may 2006 - working copyzbk.qxp - Filipino Star

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Page 4 The North American Filipino Star May 2006 From Page 1 School boy called back, she asked for an appointment to see him in person but he told her they should discuss it over the telephone. She told him about her encounter with the lunchroom teacher but Mr. Bergeron told her: “Madame, this is Canada, and here in Canada, that’s the way we eat, you should learn the ways Canadians eat.” She said she was so shocked by this statement and she told him what she thought of him. “I cannot believe you said that. You are so racist. Do you know how Chinese people eat?” He said yes as he worked with Chinese people before. She continued to ask him: “Do you know how Arabs eat with their hands?” She said that Mr. Bergeron proceeded to say: “Well, Madame, there’s only one teacher against 20 to 30 students so we have to make sure they eat and behave well. If your son keeps eating like a pig, then he has to be moved to another table, that’s how we do it here, and that’s how we’re going to do it every time.” She then became more upset and told him: “If I only have all the luxury and money in life, I will pull out my son from this school and put him to a more high quality school with qualified educators in daycare who have a degree in Early Childhood. But it’s unfortunate I live in this area and I have to go to your school. I have no other choice.” When the West Island Chronicle contacted Mr. Bergeron for his side of the story, he said that Luc was misbehaving which was the reason for isolating him repeatedly. But Mrs. Galliardo disputed this by saying she came to visit the school unannounced in the afternoon of the day she confronted the lunchroom teacher and saw that her son was eating quietly and not disturbing anyone but still, she said, the lunchroom teacher still insisted that Luc was not eating properly because he was using a spoon and fork. Mrs. Galliardo decided to bring the problem to a much higher level – the school board to which his son’s school belongs - the Marguerite Bourgeoy sSchool Commission. She was referred by the operator to a certain Madame Morasse who agreed with her that Luc was not treated appropriately and recommended that the case be referred to her supervisor. This supervisor turned out to be the Directrice-générale adjointe, Madame France Pilon but who happened to be out because of the Easter holiday. On Tuesday, April 18, she called Madame Pilon and told her about the problem. She pointed out the proper way children should be treated to which Madame Pilon commented that she would hire her since she seemed very qualified to work with children . She replied that she did not need a job as she is already self-employed. She operates a daycare out of her home. Madame Pilon suggested: “Why don’t you just bring your son home for lunch?” She told her that this would put her ratio higher than what is allowed by law. As she felt that there was no solution being offered to her problem by the school board, she became more upset, particularly when Madame Pilon told her that she should adjust to Canadian society. She told Madame Pilon that she and her family have been trying to adjust since they arrived. In fact, she agreed to send their son to a French school, and they also try to learn French. She asked: “How much more adjusting do we need to do? If I had a lot of money, I would transfer my lLuc Cagadoc with his family: sister Hanna, and his father and mother. son to another school.” Madame Pilon then asked her to what school she would like to transfer her son. She told her the name of the school. Madame Pilon told her to go to the secretary and said that she would sign the paper to transfer her son. Having gone all the way to the top and not receiving any satisfactory resolution of her complaint, she wrote an e-mail message to both the West Island Chronicle and the Montreal Gazette. These are the newspapers she receives daily in her home so it was easier for her to contact them. She received a call from someone in the Gazette who asked if she had any proof of Mr. Bergeron’s remarks which she considered racist. She could only say that she heard him say what he said. Then this man from the Gazette declined to take on the story. On the other hand, the West Island Chronicle sent Mr. Andy Blatchford to see her on Easter Monday to interview her. Once the story appeared on the internet, people started calling each other, reacting to the story. The story of Luc Cagadoc, the little 7-year old boy from Roxboro, seemed to have taken a life of its own and became widely known. Excerpts of the story were used in e-mails. It was also covered by several media including the CBC News, CTV News, 940 news, La Presse, and even the Montreal Gazette which was not interested in the story at the beginning, also ran an article about it. Philippine Vice-President Noli de Castro who hosts a radio show in Manila interviewed Grace Yip a week ago to ask what is really happening in Canada. He was upset in learning about the story and he urged the www.filipinostar.org Philippine Embassy in Ottawa to make sure that the complaint filed by CRARR headed by Fo Noemi with the Human Rights Commission prospered. The complaint is not so much for the way the boy was treated, but because of repercussions from the way the problem was treated by all the people that Mrs. Galliardo approached in her effort to protect her son’s welfare. She did not appear to get an acknowledgement of her right as a parent to ask for redress of her concerns. Instead, she received a lawyer’s letter from the school board. From Page 1 GK Concert mudslide victims. He reported that he has been invited to speak at the Six Asian Ministers Conference for Asian Development on May 9-10, 2006. . Gawad Kalinga has gone beyond charity and is now a global movement which reconnects Filipinos to the motherland. GK aims to build 7000 homes in 7 years in 7777 most needy areas in the Philippines. Canada has been involved from the beginning as early as 1999. There is a Canadian village in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City which is the biggest slum area. Out of the 3 000 000 Filipinos abroad, Meloto pointed out that he has not seen even one Filipino beggar. He believes that the problem in the Philippines is a combination of the results of the feudal system and natural calamities beyond human control. Corruption, he said, was the consequence of other things such as poverty and loss of human dignity and hope for better things. However, he believes this will change. GK has another project - “one million bayani” which will create a brand that will be known all over the world. He said: “We shall restore our self-respect, the brand that we will give to Gawad Kalinga.” Moreover, he asked to stop “bashing” the Philippines. as “bashing Filipinos is like bashing ourselves.” Instead, we should report the good news more than the bad. He hopes to see “balik bayan” to be called The Filipino Canadian community in Montreal is behind the family of Luc Cagadoc. Backed by the different association presidents and members, the Federation of Filipino Canadian Associations of Quebec headed by Marilyn Birao-Schacter sent a letter to the school board, demanding that there be an “accountability session to discuss solutions and reparations that meet with the community’s expectations.” More specifically, these are the points raised in the letter: See Page 6 School Boy “balik bayani” He wanted to see GK as the Filipinos’ gift to the world. In his speech to the concert audience, Meloto urged Filipinos to take pride in themselves and to see the good that is in each and everyone. He reiterated the fact that in his travels to different parts of the world, he never saw any Filipino beggar. He referred to the story about Dylan Wilk, his son-inlaw, who fell in love with the Philippines, and also with his daughter. It was because Wilk saw the good in a Filipino. He cited the memorable words of Ninoy Aquino that the “Philippines is worth dying for.” But he said, he wanted to share what Dylan Wilk told him - “the Philippines is worth living Waving the Philippine flag - participants and audience alike - stirred patriotic sentiments. for.” The concert was not only entertaining but it was also inspiring. It showed how unity and cooperation can make a difference. Many people volunteered their time, talents, and skills to make the event as successful as it was. Joey Albert, the star of the concert, was at her usual best. She wowed the audience with her dynamic personality. People sang along with her.. It seemed that time just flew by. The concert started at 7 p.m. and ended at around 11 p.m. It was quite absorbing and inspiring for it made people feel the love for one’s native land. Tony Meloto, Ricky Cuenca and Joey Albert (2nd, 3rd and 4th from left) pose with guests and volunteers after the press conference held before the concert. No one seemed to have left until it was over. Indeed, Tony Meloto has started a movement that will surely be the beginning of great things to come for the Filipino nation.
May 2006 Reflections on beauty pageants What do most people know about beauty pageants? Why do we hold them and how do they affect people’s lives? Are they helpful in developing careers of young women? Do they really help build self-esteem and self-confidence? We asked the participants of the recently concluded FAMAS Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant: What did they learn from the experience of competing? What are their thoughts about beauty pageants? Eva Rose Marpuri feels it is an honor to be part of the pageant She considers it a valuable learning experience - to learn about one’s limitations and to discover one’s capabilities. She extends her warmest thanks to the choreographers, coordinators, organizers of the pageant, the Executive Board of FAMAS, and all the people who supported her, particularly all her friends and family. Charity Justo writes: “For me, it’s a learning experience and it boosts my self-esteem. Through my experience in the pageant, I appreciate the value of perseverance and patience. Joining a competition entails a lot of hard work which is the best ingredient in achieving one’s dreams. Besides, I had a great time, so much fun with the other candidates.” Adiah Razon says that “joining the The North American Filipino Star pageant is one of my greatest experience(s) in life. It is where I develop more my self-confidence and I learn a lot about friendship. ... I met many new people, friends. ...We’ve been through a lot of things, we’ve been sharing and helping each other. They taught me to be a responsible young lady. “ She also thanks all those responsible for the pageant. Yashica Ver Anjona Nabor says she has mixed emotions - she felt sad after it was all over as she misses the “laughter and happiness that we shared Beauty pageant contestants with their escorts - Shirley Ann Buen, Wila Hinayo, Adiah Razon, Charity Justo, Yashica Nabor, and Eva Rose Marpuri, in their evening gowns. together during the practices.” Nevertheless, she says, she is happy that everything already finished because her main focus now is her studies and her new job. “All in all, for me, it’s a success not only by winning as first runner up but as a person (as) I ... was able to gain a lot of self-confidence that I can really do it (join a pageant) and that’s the most important thing because success is not only measured Eva Rose Marpuri showing her talent Adiah Razon with her partner getting ready to dance by winning but (also) overcoming your fear.” Wila Hinayo sent a well-written essay about her reflections on the pageant which is reprinted hereunder for it seems to answer most of our questions. “Pageants such as these are indeed relevant to women today. They are the 10% off For Students & Seniors Eye examination on site www.filipinostar.org perfect avenue for women to showcase their God-given potentials and attributes, and prove to the world that they are intelligent and highly productive, and the best humanity has ever produced.” This was the answer that caught the attention of the audience; put smiles on the faces of the proud supporters and left the judges in awe! This answer also gave further ammunition to those who have been reluctant to join in the past and presently are feeling very inspired to participate in such a pageant. And lastly, it made the other candidates felt proud and nervous. Proud – that they are chosen to be in the pageant; Nervous – which they don’t know what opportunities upon will be presented to them after. “What is the relevance do you think pageants such as this have for women today?” It was a very good question indeed and the answer provided was truly empowering to young women. Candidate No. 5 learned that she can boost herself in her own little way – being smart and being friendly. These qualities will ultimately lead her to success in everything she does – now and the future, and in any obstacles that she will encounter, will simply serve as a stepping stone in her life. Joining a pageant is not only about winning the crown. It is about learning and teaching; development and growth. F. FARHAT LUNETTERIE • Guess • Easy-Clip • Versace • and many more designer rands Bring this ad to get 10% discount. 5540 Cote des Neiges (cor. St. Kevin) 514-340-0135 1274 Mount Royal East 514-527-8201 Page 5 After a night of hardwork, FAMAS volunteers pose for souvenir, special request from Cesar Manuel to see his picture in the Star. (Hopefully, he will find time to be a Scout volunteer). It is how you hold it in your hands- In other words, your personal integrity. It is also about the new “Friendships” and “Camaraderie”. It is not about how many awards you get and be in the “Chosen Three”. It is all about honesty, purity and goodness which ultimately lead to the “Beauty of the Pageant”. The pageant, Bb. Pilipinas –Montreal 2006 is for all the candidates Eva Rose Marpuri pose with her friends, family, and other supporters after the pageant. – they are all winners! Whether crowned or not, because they are a paragon of morality and an epitome of chastity… A special thanks to everybody who supported Ms. Wila Hinayo, especially to her family, Ate Shane, Ate Ana, Ely, Ate Nora, Tim Hortons Marly’s Pizza, Bahay Kubo, Divisoria Cubao and to her French Classmates.” As an outside observer and as one who never participated in beauty pageants, this writer wants to add the invaluable training a young woman receives during the rehearsals and the talent competition. It also underscores the importance of being prepared to perform, so to speak, under any circumstances. As an example, a person’s potential may lie dormant forever if there is nothing to challenge that person to rise to the occasion. All these young women did exactly that - they gave their best and made their parents and families proud. Zenaida Kharroubi
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