June 2013 Edition - Filipino Star

Vol. XXXI No 6 June 2013 http://www.filipinostar.org 

FAMAS 50th anniversary a 

smashing success! 

Au Osdon, FAMAS President, delivering her 

welcome address (Photo: Al Abdon) 

The 50th anniversary of FAMAS 

at the Hellenic Community Center last 

June 15 was a night to remember. 

About 400 people, dressed to the 

nines, were in attendance. It was the 

gathering of the “crème de la crème” in 

the community. 

In her speech, Au Osdon, 

FAMAS president, quoted Ninoy 

Aquino, president of the Philippines, 

who said, “Just as our heroes and 

martyrs paid the ultimate price for our 

freedom, as Filipinos, each and every 

one is asked to do his part in building 

Montreal Mayor Michael 

Applebaum quits after 

Fraud Arrest 

By BENJAMIN SHINGLER, Huffington Post 

MONTREAL — For the second 

time in less than a year, a Montreal 

mayor has stepped down amid 

corruption scandals ripping through 

Canada's second-largest city. 

Interim Mayor Michael 

Applebaum came into office vowing to 

clean up government. He resigned 

Tuesday, a day after his arrest on fraud 

charges. Applebaum denied the 

Photo of the second batch of 25 honorees, called to receive their medal awards during the latter part of the evening. Councilor Marvin Rotrand 

(on the extreme right) and Dr. Gene Santander (first on the left) officiated in the distribution of medals. (Photo: Al Abdon) 

an even more progressive nation , 

whether one is in the highest ranks of 

government , or an employee in a local 

company or an OFW working on 

distant shores. ... Let us remember that 

accusations and said he needs to focus 

on fighting them. 

Montreal's first Anglophone 

mayor in a century took over in 

November, after Gerald Tremblay 

resigned amid corruption allegations. 

Applebaum now faces 14 charges, 

including defrauding the government 

See Page 8 Applebaum 

www.filipinostar.org 

it is by being productive and 

responsible citizens… by performing 

our tasks to the best of our abilities and 

by giving to our fellow men their due … 

that we contribute to make our society 

By W. G. Quiambao 

truly more just and more equitable.” 

What touched the guests was 

See Page 4 FAMAS Golden Gala

2 

Knights of Rizal's convention to be 

held in Montreal 

by W. G. QUIAMBAO 

About 500 delegates from 

different parts of Canada and the 

United States are expected to attend 

the Order of the Knights of Rizal's 

convention and Commander's Ball at 

Hyatt Regency from August 31 to 

September 2. 

The Order of the Knights of 

Rizal is a non-sectarian and non-profit 

organization committed to the 

promotion and propagation of Dr. Jose 

P. Rizal's ideas of human dignity and 

rights, freedom and peace. 

The regional assembly and 

conference, which is held every two 

years, brings together members of the 

Order of the Knights of Rizal from all 

over the world not only to renew ties of 

fraternity but also to exchange ideas of 

topics that relate to the life and works 

of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. 

The theme this year is “What 

Freedom Means to Me.” Centuries after 

Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero, 

shed his blood and gave his life to gain 

our freedom, many Filipinos have 

never valued its importance. 

Dr. Jose P. Rizal 

The National Hero of the Philippines 

During the convention and 

workshops in Montreal, the delegates 

will be provided with giveaways like 

bags with tapes, trophies and medals 

for deserving individuals, groups or 

organization. In this connection, the 

Order of the Knights of Rizal is looking 

for sponsors for these giveaways. 

Marché Coop 

The Filipino Solidarity Cooperative, Inc. 

5320-A Queen Mary Road 

(between Decarie & Coolbrook) 

Tel: 514-485-7861 

E-Mail: filipinocoop.com 

Website: marchecoop.com 

Business Hours 

Monday - 1:00 - 9:00 p.m. 

Tuesday - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Wed. to Friday - 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Sunday - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

Members can make appointment to 

shop outside these hours. Phone 

your orders and you can pick them 

up by appointment as well. 

Delivery service available for Cote 

des Neiges & NDG areas between 

6:00-8:00 p.m. ( $5.00 delivery 

service fee.) 

We sell phone cards & 

gift certificates. 

The North American Filipino Star 


The sponsors are categorized 

as follows: 

Platinum $5,000 plus 1 full color page 

to our souvenir program for your 

family photos with greetings and two 

complimentary tickets for 

Commander's Ball Gala Night 

Gold $3,500 plus 1 full color 

page in our souvenir program for your 

family photos with greetings and two 

complimentary tickets for the 


Silver $2,500 plus 1 full page in 

Ottawa, June 12, 2013 — The 

Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of 

Citizenship, Immigration and 

Multiculturalism, issued the following 

statement marking Philippine 

Independence Day: 

“Today, Canadians of Filipino 

origin celebrate an important date in 

the history of their community. It was 

115 years ago today that Filipino forces 

under Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed 

independence from more than three 

centuries of Spanish colonial rule, and 

officially unfurled the Philippine flag for 

the first time. 

“This date is marked by 

Filipinos around the world as the 

country’s National Day, a celebration of 

the independent and creative spirit of a 

great nation. It is a day to 

commemorate the sacrifices of the 

national heroes of the Philippines, such 

as José Rizal and Andrés Bonifacio. 

“Canada is fortunate to be home to 

one of the largest Filipino communities 

in the world. For a number of years, the 

Philippines has been one of the top 

source countries for newcomers to 

Canada. Filipino-Canadians have 

made tremendous contributions to our 

country’s social and cultural fabric, to 

our economy, and to our history. 

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration 

June 2013 

The Knights of Rizal, Montreal Chapter, is hosting the convention this year, headed 

by Rey Balansi (2nd from the right). 

our souvenir program for your family 

photos with greetings and two 

complimentary tickets for the 


Bronze $1,500 plus 1 full page in our 

souvenir program for your family photos 

with greetings and two complimentary 

tickets for the Commander's Ball Gala 

Night 

For more information, call Rey Balansi at 

(514) 297- 4365 

Statement of Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of 

Citizensip, Immigration & Multi-culturalism 

and Multiculturalism, I am proud to join 

with other Canadians in wishing the 

best to all who celebrate today’s Araw 

ng Kalayaan.” 

For further information (media only), 

please contact: 

Alexis Pavlich 

Minister’s Office 

Citizenship and Immigration Canada 

613-954-1064 

Media Relations 

Communications Branch 


613-952-1650 

CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca 

Building a stronger Canada: 


(CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, 

social and cultural prosperity, helping 

ensure Canadian safety and security 

while managing one of the largest and 

most generous immigration programs in 

the world. 

FAMAS ANNOUNCEMENT: JUNE 26, 2013 

Sunday June 30 5:00 PM: Deadline for filing candidacy for FAMAS Election on August 

18, 2013 at the FAMAS centre. 4708 Van Horne Montreal. 

FAMAS MEMBERS ARE ADVISED TO RENEW THEIR MEMBERSHIP TO BE ELIGIBLE TO 

VOTE. MEMBERSHIP FEE: $7 (ADULTS) $10 COUPLES $4 FOR SENIOR AND 

STUDENTS. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT TO REGISTER. 

1ST POSTING OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS WILL BE ON JUNE 30TH 2013 AT THE FAMAS 

WEBSITE AND CENTRE. 

PLEASE CALL FAMAS AT 514-341-7477 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

June 2013 The North American Filipino Star 

3 


Montreal, Quebec H3X 1T7 

Al Abdon 

Alberto Baens Santos 

Columnists 

Editorial 

The role of volunteers in daily life 

The recently concluded FAMAS 

gala night brings to mind the subject of 

volunteerism. Of the 50 people honored, 

we can probably see how they have 

been selected for the type of volunteer 

work they did, or still do up to this point. 

It will be interesting to note how they 

measure up to the following 

comprehensive list of activities that 

volunteers do. 

Volunteers have an enormous 

impact on the health and well-being of 

communities worldwide. Think of all the 

ways that volunteers make a difference 

in day-to-day life: 

• Volunteers deliver critical 

services—from serving as volunteer fire 

fighters or participating in search and 

rescue, to delivering meals to 

homebound seniors or homeless youth, 

to manning the phone lines at domestic 

violence and sexual assault centers. 

• Volunteers help to keep our 

neighborhoods, streets, parks, rivers, 

green spaces, and water clean and safe 

for everyone. 

• Volunteers tutor, teach, mentor, 

coach, and support young people with 

everything from math homework to 

dealing with personal crises to football 

and soccer tourneys. 

• Volunteers walk dogs, pet cats, 

clean cages, help with adoptions and 

feedings, and contribute veterinary 

expertise to organizations like animal 

shelters and wildlife rehabilitation 

centers. 

• Volunteers educate the public 

on health and safety; doctors and nurses 

donate time and medical knowledge to 

free clinics and natural/civil disaster 

areas worldwide. 

• Volunteers take tickets at film 

centers and performing arts events, lead 

tours at museums and historical 

societies, and ensure that arts and 

Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi 

Chief Editor & Publisher 

cultural festivals—from small-scale 

gatherings to massive multi-stage 

concerts—run smoothly. 

• Volunteers build houses and 

schools, dig wells, and repair 

infrastructure around the globe. 

Another way to measure the 

impact of volunteers is to take a look at 

statistics like hours served and the 

economic value of volunteer time. 

According to the Corporation for 

National and Community Service, 61.8 

million individuals in the United States 

contributed 8 billion hours of 

volunteerism in 2008 alone. 

Volunteers are critical partners 

of and participants in societies 

throughout the world., whether actively 

giving their time through a formal or ad 

hoc organizations, or taking part in what 

is sometimes called "informal 

volunteering" where citizens voluntarily 

participate in community activities or 

provide personal care for family, friends, 

neighbors, or even strangers as part of 

accepted cultural norms of giving and 

reciprocity. 

Finally, here's one more way to 

visualize the impact of volunteers – what 

would happen if suddenly all volunteers 

did not show up? What would our cities, 

towns, state/provincial parks, schools, 

places of worship, and libraries look 

like? What basic needs would go 

unmet? What opportunities to grow, 

learn, and thrive as a society would be 

lost? 

As can be gleaned from the 

above list, most of our fellow citizens 

have been volunteers in one way or 

another but were not given any award. In 

other words, there are still many unsung 

heroes out there. 

It is our hope that volunteerism 

will continue to thrive, with or without any 

award. 

Tel.: 514-485-7861 

E-Mail: market@filipinostar.org 

Published by: Filcan Publications, Inc. 

Sam Kevin 

News & Layout Editor 

Bert Abiera 

Founder 

W.G. Quiambao 

Community News 

Bernardo Sarmiento 

Opinion Editorial 

The opinions expressed by the writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that 

of the management of the North American Filipino Star nor its editors. 


CONCORD TOURS 

& TRAVEL 

Summer Specials 

Across USA - 10 Days Tour 

Without air ticket: Departure dates: 

Quad $799 July 22, August 12 

Triple $969 Included: Deluxe motor coach, 

Double $1169 hotel accommodation, 

Single $1699 tour guide. 

Child $649 Not included: service fee for tour 

guide and driver (US$6/day/Adult, 

US$4/day/Child), 

Meals, entrance fee and travel insurance 

Across Canada 10 Days 

With air ticket: 

Quad $999 

Triple $1169 

Double $1369 

Single $1899 

Child $849 

Without air ticket: 

Quad $699 

Triple $869 

Double $1069 

Single $1599 

Not Included: 

Child $549 

service fee for tour guide and 

Included: 

driver ($6/day/Adult, 

Deluxe motor coach, hotel $4/day/Child),Meals, entrance fee 

accommodation and tour and travel insurance 

guide. 

Departure dates: August 4, 18, 25 

OTHER TOURS 

• New York 3 days $88+ 

• New York 4 days $128+ 

• Toronto, 1000 Island, 

Niagara Falls 2 Days $58+ 

• Washington DC, New York, Atlantic City, 

Philadelphia 4 Days $128+ 

Info & Reservations - 514-485-7861 

North American Filipino Star 

Subscription 

Name: ________________________ Tel._____________ 

Address: ___________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________ 

E-Mail_________________ No. of issues ____12 = $30 

Date:__________________ ____ 24 = $50

4 

From Page 1 FAMAS Golden Gala 

when Osdon said, “In a civilized society, 

we should build our community, not 

destroy it.” 

One of the highlights of the 

evening was the controversial honouring 

of 50 Filipinos in the community in 

conjunction with the 50th anniversary of 

FAMAS. 

The criteria are: Impact of the 

nominees’ efforts on Quebec society, 

Impact of the nominees’ efforts on the 

Filipino community, and cultural/core 

and FAMAS core values 

The list of the honourees are the 

following (in alphabetical order): 

CORAZON SANTIAGO ABERIN 

– She served as a church warden at the 

Parish of Saint Malachy. The peak of her 

community services was when through 

her fundraising efforts, she raised almost 

$10,000 for the FAMAS Munting Binibini 

pageants in 2000 and $10,000 in 2010. 

ALBERT0 “Bert” ABIERA – As a former 

publisher of the Filipino Star, he had 

promoted the Filipino identity in Quebec. 

He is one of the three people 

responsible for the installation of Dr. 

Jose P. Rizal’s bust in the Mackenzie 

King Park. He voluntarily accommodates 

newly-arrived Filipinos in his onebedroom 

apartment. DELIA ALURA – 

Alura immigrated here as a caregiver. 

Through hard work and dedication, she 

is working now as supervisor in the 

Security Department of a prestigious 

company. MARLON “dj” QUEST 

BALINTEC – He has played in Montreal’s 

premiere night clubs such as Coliseum, 

Del Rey, Van Gogh. WARLIE D. 

BASBACIO – She organizes monthly 

social events for the Filipino seniors to 

beat isolation and loneliness. CHRIS 

BAUTISTA – He is the Team Captain at 

the World Tournament on the Filipino 

Martial Arts held in the Philippines in 

2012. His winning in the competition 

brought honor to Canada. ALICIA 

LOYOLA BUSTAMANTE – She is the first 

and only Filipino nurse in Quebec who 

holds the distinction of Director of 

Nursing for 10 ½ years. She is involved 

in the community in a supervisory level. 

MAGDALENA B. CALCETAS – A nurse, 

she is expert in management /leadership 

training Outside of work, she was the 

only Filipino who works as Educations 

Consultant – taught middle and upper 

management Canadian nurses across 

Canada. EVELYN MONDONDO 

CALUGAY- She is hailed as the unsung 

hero because of her concern for 

Filipinos who are victims of abuse and 

the marginalized members of our 

community. JOSE IMUS CALUGAY, SR. 

– He has rendered his expertise on 

Immigration Laws and a very good 

resource person to the Federation of 

Filipino-Canadian Associations of 

Quebec.. FELY ROSALES CARINO – 

She taught as a special Education 

specialist at the Kateru Indian School for 

12 years and received appreciation for 

dedicated service from the Protestant 

School Board of Chateauguay. Her 

advice to community leaders - ”Read 

your constitution.“ JAMES DE LA PAZ – 

Impact of efforts on Quebec society. He 

paved the way for Filipinos to be 

recognized not only in Quebec but also 

in Canadian society. Impact of efforts on 

the Filipino community. He is 

responsible for the rezoning of the 

FAMAS building, installation of the bust 

of Dr. Rizal and of a basketball court at 

the Mackenzie King Park, renaming of a 

park on Queen Mary Rd. after our 

national hero. FAMAS core values. De la 

Paz serves as the chairman of the 

FAMAS Board of Trustees. SALOME 

MAY DRILLON – Founder of the United 

Filipino Homemakers Association of 

Quebec, Drillon promoted and 

safeguarded the rights of Filipino 

caregivers. TERRY ESGUERRA – In 

2009, she spearheaded the 

establishment of the FAMAS Auxiliary 

and took the chairmanship of this 

committee. She is the prime mover of 

fund raising activities. ALFRED ‘Freddie” 

ESPINOSA. –Since 1982, he has been 

serving as the Master of Ceremony of 

various associations like Pamana, 

Kapampangan Association and FAMAS. 

FRANCIS ESPIRITU- He has been a 

catechist of St. Kevin’s Church for many 

years. Many children have improved 

academically because of him. EDITH 

FEDALIZO – She has been the pianist 

and coordinator of the Filipino Panday 

Tinig Choral Ensemble of Montreal since 

its inception in 1985. CRESCONIA 

FERNANDEZ – When her sister died of 

breast cancer, she took care of the five 

children. Since 2009, she has been 

doing Breast Cancer Fund raising for the 

benefit of MUHC. MARIFE ‘BIC’ FLORES 

– She promotes good music through her 

brothers who are DJs. ANTONIO FOZ – 

He touched many families in Montreal 

and gained new brothers and sisters in 

faith and considered his adopted 

families. ALBERT GUTIERREZ – 

Because of his love for culture and 

tradition, he founded the Philippines 

Dance Troupe of Montreal. PAUL 

IMPERIAL – Imperial has been 

instrumental in establishing the Panday 

Tinig Music Scholarship in the 

Philippines. MARIA JANICE GALVEZ – 

The first Filipino singer who made the 

semi-finals of TVA “La Voix”. NANCY 

KARIDIS – As president of the Quebec 

Associations of Canadian-Filipino 

Teachers, she made sure that the 

Filipino language and culture was taught 

to Filipinos and non Filipinos. ZENAIDA 

FERRY KHARROUBI – Efforts’ Impact on 

Quebec society. She is the first Filipino- 

Canadian to have founded a private 

college, Gilmore Business Institute, in 

Quebec and to have started the first 

Filipino Scouts Group. Efforts’ impact on 

the Filipino community. She has been 

teaching and helping new immigrants, in 

particular, Filipino caregivers in learning 

French. Her passion is to educate and 

empower those who are not aware of the 

resources available to them so that they 

can be better prepared and equipped in 

being successful professionals in our 

community. FAMAS core value. Through 

her newspaper, she has been promoting 

FAMAS. MANNY LEGASCA – A graduate 

of Political Science at Letran College, he 

served as FAMAS director for two 

consecutive terms. EUGENIA F. 

MAGALIT - During her term as president 

of the FNAQ, she opened memberships 

to nursing graduates from the 

Philippines which helped them to find 

their way to becoming Registered 

Nurses and Registered Nursing 

Assistants. RENE LOPEZ – He holds the 

record of the longest service of a FAMAS 

treasurer. He was a volunteer event 

treasurer of the Gawad Kalinga “A Night 

of Rebuilding Hope. JAKE MAGUIGAD – 

He is one of the founding members of 

the PBAM in 1971, the first Inter Color 

League led by Bert Abiera in 1975 and 

the youth focused PYBCOMS in 1994. 

PYBCOMS is a bold initiative merging 



the two solitudes of the Canadian-born 

and the immigrant Filipinos. AMELIA 

ANAM MANON-OG – A coordinator in 

nursing, Manon-og believes that 

education is the best legacy that one 

can give. JACINTA PANGANIBAN – 

Panganiban was a business woman in 

the Philippines before coming to 

Canada as a caregiver. She worked hard 

to be where she is now – a financial 

adviser at a big company. She is also a 

candidate for the CPA profession. 

NATALIE PELAUSA – She is the founder 

of the Philippine Benevolent and 

Scholarship Society of Quebec. This 

association inspires Filipino students to 

excel in their studies by giving 

scholarships. WILFRED G. QUIAMBAO – 

Efforts’ impact on Quebec society. He 

broke the barrier when he became the 

first and only freelance writer for the 

Gazette. Because of his writing, he was 

able to promote the Filipinos and their 

culture to Quebec society. Impact of 

efforts on the Filipino community - As a 

volunteer writer for the North American 

Filipino Star, he was able to promote the 

youth’s achievements and the 

inspirational stories of the unknown 

members of the community. As a former 

director of the Federation, he was 

responsible for applying for government 

grants that enabled the association to 

implement its projects. He is a supporter 

of FAMAS. PASTOR ORLAN RACACHO 

– The highlight of his civic involvement 

was his collaboration with the Federal 

Government as a member of the 

Consultative Committee on Immigration, 

Citizenship and Multiculturalism. He was 

a recipient of a Silver Medal on the 

occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Her 

Majesty the Queen. MONICA REGACHO 

– She has volunteered with different 

organizations such as Baron 

Mercovitchz, Project Genesis and 

FAMAS. RICARDO RIBAYA – He founded 

the Filipino-Canadian Association of 

Montreal in 1982 to bring together all 

Filipinos who have a common interest in 

playing and promoting tennis. KEN 

RILLO – A graduate of Dome Theatre, 

Rillo is a professional actor and dancer. 

His credits include some works like The 

Curious Case of Benjamin Button, 

Being Human and Ondek. REUBEN T. 

SANTOS – Santos is a co-founder of the 

Filipino-Canadian Tennis Association of 

Montreal. He teaches tennis lessons not 

only to Filipinos but also to non- 

Filipinos. He was also a volunteer with 

International Mariners House in 

Montreal. He donated books, 

magazines, clothing and things to the 

members of the Filipino community. 

MYRNA SARMIENTO - She is a 

passionate worker in every field of 

endeavor she gets involved in. She was 

a director of the Federation, president of 

the Novo Ecijano Association of 

Montreal and Suburbs and Regent of the 

Daughters of Isabela. CARIDAD 

ALEJANDRINO TABUNAR – As a 

community leader, she organizes, 

manages and leads fellow seniors, 

identifies their pressing needs and make 

sure their needs are met. MALU 

TANANTAN – Tanantan does not turn her 

back when asked to support a 

worthwhile project JOSE ‘PEPING’ 

TOLENTINO – His hard work and 

dedication to his job was recognized 

when he received the Dr. Ross Hill 

Award in the Radiology Department of 

the Montreal General Hospital. He is a 

member of various organizations that 

include FAMAS, Doce Pares Club of 


Quebec, Filipino Catholic Mission. 

REGINA CEOLI TOLENTINO – She was 

12 years old when she was chosen to 

represent Canada at the 2005 World 

Robocup robotics competition. A 

consistent scholar, she has received 

many awards in her endeavor such as 

The First Choice Health Science. She 

was scouted to become a member of 

Concordia's University Science College 

and was one of 10 to 15 new members 

they admit every year to become 

participants in the research and 

resolution of current scientific problems 

alongside professionals. The selected 

students of Science College show a 

greater interest and ability for science 

than the average students. 

ED VASQUEZ – Owner of the first 

Filipino bakery in Montreal, is a strong 

promoter of great community 

involvement by organizing the Filipino 

Montrealers in an abundance of venues. 

JAY JAY VILLANUEVA – Her main focus 

was the interest of the youth. She 

organized the Little Miss Philbecan, Little 

Miss Manileño, Miss Teen Manileño. 

ALVIN D. VELOSO - Visionary, educator, 

advocate of Filipino culture, service to 

the church and a proven community 

leader are hallmarks that distinguish 

him. He is a recipient of the Ten Most 

Outstanding Filipinos in Toronto and 

Twenty Outstanding Filipinos in the 

United States and Canada. NORMA 

FLORES-VOHRA – Impact of efforts on 

Quebec society. Filipinos’ passion for 

beauty pageants like Miss Universe and 

Miss Earth is one of our identities. 

Vohra’s involvement in beauty pageants 

such as Miss Global Petit and 

International and Miss Earth made us 

known to Quebec society. Impact of 

efforts on the Filipino community. She 

conceptualized the Binibning Pilipinas, 

one of the biggest fundraising events of 

FAMAS. The Philippine Foundation of 

Montreal where she is a co-founder 

donated $10.000. GRACE Yip – She 

presented to the Parliament in Ottawa to 

justify the caregiver program to prevent 

their abuse, deportation and problems 

with visas. JAYNE MARTINES YUMOL – 

Her story is inspirational. She was 23 

when she was diagnosed with Acute 

Myelogenous Leukemia. Her doctors 

gave her nine months to live. What 

saved her life was a stem cell transplant. 

NORMEO ZABALA – He is a musician 

who has performed in Montreal Jazz 

Festivals, World Expo in Vancouver, and 

Bermuda Music Festival. 

Other parts of the program are: 

Natonal Anthem by the Panday Tinig 

Choral Ensemble, Lupang HInirang by 

Mariel Melendrez, Invocation by Fr. Jess 

Dimafilis of St. Kevin’s Parish, Welcome 

Remarks by Au Osdon, Entertainment 

numbers by the Philippine Chamber 

Rondalla of New Jersey, Inc., Folk 

Dances by Pamana ng LuzViMinda, 

Vocal Solos by Maria Galvez and Mariel 

Dimayuga, Miss Philippines Montreal 

Ambassador of Goodwill, Serenade by 

Freddie Espinosa, and the Inspirational 

Remarks by the Philippine Ambassador 

Leslie Gatan. Emcess: Freddie Espinosa 

and Andy Neufield. 

Source: Edited profiles in the FAMAS 

souvenir program 

Have a nice summer 

and keep fit.


Publisher/editor and community news 

writer of the NAFS (North American 

Filipino Star) honoured by FAMAS 

by W. G. Quiambao 

The editor and publisher of the 

North American Filipino Star, Ms. Zenaida 

Ferry Kharroubi, along with the 

Zenaida Ferry-Kharroubi 

Chief Editor & Publisehr 

community news Editor, Willie Quiambao, 

were among the 50 awardees of FAMAS 

during its 50th anniversary gala held at the 

Hellenic Community Center on Saturday, 

June 15, 2013. It was a very well attended 

party of approximately 400 people, some 

of whom came from as far as New York 

City and Toronto. 

Ms. Kharroubi, who came to 

Canada in her early twenties, first worked 

as a private secretary in three important 

businesses, the Underwriters Adjustment 

Bureau, the Readers Digest and Canadian 

Pacific Railway, before becoming a full 

time high school teacher from 1972 to 

1997 with the Montreal Catholic School 

Commission where she was a department 

in business education for two years, and 

resource teacher in special education for 

three years. As she already had a B.A. in 

English Literature from the University of the 

Philippines before arriving in Canada, she 

Wilfred G. Quiambao 

Community News Editor 

was required to take a 1-G programme of 

one year full time study at McGill University 

to obtain a Diploma in Education which 

was financed by the Quebec government 

due to the shortage of business education 

teachers. While still teaching in high 

school, she continued to upgrade her 

scholarity by studying at Concordia 

University where she completed a two-year 

course in T.E.S.L. (teaching of English as a 

second language) and a Master of Arts 

degree in Educational Studies, philosophy 

option. These additional credentials 

equipped her in establishing her own 

school while still a full time teacher. As she 

knew and admired the Harvard Business 

Institute, she first named the school she 


founded as the Gilmore Business Institute 

on November 1, 1989, which later became 

the Gilmore College International. Her 

college was given an education permit that 

authorized her to offer office systems 

technology courses (A.E.C – attestation 

d’études collegiales) from 1996 to 2001, 

but there were changes in the curriculum 

that required renewing programs and 

applying for another permit. Due to a 

heavy workload which was the result of 

being involved with helping the Filipino 

Solidarity Cooperative from 2006 to the 

present time, she was unable to complete 

all the paper required to continue with her 

college permit application. However, she 

hopes to renew her application and focus 

on a new program that will eventually help 

foreign graduates of nursing. Since she 

started her own school, she has been 

teaching French, English, Accounting, 

Computer Literacy, Business English and 

Business French courses. She also hires 

other language teachers to teach Spanish, 

Mandarin, and Filipino. Professional 

registered nurses teach the PSW/PAB or 

nursing aide programme. This coming 

September, she plans to offer a new 

programme to train daycare workers. 

She has served many volunteer 

organizations in the Filipino-Canadian 

community. First, she became a press 

relations officer of the Philippine 

Benevolent & Scholarship Society of 

Quebec for two years under the 

presidency of Trans Liganor, and then vicepresident 

under the leadership of Nida 

Quirapas for one year. She was also 

director of communications with the 

Philippine Folk Arts Society of Quebec for 

four years, and a vice president for four 

years with the Quebec Association of 

Canadian Filipino Teachers, and secretary 

of the 1998 Centennial Committee under 

Bert Abiera. The late Tony Fernandez 

requested her to establish La Liga Rizalista 

of which she was the interim chairman for 

more than a year until this organization 

was dissolved in 1999. She also helped 

Lina Fernandez in her Pearl of the Orient 

project for several months. As she used to 

occupy a very spacious office on Decarie 

Boulevard, two associations used her 

premises for two years and allowed them 

to use the facilities of her school including 

printing, copying and preparation of 

souvenir programs. In addition to the 

regular meetings of these associations, 

they also held the interview and screening 

of the PBSSQ scholars at one time. Then 

in 2003, Col. Camilo Tique encouraged her 

to establish the first Filipino-Canadian 

Scout Group, 0592, and held the position 

of Group Commissioner until September 

2010 when she agreed to discontinue 

operating this Scout group for lack of adult 

volunteers. 

Ms. Kharroubi even became 

busier when she took over the Filipino Star 

in April 1998 after it was closed by its 

former publisher, Bert Abiera, in November 

1997. It was not her intention to take this 

additional responsibility by herself but 

circumstances led her to continue with this 

new endeavor singlehandedly although 

originally the Star was supposed to be 

operated by a group of 15 shareholders. 

In spite of a busy schedule, Ms. 

Kharroubi still continues to do volunteer 

work at the Friendship and Youth Center 

headed by Pastor Orlan Racacho. 

Ms. Kharroubi was recognized for 

her services by the following 

organizations: The Philippine Folk Arts 

Canadian-Society, the Canadian 

Association of Society, the Quebec 

Association of Canadian-Filipino 

Teachers, the Philippine Embassy (under 

Ambassador Benedicto), the World 

See Page 6 Honoured by FAMAS 

5

6 

Dear EarthTalk: Why are wetlands so 

important to preserve? - - 

Patricia Mancuso, Erie, PA 

Wetlands include swamps, 

marshes, bogs, riverbanks, mangroves, 

floodplains, rice fields—and anywhere 

else, according to the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 

that saturation with water is the dominant 

factor determining the nature of soil 

development and the types of plant and 

animal communities there. They are 

widespread in every country and on 

every continent except Antarctica. If all 

the world’s wetlands were put together, 

they would take up an area one-third 

larger than the United States. 

Environmentalists, biologists 

and others concerned about the health 

of the planet and its inhabitants 

recognize the key role wetlands play in 

life on Earth. The EPA points out that, 

besides containing a disproportionately 

high number of plant and animal species 

compared to other land forms, wetlands 

serve a variety of ecological services 

including feeding downstream waters, 

trapping floodwaters, recharging 

groundwater supplies, removing 

pollution and providing fish and wildlife 

habitat. Wetlands can also be key drivers 

of local economies, given their 

importance to agriculture, recreation and 

fishing. 

According to Wetlands 

International, a global non-profit 

dedicated to the conservation and 

restoration of wetlands around the world, 

wetlands are on the “front-line” as 

development pressures increase 

everywhere. “Wetlands are vulnerable to 

over-exploitation due to their abundance 

of fish, fuel and water,” reports the group, 

which works on the ground in 18 

countries to educate the public and 

policymakers about the health of local 

wetlands and to advocate for better 

policies. “When they are viewed as 

unproductive or marginal lands, 

wetlands are targeted for drainage and 

conversion.” 

“The rate of loss and 

deterioration of wetlands is accelerating 

in all regions of the world,” the group 

adds. “The pressure on wetlands is likely 

to intensify in the coming decades due to 

increased global demand for land and 

water, as well as climate change.” 

The widespread expansion of 

development in the U.S. in recent 

decades has brought the issue of 

wetlands loss to the forefront of debates 

on zoning and land use planning. One of 

the key and underlying issues is concern 

about endangered species: More than a 

third of species on the U.S. Endangered 

Species List live only in wetlands and 

almost half use them at some time during 

their lifecycles. 

While the issue lingers on in 

municipal planning meetings around the 

country, the federal government does 

what it can to protect wetlands. It does so 

through regulations spelled out in the 

Clean Water Act, which include providing 

tax incentives for selling or giving 

wetlands to land trusts or other 

conservation groups, via cooperative 

efforts with state and local entities, and 

by acquiring wetlands outright to add 

acreage to public lands systems. And 

several states have passed laws to 

regulate activities in wetlands, and many 

municipalities include wetlands 

conservation in their development 

permitting and zoning processes. 

Readers can do their part by 

staying current on local zoning laws, 

keeping an eye on local wetlands and 

speaking up if something looks amiss. 

Potential problems are much easier to 

resolve early on than after damage is 

done, so speaking up soon can often 

lead to more successful and less 

contentious outcomes. 

CONTACTS: EPA Wetlands, 

water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/; Wetlands 

International, www.wetlands.org. 

Dear EarthTalk: What is the “All One 

Ocean” campaign? --Bill O’Neill, 

Los Angeles, CA 

All One Ocean is a non-profit 

campaign launched in 2010 by long-time 

author, activist and organizer Hallie 

Austen Iglehart with the goal of reducing 

the amount of plastic and other trash that 

ends up in the ocean where it 

compromises the health of marine 

wildlife and ecosystems. Iglehart was 

incensed to learn that a million seabirds 

and 100,000 marine mammals and 

turtles die each year from ingesting 

plastic in the water column—and created 

All One Ocean to do something about it. 

Contrary to popular myth that 

most ocean pollution is oil spilled from 

ships, most of it is land-based litter. “The 

most dangerous litter is our throw-away 

plastic because of its longevity and 

capacity to increase in toxicity, eventually 

returning to the human food chain in a 

more lethal form,” reports Iglehart. 

“Much of our plastic ends up in 

the ocean in giant collections of trash 

called gyres, created by circular ocean 

currents,” she adds. “They trap debris for 

decades where it continues to break into 

ever smaller, more toxic pieces, never 

fully biodegrading.” Of particular 

concern to Iglehart is the fact that much 

of this carelessly discarded plastic winds 

up in the bellies of marine life, 

contaminating not just ocean 

ecosystems but in some cases the very 

seafood on our dinner plates. 

The main project of All One 

Ocean is the creation and maintenance 

of permanent, community supported 

Beach Clean Up Stations, which are 

essentially boxes containing reusable 

bags for beach visitors to use in picking 

up trash during their time on the sand 

and in the surf. The idea is to empty any 

garbage into a trash can somewhere (so 

it can find its way to a landfill instead of 

out into the ocean) and then ideally 

return the bag empty to the box. Each 

clean-up station also provides a sign with 

information on the extent of the problem 

and other ways individuals can help. The 

idea, according to Iglehart, is to provide 

“a simple, doable way for people to have 

fun cleaning up trash as they enjoy their 

beach activities.” 

“The Beach Clean Up Station is 

a practical way to insure that clean up is 

happening everyday on all our beaches,” 

says Iglehart. “Like ‘adopt a highway’ 

campaigns, Beach Clean Up Stations 

create community around care for and 

education about these clean up hubs.” 



Wetlands serve a variety of important 

ecological functions including feeding 

downstream waters, trapping floodwaters, 

recharging groundwater supplies, removing 

pollution and providing fish and wildlife 

habitat. Credit: Stock Photo 

She would like to see Beach 

Clean Up Stations in place at coastal 

and even freshwater beaches all around 

the world, but for now the group is 

starting out in Northern California. The 

first one was put in place at Limantour 

Beach at the Point Reyes National 

Seashore in Marin County there, with 

several following at other San Francisco 

Bay area beaches. Iglehart hopes the 

fFrom Page 5 Honoured by FAMAS 

Academy of Letters, the Filipino 

Solidarity Cooperative, and the Laging 

Handa Scout Group 0592. She was also 

given recognition as one of the 20 

Outstanding Filipinos in 2000 by the 

Binibining Pilipinas of the World 

Pageant in Toronto and one of the 20 

Filipinos awarded by the Fil-Am Image 

Magazine in Washington in 2008, known 

as TOFA. The latest award came from 

FAMAS as one of the 50 awardees 

during its 50th anniversary celebration 

last June 15th. 

Gilmore College International, 

presently located on Queen Mary Road, 

will be celebrating its silver anniversary 

on November 1, 2014 as it was first 

opened to the public on November 1, 

1989 at its original location on Girouard 

Ave nue in NDG. Ms. Kharroubi hopes 

that all alumni, students and teachers 

alike and their friends with their families, 

will reserve this special day and join in 

the big celebration to be held in a 

reception hall nearby. A yearbook of all 

alumni and current students will also be 

prepared to serve as a souvenir of the 

only privately owned college founded by 

a Filipino-Canadian in Quebec. 

WILFRED G. QUIAMBAO 

Quiambao, who hails from 

Manila, was a third year commerce 

student at the Far Eastern University 

when he switched to Journalism at the 

Lyceum of the Philippines because of his 

passion for writing. 

"I took commerce because I 

thought then that finishing course would 

be the easiest way to find a job and 

make money," said Quiambao. "But I 

wasn't happy. When my father died, I 

switched to Journalism. I didn't care if I 

became a starving artist as long as I 

DR. EMILIA ESPIRITU 

CHIRURGIEN DENTISTE / DENTAL 

SURGEON 

5790 Cote des Neiges Rd Suite A-024 

MONTREAL, QUEBEC 

H3S 1Y9 


campaign will encourage people to 

reconsider their consumption of single 

use plastics, since the production and 

distribution of such items contributes not 

just to the demise of the oceans but also 

to increased global warming. 

Unlike many environmental 

issues that seem beyond our control, 

cleaning up beaches is something 

anyone can do and indeed every little bit 

helps. “Every tiny piece of human trash 

picked up,” Iglehart reminds us, “is one 

less toxin in someone’s stomach.” 

CONTACT: All One Ocean, 

www.alloneocean.org. 

EarthTalk® is written and edited by 

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a 

registered trademark of E - The 

Environmental Magazine 

(www.emagazine.com). Send questions 

to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. 

S u b s c r i b e : 

www.emagazine.com/subscribe.com/trial 

. 

enjoyed what I was doing. Money is 

important but it can't always make you 

happy. In the end, I followed my heart" 

After graduation from college, 

he came to Canada in 1969. He worked 

as an export clerk for a customer broker 

and several steamship companies. In 

1996, he broke down the barriers when 

he became the first and only Filipino 

freelance writer for the Montreal Gazette. 

Through his writings, he was able to 

promote the Filipino leaders in the 

community and the Philippines' culture. 

He also covered other ethnic groups' 

community news. 

In 1996, he served as the PRO 

and grant coordinator of the Federation 

of Filipino-Canadian Associations of 

Quebec. But before joining the 

Federation, he was an active member of 

Asian Heritage, a group of artists who 

promote their heritage. 

It was his experience with the 

group that he got the idea of holding a 

multicultural show for the past few years 

to promote our culture and learn those of 

others. We have to embrace everybody 

- white, black, brown. 

Currently, he is a volunteer 

writer for the North American Filipino 

Star, covering community news. His 

column, Personality of the Month, 

features the accomplishments and 

inspirational stories of the youth and 

unknown members of the community. 

There are interesting people in our 

community that are not given enough 

recognition and exposure. 

Quiambao, who occasionally 

works as a court interpreter, is a recipient 

of an award in Toronto, one of the Ten 

Most Outstanding Filipinos in Canada, 

and two Plaques of Recognition from the 

Federation for his valuable contributions 

to the community. 

PHONE: 514-340-8222 (4077) 

E-Mail: dr_e_pin@yahoo.ca


7 

Mga kapalpakan sa 

FAMAS Awards 

PASAKALYE NG PAGBATI – Bago ako 

tuluyang pumalaot sa dagat ng 

napipintong kontrobersiya, nais ko 

munang batiin ang mga sumusunod 

na FAMAS Awards recipient: Reuben 

Santos, Willie Quiambao, Maggie 

Calcetas, Alice Bustamante, James 

dela Paz, Zeny Kharroubi, Dick Ribaya, 

Bert Abiera at Myrna Francisco. Batay 

sa kanilang mga nagawa para sa 

ikabubuti ng FAMAS at ng komunidad, 

nararapat lamang na sila’y gawaran ng 

naturang parangal. 

******* 

MAY BAGONG KAMPEON NG 

KAPALPAKAN – Sa rami ng 

ginawang kapalpakan ng mga 

namahala ng nakaraang FAMAS 

Awards, naagaw na nila sa mga 

namahala ng Maharlika Award ang 

kampeonato ng kapalpakan. 

Kapalpakan Number 1 – Ang 

pagpipilit nila na 50 ang mga 

pararangalan ganung napakaliit lang 

naman ang populasyon ng mga 

Pilipino sa Montreal; 

Kapalpakan Number 2 – Ininsulto 

nila ang orihinal at opisyal na 29 

nominees nang sila’y namulot ng mga 

tao na hindi naman nominated. Silasila 

na lamang ang nagdisisyon para 

lamang masunod ang gusto nila na 50 

awardees. 

Ganun din lamang pala ang 

kanilang gagawin, sana’y sila na 

lamang ang pumili ng lahat ng 50 

awardees sa simulang-simula pa. Di 

man sinasadya, lumalabas ngayon na 

isa ring lutong Makaw o isang 

malaking farce o zarzuela ang FAMAS 

Awards. Umasa ako na maiiba iyon sa 

Maharlika Award na biglang nawalan 

ng kinang at dangal nang ito’y ibigay 

ng mga mapagpanggap sa isa sa 

kanilang uri. 

Kapalpakan Number 3 — Isinama 

nila sa listahan ng mga pararangalan 

ang isang naging contestant sa isang 

paligsahan sa pag-awit at sa kabila ng 

Recognized by SAAQ & AQTR 

4649 Ave Van Horne, Suite 23, 

Montreal, Quebec 

Metro: Plamondon 

514-402-9594 / 514-883-3526 

katotohanan na wala pa naman s’ya 

talagang nagagawa sa ikabubuti ng 

FAMAS at ng komunidad. Ni hindi pa 

yata s’ya miyembro ng FAMAS. 

Kapalpakan Number 4 – 

Binalewala nila ang walong buwang 

pagsasakripisyo ni Budz Sarmiento 

noong s’ya ay miyembro ng FAMAS 

Committee on Constitution and Bylaws 

para lamang magkaroon ang FAMAS 

ng tama at matatag, kundiman 

perpekto, na saligang-batas. 

Hindi rin nila binigyan ng 

kabuluhan ang kanyang paninindigan 

na gawin ang eleksyon sa St. Kevin’s 

Church Social Hall sa kabila ng 

matinding pagtutol ng mga 

traditionalist na nagpilit na huwag alisin 

ang eleksyon sa Mackenzie King Park 

na kung saan idinaos ang eleksyon 

nang maraming taon. Naging mas 

hamak na maayos, mas 

kapanipaniwala at mas tahimik ang 

nakaraang eleksyon. Wala na ngayong 

nagsasabi na ibalik ang eleksyon sa 

Mackenzie King Park. 

Hindi rin nila kinilala ang 

matapang na pamumuno ni Sarmiento 

laban sa pandaraya nang hatulan n’ya 

ng pagkakasala ang mga kandidato ng 

isang partikular na partido sanhi ng 

kanilang paglabag sa mga alituntunin 

noong nakaraang eleksyon ng FAMAS. 

Ngayon, kung kinilala nila ang isang 

tao na wala namang nagawa na 

merong kinalaman sa ikauunlad ng 

FAMAS at ng komunidad, bakit hindi 

nila kinilala ang mga nagawa ni 

Sarmiento na malaki ang kinalaman sa 

ikabubuti ng FAMAS at ng komunidad? 

Kapalpakan Number 5 – 

Sinasadya man ng mga namahala ng 

FAMAS Awards o hindi, di patas ang 

trato nila sa publisher at editor-in-chief 

ng Filipino Star na si Ms. Zeny F. 

Kharroubi kumpara sa ibang 

awardees. Maraming mahahalagang 

inpormasyon, tulad ng educational and 

professional background, ang 

• 24 hrs in class & 

15 hours actual driving 

(New Program) 

• Refresher course & 

Accompanied Driver 

• Car rental for road test 

•Preparation for 

knowledge test 

• Payment plan available 


kanilang inalis sa kanyang write-up sa 

souvenir program. Hindi nila iyon 

ginawa sa ibang honorees, partikular 

na sa kanilang mga kaibigan, kaya 

kapansin-pansin ang kanilang dipantay 

na pagtingin. 

Hindi lamang iyon, mas malaki 

at mas malinaw pa ang fonts na 

ginamit nila sa mga write-up ng iba 

kesa sa ginamit nila kay Gng. 

Kharroubi. Sa aking palagay, 

minaltrato nila ang publisher at chief 

editor ng pahayagang ito. 

******* 

DI DUMALO DAHIL PUWERADO 

– Sa aking pananaw, tama at 

makatarungan ang desisyon ng mga 

namahala ng FAMAS Awards na hindi 

isama ang isang mapagpanggap na 

lider ng komunidad sa hanay ng mga 

Pinoy na pinarangalan ng Filipino 

Association of Montreal and Suburbs 

(FAMAS) noong ika-15 ng Hunyo. Isa 

sanang malakas na sampal sa mukha 

ng mga tunay na nagtaguyod sa 

FAMAS at mga pinuno nito kung 

naisama ang naturang mapagpanggap 

na lider sa mga binigyan ng parangal. 

Ang parangal ay isa sa mga 

pangunahing tampok ng ika-50 taong 

anibersaryo ng pagkatatag ng 

nasabing asosasyon noong 1963. 

Iginawad ang parangal bilang 

pagkilala sa mga tao na nagkusangloob 

na magbigay ng kanilang lakas at 

panahon upang mapaunlad di lamang 

ang FAMAS kundi pati na rin ang 

buong komunidad ng mga Pilipino sa 

Montreal at mga karatig nito. 

Maliban sa ilang kapwa 

mapagpanggap at nabubulagang 

kaalyado ng tinanggihang nominee, 

walang Pinoy sa Montreal ang 

sumasang-ayon na nararapat bigyan 

ng ganoong uri ng parangal ang 

tinutukoy kong tao dahil bukod sa wala 

naman s’ya talagang nagawang 

mabuti at natatangi ay ubod pa ng 

sinungaling at mapagmataas. Sa totoo 

lang puro lamang pagmamalabis at 

paninirang-puri ng kapwa Pilipino sa 

Montreal ang kanyang inatupag sa 

nakaraang ilang dekada. 

Ang napuwerang nominee ay 

kolumnista sa nag-iisang 

malabasurang pahayagan sa 

komunidad. Mahilig s’yang sumulat at 

mangaral tungkol sa pagkamaka- 

Diyos, pagpapatawad, pagkakaisa, 

katapatan, pagmamahal, pagkamaunawain 

at kung anu-ano pang mga 

magagandang katangian o ugali ng 

isang tao subali’t palagi namang 

kabaligtaran ang kanyang ginagawa 

sa kanyang kapwa, lalung-lalo na sa 

mga taong nakakasagabal sa kanyang 

mga maiitim na adhikain. 

NOTARY 

M tre. Peter Dimacopoulos 

Real Estate Contracts, Mortgages, Wills, Power of Attorney 

Tel.:514-824-9336 

Nguni’t ayon sa isang makulit 

at abusadong punong-patnugot na isa 

sa mga pangunahin at panatikong 

kaalyado at tagapagtanggol ng 

tinanggihang nominee, isa raw 

malaking pagkakamali at katangahan 

ang desisyon na hindi isinama ang 

kanilang idolo sa mga pinarangalan ng 

FAMAS dahil tumanggap na raw ito ng 

napakaraming parangal, tulad ng 

Woman of the Year at Maharlika Award 

na ayon sa kanya ay ang 

pinakaprestisyoso sa lahat ng mga 

parangal. 

Nakakatawa at walang saysay 

ang kanyang katuwiran dahil puro 

kuwestyonable ang character ng mga 

tao na may kinalaman sa nasabing 

mga award, kasama na s’ya sa mga 

iyon. At saka wala namang ginawang 

masusing paghahanap at pagsusuri ng 

mga kandidato sa dalawang nabanggit 

na parangal. Isa pa, ang presidente ng 

organisasyon na namahala ng 

Maharlika Award noong panahong 

iyon ay mismong kalaguyo ng napiling 

kandidato; ang isang libong dolyar na 

gantimpala ay galing sa tiyahin o 

malapit na kamag-anak ng nabanggit 

na punong-patnugot; at ang mga 

hurado ay pawang malalapit niyang 

kaibigan. Sa maikling salita, ang 

paggawad ng Maharlika Award ay 

lutong Makaw. 

Ang Woman of the Year Award 

naman na tinanggap ng pekeng lider 

ay galing mismo sa naturang punongpatnugot 

na walang moral authority na 

magbigay ng ganoong parangal dahil 

s’ya mismo ay walang dangal. Bantog 

na bantog s’ya sa kanyang 

kasinungalingan at kahambugan, at 

ilang beses na rin s’yang binalaan ng 

Press Council of Quebec dahil sa 

kanyang mga paulit-ulit na paglabag 

sa mga alituntunin ng pamamahayag. 

Sa kabilang dako, nagkamali ang mga 

namahala ng FAMAS Awards sa 

kanilang desisyon na isali sa mga 

pinarangalan ang isang tao na wala 

pang K (karapatan) na tumanggap ng 

ganoong parangal. Hindi ako sang-ayon 

na dahil lamang sa s’ya ay naging kalahok 

sa La Voix (katumbas ng The Voice, 

ang sumisikat na television singing 

contest sa US) ay napabilang na s’ya 

kaagad sa FAMAS Awards. Kahit na 

naging kampeon pa s’ya, dangan nga’t 

hindi naman, hindi pa rin s’ya 

nararapat sa ganoong klaseng 

pagbubunyi dahil wala pa s’yang 

achievement na talagang nakatulong 

sa FAMAS at komunidad. Sa aking 

opinyon, ang pagiging contestant ng 

isang Pinoy ay hindi sapat para s’ya 

See Page 9 Beyond the Pale

8 

From Page 1 Applebaum arrested 

and corruption in municipal affairs. 

"I want to be clear that I have 

never taken a penny from anybody," 

Applebaum said at a news conference, 

where he didn't take questions. "I 

would like to tell Montrealers that I love 

them, that I understand their 

frustration, their deception and 

cynicism with the political climate of 

the last few years." 

A high-profile public inquiry in 

Quebec province has uncovered links 

between the construction industry and 

organized crime. 

Officials have offered few 

details on the charges against 

Applebaum but said they relate to real 

estate projects between 2006 and 

2011, when he served as borough 

mayor. 

After his arrest on Monday, 

local politicians and the provincial 

government called on him to step 

down. "I don't think he really has a 

choice," Quebec Premier Pauline 

Marois said in response to a reporter's 

question. 

The Quebec government on 

Tuesday urged city councilors to 

ensure a smooth transition as they 

choose someone to run the city until 

the next election, set for November. 

Applebaum had already promised not 

to run. 

Signs of trouble arrived soon 

after he took office. Anti-corruption 

officials raided City Hall in February. 

They also targeted offices in various 

boroughs, including the one 

Applebaum represented for many 

years. 

Applebaum and his 

predecessor, Tremblay, were part of 

the same political party, Union 

Montreal, which dissolved last month. 

Richard Bergeron, the leader of the 

opposition Projet Montreal party, said 

the city council has to look to someone 

not affiliated with Union Montreal to 

lead the city on an interim basis. 

"We have just gone through 

another episode in the horror story," 

Bergeron said. "Let's hope this is the 

last episode." 

Michel Nadeau, executive 

manager at the Montreal-based 

Institute for Governance of Private and 

Public Organizations, said the city's 

next leader faces a major challenge in 

rebuilding public trust. 

"We will debate over the next 

few months about the importance of 

credibility and honesty and integrity," 

Nadeau said. 

In the neighboring province of 

Ontario, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is 

embroiled is his own scandal, amid 

allegations that the leader of Canada's 

largest city appeared in a video 

smoking crack cocaine. The video has 

not been released publicly. 



Need Money? 


Erratum: Photo shows from left: Zenaida Kharroubi, Ms. Patricia 

O’Connor, Maggie Calcetas, and Dr. Emmett Francoeur who was 

incorrectly identified as Mr. Gerald Perron in the previous issue of the 

Star. 

Armenda Tula (center) blowing her birthday candle . She is surround by her classmates in 

French at Gilmore College International. Photo taken on June 10, 2013. 

Do you have a full time job? 

If yes, call (514) 344-1499 

AND GET CASH NOW! 

Good & Bad Credit Accepted

June 2013 9 


From Page 7 Beyond the Pale 

parangalan nang ganoong kataas na 

antas. 

******* 

MAG-ALA CHARICE KAYA S’YA? – 

Sa unang dalawang linggo ng 

kasalukuyang buwan, laman ng mga 

peryodiko, radyo at telebisyon sa buong 

mundo ang tungkol sa pag-amin ni 

Charice Pempengko sa tunay n’yang 

kasarian. Palibhasa’y tungkol sa isang 

sikat na Filipino international singer na 

inaanak pa umano ng super sikat at 

super rich Oprah Winfrey at protégé ng 

piyanistang David Foster na isa ring sikat 

na Hollywood celebrity, kinuyog ng mga 

Pinoy reporter ang paglutang ni Charice 

na s’ya ay isang lesbian. 

Aminin din kaya ng isang 

sinawingpalad na nominee sa FAMAS 

Awards ang kanyang sariling kasarian? 

Kuyugin din kaya ng mga Pinoy sa 

Montreal ang kanyang pahayag? Ilathala 

kaya ng “there’s nothing like it” at 

numero unong pahayagang Pilipino sa 

buong Canada (according to its braggart 

owner) ang ukol doon? Ang hula ko 

“Hindi” ang sagot sa lahat ng aking mga 

tanong. 

Nagpupuyos daw sa galit ang 

kawawang nilalang nang s’ya ay 

maitsapuwera sa awards na ginanap 

noong Hunyo 15 sa Hellenic Community 

Center. Isa nga naman s’yang Maharlika 

(pronounced “maawa ka”) awardee 

pagkatapos ay di s’ya napili ng hurado 

ng FAMAS Awards. Nakakagalit nga 

iyon, pero s’ya rin naman ang may 

kagagawan ng kanyang pagkatalo. 

Bukod sa wala naman talaga s’yang 

kapuri-puring ginawa sa komunidad, 

napakahipokrito pa at parang walang 

pinag-aralan. 

******* 

GAYA-GAYA, PUTO MAYA – Kaaappoint 

lang nina Angie Ogerio at Neil 

Castro sa FAMAS Committee on 

Elections (COMELEC) noong nakaraang 

Abril, pero isinuko na nila kaagad ang 

kanilang mga puwesto sa di-malamang 

dahilan. Hindi man lamang uminit ang 

kanilang mga upuan sa meeting room 

ng FAMAS Community Center. Ilang 

linggo pagkatapos ng aking pagbibitiw, 

nagbitiw na rin sila. Napayabang lamang 

yata sila nang tanggapin nila ang 

kanilang appointment. O maaaring 

nawalan sila ng gana na manatili sa 

COMELEC nang ako’y mag-resign. 

Dalawang beses lamang kaming 

nagkamitingan nina Ogerio at Castro 

bago ako napilitan at tuluyang magbitiw 

sa naturang komite noong Mayo sanhi 

ng mga magkakahalong dahilan. Ang 

pinakamalaki sa mga dahilang iyon ay 

ang pagkamatay ng aking ina at 

kinailangan kong tumigil sa Pinas nang 

mahigit dalawang buwan mula Mayo 

hanggang Hulyo 2013. 

Bagama’t napakaikli ang 

panahon ng pagpapalitan namin ng 

aming kakayahan at talino, nalaman ko 

na kaagad kung gaano ka-fussy at kaunreasonable 

si Ogerio. Maging ang 

salitang “Certificate” sa “Certificate of 

Candidacy” ay gusto n’yang palitan ng 

salitang “Application” dahil, ayon sa 

kanya, ang pagkandidato raw ay parang 

nag-a-apply ng trabaho. Dahil doon 

mas appropriate raw ang “Application for 

Candidacy.” Pero nang ipaliwanag ko sa 

kanya na “Certificate of Candidacy” ang 

ginagamit sa United States at 

Philippines, bigla s’yang tumahimik na 

parang pinitpit na luya. Hindi s’ya 

kinatigan ng apat pa naming kamiyembro 

kaya napilitan s’ya na ilaglag 

ang kanyang suhestyon. 

Si Castro naman ay wala nang 

hindi sinang-ayunan sa mga sinabi o 

panukala ni Ogerio. Halatang-halata na 

pinag-aayuan nila ako dahil wala na 

silang nagustuhan sa aking mga 

suhestyon. Sa aking palagay, bunga 

iyon ng kanilang pagiging miyembro ng 

Partido Samahang Makabayan at 

sinusunod lamang nila ang linya ng 

kanilang partido na ako’y patalsikin. 

Pero matapos marinig ni Castro ang 

aking paliwanag tungkol sa 150-vote 

deduction at ang desisyon ng 

COMELEC ukol dito, tumahimik na 

lamang s’ya at hindi na nakipagtalo. 

Para sa akin, tanda iyon na naliwanagan 

na rin sa wakas ang kanyang isipan 

tungkol sa naturang kontrobersya na pilit 

na ginagawang black propaganda ng 

isang makulit na punong-patnugot laban 

sa kolumnistang ito. END 

The Divine Paradox of Winning by Losing 

I asked God for strength that I might achieve. 

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey... 

I asked for health, that I might do greater things; 

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things... 

I asked for riches, that I might be happy; 

I was given poverty, that I might be wise... 

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men, 

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. 

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, 

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things... 

I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I had hoped for. 

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. 

I am among men, most richly blessed. ( 

Anonymous 

(Reprinted from” Leaders Leading Leaders” 


Loans available for professional 

immigrants to help them upgrade 

their credentials 

Increasing need for qualified 

professionals: ACEM makes available 

1.5 million dollars in loans for 

professional immigrants who want to 

update their foreign credentials 

Montreal, May 28th 2013 –The 

Montreal Community Loan Fund 

(ACEM) in partnership with Desjardins 

and Compagnie-F (Entrepreneurship 

PIERRE ARCAND 

Député de Mont-Royal 

Porte-parole de l'opposition officielle 

pour la métropole et le Conseil du 

trésor 

5005 Jean-Talon Ouest, bur. 326 

Montréal, QC H4P 1W7 

514-341-1151 

for Women) is pleased to announce the 

launch of NEWSRELEASE an 

innovative project of loans for 

professional immigrants who want to 

update their foreign credentials, to help 

them access the Quebec job market. 

This project, supported by the 

See Page 10 Loans for Immigrants 

Wishing you all a 

Happy 115th Philippine 

Independence Day 

Mabuhay! 

Kalman Samuels, Q.C. 

& Associates, s.e.n.c. 

Attorneys 

• Family Law • Litigation • Immigration 

www.kalmansamuels.com Tel. : 514-939-1200

10 

Al Abdon 

Simple tips of taking groups photos 

Group photos are inevitable on any 

occasion or event because it captures 

images for souvenirs, archives and 

keepsakes. Here are tips in taking 

group photos which will help you 

create a wonderful pictures to show 

off! 

1) Squish your groups together 

Most likely, even though they are family 

they won’t be getting close enough. 

Maybe it’s an American personal 

space thing, but it’s always been an 

issue for me and having everyone in 

tight truly makes a difference in the 

tone of the picture. When families are 

physically close, it emits a warmth and 

visually shows what families should be 

like…close. Even if you are 

photographing the Adam’s family, 

when you get everyone rubbing 

shoulders they look like a model family 

and the overall composition is more 

finished than a typical snapshot. As a 

starter, try having people stand at slight 

angles with shoulders overlapping. 

Also, consider the age of your family. If 

Lola & Lolo are present, make sure you 

have a chair for them. 

2) Do coordinate clothing 

When you group people together. 

Make sure that you distribute the 

colors of their dress and shirt to avoid 

an overlap of the same color scheme. 

3) Do check the screen for blinking 

This situation is very common among 

people to blink to a camera flash. 

Shooting two people is ok because 

right away you can see if the person 

blinks. But for a large group, its near 

impossible to check each one of them 

unless they are patient to wait of a 2nd 

Ask the 

Video Guy 

shot. I will do is to take at least 3 shots. 

Then choose the best photos after at 

home. 

4.) Do try and blur the background 

If you are using DSLR cameras with 

aperture control, choose the largest 

aperture setting you can, while still 

keeping everyone sharp. An aperture 

of 2.8 might make the trees and 

shrubbery look silky smooth, but it 

might make Tiyo Ruben at the end of 

the line look fuzzy. This is especially a 

problem when everyone is standing on 

different focal planes. The solution is 

often to shoot a few clicks smaller than 

the lenses widest aperture, then use 

the preview screen and zoom button 

on your camera to make sure everyone 

is looking good. Then adjust and 

continue. If you’re really serious about 

this, 

5.) Check ALL your basic camera 

settings before clicking away 

ISO (go as low as possible), Image 

Size (RAW, fine), Exposure 

Compensation & Metering for DSLR 

users and for small RF digital cameras, 

make sure your flash is on auto on all 

occasion. On evening parties I would 

recommend manual flash to ensure 

proper lighting on subjects. 

6.) Make sure their heads are directed 

to you. 

Most of the time people tilt their heads 

without knowing and you on the other 

end can see it. Correct and makes sure 

all have an even direction facing your 

camera. 

Al Abdon 

Hollywood junkies Video & Photography 

(514) 264-8706 



From Page 9 Loans for Immigrants 

federal government will offer financial 

assistance of 1.5 million dollars for around 

200 professional immigrants. The 

maximum loan for an individual is fixed 

at $10,000. In addition, these 

professionals can obtain technical 

assistance and support. 

Flexible loan repayment 

schedules, loan disbursements 

adapted to needs and an interest rate 

of 4% make this program an interesting 

offer for those who want to obtain 

recognition of their professional 

experience abroad. This service is 

offered in Greater Montreal, the 

Laurentians and Quebec City, thanks 

to our partnership with members of the 

Quebec community credit network. 

Professional foreign nurses 

have been able to benefit from this 

program. Rosa moved to Canada from 

Iran in search of a better life a year ago. 

Her Masters degree in Nursing was 

recognized by the Quebec Nursing 

Order -‘Ordre des infirmières et 

infirmiers du Québec’. They gave her a 

prescription of courses and internship 

to do. She joined the Professional 

Integration Program for Internationally 

Educated Nurses at John Abbott 

College and is also working on her 

French. ACEM lent Rosa about$4000 

for purchasing a computer and exam 

fees 

"With a shortage of skilled 

labor and an aging workforce, Quebec 

needs trained professionals to 

successfully integrate into the labor 

market. We are proud to bring our 

expertise and know-how in community 

financing, to immigrants who are eager 

to upgrade the skills they have gained 

abroad. This is a win-win situation for 

all, "says Ms. Anne Kettenbeil, 

RESTAURANT 

LA MAISON NEW KUM MON 

6565 Côte-des-Neiges Road 

(near Corner Appleton) 

Montreal, QC 

Bean Curd Seafood Soup 

1/2 Crispy Chicken 

Salt and Pepper Pork Loin 

Stuffed Bean Curd with 

Shrimps 

Sauted Seasonal Vegetables 

Steamed Rice 

$45.95 

4 persons 

Bean Curd Soup 

1/2 Crispy Chicken 

Shrimp Cake with Chinese 

Broccoli 

Sweet and Sour Pork 

Seafood with Bean Curd in 

Hot Pot 

Salt and Pepper Squid 

Fried Sea Bass Fish $75.95 

Steamed Rice 6 persons 

FREE DELIVERY 

Minimum order of $10 

Delivery hours: 

11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 

Executive Director of ACEM. 

514-733-6029 

514-733-1067 

For party menu, call Kenny 


For further information, visit: 

www.acemcreditcommunautaire.qc.ca 

/rmce 

About ACEM: 

ACEM was founded in 1990 with 

$500,000 in loan capital from ethical 

investments financed by the 

community and private sector 

businesses. ACEM's objective is to 

provide credit to low-income persons, 

and to those who wish to start up a 

business but are excluded from the 

traditional financial system. It also 

finances community organizations. 

The 300 businesses, cooperatives and 

community organizations supported 

by ACEM's capital and personalized 

support services have generated in 

excess of $20 million in economic 

activity and favoured the creation and 

maintenance of nearly 1,400 jobs on 

Montreal Island. 

-30- 

For further information contact : 

Indu Krishnamurthy 

Project Coordinator, ACEM 

514 843-7296 

info@acemcreditcommunautaire.qc.ca 

Advertise 

your business 

in the 

North American 

Filipino Star 

514-485-7861 

5047 Henri Bourassa Est 

Montréal, QC H1G 2S1 

Tel.: (514) 322-3133, 322-3130 

Fish Maw Seafood Soup 

Baked Lobster with Ginger 

Seafood with Chinese 

Broccoli 

Salt and Pepper Cuttle Fish 

Fried Sea Bass Fish 

Steamed Rice $68.95 

4 persons 

Fish maw seafood soup 

2 Baked Lobsters with Ginger 

Seafood with Eggplant 

in Hot Pot 

Stuffed Bean Curd with 

Shrimp 

Seafood with Chinese broccoli 

Fried Sea Bass Fish 

House Fried Rice 

Special Fried Noodles $145.95 

10 persons


11 

Speech of Ms. Patricia O’Connor 

delivered at the FNAQ 21st 

Anniversary Gala, May 4, 2013 


See Page 14 Ms. O’Connor ‘s Speech 

Ecole de Conduite 

ECHO 

Certified by 

Driving School 

5871 Victoria, #219 

Montreal H3W 2R7 

514-731-8757 /514-961-0591 

echodrivingschool@hotmail.com 

$599+tax 

Summer Promotion 

•New Program (RSEP) 24 hrs theory 

•Free & Fast Road Test 

& 15 hrs practical driving 

booking appointment 

•Payment plan for new program 

•Have Filipino instructor 

•Instructors w/more than 10 yrs 

•Pratical Driving Package 

experience certified by AQTr 

We emphaszie quality of service and students’ satisfaction.

12 


North American 

FILIPINO STAR PHOTO GALLERY 



A group photo of all the awardees who attended the gala night celebrating the 50th Anniversary of FAMAS, the largest and oldest Filipino organization in Montreal. Some awardees were not 

able to attend. (Photo: Al Abdon) 

A former Montrealer, Aida D’Orazio, who now lives in Toronto, (3rd from left)smiles 

for the canera. Others in the photo: (L-R) Emma Resureccion, Zenaida Kharroubi, 

and Fely Rosales Carino. 

Members of the Philippine Chamber Rondalla of New Jersey, Inc. headed by Clarita Rams 

holding the Filipino Star, pose for souvenir with Zenaida Kharroubi, the Star’s chief editor. 

They provided one of the entertainment numbers during the evening. 

Ladies wearing their elegant evening gowns and Filipiniana dresses are: Amelia Anam Manon-og, Zenaida 

Ferry Kharroubi, Alicia Loyola Bustamante, Magdalena B. Calcetas, and Cresconia Fernandez. 

From left: Edith Fedalizo, Juvy Solis, Arlene Manalo, Zenaida Kharroubi, Halina Giembicki, 

Bogdan Giembicki, dance teacher from Ballroom Dancesport, and Grace Ban-coog, pose for 

souvenir of the Famas Golden Gala Night, June 15, 2013 at the Hellenic Community Center.

MARCH 2013 The North American Filipino Star 13 

If you can read, you can 

also learn how to write. 

Join a writing workshop 

that is 

• inter-active 

• insightful 

• multi-cultural 

• stimulating 

• practical 

• authentic 

Limited to 15 participants. 

Professor Isaac Goodine 

International Educator, Author of 

the book “Leaders Leading 

Leaders”, has delivered many 

workshops around the world. 

Writers Helping Writers Workshop 

Who is the workshop for? 

• open to all who write 

• anyone who needs to develop and use writing skills 

• professional writers, managers, novelists, business leaders, poets, 

lawyers, editors, professors, journalists, public speakers and anyone who 

needs to broaden their communication skills. 

This is a breakthrough idea. The writing workshop experience plants a seed 

that grows each time you write, long after the weekend workshop has 

concluded. You will gain special insights that open your creative self as you 

continue to write. You will be able to set and achieve personal goals to: 

•learn new and useful methods of solving problems in writing 

• increase your power to know what you want to say 

• increase your ability to put across persuasively what you have to say 

• enable you to see the actual relationship you have with your readers 

SEMINAR FEES: $495 (including taxes and materials) 

DURATION: 2 1/2 days - Friday evening, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Schedule: To be announced to registered participants 


(bet. Decarie & Coolbrook) 

(Snowdon Metro. Bus 51, 166) 

Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi, 

Editor & Publisher, The North American 


Director-General, Gilmore College 

International 

Workshop Coordinator 

Willie Quiambao, Zenaida Kharroubi, Maria Janice Galvez with her husband, and Fely Rosales 

Carino pose for souvenir of the FAMAS Golden Gala at the Hellenic Community Center. 

Dr. Gene Santander shaking the hand of Zenaid Kharroubi, one of the 50 awardees, after 

giving her a medal while Councilor Marvin Rotrand stands by. Councilor Marvin Rotrand is flanked by Willie Quiambao (left), community news editor of the 

Filipino Star, and Bert Abiera (on the right), former publisher of the same newspaper.

14 

From Page 11 Speech of Ms. O’Connor 



June 2013


15 

Philippine Cuisine 

and 

Favorite Food 

Pork loin 

Approximately 

15 lbs 

2 .99 lb 

Half or Whole 

pork 

Cut & Wrapped 

1. 

Beef 

Blade steak 

4 .99 lb 

Boneless Pork shoulder 

-$2.89 lb 

Fresh Pork Leg 

2 .29 lb 

Beef 

short ribs 

7 .99 lb 

Ground Beef 

3 .79 lb 4 .49 lb 

Frozen pork blood 

Fresh liver 

Pork skin 

Goat 

Available 

on order 

Compiled by Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi 

99 

Fresh Pork Belly 

with skin 

Asian fish fillet with coconut milk and snowpeas 

This is a one-skillet meal that uses the 

traditional Asian technique of steaming fish 

and vegetables. There’s little clean-up and 

you get the four food groups in one 

flavourful dish. 

Ingredients 

1 tbsp (15 mL) butter 

3 green onions, sliced 

1/2 cup (125 mL) sweet red pepper, diced 

or 

baby carrots, thinly sliced 

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, divided 

lb 

Mon. Tue. Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Thu. Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Sunday Closed 

Havelock 

203 

Over 20 lbs 4.29 lb 

St.Chrysostome St. Edouard 

St. Remi 

Sherrington 

Barrington 

Hemmingford 

Jackso 

n Road 

Malone 

1/8 tsp (0.50 mL) hot pepper flakes 

1 cup (250 mL) jasmine rice, rinsed 

1/4 cup (50 mL) unsweetened coconut, 

shredded 

1 cup (250 mL) water 

1 tbsp (15 mL) all-purpose flour 

2 cups (500 mL) milk 

2 cups (500 mL) snow peas, trimmed or 

green beans, chopped 

1 lb (500 g) thin skinless white fish fillets, 

(about 1/2 inch/1 cm thick), cut into 4 

pieces 

219 

Covey Hill Road 

Boucherie Viau Inc. 

BUSINESS HOURS 

83 Covey Hill, Hemmingford QC J0L 1H0 

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

219 

Moders 

Canada 

1 .99 Picnic Ham w/bone 

lb 

8 .49 Bone-in shoulder 

chops 

2.19 lb 

Home smoked 

meat 

lb 

Regular smoked 

bacon 

5 .49lb Ground Pork 

Special 2.29/lb 

U. S. A. 

202 

Parc 

Safari 

Class 

Champlain 

Napierville 

Lacolle 

Sortie 

Exit No.6 

15 


Pepper 

1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh cilantro, chopped or 

basil 

1 lime, cut into 4 wedges 

Did you know that bones regenerate 

constantly throughout one's life? 

Consuming milk products is important 

whatever your age. As the needs of the 

human body changes with age, so does 

the number of recommended daily 

servings. 

Preparation 

In a large skillet, melt butter over 

medium heat. Sauté green onions, red 

pepper or carrots, three-quarters of the salt 

and hot pepper flakes for 3 min or until 

softened. Stir in rice and coconut until 

coated. Add water and bring to a boil. 

Whisk flour into milk and pour into 

skillet, stirring. Bring to a simmer, stirring 

often. Cover, reduce heat to low and 

simmer for 5 min. 

Gently stir rice. Place fish fillets on 

top of rice; sprinkle with remaining salt and 

pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with snow peas. 

Cover and simmer, for 15 min or until rice is 

tender and fish flakes easily with a fork. 

Remove from heat and let stand for 5 min. 

Sprinkle with cilantro or basil. Serve with 

lime wedges to squeeze over top. 

Tips 

If you enjoy a little more heat, 

increase the hot pepper flakes to 1/4 tsp (1 

mL) or add hot pepper sauce to taste. 

Thin fish fillets work best for this 

recipe, such as tilapia, pickerel or Pacific 

cod. If your fillets are thicker than 1/2-inch 

(1 cm), add the fish to the rice, cover and 

simmer for 5 minutes, then add the snow 

peas and simmer for 15 minutes as 

directed to allow the fish to cook without 

overcooking the snow peas. 

When buying fish, be sure to 

choose a variety that is sustainable and 

ethically fished. 

Jasmine rice has a fragrant aroma 

and floral flavour and cooks quickly. It’s 

readily available at most major 

supermarkets. You can use long-grain 

parboiled (Converted) rice instead; just 

increase the water by 1/4 cup (50 mL) and 

simmer for 10 minutes before adding the 

fish. 

Pochero 

Ingredients 

1 lb pork belly, chopped 

2 medium tomatoes, diced 

1 medium onion, diced 

1 teaspoon garlic, minced 

2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons patis (fishsauce) 

1 tablespoon whole pepper corn 

1 small can tomato sauce 

1 cup chick peas (garbanzos) 

1 large plaintain banana (ripe), 

chopped 

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Recipe 

Pumpkin_Spice_Cheesecake Recipe 

Ingredients 

1 medium sized potato, cubed 

1 small cabbage, quartered 

1/4 lb long green beans 

1 bunch bok choy (pechay) 

1 cup water 

2 tablespoons cooking oil 

Cooking Procedure 

Heat cooking oil in a cooking pot. 

Sauté garlic, onions, and 

tomatoes 

Add pork and cook until the color 

turns light brown. 

Put-in fish sauce, whole pepper 

corn, and tomato sauce. Stir. 

Add water and let boil. Simmer 

until pork is tender (about 30 to 40 

minutes). 

Put-in potato, plantain, and chick 

peas. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. 

Add cabbage and long green 

beans. Cook for 5 minutes. 

Stir-in the bok choy. Cover the pot 

and turn off the heat. 

Let the residual heat cook the bok 

choy (about 5 minutes). 

Transfer to a serving plate and 

serve. 

Share and enjoy! 

Number of servings (yield): 4 

How to make Palitaw (Filipino desserts) 

Palitaw rolled in grated fresh coconut 

then sprinkled with a mixture of toasted 

sesame seeds and sugar 

Start by boiling water in a deep 

skillet, wok or saucepan. In a skillet (or 

using a seed toaster), toast some 

sesame seeds until lightly browned. Cool 

then combine with sugar. Measure the 

rice flour into a large bowl. 

Gradually add enough water to 

the rice flour to make a soft dough. 

Knead until smooth. Form into oval 

shapes (about 3.5" x 2") and flatten. Into 

the boiling water, drop the flattened disks 

of dough a few at a time. Simmer or 

poach for a few minutes. A good 

indication that they're cooked is when the 

cakes float or come to the surface. 

Take them out of the water with a 

slotted spoon and drain by pressing the 

back of the spoon against a dry clean 

towel. Coat both sides of the cakes with 

grated coconut. Sprinkle with the sugar 

& toasted sesame seeds mixture or serve 

on the side. Serve with extra grated 

coconut and sugar. 

Advertise in 

the North 

American 


514-485-7861

16 

From Page 14 Ms. O’Connor’s Speech 




Editor’s Note: The entire speech is reprinted here for the benefit of our readers, 

and upon request from Ms. Amy Manon-og, a nursing aide instructor at Gilmore 

College International, one of the 50 awardees of FAMAS. A summary of this speech 

appeared on the front page of the May 2013 issue of the Filipino Star. 

This speech outlines the invaluable contributions of Filipino-Canadian nurses which 

we are all proud of. We hope that more young people will choose this profession 

for its noble objectives of caring and helping people specially during their weakest 

moments when confined in hospitals across the country. Perhaps, we can inspire 

more young people to pursue a career in nursing to overcome our acute nursing 

shortage. Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi


17 

Cotler discusses current 

issues in the world 

By W. G. Quiambao 

In a brief and an informal press 

conference at Pusha Restaurant on June 

9, Irwin Cotler, MP for Town of Mount 

Royal and a Liberal Party's special adviser 

on Human Rights and International 

Justice, spoke before a small crowd about 

current issues in the world. 

Following his discussion on 

health care, violence against women and 

elderly, Cotler assured the crowd that the 

riding in Mount Royal maintains its 

credibility - culturally, territorially and 

socially. On a more serious note, Cotler, 

who introduced the legislation that will 

hold Iran accountable for the killing of 

H Ha a ap p pp p py p y 

5,000 political prisoners 25 years ago, said 

that the Canadian government became the 

MP of Mount Royal, Irwin Cotler, is surrounded by his constitutents, after the press 

conference 

first parliament in the world to establish 

Sept. 1 as Iranian Day. In addition, he 

talked about what is happening in Syria 

which is beyond belief. More than 100,000 

have been killed, four and half million have 

been displaced during the war there. 

Before ending the press 

conference, Cotler mentioned that when 

he was in Victoria, B. C., he saw how 

people there got excited and inspired 

when they met Justin Trudeau .They 

believe that he is the person who will 

change the human conditions in Canada. 

h 

5t 1 t 5t th thh 

11 1 15 5t 5t 5 th 

Wis Wi Wiiis 

shi sh shin 

hi hiin 

ng g y yo ou o u aal a ll l a 

5 Phi Ph Phh 

hiili 

il illli 

li 

ip ipp 

pp ppin 

pi p in 

e IIn Inde 

nd ndd 

de 

ep epp 

pe p pe 

en ende 

nd n de d e en nc c ce 

H Ha Haa 

ap p pp p py p y C Ca an a n na ada ad a da 

D ay 

! 

 

 

 


Updates on Ronald Santos 

W. G. Quiambao 

Ronald is the son of Reuben 

Santos, former president of the Filipino- 

Canadian Tennis Association of Montreal. 

A sociology and an anthropology graduate 

from Loyola University and owner of 

TRICAN Multimedia Solutions, Ronald was 

featured as Personality of the Month last 

June 2012. 

From April 2011 to May 2013, he 

worked as civilian consultant for Coffey 

consultant International Development 

based in London, England on a project 

called Helmand Monitoring and Evaluation 

Programme (HMEP), which evaluates the 

effectiveness of the activities of the 

Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team 

(HPRT). Because he was stationed at the 

H-PRT in Lash Kar Gah, Helmand 

Province, Afghanistan between 2011 and 

2012, he received two service medals, one 

from the North American Treaty 

Organization (NATO) and one from the 

United Kingdom. The Medal for ISAF 

(Afghanistan) is for supporting NATO 

operations in Afghanistan . The Civilian 

Service Medal (Afghanistan) is awarded by 

the British government to civilians (and 

some members of the UK Armed Forces) 

to recognize service since November 19, 

2001 in the transition to democracy in 

Afghanistan. 

The Helmand PRT is part of the 

North American Treaty Organization 

(NATO) international Security Assistance 

Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Headed by 

British diplomat Cationa Laing, it has over 

100 civilian and military core staff, mainly 

from the UK, Afghanistan, Denmark, 

Estonia and the USA. . It is funded by the 

UK, USA Danish and Estonian 

governments . The Provincial 

Ronaldo Santos (center) is flanked by his 

friends. 

Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Helmand 

coordinates international stabilization and 

development work across Helmand, 

working with the Government of 

Afghanistan. the ISAF elements in the 

Province partnered with their Afghanistan 

National Security Force (ANSF) 

counterparts and international donors. 

Ronald is working on a similar 

project for the Australian Government in 

Urugan Province, Afghanistan . He also 

works on a Peace Building and 

Governance in Islamabad, Pakistan. 

Learn to speak 

French the fast and 

easy way. 

Enroll at Gilmore 

College 

International 

Call for appointment 

514-485-7861 

D ay 

&

18 

FILIPINO STAR 

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

Richard takes a break, vows 

Sarah will return 

Kapuso star Richard Gutierrez 

chooses not to mind issues 

concerning his “off-shore” girlfriend, 

actress Sarah Lahbati, but guarantees 

her return to Manila. 

“I’m guaranteeing that Sarah will 

come back soon. She will answer all 

these questions personally,” the actor 

told entertainment writers on 

Thursday. He just arrived from visiting 

Sarah in Switzerland, where she had 

flown apparently to evade lawsuits 

filed by GMA 7. 

Late last May, the Makati City 

Prosecutor’s Office said it was 

supporting the libel case filed against 

Sarah in January by GMA 7 executive 

Annette Gozon-Abrogar. The Kapuso 

network also filed a P7-million civil suit 

for “specific performance with 

damages.” 

Richard reported that her 

controversial sweetheart was “doing 

well,” but refused to discuss the 

rumor circulating on Twitter that he 

had gotten the 19-year-old pregnant 

and that she had given birth. 

During Thursday’s media 

gathering for his latest movie “My 

Lady Boss,” Richard announced he 

was “taking a few months off.” 

Expired contract 

He said his contract with GMA 7 

expired last month, and that he 

needed only to finish promoting the 

movie. 

“I’ve been with the network for 11 

years. It’s going to be a long break,” 

he said. “I’m not closing my doors on 

anything; in fact, I see this as the 

perfect opportunity to assess my 

situation. I’ve done everything with 

GMA 7—movies, drama shows, 

documentaries, reality programs, 

game shows. I’ve had a full career 

with the network.” 

Sarah Lahbati with Richard Gutierrez 

Cut short 

The former “Captain Barbel” lead 

star said he had cut short his 

Switzerland trip to help promote “My 

Lady Boss,” whose screening was 

moved to July 3. 

“It’s my responsibility as an 

actor,” he pointed out, “my obligation 

to coactors, the director and 

producers.” 

Richard was hopeful that viewers 

would appreciate the Jade Castrodirected 

film, his first teamup in a long 

while with Marian Rivera. They were 

costars in the 2008 romantic comedy, 

“My Best Friend’s Girlfriend.” 

Different view 

Richard said his only hope for 

this new movie was that it would 

entertain the tandem’s supporters. “If 

we achieve this, I’ll be very proud, 

whether or not it does well in the box 

office.” 

“My Lady Boss” also features Tom 

Rodriguez, Rocco Nacino, Sef 

Cadayona, Ronaldo Valdez and 

Maricel Laxa. a 



"I’m the breadwinner. My family 

needs me.” 

This is actress Angel Locsin’s 

default reply to nonstop questions 

thrown her way about marriage 

plans. 

She can’t entertain the first 

thought about tying the knot with 

football player Phil Younghusband, 

her boyfriend of one year, Angel has 

been quoted as saying. 

At a recent media gathering for 

her June 26 movie “Four Sisters and 

a Wedding”—which also stars Bea 

Alonzo, Toni Gonzaga, Shaina 


Angel Locsin: “My family 

needs me” 

Angel with Phil 

Magdayao and Enchong Dee— 

Angel told reporters: “Settling down 

is a big decision that’s not easy to 

make. Every move I make depends 

on my family’s situation. Of course 

they want me to be happy, but my 

conscience would bother me unless 

I had given them everything I could.” 

She used to dream about having 

her own family at age 22. Now, at 28, 

Angel joked, she was way past her 

deadline. But she’s not about to rush 

into marriage. “It will come,” she 

said. “And when it does, I want me 

and my family to be ready.” 

The wait was not so bad, Angel 

quipped, “It gets more exciting with 

each passing day!” 

She would like to have a 

traditional wedding (and she hopes 

it’s all right with Phil). She told the TV 

news program “Bandila”: “I’m a 

simple person. I just want my loved 

ones to be there.” 

In “Four Sisters,” a family 

comedy-drama, Angel portrays Alex, 

a Manila-based indie film assistant 

director. She said the Star Cinema 

movie was a much-needed breather 

from heavy-drama projects. “It was a 

pleasant surprise. I didn’t know it 

was possible to go home happy and 

refreshed after a full day’s work.” a


19 

Maricar Reyes and Richard Poon wedding photos 

Actress-model Maricar Reyes 

and singer Richard Poon tied the 

knot on Sunday (June 9) in a 

Christian wedding ceremony held at 

the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, 

Muntinlupa. 

A private ceremony that is, 

present at the venue are the families 

and close friends of both Maricar 

and Richard, one of the wishes of 

the couple when they were still 

planning the wedding. 

"Gusto namin sana ganoon, e, 

kaunti lang ang mga guest... kasi 

personal belief ko lang, I think 

pareho kami, na dapat na sa 

wedding lang mostly are the people 

na were there for you nung wala ka 

pa, wala kang success, wala kang 

pera. I think those are the people 

who matter," Richard said in one of 

his interviews. 

The Reyes-Poon nuptial, which 

was initially planned to be a beach 

wedding, has black and white as its 

motif. 

Richard and Maricar started 

dating in 2010 and became a couple 

in 2012. The two got engaged this 

year. Check out some of the photos 

from Richard Roon and Maricar 

Reyes wedding (courtesy of Star 

Magic) 

Congratulations to the newly-weds 

and best wishes! a 

Marian Rivera vows to make peace with Mother Lily 

‘It’s all been just a misunderstanding; I’m going to woo her’ 

Marian Rivera 

All is well now between actress 

Marian Rivera and producer Lily 

Monteverde. 

The Regal matriarch earlier said 

she was slighted when Rivera turned 

down her offer of a role in a Regal 

Entertainment movie that would have 

featured her with top drama actress 

Judy Ann Santos. 

In a recent press conference, 

Monteverde addressed the Kapuso 

star: “I treat you like my own daughter. 

Past is past. Let’s just work 

harmoniously.” 

The former “Darna” star argued 

that she had merely asked the movie 

outfit to put the movie on hold because 

she wasn’t ready to do it. 

“I never said no,” Rivera insisted. 

“I’ve been with [Regal] for seven years 

now. In fact, I’m set to make two more 

movies [with the company].” 

She promised to meet with the 

producer soon. “We all know how 

Mother (Lily Monteverde) is. This is all 

just a misunderstanding. I owe Mother 

a debt of gratitude. Aamuin ko na lang 

s’ya.” 

No script 

Alfie Lorenzo, Santos’ talent 

manager who was present at the 

media gathering, said his ward didn’t 

agree to do the film, either. “She 

(Santos) asked for a script,” Lorenzo 

elaborated. “But Regal didn’t have one 

yet. We were told what it was about, 


and we felt the story was similar to her 

current drama series.” 

When Santos was informed of the 

project, Regal executive Roselle 

Monteverde said, Regal was still 

awaiting response from Rivera’s camp. 

“Marian’s handler, Rams David, 

later said the actress preferred a solo 

movie. We don’t know whether that 

was from Marian or just Ram,” she 

said. 

More picky 

Rivera said she no longer wanted 

“to just keep saying yes to every 

project. I want my next one to be wellplanned 

and executed.” She added: “I 

want to be prepared when I finally get 

to work with Ms. Judy Ann. She’s a 

really good actress and I know that I 

will learn a lot from her. I also want it 

said that I did well working alongside 

her.” 

Rivera will be seen in the romantic 

comedy “My Lady Boss,” whose 

screening schedule was moved from 

April to July 13. 

Directed by Jade Castro, “My Lady 

Boss” also features Richard Gutierrez, 

Tom Rodriguez, Rocco Nacino, Sef 

Cadayona, Ronaldo Valdez and 

Maricel Laxa. 

Emotional Mother Lily, Marian Rivera in 

public reconciliation 

Rivera also stars in the fantasyadventure 

flick, “Kung Fu Divas,” with 

Ai-Ai de las Alas. a 

More Showbiz Gossip p.20

20 

Kapamilya teen stars Khalil Ramos 

and Sue Ramirez are among the fresh 

new love teams on primetime 

television today as the two exhibit 

good chemistry on ABS-CBN’s family 

drama Annaliza. 

Fans, especially netizens, warmly 

welcomed their tandem as Jeric and 

Luisa, in the top-rating soap. 

“I’m happy working with Sue 

because she is such a good actress. 

Everything is just free-flowing with her 

during tapings,” said Khalil. 

“It’s really overwhelming and 

unexpected. Khalil and I were not that 

close then but still they liked out 

loveteam. It’s so unexpected,” said 

Sue. 

Khalil plays the rocker heartthrob 

Jeric, the brother of Isabel (Denise 

Laurel), while Sue plays Luisa, a big 

fan of Jeric and sister of Stella (Kaye 

Abad). Jeric and Luisa will develop a 

Khalil Ramos and Sue Ramirez 

special friendship. But how will things 

change between them when they learn 

about Isabel and Stella’s link in the 

past? 

Annaliza has proven to be a show 

that is fit for not only teenagers but also 

for parents and children, which is why 

viewers nationwide continue to watch 

the program every night. From June 3 

to June 7, Annaliza hit an average 

national TV rating of 17.5 % and beat 

rival program “Home Sweet Home” 

that garnered 9.8% based on data from 

Kantar Media. 

Keep watching Annaliza 

weeknights before TV Patrol in ABS- 

CBN’s Primetime Bida. For updates, 

like the show’s official Facebook page 

at www.facebook.com/Annaliza2013 or 

follow @Annaliza2013 on Twitter and 

share your reactions using the hashtag 

#Annaliza. a 


Kim Chiu 

Cebuana actress Kim Chiu is in 

grief over the death of her 50-year-old 

mother. Her mom had suffered an 

aneurysm. 

Kim’s mom, Louella Yap Chiu’s 

remains were placed at the 

Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Nivel 

Hills, Cebu City. Kim arrived in Cebu on 

Monday but avoided the media. Kim’s 

mom reportedly suffered a heart attack 

and fell in a coma. She died Sunday 

due to aneurysm. 


Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.19 Kim Chiu mourning on mother's 

Maja Salvador reacts to Gerald death 

Anderson’s confession 

Brillante Mendoza knighted 

Actress Mercedes Cabral and Director Brillante Mendoza of the movie “Thy Womb” 

during the Metro Manila Film Festival Parade of Stars at Roxas Boulevard in 

Manila. 

The French Ministry of Culture has 

awarded Filipino filmmaker Brillante Ma. 

Mendoza the title Chevalier dans l’Ordre 

des Artes et Lettres. 

He is now a knight of the Order of 

Arts and Letters—joining the likes of 

George Clooney, Jude Law, Tim Burton, 

Rudolf Nureyev and Shakira. 

Mendoza said he was happy to be 

the first Filipino filmmaker to be accorded 

the honor. a 

Is Wowowillie host Willie Revillame 

banned on ABS-CBN? 

After TV host Willie Revillame 

decided not to renew his contract 

with TV-5 (read story here), there are 

reports that he will be back to ABS- 

CBN where he used to host the 

noontime show Wowowee. After the 

much needed showbiz break, Willie 

hinted of possible appearance in 

future shows. 

Willie Revillame Banned on ABS- 

CBN 

The news of Willie's Kapamilya 

return was even intensified by his 

recent sighting with Gina Lopez, 

head of ABS-CBN Foundation and 

sister of Chairman Gabby Lopez. 

However, in a recent press 

conference, ABS-CBN executive 

Linggit Tan revealed that Willie 

cannot return on ABS-CBN anytime 

soon. 

Reporters were kept out of the 

guarded chapel. 

Interment will be on Saturday, June 

29, at CemPark in Banilad, Cebu City. 

Meanwhile, support for Kim fills the 

social networking sites, Facebook, 

Twitter, and Instagram as friends and 

fans of the young actress expressed 

their sympathy and offered prayers for 

her and her family. 

Kim's management, Star Magic 

released an official statement 

regarding the death of Kim's mother. 

"Star Magic sympathizes with Kim Chiu 

on the passing of her mother, Louella Y. 

Chiu. We request that we give Kim and 

her family the respect and time to 

grieve for their loss. Thank you." 

Meanwhile, Kim's love team 

partner Xian Lim has reportedly flew to 

Cebu to console Kim. 

Kim Chiu was 16 when she moved 

in Manila to join ABS-CBN’s reality 

series Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition in 

2006, on which she was hailed winner. 

Willie Revillame banned on 

ABS-CBN 

Willie Revillame 

"Hindi puwede for the moment. 

Nagsalita na sina Ma’am Charo 

[Santos-Concio], CVV [Cory V. 

Vidanes] at si Gabby [Lopez] na 

hindi, kaya iyon ang sagot ko," said 

Linggit Tan when asked if Willie will 

be back on ABS-CBN. 

"At saka, mababa ang ratings 

niya, ’di ba, three percent?" added 

Miss LT. 

Is ABS-CBN trying to teach Willie 

a lesson after he left the network who 

gave him a second or even a third 

chance? 

Willie's show on TV-5 Wowowillie 

will run until October and after that, 

the host said that he will focus on his 

businesses. Nevertheless, Willie will 

return as he hinted. If not on ABS- 

CBN, and probably not on TV-5, will 

GMA-7 be keen on accepting Willie 

Revillame? a 

More Showbiz Gossip p.22


21 

Finally, A Voice 

for Wine 

Consumers 

By David White 

Today, more than 12,000 U.S. 

wine shops have a presence on the 

web. But just 14 states allow 

consumers to order wine from out-ofstate 

retailers. 

Eleven states prohibit residents 

from ordering wine from out-of-state 

wineries. Four states ban the sale of 

wine on Sundays. The overwhelming 

majority of Americans support 

supermarket wine sales, but 15 states 

force consumers to purchase their wine 

in a dedicated liquor store. In another 

15 states, it's illegal to bring your own 

bottle of wine into a restaurant -- even if 

the restaurant owner is okay with it. 

Like virtually all America's 

liquor laws, these restrictions trace their 

origins to Prohibition. Today, these laws 

simply harm consumers and enrich 

special interests. 

Fortunately, there's a new 

organization that's fighting these anti- 

The North American Filipino Star Classified Ads 

ADVRTISING 

Classified ads - cheapest way 

to advertise! 

Send your text to 

market@filipinostar.org 

First 3 lines = $10 

Additional lines - $2 per line 

Heading counted as 2 lines. 

APTS FOR RENT 

CDN Apts Bourret – Victoria 

Renovated 3½ $595+ 

Heated, h/w, appliances 

Elevator, near metro 

(514) 735-2985, (514) 575-4961 

We speak Tagalog 

ART OF DRIVING 

Art de Conduire 

Certified Driving School 

514-419-8280 Cell: 514-815-2873 

artofdriving@yahoo.ca 

4755 av. Van Horne Suite 106 

(Plamondon Metro) 

Mr. Reza, Certified Instructor 

consumer wine laws. Called the 

American Wine Consumer Coalition 

(www.WineConsumers.org), the group 

deserves every wine lover's support. 

When Prohibition was repealed 

80 years ago, states were given the 

authority to regulate the "transportation 

or importation" of liquor within their 

borders. At the insistence of a motley 

crew of interest groups, states imposed 

an assortment of rules. 

A top priority was weakening 

producers, because before prohibition, 

teetotalers and law enforcement alike 

believed they wielded too much power. 

Temperance advocates blamed 

producers for the ills of drunkenness; 

police officers associated producers 

with organized crime. 

Lawmakers answered this call 

in one of two ways. They either took 

control of the sale and/or distribution of 

alcohol or created a "wholesaler tier" to 

sit between producers and retailers. 

Today, just Pennsylvania and 

Utah maintain total control on alcohol 

sales. In those two states, government 

officials decide which liquor brands are 

sold, how much is charged, and where 

those products can be purchased. 

Virtually every other state 

depends on a wholesale tier through 

which most alcohol must pass. This is 

essentially a state-mandated 

middleman. 

As one might guess, 

wholesaling is big business. Together, 

the nation's two largest wholesalers had 

revenues of more than $14 billion last 

year. So it's no surprise that the 

wholesaling industry fights hard against 

efforts to undermine its presence. 

Consider direct-to-consumer wine 

sales. 

About 20 years ago, Americans 

started developing a taste for high-end 

wines, typically from California. Many 

CLEANERS 

Office cleaners for West Island, car 

needed, work Mon-Fri after 6 pm 

Michael call 514-624-3437 

DRIVING 

Licensed driving instructor 

Complete driving course, 24 hrs 

theory & 15 hrs road practice, $25/h. 

Exam car available. 

Jason 514-691-1816. 

• Exam Car available 

• One hour practice, $25 only 

KHALIL, 514-965-0903 

DUPLEX 

FOR RENT 

CDN Area, near Metro, Upper 

duplex, 5 1/2, large living room, 

new floors, heated, equipped 

w/washer/dryer, stove & fridge, 

asking $1200, immediate 

occupancy,Call 514-485-7861 


consumers started ordering directly 

from producers. 

Such transactions cut out 

wholesalers, so they spearheaded a 

campaign to prohibit winery-toconsumer 

shipping. Consumers 

responded with lawsuits, and in 2005, 

the Supreme Court ruled that state 

lawmakers could only prohibit direct 

shipping from out-of-state wineries if 

they blocked wineries in their states 

from shipping out of state. The 11 

states that still prohibit direct-toconsumer 

wine sales hardly produce 

any wine of their own. 

The wholesaling industry has 

also fought to block online retailer-toconsumer 

wine sales -- and remains 

successful in 36 states. So if you live in 

Pennsylvania and desperately want a 

bottle of wine that can only be found at 

a store in Washington, D.C., you're out 

of luck. 

Wine retailers obstruct 

supermarket wine sales. After all, if 

consumers could pick up a bottle of 

Merlot while shopping for dinner, they 

might skip the trip to the liquor store. 

LANGUAGES 

Learning a 

second language 

is always 

an asset. 

English, French, Spanish, 

Mandarin, Filipino 

Small group set up, 

Flexible schedules, 

Experienced teachers 

Call 514-485-7861 

LAUNDROMAT 

PALABAHANG PILIPINO 

LMKD Buanderie et Nettoyeur 

5865 Decarie Boulevard 

(Between Bourret & Van Horne) 

Open 7 days 

Drop off laundry service 

Call Meriam or Lacson 

Tel. 514-777-9743 

And while bans on Sunday sales were 

originally promoted to keep the 

Sabbath holy, they're now pushed by 

retailers who hate the thought of 

increased competition. 

Laws against bringing your 

own bottle of wine into a restaurant are 

pushed by the restaurant lobby. The 

reason? Restaurants profit handsomely 

from wine sales, typically tripling the 

retail price. Plus, it's easy to imagine an 

upstart restaurant gaining traction by 

encouraging patrons to bring in their 

own booze -- and established 

restaurants don't enjoy competition. 

America's liquor laws are 

designed to protect and serve special 

interests -- not consumers. That's why 

the time has come for the American 

Wine Consumer Coalition. 

David White, the founder and editor of 

Terroirist.com, is president of the 

American Wine Consumer Coalition. 

His columns are housed at Palate The 

Online Wine Magazine 

(PalatePress.com). 

NURSING AIDE 

PAB/PSW 

The greying of America has 

created a 100% job 

opportunity for nursing aides 

Join our personalized, 

intensive training program by 

professional registered 

nurses. 

Call 514-485-7861 for 

an appointment now! 

TUTORIALS 

All Levels 

English & French, 

Computer Literacy 

Bookkeeping 

Shorthand Dictation & 

Transcription 

Call 514-485-7861

22 

Showbiz Gossip Continued from p.20 

Forbes: Pacquiao among world’s 

100 most powerful celebrities 

Boxing superstar Emmanuel 

“Manny” Pacquiao has remained 

among the world’s 100 most powerful 

celebrities, joining the likes of Oprah 

Winfrey, Justin Bieber, and LeBron 

James, according to Forbes 14th 

annual Celebrity 100 list. 

But the re-elected Saranggani 

representative’s 78th ranking is a big 

slide from his 33rd place in 2012. 

Oprah Winfrey, meanwhile, 

regains her No. 1 spot after placing 

second for two consecutive years. 

Lady Gaga is No. 2. 

Pacquiao, who suffered a brutal 

one-punch knockout loss to Juan 

Manuel Marquez on December 8, is 

ahead of internationally-renowned 

author J.K. Rowling of the Harry 

Potter series (82nd) and fellow boxer 

Floyd Mayweather Jr. (88th). 

He trails behind film director and 

writer Christopher Nolan (76th), who 

directed The Dark Knight trilogy and 

Inception, author Stephen King 

(75th), and actress Gwyneth Paltrow 

(71st), who starred in the Iron Man 

movies series. 

In terms of money, Pacquiao 

ranks 57th for his $34 million 

estimated total gross income from 

June 1 last year up to this year. He is 

tied at 57 with Mayweather. 

In terms of media exposure, 

Pacquiao places 82nd in TV/Radio 

rank and 81st in Press ranking. He 

trails behind host Ryan Seacrest at 71 

and actress Sandra Bullock at 75 in 

the Press ranking. 

Pacquiao is tied at 60 with singer 

Rihanna, champion runner Usain Bolt, 

and actor Charlie Sheen in the 

Marketability rankings. The 

marketability rank “is a measure of 

how desirable each celebrity is to 

marketers,” according to Forbes. 

In terms of the Social ranking, 

Pacquiao (56th) ranks higher than 

business mogul Donal Trump (59th), 

musician Jay-Z (66th), and actor 

Robert Downey Jr. who starred in the 

Iron Man movie series. 

“Each star’s number [in the social 

ranking] is a reflection of how popular 

he or she is on the Internet,” Forbes 

said. 

Oprah, the queen of 

entertainment, is back on top after 

placing second for two consecutive 

years. Lady Gaga (No. 2), with her 

massive social media presence, 

moved up from the fifth spot last year, 

followed by director Steven Spielberg 

(No. 3) and Beyoncé (No. 4). 

Madonna (No. 5) is a returnee to the 

list, rounding out the top five. 

Musicians dominate the Top Ten 

in 2013. Country superstar Toby Keith 

(No. 43), featured on the cover 

(Cowboy Capitalist, p. 74) has some 

of the most loyal fans in music, and 

owns enough product extensions to 

make sure they’re also some of the 

most lucrative. 

Notable newcomers to the 2013 

list include Hugh Jackman (No. 11); 

Channing Tatum (No. 23); Jennifer 

Lawrence (No. 49); Emma Stone (No. 

84); Mila Kunis (No. 89) and Amy 

Poehler (No. 92). Athletes Usain Bolt 

(No. 48); Drew Brees (No. 50) and 

Danica Patrick (No. 91) join fellow 

newcomers Fifty Shades of Grey 

author E.L. (Erika) James (No. 42); 

model Miranda Kerr (No. 100) and TV 

host Sean Hannity (No. 72). 

Among the drop-offs this year are 

Adele, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, 

Johnny Depp, Alex Rodriguez, Julia 

Roberts, Reese Witherspoon and 

Elton John. 

The Celebrity 100 measures 

money and fame, which includes 

estimated earnings over the last 12 

months, and how often each celebrity 

is mentioned in print and on TV. 

T Earnings consist of pre-tax 

income between June 1, 2012 and 

June 1, 2013. Management, agent 

and attorney fees are not deducted. a 


Celebrity couple Luis Manzano 

and Jennylyn Mercado have been 

doing their part to help save the 

environment through their favorite 

water sports activity – scuba diving. 

According to the Philippine 

Information Agency, Luis and Jennylyn 

have joined the Department of 

Environment and Natural Resources 

(DENR), UP Marine Science Institute, 

Malampaya Foundation and other 

volunteers from private and public 

sectors in removing the crown of 

thorns starfish in the waters of Bgy. 

Pagkilatan in Batangas City. The 

activity dubbed “Linis Bahura: Sisid 

para sa Kalikasan 2013” is part of the 

national celebration of Month of the 

Ocean. 

Aside from removing the thorny 

starfish, a coral-eating species that 

reportedly threatens the sea of Bgy. 

Pagkilatan, the celebrity diving 

enthusiasts also picked the garbage in 

the water. 

Bgy. Pagkilatan is part of Verde 

Island Passage, the center of the 


APRIL 2013 

Luis, Jennylyn dive to save 

corals 

Luis Manzano and Jennylyn Mercado prepping up to dive 

Lovers in Paris 

Spotted in the City of Light on 

Sunday were James Yap and his 

rumored Italian girlfriend. They were 

seen near Notre Dame Cathedral, 

apparently looking for a place to dine. 

Yap sought advice from another 

world’s marine biodiversity, on which 

40% of world’s coral reef fish species 

and 75% of world’s coral species live. 

“Nangunguha kami ng crown of 

thorns, sila yung nangangain ng mga 

corals. So nangunguha kami ng mga 

ganoon, basura” Jennylyn told PEP. 

Asked why she chose this 

advocacy, she said “Bakit hindi? Kasi, 

‘di ba, kumbaga ngayon, nasisira na 

yung environment natin?” 

Luis, son of Batangas governor 

Vilma Santos, along with his girlfriend 

are both environmental advocates and 

champions of coral reef preservation. 

They had been named the 

Ambassadors for Sustainable Coral 

Reef Ecosystems Management 

Program by the Protected Area Wildlife 

Bureau-Coastal and Marine 

Management Office (PAWB-CMMO). 

“Hindi lang ‘yung dagat (ang dapat 

alagaan), pati ‘yung kabundukan, 

‘yung rainforest natin, so hangga’t mas 

maaga, hangga’t meron pa at kaya 

pang i-save, e, isi-save natin ‘yun,” the 

actress concluded. a 

Filipino promenader, who instantly 

recognized him and took this photo. 

The snapshot was sent to the Inquirer. 

Yap’s management company 

confirmed that he was in Paris over 

the weekend. a


23 

CCFAQ holds 115th Independence Day 

celebrations - By W. G. Quiambao 

There`s an expression that 

says “The show must go on.” That`s 

what happened during the 115th 

Independence Day celebrations last 

June 16 at the Mackenzie King Park. 

The incessant rain and the 

cold weather didn`t dampen the spirit 

of the participants. The parade started 

at about 11:00 a.m. from Mackenzie 

King Park, St. Kevin St., left to Victoria 

St.,right to Van Horne Ave., left to 

Legare St., and back to Mackenzie 

King Park where the scheduled 

activities like the Parade of Colors, a 

gun salute by the of Canadian Army 

and a mass officiated by Fr. Frank 

Alvarez continued. 

The performers were real 

troupers. They sang and danced in the 

6430 Victoria Avenue, Montreal, QC 

Telephone: 514-733-7816 

All coconut juice 520 mL - $1.00 

Thai Gold, 70-80 - 2/$10.99 

Bulacan Longganisa - $1.99 pack 

Excellent Rice Stick - $1.29 pack 

rain. Among the Filipino individuals 

and groups that performed were Mona 

Reyes and daughter,Jessica, Levy 

Lumabao, Gene Santander, Pamana 

ng LuzViMinda, Seniors in Motion, 

UPS, CAFQ Dance Troupe. The ethnic 

groups that participated were from 

The parade of colors for the 115th Independence Day held in spite ofthe rain. 

China, Japan, Portugal, Kabyle, 

Bulgaria, Grenada, and Ireland. 

`We understand that the 

weather could be unpredictable, `said 

Elizabeth Carreiro, lead dancer of the 

Portuguese group. “But we thank you 

for inviting us and your hospitality.: 

Instead of 8:00 p.m., the 

program lasted until 5:30 pm. . 

San Miguel Ice Cream - $5.99 each 

Shredded Young Coconut - $1.00 

Bok Choy Sun - 99¢ lb 


Anglophones and the 

Municipal Service 

Montreal, June 10, 2013 - A 

meeting at 6767 Cote dees Neiges was 

convened by Councilor Marvin Rotrand 

to raise awareness about the reasons 

why there are not enough visible 

minorities in the municipal government 

service. A panel composed of local 

commuity people presented some 

information relevant to the topic. After 

the welcome address by Councilor 

Rotrand, Mr. Jack Jedwab talked about 

the Anglophone community. Councilor 

Rotrand then gave a presentation on 

Employment at the City of Montreal. Ms. 

Pork Belly - $2.72 lb 

Sale prices valid from 

June 27 to July 3, 2013 

Savoy Coconut Milk 525 mL - $1.99 can Buenas Coconut Gel - $1.00 bottle 

Buenas Kaong $1.29 bottle 

Basa sliced - $1.79 lb 

Mama Sita BBQ Sauce - $1.69 bottle 

Andrea Szabo gave testimony on her 

experience of working at the City of 

Montreal. Rev. Darryl Gray explained 

what the Anglophone Visible Minority 

Communities are all about. The last 

speaker, Mr. Beryl Waijsman, editor of the 

Suburban, gave his perspectives on the 

The panel of speakers: (L-R) Jack Jedwab, Rev. Darryl Gray, Councilor Marvin 

Rotrand, Ms. Andrea Szabo, and Beryl Waisjsman, Editor of the Suburban. 

subject. He said that nothing will change 

as long as there is no movement from the 

top. Changes cannot start from the 

bottom up. 

Questions by the audience 

were entertained by all the members of 

the panel. (ZK) 

Red Chili - 99¢ lb 

Chicken Wings - $2.72 lb 

Mongo bean - 400 g - 89¢

24 

5320-A Queen Mary 

(between Coolbrook 

and Decarie) 

Montreal, QC H3X 1T7 

514-485-7861 

www.gilmorecollege.com 

Gilmore College bldg. 

SNOWDON 

Medical Secretary 


Gilmore College 

International 

PAB/PSW GRADUATION, October 7, 2012. L-R, seated: Annabelle Alloso, Ethel Tugna, PSW 

instructors Terry White, Amy Manon-og, Director General Zenaida Kharroubi, PSW instructors 

Edith Fedalizo, Sophie Toledo, and Lourdes Lubang. Starnding: Grace Calvo, Vilma Lagonilla, 

Mildlred Mendoza, Giselle Arellano, Marilou Hechanova, Edison Taguba, Annie Signey and 

Joesie Bingayen. Not in photo: PSW instructor Clarice Mackay. 

CERTIFICATE 

PROGRAMS 

e Early Childhood 

Education Assistant 

e Personal Support 

Worker (PAB/PSW 

Nursing Aide) 

e Office Systems 

Technology 

-Secretarial 

-Accounting 


COURSES & 

SEMINARS 

e Second Languages 

English 

French 

Spanish 

Mandarin 

Filipino (Tagalog) 

e Writing Workshop 

e Practical Writing 

Strategies 

e Cooperatives 

All tuition fees are tax deductible. 

Accounting Technician 

Daycare Worker 


PAB/PSW Nursing Aide 

Education 

raises the bar but 

lowers the barriers 

to a rewarding 

career.

June 2013 Edition - Filipino Star

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?