November 2007, Vol. XXV, No. 11a www.filipinostar.org Rendez-vous 07 to restore Montreal’s past glory Rendez-vous November 2007 a special moment in the cultural history of Montreal thta brought together about 1300 participants who believe in the strenght and future of Montreal. Two days of meetings and discussions centered on the presentations of various individuals and organizations that provided the government with numerous viewpoints and proposals to make Montreal regain its former status as a major cultural metropolis over the period of the ocming 10 years. The big turnout is an evidence of the success of the conference. The orgqnizing committee hoped to draw around 800 people. “The clear interest of the public and private sectors, as well as cultural and community groups, shows how important this major historic meeting is seen to be - and rightly so,” commented Gérald Tremblay, Major of A view of the Rendez-vous conference in session at the Palais de Congrès, November 12-13, 2007 See Page 4 Rendez-vous 07 Albay Province Panday Tinig a hit at Carnegie Hall It was a captive audience to the last note as the Panday Tinig Choral Ensemble ended their afternoon Page 10 concert at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York on Saturday, October 20, 2007. Contents Aptly called Kapalaran, the concert traced the destinies of three Cooperative Movement. p. 6 daughters of a family as they moved from province to province in the Travel Advertisement . p. 8 Philippines. Their story was captured through choral music representing Classified Ads . p. 9 traditional songs, haranas, kundiman, and contemporary compositions in Philippine Cuisine . p. 9 various Philippine languages. A rendition of Pambansang Tourism . p. 10 Awit, O Canada, and Star Spangled Banner opened the program. Setting Filstar Photo Gallery . p. 12 the tone for the concert was Sa Mahal Kong Bayan by Lucio San Pedro Showbiz Gossip . p. 14 depicting the love for our Philippine music. The scene moved to the slum Political Press Releases . p. 17 area of Manila with the song Bahay Seated L-R: Willie Gomez, Jowen Soguilon, Editha Fedalizo (pianist & coordinator), describing homes built with boxes, Philippine News . p. 18-23 Edward de las Alas, and Jake Calizar.Standing L-R: Paul Imperial (Music director), galvanized material and cardboard. Jessie Pascual, Amir Billones, Dindo Miras, Peter Apelo, Gerald Castillo, Jun Diaz, and Global Perspectives . p. 20 Domingo Lorica Jr., Ruel Arevalo (not in picture). See Page 5 Panday Tinig saratoga UNIIONBANK Electronic Solutions Inc. of the Philippines www.saratogacard.com www.filipinostar.org 2 The North American Filipino Star November 1-15, 2007 Coffee Club opens at the EDITORIAL Coop starting December 16 Members with their friends or Eufemio How do we make our government associates are invited to take some January 20 - Alex Robles time out during Sundays, from 1 to 5 January 27 - Domingo Lorica, Jr. transparent and accountable to us? p.m., to drop in at the Coop (Divisoria- Those who are interested in Cubao) store to keep themselves up- volunteering their time and who have The current debate over the former After having learned about to-date with the news - how things are some creative ideas in making the Prime Minister Mulroney’s affairs begs different issues, particularly those that going and what they can do to help coffee club sessions more interesting an answer to the question of whether are controversial, we must not just sit their own store become successful in are welcomed to call the Coop at 514- or not there is transparency at all in the around and do nothing about them. its goal to offer better services and 733-8915, or 514-485-7861, and different levels of government – We have a duty to express our lower prices. A volunteer member is submit their names. municipal, provincial and federal. Do opinions and let our lawmakers know assigned to be the animator or host for In our desire to improve the we keep ourselves informed of how how we feel either by telephone or in each of these coffee club sessions. sales of the Coop, we are also our political leaders make their writing. We must learn how to ask Freshly brewed coffee will be available requesting all members to buy even decisions? questions for it is only by asking for only $1 a cup. $10 a week. If all 600 members buy As citizens and taxpayers, it intelligent questions that we can put Some of the proposed this amount, we will have at least seems quite important to know who the pressure on them to be activites are watching popular Tagalog $6000 sales per week and in a month, are our representatives in each district responsible or accountable to us. films, playing board games, or having this will be $24 000. Hence, we will so that when the time comes, we can Although all political parties have some information sessions about the soon achieve our break-even point. In easily call on them to voice our had their share of scandals, we as cooperative movement. a short time, we will be making a profit. opinions, or to seek their assistance. citizens should not accept them as The following volunteer On the other hand, if members do not However, it is a common experience part of politics. Politics need not be a members have graciously agreed to patronize the Coop, it will be difficult if that no one seems to know neither “dirty game.” It is the type of people start the ball rolling: not impossible to achieve any of the their names nor their addresses. It is who enter it that make it so. If there December 9 - Remy Monteagudo goals of a cooperative. only during elections when everyone are many good people who will enter Decemer 16 - Estrella Gascon We hope to see you all and is aware of their candidates’ names this field, it is possible to have ethical 2008 bring along a friend who will be but once elections are over, people leaders we can look up to. January 13 - Luz Dizon & Leony interesting in becoming a member. forget them and never bother to see The current case of Mr. Brian how they are doing their job. Will it not Mulroney may make us wonder about FILIPINO SOLIDARITY be a good idea if we all decide to many things. How is it possible for make it our business to know how our someone like him to be receiving such FSCI COOPERATIVE political leaders are protecting our huge amounts of cash in an envelope 2004 interests? How do we make them in various hotel rooms? The fact that it Coopérative de Solidarité Filipino accountable to us? has been quite a long time ago when it 4711 Van horne Avenue, Montreal H3W 1H8 In order to keep our government happened and yet still remains as a accountable and transparent, there is question leads us to ask many more a need for all of us to learn how our questions. If it is true that the payment elected officials make their decisions. was for past or future services, why did There are many ways we can Mr. Schreiber use cash? The black accomplish this. The most practical market or the hidden market is the way is to gather all information about only place where cash is often used to every issue of the day by reading avoid the payment of taxes. newspapers, magazines, watching As Mr. Mulroney has been television news, listening to talk declared innocent of the airbus Rice Philippine frozen products shows, going to council meetings, and scandal, and he claims that he will be Nature’s Virgin Oil surfing the internet,. If one is really an vindicated again, we must really be avid follower of political people, sitting interested in finding out how he could Not yet a member? Support your first and only at the gallery of the Parliament or the explain away this cash payment. Will Filipino cooperative in Canada. Be a member now! National Assembly whenever an the public inquiry help him clear his important debate is going on will name? How can this case serve as a surely be an advantage. If we do all lesson for politicians not to be involved CUBAO-DIVISORIA thee things, we can be sure to be in a similar situation? prepared to vote the right person to Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Store Hours: represent us in future elections. Monday to Friday - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. We thank all our readers Saturday-Sunday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 514-733-8915 and advertisers for Tangkilin ang sariling atin. allowing us to serve you Working together for common prosperity. for the past 25 years. 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, QCH3W 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 Editor 1 year or 24 issues $55 2 years or 48 issues $90 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 November 1-15, 2007 The North American Filipino Star 3 ROTRAND TO MARK 25th ANNIVERSARY in his chair.