November 2007, Vol. XXV, No. 11a www.filipinostar.org Arroyo sees rosy 2008 economy Manila, Philippines, December 27 will devote the new year to bringing in President Arroyo said Thursday she investments, improving educational expects the Philippines economy to and public infrastructure, and bringing maintain its vibrancy in 2008 after technology to the rural areas where posting growth in excess of seven most of the poor live. percent in the first nine months of Toward this end, students' 2007. English proficiency needed to be "We are filled with hope as the improved, while skills training would year ends and a new year begins. Our have to be reoriented based on jobs country is stable, strong and demand, she said. peaceful. Our economy is vibrant, the The government also needs to stock market is on a bull run and "redouble revenue efforts" to achieve a investments come pouring in," she balanced budget next year, or two said in a statement. years earlier than target. The growth rate of 7.1 Arroyo said she intends to percent in the nine months to achieve this by pensioning off "poor- September is the highest in nearly 20 performing" tax and customs bureau years. personnel and beefing up operations Economists say Manila needs against smuggling.She also pledged to seven years of at least seven percent devote more resources to improving gross domestic product growth to the environment. improve the lives of the 40 percent of "People need to breathe clean air Filipinos who live on two dollars a day and swim in clean water while we also or less. Arroyo said the government See Page 4 2008 economy President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivers her speech at a cabinet meeting, December 27, 2007 i Lanao Del Norte Joey Albert concert warmly received By Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Joey Albert’s concert entitled “I will be here” attracted quite a big crowd last Friday, December 14, 2007, held at Page 10 the College Brebeuf theater In fact, there was still a big line up of people trying to buy tickets at 7:00 p.m. The Contents show finally started around 8:00 P:M. but did not end until 11:30 p.m. Cooperative Movement. . . . p. 6 Joey’s repertoire covered an extensive variety of melodies from the Classified Ads ...... p. 9 60s, 70s and 80s. She seemed to have something for everybody – the young, Philippine Cuisine ...... p. 9 and the not so young age groups. She sang a good mixture of Tagalog and Tourism ...... p. 10 English songs. Backed by a string quartette and a pianist, Joey’s beautfil Filstar Photo Gallery . . . p. 12 voice could be heard clearly. The people seemed to be captivated by the Showbiz Gossip ...... p. 14 natural way she delivered every song and they all felt like singing along and More News ...... p. 18-19 clapping. She was also very entertaining and showed a great sense Global Perspectives . . . . p. 20 of humor. The people clamored for several FCMM King & Queen 2007 . p. 22 encores. Joey was very happy to

See Page 17 Joey Albert concert saratoga UNIIONBANK Electronic Solutions Inc. of the Philippines

www.filipinostar.org 2 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 Sunday Coffee Club at the Coop to continue Due to the snowstorms help in terms of appropriate furniture recently, our coffee club has been put like two or three small round tables, EDITORIAL on hold, however, we intend to and a good coffee machine that can continue with this idea in order to en- be used to prepare freshly brewed courage our members to drop in and coffee for everyone’s enjoyment. We “The best things are yet to come.” buy from the Coop. We will resume it also need handy people to help us in It seems to be a common leadership at every level – from a experience to realize, at the end of the personal to the social or group level. year, that there are many things which As we are living in a democracy, we were left undone in spite of our good have the freedom to choose to work intentions to do them. Then the feeling alone or with others. But common of regret comes to each one of us in sense tells us that we can do more recognizing that time rules us all and when we are united in working that it is beyond our power to change towards a common goal. We have the past. The only thing we can do is seen a good example of achieving a to look forward to the future and never better result when many people to repeat our past mistakes. But this is participate. The Filipino Catholic easier said than done. There are just Mission just had a very successful fund too many things that happen around raising drive through the Queen of us, both good and bad, and it is hard to Angels contest that raised over keep our optimism at all times. Yet, we $100,000. If a similar type of support is also know that we can never quit and extended to the Filipino Solidarity Members who attended the first Coffee Club with Magnolia Camat as animator, (2nd from right) last that we should try and try until we Cooperative, it will not take long before December 9, 2007, are Myrna Penaranda, Anita Lo, Jee May Ojoylan, Joyce Lorica, and Jun Lorica. succeed. because giving up never it succeeds in overcoming its financial leads to victory but to defeat. difficulties. It is not owned by one on Sunday, January 7, 2008, and re-arranging the shelves to display Last December 8, we had tried to person but by about 600 people, some every Sunday thereafter. merchandise properly, and to re- raise funds on behalf of the Filipino are fully qualified members, others are We are planning on arrange office furniture in order to have Solidarity Cooperative for which we partially paid. If all these members will refurbishing the store to make it look celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the decide to be fully committed to their more presentable but we need some See Page 7 Coop Coffee Club North American Star and the 18th own Coop, it will become a successful anniversary of Gilmore International business overnight. For the time being, FILIPINO SOLIDARITY College. The result of our huge effort it is like a lonely soldier fighting a war FSCI was not very encouraging for there with no weapons for it does not have 2004 COOPERATIVE were many other parties held on the enough funds with which to buy all Coopérative de Solidarité Filipino same day. Our mission to raise kinds of merchandise that people are enough funds to make a difference did buying from the other stores. We hope 4711 Van Horne Avenue, Montreal H3W 1H8 not materialize, and yet, we feel that it that this is a temporary situation, or was worth the trouble of trying to raise just a question of time. We believe that the awareness of the community to when the 2006 financial statement is support the Cooperative movement. finalized in a month, and after the Will many people remember this general assembly is held soon event? Will they make an effort to see thereafter, we will encourage others to if they can do something to help out? be members and those who are Do they ever read the articles in this already members to be more actively newspaper about the Coop? Jerry involved. We also hope to attract Estrada has been writing a column people with altruistic motives to help by entitled “Cooperative movement – contributing their time and knowledge bigger than what you think.” Has this to form a strong management team to Not yet a member? Support your first and only column made anyone take the step to lead this Cooperative out of its financial become a member? Up to this point, black hole. Filipino cooperative in Canada. Be a member now! no one really knows but we hope that In spite of the difficult fiscal year one day, all our efforts to have a just about to be over, we are hoping successful cooperative will be realized that 2008 will be better. As it is often CUBAO-DIVISORIA when all the 15 000 Filipinos living in said – “the best things are yet to Store Hours: Cote des Neiges area will choose to come.” We hope that this time will become members and buy their come soon for the sake of all who have Monday to Friday - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. groceries there. Slowly but surely, we sacrificed themselves in working Saturday-Sunday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. hope to persuade our fellow voluntarily for the Coop. We also wish kababayan to be united and cooperate that we all may enjoy a wonderful 514-733-8915 with one another through the holiday and have a Happy and cooperative movement. Prosperous New Year ! Tangkilin ang sariling atin. - There are signs that there is a Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi potential for Filipinos to work together Working together for common prosperity. and accomplish common goals. Advertise in the North American However, this potential can only be Filipino Star developed fully with a certain type of Call 514-485-7861

The North American Filipino Star SUBSCRIPTION 4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse Tel.: 514-485-7861 Name:______(5th Floor) near Snowdon Metro E-Mail: [email protected] Montreal, QC H3W 1X3 Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Hilda T. Veloso Address:______Jerry Estrada Chief Editor & Publisher Community News Lina V. Fernandez Mary Joy Lizarondo Dr. Victor Gavino Sam Ferry Telephone: Residence:______Office: ______Prof. Isaac Goodine Assistant Editor Sports News News & Tourism 12 issues $25 24 issues $45 Esther Stansfield Nida Verginom Butaran Alvin D. Veloso Bert Abiera Sales Representative Enclose a cheque or money order for:$_____ Contributors Founder Opinions, comments of writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that of the management of Filcan Publications, Inc. www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 3 Joint Anniversary Celebration of the North American Filipino Star and the Gilmore International College, December 8, 2007 (Photos by Joselito Sarto)

From left: Hilda Veloso, Nemia Bermudez, Annie Miaral, Zenaida Kharroubi, Riza Hilda Veloso poses with Zenaida Kharroubi and Ambassador Brillantes after Esmeralda, and Claro Bermudez, posing for a souvenir of the anniversary. receiving a certificate of appreciation for her volunteer work for the Star.

Amy Manon-og receiving a certificate of apprecia- Ambassador Brillantes receives a certificate of Alex Robles receiving a certificate of appreciation tion from Ambassador Brillantes for her work with appreciation and a token gift from Zenaida Kharroubi for being a volunteer for the Filipino Solidarity Gilmore International College. for being the guest speaker during the anniversary. Cooperative.

Zenaida Kharroubi shakes hands with Ambassador Jose Brillantes to express her The Bade brothers, Ben, Carlito and Noli, received certificates of appreciation personal thanks for all the support she has received. Visible on the background is from Ambassador Brillantes for their volunteer work at the Coop. the QP8 band poster and the anniversary banner. www.filipinostar.org 4 The North American Filipino Star December 2007

mechanisms needed to further retraining of teachers, specifically in From Page 1 2008 Economy improve the country’s educational English, in a move to further improve This is the first time in years that the build manufacturing and bridges to system. the English proficiency of students. First Family spent Christmas in Metro span our waters," she added. Today’s meeting was the fourth of Lapus said a lot has yet to be done Manila. In previous years, the Finance Secretary Margarito Teves a series of meetings with the education in the retraining of teachers and one President spent the Christmas and called for more aggressive spending sector this month. The first and third solution he would suggest is rigid New Year holidays in Baguio City. on public infrastructure as well as meetings were held also in Manila college curriculum and training to tourism investment and promotion to while the second meeting was in Cebu spare government from spending a In her statement, the President said: soften the impact of soaring oil prices City last Dec. 13. large sum in retraining of teachers. “Paaabutin natin sa nayon ang capital, and a forecast downturn in the global “We are holding a series of He cited that about 52 percent of kaalaman, imprastraktura at economy next year. meetings to feel how the stakeholders teachers in Mathematics and Science teknolohiya na mabilis magpasagana He said the remittances of Filipinos in the education sector are thinking in need retraining. sa lungsod. At pag-iibayuhin natin ang workers overseas must be channeled improving our education system,” the The President has listed education pagtuturo ng wikang Ingles at mga to infrastructure projects, which will be President said as she was greeted by as one of her top priorities at the start kasanayan sa mga trabahong agad an outlet for excess dollars to also help members of the Coordinating Council of her fresh six-year term. makukuha ng may sapat na temper the peso's strength. of Private Education Associations “Our administration has spent kaalaman.” Between January and October, (COCOPEA), Commission on Higher more on human capital formation than remittances totaled $11.87 billion, up Education Chairman Romulo Neri and any other administration in the past,” Another key program of the 15 percent from a year ago and on Education Secretary Jesli Lapus. the President has said, adding that government, she said, is to balance the track to meet the central bank's full- Neri said the President has time “Education is the foundation of national budget next year, two years year target of $14 billion. and again stressed the importance of economic prosperity and individual ahead of the original 2010 goal. University of the Philippines quality education in uplifting the lives liberty, justice and self-worth.” economics professor Benjamin of the poor and in improving the THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2007 | To attain this objective, the President Diokno, a former budget secretary, economy and that she wanted to leave GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT said “we shall redouble revenue efforts projected that growth would be slower a legacy of better education to the PGMA outlines goals that we balance the budget next year next year, noting that possible younger generation. while accelerating our infrastructure recession in the U.S. will affect the Thus, Lapus said there is a of her administration projects. These include the transfer or Philippine economy. proposal that the government’s pre- in 2008 attrition of poor-performing Bureau of MANILA, DECEMBER 27, 2007 school program must include children Internal Revenue (BIR) and Customs Stressing that “knowledge is the enrolled in Day Care centers. An upbeat President Gloria personnel, and more intensive anti- “We have to start them young,” he Macapagal-Arroyo unveiled today a smuggling operations.” Arroyo holds 4th said. mini-agenda of the key programs and meeting with education He said the program targets to targets of her administration in 2008 She said the protection of the stakeholders cover 1.8 million private and public topped by the economy, rural environment will not be sacrificed for school pupils nationwide, including the development, education, the the sake of development, and “we shall greatest creator of wealth,” President 28,000 pupils in public schools without environment and the national budget. also survey the condition of water, land Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met today for pre-school. Exulting over the peaceful and air in and around Laguna de Bay.” the fourth time the stakeholders in the Another issue to be discussed celebration of Christmas, the President education sector to set up the during the meeting, Lapus said, is the said “we are filled with optimism and It was imperative, the President hope as 2007 comes to an end and a pointed out, that “(we) build our new year begins.” environment as a reflection of our In her opening statement at the commitment to our quality of life. yearend meeting of the National People need to breath clean air and Economic and Development Authority- swim in clean water while we also build Cabinet Group (NEDA-CG), the manufacturing and bridges to span our President said: waters.” “This Christmas demonstrated the She declared that what her stability and strength of the Philippines administration will do, the priority and the peace it enjoys. We have a programs it will undertake and its goals vibrant economy, the stock market is are clearly defined. up and investments are pouring in. We “Maliwanag ang ating mga are pushing ahead with our gagawin sa taong darating. infrastructure programs for the Magdiwang tayo sa gumagandang betterment and progress of our hinaharap ng bayan, at ating balikating people.” sama-sama ang kaunlaran ng bawat She added that it is important that mamamayan, sa lungsod man o bukid, the benefits of the country’s improving sa bisa ng dunong, imprastraktura at economy and fiscal position seep puhunan sa taong bayan,” she said. down to the people nationwide especially the poor. “Kaya naman sa huling pulong ng Enjoy reading on line the Gabinete sa taong ito, ibig natin North American Filipino Star balangkasin at palakasin ang mga Click on: www.filipinostar.org programa para sa kaunlaran at pamumuhunan sa lalawigan, at para ADVERTISE NOW AND President Arroyo flanked by Coordinating Council of Private Education Associations sa education sa magandang PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE (COCOPEA), Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri and Education kabuhayan at kinabukasan ng GLOBAL MARKET Secretary Jesli Lapus. mamamayan,” the President pointed CALL 514-485-7861 out. F. FARHAT LUNETTERIE • Guess 10% off • Easy-Clip For Students • Versace & Seniors • and many more designer rands Eye examination on site Bring this ad to get 10% discount. 5540 Cote desk Neiges (cor. St. Kevin) 514-340-0135 1274 Mount Royal East 514-527-8201

www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 5 Trillanes petitions to dismiss mutiny case December 29, 2007 the building. Early this week, he was moved from Camp Aguinaldo. The camp of detained Sen. Antonio Alameda also on Friday granted Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, to the The military’s chief of staff, Gen. Trillanes 4th on Friday asked the Lim’s motion that he be transferred to headquarters of the Intelligence Service Hermogenes Esperon Jr., said he government to dismiss rebellion Camp Crame, the police headquarters. of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in nee-ded Lim in Camp Aguinaldo so the charges against him and 15 others pro-vost marshal could conduct his own accused of taking over an upscale hotel investigation of the hotel standoff. in Makati City in November and Lim was held for almost a month at demanding the resignation of President Camp Crame with Trillanes and other Gloria Arroyo. junior military officers and men from the In a 60-page motion for Magdaló group for their role in the reconsideration filed before the Makati mutiny. Regional Trial Court, Trillanes’ lawyer Esperon ordered Lim’s transfer at Ernesto Francisco said the siege of the the request of Col. Arthur Abadilla, the Manila Peninsula did not constitute provost marshal, the military’s Public enough ground for rebellion even when Information Office said in a statement. the senator’s group demanded that Another reason cited in Esperon’s President Arroyo step down. order was the scheduled January 15 Citing Supreme Court decisions, he arraignment on rebellion charges added that the crime of rebellion was not against the Trillanes’ group before the committed by the accused because the Sen. Antonio Trilanes Brig. General Danilo Lim Alameda sala. a takeover did not involve any massive armed uprising, complex plots, or civil war. Francisco said an earlier resolution of Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda that had junked the case against civilians linked to the mutiny acknowledged the same fact. He added that not a single gunshot was fired by the accused, who also did not use force or firearms on anyone during the standoff. Francisco said the preliminary investigation conducted by government lawyers led by Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco was void since complainant and witnesses did not file affidavits and sworn statements. He said the probe had violated a policy of the justice department on rules on inquests. Trillanes, Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and their Magdaló group of junior military officers and their civilian supporters had holed up at the hotel for nearly six hours before troops assaulted Philippines' accused mutineers of 2003 freed

December 20, 2007 The 53 Philippine army officers, accused in mutiny attempts against SPECIAL PROMOTION President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's regime, were freed Thursday as a Christmas reprieve. They were originally scheduled to be freed Jan. 27 but Macapagal- Arroyo commuted one month of their sentence, news reports said. The Manila Times reported the $70 $80 $85 rebellious junior officers, who have been in detention since 2003, may even be allowed to return to military service. A military tribunal had earlier decided to discharge the men and give them a lighter sentence under a plea bargain with military prosecutors. "Effective today, they are released as civilians," military chief Gen. We will match any other competitor price. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said. "They Kahon, hindi binubuksan,hindi Oxygenated Pi water available at: are separated from the service without binabawasan, inihahatid ng buo sa PAT LOUNG prejudice to benefits due to them." inyong pintuan. 5328 Queen Mary Road, Montreal The freed officers were part of a NOTE: PLEASE DONOT OVERPACK. Telephone: 514-485-3689 much larger group involved in the mutiny in July 2003 but the effort was RR SOUTHERN FREIGHT FORWARDER crushed a day later and all accused BLOCK 10 LOT 12 MARTINVILLE SUBD BF HOMES were arrested. MANUYO II, LAS PINAS CITY, PHILIPPINES Many of them have since been released or given lighter sentences. A RRSFF Contact person: Robert Durano group of 29 officers, considered the (Tel) 541-7224 core group in the mutiny attempt, may Highlights Inquiry Office: still face more serious charges.. a Rex De Lusong (Tel) 931-1780

www.filipinostar.org 6 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 Coop volunteers, Star contributors, and Gilmore faculty members receive certificates of appreciation from Gilmore International College administration (Photos: Courtesy of Joselito Sarto)

Ambassador Brillantes presents a certificate to Jogie Perez, a volunteer of the Magnolia Camat receives a certificate of appreciation from Ambassador Brillantes Ms. Filipino Solidarity Cooperative assisted by Zenaida Kharroubi. Camatos is one of the original founders of the Cooperative. Celebrating the silver jubilee of awareness of the Filipino-Canadian the North American Filipino Star on community that there is a Filipino December 8, 2007 in conjunction with Solidarity Cooperative that needs the 18th anniversary of Gilmore their support. I also want them to International College was not planned appreciate the fact that the Filipino ahead of time, I decided to hold a Solidarity Cooperative is the first one party around the third week of of its kind that is founded by Filipinos October, and had barely two months in Canada. Moreover, having a to promote it in the community. After cooperative in our midst is a symbol going through such a rush, I realized of cooperation, and a worthy cause it could have been better to postpone as it will give us the opportunity to be such a celebration until the time when empowered economically and there are less parties being held at the politically. As there are 600 Coop same time, but the timeliness of the members, I thought that there will be event would be gone. But the most at least 200 people who will attend important and driving force behind my this party. . Consequently, I signed a decision is my desire to raise See Page 7 Anniversary Joecel Trinidad, one of the most activve volunteers, receives her certificate of appreciation from Ambassador Brillantes. GGiillmmoorree IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall CCoolllleeggee are pleased to invite you to the “Writers Helping Writers” && tthhee WWoorrlldd AAccaaddeemmyy ooff LLeetttteerrss workshop inter-active, multi-cultural, motivational Your ideas should not remain locked up in your head - find a way to express them and feel fulfilled by doing so. This workshop will help you get started easily in the most interesting way. Find out the secret by attending this unique workshop which will start soon. Seminars to be held in What they say about writing: March and April 2008 Who should attend: There’s only one way to learn to write - read! People from all walks of life, fields Every person who has the ability to read can learn how to write. and occupations - nurses, doctors, What do writers do? They write. architects, engineers, clerks, What do good writers do? They write and re-write. secretaries, teachers, students - What do excellent writers do? They write, re-write, re-write, re- anyone who wants to live a fuller life. write until they get it “right.” Workshop Leaders Why you should attend: Proof of Attendance: Everyone has to write, whether you An attractive certificate and tax receipt will be given at the earn your living by writing or end of the workshop. working for yourself or others, your Proceedings will be videotaped. You may purchase a ability to express yourself in English copy for your future reference. is absolutely essential. Since NOTE: English has become the language of In addition to establishing a writers’ network, a public business around the world, speaking course will be a follow-up to this workshop. mastering the art of writing and speaking is the key to your success Schedule: (Tentatively set for Jan. 08) Isaac T. Goodine Zenaida F. Kharroubi in your personal and professional BsC., B.Ed. C. Eng. B.A. English, M.A. Ed. Studies life.Learning to write well helps you Friday - 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. International Speaker & Author Diploma in Education, TESL win friends and influence people! Saturday & Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “Leaders Leding Leaders” Founder & Director-General Tuition Fee: Resource Person, Transparency Gilmore International College Gilmore International College International, Fomrer Principal, Editor & Publisher, 4950 Queen Mary Rd. Penthouse 2 1/2 days seminar for the low rate of $495 including Director of Schools & Colleges, North American Filipino Star Montreal, QC H3W 1X3 taxes and materials. Human Resources Development Group Commissioner, Scouts Specialist, Consultant, World Bank Canada, Quebec Council “Laging Handa” 0592 www.gilmorecollege.com Call 514-485-7861 to register

www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 7 Filipino Nurses Association of must be kept at safe temperatures. From page 6 Anniversary Quebec, and Filipino-Canadian From page 2 Coffee Club Keep hot food hot (60 degrees C/140 contract based on a minimum of 200 Alliance of Quebec. Sponsors, no more clutter that makes the place degrees F or higher) and cold food tickets. As there were only 135 tickets patrons and advertisers names look unattractive. We can also use the cold (4 degrees C/40 degrees F or sold and I had to nonor the contract, I appeared in the anniversary souvenir services of an electrician to check all colder) and don't leave perishable did not raise the money that I program. To acknowledge their the wiring for we would like to re- foods out at room temperature for expected. invaluable support, their names are arrange the freezers and make them longer than two hours. It is important Our guest of honor was His cited hereunder: more accessible but without crowding to keep portions small and refill when Excellency, Ambassador Jose Platinum sponsors: the aisle. necessary to maintain freshness and Brillantes who was introduced by Mr. CDN/NDG Borough Mayor We also would like to remind safety. Chafing dishes and casseroles Alex Robles, vice-president of the Michael Applebaum, Warren Almand, you to become a member now. Your warmed with tea lights look festive but Coop.. The Ambassador delivered a Councilor, Loyola District; Marvin membership will contribute to the may not be keeping food at a safe brief speech in which he underscored Rotrand, Councilor, Snowndon improvement of the cash flow temperature. If you plan to use these, the importance of the joint anniverary District; Saulie Sajdel, Councilor, situation, and eventually help us offer insert an instant read food celebration as a testimony to the Darlington District; Francine Senévsl, you lower prices by allowing us to buy thermometer into the food to check success of Gilmoe International Councilor, CDN District, and Marcel merchandise in bulk from a supplier. that the temperature is safe. College and the Nroth Amerkican Tremblay, Councilor, NDG District. By increasing our membership, we will Adhere to 'Best Before Dates' Filipino Star. Bronze sponsors: be able to improve sales and enable and recommended storage times. For After the Ambassador’s speech, a Mrs. Ursulene Mora, College Prep us to issue dividends sooner. We can instance, your cooked version of presntation of certificates followed. International; Mr. James Ma, Concord also earn recognition if we achieve the homemade eggnog can be The first ones called were Filipino Star Tours; Dr. Emmie Pelausa, Philippine level of membership necessary to earn refrigerated for three to four days, contributors:, namely, Al Abdon, Benevolent & Scholarship Society of a reward from CDR which is in charge cooked shrimp one to two days and Joyce Alzate, Michael Davantes, Atty. Quebec; Dr. & Mrs. Jesus Pelausa, of all cooperatives in Quebec. The cheesecake five days. Lito Domingo, Lina Fernandez, Dr. and Gimore College Accounting I opportunity to be recognized for this This season, know your limits Victor Gavino, Isaac T. Goodine, Class 2007. type of award exists for cooperatives and make it a safe holiday when it Chantal Harvey, Julie Parado, Ester Patrons: that are less than 5 years old. comes to your food. Stansfield, Alvin and Hilda Veloso Francisco Altares, Dora Banawa, One of the important reasons We acknowledge the financial Magdalena Villanueva. Mr. Carlito & Mrs. Thema Arlegui, Cora for having a cooperative is to offer support of Agriculture and Agri-Food The next group was the Gilmore Eriza, Mr. Gaudencio Evaristo, Estrella lower prices to members. For this Canada and Alberta Agriculture and College Faculty namely, David Gascon, Janet Haydock, Romy reason, we need to implement an ID Food under the Agricultural Policy Bercusson, Edith Fedalizo, Clarice Lalisan of Highlights Express, Clarice card system. Please send us or bring Framework, a federal-provincial- Mackay, Amy Manon-og, Dindo Miras, Mackay, Betty Peralta, Rose & Flor an ID card photo with a $3.00 fee territorial initiative. Nina Schiff, Kadri Shiriffi, Josefina Rillo, and Felly Sorillo. However, it is also important to settle Toledo (Faculty during the current Advertisers: the balance of your qualifying shares CONTACT INFORMATION: year. Faculty of other years have (1/2 pages) FAMAS, Philippine Folk before this ID card is issued. A Food Safety Information Society already been acknowledged) Arts Society of Quebec, Mr. Marcel member of the Membership 103, 14707 Bannister Road SE The third and last group were the Tremblay, Hon. Stephan Dion, Hon. Committee will be calling you to let Calgary, Alberta T2X 1Z2 Filipino Solidarity Cooper-ative Irwin Cotler, Saratoga, Philippine you know your balance. if there is any 1-800-892-8333 volunteers: John Aquino, Benjamin Benevolent & Scholarship Society of error in your record, please let us Email: [email protected] Bade, Carlito Bade, Noli Bade, Paz Quebec, and International know. Website: www.foodsafetyinfo.org Calope, Magnolia Camat, Erlinda dela Entertainment Mtl-Philippines Inc.(1/4 The financial record for 2006 Cruz, Leticia de los Santos (paid pages) Erlinda & Erlwin Camat, fiscal year is now in the auditors’ The Conservative government's cashier but works extra hours to help Canadian Association of People hands. As soon as the financial ideological opposition to gun out), Nole Detorio, Jerry Estrada (also Helping People from the Philippins. statement is completed, we will be control will make our streets College Prep International, Novo calling a general assembly. More a contributor to the Filipino Star), more dangerous, Liberal critic Lourdes Fagsao, Norma Foz Ecijanos Association of Montreal and information to follow next issue. says (volunteer cashier), Estrella Gascon, Suburbs, Pearl of Manila Restaurant, Food Safety Information Domingo Lorica, Jr., Remedios Ajennat Coiffure, and Panday Tinig. OTTAWA - Liberal Public Safety (business card) : Al Abdon, Dr. Gene Monteagudo, Julie Parado (volunteer Society: It's Holiday "How can the Conservatives claim to Santander, Filipino Martial Arts (Chris cashier for 3 months), Jogie Perez, Season-Know Your Limits be serious about tackling crime and Bautista), Rey Balansi, and Norcy & André Proulx, Alex Robles, Edgar gang violence, while making it harder Ray Morales and the St. Kevin’s Line Tandugon, Rhoda Tremocha, Joecel 'Tis the season for for the police to keep guns off the Trinidad, and Magdalena Villanueva. Dancers. entertaining family and friends, and streets?" said Mr. Dosanjh. "In order A special certificate of recognition Before midnight, door prizes were your food safety knowledge may be to appeal to their ideological base is to be given to Bert Abiera at a later raffled off. These prizes were donated put to the test when planning, the Conservative government is date when he comes back from the by Amy Manon-og, Nina Schiff, Helen preparing, cooking and serving bringing forward legislation to Philippines. Rose Molino, Ben Bade, and Zenaida holiday foods. "Plan on serving only weaken gun control by scrapping the The QP8 band played dance Kharroubi. those amounts of food you can cook gun registry." music all evening but was only Integration of immigrants and serve safely," says Jill Kartushyn, Mr. Dosanjh explained that interrupted by the presentation of two in the job market Food Safety Information Officer with despite clear evidence that the gun songs by two young people from the the Food Safety Information Society registry works, the Conservative Musical Tribute concert slated to be Montreal, December 20, 2007 (FSIS). "Consider how much room government has re-introduced its bill held on December 15 at the St. James Recognizing that the immigrant you have in your fridge, freezer and to kill the registry for rifles and United Church in Westmount. This human resource pool is not being oven because food stays fresh and shotguns. "During meetings on entertainment number was utilized and that it is mainly safe for only a limited period of time. Parliament Hill last April, Canadian Police contributed by The Filipino Canadian concentrated in metropolitan Know these limits". If unsure, check Association (CPA) President Tony Association of the West Island Montreal, the Ministre de l’Emploi et the FSIS website Cannavino said that the gun registry is (FCAWI), sponsors of the concert. de la Solidarité sociale, Mr. Sam www.foodsafetyinfo.org or call the used more than 5,000 times daily, usually Ms. Amy Manon-og did an Hamad, and the Ministre de to determine whether or not firearms are Food Safety Officers at 1-800-892- excellent job as emcee of the evening. l’Immigration et des communautés present when police are called to respond 8333. The International Entertainment Mtl- culturelle, Mme Yolande James, to emergencies," said Mr. Dosanjh. When using prepared or Phil Inc. through its president, Mr. entrusted to their parliamentary "The Conservatives are out of partially prepared foods, carefully Gaetan Danis, and manager Mr. assistants respectively, MNA of Viau, step with Canadians on gun control and read the cooking instructions on the Raymund Faustino, provided a very M. Emmanuel Dubourg, and MNA of have allowed themselves to be taken in by label. "Storage and preparation good refreshment to all the guests. de Robert-Baldwin, M. Pierre Marsan, the US Republican and National directions may differ for similar Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the lthe mandate to find solutions in Rifleman's Association (NRA) ideology products", says Kartushyn. "Some evening as the dancing lasted until the coordination with employers and that refuses to make the link between the foods may be safely prepared in the supply of guns and gun crime." Mr. wee hours of the morning. labor syndicates, community microwave, while others must be Dosanjh said that registration and organizations, solutions that will Representatives from some cooked thoroughly in an oven or on licensing introduced by the Liberal neutralize the obstacles to the full community associations attended the the stove". government in 1995 have made Canada employment of immigrants. celebration, namely, the Philippine Foods served buffet style safer: Folk Art Society, FCAWI, FAMAS,

www.filipinostar.org 8 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 Joseph Estrada: ‘I could still run for president in 2010!‘

December 29, 2007 ambush interview, said that if they find In response, Estrada said yesterday conditions set by Malacañang that he Former president Joseph Estrada out that any of the members of the he would be forced to run in the 2010 was supposed to comply with," he said. said Friday that he is still eligible to run opposition would hold any form of talks presidential elections if Villa-Ignacio and "The other one is that he (Estrada) for the presidency in 2010, but, as of with the administration, they will be out the government would not stop would return the money (he illegally now, he opts not to. of the selection of the opposition's threatening to have his executive amassed during his term)." candidates and the opposition won't clemency revoked. Prosecutors will look into the case endorse their candidacy in the 2010 "He (Villa-Ignacio) is crazy," he said. of Estrada and work for the recall of his elections. "I challenge him. Although I have no executive clemency if he is found to Meanwhile, former senator Ernesto intention of running right now, I might be have failed to comply with its conditions, Maceda, in his speech at the same forced to run if they will continue with Villa-Ignacio said. event, recounted how he bumped into that kind of thinking. I hope they don’t Estrada and his lawyers had said Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban at a try me. only about P2,000 is left in the Jose dinner where they discussed the "Villa-Ignacio is supposed to be a Velarde account in Equitable PCI Bank, justice's column about Estrada's pardon good lawyer. But with that statement, he which has since merged with Banco de which Maceda said declared that Erap is not competent to be a lawyer. Even a Oro. was granted absolute pardon that's why former Justice says that I can still run. However, Villa-Ignacio said there he was able to vote in the recent "The dispositive portion of the was more than P3 billion deposited in In his speech before resettlers in barangay elections. pardon that I signed says restoring (my) the Jose Velarde account when Estrada Tanay town in Rizal, the former president Maceda, who itroduced the former civil and political rights. I did vote in the was president. asserted that he could still run for the president in the Tanay event, introduced last barangay elections. If I can vote, I "It is not right (that the P2,000 would presidency in 2010 because what he got Estrada as "ang babalik na pangulo ng can be voted upon. It means my full civil only be the amount that should be was an absolute pardon and there was Pilipinas." and political rights were restored." returned)," he said. nothing in his release that was Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, In a telephone interview, Estrada In telephone interview with The conditional, ABS-CBN News who was also at the gathering, said that said he can still run for president STAR, retired Manila fiscal Jose correspondent Timi Nubla reported. academically speaking, Estrada can still because the pardon granted to him by Flaminiano, one of Estrada’s lawyers, However, Estrada said that as of run. He also asked the presidential President Arroyo was absolute. said they cannot comment on the now, he has no plans of running and aspirants from the opposition who are Estrada said Villa-Ignacio does not statement of Solicitor General Agnes that his goal is to unite the opposition talking to Malacañang to tell opposition deserve to be in the government’s legal Devanadera that Estrada was given a and field just one candidate for the next groups their plans early on. service, and should uphold his word conditional pardon until they have presidential elections. The only thing he is sure of, Binay and resign from his post. thoroughly studied the issue. Estrada, who was convicted last said, was that he and Estrada are loyal "He (Villa-Ignacio) was the one who "That is the (Office of the Solicitor September 12 for plunder, also said that to each other. has no word of honor," he said. General’s) opinion," he said. his visits to poor areas is not a form of ‘Erap can still be jailed for pardon "He said that he will resign should I Flaminiano said that statements campaign. He said his goal was to bring violations’ be granted pardon. He was the one who about Estrada running for president his case to the people and tell them the Meanwhile The Philippine Star said that, not me. He has no word of again are mere speculations. truth. reported that Special Prosecutor Dennis honor." "He (Estrada) says he will not run During a gift-giving session in Tanay Villa-Ignacio warned Friday ousted Estrada said he has not been anymore," he said. he said, in his speech, that he could President Joseph Estrada that he could campaigning and his "Lakbay "He says that he would devote his look people in the eye because he is be detained again if he fails to comply Pasasalamat" is to bring his case to the time to helping the masses. He also innocent, even taking off his shades to with the conditions set by the executive people. says that he would be willing to prove his point. clemency granted him by President Villa-Ignacio said Estrada’s reconcile with the (Arroyo) On reports that the Lakas-CMD Arroyo. executive clemency could be recalled if administration for the improvement of party is talking to the Liberal and The ban on Estrada’s running for he fails to comply with the conditions set the country." a Nacionalista parties, Estrada, in an office is part of the conditions contained in the order of Mrs. Arroyo. in the pardon, he told The STAR. "That’s (not running) part of the RESTAURANT LA MAISON NEW KUM MON 6565 Cote desk Neiges, 5047 Henri Bourassa Est Learn to speak French Montréal, QC H1G 2S1 Montreal, QC (Corner Appleton) Tel.: (514) 322-3133, 322-3130 Bean Curd Seafood Soup Fish Maw Seafood Soup Enroll now at Gilmore 1/2 Crispy Chicken Baked Lobster with Ginger Salt and Pepper Pork Loin Seafood with Chinese Stuffed Bean Curd with Broccoli Call 514-485-7861 Shrimps Saltand Pepper Cuttle Fish Sauted Seasonal Vegetables Fried Sea Bass Fish Steamed Rice Steamed Rice $37.95 4 Persons $58.95 4 Persons

Bean Curd Soup Fish maw seafood soup 1/2 Crispy Chicken 2 Baked Lobsters with Ginger Seafood with Eggplant Need Money? Shrimp Cake with Chinese in Hot Pot Broccoli Stuffed Bean Curd with Do you have a full time job? Sweet and Sour Pork Shrimp Seafood with Bean Curd in Seafood with Chinese broccoli If yes, call (514) 344-1499 Hot Pot Fried Sea Bass Fish Salt and Pepper Squid House Fried Rice Fried Sea Bass Fish Special Fried Noodles Steamed Rice $125.95 $63.95 AND GET CASH NOW! 6 Persons 10 Persons FREE DELIVERY Minimum order of $10 514-733-6029 Good & Bad Credit Accepted Delivery hours: 514-733-1067 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. For party menu, call Kenny

www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 9

of each wrapper, fold, seal the sides * Marinate the head and skin in and roll up sealing it with few drops of lemon juice, soy sauce and pepper. water. Continue until filling is finished. * Boil in 1/2 cup of water the Deep fry in hot oil until golden-brown. bangus meat with some salt for 5 Drain and serve with catsup or sweet minutes. and sour dip (available in most Asian * Sauté the garlic and onions Philippine Cuisine stores). until slightly brown then add the Rellenong Bangus (Stuffed Milk Fish) tomatoes and carrots until tender. * Add the chopped ham, Bicol Express In a pan or a wok, sauté garlic, onion, Estimated cooking time: 1 hour cooked peas, raisins and the bangus and tomatoes in oil. When onion is meat to the mixture. Cook for an slightly cooked, add pork. Fry the additional 5 minute Add a beaten mixture for 2 minutes until pork turned Rellenong Bangus Ingredients: egg to the sauté and mix well. a little brown, and then add ½ cup of * Stuff the mixture inside the water. Boil until water is almost gone * 1 big bangus (milkfish) bangus skin and head. Sew the cavity and pork is completely cooked. Then * 3 cloves of garlic, minced if needed. add shrimp paste. After three minutes, * 1 onion chopped * Fry in oil until golden brown. add in chilies. Without overcooking * 2 tomatoes, diced * slice slightly diagonal (1 1/2 the chili, or in a minute, pour in the * 1 egg inch thick) and serve. coconut milk. Simmer until mixture is * 1/4 cup lemon juice dry. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot or cold with rice. This dish Rellyenong Bangus is best eaten with fried fish or fried meat. 1 package egg roll wrappers (Ingredients: (available in any asian store) Lumpiang Shanghai ½ kilo green elongated chilies (julienned)

200 grams shrimp paste (unsalted) * 1 small carrot, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic (minced) * 1/4 cup soy sauce Filipino Fruit Salad * 4 tablespoons of cooking oil 1 whole onion (chopped) I 1 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Nestle * ham, finely chopped Brand) 8 ea Ounce pgk. Cream * raisins ¼ kilo pork (cut into tiny pieces) Cheese 3 ea 14 ounce cans Fruit * cooked peas Cocktail, drained 14 ounce can * salt and pepper to taste ¼ kilo tomatoes (chopped) Pineapple chunks, drained 14 ounce can Lychees, drained 1 cup Coconut Rellenong Bangus Cooking 4 tbs. vegetable oil 250 g minced pork 8 Ounce package Chopped almonds, Instructions: unsalted 1 1/2 cup Cubed apples * Scale and remove the 1 cup coconut milk, extracted from 3 250 g prawn, finely chopped (optional) intestines of the bangus. coconut fruit If using an instant coco 1/4 cup finely chopped spring onions Procedures: Mix heavy cream and * With a very sharp knife, slowly powder which is available in many 1 beaten egg cream cheese together to a smooth remove the meat of the fish from the Asian stores, 1 medium sachet oil for deep-frying sauce like consistency. Combine with skin through the opening cavity below dissolved in 1 cup of water is enough 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper other ingredients and blend well, chill the head. Remove the spine by overnight. Lychees can be skipped, snapping off the bone at the base of bicol express - 37.8 kb Mix all the ingredients except the oil. use tropical fruit cocktail instead of the the tail and head. Use a long spoon to bicol express Season with salt and pepper. Place a regular fruit cocktail, make it four tablespoon of mixture on the corner scrape all the meat from the skin. cans. The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads ADVERTISING CLEANERS WANTED DRIVING SALE ITEMS Cheapest way to advertise! Commercial building cleaning Licensed driving instructor with many- Chairs, computer desk and company seeking cleaners, preferably year experience and tips on how First 3 lines $10.00 with experience to pass the road test. Good price. printers, for clearance next additional line @1.99 Call 514-731-9682 or Fax CV to (514) Jason 514-691-1816. Call 514-485-7861 Classified Ads must be prepaid 731-2059 Text can be sent by e-mail or in * Car available for EXAM RESTAURANT person by calling for * 1 hour practice only $25 (tax incl.) CDN APTS. FOR RENT * Many examples of first time success appointment, 514-485-7861 PEARL OF MANILA ONE MONTH FREE * packages available 5839 Decarie Blvd. Bourret-Victoria 3½ $545+ MR. KHALIL (514) 965-0903 Tel.:514-344-3670 Plamondon-Legaré 3½ $595 Quebec certified driving instructor Regular Buffet $7.99+Tax COURSES Immediate (514) 735-2985 Starts Friday - 5:30-9 pm (514) 575-4961 (514) 341-4647 with 11 years experience in giving Sat. & Sun. - 11:30 am - 9 pm Centre 2000 Professional Training Renovated Heat Appliances Elevator driving lessons. Exam car WE SPEAK TAGALOG available Mon. - Tues - 2 - 9 pm Specials Toton 514-969-9622 Wed. - Fri. 12 - 9 pm Special price for private parties • Dental Assistant DAYCARE COURSE (up to 60 persons capacity) • Pharmacy Assistant P.A.B. • Nursing Aide Classes to be organized for • Daycare Provider WANTED • Security Agent January 2008 schedule. Nursing Aid course, flexible • French Course (conversation) Apply now for limited schedules, small groups, budget payment plan, experienced nurses as enrollment Male or female on EI or social Info: Call 514-342-1000 instructors, January 2008 session, assistance to fill cashier post Call 514-485-7861 registerations accepted by calling for 4950 Queen Mary Rd. Suite 351 Call 514-485-7861 appointment, 514-485-7861 www.filipinostar.org 10 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 TOURISM L ANAO DEL NO RTE Land Of Beauty And Bounty

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

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

‘Dancers (top) and children (bottom) at the Lubi-lubi Festival, Linamon. Also called Hudyaka sa Lubi’, it celebrates the city’s charter day. Iligan Fiesta, these week-long festivities are held in September in the capital www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 11 The province of Lanao is located Tinago Falls is one of the most on the Northern Mindanao district beautiful falls hidden within the deep along the northwest coast of Iligan Bay. ravine. And in the town of Munai, runs The lowland peninsula gives way to a an intriguing Lidpa Subterranean River realm of hilly terrene which ascends that flows through the top of the hill in towards the mountains in the the mountain. southeast and northeast portion. The The people of Lanao celebrates rivers flows in deep interval as they Viva Sr. San Miguel every last week of cascade from the mountains going to September. This is to honor Saint the coast, constructing many waterfalls Michael the Archangel. They perform and the Maria Cristina Falls is the most dances similar to the Sinulog well-known of all. celebration. Alongside this One of the famous dish in Iligan is merrymaking, they also perform the the binaki, a grated young corn mixed Pana-ad and Yawa-yawa. Pana-ad with milk, then wrapped with fresh refers to the pledges of the loyal corncob and steamed. Other muslim- devotees of San Miguel for the favors influenced dishes are utak-utak and that were granted. And the Yawa-yawa lolot. is a miracle play performed in their Being the "Industrial Center of the native dialect, songs and dances. South", the city of Iligan housed Other popular spots include: Mt. smaller industries like steel, tinplate, Agad-Agad which served as a major pulp and paper and flourmills. lookout during the Japanese Agriculture, fishing and forestry are the Occupation. Sandayan Cave, located province’s primary source of livelihood. in the deep forest of Rorongon. It is a It is also a major producer of fruits and three-chambered cavern with stalactite commercial crops like bananas, and stalagmites looking ominous to coconut, corn and rice. stangers. Blessed with ample water You can visit Iligan City via resources, which are the province's Philippine Airlines which has a daily tourist attractions, there are 22 flight to Cagayan de Oro and from waterfalls cascading the rivers of there several buses travel the Lanao. The most famous of is the Cagayan-Iligan route. By sea, William Maria Cristina Falls with a height of 320 Lines and Gothong Lines sails from ft that plunges into the Agus River. The Manila to Iligan City. a

Hours: Mon.-Tues. Wed. 8 AM-5 PM Thursday -Friday 8 AM-6 PM Saturday 8 AM-5 PM Closed on Sundays. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! Fill up your freezer for the winter season. Pork loin Approximately Picnic ham 15 lbs Beef (with bone) Blade steak .99 99 39 1 lb 2. lb 1. lb Half or Whole pork Boneless leg Cut & Wrapped Front quarter of beef of ham Approximately 200 lbs 08 .99 79 1. 1 lb . lb Dancers performing at the Lubi-Lubi Festival held in January lb 3

Pork Spare Ribs 1 litre of fresh Home smoked blood with purchase meat 1/2pork .39 .29 2 lb Regular smoked 8 lb bacon Beef .79 Fresh Belly short ribs 4 lb with skin 99 10 lbs & over . lb .99 2 69 2 lb 4. lb St.Chrysostome St. Remi St. Edouard

Napierville Fresh pork blood Sherrington Barrington Fresh bacon 203 219 202 Lacolle Hemmingford Fresh liver Jackson Road Sortie Havelock Exit No.6 Pork skin Canada Parc 219 Safari Class 15 Available Covey Hill Road

Boucherie Viau Inc. U. S. A. Malone Moders Champlain 83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0 Tel.: (450) 247-2130 or (450) 247-3561 View from Mt. Agad-Agad overlooking Iligan City www.filipinostar.org 12 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 Star Photo Gallery

Laging Handa Scouts salute during the singing of the national anthems at the FAMAS children’s Christmas party held last December 2, 2007 at St. Kevin’s Church Hall. Paskong Pinoy parol winner Cherry poses with the prize donor, Mr. Rene Calfat of Saratoga during the parol contest last Sunday, December 9, sponsored by the Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec, Inc.

Santa Claus is busy giving gifts to children during the FAMAS Children’s Christmas party held at St. Joey Albert poses for souvenir with the Filipino Star editor, Zenaida Kharroubi who interviewed her Kevin’s Church Hall, December 2, 2007, assisted by Miss Nabor, Bb. Pilipinas of Montreal. during a press conference at FAMAS, December 13, 2007 prior to her benefit concert for the FCMM.

www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 13

www.filipinostar.org 14 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 Marian refuses to talk about her FILIPINO STAR rumored love life Marian Rivera went home to Cavite yesterday, December 25, to S H O W B I Z G O S S I P celebrate Christmas with her mother and grandmother. In connection with her Charice Pempengco amazes homecoming, the Marimar lead star was asked by “Chika Minute” shown Ellen Degeneres yesterday, December 25, whether Ervic Vijandre—the non-showbiz guy being linked to her and identified in the January 2008 issue of YES! magazine—would be her special guest for Christmas. But Marian answered evasively, “Si Ervic? Di ko alam kasi, di ba, kapag Christmas, di mo naman mapipigilan ang pumupunta sa bahay mo?” The young actress also asked GMA News reporter Lhar Santiago not to delve too much on Ervic or her lovelife. She said, “Basta masaya po Marian Rivera ako. Huwag na po nating pag- soap tentatively titled Captain Barbell usapan.” Meets Darna. Despite her silence, Marian But Marian herself is still unsure assured the media that her career of her next project. She said, “Di ko would still be her priority over her po alam kung alin sa dalawa, e. lovelife. Tingnan na lang po natin kung alin Meanwhile, people are already ang ibibigay sa akin ng GMA.” confused about Marian’s next project Whatever GMA-7 gives her, in 2008. Some say she would star in Marian seems confident in taking on A young diva is born. Charice Pempengco wowed audiences with her performance on the the TV adaptation of Mars Ravelo’s any role. In fact, she said, “Handa Ellen Degeneres show aired December 19, 2007 Dyesebel while others believe that akong lumipad nang mataas, handa Internet singing sensation Charice this, Charice hugged Ellen while in she would be the next Darna in the Pempengco received two standing tears. akong lumangoy nang malalim.”. a ovations from the audience of The “You’re amazing! You’re amazing!” No reunion movie for Sharon Cuneta, Ellen DeGeneres Show that happened Ellen gushed. She continued, “We just recently. witnessed the beginning of this girl’s Gabby Concepcion The 14-year-old Little Big Star career that we’re gonna go, ‘I was under GMA Films. finalist showed off her singing talent there, I saw her.’ She is unbelieveable.” Is the possibility of a reunion movie that wowed the American audience And then, Charice got a second now possible considering that the including the Emmy Award-winning standing ovation when she performed wounds of the past had long been host Ellen DeGeneres. Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love forgotten? The Megastar doesn't mind the prospect of teaming up anew with the father of her first daughter, KC Concepcion, but her reservation outweighs the positive—knowing fully well how promotions necessitate noise and gossips to generate public interest. "Ang worry ko is I don't think I would have the heart to put my husband and my children through that," she said, sounding so concerned. "Kasi parang paglalaruan whether totoo o hindi. Ang masasaktan hindi kami, 'yong kanya-kanyang mga taong importante sa amin like his [Gabby's] wife, my husband, and my Sharon Cuneta children." 2008 will be a busy year for She also brushed off the persistent Megastar Sharon Cuneta. Sporting a rumors that her husband, Senator much slimmer frame, Sharon is Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has a child preparing herself for a movie outside wedlock. It was late November when Ellen You.” In fact, in YouTube, one user comeback after a long lull. "Nagtataka nga ako, saan announced on her show that she commented, “That’s the same voice as She's also gearing up to promote nanggagaling ang mga ganung issue. wanted this teenager singer from the Whitney Houston.” the sequel of her 2006 album, Isn't It Hinihintay ko na lang na may dumating Philippines—who sang in a televised As for the bonus surprise, Ellen Romantic? under Sony/BMG records. sa bahay para magpakilala o sabihin talent contest in Korea titled Star King gave Charice an iPod Touch to replace "Now, I do the South Beach [diet] man lang kung saan ba ang bahay that hit the video-sharing site Charice’s iPod, which was lost during phase 1," revealed Sharon to GMA para madalaw naman namin, wala YouTube—to guest on Ellen. When she her flight to the United States. News reporter Lhar Santiago about her naman, e!" laughed Sharon. learned about Ellen’s wish, Charice With all the warm welcome and strict diet regimen, "I don't do it Like any other normal couples, said, “Nagulat po ako, parang napaisip praises that she got for her guest straight, apparently you need to go on Sharon bluntly confessed that her ako, ‘Wow! Pang-international!’” appearance in The Ellen DeGeneres phase 2." union with Kiko is also marred with Indeed she looked like an Show, Charice was left speechless and Sharon's decision to revive her imperfections mixed with trials. But the international star when she sang could only say, “Oh, my God! Oh, my movie career incidentally coincides pair, as what Sharon pointed out, Dreamgirls original soundtrack “And I God! Thank you very much.” a with ex-husband Gabby Concepcion's approached every problem with Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” After anticipated comeback film reportedly objectivity and lots of humor. a www.filipinostar.org 15 december 2007 The North American Filipino Star “Ngayon ang importante sa’kin Fortunately for her, she has not Eula Valdes is a queen in 'yung magandang story. Basta dealt with any of the slithery creatures magandang character. Hindi naman in the duration of the show. But she ‘Kamandag’ kailangang sobrang complicated assures everyone that she will 'yung pagkatao. Ngayon mas na-a- condition herself to deal with her least attract ako sa mas simple [at] mas favorite creatures when the need totoo" she adds. arises. “Basta alam ko kaya ko 'yan" she Overcoming Fears guarantees. “Bahala na, ayokong isipin kasi baka manlata ako. Pag As she stars in a project as big nandyan na, I’ll deal with it." and grand as Kamandag, Eula says Eula expresses her glee as she she expects to have lots of fun – but works on her first television series with hopes to have fewer moments with the the Kapuso network. “I’m happy kasi snakes. pleasant 'yung mga tao. Nervous ako “Terrified ako dun sa snakes" she at first pero buti naman very says in a small voice, almost in a accommodating si Miss Carol whisper. “Hindi ako nakakagalaw. I’m (Kamandag’s executive producer), afraid of snakes, lizards – reptiles. As tapos in-introduce na rin niya ako sa in kasehodang breakdown scene" she iba. Very warm [sila] so at ease na ako discloses. agad" she says. a Lolit Solis now willing to apologize to Piolo, Sam Talent manager Lolit Solis has She added that one of her reiterated her readiness to make Christmas wishes is mending of ties peace and, if needed, apologize to between her and the two actors. matinee idols Piolo Pascual and Sam “Christmas wish ko yung totoo? Milby, GMA News’ 24-Oras reported Sana maayos yung sa amin nina Piolo Tuesday. at Sam kasi mabigat din yun e. “Gusto ko naman talagang Mabigat din yun sa loob. Saka abala makipag-ayos kina Piolo at Sam kasi yun," she said. saan ba pupunta ito, ‘di ba? Wala The television report said Manila naman. Ano bang mapapala ko? Ano Mayor Alfredo Lim and Senate din mapapala nila?," she said in a President Manuel Villar advised Solis taped interview. to bury the hatchet with the two actors. Solis insisted that she have no Villar, in a separate interview, said personal grudge against Sam and he is willing to facilitate the Piolo. She maintained that she does reconciliation. not know the two actors personally. “Ako naman ay mas gusto ko na According to Solis, once the two mas konti ang problema sa mundo. actors express willingness to settle the Tamang tama ito Kapaskuhan e matter with her, she will prepare the magandang tyempo," he said. Veteran actress Eula Valdes joins Eula believes wearing costumes place where she can meet them. Lawyer Joji Alonso, counsel of the the Kapuso network and takes part in will work to her advantage. “Para din “Halimbawa kung sasabihin nilang two actors, said it is possible that her the all-star ensemble of its latest ‘yan sa moods ng tao, depende sa willing silang makipagkita sa akin clients will heed the request of Solis primetime hit, Carlo J. Caparas’s kung ano 'yung nafi-feed sa’yo ng talagang ako pa ang mag-aano kung but their decision will still depend on Kamandag. environment mo. Big help din 'yung saan ko sila pwedeng imbitahin," the the talent manager’s next move. - a With great passion for her job and look, automatic 'yun sa tao 'di ba? host of GMA’s Startalk said. the eagerness to overcome challenges Kapag nag-dress ka, nagiging prim Jennylyn Mercado vehemently denies her character has in store, Eula has and proper ka, kapag nag-casual ka, made herself all comfortable in her new cowboy ka lang" she explains. throwing tantrums in public playground. “I am very eager to work with GMA" Destined to Shine FHM January 2008 cover girl Eula says in an interview with iGMA Jennylyn Mercado reportedly got into during her photo shoot for the show. Growing up watching old films, Eula an argument with boyfriend Patrick “Para ibang playground naman" she believes she has been lured into the Garcia. The said argument was so adds. entertainment world by its “glamour intense that Jennylyn, in a fit of temper, In Kamandag, Eula plays Alicia, a [because] everyone’s all made up [at] rushed to the street and lied down. mortal woman from a wealthy family ang gaganda nila". This was just another rumor brought by the snake-king Sadan As a TV kid who eventually found Jennylyn would normally shrug off. (Gardo Versoza) to the underworld herself in the business, Eula confesses But, with news about people actually kingdom, Ambograw. She becomes she could not imagine herself being believing the rumor, she could not help his queen, and eventually bears Sadan anything else but an actress. “Ito but air her side in frustration. a son. Later she is taken by the wolf- talaga ang gusto ko" she says. "Sorry, pero ang cheap talaga ng king Gulag (Zoren Legazpi) after killing “Pinanganak yata ako na kapag issue na ‘yon," said Jennylyn in an her husband in a duel. tinanong, ‘Anong gusto mo, prinsesa interview with Chika Minute aired “Alicia’s good naman" Eula affirms, or artista?’, 'yun [pag-aartista] ang yesterday, December 26. "Puwede and then shares that she familiarizes gusto ko" she shares. naman kaming mag-away sa loob ng herself with her new character by And now that she has successfully bahay. Pero sa labas? That's sad!" chatting with the writers. “Gusto kong made name for herself in showbiz, Eula Jennylyn also explained that she malaman kung anong type of person feels it no longer matters which show didn't have any major arguments with she is" she adds. genre she works in. “It really doesn’t Patrick, so the rumor about her lying The seasoned actress admits her matter kasi this is all play para sa’kin" down on the middle of the road was excitement over working in a fantasy- she replies when made to choose nothing but pure fiction. When asked themed television series and says she between fantasy-themed shows and about what Patrick's reaction was, she looks forward to wearing the queen’s the tug-at-heart reality types. “Pine- said, "Hindi pa niya naririnig, e. Tatawa GMA-7 titled Maging Aking Ka Lamang costumes. “Excited ako sa idea na may prefer ko to be given different roles lang yun, I'm sure." with Patrick. However, Jennylyn costume, kasi mahilig ako maglaro eh" para mas masarap paglaruan…basta On a lighter note, Jennylyn expressed some worries because it is, she says. gusto ko iba-iba para hindi boring" she excitedly said that she has started after all, her first soap opera with taping for her first Sine Novela for states. Patrick as leading man. " a

www.filipinostar.org 16 December 2007 primetime, and the last project I had getting into it. So I had to prepare for Sexy TV star juggles business, was in Dramarama [Pati Ba Pintig ng that. And I really had to ask help from Puso?], and it was quite successful as my directors, because it’s so hard to college, career well. I trust GMA, e. They know where portray somebody like that!" they can put their stars na hindi naman Chynna refuses to cite a dream masusuya yung viewers na lagi silang role, saying that as long as it’s nakikita." challenging and it’s new, she’s game Chynna says she’s delighted to be for it. She adds, “I don’t really care if in La Vendetta, especially since she is they give me bida or support – it surrounded by really good actors. “I’m doesn’t matter. Just as long as I know also happy because it’s not fantasy for there is something I can do with the a change. And I’m proud to be part of character; it’s the challenge na I can this, because it’s the first suspense- portray different people." drama that they have." An actress since 2001, Chynna She has done fantaseryes, acknowledges her growth in her craft teenybopper roles, and heavy dramas, and remains quite thankful for all the but what does she consider the opportunities given to her. “It’s also toughest among the lot? because of all the projects that they “I’d have to say my role in have given me – parang, they listen to Magpakailanman," she answers. “I me when I say I want to be versatile. played Bobby Mercado. The role is so And they say, ‘Sige, sige, we’re gonna different from me -- I haven’t tried support you with that decision.’ So I’m drugs, [and] I’m not the type of person very, very happy. I have a long way to that goes around and rebels against go – I still have dreams of becoming an my parents. So when they gave me award-winning actress, but it will come that role, I really had a hard time when the time is right." a Valerie unfazed by rumors

Valerie Concepcion is unfazed by the rumor linking her to Anak ng Kumander lead actor, Manny Pacquiao. They have a kissing scene in the movie, which said to have deviated Manny’s wife, Jinkee’s focus of jealousy. In fact, it was rumored that Valerie received a text message from a certain Jinkee, but which was later on denied by Jinkee herself. “Wala naman po talaga ‘yon,” the beautuous Wowowee host said during the Coca Cola Christmas Caravan at the Fiesta Carnival in Cubao, Quezon City. “Trabaho lang po.” Meanwhile, the Coke caravan will also bring her to Cebu (December 15) and Davao (December 22) with comedian Bayani Agbayani and rapper-musician Francis M with some Chynna Ortaleza, the 24-year old important. bands. Coke executives who were GMA star, is taking up Associate in Arts “It’s going to be healthy to discuss present during the Cubao caravan said at the University of the Philippines things with other people, ‘cos it’s so the projects aims to bring Filipino Open University. “Well, it’s actually all hard if it’s just Internet based and families together during Christmas. last December 1 at Burnham Park in general subjects, leading to arts," she you’re left with your modules," she They can use Coke caps and Baguio City. explains. says. crowns as currency in the caravans. When Valerie comes back from the Now on her sophomore year, she But for this semester, Chynna took There is also an ongoing parol making caravan, she will join the Parade of says that the Open University is very a break because she has to contest using Coke plastic bottles, Stars on December 24 where she will easy and convenient for busy people concentrate on her show and her caps and crowns. In the caravans, join Manny Pacquiao, Ara Mina and like her. “Usually, my classes are a mix business. “I’m quite busy with La there are also games for families who the other stars in the Anak ng of all sorts of people -- working Vendetta and I’m busy with Stellar. So I stand to win big cash prizes. It started Kumander float. (MNS) a students, young moms, everyone! Or decided to stop first, until my business people who just want to continue has stabilized, and I’ve trained enough Gretchen laughs off reports of studying." people to take care of it." She continues, “Masaya naman, break-up with Tonyboy kasi di ba, it’s UP, there’s an Mystery character opportunity for you to graduate [from] Gretchen Barretto left for the United a good school, and it’s also convenient Chynna’s role in La Vendetta will enter States on December 26 together with because you can take classes via the the story by the third week as the her partner, businessman Tonyboy Internet. And then sometimes, if you personal assistant of Amanda (Jean Cojuangco, and their daughter want, you can go the University, and Garcia). “Joan [is] a mystery character. Dominique. then you can take classes with your She’s grey - kung baga parang medyo Tonyboy will be having a medical classmates and your teachers. Pero gitna lang siya. There is a reason why check-up in the US He had a throat it’s not as demanding as regular she’s angry. I’m [Amanda’s] right operation in the middle of 2007. school." hand, so she trusts me, but hindi natin "Ganito ba ang hiwalay?" Gretchen Chynna further explains that there alam kung ano pwede kong gawin," said as she laughed off rumors of her are two options for the Open Chynna narrates. alleged separation from Tonyboy. University: a purely Internet-based Her last primetime show was last "Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako learning system, and a face-to-face year (Atlantika), and although she’s or maiinis ako sa mga kuwento. system, which she chose. In the face- glad to be in the GMA Telebabad slot Natutuwa ako na natsitsimis pa rin ako, to-face system, there is a need to again, she’s proud of the fact that she kasi ibig sabihin, buhay pa rin si attend classes every now and then – can be in “different places" when it Gretchen Barretto sa isip at puso ng something that Chynna considers comes to acting. “I can be in bawat Pilipino para intrigahin ako," continued page 17 www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 17 continued from page 16 Christmas with her sisters Marjorie and Pimentel slams ethnic slur in ‘Sakal, Claudine. The three had a falling apart Gretchen said in an interview with 24 for quite some time before they Sakali, Saklolo’ Oras. reconciled April this year. Gretchen was involved in so many "Ang sarap. Parang na-miss ko Senate Minority Leader Aquilino the film, Star Cinema, to promptly take Pimentel Jr on Thursday expressed steps to rectify the error. issues this year. The "kisscandal' ‘yon. For me, that was one of the gift concern that the film Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo “It offends the sensibilities of the involving her and John Estrada was na nakuha ko this Christmas," is conveying a wrong message to Filipinos Visayans and other non-Tagalog speaking the biggest scandal she got involved remarked Gretchen. by denigrating the use of the Visayan citizens by making them feel as if they are in. According to Gretchen, she has By 2008, Gretchen expects to language, which is most widely spoken in less Filipino than the Tagalogs. It creates already moved on after that incident. release her 12-song album. Though, the Visayas and large parts of Mindanao. useless hatred in the nation," he said. "Andami kong napagdaanan this she admits this was the only Pimentel, who hails from Mindanao, Pimentel also expressed year. Nagkasakit si Tony. Nagkaroon concession Tonyboy has given her in cited a portion of the film where a disappointment at the Movie and ako ng iskandalo. I guess it's part of any showbiz commitments. grandmother was telling a nanny (yaya) in Television Review and Classification growing up. Gretchen is no longer the "Hindi naman ako pinapayagan ni Pilipino: “Bakit pinapalaki ninyong Bisaya Board (MTRCB). 14-year old-Gretchen Going Steady Tony ng movies. Ayaw niya pa rin kasi ang apo ko?" (Why are you rearing my He said that the MTRCB had [her first film] noong araw. It just goes sabi niya maintriga. O sige, mag-CD grandchild as a Bisaya?) apparently overlooked the flaw in the film The mother then butts in and tells the which it should not have tolerated. to show na tao din ako. Nagkakamali, na lang ako. Maintriga pa rin. Sana nanny: “Speak to the kid in Tagalog. “Sakal Sakali Saklolo," with Judy Ann nadadapa, at marunong tumayo," she payagan niya na ako," she jested. Parang Pinoy. (So that he grows up like a Santos and Ryan Agoncillo in the lead said. Gretchen ended, "Basta masaya Pinoy)." roles, is an official entry to the ongoing She also shared to the reporters ako na naiintriga ako. Kasi kapag hindi Pimentel said that the scene smacks Metro Manila Film Festival. a gathered at the Centennial airport na ako naiintriga, wala na akong of an ethnic slur to non-Tagalog speaking departure area that she spent this career." a Filipinos as he called on the producer of showed spontaneity in her reaction to back to the Philippines to do something with them, and maintaining the Filipino From Page 1 Joey Albert the audience’s remarks. for the poor through Gawad Kalinga. culture. We should always keep our link oblige. Towards the end of her Joey Albert, to some of us who have She feels as if she has not done enough with the Philippines in order not to be performance, she completely relaxed been living abroad, and who have never for her country and how she wishes to disconnected from our roots wherever and even sat on the step to the stage had the occasion to listen to her, may do more whatever it is that will make the we are. She pointed out one sad experience of hearing an eight-year old child deny her being a Filipino for she was born in America and only wanted to be called an American, although she was of Filipino parentage. She would like to see parents teach their children to value their Filipino culture even though they may be living abroad. Joey Albert started her formal education in music after she had made a record that people were willing to buy. She then decided to study music at St. Scholastica College for one year and took voice lessons as well. Some surprising things happened to her afterwards. For instance, she did not really join any contest but someone did and she won the title of Miss Dream Girl in 1982, and eventually made her become an ambassadress of goodwill. As areward, she was given a trip around At the end of the show, all performers were invited to the stage to sing and to pose for souvenir with Joey Albert and Father Frank Alvarez the world and a car which she wanted to have upon graduation from college. as shown in the front page photo. Then have some hesitation to go to her Philippines a better place to live in. She Her first important concert was a all the participants were invited to the concerts. But after talking to her during said that she left, like many us, in search tribute to contemporary Filipino artists in stage and they all sang with her the press conference prior to the of better opportunities and now she has July 1985 at the University of Life. After including Father Frank Alvarez. concert, one can appreciate that this realized that what she left behind are the this concert, she was considered to This concert was organized for the lady has her heart in the right place, that real treasures. It is only now that she have made it as a real major artist. benefit of the Filipino Catholic Mission she is generous, kind, caring, and understands how proud she is of being According to Joey Albert, Filipinos in collaboration with the Premier humble. I had seen her once during the a Filipino, and that no one should die succeed when given opportunities. Management Group. Random concert for Gawad Kalinga last year, but without doing something for the country. However, she feels quite sad that there it seemed that I did not know her enough sampling of reaction to her show She asks: Who else is going to help the are not enough opportunities back poor in our country? Can you turn your home but if there are, she feels sure that back to them? She said she definitely our country will rise again. can’t. When asked about her plan for To sum up her message to us the next ten years, she replied that she abroad - teach children to love the will be working for the poor. Philippines even though we have How does one show love and pride adopted Canada as our second home. in being a Filipino? According to her, there are many things one could do – We thank our readers for being with other Filipinos, sharing ideas supporting our advertisers.

The whole crew of people working for the Joey Albert concert pose for souvenir after the press conference held at FAMAS, December 13, 2007 revealed that everyone enjoyed the to say much about her. But this time show. It was quite a relaxing evening, around, I learned more about her She as she was not accompanied by a loud sounded so passionate about being a orchestra but by a string quartette and Filipino. When I asked her what she a pianist. As a result, the voice of Joey would like us to do to help our country, she gave quite an extensive reply, Albert could be heard better and pointing out the feeling of being appreciated for its tone, pitch and lyrics. humbled after seeing young people go She was also very relaxed and often www.filipinostar.org 18 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 Pakistani opposition leader Bhutto assassinated Killing throws doubt on regional stability, draws international condemnation suicide attacker took her life. the key Iowa caucuses next week. See Witnesses quoted in news reports full story. said Bhutto raised her head through the sun roof of her armored vehicle as Violent politics she was leaving the rally and then collapsed after two or three shots were Pakistan's political system is no fired. A large explosion followed the stranger to violence. In recent weeks, gunfire, the reports said. The blast suicide bombers have repeatedly killed at least 20 other people, reports targeted security forces in Rawalpindi, said. a city near the capital where Musharraf Bhutto's supporters took to the stays and the Pakistan army has its streets following the killing, attacking headquarters. An attack on a Bhutto police in several cities, according to campaign rally in October killed about news reports. The Associated Press 150 people. Earlier on Thursday, reported that nine people were killed in several people were killed at a rally the rioting. held by another election candidate, Internet statements said Al-Qaida according to news reports. Musharraf had claimed responsibility for the himself has been repeatedly targeted attack, and officials were said to be by violent attacks. investigating the veracity of the claim, Before the rally, Bhutto met with Pakistan's former Prime Minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto attends an election according to an Associated Press Afghan President Hamid Karzai and rally in Rawalpindi December 27, 2007, shortly before she was killed in a gun and bomb report. However, some analysts told him that if she were elected prime attack. December 27, 2007 The attack sent ripples through the pointed out that Bhutto had many minister she would work with him to Pakistani opposition leader and world's financial markets, where stocks enemies and rivals who could be fight terrorism, the AP reported. former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the dollar fell and gold and oil responsible for the murder. Bhutto was Pakistan's prime was assassinated Thursday, throwing prices rose. The longer-term impact of CNN reported late Thursday that minister twice, once between 1988 and the nuclear-armed U.S. ally into crisis the killing was unclear, but could be an email message written by Bhutto 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996, and raising the specter of deeper deep and far-reaching. See First Take before her death said that Musharraf and had been campaigning before instability in an already volatile region. commentary. Read more commentary. should be held responsible if she were elections next month. Earlier this year World leaders condemned the to meet a violent death, saying she she returned to Pakistan from self- assassination, which sent shock Gun and bomb attack was made "to feel insecure." imposed exile. Just before her death waves through the Pakistani political Musharraf condemned the killing she had given a speech to thousands system. It immediately raised The circumstances of the attack, and urged calm. He blamed extremists of supporters, according to the questions about whether which took place in Rawalpindi, for the attack and declared three days reports. parliamentary elections scheduled for Pakistan, as Bhutto left a political rally, of mourning, but did not say if The U.S. had been urging Jan. 8 would be held and whether remained unclear hours after she was elections would be postponed or the Musharraf to reach an accommodation President Pervez Musharraf would pronounced dead by hospital officials. state of emergency reimposed. with the opposition, particularly reimpose a recently lifted state of Some reports said Bhutto, 54, was President Bush demanded that the Bhutto, who was seen as having a emergency. killed by gunshots. Others said attackers be brought to justice. wide base of support in Pakistan, the Nawaz Sharif, a main opposition shrapnel from a bomb detonated by a "The United States strongly condemns AP reported. Her party had been leader, said his political party would this cowardly act by murderous widely expected to do well in boycott the election, casting further extremists who are trying to undermine parliamentary elections set for next doubt on its viability. Pakistan's democracy," Bush said in a month. The death of Bhutto, who was a statement from Texas. Bhutto, the first female prime leading candidate to become prime Indian Prime Minister Manmohan minister in the Muslim world when she minister following the election, also Singh said Bhutto's death deprived the was elected in 1988, was a member of cast U.S. policy toward the region into subcontinent of "an outstanding leader what many considered to be Pakistan's turmoil. U.S. officials had hoped that who worked for democracy and preeminent political family. Her father Bhutto and Musharraf could team up reconciliation in her country," Reuters was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a former prime to bring stability to the country and reported. minister of Pakistan, who was sideline extremist factions. British Prime Minister Gordon executed in 1979 after being deposed Pakistan is a key ally in the U.S.- Brown said it was a "sad day for in a military coup. Both of her brothers declared war on terror. It borders democracy" and a "tragic hour" for died in mysterious circumstances. a Pakistan, according to cable news Afghanistan, where the United States Supporters of assassinated Pakistani The Filipino Star wishes to extend its channel CNN. The attack also drew believes Osama bin Laden is hiding opposition leader Benazir Bhutto cry during condolences to the Pakistani and is the recipient of billions of dollars a gathering to mourn her death in Dubai, condemnation from U.S. candidates community of Montreal & abroad on of U.S. aid. December 28, 2007 for President, who will be facing off in this tragic occasion.

www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 19 Arroyo, Panlilio swap peace signs but still don’t talk

December 22, 2007 were together. the Senate's Blue Ribbon Committee, through the power of this world but Meeting for the first time after the The President appeared to be Panlilio told senators that he considered through the simplicity of life, obedience controversial October 11 cash doles at addressing everyone in that table for 10 the money to be illegally disbursed to the will of God, and humility." Malacañang, President Gloria people. Panlilio was seen nodding as because no one had shown strong proof Without referring to anyone, the 70- Macapagal-Arroyo and Pampanga Arroyo spoke. of its source. year-old prelate said: "There is hope and Governor Eddie Panlilio shook hands By way of courtesy, Panlilio said he Sources in Pampanga said Panlilio the way to hope is by dialogue. That is and exchanged greetings of peace at the did not open a topic or ask a question. had earned the ire of Arroyo. But the our responsibility to Christ's community." 4 a.m. pre-Christmas Mass here on "We were talking as a group," he governor said he hoped that was not By 10 a.m., Arroyo led inaugural rites Saturday. said, adding that he did not want to true. for the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark at the It was Arroyo who was seen initiating judge her attitude toward him that "I deeply appreciate it that she joined Expo Pilipino inside the Clark Freeport. the peace greetings to local officials who She was supposed to lead the joined her at the front pew of the opening of the park on November 30. Metropolitan Cathedral here. The Nayong Pilipino Foundation advised She first shook hands with San her to cancel the plan due to expected Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, then bad weather, not because of the standoff with Panlilio and finally with Pampanga that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV led at Representative Aurelio Gonzales. She the Peninsula Manila a day before her sat beside Buhay Representative Carissa scheduled visit here. Coscolluela and Pangasinan The Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Representative Rachel Arenas. occupies 13 hectares of the 60-hectare "It was mutual," Panlilio said of his Expo Pilipino. It reuses the pre-colonial and Arroyo's exchange of peace and colonial plazas of the Expo, which greetings. the Ramos administration built for the Panlilio and Rodriguez later centennial of Philippine independence in accompanied Arroyo toward the plaza 1998. where the giant lanterns of the villages of The foundation spent P40 million to Telasbastagan and San Felipe were improve the place and install new displayed. attractions. Arroyo, a native of Lubao town, was The rest of the P3-billion Expo heard telling Coscolluela and Arenas Pilipino remained unused, its business how lanterns are made and how these viability hobbled by allegations of are able to give out patterns of blinking corruption discovered during the Estrada President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio (back to the camera) lights. administration. shake hands and greet each other "Peace be with you" before communion rites in a Christmas Former President Joseph Estrada It was a different scene altogether mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in the City of San Fernando on Saturday, Dec 22, 2007. during breakfast at the Plaza de Arrozal ordered the park closed in 1999 and of the City Hall, across the street from the morning. us, her kabalen (province mates) in the Arroyo has tried to help turn it into an church. On the still unresolved issue, Panlilio Mass," he said. economic enterprise through the state- Arroyo and Panlilio, with San said he had not called the cash gift as Arroyo has regularly attended the owned Clark Development Corp. Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto bribe money or identified Arroyo as its Missa de Gallo here since 2001. The Nayong Pilipino sa Clark has seated between them, did not talk in source. In his homily, Aniceto reminded drawn 100,000 visitors since its opening private in the entire 30 minutes that they During the November 14 inquiry of Catholics that the "way to God was not last June 12. a

Ecole de Conduite PAUL DRIVING SCHOOL SPECIAL $240 - 12 h DRIVING Office: 514-509-9390 Cell: 514-998-9604 Fax: 54-509-9389 7370 Cote. St. Luc #118, Montreal, QC H4W 1P9 Pick up from METRO COTE. ST. CATHERINE, VENDOME, PLAMONDON, VILLA MARIA, COTE-DES-NEIGES

DR. EMILIA ESPIRITU

CHIRURGIEN DENTISTE / DENTAL SURGEON

5790 COTE desk NEIGES RD. SUITE A-024 MONTREAL, QUEBEC PHONE: 514-340-8222 (4077) H3S 1Y9 E-Mail: [email protected]

www.filipinostar.org 20 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 Global Araw ng Migrante Perspectives Western Union and the President for Philippines who came all Philippine Embassy in Ottawa recently the way from Manila just to attend this welcomed over 200 Ottawa, Kingston special event. and Montreal caregivers as well as Two lucky attendees won migrant workers to Tahanang Rizal, the Money Transfer Gift Certificates worth Philippine Ambassador’s residence. It Php 3000 each courtesy of Western was a memorable day for our Union, the leader in money transfers in caregivers and migrant workers as it Canada. They both agreed that the was filled with laughter, dancing and process of sending money was really delicious Filipino food. It was also a easy and convenient. great opportunity to spend time with each other, get to know the members

Isaac T. Goodine So this is Christmas Fredericton, New Brunswick, to promote peace. The majority of (War is over) today’s Canadians were not born or had not yet immigrated here at that So this is Christmas time, and it is only at this time of the And what have you done year that we hear this particular Another year over message; So this is Christmas and And a new one just begun what have you done? Thanks to One of the lucky migrant worker receiving the modern technology old ideas can be Php 3000 Money Transfer Gift Certificate And so this is Christmas brought forward and this Christmas Philippine Ambassador Jose Brillantes from Western Union representatives (left to I hope you have fun message can be downloaded from the addressed the crowd during the Araw ng right), Moises Calo – Director for Retail The near and the dear one internet at: Migrante at the Tahanang Rizal Marketing, Patricia Riingen – Vice President The old and the young www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBfEGE for Philippines, Brian Fox – Regional Vice TyGjs of the Philippine Embassy and friends President and General Manager and Daniel Fihn – Market Development A very merry Christmas Since last year some progress from Western Union. And a happy New Year has been made in my field of interest Despite the cold weather, the Let’s hope it’s a good one in promoting international education. whole day affair was fun-filled with Without any fear After a rather long waiting period my games, door prizes and entertainment credentials have been approved to numbers from the Pastoral Care for ...by John Lennon and Yoko Ono teach in Quebec, specifically at Migrants, Mutyang Ina ng Migrante Gilmore International College, and I 2007 Candidates and Noypi band. What a difference a year look forward to that prospect since the Aside from the Philippine Ambassador, makes! This time last year I was in College is also under renovation and the event was greatly supported by the Manila for a conference on Ageing and improvement as the eighteenth Minister and Consul General Joseph Transition and someone came out with anniversary of operations in Montreal Gerard Angeles, Second Secretary the observation that Life is what approaches in January 2008. and Consul Rhenita Rodriguez, Labor happens while we are planning what to Otherwise in my world, I have Caregivers and Migrant workers do next. Transition is what we become a Board Member-at-Large for participating in one of the Western Union encounter as life happens—whether or the International Educators fun games during the Araw ng Migrante not we are conscious of anything Association of Canada (IEAC) and a at the Tahanang Rizal happening. So, much has Member of the Board of Directors of happened since John and Yoko wrote the Canada Philippine Business and sang the lyrics to the much loved Council (CPBC), with a special Christmas song that was intended to portfolio for Business Education. convey the message that, hopefully, In a related development I (war is over) the new year would be a have been able to secure a business good one without any fear. What’s that arrangement with a company in the you say? War is not over? Ah yes but Philippines engaged in recruitment Western Union Vice President and Stephen Harper has assured us that and placement of workers abroad and General Manager Brian Fox gave a short Canada’s war will be over as soon as to link up with a firm based in Toronto message to the caregivers and migrant we pacify (or kill) the Taliban and win established to facilitate placement of workers the hearts and minds of the people of foreign workers in Canada. Altogether, Afghanistan. George W. Bush has the past year has afforded me an Representative Frank Luna, Settlement Patricia Riingen, Western Union Vice assured the world that America will opportunity to contribute to education Manager Nasir Tarafder and of course President for Philippines traveled all the prevail—ultimately, and there will be and diplomacy from a Global the Western Union representatives way from Manila to thank the caregivers freedom for all, someday. We are Perspective as I continue to network headed by Brian Fox, Regional VP and and migrants workers for their constant comforted to hear from these leaders with colleagues and friends at home General Manager of Western Union support. but, in the meantime we must still and abroad. For 75 year old Retiree — Canada, Bill Van Koot, Director of concern ourselves with the period of that’s a good year. Operations and Patricia Riingen, Vice transition that lies ahead. Employment Standards Act (ESA) is protections that are supposed to exist Sixty percent of the people Isaac Goodine may be reached at: living in Canada today were not here effectively non-existent. None of the for all workers in BC?" continues Zaman. [email protected] study's interviewees had made use of the "Highly educated immigrants are yet when John and Yoko staged a “lie English-only "self-help kit" (the only way to arriving in Canada with the promise of in” and stayed in bed for a week in report violations to the good employment," says Cecilia Diocson, False promises for recent a new study released by the Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services), co-author of the report and executive despite experiencing ESA director of the National Alliance of immigrants: Study Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Philippine Women Centre. violations. Philippine Women in Canada. "Instead, reveals low wage job Workplace Rights for Immigrants in BC: "The provincial government's rollback of they are experiencing a severe transition cycle, workplace rights The Case of Filipino Workers employment standards in 2002 penalty in the form of low-paying jobs, means that many basic employment rights often with inadequate protections. This is a violations reveals that despite a booming BC economy, recent immigrants to the now exist only as 'paper-rights,' cycle that stretches into unsatisfactory VANCOUVER, Dec. 10 /CNW/ - In spite province often find economic security particularly for recent immigrants," says employment for years and can eventually of high education levels, many recent elusive. They frequently work in unsafe Habiba Zaman, SFU professor and result in long-term economic hardship." immigrants to BC find themselves stuck in conditions with little training or access to co-author of the report. low wage jobs, with few meaningful information about their rights.The study "If no one has informed you of your protections in the workplace, according to also finds that enforcement of the rights and no one is actively enforcing them, how can you enjoy the See Page 21 Immigrants www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 21 VCO production is how to maximize hour. the yield of oil from the “gata” without - Institute proactive monitoring resorting to extreme treatments. I was teams who would randomly investigate told that a traditional method was to workplaces for employment standards let the coconut milk sit out and and Work Safe violations. ferment for about 2 weeks. The oil - Increase penalties for violations. that separates is collected - Eliminate the "self-help kit" and allow workers to bring complaints about mechanically. Another method uses a workplace violations directly to the machine called an expeller, which is Employment Standards Branch. Also, essentially a “squeezer” able to fund a community-based, non-profit squeeze the milk out of the coconut system, which would provide assistance, flesh. Another method calls for the including advocacy, to workers who use of a centrifuge where the “gata” is believe their rights have been violated. 5) helps prevent bacterial, viral and spun causing the oil to rise and the - Substantially increase public Virgin Coconut Oil fungal infections; 5) promotes healthy solids to sediment. education of the ESA through skin and scalp. At this stage in VCO information sessions, translation into Virgin coconut oil, or VCO, is The health claims are for the marketing where health claims are still appropriate languages, and extensive the current health food hot topic in most part based on testimonials. A based on testimonials, it is entirely distribution. Restore the requirement Manila, alongside new trends such as testimonial is an individual’s own possible that the effect of one brand that rights be posted at workplaces. glutathione injections or moringa oil, description of his/her experience with produced by a given method might Workplace Rights for Immigrants in otherwise known as malunggay oil. It BC: The Case of Filipino Workers, by the product in question. We do not be different from the effect of another was therefore timely that the Editor of Habiba Zaman, Cecilia Diocson and deny the potential value of brand produced by a different this paper asked that I write a piece on Rebecca Scott is available at testimonials, but very often, it is procedure. In my conversation with VCO, and this shortly before my wife www.policyalternatives.ca impossible to weed out exaggerations the VCO association in Manila, we and I were to leave for Manila on an Multilingual versions of this release are from objective truth in any one’s self- agreed that something should be invitation from the Philippine available at account of either a positive or a done to standardize manufacturing government to give a series of lectures www.policyalternatives.ca. negative experience. Health claims procedures. There is for example a on the topic, and to give advice to Call Terra Poirier at 604-801-5121 x229 must be based on well-designed possibility that the fermentation to arrange interviews with the following colleagues at the Ateneo de Manila clinical trials where for example, both procedure, because it is not spokespeople: and at UPDiliman on various options the patient and the physician are standardized, might become tainted - Habiba Zaman, report co-author, for research. unaware of whether they belong to a with a pathogen. The industry could Associate Professor of Women's In June 2006, I had written an test group or a placebo group. be ruined if a batch of bottles resulted Studies, SFU article concerning VCO for this Furthermore, the medical histories of in many getting sick. Unfortunately, - Cecilia Diocson, report co-author, column. In that article, I raised some the patients are taken into account the manufacturers have so far been Executive Director of the National questions concerning the Diet-Heart Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada when sorting out the results of the trial. unwilling to sit together to work Hypothesis. For over 30 years, the - Leah Diana, Vice-Chairperson, These clinical trials are to be through their differences and Diet-Heart Hypothesis has been the Philippine Women Centre of BC (PWC) conducted in such a way that medical preferences with respect to the guiding principle in public health Charan Gill, CEO, results will be as much as possible procedures. We hope that for the policy as well as in the manner by ProgressiveIntercultural Community free from bias, personal opinion or sake of this fledgling industry, the which physicians manage heart Services Society (PICS) even prejudice. In the case of VCO, stakeholders will see beyond their disease. It is based on the almost - Sherman Chan, Director of such well-designed clinical trials are differences and begin to work unquestioned belief that high blood Settlement Services, OSAIC lacking. This is not to say that there together to make sure that VCO will The study was produced as part of cholesterol is a primary cause of heart haven’t been so far any attempts to not be a flash in the pan. the Economic Security Project, a joint disease and in turn, that cholesterol verify the health effects of VCO, but In a subsequent article, I will research initiative of the CCPA and and saturated fat in food are primary that we need a large number of clinical dig into the health issues to see if Simon Fraser University, funded primarily causes of high blood cholesterol. This trials involving hundreds even there is merit to some of the claims by the Social Sciences and Humanities principle is so ingrained in the thinking thousands of patients in order to make made for VCO. Later on I will explain Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). of the majority that I rarely meet valid health claims. the origins of the Diet-Heart This study also received a grant from the anyone anymore who is not worried For starters, we need to study Hypothesis and why we need to Vancouver Foundation, which about his/her blood cholesterol and significantly facilitated the research whether people whose daily diet change our thinking on the subject. worried about fat calories in his/her process. regularly includes coconut oil exhibit Based on the report's findings and diet, particular saturated fat. Coconut For further information: Call Terra more cases of chronic disease, e.g., oil is about 98% saturated fat and From page 20 Immigrants Poirier at (604) 801-5121 x229 to arrange heart disease, compared to people therefore, VCO has an image problem interviews whose diet does not include coconut. In consultation with immigrant-serving among most if not all health They say that the Bicolanos, known for organizations, the study makes New batch of students can professionals. attend the Nursing Aid (PAB) their high consumption of coconut do extensive policy recommendations, Today, you can find VCO in including: course starting Feb. 10, 2008 not suffer from a higher incidence of the shelves of just about any - Eliminate the $6 first-job wage, and on weekends heart disease compared with other supermarket in Manila. VCO has increase the minimum wage to $10 per Call 514-485-7861 to register population groups in the Philippines. made it to North American and This is still hearsay. What we need is European markets, particularly those a survey of the food habits of the that cater to the Filipino expatriate Bicolanos, their blood chemistries, communities. I brought 3 bottles back and medical data on the incidence of to Montréal to try. One is unflavoured, heart disease in this region. If it turns manufactured by a process patented out that among the Bicolanos, the by UPLosBanos. The other two are amount of coconut one eats is linked flavoured, one jackfruit and the other to susceptibility to heart disease, this sweet corn. I do not have information would be the end for VCO and all such concerning the production method products. If on the other hand, used for these flavoured varieties. The Bicolanos who eat the most coconuts type of manufacturing is a potentially exhibit the least susceptibility to heart critical issue in VCO quality which I will disease, then this would be indicative explain later. of a protective effect of coconut oil Although the bottles of VCO against this malady. sold in the Philippines all carry a I would like to return to the printed disclaimer of “no approved topic of VCO manufacture. I found out therapeutic claims”, manufacturers that there are 8 distinct methods of place health claims on the labels preparing VCO. In general, VCO is the anyway. Typical would be: 1) helps oil contained in the white “cream” that reduce the risk of heart disease; 2) rises to the top of “gata”, which for the boosts energy level and increases uninitiated, is coconut milk prepared metabolism; 3) improves blood by squeezing the liquid from grated circulation; 4) helps control diabetes; coconut flesh. The big challenge in www.filipinostar.org 22 The North American Filipino Star December 2007 FCMM King and Queen of Angels 2007

Rachel Marie Ambayec Wong Queen of Angels Parents: Mr. & Mrs. David (Beth) Wong

Kerabelle Maningas Deriquito Princess of Archangels Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Roderick (Benedicta) Deriquito Elisha Kaye Rodil Princess of Guardian Angels Parent: Ms. Maryrose Cos Rodil

Marie Andrée Cuarto Melissa Rose Cuaresma Locquiao Maria Rodica Dizon Florea Arianne Larroza Falconit Princess of Virtues Princess of Dominions Princess of Principalities Princess of Powers Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Pierre (Dulce) Laurion Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Melito (Herminia) Locquiao Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Patre (Theresa) Florea Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Roderick (Corazon) Falconit Representat by Lindsy Borja

Dean Patrick Ballesteros Tan Maverick Lawrence Pavico Umali King of Angels Prince of Archangels Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Dino (Rouema)Tan Gary Joseph Fenol Panganiban Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Henri (Maria Fe) Umali Prince of Guardian Angels Parent: Ms. Lina Fenol

Ian Carlo Lagman de la Cruz Brandon Ray de Lena Faustino John Clark Perez Zapanta Prince of Powers Prince of Powers Prince of Virtues Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Roberto (Agnes) dela Cruz Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Raymond (Emily) Faustino Parents: Mr. & mrs. Jhun (Claire) Zapanta

www.filipinostar.org december 2007 The North American Filipino Star 23

www.filipinostar.org December 2007 24 The North American Filipino Star

Education raises the bar but lowers the barriers to a rewarding career.

Daycare Assistant Administrative Assistant Certified International Trade Professional (C.I.T.P.) Personal Support Worker (Nursing Aide) PROGRAMMES & COURSES We wish you happy holidays, • LANGUAGES English, French, Spanish, Mandarin Merry Christmas and a Filipino (Tagalog) Prosperous New Year • OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Microsoft Office Accpac Simply Accounting Accounting & Bookkeeping Administrative Assistant Program Business French Bilingual Telephone Protocol • International Trade (C.I.T.P.) • Personal Support Worker/PAB/Nursing Aide • Early Childhood Education Assistant • Integration of Foreign Graduates of Nursing (Education Permit Pending) 2007 Students and Staff Annual Christmas party OTHER COURSES Seminars: • Writers Helping Writers (February-March 2008) • Intercultural Communication (To be determined) • Leadership Training (To be determined) • Human Resources Development (On request) Tutorials: • English • French •Math/Science (Private or semi-private)

4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse Montreal, Quebec H3W 1X3 To register by appointment, Telephone: 514-485-7861 please call 514-485-7861 Fax: 514-485-3076 Classes start January 13, 2008 Website: gilmorecollege.com SNOWDON www.filipinostar.org