tel.514-485-7861 c a l l 5 1 4 - 4 8 5 - 7 8 6 1 www ... · the new filipino catholic mission...

November 2006, Vol. XXIV, No. 11 www.filipinostar.org

PPPP RRRR EEEE PPPP AAAA RRRR EEEE FFFF OOOO RRRR AAAANNNN EEEE WWWW CCCC AAAA RRRR EEEE EEEE RRRR !!!!

EEEE NNNN RRRR OOOO LLLL LLLL AAAA TTTT GGGG IIII LLLL MMMM OOOO RRRR EEEE CCCC OOOO LLLL LLLL EEEE GGGG EEEECCCC AAAA LLLL LLLL 5555 1111 4444 ---- 4444 8888 5555 ---- 7777 8888 6666 1111

Step up and join thetrade professionals.

Become a CITP

Register now at

Gilmore College.

Tel.514-485-7861

Be prepared for the global economy

Jubilant Filipinos acquire own church

After years of waiting,parishioners of Nôtre Dame desPhilippines Catholic Mission ofMontreal finally have a church of their

own and can bid adieu to the problemsthey once had with space, schedulingand use of facilities at Nôtre Dame desNeiges and St. Denis.

As the "maître chez-nous" so tospeak, the church will be able to

See Page 4 Filipino Catholic Mission _

Fely Rosales-Cariño, the only Filipino Canadian who received a TOFA trophy in Washington,D.C., this year sponsored by the FIL-AM Image Magazine., on September 22, 2006

Gilmore International Collegemarks its 17th anniversary

Montreal Community Leader Awarded

By Alvin D. Veloso

The new Filipino Catholic Mission Church - St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 8500 boul. St. Laurent

Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi, Director-General of Gilmore College stands by while Ambassador JoseBrillantes hands out a certificate to a Cambodian student, Somanear Cheam, October 28, 2006.

Story on page 7 by Cristina Pa-ac

Story on 0

ZZZZaaaammmmbbbbooooaaaannnnggggaaaa DDDDeeeellll NNNNoooorrrr tttteeeeTTTToooouuuurrrr iiii ssssmmmm Page 16

C o n t e n t sC o m m u n i t y N e w s . . . . p . 1 0 - 1 1

P h i l i p p i n e C u i s i n e . . . . . p . 1 2

C l a s s i f i e d A d s . . . . . . . p . 1 2

P h o t o G a l l e r y . . . . . p . 1 4 - 1 5

T o u r i s m . . . . . . . . . . . p . 1 6

G l o b a l P e r s p e c t i v e s . . . . p . 1 7

E n t e r t a i n m e n t . . . . . p . 1 8 - 1 9

H e a l t h & S c i e n c e . . . . . p . 2 3

November 20062

www.filipinostar.org

The North American Filipino Star

If ever we find ourselves lamenting our lackof identity, we only have to remember thatthere is one genuine trait that is typicallyFilipino - the “bayanihan” spirit that weunconsciously practice wherever we are. Weare happy to note that the recent move of theFilipino Catholic Mission of Montreal is a goodexample of “bayanihan.” Many Filipino-Canadians gladly came to help in the bigmove on October 21, to its new location on8500 boulevard St. Laurent. There is nodoubt that without the united effort of all thosewho volunteered their time and effort, themove would have not been easy. FatherFrancisco Alvarez is indeed lucky to have somany willing hands to do the repairs andrenovations that must be done in a hurry toprepare St. Thomas the Apostle premises forthe new parishioners.

Bayanihan is quite a popular word that isused as a name like the Bayanihan DanceTroupe. In a sense, it seems synonymous tocharity work and volunteerism. It is quite oftendemonstrated when people move to a newhome or apartment. Friends and neighborshelp out in lifting boxes, furniture, etc. and inloading them into a van or even in their ownvehicles to help someone who cannot affordto pay a professional moving company.Oftentimes, “bayanihan” is also demonstratedin big events like town festivals andcelebrations of national holidays. It seemsthat “bayanihan” is quite a natural part of ourlives as we often just go ahead andspontaneously participate in doing somethingwe know is needed.

Realizing that “bayanihan” is a wonderfultrait of Filipinos, we think that it should havebeen easier for us to be united because itimplies “working together” willingly andenthusiastically. Ironically, it seems that thiswonderful trait is overshadowed by negativeones like “crab mentality” andoverzealousness in politics. There is nothingwrong with politics per se but it becomes adirty game when it is pursued for purelypersonal profit. As far as crab mentality isconcerned, that actually seems to be oftencited as one of the reasons why Filipinos donot do well in business because there is noconcerted effort to patronize fellow Filipinoswho are in business.

All of these complaints are, of course, notfounded on scientific studies of human

behaviour. However, they are often topics ofconversations and indiscriminately used asthe reasons for all kinds of conflicts in thepolitical, social and economic arena.Unfortunately, the more we tell ourselves wesuffer from this malaise, the more it becomesa “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Moreover, It isquite embarassing to hear our fellow citizenssay that we have a “crab mentality” as we areactually condemning ourselves to be sojealous of one another, as if we wish others tofail simply because we know we can notsucceed.

On the other hand, if we turn our attentionto changing that negative self-image ofFilipinos, perhaps, we can convince ourselvesthat we are basically nice people and that wecare about one another. In fact, we hearabout people who have done good deedswithout any publicity - they just help theirfellow citizens without expecting anything inreturn. Take for example, Laila Elumbra whohas received support from many people whoare complete strangers to her, yet, they feelhappy just to have done something for her,like visiting her at the hospital and praying forher recovery.

Lately, it is quite heartening to note that ourcommunity seems to be moving towards arealization that unity and cooperation is theonly way to go. Hence, if our leaders beginto encourage this “bayanihan” spirit, and theybecome models themselves, it shouldgradually transform our self-image and breakour old habits of putting our fellow citizensdown. After all, we should be encouraged bythe example of the FCMM’s members whoexemplified the true “bayanihan” way of life.They worked hard behind the scenes in doingfund raising, doing all kinds of jobs for thebenefit of the FCMM. They should all becongratulated for their hard work. Althoughwe have acquired a church of our own, thework continues for we have to maintain it.Certainly, there are many more challengesthat need to be met and obstacles to behurdled but if we keep on working together,“bayanihan” style, nothing seems impossible.At last, we can say, Filipinos in Montreal,Canada have a reason to be proud and to bejubilant. a

Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi

Name:___________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________

Telephone: Residence:____________ Office: ________________

Enclose a cheque or money order for:

2 years or 24 issues$451 year or 12 issues$28

Sam FerryAst. Editor - News - Tourism

ColumnistsRiza Esmeralda

Lina V. FernandezDr. Victor Gavino

Prof. Isaac GoodineEsther StansfieldAnna May Tappan

Alvin D. VelosoBert Abiera

Founder

Lourdes FabiaEntertainment News

The Noth American Filipino StarSUBSCRIPTION

Opinions, comments of writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that ofthe management of Filcan Publications, Inc.

4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse (5th Floor) Montreal, QC H3W 1X3

Zenaida Ferry KharroubiChief Editor & Publisher

Nida Verginom ButaranMary Joy LizarondoSales Representatives

Tel.: 514-485-7861Enquiries: [email protected]: [email protected]

Divisoria cubaoFilipino Solidarity Cooperative

4711 Van Horne Avenue, Montreal, QC H3W 18

Tel. 514-733-8915• Frozen/Refrigerated

products• Dry Goods• Fruits & Vegetables• Canned Goods, Oil,

Vinegar, Spices• Juice, Soft Drinks,

Snacks• Rice, Cereals, Noodles

• Barong Tagalog• Phone Cards• Health, Beauty and

Home Care Products

• Ladies, Childlren’s Wear

• Souvenirs• Miscellaneous new

items added daily

Tangkilikin ang sariling atin para umunladHelp yourself by supporting your own cooperative.

More choices,competitive prices!

EEDDIITTOORRIIAALLFilipino “bayanihan” spirit shouldtransform our self-image

The Filipino Solidarity Cooperative,popularly known as Divisoria Cubao, has beenin our community since July 2005. It wasfeatured in the Star in August of that year,explaining how it started and its mission.

First of all, it is important to point out thepurpose of establishing a cooperative. It isdesigned to provide services to its members

by being able to procure goods and sell tothem at a price lower than anywhere else.Members can also earn dividends when theCoop makes a profit. They can also getpatronage dividends from their purchases.The Coop is run democratically; each memberhas one vote, regardless of the amount ofshares one owns. There are laws that governcooperatives. Directors are elected for a termof 2 or 3 years. The coop that we have is oneof the most flexible as it allows members to beeither users or workers. It has the capacity tocreate employment in our community andalso to be involved in the selling of popular

merchandise that Filipinos want and need. Attractive deals are now being offered to fullpledged members only. There is a 10-centdiscount per item bought anytime and $1.00off for each 20-kg bag of rice purchased bymembers during weekends. There is also a5% discount given to a member who buys atthe Coop on his or her birthday. Moreover, a

member who buys $35 or more will be givena raffle ticket in the draw for a gift basketevery month. More special discounts will beoffered to members in the near future in orderto attract more memberships and to increasesales. All fully paid members are requestedto bring or send an ID card size photo to theCoop in order to make their ID cards. Tocover the cost of plastic lamination, a modestfee of $3.00 will be charged. This ID card isrequired in order to enjoy the full benefits ofmembership in the Coop. a

Filipino Solidarity Cooperative will startoffering special discounts to members

Photo taken during the general assembly and election of new directors held on October 22, 2006

Hilda T. VelosoCommunity News Editor

Back Pain Is A Modern EpidemicDon’t Be A Victim

November 2006 3The North American Filipino Star


Back pain is a modern epidemic.80% ofthe population will experience disabling lowback pain at least once during their lives. Atthis moment 10% of Canadians are in bedwith back pain, at a yearly cost of up to 50billion dollars in lost work, compensationpayments and medical bills. Back injuryrepresents 30 % of all worker compensationboard claims. Each year, millions of dollarsand millions of hours are lost to industry dueto low back pain. Opting for back surgery costapproximately 50 thousand dollars peroperation. Suffers of back pain pay a personalprice, back pain destroys lives. It limitsactivities and leads to irritability anddepression.

In 1993 the Canadian Governmentcommissioned a study to be done by healtheconomists. The study known as the MagnaReport was done to determine which methodof health care is most cost -effecient,safe andhighest in terms of patient satisfaction. The216 page repor t became a landmarkCanadian study,demonstrating that societymust turn away from traditional therapies ofdrugs or surgery for management of low backpain.

Treatment used by Chiropractors,physiotherapists and medical practitionerswere all examined and compared. A summaryof the findings of the Magna Report ,based onscientifically valid clinical studies shows that :

“Spinal adjustment applied bychiropractors is shown to be more effectivethan alternative treatments for low back pain.”The literature clearly and consistency showsthat major savings from chiropractic

management come from few and lower costsof auxiliary services, much fewerhospitalizations and a higher significantreduction in chronic problems, as well aslevels of duration of disability.”The truth is that in most cases you don’t evenknow that your spine is out of alignment, anda small move ex. bending down or sneezingwill be unbearable .That’s not when theproblem started that’s when the body isasking you for help.

If you are suffering from low back painor pain anywhere in your body, you need notto live with it any longer. You don’t have to bea victim, why limit yourself because of painand hope it goes away? It usually doesn’t itonly gets worst. Chiropractic can add years toyour life and life to those years. You simplymust experience it to truly understand it. !

Call for your appointment today (514-344-6118)

We are offering you a special price foryour initial consultation; normally $210.00will be offered to you at $45.00. ACT NOWthis offer is only valid for two weeks and forthe first 18 callers.

You can call Dr. Goel at DECARIESQUARE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC (located at6900 Decarie Blvd #340, near HumanResources Canada). Dr.Sima Goel

Gilmore Students Christmas PartySunday, December 17, 2006

1:00 to 5:00 PM4950 Queen Mary Penthouse

Call 514-485-7861

In this framegrab released by the Philippine National Police, PNP, former Senator andArmy Col. Gregorio 'Gringo' Honasan, right, is booked by authorities at PNP headquartersin suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines following his capture earlyWednesday, Nov. 15, 2006.

Accused coup plotter Honassan capturedNovember 15, 2006

A former Philippine senator andarmy colonel who was allegedlyamong key plotters of February's failedcoup against President Gloria Arroyohas been arrested.

A veteran of coup attempts in the1980s, Gregorio 'Gringo' Honasan hasbeen on the run since he was chargedover the February plot, whichprompted Arroyo to declare a week-long state of national emergency.

He had evaded a nationwidemanhunt for nine months, forcing

frustrated police chiefs to offer a fivemillion peso (100,000 dollar) bounty onhis head.

Joint army and police intelligenceoperatives spotted Honasan in Manilalate Tuesday and tailed his vehicle tothe exclusive Greenmeadowsresidential enclave near the militaryheadquarters in suburban Quezon city.

"The team arrested him after a briefchase," national police chief DirectorGeneral Oscar Calderon told a newsconference after the capture. In fact,Honasan injured his right foot when he

tried to elude arrest by jumping fromthe second floor, hoping to climb overthe concrete fence of the building.

He was brought to the PNPGeneral Hospital in Camp Crame,where doctors recommended histemporary confinement for treatment ofa "large wound."

Two former colonels and closeassociates of Honasan -- named asJake Malajacan and Felix Turingan,also implicated in the plot -- remain atlarge..

Dozens of opposition activists aswell as military personnel have,however, been charged since Arroyoaccused them in February of plotting tooust her.

An Arroyo official declared thatHonasan's arrest would lead to politicalstability in the nation whose citizens goto the polls in May to choosecongressional leaders.

"The destabilizers' backbone hasbeen broken. We hope they would losetheir steam to further pursue plotsagainst government," Arroyo's chiefaide Eduardo Ermita said.

The 58-year-old charismaticHonasan once described himself asthe Philippines' "resident adviser onfailed coup attempts".

Shortly after he went into hiding,he appeared on public television todeclare he would never surrender andcalled on Arroyo to step down.

Honasan is also linked to a 2003mutiny by some 300 junior officers andmen who took over an upscaleapartment hotel in Manila to demand

Arroyo quit.The rebellion was crushed in less

than a day, the ringleaders arrestedand detained at barracks, althoughHonasan remained free.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalessaid Honasan had sent out surrenderfeelers last month, in exchange for thegovernment dropping charges againsthim. The request was denied.

"Senator Honasan is involved in allcases. In all the coup d'etat attemptshe is involved. His finger prints arealways in every attempt atdestabilization," Gonzales said, addingHonsan would later face court chargedover the plot.

Armed forces spokesmanLieutenant Colonel Bartolome Bacarrosaid Honasan's support from themilitary ranks has dwindled andwarned that troops and police wereworking together to flush theremainder out.

In the 1970s, Honasan was aide-de-camp to defense minister JuanPonce Enrile, the enforcer of thenpresident Ferdinand Marcos's brutalmartial law.

But in 1986, Honasan led a cabalof colonels, backed by Enrile, tofoment popular unrest against thedictator. Marcos discovered the plotand Honasan and Enrile holed up atthe military headquarters and called oncivilians and others for protection.

See HONASSAN page 10

November 20064



F. FARHATLUNETTERIE

10% offFor Students

& SeniorsEye examination on site

5540 Cote des Neiges (cor. St. Kevin) 514-340-01351274 Mount Royal East 514-527-8201

• Guess• Easy-Clip• Versace• and many more

designer rands Bring this ad to get10% discount.

continue as the center of liturgicalcelebrations, devotions, andobservance of Filipino religiouscustoms and traditions. Examples ofthese celebrations are the Sto. NiñoFeast in January, the "Pabasa" andEaster "Salubong" during the HolyWeek, "Flores de Mayo", Pangasinan’s“Our Lady of Manaoag”, Bicol’s “OurLady of Peñafrancia”, Tanay’s “SanIldefonso” in May, and the week-long"simbang gabi", the hallmark of

Filipino celebration of the yuletide.Nôtre Dame des Philippines is thepatroness of the Mission; SanLorenzo Ruiz de Manila, the firstFilipino saint, is the secondary patron.His feast is celebrated in September.

The Filipino Catholic Missionmoved to its new location at 8500Boulevard St. Laurent on October 21,after it had received the nod from Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte and anacceptance of the offer to sell by thewardens of St. Thomas the Apostle. Fr.Serge Laverdure, CssR, their parishpriest, welcomed the takeover byFilipinos. Financing of the sale is beingprovided by the Catholic Archdioceseof Montreal.

The church is beautiful; itspresbytery is spacious for the priest'sresidence, offices and rooms forcatechetical ministry, and otherpastoral ministries but it neededrenovation and repair after years ofdisuse and neglect. Known for theFilipino “bayanihan” spirit, memberscame in droves to do the work and

cleaned the place. Renovations andrepairs are progressing well and arealmost complete.

After its canonical installation onDecember 10, 1989 by the late PaulCardinal Gregoire, the Nôtre Dame desPhilippines Catholic Mission, the firstand only Filipino Mission in NorthAmerica, has grown, becoming a fullyfunctional church and a vibrantcommunity of Filipino Catholics inMetropolitan Montreal.

Two masses are held on Sundaysat 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., novenas

to the Mother of Perpetual Help onWednesdays and to the Sto. Niño onFridays, with masses following bothdevotions at 6:00 p.m. The last Sundayof the month, liturgies are held inPilipino, the national language of thePhilippines, whenever there are nospecial scheduled animations. Itannually performs around 80 to 100baptisms, 15 weddings, 30confirmations, 25 first communionsand funeral services.

The FCMM is blessed withhardworking presbyteral team led byFr. Francisco Alvarez, P.M.E., pastor forthe last 10 years. Fr. Roger Bégin,also a P.M.E., a retired missionary inDavao, looks after Evangelization andBible Discovery. Three Filipino sisters,all Philippine-based, were sent by theircongregations to help in the Mission -Sr. Luz Paderanga, O.P., works as theparish fiscal; Sr. Elizabeth Relacion,M.I.C., in charge of the Legion of Maryand Sr. Mila Gomez, M.I.C., part-timevolunteer for pastoral formator. Jose"Butch" Aracena, the only layman on

the team, serves as the pastoralassistant. He is also the head of theMinistry of Praise which is composedof four different choirs that providebeautiful songs and hymns. Thesegroups are the life and soul of liturgicalcelebrations in the FCMM. Onoccasion, priests of the ForeignMission Society of Quebec, mostlyretired missionaries in Davao,Philippines, attend and help outduring celebrations of big events. Fr.Gérard Loiselle, P.M.E., in particular,has been a valuable help since thestart, performing tasks he is requestedto do. He also replaces the pastorduring his absence.

The FCMM has a team ofAdministrators of six, chaired by thepastor; a pastoral council and a varietyof ministries such as worship, familylife, Legion of Mary, youth,evangelization, catechetical, prayergroups, Knights of Columbus, care ofthe sick, St. Martha’s Club and theKawan ng Panginoon.

The acquisition of St. Thomas theApostle Church is the culmination ofyears of searching, coordinated by theOffice of the Cultural Communitiesinitiated during the time of MonsignorMario Paquette, the Episcopal Vicarthen for cultural communities, who isnow the Secretary General of theCanadian Conference of CatholicBishops in Ottawa.

Côte des Neiges, where mostFilipinos gravitate, was originally thepreferred area for a permanent church,but none was forthcoming. Flexibilitybecame the code word for the searchwhich resulted in the Mission'srelocation to St. Denis after thedeparture from its temporary locationat Nôtre Dame des Neiges.

Hopes were initially high toacquire St. Denis. Monsignor PierreCoté, S.J., whose jurisdiction at thetime included St. Denis, preferred theFilipinos to take over. MonsignorsPierre Blanchard and AndréDesroches had also hoped for thesame, but, at the end, the Fabriqueprevailed. Unfazed by their dwindlingnumbers, the decision was to keep thechurch and wanted the Filipino Missionout. This sudden turn of events createda rupture in the relationship betweenthe two communities and hastened thedeparture of FCMM.

Finally, Divine Providence cameto the aid of the Mission. St. Thomasthe Apostle became available.Monsignor Michel Parent, the presentEpiscopal Vicar for CulturalCommunities and Chancellor of theArchdiocese offered the church afterhe had consulted with Monsignor

Pierre Blanchard who has territorialjurisdiction of the property.

What a day, indeed, to celebratethis milestone event of the acquisitionof St. Thomas the Apostle Church andsay, "This is the day the Lord hasmade; let us be glad and rejoice in it.""Hic est dies quem fecit Dominus;exultemus et laetemur in eo."

To mark this occasion, preparationis underway for a grand celebration tocoincide with the feast of Nôtre Damedes Philippines in December. OnSunday, December 10, at noontime,there will be a Thanksgiving Massmarking the 17th year anniversary ofthe Canonical Installation of theFilipino Mission that will be attendedby church and civic dignitaries,members and guests. A hospitalityreception will follow at the church'ssocial hall to acknowledge the help ofchurch authorities, members,volunteers, sponsors, benefactors andfriends of the Mission.

The dream to bring a Filipinopriest to Montreal and eventually havea church was first broached in theearly 70's when Mr. Veloso, thepresident then of the FAMAS, met Fr.Mario Paquette with a group of officersand members of the Filipinocommunity. Also invited to thatmeeting was the late Fr. Gagne,P.M.E. The maze involved in theprocess, timing and the financialresponsibility required to bring a priestto Montreal put the proposal inabeyance but kept the torch alive forthe fruition of the dream.

Suddenly, in the early '80s, someindividuals caught on the idea, andbypassing proper channels, broughtFr. Carmelo Gosioco, a former Jesuit,to Montreal. The Archdiocese ofMontreal eventually consented to Fr.Gosioco's presence and cooperatedwith the community in the process.

Fr. Mel, the tenacious ex-Jesuit,was determined to establish a FilipinoMission, and "per aspera" throughhardships, finally savored therealization of his initiative "ad astra" tothe star, with the canonical installationof Nôtre Dame des PhilippinesCatholic Mission. True to his Jesuitupbringing, he always attributed hissuccess to the "Greater glory andhonor of God "Ad majorem Deigloriam," or to borrow the Benedictinemotto, "That in all things, God may beglorified." "Ut in omnibus, glorificeturDeus."

The Filipino Catholic Mission ofMontreal is a non-territorial parishwhich technically makes all Filipinos,parishioners of the Mission. All arealways welcome, regardless of

From Page 1 Filipino Catholic Mission

Fr. Francisco Alvarez, PME, pastor of the FCMM church poses with Our Lady of the Philippines.



residence, to participate in theFCMM’s ministries and activities.

The establishment of the Mission,notwithstanding some early setbacks,has brought the best in the Filipino:resilience, tenacity, devotion andloyalty which make up the core of theFilipino identity. Through thick andthin, pioneers and present members ofthe Mission have remained loyal anddeserve praise. They are the unsungheroes and although human praisehas eluded them, they are certainlyprecious in the eyes of God for theirwork and contributions. a

For information, you may contactthe FCMM office at 514-387-5292.

New York / Woodbury 3-Day TourDepature: December 26, 2006

Please contact: Gilmore College4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse, MontrealTelephone: 514-485-7861Associated with Concord Tours & Travel, permit No. 702448

Concord Tours & Travel1071 St. Urbain R 06Tel. 514-876-1680

Enjoy your Christmas break!You have no reason to refuse our offer:• Luxury bus tour• Strong Canadian dollars! It is the best time to travel to the United States ofAmerica• Enjoy the warmth of Disney World, Enjoy Daytona Beach in Florida• Professional tour guide all the way with you.

Orlando Disney World 9-Day Tourvia Baltimore, Washington, & New YorkDepartures: Dec. 26/30/Daytona Beach & Orlando Disney World. Magic Kingdom,Universal Studio, Epcot Center, Sea World

Cost: Quad $488 Triple: $568 Double: $648 Single: $898(Cost covers transportation, hotel & tour guide)Not included: Entrance fee, tour guide tips, meals, and insuranceEntrance fee: over 9 $US260 (child 3-9) US$220Tips: US$4.00/adult, US$2.00/child

Washington, DC, New York,Atlantic City, Philadelphia,Boston, 5-Day Tour

$158(Quad) &

Up

$258(Quad) &

Up

$488 (Quad)& Up

CalendarADVENT and CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Dec, 10, 2006, Sunday 17th anniversary of the canonical installation of the MissionFiesta Mass 11:30 AM No 5:00 PM massSIMBANG GABI Masses will start Dec. 15 - Dec. 23, 7:30 PM

Dec. 24, 2006, Sunday 11:30 AM Mass No 5:00 PM Mass8:00 PM Mass of the LORD’S NATIVITY

Dec. 25, 2006, Monday 12:00 noon – CHRISTMAS DAY MASSNo 5:00 PM mass

Dec. 31, 2006 Sunday 11:30 AM – Mass ; No 5:00 PM mass7:00 PM - New Year’s Eve Thanksgiving Mass

Jan. 1, 2007 Monday 12:00 noon – NEW YEAR’S DAY MASSNo 5:00 PM mass

Jan. 21, 2007 Sunday 11:30 AM - Mass - FEAST OF STO. NINO2:00 PM – SINULOG ‘ 07

Pamaskong Handog 2006Bill Wong Restaurant

7965 Boul. Decarie, MontrealSaturday, December 9, 2006

12 noonSponsored by SAMAHANG

MAKABAYANChairperson: Ms. Elvie Maximo

President: Mr. Benny ParialTel No. 514 737 8645

Apha Phi Omega Alumni Associationof Montreal Inc.

Foundation Day and Christmas PartySaturday, December 16, 2006

6:00 p.m.Bill Wong Restaurant

7965 Boul. Decarie, MontrealPresident: Bro. Romy Valenzuela

Tel No. 514-733-2897

PASKONG PINOYPhil. Folk Art Society of Quebec

Dec. 10, 20061:00-5:00 P.M.

6767 Cote-des-Neiges

2nd Filcan IdolGrand Finals

Sunday, November 18, 20067:00 P.M.

DB Clark TheaterConcordia University

1455 Maisonneuve BlvdContact: Ariel Tan

514-570-3698

8500 Boulevard St. LaurentMontreal, Quebec H2P 2M8

Tel. No. (514) 387-5292

Filipino Catholic Mission of Montreal

Notre-Dame-des-PhilippinesCatholic Mission

November 20066 The North American Filipino Star


Souvenir Program Messages for Gilmore’s 17th Anniversary, October 28, 2006

MESSAGE DU MINISTRE DE L’ÉDUCATION, DU LOISIR ET DU SPORT

Les personnes qui sont rassemblées aujourd’hui à l’occasion de l’anniversaire du CollègeGilmore viennent souligner dix-sept années au service de l’excellence dans le milieu del’éducation.

L’histoire du Collège est synonyme d’évolution et de progrès puisque, de tout temps,l’équipe de dirigeants et d’enseignants qui l’anime au quotidien a eu le souci d’adapter laformation qui y est offerte aux besoins des élèves.

Les diplômés du Collège Gilmore sont donc préparés adéquatement pour relever les défisqui se posent à eux, en ce début de XXIe siècle. Pour cette raison et pour toutes ces annéesd’engagement auprès de la jeunesse, j’adresse à l’équipe du Collège mes plus chaleureusesfélicitations.

JEAN-MARC FOURNIER

Message du Premier Ministre

C’est avec plaisir que je souligne ici le travailexceptionnel du personnel et desadministrateurs du collège Gilmore. Depuis 17ans, ce sont des gens ouverts, unenseignement de qualité et une approchepersonnalisée qui sont la force motrice de cemilieu de vie tourné vers l’avenir, pour desjeunes qui en sont le cour.

Félicitations pour ce 17e anniversaire et bravoaux nouveaux diplômés.

Jean Charest

I am pleased to have this opportunity tounderscore the exceptional work of the staffand administrators of Gilmore College. For 17years now, the driving force of this forward-looking school community is people with anopen perspective, quality instruction, and apersonalized approach for the young peopleat the heart of the establishment.

Congratulations on this 17th anniversary andbravo to the new graduates.

Jean Charest

Le savoir joue un rôle de plus en plus grand dans ledéveloppement de notre ville et l’épanouissement de notrecollectivité. Je profite donc du 17e anniversaire du CollègeGilmore et de la remise annuelle des diplômes aux étudiantes etaux étudiants pour féliciter les professeurs, le personnel del’institution et les parents qui contribuent au progrès de notresociété en favorisant la réussite des jeunes.

Mes meilleurs voux de succès accompagnent les gradués.

________________________________________

Knowledge plays an increasingly important role in thedevelopment of our city and for the growth of our society. Onthe occasion of the 17th anniversary of Gilmore College as wellas the annual issuing of diplomas to students, I would like tocongratulate the professors and staff as well as all the parentswho contribute to the advancement of our society byencouraging our youth to succeed.

I would also like to offer my best wishes of success to all thegraduates.

Le maire de Montréal,

Gérald TremblayMayor of Montréal



“I do not get paid and have nofinancial profits from founding and owning aschool. I would therefore have given up along time ago if not for my strong belief ineducation and commitment to the teachingprofession.”

This was stated by Mrs. Zenaida FerryKharroubi, founder and owner of GilmoreCollege, the only Filipino owned College inQuebec. Gilmore International Collegesuccessfully celebrated its 17th yearanniversary last October 28 at a dinner-danceparty held at Ruby Rouge Restaurant in

downtown Montreal. The event was attendedby approximately 140 people and around 19organizations were represented. She stated ina short speech how glad she was that a lot of

people attended despite of the inclement

weather and despite the fact that otherorganizations held different celebrations inother places that night.

Unknown to Mrs. Kharroubi, the peoplewho attended secretly prepared awards tocommend her exemplary devotion to theeducational and social development of thecommunity by founding her own college,

leading in the formation of the first Filipino-Canadian Scout group in Quebec, in being avolunteer liaison officer for Divisoria CubaoCooperative and for her tireless efforts inediting and publishing a communitynewspaper, the North American Filipino Starnewspaper.

Mrs. Kharroubi was thus greatlysurprised and warmly pleased whencertificates of appreciation and bouquets offlowers were presented to her by four different

organizations namely: Carmelita OngpaucoSideco representing the Management Team of

the Philippine Centre Foundation of GreaterMontreal; Hilda Veloso, Elenita Belgica andRiza Esmeralda representing the PhilippineFolk Art Society of Quebec and KalinanganDance Troupe; Ben Bade and Alex Roblesrepresenting Filipino Solidarity Cooperative;Claro Bermudez, Richard San Miguel, RomeoValenzuela, Scout Volunteers and Parents

representing Laging Handa of Scouts Canada.Tears of joy welled in her eyes when she wasgiven these awards. She was deeply gratefulthat her efforts have not gone unnoticed andwere sincerely appreciated.

The 17th anniversary was therefore not

only a celebration of how the schoolstruggled from its humble beginnings onNovember 1, 1989. It tells a story of how acourageous Filipino leader single-handedlyestablished an international College thatcaters not only to Filipino students but also toother nationals of countries such as Korea,Kenya, Tunisia, Ghana, Japan, Greece,Taiwan, Cambodia, Venezuela, France,Romania, Hungary, Cameroon, Tanzania andof course, from Canada It is also the onlyschool that accommodates the budget andtime of students and provides a personalizedinstruction in all its courses.

Mrs. Kharroubi also takes pride not onlyin having been able to help develop the best inher students but also in having providedfreelance teachers the opportunity to advancein their careers. Some of them did not haveany Canadian experience but after teaching inGilmore College for a year or two, she has

gladly given references to them wheneverthey found the need to move to a biggercollege for advancement.

Although Mrs. Kharroubi planned thepar ty to be a celebration of the 17thanniversary and graduation of her students,her generosity and appreciation to the peopleshe works with never seems to cease. She

gave cer tificates of recognition to thefollowing people for their voluntary work inScouting: Claro Bermudez, RomyValenzuela, Richard San Miguel and NidaButaran (who received her certificate later asshe was unable to come). She expressed her

great appreciation to Dr. Victor Gavino whohas been a volunteer writer in the Filipino Starsince 1998. She donated a $150.00 chequeto the Philippine Center Foundation of GreaterMontreal for the Philippine Community CenterBuilding Fund and hopes that everyorganization will also donate part of theirproceeds whenever they hold parties.

Mrs. Kharroubi also planned to give thefirst “Community Volunteer of the Year”award. Unfortunately, the committee for thesaid volunteer awards composed of EdithFedalizo (chairperson), and three members,Paul Imperial, Dr. Emmie Pelausa and FelyRosales Carino, has not received anynominations yet. For t this reason, thecompetition for the title of “Volunteer of theYear” will be postponed until such time asthere are nominations received, hopefully

Gilmore International College marks its 17th anniversaryBy Cristina Pa-ac

Merly San Pedro poses for souvenir with Mrs. Kharroubi and Ambassador Jose S. Brillantesafter receiving a certificate of proficiency in English.

Lorena Padirayon, one of the graduates in the nursing aid program, poses with her teacher, AmyManon-og, the guest speaker, Ambassador Brillantes, and the Director-General, Zenaida Kharroubi.

Zenaida Kharroubi and Hilda Veloso pose with the teachers, students and their family at this table.

Dr. Victor Gavino receives a handshake and a certificate of appreciation from Zenaida Kharroubi.

See Page 8 GILMORE

Juvy Vales (seated, 2nd from the left), a 1992 Gilmore College alumni, posing with other guestsand community leaders, Emma Resurrecion, Hilda Veloso, Vilma Garque, Merly and her friends.

November 20068



Nida Butaran receives her certificate of appreciation from Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi for hercommitment to Scouting and Youth Development. Nida was not able to come during the 17thAnniversary & Graduation Ceremony of Gilmore Inmternational College

before the next anniverary celebration whichwill probably be held in 2009,

Although Ambassador Jose S. Brillanteswas supposed to be in Geneva for a UNconference, he accepted the invitation to bethe guest speaker and had to make someadjustments to his travel plans. He stated thatGilmore College is very close to his heart. Healso said that Gilmore is one success storythat should make the Filipino community inCanada proud. He extended hiscongratulations to the graduates of thedifferent courses and assisted in handing outtheir certificates. He also reiterated that thePhilippine Embassy in Ottawa is always thereto be called upon for help whenever anyFilipino in Canada needs help.

Mrs. Elenita Belgica emceed thecelebration. Some parts of the program wasshared and coordinated with the Panday TinigChorale Group which coincidentally bookedtheir event at the same place. A danceexhibition was performed by Volvick Edouard,a former Arthur Murray dance instructor and

his student, Svetlana Doudko. Door prizesdonated by students and guests were raffledand the proceeds were given to the LagingHanda Scout Group.

The College will offer soon an intensivetraining program for registered nurses whoare graduates from other countries. Thisprogram is designed to integrate andfamiliarize them with the Canadian healthcare system, particularly in Quebec. Anapplication for accreditation has beensubmitted to the Quebec Ministry ofEducation last September and if approved,the College will be able to offer for the firsttime a college level course in nursing thiscoming school year. The College also offersa variety of other programs and coursesdesigned to meet the needs of a globaleconomy. People interested to learn anddevelop themselves can contact the Collegeat (514)-485-7861. a

The case of Laila Elumbra which began inthe summer of 2005 is now making progress.Lately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada(CIC) has accepted Ms. Elumbra’s applicationfor permanent resident status underHumanitarian and Compassionate (H&C)grounds, under the step one assessment. Shewould still proceed to the step twoassessment to finally gain her permanentresidence status. This is a significant gainbecause she has earned the right of assessingher application for permanent resident statuswhile within Canada. Her order of voluntarydeparture brought about by her being out ofstatus when she was not able to renew herworking permit under the Live-in Care giverProgram has been stayed.

An application for consideration to remainin Canada on H&C grounds is comprised oftwo-step assessment:

During the first-step assessment, theimmigration officer assesses H&C groundsand determines whether a foreign nationalshould be exempted from the selection criteriarelated to becoming a permanent residentfrom within Canada. There is no particularcase to be met to get approval. The applicantdetermines what he/she feels are humanitarianand compassionate reasons for his/herpar ticular circumstances and makessubmissions on these grounds. It requires anopen-minded immigration officer, with astrong sense of natural justice and fairness torender an impartial decision.

During the second-step assessment, MissElumbra must meet certain requirements. Shemust pass the security check, the identitycheck and the medical check. Normally, theNBI clearance will suffice for the securitycheck. Ms. Elumbra has already submitted herNBI clearance. Her valid Philippine passportwill suffice for the identity check.

Her big obstacle is the medical checkbecause she has been ill with a seriousdisease. Under medical check, she has toprove that she would not be a burden to thehealth and social services of Canada. That is,she would not be in and out of the hospitalfrequently and she would not be under socialwelfare while remaining in Canada.

Ms. Elumbra made submissions which

Significant gain made inLaila Elumbra’s case

See Page 11 Laila Elumbra

From Page 7 GILMORE



Alicia Atayde has made a lot of hercustomers happy when she announced theopening of her new beauty salon on 6210Decarie corner of Van Horne in Montrealunder the new name “Ajennat Coiffure.” Shewas greatly missed by those who used to go

to Salon Atayde because she was noted forher great facial massage, artistic make up,and anything else related to making womenlook their best. Now, she is back in business

and she has established her beauty salon ona very strategic location that is close to themain road and accessible by bus as well asby Plamondon Metro which is located a fewblocks away.

On October 21, 2006, she inaugurated her

new salon and invited His Excellency, Jose S.Brillantes, the Philippine Ambassador toCanada, as her guest of honor.

Ajennat Coiffure is very well equippedand attractively furnished. Alicia did not leave

anything to chance - she even installed a footspa which will surely pamper her customers’tired feet. She has also acquired the latest

equipment for facial message - a comfortablereclining bed, steamer, and nice backgroundmusic.

When this writer tried out her servicesfrom “head to toe”, she completely convincedher that she is an expert. Not only does sheprove to be a professional beautician but shealso shows that she loves her work.

The future looks bright for this youngbusinesswoman. In a matter of weeks, shehas already served many customers whocome either by appointment or walk-in. But it

is better to make an appointment by callingher at 514-731-8881. (Please refer to theadvertisement on this page.)Welcome back, Alicia!

By Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi

This photo shows partial inside view of Ajennat Coiffure. Alicia Atayde (3rd from the left)poses with Ambassador Jose Brillantes and other guests durng the inauguration.

His Excellency, Jose S. Brillantes cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the new unisex salon,AJENNAT COIFFURE. Alicia Atayde (on the left, front row), holds the ribbon with her husband,Thomas Lee, who is on the right beside the Ambassador.

Hair

• Cut & Set• Blow Dry• Hair Coloring• Highlights & Streaks• Perm• Hot Oil Treatment• Japanese hair straightening (Yuko system)

Esthetics

• Facial• Eyebrow Shaping• Make-up & Hairdo

for special occasions

Hands & Feet

• Manicure• Pedicure• Foot Spa & Scrub

Body

• Massage• Waxing• Brazilian Waxing

From head to toe - beauty and care.

6210 Decarie BoulevardMontreal, QC H3W 2J9

Gift Certificates available

The best and the mostbeautiful

things in the world cannot be touched. They

must be felt with the heart

Helen Keller


Need Money?Do you have a full time job?If yes, call (514) 344-1499

AND GET CASH NOW!

Good & Bad Credit Acceptedwww.filipinostar.org

CCCCoooommmmmmmmuuuunnnniiiittttyyyy NNNNeeeewwwwssss

Fely Rosales-Carino is known to be apioneer in organizing communityassociations. She held positions in severalcivic associations and was one of thefounding members of the Quebec Associationof Canadian-Filipino Teachers, Inc., Filipino-Canadian Friendship Association of Quebecand served as the first president of bothassociations. Among the positions she heldwere: Secretary, Filipino-CanadianAssociation of West Island (FCAWI), 1984;Director, Philippine Folk Ar t Society ofQuebec, 1985-1986; Vice-Chairman,Philippine Benevolent & Scholarship Society

of Quebec (PBSSQ); President, Federation ofFilipino-Canadian Associations of Quebec(FFCAQ), 1988-1990; Member of AbranianClub of Quebec, Anak Ti Ilocos of Quebec,Filipino Association of Montreal and Suburbs(FAMAS), Canadian Association of PeopleHelping People and Circle of Friendly Filipinosof Quebec.

Fely Rosales Carino has been recognizedfor her many contributions to the community.These include: Appreciation and DedicatedService award from the Protestant SchoolBoard of Chateauguay. In 1999, she was oneof the recipients of the Ten Most OutstandingFilipino Canadians award given by theBinibining Pilipinas of North America, Toronto.

For her outstanding record ofaccomplishments, she had been chosen to bethis year’s TOFA awardee, the only FilipinoCanadian among the 20 Filipino-Americanswho received awards on September 22,2006. The FIL-AM IMAGE magazinehonored Twenty Outstanding FilipinoAmericans ( TOFA ) in the United States andCanada with a gala dinner held at the J.C.Marriott Hotel in Washington DC. There wasalso a reception the night before honoringthem at the Philippine Embassy hosted byAmbassador Willy Gaa who is the currentPhilippine Ambassador to the United States.

Mr. Nonoy Mendoza, Editor andpublisher of the FIL-AM IMAGE magazine andthe Philippine Ambassador to the UnitedStates, Mr. Willy Gaa presented the trophies tothe elite batch of the Circle of Leaders in

recognition of their dynamic leadership andunwavering support of activities enhancing apositive Filipino image in the United States andCanada. The awardees came from all over theUnited States. Montrealers that were there towitness the occasion are Manny and PuritaFausto and their two sons Irwin and Richard,Nenita Saguyod, Hilda and Alvin Veloso, aformer 1998 TOFA awardee.

Regarding what she has accomplished,Fely ranks her position as president of theFederation as the most significant.

“It was a time when delegates from the19 member-associations really participated

and were allowed to vote. Through them, I

heard the voice of the community and wefollowed the constitution,” she said. Heradvice to future community leaders is simpleand straight: “Follow the constitution, thenyou can never go wrong. Attend meetingsand listen to the global mind of thecommunity.”

Some of the previous TOFA awardees are: Leticia Bulotano- Wheeler, Dr. Jake Aranda,Dr. Gene Santander, Alvin Veloso and thePanday Tinig. a

Montreal Community Leaderawarded in Washington, D.C.

TOFA awardees pose for a souvenir photo with the Publisher & Editor of FIL-AM Image Magazine.

Fely Rosales Carino, 2006 TOFA awardee with AlvinVeloso who received the same award in 1998.

The greatest discovery of mygeneration is that human beingscan alter their life by altering their

attitude of mind.

William James

Filipinos trooped onto the streetsto serve as human shields to keepMarcos' forces from crushingHonasan's men. That sparked the"people power" revolt that installedopposition leader Corazon Aquino aspresident.

Honasan, however, would laterturn on Aquino, leading several bloodycoup attempts. He was captured in1987 only to later escape.

In 1989, Honasan and his allieslaunched their deadliest coup attempt,occupying key points in the capital andeven major airbases, and usingcaptured aircraft to bomb thepresidential palace.

Honasan's forces did not retreatuntil US jet fighters buzzed the city.

Honasan was given amnesty and

later won a Senate seat when Aquinostepped down and was replaced byformer police general Fidel Ramos,who was also a key player in the 1986revolt against Marcos.

In a statement, Presidential AdviserCarolina Hernandez said that amongthe key recommendations of theFeliciano Commission was to "enforcethe law against all violators…to controland reverse the culture of impunity(among) erring officers, troops andcivilian partners in coup plots."

Hernandez said she is confidentthat the rule of law and due processwould be strictly observed in dealingwith the pending cases against theformer senator. a

From Page 3 HONASSAN

Gilmore Alumni & Students Christmas Party December 17Call 514-485-7861 for info.


Press Release No. 20-200606 November 2006

Over 1,000% increase fromprevious registration period

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose S.Brillantes today commended the respectiveoverseas absentee voting (OAV) teams of thePhilippine Embassy in Ottawa and thePhilippine Consulates General in Toronto andVancouver for the smooth and successfulconduct of OAV registration in Canada.Registration for overseas Filipinos ended on31 October 2006.

“I congratulate the deputized Comelecrepresentatives at our Philippine consularoffices in Canada not only for ensuring thesanctity of the registration process, but alsofor making registration as convenient aspossible, notwithstanding the constraints thatFilipinos in Canada face in terms of time anddistance from our posts,” AmbassadorBrillantes said.

The Philippine Embassy in Ottawarecorded the highest percentage increaseduring the OAV registration period whichbegan in October 2005, with four hundredeighty two (482) OAV registrants, comparedwith for ty seven (47) in the previousregistration period. The Philippine ConsulateGeneral in Toronto registered a total of onethousand four hundred thirty eight (1,438), a100% rise from seven hundred thirty four(734) during the 2003 registration period,while the Philippine Consulate General inVancouver had eight hundred nineteen (819)registrants at the end of the 2006 registrationperiod, against four hundred twenty two (422)in 2003.

Ambassador Brillantes said these figuresindicate greater involvement and participationamong Filipinos in Canada in future elections.Conservatives Looking atTaxing Dual Citizens

OTTAWA - Nov. 8, 2006 TheConservative Government's decision toconsider the imposition of new taxes onCanadians living outside the country whowant to keep their Canadian passport is short

sighted and will violate existing internationaltax treaties, Liberal Finance Critic JohnMcCallum said today.

"Reversing this longstanding policy andmaking Canadian nationals living overseasvulnerable to double taxation would benothing more than a cash grab," said Mr.McCallum. "It would almost certainly backfireby making Canada a less inviting destinationfor the foreign nationals. Likewise, it wouldimpede Canadians ability to exploreopportunities around the world."

Mr. MacKay recently told a SenateCommittee that the government is consideringimposing a tax on Canadians living abroadunder a second nationality. Such a policywould force Canadians working abroad to payincome tax to both the Government of Canadaand to the government of their country ofresidence.

"There are Canadians all over theworld living with dual citizenship," said Mr.McCallum. "To all of a sudden impose somearbitrary tax on Canadians living abroad wouldviolate tax treaties we have signed withdozens of countries that allow for the freemovement of people and capital."

Mr. McCallum also noted thatimposing an income tax on dual-citizenCanadian nationals living abroad would alsoseriously reduce the country's domestic taxbase by opening up the possibility of foreigndual-nationals in Canada to face doubletaxation in their other country of citizenship.

"This is yet another example of theConservatives hiking taxes while professingthat they are a government of lower taxes,"said Mr. McCallum. "First they raisedCanadians personal income taxes in the 2006budget, and then they announced that theywould begin taxing income trusts, now thepersonal income of Canadians living abroad isin their sights." a

Contact:David HurlOffice of John McCallum(613) 996-3374

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY, OTTAWA REGISTERS482 OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS ASREGISTRATION WRAPPED UP ON 31 OCTOBER

On October 21, the Filipino SolidarityCooperative on 4711 Van Horne Avenuereceived the balance of $10 000 of the firstgrant approved for its start up which totals

$25,000. The first cheque of $10 000 wasalready received in April 2006 while theamount of $5 000 will be issued to pay for theauditing services of Gosselin & Associates,the accounting firm that did the financialstatements of the Cooperative.

The board of directors of CDEC(Corporation de Developpement EconomiqueCommunautaire Code-des-Neigs/Notre-Damede-Grace) has approved another subsidy inthe amount of $40 000 but subject to thecondition of getting a $25 000 loan which theCoop should obtain from another lendinginstitution. The deadline to obtain this loanand qualify for the subsidy is March 31, 2007.

The first business plan submitted was notacceptable and must be revised to meet thecriteria of ACEM and Investissement Québec,lending institutions for cooperatives. Sincethe Coop has already operated, real salesfigures must be provided in this business planto show that it is a good credit risk.

For the next three months, the objectiveis to increase the sales of the Coop but thiswill be difficult if the cash flow is low. Themost immediate source of cash is the

membership. Although there are 590members who signed up, only about 130have fully paid $100. The Coop is sending aletter, appealing to those who have not fulllypaid for their memberships to pay theirbalances in order to build up the cash flowwhich will be used to buy more merchandise.By having more merchandise available, thesales target of about $30 000 monthly may bemet. Members are therefore urged to help bypatronizing the Coop more often.

Mr. Jason Prince, Social Economy Agentof CDEC, is working closely with the Coop.He provides the invaluable service of assistingthe new board of directors in meeting thechallenges of maintaining the viability of theCooperative and in making sure that properprocedures are followed. He hasrecommended that meetings of the board beheld at least monthly to keep everyoneinformed. (See article on page 2 of this issueregarding advantages of membership). a

Filipino Solidarity Cooperative receivesCDEC grant

Ben Bade, president of the Filipino Solidarity Cooperative (left) holds cheque and contractwith Zenaida Kharroubi who helped in doing the liaison work for the Coop. Mr. ClaudeLauzon (right), director of CIDEC, stands by. The cheque for $10 000 is the balanceremaining of the $25 000 start up grant.

are indeed worthy of humanitarian andcompassionate consideration that made theimmigration officer handling her case accepther application. This is made possible througha group of individuals who formed an ad hocsteering committee to under take the“Campaign for Laila Elumbra to Remain inCanada.” The submissions were properlythought of and deliberated on to make itcredible for approval. Marlene BiraoSchachter, the steering committeechairperson, sees to it that the members meeton emergency calls in order to arrive atsubmissions that are concrete and credible.She also sees to it that the necessary fundsfor processing fees and incidental expensesare always available.

Some of the people who providedreferences and support are: Dr. HarveyChang, M.D., FRCPC, Ms. Lois J. Aitkens, Ms.Deserie Lyon Howe, Ms. Judith Kovalski,Mayor Michael Applebaum, CDN/NDGBorough, Rev. John Lyng, Tess Agustin, JoseCalugay, Felix Salazar, and Marlene Birao.

Ms. Elumbra to pass the medical check,she must endeavor to get fully rehabilitated fromthe weakening of her four limbs to show the

designated medical officer, who will examineher in due time, that she is fit to work and couldbe self sufficient. According to Dr. Chang, shecould be fully recovered in a few months byundergoing intensive rehabilitation at theConstance-Lethbridge Rehabilitation Center atN.D.G..

She must prove now that she would notbe perpetually dependent on others. For thisreason, Julie Parado, an active member of thesteering committee, has sought for a volunteerwork for Ms. Elumbra in which she would begiven a stipend for a three-hour work per day ata minimum of three days per week. In order thatMs. Elumbra would be able to meet the FrenchLanguage requirement during the Selection forAcceptance by Quebec, Ms. Parado hasarranged for Ms. Elumbra a slot to get into aFrench Immersion Course during weekends atGilmore International College.

Evelyn Calugay of PINAY and TessTessaluna of the Immigrant Workers” Centerhave engaged Ms. Elumbra for a four-hour aweek volunteer work to further show that she isa productive contributing member of theCanadian society which would add points to heradmissibility to be a landed immigrant under thesecond step assessment. a

From Page 8 Laila Elumbra


Annua\l Gilmore ChristmasParty - December 17, 2006Join us! Call 514-485-7861

November 200612



CCOOUURRSSEESSCentre 2000

Professional Training Institute

• Dental Assistant• Pharmacy Assistant• Nursing Aide• Daycare Provider• Security Agent• French Course (conversation)

Info: Call 514-342-1000

4950 Queen Mary Rd. Suite 351

(Front of Snowdon Metro)

The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads

Specials for December

DRIVING LESSONS* Car available for EXAM* 1 hour practice only $25 (tax incl.)* Many examples of first time success* packages available

MR. KHALIL (514) 965-0903

DRIVING Quebec certified driving instructorwith 11 years experience in givingdriving lessons. Exam car vailable

Toton 514-969-9622

TTUUTTOORRIIAALL LECHONBigD's Lechon, telephone

number (514) 426-9088 or www.bigd-lechon.com.

COMPUTERSADVERTISING

Classified Advertising- cheapest way toadvertise!

Call 514-485-7861Ads must be prepaid. Send text via E-Mail

to: [email protected] Fax: 514-485-3076

9.99 First 3 lines$1.50 per extra line(maximum 4 words a line, fontsize 10

Big Room in an upper duplex, quiet,bright, clean, heated, newly painted,

share duplex with 2 other ladies$300/month, non-smoker

Call 514-485-7861

Philippine Cuisine

• Business Data Base• Repairs & Trouble Shooting• Web Page Design

• Mathematics• French• Physics• Science514-485-7861

Call Joseph - 514-651-9745514-630-9701 ext. 273

Anywhere in CanadaContact Joseph - 514-651-9745

514-489-6968, ext. 113

MOVING

GARAGE FORRENT

ROOM FOR RENT

OOFFFFIICCEE EEQQUUIIPPMMEENNTT

Canon bubble jet, for 3 paper sizes,color, or black and white, office

furniture, etc. Call 514-485-7861

DAY CARE COURSE

Garage, infront of JewishGeneral Hospital, $100/month

Call 514-793-2524

Early childhood education courses toprepare you to work with children’s centers,

day care or your own home day carebusiness. Call : 514-485-7861

PSW (P.A.B.)Get your professional training from a reputable

school, good references,Enroll in nursing aid course starting in Jan. 2007

- flexible schedules and budget payment plan.Call 514-485-7861to register by appointment

Caregiver for a nursing home inLa Salle, live-in, full time, with

references, perm. resident status514-595-5474, 514-773-4007

WANTED

Pizza restaurant on Van HorneAvenue, excellent potential,

attractive location, well-equipped, reasonable priceCall owner at 514-928-6822

BUSINESS FOR SALE

WANTEDGeneral Employees and

Fork Lift DriversPhone 514-570-8429

1.5 kilos red lapu-lapu (grouper)1 tbsp sea salt1 tsp freshly ground pepper1 tbsp fresh calamansi juice30 g leeks, julienned20 g ginger, julienned150 g mayonnaiseGarnish2 hard boiled eggs, whites and yolkschopped separately100 g boiled carrots, finely chopped100 g pickle relish, chopped3 tbsp chopped parsley

Clean and scale the fish and season withsalt, pepper and calamansi juice.Top the fish with leek and ginger and cook ina steamer for 20-25 minutes. Set aside tocool, then chill in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, remove the skin fromthe fish, arrange on a platter, coat evenlywith mayonnaise and garnish with alternatinglayers of egg, carrot, relish and parsley.

Lapu-Lapu en mayonesa (steamed grouperwith mayonnaise)

2 cups granulated sugar1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine6 eggs2 cups milk2 teaspoons vanilla extract3 cup mochiko (sweet rice flour)2 tablespoons baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix sugar and melted butter. Add eggs and mixuntil blended with sugar mixture. Add milk andvanilla. Mix. Add sweet rice flour and bakingpowder. Mix well. Pour into a 9 x 13-inch pan andbake for 35 to 45 minutes.

Bibingka (Sweet Rice Cake)



RESTAURANTLA MAISON NEW KUM MON

66556655 CCoottee ddeess NNeeiiggeess,, MMoonnttrreeaall,,QQCC ((CCoorrnneerr AApppplleettoonn))

Bean Curd Seafood Soup1/2 Crispy ChickenSalt and Pepper Pork LoinStuffed Bean Curd with ShrimpsSauted Seasonal VegetablesSteamed Rice

$37.954 Persons

FREE DELIVERYMinimum order of $10Del iver y hours:11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

551144--773333--66002299551144--773333--11006677For party menu, call Kenny

Fish Maw Seafood SoupBaked Lobster with GingerSeafood with Chinese BroccoliSaltand Pepper Cuttle FishFried Sea Bass FishSteamed Rice

$58.954 Persons

Bean Curd Soup1/2 Crispy ChickenShrimp Cake with Chinese BroccoliSweet and Sour PorkSeafood with Bean Curd in Hot PotSalt and Pepper SquidFried Sea Bass FishSteamed Rice

$63.956 Persons

Fish maw seafood soup2 Baked Lobsters with GingerSeafood with Eggplant

in Hot PotStuffed Bean Curd with ShrimpSeafood with Chinese broccoliFried Sea Bass FishHouse Fried RiceSpecial Fried Noodles

$125.95

10 Persons

5047 Henri Bourassa EstMontréal, QC H1G 2S1Tel.: (514) 322-3133, 322-3130

Earth TalkFrom the Editors of E/The Environmental MagazineDear EarthTalk: Is it true that driving with soft tireswastes energy and results in more pollution?-- Nanci Graham, via e-mail

When tires are not inflated to the pounds persquare inch (PSI) rating recommended bymanufacturers, they are less “round” and requiremore energy to begin moving and to maintainspeed. As such, under-inflated tires do indeedcontribute to pollution and increase fuel costs.

An informal study by students at CarnegieMellon University found that the majority of cars onU.S. roads are operating on tires inflated to only 80percent of capacity. According to the website,fueleconomy.gov, inflating tires to their properpressure can improve mileage by about 3.3percent, whereas leaving them under-inflated canlower mileage by 0.4 percent for every one PSIdrop in pressure of all four tires.

That may not sound like much, but it meansthat the average person who drives 12,000 milesyearly on under-inflated tires uses about 144 extragallons of gas, at a cost of $300-$500 a year. Andeach time one of those gallons of gas is burned, 20pounds of carbon dioxide is added to theatmosphere as the carbons in the gas are releasedand combine with the oxygen in the air. As such,

any vehicle running on soft tires is contributing asmuch as 1.5 extra tons (2,880 pounds) ofgreenhouse gases to the environment annually.

Besides saving fuel and money andminimizing emissions, properly inflated tires aresafer and less likely to fail at high speeds. Under-inflated tires make for longer stopping distancesand will skid longer on wet surfaces. Analysts pointto under-inflated tires as a likely cause of manySUV rollover accidents. Properly inflated tires alsowear more evenly and will last longer accordingly.

Mechanics advise drivers to check their tirepressure monthly, if not more frequently. Thecorrect air pressure for tires that come with newvehicles can be found either in the owner’s manualor inside the driver-side door. Beware, though, thatreplacement tires may carry a different PSI ratingthan the originals that came with the car. Most newreplacement tires display their PSI rating on theirsidewalls.

Also, tire pressure should be checked whentires are cold, as internal pressure increases whenthe car has been on the road for a while, but thendrops when the tires cool back down. It is best tocheck tire pressure before heading out on the roadto avoid inaccurate readings.

As par t of the Transportation RecallEnhancement, Accountability and DocumentationAct of 2000, Congress has mandated thatautomakers install tire pressure monitoringsystems on all new cars, pickups and SUVsbeginning in 2008. To comply with the regulation,automakers will be required to attach tiny sensorsto each wheel that will signal if a tire falls 25percent below its recommended PSI rating. Carmakers will likely spend as much as $70 pervehicle to install these sensors, a cost that will nodoubt be passed along to consumers. However,according to the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration, some 120 lives a year will be savedonce all new vehicles are equipped with suchsystems.

CONTACTS: Carnegie Mellon Today, “SaveGas, Money and the Environment with Properly

Inflated Tires,”www.cmu.edu/cmnews/extra///050921_tire.html;FuelEconomy.gov, “Keeping Your Car in Shape,”www.fueleconomy.org/feg/maintain.shtml.

GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION?Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The EnvironmentalMagazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881;submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: ear [email protected]. Read pastcolumns at:www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.---------------------------------------------------------Dear EarthTalk: What exactly does “not tested onanimals” mean on a product, like a shampoo?Where can I find products that are completely nottested on animals and are also eco-friendly?-- James Masarech, via e-mail

Many consumer products go through precisetesting to make sure they are safe and healthy forpeople and the environment before they are madeavailable in the marketplace. The downside is thatmany of these tests make use of live animals.According to the Humane Society of the UnitedStates (HSUS), safety testing of chemicals andconsumer products accounts for roughly 10 to 20percent of the use of animals in laboratories (orapproximately two to four million animals) in theU.S.

The majority of animals used in product testsare rats and mice, but dogs, cats, sheep,hamsters, guinea pigs and primates are also used.Significantly more animals are used in biomedicaland other kinds of research, but the use of animalsin product testing figures prominently in the animalresearch controversy because it questions the“ethics and humaneness of deliberately poisoninganimals [and] the propriety of harming animals forthe sake of marketing a new cosmetic orhousehold product,” says HSUS.

Governments often mandate that certainproducts, such as drugs, automotive fluids,garden chemicals and food additives, be tested onanimals. In other cases, such as with cosmetics,personal care and household cleaning products,companies voluntarily test on animals to betterunderstand the pros and cons of using certainingredients, to see what effects a given product oringredient will have on living systems--and todemonstrate due diligence should their productsharm someone and a lawsuit be filed.

In response to these widespread practices,advocacy groups like HSUS and People for theEthical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaignvigorously to eliminate or reduce the use ofanimals in product testing, even recommendingboycotts of companies that continue to voluntarilyengage in what they argue is both cruel andunnecessary. This advocacy has been effective, asmore than 500 cosmetic, personal care andhousehold cleaning products manufacturers havevowed to stop testing their products on animals.

In 2003 the European Parliament approved aEurope-wide ban on the use of animals incosmetics testing. Set to go into effect in 2009, theprohibition also mandates that no beauty orhygiene products tested on animals elsewhere besold inside the European Union. Some exemptionsdo exist, however, such as products tested fortoxicity or for their potential effects on humanfertility. Some animal advocacy groups see theseas unacceptable loopholes likely to undermine theban or push back its implementation.

In 1986 an international group of animalprotection organizations that includes HSUSformed the Coalition for Consumer Information onCosmetics (CCIC). The coalition urges cosmeticsand household products manufacturers to sign onto a “Corporate Standard of Compassion forAnimals” policy and agree to not conduct orcommission animal tests or use any ingredient orformulation that is tested on animals. Companiesportray the coalition’s “leaping bunny” logo onproducts as proof of their commitment. CCICpublishes a pocket-sized “cruelty free” shoppingguide which can also be downloaded from itswebsite. CONTACT: CCIC Shopping Guide,www.leapingbunny.org/pdf/ccicguide_full.pdf.GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to:EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O.Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at:www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: @emagazine.com. Read past columns at:www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.EarthTalk Questions and Answers About Our c/o E/The Environmental Magazinenonprofitpublication***28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT06851PHONE: (203) 854-5559/(X106) - FAX:(203) 866-0602 E-mail: [email protected]. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881 U.S.A.

November 200614



The North American Filipino Star Photo Gallery

The view from the altar of St. Thomas the Apostle Church on 8500boulevard St-Laurent, now owned by the Filipino Catholic Missionof Montreal, showing the bright lights.

Claro Bermudez and Richard San Miguel of APO are busy presenting Halloween costumecontestants, November 4, 2006 at St. Kevin’s Church Hall.

The children are proudly showing off their parols after two and half hours’ work. Behind them are some parentsand guests with Riza Esmeralda, president, Janet Samaniego, vice-president of the Phil. Folk Art Society of Que.

Cristina Pa-ac, Anna May Tappan, Mary Joy Lizarondo, andCristeta Pa-ac pose with the unidentified man dressed as anelectrical transformer during the Halloween Party of APO atSt. Kevin’s Church Hall, November 4, 2006.

The Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec officers and members are busypreparing parol decorations to be used by the kids in finishing theirChristmas lanterns (parol), November 5, 2006 .



GGiillmmoorree IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall CCoolllleeggee1177tthh AAnnnniivveerrssaarryy,, OOccttoobbeerr 2288,, 22000066

Hilda Veloso, Riza Esmeralda, and Elenita Belgica representing the Philippine Folk Art Society ofQuebec and Kalinangan Dance Troupe awarded Zenaida F. Kharroubi a plaque of recognition forher work as an educator and community leader.

Some of the community leaders reprsenting different associations pose for a souvenir photo with theAmbassador, Jose S. Brillantes.

The Laging Handa Scout Group 0592 members and their families, pose with the Ambassador afterpresenting their plaque of recognition to Mrs. Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi for her work as administrator.

The “Gilmore Girls” singing “A Whole New World” during their graduation ceremony. From leftare: Juvy Perreiras, Charito Cebu, Josie Aquino, Elizabeth Azuelo, and Lorena Padirayon.

For their commitment to Scouting and youth development, certificates of appreciation were given toClaro Bermudez (left photo) and Richard San Miguel (right photo)

The Filipino Solidarity Cooperative represented by BenBade, president, and Alex Robles, vice-president, giving aplaque of recognition (in Tagalog) to Mrs. Kharroubi.

Romeo Valenzuela being congratulated by Mrs.Kharroubi after presenting him with a certificate ofappreciation for his commitment to Scouting.

Zenaida Kharroubi shares a good laugh withAmbassador Jose Brillantes.

Mrs. Lita Sideco presented a gift of appreciation toZenaida Kharroubi on behalf of the “Foundation”, thePhilippine Centre of Greater Montreal, Inc.

Laging Handa Scouts Group 0592 presenting the plaque of recognition and a bouquet of flowers toGroup Commissioner Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi who was pleasantly surprised by the group’s gesture.

November 200616



Learn Frenchthe fast and easy way

Register now at

Gilmore InternationalCollege

514-485-7861

TOURISMZamboanga Del Norte

Entrance to Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa, or Fort Pilar. The fort withits imposing stonewalls was eventually converted into a shrine. Miraculous powers areattributed to the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patron Saint of Zamboanga City. .

Things to Do and see

This province's major places of interestare Dipolog and Dapitan cities. InDipolog which is about 2 hours by airfrom Manila, you will enjoy the beautyof Dakak where you can discover coralreefs while you scuba dive in incredibleclear waters.

It also boasts of fine white sandand surrounded by exotic flowers andcoconut palms. Dapitan is a historicaland old Spanish town where most ofthe interesting sites are associatedwith the Philippines' national hero,Jose Rizal.

Exotic Zamboanga is the meltingpot of the south. Five tribal groups may

be found in and around Zamboanga.These are: the Badjao, Subanon,Sama, Tausug, and Yakan.

Though the Muslim influence isseen in the architecture, Zamboanga'spopulation is actually 80% Christianwith the remaining 20% mostly Muslim

The more popular attractions in theprovince are: Fort del Pilar; PasonancaPark with its botanical garden, RioHondo and Taluksangay, both villageswhere members of the Samal Tribe livein their huts on stilts. For shopping,visitors must go to Lantaka Hotel . Thenearby sea becomes afloat withMuslim boats with colorful sails called‘vintas’ , filled with handicrafts such asmats, brassware, and handwoven

native cloths. The Sta. Cruz Island, a 25-minute boat-ride away from the city isunique because of its pink coral beachwhile Samal Island is best forswimming and snorkeling.

You can also head inland and gotrekking to the 3003 Steps of LinaboPeak. Found up high at the foot of theheavens, these concrete steps windalong a tunnel of verdant trees, leadingthe visitor to a panoramic vista of sky,plains and sea; horizons and aspectacular view of the twin cities ofDipolog and Dapitan. This is Dipolog'shighest elevation point - 460 metersabove sea level. Savor a rarefiedexperience, at the very least. a

A tropical eden: white sand Dakak Beach

From Orchid City To Shrine City

Treehouse located in Pasonanca Park

Exquisite Yakan weaving

Tradional 'vintas' on the waterfront of the boulevard & sailing on the calm seas

Dubbed as the “Twin-CityProvince,” Zamboanga del Norte hasbeen made famous by the beauty andcharm of the Orchid City of Dipolog andthe historical, rustic quaintness of theShrine City of Dapitan.

Decrying Spanish authority overhis beloved country, Dr. Jose P. Rizal,Philippine National Hero, lived in exilein faraway Dapitan City, then only asleepy town in Mindanao. Here, hespent fruitfully his last four years inexile, from 1892 to 1896, to practicemedicine, pursue scientific studies,keep with his artistic and literaryendeavors, and widen his knowledgeof languages. In Dapitan, Dr. Rizalfound a school and a hospital, andbecame a farmer to prove to the peoplethat farming is as good a profession asmedicine. The original estate of Dr.Rizal in Dapitan has been declared anational shrine.

Zamboanga del Norte today isequally famous for Dakak Beach, theprovince’s foremost natural attraction.The very popular Dakak Beach is mostknown for its beautfiully shaped coveand powdery white sand, and as adiving mecca in Mindanao. Pristineblue waters, excellent dive sites with anabundance of coral reefs, and amagnificent sunset horizoncharacterize this tropical eden. DakakPark and Beach Resort boasts 15hectares of wooded land, a naturalreservoir for native plants and animals,and a 750-meter private white-sandbeach.

Zamboanga del Norte is situated inNorthern Mindanao. It is bounded onthe north and west by the Sulu Sea, onthe east by Misamis Occidental, and onthe south by Zamboanga del Sur. Themain dialect is Cebuano/Visayan.English and Tagalog are also spoken,indicative of a high level of literacy. Theoriginal and native Subanen dialectlives on, especially in the highlands.About half of the province’s land area isdevoted to agriculture. Corn, coconut,and rice are major crops. Commercialfishing is the other main industry.

Fort Pilar

Taluksangay village’s popular mosque



1.99lb

Half or Whole porkCut & Wrapped

2.99lb

Beef Blade steak

1.39lb

Picnic ham(with bone)

lb

Pork loinApproximately 15 lbs

1.89lb

Front quarter of beefApproximately 200 lbs

3.79lb

Boneless leg of ham

8.29lb

Home smoked meat

2.29lb

Pork Spare Ribs 1 litre of freshblood with purchase

1/2 pork

2.99lb 2.99lb

Beef short ribs

4.69lb

4.79lb10 lbs & over

Regular smokedbacon

� Fresh pork blood

� Fresh bacon

� Fresh liver

� Pork skin

Available

83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0

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

203

HavelockJackson Road

SherringtonBarrington

Hemmingford219

219

MaloneModers

Covey Hill Road

Boucherie Viau Inc.

Canada

U. S. A.

ParcSafari

Champlain

Class

SortieExit No.6

202 Lacolle

Napierville

St.Chrysostome St. EdouardSt. Remi

15

Fresh Belly with skin

Hours:Mon.-Tues. Wed. 8 AM-5 PMThursday -Friday 8 AM-9 PMSaturday 8 AM-5 PMClosed on Sundays.

Special Rate for Private arties (max. 60 persons)Business Hours:

Mon. & Tues. - 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.Wed. to Fri. - 12 - 9 p.m

Sat. & Sun. - 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Pearl of Manila was featured in the Montreal Gazette by SarahMusgrave in her column “Casual Restos” and in a restaurant guide“Cheap Thrills” sold at bookstores.

5839 Decarie Boulevard(near Bourret)

Montreal, Quebec

Tel.: 344-3670

Crispy pata available starting Friday and the weekend

19

Fill up your freezer for the winter season.

Regular Buffet $7.99new price effectiveDecember 1, 2006

Starts Fri. 5 to 9 pmSat. & Sun. -

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

1.

We applaud Andrew Cohen forpublishing his observations publishedrecently in the Ottawa Citizen under the title“Canada awakens to the world”. He is theauthor of the book “While Canada Slept: HowWe Lost Our Place in the World” (2004) andin the book he traces how Canada used quietdiplomacy and well focused action planning,backed by firm resolve and commitment tocooperation, to gain the respect of the worldand became a major power among the top192 nations of the United Nations.

Most prominent among the manyCanadians who contributed to the process

was the statesman, politician and diplomat,Lester B. Pearson. He played key roles in: (i)the formation of the Colombo Plan forEconomic Cooperation in 1950; (ii)negotiating the United Nations Peacekeepingmechanism in 1956, for which he wasawarded the Nobel peace prize; (iii) theestablishment of the Canadian InternationalDevelopment Agency in 1967, while he wasPrime Minister; and (iv) setting up and leadingthe Commission on International Developmentin 1968, after he completed his service asPrime Minister.

Pearson accepted an invitation from

GlobalPerspectives

Canada awakens to the worldIsaac T. Goodine

“The good news, though, is that after a calamitous decade of somnolence, Canada is awakening. It isshowing new interest in Parliament, in the Liberal party leadership race, in the streets, on theairwaves, and in the newspapers, where a group of citizens recently took out an ad in the Globe andMail offering a provocative blueprint of principled foreign policy.”

…Andrew Cohen, Professor of Journalism and International Affairs.

the World Bank through its President, RobertS. McNamara, to form a Commission andPearson invited seven colleagues, fromdifferent countries, to join him on theCommission. All were imminent persons andone of them, Sir Arthur Lewis, of Saint Lucia,subsequently won a Nobel Prize in Economicsfor his work in development of human capital.The Commission set up offices in Suite 907,Fuller Building, 75 Albert Street, Ottawa,assembled a staff of fourteen experts invarious fields of development from ninecountries in both the developed anddeveloping worlds, and began work in August1968 and about a year later the Chairmansubmitted the document Par tners inDevelopment: Report of the Commission onInternational Development, to Rober t S.McNamara, President of the World Bank, onSeptember 15, 1969.

Partners in Development stands asa turning point in relations between rich andpoor nations. As sensitive to human problemsas it is knowledgeable about fiscalimplications, the report is relevant to all majorpolicy decisions concerning the manifold,complex, and urgent problems ofdevelopment. It was adopted by the WorldBank and served as guidance for internationaldevelopment efforts by the major internationalfinancial institutions for ensuing decades. Therecommendations on partnership for capacitybuilding led the World Bank to increaseemphasis on education and training and otheragencies followed suit.

In par ticular, the CanadianInternational Development Agency (CIDA)made a significant contribution to theinternational development efforts in severalcountries and this was summarized in adocument called “Sharing Our Future”approved by Parliament in 1987 that affirms,in the introduction, that human resourcedevelopment shall be the lens through officialdevelopment assistance (ODA) shall befocused. Highly successful partnerships wereformed and technology transfer completed bya combination of financial and technicalassistance. About 3000 Canadians workedabroad for an average of three years, or about9,000 staff years of technical assistance,numerous scholarships for study in Canadawere financed by the Colombo Plan, CIDA, theWorld Bank, and by other sponsors of ODA.This worked well, is well documented, and ishighly appreciated in several countries.

And then came the period thatAndrew Cohen calls the calamitous decade ofsomnolence.

Canada withdrew from the ColomboPlan, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, that LesterPearson had helped to create and alsowithdrew from the autonomous Colombo PlanStaff College, based in Manila, that Canadahad helped to establish in 1973 as aSpecialized Agency under the umbrella of theColombo Plan. Withdrawal from the Staff

See Page 25 CANADA

Christmas Special BUFFET- 15 choices w/ Lechon - $7.99 +taxes Sunday, December 3

11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

November 200618



KC Reunites With Gabby

Who Is Regine'sMystery Lover?

Regine Velasquez recently made ashocking revelation that she had beencarrying on a love affair with a non-showbiz guy for the past four yearsnow.

“And this person that I am right nowis making me so happy,” she disclosed.“He’s making my life so colorful.Masarap naman talaga na you havesomebody to share whatever successyou have. To share life with him, di ba?”“Medyo matagal-tagal na rin kami.Magaling lang talaga akong magtagong secret. Kasi nga parang gusto konaman na parang sa akin na lang munaito. I’m sure naman na maiintindihanninyo ako eh. One day, I will definitelyannounce who the guy is,” shecontinued. “Ganun lang naman ‘yon. Atalam ko namang nirerespeto ninyoako.”

Then she added boisterously,“Basta, ang alalahanin na lang ninyo,hindi na virgin ang lola ninyo! Mayexperience na! Hello?” Rumors havelinked her to singer-composer OgieAlcasid but both have denied they werecarrying an affair.

Regine is preparing for anupcoming major concert at the AranetaColiseum, titled Twenty, to mark her 20years in showbiz. a

It's Borgy, Not Imelda,For Mayor of Manila

The latest word from the Marcoscamp is that it’s the grandson, not thegrandma, who’s running for mayor ofManila next year. Ilocos NorteRepresentative Imee Marcos said it’sher son Fernando Martin “Borgy”Manotoc -- and not her mother, formerFirst Lady Imelda Marcos, as earlierannounced – who would seek Manila’smayoralty post in the coming May 2007

polls. Borgy, 23, is the eldest of threesons of Imee and former husbandTommy Manotoc and is the Marcoses’eldest grandchild.

In a press statement, Imeedisclosed that her mother would beBorgy’s campaign manager instead.Imee said her mother has convincedBorgy to seek the post of outgoingMayor Lito Atienza "since he has lots tooffer to the people of Manila,particularly the youth." "Borgy comesfrom Tondo. His dad, sportsmanTommy Manotoc, hails fromGagalangin, Tondo.

Borgy’s grandparents are all fromTondo. Borgy’s lineage and roots areall native residents of Manila," she said.Imee said her mother, who was onceMetro Manila governor, “still has astrong influence and charisma amongthe people in depressed areas inManila." Borgy, a fashion ramp andcommercial model, will be rangedagainst established political names thatinclude Senators Panfilo Lacson andAlfredo Lim, Representatives RodolfoBacani and Joey Hizon, former Rep.Mark Jimenez, Vice Mayor DannyLacuna and Ali Atienza, son of MayorAtienza. a

What had been a staple of highsociety’s rumor mills is now an openbook. Former senator Loren Legardahas finally admitted on national TV thatshe and her husband Tony Leviste hadbeen separated for about two yearsnow. The couple has two sons, who arestaying with their mother.

Appearing recently on KorinaSanchez’s television program on ANC,Korina Today, the 46-year-old losingvice presidential contender in the 2004elections said, “I am a happy, singleparent.” Asked if she would considermarrying again in the future, Lorenreplied, “I don’t think so.” BeforeLeviste, Loren had a short-livedmarriage to a guy surnamed Aranda.Loren’s admission would hopefully putto rest the rumors about the true stateof her second marriage to the formerBatangas governor, who is about 20years her senior. Loren has a pendingelectoral protest against Vice PresidentNoli de Castro. The case could beprejudiced, however, if she runs forsenator in the May 2007 polls, as iswidely expected. a

Loren AdmitsSeparation

KC Pangilinan (formerlyConcepcion) and her real father,Gabby Concepcion, had an emotionalreunion recently in San Francisco after10 years of living apart. KC hadofficially adopted her stepfather’s(Senator Kiko Pangilinan) surname.

“I thought, ‘He’s exactly the way Ipictured him to be.’ I’d known him allalong pala,” KC wrote about her Papain an e-mail to The Philippine DailyInquirer from Paris, where she is ajunior in college. “We ate out [a lot] --Vietnamese and Japanese food. Alsoat Cheesecake Factory, one of myfavorite restaurants in the US. We wentaround San Francisco... We hit thebeach. We couldn’t not do that. Mychildhood memories of him are mostlybeing with him in Anilao, Batangas.Everything I know about the ocean, Ilearned from him. Also, I met all mycousins and saw all my aunts and

uncles (father’s side) again. That wasthe biggest highlight for me,” KC wrote.

She met her dad’s wife,Genevieve. “They don’t have kids yet,but his wife’s really nice. She nevermade me feel like an outsider. I wasinitially apprehensive, but she was thefirst to joke that it’s okay if I decide tostay with them forever! At night, I’d callmy Mama (Sharon Cuneta) and she(Genevieve) didn’t mind even if I usedup her phone cards! We cookedtogether. I’d text my Mama to askabout recipes and the best marinadefor tuna.”

She added, “Just seeing him in theflesh appeased some of the confusionI had. I finally got to ask my Papathings I had wanted out of my system.Now, I have a better understanding ofexactly what happened.” a



2 Pinoy Teams In 'Amazing Race Asia'

I am Not Anorexic – Zsa Zsa

Inamin na ni John Estrada na hiwalayna sila ng kanyang Fil-Canadiangirlfriend na si Vanessa del Bianco.Pero wala daw third party sa kanilangbreak-up. Mutual decision daw nilangdalawa ito ni Vanessa. Nagtagal dinnang limang taon ang kanilangrelasyon. “Mahirap talagang mag-maintain ng long distance relationship,magkalayo ang bansa namin, iba parin ‘yung nasa isang lugar lang kayongdalawa,” ani John. “Alam mo namankung gaano ko kamahal ang taong‘yun. I don’t mind kung malaki anggastos sa pagpunta sa Canada, mahalmo ang tao at gusto mo siyangmakasama, kaya bale wala lang saakin ‘yun,” kuwento pa ni John. Sa isa

pang pahayag ni John, busy daw silani Vanessa kung kaya’t minabuti nilangmag-break. “Si Vanessa kasi, nag-aaral sa Canada. Ako naman, maymga anak ako rito, at the same time,eh, nandito ang career ko. Nagsisimulana ’kong mag-taping ng teleserye saDos. Masakit sa amin, pero kung anoang nararapat, ’yun ang ginawanamin.” At kung saka-sakali daw namay manliligaw kay Vanessa, alamniyang sasabihin sa kanya agad iyonng dalaga. At maging siya ay ganoondin ang kanyang gagawin. Limangbuwan nang hiwalay sina John atVanessa pero hanggang ngayon aykay Vanessa pa rin tumitibok angkanyang puso, sabi ni John. a

Break na sina John at Vanessa

IZsa Zsa Padilla is vehemently denyingreports that she is anorexic. (Anorexiais defined as lack of appetite for food.

Full anorexia nervosa refers to apsychological illness, especially inyoung women, characterized by anobsessive desire to lose weight byrefusing to eat.) The rumors beganwhen people noticed the Divine Diva’s“rapid loss of weight.” But Zsa Zsaexplained that her loss of weight hadbeen due to her hectic schedule. Sherecently finished the soap BituingWalang Ningning, appears on the

Sunday show ASAP, and iscurrentlyshooting Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah,Regal Films’ an entry to the DecemberMetro Manila Film Festival.

Zsa Zsa plays a superwoman inZsa Zsa Zaturnnah. The part, shesays, is physically exhausting, whatwith all the fighting and flying scenes.She said she had to lose weight as thecostume is skimpy. Her shapely bodymust have sparked the rumors thatshe’s anorexic, she said. Anorexic ornot, Zsa Zsa at 40 is a goddess ofbeauty. Just ask Dolphy. a

Former Miss Universe DayanaraTorres returns to the Philippines as postergirl for Beverly Hills 6750, a new surgicalcenter in Makati City specializing in plasticsurgery.

Beverly Hills 6750 medical directorEduardo Santos said that as an imagemodel, Dayanara “provides credibility tothe whole business with her wholesomeimage and professional reputation.”

The Puerto Rican model-actress wasonly 18 when she won the Miss Universetitle in 1993 in Manila. She stayed in thecountry and made movies here until 1998.She was once the girlfriend of AgaMuhlach. Dayanara was married for fouryears to Marc Anthony, a Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter popular for his

salsa music who later married Americanactress-singer Jennifer Lopez. PresidentialChief of Staff Michael Defensor expressedhis optimism about Dayanara’s decision toendorse the country’s booming medicaltourism industry. “We are encouraged byMiss Torres’ decision to endorse a localcompany, and the Philippines as a whole,as a hub of wellness and rejuvenation,”Defensor said. “As an internationalcelebrity, she will help attract interest forthe country. I think she has the credibility topull in the tourists and she has a strongaffinity with Filipinos.” a

There are two teams from thePhilippines entered in the first-everAsian edition of “The Amazing Race.”

One is led by actress Aubrey Milesand the other by publisher ErnieLopez. They are among the 10 coupleswho will compete in for the grand prizeof $100,000. Aubrey Miles is teamedup with her best friend, Jacqueline Yu,who works as a professional model.

"They jokingly associatethemselves with Paris Hilton and NicoleRichie," according to the AXN-Asiawebsite. Ernie Lopez, brother of ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio "Gabby" LopezIII, is paired with wife Jeena. Ernie ishead of ABS-CBN Publishing whichprints Metro Magazine and thePhilippine edition of Maxim. The Lopez

couple has tried a range of sportsincluding diving, hiking, and rock-climbing. These days, the couple playsdifferent sports: Jeena enjoys horse-jumping while Ernie participates inadventure racing and tennis. TheAmazing Race Asia selected from abroad spectrum of people from variousAsian countries since the call forparticipation was made in February. "Itwas a tough process, but after muchdeliberation, a diverse group ofcontestants living in different parts ofAsia, of various backgrounds and lifeexperiences were thrown into the mixto outrun, outsmart and conquer in therace," AXN said. The Amazing RaceAsia will be broadcast exclusively onAXN later in 2006. a

Actress Aubrey Miles

Dayanara Torres Returns to Manila

November 200620



Thousands evacuated as typhoon Chebi leaves PhilippinesNovember 12, 2006

More than 8,000 people wereevacuated from their homes astyphoon Chebi departed from thePhilippines Sunday, moving furtherwest into the South China Sea,authorities said.

The typhoon left two peopleinjured and forced some 8,280 peoplein San Jose City in the northernPhilippines to flee to evacuationcentres due to flooding, the civildefence office said.

Several roads in the northernPhilippines were rendered impassabledue to landslides and swollen riverswith the water in many major damsreaching critical levels due to heavyrains.

However, there were no immediatereports of deaths or people missingafter the typhoon weakened as it cut

across the northern part of the mainPhilippine island of Luzon Saturday.

As of 4:00am Sunday (2000 GMTSaturday), typhoon Chebi, packingmaximum winds of 120 kilometres perhour, was located 120 kilometres westof the town of Iba in Zambalesprovince, moving west at 17 kilometresper hour, the government weatherstation said.

All storm alerts were lowered,except for the first level storm alert inthe westernmost provinces ofPangasinan and Zambales, theweather station said.

The Philippines is still recoveringfrom typhoon Cimaron, the strongestcyclone to hit the country in more than10 years, which left 38 people dead ormissing late last month. a

November 5, 2006Philippine Defense Secretary

Avelino Cruz, one of President GloriaArroyo's most senior aides, resignedsuddenly, the presidential spokesmansaid.

"Secretary Cruz has submitted hisresignation, but President GloriaMacapagal Arroyo is not taking anyaction," presidential spokesmanIgnacio Bunye said in a shortstatement to the press.

The defense departmentconfirmed Cruz submitted a letter ofresignation to Arroyo during a briefmeeting earlier in the day.

Cruz could not be independentlyreached for comment but sources saidhe had told the president hisresignation was "irrevocable".

Cruz, a successful lawyer beforehe joined the cabinet, is presiding overthe modernization of the armed forces,a project with major support fromManila's key ally the United States.

The project is aimed at improvingthe forces' ability to resist communistand Muslim separatist insurgencies.

He is also supervising theprosecution of a number of past andpresent officers, including at least onegeneral, accused of either plotting acoup against Arroyo or of defraudingthe government in military supplycontracts.

Before his appointment asDefence Secretary, Cruz had served asArroy's chief legal counsel fromJanuary 2001 to January 2004.

A close ally of the president, Cruzwas seen by many as a man of highprinciples although reports had beencirculating that some cabinet memberswanted him out of the government.

There has been speculation in thelocal media that Cruz was opposed toArroyo's moves to amend the 1987constitution to scrap the currentpresidential system of government andreplacing it with a parliamentarysystem.

One foreign diplomatic source toldAFP that Cruz was highly regarded andwas one of the more stabilising forceswithin her cabinet.

"The question now is what willhappen to the military reformprogramme?" the source asked. a

Philippines defense secretary quits

Philippine Defense Secretary AvelinoCruz, pictured March 2006

November 17, 2006President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

has vowed to make sure that the Feb.24 coup will be the last power grabattempt against her administration untilher term expires in 2010.

“We must put coup threats in thedustbin of history, and coup plotters injail. The people are tired ofadventurism and seek opportunities tomove up and forward in anatmosphere of political stability,” the

President said in her keynote speechduring yesterday’s 32nd Top LevelManagement Conference of theKapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ngPilipinas held at the Taal Vista Hotel.

Mrs. Arroyo also lauded themembers of the National Police-Criminal Investigation and DetectionGroup and the Intelligence Service ofthe Armed Forces who wereresponsible for arresting formerSenator Gringo Honasan Wednesdaydawn. “I personally commend theoperatives who worked on this case. Ihope that there will be no moredestabilizing our democracy and oureconomy.”

Honasan had been on the run for

the past eight months after he wasimplicated in the Feb. 24 power grabattempt that forced the President toplace the nation under a state ofemergency for a week.

Prior to the aborted coup, therehad been several destabilizationattempts against the President bygroups citing her alleged electionrigging as basis for the change ofgovernment through extra-judicialmeans.

The President quashed the coupthat saw the alliance of disgruntledmilitary and communist rebels at theprice of losing more popularity pointsover Proclamation 1017 that imposed astate of emergency in the country.

“It is time for solidarity and hardwork, and not messing up the lives ofour people,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

But the Palace is not keen on grantingamnesty to Honasan in exchange forthe information he plans to give on hisfellow coup plotters as well as thosewho financed the destabilizationattempts. a

Gloria tells detractors: Forget about power grab

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her address to a television broadcaster'sforum at Tagaytay city, south of Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006.

Advertise now in the North American

Filipino StarCall 514-485-7861



November 6, 2006The Philippines earned an estimated

200 million dollars this year from foreignpatients seeking affordable medicalservices, the health department said.

A quarter million people flew into thecountry this year for cosmetic surgery,eye treatment or get their dentures fixed,said Health Undersecretary Jade delMundo.

It is the first year of governmentefforts to promote the Southeast Asian

nation as a "medical tourism" site,The program seeks to offer the

Philippines as a destination for healthcare and tourism where patients can gofor rest and recreation while recuperating,De Mundo said.

Low prices of health services andtreatment are the main attractions of thePhilippines, she told reporters.

A ceramic denture, for instance, canbe had for about 1,000 dollars, comparedwith 8,000 dollars in the United States,she said.

Del Mundo said the governmentexpected medical tourism turnover to bebetween 300 million and 400 milliondollars next year, out of a global healthcare market valued at some three trilliondollars.

She said the Philippines now rankedjust fifth in the business in Asia, with the

field also dominated by Thailand, India,Malaysia, and Singapore in that order.

Del Mundo said the governmentplanned to ramp up the business byaccrediting more quality hospitals andhealth care facilities and banking onFilipinos' "unique" hospitality in takingcare of patients. a

Medical tourism a shot in the arm for RP

Two staff nurses of the government San Lazaro Hospital in Manila attend to patientsat the adult infectious disease and tropical medicine department in October 2006

November 14, 2006Six countries that are allies of the

Philippines in the fight against the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants havepledged their support to thegovernment's peace efforts and to helpdevelop Mindanao.

These were the pledged made byAmbassadors Kristi Kenney of the UnitedStates of America; Ryuichiro Yamazaki ofJapan; Peter Beckingham of the UnitedKingdom; Peter Sutherland of Canada;David Pine of New Zealand; and TonyHely of Australia during their visit hereand Basilan on Monday.

"These six countries all supportmyriad development projects inMindanao, focusing on education and jobskills training, small businessdevelopment, local governance,improved healthcare, agriculturalsustainability, poverty alleviation, peacebuilding, and counter-terrorism," theysaid in a joint statement.

"They coordinate their efforts withone another and with the national andlocal government of the Philippines," thestatement added.

Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, chief of themilitary's Western Mindanao Command(Wesmincom), briefed them about thesecurity situation in a closed-doormeeting at Camp Don Basilio Navarrothat houses the Wesmincomheadquarters in this city.

Cedo's command covers WesternMindanao that includes autonomousregion's provinces of Basilan, Sulu andTawi-Tawi and Lanao del Norte. At

present, troops are hot on trail for the AbuSayyafs in Sulu hinterlands.

Camp Navarro hosts US soldiers ofthe Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), who are helpingto train, advise, and assist the Philippinemilitary to bring peace and prosperity toconflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

"We are here to know the situation onthe ground," said Japanese AmbassadorYamazaki, whose government haspoured 5,187 support package for peaceand stability in Mindanao.

Japan has sent a development andpolicy expert to Central Mindanao and isnow helping the BangsamoroDevelopment Agency formulate acomprehensive development plan for theconflict-affected areas.

The Japanese development andpolicy expert has joined the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT)that monitors the peace process betweenthe government and Moro IslamicLiberation Front (MILF).

Australian Ambassador Hely said hisgovernment has come up with a programthat will uplift the capacity of thePhilippines' law enforcement agencies inthe fight against local terrorists.

Aside from the US, Japan andAustralia, the other three countries – NewZealand, Canada and United Kingdom –also have their respective programsaimed at helping the government in itspeace building and anti-terroristcampaign. a

6 countries pledge support for RP's peace-building effort



4715 Van Horne (near Plamondon Metro)Tel.: 514-344-9999

$27.99

Bubble tea with a variety of flavors

Internet Café

DR. EMILIA ESPIRITU

CHIRURGIEN DENTISTE / DENTAL SURGEON

PHONE: 54-340-8222 (4077)E-Mail: [email protected]

5790 COTE DES NEIGES RD.SUITE A-024MONTREAL, QUEBECH3S 1Y9

It happens everyday. Somewherein Canada or the U*nited States, a fireor flood destroys homes, valuablesand lifetimes of memories. Or thievessteal the possessions and valuablesthat we thought were safe. It nevercomes at a good time, and we're neverready for it. Many of the victims ofthese personal tragedies lose all theirbelongings and need to start overagain.

However, the real pain of their lossmay not become apparent until theystart dealing with their insurancecompanies and try to collect on thevalue of their lost goods. Trying to relyon your memory to account foreverything after such traumatic eventsis tricky at best, and the insurancecompanies usually require some kindof proof that these items were indeedyours in the first place.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Dollars

The perfect solution: homeinventory on video. Sure, you canmake a written list of your earthlygoods but such documents cannotcapture the detail that video can.

If a picture is worth a thousandwords, then a ten or fifteen-minutevideo of your belongings can be worththe entire replacement value of yourlost items. Having your possessionsvideotaped and then safely storedaway could be your best resourcewhen it comes time to present yourclaim for lost items to your insurancecompany.

The tape can be as simple as a

hand-held, self-narrated walk throughyour home, or as complex as a fullyedited, titled affair with wipes, fadesand special effects. But the insurancecompanies could care less aboutproduction value. It's the content thatthey are after. Clearly understoodnarration and/or titles can do morethan increase production value, theycan help adjusters determine the valueof your pieces. This article will assistyou in using home video to accuratelydocument your possessions in case ofcatastrophic loss.

Keep it Simple

Inventory videos are not familyhistory lessons or nostalgic rompsdown memory lane. An inventory videois a factual record of your valuables. Ifyou narrate this yourselfand there's noreason not to think of yourself in courtin front of a judge. Be direct, brief andtruthful. If you have records of yourpurchases, it's a perfect opportunity totry out your macro or close-up lens onyour camcorder. Hold the shot longenough so the viewer can read thepurchase date, price and productdescription on the document. Shoot alllike items in the same sequence, soyou're not jumping from jewelry toclothes and then back to Nanay'sfavorite necklace. Try to limit the scopeof the tape so you don't lose sight ofyour original purpose to documentyour belongings.

What to Show and Say

If you take a minute and lookaround your house, you'll probably besurprised at how much stuff you have.Do you tape everything? And how doyou choose between things that havereal value and those objects that havepurely sentimental value? Well, here'swhere you become the director.

Choose those items that you woulddeclare on your insurance schedule:furniture, TVs and stereo equipment,satellite dish, karaoeki machines,computers, housewares, art, antiques,and of course, video gear. Also includesports equipment, cars and boats, andthose special collections you mighthave (stamps, coins, LP records, beermugs, etc.) If you work in a homeoffice, make sure you tape items youuse in your work. If you have a homestudio of any kind, whether for art,music or photography, make sure youshow the room and all of its contents.Look in your closets and in the garageand drag out those gems you mayhave forgotten about.

For your voiceover or on-screennarration, clearly state when youbought the item and its cost at the time.Say it in English not in Tagalog or yourdialect. If you've had the item appraisedwithin the last year or two, mention theappraised value, and take somecloseups of the relevant documents orreceipts.

Steady as She GoesA tripod is highly recommended for

home inventory footage. Once youdecide what to shoot, you'll want tomake sure the viewer will have a good,clear look at the object. You don't wantto draw attention to the shot, but thecontent of the shot. If you have yourjewelry out to tape, for example, lay itagainst a black background, and moveor pan the camera slowly over thecollection. Make sure the shot is well lit.Start each section of the videoinventory with a master shot, showingthe entire object or collection, thenshoot individual closeups and detailshots. If you plan to use zooms, makesure they are slow and steady. Onceagain, this is not an art piece, so savethat creative urge for your nextvacation.

Happy Shooting. a

Al AbdonVideo Hollywood Junkies(514) 264-8706

Shoot before disaster strikes!

Break free frompersonal debt Part of series called “Take Charge of YourMoney” from The Philippines FinancialTimes

Debt is one of those things in lifethat can be seen as good or bad. It’sgood when it’s used to invest orpurchase things that give a higherreturn than the cost of borrowing(interest). It can be seen in a bad lightwhen it becomes so big and monstrousthat you can’t seem to handle itanymore.

The truth is, you have control overthe amount of debt you get into. If yourdebts seem enormous and daunting,try these tips to manage your debt andget out of that rut:

1. Keep control of your cash flow andplan ahead. Regularly keep track ofyour expenses and money inflows. Ifyou see that there is a need to get aloan a month from now to fundnecessary expenses, shop around for aloan with the best terms: affordablepayment scheme, low interest, andminimum charges. You can go tobanks, savings and loan associations,or the Social Security System orGovernment Service Insurance Systemfor your loan needs.

2. Avoid making short-term debt a long-term habit. Pay off your short-term debtas soon as possible then be moredisciplined to avoid going intounnecessary debt.

3. Protect your credit history. Pay ontime or even ahead of the due date foryour loan or credit card accounts.When you have a good credit history,banks would lay out the red carpet foryou the next time you apply for a loan.You may get better deals and moreflexible terms.

4. Use debt constructively. Apply for aloan to finance projects or purchasesthat would give you a higher return thanthe cost of borrowing. Examples wouldbe borrowing to finance your ownhome, your own business, or highereducation for you or your children.Also, avoid borrowing to get into high-risk investments. This may be anextreme scenario but you might end upwith just the clothes on your back andstill be faced with the bill to pay off yourloan.

5. Evaluate whether you need to go intodebt or use cash. If you want to buy anew car, for instance, weigh the prosand cons of buying in cash versusgoing into debt. If you calculate the

See BREAK FREE page 24

Advertise in theFilipino Star

Call 514-485-7861



Enterprise Immigration Canada Inc.Enterprise Immigration Canada Inc.4661 Van Horne Avenue, Suite 10,

Montreal, Quebec H3W 1H9Tel.: 514-738-8549 • Fax: 514-738-5631

YOUR SOLUTION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE

Mme M. Gauthier, B.A., MBA, President of the company, is aformer representative of the Minister of Citizenship andImmigration. She will help you solve your problems such as:

• Demand for refugee status and related appeals• Demand for refugee status outside of Canada• Detention reviews• Memorandum for PRAA observations• Memorandum for Humanitarian observations• Appeal on all decisions rendered by foreign

Canadian Embassies• Visa• Sponsorship inside and outside Canada• Independent Immigration• Inscription to provincial programs such as job

offers, investor, entrepreneur, skilled worker• Citizenship application• Job placement (caregivers, nannies)

“No victory is ever won without a struggle.”

WE OFFER CONSULTATION & TRANSLATION SERVICES

AND WE COMPLETE FORMSWE ALSO OFFER COMMISSIONER OF OATHS SERVICES

LIFE INSURANCEINCOME TAX

Dennis Buenviaje Financial ServicesLife Insurance, Car/House Insurance and Mortgage Loans referrals

Loans, RRSP, RESP, Investments, SegFunds, Bookkeeping, Income Tax Corporation/RegisteredCommissioner of Oath

Address: 4781 Van Horne, Suite 208, Montreal, Quebec H3W 1J1Across from the Philippine CenterCall 514-895-4076, off: 514-344-2506, 626-4226Also call: Mila Villaflor tel:744-8508

Rose Zagata tel. 543-8291, 346-3794Glen Magbanua tel.: 731-1859

14th yr serving the Filipino community

Western UnionCongratulations to the Winners of Back to School “2005 of P2,500.00 each

Myrna Recto, Antonio Vargas, Nancy Pagaray, Emmanuel Francisco, Nova GenirMa. Lourdes Alea, Servando Buning, Anatalia Donlia

We gave P60,000 in winnings !Congratulations to the 9 winners of the Back to School 2006 Contest!

Winners are: From Sariling Atin: Dianne Cimafranca & Wenndolyn, CarasuchoFrom Pat Loung Grocery, Excessa Ferrer & Grace Almeda

From DBFS: Eric Pamintuan & Beatriiz de Guzman

Tel. (905) 646-6407Email: [email protected]

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN FLORIDA FORPHILIPPINE REGISTERED NURSES ..... we will be in your area for interviews and information session inFebruary 2007

First, eggs were good for you. Then,eggs were bad for you. Now, eggs may notbe so bad for you after all, and if you lovethem, you may have them anytime. If you areconfused by these winds of change, then youare among a great many. My purpose in thisarticle is to first examine and explain thebackground for our nutritionalrecommendations on dietary fat andcholesterol, and second, why somenutritionists have begun to change theiropinions concerning eggs.

Let me comment on the frustration on thepart of many concerning the manner by whichhealth and nutrition recommendations seemto change and contradict each other sofrequently over time. Our knowledge andunderstanding of nature is continually gettingbetter everyday. This means that long-heldbeliefs will be challenged by new ideas. Manytimes, the old theories hold up to modernscrutiny. However, in some other instances,more accurate data do not fit accepted beliefs.When this happens, we are obliged to re-examine and refine our ideas and come upwith better ones. No better example can begiven but the case with health and nutrition. Ibegin with a history of our understanding ofthe relation between dietary cholesterol toheart disease, a topic that directly relates toegg consumption.

In the 1950s when Dr. Ancel Keys,

working at the University of Minnesota,initiated the so-called “Seven CountriesStudy”, intended to test his hypothesis of aconnection between diet and heart disease.This study demonstrated that blood serumcholesterol is a predictor of deaths due toheart disease. The investigators looked at themedical records of people from sevendifferent countries within the years 1958-1970 and compared it to differentenvironmental, lifestyle and dietary factorswhich formed their living conditions. Theyfound for example that Japanese in theTanushimaru and Ushibuka regions had lowserum cholesterol (ca. 150 mg/dL) and abouta 0.5% death rate due to heart disease. Incontrast, people in East Finland had highserum cholesterol (>270 mg/dL) andshowed about a 7% death rate due to heartdisease. The results from the other countriesfell roughly in-between these two extremes.There are notable exceptions that I will comeback to later.

As a next step, Dr. Keys looked for arelationship between diet and heart disease.Roughly said, he found that in general, a high-fat diet is associated with higher death ratesdue to heart disease. In addition, he foundthat the association was strongest withdietary saturated fat. If blood cholesterol is apredictor of heart disease, and if dietary fatwas also a predictor of heart disease, it islogical to suppose that dietary fat is somehowrelated to blood cholesterol. Thus was bornthe so-called “Keys equation” that still forms

the basis of current nutritionalrecommendations concerning dietary fat andheart disease. In short, the Keys equationpredicted that dietary saturated fat willincrease, while dietary polyunsaturated fat willdecrease blood cholesterol. In addition, theequation also predicted that the morecholesterol you eat, the higher your bloodcholesterol will be.

The impact of the Seven Countries Studyand the Keys equation was enormous,changing in a significant way our dietaryhabits and the practices of the food industry,It also opened a new opportunity for thepharmaceutical industry with respect tocholesterol-controlling drugs. Cholesterolwas bad, dietary fat was bad, dietarysaturated fat was bad. We were told to avoideating foods rich in cholesterol, e.g., eggs; wewere told to avoid eating foods rich in fat; wewere told to use polyunsaturated vegetable oilif we were going to put any fat in our food.Cholesterol-containing animal fat wasverboten: Lard contains cholesterol.Therefore, in response to this new nutritionaltrend, the food industry began to develop andmarket cholesterol-free vegetable oil rich inpolyunsaturates such as corn oil. Thecoconut oil and palm oil markets shranksignificantly. Butter contains cholesterol.Therefore, in response, the food industry,backed by nutritionists, began aggressivelymarketing margarines that were madeexclusively with vegetable oils. The sales ofbutter dropped dramatically. Dietary fat wasbad, because the Keys equation said thatdietary fat was a predictor of heart disease.This is a primary reason for the widespreadpopularity of “fat-free” food products.

However, exceptions and modificationsbegan to surface. Certain sectors of themedical-scientific community began to raiseimportant questions, even question the

validity of the Seven Countries Study and theKeys equation. The debate still continues. Inthe meantime, the public feels tossed backand for th with ever-changing opinionsconcerning the link between nutrition,cholesterol and heart disease.What are these exceptions? I will name a fewand conclude with the original subject of thiscolumn: eggs.

First, it turns out that not allpolyunsaturated fat is the same. To maintaingood health, it is important to keep a balancebetween the omega-6 and the omega-3polyunsaturated fat. The immediate influenceof Dr. Key’s studies was an overemphasis onpolyunsaturated fat. The food industry,backed by nutritionists and doctors at thetime, flooded the market with edible oils thatcontained almost exclusively omega-6. Thiswas in the 1970s to the 80s. We are now onlybeginning to appreciate the negative effects ofsuch a practice

Second, it turns out that it is not healthyto restrict dietary fat to levels that are too low.In reality, when you lower dietary fat, you willalso unconsciously compensate by raisingdietary carbohydrate. We are now beginningto understand that dietary carbohydrate mayactually be more “unhealthy” than dietary fat.Get ready for another change in nutritionaladvice. Perhaps this could be a future topic ofthis column.Third, there are notable exceptions to theSeven Countries Study and its conclusions.For one, the blood serum cholesterol ofpeople living in Crete, Greece (210 mg/dL)falls squarely between that of people in Japanand those in East Finland and yet they havezero deaths due to heart disease within the 10years of study. From this arose the concept ofthe “Mediterranean diet”, perhaps another

Eggs: Good or Bad?

See Page 25 EGGS

November 200624



Noong Ika-walo ng Nobyembre, angkalipunan Ukol sa Pangkalinangang PIlipinona pinamumunuan ni GInang Riza Esmeraldaay muli na namang nagbigay ng kanilangpanahon sa ating mga kabataang Pilipinokung paano ang paggawa ng Parol. Ito ayginanap sa 6767 Cotes-des-neiges mula alauna hanggang ala singko ng hapon. Ito angika-apat na taon nilang pagbibigay ngkanilang kaalaman sa ating mga kabataangPilipino upang kanilang maranasan angkahalagahan ng tunay na Pasko mula sa atingkultura, kahit na sila ay malayo sa atingbansa. Maraming mga kabataan angnagsidalo sa araw na ito, kumpara noongnakalipas na taon labing-anim lamang angnagsidalo ngayon ay apat-naput pito ang mganagsidalo mula tatlong taong gulanghanggang labing-apat na taong gulang. Akingnasilayan ang ating mga kabataang Pilipinohabang kanilang ipinamamalas sa kanilangmga magulang ang kanilang talento atpagiging malikhain sa paglalagay ng mgapalamuti sa kanilang Parol.Aking kinausapang ilan sa mga kabataang nagsidalo, angkaunaunahang nakatapos ay si Matthewlabing-tatlong taong gulang,siya ay sanay nasa paggawa ng Parol ,lubos na nasiyahan ngmatapos na niya ang kanyang Parol. Mayroonding mga kabataan na baguhan lamang sa

paggawa ng Parol ito ay si Maureen,labing-apat na taong gulang, nilagyan niya ng MadSoul ang kanyang Parol,ayon sa kanya ito angpangalang tawag sa kanya ng kanyang mgakaibigan.Si Cristina labing-isang taong gulang, ang kulay ng kanyang Parol ay berde atnilagyan din niya ng mga palamuti siya rin aynasisiyahan habang kanyang ginagawa angkanyang Parol. Nakausap ko din ang isa samga magulang na nagsidalo na si Ginang Lenat siya ay nasiyahan sapagkat naranasan ngkanyang mga anak kung paano ang paggawang Parol at naipakita nila ang kahalagahan ngtunay ng Pasko bilang isang Pilipino. Maywalong mga kabataan ang naghandog ngkanilang Parol at ito ay inilagay ngTagapangasiwa ng Aklatan na si GinangJustine Lamourouex sa pangkat ng mga Aklatna Pilipino na matatagpuan sa ikalawangpalapag sa 6767 Cotes-des-Neiges makikitaninyo ang mga Parol na ginawa nila Ilyssa,Maureen,Katherine,kyle,Mathew,Remy,Inaanyayahan kayo ng grupong ito namagsidalo sa Paskong Pinoy na gaganapin saika sampu ng Disyembre.linggo mula ala unahanggang alas singko ng hapon.Inaanyayahan din nila ang mga may sapat nagulang kung mayroon kayong talento sapaggawa ng Parol maari din kayong dumaloat ipakita ang inyong mga likhang Parol.

Ika dalawamput-walo ng Oktubre, angkolehiyo ng Gilmore ay nagdiwang ng Ika-labimpitong anibersaryo na pinamamahalaanng kagalang-galang na si Ginang ZenaidaKharoubi. Maraming mga tao ang nagsidalosa araw na ito upang tunghayan angpagdiriwang na ito. kabilang na angEmbahador ng Pilipinas na si Ginoong JoseBrillantes, ang pangulo ng kalipunan ukol saPangkalinangang Pilipino na si Ginang RizaEsmeralda, ang mga estudyante nanagsipagtapos sa kanilang kurso,mga taongnagmamahal kay Ginang Zenaida Kharoubi,isa na dito ang mga tagatuklas na LAGINGHANDA. Binigyan namin siya ng parangal s

araw na ito. Taos puso namin siyangpinasalamatan sa kanyang walang sawangpagtulong sa ating mga kabataang tagatuklasna LAGING HANDA, at higit sa lahat sapagbibigay niya ng kanyang panahon upanglumago ang grupong ito. Sa araw na itokanyang pinatunayan ang kanyangpagpapahalaga sa mga kabataang ito, siya aynagbigay ng paripa, at ang mga salapi nanalikom ay kanyang inihandog sa grupong ito,

nagbigay din siya ng mga handog sa mgapanauhing nanalo. Kanya ding binigyan ngpagpapahalaga ang mga nagboluntaryo sagrupong ito sa nakalipas na tatlong taonnilang pagbibigay ng kanilang panahon sa

ating mga kabataang tagatuklas na LAGINGHANDA . Ito ay pinamumunuan ni GinoongClaro Bermudes, Ginoong Romy........... atGinoong Richard.......... Kung gusto ninyongmaging kabilang sa aming grupo atmagkaroon ng bagong kaalaman kung paanomaging isang tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA,kayo ay inaanyayahan namin,kung mayroonkayong mga katanungan maari kayongtumawag o mag-iwan ng mensahe sanumerong ito 514-485-7861. Narito po angmga larawan ng mga tagatuklas na LAGINGHANDA.

Ika dalawamput-walo ng Oktubre, angkolehiyo ng Gilmore ay nagdiwang ng Ika-labimpitong anibersaryo na pinamamahalaanng kagalang-galang na si Ginang ZenaidaKharoubi. Maraming mga tao ang nagsidalosa araw na ito upang tunghayan angpagdiriwang na ito. kabilang na angEmbahador ng Pilipinas na si Ginoong JoseBrillantes, ang pangulo ng kalipunan ukol saPangkalinangang Pilipino na si Ginang RizaEsmeralda, ang mga estudyante nanagsipagtapos sa kanilang kurso,mga taongnagmamahal kay Ginang Zenaida Kharoubi,isa na dito ang mga tagatuklas na LAGING

HANDA. Binigyan namin siya ng parangal saaraw na ito. Taos puso namin siyangpinasalamatan sa kanyang walang sawangpagtulong sa ating mga kabataang tagatuklasna LAGING HANDA, at higit sa lahat sapagbibigay niya ng kanyang panahon upanglumago ang grupong ito. Sa araw na itokanyang pinatunayan ang kanyangpagpapahalaga sa mga kabataang ito, siya aynagbigay ng paripa, at ang mga salapi na

nalikom ay kanyang inihandog sa grupong ito,nagbigay din siya ng mga handog sa mgapanauhing nanalo. Kanya ding binigyan ngpagpapahalaga ang mga nagboluntaryo sagrupong ito sa nakalipas na tatlong taon

nilang pagbibigay ng kanilang panahon saating mga kabataang tagatuklas na LAGINGHANDA. Ito ay pinamumunuan ni GinoongClaro Bermudes, Ginoong Romy Valenzuela ,Ginoong Richard San Miguel, at Ginang NidaButaran. Kung gusto ninyong magingkabilang sa aming grupo at magkaroon ngbagong kaalaman kung paano maging isangtagatuklas na LAGING HANDA, kayo ayinaanyayahan namin,kung mayroon kayongmga katanungan maari kayong tumawag omag-iwan ng mensahe sa numerong ito 514-485-7861. Narito po ang mga larawan ngmga tagatuklas na LAGING HANDA. a

Paskong Pinoy Ika-17 taonganibersaryo ngKolehiyo Gilmore

Mag-Tagalog tayoni Anna May Tappan

total amortization (including interest)for the whole period (three years ormore, according to your loan paymentperiod), you might be shocked at thefigure. You might be better off buying agood secondhand car in cash, orholding off buying a car at all until yourincome gets better.

6. Ask if you really need it. Ads for“good deals” on consumer goods, carsor vacation houses may be veryenticing. After all, the financing schemeoffered may sound reasonable at firstglance. But avoid impulse buying. Askyourself first if you really need to buyanother TV set, car or vacation home,and if you have the funds to pay it offshould you get a loan.

7. Tighten your belt. Not only do youneed to avoid impulse buying, youneed to avoid unnecessary expensesas well. Examples would be taxi fareswhen you could take the MRT orcarpool, gourmet coffee every daywhen you could brew your own coffeein the office or at home. The amountthat you can save can be used to payoff your loan – or at least a chunk of it.

8. Grow your income. Look for a sidelineyou could get into, or other similaropportunities to increase your income.Then use the additional income fordebt payments, not for splurging.

Paying off a debt or debts shouldbe just one of your financial goals.There are other goals you should aimfor, such as building a nest egg forretirement, ensuring your family’s well-being after your death, and so on. Lookat the long term and plan to build yourwealth accordingly to meet your goalsand ensure your family’s financialfuture.

Did you know……that borrowing for the long term ischeaper than borrowing for the shortterm? Interest rates for housing loansmay thus come cheaper than short-term personal loans or credit card debt.This is why the book The CitibankGuide to Building Personal Wealthadvises readers “not to use short termloans to pay for long term purchases;not only is this very expensive, but youcould have difficulty in paying off theshort-term loan or refinancing it when itbecomes due.” a

From Page 22 BREAK FREE

Habang kumakanta ng pambansang awit ang Panay Tinig, ang mga Scouts ay sumasaludo.

Nag-aalok ng paripa ang mga Scouts sa mga bisita. Narito ang larawan ng mga bisitangbumibili kina Kevin at Mathew.

Ipinagpaparangalan ni Ezra Raquepo angparol na ginawa niya.



topic for a future article. We should alsomention the so-called “French Paradox”,paradoxical only with respect to the SevenCountries Study and the Keys equation. InFrance, deaths due to heart disease are 3-times less than that in the US, despite the factthe French eat much more saturated fat andanimal fat (butter, cheese, pork) than theirAmerican counterparts. Some have proposedthat red wine makes the difference, but again,this is for a future column.Perhaps the most intriguing development is afollow-up study on the people ofTanushimaru, Japan, one of the populations inthe Seven Countries Study. The work waspublished in the Journal of Epidemiology,2005. Over the years, the dietary habits of thepeople of Tanushimaru changed dramatically,e.g., fat intake is now 4-times higher and theirserum cholesterol increased by about 50mg/dL. Yet, deaths due to heart diseaseremain low as ever, despite the Westernizationof their diets.

The evidence remains strong that “badcholesterol” in the blood is a good predictor ofheart disease. However, the evidence is notso strong that dietary cholesterol has anyinfluence on bad cholesterol or on heartdisease. This brings us finally to the subjectof eggs.

Ever since the Seven Countries Study andthe Keys equation, eggs have been malignedas the symbol of a bad diet rich in cholesteroland fat. However, in 1999, the Journal of theAmerican Medical Association published astudy led by Dr. FB Hu of Harvard involvingabout 120,000 participants, showing thateating 1 egg/day does not increase the risk ofheart disease or stroke in healthy men orwomen. In diabetics, on the other hand, 1egg/day versus no eggs at all is associatedwith an increased risk of heart disease.Subsequently, several other studies on humansubjects published in reputable journals havecome up with the same general conclusions,that eating eggs at even more than 1/day doesnot necessarily increase the incidence of

heart disease. Most recently, a team led byDr. CM Greene from the University ofConnecticut reported in April this year at theExperimental Biology Meeting in SanFrancisco, that people are generally able tohandle dietary cholesterol from eggs in such away that it does not increase the risk for heartdisease. Dr. Greene was quick to add that herteam observed that certain people are so-called “hyper-responders”, that is, their bloodcholesterol spikes up in response to dietarycholesterol. However, Dr. Greene goes on tosay that the cholesterol spike is accounted forby forms of cholesterol that do not increasethe risk of heart disease. Finally, the mostintriguing so far is that there is some evidencethat increased consumption may even beprotective against heart disease.

There is yet no final word on this debate..The official nutritional recommendations stilladvice against eating too many eggs, limitingintake to not more than 3-4 egg yolks perweek. Your doctor or nutritionist will probablystill advise you, if you have high bloodcholesterol, to avoid eggs or egg products.These restrictions are based solely on theclassic model that dietary cholesterolincreases blood cholesterol which in turnpredisposes an individual to heart disease. Incontrast, eggs are an inexpensive source ofhigh-quality protein. In fact, egg yolk proteinis considered to be the standard by which allother proteins are judged. Egg yolks are richin biologically-active omega-3polyunsaturated fatty acids, the kind that isrequired for the proper development of thenervous system of a young child.

Perhaps soon the scientific-medicalcommunity will come up with a morereasoned recommendation concerning eggsand dietary fat in general. The best advice stillremains true: get off your busy schedule andtake time to prepare and eat a wide variety offoods. a

From page 23 Eggs

From Page 17 CANADA

College was precipitous, notwithstanding thefact that I had only recently been appointedby the Board of Governors as the Directorand the first Canadian to serve in thatcapacity.

That was the beginning of thecalamitous decade of somnolence as otherevents followed in rapid succession. Canadathen closed the Canada -ASEAN Centre inSingapore, ceased its support for the SouthEast Asia Ministers of EducationOrganization (SEAMEO), and wound up thedecentralized operations of CIDA in Manila,Zimbabwe, Singapore, and Barbados andthen curtailed the long-standing CanadianTraining Awards Program (CTAP) and otherODA to the member countries of theOrganization of Eastern Caribbean States(OECS). Trade with the United States hasbeen the preoccupation of Canada andCanadians so the hiatus has lasted untilrecently.sssss

In the past few months I have beenreferring, in this column, to encouraging signsthat Canadians were serious about wanting toreengage the world. Now, the important newsignals show that the Government also isawakening to the opportunities.

Here are some of the indicators that havebeen mentioned in previous issues ofthiscolumn: *I participated in a symposiumon ASEAN held at Carlton University in 2004,followed by a well attended conference inToronto, in 2005, designed to return ASEAN tothe radar screen of Canadians.

*I par ticipated in the first “annual”conference of the Canada –Hong KongBusiness Council, held in Ottawa, in 2005,and found that the 250,000 holders ofCanadian Passports now living in Hong Kongare anxious to strengthen cultural andeconomic links and the use Hong Kong as astepping stone to China.*Several meetings the Ottawa-basedCanada-Philippines Business Councildesigned to generate two-way trade links andexchange trade missions. * A Canadian trademission to the Asian Development Bank, inSeptember 2006, a first-time event for mostof the participants. * A PEMD (Program forExpor t Marketing Development) to EastAfrica, by members of the Association ofCanadian Community Colleges, in 2004.* The formation, last year, of the InternationalEducators Association of Canada. * Last month’s report that the “newCanadian Government” has engaged theAssociation of Canadian CommunityColleges to implement the CanadianImmigration Integration Project that willinclude field offices in the hilippines, Chinaand India.

Most recently, former Prime Minister,Paul Martin, has been named as Co-chairman of a Commission to review themandate of the African Development Bankmake recommendations on strengthening itscapacity. (It is never too late to do somethinguseful with your life, even if you are no LesterB. Pearson!)

DRIVELINES DRIVING SCHOOL5497 A Victoria, Suite 104, Montreal, Metro Côte-Ste-CatherineTel: (514) 344-0085, (514) 816-6124, web: www.drivelines.ca

NEW BRANCH OPENING SPECIALS

* 12 hours for $ 232, 6 hours $132, 4 Hours $ 100 and 2 Hours $ 55* Theory + 12 Hours Practical for $ 264, including free CD and Car for exam* Great discounts on collective registration, further rebates for students* Day-evening-weekend sessions at flexible hours * Monitors certified by Quebec Safety League available to teach nervous drivers * S.A.A.Q examination and pick n’ drop services Registration: Monday to Friday: 5-7 PM or by appointment

November 16, 2006Two doctors were sentenced

Thursday to four years in prison forforcing a woman from the Philippinesto be a maid in their home for 19 years.

Jefferson N. Calimlim, 62, and hiswife, Elnora, 61, each were sentencedin federal court on felony counts ofharboring an illegal immigrant forfinancial gain, conspiracy, forced laborand attempted forced labor.

Their adult son, Jefferson M.Calimlim, 31, was sentenced to threeyears of probation and fined $5,000 ona count of harboring an illegalimmigrant.

Prosecutors said the Calimlimskept the maid, Irma Martinez, as avirtual prisoner in their 8,600-square-foot home by convincing her if shedidn't work the long hours theydemanded for minimal wages, shewould be deported.

The defense argued that theCalimlims kept Martinez hidden in theirhome for her own protection. Martinezagreed to the working conditionsbecause her situation here was betterthan the life she would have had in the

Philippines.Martinez told U.S. District Judge

Rudolph T. Randa that her time with theCalimlims has been a "sweetnightmare."

"I'm not mad," she said. "I'mscared. I'm very scared. I'm sorry. Ididn't do any of this. The truth cameout, but it did not come from me."

Prosecutors had recommended 71months in prison. Randa disagreed,but said a prison term was necessarybecause to uphold the ideals ofcoming to the United States.

"Anybody coming here has got firstand foremost what this country isfounded on, and that is liberty," he said."Freedom to do what you want to do,be what you want to be within theconfines of the law."

Randa said the Caimlims mustreport to prison within 60 days. Hehasn't yet decided on a restitutionamount owed to Martinez, but thegovernment has asked that she bepaid $704,635 in back wages forworking at least 15 hours a day, sevendays a week. a

November 14, 2006Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on

Monday said the victory of 2006 WorldPool Champion Ronato Alcano Sundaynight "serves as an inspiration" for allFilipinos to "work hard in achieving ourdreams for the greater good of thenation."

Arroyo, who led Filipinos incongratulating Alcano for his victoryover Germany's Ralf Souquet, said theevent showcased both the Filipino'smastery of billiards and "the fact thatwe never run out of champions ofexcellence in all fields."

Wisconsin pair sentenced in forced maid case

Arroyo hails Filipino cue artist's victory in world pool tilt

New World Pool Champion Philippines' RonatoAlcano kisses his trophy, Sunday Nov 16 2006

The compassion and affection we show to all creatures is a measure of our

spiritual health.Dalai Lama

November 200626



AAAAUUUUTTTTOOOO EEEECCCCOOOOLLLLEEEECCCCOOOOOOOOLLLL

DDDDRRRRIIIIVVVVIIIINNNNGGGG SSSSCCCCHHHHOOOOOOOOLLLL

7370 Cote St. Luc Suite 118Montreal, Quebec H4W 1P9

Tel.: 514-509-9390 Fax: 514-509-9389

SPECIAL OFFER12 COURSES $240, CD + Book

Free Pick Up from the Metro:

Also included:Car for exam

Call Paul François 514-509-9390

• Vendome • Villa Maria• Cote Ste-Catherine• Cote des Neiges• Plamondon

AMPYRE CAPITAL CORPORATIONWill help you realize your dream

Pls. Call (514) 244-8717 (514) 227-2223 OfficeCharlie A. Hael (Consultant) FSA

www.ampyrecapital.com

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT

MANIGONG BAGONG TAON

MORTGAGE LOAN GUARANTEED APPROVAL 100%

1. Credit and Income Problems2. No Credit History3. Leverage Financing and Equity Line of

Credit (re-mortgage)4. 100% Financing Available on :

a. Bungalowsb. Duplexesc. Triplexesd. Fourplexes

November 15, 2006Money sent home by Filipinos

working abroad rose nearly 8 percentin September from a year ago, easingafter four months of double digitgrowth but keeping the Philippines ontrack for a record year for remittances.

The central bank said onWednesday that Filipinos sent back$1.014 billion through official channelsin September, taking the total for thefirst nine months to $9.11 billion, a 14.4percent increase over the same year-earlier period.

The central bank is monitoring theinflows for any inflationary impact afterthe Philippines' money supply grew inSeptember 14.5 percent from a yearearlier, the fastest pace in a year andabove the authority's preferred 13percent rate.

Remittances drive consumerspending and have triggered a realestate boom as more higher-paidprofessionals seek work overseas,augmenting the traditional mix ofmaids, nurses, entertainers and sailors.

Preliminary data from thePhilippine Overseas EmploymentAdministration showed that thenumber of Filipinos working abroadbetween January and September rose8 percent to 86,307 from the sameperiod of 2005.

Due to poverty and lack ofopportunities, around 10 percent of thePhilippines' 86 million people workoverseas.

The number of land-based workers

increased by 18.8 percent to 70,847,more than compensating for thedecline in deployment of sea-basedworkers contracted by 24.4 percent to15,460.

Remittances help keep theeconomy afloat, but analysts havewarned that the Philippines will suffer inthe long term from an exodus of itsbrightest and best workers. The healthsector has already been hit by doctorsleaving for higher paid jobs as nurses.

The central bank said remittancessent through banks were expected toreach $11.87 billion this year, beatinglast year's record of $10.7 billion --equivalent to about 10 percent of grossdomestic product.

For January-September 2006,growth in deployment at 9.6 percentwas higher compared to 7.9 percentfor the same period last year.

Official remittance figures werelikely to underestimate the total by atleast 20 percent because cash isfrequently sent home with friends,relatives and through other informalchannels.

The major sources of remittancesremain to be the United States, SaudiArabia, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan,Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates,Canada and Singapore. a

Philippines' Sept remittances up 7.6 pct on yearNovember 15, 2006

FOREIGN visitors to thePhilippines are on the rise, based onpurchases they made while in thecountry using their Visa credit cards,the card-issuer said Thursday.

At a briefing, James Dixon, VisaInternational country manager, saidtravelers spent P21.5 billion in the firsthalf, or 16 percent higher than last year.

Visa card spending byinternational travelers in the countrygrew 29 percent to P37.5 billion in2005 from P29 billion in 2004.

Metro Manila accounted for P22.4billion or 60 percent of that amount.

Visa said 44 percent of totalspending last year by internationalcardholders in the Philippines camefrom the United States, 28 percent fromthe Asia-Pacific and 20 percent fromthe European Union.

About 2.6 million tourists visitedthe Philippines last year, which was thelowest in the Asia-Pacific region.Vietnam had 3.5 million tourists;

Indonesia, 4.9 million; Singapore, 8.9million; and Malaysia, 16.4 million.

While improving, credit cardspending in the Philippines still lagsbehind its neighbors.

Dixon said Visa’s retail salesvolume from local cardholders reachedP42.9 billion in the first six months thisyear, or 21.1 percent higher than lastyear.

Local cardholders outspent theirvisiting foreign counterparts.

Visa card circulation in the countryreached 8.2 million by end-June, with 2million credit cards and over 6.2 milliondebit and prepaid cards.

“We see stronger growth of Visacard spending this year,” Dixon said,citing the expected increase oftravelers and local credit cardspending.

He said Visa supports theelimination of surcharges on creditcard transactions, as recently directedby the Department of Trade andIndustry to retailers. a

November 16, 2006Hundreds of residents in northern

and central Philippines evacuatedcoastal towns, mostly around Leyte,on Thursday fearing a major tsunami.The panic followed a large quake in thenorth Pacific and residents fled despiteofficial assurances that there was notsunami threat.

Entire villages were abandoned asmobile telephone text messages frompeople warning of 40-foot waves

caused panic among villagers after anestimated 8.1 magnitude earthquakestruck 1,700 km northeast of Tokyo lateon Wednesday.

Disaster officials had issued analert level 2, meaning coastal dwellersshould be watchful, late on Wednesdayafter the quake but cancelled theadvisory shortly after midnight whenno large waves occurred.

Hundreds of residents remain onhigher ground, afraid to go home. a

Tsunami alert triggers panic

Foreign tourists on the rise in RP, says card-issuer Visa



Prices valid from November 17 to 3 0, 20066430 Victoria Avenue, Montreal, QC Tel.: 514-733-7816

November 14, 2006A Filipino man who flew home

from Cambodia said he was carryinglive fish in his carryon luggage, until acheck of the bag at Manila airportrevealed three half-meter (1.5-foot)long crocodiles, officials saidWednesday.

The head of the ManilaInternational Airport Authority said itwasn't clear how Enrique Yu Castillo,50, was able to carry the Siamese

crocodiles from Phnom Penh toSingapore to Manila on Monday night.

The crocodiles are on anendangered species list and theirimportation is prohibited, airportmanager Alfonso Cusi said in astatement.

He said charges were beingreadied against Castillo, while thereptiles were turned over to theDepartment of Environment andNatural Resources.

Castillo had earlier sought a permitto import the exotic animals but hisapplication was denied, said TeddyAguir, from the environmentdepartment's Wildlife Traffic Monitoringunit at the airport.

Airport authorities had been on alookout for Castillo since last week,when the Protected Areas and WildlifeBureau alerted them on the possibilitythat Castillo might try to sneak in thecrocodiles, Aguir said. a

Passenger Sneaks Crocodiles In Carry-On Bag but it looks like he’ll have no problemin that area.

Then again, it hasn’t beenPacquiao (42-3-2, 32 KOs) whose beenbothered by weight problems beforebut his arch-nemesis Morales (48-4, 34KOs).

Still it was a welcome developmenton a day when Pacquiao’s youngerbrother Bobby, failed to make theweight in his clash with Mexican HectorVelazquez early in the day and wasstripped of his Continetal Americassuper featherweight title.

Pacquiao continued tapering off inhis workouts, going through fewerrounds with the mitts and few minuteswith the speedball and the ropes. Hedid, however, run two miles at theUniversity of Nevada-Las Vegas trackoval.

Pacquiao said he is praying thatneither he nor Morales gets seriouslyhurt in the match, vowing again to giveit his best to win honor for his country.

“I also include Morales in myprayers,” Pacquiao told a televisionjournalist in Filipino. “I pray that none

of us get hurt. I know it’s boxing andwe will try to hurt each other but I hopeit won’t be so serious that we have tobe taken to the hospital.”

Both fighters are eagerly lookingforward to a match that has this entiredesert oasis in Nevada buzzing withexcitement.

In fact, whenever Pacquiao closeshis eyes to drift to sleep, he oftenconjures dreams about this match.

“I dream about Morales and thisfight a lot,” he admitted, refusing toreveal the details of those dreams. a

November 17, 2006Manny Pacquiao is right there,

where his camp wants him to be, threedays to fight night.

Trainer Freddie Roach saidWednesday afternoon that the Filipinoboxing hero tipped the scales that dayand checked in at 131 pounds, justone over the limit of the superfeatherweight division where he andMexican Erik Morales will duke it outfor the right to be called the best of thebest on Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in Manila).

And here’s further good news: Theweighing scale Pacquiao used was adefective one.

“The machine was like two poundsoff so going by that, he’s around 129right now,” Roach said.

Small wonder that Pacquiao was ina good mood late Wednesdayafternoon, talking about eating to hisheart’s content.“They’re going to calibrate the scalesto see how much he really weighs

Pacquiao right on target; 3 days to go

Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, right, and Erik Morales, of Mexico, pose forphotos during a news conference at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday, Nov. 16,2006

Chicken legs 99¢ lb Picnic shoulder pork 99¢ lb

Black Tie Shrimps 80/100 $3.99 Pineapple slices, chunks, JackfruitYoung Green, 580 g 99¢

Rice Stick, Erawan,454 g 99¢ Diwa Canton 227 g 99¢

Vermicelli Long Kou, 500 g 99¢ Bamboo Shoots Elephants 280 g 99¢

Windsor salt 99¢

Datu Puti vinegar 1 L $1..29

Thin Soy Sauce 233 fl oz $2.89

Dutch Baby Milk 300 mL $1.79

Kim Oil 3 L $3.99

Coconut Milk 400 mL 99¢

Bananas 29¢ lb

Sardines Pailin 155 g 2 for 99¢

Iceberg Lettuce 99¢

Wai Wai noodles 500 g 79¢

Lady’s Choice Sandwich Spread 470 mL $4.29

visit us online at wwwwww..ffiilliippiinnoossttaarr..oorrgg

EEEEdddduuuuccccaaaatttt iiii oooonnnn rrrraaaaiiii sssseeeessss tttthhhheeee bbbbaaaarrrr bbbbuuuutttt llll oooowwwweeeerrrrssss tttthhhheeeebbbbaaaarrrr rrrr iiii eeeerrrrssss ttttoooo aaaa rrrreeeewwwwaaaarrrrdddd iiiinnnngggg ccccaaaarrrreeeeeeeerrrr....

Courses• PSW (PAB) or Nursing Aid• Early Childhood Education Assistant• Medical Assistant• Legal/Administrative Office Assistant• Office Technology• Accounting & Bookkeeping• Micro-computers• Keyboarding, • Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint,

Accpac Simply • Accounting/Bookkeeping• Languages - English, French, Spanish,

Mandarin, Filipino language (Tagalog)• Human Resources Development (customized)• Leadership Training Seminars• Seminars - Writing, Inter-cultural

Communication

International Trade Program• Global Entrepreneurship• International Marketing• International Trade Finance• International Trade Logistics• International Market Entry &

Distribution• International Marketing

Research• Legal Aspects of International

Trade• International Trade Management• An Introduction to the Cultural

Aspects of International Trade

Personal Support WorkerNursing Aide (P.A.B.)

Gilmore International College offers anintensive training program for nursing aide

students. We provide free placement servicefor our graduates.

We offer flexible schedules and budgetpayment plans.

Weekdays - 8:00 AM to 2:00 PMEvenings - 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Weekends - 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse (5th Fl.)Montreal, Quebec H3W 1X3 (Snowdon Metro)Tel.: 514-485-7861 Fax: 514-485-3076E-Mail: [email protected]

GILMORE (INTERNATIONAL) COLLEGE

A private college founded in 1989

We promote educationalleadership and caring attitude inthe health care profession. We

believe that knowledge iscritical to take the lead in

global citizenship.

Enroll now at Gilmore College.Call 514-485-7861

to register by appointment

We welcome foreign students.

Step up and join thetrade professionals -Earn your C.I.T.P. title.

Gilmore College is an accredited delivery partner ofFITT (Forum for International Trade Training)

Tuition fees are tax deductible.Our courses are recognized byemployers and Emploi Quebec.

FORUM FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAININGFORUM POUR LA FORMATION EN COMMERCE INTERNATIONAL

Early Childhood Education Assistant

Intercultural Workshop“Writers Helping Writers”

Register now!Call 514-485-7861

tel.514-485-7861 c a l l 5 1 4 - 4 8 5 - 7 8 6 1 www ... · the new filipino catholic mission...

Documents