December 2011 - Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound

MALIGAYANG PASKO MGA MINAMAHAL NAMING KABABAYAN! 

FREE 

VOLUME 4 

NUMBER 38 

December 2011 

http://pinoyreporter.com 

Vilma Santos: a True Star for all Seasons 

By Meg Yarcia 

Yes, Vilma Santos has earned 

her place in the entertainment 

industry. and if we are to glean 

any insight from her life story, it’s 

that her success, be it in showbiz or 

politics, was the product of talent, 

determination, and hard work. 

Palawan Underground 

River: One of New 7 

Wonders of Nature, 

page 14 

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National 

Park, about 50 km north of the city of Puerto 

Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, was voted as one 

of the new 7 wonders of the world. 

In the Philippine showbiz industry, there's a 

Superstar, a Diamond Star, and a Megastar. 

And then there's the Star for All Seasons, who 

shines not only in the world of entertainment, 

but in other arenas as well. 

Her name is Vilma Santos-Recto, a multiawarded 

actress, governor of Batangas province, 

mother to Luis Phillip and Ryan Christian, 

and wife to Senator Ralph Recto. 

Beginnings 

Also popularly known as Ate Vi, she was 

born on November 3, 1953, the second to the 

eldest child Amado Santos of Bamban, Tarlac 

and Milagros Tuazon of Cabanatuan City, 

Nueva Ecija. 

An uncle who then worked as a cameraman 

at Sampaguita Pictures encouraged her to 

audition for the movies. Her impressive performance 

won for her two roles in big movies: 

with Rita Gomez and Gloria Romero in "Anak, 

Ang Iyong Ina," and the title role in "Trudis 

Liit." For the latter, she bagged a FAMAS 

(Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences 

Awards) Best Child Actress Award. 

That was in 1963. She was just 9 years old, 

so for a time, she played the daughter of topcaliber 

names in showbiz, such as Lolita Rodriguez, 

Rita Gomez, Marlene Dauden, and 

Eddie Rodriguez. 

Turn To Page 21… 

2011 Asian Hall of Fame 

Robert Chinn Foundation 

Pinoy Reporter’s staff with this year’s inductees. L to R – Marketing 

Managers Rolly Polintan and Violet Aesquivel, Entertainment 

Executive and Hollywood Producer TEDDY ZEE, Former 

Director of the White House Medical Unit and Retired Rear Admiral 

DR. CONNIE MARIANO, Charlotte Bobcats General Manager 

RICHARD CHO, Contributing Editor Maureen Francisco, and 

Publisher Gideon Epistola. 

Since 2004, the Asian Hall of Fame seeks to honor distinguished 

individuals of Asian Pacific Islander heritage whose personal 

achievements have contributed to the American experience. Marvin 

Rosete, a Filipino American on the staff of the Robert Chinn 

Foundation, played a key role in organizing this year’s celebration 

held on November 19, 2011 at Asian Resource Center in Seattle. � 

Poster Girl 

Mocha Uson 

Margaux Uson (born May 

17, 1982) known professionally 

as Mocha Uson and 

Mocha is a Filipino singer, 

dancer and model best known 

for her work as lead vocalist 

for the Mocha Girls. 


What’s 

INSIDE 

Piolo & KC 

page 22 

Marissa Bender, DMD 

page 16

2 Community News 

Puget Sound energy to give out Free 

energy-Saving Lightbulbs and Showerheads 

SEATTLE – Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is giving out 

free energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) 

and water-saving showerheads throughout November and 

December. Electric customers can start saving energy and 

money right away by switching out their old incandescent 

lightbulbs and showerheads to the free, energy-saving 

products from PSE. 

Each electric customer can go home with up to two free 

CFL lightbulbs and one showerhead if they pledge to start 

using energy-efficient products right away and pass along 

the savings to their friends and families. 

Together, the Puget Sound region can save more than 

8 million kilowatt hours or $1.5 million in energy costs 

this holiday season from the free, energy-saving products 

distributed by PSE. CFL bulbs use 75 percent less energy 

and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. The free 

showerheads use a half-gallon less water per minute than a 

typical showerhead but the water pressure stays the same, 

saving water and energy to heat the water during winter 

time. 

"By replacing the 10 most frequently used lights at 

home with CFL bulbs, you can save $450 or more in energy 

costs over the life of the bulbs. Saving energy is also good 

for the environment and keeps money in customers' pockets," 

said Rebecca Deng, multicultural marketing manager 

for the campaign. 

So far thousands of lightbulbs and showerheads have 

been given away at weekly events in the area. A long line 

formed at H-Mart in Federal Way as customers anticipated 

the start of the first event on Nov. 8. Families posed for 

photos in a fun, holiday scene and more than 1,000 customers 

went home with new lightbulbs and a showerhead 

after the event. 

The energy continued to Valley Harvest in Kent on Nov. 

12, Renton Uwajimaya Nov. 18, and the Asian Food Center 

in Bellevue on Nov. 22. To date, more than 6,000 lightbulbs 

and 3,000 showerheads have been given out to customers, 

with more events to come. 

Stop by Seafood City Supermarket in the Southcenter 

Mall in Tukwila on Friday, Dec. 2 from 12-6 p.m. and at 99 

Ranch Market in the Great Wall Shopping Center in Kent 

on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 12-6 p.m. to pick up your free, 

LBC partners with Lunex Telecom 

In its on-going effort to better serve the Filipino community, 

LBC is partnering with Lunex Telecom, an FCC 

licensed carrier, to offer quality and innovative prepaid 

telecom products. Lunex is a rising name in the Filipino 

market as it is already offering co-branding telecom products 

with some of the biggest names in the Philippine telecom 

world, including: PLDT, Globe, and Smart. 

“Now our customers will be able to enjoy the convenience 

of a pinless prepaid phone service… calling their 

loved ones just got easier with LBC Connect” – message 

from LBC’s Marketing brand head, Patricia Garcia. Beginning 

11/28/2011, LBC and Lunex offer a pin-less prepaid 

telecom product promotion at all LBC locations in 

the United States. The promotion will give LBC custom- 

ers 15 minutes of free calls to the Philippines when they 

make a money transfer during the promotion period, 

from 11/28/2011 to 12/31/2011. This is a win-win situation 

because every customer sending money or gifts to the 

Philippines through LBC calls the Philippines regularly. 

LBC’s highly concentrated Filipino customer base will find 

Lunex’s prepaid telecom products to be high quality, reliable, 

valuable and convenient. Together, Lunex and LBC 

can further do what they both do best, i.e., deliver affordable 

and reliable services to their ever-growing Filipino 

customer base. 

For more information on LBC and its services, please 

call (800) 241-1312 or visit www.lbcexpress.com. � 

In partnership with 

the City of Seattle 



energy-saving products. 

About Puget Sound Energy 

Washington state’s oldest local energy utility, Puget 

Sound Energy serves more than 1 million electric customers 

and 750,000 natural gas customers in 11 counties. 

A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets the energy 

needs of its customer base through incremental, cost-effective 

energy efficiency, procurement of sustainable energy 

resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery 

infrastructure. 

PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer 

service and delivering energy that is safe, reliable, 

reasonably priced, and environmentally responsible. For 

more information, visit www.PSE.com. � 

Justice sought 

for Danny Vega 

DANNY G. VEGA, a pioneering 

hair stylist in the Filipino Community 

of Seattle, passed away 

at 11 AM, Nov. 27 due to severe 

brain injuries he suffered in a senseless beating incident 

almost two weeks ago. 

Last Tuesday, November 15, 2011 around 7:30 pm, 

on the corner of South Othello Street and ML King Jr. 

Way in South Seattle while taking his nightly walk, he 

was assaulted by three (3) unknown young men who 

fled the scene and left Danny for dead. Due to the horrific 

nature of the assault, many believed it was a “hate 

crime” related incident. 

With over thirty (30) years of experience, Danny 

Vega was one name that cannot be easily dismissed. 

Danny was a living legend in the Filipino Community 

and in his own right, a landmark himself. 

We are requesting for your prayers and kind donations 

to give Danny justice for this heinous crime. 

Your generosity and support for finding his killers will 

be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable 

to: DANNY G. VEGA DONATION ACCOUNT or 

go to WELLS FARGO BRANCH with ACCOUNT # 

3829741986. � 

Don’t spend another 

winter in the cold. 

Our Experts. Your Comfort. Less Energy. 

Community Power Works home 

energy upgrade program. 

CommunityPowerWorks.org 

206.449.1170


Community News 3 


GET 

RE-ENERGIZED 

Join PSE for a fun, holiday event and learn how to save 

energy and money! 

Get FREE CFL Bulbs and FREE Showerhead from PSE! 

Friday, December 2, 2011 from 12:00 - 6:00 pm 

Seafood City Supermarket, Southcenter Mall 

Limited 2 CFL bulbs and 1 showerhead per customer while supplies last 

PSE.COM/HOLIDAY

4 Community Photos 

Parol Making 

Parol Making led by Jack and Nenita Stout, at right, held on Nov. 19, 2011 at John L. Scott 

University Place. A yearly cultural event, this fun-filled activity for both young and old was 

sponsored by the Filipino Community Alliance (FCA) to promote Filipino heritage. The finished 

parols will be on display on Dec. 18, 2011 during the group’s Christmas Party when winners of 

this year’s parol making contest are announced. 

COFAO Meeting 

The Coalition of Filipino American Organizations (COFAO), led by 2010 Tagumpay Awards 

winner Connie Samson, its President, 3rd left, held its recent meeting on Nov. 19, 2011 at the 

Cebu Restaurant in Olympia, WA. This meeting was hosted by the Filipino Community of 

South Puget Sound led by its able President, Ted Zarate, standing 6th from right. The 3-yearold 

Filipino Community Alliance at this meeting officially joined the Coalition, which currently is 

comprised by 13 Filipino community organizations in the Pacific Northwest. 



Oh, Yes They Are Doctors! 

Oh, Yes, TheY Are DOcTOrs! The Filipino American Physicians of Washington (FAPWA) and 

spouses at their HALLOWEEN COSTUME FUNDRAISING EVENT held on October 29, 2011 

at the mansion of Drs. Alvin and Marilyn Nayan in Browns Point, Tacoma. Thirty people came 

and raised $1,500 for the group’s next medical mission planned for February 1, 2012 in Quezon 

City and February 4-5 in Sta. Margarita, Western Samar. Dr. Marilyn Nayan, Director of 

Occupational Medicine at Auburn Medical Center, is FAPWA’s current president. 

BOAWAS Fundraising 

The officers and members of the Bohol Association of Washington State (BOAWAS) at a 

fundraising event held recently at a restaurant in Everett. The group was led by its President, 

Nat Calacat and wife, Nellie, Caloy Cagaanan, former President of CONBUSAC and 

wife, Mely Cagaanan. 

PSHS Veterans Day Parade 

The group representing the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society in their different uniforms 

during the Veterans Day parade in Auburn, Washington on November 5, 2011. 

Despedida Party for Two 

DESPEDIDA PARTY FOR TWO. Filipino Community of Seattle 2004 Parents of the Year Zeny 

and Pepe Salamanca were the host in their residence in Lakewood, WA for Chique Clavecilla 

and Roland Reyes. Seated L to R: Zeny Salamanca, Chique, Roland, Maria Strand. Standing 

L to R: Pepe Salamanca, Tony and Linda Griego, Rose Burlison, Claire Morton, Elena 

Areno, and Gil Villagracia. They are active volunteers and supporters of the Filipino Nutrition 

Program every Tuesday in Lakewood/Tacoma, WA.


Community News 5 


COMMUNITY 

CALENDAR 

¥ Dec. 2, Fri, 6 pm FILIPINO COM- 

MUNITY of SEATTLE. General Membership 

Meeting at the FCC, 5740 Martin Luther King 

Jr Way, Seattle, WA 98118. Everyone is invited 

to attend. FREE DINNER. 206 722 9372. 

¥ Dec. 2, Fri, 1 pm – 8 pm ASIA PA- 

CIFIC CULTURAL CENTER CHRISTMAS BA- 

ZAAR. South Park Community Center, 4851 

S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409. Call 253 

383 3900. 

¥ Dec. 2, Fri, 7 pm FILIPINO AMERI- 

CAN COMMUNITY OF PUGET SOUND 

(FACPS) MONTHLY BALLROOM. Sponsored 

by EBDS, $13 per person/$25 per couple, 

included heavy snack and all night music. 

Tess 253 334 7017. 

¥ Dec. 3, Sat, 5:30 pm COALITION 

OF FILIPINO AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS 

(COFAO) WINTER HOLIDAY DINNER DANCE, 

Lake City Elks (Upper Ballroom), 14540 

Happy celebrant, PI- 

LAR NABLE, posed with 

friends during her birthday 

party held recently at 

her Shoreline residence. 

First row, seated L to R: 

Don Ganchorre, Rolly 

Polintan, Norma Liao and 

Ofelia Presto. Second 

row, L to R: Marie Ganchorre, 

Roger Del Rosario, 

Violet Aesquivel, 

Nanette Villanueva, Flori 

Montante, the celebrant 

PILAR NABLE, and Kim 

Villanueva. � 

Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155, $40. Connie 

Samson 206 546 9720/206 234 8807. 

¥ Dec. 10, Sat, 2:30 pm – 7 pm CAGAYAN 

VALLEY ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS PARTY, 

John L. Scott University Place, 4970 Bridgeport 

Way W, University Place, WA 98467. Bring 

your family and friends from Cagayan Valley 

and your favorite hometown dish. Angie Milton 

206 832 3206, Dr. Marissa Bender 425 220 5997, 

or Gideon Epistola 253 222 7653. 

¥ Dec. 10, Sat, 1 – 5 pm BARANGAY COM- 

MUNITY SERVICES CHRISTMAS PARTY & JAM 

SESSION. Grace Wood 253 590-7070 or Anne 

Stacey 253 922 8857. 

¥ Dec. 10, Sat, 5pm FILIPINO AMERICAN 

COMMUNITY OF SOUTH PUGET SOUND (FAC- 

SPS) CHRISTMAS PARTY at Washington Land 

Yatch Harbor Harmony Hall, 9101 Steilacoom 

Road SE, Olympia, WA 98513. Call 360 456- 

5540. 

¥ Dec. 16, Fri, 7 pm, SIMBANG GABI at 

ST. ANTHONY PARISH sponsored by FILIPINO 

MINISTRY at 314 S 4th Street, Renton, WA 

98057. After the Mass, everybody is invited to 

a Salo-Salo at the Parish Hall. Violet 425 765 

Fiel and Mary Jo Cofreros, 

middle, at the baptism 

of Troy Benedict Cofreros, 

their second son, 

by Father Brad Hagelin 

at St. Charles Borromeo 

Parish in Tacoma on November 

6, 2011. With 

them are Mary Jo’s mom, 

Lilia S. Patino, and son 

Ralph. The Cofreros are 

registered nurses who 

worked for many years 

in England before immigrating 

to the U.S. A 

dinner reception followed 

at the Community Hall at 

Chowking/Seafood City. 

� 

MGa saGOt 

SuDoKu 

PaLaISIPan 

CheSS PuzzLe 

WhitE BLack 

1- BB3 - 1- RB7 ( if BB7 ,thEN RE7 + MatE) 

2- Rc6 + MatE ( if BG7 ,thEN Qf7 + MatE ) 

( if Bf6 ,thEN QG4+ MatE ) 

( if BE5 , thEN Q E5 + MatE) 

( if Bc6 , thEN Rc6 + MatE) 

8087 or Tita 206 228 9986. 

¥ Dec. 17, Sat, 5 pm, SIMBANG GABI at 

SACRED HEART CHURCH, 812 Bowler Street 

SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Call 360 923 0929. 

¥ Dec. 18, Sun, 4 – 8 pm FILIPINO 

COMMUNITY ALLIANCE CHRISTMAS PARTY 

at John L. Scott University Place. Bring your 

family and anyone who wants to join the organization. 

Virginia Hillyer 253 468 7848, Rose 

Sacdalan Coggins 253 514 5941, or Brig. Gen. 

Oscar Hilman (Ret.) 253 468 4314. 

¥ Dec. 18, Sun, 2 pm FILIPINO AMERI- 

CAN COMMUNITY OF PUGET SOUND PRE- 

CHRISTMAS DINNER at 103 6TH Ave N, 

Algona, WA 98001. Members and their families 

and friends are invited. All affiliated Filipino 

community organizations are also invited. 

No admission fee but it is potluck. Conrado 

Casallo, President, 253 266 6381. 

¥ Dec. 31, Sat, 6 pm FILIPINO AMERI- 

CAN COMMUNITY OF PUGET SOUND ANNUAL 

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION at 103 6TH Ave N, 

Algona, WA 98001. Ticket is $30 for Dinner 

and Dance. Come one, come all. Tess Lirio 

253 334 7017. � 

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6 News 

Drilon: Corona voted in favor of arroyo in all 19 

cases brought before the Supreme Court 

"The current score is 19-0. 

Chief Justice Renato Corona 

consistently voted in favor of former 

President Gloria Macapagal 

Arroyo in all 19 cases brought 

before the Supreme Court. He 

never voted against her." 

This was how Senator Franklin 

Drilon described the "judicial 

record" of the incumbent Chief 

Justice which he noted "was 

untarnished by a negative vote 

against the ex-president." Drilon 

then gave Senate reporters of the 

list of the 19 cases. 

In a statement, Drilon reiterated 

his appeal for Corona to inhibit 

himself from deliberations 

on the cases involving the former 

president to avoid doubts on the 

impartiality and objectivity of 

the Supreme Court. 

"I reiterate my call for Corona's 

inhibition in cases involving 

former President Arroyo 

because the Chief Justice's consistent 

voting pattern in all 19 

cases involving the Arroyo government's 

controversial policies 

have created doubts in the public's 

mind about his impartiality," 

Drilon said. 

"All his decisions are all for 

Gloria. His own record shows 

that he favors Arroyo. Even if 

Chief Justice Corona's votes in 

the 19 cases are based on merit, 

what is important here is how 

people perceive him," Drilon 

said, noting that Corona's voluntary 

inhibition would "go a long 

way in maintaining the credibili- 

Media continue to seek justice for 

Maguindanao massacre victims 

MARKING the second year 

of the Maguindanao massacre, 

journalists pledged to 

resist any attempt to trample a 

person’s right to life and free expression. 

In a pledge recited following 

a candle lighting ceremony 

led by relatives of some of the 

58 victims of the Nov. 23, 2009 

massacre in Ampatuan town 

in Maguindanao, 32 of them 

journalists and media workers, 

journalists promised to the best 

of their ability to obtain justice 

not only for the victims of the 

Maguindanao massacre but also 

victims of extra-judicial killing. 

“Ako, bilang mamamahayag, 

ay nangangakong gagawin ang 

kahat ng makakaya para makamit 

ang hustisya, hindi lamang 

para sa mga biktima sa Ampatuan, 

Maguindanao kundi lahat ng 

mga biktima ng pamamaslang. 

“Isusulong ang isang pama- 

ty of the Supreme Court especially 

in cases involving Arroyo." 

To drive home his point, Drilon 

gave media a list of 19 cases in 

which Corona voted in favor of 

Arroyo. The cases are: 

1) Corona concurred in the 

Dec. 7, 2011 SC ruling declaring 

President Noynoy Aquino's order 

creating the Truth Commission 

unconstitutional. 


Oct. 10 2010 SC decision stopping 

the Aquino administration from 

revoking the appointment of alleged 

midnight appointees made 

by Arroyo. 


April 7 2010 SC ruling denying 

the petition of then Sen. Noynoy 

Aquino and upholding Republic 

Act 9716 creating the First and 

Second Districts of Camarines 

Sur. 


SC decision reversing its previous 

decision ordering the Sandiganbayan 

to proceed with the trial of 

former Rep. Benjamin "Kokoy" 

Romualdez, whose son is a known 

ally of Arroyo. 


mahayag na nagtataguyod ng 

interest ng mamamayan, pamamahayag 

na lumalaan st nagtatanggol 

sa karapatang mabuhay 

at kalayaan sa pamamahayag.” 

Speakers lamented the slow 

pace of the trial of the tragedy 

that earned for the Philippine 

the ignominous tag of the second 

most dangerous place for journalists 

in the world, next only to 

Sen. Franklin Drilon 

Feb. 11, 2009 SC decision upholding 

the validity of the Visiting 

Forces Agreement (VFA) 

between the Philippines and the 

United States and ordering the 

transfer of US serviceman and 

rape convict Daniel Smith to a 

Philippine detention facility. 

6) Corona dissented in the 

SC October 14, 2008 SC decision 

declaring the Memorandum of 

Agreement on Ancestral Domain 

(MOA-AD) entered into 

by President Arroyo's peace negotiators 

with the Moro Islamic 

Liberation Front (MILF) as 

"contrary to law and the Constitution." 

7) Corona concurred with 

the July 16, 2008 SC decision declaring 

that communications in 

the Japan-Philippines Economic 

Partnership Agreement signed 

by President Arroyo and former 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro 

Koizumi on September 

9, 2006 were covered by executive 

privilege and not subject to 

public disclosure. 

8) Corona concurred with 

the March 25, 2009 SC decision 

stating that then Social Security 

Relatives-of-journalists-and-media-workerskilled-in-Maguindanao-massacre 

Iraq. 

The National Union of Journalists 

of the Philippines said 

to date, 103 of the 196 suspects 

remain at large and only two 

of the principal suspects have 

been arraigned. The case remains 

snagged on hearings on 

petitions for bail of the accused. 

A member of the International 

Factfinding Mission who 

visited the massacre site in 2009 

said they joined the Filipinos 

last year in asking for justice for 

the victims from Gloria Arroyo. 

“We are doing the same to this 

new government because nothing 

has happened so far.” 

University of the Philippines 

students carried the streamer 

that said, “Duguan ang matuwid 

na daan (The straight path 

is spalttered with blood)”, apparently 

in reference to the 

Aquino administration’s slogan 

of “tuwid na daan.” � 

System Chairman Romulo Neri 

was not liable for contempt for not 

appearing in the Senate hearings 

of the NBN-ZTE scandal because 

his testimony was covered by executive 

privilege. 


February 15, 2008 SC decision 

declaring that the wiretapped 

conversation between then presidential 

candidate Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo 

and Commission on 

Elections Commissioner Virgilio 

Garcellano Jr. was not prohibited 

from broadcast. 


May 3, 2006 SC decision declaring 

Arroyo's Presidential Proclamation 

1017 which placed the country 

under a state of national emergency 

in March 2006 as "partly 

constitutional, partly unconstitutional," 


October 25, 2006 SC decision dismissing 

the petition of the pro- 

Arroyo Sigaw ng Bayan to allow 

a people's initiative to amend the 

1987 Constitution due to failure 

to comply with Constitutional requirements 

of conducting a people's 

initiative. 


Aug. 15, 2006 SC decision declaring 

as valid President Arroyo's gag 

order that prohibited executive 

and military officials from appearing 

before congressional investigations 

without the president's 

consent. The case was filed by then 

Marines General Francisco Gudani. 




April 20, 2006 SC decision upholding 

the controversial gag order 

known as Executive Order 464 

which allowed Malacanang and 

other executive officials to invoke 

executive privilege in refusing to 

testify in congressional investigations. 

14) Corona concurred with the 

April 19, 2006 SC cases declaring a 

valid President Arroyo's Executive 

Order 420 involving the establishment 

of a national identification 

card policy. 


December 13, 2005 SC decision 

declaring that President Arroyo 

can make appointments "in an acting 

capacity" without seeking confirmation 

from the Commission 

on Appointments. 


October 18, 2005 SC decision declaring 

Republic Act 9337, also 

known as the VAT Reform Act, as 

constitutional. 


March 2, 2004 SC ruling dismissing 

petitions to disqualify then 

presidential aspirant Fernando Poe 

Jr. on the ground that he was not a 

natural born citizen. 

18) Corona concurred with the 

Feb. 3, 2004 SC decision declaring 

that President Arroyo did not exceed 

her powers in issuing Proclamation 

number 427, 435 and General 

Order No. 4 declaring a state 

of rebellion during the so-called 

Oakwood Mutiny. 


January 13, 2004 SC decision voiding 

the contract entered into by the 

Commission on Elections with the 

Mega-Pacific firm for not undergoing 

the required public bidding. 

gloria arroyo arrested for 

electoral sabotage 

FORMER President Gloria Arroyo 

is now under arrest for 

The information filed states 

that on or before May 14, 2007, 

the unbailable crime of electoral Arroyo, Ampatuan, and Bedol 

sabotage. 

“conspiring, confederating, and 

The warrant of arrest, issued willfully helping one another in 

by Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pa- order to ensure a ’12-0’ victory for 

say City Regional Trial Court, the candidates of ‘Team Unity’ did 

was served at 6:30 p.m. Friday by then and there willfully, feloni- 

members of the Philippine Naously and unlawfully tamper the 

tional Police seven hours after the Provincial Certificates of Canvass 

Commission on Elections filed of Votes” in Maguindanao. 

electoral sabotage charges in con- The information said this was 

nection with the 2007 elections done after a meeting in Mala- 

against Arroyo, former Maguincanang by the three a few days 

danao governor Andal Ampatuan before election where Arroyo 

Sr. and former Comelec election personally instructed Ampatuan 

to ensure a “12-0” victory 

form candidates of Team 

Unity. 

Ampatuan, in turn, 

the Information further 

stated, instructed Bedol , 

then the chairman of the 

GMA's arrest goes viral online 

Provincial Board of Canvassers 

in Maguindanao, 

to tamper the provincial 

certificate of canvass 

supervisor Lintang Bedol before (PCOC), statement of votes by 

the Pasay City RTC. 

municipality (SOVM) , summary 

Comelec Spokesman James of the statement of vote (SSOV). 

Jimenez said charges against for- Electoral sabotage is punishmer 

Comelec Chair Benjamin able by life imprisonment. 

Abalos and Capt. Peter Reyes The arrest warrant was served 

of the Intelligence Service of the at the St Luke’s Hospital where 

Armed Forces of the Philippines Arroyo is confined. She had un- 

will be filed on Monday. 

dergone three surgeries related to 

Arroyo’s husband, Mike Ar- hypothyroidism. 

royo, was investigated in connec- Justice Secretary de Lima said 

tion with fraud in the same elec- President Aquino said they will 

tion but was dropped from the not oppose if the courts decides 

charge sheet for insufficiency of on hospital or house arrest for Ar- 

evidence. 

royo. �

News 


7 


VP Binay presses for the return of Balangiga bells 

Vice President Jejomar Binay 

expressed hope that 

the US Congress would allow 

the return of Balangiga Bells to 

the Philippines after American 

soldiers seized the bells from a 

local church as a war trophy in 

the aftermath of the Balangiga 

massacre in Samar during the 

Philippine-American War in 

1901. 

Binay sent a letter last Oct. 

5 to US Ambassador to Manila 

Harry Thomas urging the envoy 

to assist in the recovery of 

the two Balangiga Bells that are 

presently enshrined at Warren 

Air Force Base in Cheyenne, 

Wyoming. 

“Through the years there 

have been dialogues between 

independent bodies; and the 

governments of the two nations, 

in hopes of arriving at 

an equitable solution to the issue,” 

Binay said in his letter to 

Thomas. 

Binay said there is a pending 

resolution in US Congress 

seeking the return to the Philippines 

of the bells. 

He said the return of the 

bells had only been delayed by 

the opposition of former Wyoming 

governor David Freudenthal 

and an amendment to the 

US National Defense Authorization 

Act that bars "the return 

hacienda Luisita farmers rejoice but still vigilant over SC decision 

Felix Nacpil Jr., 39, along with 

some 40 farm workers, left 

Hacienda Luisita early morning 

to get a copy of the Supreme 

Court (SC) decision, Nov. 24. 

On board two jeepneys, they 

arrived at the SC at around 9 

a.m.They waited until noon to 

get hold of a 56-page resolution 

penned by Associate Justice 

Presbitero Velasco on the motion 

for reconsideration filed by their 

group Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa 

Hacienda Luisita (Ambala). 

Voting 14-0, the high court 

granted their petition and unanimously 

ordered the distribution 

of 4,916 hectares of Hacienda 

Luisita lands to the original 4,296 

original farmworker beneficiaries 

(FWBs). It modified its July 5, 

2011 ruling ordering the Department 

of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 

to hold a referendum to let the 

Luisita farmers choose between 

owning shares of stocks in Hacienda 

Luisita Inc. or getting portions 

of the more than 6,000-hectare 

estate. 

While farm worker-beneficiaries 

hailed the decision as an initial 

victory, they remain vigilant 

to the possible maneuvers of the 

Cojuangco-Aquino clan who has 

control over the sugar estate. 

“We are not relaxing. They are 

still in power. They can reclaim 

the land from us in whatever way. 

We cannot trust them. From the 

start, we know how clever they 

are,” Nacpil, acting chairman of 

the Ambala, said, referring to the 

Cojuangco-Aquinos. 

Nacpil’s apprehension is with- 

of veterans' memorial objects to 

foreign nations without specific 

authorization in law." 

Binay said that he is optimistic 

that the US lawmakers would 

support the Philippine claim to 

the return of the bells. 

In 1957, Jesuit historian Fa- 

ther Horacio de la Costa requested 

the 13th Air Force in 

San Francisco, California to 

repatriate the bells. 

The Balangiga Historical 

Society through the National 

Historical Institute and the 

Department of Foreign Affairs 

(DFA) initiated formal 

government efforts in reacquiring 

the Balangiga Bells 

in 1989. 

The US government refused 

to return the bells arguing 

that the bells are the 

property of the US government. 

The story of the bells could 

be traces back to the American 

involvement in the Philippines, 

which began with the Spanish- 

American War in 1898. After the 

defeat of Spain, the US took over 

By ronaLYn V. oLea / Bulatlat.com 

out basis. He said the land should 

have been distributed to them 

in 1967 if only the Cojuangcos 

complied with the conditions set 

by the Central Bank the Government 

Service Insurance System 

(GSIS) when they acquired loans 

to purchase the land. “They did 

not comply and five decades have 

passed since,” he said. 

Nacpil’s father, Felix Sr., 70, 

grew old as a farm worker. He, 

too, at the age of 14, started working 

on the sugar plantation. 

Long overdue 

For Rodel Mesa, 52, the SC 

decision is “the fruit of their long, 

arduous struggle of more than 

five decades.” 

Mesa, Ambala spokesman 

and secretary general of Unyon 

ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura 

(Uma), said if the high court issued 

its resolution much earlier, 

the November 16, 2004 massacre 

that claimed that lives of seven 

farm workers would not have 

taken place. “We would not have 

experienced hunger,” he said. 

When President Corazon 

Cojuangco-Aquino assumed the 

presidency, the Hacienda Luisita 

was placed under the stock distribution 

option (SDO), a nonland 

transfer scheme allowed 

under the Comprehensive Agrarian 

Reform Law (CARL). Instead 

of land, stocks were distributed. 

The SDO, however, has failed to 

improve the lives of farm workers. 

With only one day of work 

per week and receiving a measly 

P9.50 ($0.22), farm workers 

staged a strike in November 2004. 

“When we launched the strike 

in 2004, we were only demanding 

for a salary increase and additional 

days of work but these 

were not granted. They were the 

ones who taught us how to fight,” 

Nacpil said. 

In December 2005, the Presidential 

Agrarian Reform Council 

(PARC) ordered the revocation of 

the stock distribution plan (SDP) 

for its alleged failure to fulfill the 

CARL’s thrust of social justice. 

HLI challenged this before the 

SC, saying the PARC has no authority 

to cancel the plan. In February 

2006, the SC issued a temporary 

restraining order (TRO) 

which prevented the PARC from 

ordering the land distribution. 

In its recent decision, the SC 

pointed out that “control over agricultural 

lands must always be in 

the hands of the farmers.” It further 

said that allowing the 6,296 

beneficiaries to remain stockholders 

would never allow them 

to “gain control given the present 

proportion of shareholdings.” 

Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano 

called the SC decision as “an 

important initial step to justice 

and the farmers’ struggle for genuine 

agrarian reform.” 

“We congratulate and salute 

the farm workers of Hacienda 

Luisita. For without them, without 

their militant, collective and 

U.S. soldiers who survived 

a Filipino ambush 

in 1901 pose with a 

church bell used to signal 

the attack. The American 

military still holds 

this bell and two others 

despite protests (Photo: 

Brown, Fred R. 1909. 

History of the Ninth U.S. 

Infantry, 1799–1909. Chicago: 

R.R. Donnelley & 

Sons Co.) 

the country. 

An insurrection followed, 

which lasted more than three 

years and cost the lives of 4,200 

US troops and some 20,000 

Filipino combatants. 

The most infamous incident 

of the war occurred on 

Sept. 28, 1901, in the town of 

Balangiga, located some 400 

miles southeast of Manila on 

the island of Samar. 

The church bells in Balangiga 

were reportedly used to 

signal a surprise attack by Filipino 

rebels on an American 

garrison in the town. 

The attack left more than 

50 US soldiers dead and led to 

American reprisals. 

American troops torched 

several Catholic churches in 

the area and seized the Bells of 

Balangiga as trophies of war. � 

unwavering stand to fight for land 

distribution, we could not have 

reached this stage of the struggle. 

If we may call this victory, then, 

this victory rightly belongs to 

them,” Jobert Pahilga, executive 

director of Sentro para sa Tunay 

na Repormang Agraryo (Sentra), 

counsel of the Ambala, said. 

The high court also directed 

the Hacienda Luisita Incorporated 

(HLI) to pay the 6,296 farm 

workers a total of P1.3 billion for 

the sale of the following portions 

of Hacienda Luisita: 

- P500 million ($11.45 mil- 

Bishop opposes 

renaming of 

eDSa to ‘Cory 

aquino avenue’ 

Catholic bishop has found 

A “unnecessary” the proposal 

to rename Epifanio delos Santos 

Avenue (EDSA) to "Cory Aquino 

Avenue". 

Besides, according to Cubao 

Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, there 

are already some statues named 

after the mother of President Benigno 

Aquino III, including his 

father, the late and former Senator 

Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Sr. 

“It’s not necessary. We have 

statues of Cory and Ninoy in 

Luneta and in other places,” said 

Ongtioco. “The international airport 

is even named after Ninoy.” 

The bishop was reacting to 

a House Bill 5422 filed by Bohol 

Rep. Rene Relampagos that seeks 

to rename EDSA from Caloocan 

City to Pasay City, after the President 

Corazon Aquino. 

EDSA had been the site two 

people power revolts that toppled 

the Marcos and Estrada administration. 

“One cannot think of the 1986 

EDSA Revolution without thinking 

of former President Corazon 

Aquino,” said Relampagos. 

The measure is now pending 

with the committee on public 

works and highways of the House 

of Representatives. [CBCPNews] 

lion) received by the HLI for the 

sale of 200 hectares out of the 500 

hectares covered by an August 14, 

1996 conversion order; 

- P750 million ($17.17 million) 

received by the HLI’s subsidiary, 

Centennary Holdings, 

Inc. for the sale of the remaining 

300 hectares from the 500-hectare 

land; and 

- P80.51 million ($1.84 million) 

paid by the government for 

the sale of the 80.51-hectare lot 

used for the construction of the 

SCTEX road network. �

8 News 

Fr. Favie Faldas, an organizer 

of the National Youth Day 

(NYD), recently warned the people 

that the Catholic Church is 

losing influence over the Filipino 

youth because of their exposure 

to the Internet and the popular 

social networking websites, 

like Facebook and Twitter, 

where they see other people 

standing up against the 

teachings of the Church. 

Faldas, head of the NYD 

Steering Committee, said 

that social networks show 

that it is possible to stand up 

against religious teachings. 

He said before people 

would not speak against the 

teachings of the Church, 

now more people are openly 

criticizing the Catholic 

Church. 

Faldas told the Catholic Media 

Network (CMN) forum that the 

information highway is open and 

anybody can post any information, 

good or bad, and that is why 

when the Catholic Church would 

jump on it, it would lose. 

“This post modern age, we 

might come to the point its not 

anymore the Church age, the 

Church has lost its voice in a 

certain way. May be in our country, 

the Church is still strong but 

worldwide, we could seen in other 

countries (the Church has lost its 

voice),” said Faldas. 

Faldas said that going against 

Facebook versus The Church 

Noel Bartolome 

the “bad” influences coming from 

the social media websites like the 

very popular Facebook and Twitter 

could be be an uphill battle. 

He said that it is a tough challenge 

not only in the Philippines 

but also for other countries. 

Faldas attributed this latest de- 

velopment to secularism. 

He said abortion is now accepted 

in many countries even the 

Christian countries. 

“This is already a sign that 

the influence of the Church, even 

in the predominantly Christian 

countries such as Spain, (is weakening). 

They openly defy the 

Church, before nobody would 

have the courage to do that.” 

The Philippines is still fighting 

off the legalization of abortion. 

The priest said social media is 

one of the factors that contributed 

to the weakening influence of the 

Catholic Church. 

Faldas said once the defiance 

against the Catholic Church becomes 

public, a lot of people become 

aware that going against the 

dictates of the Church is possible. 

“This is what is happening 

to us here. Now others have the 

courage to come out and speak 

their mind,” he added. 

Faldas said the growing 

number of social 

media networks would 

undermine the Catholic 

Church unless the 

Church does something. 

He said the Catholic 

Church does not get 

enough attention from 

the media or does not 

get enough “primetime” 

so it is unable to teach its 

maximum capacity. 

Faldas said one 

way for the Catholic Church to 

strengthen its crusade is by educating 

the public and even attempt 

to fight the social networking 

websites in the Internet. The 

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of 

the Philippines (CBCP) has come 

up with the www.youthpinoy. 

com and to intensify its education 

campaign. 

He also believed that there are 

international 

funding organizations 

that 

want to reduce 

the Catholic 

Church influence. 

“I don’t want to name my 

sources but this is also a way to put 

down the influence of the Church 

because they want to put up their 

own agenda. For example, there 

are international agencies that are 

behind the Reproductive Health 

(RH) bill so that by funding to 

promote the RH bill, they are 

funding to put down the Church,” 



Fr. Faldas added. 

The Catholic Church hierarchy 

in the Philippines is strongly 

opposing the passage of the RH 

bill that it believed would promote 

the use of contraceptive and 

abortion-enhancing drugs. 

The proposed RH bills are being 

deliberated in the Senate and 

the Houses of Representatives. �


9 


Are you looking for fresh and nutritious food in your neighborhood? 

Grocery stores in YOUR community are part of the 

Healthy Foods Here program! They sell affordable and delicious 

fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat healthy and enjoy! 

WIC 

and SNAP 

accepted 

at many 

stores! 

Pinoy Grocery 

11614 Ambaum Blvd SW 

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Made possible by funding from Public Health – 

Seattle & King County and the U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services. 

Look for the at 

these stores to 

find fresh foods in 

your community: 

Please visit www.healthyfoodshere.com 

for more stores near you. 

P inoy 

Reporter 

Serving Filipino American 

Communities in the Pacific Northwest 

Trusted Newspaper of the Global Filipino

10 Opinion 

Frederick E. Dabu 

news editor 

Boy Villasanta 

Contributing editors 

Paulette Lee 

accountant (Seattle) 

Miki Osborne 

office Manager 

E D I T O R I A L 

Bigger Pictures 

Christmas. It's the time of the year when we celebrate 

the ancient pagan tradition of the birth 

of the sun-god -- or so we are reminded every so 

often that the birth of Christ could not have happened 

in December, and it was the emperor Constantine 

who decided to mark it so in order to assimilate 

pagan worshippers into the new Roman 

religion. 

In other news, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima 

decided to stand her ground and refused to allow 

former President Gloria Arroyo to leave the country, 

in spite of a Supreme Court TRO. A few days 

later, a warrant of arrest for Mrs. Arroyo was finally 

served. 

Is Secretary De Lima liable for disobeying the 

court? As of this writing, the SC has asked her to 

explain why she should not be cited for contempt. 

There is, however, a bigger picture here, and we applaud 

the Secretary for seeing it. 

Mrs. Arroyo should be brought to justice, and if 

there was ever to be a chance of that truly happening, 

she must not be allowed to leave. Despite the 

"assurances" of an increasingly desperate Len Bautista-Horn 

(who, without a hint of irony or embarrassment, 

plead for Mrs. Arroyo's 'right' to medical 

treatment abroad when millions of Filipinos could 

not even afford the very basic services of local hospitals), 

the Arroyo camp is not in a position to be 

trusted. Mrs. Arroyo, after all, is on the dock for 

electoral sabotage, for allegedly cheating the 2007 

elections and lying to the country. 

De Lima's stance, while controversial, bought 

enough time for the warrant to be issued and 

served, finally closing the door on the former President's 

chances of leaving. 

There are times when we do have to overlook 

what is 'technically' or 'legally' correct, in order to 

avoid missing what is really important. As with 

Christmas, in our deepest of hearts, it is not historical 

accuracy that truly matters but that at a certain 

time of year, a sense of peace, joy, and love for 

our fellowmen may be shared by all, Christians and 

non-Christians alike. 

Merry Christmas to us all. � 

Gideon G. Epistola 

Publisher 

Sid C. Balatan 

executive editor 

office 

4970 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98467 

Phone: (253) 222-7653 

email: Gideon.PinoyReporter@gmail.com 

Pinoy Reporter is a subscriber of KAPITBAHAY 

editorial content, including the logo, layout design 

and concept. All rights reserved 2008 KAPITBAHAY 

Margaret P. Yarcia 

Features editor 

Kapitbahay 

Layout Design 

Violet Aesquivel 

Rolly Polintan 

Marketing Managers 

Salungguhit / Bulatlat 

It is that time of year again! 

Carols on the radio, lighted 

trees, candy canes, and hamon for 

Noche Buena. From Thanksgiving 

until the New Year, it is one 

long month of celebrations. With 

the all the advertisements for the 

newest gadgets, largest TVs, and 

biggest sales, sometimes we forget 

what the holidays are all about. 

Time with family and celebrating 

Jesus Christ’s birthday! 

It is fitting Christmas comes 

before the new year. For it symbolizes 

the new life and spiritual 

renewal that Jesus’ birth offers us. 

In the Bible, there are four gospels 

detailing the birth, life, and death 

of Jesus Christ. Gospel comes 

from the Greek word meaning 

“Good news.” The good news of 

Jesus is that God loves us and we 

are welcome to forgiveness, a new 

start, and the eternal good life. 

Let us remember this message 

when we go about our holiday 

traditions. 

Amid the hustle and bustle of 

Black Friday and the shopping 

frenzy leading to Christmas day, 

God’s charity should be first and 

foremost in our hearts and mind. 

It is amusing to think that on Je- 

Several changes to the Post- 

9/11 GI Bill that allows eligible 

veterans, service members, and 

spouses to pay for new and additional 

education and training 

program took effect on October 

1, 2011. Programs not leading 

to college degrees, including programs 

offered at schools that don't 

grant degrees, will now be eligible 

for GI Bill funding. 

Flight programs and correspondence 

training as well as 

on-the-job and apprenticeship 

training is also eligible for funding 

under the "The Restoring GI 

Bill Fairness Act of 2011". Active 

duty soldiers, who were previously 

ineligible, and their spouses 

may now receive up to $1,000.00 

for books and supplies each academic 

year. Service members and 

veterans may be reimbursed for 

examination fees. National Guard 

members performing active duty 

service under U.S. C. Title 32 are 

haPPy Birthday Jesus! 

Time is Now 

Dr. Jessy ang 

www.faithphilippines.com 

sus’ birthday, we, the guests, are 

the ones who receive the presents. 

God has given us the greatest 

gifts of all -his love, blessings, 

and salvation. God gifted us Jesus 

Christ to be a light and guide in 

our world. 

Jesus was onced asked, “What 

is the greatest commandment in 

the law?” Jesus answered, “The 

first and greatest commandment 

is You shall love the Lord your 

God with all your heart, and with 

all of your soul and with all of 

your mind and with all of your 

strength. The second is connected 

to it: You shall love your neighbor 

as you love yourself. There are 

Post-9/11 gi Bill changes 

Veterans Affairs 

Brig. gen. oscar 

Bautista hilman (ret) 

plchb@aol.com 

now eligible for benefits. 

Students not on active duty 

who are enrolled solely in distance 

learning may receive up 

to half of the housing allowance 

provided to those enrolled in oncampus 

programs. 

The act sets the benefit cap of 

the GI Bill at $17,500.00 in annual 

for public and foreign schools 



no other commandments greater 

than these. On these two commandments, 

the entire law and all 

the prophets rest.” 

Therefore, let us feed the hungry 

with food that nourishes both 

the body and soul, let us care and 

invite strangers into our hearts, let 

us comfort and clothe those who 

are going through hard times, let 

us look after the sick, and visit 

the imprisoned. Jesus is telling 

us that we are all one big family 

from Washington to the Philippines 

and beyond. So let us love 

and take care of each other this 

holiday and every day. 

In honor of Jesus’ birthday, let 

us live and celebrate his Word. In 

doing so, we will be blessed with 

much happiness and peace. 

Jessy A. Ang, MD is a psychiatrist 

in private practice for more 

than 25 years. He is the founder 

and first president of the Filipino 

American Physicians of Washington. 

He was appointed acting 

Philippine Consul General in Seattle 

by President Cory Aquino in 

1986 and gives his perpective on 

current social and political issues 

in the Philippines on this paper 

and on www.faithphilippines.com. 

and allows payment of all in-state 

public school tuition and fees. In 

addition, the Department of Veterans 

Affairs is authorized to pay 

more than that $17,500.00 for 

certain students attending private 

colleges and universities in the 

state of Arizona, Michigan, New 

Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, 

South Carolina, and Texas. 

Students must have been enrolled 

in the same college or university 

since January 4, 2011. For more 

information, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov. 

Born in Camarines Sur in 

Southern Philippines, retired 

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Oscar Bautista 

Hilman also served as Commander 

of the Green Zone in 

Iraq and Deputy Commander of 

Ft. Lewis. Presently with the U.S. 

Department of Veterans Affairs 

Advisory Committee on Minority 

Veterans, Gen. Hilman is also the 

president of the Filipino Community 

Alliance. �

Opinion 

model of swift Justice 

christmas gifts for Pinoy 

seafarers 


11 


The Philippine National Police 

had taken custody of former 

president and now Pampanga 

Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo 

after the Pasay City Regional Trial 

Court (RTC) issued a warrant 

of arrest against Arroyo in connection 

with electoral sabotage 

charges filed against her. 

Judge Jesus Mupas issued the 

arrest warrant on the same day 

the Commission on Elections 

filed the charges last Nov. 18 upon 

the recommendation of the joint 

panel of the poll body and the 

Department of Justice that investigated 

the poll fraud case. 

Mupas, however, issued another 

order last Nov. 21 allowing 

Mrs. Arroyo to stay confined at 

the St. Lukes Medical Center in 

Taguig City where she is being 

treated for a rare bone disorder. 

Arroyo first underwent spine 

surgery on July 29 to address her 

pinched nerve in the neck. 

the twelve sites of social security 

During the holiday season, 

it’s hard to walk in a 

public place without hearing a 

Christmas carol or two. One of 

the most popular traditional 

songs is “The Twelve Days of 

Christmas.” It’s been a holiday 

favorite since it was published 

in 1780. Here’s our take on the 

song: “The Twelve Sites of Social 

Security.” 

For the first site of Social 

Security, we present to you: our 

home page, www.socialsecurity.gov. 

It’s the place to go for all 

things Social Security. Everything 

you could want — from 

online services and screening 

tools to publications and press 

releases — can be found easily 

from this starting place. 

On the second site of Social 

Security, we present to you: an 

easy way to get or replace your 

Social Security card using our 

online application at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. 

On the third site of Social 

Security, we present to you: 

an online application for retirement 

benefits that you can 

complete and submit in as little 

as 15 minutes at www.socialse- 

Ang mga sumusunod ay 

mga kadahilanan kung 

bakit muntik nang sumemplang 

si Pacman sa laban niya 

noong nakaraang Nobyembre 

12 kay Juan Marquez. Nakahalaw 

ako ng isang dosenang 

haka-haka mula sa mga diario, 

blogs, TV at iba pang online 

channels. Sa inyong palagay, 

tama ba ang mga ito? 

1. Wala sa concentration 

si Pacman dahil sa isyung divorce 

nila ni Jinkee. 

2. Hindi daw sinunod ni 

Pacman ang training program 

ng kanyang conditioning 

coach na si Alex Ariza. 

3. Labing-walong beses 

tinapakan ni Marquez ang paa 

ni Pacman. 

4. Maramimg iniisip si Pacman 

bilang Congressman, dahil 

sa araw-araw na tawag ng 

Turning Point 

noel Bartolome 

nrbarto@gmail.com 

Four of her cervical vertebra 

were replaced with titanium implants. 

The electoral sabotage case is 

connected to the cheating in Maguindanao 

province in the 2007 

mid-term elections that were 

allegedly rigged in favor of the 

senatorial candidates of the Arroyo 

administration’s Team Unity 

party. 

Social Security 

Juan Covarrubias 

SSa Public affairs Specialist 

curity.gov/planners/about.htm. 

On the fourth site of Social Security, 

we present to you: a secure, 

convenient way to apply for disability 

benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. 

On the fifth site of Social Security, 

we present to you: five estimates 

of your future Social Security 

benefits! Or one, or as many 

as you would like using different 

scenarios. Get instant, personalized 

estimates of your future benefits 

at www.socialsecurity.gov/ 

estimator. 

On the sixth site of Social Se- 

curity, we present to you: an 

online application for Medicare 

that lets you complete an application 

for Medicare benefits in 

as little as 10 minutes, at www. 

socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly. 

On the seventh site of Social 

Security, we present to you: Extra 

Help with prescription drug 

costs. You can learn more and 

apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. 

On the eighth site of Social 

Security, we present to you: our 

convenient publication library 

with online booklets and pamphlets 

on numerous subjects, at 

www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. 

On the ninth site of Social 

Security, we present to you: 

popular baby names. Learn 

about popular baby names and 

trends based on child Social 

Security card applications over 

the years at www.socialsecurity. 

gov/OACT/babynames. 

On the tenth site of Social 

Security, we present to you: the 

location of your nearest Social 

Security office, no matter where 

you are, at www.socialsecurity. 


Bakit nga Ba muntik nang matalo si Pacman 

Inside Info 

Sid Balatan 

sid@kalatas.com 

kanyang mga staff sa Kongreso. 

5. Napupuyat si Pacman sa 

pagda-dart tuwing gabi sa Palazzo, 

kasama ang Team Pacquiao. 

6. Maraming interview sa mga 

TV at promotions sa mga ini-endorsong 

produkto tulad ng alak 

na Henessy. 

Aside from Arroyo, also ordered 

arrested by Judge Mupas 

were former Maguindanao governor 

Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. 

and former provincial election 

supervisor Lintang Bedol. 

Bedol is serving a six-month 

jail term in New Bilibid Prison 

in Muntinlupa that was meted on 

him by the Comelec for contempt 

for escaping investigation of disappearance 

of the election documents 

under his custody in the 

2007 polls. 

Ampatuan is detained at the 

Philipine National Police headquarters 

at Camp Bagong Diwa 

in Taguig in connection with the 

Maguindanao massacre. 

The SC earlier issued a TRO 

last Nov. 15 to stop the DOJ 

from enforcing a watchlist order 

(WLO) or travel ban against Mrs. 

Arroyo and her husband Jose 

Miguel in connection with the 


7. Kinarma dahil bumili ng 

10-milyun halagang Porsche na 

kotse. Hindi na lamang daw ibinigay 

ang pera sa scholarship o 

bumili ng pagkain para sa mga 

batang naghihirap. 

8. Isyu diumano sa anak sa 

ibang babae ni PAcman na nakuhanan 

ng litrato noong binyag 

ng bata kasama si Pacman. 

9. Mayaman na at wala nang 

fire o pangangailangan sa paglaban 

tulad noong mahirap at di 

pa siya sikat. 

10. Mali ang training na 

binigay ni Fred Roach dahil 

nakatuon ito sa pag-knockdown 

kay Marquez sa loob ng 

6 round. 

11. Kontra pelo lang talaga 

ang style nina Pacman at Marquez. 

12. Na-under estimate nila 

ang kakayahan ni Marquez da- 


This season 100’s of Filipino 

seafarers sailing on the high 

seas will receive Christmas gift 

boxes from Tacoma Seafarers’ 

Center. Normally TSC gives out 

the boxes beginning the week 

of Thanksgiving. However, this 

year we began early. We asked 

this crew, “Are you going to be 

back to the USA before Christmas?” 

They said, “No we will 

be on the ocean. We won’t come 

back until January.” 

We did not want them to 

be without any gifts to open on 

Christmas day. So we asked 

them, “Would you like to have 

some Christmas gifts for your 

ship?” Their eyes brightened! 

Then we ordered the Captain 

and crew, “Do not open until 

December 25.” They all agreed, 

“Opo. Sige. Talaga.”The Captain 

said, “We will be putting up 

our Christmas tree on the ship 

this Saturday. We will put your 

gifts under the tree, then we will 

open when we have our Christmas 

celebration.” We have great 

delight to bring joy into the 

lives of OFW’s who are far from 

home for the holidays; sailing on 

the high seas. 

Those who live in the Tacoma 

area may bring gifts with 

Pinoy products for Filipino 

seafarers to: Tacoma Seafarers’ 

Center, 1118 Port of Tacoma 

Rd. Contact Paul Peterson: 

253.961.7041. We provide the 

empty boxes tapos churches at 

individuals fill them with items 

like: hat, gloves, toothpaste, 

toothbrush, socks, shampoo, 

soap, snacks. Inside each box we 

put a Christmas letter. 

“Mahal na Kaibigang Marino, 

kami na mga bumubuo ng 

Tacoma Seafarers’ Center, sampu 

ng mga mabubuting mamamayan 

ng Tacoma ay nais naming 

mamahagi ng pagpapala at 

pagmamahal ngayong Kapaskuhan. 

Ang munting handog na 

ito ay tanda ng aming pag-alaala 

at pakikipagkaibigan sa inyo. 

Ang Pasko ay panahon ng 

paggunita sa kapanganakan ng 

ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo 

na nagbigay ng kanyang buhay 

upang tayo ay magkaroon ng 

kapayapaan sa Amang Diyos sa 

Langit. 

Maghari nawa sa ating mga 

puso ang pagmamahal, kagalakan 

at kapayapaan mula sa 

ating Dios. Naway patnubayan 

at gabayan kayo ng ating Banal 

na Lumikha sa inyong paglalakbay.” 

Have a blessed Christmas! 


the nature of Being human 

Like most of you, I look at the 

holiday season as a time for 

reflections. And with the flurry 

of important developments in the 

Philippine current events and my 

being a psychologist, mine gravitate 

towards the nature of being 

human. 

First off, the former President 

Gloria Arroyo has finally been 

served a warrant of arrest, but the 

events leading to it were far more 

interesting. Her spokesperson 

Elena Bautista-Horn particularly 

invited great controversies, not 

exactly unwarranted. 

She lambasted the current 

administration, especially the 

Department of Justice led by Sec. 

Leila de Lima, for “trampling on 

the human rights” of her boss. 

The right she speaks of is the right 

to travel, which her twisted logic 

puts above the right of the country 

to justice. She shed tears in an 

interview, as if one who has no 

knowledge of how the Constitution 

and rights were rampantly 

violated during GMA’s regime. 

I have always been fascinated 

with the likes of her (read: my 

commentary is not about the person 

but the lot she represents) – 

young people who, introduced 

to power, become slaves to their 

ambition, learn how to lie with a 

straight face, and apparently convince 

themselves of the “truth” 

of their false claims. Or maybe I 

shouldn’t be; after all, world his- 

Chaplain Paul B. Peterson 

Tacoma Seafarers’ 

Center Director 

PaulTSC@yahoo.com 

Musings 

Meg Yarcia 

megyarcia@yahoo.com 

tory is replete with accounts like 

this. 

But when it’s someone who is 

relatively young and stable in life 

(at this point I also speak of the 

Supreme Court justices who sided 

with Arroyo), one wonders what 

stops people from doing the right 

thing. Indeed, what kind of life 

awaits one who is so young yet already 

so corrupt? 

Second, the prominent Bautista/Revilla 

family hogged the 

limelight for weeks following the 

gruesome murder of one of Ramon 

Revilla Sr.’s sons, Ramgen. 

The entire nation was gripped 

by the family drama that unraveled 

in the most movie-like way: 

an actor-politician is not in good 

terms with the family of one of 

his many mistresses whose members 

squabbled over money; the 

siblings allegedly plot to kill their 

Turn To Page 19…

12 Business 

There are times in our lives 

where we have to move 

on for not necessary reasons, 

yet for unforeseen reasons. 

Reasons such as the death of 

a loved one, divorce, or family 

illness. Unforeseen change will 

throw you off, but you can get 

back up. 

When these such occurrences 

happen, you are often 

caught in a situation where you 

don’t know where to start, how 

to get moving, or even remembering 

how to breath. 

This is one of the most trying 

times because you do not 

know where you are going, you 

have not planned for this, and 

you have no motivation. All 

the motivation has been sucked 

out of you and you are dealing 

heavily with emotions at 

the same time. Buying a home 

and moving is very emotional 

and mentally challenging…but 

the two situations happening 

simultaneously is very overbearing. 

This is where you are 

forced to make the toughest decisions 

of your life. You’ll need 

help. 

During that of a divorce, 

death, or any serious family 

change, life does move on. 

The first thing you need to do 

is get yourself in the frame of 

life goes on… 

Mortgage 

Tina Lombard 

mortgagesbytina@hotmail.com 

mind where you do not make 

decisions purely based on 

your emotional state. Emotions 

change, therefore so will 

your needs. You have to get to 

a mental spot where you can 

make some accurate and fair 

assessments of your financial 

and living situation. This may 

take a week, a month, or maybe 

years. Everyone has a different 

situation. When you can get to 

a place where you do not break 

down emotionally at every 

turn, you might be in a good 

place to start making smart decisions. 

Some of the decisions and 

questions you have to ask are: 

Can you refinance to a lower 

rate and reduce the payments? 

Should I sell my home, or can 



need financing or contracts to grow your 

small Business? 

The U. S. Small Business Administration 

(SBA) is committed to 

providing access and opportunity to 

Americans who are – or who want to 

become – small business owners. For 

a variety of reasons, some communities 

are underserved when it comes to 

getting the tools they need to grow a 

business and create jobs. We want to 

change that. 

Our resource partners include 

Small Business Development Centers 

that provide training and business 

counseling for little or no cost. This 

includes the basics of starting a business 

and understanding more about 

topics like finances, marketing, production 

and management. 

We also have Women’s Business 

Centers, in Seattle, Mukilteo and Tacoma 

and a Veterans Business Outreach 

Center in Seattle. Counselors 

I rent it out? Can I afford to purchase 

another? What do I qualify 

for? How much can I buy? Where 

do I start? If I don’t qualify, can I 

afford to still live here? 

There are other professionals 

that come into play at these trying 

times such as Lawyers, Doctors, 

Therapists, Financial Planners, 

etc. For the purpose of this 

article, my advice centers on my 

industry. Call a good Realtor 

and Mortgage Loan Officer. Find 

people that have gone through 

Small Business 

Calvin W. goings 

regional administrator 

uS Small Business administration 

stand ready to help small businesses 

get connected to resources. 

In addition to these counseling 

efforts, providing access to capital 

for small businesses in underserved 

areas is at the top of SBA’s agenda. 

similar situations that you are 

experiencing. These professionals 

will know what you are going 

through, they will be able to 

predict things that you will not 

see coming. They will be able to 

guide you through your ordeal 

of purchasing and selling “compassionately” 

and with empathy. 

You don’t need added stress on 

top of what you are already going 

through. Find people who know 

that you will be able to “personally” 

recommend them later on. 

Small firms require financing to 

grow, hire new employees and invest 

in the future. That’s why we want to 

invest in them. 

And, it’s also why SBA is piloting 

the Community Advantage program. 

For the first time, we opened up 

SBA’s most popular loan program to 

community-based, mission-focused 

lenders who have a high-touch approach. 

This includes Community 

Development Financial Institutions, 

SBA’s Certified Development Companies, 

microlenders, and others who 

keep at least 60 percent of their portfolios 

in underserved markets. 

Community Advantage will let 

these organizations make loans of 

$250,000 or less, and they can use 

streamlined paperwork to get the 

deal done quickly. 


Life goes on. Get yourself in 

the mind frame where you can 

deal with the serious decisions 

you will have to make, then get 

the right people in place to help 

you make those very serious decisions. 

Tina Lombard, whose mother 

is Cebuana, is a veteran mortgage 

lending officer with Westside Community 

Bank. She is also a music 

director, media personality, entertainment 

producer, and professional 

musician. � 

S u p p o r t | R e n e w a b l e | E n e r g y 

Merry ChristMas to all !!!


13 

http://pinoyreporter.com

14 Lifestyle-Travel 

If a foreigner asks you to take her around Manila for a day, where would you 

bring her? I found myself in this situation a few weeks ago, and it is difficult. 

As my friend who works at an international travel agency says, Manila has the 

lowest number of tourists among Asian countries, and at that moment I understood 

why: it’s probably not very clean compared to the others, and the remarkable 

tourist spots are in the provinces. Thankfully, there is the trusty old Intramuros, 

which I rediscovered that day. 

Taking the MRT and LRT to the Central station, we hailed a cab to the Walled 

City, which is home to many buildings whose designs are inspired by the Spanish 

tradition. We walked to Fort Santiago, which was landscaped superbly. At the center 

is a huge fountain, surrounded by rows and rows of well-trimmed plants. There 

are steel benches all around, and classical music played from a huge speaker, allowing 

for a peaceful leisurely walk, although one can opt to ride the horse-drawn 

carriage called kalesa. 

Scattered all over are sculptures, replicas of cannons, the guards in the Guardia 

Civil attire, and little kids running away from their parents. Yes, it is a perfect place 

for family picnics, with a clean turf for playing frisbee, or simply lazing away on a 

blanket. Some also fly kites, or do photo shoots. Fort Santiago, in fact, is a suki for 

couples in need of pre-nuptial photos, made to look vintage-like, with the backdrop 

of the bricks and stone walls. 

There is also a huge pond, where there grows huge water lilies with bright 

flowers. A short walk would take one to the dungeons, those dark spaces that are 

By Vince Marin 

Little known fact: November 

is urban poor month in the 

Philippines. In honor of the second 

biggest Filipino sector, next 

only to the rural poor (ha!), let us 

take a moment to view this group 

through the lens of a known advocate 

of the poor during his 

time, Dr. Jose Rizal. 

The urban poor is one of the 

least understood sectors of Philippine 

society. Unlike, say, workers 

or farmers, the urban poor is 

not clustered based on economic 

activity, hence no easily defined 

economic interest. The most common 

notion identifies the sector 

with the slums and squatter settlements 

in which most of them live, 

which bears all the degradations 

of poverty in plainest view. 

For this, the urban poor suffers 

some of the harshest of stereotypes, 

which is aggravated by 

their proximity to a judging media 

and middle class. In the ongoing 

Reproductive Health Bill debate, 

for instance, much of the rhetoric 

behind the need for population 

control is undoubtedly driven by 

the sight of tightly-packed slums, 

filled with people who allegedly 

"multiply like rabbits". The city's 

waterways are clogged because of 

the squatters who are too "hardheaded" 

to move. An upper class 

professional, perhaps aboard his 

car or a taxi cab, will pass by a 

slum area and notice shirtless 

men milling about a store front, 

and conclude that these people 

are poor because they are lazy and 

don't know any better. 



also the stuff for European historical romances. There is also a viewing ‘deck’ 

where one can see Manila – with its unremarkable buildings, smog and the 

murky river, at least during the day. At night, though, it becomes a wonderful 

sight with reflections of lights from the establishments dancing with the 

river’s gentle rhythms. 

And of course, the thick walls designed to protect the city from rebellion, 

are a sight in themselves. This is especially true for the part that resembles a 

cathedral’s façade, where the crowd is led to the museum for Philippine National 

Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. 

Fort Santiago also draws people because of this exhibit that pays tribute to 

his heroism, with his statue, old letters to his sisters, poems, clothing and photos 

on display. His final work, Mi Ultimo Adios, is translated to Filipino, English, 

French, Chinese and other major languages. There is also a reconstructed 

version of his cell when he was incarcerated by the Spanish for treason. 

To those who would like to take home Philippine handicrafts, vendors 

have in tow fans and hats, and there are also stalls that offer exquisite accessories 

and home finery. Finally, hungry stomachs can come to fine dining 

restaurants in the area, or to those looking for cheaper options, there’s always 

Binondo’s Sun Wah or Los Ambos Mundos. 

In my case, we ended up appreciating the interiors (and exteriors, too), 

of the Manila Cathedral, then heading to a mall for dinner. Nonetheless, my 

foreigner friend and I had a great time. � 

PuertO PrINceSA uNderGrOuNd 

rIver: New wONder Of NAture 

rizal and the urban Poor 

Once upon a time, Jose Rizal 

endeavored to defend a people 

who were likewise typecast as lazy 

and ignorant by a judging upper 

class. The result became 

one of Rizal's 

most important 

essays, The Indolence 

of the Filipinos. 

Credit Rizal's 

prescience, and the 

still-dire economic 

realities of today, 

that a 

Rizal argued 

that, in spite of an 

active and industrious 

tradition, the Filipinos' productive 

capacity was destroyed 

because the Spaniards forced 

them into other pursuits that 

served the colonial interest. Today, 

this translates to the interests 

of the wealthy, of big business and 

foreign capital. 

The landowning class in the 

Philippines has long resisted 

agrarian reform and effected 

widespread conversion of agricultural 

lands, which has deprived 

the peasantry from 'cultivating 

their fertile plains' and driven significant 

rural to urban migration. 

This, incidentally, has been considered 

to be at the 'heart' of the 

problem of urban congestion and 

poverty. The rapid urbanization 

of the Philippines, especially in 

the 1980s when the urban population 

exploded at more than 

5% annually, has largely created 

the urban problem to what it is 

today. 

Independent think-tank 

IBON Foundation argues that 

the government's continued 

adherence to free-market policies, 

which indicates its "bias 

for big profit-seeking players 

and foreign investors", has 

eroded domestic industry and agriculture 

and brought the number 

of the unemployed and in poor 

quality work to record highs. Interestingly, 

Rizal made a similar 

observation of the "abandonment 

of industry and agriculture" by 

the Filipinos because of Spanish 

enforcement of its colonial designs. 

Rizal also pointed out: "The 

sordid return the native gets from 

his work has the effect of discouraging 

him... the native, whom 

[the Spaniards] pretend to regard 

as an imbecile, is not so much so 

that he does not understand that 

it is ridiculous to work himself to 

death to become worse off." 

The same might be said of 

the urban poor of today. Wage 

rates have fallen far short of the 

government-estimated 'family 

living wage' needed to sustain decent 

living standards; in 2010, the 

NCR minimum wage of P404 is 

less than half of the family living 

wage (P957). The underemployed 

and the informally-employed, 

which are the majority of the 

poor, are earning even less. 

Finally, Rizal believed that 

the primary factor that "fostered 

and sustained" indolence was 

government. He spoke of government 

corruption, of "administrative 

slackness and confusion in a 

country where the officials work 

scarcely two hours a day"; of "the 

governor… devoted almost wholly 

to trade; in his hands the high 

and noble functions he performs 

are nothing more than instruments 

of gain." 

It need not be said how true 

these words still ring today. If Rizal 

was alive, he would take one look at 

the country’s leaders and understand 

completely about the slums. �


Food-Feature 15 


DecaDent chocolate Rum 

cake foR the holiDays 

Bored with the usual Fruit 

cake for the holidays? Well 

try out this recipe shared by 

CookBook Kitchen when they 

demonstrated selected recipes 

at the Maya Kitchen. This 

Rum cake is really festive and 

will add as a nice touch to the 

Christmas dinner. 

Here are the ingredients: 

1c unsifted unsweetened 

cocoa 

2c boiling water 

2-3/4 c MAYA All Purpose 

Flour 

2 tsp baking soda 

1/2 tsp baking powder 

1/2 tsp salt 

1 c butter 

2-1/2 c sugar 

4 whole eggs 

1 tsp vanilla 

Procedure: 

1. In a bowl, mix unsweetened 

cocoa w/ 2 c boiling water; 

mix w/ wire whisk until 

smooth; set aside & cool completely. 

2. Sift all dry ingredients except 

sugar; measure; then combine 

together. 

3. In large bowl of mixer using 

paddle, beat butter, sugar, 

eggs & vanilla until light & 

fluffy. 

When you lift the beater, 

CourTeSY oF PInoYFooDBLog.CoM 

It’s truly the most wonderful 

time of the year, isn’t it? Everyone 

is in a giving mood and 

most of us are looking forward 

to spending time with family and 

friends for Christmas. And yes, 

food to me is every bit as essential 

to the Filipino Christmas as carols 

and Simbang Gabi. So for those 

of you trying to be good throughout 

the holidays, I’m sharing the 

low-fat version of leche flan so 

you can still indulge but not regret 

it. But first, I’m shedding some 

light on interesting food myths 

in the Filipino community. Food 

for thought, followed by a healthy 

desert. Maligayang Pasko! 

MYTH: “Vegetable oil is not 

fattening.” 

TRUTH: False. All types of oil 

have the same amount of fat and 

should be limited to 30% of total 

you can actually feel it light and fluffy. 

4. At low speed, beat in flour mixture and liquid 

cocoa mixture alternately, ending with flour mixture. 

5. Pour into 4 standard-size loaf pans or one 

round pan and one loaf pan. Make sure the pan is 

well greased. 

6. Bake in 350 deg F oven for 30-35 mins. While 

this is baking, do the butter rum glaze. 

Butter Rum Glaze Ingredients: 

1 c butter 

3/4 c sugar 

1/4 c water 

1 c rum 

Procedure: 

1. Pour all ingredients except the rum into a 

saucepan and bring to a simmer for approx. 5 mins 

2. Then add the rum slowly to the mixture making 

sure to go near the mixture or else your eyebrows 

can burn. A flame can form in the mixture like the 

photo below: 

3.Brush/pour generously rum mixture onto hot 

cakes. The mixture is a lot but it should be poured 

into the baked rum cake. � 

Healthy Decisions 

Francesca Minas 

francesca.minas@heart.org 

American Heart Association 

calories. But olive oil, canola 

oil and peanut oil contain the type 

of fat that helps lower blood cholesterol, 

thereby reducing the risk 

of heart attack. 

MYTH: “Rice is fattening; 

therefore to reduce weight, we 

gInaTaang SITaW WITh PorK 

(STrIng BeanS CooKeD In CoConuT MILK) 

What else 

can't be 

cooked with 

coconut milk? 

Majority of the 

vegetables in 

the Philippines 

can be used as 

an ingredient 

to a sumptuous 

meal with a coconut 

milk. You 

can also cook 

Pork, Chicken and seafood’s. This 

time, let me show you how to cook 

Ginataang Sitaw. If you search online, 

there are lots of English translations 

of "Sitaw", some calls it Green Beans, 

Long Green Beans, Long Beans, etc... 

Ingredients: 

- 1/4 Kilo of Sitaw (cut at least 2 

inches in length) 

- 1/2 Kilo of Pork Belly / Liempo 

(cut into cubes) 

- 1/4 Kilo of Shrimps (Shelled) 

- Onions 

- Garlic 

- Green Chili (Chopped) 

- Cooking Oil 

- Ginger 

- Fish Sauce, Salt and Pepper 

- Shrimp Paste 

- Coconut Milk (Powdered or 

Canned) 

- 1 cup of water 

Cooking Procedure: 

- In a pan, pour the cooking oil, sauté' 

garlic and onions. 

- Add the ginger. After few minutes of 

sautéing, pour fish sauce. There's no exact 

measurement of the fish sauce or salt 

and pepper, it depends on how you like 

the taste. 

- After pouring the fish sauce, add 

shrimp paste until it's cooked, unless the 

shrimp paste was already cooked or sautéed'. 

- Now you can add the pork and cook 

it until its tender. 

- When pork is tender enough, add 

shrimps and the chopped green chili’s. 

- Sauté it for a minute and pour the 

mixture of one cup of water and the powdered 

coconut milk or in can. 

- Once it boiled, pour the long beans 

or sitaw and cook it until it's half cooked. 

Or you can cook it very well. � 

food myths & a healthy treat 

need to cut down the amount of 

rice and eat more meat.” 

TRUTH: False. Rice has fewer 

calories and no fat when compared 

to the same amount of 

meat. The focus should be limiting 

the amount of empty calories, 

e.g., fats, sweets. But because rice 

contains calories it can contribute 

to weight gain if we eat excessive 

portions. 

MYTH: “Consumption of an 

animal organ part will improve 

that body function for humans. 

For example: consuming pork 

brains will make us smarter; 

chicken feet soup strengthens our 

feet, etc.” 

TRUTH: False. After our 

stomach digests the organ part, it 

is broken down 

into various nutrients.Therefore, 

it is not 

possible for the 

organ part to retain 

the same biological 

function 

after our body 

consumes it. 

Moreover, brain 

contains a large 

amount of cholesterol. 

Regular 

consumption 

would 

increase the risk of heart attack. 

Research also has shown 

that bone soup does not contain 

any significant amount of calcium 

no matter how long it is cooked. 

Furthermore, chicken feet contain 

a lot of animal fat, which 

increases risk of heart attack. �

16 Religion-Health 

It’s Christmas time again! 

Holiday season! But, I have 

the nagging trouble of trying 

to guess what gift to give to Esmie. 

What does she want? What 

does she need? I cannot read 

her mind. I’m not picking up 

the right hints that she drops. 

Do you sometime have my 

problem of not knowing what 

gift to give your spouse? 

We may have this problem, 

but it is terrific that God 

doesn’t. He knows exactly what 

we need, why we need it, and 

when we need it. He gave the 

greatest gift ever. Actually, that 

is what Christmas is all about: 

“The Gift.” 

It is priceless in value. It is 

The Gift of Jesus Christ, whom 

God the Father sent into the 

world to set an example, explain 

God – but most important 

to take away the penalty of 

sin and grant eternal life to all 

who personally receive Him as 

Savior! 

The Apostle Paul taught, 

“For by grace you have been 

saved through faith; and that 

not of yourselves, it is the gift 

of God; not as a result of works, 

that no one should boast” 

(Ephesians 2:8, 9). 

When you stop to think 

about it, God’s gift is fantastic 

Seasonal influenza, commonly 

called “the flu” is 

caused by influenza viruses, 

which infect the respiratory 

tract (i.e., the nose, throat 

lungs). Unlike many other viral 

respiratory infections, such 

as the common cold, the flu 

can cause severe illness and 

life-threatening complications 

in many people. In the United 

States, on average 5% to 20% 

of the population gets the flu 

and more than 200,000 people 

are hospitalized from seasonal 

flu-related complications. Flu 

seasons are unpredictable and 

can be severe. Over a period 

of 30 years, between 1976 and 

2006, estimates of flu-associated 

deaths in the United States 

range from a low of about 

3,000 to a high of about 49,000 

people. Some people, such as 

the older age group, young 

children, pregnant women, 

and people with certain health 

conditions are at high risk for 

serious flu complications. The 

best way to prevent seasonal flu 

is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination. 

Flu vaccines protect against 

three different flu viruses: an 

H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus 

and an H1N1 virus. Everyone 

6 months and older should 

get vaccinated against the flu 

every year. Get vaccinated 

now since flu vaccine supplies 

are plentiful now. Immunity 

sets in about two weeks after 

vaccination. 

In the United States, flu season 

occurs in the fall and winter. 

The peak of the flu season 

has occurred anywhere from 

late November through March. 

The overall health impact (e.g., 

infections, hospitalization and 

BiBle teaching aBout the gift 

religion 

Willis C. newman 

Ph. D., D. Min 

www.Bible-teaching-about.com 

and wonderful – just the right gift 

we need, beautiful to behold, and 

precious to possess. In fact, to me 

it pushes completely aside all the 

commercial clutter, clanging cash 

registers, and chaos connected 

with Christmas season – like a giant 

bulldozer pushes aside a big 

pile of dirt. 

In response to The Gift, we can 

exert at least two courses of action. 

First, we can receive the gift. 

Surely, we would not want to reject 

it; that would be very foolish, 

and against our best interests. At 

a human level, it is an insult to rebuff 

a gift extended to us; indeed, 

it is the same with God. 

Second, since God gave such a 

costly gift to us, we can follow His 

seasonal 

influenza 

Internal Medicine 

James L. roscetti, MD 

deaths) of a flu season varies from 

year to year. The Community 

Disease Center (CDC) monitors 

circulating flu viruses and their 

related disease activity and provides 

influenza reports each week 

from October through May. 

If you got the flu or the flu 

vaccine last year you would not 

necessarily be protected this year. 

Several studies conducted over 

different flu seasons and involving 

different influenza viruses and 

types of flu vaccine have shown 

that a person’s protective antibody 

against influenza viruses declines 

over the course of a year after 

vaccination and infection, particularly 

in the elderly. So, a flu 

shot given during one season, or 

an infection acquired in one season,, 

may not provide adequate 

protection through later seasons. 

The decline in protective antibody 

against the flu that occurs after 

vaccination or after flu infection 

may be influenced by several factors, 

including a person’s age, the 

antigen used in the vaccine, and 

the person’s health situation (for 

example, chronic health conditions 

that weaken the immune 

system may have an impact.). 

example, and give generously to 

others out of a sense of gratitude. 

Christmas is a reminder 

to us to give generously of our 

time, our treasure, our talents, 

and ourselves to serve others in 

need. It isn’t just giving baubles 

and bling blings to our loved 

ones to score points, but to help 

others in their time of need, 

and seek to better the lives our 

families and communities. 

Well, the important thing 

is to put the important thing 

first in our lives this Christmas 

season, which is The Gift. Have 

fun. Enjoy the family. Stuff 

yourself with food. Sleep in. 

However, remember to honor 

and focus on the real meaning 

of Christmas. 

After all this, I still don’t 

know what to get Esmie for her 

Christmas gift. 

Dr. Newman teaches at 

Faith Evangelical College & 

Seminary, Tacoma. He and Esmie 

have their website, www. 

Bible-teaching-about.com that 

includes an online Bible academy, 

free Bible studies, answers 

to questions, ebooks and 

paperbacks. Scripture from the 

New American Standard Bible, 

© the Lockman Foundation, 

1960-73, used by permission. 

� 

This decline in protective antibody 

has the potential to leave 

some people more vulnerable 

to infection, illness and probably 

serious complications from 

the same influenza viruses a 

year after being vaccinated or 

infected. So, for optimal protection 

against influenza, annual 

vaccination is recommended 

regardless of past vaccination 

status or flu infection. 

Finally, many patents ask: 

is the “stomach flu” really the 

flu? Many people use the term 

“stomach flu” to describe illnesses 

with nausea, vomiting, 

or diarrhea. These symptoms 

can be caused by many different 

viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. 

While vomiting, diarrhea, 

and being nauseous, or “sick to 

your stomach” can sometimes 

be related to the flu—more 

commonly in children than 

adults—these problems are 

rarely the main symptoms of 

influenza. The flu is a respiratory 

disease and not a stomach 

or intestinal disease. 

James L. Roscetti, M.D. is 

a semi-retired family physician 

who was in full time practice 

in Federal Way, WA from 

1978-2008. In addition, he is 

a retired U.S. Army Medical 

Corps Colonel, who was on active 

duty from 1969-1977, and 

in the U.S. Army Reserve and 

Washington Army National 

Guard from 1978-2002. 

He continues to practice at 

several urgent care clinics in 

the Tacoma/Puyallup area. 

He has been active with the 

Filipino American Physicians 

of Washington, having participated 

in several medical-surgical 

missions to the Philippines. 

� 



seasonal affective disorder 

Have you ever experience 

recurrent feeling of depression 

in the fall/winter or 

when you have several cloudy 

days in a row? If your answer is 

“yes”, you may be suffering from 

SAD. This is a variant of major 

depression and is found to be 

more common in the northern 

climate or in the southern 

hemisphere in the south. SAD 

is believed to be due to a lack 

of light through the eyes causing 

depression. Scientists have 

found that exposure to sunlight 

through the eyes, helps many 

people with depression to feel 

better. Being outdoors in the 

light affects the activity of the 

neurotransmitters. To make 

a diagnosis of SAD, a history 

of at least 2 years of fall/winter 

depression is necessary and of 

course, symptoms of major depression. 

Symptoms of major depression 

include: 

9 lack of energy 

9 having difficulty getting 

out of bed in the morning 

9 difficulty concentrating, 

focusing and being creative 

9 decrease interests/motivation 

or anhedonia 

9 being irritable and impatient 

with self and others 

9 difficulty doing rou- 

(sad) 

Mental health 

roSa F. ePISToLa, MD 

tine activities and tasks 

9 disturbances with appetite 

and sometimes cravings 

for sweets or junk foods. 

Light therapy in high intensity 

light (10,000 lux) is used 

to approximate the visual experiences 

of a sunny day in the 

morning. Regular exposure to 

sunlight through walks in the 

late afternoon has been proven 

to be of some value in the treatment 

of patients with this disorder. 

Some patients immediately 

notice relief of symptoms 

when they begin increasing 

the amount of light they get 

through the eyes. Generally it 

takes 3-4 days before improvement 

is observed and in some 

cases it might take as long as 2 

Turn To Page 19. . . 

holidays and oral health 

As the holidays approach, we 

all want to look our best 

especially as we welcome family 

and friends. With Christmas 

just around the corner, a healthy, 

beautiful smile is a great gift to 

give ourselves. Along with teeth 

cleaning and check-up, people 

are also interested in whitening 

or bleaching. While others want 

temporary relief of mouth pain 

just until after the holidays, others 

only want fresher breath. 

In light of the recent economic 

downturn, more and more 

people are resorting to readily 

available and inexpensive medicaments. 

As a result, there has 

been a reported rise in untoward 

side effects stemming from misuse 

of these products. Because 

there seems to be an assumed 

belief in the general population 

that over-the-counter health 

care products can be used safely 

without fear of toxicity, patients 

are self-administering products 

containing hydrogen peroxide 

as a mouthwash for halitosis or 

gum inflammation, treatment 

of dental infections and relief 

of mouth pain, as well as for 

teeth whitening. Also, the use of 

topical toothache formulations, 

“tartar control” toothpastes and 

excessive alcohol-based mouthwashes 

can lead to gum ulcerations, 

chemical burns and soft 

tissue injuries extending from 

the mouth to the esophagus, 

pharynx, and stomach, often accompanied 

by pain. I ngesting 

these products may cause vomiting 

and diarrhea. 

Chemical burns may be 

Dental Health 

Marissa N. Bender, DMD 

marissadmd@yahoo.com 

managed with the application of 

topical anesthetic agents. A soft, 

bland diet should be maintained 

and the condition re-examined 

until healing is complete. For 

severe burns, analgesics may be 

indicated. Rarely, antibiotics 

may be needed for secondary 

infections, bone exposure or 

deep tissue ulceration. Affected 

patients should see the dentist as 

soon as possible. 

So, as we celebrate the holidays, 

let us remember to be 

aware of possible side effects of 

products we may take for granted. 

Follow directions for use. 

When in doubt, ask the dentist. 

Have a safe and healthy holiday 

season!!! 

Marissa N. Bender, DMD, 

MBA maintains a private dental 

practice in general dentistry 

in Lynnwood, WA. Dr. Bender 

received her Dental degree in 

2001 from the University of 

Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia 

and her MBA degree in Health 

Care Administration from City 

University of Seattle in 1996. 

She can be reached at 425-778- 

5665. �


17 

http://pinoyreporter.com

18 Etc. 

KOMIKS 

Photo Info 

Sid Balatan 

snowman as Xmas decor in the PhiliPPines 

We all knew that snow was never a part of the Philippine tropical climate. Why then is a snowman a 

favorite decor in the Philippines during Christmas? Well, Christmas among our kababayans back 

home is season of wishes and dreams. Many Filipinos have a life-long dream of someday migrating to the 

Unites States to play and frolick with its snow. Many Filipino children, like the present grown-ups in their 

younger years, White Christmas is a fervent wish every Yuletide season. The photo was taken inside the SM 

City North-EDSA, Quezon City � 

Nagpunta sa Australia 

ang isang Pinoy para 

magbakasyon. Eh, hindi siya 

gaanong nakakaintindi ng 

English. Kaya ang ginawa niya 

noong nakapila siya sa immigration 

booth, pinauna nya 

yung British at Amerikano. 

Tinanong ng immigration officer 

ang Kano. 

IMMIGRATION: Will you 

stay here long, sir? 

AMERICAN: I'm afraid so. 

Tinanong naman ang British. 



BRITISH: I'm afraid not. 

Ngayon yung Pinoy na ang 

susunod at napag-isipan na niyang 

mabuti ang kanyang isasagot. 



PINOY: IM NOT AFRAID! 

Ang pagmamalaking sagot 

ng Pinoy! 

***** 

Naisahan sa sayawan 

LALAKE: Miss, you wanna 

dance? 

Tuwang-tuwa ang babae. Sa 

wakas meron ding nakapansin 

sa kanyang beauty. (Kamukha 

Hango sa mga Websites 

Pinoy Jokes 

siya ni PacMom Dionisia.) 

BABAE: Sure, why not?! 

Pag-alis ng babae sa kanyang 

upuan… 

LALAKE: Hay… salamat nakaupo 

na rin ako. 

***** 

Patay kang Kris ka! 

REPORTER: Tita Cory, kung 

buhay si Ninoy ngayon, baka Pangulo 

na siya, ano po? 

CORY: NAKA-BILANGGO 

SIGURO! 

REPORTER: Bakit naman po? 

CORY: BAKA NAPATAY NA 

NIYA SI KRIS!!! 

***** 

Erap at Presidential Guard 

Presidential Guard: Sir, ano po 

ba ang hinahanap nyo diyan sa 3 

in 1 coffee at kanina pa ho kayo 

silip nang silip? 

Erap: Hinahanap ko yung libreng 

asukal! May nakasulat kasi 

na "Sugarfree." 

***** 

Bagong Katulong 

DONYA: Bilang bagong katulong, 

tandaan mo na ang almusal 

dito ay ala-sais empunto. 

KATULONG: Walang problema 

Donya. kung tulog pa ako 

sa mga oras na yun, mauna na 

kayong mag almusal. 

***** 

Pagkakaiba ng 

Mahirap at Mayaman 

1. Kung mayaman ka, meron 

kang "allergy," kung mahirap 

ka, meron kang "galis" o 

"bakokang." 

2. Sa mahirap, "sira ulo," 

sa mayaman, "nervous breakdown" 

dahil sa "tension and 

stress." 

3. Sa mayaman tawag sa 

"malikot ang kamay," ay "kleptomaniac." 

Sa mahirap, ang 

tawag dito ay "magnanakaw." 

4. Pag mayaman ka, you're 

"eccentric," kung mahirap ka, 

"may toyo ka sa ulo." 

5. Kung mahirap ka at sumakit 

ang ulo mo, ikaw ay 

"nalipasan ng gutom," kung 

mayaman ka naman at sumakit 

ang ulo mo, ikaw ay may "migraine." 

6. Kung mahirap ka, ikaw ay 

"kuba." Pero kung mayaman ka, 

you are referred to as someone 

who suffers "scoliosis." 

7. Kung isa kang domestic 

Turn To Page 19. . . 



CROSSWORD 

PAHALANG 

1. Portamoneda 

7. Lapos 

11. Konsortehan 

12. Paglabas sa kulungan 

13. Hugasan ng pinggan 

14. Mithi 

15. Galaw ng dagat 

16. langkat 

17. Osama ___ Laden 

18. Keso, ham o peanut butter 

20. Dilat 

21. Kamay ng pugita 

24. Kung 

26. Bintang 

27. Mungha 

28. Takaw 

29. Sinambit 

31. Putting langgam 

32. Malubha 

33. Lungsod sa Bikol 

34. Manduhan 

PABABA 

1. Lalagyan ng bigas 

2. Iputol 

3. Libing 

4. Nandiyan 

5. Taxi 

6. Salitang pananong 

7. Harang 

8. Asim 

9. Tulay sa manila 

10. Banggerahan 

16. Liyo 

18. Kauri ng cougar 

19. Animo 

20. Maligaya 

22. Ibigay sa akin 

23. Hupa 

24. Pinatuyong ubas 

25. Sapantaha 

27. Oda 

29. Nanay sa Pampanga 

30. Natural: daglat 

SUDOKU 

saGOt sa pahiNa 5 

saGOt sa pahiNa 5


19 


Let's Play Chess 

(nM) reX De aSIS 

rMVKJa@comcast.net 

GM Susanto Megaranto (left) of 

Indonesia upset GM Wesley So of 

the Philippines. 

Megaranto leads with a perfect 

slate of 3 points after 

beating GM Cao Sang of Vietnam 

and Teerapabpaisit Wisuwat of 

Thailand. He faces the Malaysian 

and Myanmar reresentatives in 

the last two rounds. Wesley So, 

Cao Sang and FM Kyaw Lin Na- 

…FroM Page 12 / CaLVIn W. goIngS 

Beyond these capital and counseling 

focused programs, we also 

help small businesses get linked to 

the world’s largest customer – the U.S. 

Government. Working closely with 

other federal agencies, we set aside 

nearly one-fourth of all federal purchase 

contracts for small businesses, 

totaling nearly $100 billion annually. 

This includes specific efforts 

targeted at service-disabled veteranowned 

business, firms in historically 

. . .FroM Page 11 / Juan CoVarruBIaS 

gov/locator. 

On the eleventh site of Social 

Security, we present to you: a way 

to get your Social Security forms 

online, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ 

online. 

On the twelfth site of Social 

Security, we present to you: services 

for people who are currently 

receiving benefits, like the ability 

…FroM Page 11 / ChaPLaIn PauL PeTerSon 

. . .FroM Page 10 / BrIg. 

gen. oSCar hILMan 

is to provide VA with evidence 

that may lead VA to 

change the decision. The notification 

letter will clearly 

identify any potential missing 

evidence the claimant should 

provide to substantiate his or 

her claim. (b) The second option 

is to file a notice of disagreement 

(NOD) in writing 

explaining the reasons for disagreement. 

The time frame to 

file an NOD is one year from 

ing of Myanmar 

follow with 2 

points each in 

the race for silver 

and bronze 

medals. 

Visit Asian 

Chess Federation 

web site for 

more photos 

and charts. 

In the 

Women's Standard 

Chess, 

WFM Jose Rulp 

Ylem of the 

Philippines leads 

alone with 2.5 

points followed by 

WIM Nguyen Thi 

Mai Hung of Vietnam and WGM 

Irine Sukandar of Indonesia with 

1.5 points each. 

In the Men's Rapid chess 

Swiss System competition, GM 

Le Quang Liem of Vietnam maintained 

solo lead with 6 points out 

of 7 rounds followed closely by 

FM Hamdani Rudin of Indonesia 

with 5.5 points and GM Nguyen 

Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam 

with 5 points. Trailing with 4 

points each are GM Oliver Bar- 

underutilized business areas (HUB- 

Zones), minority and disadvantaged 

firms and women-owned businesses. 

SBA will continue to find new 

ways to put more tools in the hands 

of our job creators, including those in 

underserved communities. If you are 

a small business in an underserved 

community, or know of someone 

who could take advantage of our 

programs, check out our website at: 

www.sba.gov. � 

to replace your Medicare card, get 

or change a password, request a 

proof of income letter, or check 

your Social Security information 

or benefits. You can do these and 

other things at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/getservices-change. 

htm. Get all your Social Security 

services and information at www. 

socialsecurity.gov. � 

One hundred Filipino seafarers receive Xmas gifts 

from Tacoma Seafarer's Center 

the date of the notification letter 

explaining the reasons and bases 

VA used to make their decision. 

VA provides a VA Form 4107, 

"Your Rights to Appeal Our Decision," 

with FVEC notification 

letters to help explain appeal 

rights to claimants. Once an 

appeal is received, the claimant 

will be provided hearing options 

to include a video hearing or a 

face-to-face hearing at the nearest 

regional office. As of October 

1, 2011, the Manila RO has 

received more than 4,389 Notice 

of Disagreements on FVEC de- 

bosa and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., 

both of the Philippines. 

In the Women's rapid chess, 

WGM Pham Le Thao Nguyen of 

Vietnam is 1.5 points ahead of 

compatriot WGM Hoang Thi Bao 

Tram. WIM Catherine Perena of 

the Philippoines trails with 4.5 

points with two rounds left on a 

round robin. � 

…FroM Page 11 / TIna 

hil sa edad nitong 38, kumpara 

kay Pacman na 32. 

I-text ang sagot: 818-219- 

6117. 

PS1: May pahabol po ang 

isa nating tsokaran. Ang sabi 

niya malamang may enhancing 

drugs na ginamit si Marquez. 

Nagtataka siya kung bakit 

yung isang solid na straight 

ni Pacman ay hindi ininda ni 

Marquez. Ang drug issue kay 

Marquez ay lumitaw matapos 

niyang kunin si Angel Hernandez 

bilang conditioning coach. 

Si Hernandez ay sangkot sa infamous 

BALCO Lab scandal. 

PS2: Para sa akin, anuman 

ang resulta ng laban nina Pacquiao 

at Marquez, pareho silang 

panalo. Mula sa kanilang 

laban, si Marquez ay kumita 

ng 5 milyon dolyares at si 

Pacman naman ay kumita ng 

tumataginting na 25 milyong 

dolyares! 

Masagana at Makabuluhang 

Pasko sa Lahat! 

REDUcE, 

REUSE & 

REcYcLE 

nials. 

Born in Camarines Sur 

in Southern Philippines, retired 

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. 

Oscar Bautista Hilman also 

served as Commander of 

the Green Zone in Iraq and 

Deputy Commander of Ft. 

Lewis. Presently with the 

U.S. Department of Veterans 

Affairs Advisory Committee 

on Minority Veterans, 

Gen. Hilman is also 

the president of the Filipino 

Community Alliance. � 

…FroM Page 18 / PInoY JoKeS 

na maitim, ikaw ay "aeta" o "negrita" 

o "baluga." Pero ang señorita 

mo kahit kasingkulay ng 

burak, ang tawag ay "morena" o 

"kayumanggi." 

8. Kung nasa high society ka, 

you are approvingly called "slender" 

or "balingkinitan." Kung 

mahirap ka lang, you are plainly 

called "payatot" o "patpatin" o 

"ting-ting." 

9. Kung nasa high society ka 

at ikaw ay maliit, ang tawag sa iyo 

ay "petite." Pero kung mahirap ka 

lang, ikaw ay "pandak" o "bansot" 

o "unano." 

10. "Malandi" ka kung isa kang 

dukhang alembong. Pero kung 

mayaman ka ang tawag sa iyo ay 

"liberated." 

…FroM Page 16 / Dr. roSa ePISToLa 

weeks. If the patient is not better 

after 2 weeks, he/she is most likely 

not suffering from SAD. 

Simple, safe and effective ways 

you can do to help yourself feel 

better 

1. Spend at least ½ hour outside 

each day even during cloudy 

days. Glasses, sunglasses or contact 

lenses will block some of the 

sunlight you need. 

2. Gazing at the sky helps but 

never look at the sun directly, 

you could damage your vision i.e. 

your retina. 

…FroM Page 11 / Meg YarCIa 

brother; the victim is stabbed 

by the masked gunman ten 

times and shot; one of the accused 

flies to Turkey to escape 

the investigation. 

Other ugly details that are 

revealed to the public include 

how the family of the mistress 

Genelyn Magsaysay receives 

between P250,000 to 360,000 

from the former Senator, which 

can very well feed at least 100 

families for a month, yet she 

complains of barely meeting 

needs and pities herself greatly. 

For both examples, one has 

to ask as my friend does: How 

do well-meaning people become 

monsters? From being 

human, which studies reveal 

to inherently entail selflessness 

and regard for others (psycho- 

…FroM Page 11 / noeL BarToLoMe 

plunder and electoral sabotage complaints 

filed against the couple. 

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, 

with the blessings of President 

Aquino, refused to abide with the 

TRO and barred Mrs. Arroyo and 

her husband from boarding a plane 

bound for Singapore for her medical 

check up. 

De Lima insisted that they have 

not yet received a copy of the TRO 

and that the process had to be completed 

before they abide with the 

TRO. 

Opposition lawmakers warned 

the people that the country could 

be headed towards a constitutional 

crisis due to Malacañang’s refusal to 

abide with the Court’s TRO. 

House Minority Leader Edcel 

Lagman said the order of Justice Secretary 

Leila de Lima on Bureau of 

Immigration (BI) officials to enforce 

the watchlist orders (WLO) against 

the Arroyo couple and open defiance 

of the SC and an arrogance of 

power. 

“A constitutional crisis could lead 

to some grievous events and circum- 

11. Ang mahirap na tumatanda 

ay "gumugurang." Sa mayamang 

tumatanda, the description 

is "aging like wine." 

12. Ang anak ng mayaman 

ay "slow learner," ang equivalent 

na anak sa mahirap ay "bobo" o 

"gung-gong" o eng-eng." 

13. Kung mayaman ka at 

marami kang kumain, you flatter 

your host who would say: "Masarap 

kang kumain. I like you for 

that. You do justice to my cooking." 

Kung ghastly peasant ka and 

eating the same amount of food in 

the same house, your host would 

say to himself or herself na ikaw 

ay "patay-gutom." � 

3. Keep indoor space well lit. 

Have plenty of lights on. Let in as 

much as outdoor light as possible 

and spend as much time as you 

can in spaces near windows. 

4. Consider using a light box. 

Remember, tanning salons only 

sheds light onto the skin and is not 

recommended for light therapy. 

Rosa F. Epistola, M.D. completed 

her fellowship in Geriatric 

Psychiatry at the State University 

of New York. She is board certified 

in both General Psychiatry 

and Geriatric Psychiatry. � 

logical experiments show kids 

at 5 years of age to be uncomfortable 

when their fellows do 

not have what they have (in the 

particular case, goodies), how 

does one become so consumed 

by the desire for power and 

wealth? 

Honestly, I do not have the 

answer. I’d like to simply believe 

that they are anomalies 

in human evolution, that they 

are misfits and have no place 

on Earth. And to end this column 

on a happy note, my holiday 

wish is for people like them 

to disappear from the pool of 

human genome, that we become 

the sincere, responsible 

and caring great ancestors our 

grandchildren will speak of 

centuries from now. � 

stances. It is incumbent on the President 

to avoid the occurrence of these 

grave eventualities,” he said. 

The Supreme Court (SC) has 

concurred that with the arrest warrant, 

Mrs. Arroyo could not leave the 

country. 

The arrest warrant apparently 

saved President Aquino and Justice 

Secretary De Lima from getting embroiled 

in a constitutional crisis over 

a dispute with the SC in the enforcement 

of the TRO. 

The government’s filing of the 

electoral sabotage charges against 

Arroyo and the warrant issued by the 

judge several hours later is a model 

of swift justice that the Philippines 

lack. 

Many cases filed against former 

and current top government officials, 

celebrities, and people with influence, 

usually take years before the 

court hearings start. 

This is now the time to set an 

example of genuine justice to bring 

back the rule of law in the country. 

Justice delayed is justice denied. 

�

20 Showbiz 

Pinoybiz 


Hindi na maipagkakaila ang 

pagiging malapit sa isa’t isa 

nina Nora Aunor at Suzette Ranillo. 

Ito ay lalo na nang matagalan 

sa Estados Unidos si Nora nang 

mahulihan siya ng bawal na gamot 

sa Los Angeles Airport mga ilang 

taon na ang nakakaraan. 

Kaya nga nang magbalik si 

Aunor sa Pilipinas ay si Suzette 

ang kanyang pinagkatiwalaan na 

maging kawaksi ng Superstar sa 

maraming bagay. 

Si Ranillo na rin ang halos 

lumalabas sa opisyal na tagapagsalita 

ni Ate Guy sa lahat ng isyu 

o tanong na hindi masagot nang 

personal ni La Aunor. 

Si Suzette rin ang tumanggap 

ng tropeyo ni Guy bilang Lifetime 

Achievement Awardee ng ika-13 

Cinemanila International Film 

Festival sa gabi ng parangal nito 

sa Bonifacio High Street sa The 

Fort, Taguig City kung saan idinaos 

ang awards night sa Activity 

Center. 

Turn To Page 18... 



Sabi ni Suzette ranillo, sa uS magpa-Pasko si nora aunor 

“Guy is at the Ad Congress in 

Camarines Sur,” pahayag ni Ranillo. 

***** 

Kay Suzette din namin nabalitaan 

na mas malamang kaysa 

hindi ay sa Amerika mag-Pasko si 

Ate Guy. 

“Sabi niya, no’ng una, dito na 

lang sa Pilipinas siya magpa-Pasko. 

Pero later, sabi ni Guy, gusto 

niya, sa Amerika na lang mag- 

Pasko,” pahayag ni Ranillo. 

“Kasi, miss na rin ni Guy 

ang Christmas in the States kahit 

na matagal din siyang nag-Pasko 

ro’n, di ba?” pakli pa ni Suzette. 

Pero bago mag-Pasko ay nais 

ipalabas ni Ranillo ang kanyang 

pelikulang idinirek na pinagbidahan 

ni Aunor, ang “Care Home.” 

Sa Pilipinas kasi ay hindi pa ito 

naipapalabas kaya naman inaasikaso 

na ni Suzette ang pagtatanghal 

nito. 

***** 

Samantala, sa US din magpa-Pasko 

si Ranillo sa piling ng 

kanyang inang si Gloria Sevilla 

at mga kapatid kabilang ang magasawang 

Matt Ranillo III at Lynda 

Tupaz. 

Halos ang buong Ranillo ay 

nasa Amerika na kasama sina 

Dandin at Junie Ranillo. 

Nora Aunor 

Pati na si Lilibeth Ranillo 

ay nandoon na rin at iniwan na 

ngang lubusan ang showbiz. 

Pero hindi sumusuko si Suzette 

sa mga pagsubok ng industriya 

ng aliw. 

Gagawa pa rin siya ng pelikula 

at nagbabalak nga siyang 

magtatag ng film festival sa US na 

magpapamalas ng mga natatanging 

obra na gawa ng mga alagad 

ng sining na Filipino. 

***** 

Samantala, 

nakausap 

namin si John 

Regala sa 

pagbubukas 

ng 2011 Cin- 

emanila sa Market! Market! 

Kamakailan. 

Bagamat miss na miss 

anya niya ang kanyang 

inang si Ruby Regala, hindi 

na niya pinagbubuhusan ng 

pansin ang kanyang emosyon 

bastat maligaya ang 

kanyang nanay sa Amerika. 

Kahit na nga nahihirapan 

sa trabaho si Ruby, ang 

tinaguriang Reyna ng Kagubatan 

noong 1960s, patuloy 

pa rin siya sa pagtitiyaga sa 

pagkita ng pera at pamumuhay 

nang malaya sa 

ibang bansa. 

***** 

Ang isa sa mga kaibigan ni 

Madam Suzette Arandela ang kumukupkop 

kay Ruby sa Amerika. 

Kagagaling lang ni Madam sa 

US at nanghula at nag-feng shui 

siya sa San Francisco, California. 

Maraming kliyente si Suzette 

sa buong Amerika at kahit na sa 

may Hollywood ay nakakarating 

siya para magprediksyon sa mga 

nais kumunsulta sa kanya. 

Sa oras na binabasa ninyo 

ito ay nakabalik na sa Pilipinas 

si Arandela at dito siya magpa- 

Pasko. 

Nag-aagawan na nga ang mga 

istasyon ng telebisyon para sa 

kanyang mga hula sa 2012. 

Pero naglabas ang patnugot 

na si Terry Cagayat-Bagalso ang 

Horoskop na kinapapalooban 

ng mga prediksyon ni Madam. 

“Naku, sold out na ang magazine 

ni Madam Suzette,” pahayag ni 

Terry. 

***** 

Samantala, inaanyayahan namin 

kayo na manood ng bago 

kong pelikula, ang video documentary 

dramang “Ang Manggagamot 

(The Faith Healer)” na 

tungkol sa ispiritwal na panggagamot 

sa Pilipinas. 

Kung may oras po kayo ay 

itatanghal ang aking pelikula sa 

Koret Auditorium ng San Francisco 

Main Library sa San Francisco, 

California sa ika-17 ng Disyembre, 

2011.�


Showbiz 21 


. . .FroM Page 1 / VILMa SanToS 

Emerging talent 

So much more was in 

store for the talented young 

lady. By 1968, at 15 years 

old, her role in the movie 

"Kasalanan Kaya?" got her 

a nomination for a FAMAS 

Award, and the Best Supporting 

Actress 

But her first leading role 

was in 1969 film "My Darling, 

Eddie." From then on, 

she landed in almost 200 

more movies. She also appeared 

in TV programs, 

especially showcasing her 

dancing skills, although her 

singing, like many matinee 

idols of the time, were quite 

entertaining even if decidedly 

not a professional 

singer material. 

Her biggest breakthrough 

is winning the 

1972 FAMAS Best Actress 

trophy for Dama De Noche 

– at just 19 years old. Box 

office-wise, she surprised 

the country when her 1973 movie "Lipad, 

Darna, Lipad" beat the loveteam of Joseph 

Estrada and Nora Aunor and Estrada and 

Fernando Poe Jr. in "Esteban." 

The Brilliant Star 

Ate Vi garnered huge critical acclaim 

over the years, in addition to her title, the 

Box Office Queen of Philippine Cinema. 

To date, she is the only actress to have 

won the URIAN Best Actress award for 

three years in a row in 1982 to 1984, and the 

only one to bag a quadruple Grandslam in 

Best Actress for the movies. In FAMAS history, 

she is also hailed as the most awarded 

actress with 6 wins, a Hall of Fame Award, 

two Circles of Excellence awards (the highest 

award of the FAMAS), and a Lifetime 

Achievement Award. Likewise, she has a 

twelve-year string of consecutive FAMAS 

nominations, from 1977-1989. 

Longevity 

A word about Nora Aunor cannot be 

missing in an article about Vilma. The 

Nora-Vilma contest continues to this day, 

while not for the magkumare, for the legions 

of fans. 

Much has been said about who acts better, 

or best, if to include all the other great 

actresses of their time in the equation. But 

perhaps more than the acting prowess, the 

importance of Ate Vi rests on her longevity, 

which is to explain for her title, Star for 

All Seasons. And a big part of this is her 

ability to transcend genres and roles, and 

effectively portraying each through careful 

study. 

Indeed, while many of her movies depict 

her as a mother, she has not been afraid to 

Vilma Santos 

through all the 

years in a photo 

montage 

take on the non-ordinary roles: the mother 

of a homosexual, a mentally-challenged 

child or a rebel, the mother in a modern 

family setting, the wife of a chauvinist or a 

philanderer, a nun being enlightened about 

the social realities, an overseas worker, a 

burlesk queen, and even a superwoman. 

Relevance 

Ate Vi likewise draws on her admirable 

personal life to retain her relevance in the 

industry. While her first marriage to Edu 

Manzano ended in a divorce, she has since 

been able to serve as a moral exemplar and 

has largely escaped any major intrigues. 

If any, it was when she ran as mayor of 

Lipa City, Batangas in 1998. But she proved 

her detractors wrong by actually doing it 

well, if her re-election into three terms and 

her winning the gubernatorial elections are 

any indication. In addition, she bagged an 

Outstanding City Mayor Award from by 

the Civil Service Commission, Sandugo 

Outstanding Local Executive Award from 

the Department of Health, and many other 

citations. 

She took a special course on Local Government 

Management at the University of 

the Philippines-Diliman in 1998, and was 

conferred honorary doctorate degree by 

the Lipa City College (She also revealed in 

interviews how she stayed up as late as 4 in 

the mornings for tutorials on governance 

from her husband). 

Yes, Vilma Santos has earned her place 

in the entertainment industry. And if we 

are to glean any insight from her life story, 

it’s that her success, be it in showbiz or politics, 

was the product of talent, determination, 

and hard work. � 

Poster Girl of the Month: 

MOCHA Uson, or more popularly 

known as Mocha was actually 

born and raised in Dagupan City. She 

spent her elementary and high school 

years in Mother Goose and later on took 

up a medical course in the University 

of Sto. Tomas. Her mom, who is a wellknown 

doctor in the city, wanted her to 

be her successor. Still, Mocha decided to 

pursue with her first love which is performing 

arts. 

From a shy performer to a liberated 

one. A lot of people criticized her when 

her unflattering photos kissing her band 

mate was published in a tabloid. However, 

she used the issue on her own advantage. 

She is a multi-talented artist 

Mocha Uson 

with a face and body that every woman 

in town wishes to have! Her breathtaking 

curves and brown complexion makes her 

more appealing and attractive to almost 

everybody who sets their eyes on her. But 

that’s not all, she is one of the lucky few 

packed with beauty and brains. Aside 

from her obvious skills in singing and 

dancing, Mocha can do hosting as well. 

Also known as the group’s lead singer, 

Mocha’s passion to excel in her chosen 

field serves as a good example to her former 

group mates who admittedly admire 

her will to be on top. 

Mocha took pre-med in college but 

decided to pursue a career in singing instead. 

�

22 Showbiz 

Charo Santos- 

Concio, hindi 

pumalakpak 

kay nora aunor 


Nang mainterbyu si Nora Aunor kamakailan 

tungkol kay Charo Santos- 

Concio, ang presidente ng ABS-CBN at 

Executive Producer ng Star Cinema, nasabi 

niyang masama ang kanyang loob kay 

Charo. 

Lumalabas na sinisisi ni Nora si Santos- 

Concio sa kanyang hindi pagkakatuloy 

sa mga proyekto para sa pampelikulang 

produksyon ng ABS-CBN. 

Magparinig rin si Aunor sa kanyang pagyakap 

sa TV5 kaysa ABS-CBN. 

Nakarating lahat kay Charo ang mga 

pahayag ni Ate Guy kaya naman nang magkasama 

ang dalawa sa 2011 Star Awards for 

Television ay sinubok ang katatagan ng 

dalawa sa kanilang mga paniniwala. 

Pinaninindigan ni La Aunor ang kanyang 

posisyon laban kay Santos-Concio at 

pinaninindigan din ni Charo ang kanyang 

snetimiyento kay Guy. 

Nang ipagkaloob na sa Superstar ang 

kanyang parangal bilang Lifetime Achievement 

Award ay nagtayuan ang mga nasa 

bulwagan. 

Lahat sila ay pumalakpak at nagbigaypugay 

sa Superstar pero ayon kay Cesar 

Pambid, isa sa mga aktibong kasapi ng 

PMPC, hindi tumayo si Charo sa standing 

ovation para kay Nora. 

Talagang sinadya ni Santos-Concio na 

maging intelektwal sa mga panahong ‘yon 

at hindi maging emosyunal kay Nora. 

Samantala, naniniwala si Aunor sa kanyang 

sarili sa panayam kaugnay kay Charo 

pero sana ay magkabati na sila dahil maliit 

lang naman ang industriya. � 

ramona revilla, ikinasal sa 

american engineer 

Hindi po si Ramona Revilla na suspek 

sa pagpatay sa kanyang kapatid na si Ram 

Revilla, anak ng dating senador at aktor 

na si Ramon Revilla, Sr., ang ikinasal kamakailan 

kundi ang seksing aktres na si 

Ramona Revilla. 

Bagamat ipinangalan 

siya ng 

talent manager 

na si Lito de Guzman 

at ng direktor 

na si Mauro 

Gia Samonte kay 

Ramon, Sr., wala 

siyang kaugnayan 

sa dugo sa action 

star. 

Kaya nga 

bago ikasal si Ramona, Mosyhl Ensifain 

sa tunay na buhay, ang dami niyang natanggap 

na mga liham, email, mensahe 

sa Facebook at Twitter at siya ay minumura 

dahil sa pag-aakalang siya nga ang 

anak ni Ramon, Sr. 

Pero hindi napigilan ng mga pagsumpa 

sa kanya ang marangal at maringal 

na pakikipag-isang-dibdib ni Ramona 

kay Frederick Farrell, kilala rin 

sa tawag na Fred Farrell, isang inhenyerong 

Amerikano. 

Idinaos ang matrimonya sa pagitan 

nina Ramona at Fred sa Seventh-Day Adventist 

Church sa Pasay City. 

Napakabanal ng seremonya na dinaluhan 

ng mga kaibigan, kaanak at kasamahan 

sa trabaho ni Revilla. 

Lumipad pa mula sa US ang mga magulang 

ni Fred na sina June at Thomas Farrell, 

Sr. para saksihan ang mahalagang araw ng 

kanilang anak na binata. 

Kabilang sa mga ninong at ninang sina 

Imalda Papin, Aster Amoyo, Congressman 

Roilo Golez, Calamba, Laguna Vice Mayor 

Severino Lajara at iba pa. 

Hindi nakarating si Jinggoy Estrada, isa 

sa mga aktibong senador at aktor ng bansa 

subalit nagpadala siya ng kanyang kinatawan. 

� 



KC at Piolo, nag-iwasan sa 25th Stars awards 

Lumalala nga ba ang hidwaan sa pagitan 

ng magkasintahang sina Piolo 

Pascual at KC Concepcion? 

Ang maliit na 

bagay na hindi nila 

pinagkasunduan mga 

ilang buwan na ang 

nakakaraan ay wari’y 

nagdulot pa ng mas 

matinding lamat sa 

kanilang relasyon. 

Nitong nakaraang 

25th Star Awards for 

Television ng Philippine 

Movie Press Club 

na ginanap sa Newport 

Performing Arts 

Theater sa Resorts 

World sa Pasay City, 

nasaksihan ng maraming tagasubaybay 

nina Piolo at KC ang agwat na nililikha 

ng hindi nila pagkakaunawaan noon. 

Ramona Revilla and 

Moshyl Ensifain 

Nang dumating sila ay magkahiwalay 

taliwas sa mga nakaraang sosyalan na 

kanilang dinadaluhan kung saan sabay si- 

lang dumarating at magkatabi sila sa upuan 

o kaya naman ay laging magkatabi sa 

kanilang kinaroroonan hanggang sa mata- 

pos ang isang okasyon. 

Pero noong ika-22 ng Nobyembre, 

2011 ay tigkabilang dulo ng bulwagan nakaupo 

sina Pascual at Concepcion, malayung-malayo 

sa isa’t isa. 

Nang tawagin naman sila bilang Stars 

of the Night, para rin silang hindi magkakilala. 

Unang tinawag ang pangalan ni Piolo 

at umakyat ang bituin sa entablado at 

pagkatanggap ng kanyang premyo ay dumiretso 

siya sa kanyang upuan. 

Kasunod na tinawag ang pangalan ni 

KC at pagkakuha niya ng kanyang gantimpala 

ay nagtungo siyang mag-isa sa 

kanyang upuan. 

Pero dapat ay magkasama silang papanhik 

sa tanghalan at sabay na pagkakalooban 

ng kanilang mga parangal pero 

hindi nga ito nasunod. 

May pag-asa pa kayang magkabalikan 

sina Piolo at KC? � 

Xyril Manabat, 

Lucky Charm ng 

aBS CBn 

Xyril Manabat 

Vir Gonzales 

Lucky charm ng ABS-CBN ang child 

star na si Xyril Manabat. Ang galing 

umarte ng batang ito, ang bida sa 100 Days 

to Heaven. Magaling ang diction niya sa 

pagsasalita ng Tagalog. Taga-Nueva Ecija 

kasi siya. Nakakaalarma lang kung totoo 

bang may batang ganito ang pag-iisip at 

magsalita. Parang matanda at nahuhulaan 

ang mangyayari. Hindi naikaila ng endorser 

ng Rite-Med products na si Susan Roces 

ang paghanga. At malaking tuwa ni Ginang 

Susan na nakasama siya sa teleseryeng ito. 

Si Xyril ay batang kabarangay ng aktres 

konsehalang si Barbara Milano, sa barangay 

Pula, Talavera, Nueva Ecija. Hindi pa 

sila nagkikita dahil iisang barangay tinitirhan. 

Maraming nagtatanong, sino ba 

yung girl na tipong member ng The 

Who sa teleseryeng Munting Heredera 

na gumanap bilang kabit ng bagong 

Eddie Garcia ng showbiz na si Ryan 

Neal Sese? Bongga siya at magandang 

umarte pero walang nakakilala sa kanya 

dahil tipong baguhan. Siya si Sue 

Prado ang babaeng produkto ng Indie 

films at nanalo ng best actress award. 

No wonder, kaya magaling umarte 

hindi lang gaanong kilala. Ngayon 

kilala na siya. Maraming salamat kay 

Marian Domingo n a nagpakilala sa 

amin kay Sue. Karamihan ng magagaling 

na baguhan ay galing sa Indie films 

tulad nina Coco Martin, Sid Lucero, 

Edgar Allan Guzman at child star na si 

Migs Cuaderno alyas Tonton sa Munting 

Heredera. 

Masaya si Laguna governor ER 

Ejercito dahil makakapasok sa Film 

Festival ang pinaghandaan niyang action 

movie, Asyong Salonga. Dapat 

lamang na may action picture na kalahok 

para makapanood ang mga kalalakihan 

at mahihilig sa pelikulang 

bakbakan. �


Showbiz 23 


higanteng sexy billboard ni Lovie Poe sa eDSa, 

Lovi Poe ang pinakahuling biktima 

ng kampanya ng Metro Ma- 

Special Report tinanggal ng MMDa 

Si nila Development Authority Authority 

(MMDA) na linisin ang kahabaan ng 

EDSA ng mga seksing billboards. 

Ayon sa mga opisyal ng MMDA 

ang mga seksing billboards ay isa sa 

mga dahilan ng trapik at nminsan ay 

aksidente. 

"Imbes na sa daan tumitingin ang 

mga kalalakihang driver, ang mga 

mata nila ay nakatingin sa mga seksing 

billboards," paliwanag ng isang 

MMDA traffic enforcer. 

Ang nasabing billboard ni Lovi 

Poe ay ang advertisement ng BENCH, 

isang multi-million company na gumagawa 

ng mamahaling damit at lingeries. 

Lovi Poe joined the bandwagon of 

stars who dared to show what they've 

got to be Bench undergarments endorser 

- sexy body! 

Lovi Poe is the newest endorser of 

Bench Body undergarments. In her 

billboard pictorial, not just she showed 

her sexy body, she also bared her 'My 

Wings' on her right and 'My Gravity' 

tattoos on the left side of her upper 

body. 

"It’s for my Dad, because he wants 

me to fly but makes me to stay onb 

the ground, para may balance." the 

21-year-old actress explains. 

Lourdes Virginia Moran Poe, better 

known by her screen name Lovi Poe 

(born February 11, 1989 in Quezon 

City, Philippines), is an award-winning 

Filipina actress the daughter of the legendary 

actor Fernando Poe, Jr. �

December 2011 - Filipino-American Community of South Puget Sound

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