12 years

YEAR 12, No. 6 DECEMBER 2008 Home Paper of the 1999 Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ and Writers’ Club Winner for Best Editorial Toronto, Ontario

INSIDE NDF to junk ceasefire, MILF doubts gov’t on peace talks

NO END TO WAR?
Ooops & Bloops

What? FVR
press con
‘prorogued’?
-7

FEATURES: Edited by BUTCH DG. GALICIA

Krismas sa
‘Pinas and For thousands of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) soldiers, New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas and
in Canada Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) mujahideen scattered in the Philippine archipelago, nothing much will
- 12 & 13 change. Pending genuine and lasting peace pacts, their lot will go on trembling at the nightmare of killing or be-
ing killed, heaving heavy sighs in the confines of their cold, remote and lonely outposts, camps and lairs. If these
gun-bearing Filipinos had a choice, they would rather be within the embracing arms of their families, co-existing
peacefully with their neighbors and celebrating their fill of the earth. Unfortunately, they have few options, if not
lacking of it - courtesy of their military and political leaders.
Most recent reports reaching Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) tion of hostilities with the NDFP Eduardo Ermita said Malacañang
the Manila Media Monitor said: - shattered the trust and goodwill and the appointment of Mindanao was due to silence its guns during
► The National Democratic shown and shared by negotiators native Rafael Seguis, a diplomat, the holidays.
Front of the Philippines (NDFP), since the peace process with the as chairman of a new but still- As in the past, a unilaterally-
Pinoy parol hogs political arm of the Netherlands- Moro rebels began in December unconstituted peace panel to deal declared GRP ceasefire would be
limelight - 28 based Communist Party of the 2004; and is raising doubts on the with the MILF. a ‘phoney one’ and would be a
Philippines (CPP) that controls government’s sincerity to move ‘Phoney’ ceasefire cover for the GRP to escalate mili-
the NPA, is bent on rejecting any on to more peaceful options. The In a GMANews.TV dispatch tary and police operations against
ceasefire the Philippine govern- MILF’s military arm is the BIAF. citing a statement posted at the the people and their revolutionary
Dancing To Be A Star ment would offer even during for- ► AFP commander-in-chief CPP website, NDFP panel spokes- forces, Agcaoili said.
- 33 Local mal peace talks, if resumed. Philippine President Gloria Ma- man Fidel Agcaoili described as “The GRP panel will always
► The Moro Islamic Libera- capagal-Arroyo, her Cabinet and ‘phoney’ any ceasefire, temporary preoccupy informal or formal
artists
tion Front (MILF) Central Com- military advisers are trying hard or prolonged, the Government of talks with a premature demand
cut mittee is claiming that the current to salvage stalled or scuttled peace the Republic of the Philippines for negotiating the last item in the
Christina regime and its Supreme Court - in talks, kicking off with pre-emptive (GRP) or its negotiating panel agenda, which is the end of hos-
CD - 37 junking the Kuala Lumpur-crafted steps such as declaring a unilateral might declare or offer. tilities and disposition of forces.”
Memorandum of Agreement on but interim Yuletide Season cessa- Earlier, Executive Secretary (To page 30)

Moneygram hails Pacquiao victory

MoneyGram marketing
managers Nelly Chang
Enverga, Overs honored in Palace awards
Philippine President Gloria- expertise or profession.
(left) and Ivy Wisco Macapagal Arroyo has conferred Enverga, among four who
(right) flank Filipino the 2008 Presidential Awards on received the Lingkod sa Kapwa
boxing icon Manny Toronto-based Filipino-Cana- Pilipino Award, was cited for his
Pacquiao in a Money- dians and civic leaders Tobias patriotism and love for fellow
gram-sponsored Enverga, Jr. and Lilian Yared- Filipinos through the continu-
after fight party at Overs in ceremonies at the Rizal ous delivery of assistance and
Mandalay Bay’s Rum Hall at Malacañang on Dec. 10. support by spearheading fund–
Jungle. MoneyGram Enverga, president of the raising campaigns for projects
is listed with the New Philippine Independence Day that benefit his kababayans.
York Stock Exchange. Council and the Lucena City Overs, founding president of
It has some 162,000 Association of Ontario, and ENVERGA the Toronto Carolinians (alumni
global money transfer Overs were among 31 Filipino group of the University of San
agent locations in individuals and groups overseas recognized Carlos in Cebu City), was one of 16 who
180 countries and for helping in national development efforts, received the Banaag Award.
territories. In the Philippines, it works with super agents Kwartagram, Banco advancing the cause of Filipino communi- Overs’ foundation in Toronto has been
De Oro and PeraGram. PR (See related story on page 29) ties abroad, and excelling in their fields of (To page 3)

11:00 AM-Sundays 3:00 PM-Thursdays

2 Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor COMMUNITY 3
Community plans Rejuvenate Kalayaan events FCT Board sees CNAC-O airs
Community groups “is about team building, volunteers “to breathe life
aid call for
brighter future after
have joined ideas and promoting new ideas and into the committees,” noting
hands in mapping out 2009
events and programs of the
people, as well as creating
a bigger celebration of the
the “diminishing interest in
Kalayaan as an organization flood victims
‘surviving turbulent times’
Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Filipino community.” within the community.” Tony San Juan, president
Organization (commonly Perez said the festivities She said Kalayaan has of the Camarines Norte As-
known as Kalayaan). would include a celebration been collaborating with as sociation Canada-Ontario
Kalayaan chairperson of the June 12 anniversary many Filipino-Canadian (CNAC-O), has appealed
Juliet Perez, in a recent of Philippine Independence associations as possible to The Board of Directors 2007 financial statement, to generous Ontarians and
meeting at the Kalayaan and a cultural show featuring bring in new faces to help of the Filipino Centre made by Roman Chu of members of the community
Cultural Community Centre, Filipino talents. as officers or committee Toronto (FCT) remained Chartered Management for financial and in-kind
said this year’s theme, Volunteerism members. confident the center is Accountants, included: aid to help ease the pain of
Rejuvenate Kalayaan, She cited the need for (To page 17) headed towards a brighter ► Rental revenues, human and material loss of
future, despite the tough which slightly dipped victims of recent flashfloods
times it went through in from $383,021.11 in 2006
Volunteers cited in PIDC Appreciation Night recent years. to $361,965.17 in 2007.
that hit Camarines Norte
province in the Philippines.
Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) president Jun Enverga (left) In a press release Part of the shortfall San Juan said the dona-
lauds the help of volunteers like Leonie Manzanares in assuring the success sent to the Manila Media was due to the conversion tions could be sent to the
of the annual Mabuhay Festival. The citations were made during the PIDC Monitor by FCT publicist of spaces in the building’s CNAC-O through him (416-
Appreciation Night on Aida D’Orazio, the FCT lower level into a Seniors’ 491-2346) or Willie Nabus
Nov. 22. PR Board said: “We are now Room and the Ottawa Hall (416-972-0250) and Susan
nearing the end of 2008 for social events for up to Llanera (416-421-4289 and
and we are happy to report 200 people. 416-338-5395).
Enverga, Overs ... that we have survived In addition, three Donations could also
(From page 1) some turbulent times.” rentable units remained be coursed through the Ca-
conducting medical mis- “Other voices out there vacant during the period. marines Norte Relief and
sions, donating supplies and are writing us off already. The Board said Assistance Fund, c/o Ca-
building classrooms in To- We are not quite over efforts are being made to marines Norte Association
ledo, Cebu. the hump yet, but we are attract new tenants to the Canada Account No. 1488-
The biennial Presidential confident that the future is building. 0558-5211344, TD Canada
Awards - Lingkod sa Kapwa bright,” the Board added. ► Donations, which Trust, 2428 Eglinton Ave.
Pilipino Award, Kaanib Heftier 2007 income grew by almost 25 percent East, Scarborough, Ontario,
ng Bayan Award, Banaag The FCT press release, from $3,067.70 in 2006 to Canada M1K 2P7.
Award, and Pamana ng Pili- noting financial reports $4,046.00 in 2007. Philippine news reports
pino Award - was institution- made during the center’s ► A grant of $50,000 said seven of the province’s
alized in Dec. 1991 through most recent annual gener- the FCT got from the 12 towns - Basud, Daet,
Executive Order 498. al meeting, said the center Ontario Ministry of Citi- Labo, Mercedes, San Vi-
Since then, it had been generated a total revenue zenship and Immigration. cente, Talisay and Vinzons
conferred to 283 Filipinos of $507,290.21 in 2007, ► Revenues from the - were devastated by flash-
and foreign individuals and up from $480,412.45 in fundraising events, which floods caused by the run-off
private organizations over- 2006. rose from $70,155.33 from Mount Labo after three
seas. OPS Highlights of the (To page 6) (To page 16)
4 COMMUNITY Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008

CIM, RBC to cite Top 25 PCCT-ACEP Christmas bash

Canadian immigrants
TORONTO - Canadian
Immigrant Magazine, a print
and online magazine serv-
ing immigrants to Canada,
has teamed up with RBC
to launch the Canadian Im-
migrant’s People’s Choice
Award.
The national awards
program recognizes the Top
25 Canadian Immigrants
of 2009 and seeks to un-
cover the untold stories and
celebrate the remarkable
achievements of outstanding
Canadian immigrants.
“Canada is a nation built
by immigrants, many of
whom have distinguished
themselves by working to
make our country a bet-
ter place,” said Canadian
Immigrant publisher Nick
Noorani.
“One in five people liv-
ing in Canada were born in
a different country. It’s time
we recognize and celebrate
their achievements,” Noora-
ni said.
Nominees could be com-
munity leaders, role models,
entrepreneurs, teachers or
volunteers - people who
moved to Canada from an-
other country and has since
contributed to the rich diver-
sity and success of Canada.
Achievements could ei-
ther be professional or per-
sonal and nominees must
hold landed immigrant or
citizen status in Canada.
“RBC has a long-stand-
ing commitment to helping
newcomers succeed in Can-
ada,” said Manisha Burman,
director of Multicultural
Markets at RBC.
“We are pleased to be in-
volved in a program that not
only recognizes the achieve-
ments of individuals who are
making a difference in Can-
ada, but inspires others to do
the same,” Burman said.
“Immigrants need posi-
tive role models who mo-
tivate them to succeed in a Officers and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto and Asian-Canadian Entrepre-
new country,” Noorani said. neurs and Professionals share a poser with Ontario Minister of Health Promotion Margaret Best (6th
“We’re calling all Cana- from left) during their joint Christmas Party. Best (Liberal) is the Member of the Provincial Parliament
dians to nominate an immi- for Scarborough-Guildwood. PHOTO: JOEY BAKING, Confidential
grant at canadianimmigrant.
ca/top25,” he said. KOR to recall Jose Rizal’s
Nominations are ac- Longer hours for Permanent
martyrdom at Earl Bales
cepted until Jan. 30, 2009.
A panel would review the Philippine and program Resident Card pick-up
nominees and present a short Consul General starting at 5 p.m. The Citizenship and Immigration Centre
list of finalists online. in Toronto Ale- at the Earl Bales (CIC) located at 55 St. Clair Avenue East, 2nd
From Feb. 16 to March jandro Mosquera Park in North floor, Toronto, will have extended hours from
31, all Canadians could vote is the guest York, where a Jan. 5 to March 31, 2009, for Permanent Resi-
online for their choice. speaker when monument of dent Card (PRC) pickup only.
The top 25 Canadian the Knights of Rizal stands. As of Jan. 5, 2009, the extended office
immigrants would be an- Rizal (KOR) This year’s hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to
nounced in May 2009. Win- Canada Region activities is Friday.
ners would be recognized joins Filipinos RIZAL coordinated You do not need to make an appointment to
in Canadian Immigrant worldwide in by the KOR pick up your PRC.
Magazine, and receive a recalling the martyrdom of Oakville-Halton chapter When picking up the PRC, bring the CIC let-
commemorative plaque and Philippine national hero Dr. under Mike Murphy, in ter stating that the card is ready and all of the
a $250 donation toward an Jose Rizal on Dec. 30. cooperation with regional documents listed in the letter.
authorized Canadian charity The KOR will have a chancellor and ceremonial For more details, call 1-888-242-2100. PR
of their choice. PR wreath laying ceremony officer Joe Damasco. PR

FINANCIAL PROBLEMS????????????????
IF
You are unable to pay your bills
You are harassed by collection agencies or creditor calls
Your salary is being garnished
You are unable to pay GST or Income Tax to Revenue Canada
You have lawsuits against you
You have arguments and stress at home
THEN MAKE ALL BILLS INTO ONE SMALL MONTHLY PAYMENT &
Reduce your debts up to 80%
Stop Interest
Keep your car, house and other assets
Stop threatening calls
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FILE BANKRUPTCY
WE ALSO HELP RE-BUILD YOUR CREDIT IN MINIMUM TIME
HERE ARE SOME TRUE CLIENT TESTIMONIALS:
I am young and have a good job. I had a showed me a way of managing all these pay- I and my wife always had fights and ar-
lot of loan/credit card payments that I could ments by keeping my business running. Now guments at home and were blaming each
not pay regularly. Without having to file for I am able to save some money to buy a house other for our financial situation. We were
Bankruptcy, Siddique showed a way of mak- in the future. S.B. both working but some how at the end of
ing those payments and reducing my debts the month we didn’t have enough money.
by 70%. Now I plan to buy a house in the fu- The calls from the Collection Agencies were
ture. Thank you, Siddique. G.L. I owed a lot of Income Taxes and could driving us mad. It was good fortune that we
not sleep at night. All Debt Solutions helped contacted Siddique at All Debt Solutions.
I had a business and it went well. But the me solve the problem. Now I am able to car- He helped us with our problem and there is
debts were too high for me to afford all the ry on my life without any stress. Thanks a peace at home after a long time. We cannot
loan and credit card payments by running lot, Siddique. V.K. forget his dedication and patience in solving
the business. Siddique at All Debt Solutions our problem. G.S. & R.S.

CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER:
ALL DEBT SOLUTIONS & CONSULTING SERVICES
416 -671-0577
4 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Toronto/Mississauga/Scarborough/Richmond Hill
Weekend/Late evening appointments also available upon request
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 5

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON!

Maraming salamat sa inyong patuloy na pagtangkilik
6 COMMUNITY
FCT Board ...
(From page 3)
in 2006 to $71,938.37 in
2007.
Expenses
In the same report, the
FCT Board said it spent on:
► Wages and salaries,
down to $18,619.70 in 2007
from $45,949.13 in 2006.
The decrease was
partly due to a hold-back in
wages payable to building
superintendent Felino Javier
and office coordinator
Wendy Arena.
Both agreed to delayed
pays to help defray
the center’s immediate
expenses.
► Professional
services that reached a total
of $224,137.94 in 2006 and
$181,920.80 in 2007.
These pertained to legal
fees and expenses related
to the court-managed FCT
elections in 2007.
The legal expenses came
after Dr. Francisco Portugal
etal. filed an application for
injunction against the FCT
in 2005.
FCT had to get a second
mortgage on the building
amounting to $198,284.87
to cover liabilities.
Mortgage on the FCT-
owned building has since
stood at $1.22 million.
At the same time, the
center had to shelve out
$200,000 to fix the air
conditioning system that
The holiday season is
upon us. Stores, schools
and homes are beautifully
decorated inside and out
with Christmas trees,
colored lights, glittering
ornaments and, of course,
parols.
Christmas is a time of
year when we try to forget
all about the violence and
crimes in our city and just
focus on our families and
friends.
It is also a good time
to remind everyone to
take extra steps to ensure
the joys of Christmas are
not spoiled by criminals.
Here are some tips
to keep safe and sound
during the season:
When out
shopping
► Crowded stores
are a prime target for
pickpockets.
Make sure to stay alert
and be extra careful with
your wallet or purse.
► Carrying too
broke down in 2007.
Survivor
The FCT Board said its
legal expenses might reach
over $400,000, enough to
cause most associations to
go bankrupt.
“It is going to take years
of fundraising efforts to be
able to pay (the expense)
back,” the Board said.
But FCT todate had ably
met its financial obligations
Christmas Season
“Tis the season to be safe”
The TORONTO POLICE SERVICE
through Community Liaison Officer P/C Philip Mendoza
many bags will make you
less aware of someone
stealing from you. Never
hang purses or handbags on
shopping carts.
► Try making smaller
shopping trips during less
busy times.
► Have your wallet or
purse close to your body
and don’t carry too much
cash.
► Keep the chequebook,
credit cards and cell phones
separate from each other.
► Change passwords
for your debit cards if you
haven’t done so in the past
few months.
► When paying for
purchases, be mindful that
someone may be watching
and had continued to provide
improved activities, events,
programs and services for
its community clients.
Despite tough times,
“the FCT is actually doing
well financially,” the Board
added.
Gratitude
The FCT Board thanked
the Filipino-Canadian
com-munity, supporters
and friends who shared
Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
and observing you and your
money.
► Thieves watch parked
cars, so try not to return to
your car to leave purchases
and continue shopping.
When at home
► Always secure and
lock doors, windows,
garages or sheds.
► Make sure security
lights are in working order
and put internal lamps on
timer switches if you are
away.
► Having bought all
those wonderful gifts, try
and keep them out of sight.
If you have windows near
your Christmas trees, close
the curtains or shutters.
► Note the serial
with the FCT its vision of
maintaining a center “where
we are able to serve and
provide programs that will
help the seniors, the youth,
new immigrants, and the
community.”
The Board stressed: “As
Filipino-Canadians we want
a Filipino center:
► Where we can
showcase the best of our
culture and our people.
numbers of all expensive
items such as cameras,
video equipment, computers
and TV sets. Take photos of
valuable items to help with
identification if these are
stolen.
► Don’t put empty
boxes from Christmas
presents out until the
recycling collection day.
Break up boxes to make it
more difficult for burglars
to see what new gadgets or
electronic items you have
inside.
If out on
a holiday
► Always make it look
like someone is at home by
using timers for your lights
and radios.
► That will help us
maintain our identity in the
Canadian mosaic.
► Where we can extend
a helping hand to those
who come for help, most
especially our own people.
► Where we can
help promote unity in our
community, so that we can
strengthen our voice as a
people in Toronto and in
Canada we call home.” PR
► Don’t leave
curtains open exposing all
wrapped and unwrapped
gifts.
► Don’t forget to
cancel newspaper delivery
and have your mail picked
up by your neighbor.
► Have your neighbor
use your driveway once in
a while to make it appear
someone’s home.
Have a safe and
wonderful holiday and
remember: “Don’t drink
and drive.”
Reminders
► Annual blitz on
misuse of accessible
parking permits, up to
Dec. 31.
► Holiday R.I.D.E.
Program: Spot checks, up
to Jan. 1, 2009.
For any question,
call 416-808-7071 or
email philip.mendoza@
torontopolice.on.ca.
Maligayang Pasko
at Manigong Bagong
Taon sa inyong lahat!
TV ads reach far.
ADVERTISE with
416-285-8583
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Marketing Magazine’s recent
news item: Two Canadian brands
crack the top 100 in Interbrand’s
annual ranking of the “Best Global
Brands”.
Oh, don’t worry about it
Filipino-Canadian publishers
and television producers. It’s not
Manila Media Monitor and Front
Page Philippines YET!
So, there’s no need to be
prompted to attack US YET!
***
Another recent news item
in Marketing Magazine: Herbal
Magic runs first national
campaign.
Why the need for a national
campaign? Just apply magic
and presto!
***
From Manila Media Monitor
columnist Ricky Caluen, quoting
an article from the Philippine
Daily Inquirer:
“Salcedo said that, as far as she
knew, Estrada was joined by all of
his living brothers and sisters.”
Ricky asks “Did dead siblings
also plan to be present?”
***
ACE ALVAREZ
What? FVR press con
‘prorogued’?
Recently, there was a news
item that the LCBO recalled
D’Aquino Pinot Grigio white
wime from Italy.
George Soleas, the LCBO’s
vice-president said the recall
was issued because the bottles
contained nothing but water. He
said it was human error, and not
an issue of tampering.
Soleas joked, “I guess
someone was waiting for Jesus
to turn it into wine.”
***
Manila Media Monitor
columnist Mario Dimain for-
warded an item saying that Las
Vegas churches now accept
gambling chips.
The message stated that this
may come as a surprise to us
that in Las Vegas there are more
Catholic churches than casinos.
Not surprisingly, some wor-
shipers at Sunday services will
give casino chips, rather than cash
when the basket is passed.
Since they get chips from many
different casinos, the churches
have devised a method to collect
the offerings.
The churches send all their
collected chips to a nearby
Franciscan monastery for sorting,
and then the chips are taken to
the casinos of origin and cashed
in. The sorting, according to
Mario’s forwarded message is
done by the Chip Monks.
***
Albee Enterprises’ Isa
Tugadi forwarded a message
that humorously cited the
experiences of a travel agent
who, in her 30 years as such,
took ‘troubling’ reservation
requests and questions from
some of the bright people in the
Philippine government.
One female senator asked
for an aisle seat so that her hair
wouldn’t get messed up by being
near the window.
***
A former mayor of Parañaque
City wanted to go to Capetown.
The travel agent was explaining
the length of the flight and passport
information when he interrupted
the travel agent with, “I’m not
trying to make you look stupid, but
Capetown is in Massachusetts.”
VIEWS
Without trying to make the
former city executive look like
the stupid one, the travel agent
calmly explained, “Cape Cod is
in Massachusetts. Capetown is in
Africa.”
The former Parañaque mayor’s
response, “click.”
***
A member of the House
of Representatives called the
travel agent, furious about a
Florida package that the travel
agency did for him and his TV
star girlfriend.
The travel agent asked what
was wrong with the vacation in
Orlando, and he said that he was
expecting an ocean-view room.
The travel agent tried to
explain that it was not possible,
since Orlando is in the middle of
the state.
He replied, “Don’t lie to
me. I looked on the map and
Florida is a very thin state,” so,
he expected to see the ocean on
both sides of the hotel.
***
From a very popular wife of
a senator: “Is it possible to see
England from Canada?”
The travel agent replied, “No,
it’s not.”
She said, “But they look so
close on the map.”
***
An actor who became a
senator asked the travel agent if
he could rent a car in Dallas.
The travel agent noticed he
had only an hour lay-over in
Dallas.
When asked why he wanted
7
to rent a car, the senator said, “I
heard Dallas was a big airport,
and we will need a car to drive
between the gates to save time.”
***
From one senator:
The travel agent said he needed
to know how it was possible that
his flight from Detroit left at 8:20
a.m. and got into Chicago at 8:33
a.m.
The travel agent explained
that Michigan was an hour ahead
of Illinois, but he could not
understand the concept of time
zones.
Finally, the travel agent told
him the plane went very fast, and
he bought that.
***
From one congressman to
the travel agent: “Do airlines
put your physical description on
your bag, so they know whose
luggage belongs to whom?”
The travel agent said, “No,
why do you ask?”
He replied, “Well, when I
checked in with the airline, they
put a tag on my luggage that
said ‘FAT’, and I’m overweight.
I think that is very rude!”
The travel agent looked into
it and explained that the city
code for Fresno, California is
(FAT) and the airline was just
putting a destination tag on his
luggage.
***
From a former presidentiable
- now a television star:
The guy inquired about a trip
package to Hawaii.
(To page 25)
8 VIEWS
The Philippines’ boxing pride
Manny Pacquiao has displayed
anew speed and power, battering
pre-game favorite Oscar de la
Hoya, and won every round until
the eighth when the game was
stopped with Pacquiao’s blinding
power punches on the body and
head of de la Hoya, described
in the boxing world as perhaps
the most popular boxer in his
generation.
The defeated de la Hoya
admitted that he has lost to a
“great champion”.
This corner will not review
further the Filipino boxing legend’s
many feats, for these are subject
of thousands of publications and
broadcast media worldwide.
In the meantime, let’s take a trip
to the future, where, for example,
all the glitter of the spotlight is
gone, and our Filipino hero has
gone elsewhere to oblivion and no
one knows where he is.
Ahhhh, a food for thought for
some aspiring sports journalists
who want to resurrect “the
champ”. Hhhmmm … sounds
like a familiar story. Indeed, it is,
for this was the gist of the movie,
Resurrecting the Champ.
In the movie, actor Josh
Harnett plays up-and-coming
sports reporter Erik Keman who
rescues a homeless man who
identified himself as the “Champ”,
and discovered that he is a boxing
legend believed to have passed
away.
For Keman, meeting the
“Champ” was an opportunity to
resurrect the Champ’s story and
escape the shadow of his father’s
success as a journalist, at the same
The results of the national
survey of the country’s most ad-
mired personalities always seen
on TV were disclosed by Anak TV
recently, capping the nearly year-
long survey that traversed several
provinces and cities where up to
4,582 respondents were polled.
True to form, many person-
alities merely resurfaced and have
become staples in the annual sur-
vey.
The likes of Mike Enriquez,
Julius Babao, Piolo Pascual, Edu
Manzano, Aga Muhlach, John
Lloyd Cruz, Gary Valenciano and
Arnold Clavio do not surprise
anyone anymore.
They are firmly entrenched
and simply dislodge one another
in the numbers game.
This year, ABS-CBN news-
caster Babao led the pack again,
for the second consecutive time.
In the distaff side, Korina San-
chez, Mel Tiangco, Sharon Cune-
ta, Bernadette Sembrano, Karen
Davila and Sarah Geronimo were
once again in the list. Their inclu-
sion is expected.
However, even the trustees of
Anak TV and a number of media
personalities were astonished by
the appearance of four personali-
ties in the magic circle.
The surprise bordered on de-
light rather than on disbelief.
The subjects were least ex-
pected to land the top slate for a
variety of reasons.
Christine Bersola-Babao is
not seen daily on Philippine TV
but has been doing the guesting
From The
Monitor’s Desk
‘The champ’; ‘Resurrecting
the Champ’ and
lessons therefrom
time presenting an opportunity
for the ambitious reporter to re-
examine his own life and his
relationship with his family.
As a young reporter, Keman,
however, made a dire mistake of
not checking resources, hence,
resulting in a potential lawsuit,
almost losing his job and his
credibility – the latter a very central
part of our work as journalists.
Resurrecting the Champ is a
good movie, with sad ending.
For sports journalists – and all
sorts of journalists for that matter
– including publishers and editors
among us, will definitely draw a
lesson here.
Unfortunately, for all of us,
lessons are always learned at the
end of the grave error, comission,
or omission, and when we are
already facing lawsuits.
As journalists, editors or
publishers, all of us have to
bear in mind that checking and
cross-checking of all claims and
attributions in our stories must
always be done before, or during
Roundabout
MAG CRUZ-HATOL
Surprises in list of RP’s
most-admired TV personalities
rounds as part of her book writing
projects and personal parenting
advocacy.
She is a frequent product en-
dorser, oftentimes with precocious
daughter Antonia.
She is also the main host
of Busog Lusog (Well fed and
healthy) which airs weekly on
ABS-CBN.
Hence, jurors and respondents
recall her easily and find her wor-
thy of emulation because she is
wholesome and is intimately asso-
ciated with such values as proper
decorum, strong kinship and fam-
ily togetherness.
Bersola-Babao has always
placed in the survey since 2004,
once even winning top slot.
Richard Gomez had for a few
years been landing in the Ayaw Ko
(I Dislike) List, having turned off
many viewers by his demeanor,
swagger and rough silhouette on
TV.
His portrayal of villain roles
on telenovelas apparently did not
ACE ALVAREZ
the progress of writing and/or
production of the story; in other
words, before publication, or
broadcast, and not after, where at
this point, a journalist, his editor
and publisher are subjected by the
offended party to issue an apology
for their failure to check and
cross-check the claims made in
the story, or worse, face lawsuits
for defamation, libel and their
cousins in the criminal offenses
and civil liability books.
When in truth and in fact,
we, writers, journalists, editors
and publishers failed to check
and cross check the claims made
by one party in the story, and/
or attributions made therein,
and subsequently asked by the
offended party to issue an apology,
such probably, may be an easy
and convenient way out of facing
lawsuits for defamation, subject of
course to the agreement contained
between the parties involved.
In most cases, an apology
only mitigates the commission of
the alleged defamation, libel and
influence voters as much as his
wholesome presence as host of
(the Philippine version of) Family
Feud did.
Some judges also think the
wholesome wife-factor ferried
him across to the positive pole.
He should be thankful to Lucy
for rubbing off her lithesomeness
on him, they say.
Now we know why male
politicians eyeing public office
deliberately use their charming
and lovely wives as weapons to
wrestle votes.
Eyebrows were raised when a
politician entered the circle, even
flooring people when he landed
slot 11 tied with Gerald Anderson
and Cesar Montano!
Chiz Escudero is a standard
winner in the popularity games.
We recall that he was top-
notcher in the Halalan sa Pan-
talan (Polls at the port) survey
conducted among passengers of
Negros Navigation prior to the
elections of 2004.
Manila Media Monitor
related charges.
However, the most important
thing affected with the subsequent
issuance of an apology is one’s
credibility as a writer, journalist,
editor and publisher.
If what you have in mind while
reading this is the case filed in
court by very active Mississauga-
based community personalities,
Carlos Padilla and Willie Cantos
against our colleagues in media,
namely Rodel Ramos – as writer
of the article at issue in the case,
and Rolly Cabrera and Tess
Cusipag – in their capacities as
publishers of Taliba and Balita,
respectively (and probably
included as respondents are the
corporate entities of the two
publications which published the
article in question), let me make
clear that I am not talking about
that here.
After all, our colleagues in
the media who have been named
respondents in the defamation
case are presumed innocent until
proven otherwise, if I may echo
Philippine Press Club-Ontario
(PPCO) president Tenny Soriano
of what, in the first place, is cited
by subjective laws.
Rather, I’m talking about
the lessons that could be learned
from the movie Resurrecting the
Champ: “Check and cross-check
all the claims and attributions
made in the story.”
So, we’re clear on these things.
Thank you.
***
When one does good work,
this column is always generous
to give credit for such, hence,
(To page 18)
His suave presence on televi-
sion must have smitten the view-
ers.
His opinion is regularly sought
and he hardly comes on wild or an-
gry even if he minces no words.
He seems beholden to no one
and knows how to craft his re-
sponses as though some ghost-
writer is constantly coaching him.
The question asked in the top-
of-mind survey was to name per-
sonalities often seen on TV who
the respondents thought were
worth emulating by their kids (and
that included news anchors, sing-
ers, dancers, talk show hosts, re-
porters. directors, priests who said
masses, pastors who evangelized,
even politicians).
For all intents and purposes, it
was a survey of the most admired
and most respected.
The results show it was also a
popularity game.
On the other hand, it was not a
surprise that everywhere we went,
Gloria Arroyo and husband Mike
figured prominently in the Ayaw
Ko List, meaning people did not
enjoy watching them on TV at
all.
The top official landed 6th; the
spouse (not as often seen on TV)
was in the top 20 most disliked.
The darkest horse in the derby
was Robin Padilla.
Analysts were able to figure
out how he managed to squeeze
in the list traditionally populated
by the likes of Gary V, Mike En-
riquez, Julius Babao and Aga
(To page 18)
DECEMBER 2008
Managing Editor
ACE ALVAREZ
Editor
BUTCH GALICIA
Associate Editor
GIE ALVAREZ
Contributing Editors
Grace P. Freires
Manny Freires
Ben Viccari
Mag Cruz Hatol
Pete Lacaba
Mel Tobias
Editorial Assistants
Lennart Leigh Alvarez-Mahoney
Dods Andrada
Contributors
Edwin Acuna
Bien Garcia
Jeannie Pilapil
Eva Agpaoa
Mario Dimain
Noel Perada
Larry Torres
Chito Sarabia
Account Executive
MYRNA SORIANO
Graphics
IDTech Solutions
416-875-2541
projects@idtechsolutuionsnetwork.com
Philippine Communication Facility
GRACE MEDIA SERVICES
974 Metrica Street
1008 Manila, Philippines
Tel/Fax: (632) 742-1484
Published by
Manila MEDIA MONITOR, INC.
98 Comrie Terrace
Scarborough, Ontario M1M 3T2
CANADA
Tel. 416.285.8583
YOUR TOTAL, CONCISE
and COMPREHENSIVE
Manila MEDIA MONITOR
is published and circulated
once a month
in Toronto and its suburbs.
Manila MEDIA MONITOR is a
publication dedicated
to the formation of positive
values in the Filipino-Canadian
social and business community.
Manila MEDIA MONITOR
covers all aspects of interest
to the community it serves.
Every effort is made
to verify the information published
in Manila MEDIA MONITOR -
your one of only two
community papers in Toronto
(the other paper being ...
‘the others’). The views and opinions
expressed, however, by individual
writers are not necessarily the
opinion, nor reflect those, of the
publisher. Thus, the publication
accepts no responsibility in
connection with any liability
which might develop resulting
from articles published.
Manila MEDIA MONITOR
accepts submissions, subject to
availability of space, but reserves
the right to edit for publication.
Contributed articles must be
in word document format.
Photo releases must be with
captions and in JPEG format.
Item and photo submissions
must be sent by e-mail via
mediamonitor@rogers.com
Articles published in
Manila MEDIA MONITOR
may be reproduced only
with the permission
of the publisher.
SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADVERTISING,
CIRCULATION and other inquiries
may be addressed at the following:
TEL. (416) 285-8583
FAX (416) 285-6862
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Commentary
OPINION
Pinoy English:
How is it now? Christmas trees: a people’s icon
The late Ted S. Rogers was a
By SATUR P. APOYON man who truly gave contradiction
to the pessimistic opinions of
DAVAO CITY - Pinoy English: How is it now? many that Canadians are dull,
If before our ability in English ranked number three after the unimaginative people.
British and Americans and perceived as globally competitive, it has A true visionary, a great-
apparently deteriorated since a couple of decades ago. hearted philanthropist, a beloved
No less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had shown family man and an employer
concern over the decline of the English proficiency of her country- of thousands, Ted Rogers died
men in the past two years. recently at the age of 75.
In view of that awareness, she wanted the aggressive return of To say that he will be mourned
English instruction in the educational curriculum in all levels. and missed is a cliché – Ted
Many well-meaning Filipinos in the academe and the business Rogers occupied a beloved place
sector agreed with the corrective measure of the president. in so many hearts.
Those in the diplomatic circle, of course, shun retrogression to The progess of multicultura-
the so-called Filipino “Bamboo or Carabao English”. lism in Canada is due to a bold
The shallowness of many students, graduates, teachers and oth- move that Ted Rogers made
er users of English in the Philippines has been blamed on the bad when he rescued Canada’s
effects of television sitcoms and programming and text messaging first multilingual, multicultural
grammar. television station by the purchase
Indeed, these two modern media were somewhat becoming de- of the ailing and floundering
structive to Filipinos in the negative sense of communication prog- CFMT-TV.
ress. Ted Rogers perceived a need
Television programming, for example, is likened to Satan who and proceeded to fill it.
would tempt an individual to be pulled away from more important What became OMNI 1, OMNI
activities at home that could include valuable reading and writing. 2 and the operations in Edmonton,
But the disciplined and erudite students of English as an inter- Calgary and Vancouver, began
national language of transaction would not take any alibi for the with that purchase and the belief
downslide of the kind of capability existing among Filipinos of that the time for multilingual/
Shakespeare’s or Hemingway’s medium in world literature. multicultural broadcasting had
Speaking or writing in English, if I might point out, has been an begun and was being passed by.
individual responsibility to make good in the usage of a borrowed The turnaround was swift and
language. today Canada sets a worldwide
For me, speaking or writing in English with faulty grammar and example of how the needs of our
wrong choices of words, would be like poisoning the public.
I could never take a sentence spotty with wrong spelling and
misrepresentation of a fact. It’s December again. The
Would you believe that even some newspapers, especially tab- Christmas season is here marking
loids in the provinces with almost nil of additional budget for sub-
editors, copyreaders and proofreaders, have remained accessories
in the proliferation of bad Filipino English?
the end of another year.
But this has been a year
unlike any in recent memory ... an
There have been countryside tabloids, many in Davao City, that historic year with events that have
would print poorly written press releases without editing. changed the order of things.
It is worse in some instances when it came to columns from This year we witnessed the
various callings, including unsuccessful bar examinees. Obama phenomena in the US.
Trusting perhaps the educational backgrounds of some colum- Whether his election was an
nists, publisher-editors would just run their submissions sans the
cursory look for errors from spelling of proper nouns to the agree-
act of desperation or courage,
that country’s political landscape
ment of verbs and many others. and its renewed commitment to
Following were the contents of an introductory paragraph of a the democratic process has been
tabloid column here which I came across recently: “It is indisput- transformed.
able facts, that media played a vital role in any kind of society on The American dream, and by
earth. As late USA President Thomas Jefferson said, “If I were to extension, the dreams of many
choice between a government and media, I would prefer the later. number of countries and people
As a matter of fact, in a democratic society, the media is considered who aspire to the western ideal,
the fourth estate, besides the executive, legislative and the judicia- that anyone, regardless of color,
ry branches of government. Media plays as equilibrium of these creed or class can rise to any
branches of government.” position through sheer will and
I hope you would still be around after reading the sickening hard work, has been affirmed in
lines. But I had been afraid the third US president might wake up the strongest terms possible.
from the grave and lodge a protest in the murder of the spelling of And regardless of individual
his popular surname in two counts and the mangling of words in his reasons, the collective affirmation
great libertarian statement in the l800s. of Obama demonstrated a courage
God forbid, our very own Ferdinand Edralin Marcos would not and belief in the future which was
also follow suit to put to a stop to the wrong mouthing of his famous long overdue.
Martial Law address “My countrymen” by a boxer who had inno- This year, we also witnessed
cently used a singular form of the second word for several times in an economic tsunami that has
after-bout television interviews. brought us to the brink of a true
Sad to say, we could only be on the top of the rubbish yet, with depression.
our kind of English nowadays. The causes are many but the
Time to make up, lest we break up. PNA Features and Opin- consequences are clear.
ions Every sector and individual
will feel the effects to some
ADVERTISE with degree.
Some of us will lose jobs or
Manila Media Monitor have to accept a lower standard of
living.
Call 416-285-8583 Some of us will have to put
our dreams on hold.
VIEWS
BEN VICCARI
diverse peoples are being met.
For this alone, apart from his
many other achievements, Ted
Rogers stands tall in my own
personal Hall of Fame.
***
Alice Walker, activist poet and
novelist, is best known for her
authorship of The Colour Purple,
a book which became a much-
lauded movie starring Oprah
Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and
Danny Glover.
This moving open letter to the
President-elect of the United States
seems destined to be a classic
statement not only on behalf of
America’s Blacks, but of all caring
citizens in a multicultural society.
“Dear Brother Obama,
“You have no idea, really, of
how profound this moment is for
us. Us, being the black people of
the Southern United States. You
think you know, because you are
thoughtful, and you have studied
our history.
“But seeing you deliver the
torch so many others before you
carried, year after year, decade
after decade, century after century,
only to be struck down before
igniting the flame of justice and of
law, is almost more than the heart
Our Journey
No single solution; no easy answer
Each one of us will experience
this downturn in a slightly different
but equally painful way.
Many will be angry, confused
and frustrated.
How did this happen? Who let
it happen?
Our trust has been betrayed by
the very institutions we believed
would protect us in difficult
times.
Big banks are failing. The
auto industry is nearly bankrupt.
The manufacturing sector is near
collapse. Regulatory agencies
have utterly failed to do their job.
Many many people are losing
their homes and life savings.
Many governments will run a
huge deficit as they try to spend
their way to recovery.
For the first time, our
generation is facing an economic
landscape so severe, our way of
life and that of our children’s may
be changed forever.
This year we also witnessed an
historic event here in Canada.
Our government is on the
brink of defeat with the prospect
9
can bear.
“And yet, this observation
is not intended to burden you,
for you are of a different time,
and, indeed, because of all the
relay runners before you, North
America is a different place. It is
really only to say: Well done.
“We knew, through all the
generations, that you were with
us, in us, the best of the spirit
of Africa and of the Americas.
Knowing this, that you would
actually appear, someday, was part
of our strength. Seeing you take
your rightful place, based solely
on your wisdom, stamina and
character, is a balm for the weary
warriors of hope, previously only
sung about.
“I would advise you to
remember that you did not create
the disaster that the world is
experiencing, and you alone are
not responsible for bringing the
world back to balance. A primary
responsibility that you do have,
however, is to cultivate happiness
in your own life. To make a
schedule that permits sufficient
time of rest and play with
your gorgeous wife and lovely
daughters. And so on.
“One gathers that your family
is large. We are used to seeing
men in the White House soon
become juiceless and as white-
haired as the building; we notice
their wives and children looking
strained and stressed. They soon
have smiles so lacking in joy that
they remind us of scissors. This
is no way to lead. Nor does your
family deserve this fate. One way
of thinking about all this is: It is
(To page 24)
EVA AGPAOA
of being replaced by a coalition of
the opposition parties.
This has never happened in
Canada before. And I have very
mixed feelings about this.
That our Prime Minster created
the crisis through his own actions
is not in doubt.
This was bad judgment and we
deserve better from our leaders.
He gambled hoping to further
weaken his opponents at a time
when his entire focus should
have been on the economy and
in finding ways to deal with the
global downturn affecting us all.
In the private sector this type
of hubris and miscalculation loses
jobs and brings down companies.
On the other hand, the
prospect that we will have a new
government not directly elected by
the people is difficult to accept.
It’s true that the coalition
would represent a majority of
Canadians; however, our custom
is to elect that majority at the polls
putting a single party into power.
And in these times, when our
(To page 30)
10
THE GEOMETRY
OF SOLDIERY. Chest
out, stomach in; quite tired
and anxious but very much
breathing and alive.
In new boots and uni-
forms, the soldiers cradled
well-oiled M-16s as they
walked out of the roomy
belly of a C-130 plane that
flew them for an hour-and-
a-half from a training camp
north of the Philippines to
Awang airport in Maguin-
danao, some 600 air miles
down south.
They were rearing to
send telegrams and write
letters to loved ones they
never had the chance to say
goodbye to. Immediately
after a lightning military
training program, they were
told to go to Mindanao.
Before pen could hit
paper to note that that they
came in one piece, their
senior officer - a second
lieutenant fresh from the
Philippine Military Acad-
emy - barked the marching
orders.
Their mission: to cross
Kakar Creek (a four-ki-
lometer long and about
50-meter wide waterway
separating the island city of
Cotabato from its mother
province Maguindanao)
and secure the area against
a reported large-scale Moro
mujahideen (freedom fight-
The 3rd Eye
True meaning of
Christmas
Ho! - Ho! - Ho! The most
familiar sound of the season
from the world-famous
overweight bearded man in
red suit. Yes, you guessed it
right. It is the good old jolly
Santa, laughing his way
down to the chimney.
Children love him. They
see him as the courier of
toys from the North Pole.
His picture is everywhere.
Although many stories
were written about him, he
is still a myth that can be
outgrown by the same little
boys and girls who were
fascinated by him and his
HOLY MANGER SITE
VIEWS
ers) attack on the city.
Earlier that morning
in the ‘70s (was it 1973 or
1974?), two Philippine Air
Force World War II vintage
Tora-Tora planes rained
bombs on the west bank of
Kakar Creek.
Gunners nestled in both
sides of hovering Huey he-
licopters sprayed cal. 50
bullets to sweep off Moro
rebel snipers atop coconut
trees uncut by bombs.
Over at nearby Notre
Dame University (NDU)
some 500 meters from the
creek’s east bank’s edge, co-
eds sought the cover of old
acacia trees and the school’s
thick walls; or instinctively
ducked, as bullets - spitted
from guns from across the
creek - zinged and wheezed
past their eardrums.
City denizens living
near the creek prepared for
possible evacuation; al-
though braver ones noncha-
lantly stood in full view to
enjoy the sight of warfare,
the smell of gunpowder and
the noise of ground-shak-
ing bomb blasts and endless
chatter of chopper guns.
Finally, the smoke
cleared; then, eerie silence.
Meanwhile, soldiers
smiled and waved to war-
scared and -scarred people
as the six-by-six army
trucks they were loaded into
MARIO DIMAIN
reindeers.
No matter how the
world sees it, and no matter
how we define the season,
there is no denying. It is
Christmas! And the story
behind it is real.
You can gather all the
Santas and build a mountain
out of them, but they can
never overshadow the
humble infant who was born
in a manger in Bethlehem.
The picture of young
mother Mary and her
supportive husband Joseph
looking at their newborn
baby Jesus is the most
Omerta
BUTCH GALICIA
Peace to men of goodwill;
goodwill to men of peace
cruised along Notre Dame
Ave. on its way to its final
stop - Kakar Creek.
The troops (separately
or jointly from the Philip-
pine Army’s 11th, 12th,
13th, 15th, 16th and/or 17th
Infantry Battalions) were,
perhaps, gladly proclaim-
ing their presence as peace-
keepers and protectors.
It was about early after-
noon when, with wary con-
fidence, the troopers waded
into the creek’s cold running
stream, their loaded M-16s
held over their heads.
When the last flank of
soldiers went knee-deep into
the creek’s west-end and the
first flank was about to step
into the cogon-blanketed
ground over at the east-end,
all hell broke loose.
Foxholes and dugouts,
which military aerial fire-
power failed to zero into,
compelling image of
Christmas ... the complete
illustration of The Nativity
and the fulfillment of the
prophesied Saviour, the Son
of God and born by a virgin
mother.
This image has been
embedded in my head
since childhood. I grew up
envying the shepherds who
were so blessed of being
there to welcome Him.
Have you ever wondered
what it would be like to
be there in the stable, just
gazing at the baby boy
who was born to die for
your sins? Wouldn’t it be
spiritually uplifting?
And what if you were
given the chance of a
lifetime to quantum leap to
the First Christmas? Would
you take some photos with
your digital camera? I can
bet my bottom dollar, you
would.
Thank God, this place
has been preserved and
readily accessible to
anybody who is willing
and could afford to travel to
Bethlehem.
One may not see The
Holy Family, but to visit
the actual site where it all
took place is an experience
beyond measure.
Three years ago, in
November 2005, my wife
and I experienced the next
best thing.
We were at the place
where the bright heavenly
star beamed down, its ray to
(To page 34)
Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
opened as if by synchro-
nized signal.
Kalashnikovs, FALs,
carbines, garands, and even
homemade pistols popped.
Bullets thudded and
ripped through fatigues and
bodies.
Ghostly gasps of death
and ghastly cries of extreme
pain filled the air.
Blood mixed and flowed
with murky water; so did oil
from unused guns.
Severed flesh floated
with water lilies; while the
dalag (mudfish) and hito
(catfish) feasted.
As swift as time could
fly, the carnage was over.
The Hueys were back,
too late to do anything.
The rebels have gone
with their dead and wound-
ed. (A rebel commander
later confided that they
tied themselves and their
The sweet strains of a
Puccini aria cut through the
Saturday night clatter of
the busy Italian restaurant
in New York City, but it
wasn’t coming from the
aging voice of the Sicilian
baritone who was hired
to belt out favorites like
Funiculi-Funicula. It was a
soprano whose crystal clear
voice filled the room. Within
moments all the ambient
noise came to a halt. Diners
stopped eating and talking,
busboys stopped clearing
tables, the cooks even came
out of the kitchen.
Singing on the tiny stage
was the skinny moon-faced
waitress from Ohio. The
Sicilian heard she studied
opera, so he invited her to
join him, but what began
as a duet ended in solo as
he too was mesmerized by
the beauty of her voice.
When she finished, the
place thundered in applause
and I saw tears of gratitude
glistening in her eyes. She
had hit each note perfectly.
If only she had done
that when she auditioned
for the Metropolitan Opera.
But she choked, flinched,
allowed a seed of doubt to
creep into her consciousness
and thus her voice.
She told me her story
over a couple of beers after
work. It was the fall of
1984, and I was a fellow
waiter at the restaurant; just
another struggling artist in
the city that never sleeps.
She explained that she got
guns to each other, so the
useless could be pulled in,
recovered and kept away
from the military that was
expected to undertake mass
scale reprisals on their kin.)
Whining ambulances
and honking vehicles criss-
crossed Notre Dame Ave.
Classes were stopped
at NDU, where at least two
students were grazed by
bullets marked to-whom-it-
may-concern.
The few who survived
the creek ambush were
dazed and in utter disar-
ray, limping from wounds,
which scars would someday
remind them that they en-
listed for a very risky job.
Those seriously im-
paired (and might not
have survived at all) were
slumped in hastily-made
stretchers, their limbs hang-
ing loosely - linked only
by what remained of their
bloody-red and nearly gan-
grene-blackened muscle tis-
sues and sun-browned skin.
It looked like the seri-
ously wounded soldiers
were pleading for those
limbs to disengage from the
torsos, to end the misery.
A few meters away,
workers at the Cabangon
Funeral Homes frantically
attended to the mortuary re-
quirements of those killed.
The embalmed cadav-
The
Un-Comfort
Zone
with ROBERT WILSON
Defeating the
De-Motivator
nervous during her audition
and couldn’t hit the high
notes. She would get one
more chance to audition,
but she would have to wait
an entire year.
I never found out if she
made it; as a writer my art is
portable and a few months
later I moved to a city where
they still have a bedtime. I
suspect she did, because that
night she received a proof -
a vital beginning step.
Doubt is a silent killer.
We transmit feelings of
doubt to others through
subtleties in our body
language, facial expression
and tone of voice. It is
picked up subconsciously
by those with whom we
communicate. Worse than
that, we communicate it to
ourselves, and it seeps into
our performance. Doubt is
the De-Motivator and all
too often it prevents us from
even trying.
We all suffer doubt
occasionally, and its cure
is always the same: proof.
ers, or what remained of the
identifiable ones, were each
cramped into body bags and
into the few available silver
metal caskets.
The bags and cases were
loaded into trucks - the
same ones that brought the
soldiers to Kakar Creek -
that would again cruise, this
time grimly and without
the smiles and the waves,
along Notre Dame Ave.
before snaking through a
ten-kilometer stretch via
Parang Road, Sinsuat Ave.,
the highway, Tamontaka, a
major bridge over the Rio
Grande de Mindanao, and
onto Awang airport.
(After this sordid pa-
rade not worth watching,
the military’s Central Min-
danao Command decided
to transport dead soldiers
for embalming at the city’s
Villa and Cabangon funeral
homes only at night. Power
outages usually accompa-
nied the transport.)
The roomy belly of the
C-130 plane, which earlier
flew in the soldiers, coldly
accepted its new load.
Most of the dead were
hastily-trained high school
grads who never even knew
what the war they got into
was all about.
They were the sons of
Ilocos, whose only fatal
(To page 14)
Proof that we are indeed
talented enough to do what
we set out to do. A proof
doesn’t need to be big to
eliminate doubt. A series
of little ones can be just as
effective.
I keep a journal - a log
- of accomplishments. Both
small and large, because
they all add up to reasons
for believing in my abilities.
It is especially important to
log the little ones, because
they are so easy to forget or
overlook, and yet they carry
tremendous weight when it
comes to giving ourselves
confidence.
You say, “I’m just
starting out and have no
accomplishments.” That
just means you’re not
looking in the right places.
We all have successes,
some of them may be found
in different areas of your
life. I often read in the
Wall Street Journal about
women, who after years
as stay-at-home Moms,
(To page 24)
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
I had a chance to visit
Lincolnshire when I toured
England a few years back.
This county was England’s
second largest during the
Middle Ages.
Today’s visitors will still
see vestiges of its Roman
past. The major landmark
of the shire, located some
127 kilometers northeast of
London, is the 900-year old
Lincoln Cathedral.
Built during the Age
of Faith, this majestic
structure is considered as
one of the oldest Gothic
cathedrals in Europe; to
some, the finest specimen
of English architecture.
I spent one glorious day
soaking up the rich history
of the cathedral with its one
thousand and one historical
and architectural vignettes.
Having spent so many
hours inside, outside,
and below the cathedral
(where the casual tourist
would have stayed long
enough to have his picture
taken), I had decided to
head back to Manchester
when I serendipitously
“discovered” the other
major attraction of the
place: the Lincoln Castle.
It was one of the
fortifications built by
William the Conqueror,
whose Norman invasion of
England in 1066 was the last
Perspective
RICARDO J.S. CALUEN
A house divided
time a continental power
successfully conquered the
isles.
What I consider to be
my most memorable find
in my Lincolnshire visit lay
enshrined in the castle: one
of only four extant copies of
the Magna Carta.
I first heard about this
great document in my high
school World History class.
Having later majored in
Political Science, I couldn’t
have been more thrilled to
see an original copy of this
mother of constitutions.
While I did not
understand its Latin text,
I certainly appreciated the
full import of this charter
that the codification of some
of England’s earliest laws
and defined the relationship
between monarch and
subjects (really, the barons
who forced King John
to surrender some regal
prerogatives in 1215).
Effectively, this sig-
nalled the beginning of the
diminution of the absolute
powers of English kings and
the gradual development of
consultative governance.
This government of
power sharing and consul-
tation slowly evolved into
what we came to know as the
English or Westminster-type
parliamentary democracy.
This governmental
type reached a high
point in the aftermath of
the so-called Glorious
Revolution in 1688 when
parliament’s supremacy
over the monarchy was
firmly established, giving
birth to the world’s first
constitutional monarchy.
Technically today, with
Queen Elizabeth II as Head
of State, Canada remains a
constitutional monarchy,
with Michaelle Jean acting
in vice-regal capacity as
Governor General.
All these political
(To page 34)
VIEWS
The tragedy of being
in the wrong place at the
wrong time ...
Bullets don’t have
the intellect to choose the
targets. It’s the person
holding the gun who picks
which mark to hit.
So when a bullet inflicts
unintended death or injury
to somebody, we find it
hard to believe it was meant
to be.
To minimize the so-
called “collateral damage”
to non-combatants, the
military, the police and other
law enforcement agencies
have formulated what they
called rules of engagement
or operational protocol.
In effect, these are
procedures which seek to
delineate the lawmen’s
course of action in times of
conflict.
In a way, these
procedures are meant to
avoid inflicting damage to
non-combatants or innocent
bystanders.
Nonetheless, it is not
uncommon when a breach
of the rules or protocol takes
place during operations to
enforce the law or stop the
commission of a crime.
Situations like this give
rise to the question; “Is
it worth killing innocent
civilians in the process of
bringing in and neutralizing
Wise &
Otherwise
JIMMY MONTEJO
Half empty/Half full
hard-core criminals?”
From the standpoint
of the law enforcers and
their lawyers - in case
homicide charges are
lodged against them, the
slain non-combatants
are simply classified as
“collateral damage,”
meaning unin-tended
damage to civilian life
and property as a result
of armed hostilities.
A case in point was the
recent shootout between
the police and a group
of suspected robbers in
Parañaque City that left
three civilians, including
a seven-year-old girl,
dead along with 12 of the
suspects.
“It’s just too bad,”
Senate President Juan
Ponce Enrile commented,
adding that it was a matter
of necessity that the lawmen
had to shoot back when the
bad guys started firing away
after sensing the presence
11
of the policemen.
Enrile insinuated that
the police opened fire in
self-defense.
He stopped short of
saying it was unfortunate
that the civilian casualties
were in the wrong place at
the wrong time.
For the family and
relatives of Ronald Eusebio,
a 39-year-old father of four
children aged two to 13, the
police added insult to injury
by tagging him as one of the
suspects.
Eusebio was on his way
to the Skyway O & M Corp.
where he works as assistant
supervisor when tragedy
struck.
The police insisted that
he was one of the suspects,
unmindful of a company ID
he was wearing at the time
of his death.
Apart from saying the
“suspect” (referring to
Eusebio) was wearing a
(To page 16)

KAAKBAY Financial Services

GRAND PRIZE: $ 1,000.00
5 CONSOLATION PRIZES : $ 200.00 each

What: Christmas 2008 Raffle

Apply now !!! When: Dec. 22, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
**application by phone Where: Kaakbay Office
How: *Each client is entitled to 1 (one) raffle number per loan
**no upfront fees acquired from Jan. 2, 2008 to Dec. 22, 2008
**free delivery **Only clients with no arrears or unpaid dishonoured cheques
as of Dec. 20, 2008 will qualify for the draw
**live-in caregivers are also ***A client whose name is drawn more than once will only get
welcome to apply the prize with the higher value
12 CHRISTMAS FEATURE
Krismas sa ‘Pinas
Christmas is an extremely important
and revered holiday for Filipinos -- a time
for family, for sharing, for giving, and a
time for food, fun, and friendship.
The predominant Roman Catholic Fili-
pinos are proud to proclaim their Christmas
celebration to be the longest and merriest in
the world, informally opening with the air-
ing of Christmas carols over the radio and
in shops and malls as early as September.
On a more religious note, Christmas
celebrations begin formally on Dec. 16,
with attendance at the first of nine pre-dawn
Masses.
The merriment continues non-stop un-
til the first Sunday of January or the Feast
of the Three Kings, the official end of the
Yuletide season.
Simbang Gabi
The early morning hours of Dec. 16
mark the beginning of the nine consecutive
NATIVITY SCENE as re-enacted in last year’s FCT Christmas play
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Dr. Gilbert Chan
Dr. Daphne Chien
Dr. Janet Ho
Dr. Janet Wong
Dr. Michael Chin
pre-dawn Simbang Gabi (Christmas nove-
na and night worship), a tradition with deep
roots in the country’s religious culture.
Simbang Gabi is also known by its pop-
ular Spanish title Misa de Gallo (Mass of
the Rooster), as Catholic churches across
the country peel bells around 3 to 3:30 a.m.
long before the roosters crow.
The tradition is said to have originated
from Mexico, like many Catholic practices
and devotions found in the Philippines.
The pre-Christmas religious observance
is looked upon as a sacrifice of love for it
requires devotion and faith to get out of bed
so early in the day, while fulfilling one’s
daily duties.
Further, it heightens the faithful’s an-
ticipation for the Nativity of Jesus.
In traditional Filipino belief, however,
completing the novena is also supposed to
mean that God would grant the devotee’s
Manila Media Monitor
DECEMBER 2008
TAGALOG CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Tagalog Christmas songs basically re-
flect the joyful spirit of Christmas in the
Philippines.
special wish or favor.
Over time, Filipino communities have
creatively adapted Simbang Gabi.
When only candles and lanterns were
used in rural areas in centuries past, most
churches today in poblacions have electric
lights; notwithstanding sound systems that
blare Eucharistic readings and prayers and
Christmas music to parishioners.
Many urban parishes, however, cel-
ebrate Simbang Gabi around 8 or 9 p.m.,
not just in the morning, to accommodate the
faithful with busy work schedules.
The custom is also kept among Filipi-
nos living elsewhere in the world.
No matter how or when it takes place, CAROLING CHILDREN
the Simbang Gabi strongly shows the depth
of Catholicism in the hearts of Filipinos. ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT
Christmas decors Ang Pasko ay sumapit
Christmas in the Philippines is a mixture Tayo ay mangagsi-awit
of Western and native Filipino traditions. Ng magagandang himig
Santa Claus, Kris Kringle and gift-giv- Dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag-ibig.
ing, the Christmas tree, the Nativity scene Nang si Kristo ay isilang
and Belen, school and office Christmas May tatlong haring nagsidalaw
parties, sending Christmas cards, and sing- At ang bawat isa
ing carols have all been inherited from the Ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay.
West.
There is no winter or snow in the Philip- Bagong taon ay magbagong-buhay
pines at Christmas time. There are very few Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan
pine trees. There is no traditional Yule log Tayo’y magsikap upang makamtan
or fetching of the pine sprigs. Natin ang kasaganaan.
And Santa Claus, though visible in dis-
plays and believed by most Filipino chil- Tayo’y mangagsi-awit
dren to exist, seldom comes bearing gifts. Habang ang mundo’y tahimik
Even then, there is no doubt it is Christ- Ang araw ay sumapit
mas in the Philippines. Filipino Christmas Ng Sanggol na dulot ng langit.
decorations are abundant and beautiful. Tayo ay magmahalan
The bamboo parol (star lantern) is the Ating sundin ang gintong aral
symbol of Christmas in the Philippines, At magbuhat ngayon
representing the guiding light, the star of Kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan.
(To page 15) -- Levi Celerio
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor CHRISTMAS FEATURE 13
Christmas
in Canada
In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier
AMIT BHATIA
Credit Counsellor
led 109 others keep alive the spirit of Christmas
in a tiny palisaded fortress on the banks of the
Ste. Croix River (now the St. Charles), near the
IF
present City of Quebec.
But other than - All your income is going to pay bills.
be a joyous occasion
of celebration and - Everyday there is fight & argument at home.
merriment, this first
- You can not pick your own phone out of fear.
Christmas observa-
tion in Canada was - Creditors and collection agencies are calling you and they are
characterized by the threatening to take legal action.
French settlers with
helplessness only - Your salary is being garnished.
buoyed up by a flick-
er of hope for their
well-being. ONE SMALL MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR ALL YOUR DEBTS
CARTIER
According to a
Canadian heritage entry in canadafirst.net and THEN, WE CAN
citing a Montreal Star report, the settlers were
not ready for the brutal winter. “The buildings - reduce your debts to less than half,
could not keep out the penetrating cold. There - stop the interest right away,
were no cellars in which to keep supplies. All
the drinkables were frozen hard, and melted - save you from threatening phone calls,
snow had to be used for water, as rivers and
streams were soon locked fast by the ice. Salt - bring back your stress free family life,
meat and stale vegetables formed the greater - stop the garnishment.
part of the diet, and by Christmas time health
was beginning to suffer and the first whisper of - And you will not lose your house and car.
the dread disease of scurvy was apparent among
the whites.”
At the same time, the settlers were constant- HERE IS WHAT SOME SATISFIED CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ..........
ly wary of possible acts of hostility from earlier “I had six credit cards and was ing with Mr. Amit Bhatia, I felt very in huge debt. Credit Manage-
befriended Indians who lived in the Iroquois paying $550 per month. Bank relaxed and he reduced my $34,000 ment Services reduced my debts
village nearby Stadacona and hovered around, did not give me consolidation debts to just half. Amazing .......... which I am paying in interest-free
always watching. loan because I had bad credit. I can pick up my own phone now.” monthly installments now and I
Everything, however, came to pass. Then I met Mr. Amit Bhatia and M.M. can keep my car.” E.J.
Variety of traditions he reduced my loans and made
Through the years, the influx of settlers one payment of just $200. I’ll be “After making us debt free, now Amit “My husband was so stressed
debt free in 36 months. Credit Bhatia helped us getting the mort- with these credit card bills that
from all parts of the northern hemisphere gave Management Services is the best gage. We are happy to move to our once he forgot to stop at a red
rise to Christmas celebrations drawn from a va- place to contact when you have a new house.” S.S. traffic signal. Fortunately no ac-
riety of cultural traditions, including those of money problem.” J.G. cident happened but I called
the French, English, German, Ukrainian, and “I went back home to get married, Credit Management Services
First Nations. “I was afraid to pick my own then I had to go again because my right away. Two weeks later my
Christmas historian Bill Egan in his article phone. I was so confused and mother got sick. Because of that I husband was back to stressfree
stressed all the time that I didn’t had to borrow money from my credit life.” M.A.
Christmas in Canada noted the French for the
know what to do, but after meet- cards and also, I lost my job. I was
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, La Messe de
minuit, after which the family would sit down
for the reveillon or awakening, a huge banquet.
French Canadians have also introduced the
creche or Nativity scene displayed beneath an
adorned Christmas tree.
CREDIT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Call for a free and confidential consultation

416-780-1020
Head Office : 970 Lawrence Ave. West # 105 (Lawrence & Dufferin)
Toronto ON M6A3B6 (Located on the main floor in back of the building)
Web : www.cmsgroup.ca
3 convenient locations - Toronto, Mississauga and Scarborough

messenger of the Christ Child. ebrations for the First Nations.

CRECHE (Nativity scene) Their mothers would make stollen Egan wrote that children of the Cree Na-
and decorate hundreds of Christmas tion would visit the homes of relatives on
In modern Quebec, some French-Canadian cookies. The Tannenbaum is in the Christmas Eve and a cloth bag was hanged
families would wait until New Year’s Day for place of honor in every home. for each child. On Christmas morn, the chil-
gift giving. When French dren would collect the
Egan credited the English for the Christmas Jesuit missionar- bags expectedly filled
feast of roast goose or beef along with plum ies established with gifts and candy.
pudding, although the American turkey had Christianity in na- Missionaries also
lately made its way into Canadian tables. tive villages in the brought Christianity to
The English would still decorate homes with late 1600’s, they the Inuit and today, the
pine boughs and kissing balls and sang ancient also introduced the latter would celebrate
carols. Christmas tradi- Christmas with huge
German settlers who migrated to Canada in tions of gift giving, feasts that featured car- along with modern day entertainment such
the 1700s brought with them the traditions of feasting, singing, ibou, seal and raw fish, as snowmobile racing.
setting up Christmas trees, singing carols, put- dancing and drum- and turkey. Christmas In the late 1800s, Ukrainian immigrants
ting up Advent calendars, making gingerbread ming and games of activities included har- brought with them a rich blend of Eastern
houses, baking cookies and much more. strength which have poon throwing, whip Orthodox and age-old agrarian customs.
Today, children of German origin would all become part of cracking, wrestling Egan wrote that the religious obser-
anxiously await the arrival of Christkindl, the the mid-winter cel- CHRISTMAS TREE and igloo building, (To page 15)
14
Peace to all men of goodwill; goodwill to all men of peace
CHILDREN OF CONFLICT
(From page 10)
blunder was vowing to blindly
follow the orders of generals and
politicians whose lame brains and
scheming souls only had eyes for
the big chunk of the war’s spoils.
The fallen would no longer
be able to write letters; nor would
they be able to tell their tales.
In two to three hours into
the night, they would be home,
to loved ones they never had a
chance to say goodbye to.
Horizontally, they all came.
Vertically, most of them went.
Such is the geometry of sol-
diery ... all within a very bad day
in a senseless war!
***
Silent night, Holy night.
All is calm, all is bright.
***
LOOSE CANNONS and
YOUNG TROPHIES. There
were those nights two or three
decades ago when the whistle of
a cannon ordnance flying over
roofs and destined for some rebel
target was music to the ears of the
scared. Such was also the ecstatic
effect of random gunfire on dark
and cold nights.
The dreaded tunes seemed to
give Cotabato City residents an
assurance, although false, that the
military was there, alert enough to
hold Moro rebels at bay.
Incidentally, Cotabato City is
located between a major Armed
Forces of the Philippines camp at
Awang, Dinaig, Maguindanao to
the south and a major Moro Na-
tional Liberation Front (MNLF)
camp at Darapanan, Sultan Kuda-
rat, Maguindanao northward.
On one of those nights when
Cotabato Light and Power
switched off its main transmission
lines, the whistling came - not only
one but an uncountable series.
Early next morning, an army
captain fetched and told me an ex-
clusive of the eve’s artillery spree
awaited me, for the weekly local
paper The Mindanao Cross with
which I worked as a reporter.
I was told the Awang-based
cannons spewed a shower of
bombs on orders of the Central
Mindanao Command general who
got word from intelligence that
Moro rebels “were crossing com-
munication lines.”
This meant that the rebels be-
gan spilling over an imaginary
territorial line into what was sup-
Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
DEADLY BABY
posed to be the war would stay poverty, injustice, civil unrest and
Republic of the aground and armed strife.
Philippines; as never go six War is so age-old that its glam-
if there was, feet under. orization and immortalization in
by indirect *** the history of nations dig deep
admission, a Sleep in heav- into the bestiality of mortals, as
Bangsamoro enly peace, opposed to the boring inaction un-
homeland the sleep in heav- der an air of true, lasting peace.
MNLF were enly peace. Peace may as well be a con-
ideologically *** coction of contemporary minds,
and militarily While writ- an abstract, to rationalize the ex-
justified to shed ing this col- istence of modern-day displace-
blood for. umn, I kept ment, violence, ruin and death.
Peace nego- asking myself: Yet, it seems that everyone
tiators that time Would it not wants peace. Is peace really at-
had agreed on be improper to tainable?
a ceasefire pact JUST A THOUGHT: WHO DOES NOT NEED PEACE? recall and re- Yes. The world will, indeed,
that discouraged tell sad tales, in be a more peaceful place to live
“crossing communication lines,” pathize or empathize with the this Advent Season of Joy, Hope in when we refuse to follow the
a provision that could be loosely grieving mothers, nor for the dead and Love? schemes of evil minds, when we
interpreted as an act of aggression children. But if so, then it would like- refuse to be smitten by the rhetoric
subject to retaliation. My tears fell after I tried but wise be improper to recall and re- and empty blabbing of the loud;
When we got to an army-cor- failed to rationalize how and why tell the story of Niños Inocentes, when we refuse to justify acts of
doned area marked with moon- supposedly responsible officers an essential part of an oft-repeated aggression as a necessary means
like potholes, the sight and stench and gentlemen could brazenly or- inspiring Christmas story. to a bloody end; when we refuse
of death greeted me. der a massive display of firepower Niños Inocentes came on a to be part of war.
Trophies of military might: and later nonchalantly shrug off night centuries past when new- The presence of peace is not
Thus, the army captain called a the demise of children caught in borns and children in Bethlehem just about the absence of war.
row of a dozen or so human cadav- the web of their miscalculated went under the sword of King Peace comes when we refuse
ers strewn over a grassy roadside whim. Herod’s soldiers who were tasked to hate and hurt each other. Peace
patch somewhere in the outskirts My tears fell after I tried but to eliminate a prophesied King of comes when we pull our knives
of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao failed to understand how and why Kings born in a manger to a car- off the other person’s back. Peace
- some ten kilometers north of parents could let their children go penter and a virgin mother days comes when we stop cheating.
Cotabato City and about three and be part of the ways of mistrust earlier. Peace comes when we stop
kilometers south of the MNLF’s and conflict. The soldiers failed in their mis- showing we are better off than
Darapanan camp. My tears fell, realizing that sion; but were triumphant enough someone else.
With years of exposure to the unless something was done to to stain their hands with the blood Peace comes when we respect
Mindanao conflict, I have gotten end the Mindanao war, other boys of innocent children. the dignity and humanity of our
used to the sight and smell of the and girls would be growing up in The Prince of Peace and his neighbor; when we dare not falsely
casualties of war and those of the a paradise where guns would no parents had evacuated Bethlehem accuse any one as a threat because
so-called collateral damage. longer be equated with fear but and headed towards safer grounds, of his race, creed, skin color, or
I have stared death in the face with oppressive power; where the under the guidance of an angel social and economic status.
a couple of times, leading me to only good friend would be a dead from heaven. Peace comes when we start
believe that death was just one enemy; where ruthless vengeance *** forgetting about bestowed power
of those things people had to live would be the rule rather than Let there be peace on earth and cloud nine. Lest we forget,
with; that there really was no rea- the exception; and where hatred And let it begin with me. even the feet of great kings and
son to moan about it since it was would take over the love innate in *** conquerors were glued to the
fated to happen anyway, no mat- humanity. Day in and day out since man ground and the only place these
ter the painful loss or malodorous My tears fell after I tried but ruled earth, stories of war have ultimately went was under dirt.
waste. failed to comprehend how God’s, been passed on by tongue, etched Peace is more than just the
But when I saw malong-clad or even Allah’s, mysterious ways in stone, inked on paper, stored idea, the notion, the thought.
women grieving over three life- work for children whose exuber- in microfilms, caught on stills Peace is feeling it in our hearts,
less bodies, I can’t help but shed ance and ideals were cut short and and video and, lately, archived gladly and unconditionally giving
a tear or two. put to waste by war. in computer servers and DVDs, and sharing its blessings, not just
The significant three of the I watched the mothers carry if not graphically digitalized into on Christmas Day but all the days
bodies, all covered with cloth from the bodies of their children and children’s addictive pasttimes. of our lives.
head to knee, were unmistakably lay these gently on carabao-pulled Except for the cast of char- The angels were never mis-
very much shorter than the rest. sleds. acters, the setting, the place and taken when they sang Alleluia on
I never had to uncover the bod- These children would be bur- the time, the stories I recalled and the birth of the Christ Child on
ies to know that these belonged to ied before sundown, according to retold are no different from those Christmas Day.
children too old to have beautiful Maguindanaon rites and tradition. that had happened eons ago and are Nor were they mistaken when
dreams and lofty ambitions; and With that thought, I could only today happening worldwide -- in they proclaimed:
too young to mess with guns and hope that hearts that never took the rural and urban battlefields of Peace to all men of goodwill;
live ammo. pleasure in the sights, sounds and Iraq and Afghanistan and of many goodwill to all men of peace.
No, my tears were not to sym- feel of a brutal and destructive nations wracked and wrecked by ***
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Krismas sa ‘Pinas
(From page 12)
MANO PO, LOLA. Due re-
spect is given to the matri-
arch and other elders, not
only during Christmas Day
but all year round.
Bethlehem.
The parol emits a warmth un-
paralleled among holiday adorn-
ments and is unique to the Philip-
pines.
Filipinos enjoy decorating
their homes. Brightly colored
buntings or streamers are hung
inside and out. Often, Christmas
cards that illustrate scenes in the
Philippines are pinned on red and
green ribbons and hung in the sala
(living room).
Candles and wreaths are com-
mon; and lately made with local
native materials. Many houses,
particularly in urban areas, are
strung with tiny blinking multi-
colored lights inside and out.
Most Filipinos think it a must
Christmas in Canada
vance of Christmas for Ukrainians
began with the Feast of Saint Phil-
ip, when homes, yards and barns
were cleaned to the hilt. Cleansing
of the body and soul would also
be done with fasting and purifica-
tion.
On Christmas Eve, a day of
fasting ended with Sviata Vechera,
or Holy Supper.
Combining agrarian symbols
and Christian symbols, 12 dishes
were served, to represent the 12
disciples and the cycles of the
moon. The dishes also symbolized
the most valuable products of the
field, garden, and orchard. Meat
or milk would not be served with
the meal as a sign of respect for
the farm animals.
Prior to the meal, a sheaf of
wheat is brought into the house by
the father or household head, who
would walk around the home’s in-
terior three times and then place
the wheat in a corner of the kitchen
or dining room near the family’s
holy icon. The sheaf, to remain
throughout the Christmas season,
represented the entire family in-
cluding departed ancestors and the
generations to come. The souls of
the family are thought to be in the
sheaf, representing the Christian
belief in an afterlife and the boun-
tiful fertility of the land.
Canadawide Yule
Today, in some provinces, a
big winter festival, called Sinck
tuck, is celebrated.
In Labrador, turnips are saved
from the summer harvest and are
15
to decorate their homes for the are usually prepared for Noche
Christmas holidays. Buena: bibingka, puto bumbong,
Christmas decors are removed hamon (ham), queso de bola
after the Feast of the Three Kings, (edam cheese), litson (pan-fried
and stored, ready to adorn living roast pork), kare-kare (oxtail stew
rooms anew next Yuletide season. in peanut butter sauce), meat turn-
Traditions overs, relyenong manok (baked
Notwithstanding Western in- stuffed chicken), banana fritters,
fluences, Christmas traditions okoy (shrimp snacks), arroz caldo
have been adapted to fit the nature (chicken rice soup), churros (crul-
and personality of Filipinos. lers), salabat (ginger tea), tsoko-
Christmas Eve in the Philip- late (hot chocolate), tropical fruits
pines is a tradition most families and many others.
mark, a night without sleep mov- The Noche Buena sets the an- PUTO BUMBONG. Children watch in anticipation for the puto
ing right into Christmas Day. nual reunion of immediate and bumbong to be cooked. Puto bumbong and bibingka are na-
As Dec. 24 dawns, the last distant family members. Some tive delicacies never to be missed during the Yule season.
Mass of Simbang Gabi is attended; families may choose to exchange
then preparations begin for Noche gifts at this time; others wait until Christmas day. the children under two years old
Buena, a fam- It is at this time when Filipinos massacred by order of Herod, who
ily feast that pay respects to their elders, shown was seeking the death of the new-
takes place af- in the custom called Pagmamano born Messiah.
ter midnight. - done by touching one’s forehead However, since Herod was
T h e to the elder’s hand and saying unsuccessful in killing the Christ
Noche Buena “Mano Po.” The elder then bless- Child, Filipinos mark the day by
is very much es one who has paid respect. playing pranks on one another
like an open In general, the center of a much like what is done on April
house cele- family’s Christmas gathering is Fool’s Day.
bration. Fam- always the lola, the family ma- Media Noche
ily, friends, triarch or grandmother, who is On Dec. 31 or New Year’s
relatives, deeply respected, highly revered, Eve, families gather for the Media
and neigh- and always present. Noche or midnight meal – a feast
bors drop Filipinos remember how their symbolizing hopes for a prosper-
by to wish lola had their children form a line ous New Year.
every fam- and step up to receive a small gift In spite of the ban on fire-
ily member of coins. The older the child, the crackers, many Filipinos in the
“Maligayang more coins he or she gets. Philippines still see these as the
Pasko” (Mer- The fun, food, entertainment traditional means to greet the New
ry Christmas) and chatting will seem endless, Year.
and to partake until the church bells peel, call- In Mindanao, irresponsible
of food, buffet SIMBANG GABI. For nine mornings, the Fili- ing the faithful for the Christmas gunholders used to fire their
style. pino faithful flock to church to attend the Misa service. weapons into the air. This practice
T h e s e de Gallo, as they welcome the coming of the Panunuluyan has long been banned and viola-
food recipes Christ Child. In some areas, Catholic devo- tors put to jail.
tees reenact the journey of Joseph The loud noises and sounds of
and the pregnant Blessed Virgin merrymaking are not only meant
(From page 13) Mary in search of lodging for the to celebrate the coming of the
given to children, with a lighted Newfoundland. soon-to-be born Jesus Christ, in New Year but are also supposed to
candle pushed into a hollowed out In Toronto, Ontario, people the traditional Panunuluyan, also drive away bad spirits.
hole. would start feeling the Yuletide called Pananawagan and Panan- Safer methods of merrymak-
In Nova Scotia, Scottish set- atmosphere with the pomp and apatan. ing include banging on pots and
tlers introduced ancient Christ- revelry of the annual Santa Claus This street pageant is per- pans and honking car horns.
mas songs and carols people Parade, which premiered on Dec. formed after dark on Christmas Folk beliefs also encourage
sang each Christmas morning. 2, 1905. Eve, with actors portraying Jo- children to jump at the stroke of
During the 12 days of Christmas, Like in other Canadian cities, seph and Mary going to pre-des- midnight so they would grow
small groups of belsnicklers, or shops and malls would be adorned ignated houses. They chant Wika tall, displaying circular fruit and
masked mummers, would appear with colorful Christmas decors Wika Bang Bang, a traditional folk wearing clothes with dots and
in neighborhoods, ringing bells, and lights, complemented with song, to wake up the owner of the other circular designs to symbol-
making noise, seeking candy or piped-in Christmas tunes. And so house and ask for lodging. ize money, eating twelve grapes at
other treats. The hosts could try to would be homes and buildings. Also through a song, the own- 12 midnight for good luck in the
guess who the mummers were and It was said that radio stations ers turn away the couple, who twelve months of the year, and
if they guessed right, the mummer would only start airing Christmas leave for the parish church where opening windows and doors dur-
would remove his or her disguise music with the first snowfall. a simulated manger is set up. ing the first day of the New Year
and stop making noises. Some traditions might have The birth of Jesus is then cel- to let in the good luck.
Children would be quizzed by been exploited for mercantile ebrated at midnight with a High Day of the Three Kings
the mummers on their behavior. benefits; but even so, the spirit of Mass or the Misa de Aguinaldo. Philippine Christmas celebra-
Masked mummers have also be- Chrtistmas, like the one first ob- In Spanish, aguinaldo means a tions officially end on the Feast
come a Christmas tradition from served in Canada, would live on. gift. The Mass suggests itself as a of the Three Kings, also known as
gift for the Child Jesus. the Feast of the Epiphany.
On Christmas Day The day was traditionally
Christmas Day is a popular commemorated on Jan. 6, but is
day for children to visit their un- now celebrated on the first Sun-
cles, aunts, godmothers and god- day after the New Year, by papal
fathers. proclamation.
At each home visit, they are Some children leave their slip-
presented with a gift, usually pers and shoes out, in the belief
candy, money, a suit or dress, or that the Three Kings would leave
a toy. Food and drinks are offered behind gifts like candy or money
at each stop. on or inside these footwear. This
“Mano po, ninong; mano po, is, perhaps, the Filipino counter-
ninag” is once more reprised. part of Santa’s visit.
It is a day of family closeness, Jan. 6 is also known in other
and everyone wishes and shares countries as the Twelfth Night,
good cheer and glad tidings. and the Twelve Days of Christ-
Niños Inocentes mas referred to in the Christmas
PAROL. Unique to the Philippines, the parol - Christmas lan- Niños Inocentes (Holy Inno- carol are the twelve days between
tern depicting the Star of Bethlehem - lights up doorways cents’ Day or Childermas) is com- Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and the
and pathways of Filipino homes, sending the message that memorated on Dec. 28. coming of the Three Kings (Jan.
everyone is welcome to enter an abode of love and peace. The innocents referred to were 6). Internet sources
16 Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008

Tony’s condo blessing At CEMA’s Season’s Dinner

BELOW LEFT: Manila Media Monitor’s and Front Page Philippines’ Ace Alva-
rez and OMNI Television National Vice President Madeline Ziniak, president
and chair, respectively, of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA),
offer a toast celebrating the 30th Anniversary of CEMA during its Season’s
Dinner at the Golden Lions Banquet Hall in Etobicoke on Nov. 28. CEMA is
the premier organization for ethnic me-
dia (print, radio, television and the new
media) in Canada. Photo: Nick Do/Thoi
Bao Vietnamese Newspaper. BELOW
RIGHT: CEMA member and Philippine
Press Club-Ontario president Tenny So-
riano, with wife Myrna (from left), discuss
issues of interests with long-time CEMA
member Lucille St. Andre. Photo: Manila
Media Monitor

Tony Masongsong (seated at center) with girlfriend, Mavis -- an environ-

mental planner for the Town of Markham, with few of his guests after the
blessing of his new condo unit in Markham, Ontario. Standing from left are
Ken, Vince, Aida, Nora, Fe, Mita, Alex, Ed and John. In front are Manny and
Santy.

Half empty / Half full Camarines Norte ass’n airs ...

(From page 11)
black jacket and a black
motorbike helmet, the
police have not presented
any proof of his complicity
in any criminal act.
While Eusebio’s kin
were ready to accept his
untimely demise, they
vehemently protested the
derogatory label being
attached to his person.
reports said father and
“We demand justice,” a daughter were aboard their
brother-in-law cried. family vehicle when the
A similar plaintive cry shootout erupted.
came from the mother of Witnesses narrated that
Lea Alyanna de Vera, 7, Alfonso was trying to get
who was also killed in the her daughter out of harm’s
gunfight, along with her way when he was gunned
husband Alfonso. down.
Initial investigation The Commission on
ADVERTISE WITH THE MANILA MEDIA MONITOR. Call 416-285-8583
Human Rights has stepped
into the picture even as the
Philippine National Police
Internal Affairs Service is
conducting its own probe.
At the end of the day,
will there be justice for the
hapless civilian fatalities?
Your guess is as good as
mine.
(From page 3)
days of continuous heavy
rain in the last week of No-
vember.
Also reported were a big
number of dead and missing
persons, some 2,200 fami-
lies displaced and evacu-
ated, and destruction of
millions of pesos worth of
public and private property.
The provincial govern-
ment had declared the area
in a state of emergency.
San Juan said the
CNAC-O has initially do-
nated P50,000 ($1,250) in
aid.
He assured donors and
benefactors that all dona-
tions would be properly ac-
knowledged and accounted
for. PR/JSJM
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor COMMUNITY 17
Kalayaan launches community event skeds at KCCC

The Pillars 29th anniversary celebration PHOTOS ABOVE: Officers and members of various community groups, to
include officials of the Philippine Consulate in Toronto, gather at the Kalay-
aan Cultural Community Centre to show solidarity as they plan events and
activities for the 2009 Kalayaan celebration.

Community plans Rejuvenate Kalayaan ...

(From page 3)
“Membership is the
blood of an organization,”
said Kalayaan Secretary
Charity Lim, while
addressing those at the
launch.
“You are what matters.
Without you, there will be
no Kalayaan. When we help
each other grow, when we
Men and women of THE PILLARS, the Filipino-Canadian seniors group led all work together, Kalayaan
by President Frank Maralag, pose for posterity as they celebrate the asso- will grow stronger,” she
ciation’s 29th foundation anniversary. Seated left to right are Babes Bilvar, stressed.
Dora Lopez, Lily Zaragoza, Angelita Vera Cruz (Mrs. Pillars 2008), Elen Alm- Fundraising chairperson
eda, Nena Maralag, Caridad Tomas (Mrs. Pillars 2006), Fresca Hebros, and Madge Baluca agreed:
Mila Lupango. Standing left to right are Popoy Caña, Luisa Sasait, Ligaya “When I accepted this
Caña, Rose Letrondo, Ethel Panganiban Stewart (Mrs. Charity 2008), Letty position, I was hesitant. But
Guiyab, Marita Enriquez (Mrs. Peace 2008), Jose Nocum, Estrella Tolentino, I’m glad I am a part of this
Lina Brown, Cirila Cruz, Zeny Crescini and Jim Lupango. MANUEL PAPA because as I look around,
I know I am not alone. I Philippine Independence
know each and everyone of Day fete in Mississauga and
you will get involved.” its environs, with a mandate
Consul General Ale- to promote and preserve
jandro Mosquera called for Filipino culture. Jackielou
committed involvement in Perez
the endeavor, and cited the
growing number of ladies in TV ads reach far.
the committees.
“I think we need all ADVERTISE with
the ladies to take over
everything,” he said.
“Ladies are in power. This
is the transformation, a way
to rejuvenate Kalayaan,”
Mosquera said.
Created in 1983,
Kalayaan is the umbrella
group sponsoring the annual 416-285-8583
18 COMMUNITY Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
Turla marks natal day with kin, friends Press and captioned photo releases published in the Manila Media Monitor are for PUB-
LIC SERVICE and FREE OF CHARGE. Press releases must be in word document format.
Photos, must be in JPEG, TIFF or PDF formats. All contributions are subject to strict
editorial appreciation. Send them to mediamonitor@rogers.com on or before the 8th of
each month. SUBMISSIONS IN FLYER, POSTER OR OTHER BOXED FORMATS SHALL
BE TREATED AS ADVERTISEMENTS AND SHALL BE BILLED ACCORDINGLY.
The champ, Remembering the Champ, and ...
(From page 8)
Jing de Leon – brother of
Toronto-based singing diva
Josie de Leon, deserves the
mention.
Jing de Leon is fast
becoming very popular for
the set designs he did at
various stage presentations.
Basketball referee Romy Turla of PITO (center) celebrates his birth anniver- His recent work, which
sary with his family at their residence in Ajax, Ontario. With him (from left) earned praises from among
are son Pocholo, daughter-in-law Anna, granddaughter Arianna, wife Patri us in the media, were
and sister Mercy. PR those he designed for the
Celebrate Music concert of
PRC group’s Christmas party his sister Josie, and a couple
of local artists affiliated
with the family-operated
Studio Six Productions,
and the set at the Pasko
sa Toronto stage; at least
the part where the Studio
Six talents narrated how
Christmas is celebrated in
rural Philippines through
Filipino songs. At the same
event, we heard that he was
the one who designed and
executed the set for the live
Nativity scene at the show
and trade exhibit, Sunday,
November 23. Great set
designs, Jing!
***
Still at Pasko sa Toronto
… I could say that the work
Former Philippine Refining Company employees get together for their an-
done by Ystillo, Inc., the
nual Christmas party at Joe and Leonie Manzanares’s home on Dec. 7. PR
company that produced
and put together the show
and trade exhibit at Halls F
& G of the Metro Toronto
Convention Centre, did a
good job on the event.
Congratulations to the
producers of the event,
popular physiotherapist
Francis Rementilla and
Rose Ami, the latter a media
colleague.
During a brief talk with
“Let your light shine before men in such a way Francis at the event, he said
that they may see your good works and glorify he was very much satisfied
as far as the turn-out of the
your father who is in heaven.”
people visiting the place
MATTHEW 6:16 was.
Front Page Philippines,
the television program I
produce and which airs on
OMNI 2 Television, CJMT
To all gifted photographers out there who have the third eye Surprises in list of RP’s ...
in capturing photos that reflect a Christian message, there is a (From page 8)
Christian Fellowship of talented photographers that awaits you. Muhlach.
Padilla was very visible
They are Photographers For Christ who use the art of photography the past year: Asian Trea-
in spreading the word of God. sure and Joaquin Bordado
(the assassin whose charac-
ter resurfaces as a reformed
Listen to your hearts, the Holy Spirit is calling you. guy, even bordering on the
divine.
His TV commercial por-
trays him as having turned
over a new leaf too, swear-
ing off alcohol!
Pick up your camera and follow us. It also helped that he
is noted for being an em-
issary-on-call, espousing
PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR CHRIST peace during incidents
where Muslims are in con-
www.the-3rd-eye.com flict with Christians.
Of late, her pretty daugh-
photographersforchrist@gmail.com ter has been seen campaign-
ing on TV for peace.
Toronto, was a media
sponsor of the event.
***
Sometime late last
October. I found the
following message in my
inbox:
“It’s been ages since
we last met. Maybe, it was
twist of fate that I accessed
my own blogs and much to
my surprise, you were all
over the pages.
“How are you doing,
buddy? Can’t be less than
too happy to know you’ve
been doing good up there in
Toronto.”
I was so thrilled to
receive the message,
coming from my compadre,
Jimmy Montejo -- a very
accomplished Manila-
based journalist, and now,
also writing a column for
Manila Media Monitor.
Before we even worked
together professionally at
the news and public affairs
department of what was
during our time the top FM
news station in Manila (as
ranked by the Kapisanan
ng Brodkasters sa Pilipinas
[KBP] and awarded us
the Top News Station for
Metropolitan Manila – both
in the AM and FM Bands
Category), Jimmy was one
of my buddies in and out of
journalism school.
I thought of Jimmy’s
message for the kind of
friendship that he and I have
– then and now, and merit
mention, considering the
season of the year, where
most of us do find time to
be alone amd contemplate
on the past to prepare and
plan for the future.
As I recall my friendship
with Jimmy, poet Joseph
Parry’s Silver and Gold
comes to mind:
Make new friends, but
keep the old;
Hence, it is a real-life
Joaquin Bordado story for
Robin and that, says the
analysts, answers the ques-
tion why he is suddenly
well-liked.
“We are suckers for re-
formed people.”
www. FinancialProblem.ca
with credit cards and bank loans
Too many loans & credit cards?
Paying too much interest?
Afraid to pick up your own phone?
Looking for consolidation?
Please see page 13 for our detailed advertisement
CREDIT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
416-780-1020
Those are silver, these
are gold.
Indeed, my friendship
with the guy is gold. For
how can I forget - much
more waste such friendship
after it “ … stood the test,”
as Parry puts it.
The poet continues ..
Time and change - are
surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair
grow gray;
Friendship never knows
decay.
For ‘mid old friends,
tried and true,
Once more we our
youth renew.
Of equal measure of
friendship as that I have
with Jimmy is that which I
have with Gerry Patungan
– an ever loyal friend from
San Fabian, Pangasinan
and now lives in the San
Fernando Valley area in
California with his wife,
the beauteous Belone (nee
Fernandez).
Our communication
continues to be open and
we talk for hours every
now and then on the phone.
My friendships with these
people are immeasurable,
as I wish some of my new
friendships are.
To all my readers,
“silver” and “gold” friends
alike, as you greet the
Christmas season you may
want to spend sometime
alone, think of the year
leaving us now, and meditate
on your relationship with
your friends (and, of course,
family).
Is your friendship a one
way one - which you keep
and nurture only for your
own interests and purposes?
Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!
Regardless, Merry
Christmas and a Happy
New Year to all of you! ace.
alvarez@rogers.com
TV ads reach far.
ADVERTISE with
Call 416-285-8583
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 19
20 Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008

Experience the opportunity working with the best professionals

on communication needs challenging your organizations ...
OUR SERVICES:
- Community Relations
- Corporate Communications
- Crisis Communications
- Issues Management
- Crisis Management
- Marketing Communications
- Publicity
- Language Translations
- Audio-Visual Productions
and Post Productions
OUR STRENGTHS:
● We have a diverse pool of Journalists, Writers, Photographers,
TV Camera Professionals and Communicators of various disciplines and
specialization through our membership in various media organizations
● We combine the strengths of trusted consultants from a variety of back-
grounds on each project
W
Wee have the ability to mak
makee news for you;
and good news for that matter
matter!!

Russell International AN INTEGRATED MEDIA COMPANY Established in 2001

98 Comrie Terrace, Scarborough, ON M1M 3T2 ● Tel. 416.285.8583 ● Fax 416.285.6862 ● russell.international@rogers.com

GENRES OF WORK DONE BY PRINCIPALS

Ace & Gie Alvarez
● AUDIO-VISUAL (A/V) DOCUMENTARY ● PRINT
Int’l. Women’s Month Pharmaceutical Training Material, Corporate ,
Philippne Army Non-Profit & Labour Relations Press Releases
Municipality of San Pedro, Laguna ● NEW MEDIA
National Housing Authority Text on Health, Elections, Education, Non-Profit Org. sites
● A/V TRAINING, PROMO & MARKETING MATERIALS ● RADIO-TV PRODUCTIONS
Insurance, Pharmaceutical, Banking, Consumer Concept, Script & Full Production & Post Prod
● RADIO & TV SCRIPTS ● EVENT MARKETING & PROMOTIONS
Historical, various consumer RTV Commercials Non-Profit Artistic Organization
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 21
22 Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
 DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 23

Paola Julianne Panganiban’s baptismal

ABOVE: Baby Paola Julianne Panganiban is flanked by her Ninangs (god-
mothers) Karen Diaz, Dr. Arla Rondilla, Tina Rondilla, Mariel Manale, Sal-
ly Almeyda, Kat Leano and Anne Galicia after she was baptized at the St.
Barnabas Catholic Church on Nov. 9. Cradling Julianne is mom Jen, as Jun,
Mikee and Patricia Panganiban look on. BELOW: Julianne’s Ninongs (god-
fathers) are Paul Aniceto, Jaie-R Libramonte, Monjo Panganiban (proxy),
Alain Peña, Vic Gozum and Jonrey Bautista. PR
Christmas trees: a people’s ...
(From page 9)
so bad now that there is no
excuse not to relax.
“From your happy,
relaxed state, you can
model real success, which
is all that so many people
in the world really want.
They may buy endless cars
and houses and furs and
gobble up all the attention
and space they can manage,
or barely manage, but this
is because it is not yet clear
to them that success is truly
an inside job. That it is
within the reach of almost
everyone.
“I would further advise
you not to take on other
people’s enemies. Most
damage that others do to us
is out of fear, humiliation
and pain. Those feelings
occur in all of us, not just
in those of us who profess
a certain religious or racial
devotion.
“We must learn actually
not to have enemies, but
only confused adversaries
who are ourselves in
disguise.
It is understood by all
that you are commander-in-
chief of the United States
and are sworn to protect our
beloved country; this we
understand, completely.
“However, as my mother
used to say, quoting a Bible
with which I often fought,
‘hate the sin, but love the
sinner.’
There must be
no more crushing of
whole communities, no
more torture, no more
dehumanizing as a means
of ruling a people’s spirit.
This has already happened
to people of color, poor
people, women, children.
We see where this leads,
where it has led.
“A good model of how
to ‘work with the enemy’
internally is presented by
the Dalai Lama, in his
endless caretaking of his
soul as he confronts the
Chinese government that
invaded Tibet.
“Because, finally, it
is the soul that must be
preserved -- if one is to
remain a credible leader.
All else might be lost;
but when the soul dies,
the connection to earth,
to peoples, to animals, to
rivers, to mountain ranges,
purple and majestic, also
dies.
“And your smile,
with which we watch you
do gracious battle with
unjust characterizations,
distortions and lies, is
that expression of healthy
self-worth, spirit and soul,
that, kept happy and free
and relaxed, can find an
answering smile in all of
us, lighting our way, and
brightening the world. We
are the ones we have been
waiting for.
“In Peace and Joy.”
***
I may or may not have
been attentive this season,
but I haven’t noticed
24 Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
The Pillars conduct free flu shot clinic
Officers and members of The Pillars Cultural Association, in cooperation
with Spectrum Health Care, conduct a free flu shot clinic for residents of St.
Jamestown on Nov. 15. RHEZA EVANGELISTA/PR
the usual hubbub about multiculturalism) closing
Christmas trees which in the show with, “I dare them
spite of some misguided to abolish the Christmas
do-gooders seem to be in Tree.”
greater evidence than ever Studies show that
in stores and public places. the tree has its roots in
This is the time of pagan Germany, long
year when celebrations, before the seasonal tribute
religious and otherwise are began in Germany in the
most evident. Eid, Diwali, 1600s whence it came to
Christmas, Kwanzaa, North America via the
Chinese New Year all speak considerable waves of
for a season of goodwill and German immigration at that
joy in our existence. time.
It is true that the It is believed that
Christmas tree seems German immigrants were
to predominate the decorating trees in Canada
environment but this year I long before their arrival in
have neither read nor seen a England, a country which
personal or public outcry at through Dickens and
the ubiquity of the tree. other sentimental authors
I recall one angry captured public attention.
lady host on a so-called Although an instrument
religious station who of commerce as well as a
interviewed me (defending home event, the tree has
long lost any religious
significance But, I say, so
be it.
The Christmas tree
is here and here to stay
and a growing number
of newcomers of diverse
religious beliefs are enjoying
its glowing presence. (Used
with permission. Ben
Viccari is past president
of the Canadian Ethnic
Media Association
[CEMA] and makes
frequent appearances on
OMNI TV Commentary.
Some of his commentaries
are republished in this
publication and slightly
expanded in some cases
from their 70-second
broadcast originals. For
more of his work, please
visit Ben’s website at:
http://canscene.ripple.ca)
Defeating ...
(From page 10)
return to the workforce
in well-paid management
positions. They acquire
these jobs by citing in their
resumes the many skills and
achievements they learned
through their volunteer
work. What talents are
you racking up through
your hobbies and leisure
activities?
Sometimes proof
comes to us by comparing
ourselves to others. Simply
ask yourself, “Out of all the
people who have ever lived,
how many have attained
what I want?” The sheer
numbers alone will often be
all the proof you need.
When all else fails, fall
back on faith. Some of the
most successful people in
the world had absolutely
no proof that they could
achieve their dreams. All
they had was a strong desire
and a belief in themselves.
As Martin Luther King, Jr.
once said, “Take the first
step in faith. You don’t have
to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step.”
Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. is
a motivational speaker and
humorist. He works with
companies that want to be
more competitive and with
people who want to think
like innovators. For more
information on Robert’s
programs please visit www.
jumpstartyourmeeting.com.
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
What? FVR press con ‘prorogued’?
(From page 7)
After going over all the
cost info, he asked, “Would
it be cheaper to fly to
California and take the train
to Hawaii?”
***
This one was from
another senator, who was
also an actor:
He asked the travel
agent, “How do I know
which plane to get on?”
The travel agent
asked him what exactly
he meant, to which he
replied, “I was told my
flight number is 823, but
none of these planes have
numbers on them.
***
Another government
official asked, “I need to
fly to Pepsi-Cola, FL. Do I
have to get on one of those
twin-engine planes?”
The travel agent asked
if he meant fly to Pensacola,
FL on a commuter plane.
He said, “Yeah, whatever!”
***
From anothercongress-
man who phoned the
travel agent to ask about
the documents needed to
fly to China.
The travel agent
reminded him that he
needed a visa.
“Oh, no I don’t. I’ve
been to China many times
and never had to have one
of those.”
The travel agent
double checked and sure
enough, his stay required
a visa.
When the travel agent
told the congressman
about it, he said, “Look,
I’ve been to China four
times and every time they
accepted my American
Express!”
***
From another senator:
“I want to go from Chicago
to Rhino, New York.”
The agent said, “Are
you sure that’s the name of
the town?”
“Yes, what flights do you
have?” replied the senator.
After some searching,
the agent came back with,
“I’m sorry, ma’am, I’ve
looked up every airport code
in the country and can’t find
a Rhino anywhere.”
The senator retorted,
“Oh, don’t be silly! Eve-
ryone knows where it is.
Check your map!”
The agent scoured a map
of the state of New York and
finally offered, “You don’t
mean Buffalo, do you?”
“That’s it! I knew it was
a big animal,” the senator
said.
***
As you know, former
Philippine president Fidel
V. Ramos (FVR) was in
Toronto recently to drum
up the efforts of Gawad
Kalinga on its work for
the poor, not only those
in the Philippines, but
25 the president, ‘no. Now,
it’s time for you to cover
him. Here’s your media
ID; you’ll be detailed
at the Presidential Press
elsewhere in other third Can you guess what the Corps Offfice.”
world countries. thumbs up by Tenny, Tony ***
Here is a story in photos and former president Ramos In Photo # 5
from the various events in was for? (courtesy of Mike
Toronto that the former Sirit na? They were Caducio, Philippine
president attended. telling Nestor Arellano na Courier), do you know PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6
In photo # 1 (courtesy ayos na at naiabot na? why Mon Datol was so
of Philippine Press Club (To the naïve in media happy with all those
Ontario [PPCO] member work: never mind what is papers he was handed
Anagaile Soriano), do you “ayos na at naiabot na”. We over by FVR?
know what don’t really Sirit na? Sir Mondee
FVR was talk openly Datol was so happy
saying? about it.) thinking that he was
Sirit *** appointed by FVR as
na? All I n Chair of Philippine Sports
he’s saying photo # 3, Development Com-
is this: “So likewise mission, forgetting in the PHOTO 7
far, this courtesy of process that FVR is no
Manila Anagaile, longer president.
M e d i a readers ***
Monitor m i g h t In Photo # 6 (courtesy:
is the PHOTO 1 think that Mike Caducio), FVR on
best in all we PPCO PPCO member Larry Torres:
aspects: content, layout; members are excited to “ … and so, by the powers
everything!” pose for a souvenir photo vested in me, I confer on you
Congratulations to with former president Fidel the baccalaureate degree …
Manila Media Monitor and Mrs Ming Ramos. ahhh … ahh … bachelor’s
editor Butch Galicia! Truth is, we’re not. degree in … ahh … ahhh PHOTO 8
Ooops! Wait, it doesn’t We were just watching the … (turns to Larry and …).
look like it is Manila Media teleserye on the the new 52” You’re a bachelor, aren’t days with Tenny while the thumbs up with FVR.
Monitor; looks like it is plasma TV in front of us. you? Ladies, here with me latter was covering him at What the thumbs-up is
Philippine Courier. *** is a bachelor for the take.” the Department of National for? I don’t know, don’t
Oh, congratulations In photo # 4 (courtesy: *** Defense, and Mon Datol ask me, please.
then to Philippine Courier Rico de las Alas, PPCO Look what those people confers with Ambassador Most often than not, I
publisher and editor, member) where FVR is standing behind in Photo Chito Brillantes a business don’t understand what we
Ramon Datol! pointing to Tenny, the latter # 7 (courtesy: Anagaile (as usual) proposition. were, or are being asked to
*** respon- Mon, ten do yonder at the PCCT!
Among the newsmen in ded, “Ma- percent ako ***
the Philippines who are now w a l a n g diyan, ha? In Photo # 10 (courtesy:
based in Toronto, Tenny g a l a n g *** Mike Caducio), PPCO first
Soriano, Tony Sicat and na, ano, What? The lady Myrna Soriano (right)
Nestor Arellano are those you’re no FVR press laughs as Front Page
who were known to former longer the conference Philippines TV program
president Fidel Ramos. president, has been “pro- host Gie Alvarez delivers
These three newsmen but I am. rogued” by her standard extro from
covered the former Philip- T o t o o , PPCO president the table at: “Well, diyan
pine president either during kahit na Tenny? That’s po nagtatapos ang ating
his service in the military, i t a n o n g what it looks palatuntunan at sa ngalan
or when he was already mo pa kay like in Photo po ng ating producer Ace
president of the country. Tony Sicat PHOTO 4 # 8 (courtesy: Alvarez at … sa patnugot ng
In photo # 2 (Courtesy: at kay Larry Torres)! pahayagang Manila Media
Anagaile Soriano), at Nestor Arellano.” Soriano) put up with just *** Monitor, ito po ang inyong
left is Tenny Soriano, the In the same photo, do to have a picture with In Photo # 9 (courtesy: lingkod, Gie, hanggang
president of PPCO. Beside you know what Myrna FVR; They look “TH (for Ariel Ramos, PPCO sa susunod na Ooops and
him is Tony Sicat, PPCO Soriano, wife of PPCO “trying hard”), including member), the guys and Bloops, MALIGAYANG
director. Not in photo is President Tenny, was saying myself, while FVR shows gals of the Philippine PASKO AT MANIGONG
Nestor Arellano, who was to FVR? PPCO prez Tenny the Chamber of Commerce- BAGONG TAON SA
seated with his colleagues in Sirit na? Myrna was former’s memoirs on his Toronto (PCCT) are all INYONG LAHAT!”
the PPCO during the press saying, “Fidel, my husband
conference with Mr. Ramos covered you for seventeen
held at Casa Manila on York years at the Department of
Mills Rd., North York. National Defense. He’s now
PHOTO 9
PHOTO 2
PHOTO 3 PHOTO 10
26 Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008 CALENDAR
► DEC. 19: Bicolano Canada Com-
munity Association Christmas Dinner-
The gifts of Hope, of Joy, of Love, of Peace. Dance, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 6:30 p.m.
► DEC. 19: Philippine Press Club -
Ontario Christmas Party and Celebrity
Night with Kol Hope Foundation, Inc.,
Greetings from: Casa Manila, 7 p.m.
May these be yours ► DEC. 20: College of the Holy Spirit
North American Foundation, Inc. Can-
during this ada Chapter Christmas Party, Strate’s
Banquet Hall, Etobicoke, 6 p.m.

Season of Advent ► DEC. 30: Knights of Rizal Canada

Region Commemoration of the Martyr-
dom of Dr. Jose Rizal, Earl Bales Park,
and throughout the 5 p.m.
► DEC. 31: Filipino Centre Toronto
New Year. New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance.
FOR 2009
► Up to JAN. 7: Roberto Lavidez’s The
Front Page Philippines Tolerant Society art exhibition.
► JAN. 24: Kalayaan Cultural Commu-
nity Centre Fund Raising Event.
► FEB. 7: Isabela Cultural Organiza-

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
Moneygram (2)
Dr. Arla Rondilla Dentistry (3)
All Debt Solutions, Consulting (4)
Dr. Evangeline M. Bernabe (5)
Dr. Albine A. Miciano Cosmetic &
General Dentistry (6)
Action Honda (7)
Kaakbay Financial Services (11)
Ellesmere-Kennedy Dental
Centre (12)
Amit Bhatia Credit Management
Services (13)
Dr. Roslyn Sabilano Dentistry (16)
Forex (17)
Photographers for Christ (18)
Henderson Weekes (19)
FV Foods (19)
Laguna Jewellers (20)
Russell International (20)
RemitX (21)
Shun Fa Buffet King (22)
The Tropical Deli (22)
areyouindebt.ca (22)
UMAC Toronto (23)
Gonzales Dentistry (23)
LDV Computers (24)
Front Page Philippines (26)
Dr. Bernarda Rosales Verzonilla
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (27)
Tahanan Non-Profit Homes Corp.
(27)
Lovely Travel and Tours (28)
Timeless Images (28)
OCDC Parcel Services (29)
Rhowena Adolfo (29)
Liland Insurance Inc. (31)
musicpad.com (32)
T.H.D. Consultants (33)
nanniesforcare.com (33)
saddlebags.ca (33)
Innovation Video/Photo (33)
CHIN Radio (34)
Seoul Driving School (34)
Superb Travel (35)
NannyNanny.ca (35)
Cusina Restaurant (36)
Clem Cabillan (36)
New Conservatory of Music (36)
JC Eye Care (36)
Roadsport Honda (37)
GMA Pinoy TV (39)
Dr. Santiago & Associates (40)
Fairview Dental Centre (40)
tion of Ontario 18th Anniversary and In-
duction Ball, Rembrandt Banquet Hall.
► FEB. 27: Filipino Centre Toronto
2009 Filipino Singing Idol Competitions,
Second Round, FCT Rizal Hall.
► APRIL 23: Filipino Centre Toronto
2009 Filipino Singing Idol Competitions,
Third Round, FCT Rizal Hall.
► APRIL 26: Kalayaan Cultural Com-
munity Centre Children’s Fashion
Show.
► MAY 30 (tentative): Kalayaan Cultur-
al Community Centre Cultural Show.
► JUNE 6 and 7: Kalayaan Cultural
Community Centre Independence Gala
Night and Summer Festival Picnic, re-
spectively.
A public service feature of the Ma-
nila Media Monitor and the Philip-
pine Consul General Office. Also
visit pakulo.com.

3 P.M.
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor The PHILIPPINES 27
NEWS ROUNDUP
Agusan del Sur: 2 cong’l districts carved
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The electorate in the once lone congressional district
of Agusan del Sur will be electing two members of the House of Representative in the May
10, 2010 national polls. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act
No. 95081 that divided Agusan del Sur, the biggest province in the Caraga Region - into
two congressional districts. The towns of Sibagat, Prosperidad, Talacogon, San Luis and
Esperanza and Bayugan City formed the first district while the towns of San Francisco,
Rosario, Bunawan, Trento, Sta. Josefa, Veruela, Loreto and La Paz comprised the second
district. PNA

Cabanatuan City: Honest people lauded

CABANATUAN CITY - Two security guards, one of them a 43-year-old lady, were
awarded for honesty in the performance of their duties. Awardee Daniel Bautista, com-
pany guard of a power firm here, returned a bag containing cash and valuables to a college
student or Araullo University. On the other hand, awardee Erlinda Flores of TekForce Se-
curity Agency reported to police how fellow guards stole goods worth some P40,000 from
the CVC Mall in San Miguel, Bulacan. Dr. Joselito Cruz, president of the Philippine As-
sociation of Detective and Protective Agency Operators Inc., bestowed the awards. PNA

Cebu City: Airport maintenance facility up

CEBU CITY - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Lufthansa Technic Philippines
(LTP), its maintenance provider, have launched the development of a P88-million main-
tenance facility at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). PAL president Jaime
Bautista said “the facility is badly needed to accommodate the airline’s rapidly expanding
fleet, particularly in Cebu.” The facility will rise on a 1.2-hectare lot, part of the LTP’s 2.6-
hectare leased area at MCIA. The expanded area would ably accommodate PAL’s long-
range, wide-body flagship, the Boeing 777-300Er. Construction of the facility would be
completed by February 2009. PNA

Dagupan City: Bio-lab makes trichograma

DAGUPAN CITY - The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has started operating a bio-
control laboratory that produces bio-control agents and helps ensure healthy and bountiful
agricultural harvests. Agriculture official Violy Laforteza says the bio-lab, located at their
office in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, produces the bio-control agent trichograma that kills
corn borers. Trichograma is an insect that looks for the egg of a corn borer and sits on it,
preventing the corn borer egg from growing. Once the egg is hatched, the insect would be a
trichograma. The trichograma card or envelope given to farmers contains an egg. The card
indicates the time frame to open it and when the egg is about to hatch. PIA

Palawan: Firm 25-year mining moratorium

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - Members of the Provincial Board (PB) of Palawan stood
firm on their decision to declare a 25-year moratorium on small-scale mining in the prov-
ince, saying they were ready to face any legal action that might be filed against them. PB
PROPERTY MANAGER
presiding officer Vice Governor David Ponce de Leon said the ban covered endorsements
for new applications for small-scale mining activities. Earlier, a national daily story said the (Part-time)
Chamber of Mines of the Philippines denounced the PB’s action. Environment Secretary
Jose Atienza said he wanted a review of the provincial legislation. Palawan Governor Joel Tahanan Non-profit Homes Corporation, a housing
Reyes signed on Nov. 25 Resolution No. 7728-08 declaring the moratorium, affecting over development consisting of 42 units, is looking for a dynamic
300 small-scale mining applications pending before the Department of Environment and individual to manage the property on a part-time basis (minimum
Natural Resources and the Region IV-B Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The PB feared
that if the applications were given due course, these would imperil and threaten Palawan’s
21 hours per week).
fragile ecological balance, cause irreparable damage to its unique flora and fauna and seri-
ously compromise the carrying capacity of its integrated ecosystem. PNA The ideal candidate should possess an extensive knowledge
of and experience working in Non-profit Housing. He/she must
Lingayen: Old cottage industries revived have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a detailed
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan - The municipal government is bent on reviving its once thriv-
ing cottage industries that placed the town in the trading map in the past. Mayor Ernesto working knowledge of budgeting and the costing process along
Castañeda said his cultural revival program, to be funded under the One-Town-One Prod- with the ability to work in a challenging environment.
uct program, would focus on the production of the famous Pangasinan bucayo (coconut
candy), the tamales, puto lanson, tulapo (pork chicharon), bagoong (fish paste) and fans. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Property Manager will
Castañeda said these industries used to flourish since the Spanish time, but the next gen-
erations of Lingayenses failed to sustain them for one reason or another. He also urged manage the Corporation’s administration, reporting, budgeting,
townsfolk to turn in old mementoes showing Lingayen’s glorious past. PNA landlord-tenant relations, as well as social programs and
community relations.
Iloilo City: Computerization spurs growth
ILOILO CITY - The city is expected to raise more revenues and attract big-ticket invest-
ments as it embraced a computerization project that would make business processing fast- The ideal candidate should possess the following:
er and real property tax collection more efficient. World Bank Portfolio Manager Maryse 1. Minimum five (5) years experience in rental housing
Gautier said the World Bank and Department of Finance-assisted project had two compo- management;
nents: the Real Property Tax Administration System covering appraisal and assessment 2. Knowledge of legislation, funding and operation of provincial
and land tax payment and collection and the Business Permit License Tax Administration
System covering business tax, regulatory fees, charges assessment, business permit ap- and municipal non-profit housing;
plication and payment and collection. The 30-computer project was funded with P11.939 3. Proven track record in managing contracts and conflict
million, 50 percent coming from the World Bank. PNA resolution.
Isabela: Province is 1st CGI beneficiary
ILAGAN, Isabela - Isabela province has been named as the first beneficiary of the en- Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover
vironmental project under the Clinton Global Initiatives (CGI). Isabela Governor Grace letter via email by noon on Friday, January 9, 2009.
Padaca said the CGI-supported reforestation project would go a long way to help support
provincial efforts to curb illegal logging in the area. Late last month, some towns were
Resumes to be sent to:
placed under a state of calamity due to floods that left many families homeless and caused
loss of lives and property. CGI, spearheaded by former US President Bill Clinton, hoped Attention: Vice President
to help developing and underdeveloped countries fight poverty through projects promoting Tahanan Non-profit Homes Corporation
environmental protection and preservation, education and other advocacies. The project Email: infotahanan@gmail.com
would be implemented through the Lopez Group of Companies. PNA
28 The PHILIPPINES Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008

Giant Lantern Festival slated Dec. 20 in Pampanga

PARADE OF LANTERNS. The parol, in different shapes, colors and sizes,

takes centerstage during the annual procession highlighting the lubenas,
a religious-cultural tradition during the Christmas season.

CITY OF SAN FER- GLF co-chairperson, said Arayat into a tourist resort.
NANDO, Pampanga - the festival would be staged As a show of gratitude
Parol (Christmas lantern) on Dec. 20 and “we will to Quezon, the people of
makers from at least eight expect to see our lantern San Fernando conducted a
villages in Pampanga have makers innovate their crafts Christmas lantern contest
confirmed their participa- more.” to honor the first family.
tion in this year’s edition of The festival traces its Quezon donated the contest
the Giant Lantern Festival roots to the religious pro- prize, which was person-
(GLF), a festival of lights cession known as “lube- ally awarded to the winner
and sounds emanating from nas,” which included a by then First Lady Aurora
handmade giant lanterns parade of star-like lanterns Quezon.
patterned after the Star of - made out of bamboo strips In the annual contests
Bethlehem and depicting and papel de hapon (crepe that followed, parol makers
the joy and hope of the Holy paper) - that illuminated the introduced more innova-
Nativity. carro (float) of religious tions on their giant lantern
City Mayor Oscar Ro- icons and served as the pro- entries.
driguez, in announcing the cessional light to guide the Colored plastic replaced
city’s preparedness for the faithful through dark streets the traditional papel de
GLF, named the villages as to the church fronting the hapon.
barangays San Jose, Dolo- town plaza. Large steel barrels
res, Sat. Lucia, Sto. Rosa- The lubenas, a corrup- called rotors also substitut-
rio, Sto. Nino San Felipe, tion of the Spanish word ed for the hand-controlled
San Juan, San Nicolas and novenas, were conducted on switches to manipulate the
San Felipe. each of the nine days before lights.
Rodriguez said mak- Christmas, coinciding with Lanterns have likewise
ing the giant lantern never the dawn masses known as grown in size to about 20
depended on the monetary Simbang Gabi. feet today, and these are il-
capacity of the participants, It was said that the first luminated by about 3,500 to
but rather on their participa- lantern festival was made in 5,000 light bulbs.
tion and sense of belonging honor of President Manuel Lanterns crated with
while performing a religious Quezon. At that time, Que- used frames in 2003 entailed
and cultural tradition. zon made Arayat his rest a cost of P150,000 each.
Corito Lim-Panlilio, area and converted Mt. Entries made entirely of
new materials cost as much
www. FinancialProblem.ca as P400,000 or more.
Rodriguez said the city
with credit cards and bank loans had received invitations to
Too many loans & credit cards? bring the winning lanterns
Paying too much interest? to Tagbiliran City in the
Afraid to pick up your own phone? South.
Looking for consolidation? Similar invites came
from Filipino communities
Please see page 13 for our detailed advertisement in California and Brussels.
CREDIT MANAGEMENT SERVICES Last year, the winning
lanterns were taken to Aus-
416-780-1020 tralia. PNA
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor The PHILIPPINES 29

Filipino hero and world pound-for-pound boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (left)
lands a straight left on an already battered and swelling face of ten-time
world boxing champion Oscar dela Hoya during their Dream Match at the
MGM Grand Hotel on Dec. 6. Pacquiao won the non-title welterweight divi-
sion fight by technical knockout after Dela Hoya called it quits before the
start of the ninth round. After the holidays, Pacquiao’s fans will know who’s
next on his list: Will if be welterweight greats Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las
Vegas, or Ricky Hatton in London?

Pacquiao’s doggedness to learn

English inspires ComVal students
COMPOSTELA VAL-
LEY - Filipino boxing icon
Manny Pacquiao’s English
may be as mangled as his
face after every world title
fight, but his doggedness
to learn and speak the Eng-
lish language has become
a source of inspiration in
public elementary and high
schools in this province.
Governor Arturo Uy
said Pacquiao’s fight to
tame English has been the
focus in his talks before stu-
dents, as he seriously tack-
led the problem of English
proficiency in the province.
Uy has been regular vis-
iting public schools to speak
about the value of good
English as a vehicle to job
opportunities and a secure
future. “I am telling them
that English can be learned
if you are serious about it.”
He said he picked Pac-
quiao as a model of how
one could develop as an
English speaker, even as the
Filipino world champion
still had a lot to learn.
Before, Pacquiao’s Eng-
lish, during press interviews
after world fights, was lim-
ited to Yes and Okay.
“Now, while his de-
feated Mexican opponents
need interpreters, Pacquiao
can face off the press with
his struggling English,” he
added.
Uy said Pacquiao might
still have some battles ahead
with his English but “his te-
nacity to learn the language
is a model that should be
emulated by all.” PNA
30 The PHILIPPINES Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008

Comelec moves registration of OFWs to Feb. 1, 2009

MANILA - The Com-
mission on Elections (Com-
elec) has moved to Feb. 1,
2009 the start of the regis-
tration of Filipinos overseas
for the Overseas Absentee
Voting (OAV).
The registration would
end on Aug. 31, 2009.
The OAV registration,
earlier set on Dec. 1, was
moved due to defective Data
Capturing Machines (DCM)
sent back to the Comelec for
repairs and time constraints
in returning repaired DCMs
to foreign posts.
Election Commissioner
Nicodemo Ferrer said Feb-
ruary was most appropriate
since many Filipinos from
abroad were on vacation in
December until January.
The Comelec is expect-
ing to enlist one million
voters, more than half of the
number of Filipino workers
who registered in 2007.
Ferrer said interest on the
May 10, 2010 polls would
be high, as OFWs would be
voting for the highest offi-
cials of the country.
Duly registered Filipinos
at least 18 years old could
elect the President, Vice-
President, Senators and Par-
ty List Representatives.
Voting would be from
April 10 to May 10, 2010.
OAV registration ap-
plicants should personally
bring:
► A valid Philippine
Passport. In the absence
of the passport, they could
submit an original/certified
true copy and photocopy of
Birth Certificate from the
National Statistics Office
in Manila (BC-NSO) and
a Permanent Resident Card
(“Green Card”).
Without the BC-NSO,
they could submit the origi-
nal/certified true copy of
non-availability of the BC
from the NSO in Manila;
the original/certified true
copy of their BC issued by
the Local Civil Registrar; or
baptismal certificate.
► If a dual citizen, the
original or certified true
copy of Order of Approval
of the application to re-
tain or reacquire Filipino
citizenship or Oath of Alle-
giance issued by Philippine
Embassy/ Consulate or Bu-
reau of Immigration;
► If a seafarer, a copy
of the Seaman’s Book or
any other document that
would prove that that the
applicant is a seafarer;
► Additional identity
documents might be asked.

No end to war?
(From page 1)
The agenda - as stipulat-
ed in the Hague Joint Dec-
laration and the Agreement
on Reciprocal Working
Committees agreed upon by
the GRP and NDFP peace
panels - should have been
in this sequence: social and
economic reforms; political
and constitutional reforms;
and the end of hostilities
and disposition of forces.
Waste of time, inutile
In skipping the agenda’s
substantive order, the GRP
“is trying to violate” the
agreement, as it “is wasting
time and rendering the talks
inutile,” Agcaoili stressed.
Agreeing to a GRP-ini-
tiated ceasefire “amounts to
surrender and pacification
of the revolutionary forces,
casting away all previously
signed agreements and con-
verting the peace negotia-
tions to surrender negotia-
tions,” he said.
The NDFP’s rejection
of what it called as tricky
ceasefire preconditions laid
out by GRP peace panelist
Nieves Confesor was one of
the major reasons why re-
cent informal talks in Oslo,
Norway bogged down and
why peace negotiators from
both sides left the table
empty-handed.
The NDFP spokesman
added that the NDFP ne-
gotiating panel would not
likely “agree to any kind of
talks with its GRP counter-
part unless there is a prior
clear agenda.”
End to talks?
Agcaoili also claimed
the NDFP has received
No single solution; no easy answer
(From page 9)
economy is so ravaged and
our very way of life hangs
in the balance, we need a
strong coherent leadership
that will see us through to
recovery.
And I am not confident
that this coalition would
have the strength and vision
required to face these
uncertain times.
Our politicians have
failed us at a time when we
desperately need vision and
leadership.
How do we cope with
these significant historic
events?
There is no single answer
word from sources in
Malacañang that the Arroyo
regime planned to end the
GRP-NDFP peace talks and
blame the NDFP for it.
“The NDFP is not both-
ered by such threats and
plans of the Arroyo-Ermita-
Gonzales-Esperon milita-
rist clique. The lameduck
Arroyo regime is coming
soon to an end. The NDFP
is already looking forward
to a new GRP administra-
tion,” he said.
Bleak prospects
On another note, the
MILF Central Committee,
in an item posted in its web-
site, projected bleak peace
prospects in 2009, and in-
timated that, perhaps, “seri-
ous and sensible peace talks
could only take place when
the next Filipino president
takes office in 2010.”
The MILF said Presi-
dent Arroyo has lost the
credibility to go on talking
peace with the MILF.
“She had faulted so se-
riously and proved lack-
ing in political will when
it was needed most. She
disowned her negotiators
when she should have stood
by them.”
The MILF referred to
Arroyo’s tight-lipped sur-
render of her own legal
fight when the Supreme
Court declared as uncon-
stitutional the MOA-AD
initialed by Arroyo’s ap-
pointed and disbanded GRP
peace panel, then headed by
Rodolfo Garcia.
Using the constitution
to stifle the MOA-AD vio-
and no easy solution. We
have to rely on each other.
These events will shape
2009 as a year of change.
Some good and some bad.
There will be a
fundamental shift in world
power as countries readjust
in answer to the changed
economic and political
landscape.
On a personal level
we will feel the change as
it affects our standard of
living.
On a national level we
will experience economic
upheaval as our consumer
base retreats and our global
lated an earlier GRP-MILF
agreement that the issues of
independence, constitution,
sovereignty, and territo-
rial integrity would not be
raised in the negotiations.
False hopes
Through deputy spokes-
man Khalid Musa, the
MILF also berated Arroyo
and her Palace trumpeteers
to stop sounding off false
hopes that the GRP and
MILF peace panels would
be returning to the negoti-
ating table, after talks were
scuttled in August.
“Not on the govern-
ment-announced Dec. 15
timeline; not anytime soon,”
Musa declared, adding that
the MILF has not received
any invitation todate from
Kuala Lumpur, which has
been facilitating the GRP-
MILF peace process.
Earlier, Presidential Ad-
viser on the Peace Process
Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
said “we can look forward
to the resumption of the
GRP-MILF peace talks be-
fore Christmas.”
Esperon said the gov-
ernment “cannot afford to
abandon peace because
war is not the solution to
the long-drawn Mindanao
conflict,” adding “there is
no alternative to peace. We
cannot give up on peace.”
Seguis appointment
In late November, Ar-
royo named foreign af-
fairs undersecretary Rafael
Seguis as GRP chief negoti-
ator in talks with the MILF.
Seguis’s panel members
are yet to be named.
trading partners decline.
Canada depends on
exports and in particular
on a robust US economy to
absorb our exports.
We should anticipate
that the decline in the US
economy will have a direct
impact here at home.
Despite all the bad
news, I am very optimistic
about the future. I know that
we will survive and come
out the other end strong and
vibrant.
The US showed courage
and optimism in November
and this has sent a beacon of
hope to us all.
AID FOR DISTRESSED OFWS. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Ar-
royo has ordered the release of a P250-million livelihood support fund for
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) laid off by foreign employers due to a
wobbling global economy. The loan fund would be used as startup capi-
tal for OFWs, who decide to stay in the Philippines for good and set up
businesses. In photo, Arroyo presents a package of aid and services to 105
Overseas Filipino Workers laid off as production workers in Taiwan. Assist-
ing is Labor Secretary Marianito Roque. PHOTO: EDWIN PARIL/OPS-NIB
Seguis - whose experi- came at a time after the believed there was no need
ence included postings as 12-man Malaysian Inter- for a foreign mediator in the
ambassador in the Kingdom national Monitoring Team talks, “as long as both pan-
of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and (IMT) ended its tour of duty els are sincere and decisive
Indonesia - has since visited in helping oversee the peace in resolving the issues in-
MILF military affairs chair- process. volved in the negotiations.”
man Aleem Abdulaziz “to But the IMTs from Bru- Amid the stink
discuss mutual interests.” nei Darussalam, Libya and Old hat to many, the war
Saving face, funds? Japan have continued their of words and the propagan-
Seguis’s appointment stay in Mindanao. da blitz at the top are soar-
came in the wake of calls Why not Indonesia? ing to unpleasant heights.
from the Organization of Meanwhile, Senate na- On the ground, the man-
Islamic Conference and tional defense committee made conflict is slaughter-
governments - including the chairman and former ma- ing and displacing more
United States, the United rine general Sen. Rodolfo people and is destroying
Kingdom, Australia and Biazon urged government to more property faster than
Japan - pouring huge aids try Indonesia as GRP-MILF the string of natural disas-
and grants for Mindanao re- peace process facilitator, “if ters that are battering the
habilitation, reconstruction and only if we cannot do it Philippines.
and development. alone.” All these develop-
The appointment also Indonesia, during the ments are piling up amid
watch of Foreign Minister widespread poverty and
Ali Alatas, had played a injustice, a sick economy
major role in the inking of dependent on foreign aid
Amid a looming crisis the 1989 peace agreement and investments and re-
they chose to stand their between the GRP and Nur mittances from offshore
ground, unite and fight for Misuari’s Moro Islamic Filipinos, corruption at the
their survival. Liberation Front. highest levels, and an esca-
And we should do the Senate Minority Leader lating slimy battle for politi-
same. We can do the same. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., cal dominance in a national
This Christmas season, on the other hand, proposed election coming up in the
more than any other in the creation of a Bangsa next 15 months.
recent memory, has to be Moro Federal State within Civil strife could very
a time to reflect and give the ambit of a federalized well be just one more heavy
thanks to all we have. Philippine republic “to ful- burden on the shoulders of
But more than that, it is fill the aspirations of Mus- most of 88 million Filipinos
an opportunity to deepen lim Filipinos for genuine trying to eke out a good life
our commitment to stand autonomy and recognition in these tough and troubled
together united and to help of their rights to preserve times.
those that need it most. their cultural identity and But must there be a war
May your Christmas be live according to their Is- of no end for people to un-
blessed and joyful. (info@ lamic faith.” derstand the meaning of un-
thenannyexpert.com) Both officials, however, ending peace?
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 31

“Our guarantees are written in your policy”

759 Warden Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1L 4B5

FREE training for

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

Sponsored by LILAND INSURANCE INC.

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

Thank you once again for making it happen!

416-759-5453
Fax: 416-759-6220
32
Meralco
should
buy more
from
Napocor
MANILA - The Energy
Regulatory Commission
(ERC) has ordered power
retailer Manila Electric Co.
(Meralco) to negotiate with
and buy more electricity
from state-owned National
Power Corp. to ease the
burden of high cost of pow-
er on consumers.
The ERC said the order
was based on a Department
of Trade and Industry peti-
tion seeking to lower Meral-
co’s generation charges.
The ERC said this would
match Meralco’s updated
demand forecast figures
“less the quantities under
its independent power pro-
ducer contracts.”
The ERC, however, cit-
(To page 33)
Are you worried about
how a recession might af-
fect you?
You can put your fears
to rest because there are
many everyday habits the
average person can imple-
ment to ease the sting of
a recession, or even make
it so its effects aren’t felt
at all.
Here are seven ways
to do just that.
No. 1: Have an
Emergency Fund. If you
have plenty of cash lying
around in a high-interest,
Federal Deposit Insurance
Corp. (FDIC)-insured ac-
count, not only will your
money retain its full value
in times of market turmoil,
it will also be extremely
liquid, giving you easy
access to funds if you lose
your job or are forced to
ADVERTISE!
MANILA MEDIA MONITOR
On its 12th year of service
Call 416-285-8583
S 1 2 3
A I N I
G 10
G I H A
O 13
T I N A
16
sa I N
19 20
U A
B 23 24
A K A P
T 27
O B
I
29 30
D L U G I
34
W H I K
I 37
T I N O
K 40
A I N M
MONEY
TUCP urges DOE to stop giving Big 3
oil firms permits for new retail outlets
MANILA - The Trade
Union Congress of the Phil-
ippines (TUCP) has called
on the Department of En-
ergy (DOE) to stop granting
the Big 3 oil companies -
Petron Corp., Pilipinas Shell
Petroleum Corp. and Caltex
Philippines Inc. (now Chev-
ron Philippines Inc.) - new
permits for additional retail
outlets “to deliberately di-
minish their stranglehold on
the local market for petro-
leum products.”
“The DOE should issue
permits for new service sta-
tions only to the smaller in-
dependent oil firms. This is
one sure way to purposely
lessen the Big 3’s domina-
tion of the local market,
truly promote free and fair
competition and safeguard
consumers from potential
pricing abuses,” TUCP sec-
retary-general and former
Sen. Ernesto Herrera said.
7 recession-proofing ways
By AMY FONTINELLE
Investopedia writer, Yahoo!Financial
take a pay cut.
Also, if you have your
own cash, it won’t be an is-
sue if other sources of back-
up funds dry up.
No. 2: Always Live
Within Your Means. If you
make it a habit to live within
your means each and every
day, you are less likely to go
into consumer debt when
gas or food prices go up and
more likely to adjust your
spending in other areas to
compensate.
Debt begets more debt
when you can’t pay it off
right away.
To take this principle to
the next level, if you have
a spouse and are a two-in-
come family, see how close
you can get to living off of
4 5 6 7 8 9
H A P A Y P
11 12
A R A W A
14 15
L A M T I
17
I B A A G W
21 22
L I M A
25 26
I T A L I S
28
O L I B A D
31 32 33
A L A G
35
K A W A
38 39
L A A S
41
A D A L A
Herrera said that al-
lowing the Big 3 to go on
dominating the local mar-
ket would make consumers
“extremely vulnerable to
potential price manipula-
tion and other unfair trade
practices.”
Jointly, the Big 3 has
PNB Remittance getting stronger
Besides its money trans-
fer and remittance services,
the Philippine National
Bank Remittance Co. Can-
ada (PNBRCC) has started
providing freight forward-
ing services for Philippine-
bound balikbayan boxes.
The service expansion
became available, even
before the January 2009
merger of PNB and Allied
Bank, making the merger-
bank one of the Philippines’
biggest and most stable.
only one spouse’s income.
In good times, this tactic
will allow you to save in-
credible amounts of money.
In bad times, if one
spouse gets laid off, you’ll
be OK because you’ll be
used to living on one in-
come.
Your savings habits will
stop temporarily, but your
day-to-day spending can
continue as normal.
No. 3: Have More
Than One Source of In-
come. Even if you have a
great full-time job, it’s not
a bad idea to have a source
of extra income on the side.
With job security so
non-existent these days,
more jobs mean more job
security.
A
N
S
18
A
I D
T A
A
36
N G
A N
N G
Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
commanded 85 percent of
the local market for petro-
Inc., Unioil Petroleum Phil-
ippines Inc., Eastern Petro-
30 percent (P164.703 bil-
lion); Chevron, 15 percent
leum products. The rest of
the market is cornered by
leum Corp. and Filpride Re-
sources Inc., among others.
(P77.888 billion); and the
small independent firms, 15
several smaller independent Based on 2007 gross percent (P82.27 billion).
entities such as Total Philip- revenues, Petron ruled Herrera said the Big
pines Corp., Oilink Interna- 40 percent of the market 3 piled up P42 million in
tional Corp., Seaoil Philip- (P212.932 billion in rev- combined net profits every
pines Inc., Filoil Gas Co. enues); Pilipinas Shell, day in 2007.
The TUCP obtained a
regulatory filing report show-
ing that Chevron booked a
By JOJO TADURAN net income of P2.851 billion
Jun Miranda, Canada’s grams included the orienta- in 2007, up P106 million
PNBRCC regional head, tion of new Filipino immi- from the P2.745 billion it
said the expanded service grants coordinated with the made in 2006.
for freight was inspired by Philippine Consul General’s Shell had a net profit of
the thousands of Filipinos Office in Toronto headed by P6.355 billion in 2007, up
in Canada who placed their Consul General Alejandro 54.1 percent from P4.123
trust and confidence on the Mosquera. billion in 2006.
efficiency and efficacy of On a larger scale, the Petron reported a net
PNBRCC. PNBRCC and its clients profit of P6.113 billion in
As a show of gratitude, have been strengthening 2007, up 2.8 percent from
PNBRCC has maintained Philippine foreign monetary P5.944 billion in 2006.
its support for worthy pro- reserves, as the company The Big 3 raked in
grams that help the commu- had been coursing remit- P15.319 billion in aggregate
nity grow in Canada. tances through the Bangko net profits in 2007 alone,
Miranda said these pro- Sentral ng Pilipinas. PR Herrera said. PNA
If you lose one, at least
GOT A FOREX DEAL?
Check out if you got your peso’s worth for the
you still have the other dollars you have had exchanged since Nov. 18,
one.
You may not be mak-
courtesy of Manila Media (Money) Monitor.
ing as much money as you US$ Cdn$
were before, but every Dec. 12 48.09816 38.63055
little bit helps. Dec. 11 48.15706 39.53606
No. 4: Have a Long-
Term Mindset With In-
Dec. 10 48.20515 38.40864
vestments. So what if a Dec. 09 48.54915 38.52933
drop in the market brings Dec. 08 48.74934 38.78044
your investments down 15 Dec. 05 49.05213 39.84729
percent? Dec. 04 49.33298 39.46481
If you don’t sell, you Dec. 03 49.13531 39.08683
won’t lose anything. Dec. 02 49.42852 39.79557
The market is cyclical,
Dec. 01 48.75014 39.40740
and in the long run, you’ll
have plenty of opportuni- Nov. 27 49.17407 39.84678
ties to sell high. Nov. 26 49.17407 39.84678
In fact, if you buy Nov. 25 49.41136 40.49922
when the market’s down, Nov. 24 49.90025 40.90000
you might thank yourself Nov. 21 49.86321 38.80155
later. Nov. 20 49.94313 39.07913
That being said, as Nov. 19 49.86134 40.53507
you near retirement age,
Nov. 18 49.97729 40.86210
(To page 34)
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
WB sees RP GDP growing
4.3% in ‘08; 3% in ‘09
By LESLIE D. VENZON
MANILA - The World
Bank (WB) projects the
Philippine economy to
grow by 4.3 percent in 2008
and three percent next year,
as the impact of the global
economic storm spreads
across the globe, even in
resilient East Asian coun-
tries.
The WB’s latest six-
month assessment of the
East Asia and Pacific re-
gion’s economic health,
however, said East Asian
countries entered the cur-
rent crisis “substantially
better prepared” than they
were during the 1997 Asian
financial crisis.
The Bank said pub-
lic finances, external bal-
ances and balance sheets of
banks and companies were
strengthened in the last de-
cade as a result of improve-
ments in macroeconomic
and structural policies.
It expected the Philip-
pine economy to remain
resilient, saying the direct
impact of the turmoil on the
country’s banking system
would be marginal.
“The country’s resil-
ience is no accident: it is
mostly due to the robust
buffers deliberately built
since the East Asian cri-
sis,” noted Eric Le Borgne,
WB’s senior economist for
the Philippines.
But Le Borgne cited the
need for the Philippines to
protect the sustainability of
its fiscal sector to allow for
better and more capital and
social expenditure.
The WB said govern-
ment should ensure that
monetary policy is appro-
priate to control inflation-
ary pressures that impact
heavily on the poor.
The country’s average
inflation rate from January
to November reached 9.4
percent.
“Previous fiscal con-
solidation and reforms has
placed the Philippines in a
good position to undertake
counter-cyclical fiscal poli-
cies,” Le Borgne said.
“Alongside extra spend-
ing on infrastructure and
targeted social safety nets,
the government needs to
have revenues firmly under
control,” he added.
Meanwhile, WB coun-
try director for the Philip-
pines Bert Hofman cited the
Philippine government for
putting in place a well-tar-
geted social safety net like
the conditional cash trans-
fer (CCT).
The CCT program pro-
vides modest food, health
and educational subsidies
to the poorest of the poor in
return for sending their chil-
dren to school, attending
health centers and for moth-
ers, having regular prenatal
and postnatal care.
“It’s one of the best ways
to help the poor cope with
the current crisis,” Hofman
noted.
In the same report, the
WB noted that countries
would be better positioned
MONEY 33
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT
LAYOFFS IN THIS ECONOMY?
to deal with the crisis if they
could ably “maintain mac-
You can change that
roeconomic stability, shift
exports to faster growing Be your own boss
Work from home and set your own hours
regions in the world, substi-
tute external with domestic
demand and continue struc-
tural reforms to strengthen
competitiveness.”
Ivailo Izvorski, WB’s
Represent a 20 year leader in the Wellness Industry
CALL TODAY: 1-905-979-4313; 1-905-333-5041
lead economist in the East
Asia Region, predicted that
the global financial crisis
would hit bottom by the
third quarter of 2009. melaleucaproducts@saddlebags.ca
However, the world
economic growth is seen to
rebound by 2010.
The National Economic
and Development Author-
ity projected the Philippine
economy is headed for a
rebound by 2010, even as-
suming that the global re-
cession lingers. PNA
Meralco ...
(From page 32)
ed Meralco for implement-
ing a number of discount
programs and steps that ex-
tend preferential treatment
to poor households and
provide incentives to power
intensive industries.
The ERC extended the
lifeline coverage for Meral-
co’s power-consuming mar-
ginalized sector.
Customers using below
21 kilowatthours (kwh) per
month are getting a 100 per-
cent discount; those using
21 to 50 kwh, 50 percent;
Are you looking for a nanny job?
51 to 70 kwh, 35 percent;
71 to 100 kwh, 20 percent. We have a job for you.
PNA

Giving the gift of your time E-mail your info at

Advertorial from the Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
You’ve reached that time in your life your volunteering experience:
when you have time for doing those personal ► Choose a cause you believe in – ask
Jossel@gaytonsystems.com
things that truly matter to you. Your age yourself what causes or interests matter to
doesn’t really matter – what matters is that you. Apply on-line at
www.nanniesforcare.com
you now have the health, wealth and desire ► Put your lifetime of skills and
to give back to your community in a very experience to good use – ask yourself what
tangible way. skills, experience or talents you want to
You can choose to do that by share.
giving donations directly to charitable ► Volunteer for an organization or cause Or call 905-409-4047
organizations. that ‘fits’ your lifestyle and personality
But you can also choose to take a more and is of personal interest to you -- ask
active role, through volunteering – and that, yourself what you want to achieve from
too, is something we Canadians are very your volunteer experience and find an
good at. organization that answers your question.
And, very often, charitable giving ► Decide how much time you have
through volunteering can be even more to give and whether you want to stretch
valuable than simply writing a cheque. yourself – ask yourself if you want to learn
Volunteers are active everywhere about a specific cause or learn new skills …
– providing social and health services, or even start a new career.
educating, and supporting recreation, arts, And by the way, volunteering is good
culture, environmental and crime prevention for you.
programs. A study by Volunteer Canada found
They help run food banks, emergency direct links between volunteering and
shelters and crisis hotlines. They serve on health. People who volunteer – especially
the front-lines helping others, on fundraising if it involves helping others – are generally
committees, or on boards of directors for happier and healthier in their later years.
voluntary organizations. By planning now – having a strong
Wherever they are and whatever they financial strategy and building up your
do, volunteers play a critical role in our retirement savings – you will have the time
society. and nest egg to volunteer.
If you’re thinking of volunteering, here Work with your professional advisor to
are some tips for getting the most out of make that happen. (See ad on page 29)
34
True meaning of Christmas
(From page 10)
the stable, wherein the three
wise men once stood and
knelt down to give homage
to The King of kings.
The birthplace of our
Lord Jesus is now securely
contained by the massive
structure of The Church of
The Nativity in Bethlehem.
It was not exactly as I
envisioned but the feeling
was still overwhelming.
In my heart I could hear
the lyrics of the classic
Christmas song Oh Come
All Ye Faithful as I entered
A house divided
(From page 11)
dynamics came to fore
recently in the wake of the
constitutional crisis affecting
“The Government” and Her
Majesty’s Loyal Opposition
with the latter’s offer to form
a coalition government, vice
the incumbent.
The crisis came in the
form of the government
(Prime Minister Harper and
his Cabinet) accusing the
Liberals and New Democrats
of blatant power grab in
wanting to topple a “duly-
elected” government (thanks
to the 38% of the votes in the
latest federal elections that
the Conservatives garnered,
earning them the right to
form the government).
Yet, were one to
follow the same logic and
mathematics of democratic
SEOUL DRIVING SCHOOL
YELLOWBIRD
4862 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario
Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
the shrine in the basement of
the Church.
I remember myself
staring at the designated spot
that the Christian scholars
and historians believed
was the place of the Holy
Manger.
The more I looked at it,
the more I wondered why
there are still others who
miss out on the true meaning
of Christmas.
The momentous visit to
Bethlehem was accentuated
by the Christmas mass held
representation, don’t the
combined percentages of the
LP, NDP, and BQ make for a
wider plurality?
The prospect of an
overnight change of
government without a single
gunshot being fired or a
ballot cast thrills me to no
end.
This is parliamentary
democracy in action,
something I only read about
in a Political Parties &
Interest Groups course.
What I most enjoy in
the unfolding scenario are
the nuances of the politics
at play: the role of the
Governor General, the
horse trading for cabinet
seats among the Liberals
and the New Democrats
and, more importantly, the
by Father Duffy inside the
cave-chapel in the Shepherds
Fields that was similar to
the stable where Jesus was
born.
Although it was in the
middle of November, it was
the best Christmas ever for
me and my wife.
Did I take photos? Yes I
did. And that goes without
saying. I shot lots of photos.
I used some of them in
producing a slide show that
is now posted in You Tube,
entitled Bethlehem 2005
momentary adjustments
in political ideology or
accommodation in the
program of government in
the face of a common enemy
(suddenly the pro-coalition
sidelines support of the Bloc
Quebecois becomes all-too-
important).
For “The Government”
to function well, it must
enjoy the confidence of The
House.
It is a time-honored
practice in a parliamentary
democracy for the govern-
ment to resign once it loses
the confidence of the House
either on a confidence
motion or because of
the defeat of a major bill
(such as the budget) under
consideration.
This paves the way
under the channel
Cinebell.
To those who
have not visited
Bethlehem yet,
I would like to
share with you
the experience. I
invite you to see it,
at least once.
This December
is another season
to celebrate. I
wish the Manila CHRISTMAS MASS
Media Monitor
and all of you who have Christmas and the Happiest of us. Maligayang Pasko at
been reading my monthly of New Year. May the star Manigong Bagong Taon po
column, the Merriest of of Christmas shine upon all sa inyong lahat!
for either fresh elections
or the formation of a new
government (in this case,
a coalition government
as offered by the LP and
NDP).
Some view this instant
change of government
as a weakness in the
parliamentary set-up because
of the perceived instability
of government.
Yet, adherents see
otherwise: the practicality
and imperative of change
when this is most needed
(and not at the end of a
four-year term of, say,
an unenlightened or
dysfunctional president).
Walter Bagehot, the
famous 19th century British
parliamentary historian and
journalist (one of the earliest
editors of the thinking man’s
magazine, The Economist)
saw the import of change in
power without an election.
His major opus, The
English Constitution, is a
7 recession-proofing ways
(From page 32)
you should make sure you
have enough money in liq-
uid, low-risk investments to
retire on time and give the
stock portion of your portfo-
lio time to recover.
Remember, you don’t
need all of your retirement
money at 65 - just a portion
of it.
The market might be
tanking when you’re 65, but
it might be headed to Pam-
plona by the time you’re 70.
No. 5: Be Honest About
Your Risk Tolerance. Yes,
investing gurus say that peo-
ple in certain age brackets
should have their portfolios
allocated a certain way, but
if you can’t sleep at night
when your investments are
down 15 percent for the year
and the year isn’t even over,
you may need to change
your asset allocation.
Investments are sup-
posed to provide you with
a sense of financial security,
not a sense of panic.
But wait - don’t sell
anything while the market
is down, or you’ll set those
paper losses in stone.
When market conditions
improve is the time to trade
in some of your stocks for
bible among parliamen-
tarians.
With parliament
prorogued (suspended, not
dissolved) by the Governor-
General, what remains
to be seen is whether or
not the Liberal Party, the
main protagonist in this
parliamentary tug-o-war,
can sustain the alliance with
the NDP.
More interesting, pundits
have their tongues wagging,
divining how long the party
will remain solid; for a
house divided will not have
the wherewithal to mend a
bigger divided house.
Just as an aside,
Lincoln Cathedral figured
prominently in the filming
of The Da Vinci Code where
some of the movie’s major
establishing shots were
megged in the cathedral
(to simulate Westminster
Abbey, which did not allow
the filming in its premises).
King John of Magna
bonds, or trade in some of
your risky small-cap stocks
for less volatile blue-chip
stocks.
If you have extra cash
available and want to adjust
your asset allocation while
the market is down, you may
be able to profit from infus-
ing money into temporarily
low-priced stocks with long-
term value.
The biggest risk is that
overestimating your risk tol-
erance will cause you to make
poor investment decisions.
Even if you’re at an age
where you’re “supposed to”
have 80 percent in stocks
and 20 percent in bonds,
you’ll never see the returns
that investment advisors
intend if you sell when the
market is down.
These asset allocation
suggestions are meant for
people who can hang on for
the ride.
No. 6: Diversify Your
Investments. If you don’t
have all of your money in
one place, your paper losses
should be mitigated, making
it less difficult emotionally
to ride out the dips in the
market.
If you own a home and
Carta fame was the same
John which literature depicts
in Robin Hood movies as
usurper of the throne of his
older brother, King Richard
the Lionheart.
Toronto’s Runnymede
subway station could
very well memorialize
the meadow where King
John affixed his seal on the
original draft of the charter.
Initially a list of
grievances aimed at curtailing
the arbitrary powers of the
king, the Magna Carta has
since formed the basis of the
constitutions and statutes of
many other countries in the
English-speaking world.
It is the foundation of
the Declaration of Human
Rights and the European
Convention for the Protec-
tion of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms
(the charter’s longer name
is Magna Carta Libertatum
- The Great Charter of
Freedoms).
have a savings account,
you’ve already got a start:
you have some money in
real estate and some money
in cash.
In particular, try to build
a portfolio of investment
pairs that aren’t strongly
correlated, meaning that
when one is up, the other is
down, and vice versa (like
stocks and bonds).
No. 7: Keep Your Cred-
it Score High. When credit
markets tighten, if anyone
is going to get approved for
a mortgage, credit card or
other type of loan, it will be
those with excellent credit.
Paying bills on time,
keeping the oldest credit
cards open, and keeping the
ratio of debt to available
credit low will help keep
your credit score high.
Conclusion. The best
part about these habits is
that they won’t only serve
you well during times of re-
cession - they’ll serve you
well no matter what’s going
on in the market.
But if you implement
these financial strategies,
a recession is less likely to
have a significant effect on
your financial situation.
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
$3 na discount sa Disney On Ice
Bisitahin ang mga
paborito ninyong alaala ng
Disneyland sa pagtatagpo
ng Disney/Pixar’s The
Incredibles kina Mickey
Mouse, Minnie Mouse at
iba pang pinakamamahal
ninyong Disney characters,
at danasin ang mga sikat
na Disneyland attractions
tulad ng Haunted Mansion,
It’s a Small World at
Pirates of the Caribbean sa
Disney On Ice spectacular,
a Disneyland Adventure.
Handog ng Feld
Entertainment, ang action-
packed production ng
Disney On Ice ay ipala-
labas sa Toronto Rogers
Centre sa loob ng 16 na
araw, mula Disyembre 19
hanggang 28.
Sa pagbubukas ng mga
park gates, agad pupunuin
ng mga Disney characters
ang arena ng kasiyahan.
Ang mga park visitors
ay maaaring makipag-swing
kay Baloo sa Jungle Cruise,
lumipad na parang space
ranger sa Space Mountain
kasama si Buzz Lightyear,
at sumabay kay Snow White
at Cinderella sa Main Street
USA parade.
Maaari ding makipagtu-
lungan ang mga manonood
sa super pamilya - ang
The Incredibles - upang
iligtas ang sinumang
nangangailangan.
Bukod sa kasiyahan,
may discount pa na $3
bawat ticket kapag binili ito
kasama ang promo code:
ALCAV.
Mabibili ang mga
tickets online sa www.
ticketmaster.ca o tawagan
ang 416-870-8000, o
puntahan ang Rogers
Center Gate 7.
Ang halaga ng ticket ay
$15, $26, $39, $65 (VIP),
at $90 (rinkside).
Maaari ding makakuha
ng discounted tickets na
may kasamang libreng
Disney On Ice Souvenirs
sa mga Disney on Ice
booths sa mga major malls
at iba pang mga events.
Para sa iba pang
kaalaman tungkol sa
Disney On Ice, bisitahin
ang www.disneyonice.
com o tawagan ang 416-
866-8882. PR
ENTERTAINMENT 35
The stars of Pasko sa Toronto
Pasko sa Toronto producers Francis Rementilla (2nd from left) and Rose
Ami (4th from left) pose with the show’s Manila-based star billers Kim Chiu
(far left), Gerald Anderson and Jed Madela. Ystillo Inc. is the company that
organized and put together the trade and stage presentation. PHOTO: Cour-
tesy of PLANET PHILIPPINES
FV Foods at Pasko sa Toronto
RIGHT PHOTO: FV
Foods’ Melchor Galeon
(left) and Flor Vendiola
(right) strike a pose with
Filipino actor Jericho
Rosales -- dubbed as
one of the sexiest men
in the Philippine en-
tertainment industry --
during a break from the
latter’s performance
at the Ystillo, Inc.-pro-
duced Pasko sa Toronto
at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Nov. 23. LEFT PHOTO: Members
of the service staff of FV Foods are all smiles as they run a booth during the
event. PR/AV COMMUNICATIONS
Reg. # 4533253
919 Ellesmere Road
Suite 107, Scarborough
Ontario M1P 2W7
MANILA - TORONTO - USA - EUROPE
OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD
“Super baba
and halaga ...
Super below
fare talaga.”
“Handang Maglingkod Sa Ating Kababayan”
Tel (416) 751-9588 Fax (416) 751-9133
36 Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008

A
D LIVE-IN

S
HOUSE KEEPER
WANTED.
Call (416) 388-5533
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor
Perez named Ms. Teen GTA ‘09
Rachelle Perez has singing before crowds and
been named Miss Teen from then on, compted in
Greater Toronto (GTA) singing contests.
Area and will represent In April, she was one
the GTA in the Miss Teen of the many Asian singers
Canada Globe pageant who made it to the finals of
in August the Young
2009. A s i a n
Perez, Singing
discovered Idol Com-
during the petition.
Search for S h e
Miss Manila came close
in which to winning
she was a the Do
contestant, You Think
has sought You Can
the support Be A Star
of people competi-
she will be tion hosted
PEREZ
represen- by Filipino
ting. entertain-ment icon
Perez was born on German Moreno.
April 30, 1993 to Marites She also performed
Araneta and Pablo Perez. at the Filipinos Making
She enjoys singing, Waves Festival.
playing basketball and On Oct. 9, she joined
volleyball, and meeting the Golden Voice Singing
people. Contest in Burlington and
At Grade 10 and a won second place.
consistent multi-awarded Rachelle’s community
honor student at the St. involvement includes
Marcellinus Secondary being active in the
School in Mississauga, Canadian Food for
Rachelle loves Math and Children - to benefit less
French. fortunate children in
Her participation in Africa - headed by Dr.
the school choir and in Simone of Mississauga.
stage plays has honed her She is also a volunteer
passion in singing, shown host of a television show
at an early age of three. for Rogers Cable Channel
At ten, she started 606. PR
ENTERTAINMENT 37
Local artists cut Tribute to Christina (Calayca) CD
Twelve Filipino-Canadian artists
have lent their voices to cut A Tribute
to Christina, a musical CD meant to
raise enough funds to help cover costs
of an ongoing private search for missing
Christina Calayca.
The CD contains Jesamine Lim’s
Straight From The Heart, Karen Tan’s
A Day Goes By, Ross de Leon’s Day By
Day, Darius Ciria’s Love, John Alix’s In
Time, Joey Espineda’s In The Summer-
time, Inah Canlapan’s A Falling Star,
Natasha Barcena’s You Came Along, Au-
drey Fabico’s If We Only Believe In Him,
Rolly Reyes’s How Great It Is, Divina
Facunla’s Meant To Be, and Josie de Le-
on’s Pagminsan.
CD producer and promoter Jun Dadi-
vas told the Manila Media Monitor that
the 12 Toronto-based artists “voluntarilly
gave their time and talents for this cause
and I am just overwhelmed for the sup-
port that they have given.”
Dadivas said the CD is scheduled to
be out in the market by Dec. 19.
He added that he needed more spon-
sors “for this fund raisng project to cover
production and promotional expenses.”
Christina, then 20, had been missing
since Aug. 6, 2007.
Police files said Christina was last
seen in the Rainbow Falls Park, some
seven kilometers west of Schrieber, on
the coast of Lake Superior.
Police said Christina had been camp-
ing with a cousin and two friends. They
had spent a night at the park before
Christina went missing.
Previous searches at the park failed to
locate Christina, who was last seen jog-
ging, in a blue hoodie sweatshirt, black
pants and white running shoes.
38
JOSEPH ESTRADA
Luna Mystika makes dazzling debut
GMA Pinoy TV’s newest
fantaserye, Luna Mystika,
dazzled and mesmerized
viewers in the Philippines
when it finished its first
week on top of Philippine
primetime.
Conducted by AGB
Nielsen Philippines among
Mega Manila households,
overnight ratings data
showed that from its debut
on Nov. 17, Luna Mystika
has consistently held on to
the first or second place.
That’s great news for
Heart Evangelista, who
took on her first title role
as a Kapuso star on Luna
Mystika.
The program also marked
Richard G. takes natural disasters
head-on in Full Force Nature
Huge balls of water
gurgling forth from the
earth, furious winds that can
easily sweep away an entire
village, seismic movements
that can change lives – and
the earth itself – in a matter
of seconds.
Indeed, nature at its full
force is both majestic and
terrifying.
Full Force Nature,
the Kapuso Network’s
latest program, informs
and entertains viewers by
bringing them dramatic
short stories about real life
natural disasters.
The 30-minute
program, hosted by
Richard Gutierrez, aims
to awaken viewers about
the devastating impacts of
natural disasters through
impressive footage and
eyewitness accounts.
“Ang focus ko ngayon
ENTERTAINMENT
Ang Mabuhay Para Sa Masa Erap flick on hold
MANILA - The Court
of Appeals (CA) on Nov.
30 upheld an Office of the
President (OP) ruling ask-
ing producers of actor-pres-
ident Joseph Estrada’s bio-
flick Ang Mabuhay Para sa
Masa to meet four condi-
tions before the film could
be publicly shown.
the first time that Heart and
hunky leading man Mark
Anthony Fernandez starred
as an onscreen pair.
Luna Mystika is a home-
grown and original tale full
of enchantment, revelations,
transformations, and the
most potent magic of all -
love.
The brand-new GMA
Pinoy TV show was inspired
by stories of the mythical
creatures called engkantos
and their mystical world
from Philippine folklore.
Heart plays the dual title
roles of Luna, a kind-hearted
girl born with a hideous
face, and her mystical twin
sister Celestina.
ay sa career ko at sa health
ng parents ko,” Richard
said when interviewed
during the taping of the
final episode of his latest hit
show Codename: Asero.
The handsome young
actor’s parents, actor Eddie
Gutierrez and actress-
turned-talent manager
Annabelle Rama, both
recently underwent surgery
one after the other.
Both are also reportedly
recovering well.
After the action-
adventure Asero, Richard
jumps into something close
to his heart.
As an advocate of the
environment, Gutierrez will
revisit, relive, and recount
actual events brought by
natural disasters.
All scenes will be active,
raw, and real.
The host will also
The conditions, which
modified a Movie and Tele-
vision Review and Classi-
fication Board resolution,
were: (1) the bio-film could
be shown on TV only after
Estrada’s case before the
Sandiganbayan have been
resolved with finality; (2)
even before the final resolu-
Mark portrays Dexter --
a blind lad torn between the
love of Luna and Celestina.
Completing the cast are
Dante Rivero as Joaquin
Sagrado, Chanda Romero
as Benita Alejandro, Sheryl
Cruz as Alice Sagrado,
Romnick Sarmienta as
Dominic, Rita Avila as
Diana Sagrado, Gardo
Versoza as Dante, Ariel
Rivera as Simon, Mark
Herras as Kamilo, Luis
Alandy as Andoy, Kris
Bernal as Malou,
Aljur Abrenica as
Libado, Iwa Moto as Donita,
John Lapus as Karya, Beth
Tamayo as Lanie, Pauleen
Luna as Adita, Michelle
impart trivia, eco-friendly
tips, and helpful pointers
on how to survive savage
situations ranging from
stormy weather to disastrous
earthquakes.
For its pilot episode,
Gutierrez will brave a
deadly river in San Miguel,
Bulacan, where he shot
his first primetime hit –
Mulawin.
He will describe his own
experience during the flash
flood and meet face to face
with the locals in the area.
Aside from taping for
Full Force Nature, Richard
is also busy training in
horseback riding and
fencing in preparation for
his next series on GMA.
Also in the works is his
movie with KC Concepcion,
which is reportedly
scheduled for a Valentine’s
day playdate. PR
Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008
tion of the cases against Es- and reflected on the film; undermining the faith and
trada before the Sandigan- and (4) scenes should be confidence of the people in
bayan, the bio film could be balanced by featuring the government and the inclu-
aired provided that sub ju- side or reply of persons de- sion of sub judice matters.
dice matters are deleted; (3) famed in the film. Film producer Publika-
the result of the Supreme The MTRCB disap- sia insisted the film’s airing
Court decision in Estrada proved the bio-film’s show- is protected by the constitu-
v. Arroyo on the legality of ing for carrying libelous tional guarantee of freedom
the transfer of presidential scenes, tending to threaten of speech, of expression and
power should be recognized the stability of the country, of the press.
Madrigal as Anata, Hero
Angeles as Alguwas,
Mosang as Piryang,
Marky Lopez as Efren,
Bearwin Meilly as
Bikodong, Jade Lopez as
Susira,
Paolo Avelino as Johnny,
Prince Stefan as Henry, and
Jace Flores as Lucas.
With exciting story-
telling and topnotch acting,
Luna Mystika promises to
keep its momentum going.
Heart’s statement
during the show’s launch
sums it best, “I’m at the
highest point right now …
everything … all my stars
are aligned when it comes
to my family, my love
life, may career, health …
everything.”
Catch the enticing tale of
Luna Mystika from Monday
to Friday at 7:40 p.m. PST
and 10:40 p.m. EST only on
GMA Pinoy TV. PR
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
BATID
10 11 12
13 14 15
WIKA
16 17 18
19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26
PAHALANG
27 28
1. Inihilig
8. Tawag sa ama 29 30 31 32 33
10. Liha ng prutas
11. Termino ng suweldo 34 35 36
13. Binatid 37 38 39
15. Ayos ng buhok
16. Binago 40 41
17. Tubig
20. H____w, kalanta
22. Pagkakakilanlan PABABA 18. Kiskis
23. Mamumuhunan 1. Buti 19. Hinggil
27. _____ Montessori 2. Palayaw ng babae 21. Atsay
28. Uri ng langis 3. Isaliksik 24. Kulay ng manok
29. Bangkarote 4. Kapalit 25. Ganap na ipatigil
32. Kalinga 5. Patakaran 30. Uri ng alak
34. Sinok ng lasing 6. Simbolo ng Argon 31. Sarado
35. Hindi lapat 7. Marahil 33. Sakit sa balat
37. Luto sa manok 8. Sipol 36. Maybahay
39. Tanong ng naghahanap 9. Hulapi 37. Nota ng musika
40. Gitlapi 12. Peluka 38. __ Solidarida
41. Bihira 14. Kasuotan ng pari (Sagot sa PAHINA 32)
TV ads reach far. www. FinancialProblem.ca
ADVERTISE with with credit cards and bank loans
Too many loans & credit cards?
Paying too much interest?
Afraid to pick up your own phone?
Looking for consolidation?
Please see page 13 for our detailed advertisement
CREDIT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
416-285-8583 416-780-1020
DECEMBER 2008 Manila Media Monitor 39
40 Manila Media Monitor DECEMBER 2008

.
Av e. W
nton nk
Egli ra

F
tle
N

Do
as
Mt. Pleasant
N

to C

n V a l ley
Exit
03
y. 4
Hur

Hw Bloor St. East Bloor St. Danforth Ave.

ont

Eas Castle Frank

t TTC Station

COMPLETE DENTAL CARE

ario

Sher
bour
Square One

Pa r k w
TTC ne
Statio
n
Shopping Centre
S

Sherbourne St.
t.

Jarvis St.

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

PICTURE PERFECT SMILES

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

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

llo
wd
ale
, On
Fairview Dental Centre
tar
io "Patient Care & Treatment Through Teamwork" et
M n
2J rld.
2Z
1 n t alwo
Pho d e
ne :
(416 wd ental@
Dr. Joy Y. Ho

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

Dr. Victoria R. Santiago