Filipino Journal Winnipeg Volume 25 Number 07

25 Years Winnipeg, Manitoba

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April 5 - 20, 2011 • Volume 25, Number 7

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Up Close & Personal with Lea Salonga

Federal Election Called Non-confidence vote forces May 2 election

Pages 9 and 17 â–ş

Maria Aragon Duets with Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Stephen Harper Page 14â–ş

Michael Ignatieff

Jack Layton

Page 5â–ş

Manitoba Filipino Business Council (MFBC) to host small business election forum on April 20 Page 10â–ş

Kevin Lamoureux

Ann Matejicka

Rebecca Blaikie

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April 5 - 20, 2011

Filipino Journal 5

Canadians heading to the polls.

Local candidates look to attract Filipino voters.

C

anadians are heading to the polls on May 2, 2011.

A federal election has been called after non-confidence vote of Canada’s minority government led by the Convervatives’ Stephen Harper.

The Liberal non-confidence motion marked the first time a government has been found in contempt of Parliament related to issues which included the real cost of acquiring new fighter jets.

This will be the fourth time Canadians will head to the polls in seven years. As well, the fourth run at a majority government by Stephen Harper.

In anticipation of the election call, candidates and campaigns were launched all across Manitoba by all three parties. Here are the list of candidates running in your riding: Brandon--Souris Merv Tweed (CPC) Dave Barnes (GPC) John Bouché (NDP) Charleswood--St. James--Assiniboia Steven Fletcher (CPC) Tom Paulley (NDP) RobClement (LPC) Churchill Sydney Garrioch (LPC) Alberteen Spence (GPC) Wally Daudrich (CPC) Niki Ashton (NDP) Dauphin--Swan River--Marquette Kate Storey (GPC) Robert Sopuck (CPC) Cheryl Osborne (NDP) Wendy Menzies (LPC) Elmwood--Transcona Jim Maloway (NDP) Ilona Niemczyk (LPC) Lawrence Toet (CPC)

Kildonan--St. Paul Eduard Hiebert (IND) Joy Smith (CPC) Rachelle Devine (NDP) Alon David Weinberg (GPC) Victor Andres (LPC) Portage--Lisgar Candice Hoeppner (CPC) Jerome Dondo (CHPC) Mohamed Alli (NDP) Provencher David Reimer (CHPC) Al Mackling (NDP) Vic Toews (CPC) Ric Lim (PPC) Terry Hayward (LPC)

Stephen Harper

Michael Ignatieff

Jack Layton

Saint Boniface Raymond Simard (LPC) Marc Payette (GPC) Shelly Glover (CPC) Selkirk--Interlake Duncan Geisler (LPC) Sean Palsson (NDP) Don Winstone (GPC) James Bezan (CPC) Winnipeg Centre Jacqueline Romanow (GPC) Bev Pitura (CPC) Pat Martin (NDP) Allan Wise (LPC) Winnipeg North Rebecca Blaikie (NDP) Kevin Lamoureux (LPC) Ann Matejicka (CPC) Winnipeg South Rod Bruinooge (CPC) Terry Duguid LPC Dave Gaudreau (NDP) Winnipeg South Centre Anita Neville (LPC) Dennis Lewycky (NDP)

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Filipino Journal

Balitang Kutsero

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com llustration by Dave San Pedro

P-Noy meets Ping

T

hree days after fugitive Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson slipped back into the country, he visited President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III at his residence, Bahay Pangarap (Dream House). Their tête-à-tête went like this:

Ping: Good evening, Mr. President.

P-Noy: Hoy, ikaw pala, Ping.

Tuloy ka. Long time no see!

Where have you been hiding?

Ping: I hope I didn’t interrupt your siesta time, Mr. President.

P-Noy: Not at all, I’m just

943-1466

playing with my XBOX 360.

How’s life on the lam, Ping?

Ping: It sucks! That’s why I decided to return home and face the music.

P-Noy: That’s very good. You know it’s hard to be a fugitive from justice, di ba?

Ping: Well, it’s more like I was a fugitive from injustice. Its all Gloria’s doing that I was forced to leave the country to avoid persecution.

P-Noy: Very good, then. At least Gloria’s no longer in power.

She’s not in a position to hound you like a daschund wagging its tail. He he he…

Ping: Actually, she was more like a pesky chihuahua. Ha ha ha…

P-Noy: Well, you’re back and out of harm’s way, my friend.

You can now go back to your job in the Senate. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your life easier as you adjust to the demands of your job.

Ping: Since you mentioned it, I just want to bring up a touchy issue, Mr. President.

P-Noy: Just call me P-Noy. After all we’ve been together fighting in the same trenches when I was in the Senate, di ba? What’s your problem, amigo?

Ping: Well, there is this crazy pit bull that has been hounding me ever since I got back.

P-Noy: If it’s one of Merci’s prosecutors, just say the word.

Just to let you know how serious I am in cleaning up the mess in the Office of the Ombudsman, I fired Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzalez for neglect and gross misconduct in handling the case of the former police captain who murdered eight Hong Kong tourists at the Luneta Park last year.

Ping: Hey, that’s great Mr. Pre… ah… P-Noy. That should really send a clear message to these incompetent prosecutors.

Filipino Journal Ron Cantiveros Publisher

aLfie vera mella Associate Editor

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

April 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal 1987-2008

P-Noy: Yep, just like this… ping, ping, ping. (Pointing his finger at him like a gun) Ping: Hoy, don’t point your finger at me like that! It makes me nervous.

P-Noy: Ping, ping, chitty chitty, bang, bang! Gotcha! Ha ha ha…

Ping: Gee, I’m gonna have a heart attack. Whew!

P-Noy: Relax ka lang. Ha ha ha… Okay, let’s get back to serious business… oh, before I forget, did you hear about my twin-turbo Porsche 911 Carrera?

Ping: Of course! It’s was hot news among the OFWs in Portugal. He he he…

P-Noy: Portugal? Is that where you stayed while you were on the lam?

Ping: I shouldn’t have mentioned that. Yes, it was Portugal. You see, Portugal doesn’t have extradition treaty with Pinas. I was safe there, you know.

P-Noy: Hmm… Where did you stay in Portugal?

Ping: This is just between the two of us, P-Noy. A friend of mine, a former police superintendent who worked for me when I was National Police Chief, is now working in Portugal as the caretaker of a huge vacant estate owned by a prominent Filipino couple who still lives here. This couple bought the estate for their safe haven if they go into exile should it gets too hot for them here. (silence) P-Noy: And… come on, and…?

Ping: Well, the caretaker let me stay there.

P-Noy: Is the owner’s first name start with a “G”?

Ping: Yes! P-Noy: And her last name starts with an “A”?

Ping: Yes!! But she didn’t know that I stayed there. He he he…

P-Noy: Hey, that’s good intel, Ping! Thank you, my friend. I’ll pass this on to my spymaster so he can send his crew to plant a few bugs in her estate. You have the address, right?

Ping: I think I still have it. I have to look for it, though.

P-Noy: Oh, by the way, the 2011 budget allocated a P200-million pork barrel for each senator. Do

you want your entitlement now?

Ping: No, no, P-Noy. I am sticking to my position of not taking my pork barrel. What I need though is for you to rein in that crazy pit bull that’s been gnawing on my back since I came back.

P-Noy: And who is this crazy pit bull?

Ping: Well, it’s your Justice Secretary.

P-Noy: Ha ha ha… Listen, my friend. I could easily transfer her to Tawi Tawi or Maguindanao… or fire her if you want me to. But let me talk to her first and maybe she’ll calm down, okay? But let’s talk first about a potential problem in the Senate, my friend.

Ping: What is it, P-Noy? P-Noy: You see, the Senate will soon be constituted as a trial body to vote on the articles of impeachment against Merci… (silence) Ping: And? P-Noy: And… uh… well… I just want you to be impartial and fair in judging Merci. Remember, she is being prosecuted, not persecuted… mind you. Like you said, you were once a “fugitive from injustice,” so I don’t want to crucify Merci the way Gloria crucified you. No sireee!

However, personally I’d like to see Merci impeached cuz I believe that she really betrayed the public’s trust, big time! Yes sireee! However, you’re the judge, my friend. It’s your decision, if you know what I mean.

Ping: Well, Mr. President, I’ve always been impartial and fair.

I’ll presume Merci innocent until I’m done weighing all the evidence and then decide whether she’s guilty as hell… or not.

P-Noy: I hope she’s guilty as hell! Ah… but be fair to her, though.

Ping: Yes, I certainly will be fair to her. Yes sireee!

P-Noy: Very good! My dear friend, you are a man of honor… and respect! Rest assured that crazy pit bull is not going to chase you around anymore… not to a very good friend of mine.

No sireee!

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Contributing Writers: Joan Duhaylungsod Fran Avila-Anthony RG (Bob) Gabuna Dr. Eusebio Koh Reis Pagtakhan

Mike Pagtakhan

Pastor Junie Josue Ramon Toralba Johnny Cantiveros Perry Diaz Paulo G. Ercia Ruwiz Mercado

Gem M. Anis

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4. Whether the employer, or any representative acting on behalf of the employer, is compliant with relevant federal-provincial/territorial employment and recruitment legislation.

by R. Reis Pagtakhan, LL.B., B.A. (Hons.)

The genuineness test will rrp@aikins.com require employers to provide additional evidence on their business and business activities. Amongst the documents Citizenship and Immigration Canada will consider ith new immigration employment (such as periods of are Canada Revenue Agency filings. regulations coming into unemployment, extended unpaid force on April 1, 2011, leave, maternity/parental leave, and Test #4: Does the employer pass the the criteria for assessing work medical leave that is not covered by “substantially the same” test? permits have become more stringent. employment contracts or agreements) In cases where and employer Foreign workers and their employers will not count toward the cumulative hired a foreign worker in the two will now have to pass four new tests duration. years prior to a new application before a work permit will be issued.

The four year limit does not being filed, an assessment will be This is in addition to existing work apply to all foreign workers. Some of made as to whether the employer permit criteria that was in place prior the major exempt categories include provided “substantially the same” to April 1, 2011. executives, managers, professionals, wages, working conditions and and persons employed pursuant to employment to their past or existing Test #1: Is the employer on the international agreements (such as foreign workers as set out in the Employer Ineligibility website (the NAFTA). offers of employment to these “Immigration Blacklist”)?

These regulations are not foreign workers.

Beginning April 1, a list of retroactive. The four year calculation If it does not appear that the employers who have violated period begins on April 1, 2011 which employer can pass the “substantially certain immigration regulations means that the earliest date a foreign the same” test, employers can provide will appear on the Immigration worker can reach the limit is April 1, a “reasonable justification”. If a Blacklist. This list will be made 2015. “reasonable justification” is accepted, public and employers on this list will this test will be passed. Examples of be prohibited from hiring foreign Test #3: Does the employer pass the “reasonable justification” include: “genuineness” test? workers for two years.

1. Changes to federal or provincial Another feature of the new laws; Test #2: Does the employee pass the regulations is that employers will 2. Changes to a collective “cumulative duration” test? now have to prove their job offers are agreement; The new immigration genuine. In assessing “genuineness”, 3. A dramatic change in economic regulations now impose a limit on the following will be considered: conditions; the amount of time a foreign national 1. Whether the employer is actively 4. Good faith employer error; and can work in Canada. In general, if engaged in the business; 5. An administrative accounting a foreign worker reaches works in 2. Whether the job being offered error.

Canada for four years, he or she will is consistent with the employer’s Employers who do not pass the not be eligible to for another work employment needs; “substantially the same” test may permit for an additional four years.

3. Whether the employer can fulfill be entered onto the Immigration While the four year limit is the terms and conditions of the job Blacklist. calculated cumulatively, gaps in offer; and

Avoiding the Immigration Blacklist

W

3 Pinoys in $1M jewelry theft reportedly been arrested

T

hree of 7 Filipino suspect accused of stealing a US$1 million diamond-emerald necklace in Turkey have reportedly been arrested.

Earlier reports identified the 6 of the 7 Filipino suspects as Janice Apostol, Armando Fajardo, Edgardo Ramos, Cesar Galvez, Rosita Panlilio and a certain Herbie Cruz. The group was tagged as the suspects who stole the expensive jewelry from the Zela Jeweler booth during the 32nd Istanbul Jewelry Expo last month.

The remaining 4 suspects managed to slip out according to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado.

However, no other details were given regarding the identities and situations of the 3 arrested suspects.

The expensive necklace was not also with the apprehended suspects.

Honrado said the fact-finding team of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will

investigate how the 4 Filipino suspects be able to to exit the airport undetected.

Reports said the suspects also left NAIA airport without going through passport control.

He explained that prior to the arrest, they received a message regarding the arrival of the alleged suspects. A task force was immediately formed and this was headed by the NBI.

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PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

B

‘Drug Mule’ Politics

y injecting a dose of politics, a seemingly routine execution by lethal injection of three drug traffickers – or “drug mules” – in China has become an international cause célèbre. President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III’s intervention and the frenzy of media attention, before and after the executions, have caused a lot of people to wonder, “What is this world coming to?”

It all began when Aquino decided to boycott the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Oslo for detained Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo last December. He was hoping that by cuddling up to China, the lives of five Filipino drug mules on death row in China would be spared or their sentences commuted.

And when Aquino sent Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay to

plead for the drug mules’ lives, it raised the bar; thus, further attracting international attention. Imagine, the Philippine Vice President, no less, going all the way to Beijing to plead for the lives of five drug traffickers.

It sounds surreal, but it really happened.

“Drug mule” diplomacy And within hours after his arrival in Beijing, Jojo reached an accord with the Chinese government, as reported by Malacañang, not to execute the drug mules and to conduct a review of their cases.

The whole country was agog over Jojo’s successful diplomacy!

Heck, not even Marco Polo could have accomplished such a feat. Jojo’s heroic achievement dramatically raised his popularity ratings. The latest SWS survey showed Jojo more popular than P-Noy. Indeed, Jojo’s “mojo” has never been better. However, while Jojo’s feat was praised to heavens, it was a diplomatic victory for PNoy. But PNoy’s “drug mule” diplomacy was short-lived.

Spratly incident In late February, amidst the national euphoria created by P-Noy’s diplomatic coup, two Chinese patrol boats were observed shadowing a Philippine oil exploration ship in the Reed Bank in the disputed Spratly archipelago.

Malacañang kept the incident under wraps. However, it leaked out to the media after a week.

E a r l y last March, the Philippine government hesitatingly sent a formal protest to China.

In response, China insisted that it has sovereignty over the Spratly archipelago, which it called “Nansha.”

Interestingly, four

other countries are also claiming the oil-rich archipelago, to wit: Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Two weeks later, China announced the scheduled execution of three Filipino drug mules on March 30, 2011. Once again, tension between the Philippines and China escalated. However, in an attempt to smooth ruffled feathers, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines appealed for “understanding” on China’s final decision to proceed with the execution of the drug mules.

Simply put, they were just enforcing their anti-drug trafficking laws.

However, it makes one wonder if China used P-Noy’s “drug mule” diplomacy to her advantage in furthering its territorial claim on the Spratlys. Sensing that P-Noy was overly concerned over the status of Filipino drug mules -- there are more than 70 on death row awaiting final judgment – in Chinese prisons, China’s leaders continue to use them to further their goal.

Hungry for oil, it would not come as a surprise if China would do anything – including military action -- to strengthen its claim on the Spratly islands. In my article, “Drug Mule Diplomacy” (PerryScope, March 3, 2011), I wrote: China’s oil consumption increased steeply in the past five years. In 2010, it reached the 3-billion-barrel mark. However, her 2010 domestic production was only 1.4 billion barrels, which means that 1.6 billion barrels were imported.

The sources of her imported oil play a key part in geopolitics. Today, 58% of China’s imported oil comes from the Middle East. It is estimated to increase to 70% in 2015 with the anticipated increase in oil consumption.”

April 5 - 20, 2011 geopolitical agenda in the region, it’s no other than her former colony, the Philippines. Indeed, the Philippines’ reliance – nay, dependence -- on U.S. economic and military aid is, without a shadow doubt, a bond that ties the two countries together – come hell or high water.

China’s military build-up China makes no bones that it is building her military forces. Recently, her government announced that it will increase its defense spending by 12.7 percent or $91.5 billion (601 billion yuan), which would go toward “appropriate” military hardware and salary increases for the 2.3 millionstrong People’s Liberation Army, the world’s biggest armed forces.

But like any military organization, China needs oil to maintain it and be ready for deployment should the need arise. But with less than 30 days of strategic oil reserves -- compared to the United States’ 60 days’ reserves and unlimited source of domestic and foreign oil -- China would run out of oil in the midst of an armed conflict with the U.S. And to deprive China of Middle East and North African oil, all the U.S. has to do is to block the Straits of Gibraltar, Hormuz, and Malacca. And with a large naval fleet in the Indian Ocean and a Strategic Air Command Base on Diego Garcia Island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the U.S. could choke the flow of foreign oil to China; thus, crippling her military forces.

Cognizant that she cannot win a war with the U.S. without sufficient supply of oil, China is exploring for oil in an area that is in close proximity to her shore -- the Spratly archipelago.

With the Spratlys’ humongous fossil oil reserves -- estimated at 213 billion barrels, which is bigger than Saudi Arabia’s 200 billion barrels -- China could become self-sufficient in oil in no time at all.

With more than 70 Filipino drug mules lingering on death row in China, China could play “drug mule” politics with President Aquino hoping to gain concessions in jointly exploring for oil in the Spratlys. But with the U.S closely monitoring activities in the Spratly archipelago, China would have little room to maneuver.

If all else fails, China might opt to do what Japan did in 1940 when she created the Greater East Asia CoProsperity Sphere, which eventually led to the outbreak of war with the U.S. during World War II. Japan’s mission then was to create a selfsufficient “bloc of Asian nations led by the Japanese and free of Western powers.” All that China has to do is change “Japanese” to “Chinese” in her mission statement.

“Drug Mule” politics In the aftermath of the execution of the Filipino drug mules, the United States conveyed her support for the Philippines. Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia, was reported as saying: “I believe that this is something that we will want to support our Filipino friends on.” He indicated that he would be speaking with Philippine officials soon.

Evidently, Campbell saw an opening to make it known that the United States stands by P-Noy in his appeal for leniency for the Filipino drug mules. However, his word of support masks the underlying -- and serious -- concern of the United States about China’s incursions into the oil-rich Spratly archipelago and, by extension, China’s threat to the regional security of South East Asia, which the U.S. has been cultivating its relationship with the 10 membernations of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). And if there’s one nation that the United States Is history going to repeat itself? could really rely upon to promote her

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April 5 - 20, 2011

Far from Quiet

by Joan Duhaylungsod

Up Close with Lea Salonga

F

or a moment, the gloomy noon of March 17 was eclipsed when two bright artists, both Filipino talents who have gone international, met up in Winnipeg. In the faces of the Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga, the YouTube sensation Maria Aragon, her family, that brush between Lea and Maria at Inn at the Forks was truly priceless.

International artist Lea Salonga, who came to Winnipeg for her concert, surprised ten-year old Maria Aragon, who has now become popular after singing Lady Gaga’s Born This Way on YouTube. Though starstruck, Maria still offered a song “Part of Your World” to Lea, which made her like the young Winnipeger even more.

Meanwhile, the Filipino Journal interviewed Lea Salonga, who entered the music and entertainment industry at such a young age, and made it to the top and international. She shared her thoughts and experiences as a performer, as an artist, as a Filipino, and as an inspiration to the budding artists like Maria Aragon.

Filipino Journal: This is not your first time to do a concert in Winnipeg. How do you like it here? How do you find the crowd’s response whenever you perform in the city?

Lea Salonga: Both times I have been here, it’s been cold. As to the concert, I always do two nights here in Winnipeg. The first night is the players’ invitational. This is exclusive only for those who patronize the Casino. The first night is a little more conservative, not bad, but just more reserved.

The second night is made for public. The second night is a little more enthusiastic; things can go crazy.

FJ: Does it really matter much for an artist to know what the crowd is like before they jump into the stage to perform?

LS: It is always a surprise because I never know what a crowd is going to be like. I am not always responsible for how the crowd will respond. It is one of the things you can’t really determine until you get there. Usually after the first ten seconds on stage, I already have a feeling how my concert is going to be like. After

the first song, I already know what’s going to happen.

FJ: You started in the music industry at a very young age and there was no stopping since.

Now, here’s Maria Aragon making a name at a young age too. What can you say about her, and the other budding Filipino artists who want to excel in the industry?

LS: I am actually really, really mean. I am really, really harsh because I am finding myself increasingly frustrated that there are some people who fancy themselves as singers but they can’t really sing. You know, I love Bruno Mars. I love Darren Criss.

They are both Filipino talents, and they are not apologetic about their roots. There is a whole thing about the Filipino pride. Well, I don’t think if it’s necessarily a Filipino pride, or just the thrill that we all come from the same place.

FJ: Some people have used the words ethnocentricity and racism to describe how we react in every Filipino’s triumph.

We’re so proud when Manny Pacquaio wins or when Maria became popular.

LS: It is interesting because I also read a lot of stuff in the internetboth those for Philippine pride and those who question it. There are those who ask: “Why am I as a stranger proud of the other person who is also a stranger when I make no investment whatsoever in that person’s success?”.

Filipino Journal

Well, Filipino pride is what we may call it, but there might be something else too. We come from the same island. I am able to relate to you. You are accessible to me because of where we are both from. Nakakataba ng puso.

FJ: You think this is part of our culture too? Our sense of connectedness?

LS: That’s it! You are connected, in some way, to that person who gained individual success. If this person was able to succeed, then I should be able to do something with my life.

FJ: Talk about Filipino pride, I know you are one of the Filipino personalities who continue to believe in the Filipino talent and represent the country internationally.

LS: I am proud of our music and our artists. There are some individuals who are on the flipped side though. But if that kind of music is high-quality, that’s the

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stuff that I encourage the people to buy and make. Then we can really say, “this is ours”.

When I do sing Filipino songs in my concert and I usually sing two, I have to be picky because I am aware that there are non-Filipinos in the audience, and Filipinos who do not know about our language. If I have to sing music from home, I’ve got to bring the quality stuff. Songs have to be good. And I’d like to think that I am influential enough that this is what good Filipino music is supposed to sound like.

FJ: Talk about Filipino talent, I know back at home there are so many reality TV shows which scout talents from the general population. Do you think these shows really sustain in promoting Filipino talents?

LS: It’s a yes and no. If the talent that would apply to the show is a mediocre, then chances are, see page 17

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April 5 - 20, 2011

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Manitoba Filipino Business Council election forum focus on role of small businesses in Canadian economy

W

ith the growing population of the Filipino community, Filipino small businesses are on the rise. In some areas there are at least 9 or 10 Filipino establishments serving the community side by side. And you don’t have to travel far to find essential business such as an insurance company, grocery, bakery, beauty salon, travel agency, money remittance office, as well as dental and medical clinics that are owned and operated

by Filipino-Canadians. One might call this intermingled area a sort of a ‘Filipino town.’

Their clientele is growing leaps and bounds despite the competition with other ethnic

groups. And through this microcosm of Filipino businesses, the officers and members of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council, Inc. was organized to address the needs of Filipino businesses.

“I think the role of MFBC is to open our business into a much larger market, to penetrate into the mainstream of doing business.

And in so doing, we would like to encourage our kababayans to work hard identifying their needs,” says Jon Reyes, president and owner of UPS Kenaston operation. “This council will serve as the clearing house to make the small business as a real engine of the Canadian economy.”

Organized in March 2010, and officially incorporated in August of the same year, MFBC has enjoined young Filipino entrepreneurs and has been involved in raising up the concerns of small businesses in general. “Our primary mandate is to serve our Filipino businesses and at the same time, to have a a strong connection with other ethnic groups,” Reyes added.

As statistics reveal, in the year 2017, the market demographics will change to at least two-thirds of the population that will be composed of those individuals coming from Asia.

“We are in a position to plan our management and marketing strategy to address the changes in consumer patterns. And I think, with the aggressiveness of my officers and members, MFBC can be a major factor to have an active participation in the market share,” Reyes points out.

On April 20th MFBC will be spending the day with campaigning federal candidates in a forum that seeks to address the needs and roles of small businesses in general. It will be held at Canad Inns Garden City from 7 to 9 p.m.. The three candidates for the federal election have been invited, namely, Kevin Lamoureux of the Liberals, Rebecca Blaikie of the NDP and Ann Matejicka

April 5 - 20, 2011

of the Conservatives. Resource speakers have also been invited to speak about the relevance of small businesses in the Canadian economy, while Derek Hird will act as the moderator.

On hand will be the MFBC officers led by Jon Reyes, MFBC President, as well as Rod E. Cantiveros of the Filipino Journal, adviser.

The forum is open to the public however you must register as capacity is limited. Please register by e-mailing your name, company name, address, phone number and e-mail address to: register@mfbc.ca.

MFBC members will have priority.

Registration is due on April 18, 2011.

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce hosted an ethnic chamber meeting with representatives from various ethnic business chambers. MFBC President, Jon Reyes was one of the many organizations asked to be part of a new Winnipeg Chamber initiative.

Photo by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

April 5 - 20, 2011

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The Filipino Journal is published twice a month in Winnipeg. We are committed to help you attain your marketing, sales, and company objectives. Your company advertisement in our newspaper will surely appeal to 50,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers. Advertisers can expect to get their message to its readers and consumers in this area. People read the Filipino Journal because of its very informative news, entertainment sections and useful everyday information on living in Canada.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

April 5 - 20, 2011

Impossible is Nothing: A true story about a dream turning into reality By: Linger Ann Aragon

T

hey say that how you feel when you wake up in the morning determines how you deal with the rest of the day.

Nobody ever said how long this feeling will last, nor did they say how much of an impact it has on how you will feel tomorrow.

Furthermore this feeling must be a reflection of yesterday’s events and in conclusion, an indication of how well you are doing in life.

February 17th was an ordinary morning for everyone at home, until we received the phone call that began this extraordinary journey. It was 7am when my cousin Wayne Santos had phoned us to say that Maria’s cover of “Born this Way” was tweeted by none other than the Fame Monster herself, Lady Gaga. It had only been a matter of 12 hours since my sister Rojuane had posted Maria’s video, and before falling asleep we made jokes about how many hits it would have by the time we woke up. I suggested 5,000 is already too high a number and she said 10,000 may seem improbable but not impossible. Due to her 8 million followers on Twitter and over 30 million Facebook fans, it was no mystery how Lady Gaga has opened the floodgates allowing the entire World to see the talent that has been bestowed upon my ten year old sister, Maria.

We had about five minutes to express our excitement about the good news as the phone rang again. It was a call from Virgin Radio 99.9FM (Toronto) asking if they could interview Maria. At the end, Maria was promised tickets to see Lady Gaga in concert in Toronto. Our morning had gone from ordinary to extraordinary – I was suddenly no longer just Maria’s eldest sister who attended University, but manager coordinating media and performance requests. That same

afternoon, Maria had experienced her first limo ride provided by our local radio station HOT103. Ace Burpee declared that he, along with HOT103 would do everything in their power to help Maria achieve her dream in being on the Ellen Show. The support came automatically, when they created a page on Facebook entitled “Get Maria on Ellen”. People from all over the world were commenting and encouraging Maria to keep on going. We were scheduled to fly out to Toronto that evening for a press conference to be held

by Virgin Radio the next day. Due to a snowstorm, the Winnipeg International Airport was shut down. It was a disappointment to many, but I knew better and thought that something bigger was on its way.

John Downey, the Promotions Director of Virgin Radio reassured me that we will meet in Toronto for Lady Gaga’s concert. Our conversations lead to the now popular video of Maria’s phone conversation with Lady Gaga.

I think that this is the moment that we, as a family realized how real everything was. By Friday evening, we had made contact with the Ellen Show. We flew to Los Angeles on Sunday and taped the show Monday afternoon. We were finally allowed to share the great news with family, friends, and supporters. Ellen had gifts for Maria for being on the show. These included an iPod Touch, iHome, $200 iTunes giftcard and a pair of Dr. Dre’s headphones (customized by her crew – with Jewels and photos of Ellen’s face).

Scheduled to fly back to Winnipeg, plans changed when Good Morning America called. We extended our stay in Los Angeles to spend some time with relatives. We flew to New York on Wednesday see page 20

Piolo Pascual and Family

PM Mr. Stephen Harper and Mrs. Laureen Harper with the Family

Good Morning America

Guest Entrance at the Ellen Show.

TVO Kids show

Aragon Family with Lady Gaga

Lea Meets Maria

Lady Gaga and Maria

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April 5 - 20, 2011

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Filipino Journal

Philippine Entertainment News

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

April 5 - 20, 2011

Stephen Harper visits Maria Aragon

A

throng of children on the corner curiously stared as the convoy of black vehicles pulled into a narrow street in west-central Winnipeg.

The VIP passengers then stepped out from of the vehicles and proceeded to the modest home of YouTube singing sensation 10year-old Maria Aragon.

It turned out that it was the Prime Minister himself Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen who came to visit Aragon’s home Tuesday, where, for the start they were politely asked to take off their shoes once inside the host’s home.

Aragon who was dressed in a silver skirt and white jacket,

performed in front of Harper and company by singing Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way.” The song which pertains to being proud of who you are, made Aragon an Internet sensation and even earned for her an invitation from Lady Gaga herself to her Toronto show last month.

The prime minister congratulated Aragon on her performance while Laureen Harper seemed impressed by the petite girl’s voice.

Afterwards Harper asked Aragon for any Beatles piece for which the girl promptly sang the first verse of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Harper took over the next verse which he has to sing in falsetto as Aragon initially put the song in its highest tune.

Harper has apparently abandoned his former disdain for celebrities. In 2007 he refused to meet U2 frontman Bono to discuss Third World aid.

‘Ai’ followers vote out Thia Megia

T

hursday night (Friday morning in Manila) was a sad day for Filipino fans of Thia Megia as the Filipino-American contender on this year’s “American Idol,” got eliminated for getting the least number of votes from the show’s followers.

The voters agreed in the opinion of AI judge Randy Jackson that there were a couple of pitch issues when Megia played it too “safe” when she

sang the karaoke favorite “Daniel,” for the episode’s Elton John theme.

The other judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez considered her performance up to par.

Megia was born in Hayward, California to Filipino parents Cynthia and Loreto Megia who were originally from Angeles, Pampanga.

Prior to her “AI” stint, Megia was best known for her appearance on the fourth season of “America’s

Got Talent” in 2009, where she made it as far as the quarterfinals. She was also one of the promising singers who performed at the “David Foster and Friends” concert tour in California which featured Charice Pempengco.

As a 16-year-old crooner, Megia is the youngest contestant ever to make it to the show’s top 13.

Fellow Filipino-American Clint Jun Gamboa, a karaoke joint host was also eliminated from the show early

Manila Road MTS Winnipeg On Demand Documentary 2011

Photo by Gail Tolentino

L

ocal independent filmmaker, Fernando Dalayoan, is asking the Winnipeg’s Filipino community for help on his short documentary called Manila Road. Manila Road touches on the cultural significance

of our vibrant Filipino community in Winnipeg from the 1950s to 2000s. Manila Road, tentatively, will premiere on MTS Winnipeg On Demand late Fall in 2011.

In this short documentary, Fernando would like to showcase film/video footages that Filipinos may have shot in Winnipeg specifically during the early 1950s to 1970s. He is looking for footages of activities in our Filipino community, family arrivals to the city, and fun scenes of you and your family enjoying Winnipeg’s outdoors and city events. Be assured, your treasured film/video footages will be handled with extreme care and delivered promptly after they have been looked over.

Dalayoan will also need the support from Filipino families who

are new arrivals to Winnipeg (less than a year) and who are willing to share their stories and current experiences about our wonderful city. Participants in this project will receive film credits and DVD copies of the finished product.

Please contact Mr. Dalayoan through his email fdalayoan@ me.com if you are interested in helping out in promoting our strong Filipino community to the rest of our fellow Winnipeggers and others. Dalayoan will be collecting your films/videos until the end of May. Scheduled family interviews will be set in the first week of July with location to be determined.

Thank you in advance for your kind support in celebrating Filipino pride to the rest our fellow Winnipeggers and beyond.

Pinay Ford Supermodels walk for Levi’s show in NY

P

inay Ford Supermodels winners Danica Magpantay, Charlene “Chat” Almarvez and Charo Ronquillo marched for the Levi’s Fall/Winter Fashion Collection Preview in New York last week. The Filipino models were three of the 24 who were chosen to showcase the Levi’s lines.

Magpantay said it was the first time they all worked together.

Looking fabulous and glamorous

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is key to making supermodels look even more gorgeous on and off the catwalk. Albee Franson, the head makeup artist for the Levi’s preview who made these girls prepared for their close-ups, happens to be Filipino-American.

The achievement of these Filipinos in New York’s fashion scene is making it easier for upcoming Filipino supermodels to make their dreams come true in the Big Apple.

April 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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Filipino Journal 19

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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April 5 - 20, 2011

April 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

continued from page 9

Up Close with Lea Salonga a mediocre will arise. It’s the excellent talents I am hoping to apply to the shows and rise to the top, and become famous.

FJ: Do these shows give hope to those whose talents have gone unnoticed?

LS: It gives people an opportunity.

If nothing else, it gives someone who otherwise would not be able an opportunity, a chance. It is something to hold on to and strive for. With my experience in Saigon, I thank the audition held in the Philippines. See, you have to audition to get in.

FJ: A while ago, you saw Maria Aragon and her family very supportive of her. I understand that your family has been supportive too especially in your formative years.What can you say about Maria’s family acting as her primary support system in her love for music?

LS: It is good. It is important.

Both my brother and I are making music- that fact is a testimony to my family’s support to us, which is not always present in a lot of artists’ families. There are some people who, after they became famous, were confronted by their families, “so, when will you stop this and become a doctor?” or “when will this end?”. The thing is, families have to realize that not all their kids want to become a lawyer, a doctor, a plumber, or a fireman. Some take the artistic path which sometimes could be lonely, difficult and trying.

So, the kind of support Maria Aragon has needs to be there. She needs everyone to be behind her and to always be honest to her.

That support also has to come by not always saying “yes” to everything, keeping her humble, making sure she does her chores, goes to school, and practices

her songs, and making sure that she maintains her passion. The impetus to dream to become someone should also come from the kid. It cannot come from the parents, or else it’s going to lead to a whole slew of problems.

FJ: Do you entertain the possibility that you two will sing together in one show?

LS: I would like to. That girl can sing! She sang acapella for us. I love how deep her voice is. She’s really good!

FJ: How do you see Maria Aragon, 10-20 years from now?

LS: When she gets 18- 20, and she’s gone through the change (puberty), and has come out of the tunnel, I would be interested what her voice is going to sound like. It’s going to be fun.

Maria seems to be very together kid for someone that young. She is very poised. She looked starstruck, and that was really cute.

FJ: Were you starstruck?

LS: A little bit, given this little kid, in a very short time, has been able to do, and on the endorsement of one artist, given that she’s one of the biggest pop artists in the world right now...

At first, when I saw Maria in YouTube, I asked “So, who’s this?”, and I wondered how autotuned her voice is. Then she sits, and starts to play the piano.

Then she sings. You cannot autotune what comes out of the microphone. There I said, “Now, I like her”.

FJ: What is your advice to Maria and her passion in music?

LS: Follow it. Throw yourself into it.

Lea, as a performer, continues to travel the world. Aside from that, Lea is a columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. A mom and housewife, Lea said that whenever she’s at home, she does all the chores ordinary wives and mothers do. :-)

On the Reproductive Health Bill

T

he issue about the Reproductive Health Bill has continuously triggered discussions among the people, the state and the church, in the Philippines. Lea Salonga, who has been vocal about her support for the Reproductive Health Bill, explains her stance about this matter.

LS: I have been raised by a conservative and Catholic household. However, once you start getting exposed to a lot in the world, you then see that there is so much more to life than what you see at home, that you start to make

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Filipino Journal

decisions based on the friends that you make, the environment that you are in. You see, I am always guided by my conscience in everything I do. The thing is, so much of my adult life has been spent in an artistic environment. I have been exposed to a lot of things that not all people were exposed to.

When we were Miss Saigon, AIDS was starting to gain recognitionthat’s when I first heard the word AIDS, and that’s when I started to discover that the people I was working with were HIV positive, had died, or were dying because of that disease. These were the people who worked backstage, onstage, behind the scenes, in offices or in productions. I was in New York City that time.

21

At the Tony Awards, everybody had their red ribbons in support of this effort. People were coming out publicly to tell others that this is how to prevent the disease from spreading, and this is how you should take care of yourself.

Hearing those things, I changed my view and started to form an opinion. Hence, I support the RH bill.

Do your research. Read. Look at the science. Just don’t go by the opinion of others. Read and make a decision. After your done with them all, and you will say you do not support the RH Bill, it is okay.

I respect that because I know you know what you are standing for.

22

Filipino Journal

April 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Horoscope There are many harmonious conditions surrounding your life right now connected to a faraway trip. For you, the student, a great opportunity to pursue higher education is in the cards for you. Your hard work shall be rewarded.

You may be busy all month, which doesn’t make you the warmest partner in the world. But maybe it’s better to channel your energy into work instead of trying to nurture harmony in your personal life.

Gemini should get rid of some of his illusions because real life presents unavoidable requirements. Precise decisions should be taken, specific objectives seen, practical tasks set, so as not to make mistake on the way.

April will be good for any kind of work, the main thing is for that work to give satisfaction to the person doing it. Cancer should not indulge in his usual state of doubt and lurch from one activity to another else he would lose precious time, which is directly intended for achievement of success.

A relative opens old wounds when they go through some of your old belongings. Try not to get angry because there was no harm intended. A walk down memory lane might be good for you at this point in your life, but don’t get wrapped up in the past.

Your home will be the central point for you this month as everything seems to be falling in a good place concerning your shared sources of income. You have learned how to manage them and you will be getting rewarded.

This month will be a very pleasant for you, as everything seems to fall into place, and those around you are at peace. Do not let the hectic times of the holiday get to you, because you are strong and you can adapt.

Your work area, personal finances and outlook on the future are closely interconnected with very harmonious circumstances.

You’re lucky break might be closer than you think as you continue to proceed with caution and hard work toward your much dreamed personal goals.

Communication is the key word for Aquarius this month.

There are many good harmonious circumstances surrounding your work place and some new opportunities for you to get some profit from your profession or business.

Your loved one seems to be giving you much understanding and support concerning plans for a faraway trip which you are looking at with caution. You are going through a period of expansion that could have given some of you Sagittarians some weight gain. This needs to be handled in a constructive way and not to be looked at like an obstacle in your life.

A big opportunity for you to reach some of your greatest ambitions in life is present due to your hard work and diligence at work. This could bring to your life some monetary reward.

A very good month for you financially, and the holiday turns out to be pretty easy to deal with. A spouse or lover is having a hard time dealing with the pressures of their work and are reluctant to share this with you.

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April 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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24

Filipino Journal

continued from page 12

A true story about a dream turning into reality

evening, and Maria appeared on the show on Thursday, on the big screen in Time Square and was presented with six months of piano lessons from GMA host, George Stephanopoulos. Low on sleep, we decided to spend the rest of our only day in the Big Apple. We visited the Empire State Building, and Times Square. It was an amazing experience. It was also in New York where Maria’s famous “Monkey” was found.

During the trip, Maria had heard a conversation between Wayne and I discussing how broke we would be once it was over. We wanted to buy things for Maria because of all her hard work.

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

April 5 - 20, 2011

When asked what colour monkey she would like to have, Maria refused to accept Wayne’s gift for her. After putting himself on the spot and dancing in front of people just to make Maria laugh, he was able to convince her to accept the gift. Dancing has always been Wayne’s forte – he teaches for Marquis Dance Company and is also the Director and Founder of Sikat Dance Company. This monkey signifies the relationship she was able to build with Wayne, and she takes it with her wherever she goes, because it allows her to feel Wayne’s presence through times that he is not around.

Back in Winnipeg, life continued – Maria went back to school, my parents back to work, and I tried to do the same, except now I had to deal with all the media requests from Toronto.

CKJS Radio Station

John Downey is our main contact in Toronto and our relationship with him is special. He has gained the trust of my family, and I honestly believe that our relationship with him is positive because of our initial conversation.

John has done a wonderful job with everything – from taking care of us during our stay there, to making sure that things worked with the family’s best interests at heart, and always protecting Maria. Many people had wondered why we trusted him so much, and nobody really understood.

We arrived in Toronto on Wednesday afternoon, and went straight to the studios of TVO Kids. Maria appeared on the show, and wrote her first song about her monkey. Followed dinner at La Bruschetta Restaurant, where she was asked to sign a plate – a tradition asked of celebrities while they dine, and placed on the wall for everyone to see. Among the plates on the wall, were Hilary Duff and Taylor Swift.

Maria had a press conference set up the morning of the Lady Gaga concert including interviews with local, national and international media outlets. After the interviews, Maria was off to Eaton Centre for a shopping spree followed by a sound check at the Air Canada Centre.

Lady Gaga had asked to see Maria before she began. They rehearsed for less than ten minutes, and had gone over the acoustic version from start to finish in one take. I can honestly say that I had the best seat that evening. I say this only because I was able to be there for Maria the entire time.

The outcome of the performance is something that I need not speak of, and I believe it’s safe to say that the rest is history. After the concert,

At HOT 103

Maria had a very late night press conference. Prior to our flight the following morning, we visited a local school in Northern Toronto.

Here, Maria was able to share her experience and more importantly, give children the opportunity to see that she is just like them – someone who had a dream, worked hard, and achieved it.

It was only the Saturday afternoon before the video was posted, that she heard of the song. We were gathered for my nephew’s baptism, and Wayne had asked her when her next YouTube video would be released. During this time, he was listening to songs on his iPod, preparing for a class he had to teach, later on that day.

He encouraged Maria to listen to “Born this Way.” At first, she was hesitant about singing the song, but after reading the lyrics she became interested. Wayne had even joked about it and said “Maria, I will get you to the top. I don’t know how, but I will help you get there.” In two weeks, Maria posted her video on YouTube, caught the heart of Lady Gaga, appeared on the Ellen Show and Good Morning America, and above all, shared the stage with Lady Gaga in concert. The popular hit has a total of just shy of 23 million views, and counting.

What is next for Maria Aragon?

My answer to that is simple.

Throughout this entire experience, things have happened the way that they happened in the order that they happened, all because of one reason. Regardless of any plans we make or any events we can look forward to, nothing is set on stone and we can only run on God’s time. Only He knows what is next for Maria, because He is the one in charge.

With everything that has happened, my family and I have

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learned many lessons along the way. We have learned how important it is to keep our word.

Perhaps this is the very reason why we were able to handle situations accordingly. My dad has also taught me not to ignore anybody.

Regardless of how difficult it may be to juggle Maria’s schedule around sometimes, I have tried and will continue to try my best to fit everyone in. I have been constantly reminded that everyone else’s time – no matter who they work for, or what they can do for my sister – is just as important as our time.

I hope that we can continue to live up to these lessons as we go on with our journey.

Lastly, allow me to say that we are very thankful to have been showered by so many blessings this past month. We extend our gratitude to everyone who we have been in contact with, whether or not it was a message through Facebook, a phone interview, or someone walking in the mall, asking to take a picture with Maria.

We cannot express how grateful we are with words. When Maria chose to do a cover of this song, she did not expect for it to receive this much attention. She chose to sing this song because of its message – Do not be afraid to be yourself, because God made you who you are and He makes no mistakes. Above all, this journey has convinced many people that dreams do come true and that nothing is impossible.

As of this moment, the feeling lingers and we can only hope that it lasts. As for Maria, my sincerest wish is for her to be happy, with whatever she chooses to do. I have always looked forward to the time when the World would see what I had always known about my sister – that she is extraordinary.

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

April 5 - 20, 2011

OFWs need bridges for life like OFCI -- Koko Pimentel

K

oko Pimentel, the presumed winner for the 12th senatorial slot in the 2007 elections following the completion of the first half of the protest case he filed against Migz Zubiri, stressed recently the indispensable need of bridges for overseas Filipinos in order for them to be given the attention and protection they deserve from the government.

This was stressed by Koko in his inspirational address last April 3 at Klub Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, during the installation of the first set of officers of the Philippine chapter of Overseas Filipino Council International (OFCI), a group incorporated in the USA for the purpose of serving as the “Torchbearer, Bridge Builder and Pledge Keeper” for all sociallyconscious Filipinos around the globe.

OFCI is small but its goals are profound: it aims to work in so many

areas to help the Filipinos and their country.

Among the beneficiaries of OFCI are the overseas Filipinos, contract workers or otherwise, who are heroes for contributing at least $14 billion to the country’s economy every year in the form of remittances.

One of OFCI’s goals is to build a bridge for all Filipinos to cross over from their problems.

Koko cited the problem of Filipinos caught after serving as drug mules, three of them were executed recently in China and other Filipinos sentenced to die in many jails abroad and acknowledged others facing cases virtually without help.

Koko also mentioned Filipinos sleeping under a bridge in Saudi Arabia because they cannot go home for lack of funds for their return trip.

He admitted that problems like these often occur beyond the control

Bruinooge Campaign Calls for Volunteers to Fight Flood

A

pril 5, 2011 Winnipeg, MB - Preparation for rising river levels has been the focus of all Manitobans for months now, and effective today, flood officials will be instructing over hundred homeowners along the Red River, including many in Winnipeg South, to begin constructing dykes.

“Winnipegers have a great tradition of coming together to help one another when needed, especially when it comes to flood fighting,” said Rod Bruinooge. “It is in the spirit of this tradition that I have asked all of our campaign volunteers who are physically able to assist with sandbagging operations. The campaign fight can wait and the fight

and knowledge of the government, but NGOs are more often already there starting the help before the authorities can know and come.

As such, Koko counted on the indispensability for NGOs like OFCI to serve as bridges to bring to the fore the concerns and issues common to all overseas Filipinos.

“I am encouraging OFCI to build a bridge that will link the overseas Filipinos, OFWs or otherwise, to the government that is in a better position to help,” stressed Koko, promising to bring OFCI’s concerns closer to the heart of Vice-President Jejomar Binay, who is now serving as the czar on OFWs matters under the administration of President Benigno Simeon “PNoy” C. Aquino III. Installed as officers of the Philippine chapter of OFCI are: Lyndale Marietta Cataluña Causing of Koronadal City, president; Andrew Rimando of La Union, vice-president; Lilia Pelayo of Laguna, Treasurer; Marge Aberasturi of Batangas, Secretary; Myra Tambor of Samar,

to protect homes takes precedent”.

Mr. Bruinooge says his campaign volunteers will switch their focus from knocking on doors and stuffing envelopes to assisting in sandbagging operations.

“I encourage all Winnipegers to help make 2011 the most prepared it has ever been for flood waters.”

To join the Rod Bruinooge team of volunteers participating in sandbagging operations please contact his campaign headquarters at 989-8180 or the constituency office at 984-6787. For more information on flood preparation please call the City of Winnipeg’s 311 information centre.

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Filipino Journal 25

Auditor; and Berteni “Toto” Cataluña Causing of Manila, press relations officer.

The officers of OFCI are: Anita S. Schon, president and chairperson of the Board of Governors; Roberto Pagarigan, vice-president and vicechair of the Board of Governors; Sonny Feliciano, secretary and

member of the Board of Governors; Carlos Caramanzana, treasurer & member of the Board of Governors; Lourdes Ceballos, public relations officer & member of the Board of Governors; Ernesto Delfin, auditor & member of the Board of Governors; Nelson Paguyo, ex–officio member of the Board of Governors.

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26 Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

The Weigh In

by Big Marv @BigMarvShow

Times Up for Who?

T

he shelf life of a fighter is a very difficult time to measure. A quick look six years back, these were the champions of the UFC: Matt Hughes was the Welterweight Champion, Rich Franklin was the Middleweight Champion, Chuck Liddell at Light Heavyweight, and Tim Silvia had the Heavyweight belt. How many of these former champs are still at the top of their division? The answer is none. No one is even close.

Back in 2005, after two knock out loses to Chuck â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Icemanâ&#x20AC;? Liddell, Randy Couture retired from the UFC. At the age of 42, he was a three time UFC

Champion and had very little left to prove inside the cage. Everyone felt he retired at the right time; that is until he came back a year later and breathed new life into the UFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heavyweight Division.

Coming out of retirement, he beat then champion Tim Silvia to with the Heavyweight Championship.

Now at age 47, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enter the cage against former Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Dragonâ&#x20AC;?

Machida when the UFC comes to Toronto next month.

Looking back again to 2005, Coutureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first knockout loss to Liddell was when The Iceman first won the UFC Light Heavyweight

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Championship. This was the start of five successful title defenses in a row and had many naming Chuck Liddell the best fighter in the world. In more recent times, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been brutally knocked out in his last three fights which lead him to retire, and become the UFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vice President of Business Development.

After each one of Chuck Liddellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knockout losses, UFC President Dana White and fans alike, would plead with the former Champion to hang it up for fear of permanent damage both physically and to his legacy. So this begs the question who, currently fighting, should call it quits? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my Top Five Choices for Retirement: 5) Phil Baroni. Yes, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;New York Bad Assâ&#x20AC;? is charismatic and a great talker, however, his early career was about knocking people out and his later fights were about him getting knocked out. A look at his record, at 13 wins and 13 losses, it says loud and clear, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time.

Life After the Fight? Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to hear Baroni on Color Commentary!

4) Fedor Emelianenko, I believe that Fedor is still one of the top heavyweights in the world.

After his two back-to-back loses, he started to contemplate retirement.

I believe he should retire. Not for fear of physical damage, but damage to his legacy. He is one of the very few who can be named the greatest fighter ever in MMA. Life After the Fight? Fedor is the type who would be just as happy living a simple, peaceful life in Russia. I hope his management lets him have his peace.

3) Andrei â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Pit bullâ&#x20AC;?

Arlovski. Physically The Pit Bull is a monster. Still healthy, still strong, still very skilled. Unfortunately, the rest of his body forgot to tell his chin. You can train all you want, but you cannot un-train a glass jaw.

With four losses in a row, and three of them by devastating knockout, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m beginning to fear for the former UFC Heavyweight Champion.

April 5 - 20, 2011

Life After the Fight? Arlovski is a real life Ivan Drago. So put him in the movies!

2) Tito Ortiz. The Huntington Beach Bad Boy is an icon in the UFC, he just hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fought that way since destroying Ken Shammrock twice in 2006. Tito is way past his prime, but has so many side projects, I say he should just hang them up.

Life After the Fight? Along with all his projects, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see Tito Ortiz dedicate himself to training young, up and coming fighters.

He showed on The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 that he really great at training fighters.

1) Ken Shammrock. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll sum this up by answering the question youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re asking; yes, he is still fighting.

Life After the Fight? Time for the former Intercontinental Champion to return to the WWE and regain his title! Hey, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin are back, why not Ken Shammrock.

Pacmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weaknesses and Mosleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right hand

F

ighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao said he and his team considered everything they need to know about Shane Mosley, as well as his potent right hand.

To beat Mosley, Pacquiao said they needed to analyze his opponentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths to come up with the most appropriate strategy.

This coming May 7, Pacquiao will be going toe-to-toe against Mosley to defend his WBO welterweight title. The Filipino champion, who is currently training in the US, said they will make sure that Mosley will have

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a tough time landing his powerful right hand.

Mosley closely knocked down undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their May 2010 welterweight fight with two powerful shots from his right hand.

Mosley said he is also studying Pacmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weaknesses.

He watched tapes of Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who gave the Filipino superstar the toughest matches of his career.

April 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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Filipino Journal

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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April 5 - 20, 2011