Vol. XXX, No. 1 JANUARY 2012 www.filipinostar.org Aquino briefs McCain group on the ‘hot thing’ in the news By Christine O. Avendaño Philippine Daily Philippine Sea (or what China calls Inquirer, Thursday, January 19th, 2012 South China Sea), Lacierda told It was the “hot thing” in the reporters. news, hence President Benigno Lacierda also reported that Aquino III took the time to brief a McCain “lauded” President Aquino for visiting group of US lawmakers about his high approval rating. Lieberman, the ongoing impeachment trial of Chief on the other hand, said he was Justice Renato Corona. “impressed with the way the President Presidential spokesperson was running the country with his Edwin Lacierda yesterday said Mr. efforts on good governance,” the Aquino had a “good discussion” Palace spokesperson recalled. Tuesday night in Malacañang with the See Page 3 for more news about Chief American dignitaries led by US Justice Corona’s impeachment Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman, covering both bilateral concerns and issues internal to the Philippines, like the historic Corona trial at the Senate. “Because that’s the hot thing going on right now,” Lacierda simply said to explain why the President brought up the trial in the meeting. But Lacierda said not much of President Aquino welcomes to Malacañang on Tuesday four prominent American senators— See Page 2 - Online piracy and copyright an exchange happened between the Joe Lieberman (left), John McCain, Sheldon Whitehouse and Kelly Ayotte. McCain ran infringement President and the US senators on that against President Barack Obama in the 2008 US presidential election. Lieberman was Al topic. “They were just briefed. Of Gore’s running mate in the 2000 White House race. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE course, as what (US) Secretary of Aquino had openly sought the removal Tuesday’s meeting, which was State (Hilary) Clinton (had) mentioned, of the Chief Justice, whom he had also attended by Foreign Secretary they will not be involved in the internal accused of being biased in several Albert del Rosario and Defense events in the Philippines,” he stressed. high court rulings favoring former Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, centered In the weeks leading to President and now detained on issues of mutual concern to the Corona’s impeachment at the House Pampanga Representative Gloria Philippines and the US, such as the and trial at the Senate, President Macapagal-Arroyo. security situation in the West MPs urged to give up ‘platinum- plated' pensions See Page 14 - Sunken cruise ship The Canadian Taxpayers taxpayers contribute $5. But the CTF "This outrageous rate means Federation says MPs have the best says in reality, taxpayers pay closer to they've basically got the best pension fund "on the planet" and it's $23. That figure takes into account the performing pension over 10 years on time for them to lead by example and guaranteed 10.4 per cent interest rate the planet," said Thomas, adding that shut it down. on the fund, which Thomas says it has outperformed the Canada "This is a ripoff on a massive means that taxpayers are on the hook Pension Plan by 60 per cent over the scale," CTF federal director Gregory for more than they realize. last 10 years. Thomas said at a news conference on The 10.4 per cent interest rate The CTF says that the interest Parliament Hill. is guaranteed in law and because the rate return means taxpayers are The advocacy group says fund is not invested in the markets, it's paying an additional $248,668 into the that officially, for every dollar that MPs not subject to the same fluctuations See Page 21 - Youngest MP elected who pay into their own pension fund, as most Canadians' pensions. See Page 4 Pensions can retire at age 25

www.filipinostar.org 2 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012 Editorial US Congress postpones anti-piracy bills Senate Democratic leader Harry concerns about the legislation cannot be Reid said he would postpone a critical vote resolved. He offered no new date for the Will long overdue changes to that had been scheduled for Jan. 24 "in vote. light of recent events." Reid's action comes a day after a pensions of MPs be ever made? U.S. lawmakers stopped anti- senior Democratic aide, speaking on the piracy legislation in its tracks on Friday, condition of anonymity, said the measure It is amazing how MPs payout for life. Starting at 55, a delivering a stunning win for Internet lacked the 60 votes needed to clear a pensions have become so overly guaranteed index payoff, many of companies that staged an unprecedented procedural hurdle in the 100-member generous. Since when has this been them in the multi-million of dollars," online protest this week to kill the Senate. a secret from the electorate? Will this Thomas said. previously fast-moving bills. Swift reaction awareness of the issue help achieve a Perhaps the reason for this Senate Democratic leader Harry The indefinite postponement of more equitable pension system? generous pension, they say, is to Reid said he would postpone a critical vote the bills drew quick praise from the Internet Reading and hearing about attract the best qualified people to go that had been scheduled for Jan. 24 "in community, and ire from Hollywood. "We appreciate that lawmakers the outrageous benefits that seem to into politics. But there are also other light of recent events." Lamar Smith, the Republican have listened to our community's be so grossly exaggerated for a professionals, such as doctors, chairman of the House of Representatives concerns, and we stand ready to work with special class such as MPs and nurses, teachers, who devote their life Judiciary Committee, followed suit, saying them on solutions to piracy and Senators can really make people see to serve humanity but they are not so his panel would delay action on similar copyright infringement that will not chill red. It is obviously unfair to anyone amply rewarded with generous legislation until there is wider agreement free expression or threaten the who had to work for 35 years before pension benefits as much as MPs on the issue. economic growth and innovation the receiving a very modest pension. It is whose only requirement is to be a "I have heard from the critics and Internet provides," a Facebook not only the amount of one’s salary politician and stay at least 6 years in I take seriously their concerns regarding spokesman said. proposed legislation to address the but also the contributions made to a office before qualifying for a pension. Chris Dodd, chief executive of problem of online piracy. It is clear that we pension fund that determines an The inequality in the system the Motion Picture Association of ordinary worker’s pension. In the can no longer be justified. A need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves America and a former Democratic case of MPs and senators, there government critic pointed this out: that steal and sell American inventions and senator, said the stalling of legislation appears to be only the requirement of “Originally, there was a need products," Smith said in a statement. is a boost for criminals. having been an MP for at least 6 years to balance the economic uncertainty The bills, known as PIPA "As a consequence of failing to and his pension is guaranteed for life of being an MP and to ensure good (PROTECT IP Act) in the Senate and SOPA act, there will continue to be a safe and he does not have to wait to reach candidates. However, with the salary (Stop Online Piracy Act) in the House, are haven for foreign thieves," Dodd said. age 60 nor 65 years old. This really plus benefits, and since an MP is in a aimed at curbing access to overseas Way forward? sounds unbelievable. It is not even position to make maximum RRSP websites that traffic in pirated content and proportional to the contributions contributions, there is no longer any counterfeit products, such as movies and Lawmakers, technology made. For every $1 contributed to justification for an MP to have a music. companies and the entertainment their pension, they automatically special pension plan that is richer The legislation has been a priority industry pledged to find a way to for entertainment companies, publishers, make taxpayers contribute $23. As if than one any other employee with combat online piracy and copyright pharmaceutical companies and other this is not enough, it has been similar income would have. “ infringement. industry groups who say it is critical to Reddit.com, a vocal leader in revealed that there is a guaranteed Now that everyone has been curbing online piracy, which they believe interest of 10.4% that their pension made more aware of the issue of the the protests and among the sites to go costs them billions of dollars a year. dark on Wednesday, said it was fund earns automatically every year. unfair pension system, it is difficult to But technology companies are pleased the protests were able to slow Everyone else’s pension fund is say whether or not changes will be concerned the laws would undermine affected by the downturn of the made, and how fast they will be done. Internet freedoms, be difficult to enforce things down, but said piracy needs to economy, but this special privileged Gleaning from the remarks of the and encourage frivolous lawsuits. be addressed. group is protected by having such a Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Public sentiment on the bills "We really need people at the high interest guaranteed by law. The government plans to look at this issue shifted in recent weeks after Internet table who have the technical expertise players ramped up their lobbying. think tank, CD Howe Institute, cited but did not set any timeline. The about these issues who can ensure White House officials weighed in the fact that if the MPs pension fund is Finance Minister Jim Flaherty admits that whatever bills are drafted have on Saturday, saying in a blog post that airtight, technically sound language, not supported by any asset, there will there is a need to make reasonable they had concerns about legislation that be a serious short fall in the very near changes but to know what is definitions and frameworks," the could make businesses on the Internet company's general manager Erik future by approximately $1 billion. reasonable he said is not easy and it vulnerable to litigation and harm legal Martin told Reuters. More aggravating facts is not only determined by one person. activity and free speech. revealed by the Canadian Taxpayers The Green Party of Canada is Then on Wednesday, protests Reid expressed hope on Federation headed by Gregory in full agreement that reform is blanketed the Internet, turning Wikipedia Friday that Senate Judiciary Thomas make us wonder if MPs and needed for Member of Parliament and other popular websites dark for 24 Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, Senators could ever be moved to do pension plans. “Examining how best hours. Google , Facebook, Twitter and who has been shepherding the bill others protested the proposed legislation something about such a ridiculous to reform pensions of MPs is through Congress, could help resolve but did not shut down. situation. According to the CTF, while completely in line with what I’ve been differences in the legislation. The protest had quick results: "I am optimistic that we can backbench MPs earn $157,731 a year, calling for in terms of greater financial several sponsors of the legislation, an additional $248,000 is added to accountability from our elected reach a compromise in the coming including senators Roy Blunt,Chuck weeks," Reid said. each of their pensions every year by representatives,” said Green Leader Grassley, Orrin Hatch, John Boozman and Leahy slammed the Senate taxpayers, while they may contribute Elizabeth May. Marco Rubio, have withdrawn their as little as $10,990. While we realize that there is a support. In a brief statement on Friday, Soon, 39 MPs who were first big opportunity for politicians to show See Page 6 Anti-Piracy Bills elected in 2006 will pass the 6-year a good example and leadership, by Reid said there was no reason why threshold to qualify for their introducing a private member’s bill to parliamentary pension. They will enter introduce reforms to the pension "the promised land" in the words of system, it may not be as quickly as we Thomas. Together, the 39 MPs are set want the government to move. The to collect $30.9 million in lifetime CTF suggested to shut down the payouts, according to the federation. current pension scheme, and join the Younger MPs such as 33- new Pooled Registered Pension Plan Tel.: 514-485-7861 year-old Conservative MP Chris (PRPP). They also want to see 5320-A Queen Mary Road Montreal, Quebec H4C 1T7 E-Mail: [email protected] Warkentin and 38-year-old Industry taxpayer contributions capped at a Published by: Filcan Publications, Inc. Minister Christian Paradis will have to dollar-to-dollar level. As well, they Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi wait until they are 55 years of age to want to ensure that convicted Chief Editor & Publisher Hilda T. Veloso Al Abdon collect. But even if they don't run fraudsters are barred from collecting Sam Kevin W.G. Quiambao Jerry Estrada Community News again, the Federation said Warkentin parliamentary pension benefits. News & Layout Editor and Paradis will still receive an annual In the face of all the glaring Alberto Baens Santos pension for the rest of their lives worth examples of inequities, will the people Columnists Bert Abiera Bernardo Sarmiento at least $46,049 and $61,581 be more assertive of their rights to Founder Opinion Editorial respectively. better treatment by their government? The opinions expressed by the writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that "People are walking away Will our MPs listen to the people? of the management of the North American Filipino Star nor its editors. after six years on the job with a big Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 3 Corona subpoena denied Corona impeachment raps MANILA, JANUARY 17, 2012 reservation,” he said. (INQUIRER) By Maila Ager Cayetano explained that some cover ill-gotten wealth' INQUIRER.net 2:42 pm | Tuesday, of the properties discovered by the January 17th, 2012 —The Senate prosecution team were allegedly in the abs-cbnNEWS.com The sub paragraphs stated other acting as an impeachment court threw names of Corona’s wife and children. Posted at 01/21/2012 5:21 PM | Updated allegations, including non-declaration of out on Tuesday an appeal by a And under Republic Act 1379 on as of 01/21/2012 11:25 PM certain properties in his SALN, and that the senator-judge against the issuance of forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth, Cayetano MANILA, Philippines (UDPATE) – properties might have been acquired subpoena against Supreme Court pointed out that property unlawfully The impeachment complaint against Chief through ill-gotten wealth. chief Justice Renato Corona’s wife and acquired by the respondent but its Justice Renato Corona covers the issue of Corona, in his reply, branded the other family members. ownerships concealed by its being ill-gotten wealth since the respondent other allegations as "conjectural and speculative" and said they "do not amount Fourteen senators voted to recorded in the name of, or held by the himself acknowledged the charge, a law

Corona’s SALN submitted to the Senate expert said Saturday. to a concrete statement of fact that might This week's proceedings saw require a denial." Nonetheless, he denied defense lawyers posing continuous the allegations "flatly," saying he acquired objection to prosecutors' presentation of his assets from legitimate sources of evidence on Corona's alleged illegal income, mostly from his "professional wealth, a charge they claimed was not toils." made properly in Article 2 of the Aside from Corona's lawyers, impeachment complaint. senator-judges Alan Peter Cayetano and But Amado Valdez, dean of the Francis Escudero expressed misgivings University of the East College of Law, said on Article 2 of the complaint, with the latter that Article 2 is "already sufficiently saying that each article "must accuse the informative as far as what the accusation respondent of a singular, separate act." is," and Corona's reply to it only made it Due to confusion on whether or valid. not Article 2 covers ill-gotten wealth, "If you read their answer to the Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, the complaint, they said that he's also charged court's presiding judge, asked both the with ill-gotten wealth, therefore, he has prosecution and defense panels to submit been properly informed of the accusation memoranda on the matter. against him," Valdez told ANC Dateline Prosecution scores point Philippines on Saturday. Meanwhile, Valdez said the first Chief Justice Renato Corona and his wife week of the trial was a good week for the Article 2 accuses Corona of betraying prosecution despite reported misses and sustain Senate President Juan Ponce- respondent’s spouse, ascendants, public trust and violating the Constitution Enrile’s ruling to deny a request to descendants, relatives or any other for failing to disclose his statement of See Page 7 Corona impeachment subpoena Corona, wife Cristina, and person was characterized as “not assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). two children– Clara and Francis– while among legitimately acquired only six voted in favor of Senate properties.” Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s Cayetano said the court appeal to reconsider the ruling with should not shortcut the process by regards to the wife and other family denying the subpoena against other members. family members “because we can’t While he agreed to the predict if and when the daughter will in Senate’s decision to deny the fact manifest or claim the privilege or issuance of subpoena against the the husband will claim the Chief Justice, Cayetano expressed his disqualification against the wife.” reservation against the denial to “The proper procedure is for subpoena the wife and other family us to issue the subpoena and for the members. defence or witnesses to be the ones to “I agree with the ruling in so claim the privilege later on,” he far as the Chief of Justice is concerned pointed out. a but as to the wife, the children and the son-in-law, may I put on record my

www.filipinostar.org 4 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012 taxpayers currently give to the fund for From Page 1 Pensions every MP-contributed dollar is MPs’ pension plan faces $1 billion fund, per MP, on top of the dollar "outrageous" and "it can't be defended shortfall, report finds contribution. by anyone." Kenyon Wallace Toronto Star almost every other defined-benefit plan in $102 million to MP pensions each year Harper says MP pensions will be Pension troubles in store for retired Canada has more liabilities than assets, When you combine the dollar looked at workers as plans across Canada face the institute found. contribution and the guaranteed The CTF says that as the deficits interest rate return, taxpayers government looks for savings, it Defeated MPs turn to gold-plated “This is just accounting, it’s just on paper,” contribute a total of $102 million to the shouldn't even think of tampering with pensions Laurin said. “There are no real assets.” fund every year, while MPs hand over the pension plan for public servants On paper, the pension plan for MPs and about $4.5 million, according to the unless it is willing to look at its own. senators is gold-plated and financially The institute recommends MPs start CTF's calculations. "There's no way they can do anything sound. In reality, however, the benefits saving for their retirements in a properly MPs are eligible for the about pensions unless they start in their promised to our elected representatives funded pooled registered plan, and pension after serving at least six years own backyard," said Thomas. are underfunded by close to $1 billion, suggests increasing MPs’ wages in in the House of Commons and can start In an interview earlier this week according to a new report. exchange for more modest retirement collecting it when they turn 55. with the CBC's Peter Mansbridge, The C.D. Howe Institute, a benefits. Toronto-based non-profit think-tank, says Thirty-nine MPs who were elected in Harper was asked about the taxpayers are on the hook for that amount Gregory Thomas, federal director of the 2006 will become eligible for the MP government's plans for pensions. because the current parliamentary Canadian Taxpayers Federation — which pension plan on Monday, and the CTF P. O . V. pension plan has set aside no assets to this week issued a call to parliamentarians pay for the future benefits. to adopt a more realistic pension plan — Unlike other pension plans, such as the said the biggest scandal was the fact that Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, in which MPs ignored a request by the chief actuary contributions from members are invested two years ago. That request urged them to in the market to fund future benefits, the halve the annualized 10.4 per cent “rate of Pension Plan for Members of Parliament return” — a rate set by the government — guarantees retirement incomes that aren’t that the plan has been getting over the last pegged to investment returns. 10 years. “These MP pensions are basically unfunded,” said Alex Laurin, associate After losing his seat in last year’s election, director of research at the C.D. Howe former Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Institute. “That means they’ll be paid out Duceppe, 63, walked away with a by taxpayers through general government $140,765 annual pension. Prime Minister funds when they are due.” Stephen Harper, who currently makes $315,000 a year, will be eligible by 2015 to The institute found that if ordinary collect a yearly pension of $223,500, Canadians wanted to secure a retirement according to the federation. income equivalent to an MP’s pension, The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has an ongoing campaign about the MP pension fund and they would have to save 50 per cent of “Every MP needs to answer the question, said Wednesday that MPs have their snouts in the pension trough. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian their income every year. But the Income why in the middle of the biggest economic Press) Tax Act stipulates that Canadians — most meltdown in our generation did you insist of whom have no pensions at all — can on a 10.4 per cent annual return on your says they will be eligible for a collective Should Ottawa shut down MPs' contribute only 18 per cent of their annual pension fund?” Thomas said. $1.9 million in annual pensions starting pension fund? incomes to their own RRSPs. “It’s a phony return on an imaginary investment. MPs cannot lead if in 2015. Harper said his government The report also takes aim at the federal they don’t lead by example. This pension Thomas said Prime Minister has already made changes to bring the chief actuary’s assessment last year that they’ve been taking all the way through Stephen Harper and his government public service pension system more in found an “excess” of $176 million in the this economic downturn — it’s have some tough decisions to make in line with private sector plans and that plan — an unlikely scenario at a time when scandalous.” the coming months in order to keep its while it is looking at the pension issue, promise of balancing the budget in the "we haven't taken any final decisions." John Ivison: Public out” of the government pension plan when years ahead. "As you know, it also raises the they came to Ottawa in 1993, but opted Cashing in issue of pensions of parliamentarians, pensions a fat target back in when then-prime minister Jean According to the CTF's and that issue will have to be looked at for Conservatives Chrétien gave them the chance in 2000. calculations: Prime Minister Stephen at the same time," he said. The formula that determines MPs’ Harper can collect a pension of at least Finance Minister Jim Flaherty Prime Minister knows that he pensions has been reduced since then but cannot ask public servants and Canadian $223,500 per year by 2015 said Wednesday that he expects the remains extremely prodigal. The latest seniors to suffer austerity measures while Interim Liberal Leader Bob discussion around MP pensions to numbers show that taxpayers pay $5.50 MPs benefit from one of the most lavish for every $1 that MPs and senators Rae, if he stays on as leader, can collect continue. pension plans in the country. Possible a pension of at least $71,400 per year "I think we have to be contributed to their pension plan. Most reforms to the MPs’ scheme could include private schemes call on the employer to by 2015 reasonable in all of our remuneration raising the minimum retirement age contribute $1 for every $1 added by the NDP MP Pierre-Luc Dusseault, schemes, including salary, benefits and (currently 55) to lengthening the period of member. The parliamentary pension elected last year at age 19, can collect pensions, and that applies to all of us time it takes to qualify for a pension scheme paid out $48.8-million in the a pension of $40,000 per year if he who are in the world of public service, (currently just six years). 2009/2010 fiscal year to 503 former MPs retires at 27 whether we're politicians or employed Senior sources said that a and senators collecting pension benefits. 20 MPs will be able to collect by the government of Canada as public decision on public service pensions has The report said 117 of them received more more than $100,000 a year if they retire servants or elsewhere," he said. not yet been made, largely because of than $70,000 a year, with the average for or lose after the next election in 2015 Flaherty said, however, that it's legal and legislative barriers to unilateral senators being $56,512 and for MPs changes. But the source confirmed the "There's no way the prime not up to him to decide what is $53,586. government could still move on MPs’ minister and these MPs can do what "reasonable." Since then, 113 more MPs were pensions, even if it holds off on reforms they need to do to balance the budget "I'm sure that we will have defeated at the last election and will covering the bureaucracy. He said all three receive millions more in pensions and and control spending if they've got their different views expressed about what is strands of pension policy are linked as own snouts in the pension trough. They reasonable and what isn't," he said. "It's severance payments. There was an outcry part of the government’s plan to make last May when it emerged that defeated need to lead by example," said not for me as a single member of sure there is sustainability and fairness in Bloc Québécois leader, Gilles Duceppe is Thomas. "They need to put Canada Parliament to make that determination." the system. in line to receive $140,000 a year from ahead of their own personal bank Those comments gave the Ian Lee, a professor at Sprott taxpayers, despite devoting his career to balance." CTF some encouragement, and Business School, said the government breaking up the country. The CTF, which released a Thomas said the group is hopeful it will would be smart to address what he called Handout report Wednesday detailing the see progress with its campaign. “the profound unfairness of MPs’ MP Pierre-Luc Dusseault can aim for pensions that current MPs will be pensions” before it moves on broader Freedom 25. entitled to, wants Parliament to put an reforms. MPs are eligible for a pension “The government cannot ask end to the fund completely. Thomas Learn French the fast after serving in the House for six years, ordinary Canadians to put their shoulder said the "platinum-plated" pension fund and pensions are calculated on the best and easy way. to the wheel and carry to the burden of should be shut down. five earnings years. On a current salary of Enroll at austerity – if the elites are not sharing in $157,000 a year, MPs qualify for an Instead, they could set up an the pain,” he said. optional dollar-for-dollar matching Gilmore College indexed lifetime pension of $27,000 when MPs’ pensions have long been a they reach 55. That means a six-year MP defined contribution plan. Call 514-485-7861 lightning rod for criticism. Preston But he says the $23 that Manning and his Reform Party MPs “opted See Page 21 Pensions www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 5

young Filipina spouses married to Heirs and inheritance Notes: elderly Japanese admitted). Japan-Philippine relations If your spouse dies intestate (without a last will), who will [1] These articles do not apply if your surrounding overseas migration also inherit under the New Philippine Civil Code? marriage has been declared void, or evolved. The bilateral relationship you are the offending spouse in case of became economic, resulting in an Compiled by Budz Sarmiento entitled to inherit. If the illegitimate legal separation. economic partnership agreement that children died before your spouse, has, among its terms, deploying Situation A: You and your deceased then you and the illegitimate [2] Steps in computing the inheritance: Filipino nurses to Japan. Only two of spouse have children. children’s descendants (by right of • You must liquidate the over-200 deployed nurses passed the representation) will inherit. community property (Articles 102 to Nihongo-laced nurses licensure [1] Only you and your children are 104 of the Family Code) or the conjugal examination in Japan, and currently entitled to inherit under Article 996 of [3] If your deceased spouse has partnership (Articles 129 to 33 of the the nurses deployment provision of the the New Civil Code of the Philippines. illegitimate children and “ascendants” Family Code). Japan-Philippines Economic Your deceased spouse’s siblings, (parents, grandparents, or great- • The remaining portion will then Partnership Agreement is being parents, or grandparents are grandparents), then you, the be divided among the heirs. evaluated. excluded. illegitimate children, and the For example, you and your spouse While distant from a matter ascendants will inherit under Article have four children, and your spouse that concerns Filipinos’ migration to Art. 996. If a widow or widower and 1000 of the New Civil Code of the died leaving one million pesos in Japan, the relationship between the legitimate children or descendants are Philippines. property. two countries is beyond overseas left, the surviving spouse has in the 1. Your share in the community migration. succession the same share as that of Art. 1000. If legitimate ascendants, the property or conjugal partnership Japan is among the each of the children. surviving spouse, and illegitimate property is 50% or five hundred Philippines’ major source countries of If any or some of your children died children are left, the ascendants shall thousand pesos. official development assistance, in before your spouse, their legitimate be entitled to one-half of the 2. The remaining five hundred which civil society groups hope that children will be entitled to inherit by inheritance, and the other half shall be thousand pesos will be divided among such development aid undergo right of representation. divided between the surviving spouse the children, with you counted as one transparent and accountable and the illegitimate children so that child. processes. Nevertheless, the aid from [2] If your deceased spouse has such widow or widower shall have 3. Five hundred thousand pesos Japan led to bridges, light railway illegitimate children, they are entitled one-fourth of the estate, and the divided by five: you and the children will transit systems, and even emergency to inherit under Article 176 of the illegitimate children the other fourth. receive one hundred thousand pesos relief for people in Mindanao. Family Code. Please read “Special each as inheritance. Japan-Philippine economic Rule Under the Philippine Civil Code if In simpler terms, you will get 25% of (With files posted by Atty. Gerry T. relations will not be complete without Legitimate and Illegitimate Children the inheritance; your spouse’s Galacio on a blog site called Legal the Japanese companies heading to Survived Together, With or Without the illegitimate children will also get 25%; Updates) the country —from vehicles to Surviving Spouse” and the ascendants will get 50%. electronic equipment, some of which Japan-Philippines became household names among Situation B: You and your deceased Your spouse’s siblings, if any, are not Partnership Filipinos (e.g. Toyota, Sony, among spouse have no children. entitled to inherit. By Carmelita G. Nuqui and Jeremaiah others). M. Opiniano The relationship between the [1] If your deceased spouse’s parents [4] If your deceased spouse has no two nations even led to the reverse, i.e. (either father or mother, or both) are ascendants (parents, grandparents, JAPAN offers lots of memories of developing country Philippines still alive, then you and the parents will or great-grandparents) or illegitimate —good and bad— to Filipinos, not just helping Japan. inherit under Article 997 of the New children, but has siblings, then you its rising sun that is an economic Images of the waves that Civil Code of the Philippines. and the siblings will inherit under magnet for Filipinos to go there. splashed eastern Japan given an 8.9- Article 1001 of the New Civil Code of There’s former overseas magnitude earthquake and tsunami Art. 997. When the widow or widower the Philippines. performing artist Maricris Sioson who, last March simply touched Filipinos’ survives with legitimate parents or exactly 20 years ago, was mysteriously hearts to help (for example, the ascendants, the surviving spouse Art. 1001. Should brothers and sisters killed by alleged Yakuza elements five Philippines-Japan NGO Partnership, a shall be entitled to one-half of the or their children survive with the months after arriving in Tokyo. group of non-government groups here estate, and the legitimate parents or widow or widower, the latter shall be Sioson’s mysterious death that has a partner NGO network in ascendants to the other half. entitled to one-half of the inheritance never stopped a wave of migration by Japan, donated some money to and the brothers and sisters or their Filipinas doing the same kind of work Japanese NGOs providing disaster If your spouse’s parents are already children to the other half. which, to advocates for migrant relief in tsunami-struck areas in Japan). dead but other “ascendants” (like workers, is tantamount to trafficking Even Filipinos affected by the grandparents or great-grandparents) In simpler terms, you will get 50% of and to putting these women’s quake and tsunami had to be helped. are still alive, Article 997 will also the inheritance while the brothers and homeland into shame. That kind of There are stories of cause-oriented apply. Your spouse’s siblings, if any, sisters will divide among themselves migrant worker deployment even had groups coursing their donations to the are not entitled to inherit. the other 50%. processes and documents to be Philippine embassy in Tokyo and to acquired, as well as a large-scale some Japanese NGOs directed at the [2] If your deceased spouse has The law does not distinguish between recruitment business which the Filipino families victimized by the illegitimate children, then you and the siblings of the full or half blood. If your Philippine government regulated. The quake and tsunami. illegitimate children will inherit under deceased spouse’s father or mother tide changed in 2005, when Japanese Still, Japanese maintained Article 998 of the New Civil Code of had illegitimate children, these immigration law changed and their resolve even in the midst of the Philippines. children cannot inherit from your tightened the entry requirements of tragedy, and Filipinos learned from it. spouse because of the “iron barrier” those wanting to work as OPAs. The Says a Japanese taxi driver to a Art. 998. If a widow or widower between the legitimate and illegitimate amendment included provisions that Filipino broadcast journalist who survives with illegitimate children, sides of the family. anyone seeking such a visa must wondered why Japanese are patiently such widow or widower shall be prove that he or she has education or waiting a long line in Sendai to siphon entitled to one-half of the inheritance, If any of the siblings died before your experience as an entertainer. fuel from vehicles wrecked by the and the illegitimate children or their spouse, then that sibling's legitimate Certification from another tsunami: “If we do that, I wanted no descendants, whether legitimate or children (meaning, your spouse’s government is no longer enough. part of it since he did not want to join illegitimate, to the other half. nephews or nieces) will inherit by right This resulted in a steep drop in the us in hell.” of representation. These children will number of entertainers being sent by But Filipinos, thanks to the In simpler terms, you will get 50% of divide among themselves the share the Philippines from about 80,000 in opportunity of being in Japan for work, the inheritance while the illegitimate that should have gone to their parent 2004 to about 38,000 in 2005. In 2010, study and permanent residency, children will divide among themselves (the deceased sibling). the number of Filipino women extend themselves to help the the other 50%. deployed to Japan as entertainers was Philippines through philanthropy. [5] If your deceased spouse has no only about a thousand. Filipino groups of all sorts in Japan— Article 998 applies even if your illegitimate children, siblings, or There is now an increase in scholars in Japan, Filipinos based in deceased spouse, at the time of ascendants (parents, grandparents, the number Filipinas marrying Japanese communities, migrants’ death, had parents or siblings. Only or great-grandparents), then you Japanese, that being a means to you and the illegitimate children are inherit everything. escape poverty (as some departing See Page 14 Japan-Philippines www.filipinostar.org 6 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012

landscaping. It also posts guidelines Historically, Native Americans underscored the importance of for energy-efficient designing and relied on the root of Echinacea to numb psychological factors in fighting illness toothache pain and treat dyspepsia as remodeling.) and did not say that Echinacea isn’t well as snake, insect and spider bites. You should also check the effective. While some modern day folks rely on Given the lack of FDA filters on heating and cooling Echinacea just based on this anecdotal oversight of herbs, different equipment to see if they need to be evidence, scientific studies have verified changed so as to keep your furnace that the herb can be effective. To wit, a formulations may contain vastly and air conditioners functioning at 2008 University of Connecticut review of different amounts of Echinacea. A Dear EarthTalk: There are a maximum efficiency. And if these or 14 different clinical trials of Echinacea use 2004 evaluation of 19 different number of companies out there now other appliances over 15 years old doing “energy audits” for the home, consider replacing them with newer after which they try to sell you attic models that meet federal EnergyStar insulation and other products and efficiency criteria. Also, swapping out services. Is this just a scam or would it older incandescent bulbs in light be wise for me to look into this? fixtures with higher efficiency compact - Bill Richards., New York, NY fluorescent or LED bulbs will save For the most part, companies money and energy. offering energy audits are reputable A professional energy auditor with and legitimate and will help you both dedicated assessment tools and the save money and reduce your carbon knowledge of how to use them will in all likelihood carry out a more footprint if you follow their advice in comprehensive assessment than you can regard to upgrading things like do yourself. “Thorough assessments often insulation, windows and appliances. “A use equipment such as blower doors, home energy assessment, also known which measure the extent of leaks in the as a home energy audit, is the first step building envelope, and infrared cameras, Echinacea has gained popularity in recent years as a remedy for the common cold. But because it is not regulated as a medical drug by the FDA -- and given the variation between dosages and formulations available to consumers -- it is difficult to get definitive answers as to its effectiveness. Credit: iStock

found that taking the supplement reduced Echinacea brands by the non-profit the chances of getting a cold by 31 Consumers Union and published in percent, and helped people get over Consumer Reports found that the cold and flu symptoms a day and a amount of Echinacea actually present half earlier than those who didn’t take in supplements varied considerably it. from brand to brand—and even in Researchers initially thought some cases from bottle to bottle of the Echinacea’s effectiveness was due to same brand. The magazine its immune-boosting traits, but they recommended a few brands as “best now believe instead that the herb picks,” including Spring Valley, Origin works more as an anti-inflammatory and Sundown, all which featured high agent. A 2009 University of British concentrations of Echinacea and Columbia study found that typical reliable dosage amounts from pill to Companies offering energy audits are generally reputable and legitimate and will help you commercially available Echinacea pill. both save money and reduce your carbon footprint if you follow their advice. Pictured: A preparations are effective in reducing Before taking the Echinacea home energy auditor inspects a hot water heater. Credit: USDA the body’s production of inflammatory plunge, beware that the herb can to assess how much energy your which reveal hard-to-detect areas of air proteins in human bronchial cells. In cause allergic reactions in some home consumes and to evaluate what infiltration and missing insulation.” layman’s terms, this means that people and may interact negatively measures you can take to make your If you are concerned about Echinacea can help lessen the with some common medications. home more energy efficient,” reports enlisting a for-profit firm that upsells its annoying symptoms of common Researchers warn that anyone with own energy efficiency upgrade services the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). colds, the flu and other respiratory autoimmune disease or a handful of based on a “free” energy audit, check with ailments. Furthermore, the study other illnesses should not take “An assessment will show you your utility to see whether it offers problems that may, when corrected, found that Echinacea is just as effective in Echinacea without first consulting with unbiased, independent energy audit their doctor. save you significant amounts of money services (which it may do for free or for a reducing bronchial inflammation CONTACTS: FDA, www.fda.gov; over time.” nominal cost). The assessor from your whether it is consumed before or after “During the assessment, you utility may be able to recommend window a viral infection sets in, indicating that Consumers Union, can pinpoint where your house is and door replacement companies, taking moderate doses on a regular www.consumersunion.org. losing energy,” adds DOE. “Energy heating and cooling specialists and other basis during cold season can help EarthTalk® is written and edited by assessments also determine the vendors nearby that do reputable work to prevent some bronchial irritation if and Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is efficiency of your home’s heating and make your home is not only energy when cold symptoms begin. a registered trademark of E - The efficient but warmer in the winter and cooling systems [and] may also show Interestingly, though, a 2010 Environmental Magazine cooler in the summer. (www.emagazine.com). Send you ways to conserve hot water and CONTACTS: DOE Energy study of 719 participants in Wisconsin electricity.” focusing on illness duration and questions to: Savers, www.energysavers.gov; [email protected]. You can conduct your own EnergyStar, www.energystar.gov. severity found that the duration of the Subscribe: energy audit if you know where to look Dear EarthTalk: What’s the story common cold could be shortened by for air leaks (drafts), water waste and with Echinacea? Many herb teas contain taking a pill of some sort, whether www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free other key areas of a home’s it, and many people swear by it as a cold Echinacea or a placebo with no active Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial. inefficiencies. The DOE’s remedy. But I’ve also seen headlines ingredients. But this study merely energysavers.gov website has saying that the herb has no medicinal in the House. guidelines to help homeowners value whatsoever. Can you set the record straight? -- Arlene Hixson, Portland, ME From Page 2 Anti-Piracy Bills Issa said SOPA and PIPA lacked conduct their own do-it-yourself home Echinacea, also known as purple a fundamental understanding of how energy assessments. For instance, derailment of the anti-piracy legislation as coneflower, has gained popularity in a "knee-jerk reaction to a monumental Internet technologies work. The DOE recommends that homeowners recent years as a nutritional supplement problem" but said he is committed to technology sector has shown more make a list of obvious air leaks, such that proponents believe is helpful in getting a bill signed into law this year. optimism about prospects for Issa and as through gaps along baseboards or staving off the common cold and There are already alternatives in Wyden's alternative bill, called the OPEN at the edges of flooring and at wall and shortening its duration. But given the the works. Act. ceiling junctures. The potential energy variation between dosages and Senator Ron Wyden introduced "It's a great starting point for savings from reducing drafts in a home formulations—such herbs are not a bill last month that he said "meets the discussion, and we're definitely very open can be as high as 30 percent per year, regulated as medical drugs by the U.S same publicly stated goals as SOPA or to that," said Tiffiniy Cheng, co-founder of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and reports DOE. (The DOE website also Protect IP without causing massive Fight for the Future, a nonprofit that so makers have little incentive to provides information on other ways to damage to the Internet." helped organize the Internet protests standardize—it’s hard to get definitive Representative Darrel Issa on against SOPA and PIPA.(Reuters) save money and resources through answers as to Echinacea's effectiveness. less obvious things such as outdoor Wednesday introduced a companion bill www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 7 much. Everything is happening all at protein produced by a specific gene with once. We feel like we are on the edge of cancer-causing potential. Even if Roche Philippine Embassy a cliff." offered a discount, it is still too expensive Herrera and Parizeault for them to afford the treatment. . The approached Outremont MP Thomas Philippine Foundation of Montreal Bulletin Board Mulcair to have the processing of their donated $300.00 plus groceries. application for sponsorship expedited on "The money she received is Consular Outreach Mission in humanitarian ground. But to their managed by Hope & Cope for her chagrin, they were told to wait. They chemotherapy," said Caring Tabunar, co- Montreal on February 17, 2012 contacted other foundations and founder of the PFM. "They need money organizations but they were given a run- for daily living like rent and food." The Philippine Embassy in NOTICE FROM THE PHILIPPINE around and told that Herrera could not be Herrera said that she would Ottawa will hold a Consular Outreach EMBASSY offered any financial assistance because have chemotherapy every three weeks Mission in Montreal on Friday, February she was not a Canadian citizen yet. for about nine months. She added that it 17, 4-9 PM and Saturday, February 18, Embassy will be closed on Monday Herrera was at her wit's end costs $3,000 minimum per shot of the 9 AM until 6 PM January 23rd – Chinese New when while having a chemotherapy at the chemotherapy. The entire treatment will Philippine Community Centre (FAMAS Year/Philippine declared holiday. Jewish General Hospital last October, cost from $40,000 to $50,000. And there Centre) she met Stacey Charon, a teacher and is another $12,000 to $20,000 for 4708 Van Home Avenue (For very urgent matters/emergencies, also a patient with terminal breast cancer. radiotherapy. Montreal, Quebec H3W 1H7 please call the duty Officer at Feeling sorry for Herrera, Charon She also clarified that any extra contacted the hospital staff, the Gazette money after her treatment will be spent to Tel: -514-341-7477 (613-614-2846) Save the Date – 7th Ambassadors, and CTV to tell Herrera' plight. Charon help other cancer patients. paid the cost of the first chemotherapy Meanwhile, she just received a Philippine Embassy – Closed on January Consuls General, and Tourism Directors treatment and a Filipina friend paid the letter from the immigration before New 23, 2012 Tour to the Philippines on July 11-15, second treatment. Herrera and Parizeault Year informing her that her application for January 12, 2012 paid the rest of the treatment with sponsorship is being processed and she whatever money they had. will be notified of further requirements. More outpouring of support "All I can do is hope and pray from the community came in when Jelly's that everything will be ok this 2012," COMMUNITY NEWS story was published in the Gazette and saidHerrera , who has two children, age televised on Channel 11. An anonymous 19 and 21, in the Philippines. Friendship and Fellowship Youth person donated $15,000 which is being Pinay is holding a fundraising handled by Hope & Cope. Roche dinner to support Herrera. Details will be Centre holds meeting February 4 Canada, a pharmaceutical firm, gave announced soon. Name of donors and them a 25% discount on the cost of amount of donations will be published. The Friendship and Fellowship 1. It requests all concerned to help recruit Herciptin, an anti-antibody designed to Youth Centre is pleased to announce its volunteers to assist Ms. Amy Anam target and block the function of HER2, a following schedule on Feb. 4, Saturday: Manon-og 4 pm - Consultative Members - was able to elicit from Supreme Court composed of all representatives of 2. It invites leaders of Filipino youth From Page 3 Corona Impeachment organizations to attend its meetings Clerk of Court Enriqueta Vidal that she Filipino Associations of Montreal & has in her possession Corona’s SALN. Suburbs and media blunders. 3. It needs immediate resource persons "It's a point for the prosecution," But Valdez said the senator- 5 pm - Youth Parents Fellowshiip meeting judges were merely practicing their right 6:15 - Questions and Answers who are bilingual in both official he said. "As far as I'm concerned, what languages, English & French the prosecution must do was done. It to ask the witnesses, the prosecutors (refreshments) and the defense. In this connection, please help was not as fast as the public anticipated For more information, call (450) 466-8711 it to be, but for lawyers who have “They are answerable to the the FFYC inform the Filipino community highest political authority in the country: of this important meeting. experience in court proceedings, this is quite the normal pace." the people. They have to be sensitive to He said Enrile was also "a big the perception of the people that they Positive outlook in life helps winner" as the proceedings showed a are unfair of administering injustice to vote for his leadership and his ability to Chief Justice Corona,” said Valdez. Herrera, a breast cancer victim, make sound decisions. 'Liberal' rules "It's also a victory for the Valdez said he expects the next cope with her adversity process because you have a presiding hearings to be more "liberal" in the rules, officer who knows his law, he has strong noting that the impeachment court is W. G. Quiambao January 2011. She was shocked and leadership to get the case going." more interested in the truth than the Whenever Jelly Herrera meets downhearted when she found out that 'No bias' technicalities. friends, she greets them with a bright she had a Stage 2 breast cancer. She had Valdez said that the senator- "Next week, I expect the smile. Although she is battling a breast a surgery to remove the tumour and judges, for their part, have been presiding judge will start to be liberal in cancer and facing financial snag, she still affected lymph nodes and had impartial so far. his rulings because he already proven manages to have a positive outlook in life. chemotherapy in May. There were six “The bias is not really that he knows the rules. The rules can be There is no indication of the problems more therapy sessions when her health telling or crucial at this point of time relaxed so the truth can be brought she is facing. coverage expired in September. because the primary consideration here forward." "I've to be strong," said Herrera, Immediately, she had her temporary is the truth brought out,” he said. "During the time that the a resident of Cote-des-Neiges. "I'm a medicare renewed but she was told that Several senators, particularly prosecution will be presenting its case, it fighter. A survivor. " she could not do it anymore because her Sen. Franklin Drilon, were accused of will be less stressful for the lawyers Herrera arrived in Calgary in status had changed from refugee to showing bias towards the prosecutors because the demand to really strictly 2006 as a tourist to take care of her sister sponsorship. When her refugee status for getting responses from the witnesses follow the rules of evidence will be less who had an ovarian cancer. When her was approved in 2008, she was granted a that the prosecution failed to obtain. arduous on their part," he added.Valdez sister's condition improved, Herrera was temporary medical permit by the Régie Drilon, on the trial’s third day, said the trial may end in two to three invited to visit her relative in Montreal. de l'Assurance Maladie du Quebec under months at the pace it is going. She did not want to go back to the the Immigration and Refugee Protection Philippines because of her ex-husband Act. But now, she is not entitled for who mentally and physically abused her. Medicare since her sponsorship is still She applied for a refugee visa in being processed. Montreal. Added to Herrera's woes was While waiting for her refugee the bad news that Parizeault lost his status claim to be approved, she met permanent job. He used to be a press Patrick Parizeault on the internet in 2007. printer in a printing company and They fell in love and got married in because of a lack of work in that area, he November of 2010. Because of a poor changed trade of work. He went back to advice of an immigration consultant, she school and became a semi- remorque withdrew her refugee status which was truck operator class 1. As his hope for a already granted in 2008 and she applied better life grew for him and Herrera, he. for sponsorship. That's when her lost his permanent job in November. problems began. "I work once or twice a month, 7 Her hope for a better future hours a day," says Parizeault, an on-call dashed when she had a mammogram in truck driver. "My mom could help only that www.filipinostar.org 8 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012 Sa kasawiang palad, hindi organization that is existing only on nagtagal ang pansamantalang artificial respiration. However, Dick katahimikan dahil hindi naglaon at Dahiroc would most likely assert Any Which Way ... bumalik na si Parading mula sa himself, too. Sigurado ako na hinding- kanyang pakikipaglibing sa Pilipinas hindi palalamang si Ginoong sa kanyang kapatid na namatay dulot Dimakainglis kay Parading. That would ng mabagsik na kanser. May mga inevitably cause friction between the nagtanong pa nga kung bakit iyon two egotists, and Manuel would be pang kapatid ang pumanaw na para caught in the middle of two colliding bagang meron silang iba na ninanais boulders. They would then need a Bernardo “Budz” Sarmiento nilang mamatay. Pagkabalik na fetial priest to patch things up for their [email protected]. pagkabalik daw ni Parading, muling common survival. That priest couldn’t nabulabog at naligalig ang matiwasay possibly be Salvador Cabugao na sanang komunidad, lalung-lalo na because he has his own self-interest The more Magallanes explains, nang napabalita na patatalsikin daw si and egotistic tendency to satisfy. Au Osdon ng diumano’y mala-Mafiang Besides, he has an account to settle the more stupid he appears “sindikato” ni Cesar Manuel para with both Parading and Magallanes. A I wish that the Filipino Forum life.” It sounds awkward, doesn’t it? It’s umupo ang makulit nilang lider bilang few years ago, Cabugi’s office in Cote had an online version like this because the noun “contempt” cannot presidente ng FAMAS. Sabihin pa, si des Neiges area was raided by the newspaper has, but I understand that function as a verb. However, “scorn” Parading ang pinaghinalaan na may RCMP and the Parading/Magallanes the Forum’s publisher/editor-in-chief can, but just like with “disdain,” you pakana ng kumalat na black tandem was reported to be the one isn’t solvent enough to afford one. His can’t say “I don’t scorn for his station propaganda. Knowing how responsible for the raid since they were false claim of journalistic success and in life.” It has to be either “I don’t scorn treacherously the Woman of the Year the ones who snitched on him. Not having more than 100 advertisers is his station in life” or “I don’t have scorn and Maawaka Awardee works behind only that, it was the same tandem that nothing more than a symptom of his for his station in life.” Scorn is a verb in the scene, people’s suspicion is had a hand in Cabugi’s ouster as affliction. Remember narcissistic the first sentence and a noun in the probably justified. Mayroon na kasi honorary consul. As if the injury they personality disorder (NPD)? He has to second. s’yang mahabang kasaysayan ng inflicted on the former diplomat wasn’t tell outright lies to satisfy his delusion Even his example sentence (Most panlalait at panggugulo kaya s’ya enough, the evil duo even allegedly of grandeur. His penchant for pupils feel scorn or contempt for those kaagad ang unang-unang spread out the rumor that Cabugi had denigrating people who deign to who cheat.), while grammatically napapagbintangan na pasimuno. a torrid affair with someone whose expose his outrageous ways is correct, is not only inappropriate but ******* surname begins with “R” and who another symptom of that disorder. also misleading because it isn’t in the PARADING: MORE A SHILL THAN looked like his wife who was still in the There are many other symptoms and same category as the sentence in SUPPORTER - I’m not at all surprised Philippines at the time. he meets all of them. If his illness were question “I don’t disdain for his station that even up to now, after more than It makes me wonder why after cancer, it would be Stage 4. in life” is. If the sentence was “I don’t four months have elapsed since the being badly maligned by Parading and Anyway, I was able to read the feel disdain (or scorn or contempt) for last FAMAS election, Parading is still Magallanes, Cabugi can still bring latest issue of the Forum, particularly his station in life,” the presence of “for” desperately shilling for Cesar Manuel, himself to associate with those two. the parts where my name was in the contested sentence is fine and especially that James de la Paz got the Someday, he might be qualified for mentioned and my reputation within the rules. position she was covetous about. beatification for his apparent mangled (again!) by its incorrigible The funny thing is the more he James’ election to the chairmanship of martyrdom, but not in the foreseeable author. Thanks to the kindness of my explains, the more he exposes his the FAMAS Board of Trustees has future. It took more than 500 years reliable sources, I’m not too far behind ignorance and stupidity. Grammar effectively dashed her hope of ever before Pedro Calungsad of Cebu current events in Montreal. 101? Tell me more about it, Fraud, and taking a firm hold of FAMAS through became eligible for sainthood. ******* expose your ignorance further. I can’t Manuel and the BOT. In view of their They may be friends now, or HE NEEDS REFRESHER COURSE help thinking about my use of the mutual enmity, James’ chairmanship is appear to be, but theirs is a friendship IN GRAMMAR 101 MORE THAN possessive apostrophe in the article particularly unpalatable for of convenience, and that kind of THIS COLUMNIST DOES – If we take that I wrote about the last UPS megalomaniac Parading to swallow. friendship is superficial and usually pretending-to-be UP graduate’s election. Fraud tried to embarrass me Now that the BOT chairmanship is no doesn’t last very long. That’s why I’m explanation concerning his use of by publicly questioning my knowledge longer available to Parading for the adamant that FAMAS is much better off “disdain” without reference – repeat, of the English grammar, but he was the next four years, Manuel remains her with Au Osdon as president and the without reference – to what he wrote in one who ended up embarrassed. only ticket to keeping herself in power present Executive Board, the executive the November 2011 issue of his ******* or anything else that resembles it. board. They were in the first place the there’s-nothing-like-it Forum, he’s WALA NA ANG 2011, MAWALA NA Kung makakaupo nga naman si ones officially inducted into said correct and I’m wrong. However, my RIN SANA ANG MGA BALASUBAS Manuel bilang presidente, controlling offices. With Au at the helm, FAMAS is “(sic)” comment that appeared in the AT MAY NPD — Narito ako ngayon sa and hubristic Parading would be the in a much, much more stable and December 2011 edition of this column Pilipinas at masayang nagbaba- power behind the throne, and FAMAS healthier condition. hinged on his original sentence that kasyon. Bagama’t mahigit na 13,100 would become virtually hers dahil Parading and Ms. Osdon says “I don’t disdain for his station in kilometro ang layo ko sa Montreal, didiktahan n’ya nang didiktahan ang view FAMAS from totally divergent life.” Since there’s “don’t” before walang kapanapanabik na balita at pobre kung anu-ano ang dapat gawin perspectives. From Parading’s point of “disdain,” it is safe and logical to nakakaintrigang bulung-bulongan ang na tulad ng ginagawa n’ya sa view, FAMAS is a cash cow and vehicle assume that “disdain” in that sentence nakakalampas sa aking pandinig at presidente ng Federation na ngayon is used as a verb. Thus, the kaalaman. Maraming salamat sa ay isa nang mistulang ghost See page 11 Any Which Way preposition “for” doesn’t have any aking mga mapapagkatiwalaang business being there. If he wanted to tagapagbalita at hindi ako gaanong use “for,” he should have used naiiwanan ng mga pinakahuling Need Money? “disdain” as a noun and then put kaganapan at kuwentong kutsero na “have” after “don’t.” The sentence will panakanakang lumulutang at then read as follows: “I don’t have kumakalat sa Montreal at mga karatig disdain for his station in life.” Another na bayan. Do you have a full time job? way of making the sentence Noong nakalipas na ilang grammatically correct is to take out linggo, nagkaroon ng biru-biruan sa If yes, call (514) 344-1499 “for.“ The sentence will then read “I Montreal na medyo tumahimik daw at don’t disdain his station in life. naging payapa ang Filipino Obviously, he is confused between community sa nasabing siyudad dahil “disdain,” the verb and “disdain,” the wala roon si Parading na awtomatiko noun. UP alumnus, he is not! nang pinaghihinalaan na AND GET CASH NOW! He even took great pain in pinagsisimulan ng gulo at sigalot sa citing “contempt” and “scorn” as the nasabing komunidad. Paminsan- meanings of “disdain” as if I didn’t minsan ay napagdidiskitahan din ang know. OK, fine! Now, let me make a inyong lingkod, lalung-lalo na ng mga point by replacing “disdain” with taong nasasagasaan ng aking mga Good & Bad Credit Accepted “contempt.” The sentence will now maaanghang nguni’t prangkang kuru- read “I don’t contempt for his station in kuro.

www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 9 bayaang linangin ng taong masipag, mamatay ay siyang pagkakagupiling! lupa'y asarolin at kahuya’y ikalat. Lalo nating pagyamanin ang mga aral at kagitingan ni hinirang na bayani ang isulat Ang mga buto ko ay bago matunaw, ng isang batikang Rizalista, si Rafael mauwi sa wala at kusang maparam, Palma, ika-apat na Pangulo nga alabok na iyong latag ay bayaang Pamantasan ng Pilipinas sa talambuhay ni siya ang babalang doo'y makipisan. Dr. Rizal, na normal ang pulso ng ating magiting na bayani bago siya barilin. Nang ipinid ang taong 2011 ay na maitina sa iyong liwayway, Kung magkagayon ma'y, alintanahin ipinagdiwang ang ika-115 taong dugo ko'y isaboy at siyang ikikinang na ako sa limot iyong ihabilin, * * * * * kamatayan ng ating Bayaning Pambansa. ng kislap ng iyong maningning na ilaw. pagka't himpapawid at ang panganorin, Si Dr. Jose P. Rizal ay binaril sa mga lansangan mo'y aking lilibutin. NyuYir Resolusyon nina Bagumbayan noong Disyembre 30, 1896. Ang aking adhika sapul magkaisip Nag-iwan siya ng pamamaalam na tulang noong kasalukuyang bata pang maliit, Matining na tunog ako sa dinig mo, Pechay at Pichu sinulat niyang “Mi Ultimo Adios” na itinago ay ang tanghaling ka at minsang masilip ilaw, mga kulay, masamyong pabango, sa lamparang gamit niya sa selda. sa dagat Silangan hiyas na marikit. ang ugong at awit, paghibik ko sa iyo, Pechay: Manigong Bagong Taon, Kuya Naibulong niya ito sa kaniyang maybahay pag-asang dalisay ng pananalig ko. Pichu! na si Josephine Bracken at siyang Natuyo ang luhang sa mata'y nunukal, nagbigay-pahintulot kay Andres Bonifacio taas na ang noo't walang kapootan, Bayang iniirog, sakit niyaring hirap, Pichu: Lalim naman kaagad ng Tagalog na isalin ito sa Tagalog upang lalong walang bakas kunot ng kapighatian Katagalugan kong pinakaliliyag, mo. Hapinyuyir lang puwede na maunawaan ng nakararami. Sa ngayon, ay gabahid man dungis niyong kahihiyan. dinggin mo ang aking pagpapahimakas; sabi ng Lelong natin. mahigit na sa 100 ang salin sa iba't-ibang diya'y iiwan ko sa iyo ang lahat. lengguwahe sa buong mundo ng Sa kabuhayan ko ang laging gunita Pechay: Ikaw ha! Nang-aasar ka na napakagandang tula na taglay ang walang maningas na aking ninanasa-nasa Ako'y patutungo sa walang busabos, naman. Ano ba ang Nyu Yir Resolusyon kamatayang mensahe. Ating basahin at ay guminhawa ka ang hiyas ng diwa walang umiinis at berdugong hayop; mo? isaloob ang damdamin at kahulugan ng paghingang papanaw ngayong biglang- pananalig doo'y di nakasasalot, nilalaman nito. bigla. si Bathala lamang doo’y haring lubos. Pichu: Aba! Para OK na OK ako sa lahat hinding-hindi ako magsisinungaling. At "Mi Ultimo Adios" (Sa Tagalog) Ikaw'y guminhawa laking kagandahang Paalam, magulang at mga kapatid ikaw? PAHIMAKAS ni Dr. Jose Rizal ako'y malugmok, at ikaw ay matanghal, kapilas ng aking kaluluwa't dibdib Sa salin ni Andres Bonifacio hininga'y malagot, mabuhay ka lamang mga kaibigan, bata pang maliit, Pechay: Lalong OK ako sa lahat dahil bangkay ko'y maisilong sa iyong sa aking tahanan di na masisilip. hinding-hindi ko na dudumihan ang Kalangitan. lampin ko. Pag-papasalamat at napahinga rin, Kung sa libingan ko'y tumubong paalam estranherang kasuyo ko't aliw, Pichu: Sinungaling! mamalas paalam sa inyo, mga ginigiliw; sa malagong damo mahinhing bulaklak, * * * * * sa mga labi mo'y mangyayaring ilapat, sa kaluluwa ko halik ay igawad.

At sa aking noo nawa'y iparamdam, sa lamig ng lupa ng aking libingan, ang init ng iyong paghingang dalisay at simoy ng iyong paggiliw na tunay.

Bayaang ang buwan sa aki'y ititig ang liwanag niyang lamlam at tahimik, liwayway bayaang sa aki'y ihatid magalaw na sinag at hanging hagibis.

Kung sakasakaling bumabang humantong sa krus ko'y dumapo kahit isang ibon, doon ay bayaan humuning hinahon at dalitin niya payapang panahon.

Bayaan ang ningas ng sikat ng araw ula'y pasingawin noong kainitan, Huling Paalam magbalik sa langit ng buong dalisay kalakip ng aking pagdaing na hiyaw.

Pinipintuho kong Bayan ay paalam, Bayaang sino man sa katotong giliw Lupang iniirog ng sikat ng araw, tangisang maagang sa buhay pagkitil; "Kuya Pichu, tiyak mo bang hindi tayo sasabog?" mutyang mahalaga sa dagat Silangan, kung tungkol sa akin ay may manalangin kaluwalhatiang sa ami'y pumanaw. idalangin, Bayan, yaring pagkahimbing. Masayang sa iyo'y aking idudulot Idalanging lahat yaong nangamatay, Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal ang lanta kong buhay na lubhang Nangag-tiis hirap na walang kapantay; malungkot; mga ina naming walang kapalaran Commemorated in Ottawa and Montreal maging maringal man at labis ang na inihihibik ay kapighatian. alindog by Bert Santos consulate. Commander Sir Rey L. sa kagalingan mo ay akin ding handog. Ang mga balo't pinapangulila, To commemorate the 115th Balansi, Order of the Knights of Rizal, ang mga bilanggong nagsisipagdusa; death anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, a Montreal Chapter dabbed into Sa pakikidigma at pamimiyapis dalanginin namang kanilang makita knighthood Consul General Sir Neil ang kalayaan mong ikagiginhawa. wreath laying ceremony was held at ang alay ng iba'y ang buhay na kipkip, Gatineau City Hall last December 30. Frank Ferrer, Consul Sir Eric Tamayo, walang agam-agam, maluwag sa dibdib, Cautious driving slowed down the Consul Sir Porfirio Mayo, Jr., Messrs. matamis sa puso at di ikahahapis. At kung ang madilim na gabing mapanglaw Knights of Rizal from Montreal to reach Miguel Luis Moreno and Albert Jerome Ilagan. Saan man mautas ay di kailangan, ay lumaganap na doon sa libinga't the event but were on time to hear Mr. Induction of the ladies to the cipres o laurel, lirio ma'y patungan tanging mga patay ang nangaglalamay, Leslie B. Gatan, the new Philippine pakikipaghamok, at ang bibitayan, huwag bagabagin ang katahimikan. Ambassador to Canada welcomed Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc. was yaon ay gayon din kung hiling ng Bayan. them to the Tahanang Rizal in Ottawa presided over by Lady Esphie Manaog Ang kanyang hiwaga’y huwag gambalain; and then treated them to a native Balansi, Vice-President of the Montreal kaipala'y marinig doon ang taginting, Ako'y mamamatay, ngayong namamalas Filipino breakfast. Chapter. Ladies who took the oath of na sa Silanganan ay namamanaag tunog ng gitara't salterio'y magsaliw, allegiance were led by Mrs. Lydia ako, Bayan yao't kita'y aawitan. The official residence of the yaong maligayang araw na sisikat ambassador was the site of the sa likod ng luksang nagtabing na ulap. knighting and induction rites of three Kung ang libingan ko'y limot na ng lahat See Page 11 Dr. Jose Rizal consuls and two staff members of the Ang kulay na pula kung kinakailangan at wala ng kurus at batong mabakas, www.filipinostar.org 10 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012

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www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 11

kinabukasan ng mga nabibiktima ng Linden took turns in announcing the From Page 8 Any Which Way From Page 9 Dr. Jose Rizal illegal drugs kapalit ng pera. Sa mata Debbie Mijares Gatan, wife of the Chapter's activities for the coming for her megalomania and love for ng mundo, anong klaseng lahi tayo? ambassador, followed by Ladies months which includes the official publicity; from Ms. Osdon’s, it is an No wonder why my benighted native Bernardita Ladrica, Merlita Halili, selection of a Maria Clara. effective tool to serve the community country is in deep sugar-honey-iced- Emmie Fairweather, Nora Arriola, Dr. Gene Santander is the first responsibly and unselfishly, and tea. By the way, that 35-year-old guy is Myrna Rosales, and Mary Joyce President of the Kababaihang without consciously seeking publicity the fourth Filipino to be executed in Tamayo. Rizalista, Inc. designated by Lina and for her accomplishments and China in 2011 while the Chinese A viewing of film depicting Tony Fernandez, its organizers. charitable deeds. inmates are the umpteenth Chinese the life of Dr, Jose P. Rizal followed. Dr. Santander delivered a brief ******* allowed to run off a Philippine jail. At Soon after, luncheon was served inspirational talk. She pointed out that ONLI IN DA PILIPINS – Last saka agrabiyado tayo ng Tsina dahil before the knights from Montreal the organization pioneered with four December, Chinese authorities merong death penalty roon, sa hurried back home for their own rites ladies. executed a 35-year-old Filipino man in Pilipinas ay wala. held at the FAMAS Center assisted by About 50 people attended the southern China after he was convicted ******* the Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc. event. HINDI NA NAMAN N’YA SINAGOT of drug trafficking. That in spite of the headed by Lady Merle Valiente. ANG TANONG KO – Hindi n’yo ba entreaty made personally to the Sirs Rey Balansi and John napansin na hindi na naman sinagot ni Chinese government by Philippines Fraud ang tanong ko kung UP Vice-Pres. Jejomar Binay on the graduate nga ba s’yang talaga o hindi? behest of Pres. Noynoy Aquino. Not Sinagot n’ya ang buong kolum ko too long after that, three Chinese maliban ‘yung tungkol sa kanyang locked up in a Paranaque City jail for pagiging o hindi pagiging graduate ng illegal drug-related offenses escaped University of the Philippines, kung ano with … listen to this … the help of the ang tinapos n’yang kurso at kung guards who were supposed to keep anong taon s’ya nagtapos. Hinamon them incarcerated in the first place. ko rin s’ya na ilathala n’ya sa Forum Thus, the joke in the Philippines now is ang kanyang UP diploma. Hindi n’ya that a Filipino who committed a major ginawa. Ilang beses na rin n’yang crime in China is convicted and denedma ang mga tanong ko. eventually executed while a Chinese Ano nga kaya’t pumunta ako who is jailed in the Philippines for sa UP sa Diliman at ipasaliksik ko ang similar crime is soon allowed to go record ni Fraud sa Office of the scot-free by the people who are Registrar? Posible naman siguro iyon supposed to guard him. nang hindi lalabag sa batas. Puwede Magpapakawala ng mga rin siguro akong magtanong sa dayuhang drug ring members alang- National Statistic Office (NSO). alang sa pera samantalang may mga ****** kababayan tayong binibitay ng ibang bansa dahil sa katulad na kaso. L-R the new Knights of Rizal in kneeling position: Sir A. J. Ilagan, Sir M. L. Moreno, Consul Sir Paano at bakit nangyayari ito? Pera- Advertise in the P. Mayo, Jr., Consul Sir E. Tamayo and Consul General Sir N. F. Ferrer, (Photo taken in Ottawa). perang usapan. Nakakahiya tayo at North American (Courtesy: Bert Santos) nakakaawa rin. Kinalimutan na ng ilan nating kababayan ang pagiging Filipino Star Filipino at ibinenta na pati ang Call 514-485-7861

Standing (L-R) Sir John Linden, and Commander Sir Rey Balansi. (Photo taken in Montreal at the FAMAS Center). Courtesy: Bert Santos

Photo-op of members of OKOR (Order of the Knights of Rizal) - L-R: Sir Rey Balansi, Chapter Commander, Sir Flor Rillo, Sir Fred Villarino, Sir Dario Boco, Sir Ed Valdez, and Sir Ed de la Cuadra.

Sir Ambassador Leslie Gatan placing the Ladies of Rizal medal on Lady Debbie Lady Merle Valiente delivering a brief message before performing the wreath laying Gatan during the induction of new members in Ottawa, December 30, 2011. ceremony to commemorate Dr. Jose Rizal’s 115th death anniversary. (Montreal, Dec. 30/11)

www.filipinostar.org 12 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012 Gilmore Dance Club is now open for new members Group lessons taught by a professional dance teacher. • 10 lessons - $100 Call 514-485-7861 • 20 lessons - $195 Dancing offers lots of • 30 lessons - $285 benefits to everyone, Schedules to young or old, man or choose from woman, to develop Saturday poise, and self- 4 to 5 pm confidence, in addition Sunday to the exercise one 6:30 to 7:30 pm gets when dancing.

Other schedules Join us for fun and possible if requested by 10 students. friendship! Classes held at Groups limited to 10. 5320-A Queen Mary Road (near Decarie & Coolbrook, Metro Snowdon) Get a gift certificate Marché Coop for birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions. 5320-A Queen Mary Available at Marché Coop (between Decarie & Coolbrook) Montreal, QC H3X 1T7 Tel.: 514-485-7861 ext. 228 E-mail: [email protected] www.marchecoop.com

Note to members: Please advise us of Business Hours your change of telephone number and Mon.-Fri. 2:00 - 7:00 P.M. address to update our records. Sat. & Sun. 12:00 - 5:00 PM If you are not yet a member, sign up now and participate in the new Telephone orders for pickup and members raffle to have a chance to win delivery are accepted. a $100 gift certificate. Two prizes will be or shop by appointment. drawn from 50 new members’ names. Saint Valentine’s Party jointly organized by Gilmore students and Marché Coop members on Sunday, February 19, 2012 5:00-10:00 P.M. to be held at 5320-A Queen Mary Road (between Decarie & Coolbrook) Inside view of the new location of Marché Coop under the same roof Call 514-485-7861 for details as Gilmore College International on 5320-A Queen Mary Road where Join us for fun and fellowship! there are many other businesses - banks, restaurants, fruit stores, etc.

www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 13 KNIGHTS OF RIZAL Commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 115th death anniversary, December 30, 2011 in Ottawa & Montreal Photos: Courtesy of Alberto Baens Santos

Start of the initiation ceremony led by Sir Rey L. Balansi, Chapter Commander Oath taking of new members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal led by Sir Dario Boco.

Commander Sir Rey Balansi dubbing the sword to the new member Photo-op after the ceremony with Sir Ambassador Leslie Gatan

Souvenir photo of Sir Ambassador Leslie Gatan and his wife with the Chapter Commander Sir Rey Balansi and other OKOR members. Photo-op of the new members of the Kababaihang Rizalista

Photo taken during the Invocation Sir John Linden calling the members of OKOR and Kababaihang Rizalista for plicture taking at the FAMAS Hall, Montreal, December 30, 2011. www.filipinostar.org 14 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012 musical/comedy, also performed with important to know all the work it takes PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH Teesri Duniya Theatre which gave her to put a show on the stage." a breakthrough role when she was According to Veluz, theatre Emilee is a Filipina casted as Twinkle in the Montreal and film are two very different forms of production of Miss Orient(ed). She art. Theatre is live in front of an making a name for was voted as Second Best Actress of audience and as an actor you always herself in Canadian Montreal for her role as Twinkle, a have to be "in the moment". If there is beauty contestant and the play was a technical glitch, for example, you as theater scene voted as Best Play in 2005 by that character in the play have to deal by W.G.Quiambao Montreal Mirror's poll. with that situation at that very moment If New York has Lea Salonga in Miss Veluz's effusive style and and try to incorporate it in the story; Saigon, Montreal has Emilee Veluz in charming sense of humour won her without losing focus. Miss Orient(ed). But what do they have attention and slew of new fans. She Veluz, who has taught drama in common? There are both Filipina recalls a fan who kept staring at her in elementary and high schools actresses. Both won accolades and after the show. She asked, "Did you around Montreal, is currently working recognition for their respective roles. like the play?" The little girl answered, at Teesri Duniya Theatre as Artistic Salonga received the Toni Award for "I just want to be Twinkle when I grow Associate and Assistant General Best Actress and Veluz won for the up.” Manager. She will be the Artistic Montreal Mirror's Best of Montreal Veluz finds it very competitive Director of a new project called The Emilee Veluz 2005 Second Best Local Actress. in the entertainment business. "Role Neighborhood Theatre, which is a Veluz knew that she wanted to actress, she then studied in the models for female Filipinos are project in partnership with Concordia be a stage actress when her parents Professional Theatre Program at scarce," said Veluz. "Because you're University and local communities in gave her a record of the broadway Dawson College where she was an Asian, you are usually typed casted. Montreal. version of Grease. "I would listen to it honor student. Basically, if you're a visible minority, Meanwhile, she is finishing all the time," said Veluz who was born After graduation, she was forget about T.V. There's really nothing her first play called “Oui Non, We here. "Since then, I knew I had a hired by Geordie Productions in a play for you. At least in theatre, you've got Know”, a comedy about a Filipino and passion for performing. I'd always titled, “A Promise is a Promise”. In the freedom as an artist to write your French Canadian newly engaged wanted to entertain. Growing up, I took addition, she was later hired to join the own material and present it and that's couple, whose parents are meeting singing and ballet lessons and joined cast of other tour titled, “The Paperbag exactly what the playwrights of Miss for the first time. the Drama Club when I was attending Princess and other stories by Robert Orient(ed) did. " Teesri Duniya Theatre is Villa Maria High School. I did Munsch” which toured Eastern She added this, "If you want always looking for fresh new talent. everything I could to educate myself Canada and U.S. Other credits include to pursue a career in theatre, go out For more information visit their on how to become a professional Pixcom's production L'Odysee (A there and watch as much live theatre website, www.teesriduniya.com or you performer". Species Odyssey) and Into the Waves as you can. Get the proper theatre can contact them by email at Through the recommendation for Baddies in Bad Times Theatre in training that you need. And not only is [email protected] of a teacher who saw her talent and Toronto. it important to know how to perform potential to be a successful stage Veluz, who likes drama and on the stage, but it is equally

Filipinos, may be the next steps. From Page 5 Japan-Philippines But for both countries, Sunken cruise ship ‘may Japanese and Filipino vigilance to rights associations, and many more— collaborate and help address the have been noted to be helping social welfare of Filipinos in Japan and in the still hold survivors' development causes in the homeland. Philippines is a logical next step. This Emergency crews have been working charge of dealing with the fuel says the Of some P2.5 billion of is where, for example, the Philippines- through the night around the wreck of tanks are intact and there's no risk of a donations coursed through the Japan NGO Partnership (PJP) is Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LinKaPil) working with the Japan-Philippines program of the Commission on NGO Network (JPN, a network of Filipinos Overseas (CFO), some Japanese NGOs with projects in the P33.65 million came from Filipino and Philippines) is doing something about non-Filipino donors based in Japan. it. Or Philippine rural communities These are on top of the welcoming Japanese citizens and remittances that Filipinos in Japan enjoying their company and friendship send back home: From 2001 to 2010, in areas with visible concentrations of the US$5.349 billion is way, way ahead Japanese. of Japanese development aid and The migration story foreign direct investment coming from concerning Filipinos heading to Japan Japan. Even in the last three years is evolving, with development when the world faced a global outcomes affecting both countries and economic crisis, Filipinos in Japan their citizens. Opportunities abound sent record-high amounts. from this evolution, and these can With these episodes excite the Filipinos in Japan and the surrounding Philippines-Japan compatriots at home who are relations and the Filipino migration to concerned about their welfare and of a the Costa Concordia, but fears are leak at the moment. Japan that went with it, what future is in homeland’s hopes for a better future. growing for the people still missing. The missing are thought to store? Carmelita G. Nuqui and include four crew members, as well as Japan might need to Jeremaiah M. Opiniano are executive Eleven people are known to passengers from America, Germany, continually depend on foreign labor directors of the Development Action for have died after the Costa Concordia France and Italy. given their declining birth rates. It Women Network (DAWN) and the crashed into rocks off Italy's west coast The ship's captain, Francesco might also compel Japanese Institute for Migration and on Friday night. Schettino, has been arrested and a authorities to be more open to the Development Issues (IMDI), But local coastguard Marco judge is due to decide if he should still contributions of foreigners and, if respectively. Both migrant-oriented Brusco said there was still a "glimmer be held. possible, respect foreigners’ (and nonprofits are members of the of hope" that survivors could be found. Captain Schettino said he'd Filipinos’) rights. Philippines-Japan NGO Partnership. The ship's owners blame the done nothing wrong, saying the rocks For the Philippines, under a captain, saying he changed the ship's the ship hit were not marked on his new chapter of citizens emigrating to course. nautical charts. Japan, it might mean that the episodes Advertise your business in Because the ship was right at The ship, carrying 4,300 of forced migration to Japan —a la the North American the start of its voyage, its fuel tanks are passengers and crew, was on the first Sioson— should be over. Probably, almost full - and people are worried night of a cruise when it ran aground in helping more Filipinos in Japan and Filipino Star about the fuel leaking out into the sea, calm conditions. decrepit compatriots in the Philippines, Call 514-485-7861 causing environmental damage. breakfast? as well as fostering better mutual But the company that's in relations between Japanese and

www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 15

summer weather but most specially - 1 quartered onion Philippine Cuisine during cold spells of the winter - 2 or 3 tbsp. curry powder season. The following are the - salt and pepper ingredients for this dish: - 1 fresh red bell pepper and 1Tablespoon Oil (instead of 2) - 1 fresh green bell pepper 1 1/2 Tablespoon finely minced garlic - 1 cup of water 1/4 cup finely minced onion - 1 pc sliced carrot Favorite Food 1 tablespoon peeled and minced - 1 cup coconut milk or evaporated ginger root (I added more than this) milk Compiled by Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi 2 lbs bone less, skin less chicken - 1 tbsp patis/fish sauce breasts (trimmed of fat and cut to bite size pieces). Although chicken wings Procedures: or legs can be used, it is healthier to use chicken breasts for health - Fry potatoes using hot cooking oil. Philippine Dishes for a reasons. When done, set aside first and place 1 tsp salt (already reduced from 1 them in a bowl. Healthier Life Style tbsp) - Then, fry chicken pieces using the With the New Year, it’s time to ground black pepper same oil until it become brownish in make changes and adopt healthier 2 Tablespoon patis or salt Low Sodium color. and wiser choices, not only in Dish! - Add the garlic and onion together. managing one’s finances but also in 3 Cups Water or 49 oz of low sodium Let it sauté for few minutes until the way we prepare our meals. After canned chicken broth soften. all, we are what we eat. This column 2 cups cubed green papaya - Pour the patis/fish sauce. Put salt will not only offer you appetizing 2 small Cheyote Squash, cubed and pepper with the curry powder. Stir dishes but also some guidelines in 2 cups spinach leaves it until properly mixed. making them healthier. Is there such a - Add 1 cup of water. Cover the pan thing as a healthy Filipino dish? Some Directions and let it to boil. Adjust the heat into people are skeptical about the idea low level; add the red and green sliced since most dishes are loaded with oil, Saute the onion, garlic and ginger in bell peppers together. Also with the salt and sugar. But if we make an Tinola (Chicken with the oil over medium-low heat for about fried potatoes and sliced carrots. 1 - 2 mins until onions are translucent Simmer for at least 3 minutes. attempt to reduce these ingredients in vegetables) our dishes, they will still be delicious. and garlic is golden brown. - Add milk and stir occasionally. Note: Our palate will get used to the taste of chosen because of the variety of Add chicken pieces and stir well Be careful when using evaporated healthier food. dishes possible to be made from it. until chicken is partly cooked. milk to avoid it from becoming curled I found the following dishes Tinola (a kind of soup made from Season with salt, pepper or patis. with the liquids. Just cook it for 7 that are more appropriate to the chicken mixed with vegetables) is a Add the broth/water. minutes or less. reduction of oil and salt. very common dish in the Philippines. Cover and let simmer over moderate - Serve it while still hot! Chicken, being the most It is characterized by the taste of heat until chicken is tender (approx. Ingredients: popular among all cultures, has been ginger and hot broth which makes any 30 - 45 mins) meal quite satisfying even during Uncover pot and add the Cheyote, BUSINESS HOURS for for another 15 - 20 mins, until the veggies are tender. Mon. Tue. Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Turn off heat and add the spinach Thu. Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. leaves. Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Most Filipinos love to eat Sunday Closed Pork loin Beef Picnic ham Approximately Blade steak (with bone) 15 lbs 49 09 .99 . lb Filipino Fruit Salad 2. lb 3 lb 1 Pork Head Front quarter of $12.00 each Half or Whole beef Approximately 2 (30 ounce) cans fruit cocktail , pork 200 lbs drained Cut & Wrapped Home smoked 99 meat 1 (12 ounce) can pineapple chunks 2. lb , drained 45 99 Chicken Curry 1 (12 ounce) can mandarin oranges 1. lb Beef . lb , drained short ribs 7 2 bananas , sliced 49 chicken dishes especially the curry. 1 apple , diced small . lb Regular smoked Fresh Belly 3 bacon The chicken curry is very popular dish 1 pear , diced small during birthdays, wedding receptions, 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese with skin town fiestas, and other special at room temperature (may substitute Pork Spare Ribs 99 . lb occasions. But why wait for these neufatchel cheese) 99 3 occasions to happen instead we can 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened . .69 2 lb lb Ground Pork serve this special dish anytime we condensed milk (nestle is best) 1 Frozen Special Special 1.89/lb want to. The cooking procedure of 1 cup coconut (optional) or 1 cup chicken curry is very simple and their chopped nuts (optional) ingredients are also less expensive. Directions:

St.Chrysostome St. Remi St. Edouard The Filipino-style chicken 1. Beat cream cheese until Fresh pork blood curry recipe is almost the same to any softened and add condensed milk in Napierville Fresh bacon Sherrington curries in the world. It’s their small quantities until desired Barrington Fresh liver 203 219 202 Lacolle spices/seasonings probably which consistency to coat the fruit is Pork skin Hemmingford Jackso Sortie make this curry tasty and special to achieved. Make sure all fruit is well Goat Havelock n Road Exit No.6 Canada Parc every pinoy. drained and fold each fruit into cream Available 219 Safari Class 15 Covey Hill Road cheese and milk mixture until well on order Boucherie Viau Inc. U. S. A. Ingredients: incorporated. Malone 2. Chill in the refrigerator for at Moders Champlain - 2 or 3 tbsp. cooking oil least 1 hour before serving. 83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0 - 3 pcs. peeled potatoes 3. Add nuts and/or coconut Tel.: (450) 247- 2130 or (450) 247- 3561 - 1 lb chicken, cut it into servings shortly before serving - 3 minced garlic cloves www.filipinostar.org 16 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012 FILIPINO STAR It's Hollywood or bust for Sam Milby S H O W B I Z G O S S I P Apparently, as Milby himself would reveal, nothing is concrete as yet in relation to an actual project. “But still, the fact that the station really liked it [the audition], it's really a Ruffa: 'I'm single and happy!' big thing na din,” he pointed out. "I'm not expecting, but I'm very, very hopeful. Ayokong iniisip ng mga tao, 'Anong project ang gagawin ni Sam sa States, e, wala pa naman.' Pero I just pray that I will get a project,” he added. First thing, though, is that he has to Sam Milby find a talent agent to represent him. Sam Milby admits that he is "Yeah, one of the hardest things is apprehensive about his plan to move to finding an agency,” he mulled aloud. New York next month in order to pursue When compared with actor Jericho a career in Hollywood. Rosales, who, last year, successfully A big reason is that he dreads that penetrated the international film market his fans here might forget about him in via the indie, “Subject: I Love You,” Milby his absence. was more than cordial. "Siyempre, nandun yung kaba," said "Expected naman ‘yun,” he said. he in a report on PEP. "Napaka- "He's [Jericho] actually ahead of me kasi importante talaga na nakikita ka ng tao may nagawa na siyang Hollywood sa TV. So, it's something that you do movie, so that's a big thing already. I'm fear.” very, very happy for him and I hope that Despite his trepidation, Milby knows things will work out for him too. that the chance to shine in the "Pero ayoko ng comparison. No international stage is something he can’t matter who makes it to another country, afford to pass up. that's our success, the Philippines, para “Opportunities like this don't come yun sa buong Pilipinas." for anyone," he acknowledged. Milby's New York stint will last for But as to what that “opportunity” three months. a actually is, Milby is keeping mum, admitting only to having done an Poised for another busy year is brouhaha. “audition” that was “liked” by a “station.” Ruffa Gutierrez. Asked about the foreigner- The Kapatid TV host-actress spent businessman she has been dating, Regine and Ogie's son's star- Christmas and the New Year with her Ruffa revealed: “He’s leaving eh. The family in Los Angeles and New York problem with expats that live here [in studded christening where she took time to unwind and get the Philippines], at the end of the day, energized for upcoming projects. their contract expires and they leave. reported on “Showbiz Central,” Jan. “My daughters (Lorin and Venice) Eh I’m not ready to leave the country 22. requested to see snow because it’s anytime soon because I have “Very, very cute. been a long time since they last saw contracts. My annulment is not finished Congratulations. May Nate be very snow in Istanbul. So I really looked for yet. I’m not allowed to start a new life blessed with good health and [a place where there is] snow because with anyone yet. You know, you just happiness,” Mr. Duavit said in a short it’s difficult especially in California to have to use your brain. How do you message. find snow. The girls had their first ski continue naman with someone who’s Kris assured that “bilang ninang lessons,” Ruffa intimated to Bulletin leaving na?” Entertainment and some members of Nonetheless, Ruffa said that she’s niya, ngayon gusto ko lang siyang i- the press in a recent interview in Cebu patient enough to wait for someone assure na for the rest of his life City. whom she might end up with for life. puwede niya akong maasahan. I’m “My peg has changed. What’s Among the ninongs and ninangs sighted just so grateful kay Ogie at kay Certified single important is a God fearing individual. in the baptism were Judy Ann Santos, Regine that they chose me to be a We live in a fallen world and for you to Kris Aquino, Sen. Bong Revilla & Rep. part of this very special occasion.” In the same interview, the really last in a relationship, you have to Lani Mercado, Manny Pacquiao, Dindong “Nagpapasalamat ako at isa ako “Paparazzi” host was asked what have God in your life, the same value Dantes, Gilberto Duavit, and Cacai sa napiling ninong. Of course sa makes her bloom these days. you use, same beliefs. Kasi if you don’t Velasquez. ating bagong baby, welcome to the “I’m single! And happy! Walang pray together and you don’t have the The christening of Regine Christian world,” Bong said. sakit sa ulo,” Ruffa declared. same values, mawawala din yan kasi Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid’s son, Judy Ann believes that “ang Being in a relationship is not a there’s temptation. And it’s hard these Nathan James was, to say the least, daming taong nagmamahal sa priority for Ruffa. Not that she doesn’t days,” she remarked citing Maricel a very star-studded event. kanya, panigurado ‘yan.” go out on dates. She said she’s waiting Pangilinan’s family as her ideal family. Held at Don Bosco Church in Ogie called the baptism “a for the right timing to find the perfect Makati, Nathan James Alcasid’s blessing.” “lifetime partner.” Sole provider godfathers were Senator Bong “Tulad ng sinabi ni Father, from “I’m so happy being single talaga. Revilla, Jr., Cong. Manny Pacquiao, this day on my pledge that we will be When I listen to my girlfriends and they Being a single working mom for talk about their bad experiences in a her daughters, Ruffa said that it’s quite GMA president and CEO Jimmy good example to our relationship, ay naku, I’m just so happy difficult because “I’m their mom and Duavit, Dingdong Dantes, Raul Mitra baby…nakakatuwa naman ‘yung that I’m alone. It’s a choice,” she dad at the same time.” and Ben Chan, while his godmothers mga ninong at ninang ni Nate dahil explained. Ruffa revealed they don’t get any were Kris Aquino, Judy Ann Santos, kumbaga, I could see na talagang Ruffa’s prayer for 2012 is that financial support from Yilmaz, leaving Cacai Velasquez, Ai Ai delas Alas, sineseryoso nila ‘yung role na “sana huwag akong ma-distract.” her as her family’s sole provider. and Michelle Van Eimeren Murrow. binigay namin sa kanila. We’re very “What happened last year was She said her girls, Lorin, 8, and “Isa sa mga unang dumating ay thankful to them dahil nagpunta blown out of proportion. Akala ng mga Venice, 7, already know why their ang parents ni Regine, sumunod si sila.” tao ang laki-laking problem na,” she parents separated. a Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Cong. Lani Regine was very happy that said, referring to her involvement with Mercado, Juday and Ryan “Kristiyano na ‘yung anak namin.”.a the John Lloyd Cruz-Shaina Magdayao Agoncillo,” Rufa Mae Quinto

www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 17 Enchong Dee the next Claudine makes it up with fans; recording star? Solenn a hit among Cebuanos bitter part, mayroong funny part... Kumbaga, kumpleto kami,” explained Dee. “Napagdadaanan na namin ang lahat." In the same way that his onscreen love team has been "colorful," Dee’s off cam love life could very well be described as equally vibrant. In his previous interviews, Dee’s been forthright in admitting his admiration for actress Julia Montes. As a matter of fact, there were even rumors that they’re already an official couple but they’ve been keeping it under wraps— something they neither confirm nor deny. Now that Montes is being paired with multi-awarded actor Coco Martin in the new Kapamilya soap “Walang Hanggan,” Dee was asked by PEP if he’s jealous of their budding tandem. Enchong Dee On top of being a prolific young actor and occasional dancer, Enchong Dee hopes to unleash his inner “Karaoke King” in the near future. "Gusto kung sa gusto. Naunahan lang ako ni Anne [Curtis], eh,” the 22- year-old star told PEP in jest about being a singer Claudine Barretto "Kahit naman sinong Filipino, Making Up: Claudine Barretto based on the negative publicity bigyan mo ng videoke diyan, uubusin sure knows how to make up with that she has been getting of late. ‘yung limang piso sa wallet nila para Enchong maintains that he’s not jealous lang makakanta nang makakanta. her public. Claudine had not been well prior to of Julia-Coco tandem. "At isa ako dun!" he confessed. On Day Two of GMA Network’s the GMA show. That same day, her Enchong revealed that he’s been Sinulog-inspired free shows in flight from Manila had been "Selos? No, I'm really happy for wanting to flex his singing muscles for Cebu (Jan. 13 and 14) held at the delayed by five hours. them,” said Dee. the longest time. Fortunately, the “Maria parking lot of SM Cebu, the While dressing up for the show, He even added that Martin is like la del Barrio” star’s next movie project an “older brother,” which somehow controversial actress exerted extra she was stressed furthermore will not only require him to act but to hit renders the idea of being jealous effort to reach out to fans long after when her dress burst as she tried some notes as well, which would "invalid." the show had finished. to zip it up. enable him to tap on this “hidden "Magkaibigan kami ni Coco, Claudine performed the last talent” of his. nagkatrabaho kami sa ‘Sa 'Yo Lamang.' Meanwhile, Dee confessed that— and the only one backed by a set "Sabi niya sa akin, 'Kung may gusto as blind items noted—he and onscreen of local dancers among the GMA kang gawing indie, tanungin mo lang partner Erich Gonzales often encounter artists present. ako. Tutulungan kita. Bibigyan kita ng sporadic “tampuhans” on the set of Solenn’s A Hit: The biggest hit advice kung okay ba, kung anong their series. However, amid this issue, kuwento,”' recounted Dee. in the GMA Sinulog show was Dee underscored that these are only If there’s anything that Dee feels for “Legacy” star Solenn Heussaff, minor disagreements that “add spice” Montes' and Martin’s pairing, it’s who effortlessly won the crowd to their love team. “happiness” because their project will with her sexy looks and with-it "Kumbaga, kahit naman siguro allow Montes to finally take on a mature magkakapatid, nagkakaroon ng presence. She connected well with role; while Martin will get the chance to tampuhan. the audience and impressed them do a love story, something he has been "And I can say na magiging mas with her singing. It helped that in hoping to do for some time now. a makulay 'yung relationship namin ni that evening’s line-up, she was the Erich. Kasi nga, may sweet part, may only one who could claim to being a singer having launched a maiden album in 2011. The GMA free show also featured performances by “Survivor” castaways Stef Prescott, Solenn Heussaff Chuckie Dreyfus, John Odulio, Mara Yokohama, Betong Sumaya Claudine gamely did the and Maey Bautista; “Kung Aagawin rounds of the gallery, shook hands Mo Ang Langit’s” Michelle with men, women and children Madrigal; “Kokak’s” TJ Trinidad, while posing with others for and Kapuso artists Ehra Madrigal pictures. During the show, she and Bubbles Paraiso. thanked her fans, whom she called Joining them as event host is Claudinians for standing by her “Party Pilipinas’” Isabelle Daza. through thick and thin. Claudine, Ehra, Michelle and Still a bit overweight though, Bubbles also joined the Kapuso the actress seemed determined to float in the Grand Sinulog Parade woo back the public who may have the following day. a had different impressions of her

www.filipinostar.org More Showbiz Gossip on page 18 18 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012 Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.17 taon na. Kalimutan na natin ‘yung detailed the events of the night of mga nakaraang pagsubok at mga their breakup in a YES! Magazine Luis Manzano, Patrick Garcia samaan ng loob,” she said. feature, confirming rumors that With this development, Dennis they parted ways after a petty fight willing to work together hopes to be friends again with his escalated to violence. ex-girlfriend. Now, Jennylyn is in a Camille Prats, Kaye Abad, and Carlo “Sana naman, oo. Kasi relationship with ABS-CBN actor- Aquino, among others. matagal na ‘yun eh, ‘di ba? Dapat host Luis Manzano. On the other Taking the cue from there, Manzano asked: “Nakita ka ng mga nga ‘di na pinag-uusapan ‘yun eh hand, Dennis is persistently being manonood na bata ka pa lang, ‘eh, kasi matagal na ‘yun eh,” said he. linked to leading lady Bianca King. nandito ka na sa ABS-CBN, nag- Dennis and Jennylyn’s almost a showbiz ka na. Given a chance, one year-relationship ended in papayagan mo ba si Jazz na mag- March last year. In May, Jennylyn showbiz?" "Kung anong gusto niya, siya Typhoon Sendong brings Cristalle siguro magdedesisyon. Siguro kung gusto niyang mag-artista," replied Bello & Hayden Kho together Garcia. Patrick (L) is the father of Jennylyn Manzano pressed on by asking Iligan City. Below: Derek Ramsay gets Mercado's son, Alex Jazz, while Luis (R) why there was “no hesitation at all” a hug from a Sendong victim.] is her current boyfriend seeing that showbiz is “not exactly the Upon arriving at Echavez nicest environment.” Elementary School in CDO, the group Given the chance, the current and "Siguro kasi pag inaway nila si was met by the 300 families evacuated former sweethearts of actress Jennylyn Jazz, si Jen ang makakalaban nila, there. It turned out that because of Mercado - Luis Manzano and Patrick lagot sila kay Jen. Siyempre Garcia, respectively - would like to work their inaccessibility the refugees had poprotektahan ni Jen 'yung anak 'ko. together, and even with the actress not eaten for three days. Most of the Pero siguro kung ano talaga 'yung herself. families were from Lambaguhon. They gusto ng anak 'ko," said Garcia. Manzano and Garcia said so lost their homes in the flash floods Patrick’s love life during their first ever one-on-one Cristalle Belo with children evacuees in caused by the illegal logging in the In a previous Bulletin Entertainment interview aired on “Entertainment Live,” Iligan City area. report, Mercado nonchalantly revealed Jan. 14. The medical group, headed by that Garcia already has a non-showbiz Misery does love company. Manzano asked Garcia, "Kung Hayden, immediately went to work on girlfriend whom he brings whenever he Look at Hayden Kho Jr. and saka-sakali lang, bigyan ng visits their son in her home. Cristalle Belo, daughter of Hayden’s pagkakataon na tawagin nating neutral Garcia confirmed this himself in a beloved Dr. Vicki Belo. ang lahat, papayag ka ba na gumawa past “KrisTV” guesting. However, Despite their differences, on Dec. ng isang proyekto kasama ako at si shortly after that interview, news broke 22 last year, they went to Iligan City Jennylyn?" out that Garcia has already broken up together to lend a helping hand to the With a laugh, the father of with the girlfriend before the episode Sendong victims. Derek Ramsay, a Mercado’s son, Alex Jazz, quipped, was aired. Belo endorser, volunteered to go with "Depende sa 'yo?" Asked about it, Garcia's curt reply them. Other members of the group To which Luis replied, "Sa akin, was "hindi 'ko alam." were business woman Nelly Sy (owner okay lang, kaya 'kong magsulat ng Derek Ramsay gets a hug from a Manzano needled, "'Ah, nasa grey of Pink Box), Belo doctors Grace script." Sendong victim. area pa?" Purificacion and Nina Cesa, UST Garcia answered in the affirmative "Yes, nasa grey area pa." pediatrician Dr. Dennis Flores, and De and the conversation on the possible evacuees with big open wounds, After the interview, PEP reported La Salle orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mike project ended with Manzano saying, giving tetanus shots, curing coughs that Garcia noted the encounter as Muñoz . "Yes, [that would be] a very, very good and colds, and administering to “okay naman.” The group was organized by project." pregnant women and their children. "I know Luis quite some time Hayden who has been devoting most On Alex dabbling in showbiz The lay group headed by Cristalle naman, we were together before. And of his efforts to charity. “I might not Garcia started his showbiz career handed out food items, blankets, there's no tension or whatsoever have my medical license but I still have as child star in the '90s Kapamilya gag- soaps, sleeping mats, sardines, and between Luis and I, so there's no the heart of a doctor to help,” said variety show, “Ang TV.” His batchmates cooking and eating utensils. Hundreds problem," explained Garcia. a Hayden who was spotted at the UST were Angelica Panganiban, John Prats, of new clothe from Maldita were pediatrics charity ward, giving children distributed. money for tickets to go home to spend Of course, the Derek Ramsay Dennis, Jennylyn move on from Christmas with their families. magic worked wonders. The evacuees messy breakup forgot their hunger, homelessness and Apparently, that had been the first other problems as Derek entertained them. time they did so after their “Derek was extremely separation early last year. accommodating even as people Although he did not disclose pinched him, making gigil and details of their meeting, Dennis dragged him here and there for the said that he made the “first move” unending picture-taking,” added the in order to ease the tension Belo staffer. “He never showed the pain he was feeling as people kept between them. Hayden Kho Jr. attends to a patient at “N’ung time na ‘yun, magpa- touching and tugging at his arm where the evacuation center in Iligan City. the fresh surgical wound from his Pasko, so siyempre gusto ko rin recent surgery was throbbing.” Philippine Airlines was kind na maging mapayapa lahat at Hayden and Cristalle led the games enough to support the cause and did panatag ‘yung loob ng mga tao. that filled the evacuation center with Dennis Trillo wants to be friends with ex not charge them for 600-kg excess Mahirap ‘yung may kasamaan ka laughter. The group stayed for two Jennylyn Mercado baggage. ng loob,” he related. days; they plan to go back with more “Since most of the help was Estranged couple Dennis Trillo Jennylyn earlier confirmed this medical help, food and supplies. concentrated in Cagayan de Oro, the and Jennylyn Mercado are now While Cristalle and Hayden were on the New Year episode of team together with the Red Cross, ready to let bygones be bygones. civil towards each other, there was still “Showbiz Central,” which she co- decided to go to Iligan City, two hours Citing Dennis, “Unang Hirit” an obvious coolness between them, hosts. away from CDO,” said a Belo observed an eyewitness. In spite of reported on Jan. 12 that the two Essentials staffer. “Okay na. Ibig sabihin this, it’s heart-warming to see how two “Party Pilipinas” mainstays have [PHOTO - Hayden Kho Jr. attends parang… siyempre, kahit papa’no people who could put personal issues already spoken to one another on to a patient at the evacuation center in ‘di ba, Christmas na at bagong aside to help those in need. a the set of said show last month. www.filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 19

Regine Velasquez marks return to concert scene Lovi plays it cool, with Valentine show not seeing Ronald Fans have known all along that Velasquez and Alcasid’s son will be something would happen to the both singer and new mom Regine baptized on Sunday. of us, kampante kami na may mag- Velasquez wouldn’t be out of “Sampung pares ng ninong at aalaga [kay Baby Nate]...may second commission for a long time. And even Velasquez is fired up with nervous excitement over her return to the concert scene, via a Valentine show with husband Ogie Alcasid on Feb. 14. “Aminado ang songbird na kabado siya sa muling pagbabalik niya sa entablado. Matapos ang kanyang pagbubuntis, ito na raw ang opisyal niyang pagbabalik sa showbiz,” Nelson Canlas reported on “24 Oras,” Jan. 18. “Na-miss kong sobrang kumanta, mag-perform coz’ I wanted to perform Lovi Poe with him kasi minsan kasi hindi din kami nagkikita, eh, that’s why I’m also Lovi Incommunicado: We spoke excited kasi alam ko sa show na ito, on a Friday, the eve of her boyfriend, I’m gonna be with him all the time. former Ilocos Sur Congressman Kaka-miss din ‘yung gano’n, eh, Ronald Singson’s arrival after 18 na…kasi lately hindi naman kami months of detention in a Hong Kong nagko-concert. Ako, hindi ako nagso- jail. show,” Velasquez said in a video clip. Lovi Poe said she was aware of Velasquez was sidelined giving the date after having corrected us. birth to Nathaniel James or Baby Nate We had mistaken he was scheduled more than two months ago. to arrive that same afternoon that we “Bakas ang kasiyahan sa mukha were sipping coffee in a Cebu ni Regine sa pagiging mommy. Mas restaurant, awaiting her cue to priority niya nga raw ang pagbe- perform at a GMA Network Sinulog- breastfeed kay Baby Nate kaysa sa inspired free show at the Ayala tutukan ang pagpapapayat. Hands on Terraces mall in the city. nga daw siya sa pag-aalaga sa ninang ang dadalo na pawang set of parents,” Velasquez said. While admitting that she was kanilang two month-old baby. Kita nga malalapit na kaibigan nila sa loob at “We got family members and aware of the latest news concerning sa daily tweets ng Songbird ang daily labas ng showbiz. Kabilang sa mga close friends. But we also got people routine nilang mag-ina, mula sa ninong sina GMA President and CEO we admire and we look up to,” Alcasid his newly regained freedom mainly pagpapaligo kay Baby Nate hanggang Gilberto Duavit, Jr., Cong. Manny added. through what she gets in the news, sa minsan ay late-night breastfeeding Pacquiao, senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Although she can very well buckle the singer-actress said she had no session. Araw-araw daw siyang may Revilla, Jr., fashion mogul Bench Chan down to work, Velasquez feels she can plans of meeting him at the airport. natutunan sa pagiging mommy,” at Dingdong Dantes. Kabilang naman only entertain offers to host and to She added that they have not Canlas reported. sa mga ninang sina Kris Aquino at sing. communicated in a long time but “When I was pregnant people Judy Ann Santos.” “Mukhang tatanggi muna siya sa maintained an open stance. Yes, she would always tell me na, ‘Naku, it will The singer explained their choice paggawa ng teleserye para said, she will remain as his friend but change your life. Iba talaga ‘yung of godparents for their son. magkaroon siya ng sapat na oras sa refused to elaborate. buhay’. I have no idea. Parang doon “‘Yung mga kinuha namin, lumalaki nilang baby,” Canlas Singson was jailed for drug sa ine-expect ko mas sobra pa doon. although they’re in the business, kasi reported. a possession in Hong Kong in 2010. But it’s wonderful. Iba, iba talaga,” she ito naman ‘yung world namin, ito His family has said he will focus on mused aloud. naman ang mundo namin…pero family businesses and quit politics The “24 Oras” report said that ‘yung pinili namin, ‘yung ‘bang in case altogether upon his return. a Marvin Agustin opts to spend 33rd birthday doing charity work gusto ko, ako naman ang culinary school, finishing formal that last year, Futuretainment Inc magregalo,” he said in a recent schooling, taking up singing and produced a barrage of successful interview. acting lessons, and the like. concerts including those by top acts Some of the kids that will join the Speaking of singing lessons, Miley Cyrus, Black Eyed Peas, and excursion on Jan. 28 are ones whose Marvin was teased by the media Bruno Mars. harelip Marvin has had treated last about talk that he has plans of going As restaurateur, Marvin will have year via Operation Smile. He also into recording. Apparently, his new had 20 plus restaurants (owned and plans to bring along his six-year-old manager, Annabelle Regalado-Borja, franchised) by years end with two twins, Santiago and Sebastian, to who was a top exec of Star Records abroad (Shanghai and Los Angeles). further impress on them that blessings for the longest time, encourages him Some of his existing restaurants are are meant to be shared with others. to do so. Sumo Sam, Robotosan Japanese Grill Aside from doing charity work on “Hindi, para lang sa mga out-of- and Shabu-Shabu, John and Yoko, his birthday, Marvin marks his 15th town gigs kaya gusto ko magimprove Mr. Korosawa, Johny Chow, Komrad, year in show business by launching sa pagkanta. Symepre minsan Oyster Boy and Marciano’s. “Life-Changing Gifts: Marvin at 15.” kelangan natin kumanta sa mga Marvin is currently shooting a Marvin Agustin shares his blessings with According to a release, the project is shows so nakakahiya naman kung di movie tentatively titled “Moron 5 & the less fortunate, but in ways that go about Marvin sharing his blessings ka prepared,” Marvin said. The Crying Lady” with co-stars John beyond merely giving people things with the less fortunate, but in ways Although he can’t disclose Lapus, Kean Cipriano, Mark Actor and businessman Marvin that go beyond merely giving people specifics at this stage, Marvin has lots Escudero, Luis Manzano and Billy Agustin "pays it forward" on his 33rd things. of plans in 2012. As concert promoter, Crawford. There are also plans for him birthday on Jan. 29 by bringing some That is, Marvin will identify 15 he targets for his Futuretainment Inc. to have a solo movie soon. 40 kids with harelip to Enchanted recipients and share with them gifts to bring their first international artist to What is the secret of his success? Kingdom for a day of fun. that reflect his interests and things he Manila by April. Rumor has it that it “Maturity and patience, driven by "I've been so blessed. This time, dreamed of doing but wasn’t able to could be Madonna or U2 but Marvin passion,” he was quoted as saying. a accomplish , such as enrolling in has his lips sealed on the matter. Note More Showbiz Gossip on page 20 www.filipinostar.org 20 The North American Filipino Star JANUARY 2012

Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.19 KC gets Sharon's thumbs up for sexy mag cover Piolo denies rivalry with Jericho

Piolo Pascual (left) maintains he is a good friends with Jericho Rosales (right)

Actor Piolo Pascual has denied According to Pascual, reports of a brewing rivalry between comparisons are inevitable in the him and Jericho Rosales, his co-star entertainment industry. in the upcoming ABS-CBN television However, he said he finds this series “Padre de Pamilya.” practice unnecessary. In an interview with He said: “I don’t see any point of Push.com.ph, Pascual stressed that doing that. Hindi naman na kami they are good friends and are just bata para magtagisan ‘di ba?” glad to have another chance of Pascual also said there is working alongside each other. basically no basis for comparison In Rogue Magazine Feb 2012 Issue KC wears a white one-piece high-cut swimsuit The two actors can be seen in since their style of acting are totally Netizens have been praising KC said that the cover was “nicely done!!” "ASAP Rocks" and were also part of different. Concepcion’s “daring” cover photo on It also turned out that some netizens the defunct sitcom, "Bora." "Padre de “As far as I’m concerned, Rogue Magazine’s January-February have been decoding symbolisms Pamilya" is their first teleserye magkaiba naman kami ng atake. issue, and among them is her very own allegedly found on the cover. mother, Sharon Cuneta. User @thysz observed, “KC as together. Magkaiba kami ng pinanggalingan Sought for comment on the matter Medusa. That severed head looks like “We’ve always wanted to work at mataas ang respeto ko sa kanya by one of her Twitter followers, the Pi... nevermind.” with each other, not to compete with bilang artista dahil alam ko ang Megastar posted on Jan. 24, “She stole Artist JP Cuison went as far as each other, but to really hang-out pagmamahal niya sa craft niya, alam my pose but I think she's beautiful! specifying certain elements as seen in a and not naman to challenge each ko yung passion niya sa acting at di Hahahaha!” photo posted on his Facebook account, other. We’re just so excited because ko matatawaran yun.” a On Wednesday last week, Sharon such as the snake which supposedly we were given the chance to work addressed KC also on Twitter, saying, meant “a reptilian representation of together,” Pascual said. “tutti! I'm nervous about rogue! Did u treachery and deceit”; and the word stay your decent self or steal my future “roué,” which was originally the Gladys Guevarra’s father dies in daring pose?!!” magazine title but KC’s head covered KC’s reply read, “I'm nervous too! the letter G, which meant “a dissolute motorcycle accident Kasi I did the future daring pose. Hahaha man in a fashionable society.” don't look na! :)” For her part, KC found JP’s investigations show it could be due In white one-piece swimsuit-like interpretation “quite interesting.” to heart attack. garb and with her recently-cut hair Renowned photographer Mark “Sumemplang ang kanyang brushed up, the actress-host posed with Nicdao, who shot KC for Rogue, motor dahilan para mabagok ang her back to the camera while looking explained via Twitter on Monday that the kanyang ulo,” reported “Chika over her shoulder. Props included were a cover “is open for interpretation. Up to Minute” host Pia Guanio, adding that wooden bust of a man by her feet, and you what you want to see.” However, he though he was rushed to the KC’s pet ball python named Coco said that Cuison's interpretation was wrapped around her left wrist. "astig." hospital, Roberto was pronounced Reactions from netizens have In other tweets, he shared, “During dead on arrival. mostly been on the positive side. the shoot I saw genuine happiness and Gladys was in Cebu when her “Smokin' HOT!!! I've been waiting contentment from Kc. she's moved on:-) father died. She is set to return to sooo long for KC to be the cover girl of one of our bravest shoot.:-)” and “The Manila today for the wake and #Rogue..MUST HAVE MAG for ds yr :))” photos inside you'll see the new and Gladys is set to return to Manila today funeral. user @aelohomora17 tweeted on improved stronger Kc:-) a new year for her father's wake and funeral “Nasa Cebu ako for sinulog, last Monday. indeed. The article is a Must Read.” night the news was bad. My father “Danggg! #RogueJanFeb2012 Ms. In a tweet posted also on The father of TV host-actress died, ang hirap,” said she via Twitter. @kc_concepcion Way to start Rogue's Wednesday last week, KC explained Gladys Guevarra passed away Jan. She addressed those who have New Year, talk about Man Slayer-literally! what her Rogue issue is about: “Women #WomenEmpowerment,” @dnsd4lyf have a strength they might not always 15 while he was driving a motorcycle condoled with her "nababasa ko po said. believe they have...” and "is all about in Manila. ang mga messages ninyo sa akin. According to "24 Oras," the Director Yam Laranaz tweeted, “love trusting in the truth & finding ur strength. bawal lang daw po magpasalamat. KC's cover! Very very sexy cool :-)” while a cause of death of Roberto Guevarra :)". Peace po!” a TV personality-model Bianca Gonzales is still undetermined although initial More Showbiz Gossip on page 22

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

Simple Wine Resolutions for 2012 30 minutes. If you're drinking a white From Page 4 Pensions wine, pull it out of the fridge about 25- school that's affiliated with the London- 30 minutes before you're going to who reaches the age of 80 could receive based Wine & Spirit Education Trust. drink it. Just remember that while it's a minimum of $675,000.The absurd For good reason, it's recognized easy to warm up a wine that's served munificence of the scheme is apparent across the world. too cold (just wait longer), it's nearly from just one example: Pierre-Luc impossible to chill a wine that's served Dusseault, who became Canada’s 2. Be adventurous. too warm. youngest ever MP when he was elected If you like red wines, you're as a member of the NDP in Sherbrooke, probably drinking lots of Cabernet The list of resolutions could easily go Sauvignon. If you prefer whites, you're on. probably drinking Chardonnay or If you're interested in seeing Sauvignon Blanc. Either way, most of the wine-making process and meeting it's probably coming from California. In with vintners, it's hard to beat a wine 2012, resolve to explore the unfamiliar trip -- whether it's a day at two local by trying unusual grapes from unusual vineyards or a weekend getaway to regions. wine country. If you're serious about If you like Chardonnay, wine appreciation, then you should consider Virginia Viognier or South By David White keep a diary -- it's the best way to African Chenin Blanc. If you like Early January is the perfect keep track of your discoveries and Sauvignon Blanc, try Torrontes, from time to reflect on the previous year remember which wines you've Argentinia, or Albarino, from Portugal. and make resolutions for the new enjoyed. And everyone should If you're a red wine drinker, consider one. For those of us who take wine resolve to drink more sparkling wine - Pierre Luc Dusseault, MP ordering Argentinian Malbec or seriously -- or at least want to -- it's - it matches any number of dishes, so Sherbrooke Chilean Carmenere. And don't be smart to include wine in our New shouldn't be relegated to afraid to drink Merlot - even if it's from will qualify for his pension before his 26th Year's resolutions. So here are three celebrations. California. It's become cool to bash the birthday, if he is re-elected. simple resolutions that'll heighten The world of wine offers grape, but it's often as rich as endless possibilities. So regardless of As Sprott’s Mr. Lee put it: your wine appreciation in 2012. “Presently there are three classes of Cabernet Sauvignon and more which resolutions you make - and approachable when young. Canadians concerning pensions: First- 1. 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It’s all posturing,” he happen when the latter agrees to added. the proposed 50 percent split of On a lighter note, the shares between them. Pacquiaos celebrated the birthday “Siya na [lang] ang dapat mag- of Jinkee and her twin Janet a day oo... marami kasi siyang earlier on Jan. 11, GMA News TV’s kinakausap, marami siyang mga “News To Go” and “Balitanghali” representatives… Tanggapin niya ‘yung 50 percent na share niya at tuloy na ‘yung laban,” the boxer- congressman told “TV Patrol” on Jan. 11. In monetary terms, Mayweather’s share could amount to $50 to $60 million, Pacman added. The ever-flashy Mayweather, who will serve a three-month sentence for domestic violence in June, challenged Pacquiao anew via Twitter on Wednesday to push through with a May 5 fight “and give the world what they want to see.” “Step up Punk,” he further dared. The American boxer also posted an aerial shot of himself It’s game on for Manny Pacquiao seated beside his boxing belt, Dingdong Dantes: big plans for 2012 bearing the caption, “I'm ready to reported on Jan. 12. An intimate Broadening Dingdong: At 31, something new to say but are also put my belt up. What about you party attended by their closest Dingdong Dantes has come to that point capable of making money. Manny Pacquiao? Let's make family and friends, it was held at in an artist’s career when he wants to initiate steps to broaden his range. He International Scene: Dingdong doesn’t history.” the Pacquiao mansion in General speaks of a yearning for challenges, hide the fact that like every actor worth Top Rank head honcho Bob Santos. facing them head-on, confident that his salt, he dreams of making it in the Arum, who’s currently in the Footage on “Balitanghali” every challenge hurdled entails a lot of international scene. While he’s not country to discuss fight plans with showed the now 33-year-old lessons learned. exerting extra effort to reach this dream – the Sarangani representative, Jinkee performing a romantic duet As we speak at the coffee shop of a such as going to casting calls and deemed that the Pacquiao- with her better half. Her birthday hotel in Iloilo City moments before he auditions – he maintains that doing well was to face a big crowd of Dinagyang in one’s profession and loving your work Mayweather match “could happen wish? celebrators Jan. 20, the actor in general can spread one’s reputation very, very easily.” “Lakas ng katawan tsaka underscored the need for creating more around. “It could happen either at the peace sa family, peace of mind,” projects that would make a greater Dingdong has quietly also gone end of May, which would give us she said. impact on the public. back to school. Armed with several enough time to build the outdoor The Pacquiao couple is set to He said he was proud and lucky to semesters’ worth of units in International arena that the fight so badly needs. visit their beach resort in Maasin, have been a part of “Segunda Mano,” Studies at the Ateneo de Manila where his participation was not limited to University, he has decided to pick up Or even better it could go on June Sarangani on Thursday aboard being an actor but also that of a co- where he left off by enrolling in a long- 9,” he said on “24 Oras.” their P25-million yacht. producer. Dingdong says he, too, had a distance degree program in business The said arena in Las Vegas, Although he’s got a fight and hand in the film’s creative growth, a management at West Negros University which is being built to businesses to attend to, the boxing direction that he wants to pursue in in Bacolod. He reports to school once a accommodate 50,000 fans, will superstar has not forgotten his forthcoming projects. month. Dingdong hopes to finish college guarantee a valuable part of the “kababayans” in GenSan. Target Filmmaker: Dingdong in his desire to enroll in a master’s needed returns for the grand fight According to a report on finished a film workshop under Marilou degree program later. His interests are in Diaz Abaya under whom he made a the very masculine lines of defense and purse. The venue is expected to be Bomboradyo, Pacquiao pledged to demo reel. The demo eventually led to a flying. completed by the end of May. donate funds for the directorial assignment at GMA (“Kakaba- Dancing Days: Meanwhile, while he However, Arum sees an representatives of Alabel National kaba ka ba?”). is still Dingdong Dantes, the idol of “economic problem” could be the Science High School (ANSHS) While Dingdong has momentarily millions and the future star (in tandem “only reason… the fight won’t who will attend an international halted his directing career (“I find it so with Marian Rivera) of GMA’s “My happen.” congress in Science City, Kolkata, draining more than acting”), he Beloved,” he continues to do the sing- nonetheless thinks he should get back and-act routine on stage, such as the Although “everybody agrees India next month. to it in due time. Meanwhile, he has set one he did that same afternoon at that the proceeds from the fight will The students will present their up his own production company, Robinsons fountain area in downtown be divided 50-50—50 [percent] to study, "Ethnopharmacological Agostodos Productions, whose first co- Iloilo. He can sing and host and act on Pacquiao’s camp, and 50 to Screening of Selected Medicinal production venture has been “Segunda cue, but Dingdong says his days as a Mayweather’s camp,” Arum was Plants in Alabel Sarangani," which Mano” for which he won the best actor dancer are over. quoted by GMA News Online to was one of the chosen entries out award in the 37th MMFF. “I leave that to the younger guys,” Agostodos has also put in the can a he said, while pointing to Mark Herras, have said, “Mayweather has no of over 3,000 submissions from film awaiting proper screening, “Aswang who at 25, himself claims he’s over the promoter and there’s no one who various countries, the report added Chronicles,” which Dingdong also hill where dancing prime is concerned. can guarantee his purse, so a topbills. As actor-producer, he wants to a Mayweather is looking for outside produce films that not only have

filipinostar.org JANUARY 2012 The North American Filipino Star 23 Top 10 Most Expensive MP Pensions

4. James Moore 2. Jason Kenney

7. Rob Anders

10. Michael Chong

1. Stephen Harper 1997. In order to make a political statement, 3. Gerry Byrne Harper did not contribute to the pension 8. Rona Ambrose - $3,330,876 (2015 = 6. Denis Coderre program during his time as a Reform MP. $2,429,149) After returning to Parliament Hill in 2002, Harper 7. Rob Anders - $3,643,873 (2015 = could have retroactively contributed to the $3,034,089) program for his service from 1993 to 1997. 6. Denis Coderre - $3,701,989 (2015 = According to the PMO, Harper has not and will 9. Peter Van Loan $3,288,821) not make those contributions. MPs are not 5. Scott Brison - $3,723,666 (2015 = obligated to disclose this information. $3,113,881) If Harper were to choose to buy back 4. James Moore - $3,795,386 (2015 = in for those years, his numbers would change. If $2,893,658) he were to buy back in and retire in 2019 he 3. Gerry Byrne - $3,996,498 (2015 = would receive an estimated lifetime pension of $3,450,711) $6,216,858 and $6,233,568 if he were to retire in 5. Scott Brison 2. Jason Kenney - $4,318,507 (2015 = 2015. they retire in 2019. $3,416,779) His numbers also include the special All the estimates come from the 1. Stephen Harper - $5,596,474 (2015 = allowance he will receive as Prime Minister. Canadian Taxpayers Federation and are based $5,456,109) An earlier version of this story used on an MP retiring in 2019 and ceasing to receive Prime Minister Stephen Harper would the numbers based on Harper buying back in 8. Rona Ambrose their pension at age 80. receive an estimated lifetime pension of for the 1993 to 1997 period. After being Welcome to the $3-million club. The 10. Michael Chong - $3,124,903 (2015 = $5,456,109 if he were to retire in 2015. contacted by the PMO with the prime minister's above 10 MPs will each receive an estimated $2,684,816) Harper's numbers are based on the pledge not to do so, the numbers were total lifetime pension of more than $3 million if 9. Peter Van Loan - $3,194,114 (2015 = PM not buying back into the program for his updated. (CP) $2,462,029) service as a Reform Party MP between 1993-

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Gilmore College students must always be up-to-date and receive instruction in CPR from accredited instructors. From left: Joesie Bingayen, Jacqueline Uy, Edison Taguba, Vilma Lagonilla, Mildred Mendoza, Laura Dizon, Grace Calvo, and Marilou Hechanova. (Photo by Mitz Zeitlin) CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS SELF-IMPROVEMENT COURSES • PSW-PAB Nursing Aide • Office Technology • Second Languages - English, French, Spanish, - Secretarial option Mandarin, Filipino (Tagalog) - Accounting option • Computer courses - Computer Literacy, Microsoft • International Trade Office, Simply Accounting • Early Childhood Education • Financial & Investment Courses • Integration of Foreign Graduates • Writing Workshop, Leadership Seminars, Coop Education of Nursing (Permit Pending) • PDSB, CPR, on request by 10 or more students www.filipinostar.org