nd 2

Edition

October 15-30, 2007 Vol. XXV No. 10-b www.filipinostar.org President Arroyo pardons Estrada

Thursday, October 25, 2007 reached 70, Estrada's 6 1/2 years' 7:21 AM MANILA, Philippines -- detention and his public pledge not to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo seek any public office in deciding to pardoned her ousted predecessor pardon her political nemesis. Thursday, paving the way for Joseph A court order forfeiting a Estrada's release a month after he was mansion and more than $15.5 million sentenced to life in prison for in bank accounts believed to be owned corruption. by Estrada would remain in place, Acting Executive Secretary according to Arroyo's decision, which Ignacio Bunye said the pardon would was read by Bunye in a nationally restore Estrada's civil and political televised announcement. rights and would take effect upon his "Arroyo is fully convinced that acceptance. this pardon is in order," Bunye told There was no immediate reporters. reaction from the 70-year-old Estrada, A Sandiganbayan court who has been allowed by the anti-graft spokesman, Renato Bocar, said it Sandiganbayan court to be detained in would order Estrada's release after his sprawling villa near Manila while receiving a copy of Arroyo's grant of appealing his Sept. 12 conviction for pardon. plunder. Estrada was ousted by a Estrada's lawyers withdrew his nonviolent "people power" revolt that appeal Monday, removing a key was co-led by Arroyo, then his vice obstacle to the grant of pardon. president, in 2001 over allegations of Ousted Philippine President Joseph Estrada, right, waves beside his wife, former Senator Loi, Arroyo cited her government's See page 4 PARDON as he arrives at their house in San Juan city, Philippines, on Friday Oct. 26, 2007. policy of releasing convicts who have Page 10 Critics denounce PQ citizenship bill By Zenaida Kharroubi From time to time, we have controversies arising from the right of immigrants to practice their culture. We also hear about the question of Palawan whether or not there is still systemic racism that is deeply embedded in many places, be it in public or private Contents domains but no one seems to admit openly they exist. Lately, we have had Community News ...... p. 6 a series of stories or news about what has been happening in different Earth Talk ...... p. 8 quarters. One can recall about the school boy who was punished by his Classified Ads ...... p. 9 teacher for using a spoon that caused a furor in the Filipino community, the law Philippine Cuisine ...... p. 9 suit to demand the right of a boy to carry a “kirpan” for it is part of his Filstar Photo Gallery...... p. 10 culture, and the case of a soccer player who was ejected from a game Tourism ...... p. 12 for wearing a hijab. The latest furor has been created by the introduction of Bill Showbiz Gossip ...... p. 14 195 by Madame Pauline Marois. This Bill practically limits the democratic Global Perspectives . . . . p. 17 rights of a person to run for public office if he is unable to speak French. Neighborhood Business . . p. 18

Asmahan (Azzy) Manzour has the support of her team, the Nepean Hotspurs in Ottawa. A See Page 4 CITIZEN BILL referree judged that her heaadgear posed a risk to herself and others. Discover a one stop service From head to toe ... beauty and care! Hair Hands & Feet • Cut & Set • Manicure • Blow Dry • Pedicure & Foot Spa • Hair Coloring Body • Highlighting • Massage • Perm • Waxing Esthetics 514-731-8881 • Facial • Makeup for special occasions • Eyebrows coloring 5210, Décarie coin van horne, montréal (qué.) H3X 2J9 • Eyelash coloring Nena Alicia Thomas www.filipinostar.org 2 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007 of unthinkable style of governance Calling all that will basically jeopardize minority Members of the Filipino rights in a liberal democracy like Solidarity Cooperative EDITORIAL ours," race relations advocate Fo Niemi told CTV in Montreal. and other Just like any other idea that can be Filipino Canadians What is the controversy behind taken to the extreme, “reasonable in the Montreal accommodation” will blur the view of community “reasonable accommodation”? people who are self-centered and to support the fund Reasonable accommodation is a society even became more selfish but if it is applied properly legal term used in Canada, which is the complicated and controversial, to say under the right conditions, it is raising dance party legal obligation to modify a law or a the least, when Madame Pauline conducive to the development of a for the benefit of the norm when it is contrary to Marois introduced Bill 195 in the harmonious relationship in a multi- Cooperative fundamental rights stipulated in the National Legislature. Without the cultural society such as ours. to be held on Canadian Charter of Rights and knowledge of French, a person, old or We will be interested to know what Freedoms. This concept is, according new immigrant,even though the commission will find out about December 8, 2007 to the Supreme Court of Canada, a possessing Canadian citizenship will how people view immigrants and if 7:00 P.M. logical consequence of the Charter not be able to run for any public office. they understand the value of Studio 26 Mtl. itself. The term is currently used in the Premier Charest wrote an open letter in immigration. 855 Decarie Blvd. public debate in various meanings the Montreal Gazette, criticizing the Bill How well can the idea of St. Laurent involving minority rights. (The origin of and asking Mme Marois to withdraw it. “reasonable accommodation” resolve the term "reasonable accommodation" However, she refused to budge in her the conflicting attitudes towards is found in labour-market position and only slightly softened her immigrants? Will the recommenda- sponsored by jurisprudence, and refers to the stand by saying that she will be willing tions be actually used to overcome the North American obligation of employers to change to submit the bill to scrutiny by the the inherent prejudices against Filipino Star immigrants? Will there be funds some general rules for certain Human Rights Commission to see if and Gilmore International employees, under the condition that any of the provisions could be available to help accommodate the there is no "excessive constraint".) declared unconstitutional. needs of immigrants in their struggle College The term itself does not seem to be Constitutional or not, the fact that for equality in the social, political, and Tel. 514-485-7861 offensive or negative, however, it has Madame Marois has introduced a bill economic fields? become a controversial issue politically which focuses on the definition of Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi In an open letter to the Quebecois Quebec citizenship is quite people on Jan. 16, 2007, Mario disheartening or as Premier Charest FILIPINO SOLIDARITY FSCI Dumont, the leader of Quebec's third calls it, a “backward” move in a 2004 party, the ADQ, applied this phrase to democratic country like Canada. Such COOPERATIVE what some others in Quebec, Jean a bill actually reinforces the idea of a Coopérative de Solidarité Filipino Charest among them, prefer to call government being able to dictate "reasonable accommodation". After everything that an English speaking 4711 Van horne Avenue, Montreal H3W 1H8 the town of Herouxville enacted a code immigrant must do in order to of conduct earlier this year for participate in civil society. Needless to We sell Philippine & Oriental Food, Groceries, Dry Goods, Beauty immigrants, Premier Jean Charest, say, it is easier to participate in the Products, Spices, Frozen Meat & Fish, Fresh Vegetables, etc. citing several instances of debate when one can speak the Become a member now of "unreasonable" accommodation, language of the majority, but this the firt Filipino solidarity appointed a two-man commission in should not be a reason to deprive February 2007 to investigate the issue anyone of the right to run in a cooperative in Canada and report back by 31 March 2008. Its democratic election. Why not leave it formal title is the Consultation to the person’s common sense to seek Your support is urgently Commission on Accommodation knowledge of the language that is needed so you can have Practices Related to Cultural required to be a competent legislator? quality products at lower Differences, It is sometimes called the Another important question is about Bouchard-Taylor Commission. The the motivation of Mme Marois. Is she prices than anywhere town's "Code of Life" gained saying that Quebec is a separate else. international notoriety after councillors country and therefore can impose the stated that anyone wanting to live in requirements of citizenship? CUBAO-DIVISORIA the town - located between Quebec It appears that Madame Marois is City and Montreal -- had to live by also contradicting the idea behind Store Hours: certain rules. Among the rules are the “reasonable accommodation.” By prohibition of stoning of women, introducing the Quebec citizenship bill, Monday to Friday - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. wearing of the hijab, and mutilation of she seems to be saying that English Saturday-Sunday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. women’s genitalia. As there are not speaking immigrants are not good even any visible minorities in the town, enough until they can speak French. 514-733-8915 one wonders why they bother to pass She completely ignores other these rules. Some critics alleged that qualifications like having the Tangkilin ang sariling atin. this may be due to the town’s intolerant intelligence to think through a problem attitude towards those who are and find solutions. In her mind, the Working together for common prosperity. different from them. only thing that counts is one’s ability to The controversy about immigrants speak French. and their acceptance in Quebec "We're slipping into possibly a kind

The North American Filipino Star SUBSCRIPTION 4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse Name:______Tel.: 514-485-7861 (5th Floor) near Snowdon Metro E-Mail: [email protected] Montreal, QCH3W 1X3 Address:______Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Hilda T. Veloso Lina V. Fernandez Chief Editor & Publisher Community News Dr. Victor Gavino Telephone: Residence:______Office: ______Prof. Isaac Goodine Sam Ferry Esther Stansfield Assistant Editor Nida Verginom Butaran 1 year or 24 issues $52 2 years or 48 issues $90 Anna May Tappan News & Tourism Editor Mary Joy Lizarondo Alvin D. Veloso Bert Abiera Sales Representativess Enclose a cheque or money order according to the number of issues... Contributors Founder EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2007, THE STAR IS PUBLISHED TWICE A MONTH. Opinions, comments of writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that of the management of Filcan Publications, Inc. www.filipinostar.org October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 3 Canada to accept up to 265,000 please contact: aimed at ending all forms of Tim Vail discrimination and violence against new immigrants in 2008 Press Secretary women. As a condition of eligibility for Minister's Office funding, projects must support the Ottawa, October 31, 2007 - address labour market needs and to Citizenship and Immigration Canada advancement of all women in Canada. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister help in the successful integration of 613-954-1064 The first call for proposals was issued of Citizenship and Immigration, newcomers. These include Karen Shadd-Evelyn on June 4, 2007. On October 11, 2007, announced today that Canada expects establishing the Foreign Credentials Media Relations Minister Verner announced that 60 to welcome between 240,000 and Referral Office (FCRO), improving the Communications Branch projects will receive funding totalling 265,000 newcomers in 2008. Temporary Foreign Worker program Citizenship and Immigration Canada $8 million through the Women's The target is set out in the and expanding the Provincial Nominee 613-952-1650 Program of Status of 2007 Annual Report to Parliament on Program. Government of Canada WomenCanada. Immigration tabled today in the House The FCRO is working with the The Women's Community Fund provinces and territories to help Announces New Call for of Commons. The report provides makes $12.3 million available per year internationally trained individuals get information on immigration activities in Proposals for Women's for grants and contributions to support their skills assessed and recognized. 2006 and outlines the immigration Projects eligible projects at the local, regional plan for 2008. The Provincial Nominee Program OTTAWA, Nov. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - The and national level. To qualify, a project "Our government believes that allows provinces and territories to Honourable Josée Verner, Minister must advance the economic, social immigration plays an important role in identify and nominate immigrants who ofCanadian Heritage, Status of Women and cultural situation of women building our communities and growing will address their labour market needs. and Official Languages, today through initiatives that directly support our economy," said Minister Finley. Canada is continuing its announced a second call for proposals women in their communities. The "The immigration targets tabled today humanitarian tradition by, for example, to solicit funding from the Women's deadline for submissions to the will help ensure that Canada continues resettling 800 Karen refugees from Community Fundof Status of Women Women'sCommunity Fund, under the to grow and benefit from all that Thailand and committing to welcoming second call for proposals, is December 17, Canada. newcomers and their families bring to 2,000 2007. The new call invites eligible our country." more. Canada also played an Applications and Funding Guidelines organizations to access funding from The Canadian Expe-rience important role in negotiations on the for the Women's Community Fund are theoverall $15.3 million Women's Class, first announced in the 2007 protracted situation of Bhutanese available on the SWC website ( Program budget of Status of Women budget and a key element of the refugees in Nepal, agreeing to resettle http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca ).Status of Canada. government's long-term immigration 5,000 of them over the next few years. Women Canada is a federal gov "Our Government is working to plan, will be implemented in 2008 for The federal government has also For more information on Status of advance women's participation in the certain skilled temporary workers and committed an additional $1.3 billion in Women Canada, visit http://www.swc- economic, social and cultural life of international students with Canadian settlement funding over five years, and cfc.gc.ca/. For further information: Canada and we are doing so at record Richard Walker, Press Secretary, Office degrees and Canadian work $342 million per year ongoing, to help levels of funding," Minister Verner said. of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, experience. Once the class is newcomers succeed. "We are eager to work with groups Status of Women and Official established and for the first time, The Annual Report to that will have a direct, positive impact Languages, (819)997-7788; Nanci-Jean individuals meeting specific criteria Parliament on Immigration, which must on women in their communities." Waugh, Director of Communications, will be able to apply for permanent be tabled by November 1 each year, is Status of Women Canada will focus Status of WomenCanada, (613) 995- resident status from within Canada. a requirement under the Immigration its support on projects that promote 7839 The Canadian Expe-rience and Refugee Protection Act. women's economic security and Class adds to other initiatives to For further information (media only), prosperity, health, safety and those

www.filipinostar.org 4 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007 "Our reaction is one of shame," said From Page 1 Pardon payroll, said the government is Bill 195 would make all Canadian Steven Slimovitch, national legal creating two kinds of newcomers. citizens now living in the province massive corruption and misrule. He counsel for B'nai Brith Canada. "We are PQ members have been on Quebec citizens, independent of their was arrested and detained a few ashamed to live in a province in which the defensive over Bill 195 which states ability to speak French. Newcomers months later, angering his legions of a draft law is tabled in the National that Quebec citizenship would be from another country or another followers. Assembly that ensures the creation of required to run for school board, province could only become Quebec Estrada was convicted last two types of citizens. It's time the PQ municipal or national assembly citizens by demonstrating three years September after a landmark six-year stopped saying 'us' and 'them.' " elections. after arriving their capacity to get by in trial on charges that he took bribes and At a joint Montreal news Canadian citizenship alone, French. kickbacks while in office. He was conference, the groups said the however, would still be sufficient to The PQ, with 35 members of sentenced to life in prison. measures would not only violate the vote in those same elections. legislature, is the third party in the Estrada has denied the Canadian constitution because Monday the PQ seized on a assembly and Bill 195 has no chance charges and accused Arroyo of citizenship is a federal matter, they report that the Immigration Department of becoming law. But Bill 195 has masterminding his removal in a would violate the Canadian and is cutting its staff by 11 per cent, at the shifted the spotlight away from Action conspiracy with leaders of the Roman Quebec charters of rights and same time that it has proposed democratique du Quebec Leader Catholic church and senior military freedoms by creating two classes of welcoming an additional 10,000 Mario Dumont and on to newly officers. citizens, some without the same rights immigrants a year. crowned PQ Leader Pauline Marois. A former action film star who as others. "By reducing the budget of the "We don't take it seriously," once pulled off the biggest election Bill 195's proposal to eliminate department destined to better integrate said Catherine Morissette, the ADQ victory in Philippine history, Estrada for certain citizens the right to petition and francize immigrants, the Charest immigration critic. remains popular among impoverished the National Assembly with a government is creating two classes of Filipinos who adored his B-movies, grievance is an attempt to take away a Advertise now in the citizens, those who speak French and where he often portrayed roles as a right acquired by peasants in the those who don't," said PQ immigration bi-monthly issue of the champion of the poor. Magna Carta in 1215, the groups said. critic Martin Lemay. North American Filipino Star He served as an opposition They said they plan to bring Call 514-485-7861 icon, often criticizing Arroyo from the bill to the attention of the United behind bars. Nations special human rights Estrada told The Associated investigator, Doudou Diène, as soon as Peso hits 7-year high in choppy Asia Press earlier this week that he would possible. October 30, 2007 The Thai baht attempted to test the not seek public office even if that right But the PQ stood by Bill 195, The Philippine peso hit a seven- 34-per-dollar level, but was kept away were restored by presidential pardon. dismissing the numerous complaints year high on Tuesday, as investors from the psychologically important He said, however, he would continue as similar to those expressed when the piled into the high-yielding currency in level by suspected dollar-buying by the to criticize Arroyo. party brought in the French Language anticipation of a Federal Reserve rate central bank, traders said. Charter 30 years ago. cut this week and further cuts in the From Page 1 Citizen Bill In the meantime, a new poll coming months. shows Quebecers divided along The peso rose as far as 43.95 per With a new poll showing linguistic lines in their opinion of the dollar, up a quarter of a percent from Quebecers divided in their views of the bill. Overall, 44 per cent favour it and Monday's close to its strongest level Parti Québécois's proposal for Quebec 46 per cent oppose it. But while 52 per since July 2000, despite choppy citizenship, two human right groups cent of franco-phones back the bill, 79 trading in most other Asian currencies. yesterday blasted the plan as per cent of non-francophones oppose That brought its cumulative gains xenophobic, intolerant and an it. since Sept. 18, when the Fed cut its infringement of constitutional rights. Produced by Léger Marketing key interest rate by 0.5 percentage B'nai Brith Canada and the for the Journal de Montréal, the poll of points, to nearly 5.0 percent. Centre for Research-Action on Race 513 people was conducted "I think it's due to expectations of A man counts peso bills at a money Relations urged the PQ to immediately Wednesday. further flows -- remittance inflows and changer in Manila October 30, 2007. The withdraw Bill 195, which proposes to Pollster Jean-Marc Léger says equity flows," said a trader in Manila. Philippine peso hit a seven-year high on make a working knowledge of French PQ leader Pauline Marois scored "Dollar/peso looks heavy around Tuesday, as investors piled into a high- a requirement for Quebec citizenship points with some voters. 44.00," said Markus Ammann of HVB in yielding currency in anticipation of a for new arrivals from outside and within "She managed to strike Hong Kong. "They are back from a Federal Reserve rate cut this week and Canada. people's identity chord, an area the PQ long weekend, and I would expect BSP further cuts in the coming months. The rules would apply even had been shut out of since 1995 to the (central bank) to slow down peso while Quebec is part of Canada. benefit of the Action démocratique du demand." A trader in Bangkok said he Bill 195 would be a serious Québec," Léger said. "Now she is The Philippine markets were expected, however, the baht to pierce infringement of democratic rights and bringing those people back." closed on Monday for regional the 34 barrier soon because demand the rights of immigrants in general, the Quebec citizenship draws elections. for the Thai currency remained strong. groups said. political fire The peso has gained about 11.5 "A lot of exporters are selling the The PQ, the third party in the percent against the dollar so far this dollar," he said. provincial legislature, also has Quebec's ruling Liberals and the Parti year, making it Asia's second-best A bigger US rate cut than the submitted Bill 196, which calls for a Quebecois traded claims Monday that performer after the Indian rupee which quarter-point priced in by markets Quebec constitution. the other party was creating two has risen about 12.3 percent. would give the whole region a boost by "These bills, which remind us classes of citizens. But the Indonesian rupiah another knocking the dollar lower, another of measures advocated by extreme The Liberals charged that Bill high-yielder, fell as far as 9,115 per trader said. right-wing parties in Europe, are 195, a PQ bill to establish Quebec dollar, down almost a third of a percent "Now we will wait and see if the Fed dangerous because they citizenship, would create two types of from late Asian trade on Monday. will cut interest rates by more than 0.25 institutionalize xenophobia and Quebecers. The Malaysian ringgit fell as far as percentage points to surprise markets intolerance," said Fo Niemi, the The PQ, citing Liberal plans to 3.3493 per dollar, also down 0.3 and push the dollar lower across the centre's executive director. reduce the Immigration Department percent. aboard." a F. 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www.filipinostar.org October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 5 According to the PNP’s records, and PNP,” Borra said. polling precincts will get an additional Over 68% voter turnout 144 people died while 69 were The Department of Education set P500. in village elections, wounded in 159 incidents in the 2002 aside a P30-million emergency fund for A failure of election was reported in elections. the country’s 500,000 public school some villages in Sulu, Cotabato City says Comelec Razon credited the low number of teachers who served in Monday’s and Eastern Visayas because of the casualties to the deputization by the polls. The fund was intended for poll presence of armed men that prevented October 30, 2007 Comelec of the PNP and units of the duty-related deaths or injuries election officials from reporting in At least three people were killed in Armed Forces of the Philippines for involving teachers and other education these areas. isolated outbursts of violence and a security operations, the work of personnel. Incidents of harassment, schoolhouse went up in flames as nongovernment organizations and The DepEd also requested for the insufficient official ballots, missing millions of Filipinos voted in what other stakeholders and the “vigilance allocation of an additional P2 billion for names, flying voters and vote-buying officials said were largely peaceful and alertness of the public.” the salary of teachers who manned the were also reported in some precincts. barangay (village) and Sangguniang polling precincts. Only P930 million A reelectionist village chair, Basher Kabataan (youth council, SK) elections 500,000 teachers had been set aside by the Comelec for Maharam, was shot and killed inside a across the country. the purpose. polling precinct in Isabela City in More than a million candidates took “Overall, the turnout of voters is Teachers were entitled to a P1,000 Basilan province, police said. part in the country’s latest comparatively higher than in 2002. The compensation for each day of poll rambunctious exercise in democracy situation was under control by the AFP duty. Teachers handling additional SK Continued on Page 19 - ‘Elections’ amid tight security. Acting Commission on Elections Chair Resurreccion Borra said that based on reports from the field, voter turnout would likely surpass the 68- percent turnout registered in the 2002 village elections. The three deaths Monday brought to at least 23 the number of candidates and their followers killed since the election campaign began last month, Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon Jr. said. Voting in some areas was also marred by flooding and landslides. The candidates were vying for nearly 672,000 posts in about 42,000 barangays. Elected to three-year terms, the winning candidates will fill grass-roots posts in the country of 89 million people, and their work will range from settling family quarrels to overseeing garbage collection and weeding out suspected insurgents in their neighborhoods. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lined up to vote in her hometown of Lubao in Pampanga province, waving and smiling to a small crowd. His political rights fully restored SPECIAL PROMOTION after Ms Arroyo pardoned him last week following his plunder conviction, deposed President Joseph Estrada voted in a school in San Juan City. Midway through the voting, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento reported no major violence or disruptions. “We hear of vote-buying here and there, but it’s not a major trend,” Sarmiento said. Despite three deaths and a failure of election in some areas in Mindanao, the PNP said the elections were “very peaceful.” Razon told reporters that a total of 48 election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) had been recorded since the election period began on Sept. 29. Of this number, the PNP recorded 25 deaths as of 4 p.m. Monday. Of this figure, six were candidates for Oxygenated Pi water available at: barangay captain, two candidates for Kahon,hindi binubuksan, hindi PAT-LOUNG kagawad (councilor), seven incumbent binabawasan, inihahatid ng buo 5328 Queen Mary Road, Montreal barangay officials, three government sa in yong pintuan. Telephone: 514-485-3689 officials and seven civilians. PLEASE DO NOT OVERPACK. RR SOUTHERN FREIGHT FORWARDER A total of 22 people were also BLOCK 10 LOT 12 MARTINVILLE SUBD. BF HOMES reported wounded. MANUYO II, LAS PINAS CITY, PHILIPPINES RRSFF Contact person: Robert Durano Thanks to PNP, AFP (Tel.) 541-7224 Highlights Inquiry Office: Razon based his “peaceful” Rex De Lusong (Tel) 931-1780 assessment after comparing figures from the 2002 elections.

www.filipinostar.org 6 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007 set to become Quebec ’s first official Executive Director Rob Clarke. Fair Trade Town and the second in La Pêche’s Fair Trade Steering COMMUNITY NEWS Canada on November 9th. Due to the Group, made up of local business hard work of a dedicated group of owners, church and school A Musical Tribute PBAM LEAGUE SET TO Wakefield (LaPêche) residents, the representatives, and a member of OPEN NOVEMBER 17 municipality has joined the growing municipal council, is coordinating a movement of communities within week-long celebration from November On December 15 at Mountainside By: Joy Lizarondo Canada and abroad that have taken up 3rd–9th. Events include: United Church 7:00 pm, nine (9) young The Philippine Basketball the challenge to support the principles · Official launch party on Friday, adults will challenge everyone with Association of Montreal (PBAM), of Fair Trade and increase availability November 9th at 8:00 pm at the Black their musical ingenuity. These young Montreal Filipino basketball’s finest, will of Fair Trade Certified products at the Sheep Inn, featuring the world music adults will perform, enchant and make open its 32nd League season Saturday, local level. band People’s Project, a capoeira you a believer of "A Musical Tributë". November 17, 2007 from 9:00am- “La Pêche’s Fair Trade Town performance, and official “Fair Trade Showcasing their varied talents from 5:00pm at the CDN Sports Centre, designation is good news for our Town designation” ceremony with classical , jazz and hip-hop. 4880 Van Horne Avenue. community. It means our residents Mayor of La Pêche, Robert Bussière Jhayzle Ruth Arevalo and Alberto Competing clubs are the Kids care about making a difference,” says and TransFair Canada Santos will charismatically transform Club, Pinoy Hoops, FCAWI, Palaboyz, Robert Bussière, Mayor of La Pêche, “I · Screening of the acclaimed film you with their piano rendition. If jazz Sea-Oilers, PAAWIS and independents am very proud that our community has Black Gold on Tuesday, November 6th music is your preference, Christopher LaSalle, Shoremen, Philbecan, come together at the grassroots and at 7:30 pm at the Black Sheep Inn Tapìa will sway you with his singing. Candonians, Kapampangan, All-City political levels to become a Fair Trade · A week-long draw of Fair Trade and From another spectrum, Maricel Maria and Shaun’s Rebs. Town .” local goods Celine Bermillo delivers upbeat music A novelty will be the addition of To become a Fair Trade Town, La Pêche’s municipal council making one feel like dancing. And the ABC (Asian Basketball Conference) a community must meet six goals; has now passed a formal resolution to yes.....Jed Clyde Bermillo, a star on his featuring a Cambodian-Laotioan these goals encourage access to Fair purchase only Fair Trade Certified own right will perform with his combine, Kaitas, a finesse Chinese Trade Certified products in the coffee, tea and sugar for its meetings melodious harmonic singing just for team and a myriad of elite Filipino community and increase education and offices; a dozen stores and you. teams bannered by James Bulchand, and public awareness about Fair Trade restaurants are selling Fair Trade Traveling from Toronto are Glen Gil Manon-og, Jon Bustamante, Rowell and sustainable consumption. The Certified products; a number of Montera, Jasmine Elaine Ragual, Solmerano, Aron Poonin, Mig international Fair Trade Towns community groups, churches, and Candace Santos and Roy Tugbang. Sorensen, Cholo and Jody Maguigad, Campaign was launched in Canada in schools have committed to purchase They will showcase their singing Keith Sotero, John Reyes and a host of April 2007 with the designation of and raise awareness about Fair Trade; talents from Broadway, Classical, Jazz others. and Pop music. Wolfville , Nova Scotia . The campaign and a certification scheme is being RVJ Productions in cooperation is coordinated by TransFair Canada , developed to recognize and promote with The Blacksmith Band is proud to La Pêche designated the independent certification body for local producers. present these young outstanding Québec’s first Fair Fair Trade Certified products in Canada Anne Winship, owner of Bean musicians. .“The international Fair Trade Towns Fair Coffee and the coordinator of Fair Trade Town campaign empowers local Trade efforts over the past number of communities to send a strong signal in years in Wakefield, enthuses: “What Not to be missed, an entertainment October 30, 2007 – For immediate favour of Fair Trade. We congratulate could be better than all of us in our for all generation. distribution La Pêche for supporting sustainable municipality coming together to help Wakefield’s Black Sheep Inn to Host consumption and the livelihoods of producers far away and close by – the Ting-teng Official launch farmers and workers in the developing best of both worlds!” The municipality of La Pêche is world,” says TransFair Canada ’s – 30 – GGiillmmoorree IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall CCoolllleeggee are pleased to invite you to the “Writers Helping Writers” aanndd 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.

Who should attend: What they say about writing: People from all walks of life, fields There’s only one way to learn to write - read! and occupations - nurses, doctors, Every person who has the ability to read can learn how to architects, engineers, clerks, write. secretaries, teachers, students - What do writers do? They write. anyone who wants to live a fuller What do good writers do? They write and re-write. life. What do excellent writers do? They write, re-write, re-write, re-write until they get it “right.” Workshop Leaders Proof of Attendance: Why you should attend: An attractive certificate and tax receipt will be given at the Everyone has to write, whether you end of the workshop. earn your living by writing or Proceedings will be videotaped. You may purchase a working for yourself or others, your copy for your future reference. ability to express yourself in English NOTE: is absolutely essential. Since English has become the language In addition to establishing a writers’ network, a public of 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: Isaac T. Goodine Zenaida F. Kharroubi in your personal and professional Friday - 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. BsC., B.Ed. C. Eng. B.A. English, M.A. Ed. Studies life. International Speaker & Author Diploma in Education, TESL Saturday & Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “Leaders Leding Leaders” Founder & Director-General Tuition Fee: Resource Person, Transparency Gilmore College Gilmore International College International, Fomrer Principal, Editor & Publisher, 4950 Queen Mary Rd. Penthouse 2 1/2 days seminar for the low rate of $495 including Director of Schools & Colleges, North American Filipino Star Montreal, QC H3W 1X3 taxes and materials. Human Resources Development Group Commissioner, Scouts Specialist, Consultant, World Bank Canada, Quebec Council www.gilmorecollege.com Call 514-485-7861 to register

www.filipinostar.org October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 7 For more information: Nominations for Massive Black Hole from the Gemini Telescope in Hawaii, Anne Winship, Chair, La Pêche Fair Smashes Record told Prestwich and her group how fast Trade Steering Group: Reykia the “Outstanding the two stars go around each other. Fick, TransFair Canada Using two NASA satellites, Calculations showed that the (819) 459-4452; [email protected] Filipino Award astronomers have discovered the companion black hole has a mass of at (613) 563-3351, ext. 27; heftiest known black hole to orbit a star. least 24 Suns. www.fairtrade-wakefield-equitable.info (TOFIL) Now The new black hole, with a mass 24 to There are still some [email protected] 33 times that of our Sun, is more uncertainties in the black hole’s mass A) The six goals of the Fair Trade Open massive than scientists expected for a estimate, but as Prestwich notes, Town Campaign in Canada are: black hole that formed from a dying "Future optical observations will Philippine Ambassador Jose 1) Support from the local city star. provide a final check. Any refinements Brillantes said: The Outstanding council for Fair Trade and the The newly discovered object in the IC 10 X-1 measurement are likely Filipino Award (TOFIL) is “accorded to campaign belongs to the category of "stellar- to increase the black hole’s mass outstanding Filipinos, natural born or Trade Certified products made mass" black holes. Formed in the death rather than reduce it." naturalized citizens, 41 years or older available in stores & restaurants throes of massive stars, they are The black hole’s large mass is who, in the practice of their professiion, 3) Fair Trade Certified products used smaller than the monster black holes surprising because massive stars vocation or calling, business or other and promoted in workplaces, faith found in galactic cores. The previous generate powerful winds that blow off a services, have greatly contributed to groups, & schools record holder for largest stellar-mass large fraction of the star’s mass before the advancement or improvement of 4) Public awareness raised and media black hole is a 16-solar-mass black it explodes. Calculations suggest the Philippine economy, arts, culture coverage on Fair Trade and the hole in the galaxy M33, announced on massive stars in our galaxy leave and promotion of Filipino heritage, as campaign October 17. behind black holes no heavier than well as Filipinos who have made 5) A steering group created to ensure "We weren’t expecting to find a about 15 to 20 Suns. tremendous impact on poverty continued commitment stellar-mass black hole this massive," The IC 10 X-1 black hole has alleviation or improvement of public or 6) Other ethical and sustainable says Andrea Prestwich of the Harvard- gained mass since its birth by gobbling social welafare. initiatives are promoted within the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in up gas from its companion star, but the Since the inception by the JCI community Cambridge, Mass., lead author of the rate is so slow that the black hole would Senate Philippines, an organization of (Please visit www.transfair.ca for a discovery paper in the November 1 have gained no more than 1 or 2 solar Jacee International members, in 1988 more detailed description of these Astrophysical Journal Letters. "It seems masses. "This black hole was born fat; to publicly recognize men and women goals.) likely that black holes that form from it didn’t grow fat," says astrophysicist whose exemplary achievements B) Fair Trade is an international dying stars can be much larger than we Richard Mushotzky of NASA Goddard deserve recognition, the TOFIL Award system of doing business based on had realized." Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., has been bestowed on ninety (90) dialogue, transparency and respect. It The black hole is located in the who is not a member of the discovery distinguished Filipino individuals. contributes to sustainable nearby dwarf galaxy IC 10, 1.8 million team. Among past TOFIL awardees are Jaime development by offering better trading light-years from Earth in the The progenitor star probably Cardinal Sin for spiritual leadership conditions for producers and workers constellation Cassiopeia. Prestwich’s started its life with 60 or more solar (1988), Marcelo Feman for the judiciary in developing countries, including: team could measure the black hole’s masses. Like its host galaxy, it was (1989), Diosdado Macapagal for · Fair compensation for their products mass because it has an orbiting probably deficient in elements heavier government service (1990), Leonardo and labour companion: a hot, highly evolved star. than hydrogen and helium. In massive, Sarao for entrepreneurship (1991), · Sustainable environmental practices The star is ejecting gas in the form of a luminous stars with a high fraction of , ·Improved social services and Jose L. Guevara for journalism (1993 wind. Some of this material spirals heavy elements, the extra electrons of investment in local economic Hilario G. Davide, Jr. for law (1999) and toward the black hole, heats up, and elements such as carbon and oxygen infrastructure Francisco Manosa for architecture gives off powerful X-rays before "feel" the outward pressure of light and · Access to credit and direct trading (2004). crossing the point of no return. are thus more susceptible to being relationships In November 2006, Prestwich swept away in stellar winds. But with its The award categories for which · Democratic organization and and her colleagues observed the dwarf low fraction of heavy elements, the IC empowerment candidates may be nominated include galaxy with NASA’s Chandra X-ray 10 X-1 progenitor shed comparatively Behind the principles and agriculture,architecture, Observatory. The group discovered little mass before it exploded, so it goals of Fair Trade is a rigorous could leave behind a heavier black business/entrepreneurship/industry, that the galaxy’s brightest X-ray source, international system of monitoring, IC 10 X-1, exhibits sharp changes in X- hole. auditing and certification. TransFair community/humanitarian service, ray brightness. Such behavior "Massive stars in our galaxy Canada (www.transfair.ca) is the only ecclesiastical/religious work, suggests a star periodically passing in today are probably not producing very independent, non-profit, third-party ecological/environmental conservation, front of a companion black hole and heavy stellar-mass black holes like this certification organization for Fair Trade blocking the X-rays, creating an one," says coauthor Roy Kilgard of economics/finance, education, Certified products in Canada , and the eclipse. In late November, NASA’s Swift Wesleyan University in Middletown, Canadian affiliate of the Fairtrade government/public service, justice//law, satellite confirmed the eclipses and Conn. "But there could be millions of Labelling Organizations International labor, literature//journalism/media, revealed details about the star’s orbit. heavy stellar-mass black holes lurking (FLO). medicine, military/policework, The star in IC 10 X-1 appears to orbit in out there that were produced early in C) The Fair Trade Towns campaign a plane that lies nearly edge-on to the Milky Way’s history, before it had a science/technology, sports, peace was born in the United Kingdom in Earth’s line of sight, The Swift chance to build up heavy elements." 1999, when a local Oxfam group in the advocacy, technopreneurship and observations, as well as observations town of Garstang decided to work others. Nominees should be towards becoming ‘the world’s first Fair nominated under one caategory only. Trade Town.’ Since this time, the Cook Ease Health System campaign has taken off in the UK , A Screening Committee shall where they have already celebrated perform an extensive preliminary their 250th Fair Trade Town. The screening of the nominees. A Board of campaign is now being adopted in countries across Europe and North Judges composed of eminent personalities from various fields will America . 6420 Victoria Suite 7 Montreal, QC H3W 2R5 Wakefield / La Pêche: make the final selection. We will provide free training, La Pêche is a municipality made up of 8 Are you looking for Part/Full Time Job? For more informationn on the Bonus Grocery Subsidies & villages, including Wakefield . 30 km north Can you use part time income of up to Giveaways for qualified reps. of Ottawa , Wakefield is a well-known TOFIL Award, please visit the TOFIL $280 to $1,500 per week? tourist destination on the Gatineau River . website at www.tofil.ph or call the JCI For interview & appointment, please call: E) Press photo available If yes, we are interviewing potential Dennis Buenviaje, Tel;514-895-4076 Reykia Fick Senate Philippines Secretariat at (632) Sales Reps in Marketing the High End, 514-344-2506 Communications & Outreach Top of the Line 374-4390 and (632) 412-5662 or the Rose Zagala Tel.: 514-346-3794 Communications & sensibilisation SALADMASTER COOKWARE! Public Relations Department of the 514-543-8291 TransFair Canada Supportahan ang Sariling Atin 328 Somerset St W Insular Life Assurance Co., its project See new innovations like: Cooking Sinigang with No Water, Salamat sa inyong Pagtangkilik! Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9 sponsor. Tel: 613-563-3351 x 27 Fry chicken with No. Oil. Website: www.Saladmaster.com Fax: 613-563-1462 Boil egg with No Water! www.transfair.ca

www.filipinostar.org 8 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007 into food and drinks as well. tailpipes and smokestacks, we are problems will suffer the consequences of Safer choices include bottles unwittingly also causing more allergy- global warming as their noses begin to run crafted from safer HDPE (plastic #2), low- aggravating pollen to be produced. and their eyes begin to water. Major density polyethylene (LDPE, AKA plastic According to Kim Knowlton of NRDC, the metropolitan areas in the U.S. likely to be #4) or polypropylene (PP, or plastic #5). group’s analysis shows that “there is a most affected include Atlanta, Consumers may have a hard time finding clear interplay” between the onslaught of Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and water bottles made out of #4 or #5, global warming and increasingly higher Chicago, among other locales. however. Aluminum bottles, such as those levels of ragweed pollen, especially in made by SIGG and sold in many natural warmer urban areas already plagued with Public health statistics show that about 36 food and product markets, and stainless allergens. million Americans suffer from some form of steel water bottles are also safe choices seasonal allergy. While allergies can be and can be reused repeatedly and “People living in some of the most annoying in their own right, they are also a From the Editors of E/The eventually recycled. populated regions of this country may be main contributor to asthma and other Environmental Magazine CONTACTS: The Green Guide, feeling the effects of global warming every serious respiratory problems, making www.thegreenguide.com; Environment allergy season,” says Knowlton. The them a serious health threat in their own Dear EarthTalk: Are the rumors true that California,NRDC report concludes that an increasing right. Some 17 million Americans suffer refilling and reusing some types of plastic www.environmentcalifornia.org/reports/en number of the 110 million Americans who from asthma, with well over half of them bottles can cause health problems? vironmental-health/environmental-health- live in areas with existing ragweed also sensitive to the allergens that can spark an asthma attack. Meanwhile, CO2 Regina Fujan, Lincoln, NE emissions also contribute to smog, Most types of plastic bottles are another trigger for asthma. Thus global safe to reuse at least a few times if properly warming represents a double whammy for washed with hot soapy water. But recent asthmatics with pre-existing allergies. revelations about chemicals in Lexan (plastic #7) bottles are enough to scare “Global warming—through both its even the most committed components and by-products—is creating environmentalists from reusing them (or a perfect storm of sneezing and wheezing buying them in the first place). Studies for allergy and asthma suffers in the U.S.,” have indicated that food and drinks stored says Gina Solomon, a senior scientist in in such containers—including those NRDC’s health program. She adds that her ubiquitous clear Nalgene water bottles group’s recent analysis “shows us that hanging from just about every hiker’s people throughout the U.S.—in the North, backpack—can contain trace amount of South, East and West—will be very Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical personally affected by global warming, that interferes with the body’s natural and we need pollution controls throughout hormonal messaging system. the country to help offset this problem.” The same studies found that According to NRDC, industrial repeated re-use of such bottles—which get and personal actions can help reduce dinged up through normal wear and tear increases in allergens and combat their and while being washed—increases the effects. Federal, state and local chance that chemicals will leak out of the governments can protect communities by tiny cracks and crevices that develop over reducing the sources of global warming time. According to the Environment pollution and by creating better resources California Research & Policy Center, which for citizens in need of information about reviewed 130 studies on the topic, BPA has pollen levels in their areas. Individuals can been linked to breast and uterine cancer, reduce their own exposure to ragweed and an increased risk of miscarriage, and other allergens by checking news outlets decreased testosterone levels. BPA can for daily pollen counts before venturing also wreak havoc on children’s developing outside for long periods of time. systems. (Parents beware: Most baby bottles and sippy cups are made with CONTACT: NRDC, “Sneezing and plastics containing BPA.) Most experts Wheezing,” agree that the amount of BPA that could www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/sneezing/co leach into food and drinks through normal ntents.asp. handling is probably very small, but there are concerns about the cumulative effect GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? of small doses. Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Health advocates also Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, recommend not reusing bottles made from Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, also known as PET or PETE), including or e-mail: [email protected]. most disposable water, soda and juice "Some health advocates recommend not re-using bottles made from plastic #1 (polyethylene Read past columns at: bottles. According to The Green Guide, terephthalate), including most disposable water, soda and juice bottles. Studies indicate they www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.p such bottles may be safe for one-time use, may leach DEHP -- a probable human carcinogen -- when they are in less than perfect hp but reuse should be avoided because condition."(Getty Images) studies indicate they may leach DEHP— another probable human carcinogen— reports/toxic-baby-bottles; SIGG, when they are in less than perfect www.mysigg.com. condition. The good news is that such bottles are easy to recycle; just about every municipal recycling system will take Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that global them back. But using them is nonetheless warming can exacerbate allergies? -- Alex far from environmentally responsible: The Tibbetts, Seattle, WA Need Money? nonprofit Berkeley Ecology Center found that the manufacture of plastic #1 uses Global warming can make large amounts of energy and resources allergies worse simply because the major Do you have a full time job? and generates toxic emissions and pollen producers that trigger allergic pollutants that contribute to global reactions thrive and flourish in warmer air. warming. And even though PET bottles A recent report from the nonprofit Natural If yes, call (514) 344-1499 can be recycled, millions find their way into Resources Defense Council (NRDC) landfills every day in the U.S. alone. entitled “Sneezing and Wheezing: How Global Warming Could Increase Ragweed Another bad choice for water bottles, Allergies, Air Pollution and Asthma” details reusable or otherwise, is plastic #3 how ragweed, one of the most common AND GET CASH NOW! (polyvinyl chloride/PVC), which can leach allergens in the U.S., grows faster and for hormone-disrupting chemicals into the longer periods as air temperatures rise due liquids they are storing and will release to climate change. synthetic carcinogens into the environment when incinerated. Plastic #6 Ragweed also thrives on direct exposure Good & Bad Credit Accepted (polystyrene/PS), has been shown to leach to carbon dioxide (CO2), so as we emit styrene, a probable human carcinogen, more of this chief greenhouse gas from our

www.filipinostar.org October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 9

International Philippine Cuisine College Gilmore International College is accepting registrations for the AMPALAYA CON CARNE DINUGUAN Winter 2008 (January 2008) Sessions in the following programs:

• Language courses French, English, Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog • Personal Support Worker PAB/Nursing Aide • Early Childhood Education Ingredients: INGREDIENTS • International Trade # 250 grams beef tenderloin (cut into 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 medium (50 chunk cubes) # 2 tablespoons garlic • Accounting & Bookkeeping g) onion, sliced 200 g beef round, cut (minced) # Pinch of salt & pepper # into strips 3/4 cup water 1-1/2 Tbsp Pinch of paprika # 2 tablespoons • Administrative Assistant tausi (salted black beans) 1 can (140 oyster sauce # 2 tablespoons liquid g) DEL MONTE Tomato Sauce 1 seasoning # 1 tablespoon butter # 2 • Microsoft Office bunch (200 g) sitaw (string beans), cut tablespoons olive oil into 1-1/2" long pcs 1 Tbsp oyster • Computerized Accounting sauce 1/4 tsp pepper 1 large (300 g) Procedures: ampalaya (bitter melon), seeded and • Preparation for TOEFL Exams thinly sliced # In a bowl marinate beef in salt & • Writing Workshops pepper, garlic, paprika and olive oil for Procedures: a few minutes. # In a saute pan, heat Call 514-485-7861 oil in very high heat. # Put in beef and 1 SAUT? garlic, onion and beef. Add all marinade ingredients and toss very to register by appointment water, DEL MONTE Tomato Sauce swiftly keeping the heat very high. # and tausi. Simmer for 20 minutes. 2 We accept foreign students. Add in the oyster sauce and liquid ADD sitaw, oyster sauce and pepper. seasoning while tossing. # Finish with Simmer for 7 minutes. Add ampalaya. 4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse butter. # Serve with garlic rice Cook for another 3 minutes. Serve Montreal, QC H3W 1X3 hot. Ingredients: near Metro Snowdon

The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads ADVERTISING DRIVING EARLY TEACHERS 99 Licensed driving instructor with many- First 3 lines CHILDHOOD Private college seeking qualified 9. year experience and tips on how Classified Advertising - teachers in French, Math, English to pass the road test. Good price. EDUCATION who can elementary and secondary cheapest way to Jason 514-691-1816. school students advertise! Send your resumés to: * Car available for EXAM Do you wish to work with children? Call 514-485-7861 [email protected] * 1 hour practice only $25 (tax incl.) Train to be a daycare assistant or home Ads must be prepaid. Email to: * Many examples of first time success daycare operator. Register now [email protected] at Gilmore International College * packages available or Fax: 514-485-3076 Telephone 514-485-7861 MR. KHALIL (514) 965-0903 TUTORIALS Does your child need help in doing COURSES Quebec certified driving instructor INTERNATIONAL homework? We offer tutorials, private Centre 2000 Professional Training with 11 years experience in giving or semi-private in Mathematics, Specials driving lessons. Exam car TRADE French, or English language arts. available Call for appoiintment • Dental Assistant • Pharmacy Assistant Toton 514-969-9622 Globalization of the world markets 514-485-7861 • Nursing Aide require up-to-date knowledge. Enroll • Daycare Provider • Security Agent DUPLEX in the International Trade course Classes conducted on weekends by WANTED Info: Call 514-342-1000 Newly renovated, CDN duplex, highly qualified, eperienced teachers Active worker needed for full • French Course (conversation) second floor, 5 1/2, new carpets, with international trade background Dental care provided at competitive time job from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. equipped with washer/dryer, large Seminars start in November New rates - cleaning $49, etc. living room. Wanted a small family Call 514-485-7861 for details. Monday to Friday, Please call 4950 Queen Mary Rd. Suite 351 with references, 514-485-7861 Zeina 450-686-9797 www.filipinostar.org 10 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007 The North American Filipino Star Photo Gallery

Laging Handa Cubs and Scouts are busy carving their pumpkins while Romy Laging Handa Scouts pose for souvenir with a veteran during the Huntingdon Valenzuela, Claro Bermudez, and Joselito Sarto stand by. Photo taken at Rural Race, October 20, 2007. Tamaracout Camp, October 26, 2007.

Just before leaving Camp Tamaracouta, October 28, 2007, campers pose in Taken before the Huntingdon Rural Race began, October 20, 2007, front of the caboose, October 28, 2007 members of the Laging Handa Scout group pose for souvenir.

www.filipinostar.org October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 11

www.filipinostar.org 12 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007 TOURISM PALAWAN Philippines’ last ecological frontier

The island province of Palawan beaches, coral reefs, and limestone has been declared as a nature reefs as well as a variety of fishes, like sanctuary of the world, and for good manta ray and the sea cow or reason. It is wrapped in a mantel of ""dugong,"" known as the world's rarest rainforests, outstanding dive sites, marine mammal. It is now one of the majestic mountains, primeval caves, country's premier destinations, blessed and pristine beaches. It is surrounded with amazing natural scenery, and by a coral shelf that abounds with considered as a sanctuary for various varied and colorful marine life. It boasts forms of wildlife. Arial view of the Coron islands, northern Palawan of exotic flora and fauna, like the Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto mousedeer and the scaly anteater, that Princesa City is where the Honda Bay are found nowhere else. Palawan is can be seen. The bay consists of truly a paradise, a cluster of beautiful several islets with shallow reefs, islands that lies southwest of Luzon. It bordering fabulous beaches and small is also the largest province in the resorts which have become the favorite Philippines, with its 1,768 islands and water sports destination of local and islets that cover about 1.5 million foreign tourists alike. hectares The province boasts of Palawan waters are among the extraordinary scenic wonders. African best in the world, not only for diving but animals from Kenya in Africa - giraffes also for fishing. A diver's paradise, it and elands, zebras and gazelles – co- has miles of sub-surface coral and exist with endemic Philippine animals, rainbow reef walls which surround the like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer coasts and coves teeming with rich and peacock (pheasant), in the Calauit marine life. Island Wildlife Sanctuary in The El Nido Marine Reserve in Busuanga, considered one of the Miniloc, El Nido, occupying an area of province’s most amazing sites. 96,000 hectares, is a popular nature Another sanctuary found in Rio Tuba spot in the province. It boasts of Village, Bataraza is the Ursula Island diverse ecosystems, such as Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. rainforests, mangroves, white sand This island is a haven for birds that rest One of the many ‘secret beaches’ foud all throughout Palawan. See if you can find your own private paradise...

A cliff climber on top of a limestone cliff looks down the charming coastal town of El Nido in northern Palawan www.filipinostar.org October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 13 and converge two hours before sunset, hours by boat from Puerto Princesa. after a day's flight. The Coron Reefs, located in northern Puerto Princesa, the capital, is the Palawan, near the town of Coron, province's main gateway. The St. include seven enchanting lakes Paul's Subterranean National Park is surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs an 8-kilometer long underground river, which attract hundreds of nature lovers the longest underground river in the to this island world. Known as one of the world's Palawan has become a favorite wonders, this river stretches eight destination among adventure seekers kilometers deep into an underground and nature lovers, with its white sand lagoon with crystalline waters. Within beaches and crystal blue waters that the hallowed recesses, one winds abound in colorful fishes and corals. through the tunnel aboard a paddle The rich marine life include boat with outriggers to be enthralled at extraordinary species like the Palawan every turn which reveals stalactite Giant Clam called "Let-Let", the Whale pillars, rock formations, and domed Shark called "Butanding", and the amphitheaters, all of which will fill the SeaCows called "Dugong". tourists with awe. The province is also blessed with The Tabon Caves in Southern awe-inspiring rainforests teeming with Palawan are acknowledged as the rare collection of exotic animals and "Cradle of Civilization" of the Filipino various tropical flora and fauna. It is the people. Nestled in the mountainous habitat of unique species like the cape of Lipuon Point, the 29-cave metallic-colored peacock pheasant, complex is a treasure trove of the shy mouse deer, the cuddly archaeological artifacts and the bearcat, and the reclusive scaly fossilized bones of the Tabon man. A anteater. In the thick forests are more skull of the Tabon Man was carbon- than 200 kinds of birds, over 600 dated to be 22,000 years old. species of butterflies and some 1,500 Dive spots in Palawan are plentiful, flowering plants. These natural with each site offering a unique array of wonders earned Palawan the titles "The marine life. The Tubbataha Reefs are Last Frontier" and “Haven of the among the world's best dive spots. Its Philippine Wildlife”. In fact, the entire deep blue lagoon is bordered by province was proclaimed as Fish and emerald green waters. There are Wildlife Sanctuary in 1967. seagulls and giant turtles. It is 10 to 12 a Snake island, Honda Bay

Twin Lagoon in Coron

St. Paul Subterranean River, Palawan - It is the longest subterranean river in the Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Princesa - Said to be the most beautiful dive site in this world, 8.2 km are navigable but tourists are only allowed up to the 4km mark. You part of the world. Its deep blue lagoon is bordered by emerald green waters. There have to get a special permit if you want to go beyong that. are seagulls and giant turtles (seen bottom right). www.filipinostar.org 14 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007 Mrs Philippines Aimee de la Cruz as among the most beautiful. FILIPINO STAR wants elusive crown In Asia, she believes her strongest competitors are Malaysia's Deborah Priya Henry and India's Sarah-Jane S H O W B I Z G O S S I P Dias. "India always sends strong competitors," Maggie noted.

Sam: I Will sue you! Lolit: So sue me! Semifinal slot But she believes her being multi- racial and well-traveled will give her an edge in the competition. She has also prepared for "fast-track" events where the winners automatically earn a semifinal slot. "I'm doing the sports challenge because I'm athletic. I've been hitting the gym a lot-training," she revealed. "If I do the talent event, I'll sing a local song by artist Julianne. Her songs are feel-good." The 5'9 1/2" beauty also hopes there would still be SMS voting this Enough with the bashing!" year, as in the last five editions. "I'm not Filipino-Scottish Margaret "Maggie" The plot is getting thicker and you know, ayaw din paawat! — and sure. There's still no feedback from the Wilson, the Philippine bet to the 57th thicker. The subplots are getting seconded the “defense” that Piolo and Miss World organization," she said. Miss World pageant, made the appeal murkier and murkier, the public is Angel were somewhere else shooting But before she leaves for the Dec. 1 to her kababayans during her send-off getting more curious and the a Timex commercial. Last Sunday, a pageant, Maggie begged her fellow party last week at the Araneta Coliseum supporting characters are getting so grim-faced Sam showed up in The Pinoys to "pray for me." Gazebo in Quezon City. much funnier that you don’t know Buzz, saying “I will sue!” if Lolit "I need you to believe in me and The 18-year-old actress and MTV anymore whether to laugh or to cry, or wouldn’t retract and apologize. Sam what I can do," she said. "I'm going to VJ said she needs all the support she to laugh and cry over what was was accompanied by a woman lawyer give it my all!" a basically a non-issue that was blown who had to have her own eksena, too, can get as she prepares to fly to Sanya, out of proportion and shamelessly and gave a “legal” angle to the China tomorrow to compete in the Vina Morales on love turned into a national dramedy. Lolit dramedy. prestigious beauty pageant. Solis recalled in her Pilipino Star Lolit stood pat on her story and life: Wait and see Ngayon column that on Oct. 12, 2007, shot back, “So sue me!” Unfavorable comments between 3 and 4 p.m., she was going The molehill has been turned into a to attend an event at the Sofitel mountain, and things are getting out of Maggie was reacting to Philippine Plaza but she lost her way hand, with everybody seemingly going unfavorable comments hurled against and found herself in the poolside out of their minds! In a country like her by pageant fanatics on numerous coffee shop where she said she saw ours where everybody wants to put a media, including the Internet. Maggie, Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby, finger into everything that attracts who was also adjudged Miss presumably having snacks, and attention, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Photogenic in Binibining Pilipinas- apparently “whispering” (the PSN whole mess would get our honorable World last March, has been enduring headline said, “Sam at Piolo huling- congressmen and senators involved scathing comments about her huling naglalampungan,” although the enough to make them initiate a probe. supposedly imperfect looks. "It's such a word “lampungan” was not in the text, I wouldn’t be surprised if the bad habit that we Filipinos have," but only the word “nagbubulungan”) to Commission on Human Rights would Maggie said, referring to the insults. each other. When the waiter blurted out join in the fray and, horrors, elevate the Up to the last minute, Maggie had her name — “Si Lolit Solis!!!” — Lolit matter to the United Nations to dismiss rumors about her being said that Piolo and Sam “scampered” Commission on Human Rights. If not stripped of her title after questions were away, leaving the chairs around their contained, it could start a war of raised on her eligibility to participate in table in disarray. genders, with the militant gays rallying the prestigious competition. As simple as that. It would have behind Piolo and Sam and the She reportedly failed to comply been an incident that could have been international press corps defending with a pageant requirement: That brushed away with a shrug and a “So Lolit’s right to freedom of the contestants should at least be a high what?” Yes, so what? As I was saying, press/expression. school graduate during the what’s wrong with having coffee and Could you imagine that! competition. She was just about to even whispering to each other’s ears, Said the Regal Matriarch Mother graduate from high school when she Asked about the status of her unless of course the two guys have Lily in jest, “Ako, sinasabi ko tomboy was crowned Binibining Pilipinas- relationship with Chinese businessman “something” to hide, in which case I’m ako. Bakit hindi sinusulat? Bakit World. Cedric Lee, Vina Morales says she is sure they are intelligent enough not to walang naniniwala?” "I only heard about it from my adopting a wait-and-see attitude. do it in such a public place within Oh well. If you are, then you are, friends who asked if what was said on “There are still a lot of questions that I earshot of everybody. even if one million Lolit Solises and the the radio was true," she recalled. "I just want answered,” she tells Inquirer Soon, everybody wants to have a whole world say you are not; if you are came from the Araneta offices for my Entertainment at the launch of Star piece of the tina-pie. not, then you are not, even if one training and fitting. I told the Binibining Records’ latest dance album, Timex guys said that Piolo couldn’t million Lolit Solises and the whole Pilipinas Charities about it, so they “Supahdance.” But, she adds, “If have been at the Plaza at that time world say that you are. released an official statement saying you’re asking if we’re happy and in because he was shooting a new Years ago when Phillip Salvador I'm still the girl." love, the answer is yes—sobra, sobra.” commercial with Angel Locsin and Christopher de Leon were Maggie chose to brush off rumors, In March, Vina announced she was somewhere else. Sam’s defenders rumored to have been caught “kissing” concentrating on her preparations for breaking up with Cedric on the show said that Sam, too, couldn’t have been at the pool of a five-star hotel, the two the finals instead. She said she got biz talk program “The Buzz.” She said at The Plaza at that time because he, guys, secure with themselves and their valuable tips on how to win the judges' the relationship had become “very too, was somewhere else. sexuality, simply laughed it off and approval from Miss World finalists complicated.” Even The Plaza issued a statement teased each other when they were in Mafae Yunon and Karla Bautista, her To this date, Cedric’s marriage has saying that Piolo and Sam were not at public, “Uy, lumayo ka sa akin baka predecessor Anna Maris Igpit and 1993 yet to be annulled. He and his wife The Plaza at that time and presumed matsismis na naman tayo!” Miss World princess and second Judy have two kids, aged 11 and 8. that the guy whom Lolit said she saw Neither Phillip nor Christopher runner-up Ruffa Gutierrez. Now, Vina says, she’s awaiting the with Sam could be somebody, a hotel said, “I will sue you!” to the writer who, Maggie will face competition from outcome of the annulment procedure. guest, who looked like Piolo. like Lolit, would have confidently shot more than 100 delegates around the She is confident about where she world. She finds Angola's Micaela Reis Not to be outdone, Angel’s back, “So sue me!” a stands. “I don’t look at it as a big manager also wanted to be heard — and the Dominican Republic's Ada problem. I’d rather concentrate on my www.filipinostar.org career—and it’s been going well lately,” October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 15 she insists. Cebu recently. ABS-CBN fantaserye na Rounin. Celebs recount Vina recently won the Asean Ikon "Lagi na lang, kapag may kasama Buong tapang na lumantad ang music competition held in Kuala ako, laging sinasabi, kahit hindi si Vice- apat na buwang buntis na si Jeni na scariest Lumpur. She brought home the Best Mayor Patrick Meneses ang kasama nagdadalang-tao sa anak nila ng Solo Performer trophy, plus $25,000 in ko, lagi nilang sinasabi, na ‘yun ang boyfriend niyang F3 car racer na si experiences cash, a recording contract and concert kasama ko," wika ni Aiko. Renan Morales. In honor of Halloween we asked bookings all over the region. "Kung nakita man ako sa Cebu, Sinabi ni Jeni sa October 28 some celebs about their most “I’m thankful that my fans care totoo na pumunta ako dun, at hindi ko episode ng The Buzz, "The baby is frightening experience ever. more about my career than my love life. po idinidenay na pumunta ako sa normal. Everything is normal. Baby na Que horror! May the ghosts of your Maski magulo ang personal life ko, Cebu. talaga siya. Fetus na talaga siya. May past stop haunting you and the okay lang sa kanila,” said Vina. "Pero marami kaming pulitiko na ulo, may kamay, may mga legs. Nung monsters in your head stop taunting “Supahdance” is a various-artists present du'n at that time. If they want, una ko'ng nakita, parang mommy na you. album co-produced by ASAP Music ‘yung mga taong nagdududa at nag- talaga! I'm positive, I'm pregnant. I'm Dingdong Dantes: “When I was and Star Records, and features 14 iisip ng kung ano, siguro they can very, very happy!" moving to my new home, I had a box dance mixes performed by Kapamilya check the manifesto naman sa tiket More than seven months nang that had paintings in it. When it was talents. Apart from Vina, the other kung sinu-sino kaming nandun. boyfriend ni Jeni si Renan, ang ama ng time to take the box out of the old artists are Gerald Anderson, Gabriel "Hindi ko dinidenay na nasa Cebu dinadala niyang sanggol sa kanyang house, the contents fell down the stairs Valenciano, Iya Villania, Vhong kami, pero it's an official function," sinapupunan. "Nice guy naman, he and I saw the woman in the painting Navarro, Saicy Aguila and Mickey Perz, paglilinaw ng actress-politician. makes me happy. [He] makes me literally coming out of the frame and Kitty Girls, Full Circle Teens, Ang naturang vice-mayor ang inili- content with life. When we found out swiftly passing through my vision. I ran “Wowowee” ASF Girls, Ultimate Dance link ngayon kay Aiko. Nakilala ni Aiko si that I'm pregnant, we were both happy. out and locked the gates. Those items Four and Kokey. a Patrick dahil naging kaklase niya ito sa "Before I got pregnant, he talked to were never recovered.” University of the Philippines when Aiko my Mom. He asked my Mom if we can Gina Alajar: “The 1994 earthquake Aiko Melendez took up a crash course on governance. get married na. We were planning na in LA scared me the most. The place Ayon sa kanya, wala talagang talaga to get married kaso nga lang where we were staying was the says heart no namamagitan sa kanila ni Patrick. nauna talaga yung pagbubuntis ko." epicenter. I thought it was the end of Magkaibigan or magkabarkada lamang Ano ang reaction ng Mommy niya the world already!” longer beats for sila, bukod nga sa pareho silang nasa nu'ng malaman na buntis siya? Ogie Alcasid: “In high school, I public service since naninilbihan si Aiko "Maluha-luha na parang speechless once stayed overnight on campus for a husband ngayon bilang councilor ng District 2 talaga. Siyempre, kung ikaw Mom leadership training. We had a bonfire ng Quezon City. tapos sabihin sa ‘yo ng daughter mo and there was an old woman in the Sa ngayon, ayaw muna ni Aiko na ‘I'm pregnant.' Siyempre you want to be middle of the football field, her gray hair magkaroon ng any romantic happy. If you're not ready talagang glowing in the dark. It was about 200 involvement kahit na kanino. "Magulo you'll get shocked. But what can we meters away, and we all got spooked. pa kasi ang buhay ko, eh! Slowly, do?" But we went closer and found it was a naaayos ko na," sabi niya. Nagsabi na rin daw si Renan sa security guard with a towel on his head. Nang tanungin naman namin si pamilya niya para sa plano nila na We all ended up laughing!” Aiko kung may naramdaman pa siyang magpakasal. "Yeah," pag-ayon ni Jeni. Tintin Bersola-Babao: “I was 8 tibok ng puso nang magkita sila ng dati "He actually talked to my Mom and for when we lived in a house on a haunted niyang asawang si Martin Jickain sa him to do that sobrang marespeto. property. My sis and I saw a shadow Quezon City Regional Trial Court Sobrang gutsy talaga kasi you know pass outside our window. We were told kahapon para sa chamber hearing nila my Mom? My Mom is ano, sobrang that someone had died there. Creepy? ng Permanent Protection Order request ano, masungit ‘yun. Pero natanggap it was Nov. 1 then!” ni Aiko, ang sagot ng actress-politician, niya kasi sipsip si Renan. Sobrang Michael V: “I was about 15. We "Wala na, wala na talaga! Wala na sipsip ng boyfriend ko. Mabigay ng were looking for a pair of scissors but akong nararamdaman. Malabo na regalo, mabola. Binobola niya ang couldn’t find one. I woke up at 3 a.m. talaga na magkabalikan kami. Ni kabog Mom ko." and the scissors were in my hands.” o anumang kaba, wala na." a Nagsalita rin si Jeni tungkol sa kalagayan nila ngayon ng dating Sexy star Jeni karelasyon at PBA [Philippine Basketball Association] player na si Hernandez admits Eugene Tejada. Sa pamamagitan ng palitan ng text "Well, kasi, siguro hindi lang kami messages kahapon ng umaga, she's pregnant nagkaka.....parati kaming nag-aaway. October 26, tinanong ng PEP Parang the love wasn't strong enough (Philippine Entertainment Portal) kay for me to stay." Aiko Melendez kung totoo bang Naging maganda ba ang sumailalim siya sa isang breast pakikitungo ng pamilya ni Eugene reduction operation. Napabalita kasi noon? "Sobrang bait ng family niya sa kamakailan na nakita ang actress- akin. That's why every time I think of politician sa isang clinic para him 'pag nare-remember ko siya, sumailalim ng breast reduction parang, you know, I feel bad pa rin. procedure. Siyempre kahit paano, why did that "No, kasi ganito ‘yun. I went to see [have to] happen? my doctor, si Dr. Samonte, kasi I was "Sometimes life doesn't make Former Miss Philippines & TV host Miriam Quiambao considering to have one. Pero sense, e. I get confused pero, you nagkaroon na ng initial check-up kung Miriam Quiambao: “The hotel know, life must go on." where I was staying in Bicol caught fire. kaya ko." Payag ba si Renan na nag-uusap Pero ayon kay Aiko ay wala pang The whole room and corridor were up pa rin sila ni Eugene ngayon? in smoke. At first I couldn’t find my dad. operasyon na nangyayari. "I'm "Uhm, siyempre, hindi naman...we considering it, I have gone thru some Then I saw him climbing out of the don't really talk. Uhm, nagme-message balcony, using sheets. He jumped at tests already, time ko na lang ang sa akin si Eugene and then, update inaayos," text pa sa amin ni Aiko the mezzanine level and broke his lang. 'Yun nga raw, kung buntis nga raw back.” kahapon. ako. Tinanong niya ako, ‘Are you really Ang pagpapapayat ni Aiko ay dahil Nyoy Volante: “I was driving on pregnant?' Sabi ko, ‘Yeah, I'm Ayala by myself and made a U-turn on sa Marie France na kung saan isa siya pregnant.' Tapos sabi niya, ‘Are you sa mga endorsers. one of the side streets. Naturally, I getting married,' ganun lang. And then, glanced at the rear view mirror to watch I asked him, ‘Are you ok? Are you On Patrick Meneses Umamin na ang sinasabing sexy for cars behind me. As I did, I saw a star na nagdadalang-tao na tinutukoy walking na ba,' ganu'n lang, very man in the back seat, looking at the casual," lahad ni Jeni ukol sa kanyang Muli na namang nili-link si Aiko kay ng blind items sa mga pahayagan back of my head. I tried to ignore him, dating kasintahan. a Patrick Meneses, Bulacan vice-mayor, kamakailan. Ito ay si Jeni Hernandez na and just completed my U-turn. When I dahil nakita silang magkasama sa huling napanood bilang Armana sa looked again, he was gone.” a

www.filipinostar.org 16 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007 How well do you She needs somebody to accept her. Dennis Trillo — He has a side that stepped on a weighing scale since she When she is in a relationship, she loses he shows and is seen only in show started on her South Beach Diet. know your favorite herself. Why? Because she gives so business, but has another that he “Sometimes it’s so frustrating when you much of herself. At this point, she has keeps to himself. Very bright, he has a don’t get the weight that you desired. stars? given so much. In the words of Paulie lot more to offer and knows how to deal Pero basta kasya ang damit, payat ka.” How well do you know our local Caoili: “Ubos na ubos na.” Will she ever with the business. a The character she plays in “La celebrities? Geomancer and be happy? It’s her choice. The problem Vendetta” is not that fashionable so she clairvoyant Paulie Caoili can tell you a is, she has nothing more to give and doesn’t get to wear fabulous costumes. lot about TV-movie personalities just by has to sacrifice. In the end she will Sunshine Dizon “She (the role she plays) will be watching them on the screen and become resentful. According to Paulie, cloistered in an asylum for eight years. reading their aura. In honor of when you start to love somebody more remains tight-liped Hindi siya baduy kasi marami silang Halloween we asked Paulie to do a than you love yourself, you eventually on love life pera pero hindi siya fashionable reading on some of our best known lose yourself — and so this is compared to the characters played by celebreties. And so here’s how he something you should never allow to Jean Garcia and Jennylyn Mercado,” reads them: happen. said Sunshine. KC Concepcion — Paulie Caoili Do you find your role in “La feels that KC will not completely join Vendetta” difficult to portray? “Yeah, show business and will always have mahirap ang role na ito. But I didn’t this hesitation to do so. However, the pattern my character with anyone. Our fact that she is elusive is her attraction. writer RJ Nuevas and our directors Lore But fans need not worry. She knows Reyes and Gil Tejada told me not to where she is and has the right footing. pattern my character with anyone so it She may do just one film, but after this, would be original. But they guide me she will stop and study the next project with my role and they make sure that I carefully. Because the media loves her, am able to do it right, the way they Paulie wants to liken KC to Princess envisioned the role to be.The role is Diana — but minus the tragedy. In fact, very emotionally and mentally taxing,” KC is bound to find contentment, inner she explained. peace and will be very happy. Since she’s working with former boyfriend Polo Ravales in “La Vendetta,” she was asked if there’s a chance to rekindle her romance with Polo who said that if there’s a girlfriend Actress Marian Rivera whom he’d liked to reconcile with, it’s Marian Rivera — She has a very her. high emotional quotient. She has the “Wala naman kaming ganoon. In ability to comprehend a particular this series, he’s paired off with Jennylyn situation and how to respond to it. The and eventually he will become the star of Marimar is basically very nice husband of Jean (Garcia) so wala and easy to get along with. She is also talagang ganun,” she said. “Besides, the type who is very sure of herself — wala naman sinasabi si Polo sa akin na Sunshine Dizon was asked very confident. Marian will become an gusto niya akong balikan. It’s starting repeatedly about her love life at the even bigger star — that is if she to irritate me. Everyone and all of you presscon of “La Vendetta” last Tuesday manages to survive this tumultuous are telling me na he’s telling this to all but the versatile and award-winning business called show business. We’ll of you. He’s not telling me naman actress wouldn’t want to say anything. see her breaking point after Marimar. anything so I am confused. Is this a Actress Sharon Cuneta “Hayaan na lang natin na tahimik ang Angel Locsin — Very intelligent. gimmick or what? He says that to you lovelife ko,” was Sunshine’s quick reply She knows the value of self- but not to me. to the inquisitive members of the preservation. Oh, and she also has a Sharon Cuneta — Deeply “When I appeared in Showbiz media. The press took note of dark side — so you don’t fool around intelligent and has depth. Very Central, I said that I really hope that he Sunshine’s beauty, saying that the with her. Angel actually goes through a contemplative — like she contemplates does respect our friendship. Sana actress is blooming so her love life cycle. And these are dizzying cycles. on every move she makes. While she respetohin din ninyo ang must the thing that makes her look For instance, after the devastating gives good pieces of advice to people, pagkakaibigan namin. Itigil ninyo na even more beautiful. experience of losing her boyfriend she never shares her problems with ito. Itigil na natin ito kasi ayokong “Kailangan na parati tayong (Miko Sotto), her career shot up to others. If she has problems, she will masira ang pagkakaibigan namin,” maganda,” said Sunshine, brushing spectacular heights. Now, that she’s at solve these herself. Sharon is also very Sunshine bristles. aside the pangungulit of the press who an all-time low, it’s going to be an up- patient, knows how to read between “La Vendetta,” the first ever wanted her to say more about the state up swing for her next. the lines, very tolerant and will never suspense drama on Philippine TV, waste her time keeping grudges on of her love life. She says still wants to premiered on GMA 7’s telebabad block lose weight although she hasn’t Snooky Serna — Highly-emotional. people. last Monday, October 29. a Pat-Loung Marché Oriental

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WE CATER PARTIES Business Hours: Monday to Friday- 9 am to 10 pm Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-8 pm www.filipinostar.org October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 17 recruit qualified employees to fill their Rendez-vous Montreal labor market needs. The eligible occupations include eight categories in to be held at Palais Global the health sector; two in the education de Congrès sector; five in the manufacturing Perspectives sector; and five in the construction November 12-13, 2007 sector. Ten percent of PNP Rendez-vous November 2007—a joint nominations are reserved for effort of the Government of Canada, multinational firms making a significant the Government of Quebec, the City of investment in Ontario and, if they wish, Montréal, the Board of Trade of to bring key executives, managers or Metropolitan Montréal, and Culture skilled employees from outside Montréal—seeks to make the vision of Canada to work in their Ontario Montréal as a cultural metropolis of the operations. 21st century a reality, based first and The process is simplified as foremost on the city’s creativity, the employer in a target occupation originality, and diversity. applies to have the position approved by the program. If the position is Isaac T. Goodine * For more information approved, the employer forwards a nominee application to the selected News It was the best of times…It was the worst of times. candidate. The candidate submits the nominee application, along with the * Montréal, cultural metropolis – In Quebec, a debate over efficient education and training system application fee to the program. If the November 2007 Rendez-vous – 2007- in the world, Canada became rich. The application is approved, the provincial “reasonable accommodation”----as a 17 Action Plan released to the public. experience is well documented. government will nominate the phrase for how far the francophone * The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Subsequently, in the late 1970s rich candidate and their family to majority should bend to accommodate Montreal and the Conseil des arts de Canadians simply abandoned the Citizenship and Immigration Canada religious and cultural minorities, Montréal unveil the finalists of the 2007 philosophy that students’ career for fast-tracked permanent residency appears to be fuelling an exodus. Out Prix Arts-Affaires de Montréal {in aspirations and employers’ and support their application for an –migration has reached 40,000 since French} productivity expectations are of interim work permit. Recruits may mid 2006, and over 12, 500 of those left * The Canada Council for the Arts paramount importance and the system be from abroad or already here in the province between April and June of has released its 2008-2011 Strategic changed with an inward focus on the Canada (as temporary foreign workers, this year. Plan, the result of what the council institutions rather than the labour international students or visitors). In Ontario, where much of the believes to be the largest and most market and has been turning out an International students are economy depends on manufacturing, extensive consultation in its history. army of generalists. Now the choice is eligible to become provincial nominees the strong Canadian dollar is a * The mayor of Montréal is now clear; let the economy stagnate, or turn if they are close to graduating, or are negative factor that compounds a responsible for culture, heritage and again to an effective and efficient recent graduates from a recognized problem in the labour market where design within the city administration {in immigration regime to sustain Ontario college or university in a field there is a critical shortage of human French} economic viability and remain of study related to one of the targeted capital. * The Conseil québécois du théâtre competitive in the international occupations. Students have up to two So while Quebec debates, (CQT) will hold its Second General marketplace, including the global labor years from the time they graduate to be Ontario has decided. Immigration is Assembly of Professional Theatre in market. It is against this background considered under the program. The being promoted to fill a growing need. Québec on October 17-20. {in French} that the province has negotiated an new initiative in regard to foreign In both provinces the cost of education * The Ninth Annual Public Libraries arrangement to actively participate in students is noteworthy and, hopefully is high and rising and its cost- Week will be held from October 20 to immigration of persons who intend to other provinces will follow Ontario’s effectiveness is, to say the least, 27. This year's theme is "In Action for settle in Ontario. lead in this regard. The Canadian questionable. Last year, an You!" {in French} unreasonably high proportion of The Province has undertaken Bureau for International Education has a special Pilot Provincial Nominee released comments on a recent study university graduates entered the work Steering Committee force at minimum wages in the service Program designed to match skilled that shows Canada is falling back in immigrants to business needs. The retaining its foreign graduates as sector such as retail sales and in jobs The Steering Committee for the Pilot PNP is designed to contribute to barriers drive obviously skilled that require no more than a high Rendez-vous November 2007 consists job creation, job retention and potential immigrants to home countries school education; and 60 percent of: started working life owing an average economic development by attracting and the U.S. This particular brain drain new investment and by helping is happening as the U.S., Britain and of over $25,000 in student loans. This Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal, employers in target sectors attract and Australia move swiftly to attract and year tuition fees have increased again. Chair of the Rendez-vous November keep qualified employees. The retain more foreign students. Once Yet, productivity in terms of the 2007 economic value of what Canadian program reflects the fact that the ranked as a top-five destination for labour market in Ontario is changing: international students, Canada has workers contribute is well below that of Hon. Michael M Fortier, Minister of The Canadian-born workforce is dropped to 14th place among the some 17 countries involved in the Public Works and Government shrinking and the labour demand is world’s richest nations and receives international market place, and that in Services Canada and Minister growing. Newcomers bring only three percent of all international turn is attributable to sever shortages responsible for the region of Montréal skilled workers in a wide, and international experience and expertise students. The Bureau, which that can help Canadian companies represents 200 post-secondary widening, range of professions and Hon. Josée Verner, Minister of compete internationally. There are two institutions, urges officials to drop trades. Canadian Heritage, Status of Women significant features of this scheme as it barriers that drive away many foreign There is every indication that and Official Languages there is a disconnection between the is to allow employers to attract skilled graduates and stop squandering a immigrants to meet their business valuable talent pool that could add as education system and the society it is Raymond Bachand, Quebec Minister needs; and, for the first time, gives many as 30,000 skilled immigrants intended, and paid, to serve. What of Economic Development, Innovation Ontario, a role in selecting immigrants annually. happened? That is the subject for and Export Trade, Minister of Tourism who wish to make the province their Some institutions have tended another column, but in the meantime it and Minister responsible for the region home. Immigration is a cornerstone of to neglect inter-cultural requirements is a reminder that Canada used of Montréal Immigration to maintain Ontario’s economic prosperity and until recently. However, a very positive social fabric. Annually, more than half development has evolved and I am industrialization following the Second Christine St-Pierre, Quebec Minister of of all newcomers to Canada settle in pleased to introduce the International World War and when that source dried Culture, Communications and Status Ontario. Educator Association of Canada, as a up, because of reconstruction of the of Women war torn countries, there was a So what is new? There are relatively new legal entity, whose twenty occupations that have been purpose is to foster professional coordinated strategic plan to institute a Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO, declared as targeted occupations development in support of international comprehensive and integrated system Board of Trade of Metropolitan where shortages exist and where the education. For further information of competency based education and Montréal Labour Market Opinion (LMO) has please visit IEAC at: www.ieac.ca training. After making great strides for Simon Brault, President of Culture been waived, meaning that process is Isaac Goodine may be reached at: some time and establishing the most Montréal and Chair of the Steering cost effective as well as the most employer-driven. This means that [email protected] employers apply to the program and Committee

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www.filipinostar.org October 15-31, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 19 continutedTEXT from page 5 ‘Elections’ She was accompanied by her them a candidate for village chair in armed men. godson, Mayor Dennis Pineda, Barangay Afusing Daga. In Sulu, a failure of election was Ms Arroyo No. 8 voter president of the Pampanga Mayors In Nueva Ecija, a resident was shot declared in 14 villages in the towns of League (PML). and wounded by a candidate in Laur Luuk, Indanan and Talipao and in the Another reelectionist village chair, Ms Arroyo, who arrived in a black town on Monday morning. whole town of Panglima Estino Hadji Alih Salasin, was shot and Mercedes Benz at 9:25 a.m., waited for Police said Leonardo Bitor, a because some barangay election wounded by armed men believed to 15 minutes for her turn because she reelectionist council member of officials did not show up for fear of be followers of his opponent near a was the eighth voter in line. Pinagbayanan, allegedly shot Benigno being caught in the crossfire between school in Lamitan town, also in Fronda. armed supporters of candidates. Basilan. Violence, harassment In Abra province, a candidate for Officials said at least 10,000 village chief in the capital Bangued registered voters failed to cast their town was shot and wounded by a ballots in Sulu. group of men on Sunday night. In Midsayap town in North Cotabato province, voting in the village Vote-buying of Mudsing was briefly interrupted at around 8 a.m. when supporters of a In Bulacan province, police were candidate fired their rifles. investigating a certain Colonel Salem Police said no one was reported who entered a polling precinct in hurt but the gunfire sent voters to Barangay Lawa in Meycauayan town different areas to seek cover. with four police escorts at past 3 p.m. The gunmen fled. Voting resumed Incidents of alleged harassment of shortly after police and military voters were also reported in Malolos personnel arrived in the village. City and in the towns of Meycauayan, Bustos and Marilao. While vote-buying remained rampant in the Visayas, a town in Bohol province succeeded in implementing a covenant against vote- buying. Some 560 candidates for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan in Maribojoc town signed a covenant to eliminate vote-buying. In contrast, vote-buying was President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo casts her vote at the San Nicolas elementary school reported across the Visayas, with in Lubao town of Pampanga province, north of Manila, October 29, 2007, during the voters reportedly getting from as low nationwide elections for village chair and the youth legislature. as P10 and as high as P1,500. An election official in Bacolod City An Army soldier was shot and said vote-buying, which started on Ousted former Philippine President killed allegedly by a policeman after a Writing behind a secrecy folder, Sunday, was reported in almost all Joseph Estrada, who was pardoned by quarrel inside a precinct in Talipao she referred to a codigo (prepared villages. Arroyo after his plunder conviction, votes town, Sulu province. lineup) of her favored candidates, In the Eastern Visayas region, at a school in his hometown of San Juan Arson was suspected in the spending two minutes to fill up the reports of sequestering of voters also city , east of Manila, on Oct. 29, 2007. burning of a school building in official ballots. marred the SK elections. Pantabangan town in Nueva Ecija She left at 9:50 a.m. and did not Some parents in Tacloban City and In Davao Oriental province, province at 4 a.m. Monday, three hours give any statement to reporters. in other parts of Leyte and Samar fighting between communist rebels before precincts opened. Police arrested six men caught provinces complained that persons and government troops broke out in Instead of declaring a failure of putting up campaign materials at the identified with politicians brought their the town of Lupon on Monday election, the board of election Dau Central Elementary School in children in “holding areas” on the eve afternoon. inspectors held the balloting in other Pampanga’s Mabalacat town. of the elections without parental Police said New People’s Army school buildings in the town. In Cagayan province, a policeman consent. rebels were campaigning for their Police said supporters of a was killed after passengers of a van candidates in Barangay New Visayas candidate for barangay chair in the that drove past a police checkpoint in Failure of election in Lupon town. area could have started the fire. Alcala town shot him on Sunday night. In Cotabato City, a failure of In Pampanga, Ms Arroyo cast her Police said Police Officer 1 In Eastern Visayas, election election was declared in nine polling vote at Precinct No. 1 at the Lubao Jackson Casil was hit in the chest. officials declared a failure of election in precincts after members of the board East Elementary School. Three suspects were arrested, one of eight villages due to the presence of of election teller did not show up. a Arroyo Rejects Calls for Snap Elections October 31, 2007 scandal facing her administration. and lawmakers to ensure their loyalty The Kilusang Makabansang President Gloria Macapagal She warned groups opposed to to the president amid a new bid to Ekonomiya (KME, Movement for a her administration that the public will impeach her. Nationalist Economy) had broached not support unconstitutional means to The impeachment bid stems from the idea of making Chief Justice change government before the charges that Arroyo condoned alleged Reynato Puno head of a caretaker scheduled presidential election. bribery and corruption involving a government, saying Arroyo was no “Let us not be distracted by the canceled $329-million National longer fit to run the government, impatient few who believe they are Broadband Network (NBN) contract especially after her pardon to above the rule of law,” she said, awarded to a Chinese firm. convicted former president Joseph pointing to the “successful outcome” Arroyo and her officials have Estrada. of the Oct. 29 village and youth council denied the accusations. She urged the Puno had turned down the elections that she said “underscores public to ignore the noise of her proposal, saying he would rather the people’s firm commitment to detractors. remain in the judiciary. democracy and strong political Arroyo has also sparked an The KME, which counts Catholic Arroyo yesterday said she is not institutions.” outrage last week after she pardoned bishops as among its members, called resigning and told those calling for a “That message should not be former President Joseph Estrada even for Arroyo’s resignation and the setting “snap election” to wait for the next ignored by groups who are out to before he could started serving his life up of a transition junta headed by the presidential election in 2010. destroy the gains of a strong economy sentence for the crime of massive chief justice. “The constitution clearly sets our through extra-constitutional means,” plunder. Former Vice President Teofisto next elections in 2010,” said Arroyo, she added. Plunder is punishable by death Guingona also joined the KME’s call who has been called the “Teflon Fresh calls for Arroyo’s resignation under a Philippine law, but Arroyo said for the Arroyo’s resignation, saying the president” for managing to survive came in the wake of allegations that Estrada has suffered under house president has lost her moral coup attempts and scandal after the government bribed local officials arrest while undergoing trial. ascendancy to lead the country. a www.filipinostar.org 20 The North American Filipino Star October15-31 2007

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