YEAR 11, No.

3 SEPTEMBER 2007 Home Paper of the 1999 Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ and Writers’ Club Winner for Best Editorial Toronto, Ontario

INSIDE
Ooops & Bloops
Growing Filipino community in Canada
?
(page 11)

Among HTAs, is diaspora philanthropy

INCIDENTAL?
-7

Congress in
RP history - 24, 25
By ACE ALVAREZ and
BUTCH DG. GALICIA
“Helping their towns of origin in the Philippines
Banig
is only incidental to the formation of hometown
ng
associations (HTA).”
Samar
Thus, believes Manila Media Monitor reader Joe
- 26
Rivera, who says he has retired from legal practice
but teaches part-time.
In an e-mailed submission to the editor of this
paper, Rivera insists that “the primary reason for
(the HTAS’) existence is the need (of Filipino im-
Dancing To Be A Star migrants in Canada) for fellowship and support,
- 33 which most oftentimes are very difficult to get
Easing forex even from established Filipino associations in our
woes - 31 community.”
(To page 4)
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (left)
meets with Australian Prime Minister John Howard,
THROUGHOUT ONTARIO who hosts the APEC Leaders Meeting. OPS Photo

Election, referendum on Oct. 10 APEC leaders: Let’s get the

Qualified voters in 107 electoral districts are
expected to find their way to nearly 22,800 poll-
ing places across the province of Ontario come
WTO Doha Round going
Oct. 10. SYDNEY - Pacific Rim leaders on Sept. 9 resolved to reopen
But the voters will be asked to do more then the stalled Doha Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
just choose a candidate to represent them as a talks and bring the negotiations to an early and successful end.
Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) in In a final declaration wrapping up the two-day 15th Asia-Pa-
the unicameral legislature that conducts business cific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the heads of state of
at Queen’s Park in Toronto. APEC’s 21 member economies vowed to strengthen regional eco-
Voters will also need to decide in a referen- nomic ties and continue to work on a regional free trade pact.
dum whether they want to stick to or change the “The Doha Round of WTO negotiations is at a critical junc-
current method with which MPPs are elected to ture. Open markets generate prosperity and development. Expan-
Queen’s Park, according to digitaljournal. sion of trading opportunities contributes to economic growth and
The current electoral system, called first- REFERENDUM QUESTION: Which electoral higher living standards. APEC economies account for almost
past-the-post, allows the candidate with the larg- system should Ontario use to elect members to fifty percent of world trade, and, we are, therefore, all major
est amount of votes to win the seat. The party the provincial legislature? stakeholders in a strong, expanding rules-based multilateral trade
with the largest amount of elected candidates 1- The existing electoral system (First-Past- system,” the declaration stated.
becomes the governing party. the-Post), or The final declaration also covered a wide range of leading
The alternative system, proposed by the On- 2- The alternative electoral system proposed regional concerns such as terrorism, pandemics, contaminated
tario Citizens’ Assembly for Electoral Reform, is by the Citizens’ Assembly (Mixed Member Pro- (To page 31)
(To page 6) portional)
2 Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor 3
CALENDAR
Manila Media Monitor
public service feature
SEPT. 15: 34th Feast of Our Lady of Peñafran-
cia, Mass at Our Lady Annunciation Church,
7 p.m.

SEPT. 22: Filipino Association of Richmond

Hill Casino Rama Fundraising.

SEPT. 22: Kapisanan Filipino Centre’s Intro to

Comedic Improvement Workshop, for eight
Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.

SEPT. 29: Iligan San Miguel Fiesta, Golden

Valley.

SEPT. 29: Tanza Cavite Association Casino

Rama Fundraising.

SEPT. 29: Featinians Association of Toronto

Induction of Officers, Garnett Williams Com-
munity Centre, Vaughn, 6:30 p.m.

OCT. 3: Filipino Centre Toronto Annual Gen-

eral Meeting, Rizal Hall, 6:30 p.m.

OCT, 4 to 13: Zamboanga Hermosa Canada

Novena for the Nuestra Señpra La Virgen del
Pilar.

OCT. 6: Zamboanga Hermosa Canada 21st

Anniversary Celebration, Larry Taylor Audi-
torium, 6 p.m.

OCT. 27: Filipino Association of Richmond

Hill Halloween Dance, Bayview Hill Commu-
nity Centre.

READ ONLINE
www.manilamedia-
monitor.com

CATCH ALL OF THE ADVANTAGES OF A

HEALTHY BRIGHTER SMILE!

DR. EVANGELINE M. BERNABE

and Associates
Complete family and cosmetic dentistry
Serving the community since 1995
Up-to-date treatment in all aspects of General and
Cosmetic Dentistry for adults and children (ages 2 & up)
Orthodontics, Periodontics, Dentures, Crowns & Bridges
Tooth whitening system provided by Zoom 2
All dental insurance plans are accepted
Flexible payment plan available
English, Tagalog, Ilocano, Ilonggo, Bicolano and Cebuano
spoken

FREE initial consultation.

New patients are WELCOME.

Unit 3, 25 Overlea Boulevard

Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P9
(at Thorncliffe Park Drive across the
East York Town Center)
 Varied reactions
Following Rivera’s
ficer of a couple of commu-
nity groups, is one of those
4 NEWS Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

Among HTAs, is diaspora philanthropy

premises, the Manila Media who disagree that diaspora
Monitor has sought for an- philanthropy is only inci-
swers, in an e-mail survey dental to HTAs.

INCIDENTAL?
and personal interviews, to “No, I believe most of
three questions: them are sincere in their
► Do you think that intention. It springs from
HELPING the people in helping one’s own family;
their towns of origin in the an extension of that type of
Philippines is only INCI- generosity by remembering
DENTAL to the organiza- those who are left behind (From page 1)
tion of Filipino HTAs in through sharing the ‘boun-
Canada? Why? ty’,” Dela Cruz quips. go to college. For the past ception to the notion that tions or centers with com- could spur efforts to help but
► Do you think the pri- “Most of the HTAs are 18 years, ZHC has support- immigrants get little fellow- mitments to serve its people disasters that have wrought
mary reason for the HTAS’ social in nature,” Dela Cruz ed seven college scholars ship and support from estab- is a big asset in the commu- havoc to their hometowns,
existence is to satisfy the says, adding that it has been in Zamboanga and Basilan lished associations. nity,” D’Orazio adds. or perhaps a dire need to re-
need of Filipino immigrants natural for a Filipino immi- cities. It has contributed to “An established Filipino Common bonds pair or replace the crumbling
in Canada for fellowship grant to have “the tendency a disaster fund drive. It sup- association or a Filipino Reader Rivera writes: It roof of their town church, or
and support? Why? to go back to the tribe where ports the annual Knights of center can offer the immi- is easier for newcomers in maybe the need for some
► Don’t Filipino immi- one belongs and be most Columbus Christmas fund grants the kind of support Canada to embrace some- books for the town’s ele-
grants get this kind of fel- comfortable with.” drive. Periodically, ZHC they need to live in a new one from their hometown mentary or high school.
lowship and support from “Iba kasi yung pareho conducts medical missions country. Newcomers partic- or province. It is like meet- Surely, they will not di-
established community as- ang inyong background at and has donated $500,000 ularly will need assistance ing a long-lost relative like rectly impact on the macro
sociations? Why? interest, mas comfortable worth of hospital equipment to adapt and assimilate into a distant cousin or forgotten goals of socio-economic de-
The survey has met the ka,” he concludes. and supplies to the Zam- the mainstream of Canadian aunt or uncle, especially in a velopment of their towns,
silent and noncommital Experience tells boanga General Hospital society,” she says. foreign and strange land. but to belittle their efforts is
treatment from some com- Aida D’Orazio, past in 1997. A team, with the “While awaiting their HTAs organize them- not necessarily the way to
munity leaders asked. But it president of Zamboanga Health Partners International OHIP, the center can offer selves based on a com- strengthen civic involvement.
has likewise generated intel- Hermosa Canada (ZHC), of Canada and Rotary Club, them free medical consulta- mon dialect, the same high No tragedy, no giving?
ligent insights from a num- takes note of the associa- has recently delivered and tion and medicine. They are schools or churches where Outspoken journalist Ra-
ber of respondents. tion’s experience. helped distribute medicines informed of state benefits for their members attended, or mon Datol, publisher of the
Relatedly, this paper’s D’Orazio says ZHC, for worth $20,000 to the poor in children and adults. Health familial ties and relation- Philippine Courier and an
main story on studies on instance, has been formed four barrios in Zamboanga seminars are offered to raise ships that could link them as active leader of the Filipino
diaspora philanthropy in its primarily to unite Zambo- City,” D’Orazio expounds. awareness of certain health possible relatives. Association of Richmond
August 2007 has received angueños and Basileños in She thinks HTAs, ini- issues and how to deal with Common roots, ancestry Hill, sees the act of HTAs
reactions from concerned Toronto and other parts of tially, want compatriots to them. To better understand and language, are very im- to extend financial, mate-
readers, like Rivera’s. Canada, not only for social feel there is a home away the school system, an out- portant elements of kinship. rial and other levels of help
(Those who would like purposes but also to keep from home in Canada where reach program is set up for Natural disasters that to town or provincemates
to answer the survey ques- hometown customs and tra- kabayans speak their own them. A homework club is visit their towns of origins in the Philippines as “only
tions may send their views ditions alive, like celebrat- language and provide ad- organized to help the stu- usually gather these HTAs a minor facet to the main
to mediamonitor@rogers. ing the annual Fiesta Pilar. vice and help when needed. dents who have difficulty in together for purposes of objective” of some Filipino-
com for publication in the “Having been around for But over the years, members school. Free Filipino classes sending relief either in goods Canadian associations.
October issue. Editor) 20 years, ZHC’s member- gradually realize there is are offered. There are sports or money to those affected. Datol says a few HTAs,
Not incidental ship has expanded. There also a need to extend a help- activities organized for the It is understandable that however, arguably consider
Philippine Times edi- are enough funds for a proj- ing hand in the hometown. young, also social activities their organizational exis- its “lofty standing in the
tor Paul dela Cruz, who has ect to help out some bright Community asset for the seniors. Thus, having tence and purposes are paro- community, followed by its
served and is serving as of- students who are too poor to But D’Orazio takes ex- established Filipino associa- chial in nature, for what else (To page 5)

Take a bow, PIDC

By RICARDO J. S. CALUEN
The curtains fell on this
year’s Mabuhay Festival to
lusty shouts of mabuhay.
And quite appropriately so.
After all, by any yardstick,
the Philippine Indepen-
dence Day Council (PIDC) MARTHA JOY LIM MARICEL PEREZ
may have broken its own
record in terms of the over- er, I was naturally interested
all successful conclusion of in the artistic portion of the
the annual festival which festival. Artistic Director
has now become a fixture in Deo Moreno deserves all the
Toronto’s summer festival kudos he has been getting
scene. for a job-well done in stage
I went to the festival management and the cre-
CULTURE PHILIPPINES-ONTARIO’s regal Yakan Suite. All photos in this
rather early, just in time for ative design of the cultural
page at Filipinos.ca
me to join my friends Loida program that had a smooth
and Elena (who manned me). But, yes, overzealous planning for the festival. I that instance, giving Minda run from start to finish (save
the Kababayan Community volunteers followed the guess I am nitpicking at this Neri, festival chair, a chance for the few technical glitch-
Centre booth) for lunch. We festival policy to the letter- point. After all, in the over- to join me for a quick-fix of es that could happen in any
ordered favorite Pinoy dish- - that everyone who entered all scheme of things, the caffeine downstairs. Later, stage events). Deo himself
es from the different con- had to have a ticket and Mabuhay Festival was an Jun Enverga, PIDC prexy, was masterful as emcee dur-
cessionaires. I had initially his wrist stamped. Later, I unqualified success. And I would heap copious praises ing the in-between portions,
complained of my ukoy. It learned that even Maricel am glad of this outcome be- upon Ms. Neri who is large- losing perhaps only to the JASMINE RAGUAL
was tasty but for the miss- Perez, director of the Salin- cause having met the expec- ly credited for the over-all handsome and young Scott
ing baby shrimps (or was I Lahi portion of the program, tations of paying patrons is success in the conduct of the Brown because of age. The Little Miss PIDC winners
served vegetarian ukoy?). had difficulty getting in! no small consolation to the festival. Minda has earned latter, Mr. PIDC 2007, was who sashayed down the
Then there was the problem The “admission policy organizers, all volunteers her spurs. A latecomer in in his element, announcing stage.)
of the table arrangement and procedures” needs re- in this not-for-profit endea- the thankless job of com- the sequences of the fashion As to the dance and mu-
that made passage in be- visiting and I have regis- vour. Sulit - as one regular munity involvement, she show with great flair as if sical numbers itself, there
tween tables extremely dif- tered my observations on festival visitor was heard has become a poster lady a seasoned TV host. (An- was something to cater to
ficult. Earlier, I anticipated the conduct of the festival saying. for the newly-retired with other very young lad stood everyone’s varied taste.
the embarrassment of my to management as soon I had a sense things a sense of purpose, giving out during the fashion show I was very impressed with
press ID not being honored as “issues” arose. I have were proceeding very well much of her time volunteer- - Gino Gardiola - not only the performance by Culture
for admission (although I received assurances that because as early as 2 p.m. ing for PIDC where she is because he is also a looker Philippines-Ontario as it
was in possession of the observations such as mine capacity was approximately currently vice-president. but because he was the only premiered its Yakan (Mind-
blue ticket that would open are welcome and given 90 percent met. Such was As a self-declared cul- male model, excepting the anao) dance suite. Later
the gates of the festival to due consideration in future the mood of the event in ture vulture and music lov- little boys who escorted the (To page 34)
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor NEWS 5
Is diaspora philanthropy incidental? SUPPOSING THAT .....
(From page 4)
promises of camaraderie and these few associations, churches, hospitals, col- Let us suppose an association raises $3,000 in a fund-
and support to its members” which receive thousands of leges and other semi-public raiser officers say proceeds will go to, say, a scholarship
as its prime goals. dollars from the Canadian institutions.
“Unfortunately, some government in grants for Industrialization during program for needy but able students in the Philippines.
officers work to solidify a their programs, are doing the 19th century gave birth The officers then send $500, which translates to about
hold of the association so as their chores.” to social problems that be- P20,000 that can send one or two beneficiaries to school for
to use it to jumpstart person- “But some still lack came the focus of gift-giv- a year. The good deed is done, the aim achieved.
al ambitions, and for other the moral suasion to at- ing. Voluntarism grew and
goals privy to them. Why
But what happens to the remaining $2,500 the associa-
tract more Fil-Cans to join civic involvement covered
then are these officers do- them and enjoy the benefits many areas that were for- tion has in its coffers? Without proper, timely and public ac-
ing everything just to cling from the programs they are merly the concerns of the countability of the association’s finances, doubts teem.
on to their posts, when the propagating as internal and Church. Association members and supporters then feel short-
organization is not giving external political bickering Foundations were put up changed, and rebukes further fund raisers. What occurs
them any remuneration?” continue to haunt the leader- by the rich and big business
Community standings and ship of these few established corporations to help those
next is anyone’s rightful guess. No association will want to
personal aggrandizement! organizations. As long as in need, and also to pro- deal with fund raising failures. -- Paraphrased from an opin-
That’s why,” Datol opines. the ‘crab mentality’ is still mote education and medi- ion made by community civic leader and leading accountant
On diaspora philan- embedded in the Filipinos’ cal science. Today, even Carlos Padilla over Front Page Philippines aired on Sept. 9
thropy, Datol regrets that “it mind, achieving total unity governments are involved over OMNI 2 TV, Channel 69-Toronto (Cable 14 in Toronto).
is only during calamitous among Filipinos anywhere in philanthropic activities
events in the Philippines – in the world would only be and have earmarked in their
earthquake, floods, volcanic a figment of our imagina- budgets certain sums of and their seeming inability these HTAs have not put a “But, alas! Has diaspora
eruptions, landslides, etc tion,” Datol stresses. money for international aid to coalesce into much big- dent in the social and eco- philanthropy become a mis-
– would these HTAs pool Philanthropy to less developed countries. ger and stronger alliances. nomic development of their nomer for a popularity con-
their resources, hold fund Presenting a history of Impact With a sample of five re- intended beneficiaries? Big test some so-called leaders
raising and send whatever philanthropy, Rivera cites: Rivera goes on: How spondent-organizations out deal! have decidedly or inadver-
they received from their Philanthropy is ‘not a mod- could anyone then measure of so many, Silva’s study Political leverage? tently gotten themselves
members and other HTAs to ern invention,’ says War- the impact of HTAs in the could hardly qualify as ob- Manila Media Moni- into, and could no longer
the victims back home.” ren Weaver, director of the same breadth as the bigger jective research. A study of tor reader Merceditas Bi- get out of, for the love of
“Initiatives to do it with- Rockefeller Foundation. and richer foundations and HTAs is time misspent, and brante notes that besides the self-gratification and, in a
out calamities in the Philip- Giving for community other philanthropic organi- effort wasted. thought of being contributo- few but odd and rare cases,
pines are remote among purposes was not uncom- zations? Filipino HTAs are The Silva and Powers ry agents of socio-economic self-enrichment?” Bibrante
these HTAs,” he notes. mon in the past. Greek phi- hardly a pie in the sky. studies, though with some change in their hometowns, boldly asks.
Crab mentality losopher Plato donated pro- (Researchers Jon) Silva academic value for pure HTAs can - if they pool their “Sayang! The same
Datol continues: “There ductive acres of land for his and (Shawn) Powers could research purposes, have wits and riches together and community cohesiveness,
are a few HTAs which offer academy. have better spent their social nothing significant to add in act as a cohesive unit - be taking into account the
Filipino immigrants fellow- In the early Christian investigations on problems strengthening Filipino asso- influential agents of socio- numbers, may be translated
ship and other support they era, gifts of property were that continuously plague ciations in Canada as levers economic change for the into political influence in
need to acclimatize with very common and were Filipino organizations in of political power. less-fortunate in any part of the Canadian landscape,”
the Canadian way of life used to build monasteries, Canada or in other countries So what if the efforts of the Philippines. she adds.
6 NEWS Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

PPCO backyard gathering (Left photo) Half of the big group of Philippine Press
Club-Ontario (PPCO) members and partners could not
wait to sink their teeth into the delicious lechon being
roasted at the backyard of Dolping Tigley’s home during
the PPCO gathering on Sept. 8. The other half were ei-
ther taking the picture or getting their plates ready for the
‘kill.’ (Photo below) Highlights of the annual gathering
included the recognition of the invaluable contributions
press photographers have rendered to the community.
Photojournalists (from right) Larry Torres, Paul Esguerra,
Ariel Ramos and Noel Perada received the plaque of rec-
ognition from president Tenny Soriano and vice president
Rose Tijam. Soriano also acknowledged the great job Fili-
pino-Canadian media practitioners have been doing to re-
port timely and truthful news and information relevant to
community life. PPCO immediate past president Paul dela
Cruz facilitated the event. Soriano and Dela Cruz thanked
the Tigleys for hosting the event, those who contributed in
cash and in kind, and those who continued to give moral
support to the PPCO. Photos: MIKE CADUCIO, Philip-
pine Courier columnist and lensman

FCT sets Oct. 3 AGM

The Filipino Centre To- said five high school and and volunteer acrivities.
ronto (FCT) is set to conduct two elementary school D’Orazio said only one
its Annual General Meeting graduates have applied for from each caregory would
at the Rizal Hall on Oct. 3. the 2007 FCT Outstanding win the top awards and cash
FCT publicist Aida Student Awards. prizes.
D’Orazio said letters have The applicants are high FCT services
been mailed to members school graduates Charisse In other developments,
to inform them of and get de Castro, Jennifer Hileman, the FCT has opened its in-
them to attend the AGM. Kimberly Milanes, Ralph premises free clinic, which
D’Orazio, in a press re- Fabico and Timothy Paray- would continue every sec-
lease, said only registered no and elementary school ond Saturday of the month.
(paid) members have been graduates Fayanne Dixie During opening day on
invited to attend, but they Huang and Mae Janelle Sept. 8, coinciding with the
have to present photo iden- Berte. Cabbagetown Festival, FCT
tification cards at the door The candidates, highly official Dr. Mario Andres,
before admission. recommended by their assisted by his wife Perla,
Student Awards teachers, have excelled in worked attended to more
Meanwhile, D’Orazio academic, extra-curricular (To page 14)
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor VIEWS 7
Ace: I don’t know, the colum- and City TV when they started
nist might be running a guessing phoning you on what the commu-
contest; winner to win two en- nity is doing for the victims of the
trance tickets in next year’s “Mak- Guinsaugon, Leyte mudslide, and
ing Waves Festival”. you phoned the President of the
Butch: The article mentioned Leytenos Association in Ontario
Ace Alvarez something like 18 years? to go to that community center on
Ace: I can’t wait until ours is Warden Avenue?
Does a ? end a question? 18; We’re only 11; and the article
where the column appeared has 17
Ace: Tanong ka naman ng
tanong, Butch, e. You remind me
years and 9 months more to go. of some accountants practicing
Butch: The column mentioned like Philippine-style of account-
In connection with the annual wrote, I believed that the gath- issue in one publication: “The something like “sensationalism ing. Actually, I was requested also
gathering of the Philippine Press ering really became a “rare community is being served al- by coming up with controversial to write a press release on that, but
Club-Ontario (PPC-O) members opportunity to re-connect with ready by a lot of community news- headlines normally ending with a because I was so busy, I request-
on September 8, my good friend each other.” papers, which overall, effectively question mark”? ed you to write the press release
- broadcaster Jess M. Carlos e- *** provide the community with a Ace: Can you change the rules - which incidentally continues
mailed fellow members: “Greet- Member Deo Moreno wrote, balanced news reporting of Phil- of punctuation marks, Butch? to hover in the world wide web.
ings! I will try my best to attend “I am confirmed. Since I have ippine events and local communi- Butch: The columnist men- Mabuti na la’ng hindi mo nilag-
our gathering and meeting. Just dietary restrictions, I will bring ty news. While most concentrate tioned something like reminds him yan ng question mark ang head-
in case hindi ako makapunta, I ‘isang sakong corn on the cob’ on general information reporting, of Philippine-style of journalism? line ng press release na iyon.
will donate $50 for our gather- and salad trays.” some deal with issues highlight- Ace: So what do you care? Butch: I cannot change the
ing.” Coordinator Paul responded, ing advocacy while some concen- Yours was not only basic jour- rules of punctuation marks, Ace.
Maraming salamat, Jess. But “Wow, Deo, those are very appro- trate on Philippine entertainment. nalism, but advanced journalism ***
please remember, the policy is “no priate contribution to bring! What Obviously, this approach works from Germany. Back to the PPC-O gather-
return, no exchange.” with all the ‘fats’ around.” as most of them have been in Butch: The columnist wrote ing of Sept. 8 …
*** Unto Paul I say, “Oops … da- the business for at least 18 years. that “A thorough reading of this Coordinator Paul further
Former PPC-O President han-dahan at baka mapa-away There may be one or two newspa- kind of article would almost al- e-mailed members: “For those
Paul de la Cruz - who coordi- ka!” pers, I noticed, to have a tendency ways (underscoring mine) invari- who are contributing money
nated the event e-mailed mem- *** to create sensationalism by com- ably show that there is actually no to the PPC-O event on Sept.
bers: “I am tasked to coordinate PPC-O President Tenny ing up with controversial head- controversy.” 8, please write your cheque to
this event which will give us this Soriano addressed everybody: lines normally ending with a ques- Ace: No controversy? So, why Philippine Press Club-Ontario
rare opportunity to re-connect “Dear All, Mr. Ricky Caluen has tion mark; done at the expense of such fuss in that writing? Magtra- and memo: PPC-O September
with each other … Those who donated three bottles of wine for some individuals or groups. This baho na nga tayo. Did that report 8, 2007. Send your cheque to our
like to play tennis, please bring our Sept. 8 meeting and gather- reminds me of Philippine style of of the president of the Leyteño treasurer Mogi Mogado.”
your own rackets and balls; ing,” to which Coordinator Paul journalism; especially the tabloid Association of Ontario which he … to which I say, mabuti
there is also a field/forest (as I responded, “Thank you, Ricky. type. A thorough reading of this promised to furnish the President na ang maliwanag, otherwise
understand) for those who like We’ll include your name in the kind of article would almost al- of the Philippine Press Club-On- people might end up reading a
to do some hiking, or jogging next weekly update.” ways invariably show that there tario, Tenny Soriano, come in headline with a question mark
….” To those “in the know”, I is actually no controversy. Maybe yet? at the end.
Paul, since you coordinat- sigh, “Ahhhh, that was sweet of old habits just die hard.” Butch: Teka, hindi ba ikaw Butch: I told you, I cannot
ed the event, I hope you had a you, Paul.” Butch to Ace: Why did the ar- ang nag-refer doon sa mga report- change the rules of punctuation
change of heart on the activi- *** ticle not identify those two news- ers ng Globe and Mail, Global TV, marks.
ties. Had you retained what you One column in the July 2007 papers? CBC, Toronto Star, Toronto Sun (To page 14)
8 VIEWS Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007
area of communications..
***
Still in the newspaper business
…
A fellow publisher for this
community told me recently that
at least three of his last issues were
Of sabotaging and sabotaged by another publisher.
The story had it that some of

taxing newspapers his pick-up outlets complained

that for the last three months, they
have not received copies of his
newspaper; that when the people
Ontario Ministry of Finance The Ontario Ministry of Fi- Newspapers Association (OCNA) delivering the paper for the cul-
needs help: What is a newspaper nance, however, said that my is also working with the Ministry prit-publisher come to outlets,
vs. magazine? friend’s is not a newspaper, but a of Finance on this matter, as well they picked up all the copies of
Several publications in other magazine in that he publishes only as publishers from various com- the victim-publisher and threw
communities are being audited by twice a week and that the pages munities. them away.
the Ontario Ministry of Finance as of his publication are stapled to- When brought recently before Unknown to the publisher
it wanted to collect the Provincial gether. the attention of Greg Sorbara, who masterminded this, the vic-
Sales Tax (PST) from the opera- My friend argued that his is Ontario Minister of Finance, in tim-publisher has set out, and pre-
tions of those publications for the a newspaper in that he publishes an audience during his campaign pared for the situation. The victim
last five years. news from current events hap- trail, ethnic publishers were told is now in possession of evidence,
A friend of mine who runs a pening in his native Vietnam and that he could not attend to it at the and is gathering his witnesses.
Vietnamese publication is seeking those happening in his commu- moment because of the forthcom- Hhhmm, looks like the sabo-
the assistance of the ethnic media nity, and that the only reason why ing election. taging, unfair competitor’s days
community on his - and other pub- his pages are stapled together is to It will not be long that the On- are numbered. Oh my, this culprit
lications’ plight. hold them together, considering tario Ministry of Finance will run never learns his lesson after figur-
According to this publisher, the number of pages that his pub- after all Filipino publishers, say- ing out in past misdemeanors.
the levy is being based by the pro- lication has per issue. ing that we publish either once, or Abangan ang susunod na ka-
vincial government from an old Ben Viccari, President of the twice a month only, hence, ours are banata.
law that the Ontario province has. Canadian Ethnic Media Associa- magazines, and not newspapers. To the “suspect” (as used
Under such law, the Ontario tion (CEMA), wrote a letter to the There are of course publications within its legal meaning), I re-
provincial government has dif- Ministry of Finance arguing in de- in our community that outright, one mind him that he does not even
ferentiated collection and remit- fense of the publications affected, would classify them as magazines; have to resort to such dirty tactic,
tance of PST if a publication is some of whom are members of and one need not be a rocket scien- since all publications in his mar-
a magazine, but need not collect CEMA. Ben said it is incompre- tist to know the distinction between ket have their own target readers
and remit PST if a publication is hensible why magazines must col- the two publications! and following.
a newspaper. For the latter, only lect PST and GST from advertis- But how come the Ontario ***
GST is collected and remitted - to ers, and remit the same, and pay Ministry of Finance does not Judging from the e-mails my
the federal government though. likewise PST for their printing, know the difference? Probably, inbox receives on an hourly basis,
A question now arises as to the and only GST for newspapers. their own PR people could help indeed, it is election time.
classification of the publications I myself do not understand. them - having backgrounds in At Manila Media Monitor, we
so far being audited. The Ontario Community journalism and other studies in the (To page 28)

Tala in the next, seriously inves-

tigate the Tasaday hoax or probe
pedophilia in Pagsanjan and then
discuss coconuts, guns and chefs
in another.
In every piece of work, bal-

Probing ance is the hallmark. “Balance

is not taking sides; if one side is

Cheche Lazaro
unwilling to talk, we refuse to do
the story.”
Every single tape in Lazaro’s
vast videographic library bears
In February 1990, the Philip- TV magazine program category plains Lazaro, who to this day the stamp of what she started in
pine Star released the results of a where we did not rightfully be- writes her own script, puts on her Philippine television: painstaking,
casual survey that asked a hand- long”, Lazaro explains. own makeup, reports and conducts sharp and fast-paced editing; var-
ful of media respondents who the Philippine broadcast history the interview on camera wearing ied, well angled and intelligently
most admired Filipinas on televi- will prove that it was Probe that off the rack clothes. chosen locations as well as scripts
sion were. Cheche Lazaro figured introduced the nation to the inves- She even squeezes in time to that show respect to the kind of
in the top three, chiefly because tigative news genre such that when help in editing chores within her audience that appreciates a com-
she epitomized responsibility in it was finally included in derbies, punishing 17-hour workday. prehensive discussion of issues
broadcast journalism, a rare com- Lazaro was proudly ascending the It was this no-nonsense ap- without being lectured to.
modity then. awards stage with her group every proach to television reportage that The result is a program that
She was at the crest of a TV season. caught the attention of respected makes full use of television as a
career with Probe, which, to this Her success proved that the Philippine entertainment critic medium, not a mere radio show
day, cannot be dissociated with Filipino was ready for investiga- Nestor Torre, once her college on TV.
her. It was Lazaro who noticed tive journalism that employed the mentor. Watching Cheche’s work, Lazaro’s biggest secret weap-
what was missing on local televi- mini-max approach made famous “the viewer gets the feeling that on, she boasts, “is husband Del
sion and valiantly went on to fill by American TV: minimal words the program is being produced who never once posed a single
the chasm. with a maximum of videos and for his benefit, informing him roadblock even when the demands
News programs were dishing pictures to better illustrate the about the different ramifications were heavy, the schedules erratic
out news in a capsule, abbreviat- point. of the subject at hand, but his fi- and the pressures even greater.”
ing all sides of an issue in forty- At the helm of her own Probe nal stance is left up to him. This is With children Liza and Char-
five seconds. Productions, Lazaro stresses that mature TV for thinking viewers,” lie, businessman and former gov-
Probe’s first challenge was her team always assumes that “the says the proud critic. ernment executive Delfin com-
to put a magnifying glass on the televiewers are more intelligent While Lazaro allows her team pletes the Cheche Lazaro cheering
business of elections and politics than us.” In a television industry to occasionally produce light fea- squad. It is also this tightly-knit
and milk the attendant issues for gone awry, Lazaro’s Probe Team tures, such forays rule out flip- family that was in every inspired
the viewer, a tradition it has up- is an emerald in a trash heap, con- pancy. step of her eventful life as family
held through the years, even as it fronting issues head-on, beholden “Our bedrock philosophy is woman, broadcaster and educator.
moved from one station to another to no one. to aim for integrity, not fame.” She recalls with fondness the
under a variety of show titles. “It is Probe’s editorial policy They would therefore steer clear critical decision to give up a bud-
For years, Lazaro’s program not to take an advocacy stand. The of touristy stories and showbiz ding Manila career to accompany
was so ahead of its time that it was people involved speak on the is- glamor vignettes. husband in America in his pursuit
always being nominated in awards sues. We do not say what is right Instead, Probe would look of higher studies.
races but consistently losing. or wrong. We do not pontificate. into migrant workers in Rome in She went through the rigma-
“We were being fielded in the The viewers decide for us,” ex- one episode, the plight of lepers in (To page 38)
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor VIEWS 9

Letters & Voices Ethnic celebrations

Informative Kalibongan item promote understanding
Dear Editor:
I would like to congratulate you for the story, “Kalibongan: Re-
tracing a people’s cultural roots”, in the August, 2007 issue of your It has become something of a So let those who hurl accusa- people, plus free concerts at the
publication. The story is very informative, especially for readers, habit these days to poo-poo ethnic tions of “ghettoization” at Cana- Four Seasons Centre’s Richard
such as myself, who hail from Luzon, and who do not know much celebrations such as concerts and dian multiculturalism think again. Bradshaw auditorium.
about festivals in the southern island of Mindanao in the Philip- street festivals as not portraying *** While his determination and
pines. The descriptive story (by Mr. Butch Galicia) is of National the reality of multicultualism. Stephen Harper’s recent ho- skill at negotiating brought an op-
Geographic Magazine quality. More power to your publication. Vic- Yet while not the be-all and hum cabinet shuffle did little to era house to the people, Bradshaw
tor Andrade, Toronto, ON end-all of Canadian multicultur- excite public interest and drew the had long created justification for
(Thank you very much, Mr. Andrade. The Manila Media Mon- alism, they still play an important stinging criticism of Multicultual- the Four Seasons Centre by bring-
itor will always aspire to give its valued readers quality news, in- part in bringing people together in ism critic Colleen Maurier Liberal ing the people to the opera.
formation, features and views in all timely and relevant aspects of a common enjoyment. MP for Brampton West. These words are from the con-
community and Philippine life. The Editor) It is a matter of record that the “Prime Minister Stephen clusion of And the Music Plays
recent South Asian Festival in To- Harper’s latest Cabinet shuffle On, my still uncompleted novel.
Thank you note from PCCT ronto’s Little India attracted visi- demonstrates his government’s As the central character, a writ-
tors from diverse origins in addi- complete disregard for Canadian er in his 80s ponders his eventual
Dear PCCT Media Partners,
tion to the celebrants from India, diversity,” she said. departure, he closes the story with
On behalf of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto, I
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka “It is significant that Mr. Harp- these words: “It means everything
would like express our sincere gratitude for being our partners dur-
and other south Asian countries. er is unwilling or unable to bring to me to know the music that has
ing the Trade Show 2007 last August 18, 2007 at the Toronto Metro
Let us not forget that even be- competent, culturally diverse in- sustained me often, tortured me
Convention Centre. Your cooperation and support to the Chamber
fore “multicuturalism” became a dividuals into his cabinet,” said sometimes, caused me to shout for
was very much appreciated. The publicity that was brought forth by
new word for a new Canadian pol- Beaumier. joy, brought tears to my eyes and
your publications played a great rule on the success of the PCCT
icy, the late 60s saw the advent of “Either that says something a song to my lips will survive me
Trade Show 2007. Again, it just validated the relationship between
Toronto Caravan which pioneered about Mr. Harper’s attitude to di- and go on and on.”
PCCT and the Media and the battle cry “ together we can make it “.
visits to ethnic community centers versity, or it says something about I tremble to invade another’s
Indeed we did. Congratulations to us all and more power to our busi-
and at its height featured as many his estimation of the quality of his thoughts, but I feel no single per-
nesses. God bless us all !!! Paeng Nebres, PCCT President
as 40 pavilions. own caucus members. Either way, son did more to give meaning to
(Thank you very much for the acknowledgment, Mr. Nebres.
While Caravan outlived its it’s bad news for all Canadians that sentiment than Maestro Brad-
Rest assured Manila Media Monitor and Front Page Philippines
significance to Toronto and was who recognize the value of diver- shaw.
will always support and stand by those who do good for the com-
replaced by such large-scale fes- sity.” ***
munity and the Filipino people. The Publisher and Editors)
tivals as Taste of the Danforth “Canadians shouldn’t forget Peter Raymont, whose Shake
LETTERS, COMMENTS, REACTIONS may be and Taste of Little Italy, it is still that Mr. Harper’s current Interna- Hands With the Devil shocked
emulated in communities across tional Trade Minister, David Em- and stunned us at TIFF three years
sent to mediamonitor@rogers.com. All communica-
Canada, reminding citizens of this erson, previously panned Harper ago, documenting General Romeo
tions will be edited. country’s diversity. as ‘intolerant of ethnic minorities Dallaire’s return to the scene of
and his Minister for Public Safety, the Rwanda genocide, has record-
Stockwell Day, at one time even ed another journey which again
accused the Prime Minister of at- reminds of how man’s inhuman-
tacking ethnic and religious mi- ity to man can leave scars on a
norities. person’s psyche.
“Furthermore, Michael Chong, Author /playwright Ariel Dor-
who was appointed as Minister fman won international fame with

There’s no place
of Intergovernmental Affairs re- his play and film Death and the
signed from his position after Mr. Maiden, questioning the depth of

like home
Harper failed to consult with him retribution that should be exacted
on a pivotal decision involving his from a war criminal.
department.” In Raymont’s new film shown
“As the leader of the Canadian at the 2007 Toronto International
There’s no place like home. Wow. What a group and what homesick when things were not Alliance, Mr. Harper reaffirmed Film Festival, A Promise to the
Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz was fun we had. This organization going well or going too slowly for his goal of eliminating all federal Dead – the Exile Journey of Ariel
right. understood the concept of home me when I was new to Canada and funding in support of Canada’s Dorfman, the question is pursued
At least for me, there is no and under the leadership of Cathy had little time to find friends. Multiculturalism policy,” said further.
place like home. It’s where my Gumara, the outing and the com- The Isabela community, in Beaumier. “This latest shuffle is The Argentine-born writer
friends and family are. Home pany really made each of us feel that instant, cured that longing for proof of the Conservative Party’s who moved to Chile became an
is where good memories come at home. “back home.” indifference towards multicultur- ardent supporter of, and cultural
alive. First, let me say that I’ve never They welcomed each and ev- alism and diversity.” advisor to the democratically-
Of course, today, home is been to camping before. So when eryone that weekend like long lost *** elected socialist President Salva-
in Toronto. For many of us, our I agreed to go it was with reser- family. It didn’t matter if one was For years, I’ve had commer- dor Allende.
homes change accordingly as we vation and more than a little ner- from Isabela or not. cial messages thrust upon me On-screen narration by Dorf-
live out our lives. vousness. We laughed, we sang and we which, to satisfy their own egos, man is interspersed with newsreel
But there is something to be I almost backed out several told stories. We played parlor the advertisers insist on perform- shots of the coup which killed
said for “back home” - the place times. I was glad I didn’t. games and shrieked with joy. And ing themselves. Allende and won Chile for the
where I grew up and where my So, with my daughter in tow, I of course, we gossiped. Most of them are colossal cold-blooded General Pinochet;
traditions were born. packed my camping gear into my I thought my daughter would bores from a jeweller who loves they illustrate the fate that awaited
And even though I’ve been in trusty green car and headed off to get bored and would want to go dressing up to a furniture importer Dorfman had he not been fortunate
Toronto for over 15 years, back the campsite on that Saturday af- home. But I was wrong. who sprouts a patriarchal beard enough to escape to Argentina and
home still has a special place in ternoon. She had the time of her life. and rides elephants. eventually to the United States,
my heart. That special home is I figured it can’t be all that bad. By the end of the weekend, I had The exception proved the rule where he now teaches at Durham
Isabela. Worse case, I’d spend a nice warm to literally drag her away from all with Richard Bradshaw’s enthusi- University in North Carolina.
Such will be different, of time at the campsite and then head her new friends. astic radio commercials promot- The film records Dorfman’s
course, for each of us. But we all home that same evening. The members of the Isabela ing Canadian Opera Company return to Chile and his reunion
share a common culture, a shared But the Isabela group was group understood what it meant to (COC) productions. with two friends from the Allende
heritage that, as much as our fea- ready for us. be homesick. In a few words he brought days.
tures and language, makes us The warmth the Isabelans They went out of their way to grand opera into the 21st century They campaigned to have the
uniquely Filipino. exuded as they greeted us to the make sure everyone felt being part but not only did he bring opera to now-disgraced Pinochet tried as a
I was reminded of my roots camp made me recall what it was of the family, no matter where one the people — he brought the peo- war criminal, only to see the one-
this summer when I spent three like to be “back home” and feel was rooted. ple to opera. time dictator die of a heart attack
incredible days camping with the the magic of belonging, even for What I learned was that one COC announcements promot- before the tardy Chilean govern-
Isabela Cultural Organization of a little while. could choose to be either exclu- ed come-as-you-wish dress codes ment takes meaningful action.
Ontario. I should admit that I was so (To page 18) and low-cost seating for young (To page 37)
10 VIEWS Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

OMERTA Butch DG. Galicia

from or the province need not deal
with. Newspaper publishers, how-
ever, have to remit the goods and
being one that Sorbara and his
ministry may be able to handle.
Such a situation will also put
services tax (GST) to the federal to naught the noble intentions of
government. the Canadian people at-large to

Huli kaw! Wadapak?!

Ace adds that the number of promote unity in diversity, which
non-daily ethnic newspapers the some politicians call multicultur-
finance ministry has reclassified alism in their campaign speeches

SAVE THE PRESS

as magazines and has been audit- but will later make a travesty of.
ing for failure to remit the PST is One or two padlocked eth-
growing. And the audit is for the nic newspaper offices in Ontario
last five years of the non-daily may not hog the limelight. But
Huli kaw! Wadapak?! I have So, what better way for Ontar- on a daily basis. ethnic newspapers operation! when an expected big number
seen, read, heard of and had a quite io’s high and mighty to ‘ghetto-ize’ Correct me if I am wrong. That’s a lot of collectible cash, of PST-slapped ethnic newspaper
long experience of ‘it; before. its minorities than to cut the um- Most ethnic newspapers are cir- eh. Sometimes I wished I were a offices are closed, debates would
I thought that ‘it’ was a thing bilical cord that has been linking culated twice a month or monthly. handsomely-paid politician up for surely fly on whether democratic
of the past, a sordid memory of the homeland to immigrants who Some newspapers have made it to election in the coming Ontario Canada’s most populous province
how brave and principled men and struggle to preserve their cultural the twice-a-week phase. Oct. 10 polls. But right now, I am is governed by a totalitarian or
women fought and died so that roots while ekking it out under an But, alas! Ace tells me that happy to be just a poor journalist a freedom-loving and rights-re-
their children and their children’s Ontario government whose only Ontario’s finance ministry has who can intelligently discern a specting regime.
children would live to enjoy ba- sterling achievement has been to contended that a publication can newspaper from a magazine. Where goes the people’s rights
sic freedoms in the comfortable heap lots of snow and taxes on its only be classified as a newspaper ***** to freely but responsibly express
dimensions of their innate tradi- multicultural mosaic? if it publishes daily - in the likes of Enough of daydreaming. Back themselves? Should blood money
tions and rich cultural heritage, The umbilical cord I refer to the self-proclaimed mainstream, to the topic at hand. be a stark leverage to enjoy free-
anywhere in the world. is Ontario’s ethnic media, particu- as opposed to ethnic, newspapers The finance ministry’s ac- dom of the press in Ontario?
I also thought that ‘it’ had been larly the community newspapers, that each day add to the tons of tion and the sheer disregard of *****
practically wiped out, as a thriv- which latelty have been the subject garbage the government has to minister Greg Sorbara (MPP Besides being an acceptable
ing capitalist 24/7 Western media of ‘legal’ harrassment provided spend money on to bring to the Vaughan-King-Aurora) to quickly medium between immigrants and
had continually boasted of a ris- under an antiquated Queen’s Park dumps, or recycled to go through address the issue before Queen’s their homeland, the ethnic media
ing global democracy following act that the province’s finance the same cycle and recycling again Park went on vacation cannot be have been helping shape and mold
the fall of communist regimes, the ministry suddenly untombed and and again; read, reread or unread. brushed aside. the much-avowed Canadian mul-
dismantling of dictatorships and seems just too glad to carry out. Any non-daily publication - Its implications are staggering, ticulturalism.
military rules, and the seemingly ***** even if it is a newspaper as strictly if not frightening. The ethnic media have also
protracted but triumphant war I can’t help scream ‘Huli defined in journalism parlance - is The PST roundup will eventu- been aiding the government “sen-
against extremism and terrorism. kaw! Wadapak?!” when I heard considered a magazine. ally drive non-daily ethnic news- sitize Canadian society about eth-
I could not believe that ‘it’ - from Canadian Ethnic Media As- Huli kaw! Wadapak?! This is papers out of business ... kaput! nic culture and their importance in
the calculated genocide of an im- sociation (CEMA) Secretary and ridiculous, simply stupid, moronic Consequently, ethnic commu- a pluralistic society,” according to
migrant’s affiliation to his land of Manila Media Monitor publisher and idiotic. nities will lose the only credible the National Ethnic Press and Me-
birth to make him a blind and obe- Ace Alvarez that finance ministry Why not? Ace explains: Un- bridge that links them to their cul- dia Council of Canada.
dient follower of the greater ma- people have been running after a der the Queen’s Park archaic law, tural historicity. As often said: You Is this how Premier Dalton
jority - was seeping into Ontario’s number of ethnic media newspa- magazine publishers should remit can take a man out of his country, McGuinty, Sorbara and the finance
political innards until I personally per publishers whose only incon- and the province could collect the but not his country out of a man. ministry intend to reward non-dai-
smelled the stench of its haunting solable crime was not (I repeat, provincial sales tax (PST), which The rippling effects - nay, the ly ethnic newspaper publishers?
ghost. not) circulating their newspapers a newspaper publisher is exempt shockwaves - might be far from butchgalicia@yahoo.com
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor FEATURE 11
Filipinos in Canada Fifteen percent were
aged 15 to 24; about 35 per-
cent from 25 to 44, and 21
percent from 45 to 64.
Filipino origin can converse
in one of Canada’s official
languages.
In 2001, some 99 per-

A growing community
In contrast, seniors made cent said they could carry
up only six percent of the on a conversation in one
community, compared to 12 or both official languages,
percent of all Canadians. while only one percent said
More women than men they could speak neither
In 2001, the Filipino twenty years. (EDITOR’S NOTE: The Manila MEDIA MONITOR Women, most of them in English nor French.
community was the third In 2001, 53 percent of culled this article from the Statistics Canada report ‘The their prime working years, Most, some 93 percent,
largest non-European eth- Filipino immigrants came Filipino Ethnic Community in Canada.’ The report, re- made up a particularly large could carry on a conversa-
nic group in the country, in the previous decade; 24 leased in July 2007, provided basic insights into one of part of the community. tion in English only, while
after the Chinese and East percent, between 1981 and the fastest growing major ethnic groups in the country.) In 2001, females com- six percent could converse
Indian communities. 1990; four percent, in the posed 57 percent of the in both English and French
That same year, almost 1960s; and less community. and less than one percent
328,000 people of Filipino than one per- They con- spoke only French.
origin lived in Canada, cent, before sisted 62 per- About 60 percent, how-
about 1.1 percent of the Ca- 1961. cent of those ever, still converese in their
nadian population. Most of aged 25 to 44; mother tongue, Tagalog.
But the community was them, or 72 about 63 per- But 56 percent said they
growing considerably faster percent, settled cent of those most often spoke English
than the overall population. in either Ontar- between 45 and at home; 14 percent spoke
Between 1996 and 2001, io and British 64; and 65 per- English in combination with
the number of those of Fili- Columbia. cent of the se- a non-official language; and
pino origin rose by 35 per- Ontario niors. 30 percent spoke a non-of-
cent. Canada’s population was home to Mostly ficial language most often
grew by only four percent. 165,000 Fili- Catholics in their home.
Community profile pinos (50 per- Almost all Only one percent of em-
Eighty-one percent of cent), 69,000 Filipino-Cana- ployed Filipino Canadians
them said they had only (21 percent) dians belonged spoke a language other than
Filipino roots, while 19 per- lived in Brit- The Filipino community came out in droves to witness another edition of the an- to a Christian English or French most of-
cent said they had other eth- ish Columbia, nual Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival on Aug. 18. (Photo cour- faith. ten at work. The others said
nic origins. 36,000 (11 per- tesy of Jun Enverga through Filipinos.ca)nos.ca) In 2001, they spoke an official lan-
In contrast, almost 40 cent) in Alber- some 81 per- guage on the job.
percent of Canadians had ta, 32,000 (ten percent) in ronto (140,000) or Vancou- their prime working years, cent said they were Catho- Family status
multiple ethnic roots. Manitoba, and 20,000 (six ver (62,000), accounting for while they were somewhat lic, while 15 percent be- Filipino-Canadians were
In 2001, over 70 percent percent) in Quebec. three percent of the each less likely to be approach- longed to either a mainline about as likely as other Ca-
of Filipino Canadians said Canadians of Filipino city’s overall population. ing retirement age or to be Protestant denomination or nadians to be married.
they were born outside Can- origin also made up around A young community seniors. another Christian grouping. In 2001, a little more
ada - almost all born in the one percent of the popula- Filipino-Canadians of In 2001, children under At least three percent than half of community
Philippines, compared with tions of the Northwest Ter- Filipino origin were some- the age of 15 represented 24 said they had no religious adults were married. The
18 percent of the populace. ritories and the Yukon. what more likely than the percent of the Filipino com- affiliation. figure was 50 percent
Most Filipino immi- In 2001, 62 percent of overall population to be munity, versus 19 percent Language adept among Canadian adults.
grants arrived in the past the community lived in To- children or young adults in of the overall population. Almost all Canadians of (To page 12)
12 FEATURE Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

Filipinos in Canada ... extended family.

In 2001, 26 percent of
Filipinos with post-sec-
ondary qualifications were
Employment trends
Filipino-Canadians
were generally less likely to
be unemployed.
(From page 11) Filipino-Canadian seniors more likely to hold degrees were generally more likely In 2001, just 5.7 percent
On the other hand, Fili- Canadian adults of Fili- lived with relatives such in highly technical fields. to be employed than other had no jobs, compared with
pino-rooted adults were less pino origin were also much as the family of a son or In 2001, they made up Canadians. a national 7.4 percent.
likely than other Canadian less likely than other adults daughter, whereas this was about two percent of all uni- In 2001, 72 percent of As the others, young
adults to live in a common- to live alone. the case for only five per- versity graduates in Canada, Filipino labor force partici- Filipino-Canadians were
law relationship. In 2001, only five per- cent of Canadian seniors. representing three percent pants had jobs, compared more likely to be unem-
In 2001, just four per- cent of the community aged Better educated of those with degrees in with a national figure of 62 ployed than older adults.
cent were living common- 15 and over lived alone, Filipino-Canadian adults engineering or applied sci- percent. But the unemployment
law, compared with ten per- compared with 13 percent were much more likely than ence, and another three per- The men (73 percent) rate of young Filipinos was
cent of all Canadian adults. of all adult Canadians. the rest of the population to cent of those with degrees were more likely than wom- below that of young people
Filipino-Canadians Filipino seniors were have a university degree. in health-related professions en )70 percent) to be work- overall.
were about as likely as the especially unlikely to live In 2001, some 31 per- and technologies. ing outside the home and be In 2001, ten percent of
rest of the population to be alone. In 2001, only seven cent of the community aged Unlike the overall popu- part of the paid workforce. all Filipino labor force par-
lone parents. percent of them lived alone, 15 and over had either a lation, Filipino-Canadian Filipino-Canadians ticipants aged 15 to 24 were
In 2001, six percent compared with 29% of all bachelor’s or post-graduate women had somewhat more made up a high proportion unemployed, compared to
of Filipino adults, most of seniors in Canada. degree, more than double education than their male of all those employed in 14 percent of their counter-
them women, aged 15 and In contrast, Filipino the figure for the overall counterparts. health occupations and in parts in the population.
over were lone parents, the seniors were much more adult population, only 15 In 2001, 33 percent of manufacturing. Incomes
same proportion as for Ca- likely than other seniors to percent of whom had a de- women of Filipino origin In 2001, Filipinos made Filipino-Canadians gen-
nadian adults. live with members of their gree. had a university degree, up about one percent of all erally had lower incomes
compared to 27 percent of workers, but represented than the national average.
the males. In comparison, two percent of people em- In 2000, the average in-
in the overall population, ployed in health occupa- come from all sources for
only 16 percent of men and tions and in manufacturing. Filipino-Canadians aged
15 percent of women had a In contrast, their rep- 15 and over was $24,600,
university degree. resentation was dispropor- compared with an average
Young people of Filipino tionately low among those of almost $30,000 for all
origin were about as likely holding management po- Canadian adults.
as other young Canadians to sitions, as well as among The average income
be attending school. those employed in educa- for Filipino women was
In 2001, 57 percent of tion, government and the $22,500, several hundreds
Filipino-Canadians aged 15 social sciences. of dollars less than that of
to 24 were enrolled in a full- Filipino-Canadians were Filipino men.
time academic program, the considerably less likely than Filipino-Canadian se-
same proportion as in the those in the overall work- niors also had relatively low
overall population. force to be self-employed. incomes.
However, as with the In 2001, only four per- In 2000, their average
overall population, young cent in the community income from all sources
Filipino women (58 per- worked for themselves, stood at about $16,800, al-
cent) were more likely than compared with 12 percent of most $8,000 less than the
their male counterparts (56 the Canadian labor force. income for all seniors.
percent) to be attending Unemployment The average income for
school. Statistics showed they (To page 13)
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor FEATURE 13
Filipinos in Canada, a growing ... nadians had experienced discrimination or

ADVERTISE WITH
unfair treatment based on their ethnicity,
(From page 12) race, religion, language or accent in the past
women seniors was $15,400, compared ticipated in an organization such as a sports five years, or since they arrived in Canada.
with $19,400 for senior men. team or community association in the 12 A majority or 64 percent, said they felt
In 2000, Filipino-Canadians aged 15 months preceding the survey. it was based on their race or skin color.
and over said 88 percent of their income Discrimination About 69 percent said the discrimina-
came from earnings, while the figure for all
Canadian adults was 77 percent.
The census also showed that at least
over one-third (37 percent) of Filipino-Ca-
tion had occurred in the workplace or when
applying for a job. CALL 416-285-8583
In contrast, they got much less of their
income from government transfer payments
than other Canadians.
Low-income cut-off
Filipino-Canadians were about as likely
as the rest of the population to have in-
comes that fall below Statistics Canada’s
Low-income Cut-offs.
In 2000, the incomes of 16 percent in
the community were below the Low-in-
come Cut-offs.
Filipino-Canadian children (18 percent)
were about as likely as other children (19
percent) to live in a low-income family.
Unattached Filipino-Canadian adults
were somewhat more likely than other un-
attached adults to have low incomes.
In 2000, about 48 percent of unattached
adults of Filipino origin had low incomes,
compared with 38 percent of their counter-
parts in the population.
Filipino unattached seniors were also
particularly likely to have low incomes.
I am Canadian, eh
According to the Ethnic Diversity Sur-
vey, 78 percent of Filipino-Canadians felt a
strong sense of belonging to Canada.
But at the same time, 89 percent admit-
ted they had a strong sense of belonging to
their ethnic or cultural group.
In 2002, about 73 percent of those eli-
gible to vote reported doing so in the 2000
federal election, while 74 percent said they
voted in the provincial election.
At least 41 percent said they had par-
14 FEATURE Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

Kindergarten: School and Home Learning 101

Starting school is an exciting Parents can point things out (e.g.,
time of many firsts for a child. changes in the weather, the sea-
In the Toronto District School sons, construction, etc.).
Board (TDSB), teachers work ► At school, children will
with every child to ensure they are learn about numbers, shapes, pat-
successful at school. terns, estimating, and measuring.
There are also many things They will talk about their ideas
parents can do at home to help and what they are learning. At
make starting school a positive home, parents can talk about num-
and rewarding experience for bers, shapes, and patterns at home
their child. and outside. Parents and child can
By encouraging a child to try play games together (matching
new activities and experiences, and counting, cards, simple board
by talking about these, and asking games). When cooking, parents
and answering questions, parents can let the child help with measur-
help build a foundation for suc- ing ingredients. Parents can also
cess at school. involve the child in sorting (e.g.
Here are some tips the TDSB Children emote a deep sense of achievement and self-confidence after showing off their toys, clothes, putting away gro-
has provided for a complementing talents in the recent Toronto Catholic District School Board-initiated Filipino International ceries).
learning experience for the kin- Language festival. Such self-confidence and achievement may be developed with compe- ► At school, children will
dergarten child: mentary learning in school and at home, with everyone doing their part to keep children create art, explore and use art ma-
► At school, children will mentally fit and morally strong. terials, build structures, take part
encounter new people and situ- in music, drama, and movement
ations. At home, parents can in- and to go home. At home, parents ► At school, children will lis- ers, and pencils for drawing and activities. At home, parents can
volve their child in new situations can encourage the child to put on ten to stories, poems, and informa- writing their own ideas. At home, encourage the child’s imagination
where the latter will meet new jacket, boots, snowpants, etc. in- tion. They will look at, talk about, parents can involve the child in and creativity through drawing,
people (e.g., going to the library dependently. and read books on their own and drawing and writing in everyday building, singing, moving to mu-
for storytime). ► At school, children will with others. At home, parents can activities at home (e.g., making sic, and acting out stories.
► At school, children will make choices (e.g., activities in tell stories, say poems, and sing cards, signing own name, draw- ► At school, children will use
communicate needs to other chil- the class, materials to use). At songs in their own language. ing pictures). Parents can praise a variety of materials and equip-
dren and adults. At home, parents home, parents can help the child Parents can read to the child and the child’s attempts to draw and ment to develop large and small
can encourage the child to use make choices (e.g., which clothes talk about the pictures, ideas, and write. They can also talk about the muscles. At home, parents can
language to make his/her needs to wear, activities to do). words. They can point out signs, child’s name and the letters in it. provide opportunities for the child
known (e.g., going to the wash- ► At school, children will words, and numbers in the home ► At school, children will ex- to exercise and use large muscles
room, getting a drink) and to solve share materials and spaces with and community. plore nature in the world around (e.g., running, climbing, playing
problems (e.g., when sharing with other children. At home, parents ► At school, children will see them and talk about what they see with a ball) and small muscles
others). can give the child opportunities to adults and other children write for and learn. At home, parents can (e.g., using crayons or markers,
► At school, children will be with other children, share, and different purposes. They will use talk to the child about the things playdough, puzzles or toys with
dress themselves to play outside take turns. materials such as crayons, mark- that can be seen and heard outside. pieces that fit together).

Does a ? ... FCT sets ... FCT, community glitter in Cabbagetown Festival
(From page 7) (From page 6)
Manila Times story on than 20 patients.
Sept. 8: “In an effort to rec- FCT would also conduct
oncile, Pres. Arroyo grants on Sept. 30 a diabetes semi-
amnesty to communist reb- nar, kicking off the season’s
els.” series of free health lectures
Ayos, matapos ang every last Sunday of the
araw-araw na palitan ng month, except in summer.
putukan, sa simbahan din D’Orazio said a new line
ang tuloy, wika nga. dancing group called Kool-
*** boots has been making the
Canada News Wire rounds in community events
feed, Sept. 8: “Parents in and around Toronto. FCT KOOLBOOTS goes street line dancing.
and children encouraged Koolboots is composed
to pick up a book on In- of habitues of FCT’s regular
ternational Literacy Day” line dancing sessions con-
O, ‘yong mga Playboy ducted every Tuesday eve-
diyan. Ang sabi, “to pick ning at the Rizal Hall under
up a book”, and not the dance instructor Odie Arena VINCENT and VANESSA sing to an SRO crowd
usual ones you pick up. for $5.00 a session.
*** The FCT Koolboots con-
Broadcast of Talakayan quered downtown Toronto
radio program, produced by streets with a fine display
my good friend Jess Cabrias of line dancing during the FCT, led by president Lynda Javier, joins parade.
over Fairchild Radio, 1430 Sept. 8 and 9 Cabbagetown
AM, Saturday, Aug. 18: Festival, D’Orazio said. FCT officers Nen-
Co-host May Cabrias: The center is also set ette de Villa (left)
“Diyan kami mananangha- to start in the first week of and Vicky Santiago
lian sa Earl Bales, Myrna. October its free Homework (right) show support
Darating kami diyan.” Club and Filipino classes to one of Toronto’s
Unto May, I say: “May for students and adults. old traditions, the
naman, ginawa mo nang The Homework Club annual Cabbag-
telepono ang microphone and Filipino classes would The Filipino community’s Santacruzan is a spec- etown Festival.
mo sa radio.” come one after another on tacle in the Cabbagetown Festival parade.
*** Saturdays; whi9le the adult
E-mail received from class are scheduled on Tues-
the Canadian National Ex- day evenings.
hibition, Aug. 29: “Young
and Restless Stars” Meet matanda na kasi) …”.
Fans at CNE. E-mail received from
E-mail I received from Butch Galicia, Aug. 30:
PPC-O president Tenny Gawa tayo ng bagong soap
Soriano on Aug. 27, “Can opera, “The Old and The
you please remind me (tu- Rested”.
 WHO? WHAT? 15 SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor

PCCT TRADE SHOW

Exhibitor sales, exposure double

Exhibitors at
the Aug. 18 Phil-
ippine Chamber
of Commerce
(PCCT) Trade
Show 2007 at the
Metro Toronto
Convention Cen-
tre expressed joy
on the doubled ex-
posure and sales
they had - com-
pared with previ-
ous years, with
some 9,000 people
at the event.
PCCT presi-
dent Rafael Ne-
bres and trade
show chair Os-
wald Tugadi cited
the exhibitors and
called on busi-
nessmen to sign
up early for future
trade shows.
Nebres said
the PCCT trade
show was undeni-
ably the biggest,
cheapest and best AT THE TRADE SHOW. (From left) PCCT President
event for expo- Paeng Nebres, PCCT VP Oswald Tugadi and Slyvia Ne-
sure of products bres join artist Stephanie Reese and boyfriend Niño in
and services in the a poser.
community.
Since 2004, the PCCT has partnered with the Philippine Independence Day Coun-
cil in conducting trade shows during the annual PIDC Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto
Summer Festival. Nebres and Tugadi also thanked all those who participated and
helped in making the trade show a hit. PR

FREIGHT
Door To Door Parcel Service & Money Remittance
To The Philippines
Servicing Luzon, Visayas & Mindanao
KUNG ANG HANAP AY SERBISYONG MAAASAHAN,
GOLDEN ISLAND FREIGHT ANG TAWAGAN.
METRO MANILA
LUZON PROV. - I $ 65 $ 55 LUZON PROV.- III $ 75
Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan & Covers all other areas in Luzon
(Includes Angono, Antipolo, Binangonan & Taytay) not mentioned in I & II
other parts of Rizal Province

VISAYAS LUZON PROV. - I $ 65 MINDANAO

Batangas, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bataan & Zambales
$ 85 $ 90
Head Office / Warehouse
FOR PICK-UP SERVICE, CALL: Manila Office
3181 Wolfodale Road Unit 10
Mississauga, Ontario
(905) 615 0209 or (416) 994 3608 # 1 Diamond St., Ciudad Grande
Executive Village, Taytay, Rizal
Tel. (905) 615 0209 & (416) 994 3808 Office / Warehouse: (632) 451 1371
16 WHO? WHAT? Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

G
Aiden
Raphael
Gaborno
andang
TONNIE FURTO
Aiden Raphael
(inset, right pho-
to) is the first-
born of Randolph
and Anne Sunga
Gaborno. Born on
Aug. 16 at 2:42
p.m. at the St. Mi-
chael’s Hospital,
he weighed 8.2
pounds and mea-
sured 21 cms. AG

Jalen Angco
Born on Aug. 15 at 7.6 pounds, Jalen
(left photo) joins parents Sen and
Vanessa and siblings Trey and Taryn
bring joy to the Angco family. Jalen’s
grandparents are Tony and Paulette
Angco and Joe and Pina Morale. CP

Davis
Whiting
Loving parents Geoff
and Jacinda Figueroa-
Whiting presents Baby
Davis (all seated, center)
during Davis’ christen-
ing reception on Sept. 9.
Joining them are (seat-
ed, from left) godpar-
ents Kevin Whiting and

Cell No. 647-868-5935

Laurian Huigens and
(standing, from left)
grandparents Dave and
Sandy Whiting and Judy
and Leigh Mackey. CP
Hair and make-up by TONNIE FURTO
Debutante Lou-Anne San Juan UPAA donation for calamity-hit Bicol areas

Lou-Anne San Juan (left) celebrates her debut with (from 2nd left) father Antonio,
brother Raphael, mother Maria Teresa and sister Lilia-Anne in a party tendered by
family and friends on Aug. 10. Lou-Anne, an Ontario scholar and Jean Vanier CSS
Honors With Distinction graduate, is a Sociology and English honor student at the
University of Toronto. PR
The University of the Philip-
Debutante Nikky Cajucom pines Alumni Association (UPAA)
Toronto has reported the comple-
tion of its donation of 11 boxes
of books and hospital supplies to
identified recipients in Legazpi
City and other Typhoon Reming-
hit areas in Bicol, the Philippines.
UPAA’s Mila Magno said the
donation was sent to St. Agnes
Academy (SAA) and received on
Aug. 25 by Aquinas University
(AU) President Fr. Ramonclaro
Mendez OP, SAA Principal Sr.
Bernardita Bernas and Fr. Joseph
Raquid OP. (See photo above)
AU Hospital’s charity ward
would get seven of the boxes con-
taining hospital and medical sup-
plies.
SAA would receive four boxes
Debutante Nikky Cajucom poses with escort and the rest of the entourage who joined her in the Cotillion de Honor during her debut party full of encyclopedias, reference
on July 21. Nikky’s parents are Alex and Helen Cajucom. Leonie and Joe Manzanares cheoreographed and directed the cotillion. PR books and other school literature.
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor WHO? WHAT? 17
BIRTHDAYS Barangay Picnickers led by “Barangay Capitan” Nani Isip pose for posterity during their annual
trek to Tobermory, a scenic lakeport resort south of Toronto. Among those in right photo
Tobermory are Rolando “Lala“ Felix and wife Carmelita, son Christian and daughter Charmaine and
Jazmyn Calnek close friends. AS

Jazmyn Punsalan Calnek celebrates

her birth anniversary with family and
friends at the
Golden Valley
Banquet Hall
on Sept. 8.
The daughter
of Jennifer
Punsalan and
Sheldon Cal-
nek, Jazmyn
turned
13 on
Sept.
6. CP

ROLOVES AND
JACQUELINE
MANGANTE
concelebrated their birth
anniversaries (Sept. 1 and
11, respectively) in a party
tendered by Papa Rolly,
Mama Nieves and brother
Reymond at Prestige on
Sept. 9.

PPCO
B-Guys
Philippine Press
Club Ontario (PPCO) TIJAM
vice president Rose
Tijam, director Mon
Datol and member
Mike Caducio get
greetings from col-
leagues, led by pres-
ident Tenny Soriano,
during the PPCO an-
nual summer gath- CADUCIO
ering at the Tigley
residence on Sept.
8. Tijam had her
birth anniversary on
Aug. 28, Caducio on
Sept. 1 and Datol on
Sept. 13.
DATOL

ZHC skeds Fiesta

Pilar, 21st year fete
Zamboanga Hermosa Canada is all set
to celebrate the Fiesta Pilar (Feast of Our
Lady of the Pillar), patroness of Zambo-
anga City, and its 21st anniversary.
The anniversary celebration will take
place at the Larry Taylor Auditorium on
Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
Formal attire is requested for the dinner
dance.
The Fiesta Pilar celebration will start
with a nine-day novena in honor of the
Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, begin-
ning Oct. 4.
It will take place at different homes
where her image will be brought to.
A special mass in her honor will be cel-
ebrated at the Sts. Peter and Paul Church in
Mississauga on Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. After the
Mass, a potluck luncheon will be served in
the church social hall.
All Zamboangueños are invited to at-
tend with their families and friends. AIDA
D’ ORAZIO
18 WHO? WHAT? Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

BCI founder’s visit

Bicol Canada Inc. (BCI) founder Cynthia Mirasol (2nd from left) joins (from
left) Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto president Paeng Nebres;
Carol Martin and BCI former president Jess Cabrias during a recent visit to
Toronto. Photo: Talakayan Radio News

Home Karaoke 17th anniversary serves Rey leads TAFAT officers in induction
venue to fight stage fright: karaoke fan Incoming president Oli-
ver Rey will lead other offi-
Luz Pajarillo-Sider, as-
sistant secretary; Nenita
cers of the Featineans Asso- Recaido, treasurer; Norma
ciation of Toronto (TAFAT) Guanzon, assistant treasur-
when they are inducted into er; Samuel Mata, business
office at the Garnett Wil- manager; Rudy Olay, audi-
liams Community Centre in tor; and Tony A. San Juan,
Vaughn on Sept. 29. PRO. REY
Thornhill MPP Mario Also to be sworn in are TAFAT banner projects
Racco is guest speaker and directors Cesar Banda, Tir- and programs include schol-
inducting officer. He served so Balitian, Dr. Fe Quiran- arship grants at Feati Uni-
as Vaughn councillor. te-Flora; Tom Flores; Car- versity and relief support
Besides Rey, to be in- men Jayme, Arthur Lasam, and aid, through the Phil-
ducted are Max Recaido, Oscar Lei, Julio Permejo, ippine Consulate General’s
first vice president; Florie Eric Serapio, Glen Tagui- Office, to calamity-hit com-
Silang, second vice presi- cana, Violy Vilan and Jun patriots in the Philippines.
dent; Rez Paje, secretary; Viterbo. JOJO TADURAN

There’s no place ...

(From page 9)

Home Karaoke Ltd. President Andrew Cheng (5th from left) led employees
and some customers in organizing the production of a show marking his
company’s 17th anniversary celebration in Scarborough, Sept. 8. Home
Karaoke, located on Sheppard Avenue East in Scarborough, is a designer,
importer, distributor, wholesaler-retailer of all kinds of karaoke products, in-
cluding mini DVD, DVD, VCD and CDC karaoke machines, mixers, wireless
and magic microphones. (Home Karaoke Photo)
“One thing good with customers to likewise sing as a launching pad of Home
this event is that it helps in public: Noel and Gemma Karaoke’s new product, the
people like us to fight our Lalicon, Joyce Manong- “Bullet & Scissor” - a por-
fear of the stage,” Erdie song, Jay Sese, Nicole Lee table wireless microphone
Ibanez told Manila Media Pack, Aron John Isip, Char- system that would fit into Endless fun and camaraderie mark the camping event of the Isabela Cultural
Monitor during a conversa- lie Bella, Maria Theresa wired microphones, con- Organization of Ontario.
tion at the 17th anniversary Panaligan, Emile Salomon, verting the same into wire-
of Home Karaoke in Scar- David Cheung, Roger Chan, less system.
borough, Ontario, Sept. 8. Camille Mendoza, the twins Home Karaoke is a de-
Ibanez, who never had Nicole and Danielle Caru- signer, importer, distributor,
been on a stage before and so, Vincent Sean Villanueva wholesaler-retailer of all
faced the public to speak, and Danny Mak. kinds of karaoke products,
much more to sing, ren- The performers may be including mini DVD, DVD,
dered a song for everyone. amateurs, but their partici- VCD and CDC karaoke ma-
True to his word that pation augmented master chines, mixers, wireless and
his company makes ama- showman Andrew Cheng’s magic microphones.
teurs as professionals, An- celebration as profession- For more information on
drew Cheng, president of ally done - complete with the company and its various
Home Karaoke, was able script and everything. products, please visit www.
to convince several other The occasion also served homekaraoke.com.

Varona named Marshall McLuhan Fellow

Veteran journalist Inday Espina-Varona (center sive or inclusive. youth. I felt like a teenager we are constituted the sum
in photo) was named the Marshall McLuhan Fel- That weekend, we cel- again because I was sur- of all the moments of our
low, during the recent awarding ceremonies of the ebrated what it meant to be rounded by the tastes and lives, including the place of
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility-or- a Filipino. We celebrated a smells of my childhood. our birth.
ganized Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in shared culture. For a brief time, my It was an amazing week-
Journalism. Awarding Espina-Varona were Steven The food, the talk, the cares and worries slipped end. I didn’t realize how
Rheault Kihara (left), Political and Economic Re- games (both adult and away. All of this because much I missed my “back
lations Counsellor of the Canadian Embassy, and children’s) - all were as a group of dedicated and home” until the Isabela
Rizalina Mantaring, executive vice-president of important to the Isabelans, committed people, the Isa- group of incredible, warm
Sunlife Financial Corp, major sponsor of the prize as it should be to the com- bela group, went out of their and wonderful people took
Espina-Varona topped investigative reporting munity. way to create a moment of the time to remind me.
in the non-daily division for her article “Leyte sea For a brief time, I was shared culture and memo- There is no place like
roils from rape of WW2 ships” published in the Philippine Graphic in October 2006. PR transported back to my ries, to remind us that what home. Really, there isn’t.
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor 19

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
Startec Global (2) Dr. Heidi Amado-Gonzales C
CENTUM TR

Joseph Macaraeg
Mortgage Broker
54 Scarborough Golf Club Rd.
Goldentuller & Associates (3) Family Dentistry (23) Scarborough, ON M1M 3C5
Rolly’s Garage (3)
Dr. Evangeline M. Bernabe &
Associates (3)
Mabelle Villamor (23)
Mila Echevarria (24)
Mary’s Esthetics (25)
L Business: (416) 266-0332
Fax: (416) 266-0332
Cell: (416) 271-7605
E-mail: jmacaraeg19@rogers.com
Dr. Arla Rondilla Dentistry
Professional Corp. (5)
Dr. Albine A. Miciano
UMAC Toronto (25)
Dr. Bernarda Rosales
Verzonilla Family &
A Each Office is Independently Owned And Operated

Thinking of buying or selling your home

Cosmetic & General
Dentistry (6)
Action Honda (7)
Cosmetic Dentistry (27)
Laguna Jewellers (28)
Liland Insurance Inc. (29)
S Buying
GET OUR FREE $AVINGS PLANS

* Free Mortgage Approval

Selling
* Free Home Evaluation
Ellesmere-Kennedy Dental
Centre (10)
Kaakbay Financial Services
Dr. Miriam Bernacer (30)
Lovely Travel & Tours
Int’l, Inc. (30)
S * Free Home Inspection
* Free Moving Truck
* Mo Lawyer Fee
* Free Moving Truck
AREZO AFGHANZADA, Sales Rep

I
(11) Arme Ortega-Braiden (31) HomeLife Elite Services Realty Inc., Brokerage
New Conservatory of Music Roadsport Honda (32) Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
OCDC Parcel Services (33) 416.283.1555 416.879.2500
(12)

F
Dr. Roslyn Sim-Sabilano Russell International (34)

TALL PAT TOURS, GARY

& Associates (12) Superb Travel (36)
Golden Mile Motors Ltd. (13) Shoe City Canada (36)

I
Mortgage Intelligence (13) Clemente Cabillan (36)
Golden Island Freight (15) Innovation (36) Bus Trips: Detroit - Sept. 29 - $55;
musicpad.com (15) Yellow Bird Driver’s Training Grove City - Nov. 25 - $55
E
Gandang Tonnie Furto (16) Centre (37)
Forex (17) T.H.D. Consultants (37) Call (416) 636-8755, (647) 224-8470,
Home Karaoke (18) Timeless Images (37) (416) 562-3801 Gary; www.tallpat.com
CHIN Radio (38)
D
Academy of Learning (19)
Ma. Louisa Diaz (20)
QP8 CONCERT- TOP STARS
RCT Travel (38)
New Look Beauty & Hair
WANTED
PRODUCTIONS(21) Lounge (39) PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT
Moneygram (22)
Front Page Philippines (22)
Dr. Santiago & Associates (40)
Fairview Dental Centre (40) S - With sunny disposition
- Enthusiastic
MORE EXPOSURE, LESSER COSTS - H.A.R.P. - Certified
For AD RATES, Call 416-285-8583 Please call ROWENA at (416) 421-5625
20 Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor 21
 (ALFPAGE#??X?PDF0-

22 Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

Take Your Marketing Efforts To The Next Level ...

RETHINK ... YOUR BUDGET

ADVERTISE ON TELEVISION Key Strengths of Television Advertising:
... and when your target is ● TV has the highest reach of any medium in Canada
● TV is well-suited in marketing products & services with broad appeal
the Filipino Canadian market ● TV is a prestigious medium, enhancing the advertisers’ image by its use
● TV appeals to more of the consumers’ senses than any other medium

...‘Front Page Philippines’ TV ● TV has high impact with consumers through dynamic & visual messages
ll
C e-mail:Tel.
a (416) 285-8583 ● TV has the ability to reach consumers in remote areas
frontpagephilippines@rogers.com
Front Page Philippines airs on Rogers Cable (serving Toronto)- Cable 14; Aurora Cable (serving Aurora)-
Cable 23; COGECO (serving Oakville/ Burlington)- Cable 29; in Hamilton- and in households being served
by COGECO, including Fergus, Georgetown and Grimsby, OMNI.2 TV is on Cable 18; in Hamilton, and in
households being served by Mountain Cable, OMNI 2 is on Cable 20; in the Niagara and the St. Catherines
area, OMNI.2 is on (COGECO) Cable 15; in Peterborough on COGECO, Channel 19; in Ottawa, OMNI.2 TV
is on Rogers, Cable 14; in London, Ontario, OMNI.2 is, likewise, on Rogers 14; in the St. Thomas, Strathroy
area- on Rogers, Cable 14; in Tillsonburg and Woodstock, OMNI.2 TV is on Rogers, Cable 14; in the
Georgian Bay area, including Collingwood, Midland and Owen Sound, OMNI.2 TV is on Rogers 14.

OMNI.2 could be accessed over-the-air on Channel 69 by close to one million viewers who rely on antenna
systems.
Front Page Philippines
Front Page Philippines is currently available across Canada to Starchoice subscribers on channel 395, and
airs on OMNI Television
to ExpressVu subscribers on channel 216. LOOK TV carries OMNI. 2 on channel 70. Subscribers to Rogers
Sundays : 11 AM Digital Cable can access OMNI.2 on channel 509.
Thursdays: 12 PM
 The PHILIPPINES SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor 23

ERAP GUILTY
MANILA - The Sandi- Estrada said he submit-
ganbayan or the Philippine ted himself to the rule of
anti-graft court on Sept. 12 law despite warnings from
found former President Jo- lawyers.
seph ‘Erap’ Estrada guilty “My lawyers have al-
of plunder, and sentenced ready warned me but this
him to a maximum 40-year is the forum where I can
jail term. The court, acquit- tell the Filipino people of
ted Estrada of perjury. my innocence so I took the
Estrada described the gamble and this is what I
Sandiganbayan as a ‘kan- ESTRADA got. This is really a kanga-
garoo court’, saying “this is roo court,” he said.
a special division created to President, the court also Estrada lawyers are
convict me.” ordered the forfeiture in fa- studying options to either
Estrada told journal- vor of the government the file a motion for reconsid-
ists as he was led out of the amount of P542 million de- eration or elevate the case
courtroom: “Mas mainam posited in the Erap Muslim to the Supreme Court.
pa na ma-convict ako ng Youth Foundation, another Sad episode
tao kaysa sa isang kanga- P189 million in the so- Meanwhile, Press Sec-
roo court. (I’d be happy if called Jose Velarde account retary Ignacio Bunye called
my sentence was made by and real property known on the Filipino people to re-
the Filipino people than by as the Boracay mansion in spect the Sandiganbayan’s
a kangaroo court.)” New Manila, Quezon City. decision, as the rule of law
Properties seized Following the promul- has prevailed.
Two other co-accused, gation, Presiding Justice “We have a country to
one of them his son, Sen. Teresita Leonardo de Cas- run, an economy to grow,
Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and tro ordered the continuous and a peace to win. We
lawyer Edward Serapio, detention of Estrada at his hope that this sad episode in
were acquitted of the plun- private rest house in Tanay, our history will not perma-
der case. Rizal. nently distract us from these
In sentencing the former Warned by gambled goals,” Bunye said.

Bush cites RP drive vs local terror cells

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd from right) is all smiles as she

poses with United States President George W. Bush (3rd from left) and six
other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) after a
luncheon meeting hosted for them by President Bush on Sept. 7 at the Inter-
continental Sydney in Sydney, Australia. During the meeting, Bush cited the
fight against terrorism being waged by the Philippine government. (Photo:
Rolando Mailo/OPS-NIB)

House activates committees to study GMA amnesty proclamation

MANILA - The Philippine mation was a “sig- or City Peace and for ransom, use and trafficking of and Arturo Tabara,” the Dutch na-
House of Representatives on Sept. nificant first step in Order Council Am- illegal drugs and other crimes for tional prosecutor’s office said in a
7 activated its committees on na- our collective search nesty Centers within personal ends and violations of in- statement.
tional defense, public order and for peaceful means six months from ef- ternational law or convention and Kintanar and Tabara led a CPP
security , and peace, reconcili- to end the four-de- fectivity of the proc- protocols, even if alleged to have faction that broke away from the
ation and unity to look into and, cades-old Commu- lamation. been committed in pursuit of po- party in the early 1990s.
perhaps concur with, President nist insurgency, the Section 2 of the litical beliefs.” PNA, OPS They were said to have been
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Proc- longest running in proclamation pro- Jose Maria Sison assassinated by the New People’s
lamation 1377 granting amnesty Asia.” vided that the am- Relatedly, communist rebel Army, the CPP’s armed wing.
to communist rebels. Under the proc- nesty “shall cover groups have started studying the Philippine government and
The proclamation, which lamation, amnesty the crime of rebel- implications of the proclamation NDF officials have been trying
Arroyo signed before flying to would be granted JOSE MA. SISON lion and all other to the Aug. 28 arrest and contin- to broker a peaceful settlement of
Sydney for the 15th Asia-Pacific to members of the crimes included ued detention of CPP founder and the insurgency but the talks were
Economic Cooperation Leaders Communist Party of the Philip- therein or incident thereto in pur- NDF consultant Jose Maria Sison stalled in the last three years af-
Meeting, came less than a month pines (CPP), its armed group New suit of political belief as defined in the Netherlands where he has ter the CPP, NPA and Sison were
after Speaker Jose de Venecia pro- People’s Army and political unit by jurisprudence, whether pun- been living in exile since 1987. included in the terror watchlists
posed an all-encompassing am- National Democratic Front (NDF) ishable under the Revised Penal “The communist leader was of the United States, European
nesty program to further enhance and other communist rebel groups Code or special laws.” suspected of giving orders, from Union and other countries.
prospects for national reconcilia- who would apply under oath with Not covered by the proposed the Netherlands, to murder his The Philippines and the Neth-
tion and unity. the National Committee on So- amnesty were “crimes against former political associates in the erlands have no extradition treaty.
De Venecia said the procla- cial Integration and the Provincial chastity, rape, torture, kidnapping Philippines, Romulo Kintanar Web sources
24 PHILIPPINE HISTORY Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

Sept. 15, 1898: Revolutionary Congress convoked

In accordance with the
decrees of June 18 and 23, Excerpts from the Malolos Constitution
1898, Philippine Revolu- Article 3. Sovereignty resides exclusively in the
tionary President General people.
Emilio Aguinaldo convoked Article 5. The State recognizes the freedom and
the Revolutionary Congress equality of all religions, as well as the separation of
at Barasoain, Malolos. Church and State.
The events that un- Article 19. No Filipino in the full enjoyment of his
folded during the convoca- civil and political rights shall be hindered in the free
tion of Congress were best exercise of the same.
described in History of the Article 20.1. Neither shall any Filipino be deprived
Filipino People by Teodoro of: The right of expressing freely his ideas and opin-
A. Agoncillo and History ions either by word or by writing, availing himself of the
of Bulacan by Francisco press or any other similar means.
Calalang. Article 20.2. Neither shall any Filipino be deprived
The delegates to the of: The right of joining any association for all the ob-
Congress constituted the jects of human life which may not be contrary to public
cream of the country’s pro- morals.
fessionals and intellectuals. Article 23. Any Filipino can found and maintain
An official directory of establishments of instruction or of education, in ac-
the Malolos Assembly of Members of the Philippine Revolutionary Congress convene for their first cordance with the regulations that may be established.
Representatives listed 201 session in the historic Barasoain Church on Sept. 15, 1898. They elected Popular education shall be obligatory and gratuitous in
members who served the Pedro Paterno as Congress President.. the schools of the nation.
body at one time or another.
Most historians, however, knowledged the applause. Second Secretary. no, partly said in Tagalog: Calderon, also set aside, but draft of the constitution and
have placed the Assembly Then, he stood up and read The Congress’ first sig- “now we witness the truth subtly, Paterno’s constitu- sent it to Aguinaldo for ap-
membership at only 130. his message - written by Fe- nificant act was the Sept. 29 of what the famous Presi- tional plan, which smelled proval.
In the morning of Sept. lipe Buencamino - first in ratification of the indepen- dent Monroe said to the ef- strongly of the Spanish Owing to Mabini’s ob-
15, the basilica at Barasoain Tagalog, then in Spanish. dence proclaimed at Kawit, fect that the United States Constitution of 1869. jections to some provisions
was filled with delegates He then announced that Cavite on June 12, 1898. was for the Americans; now With the advise of Cay- in the Constitution, Agui-
and spectators. Outside, the the ceremonies were over Aguinaldo, whose office I say that the Philippines is etano Arellano, a brilliant naldo did not immediately
Banda Pasig played the Na- and that Congress was to and official residence were for the Filipinos.” but unreconstructed mes- promulgate it. The leaders
tional Anthem. convene after electing its located at the convent of A committee to draft tizo, Calderon drew up his of Congress compromised
With President Agui- officers. Malolos Church, arrived at the constitution was created plans for a constitution, by inserting some amend-
naldo seated inside the hall, In the afternoon, the Barasoain, where Congress with Felipe G. Calderon as deriving inspiration from ments.
the secretary read the names Congress elected Pedro A. was holding its sessions on its most prominent member. the constitutions of Mexico, After the promulgation
of the delegates, after which Paterno as President; Beni- Sept. 29. Having set Apolinario Belgium, Guatemala, Costa of the Malolos Constitution
Aguinaldo was introduced. to Legarda, Vice-President; The ceremonies began at Mabini’s Constitutional Rica, Brazil and France. on Jan. 21, 1899, the first
Cries of “Viva!” re- Gregorio Araneta, First Sec- 10:30 a.m. and Aguinaldo, Program aside, the commit- In the Oct. 8 session, Philippine Republic was in-
verberated. Aguinaldo ac- retary; and Pablo Ocampo, after congratulating Pater- tee. under the influence of Calderon presented the augurated on Jan. 23, 1899.
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor PHILIPPINE HISTORY 25
Sept. 21, 1972: Democratic Congress revoked
On Sept. 21, 1972, Phil-
ippine President from 1966 PROCLAMATION No. 1081
to 1986 Ferdinand E. Mar- PROCLAIMING A STATE OF MARTIAL LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES
cos went public and issued
Proclamation 1081 placing ... NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Phil-
the entire archipelago under ippines, by virtue of the powers vested upon me by Article VII, Section 10,
martial rule. Paragraph (‘2) of the Constitution, do hereby place the entire Philippines as
With the stroke of a pen, defined in Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution under martial law and, in
Marcos clamped the powers my capacity as their commander-in-chief, do hereby command the armed
of the Philippine Congress forces of the Philippines, to maintain law and order throughout the Philip-
and assumed its legislative pines, prevent or suppress all forms of lawless violence as well as any act
responsibilities. of insurrection or rebellion and to enforce obedience to all the laws and
During the 1972 to 1981 decrees, orders and regulations promulgated by me personally or upon
martial law era, Marcos One of the major acts of (left) former Philippine President Ferdi- my direction ... (Bold ours. This phrase is the only reference that can be
wrote and issued a heap of nand E. Marcos (born on Sept. 11, 1917 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte and attributed to the revocation of Congress. The Editor)
orders, decrees, general or- died on Sept. 28, 1989 in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.)
ders, letters of instruction when he signed Presidential Proclamation 1081,
and other self-styled laws that declared martial law throughout the entire
he said was intended to spur Philippines, was to assume absolute legislative
a Democratic Revolution powers, thereby closing down (right) a duly-con-
(as opposed to an emerging stituted Congress.
Red Tide) and build a New
Society that would make the tions then prevailing and, convening of the Regular
Philippines “great again.” perhaps too, show the real Batasang Pambansa (Na-
Was the absolute re- intent of Marcos to do away tional Assembly) in 1984.
vocation of power to pass with Congress. The other was the In-
laws vested upon Congress However, four years lat- terim Batasang Pambansa
by the Constitution merited er to the date, on Sept. 21, convened in 1978.
at that time? 1976, Marcos created the On Oct. 16 to 17, 1976
The debate on the mat- Batasang Bayan (People’s most village voters in so-
ter is as lengthy as eternity, Congress) through Presi- called Citizen Assemblies
and the varied reactions to dential Decree 995. approved that martial law
the legislature’s shutdown The Batasang Bayan should go on, as they rati-
as varied as the colors of the was a 128-member legisla- fied amendments to a Mar-
rainbow. ture that advised the Presi- cos-proposed Constitution.
A good reading of Presi- dent on important legisla- The amendments were:
dential Proclamation 1081, ture measures. the institution of an Interim
perhaps, would present an The Batasang Bayan Batasang Pambansa, the
intelligent yet academic was one of two temporary assignation of the President
understanding of the condi- legislative bodies before the (To page 26)
26 Philippine TOURISM Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

THIS SEPTEMBER IN BASEY, SAMAR

The Samar mat
The Samar mat
could indisputably
claim to be the most
Kawayan-Banigan Festival
extensively used in As in past years, people
the Philippines. of the ancient agricultural
The Samar mat town of Basey in Western
could be found Samar, the Philippines will
in the markets of relive this September their
Luzon and Min- pride of having weaved the
danao, and in the world’s longest mat, un-
Visayas islands. folded in 2000.
This popularity While the 17th century
stems from its old church of Basey will
attractive colors be the focal point of all cel-
and affordable ebrations in honor of the
prices. town’s patron Saint Michael
The center of mat making in Samar is Basey town, across the San Juanico Bridge the Archangel, the streets of
from Tacloban. Basey will once more glitter
The raw material is the tikog (Fimbristylis milliacea, belonging to the family Cu- with the vast array of tapes-
peraceae), a grass that has solid, jointless and usually triangular stems and grows try color as Basey natives
profusely in swampy places. go out to publicly weave the BASEY CHURCH was built in 1864
The Basey mat maker basically has a famous Basey mat, in between a wide range of typical traditional and contemporary fiesta
border design and a central motif, often activities.
a stylized rendition of flowers such as A regular event is the annual Kawayan-Banigan Festival highlighted with a parade of
sampaguita, gumamela, rose, or some pageantry and colorful mats, winding through the town’s key streets, reliving the two main
orchid. Most of the time, the motif is sources of livelihood of Basaynons – bamboo and mat weaving.
done in contrasting color or just plain Then, Basaynons go into a frenzy of music, dance and drama, while the women of
natural tikog color. Basey weave a variety of intricately designed mats from sedge grass locally known as tik-
The more complicated ones come og. Mat weaving has been a tradition handed down from many generations up to this day.
in multicolored tones and would cost The Kawayan-Banigan festival became famous when hundreds of Basey folk pa-
more. raded a one-meter
Once in a while, a mat showing the wide and more than
excellent likeness of a major and highly a kilometer long
recognizable public figure, whether lo- mat, claimed as the
cal or foreign, would appear. A particu- world’s longest mat.
lar practitioner do this “portrait mat” - a The mat was woven
highly specialized artistic skill difficult for several weeks
to pass on down the younger genera- by groups of people
tion. from the different
The technique for creating the Basey barangays of Basey.
mat design could be termed as embroi- While the mat was
dery since the design is inserted after the not submitted as an
basic plain background mat has been fully woven. The design is superficial to the entry to the Guin-
basic mat, just an overlay of contrasting color. ness Book of World
While the designing on the Basey mat is generally conventional and one comes Records, then Basey
across a design repeatedly, one particular household in Basey has ventured into new Mayor Wilfredo Es-
design concepts inspired by suggestions made by outsiders. torninos described
Although imitative and derivative in nature, it is a sign of a growing awareness the feat as a source
of a more open approach in designing but still using the same technique as they have of pride for all Ba-
always done traditionally. (National Commission on Culture and Arts) saynons.
MAT WEAVING runs in the family
Mt. Everest team
Sept. 21 ...
(From page 25)
2 tourist sites in Caraga declared protected areas inspires students
as also the Prime Minister DUMAGUETE CITY
by ROBERT E. ROPEROS
and he would continue to - The Philippines’ Mt. Ever-
exercise legislative pow- BUTUAN CITY - The with an extensive system of est Team has inspired a lot
ers until martial law should Department of Environ- old-growth mangrove forest of students in Negros Ori-
have been lifted. ment and Natural Resources and rich marine reserves.” ental to aspire for the best
The Sixth Amendment (DENR) and the Non-Gov- On the other hand, the and to reach the top of their
further authorized the Presi- ernment Organizations for Agusan Marsh was declared dreams and aspirations.
dent to legislate whenever Integrated Protected Areas protected because it served The team - Heradio Ora-
in his judgment “there ex- (NIPA) have declared two as a sanctuary for wildlife. cion, Fred Jamili, Noelle
ists a grave emergency or a tourist destinations in the Agusan Marsh is the Wenceslao, Janet Sardena
threat or imminence there- Caraga Region as protected most biologically diverse and Carina Dayondon -
of, or whenever the Interim areas. marshland in the country, shared their experiences
Batasang Pambansa or the Declared protected were where more than 200 spe- with students from different
regular National Assembly the Sohoton Cove in Socor- cies of birds from neigh- schools here.
fails or is unable to act ad- ro, Bucas Grande Islands. boring countries like Japan In their talks, team mem-
equately on any matter for Surigao del Norte and the and China, and even as far bers cited the importance of
any reason that in his judg- Agusan Marsh in Agusan as Russia migrate to during confidence in hurdling “the
ment requires immediate del Sur. winter, Ajoc added. Mt. Everest we all have to
action.” Sohoton Cove toursim Other protected areas climb in our lives.”
The President “may, in coordinator Miro Ajoc said in the country included the Reaching the world’s
order to meet the exigency, the cove “is one of the hid- Batanes Protected Land- highest peak proved that
issue the necessary decrees, den treasures of Caraga scapes and Seascapes, Filipinos valued teamwork,
orders or letters of instruc- Region” and was declared Northern Sierra Madre hard work, patience, perse-
tions, which shall form part protected because of “its Natural Park, Subic-Bataan verance, and discipline.
of the law of the land.” uniqueness, having rare Natural Park, Apo Reef Oracion et. al. reached
From 1972 until the con- species of flora and fauna” Natural Park, Mount Kan- the peak of Mt. Everest on
vening of the Interim Bata- besides its flourishing ma- laon Natural Park, Mount May 17, 2006. A year after,
sang Pambansa in 1978, rine life. Kitanglad Range Natural on May 16, 2007, three Fili-
Marcos exercised absolute Ajoc said the cove’s Park, Mount Apo Natural pino women also climbed to
legislative power. (Web land and seascape “is con- SOHOTON COVE, a paradise in Caraga Region Park, and Turtle Islands the top of the world’s tallest
sources, other literature) sidered a surfer’s paradise (Photo: Melo Villareal, web) Wildlife Sanctuary. PIA mountain. PNA
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor The PHILIPPINES 27
News Roundup
POEA acts vs online recruitment scams
DAVAO CITY - The Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration (POEA) has
limited to licensed agencies and their legitimate representatives the online posting of job
vacancies and recruitment for Filipino workers looking for overseas jobs. POEA said this
would thwart malpractices in internet recruitment by fake recruitment agencies. POEA
also cautioned workers looking for overseas jobs over cyberspace to check if the vacancies
were complemented with appropriate job orders from abroad. Fraudulent recruitment over
the internet usually required workers to deposit money to some unknown accounts to cover
processing and other fees. PNA

WHO cites smoke-free Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY - The World Health Organization-Asia Pacific has lauded this city for its
comprehensive smoke-free program, as the Department of Health offered to provide tech-
nical assistance to the local government to further strengthen the implementation of the
anti-smoking program. In the past, WHO gave the same recognition to the cities of Davao,
Legazpi, Makati, Silang, Cavite and Quezon. PNA

Aklan lifts Boracay environmental fee

AKLAN - Effective Sept. 1, tourists visiting Boracay Island passing through the Caticlan
Jetty Port are no longer required to pay the P50 environmental fee. Aklan governor Carlito
Marquez, in a letter to Caticlan mayor Ciceron Cawaling, said the collection of the fee
should be lifted following complaints from several sectors about its usage. The environ-
mental fee was supposedly intended to fund projects related to environmental protection in PEOPLE ENJOY a leisurely walk along Dumaguete Boulevard.

PAL to resume Dumaguete flights

resort island, in particular. Since last year, some P16 million was collected from thousands
of tourists who visited the island. PNA

167 of 175 Ifugao villages energized DUMAGUETE CITY officials to discuss opera- to Manila, said Chuang.
LAGAWE, Ifugao - At least 167 of 175 villages in Ifugao province have been energized, - After almost a decade of tional issues, said local Air Two other carriers then
through the Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO) and with the financial support of the absence from Dumaguete Transportation Office man- started servicing the Duma-
Department of Energy. IFELCO officer-in-charge Jovita Allaga said the latest to get cheap- skies, flag carrier Philippine ager Veronica Chuang. guete airport – Cebu Pacific
er power were residents of Barangay Dalligan in Kiangan town, on Sept. 1. Last August, Airlines (PAL) will soon PAL used to service and Air Philippines.
lights were switched on for 166 households in Barangay Itab in Aguinaldo town. Some resume its flight services Dumaguete single-handedly Chuang said PAL’s re-
100 families in Barangay Langayan in Mayoyao town would soon have power. PIA in this fast-growing Central for many years until it de- entry to the Dumaguete air
Visayas city. cided to stop its daily flights transport service would be a
Raise Dagupan roads by 50 to 80 cm PAL officials have con- to and from Manila in June welcome activity, consider-
ducted an ocular inspection 1998. For about six months, ing the increasing volume of
DAGUPAN CITY - Assistant city engineer Marcelo Prado has suggested that city roads of the Sibulan-Dumaguete commuters here had to ei- passengers and cargo traffic
be elevated by 50 to 80 centimeters to prevent these from being flooded during prolonged airport and its facilities and ther go to Cebu or Bacolod coming in and going out of
rains. Prado said the city sank by a few centimeters in the wake of the 7.6 magnitude tem- are set to meet with airport to take the nearest flight out Negros Oriental. PNA
blor that rocked Dagupan City on July 16, 1990. Floods here have become frequent after
the earthquake. About 80 percent of the city have been prone to floods during prolonged
rains, timed in with high tide and the flow of rainwater from the upland. Even before the
1990 earthquake, Dagupan - the biggest trade and commercial center in Northern Luzon
- was one meter below sea level. PNA

Violence averted in N. Vizcaya mining row

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - Diocese of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino Bishop Ramon
Villena said bloodshed was avoided following Malacañang’s move to temporarily suspend
mining exploration activities of the Australian Oxiana Philippines, Inc.(OPI) in the vil-
lages of Pao, Kakiduguen, Pacquet, Dine and Catarawan in Kasibu town. An inevitable
confrontation between anti and pro mining groups was prevented. Villena said villagers
blocked the entry of OPI’s equipment in Pao. He said the mining firm should exhaust the
benefits of a dialogue that should respect the wishes of the affected communities under the
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act. PIA

Cebu Pacific increases Mla-Lgp service

MANILA - JG Summit Holdings’ Cebu Pacific (CEB) has opened more frequent and
cheaper Manila-Legaspi and vice versa flights for tourists, travellers and businessmen. Be-
sides the daily service, another flight aboard the airline’s 150-seater A319 will be added for
the route every Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting Sept. 21. The flight leaves Manila
at 7:10 a.m. and lands in Legaspi at 8:05 a.m. The return flight leaves Legaspi at 8:35 a.m.
and arrives in Manila at 9:30 a.m. PNA

Ethnic tunes only in new Davao park

DAVAO CITY - Only ethnic tunes would be played through piped-in music in the P120-
million still unnamed park City Hall would open in December on the 7.2-hectare former
PTA sports complex here. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said music aired in the park should be
non-sectarian and non-religious. Davao’s tribal songs - nurtured for ages by tribes of the
Bagobos, Obos, Matigsalog and Guiangan - could be better appreciated as these rerpresent
the rich cultural heritage of Davaoeños. The former sports complex had been transformed
into a lush greenery of tropical trees around ethnic sculptures depicting the durian, the
Philippine Eagle and the orchid waling-waling, the city’s main symbols. PNA

Spanish radio show launched in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Asociacion de la Prensa de Cadiz of Spain, with the state-
run Bureau of Broadcast (BoB), launched on Sept. 7 the radio program Filipinas Ahora
Mismo over dxMR-Radyo ng Bayan here. Running Monday to Friday from 7 to 8 p.m., the
program could be heard over BoB stations in Laoag, Manila, Naga and Iloilo, and world-
wide through www.prensacadiz.org. Spanish TV newscaster Begoña Lucena said Filipinas
Ahora Mismo could be the only cultural magazine on Filipino culture produced by Fili-
pinos broadcast in Spanish over Philippine airwaves. The program would have segments
on movies, literature, Phil-Hispanic history, geography, cuisine, health, women’s issues,
Spanish language, sports, trivia, folk wisdom and music in Spanish. PNA
28 The PHILIPPINES Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

GMA orders SSS to extend housing loan condonation for 6 months more
President Gloria Maca- members. “This is social payback,” ship to include the manda- and formulas, among other which created a lot of jobs.
pagal-Arroyo has directed The President issued the the President told SSS pres- tory coverage of OFWs, proposals. The President congratu-
the Social Security System directive during the 50th ident Corazon dela Paz and especially seafarers, to go She said the SSS pro- late Cora de la Paz for being
(SSS) to extend its housing anniversary celebration of the SSS Board led by board on with the plan to amend vided the P1 billion special the first Asian elected presi-
loan condonation program the agency on Sept. 3. chair Thelmo Cunanan. its Charter, and institution- window for micro, small dent of the International So-
by another six months, as The President said the The SSS and other gov- alize actuarial standards and medium enterprises, cial Security System OPS
she sought for the inclusion condonation of penalties ernment revenue agencies
of overseas Filipino work- and restructuring of housing have been implementing re- Forum on RP Medical Tourism
ers (OFWs) in the roster of loans have benefited more forms that resulted in higher
SSS’ more than 27 million than 6,000 SSS members. collections, with the SSS
providing more benefits and
POEA offers program to making sound investments.
About six years ago, the
foil illegal recruitment SSS faced an impending fi-
nancial collapse with its ac-
The Department of La- Brion said many illegal tuarial life forecast at 2015.
bor and Employment has recruitment cases had been But the agency rebound-
moved to help persons who dismissed due to the inabil- ed, its assets ballooned to
would actively cooperate ity of complainants to pay P248 billion and its invest-
in the prosecution of those the required docket fees in ment income in the last
engaged in illegal recruit- court. six months alone reached
ment. In some instances, vic- P15.58 billion.
Labor and Employment tims ceased to participate in “New revenues, includ-
Secretary Arturo Brion said proceedings after filing their ing increases in contribu-
the Philippine Overseas cases and would instead opt tions for SSS, better col-
Employment Administra- to accept a measly sum of lection and a crackdown
tion (POEA) Governing settlement money. on remittance cheats along
Board has approved the Brion said the law man- with fiscal discipline have
provision of financial aid to dated POEA to provide free put the SSS and the Philip- Alfredo R.A Bengzon (right), Medical City president and CEO, cites medical
victims and witnesses of il- legal aid to victims of ille- pines on a path to perma- tourism as an effective program to promote the Philippines as a destination
legal recruitment. gal recruitment and other nent, sustainable economic for medical procedures such as organ transplant and surgery, cancer treat-
Brion said POEA would related administrative or growth and stability,” Ma- ment, lasik, dental work and cosmetic surgery, among others, in a recent
pay for the victims’ or wit- criminal cases. capagal-Arroyo said. forum in Toronto. Also on hand to expound on medical tourism are (from
nesses’ docket and other He said the program, in The SSS has raised its left) entrepreneurs Evelyn Pagkalinawan and Cora dela Cruz of the Philip-
court or legal fees. a way, would address the members’ pensions twice in pine Chamber of Commerce Toronto. (Photo: Jojo Taduran)

14 Cebuanos get papal awards

POEA board Resolution difficulties experienced by the last 12 months, ten per-
05 also provided that vic- complainants in attending cent in September last year
tims and witnesses availing preliminary investigations and another ten percent last
themselves of the program or court proceedings owing month. CEBU CITY – Cebu ganization of the Archdio- na, Socorro Gonzales, Elena
would also be given priority to employment restrictions The President urged the Archbishop Ricardo Car- cese of Cebu.” Jarantilla, Melva Java, No-
for overseas jobs. or financial constraints. SSS to expand its member- dinal Vidal has conferred The title was Madam nito Limchua, Julius Neri
on Sept. 6 papal awards on Matheu’s second papal and Montano Saniel.
14 Cebuanos, in ceremo- award, the first being the Rene Josef Bullecer
nies at the Metropolitan Cross Pro Ecclesia et Ponti- was given the Meritorious
Cathedral. fice or “For Church and for Medal “for his advocacy for
On behalf of Pope Bene- Pontificate.” human life.”
dict XVI, Vidal conferred Vidal cited Liu “for her Hilario Davide, Jr., for-
the title of Dame of St. Syl- silent but consistent support mer Supreme Court Chief
vester to Josefina ‘Madam” of the Archdiocese’s many Justice and now Philippines
Matheu, and Norma Liu and endeavors.” permanent representative to
the title of Knight of St. Syl- Aboitiz was honored “in the New York-based United
vester to Ernesto Aboitiz. recognition of his commit- Nations, failed to attend the
The titles of Dame and ment to various advocacies ceremonies.
Knight of St. Sylvester are through the Bishops-Busi- Vidal said a separate
the second highest papal nessmen’s Conference,” ceremony would be con-
awards bestowed on Church which he served as past ducted early next year for
lay leaders worldwide. president. Davide, who would receive
Vidal said the award The Cross Pro Ecclesia the Cross of the Order of the
conferred to Madam Matheu et Pontifice was bestowed Knights of St. Sylvester, the
was “for her lifetime com- on Engelberto Alba, Eriber- highest title for lay leaders,
mitment to the pastoral or- to Caballero, Ver dela Cer- PNA

Of sabotaging and taxing newspapers

(From page 8)
get all e-mails of all sorts Canada’s leading compre- geries, my wife remained to
from various candidates hensive institution devoted be a real fighter and I’m so
from many ridings from all to cancer research and care. very proud of her! We have
parties. The issues being Marc will trek 200 ki- been fighting this together
raised in the “releases” are lometers from Toronto to and we hope to see the end
the promises of the candi- Niagara Falls, and said he of this life altering disease
dates vying for the various is riding for his wife, Elsa, in our lifetime.
positions versus the broken who is a four-time breast “My effort to ride for
promises of the party in in- cancer survivor! cancer is only a small frac-
cumbency. Marc is a witness that tion compared to the chal-
*** when cancer strikes some- lenges my wife had already
Singer-songwriter Marc one as happened to his wife, endured over the years which
Ballesteros is asking sup- one’s whole world stops. affected her, both physically
port from his beloved com- He wrote, “We thought and emotionally.”
munity. she was cleared after five Marc’s goal is to raise
Marc said that on June years but it came back in $5,000 and hopes that with
21-22, 2008, he will be par- October 2002; then again the help of the community,
ticipating in a 2-day major in September 2005. It was he will get there.
cycling event called “The just three months later in More information at
Ride to Conquer Cancer” December, that it was back Marc’s personal homepage
for the benefit of the Prin- again. at www.marcb.net, and help
cess Margaret Hospital-- “Through her many sur- him reach his goal.
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor 29

“Our guarantees are written in your policy”

759 Warden Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1L 4B5

FREE training for

“Life License Qualification Program”
For details, call: 416-759-5453 x-222
(Ask for Roland Chan) or
email LLQP@lilandinsurance.com

Sponsored by LILAND INSURANCE INC.

1996-2006 TOP MGA IN CANADA AWARDEE
Registration is on going for the next batch
c a l l: 4 1 6 - 7 5 9 - 5 4 5 3 x - 2 2 2

Thank you once again for making it happen!

416-759-5453
Fax: 416-759-6220
30 MONEY Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007 GOT A FOREX DEAL?
6.1 - 6.7% GDP for ‘07 tenable
Check out if you got your peso’s worth
for the dollars you have had exchanged
by LESLIE D. VENZON
since August 15, courtesy of Manila Media
MANILA - The Philip- (April to June), the econ- Economic and Development
(Money) Monitor.
pine government’s forecast omy grew by 7.5 percent, Authority chief, said the US$ Cdn$
of a 6.1 to 6.7 percent gross spurred by the robust per- government should push for Sept. 12 46.94000 45.04370
domestic product (GDP) formance of industry and policies to sustain macro- Sept. 11 47.00998 45.19899
for 2007 could be achieved. services at 8.0 percent and economic stability, modern- Sept. 10 46.71209 44.48559
Economic planners ex- 8.4 percent, respectively. ize agriculture, strengthen Sept. 07 46.50138 44.11665
pressed optimism after the Agriculture rose moderately small enterprises, expand Sept. 06 46.48407 44.14240
country’s GDP grew 7.3 at 3.9 percent. export markets and realign Sept. 05 46.57999 44.36004
percent in the first semester Socio-Economic Plan- the national budget to spend
(January to June). ning Secretary Augusto more on social services.
Sept. 04 46.83827 44.64746
The GDP, which mea- Santos said “the upturn is National statistics Aug. 31 46.47825 44.01145
sures the size of an econo- a telling sign for us that showed the services sector Aug. 30 46.80116 44.31710
my, is the market value of the full-year official target remained the key player in Aug. 29 46.72464 44.11960
SANTOS
all final goods and services of 6.1 to 6.7 percent GDP the economy, sharing 4.1 Aug. 28 46.72233 44.03314
produced in a country in a growth is quite attainable, Santos referred to risks percent in the 7.5-percent Aug. 27 46.65218 44.38630
given period of time. notwithstanding some un- posed on the local economy second-quarter GDP, fol- Aug. 24 46.67219 44.36254
In the second quarter certainties.” by the continued weakness lowed by industry at 2.7
Aug. 23 46.66005 44.18339
of the US economy and vol- percent and agriculture, 0.7
atile oil prices, and possible percent. Aug. 22 46.50405 43.78710
effects of the prolonged dry Drivers of growth in Aug. 21 46.86727 44.21228
spell on farm output in the services during the period Aug. 20 45.74315 44.17862
second half of the year. were transport, communica- Aug. 17 46.85310 44.07418
However, the steady tions and storage subsector; Aug. 16 46.34000 43.10405
economic expansion in trade; finance and private Aug. 15 46.20107 43.01579
Europe and Japan and the services. PNA
fairly strong performance
of other Asian economies
would augur well for the
RP owes P3.782T as of 1st sem
Philippine economy. MANILA - The further In May, foreign debt lion, from local sources.
Santos cited the need appreciation of the peso was at P1.671 trillion while The peso touched the 45
for the country to continue brought down the National domestic debt was at P2.148 level against the American
implementing measures to government’s outstanding trillion. greenbuck in July due to the
sustain economic growth so debt to P3.782 trillion as of The government’s con- surge of inflows from the
that gains would increas- end-June, from the previous tingent obligations, com- local stock market as cor-
ingly benefit the people. month’s P3.819 trillion. posed mainly of guarantees, porations continued to issue
“We need to speed up Of the total debt, P1.663 amounted to P527 billion in initial stock offerings.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inspects the state- the pace of implementing trillion was owed to foreign end-June, from the previous It attained its new sev-
of-the art facilities of the Advanced Contact Solutions key reforms to ensure in- creditors while P2.118 tril- month’s P530 billion. en-year high in July 19 at
Inc. call center at the SM Mall in Lipa City. With her creasing growth over the lion was owned to domestic Of the amount, P455 45 flat against the US dol-
in photo are Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila medium-term,” he said. creditors, data from the Bu- billion was from foreign lar, its highest since August
and ACS officials. (Rey Baniquet-OPS/NIB Photo) Santos, also the National reau of Treasury showed. sources while P71.99 bil- 2000. PNA
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor MONEY 31
Central bank sees yearend BOP at $6.3B De Castro vows action to
By JOANN SANTIAGO, PNA
MANILA - The Philip-
pines’ Balance of Payment
Tetangco said the latest
revision came after the Jan-
account to reach $6.3 billion
this year, up from an earlier
direct investments and ex-
ports were revised down-
ease OFW forex woes
(BOP) position could reach uary to July BOP amounted projection of $6 billion. wards, the former seen to
$6.3 billion by year end, to $4.5 billion. Remittances are eyed to reach $1.08 billion from Philippine Vice President Manu-
more than twice the $2.9 The BOP is the sum of hit $14.7 billion, from last $1.5 billion while exports el Leuterio ‘Noli’ De Castro, Jr. has
billion third revised projec- economic transactions of year’s $12.9 billion. by eight percent from an promised overseas Filipino workers
tion of the Bangko Sentral an economy’s residents. It Portfolio investments earlier 11 percent forecast. (OFW) groups that he would look
ng Pilipinas (BSP). is mainly composed of the are also seen to go up to “We’re also looking at into the latter’s twin proposals that
BSP Governor Amando country’s current account $3.7 billion from an earlier a lower import growth of would help OFWs survive the lashing
Tetangco Jr. said the fore- or the aggregate balance of forecast of $ 3.2 billion. seven percent from 10 per- effects of an appreciating peso versus
cast upgrade came in the goods, services, and trans- Projection for the coun- cent,” Tetangco said. the US dollar and other currencies.
wake of a continuous surge fers; and capital and finan- try’s gross international re- The lower trade figures In a press release, the Office of the
of remittances from Filipi- cial accounts. serves was raised to $30 bil- were due a slowdown in the Vice President in Manila said De Cas- DE CASTRO
nos abroad and the influx of Central bank officials lion from $26.6 billion. US economy, the country’s tro also vowed to endorse to President
portfolio investments. have foreseen the current Projections for foreign biggest export market. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo the proposals seeking for a ‘spe-
cial exchange rate’ for OFWs.
APEC leaders: Let’s get the WTO Doha Round going The twin proposals called:
► For the government to put up a stabilization fund to
(From page 1) address exchange rate fluctuation; and
food, energy security and talks going positively, em- ing differences can be suc- and services amid cross-cut- ► For the OFW group to enter into a collective Forward
natural disasters. phasizing that agriculture cessfully bridged” as real ting disagreements between Contract or Currency Options with financial institutions.
Noting the critical value and industrial products are progress has been made in rich and poor countries over On Sept. 3, officers of the Center for Migrants Advo-
of the WTO Doha Rouind the two priority areas. on-going talks in Geneva concessions, like subsidies, cacy and the V-Team–Advocacy and Community Service
to regional economic well- “We insist that consen- on agricultural and non-ag- they needed to make. handed over to De Castro a letter-proposal addressed to
being, the leaders issued a sus will only be possible on ricultural market access. The leaders also en- President Arroyo seeking for a fixed 10 percent premium
separate statement on the the basis of an ambitious, They looked forward to dorsed an APEC ministers above the exchange rate prevailing in the market or a flat
issue and said: “We, the balanced result that delivers a finalized Doha Round pact report on ways to promote rate of P50 to US$1 to be given to legitimate OFWs.
leaders of the APEC Fo- real and substantial market by the end of the year. further economic integra- Attached to the letter-proposal were some 15,000 sig-
rum, whose economies ac- access improvements for The WTO Doha Devel- tion in the Asia-Pacific. natures from OFWs around the world, signifying support.
count for nearly 50 percent agricultural and industrial opment Round, launched in They agreed to push Group senior action officer, Ronnie Abeto said the
of world trade, underline goods and for services and the Qatari capital in 2001, the removal of barriers to OFW group would cooperate with the technical committee
the crucial importance of real and substantial reduc- was aimed at cutting subsi- trade and investments and to study the proposals.
the WTO rules-based, glob- tions in trade-distorting dies and import duties pri- regional trading arrange- De Castro said the viability of the proposal with finan-
al trading system and our agricultural subsidies,” the marily to help developing ments, improve economic cial institutions would depend on the transaction volume
determination to bring the statement said. nations take advantage of efficiency and the regional and the OFWs’ ability to organize themselves.
Doha Round to an early and It added: “This would expanding global trade. business environment in- The Vice President, also presidential adviser on OFWs,
successful conclusion.” deliver new trade flows for But the talks foundered cluding capital markets; had been pushing for plans to alleviate the plight of OFWs
The leaders asked all the benefit of all, including when WTO members took and facilitate integration in by urging the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to lower bank
countries involved in the developing economies.” issue over the extent of new such sectors as transporta- charges on OFW remittances.
Doha process to urgently The leaders expressed cuts in barriers to trade in tion, telecommunications, He said the government should reciprocate OFWs sac-
renew efforts to get the optimism that the “remain- agriculture, industrial goods mining and energy. PNA rifices with more incentives and protection.
32 CYBERSPACE Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007
“Ugggh!” you’ll probably end

Facebook Anonymous? up clenching your own fist, try

technical support, and if they can’t
help you immediately, and you get
by LENNART LEIGH ALVAREZ-MAHONEY a little too upset, you know you’re
addicted.
In the morning, the first thing time. blame these people for getting Facebook craze?
to do besides the obvious is drink We know that there are more hooked, and facebook does get With three million Toronto-
a cup of coffee. productive things waiting for our people hooked to it. nians out of 4.5 million signed
In the evening, before going to attention. Everything started after months up for membership; what makes
bed, there is only one thing on our As if it wasn’t bad enough that of receiving various e-mails from facebook a phenomenon?
minds, and it definitely is not be- we have drivers endlessly chatting friends and acquaintances about There are many reasons why.
ing infront of a computer. on their cell phone while they are joining facebook. For most people, facebook
After lunch break, we usually trying to beat the afternoon rush Unaware of what facebook was gives them instant gratification,
take a nap, or attend to the work hour (“Scary, I know”), or we really all about, a friend thought it depending if those on one’s face-
that we have been neglecting. have subway riders who commute was just another hifive, a similar book contact list are major users
But these days there is a thing to and from work whose previous website with different features (I too. Receiving messages on an
that we are so anxious to do. And hobby was the simple art of read- also did believe the facebook idea ongoing basis especially if one
it’s not attending to the work that ing a book or current events, now was an improvement of such site), is generally very social or just the point.
has to be done or running to the turned into zombies fiddling with or something like ICQ. in need of some social activity, Illusion
coffee maker. their cell N o t makes people feel important. Since we are human, we are
It’s surprise .. surprise … phones, knowing This ties into “networking,” social creatures and facebook
checking our messages on our, black what she the professionals’ major advice on gives us the illusion of a social
and I say “our” facebook. b e r r y, was walk- how to start off on the right foot life.
E-gadgets and society i-pods, ing into, she for your career. One can continue But we have to be careful, be-
Facebook, for those who have talking basically to advertise that he or she is on a cause some things do get too per-
never heard of it, is the website on msn signed her lookout for a job, post a resume, sonal.
www.facebook.com, where we m e s - name on, and chat with others who may Hurt feelings occur, people
can post blogs such as current senger mostly out know of job openings. sometimes feel left out especially
status and where we can vent our while us- of curiosity Other reasons include con- if they don’t get the response that
thoughts, share our emotions, ing their and within venience. It is rather convenient they had hoped for.
share what we are doing, upload laptop; a matter of especially when most people do Looking at it from a big pic-
photos, send and receive mes- or what- two min- have internet access at home and/ ture, facebook should only be a
sages from persons in our contact ever cool utes, no kid- or at work. Facebook offers an in- tool of entertainment.
list who are also subscribed to electronic gadget they have. ding, she already had two people stant form of communication. However, to many, facebook
the site, send and receive e-gifts, Now, we have zombies walk- signed onto her friends’ list, and At times, it is easier to use has become so much more, an
join e-groups, send out invitations ing around constantly updating the rest is history from thereon. facebook than to phone someone, on-line community at your conve-
to events, have fun with various their status on their facebook Picture this scenario and let in a sense, when one doesn’t have nience.
applications, etc. etc. etc., and I profile, while risking their jobs, me know if this sounds familiar. to muster up the courage to say An advice: Just watch out, be-
mean etc. etc. because there is so safety, and overall well-being just Try not being able to log into what he or she has to say. cause you may be the next victim!
much more to do in the website. to network. facebook for a while, and see if Through it, a person can leave So the next time you’re logged on
While users enjoy their leisure Is this the kind of society that nothing is more frustrating than out certain emotions that he or she to or if you have children and you
time sharing a little bit of them- we’ve really turned into? trying to log onto an internet site wants guarded (much like elec- see them getting hooked, put a cap
selves to others, we all know that Getting hooked that continues to say “server not tronic mail). A person can also on it!
we are in fact just wasting our I can’t say that I can really found.” avoid small talk and get right to Need I say more?
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor SPORTS 33
Canadian teams rule in NABA caging
By REY CAROLINO
MISSISSAUGA
Bragging rights belonged to
-
Durham opens tourney with twin victories
Canada after three Canadian
cities notched seven of nine
division championships in
the North American Basket- The CKATT Toronto Peewee team, after rising from
ball Association (NABA) the cellars, claims top spot following an impres-
2007 Labor Day Madness sive bashing of Durham 61-36 in the finals at the
basketball tournament here Huron Park Community Centre in Mississauga.
on Sept. 1 and 2.
Toronto led the trium-
phant pack, bagging the
gold in the Peewee, Bantam,
Ladies and Open divisions.
It placed second in the Ju-
venile and Girls divisions.
Scarborough reigned in PAULINA ANNA MARIA
the Tykes and Junior divi- CHAN, Durham’s Muse,
sions while Vaughan cap- is crowned Miss NABA Manila Media Monitor publisher and Front Page
tured the Seniors division. 2007. Civic leader Dr. Philippines TV producer ACE ALVAREZ (left) and
Three other Canadian Solon de Guzman an- NABA Deputy Commissioner FRANK PENDON
cities saw action in the fi- nounced her victory. (right) award Durham the Best Uniform honors.
nals: rookie Newmarket,
North York and Durham sistant coach Robby Pen- Canada are much different open the tournament. FINALS ACTION IN THE JUNIOR DIVISION
that placed second in the alosa had only praises for from how they are called in Toronto Police Commu-
Tykes, Bantam and Peewee the near Canadian sweep the United States and I think nity Mobilization Unit head NABA 2007 tourna- the 2007 NABA tournament
divisions, respectively. in this year’s NABA cag- that’s very good training for Constable Philip Mendoza ment was managed and co- in stages: from planning,
The US cities of Glen- ing edition: ““In a country the younger ballers to play was guest speaker. ordinated by volunteer in- preparation, execution and
dale Heights and Staten (Canada) where hockey is a hard and play against tough A total of 84 teams from dividuals from Dolce - led to its successful conclusion,
Island prevented a Cana- dominant sport, basketball defense.” 17 cities in Canada and the by deputy commissioner I can truly say that it was
dian sweep by topping the has become a serious way NABA’s 20th Intercity US joined this year. for Canada, Frank Pendon, achieved with such a hefty
Juvenile and Girls division of life for Filipino-Canadi- tournament opened with In the closing ceremo- and Toronto City Director, price: the tremendous man-
golds, respectively. ans and they are very well a blast at the Delta Mead- nies, NABA Deputy Com- Miste Cruz - and CKATT power and leadership from
Detroit placed runner- trained. I realize now how owvale Resort and Con- missioner Dr. Paul Albano, Basketball with the help of all of you, our hard-work-
up in the Ladies, Open and the older Canadian teams ference Center here, with Jr., announced Detroit the Warriors and Brampton ing volunteers. Without
Seniors divisions; while fare so well against New thousands of Filipino hoop- would host the 2008 NABA Rebels organizations. you, this event would not
Staten Island came second York and other American cit- sters and fans saw NABA tournament. The 2009 CKATT President Ron- have been a success. Thank
in the Junior division. ies. The referees LET YOU Commissioner Ron Damas- games would return to Can- ald Baello said: “Having you for being part of NABA
New York Bantam as- PLAY. The fouls called in co welcome the teams and ada, Scarborough hosting. witnessed the progress of 2007.”
34 ENTERTAINMENT Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

Blast off for

that all their efforts paid off. munity support PIDC is
Take a bow, PIDC Even volunteers expressed getting these days. And I
(From page 4) their elation over their in- quote:

Fil-Can performers
volvement in Mabuhay Fes- “The Pillars feel spe-
tival. cially pleased to have par-
This can be gleaned ticipated because this is the
from the email of Bernie first year that we have been
Sychangco, head of the involved with PIDC. In fact,
corps of volunteers, to PIDC with too much excitement
where he mentions the vol- and delight, we blasted our
unteers’ desire to work again energies and resources to
at next year’s festival. Story showcase the ‘Red, White
has it that the adrenaline and Blue Pista Ng Pillars
level of the erstwhile presi- float’ at the Mabuhay Parade.
dent of the Ateneo Alumni Just the sight of the people
Association was so pumped signalling thumbs up at us as
FIESTA FILIPINA DANCE TROUPE (Filipinos.ca) up during the festival that he we danced on the float and
momentarily forgot his wife waived at the crowd made us
in the day, the veteran Fi- ous task of campaigning for was in labor. so happy, that’s for sure. We
esta Filipina Dance Troupe social justice to go with the I guess it was this same really had so much fun and
opened its segment with the flow and dance to the mu- sense of commitment and we really enjoyed it. The
dance of the Igorot, thus, sic. Jun Enverga and fellow fulfillment that made Ben Mabuhay Parade showed
completing the south-north PIDC officers, obviously Ferrer, a senior, man the the widespread support for
breadth of the country. in a celebratory mood, also gates for hours propped up the Philippines through the
Being partial to jazz and danced with the crowd un- by a cane. many spectators, it showed
Broadway, I much appreci- abashedly. Perhaps these excerpts how valuable our unity and CHITO SARABIA ZENA ZAGALA
ated the duets of Lilac Cana Morale among PIDC from a letter of a first-time tradition is, it showed the
and Emil Zarris. Maricel members was very high that Mabuhay participant best Filipino spirit at its finest, Toronto and Edmonton
Perez’ opening number with night for they knew early on exemplify the kind of com- and having said that, the pa- folksingers Chito Sarabia
the QP8 Band was a segue rade is something wonder- and Amado Mamaril, re-
of sorts to Ms. Louie Reyes’ ful to look forward to every spectively, and Elvis trib-
inimitable style and voice. year. Hats off to you Suzy ute artist Zena Zagala heat
Possessing elements of the Llanera! (Signed by Rheza up the stage as they wow
style Chakka Khan and Evangelista, Secretary-PRO, their audience with their
Aretha Franklin, Ms. Reyes The ‘Original’ Pillars)” own brand of music, guitar
might as well be dubbed For now the din of a antics and showmanship.
the Philippines’ Queen of Filipino fiesta has ebbed, the Sarabia, Mamaril and Za-
Jazz, as she has not yet been banderitas stowed away. Jun gala were front acts in the
crowned with that title. and Minda and everyone Making Waves Festival on
The QP8 Band got the else in PIDC - just sit back Aug. 17. Sarabia also per-
house dancing with their and relax for a much-needed formed at the PIDC Mabu-
funk and rock n’ roll. Why, rest. But before you do, take hay Philippines! Toronto
even Mila Garcia and fel- a bow for a well-deserved summer festival on Aug.
low members of CASJ mo- applause from the commu- 18. (Photos by Chuchi
mentarily set aside the seri- THE PILLARS at Mabuhay Parade nity. AMADO MAMARIL Punsalan)
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor Arts & Entertainment 35
Camille is 4 months preggy Pinoy Judy Ann:
Mommy Alma Prats
is excited, and for a good
reason. Her daughter Ca- SHOW Musika ng
BUZZ
mille, former child star who
gained fame for her role in
the television series Sarah,
Buhay Ko
Ang Munting Prinsesa, is
four months pregnant and is
carrying her grandchild, ac-
cording to Philippine Enter-
tainment Portal (PEP).
Mommy Alma told PEP
that Camille, 22, who is
Wendy Valdez
carrying the child of non-
a.k.a. Wen-
showbiz boyfriend Anthony,
Wendy Valdez
would be staying in the fam- en an evicted
dz may have be
ily home in Los Angeles, ABS-CBN’s
housemate in
CA where she planned to
rother Season Singer-actress Judy ann
give birth. Camille will also Pinoy Big B
-year old lass Santos is set to wax for Star
pursue further studies in the 2. But this 24
82 in Manila) Records another album, her
US. Anthony Linsagan, Ca- (born June 2, 19
ntion to be a
third, titled Judy Ann: Musi-
mille’s kababata and long- has every inte ka ng Buhay Ko, which fea-
way. Makulit,
time family friend, would
star in her own tures her favorite songs..
soon join Camille. CAMILLE PRATS in, madaldal
masayahin, iyak endz is a According to Philip-
e, W
Pacman signs boob tube deal at hindi maart pine Entertainment Portal,
queen who has Judy Ann gets to sing a Both
former beauty
Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is the commercials Sides Now duet with Filipino
done a couple of
newest GMA TV Network Kapuso star, ly modeled for Megastar Sharon Cuneta.
and has recent
showbiz talk show Startalk reported on ines magazine. Acclaimed singers Gary
Maxim Philipp
ily’s breadwin-
Sept. 8. Pacquiao signed an exclusive Valenciano, Martin Nievera,
contract with GMA ranking officials Fe- She is her fam Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alca-
anything she
lipe Gozon and Gilberto Duavit Jr. ner and will do sid and Regine Velasquez
lp her family
“Kapuso na ako, masaya na ako has to do to he will also grace the album.
Margarita, an
at kasama na ako sa Kapuso at dito out. She stars in Martin will render Kahit
rye.
ABS-CBN telese
rin ipapalabas yung fight ko (against Isang Saglit; Zsa Zsa with
PACQUIAO Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera in The Way You Look Tonight;
a rematch at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Gary, Destiny; Ogie, the Ta-
Vegas) sa Oct. 6. Masayang masaya ako sa mainit na pag- galog version of Grow Old
tanggap sa akin ng Kapuso. Maraming-maraming salamat With You; and Regine, Ikaw
at sana matagal pa tayong magkasama” Pacquiao told Lamang, the theme song of
Startalk’s Joey de Leon and Butch Francisco. a teleserye starred by Judy
Ann and Piolo Pascual.
Jennica G.: Okey na sa Judy Ann will do the solo
akin ‘yung artista ako for Ikaw Lang made popular
by Chad Borja; Thank You
Jennica Garcia, daughter of ac- and the theme song of Ysa-
tress Jean Garcia, does not dream of bella originally sang by Aiza
becoming a beauty queen, much more Seguerra.
do sexy scenes on the big screen. Judy Ann had released
“Okey na sa akin `yung artista two albums in the past: Judy
ako. At gusto ko pong tapusin ang Ann Santos in 1999 and
pag-aaral ko,” she said during the Bida Ng Buhay Ko in 2001.
presscon of Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig. in Both albums gained plati-
which she stars with Mart Escudero. num awards.
“Hindi ko kayang maglakad Meanwhile, Judy Ann
na naka-bathing suit sa harap ng and boyfriend Ryan Agon-
maraming tao. Mas gusto ko ang cillo will leave for the US
maging pulis,” the shy Jennica on Oct. 3 for the 2nd Love
quipped, adding she liked to play Speak US Tour, then proceed
the role of an officer. JENNICA GARCIA to Spain for a film shoot.

Virna Lisa on Magkaisa By BEN CAL

she was spotted by Tito Sot-
to who was fascinated by her
sweet voice. “My discovery
“That’s one of the rea-
sons why I did not stay
in the business because I
VIRGINIA, U.S.A. and chose to become a so- Snowden Mananzan, a Fili- egant residence of Ms. Em- by Sotto was by chance.” didn’t understand it well,”
-The song, not the singer. cial worker where her heart pino banker who is the vice ily Dearing, a Filipino nurse Without much ado, Sotto she quips.
This fits Ms. Virna Lisa, belonged. president of United Com- living in Virginia. asked her to sing a newly- “I don’t think I will do
the Filipino-American By all probability, not mercial Bank in New York. The interview was ar- composed song entitled well in it, and you know,
singer who popularized the too many Filipinos - young They got married in Califor- ranged by Jun Pedery, a for- Magkaisa, composed by maybe, my heart is in the
song Magkaisa (Be One) and old - could make an in- nia in 1990 and have three mer US Navy serviceman Sotto, Ernie dela Pena and social work that is why I
during the 1986 EDSA stant recall of Virna Lisa, children, Jaco, 15; Toby, 13; and retired employee of Boe- Homer Flores. stay in the social work,”
people-power revolt. the name of the then 20-year and only girl Frankie, 8. ing Corporation, the world’s Sotto then invited Virna Virna Lisa adds.
Many do not know that old, 21 years after she sang Virna Lisa finished her largest aircraft maker based Lisa to sing in the daily noon Had she pursued a
Virna Lisa Loberiza is an Magkaisa. The song became studies in the Philippines at in Washington, DC. show Eat Bulaga, where she singing career, would she
American citizen although a gold record. St. Paul’s College, Adam- Now, 41, but still pos- sang on television for the attain fame in the likes of
her parents are both Fili- Many would ask: where son University and later at sesses that stunning Filipino first time. When asked to Lea Salonga and other top
pinos. Virna acquired her is that singer Virna Lisa? the University of Sto. Tomas beauty, Virna Lisa recalls sing Magkaisa, she was only Filipino singers?
U.S. citizenship, having Well, she works as con- where she took up architec- how her singing talent was given a few hours to practice Lisa humbly says: “I
been born in New York. sultant for social security for ture but never graduated, as discovered by actor-comedi- the song. don’t know but maybe
Her song Magkaisa the Commonwealth of Vir- she was a Green Card holder. an-composer Tito Sotto after A few hours later, “I God has other plans for
has captivated millions ginia in the United States, Lisa’s father, Joey Lober- the historic people-power found myself inside the stu- me.”
of freedom-loving Filipi- caring for the disabled. iza, was formerly connected uprising that toppled the 20- dio for the formal recording. In 1994, Lisa was in-
nos in the Philippines and She says she loves her with Toyota Tamaraw, and year Marcos regime. I did not sign any contract. I vited by then President
abroad, a condition that work, being a social worker her mother is the former “Everything happened just sang,” Lisa adds, noting Fidel V. Ramos to sing
could have catapulted her the past 12 years. “I’ve al- movie actress Aura Aurea. so fast,” Liza says. that she did not get paid for during the 8th anniver-
to stardom. ways been a social worker The Philippines News She was singing Bridges singing and recording Mag- sary celebration of EDSA
But she prefered to ever since,” she adds. Agency had an exclusive in- during an event in Adamson kaisa, though it earned lots People-Power where she
remain in the background She is married to terview with Virna at the el- University in Manila when of money. again sang Magkaisa.
36 TRIVIA Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

Philippine World Records

Reg. # 4533253

(From Good News Pilipinas! PART 1)

The Philippines may be just a dot in the global map. But it has continued to awe
919 Ellesmere Road the world with what its people could do and what its resources could provide. Take a
Suite 107, Scarborough good read at the following:
Ontario M1P 2W7
The Leaf Musician: Filipino National Artist Levi Celerio be-
came globally famous for his distinct talent. The Guinness Book of
World Records recognized Celerio as the only man who could play
beautiful music with a leaf. Celerio appeared in That’s Incredible
and the Mel Griffin Show where he did his leaf tunes. A composer
and lyricist, Celerio wrote more than 4,000 songs.
World’s Largest Golf Event: The Guinness Book of World Re-
cords cited the annual amateur golf tournament in Baguio City as the largest in the world.
Since 1949, the 72-hole Fil-Am Golf Championship has attracted close to 1,000 amateur
golfers from all over the Philippines. The sites of the prestigious event included the chal-
lenging par-69, 5,001-yard Camp John Hay golf course and the par-61, 4,038-yard Baguio
Country Club.
World’s Largest Shoes: In Dec. 2002, the Guin-
ness Book of World Records recognized Marikina City
MANILA - TORONTO - USA - EUROPE for crafting the world’s largest pair of shoes - each
OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD measuring 18.2 feet long, 7.4 feet wide and six feet
high. The materials used for the P1.2 million pair of
shoes could produce 250 pairs of regular shoes.
World’s Largest Synchronized Aerobics Ex-
ercises: On Feb. 16, 2003, some 107,000 Filipinos
joined a 30-minute aerobics exercise supervised by
the Department of Health at Rizal Park in Manila, which could be the largest synchronized
exercise in the world. Thousands of people also gathered at different venues in Cebu City
and Davao City to participate in the exercise simultaneous with the Manila event. The new
record broke the previous Guinness Book of World Records set at a park in Guadalajara,
Mexico by some 38,633 people who joined the massive aero-
“Super baba bics exercises in June 1998.
and halaga ... World’s Largest Lantern: On Dec. 24, 2002, officials
in San Fernando City in Pampanga switched on the world’s
Super below largest Christmas lantern - a P5-million structure 26.8 meters
fare talaga.” in diameter.
World’s Fastest Reader: As a student at the Northwest-
“Handang Maglingkod Sa Ating Kababayan” ern University in Chicago, Illinois, Maria Teresa Calderon
became the world’s fastest reader. She set the record of hav-
Tel (416) 751-9588 Fax (416) 751-9133 ing read 80,000 words per hour.
(To be continued next issue)

SHOE WAREHOUSE
CLOSING SALE!!
ANYTHING MUST GO!

75% off
TWO WEEKS ONLY!

$10
DON'T MISS IT!

& up
/pair & up

INNOVATION
VIDEO - PHOTO - DJ SERVICES A & A FOOTWEAR INC. SHOECITY CANADA
“The images we capture are the memories you will treasure.” www.aafootwear.ca www.shoecitycanada.com
Specialized for: 501 Passmore Ave., Unit #10
Scarborough, ON M1V 5G4
2250 Midland Ave., Unit #1
Scarborough, ON M1P 4R9
* Weddings * Concerts 647-830-6582 416-560-6399
* Birthdays * Editing 416-335-1570 416-840-8998
* Baptismals * Glamour Shots Bussines hours Bussines hours
Thursday to Sunday 11:00am - 6:00pm Tusday to Friday 11:00am - 6:00pm
* Video Presentations
Markham Rd.
Middlefield Rd.

Midland Ave.
Kennedy Rd.

Steeles Ave. Sheppard Ave.

Call: LARRY TORRES
Tel. (416) 256-3931 501 Passmore Ave. 2250 Midand Ave.
Cell. (416) 858-5806 McNicoll Ave. Progress Ave.
Visit www3.sympatico.ca/ltorres/
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor Entertainment 37
Patac-PNJP concert on Sept. 22
Local singers and tal- on the martial law years tice and Peace (PNJP).
ents will take centerstage in the Philippines, starting Patac was formed in
in a concert dubbed An Eve- with the declaration of mili- May this year by a group of
ning of Peace and Music tary rule in the land on Sept. artists and concerned citi-
at the OPSEU Union Hall, 21, 1972. zens who share a common
downtown Toronto on Sept. Corpuz adds that the interest in promoting and
22 at 6 p.m. mini-concert will support advancing the rights, wel-
Patac officer Joyce Cor- the work of the Philippine fare and well-being of Fili-
puz says a photo exhibit and Advocacy Through Arts pinos and people of Filipi-
video presentation preced- – Canada (Patac) and the no-descent through the use
ing the concert will focus Philippine Network for Jus- of various art media. PR

Josie de
Leon in
CPO’s
Fil Day
show
Guest singer
Josie de Leon
belts out a tune
for a fan during
Culture Philip-
pines Ontario’s
Filipino Day in
Wonderland on
Sept. 1.

The band @ the PPCO gathering

Former Manila’s Business Day writer turned Toronto singer-concert artist

Manny Bade (center) croons with members of the band Dolping and Leto
Tigley contracted to provide music during the Philippine Press Club-Ontario
gathering at the Tigley residence on Sept. 8. Photo: LARRY TORRES

Ethnic celebrations promote understanding

(From page 9)
Dorfman emphasizes that sequent regime of mass ex- tion [CEMA] and makes
he was motivated not so ecutions and unaccountable frequent appearances on
much out of a desire for re- disappearances. OMNI TV Commentary.
venge as to see Chile stand A Promise to the Dead is Some of his commentar-
up for human rights. a moving addition to films ies are republished in this
The film also reminds us on the championship of hu- publication and slightly ex-
of the roles Richard Nixon, man values against the sup- panded in some cases from
Henry Kissinger and the port of bloody dictatorships. their 70-second broadcast
CIA played in labeling Al- (Used with permis- originals. For more of his
lende a communist to the sion. Ben Viccari is the work, please visit Ben’s
encouragement of the back- President of the Canadian website at: http://canscene.
ers of Pinochet and his sub- Ethnic Media Associa- ripple.ca)

MORE EXPOSURE, LESSER COSTS

for your advertising?
GRAB THE DEAL, CALL 416-285-8583
Simply Manila Media Monitor: Where your AD stands out!

See your ads online @

manilamediamonitor.com
38 Arts & Entertainment Manila Media Monitor SEPTEMBER 2007

Himig ng Pasko choral competitions set

Russell International, performed as a professional mix. the contest piece, is a med- song carries 30 percent; and for the choir).
in cooperation with Front group. There shall be no age ley of Filipino Christmas the contest piece, 70 per- Winners will also re-
Page Philippines and Ma- A participating choir limit and a multi-cultural songs Noche Buena and cent. The OPR reached by ceive trophies, and all com-
nila Media Monitor, is set shall be registered with the variation in the membership Pasko Na Naman to be sung the panel of judges shall be peting choirs will be award-
to stage the first-ever cho- Himig ng Pasko organizing of a choir is most welcome. a capella. final. ed plaques.
reographed choral competi- group by its representation Under competition Both renditions must Musical and vocal ar- The choreographed
tions of Christmas airs. head -- either the princi- rules, participating choirs be performed within eight rangement, choreography choral competitions will be
The competitions will pal or music teacher (for will sing, in at least four minutes. and costumes shall be borne featured in the Kapaskuhan
be conducted at the Stephen schools); a priest, pastor, voices, two Christmas tunes The performance shall by the chorale representa- episodes of Front Page
Leacock Hall on the first minister, etc. (for congrega- while simultaneously ren- be clocked and overtime tion and contestants. Philippines over OMNI 2
week of December. tions); or the president (for dering aesthetic meaning to shall be penalized with a Two copies of the mu- TV, Channel 69-Toronto
Himig ng Pasko com- associations). their vocal performance in three-point deduction in the sical and vocal arrange- (Cable 14 in Toronto) on
peting choirs - of 15 to 25 Each competing choir choreographed fashion. overall performance rating ments of both songs shall Dec. 23 and 30.
members excluding the shall pay a registration fee The first rendition, a (OPR). be submitted to the Himig Participating chorales
conductor and piano ac- of $100. Deadline for regis- popular Christmas carol of Both performances will ng Pasko organizing group will likewise be profiled in
companist - shall represent tration is on Oct. 30. the choir’s choice, will be each be judged according at least three weeks before the Manila Media Monitor
a school, a congregation, or The choir may either with piano accompaniment. to: the competitions. prior to the event.
an association and have not be all male, all female or a The second rendition, ► Vocal arrangement Prizes that await win- For registration and in-
and quality - 50 percent; ners include: quiries, get in touch with
► Choreography - 25 First prize, $1,000 ($500 RUSSELL INTERNA-
percent; for the representation, $500 TIONAL, 98 Comrie Ter-
► Costume - 15 per- for the choir); second prize, race, Scarborough, ON
cent; and $600 ($300 for the represen- M1M 3T2, Tel. No.: 416-
► Stage presence - 10 tation, $300 for the choir); 285-8583, Fax No.: 416-
percent. and third prize, $400 ($200 285-6862, E-mail: russell.
In the OPR, the first for the representation, $200 international@rogers.com.

Probing Cheche Lazaro

(From page 8)

Cheche Laz-
aro (left) of the
Probe Team TV
show, interview-
ing Diana Limjo-
co regarding the
photos she owns
of the jewels of
Imelda Marcos.
Photo at djl.net.

role of a typical homemak- and jobs difficult to come nihan dance enthusiast,
er, keeping house tidy, rais- by, she managed to land a regards these dream inter-
ing kids and attending PTA teaching post at UP. views of people in the past
meetings. Lazaro firmly believed as her “unfulfilled frustra-
It was a far cry from that “anyone who taught but tions”, because she will not
her frenetic juvenile years didn’t practice the precepts be able to realize them even
growing up at San Lorenzo is not worth her salt; it is in eight lifetimes.
Village where she was the like a doctor who has never She fantasizes inter-
community whirlwind, al- used a scalpel on anyone but viewing Adolf Hitler to
ready impatient and full of teaches how to operate.” find out how he convinced
high expectations. Not content at mere people about the superior-
As a child, she pro- classroom work therefore, ity of the Aryans; Mahatma
duced backyard shows. She Lazaro resolutely wrestled Gandhi to find out how a
particularly recalls herding even modest jobs in broad- self-effacing man was able
her biking group into the casting where she ascended to influence the world about
garage, donning costumes from wings to behind cam- achieving peace and Helen
stitched by the maids and era work, ultimately becom- Keller, to personally probe
presenting, for 20 centa- ing one of the most revered how she became one of the
vos per reluctant or willing TV personalities. most eloquent people in his-
entrant, Snow White and On the side, she was tory despite her disability.
the Seven Dwarves in their fashioning her UP class- Today, in her fifties,
makeshift theater. room into laboratory stu- Lazaro muses: “In my ear-
Those were light years dios, transforming students lier days, I was very deter-
from halcyon days at the UP into ardent broadcasters. mined and anxious that I do
College of Arts and Scienc- She was eventually ap- not lose my value system.
es, where she ran and won pointed chair of the Depart- Thankfully, those qualities
as councilor on the strength ment of Broadcast. remain, in a mellow kind
of her uncompromising Lazaro, the college pro- of way. Not anymore do or
stand on principles which fessor and fledgling TV die, now I see things with a
many people mistook as be- personality, found out to her wider perspective. I still be-
ing unyielding. delight that at forty, when lieve in equity and integrity.
A long shot even from her peers’ careers were be- But somehow, I have begun
her postgraduate days at ginning to decline, hers was to understand the pull and
the University of Michigan actually revving up. push of things.”
where she took up Radio The following decade Cheche Lazaro, the
and Television, an exposure and a half, as they say, is broadcaster’s broadcaster,
she put to good use when now broadcast history. has achieved so much more
in 1972, with martial law Still driven but less im- than what she bargained for
reigning in the motherland patient, the former Baya- nineteen years ago.
SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor 39
40 SEPTEMBER 2007 Manila Media Monitor

. W.
Ave
nton nk
Egli ra

F
tle
N

Do
as
Mt. Pleasant
N

to C

n V a l ley
Exit
03
y. 4
Hur

Hw Bloor St. East Bloor St. Danforth Ave.

ont

E ast Castle Frank

TTC Station

COMPLETE DENTAL CARE

ario

Sher
bour
Square One

Pa r k w
TTC ne
Statio
n
Shopping Centre
S

Sherbourne St.
t.

Jarvis St.

ay
. Rosedale
dE
thor
pe R
Mississauga
GENERAL DENTISTRY Medical
am Clinic
nh
Bur Corporate Centre
Dr. Victoria Santiago Dr. Joy Y. Ho
Dr. Amy Fan Dr. Belinda Sunga-Castillo
MISSISSAUGA OFFICE Dr. Anthony John Eng Dr. Dat Phung TORONTO OFFICE
Dr. Randolph J. Krumme Rosedale Medical Clinic
Mississauga Corporate Centre
3660 Hurontario St., 2nd Floor 600 Sherbourne St., Suite 307
SPECIALTY DENTISTRY Toronto, Ontario M4X 1W4
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3C4
(Behind Novotel Hotel) Dr. Ali Adibfar & Dr. Robert Eng - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (Across Sherbourne Subway)
Dr. Mark Mojgani - Periodontist dr.vsliu@bellnet.ca
Nickee Dela Cruz & Catherine Ibeas - Registered Dental Hygienists
905-272-3455 416-967-9272

PICTURE PERFECT SMILES

The team of professionals who make up the Fairview Dental Centre
are completely dedicated to the needs of their patients.

5 Fairview M
all D
ri ve,
Sui
te 390
Wi
Dr. Anthony John Eng

llo
wd
ale
, On
Fairview Dental Centre
tar
io "Patient Care & Treatment Through Teamwork" t
M .ne
2J orld
2Z
1 talw
Pho den
ne :
(416 wd ental@
Dr. Joy Y. Ho

) 496-0 irvie
900 Fax: (416) 496-0928 fa
Dr. Benilda Sunga-Castillo

Dr. Victoria R. Santiago