Filipino Journal Winnipeg Volume 26 Number 04

26 Years February 20 - March 5, 2012 • Volume 26, Number 4

Filipino Journal Day at Festival du Voyageur

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Winnipeg, Manitoba Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

New Filipino-Canadians celebrate Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

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Contour the Crease

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Welcome to Canada! The Generillo family immigrated to Canada in 2006 and during a special citizenship swearing-in ceremony at the Manitoba Legislature in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee were welcomed as new Canadians. The ceremony held on February 14th welcomed 40 new Canadians. The speical Diamond Jubilee citizenship ceremony was attended by Premier Greg Selinger and Hon. Christine Melnyk, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism. Photo by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

by R. Reis Pagtakhan, LL.B., B.A. (Hons.) rrp@aikins.com

Why you shouldn’t send in an immigration application by regular mail

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n many cases, an immigration application can be sent in by regular mail or courier. While either method is valid, immigration lawyers typically advise clients to sent in all correspondence to visa offices by courier or another method by which delivery can be confirmed. While couriers are more costly than regular mail, the court case of Li Fang Mei shows why an investment in a courier can sometimes be the difference between an application being approved or refused.

In Mr. Mei’s case, Mr. Mei applied for and was approved under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. After his application was approved in Manitoba, he submitted his application to the Canadian Embassy.

After receiveing the application, Citizenship and Immigration Canada visited the business where Mr. Mei worked and questioned his boss and Mr. Mei about his employment.

The investigating officer found

contradictions in the statements between Mr. Mei and his alleged boss and determined that the business would confirm employment for individuals who did not work for them.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada then notified the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program about the visit and gave Mr. Mei 30 days to provide reliable and verifiable proof of employment.

Mr. Mei sent in his response by regular mail but the Embassy never received it.

Three months later, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program withdrew Mr. Mei’s Certificate of Nomination because of the submission of false documents. Amonth and a half after this, Citizenship and Immigration Canada refused his application for permanent residence. Because of the refusal, Mr. Mei was barred from reapplying to immigrate to Canada for 2 years.

In Mr. Mei’s case, the main issue was whether the letter that

he sent to the Embassy should have been deemed to have been received by the Embassy. If the court accepted Mr. Mei’s argument, the decision by the officer would be a breach of procedural fairness.

In this case, the judge found that immigration applicants are allowed to send responses to visa offices by regular mail if no particular procedure is set out as to how they should communicate to the office. However, the judge also found that the general rule is that the applicants must satisfy visa officers that they comply with all of the requirements under immigration law. As a result, even though a person can send correspondence to a visa office by regular mail, it is an applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the visa officer receives all requested documents within the time period set forth in the officer’s letter.

Mr. Mei tried to argue that it is impossible to verify if a letter sent by regular mail has actually been received. However, because the court found that he had the responsibility to ensure that his letter was received by the visa office, the visa officer was entitled to make a decision without receiving it.

It is always best to send any communication to the visa office in a manner by which delivery can be confirmed. This can be achieved by sending documentation by way of an email that allows for receipt confirmation, a fax that allows

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for receipt confirmation, or by courier. While regular mail is acceptable, sending materials into visa offices by regular mail results in an unnecessary risk.

This Article is prepared for general information purposes only and is intended to provide comments for readers and friends of the Filipino Journal. The contents should not be viewed as legal advice or opinion.

Reis is a partner with Aikins Law and practices in the areas of immigration law. His direct line is 957-4640. If you would like to know more about Reis or Aikins you can visit the firm’s web page at www.aikins.com, follow Reis on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/ ImmigrationReis, or connect with him on LinkedIn at http://www. linkedin.com/in/reispagtakhan

BI launches crackdown against illegal aliens

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ight Chinese nationals employed by the Yinshu Mining Corp. and Din Shing Mining Inc. in Barangay Caradapan, Eastern Samar were recently arrested as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) launched a crackdown against foreigners illegally working in the country without the required work permits.

Those arrested were identified as Xue Guanghu, Enqing Xie, Lou Zheng Nan, Hong Bing Yin, Dong Chunhui Li Shaohua, Zuang Guangyu, and Mo Jiacheng, all from China, who were caught in the act of working for the mining firms but were not able to present their work permits.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said existing laws require foreigners employed in the Philippines to secure their alien employment permit (AEP)

from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and working visa from the BI. BI acting intelligence chief Lawyer Antonette Mangrobang said the bureau will step up its operations against illegally working aliens, especially in the provinces where their presence even in far-flung areas have been reported.

The BI official urged the citizenry to report the presence of suspicious-looking aliens in their respective localities so the bureau can immediately verify the immigration status of the foreigners.

The operation was carried out after informants tipped the bureau about the presence of foreigners who were allegedly employed at the mining firms without the required working visas from the BI.

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by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com {I started blogging as early as 2004, long before many computer users, just because they knew how to use the computer keyboard, thought that blogging alone made them proper writers or journalists. That blogspot of mine, http:// www.elf-ideas.blogspot.com, has always been a treasure trove of ideas and always came in handy every time I need topics to write about. Ultimately, it’s always good to realize that most if not all of the sentiments and insights that I have expressed on such blog articles remain true to what I truly believe and consistent with my worldviews and perspectives. Here is a blog entry that I posted in December 2004 about literary censorship, the controversiality of which remains relevant today as it was that year.}

What Really Matters Is What You Believe

(On Da Vinci’s Codes and Concerning Criticisms on Similar Controversial Literary Works) {A tribute to one of my favorite authors of this generation, Christopher Hitchens (13 April 1949–15 December 2011)}

I

am yet to decode whatever Dan Brown has encrypted in his book The Da Vinci Code, so I’m not yet in the position to offer my commentaries about the book itself. But, this doesn’t

prevent me from expressing my views about the currently proliferating criticisms lodged not only at the contents and nature of Dan Brown’s controversial book but also at other similarly

bold contributions to Arts and Literature.

I have the penchant to wait until the smoke wanes before I look into the real cause of the fire.

Thus, The Da Vinci is not yet on my list of books to read, but I will certainly read my copy of it as soon as I feel like it.

I don’t believe in destructive criticisms and censorship; I believe that humans have the innate ability to discern and make their own choices.

As J.K. Rowling wrote in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: “It’s our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are....”

Ultimately, diversity, understanding, and acceptance is the key to peace and harmony; not singularity, indifference, and discrimination.

The stones and boulders that are currently thrown at Dan Brown are nothing new. Similar allegations had been lodged at John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, in the 1960s, as soon as The Lord of the Rings achieved popularity. Critics accused Tolkien of subliminally promoting godlessness by failing

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to make a reference of a god in his book, an accusation which eventually backfired on the clueless critic who was obviously unfamiliar with the entirety of Tolkien’s work, for in The Silmarillion Tolkien wrote: “In the beginning, there was Eru, the One, who in later days was known as Ilúvatar by the Elves. He made first the Ainur, who were his Angels, and he gave to them song and music as a gift, and spoke to them of great themes.”

Joanne Kathleen Rowling has suffered similarly, as detractors claimed she was espousing witchcraft and wizardry. Had these critics actually read any Harry Potter book, they would have surely discovered that behind the literary façade of Rowling’s books is a wealth of lessons not only for children but more so for grown-ups.

And what can you say about Nietzsche when he declared that God doesn’t exist? Did that make him less human? Was he being morally irresponsible? Or was he only stating a personal belief which he was holding in high esteem?

Accusations about writers and artists promoting evil and destroying faiths through their works, to reiterate, are nothing new. They are, in themselves, also as subjective as they can ever be. This kind of character assassination stretches back to many centuries before our time. Remember the “burning of witches at the stake,” which was a common practice in the 15thcentury Europe? In those days, espousing a belief and ideology contrasting to what was “normal” and “common” meant that the

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espouser was a witch, evil, and therefore must be burned to the death. How brutal and barbaric, one might squeak, but that was not much different from what is happening nowadays—burning to death those who expressed radical ideas and went against the views of the so-called moral society IS not much different from criticizing people who share their unusual, uncommon, or unorthodox beliefs through music, speeches, or literary works.

What many so-called moralists did (and are doing) to the likes of Tolkien, Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell, Jonathan Swift, The Eagles, The Beatles, Metallica, Rowling, and Dan Brown is what I call metaphoric burning of witches (and wizards, for that matter).

Why? Are the same “moralists” afraid that other people’s unorthodoxy might affect their own faiths? Isn’t that a shameful revelation that they themselves have hidden doubts about their own beliefs?

I believe that if a person really holds her beliefs and ideals in high esteem, no book nor preacher can easily sway her.

The Last Leaf As I wrote in a book I am yet to finish: “In final analysis, faiths and beliefs, and all those diverse spiritual orientations, no longer matter in the end so long as the individual lives his life in harmony with his fellow creatures and the environment, sincerely trying every day—through little to large deeds—to become a better and worthy member of the society to which he belongs.”

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PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

‘Catch me if you can’

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as it occurred to you that when a person tries to convince others, more doubts are raised about that person’s sincerity or honesty? Such is the situation that Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona has gotten himself into. It’s likened to a person who falls into a quicksand; the more he tries to get out of it, the faster he sinks. But if that person remained immobile he’d still sink nevertheless. The lesson here is: Don’t go near a quicksand.

And that’s precisely what Corona did when he accepted an illegal appointment from then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during a period when a ban on “midnight appointments” was in effect. He jumped into a quicksand knowing full well that he might not get out of it! It’s a case of “come what may” or “bahala na.”

It did not then come as a surprise when a year and a half after he reached the pinnacle of his career – a dream come true – Corona found himself in a quicksand of legal and moral questions about his ascendancy to the highest position of the judicial branch of government. And now, he is struggling to save his career and what is left of his reputation.

He might have a chance of saving his career; however, it seems that his reputation is now stained indelibly as a result of a slew of damaging evidence that came out at the Senate impeachment trial in which he is accused of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.

When the Senate impeachment trial began, Corona’s battery of topnotch lawyers led by retired Supreme Court Justice Serafin Cuevas took the offensive like a German blitzkrieg, which caused heavy damage to the House prosecutors’ initial presentation.

Even the experienced private prosecutors who were helping the House prosecutors seemed ill equipped in battling the legendary Cuevas. In his crossexamination of the prosecutors’ witnesses, Cuevas assaulted them with a “take no prisoner” stance and at one point declared one witness as “bankrupt.” He was brutally effective in pulverizing the testimony of the witnesses and neutralizing the prosecutors with his courtroom maneuvers… until he met his Waterloo.

Discrepancies An unexpected turn of events happened last February 6 (Day 12 of the trial) when Cuevas crossexamined Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares. Henares testified that she found discrepancies in Corona’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) in the years from 2003 to 2010. She

gave a detailed breakdown of the discrepancies. For instance, in 2010 – when he was already Chief Justice – Corona declared only P14.5 million in his SALN when in fact he owned P50 million in assets.

Cuevas abruptly moved to have Henares’ testimony stricken from the impeachment trial records, saying that Henares was not an “expert witness.” But the private prosecutor, Arthur Lim, retorted and pointed out that Cuevas had just qualified her to be an “expert witness.” The president officer, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, agreed with Lim and let Henares’ testimony stay. It was only then that the foxy Cuevas realized that Lim had outfoxed him.

Unreported wealth The stinger came on February 8 (Day 14) when Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) president Pascual Garcia III testified on five domestic accounts of Corona, which revealed that as of December 31, 2010, Corona’s total peso deposits at PSBank was P19,728,555.39.

This did not include Corona’s five dollar accounts, which he claimed couldn’t be disclosed under R.A. 6426, the Foreign Currency Deposit Act. The following day (Day 15), Leonora Dizon, branch manager of the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) presented bank documents that showed that Corona’s checking account had an ending balance of P12,024,067.70 as of December 31, 2010.

Let’s do our math: Between the two banks, Corona’s cash deposits – excluding his secret dollar accounts – total P31,752,623.09.

That’s P28,252,623.09 more than the P3.5 million he declared in his 2010 SALN. However, if you add the secret dollar deposit account of $700,000 that Corona allegedly deposited in 2008 at PSBank, then the total unreported amount could be as high as P66 million in 2010.

Incidentally, Corona through Cuevas admitted the existence of his dollar accounts; however, he refused to authorize disclosure at this time saying that he’d disclose them in due time. Hmm… do I smell a stinking fish here?

Attack the “enemy” With this incontrovertible evidence, Corona is faced with a difficult situation. How could he convince the impeachment court -- and the court of public opinion – of his innocence? He must have realized then that the impeachment court is an unfriendly territory. He had to find another venue where he could extricate himself out of the quicksand he trapped himself into.

On February 12, on the eve of the Day 15 trial, several members of Corona’s defense team held a press conference where they

alleged that an unnamed source gave them “reliable” information that President Benigno Aquino III through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. attempted to bribe the senator-judges P100 million each to disregard the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court on the disclosure of Corona’s dollar accounts.

As he attacked the “enemy” using the media, Corona also petitioned the Supreme Court to issue a TRO and void the impeachment proceedings. In an en banc session last February 9, the high court decided to defer issuing a TRO; however, it required the respondents to comment within 10 days.

Last February 13, Corona upped the ante and filed a supplemental petition to reinforce his bid to stop the impeachment trial. He accused five senatorjudges of being partial against him. One senator-judge opined that Corona’s strategy in filing the supplemental petition is to open the way for a mistrial.

“Acquittal by TRO” Evidently, Corona is now taking an unorthodox approach to secure his acquittal, he is playing “catch me if you can” by bringing the Supreme Court into play; that is, each time the prosecution gets closer to pinning him down, he would run to the Supreme Court and ask for a TRO. With at least eight justices – all Arroyo appointees - closely allied with him, he has a good chance of getting a TRO to stop the impeachment proceedings for good.

The question is: Does the Senate impeachment court have the temerity to defy the Supreme Court and proceed with the impeachment trial?

It is interesting to note that before the impeachment trial started last January, Enrile commented during a radio interview. He cautioned both Malacañang and the Supreme Court against meddling in the trial. He said that only God and the people could dictate terms on him and that the only one who could stop the trial is “the might of the military.”

In my opinion, Corona would eventually get his “acquittal by TRO,” thanks to his allies in the Supreme Court. And as expected, Enrile would stand by his word.

But he has only one vote. Would the majority of the senator-judges back him up and defy the Supreme Court? Or would they side with Senators Miriam DefensorSantiago and Joker Arroyo who have repeatedly manifested their beliefs that the Supreme Court is higher than the impeachment court and therefore should prevail?

Last February 14 (Day 17), his 88th birthday, Enrile was asked what he wished for himself on his birthday. He said, “My wish is for God to give me the stamina and divine light to do what is right in the remaining years of my life.”

For someone who had been in both the wrong side and right side of history, how would he want to be remembered as the presiding officer of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona?

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@BigMarvShow

Fixing Flaws in Scoring Fights

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here is a saying that Mixed Martial Artists live and die by for each fight: Don’t leave it in the judge’s hands.

When you finish an opponent, you leave no doubt who the winner is.

When a fight goes to decision, the outcome is no longer in your hands. The year is still young, and the UFC already has two controversial outcomes decided by judges’ score cards. One fight was for a shot at the Middleweight Championship, the other was for the interim Welterweight Championship. This puts even more importance on who won these fights.

Now, obviously there are flaws in the system. Adopted from boxing’s 10-Point Must System, MMA bouts are scored based on effective striking, grappling, aggression, and octagon control.

The first flaw I can see in the 10Point Must System is that each of those points are subjective. Does a counter striker who sticks and moves lose a round to the more aggressive, walk-forward fighter, even if he lands more strikes?

What if a fighter lands strikes throughout the round, but gets taken down twice within the same round? Who do you give the 10points to?

Boxing and MMA are two totally different sports, so they should have different systems in place for scoring a fight. In Pride, there was no scoring. A decision was based on the fight as a whole.

Each judge would hold up a card with who they felt won the fight overall. Emphasis place on who came closer to finishing the fight.

The problem with this is that it’s even more subjective then the 10-Point Must System. What if one fighter was getting beat up most of the fight, but in the last two minutes almost pulls off a submission win. Do you award him the fight because he came closer to finishing the fight?

My answer to scoring fights uses ideas from both the Pride way of judging a fight, and the 10-Point Must System. I would score each round based on who was closer to finishing the fight.

But the winner of the round has to earn those 10 points. If the he fought the perfect round, he gets 10 points. If the round was back and forth, maybe he gets 8 points and his opponent gets 6 points.

So if there was a close round followed by a dominant round, and then an even round... the score could be 9-8, 8-10, 9-9. Making the final score 27-26. So the one fighter won a close opening round, but got dominated in the second round, then they fought an even final round. A more accurate portrayal of what goes on during a fight and if the judging is based on who comes closer to finishing the

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fight, then fighters will become less likely to lay’n’pray or stall and clinch against the cage.

As for the fights I mentioned earlier, I disagreed with the judges and felt that Micheal Bisping won his fight over Chael Sonnen, but I agreed with the judges on the Carolos Condit/Nick Diaz fight

and believed the right man, in Condit, was awarded the interim Welterweight Championship.

Do you agree or disagree with my scoring system or the outcome of the fights? Join the debate and tweet me at www. twitter.com/BigMarvShow

Alam Mo Ba Na…?

(This new column will feature trivial facts and information that involve ni Adonis in Fernandez Filipinos or the Filipino community Canada.)

ad_gracer@yahoo.com

• The first Filipino immigrants arrived in Winnipeg in 1959 (www.pccm.ca).

• To help prevent tooth decay, Winnipeg’s drinking water has fluoride content (www.winnipeg.ca).

• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson is named after an illustrious Canadian grain merchant and aviation executive, James Armstrong Richardson Sr. (August 21, 1885–June 26, 1939), who lived most of his life in Winnipeg (The Manitoba Historical Society).

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Filipino Journal SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES

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We can help you reach out to, collaborate with, and market effectively to targeted audiences in their on-line haunts.

Social Media Marketing services include: Social Media Strategy - finding your potential clients on-line and figuring out how to reach them.

Corporate Facebook Pages – building and managing effective Facebook presences; Twitter Services – using Twitter the right way.

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increase brand awareness; create buzz; promote and advertise products and services; generate sales; establish expertise; drive more web site traffic showcase and demonstrate product effectiveness.

Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and YouTube get millions of visitors daily. Tap into this vital social phenomenon and reach a vast new audience, contact the Filipino Journal today to find out how.

FJ

Ron Cantiveros (204) 489-8894 ron@FilipinoJournal.com

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Pacquiao mulls retirement next year

Winnipeg Jets Report

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By Ron Cantiveros Photos by Rob Buenaventura

Winnipeg Jets Hockey Morning in the Philippines

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atching and listening to the Winnipeg Jets during the last two weeks of January from the Philippines was challenging.

Since the Philippines is 14 hours ahead of Winnipeg, the 7:30pm evening games translate to 9:30am morning in Manila.

Thanks to various online streaming sites, fast wifi connection at the Starbucks close to my uncle’s residence, I was able watch and listen to many of the Jets games. The majority of time, I tuned into TSN Radio 1290 AM online streaming audio play-by-play for my Jets fix.

Road Woes The Winnipeg Jets continued to struggle during their games in late January, early February. In the last eight road games, the Jets have a 3-5 road record. One of the wins was a 3-2 SO win against the Washington Capitals (Feb. 9) where Dustin Byfuglien scored a goal from centre ice. Two days later in Pittsburgh, the Jets were

outgunned by the high flying Penguins in a 5-8 loss.

Winnipeg Jets win a tight game 2-1 against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs at MTS Centre on February 7th. Winnipeg Jets goals came from Chris Thorburn and the game winning goal by Bryan Little.

Photo by: Rob Buenaventura | Filipino Journal

Valentines Day Massacre The playoff run continues into the last third of the Jets season. With the entire team finally healthy, the Jets are several points out of the eigth and final playoff spot and lost 3-1 to the struggling New York Islanders on Valentine’s Day. The Jets need to find a way to score to make a decent run for a playoff spot.

Big Home Stand The Winnipeg Jets will be hosting an 8-game home stand in late February. The Jets need to win big and win often against visiting teams to ensure they remain in the playoff hunt leading into March. Upcoming games at MTS Centre include the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightening, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers and closing the home stand with the Buffalo Sabres.

A new occupation! First tricycle driver to wear a Winnipeg Jets jersey in Manila.

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anny Pacquiao said his upcoming bout with undefeated American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas might be his last fight as he is pondering retiring next year.

The eight-division world champion said he realized the negative implications of his profession through the Word of God, as he recently accepted Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines’ offer to become their Bible Ambassador.

Pacquiao also disclosed that he has renewed his faith and has turned his back on vices, including womanizing, gambling and drinking.

He added that when one reads the Bible, a relation to God is built that improves one’s faith.

Manny’s wife Jinkee acknowledged the positive changes that her husband has undergone.

Now many is is always in their home with plenty of time for their children.

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by Adonis Fernandez (This column is reserved for the readers of Filipino Journal who have something to say about particular issues concerning, but not limited to, the Filipino culture especially politics and current events. So, if you have something to say, write it down and then submit it to elfideas102@yahoo.com. If we find your article befitting our standards, we will publish it here.—Ed.)

Winnipeg Basketball: Where’s the Hype?

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t’s a no-brainer that hockey and football are the top two sports in Winnipeg. This, of course, is punctuated by the city’s Blue Bombers team in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Jets team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Adding to that are the valuable attention that the media (T.V., radio, and newspapers) allot for hockey and football news features, the Jets and Blue Bombers jersey (and collectibles) selling like hot cakes, the buzz that resounds in school and offices after the Jets or Blue Bombers’ game, and Team Canada’s supremacy in World Junior Hockey Championships. All in all, it is obliging to claim that hockey and football are well-hyped in Winnipeg.

With all the attention given to hockey and football, what’s the place of basketball in Winnipeg?

To me, it seems basketball is undervalued in the city. For while basketball has been in the city for more than a century, not much attention has been given it through

the years. It has been far left behind by hockey and football. The hype that basketball in Winnipeg has is merely from small-scale school and community basketball tournaments, and the silent fervour from a handful of basketball aficionados.

Perhaps, it is so, because Winnipegers consider basketball as less bespeaking of their Canadian identity or that there is just no elite basketball league in Canada that would encourage the promotion of the sport.

To my assessment, there is grave reason why basketball must start to share the attention that hockey and football has in the city. The reasons ran along cultural, social, economic, and political lines: First, with the sustained influx of immigrants in Winnipeg, majority of these new immigrants (most are Asians acc. to Statistics Canada) are more akin to basketball than hockey or football. The promotion of basketball in the city will surely help the new immigrants in their

integration into the Canadian society.

Second, with the increasing gang-related violence in the city, promoting basketball programs can help minimize or prevent the growing number of youth joining gangs in the city. This, of course, is supported by the fact that basketball is an all-season sport where the youth can participate in the sport allyear round.

Third, promoting basketball is economical. Indoor (gym) and outdoor basketball courts are money saving—low cost and low maintenance. Also, indoor basketball courts can be multi-purpose—for assembly and all other sports.

Fourth, promoting basketball leagues in the city can add to the city’s socio-political reputation. If the city can have a franchise in an elite basketball competition–in the same way as Jets and Blue Bombers– it can add to the city’s socio-political reputation and economic gains.

What could be done? Perhaps, these proposals can be considered: First, empowering these small-scale school and community basketball tournaments. It means improving the system by which these tournaments operate. It means adding more hype to the ongoing competition through media attention especially newspapers, television news, and radio news reports. It also means innovations and expansion for these tournaments in the long run.

Second, a franchise for a Winnipeg team in the newly formed National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC). If Winnipeg Blue Bombers participate in the CFL, why

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Filipino Journal 13

can’t a Winnipeg team participate in If these could be done, it NBLC? could also be Winnipeg’s priceless Third, a franchise for a tribute to the Canadian inventor of Winnipeg team in the National basketball—James Naismith.

Basketball Association. If Winnipeg Jets participate in NHL, why can’t a Winnipeg team participate in the National Basketball Association (NBA)?

The first proposal is, of course, the most crucial for it is meant to make Winnipegers have affection for basketball in the same way as they have for hockey and football. This, perhaps, was also the laying ground for having a Blue Bombers team and Jets team. Hence, if the first happens, then the second and third proposals are not inconceivable. It may just be a matter of time.

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How to Contour the Crease Model: Annaliza Erasmo Written by: Tia Provici & Alana Klein

Artist: Tia Provici Photographer: True Charisma Photography, www.facebook.com truecharismaphotography

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hen wanting to contour the eyes you should use a darker shadow in the crease of the eyelid and a highlight on the brow bone. This technique creates definition and depth, making eyes appear brighter and larger. If you define the eyes properly your eyes can look amazing. Depending on your skin tone, you want to pick shadow colors 3 shades: lighter, medium and dark to get natural looking eyes with more definition. To create sexy contoured eyes and avoid looking like a raccoon, follow along in the article to see how to create the look.

Purchase any blush for $16.50 and receive our Glamour Eyes Palette for only ten dollars -- a sensational savings of $19!!! Please present this coupon at time of purchase.

We will also be having a workshop on Thurs Feb 23 @ the new 1-214 McDermot Studio located inside Paperdoll Clothing @6:30pm for “Fabulous in your forties and up!” It’s only a $30 purchasing commitment redeemable for product instead of the regular $50. If you would like to sign up please email teamprovici@provici.com or call 957-1544.

Tia’s image-consulting firm, PROVICI, has attracted a loyal following in the entertainment and business communities. She has recently styled individuals for print media and live entertainment, and for awards shows such as the Junos and the Grammys.

Before

After

Check out Tia on Shaw TV channel 9 on Tuesday evenings, and Wednesdays before noon.

Kung meron kayong questions, comments or suggestions send an e-mail to tia@provici.com.

She welcomes your questions and is available for personal appointments.

Just log onto www.provici.com or visit Tia at PROVICI Cosmetics, now located at 233 Mc Dermot Ave. or call (204) 957-1544 for more info.

To get the look:

Step 3

Products used

Step 1 Apply a sheer veil of Shadow Magnet Primer all over the entire eye lid and brow bone to help the color last all day and prevent against creasing of the shadows.

Step 4 Take Vanilla Eye Shadow and layer it on top of Cedar Eye Shadow to the inner corner of the lid of the eyes to open up the eye a bit more.

Vanilla Eye Shadow is a matte shadow, perfect for softening up shadows.

Step 2 Take Lingerie Eye Shadow and apply all over the brow bone for highlight.

Step 5 For added depth apply a dark brown or for more of a dramatic eye, Black Eye Shadow to the crease. You can either bring it almost all the way in the crease towards the nose or about half way depending on how big your eyes are.

Apply Cedar Eye Shadow all over the entire lid and into the whole crease.

Bring the Cedar Eye Shadow higher so when you put the darkest shadow on top in the crease you still see some of the Cedar peeking through. This is a medium toned taupe shade for added brightness.

Step 6 Finish off the eye with Onyx Crème Liner using the Precision Angle Brush and line the top of your eye and the tear line. Set your even more beautiful eyes with mascara.

There you have a step by step way of achieving perfectly contoured eyes!

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February 20 - March 5, 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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Filipino Journal

Philippine Entertainment News

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Shalani and Roman got wine glasses from the President

N

ewlyweds Shalani Soledad and Rep. Roman Romulo were gifted by President Noynoy Aquino with eight wine glasses.

The number eight is believed to be a lucky number as well as a romantic one.

Although he was invited, Aquino was a no-show at his exgirlfriend’s wedding which was held last Jan. 22 at the St. Benedict Church in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

He nevertheless wished Shalani and Roman well in their journey together as husband and wife.

When queried on the chief executive’s whereabouts, Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said he was clueless on his boss’ weekend schedule. The president is believed to have gone to Baguio City that day.

PNoy has a high-profile breakup with the pretty Valenzuela councilor in late 2010 after his election to office.

He is currently dating Korean TV and radio personality Grace Lee.

February 20 - March 5, 2012

Lea Salonga wants real commitment to the craft of singing

I

nternational singer and thespian Lea Salonga wants discipline, dedication, and a real commitment to the craft of singing.

This was Lea’s message to today’s generation of singers when asked for her opinion on certain celebrities who are nonsingers but goes into professional singing.

She pointed out that singers spent a lot of perspiration, frustration, and rejection before getting their moment in the sun.

She added that singers should also strive to build a good reputation if they want to remain in the business.

Lea said she considers Regine Velazquez, Charice, Rachel Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo,

Zsa Zsa Padilla, Zia Quizon as real singers.

When asked if she would want to share the stage with Anne Curtis, she said Anne admits herself that she’s not a singer.

Anne, a self-confessed frustrated singer, released an album last year followed by a sold-out concert held late last month at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Apparently, Lea’s pronouncements about offkey singers in general plus the mention of Anne’s name caused the publication of an article purporting that Lea attacked she has strong opinions about offAnne’s singing. To this, Lea key singers.

Lea then told the public to reacted on Twitter that she didn’t attacked Anne but maintained that find out exactly what she said in full and in context.

Vicki-Hayden break-up ‘benefits’ Quark Henares

V

icki Belo’s son, director Quark Henares unexpectedly got a brand new Canon 50 mm camera lens due to her mom’s recent breakup with Hayden Kho The lens was supposed to be Vicki’s Valentine’s gift to Hayden when Quark hinted on his Tumblr account that he was thinking of getting a 50 mm for his camera himself.

Vicki eventually gave the lens to Quark prompting him to thank Hayden.

Quark and his sister Cristalle have been open about their disapproval of their mom’s relationship with Hayden. In a TV interview, Quark cited the reasons for their disapproval namely, the age gap, Hayden’s

infidelity, suicide attempt, and infamous sex video scandal with Katrina Halili.

News about Vicki and Hayden’s breakup spread when Vicki flew to LA alone for a Valentines’ Day trip that was supposed to be spent with Hayden.

The former then posted on Twitter that actress-singer Nancy Castiglione can now openly date her now ex-fiancé.

However Hayden said through the same social networking site that they only had a misunderstanding. He also exempted Nancy from the issue.

For her part, Nancy said she can’t comment on the issue because it’s simply not true.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Ron Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

H

Vive le Festival!

é Ho! Bon festival! You know it’s winter in Winnipeg when you start seeing snow sculptures around downtown and in St. Boniface. That’s right, Winnipeg’s annual winter festival starts on Friday!

The Torch Light Walk, a walk illuminated by hundreds of candles and torch lights departing from The Forks at 6 p.m. and will proceed to Voyageur Park on the opening evening on Friday, February 17.

Opening Celebrations will reignite the voyageurs in all of us with this outdoor show filled with music, dance and fire.

This year, Festival du Voyageur presents more than 235 shows, representing more than 300 hours of music! Fred Penner, Little Miss Higgins, Keith & Renee, Sarah MacDougall, DJ Co-op & DJ

Filipino Journal Day at Voyageur Park Join the Filipino Journal on Saturday, February 25th all day!

We’re going to have a special group photo by gates of Fort Gibraltar around 1:30pm. Enjoy winter to the fullest at Voyageur Park! A large winter playground is open for children including a snow maze, slides, sleigh rides, voyageur adventures and more.

February 20 - March 5, 2012

Adults can participate in one of the many free snowshoe workshops, relax at the Molson Coors Snow Bar, shop for unique items at the Souvenir Tent or learn more about Manitoba’s history at Fort Gibraltar.

all the Festival du Voyageur sites and is now on sale at all Safeway stores across Winnipeg. The adult pass is available for $22 and the youth pass (6 to 17 years old) is $7. The pass will no longer be a button, but a new practical format similar to the passes Voyageur Passes Now On Sale used at ski resorts. For those who are The 10-day Voyageur Pass still looking to purchase a button, gives you access to Voyageur Park souvenir buttons will be available at and free or discounted admission at Festival du Voyageur for $1.

Hunnicut are also on the 2012 roster.

The band Men In Kilts will also be making a comeback for one night only at the Voyageur Trading Post.

Louis Riel Day: Celebrating Our History For Louis Riel Day on February 20th, programming will mainly feature First Nations, Métis and Aboriginal artists such as Aboriginal School of Dance, Don Amero, and Vince Fontaine : Indian City. This year, Festival du Voyageur will present its first Louis-Riel Look-A-Like Contest, as a panel of experts will determine which contestant has the best Riel inspired look. All throughout the week and especially on Louis Riel Day, a series of workshops will be held at Fort Gibraltar with themes such as flint knapping, traditional music, fur trade dances, and coopering.

Group photo during Filipino Journal Day during last year’s Festival du Voyageur.

Photo by: Zyron Paul Felix | Filipino Journal

First Annual ‘Ice It To Work Day’

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ark your cars at home and take to the Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail (ACURT) for your Friday commute to work. Skate, ski, snowshoe, bike, run or walk to work for the first annual “Ice It To Work Day”, Friday, February 17.

“We are excited to see so many people take to the trail each weekend, and participate in the great programming offered, but there are many other ways to enjoy the trail on a daily basis” said Paul Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, The Forks. “It’s a fantastic way to get in to work while taking in the sights along the river.”

ACURT runs 3.5km along the Red River from Churchill Drive to The Forks and commuters can access the trail at 4 different access points, Churchill Drive, Balsam Bay, Norwood Bridge and The Forks.

FREE hot chocolate will be available to the first 100 commuters to stop by any of the four hosted Pit Stops at the official access points plus special surprises, prizes and gifts.

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February 20 - March 5, 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Bowes Knows Employee Rewards

MFBC hosts Barbara Bowes at first seminar of the new year MFBC President Jon Reyes surprised the audience by explaining how he knew Barbara Bowes. He presented a tattered book (obviously loved and used many times) in his opening address to the crowd on how to build your resume. Jon acquired this from Barbara in the 1980’s when she helped him when he moved back to Winnipeg. How nice to see this personal experience from one of the group members to share with others!

Barbara is known for combining her working world experiences with personal stories.

Barbara delivered a wonderful presentation and delivered on this experience for MFBC. Barbara came to Winnipeg in the 60’s as a single mom with her children.

She stated if people did not help her like they did when she first arrived to Winnipeg, from a small town, she would not be where she is today. This is why she has made it her life’s promise to always try her best to help anyone new to Winnipeg!

As the President of Legacy Bowes Group, Barbara is definitely a busy lady as Winnipeg’s premier human resource (HR) advisor.

From working as a teacher’s assistant and being a principal reason why we now have teacher’s assistants (TAs) in the school system today – to also running as a School Trustee in the Maples area in the 1980’s with her slogan – “Bowes knows !” on simple bookmark advertising, Barbara is a lady with hardworking abilities, creativity and ingenuity . This made her a fabulous candidate to be in human resources as a consultant. Her presentation on total rewards – how employees can be rewarded in other ways besides monetarily for job satisfaction hit home for many members – using examples of members’ businesses to get her points across. Work is an exchange relationship of time, talents, efforts and results.

The main points included the knowledge to know what your job is worth (11 factors) and the attraction of Organizational

by Dr. Eusebio Koh

The 1872 Cavite Mutiny

O

ne hundred and forty years ago, on January 20, 1872, about 200 Filipino military personnel of Fort San Felipe Arsenal in Cavite, Philippines, staged a mutiny which in a way led to the Philippine Revolution in 1896. The 1872 Cavite Mutiny was precipitated by the removal of long-standing personal benefits to the workers such as tax (tribute) and forced labor exemptions on order from the Governor General Rafael de Izquierdo.

Izquierdo replaced Governor General Carlos Maria de la Torre some months before in 1871 and immediately rescinded Torre’s liberal measures and imposed his iron-fist rule. He was opposed to any hint of reformist or nationalistic movements in the Philippines.

He was in office for less than two years, but he will be remembered for his cruelty to the Filipinos and the barbaric execution of the three martyr-priests blamed for the mutiny: Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, later collectively called “Gomburza.”

The mutineers were led by Sgt. Fernando La Madrid; they seized the Fort and killed the Spanish officers. Fearing a general uprising, the Spanish government in Manila sent a regiment under General Felipe Ginoves to recover the Fort. The besieged mutiny was quelled, and many mutineers

including Sgt. La Madrid were killed. Later, others were sentenced to death or hard labor.

Izquierdo used the mutiny to implicate Gomburza and other notable Filipinos known for their liberal leanings. Prominent Filipinos such as priests, professionals, and businessmen were arrested on flimsy and trumped-up charges and sentenced to prison, death, or exile. These include Joaquin Pardo de Tavera, Jose Basa, and Antonio M. Regidor. It was said that the Cavite mutineers got their cue from Manila when they saw and heard fireworks across the Manila Bay which was really a celebration of the feast of the Lady of Loreto in Sampaloc.

When the Archbishop of Manila, Rev. Meliton Martinez, refused to cooperate and defrock the priests, the Spanish courtmartial on February 15 went ahead and maliciously found Fathers Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora guilty of treason for instigating the Cavite mutiny. Two days later, the three priests were put to death by garrotte in Bagumbayan, now known as Luneta. (Garrote was a barbaric Spanish method of execution in which an iron collar was tightened around the prisoner’s neck until death occurred.)

Father Burgos was of Spanish descent, born in the Philippines. He was a parish priest of the Manila Cathedral and had been known to

culture has 8 motivators of what will motivate your employees.

For those of you who missed this, MFBC holds monthly events to help you help run your business, better your knowledge base and your employee relationships. Do not miss out on the next event, February 16th!

For more information on Barbara Bowes, please visit her website and or contact her at the Bowes Legacy Group www.barbarabowes.com and www.legacybowes.ca

Filipino Journal 21

The next meeting for networking and learning something new and educational for your business is again on February 16th, 2012. Rob McIntyre from Dale Carnegie training will be presenting effective communications and human relations and skills for success. Register@mfbc.ca for your reserved spot – free for members and $20.00 for future members !

Barbara Bowes, President of Legacy Bowes Group.

On Thursday January 19th, the Manitoba Filipino Business Council (MFBC) gathered at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel to meet the renowned keynote speaker, Barbara Bowes.

Photos by: AJ Marcelino | Ruby Pearl Photography

be close to the liberal Governor General de la Torre. He was 35 years old at the time and was active and outspoken in advocating the Filipinization of the clergy. He was quoted as saying, “Why shall a young man strive to rise in the profession of law or theology when he can vision no future for himself but obscurity?”

Father Zamora, 37, was also Spanish, born in the Philippines. He was the parish priest of Marikina and was known to be unfriendly to and would not countenance any arrogance or authoritative behavior from Spaniards coming from Spain. He once snubbed a Spanish governor who came to visit Marikina.

Father Gomez was an old man in his mid-’70, Chinese-Filipino, born in Cavite. He held the most senior position of the three as Archbishop’s Vicar in Cavite. He was truly nationalistic and accepted the death penalty calmly as though it were his penance for being proFilipinos.

The three priests were stripped of their albs, and with chained

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hands and feet were brought to their cells after their sentence.

They received numerous visits from folks coming from Cavite, Bulacan, and elsewhere. Forty thousand Filipinos came to Luneta to witness and quietly condemn the execution, and Gomburza became a rallying catchword for the downtrodden Filipinos seeking justice and freedom from Spain.

In the dedication page of his second book, El Filibusterismo, published in 1891, Dr. Jose Rizal

wrote, “I dedicate my work to you as victims of the evil which I undertake to combat...”

It is well to remember that the seeds of nationalism that was sown in Cavite blossomed to the Philippine Revolution and later to the Declaration of Independence

by Emilio Aguinaldo which took place also in Cavite. As for me, the 1872 Cavite Mutiny bolstered the stereotypical belief that Caviteños were the most courageous of my fellow Filipinos.

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

February 20 - March 5, 2012

Horoscope You may not have the desired confidence to execute your plans properly. Best policy would be to think before you act. Try avoiding compulsive decisions. Think clearly and if possible take advice of your close friends and loved ones before taking any major decision.

You will be respected and appreciated for your efforts at work place. Your hard work will be much appreciated in this month.

Your health and wealth is going to be on upswing in this month. People who are in love should expect good results.

It is going to be a mixed month for you. You will have good sources of earning. However, at the same time, you will also have heavy and sudden expenditures. It is a favorable period for investments. You may invest in real estate and other profitable spheres.

There are indications that you may lose your mental peace and concentration. Your domestic life and professional life may get affected by this lack of concentration and peace of mind.

If you are planning to buy a property then this is the right time to do so. There are also indications that you may buy luxury goods in this month. A short traveling on a weekend for leisure with family is also indicated. People who are in love should expect that their beloved is thinking and on same wavelength as theirs.

Your earning will be much better. Those who are in service or business will enjoy their personal and professional life. It is also a better week for love related issues.

There are indications that you will be able to achieve the desired results which you may have been planning all these month. Monetary gains are going to be on the expected lines.

If you are running your own business then there are chances that you may get new deals and contracts.

12

Darling: daglat Marami Tulyapis Milby ng pelikula Miss: daglat Bayan sa Cavite Anunsyo Los Angeles Oo sa Mexico Lalagyan ng niyog Lungsod sa Gergia Kurso sa kolehiyo Palayaw ni Arturo

2

Magalang na tugon Kinakapitan ng ngipin Sinok ng lasing Alien ni Spielberg Simbolo ng barium Unibersidad sa diliman Kagandahang loob Restroom Higit Upos ng sigarilyo Disipulo Aklas

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 13 15 17 18 20

Kulimlim Simbolo ng nickel General Patronage Taulava ng PBA Petrolyo Sabaw ng sinaing Laman-loob Banaag Saturday: daglat Uka Pang-ukol Walang kakayahang magkaanak Lawa

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English prefix para sa tatlo Manlalaro Ibon sa mitolohiya Partner ni Guy Pangatnig Channel 13 Turing Sisidlan ng gamit Hintay sa Pangako Tawag sa ina Business Administration Ordered list

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Success will only come with hard efforts. Undue delays and obstacles may keep you down for a bit. You may feel a bit of insecurity due to your low confidence, but you need to maintain a positive outlook.

In this week you need to be careful about your aggressive instincts as it may not pay you in long run. You need to keep a check on your impulsive decisions. You should try to remember, your overconfidence may invite problems.

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During this month other people would be impressed with you.

You will able to make a favorable impression on others. You will be appreciated by your boss and colleagues. Financially, you may have a few problems.

There is also a chance of a long distance journey in this month which may give you the desired results. If, you are running any business in partnership, you may have misunderstandings and differences with your partners. Students will perform outstandingly well.

1

PAHALANG

You may have to put in great amount of efforts for success in your Career etc. Your energies may get wasted in unfruitful activities, so you need to be very careful while putting your effort.

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Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com

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February 20 - March 5, 2012

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Filipino Journal 23

Are you looking for FILIPINO EMPLOYEES? DIVERSIFIED WORKFORCE? Contact us for Special Pricing on Employment Ads

FILIPINO JOURNAL Employment and Career Advertising

(204)489-8894

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

To Valentine or Not to Valentine (On Being Bombarded by a Diversity of Messages, an Individual Can Still Retain Her Sense of Making a Choice and Decision)

I

n the Freethinkers Group on Facebook of which I’m a member, a currently discoursed upon topic is the commerciality of Valentine’s Day. There were those who expressed their being against the celebration of Valentine’s and there were those who said they enjoy celebrating the occasion for whatever its worth.

I belong to the latter.

I posted: “Just like the sentiment that Christmas could be every day—to me, celebrating an occasion like Valentine’s, Christmas, New Year, or a Birthday is fine and okay. It serves as a reminder, symbolizing something special or important, marking something on the calendar.

“And, of course, celebrating Valentine’s on the 14th of February or Christmas on the 25th of December or my son Evawwen’s half birthdays every August 4 doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to express my love and affection for loved ones on other days, or that I love them less on days other than Christmas, Valentine’s, or their birthdays.

“If we are to follow the logic of not celebrating any occasion because we can celebrate its intent any other day anyway, then we might as well abolish the calendar and treat any other day just another day.

Let’s therefore don’t care if today is Monday or Thursday.

“But of course, we couldn’t and we shouldn’t do that. Documenting activities and occasions by marking them on calendars help us organize our lives and day-to-day activities and preoccupations. It makes every single day unique, and this makes special occasions more unique.

“And what about the so-called profit-making schemes of businessminded people who take advantage of occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s, and any other holidays to sell whatever ware they have?

“Well, it all boils down to choice and a sense of conviction. No one can force anyone to buy flowers or chocolates on Valentine’s, right?

They can sell as many flowers and chocolate bars as they want on such occasions and they can shove their ads on our faces as frequently as they could, but the power to purchase or buy these products remains in our hands. The choice is in the hands of the consumers after all.

“So, people who have the tendency to ban occasions like Christmas and Valentine’s because they don’t approve of the so-called consumerism and materialism involved in these occasions are not

February 20 - March 5, 2012

much different from people who try to burn books, ban Rock music, or persecute ‘witches’ (or wizards for that matter) just because they don’t like these or don’t share the sentiments of people who appreciate these.

“On Valentine’s Day, I will still greet my wife Happy Valentine’s and will treat her to lunch or dinner and might surprise her with flowers or balloons, but this doesn’t mean that I love her less on any other day.”

Someone commented: “I don’t get to choose whether I want to be bombarded by these ‘buy, dine, splurge’ messages. Crass commercialization is what it is. Good for you if you have money to throw away.”

Here’s my final reaction: “What about the ‘right’ of those romantic ones who wanted to be bombarded by such ‘crass’ commercial messages?”

sa kamalayan ng maraming tao.

Bagkus, nasa sa bawat indibidwál pa rin ang kapangyarihang mamili at magdesisyón para sa kanyang sarili. Talino, paniniwala sa sarili, at malawak na pananaw ang matibay na armas sa panahong ito.

Or, in Simple Words “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t live alone anymore on an island. To live life in this age is to coexist with a diversity of individuals and be exposed to a great diversity of ideas, beliefs, and concepts. If one is left with no choice but to get bombarded by such messages, at least an individual can retain her sense of making a choice and decision— whether to ignore, heed, or consider such messages.

“The world has become a bountiful ocean of information and misinformation. Despite that, I would still happily swim or dive in it with a clear sense of purpose and a logical sense of reason. I’d rather choose this than to remain clueless, ignorant, and solitary on some undisclosed island.

Sa Madaling Salita Sa panahon ngayon, samu’t saring kaalaman at nakalilinlang na impormasyón ang pumapaligid “Happy Valentine’s to all!”

New Department to create more opportunities for Youth

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remier Greg Selinger today announced the creation of a new children and youth opportunities department and made changes to cabinet, which he said will create new energy.

The newly appointed ministers are: • Kevin Chief, minister of children and youth opportunities; and •Ron Kostyshyn, minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives.

“We have a strong, experienced cabinet and today we’re adding two exciting new MLAs to our team,” said Selinger. “Kevin’s already made a difference in the lives of many youth and in his new role, he’ll be in charge of creating opportunities for more kids and keeping them out of crime. As a farmer himself, Ron will bring a strong voice for the priorities of farmers, producers and rural families to the cabinet table.”

The premier said the conservation and water stewardship departments will merge and he thanked several veteran ministers for their contributions and assigned them key new responsibilities.

The veteran MLAs with new responsibilities are: • Jennifer Howard, minister of

family services and labour; • Gord Mackintosh, minister of conservation and water stewardship; • Christine Melnick, minister of immigration and multiculturalism; and • Jim Rondeau, minister of healthy living, seniors and consumer affairs.

“These are ministers who have worked tirelessly to make life better for Manitoba families.

I’m grateful for all that they’ve done and I’m excited to see them take on their new responsibilities,” said Selinger.

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The premier said other strong members of his experienced cabinet team will maintain their responsibilities through challenging economic times and in the lead up to important federal/ provincial discussions.

Selinger also announced the creation of a new Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet.

He said the new committee will be tasked with co-ordinating key government priorities to help meet the needs of Manitoba families and keep jobs and the economy growing.

February 20 - March 5, 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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