Quebec’s future is at stake on April 7 - Filipino Star · Quebec’s future is at stake on April 7 First Filipino-Canadian Young Leaders Summit promotes a new vision of the future

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Quebec’s future is at stake on April 7

First Filipino-Canadian Young LeadersSummit promotes a new vision of the future

Every time there is an election, wehave always tried to encourage a highervoter participation. From the recent pastelectiions, voters have been very indifferentand have been staying away from the polls.But the issues in this election scheduled forApril 7, called by the current PQgovernment may attract more people to bemore interested in the issues that willdetermine the future of this province. Theeare known to be five issues which will bedebated by the party leaders, namely,sovereignty, economy and jobs, health, andcorruption and ethics.

If the PQ government win amajority, it is feared that a referendum toseparate from the rest of Canada mayhappen sooner than later although PaulineMarois has always stated that she will waitfor the right conditions before calling for areferendum. But many people now aredoubting her and asking whether or notshe will keep her word.

During the first leaders debateheld on Thursday night, March 20, Pauline

On Saturday, March 8, 2014, atSt. Michael’s College in Toronto, thefirst Filipino-Canadiian Young LeadersSummit assembled one of the mostinspiring group of speakers whoappeared to be similarly motivated - tomake a difference in making this worlda better place. It was described as aninitiative supported by the PhilippineEmbassy in Ottawa, the PhilippineConsulate General in Toronto andEskwela Incorporated. Youth delegatescame from Toronto, Windsor, Hamilton,Edmonton, and Montreal. AmbassadorLeslie Gatan gave the opening remakrsand welcomed everyone to theconference.

The speeches delivered duringthis day-long summit were full ofinspirational stories of passion,commitment, leadership, entrepre-

neurship, benevolence, fellowship andcivic-minded citizenship.

Providing the backgroundabout Philippine history and culture,Dr. Anton Juan spoke about thequalities of a good leader, values thatare typicallly Filipino. Following hislecture was an academic who made astunning observation about theinvisibility of Filipino-Canadians in themainstream society, its contributingfactors and how we should start tomake some changes. ProfessorRoland Coloma of the University ofToronto suggested ways to break thiscycle in the current and the nextgeneration of Filipino-Canadians.

Filipinos are known to havestarted immigrating to Canada for at

See P.4 Young Laders Summit

See Page 4 Quebec elections From left: Françoise David of the Quebec Solidaire party, François Legault of CAQ, Pauline Marois of the PQ, and Philippe Couillard of theLiberal Party. Who among these candidates shall be elected premier of Quebec on April 7, 2014? (Photo: Canadian Press)

Speakers in the afternoon session answered questions from the audience. From left: VincentVillanis, Thomas Ancheta, Veraida Bermejo, Mithi Esguerra, Iloilo Mayor Jed Mabilog andAtty. Rafael Fabregas who is planning to run in the forthcoming federal elections.

March 20142 The North American Filipino Star


Philippine Newsforces access to fewer military bases,”Ambassador Eduardo Malaya, amember of the panel negotiating with theAmericans, said.

Manila refused a request for use ofcivilian airfields and ports, like SubicFreeport Bay, Laoag and Davaointernational airports, according to themilitary official.

Batino said the agreement will be legallybinding but will not require ratification bythe Philippine Senate, which could delaythe actual U.S. deployment.

(Reporting By Manuel Mogato; Editingby Simon Cameron-Moore)March 17, 2014 | Opinion, PerryScope

PerryScopeBy Perry Diaz

Task Force Tugisleader Sr.SuperintendentConrad CapaIt all began last March 6, 2014 when thePhilippine National Police (PNP) arrestedfugitive real estate developer Delfin Leeat the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Casinoin Ermita, Manila. With a P2-million priceon his head since 2012, his captureended a nationwide manhunt by PNP’s

elite Task Force Tugis.

But no sooner had Lee been in policecustody than a series of unusual eventsstarted to happen. First, Oriental MindoroGovernor Alfonso Umali reportedlyphoned PNP Director General AlanPurisima in connection with Lee’s arrest.The following day, President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III sent a text message toUmali, a ranking political ally andTreasurer of the Liberal Party, asking himto explain why he phoned Purisima?Gov. Alfonso Umali (center) with Pres.Aquino and unidentified official.

Gov. Alfonso Umali (center) with Pres.Aquino and unidentified official.

In a press briefing, presidentialspokesman Edwin Lacierda said thatUmali called P-Noy and explained why hecalled Purisima. Lacierda said that P-Noywas “satisfied” with Umali’s explanation;however, he did not elaborate what wasUmali’s explanation.

In an attempt to put a positive note toUmali’s explanation, Communications

Secretary Herminio Coloma said overRadyo ng Bayan that Umali calledPurisima because Umali’s lawyer Atty.Gilberto Repizo — Umali’s province mateand friend — requested it. He quotedUmali as saying that Repizo wanted to“clarify the basis for the arrest of Mr. Leebecause as far as his camp knew, theCourt of Appeals already has a decisionin favor of his client.” the arrest warrantremained valid. However, Colomacouldn’t say if P-Noy was convinced ofUmali’s explanation.Housing loan scamGlobeAsiatique's Xevera Subdivision inMabalacat, Pampanga.

GlobeAsiatique’s Xevera Subdivision inMabalacat, Pampanga.

Lee was charged with syndicated estafa,a nonbailable offense, in connection withtwo housing projects in Pampangaprovince. He was accused of usingfictitious members of the HomeDevelopment Mutual Fund (Pag-IbigFund), a government program, to obtainhousing loans – totaling P6.6 billion – thathe used in GlobeAsiatique’s Xeverasubdivisions in Bacolor and Mabalacattowns of Pampanga between 2008 and2011.

Lee pulled the scam by using non-existent or fake homebuyers and payingthem to apply for Pag-Ibig home loans.After the homes were built,GlobeAsiatique would then sell them toother homebuyers who would discover

later that the homes they bought were inthe names of bogus or ghosthomeowners.

ManhuntDelfin Lee

On May 22, 2012, a Regional Trial Courtin Pampanga issued a warrant for thearrest of Lee, his son Dexter, and threeofficers of GlobeAsiatique. The manhuntwas on. It involved the PNP and theNational Bureau of Investigation (NBI).Last December, after 20 months of hard

MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippineshas agreed to allow the United Statesaccess to its military bases under anew security deal being negotiated bythe two allies, amid mounting concernover China’s increasing assertivenessin the disputed waters of the SouthChina Sea.

The offer was made during a sixthround of talks held in Washington lastweek, Filipino officials said on Friday.The two sides hope to finalize termsbefore U.S. President Barack Obamaembarks on a visit to Asia, includingthe Philippines, next month.

“Consensus was arrived at on manyprovisions of the draft agreement,” PioLorenzo Batino, defenseundersecretary told a newsconference, adding the deal is 80percent done.

“The proposed agreement will allowthe sharing of defined areas withincertain AFP (Armed Forces of thePhilippines)facilities with elements ofthe U.S. military.”

The United States plans to “rebalance”its forces in Asia-Pacific region, andhas similar arrangements with Australiaand Singapore, as part of its strategy tocounter China.

The new agreement on enhanceddefense cooperation will allow theUnited States increased deployment oftroops, ships, aircraft and humanitarianequipment.

U.S. military access in the Philippinesis currently limited to during annualjoint-exercises and port visits. ThePhilippines kicked the United Statesout two large military bases, includingSubic Bay, in 1991.

While that ended a special relationshipgoing back 40 years between theUnited States and its former colonywon its independence in 1946, analliance has endured.

Manila would welcome the return of aU.S. military presence to deter China’sambitions in the South China Sea, andto help provide humanitarianassistance during natural disasters.

“It will not stop China from its bullyingtactics, but it will become morecautious and might exercise self-restraint due to the U.S. presence,”Rommel Banlaoi, an analyst atPhilippine Institute of Peace, Violenceand Terrorism Research, said.

“The Philippines will also benefit frommore exercises and more assistancefrom the U.S. and it will elevate thePhilippines to a major non-NATO ally inthe Pacific.”

Friction between China and thePhilippines and other states in theregion, over disputed territories in theSouth China Sea has increased sincelast year despite diplomatic efforts toforge an agreement on maritimeconduct.

The dispute revolves round competingclaims over the Spratlys, a group of250 uninhabitable islets spread over165,000 square miles.

On Sunday, three Chinese coast guardships stopped two Filipino civilian

vessels from delivering food, water andconstruction materials to troops basedon a ship that was deliberately runaground on reef in the Spratlys in 1999to reinforce the Philippines’ claim.

Manila called the Chinese actions “aclear and urgent threat to the rightsand interests of the Philippines”.

Under the draft accord, the Philippineswill allow U.S. forces joint use offacilities in several military bases likeManila, Clark, Palawan, Cebu, NuevaEcija, and La Union, a military officialwith knowledge of the negotiations.

“We are only offering U.S. military

Philippines offers U.S. forces access to military basesSource: Chicago Tribune

Landing support specialists back away after connecting a Humvee to a Marine Corps MV-22BOsprey during external lift training at Subic Bay, Philippines, during exercise Freedom Banner2013. (Pfc. Kasey Peacock/Marine Corps)

See Page 5 Philippine News

Gov. Alfonso Umali (center) with Pres. Aquino and unidentified official.

March 2014 3The North American Filipino Star


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They just lie there and they die thereMarch 25, 2014 ON DISTANT SHOREBy Val G. AbelgasGrace Pulido Tan

Two feisty woman officials reminded uslast week why campaigns againstcorruption in the Philippines neversucceed. They don’t succeed becauseafter the corrupt acts are exposed andpublicized, there is no follow-up, muchless prosecution of the accused.

Chairman Grace Pulido-Tan of theCommission on Audit (COA) has orderedthe agency’s officials to monitorcompliance with recommendationscontained in annual audit reports toensure that government agencies andinstitutions take them seriously and act toimplement such corrective measures.

Tan hopes the new system would put anend to auditors reporting the samerecurring problem every year becausethere are no follow-ups torecommendations. Audit findings willthen not suffer the same fate as dreams inthe song “Mona Lisa,” Tan said, wherethey “just lie there and die there.”

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, on theother hand, is exasperated that nocharges have been filed in court againstthose named in numerous exposes andSenate committee hearings, and said theOmbudsman should start filing casesagainst those implicated in the P10-billionpork barrel scam.

“Since it has been six months, I think itwould be best if the Ombudsman could atleast file some of the cases in court nowbecause the public are getting jaded withthese public revelations in the Senateprobe plus they are not seeing any

action,” Santiago said. “We don’t wantpublic interest to die on this matterbecause it’s just too important. Plunder isjust too important to the nationaleconomy.”

One wonders why despite thevoluminous evidence and the manywitnesses who have willingly testified tothe extent of the corruption involving thePriority Development Assistance Fund(PDAF) or the congressional pork barrel,the Disbursement Acceleration Program(DAP) or the presidential pork barrel, theMalampaya Fund and several programsof the Department of Agriculture and theDepartment of Agrarian Reform, theOmbudsman has not filed any formalcharges before the Sandiganbayanagainst those implicated in the shamelessscams.

Are the exposes being squeezed dry bythe administration and its allies todamage the reputation of some leaders ofthe opposition and possible contendersfor either the presidency or the vicepresidency? Is the Aquino administrationreally serious in prosecuting the bigfishes in these scams regardless of partyaffiliations, or will these scandals go theway of previous corruption scandals thathave been left unresolved?

Let us look at the numerous corruptionscandals that have shocked the nation inthe last few years, but have remainedunresolved:

The P1.3-billion election computerizationdeal with Mega Pacific to supply theCommission on Elections (Comelec)which the Supreme Court voidedbecause the deal was tainted “with graftand legal infirmities;” the alleged P532.9-million overpricing of the PresidentDiosdado Macapagal Boulevard in the

Manila Bay reclamation area, which theOmbudsman deemed as overpriced by250 percent and the bridge by 67percent;

The P200-million Jose Pidal case,wherein Sen. Panfilo Lacson accusedMike Arroyo of amassing more than P200million from campaign contributions ofher wife and putting the money in secretbank accounts, including that of “JosePidal”; the $503-million Northrail project,which former Senate President FranklinDrilon described as one of the “colossalcorrupt deals” of the Arroyoadministration; the $329-million NationalBroadband Network; the $466-millionCyber Education Project; the P728-millionfertilizer fund scam; the still to be probedP3.1-billion irrigation project just beforethe 2004 elections whose funds theKilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas claimswere diverted to the campaign; the P455-million ice making machine scam alsounder the Department of Agriculture; theP5-billion swine scam; and the P120-million Ginintuang Masagani Ani (GMA)project scam.

Add to these the P10-billion pork barrelscam, the P900-Malapampaya fundmess, the billions DAP funds illegallydoled out to senators and congressmenbefore, during and after the

impeachment trial of Chief JusticeRenato Corona, and the billions more inagriculture funds that were allegedlycoursed through fake NGOs.

In most of these cases, the culpritsremain free, the whistleblowers haveeither been silenced or are now six feetunder, and only the case against Abalosand Neri in the NBN-ZTE deal has beenfiled by the Ombudsman, and theExecutive Department has blockedinvestigations by fraudulently invokingexecutive privilege.

The only case that landed in court – the$2-million bribery case against formerJustice Secretary Hernani Perez – wasobviously mishandled by theOmbudsman and was dismissed twoyears ago.

All these corruption scandals hogged theheadlines for days, only to die downwhen another scandal, either ingovernment or in show business,displaced them on the headlines. In thePhilippines, corruption scandals arenever resolved; they just fade away.

Or as the COA chief said: “They just liethere, and they die there.”

([email protected])

Grace Pulido Tan

March 20144


The North American Filipino Star

and to be a candidate in the next federalelections. He said there is no time likethe present and that he considers thosearound him as part of his family. If hebecomes an MP, he will look at policiesthat seem to over-emphasize economicimmigrants. He wants to look at thedirection of citizenship policies. Underthe current policies, how will Canadalook like? He is interested in thefollowing: training, credentialsrecognition, early childhood education,wellness programs for seniors.

It was about 10 years ago whenwe had Dr. Rey Pagtakhan as a memberof parliament but since then we do nothave anyone from our community. Thehurdles that Filipino-Canadiancommunity faces are: mistakes in thekind of expectations we make ofourselves, gender-based barriers,access to justice where we need moreleaders, the difficulty of organizingourselves. and low voter turnout,approximately 20-30%.

On the other hand, AttyFabregas is encouraged by theachievement of one woman who was inthe LICP (Live-in Caregiver Program)who died in 2009 but left a lastinglegacy. Juana Tejada was able tochange the law. The governmentreversed the condition of a secondmedical exam for live-in caregiversbefore they can get their permanentresidence status in Can ada.

The final speaker of theafternoon was Senator Thomas Enverga, the first Filipino-Canadianappointed by Prime Minister Harper tothe Senate. He offered many ideas onhow to be a good leader and getsupport from your followers. Someexamplles of good advice he gave are:-Be passionate about your ideals; Leadby example, a leader is also a greatfollower, do not stay too long, and donot forget your roots. He quoted from aJapanese proverb at the end of hisspeech:

Vision without action is adaydream; Action whithout a Vision is anightmare.

At the end of the conference,MMTV Executive Producer ZenaidaKharroubi interviewed AmbassadorLeslie Gatan, Senator Thomas Enverga,Atty Rafael Fabregas, Vincent Villanis,Thomas Ancheta, Iloilo City Mayor JedMabilog, and the undefeated lightweightboxer, Mark Pagkaliwangan. Theseinterviews will be featured in twoepisodes of Mabuhay Montreal TV. to bebroadcast over ICI on VideotronChannel 16/616HD, and Bell Fibe216/1216 HD. Watch for this show every

Friday at 7 p.m.

B ackground informationThe Young Filipino-Canadian

Leaders Summit came out of thefollowing identified issues experienced,observed and studied by a focusedgroup of Filipino-Canadian outh leaders:• The need to fosterunderstanding and bridge generationgaps between parents and theirchildren, as well as among generationsof Filipino/Filipino-Canadian youth from1st, 1.5 and 2nd generations.• The need to understand andaddress the invisibility of the Filipinocommunity in Canadian society.Filipinos are the largest source ofmigrant labour in Canada. Filipinos arethe 4th largest visible minority accordingto the 2006 Statistics Canada. Filipinosare one of the most highly educatedimmigrants migrating to Canada.However, it has been argued that due tode-skilling and devaluing of theireducation and work experience, as wellas the experiences of discrimination andracism, Filipinos and their contributionsto the Canadian society continue to beinvisible.

ObjectivesMore specifically, the Young Filipino-Canadian Leaders Summit aims toprovide youth of Filipino descent aged18-35, and accompanyingleaders/coordinators/mentors, with anunderstanding of their history, bothPhilippine and the Canadianconnection, provide them tools that theycan bring home to their community, andprovide them with opportunities tonetwork with other Filipinos andcommunity leades.VisionFrom such a context, the Young Filipino-Canadian Leaders Summit hopes toprovide a space and opportunity foryouth of Fiulipino-descent to exploreand create a fulelr sense of their identitytowards the ultimate outcome ofinspiring a generation of youth who willbe the visible and a united national forcein Canadian society.Mission

The Young Filipino-CamadianLeaders Summit aims to empoweryouth, cultivate pride and provide youthwith the tools and support to be able tonot just aecho but also put into actionthe vision of the summit within their ownregioknal community groups.

least several decades but remained tobe virtually “invisible” in the politcalscene. Professor Roland Coloma usedthe insights gathered from researchwork done in academia and urged theaudience to examine the contributingfactors and discover ways to improvethe current state. He asked: What’swrong with Filipinos?” Why is it that thebiggest concentration in Canada doesnot have anyone elected in public offce?One reason is due to the fact that thosewho are in the grassroots level ofleadership remain unrecognized.Perhaps, if we build the capacity of

those who are already in the trenches,we might make the changes needed toovercome our invisibility.

Mayor Jed Mabilog from IloiloCity exemplified an ideal way ofmanaging public funds honestly andcompetently. His entry into politics wasdescribed as an answser to a challengefrom a political old guard. During hisadministration, the City of Iloilo hasbeen the recipient of many awards forinnovation and for being the greenestcity in the regioin. He explained thesteps in achieving a transformationalstyle of leadership which he describedas “a leadership that builds, nurturesand grows.”

During the afternoon session,several young leaders gave testimonailsabout their experiences in differentareas.

In the field of organizing theyouth, Thomas Ancheta who is amarketing graduate from Edmonton,spoke passionately about his vision. He

urged the audience not to be afraid to“rock the boat.” He believed in lookingfor a better way of doing things, and notto be content with the old way whichdoes not achieve our goals. Forexample, he mentioned that mostcommunity organizations are contentwith holding social dances and raisingmoney by soliciting ads in their souvenirprograms. He narrated his experienceof having challenged the old way andorganized his own fund raising drive.He succeeded in raising an amount thatno one expected he could ever make.

Veraida Bermejo, president ofthe Pamana ni Luzminda dance troupe,traced the history of the organizationand mentioned how they have been

acclaimed not only locally but alsointernationally.

Vincent Villanis, a youngentrepreneur who used to be a troubledyouth was able to change and becameengaged in developing a new product -distilling beer from bamboo. Hiscompany produces, and distributesbamboo beer to restaurants and bars.This beer is not yet available in groceryoutlets.

In the field of civil rights andsocial action, co-founder of twoorganizations, Mithi Esguerra spokeabout her experience with theCommunity Alliance for Social Justice.The biggest hurdle is how to reach outto other young people.

Atty. Rafael Fabregas, namedas an outstanding Filipino Youth in 2010,cited some population figures from 2011statistics: 500,000 Filipinos in Canada,220,00 concentrated in Ontario and outof this number, 180,000 are in Toronto,but no representative in the House ofCommons. His goal is to change this

From Page 4 Young Leaders

Dr. Anton Juan receiving a plaque of appreciation from Ambassador Leslie Gatan whileProfessor Orlando Coloma waits for his turn.

Marois spent much of her time defendingher government's record on the economy,job creation and social development andpledged there would be no referendum onsovereignty unless Quebecers were readyfor one.

On the PQ government'sproposed secular charter, Maroischallenged Liberal leader PhilippeCouillard to tell voters to vote PQ if thecharter is what they want.

Couillard instead challengedMarois to tell Quebecers how many womenwere going to be fired as a result of thecharter, which bans the wearing of overtreligious symbols among public serviceworkers.

Marois said the only woman tolose her job has been Liberal MNA FatimaHouda-Pepin, who quit the Liberal caucusand opted to sit as an independent whenshe refused to the toe the party line againstthe charter. Marois also contended that atransition period would allow womenaffected by the legislation to adjust to theban.

In an exchange with QuebecSolidaire's Françoise David on the charter,Couillard said he believes in protectingindividual freedom, which he said isessential to democracy.

"It is something that protects us allagainst oppression.”

The second leaders debate isscheduled for Thursday, March 27. It isexpected that all the leaders will not holdtheir fire power against one another to

score points and improve their standing inthe polls.

A new poll by Léger Marketingsays the Liberal Party of Quebec is aheadin voter intentions and are heading towardsa majority government in the April 7election.

The poll, published in the Journalde Montréal on Tuesday, shows theLiberals with 40% support, followed by theParti Québécois with 33%, the CoalitionAvenir Québec with 15%, and Québecsolidaire with nine per cent.

The poll, which had 3,692respondents, making it the largest sampletaken in this election, also shows theLiberals ahead in most of Quebec’sregions. It leads in the Outaouais, Montreal,Laval, Estrie, Chaudière-Appalaches,Mauricie and Quebec City regions, and

slightly ahead in the Montérégie region.The polls suggests that the Parti

Quebecois’ early focus on theircontroversial values charter, a Quebecreferendum and the introduction of mediamogul Pierre Karl Peladeau have in fact,fizzled with voters.

The second leaders debate will beheld on Thursday, March 27, 2014. It isexpected that there will be an intense heatfrom alll the parties involved as the electiondraws closer.

From Page 1 Quebec Elections

Let’s get involved and goout and voteWe elect the

governmment that wedeserve.

5The North American Filipino StarMarch 2014

Humans began wearing shoessome 26,000 to 40,000 years agoaccording to some anthropologists.Early shoes were more like protectivesacs - used as a barrier between sharpobjects on the ground and as

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Can a man be judged by his shoes?

According to a survey by men'sfootwear brand Allen Edmonds, 64percent of women judge a man'sfashion sense based on his shoes; 52percent of women say they judge a man's personality by his shoes; 36percent say they use shoes todetermine a man's financial position while 54 percent say men's shoesreflect a guy's attention to detail.Indeed, a man would not be called detailed if he put on a nice suit andpairs it with clunky lace-ups.

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investigative work, Task Force Tugis wasable to track Lee living in a house inMetro Manila. When the task force led bySenior Superintendent Conrad Capanabbed Lee last March 6, Capa musthave felt proud for capturing one of thecountry’s most wanted fugitives, the so-called “Big Five,” which include formerPalawan governor Joel Reyes and hisbrother former Coron mayor MarioReyes, former general Jovito Palparan,and former Dinagat congressman RubenEcleo. “We had five original targets. Onedown, four to go. Hopefully, mahuli yungthe rest,” Capa said in a report aired on

“24 Oras.” Indeed, with four more to go,Capa was probably enthused to doing hisvery best to capture them. Nothing – ornobody – could stop him now, he

probably mused.

Reward or punishment?PNP Director General Alan Purisima

But, alas, Capa couldn’t be farther fromreality or to be more precise, realpolitik.What happened next stunned Capa andbaffled many people. There was simplyno reason why Capa’s boss, PNP ChiefPurisima, would abruptly transfer him oneweek after Lee’s capture, to Cebu asDeputy Regional Director for Operations.In a press briefing, Purisima defended hisaction saying that Capa’s relief was not apunishment but a reward, a promotion.He said that Capa had been in the taskforce for a long time and was now due fora transfer. He added that the newassignment would give Capa a chance fora promotion to one-star general.

But Capa had none of that. Caught bysurprise, he was frustrated by the suddenturn of events. He felt that his transfer wasnot a commendation for a job well done.He said that every officer in the PNPknows it’s not a promotion. Capa said thatif Purisima had wanted to promote him,there were several vacant positions inCamp Crame, PNP’s headquarters, hecould have been assigned to.

So, if it was not a commendation orreward, what was it then? Could it be thatLee’s arrest and the subsequentintervention of Umali had any bearing onCapa’s relief? Or could it be that Purisimapunished Capa for reportedly leaking theinformation that Umali had calledPurisima to intervene on behalf of Lee?Capa was suspected of spreading rumorsthat Umali had pressured Purisima torelease Lee. But Capa denied that he wasthe one who leaked the information onUmali’s communication with Purisima. Butregardless of who had leaked theinformation, the fact that Umali hadindeed called Purisima on behalf of Lee’slawyer, makes one wonder why wouldLee’s lawyer break protocol on mattersthat should have been done throughofficial channels?

At the end of the day, Capa’s “problem”with his boss Purisima might not havebeen due to whether he leaked theUmali-Purisima telephone conversationor not. His fate may have been sealedthe moment he captured Lee. He hadstepped on big toes…. very big toes.And in military-oriented organizationslike the PNP, when you step on bigtoes, you are punished by being kickedupstairs; that is, you’re assigned to anew job that seems to be morepowerful but is actually less powerful,which makes one wonder: was ConradCapa kicked upstairs?

From Page 2 Philippine News

GlobeAsiatique’s Xevera Subdivision in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

PNP Director General Alan Purisima

March 2014


The North American Filipino Star6

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EarthTalk® E - The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: If “cap and trade” hasworked so well in Europe for reducinggreenhouse gas emissions there, whyhaven’t we tried something similar here inthe U.S.? -- Sandra M., Bern, NC

“Cap-and-trade,” whereby bigpolluters must pay to emit greenhousegases against a capped total amount that is reduced over time—has been ineffect across the European Union (EU)since 2005. This so- called EmissionsTrading System (ETS) requires 11,000 ofthe largest electric and industrial facilitiesin 28 European countries to participate.Some 45 percent of Europe’s totalgreenhouse gas emissions are regulatedunder the system. Proponents say theETS has succeeded in keepinggreenhouse gas emissions in check andmaking Europe a global leader onclimate. The EU reports that, by 2020,emissions from sectors covered by ETSwill be 21 percent lower than they were in2005 and 43 percent lower by 2030. Butcritics argue that Europe’s reducedemissions may be more due to the globalrecession than the ETS, and that the cheap availability ofallowances has made it easier forcompanies to pay to burn coal than to switch to cleaner natural gas or investmore in carbon mitigation technologies.Early in 2014 the EU tightened up its system by cutting thenumber of new allowances it plans toissue over the next three years by a third while simultaneously creating a“market reserve” to absorb extraallowances as needed.

Meanwhile, Switzerland, NewZealand, Australia, Kazakhstan and SouthKorea have each set up their own national cap-and-trade programs tovarying degrees of success, whileregional versions have popped up within Japan, Canada and the U.S. As to the U.S., whether or not to establisha nationwide cap-and-trade system herehas been a hot topic of discussion in Congress. It last came upfor a vote in 2010, but never foundenough bi-partisan support to become the law of the land. But in lieu ofany federal system, two U.S. regions haveundertaken their own attempts atratcheting down greenhouse gasemissions through market mechanisms:

In 2009, 10 Northeastern statescame together to create the RegionalGreenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) , a cap-and-trade system with the goal ofreducing regional carbon emissions fromthe power sector 10 percent from 2009 levels by 2018.Lower emissions than expected over thefirst five years of the program—thanks to

many utilities switching over to cleanerburning and increasingly cheaper naturalgas as well as less overall economicoutput due to the recession—led RGGI tolower its overall annual cap from 165million to 91 million tons in 2014, with a2.5 percent reduction every yearthereafter until 2020.

Analysts expect this rejiggeringwill drive the price of polluting five timeshigher than it has been and thus forceutilities across the region to seek cleaner,greener alternatives to coal as anelectricity feedstock.

The other major U.S. cap-and-trade player is California, which launchedits own ETS in 2013 with a cap set initiallyat two percent below 2012 emissionlevels. The cap will then be reduced threepercent a year from 2015-2020. Some 600 facilities arebig enough polluters to qualify forparticipation in the system, which willcover around 85 percent of the state’stotal greenhouse gas emissions. Giventhat California in and of itself is the 12thlargest economy in the world, its forward-thinking commitment to cap-and-tradegives hope everywhere to fans ofmarshalling market forces to bring aboutenvironmental change. CONTACTS: EU Emissions TradingS y s t e m ,ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets/index_en.htm; RGGI, www.rggi.org; California Cap-and-TradeP r o g r a m ,www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/capandtrade.htm. EarthTalk® is written and edited by RoddyScheer and Doug Moss and is aregistered trademark of E - TheEnvironmental Magazine( w w w . e m a g a z i n e . c o m ) . S e n dquestionsto: [email protected].

Dear EarthTalk: Should those of us whocare about our health and the planet beconcerned about the new trend in geneticengineering called synthetic biology?

-- Chrissie Wilkins, Bern, NC

“Synthetic biology” (or “synbio”) refers tothe design and fabrication of novelbiological parts, devices and systems thatdo not otherwise occur in nature. Manysee it as an extreme version of geneticengineering (GE). But unlike GE, wherebygenetic information with certain desirabletraits is inserted from one organism intoanother, synbio uses computers andchemicals to create entirely neworganisms.

Proponents of synbio, which includefamiliar players such as Cargill, BP,Chevron and Du Pont, tout its potentialbenefits. According to the Synthetic

Biology Engineering Research Center(SYNBERC), a consortium of leading U.S.researchers in the field, some promisingapplications of synthetic biology includealternatives to rubber for tires, tumor-seeking microbes for treating cancer, andphotosynthetic energy systems. Otherpotential applications include usingsynbio to detect and removeenvironmental contaminants, monitor andrespond to disease and develop newdrugs and vaccines.

While these and other applications maynot be widely available for years,synthetic biology is already in use forcreating food additives that will start toshow up in products on grocery shelveslater this year. Switzerland-based Evolvais using synthetic biology techniques toproduce alternatives to resveratrol, stevia,saffron and vanilla. The company’s“synthetic vanillin” is slated to go intomany foods as a cheaper and limitlessversion of real vanilla flavor. But manyhealth advocates are outraged that such aproduct will be available to consumerswithout more research into potentialdangers and without any warnings or

labeling to let consumers know they areeating organisms designed and broughtto life in a lab.

“This is the first major use of a synbioingredient in food, and dozens of otherflavors and food additives are in thepipeline, so synbio vanilla could set adangerous precedent for syntheticgenetically engineered ingredients tosneak into our food supply and belabeled as ‘natural,’” reports Friends ofthe Earth (FoE), a leading environmentalgroup. “Synthetic biology vanillin posesseveral human health, environmental andeconomic concerns for consumers, foodcompanies and other stakeholders.”

For example, FoE worries that synbiovanilla (and eventually other syntheticbiology additives) could exacerbaterainforest destruction while harmingsustainable farmers and poor

communities around the world. “Synbiovanilla…could displace the demand forthe natural vanilla market,” reports FoE.“Without the natural vanilla market addingeconomic value to the rainforest in theseregions, these last standing rainforestswill not be pro¬tected from competingagricultural markets such as soy, palm oiland sugar.” Critics of synbio also worrythat releasing synthetic life into theenvironment, whether done intentionallyor accidentally, could have adverseeffects on our ecosystems.

Despite these risks, could the rewards ofembracing synthetic biology be great?Could it help us deal with some of thetough issues of climate change, pollutionand world hunger? Given that the genie isalready out of the bottle, perhaps onlytime will tell.

CONTACTS: SYNBERC,www.synberc.org; FoE, www.foe.org;Evolva, www.evolva.com.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by RoddyScheer and Doug Moss and is aregistered trademark of E - The

Environmental Magazine(www.emagazine.com). Send questionsto: [email protected].

E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I know that some of us aregenetically predisposed to get cancer, butwhat are some ways we can avoid knownenvironmental triggers for it?-- B. Northrup, Westport, MA

Cancer remains the scourge of theAmerican health care system, given thatfour out of every 10 of us will bediagnosed with one form or anotherduring out lifetime. Some of us aregenetically predisposed toward certaintypes of cancers, but there is much wecan do to avoid exposure to carcinogensin our environment.

According to the Environmental Working

Proponents of synthetic biology tout its potential for bringing about great advances in medicine, energy and cheaperfoods. But health advocates worry that the risks to health and the environment may be too great. Pictured: a researcherusing "synbio" to engineer new microbes as an alternative to yeast for turning complex sugars into biofuels.Credit:Lawrence Berkeley Nationall Laboratory/Roy Kaltschmidt



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Group (EWG), a non-profit working toprotect public health and theenvironment, a key first step in wardingoff cancer is lifestyle change—“stoppingsmoking, reducing drinking, losingweight, exercising and eating right.” TheAmerican Cancer Society reports thatsmoking and poor nutrition each accountfor about one-third of the 575,000 U.S.cancer deaths each year.

But smoking and obesity are obvious andother cancer triggers aren’t so easilypinpointed. In 2010 the President’sCancer Panel reported that environmentaltoxins play a significant and under-recognized role in many cancers, causing“grievous harm” to untold numbers ofAmericans. And EWG reports that U.S.children are born “pre-polluted” with up to200 carcinogenic substances already intheir bloodstreams.

Given this shocking fact, it may seemfutile to try to reduce our bodies’ chemicalburden, but it could be a matter of life anddeath. EWG lists several ways anyonecan cut their cancer risk. First up is to filterour tap water, which can include arsenic,chromium and harmful chemicals. Simplecarbon filters or pitchers can reducecontaminants, while more costly reverseosmosis filters can filter out arsenic orchromium.

The foods we choose also play a role inwhether or not we get cancer. Eating lotsof fruits and vegetables is healthy, but notif they are laden with pesticides. Goingorganic when possible is the best way toreduce pesticide exposure. And whenorganic foods aren’t available, stick withproduce least likely to contain pesticides(check out EWG’s “Clean 15” list ofconventional crops containing little if anypesticide residue). EWG also suggestscutting down on high-fat meats and dairyproducts: “Long-lasting cancer-causingpollutants like dioxins and PCBsaccumulate in the food chain andconcentrate in animal fat.”

Eliminating stain- and grease-proofingchemicals (Teflon, Scotchgard, etc.) isanother way to cut cancer risks. “To avoidthem,” says EWG, “skip greasy packagedfoods and say no to optional staintreatments in the home.” And steer clear

of BPA, a synthetic estrogen found insome plastic water bottles, canned infantformula and canned foods. “To avoid it,eat fewer canned foods, breast feed yourbaby or use powdered formula, andchoose water bottles free of BPA,” reportsEWG. Personal care products andcosmetics can also contain carcinogens.EWG’s “Skin Deep” cosmetics databaseflags particularly worrisome products andgreen-lights others that are healthy.

Another cancer prevention tip is to sealwooden outdoor decks and playsets—those made before 2005 likely containlumber “pressure-treated” withcarcinogenic arsenic in order to stave offinsect infestations. Of course, avoidingtoo much sun exposure—and wearinghigh-SPF sunscreen—when using thosedecks and playsets is another importantway to hedge one’s bets against cancer.CONTACTS: EWG, www.ewg.org;President’s Cancer Panel,http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/pcp.EarthTalk® is written and edited by RoddyScheer and Doug Moss and is aregistered trademark of E - TheEnvironmental Magazine(www.emagazine.com). Send questionsto: [email protected] u b s c r i b e :www.emagazine.com/subscribe. FreeTrial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

EarthTalk®E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What would you say arethe most important steps we need to takeas a nation to counter the impacts ofclimate change?

-- Ned Parkinson, Chino, CA

Americans care more about theenvironment than ever before and theoverwhelming majority of usacknowledges that climate change is realand human-induced. But still we continueto consume many more resources percapita than any other nation and refuse totake strong policy action to stave offglobal warming—even though we havethe power to do so.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions canbe achieved in a top down manner—vialegislation mandating reductions in fossil

fuel emissions—or in a bottom-up fashionwith individuals and businesses doingtheir part by driving and flying less,conserving more and embracing greenerforms of energy. Environmental leaderswould like to see Americans take bothpaths to cut greenhouse gas emissionsas fast as possible.

The Natural Resources Defense Council(NRDC), a leading green group, hasproposed a five-step plan for Americansto follow to cut greenhouse gasemissions by 80 percent by mid-century.Step One is to cut global warmingpollution via “strong legislation that capscarbon emissions and makes polluterspay for the global warming gases theyproduce.” Step Two involves investingmore in green jobs and clean energy.Producing more fuel efficient carsconstitutes Step Three. Creating greenhomes and buildings is Step Four. StepFive: Build more sustainable communitiesand transportation networks.

Individuals need to play a role, too, byaltering our behaviors to reduce ourindividual carbon footprints. NRDC hasseveral suggestions along these lines aswell. Walking, biking or using public transitinstead of driving is one. If you must drive,make sure for best gas mileage that yourcar is tuned and your tires are properlyinflated. If in need of a new car, look into ahybrid or electric that consumes less or nogasoline.

On the home front, weatherization can go along way to lower heating and airconditioning needs, thus saving significantamounts of energy. Also, upgrading oldappliances to more energy efficient models

and switching out old lightbulbs with newcompact fluorescents (CFL) or LEDs willkeep carbon footprints down. If your utilityhas a green energy option—with powerfrom wind, solar or other renewables—choose it, even if it costs more than thecoal-based electricity. And for things youcan’t change there are carbon offsets youcan buy that support renewable energyprojects that will offset your carbonemissions.

But perhaps the most important tool wehave as individuals for battling globalwarming is our voice. “Send a message toyour elected officials, letting them knowthat you will hold them accountable forwhat they do—or fail to do—about globalwarming,” instructs NRDC. On the group’swebsite you can customize a letter toPresident Obama urging him to finalize acarbon pollution standard for new powerplants, and direct the EnvironmentalProtection Agency to set tough newstandards for existing plants.

Environmentalists are optimistic thatPresident Obama will take strong action tofight global warming during his secondterm. But even if he convinces Congress topass binding legislation limiting carbonoutputs, each of us will continue to play animportant role through how we lead ourown day-to-day lives.

CONTACTS: NRDC, www.nrdc.org

EarthTalk® is written and edited by RoddyScheer and Doug Moss and is a registeredtrademark of E - The EnvironmentalMagazine (www.emagazine.com).

March 20148




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March 24, 2014—Ottawa —Canada’sCitizenship and Immigration MinisterChris Alexander has concluded asuccessful visit to China during whichhe highlighted the many opportunitiesthat exist in Canada for Chinese skilledworkers, travellers, businesspeopleand students.

Alexander visited Hong Kong andShanghai to position Canada as adestination of choice for leisure travel,business and study. He highlighted themany pathways to Canada for aspiringpermanent residents, reiterated theGovernment of Canada’s commitmentto doubling the intake of internationalstudents, and promoted the activerecruitment model known as the"Expression of Interest" (EOI) system.The EOI will result in faster visaprocessing for newcomers who havethe skills and attributes that Canadianemployers need, in the event thatCanadians cannot fill available jobs.

In Hong Kong, Alexander met withgovernment officials for the Hong KongSpecial Administrative Region, as wellas with business leaders—particularlythose involved in research anddevelopment, venture capitalism andangel investing. The Minister reiteratedCanada's intention in Economic ActionPlan 2014 to replace the ImmigrantInvestor Program with new pilotprograms.

While in Shanghai, Alexander met withthe Canadian Chamber of Commerceand spoke at numerous events relatedto international education tounderscore China’s position as one ofthe top source countries for studentscoming to Canada.

The Minister also attended the publicfuneral service of Bishop Joseph FanZhongliang, who devoted his life to hisfaith. Canada will continue to work withfaith groups in China to advancefreedom of religion and belief.

Quick facts

• Canada has signed an ApprovedDestination Status—or ADS—agreement with China. This allowsChinese travel agents to promote andarrange tour groups to Canada. Morethan 31,000 such applications werereceived in Beijing and Shanghai lastyear. Processing times averaged lessthan one week and the approval ratewas 96 percent.

• As of December 2013, China wasthe second-highest source country forthe Canadian Experience Class with1,127 admissions, the third-highestsource country for the ProvincialNominee Program with 4,047admissions and the fourth-highest forFederal Skilled Workers with 3,754

admissions. • More than 1.5 million Canadianscan trace their ancestral roots to China.

Quote

“Canada is a welcoming place forChinese visitors and students, and ourpermanent economic immigrationprograms offer many options for thoselooking to make Canada their home.This trip provided our government withthe opportunity to highlight the variousopportunities that exist within Canadaand reinforce the strong ties betweenour two countries."

Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenshipand Immigration Minister

Statement from the Honourable PeterMacKay Minister of Justice -Déclaration de l'honorable PeterMacKay ministre de la justiceInbox

xPapadimas, John

Mar 20 (8 days ago)

to John

STATEMENT

“The Supreme Court of Canada hasdecided not to hear the appeal fromGuy Turcotte. As this case is nowbefore the Quebec Superior Court, wehave no further comment on thisspecific case. With respect to thesentencing for convicted murderers,our Government has made significantchanges to strengthen Canada’sjustice system. For over 40 years, ourcriminal justice system was going inthe wrong direction focussing more onthe rights of criminals instead of therights of victims. We committed tochange things and we have delivered.We have ended sentence discounts formultiple murders and we haverepealed the so-called faint hopeclause, which allowed for early parolefor murderers. Our Government isstanding up for victims of crime andtheir families by making sure thatcriminals receive sentences that reflectthe severity of their crimes. OurGovernment will continue our efforts topass important legislation to toughenour laws and make our streets andcommunities safer.”

Hon. Peter MacKay

Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of Canada

DÉCLARATION

« La Cour suprême du Canada adécidé de ne pas entendre l’appel deGuy Turcotte. Puisque cette affaire setrouve maintenant devant la Coursupérieure du Québec, nous ne feronsaucun autre commentaire sur ce casspécifique. En ce qui a trait à ladétermination des peines pour lespersonnes reconnues coupables demeurtre, notre gouvernement aapporté des changementsconsidérables en vue de renforcer lesystème de justice du Canada. Depuisplus de 40 ans, notre système dejustice pénale allait dans la mauvaisedirection en se concentrant davantagesur les droits des criminels que surceux des victimes. Nous nous sommesengagés à changer les choses, et nousl’avons fait. Nous avons mis fin auxpeines à rabais en cas de meurtresmultiples, et nous avons abrogé la soi-disant « clause de la dernière chance »,qui permettait aux meurtriers d’obtenirune libération conditionnelle anticipée.Notre gouvernement défend lesvictimes d’actes criminels et leursfamilles en veillant à ce que lescriminels se voient imposer des peinesqui correspondent à la gravité de leurscrimes. Notre gouvernementpoursuivra ses efforts en vue de faireadopter d’importantes mesureslégislatives visant à renforcer nos loiset à rendre nos rues et nos collectivitésplus sûres. »

Hon. Peter MacKay

Ministre de la Justice et procureurgénéral du Canada

John Papadimas

Conseiller Régional, Communications| Regional Communications Advisor

Cabinetdu Premier Ministre | Office ofthe Prime Minister

[email protected]

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Capturing fireworks displays isvery common to those who have SLRcamera with basic controls such asshutter speed and aperture. But thereare more to these than the controllingthe light intake. Gears and vantagepoint play a lot too. . I love to take photos of theAnnual Fireworks competition at LaRonde St. Helene Island of Montrealbecause each country participatingshows different amazing style. CanadaDay is one of those events that youdon’t need to go far. Most of the citieshave their own event and end up withfirework display. Here are the basicthings to consider: 1. Use a Tripod

Perhaps the most important tipis to secure your digital camera tosomething that will ensure it doesn’tmove during the taking of your shots.This is especially important inphotographing fireworks simplybecause you’ll be using longer shutterspeeds which will not only capture themovement of the fireworks but anymovement of the camera itself 2. Remote Release

One way to ensure yourcamera is completely still duringfireworks shots is to invest in a remoterelease device. These will vary fromcamera to camera but most have somesort of accessory made for them. Theother way of taking shots withouttouching your camera is to use the selftimer. 3. Framing Your Shot

One of the most difficult parts

of photographing fireworks is workingout where to aim your camera. Thechallenge you’ll face in doing this isthat you generally need to aim yourcamera before the fireworks that you’llbe photographing goes off –anticipation is key. Here are a fewpoints on getting your framing right. • Scope out the location early –Planning is important with fireworksand getting to the location early inorder to get a good, unobstructedposition is important. Think about whatis in the foreground and background ofyour shots and make sure you won’thave people’s heads bobbing up into your shots (also consider whatimpact you’ll have on others aroundyou also). Take note of wherefireworks are being set up and whatparts of the sky they are likely to beshot into – you might also want to tryto ask some of those setting up thedisplay for a little nformation on whatthey are planning. Also consider whatfocal lengths you might want to useand choose ppropriate lenses at thistime (rather than in the middle of theshow).

• Watch your Horizons - One thingthat you should always consider whenlining up fireworks shots is whetheryour camera is even or straight in it’sframing. This is especially important ifyou’re going to shooting with a widefocal length and will get otherbackground elements in your shots (ie a cityscape). Keepinghorizons straight is something we

TIPS ON FIREWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY

covered previously on this site and isimportant in fireworks shots also. Asyou get your camera on your tripodmake sure it’s level right from the time you set up.

• Vertical or Horizontal? – There aretwo main ways of framing shots in alltypes of photography, vertically(portrait) or horizontally (landscape).Both can work in fireworksphotography but I personally find avertical perspective is better –particularly as there is a lot of verticalmotion in fireworks. Horizontal shots can work ifyou’re going for more of a landscapeshot with a wider focal length of ifyou’re wanting to capture multiplebursts of fireworks in the one shot – butI don’t tend to go there that often.

• Remember your framing – I find thatwhen I photograph fireworks that Ispend less time looking in myviewfinder and more looking at the skydirectly. As a result it’s important toremember what framing you have andto watch that segment of the sky. Doingthis will also help you to anticipate theright time for a shot as you’ll see thelight trails of unexploded rocketsshooting into the sky.

4. Focal Length?One of the hardestparts of photographing fireworks ishaving your camera trained on the rightpart of the sky at the right time. This isespecially difficult if you’re shootingwith a longer focal length and aretrying to take more tightly croppedshots. I generally shoot at a wider focallength than a tight one but during ashow will try a few tighter shots (Iusually use a zoom lens to give me thisoption) to see if I can get lucky withthem. Of course zoomed in shots like

the one to the left can be quite effectivealso. They enable you to really fill theframe with great color. Keep in mindhowever that cropping of your wider angle fireworks shots can alwaysbe done later to get a similar impact inyour photography.

5. Aperture A common question aroundphotographing fireworks displays iswhat aperture to use. Many peoplethink you need a fast lens to get them but inreality it’s quite the opposite as thelight that the fireworks emit is quitebright. I find that apertures in the mid tosmall range tend to work reasonablywell and would usually shootsomewhere between f/8 to f/16.

6. Shutter Speed Probably more important to get rightthan aperture is shutter speed.Fireworks move and as a result thebest photographs of them capture thismovement meaning you need a nicelong exposure. The technique that Ideveloped when I first hotographedfireworks was to shoot in ‘bulb’ mode.This is a mode that allows you to keepthe shutter open for as long as youhold down the shutter (preferablyusing a remote shutter release of sometype). Using this technique you hit theshutter as the firework is about toexplode and hold it down until it’sfinished exploding (generally a fewseconds). You can also experimentwith set shutter speeds to see whatimpact it will have but I find that unlessyou’re holding the shutter open for verylong exposures that the bulb techniqueworks pretty well. Don’t keep your

See Page 21 Ask the Video Guy



Consular outreach missionWalang dapat tuligsain.

Walang nang dapat tanungin.Pahayag ng Pasuguan, hindi raw dapatgawing political issue.

Para makatiyak kung saan angsusunod at kung kailan ay magpuntasa kanilang website. Ang walanginternet aybahala nang gumawa ngibang paraan para makibalita.

Agam-agam. . .Kupit Dito at KupitDoon

Siya ang bumili ng mgaingredients.. Siya ang nag-bake. Siyaang nagtinda.. At ang mga natira aysiya rin ang bumili.sinama angpinagbilhan sa ambagan ng buongMountainside United Church naumabot sa halagang $4,165 napinagkatiwalang ipadala ng GawadKalinga sa mga biktima ng bagyongHaiyan. Mabilis itong tinapatan ngganoon ding halaga ng Pamahalaanng Canada.

* * * * *Ang pagtatamo ng tagumpay

ni Rose Fontanes sa X Factor ng Israelay lalong naging matamis nang angInterior Minister ng Israel, Kgg. GideonSa'ar ay bigyan si "Osang" ng singingpermit. Iyan ang tunay na musika sapandinig ng nagwagi sa timpalak.

* * * * *Wala na akong maisip na

dapat isulat pa tungkol sa nag-

uumapaw na karangalang dulot niMICHAEL CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ sakanyang paglahok sa Winter Olympicssa Sochi. Ang sarili kong parangalkina Michael at Rose ay ang matagalko nang gustong ilathala sa aking pitakpara sa kaalaman ng lahat. AngPambansang Awit ng Pilipinas(Philippine National Anthem)

Bayang magiliwPerlas ng SilangananAlab ng pusoSa dibdib mo'y buhay

Lupang hinirangDuyan ka ng magitingSa manlulupigDi ka pasisiil

Sa dagat at bundokSa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw;May dilag ang tulaAt awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo'yTagumpay na nagniningning,Ang bituin at araw niyaKailan pa ma'y di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta,Buhay ay langit sa piling mo;

Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapiAng mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

* * * * *

Naku!!! Marami ang naligaw athindi nakarating sa Open House naginanap ng NEI noong Enero 30, 2014dahil sa kalabuan ng direksyon kungpaano puntahan ang nasabingpaaralan. Huwag sanang mapipikonang kasama kong manunulat sa

Filipino Star dahil ang amingeditor/publisher ay nakarating.

* * * * *Sistema ni Pichu

Pichu: Tito Aaron, dalhin mo naman siTito Jonah sa amin para makapaglarokami.

Tito Aaron: Ay naku! Tiyak nagagabihin kami dahil nandiyan sinaPechay at Peras at alam ko na kunggaano kayo katagal maglaro. Sa ibangaraw na lang.

Pichu: Naiintindihan ko po, Tito Aaron.Kaya, pahahatid na lang ako sa Lolo koat doon ako matutulog sa inyo.

* * * *Ang pagtamo ng tagumpay ni

Rose Fontanes sa X Factor ng Israel ay

lalong naging matamis nang angInterior Minister ng Israel, Kgg. GideonSa'ar ay bigyan si "Osang" ng singingpermit. Iyan ang tunay na musika sapandinig ng nagwagi sa timpalak.

* * * * *

Kaliwa-pakanan: Edith Fedalizo, Elizabeth Santiago, Amelia Manon-og, Samson Kuk, ZenaidaFerry Kharroubi, Benjamin Dimaapi, Jr., Josefina Toledo at Judith Gonzales.

Advertise your business on MabuhayMontreal TV, and in the North

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You are cordially invited to joinGilmore College’s annual sugaring off

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March 2014 The North American Filipino Star 13

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This is a breakthrough idea. The writing workshop experience plants aseed that grows each time you write, long after the weekend workshop hasconcluded. You will gain special insights that open your creative self asyou continue to write. You will be able to set and achieve personal goalsto:

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SEMINAR FEES: $495 (including taxes and materials)DURATION: 2 1/2 days - Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Schedule: To be announced to registered participants

The Best Writing Workshop is: • interactive • practical• insightful • authentic• multi-cultural • rewarding• stimullating • inspiring• exciting • memorable

This workshop will help you develop a personalperspective that is important in discovering your hidden orlatent abilities

March 201414





Canada Cautions Russia on ProposedCrimea Legislation

March 11, 2014 - Foreign AffairsMinister John Baird today issued thefollowing statement:

“Canada, alongside our G-7 partners,is gravely concerned by news thatRussia may be proceeding with draftlegislation aimed at the absorption ofUkraine’s Crimea region into theRussian Federation. Russia appears tobe preparing the ground for outright,illegal annexation of Crimea.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a clearviolation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and

territorial integrity and of internationallaw. As Prime Minister Stephen Harperindicated last week, Canada and ourpartners will not recognize thelegitimacy of a referendum—plannedfor March 16—held in a region underillegal military occupation, nor will weconsider as valid any correspondinglegislative motion in Moscow designedto legitimize it.

“If Russia’s legislators move forwardwith the annexation bill currently beingconsidered by the Duma, they will onlycontribute to their country’s growingisolation.

“We remain extremely concerned

about the ongoing crisis and continueto call on Russia to respect Ukraine’ssovereignty and territorial integrity,including its 1994 BudapestMemorandum obligations.”

- 30 -

For further information, mediarepresentatives may contact:

Media Relations OfficeForeign Affairs, Trade andDevelopment [email protected] us on Twitter: @DFATDCanadaLe Canada sert un avertissement à la

Russie concernant le projet de loisur la Crimée

Le 11 mars 2014 - Le ministre desAffaires étrangères John Baird a faitaujourd’hui la déclaration suivante :

« Le Canada, tout comme sespartenaires du G-7, est vivementpréoccupé par les informationsselon lesquelles la Russie s’apprêteà aller de l’avant avec le projet de loivisant à annexer la régionukrainienne de la Crimée à laFédération de Russie. La Russiesemble préparer le terrain pour uneannexion illégale pure et simple dela Crimée.

« L’invasion de l’Ukraine par laRussie constitue une violationflagrante de la souveraineté et del’intégrité territoriale de l’Ukraineainsi que du droit international.Comme l’a indiqué le premierministre Stephen Harper la semainedernière, le Canada et sespartenaires ne reconnaîtront pas lalégitimité du référendum prévu le 16mars dans une région sousoccupation militaire illégale, pasplus qu’ils ne reconnaîtront touteproposition législative de Moscoudestinée à le légitimer.

« Si les législateurs russes vont del’avant avec le projet de loid’annexion actuellement à l’étude àla Douma, ils ne feront qu’isolerdavantage leur pays.

« Nous demeurons extrêmementpréoccupés par la crise en cours etnous continuons d’exhorter laRussie à respecter la souverainetéet l’intégrité territoriale de l’Ukraine,y compris les obligations qu’elle acontractées en vertu duMémorandum de Budapest de1994. »

- 30 -

Pour de plus amplesrenseignements, les représentantsdes médias sont priés decommuniquer avec :

Le Service des relations avec lesmédiasAffaires étrangères, Commerce etDéveloppement [email protected] sur Twitter :@MAECDCanada

John Papadimas

Conseiller Régional,Communications | RegionalCommunications Advisor

Cabinetdu Premier Ministre | Officeof the Prime Minister

[email protected]

400, Place d'Youville. Bur : 601Montréal (QC) H2Y 3N4Tél. 514-451-0065 |Télécopieur/Facsimile 514-496-1621



3.49lbHalf or Whole pork

Cut & Wrapped

5.99lb

Beef Blade steak

2.79lb

Picnic Ham w/bone

2.

Pork loinApproximately

15 lbs

2.99lb

Boneless Pork shoulder -$3,49 lb

9.99lb

6.49lbGround Beef

4.79lb 4.69lb

Beef short ribs

5.99lb

Regular smoked bacon

� Frozen pork blood

� Fresh liver

� Pork skin

GoatAvailable on order

83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0

Tel.: (450) 247- 2130 or (450) 247- 3561

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219

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Boucherie Viau Inc.

Canada

U. S. A.

ParcSafari

Champlain

Class

SortieExit No.6

202 Lacolle

Napierville

St.Chrysostome St. EdouardSt. Remi

15

Fresh Pork Belly with skin

Mon. Tue. Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Thu. Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Sunday Closed

Home smoked meat

BUSINESS HOURS

39

Ground PorkSpecial 2.89/lb

Philippine Cuisineand

Favorite FoodCompiled by Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi

Fresh Pork Leg

Over 20 lbs 4.29 lb

lb

Bone-in shoulder chops3.69 lb

Bicol Express (Vegetables withcoconut milk and spices)

Ingredients:

1 med. Eggplant, cut in 1" slices1 med. Ampalaya, cut in 1" slices6 pieces red pepper cut in 1/2"

slices6 pieces chili finger (sili)1 cup coconut milk (first extract)1 cup coconut milk (second extract)4 cloves garlic minced1 med. onion1/2 to 3/4 kilogram pork, sliced

small1 tbsp Bagoong (alamang) or

shrimp paste2 tablespoons cooking oilsaltvetsin

Cooking Procedure:

Sauté the garlic, onion, pork,shrimp, and bagoong

Add second extract of coconut milkand bring to a boil

Simmer until pork is halfwaycooked

Add the vegetables (including thepeppers and chili fingers)

Add first extract of coconut milk andbring to a boil

Simmer until cookedAdd salt, vetsin to desired taste

Hot Tip:

I prefer freshly extracted coconutmilk rather than processed-cannedcoconut milk.

Sweet Pusit

ngredients

1 kilo (2.2 pounds) small squid2 cloves garlic2 chopped tomatoes1 small sibuyas (sliced onion)5 dahon ng laurel (dried bay leaves)2 tablespoons toyo (soy sauce)¼ cup sukang puti (vinegar)¾ cup water2 tablespoons sugarcooking oilsalt and pepper

Instructions

Heat the cooking oil.Add the garlic, onion, and tomato.

Cook it for 3 minutes.Add water, laurel, and soy sauce.

BoilAdd squid. Cook for 1 minute.Add sugar and vinegar. Wait for it to

boil.Put salt and pepper.Serve with rice.

Chicken Adobo

IngredientsServes: 8

355 ml (1 1/2 cups) soy sauce355 ml (1 1/2 cups) water180 ml (3/4 cup) vinegar45 ml (3 tbsp) honey15 g (1 1/2 tbsp) minced garlic3 bay leaves1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper1360 g (3lbs) skinless, boneless

chicken thighs

DirectionsPrep:15min › Cook:35min › Readyin:50min

Preheat an outdoor grill for highheat, and lightly oil grate.

In a large pot, mix soy sauce, water,vinegar, honey, garlic, bay leaves, andpepper. Bring the mixture to a boil,and place the chicken into the pot.Reduce heat, cover, and cook 35 to 40minutes.

Remove chicken, drain on papertowels, and set aside. Discard bayleaves. Return the mixture to a boil,and cook until reduced to about 1 1/2cups.

Place chicken on the prepared grill,about 5 minutes on each side, untilbrowned and crisp. Serve with theremaining soy sauce mixture.

IGuinataan Chicken AdoboIngredientsServes: 8

15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil905 g (2 lbs) cubed pork meat4 cloves garlic, chopped1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken

broth60 ml (1/4 cup) dark soy sauce60 ml (1/4 cup) apple cider vinegar5 bay leaves1 (14 ounce) can unsweetened

coconut milk15 g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour

DirectionsPrep:20min › Cook:1hr30min ›Ready in:1hr50min

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven overmedium heat, and cook the pork untilevenly browned.

Mix the garlic into the Dutch oven,and cook 1 minute, until tender. Pourin the chicken broth, soy sauce, andcider vinegar. Place the bay leavesinto the mixture. Bring to a boil.Reduce heat to medium low, and cook1 hour, or until the pork is easilyshredded with a fork. (For a thickerconsistency, blend a small amount offlour with coconut milk, chicken broth,or water, then stir into sauce.) Makesure the meat stays moist and coveredwith the liquid. If meat looks like it'sdrying out, add a bit more chickenbroth or water. Stir flour into coconutmilk and add to the Dutch oven. Continuecooking until heated through.

March 201416



FILIPINO STARS H O W B I Z G O S S I P

There was no need for costumechange, long-winded spiels, not evena bunch of dancers or acrobatsonstage, to make Fil-Am Bruno Mars’“The Moonshine Jungle World Tour”one of the most arresting concerts thisseason. All Billboard Artist of 2013had to do was appear onstage(though past 30 minutes after openingact Poreotics made an impression)

and hit those notes to have Filipinosraving.

Held at Mall of Asia Arena over theweekend, the show presented byPLDT HOME Fibr was, for one, a studyin confidence. Bruno returns to thecountry as one of the biggest names

worldwide (perhaps “next to Oprahand the Queen,” haha)—and heknows it. If before, he might havebeen tentative in holding out the micwhenever he wants people to sing aline or two from his songs, this time heeven put hand behind ear to betterhear the lusty response from everysection of the venue. From“Billionaire” (with cuss word intact) to

groovy “Treasure,” the Pinoys were,shall we say, on the money and Brunobanked on that.

“Do you love me?” he teased theaudience repeatedly at one point.Hell, yeah.

However, Bruno did not rely on his

stature or the so-called Pinoy pride tomake himself loved. Dude worked it.Aside from performing his monsterhits in full (except for “It Will Rain”), hedanced and played severalinstruments, too. At the latter part ofthe show, Bruno played a mean drumsolo while the Filipino flag flashedonscreen. He moved like MichaelJackson at times (minus the crotch-

grabbing) and James Brown with hisfrenetic footwork in another song.Bruno sang parts of some of hissongs in higher note than heard onrecord. Clearly, talent’s there andthere’s more to show.

It seems Bruno prefers working

Mesmerizing Mars moves Manila with the band instead of playing boss.He not only allowed his musicians todo solos (that classical interlude by thekeyboard player was breathtaking!),but also horsed around with themonstage like buddies withouthierarchies. At the Premier Suites fromwhere we watched the whole thing,they sounded like a unit versus theusual balance of voice above the otherinstruments. Even the main star’scostume was no different from the restsave that Bruno had safari hat on.

The highlight number, of course, isthe ballad “When I Was Your Man.”Backed by just the piano and organ

for bed in some parts, the voicesoared, reducing the audience to puttyespecially over the mawkish lines. Wealso enjoyed “Grenade” which actuallyhas more drama when performed live,what with the driving beat and theexplosions at choice points. “MarryYou” and “Locked Out Of Heaven”were rambunctious romps that hadmany standing on their chairs,drowned in confetti in the latter part ofthe show. The doo-whoop number hadgot the more mature members of theaudience thankful that they came,while “The Lazy Song” was anythingbut that given the lively reception itgot.

As for his reading of “Just The WayYou Are,” Bruno’s very first hit and oneof the final numbers, well, people justlost it—everyone was close to pullingout hair, knocking down chairs andscreaming till nose bled. Had it beendone on the streets, a van may havebeen overturned, no questions asked.It was temporary madness.

Before leaving, Bruno said he’llreturn “soon.”

Till then, everyday it will rain. a

Bruno Mars told the crowd: "BeingFilipino, to see you all out there, youdon't know what that does to me."



Filipino-Canadian YouTubesensation Mikey Bustos’ latest video,Avicii’s “Wake Me Up,” was featuredover the weekend in top-rating TVshows in the United States.

Bustos, who is currently based inManila and under contract with GMA7, told the Inquirer that he “screamedfor a good 10 minutes” when hereceived an e-mail inquiry fromproducers of the “Today” show, airedon NBC.

Bustos’ a cappella rendition ofAloe Blacc’s song was shown twice,on Friday and Saturday, in the

“Today” segment dubbed“Webstatic,” which spotlights videosthat are trending in the Net.

Bustos’ video was shown as wellin the rival show, “Good MorningAmerica” on ABC, on Saturday. TheUS news website The Huffington Postfound the video “mind-blowing[since] all sounds were producedexclusively by [his] mouth or voice.”

Bustos played 14 characters andlaid 36 vocal tracks for the video,including guitar and drum sounds.“Some sounds are doubled, orcombine one or more sounds,”Bustos explained. “To achieve thesame effect, you’ll need a choir of 36people.”

It took seven and a half hours to

record the song, another day to shootand edit the video—all in all, threedays “from start to finish, fromplanning to editing.”

Blacc, the original singer andcowriter of the song, shared the videoon his fan page, Bustos related. “Hesaid the video was great and madehim smile.”

Advertisement:Replay AdBustos, who first broke into the

scene as a finalist on “Canadian Idol”in 2003, is no stranger to cyberfame.His YouTube channel has becomevery popular largely due to hiscomedic “Filipino tutorial” series,which went viral in 2011.

Being featured in “Today” and“Good Morning America,” however, isparticularly significant for Bustos,“because it showed once again thatFilipinos live and breathe music andart.”

Pinoy details

Bustos, who grew up in Canada,made sure to insert proudly Pinoydetails in the video, which has scored234,285 hits since going online onMarch 15. In it, he wears a salakotand brandishes a walis tambo andwalis tingting. He said he wanted toremind Filipinos “that we are worldplayers, recognized [around] theglobe as talented entertainers. Theworld embraces us and our skills.They don’t see us as a race … theyjust hear good music.”

The video is likewise meaningfulon a personal level, he noted,because it showcases his vocalability. “Music is my No. 1 passion,even before comedy. I’m obsessedwith music and singing.”

He described the exposure onmainstream US television as“wonderful.”

It’s just starting to sink in, he said,“[but] now that I have an even biggeraudience, I am thinking of newideas.” a

Fil-Am singer Malaya Watsononce again busted out a stellarperformance in the recent live show of“American Idol 13.” The youngcontestant even earned a highcompliment from one of the show’sjudges.

With this week’s theme being “I’mWith The Band,” the nine remainingcontestants performed as leadsingers for music director Ricky Minorand his musicians.

Watson opted to sing TheBeatles’ 1970 ballad “The Long AndWinding Road,” earning applausefrom an awed audience and thejudges.

Jennifer Lopez commended,“Your voice really stands out as aboveeverybody else’s to me. Honestly, itsounds like the sweetness of a youngMichael Jackson. It’s so beautiful.You’re 16 and you blow me away.”

Karl Urban was likewise floored,saying, “Gosh, that was beautifulbaby.”

He added, “You really chose aperformance that shows us yourvoice. I can feel your voice. Yourvibrato is so beautiful. That’s where

your personality comes through. Thatperformance really showed me yourspirit. It’s beautiful.”

The ever-reserved Harry Connick,for his part, opted to give Watson apiece of advice.

“I’ll give you the award of mostconsistently improving. You reallylisten to what we say,” Connick said.“It was strong. Forget stardom; putthat in your mind. Work onharmonies. With the voice and ears

like yours and attitude that you have,you really can become somethinggreat. Forget about stardom. All ofthat will happen. Work on your craft.Nice job tonight.”

Along with Watson, otherremaining contenders who will facethe elimination stage tomorrow areC.J. Harris, Jena Irene Asciutto, CalebJohnson, Jessica Meuse, AlexPreston, Dexter Roberts, MajestyRose York, and Sam Woolf. a

Malaya Watson sings ‘The Long And Winding Road’ Wed Mar 26, 2014

More Showbiz GossipMore Showbiz Gossipp.18p.18

J.Lo likens Malaya to a young Michael Jackson

When a bar incident involving severallocal celebrities exploded and becamepublic, it naturally sent out shockwavesacross traditional and social media.Being at the center of the controversy,Anne Curtis naturally assumed herpublic image would suffer a major hit.

In fact, she shared on ”Aquino &Abunda Tonight” on Monday, “Akala kowala na, end na ng career ko.”

The “Dyesebel” star confessed,“Ang sakit ng regret. Ang laki ngregret,” but also noted it was a ”lessonlearned.”

Anne maintained, “At least, alamko na kung anuman ang mali angnagawa ko, I said sorry. I apologizedright away and now I’m moving on tobe a better person.”

Another thing the incident taughther is knowing “kung ano anglimitations ko if I go out,” she shared.

Although calling it a “low pointtalaga,” especially after how muchpublicity it had gotten, she was able topick herself up thanks to the support ofher family and friends.

“Kumapit ako sa mga taong nasapaligid who could be honest to me,who’d tell me the truth. Of course, theLord is the big factor kasi siya talagaang nagbigay ng comfort (sa akin)because, hindi mo talaga alam kungsino ba talaga ang totoo mong mgakaibigan unless your family is there. Ofcourse my boyfriend is…”

Too old for “Dyesebel”?With that behind her, Anne is back

and in a big way, having now essayedthe role of the iconic mermaidDyesebel on TV.

Playing the popular Mars Ravelocharacter has its own share ofcontroversy,with some commentingthat Anne, at 29, is too old for the role.

The actress-TV host revealed thatshe initially agreed with her critics,which was what made her hesitateaccepting the part at first. Mostactresses who have played Dyesebelsare “from what I

know, I think mga 21, 22, 23….younger than me,” she noted.

“Actually, kahit naman ako nu’ngin-offer sa akin then, tinanong ko,‘hindi ba ako masyadong matanda?’Ang isinagot naman sa akin, ‘Hindinaman’. Bagay pa rin daw.” a

Anne thought hercareer over afterbar controversy

“SALAKOT” and “walis tambo” arehighlighted in the video.

MIKEY Bustos laid 36 vocal tracks forviral vid.

US shows feature Filipino YouTube star

Anne Curtis

March 201418



Fil-Mexican “American idol”runner-up Jessica Sanchez is happythat half-Pinay Malaya Watson, 16,made it to the finals of “American Idol”Season 13.

“I hope she makes it really, reallyfar. I hope she does well. I haven’tbeen able to watch the show much butI hear that she’s doing awesome.Good luck to you. I’m here to support,”Sanchez told ABS-CBNNews.

She gave the young Top 10

contender this piece of advice: “Juststay strong, don’t give up even if thereare haters out there.”

The singer-actress said she hopesto meet with Watson soon.

The 18-year-old visited the countryover the weekend for a singingengagement. She performed hersingle “Tonight,” on “Eat Bulaga!”where she met child star Ryzza MaeDizon.

She posted a photo of themtogether on Twitter, saying, “Had thebest time meeting this lil cutie@iRyzzaMaeDizon @EatBulagatoday! She is the cutest!!”

Ryzza Mae also took to Twitter topost a “selfie” with her “Ate Jessica.”

Singing for PacmanSanchez will be singing the

Philippine national anthem in Manny

Pacquiao’s much-anticipated rematchwith Timothy Bradley on April 12 in LasVegas.

Singer Ashanti is to sing the USnational anthem.

For Sanchez, singing “LupangHinirang” makes her feel like a “trueFilipino.”

“Every time I sing the Philippinenational anthem, I just feel so proud. Itmakes me feel even more like a trueFilipino so I’m very proud to sing it forthe Manny Pacquiao fight again,” shesaid.

She is, of course, rooting for thePinoy champ. “I love Manny… thistime I want to see him win.”

This will be the third time thatSanchez will be singing at a Pacquiaofight. The first was when she sang theUS anthem at the 2012 Pacquiao-Bradley bout.

Last November 2013, Sanchezsang both the “Lupang Hinirang” and“The Star-Spangled Banner” at theSarangani representative’s winningfight against Brandon Rios in Macau.

Sanchez, whose mother hails fromBataan, intimated that she intends tosing the “Lupang Hinirang” in thetraditional manner.

She explained, “I think I did apretty good job last time. Everybodypretty much loved it last time. I got somany tweets. They want me to keep ittraditional and nice and simple like Idid last time. I don’t want to change itup too much. ”a

Jessica airs support for Malaya

Our heartfelt congratulations goto Kapuso Primetime King DingdongDantes for having finally graduatedfrom college.

The actor was among 800students who received their collegediplomas from West NegrosUniversity (WNU) on Sunday.

Dingdong (born Jose SixtoRaphael Gonzalez Dantes III)graduated with a degree in BusinessAdministration major in MarketingManagement.

The Kapuso contract artist admitshe was overwhelmed to finally receivehis college diploma. He worked hardfor it, and it’s something very specialto him, he said.

It was very special for hisgirlfriend Marian Rivera as well, whodropped everything to be with him onhis graduation day.

Dingdong’s advocacy iseducation and so he strived hard tofinish college, if only to inspire othersto follow suit, guided by the fact thatno matter how busy one could be, hecan accomplish things and reach hisdreams as long as he works hard forit.

Education is of utmostimportance to Dingdong because, ashe said, “it is something that no onecan take away from you.”

During the commencementexercises, Dingdong was namedWNU’s Ambassador of a Goodwill.

The WNU President cited him for“promoting Wesnecan ideals andtenets of quality education through apotentially blended learningenvironment, therefore allowing for agreater diversification and greateraccess to learning…”

Dingdong is the chair of Yes PinoyFoundation. It is public knowledgethat he was among those who helpedcampaigned for P-Noy when he ranfor President four years ago.

He was last seen via “Genesis”where he was paired with RhianRamos. He was also the leading manof Bea Alonzo in “She’s the One.”

Fans are stilling keeping theirfingers crossed for anotherDingdong-Marian team-up on TV orthe big screen.

Dingdong is now 34 years old, oldenough to settle down. But as he saidin a past interview, he would certainlythink of getting married before heturns 40.

By the way, another special andmemorable experience for Dingdongwas his participation in the 28thanniversary commemoration of the1986 EDSA People Power Revolutionlast month. He played the part of thenAFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen.Fidel V. Ramos in the re-enactment ofthe famous “salubungan” orencounter between military rebelsand civilians.

Does his college diploma signifyhis intent to enter the political arena?Because at least he now has thequalifications to run for a high electivepost which is required if we are tofollow Senator Miriam DefensorSantiago’s standards.” a

Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.17

Jessica Sanchez with Ryzza Mae Dizon

Filipino-American nurse is now$45,000 richer after having correctlyguessed the bonus round puzzle onAmerican game show “Wheel ofFortune.”

Emil DeLeon stunned viewers bycorrectly guessing the item, whichconsists of three words, in three, fourand five letters. He only had the lettersN and E as clues.

“This looks tough to me… You’re avery good puzzle solver, but I don’tknow. You have 10 seconds. Keeptalking. Maybe the right thing will popout. Good luck,” TV host Pat Sajak toldthe nervous contestant.

DeLeon then blurted, “new baby

buggy,” which proved to be the correctanswer.

The audience went crazy; withSajak jokingly frisking the contestant tocheck if he’s hiding anything.

“(It’s the) most amazing solve inmy 30+ years on the show. Nokidding,” Sajak tweeted after the show.“What made last night’s solve amazingwas the generic category. Could havebeen ‘new anything.’ But ‘babybuggy?!’ Wow!”

Appearing on “The EllenDeGeneres Show,” DeLeon explainedhow he nailed the answer.

“It’s pretty obvious (that) the firstword was ‘new.’ Then, I worked on‘baby.’ ‘New baby’ just sounds right,right? And (on) the hard part (buggy), Iworked with that ‘B’ again,” he shared.

The Daly City-based Fil-Am said heand his family have been watching theshow since he was about three or fouryears old.

DeLeon boasted that, on his own,he usually answers the puzzles right”99 percent of the time.” a

Fil-Am gets lucky, wins big on‘Wheel of Fortune’

Dingdong Dantes earns collegediploma

Dingdong Dantes

Jessica Sanchez

Malaya Watson



Since Day One, the real-liferomance of Kapuso Network’sprimetime royalties — Primetime KingDingdong Dantes and Queen MarianRivera — have been subjected to somany “tests.” But their relationshipproved to be too tough to be knockeddown.

Their onscreen love affair on GMA7’s top-rating primetime seriesMarimar eventually veered into thepath of reality, spurring suspiciousobservers in the showbiz industry tospeculate: “Are they a couple?” Beforelong, the two ended such speculationsand announced that they were, in fact,real-life lovers already.

And despite critics saying theirs isa relationship that will not last,Dingdong and Marian are still verymuch together for years now, provingtheir detractors wrong. Besides, arelationship lasting for more than fiveyears seems a lifetime already inshowbiz.

In a recent interview, Marianshared that the real secret to her long-lasting relationship with Dingdong is“God.” According to Marian, placingGod in the center of their relationshipmakes it more sturdy and able to resisttemptations.

The two also make sure thatdespite their busy work schedules,they still find time for each other, andthey find joy in doing things together.

One of such activities is gettinginvolved in charitable works. Moved bythe plight of the victims of TyphoonYolanda, especially those who dependon fishing to earn a living, Marianrecently started a campaign of her ownto raise funds to provide fishingfamilies in Cebu who lost their boats tothe typhoon a chance to get back ontheir feet and move on from thedisaster.

“Ang hirap kasing ipaliwanag e,hangga’t hindi mo nakikita ang mgataong nangangailangan ng tulong nanakikita mo lang through pictures,through interviews, hindi momasyadong ma-fe-feel e. Makikita mo,mararamdaman mo, pero pagnandoon ka, sila mismonagpapasalamat sa iyo at sinasabinilang ‘Naku Marian, salamat,habambuhay hindi ka naminmakakalimutan,’ parang iba ‘yun,

ibang fulfillment ‘yun for me as aperson, hindi bilang artista,” Marianshared.

Through the support of her homenetwork, GMA, Marian launched theKapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project withGMA Regional TV, in partnership withthe Bantayan Island Association ofHotels, Resorts, Bars and Restaurants,Inc. The goal of the said campaign is todonate sturdier bangka to fishermen inareas hit by Yolanda.

Marian said that replacing thedamaged boats of these fishermen willgive them and their family a chance tostart life anew and sustain a living.

“Hindi kami basta nagbigay langng bangka,” explained Marian,“Binibigyan namin sila ng idea, parangnag-aaral sila — ano ang dapat gawinsa pangingisda, what if walangmakuhang isda ngayon ano angpwede nating gawin, ano angpwedeng trabaho, ano ang pwedengsubstitute? Lahat may pag-aaral. Hindi‘yung pagkabigay ng bangka, bahalaka na sa buhay mo.”

Exactly a month after thecampaign launch, it was able to fulfillits commitment to give away 100 boatsas part of its first wave. “Nawala lahatng pagod ko nang makita ko ‘yung100 families na binigyan namin ngbangka. Nakakataba ng puso nanangyari ‘yung pinangarap namingmangyari,” she confessed.

The said project also aims to helpthese fishermen sustain their living bychecking up on them after a certainperiod of time. “Siguro within fivemonths, ano ba ang nangyari sa mgataong binigyan naming — naka-survive ba sila, naka-ipon ba sila,nakatulong ba itong bangkang ito?Hindi lang siya basta project lang,kumbaga nakatali kami sa buhay nila,”explained Marian.

Dingdong, for his part, has beenvery active in his own advocacies. In2009, Dingdong formed his ownfoundation, Yes! Pinoy Foundation,which has helped thousands ofstudents in public schools and morerecently, families in areas affected byrecent calamities including Yolanda.The foundation has been involved invarious social development programsadvocating for education, youthdevelopment and disaster response,

among others.Just last week, Dingdong and

Marian graced the Panagbenga FlowerFestival in Baguio City along with otherKapuso stars and entertained theirfans via a series of shows in thecountry’s summer capital. Beforemeeting with their fans, Dingdong andMarian dropped by Loakan ElementarySchool in the city to donate schoolsupplies.

“I appreciate the effort of GMARegional TV. They’re really exertingeverything that they can to reach theviewers. So maganda rin na naisipnamin that everytime we go to a place,we will tap one of the schools that arevery much in need of school supplies,”said Dingdong.

Prior to Baguio, the actor visitedIloilo during the Dinagyang Festivalwhere he also distributed school

supplies in a local elementary school.Dingdong also spearheads therebuilding of classrooms in Estancia,Iloilo, where an entire school waswiped out by Yolanda.

“We were able to collect enoughfunds para sa isang two-storeybuilding. Apparently, doon puro mgasingle floor lahat e kaya madalingmawasak so talagang we plan to makeit disaster-resilient,” he explained.

Dingdong hopes to complete theproject before the beginning of thenext school year in June.

The couple has chosen the higherroad and paying it forward seems to besuiting them both well. Indeed,Dingdong and Marian’s way ofspreading love, especially to the lessfortunate, only proves that when love isgiven away, it comes right back. a

Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera have chosen the higher road, and paying itforward seems to suit them both well

The charm & charity of Dingdong and Marian

More Showbiz GossipMore Showbiz Gossipp.20p.20


Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.19

If James Yap is feeling light andeasy these days, it’s because he is ina celebratory mood for three goodreasons:

His team, San Mig Coffee Mixers,beat Rain Or Shine in the PBAPhilippine Cup championship even ifhe was nursing an elbow injury;

He and ex-wife Kris Aquino havemade peace concerning their sonBimby after a hearing at the MakatiRegional Trial Court, and James cannow enjoy unrestricted visiting rights;and

he has a very beautiful girlfriendin the person of Michela Cazzola, anInternational Studies graduate in hernative Italy, who is working for theAsian Development Bank (ADB).

Last Friday night, James gave athanksgiving party at the SkyeLounge in Bonifacio Global City,Taguig City, hosted by Mototechnikwhich he co-owns with partnersJeffrey Yap, Andy Cheng and RenatoAlfante Jr.

Before he and Michela showedup at the venue, James spent timewith Bimby, just the two of them, butdid not (because he wasn’tsupposed to) bring the boy to theparty.

“It was our most memorabletogether after a few years,” saidJames. “Imagine, after a long timeBimby still remembers his favoritegame on my celfone and he keptlooking for it. Unfortunately, it was inthe celfone that was lost. I think I’llgive him a new one with his favoritegame in it.”

James, who turned 32 last Feb.13, is thankful to Kris (said to haveher own new boyfriend, a foreignerwhose identity she’s keepingconfidential) for her being in a goodmood leading to the settlement oftheir long-running (four-year) courtbattle, at the same time praising Krisfor being a good mother to Bimby(and Joshua whom James treats likehis own son)

In her Instagram, Kris thankedJudge Sulit, her lawyer Sig Fortunand James’ lawyer Lorna Kapunan“for the patience and guidance tohelp James and I reach a long-termagreement regarding Bimby’scustody/visitation…,” adding inanother entry, “At the end of the day,as parents we want Bimby to growup feeling loved and secure. Jamesand I as a couple weren’t blessedwith a happy ending but throughGod’s grace we have been given achance to have an ‘And they LivedHappily Ever After…’”

During the Skye affair, James andhis partners showcased Vespa andAprilia by Mototechnik, and offeredspecial promos, plus a raffle of giftcertificates. He also welcomedsponsors Titan, Focal Speakers,Outlast Battery, Standard Insurance,Insurance Experts Agency, Gadgetsin Style and Fabulous Autoworks.

James and several players aremanaged by Virtual Sports, Inc., thebiggest sports agency in thePhilippines headed by presidentDondon Monteverde, chief executiveofficer Charlie Dy, and managingdirectors Edgar Tan and Paula Punla.

Two Sundays ago, James andMichela discussed their romance intheir first tell-all interview for TheSTAR.

Asked how soon they areplanning to settle down, James said,“It will happen, pero enjoy munakami together.”

Smiling, Michela (also a Catholiclike James) nodded, “Yes, in God’sown time.” a

James Yap has 3 goodreasons to celebrate

Heart Evangelista will be havingher first ever painting exhibit on May8 to 21 at the Artist Space, AyalaMuseum in Makati.

She already previewed some ofher works on Instagram, most ofwhich depict melancholic-lookingwomen, surrounded with a mixture ofvibrant colors and patterns.

Impressed followerscommended the actress-singer forher effort:

“The play and mix of colors aregreat in such a way that the subjectstands out despite the symmetrychaos of shapes, shades andsymbols. Great work! the piece itselfevokes deep emotions and inspires,”one commended.

Another one added, “Your workof art is made out of passion and fullof love. Classy and so beautiful. Youare blessed with beauty, kind heartand great hands. I am not a die hardfan of yours but seeing your workmakes me wow and adore you.”

According to a report, Heart hadbeen painting since she was abouttwo or three years old. Her parentssupported her passion by buying herpainting kits and enrolling her inworkshops.

Heart is coy about identifying thewomen in her paintings, which allbear the signature “LM” (her realname is Love Marie).

“I don’t know, they must be me,”she told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle in anearlier interview.

As to the patterns, she quipped,”…Sometimes I see them in mymind, I dream about them at night.They drive me crazy. All these printsare from my head.”

The 29-year-old actress admittedthat her work usually comes outbetter when she’s painting sad.

“When I’m happy, I don’t want to

be still. I want to be out there. I wantto see the world, but when I’m sad,that’s when I don’t want to seeanybody, that’s when I want to hide.It’s a good thing because I’m not awriter, I can’t write, I like to sing, butI’m not a singer, but I can paint. Ihave these strong feelings comingout of me in the form of images.These are things you can’t say,things you can’t show.”

For Heart, painting is some sortof personal therapy that helpsrelease inner tension and extremeemotions.

She wished, “If only life were likea painting, when you make amistake, you can just cover it up,paint it over. There is no room for fear.You’re the creator. It’s like you’reGod.” a

Heart Evangelista to showcase herart for the first time

James Yap gives girlfriend Michela Cazzola a loving kiss during an exclusiveinterview with Funfare

Heart Evangelista and one of her paintings



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shutter open too long. The temptationis to think that because it’s dark thatyou can leave it open as long as youlike. The problem with this is thatfireworks are bright and it doesn’t taketoo much to over expose them,especially if your shutter is open formultiple bursts in the one area of thesky. By all means experiment withmultiple burst shots – but most peopleend up finding that the simpler oneburst shots can be best.

7. ISO Shooting at a low ISO is

preferable to ensure the cleanestshots possible. Stick to ISO 100 andyou should be fine.

8. Switch off your Flash Shooting with a flash will

have no impact upon your shotsexcept to trick your camera intothinking it needs a short exposuretime. Keep in mind that yourcamera’s flash will only have a reachof a few meters and in the case offireworks even if they were this closea flash wouldn’t really have anythingto light except for some smoke whichwould distract from the real action(the flashing lights).Switch your flashoff. 9. Shoot in Manual Mode I find I get the best results when shooting

in manual exposure and manual focusmodes. Auto focusing in low light can bevery difficult for many cameras and you’llend up missing a lot of shots. Once your focusing is set you’ll find you don’t reallyneed to change it during the fireworksdisplay – especially if you’re using a smallaperture which increases depth of field.Keep in mind that changing focal lengthswill mean you need to need to adjust yourfocusing on most lenses.

10. Experiment and Track Results Throughout the fireworks display

periodically check your results. I enerallywill take a few shots at the start and do aquick check to see that they are OK beforeshooting any more. Don’t check afterevery shot once you’ve got things set upOK (or you’ll miss the action) but domonitor yours shots occasionally to ensure you’re not taking a completely badbatch. Also experiment with taking shotsthat include a wider perspective,silhouettes and people around youwatching the display. Having your camerapointed at the sky can get you somewonderful shots but sometimes if you lookfor different perspectives you can get afew shots that are a little less cliche andjust as spectacular.

Hope you find these techniqueshelpful and useful in taking good shots.Remember practice makes perfect shots. Al Abdon Hollywood Junkies (514) 264-8706

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From Page 10 Ask the Video GuyStatement by theHonourable ShellyGlover, MinisterResponsible forManitoba - February 28, 2014 - Canadians expectthat their justice system will focus onprotecting the rights of victims andsafeguarding the public from high-riskindividuals.

The decision by the Manitobagovernment not to object to any of therecommendations made to grant VinceLi additonal freedoms, includingunescorted trips into Selkirk is an insultnot only to the family of Tim McLeanbut to all law-abiding Manitobans.Today, our Conservative Government isfirmly calling on the province ofManitoba to immediately appeal thisinsensitive decision.As a mother, a police officer and amember of the Government that isfocused on protecting public safetyand the rights of victims, I would like tooffer my sincere condolences to Carolde Delley and the entire family of TimMcLean during this difficult time.Our Conservative Government hasintroduced the Not CriminallyResponsible Reform Act, which will

protect the public from high-riskoffenders, make public safety aparamount consideration for theReview Boards considering thesecases, and will ensure that the safety ofvictims is always considered whendecisions are made about peoplefound Not Criminally Responsible.

While the opposition continues to playpolitics on this issue, our Governmentis addressing the challenges of mentalillness in the criminal justice system,as well as protecting and respectingthe rights of victims and their families.The provincial decision to grant Mr.

Li unescorted trips is wrong.

We call upon Manitoba's

Attorney General Andrew Swan

to appeal this decision

immediately.

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Jeremy Davis

Special Assistant

Office of the Minister

Responsible for Manitoba

204-983-7096

[email protected]



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The North American Filipino StarMarch 2014 23The North American Filipino Star


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Liam Neeson and Mark Wahlbergmay be among the biggest names inHollywood action movies, but when itcomes to “real action stars” bothcelebrities admit to being fans ofFilipino Boxing Champion MannyPacquiao.

Neeson who narrates thedocumentary Manny says he hasbeen a fan of Pacquiao “for many,many years.”

“What a boxer. He is one of thegreats,” the Irish actor said during hismost recent guesting at ABC’s JimmyKimmel Live!

Kimmel and Neeson then chattedabout co-starring together in Manny,which will be having its worldpremiere during the week-long Southby Southwest Film Festival in Austin,Texas on March 8.

“After I narrated (our) film, the

producer sent me an e-mail with alittle film footage of Manny saying tothe camera, ‘Hello, Liam, I lookforward to meeting you,’ and I’mshowing it to everybody,” Neesonshared with the TV host. “I haven’t methim… but he is a fantastic boxer.”

Pacquiao himself has appearedon the Kimmel show several times,and Kimmel shared that he was alsointerviewed for the documentary.

Another very vocal Pacquiao fanis Mark Wahlberg, who often visitedthe eight-division champion at theWild Card Gym in Los Angeleswhenever Pacquiao trained there.

Wahlberg even credited Pacquiaoas his model when he portrayedretired boxer Mickey “Irish” Ward inthe movie, The Fighter.

“Every time he was training atWild Card Gym, I watched himbecause my whole approach was, Iwanted to look like a MannyPacquiao-caliber fighter. I didn’t wantto look like another actor who’s doingan okay job,” he was quoted in one ofhis interviews.

Other personalities appearing inthe documentary include actorJeremy Piven; boxers Oscar de laHoya and Evander Holyfield, singerDan Hill, respected sportswriters andboxing analysts as well as friends and

family of Pacquiao.Directed by Ryan Moore and Leon

Gast, Manny takes a look at theinspiring life story of Pacquiao whorose from poverty to become a 10-time boxing world champion,congressman and international icon.

Gast won an Oscar for BestDocumentary Feature (1996) forWhen We Were Kings a film about theclassic match between MuhammadAli and George Foreman whichhappened in Kinshaha, Congo, in1974.

The film also features originalmusic by composer Lorne Balfe(Inception, The Dark Knight, Iron Man,Sherlock Holmes) and songs byYardnoise with Chad Hugo (TheNeptunes/NERD).

Manny opens on March 12 inPhilippine theaters and will bedistributed by Solar EntertainmentCorp. a

Hollywood celebrities talk about Manny

Manny Pacquiao’s Hollywood fans include Liam Neeson (far left)

March 201424



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Quebec’s future is at stake on April 7 - Filipino Star · Quebec’s future is at stake on April 7 First Filipino-Canadian Young Leaders Summit promotes a new vision of the future