Vol. XXXI No Octoberr 2013 http://www.filipinostar.org Will Montrealers vote in 2013?

Montreal will have its fourth mayor in just over 12 months, and after a year of revelations at the Charbonneau Commission, police raids and arrests, citizens are questioning their motivation to go to the polls and vote on Nov. 3. In 2009, just 39.4 per cent of Montrealers cast a ballot and re-elected Gerald Tremblay as mayor. Then Tremblay's interim successor, Michael Applebaum, was also forced to quit over allegations of corruption, leaving many Montrealers even more cynical. Voter's Tool Kit | How to cast your vote on election day UQAM professor Caroline Patsias, an expert in European and U.S. municipal politics, said that although the city has a poor track record when it comes to voting in municipal elections, this time could be different. “The scandal increases visibility of the municipality and the attention of the media on municipal affairs can improve the interest of citizens," said Patsias. Patsias said this visibility could October 22, 2013 Tuesday evening English debate was moderated by CBC Montreal co-anchor Andrew Chang (second from left) and hosted by CBC in partnership with McGill University at McGill’s Tanna Schulich Hall. Four major candidates for mayor pose See Page 4 Montreal Elections together, namely, Richard Bergeron, Melanie Joly, Marcel Coté, and Denis Coderre. Others in the photo are CBC hosts. MMTV Crew pays a courtesy call on the Philippine Ambassador Gatan

The Mabuhay Montreal TV transmission problem has been crew went to Ottawa on Thursday, resolved. However, the trip to Ottawa October 10, 2013, to pay a visit to the was considered a successful one. Not Philippine Ambassador, Leslie Gatan, only was the TV crew blessed with a to ask for his greeting that will be part beautiful weather but they were able to of the first episode scheduled to be interview the organizier of the Winter aired on October 17, 2013. Due to Escapades Tour. technical difficulties of ICI TV station, Consul Flerida Mayo was the broadcast is postponed until the interviewed by Derwin Collantes, our

Photo taken at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa - From left: Derwin Collantes, Elizabeth M. Bermudez, Remy Monteagudo, Hon. Leslie Gatan, Philippine Ambassador, Zenaida Kharroubi, Consul Flerida Mayo, and Al Abdon. TV host, about the highlights of the Kalibo, Aklan, Guimaras, and Iloilo, Winter Escapades, and why it is and a photo op with the Philippine considered to be a very special event. President, Benigno Aquino III. The The deadline to register for the tour is package tour includes lunches, on October 30, 2013. The tour will start dinners, entertainment, airport from January 18 to 24, 2014 which will cover four destinations - Boracay, See Page 4 MMTV trip to Ottawa www.filipinostar.org 2 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 For Immediate Release island resorts and famed Chocolate Ottawa, October 22, 2013 Department of Finance October 15, 2013 Hills. 613-996-8080 Harper Government on Pour plus de renseignements, les STATEMENT BY MP IRWIN One of the fastest growing Track for Balanced médias peuvent communiquer avec : COTLER ON PHILIPPINE communities in Canada, Filipino Budget in 2015 EARTHQUAKE Canadians maintain strong bonds and Marie Prentice represent a dynamic link between our Attachée de presse Related Documents: Cabinet du ministre des Finances I am saddened by the widespread two great countries. The Mount Royal riding is home to the largest Filipino 613-996-7861 devastation of today’s earthquake in Annual Financial Report of the Canadian community in Quebec, and the Philippines. Government of Canada: Fiscal Year is among the largest in Canada. Our Jack Aubry 2012-2013 Relations avec les médias Early reports include dozens of hearts go out to the families here and abroad who have lost loved ones and Ministère des Finances casualties, an unknown number of Fiscal Reference Tables – October 2013 613-996-8080 patients trapped inside the partially to those who are still searching for missing relatives. collapsed Congressman Castillo Frequently Asked Questions About the Ottawa, October 22, 2013 Memorial Hospital, centuries-old stone Annual Financial Report 2013-137 churches damaged (among them the On behalf of the Liberal Party of The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Canada and my family, my sympathies Minister of Finance, today released the country's oldest, the 16th-century Harper Government Focused on Job go out to the citizens of the Philippines Annual Financial Report of the Basilica of the Holy Child in Cebu, Creation and Economic Growth with and to all Canadians citizens of Filipino Government of Canada for 2012–13. The which lost its bell tower) and large Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 2 areas without power. Rescue efforts origin. report shows the continued downward track of Canada’s annual deficit. In are being hindered due to significant Related Documents: damage to roads and bridges. -30- 2012–13, the deficit fell to $18.9 billion. Contact: This was down by more than one- Economic Action Plan 2013 Cotler’s long-time Chief of Staff Howard Liebman quarter ($7.4 billion) from the deficit of Howard Liebman, who has close Tel: (514) 283-0171 $26.3 billion in 2011–12 and down by nearly two-thirds from the $55.6-billion Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 2 friends from Bohol, noted that early Web: www.irwincotler.ca deficit recorded in 2009–10. (to come) reports from Bohol are traumatic with Twitter: @IrwinCotler The Government of Canada’s The Honourable Jim Flaherty, widespread damage and fear. One @HowardLiebman responsible spending of taxpayers’ Minister of Finance, today introduced hour’s flight from Manila, Bohol has 1.2 dollars played an important part in the the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, million people and is popular among results for 2012–13, with direct program No. 2. The Act implements key foreigners because of its beach and expenses falling by 1.2 per cent from the measures from Economic Action Plan prior year and by 3.8 per cent from 2013, as well as certain previously 2010–11. announced tax measures, to help Marché Coop “Our Government is focused on: create jobs, stimulate economic helping create jobs and opportunities for growth and secure Canada’s long- The Filipino Solidarity Cooperative, Inc. Canadians; supporting hard-working term prosperity. families; helping keep our families and 5320-A Queen Mary Road communities safe; and putting Canada “While Canada leads the G-7 with more (between Decarie & Coolbrook) first,” said Minister Flaherty. “Our than 1 million jobs created since the Government’s continued efforts to Tel: 514-485-7861 depth of the global economic ensure that every tax dollar is spent as recession, we are not immune from the E-Mail: filipinocoop.com efficiently as possible and that wasteful challenges beyond our borders. We spending is eliminated are keeping Website: marchecoop.com cannot afford to become complacent,” Canada on track to balance the budget said Minister Flaherty. “By implementing in 2015 without raising taxes or reducing the measures from Economic Action Business Hours important transfers to persons or to Plan 2013, our Government is helping other levels of government.” to create jobs and opportunities for Monday - 1:00 - 9:00 p.m. As reported by the Organisation Canadians and grow Canada’s for Economic Co-operation and Tuesday - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. economy.” Development (OECD), Canada’s total Wed. to Friday - 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. government net debt-to-GDP (gross Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Measures in the Economic Action Plan domestic product) ratio, which includes Sunday - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. 2013 Act, No. 2 aimed at spurring job the net debt of the federal, creation and economic growth include: provincial/territorial and local Members can make appointment to governments, as well as the net assets Providing support for job creators shop outside these hours. Phone held in the Canada Pension Plan and your orders and you can pick them Québec Pension Plan, stood at 34.5 per Extending and expanding the Hiring up by appointment as well. cent in 2012. This is by far the lowest Credit for Small Business, which will level among Group of Seven (G-7) benefit an estimated 560,000 Delivery service available for Cote countries, which the OECD expects will employers. des Neiges & NDG areas between record an average net debt of 87.0 per 6:00-8:00 p.m. ( $5.00 delivery cent in the same year. Increasing and indexing the Lifetime service fee.) “Solid economic and fiscal Capital Gains Exemption, to make fundamentals have ensured that Canada investing in small business more We sell phone cards & remains one of the few countries in the rewarding. world to continually receive the highest gift certificates. possible credit ratings from all the major Expanding the accelerated capital cost credit rating agencies. However, we are allowance to further encourage not immune to the effects of slow investments in clean energy generation. economic growth globally. We will build on our record by continuing to keep taxes low, work to expand trade and Freezing Employment Insurance keep Canada on track for a balanced premium rates for three years, leaving budget in 2015,” said Minister Flaherty. $660 million in the pockets of job For further information, media creators and workers in 2014 alone. may contact: Closing tax loopholes and combating Marie Prentice tax evasion Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Finance Introducing new administrative 613-996-7861 monetary penalties and criminal

Jack Aubry See Page 5 Harper Government Media Relations www.filipinostar.org October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 3 OP. ED. and $169-billion in new Conservative debt, he says he will set a "bold" debt- to-GDP target of 25% by the year 2021 Editorial MR. HARPER Why is it important to vote during elections? (down from about 34% today), and he HIGHLIGHTS HIS OWN pledges to impose a federal "balanced are about the infrastructure of Montreal "Nobody will ever deprive the budget" law. being in a poor shape, the sluggish FISCAL INCOMPETENCE American people of the right to vote Take that debt target with a economy, and the security and safety of Somewhere in the 7,123 words except the American people themselves, grain of salt, because Mr. Harper made seniors on snow-covered streets. and the only way they could do this is by in last week's Throne Speech -- surely that same commitment six years ago. Moveover, the movement of young not voting," Franklin D. Roosevelt the longest and most incoherent in He was supposed to hit 25% by 2012. families to the suburbs that is referred to observed. living memory -- Stephen Harper had And he failed. In another flight of as the “suburban sprawl” has a negative What this quote reminds us is some odd things to say about Canada's fancy, he also promised to eliminate impact on the city’s urban core. the importance of using our right to vote finances. Canada's total "net debt" by 2015. He's Montreal, a beautiful city with which most people seem to take for First, in a bit of extreme fiction, just not credible. charming and warm people, should granted, especially in municipal and he claimed to have prepared the And as for a balanced budget really be a center of culture, higher school board elections. If we do not use country to withstand the recession law, remember this -- in the past 17 education, creativity, and innovation. our right to vote, then we are not only which began in late 2008. That certainly years, the only federal politician to Most experts believe that it has yet to be neglecting our responsibility of should have been the case, but wasn't. create deficits is Stephen Harper developed in order to have its proper citizenship but also leaving others to What Mr. Harper inherited from himself. Proposing a new law to make place among the great cities of the decide for us. We will also lose the his Liberal predecessors in 2006 was a deficits "illegal" is a massive admission world. But without a good government golden opportunity to change what decade of balanced budgets, annual of Conservative failure and wrongdoing that is run efficiently in order to help its needs to be changed in order to improve surpluses of 13-billion per year, since 2006. He's conceding he cannot citizens in all walks of life prosper, the our lives. If we do not go out and declining debt, declining taxes, strong be trusted. inevitable result is mediocrity, poverty, participate in a democratic process, we economic growth exceeding 3% Looking to the years and waste of human and natural do not have any right to complain for it is annually, 3.5-million net new jobs, and immediately ahead, Mr. Harper's resources. Obviously, we need to elect commonly believed that the people the most robust fiscal situation in the rhetoric is once again all about political leaders who have a true vision of elect the government they deserve. western world. austerity. He thinks he can hack-and- greatness, the ability to manage, Not many people are convinced But in less than three years, he slash his way to prosperity. And again, motivate and inspire others to work for that they must vote. As the record squandered it. he's wrong. What Canada needs most the common good. But this does not shows, municipal elections have poor He overspent by three-times -- alongside strong, competent, honest happen by itself. The citizens of voter turn out. What is the excuse? The the rate of inflation. He eliminated all governance -- is a concrete plan for Montreal must wake up to realize that the most common one is nothing changes, the contingency reserves and prudence greater sustained economic growth, future of the city is in their hands – so why bother? But perhaps, the main factors that had been built into federal focused on the middle class. participate actively in the democratic reason that many people have lost budget-making to protect against But it's not on Stephen process of electing the right people to interest is that they do not understand adverse events. He sent the surplus up Harper's agenda. In every year since represent their interests. Our Filipino the issues and why they should in smoke and put Canada back into 2010, economic growth in Canada has Canadian community in Montreal has participate in a democratic election. It deficit again BEFORE (not because of) been slower than the year before. No had several opportunities to elect one of seems that voter education and any recession. Prime Minister has done worse since our own. In this election, we have dissemination of information about In fact, despite all the looming the dismal days of R.B. Bennett. issues in an election are critical to a another opportunity to support a evidence of collapsing markets in the candidate who is ready to serve. We better voter turnout. United States and the onset of American Ralph Goodale, Deputy Leader wish him good luck and may he be For this coming election, there bank failures, Mr. Harper kept denying Liberal Party of Canada blessed with the true vision of a are many issues that every citizen that a recession in Canada was even 613-996-4743 should care to learn about. The most benevolent leader. likely. He said troubles in other important one is the elimination of Hopefully, our fellow citizens countries would be a good thing corruption, and the restoration of ethics (kababayan) will take the time to go out because we'd have "good buying in the conduct of business with City Hall. and vote in this election. If they do, opportunities". Such an attitude was We have had a change of mayor several perhaps, it will be possible to have our either incredibly naive or deliberately times in a year, and we still have to see own representative at City Hall for the dishonest. Either way, he left Mabuhay Montreal TV the conclusion of all the cases lodged first time after being here for over a Canadians unprepared and vulnerable. soon to be aired on against those accused of corruption, century. And then in late 2008, after the breach of trust, and fraud. Other issues Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi recession hit, Mr. Harper's response Videotron 16/616HD , was again ridiculous. With the Bellnet Fibe 216/1216HD economy shrinking, he had no plan for as soon as ICI TV new investments in jobs and growth. station resolves Until relentless public opinion forced him to reverse himself, he argued for transmission problems/ more federal austerity, and predicted a technical issues. string of six balanced budgets. It was a We regret the delay. Tel.: 514-485-7861 total fairy-tale and completely wrong. 5320-A Queen Mary Road Now, after six Harper deficits Montreal, Quebec H3X 1T7 E-Mail: [email protected] Published by: Filcan Publications, Inc. Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi North American Filipino Star Chief Editor & Publisher W.G. Quiambao Subscription Community News Al Abdon Sam Kevin Alberto Baens Santos News & Layout Editor Name: ______Tel.______Columnists Address: ______Bert Abiera Bernardo Sarmiento Founder Opinion Editorial ______The opinions expressed by the writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that of the management of the North American Filipino Star nor its editors. E-Mail______No. of issues ____ 12 = $30 Date:______24 = $50

www.filipinostar.org 4 The North American Filipino Star October 2013

Special Report values. How far will you go in fighting 'We have to stop the brain drain in against it? Montreal mayoral candidates debate Montreal.'- Marcel Côté Côté: "This is a very divisive fight. We corruption, economy Bergeron: "We have a real nightmare have to be careful not to stoke the fire. for the next decade. And during this Montreal is always on the losing side next decade, 350,000 new cars will be of nationalist politics. Let them play on the roads. We just have to their game." convince 100,000 of these new 350,000 drivers to take public transit." 'Don't build a wall between Montrealers and the rest of Quebec.'- Côté: "Why do we have all these Richard Bergeron orange cones all over Montreal and nobody doing any work?" Coderre: "The charter is not a matter of Q: What's the best way to revitalize culture. It's a matter of rights. There's the economy to keep and attract the no hierarchy of rights ... All that division brightest? is bad for Montreal."

Côté: "We have to stop the brain drain Bergeron: "It is building a wall between in Montreal ... I've invested in quite a Montreal and the rest of Quebec. Don't few businesses in Montreal. What they build a wall between Montrealers and want is the mayor to run properly City the rest of Quebec." Montreal's four main mayoral Hall. They can do the rest. Montreal candidates faced off in a surprisingly The theme of corruption has been at has the highest business tax in Joly: "The rest of Quebec must friendly debate on Tuesday evening, the forefront of the election campaign Canada." understand Montreal is unique in its jousting over the key issues of and the candidates wasted no time culture. Let's wait to see what's in the corruption, city life, public transit, outlining how they would clean up Joly to Côté: "It's great you've made charter, then debate in council." economy and the proposed charter of City Hall. the analysis that taxes are too high (Reprinted from CBC News) values. but we need solutions, not analysis. Mélanie Joly highlighted her digital Q: All four of you are against the The Tuesday evening English debate transparency plan, which takes its government's' proposed charter of was moderated by CBC Montreal co- inspiration from New York City Mayor anchor Andrew Chang and hosted by Michael Bloomberg. political parties, we have more CBC in partnership with McGill From Page 4 Montreal Elections authorized candidates, so those University at McGill’s Tanna Schulich "There are no better watchdogs than parties and candidates may have Hall. you and I," she said. translate into a boost in voter turnout, followers," said Denis Dion, the and the "time to clean up" attitude has election's Director General. Throughout the debate, the candidates 'If we promise the world, nothing also helped attract new candidates. "Maybe discouraging news defined their leadership strengths. will get done.'- Denis Coderre With the campaign beginning we had in last year won't have Richard Bergeron highlighted his team on Sept. 20, there are twice as many negative effects on volunteers." as an honest administration that would Joly said her administration would political parties and 60 per cent more Average voter turnout in the be full of ideas, while Denis Coderre appoint a chief digital officer to ensure authorized candidates this year than City of Montreal (and federal and promoted himself as an experienced that all city information would be in 2009. provincial ridings contained within) leader. Marcel Côté pushed his made public. "The numbers have increased entrepreneurial background as a skill very much if you compare with that would help him clean up the city, Denis Coderre outlined his plan for an elections of 2009, so we have more while Mélanie Joly outlined a team that independent inspector general who It is to be noted that every would bring change and transparency. would be appointed by City Hall and From Page 1 MMTV Trip to Ottawa tourist who visits the Philippines is have the power of inquiry and the equivalent to a job for our kababayan. The candidates were in a good power to open contracts and take transfers, land transportation, and The tour is not only for pleasure but humour for the hour-long debate, people to court. domestic travel insurance - all for $850 also an opportunity to discover trade poking fun at one another and except the air ticket which can be opportunities by meeting other tourists pausing several times for laughter. "If a house has a leaky roof, you don't purchased separately from any travel from different parts of North America throw the house down. The vast 'There are no better watchdogs majority of employees and politicians than you and I.'- Mélanie Joly are honest," he said.

Candidate Richard Bergeron got a Richard Bergeron pointed to his party laugh when he criticized Marcel Côté - Projet Montréal - as a party with an for including members of the former honest history in city politics. administration in his team. Bergeron criticized Coderre for running a slate of 25 candidates who "How can you change the situation were members of former mayor with the same people?" he said to Gérald Tremblay's now-defunct Union Côté, adding, "It's not as bad with you Montréal party. as it is with Mr. Coderre." Marcel Côté said that corruption can Mélanie Joly spoke over the laughter, only take hold in an organization that thanking Bergeron for his implied is badly managed. He pointed to the support. need for checks and balances for the city's executive committee and for a But the amicable atmosphere had its more efficient bureaucracy. Côté also fair share of heated discussion. said his administration would make A candid shot of Elizabeth M. Bermudez, Remy Monteagudo and Derwin the position of city ethics Collantes as they were about to cross the street in Ottawa after visiting the At about 10 minutes into debate, commissioner a full-time job. Parliament buildings.(Taken by Z. Kharroubi) Bergeron and Côté were yelling at Q: How would you keep traffic flowing agency. who may have a business interest in each other about whose team was on Montreal's roads and improve This is the first time that this promoting Philippine products. more involved in the previous public transit systems? type of tour package is offered. It is Contact the Philippine embattled city administration. therefore a golden opportunity to visit Embassy at 1-613-233-1121, or go to Coderre: "It's a major major problem the Philippines in winter to avoid the the Philippine Embassy website. Q: What practical plans to you have to ... If we promise the world, nothing will extreme cold weather in the middle of counter corruption? get done." January. www.filipinostar.org August 2013 The North American Filipino Star 5 delivery. God allows “pork” to From Page 2 Harper Government Phasing out the Labour-Sponsored offences to deter the use, possession, Venture Capital Corporations tax teach us a lesson sale and development of electronic credit. We rely everything on suppression of sales software By Alex P. Vidal politicians and oblige them to designed to falsify records for the “In the face of continued global October 24, 2013 | Featured, Opinion underwrite even petty domestic purpose of tax evasion. economic uncertainty, it is essential in the Global Balita expenses that fall under our that we remain squarely focused on “For the wrath of God is responsibilities as members of the Closing tax loopholes relating to keeping Canada’s economy strong,” revealed from heaven against all working class. Because of our character conversion transactions, said Minister Flaherty. “That’s why our ungodliness and unrighteousness of callousness, we created our own synthetic dispositions, leveraged life Government will continue to support men, who by their unrighteousness Frankensteins and call them insurance arrangements and other the drivers of economic growth and suppress the truth.” ROMANS 1:18 “honorable” ladies and gentlemen. schemes to ensure that everyone job creation, while keeping taxes low Anti-pork-barrel-rally.2We We could see a strongly- pays their fair share. and returning to a balanced budget cannot blame God for the acts of men. worded pastoral letter that condemns by 2015.” The “pork barrel” scandal is an act of the misuse of “pork barrel” in a giant Extending, in certain circumstances, man; therefore, God has nothing to do billboard located on the left side when the period during which the Canada For further information, media may with it. we enter the Santuario Nacional de Revenue Agency can reassess a contact: But could God have prevented Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria or taxpayer who fails to report income “pork barrel”? Either he wanted to stop Jaro Cathedral in Jaro, Iloilo City. from foreign property. Marie Prentice it but He could not, or He wanted to The pastoral letter considers Press Secretary stop it but He did not. Perhaps, God the misappropriation of “pork barrel” Respecting taxpayers’ dollars Office of the Minister of Finance allowed “pork barrel” to unleash its funds amounting to billions of pesos 613-996-7861 wrath on the Filipino people to teach us mostly by our lawmakers as “also a sin Modernizing the Canada Student a lesson as we have apparently against God.” Loans Program by moving to Jack Aubry become a nation of apathy, greed and electronic service delivery. Media Relations neglect. AFFAIR Department of Finance We neglected our fundamental Improving the efficiency of the 613-996-8080 duties and responsibilities to elect The “pork barrel” fiasco is Temporary Foreign Worker Program competent and honest leaders by supposed to be an affair of the state by expanding electronic service selling our votes to the highest political and our constitution clearly prohibits bidders. We push these ruffians in the church from interfering in the affairs Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to government to steal by being in of the state vice versa. cahoots with them in age-old moral But the Catholic Bishops’ tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising malady called patronage politics. We Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out scratch their backs, they scratch ours. believes that the separation of Church a course of action and follow it to an end requires ... courage. We fool each other. and State does not prohibit moral Ralph Waldo Emerson EXPENSES See Page 8 Pork Barrel 6 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 Allende, in their fight to save their The production of sugar has indeed forth and their environmental impacts Amazon rainforest. Lastly, Act five taken a huge environmental toll. may be more reason for concern. focuses on Bill McKibben, as told by “Sugar has arguably had as great an Aspartame, for example, used in Equal Meryl Streep, and the 25-year effort to impact on the environment as any and also in diet sodas, is made by address the foremost issue of our time: other agricultural commodity,” reports fermenting corn and soy, the two climate change. the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), citing biggest genetically engineered crops biodiversity loss as a result of the in the U.S. Environmentalists are “wholesale conversion of habitat on concerned that such tinkering with tropical islands and on coastal areas” nature could have unexpected and Dear EarthTalk: What is the to grow sugar. WWF adds that the potentially disastrous results down the new documentary film A Fierce Green cultivation of sugar has also resulted in road. Fire about and what does the title refer considerable soil erosion and Another common sugar to? -- Gloria Howard, Washington, degradation and the use of large alternative, sucralose (trade name DC amounts of chemicals across the Splenda) has its issues, too. A study A Fierce Green Fire is a new tropics and beyond. released in 2013 by researchers from film documenting the rise of the Some natural food markets the University of North Carolina (UNC) modern environmental movement from now carry sustainably harvested sugar found that the majority of Splenda the 1960s through the present day. It that does not fit this profile, though used around the world ends up in the premiered at last year’s Sundance Film sugar’s ugly history has led many eco- Gulf Stream, the fast-moving ocean Festival and will be playing at select conscious consumers to look current that starts in the Gulf of Mexico theaters across the country beginning elsewhere to satiate their sweet teeth. and flows into the Atlantic Ocean and in September 2013. Educators, Fortunately there are several natural beyond into the coastal waters of environmental groups and grassroots and artificial options that are safe to eat Europe and Africa. activists also will be showing the film at and relatively benign for the “Sucralose cannot be small and large events from coast to environment. Perhaps the most effectively broken down by the bacteria coast over the course of the fall. Written popular choice is stevia, a sustainably in the human digestive tract,” reports A new film by Academy Award-nominated and directed by Mark Kitchell, harvested herb from Latin America that UNC. “As a result, the body absorbs Mark Kitchell, based on a 1993 book by Phil is 30 times sweeter than table sugar little or no calories and 90 percent of Academy Award-nominated director of Shabecoff, documents the rise of the modern Berkeley in the Sixties, A Fierce Green environmental movement from the 1960s but without calories. Other natural the chemical compound leaves the Fire (the film) is based on the 1993 through the present day. Pictured: Lois Marie alternatives include coconut palm body through human waste and enters book of the same name by Gibbs and other Niagara Falls, New York sugar, barley malt syrup, brown rice sewage systems.” Since this sucralose environmental journalist Philip residents’ struggle against pollution buried syrup, agave nectar, maple syrup and cannot be broken down by most water Shabecoff. beneath their Love Canal neighborhood in the raw honey. These choices may not treatment systems, it ends up in the The phrase “a fierce green fire” 1970s. Credit: A Fierce Green Fire save on calories like stevia, but they do oceans, where the long-term effects refers to a longer passage in one of the sweeten without environmental guilt. remain unknown. seminal environmental books of the Intertwined within these main As for synthetic sugar Saccharin (trade name 20th century, 1949’s A Sand County stories are strands including the alternatives, there has been Sweet’N Low) got a bad rap in the Almanac. In the famous “Think Like a struggle for environmental justice, considerable talk of how dangerous 1970s when rats exposed to large Mountain” section of that book, author getting “back to the land,” and they may be for our health, but little amounts got bladder cancer, but it has Aldo Leopold relates his experience as sustainability efforts in the developing evidence of harm has actually come since been vindicated: The Food & part of a predator extirpation team that world. The film ends on an optimistic shoots a wolf in the New Mexico desert: note, driving home the point that “We reached the old wolf in time to environmentalism is really about Kalman Samuels, Q.C. watch a fierce green fire dying in her civilizational change and bringing eyes. industrial society into balance with I realized then and have known nature and that each of us can make a & Associates, s.e.n.c. ever since that there was something difference with a little effort. Attorneys new to me in those eyes, something Those interested in seeing the known only to her and to the mountain. film should check out the schedule of I was young then and full of trigger-itch; theatrical releases at the film’s website, I thought that because fewer wolves afiercegreenfire.com. The website also meant more deer, that no wolves would features more information on the film mean hunters’ paradise. But after and features historical photos of some seeing the green fire die, I sensed that of the scenes and events depicted in it. neither the wolf nor the mountain Anyone who wants to find out more agreed with such a view.” about the the makings of the modern Kitchell’s film shows how this environmental movement should be passage and other writings were sure to see A Fierce Green Fire. instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of wise CONTACT: A Fierce Green Fire, stewardship of the natural environment www.afiercegreenfire.com. and as such played a crucial role in the re-birth of the environmental movement EarthTalk® is written and edited by in the 1960s. Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a Stella Samuels Featuring five “acts,” each with registered trademark of E - The its own central story and character, the Environmental Magazine • Family Law • Litigation • Immigration film depicts a central environmental (www.emagazine.com). Send conflict of each decade since the questions to: 1960s. The first act, narrated by Robert [email protected]. Subscribe: www.kalmansamuels.com Tel. : 514-939-1200 Redford, focuses on David Brower and www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free the Sierra Club’s battle to halt dams in Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial. the Grand Canyon in the 1960s. Act EarthTalk® two, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the E - The Environmental Magazine story of Lois Gibbs and other Niagara DR. EMILIA ESPIRITU Falls, New York residents’ struggle Dear EarthTalk: I saw an article on against pollution buried beneath their sugar’s effects on the environment. CHIRURGIEN DENTISTE / DENTAL Love Canal neighborhood in the 1970s. Has anyone compared different SURGEON Act three is all about Greenpeace and sweeteners (artificial or natural) for their efforts by Captain Paul Watson to save environmental impacts? whales and baby harp seals, as told by 5790 Cote des Neiges Rd Suite A-024 PHONE: 514-340-8222 (4077) Van Jones. Chico Mendes and MONTREAL, QUEBEC E-Mail: [email protected] Brazilian rubber tappers take center -- Terri Oelrich, via e-mail H3S 1Y9 stage in Act four, as narrated by Isabel

www.filipinostar.org October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 7 Drug Administration removed warning areas are forced to look elsewhere for inhabitants much more vulnerable to reports the news service Common labels in 2000 and the Environmental suitable habitat if they can find any at the immense destructive force of the Dreams. Protection Agency removed it from its all. An oft-repeated side effect of all this tsunamis,” reports the World Wildlife The key to minimizing property lists of hazardous constituents and building is the removal of mangrove Fund (WWF). damage and the loss of lives from such forests and sea grass meadows— Likewise, the hurricanes that natural disasters may well be in what important natural buffers against have battered the U.S. in recent years we allow to be developed. By now, destructive waves from storms as well have been far more destructive than most North American coastal regions as important wildlife habitat. Other those previous, and many blame have learned their lesson the hard way examples of coastal development unrestrained coastal development. “A about the perils of unrestrained gone awry include boardwalks or significant chunk of the $200-billion- development, and new building codes marinas built near or on top of coral plus bill from the Katrina-Rita now tend to be much tougher. But with reefs; beach-front houses, condos, hurricanes might have been avoided if coast-battering storms getting more hotels or golf courses replacing sand there’d been tough, realistic plans to frequent and intense, all bets are off as to whether our newer rules will be enough to protect beaches and surrounding coastal areas in decades commercial chemical products in to come. 2010. Nonetheless, saccharin can cause problems for pregnant women CONTACTS: Climate Institute, and infants who consume large www.climate.org; WWF, amounts, and also gets a veto as a www.panda.org. petroleum derivative. EarthTalk® is written and edited by CONTACTS: WWF, www.wwf.org; Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a “Fake sweetener Splenda fills our registered trademark of E - The oceans, scientists find,” Environmental Magazine www.naturalnews.com/039156_splend (www.emagazine.com). Send a_ocean_pollution_environment.html, questions to: “The Sweet Side of Fair Trade,” Green [email protected]. Subscribe: America, www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free www.greenamerica.org/livinggreen/Sw Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial. eetFairTrade.cfm.

According to the Climate Institute, the impact of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was Dear EarthTalk: What are the Advertise in the environmental risks associated with much greater in more developed sections of coastal Thailand where mangrove and coral reef beach resorts? loss preceded the natural disaster Credit: Alan C., courtesy Flickr North American dunes and meadows; massive deter development in exposed coastal Filipino Star -- amounts of freshwater getting diverted areas through buffer zones, wetlands Shine Shoukkathali, via e-mail from coastal rivers and streams for the protection, tough building codes and Call 514-485-7861 benefit of tourists; and sea turtles relocating settlements to higher land,” While they may put up with a scared off from nest sites. lot of stress from wind, waves and According to the Climate weather, beaches and the coastal Institute, the impact of the December environments surrounding them are 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was much surprisingly fragile. The ecosystems greater in more developed sections of which make up coastal areas have coastal Thailand where mangrove and evolved over eons to their current coral reef loss preceded the natural natural states as to their geologic disaster. “In the absence of these features and the types and distribution natural protective barriers, the giant of native plants and animals that live wave carried its energy all the way to there. When large numbers of humans shore, killing over 250,000 people and move in, whether as full-time residents causing billions of dollars of damage,” or vacationers, the dynamics of local reports the group. “In areas where ecosystems begin to change. If the natural buffer zones remained, such as growth is not managed well, this the Phang Nga province, inland inundation with people can contribute territories were protected by large to a wide range of environmental mangrove forest that dulled the wave’s problems. impact and dissipated its energy.” For starters, development of “The indiscriminate conversion any kind can scar ecosystems and of natural shorelines and mangrove seriously reduce or eliminate wildlife forest ecosystems for shrimp farming, habitat. As houses, condos, shops, urban settlements, tourism restaurants and other buildings begin development and other often to replace sand, grasses, trees and unregulated and unplanned human other natural features, the birds, fish activities over the past several decades and other wildlife that frequent such often make the coastal areas and its

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www.filipinostar.org 8 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 refers to man’s offense against God. This shame apparently was not enough people against Marcos and Estrada, From Page 8 “Pork Barrel It has no meaning apart from the to deter big time corruption because Gloria went out of her way to establish a awareness of God’s holiness and Joseph Estrada was convicted of relationship with bishops. She got ethical values from influencing public majesty. And since it is essentially not plunder and found his way to the 10th enough of them to be supportive of her policies. a legal or moral term, there is no place of the same list of the World’s Most and there were only muted cries against If governance were sense of sin, no matter what a person Corrupt Leaders. the corruption of her administration. She conducted from a platform that may do or fail to do, if there is lacking Estrada’s subsequent removal was not able to prevent being viewed so disregards ethics and morality, CBCP in awareness. from Malacanang came about after an negatively by the public that she has says it only exposes our nation to aborted impeachment trial turned into emerged as the most unpopular greater peril and “we have only We can always pray for Divine street action. Like Marcos in Edsa ’86, president ever in Philippine history. people went to the street. When Estrada Of course, Gloria now stands ourselves to blame and we make Intervention to abolish “pork barrel” lost the people, he also lost the military. accused of plunder and stealing the ourselves the victims of our own like what the CBCP is doing when it In the same list of the World’s Most 2004 presidential elections. It is no amoral conduct.” spearheads the “Abolish the Pork Corrupt Leaders, Estrada made it to wonder that the 10 billion peso scam Barrel, Now Na” movement, but we number 10. could have taken place in the BLAME must not forget that we are part and Twice, sitting presidents went environment Gloria built around her nine parcel of the king-sized monster that into plunder and twice, the people and years in office. And it will be no wonder if We are actually partly to blame for the has eaten up the moral fiber of our the military turned against them. It was many times that amount will also surface sins of thieves in government leaders; and God will help us only if impossible that the number one as stolen. Sen. Serge Osmena already because their mandates emanate we help our own selves first. beneficiary of the Erap Resign pointed to a 111 billion scam in a from us. Sin is a religious term and movement would not learn from the bridges-to-nowhere program. COA is fiasco of her predecessor. But investigating the mis-use of the A little history of Malampaya oil amounting to 23.6 billion. The ZTE scandal did not thievery materialize because whistleblower Jun GLIMPSES Lozada found the courage to tell the By Jose Ma. Montelibano public about what was going on. But the story goes that the Chinese firms The big mistake is to be awed involved had already given advances, by the numbers of the million people not to government, of course, but to march. It did not hit one million, maybe government officials. But cases could not even one half. It is a bigger mistake not prosper despite all the corruption to not to be awed by the event last because the environment did not Monday because it deserves all the encourage prosecution. credit it claims. It is expected that the current Having several hundreds of furor over the 10-billion scam, the PDAF, thousands in the Luneta when there was and the so-called pork barrel will find a clear organizer is a feat. In different government eager and willing to run major cities, they had their version of the after the thieves. Already, the DOJ/NBI Luneta gathering as well. The numbers are combining efforts with the were not overwhelming, but those same Ombudsman and the COA, including numbers are not static. Even today, the AMLA for money-laundering activities. most of all was the battle cry. But the evil numbers grow because the spirit of apparently, Gloria learned the other And why shouldn’t they? Was it not P- of corruption followed very closely as million people march remains agitated. lessons but not the most important – Noy’s first act to establish the truth motivation for Filipinos to fight the Thirty years ago, August 21, honesty. She kept the military close to Commission? Was it not Former Chief dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. The 1986, a big mistake was made. The her, or at least the key leaders from day Justice Corona’s first act to shoot down call for a boycott against crony firms dictatorship shot one man in the tarmac one to year nine. that Truth Commission – because it after the snap elections meant that of the Manila International Airport. He She could not keep her image seemed to target only Gloria Arroyo? Filipinos knew how the dictator fed his was only one man, after all, and so many clean, though, and all the more her Well, Rene Corona, we may not live long cronies while he bled the nation. had been killed by the dictatorship by husband’s. Early in her presidency, the enough for government to finish finding, Marcos underestimated the then. But one man’s martyrdom was IMPSA scandal broke out before she investigating, prosecuting and temper of the times just as he more than enough to light a fire. It was could warm her bed in Malacanang. The convicting her and all the thieves from underestimated the numbers of Filipinos simply time. Filipinos did not want to live most expensive roads in the reclamation 2001-2010. willing to confront him. For too long, he in fear anymore. They said, “If they could area scandalized the people, followed by A little history of the thievery will did not depend on the support of the kill Ninoy Aquino like that, they could kill the smuggling of rice, of sugar, of go a long way in making social media people. He was too used to using the any of us anytime.” different foodstuff. The list went on and revolutionaries realize the context, and military to frighten people into quiet Thirty years later, August 26, smelled so bad that in December 2002, difficulty, of cleansing society of submission. In the end, he lost both the 2013, Filipinos said, “If they could steal she announced that she would not seek corruption in high places. But the odds people and the military. In the end, the our money like that, so much, so reelection in 2004. She lied, of course, are now in our favor because people spirit for change drove the people to arrogantly, they can do that anytime they but the lie worked enough to fool the power is alive. Edsa and Marcos to Hawaii. want to.” People have had enough people and eased the political pressure. In Transparency International’s list of the today; it is simply time. Learning as well that Edsa ’86 (Reprinted from Global Balita) World’ Most Corrupt Leaders as of 2007, Yes, 1986 Edsa was about and Edsa Dos in 2001 worked because Ferdinand Marcos was in Number 2. freedom lost and regained. Freedom the Catholic Church went with the Need Money?

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www.filipinostar.org October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 9 Souvenir Photos

Students from different countries - Cambodia, Venezuela, and Tunisia Filipino students in French

Monday class of mixed students - Cambodians and Filipinos every Wimbledon Paraiso just arrived from Israel and visited Gilmore Monday evening College for the first time.

A mixed class of students from four countries - Philippines, Wednesday evening French class Cambodia, Haiti, and Turkey.

www.filipinostar.org 10 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 My experience taking “gangnam style” dance is hugely photograph with kids was the Muntin entertaining for the kids. It’s also a lot of Binibining at FAMAS. Everytime I need to fun for the parents. get their attention is to clown a bit and you Ask the will surprised by the result. Mistake 3: Standing Tall Have you ever taken your kids to Have you ever had someone the circus to see a clown? A really stand over you and talk down to you? Video Guy entertaining clown, who gets the kids How do you feel? Inferior, small & laughing. Go behind the clown and insignificant? This is what kids feel like by photograph the kids – those are real when someone photographs them from smiles! high-up. They feel intimidated and it’s not fun for the kids. So you (the photographer) need to Also there is nothing special become the clown. about the images captured from high-up, Al Abdon How do you do that? When you they are more like snapshots. meet the kids for the first time get down to Solution – Get Down Low become happy, playful kids. This is what Common Mistakes in their level and introduce yourself in a very When I first get to meet the kids I’m about you want. enthusiastic and loud voice. Set the to photograph, I get down low, and Kids Photography Parents and kids get to relax and scene from the start, then, when you are introduce myself. “Hey kids, my name is we capture natural facial expressions, un- Majority of the “wanna be” photographing the kids, be loud, be Al and we are going to have so much fun posed with no fake smiles. photographer started by choosing their funny, do funny things like roll your eyes, today! What is your name?” I connect with Tip: Shoot in sports mode – use favorite subjects. The first is landscape stumble around, dance, or get the kids to the kids in a very enthusiastic voice. From a fast shutter speed 1/500th sec or and the second are their family especially scare you! Bring along props to entertain then onwards the kids know that I’m on 1/1000th sec with AI Servo auto focus their children. I’ve seen many parents try the kids, like a clown nose. their side. (tracking autofocus). When kids are to get a nice picture by controlling the An alternate to being the clown is When I photograph them, I kneel down to racing towards you, a very fast shutter kids and give instructions how to pose. the have the parents or siblings become their level, sometime I lay down flat on the speed and tracking autofocus will mean Well, there are better ways to compose a the clown. When I’m shooting the close- ground to get a very different angle of memorable pictures but please avoid view. Parents love these images, because these common mistakes: they have never seen their children from this low angle, and the kids do not feel Mistake 1: Asking Kids to Sit Still: “Hey intimidated so they relax and play along kids, please sit…” with me. The kids are all dressed up for the photo shoot and excited, but don’t Summary: quite know what will happen, so they do So, next time you go out and photograph what comes naturally – they run off and kids keep these 3 tips in your mind. The play. photo shoot will flow and everyone will The photographer and parents have much more fun – including you! then try to round up the kids, find a place to photograph them and then ask the kids Let the kids run and play. to sit down and be still and look at the Be the clown and get the kids to laugh photographer. Ever tried this? It goes naturally. against all the natural instincts of the kids Get down low to their level. – they are super excited and told to sit still. Very difficult to achieve! 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www.filipinostar.org October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 11 Bohol quake created long ‘spectacular rocky wall’ The powerful earthquake that Renato Solidum, head of the struck Bohol, Cebu and other institute, said the ground fissures cities and provinces in Visayas from the quake, which killed 198 and Mindanao has created a people on Bohol and two nearby spectacular rocky wall that islands, were among the largest stretches for kilometers through recorded since the government farmlands, geologists said agency began keeping quake Thursday. records in 1987. Dramatic pictures of the earth- President Benigno Aquino told altering power of the 7.1 reporters Thursday the institute magnitide quake have emerged. had assured him the worst was A “ground rupture” pushed up over, though Bohol would a stretch of ground by up to three continue to be hit by aftershocks meters, creating a wall of rock over the next few weeks. above the epicenter, according to Aquino also appealed to the Maria Isabel Abigania, a geologist residents to return to their homes Ground rupture. A house sits atop a huge crack that geologists call ‘lateral at the Philippine Institute of 10 days after the killer quake. spreading’ in Catigbian, Bohol, after the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu on Oct. 15. It is one of the changes volcanologists noted in the popular Volcanology and Seismology. Residents have been reluctant tourist island, including a kilometers-long rocky wall that now runs in the province. “Our people have walked five to return to their homes because kilometres so far and not found of the aftershocks as well as for the end of this wall,” she said, as fear that their houses may no experts from the institute surveyed longer be structurally safe. the damage. In its latest report, the National A photograph on the institute’s Disaster Risk Reduction and website showed part of the rock Management Council revealed wall grotesquely rising on that the number of people affected farmland behind an unscathed by the Oct. 15 earthquake has bamboo hut. now hit 631,605 families or Another house was shown equivalent to 3,158,009 people, lodged in a crack of the Earth, representing 1,494 villages in 59 while a big hole on the ground towns and six cities in six opened up at a banana farm. provinces of Central Visayas. a A boy walks away from the rubble of San Isidro de Labrador church which was caused by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake at Tubigon township, Bohol province. 12 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 The North American FILIPINO STAR PHOTO GALLERY

Gilmore College thanksgiving party souvenir photo taken on October 12, 2013. Front row: Gilmore College students huddling together like a family at the birthday party of Precy Billones Wimble Paraiso, Mayette Danao, Edna Lorenzo, Amy Manon-og. 2nd row: Edith Fedalizo, (holding a bouquet) Seated from left: Edna Lorenzo, and Zenaida Kharroubi “acting mother” of Minerva Santos, Bert Santos, Zenaida Kharroubi, Ben Bade, Sophie Toledo. Last row: Betty the group. Standing from left: Wimble Paraiso, Desiree Fernando, Juvy Solis (Gilmore dance Corpuz, Precy Billones, Sheena Dano, Gildo Manon-og, Estella Sanchez, Cheryll Salvatierra, club member) and Mayette Danao, October 20, 2013. Happy birthday, Precy! Janette de Vibar, Arlene Manalo, Rose A. Sogelio, Grace Aggabao, Marie Edna Escoto, and Julie Alarcon. Not in photo: Criselda Alzate, Wendy Gerinea and Leilane Villahermosa who came after this photo was taken.

Cheryll Salvatierra, Zenaida Khraroubi, Edna Marie Escoto (seated), Janette de Vibar, Wimble Souvenir photo of the thanksgiving party organized by Gilmore College students. Standing Paraiso, and Mayette Danao. Barong and Maria Clara costumes provided by Edith Fedalizo from left: Arlene Manalo, Mayette Danao, and Wimble Paraiso who acted as the emcee and of Panday Tinig Choral Ensemble. prepared the program with Mayette. Seated from left: Rose A. Sogelio, Grace Aggabao, Bert Santos, Miverva Santos and Zenaida Kharroubi.

Dancing “Ouch” or “Aray” folk dance choreographed by Wimble Paraiso with Mayette Danao Backyard barbecue “candle light” party - from left are: Amy Manon-og, Monica Ragacho, performed at Gilmore College International’s thanksgiving partry, October 12, 2013. Gildo Manon-og, and the host, Zeny Kharroubi.

“I-pad or I-phone” mania -what are they looking at? It must be a gimmick of some kind. Barbecue anyone? Arlene Manalo and Wimble Paraiso seem to enjoy their cooking in the Mayette, Edna, Marie and Wimble have to explain this photo taken on Oct. 13, 2013 backyard. Photo taken on October 13, 2013 at Zeny Kharroubi’s place. www.filipinostar.org 13 October 2013 The North American Filipino Star If you can read, you can also learn how to write. Register now! Call 514-485-7861 The Best Writing Workshop is: • interactive • practical • insightful • authentic • multi-cultural • rewarding • stimullating • inspiring • exciting • memorable This workshop will help you develop a personal perspective that is important in discovering your hidden or latent abilities

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EnrollEnroll inin our studiesstudies 14 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 the source of massive corruption. Deprive them of their food and they’d Is the end of the pork Indeed, a citizens’ movement for the wither away. abolition of the pork barrel system is It would not then come as a barrel near? spreading like wildfire. surprise if the members of Congress – Another EDSA? with collaboration from the executive It’s interesting to note that while the An EDSA “people power” branch – were to lobby the 15 justices October 14, 2013 | Featured, Opinion, respondents indicated that they would revolution might be welcome to the of the Supreme Court to uphold the PerryScope comply with the TRO, Speaker suffering poor. However, oligarchic constitutionality of pork barrel. It is a By Perry Diaz Belmonte raised an issue. “To abolish forces – like those behind EDSA 1 and fight not only for their livelihood but it 100 percent, to reform it, to do EDSA 2 — usually lead this kind of also to save their political lives. In other The Philippine Supreme Court, anything with it, it is my position that revolution, which is actually anti- words, it’s all about self-preservation. in a move that caught administration it’s a political question which under our revolutionary intended to preserve the End game officials by surprise, issued a system of government belongs to temporary restraining order (TRO) last Congress,” he told the media. September 10 stopping further Unconstitutional provisions releases of funds from the Priority But Senior Associate Justice Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) Antonio Carpio seems to support the and the President’s Social Fund (PSF). petitioners’ arguments. During the Also covered in the TRO are releases hearing for the oral arguments on the from the Malampaya Fund, which petitions last October 8, he said that President Benigno Aquino III had used the PDAF “on its face is in projects that had nothing to do with unconstitutional” because the “financing energy resource President cannot share the power to

oligarchy, albeit with a new set of players. But the people are now tired of DBM Secretary Florencio Abad and “people power” revolutions where President Benigno Aquino “change” is nothing more than re- President Aquino is now at the invented slogans and recycled trapos crossroads of his presidency. Would (traditional politicians). he heed the wishes of his “boss,” the It is therefore in this context people, or would he pander to the that a “judicial interference” is, corrupt political establishment? It imperatively, the only instrument for shouldn’t be a hard choice to make; real change. This is because the however, there were times when executive and legislative branches of “political expediency” had taken government have abdicated from their precedence over good governance. development and exploitation utilize public funds with the legislative core responsibility of implementing And by the looks of it, Aquino seems programs and projects of the branch. He said that the power to laws that are consistent with not only like he is bent on maintaining the government” as required by law. utilize public funds lies solely with the the letter of the law but, more status quo, with some “reforms” to The TRO was in response to President; therefore, any power- importantly, the spirit of the law. And keep everybody happy… except the three citizens’ petitions that asked the what a better time to do it than now! people. court to declare as unconstitutional the Speaker Belmonte can Last October 14, the House of lump sum allocations under the PDAF continue to argue that the abolition of Representatives announced that the and the PSF, and the misuse of the pork barrel is the prerogative of P27-billion PDAF would be scrapped Malampaya Fund. The petitioners are Congress and that the Supreme Court from the proposed P2.268-trillion former senatorial candidates Greco should stay out of congressional national budget for 2014. But the PDAF Belgica and Samson Alcantara, and business. But how can the high and PSF (President’s Social Fund) are former Marinduque Board Member magistracy of the land stay out of it just small portions of the President’s Pedrito Nepomuceno. when there are – right now! — three P450-billion Special Purpose Funds The respondents include valid petitions filed before it? Simply (SPF). If you add the SPF, the Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” put, the Supreme Court may not have Unprogrammed Funds, and the Funds Ochoa, Department of Budget and any alternative but to rule on the Under the President’s Control, you’re Management (DBM) Secretary constitutionality of the pork barrel looking at a huge pork barrel totaling Florencio “Butch” Abad, Senate Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio system. After all, its job – and solemn P1.33 trillion! Does it seem like President Franklin Drilon, and House duty – is to make sure that any law Aquino’s allies in the House are of Representatives Speaker Feliciano sharing is unconstitutional. He said enacted by Congress, if challenged, sacrificing the tiny PDAF to preserve Belmonte. that the PDAF is “riddled with must be within the purview of the the obscenely humongous presidential unconstitutionality.” Constitution. pork barrel? However, Malacañang Mockery of the Constitution Carpio also said that while the To avoid the death knell for the insists that these are not pork barrel. In his petition, Alcantara said: Constitution allowed the President to pork barrel system, Congress must act What is it then? “The pork barrel system allows the realign savings, he couldn’t delegate to reform it and to institute controls to Ultimately, the people will be the final perversion of taxation by providing that authority to Cabinet secretaries. prevent anyone – particularly the arbiter, which brings to mind the opportunities for the members thereof Carpio also said that another lawmakers – from raiding the people’s question: Is the end of pork barrel near to gorge themselves in funds collected unconstitutional provision is the power treasury. But wouldn’t this be akin to or is it here to stay? A wise man once pursuant to tax legislation they have given to Congress to concur with the the Mafia policing itself to prevent the said, “The more things change, the enacted purportedly for the public realignment of funds, and the privilege Mafiosi from committing crimes? For more they stay the same.” Yes, indeed. good.” given to lawmakers to identify their this reason, the only branch of ([email protected]) He called the pork barrel projects. He said that these provisions government that can institute real system a “mockery” of the circumvent the “power of the President reforms to the pork barrel system and constitutional mandate on to veto.” “It violates the right of the Advertise your business avoid its abolition is the Judiciary. “accountability, honesty and integrity President to veto projects. It destroys in the North American In reforming the pork barrel of public officers.” He said that the the check and balance when it comes Filipino Star system, the high court should be President could end up “controlling” to the executive and legislative cognizant that lawmakers thrive on and on the lawmakers because the system branches of government,” he said. pork barrel. Indeed, pork barrel is to Mabuhay Montreal TV allowed him to release or withhold the There is a groundswell of Philippine lawmakers as ambrosia was funds, which is in violation of the support for the abolition of the pork To be on the air soon! to the Greek gods. It’s their food. constitutional separation of powers. barrel system, which many believe is www.filipinostar.org October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 15

ngredients : and nutmeg. In Thailand, such culinary Philippine Cuisine riches were still new and terribly 1 lb. ground pork expensive. Thais gave this special 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots chicken and rice recipe its name based and 1 cup (6 slices) finely chopped on the rulers of Sumatra, who were (sweet or cooked) ham sultans and could afford such luxuries. 3 tbsp. minced green bell pepper The recipe is extremely delicious! - I Favorite Food 3 tbsp. minced red bell pepper like to describe it as a cross between 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish Thai chicken & rice and a Spanish Compiled by Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi 1/4 cup raisins Paella. Try it - you'll absolutely love it! 3 whole eggs Prep Time: 10 minutes 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese Cook Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes dash of liquid seasoning Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes salt & pepper, to taste Ingredients: Embutido (Pork Meat Loaf) 1 tbsp. cornstarch slices (wedges) of hard-cooked eggs SERVES 2 (see recipe) 4 chicken drumsticks, OR 1/2 slices (wedges) of Vienna sausage chicken chopped into pieces aluminum foil, 10? x 12? sizes 2 cups rice 3 1/2 cups good-quality chicken (Cooking Measurements) stock 1 tsp. saffron threads Cooking Procedures : 1/4 tsp. turmeric 1/2 to 1 tsp. cayenne pepper (more Prepare a steamer and set aside. or less according to how spicy you Alternatively, prepare a baking pan and want it) a wire rack and preheat oven to 350°F. 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice In a bowl, combine all the 3-4 Tbsp. fish sauce (or more to ingredients and mix until well blended. taste) Divide the mixture into 2 to 4 portions pinch of nutmeg (depending on how many you want to 1/4 tsp. cinnamon make). 1 small sweet red and yellow bell Spread and flatten the mixture onto peppers, cut into thin strips (or use the center of each foil, divide the slices sweet baby peppers) of hard cook eggs and Vienna 2 medium tomatoes, diced sausages. Place each slices at the 1/2 cup fresh coriander, lightly center of each mixture. Hold the foil chopped, OR a mixture of fresh onto your hand and roll until the ends coriander and basil of the mixture covers the eggs and 2 spring (green) onions, sliced sausages. Alternatively, by holding wedges of fresh lemon or lime to BUSINESS HOURS each ends of the foil, roll the mixture garnish back and forth until it covers the slices Mon. Tue. Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. of eggs and sausages in the center. Preparation: Thu. Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Finally, roll the aluminum foil into a Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. tightly packed log about 1? to 2? in Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sunday Closed diameter, sealing on both ends. Repeat Measure out 1 cup of chicken stock. with the remaining pork mixture. Add the turmeric and saffron, stirring Picnic Ham w/bone Beef Place the embutido in a steamer and with a fork to dissolve the turmeric. Pork loin Blade steak steam for an hour. Alternatively, if you Place chicken in a [covered] casserole Approximately 99 .69 don’t have a steamer: place embutido dish, and pour over this flavored stock. 15 lbs . lb 2 lb in a wire rack on a baking pan, half Cover and set in the oven to bake 30- 4 filled with hot water. Cover with 35 minutes, or until chicken is nearly .00 aluminum foil (Be sure the steam will cooked. Turn the chicken pieces in the 3 lb Boneless Pork Bone-in shoulder chops shoulder - $2.89 lb 3.19 lb not escape). Steam-bake in the center stock, ensuring all sides are of the oven for an hour. permeated with the bright saffron Half or Whole pork Fresh Pork Leg Home smoked Cut & Wrapped Let it cool and slice into rings. Serve color/flavor. meat with your favorite catsup or sauces. Drain off the saffron-flavored stock .89 Refrigerate unused embutido. ino a glass measuring cup (You will use 2 lb .49 29 lb 8 lb this to cook the rice). Cover the 2. Beef casserole dish to keep chicken hot. To the stock, add the cayenne short ribs Regular smoked .99 bacon pepper, lemon juice, 3 Tbsp. fish Fresh Pork Belly 7 lb sauce, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir well. with skin Ground Beef 99 . lb Now add more chicken stock until 5 you have a total of 3 1/2 cups. Pour this 50 49 . lb . Ground Pork over the chicken in the casserole dish. 4 4 lb Now add the rice and vegetables, Over 20 lbs 4.29 lb Special 2.59/lb stirring everything together. Cover and set in the oven to bake until rice is

St.Chrysostome St. Remi St. Edouard cooked (45 min. to 1 hour). Frozen pork blood Taste-test the rice (it should taste Napierville Fresh liver Sherrington Barrington flavorful, spicy, and slightly tangy from Pork skin 203 219 202 Lacolle Chicken Saffron Rice ("Khao the lemon juice). Add more fish sauce Hemmingford Jackso Sortie Havelock n Road Exit No.6 Suratan" - Rice of the Sultans) if not salty or flavorful enough. Goat Canada Parc To serve, portion out generous 219 Safari Class 15 Available Covey Hill Road amounts of rice, chicken, and on order Boucherie Viau Inc. U. S. A. This Thai chicken saffron rice recipe, vegetables onto serving plates or Malone called "Rice of the Sultans", is flavored bowls. Finish each serving with a Moders Champlain with spices not usually thought of as sprinkling of fresh coriander/basil and 83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0 Thai. Many centuries ago, traders from spring onion, plus wedges of fresh Tel.: (450) 247- 2130 or (450) 247- 3561 Indonesia brought exotic spices to lemon or lime, if desired. ENJOY! Thailand such as saffron, cinnamon, www.filipinostar.org 16 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 FILIPINO STAR S H O W B I Z G O S S I P Pio: The passion for music and nationalism by Giselle Sanchez apl.de.ap.) nating mautusan, ayaw na rin Pio, for his part, will never nating mag-trabaho. Sinulat ko po forget the words of wisdom Miss ang ‘Batugan’ bilang pamulat ng Carbon shared with him: “Sabi po mata. Marami sa ating Pilipino kasi niya napaka-importante na ang taas ng pangarap pero ayaw magpaka-tototoo dahil ’yan lang kumilos. Gusto nilang manalo sa ang paraan para magtagal ka sa lotto, pero ayaw pumila. Taas ng ginagawa mo.” panagarap pero ’di kayang gawin Taking her words to heart, Pio ang maliit na bagay para sa wrote “Batugan,” a song that malaking pangarap nila.”

A rap artist with the boyish looks of of emotion and passion for music Bamboo and the tongue of Gloc-9 baring his soul to me. After was a guest on my TV show listening to the five songs in his “Karaokray.” His name is Pio (full album, I begin to think that this name Pio Balbuena), and we might street smart kid will go a long way. have just witnessed the birth of a Albeit a new Viva rap artist and rising star. songwriter, Pio collaborated with The reception he got when we taped at the Philippine Women’s University was, in fact, nothing Pio (center) with fellow pinoy rappers Mike Kosa (left) and Ayee Man short of surprising. However, beyond the screams of the college sheds light on how Filipinos have Like his other songs, “Batugan” teens in PWU during his high dreams and aspirations but is one that also truly resonated with performance, I found myself are sometimes too lazy to do me. moved with the lyrics to one of his anything about it. It has proven “Kung tatamaan ka kaibigan songs. Written from the point of quite a hit among his young ko pasintabi, batugan o tamad ’yan view of a grieving wife, it flows like listeners. ba iyong ugali? Papaalala ko lang an ode to her husband that died in the Mindanao war. “Ikaw umalis sa amin nakatayo pa, dumating ka bakit nakahiga na, nakabalot sa kumot na puti, damang-dama ko ang sakit at hapdi…” Those are deep lyrics from the mind of a 19-year-old that has not even gone to college because, like no less than Asin’s Lolita Carbon, many, his family has fallen on hard whose folk song “Himig Ng Pag- times. Perhaps this is why his rap ibig” helped give honor to the album is entitled “Dukha.” unsung hero at the heart of his “Dalawa lang kami ni Mama. song. Apparently, the folk-rock icon Wala siyang trabaho pero initially had second thoughts about napagtapos niya ako ng high letting Viva use her song, which school,” he revealed. “Iba’t-ibang she considers “sacred,” for diskarte ginagawa niya para may another artist. However, when the pang-gastos kami araw-araw. Asin’s lead singer heard Pio’s lyrics I asked him if he believes that nasa huli ang pagsisisi” Nagmamasahe siya, minsan that paid homage to the Filipino the Filipino is a natural Juan Tamad I strongly recommend Pio’s may mga illegal din siyang soldier, she not only consented to and he replied, “Hindi po. Wala brilliant CD, “Dukha,” which teems ginagawa para mabuhay lang the use of her song, she also lang kumakalabit sa kanila. Pero with a sense of nationalism and kami. Pero nang magkaroon ako volunteered to sing it and masipag ang Pilipino. Sa tingin ko messages that can inspire people. ng trabaho sa pagsusulat ng kanta collaborate with Pio to create the dahil inalipin tayo masyado, mula You can also check Pio out on TV at sa pagra-rap, nakatulong na ako new masterpiece! (FYI, the one sa panahon ng Kastila hanggang as he is a part of the new program sa kanya para mai-ayos namin ang and only collaboration that Miss sa panahon ni Marcos. Kaya entitled “Rap Sessions” on Viva, aming buhay kahit papaano.” Here Lolita Carbon agreed to prior was ngayong tayo na ang amo, ngayon the Home of the Stars cable was a teary-eyed teen-ager so full with The Black Eyed Peas’ tayo naman ’yung hari, ayaw na channel. (also available on Youtube) a www.filipinostar.org October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 17 MissMiss WorldWorld MeganMegan YoungYoung backback inin ManilaManila

Newly-crowned Miss World Megan Young arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Thursday Oct. 14 The Philippines’ first Miss airport, with the coveted sapphire- Wearing her crown and sash, “It’s an amazing feeling,” Young World Winner, Megan Young, arrived laden crown on her head. Young arrived around 4:20 p.m. on managed to say before shedding in the country to adoring fans Young, 23, bested 126 other Cathay Pacific flight CX 919 from tears of joy. “It’s an overwhelming Thursday afternoon at the Ninoy international delegates in the 2013 Hong Kong and was greeted by feeling, how warm I was met here in Aquino International Airport – 10 days Miss World pageant held in Bali, hundreds of staff of the Manila the Philippines.” after her triumphant quest for the Indonesia, last September 28. After International Airport Authority. “These are tears of joy. I’m just elusive “blue crown.” her coronation, the organizers flew Speaking before the media, really happy to be home and just On board a Cathay Pacific flight her to London where the pageant is Young could not hold back tears of joy really happy to see everyone,” she from London, Young waved to her based, for a series of official as she said she was “overwhelmed” said. a supporters upon her arrival at the appearances. by the reception of the Filipino people. WowowillieWowowillie bidsbids goodbyegoodbye nagsimula ang isang programa— ang aming obligasyon, ‘yan po ang nagmula sa tanghalian, naging aming kaligayahan—ang magbigay gabihan. Alam n’yo nine years n’yo kasiyahan sa inyong lahat.” na akong kasama sa pananghalian, He alsop thanked everyone, naging sa gabihan, bumalik sa starting with TV5’s former and tanghalian," Willie said. current executives: Manny V. He said that during the airing of Pangilinan, Noel Lorenzana, Rey the gameshow, all he wanted was to Espinosa who he said convinced give the people hope. him to be a TV5 talent. After a short speech, the staff of He also thanked the people the show reminisced how everything working behind and in front of the started since they moved in TV5. camera for “Wowowillie,” and even An video showing the evolution mentioned its former hosts Ethel of the game show from Willing Willie Booba and Ate Gay, whom he once to Wil Time Bigtime and to had a rift. Wowowillie. “Ako po ‘yong taong hindi After the presentation, Willie nagtatanim ng galit kahit kanino. performed live some of his singles Ako po ‘yong taong wala sa akin like “Ikaw na Nga” and “I Love You,” ‘yong hatred, bitterness, wala po sa which made everyone in the studio akin ‘yon,” he added. emotional. Willie, meamwhile, did not Then he called onstage all the mention why Wowowillie is going off hosts, dancers, and staff of air despite its good ratings. “Wowowillie.” This time he shared “Mawawala po kami dahil sa his sentiments about being a host. aming paningin, e, masyadong Willie Revillame's message to his fans: "Wala ho ako dito kung hindi dahil sa inyong “Hindi po biro ang mag-show mahal kami, pero hindi po totoo lahat." araw-araw kahit wala ka sa mood, ‘yon—mahal namin kayo, ‘yon po "Ito na ang huling araw natin na of ABS-CBN. His show aired in the may sakit ka, kailangan mong ang importante,” he sad. magkasama!" Kapatid network for three years. ngumiti. May namatay, may sakit Willie also hinted that the game This was Willie Revillame's “Ilang minuto na lang po, hindi ang anak mo, may sakit ang show may still air in the future again, farewell message to the thousands muna tayo magkikita-kita,” he pamilya, may sakit ang staff mo, although he jokingly said he has yet of people watching Wowowillie for started. “Marami kaming hindi po biro sa amin ‘yon dito sa to get offers. the last time both in the studio and in pinagdaanan bago po mabuo ang Wowowillie. “Kapag may kumausap, pag- their homes. programang Willing Willie, “Kailangan paglabas namin iisipan," he said. a Willie moved to TV5 in 2010 after Wowowillie, Wil Time Big Time. sumisigaw ka, nakangiti ka kahit he had issues with the management “October 23 (2010) po nagdurugo ang puso mo. ‘Yan po More Showbiz Gossip www.filipinostar.org p.18 18 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.17 Robin calls for unity among Freddie Aguilar ready to ‘suffer’ Filipinos consequences of love affair with presence felt among evacuees, most of whom are Muslims. minor The actor said he is saddened After being sued for “loving” a over what he saw, relating to ABS- minor, Freddie Aguilar said he was CBN News on Monday that, ready to face the music and “suffer” “Dapat nasa rehabilitation stage the consequences of his actions. na tayo, dapat tapos na tayo sa The 60-year-old folk singer was charged Thursday afternoon with relief.” qualified seduction by a member of the Padilla called for unity, Integrated Bar of the Philippines before insisting that differing religions the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. should not even be an issue. Aguilar and his 16-year-old “Hindi dapat sinasali ang girlfriend have been drawing criticisms relihiyon dito,” he said. “Hindi ako from the Church, the social media, and maniniwala kung sasabihin various sectors of the society since ninyong Kristyano kayo, o Muslim they made public the “love they shared.” Freddie Aguilar kayo, tapos nagbabanta kayo ng Although he regarded the law as girlfriend lamented: “Why is this giyera. Dahil walang galit sa ano “stricter than Martial Law,” Aguilar said happening? Why are the bashers mang relihiyon ito.” he was willing to part ways with his calling the person who loves me and Robin Padilla is also known to some by Padilla converted to Islam underage girlfriend because, still, “no protects me ‘Dirty Old Man,’ and his Muslim name, Abdul Aziz following his incarceration some one is above the law.” ‘Cradle Snatcher’?” Robin Padilla is urging for years ago due to illegal “Kung iyan ang akda ng batas, The “Anak” singer defended that speedier resolution concerning possession of firearms. wala po kaming magagawa. Magtitiis the parents of his girlfriend gave him the situation in Zamboanga where He has been quite vocal in his po kami hanggang tumungtong siya sa their blessing and even told the tamang edad. Pero syempre magsu- Department of Social Welfare and recent clashes between the effort to uplift his Muslim brethren suffer po kaming dalawa kasi Development in its visit to the parents’ government and members of the that led him to sojourn in faraway paglalayuin kami [If that’s what the law house that they have nothing against Moro National Liberation Front Basilan and Jolo. says then we cannot do anything about their daughter’s relationship with (MNLF) have led to the Prior, Padilla has put up a it. We will wait until she reaches the Aguilar. displacement of thousands of school for Muslim children called legal age. But of course, we will suffer Aguilar also said the parties, even Filipinos. Liwanag ng Kapayapaan (light of because we will be separated],” he his family, approve of their much- Padilla visited Zamboanga City peace) in Fairview, Quezon City. a said in a radio interview. debated relationship. over the weekend to make his According to Aguilar, his girlfriend, “When two people, one being who will turn 17 this November 29, also older than his partner, love each other, wanted to take their relationship to the and they have the consent of their next level and tie the knot once she families, do people have a right to reaches 18. meddle with them?” he said. a He said his Mindoro-native Maegan Aguilar defends her dad siblings) have no problem with their “Tatay dating,” saying, “desisyon nilang dalawa yun-walang nagpilit sa kanila na maging sila…” In the end, she asked, “SO ANONG PROBLEMA NIYO? Kasi INAMIN NI TATAY? anung masama dun? Anung masama kung nagpakatotoo siya? Sige nga!”

Freddie’s girl

Meanwhile, Freddie’s girlfriend has Maegan Aguilar also finally reacted to the negative comments being hurled against him. Maegan Aguilar, daughter of “Oo, masakit, pero wala ’kong legendary musician Freddie Aguilar, magagawa eh, ganun ’yung utak nung has taken to social media to lash out ibang tao,” she said in an interview with against her father’s detractors. Super Radyo DZBB. Earlier this week, the 60-year-old “Basta ang alam ko mahal ko si “Anak” singer admitted that he is in a Freddie.” relationship with a 16-year-old girl, She explained, “Kinalimutan ko na raising a few eyebrows – particularly of nga ’yung pagiging 16 kasi, nandito na netizens – in the process. ’ko sa time na…hindi ko na kailangan “Mahigit na sa isang dekadang ’yung maraming kaibigan.” hiwalay si Tatay sa Nanay namin… 6 She also confirmed that she and kaming magkakapatid at sa tingin ko’y Freddie have her parents’ consent, wala siyang naging pagkukulang narrating, “Sabi nung nanay ko ‘Oh bilang AMA sa amin,” Maeagan wrote sige, kung dun ka masaya, edi on her official Facebook account on susuportahan ka namin,’ tapos ’yun Thursday, Oct. 17. sinabi din nila na ‘Pero mag-ingat She continued, pointing out, ka…’” “Lumaki kaming ‘independent’ and On what she liked about Freddie, absolutely FREE FROM THE she simply said, “Maalaga, ganun. SHACKLES OF SOCIETY. None of us Tapos ang maganda dun, ’yung mga are LIARS or CORRUPT like most pagkakamali ko, kino-correct niya people around us.” Maegan added that they (with her palagi.” a October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 19 Rhian brings joy to kids with Echo: Second choice? so illness on her birthday what? Montero, and the cast and crew of her sci-fi drama series “Genesis.” Rhian recounted that she and KC were parking on the side of the road when she noticed the “Genesis” team, along with director Joyce Bernal, holding a birthday cake for her. Then they took her to a karaoke bar for a nightlong singing session. Prior to that, though, Rhian already got an early birthday gift of sorts. She and Marian Rivera, the girlfriend of her leading man Dingdong Dantes, finally got the Marian Rivera and Rhian Ramos chance to talk at the birthday party for GMA showbiz reporter Aubrey With hopes of making her 23rd Caramper’s child. birthday celebration more This encounter finally ended the meaningful, Rhian Ramos opted to rumors of bad blood between the two ladies. hold her party at the Philippine Jericho Rosales Children’s Medical Center in Admitting that they’ve never had Quezon City. a chance to talk before despite Jericho Rosales has no creative vision are all there is to This is the third time she has spent working in the same TV network, problem in accepting roles that landing roles. More, he believes her birthday in the company of the Rhian said Marian took the initiative were first offered to others. it’s all up to divine design. patients of the said hospital. to approach her. “It doesn’t matter kung ano (or “God is controlling the “Kasi they’re kids. Gusto kong “Sabi namin, ‘Okay, wala ‘di ba?’ sino) ’yung pinalitan mo, kung situation. ‘Okay, that’s it. I have ‘Wala!’ Picture tayo para alam nilang maramdaman nila na bata sila at may pinalitan ka ba or ikaw ’yung plans for this project. Let’s put this lahat na happy,’” she shared of their nage-enjoy sila. Dapat talaga sa ipinalit. If it’s fit for you, it’s fit for guy.’” conversation. kanila ‘yung nae-enjoy nila, may you. It has happened to me so Year ago, Echo had to beg off party, so sana ‘yun ‘yung ma-feel On Instagram, she posted photo many times,” said the award- from playing one of the lead roles nila,” she said in a report aired on of them with that caption that read: winning actor in an interview with in “Dekada ’70” in favor of the the “Chika Minute” segment of “24 “Finally got a chance to chat over Oras Weekend.” some ice cream at #AmbyTurns1 Bulletin Entertainment. soap “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.” She may have put the needs of =)” The statement was prompted “But look what happened to others before hers on her special After that, she started following by rumors that he replaced Paulo Piolo. He won best actor (for day, but Rhian has already been Marian on Instagram. a Avelino on an upcoming teleserye. ‘Dekada’). (On my end), ’yung treated to a surprise birthday party Jericho (or Echo to some of ‘Pangako Sa ’Yo was shown in courtesy of her boyfriend, KC his friends) thinks timing and different countries…” a Enchong denies rumored sex video

Kapamilya star Enchong Dee “To the person na affected sa denied that he is the subject of a yet to ganito, I don’t know him personally be released video scandal. pero pasensiya na,” he said. Earlier this month, Enchong was “And at the same time, sa mga rumored to have a sex video with gay taong naglalabas, hindi ko akalain na online celebrity Sebastian Castro. ganun kababa ang tingin ninyo sa Both Enchong and Sebastian akin,” Enchong added. already reacted to the news separately The Kapamilya actor has been the via their accounts on the subject of rumors speculating about microblogging site Twitter. his sexuality in the past. But Enchong “Astig, may video scandal pala said he doesn’t mind. ako?? Paki post naman para mapakita “I’m not really offended or I’m not ko sa magulang ko habang nasa really worried about it,” he said. “Ang bakasyon kami…bilis ang daming tagal-tagal ko na dito, bakit puro naghahantay,” the 24-year-old actor ganun lang?” tweeted on Oct. 3. The actor added he doesn’t see Speaking to the press during ABS- the need to prove anything to anyone. CBN’s announcement of the “I’m not the kind of guy na upcoming Richard Gomez-Dawn manggagamit ng tao para Zulueta soap opera “You’re My Home” mapatunayan ko sa kanila kung sino on Thursday, Oct. 16, Enchong said ako.” he was not offended that he was Enchong is part of the upcoming rumored to have a sex video. family drama “You’re My Home.” The He added that he’s giving the show serves as a reunion of sorts for people claiming he has a sex video a Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta, chance to show the scandal becauseMore Showbiz Gossip who starred in the 2012 soap opera “whatever it is, I’m not scaredMore na Showbiz Gossip “Walang Hanggan.” lalabas siya because I’m not the kind p.22 “You’re My Home,” which will also of person who does that.” Enchong Dee: 'I’m not the kind of guy na manggagamit ng tao para mapatunayan ko star Shaina Magdayao and Iza He also said, “As far as I can sa kanila kung sino ako.' Calzado, among others, is slated to remember, ang scandal is something premiere first quarter of 2014. a you’re not proud of. So sabi ko, ‘Wala Nothing to prove became an online celebrity thanks to naman akong naaalalang ginawa ko his Youtube music video “Bubble,” na I’m not proud of’.” Enchong explained he does not also denied the issue on his Twitter know who Castro is. Castro, who account. www.filipinostar.org 20 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 this secularism. These positions show meet a lot of people." Perez vows to eliminate a willingness to define secularism that is rigid and selective. Nobody should During his first term as a city councilor, corruption if elected be forced to make a choice between Perez was the president of the by W. G. Quiambao Law of the University of Montreal. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Councilor Lionel Perez, a familiar figure Political Science. in the Filipino community, is running for re-election in the district of Prior to his political career, Perez was a Darlington next month. successful businessman and a corporate lawyer and a co-founder of ”I’d like to continue serving the the Canadian legal document filing residents of Darlington, “said Perez. service company "It's a multi ethnic and multicultural CorporationCanada.ca.

His first entry in politics was in 2009. "I've been involved in community organizations, whether in schools, local food banks and social services," said Perez. "Then I was offered to increase my involvement to contribute to society. Obviously, the Filipino community is a large part of our borough. I was able to learn about the Filipinos' rich culture and heritage. It's Lionel Perez posing with Rosemer Enverga and Senator Tobias a pleasure meeting a lot of friends from Enverga during the Pista sa Nayon festival this year. different Filipino organizations like FAMAS and the Council of Canadian- being elected official and wearing a Examination Commission and he had Filipino Associations of Quebec." religious symbol on the job." drafted report of 24 recommendations to improve the process of awarding the Perez can boast of his On Nov 2012, he was elected by contracts and combating corruption accomplishments during his first term. acclamation as Borough Mayor of and collusion. "I've done improvements of the street Cote-des-Neiges, Notre-Dame-de- to have safety for children and seniors, Grace, following the election of "Corruption is everywhere," said the street bumps on different signs, Michael Applebaum as city of Montreal Perez. "I got elected after these Lionel Perez condition of dwellings," said Perez. "I mayor. corruptions and collusion happened. CDN Borough Mayor was able to hire an inspector to force I'm a lawyer, a businessman, have a the landlords to improve the dwelling This coming election in November, wife and four children, and grew up in district. I’ve fought for the interest of conditions." Perez is running as councilor with this wonderful city. If elected, I'll the residents and I’ll continue to do Team Denis Coderre who is supported eliminate corruption and collusion. I'll so.” Perez, who wears a kippa, a Jewish by Irwin Cotler. "Coderre is an honest make sure that every measure taken skullcap - while serving as an interim man" Perez said. "He defends Canada" is clear and fair so there's no taking Perez holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) law Borough Mayor, spoke of Quebec's advantage of the system." degree from Osgoode Hall Law of religious garb debate issues. "What According to Perez, the team is not School in Toronto and a Bachelor of should concern us is vision and how using posters for environmental issue. Civil Law (B.C.L.) from the Faculty of the government wants to implement "We're campaigning door-to-door to and aches and pains. Although stuffy a cold unless a bacterial infection Federal government program Cold and flu 101 – your guide to nose, sneezing and sore throat can develops. Antiviral medications may be helps entrepreneurs find knowing the difference occur with both illnesses - these helpful in reducing the duration of your symptoms are more common in colds. flu, but they must be taken within 48 financing NC) Many people confuse the There are a variety of hours of developing symptoms. 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The touches an infected surface and then program is available for the purchase or touches their nose, mouth or eyes. This improvement of equipment, including is the reason why these illnesses are most easily spread in crowded business vehicles, and for renovations to prescription and non-prescription conditions such as schools or the leased property by a tenant. Loans for medications that are useful for relieving For more information on cold workplace. that purpose are capped at $350,000. symptoms and for controlling pain. and flu prevention, and to find out But the flu and a common cold Loans of up to $500,000, however, are Consult your pharmacist or healthcare which Target pharmacies are offering usually have different symptoms, and are available for the purchase or professional to determine which the flu shot, please visit Target.ca. associated with different complications. improvement of commercial properties. medication is the right one for you. “Influenza is associated with To apply, you must present your Antibiotics are not effective for the flu or www.newscanada.com business proposal directly to a chartered more serious complications when bank, credit union, or caisse populaire. compared with the common cold,” says Nursing Aide/PAB Your financial institution is responsible for Bowen Chen, Target Pharmacist. “It can approving the loan. To find a lead to pneumonia or respiratory failure PDSB Course participating commercial lender near and can potentially be life threatening, so you, consult the map of financial it has to be taken very seriously – this is Offered by institutions on the Industry Canada especially relevant in at-risk populations website at www.ic.gc.ca/csbfp, or call such as the elderly or very young children.” Gilmore College toll-free 1-866-959-1699. Register now www.newscanada.com In terms of symptoms, the flu is usually associated with a high fever, headaches, Call 514--485-7861 October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 21 your go-to varietal on a normal butter, French Chardonnays are "wine on a budget" party, selecting weeknight, are impossible to answer marked by tart fruits, like green apples several bottles under $10. It's also fun until you've tasted hundreds of and lime. to explore one grape, in depth. Pinot different wines. Noir, for example, is particularly When Pinot Noir comes from warmer expressive -- so it's fun to explore the If you prefer white wine, do you seek regions of California, like Napa Valley differences between classic bottlings ones that are crisp and light, like and Carneros, it presents aromatics of from Napa, Sonoma, Oregon, and Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre? Or sweet fruits, like black cherries. In the Burgundy. do you prefer whites that are buttery French region of Burgundy, Pinot Noir and ripe, like California Chardonnay? If generally offers aromas of tart cherries Once wine becomes a passion, those you prefer red, do you seek out big, and earth. baffling tasting notes make sense. muscular wines, like Napa Valley Hard-to-pronounce regions across Cabernet Sauvignon? Or the more Syrah can offer a stunning contrast. Europe become easier to remember. restrained profile of Pinot Noir from Many California winemakers utilize the Those flaws that sommeliers can spot Burgundy? grape to produce fruit bombs -- think become obvious. But only if you've gobs of ripe blackberries and licorice. tasted enough wine. So start drinking. Tasting can be as simple as visiting French Syrah is typically more the local wine shop or attending a restrained, marked by blueberries, David White is the founder and editor food and wine festival. Getting meat, and pepper. of Terroirist.com, which was named Intimidated by wine? together with friends and asking each "Best Overall Wine Blog" at the 2013 person to bring something different is Looking for differences between Wine Blog Awards. His columns are Start drinking. another way to taste several wines at similar wines is extremely educational. housed at Palate Press: The Online By David White once. And when the paper bag comes off Wine Magazine. each bottle, it's exciting to see Intimidated by wine? You're not One of my favorite tastings is a bit whether or not you correctly deduced Do you want to have a alone. more formal. I select four varietals -- the origin of each. more effective generally Sauvignon Blanc, advertising campaign? Consider the prototypical wine Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah -- Most showdowns have a winner. But connoisseur -- swirling his glass, and open two bottles of each, one with wine, neither France nor the sniffing his wine, and blabbering on from California and one from France. United States makes "better" wine. My Find out more about our about some French chateau. He's preferences shift all the time. three-media package insufferable The stereotype tells us that American deals. Contact our TV wines are fruitier than their French This is just one model for a tasting, of Sales - [email protected] Or consider a representative tasting counterparts. While one can find wines course. One can just as easily host a note. Wine Spectator recently praised that debunk this stereotype, it's based a wine for offering notes of "creamy in truth. So I purposefully seek out boysenberry, plum skin and cassis . . wines that fit the stereotype. And I . [along with] hints of mesquite and serve everything blind, pouring the grilled herbs." They're bewildering. wines from paper bags to mask where they're from. Add to that the number of wine regions, grape varieties, and Recognizing the differences should be production methods that oenophiles obvious, even to novices. can easily rattle off, and it's no wonder why so many people find The aromatics of California Sauvignon wine so daunting. Blanc are intense, typically reminiscent of fresh-cut grass and grapefruit. Keep your chin up. Wine might be French Sauvignon Blanc, especially complex, but at the end of the day, from Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé, it's just fermented grape juice. And presents more subtle aromatics, like the best way to learn about wine is to chalk and white flowers. drink it. Chardonnay provides a similar 1265 O”Brien, V.St-Laurent, Mtl, H4L 2W1 - Tel.: 514-747-3533 For budding wine enthusiasts, the contrast. While California Chardonnays Opens: Tuesday to Friday 9 hr to 18:00 hr / Saturday 9 hr to 17:00 hr importance of tasting is impossible to are characterized by tropical fruits and Closed Sunday and Monday overstate. Even simple questions, like The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads ADVERTISING CLEANERS CONSTRUCTION LANGUAGES Classified ads - Renovations, Bricks, Cement English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Office cleaners for West Island, car Filipino (Tagalog) cheapest way to needed, work Mon-Fri after 6 pm RBQ No. 5663-2417-01 Beginners, Intermediate, Advance Michael call 514-624-3437 JDT CONSTRUCTION, INC. Toefel Preparation, Small groups or advertise! Insured & Certified Contractor semi-private courses, Send your text to COMPUTERS 10 years experience Call 514-485-7861 [email protected] Free Estimate NURSING AIDE Classified ads must be prepaid. Keyboarding (Touch Typing) Jonathan - 514-994-8805 First 3 lines = $10 45 hours - $225, Computer PAB/PSW Additional lines - $2 per line Literacy - 9 h - $90 (tax incl.) LAUNDROMAT Course taught by professional Heading counted as 2 lines. Hands-on training, Tax credits registered nurses, highly qualified small groups, tax deductible fees PALABAHANG PILIPINO Weekends 8-4, Starting soon ART OF DRIVING LMKD Buanderie et Nettoyeur Call 514-485-7861 to register Art de Conduire DRIVING 5865 Decarie Boulevard Certified Driving School (Between Bourret & Van Horne) WANTED ASST. 514-419-8280 Cell: 514-815-2873 Licensed driving instructor Open 7 days Company in Montreal is looking for a F/T [email protected] Complete driving course, 24 hrs Drop off laundry service admin assistant. Candidate should be 4755 av. Van Horne Suite 106 theory & 15 hrs road practice, $25/h. Call Meriam or Lacson fluent in English. Employee must have (Plamondon Metro) Exam car available. Tel. 514-777-9743 strong communication and computer Mr. Reza, Certified Instructor Jason 514-691-1816. skills. Starting salary TBD. Please email your CV to [email protected] www.filipinostar.org 22 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.19 A game close to Judy Ann’s Angelica bids John Lloyd goodbye during killer quake heart By Jerry Donato

Judy Ann Santos, the host of ABS-CBN’s Bet On Your Baby: The kids will just play, while the parents will figure out if their children can do the challenge.

“It’s very fun for the kids and at and smell the roses — and the the same time very educational.” child-like spirit to momentarily forget Angelica Panganiban That’s Judy Ann Santos speaking their daily cares and give themselves Almost a week after experiencing first- die, that she immediately got in touch about her latest Kapamilya TV show their well-deserved “Me” Day. This hand the magnitude 7.2 quake that hit with her mom and her boyfriend John titled Bet On Your Baby, which will breather from work means spending Bohol, Angelica Panganiban still has a Lloyd Cruz. She supposedly not only premiere on Oct. 19 after TV Patrol quality time with family. clear picture of her near-death episode. informed them of what was happening Weekend. Like her reality cooking “I can work three straight days, “Talagang tinatapon kami sa loob but also said her frantic goodbyes. shows, Junior Master Chef and but give me two free days,” says ng bus,” Angelica narrated in an “Nung nagkakatakbuhan na, Master Chef Pinoy Edition, the game Judy Ann. “I need to make up for interview with “Buzz Ng Bayan” over tumawag ako kay Lloydie, tapos the weekend. parang nagpapaalam na ako, sabi ko show is very close to Judy Ann’s lost time with my children. If not, the She continued, “Pagbaba namin, ‘Mamamatay na kami, mamamatay na heart as she is a doting mother to call time should be at 11 a.m. So I’ll pa-recover pa lang kami, tapos biglang ako. Lumilindol dito mamamatay na Yohan, eight, and Lucho, two. It is be up when Yohan goes to school. may lalaking tumatakbo sa likod namin kami,’” Angelica said. another hosting stint that Judy Ann Si Lucho napapaliguan ko pa, galing ng beach tapos sabi niya nawala “Akala mo talaga katapusan mo na. can easily get an A for an effortless nahihintay ko pa na sunduin siya ng ’yung tubig.” Nagpapasalamat lang ako na sa and engaging work. lola niya. With that, I have the time to Angelica and the “Banana Split” pinagdaanan namin, kumpleto kaming “It’s a good bonding (activity) for see my kids before I leave. I just cast and crew were in the province for nakauwi,” she said in retrospect. the parents and the kids,” shares need to see my kids in the morning. a scheduled out-of-town taping on The “Banana Split” crew Judy Ann. “It’s different. Parents and If I can’t catch up with them in the Tuesday, Oct. 15, the day the temporarily stayed in an open area in soon-to-be parents will learn from evening, at least I can see them the earthquake struck. front of the Tagbilaran City Hall. They the show like how to teach their kids following morning. It is like, a day The comedy gag show was taping for were later picked up by a chopper that about colors and how to interact with won’t pass without them seeing me an episode that would have been part brought them to city proper before them.” or me seeing them. I feel sad and I of their fifth anniversary celebration this flying back to Manila. Whoever says that playing and feel something missing if I don’t see month. After the team reportedly The 26-year-old actress recalled underwent stress briefing, they finally learning cannot be mixed, better them before going to work. The hug being so scared, thinking she might resumed taping last Thursday. a think again. All this is possible in Bet and the kiss are my vitamins when I On Your Baby. go to work in the morning.” Bet on Big-name celebs rush to help “The kids will just play, while the Your Baby also advocates among parents will figure out if their children parents to create strong connections Bohol, Cebu can do the games,” says Judy Ann with their children, nurturing Actors like Cesar Montano, himself about the basic premises and relationships that gain trust and a Boholano, who have been quick to mechanics of Bet On Your Baby. confidence. launch fundraising events to benefit “The (challenges) are based on the As hands-on parents, Judy Ann victims of the 7.2 earthquake that games normal kids can do like and husband Ryan Agoncillo take shook Cebu and Bohol on Oct. 14. playing football and card turns in taking care of their kids and Montano’s concert project will be held (stacking).” Every Bet On Your Baby disciplining them. Judy Ann says at the Teatrino in Greenhills on Oct. 25, game posts this question to parents: that they don’t have cardinal rules at to be graced by a number of singers How well do you know your kids? home. They just rely on the situation and other actors, notably Noel This gauges the toddler’s success in and on what happens. If in instances Cabangon. carrying out the task. that one kid hurts someone, they will A bigger fundraising show with the Why children age two to three call the kid’s attention. But the same goal is being planned at the and a half are tapped as players of cardinal rules will be defined once MOA by another set of artists. the show? Yohan and Lucho reach their pre- Officials of the National “It’s the stage where kids listen teen or teen. These include “no girls Commission on Culture and the Arts to their mothers and become or no boys allowed.” (NCCA) who are mapping out plans on Cesar Montano curious about what’s going on Meantime, Judy Ann is on her how to restore, rebuild, rehabilitate, as The positive outlook of tourism around them,” answers Judy Ann. toes to assist parents and children the case may be, at least 10 of our operators in Bohol who believe they “It’s the same age level where kids go through the fun challenges that beautiful Spanish churches in the can bounce back from their current central Visayas. May I suggest that would ask: Will I do this or not?... await them in Bet On Your Bet. She debacle marked by the destruction of This is the stage where they are in can’t wait to say “Let the games restorers save everything they could resorts and hotels and the loss of their their peak of pagiging malikot… begin” and can’t contain her from the ruins, including rocks and tourist attractions such as those (and) when kids are most innocent.” emotion when kiddie players stones and pebbles and ground ancient churches.Bohol, which was This innocence is what adults accomplish and fulfill different limestone which could be recycled in the most severely affected province by building the new but looking-old the tremor, needs all the help it can get lack these days to appreciate the challenges. With that, it’s time to churches? from government and our countrymen. little joys of life — you know, stop place one’s bet on one’s baby. a www.filipinostar.org October 2013 The North American Filipino Star 23 A beauty called Sunshine Cruz In 1999, the sexy movie genre was Maturity played a big role in putting the trend in Philippine Cinema and her life back to recovery. “Immature ako Sunshine Cruz, who was 22 years old dati pero noong nakipaghiwalay ako, I then, was a prominent figure in sexy can say that I can make my stand now! movies. So when her first Ever Bilena Lalo na ngayon na I’m earning. Dati kasi (EB) ad came out with the tag line “It’s hindi, umaasa lang ako sa allowance. Ever Bilena or I wear nothing at all,” it Pero ngayon, aba, meron na akong came out truly catchy and spoke much of sariling desisyon, ako na ’yung kumikita her showbiz image. at gumagastos,” Sunshine shared. Now, 14 years after, Sunshine is back Come to think of it, when other actors as the brand’s celebrity endorser. Again, or actresses face or are in a “scandal,” its tag line “Beauty Shines In You,” often they lose endorsing jobs, but it perfectly describes who Sunshine is looks like Sunshine is an exception to the today, especially after her marriage to rule. EB CEO Dioceldo S. Sy explained, Cesar Montano crumbled. (As of press “As long as you know how to take care of time, Sunshine is adamant against any yourself and you have credibility. And reconciliation with her ex-hubby.) knowing her, she took her stand…hindi During her recent formal launch as siya nagbago. The moment she said Ever Bilena endorser, she shared that if ayaw na niya, pinanindigan na niya. people find her still beautiful, it has to do Talagang she fought for her kids.” with growing-up and maturity. She has Looking at Sunshine’s photos in her learned to take care of herself more as first EB print ad and comparing it to she grew older. She has also kept a today’s, he commented that the actress positive outlook in life even during the is as beautiful as ever or even better. trying and challenging times of her Sunshine expressed, “I was marriage to Cesar. surprised they got me, but I’m honored to She admitted though, that she gave be back with Ever Bilena. They provide herself a month “para mag-mukmok” as quality products that empower women she said in the vernacular. After all the and products that make them feel tears, she was thankful for acting projects complete, ageless and gorgeous.” that came her way like the now-defunct Sunshine’s wish – for her contract to “Dugong Buhay” and “Galema,” her be extended when it ends after 18 latest afternoon drama series. Endorsing months. a projects too helped a lot in rebuilding her self-esteem especially since she is now a bonafide working single mom.

6430 Victoria Avenue, Montreal, QC Sale prices valid from Telephone: 514-733-7816 October 26 to November 3, 2013

Lorins vinegar - 99¢ bottle Buenas Coconut gel - $1.00 each Clover chips 85 g - 99¢ Misua - 99¢ pack

Mini croissant - $1.29 pack Seacatch Sardines - 2/$1.00 Bulacan longganisa - $1.99 Beef - Pork zhaomai $2.99 pack

Saba Mackerel - $1.99 can Sunlee mongo 400 g - 99¢ pack Sunlee coconut milk Suree - 79¢ can Mustard - 79¢ lb

No photo available Check at the store

Cabbage - 59¢ lb Pork & Skin - $1.59 lb Pork Shoulder - $1.99 lb Komal Condensed - $1.79 can

www.filipinostar.org 24 The North American Filipino Star October 2013 Education raises the bar but lowers the barriers to a rewarding career.

5320-A Queen Mary (between Coolbrook and Decarie) Montreal, QC H3X 1T7 514-485-7861 www.gilmorecollege.com

Gilmore College bldg. SNOWDON

Gilmore College PSW Nursing aide students pose with their teachers seated in front: L-R: Clarice Mackay, PAB students on training at St. Margaret Nina Schiff, and Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi, director-general and founder.

Two-Day Accounting Seminar “Learn how to prepare government financial reports” Bookkeeping Class By a chartered accountant, Frank McInnis COURSES PROGRAMMES • A fast and easy way to do • Course Fees - $195 • PAB/PSW Nursing Aide • English, French,Spanish, your own financial reports required by covers taxes & materials Mandarin, Filipino (Tagalog) • Early Childhood the government • Course consists of two • Computer Literacy Education Assistant • A 2-day workshop designed 6-hour small group lessons plus one home assignment. • Microsoft Office • Office Systems for individuals with no prior accounting • Certificate given at the end experience. • Keyboarding Technology of the course • Business Communication - Secretarial • Pre-requisite to the course Call 514-485-7861 for more (English & French) - Accounting Technician is an understanding of Microsoft Excel information.

We are looking forward to the silver (25th) anniversary of Gilmore College foundation day on November 1, 2014. Everyone is welcome to join us to mark this important milestone. More details will be released and committees to be organized. Past teachers and alumni are requested to volunteer in these committees. Please Call 514-485-7861 to submit your name.

www.filipinostar.org