WORKING COPY February 2015:February 2015.qxd

www.filipinostar.org

Volume XXXIII No.2 Februray 2015 Montreal, QC Canada www.filipinostar.org

See page 4 MMTV Anchor

Irwin Cotler receives Law Society of UpperCanada’s first Human Rights Award

MMTV Anchor voted Most BeautifulFilipino-Canadian

Toronto: The Law Society of UpperCanada presented its inauguralHuman Rights Award to TheHonourable Irwin Cotler, PC, OC, MP,at a ceremony in Toronto on February12, 2015.

Mr. Cotler received the award inrecognition of his outstandingcontributions to the advancement ofhuman rights and the promotion ofthe rule of law.

“Mr. Cotler’s long and illustriouscareer as an outspoken advocate forhuman rights — both at home andabroad — have made him a mostfitting recipient of The Law Society’svery first Human Rights Award,” saidLaw Society Treasurer Janet E. Minor.“He reflects the highest ideals of theprofession, and his contributions topeace and human dignity areunparalleled.”

The award was established in 2013by The Law Society as part of itslongstanding commitment to humanrights, the rule of law, and access to

Law Society of Upper Canada Treasurer Janet Minor presents inaugural Human Rights Award to Irwin Cotler (photo: LSUC )See page 4 - Irwin Cotler

The word beautiful can be defined inmany different ways. It commonlydescribes those with physicalattributes; however, it can alsodescribe someone who hasdemonstrated an extraordinaryachievement or success. TheInternational Professional Entertain-ment Network knows how important itis when somebody makes an impact inthe community, or even in somebodyelse’s life. For this reason that theExecutive Committee of theInternational Professional Entertain-ment Network had MMTV’s anchor,Michael Davantes, as one of theawardees for the Fifth Annual MostBeautiful Filipinos in Canada Award ofRecognition held in Toronto lastJanuary 31st, 2015. The organizationbelieves that Davantes is a beautifulperson inside and out.

Davantes is a recipient of Vanier’s “LifeAward” for scholastic achievement andtremendous community service. Hehas also been conferred the

“Outstanding Graduate of the Year”title by the Philippine Benevolent andScholarship Society of Quebec(PBSSQ). In addition, he has beenrecognized as one of the “Mostoutstanding Filipino-Canadians” bythe Bb. Pilipinas World Pageant forhelping enhance a positive image forFilipinos in Canada.

A dynamic man, Davantes hasfocused his energy on importantissues in different levels of humanactivities, be it cultural, political, oreducational. He is a passionateindividual committed to taking onprojects that support health,innovation, and meaningful socialchange. He can be described as“multitalented” as he is not only anexcellent communicator andphotographer, but also an ingeniouswriter who can work in various fields.He has worked as a medical labtechnician, model trainer and agent,international pageant director, PR andmarketing consultant, musical theatreactor, and an environmental columnist.

Michael Davantes holding his award

By Fely Rosales Carino

February 20152


The North American Filipino Star

5320-A Queen Mary Road

Montreal, Quebec H3X 1T7

Tel.: 514-485-7861

E-Mail: [email protected]

Published by: Filcan Publications, Inc.

Zenaida Ferry KharroubiChief Editor & Publisher

Sam KevinNews & Layout Editor

W.G. QuiambaoCommunity News

Bernardo SarmientoOpinion Editorial

Al AbdonFely Rosales CarinoMichael Davantes

Columnists Bert AbieraFounder

The opinions expressed by the writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect thatof the management of the North American Filipino Star nor its editors.

Dr. G. Santander DDS. is happy to announce herassociation with Dr. John Calder BSc. DDS.

She has relocated her patient files to the newlocation at 4685 Avenue Van Horne,

Montreal, Quebec, H3W 1H8.

Phone numbers remain the same - 514-484-3110 or514-737-1612. Vangie is here to serve you!

[email protected]

Dr, Gene Santander, DDS Dr. John Calder, BSc., DDS

EEddiittoorriiaallThere is no reprieve from the

winter cold this year. It is now thenumber two topic for Montrealers to talkabout the frigid temperatures second tohockey games It’s been acknowledgedthat 2015 is one of the coldest yearever.

Next to the -20 temperaturesthat easily go down to -35 due to thewind chill factor, is the problem ofparking during successive snowstorms. Besides having no where topark, a car owner’s lament is having todig out from the big pile of snow thatseems to be part of the daily routine ofsnow clearing trucks. They just simplyfind it easy to dump all the snow fromthe middle of the street to the sideswhere most cars are parked. It seemsthat they are having fun doing this andthen seeing people shovel their cars oufof the plowed snow. This just

happened to me the other night afterworking late. I could not get out of thespace where I parked because thesnow was packed solid on the wholeside of my car. It took almost an hour toshovel the snow that was piled higharound my car. It was a very frustratingexperience to think that the person who

cleaned the street just did not think ofhow hard it would be for a car owner todig out of the packed snow.

I am sure that I am not the onlyone that has eperienced this hardshipduring winter. But it seems that no oneis doing anything about it. This hashappened to countless car owners, andthey all seem to take it in stride becauseI have not heard anyone complain tothe authorities about this commonpractice of snow clearing crews. Whycan they not put the snow into a truckinstead of putting them on people’scars?

Winter in Montreal has alwaysbeen a difficult time of the year.Besides the danger of falling down andbreaking a leg or hip due to the slipperystreets and sidewalks, we also have tocope with the thoughtlessnes of peoplewho do not think of how difficult it is to

dig a car out of a snowbank.Millions of dollars are spent on

snow clearing. With such a big budgetfor which we pay high taxes, can we notget at least the cooperation of crewsnot to dump snow on our cars.?

Zenaid Kharroubi

Why do snow plows bury cars on the roads?

Letter to the Editor

Time for a Medicareapproach to climatechange

Dear editor,

Over the past nine years Canada’sinternational reputation has beendamaged and the Keystone

XL pipeline has been stalled, allbecause our federal government hasfailed to deliver a sensible, credibleapproach to the environment and theeconomy.

At the same time, many provinces andterritorial governments have beguntheir own initiatives because they knowthat climate change is real and that ourchildren’s future requires us to reducecarbon emissions. BC, Alberta,Quebec and, soon, Ontario—jurisdictions that represent over 85% ofthe economy—have all committed, indifferent ways, to a price on carbon.

History has shown that Canada worksbest when all orders of governmentwork together to forge solutions to complex problems.Through provincial experimentationand federal leadership,

Medicare was forged and nowprovides one common standard ofpublic healthcare for every Canadianacross in the entire country. That’s theapproach we need to take to reduceour greenhouse gas emissions. As it stands, the Prime Minister hascommitted Canada to targets, but

we’re not collectively on track to meetthem, not even close. And no wonder,when the Prime Minister refuses tomeet with the Premiers to coordinateclimate policies—or anything else for thatmatter.

That’s why a new Liberal governmentwould, within 90 days of the upcomingParis climate conference, hold a FirstMinisters meeting to work together on aframework for combatting climatechange—including the creation of nationalemissions-reduction targets. A nationalstandard would be set in partnership withprovinces and territories, who will havethe flexibility to design their own polices to achieveit, including carbon pricing. The federalgovernment would provide funding,similar to how it supports Medicaretoday.In this way, we will build onexisting provincial initiatives, in the bestspirit of Canadian federalism. Through a healthy respectfor regional differences, we will achieveprogress on climate change; we willbegin to repair our brokenrelationships and regain public trust.

Canada has solved bigger problemsthan this and we’ll solve this one too, inthe way we always have—together.

Yours sincerely,

John McKay, MP

Liberal Party of Canada EnvironmentCritic613-992-1447

Learn to speak French the fastand easy way. Enroll at Gilmore

College InternationalCall 514-485-7861


FEBRUARY 2015 3The North American Filipino Star


RECOGNIZED BY AQTR & SAAQFULLY QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES - OPEN 7 DAYSEXTRA HOURS OF PRACTICE AT BEST RATECAR RENTAL FOR ROAD TEST AT SAAQ

4661 VAN HORNE, SUITE 2, MONTREAL(514)402-9594 / (514)883-3526

www.successdrivingschool.ca

CPA supports the FederalGovernment’sSupplementaryEstimates: Doublingpsychological servicesfrom $1,000 to $2,000 forFederal Workers andRetirees

(Ottawa, Ontario) February 24, 2015.The Canadian PsychologicalAssociation (CPA) applauds the federalgovernment and Treasury BoardPresident, the Honourable TonyClement, for increasing coverage forpsychological services for federalworkers, their families, and retirees. Theincreases were tabled in theSupplementary Estimates 2014–2015 inthe House of Commons and thechanges came into effect last year.

CPA has been calling for increasedaccess to psychological services forfederal public servants for some time. In2011, the disability plan for Federalemployees, took in 3,875 new claims,more than 47% of which were for mentalhealth conditions led by depression andanxiety. Psychological treatments are among themost cost and clinically effective intreating those illnesses.

“Despite the significant toll that mentaldisorders take on the Canadianpopulation, on the workplace and on theeconomy, psychological services are

not covered under public healthinsurance plans. When employeecoverage does exist, the caps are oftentoo low and many Canadians are unableaccess the care that they need for areturn to sustainable recovery andproductivity,” said Dr. Kerry Mothersill,President of the CPA.

“As much as a third of employer lossesrelated to mental illness could berecovered if employees were giventimely access to effective psychologicalservices and supports. As the country’sbiggest employer, the federalgovernment is providing importantleadership by showing all employersthat access to psychological servicescan be increased in the context ofoverall cost savings. The government isto be applauded for this very importantpolicy decision. We hope that theopposition parties will support theseimportant changes,” said Dr. KarenCohen, Chief Executive Officer of theCPA.

The Canadian PsychologicalAssociation is the national associationfor the science, practice and educationof psychology in Canada. With over7000 members and affiliates, CPA isCanada's largest professionalassociation of psychologists.

Meagan HatchManager of Public Affairs andCommunicationsGestionnaire, Affaires publiques etcommunications

MANILA (Reuters) Philippine PresidentBenigno Aquino called on Wednesdayfor autonomy for a Muslim region to endan insurgency there despite widespreadmisgivings after Muslim rebels killed 44policemen.

Aquino has promised the largest Muslimrebel group in the predominantlyChristian country autonomy in thesouthern region known as Bangsamoroin exchange for peace.

But the Senate and House ofRepresentatives suspended work onlegislation for the autonomous region,the Bangsamoro Basic Law, amid anoutcry after fighting on the island ofMindanao on Jan. 25 in which the 44policemen and 18 rebels were killed.

Aquino, in a speech to a crowd ofsupporters marking the 29th anniversaryof a "People Power" uprising that endeddictatorship, said the country had toseize the opportunity for peace.

"To all those calling for a stop to thepeace process, and to the passage ofthe Bangsamoro Basic Law, we ask:How can they guarantee that such anopportunity will present itself oncemore?" he asked.

The killing of the police commandos bythe Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)rebels has blown up intoAquino'sbiggest political crisis. Some lawmakers,Catholic bishops and civil societygroups have called on him to

resignbecause of what theysee as his poor handling of the conflict.Aquino said everyone was obliged topursue peace.

"It is only by realising a just and lastingpeace that we can say that the sacrificesof those who fought in EDSA —togetherwith those who gave their lives to put anend to the sowing of fear and violence insociety — wereworth it," he said, referring to the "PeoplePower" uprising.

The 45 year insurgency by the MILF haskilled 120,000 people, displaced 2million and stunted growth in thepoor but resource rich south.The rebels said last month's clashhappened because police had notinformed them of an operation to arresttwo wanted militants. They say theyremain committed to peace.

Aquino urges autonomy for PhilippineMuslims despite misgivings

President Benigno Aquino III

Pacquiao, 36, faces unbeatenMayweather in Las Vegas on 2 May inwhat is set to be the richest bout inboxing history.

He has made four appearances thisterm as player-coach for Kia Carnivaland said he would play again onSaturday before flying to the US totrain.

"I know what I'm doing," said Pacquiao,

who has scored one point so far.

At 5ft 6ins, Pacquiao is the shortest andoldest player in the Philippine league.

Last week ex-National BasketballAssociation player Daniel Orton wasfired by a rival Philippine BasketballAssociation team for describing theWBO welterweight champion'sbasketball skills as a "joke".

Manny Pacquiao in basketball roleahead of Floyd Mayweather bout

Manny Pacquiao showing his basketball moves against a big player

Our business in life is not to get ahead of othersbut to get ahead of ourselves--to break our ownrecords, to outstrip our yesterdays by our today,to do our work with more force than ever before.

(Thought of the day)

February 20154



DR. EMILIA ESPIRITU

CHIRURGIEN DENTISTE / DENTAL

SURGEON

5790 Cote des Neiges Rd Suite A-024MONTREAL, QUEBECH3S 1Y9

PHONE: 514-340-8222 (4077)

From Page 1 - Irwin Cotler

justice. It is granted every two years toindividuals for their devotion to theseprinciples either over a long term, orfor a single, outstanding act of service.

Irwin Cotler has served as anesteemed law professor, legal scholar,mentor, international human rightslawyer and as a Member of Parliamentfor Mount Royal (1999-present). From2003 to 2006, Cotler held the country’smost respected justice portfolios asMinister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of Canada.

During that time, he issued the first

National Justice Initiative AgainstRacism and Hate, and initiated the firstprosecution under Canada’s CrimesAgainst Humanity and War Crimes Actfor incitement to genocide in Rwanda.

Mr. Cotler is the recipient of 11 honorarydegrees and numerous awards,including the Order of Canada andrecently received the Canadian BarAssociation’s President’s Award, theInternational Raoul WallenbergFoundation’s Centennial Medal, andwas elected 2014 CanadianParliamentarian of the Year by hiscolleagues.

Among his wide range of achievementsinclude graduating Cum Laude atConcordia University with a Bachelor'sdegree in Communication, and prior toobtaining his BA, he also graduated withhonors at Vanier College where he

studied Media and Theatre. In addition,he co-authored a book for cultural studiesentitled “Crossing Borders,” and helpedin improving an environmental radio andtelevision show for Tanggol Kalikasan inthe Philippines. Currently, he works as theprogram director and host of MabuhayMontreal TV (MMTV) broadcasted byInternational Channel (ICI), imageconsultant, fashion photographer, andalso discovers and develops models andtalents during his extra time.

About the InternationalProfessional EntertainmentNetwork

The International ProfessionalEntertainment Network or IPEN has beenformed by the former co- producer of theBb. Pilipinas Canada Pageant Edgar Sulit.Sulit was instrumental in producingbeauty queens and kings who went on tobecome famous and successful nationallyand internationally after winning their

crown. He established IPEN, which is theonly Filipino owned production companyinToronto, in order to give opportunities toyoung people to participate in aninternational competition. In the last threeyears, IPEN has sent over two dozens ofits winners to international pageants,which he personally accompanies whenthey travel to compete in their respectivenational and international pageants.Winners from IPEN, such as MissInternational Bea Santiago, have nothingbut praises for Sulit’s support, dedicationand compassion.

From Page 1 MMTV Anchor

Michael Davantes with Miss Teeanager Beauty queens posing with the only male title holder, the reigning Mr. International

French PeonunciationGain confidence in speaking.French. Learnfast, easy and simple techniques in Frenchpronunciation. Taught by the author of La Cléde prononciation.

Designed to suit the needs of beginners andintermediate levels in small groups

30 hours, 3 weeks, (9:00 to 12:20 or18:00 to 21:20 Mon. Tues. Wed.Tax deductible fees ($315 incl.materials)Call 514-485-7861 to register by appointmentGilmore College International

Kadri Sherifi

5The North American Filipino StarJanuary 2015

The aging process itself cannot be changed. However, facial aesthetictreatments can reverse some of its effects. The following charts from SKINTOURoutline the signs of aging by decade and suggest appropriate corrective actions.

Can we choose how we want ourskin age?

Optimize skincareproducts and sunscreen.Consider eyelidThermage or eyelidFraxel. Light Botox orDysport for earlywrinkles.

Upper eyelids graduallybecome hooded.Pouching of lower eyelidsbecome more prominent.Fine wrinkling egins.

Trace of frown lines inlower forehead andbetween eyes

Consider light Botox Dysport to preventdeepening. Consider fullface light chemical peelor light laser treatment forall over collagen building.

Fine wrinkling at outercorners

Consider right filler suchas Juvrederm orRestylane to supportcorners.

Tip has not yet begunto droop with age, butshape of nose maysuggest surgery

Consder nasal surgeryorcontouring withRestylane.

Upper and lowereyelids begin to sag,creating deep-setlook, crow’s feetdevelop.

Optimize skin crae productsand sunscreen. ConsiderThermage, Fraxelor eyelidfractionated CO2 laser. Fillerfor hollow under eye area.Eyelid surgery

Frown lines deepen,horizontal wrinklesdevelop.

Consider Botox in bothforehead and frown lines toprevent deepening. Fullface Fraxel or IPL to reverse sundamage and build collagen.

Vertical lines begin toappear and deepenaround lips, wrinklingbecomes moreprominent.

Fillers like RestylaneJuvederm for corner droop,support the parenthesesaround mouth, filll upper liplines, hydrate the lips. Fullface Thermage or lasers tolighten skin overall.

Aging signsFluid mayaccumulate iinupper cheek area,causing pouches toform. Sagging ofcheek down and in

Optimize skincareproducts and sunscreen.Camouflage poucheswith Restylane aroundthe eyes. Revolumizecheeks up and out withfillers Lasers forwrinkles. Mild facelifteyelid surgery.

Horizontal lines nowestablished foreheadsags

Age 50

Botox for horizontal linefractonated CO@ laser forwrinkles. Avoid forehead‘lifts’

Vertical lines begin toappear and deepenaround lips wrinklingbecomes moreprominent

Fillers likeRestylane/Juvederm to treatcorner droop support theparentheses around mouth,fill upper lip lines andhydrate the lips.Fractionated CO2 laser totreat wrinkles.

Eyebrows sag causingeyelids to appearhooded and heavy

Botox to lift eyebrows,forehead, Thermage to liftforehead. Restylane forhollow areas. Eyelidsurgery

Jawline sags, creatingthe impression of jowls

Revolumize cheek withSculpta upward and out torepositiion skin.Liposuction if fat pad.Consider lower facelift.

Face loseselasticity, skinsags

Optimize skincare products andsunscreen. Revolumize cheekswith filelrs and address wrinkleswith CO2 fractional laser.

Forehead sags,

creating the

impression of jowl.

Consider Botox in bothforehead and frown lines toprevent deepening . Full faceFraxelor IPL to reversesun damage and buildcollagen. Plus possibleforehead lift.

VERTICAL WRINKLINGAPPEARS AROUND LIPS

Fillers likeRestylane/Juvederm to treatcorner droop, support theparentheses around mouth.Fill upper lip lines andhydrate the lips.Fractionated CO2 lser totreat wrikles and for lines onupper lip

Eyebrows sagfurther, hoodedappearancebecomes morepronounced

Botox to the eyebrows,forehad. Thermage to liftforehead. Restylane forhollow areas. Eyelid surgerycan get almost surgeryresults with 3 factonatedlaser treatments.

Tip droops Nasal surgery - rhinoplastyCO2 laser to tighten andimprove crepiness.Platysmal bandsrepositioned with surgeryLower facelift and neck lift.

Neck skin droops in fold,

cords develop creating a

turkey gloo

How to correct

Face

Forehead

Mouth and Lips

Eyes

NoseNeck

Cheeks

Forehead

Mouth and Lips

Eyes &Eyebrows

Jawline

Age 60

Jawline,mouth & lips

Forehead

Eyes

Mouth & Lips

Nose

Eyes

Forehead

Aging Signs

Aging Signs

February 2015


The North American Filipino Star6

EarthTalk®From the Editors of E - TheEnvironmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: The collective impact ofall the iPhones and other devices webuy, use and then discard must bemind-boggling at this point. Hasanyone quantified this and what can wedo to start reducing waste from suchitems? - -Jacques Chevalier, Boston, MA

With a record four million pre-orders forApple’s best-selling iPhone 6 andiPhone 6 Plus, it’s more evident thanever that consumers want the latest insmartphone technology at theirfingertips. A new report by analysts atGerman market research firm GfKdetermined that global smartphonesales exceeded 1.2 billion units in2014—a 23 percent increase over2013.

With so many new smartphones andelectronics being purchased, are usersdisposing of their older devicesproperly? According to U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)data, approximately 2,440,000 tons ofelectronics, such as computers, mobile

devices and televisions, were disposedof in 2010. Twenty-seven percent, or649,000 tons, of that “e-waste” wasrecycled. Because some materials inelectronics, such as lead, nickel,cadmium and mercury, could poserisks to human health or theenvironment, the EPA “stronglysupports” keeping used electronics outof landfills.

“Recycling electronic equipment isn’tquite as easy as leaving it in a bin inyour front yard, as we've learned to dowith paper and plastics, but the healthand environmental benefits of recyclinge-scrap are tremendous,” said EPARegion 5 Administrator Mary A. Gade.“Also, we know that half of the devicesthrown away still work.”

If Americans recycled theapproximately 130 million cell phonesthat are disposed of annually, enoughenergy would be saved to power morethan 24,000 homes in a year. If we wentahead and recycled one millionlaptops, too, we would save the energyequivalent to the electricity used by3,657 U.S. homes in a year.Furthermore, for every million cellphones we recycle, 35,274 pounds ofcopper, 772 pounds of silver, 75pounds of gold and 33 pounds ofpalladium can be recovered.Recovering these valuable metalsthrough recycling precludes the needfor mining and processing that muchnew material from the Earth, thus notonly conserving natural resources butpreventing air and water pollution aswell.

Thankfully, recycling old smartphonesand other electronic devices is an easy,typically cost-free process forconsumers. Electronics retailer BestBuy offers the most comprehensiveappliance and electronics recyclingprogram in the United States, with morethan 400 pounds of product collectedfor recycling each minute the stores areopen. Best Buy offers free recycling formost electronics and large appliances,regardless of where they werepurchased, allowing the company toachieve its ambitious goal of recyclingone billion pounds of electronics andappliances by the end of 2014.

Some charitable organizations, like CellPhones for Soldiers, also offer free cellphone recycling. Since 2004, the non-profit has prevented more than 11.6million cell phones from ending up inlandfills. All cell phones donated to CellPhones for Soldiers are sold either toelectronic restorers or a recyclers,depending on the phone’s condition.The proceeds from the phones areused to purchase prepaid internationalcalling cards for troops and provideemergency financial assistance toveterans. “Cell Phones for Soldiers trulyis a lifeline,” says Robbie Bergquist, co-founder of the non-profit. “To withstandtime apart and the pressure of servingour country, the family connection is acritical piece to survival.”

CONTACTS: EPA Electronics

Recycling, www.epa.gov/ecycling; CellPhones for Soldiers,

www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

EarthTalk® is produced by Doug Moss& Roddy Scheer and is a registeredtrademark of Earth Action Network Inc.View past columns at:www.earthtalk.org. Or e-mail us yourquestion: [email protected].

Dear EarthTalk: The cold winter we’rehaving here in the Northeast hasconvinced me to finally beef up myhome’s insulation, but I’ve heard thatspray foam can off-gas noxiouschemicals and pollute the indoorenvironment. Are there safer options?-- Rose Donahue, Framingham, MA

Making your home more energyefficient is certainly good for the planetand will cut your heating/cooling bills,but you’re right to worry aboutchemical off-gassing. According to thenon-profit Environmental WorkingGroup (EWG), most common spraypolyurethane foam insulation containsmethylene diphenyl diisocyanate, orMDI, a synthetic chemical that hasbeen linked to asthma, lung damageand even death.

“Because of the chemical’s risks, thefederal Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration has set the maximumlegal limit for MDI exposure amongworkers who handle it and relatedchemicals at 0.02 parts per million inworkplace air,” reports EWG. “However,independent contractors and thegeneral public, including homeownerswho take on DIY insulation projects,may not be aware of these federalregulations or the risks associated withMDI exposure.”

In 2011, the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) announcedthat it was studying whether to regulate,restrict or even ban MDI in consumerproducts. (MDI is also used in a varietyof adhesives and coatings like GorillaGlue.) “Four years later, the agency hasyet to take real action to protectordinary people who go to their localhardware store and pick up a productthat contains MDI,” adds EWG.

There is hope from the West, though,as the state of California has made

finding safer alternatives to MDI apriority in its Safer Consumer Products

program, which requires manufacturersto look for greener, healthieralternatives. Time will tell if this newinitiative in California will movemanufacturers there and elsewhereaway from MDI. Meanwhile, EWGwants the federal government to stepup on the issue and restrict or ban MDIinsulation across the country.

Homeowners willing to spend a littleextra do have some safer alternatives topolyurethane spray foam at theirdisposal. Soybean-based spray foamdoesn’t rely on MDI or any othersynthetic chemicals but has a similar R-value (measuring the strength of theinsulation in blocking air) asconventional spray foam. Leading soy-foam manufacturers include Biobasedand Demilec. Castor oil-based Icyneneis another chemical-free spray foamalternative great for green-mindedhome renovators.

Cotton denim batting—typically madefrom recycled scraps from denimfactories—is another healthyalternative, but can’t be sprayed in andcosts almost twice as much in materialcosts as spray foam. Sheep’s woolinsulation is another effective choice,but also can’t be sprayed in and costssignificantly more than foam. Theseand other greener insulation optionsare available at mainstream andspecialty home improvement stores,and also online via vendors includingGreen Depot, Green Home Solutionsand Green Building Supply.

CONTACTS: Environmental WorkingGroup, www.ewg.org; Biobased,biobased.rhinolinings.com; Demilec,www.demilecusa.com; Icynene,www.icynene.com; Green Depot,www.greendepot.com; Green HomeSolutions, www.ghsproducts.com;Green Building Supply,www.greenbuildingsupply.com.

EarthTalk® is produced by Doug Moss& Roddy Scheer and is a registeredtrademark of Earth Action Network Inc.View past columns at:www.earthtalk.org. Or e-mail us yourquestion: [email protected].

If Americans recycled the 130 million cell phones we throw away every year,we would save enough energy to power some 24,000 homes. Credit: RoddyScheer

Choosing soy-based spray foam insulation is one way to minimize synthetic chemicals inyour indoor environment. Credit: Demilec



Tagalog Seksyon

Opinyon/Komentaryo ni Willie Quiambao

CARD OF THANKS

The loving wife of Alberto Baens

Santos, Minerva Santos, and

family wish to express their

sincere thanks and appreciation

to all those who have shared in

their hour of bereavement.

Alberto Baens SantosMay 21,1936 - January 3, 2015

Sinisimulan nang baguhin angkonstitusyon. Huling binago ito ngFAMAS EB at grupo na kinabibilanganni Alice Bustamante, Maggie Calcetasat Budz Sarmiento noong 2011.Nagkaroon tayo ng sinusunod nagabay pero may ilang bagay na hindiako sang-ayon na tulad ng mgasumusunod:

Article V111 - Executive Board -Sec. 5.1.1. - The candidate forpresident must be at least 25 years ofage at the time of election. Sec. 5.2.1 - A candidate for anyelective position to the ExecutiveBoard must be 16 years old at thedate of election. Paano kung mamatayang kasalukuyang presidente olumipat ng lalawigan o bansa?Nangyari ang huli nang magtungo siClaro Bermudez sa South Africa nanghindi pa natatapos ang kaniyangpanunungkulan. Kung ang kanyangpangalawang pangulo ay 16 gulanglamang, magkakaroon ang FAMASnang napakabatang pangulo na hindikayang patakbuhin ang FAMAS. Kahitsabihing academically intelligent pasiya, kulang pa rin siya sa sapat nakaranasan sa buhay para malamanang pangangailanan ng atingkomunidad. Higit sa lahat, sa Quebec,menor de edad pa rin siya.

Sec. 5.1.2 - A candidate for presidentmust have served as a member of theExecutive Board for at least one year,either as an elected director in regularFAMAS election, or as a dulyappointed replacement to anabsentee member or a member whohad resigned from the ExecutiveBoard. Matagal ko nang naitanong samga naging opisyal ng FAMAS kungbakit kailangan munang magingdirektor ang isang tumatakbo sapagka-pangulo. Walang maibigay namagandang kasagutan. Sabi ng isa,"Kailangan malaman muna kung anoang FAMAS." Ano ang kailanganmalaman tungkol sa FAMAS? Kungaktibong miembro ng FAMAS angisang tao at nagmamasid siya, alamniya ang pangangailangan atproblema ng ating komunidad. Angkatwiran naman ng isa, `Tradisyoniyon.`` Kung minsan, ang tradisyonay nasisira. Halimbawa, kailangansirain ang tradisyon para umunladansg ating komunidad. Hindi tayopuedeng mabuhay sa nakaraan. Athindi naman lahat pero maramingnaging direktor ng FAMAS na walangnalalaman. Kung minsan, ni hindi mannila alam ang konstitusyon at ano angtrabaho nila. Pero dahil naging

direktor siya, puede siyang tumakbobilang pangulo. Paano kung mayisang tao na may kakayahan magingpresidente pero hindi naging direktor?Hindi siya magkakaroon ngpagkakataong makapaglinkod si atingkomunidad? Ang lahat ngnagpapatakbo sa FAMAS ay mgavolunteer lamang.

Ang isang malaking isyu noon ay angpaglilipat ng elekyon sa St.Kevinchurch hall at Community Center sa6767 Cote des Neivges. Nuon, sang-ayon ako rito para mabawasan nangkaunti ang dayaan tulad ng bilihan ngboto na nagaganap sa park. Siguro,puedeng ibalik na ang eleksyon sapark para masaya pero kailangan aymay cut off date ang pagre-rehistro.'Halimbawa, isang lingo bagobotohan. Sabihin na ng mgakandidato sa mga supporters nila namag-rehistro nang maaga. Pupuntana lamang sila sa park upangbumoto. Hindi maganda na magre-renhistro sa park at bumoto. Sa parknangyayari ang talamak na bilihan ngboto. Naglalakad ka lamang aylalapitan ka para bayaran ang iyongboto. Pero maaari pa ring magpa-rehistryo sa park pagkatapos ng cutoff date pero hindi na puedengbumoto sa kasalukuyan eleksyon. . Sasusunod na eleksyon na.

Itutuloy sa susunlod na buwan angmga puna ko sa Konstitusyon nadapat baguhin.

Filipino Time, ugalingPilipino na dapat baguhinat kalimutan na

ilang taon na ang nakararaan, saQuestion and Answer sa MissPhilippines-Universe ay natanong ngjudge ang isang kandidata, `WhatFilipino tradition would you like tochange?

Ang sagot ng kandidata, - Filipinotime.

Nagtawanan at nagpalakpakan angmga nanunood. Kung isa ako sa mgahurado, bibigyan ko nangmagandang score ang kandidata.Nanggaling sa puso ang sagot niya.Hindi aral.

Ang Filipino Time ay ugaling Pilipinona laging huli sa nakatakdang oras ngpagdating.

Halimbawa, kapag may pagtitipon

Ang mga pagbabago sa konstitusyon

ang isang asosasyon mga Pilipino ,kahit nakalagay sa imbitasyon ay 6:00p.m . ito magsisimula, darating angmga bisita ng 7:00 p.m. o 8:00 p.m. Saakin, tama na ang 15 o 30 minutungpalugit. Umpisahan na ang kainan, angsayawan. O kumg may kausap kangkaibigan na magkikita kayo sa TimHortons ng 3:00 p.m., darating angkausap mo ng 3:30 p.m. Wala akongkasensiya sa mga taong ganoong nalaging nahuhuli sa usapan. Ayoko ngpinaghihintay ako at ayaw ko rinpinaghihintay ang isang tao. Totoo naminsan, hindi maiiwasang mahuli sausapan pero hindi lagi. Kailangan angdisiplina.

Ang sabi ng isang Pilipino, kungdayuhan ang kausap natin,sisiguraduhin nating na hindi tayo

nahuhuli. Tama. Ang mga dayuhan,hindi sanay sa Pilipino Time.Naalaalako nang maging panauhin si MartinCauchon , dating MP ng Outremont, saisang pagtitipon ng mga Pilipino.Hiyang hiya siya at humingi ngpaumanhin dahil nahuli siya ng mga 15minutos. Pero nagtaka siya ngmagtawanan ang mga panauhingPilipino. Ipinaliwanag sa kaniya nahindi siya huli. Ang totoo, sa Pilipinotine, maaga pa nga ang dating niya.

Maraming magandang usali ang mgaPilipipino, tulad ng pagiging magalangat hospitable. Pero alisin natin anghindi mabuti tulad ng pagiging laginghuli. Ang Filipino Time.

by W. G. QuiambaoIt all started with a short

announcement in the Eye Openercolumn of the Nov.-Dec. issue of theFilipino Forum that caught the eyes ofEd Tupaz. The announcement lastyear read, ¨The first agenda of theFederation for the coming year is thelaunching of the 1st `FFCAQAmbassador` which will be held onFeb. 21, 2015 at the Grand Hall of theCRC Building on 6767 Cote desNeiges Rd.¨.

“Though I'm the president ofthe Federation of the Filipino-Canadian Associations of Quebec(FFCAQ), I didn't know anything aboutthe launching of the FFCAQAmbassador on Feb. 21 at the 6767Cote des Neiges till I read it in thepaper," said Tupaz. "Obviously,someone is still illegally using theFederation's name.

After the controversy last yearin the FFCAQ general assembly, FelixReyes, the incumbent president at the

time, and his Executive Board soughtlegal counsel. “In my lawyer’s legalopinion, the FFCAQ, as anorganization incorporated in Quebec,is governed by the Quebec Civil Code(CCQ) and the Quebec CompaniesAct (LCQ). The FFCAQ, like all non-profit organizations, is also governedby its Constitution and By-laws. In lightof the analysis my lawyer conducted, itis evident that the events that tookplace during the FFCAQ generalassembly on March 30, 2014 were inviolation of the CCQ, the LCQ and theFFCAQ Constitution and By-laws. As aresult, all actions and decisions takenduring the general assembly areinvalid ab initio. My lawyer evenemphasized that if the election ispostponed or cancelled, the currentExecutive Board continues to exist. “

Tupaz continued. “After theFFCAQ election on May 15, my lawyerissued a Public Notice on June 6, 2014

The battle for the presidency of theFederation continues

See Page 8 The Battle

February 20158



Ask theVideo Guy

Technological Tidbitsby

Al Abdon

Documents, photographs, audiofiles, and videos are so easily accessibleon the Internet, and so easy to copy, it istempting to think anything you can view or hear is in the public domain. Thefact is, however, you can use only a small percentage of content postedonline in your productions without permission from the copyright holder.

THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976

The Internet is merely a mediumfor distributing content; like newspapers, magazines, books, films, radio,television, satellite broadcasts, andDVDs. The difference, of course, is thatthe Internet has the potential to reachhundreds of millions of viewersimmediately and simultaneously. When itcomes to the Copyright Act, though, thatdoes not represent a significantdifference. Just because it's "public"doesn't mean it's in the public domain.Material distributed online can beprotected just as words or photos in abook can be. The list of protectablematerial under the Copyright Act includesliterary, musical, dramatic, andchoreographic works, pantomimes, pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works,including the individual images of a motion picture. .

Since the 1976 Copyright Actwas enacted, a copyright holder need noteven inform you that the content iscopyrighted with a copyright notice. All content is now copyright protected uponcreation. Therefore, an Internet- savvyvideo producer would be wise to treatany material he discovers on the Internetas protected by copyright unless hespecifically learns otherwise. That goesequally for video productions and forwebsites advertising video services.

WORDS OF CAUTION Beware: sophisticated computer

programs can automatically discoveryour use of content and you may receive

threatening letters (or email) from the owners of the photos, music, or videos. Ithas become more and more common forunwary producers of video productions,designers of websites, and evenbusinesses and manufacturers ofconsumer products to be “offered” thechance to avoid litigation by paying acertain amount of cash.

MATERIALS NOT PROYECTED

Certain material cannot beprotected by copyright, such as facts,single words, titles, or short expressions.That is where trademark law may apply. And certain material is in fact in the publicdomain, and therefore available for youruse without permission. You may haveheard that Google, owner ofYouTube.com, continues to displaymaterial on its site, even if it is undercopyright, unless the copyright ownerobjects. This decision came in part froma viral wedding dance video that becameSony Music's 8th most popular song atone time. This means you can view orplay videos that reside on YouTube, but itdoes not mean you can copy them withimpunity. They are not free and residingin the public domain, they are still ownedby the copyright holder and that partycan still demand that you not copy thevideo or he may sue you for doing so.

Finally, finding and using musichas always been problematic forindependent movie makers on a budget.Fortunately, royalty-free music producersoffer a variety of music and sound effectsthat circumvent the temptation to useprofessional songs and movies in yourproductions. Also, consider enlisting thehelp of local college students adept atcomposing and performing music.You may find that a small amount ofeffort and funds are all that is requiredto obtain the perfect sounds youneed.

Is it legal?

> Lesson with a highly qualified instructor> Intensive driving lessons in preparaation for you driving exams at the S.A.A.Q.> Evening and weekend lessons are always available> Stress free approach to increase your driving confidence> Nervous students and students requiring a retake exam our specialty> We prepare individuals with already a foreign driving license> We also provide services for the day of your driving exam at the S.A.A.Q.

Priority appointmentsCar rental available

Contact us today for more information.

stating ‘Please take note that thelegitimate members of the Board ofDirectors of the Federation of Filipino-Canadian Association of Quebec(FFCAQ), duly elected according tothe Quebec Companies Act, the CivilCode of Quebec and the by-laws andstatutes of the FFCAQ are EdgardoTupaz, president , and the officersand administrators listed with theregistraire des enterprises duQuebec, which is a document ofpublic record and available at thefollowing link:http:wwwregistreeenterprises.gouv.qc.ca.

"The Public Notice issued by thelawyer was given to the Centre desRessources Communutaires at 6767Cote des Neiges."

Having read the announcement in theNov.-Dec. issue of the Filipino Forum,Tupaz contacted the person-in-charge of the booking at the CRCbuilding to find out who booked theFederation's Feb. 21 event. Accordingto him, the announcement confusedthe community. He was then informedthat the party was booked by JosefaNicolas under the name of theQuebec Association of Canadian-Filipino Teachers.

"I was promised that an investigationwill be conducted," said Tupaz.

He also did his own investigation andcontacted Fely Cariño-Rosales,founder of the QACFT, if she wasaware of the teacher's associationparty on Feb. 2l. Cariñno-Rosales’answer was `No``.

Joseph Gonzales, incumbentpresident of the QACFT, was alsocontacted by the North AmericanFilipino Star to ask if he knew aboutthe Federation’s party on Feb. 21 thatwas booked at the 6767 CommunityCenter under the name of the QACFT.He acknowledged knowing it. Heeven added that the association isallowed to do it because it is amember of the Federation.

But when asked which Federation, -the Federation of Nicolas or Tupaz -Gonzales did not answer thequestion, Instead, he excused himselfand said that he was in the middle ofhis siesta.

"If Josefa truly believes that she's thelegal president of the Federation, whydid she book a party under the nameof QACFT? asked Tupaz. "Why didshe have to lie?"

o0o

From page 7 The Battle

The low turnout is in line withthe administration’s low-keycelebration of the event.

Asked about the thin crowd,Communications Secretary HerminioColoma Jr. quoted Executive SecretaryPaquito Ochoa: “This year’s celebrationwas made simple in view of themourning period for those who died inMamasapano last month. For the firsttime in five years, the holding of a Masswas a focal point of the celebration.”

“This is to acknowledge that theFilipinos’ faith in God was a majorelement in the peaceful revolution,”Coloma said.

In fact, the number of presidentialguards as well as the VIPs invited to theevent nearly equaled the crowd thatstood in front of the stage bedecked inyellow flowers.

Coloma added that a “bigger celebrationis planned for the 30th anniversarycelebration next year, which will be thelast to be held in the Aquinoadministration.”

Under the scorching heat of the sun,about a hundred civilians participated inthe “short and simple” wreath-layingceremony led by President Aquino at thePeople Power Monument.

‘It was so simple’

“It was so simple. Only a few peopleattended, whereas before there werethousands,” Luzviminda de la Rosa ofthe Department of Education (DepEd)-Special Events told the Inquirer.

The Metropolitan Manila DevelopmentAuthority (MMDA), the Department of theInterior and Local Government and the

DepEd usually mobilized people for theEdsa celebration. This year they weretold a crowd would not be needed forthe simple wreath-laying, but at the lastminute they called some students to jointhe audience, De la Rosa said.

About 20 teachers and 50 studentscame, mostly from Camp Gen. EmilioAguinaldo High School. “Most of ourclassmates were not allowed by theirparents because of possibledisturbances due to the rallies,” astudent told the Inquirer.

First month of debacle

At the foot of the Santolan flyover on thesouthbound lane of Edsa, some 3,000members of multisectoral groups callingfor Mr. Aquino’s resignation over theMamasapano debacle were blocked bya police barricade.

The Edsa anniversary came a monthafter the Mamasapano debacle, thebiggest challenge to the leadership ofMr. Aquino as Chief Executive andCommander in Chief.

The Mamasapano bloodbath hasspawned several protests demandingtruth, accountability and justice.

Members of the Cabinet led by Ochoawere in attendance and so werepersonalities like former Manila MayorAlfredo Lim.Edsa heroes missing

But the prominent Edsa heroes weremissing, notably former President FidelV. Ramos, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile andformer Sen. Butz Aquino, thePresident’s uncle.



2.39lb

Half or Whole porkCut & Wrapped

6.49lb

Beef Blade steak

2.49lb

Picnic Ham w/bone

2.

Pork loinApproximately

15 lbs

1.89lb

Boneless Pork shoulder -$3.99 lb

Special10.99lb

2.99lb

5.59lb 5.50lb

Regular smoked bacon

� Frozen pork blood

� Fresh liver

� Pork skin

GoatAvailable on order

83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0

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

Fresh Pork Belly

Mon. Tue. Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Thu. Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Sunday Closed

Home smoked meat

BUSINESS HOURS

25

Ground PorkSpecial 2.29/lb

Phiippine Cuisineand

Favorite FoodCompiled by Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi

Fresh Pork Leg

Over 20 lbs 5.39 lb

lb

From February 25 to March 14

<10%> discount onpurchases

in store upon showing this coupon

Baked Lumpia

INGREDIENTS

SERVINGS: 15YIELDS: 60 rolls, or so

1 lb ground lean pork1 medium carrot, chopped fine1 medium onion, chopped fine1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drainedand chopped fine1 (8 ounce) can bamboo shoots, drainedand chopped fine8 garlic cloves1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger2 teaspoons soy sauce1 teaspoon black pepperwonton wrapper, 1 package1 large egg

Dipping Sauce

1 4 cup packed brown sugar1 2 cup distilled white vinegar1 teaspoon soy sauce2 teaspoons water1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with thewater2 -3 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl combine the pork, carrot,onion, water chestnut, bamboo shoots,garlic, ginger, soy sauce and pepper.Stir mixture until thoroughly combined-atthis point you can cover and stick in thefridge over night.Lay out about 10 wrappers at a time, rollthe meat mixture into cigar shapes aboutfinger thicknessRoll, brush ends with beaten egg and finishthe roll to seal.Place seam side down on a cookie sheetand repeat until done.Bake in a preheated 450 degree oven,turning once for around 20 minutes.They should be cooked through and thewrappers are golden brown.Serve hot.You can make these ahead of time andkeep cooked lumpia in the fridge for up to3 days, or frozen up to 4 weeks.To reheat (thaw if frozen) bake on bakingsheet in a 450 oven for 10 minutes-turnrolls once.

Dipping sauce-In a 3 quart saucepan mix together thebrown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce.Stir over high heat until sugar dissolves.Mix the cornstarch/water and add to thesugar mixture and stir until mixture boils.Remove from heat and stir in ginger.Makes 2/3 cup and you can double.

Pork Estafado

Ingredients

700g deboned pork leg meat, cubed2 pcs Chinese sausage, sliced thinly2 pcs sweet potato (if not available usemedium carrots as alternative), sliced3 pcs plaintains(cardaba bananas),sliced1/2 cup vinegarvinegar soy sauce3 tbsp brown sugar

2 1/2 cup pork stock3 pcs bay leaves1 tbsp whole peppercorn6 cloves garlic, mincedoilnstructions

Heat a frying pan and pour 3/4 cups ofcooking oil.

When the oil is hot enough, fry the slicedplantains until the color of each side turnsmedium to dark brown. Set aside.

Pour 1/4 cup of cooking oil in a separatecooking pot then apply heat.When the oil is hot enough, put-in the garlicand sauté until the color turns light brown.

Add the cubed pork and cook for 7 to 10minutes.

Put-in the soy sauce, water, wholepeppercorns, and dried bay leaves thenbring to a boil. Simmer until pork is tender.

Add vinegar and wait for the liquid to re-boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Add brown sugar and carrots. Stir thensimmer for 10 minutes more.

Turn off the heat and transfer the contentsof the cooking pot to a serving plate.

Garnish with fried bananas then serve.Share and enjoy!Ingredients

Ingredients• 1 cup rice flour• 1/8 teaspoon salt• 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder• 3 tablespoons butter• 1 cup granulated sugar• 1 cup coconut milk• 1/4 cup fresh milk• 1 piece salted duck egg, sliced• 1/2 cup grated cheese• 3 pieces raw eggs• Pre-cut banana leaf• CheeseMethodPreheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.Combine rice flour, baking powder, and saltthen mix well. Set aside.Cream butter then gradually put-in sugarwhile whisking.Add the eggs then whisk until everyingredient is well incorporated.Gradually add the rice flour, salt, andbaking powder mixture then continuemixing.Pour-in coconut milk and fresh milk thenwhisk some more for 1 to 2 minutes.Arrange the pre-cut banana leaf on a cakepan or baking pan.Pour the mixture on the pan.Bake for 15 minutes.Remove from the oven then top with slicedsalted egg and grated cheese (do not turnthe oven off).Top it with graded cheese.Put back in the oven and bake for 15 to 20minutes or until the color of the top turnmedium brown.Remove from the oven and let cool.Brush with butter and sprinkle somesugar on top. You can also top this withgrated coconut.Serve. Share and enjoy!

Bibingka (Cake)

Ground Beef

February 201510 The North American Filipino Star

www.filipinostar.orgwww.filipinostar.org

North AmericanFILIPINO STAR PHOTO GALLERY

Monica Regacho’s Birthday Party & Valentine’s Day Celebration,Sunday, February 15, 2015, CRC Building

Posing beside the huge birthday card are Lourdes and MoniqueMonique posing with her friends and colleagues

Sinulog dancers Souvenir photo with the celebrant, Monique

Photo showing the sign of the 31st Anniversary of Pit Senor held at St. Kevin ChurchHall on Sunday, January18, 2015 headed by Marlene Birao Schachter

Youth Sinulog dancers

MMTV Spring Dinner Dance PartySaturday, April 4, 2015 at the Hellenic

Community Center6:00 p.m. to Midnight

Let’s celebrate the coming of Springand the end of the Winter blues

Wishing you all a Happy Easter!

February 201512




French, Philippine leadersappeal for climate action

French President Francois Hollandeand Philippine leader Benigno Aquinoappealed Thursday for urgent globalaction on climate change, seeking toOn the first day of Hollande's visit tothe Philippines, the leaders offered ashow of unity they said could serve asa model for rich and poor nations whohave long been divided over how totackle climate change.

"We have a duty to act together andthat's why I came here to thePhilippines, to launch an appeal, toseal an alliance," Hollande told abusiness forum ahead of his jointappeal with Aquino.

Hollande is due to host the UnitedNations' summit in December aimingto seal a global pact that would savethe world from the catastrophicimpacts of climate change.He cameto the Philippines as part of hiscampaign to ensure success in Parisbecause the disaster-plaguedSoutheast Asian archipelago is seenas a frontline state in the fight againstclimate change.

The Philippines is typically hit by 20ajor storms a year and scientists saythey are getting stronger and moreunpredictable because of climatechange.

In November 2013, Super TyphoonHaiyan smashed into the centralPhilippines with the strongest windsever recorded on land, claiming morethan 7,350 lives.

Hollande will on Friday visit the smalltown of Guiuan in the easternPhilippines that was devastated whenHaiyan hit with winds of up to 315kilometres (195 miles) an hour.

In their joint appeal on Thursday,Hollande and Aquino highlighted thatpeople in the Philippines had"endured an unprecedented series ofextreme weather events in the last few

years".

- Joint appeal -

"We are reminded that while thedeveloping countries havecontributed least to climate change,they are the ones that suffer the mostfrom climate change impacts," theappeal stated.The appeal, in the name of the twoleaders but also including theirdelegations, said the outcome of theParis summit would impact the lives ofbillions.

"We call upon the internationalcommunity to conclude a universal,equitable and ambitious climate deal,"the appeal said.

Hollande earlier said France'sdeepening relationship with thePhilippines could be a model of co-operation between rich and poornations, which have long beendivided over who is responsible forfighting climate change.

He announced that France hadoffered the Philippines 50 millioneuros ($56 million) to help preventfuture weather-related disasters.

Aquino praised France's leadership inthe global warming fight, emphasisingthat its emissions of the greenhousegases blamed for global warmingwere among the lowest of anydeveloped nation.

"We as a developing country welcomethat countries like France hasemerged as global partner," Aquinosaid.

The goal of the planned Paris pact,which must enter into force by 2020,is to limit warming to two degreesCelsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) overpre-Industrial Revolution levels.

Scientists warn that on current trends,

Philippine President Benigno Aquino (R) shares a toast with French PresidentFrancois Hollande (L) during a state dinner at the Malacanang Palace in Manila onFebruary 26, 2015 (Photo by Noel Celis)

Earth is on track for double that ormore -- a recipe for catastrophicdroughts, fiercer storms like Haiyanand other extreme weather events.

Hollywood glamour

However, most followers of the UNprocess are sceptical a pact can besecured that will be ambitious enoughto achieve the two-degree goalbecause of the deep divisions betweenmany rich and developing nations.

Hollande, the first French head of stateto visit the Philippines, brought a high-profile delegation with him for his two-day visit.

His group included Oscar winnerMarion Cotillard, who has been a long-time campaigner for environmentgroup Greenpeace and read out part ofthe joint appeal in a ceremony at thepresidential palace.Fellow French actress Melanie Laurent,

as well as UN climate chief ChristianaFigueres and Orthodox EcumenicalPatriarch Bartholomew I, were alsowith Hollande.

The Aquino government warmlyembraced Hollande's trip as anendorsement of the Philippines'maturing democracy. France was thefirst nation to recognise therevolutionary government of CorazonAquino, the current president's mother,in 1986 when she led a "people power"uprising that overthrew the dictatorshipof Ferdinand Marcos.A number of trade agreements on"green" sectors, including in transport,renewable energy and water treatment,were signed by Filipino and Frenchcorporations during Hollande's visit.

@yahooph on Twitter and Facebook Make Yahoo your home

HUMAN RIGHTS SUBCOMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY CALLS FOR

RELEASE OF RAIF BADAW

Motion introduced by Irwin Cotler callsfor imprisoned Saudi blogger to bereunited with family in Canada

Ottawa – February 26, 2015 – The Houseof Commons’ Foreign AffairsSubcommittee on International HumanRights today unanimously passed amotion calling on Saudi Arabia to “endthe corporal punishment of Raif Badawi,repeal his sentence, release him, andpermit him to reunite with his family inCanada.” The motion was introduced byMP Irwin Cotler, Liberal critic for rightsand freedoms and international justice,who is also serving as Mr. Badawi’sinternational legal counsel.

Cotler characterized the motion as “amatter of urgency, given the pain andplight of Badawi’s torture and detention.”

Detained by Saudi Arabia since 2012,Badawi has been sentenced to 10 yearsin prison and 1000 lashes forestablishing an online forum andexercising his right to free expression.Saudi Arabia administered the first 50lashes on January 9, but has postponedsubsequent lashings. Badawi’s wife andchildren have taken refuge in

Sherbrooke, Quebec.

The motion further calls for the release ofBadawi’s lawyer, Waleed Abu al-Khair,and asks the government of Canada “tocontinue to use all available means” tosecure the release of Badawi and al-Khair, and “to bring about thereunification of Raif Badawi with his wifeand children in Canada.”

-30-Contact: Michael Milech, Officeof Hon. Irwin Cotler

613-995-0121,[email protected]



SocialTidbits

With the blink of an eye, theyuletide season has passed and theNew Year is upon us. A wave of socialactivities swept over the Montreal socialscene. There were despedidas forthose who left to spend the holidays athome - Miling and her husband, VangieSalvador, Emy and Cesar Bayan toname a few . Topping my list of eventswas the red letter day held for Mr.Robert Matue’s 58th birthday. Thecelebration was held at St.MichaelChurch Social Hall in Kirkland, QC.Ladies arrived dressed to the nines andthe men wore their Sunday best. LovelyMariz, Robert's better half, wasnoticeably attractive in a red sweaterand black pants; statuesque daughterJoanna was in a flowing pink chiffon;daughter-in-law Vernie looked smart ina tan and black fitted dress. Theirgrandson Daniel appeared in a stylishlavender dress shirt. The good lookingtrio (sons D.J, Timothy and Michael)demanded attention in their differentshades of black shirts and dark pants.Among the guests were Nonoy andLinda Agustin, Gloria Fernando, Babyde Guzman, Lindbergh and Joy Borja,Edith Cavinta, Joy Rosales, Noel andPearl Gonzales, Cookie Cossette, andPastor and Mrs. Joe Faia. The celebrantlooked youthful in a plaid shirt andradiated serene happiness as hewatched his guests enjoy the evening.

Robert’s birthday bashincluded lively entertainment numbers.Children performed a “Trip toJerusalem” number. Adults wereentertained with a “Mustache Contest”where the goal was to parade andimitate Robert’s walk, while donningfake mustaches in order to best mimichim. The winner was Mr. Randy Vistal.Pastor Rene Saquing of Living WatersInternational Fellowship (Robert’sbrother-in-law) led the group in deepspiritual contemplation with hismessage citing the Psalms. Many ofthe guests recalled many of the gooddeeds of the celebrant. Robert hadindeed touched many lives! Especiallytouching was the poignant tribute of DJ,Timothy, Michael, and Joanna. Mariz,the special woman behind the man, thechef extraordinaire, said her lovingwords! Not to be missed was a vocalsolo performed by Vernie Matue. WOW-she can really sing!

January 18, 2015 marked the31st anniversary celebration of theSenor Santo Nino de Cebu. This wascelebrated with a Fiesta and Sinulogheld at St. Kevin’s Church, Cote-des-Neiges, The festive gathering wasgraced by celebrants Rev. Fr.Savarimuthu Yesappan, Rev. Fr. HerbertSchultz and deacon ShanmugaNathan. After the celebratory entrance

by Faithful Navigators (Sk. EdwinRosete, Assembly #3103, Rudy Vilan,and the Lady of Fatima Group, theCARUSA appeared. It was carried byGerald Castillo, Max Autentuico Jr.,Roger Quenneville, and Anthony DelRosario. During the mass, the headorganizer, Mrs. Marlene Birao Schacterwelcomed the congregation. This wasfollowed by the “Prayer of the Faithful”delivered by Christian Omictin(Bisayan), Astrid Torrico (Tagalog),Sophia Mourchid (Spanish), Tiana de laCerna (French) and Josee NatashaCrodua (English).

During the second part of theprogram, Mrs Natalie Pelausawelcomed the guests. After the latelunch – a feast as usual- the FilCanIdols (Louise Omictin, Aldrich Aranas,Arnel Bermejo, Astrid Torrico, ChloeMalvar, Leslie Carmelotes, and MaryJean Cullarin) entertained the guests.The Sinulog presentations wereperformed by the KapampanganAssociation of Montreal (K.A.M),Kababaihang Bisaya Performing Artists(K.B.P.A), UPS Warlie Basbacio, UPSWilliam Fabia, and the Twin Hearts ofIle Perrot. The famous Panday TinigChorale Ensemble performed theanthems, and the angelic voices of theMagnificat Choir lulled thecongregation into a spiritual mood. Thehighlight of the Sinulog was theblessing of the different Santo Ninoimages. Emcee was Mr. ReynoldOmictin.

January 21, 2015 saw thelaunching of Mrs Pascale Dery’sNomination to represent theConservative Party in the Mount RoyalRiding. Campaign manager Mr.Alexander Meterissian, drummed upthe services of our local media: Journalde Montreal, La Presse, T.V.A, Radio

Canada, The Huntington Post, TheNorth American Filipino Star, Globaland C.T.V. The first and only Filipino-Canadian made TV show called MMTVheaded by its executive producer,Zenaida Kharroubi, and other crewmembers, namely, Al Abdon, FelyRosales Carino, Amy Manon-og, RemyMonteagudo, Derwin Collantes andMichael Davantes were also present.At this launching, Pascale graced thestage in an elegant basic black dresswith a single strand of white pearls. Herattire accented her delicate figure!Anyway, the sweetest smile that night

belonged to Mr. Eric Castro, Pascale’shandsome husband!

On February 7, 2015 the C.R.C SocialHall was occupied by the Order of theKnights of Rizal for a “Non-Stop Disco”Valentine’s Day Party. This wasorganized by Sir. Felix de Luna, hisofficers, and the Auxiliary Ladies forRizal. Dancing non-stop (REALLY non-stop!) were Boy Galas, BrendaVisitacion, Pauline Atilio, JoanFronderina, Emmanuel Cea, EsphieManaog, Al and Cora Abdon, WarlieBasbacio, Vilma Kelly, and Tenne RoseDayandante to name a few.

Serving a public notice of theiremerging popularity in Montreal’sSocial calendar is Federation PresidentEd Tupas – Federation of FilipinoCanadian Associations of Quebec. Hisorganization held a Rock and RollValentine’s Party on February 14th atthe Centre de ResourcesCommunautaires (CRC) on Cotes-des-Neiges. . F.F.C.A.Q. President Tupaswelcomed the guest celebrities –Pascale Dery and Eric Castro. A fewmain attractions were the food ladentables. Thanks to Mrs. Minda Mazzoneand her brigade who prepared anenormous amount of gourmet food.

On February 14,2015 theSeniors of West Island and Suburbs(SWIS) held their Valentine’s Party atthe Olympia Social Hall , DDO, Qc.Despite the very inclement weather,once guests were inside, there wasline dancing like it was nobody’sbusiness. Leading the romantic pairswere SWIS president Mr. Roger Ajeroand wife Neri, Dr Jean Veloria and wifePaz, Ike and Chit Bas, Lito and LindaCatuncan, Salve Despres, IpangNicolas, Nancy Karides, Nora Peralta,

Fely Bisares, Pros and Gloria Martinez,Lou Asghar, Nida Quirapas, Darcy andLucy Smith, Romy Emboscado andValent Loyd Hughes, and many others.Expressing their delight at alwaysbeing invited to S.W.I.S activities wereTable 16 occupants: Adoree Silva,Hans Wilgehof, Fay Miranda, Lilia andJohn Megley, Charito Tapia, Jeannetteand Jacque Perignon and Pete andMary Bangalan. Busiest Ladies “atwork” at the reception table wereConnie Franco, Lucy Salazar, NeneIsada, Neri Ajero, Elvi Maximo, Pina,Fely Bisares and Cely Dagsaan.

UPS search for Ms. PhilippineIndependence and Ms. Canada Day2015

After the Valentine partieshave abated, preparations for summeractivities have begun. Early birdseems to have fallen on UPS presidentWarlie Basbacio. Right afterValentine’s Day, she was ready for thesearch of the 2015 UPS Ms. PhilippineIndependence and Ms. Canada Day2015. This was held at St. Kevin’sChurch Social Hall. As usual, theirlively progam had 3 parts: I – Parade ofColors performed by Mary Paano,Tracy Patilla, Cipriani Galang, Felix deLuna and Reggie Villamor. Part IIconsisted of the anthems sang byDolly Brouillette. Invocation was led byAlicia Ramos. This was followed byPresident Basbacio’s welcomeaddress and Mr. Buddy Cabugao’sinspirational speech. Next was GlendaLazatin’s presentation of the followingbirthday celebrants: Paulina Atillo,Dante Acebedo, Dario Boco, LeonilaCabulina, Amerifina Casia, AlejandraCastro, Cesario de la Cruz, DomingoBelmonte , Jr., Brigida Derige,Leonardo Escobar, Marites Flores,Jackie Lante, Consolacion Nueva andMonica Regacho.

Highlight of the afternoon’sevent was the coronation of UPSQueen of Hearts 2015 by Mr. BuddyCabugao and Mrs. Elvie Leanens.Candidates were Ms. Vicky Abergas,Ms. Helen Grace Ballerey and Ms.Remy Coserto. The trophies werepresented by Mr. James de la Paz,President of the Council of CanadianFilipino Associations of Quebec andPresident Warlie Basbacio. Thebeauties were serenaded by Mr. BoyLansanger and Mr. Julius Abad. Ms.Linda Agcaoili was the event’s emcee.The special guests were Mr. and Mrs.Robert Libman.

Monica Regacho’s birthdayparty was held at 6767 Cote desNeiges Social Hall on Sunday,February 15. It was an honest togoodness disco party. As soon as themusic started, guests just stepped tothe dance floor. Monique isconsidered by her many friends as the“Mother Teresa” of Montreal becauseof her passion for helping others whoare in need of basic necessities of lifesuch as food, shelter, clothing andservices. She wore a beautiful reddress which she made herself . Guestsarrived at all hours of the evening.Some were still arriving while otherswere already leaving. Monique, It wasa very lovely evening with lovelyguests, and with a very lovelycelebrant. Happy Valentines to All!

Photo shows the good looking Matue family. From left: Vernie, DJ,Timothy, Mariz,Robert, Joanna and Michael. In front is Grandson Daniel.

February 201514



RESTAURANTLA MAISON NEW KUM MON

6565 Côte-des-Neiges Road(near Corner Appleton)Montreal, QC

Bean Curd Seafood Soup1/2 Crispy ChickenSalt and Pepper Pork LoinStuffed Bean Curd with

ShrimpsSauted Seasonal VegetablesSteamed Rice

$49.954 persons

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

514-733-6029514-733-1067For party menu, call Kenny

Fish Maw Seafood SoupBaked Lobster with GingerSeafood with Chinese BroccoliSalt and Pepper Cuttle FishFried Sea Bass FishSteamed Rice $74.95

4 personsBean Curd Soup1/2 Crispy ChickenShrimp Cake with Chinese BroccoliSweet and Sour PorkSeafood with Bean Curd in Hot PotSalt and Pepper SquidFried Sea Bass Fish $79.95Steamed Rice 6 persons

Fish maw seafood soup2 Baked Lobsters with GingerSeafood with Eggplant

in Hot PotStuffed Bean Curd with ShrimpSeafood with Chinese broccoliFried Sea Bass FishHouse Fried RiceSpecial Fried Noodles $159.95

10 persons

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

FILIPINO STARS H O W B I Z G O S S I P

The power of social media canmake or break relations, from merefriendships to those withinprofessions. Over the years, despiteits reach and popularity, some peoplestill don’t seem to realize that everyclick of that ‘Tweet” button brings theirissues out in the open. Celebrities arenot spared from this misconception.Then again, maybe that’s the wholeidea — that every 140-charactermessage is really meant for publicconsumption, and netizens, a part of anew public forum.

Saying sorry

On Sunday, right after the airing of

“Gandang Gabi Vice,” comedian ViceGanda vented his frustration overcomplaints made by fans of DanielPadilla and Kathryn Bernardo who feltthe love team’s appearance on hislate night talk show was too brief.

Feeling under-appreciated evenafter giving their idols the chance topromote their film “Crazy BeautifulYou” on the show, Vice took to Twitterto post his thoughts and gave it ahashtag: #HirapNyoIPlease.

Twitter, however, is a place ofsweet sorrys and virtual warm hugs.What followed next were not onlytweets of apology from the ‘KathNiel’fans but, on her own initiative, onefrom Kathryn’s mom, Luzviminda

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

Taking it To Twitter Benardo, posted on Monday.

On her daughter’s and Daniel’sbehalf, she reached out to Vice tothank him for featuring the teencouple on his show, saying, “I thinkupon watching the uncut version fanswill realize why your show aired thatmuch… Salamat po sa pagmamahalsa Kathniel.”

Setting things straight

Reports of Sam Concepcion andJasmine Curtis-Smith calling it quitshave yet to be confirmed by bothparties, but the uncertainty seems tobe have affected their supporters.

Recently, Sam had to defend hisfriend Lesley Martinez from a basherwho accused the latter of flirting withhim. Buoyed by the anonymityprovided by the medium, the Twitteruser referred to the girl using a slur.

Sam, who was tagged in the post,immediately replied to the user,saying, “whoa relax friend namin ni jasyan.”

Shortly, his followers took it uponthemselves to cyber-gang up on theTwitter user for supposedly being anattention-seeker. Ouch!

Making a wish

Lea Salonga has one wish for her44th birthday and this concerns theongoing competition on “The Voice of

the Philippines” where she is coach-judge.

Encouraging viewers to “votewisely,” she urged the show fans tobase their picks on talent, and not onthe “best story.”

“Their stories are for you to get toknow them better as people, but not toelicit pity,” she stressed. “So vote with

your ears as well as your hearts.”“The Voice PH” is down to its Final

Four – Team Lea’s Leah Patricio, TeamSarah’s Jason Dy, Team Bamboo’sRence Rapanot and Team Apl’s AlisahBonaobra. The finale is set to air onMar. 1. a

by Pau Aguilera

Lea Salonga



CARS, JEEPS, Used Clothing, Household Goods, Personal Effects, School BusesMotor Homes, Generators, Industrial & Mining Equipment, Machinery

Canlinx Limited (Ontario)5945 Airport Road, Suite # 256Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1R9905-362-2398 Toll Free [email protected]

Canlinx Limited (Quebec)620 St. Jacques St. West #300Montreal, Quebec H3C 1C7514-360-9884Toll Free [email protected]

We offer Professional Loading for 2, 3 or 4 cars in a ContainerWe prepare all Custom and Carrier documentation

We can provide Agents at destination for Clearance & Delivery

The Specialists for your shipping needs from Canada to East Asia and Worldwide

Cesar: ‘I’m not a monsterfather’

Sunshine Cruz has accusedher estranged husband CesarMontano of committing a scandalousact in front of their daughters (whosenames we are withholding to protecttheir privacy). Even before she filed acase against Cesar in court, Sunshinehas reportedly been feeding thetabloids similar stories.

Here’s Cesar’s official statementon the matter:

I vehemently deny all accusationsbeing hurled against me by SunshineCruz, most especially this latest, mosthurtful of all involving our daughtersdirectly. I may not have been a perfecthusband, but I am most definitely not amonster father.

I am grossly disheartened withSunshine in using our innocentdaughters to suit her own ulteriormotive. While we are threshing out ourproperty relations in connection withthe pending cases we have filedagainst each other, she is dragging ourchildren to gain leverage against me.Admittedly we have our owndifferences like any other ordinary

couple, but our children should not beaffected and worse, be used byanyone of us just to force the issueupon each other. I must hasten to saythat it greatly exasperates me to hearthat Sunshine filed a complaint againstme and immediately thereafter went tothe media to announce to the publicthat a case had been filed against me.Her lawyer even discussed the meritsof the complaint.

Sunshine should realize that thecomplaint involves our own daughters.As I understand it, the law on VAWCshields the minors, our daughters atthat, from public embarrassment,humiliation and ridicule. Don’t theyrealize that they have exposed ourdaughters to this kind of situation.

I respectfully appeal to Sunshine, ifyou want the property you have beenclamoring, then so be it. I have signedthe compromise agreement giving youwhat you want. But do not and neverever again drag our innocentdaughters to settle our differences justto suit your own personal interest. a

More Showbiz GossipMore Showbiz Gossipp.16p.16

Why Mo Twister called outManny Pacquiao

Actor Gerald Anderson finds“HaControversial DJ Mo Twistercriticized Manny Pacquiao over theboxing icon's mention of God in anInstagram post promoting hisupcoming bout with American FloydMayweather, Jr.

Mo Twister, whose real name isMohan Gumatay, tagged bothPacquiao and Mayweather in a seriesof posts on Twitter over the weekend.

The radio personality said,unedited: "First of all, as a sports fan,thrilled about the @FloydMayweather@MannyPacquiao fight!

"But for Manny to say Glory toGod that the fight is on, yet it's abarbaric form of entertainmentwherein you hurt humans in exchangefor massive wealth, doesn't makesense. You hurt people for a living, tobe rich, for pride (ours and yours) soleave shouldnt God be left out of it?"

Gumatay's tweets were referring

to Pacquiao's February 21announcement on Instagram that hislong-awaited fight with Mayweatherwill finally happen on May 2 at MGMGrand Las Vegas.

Pacquiao's Instagram post read:"Finally he sign the contract so thefight is on, this is what im talking aboutthat I sign already before, im justexplaining to the fans and to provethat im not lying, i have the fear of theLord. So this is it! The fight is on fansyou deserve it thank you. to God be allthe Glory."

Formerly Roman Catholic,Pacquiao is known to actively preachabout the Bible as a born-againChristian. Before and after his fights,Pacquiao is always seen praying inone corner of the ring. a

Radio personality Mo Twister (right) expressed disagreement with the wayboxing champ Manny Pacquiao announced his upcoming much-awaited boutwith American boxer Floyd Mayweather.

More than 25 of the Philippines’world class performers are comingtogether on Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. atSolaire’s The Theatre for a spectacularevent dubbed “Jammin For Help!Brave.”

The event serves as tribute to theheroism of the Fallen 44, and theirfamilies. It will be headlined by LeaSalonga, Martin Nievera, AizaSeguerra, together with maestrosRyan Cayabyab and Gerald Salonga.

Proceeds will go to the families ofthe Fallen 44 and the survivors of theMamasapano carnage. a

Jammin’ for a cause

Lea Salonga

Sunshine Cruz and estranged husband Cesar Montano

February 201516



Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.15

Piolo Pascual critiqued hisson Inigo's acting in the just-releasedfilm "Crazy Beautiful You," where theyounger Pascual co-stars with teensensations Daniel Padilla andKathryn Bernardo.

In joint interview on "Aquino &

Abunda Tonight" on Thursday, Pioloadvised his only child to be moreconfident and comfortable in front ofthe camera, but agreed that the"potential [in acting] is there." a

What Piolo says about son Inigo's acting

Piolo Pascual (right) with son Inigo

Julia Barretto meets dadafter 'snubbing' incident

It appears that teen actress JuliaBarretto and father, comedian DennisPadilla, have patched things up.

Barretto, on her Instagramaccount, posted a photo lateWednesday of her smiling with the 53-year-old with the caption: "Papa beinghis comedian self."

It comes more than a month after itwas revealed that Barretto allegedlyignored Padilla during a party held lastDecember.

The event, a gathering of stars andstaff of Dreamscape-produced series,took place last December 14.

Padilla was a cast member of "IkawLamang," while his daughter playedthe title characters in "Mirabella."

At the time, Padilla said that herdaughter was aware of his presencebut neither approached nor greetedhim during the party.

The snubbing incident was allegedto have been caused by the 17-year-old's move to formally drop Padilla's

surname.According to the camp of the

"Mirabella" actress, the petition was to"prevent confusion" regarding hername, being a public figure.

In an interview shortly after theSeptember 2014 report, Padillaclaimed that it was because of hisinability to provide financial support."Talagang hindi na ako nakapagbigaybecause I have no more projects," hesaid at the time.

The meeting between the two mayalso prove timely as Barretto is set tocelebrate her 18th birthday on March10. Her father have already expressedhis willingness to be part of theoccasion.

A daughter of actress MarjorieBarretto and Padilla, Barretto wasdubbed a "showbiz royalty" when shewas launched in 2013 as a Star Magicartist. She is also a niece of actressesGretchen and Claudine Barretto. a

A photo posted by Julia Barretto (@juliabarretto) on Feb 25, 2015

Ai Ai says sorry to ticket buyersover cancelled concert

Ai Ai delas Alas has apologized tofans who have already bought theirticket following the cancellation of herpre-Valentine show dubbed “I HeartPapa,” originally slated on Feb, 12 atSolaire Resort & Casino, ParañaqueCity.

“Humihingi ako ng paumanhin(kasi) hindi ko naman kontrolado’yung nangyari,” she said, noting howshe was only informed a night prior theconcert that it will not push through.

Ai Ai cited concert producer JacobFernandez’s alleged failure to pay theconcert venue, artist talent fees andother production costs behind thecancellation of “Papa.”

“Nag-produce siya (Jacob) ngwala siyang pera kasi wala siyangnabayaran eh and dun sumasama(ang loob ko) kasi hindi naman siyanagsasabi ng totoo… ‘Di ko alamanong problema niya, sa side ko okaynaman ang ticket (sales) eh, ang damikong sponsor…” she said.

Ai Ai admitted how she could haveshouldered the venue expenses forthe show to push through but refrainedfrom doing so.

Jacob, on his part, reasoned in aprevious interview that the cancellationwas brought about by timeconstraints. He also refuted the notionthat he failed to pay the venue.

Apparently, the show already hadtrouble two weeks before it was calledoff, with the withdrawal of main guestRichard Yap.

Ser chief’s camp blamed thefailure of the producer to give thestandard down payment and othercontractual violations.

Still, Ser Chief and Ai Ai say all iswell between them.

Jacob, for his part, explained thatthe problem with Ser Chief stemmedfrom miscommunication.

Despite this, Ai Ai decided to givethe producer a chance and carry onwith the show, replacing one “papa”with two: JC de Vera and AljurAbrenica.

“Nagmakaawa siya sa akin natulungan ko siya, na gusto niya ma-redeem ang sarili niya, binigyan kosiya ng chance kasi nga (I worked withhim) noong first concert ko sa FolkArts Theater that’s why tumanaw akong utang na loob sa kaniya,” shenoted.

Following the fiasco, Ai Ai isthinking of consulting with her lawyerto review her legal options.

She said she also learned her ownlesson: To produce her own showsfrom now on.

Ai Ai plans to produce andheadline a free show on May 16, a fewdays after Mother’s Day, to make it upto her fans. She hinted at thepossibility of inviting her kids as guestperformers in the show. a

Ai Ai Delas Alas

The immensely talentedgroup is composed of baritoneNathan Morris with tenors ShawnStockman and Wanya Morris.

The September concert was inresponse to many Filipinos’ clamorto have the popular American R&Bvocal group to once again visit thearchipelago and perform their verymuch loved hits of the 1990s.Filipinos possess an unwavering lovefor romantic ballads, and Boyz II Men- the ones behind soulful tracks such

as “I’ll Make Love to You,” “End ofthe Road,” “On Bended Knee,”“Water Runs Dry,” “One Sweet Day”(with Mariah Carey), and “4 Seasonsof Loneliness” among other hits -willmore than satisfy this craving.

Boyz II Men’s vast successsoared to great heights in the 1990safter releasing “End of the Road”which reached the top of the chartsand conquered the number oneplace of Billboard Hot 100 for thirteenweeks. This caused one of the bestvocal groups to break Elvis Presley’srecord of longevity in the charts.

Boyz II Men wowed the worldonce more by breaking their ownrecord with the songs “I’ll Make Loveto You” and “One Sweet Day” (withMariah Carey), at fourteen andsixteen weeks respectively. The lattertrack still holds the all-time record forlongevity in the Billboard Hot 100. a

Boyz II Men to serenade Manila inSeptember

Boyz ll Men



The North American Filipino Star Classified AdsDRIVING

Office cleaners for West Island, carneeded, work Mon-Fri after 6 pm

Michael call 514-624-3437

CLEANERS

Licensed driving instructorComplete driving course, 24 hrstheory & 15 hrs road practice,

$25/h. Exam car available.Jason 514-691-1816.

Cheapest way to advertise is throughthe classified ads

First 3 lines = $12 Additional lines =$2/line; Send your text by e-mail:

[email protected]

ADVERTISING

DRIVING LESSON

* car for Exam.* 1 hr. practice only $25.

Khalil, 514-965-0903.

CLEANER, PREFERABLY MALE10:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.

in a hotel downtownCall 514-485-7861

3 1/2 - 4 1/2 - 5 1/2CDN - NDG - ST. LAURENT

Parking available, renovated, spacious &clean, 1 month free with good references

Call Greg/Themis 514-487-7132

APTS FOR RENT

Bourret & VictoriaRenovated 3½ $615+

Heated, h/w, appliancesElevator, near metro

(514) 735-2985, (438) 820-9543We speak Tagalog

FRENCHPRONUNCIATION

TECHNIQUES

Updated 800-hour programwill give you the advantage to

work in any health care facility.Tuition fees are tax deductible,budget payment plan, can start

anytime 10 students areregistered. Saturday & Sunday

9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.Call 514-485-7861 to register

PAB/PSWNURSING AIDE

CDN APTS.FOR RENT

• Fast • Easy • SimpleLearn how to speak French

naturally and correctly. A 30-hour, 3-week course

with an experienced French teacherDays or evenings, Mon-Tue-Wed

Call 514-485-7861

From beginners to advance,Keyboarding, Microsoft Office,and other software on request

Call 514-485-7861

COMPUTERCOURSES WANTED

Martin Nievera sings andwrite songs for therapy

People do various things to healthemselves both physically andemotionally. For “Concert King”Martin Nievera, therapy comes in theform of “singing, writing poetry andcomposing songs.”

Today is “Hearts’ Day” but Martinhas no date. In fact, he will beworking, being among headliners of“Ultimate,” the second leg of whichwill be held at the Sm Mall of AsiaArena tonight. Also featured in theshow is Gary Valenciano, RegineVelasquez and Lani Misalucha.

It’s the first time that the four ofthem are singing together, but Martinhas teamed up with Gary V., andRegine numerous times in the past.

Martin said he enjoys workingwith Gary being that he learns a lotfrom him. “I really study him – hismoves, his songs, everything. AndI’ve learned a lot. He and Angeli areone of the most successful marriagesin showbiz but they went through a lottoo. Imagine Angeli waking up in thewee hours to see if her husband is stillalive.”

Note that Gary has been dealingwith diabetes since he was in histeens.

Martin has also teamed up withthe former Mrs. Martin Nievera,“Concert Queen” Pops Fernandez,and the clamor for them to performtogether continues. Both are open tothis, professionals as they are, but forfans wishing for them to rekindle theirlove, Martin said, “If we get backtogether as a couple, it should be forus. We had the kind of love that I wishcould have been forever.”

He added, “We have differentlives already, but we are friends, wetalk, we give advice to each other, Iknow her private life,she knows mine,alam niya babaaero ako, and forhurting her, my guilt is endless. Andthough how much I failed in thisbusiness of love, I still believe in love,I still believe in family… and whoevermarries me the next would be verylucky because I’ve learned a lot.”

Not many people are aware thatMartin is a sought-after weddingsinger. “I’m not a party-goer andunless I am invited to sing for theoccasion, you won’t see me inparties.”

When he was still based in theUS, Martin said he loved performingfor his fellow Filipinos in such placesas Las Vegas. While most singerswould hide before the performance,Martin actually go where the audienceare, signing autographs and posingfor photos.

“Actually, I stay with them longerthan when I perform,” he related. “Iknow that many Pinoys work in thecasinos. There are those who work inthe kitchen, and I go there to say hi. Igo to the restaurants where they eat. Isit with them and I love it. They’vealways been there for me all thoseyears, and so when they ask ‘can wehave a picture taken with you?’ I say,‘sure.’”

No wonder Martin is well-loved byhis fans. a

Sarah G keeps it simpleamid success

Blessed with an enviable mix oftalent and beauty, singer-actressSarah Geronimo is one of thecountry’s biggest stars whosepersonal and professional life remainrosy.

Sarah confirmed in a recentinterview that her movie with PioloPascual, originally slated for aValentine’s Day release, will pushthrough but at a later date. She saidthey might start working on the filmafter the second season of “The Voiceof the Philippines,” where she iscoach-judge.

There’s also talk of Sarah beingpaired in a movie with Korean star LeeMin Ho. While Sarah could only behopeful about this, she has yet todiscuss the matter with Viva big bossVic del Rosario.

What’s sure is that her beautiful

relationship with real-life leading man,boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli, continuesto bloom. Despite being loaded withwork – which even kept them fromcelebrating Valentine’s Day together –she makes it a point to find time forMatteo, and vice versa.

“Every day halos ang trabaho(pero) singit-singit lang ng orasminsan (para sa amin),” Sarahexplained.

Asked what she considers thebest Valentine’s gift ever, Sarah said itall boils down to love andunderstanding.

Sassy lassHer happy love life helps her keep

a pleasant demeanor, which translatesto her looking good all the time.Sarah maintained that being beautifulstarts in the mind.

“Marami tayong insecurities.That’s a fact na hindi natin maiiwasan,especially kapag may nakikita tayongmestiza, mas maganda sa ’tin, massexy. Pero you have to find in yourselfkung ano ang strengths mo, whatmakes you special,” she said. “Kayanga mentally, kailangan paniwalaanmo na espesyal ka, maganda ka; (na)iba lang ang ganda mo sa kanila.Kanya-kanyang ganda lang ’yan.”

Sarah practices what shepreaches. Some say she looks quiterefreshing even with minimal makeup.Despite being the newest endorser ofSan San Cosmetics, Sarah believesnatural beauty also shines through.

“Minsan tinatago natin ’yungnatural beauty natin, parang feelingnatin mas magiging maganda tayopagka kino-conceal natin ’yungtotoong features natin,” Sarah said.“Pero with San San, pinapaalala nilana, ‘Believe in your own naturalbeauty.’”

Sarah added, “(Dapat)paniwalaan mo na magandang tao ka.Hindi lang siya ’yung dahil sa skin moor sa features mo, dapat ’yung buongpagkatao mo mahalin mo. It’s aprocess (of acceptance).” a

Sarah Geronimo

Martin Nievera

February 201518



Hiring Mechanic for Truck & Trailer, experience needed

Hiring Worker for washing the truck and trailer;clean warehouse; general works

Hiring Driver solo, Class I, East Coast, West Americaand Florida, Travel for the Year, Good salary

Infos: Claude - 514-367-0000

Prince Logistics ServicesCome and join us, East Coast America, Driver Class I

for Team, Couple welcome, Good Salary, Travel the whole year.

AFTER three successful albumsand a string of hit songs, the members ofFilipino boy band 1:43 believe they ripe topursue their acting careers, either as agroup or individually.

Last week, the group composedof four stylish and talented young men

Anjo Resureccion, Gold Aquino, YukiSakamoto, and Yheen Valero together withtheir founder and manager Chris Cahiligsigned a co-management contract withViva Artists Agency (VAA) owned by VicDel Rosario. The strategic move aims tofulfill 1:43’s long-term plan to becometelevision and movie stars aside frombeing pop idols.

“While we will remain intact as aboy band, we feel that it’s the right time totake our showbiz careers to a higher level.We are thankful that Boss Vic (Del Rosario)readily and warmly welcomed us as Viva’snewest talents,” explains 1:43 spokesmanAnjo.

“We hope to start doingcommercial movies and televisionappearances as well as viral videos andshort films anytime soon. We are confidentthat Viva will take care of us,” he adds.

1:43 popularized “Sa IsangSulyap Mo,” the monster hit song that wonthe 2013 PMPC Star Award for Music“Song of the Year” and the “MostPromising Performing and RecordingGroup” in the Guillermo MendozaMemorial Scholarship Foundation’s 45thBox-Office Entertainment Awards.

They are also behind hit songs“Ang Saya-Saya” which became the officialtheme song of GMA 7’s sitcom “IsmolFamily” and the Youtube hit “Hayop SaGanda.”

New Member

The resignation of Argee Goldingin early January paved the way to theentry of top ramp and commercial modeland rapper Yheen to the pop group.Argee, an international taekwondomedalist from the University of SantoTomas (UST), left the group with heavyheart to enroll in a school for pilots inSubic.

1:43 to pursue actingcareer with Viva

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

by W. G. Quiambao

Volleyball has always been part ofSherie. Garcia's life. For twenty years,she has been playing the game.

"I started playing street volleyballwhen I was still in the elementary," saidGarcia, a resident of Cote des Neiges. "I was influenced by my aunts andcousins who all played volleyball. "

In high school, she was a varsityplayer at Siena College , a privateschool in Quezon City, Philippines.She also played in the collegiatevolleyball, representing the School ofBusiness Administrtion .

"Volleyball is a fun game," said Garia.""It needs leadership and discipline.You'll have a chance to demonstrateyour ability to be a team player. Youhave to motivate your players."

Garcia arrived in Montreal in 2008.Four years ago, she was playing withfriends in Long Sault when she wasspotted by Mercy Sia who wasimpressed by her skills in volleyball. Itdidn't take long for Garcia to acceptSia's offer to join the latter's team.She has been been representing theFFCAQ when the association playsagainst other teams from other thinicgroups.

For four consecutive years , she hasbeen receiving the MVP awards fromthe FFCAQ at Long Sault.

"Sherie is the sports coordinator of theFilipino-Canadian VolleyballAssociation of Montreal which Irecently founded, "said Sia. . "She'san asset to our association. She's veryskillful and talented and the best of ofall the players of women division. I'mconfident that she can handle the

growing number of our players now"

Though the associatioin is still young,Garcia is proud of it. It has nine teamsnow. In fact, she encourages men and

women of all ages to play volleyball.

"It's for their well being. They``ll havesomething to look forward everySunday.`

The seaon`s tournament starts inApril. Those interested in playingvolleyball can register by calling MercyUmpig-Sia at 514 586 1737.

“Playing volleyball requiresdiscipline”says Garcia

Nora Antenor Cruz at Monique’s birthday party, February 15, 2015.

FEBRUARY 2015 19The North American Filipino StarThe North American Filipino Star


6430 Victoria Avenue, Montreal,QCTelephone: 514-733-7816 Special: February 27 - March 6, 2015

Marinated Milk Fish $4.99 each Hot Dog $4.49 eachSeacatch Tuna $2.99 pack Aquaworld Cooked Shrimp 200g $3.49 ea

Sweet Chili Sauce for Spring Roll 800g $2.49 ea. Sweet Chili Sauce for Chicken 800g $2.49 ea. Spectra Canola Oil 4L $4.99 each

TYJ Spring Roll 8.5” $1.29 ea. Geisha Mackerel Fish $2.49 can Aroy-D Coconut Milk 500 mL $1.99 box Panda Oyster Sauce 510g $1.99 bottle

Baby Choy Sum $0.89 lb Sweet Pomelo $3.49 ea. Pork Bone $0.99 lb Pork Chops $2.49 lb.

Marché Duc Thanh

Sunlee Mongo Beans 400g $0.79 ea.

A standout during the Mistersof the Philippines pageant for his utterhandsomeness and fantasticpersonality, Joseph Doruelo wasselected to represent the Philippinesat the 2015 Mister Global Pageant

which will be held in Bangkok,Thailand.

The pride of Caloocan,Doruelo is also a registered nurse whois passionate about supporting healthprograms that conduct awareness andaffordable medicines in thecommunity. “As a health ambassador,Ican be an agent that Health can be onthe hands of each Filipino. Stroke,

heart attack and cancer are only threeof some of the leading causes of deathamong men and women in ourcountry today. As I model ofa healthylifestyle, I can educate Filipino peopleabout healthy habits and properexercise. For in education, I impartmyself to them and eventuallyempower the people to live with ahealthy body, mind and spirit.”

Aside from promoting health,Doruelo joined pageantry to promotethe Philippines to the world. For him,pageantry is important because “itshowcases the Philippines’ culture,festivities, beautiful destination spots(like the underground river inPalawan), classic delicacies andproducts. With this carries the hopethat other countries will invest in thePhilippines whether through businessor tourism, and it will help ourgovernment and our society to bemore progressive.”

Pinoy registered nurse to competein Mister Global

Popularly known as the hotcop from Manila, PO2 Mariano PerezFlormata Jr. AKA Neil Perez has wonthe Mister International 2014 pageantheld in Ansan, South Korea. LebaneseRabih El Zein was 1st Runner Up,Czech Tomáš Dumbrovský was 2ndRunner Up, Rafal Maslak from Polandwas 3rd Runner Up, and Mitja Nadizarfrom Slovenia was 4th Runner Up.Perez also came in 2nd Runner Up inthe Best National Costume category.

Before flying to South Korea,Perez, an Explosives OrdnanceDisposal technician of the PNPAviation Security Group, haddedicated his efforts in the contest tohis fellow police officers who perishedin the Mamasapano clash on January25. Seven of the slain SAF trooperswere Flormata’s classmates in basictraining at the Police National TrainingInstitute in 2008.

Perez joined pageantry toobtain additional opportunities thatcould help him financially, and topromote healthy living, which is hisadvocacy.

Filipino Police Officer wins MisterInternational

Neil Perez, The Philippines’ First MisterInternational

Support MMTV Spring Dance Party, April 4

A Fund Raising Drive for yourcommunity television show

Contact any member of MMTVor call 514-485-7861

Reserve your tickets early andcelebrate Spring.

Learn French the fastand easy way.

Register now at Gilmore College

514-485-7861

Joseph Durelo Mr. Phi

February 201520



Education raises the bar but lowers the barriers to

a rewarding career.

5320-A Queen Mary RoadMontreal, QC H3X 1T7(Accessible by Snowdon Metro,Busses 51, 166, 17)Tel.: 514-485-7861 / 514-506-8753E-mail: [email protected]

PROGRAMS• Nursing Aide (PAB)• Early Childhood

Education Assistant• Office Automation

- Secretarial- Medical- Legal- Administrative

- Bookkeeping

COURSES• Second Languages

- English, FrenchFilipino (Tagalog)Mandarin, Spanish

• Computer Software- Microsoft Office- Sage Accounting- Keyboarding

• Interest courses- Fashion Photography- Video Production- Practical Writing

• Tutoring

Gilmore College Internationalprovides immigrants the tools for asuccessfull career change. Thetraining and the skills that I learnedgave me the confidence to work as anurses’ aide.

Adele Lascano (October 2009)

The knowledge and skills I havelearned at Gilmore College gave methe edge to work in the health carefield where one needs to showwillingness to render service to thesick and the elderly.Ethel Tugna (March 2011 graduate

Gilmore College gave me theopportunity to start a new career. Igot a job easily because I learnednew things from the course whichfocused on how to care for theelderly and the sick. I’m proud tobe part of Gilmore CollegeInternationalGiselle Arellano (October 2011)

PAB students pose with their teachers during an orientation seminar at St.Margaret CHLSD in Westmount.Standing at the back: Ethel Tugna, Anne Signey, Janet Haydock, Lourdescita Lubang and Annabelle Alloso. Notin photo: Joesie Bingayen. PAB Nursing instructors, from left: Edith Fedalizo, Amy Manon-og, Director-General Zenaida Kharroubi, Instructors Clarice Mackay and Josefina Toledo.

Standing behind are: Adele Lascano, Melanie Bangit, Salvacion Battad, LeilaniGalsim, Concepcion Dupali, Joyce Liwaliw, and Milet Daquioag, members of Batch5, School term September 2008 to Marcxh 2009. Seated from left: PAB teachersClarice Mackay, Nina Schiff, and Director-General Zenaida Kharroubi.

PAB students on training at St. Margaret, Batch 3, school term from May to December2007 are: Daisy Morales, Rafael Agaloos, Daisy Castillo and Leah May Paradillo supervisedby Amy Manon-og and Herminia Arguilles.

WORKING COPY February 2015:February 2015.qxd

Documents

Transcript of WORKING COPY February 2015:February 2015.qxd