YEAR 11, No.

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

INSIDE
Ooops & Bloops Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights a boon - Nebres (page 31)

O’ CANADA
FALSE
ALARM,
NO
JACKPOT
-7

Serious,
quirky,
absurd
life of a
Domestic
Worker
-6

Cool
wear to
beat the
heat - 12

FilipinosTo Be A Star
Dancing
mark 61st
- 33
Independence
Day? - 24

MAKE MARTHA JOY

OUR CANADIAN IDOL

Francis Zadkiel (right) came to Canada from the Philippines three years and seven months
ago. On June 29, Francis Zadkiel and another Filipino, Therese, joined 58 others from diverse
communities turn into new Canadian citizens, in one of many oathtaking ceremonies across
the country during the Canada Day weekend. Francis received his citizenship certificate
from Maureen Lalla-Khan of Citizenship and Immigration Canada in a CityTV-hosted special
event. Also there to welcome the new citizens were Secretary of State for Multiculturalism
and Canadian Identity Jason Kenney, Citizenship Judge Normand Allaire and CityTV news
anchors Gord Martineau and Anna Mroczkowski. Manila Media Monitor Photo (See
page 4 for related items)
2 Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007
JULY 2007 Manila Media Monitor 3
CALENDAR
JULY 15: Philippine Colleges and Universities
Alumni Association fiesta and sports compe-
titions, Mississauga Valley Community Cen-
tre Park, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

JULY 21: Association of Caviteños in Canada

24th Annual Picnic, Earl Bales Park, Area 2,
12 noon.

JULY 21: Opening Ceremony, Asian Commu-

nity Games, Toronto Track and Field Center,
York University, 9:30 a.m.

JULY 26 to 29: 12th International Reunion,

Mapa High School Alumni Associations of
the USA and Canada, Niagara Fallsview Ca-
sino Resort.

Aug. 11: Bukas Loob Sa Diyos Covenant

Community Pilgrimage to the Martyr’s Shrine
in Midland, ON.

Aug. 11: 30th Anniversary and Coronation

of Ms. Pillars 2007, Our Lady of Assumption
Church

AUG. 17 to 19: Philippine Arts and Cultural

Experience Making Waves Festival, Harbour-
front Centre.

AUG. 18: Philippine Independence Day Coun-

cil’s Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer
Festival, Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Sept. 8: 30th Anniversary, Kababayan Com-

munity Center.

CALENDAR is a public service

feature of Manila Media Moni-
tor and the Philippine Consul-
ate General in Toronto through
Leilani Medina.

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4 News Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007

Help sought to send

home caregiver’s body
Toronto-based Siklab Ontario and Migrante Interna-
tional are seeking financial help to repatriate the body of
25-year old Elenita “Beng-Beng” Pailanan, a native of Ba-
rangay Sinakway somewhere in Iloilo, the Philippines.
Pailanan died at the York Central Hospital on July 5
shortly after undergoing an operation to remove her gall
bladder, a Siklab press release said.
Pailanan, who had no kin in Canada, came to Toronto
on April 17 on a working visa under the Live-in Caregiver
Program, but was released from the visa due to an absent
employer.
Her application for a new working visa under a new em-
ployer was underway when she died.
Ineligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, she did
not seek medical attention in the weeks prior to her death
even though she was experiencing recurring fevers, head
and back pain and later on, shortness of breath.
She was the main source of financial support for her
parents and siblings, and her parents have asked that her
body be immediately sent back to the Philippines. MULTICULTURALISM. In Montreal, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion (right, foreground) engages commu-
Saying Siklab and Migrante worked in behalf of the nity leaders in a recent roundtable discussion on how to move multiculturalism beyond the traditional
Pailanan family, officials have put up the the Friends of El- concepts of tolerance and acceptance to true equality and partnership. Dion says “we must continue
enita Pailanan Committee that would coordinate donations to rely on the skills and talents of all Canadians to ensure a better future for our children.” But despite
to bring Pailanan’s bopdy home. all the time, money and effort spent, many antiquated Canadian laws remain unamended, constitut-
Donations could be made to: Elenita Pailanan Fund, TD ing as barriers for the so-branded ‘visible minorities’ to rise up to any Canadian social, economic and
Canada Trust Acct. No. 19682 004 0617 5238312. Deposits political occasion. Has multiculturalism slided down to a mere cliche?
would be accepted starting July 16.

Proudly
RACIAL PROFILING: “I swear (or affirm) that I
Still a lingering issue will be faithful and bear true al-

By JAY CHAUHAN
(Manila Media Monitor Contributor)
Equality before the law
is enshrined in the Bill of
Rights in Canada and simi-
lar legislation in the U.S.
constitution. While the writ-
ten equality before the law is
very important to have, it is
not enough. It needs expres-
sion in a person’s daily life
before he or she can enjoy
the benefits of real equality.
The support of decisions
makers, including political
leaders and the judiciary, is
thus imperative. Achieving
equality also requires the
effort of seemingly profiled
individuals and the groups
they belong to.
Racial profiling in Can-
ada and the U.S. after Sept.
11, 2001 has very much
eroded the rights of members
of many minority groups.
Racial profiling occurs
when the police, customs
or other government institu-
tion subject a select group of
people for their appearance,
religion, name or affiliation
to extra scrutiny to, as rea-
soned, protect the majority.
Even if a person has le-
gal rights, he or she has to
cross hurdles to enjoy these
rights. An excellent legal po-
sition is not enough to win
a case. Adequate funds are
also vital to express those
rights in court.
When a person is stopped
at the airport and finger
printed, who will he or she
complain to? And how can
anyone fight a government
that has the legal and finan-
cial resources in racial pro-
filing cases?
The biggest challenge
for people in many coun-
tries today is how to accom-
modate others who look and
sound different. On the other
hand, members of minority
communities are challenged
to educate the rest in society
and bring about understand-
ing of their culture and the
contribution they make to
the totality of social growth.
It is easy to ruin the repu-
tation of a community, even
if only a few of its members
are engaged in anti-social
behavior. And it takes the
rest in that group to erase
misimpressions, social taints
and typecasting. The task of
healing a scarred commu-
nity reputation will be long
and arduous.
Re-building and re-es-
tablishing that members
of the community are hard
working, family-minded,
and law-abiding people who
have the skills and ability to
make positive contributions
in the society will be hard.
Understanding history
may be helpful in com-
prehending how different
groups have been accepted
in society over time.
Women’s rights, for one,
were ignored for a long time
in Canada and the U.S. But
considerable strides have
been made in the last 30
years in having women in
key government positions.
For another, the right to
vote for East Indians and the
Chinese was recognized in
Canada only in 1946.
In the last 30 years there
has been a large influx of
non-white groups immi-
grating to Canada. This has
(Continued on page 32)
legiance to Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada,
Her Heirs and Successors, and
that I will faithfully observe the
laws of Canada and fulfill my du-
ties as a Canadian citizen.” Oath
of Citizenship
VOLTAIRE DE LEON, became a citizen in 1977:
Yes, I am proud to be Canadian. This is a country that
took me in at a time when my past as a student activist
caught up with me in 1972 when Marcos declared Mar-
tial Law. Canada is not a perfect democracy -- far from
it -- but its citizens try every day to make it better. For
its past mistakes -- racism against natives and people of
color, gender discrimination against women, gays and
lesbians; and, against the disabled, Canada has made
it a law to positively discriminate in their favor to cor-
rect the historical injustices that they suffered. People
complain about government taxation as if they never
benefited from free primary and secondary education,
free hospitalization, free medical care, free money
when they are unemployed or when they are laid off
from work. Sometimes lives are lost at the hands of
criminals or at the hands of the police but I am free
to criticize government institutions, the private sector,
the media, politicians as long as I do them responsibly
-- and they won’t jail me for that. I am free to choose
among politicians from five different federal parties.
Canada is a tolerant society, sometimes to a fault, and
it values the diversity of its people. It believes in the
intrinsic worth of every human being and that is why
it outlawed capital punishment. I am proud of my two
children who are Canadians and who respect their par-
ents’ legacy. The question is often asked, ‘What is a
Canadian?’ The answer though simple is difficult to act
upon. A Canadian is a person who chooses to live in a
country that respects his or her origin and who in turn
respects Canadian values enshrined in the Canadian
Charter.A Canadian is one who is willing to support
and propagate those values.
DANNY SAMSON, became a citizen in 1978:
Canada is like heaven to me. The opportunities are al-
ways available and it is up to an individual how well
he/she will utilize creativity to succeed. The people are
honest and straightforward. A technology person, I find
innovations and new ideas almost available and afford-
able. Most of all, it is a family-oriented country.
Canadian
(Proud to be Canadian? State your name, the
year you became a citizen and e-mail us why
you are proud to be a Canadian. Send your
thoughts to mediamonitor@rogers.com or
butchgalicia@yahoo.com. - The Editor)
JULITO TIGLEY, became a citizen in 1994: I
have been here for 13 years. My children are educated
and cultured here. We owe our successes and maturity
to Canada. While my physical life started in the Phil-
ippines, my devotion spiritually will end here. Canada
molded our destiny.
MINDA NERI: I found home in Canada, a country
that respects diversity in its population, respects the rule
of law, and allows me to be proudly Filipino too. Can-
ada has also allowed me to grow both professionally
and personally, based on my own initiative and effort,
without having to ask favors from anyone. Though,
this is not to say that it is a perfect country.
GENE LARA: I am proud to be a Canadian as it
gives me security in life because of the health care sys-
tem. Being a Canadian does not inhibit anyone to play
a role as politician. It only requires honesty, hard work,
and determination and in fighting for and being involved
in social justice issues faced by a growing community.
Further, education in Canada is within the reach of the
young ones; thus, their aspiration of who they want to
be is not impossible to achieve.
ELSIE BARRELA: I am proud to be a Canadian
because Canada provides equal and unlimited oppor-
tunity for those who want to improve their lives. The
government provides the best social services like free
health care, primary and secondary education. It also
guarantees basic income supplement for senior citizens
with no resources of their own and assures provisions
for retirement years.
JUN ENVERGA, became a citizen in 1986: Cana-
da is a multi-cultural country where you can be proud to
be called Canadian and Filipino at the same time
JOY ORTUOSTE, became a citizen in 2001: I am
proud to be Canadian because I am able to keep my
heritage and be proud of it. As a Canadian, I was ex-
posed to a wealth of positive opportunities and experi-
ences that fulfilled mine and my family’s dreams. The
quality of life we have is unmatched and I look forward
to the future!
(Continued on page 5)
Proudly Canadian
(From page 4)
KAREN PASCUAL-
BINADAY, became a
citizen in 1984: Canada
has afforded me the oppor-
tunities and lifestyle most
people dream about. It is
a place where I have the
freedom and luxury to be
myself in every sense of the
word. Canada is a country
that helps me celebrate my
ethnicity and embraces di-
versity.
ORES TING: It was
1975 when I pledged my
allegiance to the Queen of
England.. I became a Cana-
dian. Multiculturalism was
non-existent then especially
in the prairies. I embraced
the cultures of Canada;
fascinated by the beauty of
the rockies, the people, and
most of all the feeling of
openness and acceptance. I
am proud to be a Canadian!
And yet my heart belongs
to my country of birth, the
Philippines!
MARIE VILLASAN-
TA, became a citizen in
1997: This beautiful coun-
try Canada provides me
with equal human rights,
medical benefits, economic
and social privileges, po-
litical trust and stability that
my own country or any oth-
er countries can no longer
afford to offer.
TESS CUSIPAG, be-
came a citizen in 1976:
There is total regard for the
equality of mankind in Can-
ada. Whether you arr rich or
poor, gay or lesbians, you
enjoy the same privileges
and rights.
AIDA D’ORAZIO: I’m
a proud Canadian enjoying
freedom and peace that no
other country can possibly
give me. Canada has giv-
en me a home away from
home. I’m forever grateful.
MA. TERESA TOR-
RALBA, became a citizen
in 1993: Being Canadian
means being the most polite,
unassuming, laid-back, and
peace-loving person in the
world. But most of all, we
have been known to use the
words “thank you, please,
excuse me, and I’m sorry”
in our daily conversations
without guilt or shame.
ROSE TIJAM, be-
came a citizen in 1985:
With many other proud
Filipinos, I brought a lot of
things to Canada - academic
excellence, professional ex-
perience, and civic-minded-
ness. We know our history,
and we know who we are.
We will remain proud Fili-
pinos in spite of acquired
passports. Canada can be
proud of us, as is the Philip-
pines.
Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007 News 5
Many Canadians likely to fail citizenship test
OTTAWA - Most Cana-
dians know so little about
their own country that they
would flunk the basic test
that new immigrants are
required to take before be-
coming citizens, according
to an Ipsos-Reid survey re-
leased on June 29, days be-
fore Canada Day on July 1.
The survey showed that
60 percent of Canadians
would fail the test, up from
45 percent shown in a simi-
lar poll done in 1997.
“Canadians appear to
be losing knowledge when
NEW CANADIAN. For Francis Zadkiel (3rd from left), that gleam of joy ex- it comes to the most basic
perienced by every new Canadian citizen is worth replicating. On the other questions about Canadian
hand. (from left) an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Citizen- history, politics, culture and
ship Judge Normand Allaire and Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and geography ... (they) per-
Canadian Identity Jason Kenney share with new citizens that feeling of ac- formed abysmally on some
ceptance into the Canadian social and economic mosaic, following CityTV- questions,” the firm said, re-
hosted citizenship oathtaking ceremonies on June 29. (Continued on page 12)
EVELYN PAGKALI- ing my taxes knowing that Citizen JUN AFABLE: kol sa trabaho. Nagmama-
NAWAN, became a citizen they are going to be used to Hindi pa ako proud to be runong pa at ayaw tang-
in 1989: Canadian citizen- benefit us all. a Canadian. Maybe, some- gapin ang mga suggestions
ship is the greatest privilege LUZ SUCILAN, be- day. Misgiving? Up to now, namin for better, effective
any one could have! Being came a citizen in 2007: I Canada has never given me and efficient production
Canadian is being equal, but am proud to be Canadian a chance to work in my real work. Puro siya theory,
different; appreciating the because Canada has a world profession. Sa trabaho na- what he just learned from
Toronto Maple Leafs, Rap- vision of peace and fellow min, may na-hire na bagong university. Minsan, dito sa
tors and Blue Jays; living in Canadians strive to share engineer, new university Canada, ang tingin sa mga
culturally diverse country; and make Canada their field grad, getting $40K, walang nag-migrate ay walang
having the ferry docks and of dreams, their life and Canadian experience. Pero alam. Iina-underestimate,
the Harbourfront Centre at their home. mas marami pa kaming ida-down ka kasi threat ka
my doorstep; happily pay- Proudly Canadian? alam kaysa sa kanya tung- sa kanila.
6 News
The serious, quirky and sometimes absurd life of a domestic worker
How many of us had to spend
Christmas far away from our loved
ones? How many had to swallow
abuse and mistreatment from our
employers with no union or other
support group to turn to? And how
many of us went to bed hungry, al-
though there was a fridge full of
food in the house but locked by
the employer?
These are just some of the
many sacrifices immigrant wom-
en from Third World countries
like the Philippines are making
to work for a better life for their
families and themselves.
Today, there are almost 10
million Filipinos working abroad.
Roughly 70 percent of these are
women, and possibly, more than
half of these are mothers.
Many of them leave their fam-
ilies behind in the Philippines to
work in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Saudi Arabia and other rich coun-
tries.
Although many of them are
teachers, nurses and other profes-
sionals, they go down to the level
of working as nannies and house-
Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007
By Arnim Joop, Publisher and Editor, Albertaner
(Editor’s Note: The following article is reprinted with permission from the “Albertaner”, they don’t want to lose their jobs,
a German-Canadian monthly in Edmonton, Alberta. Author Arnim Joop is the winner of the having to support their families
2007 CEMA (Canadian Ethnic Media Association) Award for Best Editorial. See related item and trying to save money for a
on page 14) home.
Sampang writes about the
keepers in these countries and put newspaper in the Filipino capital. hardships and the loneliness of
up with poor working conditions. In her book, which she has working in a foreign country far
They live very humble lives called Maid in Singapore, Sam- away from home, the homesick-
and send most of the money they pang tells the story of her life as ness and the isolation, but also
earn home to support their hus- a nanny. about the friendships and the soli-
bands, children, parents and other She left the Philippines, be- darity among the women.
relatives. cause there was no work for her “In this foreign world, every
It is estimated that Filipinos and no future for her children. female friend is a sister, an auntie,
working abroad are sending home She separated from her alco- or an adoptive mom.”
more than $10 billion every year. holic husband, applied for a do- Sampang describes the life of a
Many stories of Filipino wom- mestic job in Singapore and left Filipino maid in modern and ever
en working as domestic helpers her three little daughters with her busy Singapore vividly, frankly
are untold, and people in rich mother. and with a good sense of humour.
countries like Canada have no Her Chinese employer treated But often times these lives are
idea what these women are going her rather nicely, but she had to not funny.
through to build better lives for CRISANTA SAMPANG work hard, take care of small chil- Some women get so lonely or
their families. Photo: Marshall Cavendish dren, cook, clean, do laundry and desperate that they become de-
But there is one brave woman ironing. pressed or even commit suicide,
who has written a book now about od, writing short pieces about her Many Filipinas are not so Many put on brave faces, but
her experiences. experiences as a maid for a local lucky. shed many tears quietly, missing
Crisanta Sampang worked as newspaper. They are abused by their em- their loved ones.
a maid in Singapore from 1984 to She is now a filmmaker based ployers, don’t have their own Sampang calls her story “the
1988. in Vancouver and works as a cor- room, and some are even raped. serious, quirky and sometimes ab-
She started her writing career respondent for the Manila Times, But most of them don’t com- surd life of a domestic worker.”
in Singapore during the same peri- the oldest and most respected plain, and they don’t quit, because (Continued on page 32)

False alarm, no jackpot
See that car on the right? It’s
the red Nissan 350Z that my son
bought summer of last year.
Driving the car one time to
pick up something from Butch
Galicia, the Manila Media Moni-
tor editor said, “Sir Ace, bagay sa
iyo, a!”
I didn’t say a word. I just
smiled.
Driving back home, the
words of my son kept lingering
in my mind. See, six months af-
ter he bought the car, our neighbor
bought a similar one, but gray in
color.
My son commented, “What a
loser, he couldn’t get a date, hence
bought a beautiful car.”
… Thus, explains, my silence
before Butch. He didn’t know that
I lose my self esteem every time I
drive the car.
***
So hungry, my son said while
waiting for the turkey to cook,
“Stupid turkey.”
I said, “You’re lucky, be-
cause if that turkey is not stu-
pid, you might probably be the
one inside that oven.”
***
I have gone to Casino Rama in
Orilla on bus trips “supposedly” to
support community groups raising
Ace Alvarez
funds for some cause, or another.
Now, I believe I have a gam-
bling problem.
My signs?
First, when the fire alarm of
our neighbor went off, my wife
Gie said, “That’s a fire alarm!”
I responded excitedly, “No!
Someone hit the jackpot!”
***
My second sign: Some read-
ers know that I produce the pro-
gram Front Page Philippines on
OMNI Television. When we edit
episodes of the program and my
video editor says that we have
to put bars and tones on our
Betacam SP tape, I am used to
seeing the images on the photo
marked as “Figure 1”.
During recent times though,
when my video editor says that
we have to put bars on our
broadcast tape, I would be sur-
prised not to see the images on
“Figure 2”.
***
On one of those “supposedly”
fundraising bus trips organized by
FIGURE 1
Views
the group of Philippine Courier
publisher and editor Mon Datol,
I’ve asked Tenny Soriano, Presi-
dent of the Philippine Press Club-
Ontario (PPC-O) to go too, but he
insisted he’s not into gambling.
Expressing my disbelief, he
said, “No, really, I’m not into
gambling; and I can prove it. Gus-
to mo pustahan pa tayo, e.”
***
Yehey! My good friend Jess
Carlos is back as a broadcaster-
- this time on television, after his
stint at the now defunct Radyo
Pinoy. So, expect the description
to be back somewhere below af-
ter his name:
JESS M. CARLOS, BBA
President & CEO - JC Link
Financial Group
President - Maharajah Heri-
tage of Canada
PRO - Association of Filipino
Canadian Accountants
PRO- Kalayaan
Director - Asian Canadian
Entrepreneur Professional
Life Member - Million Dol-
lar Round Table
Member - Philippine Press
FIGURE 2
Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007
Club of Ontario
7
Member - Free and Accepted
Mason
Unfranchise Owner and Dis-
tributor of Market America
(With this mention, I can’t
wait to see my good friend Jess
Carlos again. The last time I
mentioned his titles in this col-
umn, he treated me to lunch).
***
PPC-O Prexy Tenny said that
my good friend - Broadcaster Jess
Carlos - was at the open house of
the Philippine Consulate on June
8, covering the event, tagging
along a cameraman.
Of course, hanga si Tenny, and
said to Jess, “Pare, ang galing mo,
a? Baka naman may dala ka pang
O.B. Van (Outside Broadcasting
Van) sa ‘baba?”
Jess asked, “Ano ‘yon?”
Ace to Tenny: “P’re, kung ang
sinabi mo kay Jess e baka naman
may dala pa siyang ‘gyne’ van,
baka nagkaintindihan kayo agad.”
***
Still on Jess Carlos …
At the debut of Rocel En-
verga - daughter of PIDC Presi-
dent and First Lady Jun and
Rosemer Enverga at the Spirale
Banquet Hall on July 6, PPC-
O’s Tenny asked Jess. “O, pare,
nag-umpisa na ba kayo ng pro-
grama sa TV? Hindi ko mapapa-
nood iyon, by subscription e?”
Jess said, “Ganoon ba? Hin-
di ko alam e. E ‘di hindi ko rin
mapapanood?”
(Continued on page 38)
8 Views
The fat woman at
Seton Park
TAKING ADVANTAGE of
the sun recently the first time it
shone this year, coupled with the
weather that was “just gorgeous,”
I spent a few hours in East
York’s Seton Park.
From where I was at the park-
ing lot, a Filipino male who was
probably doing his daily walk
stopped by and started a conver-
sation with me by saying that the
weather was so good that day.
Then he asked me if I live
around the area, and proceeded
with the usual question that prob-
ably, most Filipinos asked a new
acquaintance: “How long have
you been in Canada?”
To this last question, I replied,
“Oh, I’m a newcomer.”
“When did you come?” he in-
sisted
“Only in 1990.” I said.
“Seventeen years! You’re not
a newcomer then,” he retorted.
“Well most Filipinos here say
I am,” I explained.
“Anyway, gotta’ go. I have
to be at work at one. My name is
Vincent. What’s yours?” he asked
as he shook my hand.
“Ace,” I said, and shook his
As Filipinos, we relish the
idea of comparing ourselves with
our neighbors, boasting about
how adept we are in English, how
modern our cities are, how fash-
ionable our citizens have become
and how inexpensive living is in
general. The mentioned yardsticks
are faulty and subject to subjec-
tive opinion.
Travel around Asia today and
you will weep at how much bet-
ter English usage is in Singapore,
Malaysia, India, even Hong Kong.
Visit Thailand and Japan and you
will conclude we are fashion hags.
No place is price-friendlier than
Indonesia, Vietnam and China.
Woefully, we are losing the race
in those departments.
A better gauge of a country’s
maturity and development level is
the way it regards its children and
how media behaves and treats kid
audiences.
At the risk of sourgraping,
the Philippines is lightyears away
from its neighbors in the chil-
dren’s department. Quite predict-
ably, some paid government hack
will question that observation and
rattle off hollow, outdated statis-
hand.
As the man walked away, I no-
ticed two other Filipinos - a man
and a fat woman - not far from
where I was.
The fat woman was grabbing
the man’s leg as he struggled to
free himself while trying to climb
a tree.
“Immature people,” I thought.
After a while, the woman left
as she pursued another Filipino
woman who was likewise climb-
ing another tree not far from where
the man was.
Again, the woman tried to
grab the leg of the other woman
climbing the tree.
Being a newsman, I have
probably unwittingly developed
the habit of being nosey, thus, I
approached the tree where the
man was, pretending that I did not
know that he was on top of the
tree.
“You have a looney?” he whis-
peringly asked me.
Looking up, I said, “Why are
you on top?”
“Well, I worked for this,” he
said.
Lost in his reply, I clarified the
Is RP lagging behind
in the Kiddie Dep’t?
tics in defense. But the glaring
fact remains that children only get
token care in the country.
If kids were important, we’d
have more decent classrooms
and science halls, kiddie art stu-
dios and camps, playgrounds and
parks, not more malls, KTV bars
and tiangges.
If we really put a premium on
children, there would be stron-
ger and more resolute legislation
to protect their rights and future,
not flaccid ordinances and laws
changing street names.
We would have more hospitals
catering to kids, more sponsored
activities for the youths, more
child-friendly entertainment to
keep them from harm’s way.
Nowhere is the reality of the
country’s being child-insensitive
more apparent than in television.
While nations in the same
league as we are, as far away as
Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Cuba,
have National Television Coun-
cils to protect young citizens from
harmful TV shows, the Philip-
pines has a magnificent law that
mandates such council’s creation
and sustenance but that law has
question, “No, I mean, why are
you on top of the tree?”
“Oh, because my cousin want-
ed to pull me down,” he said.
“Why?” I asked impatiently.
“Because every time I climb,
she pulls me down,” he said.
At this point, I was really be-
coming impatient with his replies.
“You have a looney,” he
asked.
“What do you need a looney
for?”
“Oh, I’m raising funds to reg-
ister a non-profit organization,” he
answered.
“For what purpose?” I asked.
“Well, primarily to convene
and draw a line when a newcom-
er to Canada is no newcomer no
more.”
“Why do you want to do that?”
I asked.
The man replied, “I do not
know, but I’m getting confused.
Some people who have stayed in
this country for about ten years
would say that I’m a newcomer
with my six years or so to stay.
Yet, another who have stayed
in this country for twenty years
would say that one who stayed
been rotting in a filing cabinet for
ten years now.
There is an abundance of mon-
ey for the most inane foreign trips
of this and that government func-
tionary but not even a peso to put
the council into action.
Imagine if even a quarter of
the budget splurged by every
candidate in the recent elections
were invested in children’s enter-
tainment and education, we could
have landed in Time or Newsweek
for the effort.
David Kleeman, world re-
nowned guru on media for chil-
dren, keeps reminding his readers
and listeners that “there are simi-
larities among children world-
wide, but governments differ.”
The child attending daycare in
Bangkok receives more attention
and devoted care than a child of
similar circumstances in Manila.
And technology and religion have
nothing to do with it.
Political will and genuine re-
spect for the child are what sepa-
rates us from our neighbors.
Thailand produces more local
children’s TV programs than we
do and are strict about respecting
here for ten years is (also) a new-
Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007
comer. Thus, I want to define the
boundaries.”
“Petty,” I thought and attempt-
ed to change the topic.
“So, what do you do for a liv-
ing?” I proceeded to ask.
“I used to work as a dishwash-
er, but four months ago, I was
able to invest in an oriental store
through my savings,” he shared.
“That’s good. And how is it go-
ing?” I became even more nosey.
“Well, what do you expect? It’s
getting good, but one does not ex-
pect it to be an overnight winner.
My cousin even told my friends
that it wouldn’t last because there
are only a few customers coming
in, compared with another store
ten kilometers west of where my
store is located.”
“But why did your cousin say
that?” I sought to be clarified.
“I don’t know,” he sighed.
“So, since you are here, I
would suppose that your store is
closed today,” I commented.
He said, “No, It’s open. I have
my niece there as today’s store-
keeper - you know, part-time work
for her. Good experience for her
to learn the ropes of the business;
and extra money, too, for her.”
“Oh, that’s kind of you,” I
said.
“Well, she’s my niece by my
cousin; I don’t know whether
you’ve seen the woman pulling
me down earlier; that’s my cousin
I was telling you about.”
“What does your cousin do for
a living?” I asked.
(Continued on page 34)
children’s hours of programming.
Malaysia makes it a habit to in-
volve kids even in production con-
tent planning for TV, recognizing
that children have to be trained in
various fronts. Indonesia tries to
push for quality despite its meager
means and aims for simple proj-
ects on TV for as long as these are
produced for children and some-
times by children themselves.
In Singapore and Hong Kong,
funds for children’s activities are
used effectively and efficiently
because they realize that an in-
vestment in children is an invest-
ment in their future.
Further, many of our neighbors
in Asia have started redefining the
role that teachers play.
Teachers not only lecture in the
classroom but act as vital bridges
between a child’s innocent years
and his forthcoming years as me-
dia user, product consumer and
community leader.
And in that regard, teachers do
not inspire their wards to sing and
dance, or be pretty for a living.
And the school system does
not excite children with a trip to
a TV studio to watch a live broad-
cast of Eat Bulaga or Wowowee,
making an abbreviated and curso-
ry visit to a museum on the way.
What we see in our neighbors
is an underlying caveat in treating
their young wards: “As adults who
produce and control media, we
should recognize that what we do
ultimately affects our children.”
Now whoever thinks we are
progressing should rethink his
yardstick.
 Views
Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007
9

My Canada,
July 1, 2007
Letters & Voices I awoke July 1, 2007 to the
60th Canada Day I have experi-
the oath of citizenship this day.
***
mouths like Peter Kormos.
Yet while in opposition, and
Non-responsive embassy? enced since coming to what be-
came my country, as well as yours
I’m still applauding Justice
Sidney Linden’s report on the Ip-
with the persistence of a bulldog
he hounded the Progressive Con-
Dear Ace, and the home of every other per- perwash standoff which resulted servative government constantly
Something about the Office of the Philippine Consulate in To- son who, whether by birth or op- in the shooting death of the un- by pressing for an inquiry which,
ronto and the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa in your June issue Let- tion, is Canadian. armed Indian protester Dudley as we all know, eventually hap-
ters and Voices column, reminds me of a question I have been asking What is something special that George. pened.
myself and others. makes me proud to be Canadian One name, however, has been Bravo Gerry!
Last March 26, 2007 we wrote a letter to each of the Consulate - prouder even than I was when I noticeably absent from public ***
and the Embassy inviting Consul General Mosquera and Ambassa- took the oath of citizenship back mention of the outcome of the in- In an eighteenth century Eng-
dor Brilliantes respectively, to the KCCC Open House and official in 1953? vestigation. lish novel, the protagonists lived
opening on June 3, 2007. We Canadians are not nation- Dudley George should re- under the threat of the prudish
The next day after mailing the letters, the consulate replied by alists in the sense that many other sound in the history of our native Mrs. Grundy’s disapproval of all
e-mail accepting the invitation. It was followed by a letter a couple peoples are. people equally with Chief Joseph forms of pleasure.
of days after. True, we could do with a little Brant, Tom Longboat and Pauline While that redoubtable wom-
There was no reply from the embassy even after following up more flag-waving because the Johnson. an never appeared, her killjoy
our letter several times. raising of the maple leaf banner In spite of the inconvenience presence was palpably felt by the
Shortly before the event, someone from the embassy who said on February 15, 1965 is a very that Native land claim protests characters.
her name was Bing, was on the phone who told us that the ambas- significant moment in our history. may have caused any of us, we When I arrived in Toronto in
sador usually has many engagements and “may not be able to attend And we have many other should pause to reflect on the in- 1947, three premises had just been
our event.” things about which we should be convenience - no, the misery - that granted liquor licenses and three
She advised us to call the ambassador to convince him to come. raising our voices above a whis- we have forced on our Aboriginal cocktail bars had opened.
We did not take the advice. per. peoples. Until then the only form of
If the ambassador could not make it for whatever reason, surely, We should cherish the fact We are constantly being told recreational drinking spots lay in
we expected an official reply to our invitation. None was received. that, finally, we are a nation and we should learn more about our the dreary beverage rooms sell-
I have been asking myself and friends the big question: Is it the one that a majority of our people history. If so, we should study the ing only beer with separate bars
standard operating procedure to call the embassy to convince His do not wish to be a lickspittle to way successive governments have for “men only” and “ladies and
Excellency to accept an invitation? any other country, or regime. dealt with Native Canadians, as escorts.”
He either comes or he does not. We would have been honored to We should accept the fact that, well as the battles we have fought No Sunday theatre. No Sunday
have him grace the occasion. as a nation, we must continu- on foreign soil. sports, No Sunday cinema; and
On the other hand, if he could not make it, we would have ap- ally evolve for the better, without One thing, however, about this does anyone remember the furor
preciated at least an official reply that we could have read to our smug complacency, but a true re- historic Linden report and all the caused at the venerable “Ex?”
members. Did we not deserve one? What’s the protocol? - Mama gard for peace, the environment publicity it has shaken up is that I Each year during the 1950s the
Ching Quejas, President, Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre and the war against poverty. personally have seen no mention Canadian National Exhibition of-
We should be proud of the fact of the man whose courageous per- fered an art gallery and frequently
Mama Ching, yours is not the first complaint we got about that there are significant numbers sistence did as much as anyone to an outcry arose at the works dis-
this non-responsive embassy. The Editors of us who question the status quo, get the Linden inquiry started. played.
who believe that Canadian Multi- Gerry Phillips, Liberal MPP I remember one season when
Multiculturalism & reality culturalism must continue to prog-
ress beyond mere tolerance to an
for Scarborough Agincourt, now
Ontario Minister of Government
Reginald Marsh’s “Sailors and
Floozies”, which showed tars
(From the publisher on Liberal Party PR, see page 2 photo) acceptance of complete equality Services is a quiet spoken, reason- and prostitutes gambolling fully
Ed (Joaquin): - for our Aboriginal peoples as for able type of politician who is the clothed but in suggestive poses.
Re the press release that you requested published. the newest Canadian who takes very opposite of bombastic loud- (Continued on page 18)
Haven’t we in Canada graduated yet on the issue of multicultur-
alism beyond “tolerance” and “acceptance” to “understanding” as
we have always batted for? If not, where are we now?
(Liberal Party leader Stephane) Dion, based on the press release,
did not really say anything meaningful to Canadians today on the
issue of multiculturalism. Ah, don’t get me wrong. I am not anti-Lib-
eral. But as a Canadian, a newsman and a promoter of diversity, I am
expecting more from the Liberal leader on multiculturalism--which
the Liberals anyway started in this country. Dealing with
priorities
Ace (Alvarez)

Making MMM better

I would like to congratulate you in your June issue 2007. Why? When I first arrived in Canada,
The photo on your front page is eyecatching. If you look at the I had three immediate goals: to get
newspaper inches away, parang winter time. my citizenship papers, to become
I have been wanting to send my comments long time ago for financially secure as fast as pos-
some reason: When I read the article on Retirement/Old Age Pen- sible, and to set a plan in motion,
sion/, etc. in the Seniors page, ( I think it was in your April or May so that I could bring over as many
issue) that was a very informative news article. I saved this aritcle members of my family as possi-
for my future use in my binder. ble. Things seemed clear cut back
But anyways, your paper’s contents have improved a lot. I don’t then, without too many obstacles
miss reading a single issue every month of the 14 community news- getting in the way. But of course,
papers. The rest of them pare-pareho ang mga community events/ it was never that easy.
news but in your paper, there is always something new and interest- Many of us come here with
ing to read. strong bonds with members of our
Kudos to all the staff of MMM. Keep up the good work. immediate and extended families
Also I would like to suggest in your future issues if you can also temporarily breached. We consid-
include articles that are relevant info for the youth, especially the er ourselves as pioneers, clearing
students (i.e. information in getting student loans, OSAP, etc.) and the way so that others will have a
the elementary students (i.e. take our children to work day in No- less turbulent journey when their
vember). Just some thoughts… Avid Reader, Scarborough time comes.
We work hard to establish
ourselves, sending money and
LETTERS, COMMENTS, REACTIONS may be hope back every month. Slowly,
sent to mediamonitor@rogers.com. All communica- we begin the process of bringing
tions will be edited. selected family members over
to Canada, so they, too, can start
their journey.
Like pulling a drowning man
from the water, we touch one life
at a time with great effort, sacri-
fice and dedication.
As we progress, our dreams
grow and change.
First, we dream of simple
things, like finding a stable job.
When we succeed, we grow in
confidence.
We dream of starting a family,
of starting a business, of changing
the course of an erstwhile boring
and unproductive life.
Success gives us the drive to
be more ambitious. Though com-
plicated at times, we reserve more
focus and resources to fulfill these
ambitions. But at the same time,
we feel our bond and obligation
to family tugging daily at us, de-
manding that we fulfill our prom-
ise. It can get really hard.
With each step forward, we
carry not only our dreams, hopes
and desires but those of our fam-
ily as well.
Often, conflict between the
two arises. At a point, it feels like
we can’t move in any direction.
The journey started with so much
hope, seems to be at a stand still.
Many people I have spoken
with feel that their lives are so
burdened with obligations.
They have such a deep love
for their family that the only way
forward for them is to put their
dreams on hold, so that they can
keep their promises.
I believe that putting one’s
dreams on hold is wrong.
The journey I talk about is all
about getting stronger; gaining
more resources. It is about believ-
ing in yourself enough to reach
your dreams.
How can you help someone
(Continued on page 28)
Manila Media Monitor
10 JULY 2007
It was in November
1976. Forty 13- to 15-year
old second and third year
students of the Notre Dame
of Cotabato for Girls excit-
edly egged their families
and friends, classmates and
schoolmates, strangers in
homes and streets and busi-
nessmen in their stores to
part away with a few pesos.
They prayed this would
help them get through a
three-day trip to Manila and
participation in the Chil-
dren’s Museum and Library
Inc. (CMLI) annual Himig
choral competitions at the
Folk Arts Theater (FAT).
For a week before they
boarded a C-130 Philippine
Air Force plane from Co-
tabato City to Manila and
back, the girls - individu-
ally and in groups - persis-
tently, insistently, and even
impishly sought, found and
raised what, in their early
ages, they thought was
enough to fulfill what, for
many of them, was once
Views
OMERTA
Filipino artists: For a
token and a pittance?
just a figment of their end-
less imagination.
It was not going to and
being in the Big City that
delighted them. Nor was it
the seeming glut of cash in
the bag. Neither was it the
free first-time plane ride.
For all of them, not one
of whom was trained to be a
vocalist, the mere thought of
singing their souls out -- in
one of the Philippines’ most
respected performing arts
venues, before more than
2,000 people, and while be-
ing judged and appreciated
for sheer talent they were
confidently sure they had
-- was simply overwhelm-
ing and gave them the chills
and the thrills.
They had their 12 min-
utes of stardom, and they
enjoyed every second of
it as they chorused and
danced to two numbers of
Philippine airs.
No laurels, neither sad
faces. All 40 went home,
lugging with them memo-
ries and experience, and a
prized possession - their
only physical evidence of
a brave singing sojourn: a
plaque of merit and appre-
ciation signed and handed
over at the FAT on Nov.
30, 1976 by Himig ‘76 and
CMLI bigwigs Honesto Is-
leta, Fernanda Balboa and
Elpidio Doctor.
As they got off the C-
130 plane, a cheering home-
coming crowd stood before
them. Family and friends,
class and schoolmates,
strangers and businessmen
raced to raise the arms of
their champions, their very
own talents, children with
guts to seek excellence be-
cause they had the uncon-
ditional support of a com-
munity that backed them all
the way.
The community made
the day of the 40. (To this
day, a glass case in the
school displays memorabil-
ia of the all-girls chorale.)
I should know. I was
This song’s for you whereever you are ...
Butch DG. Galicia
with them. I was their Eng-
lish teacher then. For all
I was worth as a small bar
group singer and a college
stage actor, I was assigned
by the RVM Sisters who ran
the school to be the choral
group’s conductor.
I believed in these girls
because they believed in
themselves. And everyone
believed in them. That was
all that mattered for all 40 to
shine, even for a moment.
*****
I strongly agree with
Manila Media Monitor
managing editor Ace Alva-
rez and Philippine Reporter
publisher Hermie Garcia
when they called for full,
consistent and sustained
community support for Fili-
pino-Canadian entertainers KAREN TAN (left) and JOSIE DE LEON, two of
- singers, musicians, stage well-known and well-respected Filipino-Canadian
actors, dancers and enter- divas, have launched an advocacy to encourage
tainers, particularly those community involvement in the growth of its enter-
who promote the very es- tainment sector. As a gesture of thanks for all who
sence of Filipiniana. saw them through their singing careers, Karen and
The community is truly Josie staged an intimate show in Mississauga on
(Continued on page 37) July 7. Photo: MANILA MEDIA MONITOR
Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007
Keeping seniors at ease
STREET SMART SENIORS
Walking is the most basic
form of transportation. It’s also an
enjoyable exercise.
Walking keeps you fit. It’s
good for your heart, and has many
other health benefits. Best of all,
just about anyone can do it.
Transport Canada statistics for
2004 show that seniors account
for over 37 percent of all pedes-
trian fatalities.
Of 367 pedestrians killed that
year, 136 were age 65 or over.
Older pedestrians are at higher
risk of falling or being hit by a
vehicle, because mobility and per-
ception deteriorate as part of the
aging process.
An injury can be more serious
and recovery takes longer. But
staying cooped up at home is no
solution.
In most cases, the benefits of
the exercise, independence and
social activities associated with
walking outweigh the risks.
Most pedestrian injuries are
preventable. But pedestrian safety
must be addressed as a shared re-
sponsibility: personal safety pre-
cautions; defensive drivers; and a
pedestrian-friendly environment.
As Canada’s population ages,
this issue is becoming more and
Feature 11
pick.
PART 3
► Carry as little as possible.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The Manila MEDIA MONITOR has compiled Take advantage of home deliver-
literature on Seniors’ Safety, hoping its publication in a series will ies, use a bundle cart or get help.
keep the paper’s valued senior readers well-informed, safe and sound ► Give yourself plenty of
wherever they are.) time. Plan your trip so you don’t
have to hurry. Never try to beat
the traffic - or the light.
► Look out for all vehicles,
including cars, bicycles and mo-
torcycles.
► Watch out for hazards. For
example, be on the alert for cracks
and curbs.
► Avoid walking at rush hour,
after dark, or before ice and snow
have been cleared.
► Cross the street only at a
crosswalk or intersection.
Defensive drivers
Drivers are part of the solu-
tion
more important. eye and ear examinations, and Drivers must realize they have
Mishap prevention take medications exactly as pre- a responsibility for the safety of
Most injuries to older pedes- scribed. pedestrians.
trians occur in broad daylight, in ► Always wear comfort- To start, observe all the rules
familiar surroundings. able, well-fitting walking shoes of the road.
The Canada Safety Council or boots, with low heels and firm Drivers who run red lights,
recommends the following sim- soles. disregard stop signs and exceed
ple, common sense precautions: ► Use a cane for extra bal- the speed limit endanger everyone
► First and foremost, look ance. Make sure it is adjusted for on the road.
after yourself - exercise at least your height. Cyclists absolutely do not be-
30 minutes a day most days of ► In winter conditions, wear long on the sidewalk.
the week, eat right, have routine ice grips and use a cane with a (Continued on page 17)
Julie Andrews’
Seniors’ Song
To commemorate her 69th
birthday on October 1, ac-
tress/vocalist Julie Andrews
made a special appearance at
Manhattan’s RadioCity Mu-
sic Hall for the benefit of the
AARP.
One of the musical num-
bers she performed was “My
Favorite Things” from the
legendary movie “Sound Of
Music.”
Here are her lyrics:
Maalox and nose drops
and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and
new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied
up in string,
These are a few of my fa-
vorite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts,
and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and
false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and
porches with swings,
These are a few of my fa-
vorite things.
When the pipes leak, when
the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my fa-
vorite things,
And then I don’t feel so
bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and
corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food
cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating
(Continued on page 17)
12
Many Canadians ...
(From page 5)
ported Reuters as carried by
Yahoo! Canada News.
Only four percent knew
the three requirements a cit-
izen had to meet to be able
to vote while only a third
could correctly identify the
number of provinces and
territories. Just eight percent
knew that Queen Elizabeth
II is the head of state.
The survey was carried
out for the Dominion Insti-
tute, aimed to boost knowl-
edge of Canadian history
and values. It said all high
school students should have
Feature
to pass a special citizen-
ship exam before they can
graduate.
“It is frankly dishearten-
ing to see the lack of prog-
ress made by our group and
the countless other organi-
zations working to improve
civic literary of Canadians
over the last 10 years,” said
institute co-founder Rud-
yard Griffiths.
The Ipsos-Reid survey
of 1,005 adults was con-
ducted between June 5 and
7, and accurate to within 3.1
percentage points.
HOT WEAR, COOL SUMMER
Summertime, and the
livin’ is easy. Your ward-
robe should be, too, writes
Deb Hopewell, editor of Ya-
hoo! Shopping.
The long, warm days
mean that a few fashion ba-
sics will go a long way. It’s
all about a few well-chosen
items that can go from pool-
side to dinner just by chang-
ing into heels and throwing
on a cute cropped jacket.
What’s the most impor-
tant thing to consider when
choosing pieces this sum-
mer?
“Wearability and ver-
satility, items that can go
from day to evening with a
switch of accessories,” says
Stefanie Greenfield, host of
Scoop Style over the Home
Shopping Network.
Greenfield adds that
bold prints and bright col-
ors are big trends this sum-
mer. “They register the mod
trend, especially in one of
the key silhouettes of the
season - the minidress.”
Top 10 summer looks
YourTube: The floor-
length dress is one of the hot
looks this summer, and the
long, printed-chiffon tube
dress is the ultimate day-to-
evening piece, says Green-
field. It works on all body
types. “It looks great with
metallic flats or espadrilles,
and can be accessorized in
a multitude of ways. It’s
day-appropriate with flat
sandals and a summer scarf,
and transitions into evening
with metallic bangles and a
strappy sandal.”
Dress Whites: White is
probably the most timeless
summer look of all, and this
season, its most feminine
incarnation is the white lace
or eyelet minidress.
Keep in mind that
Manila Media Monitor
Filipino actress Juli-
ana Palermo portrays
the great summer look,
and eventually gets the
looks.
“mini” can mean anything
from just above the knee
to just below the bum - so
pick the length you’re most
comfortable with. Paired
with ballet flats and big
hoop earrings, you can skip
downtown for some Satur-
JULY 2007
day morning shopping.
Switch to some open-
toed platforms and a chunky
necklace, and you’re ready
for early-evening cocktails.
Light on Your Feet:
Patent-leather ballet flats
are one of Greenfield’s top
picks for the season.
“This summer, it’s all
about patent. A ballet flat is
a chic alternative to a flip-
flop, and in a range of fun
candy-brights, they will
add a splash of color to any
look.” Some ballet flats are
even featuring cut-out toes,
all the better to show off
that pretty pedicure.
The Long and Shorts
of It: Pants, even jeans, are
few to be found this sum-
mer. Instead, choose a pair
of shorts, specifically this
season’s longer Bermuda
shorts.
Proportion is key: Try a
pair of Bermuda shorts with
platform heels, a feminine
ruffled shirt, and cropped
jacket. Avoid dainty heels
with shorts; platforms, bal-
lerina flats, or thong sandals
will achieve the balance
you’re looking for.
Cover Crop: These jack-
ets are fun, flirty, and flatter-
ing to a woman’s curves.
(Continued on page 13)
Hot wear, cool ...
(From page 12)
You’ll find them in a variety of fab-
Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007
to hide behind when you don’t want to be
Feature
the market that have come a long way since rays.
13
rics, from dressy brocade to casual cot- noticed. the days when there were only a handful of The most important thing to remember
ton. They’re usually cropped at the natural And Underneath It All: Nothing com- choices, and all of them turned your skin is that you don’t need to rush out and blow
waist or a little higher, making them perfect pliments your summer wardrobe more than the color of a Spalding basketball. the rent on a new wardrobe just to keep up
for laying with everything, from Bermuda that sun-kissed glow of a golden tan. No, Whether you slather it on or spray it on, with the trends.
shorts to a long strapless dress. A cropped we’re not sending you out under the ozone- today’s self-tanners give you a natural look Consider updating a few pieces at a
jacket is the perfect top for a pair of ankle- depleted skies to roast like a chicken on a that will compliment this summer’s fashion time, with items that work for you and your
skimming pants worn with cute flats. spit. There is a plethora of self-tanners on palette - without the harmful effects of UV body.
The Pick of the Tops: The crisp white
blouse has a hundred looks this summer
- sophisticated or flirty, clean and classic,
ruffled, pintucked, smocked, or embroi-
dered. This staple is so versatile, you might
consider buying a couple to wear with short
skirts, Bermuda shorts, or capris.
In the Bag: A perennial summer neces-
sity is the big tote bag. “From raffia to pat-
ent to plastic, summer is all about a fabu-
lous bag to tote around town. The bigger,
the better - plenty of room for all of your
essentials,” says Greenfield. You’ll see lots
of big patterns in bright, bold colors.
Hot Metal: Cleopatra knew the allure
of an arm bedecked with golden bangles -
talk about a look with staying power. “Pile
on this season’s chicest accessories - stacks
of mixed metallic bangles in gold, silver,
bronze, and more,” says Greenfield. “From
beach to black tie, this is one accessory you
won’t want to miss.”
All in Favor Say “Eyes”: As a practical
matter, sunglasses will stave off wrinkles
caused by squinting, and even protect you
from getting cataracts. On the other hand,
sunglasses can absolutely make (or break)
your fashion statement. This season, any-
thing bigger is better. The timeless avia-
tor frames continue to be a popular choice
as well as their pumped-up cousins, the
“mask” and “shield’ frames. This sum-
mer, you’ll find many oversized styles in
bold, bright colors (especially red), some
encrusted with bling. These aren’t glasses
 Who? What? 14 Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007

Rizal Day Editorial on treatment of Filipino

Knights of Rizal (KOR)
Canada Region of- domestics wins CEMA award
ficials and members Arnim Joop simply
of the Kababaihang wanted to share his thoughts,
Rizalista (KB) marked through the written word, in
the birth anniversary the editorial pages of the
of Philippine national Edmonton-based German/
hero Dr. Jose Rizal on English newspaper The Al-
June 19 with multiple bertaner.
commemorations in Ot- But Joop’s editorial
tawa and Quebec. After on the treatment of Fili-
flag raising rites, (left pino domestics worldwide
photo) Philippine envoy Jose Brillantes and KOR region commander Emil- earned him plaudits from
iano Silverio laid wreaths to honor Dr. Rizal. (Right photo) They also led in fellow Canadian ethnic me-
unveiling the Tahanang Rizal plaque at the door of the Philippine embassy. dia journalists.
In the same occasion, the Rizal Ottawa Chapter was formed with the induc- Joop was accorded one
tion of six Knights-officers. Regional consultant Chito Collantes presented of eight much-coveted hon-
the Lifetime Member Plaque to Brillantes and Joey Angeles. PR ors in the 29th annual Cana-
dian Ethnic Media Associa-
tion (CEMA) Awards at the
Velma Rogers Auditorium
on June 22.
Sharing the winners’
list with Joop were: Print,
news or feature - Peter Cz-
ink of The New Hungarian
Voices, a Vancouver quar-
terly magazine, for calling
attention to the need to pre-
serve heritage reminders of
the 1956 Hungarian Revo-
lution that moved so many
to Canada;
Radio, news or feature
- Ernie Tannis, CHIN Ra-
dio, Ottawa, for his ongoing
Cross Talk interview series
dealing with conflict reso-
lution, the Pakistan earth-
quake, Dawson College,
and world values systems;
Radio, editorial/opin-
ion - Herman Silochan,
Viewpoint, CHIN Radio,
Toronto, for a moving piece
on the plight and exploita-
tion of illegal immigrants
to Canada;
Television, news or
feature - Marcus Kolga,
producer/director, for the
OMNI documentary on Gu-
lag 113, telling the story of
his Estonian grandfather’s
imprisonment in Siberia by
the Soviets. The 89-year old
grandfather travels from
Canada to revisit the camp.
Television, editorial/
opinion - Lalita Krishna,
producer of TV documen-
tary for TVO Move Your
World, showing the physi-
cal and spiritual experiences
of three Canadian teenag-
ers visiting AIDS-wracked
Tanzania and their resolu-
tion to share their opinions
with their peers.
In the Internet category,
Susanne Pacher, webmas-
ter/editor of Travel and
Transitions, bagged the
award for news and feature
for a documentary made by
two Toronto-based women
on a Holocaust education
trip; and the award for edi-
torial/opinion for her web-
site editorial presentation..
The Sierhey Khmara
Ziniak Award went to John
Nicholls who, in his years
as a representative of both
the federal and Ontario
governments, championed
Canadian multicultural
journalism as he encour-
aged and supported forma-
tive and productive rela-
tions with Canada’s ethnic
media.
Ontario Premier Dalton
McGuinty, in his speech,
defended multiculturalism,
as he assured that every On-
tarian would get “the same
opportunity to succeed.”
McGuinty asked Ontari-
ans to remember that regard-
less of their backgrounds,
they were all bound by “the
bonds of humanity.”
Award presenters were
McGuinty; Jan Innes, Rog-
ers VP Communications;
Lenny Lombardi, CHIN
Radio president; John Tory,
leader of the Progressive
Conservatives in Ontario;
Madeline Ziniak, OMNI-
TV VP and station man-
ager. The judges were Bill
Andersen, Nadia Awad and
Jeff Todd.
Gala hosts were Agata
Pilitowska, of Z Ukosa on
OMNI-TV, and entertain-
ment reporter Rudy Blair
from 680 News.
The Awards Night will
be shown over OMNI 2 on
July 18 at 9 a.m. CEMA
Website by Zuhair Kash-
meri

Portugals lead medical mission

Some 400 residents of Barangay 167, Purok
Maligaya 2 in Antipolo, Rizal in the Philippines
availed themselves of free medical check-ups
and medicines in a one-day mission led by To-
ronto doctors Francisco and Bembot Portugal
and three local volunteer nurses on May 17. The
Portugals also bought and renovated a building
in Antipolo for conversion into an eight-room
medical center to open in January 2008. The
center would provide out-patient, family plan-
ning and maternity services to indigent Antipolo
residents. It would also serve as a center for the
distribution of donated relief goods from Canada
and the USA to victims of natural tragedy in the
Philippines.
 Debutante
JULY 2007 Manila Media Monitor 15

extraordinaire
“She is our special gift from God
... taught us to look at each day as
another bright day ... and live life to
the fullest.”
This Tobias ‘Jun’ En-
verga Jr., almost groping for
words to express the joy in
his heart, said, referring to
daughter Rocel who shone
as a debutante in a grand
party given by family and
friends at the Spirale Ban-
quet Hall on July 6.
Rocel’s passage from
birth to childhood, from
puberty to adulthood - all
those 18 years, were well-
spent, as she “inspired us to
live life to the fullest daily,”
the proud father invoked.
Mother Rosemer de-
scribed Rocel as a “very
special girl. We had so much
fear when she came to us 18
years ago.”
“Dr. Guillermo de Villa,
if he were here today, could
attest to that. But we have
overcome the fears” and
challenges of rearing and
caring for a child with the
Down Syndrome, thanks
to “the perseverance, faith,
strength of family and
friends,” Rosemer said,
humbly proclaiming that
Rocel could “now play the
piano, type 19 words per
minute (using the computer
keyboard), dance, sing” and
do a lot more of the usual in
a mediocre world.
Rocel’s two sisters,
Rystle and Reeza, also took
turns citing Rocel’s virtues:
“She is hardworking, lov-
ing, much more organized,
creative, and helpful. She
loved Celine Dion songs,”
several sang by Maricel
Perez during the party.
But it was clearly Ro-
cel’s most memorable eve-
ning. Slowly but clearly,
Rocel read her prepared
speech: “I am a Teacher
Advisor Representative of
my class. Someday, I would
like to be a president of the
Student Council, just like
my dad who is the president
of the Philippine Indepen-
dence Day Council and the
Lucena City Association.
I am in the Honor Roll for
two years.”
BEAMING DEBUTANTE Rocel Enverga (top, left
photo) celebrates her 18th birth anniversary with
(top right photo, from left) proud parents Rosemer
and Jun, sisters Reeza and Rystle, kin and friends
at the Spirale Banquet Hall on July 6. (Right photo)
Asked to choose if she wanted to be a scientist or
a ballroom dancer, Rocel candidly replied “I’d like
to be both,” but the latter option prevailed when
Dad Jun swayed with Rocel in a rhumba number,
the debutante’s first dance. Manila Media Monitor
Rocel’s endless words with me and eating lunch
of gratitude went to her with me all the time. You
mom and dad who “I know make me very happy!”
in your heart loved your Above all, Rocel thanked
child who has grown up to Mama Mary and God “for
be such a young and lovely all the blessings.”
lady;” her godparents; her Rocel, the debutante ex-
LA-based Aunt Tatan “for traordinaire, took everyone
helping me and taking care off their earthly worries and
of me;” her Tita Nini for the misgivings that evening,
cake; her best friends and showing all and sundry
teachers (she is in Grade what living and loving was
11 at the Mary Ward High all about, in her very own
School) “for spending time special way. BG

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TREB cites Talavera for community work

Rubi Talavera (left) receives her Civ-
ic Service Award during the recent
Toronto Real Estate Board’s Appre-
ciation Night.
ISABELLA REGENT. Rose Litrondo (3rd from left) is elected Regent of the
Daughters of Isabella, Our Lady of Peace Circle 1297 for 2007 to 2009. She
joins (from left) Blessed John XXIII Parish pastor Fr. Mark Villanueva, State
Regent Jean Anderson, and Knights of Columbus Council 8804, San Loren-
zo Ruiz chapter member Ramon Litrondo. JT
The Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB)
Manila Media Monitor
16 JULY 2007 Who? What?
Search on for most outstanding UP grad
has honored Rubi Talavera with a Civic
Service Award for her outstanding contri-
bution to the community.
The University of the tion forms are available in Thompson, Atilano Lacson,
The TREB said Talavera has worked
Philippines Alumni Asso- the UPAA Toronto website Lillian Thompson, PhD;
with a number of organizations and has led
ciation (UPAA) in Toronto www.upaatoronto.org. and Rey Pagtakhan, MD.
efforts to help the distressed, locally and in
has launched its search for Past awardees included UPAA president Noel
the Philippines.
the Most Outstanding UP Victoria Santiago, DDM; Cruz said: “Wherever they
As president of the Filipino Association
Graduate among them. Mario Andres Jr. , MD : are, UP alumni often take
of Richmond Hill, she has helped provide
The search is timed for the late Guillermo de Villa, the lead in community and
relief to disaster victims, supported a home
UPAA’s 30th founding an- Jr., MD; Eleanor Calbes professional leadership.”
for victimized women, and helped raise
niversary this year, with a
money for medical procedures.
gala dinner at the Marriott
She has volunteered in numerous local
Hotel Eaton Centre Toronto
community initiatives and has helped chari-
on Nov. 3, and the UP cen-
ties and a fundraising drive for the York
tennial celebration in 2008.
Central Hospital.
UPAA publicist Rose Ti-
The TREB said Talavera has also used
jam said the search awardee
her role as a realtor to match new immi-
would come from among
grants with unwanted furniture and appli-
nominees who are recog-
ances from her clients, while contributing
nized as Ontario leaders and
to yard sales and clothing drives for other
extraordinary achievers in
charities. PR
their field and profession.
Deadline for nomina-
tion is Aug. 15. Nomina-
HEAVENLY CAR. St.
Zina Ziniak Boniface Roman Cath-
olic Church parishio-
Zina Ziniak, mother of Madeline Ziniak who is ners in Scarborough
chairperson of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association present their pastor, Fr.
(CEMA), passed away on June 17 after a courageous John Pilkauskas, with
struggle of many months. a brand new car, mark-
Those who knew her will miss this valiant lady who ing his 40th year ordi-
thought so highly of CEMA and was present at most of nation anniversary on
its events until her illness overtook her last year. June 10. Tom Maloney
She was so proud that her daughter had achieved presents the car to Fa-
such distinction in the media world, but had never for- ther John. A committee
gotten her duty to her father’s memory and mission to chaired by parishioner
make the presence of the Canadian Ethnic Journalists Loretta Lennon made
and Writer’s Club or CEJWC (now CEMA) known to the preparation for the
Canadians. celebration. Earlier, the
She was buried at the York Cemetery, after funeral parishioners hosted a
rites at the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church on reception for Fr. John.
June 21. TONY SICAT
Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007 17

Julie Andrews’ ...

(From page 11)
pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite
things.
Back pains, confused brains, and no
need for sinnin’,
Thin bones and fractures and hair
that is thinnin’,
And we won’t mention our short,
shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite
things.
When the joints ache, When the hips
break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I’ve
had,
And then I don’t feel so bad.
*****
Ms. Andrews received a stand-
ing ovation from the crowd that lasted
over four minutes and repeated encores.
Wires

Street Smart ...

(From page 11)
But according to the Canada Safety
Council, motorists must go beyond the let-
ter of the law by driving defensively.
That means driving to prevent colli-
sions despite the actions of others and the
surrounding conditions.
Eighty-five percent of all collisions are
preventable through defensive driving.
Physical environment
Some neighborhoods have a high den-
sity of older people, who walk from their
home to seniors’ centres, medical offices,
stores and other facilities. These areas need
special attention.
The biggest complaint is traffic lights
that don’t allow enough time for slower
pedestrians to make it across the street. Ex-
tended timing makes a big difference.
Sidewalk design, repair and mainte-
nance must be a priority.
Uneven surfaces and unexpected obsta-
cles of any kind can cause serious falls.
Ice and snow removal is critical. Either
the municipality itself does all the work or
it must enforce a by-law that property own-
ers clear the sidewalk.
Curb ramps allow access for individuals
with less mobility, as well as scooters and
wheel chairs.
There are many other measures a mu-
nicipality can take to improve pedestrian
safety.
For example, refuge islands on wide
streets permit slower pedestrians to cross in
two stages; and audible signals tell people
with limited vision when they can cross.
The Canada Safety Council recom-
mends that local governments develop an
integrated plan for traffic safety which takes
into account the community as a whole.
The needs of older pedestrians must be
a key part of this plan. Safety Canada
Manila Media Monitor
18 JULY 2007 Who? What? The BUKAS LOOB SA DIYOS COVE-
NANT COMMUNITY invites everyone to
join them in a Pilgrimage to the Martyr’s
Shrine in Midland, ON on Aug. 11. For
My Canada ... further information, get in touch with
(From page 9)
Paulette Castaneda at paulita_castane-
Mrs. Grundy rose to the
occasion and stirred up pro- da@yahoo.ca>
tests as she did on another
occasion when a large work Books for Albay schools
by surrealist painter Pavel
Tchelitchew featuring fe-
tuses floating in some kind
of fluid.
How times have
changed! But wouldn’t it
be fun if, one year the ‘Ex’
could bring back those cen-
sured works?

(Used with permis-

Pillars’ Parents of the Year DE LA SALLE ALUMNI.
(Photo above) Four
sion. Ben Viccari is the
President of the Canadian
members of the Torral- Ethnic Media Associa-
ba family renewed ties tion [CEMA] and makes
with De La Salle fellow frequent appearances on
alumni in the recent 6th OMNI TV Commentary.
De La Salle World Con- Some of his commentar-
gress in Toronto. The ies are republished in this
Torralbas are Cesar publication and slightly ex-
from Victoria, B.C. (HS panded in some cases from
‘81, GS ‘77), Dante (Lia- their 70-second broadcast
com ‘76, GS ‘67), Mon originals. For more of his
(AB ‘77, HS ‘73, GS ‘69) work, please visit Ben’s
CARMEN DE CASTRO (seated, top photo) and and Edwin from Califor- website at: http://canscene.
GERRY ELISES (4th from left, photo below) beam nia (GS ‘64). ripple.ca)
with their kin as both are named Pillars’ Mother
and Father of the Year, respectively, in rites at the Honor graduate
Our Lady of Assumption Church on June 9. The
Pillars is set to have its 30th anniversary rites and Marie San
crowning of Ms. Pillars 2007 on Aug. 11. PR Juan, daughter
of Bob and Ma- Mila Magno of Mississauga readies for packing
rissa San Juan, seven sets of encyclopedias and other reference
graduates as books donated by the University of the Philip-
Valedictorian, pines Alumni Association (UPAA) in Metro Toron-
Class of 2007 to for shipment and distribution to the St. agnes
at the Jean Va- Academy and other schools which libraries were
nier Second- ravaged when Typhoon Reming hit Albay, Bicol,
ary School. the Philippines. Book donors include Daisy and
Marie received Bay Bernabe, Dan Ungshang, Fanny Calucag,
academic and Joe and Lita Zagala, Joe and Patty Rivera, Ralph
department and Juliet Ferrer, and Roy and Brenda Gutierrez.
awards in Arts Magno says seven balikbayan boxes of medical
and English. supplies collected by Rey and Carmelita Sunglao
Zetazate reunion She also got the and Betty Silagan will also be shipped to the Aqui-
Ontario Scholar nas University Hospital in support of its charity
Award given to ward. Mila and husband Oswald, who has written
students who rated 80 percent or higher in their about 10 ways to help the Philippines, have been
final year, and the Jean Vanier Honors Society very active in raising funds and relief for disaster
award for students who attained an average of 80 victims in the Philippines. Details of fund-raising
percent in each year at Jean Vanier. PR may be found in www.typhoonreming.info. PR

Zachary’s party
Parents Zeus and Roma
Gaborno flank Zach-
ary (child) as they pose
The Zetazates of Toronto welcome kin from the with Grandpa Amor and
US, the Philippines and Canada in a recent family the rest of the Gaborno
reunion. Posing for posterity are (from left, seat- clan and friends, during
ed) Edna, matriarch Magdalena Ayson Zetazate Zachary’s first birth an-
and Julie de la Cruz, (from left, standing) Abbey, niversary party in Mis-
Diosdado, Romy, Oscar and Rudy. PR sissauga. PR

The Empalmados: 60 years of love, togetherness

In Memory of Maring and Ru-
Severo Angeles y Alferez ben Empalmado
(seated, center)
Nov. 6, 1939 - June 21, 2007 celebrate their 60
years of marriage
Severo Angeles y Alferez, a native of Sta. Elena, Iriga with a family din-
City, Camarines Sur, the Philippines, passed away on ner-gathering in
June 21 in Toronto. His body was cremated after Holy Mississauga on
Mass at the St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church in June 22. The cou-
Scarborough on June 25. His widow, Elsa Lorenzo An- ple also received
geles, and children Esperanza Reyes and kids, Elisa Irag the blessings of
and kids, Rolando and Emily and kids, Arnold and Ela, Rev. Fr. Noel San
Angelo and Hazel and child, and Patricia Gabrielle ex- Vicente (right) of
tend their deep gratitude and appreciation to all who con- the Diocese of Ca-
doled with them in their time of bereavement, especially banatuan in the
Severo’s co-workers at the Scepter Corp. and medical Philippines. TONY
personnel of the Toronto East General Hospital. TS SICAT
JULY 2007 Manila Media Monitor
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
Startec Global (2)
Goldentuller & Associates (3)
Rolly’s Garage (3)
Dr. Evangeline M. Bernabe &
Associates (3)
Dr. Arla Rondilla Dentistry
Professional Corp. (5)
Dr. Albine A. Miciano
Cosmetic & General
Dentistry (6)
Action Honda (7)
Ellesmere-Kennedy Dental
Centre (10)
Kaakbay Financial Services
(11)
Dr. Roslyn Sim-Sabilano
& Associates (12)
New Conservatory of Music
(12)
Golden Mile Motors Ltd. (13)
Rosa Noyola (13)
Home Karaoke (14)
Golden Island Freight (15)
Gandang Tonnie Furto (16)
Nanny Home Care (16)
Delamarc Travel (17)
Forex (17)
FV Foods (19)
Mabuhay Philippines
Ma. Louisa Diaz
UAP 5th Annual Golf Classic
(Center Fold)
Moneygram (22)
Tropical Deli (22)
musicpad.com (22)
Castle Honda (23)
Dr. Heidi Amado-Gonzales
Family Dentistry (23)
JRB Global Caregiver (24)
Mary’s Esthetics (25)
UMAC Toronto (25)
Dr. Bernarda Rosales
Verzonilla Family &
Cosmetic Dentistry (27)
Laguna Jewellers (27)
Front Page Philippines (27)
Mary Gargaritano (28)
Conrad Fajardo (28)
Liland Insurance Inc. (29)
Dr. Miriam Bernacer (30)
Lovely Travel & Tours
Int’l, Inc. (30)
Arme Ortega-Braiden (31)
Roadsport Honda (32)
Culture Phil. Ontario (33)
OCDC Parcel Services (33)
Russell International (34)
Superb Travel (36)
Innovation (36)
Yellow Bird Driver’s Training
Centre (37)
Clemente Cabillan (37)
T.H.D. Consultants (37)
Timeless Images (37)
CHIN Radio (38)
RCT Travel (38)
New Look Beauty & Hair
Lounge (39)
Dr. Santiago & Associates (40)
Fairview Dental Centre (40)
19
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22 Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007

 Who? What? Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007 23

New home for San Lorenzo Ruiz faithful

Charges from the par-
ish of St. Simon the Apos-
tle and San Lorenzo Ruiz
Filipino Anglican Church
have signed a covenant that
joined and found a perma-
nent church-home for the
Filipino faithful from Rose-
dale and St. Jamestown.
The official Filipino
rectory service and English
Mass started on its regular
schedule every Sunday at
12:30 p.m. on July 1.
The parish office of Fr.
Ariel Dumaran has also
opened seven days a week
for outreach and faith ser-
vices.
The San Lorenzo Ruiz
Filipino Congregation has had no particular house of
been servicing St. James- worship and had been mov-
town for more than 14 ing from one place to an-
years, reaching out to over other to cope up with rising
10,000 households with costs.
various ministerial services The new home is close
like novenas, fellowships to one of the largest Filipino
and pastoral care. conglomerations in Toronto.
But the congregation Marcelo Dioquino
Greetings
MYLENE DAVID marks
her birth anniversary
on July 12 with lots of
greetings and a bash
from family, relatives
and friends.

Academic Excellence Awardee

Jennifer Perez Fermo
(2nd from left) presents
her Award for Academ-
ic Excellence during
her Grade 8 graduation
from the Guardian An-
gels Elementary School
in Milton, Ontario, on
July 1, as proud par-
ents Armie and Randy
Fermo and sister Jes-
sica congratulate her
for also getting special
awards in music and
the arts. RAZETAZATE

A way to spend summer ... in Marineland

A group led by Rose Cruz have found just the right way to beat the heat and
leisurely spend a Sunday, July 8, in Marineland and later admire the splen-
dor of Niagara Falls.

60 years of
wedded bliss
A simple gathering of close family
highlights the 60th wedding anniver-
sary of Mr. and Mrs. Luciano Garcia
of Scarborough on July 10. Rooted in
Batangas and Malabon. the Garcias
have been bleesed with children Cri-
seng, Fely, Boyet, Allen, Dia, Ed and
Susan and they have nine grandchil-
dren and eight great grandchildren.
Photo: Czarina Garcia

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Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007 Philippine History 24
JULY 4, 1946

Real Philippine
Independence Day? The historical and po-
litical debate rages on.
Is July 4, 1946 or June
12, 1898 the real Philippine
Independence Day?
Or is there another plau-
sible date when the coun-
try really, really gained its
own sovereignty, free from
external influence and pres-
sure, and its people enjoy-
ing their cultural identity as
Filipinos?
On July 4, history marks
the 61st anniversary of a
ceremony that formally
completed a ten-year old
vow of the United States to
shed its control and sover-
eignty over the Philippines.
On July 4, 1946, the
Stars and Stripes was low-
ered at Manila’s Luneta Park
and the Philippine tricolor
was raised in its place.
Alan Berlow, who lived
in the Philippines for five
years where he set up the
Official program for the July 4, 1946 ceremonies National Public Radio Ma-
at the Luneta when the American flag was low- nila bureau, wrote: “A rain-
ered and American sovereignty was reliquished in soaked crowd of 400,000
the Philippines. (From the collection of Dr. Frank cheered wildly, and church
Quismorio, Jr.) (Continued on page 25)
 Real Philippine
Independence Day?
(From page 24)
bells clanged throughout
the archipelago.”
“Speaking to the as-
sembled throng, US Senator
Millard Tydings of Mary-
land called the day ‘one of
the most unprecedented,
most idealistic, and most
far-reaching events in all
recorded history.’
“It was a remarkable
spectacle: the world’s pre-
eminent power voluntarily
relinquishing sovereignty
over a nation it had acquired
48 years earlier in the Span-
ish-American War.”
On December 10, 1898,
the US purchased the Phil-
ippines from Spain as part
of the Treaty of Paris for the
sum of US$20 million, in
consideration for an indem-
nity for Spanish expenses
and assets lost even after
the US defeated Spain in
the Spanish-American War.
For a while, Filipinos
used to memorialize July 4
as Independence Day.
But on May 17, 1962,
then President Diosdado
Macapagal signed an exec-
utive order that changed the
commemoration to June 12.
Macapagal’s basis was
the June 12, 1898 declara-
tion of independence made
by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
in Kawit, Cavite.
From 1946 to 1961, In-
dependence Day was ob-
served on July 4, but Ma-
capagal, upon the advice of
historians, reverted to the
June 12 date, which up to
that time had been observed
as Flag Day.
Macapagal believed it
was his mandate to correct
history, and the change of
date would better serve the
national aspirations of the
Filipino people.
Politically, Macapagal
got the nod of nationalists.
To placate the other side of
the political fence, leaders
retitled July 4 as Philippine-
American Friendship Day,
which at sometime was
celebrated but very much
ignored to this day.
July 4 passed this year in
Manila without any fanfare
or even a glimpse of signifi-
cance, even if Macapagal’s
daughter, now President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,
shared sentiments with the
Bush administration.
Bobby Reyes, founder
of the Media Breakfast
Club and organizer of Phil-
ippine-American exhibits
in California, said Macapa-
gal’s executive order would
never rewrite history.
Reyes noted the revolu-
tion against Spain that led
to Gen. Aguinaldo’s proc-
lamation of independence
Philippine History Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007 25
in Kawit “was but one of real and factual. We cannot
a series of wars for inde- distort historical facts. We
pendence that the Filipino cannot celebrate an event
people waged.” that only “resembles the
On April 27, 1521, chief- truth.” We reckon that it was
tain Lapu-Lapu and his men only on July 4, 1946, when
fought and killed explorer the United States granted it
Ferdinand Magellan and independence that the Phil-
warded off Spanish conquis- ippines became politically
tadores in Mactan island in free as a country. To ignore
Cebu. Pangasinan’s Princess the July 4, 1946 indepen-
Urduja fought Spaniards dence is hypocritical.
from 1680 to 1692. What then, kabayan?
Since 1754, prior to the Should Philippine Indepen-
Katipunan’s birth in July dence Day be celebrated on American soldiers look at the bodies of 900 men,
1892, there were some 32 June 12 or July 4? Or when women and children after the infamous Massacre
rebellions, mutinies and re- Filipinos have been certi- of Bud Dajo in Mindanao during the Philippine-
volts against Spain. There fied truly free? American war. Anti-Imperialist League, Boston
were nine uprisings dur-
ing the British occupation
of Manila, from 1762 to
1764. Added were sporadic
revolts in 1763 in Laguna,
Batangas, Tayabas (Que-
zon), Cavite, Camarines,
Samar, Panay, Cebu and
Zamboanga.
On Gen. Aguinaldo’s
proclamation in 1898, not
a single country recognized
it. True enough, the US and
Spain were busy figuring
out how much the Philip-
pines cost.
History records showed
that Aguinaldo, after being
captured by US Gen. Fred-
erick Funston, on April 1,
1901 swore allegiance to
America.
Reyes wrote: We want
to set the record straight.
We celebrate only what is
 The Philippines
Manila Media Monitor
26
JULY 2007 News Roundup
Queen Elizabeth II’s stamp fan a hit
July in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental LUCENA CITY - Sometime
last year, a high school student from

Saulog de Tanjay
Lucena City wrote Queen Elizabeth
II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Wind-
sor) of the United Kingdom and told
her of her stamp collection that por-
trays Her Royal Highness.
A few weeks later, to her sur-
prise, Queen Elizabeth II answered
her letter. “The Queen even sent me
photos of herself inside the Windsor
Palace,” said Alyasah Xeniah Alcala, 14, a second year high school stu-
dent at the Sacred Heart College here.
After completing her Queen Elizabeth II stamp collection, she sent
it to Royal 2006 Royale, a national stamp collection exhibit in Canada
where it won the Youth Grand Award.
Last month, the same collection won a Vermeil Medal in the Roch-
ester National Philtelic Exhibition held at the Monrea Community Col-
lege in New York.
Last week, Alcala’s stamp collection titled “Her Majesty, Queen
Elizabeth II” was proclaimed the 2007 AAPE Youth Champion of
Champions in the National Topical Stamp Exhibition at the Seraton
Grand Hotel in Irving, Texas. The exhibit was sponsored by the Ameri-
can Association of Philatelix Exhibitors.
The young Alcala is a member of the Quezon Philatelic Club. PNA

Cotabato BIR official sacked

A young girl (above) parades the icon of St. James the Greater during festival parade, as a
group of face and body-painted and costumed dancers (below) prepare to get their act on
the streets of Tanjay City for the Sinulog, celebrated every July 24.
The Sinulog is a tradition in
Tanjay. A religious devotional fes-
tive dance, the Sinulog depicts in
a mock battle the war between
the Moors and the Christians in
Granada, Spain in centuries past.
It honors Tanjay’s patron saint
Señor Santiago (St. James the
Greater) who, according to leg-
end, miraculously came from the
heavens on a white horse and aid-
ed the Christians to victory.
Sinulog, later renamed Sau-
log, de Tanjay was first performed
in July 24, 1814, and has become
a spectacle in Tanjay to this day.
Because of its high historical
and cultural value, the Sinulog
was featured in the Folk Arts The-
ater in Manila in 1981.
MANILA - Malacañang has approved the recommendation of the
Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) to dismiss Bureau of In-
ternal Revenue director Hadji Mama Bae Marzoc for non-declaration of
assets for three years and thus violating the Anti-Graft and Corruption
Practices Act. The PAGC said Marzoc did not declare his residential
lots in Cotabato City and six other properties in his 2003, 2004, and
2005 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth. Marzoc was dis-
missed from service on June 25, in a decision signed by Executive Sec-
retary Eduardo Ermita. His dismissal cancelled his eligibility, forfeited
his leave credits and retirement benefits and disqualified him from re-
employment in government service. PNA
Youth to meet in environment gab
MANILA - Students from across the Philippine archipelago will
gather at the Museum of the Filipino People in Rizal Park on July 18
for a summit devoted to combating climate change and cleaning up the
environment. The summit, dubbed Changing Earth, Changing Lives,
heeds the United Nations’ call for the youth to participate in the fight
against global warming. The students are expected to come up with
a manifesto to serve as inputs for consideration in the formulation of
national policies and programs. Earlier, UN Secretary General Ban Ki
Moon dared governments to muster the political will to address envi-
ronmental issues so that future generations could rest, assured that hu-
man abuse would cease to cause global warming. PNA

RP ranks among top 25 Law vs lewd publications vowed

MANILA - Compostela Valley Rep. Manuel Zamora has vowed

using e-gov’t tools - UN
MANILA - The United Na-
tions named the Philippines as one
of the top 25 countries worldwide
that employs technology or e-gov-
ernment tools to the fullest.
The UN cited the Philippines
as a pioneer in using technology
to advance public administration.
A panel at the 7th Global Fo-
rum on Reinventing Government
at the UN Headquarters in Vienna
ranked the Philippines 17th, shar-
ing the place with Austria, among
191 countries.
The UN made the rankings
based on a web-measure index
that assessed the quality of gov-
ernment websites and the level of
use of information and commu-
nications technology (ICT) tools
in government, either to provide
information and to establish inter-
net-based interactive and transac-
tional services.
At the top of the UN rankings
were the United States, United
Kingdom, Singapore, Republic of
Korea and Denmark.
The Philippines also placed
4th in e-government readiness
among countries in Asia, next to
Singapore, Republic of Korea and
Japan. E-government readiness
took into account the web-mea-
sure index and the level of tele-
communications infrastructure
and human capital development.
The UN also mentioned the
Philippines’ integrated portal
www.gov.ph as “on par with the
best of the world” and could be
considered a good practice.
It pointed out that the portal
was one of the few national sites
in the world that offered a wireless
access alternative for users, either
through Short Message Service,
Wireless Application Protocol or
through a Pocket PC section.
The Philippines was also
ranked 15th in the e-participation
index, among countries which
“provide access and opportunity
to the citizen through develop-
ment of participatory initiatives
via ICT.” The e-participation in-
dex assessed “how relevant and
useful the e-participation features
of government websites around
the world are; and how well they
are deployed by governments for
promoting participatory decision-
making.”
The top 10 countries accord-
ing to this index were the UK, US,
Singapore, Canada, Republic of
Korea, New Zealand, Denmark,
Mexico, Australia and the Neth-
erlands.
The UN further noted the part-
nership between the Philippine
government and the private sec-
tor to monitor polluters through
the Bantay-Usok and Bantay-Ka-
likasan programs as a model of
how technology enables citizens
to participate actively in gover-
nance.
The UN survey underscored
the need for the Philippines to fur-
ther improve the level of telecom-
munications infrastructure to fully
implement E-governance.
In the general survey of e-gov-
ernment readiness, the Philippines
ranked 41st among 179 countries.
PNA
to file in Congress a law seeking to ban the circulation of publications
shwoing obscene materials in the guise of press freedom. Zamora said
the proliferation of newspapers with lewd photos and articles should
be banned to ensure a morally-sound citizenry. He said “if the time-
honored principle (of press freedom) enshrined in the Constitution is
allowed to go wayward toward this unwanted end, we can only expect
a society governed by the basest of human moods and dispositions. A
benchmark of decency must therefore be maintained if the freedom of
the press is to be fully entrusted to media’s responsibility.” PNA
Carcar in Cebu becomes city
Carcar, a southern town noted for its
delicious crispy pork cracklings called
CARCAR
CHURCH chicharon and sweet rice delicacy called
ampao, on July 1 became Cebu prov-
ince’s second city this year; after Bogo,
which got cityhood on June 16. Carcar’s
entry into the country’s league of cities
came after 11,699 of the heritage town’s
voters, voted yes to cityhood in a plebi-
scite. The no votes totaled 1,748. PNA
185 workers barred from exiting RP
MANILA - The Bureau of Immigration, since June 21, has disal-
lowed 185 Filipino workers from boarding their flights and leaving the
country after officials found out they were contract workers disguis-
ing as tourists. Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the
‘tourist workers’ did not go through the required official processes and
even attempted to elude an ongoing ban on the departure of undocu-
mented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). He stressed that the escort
service racket and human trafficking should be stopped to prevent the
abuse and exploitation of OFWs in foreign lands. PIA
JULY 2007 Manila Media Monitor 27
28 Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo salutes as she pays tribute to 14 Marine

soldiers killed in action in an encounter with lawless elements in Tipo-Tipo,
Basilan on July 10. The President led the nation in giving a hero’s welcome
for the slain soldiers whose flag-draped caskets were airlifted to Villamor
Air Base in Pasay City on July 14. Behind the President is Vice President
Noli de Castro. (Rey Baniquet-OPS/NIB Photo)

Anti-terror law takes effect

MANILA - The unpopular Anti-Ter-
rorism Law or Human Security Act (HSA)
took effect on July 15, as officials took ex-
tra effort to sell it to a wary populace.
Press Secretary and Presidential Spokes-
man Ignacio Bunye reiterated the state’s as-
surances that human rights and civil liber-
ties would be protected by the law.
Republic Act No. 9372, also known
as An Act to Secure the State and Protect
Our People from Terrorism, “enhances the
safety and domestic security of our country
by giving us more legal power to prosecute
those who commit any acts of terror on our
people,” Bunye said.
“The law empowers enforcers to crush
the terrorist movement in the country and to
transform our nation’s response to political
violence, while at the same time ensuring
that civil rights are protected,” he added.
Bunye said that with the HSA in place,
suspected terrorists in police custody could
not just post bail only to commit another
terroristic act.
He cited the gruesome Davao City Air-
port bombing on March 4, 2003 wherein
the prime suspect in the attack was allowed
to post bail due to a legal technicality.
“At the time of the Davao Airport
bombing incident, we still had no Human
Security Act. The police nabbed a suspect
whom they charged with illegal possession
of firearms. The suspect eventually bailed
himself out, only to commit another act of
terrorism by perpetuating the North Cota-
bato bombing,” Bunye said.
“The law’s message is clear: if you are
armed and kill civilians, you will be pros-
ecuted. If you are a communist terrorist, re-
ligious terrorist or even a rogue element of
our police or military, you will be stopped,”
he said.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Edu-
ardo Ermita said that under the new law,
the crime of terrorism included piracy in
general or mutiny in high seas; rebellion
or insurrection; coup d’etat, including acts
committed by private persons; murder; kid-
napping and serious illegal detention; and
crimes involving destruction such as arson.
Ermita said the law imposed a 40-year
imprisonment without parole for anyone
found guilty of violating the law.
On March 6, President Gloria Maca-
pagal-Arroyo signed the act, but its imple-
mentation was deferred until after the May
14 elections to allay fears of human rights
advocates and the opposition that it would
be used to harass administration critics.
To ensure that law enforcers would not
abuse authority, the law contained provi-
sions such as having to pay acquitted sus-
pects P500,000 in damages “for every day
that he/she has been detained or deprived
of liberty or arrested without a warrant.”
OPS/PNA

Dealing with priorities ...

(From page 9)
when you’re struggling
to make ends meet?
Every time you fail to
reach a goal, you let your-
self and your family down.
Sometimes you have to
stop trying to help with the
limited resources you have;
and long enough so that you
can strengthen yourself.
Do not worry. You are
not abandoning the prom-
ises you made to your fam-
ily, or yourself. It takes time
to accomplish important
things.
Take the time to make
yourself strong so that you
can better help those in
need. Keep the focus on
your dreams until they bear
fruit. It makes more sense
than always not having
enough: not enough to feed
your child, not enough to
pay the rent, not enough to
help your family.
Setting and maintaining
priorities is never easy.
I know about priorities.
I struggle to balance my life
everyday. And it seems that
everyday something new
and urgent demands my at-
tention. If I am not careful,
I lose focus. I lose sight of
what is really important as
I get sucked into what is ur-
gent at the moment.
But priorities are impor-
tant. They help you stay fo-
cused and true to your goals.
Everytime I feel myself
getting distracted, I check
things against my priorities.
If what I am doing helps me
reach my necessary goals, I
keep doing it. If not, I stop.
At times, it is really hard
to stop doing the things
which distract you because,
often, they involve people
close to you - people who
want to depend on you and
who you do not want to let
down.
But think about it this
way: If you don’t say no,
you are cheating yourself
and your family.
Stay with the priori-
ties you have set. Do not
be afraid to change them if
the circumstances change.
But change them only after
careful thought.
After all, you set goals
because you believe in them
and in yourself. Letting
something get in the way of
those goals, is like declar-
ing “I no longer believe in
myself”.
That is not what this
journey is all about.
JULY 2007 Manila Media Monitor 29

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Money
Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007

GMA SONA to focus on economy

Sustaining a strong economy and in-
vesting in human capital and physical in-
frastructure are expected to form the central
theme of President Gloria Macapagal-Ar-
in strong, stable institutions.”
Aside from her vision of Philippines
Ever been a GOT A FOREX DEAL?
victim of debit,
Check out if you got your peso’s worth for the dol-
2027, the President was also “expected to lars you have had exchanged since June 11, cour-
give an update on what we have achieved tesy of Manila Media (Money) Monitor.

credit card theft?

royo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) so far” in terms of the Super Regions in-
US$ Cdn$
before the joint session of the 14th Con- frastructure framework she unveiled in her
July 13 45.79196 43.73364
gress on July 23. SONA 2006.
An Ipsos Reid phone July 12 45.99922 43.97425
Press Secretary and Presidential The Chief Executive was also expected
poll of 1,002 adults con- July 11 46.12308 43.71636
Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said that among to enumerate “what the doables are this year
ducted for CanWest News July 10 45.92605 43.65370
the other core issues the President was ex- towards making our country more competi-
Service and Global Televi- July 9 46.00267 43.93508
pected to take up in SONA were her vision tive and, therefore, more attractive to inves-
sion from June 19 to June July 6 46.21038 44.09084
of turning the Philippines into a First World tors,” Bunye said.
21 showed: July 5 46.10136 43.65436
country within the next two decades, the “She is expected to cover reforms and
► Two in ten (17%) Ca- July 3 45.79206 43.23836
quest for permanent peace in Mindanao, investments in education and social servic-
nadians have been affected June 29 46.23620 43.49305
policy reforms and investments. es,” he added.
by debit or credit card fraud June 28 46.34816 43.64016
Under the President’s development The Malacañang official said the Presi-
or theft. June 27 46.42201 43.34252
strategy, the Philippines should have at- dent, who grew up in Iligan City in Mind-
► Nearly 21% of On- June 25 46.11896 43.05901
tained First World status by 2027 and by anao, was also “expected to cover the sub-
tarians were affected, while June 22 46.09876 43.20218
then “we will have dramatically reduced ject of waging peace in Mindanao through
just three percent of those in June 21 46.11193 42.97297
poverty, created a robust middle class, and development initiatives and the fight against
Saskatchewan and Manito- June 20 45.83100 43.07202
have all the hallmarks of a modern society terrorism. OPS
ba and just seven percent of June 19 45.87965 43.27995

Peso can rise to P42 vs US$1 on good Atlantic Canadians reported

having been a victim.
June 18
June 15
46.01409
46.59496
42.92167
43.66708

tax returns, sound market fundamentals ► Middle-aged Cana-

MANILA - Hongkong
and Shanghai Banking
Corp. - Philippines senior
vice president and trea-
surer Arnulfo Velasco said
the peso would continue
to strengthen against the
greenbuck, as he projected
it to reach P42.50 against
the American dollar.
But Velasco said this
would only happen if rev-
enue collection turned posi-
tive and strong market fun-
damentals like sound fiscal
management and inflation
figures were in place.
“These are the positive
situations that can push
the currency to appreciate.
There are strong reasons to
make it touch that level but
it will stay to the P45 level
and even close at that by the
end of the year,” he said.
The peso has appreci-
ated to as much as P45.58
last June.
Velasco said the appre-
ciation of the peso was evi-
dent as with other curren-
cies in Asia and Europe.
Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) Governor
Amando Tetangco Jr. ear-
lier said that as of June 28,
the peso has appreciated by
5.8 percent.
Tetangco attributed the
peso’s rise to the strong
remittance inflows from
Filipinos abroad, which hit
US$4.7 billion in April.
BSP forecast overseas
Filipino remittances to hit
US$14.7 billion this year,
higher than last year’s
US$14 billion target. PNA
dians, aged 35 to 54, had
the highest incidence rate at
19%, while 16% of younger
Canadians, 18 to 34, and
14% of older Canadians, 55
and above, were affected.
► Debit, credit card
fraud victimized more ur-
ban Canadians (17%) than
rural Canadians (13%).
► Three In ten (27%)
said they changed spending
habits due to fear of debit,
credit fraud or theft.
► Albertans and resi-
dents of Manitoba and
Saskatchewan are the most
June 14
June 13
46.43491
46.54219
June 12 46.38219
June 11 46.32245
likely to have changed their
spending habits (31%),
while Atlantic Canadians
are the least likely (20%).
► Some 48% believed
banks and businesses were
doing enough to protect per-
sonal information collected
from clients, and to prevent
fraud and identity theft, but
44% said otherwise.
The survey results were
released by Ipsos Reid
43.47573
43.65867
43.75472
43.65697
through John Wright, pub-
lic affairs senior vice presi-
dent.
Ipsos Reid is Canada’s
market intelligence leader,
the country’s leading pro-
vider of public opinion re-
search, and research partner
for loyalty and forecasting
and modelling insights.
It has operations in
eight cities, with over 600
research personnel.
Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights eases
acct’g burden of small traders
Money Manila Media Monitor
JULY 2007
31
Manila Media Monitor File Photo
BY BUTCH DG. GALICIA
Recent Canadian government taxation initiatives “will definitely erase the myth
that government tax regulations and compliances’ requirements are a big scare.”
This Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto (PCCT) president Rafael Nebres
stressed, as he viewed the recently signed Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights as a positive move
to ease the burden of “small businesses that do not have the luxury of big budgets for
accounting,” specially in complying with government tax regulations and filing.
Nebres, also Action stages,” Nebres added. speaker on June 16.
Honda general manager, He said Ontario reve- The new Taxpayers’ Bill
said the bill’s provisions for nue minister Michael Chan of Rights acknowledged the
small businesses “will defi- discussed with PCCT mem- importance of small busi-
nitely help open up wider bers “the implementation ness as the engine of growth
and better opportunities for of government streamline in the Canadian economy.
Filipino community busi- services to minimize cost On May 28, revenue
nessmen.” of taxation compliance, the minister Carol Skelton and
“The PCCT supports the compliance burden of tax- finance minister Jim Fla- RAFAEL NEBRES
initiatives. We just have to payers and other services herty signed the Bill of
wait for its full implementa- that meet the needs of the Rights, with provisions for
tion - how it will be and how small businesses.”
it will impact on the busi-
the creation of a Taxpayers’
Chan was PCCT ac- Ombudsman.
consistently.
► Lodge a service com-
plaint and to be provided
BUSINESS
ness community at the early quaintance-dinner guest Taxpayers’ rights:
► Receive entitlements
with an explanation of our
findings.
BRIEFS
I’ll take and to pay no more and no
less than what is required
► Have the costs of
compliance taken into ac- Air Philippines, Bombardier
the cash by law. count when administering
completes $56M aircraft deal
► Service in both offi- tax legislation.
A contestant in
cial languages. ► Expect government Bombardier Aerospace, part of Montreal-based Bom-
Forex-UMAC’s
► Privacy and confi- to be accountable. bardier Inc., has sold three Q300 turboprop aircraft to Air
Kuwarta o Ka-
dentiality. ► Relief from penalties Philippines in a contract valued at some $56 million, ac-
hon contest at
► A formal review and and interest under tax legis- cording to Canada Stockwatch. Air Philippines flies do-
the Filipino
a subsequent appeal. lation because of extraordi- mestic routes in the Philippines.
Centre Toronto’s
Pistahan chose
► Be treated profes-
sionally, courteously, and
nary circumstances.
► Expect government
MBMI inks RP mineral pact
$300 over prizes
fairly. to publish service standards MBMI Resources Inc., a Vancouver-based developer
in boxes. The
► Complete, accurate, and report annually. of mineral properties in the Philippines and Canada, has
box prizes in-
clear, and timely informa- ► Expect government entered into a long-term agreement to purchase nickel ore
cluded an out-
tion. to warn taxpayers about from a project owned by a private Philippine mining com-
door barbecue
► As an individual, not questionable tax schemes in pany, according to Market Wire. Under the agreement, ef-
grill, a trip to the
to pay income tax amounts a timely manner. fective for the life of the project, MBMI will provide finan-
Philippines and
in dispute before getting an ► Be represented by cial, marketing, technical and transaction services related
an entertainment
impartial review. a person of taxpayer’s to nickel products. Production is expected to commence
center. PR
► Have the law applied choice. this year.
Racial profiling: Still ...
ated hitches in their accep-
tance, not only by the host
society but also by the in-
stitutions within the society.
The issues linger on.
Legal institutions that
protect and enhance one’s
equality rights have to reflect
on principles of equality.
Institutions of society do
not change as quickly as the
enactment of laws. But time
will come when the police,
judiciary, tribunals and pub-
lic administration and other
legal institutions will be able
to see the benefits of having
proportionate numbers of
minorities and women in
these institutions.
Today, for example, less
then 18 percent of the wom-
en and less than one percent
of the judges belong to the
minority group, although
women make about 51 per-
cent of the population and
visible minorities are about
20 percent of the society.
Minority groups need to
band and bond together and
improve their social and
cultural exchange and inter-
action. This will enable the
ADVERTISE
WITH
CALL
416-285-8583
formation of cohesive po-
litical groups to express and
lobby rights and interests.
Presently, each group
works on its own and the
numbers in each social and
ethnic group are not big
enough for each to exert
influence on political and
legal institutions.
In Toronto where almost
half the population is com-
prised of various minority
groups, communities must
create a formidable social
and political force to bring
about real changes in society
to protect minority interests.
It may be said that Ca-
nadian courts have come
out against racial profiling.
But if one ever has the
The serious ...
After working as nan-
nies for two, three or more
years, many Filipino wom-
en immigrate to the U.S.,
Canada or other industrial
countries and then sponsor
their families.
Many of them are re-
united with their families
after years of separation
and live happily ever after
in their new homelands, but
in Sampang’s case there is
no happy end yet.
“My children have cho-
sen their own paths, and
I’m still here by myself,”
she writes at the end of her
book.
Two of her three daugh-
ters are now married. One
(From page 4)
misfortune of being a victim
of institutions that profile,
it will be an experience of
a lifetime.
Recently, some South
Asian students were tried
and then acquitted for being
terrorists because they had
enrolled in a school that ap-
peared bogus.
The legal costs of de-
fense, the anguish of being
branded terrorists, losing
academic time, and being
confined in jail for months
are indeed terrifying.
Is it time to go on be-
ing complacent or is it time
to act? (Jay Chauhan,
jaychauhan53@yahoo.ca,
is a senior lawyer based in
Richmond Hill, Ontario.)
(From page 6)
lives with her husband in the
U.S., one lives in the Phil-
ippines with her husband
and three children, and the
third daughter is still work-
ing in Manila but currently
processing her immigration
papers to Vancouver.
Sampangs’s dream of
bringing all her children to
Canada remains on hold.
(Crisanta Sampang:
Maid in Singapore. The
serious, quirky and some-
times absurd life of a do-
mestic worker. Published
by Times Editions, Mar-
shall Cavendish, Singa-
pore 2005, paperback, 144
pages, ISBN 9812611703,
$11.90.)
Arts & Entertainment
32 Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007
An opera star in the making ...
Tugbang draws raves in 1st solo concert
Roy Tugbang is only 12 years old and, boy, he can sing.
In his first major solo outing in a July 7 concert with friends, Tugbang’s well-honed
pipes boomed and echoed around the City Playhouse Theatre, reminding a nearly full-
house crowd of a well-spent
evening in an opera house or a
Broadway theater.
A product of Showoffs’ Art
Nefsky, Tugbang, who dreams
of singing with the internation-
al operatic pop vocal group Il
Divo, handled his solos very
skillfully, and with much ease
and aplomb.
His duets with Candace
Santos, with Jiva Andola and
with Michael Magali were ear-
freshening. Tugbang blended
ROY TUGBANG well - even when he rendered
and in operatic fashion the same
CANDACE SANTOS number in Spanish - with the
mix of voices that spread its
Manila Media Monitor Photos aura over an awed audience.
Like the Broadway player
he wants to be, Tugbang ca-
vorted with his guests - to in-
ROY TUGBANG clude Nick Palma, Zena Zagala
and Grace Rodriguez - during
and
JIVA ANDOLA group performances choreo-
graphed by Kim Belen..
This Is The Moment ... With
Roy was Tugbang’s formal in-
troduction to Toronto’s enter-
tainment arena, thanks to Top
Stars Production mainstays
Claudia Santos, Noel Tumblod
and June Soriano. BG
Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007 33
34
The fat ...
(From page 8)
“Oh, she used to work
full-time as a nurse, but she
was laid off,” he answered.
“Now, she’s working
part-time; and when she’s
not too busy, she runs af-
ter me and pulls me down;
that’s why I’m here on top
where she couldn’t reach
me.”
Exasperated, I bid the
man on the tree goodbye.
As I walked away, I
met his cousin - the woman
who was grabbing his leg.
She asked me, “You have a
‘tooney’?”
I asked, “What do you
need a ‘tooney’ for?”
“Oh, I’m organizing
an association to conduct
a concrete divider between
the two road lanes of life’s
highway to enable the new-
comers in this country to
overtake the oldtimers,” she
replied.
“The present straight
yellow lines are no longer
effective. Newcomers are
still able to speed away,” the
woman added.
“How long have you
been here, anyway?” she
asked.
I said, “Seventeen
years,” and proceeded to
walk away without saying
goodbye, and whispering
to myself, “CRAB,” deter-
mined not to listen to these
trivialities anymore.
Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007
GMA, Vital, Katindig cite efforts to
promote, propagate Filipino culture
President Gloria Maca-
pagal-Arroyo has noted the
role of Filipinos in Canada
in preserving and propagat-
ing the rich cultural heritage
of their land of birth, while
they build niches and shine
in their respective fields of
social and economic initia-
tives in their host country.
President Arroyo cited
the Philippine Arts and Cul-
tural Experience (PACE)
for putting up the Filipinos
Making Waves Festival
(MWF), although she ex-
CANADA-BASED PERFORMERS (back row, from left) Chyrell Samson, Josie pressed regrets for being un-
De Leon, Aileen Muan, Karen Tan, Alyssa Salamat, Zena Zagala, (front row, able to attend the festival’s
from left) Andres Sierra, Darius Ciria, Mikey Bustos, Emilio Vieira and Rod- debut at the Harbourfront
ney Ronquillo will join U.S. and Philippine-based artists in an entertainment Centre from Aug. 17 to 19.
extravaganza during the Filipinos Making Waves Festival at the Harbour- Meanwhile, songstress
front Centre from Aug. 17 to 19. Lirio Vital Arredondo laud-
ed PACE’s efforts to “pre-
serve our culture” and “ed-
ucate our new generation,
especially our children” on
what is truly Filipino.
Lirio, alongside TV-
movie actor and game show
host Edu Manzano, is one
of the topbill artists in the
MWF entertainment fete.
Lirio said she “is so ex-
cited and very blessed” to
be a part of the show. “We
Filipinos need this kind of
event to remind us all of
who we really are in truth
and in spirit. I cannot wait
PROMISING ARTISTS IN MAKING WAVES FESTIVAL TALENT SEARCH to see you all there in To-
ronto,” she added.
Filipino jazz artist Boy
Katindig added: “I was very
surprised when I first got the
call. I am so excited and hon-
ored to be performing as the
only contemporary jazz artist
with my band. I am also re-
ally looking forward to see-
ing old friends and promot-
ing my CD Groovin’ High to
Canadians. The festival will
be an amazing milestone for
the community.”
Relatedly, 15 young en-
tertainers were chosen to
perform alongside Canada-
based and world-renowned
Filipino artists in the MWF
entertainment fete.
The 15 topped the MWF
talent search grand finals at
the Golden Valley Banquet
Hall on June 9.
They are Inah Canlapan,
Kristine Cristobal, Sheryl
Debulgado, Antonytte Es-
toesta, Divina Gracia Fac-
unla, Jeffrey Byron Lean,
Jessa Luna, Cassandra Mal-
abanan, Theodore Mara-
sigan, Vincent Villanueva,
stand-up comedian Godfrey
Diocada, Charlyn Marun-
dan, Cindy Villansanta, Jav
Villasanta, Jennifer Fermo,
Michael Magali, CJ, DNA
Dancers, and Aiza Nuguit/
Katrina Mendoza Dancing
Angels. PR
Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007 35
Pinoy Ate Guy’s
SHOW comeback?
US-based Filipino actress and superstar

BUZZ Nora Aunor is off to a big comeback, as a

film producer, for one, and as a starrer in an-
other filmfest flick, for another.
Ate Guy, as she is known to her fans, is
likely to return to the Philippines to produce a

Cesar, Sunshine split untrue still untitled movie in Manila on September.

The movie is written by Irma Dimaranan
who wrote Naglalayag for Nora, and it will
Cesar Montano and Sunshine be directed by Mario O’ Hara, her director in NORA AUNOR
Cruz are still very much together, the classic drama Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.
and have never separated as rumored By December, Ate Guy will have to promote Reklusyon de Perpetua, which will
over the past few weeks. be an official entry to the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival. Reklusyon, to be filmed
Proof? Cesar told Manila Bul- entirely in New York next month will be directed by Lav Diaz.
letin that he has been convincing Having been in the US for two years now, Aurnor has been busy doing live shows.
Sunshine for a fourth child. “Siya Last April, her sons Ian and Kiko joined her in special shows in the West Coast.
lang ang may ayaw ng pang-apat Entertainment writers see Ate Guy’s return to show business as a relief to a series
na baby.” of scandals that had rocked the superstar -- a drug-related case and her alleged Las
Sunshine denied talks that she Vegas marriage to talent manager, Norie Sayo.
had left Cesar: “OA naman ang Lately, an independent producer asked Nora to do a remake of the 1979 classic
balitang naglayas ako! Ina Ka ng Anak Mo, which she topbilled with Lolita Rodriguez. In the
Unang-una, ang new version, Nora will take on the role of the mother, with
hirap maglayas. Saan naman ako pupunta? Oo, nandi- Judy Ann Santos as her daughter. Nora and Judy Ann
yan ang Mommy ko, pero nakakahiya naman kung earlier worked together in Premiere productions’
gagawin ko ‘yon. Tsaka, tatlo ang mga anak Babae, shown 10 years ago, which also starred
namin ni Buboy. Ang hirap na maglayas na the late Nida Blanca.
kasa-kasama ang mga bata. Siyempre, with Birthday:
matching yaya pa ang mga ‘yan at mga June 25, 1985
gamit. Kaya isang entourage ang Birth Place: Quezon
mangyayari kapag naglayas ako, City, Philippines Remember Marcos? Yup! It’s quite
di ba?” Hobbies: Going to the synonymous with a rapacious col-
She also flatly denied they gym, Malling, Watching TV lection of designer shoes. But
were having problems. and movies,Surfing the net strike that out. Michael Mar-
Rumors alleged that Sun- Pet/s: I don’t have any. I wish I cos-Manotoc is out to prove
shine decided to leave Ce- can have a Maltese or a pug. It’s that the Marcos brand will
sar when she found out just that its’ not allowed in the con- be better remembered in
Cesar went to a KTV do I’m in though showbiz, not in shoe-biz,
bar in Parañaque City. FilmStew.com reports.

Ehra
This was further fueled Michael, 21, is the sec-
when Cesar went to ond of three sons of di-
Bohol with the cou- vorced Imee Marcos

Madrigal
ple’s eldest daughter and pro golfer Tom-
my Manotoc.
Angeline to attend the He recently completed
election proclamation
studies at New York
of a friend, without
Sunshine. University and is pre-
Expression: Whatever, Kamusta na- paring for law studies
man yun and Pasaway at the University of
Personality: Shy, down to earth, “ko- the Phillipines. “It’s

Martin-
boy” a family tradition,” he
Goals: To lose 10-15 pounds this year. says. But he admits that
To have more “rakets”. To finish my among the siblings, he is

Katrina studies. To improve my acting abil-

ities and to be able to touch other
people’s life through my work
lone heir to his mother’s
acting and law interests.
He took a short course at

nuptials on, even in a little way.

Biggest regret? I wish I
can sing really well.
but not soon Role Model: My
Mom
Filipino concert artist Martin Nievera
and longtime girlfriend Katrina Ojeda, with
whom Martin has a son Santino, have been talk-
ing about marriage for
some time.
But sealing the union “won’t hap-
pen in the immediate future,” Martin told Philippine
Entertainment Portal (PEP).
“I don’t know but, for sure, everybody would
know,” he said.
Showbiz, not shoe-biz, for Michael M.
In Manila for a vacation after reeling from a de-
bacle that put off a series of concerts across the U.S,
Martin said he has lined up a couple of activities that
would re-acquaint him with his fans, including some
shows and cutting a studio album.
Asked by PEP if he planned to introduce Santi-
no to ex-wife Pops Fernandez, Martin said: “I don’t
know if I have to introduce anyone to Pops. I mean
we’re good enough friends.”
But late last year, Martin told the Manila Bulletin
MARTIN NIEVERA
that he was excited for his two sons with Pops – Robin
and Ram – to meet their baby brother. “I can’t wait for them to teach Santino how to
run, how to leap, how to sing and how to love Jesus. Robin, Ram and Santino have
blessed me. They truly complete me.”
Despite the traumatic incident between him and a producer that have led to law-
suits in the U.S., Martin said he was not giving up on his dream of making it big in
the American concert scene, which hopefully would lead to a fruitful international
music career.
London’s Royal Academy
of Dramatic Art, an institution
once frequented by Sir Anthony
Hopkins and Jude Law.
Michael - recently signed up with
ABS-CBN Star Magic’s fresh array of
talents to include Megan Young, Michael
Manahan, Alfonso Martinez and Gian Sotto
- is rehearsing for a Filipino repertory theater
production of Cinderella, where he plays Prince
Charming. Last year, Michael appeared in a NYU stage
production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
All is well with Daboy
Lorna Tolentino, wife of action star Rudy
‘Daboy’ Fernandez, sent movie reporters this text
message:
“To our dearest friends, we just want to let
you know that all of Rudy’s nodules (tumors) are
GONE!
“Based on two days ultrasound tests, he will
still need continuous chemotherapy sessions until
September for his hopefully complete recovery!
“Please continue to pray for him. Thank you so
much for your fervent prayers, support and con-
cern. Praise God!”
 Arts & Entertainment
36 Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007
Reg. # 4533253

PIDC gears for pompous Mabuhay

919 Ellesmere Road
Suite 107, Scarborough festival downtown cultural parade
Ontario M1P 2W7

MANILA - TORONTO - USA - EUROPE

OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD
PIDC president Tobias Enverga Jr. (5th from left) thanks Dr. Solon Guzman
(6th from left) for ensuring the success of a bigger Mabuhay fest cultural
parade. Joining the two are (from left) Rose Cruz, Danio Penular, Minda Neri,
Rosemer Enverga, Jojo Rodriguez and Suzy Llanera.
The Philippine Indepen- Little Miss Philippines en- members of the community
dence Day Council (PIDC) tourage, Leyteno Associa- to be at the seven-year run-
has vowed to put up a big- tion of Ontario, Ateneo De ning Mabuhay Philippines!
ger, longer and more color- Manila, Camarines Norte summer festival, and help
ful Mabuhay Festival cul- Association, Golden Danc- PIDC and ANCOP-Gawad
“Super baba tural parade in downtown ers, Original Pillars, Philip- Kalinga (GK) build a vil-
and halaga ... Toronto on Aug. 19. pine Chamber of Commerce lage for homeless victims
Super below The parade would be a
fitting sequel to the Aug.
Toronto and Kababaihang
Rizalista.
of a typhoon that hit Bicol,
in the Philippines, late last
fare talaga.” 18 Mabuhay Philippines Gracing the parade year.
Toronto Summer Festival would be CP24 newsanchor “This year, we have
“Handang Maglingkod Sa Ating Kababayan” trade and entertainment Marianne Dimain and Kris added charity as our man-
blast at the Metro Toronto Reyes and Miss Saigon star date. PIDC pledges to build
Tel (416) 751-9588 Fax (416) 751-9133 Convention Centre.
In a press release, PIDC
Stephanie Reese.
Parade assembly would
an ANCOP GK village of
over 30 homes for the poor
chair Suzy Llanera said the be at Armoury and Centre victims in calamity-stricken

INNOVATION
parade would start at 3 p.m.
Expected parade start-
ers included the staff of the
Philippine Consulate and a
VIDEO - PHOTO - DJ SERVICES 40-man Philippine Flag en-
semble composed of PIDC
“The images we capture are the memories you will treasure.” officers, Philippine Ma-
Specialized for: sonry Association, the Ca-
nadian Armed Forces and
the Toronto Police Services
* Weddings * Concerts Foot Patrol.
* Birthdays * Editing The Philippine Heritage
* Baptismals * Glamour Shots Band would lead the parade
of individuals and groups
* Video Presentations to include Bibak, United
Aklanons, Lucena City
Call: LARRY TORRES Association, San Pable-
nyo, Fiesta Filipina Dance
Tel. (416) 256-3931 Troupe, Culture Philippines
Cell. (416) 858-5806 of Ontario, PIDC’s Mabu-
Visit www3.sympatico.ca/ltorres/ hay Cup Champions, Mr. &
Miss Philippines entourage,
Streets at 12 noon. The pa-
rade route would go from
Armoury St. and Centre St.
turns right on University
Ave., goes north to Queens
Park Circle, turns right on
Bloor St. eastward, turns
right on Sherbourne St.
southward, turns right on
Dundas St. westward, turns
left on Chestnut St. and
back to Armoury and Cen-
tre streets
Honorary chair Dr. So-
lon Guzman, Llanera and
co-chairs Estring Aguinal-
do and Josie Consunji are
spearheading parade prepa-
rations.
For Bicol’s homeless
PIDC president Tobias
‘Jun’ Enverga, Jr. has invited
Bicol. With you, we will re-
build a nation and answer
the cry of the poor,” En-
verga said.
“This year’s Mabuhay
Philippines! promises to
be the biggest and the best
festival in Canada, an event
you should not miss. An all-
day entertainment fete, the
festival will feature well-
known artists and perform-
ers like Joey albert, Jeanne
Young, Louie Reyes of the
New Minstrels, and Stepha-
nie Reese, who played for
the Miss Saigon European
sortie,” he said.
Other performers ex-
pected to show up were the
QP8 Band, Asian Princess
(Continued on page 38)

HAPPY NEST laki ang kita ng daddy mo?

Libre ang mangarap
Chemistry teacher:
What are nitrates?
Sexy stude: Ma’am, sa
motel po, nitrates are
higher than day rates.
*****
Tomas: Ang aso ko, tu-
wing umaga, dala niya
ang dyaryo sa akin.
Diego: Alam ko. Ikinu-
kuwento sa akin ng aso
ko.
*****
Wife dreaming in the
middle of the night,
shouts: Quick, my hus-
band is back!
Man gets up, jumps out
the window and realizes:
Damn! I am the husband!
*****
Juan: Kumusta ang assign-
ment?
Pedro: Masama. Wala
akong nasagutan. Blank pa-
per ang ipinasa ko.
Juan: Naku, ako rin! Paano
‘yan? Baka isipin nila, nag-
kopyahan tayo.
*****
Toto: Pangarap ko, kumita
ng P250,000 monthly gaya
ni daddy!
Maria: Wow! Ganyan ka-
Toto: Hindi! ‘Yan din ang
pangarap niya!
*****
Junjun: Magaling ang tatay
ko! ‘Yung Pacific Ocean,
siya ang humukay n’un!
Pedrito: Wala ‘yan sa tatay
ko! ‘Yung Dead Sea, siya
ang pumatay n’un!
*****
Misis: Hindi ko na kaya ‘to!
Araw-araw na lang tayong
nag-aaway. Aalis na ako sa
bahay na ‘to!
Mister: Ako rin, sawang-
sawa na! Away rito,away
roon! Mabuti pa siuro,
sumama na ako sa ‘yo!
*****
Mrs.: Delayed ako nang
one month pero huwag mo
munang ipagsabi.
Mister: Okey.
Kinabukasan, dumating ang
taga-Meralco. ..
Meralco man: Mrs. de-
layed kayo ng one month.
Mrs.: Bakit mo alam?
Meralco man: Nasa re-
cord..
Mister: Bakit Naka-record
diyan na delayed ang misis
ko?
Meralco man: Kung gusto
ninyong mawala sarecord,
magbayad kayo!
Mister: Kung ayokong
magbayad?
Meralco man: Puputulan
kayo!
Mister: Ano ang gagamitin
ni misis?
Meralco man: Pwede na-
man siyang gumamit ng
kandila.
ang lugaw, pare!
*****
***** Anak: Itay, tinatanong ni
Ang asawa ...
Advantage: ‘Pag kailangan
ma’am kung ano raw ang
propesyon mo.
mo, nandiyan agad. Itay: Sabihin mo, cardi-
Disadvantage: ‘Pag ayaw ologist.
mo na, andiyan parin! Anak: Ano ‘yun, Itay?
***** Itay: ‘Yung taga-ayos ng
What is the difference be- radio sa car!
tween a girlfriend, a call girl *****
and a wife? Harry: Nagtampo sa ‘kin
Sagot: Post paid, pre- paid, ang utol ko.
unlimited. Rodrigo: Bakit naman?
***** Harry: Nakalimutan ko
Tiago: Pare, noong maya- kasi ang birthday niya.
man pa kami, nagkakamay Rodrigo: ‘Yun lang?
kaming kumain. Ngayong Anong masama ru’n?
mahirap na kami, nakakut- Harry: Ang masama
sara na. ru’n... twins kami!
Raul: Baligtad yata? Twins!
Tiago: Mahirap kamayin *****
 Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007 37

MORE EXPOSURE, LESSER COSTS

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

Journalist Ace Alvarez (center) notes how so-called community leaders

downgrade and treat with utter disregard the ability and talents of Filipino-
Canadian artists and entertainers, substituting them with erstwhile branded
imports and throwing away their money to old hands whose gigs will never
be novel. Alvarez urges support for entertainers, as singers Josie de Leon
(left) and Karen Tan look on. MANILA MEDIA MONITOR Photo

Filipino artists: For a token and a pittance?

(From page 10)
a treasure chest of budding
and established world-class
artists. Naturally or geneti-
cally gifted, they develop
the craft in schools or hone
the art on stage. Copycats,
keep off the grass!
But some opt to stay
in the dormant domains of
bathrooms, videoke bars,
church balconies or park
benches, crooning their
blues to the wind, until they
get that extra hard shove
from real believers who un-
derstand what performing
arts is all about.
A few are tempted to
aim for the big leagues. But
ill-prepared for a show-off
and with a few dollars in
net receipts only in mind,
they fail an audience who’d
rather sneak out mid-show
with the perpetual thought
they’ve been ripped off and
vowing never to hear croak-
ing frogs, and see prancing
asses and desperate chim-
panzees again.
Badly enough, others
fall prey to glib talent pro-
moters until the tingling
feeling of being misused
and abused embraces them.
Worse, leaders of fund-
raising groups masquerad-
ing as community associa-
tions invite artists for a free
ride on the latter’s talent,
even as barbaric partygo-
ers shriek and rattle off
with their mediocre ek-eks
through the act and give
the performer a perfunctory
clap to show how glad they
are the intermission is over
and the line dancing will
begin. I’ll bet any casino
jackpot, only a very few
can recall the entertainer’s
name and what he/she did,
in the next hour.
Worst, the best perform-
ers who can really stage an
ultimate two-hour show are
relegated to substitute last-
minute back-ups in major
gigs put up by so-called
big-time sponsors who pro-
fess faith in the Filipino
artist: C’mon, the STARS
can only do so much for the
hefty fees we paid them and
for the huge costs to put up
the show. Fill in the time.
Only one or two numbers,
then scram. Here’s a token
and a pittance for your time
and effort. Oh, did your en-
tourage pay the entrance
fee? Can’t read my mind?
Go home, plant camote! By
the way, please don’t call
us; we’ll call you. What’s
your name, again?
Groups have emerged,
committed to raise the art-
ists higher in the rung of
amateur and professional
success. They triumphed.
Artists have always
been there for the commu-
nity. It’s high time for the
community to repay them
with full, consistent and
sustained support, not for a
token and a pittance.
*****
By the way, MAKE
MARTHA JOY OUR CA-
NADIAN IDOL. butch-
galicia@yahoo.com
PIDC gears for pompous ...
(From page 36)
of Songs Maricel Perez,
the Fiesta Filipina Dance
Troupe, Emil Zarris, and
the Benguet-Ifugao-Banau-
ae -Apayao-Kalinga group
that has claimed to be the
largest Ati-Atihan group in
Canada, he added.
With the Philippine
Chamber of Commerce-To-
ronto on the lead, over 100
booths managed by com-
panies from Chicago, New
York, Washington DC and
Manila have been regis-
tered in a trade show simul-
taneous with the festival,
Enverga noted.
Dancing to be a Star
In a related develop-
ment, PIDC Dancing To Be
A Star contest chair Leonie
Manzanares said the com-
mittee has modified contest
rules, limiting the dance
tilt to two categories - ad-
vanced and intermediate.
Five category finalists
would move to the Septem-
ber 22 finals at the Macedo-
nian Banquet Hall. Contest
pre-finals would be in the
same venue on July 28.
The finalists would be
presented during the Aug
18 Mabuhay festival.
Scholarship
Meanwhile, PIDC and
the Police Foundations De-
partment of the Canadian
Law Enforcement Training
College (CLETC) has put
up two $10,000 scholar-
ships for qualified candi-
dates serious about a career
in law enforcement.
False alarm, no jackpot ...
(From page 7)
Ace to Jess: “P’re mind.
ADVERTISE WITH
manghingi ka na la’ng Rosemer would say, for
ng DVD ng mga episodes example, “Kasi, ‘yong ano,
n’yo sa executive producer ‘pag nilagay mo sa ano,
n’yo.” magkakaroon ba ng ano.”
*** So, friends, engage
One will love having a Rosemer into Tagalog con- CALL 416-285-8583
Tagalog conversation with versation and let’s see if
PIDC first lady Rosemer you’ll pass Test 1 for fill in Here’s an advice to O, Jojo, beer pa doon sa
Enverga. It exercises one’s the blanks. presidents of various com- media table.
*** munity organizations. If ***
PIDC publicist Kar- As managing editor you cannot have the print During the last two
en Binaday said CLETC of this publication, I am media publish your press weeks, I came to under-
would provide the training thanking Myrna Soriano releases, do it the Silayan stand Paris Hilton’s feel-
i.e. court officer, parking for the letter in Letters and Communty Centre Presi- ing while in prison when
enforcement, correction Voices on page 9, for which dent Willie Nabus’ way. In my daughter and my son-
services, customs inspector, she requested to withhold the subject line of your e- in-law bought a condo-
immigration officer et. al. her name. Kasi daw, alam mail, put “Memorandum”, minium, thus, to enable
The 16,000-square foot ng mga tao na magkaibi- as MMM editor Butch and them to organize at their
CLETC facility includes gan kami. PPC-O pres. Tenny said, new place, left our three
large classrooms, a gym, Butch to Ace: P’re, having received one from grandchildren (ages 8, 2
fitness room and meeting bakit sinabi mo ang pan- Willie sometime ago. and 9 months) under my
rooms. PR galan? You know, Myrna … And they call the and wife’s care.
was requesting publica- press the fourth estate? ***
tion of that letter anony- Hindi yata uubra ang My eight-year old
mously.” media kay Willie! With this grandson Russell to his dad
“Okay lang iyon, hindi is my personal congratula- and mom when being asked
naman kilala si Myrna ng tions to mediaman Jojo Ta- to eat vegetables on the din-
mga tao, na wife siya ng duran for being well-aligned ner table: “I guess you still
president ng PPC-O, e.” with the Silayan Communi- haven’t got it. I’m not a
*** ty Centre president. vegetarian.” Ah-oh!
Arts & Entertainment
38 Manila Media Monitor JULY 2007
Philippine Artists Group opens exhibits
CREATIONS & EXPRESSIONS. Philippine Consul General in Toronto Alejan-
dro Mosquera (front, left) leads officers and members of the Philippine Art-
ists Group (PAG) in Canada during ribbon-cutting rites that opened Creations
& Expressions at the Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery on June 17. The show,
one of three major exhibits the group conducted almost simultaneously, ran
up to June 25. (Below: Photo by Mogi Mogado) One of the art shows was
staged during the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre’s (KCCC) week-long
open house in Mississauga from May 27 to June 3. The show was graced by
Mayor Hazel McCallion, other dignitaries, community leaders and the public.
(From left, standing) are Rol Lampitoc, Frank Cruzet, Levvy Camacho, Frank
Tonido, Nelia Tonido, Manolo Arnaldo, KCCC president Ching Quejas, Cobie
Cruz, Consul General Alejandro Mosquera, Dong Magalona, DunLuna, Maria
Nelie Bautista, Rocille Lampitoc, Atty. Abesamis, Mogi Mogado, (from left,
front row) Romi MananQuil, Rolly Abarilla, Omel Masalunga, Jhun Ciolo Dia-
mante, Jun Afable, Toots Quiachon. PR
JULY 2007 Manila Media Monitor 39
40 JULY 2007 Manila Media Monitor

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