ANG PERYODIKO MARCH1-15, 2016

VOLUME Xiv NO. 5 March 1-15, 2016 WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

The Newspaper

PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL. The Baguio Flower Festival, or Panagbenga, held its Grand Street Parade on Sunday with floats and dancers adorned with a plethora of flowers taking the center stage. (Carl

LOAN SHARKS Taawan, ABS-CBN News)

Hong Kong illegal money lenders target Pinays

Officials of the Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong raised concern over the spate of debt-related suicides involving Filipina maids.

A report from the South

China Morning Post confirmed that three of the victims took their lives after they were victimized by loan sharks.

Last year, four Filipinos reportedly committed

Grace Poe (18 percent), Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas (15.5 percent), Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte (14.9 percent), and Vice President Jejomar Binay (8.3 percent).

A top official of Holy Angel, meanwhile, posted on Facebook results of a survey of 5,000 students where Santiago 

released after the start of the campaign period on Feb. 9 by the following schools: University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), Holy Angel University in Pampanga, and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran campus in Calamba.

At UA&P, Santiago got 43.2 percent of the total 696 votes.

She was followed by Sen.

NHCP cries foul on Madonna’s use of Philippine flag

loan, 15

Miriam still campus favorite MANILA, Philippines – Presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago made a clean sweep of new pre-election campus surveys as she launched on Friday a nationwide university tour that is expected to further buoy her popularity throughout the campaign period.

Santiago led poll results

James Reid on Nadine Lustre: ‘She’s everything to me right now’

suicide in Hong Kong.

Philippine Consul General Bernadita Catalla said they would conduct financial literacy programs for Filipino domestic helpers who are easily duped by companies and individuals offering loans, sending them into a spiral of debt.

“It’s so easy to get a loan here. But we must be careful because we might 

M

ANILA, Philippines – Four Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong have reportedly committed suicide since January this year after they found themselves deep in debt to illegal money lenders.

miriam, 15

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Pacquiao all-out in sparring session; boxing partner’s lips bleed

Sports

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WHAT’S INSIDE

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Duterte, MILF want to bring peace in Mindanao

Most livable cities: PH ranks low at 136th MANILA, Philippines - Manila has retained its ranking in the lower half of the world’s most livable cities, behind Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and other capitals in the region, according to the latest international survey on quality of living.

Global consulting firm Mercer’s 18th Quality of Living survey, released this week in London, showed the Philippines’ regional capital retaining its 136th place among 230 cities. Austrian capital Vienna maintained its top ranking in overall quality of living, with war-torn Baghdad in Iraq rated the worst.

Zurich, Switzerland was behind Vienna. Auckland in New Zealand ranked third followed

by Munich, Germany and Vancouver, Canada.

The city-state of Singapore was rated highest in Asia at 26th place. It was also deemed the safest in the region, rank-

ing eighth globally, followed at 32nd place by five Japanese cities: Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo and Yokohama.

Mercer’s survey is considered an authoritative basis for multinational companies and other employers in assessing compensation, including hardship allowances, for employees assigned overseas.

Living conditions are analyzed according to 39 factors, grouped in 10 categories: political and social environment, economic environment, sociocultural environment, medical and health considerations, schools and education, public services and transportation, recreation, consumer goods, housing, and the natural environment.

Political stability, crime and law enforcement are included in the political and social environment while press freedom and civil liberties are under the

socio-cultural environment.

Western European cities dominated this year’s most livable list. In the US, San Francisco was the highest ranked at 28th place, followed by Boston at 34th and Honolulu at 35th.

In Asia, Japanese cities followed Singapore, with the capital Tokyo at 44th place, Kobe at 46th, Yokohama 49th, Osaka 58th and Nagoya 62nd.

Hong Kong ranked 70th overall in a tie with US city Detroit. South Korean capital Seoul ranked 73rd followed

by Taipei at 84th, Kuala Lumpur (86), South Korea’s Busan (91), Taichung (100), Shanghai (101), Brunei capital Bandar Seri Begawan (102), Malaysia’s Johor Baru (103), Beijing (118), Guangzhou (119), Bangkok (129), Sri Lankan capital Colombo (132) and China’s Chengdu (134).

Manila ranked ahead of China’s Nanjing and Shenzhen (tied at 137), Xi’an (139), Indonesian capital Jakarta (142), China’s Chongqing (146) and Qingdao (147), Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh (152) and capital Hanoi (155), Laotian capital Vientiane (170), Cambodian capital Phnom Penh (195) and Myanmar’s former capital Yangon (201).

In terms of personal safety, Luxembourg was named the safest city in the world, followed in a tie at second place

by Swiss cities Bern and Zurich and Finnish capital Helsinki.

Baghdad and Damascus, Syria tied as the world’s least safe cities at 229th place. Philstar

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Presidential candidate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) look forward to resolving the conflict in Mindanao.

While he admitted that he does not expect the MILF to endorse his presidential bid during his visit to their Camp Darapanan in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat on Saturday, Duterte still met with the MILF Central Committee to present his proposal on how to resolve the conflict in Mindanao and the issues confronting the Moro people.

Duterte’s meeting with the MILF came after Congress failed to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which would be the legal basis for the creation of an autonomous Bangsamoro region in accordance to the peace agreement between the government and the MILF. For Duterte, the Aquino administration “only dribbled BBL.” “I know you are very frustrated and I know you are hurt. This could have created a problem had it not been for the moderation of the Central Committee,” he told members of the MILF Central Committee. Duterte promised that if he is elected president, he would not only pursue a system that would make the aspirations of the Moro people into a reality, but would also

“make everybody happy.”

This, he said, can be done through federalism.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairperson for political affairs, asked Duterte what he specifically planned to do.

Duterte said his administration “will create a commission that would eventually come to a consensus.”

“I have been proposing federalism. But your territory will not be touched. It will be our collective position,” he explained. Duterte also said his administration would create territories for the Tausugs, Sama, Iranons, Maranaos and the indigenous peoples.

“Other groups, the other tribes who are hungry for better life, will be given their share and their chance,” he added. “Through federalism, we will correct the injustice committed against the Moro people, against Mindanao.”

Jaafar said he admires Duterte’s brand of leadership, describing him as magiting or brave.

“We are inspired by his courage as we are impressed by what he did to Davao, a city that is progressive where business is good and where people are given the opportunity to better their lives. God willing, if he will win, he will also transform the Philippines just like how he transformed Davao,” Jaafar added. -By Edith Regalado/Philstar

March 1-15, 2016

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ODD NEWS

Canadian banned from owning turtles after smuggling 38 in pants

TORONTO (Reuters) - A Canadian man who smuggled 38 turtles in his pants has been given probation, a fine and has been banned from owning such reptiles for 10 years.

According to Canada’s environment department, Dong Yan of Windsor, Ontario, had tried to bring the reptiles from the United States into the southern part of the province.

“The turtles were contained in plastic bags and taped to Mr. Yan’s legs,” Environment and Climate Change Canada said in a statement on Thursday.

Yan was convicted on February 17 after he was caught during an inspection in 2014 when he tried to enter Canada through the Niagara border crossing, the department said.

Yan’s probation is for two years, and his fine was C$3,500 ($2,600). He was also sentenced to 50 hours of community service and must notify the environment department of international travel. Yan was also ordered to write a letter about his experience “for publication as the department sees fit.”(Reporting by Ethan Lou; Editing by James Dalgleish)

SCI-TECH

Researchers: Hackers can break into your computer through your wireless mouse

It turns out that even something as seemingly benign as your mouse can put your personal information at risk. That’s according to a report by security firm Bastille, which says that hackers could in theory take control of your computer through its wireless peripherals.

The hack, which the company calls MouseJack, affects nearly every wireless mouse and keyboard on the market and could give a hacker complete access to your personal computer or to the network at your office.

The hack isn’t exactly sophisticated either. According to Bastille, all a would-be hacker needs is about $15 worth of computer hardware, which he could then use to send commands from his computer to yours.

The hack works because while your wireless keyboard sends information in encrypted form to your computer’s wireless dongle (so hackers can’t see what you’re typing), your mouse doesn’t.

As a result, hackers can send signals designed to perform keyboard commands to your dongle. Those signals can then be used to hijack your system.

“Wireless mice and keyboards are the most common

accessories for PCs today, and we have found a way to take over billions of them,” said Marc Newlin, Bastille’s engineer responsible for the MouseJack discovery, in a statement.

So how to protect yourself?

Well, some wireless mouse and keyboard manufacturers developed their devices so they

can be patched via firmware updates. Other companies’ offerings, however, can’t be updated and will simply have to be replaced.

Fortunately, Bastille has published a list of the impacted hardware, as well as information about how some peripherals companies have responded to the hack.-Daniel Howley

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Palace on martial law: Historical facts don’t lie MANILA, Philippines – In retelling stories about the Marcoses and martial law, President Aquino is not sowing disunity but is simply reminding Filipinos – especially the youth – of the sacrifices countless others had to make to help the country win back its freedom, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III was responding to Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s accusation that President Aquino was causing division in the country with the latter’s frequent dredging up of the horrors of martial law. Marcos is running for vice president in the May 9 elections.

Speaking over radio dzRB, Quezon said that during the 30th anniversary celebration of the 1986 EDSA people power revolution last Thursday, President Aquino “delivered a powerful speech about the importance of memory,” with emphasis on the contrast between “the freedoms we now enjoy” and the repression suffered by those who lived during the martial law era.

Quezon stressed Aquino’s statements on the Marcoses

were adequately supported by historical facts and documented evidence.

“Like what the President said in his speech, this is not about the Aquinos versus the Marcoses; this is about the truth versus amnesia,” Quezon said.

The latest Social Weather Stations survey results, Quezon noted, indicated that 76 percent of Filipinos were satisfied with the democracy restored through the peaceful uprising in 1986.

Despite this, “pro-Marcos revisionists still attempt to change our understanding of history.”

Marcos, in a speech during a campaign sortie in Pangasinan, accused the President of divisiveness with the latter’s frequently talking about the past and warning against the return to power of the Marcoses.

The late dictator’s widow is an Ilocos Norte congresswoman while daughter Imee is the provincial governor. Both are running for reelection in May. The senator said what happened during the regime of his father and namesake must be left to historians and scholars to judge. Philstar

BUSINESS

Ports cargo volume down 25% in Q4

MANILA, Philippines - Cargo volume handled by the country’s ports declined by more than 25 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, from a year ago level, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported yesterday.

Data from the PPA showed the ports’ cargo volume dropped to 36.827 million metric tons (MT) from October to December last year compared to 49.316 million MT in the same quarter in 2014.

The drop in cargo volume was due to the slowdown in both domestic and foreign cargo shipments.

Domestic cargoes were down 26 percent to 13.709 million MT in the fourth quarter of 2015 from 18.684 million MT in the same period a year ago.

The volume of foreign cargo,

likewise, fell 25 percent to 23.118 million MT in the fourth quarter last year from 30.632 million MT. Of the total foreign cargo volume, imports had the lion’s share at 13.243 million MT last year, a 28 percent decrease from 18.388 million MT in the same period in 2014.

Exports meanwhile, slid 19 percent to 9.876 million MT in the fourth quarter of 2015 from 12.245 million MT in the same three-month period in 2014.

By region, Manila and Northern Luzon accounted for the bulk of the total cargo volume in the fourth quarter of 2015, handling 19.345 million MT followed by Mindanao with 10.500 million MT.-By Louella Desiderio/Philstar

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What’s the BUZZ?

www.angperyodiko.ca March 1-15, 2016

Entertainment

James Reid on Nadine Lustre:

‘She’s everything to me right now’

O

N the Wings of Love ended on a high note as the show held a live viewing party for its finale at the Ynares Sports Complex last night, February 26, 2016.

Fans flocked to the venue to watch performances from the On the Wings of Love supporting cast as the show began.

Kapamilya singers Kyla, Erik Santos, and Daryl Ong also performed for the OTWOListas during the viewing party.

After the performances, fans and the OTWOL stars watched together the final episode of the series which showed the wedding day of Clark and Leah.

Everyone could not help but scream in kilig and get emotional over the wedding scene of the two OTWOL characters.

Before the finale episode ended, James Reid and Nadine Lustre appeared onstage and performed for the fans which was aired live on the television.

Their appearance instigated loud shrieks and cheers from fans. After their performance, the two stars kissed in front of the crowd which was one of the biggest treats for all the fans last night.

Nadine and James also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the show and for making it trend on Twitter with over three million tweets with the hashtag #OTWOLTheLastFlight. “Maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagsubaybay sa love story ni Clark and Leah sabi, ko naman sa inyo roller coaster ride, maraming, maraming salamat po,” Nadine said. James added, “Thank you for making us trend.”

Nadine admitted that she got emotional while watching the final episode which she

“’Yung huling eksena [kasi] sa daming pinagdaanan nina Clark and Leah tapos happy ending na sila parehas.”

explained to the crowd, “’Yung huling eksena [kasi] sa daming pinagdaanan nina Clark and Leah tapos happy ending na sila parehas.”

James and Nadine, who just recently admitted that they are already a couple, were also asked by hosts Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho about their message to each other. Both exchanged sweet messages at the live viewing party.

“Siyempre hindi ko ma-imagine na wala siya,” Nadine stated.

James replied, “She’s everything to me right now.”

A special documentary about JaDine and OTWOL will air on ABS-CBN this Sunday, February 28, 2016, after ASAP.-Kristhoff Cagape

March 1-15, 2016

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National Historical Commission of the Philippines said Madonna and her concert’s producers will be held liable for her use of the Philippine flag as a wrap in her Manila concert last Wednesday and Thursday. AP File/John Shearer/Invision

NHCP cries foul on Madonna’s use of Philippine flag MANILA, Philippines – National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said Madonna’s use of the Philippine flag as a wrap in her concert is against the law.

During Madonna’s “Rebel Heart Tour” concert in Manila on Wednesday and Thursday, she used the Philippine flag as a wrap in one of her production numbers.

“Lumapat po ‘yong flag sa stage,” explained NCHP Chief of Heraldry Section Teodoro

Atienza, in an interview with dzBB on Friday. “Nakasaad po sa batas natin na bawal lumapat sa sahig.”

“Ginawa pong katawatawa ang ating watawat,” he added.

This is not the first time that the Queen of Pop used a flag as a wrap in her concert.

According to reports, she has also done this in Hong Kong and Canada.

According to Republic Act 8491, one of the prohibitions in the use of the flag is “to wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform.”

Despite the chance of Madonna and her concert’s producers to air their side with the help of Bureau of Immigration, Atienza said ignorance of the law may not be an excuse for them not to be punished by the law.

“Kahit po hindi alam [ang batas], mananagot po sila,” he said. He added that this act by the international singer may cause her “deportation at hindi na makabalik sa bansa.”

Philstar

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March 1-15, 2016

Richard Gutierrez is happy about girlfriend Sarah Lahbati’s

career A

ctor R i c h a r d Gutierrez expressed how proud he is of girlfriend Sarah Lahbati who became a mainstay of the Sunday variety show, ASAP 20.

Saying that he does not prohibit Sarah from doing sexy dance numbers on the show, Richard said, “Hindi naman.

I’m very proud of her, actually. She’s worked hard and talagang shinarpen niya ‘yung skill niya sa dancing and she’s very happy with ASAP so I’m happy for her.”

Meanwhile, Richard also shared that it was during the advanced screening of TV5’s Ang Panday that their twoyear-old son Zion got to watch him act onscreen for the first time.

“Very excited siya and kanina, talagang tutok na tutok siyang nanunuod. Talagang hindi nagrereact. Usually,

‘pag nanunuod kami ng sine ni Zion, magalaw, ang daming hinahanap or minsan, umaalis pero kanina, talagang nanunuod lang siya so mukhang nagustuhan niya,” he said, adding that his son has waited long to see his new show.

Is Zion aware that his parents are celebrities?

“Actually, si Zion, ngayon pa lang niya ako napanood sa TV (na umaarte).

Usually, mga guesting ko, ganyan pero ‘yung nagportray ako ng isang character, ngayon lang niya napanood so feeling ko naninibago siya,” Richard said.

When asked for Sarah’s reaction to his new project, Richard, who earlier thanked his family for always supporting him through the ups and downs, said, “She’s happy. She seems happy.”-Gary Ann Lastrilla

Nyoy Volante ties the knot with Mikkie Bradshaw NYOY Volante has finally found his forever with theater actress Mikkie Bradshaw.

The two tied the knot on Friday at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila. It was attended by their family and friends, which include some showbiz personalities like Karla Estrada, Vina Morales and Freddie Webb. On the video posted by Nice Print Photography on their YouTube page, the two answered the presiding priest when they were asked why they have chosen each other.

“Sense of humor,” replied Mikkie when asked what she liked about NYOY Volante has tied the knot with theater actress Mikkie Bradshaw at Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila. Instagram/Nyoy Volante’s account/Nice Print Photography

Nyoy. “I need a man who makes me laugh my whole life.”

Nyoy, on the other hand, said he has found his “forever” with Mikkie.

“Noong nakita ko si Mikkie, naramdaman ko kaagad na naiintindihan niya ako, tapos she’s kind... tugma talaga lahat,” he explained.

“Kahit sobrang contrast naming dalawa, the way that we approach this, iisa lang ang pakay namin - to be together. ‘Yon ang kailangan ko talaga, to have a partner hanggang sa pagtanda ko,” he added.-By Joyce Jimenez

Ang Peryodiko

Opinion

Moving forward one step at a time

In fulfilling that commitment, the Minister of Immigration recently indicated that the processing time has been dramatically reduced from a year ago. By the end of 2016, processing time will be further reduced to well under one year.

This is a good thing and it did not require legislation.

On February 25, the Minister of Immigration introduced major changes to the Citizenship Act. The proposed changes will impact tens of thousands of people from all over Canada and two of the communities that will benefit the most are those of Filipino and Punjabi heritage. I would guess that

www.angperyodiko.ca March 1-15, 2016

Editorial

Straight up (www.mpkevin.ca)

the changes will affect over 1,000 people in Winnipeg North alone.

In summary, the legislation proposes a number of changes: One, the legislation reduces the length of time that someone must be physically present in Canada to qualify for citizenship, from four out of six years to three out of five years. This will allow people who have spent time in Canada before permanent residency to have that time counted toward physi-

cal residency requirements.

This would benefit those previously in Canada on study or work permits.

Two, the legislation will repeal the “intent to reside provision” which raised concerns to many – some immigrants fear that their citizenship could be revoked if they moved outside of Canada.

Remember the Conservative lamoureux, 15

Ang kapangyarihan ng pagpapatawad

aano ba tayo makaka pag move on pagkatapos na may makasakit ng ating kalooban? Tanging kapatawaran lamang ang hihiom ng ating sugat at magpapabuti ng ating buhay. Ngunit napakahirap sa tao ang tunay na magpatawad. Tanging ang Diyos lamang ang makagagawa nito at makatutulong sa atin. May kasabihan sa Ingles na “To err is human and to forgive is divine”. Kaya kung wala ang Diyos o malayo tayo sa kanya ay pasan pasan natin ang makawasak buhay na bigatin ng hindi pagpapatawad o sama ng loob. Parang anay ito na kumakain ng kapayapaan sa ating puso at isipan na sumisira sa pagkatao natin. May nagsabi na ang sama ng loob o hindi pagpapatawad ay magdadala sa pagnanasang maghigante o masaktan ang kapwa. pakiramdam niya ay sasaya siya kapag napahamak ang nakasakit sa kanyang kalooban. Ngunit ang katotohanan ay kapag ninais nating malason ang taong nakasakit sa atin ngunit tayo pala ang nalalason.

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mp kevin lamoureux

Mahirap ang magpatawad ngunit kung isusuko natin ang ating buhay sa Panginoong Hesus siya ang tutulong sa ating gumawa ng imposible bagay at makakapagpatawad tayo. Magkakaroon tayo ng pagibig at hangaring gawan ng mabuti ang mga nakakasakit sa atin.

Mahirap ang magpatawad ngunit kung isusuko natin ang ating buhay sa Panginoong Hesus siya ang tutulong sa ating gumawa ng imposible bagay at makakapagpatawad tayo.

Magkakaroon tayo ng pagibig at hangaring gawan ng mabuti ang mga nakakasakit sa atin.

Magdadala ito ng pagkamangha sa marami pati na sa kaaway

Unsafe transportation

T

PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE

Agent 777 natin. May posibilidad pa na pati sila ay mapalapit sa Diyos at maging kaibigan natin. Tunay na hindi lamang tayo ang magbabago at mapapabuti, pati ang paligid natin ay maapektuhan. Ang Diyos ay mabuti at wala siyang ibang hangarin kundi ang kabutihan natin.

Kaya’t nakapagtataka kung bakit marami ang patuloy na lumalayo sa kaniya at patuloy na nabubuhay ng puro sama ng loob. Ang Diyos lamang ang makapagpapagaling ng sugatang puso at palitan ang sama ng kabutihan at hindi

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Content published in this paper does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Articles, press and photo releases are welcome but are subject to editorial discretion. All submissions become the property of the publisher.

Reproduction of any editorial content or in-house designed advertisements published in this paper are not allowed without the written permission of the publisher.

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P

As you can see, the petition was on a totally different matter but my point in raising it now is to demonstrate that there is so much that needs to be done and from my perspective, changes can not happen fast enough.

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P

rime Minister Trudeau during the last campaign talked about how he wanted to reduce processing times for citizenship applications and he wanted to repeal parts of the Citizenship Act that were changed by the Conservative Government over a year ago.

Take a STAND

josue, 15

he typhoon season is still a few months away, but even big waves during mild weather can be lethal for the boats that ferry passengers in this archipelago.

Last Friday, three passengers died when a motorized boat sank off Gumaca in Quezon. With 64 passengers and crew rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard said the M/B Lady Aime was overloaded.

The boat reportedly had a capacity of only 43.

Initial Coast Guard investigation showed the boat sprung a leak in its hull when it was battered by big waves. A vessel ferrying nearly 70 people has to be made of sturdier material, but the condition of the Lady Aime is hardly unique in this country. Such light vessels remain the principal means of reaching many of the 7,100 islands in the archipelago.

Improving inter-island connectivity through better transportation facilities can stimulate commercial activity and fuel economic growth in underdeveloped island villages, but this has not been given sufficient priority. Even the roll-on, roll-off ferry service, launched in the previous administration and popular among the masses, was stalled under the current government.

Although certain fees are collected from boats for the use of small piers, the operations of such rudimentary modes of transportation remain poorly regulated. Except in popular travel destinations, rules requiring boat passengers to wear life vests are rarely enforced. When operators bother to prepare passenger manifests, these are rarely accurate.

The shortcomings are noticed only when tragedy strikes, but reforms in the industry have moved slowly even with the deaths of thousands in maritime disasters in the past decades. Among the reasons is the failure to hold ship operators accountable for disasters involving their vessels.

After the sinking of the Lady Aime in the heat of summer, an investigation will again be conducted, but the case is bound to be forgotten as public interest in the story dissipates. And the sorry state of inter-island transportation will be highlighted only when tragedy strikes again. Philstar

Publisher: Editor:

TE Brothers, inc.

JONATHAN C. MONTEMAYOR

Columnists:

MP KEVIN LAMOUREUX, PASTOR FRED SEBASTIAN, and PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE

Entertainment Columnist:

RICKY LO

Contributing Writers:

TESS AVISO NEWTON, GEMMA DALAYOAN, Mel Talastas Soriano, Archie Casilan, and Jeff tumbokon

Glen Elia and JOSE XEC

Account Executive:

Photographers:

ARNEL SAN JOSE, JUNE GARCIA and BHERNARD PABALAN

bomex graphics

Creative Design:

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Ang peryodiko

Opinion

www.angperyodiko.ca n March 1-15, 2016

Ted Alcuitas and The August Twenty One Movement (ATOM) in Winnipeg (1983 -1986)

I

n the struggle against the dictatorship, theory without practice is basically empty. It can be likened to faith without love in the church. Without leaders who are willing to sacrifice resources, time and life for a cause, any liberating idea becomes futile.

Based on my research (1983 to 86) and most especially after the assassination of Benigno Aquino in August 21, 1983, Teodoro “Ted” Alcuitas played a central role in the struggle against the dictatorship in Winnipeg. He was the publisher of Silangan, Winnipeg’s only newspaper in the mid 70’s to 1982. He also pioneered Kalayaan newspaper in 1984.

Back in the early 80’s, he told CBC that “there is a need for an alternative press in Winnipeg to counter the pro-government leanings of the existing Filipino Media.” He was known to be a member of Philippine Support Group (PSG) another activist organization, but according to him, he was not formally affiliated as such. He also told me that he is basically a church

activist.

In one of our phone conversations, Ted shared that Fr. Sam Argenziano was a big help in organizing ATOM events when he was still a priest at St. Edward Church. I, myself, have listened to Fr. Sam deliver a sermon and he is really awesome. He is faithful to the radical teachings of the Gospels and the social teachings of the Church on the preferential option for the poor.

I remember him delivering a liberating sermon back when Migrante (A Filipino Migrant organization that can trace its roots to PSG) was fundraising for the Three Amigos Campaign in 2011.

Some Breakfast Club pundits say that Ted Alcuitas was a person that you can count on when it comes to mobilization.

Ted Alcuitas provided mass leadership when most were intimidated and scared. He will gather no matter how small the number was, even if it was only his family. He reckons, “the thing that brought him into the movement was the as-

sassination of Benigno Aquino and that the organization that they formed was named ATOM – Winnipeg,” which to their surprise was used later on in the home front as the name of the national movement that was part of the toppling of the dictatorship. Ted added that he heard about the assassination over his car radio on his way to Middlechurch, Manitoba for the St. Edward`s Parish picnic.

Upon his return to Winnipeg, he called Dante Buenaventura of Magdaragat Dance Theatre to propose organizing an antiMarcos group and that he should lead it. He said that Dante declined and insisted that he (Ted) instead lead it.

Ted initially declined since he was still publishing Silangan and could not be writing about himself in covering the events (Alcuitas, History of the August 21 Movement (ATOM) of Winnipeg-Draft).

Writing about this article took me back in time in 1983, the time that I first joined a rally in a spontaneous manner when the assassination of Benigno

levy abad

Migrant Perspective “Ninoy” Aquino happened. I was also part of the funeral rally for Ninoy Aquino where thousands of banners of ATOM were waved by activists. Aside from the marchers, the sidewalks were also full of symphatizers, angry and chanting “Down with the Dictatorship!” From the Philippines to the diaspora, the struggle was raging back in the days. I was drawn into the struggle during the same time as Ted Alcuitas and others were involved in the struggle here in Winnipeg.

Ted Alcuitas, the founding

chair of ATOM, recalls he can count some of the courageous people who joined him in the activities of ATOM and they were Arturo (Chair of Atom 1987) and Purita Dizon, Monina and Al Relano, Pablo and Rose Jalalla, Efren and Nimfa Arbilo, Dinah Penaflorida, Bert and Gloria Penaflorida, Jimmy and Luisa Pagsuyuin, Steve and Betty Tuazon. He noted that they barely reached twenty people, mostly comprised of the individuals mentioned and their families. They were the few who dared to raise the Banner for Democracy. “Everybody was freaking scared,” he said, but when the EDSA Revolution happened, suddenly, everybody wants to be the star and be close to some of the national leaders who came to Winnipeg to visit. ATOM basically was under the leadership of Ted Alcuitas. The contribution of this organization in raising the consciousness of the community and the standard of patriotism and democracy in the diaspora must not be forgotten.

To be continued...

Same-sex marriage: Yet another election issue?

In some ways, it seems strange to be getting theological and legislative consul from two Protestant boxers, but when we consider that churches like Iglesia ni Cristo—to say nothing of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)—routinely feel called upon to advance legislative agendas of their own, perhaps it isn’t so strange after all.

One thing is for sure: in an election year, politicians, both incumbent and aspiring, can be counted upon to jump on whatever bandwagon happens to pass.

It’s no surprise that, in a country that the Philippine Statistics Authority tells us is around 80 percent Catholic, we have a hard time maintaining the separation of church and state. Government is supposedly predicated upon civil rights and equal protections under the law, while the stance of organizations like the CBCP have moral roots in interpretations of Church doctrine. From the standpoint of human rights, those interpretations have led to considerable conflict. The CBCP lobbies against all efforts

It’s no surprise that, in a country that the Philippine Statistics Authority tells us is around 80 percent Catholic, we have a hard time maintaining the separation of church and state. at contraception but seems morally blind to the costs of infant mortality, malnourished children and an unending cycle of poverty, where population growth consumes the benefits of even the most effective antipoverty programs.

the United Nationalist Alliance and its standard bearer VP Jojo Binay. The latter’s stance in the media is that he supports Pacquiao’s opinion and chooses to “abide by and follow the position of the Catholic Church on the matter.”

The Church’s stances are equally confused and conflicted. Legal divorce may not be allowed, but adultery and bigamy—and spousal violence— pass unseen. Thus, it’s hardly surprising that the Catholic Church should oppose same-sex marriage, while the US-based Pew Research Center reports that 73 percent of adult Filipinos agree with the statement that “homosexuality should be accepted by society,” ranking us as one of the top LGBT-friendly countries in the world.

Binay, who professes devout Catholicism, believes in the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family as a foundation of society. In a speech delivered to “Marriage Encounter” in 2012, he said: “Within the folds of family, children gain their values and their strength. It is through parents that children first learn generosity, forgiveness, faith, compassion, and charity.” While his stance on stoning homosexuals seems more liberal than that of Pacquiao, his statement questioning the parenting abilities of same-sex couples is indeed unfortunate—even if culturally mainstream.

On the other hand, more than 30,000 Filipinos signed an online petition supporting Pacquiao’s statement in the days following the local and international repercussions of his public “othering” of the entire LGBT community, in which he described them to be “worse than animals.”

It can all be very confusing—especially in an election year. How many of Manny’s supporters support him simply because he’s a boxing hero?

How many support him out of homophobia? How many out of moral certitude—and especially because of the parties and candidates they support in the coming election?

Pacquiao’s political support, of course, comes from

The Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas also approaches the issue as a question of mainstream Catholic values, rather than in terms of human and civil rights. In a recent TV interview, he said of same-sex marriage: “As a public policy for me, I am not in favor of it. But… I have relatives that I am very close to who have partners, and I respect them, I love them, and I accept them…

I treat them with love and generosity.”

As early as 2015, Roxas gained support from a number of civil society and religious organizations. Notably, he was also prayed over by Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle

Lila Ramos Shahani

CONJUGATIONS last year.

With Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago, meanwhile, we sink more deeply into the quagmire of simultaneously-held opposing views. During the 14th Congress, she introduced Senate Bill 1843, highlighting that “all persons must be treated in the same manner.”

While this would seem to establish her support of the LGBT community, she had also previously filed Senate Bill 1276 in the 11th Congress—an Act Amending the Family Code of the Philippines, in which marriages solemnized outside the Philippines are recognized to be valid in this country—except for same-sex marriages.

Santiago has attempted to clarify in the media that the 2006 bill was not intended to discriminate against the LGBT community—only to resolve conflicting provisions in the Family Code, but this remains problematic.

The views of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte are perhaps the most kaleidoscopic of all. Once upon a time, he was very consistent about samesex marriage. Happiness, he has said in various interviews, should be freely available to everyone, regardless of sexual

orientation. In 2012, he said: “Being married and marrying the person that you love is a matter of choice. Gays are supposed to have the same equal rights and freedom as heterosexuals, including the freedom to marry and build a family.”

Going Roxas’ familial tolerance one better, Duterte told TV host and openly gay comedienne Vice Ganda that he himself was gay when he was younger, but later reformed. The truth of this remains unconfirmed, but, like Binay’s implications about parenting, Duterte’s implication that “reform” is called for is also unfortunate.

Since beginning his presidential candidacy in earnest, however, Duterte has said in interviews that he will not, after all, push for same-sex marriage, citing the civil code of the Philippines, which is based on “universally-accepted Christian beliefs,” adding that marriage is a “holy union” exclusive to heterosexual couples.

Only Sen. Grace Poe seems to openly include LGBT rights in her platform of governance, as presented in her proclamation speech. She urged the public to respect the rights of the LGBT community as equal to the rights of other sectors, saying: “Let us respect the human rights of everyone. We will not be blinded from the plight of all vulnerable sectors like persons with disability (PWDs), indigenous peoples, urban poor, women, youth, children, LGBT persons, and senior citizens.”

In an email to an online news site, Poe said that she “supports the right of two consenting adults to contract civil marriage, regardless of their sex,” adding that, “All persons shahani, 15



N

ot content with merely opposing same-sex marriage, newly born-again Senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao recently set off a media firestorm with a zealous homily intended to prove that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) persons were “worse than animals.” He also tweeted—and subsequently deleted—strictures from the wrathful God of the Old Testament that homosexual partners should be stoned to death, prompting his more mature fellow boxing champ, Nonito Donaire, to offer him some advice in scriptural interpretation.

March 1-15, 2016

n www.angperyodiko.ca

Charice Pempengco among most influential

singers in Asia MANILA, Philippines - Charice secured a spot on Forbes first-ever “30 under 30 Asia” list, proving that she remains to be one of the most influential singers in the entertainment industry today.

Joining Si-Won Choi of Super Junior and Hollywood actor Liam Hemsworth, Charice is the only Filipino talent included in the entertainment and sports category of the list.

Charice posted on Instagram Thursday evening to express her gratitude toward Forbes for including her on the list.

Charice Pempengco was catapulted to fame when she was invited to perform at the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2008 for the “World’s Smartest Kid” segment. Since then, she has started making waves in the international music scene, smashing records and topping billboard charts.

“Her hit single ‘Pyramid’ with singer Iyaz topped the Billboard Dance chart in 2010 and album sales in its first week earned her a spot on a U.S. Billboard chart. The pop and R&B singer was the second Philippine national to rank on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart,” Forbes mentioned. Philstar

Proving that Charice Pempengco remains to be one of the most influential singers in the entertainment industry today, she secured a spot on Forbes first-ever “30 under 30 Asia” list. File Photo

11

Solenn

Heussaff

launches her own perfume line From model to actress and now businesswoman, Solenn Heussaff said she was proud to present her own perfume line to the media last February 26.

“This all started two years ago. I was approached

by Bel Perfumes which is based in Thailand and it’s actually more of a partnership not an endorsement. So pumunta ako ng Thailand para gumawa ng scent ko, marketing, strategy. Yung packaging ako nag-design lahat. I did all the art work so super involved ako. Kapag may meetings about the pricing and distribution laging nandun ako. It’s really hard work for the last two years,” she shared during the SOS perfume line launch held at the City Club at Alphaland in Makati city.

The Fil-French beauty shared just how handson she was in the actual process of making her perfume which has extracts imported directly from France. “We worked with one of the fragrance companies in France and the world. For now it’s available here lang but we’re planning to export para sa mga Filipino sa Dubai and Singapore. Since we decided to do perfumes and lagi akong on the go, ayoko ng malaking bottles. The scents are based on my personality so I did all the testing in Thailand. Ang daming extracts so kinuha ko yung 30 na favorite ko out of the thousands until we went down to the ten,” she explained.

Contrary to what people may think, Solenn said she was never picky about perfumes. “Nung bata ako hindi ako masyado mahilig sa scents. I mean I love perfumes but I never had my own smell. Parang kung ano lang pasalubong ng dad ko from his travels yun yung ginagamit ko. Tapos kung pupunta siya sa ibang bansa tapos magdadala siya ng perfume, yun yung bagong scent ko. I never had my own identity. Ngayon naman mas aware ako sa society at mas adult na ako. I want my identity when it comes to my scent because that’s the first thing you remember when you meet a person di ba?” she admitted.

After the SOS perfume line, Solenn said she is looking into branching out into more products under her name. “We’re really trying to make yung name ko into a brand na. From here depende kung anong mas benta we will develop it into other products. I can actually launch almost anything now that I have the name SOS. Nickname ko pero naging Scents of Solenn. Last time a long time ago nung nag-mini concert ako it was SOS also Solenn on Stage naman. So I use SOS talaga as a brand name,” she said.

Even with her busy schedule, Solenn said it is not an excuse to postpone marriage or starting a family. But the 31-year-old actress said she sees herself becoming a mother maybe two years from now.

“For me, it shouldn’t change anything. Whether you have a family or not, I’m not going to stop working.

Marriage or family shouldn’t be a hindrance to your life. Actually mas lalo kang mag-wo-work para sa pamilya mo. Mas ma-mo-motivate ka para gumawa ng maraming things para may safety yung pamilya,” she added.-Rhea Manila Santos

12

March 1-15, 2016

n www.angperyodiko.ca

Arci Munoz on love scene with Gerald Anderson:

‘Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko ng mga panahong yun’

On Tonight with Boy Abunda, Always Be My Maybe star Arci Munoz said she could relate to her character in the movie. “Pinipitch pa lang nila sa akin yung story sabi ko game, kasi sobra akong relate sa story. Siguro naman tayong lahat naging biktima ng mga pa-fall or kung hindi man, tayo ang naging pafall. I’m sure lahat tayo makakarelate.”

Asked how she feels being considered the “emerging leading lady of Philippine movies with excellent acting skills,” the overwhelmed Arci said, “I really don’t know what to say. I’m just really grateful and thankful for the wonderful opportunity and I just dedicate all of this to my Dad.” She was asked, “halimbawa single ka at single si Gerald (Anderson) at niligawan ka ni Gerald, may pag-asa ba si Gerald Anderson?” Arci didn’t play coy and said, “oo naman po. Sino ba naman ang hindi magkakagusto kay Gerald? Sino ba naman ang hindi sasagutin si Gerald ng oo ‘di ba? Sabi ko kay Gerald, ‘kaya sobrang patay na patay yung mga girls sayo e…’

Sobrang gentleman, ang bait, generous…”

Arci also talked about her hot and extended love scene with Gerald. “It’s really crazy, it’s wild! I think it’s the longest love scene we’ve done, both of us, super daring especially for me na I (come) from a very good conservative family and it’s… Sabi ko talaga, ‘Direk Dan (Villegas) ha… parang paunti na ng paunti ang suot

James Yap’s girlfriend Michela Cazzola

is pregnant

ko ha…’”

She added, “siyempre tiwala naman ako sa direktor ko, tsaka Gerald Anderson yan e, pagkakataon ko na…”

She then recounted a scene where she didn’t have to fake her reaction to Gerald’s body and she went slack-jawed.

“Dun sa scene na nagtatanggal siya ng kurbata, napalunok ako, tapos nung tinanggal niya yung shirt, napalunok ako sabi ko, ‘aba bakit siya ganun.’

Sabi ko, parang ganun… (Arci mimicking her slack-jaw reaction to Gerald’s naked torso) Sabi ko (to Gerald), ‘bakit ka ganyan, sabi mo mataba ka.’

Ang ganda pala ng katawan nun.”

Arci shared that Direk Dan

even had her repeat her raw reaction to Gerald’s body for the scene.

Will her boyfriend get jealous when he sees the movie?

Arci exclaimed, “wag ka na manunuod ha!”

In doing the love scene, Arci said she didn’t have difficulty preparing for it because, “with Gerald kasi it was easy. We were both comfortable with each other.” Arci said Gerald didn’t take advantage of her and “every time nagka-cut, siya mismo ang kumukuha ng towel.”

But did Arci take advantage of the actor? “Yuck parang ata…hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko ng mga panahong yun.”-Cristina Malonzo

Michela Cazzola, the Italian girlfriend of PBA athlete James Yap, confirmed with Philippine Star columnist Ricky Lo that she is pregnant. Just this Saturday, February 19, Ricky published the story in his column.

Michela shared that she’s planning to give birth in the Philippines.

“Yes, I am. Four months, going on my fifth month,” she confirmed.

Michela and James have been together since 2012 and their baby will be James’ third child. James has a child with an ex-girlfriend and also with his ex-wife, Queen of All Media Kris Aquino.-Joan Leary

Lani, Martin admire Anne Curtis as a singer MANILA – Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera see Anne Curtis as a singer.

During the press conference for “I Love OPM,” Martin and Lani were asked what makes a singer. They both used Anne as an example for their answer.

“Ang parang sa akin kasi, it’s not necessarily talaga ‘yong gaano ka kahusay. Kasi ‘yong proseso bago mo marating ‘yong gano’n, e,” she said about Anne.

Lani said she admired how the Kapamilya actress “nag-effort po talaga siya, she worked so hard at talagang gusto niya talaga matutunan. Minsan ‘yong gano’n mas valuable sa akin, ‘yong lahat binigay mo na effort, ‘yon ang mas matimbang

para sa akin, e.”

As for Martin, he believes that “compared to other singers in our country, she has more passion, more honesty because she doesn’t claim to be Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion or Lani Misalucha.”

“She’s one singer, I think, knows the truth of her talent as a singer, but she has more drive, more passionate,” he added.-By Joyce Jimenez

March 1-15, 2016

13

n www.angperyodiko.ca

‘Spotlight’ Wins Oscar as 2016 Best Picture Spotlight won Best Picture at the 88th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, capping off a night that saw Leonardo DiCaprio, Brie Larson, Mark Rylance, Alicia Vikander take the big acting awards. See the full list of winners below.

PICTURE The Big Short Bridge of Spies Brooklyn Mad Max: Fury Road The Martian The Revenant Room Spotlight–WINNER

Sicario Star Wars: The Force Awakens

We Can’t Live Without Cosmos World of Tomorrow

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Embrace of the Serpent, Colombia Mustang, France Son of Saul, Hungary–WINNER Theeb, Jordan A War, Denmark

VISUAL EFFECTS Ex Machina–WINNER Mad Max: Fury Road The Martian The Revenant Star Wars: The Force Awakens

LIVE ACTION SHORT Ave Maria Day One Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut) Shok Stutterer–WINNER

SOUND MIXING Bridge of Spies Mad Max: Fury Road–WINNER The Martian The Revenant Star Wars: The Force Awakens

ACTOR Bryan Cranston, Trumbo Matt Damon, The Martian Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant– WINNER Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Amy–WINNER Cartel Land The Look of Silence What Happened, Miss Simone?

Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom

ACTRESS Cate Blanchett, Carol Brie Larson, Room–WINNER Jennifer Lawrence, Joy Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn

DOCUMENTARY SHORT Body Team 12 Chau, Beyond the Lines Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness–WINNER Last Day of Freedom

DIRECTOR Adam McKay, The Big Short George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road Alejandro G. Iñárritu, The Revenant–WINNER Lenny Abrahamson, Room Tom McCarthy, Spotlight ORIGINAL SONG “Earned It,” Fifty Shades of Grey “Manta Ray,” Racing Extinction “Simple Song #3,” Youth “Til It Happens to You,” The Hunting Ground “Writing’s on the Wall,” Spectre–WINNER ORIGINAL SCORE Bridge of Spies Carol The Hateful Eight–WINNER

SUPPORTING ACTOR Christian Bale, The Big Short Tom Hardy, The Revenant Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies–WINNER Sylvester Stallone, Creed ANIMATED FEATURE Anomalisa Boy & the World Inside Out–WINNER Shaun the Sheep Movie When Marnie Was There ANIMATED SHORT Bear Story–WINNER Prologue Sanjay’s Super Team

SOUND EDITING Mad Max: Fury Road–WINNER The Martian The Revenant Sicario Star Wars: The Force Awakens FILM EDITING The Big Short Mad Max: Fury Road–WINNER The Revenant Spotlight Star Wars: The Force Awakens CINEMATOGRAPHY Carol The Hateful Eight

Leonardo DiCaprio wins best actor Oscar LOS ANGELES — Leonardo DiCaprio finally has an Oscar after winning the best actor Academy Award for his performance in the survival epic “The Revenant.”

DiCaprio has been nominated five times for acting Oscars, dating back to 1993’s “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” Acting’s highest honor has eluded him despite years of strong performances in films such as “The Aviator,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

He played fur trapper Hugh Glass in director Alejandro Inarritu’s “The Revenant,” which involved the actor plunging into icy waters and eating raw bison to portray his character’s efforts to survive in the wilderness after a bear attack.AP Leonardo DiCaprio accepts the award for best actor in a leading role for “The Revenant” at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Mad Max: Fury Road The Revenant–WINNER Sicario MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING Mad Max: Fury Road–WINNER The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared The Revenant PRODUCTION DESIGN Bridge of Spies The Danish Girl Mad Max: Fury Road–WINNER The Martian The Revenant

14

www.angperyodiko.ca March 1-15, 2016

www.angperyodiko.ca n

September 1-15, 2015

photo was taken

by John Ward on Buendia Avenue in February 1986.

-by Niky Tamayo

What was

30 years ago:

PH motoring T

ď ´

he year 1986 was a year of political change for the Philippines, but for the motoring industry, it was part of a long slog out of darkness, from the slump that reached its nadir with the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983, the halving of the value of the peso over the next two years, and the pullout of foreign investment and production. Companies that had been all too eager to play ball with the dictatorship’s Progressive Car Manufacturing Program (PCMP) when money had been good, deserted it as the economy went south. what was, 17

15% off on full vehicle window tint

Valid until

March. 31, 2016

this coupon must be presented

like back in

1986?

15

March 1-15, 2016 n www.angperyodiko.ca

loan... 

From 1

end up mired in debt,” Catalla said.

She urged members of the Filipino community in Hong Kong not to rely on friends as loan guarantors.

“This is a serious problem we have been discussing for years,” said Legislative Council heavyweight Emily Lau, who has been asking the Hong Kong government to tighten employment agency regulations.

According to Lau, foreign domestic helpers fall into debt not because of excessive spending habits but because they have families and dependents back home to support.

They have to struggle to keep up with payments, Lau said.

“The main reason these women are in debt is because governments allow agents to collect so much money from them,” she said.

“It is sad to know that lives are taken because of debt and money issues, which can be managed if addressed

miriam... 

From 1

Philstar

their peers and elders to throw their support behind me, I will be the next president of the Philippines,” Santiago said.

Prior to the

campaign period, the senator won polls in the following campuses: University of the Philippines Los Baños (65.75 percent in December 2015 and 86 percent in January 2016); UP Manila (59.48 percent); Polytechnic University of the Philippines (64.07 percent); University of Santo Tomas (66 percent); Ateneo de Manila University (36.61 percent), and University of Northern Philippines (35.85 percent).Philstar

shahani...



led at 40 percent, followed by Duterte (34 percent), Poe (12 percent), Binay (7 percent), and Roxas (4 percent).

At the Calamba campus of Letran, Santiago was chosen as president by 58.48 percent of students polled, followed by Duterte (27.68 percent), Poe (7.59 percent), Binay (3.57 percent), and Roxas (2.68 percent).

“It appears that if all university students go out to vote in the May elections and influence

early on,” said Lenlen Messina of NGO Enrich, which helps foreign domestic workers grappling with debt.

“If left unmanaged, debt could spiral and cause a lot of problems for individuals, employers, friends who guaranteed the loan for them and their families back home,” she said.

“Such pressure and stress would cloud their proper rational thinking,” she added.

Early this year, the Post reported how agencies connive with unscrupulous creditors, forcing domestic helpers to withdraw loans at rates that defy money lender laws.

Debt collectors end up harassing maids who fail to keep up with their payments.

The Hong Kong government has vowed to implement a code of conduct to address the problem but critics said it would not be legally binding.

From 10

are guaranteed equality in their rights. Human rights accrue to them from birth. Our Constitution mandates the State to guarantee full respect for human rights. Our laws cannot discriminate against persons because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.” * * * While 73 percent of the population agrees that “homosexuality should be accepted by society,” another survey—this one by Laylo Research Strategies in 2015—reveals that about 70 percent oppose legalizing samesex marriage. These figures go a long way toward explaining why the positions of most of our presidential candidates remain so ambivalent.

lamoureux... 

From 9

Government made changes that required immigrants between the ages of 14 and 64 to demonstrate knowledge of English or French as a requirement

for citizenship. Well, that will change once the legislation is passed. The third major change will allow applicants under 18 or older than 54 to be exempted

from language and citizenship knowledge exams.

Finally, Bill C-6 will repeal the controversial provisions introduced over a year ago that allowed authorities to take away citizenship from dual citizens for “acts against national interest”.

As you can see, the petition was on a totally different matter but my point in raising it now is to demonstrate that there is so much that needs to be done and from my perspective, changes can not happen fast enough.

MP Kevin Lamoureux with Immigration Minister John McCullum

We are moving forward one step at a time but at least we are moving in the right direction. (www.mpkevin.ca)

While a change in Church doctrine could take centuries, a shift in the civil status involved in marriage might be—given the Constitution—far more realistic. It is precisely that civil status—not the religious one—that proponents of civil unions seek.

They seek next-of-kin rights at hospital, death-bed and prison visits. They seek the same taxation and SSS status other married couples have and the rights of joint ownership. And—horrifically to some, perhaps—the right to adopt children.

josue...



I sat with the Minister of Immigration while he introduced Bill C-6. Within a few minutes of him telling me about the bill, I introduced a petition to the House about visiting visas. The petition talked about how the Government needs to do more in recognizing how important it is to issue visiting visas in countries like the Philippines. I went on to explain the importance of families being together for special celebrations, funerals and other events.

Where does the law itself stand? Put simply, the Family Code of 1987 exclusively defines marriage to be a “special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman… for the establishment of conjugal and family life.” Meanwhile, the Philippine Constitution,

in its article on separation of church and state, insists: “No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.” This is why it is essential to make a distinction between a “civil union” and the “holy matrimony” of Christian doctrine. They are two entirely different things, although they may commonly occur simultaneously—any member of the clergy solemnizing a marriage must also sign a civil document: the marriage contract.

From 9

pagpapatawad ng kapatawaran.

Kapayapaan at kaginhawaan sa ating puso at isip ang resulta.

Si Kim Phuc ay ang batang babae na nasa kilalang litrato ng babaeng nakahubad at nasunog ang balat ng dahil sa bomba na kung tawagin ay napalm, na nilaglag ng mga eroplano ng Amerika sa Vietnam noong taong 1972. May journalist na nakuha ang litratong ito na nagdala ng pagkagalit sa maraming tao sa buong mundo sa epekto ng gyera sa mga inosenteng bata. Dumaan si Kim ng 17 operasyon pagkatapos ng atakeng pumatay sa ilan sa kanyang pamilya. Hanggang ngayon ay nakakaramdam pa rin siya ng pananakit sa kanyang katawan ng dahil dito.

Ngunit napawi na ang sakit ng kalooban dahil narinig niya ang Diyos na nangusap sa kanya na

magpatawad. Patawarin ang mga taong nakasakit sa kanya.

Noong seremonya ng Veterans Day sa Vietnam Veterans Memorial sa Washington D.C. nang taong 1996 ay nakaharap niya ang pilotong nagkoordinate ng pagbubomba sa kaniyang baryo.

Nang dahil sa Diyos at sa kanyang biyaya at kapangyarihan ay napatawad niya ang taong ito. Kaya niyang harapin ng may ngiti at pagmamahal ang mga taong nakasakit sa kanya at magpatuloy sa magandang buhay na pinlano ng Diyos para sa kanya. Yan kaibigan ang tunay na pag mumove kapag nagpatawad tayo ng ating kapwa sa tulong ng mapagpatawad na Diyos.

(Junie Josue, Lead Pastor, International Worship Centre, 1077 St James Street, Winnipeg Manitoba 204-774-4478)

16

www.angperyodiko.ca n March 1-15, 2016

Jennylyn Mercado admits she and Dennis Trillo are

exclusively dating

It’s been almost a year since Jennylyn Mercado, 28, and Dennis Trillo, 34, started getting cozy with each other again, following their “secret” trip to Balesin.

Since then, the two had been almost inseparable but remained elusive about their relationship status.

LOW-KEY RELATIONSHIP But in an exclusive interview with YES! magazine’s March 2016 issue, Jennylyn admitted that she and Dennis are exclusively dating.

“Ayaw lang naming ibroadcast, kasi ano e—gusto na lang namin, tahimik na lang. Gano’n. Kasi ang hirap...”

Jennylyn explained that it’s enough that she and Dennis are seen together whenever they go out on dates and travel together.

“Pero ‘yon, hanggang do’n na lang.

Ayaw na lang namin siyang masyadong ibroadcast, kasi mas maganda ‘yong tahimik. Mas maganda ‘yong parang wala lang,” Jennylyn reiterated.

ON SECOND CHANCES and

SHARED INTERESTS Dennis and Jennylyn first became a couple on April 16, 2010, until it came to an end on March 5, 2011.

Now that they’re together again, Jennylyn said that their active lifestyle and love for biking are just two of the many reasons they click.

“Lahat no’ng mga ginagawa ko, kaya niyang sakyan, kaya niyang gawin,’ she added. —

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March 1-15, 2016

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What was

30 years ago:

PH motoring like back in 1986?

what was... 

From 14

Local cars were eventually limited mostly to the boxy Nissan Stanza and the ever-popular Mitsubishi Lancer. The former has now rusted into oblivion.

The latter, despite being some of the cheapest cars on sale ever in the Philippines, is now a treasured heirloom. It’s a common joke that the Lancer Box-Type is a car that doesn’t depreciate.

Before the collapse of the peso, it cost P25,000 brand-new.

Nowadays, you’d be lucky to pay less than twice of that for one that works properly!

After the economic free fall precipitated by Aquino’s assassination, a return of investor confidence and peso stability post-EDSA saw gas and diesel prices stabilize at around P7 and P5 per liter, respectively, slightly down from pre-revolution prices.

At this point, however, the local car industry was anything but steady. It was in tatters.

The PCMP, which started out with lofty ideals, was shackled by crony politics, poor competitiveness and poor growth, resulting in the bankruptcy of local partners and the exit of foreign ones. Thailand’s own development programs at the time proved more robust, leading up to the multibillion-dollar industry it boasts today.

It must have been hard for some, living with memories of the golden years of V8 motoring, but the reality was that the heyday of American muscle and German luxury was long in the past. Troubles with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (or OPEC) and oil prices in the ‘70s had pushed the Marcos regime to prioritize better fuel economy and to discourage the purchase of large-engine cars.

And to prop up the regime’s PCMP, imports were strictly limited. Thus, for the ‘80s gen-

eration, the Opel Rekord, the Ford Granada, the Mitsubishi Galant Sigma, the Toyota Corona Macho and the Toyota Crown were our versions of ‘70s “muscle.” And those were becoming ever rarer as they grew older. By 1986, the ultimate survivors of the Marcos era were the GM-marketed Isuzu Gemini, the rear-drive Toyota Corolla and Starlet, the Ford “Brenda” Escort and the ever-ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle. These would share the road with old Ford cargo trucks, which are still in use in some far-flung provinces, and the baby-blue Love Buses and double-deckers that dotted the roads at the time.

The old “Pendong” game was one fraught with peril.

Spend more than 30 minutes on the road and you would be sore from all the slaps you’d receive, as the Kotseng Kuba (aka Beetle) was still everywhere.

Many still exist today, although the arguably just-as-popular VW Brasilia, that ‘80s love child of Type-3 underpinnings and Brazilian sheet metal, is now an extremely rare sight on our roads.

For the youth of the ‘80s, the streets of Manila were a brave new world. The rickety, liveaxle rear-wheel-drive Escorts and Corollas were starting to give way to newfangled frontwheel-drive cars. The sharp lines of the Ford Laser made it a common sight on the streets.

And the Ford Telstar, with its funky futuristic vibe, was the new cool. The Mitsubishi Colt Mirage, on the other hand, was a car ahead of its time, with its dual-drive select-shift transmission and eight-gear range.

For the common man, the Toyota Tamaraw, the Ford Fiera and the FMC Anfra were the more common experience.

Jeepneys of a new generation, they previewed the unprecedented success of the AUV in later decades. Those of us who spent time riding around in old Fieras would never have guessed that its descendants would feature such niceties as dual A/C and in-car LCD monitors.

The ‘80s were the prelude to the dominance of the Japanese; even these “American” Lasers, Telstars and Colts were really Mazdas and Mitsubishis in drag. But by 1985, Nissan and Mitsubishi were the sole mainstays of the market, as even Toyota had given up on our market, leaving the previously mentioned Japanese brands with near-total control of the roads. Though with total sales collapsing from around 30,000 in 1980 to just over 6,000 units in 1985, things were not so rosy even for them.

Still, the perception of continuity and support--in the loss of Western competitors--helped build the near-mythical reputation of Japan, incorporated from that point forward. And as older rear-drive Japanese cars finally succumbed to the ravages of time and rust, they fueled the brief explosion of owner-type jeeps in the ‘90s. They were vehicles cobbled together Mad Max-style from the remains of motoring’s glorious past, sharing the road with the front-drive fuel-injected vehicles of its future, and the luxury AUVs that reflected a new prosperity for the middle class.

The year 1986 may indeed have been a turning point for our country, but it would take time for the effects of that to ripple through the car industry. The youth of today will not quite understand the steep decline of the market prior to the revolution, or the hows and whys of capital flight that led

to this. Instead, they will only remember the slow climb back up. The traffic. The spurts and the dips of sales and production.

The poor state of the roads.

But credit must be given to the Cory Aquino administration for luring back manufacturers like Toyota and Ford, which had bailed during the Marcos era, as well as new faces like Kia, Honda and Isuzu, bringing the market back up to the 30,000unit annual sales it enjoyed in the late ‘70s.

Sure, it wasn’t perfect, and misplaced trade liberalization and taxation policies stunted that growth, but change and growth are never easy. And look where we are now: At the end of

the Marcos era, annual car sales amounted to one unit for every 10,000 Filipinos. Last year, the industry sold over 30 units per 10,000 citizens. We’ve got enormous multi-lane highways to the provinces, and kilometers of elevated tollways going up to support these arteries.

Thirty years ago, the entire country was stuffed into the backseats of some 4,000 Mitsubishi Lancers and Nissan Stanzas sold in tumultuous times. We’ve come a long way since then. It has been a difficult road, but sometimes you have to hit rock-bottom before you can start climbing back up.

Viva la revolución! By Niky Tamayo

18 www.angperyodiko.ca March 1-15, 2016

Disclaimer: Our intent is to help the general public with general information about injury rehabilitation and exercise programs. Our opinion does not replace the opinion of a medical doctor. If your condition is serious, please consult your doctor.

3 simple ways to alleviate

P

iriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condi tion that causes sciatic nerve impingement due to tight piriformis muscle. This muscle is de ep into the but tocks whichhelps wi th stabilizing the hip when walking. It also lif ts and rotates the thigh away from the body. This is why this muscle is impor tant for all lower body movements like climbing stairs, walking, running squat ting and lunging.

piriformis syndrome

3

. Sof t tissue release from your Athletic Therapist: helps to release the deep piriformis muscle using a sof t tissue release technique as it focuses on the trigger point and the piriformisstretch.

The sciatic ner ve is a thick ner ve that is located right under the piriformis muscle. It descends from the low back to the hip, all the way down the back of the knee, which separates into tiny ner ves to the foot. Imagine how much of your lower body is af fected when a major ner ve root is injured or impinged?

Tight piriformis muscle are caused by prolonged sit ting, long distance running, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, lunges and /or trauma to the muscle. Whether your daily routines are sedentaryor physical, you may be prone to developing piriformis syndrome.

The signs and symptoms for piriformis syndrome are tenderness on the but tocks, numbness or tingling on the but tocks and radiating pain down the back of the leg. These signs and symptoms are identical to the condition called sciatica.

The dif ference bet ween sciatica and piriformis syndrome is that sciatica is a compression of the sciatic nerve caused by herniated disc or other spinal injuries from the lower lumbar ver tebrae.

Whereas, piriformis syndrome is a compression of the sciatic nerve caused by a tight piriformis muscle.

Here are three ways to help you alleviate your tight piriformis muscle:

1

.Trigger point release with a tennis ball: sit on a tennis ball and find that tender piriformis muscle. Move the body around the ball, rela xed and with a good posture. Keep the slow-moving and pressure until the muscle releases.

2

. Stretch (figure four): af ter per forming the trigger point release, you can stretch the muscle by ex ternally rotating your leg into a figure four. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds repeat 3 times.

Written by: Melanie Talastas-Soriano CAT(C) Athletic Therapist, CFT Fitness Trainer

To view other articles, please visit www.insahyu.com Services we offer at Insahyu Training & Therapy: St. James area near MacDon and Boeing

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Call 204-999-0933 to book your appointment today!!!

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Love the GAME www.angperyodiko.ca March 1-15, 2016

Sports

19 Ang Peryodiko

Pacquiao all-out in sparring session;

boxing partner’s lips bleed Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao last weekend remained focused on training for his upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley in April, causing his sparring partner’s lips to bleed, a report on Unang Balita on Monday said.

Pacquiao did five rounds of sparring with Mani Maduma at the Pacman Wildcard Gym in General Santos City, GMA News’ Mav Gonzales reported.

“He punches hard, man. I knew that before...

He’s very fast,” Maduma said.

After sparring, Pacquiao did mitts training with coach Freddie Roach.

The boxing champ said he is focusing on stamina and timing for his training.

Pacquiao wore a headband and eyeglasses during training to protect his eye which was injured during the sessions.

He said however that his eye should be fine

by Sunday.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s friend, Slapshock band vocalist Jamir Garcia, visited the boxing champ at the gym.

On Sunday, Pacquiao took a break from training to attend worship service at Word For Everyone Movement in General Santos City together with wife Jinkee, and children Jimuel, Michael, Princess, Queenie, and Israel. -KG, GMA News

Pagara, Magsayo remain perfect, eye world crown vera.

“Tumakbo ng tumakbo eh (He kept running). Baka marathon ang sport. Walang kwenta (He’s nothing). He’s not a warrior,” said Pagara, 26-0 and still the WBO Intercontinental junior featherweight champion.

Talavera, accompanied to the ring by two-time world champion Rosendo Alvarez, also from Nicaragua, vowed to put up a good fight against Pagara.

But he didn’t. He tried to be elusive inside the ring and at times was comical and 

CEBU CITY, Philippines – After a long night of boxing, “Prince” Albert Pagara and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo held on to their championship belts and kept their perfect records intact at the Waterfront Hotel here.

The future stars of ALA Promotions also boosted their hopes for a world title.

It was midnight Saturday when Pagara, in his favorite neon green attire, answered the bell for the 12th and final round against Nicaragua’s Yesner Talavera.

No one expected the fight to last. Pagara blamed Tala-

pagara, 20

‘Prince’ Albert Pagara raises his hand in victory following his win over Nicaragua’s Yesner Talavera at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu. PHILBOXING.COM

20 pagara... 

From 19

looked foolish. In 36 minutes, he circled the ring more than a dozen times.

Alvarez, a great world champion, shook his head from the corner, more embarrassed than amused.

Pagara went for the knockout and tried to entertain the crowd. He floored Talavera with a right straight to the midsection in the seventh round but didn’t get the knockout.

Just as the final bell sounded, most of the fans that packed t h e carpeted venue got up on their

www.angperyodiko.ca n feet and left, not bothering to hear the decision.

It was a lopsided one in favor of the Filipino.

“Para siyang aso takbo nang takbo (He was like a dog that kept running). Walang pupuntahan ang ganyang boxer (He’s not going anywhere),” said Pagara.

The pride of Maasin in Southern Leyte now wants a title shot.

“Gusto ko na lumaban para sa world title,” he said.

Tony Aldeguer of ALA Promotions was impressed with Pagara’s style and patience inside the ring.

“Pagara fought a mature fight. I think he’s ripe and ready,” said the top Filipino promoter.

Magsayo faced another runner in Mexico’s Eduardo Montoya. He scored a knockdown in the seventh round but also failed to finish. He moved up with 13-0 with 10 knockouts.

Montoya refused to engage and just fought to survive. His best moment came after the fight when he had his picture taken with the beautiful round girls at the center of the ring.

“Tumakbo lang (He just ran).

Sinugod ko na lang para wag naman ma-bore ang tao (I went at him to keep the crowd from getting bored). Ayaw lumaban eh,” he said.

The Filipino trainers, Edmund and Edito Villamor, said there was nothing they could do. -By Abac Cordero/Philstar

March 1-15, 2016

If you want to greet your special love one email us a picture and name to info@angperyodiko.ca

Wenn Deramas dies of

cardiac arrest MANILA, Philippines — Box-office movie director Wenn Deramas died early Monday due to cardiac arrest, according to a report.

According to Deramas’ friend June Rufino, the 49-year old director was rushed to Capital Medical Center at 2 a.m.

In an interview with ANC, Rufino said that Deramas died at around 6:10 a.m. His remains will be brought to the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City.

Deramas is known for successful television drama series “Mula Sa Puso” in the 1990s, “Saan Ka Man Naroroon” which ran from 1999 to 2001 and sa “Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan” from 2001 to 2003. He also directed critically acclaimed films and box office hits such as “Ang Tanging Ina” (2003) and “The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin” (2011). - Patricia Lourdes Viray

Bisping survives devastating knee strike to nab unanimous decision over Silva

Former undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion Anderson Silva thought he had a knockout at the end of the third when he leveled Michael Bisping with a flying knee. But when referee Herb Dean ruled that the fight wasn’t over due to complications with Bisping losing his mouth piece and the horn ending the frame, the fight continued.

The main event of UFC Fight Night “Silva vs. Bisping” inside the famed O2 Arena lived up to the hype as local hero Bisping pulled off a sizable upset. “The Count” rocked the Brazilian in the opening frame and then dropped the former champ with a flurry in the second, but Silva was able to recover both times.

The tides turned in Silva’s favor in the third and after he cut Bisping around his left eye, he nearly scored the knockout as time expired. When Bisping motioned to Dean that he lost his mouthpiece, Silva unloaded a flying knee and dropped the Englishman, seemingly out. Replays showed that the horn to end the stanza came a second or two after Bisping fell, but the veteran referee couldn’t hear it and ruled that the round had ended.

Silva thought he had won and it

took several moments for him to realize that the fight was to go on. From there, Bisping rallied in the fourth and even though he was badly dazed in the fifth from a push kick to the face, he continued to fight on. Even after the Brit suffered a shattered nose and had two nasty lacerations above and below his left eye, and with blood pouring out of his face, he was able to do just enough in three of the five rounds to earn a unanimous decision. “The Count” was awarded the nod with scores of 48-47 on all three scorecards, pulling off a somewhat sizeable upset in front of his hometown fans.

“This has been a lifelong quest,” an emotional Bisping said afterward. “I’ve wanted this fight for a long time. Anderson Silva is one of the greatest martial artists of all-time. If it wasn’t for (Silva) I wouldn’t be here right now.

“I think I need to go see a doctor and maybe a beer,” Bisping added with a laugh.

Silva felt differently, believing he had won the contest.

“You saw the fight,” he grumbled. “I thought it went differently. The mission was given and I thought the mission was completed. I guess not.”-MIKE SLOAN

Community Ang Peryodiko

PEOPLE, places & events

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www.angperyodiko.ca March 1-15, 2016

“Dreams” A Valentine’s

Concert

Featuring Gerphil Flores with Nazer Legaspi Degayo Salcedo, and Paul Ong Written by: Gemma Dalayoan

sionally trained as a singer, she also suffered frustrations entering singing contests just like Pia Wurtzbachas she tried to get the elusive crown of Miss Universe for the Philippines. Both have German fathers. Having experienced challenges and difficulties, Gerphil entitled the whole repertoire, ”Dreams” which reflected her personal journey of music. Prior to her singing the musical pieces prepared for the evening, she would give a brief introduction on how she came to choose the songs and narrated some ordeal she had undergone to become an accomplished singer. Her positive attitude and her ardent desire to realize her dreams sustained her in realizing her dreams.

Indeed, she has accomplished her dreams because she is now touring the United States and Canada and has been called by David Foster, a

Canadian record producer, as a”Golden Girl”. Her repertoire, mostly composed of cross-over classical songs, was so impressive with her voice reaching highest notes and holding to them for seconds. Her singing seemed effortless eliciting anexhilarating reaction from the audience. This reaction permeated throughout the evening.

Aside from Gerphil giving joyous moments for the audience, Nazer Degayo Salcedo, a tenor from the Philippines who has come here for the 3rd time also added to the very 

G

ERPHIL Geraldine Flores hardly finished hitting the highest note of the song entitled “Impossible Dream” when the whole audience, mostly Filipinos, gathered at the Tribu Productions’ Valentine’s Concert held on February 17, 2016 at the Westminster Church from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. stood on their feet with a thunderous applause with some yelling” bravo” to the top of their voices. “Impossible Dream” was Geraldine’s grand final’s song entry that placed her as the 2nd runnerup of the Asia’s Got Talent aired in 20 countries in Asia in 2015. She is dubbed as “Asia’s Golden Girl”. Gerphil Geraldine Flores, dressed in a beautifully designed blue and black gown, opened with a solo that immediately caught the attention of the audience. Although profes-

photos by: Henry balanial - HB photography

dreams, 22

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THE Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, Inc. (PHCM) would like to invi te you to i ts “Youth Forum on Building Success” event on March 17th from 6 PM to 9PM at the DMCI Multipurpose Hall (720 Alverstone Street). This event aims to inspire the youth (grades 9 to 12 and U1 students, parents welcome too) to become successful in their endeavours, instil the impor tance of education and hard work, and promote involvement in the Filipino and wider communit y. To share their stories and give the youth the oppor tunit y to get up close with selected communi t y and sector leaders, we have invited the following panel members: • Dario Cidro, PhD – Community Health Sciences (University of Manitoba) Sessional Lecturer • Johann Generao – Graphic Designer, Co-founder of Winnipeg Got Sole, and DMCI graduation donor • Mary Ann Masesar – Regis-

www.angperyodiko.ca n March 1-15, 2016

tered Nurse and Entrepreneur • Carolina Nario – Educator/ Teacher for Winnipeg School Division 1 • Gar y Sarcida – Practising Lawyer • Jeremy Senaris – Residential Plan Examiner for the Ci t y and Master Chef Canada contender The “Youth Forum on Building Success” event is par t of PHCM’s year-round activities in promoting the Filipino cul ture and heri tage to Manitobans, and reflecting the vibrant and dynamic Canadian multiculturalism. This event is in cooperation with the University of Manitoba Filipino Students Group (UMPinoy), Mani toba Filipino Business Council, Inc. (MFBC), and AksyonngAtingKabataan, Inc. (ANAK).

Event cost for par ticipants is FREE. Please RSVP at phcm.inc@ gmail.com or fill out the form here: tinyurl.com/PHCMYouth

dreams... 

From 10

pleasant musical atmosphere of the evening. Last year, he was here with soprano Kay Balajadia Liggayu in concert called “Pamana” held at the United Church on Broadway. Nazer Salcedo captivated the hearts of the audience with him showing a powerful and very consistent vocal quality reflective of his being a tenor highly trained in the Philippines and his having been featured in several concerts all throughout Canada and the United States. He thrilled the audience with his dynamic pitch range accompanied with fitting gestures to reflect the feelings expressed in all his songs.

Similarly another featured singer, Paul Ong also sang either hissolos, duets with Gerphil or sometimes joined, Gerphil, and Nazer in a very synchronized and melodious trio that delighted the very attentive audience.

Paul Ong, who has garnered a lot of singing honours, such as gold medals in vocal contemporary, then later in the contest was declared the overall champion in this vocal contemporary category, vocal open, and vocal variety at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in Los Angeles, California, also caught the admiration of the audience due to his golden voice. He rendered solos in strong, melodious, high pitch tunes to the delight of the audience. The songs of the singers mentioned above reverberated in the huge church filled with almost 200 people.

There was a light supper that was served before the show that gave a chance to the attendees to meet and greet the performers. The audience was treated again with light snacks during the break, and the time also provided for small talks with the performers. Furthermore, the break afforded Gerphil Flores a chance to change into a pinkand black sleeveless gown intricately embossed with red laces from her shoulder to the

middle of her skirt. On both sides of her lower body were two light pink petal-like satin materials hugging both sides of her lower body. Most of her songs were very high pitch, rich, and melodious. All songs were in English although towards the end, she sang a Filipino song “Ikaw Lang ang Aking Mamahalin” as if she had read the minds of the audience who quietly were pining to hear Filipino songs. Her Filipino song evoked nostalgic feelings and brought tears to most of the audience who gave her a standing ovation. Nazer and Paul joined her and the rest who had been involved in the production as they bowed to a very pleased audience that stood on their feet yelling “bravo!” After the show, there was a line-up of people who posed for selfies and group picture with Gerphil, Nazer, and Paul. Most of the pictures were taken by Henry Balanial of the HB Photography and other photographers.

Also receiving compliments and appreciation were all the personnel who helped in making the show a success. The whole concert was produced by the Tribu Productions headed by Clifford Belgica of Vancouver. Helping him was Dante Aviso of Winnipeg who also acted as the production manager.

His sister, Tess Newton of Sun Life Financial, was also instrumental in making sure the concert would be successful. Nazer not only made use of his singing abilities but also his directorial skills. Tia Provici was the co-host and personal stylist of Gerphil Flores.

An announcement was made that another Tribu Productions concert called “Harana” will be held here in Winnipeg sometime this March.

The audience is eagerly awaiting this production which for sure will also be as heart-warming as the “Dreams”, a production that made their hearts flutter.

March 1-15, 2016

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BOX OFFICE:

‘Gods of Egypt’ flops with $14 million debut Lionsgate once hoped to turn “Gods of Egypt” into its next major film franchise.

But those dreams were dashed this weekend, after the $140 million fantasy epic opened to a feeble $14 million across 3,117 theaters. The film is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest flops, all but guaranteeing there won’t be a part two. Its failure demonstrates the difficulty that the studio behind “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent” series faces as it struggles to find new projects to replace its retiring franchises.

With “Gods

of Egypt” clattering to earth, “Deadpool” continued to soar.

The Fox comic book movie added $31.5 million to its $285.6 million domestic haul for a first place finish. After three weeks of release, it ranks as the third highest-grossing R-rated film on a domestic basis behind only “American Sniper” ($350.1 million) and “The Passion of the Christ” ($370.8 million).

Although hugely disappointing, Lionsgate took steps to limit its financial hit on “Gods of Egypt.” It protected itself from potential losses through a combination of foreign pre-sales and a 46% production incentive from the Australian government for shooting in the country.

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer has reassured analysts that the studio’s exposure on the budget was under $10 million.

Internationally, “Gods of Egypt” also struggled, grossing an estimated $24.2 million from 68 markets, including Russia, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Misery loved company this weekend. Sports comedy “Eddie the Eagle” and heist thriller “Triple 9” both failed to connect in their debuts. “Eddie the Eagle,” a Fox produced story about an unlikely Olympic athlete (Taron Egerton) face-planted to a paltry $6.3 million from 2,038 locations for a fifth place finish.

It cost $23 million to make.

“We’re hoping that people

Maine Mendoza named Best Social Media Influencer at Nuffnang Awards Kalyeserye Sweetheart and Dubsmash Queen Maine Mendoza, popularly known as Yaya Dub, bagged the Best Social Media Influencer and Online’s Choice at the Nuffnang Awards 2016.

The actress accepted the award through a recorded message.

The Nuffnang Awards is part of Blogopolis 4D, touted as the biggest blog and social media conference.

Mendoza, one half of the phenomenal love team AlDub, has over 3 million followers on Twitter. According to the social media network, the segment she headlines with Alden Richards in Eat Bulaga generates an average of 4 million mentions on regular day.

Her popularity has also left her vulnerable to cyberattacks. — AT, GMA News

will discover this film,” said Aronson. “It’s a very sweet film and at this time, with all the negativity of the political races, it’s nice to be reminded of the power of the human spirit.”

Open Road fielded “Triple 9,” a gritty thriller from John Hillcoat (“The Road”) that stars Casey Affleck and Anthony Mackie in a tale of bank robbers and crooked cops. It did an anemic $6.1 million worth of business, and cost $20 million to bring to the screen.

Analysts speculated that a glut of films is crowding the market. Three films have opened each weekend since Jan. 15.

“It’s hard to rise above the noise,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at comScore. “There’s a lot of inventory out there.”

Holdovers “Kung Fu Panda 3” and “Risen” rounded out the top five, earning $9 million and $7 million, respectively. “Kung Fu Panda 3” has generated $128.4 million after five weeks in theaters, while “Risen” has made $22.7 million in two.

Most eyes in Hollywood remained fixed on Sunday’s Oscar ceremony. To that end, best picture frontrunner “The Revenant” crossed the $170 million mark this weekend, adding $3.8 million to its haul. The survival epic has earned nearly 70% of its gross following the Academy Awards nominations—a sign of what a little Oscar attention can do for a challenging film that includes crowd-pleasing moments involving horse disembowelment and raw bison eating. —By BRENT LANG, Reuters

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March 1-15, 2016