Vol. XXX, No. 3 March 2012 http://www.filipinostar.org Governments of Canada and Quebec invest in affordable housing Québec, March 19, 2012 – The Governments of Canada and Quebec announced the signing of a new agreement that will result in an investment of $346 million over three years and that will help improve the housing conditions of Quebec households in need. The Investment in See Page 11 - Tourism and Vacation Affordable Housing 20112014 Package Show Agreement was confirmed today, in Québec, by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and by Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Human Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Resources and Skills Development Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy who is also the Minister responsible for how important affordable housing is in work with the provincial government in the Société d’habitation du Québec building safe communities and at the delivering solutions throughout Quebec, (SHQ). same time, economic growth,” said Minister Finley. “We are very pleased to “Our Government understands See Page 7 Housing See Page 13 - Blessing of Ravi Tours Agency office point that Filipinos everywhere need to Dr. Anton Juan’s lecture on remember their culture and pass it on to their children. He urged us to emulate heroic deeds because if we Philippine culture hits home do not, we do not really remember our culture and we also forget our values. Reported by Z. Ferry-Kharroubi It was evident from the very Montreal, March 16, 2012 - In beginning of his lecture that he was spite of the short notice, a big well versed with Philippine history and audience was on hand to listen to Dr. that he was not only delivering a Anton Juan, a UP alumnus and a full speech but also helping us build a tenured professor at Notre Dame unique Filipino identity which we seem University in Indiana, who came to to be losing after a long absence from Montreal on a brief visit, our home country. He interspersed accompanied by the Philippine his lecture with humorous anecdotes Embassy diplomatic corps, the that elicited laughter. Time passed Philippine Ambassador, Leslie Gatan unnoticeable as he really made a lot of and his wife, Mrs. Debbie Gatan, and sense and provoked some questions. Consul and First Secretary Porfirio M. For instance, he said “Of course, we Mayo, Jr., and his wife, Mrs. Flerida can have fun, but we can also have the Anne Camille P. Mayo, also a Consul truth.” He pointed out not only our and First Secretary. FAMAS headed strengths but also our weaknesses. by Au Osdon, a UP Alumna, along “Instead of erecting towers of with members of the executive board knowledge, we are destroying and volunteers made all the ourselves at the bottom.” arrangements at 6767 Cote des Dr. Juan traced the roots of Neiges, a community resource center Philippine cultural history - from the where the welcome reception was ancient times to the present. He held. Co-hosts are: The Auxiliary for presented examples of great works of FAMAS, Ladies and Knights of Rizal, art by Filipinos. He said that we as a Tess and Derek Fincham and the nation must be proud of ourselves. Council of Canadian Filipinos of We have many talented artists, Dr. Anton Juan, a professor at Notre Dame University in Indiana, delivered a lecture on Philippine Quebec. cultural heritage which he is passionate about. He urges Filipinos to remember their culture as Dr. Juan’s main theme he says, if we forget it, we will also forget our values. See Page 4 - Philippine culture seemed to have driven home the • RESP (Education Savings Plan) Shana Zhao Life and Disability Insurance Save Money as little as Insurance Broker • Health Insurance (Acupuncture, Massage...), $10/month for your kids, it will Office: 514-932-3003 ex: 231 • Travel Insurance (Super Visa) change their future. Cell: 514-993-0269 • High Interest Savings Account (1.75%-2.25%) Fax: 514-932-8998 Products provided by: RBC, BMO, Desjardins, SSQ, Federal Grants: 20% ~40% E-mail: [email protected] Canada Life, Blue Cross, Sun Life, Industrial Quebec Grants: 10%~20% Alliance, Manulife, Standard Life, La Capital, Investment return: 5% Address: 4115, rue Sherbrooke O Empire Life, Transamerica, Foresters…etc. Suite 200 • FREE: Apply Maternity and Westmount, QC H3Z 1K9 Parental Benefits

www.filipinostar.org 2 The North American Filipino Star March 2012 Letter to the Editor 5 March 2012 This is an unacceptable situation and needs to be fixed now. We have given Raising awareness and pride of Disappointed at the Department DND and the CF ample time to fix this of National Defence’s Inaction inequity but there has been no our cultural identity By Patricia (Pat) Varga commitment to date. Now, with the federal After hearing Dr. Anton Juan Having the experience of How could two departments of government deficit reduction a certainty, speak about Philippine cultural listening to lectures similar to Dr. the federal government be so The Royal Canadian Legion is looking for diametrically opposed? I ask this question a commitment and a firm date. heritage, we felt quite pleasantly Juan’s is certainly a positive step because there are two economic support This is a substantive example of surprised to learn that we have such a towards broadening our common programs for our veterans in play here. how the federal government’s deficit rich cultural heritage. Perhaps, some knowledge of our culture. It is also an One is the Service Persons reduction program is being run on the of us knew this before but the long opportunity to have a dialogue with Income Security Insurance Plan Long backs of our veterans. Surely our veterans absence from our home country others and begin to understand what Term Disability (SISIP LTD), a mandatory deserve better treatment than this. Those makes us forget the past Moreover, is behind our apparent disunity. Often insurance program for Canadian Forces that have been injured in the performance not many parents have the time to times, we make critical comments that (CF) members, and the other is the of their duties with the CF deserve the teach their children about Philippine are the result of miscommunication. Veterans Affairs Canada Earnings Loss same income support regardless of which history. As years go by, and our On the other hand, if we manage to Benefit (VAC ELB). program they are on. This is only fair. children grow up, we have not really work on the idea that we have Before October 2011 the New It is inconceivable that Veterans Charter (NVC) and the Service institutions such as the CF and the federal been diligent enough to go out of our common values as Filipinos, we may Person’s’ Income Security Insurance Plan government can stand up and say we way to show something that will make eventually succeed in overcoming the (SISIP) provided for 75% of a Canadian care for our troops and we care for our them understand that their parents negative traits of a “crab mentality” of Forces member’s salary at release – the own when they treat the most vulnerable came from a civilized country, even which we easily accuse others of. two programs were exactly the same. of our veterans so shoddily. before the Western powers came to Although Dr. Juan did not Injured members were on one or the Young men and women today colonize us. This lecture reminds us of discuss the issue of community unity, other. join the CF for a rewarding career. To have our obligation to show to our youth he has probably made it possible to Last year, in response to appeals it cut short by a debilitating injury is that cultural traditions connect us to think about this in relation to Filipino from veterans’ groups, such as The Royal hard enough, however, the loss of a our ancestors and provide a cultural cultural traditions. There are many Canadian Legion, the federal government suitable income should they be treasure that connect generations to organizations in our community that announced they would increase the unable to work again is a two-fold benefit to ensure basic needs as shelter, one another, providing continuity and are based on dialects which seem to burden that they should not have to food, clothing, etc., could be met. VAC bear. identification. imply that there is an inherent obstacle implemented the increased amount to the It is quite a refreshing and an to community unity because of the ELB program on 3 October 2011. The inspiring experience to listen to fragmentation created. When the time Department of National Defence Patricia (Pat) Varga is the Dominion another Filipino whose heart is full of comes to hold festivities, each group (DND)/CF did not. Therefore, there is now President of The Royal Canadian passion for Philippine culture. He has seems to have the desire to have their a huge inequity! Through no fault of their Legion. captured the admiration of his fellow own party. Naturally, the dissipation of own we have some veterans who have “kababayan” in realizing that we are resources is unavoidable and the been injured attributable to their military For more information call Bob Butt at blessed for having so many great success of any activity is service being paid $40,000 per year and 613-591-3335 Extension 241 from 8 artists, and beautiful works compromised because of lack of some at less than $20,000. a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. comparable to any other country in the support. Even though it is a common world. He has also shown us that we opinion that there are too many Irving Layton: a teacher and friend can afford to laugh at ourselves, not associations in the community, no one (March 16, 2012) This week because of any feeling of inferiority but can do anything about it. Maybe, it is marks the centenary of the birth of Irving because we can accept our common part of our being Filipino to form clicks Layton. I had the honour to participate in humanity. or groups which we call in the tributes in his memory this past weekend Culture has always been quite vernacular “barkada.” in Ottawa and Montreal, where I joined an interesting aspect of our existence We are looking forward to the with fellow students of his - which I was - for it reflects our values as a nation. It next visit of Dr. Juan when he brings to and fellow admirers of his life and work, is also a fundamental part of our Montreal the play about migrants and which I continue to be. As I noted on the occasion, we identity which can easily be overseas workers. Perhaps, this will were there to celebrate and remember a undermined by feeling of inferiority give us the opportunity to demonstrate great teacher, poet, wordsmith, architect and insecurity. What Dr. Juan gave us that in spite of our apparent differences of language - a poetic genius with an through this lecture is knowledge of from time to time, we can work abiding jeremiad against injustice. our own cultural history that makes us together as a community to support Indeed, given his intense biblical realize that we have something to be someone like Dr. Juan who has many image - his powerful, resonant voice, his proud about. He has shown to us the accomplishments that make us proud railing against injustice - I remember many wonderful things that we have for being a Filipino. feeling (I was studying Jeremiah at the missed or failed to understand. Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi time) that Jeremiah must have looked and sounded like Irving Layton. Between 1952 and 1955, Irving Harper Government Takes Action Layton was my teacher not only in was that I learned a great deal about literature and the humanities, but in the literature and the humanities, but very little to Support Canadian Families entirety of the secular studies program at about physics, chemistry and math. Herzliah Junior High School - including measures I am outlining today will Telecommunications physics, chemistry and math. The result See Page 7 Irving Layton Decisions ensure the timely availability of world- class wireless services at low prices Today's announcement will for Canadian families, including those provide Canadian families with more in rural areas." choices at low prices for wireless Minister Paradis announced services that:The Telecommunications Act will Russell, Ontario, March 14, be amended to lift foreign investment 2012—Today, the Honourable restrictions for telecom companies that Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, 5320-A Queen Mary Road Tel.: 514-485-7861 hold less than a 10-percent share of announced that the Harper Montreal, Quebec H4C 1T7 E-Mail: [email protected] the total Canadian telecom- Government will be taking action to Published by: Filcan Publications, Inc. munications market. This will help Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi provide Canadian families with more telecom companies with a small Chief Editor & Publisher Hilda T. Veloso choices at low prices for wireless market share access the capital they Al Abdon W.G. Quiambao services. Sam Kevin need to grow and compete. Jerry Estrada Community News "The Harper Government News & Layout Editor The government will be Alberto Baens Santos understands that Canadian families applying caps in the upcoming Columnists Bert Abiera Bernardo Sarmiento work hard for their money and that Founder Opinion Editorial they want their government to make decisions that will help them keep See Page 14 Telecommunications The opinions expressed by the writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that more of it," said Minister Paradis. "The of the management of the North American Filipino Star nor its editors. www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 3

single service enterprise. workers seeking to create jobs or COOPERATIVE NEWS Unlike other types of co- protect existing ones come together to Equality operatives that have only one run their own company and in so Equity category of member (workers, doing create working conditions of Solidarity producers, consumers), the solidarity their own choosing. Of course, one To learn more about the principles and co-operative brings together service must work for the co-operative to values, visit: users and employees. In this type of become a member. The workers are http://www.cdr.coop/co-operative/une- co-operative, these people can both employees and owners of the coop-c%E2%80%99est-quoi/ combine to meet their needs and company and they control all its aspirations. operations. Types of co-operatives In addition, any person or In addition to their wages and company with an economic, social or depending on the profitability of the What is a cooperative? Producer co-operatives cultural interest in fulfilling the co- business, the worker-owners can operative’s mission can join as a periodically receive returns based on A co-operative is an enterprise that provides goods or services run by an These can be created by independent supporting member. their contribution to the coop. autonomous association of persons business people, artists, farmers or There are more and more according to democratic values, principles other producers. They establish an Employee-shareholder co-operatives young professionals and self- and rules. enterprise that typically has a dual As its name suggests, the employed persons who wish to mission. The primary purpose is to employee-shareholder co-operative improve their conditions by forming What distinguishes co-operatives is a transform and market products and makes it possible for employees to this type of co-operative, which is values-driven business model. services, but members may also use acquire equity in their company and already growing in sectors such as In other words, a co-operative is: the co-operative to consolidate participate in its management. This consulting-engineering, computer purchasing, thereby obtaining investment allows employees to be technology, the environment, land-use A group of persons who collectively actively involved in shaping the planning, business advisory assume the responsibilities of business significant savings on the goods and owners services necessary to their business. The employees only hold serviceoperatives and how to start an enterprise in which the co-owners are professional activities. voting shares indirectly: the co- one, contact the Coopérative de the users Over the decades, producer operative is actually the shareholder développement régional de Montréal- an enterprise that seeks above all to co-operatives have proven effective in and it names a member of the Board Laval: maximize the various benefits enjoyed by the agricultural and arts sectors. But of Directors to represent the workers. The mission of the members as business people, users and the model is also applicable to a wide With the creation of an Coopérative de développement citizens variety of producers working in a employee-shareholder co-operative, a régional de Montréal-Laval is to an enterprise that uses capital but does constantly evolving economy. company can benefit from an influx of promote co-operatives within its not make it the basis of members’ capital from the employees, a stimulus operating territory and to offer co- decision-making power Consumer co-operatives which has the added advantage of operatives and prospective An enterprise governed by rules which give members equal control and ensure There is an old Radio-Canada strengthening the ties between senior entrepreneurs expertise and equitable distribution of contributions and TV series called La Pépinière which management and the employees. The customized support, especially in gains revolved around the ups and downs of employee-shareholder co-operative is connection with producer and worker an enterprise that encourages inter- a group of tenants attempting to turn involved in running the company in co-operatives. cooperation in the process of building the their apartment building into a housing the best interest of its members and The CDR de Montréal-Laval business and in contributing to the co-operative. It’s quite a similar story sharing its gains. The interest of the provides personalized support to community in which it operates when enterprising consumers decide members coincides with the interest of business people through the entire an enterprise that makes education, and to create a co-operative to take the company as the company’s process of setting up a co-operative, especially the sharing of knowledge and advantage of greater purchasing success becomes everybody’s from initial idea to start-up. information, an essential part of its power in procuring goods or services business. The team of advisors helps approach to doing business. for their personal use. The members of Under the law, a co-operative is a This type of worker co- business people with each of the legal entity by means of which individuals a consumer co-operative are assured operative, which is mostly found in following steps: project feasibility, or companies unite to meet common that their business will be attentive to Québec, originated in Montreal in legal structure, knowledge transfer economic, social or cultural needs by their needs. 1985. Since then, it has taken root in and start-up, as well as personalized operating a business in keeping with the These types of co-operatives various sectors, including new services such as training concerning principles governing co-operatives. can be found in sectors such as food, technologies, wood processing, the Cooperatives Act and tax housing, educational goods and manufacturing and transportation. regulations and various consulting The 7 guiding principles of co-operatives services, financial services, in-home 1st principle: Voluntary and open services, funerary services and cable Worker co-operatives membership services, to name just a few of the In this type of cooperative, See Page 8 Cooperatives 2nd principle: Democratic member possible areas in which consumer co- control 3rd principle: Member economic operatives could be established. participation 4th principle: Autonomy and Solidarity or multi-stakeholder co- independence operatives 5th principle: Education, training and The defining feature of this information type of co-operative, which was 6th principle: Co-operation among developed by a group connected with co-operatives the CDR in Montréal-Laval in 1997, is 7th principle: Concern for the diversity of its members and its community openness to a wide range of partners. The 5 co-operative values The solidarity co-operative makes it possible for people who share a Self-help and self-responsibility common cause or interest, but have Democracy different needs, to join together in a

www.filipinostar.org 4 The North American Filipino Star March 2012 the issue of community unity although From Page 1 Philippine culture he seemed to have acknowledged that Juan’s lecture is entertaining and singers, musicians, painters, and this is a common problem among educational by W. G. Quiambao artisans. He showed examples of different communities where we find native designs that are unique as they Filipinos around the world. For I've been living in Canada for 43 years a roar of laughter. He told a story that in are dreamed by the weavers example, why do Filipino businesses, but I've never returned home to the Greece, when someone dies, Greeks pray themselves. He mentioned how Nora in particular, the restaurants do not last Philippines even once. However my silently on the wake but in the Philippines, Aunor raised the bar of acting. He long? This is due to the lack of interest in our culture that I've almost Filipinos serve food and play mahjong and cards. Moeover, he finds the showed a young Dr. Jose Rizal and patronage from fellow Filipinos. He forgotten has been renewed after hearing fondness of Filipinos strange for posing for surmised that this could be due to the Dr. Anton Juan's lecture on cultural history some of his works. What surprised pictures at the funeral parlour or cemetery. many people in the audience was Dr. fact that some Filipinos prefer to cook of the Philippines on March 16 at 6767 Cote des Neiges. He was successful in He asked a rhetorical question why Rizal’s sculpture that predated the their own food at home, and reconnecting Filipinos in Montreal to their Filipinos are considered the best players of sometimes even claim that they cook Statue of Liberty. It would seem that root. In fact, James de la Paz, president of the flute. He said this is because of the this Statue was a copy of his work. better than the restaurants Council of Canadian-Filipino Associations shape of our flat nose. Some misconceptions and Finally, Dr. Juan stated that the of Quebec and Manny Lagasca, former Juan is not only deliriously funny myths were dispelled by Dr. Juan, and next opportunity he has will be about FAMAS director, remarked, "He knows but also undoubtedly witty. He seemed to even educated us about the true corruption which is admittedly part of what he is talking about. Ok ito." have answers for almost everything. When nature of Philippine languages that we Philippine culture. He jokingly a female member of the audience from Mexico asked why it was important to used to believe consisted of 87 wondered aloud – how could preserve our culture, he said, "Honey, Fernando Poe, Jr., a well-known folk dialects. By defining what a language when we die, our names will carry it. We is, he said that the Philippines have 85 hero, receive zero in many polling should be deeply involved in our culture." languages and 125 dialects. He made places in the Muslim districts during Juan strongly urged the Filipinos us understand the different his election battle with GMA. who are going back to the Philippines not movements portrayed in most Dr. Juan has plans of bringing only to look for restaurants but also to Philippine folk dances Using body a play to Montreal regarding migrant watch cultural shows because Filipinos language and gestures, he was quite and overseas workers entitled “Bayan, have immense talents. amusing and entertaining when he Bayanan.” He is interested in finding "Our children have no memories made comments about common out if this play will gather support from of our culture," Juan said. "They should remember and know their culture." mistakes in the interpretation of some the Montreal community. Even though Juan's plays usually deal with it is in the vernacular, there will be of our native dances. He cited some social issues that have messages. He strange practices of Filipinos like English subtitles so that it can be It is no wonder why Juan's lecture about the cultural history of the Philippines hopes to bring here his play, Bayan, taking a picture with the dead, playing understood by foreign audiences. appealed to men and women, young and Bayanan, a play about the lives of migrants Many community leaders expressed cards and mahjong and serving food old. He has an impressive background. and overseas workers, in the near future. during the wake for relatives and loved great interest in helping promote this The list of Juan's achievements The next time Juan visits ones. On the other hand, the Greeks event. At press time, it is not yet and recognitions is long. Internationally Montreal, make sure you don't miss his pray solemnly which he observed known when this will be realized. recognized for his works that often lecture or his play. You won’t regret it. firsthand because he lived and studied The launching of the 7th challenge convention, playwright and in Greece for several years. Ambassadors, Consuls General, and director Juan is a Tenured Full Professor ************* Dr. Juan referred to the Tourism Directors Tour to the and Theatre Director at the University of Notre Dame du Lac in the USA. He completed his Ph. D in semiotics at the Biographical Notes Kadistrian and Pandhellenic University of Athens. To honor his contributions to the arts, Juan has been Knighted twice by the French government, receiving the Chevalier du L'ordre des Arts et Lettres in 1992 and the Chevalier de L'odre National de Merit in 2002. He also received the Alexander Onassis International Award for Theatre (Playwriting) and the Special Jury Prize Screenplay from the Cine Manila International Film Festival. In addition, he received the Balagtas Award from the National Writers Union of the Philippines, Anton Juan was born on 25 and won several playwriting awards from November 1950. He obtained his primary the Carlos Palanca Literary Awards. and secondary education at the Ateneo de Fluent in French, Italian, Spanish, Manila University, and his BA in Philippine Ambassador Leslie Gatan and Mrs. Gatan enjoying the lecture of Dr. Juan. Greek, English and Tagalog, Juan Comparative Literature at the University of Photo shows part of the big audience. (Photo: Courtesy of Bert Santos.) delivered his lecture with fluidity. When he the Philippines. He received a series of talked about the political history of the grants and scholarships abroad, notably in different times of colonization of the Philippines was presented before the Philippines, he confided that he always Italy, France, Greece, Japan, and the U.S. Philippines - the long years under lecture, and then resumed at the end makes it a point to ask why the Philippines His Ph.D. in Semiology earned him a mark Spain, then under the Americans, and of the question and answer period. was sold for US$30,000 to the Americans. of Arista (equivalent to summa cum laude) He discussed the diversity and the Japanese for a brief period. He Ambassador Leslie Gatan spoke from the University of Athens. His post- uniqueness of the Philippines with 85 explained that we survived all these briefly about the economic benefits of doctoral work includes a Hitachi languages and 125 dialects. He talked Foundation grant for a study of the difficult times because of our piety. having Filipino-Canadians visit the about the cultural history of the Philippines Philippines for it helps create jobs. Japanese Noh theater and Butoh dance, “Without piety, we would have not and its evolution - reflecting foreign and a Fulbright grant for research on survived.” But he could not help Mrs. Gatan also gave a short talk cultures such as Spanish, Japanese, Filipino production during the American asking a disturbing question – why did about the tour and encouraged American and even Malaysian influences. occupation, which won the Centennial Spain sell the Philippines to the United everyone to participate. Information For example, he explained that Zarzuela is Prize for the full-length play “The Price of States for $30,000 dollars? Filipinos flyers were given out. Those who are a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that Redemption.” His numerous awards already won independence from interested in joining the tour can alternates between spoken and sung include the Alexander Onassis Foundation Spain at that time. He said that even contact the Philippine Embassy in scenes. It featured the Filipinos' love for International Prize for Playwriting, the women that symbolized our Inang Bayan though the French gave him an award Ottawa.at telephone 613-233-1121. French Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Hence, the Zarzuela was banned by the Locally, they can contact Ms. Shinette Lettres, Manila's “Alagad ng Sining,” UP two times, he kept raising the question Americans. He also talked about the why they did not follow the terms of Khoury. of Galleon Travel. Chancellor's Most Outstanding Faculty and beauty of Filipinas who were called Most Outstanding Artist, Asian Cultural their own treaty. meztisas. The notion that only a mestiza Council Award, and various Palanca At the conclusion of his was considered beautiful originated from Awards. He continues to be an active lecture, he stated that “culture and Learn French the the Spaniards that likened the mestiza to lecturer, workshop panelist, visiting knowledge are the two ends of our fast and easy way. a Saint. He said the media sadly professor, director, designer, and librettist experience.” He acknowledged that hypnotized our culture. for productions in the Visayas, Mindanao by the very nature of our culture and Enroll at Gilmore The lecture about the cultural and Europe. different languages, we have diversity history of the Philippines lasted for more Compiled by than two hours but Juan managed to but in spite of this, we have a unity of College Alberto Baens Santos capture the interest of the audience with spirit. He did not elaborate much on 514-485-7861 his sense of humor that oftentimes elicited www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 5 wishes for a happy International Statement by Minister Ambrose Sébastien's Law (Protecting the Public Terrorism Act and related Women's Day and a fulfilling on International Women's Week from Violent Young Offenders) (former amendments to the State Immunity International Women's Week. The following is a statement Bill C-4), which will better protect Act (former Bill S-7), which will allow Canadians from violent and repeat victims of terrorism to sue perpetrators young offenders and make the and supporters of terrorism, including HOUSE OF COMMONS TO TAKE protection of society a paramount listed foreign states, for loss or FINAL VOTE ON THE SAFE consideration in the management of damage that occurred as a result of an STREETS AND COMMUNITIES young offenders by the justice system; act of terrorism committed anywhere ACT (BILL C-10) The Ending House Arrest for in the world; and Property and Other Serious Crimes by The Preventing the Trafficking, VAUGHAN, March 7, 2012 – The Serious and Violent Offenders Act Abuse and Exploitation of Vulnerable Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., (former Bill C-16), which will eliminate Immigrants Act (former Bill C-56), M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of the use of conditional sentences, or which will authorize immigration Justice and Attorney General of house arrest, for serious and violent officers to refuse work permits to Canada, accompanied by the crimes; vulnerable foreign nationals when it is Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate The Increasing Offender determined that they are at risk of Minister of National Defence, and Accountability Act (former Bill C-39), humiliating or degrading treatment, Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, which will enshrine a victim's right to including sexual exploitation or human today welcomed the final vote in the participate in parole hearings and trafficking. House of Commons on the Safe by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, address inmate accountability, Backgrounder: Safe Streets & Streets and Communities Act (Bill C- Minister of Public Works and responsibility, and management under Communities Act 10). Government Services and Minister for the Corrections and Conditional “Canadians gave our Status of Women, on the occasion of Release Act; A detailed backgrounder on government a strong mandate to crack International Women's Day, March 8, The Eliminating Pardons for Increasing Offender Accountability down on child predators and violent and International Women's Week, Serious Crimes Act (former Bill C- can be found on Public Safety drug traffickers,” said Minister March 4 to 10. 23B), which will extend the ineligibility Canada’s Web site. Nicholson. “We promised to do that in International Women's Week is periods for applications for a record the first 100 sitting days of Parliament a time to celebrate women of all ages suspension (currently called a -30- and today we will deliver on that and to honour their invaluable "pardon") to five years for summary commitment.” contributions to our families, our conviction offences and to ten years Ref.: “More than 7.4 million communities, our country and our for indictable offences; Julie Di Mambro Canadians became victims of crime in world. Each year, this week provides The Keeping Canadians Safe Press Secretary 2009 alone,” said Senator Boisvenu. Canadians with the opportunity to (International Transfer of Offenders) Office of the Minister of Justice “We want to prevent further celebrate women's achievements, past Act (former Bill C-5), which will add 613-992-4621 victimization and that means keeping and present. It is also a time to additional criteria that the Minister of Media Relations dangerous and violent criminals off our celebrate women's extraordinary Public Safety could consider when Department of Justice streets.” potential. deciding whether or not to allow the 613-957-4207 “Our government is achieving Canada's theme for transfer of a Canadian offender back results in our commitment to building International Women's Week 2012 is to Canada to serve their sentence; safer communities. I advocated for Strong Women, Strong Canada – The Justice for Victims of such legislation during my years as Women in Rural, Remote and Northern police chief, and am very pleased that Communities: Key to Canada's this Government is delivering on our Economic Prosperity. commitments,” said Minister Fantino. Women are crucial to the well- “We are ensuring those guilty of APARTMENTS being and prosperity of their victimizing law abiding Canadians will communities throughout Canada, serve sentences that better reflect the whether they are in urban severity of their crimes.” environments, agricultural areas or The Safe Streets and FOR RENT remote settlements in Canada's North. Communities Act re-introduces the With this year's theme, we call following reforms: on Canadians to honour the three The Protecting Children from million women and girls who live and New construction, Sexual Predators Act (former Bill C- work in the 5,200 rural, remote and 54), which will increase penalties for Northern communities from coast to sexual offences against children, as coast to coast. well as create two new offences aimed built in concrete Our government is working to at conduct that could facilitate or ensure women in rural, remote and enable the commission of a sexual Northern communities can live free offence against a child; Sign up now and get a from harm, improve their lives, and The Penalties for Organized participate fully in their communities Drug Crime Act (former Bill S-10), and the Canadian economy. To that which targets serious drug crimes, move-in incentive end, we have announced funding this including those committed by week for 48 new projects totalling over organized crime, by imposing tougher $12 million across Canada. sentences for the production and Place Lucy, 3 1/2 near trafficking of illicit drugs; To all Canadians, I extend my very best Decarie and Cote St. Catherine Road Available as of April 1, 2012

Call 514-294-0208

www.filipinostar.org 6 The North American Filipino Star March 2012

crop insurance to help new farmers really work so I end up using the WebMD adds that, despite and ranchers launch or strengthen harsh, chemical varieties. Are there popular opinion, products containing their businesses and become better any really effective bug repellants that citronella are not the best non- stewards of their land. aren’t chemically based, or other chemical choice, as their effectiveness “The future of family farming strategies we can use to keep bugs at typically wanes within an hour. and ranching in America—and the bay? -- Melissa Armantine, Likewise, peppermint oil and some viability of our nation’s food supply— New Paltz, NY other plant-based oils are also depends upon removing existing While the industry standard effective as insect repellents. Even Dear EarthTalk: American obstacles to entry into farming so that insect repellents rely on the insecticide venerable Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil, farmers are an aging population. Is more people can start to farm,” says DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) to long thought to deter pests as well as anyone doing anything to make sure the National Sustainable Agriculture keep bugs at bay, many environmental DEET, only keeps mosquitoes away younger people are taking up this Coalition, another backer of the and public health advocates worry that for up to a half hour. profession in large enough numbers proposed legislation. “This bill regular long-term exposure to even Beyond repellents, there are to keep at least some of our food encompasses a national strategy for many other ways to keep pests away. production domestic? addressing those barriers, focusing on For one, avoid floral fragrances from -- Beverly Smith, Milwaukee, WI the issues that consistently rank as the perfume, deodorant or other sources that can attract mosquitoes and other bugs. The EarthEasy website recommends eliminating standing water around your home to keep mosquito breeding at bay. Bird baths, wading pools and pet water bowls should be changed at least twice a week; also make sure your gutters are draining properly. Also, since mosquitoes are attracted by carbon dioxide released from campfires and barbeque grills, EarthEasy recommends throwing sage or rosemary on the coals to repel the mosquitoes. If all else fails and DEET is your only option, use it sparingly. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using repellents with no more than a 30 percent concentration There are several companies now selling natural insect repellents, many of which use Convincing young people to take up farming of DEET for kids over two-months old essential oils as their active ingredients.Credit: iStockPhoto is a hard sell but a necessary one: For each (and no repellent for younger babies). Indeed American farmers as a American farmer under the age of 35 there Keep in mind that formulas with lower whole are an aging group today as greatest challenges for beginning are now six over 65 and one quarter concentrations of DEET may work just (500,000) of all American farmers will retire young people gravitate more towards producers.” Backers of the bill warn as well as others but not for as long. A that, at a cost of just a fraction of one over the next two decades. Credit: 10 percent DEET concentration, for virtual realities than tilling in the soil. iStockPhoto The National Young Farmers’ percent of the U.S. Department of instance, should work for up to two Coalition (NYFC) reports that the total Agriculture’s (USDA’s) budget, the hours outside. Applying DEET-based number of American farmers has nation can’t afford not to pass the bill small amounts of the chemical can bug spray to your clothing instead of declined from over six million in 1910 given its potential long term benefits to negatively affect the human nervous skin can help minimize any negative to just over two million today, and that both our food supply and trade deficit. system. effects of exposure. Also, kids and for each farmer under the age of 35 The good news is that interest The U.S. Environmental grown-ups alike should wash off any there are now six over 65. With the in healthier, greener food is driving a Protection Agency (EPA) reports that, DEET-based repellents when they are average age of U.S. farmers now at resurgence in organic agriculture. As in studies, DEET has been shown to “out of the woods” so to speak. 57, one quarter (500,000) of all such, many of the new farmers be “of low acute toxicity,” although it CONTACTS: EPA DEET Fact American farmers will retire over the cropping up to replace their retired can irritate the eyes, mouth and skin. Sheet, factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm; next two decades. U.S. Secretary of forebears are eschewing genetically The EPA concluded after a CDC Insect Repellent Use & Safety, Agriculture Tom Vilsack is calling for modified crops and harsh chemicals, comprehensive 1998 assessment that www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q hundreds of thousands of new thus improving the quality of our DEET does not present a health risk as a/insect_repellent.htm; EarthEasy, farmers nationwide, but convincing agricultural land base overall. long as consumers follow label www.eartheasy.com; American young people to take up farming Tierney Creech of the directions and take proper Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org; remains a hard sell. Washington Young Farmers’ Coalition precautions. And since nothing works WebMD, www.webmd.com. NYFC would like to see action (WYFC) calls this influx of green quite as well as DEET in deterring EarthTalk® is written and edited by at the local, state and federal levels to enthusiasm an agrarian revival. “We’re disease-carrying ticks and Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is help beginning farmers. “At the local not just a few people spread across mosquitoes, the Centers for Disease a registered trademark of E - The level, communities can create market the country, we’re a well organized, Control (CDC) is relatively bullish on Environmental Magazine opportunities for farmers by starting politically active group that can be its use in order to reduce incidences of (www.emagazine.com). Send Community Supported Agriculture documented,” she says. “We know Lyme disease, encephalitis and other questions to: groups and shopping at farmers who our senators and representatives insect-borne diseases. [email protected]. markets, as well as protecting existing are, we vote, and our friends and Regardless, many consumers Subscribe: farmland through zoning and the families vote. We need USDA and would prefer natural alternatives, and www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free purchase of development rights.” government support to succeed and there are several companies already Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial. States can be helpful, the group adds, we’re going to let the nation know selling DEET-free insect repellents, by offering incentives to preserve that.” many of which use essential oils as farmland and giving tax credits for CONTACTS: NYFC, their active ingredients. WebMD At a fish market, look farmers who sell their land to new www.youngfarmers.org; National reports that soy-based repellent into the crab barrel. practitioners. Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, formulas (such as Bite Blocker for They never have to put a But real change has to come www.sustainableagriculture.net; Kids) are the most effective substitutes lid on it because if one WYFC,for DEET, usually lasting for 90 from the top down. NYFC and others crab crawls out, the are pinning their hopes on the www.washingtonyoungfarmers.org; minutes, which is longer than some inclusion of the “Beginning Farmers Beginning Farmers and Ranchers low-concentration DEET formulas. others will grab him and and Ranchers Opportunity Act” in Opportunity Act, thomas.loc.gov/cgi- Some other leading alternative pull him back down. Congress’ next Farm Bill. The purpose bin/query/z?c112:H.R.3236: (include repellents include All Terrain’s Herbal That’s what negative of the proposed legislation is to invest ending colon). Armor, Quantum Health’s Buzz Away peer pressure does. in the next generation of American E - The Environmental Magazine Extreme, Lakon Herbals Bygone agricultural and livestock producers Dear EarthTalk: I can’t seem to Bugz, and California Baby’s Natural by enabling access to land, credit and find any natural bug repellents that Bug Blend Repellent. Ben Carson www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 7

than $552 million under Canada’s To find out more about how the Office of Minister Finley From Page 1 Housing Economic Action Plan. These Government of Canada, through CMHC, is 819-994-2482 for those that need it most.” investments allowed for the working to build stronger homes and Information: “In addition to helping development of 86 community housing communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at François Simard projects, for a total of 2,189 units for low- 1-800-668-2642 or visit Communications Advisor thousands of citizens benefit from better www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more Société d’habitation du Québec housing conditions, the Government of income seniors and persons with disabilities. An investment of $311 information on Canada’s Economic Action 418-643-4035, ext. 1341 Quebec’s housing initiatives contribute Plan, call 1-800-O-Canada or visit million allowed for the renovation of to improving the quality of life for the www.actionplan.gc.ca. [email protected] entire population, as they have 1,236 low-rental housing projects, for a total of 51,071 units. Sources: significant economic and social impacts Charles Sauriol on all of Quebec society,” said Minister Media Relations Laurent Lessard. “By combining our Affordable Housing Initiative Julie Boivin Press Secretary CMHC efforts with those of the Government of The extension of the Affordable Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, 613-748-2799 Canada, we are maximizing the strength Housing Initiative generated total combined investments of nearly $114 Regions and Land Occupancy of our actions, which is excellent news.” 418-691-2050 Mathilde Côté With this new agreement, which million from 2009 to 2011, to build 47 additional affordable housing projects, Communications provides for total annual joint Alyson Queen CMHC, Quebec Region for a total of 1,100 units. Director of Communications investments of more than $115 million, 514-886-4019 Quebec will have greater flexibility in the Joint concerted actions use of federal funding, which will allow It should be noted that the the SHQ, through its housing assistance investments resulting from Canada’s and home improvement programs, to Economic Action Plan and the maintain its efforts to help Quebec Affordable Housing Initiative build on all households in need find adequate the other actions taken by the SHQ in housing. this regard. Today’s announcement fulfills the remainder of a five-year commitment About the SHQ made in September 2008 by the The SHQ’s mission is to Government of Canada to provide more facilitate citizens’ access to appropriate than $1.9 billion to address the needs of housing conditions. Each year, through low-income Canadians, those at risk of its various programs, the SHQ supports homelessness, and the homeless. more than 240,000 households across The governments took the Quebec. opportunity to recall the substantial In addition to helping thousands sums invested from 2009 to 2011, under of low-income households benefit from the different programs that are designed better housing conditions, the SHQ’s to promote the wellness of the people of actions contribute to improving the Quebec by giving them access to quality quality of life for the entire population, as housing and living environments. they have economic and social impacts Canada’s Economic Action Plan on all of Quebec society. For more From 2009 to 2011, the information on this agency’s programs Governments of Canada and Quebec and services, visit and their partners jointly provided more www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html. About CMHC

correctness that passed for From Page 2 Irving Layton conventional wisdom, was overriding. Yes, sometimes there was Irving would teach us Shelley, sexual imagery or maddening Wordsworth, and Shakespeare, or metaphor that might have caused Plato, Marx and Nietzsche, with Shelley to blush, or Wordsworth to appropriate criticisms. He would read disclaim, or the prophets to ask, where from his own works in progress - such was God in all this? as Red Carpet in the Sun - in that Yet Irving - teaching us in the resonant voice, that unique union of mid-'50s, writing in the shadow of the mind, heart, spirit and passion. Holocaust and the rebirth of the state of Herewith an excerpt, as alive Israel - was alive always to the vulnerability and resonant today as when Irving of the powerless and the powerlessness of wrote the words: the vulnerable. He became the voice of the voiceless; and it was a voice profoundly "They dance best who dance with Jewish - though not religious, and unwaveringly universalistic in its message. desire He put himself on the line with his poetry and message. Who lifting feet of fire from fire And so it was that Irving Layton, my teacher, my mentor, my inspiration, Brucy Canada inc., a manufacturing company in Weave, before they lie down became also my colleague and my friend. cement products (located in Les Cèdres, off highway Our lives intersected at neuralgic points of 20, 4km west of Dorion) is looking for candidates to A Red Carpet for the Sun." our respective being and becoming. We both began our teaching at operate a robotic slab machine, lift-trucks, and He was a great teacher: Toronto's York University in 1970. We both general manual work. Experience not needed, 40 challenging, probing, provocative, left York and returned to Montreal, for hours per week, daytime only. Also included medical, reasons as much of esthetics as evocative, passionate, audacious and anthropology. dental, life, etc…benefits ! inspiring. He had a unique and We joined hands early and Please contact us. compelling command of words, of often in the struggle for Soviet Jewry - language. His words resonated in his including the then-Soviet prisoner of Roland Ferretti pedagogy as in his poetry. conscience Anatoly Sharansky. Tel.: 450-452-4044 E-Mail: [email protected] Irving Layton seemed to And we would meet - not by Fax: 450-452-2479 Toll free: 514-990-2940 internalize in his psyche, as well as in design but by inclination and intuition - his poetry, the romanticism of Shelley, in the same haunts and hallways: the the pantheism of Wordsworth, the Jewish Public Library, the Brown dialectics of Hegel, the questioning of Derby restaurant, or the newsstand at 1300, Montée Léger Socrates - questioning whatever was the zeitgeist of the time. His passion Les Cèdres (Qué.) for justice, for the struggle against See Page 14 Irving Layton J7T 1E9 injustice, including the political www.filipinostar.org 8 The North American Filipino Star March 2012

In December 2009, the COMMUNITY NEWS From Page 3 Cooperatives United Nations declared 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives services related to financing and with the theme “Co-operative Services for elderly offered by ACCESSS capitalization. In addition, the CDR enterprises build a better world.” The Montréal-Laval specialists offer FAMAS with ACCESSS training of organizations regarding all International Year is designed to assistance in managing the (l’Alliance des Communautés programs available for the elderly in promote the growth of co-operatives associative and economic life of the Culturelles pour l’Égalité dans la Santé Quebec. across the globe. It is also intended organization as well as its et les Services Sociaux) conducted a "I'm getting more involved in to encourage individuals, governance and development. training workshop for the elderly last programs to counter elderly abuse communities and governments to To learn more: http://www.cdr.coop March 14 at the community centre. and to network with many groups of recognize co-operatives as The workshop was attended by ethnic communities to improve the organizations that contribute to the Elsewhere in Québec: FAMAS volunteers, many of them are lives of the elderly and reduce any social and economic development of retired nurses that included Rose form of abuse." communities in Canada and The mission of the Fédération des Arellano, Sofie Toledo, Tess Some of the groups that the throughout the world. Nepomuceno. elderly can call are: coopératives de développement régional du Québec (FCDRQ) is to "Oftentimes, our volunteers Caregiver Support Centre - (514) 485- Main objectives of the International support the Coopératives de get inquiries from the members of our 7374 Year of Co-operatives : community about the services offered Healthcare Insurance Administration - développement régional (CDR) in pursuing their mission and to ensure for seniors," said Au Osdon, FAMAS Medical Insurance MAMQ - (514) 864- Raise awareness of co-operatives coordination of and co-operation president. "We want them to be able to 3411, 1-800 361-3939 and the role they play within the CDR network. The network serve our community better." Info Sante - 8-1-1 Promote the growth of co-operative of regional development co- businesses and organizations operatives is a federation composed Encourage the development of of 11 CDRs that cover Québec’s 17 suitable national policies to support administrative regions. co-operatives. The International Year of Co- The network has more than 1,100 operatives is a year-long opportunity members. With a total of $6 million to build public awareness of in revenues and $5 million in cooperatives and promote a better consolidated assets, the CDR business model. More than a billion network has been involved in setting people across the world will up more than 1,200 co-operatives in participate in the celebrations and Québec. Over the years, it has contribute to demonstrating how co- contributed to creating and operative enterprises help to build a maintaining more than 16, 000 jobs. better world. In Canada, the Canadian Co- To learn more: A souvenir photo taken of the workshop attended by community leaders with the members of operative Association, the Conseil http://www.fcdrq.coop/ the FAMAS executive board. canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité and the Canadian For additional information on worker Access is an alliance of Meals on Wheels - (514) 484-7878 government’s Co-operatives co-operatives: cultural communities for equality in the Mental Health -Issues - (514) 252-8555 Secretariat have joined forces in a health and social services for cultural Loc. 22 Anna Luisa Calbezas.. nation-wide effort to make the The mission of the Réseau de la communities. Mental Health Issues Transcultural - International Year of Co-operatives a "We're serving organizations, Psychiatry Clinic (514) 729-3036 coopération du travail du Québec is to foster the development of worker success. The initiatives include the not individuals, because we have 116 Paratransit - (514) 280-8211 cooperatives in Québec. To that end, the website members," said Pascal Delgado, Elders Abuse (514) 489-2287 Réseau offers its members training and http://www.canada2012.coop community organizer for Access. Because of the success of the support services. Through its various In Québec, the Conseil "Associations that become members training workshop last March 14, projects and activities, the Réseau québécois de la coopération et de la get special benefits like training another one is planned to take place in promotes the co-operative model, mutualité (CQCM) and the information. I work to support and train the near future. introduces young people to the Coopérative de développement organizations. The project entails cooperative experience and supports régional de Montréal-Laval (CDRML) worker cooperatives. According to the are involved in several Québec Street parking restrictions starting Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, there were initiatives in connection with the April 1st: Important changes in the more than 2,800 worker cooperatives in International Year of Co-operatives, Québec as of 2012. including this website. districts of Loyola and NDG The objective of the Conseil http://www.reseau.coop québécois de la coopération et de la PRESS RELEASE Borough to proceed more efficiently mutualité (CQCM) is to contribute to Montréal, March 13, 2012 – As with the clean-up of its territory and 2012 International Year See Page 9 Cooperatives a reminder, the street parking will entail significant savings in terms of Co-operatives restriction period begins on April 1st of both time and costs. 2012 and is to be applied throughout The gradual installation of the borough’s territory. The aim of this new traffic signs began last week and Need Money? restriction period is to allow for street will continue until the end of March. and sidewalk clean-up and The Borough therefore encourages maintenance operations. citizens to be mindful of, and to Take note also that important respect, these new signs. Starting Do you have a full time job? changes were brought to seasonal April 1st, car owners who fail to abide parking restriction periods in the by these regulations may be fined. If yes, call (514) 344-1499 districts of Loyola and Notre-Dame- If they have any questions, de-Grâce. These changes affect, citizens are invited to communicate amongst other things, the frequency with the Bureau Accès Montréal by and duration of parking restrictions as dialling 311. well as the days of the week upon AND GET CASH NOW! which such restrictions are to be Source: Borough of Côte-des- applied. Indeed, in those sectors Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce where these changes have been made, parking will now be prohibited Information: Caroline Langis only once weekly rather than twice but Chargée de communication Good & Bad Credit Accepted for a period of two hours rather than 514 868-4018 one. Such changes will allow the

www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 9

Ang pitak na ito ay inihahandog ko sa aking manugang. Si Jerry Grinnage ay unang natutunang bigkasin ang mga salitang Tatay at Nanay.

Hanggang sa mga susunod na labas ay manaka-nakang isasalin ko sa salitang Ingles ang mga mahalagang salita upang si Jerry at maraming On February 27, 2012, Peter Tan was inducted by City Councillor Marvin Rotrand at the katulad niya na napusuang mahalin latter's office. Tan is now the President of the Fil-Can Chess & Social Club who took over ang ating kalahi ay unti-unting maging the late Albert Floresca and will be serving until February 28, 2014. Councilor M Rotrand interesado sa Wikang Pambansa. congratulates Peter Tan (photo by: Mars Cabantugan) Reported by Bert Santos

* * * * * interests of Québec’s co-operative and mutualist movement From Page 8 Cooperatives Mga Hiyas ng Wikang Pambansa promote the development of the co-operative and mutualist Francisco Baltazar Québec’s social and economic May mga hiyas ang ating wika na movement by spearheading a development by encouraging a maningning noon ngunit ngayon ay hiyas na ito. variety of activities, all with a view to thriving co-operative movement. halos kislap na lang na nakalikom sa expanding the benefits of mga publikong aklatan. Ang unang nakaulat na balagtasan ay cooperation and mutualism for itinanghal noong ika-6 ng Abril, 1924. Our mission: members of the movement and for Unahin natin ang balagtasan. Nagdebate sina Jose Corazon de society as a whole. Jesus at Florentino Collantes na may facilitate cooperation Ang balagtasan ay isang pagtatalo ng nakahandang iskrip. Malaking between the co-operative and To learn more: dalawang magkaibang panig ukol sa tagumpay sa madla ang palabas na ito mutualist sectors and their partners http://www.coopquebec.coop isang paksa sa paraang patula na kaya nasundan pa ito ng iba pang represent and defend the nangangahulugang may tugma at sagupaan sa pagtula. sukat. Beautitudes of Leadership+ Ang malaking debate ay ginanap sa Blessed is the leader who knows where he is going, why Isang halimbawang paksa: Dapat Olympic Stadium sa Maynila noong he is going and how to get there. bang aprobahan ang diborsiyo sa ika-18 ng Oktubre. 1925. Sa Blessed is the leader who knows no discouragement, who pagwawagi ni Jose Corazon de Jesus Pilipinas o hindi? (Should divorce be presents no alibi. ay tinnagurian siyang Hari ng approved in the Philippines?) Blessed is the leader who knows how to lead without Balagtasan (King of Balagtasan) at being dictatorial. nakamatayang maaga ang titulo Panig ng Hindi Dapat: (Con) Blessed is the leader who leads for the good of the most noong 1930. people and not for the personal graatification of his own "Pinagpipitaganang katoto, ideas. Salungat ang katwiran mo. Nagkaroon ng kani-kaniyang bersiyon Blessed is the leader who develops leaders while leading. Biyaya ng Diyos, di mapapasaiyo ang balagtasan sa iba't ibang wika Blessed is the leader who has his head in the clouds but Kung utos Niya'y lalabagin mo." tulad ng bukanegan sa Ilocos na isa his feet on the ground. ring parangal sa kanilang makata na si Blessed is the leader who considers leadership an Panig ng Dapat: (Pro) Pedro Bukaneg. Sa Pampanga naman opportunity for service. ANONYMOUS ay ang crisotan na hango sa pangalan "Kapatid!! Di ba't Diyos din ang at pagpupugay kay Juan Crisostomo nagwika Soto. Les Immeubles Umiwas sa alipin ng mga tukso? Kung kabiyak mo ay nagwawala na Noong 1924, may isang samahan ng Nakahahawang sakit ay dadapo din mga manunulat na Tagalog na sa'yo." hinango ang salitang balagtasan sa Realties Inc. pangalang Francisco Baltazar Ang balagtasan ay unang nasaksihan na kinilalang prinsipe ng mga makata sa mga pampublikong entablado at at sumulat ng dakilang awit na teatro. Sumunod, napanood na rin ito Florante at Laura. Ang balagtasan ay sa mga palatuntunan sa radio tuwing isang pagdangal kay Baltazar na nag- araw ng Sabado o Linggo (radyo dahil iwan sa atin ng isang mahalagang wala pang TV noon). Ngayon, kapag hiyas ng panitikan. may malaking kapistahan ay may E-Mail: [email protected] nagtatampok pa rin ng balagtasan sa * * * * * mga entablado para mang-aliw at ICS STAFFING CANADA magturo sa mga tao. 31 Marso, 2012 Think of what you can get Integrity and commitment to service for $20 a month - peace of Dahil sa ang uri ng pagtatalo ay, kung Mahal kong Pechay, mind, healthcare for your minsan, biglang-isip na pagbuo at Virgie Gagne loved ones and PROTECTION pagbigkas ng tula, ang gumaganap sa Malugod at taos-puso kitang binabati International Marketing that lasts. balagtasan ay mga bihasang makata sa pagdiriwang ng iyong unang Director The Exclusive Care Program. pati na ang lakandiwang namamagitan kaarawan. 514 233- 0994 sa dalawang nagpapalitan ng IMS Wellth Care, Inc. katwiran. Nagiging masaya ang dulo Nagmamahal, ICS Staffing Canada 14th Floor, Manila Astral Tower ng pagtatanghal lalo't ang madla ang 3768 Bathurst Street, Suite 200 Taft Avenue cor. Padre Faura inaatasang humusga sa nagwagi ayon Kuya Pichu North York, ON MCH 3M7 Manila, Philippines sa lakas ng palakpakan. Tel. No. 416-409-7967 Tel. Nos.: (++632) 525-3129 E-Mail:[email protected] (++632) 526-4728 Tuntunin natin ang pinagmulan ng www.icsstaffingcanada.ca Toll Free 1-800-524-4291 www.filipinostar.org 10 The North American Filipino Star March 2012

prolonged reading periods may cause less iPad—either because you plan to use iTunes total eyestrain with the high-resolution Match, or sync no or little music—the 16GB display in the new iPad ensuring the crispest size remains a viable option, which means text possible. you needn’t cross the iPad 2 off your list just In fact, there’s only one iPad use yet. Ask the case which entirely rules out the iPad 2 as an How much networking speed do you need? option—and that’s if you intend to use your If you’re content with a Wi-Fi-only new tablet as an oversized still and/or video iPad, this question isn’t relevant to you. But if camera. you want a model that has the ability to Video Guy The iPad 2’s rear-facing camera is connect to a cellular network, you’ll need to lousy. It takes blurry photos little better than a consider the fact that the iPad 2 is only non-smartphone’s junky included camera. compatible with 3G networks. The new iPad’s front-facing camera is How to decide unchanged from what you’ll get in the iPad 2, So if you don’t plan to use your Al Abdon but it’s intended primarily for video chats. iPad for extensive photography and constant The rear-facing camera, on the other hand, is reading, you don’t need more than 16GB of Comparable models of the new iPad cost a 5-megapixel iSight camera. It won’t storage, and cellular connectivity is a moot The iPAD Generation $100 more—$599 for the Wi-Fi-only 16GB measure up to what you’ll find in an iPhone point for you, should you just save the $100 Two years ago I bought the first version and $629 for one that can connect to and go for the iPad 2? iPad 1 version at Best Buy and selected cellular networks. These prices vary because The answer is a definite maybe. 64GB ($879.00) as my memory since I intend if you look at Future Shop and Best Buy, $100 buys an awful lot of apps; saving that to download as many videos and music.I I these prices may be lower. extra hundred bucks on your iPad purchase was not disappointed. Aside from its Jason Snell’s iPad review goes in- affords a whole lot of games involving birds portability, the tablet is a general utility to all depth on the merits of the latest version of in various emotional states. people on the go. Apple’s tablet. (And his iPad 2 review from But the new iPad is, objectively, a As expected Apple will not remain last year is worth reading if you’d like to know better iPad than the iPad 2. Beyond the dormant on this model. They will up-grade about that version’s strong points.) As for Retina display, the new model also adds and make a new model far greater than the making any iPad 2-versus-iPad comparisons, support for voice dictation and more RAM one I have. I find the best way to settle the issue is to ask than the iPad 2. When Apple inevitably Maybe you’re not one of the a few questions about your plans for your releases another new iPad in 2013, it’s millions of folks who already own an iPad. new tablet. 4S, but it’s certainly comparable to the possible that new iPad 2 owners will feel And maybe you’re ready to do something What will you use your iPad for? iPhone 4’s camera. more buyer’s remorse than folks who opt for about it. Apple’s added an extra wrinkle for The most important factor to weigh That said, an iPad makes an the new iPad instead. you to consider: Which generation iPad is what you’ll use your shiny new tablet for. If awkward camera: It’s big, and holding it up The original, first-generation iPad should you buy? you want to use it for watching movies, to snap photos requires two hands. But if you still supports iOS 5 completely. Will it support Last year, when Apple rolled out a playing games, reading books, surfing the expect to use your iPad for photography, iOS 6, or will that be limited to the two newer new model of its tablet, the decision was not Web, checking email, and the like, the truth is spring for the new model. iPads? At some point, an iOS update will terribly complicated—either you bought the you’ll be well-served by either version of the How much storage do you plan on needing? surely leave the iPad 2 in the lurch while new version or you didn’t. This time around, iPad. Text will look a smidgen crisper on the The iPad’s storage isn’t keeping the third-generation iPad supported. though, Apple has not only introduced the new iPad, as will videos, photos, and any expandable: What you get when you buy the But then, at some point, the third-generation 3rd generation but kept around the iPad 2— apps optimized to take advantage of the new tablet is what you’ll have for the rest of its life. iPad will be out of date, too. or at least, it kept around two versions of that iPad’s Retina display; you’ll see even more As mentioned, the iPad 2 only offers 16GB of Thus, if you have the extra $100 to tablet. So it’s not just a question of which detail in high definition movies or when storage. The new iPad, on the other hand, is spend, the new iPad is objectively superior to model iPad to purchase: You also have to looking at photographs with the new iPad, available in 16GB), 32GB, and 64GB sizes. If the iPad 2, and more future-proof. But if figure out if the 16GB iPad 2 and its reduced too. But many folks have contentedly used you plan to load your iPad up with not just saving the cash today helps your bank price tag prove to be more appealing than the iPad 2 for a year or longer, without finding oodles of apps, but also your full music account, it’s impossible to be disappointed the latest version of Apple’s tablet. that the non-Retina display employed by that library, a bunch of movies, and a lots of by the iPad 2, which is a perfectly fine tablet First, the basics: Apple only offers older model looks blurry or unclear. photos. in its own right. the iPad 2 at one capacity now—16GB, with If, however, you envision yourself Thus, if you do expect to store all kinds of Try one out today and see for the Wi-Fi-only version priced at $499. A primarily reading on your new iPad, you may large media on your iPad, I wouldn’t consider yourself and join the millions of iPAD lovers. version of the iPad 2 that also includes the well benefit from getting that new iPad and its a 16GB iPad model acceptable anymore. ability to connect to 3G networks costs $629. Retina display. Once again, the iPad 2’s That means your lowest-cost option is the Al Abdon screen isn’t lousy by any stretch, but 32GB new iPad. If you instead don’t plan to Hollywood Junkies Video store several gigabytes of music on your Join Gilmore RESTAURANT Dance LA MAISON NEW KUM MON Club 6565 Côte-des-Neiges Road 5047 Henri Bourassa Est (near Corner Appleton) Montréal, QC H1G 2S1 and get Montreal, QC Tel.: (514) 322-3133, 322-3130 into Bean Curd Seafood Soup Fish Maw Seafood Soup shape 1/2 Crispy Chicken Baked Lobster with Ginger NOW! Salt and Pepper Pork Loin Seafood with Chinese Stuffed Bean Curd with Shrimps Broccoli Sauted Seasonal Vegetables Salt and Pepper Cuttle Fish Small group with a Steamed Rice Fried Sea Bass Fish professional dance teacher. $45.95 Steamed Rice $68.95 4 persons Call 514-485-7861 4 persons for details Bean Curd Soup Fish maw seafood soup 1/2 Crispy Chicken 5320-A Queen Mary Road 2 Baked Lobsters with Ginger Shrimp Cake with Chinese Seafood with Eggplant (near Decarie & Coolbrook) Hollywood Junkies Wedding Video 514-264-8706 Broccoli in Hot Pot Sweet and Sour Pork Stuffed Bean Curd with Seafood with Bean Curd in Shrimp Hot Pot Seafood with Chinese broccoli Salt and Pepper Squid Fried Sea Bass Fish DR. EMILIA ESPIRITU House Fried Rice Fried Sea Bass Fish $75.95 Special Fried Noodles $145.95 Steamed Rice 10 persons CHIRURGIEN DENTISTE / DENTAL 10 persons SURGEON FREE DELIVERY 514-733-6029 5790 Cote des Neiges Rd Suite A-024 Minimum order of $10 MONTREAL, QUEBEC PHONE: 514-340-8222 (4077) Delivery hours: 514-733-1067 E-Mail: [email protected] 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. H3S 1Y9 For party menu, call Kenny 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 11 Speech of Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan at Philippine Embassy News the 34th Anniversary and Induction of New Officers of the Association of Filipino- Philippines Intensifies Tourism campaign Canadian Accountants, Saints Peter and at Tourism and Vacation Package show Paul Banquet Hall, Scarborough, Ontario Ambassador Gatan joined the Travel Scoop. Honorable Diana Ablonczy, Minister of The forthcoming 7th 10 March 2012 healthy gross international reserves, State of Foreign Affairs, and His Ambassadors, Consuls General and Thank you for inviting me to your amounting to roughly $77 billion today, Worship, Mayor Jim Watson, at the Tourism Directors (ACGTD) Tour was important event tonight. Let me which continue to grow substantially from ceremonies opening the show. In his also earnestly marketed by the congratulate the new officers and remittances. And do you also know that welcome remarks, Mayor Watson hailed Philippine Embassy with promising felicitate the outgoing officers for a job Canada is the second largest source of workers’ remittances, next to the US? the travel show for enabling visitors to results. The Embassy launching of the well done, and I refer, in particular, to Do you know that Manila is now travel around the world in one hour. He ACGTD Tour will take place in Ottawa your Association’s commendable efforts the call center capital of the world? Our and Montreal on 15 and 16 March 2012, in easing up the accreditation process also cited the saleability of culinary, Business Processing Association for accountants trained in the heritage and cultural trips to Canada’s respectively. predicted an increase in revenues from Philippines, as well as for your annual $11 billion in 2011 to $25 in the next five tax preparation assistance to the senior years, to equal the volume of remittances. citizens. With a workforce of 600,000 and soon to Your anniversary theme, reach 1.3 million, our predicted revenues “Staying Ahead in a Changing World,” represents only 10% of the global BPO also applies to the story of the Philippine market where India’s share is 51%, economy and how it can stay ahead. followed by Canada as the second largest Predictions in the non-voice sector where we account Merrill Lynch of BoA projected last for only 7%, covering such services as January that the Philippines will post this banking, game development, animation, year a GDP of 4.4%. It also projected transcriptions, engineering and related that only four countries in our region - services. The BPO market potential is Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines vast. Tips for us to stay ahead will help. and Thailand - will achieve faster growth. Our renewable energy sector is a Merrill Lynch predicted the global GDP source of great pride for Filipinos. Do you to average at 3.6% in 2012; 2.5% for the know that our nine coco-diesel plants Ambassador Gatan (2nd from right) joins Mayor Watson and Minister Americas, and 0.5% for Europe, the produce 390 million liters of biodiesel and bioethanol or about 60% more than the Middle East and Africa. Abloncsy (center) during the opening of the trade show. local demand at 2% blend and that our Early this month, the ADB President surplus can help feed into worldwide ageing population. Minister Ablonczy Besides tourism, the Philippine said he expected the Philippine demand, which will collaterally help our opened the show which she regarded Embassy took the occasion to promote economy to grow by 5 percent in 2012 ailing coconut industry? Perhaps consider as a “tremendous way of building Philippine products and food. Filipino and a medium to long term growth from that we are the world’s second largest bridges and friendships around the shell craft, baskets and the turon were 6 to 7%, based on our balanced generators of geothermal energy. Nearly world.” Describing Canadians as the top drawers inviting queries and economy, relying not solely on 39% of our country’s energy requirements adventuresome, she noted that 56 compliments from visitors. rebounding exports but also on our very are supplied by renewable sources, from million trips, out of a population of 33 Philippine participation in the strong services sector, outsourcing and hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind to million, are made by Canadians each travel show was organized by the financial sectors, including the real biomass. The biomass sector will soon year. She encouraged Canadian Philippine Department of Tourism office estate sector, as well as on such growth increase its output from 39 megawatt in travellers to observe the three R’s in New York represented by Ms. drivers as consumption and 2010 to 300 megawatt a five years, giving (Read, Register and Reach Us) when Mitchelle T. Dy, Deputy Director for investments. over half a million farm families stable taking trips abroad. Marketing. On our economic policies, the IMF source of income from agri-wastes and The Ambassador discussed Visited by some 16,000 travel- praised the Philippines last Tuesday in forest residues. Talk too about our Philippine destinations with exhibitors ready Canadians, the 18th Ottawa Singapore for its sound monetary and renewable energy investment potentials. and other visitors to the Philippine booth Travel and Visitors Show boasted over fiscal policies and even suggested to let Do you know that Boracay was the peso rise further to respond to voted by the travel website capital inflows. The IMF described our (www.TripAdvisor.com) last January as the economic policies as prudent that best beach in Asia and second in the underpin our strong economic recovery. entire world next only to the Provinciales, On trade, British banking giant HSBC Turk and Caicos in the Caribbean? The travel advisor also ranked Baguio as the gave a briefing last Wednesday in 22nd top destination, and three Philippine Manila saying Philippine trade will grow hotels ranked among the best, namely, by an annual average of 6.4% over the Dave’s Straw Hut Inn in Boracay (14th), next five years, higher than the 3.78% in Padre Burgos Castle Resort in Southern global trade, supported by rising intra- Leyte (18th), and the Alegre Beach Resort regional trade, entry into new markets and in Cebu (25th). You will be proud of your expansion of higher value-added own country’s world class touristic products.. This projection does not take offerings. I invite you to join me in the 7th into account the impact of mining once its Ambassador, Consuls General and potentials valued at $1 trillion are Tourism Directors Tour of the Philippines unlocked, the Philippines being the fifth from 11 to 15 July this year, to see for most mineralized country in the world . yourselves our tourism strides. Surf the On FDIs, our 13 Investment Visitors looking over materials displayed in the Philippine Embassy booth during the trade Promotion Agencies, led by the Philippine embassy website for more information show held in Ottawa. Export Zone Authority, targets P5 trillion on this tour. Do you know that one investment inflows in the next five years. tourist generates a job for one year? that included Minister Ablonczy herself. 190 travel and vacation exhibits from Its prediction is buoyed up by the survey Do you know that Canada is now the (L) Amb. Gatan discusses PH over 50 countries. Ottawa is home to findings of the Japan External Trade 8th largest source of tourists? You will packages with Stephane Tellier of 1.2 million well-educated, affluent Organization that the Philippines is the not only promote our tourism but also UnikTour (R) Minister Ablonczy visits the Canadians with the second highest per best investment destination in Asia, and by generate jobs for our poor. PH booth capita income of all major Canadian the IPAs’ own track record with PEZA, In relation to tourism, do you Since participating in travel cities. alone, realizing earnings of P1.99 trillion know that Cebu Pacific will embark this since its inception in1995 and P413 billion shows in Canada several years ago, “Filipinos in Canada are well- year on long haul flights to North in the last 18 months representing 22% of more and more tour operators have placed to persuade their Canadian America, Europe and the Middle East? friends to take an interest in a Philippine its total earnings. been selling Philippine packages. Also in aviation, do you know that These include Tours Hai International, vacation, as Canadian visitors to the Signs of a Robust Economic Health Cebu Air is setting up a world class full Jade Tours, Handa Travel, and Royal Philippine booth proved. Together with Do you know that the Philippines aviation academy at Clark with the Scenic, among others. At the show, the Filipino community, the Embassy is now a creditor country? We prepaid all our debts with the IMF ending 45 years as support of Montreal-based CAE, Inc. the there was palpable interest in selling hopes to generate more buzz for an IMF borrower. As part of the IMF’s world leader in simulation and modelling more Philippine destinations as Philippine destinations in line with its creditor list since 2010, we already lent demonstrated by Uniktour, Travel economic diplomacy program,” $251.1 million, half of which went to the See Page 21 Ambassador Gatan Professionals International and Family Ambassador Gatan stated. END ailing countries in Europe. Thanks to our www.filipinostar.org 12 The North American Filipino Star March 2012

Scan here to watch a video and learn more. Balayez ici pour regarder une vidéo et en savoir plus.

“I was looking for a career that would make a « J’étais à la recherche d’une carrière qui me difference. Here, challenges come at you fast, and permettrait de faire une différence. Ici, les défis when they do, you have to deal with them. With this ne se font pas attendre et il faut être prêt à y kind of responsibility, I can make a real impact.” faire face. Compte tenu de mes responsabilités, Sub-Lieutenant MOHAMED ALI GUDAL je sais que j’ai vraiment un impact. » Enseigne de vaisseau de 1re classe MOHAMED ALI GUDAL

JOIN US ENGAGEZ-VOUS

www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 13 STAR PHOTO GALLERY

Dr. Anton Juan (left, seated) poses with the FAMAS Executive Board and the Philippine A souvenir photo with Dr. Juan (from left): Willie Quiambao, Zenaida Kharroubi, Tess and Ambassador Leslie Gatan and his wife, Mrs. Lydia Debbie Mijares Gatan.(March 16, 2012) Derek Fincham (March 16, 2012)

Ravi Tours Travel Agency held a blessing ceremony and party on Saturday, March 17, 2012 Part of the Philippine Embassy booth at the Tourism and Vacation Package show in Ottawa at their new office on the ground floor of Holiday Inn, 99 Viger West, Montreal. held on March 10, 2012 to promote the 7th Ambassadors Tour to the Philippines Products on Sale Business Hours March 25-April 5, 2012 Monday-Friday - 14:00-19:00 Marché Coop Saturday-Sunday -13:00-17:00 Telephone orders for pickup or delivery in NDG-CDN areas for only $5 fee on orders of $25 or more. 5320-A Queen Mary Get a gift certificate for any occasion!

(between Decarie & Coolbrook) Sunsilk Shampoo - $5.57 sale $4.99 Montreal, QC H3X 1T7 Tel.: 514-485-7861 ext. 228 E-mail: [email protected] www.marchecoop.com

Johnson’s Baby Cologne - $3.99 sale $2.99

San Ing Face Cream - $5.29 sale $3. New Products

Classique Soap Glutamilk $6.30 Hygiene Soap - $5.59 Facial soap $5.59 Papaya Soap - $5.59 www.filipinostar.org Skin Whitening $5.25 14 The North American Filipino Star March 2012 for two to four hours, including From Page 7 Irving Layton PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH Saturday," said Vicente. "People don't always associate dance with sports the corner of Peel and Ste. Catherine. Vicente expresses his emotions but dancers are really athletes. They I spoke on the occasion of have to be strong and agile. They've to Irving's 85th birthday at the Centaur through dance - from ballet to Zumba be graceful under pressure. Ballet Theatre. There was a most moving dancing is a physically demanding moment when Irving said publicly by W. G. Quiambao they are passionate about, knew that profession and like athletes, dancers what he had said in our private Unknown to us, Montreal is a he would be happy with his decision. get injured all the time. " encounters: that I was his "spiritual city where we can find talented Filipino The National Ballet School has many A year later, he joined the son." performers who need exposure. We children from all over Canada and the Strafford Festival of Canada and Irving developed Alzheimer's have already featured Norm Zabala, world who live and study in Residence performed in the West Side Story. He in his last years, but continued to be a music composer/folk singer who has with 150 girls and 70 boys. also did another season there and comforted and cared for by Musia performed in Vancouver Olympics, "My mom wants all of us to be performed in the King and I. Both Schwartz, his devoted friend for some Montreal Jazz Festival, Bermuda active," said Vicente. "My dad, Ramon, productions are musicals. He also 50 years. performed in the Toronto production of It was with her (and until now Disney's the Lion King at the Prince of was only known to her) that I Wales Theatre for three years. experienced my most moving Although he was happy in encounter with Irving. Toronto, he moved to New York It was at Maimonides because it had been his dream to live Hospital. Irving did not know who I there. Living there was difficult was, but somehow also did know, in a because he had no visa at the time place where the heart and spirit came and the competition in the business together, and the head nodded in was cut-throat, but he had no regrets acknowledgement of me as his making such decision because it "spiritual son" - or so I believed in my challenged him and fed his soul. He conceit. Irving was for me at that learned about himself. It was a magical moment - given all that had come time. before and all that he had meant to me From New Yorkr, after four in my life, as I stood there in the years, he moved to Montreal where he presence of one who taught me how seemed to find his niche. His sister to think, how to struggle against introduced him to Zumba. injustice, "how to live," as Leonard "Zumba is a cardio fitness Cohen put it - my "spiritual father." using world music and Latin rhythm," explained Vicente. "It's about having IRWIN COTLER is the Member of fun and love for move to music)_" Parliament for Mount Royal and a Because of his love for former federal minister of justice and Zumba, Vicente opened classes in attorneygeneral of Canada. He was a various locations in Montreal, one of friend of Irving Layton. them is at rgw Appleton Centre. © Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette Mark's students can only say positive things about his class. From Page 2 Telecommunicatiions "Once you start Zumba, you'll get used to it," said Haileen Quiambao spectrum auctions to guarantee that with enthusiasm. "The reaction to your both new wireless competitors and body gives you 100% energy. It feels incumbent carriers have access to the good. The stress is relieved." spectrum up for auction. Emmanuell Bostner, a French- The government will apply Canadian who is on her third session, specific measures in the 700 MHz said, "I feel the spirit of the group. auction to see that rural Canadians "Mark makes you feel good because will have access to the same he enourages you and smiles a lot. It's advanced services as everyone else nice to feel the spirit of the group. A in a timely manner. sense of belonging." The government will improve "Filipinos are very welcoming," and extend the existing policy on said Kimvy Haang Lee, who originally roaming and tower sharing to further comes from Vietnam. "Zumba makes support competition and will improve you feel energetic . It combines work transparency and information sharing Music Festival and Paul Baluyot, a has a band. He sings, plays the drum, and fun.” to facilitate agreements between stand-up comic who has performed in percussion and saxophone. And my Vicente takes pride in saying companies to slow the proliferation of the Philippines and the United States. mother, Ester, takes Zumba class. My that he started with 30 people and new cellphone towers. Another personality we have featured sisters are all active too. Anna works now, he has about 60. Many of them A portion of the 700 MHz is Emilee Veluz, a stage actress who and performs at Cirque du Soleil. are female and he hopes more men spectrum will be reserved for public won the Montreal Mirror's 2005 Best Frances is a yoga instructor and a will join. safety users such as police and Second Local Actress for her dancer. Elizabeth is in the eighth "Zumba is about celebrating firefighters across Canada. performance in Miss Orient (ed). Mark season as a Montreal Alouelttes' who you are," said Vicente. "I think that This spectrum will allow Vicente, a ballet and Zumba dancer, cheerleader. Zumba is so effective. To see so many telecom companies to bring the latest belongs to this group of talented "I knew then that if I didn't do of all ages and sizes have space to 4G LTE mobile networks to Canadian performers who we can call the pride something, my mom would choose just be free and have fun is such a consumers and businesses, including of Filipinos. something for me that I didn't like," rewarding experience for me. It has those in rural areas. This means Vicente's love for ballet Vicente said with a laughter. "But nothing to do with doing the ‘right step Canadians will have access to the happened by accident. He was still in seriously, I'm thankful to my parents nor being perfect.’ “ fastest mobile speeds and latest an elementary school in Montreal for their support and love." Zumba is held every Monday devices, such as the newest iPad, when he saw a poster that piqued his When Vicente got accepted to and Wednesday at 6585 Appleton PlayBook and smartphones. They will interest. The poster simply asked, "Do the National Ballet School, he started Centre, Cote des Neiges. FAMAS have access to high-definition video you like to dance?". At the age of 10, training as a classical dancer. registration fee is $7 and every session and video conferencing over mobile Vicente decided to leave home. He Although ballet was his main is $3.00. For more information, call at networks. Canadians will benefit from went to Toronto to audition at the education, he did contemporary, (514) 341-7477. greater access to e-health, intelligent prestigious National Ballet School. His modern and flamenco. Ballet transport and other advanced decision was initially difficult for his companies do other forms of dance in applications. This will result in family, especially for his mother. their repertoire so it is important to be However, his mother, who always well-rounded. See Page 23 Telecommunications supports her children to do whatever "We trained every single day www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 15

Sarsiadong isda is an old Filipino recipe salt and pepper to taste that is easy to prepare. It is very popular Sarsiadong Isda Cooking Instructions: Philippine Cuisine among mothers in the Philippines due to Wash and clean the fish. Make a slit its simple preparation and availability of on both sides and rub salt around. ingredients. The process merely Heat cooking oil in a wok and fry fish and involved frying the fish in a combination until brown. Set aside. of tomatoes and beaten eggs. In same pan saute onion, garlic and Sarcaiadong is easy, simple, and tomatoes. Add water, and season with Favorite Food delicious. fish sauce. Simmer to boil. Ingredients: Add eggs beaten and simmer until Compiled by Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi 2 medium fish cleaned (any fish) cooked. Place fried fish on the mixture 2-3 eggs beaten and pour the sauce over the top of fish. 1 tomato chopped Let fish sit for few minutes. Salt and 3 cloves garlic minced pepper to taste. Turn off heat. Sarsiadong Isda 1 small onion chopped Serve with steamed rice. 2 tbsp fish sauce (Fish in tomato sauce) cooking oil 1/2 cup water

Pakbet or Pinakbet Recipe Maja Blanca is a Filipino dessert Estimated cooking time: 35 minutes made from coconut milk, cornstarch, Pakbet Ingredients: and sugar. Often called Coconut 1/4 kilo pork with fat, cut into small Pudding, this luscious dessert is easy pieces to make and the ingredients are very 2 Amapalya (bitter melons) sliced to common.Unknown to many, the bite size pieces original Maja Blanca Recipe does not 2 eggplants, sliced to bite size include corn and milk. In this recipe, I pieces added whole sweet kernel corn and 5 pieces of okra, cut in two condensed milk for added taste and 1 head garlic, minced a more creamy texture. BUSINESS HOURS 2 onions, diced Maja Blanca 5 tomatoes, sliced Recipe: Maja Blanca Mon. Tue. Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 1 tablespoon of ginger, crushed and Ingredients Thu. Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. sliced 4 cups coconut milk Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 4 tablespoons bagoong isda or 3/4 cup cornstarch Sunday Closed bagoong alamang 14 ounces condensed milk Pork loin Beef Picnic ham 3 tablespoons of oil 3/4 cup fresh milk Approximately Blade steak (with bone) 1 1/2 cup water 3/4 cup granulated sugar 15 lbs Salt and pepper to taste 15 ounces whole sweet kernel 99 .69 Pakbet Cooking Instructions: .69 . lb lb corn 2 lb 3 1 5 tbsp toasted grated coconut Pork Head In a cooking pan, heat oil and fry Front quarter of beef $12.00 each the pork until brown, remove the pork Half or Whole Approximately 200 lbs from the pan and set aside. pork 1/2 cup lean pork, cut into cubes Cut & Wrapped Home smoked 2 tbsp cooking oil .09 meat On the same pan, saute garlic, 1 tsp minced garlic 3 lb onion, ginger and tomatoes. 1/3 cup chopped onions 55 .99 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1. lb Beef lb In a casserole, boil water and add 1/2 cup tomato sauce short ribs 7 bagoong. 49 1 cup diced potatoes . lb Regular smoked 1/2 cup of green peas Fresh Belly 3 bacon Add the pork in the casserole and 1 red bell pepper, diced with skin mix in the sautéed garlic, onion, ginger 1 and 1/2 cups of water Pork Spare Ribs 99 and tomatoes. Bring to a boil and salt and pepper to taste . lb simmer for 10 minutes. 29 4 . .99 Add in all the vegetables and cook How to Make Pork Sarciado 3 lb lb Ground Pork until the vegetables are done, careful 1 Fresh Special Special 1.89/lb not to overcook. 1. Saute the garlic, onions and tomatoes in cooking oil. 2. After about three minutes, add the St.Chrysostome St. Remi St. Edouard pork and a little water. Fresh pork blood Napierville 3. Add in the seasonings, cover and Fresh bacon Sherrington Barrington Fresh liver simmer until pork is almost done 203 219 202 Lacolle Hemmingford 4. Add the potato cubes and cook for Pork skin Jackso Sortie Havelock n Road Exit No.6 5 minutes. Goat Canada Parc Available 219 Safari Class 15 6. Add the green peas and bell Covey Hill Road on order peppers. Boucherie Viau Inc. U. S. A. 7. Cook for 3 more minutes while Malone Moders Champlain gently stirring. 83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0 Pork Sarsiado Adjust the amount of water and Tel.: (450) 247- 2130 or (450) 247- 3561 tomato sauce to get the desired thickness.

www.filipinostar.org 16 The North American Filipino Star March 2012 FILIPINO STAR KC admits her heart is 'happy'

cutting her hair short, and doing sexy S H O W B I Z G O S S I P pictorials for Rogue and Cosmopolitan. ‘X Factor’ update KC is busy doing rounds all over the country for the auditions of the Local, international celebs Philippine version of “The X Factor,” which she will host. She’s excited over among '100 Amazing Filipinas' the project and hopes to meet the brainchild of the original UK talent search and former “American Idol” judge, Simon Cowell, whom she revealed also needs to approve the local contestants. Although tight-lipped on the identity KC: ‘Choose to be happy!’ of the “X Factor Philippines” judges, KC Continuing her graceful said that the selection undergoes a departure from the heartbreak phase, meticulous process. KC Concepcion is now more open in getting to know different people. Although quite uncertain if she can be considered “dating” again, she related in an interview with ABS-CBN News that, "Marami akong nakikilalang mababait at mga sincere na tao.” The multi-faceted Kapamilya star noted, however, that there’s no one romantically special to her at the moment. And if she looks more blooming these days, it’s due to a fitness program she enrolled in as well as a “happy heart,” KC said. Her continuous showbiz work has likewise allowed her to further Celebrities not only entertain, category are international designers appreciate the value of her craft, added some also manage to make a Josie Natori, Monique Lhuillier, and the singer-host-actress. significant difference in society, as Melissa Ramsay. She even shared an advice of sorts to her Twitter followers on Mar. 12. evidenced by the inclusion of a handful "Creative souls" were likewise cited KC on the cover of the Cosmopolitan “Great to be happy this summer... of female celebrities in the list of "100 in the list via the Artists category. These March Issue Choose to be happy! Everything in life is Amazing Filipinas" complied by local include singer-songwriter Cynthia a choice. Hello, summer!☀” she posted. website Female Network. Alexander, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja- "We've been doing screen tests KC has embarked on some bold para sa mga judge. So as you can see Released on March 19, the list Elizalde, theater actress Menchu moves since her high-profile breakup hindi lang 'yung mga contestants ang enumerates the inspiring women “who Lauchengco-Yulo, and famous film with Piolo Pascual last year, including ino-audition." a have shown… that adversity only extra Lilia Cuntapay. serves to make a strong woman TV5: Sharon’s talk show will stronger,” and is divided into five categories: Artists, Superstars, Trailblazers, Warriors for a Cause, and not be like Kris’ Real Women. Cuneta’s new talk show. About two dozen celebrities were “Sharon has done talk shows in cited in the Superstars category. These the past, but we want something include actresses Nora Aunor, Anne fresh. We’re confident that we’ve Curtis, Ai Ai delas Alas, Eugene created is perfect for her,” Intalan told Domingo, Angel Locsin, Cherry Pie the Picache, Vilma Santos, Andi Inquirer. He added that Cuneta Eigenmann, Mikee Cojuangco- was “very hands-on,” and attended all Jaworski, KC Concepcion, and Ruffa Venus Raj Sharon Cuneta brainstorming sessions. Gutierrez; songbird Regine Velasquez; More accessible TV hosts Bianca Gonzalez, Maricel Meanwhile, broadcaster Mel It has been three months since In a TV interview, Cuneta Laxa-Pangilinan, Christine Jacob- Tiangco was recognized under Sharon Cuneta inked an alleged P1- promised viewers that the show Sandejas, and Cong. Lucy Torres- Warriors for a Cause, the “passionate, billion, five-year deal with TV5, and would have a lot of heart. “Mas Gomez; beauty queens Shamcey driven individuals who are working to the lull has many fans asking what’s in makabuluhan … the best among all Supsup and Venus Raj; model-racer better the country—and the world— store for their idol. the shows I’ve done.” Gaby dela Merced; Ford Supermodel one step at a time.” She was listed Aside from a couple of event While “Sharon” is expected to of the World 2011 winner Danica alongside senators Miriam Defensor- appearances and TV guest stints, she tackle a wide range of topics, Intalan Magpantay; and international Santiago and Pia Cayetano, and hasn’t been visible. But that’s about to revealed that more focus would be performers Lea Salonga and Charice. congresswoman Risa Hontiveros. change. given to issues concerning women. Half-Filipinos Nicole Scherzinger And because one does not always This month, Cuneta will officially “Expect a more accessible (of The Pussycat Dolls fame and need to be a celebrity to affect change debut as a Kapatid talent via a daily Sharon, someone people can reach former judge on “The X Factor USA”) and inspire others, the Real Women talk show, “Sharon.” Although the out to and confide in,” he said. “She’s and Hailee Steinfeld (who reaped category lauds non-celebrities who are concept and format are still under prepared to really open up, and won’t acclaim for her debut performance in advocates of certain causes, survivors wraps, TV5 head of creative and be afraid to share her personal the film “True Grit”) are also part of the of illnesses, entrepreuers, even writers entertainment production Perci experiences.” list. and other such representatives of Intalan said the show was tailor-made Asked if there was a possibility of Veteran broadcast journalists strong women who "overcome for Cuneta and “different from what Luchi Cruz-Valdez, Kara David, and adversity" and "draw on her inner “Sharon” going up against Kris people might expect.” Aquino’s “Kris TV” over at ABS-CBN, Ces Oreña-Drilon were among the strength when the situation calls for it;" Intalan noted that TV5 would mine Trailblazers, or the individuals who women that are "living proof that you Intalan said he would announce the its experience from creating “public “bring truth and innovation to the can achieve your dreams with a little final time slot soon. He added: “Our affairs-talk show hybrids,” such as country.” Also part of this illustrious luck and a lot of hard work." a show will be different from Kris,’ that “Public Atorni” and “Face to Face” for much I can say.” a www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 17 Two Pinoy acts earn standing ovation on 'Canada's Got Talent' Filipinos as world-class talents three judges favorably said yes to was again showcased in a reality- Kayumanggi. based talent show, “Canada’s Got Brueggergosman, obviously Talent,” where two Pinoy acts earned a impressed with the group’s standing ovation for their performance, said, “I was really, really performances. looking forward to representation from Paul Kelvin Ong, who introduced the Filipino community and Winnipeg himself as “a new immigrant from the is, I heard, a very large one. Thank you Philippines although I’m a pure so much.” Chinese” and who lived for “just over a Moccio felt that, “There was a year” in Winnipeg, performed genuine authenticity to your “Somewhere” from “The West Side performance. Your costumes are Story.” gorgeous. Your smiles are gorgeous.” “Canada’s Got Talent” judges Short compared the group’s act to Martin Short, Stephan Moccio and “different beautiful paintings being Measha Brueggergosman were presented to us.” impressed with his performance, as In a report posted by ABS- were the audience who lavished him Paul Kelvin Ong and Kayumanggi once again showcased world-class Filipino talent CBNnews.com, it said that Toronto with applause and a standing ovation. In his post-performance interview, different cultures from Spaniards to Star had written a favorable review of “You have a sweet voice. Bravo, Paul, who was initially speechless, Japanese to Chinese.” Kayumanggi’s performance. bravo, bravo” said Moccio. “I’m said, “It’s a once in a lifetime He added, “This part that we’re “Their performance, acting out a intrigued. I really want to see what’s experience. Thank you.” doing in particular is from the Muslim tale about a princess escaping from next from you, Paul,” he added. A Pinoy group that collectively culture. We’re very proud to be an evil king in a castle, included boys “I really like how connected you calls themselves Kayumanggi Filipina Filipinos.” balancing on bamboo poles held aloft, were to the song. It was a really, really Performing Arts likewise earned A female performer, who played girls dancing and posing between the great performance,” Brueggergosman plaudits and standing ovation for their the princess, shared the background poles as the guys brought them commented. performance. of their dance, the singkil. together and apart, and dancing with “I do think you have a really lovely Before their showcase, one male “The story behind it is that the fans. It was very colourful and unlike voice,” Short said admiringly. member shared that, “Being here princess escapes from the evil king, anything we’ve seen before on the All three judges gave Paul their gives us an opportunity to share our from the castle, and everything goes show,” the review noted. a “yes,” which helped him advance to culture. The Philippines in history…we back into harmony,” she said. the next round. have been incorporated by so many After a thunderous applause, the sila.” categorically deny the accusations Legal tussle between Maricel, Prior to the settlement, Soriano that I called any of them names, hurled has never personally spoken up about spiteful expletives or threaten to shoot two househelp now over the issue, only claiming in a rejoinder any of them with a gun considering affidavit that “Showbiz Central” was that I do not keep any gun inside my A proof of this agreement in the able to secure and air in October, “I residence.” a form of a photo was aired in a “24 Oras” Chika Minute report Tuesday evening. In the photo, Soriano can be Local artists back Charice's image seen flanked by Cachuela and Acojedo, all smiles. evolution Recall that July 2011, Cachuela “Makikita mo ‘yung changes in and Acojedo publicly decried Soriano terms of 'yung vocal [na] kakayahan for allegedly abusing them during their niya,” said the balladeer. less than a month stay at the actress’ Meanwhile, Kuh Ledesma stood up condo unit at Rockwell, Makati City. for the 19-year-old performer, whose On June 30, the two appeared as sexual preference got questioned amid All's well now between Maricel Soriano guests on Tulfo’s radio show to the buzz about her “tomboy” look. The and her two former househelp May recount their experience. singer apparently can relate to Charice Cachuela and Camille Acojedo as she had also been rumored to have In an interview with “The Buzz” on had “a different preference.” Maricel Soriano and her former July 3, Cachuela and Acojedo “Sabi ko mga tsismoso kayong helpers May Cachuela and Camille revealed what drove them to leave Acojedo have finally reached an lahat. Masama iyon eh kasi maraming Soriano’s home the day before their tsismis na hindi totoo,” said Kuh. agreement in an out-of-court interview with Tulfo. According to settlement months after the two At the press conference for her them, while they were tending to ‘This is the look that I want,’ says accused the actress of physical and recently concluded Manila “Infinity Tour” Soriano’s things as she was Charice concert, Charice wasn’t pleased when verbal abuse, among other charges. scheduled then for a recording the day Several OPM artists see nothing the gender issue was brought up. A joint statement by both camps prior, she went as far as hurling curses wrong with Charice’s recent and much "Why would you ask me that aired on “Showbiz Central,” Mar. 19, and threatening that she would use talked-about image evolution—a short question? I think that's a very said that the resolution of the issue her gun on them. inappropriate question. For me, just love was made possible with the help of blonde hair, a “Love Eternally” tattoo, More, the two helpers related that and an overall rock chic look. me. I'm a person. If you think I'm a boy radio broadcaster Mon Tulfo and ALE Soriano’s son, Chen, not only or a girl or if I look like a boy, then fine. Partylist Rep. Catalina Bagasina. Geneva Cruz deemed that the defended them from her but also international singing sensation might’ve I'm Charice,” she responded. “… ang mga partido ay nabigyan signed their clearances so that they felt “bored” with her previous look that’s Charice maintained that the drastic ang bawat isa ng pagkakataon na could be allowed to leave the building. why she took a 360-degree turn in her change in her look was her decision. ipaliwanag ang kanilang saloobin sa Soriano’s camp slammed these image. “’Yun ‘yung makakapagpasaya sa mga pangyayari sa isa’t isa. Dito allegations, with her personal assistant “Si Britney Spears [nga] akin. I’m gonna get a haircut. I’m gonna natanto ng lahat na ang naganap na Inday Castillo claiming that Cachuela nagpakalbo one time. And I understand do it. And I was actually proud,” said insidente ay isa lamang hindi and Acojedo stole from the actress. her kasi I grew up in this business,” said she. pagkakaintindihan ng mga partido Cachuela, in turn, belied this. the sexy singer in a “TV Patrol” interview Having been a target of criticisms dahil sa bugso ng kani-kanilang Cachuela even purported in the aired March 13. especially online, Charice couldn’t care damdamin,” it read. same “Buzz” report, “Marami na daw The changes in Charice—whether less about what others think of her. With that, “Pinili ng mga partido na mga katulong na bumaba na in her musical inclinations or her looks— "This is the look that I want. The only thing that you can do is move on,” makipagkasundo sa isa’t isa at sinasaktan ho niya, na sinabuyan daw will continue as her career soars, related the “Louder” singer. kalimutan na lamang ang kung ng mga mainit na tubig, pinukpok daw another industry veteran, Basil Valdez, Prior to her latest look, Charice had anumang nangyari at bigyang halaga ng kung anu-ano. Hindi ho sila said. Nevertheless, he did not overlook ang matiwasay na muling the improvement in the young singer's also sported long straight locks, wavy lumaban, 'yung mga katulong na'yon tresses, as well as her notable “geeky” pagkakasundo nila." dahil, ewan ko, binayaran daw po vocal prowess. look on “Glee.” a www.filipinostar.org 18 The North American Filipino Star March 2012

Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.17 Grace Lee: An earnest listener Charice Confirms Judge Role for PNoy belie the claim, the Palace has released On 'X Factor Philippines' photos of the president hard at work. Grace deemed that PNoy, aside upcoming stint on the show and that from having a great support system, also she vowed to be an “honest” judge has a “very strong stance of what he throughout the show. needs to do for the country.” “I wanna be honest. I know some “And no matter what problems he's people will think that I will be mean, facing, kakayanin niya 'yon dahil mahal but I wanna be honest. I wanna na mahal niya ang Pilipinas at ang mga choose who’s talented. I wanna tao,” she added. choose the real talent,” she said. As for Grace’s own career, the “Thank you so much to the people Korean TV and radio personality Grace Manila-based Korean looks forward to behind ‘X Factor.’ I love ‘X Factor’ and Lee believes PNoy has a ‘very strong start her new program on Magic 89.9. I’m very happy to be part of the team stance of what he needs to do for the Recall that she exited “Good Times,” a The ‘new’ Charice during her ‘Infinity’ and I’m very excited. I just wanted say, country’ morning show she headlined with Mo concert tour, March 9 at the Smart- ‘Saludo ako.’ I know there are a lot of Twister, among others, earlier this Araneta Coliseum. President Noynoy Aquino may not month. very talented celebs here in the be some people’s most favorite person The concept of her new show, she Charice herself confirmed reports Philippines. Thank you for trusting right now, but his current apple of the saying she will be joining ABS-CBN’s related, would hopefully be “more me,” Charice added. eye, Grace Lee, remains supportive of women-conscious and more women- upcoming talent search “X Factor Being a judge in “X Factor” is like him. Philippines.” oriented.” bringing Charice back to where she The TV and radio personality, who’s "Kasi 'yong show namin tuwing The international sensation started. In 2005, when she was just 12 said to be “getting to know” the chief umaga at sa gabi, very male-oriented, ‘di announced this during her “Infinity” years old, Charice finished third place executive, related that she’s more than ba? So for a change naman… I think it'll concert tour’s Manila leg, March 9 in ABS-CBN’s singing search “Little willing to lend an ear to PNoy, what with be nice to have a female-oriented show. held at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Big Star,” where Sam Concepcion all the concerns he has to attend to "But ayaw ko rin naman… na puro “Ate KC, I’m so excited to work emerged as winner. everyday. babae lang ang makikinig sa show “His love for his country puts my with you. Yes, I’m one of the judges. The two “Little Big Stars” winners namin. So, we're going to have a little of love for this country to shame. So, all I It’s going to be amazing!” the had a mini reunion of sorts during twist to that. That's what we're studying “Pyramid” hitmaker addressed the can do is listen if he wants to tell me right now,” said Grace. Charice’s concert, where she was something, if he has problems that he show’s host KC Concepcion, who was joined by “Little Big Star” alumni: Grace is grateful to the radio station present at her concert. wants to share, if there are certain for their continued support and trust. Rhap Salazar, Kyle Balili, and Gian incidents na gusto niyang ipahiwatig sa Charice is said to be the only Barbarona. "Lahat talaga ng DJ sa Magic, akin. I'm there to listen, and I think that's tinulungan ako to get past all the female judge on board “X Factor After her Philippine stop, Charice one of the bigger things that I can do for problems that I faced, directly or Philippines,” a cut from “X Factor” will bring “Infinity” to Hong Kong on him...” said Grace in an interview with indirectly, between Magic and my show created by Simon Cowell and March 19 and South Korea on March PEP. originated in the UK. before, sa morning show. And to the 21. a Protesters recently slammed what In an interview with ABS-CBN management, nagpapasalamat din ako they dubbed as “noynoying,” a term that dahil they trust me enough to give me a News, the 19-year-old singer indicates the president’s alleged languid show,” said she.a expressed excitement over her work ethics. Apparently in an attempt to Jessica continues 'Idol' journey, faces criticisms from judges She may not have impressed the 13, faced constructive criticisms syncopated and on that beat, it “You’re a Swaggernaut.” judges during the latest from the judges regarding her song lagged a little bit behind so it lost a A Swaggernaut, as will.i.am performance night but Jessica choice. little bit of the energy,” she explained, is like an “out of space Sanchez remains in contention, explained. swag” for a 16-year-old. advancing to the Top 10 of the “Even though you sang it great, Fellow BEP and Fil-Am ongoing “American Idol.” it’s not about that. It’s about just apl.de.ap. urged his fellow Pinoys to Shannon Magrane was voted off, having the rhythm on those type of support Sanchez. March 16, leaving Joshua Ledet, songs so you really, really just kill it. “Watching ‘American Idol,’ to all Phillip Phillips, Skylar Laine, Colton So for me, [your performance is] not my Pinoys vote for Jessica Sanchez, Dixon, Deandre Brackensick, Hollie my favorite thing I’ve ever seen you Pinoy pride, she’s amazing!” Apl Cavanagh, Heejun Han, Erika Van do but good job,” Lopez remarked. posted on Twitter, March 15. Pelt and Elise Testone with Sanchez Jackson believes that Sanchez’s In a separate ABS-CBN News to continue next week’s round of “Turn The Beat Around” didn’t let her interview, Sanchez thanked her performances. Jessica Sanchez turns the beat around big old voice to shine. Filipino fans for their continuous Jermaine Jones was disqualified but fails to impress ‘Idol’ judges. “You’re one of the greatest in this support. over the week because of criminal competition so I feel that we should “Thank you guys for all the history, leaving the Top 11 to perform Tyler said, “Jessica… I love your really steer you always on the right support and all the love. I hope I can during the “Year You Were Born” voice… I love your voice, but you direction and give you great visit the Philippines one day. You night, March 14 (March 15 in can’t stray too far from what I think constructive criticism. The problem guys are amazing!” she said. Manila). you sing the best which is ballad and for me was the song choice. You got Due to the setback in the early The 16-year-old Filipino-Mexican I don’t think you should stray too far this big old voice. The song does not rounds of performances, critics have contestant chose the 1995 Gloria on that.” allow you to show that. Not that you been comparing Sanchez to last Estefan hit “Turn The Beat Around” “And the rhythm that you sang have to show it every time but pick season’s finalist Pia Toscano, a as her piece. with the song was just a little shady something more that you can really judges’ favorite who was voted out Although her performance was but again I love your voice, obviously play with and make your own. Cause too early from the competition. well-applauded, the San Diego they do, too,” he added. you’re so good,” he said. A quote from USA Today said, native didn’t earn a standing ovation Lopez agreed to Tyler and also Sanchez, on the other hand, “Tonight, Jessica reminds me of a from the judges Steven Tyler, took note of Sanchez’s strong welcomed the criticisms. She more mobile Pia Toscano. She’s Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson vibrato, which didn’t fit her song admitted, “I had to work really hard note perfect, and she’s got her this time. It was Joshua Ledet’s choice. to make my voice fit this song. It was moves down, too, but there’s rendition of Michael Bolton’s “When “It’s the type of thing that your a bit of a challenge.” something that’s just a little too A Man Loves A Woman” that stood voice has such a strong vibrato Before the performance night, studied. It’s probably something out. which is so beautiful on certain mentor-of-the-week Black Eyed she’ll grow out of, but she’s only got Sanchez, who wowed “American songs but on songs like this where Peas’ will.i.am was impressed with a few weeks to do it.” a Idol” since her inclusion in the Top you have to really be kind of be Sanchez, calling the young singer,

www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 19 Fil-Am Wins 'Top Chef' In US Robin ‘shocked” with brother really proud of me. It has been a while since I saw him be proud of me Rustom aka BB Gandanghari like that.” I’ve made. It made me surer, it made However, work remains the same me happier, more peaceful,” he said in for the new celebrity chef. “I’d still be the TV5 interview. cooking, and doing what I do best,” It can be recalled that Rustom the 31-year-old winner of $125,000 Padilla admitted that he was gay when said. he was a contestant on the first "Pinoy During the finale, Qui “rocked a Big Brother Celebrity Edition." clam dashi broth and coconut ice cream with Thai chili foam,” according to OK! News. Other Fil-Ams have tried to win the title exhibiting grace under pressure over several seasons of the Bravo and Food Network reality show aired over Solar cable channels in Manila. Sally Camacho Paul Qui of Los Angeles placed runner-up to Chris Hanmer of Las Vegas in 2011’s Filipino-American Paul Qui second season of “Top Chef: Just emerged champion Feb. 29 during Desserts.” Robin Padilla the final cook-off of “Top Chef: US-based Filipinos previously Texas,” season 9 of the US-aired featured in the TV franchise were Actor Robin Padilla admitted that reality show. Dale Talde from “Top Chef All-Stars” things are not well between him and Qui, the executive chef of Uchiko season 8 and “Top Chef” season 4, his brother Rustom Padilla, who is now Restaurant in Austin, Texas, defeated Leah Cohen and Eugene Villatora known as BB Gandanghari. Talking to reporters during a press Sarah Gruenberg of Chicago from “Top Chef” season 5 (New Rustom Padilla conference for his endorsement of following a kitchen square-off at York), and Josie Smith-Malave from remittance company Moneygram on Black & Blue restaurant in Vancouver, “Top Chef” season 2 (Los Angeles). British Columbia. Wednesday, Padilla said his wife, host Qui is scheduled to return for a Mariel Rodriguez, wanted to have a Qui told host Padma Lakshmi reunion episode of the biggest after she named him Top Chef: “I am reunion since Gandanghari is currently season yet for “Top Chef.” A total of in town. top chef. I am extremely happy to see 29 hopefuls made it at the start of the my mom and dad and Deana being Gandanghari, who has been competition. In the US, the show based in New York for the past two there and everybody I met clocks in an average of more than years, returned to Manila early this throughout this journey. Seeing my one to two million viewers per month. dad cry makes me say that he is season. a “Gusto ni Mariel na magkaroon ng reunion kasi dumating nga si Rustom. Manny Pacquiao teaming up Gusto niya magsama sama kaming magkakapatid. Parang siya ang naging daan para magkausap-usap ang with Michael Jordan magkakapatid,” Padilla said. the talks about switching Pacman over Without going into details, Padilla to the Jordan Brand from Nike. said he is “shocked” with his brother. Rustom now BB Gandanghari "...the infatuation of sports fans in “Shocked ako eh. Lalo na ako,” he the Philippines and surrounding areas said. A few years later, he announced in Asia with basketball finally hit a According to rumors, Gandanghari has that "Rustom Padilla is dead" and is 'marketing tipping point' when the local had a sex change operation, although now BB Gandanghari. media began branding Pacquiao as he declined to discuss the issue in an Robin Padilla, however, is not the so-called 'Michael Jordan of interview with another network. closing the door on his brother. boxing,'" Gordan said. Instead he told Rodriguez, who did “Darating tayo d’yan. Sa ngayon, Along with fellow welterweight the interview, that “whatever you’re hindi kami okay,” he said. Manny in New York champ Floyd Mayweather, Pacquiao is seeing now is a manifestation of how I “Sa mga paniniwala medyo already one of the most known boxers really feel deep inside.” According to BoxingScene.com, magkaiba kami ng tinatahak,” he since Mike Tyson, so it would be a no- “And I’ve made decisions in my life welterweight champion, Manny added. a Pacquiao is in talks to take his product brainer for Jordan to bring Pacquiao on and I guess (they’re) the best decisions line from Nike to NBA legend Michael board with the Jordan Brand, making Jordan's own Nike branch-off, the him the third boxer to team up with the Jordan Brand. Jordan brand behind Roy Jones, Jr. Pairing up with one of the most and Andre Ward. well-known sports figures of all time With Pacquiao saying he has two will take Pacquiao's already or three more fights left in him, he most enormously successful career to a new likely has around one or two more level, even after he does eventually years left in the sport of boxing. The retire from boxing. Jordan Brand getting the hype Hooking up with Nike has given surrounding partnering up with Pacquiao's career a boost, as his line is Pacquiao as he bids farewell to the big success with his ever-growing sport that made him a worldwide star fanbase, and adding Jordan's name will help ensure Pacquiao's presence in anywhere near Pacman's will be a boxing won't be gone even though he double threat that would surely boost isn't fighting anymore. sales of Pacquiao endorsed If the deal does indeed go through, merchandise even more. as it appears it will, Jordan would give Fans in Pacquiao's home country Pacquiao's career a breath of fresh air, of the Philippines already compare him one that could have his career soaring, to Jordan, according to Antony like Jordan once did on the basketball Gordan, president of Creative Talent & court. a Advisory Group, the company heading www.filipinostar.org 20 The North American Filipino Star March 2012 Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.19 Gwen Zamora goes international Garrie Concepcion shares grief in Indonesia, which is known as a strict over death of 'stepfather' Iggy Muslim country, Zamora reiterated that the entire production team had to be Arroyo extremely cautious in capturing certain Arroyo-Tantoco and Bianca Arroyo, sequences. who have welcomed them to their “They were very meticulous about family with open arms. ‘yung pagtakbo ko. Hindi pwedeng It was the reason losing him broke umaalog ‘yung dibdib gano’n,” shared the heart of everyone in their family. the actress in the “UH” report. “It was painful for me to see my Although, she deems the film to be mom hurt so bad and also to see my “very conservative” she pointed out two siblings, my younger siblings, feel that they were able to successfully go that way. Na this is it, this is so good for around the “sensitive scenes” making us. We already have a complete family the flick “very twisted” at the same time. and then he was taken away,” she Of all the things that she's done in Garrie to her mom Grace: ‘Be strong’ emotionally shared. the film, Zamora singled out that what frayed her nerves the most was “’yung With the passing of her Dada, The ‘other woman’ shooting everyday tapos iyakan Negros Occidental representative Iggy Even before Iggy’s death, Grace everyday." Arroyo, last Jan. 26, Garrie Concepcion has been the target of accusations and Recall that in a past report, Zamora says that the overpowering pain that offending labels by some people, one described the film as the “most intense” washed through her almost felt like she of which was her being called the Gwen joins the list of local celebs who she’s done to date, in her relatively new lost her own father. “other woman.” Iggy’s marriage with have conquered the international film acting career. Garrie is the daughter of actor his second wife, Aleli Arroyo, is said to industry “There's a lot of action, a lot of Gabby Concepcion and former star have not been annulled. Speculation Gwen Zamora is keeping her shooting, a lot of blood. Madugo talaga Grace Ibuna, Iggy’s partner of six also arose that Grace was only after the fingers crossed that Pinoys would be ‘yung Gwen Zamora na makikita ninyo years. late congressman’s wealth. proud of her stint in the international dito,” she said. In a live interview with “The Buzz” Grace has remained mum over all movie, “The Witness.” She even boasted that she did all on March 4, Garrie tearfully recalled the the allegations, but Garrie won't just sit Weeks prior to the release of the the stunts in the film without a double beautiful and loving family life that Iggy by and allow the public to “judge” her GMA Films and Skylar Films co- which is why “half of my shooting days, had enabled them to experience all mom, taking a swipe at their family's produced Indonesian flick, Zamora I had bruises everywhere. My kneecap these years. detractors during the interview. shared how thrilled she was to be part was sort of out for a while, so I was [in “Gusto ‘ko lang pong sabihin sa “Masakit po na marinig ‘yung mga of a production as big as this one. and out] of the hospital and I was lahat na very blessed ako to have two ganon pong bagay especially para sa “I hope I made the Philippines always on painkillers so it was really fathers. Siyempre si Papa Gabby and pamilya ‘ko. Alam po kasi namin ‘yung proud kasi I’m the only Filipina intense talaga.” nandyan din po si Dada (Iggy),” she totoo kaya po kami nasasaktan. representing the Philippines in [that] But, despite the physical began. “Ang dami pong taong nagju-judge Indonesian film,” enthused the part challenges posed by her role, Zamora The budding actress said that her na sa tingin ‘ko po sana po tumigil na French, Italian, Vietnamese and Filipino said "It was really worth it!" mom had never been any happier than kayo kasi they really loved each other actress in a taped interview with The young actress bagged the when she was with Iggy. More, she also sincerely and I witnessed everything “Unang Hirit [UH]” aired March 6. titular role in the suspense-thriller flick shared that “he [Iggy] really loved my from day one. They were always there Filming experience when the Indonesian film outfit was mom so much and he loved me and my for each other,” she stated. In the film, Zamora plays half- scouting for talent from the GMA Artist siblings so much like we were his own Garrie even attested that her Filipina, half-American expatriate, Center (GMAAC). children.” mother’s love for the late politician was Angel; a hotel employee who, "Actually they went around the “Tito Boy [Abunda], my mom so great that she’s willing to “give up according to a previous Bulletin Philippines kasi gusto daw nila ng changed everything. ‘Yung buong everything” just to get him back. Entertainment report, witnesses the Philippine actress in their movie and buhay niya changed because of Dada. “And with regard do’n sa habol ng grotesque killing of her father by an GMA presented their various actresses ‘Yung pagmamahal na binigay nila sa mommy ‘ko pera lang, it’s not true,” armed syndicate. tapos ‘yon,” shared Zamora in the “UH” isa’t-isa, ang laking binago ng buhay ni she refuted. Being sole eyewitness to the crime, episode. Mommy, ng buhay namin. In a sense “Kasi ‘yung mommy ‘ko na nga Angel was forced to flee and hide from According to her, the film would na punong-puno ng pagmamahal,” she ‘yung nagsasabi na pwede niyang the syndicate who wants to get rid of premiere in local theaters on March 21. recalled. ibigay lahat. Na kung gusto niya her as well. With the goal to avenge her It will also be screened in other Asian According to her, the love that their ibibigay niya na lahat, bumalik lang si father’s death, Angel eventually meets countries namely Singapore, family felt also extended to Iggy’s Dada. She can give up everything,” his leading man played by Indonesian Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, daughters with his first wife—Dina Garie stressed. a actor, Tyo Pakusa Dewol. Thailand; and in Dubai. a Since fractions of the film were shot Derek Ramsay worries for ailing parents “My Dad, matigas ang ulo rin very strong woman but also know that I love them deeply. They niyan, eh. He’s been having problems hardheaded. It’s actually her second know how I try my best to make them with his feet and there’s something mild stroke. Hindi niya kasi iniinom proud and I just want them to know that wrong with his stomach and it’s ‘yung gamot niya,” he said in a I know that they’re proud of me. And actually been a while now,” the hunk chastising but concerned tone. it’s a great feeling to know that you actor shared. He continued, “It’s supposed to be have parents who are there for you and Derek said that at first his father did maintenance medicine and she only always will be.” not want to have himself checked but takes it when she feels na mataas na “Hindi ako umiiyak sa totoong their family was eventually able to ‘yung blood pressure niya. So now buhay ‘eh so I hate you Dad,” he said convince him to do so. tutok na tutok kami na sa kanya.” in jest. “He actually missed the day when Asked how he’s coping with his Before speculations could rise, he’s gonna get the results of the tests parents' condition, Derek took a long Derek immediately clarified that putting For hunk actor Derek Ramsay, family because he came with me to have a pause and obviously held back tears in his family first doesn’t necessarily comes first meeting with ABS-CBN,” he recalled. saying: “That's my biggest fear… I mean that his longtime girlfriend A total contrast from the strong and “So ‘yun nga, inuna niya pa rin ako can’t entertain the thought na Angelica Panganiban is going to be out muscular hunk that fans have come to kesa sa sarili niya.” mawawala sila.” of the picture. know, an emotional Derek Ramsay Derek had a meeting on Feb. 29 Derek claimed that he doesn’t “Family always comes first for me. appeared on “The Buzz” on March 4 to with the Kapamilya executives usually turn emotional on cam but And when I say that they ask, ‘Pano share that his greatest fear in life is regarding his contract with the network. since, for him, “family comes first,” he naman si Angel?’ Well Angel’s part of losing his parents. Later in the interview, Derek can’t help it. the family and my parents treat her like The Filipino-British actor said that morosely bared that his mother also In the end, the box office actor was their very own. Sometimes nga better both his parents are in the midst of had her share of misfortune as she asked what he wanted to tell his than me,” shared he. a recuperating from age-related recently suffered a mild stroke. parents. diseases. “And then my mom naman, she’s a He enthused, “Mom and Dad, they

www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 21

wine professional, ask for advice. Most patrons order bigger wines. And at While there are countless are keen to help patrons find the every restaurant, wines from Spain other ways to navigate a restaurant's perfect wine, regardless of the price. typically offer a great value. wine program, these five tips should be easy to remember -- and help Be Brave Try Some Glasses elevate your next dining experience. If you're at a restaurant with an Morgan is also convinced that David White, a wine writer, is impressive wine list, seize the skipping the bottle list can be a wise the founder and editor of opportunity to be adventurous. Your decision. "At restaurants with serious Terroirist.com. His columns are housed dinner companions will be impressed wine programs," she explained, at Wines.com, the fastest growing wine with your courage, and you'll learn "sommeliers see wines by the glass as portal on the Internet. something new. an introduction to their programs -- If you like Chardonnay, for they know that's where people are going to get their first impression." example, consider Viognier. If you like From Page 11 Ambassador Gatan Sauvignon Blanc, try Torrontes or qOrdering by the glass also enables Albarino. If you typically order patrons to try a wine before committing technologies, to help provide Asia’s California Cabernet, consider ordering to it -- it's not frowned upon to ask your irequirements of 72,000 pilots in the next Malbec or Sangiovese. And don't be server for a taste of something before 20 years? afraid of Merlot. Even though it's ordering a full glass. Plus, ordering by Do you know that more Five Tips for become cool to bash the grape, Merlot the glass makes it easier to try a variety Philippine health centers are now being Navigating a can be as rich as Cabernet Sauvignon, of wines at one meal. recognized by Accreditation Canada, and is generally more approachable. which will give many Canadians the opportunity to seek sophisticated, timely If everyone at your table has Remember That You're In Charge Wine List and cost-effective medical services in the ordered something different, opt for an Is your wine too warm? Do you By David White Philippines tied to the Canadian national unusual wine that'll pair with virtually feel pressured to spend more than Navigating a wine list can be health system? Our national health everything. For white, think Austrian you'd like? Is your server refilling your daunting. system now gives you the option to Gruner Veltliner. For red, think Sicilian glass too quickly? If the answer to any Even wine geeks are undergo treatment using state-of-the-art Nero d'Avola. of these questions is "yes," speak up! facilities, recovering among lush intimidated by the leather-bound tomes Restaurants are notorious for that so many restaurants hand out. forested mountains and palm-lined Look For Value serving red wine too warm -- reds When the wine list doesn't land on the beaches. I recently chatted with Kathy should always be served slightly cool, table with a thud, patrons are still met Do you know that electronic Morgan MS -- one of just 186 people at about 60-65 degrees. So if your wine products are our top export? Our with unrecognizable regions and worldwide to earn the "master tastes like it's been sitting at room electronics industry considers 2012 as a producers. Plus, no matter where you sommelier" designation -- and she temperature, ask for an ice bucket or rebound year where growth is expected dine or how much you know, prices can insisted that good deals can be found switch to a white wine -- or beer. at 20% with more new investments be senseless. virtually everywhere. If the sommelier is steering you streaming in? Fully 85% of mobile Fortunately, deciphering a "Don't be afraid to order towards something too expensive, phones in the world contain a vital chip restaurant's list doesn't have to be cheaper wines, especially if the wine there was probably a only made in the Philippines. Tell your stressful. Here are five simple tips. list was put together by a sommelier or miscommunication. So say something. friends that parts of their cellphones are Ask For Help a wine professional," she explained. "If If you don't want to let your guests made in the Philippines. The era of the snooty thought is put into the list, all the wines know how much you're spending, point There are other many healthy sommelier is over. Whereas should be good." to the price you're thinking and ask for signs for our economy. Our stock yesteryear's sommeliers were glorified If there isn't a sommelier, something similar. market was the best performer in Asia sales agents who intimidated their Morgan advises people to seek out Finally, don't be embarrassed last year; inflation is among the lowest guests by pushing expensive, wines from less popular regions. At to ask your server to slow down. I in Asia at 3.9%; infrastructure spending predictable wines, today's sommeliers steakhouses, for example, you can always insist on finishing my glass of is rising; corporate balance sheets are are wine zealots, eager to share their often find deals on Pinot Noir from wine before it's refilled. That way, I can in the best of shape in a decade; passion and palates. So if the France and the United States, as most track the wine's evolution and better restaurant you're visiting employs a monitor how much I've consumed. See Page 23 Ambassador Gatan The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads

ADVERTISING 3D VR Driving School LAWYER DRIVING 3D VR Driving School Classified Ads Recognized Driving School; LAWYER IN DIVORCE SEPARATION most economical way to advertise! Licensed driving instructor Operated by Dr. Xu CHILD CUSTODY ALIMONY send text to: [email protected] Complete driving course, 24 hrs Professional + Patient + Responsible Lawyer specializing in FAMILY law and for price quotes or call 514-485-7861 theory & 15 hrs road practice, $25/h. +Trustworthy Litigation. Very affordable prices and Exam car available. Theoretical & practical courses; Unique Fast filing of Divorce Motions. Jason 514-691-1816. online learning for passing the Accepting LEGAL AID, and flat rates APT FOR RENT knowledge test easily; High passing rate. (514)499-2010 ext. 26, Fax Quebec certified driving instructor Exclusive training makes you drive well (514) 499-2979. Please contact Plamondon 3 1/2 near Plaza CDN, with 14 years experience in giving and spend much less money! You will Atty. GERUS, for initial free Metro, fridge, stove, hot water find giant differences after comparison! driving lessons. consultation by contacting her at availability: March, May, July 1495 Rue MacDonald (Metro Côte-Vertu) [email protected] Call 514-341-1688 Exam car available St-Laurent, H4L 2A8 Toton 514-969-9622 www.3dvrd.com 514-678-8989 PAB/PSW COURSE CLEANERS Early Road Test Booking, Exam Car HOME BUSINESS New schedules available, SCOPE for THEORY practice in the computer: 1) If your old system An opportunity to earn extra Weekday evenings Office cleaners for West Island, car learner permit’s theory is expired; income while helping yourself Weekends & Days needed, work Mon-Fri after 6 pm 2) If you have Philippine license. and others improve their Subject to minimum 6 Michael call 514-624-3437 KHALIL, 514-965-0903 5775 Victoria, Suite 105 health. Visit my website: students per schedule DUPLEX Cote Ste. Catherine Metro www.zeny.myvi.net to see how Call 514-485-7861 this works. to register Spacious LR/MBR, 5 1/2 Upper duplex, $1200, heated, equipped QUEBEC GOVT. APPROVED LANGUAGES TECHNICIAN w/ washer/dryer, fridge and stove. Skilled Driving Instructor Learn French the fast Quiet atmosphere, ideal for SURE SUCCESS Having computer problems? Exam car available and easy way. Small professional couple or retired, groups, flexible Call (514) 770-4066, 342-3066 REZA An experienced Filipino computer non-smoker, w/references, (514) 815-2873 (514) 739-6318 schedule, 514-485-7861 514-485-7861 technician can come to your place www.filipinostar.org at a very reasonable rate 22 The North American Filipino Star March 2012 Showbiz Gossip Continued from p. 20 OFW chosen as torchbearer in Judy Ann is eager to work with the 2012 Summer Olympics

today's hot actors ang advertisement na naghahanap ng torchbearer nang una niya itong eager to work with heartthrob Piolo makita.” Pascual. “One night, mga around August po “Lahat ng bagay napapag-usapan. yata ‘yun, noong nag-i-scan ako ng Lahat ng bagay nagagawan ng magazine I read na kailangan nila ng paraan. Naghahanap lang siguro tayo inspiring individual. Hindi ko naman po ng maayos na panahon,” said she, naisip ang sarili ko na i-promote as seemingly balking at the suggestion inspiring kasi nga wala pa naman akong that she works again with her former nagagawa pero naisip ko agad ‘yung onscreen love interest. mga overseas Filipino workers,” For now, however, Santos is hard Reymund recall in the episode. at work being the best mom to her “Nagbago ang kanyang isip nang children. Sharing the burden is her makita niyang ang hinahanap na Judy Ann Santos wants a good balance husband, actor Ryan Agoncillo. torchbearer ay isang taong ang buhay between career and parenting "Siyempre Kami naman ni Juday, ay maaaring maging inspirasyon ng nakararami. we're trying hard talaga to give the best Actress Judy Ann Santos wants to “Isinulat niya ang buhay niya bilang to our family,” said Agoncillo in a work with some of today’s hottest, anak ng OFW at bilang OFW. Disyembre separate interview with PEP. Reymund Enteria shares the honor of most bankable actors, singling out noong nakaraang taon nang tanggapin But the “Talentadong Pinoy” host bearing the torch in the 2012 Summer John Lloyd Cruz and Coco Martin as niya ang mensahe na isa siya sa mga admitted that Santos wants to do Olympics with his fellow OFWs possible onscreen partners. napili para maging torchbearer.” another teleserye or a movie and, as “Si John Lloyd nakatrabaho ko Reymund’s friends greeted and OFW Reymund Enteria will bring such, is motivated to lose weight. congratulated him for his feat. siya nagsisimula pa lang siya. Baby honor to the country after having been “Iniisip niya na lang din na “Hi Apol, good luck. God bless. boy nga ang tawag ko sa batang ‘yan. chosen as one of the torchbearers for kailangan niyang pumayat para sa Mabuhay!” they collectively greeted him Proud na proud ako sa bata kasi this year’s Summer Olympics in London. trabaho rin and I admire her for that, for in the episode. nakikita ko kung paano siya “Sipag, determinasyon at lakas ng having a healthy view in life," said he. Luz Interia, Reymund’s mom was magtrabaho,” said she in a recent loob. Mga katangian na naging daan With both of them being busy, the overwhelmed with joy when she learned interview with push.com. upang makamit ni Reymund Interia, couple isn’t really planning on having of her son’s great luck. As for Martin, Santos said she has isang OFW sa London, ang pangarap another baby anytime soon. “Masayang-masaya ako. Proud na long been fascinated with how the niyang maging torchbearer sa 2012 "Kung darating ang another baby, proud ako dahil sabi ko talagang gift ng actor works and is “excited” to observe Summer Olympics sa London,” a report darating. Pero sa ngayon, masaya God sa amin dahil binigyan ako ng him up close. on “24 Oras” said. kami na dalawa ang anak naming. mabait na anak. Kung bibigyan ng As recalled by the report, “Sa “Kasi nakikita ko siya kung gaano pagkakataon gusto naming makarating Hindi naman kami nagpapa-pressure," murang edad pa lamang [ay] namulat siya ka-intense umarte. Nakikita ko doon para mapanood namin siya,” Mrs. said Agoncillo. na si Reymund sa hirap ng buhay. Bata kung gaano siya mag-motivate,” she Interia said. The husband and wife team last pa lamang ay tinutulungan na niya ang explained. Reymund offers his feat to fellow worked together in "My kaniyang ina na maglako ng ulam. But Santos, it seems, is not as Filipinos, especially the OFWs. Househusband: Ikaw Na." a Nangarap hanggang makatapos sa “I’m not really doing this for myself kursong Occupational Therapy. Sandali but for the entire Filipino overseas lang nagtrabaho sa bansa si Reymund Sam Milby continues chasing workers kasi I owe everything to my hanggang makapagtrabaho ito sa Saudi mom. Gusto ko mapasalamatan ko siya Arabia at ngayon ay nasa isang ospital 'the American dream' sa lahat ng mga hardships na ginawa na sa London.” niya,” he said. this year - let's say this year, 'cause Actually, Reymund had read about “Nag-iwan din siya ng mensahe an ad looking for possible torchbearers it's my first season - I'm not gonna para sa mga nangangarap na tulad niya. but he initially did not give it importance. give up,” Milby said in a taped ‘Wag raw mawalan ng pag-asa [dahil] “Kuwento ni Reymund o mas kilala interview aired on The Filipino ito raw ang susi sa pagkamit ng sa tawag na Apol, hindi niya pinansin Channel’s “Balitang America,” with tagumpay,” the report closed. a the video clip posted on its official website on March 8. Sharon plunges into real estate According to the report, Milby has already “gone through nine More, Cuneta divulged having auditions for roles in TV pilots for bought a two-hectare oceanfront major networks and is now waiting to property in Bohol that she aims to hear from casting agents and develop into a retirement village. directors.” Another recent investment is an eight- On this, he expressed, “It is hectare property in Palawan. In the same interview, the 46-year anxious and stressful. You know, old denied having an interest in 'cause you hear good things, you politics saying that she doesn’t have hear good feedback, and then you're what it takes to last in such a “cynical” Sam Milby currently resides in the like, 'Okay, what's going on here? arena. Cuneta, who is married to Sen. upscale SoHo neighborhood Will I get a call back?'” Francis Pangilinan, insists that having Nevertheless, Milby believes that Fil-Am actor-musician Sam Milby Sharon has invested millions in Bohol one politician in the family is enough. his dream is “something that you remains hopeful despite critics' and Palawan That said, Cuneta lavishes praises really got to keep believing in and be claims that his breaking into Actress-singer Sharon Cuneta is on several colleagues who have made positive about always.” Hollywood would be a near- eager to add another notch to her inroads in politics including Vilma “I already have the step ahead of Santos, governor of Batangas. impossible feat. seemingly ever-widening belt – that of being with such a good agency and Prior, Cuneta signed a long-term Recall that Milby has put his local property mogul. that's already hard to find. So If I contract with media giant TV5 in hopes career on hold in favor of trying out The actress, herself, revealed so in have such a good agency that of reinvigorating her TV career. The in the American entertainment a recent interview, saying it's the believes in me, it’s just maybe the deal, rumored to have amounted to a industry. He has been based in New fulfillment of a longtime dream. right project has not come for me yet Already, she has acquired several billion pesos, is said to be the biggest York City for about a month now. this season. Hindi ibig sabihin na properties including one in an area ever in the history of local show “Parang imposible pumasok sa imposible. near Tomas Morato, where she plans business. a Hollywood, and for me, a lot of “Kasi I believe... you just gotta to build several townhouses. people say [that] it is. Maybe a lot of believe. You gotta believe,” he people are saying that and even up stressed. a until now, if nothing happens even www.filipinostar.org March 2012 The North American Filipino Star 23

deemed the weakest in Southeast and 2500 MHz spectrum, please of the telecommunications market, From Page 21 Ambassador Gatan Asia; huge diaspora seeking consult the attached backgrounder. promoting competition by improving government budget gap has narrowed opportunities abroad; more spending new wireless entrants' access to to about 2% from a record high of by multinationals needed to further For further information (media only), capital. 5.2% in 2002; consumer debt as a spur investments; mining investments please contact: Caps in upcoming spectrum proportion of the economy is 7%, the remain difficult to attract due to policy auctions will effectively ensure that lowest in Asia; remittances accounts issues; and good governance require Richard Walker new wireless entrants and regional for 10% of our GDP; Manila to possibly more bold measures. Director of Communications providers have access to prime become another Las Vegas in five In conclusion, have you heard or Office of the Honourable Christian spectrum. years; and the allure presented by our read the Hongkong Bank study Paradis Tower sharing and roaming youthful population from a market released late last year, carried by Minister of Industry policies will be improved and nearing 100 million, over 80% of whom some Filipino community papers in 613-995-9001 extended. speak English. Toronto, that by 2050 the Philippines Obligations will be imposed will be the 16th strongest economy in Media Relations on 700 MHz spectrum licence holders Challenges the world? We do not have to wait for Industry Canada to see advanced wireless services I will be biased if I present only the 2050 to stay ahead if we all work more 613-943-2502 quickly delivered to rural Canadians. rosy side of the story. Our country is closely together. Other nationalities Backgrounder The government plans to hold also beset with a number of are doing it. Our famed Filipino the 700 MHz auction in the first half of challenges, among which are, as accountants can do better. Harper Government Takes Action to 2013, to be followed by auction of the reported by Reuters: stock prices are Support Canadian Families 2500 MHz spectrum within a year. among Asia’s most expensive; Mabuhay kayong lahat! prices for Canadian families, investment protection laws need more ********** Rules for the 700 MHz and 2500 MHz including those in rural areas. transparency; government revenue is Spectrum Auctions Wireless telecommunications, "Our government has taken and the radio frequency spectrum that From Page 14 Telecommunications significant action to promote Foreign Investment Restrictions in the enables it, are fundamental to world- competition in the wireless sector, and Telecommunications Sector class digital infrastructure, a key pillar improved connectivity for consumers, our decisions have helped to reduce The Harper Government is of Canada's digital economy. increased business productivity and mobile wireless prices for Canadian introducing several measures with the enhanced safety for Canadians. families by 10 percent since 2008," objectives of sustaining competition In 2008, the Harper said Minister Paradis. and robust investment in wireless Advertise in the Government set aside spectrum for Today's announcement will telecommunications and of promoting new entrants and implemented other provide Canadian families with more the timely availability of advanced North American policies to support new competitors. choices at low prices for wireless services for all Canadians, including New entrants have since made large services. For a more detailed those in rural areas. Filipino Star investments to launch services and are description of the measures to be Foreign investment providing greater choice to Canadian taken as part of the policy approach to restrictions will be lifted for companies 514-485-7861 consumers. the upcoming auctions of 700 MHz that have less than a 10 percent share

6430 Victoria Avenue, Montreal, QC Sale Prices Valid from Telephone: 514-733-7816 March 24 to April 5, 2012

Philippine Calamansi Drink Kim Condensed Milk 300 mL - 79¢. 2 / $1.49 Likas Papaya soap $1.99 Bulacan Bihon 1 lb Bulacan Palabok, l lb $2.99 each 99¢ 99¢

Silver Swan Soy Sauce UFC Banana sauce, regular $1.79 bottle $1.19 bottle Bioy Bawang Nestle thick cream P.D. Cheese Hot Dog 3 / $1.99 tax included $1.99 can $2.99 each

Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Macapuno Strings Bulacan coco gel Chicken Legs Pork Belly $6.99 each $1.99 jar $1.29 jar 99¢ / lb $2.72 lb. www.filipinostar.org 24 The North American Filipino Star March 2012 Education raises the bar but lowers the barriers to a rewarding career.

5320-A Queen Mary Road (between Decarie Boulevard and Coolbrook) Montreal, QC H3X 1T7 Tel.: 514-485-7861 As a nursing aide graduate, I believe that Gilmore International College provides E-Mail: [email protected] self-discipline and determination enabled me immigrants the tools for a successful career www.gilmorecollege.com to achieve my goals in life. Gilmore College change. The training and the skills that I (accessible by bus, Nos. 17, 51, 166, and Snowdon Metro) International provided me the opportunity to learned from the program gave me the find a job easily. The knowledge and skills I confidence to work as a nurses’ aide. Registrations by appointment have learned during the course of my studies (Adele Lascano, October 2008) gave me the edge to work in the health care Classes start soon. environment where one needs to show the Flexible schedules - Days, Evenings or Weekends willingness to render service to the sick and the elderly. (Ethel Tugna, March 2011)

Office Technology (Medical, Legal, or Administrative Assistant positions)

Gilmore International College gave me the opportunity to start a new career, I finished PAB/PSW Batch 6 class (Old Program - 100 hours, theory Session: June 3, 2009-August 30, 2009 the nursing aid/P.A.B. course last October (200 h Practicum - September 5, 2009 to December 27, 2009 Students of this group: Balag-ey, 2011. I got a job easily and I am now Carolina; Battad, Mildred; Bituin, Milaine; Dagdagan, Joan; Danda, Gloria; Gacutan, Maria Ann; working fulltime because I learned new Laqui, Paz; Nipa, Edilan; Pagada, Jovita; Pailaga, Delia; Ramos, Juvelyn; Ramos, Ronalyn. Instructors: Amy Manon-og; Sophie Toledo; Director-General: Zenaida Kharroubi. Other instructors things from this course which focuses on Early Childhood Education Assistant not in photo: Terry White, Clarice Mackay. The new PAB/PSW program has been upgraded to 600 how to care for the elderly. I'm proud to be hours, consisting of 350 hours of theory and 250 hours of practicum, in response to the part of this college. (Giselle Arellano, Oct. requirements of the job market. Graduates of the old program are therefore encouraged to get 2011) additional training in order to have access to jobs in government health care facilities. Call 514- 485-7861 for information on upgrading courses.

International Trade Program to earn a C.I.T.P. designation (Certified International PAB/PSW Program (Nursing Aide) Trade Professional) Gilmore College International building showing future sign to be installed soon CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS SELF-IMPROVEMENT COURSES • PSW-PAB Nursing Aide • Second Languages - English, French, Spanish, • Office Technology Mandarin, Filipino (Tagalog) - Secretarial option (Medical/Legal) • Computer courses - Computer Literacy, Microsoft - Accounting option Office, Simply Accounting • International Trade • Financial & Investment Courses • Early Childhood Education • Writing Workshop, Leadership Seminars, Coop Education • Integration of Foreign Graduates • PDSB, CPR, on request by 10 or more students of Nursing (Permit Pending)

www.filipinostar.org