Fried Rice the Bureau of Immigration and the numerous media forums. The Fried Sea Bass Fish Special Fried Noodles DOT, tourists could enter without visas, campaign period is highly $125.95 receiving them at points of entry. Their recommended. 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www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 9 Former Phiippines president Corazon Aquino has cancer March 24, 2008 but was hesitant when snap elections Corazon Aquino of the Philippines, were called in 1986. whose conquest of one of the 20th "What on earth do I know about century's most corrupt dictators made being president?" she said before her an icon of democracy across the taking up the challenge to run against world, is suffering from colon cancer, Marcos. her family said on Monday. The spectre of army intervention The 75-year-old was diagnosed haunted her entire rule. Natural with the disease just two weeks ago, disasters, including Mount Pinatubo's her daughter Kris said in an emotional huge volcanic eruption in 1991, address on national television. She will severely battered the economy. start chemotherapy on Tuesday. A devout Catholic, she often turned Aquino, known as Cory to millions to her faith to steer her through difficult of Filipinos, was president from 1986 to times. 1992. But she is remembered, more "There was never any moment that than two decades after the fact, as the I doubted God would help ... If it was slim woman in yellow who led the time to die, so be it," she said when "People Power" revolution that toppled rebel mortars pounded the presidential dictator Ferdinand Marcos. palace in 1987. The tumultuous events of those Aquino, right, was swept into power by the peaceful "people power" revolt that ousted Aquino seems frail now, but is still weeks in 1986, which culminated when late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, cementing her as an icon of democracy. game for a fight when she thinks it up to 1 million people waving rosaries Inevitably, her presidency was less necessary. She brought half a million and flowers stopped tanks advancing successful than the revolution, with a DEVOUT CATHOLIC people onto the street in the 1990s towards Aquino-backed army rebels, series of coup attempts by the military when her successor Ramos flirted with became a fairy-tale revolution that keeping the administration hamstrung. Born on January 25, 1933 into one the idea of trying to extend his term in gripped the world. Aquino was much lauded for her of the country's richest families, the office. When a bewildered Marcos and his courage, but rarely seemed to be able Cojuangcos, Aquino grew up in a world She was involved in the protests wife Imelda fled the nation, it set a to get on top of ruling the country. of wealth and politics, being the that brought an end to the presidency stirring precedent for dissidents "I have not always won but ... I daughter of a three-time congressman. of Joseph Estrada in 2001, and has everywhere, from South Africa to South never shirked a fight," she said in 1992 She married one of the country's supported the campaign to remove America to Pakistan. Aquino was hailed before handing power over to her most promising politicians and they current President Gloria Macapagal as a modern-day Joan of Arc. successor, Fidel Ramos. had four daughters and a son before Arroyo. But she was a reluctant leader at But she did oversee the writing of a he was thrown into prison by Marcos. The presidential palace said it was the start, shedding the housewife's new constitution, which among other He was released into exile in the United saddened by the news of Aquino's apron only after her husband Benigno things limited a president's time in States in 1980 but was murdered on his illness. was assassinated at Manila's office to one six-year term. return three years later. "I'm sure that the President will be international airport on his return from Accusing Marcos of ordering the one with us in praying for her speedy exile in the United States. murder, Aquino led protest marches, recovery," Arroyo's spokesman said. a

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www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 10 The North American Filipino Star Cristine Reyes admits dating Dennis FILIPINO STAR Trillo few days after Valentine’s Recently, controversial actor Dennis clarified that both are friends, and it’s very Trillo finally came home after few days stay apparent that they will not be in each S H O W B I Z G O S S I P in Los Angeles, California. other’s arms again. Dennis went to USA with Yasmien Dennis didn’t deny that he and Cristine Kurdi and Jolina Magdangal to have a have communication again. “Oo, concert, a tribute to Filipinos staying in L.A. nagkakamustahan, ganoon,” he answered. Happy birthday Rudy: see “Originally, mga ano lang yata, four or But when asked if they are together again, three days lang pero pina-extend naming he can’t answer immediately. para maging mga ten, para masulit naman “Hindi ko sigurado. Ewan ko,e. Siya na you same time next year! ‘yong punta namin. Kasi ang haba ng lang ang tanungin ninyo siguro dahil hindi That was what his guests and well- scene. biyahe ‘tapos para sulit ‘yong pagpunta ko talaga alam kung ano’ng score,” his wishers were telling birthday boy, Among those who dedicated naming talaga. ‘Tsaka first time naming sa tentative answer to question."I really avoid cancer patient Rudy “Daboy” songs to Rudy were Pops Fernandez, L.A.,” said Dennis. that." She must have been traumatized by Fernandez, when he marked his 56th Ricky Davao, Jestoni Alarcon, Edgar Few days after Valentine’s day, young the real life kissing scene she did with John birthday Monday, March 3, at the Wack Mortiz, Ara Mina, Eddie Gutierrez actress Cristine Reyes admitted she went Estrada that became very controversial. out for a date with Dennis but immediately a Wack Golf & Country Club in (Song: Ang walang kamatayang Blue Mandaluyong City, organized by his Suede Shoes of his idol Elvis Presley) Success changes Kim Chiu’s wife Lorna “LT” Tolentino and Precy and Regine Velasquez (Pangako and Vitug-Estrada (wife of Sen. Jinggoy Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin). relationship with stepmom Estrada), with the help of their bosom Lorna reaffirmed her “pledge of buddy Paul Cabral. love” by singing Ikaw Lang ang acquired properties. Such is the case of Mamahalin to Daboy. The couple held PBB Teen Edition grand winner, Kim hands and exchanged sweet glances Chiu. And because of The Filipino while Tirso Cruz III, who hosted the Channel (TFC), her name is now widely impromptu “mini-concert,” sang known to Filipinos all over the world. It’s Somewhere to them, theme song of the reason why her shows abroad are such a hit. their 1984 starrer of the same title. Her life after PBB Teen edition The barkada of Senators Jinggoy remarkably changed. She has become and Bong Revilla, Phillip Salvador and so mature mentally and emotionally. In Tirso sang Florante’s Handog (with fact, even her relationship with her reworded lyrics) as finale, driving stepmom has changed for the better. Daboy to near tears. The most significant thing that In his thank-you speech, Daboy happened to her was her first big screen said, as he did during his birthday last appearance. This has been her year, “I’m not gonna die yet!,” asking childhood dream. Kim believes in karma everybody not to be sad, assuring that she shares her blessings, at the them, “I’m alive and kicking!,” even as same time, saving up for the future. he left a reminder to see the same And her lovelife? “Wala pa po Rudy “Daboy” Fernandez wife Lorna faces, “Same time next year!” talaga.” What about Gerald Anderson? Tonight, Daboy and Lorna will fly “We’re the best of friends. Busy rin po “That’s my birthday wish,” to the States for a month-long trip. First siya sa kanyang career. Love can wait. admitted the teary-eyed celebrator stop: L.A. where Daboy will receive an Mas importante ang career.” who was later serenaded by friends award along with several other Filipino Meanwhile, Bahay ni Kuya’s door and colleagues. “Many more birthdays artists. Next stop: Las Vegas, to watch Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition winner will open once again as PBB Teen to come. Actually, even just a few more the Unfinished Business bout between Kim Chiu Edition Plus is launched on March 23. It is hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Bianca birthdays are good enough for me.” Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Reality shows definitely change the Gonzales, Mariel Rodriguez and Luis The glittering array of well-wishers Marquez. Last stop: Boston, where lives of winners. In just a short span of Manzano with a premiere on March 16 was led by Pres. Joseph “Erap” Daboy will try a new kind of time, they could command big talent Estrada who jokingly evaded the chemo/treatment for the fourth-stage fees, and have under their names fat on ABSCBN. a attempts of Ai-Ai delas Alas, his cancer that has metastasized to his bank accounts, aside from newly leading lady in a planned Star Cinema liver. a movie, to “rehearse” their kissing Regine proud to be kapuso Beleaguered TV host-singer Megastar denies rumors that Regine Velasquez, made her statement regarding the network senator Kiko has another woman transfer brouhaha: “It’s true, I really kaming nagiging close. Ayan nga, he just planned to leave GMA,” she said. “I texted me if I got here to Wack Wack cried (on SOP) because I found it hard safely kasi he can’t come with me as he has an important meeting. Ganyan ba to say goodbye to my co-hosts, and to ang hiwalay?" the staff and crew who I’ve worked When we attended the wake on the with for the past several years.” last night of Ethel Ramos’ mom, Sen. Kiko Although there was nothing new in was there and he also condoled with us her statement and the interview we did for the loss of my wife. Later on, Sharon a few weeks ago, Regine finally put a texted me saying Sen. Kiko told her he closure on the issue. She confirmed saw me there and she asked him if I that there was an offer, and she was looked depressed. Sharon is very caring tempted to accept it, but she clarified and continues to send us inspiring that it was not because of money. messages up to now. If she’s really “Hindi naman ito pera-pera lang,” "hiwalay" with Sen. Kiko, I don’t think she said. “I said on The Buzz last week she’d bother to tell us that Sen. Kiko saw na I was jobless, because it’s true. I us at the said wake. As for the reported romance between want to do something, and they Sharon Cuneta was present at the her daughter KC and Richard Gutierrez, offered me that something. It’s for my Wack Wack birthday party of Rudy she says she doesn’t know anything growth as an artist. I was looking for a Regine Velasquez new venue for my growth.” Fernandez and reporters again asked her about it. "I’m not even sure if he’s really thank boyfriend, Ogie Alcasid “for She thanked GMA bigwigs, Atty. if it’s true she has separated from Sen. courting my daughter and I also don’t always being there” and ended it with Kiko Pangilinan who wasn’t with her that Felipe Gozon, VP Jimmy Duavit, know kung matutuloy ang movie nila, so “Baba (her term of endearment for night. "Alam n’yo, I’m really tired na of the don’t ask me. But if he would court KC, I Wilma Galvante, Darling de Jesus and Ogie), I love you.” rumor that my husband has another wouldn’t mind kasi good friends ko sina especially Annette Gozon-Abrogar “for Officially, she said: “I will remain a woman at may mga anak na sila and Tita Annabelle Rama and Tito Eddie understanding.” Kapuso and I’m proud to be Kapuso.” we’re hiwalay na raw," she says. "The truth Gutierrez." a Of course, she never forgot to is habang sinisiraan ang asawa ko, lalo a www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 11 official website of American Idol, the American Idol semifinalist. American Idol top 10 finalist www.americanidol.com, Ramiele shared Balot is the weirdest thing she has how she felt when she was announced as ever eaten. "It's like... I think it's a duck Ramiele Malubay says Regine one of the semifinalists in the world- egg. It's cooked but there's a baby inside, famous televised singing search. baby, the bird thing. And you're supposed Velasquez is her favorite performer She said, "I kinda stood and sit up a to eat the whole thing, it's kinda gross. I whole bunch of times because I really don't know. I don't it anymore. But yeah, it didn't know. I thought she [Paula Abdul] tastes good if you eat the outside part was psyching me out and telling me I instead of the baby inside." wasn't gonna make it. I don't know, I don't The American Idol hopeful also know what she was thinking. And then, shared her most embarrassing moment when I made it, I kinda freaked out a little when she slipped while performing on bit. I went downstairs and they told me I stage. was just like I had this plain look on my Ramielle narrated, "I was wearing face." heels because... I swear short people Being included in the Top 24 is should stay like lower to the ground. already a big achievement, but Ramiele That's why God make you short, you said that fame has yet to hit her. She know. I went on stage, I was wearing like humbly said, "I didn't know how to take it stilettos. I went go to turn around and yet. It still hasn't hit me. I'm not like, ‘Oh slipped. I was wearing a dress so it's not yeah.' Maybe it'll hit me when I'm like cute." walking on the street." Only 20 years old, Ramiele, who hails NEXT AMERICAN IDOL? from Miramar, Florida, started singing when she was 12, during her cousin's Becoming famous was not really the aim birthday. She also named our very own of Ramiele when she decided to join the Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez as her American Idol auditions. favorite performer. The seventh Fil-Am who made it to Aside from Regine, Ramiele listed the Top 24 of American Idol explained, "It's down Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Mariah not like I wanna be famous, but I wanna Carey, and Lani Misalucha as her musical represent for Asian people and I wanna influences. She also plays the piano and just live my dream. Singing in the showers guitar, and loves dancing the hula. is a lot more different than singing on "I took piano for five years but I can't stage in front of all these people." read all the hard notes anymore. But I Ramiele also said that she would not learned the guitar. My sister is teaching feel depressed if she does not win the me. I'm not too good at that but, you American Idol title. Past winners include know, I can. I'm into hula dancing, Kelly Clarkson, Reuben Studdard, Polynesian dancing since I was in first Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, grade." Taylor Hicks, and Jordin Sparks. "If I don't become the next American RAMIELE GETS PERSONAL Idol, I really don't think I'm gonna get discouraged or anything and be like, ‘I'll In the said introduction video, never gonna sing again.' I mean, of Ramiele revealed some other personal course, it's a big experience, you know. facts. You'll learn all these, you know, up until "People would be surprised to learn the point, you know, where you get taken When I found out that I was on feeling when she made it as one of the that instead of singing in the shower, I like off. You just take what you've learned and top 24, I kinda slapped my face, that semifinalists of seventh season of put the music on, like random songs, like grow from it," Ramiele said. a really hurt," related Filipino-American American Idol. Spice Girls, that stuff, and dance in the Ramiele Macrohon Malubay about her In a video interview posted at the shower. It's kinda personal but, yeah," said

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www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 12 The North American Filipino Star

www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 13

www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 14 The North American Filipino Star Philippine lake, one of Southeast Asia's largest, in danger of dying, official says March 25, 2008 operating garbage dumps that leak attention to what he called a The illegal lakeside dwellers, A prominent Philippine lake, one waste into the lake. "harrowing crisis affecting one of the numbering about 100,000, will have to of Southeast Asia's largest, could most important natural water basins in be removed eventually, but that has become biologically dead in a few the country." not been seriously considered years if rampant pollution is not "If we don't do something within because of the massive funding stopped, an official said Tuesday. the next five years, the lake will needed for relocation, Manda said. Laguna de Bay, located southeast continue to deteriorate and glide to a Philippine law says the of the capital, Manila, has become a stage no longer salvageable," Manda government must provide housing virtual "septic tank" from the influx of said. loans or alternative housing sites for more than 32,000 impoverished Manda appealed to international squatters whose houses are families, who dump their waste into aid agencies to finance information demolished. In some cases, however, the sprawling freshwater lake from drives to convince local government many end up returning to their old illegal shanties along its 238-kilometer The shallow lake produces about officials and lakeside dwellers to adopt neighborhoods because resettlement (147-mile) shoreline, according to a third of metropolitan Manila's supply measures to mitigate the pollution and sites often are far from the city and its Edgardo Manda, who heads the of milkfish and other edible fish, helps establish effective waste disposal job opportunities. Laguna Lake Development Authority. generate electricity and serves as a systems. Authorities will start dismantling Factories have sprouted along the key transport route, Manda said. Massive fish kills already have illegal fish pens, which obstruct shore of Laguna de Bay over the "We have to raise the alarm bells been reported in recent years. About commuter boats, in the lake in the years, and some of the 14 cities and now," Manda told reporters as 100 rivers and streams drain into the near future, Manda said. a 47 towns in the area also have organizers launched an April 26-27 90,000-hectare (222,390-acre) lake, he contributed to the pollution by bike tour around the lake to call said.

www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 15 RP takes steps to secure rice supplies as world prices rise March 19, 2008 the market, the price was $650. The Philippines, one of the A number of factors are cutting world's largest importers of rice, is world production of rice and driving taking steps to ensure supplies as up the cost. Secretary Yap says bad international rice prices rise and weather hurt crops in Thailand and stocks come under pressure. Vietnam, which are leading Douglas Bakshian reports from exporters, and also cut production in Manila. China, a major consumer of rice. Philippine Agriculture Secretary "China's winter harvest has been Arthur Yap says there is no rice wrecked," Yap said. "You've got shortage in the country and the flooding in Thailand, flooding in government is working on several Vietnam. You've got high prices of fronts to ensure that ample supplies fuel for transportation. Urea fertilizer continue. is 150 percent higher in the last two He says the government's years." existing rice reserve will last 57 days, He also says rising demand from and an additional six days of Asian nations are hurting as the price of rice soars and the world rice supply dips the Middle East and Africa puts imported supply is on the way. The cup of rice, rather than a full order. This year it plans to import just over pressure on rice supplies. government also plans to increase Rice supplies and prices are two million tons. President Gloria Macapagal rice production domestically by 1.1 politically sensitive in the Philippines. Secretary Yap notes that in the Arroyo this week said Philippine rice million hectares this year. On the It is a staple food in the Philippines, last quarter of 2007, rice on the prices are expected to increase but conservation front, the government and the country consumes about 12 international market sold for an she gave assurances that there will has asked fast-food chains to million tons of rice a year, most of average of $360 a ton, but just last be no shortage. a request that customers take a half- which is produced domestically. week, when the Philippines went to

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MARCH 2008 16 The North American Filipino Star Unforgettable evening Ontario’s Fairness Minister 35th Wedding anniversary of Salvé and Abel Desprez speaks at CRARR seminar By Lou Hufana fair access to the professions and thus the labor market. The seminar also featured a panel discussion on barriers to integration, current and upcoming avenues for improvement, and recommendations for change. Panel members were: Mr. Silvano Tocchi, Director of the Foreign Credential Recognition Division of Human Resources and Social Development, Canada; Ms. Patricia Rimok, President of the Conseil interculturel du Quebec, and Ms. Marie Josée Duplessis, Coordonnatrice – volet integration, Table de concertation des organismes au service des personnes refugies et immigraantes,and a senior representative of the Ministere dede l’immigration et des communautés culturelles du Quebec. Questions were raised by participantswhich seem to indicate Hon. Jean Augustine, Fairness Minister that many people h waiting for a long ’In spite of the stormy day, time. They wonder if the government participants to the seminar organized is really going to make things easier for by CRARR managed to come Hyatt those who have been here before. Regency Hotel on Wednesday, March Congratulations for your 35th line dancing, etc… They worry about the fact that 5, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. to 12;30 P.M. Wedding Anniversary. The 1st of The greatest thing that immigrants with professional degrees and listened to the keynote speaker, February was unbelievable, despite the happened to their 35th Wedding will not get a fair chance of Hon. Jean Augustine, Fairness blizzard weather the party goes on. It Anniversary is that the proceeds of the employment . For example, even if Commissioner of Ontario and former turned out to be a marvellous evening, gifts-donations went to the Philippine foreign graduates of medicine are Federal Commissioner of good friends, and wonderful guests. Centre Foundation of Greater Montreal accepted, there is not enough Multiculturalism. She and three of her They received congratulations letter for about $2,800. In the evening, their residents places in hospitals. senior staff presented the Ontario from the Prime Minister Stephen friends put on a fundraising raffle from The panelists responded to Government’s recent measures to Harper, Opposition Leader Stéphane Dignity – Côte des Neiges Funeral most of the questions and assured improve the recognition of foreign Dion, MP of Lac St-Louis Francis Home, Cuisine Santé International, and their listeners that in spite of the slow credentials and Scarpaleggia, Philippines Ambassador a gift from Salve and Abel. This raffle pace of the procedures, something is The purpose of the seminar is Jose Brillantes, Mayor of Pierrefonds- raised $530 for the ‘Foundation’, a very being done to change the unfair to explore effective models and Roxboro Monique Worth, The Voice of good cause indeed. situation. strategies necessary in Quebec, Egypt in Canada George & Mary Saad, Salve and Abel, please keep The final impression one can especially where monitoring and and other friends from Canada and your good volunteer work going, gather from this seminar is that nothing reporting for greater public U.S. (changing the community one is clear about the time line when the accountability and access are Everyone enjoyed the food, volunteer at a time). whole process will actually result in the concerned. These models can help us from cocktails canapés, seafood resolution of problems in the develop ways to eliminate systemic entrées, to the main dish and dessert, Lou Hufana integration of immigrants into the barriers to fair foreign credential to the sweet table in the late evening. Volunteer for the ‘Foundation different professional fields. The music was great from ballroom, recognition and promote newcomers; The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads ADVERTISING BEAUTIFUL DRESSES DRIVING RESTAURANT Cheapest way to advertise! Beautiful dresses for sale Licensed driving instructor with many- PEARL OF MANILA Many sizes, colours and styles First 3 lines $10.00 year experience and tips on how 5839 Decarie Blvd. very affordable prices to pass the road test. Good price. next additional line @1.99 Tel.:514-344-3670 Call Melanie (514) 867-5996 Jason 514-691-1816. Classified Ads must be prepaid Regular Buffet $7.99+Tax Text can be sent by e-mail or in CDN APTS. 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Philippine Cuisine

Beef with ampalaya and oyster sauce

Hours: Mon.-Tues. Wed. 8 AM-5 PM Thursday -Friday 8 AM-6 PM Saturday 8 AM-5 PM Closed on Sundays.

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Pork loin Picnic ham Approximately Beef (with bone) 15 lbs Blade steak .19 99 99 2 lb 2. lb 0. lb Half or Whole Boneless leg pork Front quarter of beef of ham Cut & Wrapped Approximately 200 lbs .99 79 1.09 1 lb . lb lb 3 Beef with ampalaya and 1/4 c. soy sauce Pork Spare Ribs 1 litre of fresh oyster sauceBeef and ampalaya with 1/2 c. oyster sauce Home smoked blood with purchase oysters sauce, this is another popular salt and pepper meat 1/2pork .29 restaurant dish. Another version is 1/2 cornstarch .49 2 lb Regular smoked also found at carenderias it is called sugar 8 lb bacon ampalaya con carne. The carenderia cooking oil version it sautéed in soy sauce or with Beef 79 Fresh Belly . lb the addition of tausi or permented Cooking procedure: short ribs 4 with skin 10 lbs & over black beans. But most restaurant, .99 Chinese restaurants in particular it’s Marinate beef in soy sauce, lb .99 2 69 stir fried with oyster sauce. I have cornstarch and a dash of salt and 2 lb . lb been cooking this on several pepper for 10-15 minutes. In a wok, 4 St.Chrysostome St. Remi St. Edouard occasions, it’s a good alternative way heat cooking oil and stir fry beef in of cooking your beef, see also my batches until color change to brown Napierville Fresh pork blood Sherrington previous post of beef and broccoli in Barrington and start to sizzle and set aside. In the Fresh bacon 203 219 202 Lacolle oyster sauce. Hemmingford same wok sutee garlic and onion. Add Fresh liver Jackson Road Sortie Havelock Exit No.6 in the ampalaya and stir cook for 1-2 Pork skin Canada Parc Ingredients: 219 Safari Class 15 minutes then add in 1/2 c. of water, Available Covey Hill Road

oyster sauce, sugar and beef. Stir Boucherie Viau Inc. 1 k. lean beef, thinly sliced into strips U. S. A. cook for another 2-3 minutes or until Malone 2 large size, ampalaya, split in halve Moders Champlain seaded, sauce thickens. Correct seasoning if sliced crosswise and blanch required. Serve hot. 83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0 1 medium onion, chopped Tel.: (450) 247-2130 or (450) 247-3561 1/2 head garlic, minced

www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 18 The North American Filipino Star Global material things to hold me in check, to one of the Group of Seven fully and like him, I had incentive, in industrialized economies and particular from my mother, to find my Canadian workers became the most Perspectives way. Once she taught me to read and productive in the world, on a per seek knowledge I discovered that by capita basis. That of course is no working hard I could get an longer the case. The education education and so I became one of system is not adequately linked to the Transnational Workers of the the employment market and does not world; one of about 80 million spread meet the aspirations of the students around the globe at this time. Millions or the expectations of the employers. of us, transnational workers, share The Organization for Economic some common traits. First we left Cooperation in Development states home because prospects were better that the annual report on the status of abroad. We have technical skills that higher education in member employers want and that conform to countries does not include Canada Isaac T. Goodine an acceptable international standard. because there is no reliable We have language skills that include information available or forthcoming Born Poor? Marvelous! an ability to communicate in the from Canada. What is known, and language of the global workforce, so reported, is that productivity in …Napoleon Hill, Author of Think and Grow Rich called English. And finally, we have Canada has been slipping badly for Early last month my quite well and have no complaints interpersonal skills and emotional several years and Canada has brother Joe passed away and weeks about starting life in relative poverty; maturity to adapt to working in a moved from number one in the world later his wife, Shirley, followed him. particularly since it provided learning cross-cultural environment. in productivity to number 17 and the This is a time of reflection for my opportunities in survival by Some countries, like trend can not be reversed unless family. One brother, Earnest died in cooperation and an attitude of mutual Canada, depend heavily on career education is made more 1932 at age 2 and a-half- years, when support in times of need. In my own recruiting Foreign Workers to relevant to the modern labour market supplement the domestic workforce needs. In the short term, Canadian and some countries, like the employers must again turn to foreign

From left to right: Ike Goodine, Joe and Francis. Goodine at home in 1943

Philippines, depend heavily on the workers to sustain operations. placement of workers abroad to relieve unemployment at home and Now, Canada has a problem. There earn foreign currency needed to is an urgent need to recruit foreign sustain international trade and to workers in a wide range of provide financial assistance to family professions and trades, and to members in the home country. The integrate them into the community phenomenon is not new but new much more effectively than has been players have come onto the field of done in the past. The three main the global labour market. impediments have been identified as The Industrialization of lack of recognition of foreign earned Canada that started during the credentials, lack of acceptance of Second World War was sustained by credit for work experience gained in the recruitment of about 2.4 million the home country or in other immigrants with technical and countries, and lack of language skills professional skills needed to expand to meet Canadian requirements. To and modernize the workforce until fix this two things are needed: (1) the the source dried up at the beginning physical technology with ability to In July 1988, Goodine (left) was honored by Barber Connoble, World Bank president of the 1960s due to reconstruction in use it; and (2) a network of people for ten yers of loyal, and valued service. Europe. Then Canada implemented with specialized knowledge and a I was six months old, and Joe was the case, the lessons learned in a scheme whereby the Federal willingness to share it. first sibling to pass since then, leaving childhood placed me on a path to a Government provided funds to The international labour three sisters and six brothers to reflect career in international development— develop a competency based system market has become an integral part on his life and ours. there were no prospects for me where for technical education and of the globalization process and in We were, by any measure, a I was born, and that drove me to get vocational training that would provide many cases it is the most effective poor family in the early days, due to an education that has taken me to career-education that would meet means to transfer wealth from the the great depression during which my many parts of the world, including an two criteria: (1) meet the employment richer countries to developing parents lost the family farm and appointment as a regular staff aspirations of the student; and (2) countries. Through this newspaper resettled on a barren hillside to start member of the World Bank. meet the productivity expectations of and other media we are able to life over two years before I was born. Like Napoleon Hill, who was the employer. By this means Canada identify how an Ad Hoc Network can We lived at the subsistence level in born poor, I had no constraints of ties went from a middle income country contribute to the mutual benefit of those years. Ultimately all have done to family fortune, factory, land, or any www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 19 many people who depend on an World Bank Group, I am committed to effective international labour market the stated mission: To fight poverty PRIX Le PRIX MAURICE-POLLACK that should be based on mutual with passion and professionalism for récompense les efforts d’accueil, respect and fair remuneration, and of sustainable results. québécois d’intégration et de promotion de course labour mobility. That in turn For some of us it is necessary la diversité ethnoculturelle en requires a rational approach to to reflect, from time to time, on where accreditation. In recent years the Asia we came from, especially if we believe de la milieu de travail. Pacific Accreditation and Certification we can help others to escape from citoyenneté Commission was established and is poverty as we did. In an old photo of Des bourses de 1 000 $ et de housed at the Colombo Plan Staff the Goodine boys (below) the one on 2 500 $ seront remises aux College in Manila, and includes India the left (Ike) is the future World Bank 2008 lauréats des prix suivants : and the Philippines. In the case of staff member in training to fight China, the Labour Market poverty. Le PRIX JACQUES-COUTURE, Development Project assisted by the qui récompense la promotion World Bank, established OSTA Isaac Goodine can be reached at; (Organization for Skill Testing and [email protected] du rapprochement interculturel Accreditstion) to facilitate labour Website address is: www.ikes- mobility throughout China. These two world.com Le PRIX ANNE-GREENUP, organizations would be helpful in qui récompense la lutte contre addressing issues of accreditation for Left to right in the photo are Ike, Joe, le racisme the three main sources of immigrants and Francis, Goodine, at home in to Canada. 1943. Also, there is an urgent need Le PRIX CHARLES-BIDDLE, for focused private sector training that Sugaring Off qui récompense l’apport excep- is competency-based and includes Cabane-a-sucre tionnel à la société québécoise cross-cultural components. In that regard, it is only fair to point out that Sunday, Gilmore College has 17 years experience in helping immigrants to April 13 Pour plus de renseignements, enter, or to advance within, the Au sous bois contactez-nous au : workforce in Montreal. Recently, the 514 873-1627 college has been renovated and an Mont St. Gregoire 1 866 817-9850 (sans frais) agreement reached with a nearby Departure: 9:30 a.m. sharp www.quebecinterculturel.gouv.qc.ca medical laboratory to support the Plamondon Metro training of caregivers. Van Horne Exit Finally, this is to restate my Call 514-485-7861 Date limite belief that the accident of the place of for info & reservations one’s birth need not determine where Le vendredi 29 février 2008 one must earn a livelihood, and as a Gilmore College member of the Speakers Bureau of the GGiillmmoorree IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall CCoolllleeggee are pleased to invite you to the “Writers Helping Writers” && tthhee WWoorrlldd AAccaaddeemmyy ooff LLeetttteerrss workshop

inter-active, multi-cultural, motivational Your ideas should not remain locked up in your head - find a way to express them and feel fulfilled by doing so. This workshop will help you get started easily in the most interesting way. Find out the secret by attending this unique workshop which will start soon. What they say about writing: Who should attend: There’s only one way to learn to write - read! People from all walks of life, fields Every person who has the ability to read can learn how to write. and occupations - nurses, doctors, What do writers do? They write. architects, engineers, clerks, What do good writers do? They write and re-write. secretaries, teachers, students - What do excellent writers do? They write, re-write, re-write, re- anyone who wants to live a fuller life. write until they get it “right.” Workshop Leaders Why you should attend: Proof of Attendance: Everyone has to write, whether you An attractive certificate and tax receipt will be given at the earn your living by writing or end of the workshop. working for yourself or others, your Proceedings will be videotaped. You may purchase a ability to express yourself in English copy for your future reference. is absolutely essential. Since NOTE: English has become the language of In addition to establishing a writers’ network, a public business around the world, speaking course will be a follow-up to this workshop. mastering the art of writing and speaking is the key to your success Schedule: May16, 17, 18, 2008 Zenaida F. Kharroubi in your personal and professional Isaac T. Goodine B.A. English, M.A. Ed. Friday - 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. BsC, B.Ed., C.Eng life.Learning to write well helps you Studies win friends and influence people! Saturday & Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. International Speaker & Author ÈLeaders Leading Leaders: Diploma in Education, TESL Resource Person, Transparency Founder & Director-General Gilmore International College Register by appointment - call 514-485-7861 International, Former Principal, Director Gilmore International College 4950 Queen Mary Rd. Penthouse of Schools & Colleges, Human Editor & Publisher, Montreal, QC H3W 1X3 Tuition Fee: Resources Development, Specialist, North American Filipino Star 2 1/2 days seminar Consultant, World Bank Group Commissioner, Scouts www.gilmorecollege.com $495 tuition fees including taxes and materials. Canada, Quebec Council “Laging Handa” 0592

www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 20 The North American Filipino Star about 40,000 protested against her in Embattled Arroyo revokes order that had impeded 2005 amid allegations she cheated in the 2004 election. corruption investigation Analysts say, however, that Arroyo, who has already survived three March 6, 2008 impeachment attempts and at least A day after more than 80 former three coup bids, is likely to see out the Cabinet members and senior remainder of her term. government officials issued an angry They noted that many Filipinos are demand to shape up, President Gloria sick of political turmoil and the Macapagal Arroyo yesterday revoked numbers at last week’s rally were a a controversial order that had blocked fraction of the 500,000 who took to the Cabinet members and other officials streets to oust former President from testifying in congressional Joseph Estrada in 2001 and the 1 inquiries. million who faced down tanks to “Effective immediately, I am overthrow dictator Ferdinand Marcos revoking Executive Order 464,” in 1986.a Arroyo said in a press statement after a meeting with Roman Catholic bishops, who have condemned Filipinos overseas widespread graft in her government. With the scrapping of the gag may soon vote via order, more witnesses are expected to appear in an investigation by the mail or Internet Senate into allegations of $130 million March 25, 2008 worth of kickbacks in a $329 million Arroyo during a cabinet meeting in Manila, March 6, 2008 Two House committees have government telecoms deal with everybody to heal our present the status of MC 108 because after the approved the consolidation of three China’s ZTE. conflict.” Supreme Court issued its ruling on measures that would allow Filipinos Opposition groups and an irate Cabinet members have used EO 464, the administration issued MC overseas to vote through mail or the citizenry have accused Arroyo of Arroyo’s order to avoid testifying in a 108,” he said. Internet. covering up for officials and her probe by the opposition-dominated Senate President Manuel Villar Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco, husband, who has been linked to the Senate. said Malaca?ang “should do more House committee on foreign affairs controversy. Both Arroyo and her Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, than revoke EO 464 to show its chairman, said that his committee and husband have denied any who heads the Catholic Bishops sincerity in promoting transparency the committee on suffrage and wrongdoing. Conference of the Philippines and accountability in government ... electoral reforms chaired by Makati Commission on Election (CBCP), welcomed Arroyo’s decision. by also scrapping Memorandum City Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr. had Chairman Benjajmin Abalos was “We’re happy and grateful that Circular 108 and the illegal use of the concluded their deliberations on the forced to resign late last year after a our appeal has been heard by the executive privilege, the tools used to three measures that sought to amend losing bidder in the planned national chief executive,” Lagdameo said, but prevent its officials from testifying restrictive provisions of the Overseas broadband network project named added it was only “a first step.” before congressional hearings on Absentee Voting Act of 2003 him as the broker of the corrupt deal. Senators were cautiously happy issues affecting the administration.” While not discounting that President Arroyo subsequently with the revocation of EO 464, noting Memorandum Circular 108 was cheating could likely happen through canceled the contract, but attempts that her decision, made after she met issued after the Supreme Court the voting by mail mode, Cuenco said by the administration to prevent a a group of bishops, was just a declared portions of EO 464 they were “devising measures to former government consultant on the “publicity stunt” to please the church unconstitutional. address this problem.” He said that contract from testifying in the Senate and witnesses could still side-step Administration critics say the voting through the Internet or other fueled suspicions of a cover-up. questions by arguing that their circular, which says “all heads of means may also be allowed. Presidential spokesman Ignacio conversations with Arroyo were departments of the Executive branch Cuenco said the two measures Bunye yesterday said Arroyo revoked confidential. “The impression people of government shall secure the seek to enfranchise more Filipinos the gag order to demonstrate her get is that with 464 repealed, consent of the president prior to overseas by softening restrictive resolve to let the truth out in the everything is okay,” Senator Manuel appearing at a question hour before provisions in the law. In particular, scandal that has rattled her Villar told reporters. “They can still either House of Congress,” is a virtual both propose that registration and administration. resort to all other means to thwart our clone of EO 464. certification of overseas absentee Bunye said officials could no efforts to find out the truth in these Senator Manuel Roxas II said the voters be made more accessible to longer invoke the order “to excuse anomalous deals.” order should have been lifted long Filipinos worldwide through more field nonattendance from legislative Senate Majority Leader Francis ago because it has been used to and mobile registration centers. inquiries.” Pangilinan downplayed the revocation “cover up” anomalies in government. Cuenco said migrant Filipino workers “The president, like anybody else, of EO 464, saying the Supreme Court Last week, tens of thousands of may also file their application is after the truth. The president listens has long ruled on the people gathered in Manila’s financial personally at any post or designated to the people,” Bunye said. “She unconstitutionality of the order. “There district of Makati calling for Arroyo to registration centers approved by the believes that it’s in the best interest of is nothing to scrap. The question is step down, the biggest crowd since Comelec. a

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www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 21 Court acquits Imelda Marcos of transfering cash abroad

March 10, 2008 that what mattered most was the A Manila court Monday acquitted recovery of the funds that were salted former Philippine first lady Imelda away in 11 bank accounts in Marcos of 32 counts of illegal money Switzerland. transfers made 40 years ago, court "The case involved money officials said. laundering and as far as I know the The 78-year-old widow of former subject matter has already been dictator Ferdinand Marcos smiled recovered by the PCGG," said Narciso broadly as she walked from court, Nario, the chief lawyer for the saying "I am happy because the truth Presidential Commission on Good of the Marcoses is going to be Government, a government body justice." assigned to recover the alleged ill- Of the 901 cases filed against her gotten wealth of the Marcos family in the early 1990s just 10 remain, her and their cronies. lawyers told AFP. "Our mandate was to recover ill- Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the gotten wealth which we have done," Philippines for 20 years, fled into exile he added referring to the 683 million in 1986 with his family after he was dollars the Swiss Federal Supreme overthrown in a "people power" Court remitted to the Philippine revolution led by the Roman Catholic government in 1997. Church and breakaway elements of Lawyer for the Marcoses, Robert the military. Sison, told AFP that it was illegal for At the time it was claimed he had individuals to move money overseas milked the country of between five without the approval of the central and 10 billion dollars. bank. After a 22-year search for the so- He said the court dropped the called hidden Marcos wealth, the case when the government failed to government has only managed to prove its case. retrieve 683 million from several Swiss "In fact the money was transferred bank accounts. by a close family friend Roberto The latest case was filed in 1991 Benedicto (who is deceased) and not by the Philippine government and has Marcos," he said. taken 16 years to work its way through A tearful former Philippines first lady, Imelda Marcos, reacts in Manila on March 10, Ferdinand Marcos died in exile in the country's convoluted legal system. 2008 as a lower court acquits her of 32 counts of illegal money transfers made 40 Hawaii in 1989. His widow and her The government's case claimed years ago. family returned to the Philippines in that 32 bank transfers to foreign and an associate who is now dead. by the government failed to prove 1991 and were hit with hundreds of accounts in Switzerland between But trial court judge Silvino Imelda Marcos broke the law. corruption cases. 1968 and 1976 were carried out Pampilo ruled that evidence provided The government said Monday "With this case out of the way illegally by Ferdinand Marcos, his wife there are just 10 left," Sison said. a

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www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 22 The North American Filipino Star Conservative Backlog Plan Closes COMMUNITY NEWS Door on Immigrants

Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion For Immediate Release combining permanent residents, Attends Filipino Community Lunch March 14, 2008 temporary worker and student OTTAWA – The categories, to create the false Conservative government’s plan to impression that Canada accepted deal with Canada’s immigration significantly more immigrants in 2007 backlog by closing the door on than in previous years. immigrants is precisely the wrong approach, Liberal Immigration Critic “Minister Finley is now deceiving Maurizio Bevilacqua said today. Canadians by claiming the “After cutting hundreds of Conservative government admitted millions in funding that the Liberal more immigrants to Canada last year government had invested in Canada’s than in a hundred years,” said Mr. immigration system, the Conservatives Bevilacqua. “The Conservatives are are planning to ‘fix’ the immigration simply attempting to cover-up the fact backlog by reducing the number of that for the second year in a row they applications it accepts,” said Mr. have admitted approximately 10,000 Bevilacqua. “Why does the Minister fewer permanent residents each year believe that shutting the door on than the previous Liberal government immigration is the answer?” and to distract Canadians from a short Mr. Bevilacqua was sighted and draconian approach to responding to recent media reports dealing with the backlog." that the federal government plans to Mr. Bevilacqua went on to OTTAWA – Liberal was also a great chance for me to use measures tabled in the House of point out that this latest policy shift is consistent with the Conservatives’ ov Opposition Leader Stéphane underscore the immense contribution Commons today to reduce the number of new immigration applications it rall historical approach to immigration. Dion took the opportunity to thank the that Filipino Canadians have made to accepts each year. Citizenship and "In 1959, the Diefenbaker Filipino community for its tremendous our great country.” Immigration Minister Diane Finley Conservative government also proposed application caps to deal with contribution to Canada at a lunch The Liberal Party of Canada is refused to deny the report when asked about it in the House of Commons or a 131,000-person backlog, but was committed to the concept of hosted by the Winnipeg Filipino by media. forced to reverse its policy within one Breakfast Council last Friday. multiculturalism and is committed to Even more shocking are month in the face of pressure from “I was honoured to be invited ensuring our society can move beyond media reports that the new policy Italian-Canadians and the Opposition would reduce the number of family Liberals," he said. “The first and to have an opportunity to speak the traditional concepts of tolerance class immigrants who are being re- immigration initiative of the current and acceptance to true equality and about important issues such as united with Canadian family members. Conservative government was to multiculturalism,” said Mr. Dion. “This partnership. “If we are to attract needed cancel hundreds of millions of dollars skilled labour and professionals from allocated by the previous Liberal around the world, we must invest in our administration to deal with the backlog immigration system and realize that and for the past two years they have welcoming their immediate families is a accepted fewer permanent residents vital part of making Canada an than the previous Liberal government." attractive or even viable destination," said Mr. Bevilacqua. "That is why in -30- 2005 the previous Liberal government shifted the balance of immigration Contact : Anastasia Barbosa targets to favour family reunification, Born May 2, 1924, Died peacefully February 28, 2008 and committed funding to speed up Office of Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua Benjamin Bade and all his family cordially invite you the processing of parent and (613) 996-4971 to come to the 40th day memorial of their beloved mother grandparent applications." The Conservative government to be held on has now gone so far as to release Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. misleading immigration statistics, FAMAS BUILDING, 4708 Van Horne Avenue Montreal, Quebec

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www.filipinostar.org MARCH 2008 The North American Filipino Star 23 Pacman: I won fair and square March 25, 2008 Pacquiao plans to move up in Newly crowned World Boxing weight at 135 pounds and challenge Council super-featherweight current WBC lightweight champion champion Manny Pacquiao yesterday David Diaz, a former member of the insisted he won his rematch with United States Olympic team in the Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in Las 1996 Atlanta Summer Games. Vegas—fair and square. Big crowds are expected to line “Losing never crossed my mind, I up the streets of Manila, Makati, did my best and I deserve the victory,” Quezon City, Pasay and Pasig for Pacquiao said upon arrival yesterday Pacquiao’s motorcade celebration morning at the Ninoy Aquino today. International Airport, where he was Meanwhile, Pacquiao will be the mobbed by well-wishers, supporters very first recipient of the Elorde Hall of and hangers-on. Fame given by the Elorde clan tonight Pacquiao deplaned at 6:39 a.m. at the Centennial Hall of the Manila and was welcomed like a rock star by Hotel in a lavish ceremony to be government and airport officials. He attended by Mrs. Arroyo. hugged and kissed his wife Jinkee Pacquiao earned the right to be and his two elder sons, before elevated to the Hall of Fame after carrying his youngest daughter Mary being named boxer of the year for Divine Grace. seven straight times, the same His eyes still woozy brought about Another victory. President Arroyo welcomes boxing champion Manny Pacquiao to number of years Flash Elorde was by the long flight and the punishment Malacañang. world champion. he received from Marquez, Pacquiao, Elorde’s widow, Laura Elorde, will turning serious, said he was hurt by “Masakit na may mga nagtatawag Pacquiao downed Marquez in the assist President Arroyo in the the doubts cast on his split decision pa ng imbestigayon about this fight. third round of their fight with a solid induction ceremony. win over the Mexican champ. Oh my goodness! Dapat sa kanila left—and experts are one in saying Other boxers of the Year “Masakit na kapwa Filipino pa ang turuan kung ano ang boxing, baka ’di that the knockdown spelled the awardees are Gerry Penalosa, World nagdududa,” said Pacquiao. “Sa pa nila alam kung ano ang rules ng difference for the new champ. Boxing Organization bantamweight America, walang nagsasabi na natalo boxing. ’Di lang limang beses ko From Naia, Pacquiao checked in champion; Nonito Donaire, ako—si Marquez lang at ang kampo pinanood ang laban, kahit na slow and had breakfast at the New World International Boxing Federation niya. Kumbinsido ako sa panalo ko.” motion pa, madami akong Renaissance Hotel in Makati. He then superflyweight champion; Florante Pacquiao also lashed out at pinakawalan na suntok ang tumama went to Quiapo church, where he Condes, IBF minimumweight sectors, who want to dissect his kay Marquez,” Pacquiao said. “Sa heard mass, before paying a courtesy champion and Donnie Nietes, WBO tingin ko, panalong-panalo ako. Crab call on President Arroyo in victory even further. minimumweight champion. a mentality na lang sa iba.” Malacañang.

www.filipinostar.org 24 The North American Filipino Star MARCH 2008 24 Education raises the bar but lowers the barriers to a rewarding career.

Certified International Trade Daycare Assistant Administrative Assistant Professional (C.I.T.P.) Personal Support Worker (Nursing Aide) PROGRAMMES & COURSES NURSING AIDE • LANGUAGES P.A.B. OR PSW English, French, Spanish, Mandarin New classes starting soon Filipino (Tagalog) Register now by appointment • OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Call 514-485-7861 Microsoft Office Accpac Simply Accounting Accounting & Bookkeeping Administrative Assistant Program Business French Bilingual Telephone Protocol • International Trade (C.I.T.P.) • Personal Support Worker/PAB/Nursing Aide • Early Childhood Education Assistant • Integration of Foreign Graduates of Nursing (Education Permit Pending) Gilmore International College students in the nursing aide programme are currently doing their practicum at St. Margaret Centre Hospitalier Long Durée OTHER COURSES Seminars: • Writers Helping Writers • Intercultural Communication (To be determined) • Leadership Training (To be determined) • Human Resources Development (On request) Tutorials: • English • French •Math/Science (Private or semi-private) Going global? Take a course on Global Entrepreneurship Starting April 14, 2008 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M 7 Monday Seminars to be conducted by Professor Isaac Goodine International Educator 4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse Montreal, Quebec H3W 1X3 To register by appointment, Telephone: 514-485-7861 please call 514-485-7861 Fax: 514-485-3076 New classes start as soon as Website: gilmorecollege.com minimum enrollment is achieved. E-Mail: [email protected] SNOWDON www.filipinostar.org